Boys in the Hood!

Luke Cresswell & Steve McNicholas are not just our old bosses; they're our friends and kind of responsible for all of the Stomp relationships .....at least I will give them credit for the successful ones. (smile) I guess, essentially the offspring which has come from the musical sensation show STOMP is to their credit too. We had a lot of babies enter the world over the past couple of years. I believe we could probably put together a junior cast if we wanted to.

Last week on a business trip, Luke stopped by to have lunch with us in Los Angeles. He is a extremely busy man and literally drove to the airport after our meal to catch a flight back to London. So, we felt really honored he squeezed us in. We had such a great time, we laughed and talked about what we were all up to. He met Marley for the first time which was really cool. And reminisced about back in the day.........ahhhh Good Times. I cannot believe how young I was, when I was first hired. All I can say is my 20's were awesome and I am so greatful for my career and all the friends I got out of it. And I found my husband! It's like the gift that keeps on giving! Thanks Luke

Our visit was a perfect Sunday, perfect weather and our local cafe gave us the royal treatment too! Luke was so impressed he asked them how much we paid them to give us such great treatment. The owner Tom greeted us at our table(at it was a crazy busy day), he gave us free drinks and chocolate cake! We looked pretty cool (wink). Thanks Tom..... If your ever in our neighbourhood check out Al Cove. We're regulars, the best ambiance and food.......it never disappoints.

Marley on Bongos

My little munchkin Marley loves hand drumming! For a nine month old he plays and dances with conviction and confidence, just like his daddy and mommy! For the past 5 weeks I have been performing in a show called the "Floor" in Hollywood. Its a fantastic cabaret show featuring vignettes of different styles of dance(salsa,burlesque,tango,swing,hip hop,tap and my section contemporary) to an amazing live Latin band. Before the show made its premiere I carried Marley along to my rehearsals. He was so overwhelmed by the movement and the percussive music; that it truly sent him in a trance. He would stare at the musicians, dancers and watch his mama move as well; which introduced him in this whole new world of communicating through rhythm and motion. When he hears a drum beats he cannot help himself by moving and this is something I truly believe he was born with. Without further ado............Master Marleeeeeeeeeey Best!

NINE MONTHS.....time fly's

HALLOWEEN 2009~ Z-French

I think I have reached my first big milestone being a Mom. This week Marley has made 9 nine months! He has been alive on the outside as log as he has been living in my womb. He is such an incredible baby. He is discovering, loving, laughing, and banging on any instrument he can get his hands on.

Marley is now coping with his 3rd tooth. He has been self soothing to himself by chewing on his fingers, teething bisquits, toys, etc. And I have been trying to comfort him in his teething pain by nursing or giving him homeopathic teething tablets. Sometimes, I feel so horrible that he has to endure this pain, but like I said he has been a champ.

Marley has been slowly falling in to a regular schedule with his naps, eating, nursing and sleeping time. I just really just try to be in tune with him and trust my natural instincts. The schedule changes every once in awhile due to teething, which causes fevers and diarrhea. When I see that he is tired, I try to take the opportunity to lull him to sleep. When he has his burst of energy I try to keep him entertained, by broadcasting everything we see, sing songs, play instruments for new sounds, look at picture books, and take lots of walks.

My favorite thing about Marley is his sense of humor. He is so funny! He loves to laugh and he is extremely ticklish! Loves kisses and enjoys cuddling with me. I love it. The day he no longer wants to cuddle with Mommy .....will be a Dark day for me. Which brings me to the why I wanted to write this blog. I am being totally melodramatic about this but I see his stage of a baby slipping. Just when I feel like I am getting really good at being a Mommy for this infant, he is already prying away from my arms in the quest for the freedom of walking on his own two feet and grabbing his spoon away to feed himself with his own two hands. He melts my heart everyday and we are having the time of my lives.

PHOTOS: This year we dressed up as a family. We were Z-French! We had fun and Marley wore his mustach well.

I love Drums

Look Mommy! I have my Two Bottom Teeth!

Well, Ladies and Gents

Marley's teeth has actually broken through his gums and protruded past his gum line! It is really difficult to get an 8 month old to show his bottom teeth so....I just snapped a picture when he was crying. I know....so cruel, but he will appreciate it when he's older. I cannot believe how fast this little boy is growing.

It has been such a joy to see and continue to see his face light up every time he discovers something new. I am learning so much from him, especially how to savor the moments and celebrate the present. We celebrate everything. We clap when he plays , sings, crawls, and every time we hear music.

Today we had our routine visit to Marley's doctor Dr.Bass. She said is is healthy and doing fine. He is 23.4lbs and 28 inches. He is in the 90 percentile for his weight and in the 75 percentile for his height. He is cruising any minute he can get the chance. It's becoming a sport that is keeping me very busy. If I turn my head for a minute he is on the other side of the room holding onto something standing up!! "They" weren't joking when they said it goes by fast.

We recently visited a petting Zoo and Marley loved it! He saw ducks, sheep, goats, pigs, ponies and a doe for the first time. It was so cool for me and Ahmed to watch him take it all in. Reliving childhood is really refreshing! It's like sitting under a tree on a beautiful day, drinking lemonade and watching humming birds play.

Marley piano's

Marley's confidence has grown exponentially this week. Now that he is becoming physically stronger his confidence level has skyrocketed. Maybe every little boy thinks they can fly? This week he stood up and played his little piano. I applauded and he looked at me and gave me the biggest smile! He was so proud.....I said "Yay, I am so proud of you baby!" Marley blurted out "blauhhhdthhthsh!"

Happy 8 months Marley!

I really cannot believe that my baby boy is 8months already! He entered this world with great energy and vivaciousness and he just continues to become this incredible loving force of nature. He never ceases to amaze me. This week, was filled with very important miles stones. Marley mimicked a lady waving goodbye! I could not believe he was opening and closing his big baby hands! The lady was trying to talk to him and I kindly reminded her that he is only 8 months old. But it would not surprise me if he just busted out a sentence. He is already trying to talk. He makes these popping sounds with his mouth. He looks like an little old man smacking his gums, but of course he's a lot cuter. Another 8 month mark for Marley is his keen sense of humor. When I play with him I would exaggerate my reactions to his actions. For example : If he has the Hiccups ....I would pretend to have the hiccups and he would laugh. So the other day he stared at me, sneezed in my face and he literally busted out laughing. I didn't even have time to imitate him, because I was so busy saying "Eewwwww Marley" It was so funny, I almost started crying!

But the real reason I wanted to record this blog was to announce that he is pulling himself up to stand. The reason why this is so important to me, is ....this to me is one of the first steps to his indepence. I am trying not to fast foward him to walking, and him not needing me to carry him anymore! I just cannot beleive how fast he is growing. When he stands.....the look on his face is priceless. It's almost as if he is saying "Look Mom, I'm flying!" He grooves he jams for a long time, like Little Richard! He is in love with music and dancing. I wonder where he got that from? lol I am just in awe of this little boy and I cannot take any credit. He is just himself and life is just so beautiful through his eyes. Thanks Marley