4!

It's hard to believe but our dear sweet Hershel Bershel turned 4 today.  I have to admit I felt weepy this morning about his turning 4.  I just love him so much and want him to remain my little boy, but this must be how most mothers feel.
We had an awesome party at Cabin John Park, and it was also a party for Lewes who will be 3 on Tuesday.  Hersh and Lewes loved having the party together.  We rode the train, had a balloon artist, a pinata, lots of food, and lots of fun.  We have amazing siblings and siblings-in-law and are so grateful for their endless love and support.
When we asked Hersh what his favorite part of the party was, he said, "The food. I had chips and pretzel chips!"  Glad all the other activities left an impression?

Fishcake!

 Last pictures as a 3 year old!

Babies!

Hersh and Chase

Mothers of the Year!

Penguin!

Family photo!

The children swarming the balloon artist.

Mimi and Craig waving to the train.

The birthday boys.

My lady love.

 Singing Happy Birthday!

8 months!

Our little lady lover turned 8 months old this weekend!  She is sprouting her second tooth, imitating words more and more, and enjoying food as well.  She is the smiliest baby there has ever been, and everywhere we go she charms people with her sweet, friendly smile.

We have had a wonderful "Passover Break" as Hersh calls it, and I LOVE each day that I get to spend with my two little sugardumplings.  I am finding life to be fairly surreal in that I can't believe I am a mom with 2 kids, as I still feel like me (which is a good thing).  We are now gearing up for Hersh's 4th birthday this upcoming weekend.  Crazy that our little man will be 4.  Ahh, life.  It's all going so quickly, most important thing is to remain present and grateful.

 First bath  together:

8 months old!

Pesach 2014

This week we are celebrating Pesach.  We spent the first night in Brooklyn at my Aunt Sandy's house, which is where I went for every holiday as a child.  I love going to Brooklyn, being at her house, and being with my whole family.  I am so grateful that my children are able to experience an Aplebaum/Sharrin Seder.  Hershel and AlteLu were little lovers, and everybody thought they were delicious.  For the 2nd seder we were at the Lewis/Klein abode in Philly.  Needless to say, this was an amazing time as well.  We love being with Addie and Craig, and sweet Isaac is an additional bonus to our Philly time. Hersh feels like their house is a second home.  He said "we are the hosts of the seder" and when other children arrived, he gave them a tour of the house, specifically saying, "Here are my secret stairs."  At other points he also told Jacob that it was ok if he uses "my bathroom."  This kid is a riot!

Alte seems to be saying more words.  There is a dog at the house in Philly as well as 3 little dogs at my aunt's house in Brooklyn.  On numerous occassions Alte said, "dg, dg," right to the dog.  She also said, Addie, Craig, and Isaac, in her deep, gutteral tone.  She is still super happy and smiley, but still not very keen on anyone holding her other than a few select people.

Today Hersh and I went and purchased his bike, which is his 4th birthday present from Sabba and Savta--thank so much!  He is loving it.  Also, AlteLu's birth present from Sabba and Savta arrived--an amazing mixed media piece done by a talented artisit friend.  It is so nice to know that she will have this meaningful piece of art for her entire life.  So much to be grateful for!

 Brooklyn:

Visiting with Aunt Sandy

And with Peggy

Helping put out the Hagadot

 Philly:

Had Gadya!

His "photographer" outfit

Beautiful artwork for Alte Luna

Bike!