Goodbye 2008!

A little snowstorm hit the area this morning, so Mommy decided against taking Clara and Emma to Great Play and instead headed to the supermarket. It was a little tough getting out of the store because the lot was already covered with snow, but Mommy managed.

After their nap, Clara and Emma enjoyed playing with the famous Happy New Year hat that Daddy was wearing when Mommy met him, six years ago tonight. Daddy got home very early from work and enjoyed time with the little ladies. Mommy also showed Clara that if she holds Emma's hand while she is trying to walk, it is helpful.

In the late afternoon, the gang headed over to Marci's house for a New Year's Eve playdate for a little bit. Daddy even came! Clara and Emma had lots of fun playing with the boys- Matthew, Sebastian and Nathan. Clara liked the brownies Mommy made quite a bit.

Mommy served the girls a roasted chicken that she made for dinner (her first one). It was tasty. Emma liked the carrots the best. Clara liked stabbing the tray with her fork.

This past year brought a move out of the city to the 'burbs and lots and lots of first for Clara and Emma.

The Gornstein Gang wishes everyone a happy and healthy 2009!

Catching Up With Old Friends

The past two days have been highlighted with play dates with two of Mommy's friends and their kids.

Yesterday, Clara and Emma enjoyed Great Play and were excited to play with Brianna and Sebastian and Rachel and Sonya there too. Mommy was particularly entertained by Emma- who has decided she likes to walk. She says "walk" and opens her mouth wide with a smile and tries to take steps. All of the coaches at Great Play cheered her on as she tried. Emma also showed how she knows the signs to the Great Play song and to Wheels on the Bus.

The ladies took a short nap in the car on the way to Diana's house in West Harrison. Mommy knows Diana from grad school and reconnected after Clara and Emma arrived at one of the 92nd St Y activities. Diana's son Zachary is about 6 weeks older than the girls. It was lots of fun. Clara and Emma even got to enjoy lunch at the house.

After, Mommy took the ladies on some errands, including to Bloomies for some quick returns. They got home right in time for the afternoon nap.

Today, Clara thought she should try carrying the box of books- looks like a briefcase, and try to see if Daddy would take her to work. It didn't work, but she carried it around for a good half hour. Emma showed signals that she could be potty trained- but Mommy isn't really going to do it yet, and it was probably a fluke. This morning, Emma looked at Mommy and said "poop," then did her business and came over to Mommy to get changed. No joke.

Clara and Emma headed to Mommy's friend Alysa's mom's house in Scarsdale for a visit with her and her twin boys, who just turned 3. Clara and Emma enjoyed playing with their toys and hanging out with the older boys.

Clara and Emma Make A Shidduch

What is a "shidduch?" A "Shidduch" is a match. Today, Clara and Emma were pleased to make their first one!

Clara and Emma enjoyed breakfast and their walk to the market with Daddy. Mommy came back from the gym and enjoyed seeing Emma look at a picture of her Uncle Ilan and say "uncle." Mommy just taught her that word yesterday and couldn't believe she retained it!

After a nap, Mommy fought with Clara to change her diaper. She has been putting up quite a fight these days! Mommy got Clara and Emma dressed and brought them downstairs to see their friends, Jen, Steve and baby Madeline. Friends David, Michelle and baby Jack arrived soon after. Clara and Emma made sure to introduce the babies and let them know that they thought they were a perfect match, especially since they were born in the same week. Maddie and Jack both liked watching football, but mostly wanted to eat and sleep. Mommy and Daddy explained to Clara and Emma that they also once preferred to do this, but they didn't seem to remember. Clara and Emma were also quite fascinated with the swing and bouncy seat, which they hadn't seen for many, many, many months. They both wanted to get in them and enjoyed their time lounging in them. When the babies went in the swing, Clara and Emma helped by pushing the swing back and forth. It was very sweet. After a lunch of brisket (thanks Grandma Gornstein), Mommy's latkes, salad and yummy desserts, Mommy read some Hanukkah books and lit the candles. Then, all the kids got to open their gifts. Clara and Emma loved the Crayola bath toy and the cute shirts- thanks Jack and Maddie!

After their nap, Mommy took Clara and Emma back to the store for some more food shopping- and- to have an activity. When the came home, they enjoyed watching football with Daddy (even though it didn't end well for the JETS) and playing with the maracas. Boy, can these girls shake their noisemakers!

The Gornstein-Goldstein Annual Hanukkah Party

Today was the annual family Hanukkah party.

Clara woke Emma up early from their naps. Clara seems very uncomfortable and it seems she may be getting in the 2 year molars-- at almost 17 months! Clara and Emma played dreidel with Daddy, ate lunch and took a fun bath, before getting in the car to go to Staten Island to Ariella and Scott's house.

The Hanukkah party was lots of fun! Clara and Emma enjoyed latkes as an appetizer and loved the breadsticks and lasagna. They had lots of fun playing with the dreidels and gelt. Both girls also loved climbing up the stairs and wandering around the 2nd floor!

After dinner, they got to open all of their presents. Clara and Emma loved all of their gifts- the books, toys, animals and more! Thank you to everyone! Clara and Emma helped light the candles for the 7th night of Hanukkah. They loved looking at the flames and enjoyed listening to the blessings.

Before heading home, Clara and Emam also enjoyed the birthday cake for Grandpa and the cookies that Aunt Sara made. They sure ate well today!