Dog Tags before Summer Camp and an Ipod

A few weeks ago, Ian surprised me by asking about Mikey's dog tags. Later he asked where one gets them. I offered one to him and he nodded in humble request. I was slightly offput by the real purpose of a dog tag - but admit to thinking there was a plus side to him having that on when going away to camp. Regardless, what really got me was the request that was appearance related- a cool factor request. He is so damn good looking it is almost breathtaking - and here he is in wife beaters with his fit body and dog tags. He is still my little boy but glimpses of the teen he will be come through often these days. The request was another reminder. He makes so few requests - I was happy to comply. If only it hadnt taken weeks to arrive. Speaking of which - he has mastered the art of delayed gratification - having saved nearly $200 for an ipod touch! I am so proud of him and really happy for him that he bought one for himself. Most of his friends have had them for a long time. I know he will take care of and take pride in his ipod. And I know he will be able to be in touch with Mommy this way too. Camp. It is around the corner. I am happy for him - trying to be. But he will be missed during those four weeks. We started a word of the week a few weeks ago after a friday night conversation that somehow turned from football to vocabulary. From Flatulants to circumvent and other words I can't spell- they are learning vocabulary worthy of the SATs which may be extinct by the time they get there. Spencer and Jeremy came over today for a playdate. Jeremy is walking rather quickly if jerkily and speaking slowy but speaking! It is amazing. Too bad Spencer was hard to manage and the two of them fought about what to watch. Between Debbie and Stella and the twins and Dorothy and the boys asking me homework- and Mike's parents over- I missed the end of work and two calls and was a stress ball- but glad to see Jeremy is on the mend. Dorohty had her recital- she was great! Pink eye aside, she looked beautiful and had a smile and confidence and remembered all of her moves. Stella is standing by herself when not paying attention Debbie takes her to the park. Still talks on the phone too much. Still cleans really well. Daron ate spinach - twice. THat is big news.

Tired post

Got Stella new high chair and stroller - britax - treated us to it and am happy. How is it she is almost 10 months old. New playroom set up - really nice. Dorothy does a "show" for stella in her room. I love when I wake up and ike has already put Stella next to me in bed. Ian and Daron baseball. Stella stays "meow" waves, says "mamma" she cruises, stands Daron leaves jackets places. The other night Mike went on a scavendar hunt to Bromberg and the Yavneh secretary's house for jackets.

Strides

4/10 Stella had her 9 momth appointment - chol hamoed :

17 lbs and i forget how tall but she is doing great, 60th for height i think and not sure for weight - i am so tired.

Since two weeks before Pesach she started Crawling like 4 “steps” – just as Mike was away in St. Louis.

During that time Stella started shakeing her head no- to music but the kids thnk it is hilarious – esp she does it when they sing “stella bella bo- we love you

She is pulling up and starting to cruise.

Took them for ice cream today last day of school before vacation
Mike in st lous

Stella started standing and crying in crib at night
Mike going away
Pesach now

Swim

When Stella crawls - looks like she is swimming on the wood floor.
She says "uh huh" and "oooh" and something that sunds like "wow" and "mmmmama" when she is crying (which is almost never)

Best part of parent teacher conferences

was learning how much Daron loves his baby sister when we heard about it from his teacher- Mrs. - totally forgot her name right now.

Both boys had stellar reports, and Ian's shining moment was an E- in self control - he and Uri G apparently cut it up a bit during class, which made his teacher proud.

Both had reports of being very bright, great students, well behaved and good with their peers. WHat could be better.

This shabbos, Ian had Yoni Zirman over. Big boy, 5"2 0 really nice - great house guest, sweet, smart, kind, funny. Yoni Ginsberg (who still can't say "r" and Isaac Zaken came over in the afternoon. Dorothy was confused when GInsberg asked for "wataw"

Stella is fantastic- Stell Bells is a new version - and Ian calls her "Smella" - they are all so funny with her and she adores each one. SHe is still army crawling but also up on all fours and taking crawl steps. Had to lower her crib mattress. She is still sweet, super sweet - loves eating enjoys watching her brothers play sports (both hockey and basketball championships) and still nursing.

Dorothy is a panic. I dont use that word but she just is - she is amazing, interesting, full of energy and adorable at the same time.

Slept

Stella slept through the night- granted it was the first time in ages i let her try. She went to bed around 8 and woke up around 6 nd then 7:30 - and ate at 7:30. Amazing how non torturous she was.

It is going too fast!

Scorpie-

Mike brought "scorpie" back from Reno a few years ago. Rory still affectionately carries and cares for it - set in a glass dome on pink sparkles. Brought her to schol the other day - love that she still has it.

Stella is up on her hands and knees -rocking and army crawling. We were at Grannie Annie's this shabbos. Daron and Ian bth have great senses of humor - keep us laughing.

The other day I came home and as usual had pumped while driving. Daron said "shouldnt that be illegal" delivering it with perfect timimng as always.

Iand and his friends made up a P language - eveyr word starts with P.