It's a Peanut

Videos!

2012-01-23T19:53:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Charlie!

2012-01-15T19:10:00.003-06:00

Papa Barry and Grandma Marcia come to visit for Charlie's B-day. We went out to brunch in Fairport (with a nice view of the frozen canal). Charlie ate a ton of food and seemed to be enjoying the attention. Video footage of this and L's snow tubing escapades coming soon.

Here we are getting ready to go snow tubing the back yard. Our little dare devil loved spinning in circles.

Our favorite game: Put our hand on our head!

Check out my new top teeth!

Candles are burning low. . .

2011-12-25T20:07:00.005-06:00

On the 1st night of Hanukkah we lit candles and sang songs at home. (Leila knows the blessing by heart now we are impressed)

On the 2nd night of Hanukkah Dmitry came to visit. The kids were excited to have a new face around.

On the 3rd night of Hanukkah, we had dinner with Papa Lou and Grandma Elaine. As Leila likes to say "Your not supposed to say yum, but yum." (this is actually a quote from the movie Julia and Julia.)

On the 4th night of Hanukkah Grandma Gail made us latkah. Charlie can climb to the top of the steps with only a little assist, wow!

On the 5th day of Hanukkah we had some college friends of Josh and Dmitry over for lunch. We had Alex and Angie over to light candles with us in the evening. Leila picked the color candles so they were blue and red the components of her favorite color, purple.

Josh keeps walking around the house singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" because Charlie to getting his this weekend!

On the 6th day of Hanukkah (which coincidentally was also Christmas day this year) we went to the JCC to play. (where else would we go, bowling?). We watched the movie Ice Age which featured L's favorite topic of the month, hot lava! (Mom- L don't get too near the stove it is hot L- d you know what else it hot? Hot lava! It will come out of a volcano if you stand too close, so don't go near a volcano unless it is dead)

On the 7th day of Hanukkah Shevah has off of work. We plan to relax during the day and go to Elaine's family Christmas party in the afternoon.

On the 8th day of Hanukkah we will be seeing Uncle Ben and Aunt Kiera for more latkahs at Grandma Gails. (Thank you for the pjs for C and Hello kitty stuff for L. They were both thrilled with the gifts; well Charlie is thrilled with the wrapping paper but we will take it)

Happy Hanukah!

2011-12-21T19:45:00.002-06:00

Charlie is enjoying his first Hanukah so far! Leila also loves basking in attention, and unwrapping presents. She helped teach her class a Hanukah song and even made up a little dance. Here are some pics:

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T15:18:00.004-06:00

See my two teeth!

Turns out CHF likes vanilla ice cream

The leaf collecting trucks were coming down the road so we rushed to push leaves to the curb. While the 2 people in the picture may not have done the most work, they both look cute holding rakes.

Jumping in the leaves!

Just because Halloween is over does not mean you cannot dress like a princess! It has been warm here but Charlie wanted to try on his new cute hat!

My 2 front teeth!

2011-11-19T18:46:00.002-06:00

Charlie now has 2 teeth on the bottom front! He already eat everything in sight so this will only help.

We are looking forward to Thanksgivign break next week! More details soon.

Movin Right Along

2011-11-12T10:23:00.000-06:00

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Now playing: Erich Kunzel - Muppet Show Themes/Movin' Right Along
via FoxyTunes

Remember, remember the 5th of November

2011-11-04T18:31:00.003-05:00

(well close enough).

October has been a busy month. Charlie is now crawling, pulling up to standing and cruising along the furniture a little. He really wants to play with his big sister who is less than thrilled. Leila went to the circus for the first time recently. Some quotes of the month "Charlie is a bread stick," "I've been really smart since I was 2" (not humble this one) and "I'm nutty" (this is a song lyric by Casper Babypants so technically does not count as a L quote but is very fitting.)

We have been on a kick of watching Disney movies. I said one time "bad guys always fall off of high places in Disney movies" and now L won't believe its a Disney movie unless the bad guy falls off something.

Here is L showing off her new haircut, and CHF dressed up to get his picture taken. (have to thank my boss for all the spiffy duds).

We went to a hallloween event at the zoo and then enjoyed a really nice clear crisp night of trick-or-treating. L really enjoys candy this year. Her favorite are gummy things, lollipops and nerds. L was Cinderella and CHF was a ladybug. (look on the blog back a few years and you can see L in this costume). We also carved 2 punkins. The one pictured here was the scary one, we also made one with a smile.

Scarecrows

2011-10-09T17:49:00.004-05:00

A fun day at the Scarecrow festival. Leila got her face painted, rode a pony, and climbed on the fire trucks. We went on a boat ride on the canal (a first for both kids); they ran a special 1.5 hour cruise which was just the right amount of time.

Around the house with some balls:

Apples, Apples up on top

2011-09-30T18:49:00.002-05:00

Uncle Michael came to visit and we went to the apple farm. Highlight for Leila was picking the higher apples up on shoulders. Highlight for Charlie was looking at a bee hive under glass.

Crawlng!

2011-09-19T19:14:00.003-05:00

Charlie started crawling last Thursday! Speedy Gonzolas he is not but he can defenitely go forward and reach things. We are hearing from Leila "Don't Touch That" "He can't have that right" "Thats mine." Fun times. Here is some video evidence.

Happy 4th Birthday Leila!

2011-09-14T18:11:00.001-05:00

2011-09-06T19:19:00.001-05:00

L had her first professional haircut at the appropriately named Haircuts for Peanuts. She was good about it and even let them put a ribbon in her hair.

End of Summer

2011-09-04T19:39:00.005-05:00

I made the mistake of saying in front of Leila that I was sad that summer was ending and now she goes around saying "You know what is sad about my birthday, it is at the end of summer." Other favorite sayings at the moment are "can you even believe it" and "Charlie don't eat that." We are all happy to be celebrating L's 4th birthday this week. More on this next week, but for now some pics from our recent adventures.

L trying out her new bike and Charlie (7 months) smiling.

At the Renaissance fair in Sterling, NY. We went on some rides, took part in a sword fight and a pirate sing a long and Josh had his fill of a turkey leg.

At Seabreeze amusement park. Josh took her on all the spinning rides and I took her on the water rides. She loves rollercoasters (Josh and L are waving in the front on the white bodsled and by the pine tree on beartracks) they were her favorite; but she was scared when we went on the lazy river in an inner tube. go figure.

August and Everything After

2011-08-19T18:55:00.003-05:00

My grandmother Anne Margolin recently passed away. It was a sad occasion but happy also that we got to see family we had not seen in a while.

Over the long weekend we also went to Bash Bish Falls/Swimming in the Ore Bed and saw Pinochio at the local theater. (L got to go on stage which she liked) C is getting speedy scuching backwards and even rocks up on his knees.

Here are some pictures:

A few more photos by request

2011-07-31T20:47:00.002-05:00

Niagara Falls:

Cousins:

Uncle Michael:

Double Trouble?:

Day at the Lake

2011-07-31T06:49:00.002-05:00

Family Visit

2011-07-29T20:24:00.008-05:00

We have had a fun week with family visiting. Highlights include visiting Niagara Falls Canada, swimming at Auntie Suzie and Uncle Ken's hotel, looking at ducks on the canal, going to the Strong Museum of Play, watching fish at Powdermill Park fish hatchery, and eating out at restaurants. Tomorrow we are meeting Uncle Michael in Canandaigua, NY for lunch. Here are some pics:

Uncle Michael came to visit a couple of weeks ago and we went raspberry picking and swimming in Canandaigua. Here take a look:

Charlie's 1st Trip tp the Zoo

2011-07-10T15:40:00.001-05:00

July 4th!

2011-07-06T18:54:00.006-05:00

We had a nice trip to visit Grandma Marcia, Papa Bear and Uncle Michael over the holiday weekend. We took Leila to a play at MacHayden. It was sleeping beauty and she got to meet the actors afterwards. She was even brave meeting the bad guys! We went to lake Taghkanic ; Charlie was not a fan but Leila had a great time. Here are some pictures and video:

Some other pics from around Rochester, including evidence we may have eaten more strawberries than we picked)

Fabulous Fun with Food

2011-06-20T20:14:00.002-05:00

CHF is eating food! From his first try he just took the spoon in his mouth and swallowed. He must really be paying attention at daycare as other babies eat. Sweet potatos are his favorite (he actually kicked his feet with excitement) and he was not too fond of bananas. Later this week he is getting peas so we will see what he thinks of that.

We call him "baby teradactyl" because he is constantly vocalizing now. He is making friend and actually held hands with Katie at daycare today (she apparently then tried to eat his fingers but we will ignore that). He is such a smiley baby! He is rolling over onto his stomach now and prefers to sleep that way.

LDF is enjoying the the summer, especially spraying her parents with the hose. She likes to tell jokes and listen to stories Uncle Michael makes up about Shawna the ghost.

Here is some video:

Summertime

2011-06-09T19:19:00.002-05:00

Taking advantage of some hot weather wearing shorts and having a picnic in the backyard. Just a note, 3 year olds are not trustworthy with a hose. Here is Charlie having his first taste of bananas!

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Now playing: Raffi - Bananaphone
via FoxyTunes!

Memorial Day Recap

2011-06-03T02:00:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed our memorial day weekend with Grandma Marcia, Papa Bear and Uncle Michael. Charlie likes eating rice cereal now (he ate it up the first time like he knew what the spoon was for, impressive!) and he is making everyone laugh by feeding himself a bottle. Leila liked gardening which meant getting wet and covered in dirt. She also got a kick out of the wind making the bubbles blow. She may be fulfilling her dad's dream in becoming quite the little harmonica player.

We went to Great Barrington for an anniversary lunch and drive around Simon's Rock campus, followed by some kid free shopping at the outlet mall.

Here are some pictures:

In Bloom

2011-05-22T16:16:00.004-05:00

Everything has been growing in May. We enjoyed some much needed outside time this weekend. We went on a picnic at Powdermill Park and Charlie loved looking at the fish in the fish hatchery. Today we headed to the lilac festival. Leila did sand art, rode on a mini Ferris wheel and went on a slide with her dad. Other things over the past 2 weeks include a visit from great grandparents from Florida, a preschool end of year picnic, watching ducks hatch at daycare, and Charlie eating rice cereal for the first time. Here are some pictures:

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Now playing: Counting Crows - Children In Bloom
via FoxyTunes

It's Raining, It's pourng. . .

2011-05-07T17:32:00.003-05:00

It has been a record year for rain here in Rochester. Our lawn is so soggy we still can't mow, but the flowers all look amazing. We are all finally healthy (knock on wood), but were really grateful Papa Barry came to take care of us while daddy spent a week in California.

We just got back from Imagine RIT where Leila and Charlie joined the CCRG (The center for children who are really good). Highlights include- Leila went in the bounce house and climbed up a really big slide by herself, put on a velcro outfit and stuck to a velcro wall, and walked in non-Newtonian fluid (cornstarch and water).

Here are some pictures:

Leila at LollyPop Farm's Annual Farm Days. Her favorite part was watching the sheep get sheared (Yes it says LOL on her shirt):

Charlie looking like a little Lance Armstrong:

Everyone watching TV (Charlie likes his new cow mirrow, thank you Colleen)

Charlie is now 16 weeks old and enjoys playing with toys:

Leila is ready for Spring (Thanks Uncle Ben and Aunt Kiera for the cute dress) And yes, daddy cut 2 inches off of my hair upon request:

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Now playing: Bob Dylan - Buckets Of Rain
via FoxyTunes

Happy Passover!

2011-04-20T18:07:00.006-05:00

We had a great time at Grandma Gail's for the seder on Monday. We were so proud of Leila who actually remembered some of the 4 questions and asked for seconds of matzo ball soup. If you can't read it it says "My first passover, I found the afikomen" on Charlie's bib (Thank you Gina and Jed)

We could not be prouder of both of our children! They are both doing excellently at daycare. Leila is playing with other kids and doing lots of crafts and charlie likes to look at bubbles and play on the playmat. Nothing but excellent reports every time "Leila is so smart" "Charlie is so happy" It makes the transition back to work that much easier.

Last weekend we went to see a play about Anansi the spider at the Strong Museum. It was a student production from the College of Brockport. Leila liked the song that went "when little creatures work together, little creatures can do big things." She said "I'm a little creature and I can do big things." We agree.

Other pics from the last few weeks:

Springtime in the Snow

2011-03-31T19:13:00.006-05:00

Disappointed to report the weather cannot make up its mind if it is sunny or snowy. (We prefer sunny!) On nice days we can go on walks with L in the stroller and Charlie in the frontpack.

At his 2 month trip to the doctor (BTW- He is now 10 weeks old) Charlie weighed 11 lbs and was 22 inches long. He had 2 shots in his legs that made him cranky but was otherwise ok.

Forgot to mention that Leila thought "St Patrick's Day sure was fun." We went to the parade/indoor kids carnival in downtown Rochester and went to a play date at a friends house where L got to find shamrocks in the backyard. (No, we did not bring a camera)

Other things that have been fun:

- Seeing how maple syrup is made at Schoff 's Sugar Shack and then going to a Grandma Hatties Tea House and trying on hats with Grandma Gail and Papa Bill

- Going to Lamberton conservatory to see daffodils with Papa Lou and Grandma Elaine

- L and Mommy went to see Star Wars characters at the Strong Museum (I told her she would not like the movie because it has boring parts. She later asked Josh if she could watch the movie with the white guys from space and the boring parts--he found this hysterical)

- Going to the model matzah bakery at the JCC (Leila actually ate the whole piece that she made)

Here are some photos:

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Now playing: Erin McKeown - They Say It's Spring
via FoxyTunes

Purim 2011

2011-03-22T21:28:00.003-05:00

We have done a lot of celebrating for Purim this year. A carnival at the jcc, hamantachen baking at Temple Beth Am, and a magillah reading at Temple Beth David (Leila recongnized the name of the king during the service, I was impressed. Charlie was not a fan of the gragers). Here are some pictures:

Enjoying bath time:

Looking bigger!

Facinated by my mobile:

7 weeks old

2011-03-11T06:23:00.003-06:00

a smile!

Baby fashion show:

Look how big I am:

at the strong museum:

Goofy children:

Playdate with preschool friends:

Adventures in Valatie

2011-02-25T11:55:00.004-06:00

We have been vacationing at Grandma Marcia and Papa Barry's house this week. We had a chance to see Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob who were visiting from California, went to the Museum of Firefighting, and played in the snow.

Leila is very concerned about worms' well being thanks to this book:

Our favorite exhibit: ringing bells!

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Now playing: Peter Mulvey - Charlie
via FoxyTunes

Video- Month 1

2011-02-17T09:28:00.000-06:00

Leilaisms

2011-02-16T19:41:00.004-06:00

Proof that they do not teach religion at her prechool--

Mommy: Leila, the Valentines dance is in the church where you have preschool.

Leila: Mommy, what's a church?

While listening to the song "Come Together" Leila sings along

Come together, right now, all the meat

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Now playing: The Beatles - Come Together
via FoxyTunes

Week 3

2011-02-07T19:35:00.002-06:00

Umbilical cord fell off so we can finally have a real bath. Here we are "enjoying" the experience:

Both of them fell asleep in the car:

Cuddling with our new bear (I am wearing a mets hat and listening to a mets Mobil that plays take me out to the ball game-- Daddy is teaching me about sports early.)

2 Weeks Old

2011-02-01T19:15:00.005-06:00

Charlie had his Bris last Tuesday. He now officially has the Hebrew name of Chaim Hanuch. Here is the origin of the name.

Charles Henry Faber is named in memory of:
Charlie Margolin, Shevah's paternal grandfather, was an independent spirit, who lived every minute of his life with joy. He was always there for his family, including his children and grandchildren, a constant presence in Shevah's life. He meant so much to everyone and touched all of our lives in unforgettable ways.

Henry Cohen, Shevah's maternal grandfather, was known to everyone who met him for his wit and intellectual curiosity throughout his 98 years. He had remarkable stories to share about adventures growing up in London, England, law school in Nashville, Tennessee, and family life in Syracuse, New York.

We hope that our son shares the legacies of both magnificent grandfathers.

We did not take pictures at the actual event but here are some from week 2. Leila is adapting much better to her new brother. She had a special trip with Dad to the Science museum to see the new dinosaur exhibit.

eyes closed:

eyes open:

My family:

Out of town guests (Papa Barry, Grandma Marcia and Aunt Suzie):

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Now playing: Kool & The Gang - Celebration
via FoxyTunes

Some More Pictures from Week 1

2011-01-24T16:28:00.002-06:00

Multitasking from an early age?

2011-01-20T16:12:00.000-06:00

Charles Henry Faber

2011-01-18T13:17:00.002-06:00

Born about 1pm, January 18, 2010. 6 pounds, 10 ounces, mom and baby doing excellently.

Next step: extracting him from the MTA?

Museum Day

2011-01-08T18:56:00.002-06:00

We went to the Museum of Play today and saw Skippy Jon Jones. He is a Siamese Cat with a big imagination.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T18:22:00.004-06:00

RIT was on break for 2 weeks so Leila has had some good father daughter time. We tried new things like ice skating and had several visitors including Dmitry and Uncle Ben and Aunt Keira. We spent a traditional x-mas bowling and eating Chinese food. We went to the conservatory on New Years Eve, toasted with some sparkling grape juice (L thinks the bubbles hurt her tongue) and went to bed at "midnight" (9:30 in L's case). Here are some pictures from our recent adventures.

3 weeks to go until the baby arrives! S had to go to the hospital today for some extra monitoring but turns out Jr is just fine.

L is struggling a little to get back in her routine. She is whining a lot and otherwise being disagreeable. I'm sure she will snap out of being a pill sooner or later.

Aren't the little bowling shoes adorable! - Josh and Dmitry got to take advantage of the bumpers as well :)

Check this out!

2010-12-10T20:27:00.001-06:00

Check http://www.davidandlauren.net/ for some great family pictures from our Thanksgiving trip.

Happy Hanukkah!

2010-12-08T21:13:00.005-06:00

Leila's Hanukkah Summary
Night 1: Wednesday, December 1 Spent a snowy night with mom and dad
Night 2: Thursday, December 2 Went to a candle lighting on main Street in Pittsford followed by a party at the library where I got to eat a jelly donut and show off my dance moves!
Night 3: Friday, December 3 Papa Lou and Grandma Elaine came over to celebrate with us
Night 4: Saturday, December 4 Celebrated with Daddy's coworkers. Especially liked solving a "mystery" and running around the table in circles.
Night 5: Sunday, December 5 Went to the Strong Museum of play-gave Elmo and Grover a hug, watched shalom sesame the case of the missing menorah, won a dredil game against an adult fare and square and even ate some cookies.
Night 6: Monday, December 6 Daddy is in Texas so just us girls tonight
Night 7: Tuesday, December 7 Grandma Gail and Papa Bill came over for dinner
Night 8: Wednesday, December 8 Daddy and I ordered pizza, watched TV and opened my last present. We waited until Mommy got home after bath to light candles.

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Now playing: Da Vinci's Notebook - The Dreidel Song
via FoxyTunes

Snow!

2010-12-08T20:43:00.002-06:00

It has been snowing every day this week in Rochester, we have about 8 inches on the ground and it is still coming down. Leila has been getting use out of her winter weather clothes! (Thanks Grams Rovi) She has more tolerance for staying outside than her parents.

Show all

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Now playing: Old 97's - Melt Snow
via FoxyTunes

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-29T19:59:00.002-06:00

We just got back from a nice trip to NJ for the holiday. We most enjoyed playing with the dogs at Grandma and Papa Bear's house, playing with Uncle Jason who "does what you want," and meeting our new cousin Naomi Rose. Here are some pictures and video highlights:

Here is also a compilation of L singing, playing piano and dancing. Enjoy!

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Now playing: Fisher-Price Little People - Turkey In The Straw
via FoxyTunes

Our Little Dardevil

2010-11-14T16:43:00.003-06:00

Today we went to the Kango play center with a Hadassah group. Leila had no fear!! She bounced, slid, climbed and even swang across a rope. (Josh was tired out after) They also have roller skating but we will have to go back to try that out.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:00:00.004-05:00

Going trick or treating in our neighborhood.

At a Halloween party with my friends. I painted a pumpkin, posed as one, played Halloween games, ate a donut on a string and had some snacks (I chose 1 cookie and carrots and broccoli, mommy and daddy were proud)

Yesterday, we took advantage of the nice day with a trip to the Apple Farm where we spent 2 hours running around outside playing with the hay bales and even riding a pony! All the pony's had costumes, my pony was dressed as a baby sitter with baby dolls tied to its tail.

At home relaxing with mommy after a fun weekend!

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Now playing: Raffi - Les Zombies Et Les Loup-Garous
via FoxyTunes

L's First Hockey Game

2010-10-10T19:36:00.001-05:00

At the Amerk's home opener (They lost 4 to 3 but fun was had by all):

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Now playing: Martin Sexton - American
via FoxyTunes

Apples & Pumpkins

2010-10-09T14:49:00.003-05:00

At the Ithaca Apple Festival. We really liked our monkey balloon even though it hit L in the eye. Thanks Uncle Michael for a fun time! (and for the peaches)

Looking at worms in the compost:

At Chase Farms--We took a hayride with our Meetup friends got 2 gourds, 1 pumpkin, and one apple (well maybe two if you count the one we stole from the farm stand) We even found our way through the corn maze!

We had a great time at the Fairport Scarecrow festival this year. We went in the bouncy house twice, rode a pony and got our face painted like a cat!

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Now playing: Raffi - Apples And Bananas
via FoxyTunes

Our Big 3 Year Old Goes to Preschool!

2010-09-16T12:27:00.003-05:00

Leila had her first day of preschool today! Her favorite part was painting and playing with rice on a table. They read Spot Goes to School and used dot paints on a picture of Spot. A few kids were sad when parents first left but quickly were ok. Leila was lucky to have her mom as classroom parent helper today.

Shevah is in the classroom next Thursday as well to celebrate L's birthday with the class. This will be the last in a series of fun birthday celebrations. We had brunch with Papa Lou and Grandma Elaine, dinner with Grandma Gail and Bill and ice cream/cookies with Grandma Marcia, Papa Bear and Uncle Michael. Thank you everyone for thoughtful presents and best wishes for Leila's special day.

Happy New Year!

2010-09-14T18:31:00.003-05:00

A highlight of Rosh Hashanah, throwing our sins away (Tashlicht):

Apple Picking/eating at Love Apple Farms

Ma'Bloons

2010-09-05T19:44:00.004-05:00

We like to put the syllable Ma in front of words like m'adults or ma'jrafe (giraffe) or ma'bloons! Tonight we went to the Festival of Balloons in Dansville, NY. It turned out to be too windy to launch but we saw the balloons inflated on the ground and had a picnic. Here are also some pictures from Uncle Michael's recent visit.

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Now playing: Nena - 99 Red Balloons
via FoxyTunes

Wisdom from the mouth of. . .

2010-08-21T08:27:00.005-05:00

A friend of mine found this list of questions from http://www.montessoritidbits.blogspot.com They suggested you ask your child at the start of a school year and re-interview each year. Here are L's responses:

1. What is your name? Leila Dawn Faber
2. How old are you? 2
3. When is your birthday? in September
4. Who is your mommy? Shev
5. Where does mommy work? Medicare
6. Who is your daddy? Josh
7. Where does daddy work? at RIT
8. What is your favorite color? Purple
9. What do you want to be when you get big? astrophysicist
10. What is your favorite food? Pizza & ice cream
11.What food do you not like? I don't like to eat sand
12. What is your favorite animal? Zebra
13. Where do you want to live when you get big? with Orangutans [we've been spending a lot fo time at the zoo this week]
14. What does daddy say? No response
15. What does daddy like to do? He likes to hug you
16. What does mommy say? No response
17.What does mommy like to do? She likes to hug you too
18. What is your favorite song? Red red wine [?!?!]
19. What is your favorite movie?
20. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Strawberry
21. Where is your favorite place to eat? Champps
22. Who is your favorite person? Mommy
23. Who is your best friend? Baby rabbit, and my best friend 10 [yes, she means the number, which is also her best friend]
24. Favorite toy? Baby rabbit
25. Favorite TV show? Blue's Clues
26. Do you have any brothers or sisters? No

It's a softball?

2010-08-12T19:45:00.003-05:00

We have some news...

We're long past the small fruits and berries stage, into handheld sporting equipment (softball)/random fruits and vegetables (avocado/turnip), and eagerly awaiting the onset of grapefruit and on toward the melon family. Honeydew, here we come!

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Now playing: The Beatles - Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby
via FoxyTunes

Over the river and through the woods. . .

2010-08-01T16:19:00.003-05:00

. . . to Letchworth State park we go. This is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the east because of the deep gorge (~600 feet). We saw the three waterfalls (lower, middle and upper) and Leila climbed up 100 of the 127 steps to the bridge her own self!- and then slept the whole way back :)

And from earlier this week, mommy gets jumped on by someone cute:

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Now playing: Lyle Lovett - Babes In The Woods
via FoxyTunes

As requested some video!

2010-07-13T22:09:00.001-05:00

Here is some video footage from our recent travels, enjoy!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-07-11T20:36:00.004-05:00

We are heading back to Rochester tomorrow after a wonderful family vacation. We started out visiting Grandma Marcia and Papa Bear. We went to Lake Taghkanic for a picnic and played in the backyard. Then off to NJ to visit Auntie Suzie and Uncle Ken. We swam in the pool to beat the 100 degree heat. We did pay a visit to Point Pleasant beach and aquarium and stopped by Brookside to see Mimi and Papa Cohen. (Leila's great grandparents) Next and final stop Long Beach island, NJ. Auntie Lauren and Uncle David spent the weekend with us on the beach. Leila would not get near the ocean waves but she liked digging in the sand.

At the zoo/fingerpainting

2010-05-28T17:09:00.001-05:00

Adventures of Super Leila

2010-05-22T12:39:00.003-05:00

We watched an episode of Blues Clues called Superfriends and now L goes around saying "Super Leila to the rescue."

We had lots of adventures today. After swim class we stopped by the library to return some books using our new backpack, went to the farmers market to buy herbs (and share a muffin), and went home to plant them. We may have run through some water while watering our garden, which on a hot day like this is a great activity.

Priceless Quotes

2010-05-20T20:45:00.003-05:00

Leila was at the library with Grandma Gail and was staring out in space. GG "why are you staring" Leila "You not stair-ing, you take the elevator"

We went to Leila's preschool picnic and there was face painting. The girl asks Leila "do you want a flower?" Leila: "No, a big dinosaur. An Allosaurus." (mommy convinces her to get a flower) After looking in the mirror she says "I look so silly!"

Getting out of the car tonight "Oh, there are no monsters in the garage" Still not sure what to make of this one.

April Flowers Bring?

2010-04-25T17:21:00.006-05:00

The weather has been so mild lately that the flowers are blooming early in Rochester! One of our lilacs is already in full bloom and the other is budding.

We took Leila to Lolly Pop Farm to see sheep sheering which she was fascinated by. (she is still convinced certain sheep are not allowed in the barn though) We also mowed the lawn for the first time this weekend after getting a new battery for the tractor (the old battery was from 2002 so I guess it was time) Leila has a new slide set in the backyard that she is "so excited about."

Shevah made chocolate cup cakes for a bake sale at work. We enjoyed some of them at home and discovered they are very messy!

Some pics from walking in highland park with Papa Lou and Grandma Elaine:

A Sunny Day

2010-04-03T12:25:00.002-05:00

this weekend we are enjoying wonderful 80 degree days in Rochester. We are taking full advantage, pushing Leila on the swing, and relaxing in our backyard.

We hosted 2 nights of Passover at our house. Good food, good company:

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Now playing: Raffi - Spring Flowers
via FoxyTunes

Matza Baker Extraordinaire!

2010-03-22T23:07:00.003-05:00

Tonight we went to Temple Beth El for a preschool Passover event which included decorating hats, making matzo (which was messy for both L and Daddy), and making charoset (L loves anything that involves fruit so this was a hit of course). We even had a Passover story and some songs. L is ready for this weekend to start the Passover festivities, now her parents just have to finish a few small things (cooking, cleaning, etc.)

What a great day!

2010-02-27T21:03:00.004-06:00

We are having an excellent visit with Auntie Lauren and Uncle David. This morning we went to the Natural History Museum in D.C. L was a big fan of dinosaur bones especially the triceratops. She also likes running around and got to touch a grasshopper (Lauren was not such a big fan).

This evening we had some mac and cheese at Cafe Deluxe (a little messy) and then went to Adas Israel for a Purim celebration. Purim was a big hit since we got to dress up as a belly dancer and make noise. It is sunny and relatively warm in D.C. so as an added bonus we are missing the snow in Rochester. More tomorrow. . .

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Now playing: They Might Be Giants - I am a Paleontologist
via FoxyTunes

Even bigger snowman

2010-02-21T22:44:00.003-06:00

Our reputation for building snowmen is expanding faster than the universe...

Hat on top:

All done:

Then, fingerpaint!

Finally, a snowman!!!

2010-02-18T17:45:00.002-06:00

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Now playing: Barenaked Ladies - Snowman
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A new hat. . .

2010-01-19T18:58:00.003-06:00

We went to the mall this weekend to get a few new shirts and found this cute new hat! I think people are kidding themselves shopping for spring clothes in Rochester in January, but we could not pass this up.

It's still snowing . . .

2010-01-09T12:45:00.007-06:00

It has snowed every day this week, but it is not too cold for some outdoor adventures. It took some work to convince L to go outside but she had a good time once we were out there. L has seen 3 winters now (January 08, 09 and 10) but we are still trying to show her winter can be fun.

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Now playing: Paperboys - January
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Happy holidays!

2009-12-20T20:26:00.003-06:00

We have had a nice December so far, sharing several holiday meals with friends and family. Here we are at a party with other moms and kids L's age.

We had a great Hanukah this year. On the 8th night we gave Leila finger paints and a smock. So far this has been fun, and not too destructive :)

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Now playing: Green Day - Holiday
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Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-12-05T16:35:00.005-06:00

We spent a week in Albany and then in NJ at Auntie "Suvah" and uncle Ken's house. It was a well needed break for Dada and Mama. L got to spend time with her great-gandparents Mimi and Papa.

We ate alot, turkey and all the trimmings and latkes at an early Hanukah celebration. We will post video footage soon.

Which came first, the turkey or the egg?

Happy Holidays!

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Now playing: Tom Waits - November
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Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T18:25:00.003-05:00

Leila is a giraffe this year (courtesy of Auntie Suzie). We have been celebrating all week long first with a trip to the Seneca Park Zoo on Sunday followed by a costume celebration at several libraries in town. We are excited to give out candy this weekend and might pay a visit to our neighbors in the cul-de-sac.

She has lots to say all of a sudden including "help blow out candles on Mama's Birthday cake," "Go back yard, run down hill," "Mama and Dada paint room yellow, and "tall trees! Leaves fall on ground."

In the autumn of her second year...

2009-10-04T20:54:00.001-05:00

A is for Apples, B is for Books:

C is for cute.

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Now playing: Barenaked Ladies - These Apples
via FoxyTunes

L'shanah Tovah

2009-10-01T18:27:00.003-05:00

We spent the holiday weekend with my grandparents. I stayed at home with grandma while my parents went to synagogue. I got a new warm bunny hat for the winter. Combined with my sheep vest, I look like my 2 favorite animals.

We went apple picking, and Papa boosted me up high:

Apples are delicious, especially when I pick them myself!

I also picked out my very own pumpkin.

Everyone was worn out and ready to watch cartoons:

Back in Rochester, I have discovered chalk.

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Now playing: Justin Roberts - Apple Tree
via FoxyTunes

You say it's your birthday, we're gonna have a good time

2009-09-14T19:56:00.003-05:00

As you can tell by the arrival date at the top of the blog, Leila is now experiencing the Terrific Twos (it's not all fun and games, since we did have a burst of the Terrible Ones...). We had a great time at her party along with a bunch of her friends and ours, and she's really been enjoying all the new toys and duds:

Discussing the cake with mom:

Discussing further dessert options with the parents, since the cookies, pies, and candies were all looking so tempting:

Further dessert discussion with Papa Barry:

Everybody's got something to hide 'cept for me and my monkey raincoat:

Baby Atlas practicing holding up the planet:

Leila audutioning for a role as a farmer:

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Now playing: The Beatles - Birthday
via FoxyTunes

August and everything after (?)

2009-08-31T21:54:00.003-05:00

As summer slowly winds down, Leila has been making the most of it, enjoying the nice weather, learning words, singing and dancing, and ordering around the universe. Here's the video compilation:

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Now playing: Counting Crows - Einstein On The Beach
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Well if you want to ride you gotta ride it like you find it

2009-08-27T22:03:00.002-05:00

Since the last time we went to a train museum happened when Leila was negative one month old, we decided to try again at the New York Museum of Transportation/Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in nearby Rush, NY.

We learned about Rochester's old subway, took a trolley ride, explored some train cars

and did some climbing, with a little parental assistance

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Now playing: Johnny Cash - Rock Island Line
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on our way to 2. . .

2009-08-05T20:42:00.002-05:00

One month until she turns 2 and the tantrum are in full swing when she does not get her way. Here are some pics from our trip to California when she was still an angel.

With great-grandma at mom's cousin's wedding:

The happy couple:

Recent Adventures

2009-07-08T06:22:00.005-05:00

Leila had a good time with her grandparents while Mom and Dad went to Toronto for a weekend. She says her favorite word is "Papa"

Stopping to smell the flowers in our yard. You can just see the garden with tomatoes and peppers in the background.

Celebrating Dad's Birthday. Not sure what to make of lobster:

Strawberry picking:

Leila went to a soccer class. She was the only girl and the only one to kick the ball the whole way across the room. She does think the cones are hats though:

At the Renaissance fair:

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

2009-06-12T21:43:00.001-05:00

We might not have gone to the parade, but we did say hi to a Bald Eagle.

2009-06-12T20:02:00.002-05:00

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa's house:

Around Rochester:

At Brandeis Reunion:

Graduation

2009-05-17T18:44:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Uncle Ben on officially receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. Leila clapped for each of the graduates, but did not find the speeches interesting.

We picked out a toy kitchen for Leila on Craigs List this weekend. It has a grill and picnic setup on one side and a kitchen on the other. We did pass up the one with the faux granite countertops :)

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Now playing: Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream
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Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day! We had a nice brunch at the Cheesecake Factory this morning.

Here we are in Highland park, getting a preview before the lilac festival. (Thanks for the picture Elaine)

This was Imagine RIT, an annual festival where each RIT department shows off its work. Leila now thinks Daddy spends everyday at work having a picnic with the RIT tiger. :)

Looking cool with my shades

Springtime

2009-04-20T18:54:00.004-05:00

Just like the flowers at Lamberton Conservatory, I've sprouted into a little girl:

Our first vist to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday party. I look skeptical. . .

Thanks Autie Suzie for my party duds:

Leila enjoyed two nights of Passover. She loves grape juice (white in this case so it does not stain) and macaroons.

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Now playing: They Might Be Giants - It's Not My Birthday
via FoxyTunes

March Madness

2009-04-05T18:59:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy month and a half, with Shevah starting her job and Leila running around like a little crazy person, punctuated by bouts of ravenous eating. Here are the highlights:

Leila enjoyed making Hamantashen for the first time, though she is not to be left unaccompanied with a rolling pin. In addition to being a certified agent of destruction, Leila learned how to stack things back up for the first time at the Purim carnival:

Someone needs some fabric softener:

Upon further reflection:

Just like ducks, Leila likes rain:

Abbott's Frozen Custard has reopened:

Leila is saying a few words now. Most of them are animal sounds which we practiced today at the petting zoo where we saw sheep, goats and horses. We also went to one of her friends 2nd B-day parties and she had a blast. She was the last one out of the room after pizza time and loved the play kitchen. We are all happy to be done traveling (both parents had out of town conferences) and will post again soon.

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Now playing: Greg Brown - Spring & All
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Hanging around the house. . .

2009-02-27T19:47:00.002-06:00

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Now playing: The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem - Courting In The Kitchen
via FoxyTunes>

2009-02-13T15:07:00.002-06:00

Happy Valentines Day! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Elaine and Lou for the great books.:

I've worn daddy out:

Happy Birthday Grandma Gail:

At music class:

At the museum with Jack:

A playdate at my house:

Our group of moms and babies:

Happy 2009!

2009-02-08T19:04:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy year so far, with Leila busy running around like a maniac, learning to play basketball, working on simple words, and then running around like an even bigger maniac.

Avalanche or Roadblock?

2009-01-04T19:03:00.003-06:00

For the TMBG fans out there, Leila is not a Snowball in hell, just a cute baby experiencing the lovely Rochester winter weather. Sledding proved to be fun, and prompted her parents to act ridiculous, as you can see:

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Now playing: Frank Zappa - Don't Eat The Yellow Snow (Single Version)
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Now playing: They Might Be Giants - Snowball In Hell
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Happy holidays!

2008-12-22T20:08:00.003-06:00

It's been a while since our last update, and Leila's been very busy. Here's a brief summary of her past month:

Buying garlic in action at the Wegman's in the Strong Children's museum. In Rochester, we are REALLY devoted to our local grocery store, and train kids young:

We had 15 people over for Thanksgiving. Leila particularly liked all the cranberry sauces.

Tryptophan!!!

Uncle David and Aunt Lauren!

Distributing rocks as presents at the Highland Park Conservatory:

Mommy and Daddy pretending to be adults for once at a Rochester Amerks game (amazingly, they won!):

Join us tomorrow for the continuation of a neverending series of many, many pictures of snow!

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Now playing: Adam Sandler - The Chanukah Song
via FoxyTunes

A snowy Thanksgiving. . .

2008-11-27T22:24:00.007-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and hope all of you enjoyed the holiday as well. Rochester had its first significant snow fall this week; snow materializes every time we host Thanksgiving. Today's pics will be posted shortly, but here are some from our recent trip to NJ:

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Now playing: Dan Bern - Thanksgiving Day Parade
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Leila's feeling blue

2008-11-04T23:30:00.002-06:00

Well, actually, she helped Mommy and Daddy vote Blue, helping to pull the lever as we voted in a new President (and a new Representative in Congress as well...). Here's a shot of the happy family after Leila's second major act of voter fraud.

Note Leila's sticker:

She voted in the presidential primary as well, in case you were wondering.

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Now playing: Lyle Lovett - Election Day
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Wake her up when September ends

2008-11-03T20:23:00.002-06:00

Leila has been enjoying October, as evidenced by the leaf-gathering exploits we showed you in the last post. Here's some video from the past month, featuring additional cuteness...

Baby, you can drive YOUR car

2008-10-24T16:30:00.003-05:00

Asked a girl what she wanted to be

She said baby, can't you see

I wanna be famous, a star on the screen

But you can do something in between

I told that girl I can start right away

When she said listen babe I got something to say

I got no car and it's breaking my heart

But I found a driver and that's a start

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Now playing: The Beatles - Drive My Car
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2008-10-21T19:08:00.002-05:00

Halloween is almost here and Leila has already attended her first costume party:

We went to synagogue to celebrate Sukkot. We made pizzas and ate them in the Sukkah and Leila and Josh got a chance to shake the Lulav and Etrog.

The Great Pumpkin. . .

2008-10-13T21:33:00.003-05:00

Uncle Michael came to visit this weekend and we had a busy day visiting an Alpaca Farm and a Pumpkin Patch . Leila smiles every time she sees the pumpkins on the front porch so she definitely enjoyed the outings.

This unassuming bush on the corner of our property turned a great shade of red this week:

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Now playing: Raffi - Five Little Pumpkins
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Catching up on our adventures

2008-10-10T20:53:00.002-05:00

Around the house:

In the Adirondacks:

At Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY:

You've got to crawl before you can...

2008-09-16T20:42:00.001-05:00

Leila's birthday has inspired her to new developmental milestones:

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Now playing: Greg Brown - Walkin' Daddy
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She's a Watermelon?

2008-09-13T14:04:00.003-05:00

L had her 1 year checkup and weighs in at 17 lbs 1oz and is now a whopping 28 3/4 inches (that's 50% for height!).

So far she is having the wonderful ones and has been in good spirits. She is not quite walking on her own, but will now walk while holding our hands.

Here is our Birthday Princess:

First Birthday Party

2008-09-01T20:10:00.002-05:00

Leila's first birthday party was quite the shindig, with family, friends, and a bunch of our neighbors all showing up to celebrate the occasion. She's now got a full week to enjoy all the new toys while waiting to turn 1 (she was born on 9/8/07, remember... the party was scheduled for this weekend because her dad just started teaching). Here are some snaps of the birthday girl, enjoying a good faceful of cake and other party stuff:

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Now playing: They Might Be Giants - It's Not My Birthday
via FoxyTunes

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-08-07T20:44:00.003-05:00

New friends...

and puppies...

and swimming while naked...

Mommy...

and daddy...

and getting cupcake'd...

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Now playing: Sound of Music - These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
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A busy weekend

2008-07-22T19:47:00.003-05:00

Leila and her parents had a very busy weekend. On Saturday, we all went to the Renaissance Faire in Sterling, NY, where Leila decided that Olde Worlde food was definitely her thing, after eating a good bit of turkey leg along with half an apple turnover:

After that, we went to see a joust

and introduced her to the legendary Don Juan and Miguel, though we suspect some of the more risque jokes during the show may have gone over her head:

On Sunday, it was off to Perinton Park around the corner from us to see Ruby Shooz play some oldies in the park:

Quite the weekend!

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Now playing: The Byrds - Renaissance Fair
via FoxyTunes

One good tooth deserves another

2008-07-12T20:53:00.003-05:00

In the past week, Leila has doubled her dentistry, and now has all a person could want for Christmas, we suppose.

Here she is showing them off crazy-style:

Less crazy-style:

And now for her close-up:

Plus, hanging out on July 4:

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Now playing: The Chipmunks - All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
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