American Lung Association

One of the very best things in my life is my husband, Benjamin. He makes me proud every day, is a truly amazing father and is a doting husband. Those are the reasons I love him everyday. A few times a year he challenges himself in physical challenges in order to benefit a charity or organization and that just makes me adore him more. This year he ran up thirty four flights of stairs at Trump Parc in downtown Stamford in full gear. It was a sight to see, as there were many top athletes and firemen taking on this challenge. Ben completed the challenge in 7 minutes, 50 seconds. Much faster than I would ever do it!

Words cannot really express how I feel when I see him complete one of these events. I am so proud of his physical ability as well as his compassion and drive to raise money for such important causes.
I love you darling!

Firefighter Combat Challenge

Yesterday, Ben competed in the Firefighter Combat Challenge which took place in Marlborough, MA. There are competitions a few times a year and this was his first time competing. The day was supposed to be rainy and cloudy but we lucked out and the sun came out! Charlotte, Ben, my friend Suzanne and I made the trip up to the location, which was held at a mall. Lucky for me! They set up the course in a large part of the parking lot. This was a two day event; Friday and Saturday.
Ben had no idea what to expect. The top competitors who travel around and do this do it in under two minutes! The men who compete all "look" very fit and healthy. I don't remember the specifics as to the weights of everything, but they had to complete the course in full gear with an air pack. We saw many men drop in the last part of the course which is dragging the 175lb dummy. There was even a 59 year old retired firemen who completed it! You have six minutes to complete it.
Ben completed the course in 3:39 and we are so proud of him!

Westport Fire Children's Christmas

Today we went to the firehouse for the children's holiday party. It was a lot of fun, Santa came to the children in a firetruck with all the lights on! It was a bit chilly, so we stayed inside and watched from the windows. Charlotte had a great time...she mostly enjoyed watching some children play Hungry, Hungry Hippo. She was the youngest one there and of course, everyone ate her up!

Charlotte and Aurora Take Westport!

Today was a very exciting day, reuniting with a long time friend who I have not seen in years. We always loosely kept in touch but then we discovered we were pregnant at the same time and reunited over email. Life brought her back to CT, so we finally made a date to get together! Aurora is so adorable and so sweet and calm. We had a nice day of playing, shopping and attempting to have a little lunch, despite Charlotte's other plans at the time!

Overlooking the Saugatuck River in Westport.

Charlotte took Auroras bow right off her head! Aurora knew what was going on and immediately went to get her bow back!

Charlotte is standing on her own for moments at a time! She lost her shoes, which are currently too big..oops!

Charlotte had no shortage of getting into trouble, which included knocking over her entire stroller...judging by her faces, she was quite pleased.

Beautiful mommy, Christine with baby Aurora.

Visiting Dad at the station...we absolutely love seeing Dad in action. We are so proud of him everyday and it is important that Charlotte sees where Daddy goes all the time! There were two other firemen at the station, and Charlotte made a point to hide behind chairs and flirt with them...

Some pretty fall shots...

Goofing off! We tried to get Charlotte in on the "self portrait" fun, but she was too busy watching the main road and people going by! Overall, it was the perfect Fall day.

Lilly Pulitzer fun!

Ben and Charlotte are on the Lilly Pulitzer website!

Memorial Day 2009

I have to admit, I love toe pictures and this is one of my favorites yet.

What an amazingly perfect day we had. We went to the parade, which was so wonderful because it was Charlotte's first parade. She got to see her Father march in it, though she was mostly checking out all the lights and noises. I, as well, absolutely adore watching him in the parade and it is one of my favorite days of the whole year.

It was such an amazing day filled with those celebrating those who have served our country and have a good time. We went to the Westport parade, shopped, ate and then ended the day at the Southport picnic, thrown by the Southport Fire Company of Fairfield.

Charlotte watched with such intrigue, all of the events of the day. She may have mostly enjoyed nibbling on the pickles at lunch, but we more than enjoyed watching her take in another beautiful day.