Antonia's first birthday!

We're in the process of hiring a new professor for our department and though we've only met one of the potential new profs, it has me thinking that my free time is not spent in exactly the same way as these enthusiastic new candidates. Our visitor explained to us today that it's good to have projects outside the dissertation and that he gets up at five to work on one of his translation projects. This makes me feel very very lazy. But then I have to remember that I'm working that hard too. It just might not be for school... Can a baby count as a side "project"?

In fact, a week ago I was working so hard to get ready for Antonia's first birthday party that I almost sliced my finger clean off while cutting baguette! Luckily we had several medical professionals among the guest list so I was able to swaddle my finger to get through the party without having to go in for stitches.

We had a full house for the party and Antonia had a great time with so much attention. Though I have to say, it was a bit crazy with 40 adults and 20 kids under 4. Next year we may have her birthday party in a park in July...
Antonia's morfar came all the way from Italy but her favorite Auntie Sara wasn't able to make it due to an emergency appendectomy in Brooklyn. Other family took part via screen. Thank goodness for Skype.

I made a "healthy" first cake, a pumpkin apple cake with tons of cardamom (my favorite spice) Here's the blog I got it from:

CAKE!

Antonia received many great books! (we had asked friends to contribute to her library). And she was also spoiled by various family members!

Presents from the family

Cadeau de grand-mère et grand-père! 

Coucou Auntie Sara!

Woah! Bumble bee car!

Leeminh: WANT.

Please don't be alarmed at our cheesy matching outfits. It was totally worth it! 

We forgot to take a picture before cutting the adults' cake...

Baby cake, adult cake 

In conclusion, to all the people who ask me if I have a hard time juggling my "professional/academic" life with my family life: I'm a Mama PhD! And it's worth it.

Antonia's first Christmas

Never fear good readers, I am back to blogging! We had a great Christmas vacation in Tucson, Arizona and since coming back to Pittsburgh, things have been hectic. It's always difficult to start a new semester. No matter how many times I've walked into a classroom full of new faces, I always have a rush of adrenaline the first class and a wibble wobbly first week of getting used to the new routine. But here are some pictures from our wonderful trip, when school was the last thing on my mind. 

We left right before Christmas and took a direct flight to Phoenix where we met up with Auntie Sara and drove straight to Tucson (with only a quick stop at Dairy Queen). Antonia had a great flight, thanks mostly to being able to play with a water bottle. The many new toys I had bought, and the Yo Gabba Gabba we had to watch were not HALF as exciting as the contents of the seat pocket and water bottle. 

Sponsored by Evian. Right guys?

Trooper

We stayed in the "kids' section", where Antonia practiced her spider manning along every vertical surface. The trip was a good mix of sun, good food, relaxing by the pool and taking advantage of the time with family. 

Talking to the baby in the mirror

Mamie, Antonia's 92 year old great-grandmother made a birthday cake to no one. 

Drinking a tiny glass of wine. 

Decorating the tiny tree.

The tamale corn husk angel on the top of our tree. 

Cozy

A tender moment with Papa.

Passed OUT.

Gorgey chocolate cake from a local French bakery with dark ganache. As of December 24th, I'm a thirty-something!

Antonia's stocking. Mum mums and her favorite barnyard toys given by our friend Stacy.

Mamie gave Antonia her first Eiffel tower with a nipple on top.  

First horseback ride on Aunt Kit's horse Rocky! 

Teddy bear cholla

Yoga on the roof at sunset. 

Falling asleep with Mumia and the new baby doll.

Trying to reenact my first Christmas photo shoot with my Christmas doll and dress. 

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine... wa wa wah...

We went to Mamie's church. No one objected when Antonia had to nurse in the middle of the service! 

Sabino canyon tram ride and hike

Playing baby pool at Kit's house.

Which one was born in 1920? Which one in 2011? 

Saying goodbye to the sun for a while. The car ride to Phoenix went well because Antonia slept the whole way. We only had to listen to Whitney Houston's "I will always love you" a couple times! (It's the only thing that calms her when she's taken over by car rage) The plane ride was another story. We witnessed some of our first tantrums. The future looks whiny! 

Going home

Crawling home. 

Happy New Year!