Halfway day!

Today is the halfway point officially for our pregnancy, due in mid May.

The girls and I marked the appointment by all three of us heading to meet with Dr. M and listen to the baby's heartbeat. HE was very agreeable (as were the girls.)

We celebrated our wonderful visit with a lunch out to Bertucci's!

A day of mixed emotions...

Today was a day that I dreading in many ways. Since early May, I had it on my brain that it would come and I had no idea how I would survive the feelings. It was my intended due date for the child we lost in May. I worried that this day would come and would be consumed with emotions that would take over. And then things took a different turn. Today was a blessing!

Our older daughter, Jenna, was chosen at the start of school to be The Shabbat Helper on this day-of all days. This involved her taking part in Tzedakah, the Shabbat blessings and rituals and introducing all 9 of her guests! We invited our family members to join us in celebrating Jenna's honor. It was such a gift.

As we sat there and I snuggled with my two little blessings on my lap and listened to Jenna, her friends, schoolmates and our family sing with smiles from ear to ear, I couldn't help but tear up. Yes, for mixed reasons; for my tears flowed thinking of the life we had lost, my tears dripped down with pride for my daughter(s) and our choice to send Jenna (and next year Maya) to the most incredibly loving preschool, and my tears welled up in my eyes for the excitement and anticipation of the future addition to our family due to join us in May 2012.

Jenna just blew me away, as she often does. Jenna is known at school as a quieter lady, but today, she showed how she can rise to the occasion. Jenna participated, spoke clearly and relatively loud enough for all to hear and most of all, she smiled. I couldn't have been more proud to be her mom, today and every day!

Maya's a BIG GIRL!

Sunday, Maya had a miserable hot. (A WHAT? A cold, but she insists it is called a HOT!) She was runny, stuffy, unhappy, sleepy, whiny, just plain unhappy. SO unlike her! Anyway, after her 30 minutes of protesting her nap, she was unleashed from the confines of her crib. She sauntered into our bedroom and greeted Scott and me with the most astonishing news--"I no want my cribbie anymore Mommy. I want a big girl bed now and I give my cribbie to the new baby!"

Anyone who knows Maya knows this girl ADORES her sleep. Her crib is her sanctuary; she was best described by our close friend and babysitter Michele-"She's like me after a long day at work on a cold winter day. All snuggled up under my blankets, head nuzzled into my pillows and in heaven-what could be better?" Maya has always been a child who when she wakes up from her naps and in the morning, would request to hang out in her crib longer; there wasn't anything to play with except her two loveys, a couple of blankets and now a pillow and pillow pet. That said, she has always been the kid who tried to climb INTO her crib, rather than out!

With this shocking news, we gathered all of our stuff and despite her "HOT" raced over to check out some beds. Fastforward to today, Wednesday-we have now ordered her bed, her "hot" has been downgraded according to her, for she now just "has a cold." However, poor Maya has to wait a LONG LONG LONG 2 months until her big girl bed arrives. She continues to let us know that she no longer wants her cribbie for it is for the baby and she is ready for her big girl bed!

Thanksgiving

What else do we need to be thankful for when we really have it all?

Nice guys and girls finish first!

Anyone who knows my husband or who knew his dad, Jack, would likely call them modest, humble, unassuming and such. Scott and Jack both share(d) the simple nature of not needing the biggest house or the most expensive cars; they both are/were most happy due to the people with whom they surrounded themselves.

A few weeks back, we got some pretty exciting news. Hunts Photo and Video, Scott, Gary (Jack and their paternal grandfather Solomon)'s store was winning an award. Not just any award; for Hunts has been named Massachusetts Retailer of the Year by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Scott called me to tell me of this news. I could hear and feel his joy and pride over the phone.

Yesterday, Hunts was publicly recognized in The Boston Herald, Patriot Ledger and at an awards luncheon at Bentley in Waltham. Scott, as he ALWAYS does, spoke seamlessly off the cuff with his thank you and acknowledged his staff and their work-not one to ever say HE has much to do with the company's success. All of the reps that Hunts does business with attended the luncheon along with nearly all of the managers, some of the staff and a few other important people.

As Scott got dressed yesterday morning, in his atypical suit and tie, I think it set in for him; this was big and he had had a BIG hand in it. It was/is such an incredibly proud moment for me as his wife. To be able to have Scott see what everyone else sees in him-Hunts is made up of people whom Scott, Gary and Jack are proud to have work with (not for) them, honored to be there to support and guide and most of all they feel blessed to have them as part of what makes Hunts THE RETAILER OF THE YEAR!!!!!!

Well done Scott and crew--I KNOW for sure, your dad and grandfather could not be more proud of what you have and continue to do. I love you!

November Photographs

EXCITING PICS showcasing EXCITING news!!!!!!!!

Dinner 11/2/11 # 2

Jenna was WAY too excited to even eat her dinner!!!!

After a LONG LONG LONG wait, we finally revealed something pretty great to the girls tonight at dinner!

Halloween 2011

This year Halloween was SO different! It was filled with anticipation, snow on the ground and excitement beyond words! The girls "got" the idea of going house to house, as opposed to last year when we made it to one house and then called it a night, but this year was different. They gathered up so many "special treats" that each girl was complaining her pumpkin was too heavy and they wanted someone else to carry it.

We met many dogs in our new neighborhood, neighbors, friends from here and friends visiting from their houses in other towns. We had Nana, Auntie Heidi and Lilah joining our adventures again this year, and thank goodness for Howard, who manned the door while most of the trick or treaters showed up-little did he know, he thought he could "relax!"

The happy threesome of Minnie Mouse X 2 and a butterfly lasted the majority of our new neighborhood, but when they tapped out it was only because they wanted to head home and dive into their treats. Each girl enjoyed a mini package of m & m's and then we called it tubby time. A fun time had by all...

October Fun!

What a FABULOUS October we are having! Here are some additional photographs that show how much fun we are having!

Jenna cuts a rug

Jenna has always been VERY serious. It is rare that she opens up and lets loose. Enjoy this clip of our little lady bopping to Marlo Thomas' "Glad to Have a Friend Like You!"

October Snapshots!

A Good Laugh!

Just wanted to share a good laugh that happened this morning on our way to the hospital...

We left the house at 5 am-dark dark morning. Drove through to Mount Auburn Hospital, hitting nearly every red light-but we had time to kill, we were not due to arrive until 6 am. We stopped at some light in Cambridge I think-at then it happened....

Our back right door was opened! Not by the wind, but by a well dress Asian man ready to hop in for a ride-we hope he had no ulterior motives. As he opened the door, noted the dual pink carseats, despite their vacancies-he was not welcome! Scott jammed on the gas, heading into a thank goodness empty intersection, and inadvertently opened my window! I was extremely helpful by yelling "NO!!!!!!" The possible car jacker got so taken aback that he let go of the door, which then slammed itself, and waved us off, we were kind enough to scream at him in return!

We still are not sure if this was a confused individual attempting to hitch a ride, or a really inexperienced car jacker, but either way-he is seeking alternate transportation and did not arrive for surgery this morning with us. (Thank goodness he is not one of the nurses or something...)

It gave us a great laugh on the way to an anxiety ridden day and will do so for a long time...

September Pictures

You don't want to miss!

First days of School (Year 2)

Jenna started her second year of preschool with SUCH anticipation. She carried a photograph of she and her adored teacher, Lucie, around with her since the day camp ended a month ago. She asked every few days, "How much longer till school?" "I REALLY want to go!" And she did.

She made a last minute wardrobe alteration as Jenna really wanted to wear her most favorite silver dress. Jenna insisted this year on carrying her own backpack-thank goodness because last year Mommy had the pleasure of carrying it and often Maya!

One of the biggest changes in getting Jenna ready for school this year, was she opted to leave her baby Lilly home. Last year, Lilly was an honorary member of the T'layim class. She was Jenna's security/go to object in times of difficulty. Most often, Lilly remained in Jenna's cubby, only to receive a quick hug or smooch. Though knowing she was there in case Jenna needed her.... Lilly has chosen to stay home this year and bond with her other baby friends-Ava, Matthew, Brooke, Stella and crew. Jenna feels that Lilly can then have great times here in Wakefield and they can compare stories when she gets home from school. (Truth be told, Maya appears to be telling Lilly about her day and Jenna talks mainly to Brooke and Matthew.) :)

Jenna has been reminding us that she does LOVE school, it is only her first and second days and "It can take a little while to feel like it isn't you first or second day, you know." That being said, no tears shed at drop off, GIGANTIC smiles at pick up and details, details, details about what happened at school with her friends and teachers. We are so excited for this year in the Kofefim class with Lucie and Sara!

The BIG 35!

This year, my birthday was full of excitement and anticipation. Our girls are all about birthdays, parties and celebrations this year-doesn't matter for whom. As one birthday is culminated, another one is looked forward to, because, well that's just what kids do. With Mommy, Daddy and Maya's birthdays and Jenna's half birthday all celebrated within less than a month of each other, September/early October is exciting for us all.

Labor day was approaching and the rumblings began--"Mommy, we are going to have a princess party for you." "Let's make a list of all the friends we should invite to your birthday party." "Do you want cupcakes or a cake?" "How old will you be?" "Are you older than Daddy or younger?" "Why?" Jenna and Maya couldn't wait for September 7th!!!

I, on the other hand, was a little less enthusiastic. For whatever reason, turning 35 was my "BIG" birthday in my mind. I had been okay with turning 25, 30 and the littler ages in between, but for whatever reason, this was hitting me hard. And then it hit me, I was going to take turning 35 in stride-just like a princess would afterall... For of course, I have met my prince charming, we have our dream castle most importantly our two future princesses to share our lives with.

And so, I have embraced my 35th year and beyond. I glowed as I sat in my fantastically decorated birthday chair, smiled hugely as I read my birthday cards and pages filled with stickers-made with love and most of all, I looked at my life and thought, "This is a BIG birthday! For there is SO much to celebrate!"

10 Years 9/11/01

I remember 9/11/01 so vividly. It was my first year teaching in Duxbury, MA. One of my very first days as a fourth grade teacher at Alden School. I was at the far end of the front of the school on the second floor. Somewhat isolated from others, but it was kind of nice too. I had a class of 22 or so kids, I can remember so many of them, (okay all of them) so clearly. There was K.A.-a lively, vibrant student--one whom people had warned me about; he was known to topple desks, talk back and rebel in any way he could, he was the most amazing artist and deepest child, once you took the time to break his walls down. There was N.C.-a physically bigger kid, who had an immeasurable heart and such a quiet demeanor. There was: M.C., M.S., H.S., A.W., K.M. and E.M.-many of whom thought they were 15 or so rather than 10 or 11 years old. I remember them all. They were my first class there, but they also were THE CLASS. The class I watched personally lose their innocence.

It was a glorious Tuesday, the sky a picturesque blue, not a cloud at all. We were in class and the school guidance counselor came to talk with me in the hallway in the midst of a lesson. I was a mere 25 years old, fresh out of graduate school and immediately thought, I must have done something wrong. Mrs. D. informed me in the hall outside my classroom about the events that were taking place in NYC. I can remember where I was standing, where she was standing, I remember her telling me two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center, I remember thinking about all of my close family members and college friends-many of whom resided in NYC and NJ and worked in the World Trade Center towers. I remember being terrified. I remember my baby sister studying abroad in Italy, she had left from JFK airport just a few days before. I remember the reality that I had to be the adult and go back into the classroom and act as nothing different had happened.

When the day reached the point that our indescribably talented principal, Mrs. S., opted to have us read a scripted statement to our students, I remember the different atmosphere that instantly was created. Instead of sitting at their desks in chairs, I recall the kids sitting on their desks and us in a open circle format. I remember reading this short, yet so incredibly life altering paragraph to them and purposefully not looking up from the paper as I read to avoid catching a worried eye or tearful expression.

And then, it happened--which I should have known, but never was prepared for. The questions-the whys, the hows, the we need to know more more more! And I couldn't tell them more...We were told to just read the statement and let their parents fill in the blanks at home. One savvy student-the daughter of a fellow Alden teacher, asked me "Miss Ritt, planes crash all the time, no one ever tells us in school and they NEVER crash into the same place and not into a building? What's really going on?" I told her that was all I knew, though I really knew she was way too smart to accept that.

The following day, kids poured off the busses and in true child like fashion many asked me if I knew what had happened-as if I could have avoided it. For the night of 9/11, my former roommate and I watched CONSTANT coverage, ESPN, CNN, FOX, MTV, you name it. It was EVERYWHERE. I don't remember much following that on 9/12/01. I do remember a student telling me her mom told her "The Jews caused it." I remember how much that stung and how hard it was to not be personally hurt by this child/mother's words, but I also remember how we all were just looking for someone to blame, some answers.

The days afterward 9/11 were such a haze; I remember hearing about a few college friends narrowly escaping, running from the towers, missing subways or being home sick that day and counting their lucky lucky lucky stars. And then it happened...

I remember getting the phone call at my parents' house in Sharon, on a phone line we rarely answered, on Rosh Hashannah night. It was an old students' mother-her husband, their father-was missing. He worked in the towers and couldn't be located. She asked me to come over and talk with my former first grader and spend time with them. I remember the disbelief, the sadness, the feeling of necessity to be there and to fix what this now 8 year old and his 7 year old brother were feeling, let alone their amazing and now torn mother. And so we went. A family friend/ fellow teacher and I went to their home. I saw confusion, Lego towers built by the boys to match the twin towers and I will NEVER EVER forget D's one question, when I asked him if there was anything I could do... "Umm.. Yeah, could you tell me who did this to my dad and why?"

Now being a mother of two small daughters and wanting to protect them from everything; teasing, tripping, tears, terrorism, all of it... I realize I can't. I couldn't take away the 44 eyes looking at me for answers I never had or will have-why, why does someone feel such strong hatred towards us to do that? I couldn't answer a son's question of why someone would take a dedicated father from his two sons and adoring wife. I couldn't do it.

9/11/01 allowed me to retain such powerful memories of my students in that class. It allowed me to connect with my future students on a deeper level, and with people in general. It has allowed me the want to teach our children about being Americans and what that really means.

I am hopeful that tomorrow will not be just another ordinary day. So many lives were lost, changed and forever impacted. And I want to be able to take the time and reflect on the fond times when our innocence had not ended.

Remember when the days were long
And rolled beneath a deep blue sky
Didn't have a care in the world
With mommy and daddy standing by
When "happily ever after" fails
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers dwell on small details
Since daddy had to fly
But I know a place where we can go
That's still untouched by man
We'll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the wind
You can lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence
O' beautiful, for spacious skies
But now those skies are threatening
They're beating plowshares into swords
For this tired old man that we elected king
Armchair warriors often fail
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales
The lawyers clean up all details
Since daddy had to lie
But I know a place where we can go
And was away this sin
We'll sit and watch the clouds roll by
And the tall grass wave in the wind
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair spill all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence
Who knows how long this will last
Now we've come so far, so fast
But, somewhere back there in the dust
That same small town in each of us
I need to remember this
So baby give me just one kiss
And let me take a long last look
Before we say good bye
Just lay your head back on the ground
And let your hair fall all around me
Offer up your best defense
But this is the end
This is the end of the innocence.

August Snaps

Here are some new cuties!

Thank you Billy Dalwin!

When I was in sixth through ninth grade my parents decided to send me to private school. For assorted reasons, they felt it was best for me. Despite my opposition, I went and each day we went by car and later by school mini-van an hour or so to school and an hour or so back home. I remember vividly a snow day that it took us at least two hours to get there only to arrive and discover that during the time it took to get there the school had decided to close due to weather. :)

I was baffled not only by my parents' decision to drive me such a distance for four years, but why they felt so strongly when I told them I wanted to go to school closer to home. Clearly they knew that my educational experience was best served where I was going. Despite the extra effort it took from them, they wouldn't have done it differently. As a mom now, as with many things, I am understanding why.

Driving to camp this summer, each and every Monday/Wednesday/Friday was one of my most favorite times of the day for me. Jenna, Maya and I would pile into the car and sing to our music, share a coffee/munchkin snack some days and talk over our typically 40 minute drive. We'd talk about: the day ahead, the theme for the week at camp, their friends and more. They'd ask questions, tell me stories and bond.

Each morning saying goodbye to Jenna left the lump in my throat that happened when I dropped her off at school, sad I was leaving my BIG GIRL, worried how she would do and a little envious of Lucie and Lois that they got to keep her all morning, but this summer it was different. Jenna hugged me more tightly, smiled more brightly and walked away SO much more confident and happy.

When people ask, "Where does Jenna go to school/camp?" and I respond we drive to Lexington their facial or verbal responses are often as if I told them I take her to the moon! "Wow that's SO far!" And really, it isn't. "Aren't there other schools/camps in the area, or at least closer that you could send her to?" And really there aren't. Well, not where she and we would gain the same experience for our dear Jenna. We value so deeply the personal attention, care, love, support, education, sincerity, honesty, (the list goes on and on) that you have shown for our family. For us there is only one place that makes sense, Billy Dalwin.

Today, as camp was ending and people were hugging and kissing and waving goodbye, I got that same lump in my throat. I felt for those families who were off to kindergarten or some other school in the fall and was sad. We are immensely grateful for the work you all do and I continue to be amazed with the entire Billy Dalwin staff. EVERY PERSON there take her job as a passion and labor of love. It not only shows to the adults, but to the kids and for us-that's really all we could ask for. You take the time to "get" each kid, to love each kid and to let them know it. Jenna knows it and therefore, loves you in return.

Thank you for a fabulous summer. Jenna's comment said it best, as I shared with Shelley earlier this week, "You know Mommy, I'm pretty sad that camp is ending, but the best part is, I can go back to school and do it all over again!!!!!"

xoxo

Please enjoy the remainder of the summer and RELAX!!!! We look forward to more fabu times ahead!!

Much appreciation,

Leigh, Scott, Jenna and Maya

JDRF Walk 2011

We're walking... AGAIN

See-ya!!!! I'm off to camp!

Jenna headed off to camp and never looked back. She is having a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jenna is loving the themes that they have and really looks forward to celebrating Shabbat at camp as well. She plays in the water, swings on the swings, eats lunch there and three afternoons a week gets a much needed nap after she gets home! :)

Uncle Derek moves to Beantown! (Sort of)

Since my sister, Samantha, told me she was moving to NY years back, I have wished her to return to MA. She went there for a job and found (well re-found) her love, Derek. Samantha and Derek were a college "connection"-near the end of their senior year. Sam introduced me to him at a party at Colgate and I thought-WOW! He was so devoted to Sam, so sweet with her and so much fun! When she told me she was going to take a job in NY I think I always knew that she would stay there and likely end up with Derek and I am elated that the latter part was correct.

Samantha and Derek have lived in NY for getting close to 10 years now. They talked briefly about coming to live in MA after Sam finished grad school and then opted to stay so Derek could tackle business school. Samantha and Derek are so supportive of each other; one of the most impressive qualities about them as a couple is there willingness to "take one for the team" and do what the other needs to help them succeed. They truly are such a wonderful match.

They have been so sweet with and to our daughters. They were there for both of their births-meeting each of their nieces the day they were born-and shower them with phone calls, hugs, gifts and such attention and devotion.

Derek has had the opportunity to complete part of his internship here in Boston this summer. Ironically being housed at the same glorious hotel he and Sam were married in in November of 2007. Due to his "move" here for a short time, we have been extra lucky to have Samantha come and visit two out of the last three weekends. The first weekend she brought the well adored Puppy Charlie and this weekend the famed and deeply missed Uncle Derek.

Charlie's visit is still talked about at length for his interaction with Big Bird and Maya's requesting him to "jump down." Jenna loved taking a walk around the neighborhood with her baby in the stroller and Auntie Sam escorting Charlie around. Derek's visit, albeit short for the girls as he arrived after a tough day of work and they girls were heading to bed, was still much anticipated. Maya even asked for him again as she went to sleep. Jenna enjoyed a special treat of having her books read to her by Auntie Sam and got to show off all of her "moves" to her.

As the girls often do, when they woke up this morning (MUCH later than usual) asked where Auntie Sam and Uncle Derek were. When I explained they were back at the hotel, the ideas streamed in as to how it could be arranged to see them again today, tomorrow, you get the idea. We all wish they lived closer. We wish Uncle Derek LOADS of luck-though he doesn't need it-and hope that as next summer approaches we can say Auntie Sam and Uncle Derek move to Beantown FOR REAL! :)