The Family Fitzgerald

2009-08-01T18:12:00.001-07:00

w on dads grass

w on swing odiorne

e with sox hat

d with w

d with w concert

drool

mom CRAZY thing on head

2 kids cute

2 kids cute

w reads book

w with toys

mom with william

l with kids on bed

w awake

w asleep

summer 09

2008-11-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Fitzgeralds have been in hibernation for the last two months, shuffling past each other during 3:00 a.m. feedings and changes. Occasionally, they emerged to discover the world outside their den, where they need not fear sunlight or human interaction. Here are some pictures from their autumn adventures.

When looking to keep human interaction to a minimum, head to the cemetery! Historic Green-Wood is always a good choice for fall colors.

Some found the foray into sunlight a bit premature.

Retreat!

Just another Park Sloper wearing her baby sling.

Happy Halloween from the butterfly.

Er . . . "butt"erfly.

Here is Dave, not running the NYC Marathon, and happy to be eating donuts instead.

"Is this girl certified in baby-holding?"

"Seriously, someone jump in here."

"Again?"

Dave prepares to eat the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

Eleanor prepares to eat the traditional Thanksgiving lemon rind.

After gorging on lemon rind, there was plenty of room for pie.

Ready for his close-up!

2008-09-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here he is!

Taking after his old man.

With Dad.

Whoops.

"I pledge allegiance to striped pajamas."

"And striped hoodies."

Our seventeenth attempt to get all four of us in a family picture.

Grandpa and Nana Kathy visited New York for some serious doting.

William hosts a family picnic in Prospect Park.

Eleanor takes her ball...

...and throws it up to the moon.

Baby and Mom.

"See you later alligator!"

2008-09-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome home, William!

Eleanor meets her brother for the first time, and quickly becomes the Global Head of Operations, supervising diaper changes, baths and feedings with a benevolent, but firm (sometimes too firm) hand.

And just as things started getting really boring around here, Eleanor started nursery school! Here she is on her first day at Beansprouts.

Thanks to Nana, who came to Brooklyn and took care of Eleanor for two weeks! Here are some pictures from her visit.

Eleanor is mesmerized by "Max and Ruby".

At the playground.

Eleanor cares for her baby in the stroller.

Then snatches away the camera and takes a picture of her baby in the stroller.

In case you forgot, Eleanor is mesmerized by "Max and Ruby".

"DOGS! ATE! BONES!" (translation: "Dogs eat bones.")

Eleanor AND Nana are mesmerized by "Max and Ruby".

William, a.k.a. "Mini Dave Fitz"

2008-09-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

William . . . one week old! Here he is in the Columbia Presbyterian NICU. That little tube helps him eat. He needs a little more help with his feeding, so he should be home in a few days. Otherwise, he's doing great!

2008-08-26T21:44:00.001-07:00

Welcome....

William Arthur Fitzgerald!

Born 12:50 AM on August 26, 2008 at St. Vincent's Hospital, NYC
7 lbs, 6 oz

2008-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Eleanor hones her craft as a photographer. In this latest installment, she employs abstract forms to evoke a sense longing and ennui that can only be captured by pressing all the camera buttons at random.

Self Portrait 1

Self Portrait 2

Window

Fan

Floppy Lucy Baby

Mom

Fan

Mom on the Internet (aka "What Must I Do to Make You Pay Attention to Me?")

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl.

On our roof, Eleanor gives her baby brother a hug.

August 16.....any day now!

Downtown Manhattan from the roof at sunset.

We've spent a lot of our summer at the Red Hook Pool, home of South American vendors and corn-on-a-stick!

The next time we see you, we'll have another face in this picture!

2008-08-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Vacation on the New Hampshire seacoast with Grandpa and Nana Kathy!

Good sand for drawing.

"Wake up, little crab!"

Have wagon, will travel.

Wagons are good for buckets, shovels, sunscreen, and cousins.

Strawberry picking.

Or for one particular person, strawberry eating.

Hizekiel teaches Eleanor the ways of the Sith and the Dark Side of the Force.

Fun with Dad on the beach.

Kathy and Laura.

All together now! Dunk...

...and pour.

Look out. Bunny, Lovey, and Changing Pad coming through.

Dave broke 100. On nine holes.

Also this summer, Eleanor graduated from Roots and Wings. "Pomp and Circumstance" was replaced with a Muzak-version of "We Are The Champions." Mortarboards were replaced with visors.

"I'd like to share this with all my family and friends..."

"...and Floppy Lucy Baby."

"Now I'd like to eat this cupcake."

Eleanor attended her first rock concert, when The Sippy Cups came to the bandshell in Prospect Park.

In her Phish t-shirt and hippie skirt, she was ready to noodle.

"Freebird!"

Eleanor just learned how to press the shutter on the camera, and in a ten minute frenzy, took 107 pictures. Here are the top three.

2008-06-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer!

For Eleanor, summer means two things: (1) Mommy's going to have a baby! (2) I get to eat ice cream cones!

Still working on her street cred.

Picnic in the park.

Eleanor takes a stab at the big-kid swings.

Always wear gloves...

...in the presence of royalty.

In June, Daddy Dave and Mommy sneak away for an overnight at Mohonk Mountain House. Sweet!

Dave's twentieth reminder that "This place is just like The Shining!" grows old.

In our absence, Eleanor dashes off to Paris.

"Ou est le sippy cup?"

2008-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

2008's Cherry Blossom Baby (Kid!)

Our annual pilgrimage to Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

With our nanny, Christie.

Happy spring from Laura, Dave, Eleanor, and Baby Boy Fitzgerald, due in August.

A detour to the Bluebell and Lilac Garden.

Also this spring, sunglasses.

And a visit from Nana and Grandpa.

2008-03-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

In March we travelled to Pensacola for our annual spring visit.

Stripes!

On the seesaw with Mom.

Walking by the bayou.

In the garden, Eleanor raided the kumquat tree, eating all the fruit within reach, rind and all. Here she is, caught red-handed....

"What? I was pruning it."

"This one looks good."

"I love kumquats!"

Pop finally masters "Five Silly Monkeys" with his 1,000th reading.

We had a great time visiting the Burnetts at Pensacola Beach.

It didn't take long for Annabelle to take Eleanor under her wing. Here she helps with the important work of burying hands in the sand.

Buddies.

The balcony at Portofino gave us front row seats for the sunset.

"Gesundheit!"

A trip wouldn't be complete without fried catfish and oysters at the Oyster Barn.

Molly escorts Eleanor to the car to say "goodbye."

Back home, it was time for Easter.

"What does a girl have to do to dye some eggs around here?"

"Okay, Eleanor, gently drop the..."

"Never mind."

With eggs in hand, Eleanor filled her basket...

...and set them on our doormat for the Easter Bunny...

...who came in the night and hid them on our roof...

...not knowing that Easter Sunday would bring 30 degree temperatures and high winds, preventing Dad from photographing the Easter dress buried beneath 18 layers of wool.

Still concerned about high winds, Eleanor took cover at Easter dinner.

2008-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Eleanor's alternate universe:

"Daddy, I need some ice."

"OK. Here you go."

"But first I forgot to bonk my head."

__________

"Eleanor - the sun is out!"

"I need my umbrella."

__________

"Hello?"

"He needs some pancakes."

__________

This winter, "Gym and Swim" was a big hit. Mainly because it involves wearing swimming caps.

Eleanor manages all hat-wearing in this house. Baby wears a swimming cap.

Daddy wears a swimming cap.

Daddy wears Mommy's "towel-hat", and Mommy wears the hat that "comes from the sheep."

Did we mention she likes hats?

Peace hat.

New for spring: the "chicken hat", i.e. the bike helmet.

Our house is pro child-labor.

Eleanor had fun on rug delivery day.

3-14-08: Happy Birthday Mike! Margaritas at Gabriella's on the Upper West Side...

2008-01-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

In January, we took a great trip to Breckenridge, Colorado.

Or as Eleanor likes to say, "Avocado."

Mom and Dad took to the Nordic Center for some cross-country skiiing.

Eleanor gets ready to shred on the sledding hill.

Back in the warmth of our condo, we got down to business making s'mores.

When not eating s'mores, we ate snow.

If you think these are poker chips, you're wrong. They're "treasure", to be "discovered" and put in the "treasure chest."

With Mary Sue.

Pop and Lisa.

Julian.

The view at sunrise.

Daddy Dave was the early bird who got the worm. In this case, five inches of virgin powder, and all of Peak 7 to himself.

Later, he joined Lisa and Julian, and they braved the high winds at 11,000 feet.

Laura got in the game too.

Nana and Eleanor say "cheese!"

2008-01-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the abridged version of the last three months. Bibs were big in October.

And running.

Eleanor went on a popcorn bender.

We spent Thanksgiving in New Hampshire.

And Christmas at home. Eleanor helped Mom make pancakes on Christmas Eve.

But sadly, Santa brought Eleanor the stomach flu, so we spent a couple of days watching Sesame Street. It's now Dave's favorite show.

We rang in the new year with a resolution to spend lots of time on the couch. Since we do this already, we feel confident we can achieve that goal.

Hard at work.

Although a few weeks away, Eleanor kicked off her "Birthday Tour 2008." First, celebrating with Hizekiel and Annie in New Rochelle.

Then, with the mom's group in Brooklyn. Happy Birthday 2 year olds!

2007-11-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

If it's October, it must be time for the Dachshund Parade!

We don't know this woman, but anyone who dresses their weiner dog like Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean" is a friend of ours.

On our way home, we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge. Eleanor fell asleep for four minutes.

Then woke up when we put her in the stroller.

Over Columbus Day, we went to the Berkshires to visit our friends the Micklewrights. The leaves turned just in time.

Eleanor got fired up for Game 7 against the Indians.

Each day we went on long walks.

Eleanor and Charlotte fed apples to the horses.

We went to a huge meadow overlooking the hills.

Just as I snapped the shutter, a bee flew a few inches in front of the camera.

Beep beep!

Laura entertained the kids with her dead-on chicken impression.

With Halloween approaching, a big debate ensued: penguin?

Or pig?

Pigs go to the market,

and say "oink oink."

But penguins have penguin hats and penguin feet.

It was a tough call, but ultimately, the penguin prevailed.

Back in Brooklyn on the big day, Eleanor and her friend Hazel the Cat went Trick-or-Treating.

Afterwards, she invited the whole menagerie back to our place. Happy Halloween!

2007-10-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Eleanor has been writing the Great American Novel with her notebook and "peeeeeennnnn!"

She took notes on the finer points of milking at the Prospect Park Zoo...

...and conducted man-on-the-street interviews with zoo staff.

She fed the goat...

the cow...

and Zorlac, of planet Xenon.

Eleanor says hi to the sea lions.

Back off, mister!

Kidding!

Not really.

Farmer finds higher ground for a better view.

Eleanor with her pen and penguin hat.

Eleanor strictly follows the "stickers are for paper" rule.

Eleanor loves riding with Mom.

Like all hip New Yorkers, Eleanor uses a messenger bag.

Kisses!

Eleanor's life changes forever with her discovery of pizza.

Twelve hours after this photo, Eleanor checked herself into Blueberry Rehab.

On a warm autumn day, we visited historic Green-Wood Cemetery.

Eleanor made an offering of an acorn.

Next time with the Family Fitzgerald: accessories for fall.

2007-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

In August, we got to see our families. First, we went to Long Island for the Carr family reunion. Thanks Nana and Grandpa!

Mark and Mike.

Eleanor and Ann check out the fish.

Pat and Michael.

Hizekiel and Eileen.

Happy 17th Anniversary Pat and Sheil!

A Fitzgerald event wouldn't be complete without a pool.

Then, over Labor Day, we travelled to the Highland Lake Inn in Asheville, NC.

They have goats.

Lots of goats.

And hammocks.

Which are good for sitting with Nana and Pop.

David and Utako flew in from Tokyo.

The J trifecta: Julie, Jeff and Jacob.

Geoffrey and Penny brought Eleanor's partner in crime, Eliz.

Eleanor studies how to be a big kid.

Mary Sue and Julian.

And the guests of honor: Nana and Pop celebrate their 60th and 70th birthdays!

As we gathered for the big party, we got our poses in order.

"Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll be here all week! Try the veal."

Eleanor continues her love affair with apples.

We hung out by the lake.

And on the lake.

And in the pool.

We end this post with a barrage of cuteness.

2007-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

This summer, Eleanor was a girl on the move.

Especially when Mom was chasing her.

At the Farmer's Market, Mom shopped for peaches while Eleanor honed her animal impressions near the statue.

"Moo! Moo!"

"Baa! Baa!"

"Ooh! Ooh!" (note the gorilla thumping its chest)

Eleanor is fond of many things, including "A"...

..."leaf"...

...and "hi!"

We tried to beat the heat in the pool on the roof.

We caught a sunset or two.

Daddy takes a picture of himself grilling a steak.

We visited our friends Sunita, Greg and Vijay on the Jersey Shore.

Eleanor got up at sunrise to practice her Tai Chi.

Eleanor and Vijay hug it out.

Eleanor attempts to blow bubbles. (Unfortunately, this is a tape measure.)

Realizing this doesn't work, we took her to the community garden for the real thing.

Eleanor befriends the garden's resident cat, Marmalade.

See you, Marmalade.

2007-07-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

Our Summer Vacation - 2007
Week 2: Italy

Our first stop in Italy was the Cinque Terre, five coastal towns along the Adriatic Coast. Our home base: Riomaggiore.

Eleanor liked the boats, or as she likes to call them, "bo!"

It's a vertical town built into a cliff. This is the stoop leading up to our apartment.

This path connects the five towns.

Eleanor enjoyed the walk over to Manarola.

And although we didn't have thongs or ill-fitting speedos, we were still allowed on the beach at Monterosso.

We stopped off at Vernazza for gelato and more "bo!"

Riomaggiore is full of little gems hidden in its nooks and crannies. Like this playground high above the Mediterranean.

Or this courtyard tucked down an alley, perched over the water.

From Riomaggiore, we took a train to Florence. Actually, three trains, during a train strike. Good times. But when we arrived, we were greeted by the Duomo.

Wherever you are, it never seems to be too far out of sight.

At San Lorenzo, we checked out the market and the cloister.

The Palazzo Vecchio

Sunset over the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno.

Eleanor refined her taste in Renaissance art. As you can see, she didn't care for Ghiberti's bronze doors, referring to them as "waahhhhhh!"

She did however, appreciate the "sleeping people" of Santa Croce, pointing out her favorite letters, "O" and "P".

Santa Croce was a highlight...

The Piazza...

The "Hugs" game we started in France...

And finally, her introduction to the city's pigeon population.

In fact, we planned our daily walks around which pigeons to visit that day.

In Piazza della Santissima Annunziata...

the pigeons chased her.

While Eleanor chased pigeons, Mommy and Daddy chased Eleanor.

Eleanor got away (that's her on the lower right).

Many Italians fell in love with Eleanor on the street, but noone was warmer than our downstairs neighbors, Irene, Ivana and Gianni. Over nightcaps of Limoncello, they offered to adopt Eleanor, and were gracious enough to throw in annual visiting rights as part of the deal.

But sadly, we had to say not only goodnight, but goodbye. It was an amazing trip, and hopefully we can go back again soon.

. . . . .

Here are a few more shots from France.

2007-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Our Family Vacation - July 2007
Week 1: France

After almost twenty hours of travel, we arrived at La Mandarine, in the heart of Provence. Eleanor promptly got into the spirit by taking off her clothes and cheering "Vive le France!"

She met Isabelle for the first time.

And Matt and Calysta welcomed us with open arms.

The house, fronted by a field of lavender, sits right below the medieval village of Bonnieux.

At sunset, it is nothing short of spectacular.

Soon, the wine was flowing. This is a pose that would be repeated many times over the next week.

Every day revolved around lunch and dinner.

All guests were required to eat their daily quota of cheese.

Laura in her happy place.

In order to keep up, we made daily trips to the village for fresh baguettes.

And of course, the local market.

Eleanor (in the stroller) loved the colors and smells.

In between our hectic schedule of eating and napping, we managed to squeeze in some swimming.

And the Bonnieux X-Games. This event is called "Lounging."

This one is called "Hugs."

And "Sitting in the Grass."

Eleanor befriended the grill and spent a few days chatting with it.

In Provence, the rosé flows like water. At the local wine co-op, you choose your gas pump...

...fill your jug...

...and bring it back to your lunch table. It was the perfect welcome for Christie and Matt, who passed through on their backpacking trip.

As you can see, Eleanor was thrilled to see her nanny.

In fact, she was thrilled about a lot of things.

The hedges...

The orchard...

The roses....

"Wait a minute..."

"I LOVE ROSES!"

And finally, the Clothing Optional policy.

Eleanor and Isabelle became fast friends.

They took their eating as seriously as we did. In this strategic position, Eleanor could drop her favorites down to Isabelle.

Note the ham on the forehead.

This image of 100% cuteness brought to you by Matt.

We also got out and explored. We strolled the cobblestone streets of neighboring Lacoste.

And Calysta took us to the huge market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue.

Isabelle got to know the market's "Neigh Neigh."

The boys got out for a hike in the hills. Their bushwacking off the main trail forced them to survive with only their wits, ingenuity, and the hope that cold beer would be waiting for them if they ever got out. It was.

On Bastille Day, the town residents gathered at the top of the hill for Pistou (bean soup with pesto) and music.

Patriotic anthems? Rousing marches? No. The local teenage band playing, in their own words, "ska/reggae/funk/rock/jazz" and...

"...acoustic polka."

We couldn't quite make all that out in their Pink Floyd covers, but it didn't matter. We had a great time.

We also got out to dinner at a wonderful retaurant overlooking the valley. But while Dave and Laura enjoyed a stunning sunset...

Matt and Calysta ate by a mysterious blinding noonday sun.

Don't be surprised to see these pictures on our Christmas card.

Ah, Eleanor, how lovely...how angelic...how...

um.

Eleanor. Back away from the plum clafouti.

We prepared for one last feast by visiting Calysta's childhood friend, Stephane the butcher.

While he prepared our leg of lamb, Eleanor hung out with his daugher Clea.

Laura and Calysta took the lamb and cooked a memorable feast -- or rather, a fête!

And once again, we ate at the big table. Jason and Julia arrived just in time.

As our week came to an end, we said goodbye to Matt and Christie.

And our incredible hosts.

Eleanor gave Isabelle one last good night kiss, and we were up early the next morning for the journey to Italy.

2007-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Eleanor discovered the local community garden....

....where she took time to smell the flowers....

....and poach an unsuspecting tomato.

She's got a killer arm.

A shoe lover is born.

2007-06-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

We kicked off our summer with a sunny Memorial Day weekend in Rye visiting Nana and Grandpa.

Eleanor got carsick on the way up. Silver lining: playing in duffel bags on the side of the highway.

"Eleanor, how old are you?"

"Come again?"

"One more time!"

"Okay!" (Sixteen months for those of you keeping score.)

Beach time.

Eleanor helps Gunga Din plot his counterattack against the begonias.

Eleanor would have posed for this picture, but she had other things to do.

Like chew on this nozzle.

Lovin' the nozzle.

Back in New York, Laura goes incognito at the playground.

Eleanor gets fired up for lime eating.

Maybe not.

Adult Dave and Adult Laura celebrate their anniversary with dinner and Adult Conversation.

2007-05-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Eleanor celebrates her latest brawl.

And if you think she looks bad, you should have seen the other chair.

When not battling inanimate objects, Eleanor continues to enjoy Mommy's lingerie...

...orange juice...

...reading...

...and sunny days in Prospect Park.

Mom and Eleanor come to a meeting of the minds on string cheese.

This is how Eleanor looks most of the time.

May in Brooklyn means it's time for Sakura Matsui - the cherry blossom festival at the botanical gardens.

Last year's cherry blossom baby.

This year's cherry blossom baby.

Just going for a stroll.

Testing the waters.

Eleanor would like to leave you with one final thought: "woooohooooo!!!!!"

2007-03-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Blogger has revamped its site, and we have been experiencing technical difficulties.

But crisis averted. Now join us as we review Eleanor's fashion choices from the winter of 07.

Big this season is the blue helmet hat.

Also: stripes.

It's important to accessorize.

Eleanor sports the cabaret singer look.

Postmodern peek-a-boo.

Look out, people...

...gotta go.

Panty Raid!

Stop smiling! I take my panty raids very seriously.

At the playground with Mom!

Dude...

...I drank, like, eight bottles of milk.

2007-02-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

Pop Quiz

In this photo, Eleanor has been:

a) tasered with a stun gun.
b) hit by tranquilizer dart.
c) introduced to the Teletubbies.

In the freestyle standing competition, Eleanor received a 7.0 in technical merit and a 10.0 in presentation.

January 14, 2007, 2:35 PM: Eleanor enters her terrible twos a year ahead of schedule.

On Groundhog Day, Eleanor turned one! First, she celebrated with the mom's group.

With our beloved nanny, Christie.

Then, she got a visit from Cousin Ed's goatee...

...and Nana and Pop.

Eleanor gets her first taste of Nana's cake.

Cake coma.

If you haven't noticed yet, Eleanor likes cameras.

Bath time!

Sunset over Brooklyn.

2007-01-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Holiday pictures have arrived!

Eleanor wanted a Playstation, but Santa brought an oatmeal box and a wooden spoon instead.

Lovin' Nana's blocks!

Eleanor shares Dad's love of Tim Tam cookies.

Daddy pimped my ride!

The Fitzgeralds are easily amused.

Blueberry loves blueberries.

Eleanor's favorite gift of all: being allowed to climb into the "Socks and Shoes" drawer.

Christmas ended on a high note at the playground. Dress code: puffy.

After Christmas we travelled to Pensacola for the Annual Cute Cousins Convention.

Like most people, Eleanor enjoys eating entire lemons, rind and all.

More pictures from David and Utako's wedding to come...

2006-11-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2006 - Rye, NH

Thanks to Nana and Grandpa for hosting!

Manly Men Monitoring Meticulous Meat Carving

Eleanor gives the thumbs up to the feast.

Pool Time is Cool Time

Tonight on PBS: When Cousins Attack

Nana and Grandpa enjoy Ann's company.

Buddies

2006-11-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Far, far away...

in a terrifying castle...

in the shadows of a mysterious land...

there a resides a man so terrifying, so destructive, so evil...young parents everywhere shudder at the thought of him.

His name is...COUNT CRAPULA

He preys on unwitting couples across this land with the one thing parents love...and hate. BABY PRODUCTS.

One night, as the Fitzgerald family slept peacefully, Count Crapula descended upon their home, carrying with him an assortment of baby products so hideous, proponents of Feng Shui across the globe cowered in fear.

With reckless abandon, he cut a swath of destruction with atrocious plastics, hideous colors, and terrifying noise-makers!

Laura and Eleanor awoke to discover their apartment had been overrun!

"Help! Help! Help!"

"Run, Eleanor, run!!!"

"You can't escape from me!!"

What about my carefully considered West Elm shelving unit, decorated with Artesenal pottery and coffee table books about Frank Gehry?

Fie on you! I will use every square inch of your furniture for storing diapers and burp cloths! I will rip the words "neat" and "tidy" from your vocabulary!

I will hang plastic mobiles in every corner of your home!

Beware the sedative powers of aquatic themes!

Beware the hypnotic pull of lime-green, machine washable vinyl!

Beware of "Jumpin' Jazz" playing on a never-ending continuous loop!

Just when it looked like all would be lost, a light emerged from the end of the tunnel. Or rather, from the eco-friendly flourescent light bulb in the hallway. Daddy came home, and he was ready to reuse and recycle.

With his laptop and wireless internet connection, Daddy typed in the secret code: www.craigslist.org. Ads were placed. Emails were sent. Appointments were made.

And faster than you can say, "Made in China," an angel from heaven arrived on their doorstep, with the one thing that stops Count Crapula in his tracks...CASH.

"Not the bumbo! Not the bumbo!" Count Crapula cried.
"Begone, Count Crapula! Don't show your face around here again!"

"I'll go....for now. But beware! This isn't the end of me! Let's just say I call Barney and Pokeman my good, good friends. See you in a few years! Mwahhh Ha ha ha ha!!!! Mwah Ha ha ha!!!

2006-10-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

#7 on the "List of Things You May Not Know About Laura and Dave" is:

Every October we attend the Dachshund Parade in Washington Square Park, even though we don't own a dachshund.

Because when you think about it, few things in life are better than weiner dogs in costumes.

Eleanor had a great time, making friends and influencing people as usual.

The latest news from home: Eleanor has discovered standing.

And Peekaboo.

This month we travelled to Woodstock to hang out and walk in the woods.

Looks comfortable, huh?

Breakfast comes early around here.

Behold!

Laura practices her survival skills. If you ever get lost near your backyard fire pit, Laura is your gal.

In preparation for the cold weather, Eleanor enjoyed Hat Day.

It's starting to get a little crispy.

Cuteness gets around.

And of course...Halloween.

Eleanor starts a one-girl pumpkin patch in Prospect Park.

Yummy.

Party time.

Eleanor sends a clear message to ladybugs everywhere: "Don't mess with The Pumpkin."

See you in November!

2006-10-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

As summer came to a close, Eleanor enjoyed a visit to the annual Bluegrass Jamboree in Park Slope.

We travelled to New Rochelle to visit Kathy, Mark, Hizekiel, baby Ann, Nana and Grandpa.

And we got a visit from the Dalzells.

Here are the midwives that brought me into the world: Abby and Stacey, at the Clementine Midwifery Picnic.

We recently discovered the beautiful and historic Green-Wood Cemetery near our apartment. You can find us there on most sunny Sundays.

From the highest point in Brooklyn, Minerva waves to Lady Liberty. Either that, or she's waving to the luxury condos going for $500 a square foot.

Eleanor says "hi" to Leonard Bernstein.

In honor of the Plaque Man (Grandpa), Laura reads the scintillating details of Governor DeWitt Clinton's life. Dave nods politely and mutters,"that's interesting, hon."

Now that Eleanor has discovered the swings, a day doesn't go by without a visit.

Eleanor enjoys a little light reading in her spare time.

Stay tuned for more pictures soon!

2006-09-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Eleanor goes to the movies! Here are four short movies we just figured out how to upload. Not exactly the height of modern cinematography (hopefully we'll figure out how to get a higher resolution), but you get the gist. You may need to wait for the page to load properly...Enjoy!

WA WA

DRUMS

THUNDER STEPS

WA WA - THE SEQUEL

2006-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Penguins!

I know the metaphysical world is merely a crutch upon which to hang our feeble notions of space, time and existence, but what does it all mean?

This month, Eleanor visited with family and friends. Here's Mary Lou and Jeri at a summer barbeque on Long Island.

While visiting Chris and Jess, Jess killed with the old "bzzz bzzz bzzz" punchline. We think it will play in Peoria.

With Ozlem, our babysitter and one of Eleanor's favorite people in the whole world!

Over Labor Day, we visited the Micklewrights in the Berkshires. Here's David, Charlotte & Ben.

Charlotte-in-a-bag.

We went to the Blandford Fair, home to horses, cows and rain. Dave enjoyed the rousing tunes of the Shriners Band.

So did Eleanor.

Sherpas Emma Lhak-pa, David Pa-sang and Dave Phur-ba prepare to summit the "Poultry/Rabbit Show."

Laura loses both the battle and the war with this umbrella.

When the sun came out, we enjoyed the finer things of life in the Berkshires - hammocks and swings.

Here are some other recent pictures...

The Pink Panther says "bye for now!"

2006-08-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

What I Did On My Summer Vacation, by Eleanor Fitzgerald

Daddy mentioned something about being in "enemy territory" for too long, so he put this hat on my head and said, "Get me to New England!"

First Stop: Rye, NH to visit Nana and Grandpa

Behold the claw......

We sat on the deck...

and swam in the pool...

...and went to the beach.

We had lots of people come over for Michael's 7th birthday. I said hello to Aunt Sheila and Uncle Pat...

Happy Birthday Michael!

Finn helped Nana with her puzzle...

I thought it would be really fun to wake Daddy up at dawn one morning. He took me for a walk along the rocky coast, and I was surprised no one else was around. I mean, the sun is coming up, right?

Then we went to Boothbay, Maine to visit the Spears. They built this cool house in the woods all by themselves.

Camden, Simon and Ella

Mommy and Lester

New York meets Maine.

They have a pond, too!

There are a lot of boats in Boothbay. This is the ship they used in "Mutiny on the Bounty." Daddy said Mel Gibson made that movie before he became "Mr. Crazy Pants."

Captain Camden took Daddy out on the High Seas in the Mica.

Lester and Pam tought me how to steer.

Yum!

This is how I ride...

We also stopped in Portland to visit Ned, Hallie, Ezra and Tenley. And behold the claw...

On the way home we had lunch at Yale. Daddy said, "Go Bulldogs!" Mommy said, "Safety school!"

I convinced Mom and Dad to stop about six times on their drive home. Love those Dunkin' Donuts parking lots!

2006-07-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

Ready to crawl!

Ready for liftoff!

This is what happens when Mommy leaves the apartment for an hour.

If Heaven exists, it is filled with cardboard boxes.

"Daddy, why do you look like the evil, feather-haired wizard?"
"Daddy hasn't had his coffee yet, honey."

"You talkin' to me?"

2006-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Laura unleashes her inner hippie, becoming an expert in mei tai, maya and moby wraps. If you don't know what those are, stop by your local self-sustainable eco-commune...

....she also hand-knit this diaper cover to go over our new collection of "Happy Hempies." (No - this is not a new strain of hydroponic marijuana. You can wear it, and believe it or not, Eleanor does.)

Meet Eleanor's new friend, Emmit, also known as Señor Quackers...

Here are some more pictures from our weekend in Pensacola...

Cousin David and Eleanor

David and Utako

The Burnett Family

Jacob

Pop and Elizabeth

Pop and Blueberry

Saying goodbye at the airport

Bye for now!

2006-06-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the Eleanor Show on the road so that she could meet her adoring fans...

First stop - Pensacola, Florida. Eleanor endures the paparazzi with aplomb. Ah, the price of fame.

Cho Kawaiiiiii

With Nana and Elizabeth...

Eleanor was baptized on June 18 at Christ Church. Sheila Kelly (not pictured) and Penny Marx are the godmothers; Geoffrey Marx is the godfather.

The ceremony had some lovely touches, including a beautiful, handmade dress from Nana (which was once Laura's flower girl dress), David Marx's baptismal candle, and holy water from the River Jordan.

With Nana and Pop...

Eleanor, awash in preciousness.

"Ah, that's better! Let's party!"

Back at the ranch...David and Utako

Tamie, Eleanor and Annabelle

Robby and Johnny

Jacob, Annabelle and Elizabeth

Mom and baby

The family gets down to a good, old fashioned hootenanny...

Elizabeth supervises the serious business of icing the cinnamon rolls...

She gives Blueberry a dramatic reading of "Barnyard Dance", demonstrating how to twirl with the cow...

Beach day was a huge hit with everyone. Here's J-Man...

Eleanor kicked it poolside...

2006-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Early in her cage match against the tissue paper, Eleanor appears to be on the ropes...

But she quickly turns a corner, showing that tissue paper who's boss...

That tissue paper will think twice before challenging "The Dominator" again...

Although solid foods are still months away, Eleanor has started early, letting us know she prefers the big game of the Serengeti to strained peas...

Her sophisticated palette also includes human fingers...

And Octopus...

Cherry Blossom Baby!

Bath time

Eleanor's feet

Eleanor turned over on her belly all by herself, surprising Mommy, Daddy, and as you can see...herself.

Eleanor visits with Uncle Mike and Cousin Frances...

More fun with Eleanor...

2006-05-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

An Interview with Eleanor

Q: So, Eleanor, you're three months old. How's it going?
A: Being alive is fun!
Q: You sound excited.
A: Well, you know -- before I wasn't born. Now I am! Good times.

"Good times."

Q: What are your favorite interests?
A: The usual. I like music.
Q: Any favorite lullabyes?
A: Nah. I'm straight outta hip-hop. 50-Cent, Nelly, Kanye...
Q: Wow -- you sound like a gangsta.
A: That's how I ride.
Q: What about all those F-bombs?
A: What's an F-bomb?
A: Never mind.

Laura and Eleanor "in da club"

Q: What else do you like?
A: Teakettles, teakettles, teakettles.
Q: Huh. That's kinda weird.
A: Have YOU ever looked at a teakettle? I mean REALLY looked?
Q: Umm...
A: It'll blow your mind.

Q: I hear you're quite the night owl.
A: Some days, I'm like, "Sleep. Cool." Other days, you know....
Q: It's optional.
A: I have a standing invite to Mom and Dad: Party tonight. My crib. 2 AM.

Q: They must love that.
A: The way I see it, I'm doing them a favor. When else would they catch up on their "Bosom Buddies" reruns and Flowbee infomercials?

The flowbee. For more information, watch TV at 3 AM

Q: Speaking of hair products, there's a lot of buzz about that haircut of yours.
A: The faux-hawk. I was trend-setting in the womb.

Eleanor's faux-hawk

Q: Hollywood stars, professional athletes, supermodels - they love it!
A: Of course - just ask my pal, David Beckham. He loves the new look.

David Beckham B.C.E.: Before Calling Eleanor

David Beckham A.D.: After Discussing the merits of faux-hawks with Eleanor

Q: Any big plans for the weeks ahead?
A: Oh, you know, the usual: eat, sleep, career planning.
Q: Really? What are you thinking?
A: I'd like to take to the high seas.
Q: A sailor?
A: Sure, why not? I've already got the outfit.

Eleanor, ready for the high seas

Q: Well, it was nice chatting with you. Let's catch up again soon.
A: Okay!

2006-04-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

This week, Eleanor discovers the joy of jumping and attempts to propel herself at the speed of light any chance she gets...

She succeeds, teleporting through a black hole into outer space. This picture was taken on Pluto.

Back on Earth, she is treated to a rare performance of Laura's interpretive dance, "Ode to Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds.'" Limited engagement begins next month in SoHo.

She is also treated to a visit from our friend Calysta and a trip to Brooklyn's Botanical Gardens, where the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom...

Calysta's belly says, "See you in July!"

Dave, straight out the 'hood in his corporate casual khakis, teaches Eleanor the finer points of crunk.

2006-03-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Eleanor would like to wish everyone a happy spring!

Eleanor gets a great visit from Uncle Geoffrey...

If anyone needs their squeaky doors fixed, their laptops fixed, their cabinets fixed, their wireless internet fixed, their remote control fixed, their laundry doors fixed, or is interested in learning infant CPR.....Geoffrey is your man. And his rates are reasonable - all he asks is that he get to hang out with your cute baby. Thanks Geoffrey!

"Alright!"

In her spare time, Eleanor moonlights as a sheik. We hear it pays well, too.

2006-03-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Eleanor continues to score high on the cuteness meter.....

A great visit with the Kelly clan!

Eleanor tries to break the Guinness record for decibals produced by an infant....

Later, Dave succeeds in using the sling....victory!

Favorite activities include burping and sleeping...

"Sunlight....yikes!"

"Fight the power!"

2006-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Eleanor gets a visit from Aunt Jessie!

Nothing says "chill" more than feeding on a cotton onesie.....

Two New Moms

Nana, Laura, Eleanor, Ann, Kathy & Grandpa...

"WOW! Even though I can't really see more than a few shadows inches from my face, they're INCREDIBLE!"

Nana and Pop

2006-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

As the blizzard of 06 melts away...

...Eleanor gets ready for her first big adventure outside...

...tucked away in a Baby Bjorn, Eleanor and Dave fit right in with the other Park Slopers...Happy Valentine's Day!

Other big events this week - Eleanor gets her first bath...

...and a visit from Nana and Pop...

Don't be fooled. This precious moment lasted less than 30 seconds.

Nicknames in the running...

Ellie Belly
Poops McGee
Mango
The Boob Mugger
Goose Honker

With Nana

"Why I oughta....ah, fuhgetaboutit"

Eleanor gets a visit from Cousin Ed, who helps assemble the bouncy seat...

"IT'S ALL GOING ACCORDING TO PLAN....AH HA HA HA HA!!!!! AHHHHH HAAAA HAAA HAAAAA HAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

With Mom...

2006-02-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

Eleanor Morris Fitzgerald was born Thursday, February 2 at 12:34 a.m in Brooklyn, New York. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7 lbs, 6 oz.

For those interested in the naming background, Eleanor is Dave's grandmother's name, and Morris is a family name on Laura's side.

Bienvenidos a El Burrito!

Laura and Eleanor -- worn out, but excited to get to know each other.

The first picture of the Family Fitzgerald, home at last.

Dave's new trick: shushing and swaddling. Available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.

2006-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

Four days past our due date, we tried to get things moving with a walk in the spring-like weather around Park Slope. Still waiting . . .

2006-01-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here's the nursery (or as it's called outside of New York, "the walk-in closet"). Just waiting for the final addition . . .

Thanks to Mom and Dad for the paint job!