Ilana at 1

She can say Buh-bye and wave, Momma ma ma all day long. She can hi five. She is a few weeks away from walking. She prefers to walk as long as you hold her hand but won't brave it on her own. She crawls up and down the stairs. She eats anything in sight, especially if its on your plate and not hers. And insists on feeding herself, brushing her own teeth and hair. She loves jewelry and all things sparkly as girls do. She is a joker - she will laugh along to any joke that she does not understand to be part of the festivities. If she notices you laugh at something she did she will do it over and over again  - like zerberts on your belly. She claps and sings along to music. She follows her big brother every where he goes like his biggest fan. But she stands up for what's due to her - like her portion of dessert, her own juice box, etc. Such a lovey silly girl.

Ilana is 1 and Lev is 4

Its cool that their birthdays are exactly 6 days apart - convenient for birthday party planning ;) This year we did a joint party for their friends (mostly Lev's) at the fountain splash pad in Grand Ave. Park. It was such a great time, especially because Sabba and Safta were there. A beautiful hot day, coupled with a Taco Fest at the park. I'm not sure I will make pinatas from scratch or 26 individual sandwich bags again, but it worked out just great. Good times.

Ilana at 11 Months

Just shy of 11 months, this girl is so aware. She seems to understand everything around her and tries to emulate. She will feed herself as discussed and actually won't accept food unless SHE puts it in her mouth which makes for messy times. She tries to organize things for me - like taking everything out of drawers or boxes and then methodically putting each back in one by one. She tries to brush her own hair and teeth and does a pretty good job. She insists on putting lids back on open containers. A neat freak like her mom. She is also a little bit of a dare devil - loving her swings and slides. And a lover - ready to hug and kiss at all times.

Lev is in full Batman mode. Day and night - he play acts, he reads about Batman, he dresses up, and he watches the show. He is the Dark Knight. He mentioned that "its hard to have a baby" and "its really hard to have a baby and a kid". Thank you for noticing buddy. He does try to watch out for Ilana whenever he can and keep her smiling. He is getting excited to be 4 years old. Soon enough.

Ilana is 10 Months Old

She had her check up today and she is 16 lbs in weight and 27" in height. Alec taught her how to wave good bye and she is doing it at every opportunity she gets. Ridiculously cute. Everyone comments on her eyes - oh how big and beautiful. I agree.

Eating By Herself

We got Ilana a Stokke high chair to match Lev's and now she proudly sits at the table and eats her noodles, eggs, chicken, cheese, and turkey. She loves salty. She is naturally sweet and doesn't need sugary treats.

Lev has been really into the Marvel comics lately: Batman, Superman, X-Men. He plays hero and fights bad guys day in and day out. Its safe to assume the black cape is his new favorite accessory. he wears it all day, every day. Its good for his imagination, I guess.


He has also starting indulging in 2 hour long baths. Once he is in, he won't come out so we keep adding hot water. Lots of cars in there to keep him company. Alec brings his i-Pad and a cocktail to keep from getting bored as he oversees the bath.


lana has grown her two upper front teeth and gotten even more mobile. She crawls and cruises around furniture all day. She also has figured out how to crawl up the entire flight of stairs. Yikes. You can't look away for a second. She is a robust eater (more so than Lev) although you couldn't tell on her tiny little frame. She is always open and likes to have a good laugh. She has also gotten more assertive - grunting and screaming when she doesn't get her way or you take something she has been playing with.

Lev continues to be the coolest kid who ever lived for Ilana. She enjoys dropping him off at nursery school and sticking around for half an hour to play with the toys and kids. She has also started following him onto the play structures when we go to the playground. Climbing and crawling and reaching when before she would only watch.

Eating

Still only two bottom teeth but this girl can EAT. Anything she sees me noshing on, she demands a taste, and then more and more. She's really into chicken, turkey, eggs, and cheese and not so much sweets. And she insists on feeding herself. Quite a mess.