Sometime in the midst of Milo's third feeding of the day, which was still very early for his parents, the phone rang. Mama and Papa looked at each other, Papa sprang for the phone, and, surprise! Family from the West Coast, on a supershort visit to New York City.

Lucky parents, to have cousin Ibrahim in our apartment, whose presence is so important (he married us!) and so calming. Lucky Milo, to have cousin Issa making him smile and cuddling him to sleep. Two adorable peas in a pod (or an orange chair). Issa made his famous eggs for our breakfast, with croissants that Papa had bought as a special 3-month treat. And our apartment has the aroma of Northern California, brought on by a gift of eucalyptus branches dotted with cala lilies, amaryllis and a gorgeous red rose.

All in all, a very auspicious 3-month marker for the little guy, and a warm-happy start to Mama and Papa's weekend.