Maya's Giggle!

So there isn't a better sound out there from a 12 week old than to hear her giggle!  

Maya is responding to our laughs now and some silly "games" we play with her.  She likes to have her nose beeped and if she is moved back and forth in just the right direction, she will let out her little chuckle then too!  Precious!!!!!  Now to get it on film for all to see and hear!!!  

Well it took a few weeks, BUT!!!!!!!

Christmas Night/Jewish Style!!!

12/25/09 at the Farber's house was spent as many other Jewish people did, eating Chinese food with family.  But we added something special this year!!!!! An art project with Auntie Heidi and Uncle Dave!  Jenna had so much fun using stamps and stickers to make cards for mommy and daddy and a big picture to hang on our fridge!

Such fun!  Can't wait to spend New Year's Eve with them too!

Mommy and Jenna's Haircut

At the end of November, Jenna and Mommy headed to On The Edge hair salon in Westwood for a morning of beauty. Jenna and mommy talked the entire way to the salon about haircuts, short or long, shampooing, the woman's name who would be cutting our hair and more. (This would be Jenna's 3rd haircut!)

Jenna had not been a huge fan of having her hair cut the last time we went to this salon--in May, so mommy entered with a little trepidation. Needless to say, things went better than we could have dreamt. Jenna loved her haircut so much, she now plays hair salon and pretends to be Debbie and "cuts" Mommy's hair. She had the joy of going to a dog groomer with Emmy and Sabba after her haircut-while Mommy had some alone time. She will tell you that she saw a "black hop-hop and black doggies, but no cats!"

Both Mommy and Jenna had a great time!

Maya Smiling

Maya if you're happy and you know it

Please ignore Mommy's poor singing voice.

December Candids!

A few we could not pass up!

Whomever said watercolors weren't hands on...

Never met Jenna Morgan Farber.

After many futile attempts to help Jenna understand the process of painting with watercolors, mommy accepted the fact that she appears to be more of the "free thinking" child and wanted to really get into it on her own terms. Needless to say, this accounts for the paint chips being dipped and stirred into the water cup, the use of hands to smear the colors around on the paper and finally the end result of Jenna being a combination of proud, confused and joyful at the color of her hands. :)

As we all know, what matters most is she had fun. When mommy was little, a famous woman (Emmy) would say, a sign of a fun day was how dirty you got! Jenna LOVES her art!

Maya's BIG NEWS!!!!!

It's official, on December 13, 2009, Maya Blake Farber, "slept through the night!" Now keeping in mind, that for a 10 week old, sleeping through the night is a relative term, however, we are elated to share that she slept from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. without waking!!! (Truth be told, mommy woke up at 3:45 and was worried about her not waking and touched her chest-it was only then that Maya awoke!)

Now we all know from past experience this could be a fluke and no pattern as of yet, however, we'll take it! :) Way to go Maya! (And special thanks to big sis Jenna for following suit with a 7:00 pm-5:50 am stretch herself!) The small miracles!!!

We are now on 12/27/09 and going on night number 3 of sleeping through the night!  Two nights from 9-3 and then last night eating her last meal at 5pm, to be WOKEN up by daddy at 3:00 am out of concern and curiosity as to why she was still sleeping.  GO MAYA GO!!!

Hanukkah 2009

Jenna's second and Maya's first Hanukkah was celebrated in style! For the first night, the girls wore their matching "cat outfits"-thank you Holmes family. The candles were lit, the prayers were said and the dreidel song was sung. Jenna had a great time opening her gifts and Maya's. Jenna received a doll house which she has been playing with non-stop since! Maya "opened" her third "Maya tote bag" from LL BEAN-mommy and daddy and some friends all had great taste!

On the second night, the girls were able to share the holiday with Emmy and Sabba! Again, music and candles started off the night, followed by gifts and Emmy's homemade potato latkes. Jenna opened so many gifts this night, she requested to stop and "play doll house" instead! Maya received a hat and assorted clothing, while her big sister opened: a book, decorate your own dreidel kit, lots of clothing and pajamas.

Night number 3 was celebrated at Nana's house with many of Nana's friends and Jenna's family. She received lots of toys and books from her Auntie Rachel, Uncle Mike and cousins Ethan and Jordan-plus brought home some treats for Maya too. Nana gave Jenna pink piano, which has found a home in the playroom in the basement. Her creative concerts are best in an area where her baby sister does not nap. :)

On the fourth night, Jenna and Maya shared the holiday with their special babysitter Dara. We took pictures, lit the candles and said the prayers-when they were finished, Jenna requested "more prayers!" Opening gifts was next and Maya opened her own piano, which she is completely enjoying kicking! While Jenna received a magnetic doll dress-up set--very fun for her, crayons, stickers and watercolors from Dara. The girls gave Dara ITUNES gift cards and both went to bed while mommy and daddy ate a holiday dinner with Dara.

The remaining nights were spent with mommy, daddy and the girls at home.  Fun presents included: an easel, clothing, another doll house, and many many many more!  The girls also had the pleasure of donating some of their toys to Toys For Tots this year.  (Jenna selected the ones she wanted to donate.)  We hope to do it annually!  

Jenna at art class!

Jenna and two of her friends attended a make-up art class in the snowy slushy weather today. She was able to showcase her painting expertise on a canvas--very grown up! The instructions were to create sunflowers. Jenna used the paint "palate" in it's entirety and tossed it onto the canvas to get the full-effect of her paint! She also used q-tips, fork, a sponge, a stamper and her hands. It was a big hit!

Another special part of the day was we were able to show Maya Jenna's love of art by bringing her the class too! It was a breeze--Maya slept the whole time! :)

The Girls...

Here are some up to date photos of the girls together!

Jenna at 20 months!

Jenna has developed some fantastic new skills as she approaches two years old!!!!!!! She is a huge fan of playing pretend and counting to ten. Just this weekend we learned that Jenna knows how to sing the alphabet! She is a sponge, soaking up all that we offer and wanting more more more! She has a fascination with talking about and listening to us talk about people-by that I mean recounting who works with Scott, who is in our family, who came over to visit, etc. She often references Scott's business associates Steve Golding and Bob Watts!

Jenna loves playing baby still-even insisting our professional family photographs be frequently "added to" with the photographer's husband's grandmother's baby doll included in some of our shots!!!!! She has taken to playing grocery store in our house-pretending to shop, has a card to pay and a bag to store her items in. She prefers to be called "Mam" although sometimes will request "Miss" instead! Jenna is a HOOT!

Cooking and baking as well as art are still big hits with our little lady! Our daily schedule includes art in the morning and a "home ec" section in the afternoon after nap. Jenna thrives on predictability and routine and knowing what is coming next is key with her!

Jenna also enjoys playing "Shoe store!" We have spent many mornings trying on our shoes with Jenna's assistance! She has named her store too-"Ball's Shoes!" She checks to see if our shoes are too big or just right!

Her sense of humor has continued to blossom-laughing at things that are truly funny and even making jokes now. Jenna also says "Excuse me" when she needs to get by or "passes gas!" She has learned to say "Sorry" if she hurts someone and "Thanks" or "No thanks" depending on the situation. Jenna has started to show signs of independence as well--dressing herself and undressing herself are favorites! Having a 20 month old can be challenging, however, Jenna is the best! Even the hard times are fun times....

The Farbers and the two little bears!

December has started off as an odd month, weather wise. Within the first week, we had days in the 70's followed by two days later, our first legitimate snowfall. The photos of the girls in their "bear attire" were taken though on a typical--whatever that is--December afternoon. Temps were in the low 40's and Jenna was determined to not wear her mittens as to still be able to enjoy her raisins for snack!

We intended on taking a nice long walk in our ideal double stroller-thank you Emmy and Sabba, however, after about 15 minutes, Maya was all done with the stroller and Jenna wanted to play in the leaves. We opted for a compromise and put Maya in the Bjorn and played on the steps at our house.

Maya is 2 months old!!!!

Wow! Time has sure been flying by!!! Little Maya Blake, is not so little now! She is in her 3-6 month clothing, smiling like crazy and chuckling more and more! She sleeps quite a bit still, but is up more during the daytime hours which is fun. Her nightly schedule appears to be 8:45-12:45 sleep, eat, sleep 1:30-5:30/6 am, sleep 6:30-9ish. Not a bad schedule... I know Sabba frequently says he would love to nap that much! :)

We continue to watch in amazement as Maya comes into her own, clearly enjoying her safari mat and even tummy time! She has her 2 month check-up tomorrow at Woburn Pediatrics and from what mommy remembers, she'll get a handful of shots--she's sure to not be a happy camper! However, mommy is a bit excited and nervous-guesses on Maya's weight are at the 11-13 lb range now and mommy is sure that the doctor is going to say she is so advanced we need to send her to kindergarten immediately! She's growing up so fast!

FIrst Thanksgiving as a Family of 4!

We headed down to Sharon to share our 2009 Thanksgiving with Emmy and Sabba--Oscar Kitty too, Auntie Sam and Uncle Derek, and Lynn and Doug Johnston. The ride took a bit longer than we would have planned on, stopping in Reading to feed Maya, then in Westwood to change Maya's diaper and soothe Jenna (with some D.D. munchkins and a baby doll to hold!) We arrived and the girls immediately were swept up in the excitement--Jenna playing rounds of baby with her new toys from Emmy and Sabba and Maya sleeping peacefully in her grandparents' arms.

The meal was choppy for the 4 of us, taking turns eating/changing/feeding/playing, but when asked the following morning about Jenna's favorite part of Thanksgiving, she immediately shared "EAT!" Her favorite foods appeared to be the ever traditional "mac cheese" and some of Emmy's bread. She did polish the meal off with some of the delicious fruit Lynn and Doug brought and the trifle mommy made.

The ride home was sprinkled with an extra stop in Westwood yet again, but at a gas station--to feed Maya. Jenna fell asleep about 15 minutes into the ride home and slept soundly, despite Maya's "attempts to rouse her!"

Next year will be a new adventure-as it always is... FUN TIMES! We have SO much to be thankful for!

The Girls...

Here are a few photos of the girls--Jenna at 20 months and Maya at 7 weeks!!!! WOW! Time is just flying by!!!! Jenna is quite into dressing herself-""GA" do it!" She has mastered putting her own shoes on and getting one leg into her pants. Her shirts are on upside down these days, but she is determined to do it herself-hence the "birthday suit" shots! Maya is ever the smiley girl--showcasing her toothless grin often and even providing us with a small and gentle chuckle-usually from something Jenna has done! :)

Two is...

As a mom of two under 2, this list is created in no particular order, nor is it ever complete!

-Two is so fun!
-Two is lots of diapers.
-Two is remembering how crucial organization is.
-Two is loving your husband.
-Two is not sweating the small (and sometimes the medium sized) stuff.
-Two is patience.
-Two is asking for help is okay.
-Two is a juggling act.
-Two is oh so rewarding.
-Two is lots of laundry.
-Two is twice as many special moments.
-Two is incredible bonding.
-Two is double strollers.
-Two is twice as much hand-washing (or more!)
-Two is double the amount of time to leave to get somewhere.
-Two is routines are key.
-Two is love.
-Two is busy.
-Two is sharing.
-Two is never going to the bathroom alone.
-Two is eating/drinking on the go.
-Two is savoring me time.
-Two is appreciating couple time.
-Two is silly.
-Two is still no t.v.!--they said I'd give in... :)
-Two is lots of singing, bouncing, dancing.
-Two is amazing yourself.
-Two is giving more, when you feel as though you have nothing left to give.
-Two is flexibility.
-Two is stopping to take the time to notice small moments.
-Two is quiet.
-Two is loud.
-Two is being proactive.
-Two is enjoying the nights eating dinner at 8pm or after.
-Two is middle of the night wakings and changings.
-Two is having deep conversations with your spouse at 3 am!
-Two is tearing up watching your husband be an incredible dad.
-Two is lots of gear.
-Two is sharing-yourself, your toys, your time, your food, your body, everything!
-Two is wonderful!
-Two is more laughs.
-Two is less room in the car.
-Two is first smiles and first words.
-Two is pride and adoration.
-Two is so blessed.
-Two is pediatricians.
-Two is pacifiers, lovies, nightlights, fans, sound machines and more.
-Two is matching outfits.
-Two is bliss.
-Two is family.
-Two is sisterly love.
-Two is growing up.
-Two is sitting back, watching and enjoying.
-Two is documenting memories.
-Two is challenging.
-Two is being a team.
-Two is photos, videos, recordings.
-Two is special.

The girls and their grandparents!

Jenna and Maya are lucky to have three living grandparents and even some great-grandmothers too! Here you will find Sabba holding Maya, Emmy baking cookies with Jenna, Nana sharing some time with both girls and Sabba reading with Jenna!