Jenna is 2!!!!!

Pizza and cupcakes are all our girl asked for---what she got was a LOT more!  Jenna's 2nd birthday was filled with friends, family and fun!

We began the morning with a extraspecial chair-decorated with cards, signs, stickers, balloons, streamers and a walkable Elmo balloon, much taller than Jenna herself!   (Carrying on the tradition started by the Ritts!)  Opening multiple Sesame Street cards was followed by the unveiling of Jenna's birthday present--a double stroller for her babies!  A quick breakfast followed with the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the big event taking over the remainder of our time at home.  

Arriving at Kidcasso, Jenna's dream was waiting--SESAME STREET CUPCAKES!  She couldn't help but touch the Grover one staring her in the face-he just wanted to be tasted!  :)  Friends and family poured in, but the lot, Jenna became increasingly excited, quiet and curious.  She would take a small step forward, then a few steps back.  After a few minutes, the story began and the paintbrushes were sweeping away on the Elmo drawings.  

After a quick painting escapade, the 22 little ones were ready for something else--thank goodness Auntie Sam and Uncle Derek had trekked by foot, per Mommy's advice to Farmland to grab the 6 IMMENSE pizzas.  When they did arrive with the goods, kids and parents alike gobbled it up.  Plates were cleared and the singing began--a harmonious round of Happy Birthday Jenna followed by cupcakes for the kids and cake for the grown-ups.  All RAVED about the delicious treats.  

Finally, it was time to say goodbye--Jenna's friends gathered their things, grabbed a gift bag of personalized M & M's--complete with candies with Jenna's photograph on them!  Daddy, Uncle Derek, Sabba, Auntie Sam and Emmy packed up the car and everyone headed home to take naps.  EVERYONE!

The afternoon was spent relaxing somewhat, Daddy opened nearly all of Jenna's gifts as she repeatedly said, "No thanks!" when asked if she wanted to help.  Playing outside with the family and putting away new toys, clothes and such was a productive way to end the day.

Tonight is the first night Jenna will sleep in her crib as a two year old.  It is also the first night she will sleep in her crib without her pacifiers!  She has "decided" to give them to a few babies she knows.  We will see how it goes.  

Jenna, we wish you a lifetime of birthdays filled with friends, family and fun!  You and Maya are the best gifts we could ever wish for!  We love you!

Goodbye "Ga" and "Ga-ya," hello JENNA!!!!

It is with GREAT pride and excitement that we announce....  

JENNA CAN SAY HER OWN NAME!!!!!!!  Not just Jenna, but Jenna Farber.  Gone are the days of calling herself "Ga" or "Ga-ya!"  She knows we are elated at this accomplishment and continues to test the waters by calling some adults by their first or full names.  (Jay Ritt, Scott Farber, Melody Ritt, Ellen Farber!)  

What a super birthday present she gave to US--happy near 2nd birthday Jenna---"Ga" "Ga-ya" will always be a fond memory for us!

Hooray For Maya!!!!

Maya has been holding out on us--she can SIT UP!  Not just the introductory tripod sitting position either-that's for the little guys--she can actually sit unassisted and for a relatively substantial amount of time!  

For some reason, Maya enjoys holding a water bottle while sitting, no toys for this lady.  She does seem to recognize that we are very pleased too as she looks up at us, smiles and coos with glee at times.  

A very proud big sister Jenna cheers her on each time with a "Good girl Maya--you did it!!!!"  Which of course, only makes Maya smile even more!  5 1/2 months--that's one for the baby book!  We continue to be so proud of our Maya Blake!

Check out the video-but before you do, please tilt your head to the right.  Silly cell phone video!  :)

A Parent's DREAM!

Maya---dear Maya, how do we adore the sleep pattern you have chosen.  You nap relatively well, yet best completed in your crib and carseat when on the road.   However, your nightly sleep patterns are unmatched.  

Going to sleep easily after your bath, books and bouncing, you and your elephant friend are snuggled up tight by 7:15 p.m.  Only to wake at 5:15 a.m. or LATER!  A parent's dream!!!!!  

When you awaken, you always appear refreshed, smiley and happy to see us.  We too are well rested and bright eyed--well most mornings, and eager to cuddle up with our little lady.  (Your big sister has most often been up for a little bit awaiting your joining her!)  

Keep up the fantastic work Maya Blake--you could make a FORTUNE teaching a class to others your age on "How to TRULY SLEEP LIKE A BABY!"

March Candids!

LOVE these!

Maya tries OATMEAL!

Maya was given the go ahead to try solids at her 4 month pediatrician check-up, however, Mommy and Daddy decided to wait until last night to test the waters.  Maya did SO well!  She loved the spoon, but the oatmeal on it was a little bit of a different story.  

She ate nearly 1 teaspoon and tried it again the next night and did even better!    Maya also matched her eating success by sleeping so well; not just through the night, but from 7 pm to 5 am!!!!!!!  Mommy and Daddy woke up before she did and wondered what was going on!

Come on Maya, keep it going---what a LOVE!!!

Jenna Makes Pizza at Bertucci's!

What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.  At Bertucci's in Woburn, making Jenna's very own pizza!

With help from Daddy and Mommy, Jenna created her own chef's apron.  It had the very favorites, Ava Miss Baby, a cat, a dog and some shapes on it.   The waiter commented to Jenna on what a great cat she had on her apron-too bad Daddy drew that!  :)

Jenna was able to add the sauce on her crust, sprinkle the cheese, along with scattering carrots, green peppers and pepperoni on her individual pizza.  While it cooked, the waiter read the kids a story-which Jenna loved!  

After it was all cooked, we watched the chef take it out of the oven and Jenna got to EAT it!  (Along with a Hoodsie aftewards!)  And all before 11:00 a.m.!

A great morning!  Brought Mommy back to the days of birthday parties at Papa Gino's at Cobb's Corner!  Ahh memories...

Maya is 5 months old!

Can you believe it?  Maya is 5 months old now!  She is growing up so fast!  

What is she up to nowadays?  Lot of great new things, all the while, perfecting the old standbys.  

Maya continues to be the smiling expert!  She is an incredibly happy and upbeat little girl.  Laughing is a favorite pastime of Maya's as well; her family tries to encourage her giggles whenever possible, it is too cute!  Rolling to the left side from her back to her belly and over to her back from her belly are old hat for Maya Blake.  

As a newer skill, Maya enjoys "talking" a lot!  Particularly just after eating, while on the changing table or when someone else is having a conversation nearby.  (Guess she wants to chime in!)  

Maya's biggest news is she has her own room now-downstairs!  We decided that since Maya had been sleeping so well for a while that it was time for her parents to let her spread her wings and fly downstairs to her very own bedroom.  There have been some adjustments and bumps in the road, however, it is working well.  Some cosmetic additions are still needed to her bedroom, but she has the necessities.

Per the pediatrician's suggestion, Maya will be/can be starting oatmeal or another cereal in the near future.  Her highchair is up and running and the table, but mommy and daddy have not tried her out in it just yet---all in due time!

Just think, Maya's next landmark will be when she is 1/2 way to 1 year old--WOW!!!!!