Maya's Jewish Christmas

Kevin and I decided to take Maya to Connecticut to see the family at Christmastime. Maya came down with a cold the day we left, so she began the trip a little under the weather. She always has a great time at Grammy and Grampy's house though. Nora, Adam, and Debbie came home, and she also got to see Nana, Papa, Bubbe, Kevin, and Cousin Tyson over the weekend. It was a jam packed weekend, and we drove home last night, exhausted from the trip. Today, it's back to normal again. We don't have much going on this week, and we'll probably spend New Year's Eve going out to eat locally. Maya is going o use this week to catch up on her beauty sleep, and to get rid of her cough and cold. She seems happy to be home, but I know she misses her big family in Connecticut!

"Christmas in Connecticut is fun! I didn't go to the movies, but Mommy and Daddy went to see Avatar!"

"Daddy, your slippers are warm! Can I have them?"

"Grampy dressed up as Santa, so he could surprise the neighbor's children. I guess they figure he isn't doing anything on Christmas Eve. Grampy thinks he's a little less 'Santa,' and a little more 'Mel Brooks.'"

"Mommy made a chocolate babka for our trip. She's on a baking kick."

"Mommy, I like your babka swirl!"

"This is my tongue."

"We went out for Chinese food on Christmas, and I got my usual - chicken fingers. You know, Chinese chicken fingers taste nothing like the McDonald's kind, or the Dino Nuggets we get at Costco."

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!

Wow, this is Maya's second Hanukkah! Can you believe it? The holiday kicked off on Friday night. We lit our menorah and gave Maya her first gift - a kiddo medical kit. It's pretty cute, but it might be a little mature for Maya, with a scalpel, emesis basin,syringe, etc. She likes putting the toys in the box and taking them out though. She also loves the stethoscope and the little bottle of medicine, because the top pops on and off. Last night, we gave her a "Little People Schoolhouse," which she adores. It also has its own carrying case, so she is walking around the house with a little school house and medical kit. So cute. I wonder what we should give her tonight...

"Mommy and Daddy took me to the Montshire yesterday! I love looking at the turtles and fish."

"You like my menorah and medical kit? I take Hanukkah very seriously."

"Scuffy and I are going to make a house call. I have all my tools, in case I need to do surgery. Daddy, are you coming to do the anesthesia?"

"Hey Mommy, do you hear my heart?"

"Mommy made veggie chili for Hanukkah dinner. Very unconventional, don't you think? Where's the brisket?"

Happy James Day!

"Nice decor, Brook!"

"What's up, birthday boy?"

We spent this morning at James's second birthday party! I can't believe he's already 2! In just a few days, it'll be Maya's birth month, which is just absolutely unreal. Anyway, we had a great time playing with James and Keira's toys, because toys that belong to someone else are always better than our own, right? Right. Brook and Ben had done a great job decorating their house for the party, and they served giant cupcakes and yummy fruit as a morning snack. Maya really wore herself out, and couldn't even stay awake for the 5 minute ride home from their house. You always know it was a good party, when the guests fall asleep right after it's over! Happy birthday, James!
"Mommy, can I have a cupcake? Please? Okay, well, I'll just settle for a pille of corn then."

"Go James, go!"

"Keira, you and your daddy are so sweet together!"

"See Keira? We both love our daddies!"

"I'm so tired..."

Happy Nash Day!

"Nash, don't let your mom blow out your candles! Hurry up and blow!"

"Where is Margot's cupcake?"

Tomorrow is Nash's second birthday! This morning we went to his house for a birthday celebration of cupcakes and playtime. Brooke had made dinosaur shaped Rice Krispy treats, a make-your-own-cupcake spread, and lots of fun snacks for the kids. Maya is a new lover of dried cranberries, so she was thrilled about the buffet! Actually, I should mention that Maya was not in a particularly playful mood this morning. She might have been overwhelmed, but she was very quiet and observant, as opposed to her typical outgoing self. After eating a bunch of treats, she loosened up a bit, and managed to squeeze out some playtime. Anyway, the important thing is, Nash had a fun time, and enjoyed his cake and cupcakes like a champ. I can't believe he is 2! It almost seems like he's an adult now! What's next? His Bar Mitzvah?

"Am I holding this microphone the right way? It's not working..."

"I can't believe we are having all these snacks, and it's not even lunchtime yet! I got to have a cupcake, peas, chicken, and dried cranberries! What a spread!"

"I like your party hat, James!"

"Keira, I know you think that's a guitar, but it's really a pan. Whatever. You have a big imagination, right?"

"I'm happy and I know it, so I'm clapping my hands - just like the song!"

A Valentine's Day Playdate.

This morning we went to our district early childhood center for a Valentine's Day celebration. There were a lot of kids there - probably about 50. There were all different tables, organized for little activities, like V-Day card making, place mat making, sensory activities, decorating graham crackers, matching and sorting games, and a little baby area for the wee ones. Maya spent most of her time on the mats, playing with the other babies, but she also made a card for Daddy. We had a great time. One of the best parts was our first ride in the new, big girl car seat! Maya seems really comfy in her new seat, and I think it'll be much easier than lugging that giant pumpkin seat in and out of the car. I will miss being able to take her in and out as one big package though. Oh well. I guess it all comes with growing up!

"My new friend, Sebastian, and I are playing on the mats. He's cute, huh?"

"What's in here?"

"Look at this Valentine's Day card! Isn't it silly?"

"Like my new car seat?"

"Daddy got these roses for Mommy. They accidentally came 4 days before Valentine's Day, but I can tell Mommy doesn't mind."

Superbowling.

Tonight we ventured over to Brooke and Ray's house for a Superbowl Party. We had a great time, although it didn't seem like anyone really cared about the teams or the actual game. We saw a few good commercials, but mostly, it was just a good excuse for a get together. We had a great time playing in Nash and Margot's playroom in the basement, and we ate lots of good food and beer. Kevin and I realized that Maya loves having space to crawl, climb, and play. She always seems to have a blast at Brooke's house, and I think that the space really makes a difference for her. She was such a good girl tonight. We put her in pajamas and gave her a bottle before we left their house. She stayed awake the whole ride home, but didn't make a peep. When we got home, we put her down in her crib, and she fell asleep instantly. What a good girl!

"Look at Keira and me! We're standing!"

"Mommy, you and your friends are making silly faces. I know you are all trying to look excited, but sheesh, you just look ridiculous!"

"Daddy and I are making serious faces."

"Gooooo Steelers! Or Cardinals... eh, I don't care."

"Look at all of us in our pajamas with our daddies! Aren't we sweet?"

Happy MLK Day!

Maya and I observed Martin Luther King Day by doing something for our nation's economy... shopping! Doyle was here washing and painting our basement floor, so we decided to hit the road in order to avoid possible fumes from the cleaning solution. We went to the outlet mall to return a few things, and ended up getting some very fun clothes for next winter. Maya is now the proud owner of two pairs of jeans - one with a panda on it, and the other with a little cupcake. She also got a cupcake shirt and a cute panda shirt. Lastly, she now has 2 adorable cupcake barrettes (featured below). I just couldn't help myself. Anyway, we came home in the early afternoon, just in time for Maya's nap. It was a good day. I feel so lucky - we have fun together every day. Just like little playmates. I'm not going to lie - I think Maya likes me!

"Mommy, it's always fun going to the mall with you!"

"Thanks for buying me some winter clothes for next year. It's going to be so cold in New Hampshire!"

"Like my new barrettes? Mommy couldn't resist."

Long, Boring... and sweet

This is what we did after dinner tonight. This dreidel fun lasted an hour before we got tired of it. I can't believe we actually lasted that long!

More Hanukkah Fun

In honor of the third night of Hanukkah, and we spent an nearly an hour playing with dreidels after dinner tonight. We had a blast spinning dreidels upside down and right side up, and letting Maya chase and catch them. Kevin is very proud of his upside down dreideling abilities, by the way. Maya also finds him to be quite talented. We really had a great time tonight. It's times like these when I feel like we're really a family, instead of just a mom, dad, and baby. It's such a warm, fuzzy feeling. Anyway, Maya was so exhausted at bedtime from all the excitement, she went right to sleep without playing at all. Happy Hanukkah!

"What's that?"

"Ohhhhh... a dreidel!"

"There are spinning dreidels, falling from the sky!"

"Oh Daddy, you are so silly."

"Wow Daddy! That dreidel is spinning on its head!"

Happy Hanukkah!

Last night was Maya's first night of Hanukkah at home. We spent the first night at Mindy and Rich's house, but last night we had a nice Hanukkah dinner at home, and we played dreidel together at the table. Maya was absolutely mesmerized by the dreidels. She was trying to grab them, but they kept flying away. Please excuse her hair. We had just removed her ponytail, so she was looking a little einstein-esque...

Ciao for Now, Auntie Nora and Uncle Adam!

We drove Nora and Adam to the airport this morning for their flight back to Rhode Island. We loved having them here, and I think they really enjoyed spending time with Maya. They really haven't had a chance to spend more than a few hours with Maya at a time, and never one-on-one, so I was so happy to see them bonding.

Last night we all went to Mindy, Rich, and Corey's house for a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, and Mindy's birthday. We had a great time. Coincidentally, as we walked into Mindy's house, another couple was right behind us. Once we all got inside, we realized that the other couple were friends of Nora's from college! Go figure. So Nora and Adam caught up with them all evening, and we met a lot of new friends. In another bizarre twist to the evening, one of Kevin's friends from college was there as well. It was like a reunion of East coasters, but in the Midwest! Oh, and in case you're wondering how Maya enjoyed her first night of Hanukkah, she thoroughly enjoyed it. She was a little afraid of the dogs at Mindy's house though. It was really funny. Every time they came near her, she screamed a very girly scream, and threw her hands up in the air. She definitely takes after her mommy!
"Don't even think about coming any closer.

"Good-bye Auntie Nora and Uncle Adam! It's been fun times!"

"Mommy, did you just take a tubby?"

"Just hangin' on the kitchen floor. This is the life."

Packing Up...

We are leaving Connecticut tomorrow, after a very successful and productive trip. Maya will be sad to leave, but is very excited to be back to her old room, bed, and friends. I'm glad we got to spend so much time here though. I feel like Maya really warmed up to her grandparents and cousins. She's been such a cuddle bug and a sweetheart. Here are the highlights from yesterday's outings.


"Hey, what's up?"


"Gasp! I'm shocked!"


"Grampy, you are downright hilarious."


"Iliana and I are going to slide down the couch. Ready?"


"Nice! That was good times."