Update

Harder to update these days - have to sneak it in.

Daron cried last night- it was however, one of my favorite moments. He opened up - raw. Usually - he combats- he puts up a gaurd or begs, whines. Last night - he cried because he had literally eaten the cuff of the sleeve off of his favorite black shirt with football. We havent quite figured out the shirt eating habit. Tried making him stop, tried saying "no big deal" tried joking around. But last night he was so upset that his shirt was broken and after I cut off the cuffs (sleeves were long) he later walked over to talk about it but I could see he was near tears. One hug and he broke down. He said he needs to chew his shirt all day. But he didnt want to.

Called Yavneh today and in this day and age the "need for sensory input in the jaw" is very real and recongnized and rewarded with... gum chewing in class. Bravo. But D was very happy to hear it and I hope rewarded to know that if he opens up to us, maybe we can help.


Ian is doing great in school - seconod grade - amazing. Much better year academically than last year but he is shy in school. English teacher said he and Mikey sit next to eachother and do not speak all day. Made us laugh. He is a good kid- maybe shy which I dont relate to but we were very proud. I am mostly proud because he listens at home and seems to treat teachers and friends with respect. Hope he is having fun too.
Today he had a special lunch with clako and a few other kids. Was supposed to draw him out - small group of kids etc. He told us "had to go with ms gail for luncha nd tell her our names and what we do in recess. then we missed half of recess"

Rory - she sings, all day - sings everything. And loves now to play with baby dolls. Had her very first play date yesterday with Tamar (tamari) who I got to speak Hebrew too. Was really fun and kinda funny - I had little cars to offer them but really wasnt sure what to do with little girls on a play date.
And then this... replied to a Readers Digest story:

Hi Linda,



You have done your homework. Not only that  if you plug it in to any of those cool name wizards  it shows such an amazing spike in the 20s and then a total flatline now.

It is now considered totally unusual.



What kind of response? Well- we have gotten angry, surprised, curious, polite, intrigued and are you insane? We have also heard charming I love those old names cute and mostly why?



Many people have asked if I have an obsession with Wizard of Oz.



The answer is that it was my grandmothers name. I was very, very close with her and she was kindness, dignity, beauty, smarts, and love. We struggled for a long time with whether or not to name her Dorothy or just use the D and select a more popular or more modern-sounding name. Thankfully we had nine months to struggle with it. But I have to admit that even in the hospital, after signing the birth certificate, I actually cried for about a day or two wondering if we were wrong to do it. I credit my husband, who did not particularly like the name for deciding we should go for it.



We actually call her Rory as a nickname (particularly when she was an infant) and the family members who least favor Dorothy call her Rory all of the time (in-lawsJ). Often I find myself calling her just Roar. Her brothers call her baby even though she is almost 2. My brother calls her Dot. But she calls herself Dorothy and says it with such glee and such pride and such joy that I am happy every single day that we named her Dorothy. Not only is it a wonderful reminder of my grandmother every day but it has become a totally adorable name and I love it.



In her room hangs a favorite black and white photo of my grandmother and I know no other name would have suited my little Dorothy.

Shapes, colors and songs...

Dorothy practices talking. She practices a lot and she is getting very good at it.
She also knows all of her shapes, colors, lots and lots of songs (with some interesting lyrics.) she will be 2 in two months and she is a riot.

A wedding

Today was Seymour and Ellie's wedding. It was quite the party from start to finish. A very nice ceremony with vows exchanged. Poppo was a bit pale by the end of the very long day but they were really happy.

On the way there - we passed Englewood Hospital. Right passed that is the cemetary. Ian said "Oh, I know why they have it right next to the hospital" - a practical observation - one that made us laugh but struggle to explain what was funny about it.

The boys had a good time at the wedding thanks to the bride and groom who thought of everything - including toys with kids names on them on the chairs. Ian got a race track, Daron arts and crafts and Dorothy and talking purple vehicle. But Dorothy didnt need a toy, she was all set once the band started playing. She danced the entire day away - bouncing, grooving and just gettin down.

Daron's calendar.

"Why are these days not so long... this year? Oh... because the days are getting shorter. That's right. Do they start all over again on day 1?"

- said Daron after deciding there is yet again, not enough time in the day to play.

Purple Passion

Dorothy is obsessed - she only wants to wear Purple but we have handmedowns in all colors but. Every morning - she asserts herself and slowly, despite the many amazing clothes from the Hartans, we are acquiring a stash of purple duds!

She is also moving away from her Dora love and into a love for Little Einsteins - she calls it "Mission" and claps and pats and gets very interactive - singing along!

She sings all day, all the time. One of her favorites is Granny Annies "Ahaaha Baby, Mommy's going crazy, put her in a garbage can, and then we take her out again"

Ameila Bedilia

Daron is a our very own Amelia Bedilia. He is so literally at almost 5 - so curious, so interested in learning - yet so funny because esoteric concepts and chronology are still challenging. I will try to note a few examples here - but he keeps us laughing.

I smell like a ferrett

But am very happy. Was so nice to visit Daron's pre-K class today!

Also - had to note that last night I was putting Rory to bed and almost forgot to say Shmah until she covered her eys and said "Mahhhhh" - it was wonderful.

School Started

Ian - 2nd grade is good. Oh and ...

Rebecca told zoe that ian is dreamy, zoe told Emma, who told Sarah. You better watch him!!!

Green Soda Sale

(as written to client but wanted to capture memory here. Mike said (after 20 minutes of no sales that i should go put on a bikini)

Had to share a funny story. My boys (ages 7 and 4) decided to have a Green Soda Sale. This is sort of like a Lemonade sale except they wanted to share their special blend of Blue Poweraide, Pink Lemonade and Orange Soda with thirsty people in the neighborhood.

To my delight – people stopped cars, and walked over to bestow $.25 on my hard-working boys. It was pretty funny as my skinny red-head jumped up and down waving a green pinwheel saying “Cowd Dwinks for Sale!”

But the reason I am sharing this is because our best customers were people walking their adorable dogs before dinner. So with every cup, my boys asked “Do you have a dog? How many dogs?” and they handed out samples of Wagatha’s to every dog family that came by. My 7year old decided it was even ok to give to the man with no change. That guy was not permitted green soda, but his dog got some Breakfast Biscuits.

Keep a look out for orders from Bergenfield, NJJ

Ilya

Lego Maniac

In less than a week, Ian built every single lego set he got on his birthday. Huge car/truck thing, spider, spongebob set and seemingly dozens more. One night Mike tried to finish off one peice and took him forever.

"Hi Guys"

That is what Rory says when she comes down in the morning or enters a room with her brothers playing. Cracks me up.

She also enjoys saying "ye- low" which she pronounces so well. she walks around in her big clown sunglasses inside.

Loves her Daddy. Gives kisses to everyone before bed.

Started Baby shampoo with conditioer few weeks ago.

My favorite new trick is "Yes" where she shakes her head very strongy up and down.

Offense

I think we see nothing at all if we can't see the other side of an argument.

Ian's 7th Birthday

Somehow.
Funny because I recently found my "diaries" from his early years.

He is bright. He is good looking. He is kind, caring, healthy and we love every bit of him.

Here are some notes of mine.. pre-party.
Daron had a great time and played perfectly as usual with Ian's friends. He fits right in. Rory was entertained by Bailey most of the time and sat and enjoyed watching the festivities.

Ian’s Lego Party


To Purchase:
• Cake
• Plates
• Tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups, silverware
• Balloons – primary colors
• Prizes
• Lego candies
• Lego waffles
• Chopstix and boxes
• Axels
• Ramp



Activities:
• Guess how many LEGOs in a jar
• Free play LEGO
• Lego tower contest (3 minutes – tallest tower)
• Scavenger hunt (Red – 10, Blue – 5, Yellow – 2, Green 1)
• Chopstix challenge
• Build a car and race them
• Waffles and Cake

Dream

About the house again. Hidden rooms. And this time a hidden beach nackyard. Small the contractor had added water and thaty meant it was no good for the kids or something. In the corner right under/near the house_ a typwriter my mom said she uses every day

Ponderings

Do your boobs hang low?

Do the wobble to and fro?

Can you tie them in a knot?

Can you tie them in a bow?

Can you throw them over your shoulder

without an o'er the shoulder holder?

Do your ears hang low?

Something Private continued....

So after several panic attacks and talks about Noam - I took Ian out for a little bonding time. It was a Sunday and we we went to Barnes and Noble and had a great time. Then we were going out to eat and in the car we had a little chat about what is private and I somehow asked enough silly questions to discover that elaine had asked "Why didnt you like me in Kindergarden and pre-K"

Daron's little hands - delicate

They look like mini versions of Mike's. But when I really look at his hands I see his is a little boy.

There was a thunder storm the other night and he came into bed with me. Mike was out. But as D fell asleep with his hippo over his ear - I snuck his little hand into mine - cherishing the tiny hands I know will one day be much larger than mine.

"I'm going to let her win"

Said Daron when we were getting into pajamas or having some contest or other. It made me so thrilled to see him think of her like that. I overflow with pride at the little moments like that.

Snorting

Did I ever post this before? She holds her blankie over her nose with one hand while sucking on her two middle fingers on the other. But she snorts! It is part of her calming routine? It is really hysterical - so unlady-like and I love it.

"Something Private"

While Daron struggled with another bowel movement he told me that he was upset at Ian and Elaine, who apparently closed everyone out of Daron's room because they were going to do something private.

When asked, Ian told me he couldnt tell me because it was "private."

Mike walked in the door from shul and I said "They are going to YNJ"

I am freaking. Do I tell him - he is not old enough to be doing anything in private. Or you have to be married to do something in private? Or is that dumb. It is not true and he will just know I am not telling a truth- or he will feel guilty and the need to hide things from me. How to balance wanting to be someone he can talk to with someone who sets the rules. What are the rules? Where is my rulebook for this?

Pesach

Grateful. Sometimes I just repeat in my head over and over "Baruch Hashem, Baruch Hashem, Baruch Hashem" like a mantra until I do not remember I am saying it. When there is so very much to be grateful for... it is hard not to get overwhelmed at times.

Ian

A report card that makes us shep. His entire report card was just perfect. We are so proud, but the best part is he seems to enjoy himself while learning.

The best surprise has been his story-writing abilities. His creative writing is amazing and his teachers are impressed too. A recent Fog and Toad story had us really amazed.

Right now the boys are into Crazy Bones - which we pleasantly discovered are only a dollar a bag!

Daron

Daron is still doing amazingly in school- he comes home with knowledge that shocks us. He has also matured tremendously recently and is such a pleasure.
The dude loves to play games - any game - any time

Yesterday he asked the babysitter (boo) if she was going to have a baby. He tries hard every day and succeeds at being a great kid, great brother and student.

Rory Run

That's what she does, she doesnt stop moving for a minute - always on the go on the run.
Last Thursday - April 3 she had tubes put in her ears. She freaked out afterwards and got a double ear infection after as well - lovely. But she seems to be on the mend. ver

And almost immediately she started saying more words or parts of words- she's got "cat" and "cheese" and "sh" for shoes and "s" for sit and Dada for Dada and "dd" for Daron and "more" and more and more and it is really amazing.

She does have a large sign language vocab - here are some

cheese
shoes
bath
more
blankie
sleep
drink
millk
water
phone (she even says with here hands -where is the phone etc.)
where
no
up
pancake (we made this one up)
cereal
dog
bear
more but I dont rememeber right now!

Just some pictures

It's Been Too Long Update

It has been too long so here are some topline:

Ian lost his top two teeth with grace- came home from school with little treasure boxes asking me to pull out the hanging remnants of the tooth (somehow the nurse doesnt get that out) - The tooth fairy comes, but not one time - somehow she missed two appointments but Ian was understanding when she came the following day.

Been spending more time and effort connecting to my big boy again. He is so self-sufficient compared to his siblings that he wasnt getting enough attention. I think we are turning the corner.

Daron has learned to count to infinity it seems. He hates nothing more than Ian's love for Spongebob and scooby doo because Daron loves to play games - any games. It is what we always want as parents right? A kid that would prefer to ditch the boob tube for a game of anything... but "anything" requires a partner and we realize yet again that this middle child has no intention of being a middle child.

Rory is full of laughs. She started walking just before her 13 month birthday and waddles with her big belly ahead of her. She is the joy we prayed for - she loves her brother and to my great amazement - she loves day care. Nothing better than watching your baby jump into the daycare and cry to leave. We are still hunting for a sitter but looking more at the 3-6 options.

Mike and I went to Marti Gras and had a really great time- meaningful time- but the best is that Rory is obsessed with the beads we brought back! Gonna try to put some pictures in these posts now.

Ian the comedian

Seriously - the kid is funny and has great delivery. Especially when he lovingly makes fun of me.

The other day I was hanging up the coats and cleaning the house and keeping it as I like to- pretty tidy - and noticed Mike's jacket on the couch - said something to the boys about like why is Daddy is the only one not following the jacket rule.

Ian poked his head from behind the stairs in the playroom and said "I think it is because Daddy thinks you are a little..." and made the finger twilling around the ear to say "crazy."

Yesterday I came home from taking Rory for a shabbos walk and told the boys about a truck/boat that had tipped over a few blocks away and gotten caught in the wires. The cops had come etc. I told them we should go for a walk to see it later and Ian always argues about going for a walk. I insisted it wasnt a walk - just around the corner, not a walk, not a walk...

Then a few puzzle pieces later, Ian asks if he will have to wash his hands when we come inside (another rule) and I say -yes, after a walk we have to wash our hands... he smirks and says "you said it wasn't a walk" - hard to explain how that was funny but he really has good timing.

Lilialess and lovin it

We have been Lilialess since Dec 16th and it is so great in many ways. The house is in order, things are not misplaced, random things dont pile up in random places - it is just amazing. Trying to figure out what happens next. She has not given us a clue. For now my deay ends basically at 3:30 or 4. Might not be so bad.

It's Always Library Day

The boys both have library day at school on Wednesdays and one day realizing that Saba Josh has a full library in the house remarked "its always library day at their house."

She walks

Ok what kinda of mom skips a 1st birthday and first steps post. But we've accomplished both! Rory has shoes too and boy can she get down. We do have some video to prove her dance skilz- the whole body, head, shoulder, hips wiggle is like nothing i have seen before.

m"I kinda like when it is a tie"

Ian told Daron tonight that he kinda likes when they tie football or soccer or whatever else they play in the blue room which they think is the rec room. I was bathing Rory while this conversation occurred - they were upstairs getting ready for a bath.

Ian said he likes when they tie because otherwise Daron like, complains and cries and stuff. And fine it doesnt sound funny here but he said it so nonchalantly it was really funny.