New Year's Eve 2009

Clara and Emma were excited to have Daddy home and to enjoy the start of a long weekend with the whole family.

Clara had speech, which ended a bit early because of the snow that was piling up quickly outside. Mommy and Daddy still decided to head to the store. The roads weren't great, but Daddy doesn't mind driving in the snow. The ladies enjoyed blowing their horns (a gift from Clara's speech therapist). Believe it or not, the act of blowing the horn helps strengthen Clara's muscles around her mouth!

In the afternoon, Clara and Emma enjoyed a "Rockin' Toddler New Year's Party" thrown by two of Mommy's friends, Erica and Rebecca. The ladies got to decorate shakers, loved running around with balloons, wearing hats, blowing horns, and of course, eating. They had a great time and even got to do a countdown and say "Happy New Year." Okay, so it was at 6 pm, but it was fun!

And, of course, this entry wouldn't be complete without a quick note of the anniversary of Mommy and Daddy meeting. Cheers and Happy New Year

Clara and Emma Have Their First Build-A-Bear Experience

After speech, Clara and Emma headed to the mall with Mommy to run some errands, including getting some carpet samples for the dining room and living room.And, Nordstrom was kind enough to give Clara and Emma a balloon, just for passing through-except Mommy couldn't see where she was pushing the stroller. Ah...the scarifices.

As a special treat, and because Mommy had a gift card to use, Clara and Emma had their first Build-A-Bear experience. Both ladies chose the bunny rabbit (okay, so Mommy told them they got to pick the bunny or bear, whatever the gift card would cover). When it was their turn, Clara got to help stuff her bunny first, followed by Emma. Together, they got their hearts and went through the whole shtick where they got to rub their tummies, jump twice, kiss the heart etc. It was adorable.

On the way home, Mommy asked them what they did and they both told stories of how they stuffed the bear and got a heart and helped put it in. It was very cute.

Photos of carpet ideas below. Thoughts are welcome. Clara and Emma like them all and think that they are, as Emma says "beautiful and comfy," and they both think they are meant for jumping.

These are some carpet options for the living room. Mommy prefers the one on the bottom right. These are options for the dining room. The top one is the carpet the sales lady thought would go nicely with green paint and the carpets above.

Tuesday Tunes

The gang headed to Larchmont this morning for a Jingle Jam at Groove. It was great and Clara and Emma loved the music, except it was cut short by a leak in the ceiling that looked as if it was going to collapse. Mommy said she'd get the ladies apple fries (just fresh sliced apples). Clara was whining about them and Mommy said "okay, okay, we'll be there soon, just hold on, I can't do anything about it." Minutes later, Emma responded to Clara with the exact words Mommy said. There is nothing more to say.

The ladies woke up earlier than usual from their nap, so Mommy drove them up to Briarcliff to check out Club Fit, a new partner of The Rivertown Play Group. They had a great time in the play area for kids and Mommy wishes it were closer!

This afternoon, Clara and Emma did a dance performance for their speech therapist, Roberta. Emma insisted on dancing to "Tiny Dancer," and both ladies had to put on their tutus. Clara shook her hips back and forth and side to side- quite a sight. And, kept saying "go me, go me."

A Rockin' Monday

This morning, Clara and Emma enjoyed a playdate with Eli and his Mommy, Caroline. The gang got to see their new house and catch up. It was lots of fun!


Later, Mommy took the girls to the Warner Library in Tarrytown to hear a concert by Zev Haber. It was cute to watch Clara and Emma shake it up!

Holiday in NYC

Today, Mommy and Daddy took Clara and Emma to NYC to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Gornstein and friend Liliana.

The drive there took us an unexpected route only because most of the roads were flooded from last nite's storm. Mommy drove home in it and can attest to how much it rained!

After parking, Mommy and Daddy decided not to take the stroller and outfitted the ladies with their monkey backpacks. Clara was quite excited to wear it. About three steps out of the garage, Emma wanted to be carried. And that continued the whole morning. Clara did a nice job of walking and being carried.

First stop was to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. Clara and Emma loved seeing the people skate and of course, wanted to join them. Mommy and Daddy said when they are a few years older. Next stop was the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Truth be told, it wasn't too crowded at 9:30 am and the gang got up right next to it. It is a beautiful tree.

After meeting Grandma and Grandpa Gornstein, the girls got to see some more ice skating and headed to the windows at Saks to meet Liliana. Clara and Emma waited in a very short line and moved along nicely as the saw the windows. They could have stayed all day and loved that the snowflakes were talking to them. The theme was "twinkle, twinkle, little snowflake." Both Clara and Emma opened their eyes wide with amazement.

It took a little bit to get there, but the gang walked to Bryant Park to see the ice rink that is there and the shops, but mostly to go on the carousel ride. Clara and Emma went once, but they could have gone several more times.

They both enjoyed lunch at a nearby diner and behaved very nicely. They gave Grandpa Gornstein a card and some pictures they created. As Emma noted, "we made those at school." Mommy loved that she knew where she made them!