Toxic Toys

I just wanted to bring to your attention the importance now of understanding what chemicals are in children's toys. I rarely preach b/c it really isn't my place, but I thought I'd share a link to a PBS program worth looking into. http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/412/index.html Robert and I are really trying to be informed consumers as far as the children go. It's a tough thing to keep up w/all of the new information out there, but we are committed to a better environment for the next generation. Thanks for endulging my passions.

A Great Laugh

I had to share with you all this youtube video that made me laugh so hard. Even Rob stopped what he was doing to watch this one, and laughed just as hard. We've watched it twice already. It's called Ethan Laughing. It's the good laugh everyone needs to have.

Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY

First Trip To Disneyland

For Hanukkah this year my boss got us the gift of Disney. Seriously. He made a reservation at the Grand Californian Hotel and bought our admission to Disney for the 2 days we were there. It was so much fun. Jonah loves to tell everyone how fast the roller coaster went. It was the roller coaster in Toon Town, so it was meant for kids. He went on Dumbo twice. Of course being able to see the fireworks from our room was probably one of the biggest highlights of the trip. By the time we got home Saturday afternoon I was exhausted. I know the boys probably will not remember this trip, but I'll remember every detail of it, so I can tell them everything.



Here are the boys in their strollers when we got there.




In Toon Town there is a Donald Duck boat playhouse. Jonah & Rob went in to check it out. Eli & I waited for them below.

Jonah's face as we were going up in the roller coaster.

Just as we were about to give the kids a bath, there was a knock at the door, it was complimentary milk & cookies. Here are the cookies they brought, and the boys enjoying them.

The cutest moment was them passed out on our way home.
We had so much fun. I can say it ranks in the top 5 gifts I've ever gotten.

A New Year

I know it's been a while since I've posted on the blog. I'm so sorry for that. It's been crazy as usual around here.

Updates:
Jonah is doing really well in school. He is almost reading by himself. In the next few months Rob & I are going to focus on teaching him to read because he so desperately wants to read to Eli. It's actually very cute! When you ask Jonah who his friends are he'll list you some kids in school including his girlfriend Maya. However, when you ask him who his best friend is he'll say Eli. It melts our hearts every time we hear it. In the fall semester he took a music class, which honestly was worth every penny. Jonah has really gotten into music. The best was walking somewhere and they had a poster of music notes and he said look mama music notes. I was stunned. He is quite opinionated and has demanded certain types of music in the car. It's all kids music don't worry, but it is funny how he and Eli love to tell us what to do with the radio. This semester he's taking Mad Science. He also continues to take swimming lessons every week. Bubbe & Tata have generously decided that it's so important for him to learn to swim that they wanted to pay for it. Eli will probably start in the spring/summer time.

Eli has really started verbalizing. Unlike Jonah at that age, so much of what he says is hard to understand. Jonah is constantly translating. Nona = Jonah, wahwah = Sascha, inni nine-stie = Little Einsteins and keeka = Mickey Mouse. As you can see it takes a degree in linguistics. It is super duper cute though. He wants so badly for us to understand him. We need to start pushing him to sign more though. He's doing really well in day care and continues to melt hearts everywhere. Even at day care they have a hard time disciplining him b/c he's just so cute. However, he has entered his terrible 2's and crankiness is a major factor these days. He and Jonah are playing w/each other all of the time, but they fight a lot as well. He had a doctor's appointment 3 weeks ago and he was in the 90th percentile in height and weight. He's only 3 lbs lighter then Jonah. However Jonah, being tall and skinny, still towers over him by more then a head. The JCC wouldn't take Eli after his 2nd birthday so he'll be starting in the summer. He is very ready to go to school and he misses being with Jonah. On top of all of that Eli is going to begin potty training very shortly. Once Jonah was potty trained Eli was so interested in what Jonah was doing. He asks to go potty, but doesn't *go* when he's on the potty. We hope to be done with diapers by the summer.

Robert is still working at MOC as their in house counsel. He's considering the possibility of looking for a new job because money is becoming a factor. He loves it there, and really wants it to work, so we hope this year will turn a new leaf. He also joined Weight Watchers with me and has successfully shed 13 lbs so far. Mom & I have even convinced him to go to the meetings with us. This last year he's really been working hard on his career. He also continues to be the chef of the house. We recently bought him a stainless steel top island for the kitchen so that he will have more counter space. Look for him on Food Network soon. :)

As for me. I've maintained my weight loss for the most part and will continue to try to lose another 5 lbs. Otherwise, health wise I am doing alright. I'm still working full time. I also moderate an internet mommy shopping group. This has been the most fun. I've made some lifelong friends on the internet. They live all over the country.

In 2007 I began my green endeavor. I really wanted to become an environmentally friendly family. It's hard to make change and sometimes the changes cost more money, but I know our planet is suffering. Although, Rob understands where I'm coming fron he isn't as on board as I am. However with more and more news about the chemicals in this and that, I think it's safe to say he's definitely seeing the light. As always he supports my endeavors to keep our family healthy. Here are some items I've gotten that have really made a difference to me and are just fantastic:
1) No more plastic grocery bags. Rob has a set of bags and I have a more "feminine" set which are Envirosax. Everytime I use them the checker or person behind me in line wants me to tell them where I got them. I've given out their web address so many times. Maybe, I should contact them to pay me for marketing. We keep our bags in the trunks of our cars. Some supermarkets have incentives for bringing your own bags. Ralph's gives you $.25 back for every bag you bring in (even if you don't use them all).
2) Eliminate the use of plastic containers. I got rid of most of our plastic sippy cups for the boys and switched to aluminum. I have the Sigg bottles for all of us. We don't buy bottled water. Rob & I fill up the bigger bottles if we want water. I even take one to work. We still use safe plastic containers for storing food, but we no longer put it in the microwave. Even if the container says microwave safe.
3) No more disposable diapers. About 6 months ago I switched to cloth diapers ("CD") for Eli, and it has been so much easier then I ever imagined it to be. Yes I do laundry more, but it really isn't a chore or even something I dread. I only kick myself that we didn't start it when Eli was born. Hind site is 20/20 right? Unfortunately, we've been unable to find a leak proof CD for nighttime so we had to keep disposables. That's when I switched to Target's new enviromentally friendly brand. Since we only use 1 a day I wanted to at least be sure it wasn't one that will be in our land fills in 500 years. If/when we have another child I'll be CDing from the get go, that's for sure.
5) Safer cleaning products. This one has been the hardest for us to undertake. I will continue to try, but money does come into play here. I switched to Purex Free & Clear laundry detergent, which believe it or not is cheaper then many others. I've been using the Bi-O-Kleen OxyBleach Plus, Bac-Out Stain remover and Produce Wash. They are all just wonderful products. The last of the products we switched to are sold at Target. They are the Method Cleaning Products. The only thing we don't really like is the dishwasher soap. However, my hunt for a more safe one that cleans well contines.
6) Eliminate plastic toys (where possible). As many of you know 2007 has produced more recalls on children's toys and gear then ever before. This had us re-thinking what the boys play with. We are trying to eliminate plastic as much as we can. For Eli's birthday and Hanukkah we focused on books and wood toys. To tell you the truth the boys are truly loving the wood stuff even more then plastic. Don't worry they still play with Legos and Matchbox cars, but they have less of those things.

My hope for 2008 is to continue to make our family more environmentally friendly. Not only has switching to environmentally friendly product produced enlightnement, but we are eliminating unnecessary chemicals in our lives. I promise to continue to share any new products I find that are worth looking into. I've supplied links to all of the products above. Please consider looking into ways to save our environment where you can.

I hope 2008 is a healther more loving year then ever before for everyone. Happy New Year! All our love.
Candice

I'm One Lucky Girl

On Monday my brother, Marty, and my father got me a brand new '08 Saturn Vue. Yes you read correctly. My brother was the mastermind behind the whole thing. He was worried about me spending another year driving a car that's safety was questionable. He knew that Rob & I couldn't afford another car payment right now. He spent Thanksgiving weekend negotiating a deal and presented me with this car.

I was in such shock and completely stunned that I really couldn't say all of the things you should say that night. I still don't know that there are words to express the proper amount of gratitude I feel.

My biggest thing right now is to tell anyone who will sit still what kind of brother I HAVE. This year I have nothing to complain about b/c I am loved and it shows. I had to share it here so that more people would know what special people I am surrounded by.

MARTY & DAD, If you're reading this WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

The Lists Are Ready

Hi everyone,
I'm sorry I haven't been updating but I've had a busy couple of months. We are all doing really well. Jonah & Eli continue to be the cutest little boys ever. In the last week I have been asked if I'm doing the boys wish lists again. I have finished updating them (of course I may add more later ;) ), and I wanted to post so you all had links to them. This year I combined Eli's Birthday and Hanukkah list into one. Since his birthday is the first day/2nd night of Hanukkah I figured it would be easiest that way.

I also wanted to let you all know that the allergist has banned us from having ANY stuffed animals or wool for the boys. Jonah still sleeps with Elephant and Lion, but they are washable. Plus there is no way to get him to give up Elephant and quite frankly we don't think he should. We took all of the rest of the stuffed animals and donated them to good will. Also, our apartment is increasingly getting smaller due to the invasion of toys. We do have some "larger" items on the list but we'd like to keep it down to a minimum. Please keep these things in mind when shopping for them.

I'm glad the lists are such a hit because quite frankly it's so much fun putting them together, and it also helps you know what the boys are interested in. We hope you are all doing well.

Just click below:
Jonah's Hanukkah List

Eli's 2nd Birthday/Hanukkah List

First Day of Preschool

Today was Jonah's first day of preschool. He did really well. We're so proud of him. Eli was upset when I dropped him off. I think he just didn't like not being with Jonah. The boys were so happy to see each other at the end of the day. Of course within 5 mins in the house they were hitting each other, but that is the way it goes with boys. Enjoy the pictures!

Eli had to be in the "official" first day picture.

Jonah was so excited about his new shoes that Bubbe bought him (the new outfit was also purchased by Bubbe).

Playing with play doh

Playing with the toys

Lining up after being outside to go in for lunch. Teacher Alex is singing to all of the kids and pointing to each one. It was so cute.


I made Jonah a little family book so that if he got lonely or sad he could look at pictures of his family. It's funny b/c they said to have a family portrait in their box of extra clothes, but of course my creativity got the best of me. You can see the book here.

Too Funny Not To Share

If you have not seen this yet you must go to this auction, it is by far one of the most entertaining things I've seen yet. e-bay item: 130144061675

Then you must visit her blog for more hilarity: Her Blog

This woman is just great, she has six kids and still has a great sense of humor.

The Funny (and not so funny) Things They Do

You must be wondering what is new in our neck of the woods. Here's an update on the antics of 2 little boys as they slowly try to drive me crazy. I have threatened more times then I can say to sell them on e-bay. It's something I'm considering on a regular basis. In addition, I have tried to inquire on where to send in my 2 week notice of resignation on the position of mom and no one wants to accept my resignation. I guess I'll continue this unpaid gig until someone else can take over or they get married whichever comes first.

Jonah is a head strong "big boy". It's as simple as that. He is so loving and kisses Eli and then quickly grabs the car/book/whatever out of his hands. No matter what you ask him the answer first is "no", then he'll re-think it. He's so smart it kills me. He can spell his name and Eli's name. His new thing is to take a book about colors and read me the letters that each color is. So if he's on the page of red he'll say "mama red is spelled r-e-d". It's really cute. But the other day he reversed it and asked Rob if he knew how to spell the words. He said "daddy spell orange". Rob would spell orange and he'd say "good job daddy give me five". Could you eat him up?

Eli is bursting w/words and he even knows when to use them. Today Rob was corralling the boys to get them out the door. Rob said "let's go". Eli promptly turned around and said to his empty room "bye". On Monday I was picking the boys up from daycare and said to them "wanna go home?" Eli's response "daddy?" You see he is quite taken w/his father. He also knows that when we are not in the room he should instigate a fight w/Jonah. Like the other morning when I caught him pushing Jonah for no reason. Or the time he took a toy that Jonah was playing with and litterally sprinted away laughing as Jonah began a temper tantrum yelling about Eli taking his toy. Yes he ran and watched behind him as if to say "you can't catch me."

2 weeks ago I pick them up from day care and I'm told that Jonah is saying "shut up" to the other kids. I refuse to allow that to be OK. When asked where Jonah learned shut up he told the lady "that his mommy taught him." I don't say shut up to my kids. Rob thought it was funny. I asked him again where he learned it he said "mommy taught me". For days I wracked my brain and then my friend Nancy alerted me to my problem. When I am totally surprised by something I say "shut up!" As in stop you are kidding (a la What Not To Wear). I now realize I use it in a different context then it's intention, but Jonah doesn't know that. I'm now not allowed to say shut up. I guess he did learn it from me after all.

We are off w/the boys to Mexico for a few days at mom & dad's house. We are even taking mom & dad w/us. I'm excited for the boys to play in the sand. I just don't know who's more excited about this weekend Jonah or my parents? Jonah asked me this morning if we are going to Mexico today and I said no tomorrow, he quickly got sad and said he wanted to go now. Instant gratification I know that problem all too well. It's seems at 31 I have yet to outgrow it. Yes Rob, I admit he gets that trait from me.

I'll try and post more pics of them as soon as possible. Plus look for the 1st day of preschool pics coming soon...

Words and More

Eli has finally started saying some words. Up until now he was perfectly happy w/Jonah talking for him. Jonah tells everyone what Eli wants and needs. But a week or two ago he said "more" or mo'. Then there was "pizza" or eezzaaaaaaaaa. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Yes Eli's a big eater. The other day at Trader Joe's he just kept saying ball b/c they had beach balls tacked to the ceiling inside. He said bye to me yesterday when I dropped the boys off at day care. It's really cute to hear him talk.

Jonah will be starting preschool in a few short weeks. He still doesn't know yet. We try to explain it to him, but the concept is a bit foreign. He is starting to read out letters when he's looking at a book. For instance a book about colors he'll say "red is spelled R-E-D". He's doing really well w/his potty training. He still has accidents, but he's telling us when he has to go, and that's a huge step for him. We're so proud of his progress.

Both boys are taking swim lessons on Sundays. Jonah is in a class w/3 other kids. Eli is in a parent-tot class. Rob & I take turns doing that class w/Eli. They are both really loving it.

Rob is still working as in house counsel for a company, but is looking to build his own practice on the side in order for us to afford preschool.

I'm still doing the same thing, but yesterday something huge happened. After 18 months of hard work I made it to my goal in weight loss. I have lost 62.8 lbs total. I want to lose another 5 to 7 for a cushion, but I reached my goal. It's a little bit surreal.

I promise to try to post pictures soon. We still are looking for pictures of the boy's from David's wedding. Unfortunately they were so over tired they didn't want to be in pictures. Se la vie.

All Dressed Up

Last Saturday Jonah was the ring bearer in my cousin Noah's wedding. He did phenomenally, and was the best looking one in a tuxedo (in my opinion). He went to rehearsal the day before with Bubbe and Tata (my parents). He kept telling us all day that he wanted to practice. When the wedding began I stood in the back with him, waiting for his turn to go down the aisle. When we were cleared for Jonah's turn I told him to walk straight down the aisle, and to "go find daddy". About 10 ft out he starts bellowing "daddy, daddy". The seats were set up in rows about 2/3 of the way down the aisle. Where they began there were rose pedals all down the aisle. No one thought to tell him that it was OK to step on them, but he stopped right where the rose pedals began. He didn't know what to do. He began tippy toeing and trying to be delicate on them while still bellowing "daddy, daddy". Once he found daddy everyone clapped. Although he was not the show stopper, he certainly was a hit.

Eli wore a very very very cute navy blue suit and tie. He looked so cute that you could eat him.

The boys played around w/their cousins Dylan and Rachel before the picture taking began.




Jonah coming down the aisle.

Jonah tip-toeing and being careful on the rose pedals.

The Bride (Natalie) and Groom (Noah).

Jonah enjoying the party (Stephanie Berneman photography).


Just as a reminder a list has been set up for Jonah, if you're looking for birthday gift ideas. Just click on the link in the menu on the right hand side of the blog. (Here's a link for you just in case Jonah's 3rd Birthday). Look for the pictures of his birthday party coming soon. Have a nice weekend!

Mother's Day at the Zoo

Sorry for posting so late, I just can't catch the time no matter how hard I try. We are all doing well. Both boys are growing like little weeds.

Jonah is just too smart for his own good. He can count to 10, say his ABC's, recognize all of the letters, colors and numbers, he can tell you what each letter is for (J is for Jonah and E is for Eli), he also does a good job of counting things out for you. It's hard to believe he's going to be 3 at the end of the month. Where does the time go? He will be starting at the JCC in September for preschool. Bubbe & Tata (my parent's) are giving him swim lessons for his birthday, which we will start in July.

Eli is signing much more now that Rob & I are focusing on it. He doesn't speak, so we're trying to get him to sign for us. He understands everything we say and picks up on everything. We're also going to enroll him parent/tot swim class. I'm really looking forward to it. Eli has quite the little buddha belly, and giggles so sweetly when you tickle him. We all love to make Eli laugh because it really is the best laugh.

Jonah & Eli are quickly becoming frienemies. Eli wants everything Jonah has and Jonah wants everything Eli has. I do a lot of referring. All in all, they are so cute together. Jonah tells Eli he loves him, and pretty much melts our hearts everytime he says it.


Pictures From The Zoo
The boys in their stroller...


Where we going next daddy?


Jonah and daddy!


The entire time we were there Jonah just wanted to see the elephant. Here he is the much anticipated elephant, Jonah loved seeing him.


Stay tuned for more pictures of the boys from my cousin Noah's wedding on Saturday. All I can say is little boys in tuxes and suits have to be the cutest thing ever.

Eli's 1st Haircut

My baby got his first hair cut today. With the weather getting so warm I had to realize his hair was sticking to his head. Without further ado here he is.

Eli running around before his big cut

The curls that have to go. :( Aren't they cute?





Jonah patiently waiting his turn for a haircut


He looks like a big boy now.

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...