Full House

This past weekend we had full house--full of Lewis Family love.  Sabba and Savta returned, and Aunt Addie, Uncle Craig, and Mr. Isaac came as well (we really missed Aunt Mimi).  It was a weekend full of babies, food, love, and laughter.  We went on a rainy walk to the Farmer's Market, an outing to the Thrift Store, and Saturday night Sabba and Savta babysat all three little ones.  Jacob and I went to drinks, dinner, and a movie!  By far the most real date we have been on in 7 months.  Sadly, everyone departed today.  We miss our loved ones, but are enjoying getting back into the rhythm of being the four of us.

Miss AlteLu is quite the lady lover.  She DOES NOT want me to walk away.  If I do, she screams and then as soon as I pick her up, she smiles, as if saying, "See, I'm with my Ima now."  She has been enjoying "experiencing" food more regularly and it seems that she says "Ima" in the middle of the night when Jacob brings her to nurse.

Hershel is also quite the character.  As he get closer to 4, he becomes more and more of an authority--"knowing" all sorts of things.  He is also so sweet, today he said, "Ima, you are so beautiful, I love you." And before lishon he had to call Sabba and Savta to tell them that he loves them and misses them.

Icing the cake

Shabbat Shalom!

2 babies in the tub :)

Selfie!

Rainy Walk

There's no one better then Sabba and Savta

This past weekend Sabba and Savta came for a visit.  All of us, but especially Hersh, have been looking forward to their visit.  When they are at our house, Hersh is truly at his happiest.  I think he feels complete. Together they went to the Parkway Deli,  to check out some bikes, and to the park.  Lots of books were read and games played.  Sabba and Savta even got to watch Hersh at his soccer practice.  Miss AlteLu  enjoyed memorizing Sabba and Savta's features, giving them lots of smiles, and generally winning their love.  With Sabba and Savta here Jacob and I were able to get away without our little ones and buy a car--a totally sickening process.  On Sunday, after we had brought the car home, Hersh said, "Ima, are we going to take the new black car to soccer?"  Rich and I looked at each other, laughed, and then I said, "Hersh, we are going to take the black car EVERYWHERE we go for the next 10 years."  I think the irony was lost on him.  Having Rich and Emily here is such a treat.  We are so grateful for their love and support.

Tonight Hersh said, "Ima, you and Abba are the best Ima and Abba ever."  He also said, "I love AlteLu too." I love this boy!

7 months of ALL

Our week began with snow, is ending with Spring, and in the middle our little lady hit the 7 month mark!  It's hard to believe that she has been with us for over half a year.  She is a delicious lady lover.  Still not quite crawling, and not exactly eating, but making progress on both fronts.  She enjoys nursing, being carried around (by me in particular), and going on walks.

Hag Purim Sameach!

This past week has been full of Purim festivities!  Making and distributing Mishloach Manot was extremely fun.  Hersh really enjoyed each aspect of this experience.  When we were assembling them he said, "You know, Ima, I think that we could give Mishloach Manot to people that are hungry.  That would be a good mitzvah, right?"  Hersh also thoroughly enjoyed being a skunk and AlteLu is the cutest aerobics instructor I've ever seen. We also started soccer again and are beginning to gear up for April birthdays and Pesach.  Whew!  Time is flying by!

Assembling the Mishloach Manot

The Kofim Class

Marching in the Purim Parade

Trying some challah french toast!

A visit from Katie B.!

Today one of my most beloved friends in the whole world, Katie B. came to have brunch with us.  She and her mom, Ann, who I also love, were en route from NJ to VA, making our house was the perfect place to stop and relax.  Kate lives in London, so she and I don't get to see each other as often as we would like.  Every moment we are together is a gift--there is soooo much to talk about, catch up on, and counsel each other about  Hersh was a very kind host to our visitors, and Kate and Ann loved meeting our sweet AlteLu.  Can't wait until the next time Kate and I are able to be together.  Love you, Katie B.!

Dance Party!

"I'm into that"

This weekend was both busy and mellow.  Lots of good family time, but with having two kids, it always feels so busy!  On Sunday Hersh went on his first pony ride.  It was amazing to watch him gather the courage to go on the pony.  I could tell that he was scared and a bit overwhelmed, but wanted to ride the pony. He gathered his courage and did it.  I think he was really proud of himself, which is a great feeling to have.

Sometimes I wish I had a tape recorder on just so that I could record the random and hilarious things that Hersh is always saying.  For example, if he likes something, he will very cooly say, "I'm into that."  He has an opinion about EVERYTHING.  He tries to be sly and is definitely a strong individual.

AlteLu is full into baby mode.  We are working on her sleeping, she is working on moving around.  She and Hersh really love each other, and I can ask him to keep her company in the living room while I am in the kitchen--so sweet.

Today was another snow day.  We made the most of it and were glad to be together, although Jacob and I were exhausted by naptime.  We did bake our first few batches of Hamantaschen and the boys played outside (Jacob shoveled twice!)

AlteLu waking up:

Shabbat Shalom!

Playing on the bed

Proud of his construction

Horse back riding

Matching overalls :)

Hamantaschen baking: