Happy Independence Day, Ya' Loon!

For twenty years now, my family and I have visited a magical place in the Adirondacks called Fernloch.  Our dear friends, The Roe Family, have so graciously shared this space with us and made it feel like a second home.  This weekend, I brought Felix to Fernloch for the first time.  It was so amazing to have Felix in a place that has built so many wonderful memories.  Caroga Lake was where I first waterskied, where my Mom and I spent girls weekends weaving baskets, where my Dad danced to Delbert McClinton while drinking Cactus Juice, where I shoveled snow off of a make shift ice rink, where Eden broke his leg, where I picked blueberries in to a coffee can, where I partied with my girlfriends during my hen weekend, and now - where Felix rode on a boat for the first time and we saved a loon.

Did you know loons mate for life and share nesting duties?
Think about how much those two facts are really connected... hmmm.
This is a momma loon and her baby.  I did not take this picture,
but I have equally amazing shots on the way.  Stay tuned.

UPDATE:  More pictures and the story of the loon are now on my facebook page.

The New York State of Mind... is Finally OPEN!

Tonight, I witnessed history being made from the comfort of my own overstuffed arm chair.  I watched the New York State Senate say YES to Marriage Equality on the tube, while checking my laptop every few minutes for status updates from friends closer to the action - watching live at the Capitol.  Glass of wine in hand, sweats on, and baby sleeping peacefully on my lap.  I hugged Felix really tight after I heard the good news.  Because he was alive to "watch" history with his mommy and because the world he lives in will (hopefully) be a more open-minded and tolerant place.

Photo of The Empire State Building... gone gay!
(from Buzzfeed.com)

So... who needs a wedding planner?  You've got 30 days to plan if you want to get married on day one!  I'm up for the challenge!

Mommy Outing, A Review.

Peek-a-boo!

Did I mention what we did on Mother's Day?  I don't think I did.  Blame it on the busy life of a new mom.  Here's the update and a review of a stay-cation spot located near the 518.

Babeland's Father of the Year!

Steven Keaton... George McFly... Atticus Finch... Fred G. Sanford... Cliff Huxtable... Homer Simpson... Darth Vader... Phil Dunfey...

On the long list of dear-old-dads, my favorite one is Terence Lynch.

He works all day, just to keep trucking through the night... getting our little love nest ready for mama and baby bird.  He fills our world with music, laughter, and love.  We're so lucky to have him!

Happy Father's Day!

Love, Felix

... and his mama!

Remember way back when?  Felix's first day home.
Rocking with his daddy in the warm sun glow.

Carly in the Kitchen: Key Lime Cupcakes

Helpful Hint:  Don't eat the lime.  Save it for a shot of tequila.

Recipe & What Not After the Jump...

the family that rocks together...

Months ago I made it known that I wanted to go to Mountain Jam.  It's a music festival... and we're "music festival people."  Michael Franti. Umphrey's McGee. Grace Potter. The Avett Brothers.  Ryan Montbleau.  The lineup was looking pretty fantastic and it's less than twenty minutes from our doorstep, on the same mountain Terry and I both learned to ski and snowboard on.  Any other year, it'd be a no-brainer... sure, off to the jam we'd go.  But THIS year, well... I don't think Terry quite took me seriously.

A Perfect Day on the Mountain.
06.04.11

51 Percent.

Thanks Rosie and Feministing.com, for directing me to this too true (and also very comical) take on Beyonce's latest hit... which I could probably shake my ass too, but will think twice about next time I'm all up in da' club getting my freak on (yeah, like that happens).