"I Did It"

Clara and Emma Enjoy BBQ's in NJ and LI

Saturday was another wet and dreary day, and even a little chilly. The gang took a trip to the grocery store and Clara and Emma tried out a new lunch- turkey and cheese sandwich. They loved it.

After the ladies woke up from their nap, it was off to New Jersey to see the Bermans and meet baby Addie. Addie was born early and arrived on August 3. She is beautiful and the Gornsteins are very happy for the Berman crew! The ladies enjoyed playing with Ryan and his toys- especially the harmonica and guitar! Emma and Clara enjoyed hot dogs (yes, cut up) and steak for dinner. And, they loved eating the little checker cookies from Riviera.

On the car ride home, Emma asked "what happened to the lights?" regarding the reason it was getting dark out. Mommy explained in about ten different ways that the sun had gone down and it was night, and therefore, time to go to sleep. She continued, "Mommy, why is it dark? Mommy, what happened to the lights?"

This morning, friends and old neighbors from Dobbs, Anna Lisa, Toby and their son, Sebastian came over to see the house and have a morning playdate. Clara wasn't so excited about sharing with anyone and got angry when Sebastian and Emma playe in the kitchen and tried to push them out. Mommy and Daddy hope that she gets through this phase soon, but know that it is very normal 2 year old behavior. Then, it was off to the Riviera Bakery to pick up some cake for later today. Emma announced to the store "I want cake" and both Clara and Emma ran around the bakery looking at the pies, cakes and cookies.

This afternoon, it was off to Long Island to see Uncle Ilan and Aunt Sara and cousins Matt, Andrew, Kayla and Michael. The ladies loved playing soccer, swinging, and playing with the sand and water tables. Dinner was a yummy bbq. Emma once again requested "snake"- which means she wanted steak. And, they loved the watermelon and carrot cake for dessert. They also thought the special mickey, minnie and donald parts for the Mr. Potato Head were pretty cool!

Jammin' On The Guitar

It was a cool and rainy day. It was 20 degrees cooler than yesterday! Clara's favorite activity is playing the guitar, especially when she has music in the background.

After Emma's physical therapy this morning, the gals headed next door to visit for a play date with the neighbors- they are 9, 5 and 7 months. Clara and Emma enjoyed playing the musical instruments-the drums were all a big hit.

This afternoon it was off to Sue and her daughter Ashley's house for a play date. Clara and Emma liked checking out Ashley's new bed and hearing about her "Goodbye Crib Party"- super creative idea from her mom! They also loved playing in the kitchen, having a tea party and dancing around!

For dinner, Mommy tried leftovers from Mommy and Daddy's dinner last nite- chicken parmesean- Mommy said it was "chicken pizza," and they actually ate it!

End of August Fun

Clara has spent the past several days attached to her guitar. She is pretty good at playing it! She and Emma also like putting the birthday cake puzzle candles and candy pieces in their purses and carrying them while pushing their strollers. Mommy's favorite moment was when Clara put the Mr. Potato Head glasses on and walked around with them.

In the morning, Clara and Emma enjoyed a visit from Eitan and Micah and their Mommy, Naomi. Clara and Emma go way back- to the city days with these boys. They now live in Riverdale and it is always fun to see them. It was close to nap time for all the kids, so they were a bit cranky and Clara wasn't really interested in sharing her chair, stroller or lunch with them.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was off to Allie's house for a play date with her and her Mommy Heather (also Emma's physical therapist, featured below).

Yesterday, Emma woke up saying "what the heck." Mommy really needs to be careful since she repeats everything and seems to remember it all! After Clara had speech, Mommy went to the city to have lunch with twin mama friend Michelle. And, as special treat, Mommy got to visit twin mama friend Mindy and their newest addition, Emma. Clara and Emma enjoyed the morning with sitter Samantha and got to play at their water table. In the afternoon, Clara and Emma had a play date with Ethan and his mama Gwenn. It was nice to have them over to the new house. Clara enjoyed being pushed around while she sat on her car. However, Clara's had some issues with sharing and gets very angry- typical toddler behavior.

Today, there was no humidity and it was actually cool in the morning- enough so that Mommy put the kids in their sweatshirts. Clara and Emma started the day off running around the house and chasing Mommy. Then, it was off to LIFE for the weekly Rivertown Play Group event. Emma insisted on wearing her tutu and Clara wore Daddy's Binghamton hat. It was the little ballerina and hip hop artist show. Too much.

In the afternoon, Heather came for a make up physical therapy session for Emma. Clara has been helping out by doing things first. Emma seems to follow Clara and be at ease with here there. While Emma was getting ready to do the step ups, she said she needed help. She had one leg up. Emma stepped off and Clara did it. Then, Emma tried again and reached out for Heather's hand. Heather and Mommy knew Emma could do it. Clara suddenly stepped next to Emma, reached out her hand and helped her up. Yes, really. Mommy has a witness. And, she did it again and again- Mommy even caught it on video. It really does melt your heart.

Mommy took the ladies to the doctor for their flu shot. Since they were available, Mommy decided to get it over with. Clara went first and Emma cried because Clara was crying. Mommy had both kids on her lap and was pleased that after the initial tears, both shouted, "I did it."

After a brief trip to the store, it was home bound to make dinner. Clara and Emma had their first frozen dinner- organic elmo pasta and carrots and green beans. Mommy officially caved into the advertising and bought it. And, of course, Clara and Emma said "elmo pasta," and actually ate it and the veggies. The gals even dined on all-tiem summer favorite fruit, watermelon! It warranted a phone call to Grandma Frome.

Running Around

After trying out the potty again unsuccesfully, Mommy showed the ladies their underwear, since they've been so difficult with diapers. Mommy even put it on them and let them walk around. Of course, Emma had an accident and went back in a diaper. Clara, however, didn't want to take the underwear off, so Mommy put her in a diaper with the underwear on top of it. Creative, right?

This morning, Mommy took a 20 minute drive up to Chappaqua with Clara and Emma to check out World Cup gymnastics. Since Clara and Emma are 2, they got to participate in the "big kid" class. It was lots of fun and included stretching (which Emma followed well), clibing on a ladder (both did it, Clara loved it), jumping in a foam pit, walking on balance beams, hanging from rings and bars (which Emma did this time) and more! It was a very active class!

In the afternoon, it was off to a long overdue playdate with friends Judith and her three kids- all under 3! Judith is married to Mommy's friend from high school, Jamie. It was fun to hang out and catch up.

Breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa Frome

It was another humid day in New York. While Mommy was trying to get the ladies dressed, Emma said " No, no (with the finger waving) I not ready yet." Of course, with Daddy's help, Mommy managed to get the little ladies dressed and out the door.

Grandma and Grandpa Frome made a quick visit to NYC to pay a shiva call. Mommy's great aunt Francis passed away last week. It was off to visit Grandma and Grandpa in the city. After hanging out at their hotel room, and playing stickers, watching the cars and trucks from the window and doing the hokey pokey with Grandpa in front of the mirror, it was time to take a walk. A quick visit to the farmer's market and a hello to the old building, and it was time to hit the Vinegar Factory for breakfast. Clara loved Daddy's berry and banana shake and Emma loved eating the bread with jelly. And, breakfast came with balloons!

In the afternoon, the gang checked out the playground at Saxon Woods, before heading home to play with the water table.