Niyah's 2nd Birthday

This past weekend I went to Philadelphia to celebrate my niece Niyah turning two. She had her shindig at the Dave & Busters down by the pier. The view was spectacular especially at night.

She's such a daddy's girl

When we first arrived she didn't want anyone near here except her mom

but as soon as DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba (David & Patience's friend Jon) showed up, she was ready to get the party started.

She had a blast playing all the games

and her auntie needed a drink after running behind her from game to game

It's amazing how fast she's growing. Let's see how terrible this two year old will get

His family weekend

This is the first time in quite a while that I've been off for the weekend and actually stayed in New York. I planned to go to church on Sabbath and have lunch with the big homie Greg because the boyfriend wasn't scheduled to be in town till Sunday morning but to my surprise he came on Friday night. *big smiles*

Saturday morning we drove Midnight to the Poconos accompanied by his oldest niece and sister to celebrate his niece Haley's 11th birthday. It was so great meeting the rest of his nieces and nephews and watching them climb all over him, referring to Nelson as their favorite uncle.

Although I'm not one for snow, I had to admit our surroundings were beautiful

Even Midnight enjoyed the snow

As you can see I'm not exactly dressed weather appropriate but I couldn't pass on this photo op

The next day we went to a Bronx SDA church banquet planned by Nelson's father. Now, I haven't been to a church banquet in over 10 years but it was nice getting pretty, connecting with his family and of course spending time with him.

Broken leg but not spirit

I got a horrible call last week. My niece Jasmyn broke her right fibula coming down the slide at school. When my sister in law J'nyne took her to the pediatrician, initially they said there was no fracture seen on the x-ray. But days later the little one was still crawling around, not able to put weight on her leg and crying when she had to be changed. Finally she grabbed her mother's face and said "Mommy I can't walk". At that very moment J'nyne knew something was definitely wrong. She took Jazzy to the orthopedics where they discovered the fracture.

She has the cutest PINK ♥ cast on her leg which she has to wear for 6 weeks. I wish I was in Nashville to kiss her boo boo and make it all better

But through it all my lil one is still smiling. She's such a trooper. Her leg might be broken but thankfully not her spirit

Hairspiration

My niece Jasmyn at only 2 years old already understands the versatility of having natural hair. She arrived in NY with a head full of 2 strand twists.

For Thanksgiving she wanted to spruce her hair up a bit so she untwisted a few of her strands and added a jazzy headband (pun intended).

Since she's in New York City, she wanted to show her sense of style so she decided on something young and hip while she shopped for black Friday deals and for some fun later at Chuck E. Cheese

On Sabbath morning, she wanted a more classy apperance. She slicked her hair back and let her curls sit on the top of her head. She added a black head band with a formal bow to finish up her look.

I must say, she's growing into a fly lil chica, just like her auntie ;-)

*Quick story*: My brother called me last night and said he was giving Jazzy a bath and she had the hiccups so he asked if she wanted some juice. She responded, "No, I just want my Titi Nicki".

That totally warmed my heart... how sweet is she?!?!

Thanksgiving 2010 weekend recap

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday! Not because of the food (although it's a close second) but because of the family I'm surrounded by. My grandmother passed away Thanksgiving week 7 years ago so it's only right we commemorator her memory every year by doing what she always encouraged: for us to always remain close, keep in touch and always remember that no matter what, we're family.

This year was extra special because my older brother Dean and his family was able to come to NY. They haven't been here for Thanksgiving since 2005 when Dylan was only 6 months. This was my first Thanksgiving without my little brother David. I'm so sad he missed out this year because of work but having his daughter Niyah here made things better.

On Saturday, our cousin Jr invited us over to his house on Long Island to just hang out since Dean isn't in town with his tribe (his wife and kids) that often. He cooked us a delicious meal and I enjoyed listening to the stories and memories my brother and cousins shared of growing up in Jamaica where my grandmother had them under heavy manners (a Jamaican saying meaning heavy discipline and punishment). I love hearing things about grandma that I didn't know before.

Jr had his Christmas tree up and we couldn't help but have a little photo shoot with the kids

Even my sister in law J'nyne and cousin Dawn got in on the fun

My cousin Jr and his girlfriend Anita

Nelson came to NY for the weekend making everything even better. He got a chance to meet my brother and cousins and everyone seemed to like him. We were so inspired by Jr's beautiful Christmas tree we decided to buy one when I go to DC next week. I can't wait!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I'm thankful for each and every one of you, my readers. Now click the follow button..lol!

So I lied...

So I lied. I said I was going to blog everyday of my vacation but that didn't happen. In fact I'm blogging about it weeks after the fact... sue me!!

All that matter is that I had a wonderful time with my family. I got to hang out with my two crazy cousins, Lauren and Janelle and Lauren's boyfriend Calvin the Brain...lol

I was able to suffocate my nieces and nephew and I got to witness really how great my brothers are as fathers...

all while watching dolphins, touching sting rays, swimming, hanging poolside, hoping to get splashed by Shamoo, riding roller-coasters, sharing whispers with my sister in law, eating like the beast I am, and of course sipping on things that make me giggle. I even got to see one of the first friends I made when I lived in Fl, Philip. I was even lucky enough to be around when you got his acceptance phone call into nursing school (congrats again).

And how could I forget heading down to South FL to help my cousin Lisa celebrate her graduation from her Physician's Assistant program. I also got to stay in her beautiful new home. The time we spend together is never enough and I hope to see her again soon.

I can't wait until next summer to make some new memories with some of my favorite people.

Auntie heaven

It's only been a few hours with my nieces and nephews and I'm already in heaven. I can't make a move without Dylan asking where his 'Titi Nicki' went. He made the declaration, "Everywhere you go, I want to go, everything you do I want to do."

We arrived at our hotel Embassy Suites in Lake Buena Vista just in time for happy hour (free drinks between 5-7pm...holla...lol). Over my margarita and the girls' slushies, Jayda looked at me with the most serious expression and asked, "Titi Nicki do you like me?" I looked over at her at giggled a little. I responded "Of course I do."She actually looked relieved and said, "Good because I love you!"

What more could I ask for?

Orlando... over 2 years later

I landed in a place I called home for over two years today... Orlando. Stepping out into the airport evoked feelings of nostalgia. When I lived here and would return from visiting New York, sadness normally filled my heart. I often would have to hold back tears thinking back on the few days I spent in NY and all the loved ones I left behind. Now returning over 2 1/2 years later, I'm consumed with a different set of emotions. I'm excited and can't wait to see what this week holds for me. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my cousin Lauren that I became awfully close with during my time in Florida, I'll be able to spend an entire week with both brothers at the same time and most importantly I get to smother and spoil my 3 nieces and nephew rotten.

This week is a chance for me to become rejuvenated, a chance to focus on the things in life most important to me and just leave the worries of life alone... even though it's just for a week.

So all of you stuck home in these last week weeks of summer, I'm inviting you to partake in my vacation along with me. I'm going to TRY to blog as much as possible since I've been seriously slacking and I should have the time and energy to write here... but PLEASE, PLEASE don't hold your breath...lol

Dylan's 5th birthday

Yesterday my nephew Dylan turned 5 years old and I'm in awe of how fast he's growing. I remember when I found out my sister-in-law J'nyne was pregnant and was actually due the same week of my college graduation (man I'm getting old). I was so mad! Because 1. my brother wouldn't be able to attend and 2. he was stealing my thunder! 2005 was suppose to be my year; you know graduating from school, landing a real job BEFORE I even graduated, moving to a new state and all but oh no there goes Dean expecting his first baby AND getting married two months later. I told him I planned on fainting as I walked down the isle at his wedding as payback.

Anyway I could never forget when I got the news that he was born. Daddy and I just checked into our hotel in Tampa (I was looking for an apartment for my big move) when I heard Dylan James Bernard was born. My heart swelled with so much pride and love and suddenly all the jealousy and selfish feelings vanished.

Even though he lives in a different state and I only see him a few times a year that doesn't stop the love that continues to grow in my heart. It's so funny to see him develop his own little personality, interests, and hobbies. I also secretly snicker and giggle at all the trouble he causes my brother Dean...lol. I can't wait to see Dyaln and his sisters this August (cross your fingers that I'll get the time off from work) and definitely in November when they come up for Thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday Dylan Titi Nicki loves you!

Dylan's end of the season soccer and basketball pictures!

Hello Auntie

I woke up this afternoon to the sweetest MMS ever, titled Hello Auntie! My sister in law J'nyne sent me pictures of my nephews Dylan and James and my nieces Jasmyn and Jayda at the YMCA getting their swim on. Dylan is getting so big and even more handsome and I can't believe Jasmyn isn't scared being in the pool. Jayda's infectious smile tells me how much fun she's having. I hate that I'm not close enough to watch them grow up but it's pictures like this that warm my heart and cause me to buy plane tickets to Nashville.

The Princess and the frog

Even my niece Niyah knows you have to kiss a few frogs before you can finally meet your prince

Niyah's 1st Birthday Party

My youngest niece Niyah, David's daughter, turned one last month but her birthday bash was held on Sunday in New Jersey. At first I thought it was ridiculous throwing a big birthday party for a 1 year old who wouldn't remember a thing. Her mother Patience explained it was a Nigerian custom that the first birthday be a huge celebration. I still wasn't convinced until I saw the love that filled the room yesterday.

Niyah is lucky to be apart of two cultures with rich history and customs but she's blessed to have so many people in her life that love her.