Ilana at 13 months

It seems like once she hit the year mark, she has been determined to catch up to Lev and stop being a "lazy baby". A week after her birthday, she figured out how to stand and she couldn't more happy with herself every time she stands and we clap at the achievement. She also can walk at a pretty quick speed as long as she holds one hand. She has also become a very good climber and problem solvers how to get herself onto and off the couch by working up levels of pillows, poufs, and side tables until she gets to her desired location.


Verbally she is progressing too - mama, bye bye, she waves hi at strangers but gets shy with our friends, she blows kisses, says cheers and clinks glasses, and hi fives. She is also starting to make connections between pictures, objects, and words - recognizing balls "bah" and cars "cah" is a big deal around here. What she cannot say, she points and gesticulates to and clearly conveys her desires.

Its very cute to see her girly side develop. She is intrigued by all things pink and princessy, and jewelry. She watches intently as I paint my nails. She mimics my hair brushing. She tries on my shoes and gets dismayed when they don't fit. She also pets babies and baby dolls, helps to clean by wiping down the counter, and load dishes in the dishwasher. Its really quite interesting to watch the gender differences develop between her and Lev.


She also does these pretty cute little gestures like holding a flower and sniffing deeply, then giving it to you to smell. Trying to feed you. She gets jealous when Lev tries to cuddle with me and will punch, scream, and push him out of my lap. She is my sweet devoted love bug. Her personality is just a dreamy, delicious joy to be around.

She can keep herself entertained for long stretches of time by filling up containers with random objects, then taking them out, then filling them again. Ripping apart magazines page by page. Constructing and deconstructing.

She continues to have a good time. Always looking to be amused and have a laugh. Up for whatever game Lev wants to play as long as he keeps her company. Up for any adventure we may drag her to.

And Lev is really his own little man. He pushes buttons and challenges the status quo a lot which translates to whiny argumentative sessions. I really can't win and its frustrating. Example, Lev: I want a banana. Me: Sure, you can have one. Lev: But I really want a banana now. Me: Yes, here you go, a banana for you right now. Lev: But I said I wanted a banana now (whiny voice). Me: But I gave you one, why are you whining? Lev: cries. These interactions drive me crazy.

At the same time he makes interesting observations, has lovely questions about what words mean or how things work, and we have deep conversations. He can play imaginative games like restaurant, shop keeper, and airplane for hours. He plays nicely and respectfully with his peers when others devolve to hitting each other. And he likes to be an entertainer with funny faces, funny voices, and overall antics. 

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.