Eli 1st Birthday Party

Eli and Jonah had a great time at Eli's party. You can see the pictures here if you have a Winkflash account. I've added a few of the best to this post. If you like any of the photos please feel free to order them straight from Winkflash. Additionally, if anyone who was there, has any good pictures, please e-mail them to me and I'll add them for everyone to see.

Thank you everyone for your generosity, and for making this day so very special.

Cake Face

Big Brother Cake Face

1st Birthday

I think I woke up this morning just as excited as I used to get when I was kid and I knew that today is my birthday. I couldn't wait to see Eli's face, hug him and sing to him. Rob was just as excited. It was this milestone in our lives as much as it was Eli's. We opened the door and immediately were greeted by "the smile". He stands up quickly and Rob & I start laughing. Eli has a pacifier in his mouth and one in each hand (we keep extras in the crib just in case). He held them out to us this proud moment of his life. So, of course I took a picture (see below). Then Rob & I began our birthday ritual. We sang Happy Birthday and gave him great big kisses. Jonah kind of woke up and quickly said "it's my birthday". We explained that it was Eli's and he said "me sing". I then took a picture of him b/c he said he wanted to smile.

As parents, I realize that his 1st birthday is something he doesn't understand, but it is such a big deal to us. A whole year since the day we were blessed with his presence. A whole year since Rob & I waited in anticipation to see if maybe he looked more like Rob then Jonah does. Apparently he had no such luck there. I mean he does have a Rob's eyes, is that enough?

I remember every second of December 6, 2005 and I know that there are very few of these moments in ones life No one can ever take from us the joy that we got when Eli was pulled out by Dr. Pelino. We are blessed. We say it everyday, but today the whole day we get to celebrate our moment with the rest of the world because today Eli is ONE!!!!!

Thank you all for loving us and for loving Eli, because near or far, he feels it. Enjoy the pictures. Stay tuned for more from his big party.

Eli's so pround that he has all 3 paci's

Jonah happy to sing to his little brother

Eli's outfit is so cute he'll be wearing it again Saturday. Look at that smile.

When I picked him up from day care he was wearing this crown. He was king of the day there today. He was so happy, and looked so cute.

Holiday Lists

Hey everyone,
Rob & I have been asked by several of you what the boys need, or we think they'd like, for Chanukah. I wanted you to know that a list has been created on The Things I Want for both boys. I even did one for the things I'm dreaming about. These can be accessed here on our blog at any time by looking in the right hand column under our wish lists. I wanted to just let you know that you do not HAVE to buy any item through the link on the site. If you choose to buy it on another site, or in a store, just click on the box under the item that says "Offline Reservation". This will put a "reserve" on the item, so there are no duplicates. I hope the lists help those of you who were looking for ideas.

If you have any questions please e-mail me. Have a wonderful week. Stay tuned for pictures of Eli's 1st Birthday.

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to post to all of our friends and family to have a very happy Thanksgiving. This T-giving I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband, who will start his job on Monday after T-giving, 2 amazing little boys and a wonderful loving dog. I am rich in love.

Here are some recent pictures of our boys. We wish you all the best.

Birthday List

I discovered this amazing website called The Things I Want, it works like a registry. The best part is you can go anywhere on the internet and just link it to your list. Anyone can go to your list click on what you want and be directed straight to the website and page for the item you desire. I highly recommend everyone start a list. The best part is that it's FREE. Even I started a list for myself. It's just too much fun not to.

So, without further ado I bring to you what I believe to be the things Eli needs or wants called Eli's 1st Birthday. When you purchase something through this list it will automatically show it as reserved, so he won't get any duplicates. I hope you have fun using it as much as I did. If for any reason you need to find Eli's list again you can come to the blog at any time, and there is a link on the right hand side under Wish Lists.

David & Ellie's Engagement Party

David & Ellie had such a wonderful beautiful engagement party. Everything was so so festive. Sima (Ellie's mom) did an amazing job on the floral arrangements. At the very last minute they asked us to bring the boys along. Jonah was running around the entire time. Eli passed out in his Bubbe's arms, and then was held by Barbara A. for the rest of the night in his slumber. The boys were really well behaved which was a relief to both Rob & I. Here are a small sampling of the pictures Marty took at the party. He took so many but of course the ones with my children were the best. Now I say that knowing full well that I am completely biased and have only polled myself in this matter. It was so nice to see everyone and I can't wait until the wedding when we can really party.

Me and my brothers (aren't they handsome)

Jonah and his cousin Rachel. They played together most of the night

Jonah with Uncle David and Aunt Ellie. No he wasn't scared he was just mad b/c he wanted to be on his own and they wanted to take a picture with him. It's so tough when you're so popular.

Eli and his great-aunt Olga (my dad's little sister)

The life of the party

Me with the handsomest guy at the party

having a little snack on the run

Eli and Tata

Look at this cutey. I mean I could just eat him.

Eli peacefully sleeping in Barbara A.'s arms

Standing, Slimming Down & More

I'll start with our bad news (for those of you who don't know): Rob lost his job 2 weeks ago. He is trying to find a job as soon as possible. Until then starting Monday he is a Stay At Home Dad of two wonderful, little boys. He needs all the support he can get, so please pray the kids go back to day care soon. With Jonah in the midst of his "mines" stage and temper tantrums it's a good thing Rob's alread bald or he'd be pulling his hair out. Hee! Hee!

Today, for the first time Eli stood up. He held himself up for about 25 seconds. Rob ran to get the camera, but by the time he got it, Eli was down. This special event was witnessed, by Jonah, Bubbe, Robert and myself. We are all so glad we were able to witness this, and be a part of history. OK that's a little dramatic, but after all I am his mommy.

Jonah is great at making Eli laugh. We caught some of it on video last week. It really is the cutest thing ever. Jonah can get the biggest laughs out of Eli, it's just so great.

As for me: In February of this year I began what I call my weight loss journey :) As of today I have hit 40 lbs lost. I'm very happy to report that I only have 27 lbs to go. It has been tough but with out Weight Watchers, my mom and my co-worker/friend Kim, I don't know where I'd be. Today I was so happy that I just thought I'd share this with all of you.

We're off to David & Ellie's engagement party Saturday. Hopefully we'll have some nice pictures of me and Robert. The kids will not be going, so it will be a nice adults only night for us. Thank you in advance Michelle and Steven for watching the kids for us.

Smiles and Green Boots

Bubbe bought Jonah some new boots, but they're two sizes too big. Jonah didn't care, he wanted to wear them anyway. Of course with his pajamas they make quite the statement.


Mr. Smiley himself

A Little Ducky

Just thought I'd share a really cute picture of Eli.

For The Memory Bank

I wanted to share what I witnessed this morning:
I woke up about 30 minutes late this morning so I was rushing to get ready. While in the bathroom I could hear Jonah talking/singing as he often does when he's on his own. Eli was crying. All of the sudden he stopped and I didn't think anything of it. Then he started again. I wondered why. Then I listened carefully and realized that Jonah had stopped singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and Eli wanted more. The interesting thing is Jonah realized it and started singing again. After a while I heard Jonah talking and Eli babbling, which is normal for both when left on their own. When I was done getting ready I went in to start their morning routines. The boys cribs are located across from each other in their room. I opened the door and Jonah was standing in his crib facing Eli's crib and Eli was up on his knees holding onto the railing facing Jonah's crib. I realized that the boys had been "talking" to each other. (Eli's paci was on the floor so I know it must have fallen out of his mouth when he bagan to engage in the conversation.) My heart swelled and I just got tears in my eyes. I then began our routine.

I know that raising two boys so close in age will make me want to pull my hair out more then ever, but it's moments like these that I cherish. The minute Eli was born I gave Jonah his best friend in the whole world. Eli will never know a life without his big brother. I thank G-d everyday for the pleasure of being their mother, but the fact that they have each other to talk to, even now is just wonderful. I'll be filing this one in the memory bank in my head.

Mexico Fun

I know that I'm a bit late, but I really wanted to share with all of you the wonderful time we had with the boys, my parents, Michelle, Steven and of course Sascha. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Eli loved being in his floating whale in the jacuzzi (tepid water, not hot). He was so chill in there.

Here is Sascha enjoying the view from the upper patio.

Jonah just sunbathing with Tata (my dad)

Jonah loved being on the beach playing with the sand.

Eli displaying why we call him Mr. Smiley


After 5 days of relaxation we had to head home and back to the grind. Unfortunately, within days of our return Jonah, Eli & I got very sick with colds. Eli was hit the worst of all of us and wasn't breathing all that well. Luckily, the doctor was able to see him before Labor Day weekend, and he is doing much better. We hope everyone is enjoying back to school and we'll see you all soon.

Jen & Adam Visit

On Saturday, August 19th Jen and Adam were in town for just a little while, so we had breakfast with them. They got to meet Eli for the first time. They hadn't seen Jonah in a long time, so this visit was a great one for everybody. Most especially me and Rob, who don't get to see them often enough. Although they live in Vegas we've been unable to get away to go see them. This visit was also special because it was the first time that Eli got to meet his Godmommy. Thanks for coming to visit us.

Jen, Adam & Eli

Jen & Eli

Monday Funny

Hey,
I thought I'd share a funny from this weekend. On Friday evening we were doing our normal bedtime routine. I was feeding Eli his bottle and Rob was about to put Jonah in the bathtub when the phone rang. He answered it and it turned out to be my friend Kim who was at the front door, but we couldn't hear her knocking. Rob goes to answer the door and Jonah comes into the bedroom (I was sitting in the rocking chair in their room) and starts talking to me when oopsy he starts peeing right there on the floor. Well, I start screaming "Rob come quick and bring a towel Jonah just..." Before I could finish what I was saying, Jonah screams "ROOOOOOOBBBBBBB, get a nakin (napkin)". I just started laughing so hard. I got up and handed Kim (who just walked in the door) Eli and went to get a towel.

All weekend for a little giggle I would say "Rob, get a napkin".

Wedding and more

I thought I'd show you a picture of Eli in his crawling stage. Although he isn't cruising yet I couldn't resist taking pictures of him.


Update: Eli sprouted 6 new teeth in less then 2 weeks. He now has a total of 8 teeth. He also wasn't breathing well so my parents took him to the doctor on Thursday and it turns out it was all of the stuffiness in his nose. He also had the beginning of an ear infection. He's doing much better now that he's been on antibiotics.

On Saturday we went to my cousin Cecylia's wedding. Unfortunately I got no good pictures of my cousin and her husband. Here are a few that came out OK.


Rob & I at the ceremony


From L to R: Rob, Candice, Ryan and Marty. (FYI: Marty is my older brother and Ryan is his boyfriend.)


Marty and Ryan


Ellie being silly. (FYI: Ellie is my younger brother David's fiancee)

Well, we are off to Mexico next week for a much needed family vacation. Stay tuned for pictures of the boys at the beach. Love to everyone.

A Cute Story

I thought I'd share a cute story:

Yesterday evening we were at my parents house and sitting at the table eating dinner. Jonah was a little restless and running around. We turned around and realized he was playing peek-a-boo with Eli, and was making Eli laugh hysterically. It was the cutest thing. He would hide behind the island in my parents kitchen and then jump out in front of Eli and everytime he did it, Eli would just laugh and laugh. Of course that made the rest of us laugh, and made for wonderful dinner entertainment. Rob recorded it on his cell phone so we can see it over and over. The next time he does it we'll try to take pictures.

Hope that puts a smile on your Monday.

Summer Fun

Jonah went in his swimming pool for the 1st time a couple of weeks ago.



Then we had Jonah's 2nd birthday party on the 16th because we had to wait for my family to come back from Europe. This is a picture of Jonah on our way to my parents house. Isn't he super cool?

Of course Eli has his sunglasses too so he could be just as cool as his big brother.

The boys are growing too fast. Eli is almost crawling and teeth #3 & #4 are about to poke through. Rob & I are going to weddings in the next few week so I'll try to post pics of us all dressed up.

WARNING: Shameless Bragging

I had to just add a really bad scan of these adorable pictures of my boys. This is Jonah's official 2nd Birthday picture and Eli's 6 month picture.

With Jonah I did 3,6,9 & 12 month and we are doing the same with Eli.

I am really sorry that the scan isn't great, but I really just wanted to share my cuties (I'm biased) with all of you.

How is everyone?

How Are All Of You?

Jonah is blabbing a mile a minute. It's really cute. He pretty much speaks in full sentences. He turned 2 a couple of weeks ago and well he's entered this stage with quite a flair. He throws tantrums on a regular basis, with the throw himself on the floor action. Luckily, he is very good at behaving himself in public. He loves his signing videos and watches them like some women watch soap operas. His singing skills are improving daily.

Eli is a barrel of love. He smiles at me [and everyone else] all of the time. On Friday night he was laughing so hard at me that he started to choke a little. He really is just so happy. He is pushing himself up on all fours so I anticipate him crawling within the next 6 weeks.

Rob is doing well at his law firm and he works at least 1/2 of one day on the weekends. He puts his hours in, but we spend all our free time with the boys.

I'm still working at the same place and loving it for the most part. I've been doing Weight Watchers since February and have lost a little over 26 lbs. I have a long road ahead but at least it will come off eventually.

We love you all !

Pictures by Jodi Adriano

Jonah & Eli Update

I know it's been a while since I've written. Here's a quick update on the kids: Jonah is learning something new everyday. Yesterday, he turned 22 months old and sometimes I forget that he isn't even 2 yet. He's infatuated with coloring and his signing videos. As many kids his age his "listening" skills could be better, but we try to remember this too will pass. He can sing his ABC's, he counts to 10 in English and Spanish, he knows all of his shapes and most of his colors. Eli is just a smiling machine. He is just the happiest baby ever. He'll be 5 months old next week if you can believe it. He's trying to roll over but hasn't quite gotten there yet. He is just a super happy kid and we are very lucky to be blessed with him. Stay tuned for more updates...

Our Latest

If you've been wondering where we are we're just busy busy busy. I went back to work about 3 weeks ago and it's just been hectic getting back in the stride. Robert loves his job and everything seems to be going well for him at work.

Jonah update: he can say his ABC's, count to ten in English and Spanish and he doesn't listen to the word "no". He is just a wonderful little boy who is stubborn and willfull in every sense. He is so much fun. The other day I told him to tell Eli to stop crying and he marched right up to the chair Eli was in and said "Eli no no no." Yesterday, morning he woke up and screamed to Eli from his room "Eli no cry." It is super cute. This morning he walked up to Eli and gave him a kiss just because.

Eli update: he is a lot bigger then Jonah was at this age. He outgrew his 0-3 month clothes and is well into 3-6 month clothing. He's even ready to move a diaper size and we still tons of the old size to go through. He is smiling all of the time and has even started giggling. He also has begun the "talking". He's just so sweet I can't help but kiss him all of the time.

Rob and I are leaving the boys with my parents (Norma & Isaac) this weekend to go to Santa Barbara for my birthday. It should be a nice day excursion and nice to be just the 2 of us. We hope this finds you well.

It's been too long

Hello everyone,
Sorry for not posting for a while, but Eli has me runnin' ragged. He is growing like a weed. He has his first physical on Monday and I can't wait to see how much he weighs. Two weeks ago he weighed in at 10 lbs. 9 oz. He's definitely packing it in. He eats between 3 and 4 ozs. every 3 hours.

Jonah's language is just exploding. He'll imitate every word you say and on top of that he understands every conversation. Yesterday, Rob & I were talking about what cake Rob should have for his birthday with my parents. Jonah chimes in that he wants "more"( signing and saying it).
We said "more what?"
He said "kek," we couldn't figure out what that was, and he kept saying it. Then suddenly I realized he was saying "cake". He turned to my mom and said "kek". We were laughing hysterically. The lesson we learned, was don't talk about food Jonah will want in front of him. He is just so smart and picks up on everything. I know I'm his mom but I'm allowed to be biased.

Eli continues to need to be held on a constant basis, but I get a reprieve at night b/c he'll sleep in his bed for 3 hours at a time.

Hope all is well and I hope to update more often.