Lila-saurus Rex

IMPORTANT - site change

2008-04-16T00:34:00.000-04:00

Please be informed that Lila-saurus Rex has merged with liam, per diem and can now be found here:

Philly-delphia

2008-03-12T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hey Dudes!! It's been a long time I know, so let me not bore you with the details. Here are some pictures of a winter trip to Philadelphia with the family. My Auntie Marzi was visiting so that made it extra special.

Here we are, eating like movie stars at El Vez, not to be confused with this El Vez. (though it's nice to know that he exists!)

In front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I am so going to run up those steps like Rocky next time!

A family shot... sorry, not so flattering Liam.

Lila contemplating some fine art.

Grandpa Jim really loving some Jackson Pollock.

Acting like a statue, in front of a statue.. (where else?)

Sunset in Philly

when it Rainns...

2008-02-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

Mommy met Rainn Wilson aka Dwight Schrute at NEBY (Northeast Baha'i Youth) Conference.

Pretty in Pink

2007-11-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

What can I say... G.G. (aka Great Grandma) has impeccable taste in coats. She got me the pink fuzzy purse too. We're as sweet as cotton candy.

My Main Man

2007-11-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe, but after two years.. Stefan and I are still going strong. Here are some pictures of Gretchen and Stefan's visit to my grandparent's house last week.

We are watching some TV and I can't even look away for one minute.

Cute as a button.

A friendly little game of 'Ring around the Rosie'. That's the equivalent of the 'mambo' for toddlers.

Hitchin' a ride with Auntie Gretchen.

Running around in the freezing cold.

Gretchen (holding the camera) just jumped out from behind a wall to scare us...she was pretending she was a troll. Our reactions say it all!

Now WE are pretending to be trolls.

I have no idea what we are doing, but we are having fun.

Riding off into the sunset...

It's 'snow' problem

2007-11-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

Yay!!! I forgot how much I loved snow... probably because my memory is not that developed at this young age and don't remember the last time it snowed, but enough of those pesky technicalities. here I am in Pennsylvania, minding my own business, when what to my wandering eyes did appear?? Snow, that's what... and enough of it to build a snowman and do a little sledding. Mother Nature sure is kooky. It came early this year. Enjoy the pics and I hope everyone has a fabulous Turkey day. Save Tom,,, eat Tofurkey instead*.

(* This message has been paid for the Toddlers for Turkeys Ad Council)

Sledding with my super saucer!

I'm more like a 'snow slug' than a 'snow angel'.

My first snowman. He may be short... but he's taller than Liam.

R.I.P. Snowman
You were a good friend
Even though you were made of ice
you never gave anyone the 'Cold Shoulder'
11/19/07 - 11/20/07

*Note: at the time of publishing, Mr. Snowman had already met his melty demise. C'est la vie.

I Come from a Land Down Under

2007-11-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

G'day mate(s)! Halloween has come and gone and I have yet to post what I have been up to. Well, this year Liam and I were kangaroos. Yes, we both dressed up as the same thing. I told my mom that this was the only year that it could happen, so she took me up on it. Here are some pictures of us 'hopping around', so throw another shrimp on the barbie and enjoy!

A couple of barefoot kangaroos

Our zookeeper

Say Cheese (y)!

A requisite fall picture with a scarecrow.

Uhhh...no.. I'm not hiding anything in my pouch.. really, I swear.

Let me fix your ears for you dahling.

Liam is my number one fan. I'm here all week.

Look who else we saw when we were in Australia... yes, he's still up to those crazy antics. "That's not a knife... Now, that's a knife!"

Happy Fall!

2007-09-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, I'm back from an exhausting summer. We did a lot, saw a lot, and accomplished a lot. I am proud to say that I am 100% potty trained... that's a load off my mom's mind (bad pun intended) I have also been able to fit some traveling into my hectic schedule. We went to Buffalo for a wedding, and we got to see Niagara Falls, something I have been dying to see after I saw a Little Einsteins 'documentary' about it. Anyway, less typing and more pictures. Enjoy.

Here I am sporting my new tie-dye shirt that my friend Caleb (in photo) and his mom made for me. Groovy, man.

What can I say... I am a temperamental artist type.

Apple picking with Caleb and Shane (Liam is in the backpack, so you can't see him!)

Dancing at the wedding with some new friends.

The gang from the wedding (Darius and Chelsea are in the front) Can you spot me and Liam?

Contemplating going over the falls in a barrel.

Cha Cha Cha

2007-09-10T13:41:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone... ok.. more than a month has gone by since I updated this.. things have been busy. But here is something you might enjoy.... courtesy of my GREAT Aunt Denise.

http://www.jibjab.com/starring_you/receipt/301265

Enjoy!!!

Love, Lila

Fun in the Sun

2007-07-27T20:36:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of my family and me at the beach on Cape Cod. We had a great weekend, playing in the sand, splashing in the water, going to the aquarium... my parents aren't half bad.

Sunny Faces

I wore an itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny... bikini...(my dad was not too happy!!!)

Little Superstar

Family portrait...it's very rare that I would be sleeping in my stroller. I fell asleep for all of our sojourn through Plymouth.

This one's for Grandpa Jim.... get it???

Family Fun at Quincy Market

Our new friend, the vegetarian shark.

Crab is coming... Mommy threatening Lila with a crab.

My little Starfish (at the Boston Aquarium)

On Boston Harbor with one of Daddy's friends.

Lila and Vesal

Summer Fun

2007-07-17T23:02:00.002-04:00

Going for a ride... courtesy of Daddy

A peaceful moment with mommy (Good thing this was captured on film... it is a rare that I settle down long enough for something like this)

Singing songs with Liam and Tahlia

3....2....1... Blastoff. (In orbit with Lua and Liam)

Action shot

These are a few of my favorite things (My friend John gave me his rocking chair from when he was a little boy, and I also got JoAnn's crayon apron.... there's a pocket for every crayon... ingenious!!!)

Getting down with Daddy on the dance floor at Travis and Tahirih's wedding

Busta move

Are we having fun yet??!! (My friend Rhea and I at the wedding)

Daddy, GO BUG LIAM INSTEAD!!!! (this is my new catchphrase)

I love my little brother!

Summer fun in the backyard with Tahlia

Summer Time

2007-06-25T21:45:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures taken at the creek near Nanima and Grandpa Jim's house. It was a great day!

*note- I am rolling my eyes... my mom has got to get over this Elvis thing

Lila, the Explorer

Wood Nymph

Look at my chubby belly, although I prefer to call myself Rubenesque.

What I am up to these days:

I love fairy tales... my favorites are The Three Billy Goats Gruff (I will act it out for you...), Jack and the Beanstalk ( I do a mean giant impression: FEE-FI-FO FUM etc..), and the Three Little Pigs.

I made mommy and daddy laugh the other day when I snuck a sip of soda when I thought no one was looking and said "MMMMM,,, that feels good in my belly"

Lila at Two

2007-06-11T23:59:00.001-04:00

Yup... This about sums up my attitude these days...

His own man

2007-05-31T19:23:00.000-04:00

Ok everyone... it's not a common practice of mine to give out free publicity.. but I thought you might all be interested in Liam's blog... of course, you will all check mine first...

Liam, per diem: www.liamperdiem.blogspot.com

Some Birthday Pics

2007-05-31T16:37:00.000-04:00

2007-04-25T23:06:00.000-04:00

2007-04-25T22:57:00.001-04:00

Warm weather arrives!!!

2007-04-22T22:20:00.000-04:00

Hooray...time to break out the spring fashions!!!

Here I am with Daddy, GramPaul, Liam, and my good friend Roya!!

Here is my friend Addy. We had a lot of fun at her 2nd birthday party at Indian Ladder Farms. We rode ponies, saw baby animals, ate cupcakes, got cool hats, and best of all... it was actually warm!!!!! (Last week at this time it was snowing!)

I am having a BLAST!!! (check out the hats Addy's grandmother made for us... each kid got a different animal)

We sure got thirsty in all that heat.

Daddy and Liam lounging in the shade. (Liam spent most of the day sleeping... I guess he's not as much of a party animal as I am )

Ayyyy! (Liam's best impression of "The Fonz"...from Happy Days... he even has the thumb going.)

Peek a boo!

What a cute little guy!!!

Taking a break!!!

I was a little hesitant at first, but after a while I didn't mind those goats slobbering on me.

Gearing up for my 1st pony ride.

Giddyup horsey!

A Day at the Farm

2007-04-22T22:11:00.001-04:00

Something old and something new

2007-04-13T23:33:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know how disappointed you all must be feeling...no pictures in over a month.. So here are some to make up for lost time... some new pictures of Liam and me and my mom's side of the family, and some old pictures that were lost on my Grandpa Jim's camera for the last year (let's just say he is sometimes a little technologically challenged.. at least that's what I heard mommy calling him)

Here's a funny thing I said today... My G.G (great-grandma Eileen) asked me where my daddy was this weekend, and after a little thought I answered, "Washington A.B.C" Ha!! I knew there were some letters involved. Also, my mother passed on her love of the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" to me too. I do a pretty good impression of Veruca Salt and I love to sing along with all the songs in the movie.

Keep checking back for some fabulous pictures of my adventures with Nana to Chuck E. Cheese (or you could say "Charles Fromage" if you don't want me to know what you are talking about)... coming soon!!! And just a little sidenote for those of you in warmer parts of the world... spring has NOT sprung here in the Northeast. It is still cold, and rainy, and miserable... hopefully that will change soon. Love, Lila

Liam getting older, smiling and lifting his wobbly head

Brotherly love??? I don't think he is loving this....

Grandpa Jim and Liam

My G.G. with her GREAT grandkids... no really... we are GREAT, it's not a coincidence

Great Auntie Kate ...(hey wait... there are no pictures of MY FAVORITE UNCLE JOHN :-(

Four generations of Wests

********************************************************************************

A Walk Down Memory Lane
(pictures never before seen by anyone because they were stuck on Grandpa Jim's camera)

Mommy... I don't know if I can trust you

Wading in the creek at the Game Preserve

Ok,,, not as much fun as I had anticipated

OK.... I surrender!

Hanging out...

2007-03-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Lila-saurus meets Tyrannosaurus.... best friends ever since!

Hanging out with Liam... I must admit,, the kid IS kissable!

Auntie Kristen (my future mother-in-law Gretchen's sister...did you get that??) got Liam this awesome and very appropriate shirt. Let's just say it's been pretty amusing watching mommy and daddy change a little boy's diaper. He's a little squirt (ha!)

A happy camper!

Here I am in my new wheels that Auntie Heitha and Uncle Richard got me for Ayyam-i-Ha!

Elvis' Birthday

2007-02-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

I was looking through my picture archive and found these pictures from the Elvis birthday party we had. My mother is a little crazy with the whole Elvis thing and decided to get others involved as well. We celebrated The King's 73rd birthday on January 8 (which is more importantly Grandpa Randy's birthday). We had a birthday cake, Elvis trivia games and a couple rounds of Catch Phrase. I think even Elvis would have agreed that this was better than that party at the county jail...

Elivis' Birthday Cake.. (yummy... the Funfetti kind!! The creme de la creme of all boxed cake mixes)

An original "Elvis Rocks!" t-shirt (my mom made it for me just for this event.. I told you she was a little nuts about this guy)

Blowing out the candles

Liam at One (month)

2007-02-20T21:46:00.000-05:00

Being the extremely kind hearted person you all know me to be, you can understand why I am letting (well.. tolerating for now) Liam use my blog to update his life. From my humble observation of him so far, I can't see what there is to update.. he eats, sleeps, does some diaper damage, and then starts all over again. Not too exciting. Whereas I, as you all know, have a very exciting existence that is indeed very blog-worthy... But I will graciously defer to Liam for now, until he is able and willing to create his own site. But never fear Lila super-fans, I will still figure prominently in this blog as that is one of the stipulations of 'baby brother' using this space.

( A little update.. my new favorite joke is "What's black and white and re(a)d all over?' A newspaper!!! When I tell this joke, I provide my own hearty laughter, so don't worry if you don't find it that funny...ask me to tell it to you the next time you see me)

Sleeping Beauty
(My favorite things are pictured... my blanket, my cow, and my COOKIE MONSTER!!! Won't go to sleep without them.)

Olivia... on Lila's bestseller list for the past 3 weeks. Aunt Kate and Uncle John got me this book and I just can't put it down. A fascinating read about a girl much like myself. In fact, the parallels are eerie...except for the fact that Olivia is a pig.

A winsome Liam in his crib

Test shots for GQ

A cheesy smile for all you ladies out there ;-)

Liam's 3rd bath. Mommy and Daddy were not prepared with the camera the 1st or 2nd time. (They are really slacking off here)

A reluctant Superman

Our house after the Valentine's Day Blizzard

Liam is in the House

2007-02-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

Strike a pose

Ok, so I have been postponing the inevitable by not acknowledging my new baby brother's existence sooner...let's just say that I am still adjusting to not being the center of mommy and daddy's world anymore.

Liam arrived at 6:55 AM on January 17th. He weighed 8lbs. 4oz (quite a chunky one huh?). I slept through the whole thing while mommy and daddy were at the hospital, so I didn't have to get involved with all the messy details of childbirth (I lived through that experience once, and that was enough for this girl's lifetime) Anyway, we have all been adjusting nicely to being a family of four. Daddy keeps saying that he can't wait for us to be older so we can play family board games together (ahhh... a man of simple tastes). I just can't wait for Liam (or "baby brother" as I refer to him ) to get older so he stops being so needy... To paraphrase my Cousin Richie when commenting on his little sister Nia's arrival: "He's here, and he's a lot of work" (Richie, you can correct me if I got that wrong).

Anyway, here are some pictures of the little man, the family, and of course, yours truly.

Too young to be camera shy

The new and improved family (The 'improved' part is yet to be determined)

The proud West grandparents

Mommy and Liam

My first attempt at hypnotizing Liam (I think it worked, too! Every time a bell rings he clucks like a chicken.)

Liam clucking like a chicken.

Sleeping Beauty

The proud Pafield grandparents

No Baby Brother Yet

2007-01-15T12:31:00.000-05:00

Well, we had quite a (un)eventful weekend around here. Mommy and Daddy thought for sure that this little brother they talk about so much was coming on Saturday night, but it turned out to be a false alarm. (They would like me to thank everyone that was ready and waiting on backup however)... This little guy seems to be following in my dad's footsteps by being late all the time... but well worth it when he actually shows up.....(Daddy payed me off with Play-Dough to say that last part) Mommy seems to be going a little stir crazy, but I think she is going to be a lot more challenged when he actually shows up, so I keep trying to tell her to relax and enjoy all the quality, one-on-one time with her little Lilasaurus. I can't imagine a better way to pass away the hours, can you?

Anyway, here are some recent pictures of us over the holidays. We had a great time with my cousins Richie and Nia, Auntie Heitha and Uncle Richard who were visiting from Belize, and of course all of my fabulous grandparents and other relatives.

Out for a walk in the cold...loving this man hole cover. Kind of like my own little stage.

Here I am with 'The Graduate'. Congratulations Nana!

Opening presents on X-mas morning was an 'eye-opening' experience. (While this flashlight was great, it was the Dora band-aids that The Groves got me that was the gift of the day)

The gang on X-mas day. Richie, Nia, Uncle Tommy, Mommy and me!

Great Grandpa helping Cinderella try on her slipper.

Winter Walk

2006-12-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago we went to the Hudson, NY Winter Walk. They close off their Main Street (although it's not called Main Street) and have a parade, and many Santas (I'm not sure why there were more than one...and my parents didn't seem willing to explain that phenomenon). It was a very nice way to usher in the holiday season and the freezing cold weather.

Here is my picture with 'saxy' Santa. He serenaded me in the middle of the street.

One of the curiosities of the evening were the 'live' mannequins in the store fronts. Here I am on the other side of the glass, with my friend Delma on the inside.

This is a picture from Thanksgiving I thought I might just throw in here. We had a great dinner at the Hotel Bethlehem. Here we are at the kids table with Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Tommy and their cousins.

Amazing Mind Reader

2006-12-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, so you have to look at this mind reader. It is too cool. Daddy knows the "trick" but I don't want him to ruin it for me.

Lila's Bowling League

2006-12-05T06:04:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures of what my mom likes to call "The Longest Bowling Game Ever Played". We had a field trip with my play group to a local bowling alley, and even with the bumpers up (to prevent the inevitable gutter balls) and the ramp, we were still there for about three hours. Bowling alleys can be kind of depressing at 12:00 on a sunny Friday afternoon, but not if you are a kid. I had a lot of fun.

My first attempt. Hoping for a strike!

My friend Joshua giving it a try.

This ball is way too heavy to lift on my own.

Where are you ball? I don't have all day.

Relaxing afterwards with some pizza. I was trying to initiate a game of footsies with Joshua, but I don't think he was interested. No problem, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

A Year in Review

2006-11-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

Let's take a little stroll down memory lane to see what I was up to last year at this time.

I remember that this was the first time my mommy could put my hair up in a pony tail. What a chubby little face I had... and boy oh boy,, if you look very closely, you can tell what a drooler I was. The whole top of my shirt is soaked!!

Gretchen and Stefan visited us this month last year.

"Why you little....!"

Stefan is not usually such a domineering child,, but I guess he was getting sick and tired of my childish antics.

The weather just started getting cold around here. You can barely see me beneath all that fabric!

Violetta also came for a visit last November. This is a repeat picture so I can shamelssy plug her blog Three Legged Duck.

She's livin' large in Pasadena these days. Welcome back state-side Auntie V, you little Frenchie!! (can I say that?)

More pictures

2006-11-14T14:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't really had any very recent pictures taken of me, but for you die-hard lilasaurus fans, here are a few more to keep you happy.

A froggy, a chicken, and an airplane on Halloween night.

Here I am at Jawid and Taraneh's house... forget the candy... I'm more interested in these coasters... they'll never notice.

Trick or Treating at "Grampaul's" house proved to be a lot of laughs!

Daddy and Chicken Little before we went door to door.

Here I am reorganizing the Halloween candy. Mommy underestimated how many kids would be coming to our door, so she had to use the candy I got too. Can you believe that?

Mommy's lil pumpkins.

This chicken doesn't look too happy. (Maybe because Mommy took all her candy.) Doesn't Tahlia look cute in her cat costume?

A rainy day calls for a trip to the museum.

Uh... how many carousel pictures are needed on one blog? Get some new ideas mom.

My tribute to Gene Kelly and "Singing in the Rain"

"I have had enough of this place!" (I literally just dropped on the floor halfway through the museum.)

Happy Birthday Naomi!!

2006-10-30T22:04:00.000-05:00

Ji-Yoon and Tom had their baby!!! Welcome to my new friend Naomi Simcoe. She is so cute and I can't wait to see her! More news soon...

The newborn

Here is the proud new mommy. YAY!!! Ji-Yoon, you did it! We are so proud of you!!! (Naomi has to spend some time in the NICU, just like I did, so she can get stronger. We are praying that she gets to go home with her new mommy and daddy very soon.)

One of my all time favorite guys.... TOMMY!!! Doesn't he look like such a good dad? Naomi, you are very lucky to have such great parents. I guess we both lucked out!!

Happy Halloween

2006-10-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

Last year during Halloween I was coming back on a plane from Palm Springs, so I really didn't get to enjoy the festivities and my costume. Today however, I went to my very first Halloween Party and had fun trick-or-treating with other kids my age.

Here is the pumpkin my mommy and I carved together. I was very freaked out when she first pulled off his head and started digging around inside, but I soon got the hang of it.

Here I am (the chicken.. in case you couldn't recognize me in that crazy get-up) with my friend Joshua (the ladybug) enjoying some free time. Look in between us... ELVIS WAS IN THE BUILDING!!

This is my favorite toy in the place.. the illustrious trampoline. Even this bulky costume couldn't prevent me from jumping!

Here are some of my friends getting ready for 'circle time'.

Mickey and the Chicken. I am getting a hang of this trick or treating thing.

Here I am with my good friend Bella. We are enjoying a little Halloween cupcake, although a good deal more ended up on my face and on the floor than in my mouth.

The Banquet Table

Fall Fun

2006-10-25T22:54:00.000-04:00

Here I am at Indian Ladder Farms. The Albany regions premiere pumpkin hot spot.

Hi everyone. I have been so busy enjoying the beautiful fall weather here in glorious upstate New York that I haven't been able to update as much as I would like. Just to keep everyone posted on what I have been doing, here are the highlights.

1. I started sleeping in a big girl bed. (Mommy and Daddy keep telling me that I have a brother coming along, so apparently my crib would have been kind of crowded had I not taken the big bed plunge.. but I am doing quite well I must say. I have a feeling I'm going to be growing up mighty quick from now on ;-)

2. I talk a lot!! My new favorite words are pumpkin, excuse me, bless you, and I love you. Basically , I am a parrot and repeat everything anyone says, so please watch your mouth around me.

3. I love to give hugs. I went through a stage where hugs simply weren't my thing, but now I can't get enough of them. Every morning when I wake up, I make my mommy and daddy give me a big family hug. So if you see me and I'm in a good mood, I might just give you one too.

Here are some pictures of what I have been doing this fall. I'll try to be more diligent,, but hey, I'm only 18 months. I don't do deadlines. Love, Lila

Here I am with my friend Tahlia. We went pumpkin picking together.

Another autumnal pose. None of the pumpkins were harmed when taking this photo.

My weekend with Daddy. Mommy went away to Green Acre Bahai School for the weekend, so Daddy had me all to himself. He did pretty good... for an engineer. He even dressed me pretty well (mommy was worried about that, based on past ensembles he has put me in)... Although,, what' s up with the hat? I look like a sno-cone. Here we are on Tahlia's front porch.

A Mommy to Be

2006-10-03T22:59:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of my friend of Ji-Yoon and me at the park. She is going to be a mommy at the end of this month, so I am giving her a chance to practice on me. She taught me my new favorite song... The Itsy Bitsy Spider. (I now request it all the time by saying "Itsy Bitsy" and then requiring whoever is sitting next to me to sing it at least 6 times... with all the hand gestures)

My Brush with Royalty

2006-10-03T21:57:00.000-04:00

Yes my friends, I saw the King, Mr. Elvis Presley in the flesh...or a reasonable facsimile thereof, at a recent benefit concert for a friend of Colleen (pictured below). We were treated to a musical selection of Elvis' hits and he even called me up to the stage to bequeath me me with one of his silken scarves.

Elvis is in the building

Colleen and Lila enjoying the show (Notice said scarf...now one of my most prized possessions)

Grandparent's Day

2006-09-11T11:38:00.000-04:00

On Grandparent's Day I got to see 1/2 of my Grandparents*. My mom's parents came to Albany and we went to Indian Ladder Farms where you can go apple picking, ride on a horse drawn wagon and see lots of farm animals. We even ate some donuts and cider. We had lots of fun.

(* Nana and Grandpa Randy, when I see you next time, I'll let you take me somewhere equally exciting ;-)

Nani, Lila, and Grandpa Jim at the farm.

Nice donkey!

Checking out some new real estate. This wigwam was nice... but a little drafty.

WEEEEE! This is my favorite new game.

Summer Fun

2006-08-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

As September rears its chilly head here in Albany, I was feeling a little nostalgic for all the summer weather that is about to disappear. So here are some highlights of my warm weather escapades.

Here I am riding the carousel in Saratoga Springs.

This is me and one of my best friends Isabella in Saratoga Springs.

Nani and me in Boston. Here I am at my first outdoor concert. A boy band no less. As you can see I was a little skeptical of their singing style.

Then again, any band sponsored by the "Build a Bear Workshop" has got to be good... right?

Here we are splashing around in an outdoor fountain

My Dad turns 30!!

2006-08-10T17:04:00.000-04:00

About a month ago (July 19th, to be exact) my father said goodbye to the careless abandon of his twenties and entered the uber-responsible decade of his 30's. He's handling it pretty gracefully, however. Here are some pictures of his birthday party. It was an intimate affair, only really A-listers were invited (a.k.a. Mommy and me)

The birthday boy!

You can do it daddy... you're not that old!

This is what happens when you leave a 1 year old alone in a room with a cake. (Pardon my skirt!)

Guilty as charged!

Beauty and the Beach

2006-07-29T23:22:00.000-04:00

Here we are in Cape May. Depsite earlier feet dabbles in the ocean, this was the first official time that I had a good swim in the ocean. Here are a bunch of pictures of daddy and me in the water. Mommy said something about it being in her contract that she was not to be photographed in a bathing suit, so she was happy to play photographer.

The first steps

I'm getting used to this!

"Hmmm...how do I get myself out of this predicament? Maybe I can dig my way out with this shovel."

Who will save me from my sandy fate? Wait.... who's that I see on the horizon? .....

My hero... Johnny Depp!! (mommy wishes)

More Pictures

2006-07-29T23:12:00.000-04:00

Croquet anyone?

What I Did on my Summer Vacation - Part I - "Belize it or not"

2006-07-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone, I just got back from vacation and boy... are my parents tired... (ha ha!!) I give them a run for their money, that's for sure. Especially since I am more sturdy on my feet and am constantly on the move. Here is the first installment of pictures from our vacation. We went to Nana and Grandpa Randy's house to visit Heitha (one of my favorite aunts... gotta be diplomatic here,, Auntie Marzi reads this blog too ;-) and my
favorite cousins Richie and Nia. They were visiting for the week. They traveled all the way from Belize to visit
little ole me.. (or at least that's the story I am going with anyway) We had so much fun together as you will now see!!!

The whole gang before the birthday party

Seeing double... the Doublemint twins Nia and Lila

Hanging out in the backyard with my cousing and Uncle Tommy.

The Birthday Boys...one of them is 23, and the other is 30...not naming any names.

Last picture of the cousins all together. I love you Richie and Nia!!

Ella's Birthday

2006-06-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

My friend Ella turned three and I got invited to her birthday party. It was so much fun... balloons, cake, party favors, little kids. I even got in some walking practice.

Weebles wobble but....

...they dont' fall down!!

(A victorious attempt at walking!)

Time for a rest.

Who needs presents when you've got the wrapping?

Father's Day

2006-06-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from Father's Day 2006

Stylin' in my Guatemalan dress. (Nana got it for me IN Guatemala... this is not just a "Made In" kind of deal)

Just hangin' around with Grandpa Randy.

That was a good joke Great Grandma. HA HA...tell me another.

The Padfield Men

Chillin' pool side.

Feeding Frenzy

2006-06-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

Since I have turned one, there has been a lot more emphasis on me eating 'real' food, so most of the pictures of me these days happens in a high chair. Here is a photo montage of my messy table manners.

What the first caveman must have looked like when he discovered fire.

Hey!! Get your own!

I learned what to do when mommy says "Say cheese". (Give a cheesy smile!)

Auntie JoAnn brought me this yummy Elmo cupcake. He lost an eye early on in the game. Don't I look thrilled? That was some cupcake!

Hey! This guy is always eating my food!

Sharing with Auntie Marzi. Now if Daddy would only ask before he took a bite!!

Spaghetti Monster (not to be confused with the flying variety). Obviously I was not happy this very unflattering picutre was being taken.

China Doll

2006-06-23T22:33:00.000-04:00

Here is the dress that Auntie Marzi got me from Hong Kong.

There's a new kid in town

2006-06-22T08:34:00.000-04:00

Hello my devoted fans. You must be pulling your hair out wondering what I have been up to since I turned the big ONE. Well, I have been quite busy and I have plenty of pictures to prove it,, but I will save that for later. The big news is that I am going to have a brother or sister come January 14th-ish 2007. I've already gone through all the stages of emotions with this one, shock, disbelief, denial... but have finally reached acceptance and am in a good place mentally. Sure it's going to be hard to share all the individualized attention that I have grown accustom to, but my mother keeps assuring me that her loving a new baby will not make her love me any less. But will it allow her to love me MORE... that's what I'm interested in. Plus she said I could help him/her learn some stuff too, like clapping and rolling over,,, you know.. baby stuff. I like telling people what to do...I've gotten it down to a science... a cute, coy, giggling science, so perhaps this baby will fit right in here.

See the resemblance?

I know what you are all thinking.. I was a much cuter embryo... but don't be so hard on him/her. Theres' still time.

Now it's my turn to be 1!

2006-05-09T22:18:00.000-04:00

On May 8th, 2005 I entered this world (Mother's Day) and on May 8th, 2006, I celebrated the fantastic accomplishment of making it through 365 days. Quite an accomplishment considering I had sheer novices taking care of me the whole time (Thank God for grandparents!!!)

The festivities began on the 6th however, because this is the kind of party that goes on for days. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in the form of the "Rota" virus. Things weren't pretty around the old West household...I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I had trouble keeping things "in". Mommy didn't even trust me enough to let me wear my new party dress (not that I can blame her, considering I was going through 3 outfits an hour). Needless to say, the party planners were in a tizzy, but as they say in dinner theatre, "The show must go on." I slept through the dinner part of the party, but you can bet your bottom dollar that when the cake was being served, I was on top of my game. Where have they been hiding this sweet stuff? My mom pushes the peas (and other veggies) like they are going out of style, but obviously she has been holding back on me. One taste of that sugary sweetness, and baby, I was back in business. I opened all my presents (everyone has such impeccable taste), and to top it off, I even took my first steps. I'm not just talking one or two folks, I mean, I was moving. (I credit my new-found independence to my new push-walker and the coaxing of Grampa Randy). What can I say... I couldn't disappoint the family. I'm still a little wobbly, but practice makes perfect.

I am still in recovery mode. Not quite feeling up to par yet, and to top it off, I went to the doctor today and they gave me like 50 shots in my legs and arms. (I am beginning to become supicious of all those smiling nurses). So, today was a cranky day, but a well earned one. Hopefully, I will be better soon. Enjoy the pictures! Love, Lila. (and leave a comment or two if you like!)

Being nursed back to health by Nana and Nanima.

Still looking a little disheveled and disoriented, but interested, nonetheless.

This cake sure knows how to put a smile on my face!

Finger lickin' good!

Uncle Tommy, Mommy, and a little girl who hasn't yet learned that it is not polite to point.

Opening my gifts with my new friend Mr. Cow. (Thank you Auntie Abby W!)

Like father, like son, like muppet. (Oddly, there is a resemblance.)

Sure,
I can share the spotlight. Mommy getting recognized for graduating from grad. school.

On my walker. (moments before I took the independent "first" steps)

The party, day 2. (More presents!! or I should say... More wrapping paper!!) This one is from my mom's friend Audrey. (Thank you!!)

My new buddy

Relaxing after a long morning with a good book and my blankie.

Happy Birthday Stefan

2006-04-21T23:54:00.000-04:00

My best friend Stefan turned 1 today!!! Where did the time go? Here are some pics of him looking cute and enjoying his birthday.

Not quite sure if he likes cake yet...

Ok.. pretty sure he like cake now.

HE IS SOOO CUTE!!! (After the cake, obviously. Damage control.)

What would a cute baby be without an equally cute Mommy. Congrats on your 1 year old Gretchy!

This one could win the cutest baby contest...yes even I, Lila, will admit that.

The Swimsuit Edition

2006-04-21T23:26:00.000-04:00

Aunt Denise got me a cute bathing suit for my 1st birthday. GG Nana liked it a lot too.

The Easter Bunny is in Town

2006-04-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we went to visit both of my grandparents and our families for the Easter holiday.

Nana got me some bunny ears so I could blend in with the other bunnies.

Here I am with Great Grandad (on daddy's side)

Just hanging out enjoying the sunny weather

Aunt Denise sure can read a good book. Here we are looking at one of my early birthday presents together. This book (about dinosaurs, no less) was as equally entertaining as the wrapping paper it came in!

A family portrait. Everone was there... even Auntie Marzi..(ahh, technology)

Row, Row, Row, your Canoe

2006-04-21T21:58:00.000-04:00

So the question of the last couple of weeks has been... "Lila.. when you are you going to update your blog?" " Lila, we really NEED to see some new pictures of you." Lila this, Lila that.. I really appreciate that you are all so interested, but as I have said before, I have an extremely demanding schedule that really keeps me crawling around all day.. Between my 3 naps, walks, and play dates, getting on the computer at the end of the day is not on the top of my list. But now that I have a spare moment, let me share with you some pictures of my very first boat ride.

Here I am getting my first rowing lesson in Grandpa Randy's canoe. First I thought I would try on my own...

... then Grandpa gave me some pointers... (he suggested NOT eating the life vest... but as you can see, I had other ideas)

and then finally I decided I would just rather have a hug.

Hanging Out

2006-03-24T11:35:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone...just hanging out today. Nothing particularly important to update on. Here I am hanging out in my playroom (so tastefully decorated by Auntie Heitha and Nana). I've started making some sounds that sound like words to mommy (daddy doesn't believe her) My repetoire includes such popular phrases as "ishhhh" (adult translation: fish) and "bye, bye, daa-daa" (adult translation: Farewell, patriarch). Some other tricks I perform when the mood strikes include: brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, standing on my own, pointing at things on command (clock, birdie, fish, light, monkey, and Elvis, that's my mom's favorite). I think my parents forgot they got a daughter and not a trained poodle, but it keeps them entertained, and that keeps me fed...that's how it works in this household. See you all soon! L-Rex

California Screaming Part II

2006-03-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

So, last month my daddy had another conference in California (lucky us!!), this time in San Diego. Nice little place they've got there; ocean views, warm weather, and yummy Mexican food. What more could you want! We had a really nice time, we saw so many places and even got to see some good family and friends along the way. And we saw some celebrities in Hollywood (pictures coming soon to a blog site near you!) Here we are after a full day of fun in the sun.

Here are our "hot wheels" . That baby took us everywhere.

Mommy's friend Eden (from the JET program in Japan) showed us around her hometown of San Diego. Here she is helping me take my first steps in the Pacific. This was a beach in La Jolla. There were a lot of harbor seals lying around, one even just had a baby. It was a lot bigger than me when I was born!

Not another picture, Mommy!! (Daddy and me on the coast)

Ok, Daddy, can you please stop talking now?!!

The San Diego Zoo

The animals here were so well behaved. This elephant just stood there and posed for us!!

What's a visit to the zoo without seeing a llama? Where's mommy in this picture. (Some of you might get the reference :-)

We had a gorgeous view from the sky ride that ran through the park. When I say "we" I mean me and daddy. I don't think mommy opened her eyes the entire time (only to take the picture...I think, anyway..it is a little out of focus!) She is deathly afraid of heights! What a baby!! (errr... I mean.. What a grown-up!)

I was a little unsure about riding this hippo bareback, but again, she was very well mannered. They must be putting something in the food they're feeding these guys!

We got to visit with daddy's cousin Andrea and her husband Tim who live near San Diego. They met us for dinner in Del Mar, and we had such a nice time. Andrea was a lot of fun to play with!

JUMPY JUMPY SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH!!

Daddy's Little Girl

I like to talk to whoever will listen... in this case I think it was some sea gulls.

Looking off into the sunset

Entertaining

2006-02-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

Well, in the last couple of weeks I have been so busy entertaining guests that even Martha Stewart would have been proud. Mommy and Daddy's friends Tom and JiYoon came over. I really like them a lot! JiYoon is so sweet and always sings me songs, and Tom is very funny and has a very nice head (see picture), I'm not having a bad time, just a bad picture). Mommy made some yummy vegetarian lasagna, I even got to get a taste. Don't let that woman fool you, although she serves me pureed gruel, that woman can cook!!

Last weekend, Grampa Jim and Nanima came for a visit, just to see me. (They tell Mommy and Daddy that they want to see them to, but we all know the truth.) We had a really nice time. The weather was beautiful so we went to Saratoga Springs and walked around. We also drove around Saratoga lake (which was frozen!!) and saw people ice fishing and snow-mobiling, on the lake!!!. It's very cold here in Albany.

Here are some pictures of their visit. I'm showing off my new dress from Cameroon.Stefan, my beau, sent them to me. He likes to lavish me with gifts, that's why I keep him around.

Proud Grandparents

Walking Girl (While I may need some help walking, I am officially a crawler. Not a 'creepy' one, though. (Ha!)

Just doing some light reading. Daddy needed help with differential equations again.

Me and Pippi Longstocking. Oh, Grandpa Jim is such a jokester.

For My Cousin Richie

(Hi, Richie, here is a picture of your aquarium. We really enjoy looking at it. We only have 5 fish right now. They are called the "scout" fish, because they are testing out the water before we can add any more. How many fish do you think we should add to the tank? Do you see the red one? That is a female beta. The man at the fish store said we couldn't have male betas in the tank because they are fighting fish, but the females are ok. What do you think I should name her? I love you!! And give a big kiss to Nia and Uncle Richard and Auntie Heitha for me, ok??)

Rani

2006-01-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

My wardrobe just keeps growing... almost as fast as me. This dress if from Nanima who just returned from India. I feel bad drooling all over it, but hey... that's what babies do. You can dress me up, but you can't take me out (without a bib!) anywhere.

An aerial view.

Mommy 'n' Me

The original family. (If I ever have any brothers or sisters, this is the picture I'm gonna show them, so they can remember who came first ;-)

My cute little piggies.

Student of the Month

2006-01-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

My Grandpa Jim was just awarded the President's Award for Excellence at Moravian College. Way to go grampa!

I am so proud of you! Love, Lila

Good things come to those who wait....and wait...and wait

2006-01-13T19:29:00.000-05:00

OK, my adoring fan base. Life has been busy, busy, busy, so I apologize for not updating this page sooner...although, I've heard it said that it's not really that cool to update your blog everyday...something about having too much time on your hands... and I can assure you, and you'll see from the following pictures, that is most certainly not the case.

Also, little life updates... i now have 4 teeth.. two on the bottom, and two on top, with a BIG gap (very lauren hutton/maddonna-esque). I have started clapping and dancing to music, and I have recently begun screeching at high octaves when the mood strikes me, happy, sad, bored whatever. I am trying to see just how far I can push my mom's patience...she's been pretty good so far, but I don't think I should push much longer, just a hunch. Anyway, enjoy the pictures, 'do good work and keep in touch'..

I'm a little pickle. Auntie Abby (Weller) picked this T-shirt up at the Heinz factory... if any Heinz executives are reading this...I am willing to entertain any marketing proposals featuring me as your spokesbaby...

Grandpa Randy, Nana, and me on Christmas Day. What's the big deal with presents...now, the wrapping paper.. that's some tasy stuff.

Me and GREAT Aunt Kate at Christmas.

Daddy's friend Uncle Darius protecting me from the harsh winter elements on the Upper West Side.

Me at Columbia University. Move over Doogie Howser M.D., I'm younger AND cuter.

The blushing bride Abby (congrats to you and Shawn), Lua (that girl can dance), and me (always a bridemaid...).

Little Miss India

2005-12-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

Here I am in the pretty clothes daddy brought me from India. My balance is getting pretty good, I am standing with just a little support from the chair.

Oh dahhhling,, you would never believe what happened today.... Let met tell you...

Strike a pose!

Random Photos

2005-12-08T00:48:00.000-05:00

Uhhhh....Whatchya talkin' bout Willis?

Pretty in Pink...Here is my friend Stefan and I having fun in the papasan when he and his mommy (Gretchen) came for a visit. Gretchen said they only had a pink one in his size. I like a man who embraces his feminine side. Anyway, pink is the new black.

Me and Grampa Kool Tom Cody... I wonder if my dad could grow a goatee like this?

My mommy's friend Violetta came for a visit....Bonjour!

Sleeping Beauty and the Beast.... Who's Who?

This is my cousin, T-Rex. I found him hanging out in Palm Springs. Does anyone remember these dinosaurs from Pee Wee's Big Adventure?

Queen of the Jungle (Ok, I'm not really in a jungle, it's the zoo in Palm Springs, close enough...But the golf pants the men wore around here were more wild than the giraffes)

Happy Halloween! Move over Anne Geddes baby, there's a new flower in town.

Swinging on Venice Beach

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2005-11-10T23:56:00.000-05:00

Here's mommy and me goofing around at my great grandfather's b-day party...

My Betrothed

2005-11-04T01:30:00.000-05:00

So, I thought I should introduce you all to my future husband, Stefan, and future mother-in-law, Gretchen (she and my mother have been plotting this match since before we were born.) Stefan is very cute, but will he be able to maintain my lavish lifestyle? Only time will tell.

California Screaming

2005-11-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

Hello my adoring fans... I just flew in from California,, and boy are my arms tired. (badum-cha!) What a trip that was. I must say, I was very good on the plane, I didn't cry very much and I even let my dad watch the in-flight movie. Palm Springs was fabulous. I was "whining" and dining with the California elite. I must admit I was rather excited that Elvis used to stay at the same hotel we did. He used to go there to get away from it all. I guess the stress of being the coolest cat in town can really wear on you. Mommy and I were so excited that we got to swim in the same pool that he did. (I think Mommy was more excited than I was.) Ahh, the little things in life. We spent a little time in LA, driving through Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Pretty neat. Pictures of the trip are forthcoming, and let me tell you, you won't be disappointed. Toodles...(as they say in Hollywood).

Lila has left the building.

http://www.psriviera.com/DefaultFlash.aspx (check out the hotel here)

November Birthday Wishes!

2005-11-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Auntie Heitha! I love you s0o much. Get a load of these two beauties...That's my cousin Nia. She's soo cute.

Happy Birthday G.G.!! I love you so much and your fingers are absolutely delicious!!

A Big Happy Birthday to my GREAT GRANDFATHER WEST!!!! He's turning 80 this month. What a cool dude!

Another November birthday. Here's my super cool cousin Richie holding me. I am only 1 1/2 months old in this picture, but he sure knows how to take care of me. I miss my cousins so much. Hope you have a great birthday Richie.

Little Mermaid

2005-10-20T23:19:00.000-04:00

As the days get colder I have been thinking back to those warm days of summer. I like to jump and splash and kick, but don't keep me out of a diaper too long... I won't go into details, but it wasn't pretty. Check out my hunky dad and Uncle Tommy.

Tooth-sweet

2005-10-18T23:31:00.000-04:00

NEWS FLASH!!!

My first tooth is in. Pictures to follow!!

Being Cute Is What I Do Best

2005-10-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

Man's (or little girl's) Best Friend. (Thanks Violetta!)

My best Elvis impersonation. Rock a Hula Baby!

To Be or Not to Be...

Bon Voyage

2005-10-18T23:02:00.000-04:00

Here's Cousin Emily, Mommy, Me, and Auntie Marzi at Auntie Marzi's going away party. Have a great time on your travels Auntie Marzi. I love you sooo much. Don't drink the water!

Ear-risistible!

2005-10-18T22:23:00.000-04:00

So, I got my ears pierced (or should I say, got them pierced for me) last week when Auntie Marzi came for a visit. Here I am with no idea what's about to happen.

Can you believe my mom let these "teenagers" do this to me?!!

Dazed and Confused

I just got my ears pierced and all I got was this lousy sticker!

Minutes later, I am all smiles...That wasn't so bad. I can't wait to get a tatoo! (ha, ha, just joking people).

Vegetarian, Schmegetarian!

2005-10-18T22:17:00.000-04:00

My parents may be vegetarians, but this cow sure tastes good. Mooo!

I Eat, Therefore I am

2005-10-04T00:45:00.000-04:00

Today my mommy started feeding me with a spoon... rice cereal,, not nearly as interesting as what she was eating, but it will do for now.

I am now the proud owner of my first pair of blue jeans...Move over J.Lo, cuz I am looking cute.

Today I went to lunch with Nana (Dad's mom), great aunt Corrie, great nana, and great grandad for his birthday. As usual, I was the center of the attention, but I didn't let it get to my head. We went to Red Lobster and saw all the little lobsters in the tank..That made me kind of sad, and I wanted to set all those little claws free. My mom told me that in some arcade in Japan they had a claw vending machine where instead of being able to win poorly made stuffed animals, you could win a LIVE lobster...(blecch.. I almost lost my lunch,, which really isn't news, because I am a pretty drooly girl)...she also told me that they had turtle vending machines too. It was then that I had heard enough. She got the hint.

I didn't cry much today, much to everyone's pleasure...although I am beginning to understand that crying gets me what I wants. I did learn, however, that I can make a LOUD 'razzberry'. I surprised even myself.. Ta Ta!

Origin of Rex

2005-10-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

Rex... the first word I ever typed on the computer (the first time I ever typed, for that matter)...fitting name for my sojourn into cyberspace...

Lila (pronounced LEE-LA, .. not LIE-LA or LAY-LA, or SAM), is my name and I am pleased to make your aquaintance. I am toying with this method of communication because my babbling and drooling don't seem to be getting my message across. I am a very adorable 5 month old.. at least that is what my parents tell me... and they have really given me little reason to distrust them up till this point (keep up the good work!) so I will go along them for now... I like milk, piggy noises, and long walks (but only when my mommy or daddy do the walking for me).

Breaking news:
I think I am getting some teeth,, two on the bottom, hence the increase in droolage.
I started sucking on my own toes...(err..maybe I shouldn't admit to that in public) and...
I just started sitting up on my very own.
Every day is an adventure I tell ya.

Keeps you coming back!