HBB turns 2!

This past week we celebrated our sweet Hershel Bershel Bear's 2nd birthday!  How quickly time passes--we almost can't believe that our little shmoopy is 2!  He definitely knew that it was his birthday, and he knows that he turned 2!  We had a party at out house, with lots of friends and family.

I don't think that Jacob and I could've imagined 2 years ago that we would feel the love we do for our son.  He is full of joy and excitement for life.  Hersh loves those he is close to and is curious about the world around him.  I only hope that we are able to continue to support him each day as the person he is continues to develop and grow.  We feel so fortunate to have been given the chance to parent Hersh.  We are also grateful to have such wonderful friends and family members around us, who all love us and Hersh so abundantly!

Just a reminder of what 1 year old Hersh looked like!

Taking in the rays, pantless.

Fish cake!

There is discussion  about whether or not I should make a different fish cake every year.

Mmm...cupcakes.

Lewes is 1!

Aunt and Uncle love!

Blowing bubbles with Aunt Mimi.

Happy Aplebaums!

Playdough table.

Sandbox.

Happy Family!

Singing!

The big moment!

 Mmmm....cake:

Ahhh....April

What a few weeks it has been!  April started off with a bang--I had a virus that turned into a gland infection.  I hadn't felt so sick and terrible since I had mono in high school.  Jacob got the virus too, although not as bad.  Fortunately, Hersh did not get sick, and we are all feeling much better.  This virus definitely reminded me how fortunate I am to be in good health, and not to take for granted the fact that I am able to move at the pace of my life in a happy and healthy way. 

Following the virus, Pesach began.  We traveled to Philadelphia and Brooklyn for the Sederim.  It was so nice to be at my Aunt Sandy's house, with my family, for first Seder.  My Aunt Sandy's house is where I went for holiday's growing up, so I want for Hersh to experience it as well.  We were with Addie and Craig for the second Seder, and had a lovely time there as well.  My birthday also happened during Pesach--32--whoohoo!  Pesach birthday's are always sort of a bummer, so we had a birthday re-do yesterday, with a day at the beach and then a night out in DC!

We are busy getting ready for HBB's 2nd birthday!  He knows it is coming and is very excited.  Hersh has been singing "Happy Birthday," the "Ma Nishtana," and our "Mr. Rabbit" song from music class.  He is also into imaginative play.  Yesterday at the beach he kept giving me and Jacob sand, telling us "Here's a little treasure, Ima/Abba."  I would also say that Hersh is well on his way to being potty trained.  It is a slow but steady process, that we feel is going really well!  Hersh has lots of opinions and is undoubtedly the best.  He is so funny, inquisitive, loving, and kind.  Jacob and I love doing things with him and feel that we are doing a pretty good job as parents so far :)  Hershel is also very chatty and repeats what Jacob and I say.  For example, we were ordering lunch at a restaurant, and we told the waitress we were going to share, so Hersh then turned to her and said, "We share?"  or Jacob and Hersh were going inside the restaurant, while I waited outside, and Hersh, totally unprompted turned to me, stuck out his hand, and said "Be right back, Ima."  He also has lots of ideas.  The other evening we were outside and it was very windy.  Hersh said he was cold from the wind, so I asked him what we could do to make it warm.  He told me we could get the sun to come out.  It is truly amazing to see the connections he is making.

Bubbles with Savta.

I think we look alike here.

Shmoopie!

Pumpkin Pie!

The boys.

Just sitting in the flowers.

Reading with Uncle Craig.

On the beach in Coney Island.

Helping prepare for Seder.

Underoos!

Hersh took this picture of flowers from our yard on the table.

Love.

So sunny.

Digging with Abba.

Leaving the beach.

Happy!