Happy Birthday Grandma

Last Sunday, the family got together for my Grandma's 84th birthday. She moved down to New Jersey, from Queens, about five years ago and has since become quite the popular neighbor in her building. (Not to boast, but what former Rockette wouldn't be? She still does a mean kick.) We celebrated her big day in the party room where she lives and it turned out to be perfect. Her and her friends in the over-80 category worked like little elves and decorated the room with balloons and festive table cloths the night before. Even more perfect, was the delicious food everyone brought. From antipast, eggplant parmesan and baked ziti to chocolate-covered strawberries and cookies; we did some serious eating at this birthday.

Ms. Vera Ceci

I've been close with my Grandma ever since I was a wee little one, so it's always a lot of fun to spend days like this with her. I can't even describe how proud she was to introduce all of us to her friends. It was probably the highlight of the day. The only person who could have made the day even better was my cousin Jill who, unfortunately, was out in Minnesota visiting her boyfriend Justin.

Mom, Uncle Wayne and Gram

My cousin Leigh and brother Matt

My Mama and Me

Dad and Aunt Rosie

My sister Kerry and cousin Lauren. Not only is she a cutie-pie, she can color like nobody's business.

"Say Cheese"

Chatting over coffee.

The Ladies

It was a day filled with eating, talking, coloring books and more eating. Until next time ... that's all folks!

Ra-Ra for Ta-Tas!

This past Sunday, my family got together for an American Cancer Society breast cancer walk in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. My Aunt Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and, thankfully, after catching it in a very early stage and undergoing the necessary treatment, she is now cancer free. We walked to support her and everyone who is affected by this awful disease.

I have to give exceptional props to my 83-year-old Grandma, who walked the entire 5K distance, only stopping a few times to rest. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with lymphoma, but remains unbelievably strong - not even the toughest chemo got in her way. I am proud to have such brave women in my family!

A few humorous catchphrases kept the mood of the walk light, here are some that I remember: 1) Ra-Ra for Ta-Tas 2) Save 'em all, big or small 3) T.I.T.S (Together In Tough Situations) 4) Keep 'em bouncin!

A Family Affair

Last weekend I went upstate for the christening of my cousin Brant's two children, Sean and Katelyn. With the exception of my Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ed, it's not often that we get together with all of my dad's family, so I was really looking forward to it. For starters, Brant and his wife Tara live in this beautifully restored farmhouse in Putnam County, that dates back to 1820. Needless to say, my historical-house aficionado parents (and myself) were enraptured. Homes back then were built with such character, from the wide-plank wooden floors to the detailed molding on every door frame and fire place. Brant is an expert handyman and crafted this 190-year-old home into a modern day country-chic abode.

Lake Carmel, Putnam County, New York

As is common at christenings, there were little kids everywhere. One particularly curly haired little boy named Donavan, inspired me to tuck his name away in my back pocket, as a possible name for a little boy of my own one day. (In the far off future, I reassured my family.) What can I say, I have a thing for Irish boy names. The crème de la crème, however, were Brant and Tara's two ridiculously adorable kids.

My mom and Katelyn

Sean is almost two-and-a-half and Katelyn three months - you just want to eat them both up. Katelyn reminds me of my sister Kerry, who had enough rolls in her arms and legs as a baby to feed a small family. I don't know what it is about fat babies, but they melt my heart. While Sean was off playing with the other kids, humorously slipping down the Slip N' Slide, me and my mom couldn't get enough of Katelyn. Unfortunately, the poor thing has acid reflux (!) and has to take a special medicine after her bottle. My cousin Dan's girlfriend Yasmin learned this the hard way, after being the lucky recipient of a healthy dose of baby spit up. I was lucky enough to steal her away from my Uncle Jeff and hold her for an hour. And while her pudgy little feet popped open the buttons on my dress, giving everyone a very unintended view of my midrift, I loved every moment.

What a face!

After a wonderful day, I took Metro North back into the city with Dan and Yasmin. In fact, we almost missed the train because Dan was saddled with the important task of filling a cooler with beer for the trip. (Did I mention we were Irish?) Between the cold beers and entertaining stories, it was a perfect ending to the day.

I guess I just have a soft spot in my heart for family, and fat babies, because I got home feeling really happy. For me, no matter what else is going on in life, it's always comforting to recharge the ol' battery with family.