The Family That Runs Together

Despite the cloudy, cooler weather, this morning it was Daddy's turn to run a local 10K race (while we've managed to stay active with three little ones at home, it has necessitated taking turns at the local races Mommy and Daddy used to run together while one of us stays home with the kids!) Mommy decided to surprise Daddy by getting all three kids out of the house by 7:30 to make it to the finish line in time so that the kids could cheer Daddy on and see their very first road race. Not only did they see their first race, but Alex and Ari also participated in their very first (of what we hope is many over their lives) race, a special 50 meter toddler trot! Alex was a PRO- he geared up at the start and then took off to the front of the pack. Ari was less excited- she cried the whole way and needed Mommy to hold her hand. Both Alex and Ari liked everything else about the race though-- the free food, wearing their own race numbers and earning their very own medals! They even ran into their friends Emily and Justin who were there to run the race and watch their own mommy run the 10K.

The kids watch for Daddy at the finish line

The toddler trot (notice Alex out front in the right side of the picture in green pants)
The kids and Daddy enjoy a post-race snack
Alex proudly displays his finishers medal
Maybe racing isn't in Ari's future?

After the race, Miri and Opa came by for a visit before Alex and Ari went down for their naps. Later this afternoon we headed over to casa Gold for our monthly get-together with our neighborhood friends and to celebrate the end of Passover. Everyone (ok, except for Kira maybe) enjoyed pizza, garlic bread, cupcakes, cookies and other bready goodness.

All in all, another excellent weekend!

An Early Taste of Summer

With temperatures in the 80's this week, it feels like we jumped straight from winter into the middle of summer! We're not complaining, though- it's given us a chance to spend a lot of time outside (with sunscreen and hats of course!) We've especially enjoyed hanging out on our driveway and in neighbors' driveways drawing with sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, riding bikes and just enjoying our neighborhood friends. Today we went to watch Daddy coach a soccer game (another win!) and in the afternoon Alex helped Daddy mow the lawn.

Last night we had dinner at Miri and Opa's house, and for dessert the kids had chocolate covered matza. Ari figured out how to lick off all of the chocolate (the good stuff):

Tonight we had dinner at Fuddrucker's with Nana (Poppy was at the boat getting it ready to go into the water now that the weather is warm again). Alex and Ari sort of ate some chicken fingers and french fries as Kira watched with great interest.

Speaking of Kira and food, though, Kira is slated to start trying some veggies this week after her 6-month check-up on Tuesday. Mommy bought peas at the grocery store today-- yummmm!

The weather is supposed to get a little cooler starting tomorrow but we still have lots of fun things planned...stay tuned!

Passover

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity as we welcomed the start of Passover and Mommy left the kids with Daddy to run her fifth Boston Marathon.

Alex and Ari prepared for Passover at school, where they made lots of Passover crafts over the past few weeks leading up to the holiday. On Thursday, they brought home ALL of their handiwork- an afikomen cover, kiddush cup, Miriam's cup, placemats and pillows. Miri took a few of the items to her house for the seder on Saturday.

On Friday, before Mommy left, she took all three kids to feed the ducks at the nearby lake. Alex and Ari were especially happy to get back to the lake now that the weather is warm.

Saturday morning before the kids even woke up, Mommy left for Boston. Nana came by on Saturday afternoon to babysit while Daddy coached a soccer game, and then everyone headed over to Miri and Opa's house for Passover seder. Daddy didn't take any pictures, but luckily Miri had her camera handy:In exciting news, Kira rolled over for the first time (of course when Mommy was away). She's also sitting up on her own a little bit!
Sunday, while Mommy watched the Women's Marathon Olympic Trials and visited with friends in sunny Boston, Daddy managed to get Alex, Ari and Kira out to a Passover celebration at a nearby synagogue despite the fact it was pouring rain. Later in the afternoon, Miri and Opa came by for a visit.

Daddy took Alex and Ari to My Gym on Monday while Mommy ran the Boston Marathon. A combination of a good training plan, beautiful weather, a supportive crowd and the inspiration of her family helped Mommy finish the race in an almost-personal record of 3:16:45. Here are some small pictures of Mommy heading to the start line, on the course and crossing the finish line. Despite the fact that it was cloudy and cool in the hours before the race, right before the gun went off the sun came out and the temperature rose. Luckily Mommy was wearing a short-sleeved shirt under her long sleeves!

While Mommy had a great time in Boston and enjoyed getting back to racing, she couldn't wait to get back to Daddy and the kids so she caught an earlier flight and made it home just in time to say good night to Alex and Ari (Kira was already snoozing).

With school on vacation for Passover, we're keeping busy with alternative activities. Today Aunt Lori and Ozzie came by for a visit and quick trip to the tot lot. Ari helped walk Ozzie and all three kids enjoyed doggie kisses.

It looks like it will be a nice week so we'll stay busy outside as much as we can!

A Little Pause in the Action

The end of the weekend and beginning of the week started off well enough, with another birthday party, a great gym class and a fun day at school. Yesterday afternoon, though, Ari got uncharacteristically cranky and just wanted to go "night night." After a quick temperature check (99.5) and a dose of medicine, she went to bed at 5:00 and didn't get up until after Kira and Alex were in bed, for a quick drink, snack and change of clothes before she wanted to go back to bed. Luckily all three kids slept pretty well through the night but all three woke up this morning with slight coughs and runny noses. Actually, Kira seems to be faring best with just a runny nose. Needless to say, we cancelled the neighborhood playdate we were supposed to host and ended up taking it easy inside this morning. If everyone is feeling OK this afternoon we plan to get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather-- hopefully a dose of sunshine will help speed the healing process!

Before our little spell of sickness, we did have a nice few days. Sunday was friend Hayden's second birthday. Ari and Alex especially liked the special birthday cupcake ice cream cones Hayden's mommy made. Ari was happy to see her boyfriend Andrew at the party. Kira clearly enjoyed herself, as well- she was all smiles.

Yesterday after school and before it was apparent that we had a little bug on our hands, Mommy took everyone to watch Alex get his hair cut. Like last time, Alex was all talk before hand- excited to get a haircut and a cookie- but when it came time for the actual hair cut, he changed his tune. He screamed for the majority of the haircut, scaring Kira (who promptly began crying herself) and making Mommy feel very pitied by the other people in the salon who must have been thinking "I am very glad that's not me!" Alex was all smiles again after the haircut (of course), though, and insisted on going to the grocery store to "buy." Since Mommy did need to buy some things, she decided to take him up on his suggestion.

How does one Mommy take three children grocery shopping? Like this (that's Kira up in the front in her carseat):

That was our last outing before it was clear that Ari wasn't feeling well, so we've been house-bound since but are looking forward to getting back out and about as soon as everyone is back to 100%!

Happy Birthday Alex and Sydney!

Today was another summer-like beautiful, warm sunny day and a perfect day to celebrate life-long friends Alex and Sydney's second birthday.

Before heading out to the party, we dropped Kira off with Poppy for some quality time (and a chance to get a good nap instead of being dragged around all afternoon!) Alex and Ari had a great time-- and WAY too much sugar-- at the party. They pulled the strings on the pinata (a twist on the traditional pinata where kids pull strings instead of taking a whack at the pinata and one of the strings opens the bottom of the pinata, releasing all of the candy), ate cake and candy, drank lots of juice boxes, played with Boomer the doggie and explored Alex and Sydney's play room. They were very excited to welcome Alex and Syd into the two year olds club and can't wait to see them again very soon.

Ari gives Alex his present

Alex R. gives Alex G. a birthday hug

Sydney pulls a string on the pinata

Collecting the loot after the pinata opens

Ari loves Boomer!

Syd and Alex blowing out the candles on their cool Dora and Diego cake

Yum, cake!!

After the party we came back to pick up Kira, who was all smiles after a good nap and some cuddling with Poppy. Alex and Ari took a trip to the playground near Nana and Poppy's house to work off some of the sugar high from the party.

Alex and Ari are all ready to do the party scene all over again tomorrow at friend Hayden's second birthday party. But are Mommy and Daddy ready for another sugar high?!

Spring Has Sprung (For Now!)

Ahhhh, how we've missed the warm weather! We had a taste of spring (or summer, in fact) this week with temperatures in the 70's and even low 80's. We were reminded how nice it is to be able to go outside, hang out with our neighbors and leave the jackets inside! Kira had her first ride in the swing at the tot lot, prompting a bit of a jealous rage from Ari, who was the "odd man out" since there are only two toddler swings and Alex had the second one at the time. Looks like it's time to teach Alex and Ari how to use the "big kid" swings!

Alex and Ari are now old enough to appreciate sidewalk chalk, so they've spent a lot of time drawing on the driveway in addition to blowing bubbles from their new no-spill bubble containers (very neat invention!)

Today we went to friend Joe's (and little sister Sammy) house for a playdate. The kids had a snack at the picnic table on the deck and played for a bit on the swing set until a carpenter bee scared the you-know-what out of Alex. He must take after his Mommy! Alex and Ari enjoyed catching up with Joe and playing with his doggie and kitty cat and had a yummy lunch of hot dogs, chips, cheese and fruit (although they wouldn't touch the hot dogs for some reason). Joe's mommy let the kids have some jelly beans for dessert (in an effort to coax the kids to stand still for a picture) and Alex and Ari were smitten. The weather this weekend is supposed to get much cooler again, but we have lots of indoor birthday celebrations to keep us busy. Alex and Ari are all ready for some more cake!

We're Still Here!

Wow- how did a week go by since our last post? Guess time flies when you're having fun!

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity. We wrapped up last week with school and a playdate with "older" twin friends Sadie and Gabriel. The kids all had lots of fun dressing up, playing in the new kitchen and jumping in the ball pit.

Saturday afternoon Daddy coached his first soccer game of the season, and since it was a nice day (and because everyone woke up from their naps a little early), Mommy took everyone over to watch Daddy's game. We must have been good luck because his team scored their first goal just as we arrived and went on to win the game. Alex and Ari loved watching the girls play and kicking the ball around on the field. It was especially meaningful for all of the girls on the team and their families to see the kids, as these are families Daddy has known now (through coaching) for eight years!

After the game we went to celebrate friends Sammy and Izzy's second birthday at their doggy-themed party. Alex and Ari played with their friends and their doggy Billy, ate yummy party food (CAKE!!) and did arts and crafts.

Alex asks, "Isn't it supposed to be 'tea for two?'"

"Aaah, that's better!"

Ari and Izzy have a serious conversation

Sunday morning was Daddy time while Mommy went to run a 10-miler race, her first race since Kira was born. In the afternoon, Nana joined Mommy, Alex and Ari on a shopping trip while Kira had some quality time with Daddy. Alex and Ari got new sneakers-- Thomas the Train shoes for Alex and pink shoes for Ari, both of which light up when they walk. Mommy swore she'd never buy shoes like that but when she saw how much Alex and Ari loved them, she couldn't resist. After our shopping trip, Miri and Opa came by for a visit to play with the kids.

So far this week we've had our My Gym class, school and our neighborhood play group. This afternoon the weather was finally nice enough to head outside to play with friends Andrew and Justin for a while- sidewalk chalk and bubbles for everyone!

Alex and Ari are enjoying being two year olds (they think they are very grown-up!) and are excited to celebrate more of their friends' birthdays in the next few weeks, welcoming them to the two year old club!

Two Year Stats

Today Alex and Ari had their two-year visit with the pediatrician after a fun play date at Andrew's house. Mommy was SO proud of how well-behaved they were. During our almost 2-hour visit (most of the time spent talking to our amazing pediatrician), they sat nicely, spoke sweetly to all of the staff, nurses and doctor, showed off their "exceptional" (in the words of our pediatrician) skills and watched the buses and cars pass by the office.

Ari decided to start identifying letters on Mommy's shirt during the visit, flooring our doctor, who said that identifying letters is something she expects from kindergartners, not 2-year olds. What can we say...we have Little Einsteins on our hands!

Now for the numbers:

Ari weighed in at 24.5 pounds (20th percentile) and measured 35 5/8 inches (92nd percentile).

Alex weighed in at 31 pounds (80th percentile) and measured 38 1/8 inches (off the charts). In fact, if Alex were a 3-year old, he'd STILL be in the 75th percentile for his height. The nurse measured him three times because she didn't think she could be correct. Looks like we have a basketball star in the making!!

Both kids got a clean bill of health and development and two shots- a test for tuberculosis and the second Hepatitis A injection. Mommy was nervous that Alex and Ari would end an otherwise happy visit in tears, but to her utter amazement, Ari kept a smile on her face the entire time and Alex shed just one tear until he got his cool Tasmanian Devil bandaid. They left the office with two toy dinosaurs and two stickers each, still smiling and in happy moods.

Who Does She Look Like?

Looking at pictures of Alex and Ari when they were five months old got us thinking: who does Kira look like? Some people say Kira looks "just like" Alex. Others say "just like" Ari. Maybe this will help answer that question:We think she's a true combination of both of her siblings! Neat to look at them side-by-side, isn't it?