Look At That Outfit

Eli is getting a bunch of teeth in so drooling is a major issue. I sent him to day care in the cutest outfit. He came home in the pants I put him in and the extra shirt in his bag. The result is below. I have to say it is the picture I intend to show his future wife.


Look at how cute Jonah is. He wanted me to take a picture of him too so I did.

A lot of people have asked me to take a picture of Eli's adorable curly hair. Below is a picture of the back of Eli's head. I'm not ready to cut his hair yet. I know as it gets warmer out I'll have to rethink that, but for now it's staying.

Preppy Boys

Here's Jonah & Eli on Passover

As usual Eli has located the remote control and is very proud of himself.

Look at that beautiful smile. He's such a big boy now.

Eli reading his Haggadah (Passover prayer book)

Jonah getting a kiss from daddy.

I'm a Reviewer

I wanted to just post a link to the my guest review on Mommies With Style. You can see it here. It was a lot of fun to do. Hopefully, I'll be able to do more in the future.

Cuties

Jonah got a big boy bed and is causing trouble left and right. Last night he kept Eli awake until 10:15 PM. He's really cute when he talks about his bed. He lovingly refers to it as his bigboybed, all one word. Jonah also loves the Cars movie. He watches on a daily basis if we let him. He's very cute b/c if you ask him what Lightning says he'll say "kachow".

Eli is walking about 60% of the time. He walks like a drunk penguin, but it's super cute to watch. He's also becoming much more mischevious. He's started going after toys Jonah is playing with just to take them from him. I guess turnabout is fair play, but he has to be scolded just the same. When I say 'no' to him he smiles at me like 'yah yah, whatever' and goes back to what he was doing. The only word other then mama is uh-oh. That's b/c he purposely throws his milk or pacifier on the floor and says uh-oh

Medically speaking both Jonah & Eli are suffering from allergies. Eli has a much worse time of it. In 8 weeks he had 2 infections. Last week the doctor put him on a daily dose of Pulmacort in the nebulizer and Claritin at night. We are seeing some change, but he still has a little of a nasty cough. He goes back to the doctor next week and we'll be getting the paperwork for the boys to be tested for allergies. We'll keep you all posted.

Beautiful Things They Say

On Friday night I was doing my usual bed time routine w/the boys. After their bath Eli is in my lap and Jonah next to me in the rocking chair (he's a big boy who doesn't sit in my lap anymore :( ). Here is our conversation:
Jonah: "Mama you a lady?"
Candice: "yes"
J: "Eli's my brother?"
C: "yes"
J: "I love him"
C: "that's wonderful"
J: "Mama I kiss him"
before I could respond he leaned over and just kissed Eli on his head. Rob & I were so proud. We will have to hold these moments close to our hearts b/c when they are tearing each other up we'll remember they love each other.

Presenting Our Newest Member

Hi everyone I thought I'd post 2 pictures of my newest cousin that were sent to me by my aunt. My first cousin Joshua (on my dad's side), who lives in Northern California, had a beautiful baby girl, Katerina Alerdina Gross, on February 17, 2007 weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. 20 in. Congratulations to Josh and Diane on their new joy! Mazel Tov to all of the Gross' on their first grandchild and niece.

The new daddy and his princess


Katerina

Super Bowl fun

The boys got into the spirit of the game. I'm sorry I don't have more pictures of Jonah, but he doesn't want to be in pictures he wants to take pictures. I did teach him what his shirt said though. He was very cute going around saying "Go Bears". Rob was very proud. He was the cutest cheerleader ever. We were all dressed in our Bears attire, but never got a chance to take a family portrait. Oh well it just means the Bears will have to be in the Super Bowl next year.

Jonah is saying "cheese"

Our doggy fan Sascha

He's about to take a step toward me. He's currently taking 2-4 steps on his own. We anticipate he'll be walking around the house any day now.

You can see how tired he is in his eyes.

Jonah w/Bubbe. Doesn't she look great? She's lost 40 lbs.


Eli is almost walking as you can see above. He's really sick and Rob has been home w/him yesterday and today. He has a sinus infection, but he's on antibiotics now and is slowly getting better. Jonah is just so cute. Yesterday, he came home from day care, and saw Eli, went straight for him, and gave him a kiss. It was so cute I just scooped Jonah up and gave him a hug. We could tell Jonah missed not being w/Eli all day. It's going to be tough for him in the fall when he starts preschool and Eli won't be with him. They really do depend on each other to always be around.

Poor Rob didn't have the best birthday b/c Jonah, Eli & I were all sick. We've had such amazing weather for the last few days (high 70's low 80's) but we haven't been able to go out b/c we've all been sick. Hopefully, we'll be able to go out this weekend and do a little late celebrating. More soon...

Bath Time Together

Several weeks ago we stopped using Eli's inflatable bath tub b/c he was climbing out of it. We decided to try giving the boys a bath together. They both loved it. Every night since it's the two mischevious ones getting clean together. Here they are:


On a personal note: this week I hit 50 lbs lost. All I have to do is lose 17 more to hit my goal.

Rob & I have booked a vacation together for early May. We are going to Cabo San Lucas for 7 days. It will be our first vacation since our honeymoon. Bubbe, Tata, Nana & Papa are splitting the baby-sitting time amongst them. We're very excited to have some get away time. Hopefully all will go well with weight loss and I'll be ready for a bathing suit.

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