Maya's Naming Ceremony

April 11th felt like such a long time away when we planned Maya's baby naming ceremony and then POOF--there it was!  We lucked out with a glorious day, weather wise and in all other facets.  We were surrounded by so many family and friends it was such a warm and cozy environment. 

Kids quietly tiptoed around as the Rabbi spoke to Maya about her name, it's meaning and her becoming an official part of the Jewish covenant.  One could faintly hear the chiming of Big Sister Jenna talking to her baby cousin Lilah.  

Ever happy Maya did shed a few tears during the ceremony-in part due to the Rabbi's commanding presence and likely moreso because she was quite hungry.  Maya was wrapped in her late Papa Jack's Talit-as she heard about great-great-great uncle Ben, great-great grandma Lilly and Emmy's dear friend Karen Ness, all for whom she was named.  

Words could not do justice to the day's emotions and pride we as her parents felt.  Please take a short moment to enjoy the video below.  Maya Blake/Lee-lach Keren--whatever name you are known by, you are our world!  We are so blessed!

Say Cheese--APRIL!

1/2 to 1?! HOW in the world did THIS happen?

People always say that time flies by with kids and WOW that the case!  Yes friends and family, Maya Blake has reached the half-way to 1 year point!  Maya is 6 months old today!

Maya is still a little peanut in size, weighing a mere 12 pounds 12.8 ounces; we have been told to have her add a little meat to her!  She is eating two meals a day of solid foods-loving applesauce and pears, disliking carrots.  She is a doll--rarely fussing, complaining, crying, nearly ALWAYS happy.  Maya has developed a wonderful sleep schedule, 12 hours a night and adores her lovey to cuddle up with in bed.  

Putting Maya to sleep is always a smooth transition and watching her on the monitor at night provides her parents with entertainment and perplexing moments.  Maya will be put down in her crib vertically at the head of her crib; as the night progresses, Maya manages to skootch herself down to the foot of the crib and in a perpendicular arrangement.  She also has just this past week found her BELLY--when sleeping!  

Sisterly love is more present than ever as Maya laughs WITH Jenna now, smiles and "talks" to her whenever she is around and even kisses and hugs her on her own (sort of.)  Jenna continues to be an ideal big sis, showering Maya with attention, toys and love.  

One of Maya's biggest achievements over the last month has been her desire and ability to reach for people when she wants to be picked up, held or hugged.  What is more gratifying than coming into your baby girl's bedroom only to see her laying in her crib looking up at you smiling with her arms open wide!?

Happy 6 months Maya Blake!  We love you more than you'll ever know!

Photos to come!

Jews do Easter?!

SO, yes, it is true, the day we were leaving Newton Wellesley Hospital after Jenna was born Mommy did "throw" the Easter Bunny out of the hospital room saying "We don't celebrate Easter!" Now here we are just over two years later and Mommy (and Daddy) brought Jenna and Maya down to Lake Quanopowitt for Wakefield's Annual Easter Egg Hunt and a visit with none other than the Easter Bunny!  (Hoping it was a different one!?)

The first give away that we were Easter Egg hunting virgins was that all the other kids showed up with some sort of basket, bag, egg carrying case, to place all of their valuable treasures in.  We did not...  Thank goodness we had a bag full of supplies for the girls with us which we rapidly emptied out and handed to our eager egg hunter.  

With hundreds of expert searchers on the outskirts of the roped off section elbow to elbow, the countdown began.  Nervously, Mommy and Maya watched as Daddy helped Jenna cross over the tape as the hunt officially began.  

Jenna knew just what to do--and she wasn't fooled by those kids set up as plants piling up their baskets with only hay!  She knew they were trying to stray her from the set task-she gathered up tens of little chocolate eggs and even found one of the special ones with the letter T on it--traded it in for a pink stuffed bunny rabbit, which Jenna proudly has named...  Fire Engine!  (You'll find out why.)

When the hunting was complete, some shed tears, some continued to furiously search in the remaining hay piles, and some die hards (that would be Jenna) headed over to the fire engine arriving, sirens ablazing!  And who should be on that engine, but the Easter Bunny himself-Jenna must have recalled him from her stay at Newton Wellesley as she went right up to him and stood next to him--the local newspaper photographer snapped a shot--keep your eyes out in next week's paper!

It was a blast for Jenna, she keeps trying to sneak an egg for herself and one for each of her babies! Maya LOVED the walk down to the lake, however, the walk back cuddled up in Daddy's arms was cozy enough to lay her head on his shoulder and fall fast asleep!  Truthfully not sure which one of them enjoyed that moment more--maybe even me!  :) 

So, Mommy has learned a lesson...  We may not celebrate Easter with a ham dinner or go to Church, however, searching for chocolate, we sure do that well!  :)

Photos to come soon!

Potty Time!

Well, twice in one day!  Jenna has peed on the potty!!!!!!  We are SO proud of her!  And she knows it!

Please appreciate the photo of the potty with the liquid in it--Jenna requested that I take a photo of it!  :)