Chicago celebrations

The last time I woke up at 8:30 in the morning? Can't remember. Ages ago. True, I wake up and get up earlier because I like the mornings. I like the delicate light, I like breakfast, I like having the day before me. Nonetheless, it was rather luxurious to not even consider waking up until 8:30.

Outside -- unmentionable temperatures. I'm not sure new record lows were set, but there is a felt imbalance taking place on our planet -- too warm, too cold, too wet, too dry. Today definitely belongs to the too cold category.

View out my window? Same as the last few times I was here! I'll aim the camera that way, for variety.

I Uber to my daughter's place. Many things going on there today. Let me just throw some out to give yo an idea: babka tasting, croissant bread pudding making, girl dancing, and importantly: birthday celebrating!

We are a day off in celebrating Juniper's 4th, nonetheless this is definitely her moment. Presents, cake -- it all falls on this Sunday. And she is ready for it! 

But first, my milky coffee with a slice of chocolate babka from Breads Bakery in NYC. 

Now, about that croissant based baked pudding (translated from a recipe straight from a Venetian kitchen):

While the "pudding" is baking, the kids want to show me a video clip from when Juniper was just two months old. She said the name Primrose! It was her first word... I have my doubts. At two months? It's not an easy word to say, even for a two year old. 

But they find the video clip. And it's true! By some miracle known only to the babe herself, we distinctly hear it -- Primrose.

Okay, croissant pudding is ready! Brunch time.

It is outstanding. I am not kidding. Out of this world good! (I do have to admit, however, that the kids were slightly more impressed with their chosen cookies for dessert.) 

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Let's focus now on the birthday girl!

Are the balloons ready?

Is the girl up from her nap?

Is her sister back from the Nutcracker?  Can I do our famous timed release selfie?

Let the party begin!!

With present opening, a supper of favorite foods...

And of course, the birthday cake. Rainbow, because Juniper loves a good rainbow cake.

Happy,  happy birthday to you!

She will have many firsts in the year ahead. New travel adventures, new school -- those are the obvious ones. She is a determined, imaginative, clever and affectionate child, with a fierce love for her family. May the year truly shine for her!

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The evening ends with a lighting of the Menorah. We have among us an observer of Hanukkah and today is, of course, the first night of Hanukkah. 

 

 

 

To all who are lighting that first candle tonight -- happy Festival of Lights! 

 

with so much love...