Fall Yard Work

This beautiful Sunday, Daddy decided it was time to trim the fig tree. It had gotten so big that we couldn't even walk between it and the fence. Mia used this time to show us her tricycle skills that she has refined at preschool.

Then, we had to decide what to do with the branches. Instead of just moving them to a pile to be taken away for mulch, Daddy decided to build Mia a pseudo-Sukkot. Mia attends preschool at the local synagogue and has been learning about all the recent Jewish holidays including Sukkot. She particularly enjoys snack in the Sukkot at the synagogue and several times has asked for a Sukkot at home. Since we are not Jewish, we weren't really up for building our own (though we'll be in trouble when she finds out that her friend Adleigh gets one and she doesn't), but we did a make-shift version using the fig branches and her play tower. Mia declared it not to be a real Sukkot, but she was happy to spend some time in it all the same, especially if Baby Brother joined her.

An Average Saturday

We've fallen into a pretty regular routine now that Mommy is back to work, CJ's in day care, and Mia's in preschool.

CJ's doing well in day care, but still not eating much. It must be just too exciting with all the other kids around. So, instead of eating all day, he eats from the minute he gets home until early the next morning.

He's also practicing his sitting skills. We've had some good progress in the last week, but it is still pretty short lived.

"Look Daddy! I'm doing it. I'm upright!"

"Oh no, not again.....
At least this time I'm on a comfy bed."

CJ loves tummy time. (Yes, bizarre, we know.) Using the boppy really lets him get some height and see the world.

Until his sister comes to "show her love." Mia's getting better about understanding the phrase "Don't squish your brother," but there is still a ways to go. They do just adore each other.


And, being the two year old that she is, a morning would not be complete without a good spin.
You may notice the potty seat in the background. We've been taking potty training at a pretty slow pace. Mia's currently at the stage that she's wearing big girl panties when we're at home and pull-ups at school or when we go out (unless we're feeling particularly daring). Her teacher recommended going to school in panties as soon as we have an accident-free weekend. We're not there yet, but today was our best day yet. Only two accidents and five stickers on the sticker chart! Mia has asked for Zoe and Abby dolls (from Sesame Street) when she has a whole week of no accidents. Wish us luck!

Picture Taking and Posting

We are definitely getting worse and worse at taking and posting pictures. We've been to the local art fair, had our annual block party (huge success with the moon bounce), and Mia's started swimming classes, but we've not taking pictures let alone posted any.

So, we'll rely on the professional again to give you another photo. Rashmi posted a quick picture of CJ to her website. Enjoy!

Rolling Over and Other Happenings

CJ has rolled from his tummy to his back a few times since he was about 8 wks old, but since he didn't do it consistently, we basically considered them flukes. Then last night, at exactly 14 wks old, he rolled from his back to his belly over 4 times. We tried to capture it on video, but the timing was always off. (For reference, Mia rolled from tummy to back early, but not back to tummy. CJ is pretty strong. Here is a link to what Baby Center says about rolling over.)

CJ is also pretty good at scooting and spinning. It isn't real locomotion yet, but he definitely isn't in the same place you put him down in after a few minutes.

In other general news, we had our first non-emotional drop off at preschool for Mia this morning. The last two weeks have been a hard transition, but we're clearly making progress. Nina and Taid are back from their vacation in Europe attending Alan's baptism and enjoying some time in France with friends. Jabber has gone back home and we will miss him, but Mom and Dad appreciate the lack of dog walking duties.

Happy Monday!

The Wonders of a Great Photographer

Yesterday, we met up with Rashmi Pappu to take some pictures of the kids and us as a family. We first met up with Rashmi through Mia's friend Sienna's parents when Mia was 4 months old* and again when Mia turned 1. She created our first family Christmas Card with Mia and took most of the shots of Mia around our house.

We met up with Rashmi at Nina and Taid's house to use their wonderful gardens, yet still be at "home" for easy diaper changes and food breaks. In just two hours, Rashmi got a wonderful set of shots that really show the kids and even make Mommy and Daddy look great

So, in just a little over an hour after she left us, she already had some photos up on her blog. Check them out and enjoy!

*If you look at the shots of Mia at 4 months, she may look very small. Well, she is, compared to CJ. She weighed 1 1/3 lbs less at 4 months than he did at 2 1/2 months!

Happy 3 Months

Happy 3 months of life to CJ and 3 months as a wonderful big sister to Mia!

First Day of Preschool and Day Care

Mia started her new preschool today and CJ had his first day of day care.



Both had a fantastic time. Mia's attending Agudas Achim Preschool and is going to be taking gardening, science class, a class in American art, Spanish, and gym in addition to the regular morning preschool program. CJ is taking Mia's spot at the day care Mia started going to at 12 weeks old, too.

CJ 2 month Stats

CJ had his 2 month doctor's appointment today and he's growing like a weed. Now I know why we've had to move into some 6 mo clothes!

Weight - 13lbs 4 oz (64th percentile)
Height - 24 inches (67th percentile)
Head circumference - 15 3/4 inches (31th percentile)

The doctor was very impressed with his neck control, ability to push himself up on his tummy, and that she got a huge smile from him. She said he was doing a lot of things she normally sees at the 4 month appointment.

The shots weren't fun (4 plus an oral vaccine), but all in all, not a bad trip.

CJ Update

Here are just some fun pics of CJ from a recent morning of playing in the Boppy.

River Vacation

We just got back from a fabulous time in T I Park, NY (also known as The River, sine it is on an island in the middle of the St Lawrence River).

Here are a couple of our favorite shots and a link to all of the ones we liked.

Mia, CJ, and Mom looking at the River from the Pavillion

Mia playing in the flowers

Mia driving the boat

Mia, Dad, and CJ

Cousin Eleanor, Grandma, Grandpa, Mia and CJ

Uncle Matt and Cousin Eleanor

Oh, and Happy Birthday to Mommy today!

A Cross Country Play Date

Mia and CJ had a cross country play date with Christopher and Matteo, sons of our friends Mike and Michael, when they made a trip to DC on their east coast tour this month. It was great to see the kids playing together as they had only seen pictures of each other before. Mia and Christopher hit it right off and had a fabulous time together.

Michael had to protect Matteo's head from being squashed by the older kids as they raced around.

CJ and Matteo enjoyed sharing the play mat.


Christopher really enjoyed the fish.

Fun on a Rainy Day

Mia loves rainy days because it is a great excuse to put on her raincoat and boots, two of her favorite articles of clothing.

Here she is getting ready.

And then the puddle jumping begins!!

A Vineyard Visit at 5 Weeks?

Yes, CJ has already been to visit a vineyard.

We met up with Mommy's high school friends Megan and Jaime at Old House Vineyards, where Megan works. Jaime's son Connor and husband Rob (taking the picture) were able to join us, though Connor had a big of fun playing in the water fountain thus the lack of clothes for the picture. Megan is expecting her first child in September.

Just a Nice Sunday

Here are just some fun pictures of Mia from today.

A Lesson in Building with Blocks

We started out the morning with Mia and Mommy building a block bed for Bitty Baby.

Then, Mia decided that she could use a nap more than Bitty Baby.
Of course, Mia had to teach CJ all about blocks. We are very thankful that these are the lightweight cardboard kind that don't hurt when the fall over. Otherwise, CJ (and the rest of the family) would definitely have many more bumps and bruises.

And of course, Mia decided that CJ couldn't have Daddy's lap to himself so she had to join in the cuddle time.

Tummy Time

Christopher seems to dislike tummy time much less than Mia did. He was actually kind of happy when I ran to get my camera to get some video of him, but by the time I returned...

(The blanket on top of the play mat is the doll quilt Grandma made for Mia, but that Mia insists on CJ using.)

Hanging Out on a Hot Sunday Afternoon

On hot weekends, we get to enjoy Nina and Taid's pool. Mia is definitely turning into a little fish.



CJ enjoys sleeping in the shade.

Grandma Visits

Grandma came to visit for a week to meet CJ and help while Mia's day care was closed for summer vacation. As seems to be typical lately, we forgot to take lots of pictures, but we did get some just before Grandma left to go home.

Mia refused to sit down for a group shot.
We can't wait to see Grandma and the rest of the family at the River in just a few weeks!

Recipient of the Social Smile Award Goes to...

Mia!

Yes, Mia was the recipient of Christopher's first recognized social smile. (He has smiled and laughed a lot since birth, but not for/at a person until today.) Sadly, we didn't get a picture of it and both Mom and Dad were a bit jealous that Mia got the first one, but it is probably a good sign that despite the poking and prodding, Christopher seems to still like his big sister.

The Double Stroller

Since we like taking walks as a family and even walk to Nina and Taid's on occasion, we got a double BOB stroller. We loved our single one so much that we just couldn't pass up the smooth suspension and (almost) effortless push of the BOB.

After a long walk home one evening from Nina and Taid's, we pulled into the driveway with two sleeping children. Perfect bliss.