FAMILY REUNION

So, two weeks ago we had a lovely and amazing family reunion here in South Beach (yes I'm still playing catch up). It's hard to believe it was only two weeks ago, it seems like Max has changed so much since then. Unfortunately, I don't have many funny anecdotes as I think I was in a semi-fog the entire time, trying to coordinate plans and keep up with Max's feedings. But luckily I have pictures to remind myself I was really there, I've pasted some below.

Max is so lucky to have so many people love him. He got to meet his Great Grandma Helen (G-Gma) who will soon teach him to be a card shark and to search for found money ("HEAD DOWN" - Grandma's one and only rule), and his Great Grandpa Bob (G-Gpa) who didn't tell the famous Bushmaster story this time, unfortunately, but next time we'll make sure he does (if only to help Max get to sleep....jussssssst kidding Grandpa) and his Great Papa Ralph, who Max will be lucky enough to have many dinners with soon enough - Italian of course. He also met his uncle Zack, Aunt Sarah and cousin Thea. See video below of Thea and Max's first eating, I mean meeting, she wants her 'Babyback'. SO sorry for my loud voice and horrible cinematography - I was going for the Spike Jonze/Being John Malcovich 'shaky handeld camera' style :) Thea is so freaking adorable, I can't believe Max will be her age soon enough...

He also got to meet Aunt Phoebs for the first time - VERY important meeting with the person who will teach him eye rolling, professional "ughing", give him good insights on how to make fun of his mom and give said mom much-needed gossip chats and emails (see cutey photo of she and Thea below). He got to spend more time with Uncle E, who is finally getting less nervous to hold him (men are so scared about holding newborns, they think they will break them. I mean, I've already dropped him three times, whats the big deal? j/k), and of course his G-ma Carolsie and "The Jimbo". Yes, my dad is insisting on being referred to as "The Jimbo" which is ironic considering the Seinfeld episode about speaking of yourself in the third person happens to be someone named Jimmy... that's all I'm saying :) Max does love his Jimbo though, cute pic of them passed out together. I'm also amazed at my mom (G-ma) and how, even though her youngest was a baby 22 years ago, she seems to remember exactly what to do and how to do it; which is especially amazing considering she can't seem to remember our names half the time or the fact that she is on the phone while she is speaking to us (cue Eli's imitation of mom and Lynny on the phone "catching butterflies" rather than actually saying anything). But mom, you are amazing with Max and he sure does love you, & I wouldn't survive without all your advice!

So, that's the wrap up of the family reunion...can't wait for "take two" in South Carolina this summer. Stay tuned for the next MAD MAX MANUEL blog entitled FIRST BLOOD.