Piera Lily LaRocque

Snow Angel

2010-03-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

A late February blizzard coinciding with a ski trip to Mt. Snow provided the perfect opportunity for Piera to play in the snow. There was over four feet of snow—well over little blue marshmallow's head—and she loved sticking her face in it, eating it and diving into snowbanks. When not out playing or stuck in the ski mountain daycare, she mostly chased Sofia around, manipulating her one and only Swedish friend into carrying her around.

About Daycare...

2010-03-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Two days a week, Piera goes to Lesly's house where she is almost always the youngest kid, fending for herself amid throngs of toddler boys. This photo was taken on a recent snow day.

Bachelorettes

2010-02-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Our little princess was officially the youngest "bachelorette" to attend Aunt Dana's pre-wedding girls night out. Piera had fun at the nail salon and munching on crab wontons at dinner. Thank you for including her, Auntie Dana (and thank you for chasing her around the restaurant, Janine)!

The "Swingset," 12/24/08

2010-02-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

As much as things change after a baby's first birthday, they stay the same. Piera still loves the swings.

Color, Everywhere

2010-02-22T22:18:00.001-08:00

One thing, among many, to love about Tulum is all the bright colors. A wooden highchair with hot pink cushions was one of the greatest things Mommy came across on her visit. Wish we could find one just like it back home...

New Orleans Flashback

2010-02-22T22:14:00.001-08:00

Awhile back, we were fortunate enough to be guests at Chris and Marion's lovely wedding in NOLA. Thank you, Chris for sending these wonderful pics.

Tulum

2010-02-22T21:56:00.001-08:00

We rang in 2010 in Tulum, Mexico. Our hotel, La Zebra, was right on the beach. Piera didn't mind sacrificing a proper shower and a comfy bed for five days of surf, sand and guacamole—and neither did we.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Piera

2010-02-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry this blog has not been updated for several months; these past few months have been a whirlwind.

On 12/24, Piera turned one. To celebrate this momentous occasion, she had two parties...

Ate her first cupcake, baked by Mommy...

Tasted her first carrot cake, baked by Kica...

Received her first tutu, via Carolyn...

And learned to walk and run, seemingly overnight...

It's hard to believe that so much time has passed since this amazing little person arrived in our world.

We love you, Piera, then, now and always.

Walking!

2009-12-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

Mommy apologizes for being so busy lately and not updating this blog. We have a lot of catching up to do here (Thanksgiving, first snowfall, etc) but the biggest news is that Piera has started walking.

Here is a little video—enjoy!

The Not-Barbie

2009-11-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

As babies grow older, they often get bored with toys they once loved. Our little angel's new favorite objet? It's the "heirloom"--also known as the statue Grandma Rosalie and Grandpa Ed Feldman gave us for our wedding, currently parked against a wall in our 500 square-foot New York City apartment. Interesting choice of plaything, Piera!

The Reader

2009-11-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Piera is quite the connoisseur of literature. Her tastes run from Glamour (tearing up glossy ads of fashion models is so fun) to Eric Carle.

Psst. Don't you just love little P's new Tea Collection PJs?

Pumpkin Lover

2009-11-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, our neighbors gave Piera her first pumpkin (they grew it themselves!) and Mommy bought some miniature ones to serve risotto out of. In the process, Piera discovered that playing with pumpkins is a lot like playing with balls--you can roll them, chew on them, slam them on the ground. All fun stuff. Wait until she gets her first taste of pumpkin bread!

New 'Do

2009-11-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Piera's hair has gotten so long that we have to do a ponytail or else everything's in her eyes. Problem is, Mommy is not the best at doing hair. Any tips?

Matt Damon Is A Nice Guy

2009-11-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today in Fort Tryon Park, Matt Damon (yes, the actor--he's shooting a movie there) admired Piera and posed for a photo with her! She slept through the whole thing....

Isn't he handsome?

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Our little darling's first Halloween was not the most exciting (only three trick-or-treaters—whah!) but Piera greatly enjoyed eating Dada's stethoscope while not posing for the camera.

Life With A Ladybug

2009-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

A ladybug infestation has been plaguing the New Jersey suburbs of late. It's also hit close to home, in the form of a certain ten-month-old in her Halloween costume.
Here's what you need to know about ladybugs:
Ladybugs are adorable creatures but they travel everywhere, quickly.

They even have a tendency to creep along your dresser. They'll get in your drawers and clothes if you don't watch them carefully.

Although it's tempting to succumb to the ladybug's charms, don't be fooled: They are hungry little critters and will soon have you in their clutches, feeding them from your own hand.

Photo Booth

2009-10-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

It was one way for a photogenic baby and her mommy to kill some time on a random Wednesday night.

Ten Months

2009-10-24T20:48:00.001-07:00

Happy ten month birthday, Piera! Ten months ago you arrived in a joyous hurry, and you haven't stopped making everyone smile since.

Right now you are sleeping--tired out from a long day in which you invented a new-style crawl/scoot hybrid as a means of escaping us quicker. It was a very long day and an even longer week; it's little moments in long weeks like these when I suddenly catch your eye and it hits me how lucky I am to have you in my life. I love you!
--Mama

Bad Mommy

2009-10-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Appearances, like that of an attentive mother, can often be deceiving. Tonight Piera had a diaper blowout; she's outgrown her size three Huggies and Mommy has procrastinated for almost a week in buying the next size up. After the mess was cleaned up and bath time given, Mommy let Piera crawl all over the bedroom while she, Mommy, attempted to surf the web. Good idea, huh? Piera promptly discovered Mommy's glass of white wine on the desk: She pulled it down, spilling most of the contents onto the rug and some onto her just-cleaned hair and onesie. The glass, remarkably, didn't break. Piera went to bed smelling of Pinot Grigio.

NOLA

2009-10-08T19:16:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, Piera took her first trip to New Orleans. She stayed at Hotel Richelieu in the French Quarter; her room was the Paul McCartney Suite (the actual Beatle once lived there for a month!) The trip was so much fun, especially the giraffes at Audobon Zoo, seeing old friends like Susan, partying at Marion and Chris' wedding and, last but not least, drinking her first beer, an Abita amber.

Stripes!

2009-10-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

These are what Daddy refers to as Piera's "Where's Waldo?" pajamas. Thank you, Hanna Andersson!

Jean Jacket

2009-10-08T19:06:00.001-07:00

Piera's first jean jacket from the Gap is so cute: It makes this cooler weather seem completely worth it.

Bedtime

2009-10-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

One Nano highchair on Amazon: $180
One pack of Gerber's Graduates puffs: $2.00
Falling asleep in your highchair while eating: Priceless.

Daystar Air

2009-10-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Not everyone has a Jeff and not every Jeff has a plane...but Piera's Jeff does. His airline, Daystar Air, is Piera's favorite. It has leather seats (just like Jetblue!) and you can even bring liquids larger than 3 oz on board—sweet!

Eleuthera Island

2009-09-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

There were so many things that Piera loved about the Bahamas, including floating in the salty Caribbean, sitting on the beach in her Old Navy two-piece and watching the amazing sunset.

First Braid

2009-09-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Chrissy gave little Pipi her first braid. Here, P. shows off her sweet new 'do while chilling on the couch with Bennett.

The Bubbly

2009-09-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Piera was psyched to discover a bottle of champagne in her Auntie Michelle's purse.

Posing

2009-09-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Having your own child at your wedding is both wonderful and difficult--wonderful because you feel so lucky they can be there with you and difficult because you're being pulled in so many directions and have almost no time to spend with them.

Mommy and Piera barely had any time together all weekend. But they did get lovely pictures like this one.

Outside, Looking In

2009-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

The world's sweetest sight....

More Than A Football

2009-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Piera weighs 23 lbs now--that's more than the footballs Uncle David usually carries around.

Flower Power

2009-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

How fun are these hippie-print PJs from BabyGap?

Dinner Attire

2009-09-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Two messy babies (Piera and Siena), two hard-to-stain colored bibs. Check, check.

Second Cousins

2009-09-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Piera loved hanging out in the lawn overlooking Burke Mountain with her second cousins, Chloe (3) and Katie (23 months).

Sling Fun

2009-09-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Friends and family took turn carrying Piera in the Ella Roo baby sling. Piera was a big fan!

Pretty Dresses

2009-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and Piera turned up in bright prints at Mommy and Daddy's rehearsal barbeque.

Petting Zoo

2009-09-04T18:48:00.001-07:00

At the petting zoo there were goats and the cutest baby cows: Piera was quited amused by all the animal sounds!

Loklan, 10 Weeks

2009-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Piera's younger man-friend Loklan visited us in Vermont—he's grown so much!

The Meadow

2009-09-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Mommy and little P. took pictures in the meadow the day after the wedding. The light was so beautiful.

Chubby Thighs

2009-09-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, Dada and Mama noticed something strange on Piera's body: Little white tan lines in the creases of her thighs and arms! Here she is showing them—and her new short shorts from Janie and Jack—off in the midst of Danville, Vermont's great corn maze.

Good Jeans

2009-09-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mommy is a big believer in dressing little girls like little girls, but sometimes even she can't resist a cute pair of jeans. Thank you Adara for this great hand-me-down pair!

Making It Official

2009-09-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Apologies for our absence: Mommy and Daddy were off getting married here, and Piera went with them. Above are some highlights.

PS. Happy first birthday, Owen!!!

Supper Time

2009-08-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Neither Mommy nor Daddy are big fans of photographs of babies with food smeared all over their faces. But who can resist these happy Mama-Piera pics, starring Mom's homemade green veggies and apricot puree and of course, the bottle.

Favorite Niece

2009-08-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Aww! Love you too Auntie Daners!
XOXO

Happy Baby

2009-08-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

]The Happiest Baby On The Block is the name of a book, but we think it describes our little Piera to a tee. Here she is a the park last Sunday in her plaid Janie and Jack dress and bonnet.

Tourist T-Shirt

2009-08-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

For an almost 8-month-old, Piera has quite the wardrobe; scarcely a questionable outfit has entered her dresser. The exception might be this orange tie-dye (yes, tie-dye!) slogan T-shirt set that her Jeff bought her in Key West. It is however the thought that counts—thank you Jeff! Meantime, Mommy thinks this is the perfect outfit for mealtimes, especially now that Piera has added Mommy's homemade green vegetable puree (a mix of peas, broccoli, onion and potato) and papaya to her diet. Yay!

Day At The Beach

2009-08-18T20:23:00.001-07:00

It was steaming hot with no breeze on the shores of the Hudson River, but Mama, Piera and Daddy still had a great afternoon at the beach.

Love, Love

2009-08-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Piera has been on a preppy kick lately; today our l'il fashionista sported her own Ralph Lauren tennis whites. Inspiration? Serena Williams.

Preppy Style

2009-08-11T20:15:00.001-07:00

There are so many reasons to love P's new Janie and Jack dress—among them, its pique polo fabric, the adorable crab, seashell and whale print and the fact that it was on sale for $13. Nice!

The Nano

2009-08-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Piera has been eating solids--mostly Mommy's purees--for some time now, but we just assembled our highchair (Thank you, Auntie Val, for the shower gift). It's the Nano urban highchair and Mama is a big fan of its streamlined style and faux-leather seat. Piera is a big fan of mango, bananas and tofu, steamed plums, pear and apples with cinnamon and chicken with carrots and sweet potatoes. She is not a fan of anything green (brocolli, peas, avocado, we're talking to you).

Florida Style

2009-08-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today Piera had a lot of fun dressing like a Florida grandma in a terry-cloth jumper from Ralph Lauren...

And hanging out with her look-alike, a pink poodle.

Uncle George

2009-07-31T10:11:00.001-07:00

Here's Uncle G in 1980 with Mama, all-smiles:

And here he is in 2009, making Piera cry. Whoops!

Sailor Outfit

2009-07-27T14:36:00.001-07:00

Piera looked cute in her sailor dress, riding in the toddler seat of her Uppa Baby stroller (so grown-up)!

The Shark

2009-07-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we noticed that Piera's two front bottom teeth had broken through the gums. A new nickname has resulted: Shark.

Strawberry Print

2009-07-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

How cute is little P's new strawberry print-outfit from DwellStudio for Target? It's a T-shirt and a ruffly skirt. Yum!

Fourth Generation

2009-07-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

We visited with Grandma—now known as "Kica"—and Granny, Lillian Craig. Nice hair bow, l'il P!

Crawling

2009-07-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Piera has made major strides with her crawling this past week. Here, she demonstrates her plank pose (maybe she learned it from all the prenatal yoga Mama did).

And, here, our little intellectual propels herself, combat-style, in the direction of one of her favorite Eric Carle books.

PS. Thank you for the great onesie, Sammie!

Big Kid Vs. Little Kid

2009-07-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

The swings are one of our little darling's favorite activities and, this weekend, Sofia showed Piera how to aim high. Just don't show her how to go 'round the top, Sofia!

Patriotism

2009-07-13T21:54:00.001-07:00

Outside the antique barn in Rhinebeck, Piera was mesmerized by the American flag flapping in the wind.

Good Company

2009-07-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Oftentimes, friends—like Sofia—visit for the weekend. Houseguests = more people to play with.

Creeping

2009-07-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Piera has been creeping (e.g. pre-crawling) for several weeks now. She is particularly adept at moving backwards. Impressive.

New Outfit

2009-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

One of Mommy's coworkers described this hat/dress number as "Tory Burch for babies." Genius. Love the buttons!

Poet's Walk

2009-07-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a beautiful summer day. Mama and Piera went for a short hike at Poet's Walk near Tivoli, New York, and Piera got to try her new Kelty carrier.

Loyalties

2009-07-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

At times Piera seems thrilled to be a Red Sox fan...

And at other times, not so much.

Two words we must teach her: Yankees suck.

Boys

2009-07-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some adorable pictures of Piera and Owen at the park.

You know what they say: When a boy likes you, they steal your hat. Or your sock. And then they nuzzle with you.

Giraffe Hat

2009-06-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, bringing lots of excuses to wear fun sunhats. We love this giraffe-print one from Gymboree.

Double Stroller

2009-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Piera with Owen yesterday en route the playground. She's cruising in the backseat of what some might refer to as a "pimpin' ride".

Six-Months Old!

2009-06-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Piera turned six-months today. She had an appointment with her pediatrician and weighed in at 19 lbs and 6 oz and 27 inches long—95th percentile. She barely flinched during her immunization shots. It's hard to believe this tough cookie was once a newborn.

Happy six-month birthday, Piera Lily (and nice ruffled leggings)!

Old Friends

2009-06-23T16:57:00.001-07:00

Here is Piera with Maria and her daughter, Izzy. Maria and Izzy have known Mommy since she was a baby; they were both in the Birth Center waiting room the night Piera was born. Amazing!

Tail Grabbing

2009-06-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

After Piera made an unsuccessful bid for Diego's tail, they both chilled out on the bed for awhile.

Daddy

2009-06-21T07:17:00.002-07:00

In honor of Father's Day, here are some pictures of Piera's daddy, Michael, when he was small.

These are some things you may not know about Michael: He excelled at baseball as a child, especially pitching. He once studied acting with Mike Nichols. His middle name is Raymond, after his own father. He hates dressing up, especially wearing ties. He once worked for Lehman Brothers. Although he was born and raised in Vermont, the first time he tried downhill skiing (snowboarding) was with Mommy in 2007. He drives a black Jeep Liberty. Countries he has visited include Costa Rica, Italy and the Dominican Republic. He liked the book, The Unbearable Lightness of Being and he thinks The Godfather is an excellent movie. He's the youngest of four kids and has so many cousins that Mommy dare not try and count them up here. He is a very good dancer. He is good at a lot of things but refuses to brag.

Welcome, Loklan

2009-06-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Piera's new friend, Loklan O'Neil, arrived today at 8:30 am. He was 6 lbs, 2 oz and 19 inches long. He is the little brother of Adara, seen here (and here!)

Congratulations to the whole O'Neil family!

Father's Day Preview

2009-06-20T18:29:00.001-07:00

Love you, Daddy.
XOXO

Good Genes

2009-06-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Because Mommy slacked on taking pictures this week, there's not much new to report. Here's a photo of Mama when she was Piera's age and of Auntie Dana around the same age. As you will notice, there's a strong resemblance. Piera definitely has her mother and aunt beat in the chubbiness department though.

Other Pieras

2009-06-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

This is a little girl named Piera Bertani. She was the great aunt of Mama's friend, Piera Gelardi. Don't you love old photographs?

Shh!

2009-06-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Piera put that loudmouth "Daners" in her place.

The Playground

2009-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Lately, Piera has discovered the joys of the swingset. We are lucky to live near two playgrounds that have baby swings. Unfortunately, one park gets invaded by big kids after school. Yesterday Mama saw two girls, both taller than her, hanging from the same swing that Piera is in. Reader service announcement: If you're old enough to read this, stay off the baby swings!

Learning to Sit

2009-06-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our little lady demonstrated her almost unsupported sitting techniques in the backyard on Saturday.

A Glamour-ous Day

2009-06-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Piera went to work with Mommy. She had a blast meeting Mommy's coworkers, posing in front of the Glamour sign and attending day care. Might she be a future magazine editor-in-training?

Memorial Day Redux

2009-06-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Long weekends always mean lots of Mommy/Piera time. They both loved Auntie Dana's boat, the beach and barbecues with friends.

Juicy Couture

2009-06-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Juicy...as in dressing like a watermelon.

Caved

2009-06-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Piera is an Exersaucer enthusiast. Until this past weekend, this meant she could play on one at Molly's or when visiting Oma in Vermont. But on a chance trip to Babies R Us this weekend, Piera could not contain her excitement when Mama wheeled her down the Exersaucer aisle. Guilt overcame Mommy. The Exersaucer jumped into the shopping cart.

End of story.

Sharing

2009-05-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

Despite a losing game of corn toss, we had so much fun at Chrissy's front yard barbecue. Adara wasn't so sure about Piera sitting in her lawn chair, though. Thank you for sharing, Adara!

And yes, Piera's socks are intentionally mismatched.

Sunshine State

2009-05-26T05:37:00.001-07:00

The floaty on the deserted island with Auntie Dana. The pool. The coconut-scented bottle. This was the life.

Friends In Far Places

2009-05-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

No trip to Florida is complete without a playdate with Siena. The two babies chatted about fashion and Piera demonstrated her rolling techniques.

Hot Wheels

2009-05-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Grandma Kica bought Piera a Chicco umbrella stroller this weekend. After the initial excitement wore off, Piera...promptly fell asleep in it. Success!

First Bikini

2009-05-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

On vacation in Florida, it took awhile (and many hands) to get it on right, but Piera's first bikini was a hit.

A Picnic

2009-05-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

That Owen! He was after Piera's sock again.

Sara's Shower

2009-05-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Oma, Mama and Piera went to Cousin Sara's baby shower, hosted by Great Aunt Lu. We gave receiving blankets, an adorable baseball-print onesie and preemie-size PJs for newborns. Sara's twins are due July 16th. We can't wait to meet them!

Wardrobe Malfunction

2009-05-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Piera went for breakfast at The Mighty Fine. They ate eggs, bacon, pancakes and milk (Piera). And this time, Piera didn't need Owen to lose her sock for her—it came off naturally.

Sock Thief

2009-05-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Molly shot and titled this funny video starring Piera, Owen, a wooden spoon and a pair of polka-dot socks.

Thank you, Molly!

Scenes From The Crib

2009-05-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Piera's new Baby Miro crib arrived this weekend.

Peace out, bassinet.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

To kick off Mommy's Day, the little early bird woke up at the crack of dawn. Well, who can blame her for wanting to get a jumpstart on this special occasion?

Exersaucer

2009-05-08T13:12:00.002-07:00

Piera likes the Exersaucer.

And Mommy likes that the Exersaucer is at Molly's house.

Silent Movie

2009-05-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

The movie of the day stars a beautiful but slightly balding four-month-old.

Enjoy!

Stalking

2009-05-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Piera was blissfully unaware of the danger lurking behind her head.

So Excited

2009-05-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

When Mommy aims the camera, Piera makes the most amazing faces.

Girls Night

2009-05-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mommy and Piera went to dinner with Lisa, Carolyn and Sofia. We met at Gennero's on the Upper West Side, where we ate pasta, salad and milk (Piera).

PS. Great hat, Sofia.

Circa 1980

2009-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Recognize anyone in these pictures? It's Mama when she was Piera's age!

Ruffly Hat

2009-04-27T05:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, a box of gently used hand-me-downs from our friend Adara (21 months) arrived at our doorstep. Mommy loved Piera in this white hat.

Thank you, Adara.

Rubber Ducky

2009-04-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

Like most everything these days, the rubber duck ended up in Piera's mouth.

Yum.