Friday, December 24, 2010
hanukkah 2010
Here are our pictures of hanukkah. Henry definitely quickly understood the opening presents aspect of the holiday. On the last night of hanukkah we surpised him with some pet fish., which he loved. There are also some pictures from our hanukkah weekend up in rhinebeck, as well as some pics from our trip to the shady brook farms light show. happy holidays!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Henry's second birthday!
Henry turned 2. A great time was had by all. Here are the photos from Henry's second birthday, held at the little gym, Newotwn, PA. I think we had about 20 kids and 40 adults!
And while taking photos from my mom's camera from henry's birthday, I also downloaded her photos that she's taken since she started babysitting henry in august. The pictures from the baby pool make me miss those hot summer days! Clearly they are getting on quite well together.
And while taking photos from my mom's camera from henry's birthday, I also downloaded her photos that she's taken since she started babysitting henry in august. The pictures from the baby pool make me miss those hot summer days! Clearly they are getting on quite well together.
Monday, November 15, 2010
September and October photos
pictures from climbing hublein tower over rosh hashanah
photos from halloween
pictures from rosh hashanah
photos from halloween
pictures from rosh hashanah
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Pumpkin picking, etc.
In the first weekend in October, we went to our local farm to get pumpkins and mums. I guess for the month of october, they have kind of a festival, with pig races, bouncy castles, kettle corn, corn mazes, etc. It wasn't exactly what we expected, but we had a great time nonetheless. Henry especially enjoyed his first pony ride, the "hay ride" (without hay) and the pumpkin patch. (fear not- the following weekend we visited another farm where we took a hay ride with actual hay and we picked apples) Here are the pictures of our trip to the pumpkin patch, etc.
A few weeks ago, we had Raph's coworker's family over for dinner. I intended to cook all sorts of yummy things, but as you know, I've been working like a dog lately, so seeing as I arrived home from work at the same time they were pulling up to our house for dinner, we ended up ordering pizza. This couldn't have happened with better guests, however, as they are super laid back and cool. We all had a great time, especially the kids, who ended up in the bath together.
And finally, a while back I sent my mom to the mall to buy Henry some shoes. When I came home that night, an extra dinner guest awaited me at the kitchen table: a giant elmo. Later that week, this same elmo tried to steal my husband.... I found him in my bed, wearing my pajamas, using the ipad. Here is my evidence. Also, Henry made me ride his train in my underwear. He actually pushed me around the house.
A few weeks ago, we had Raph's coworker's family over for dinner. I intended to cook all sorts of yummy things, but as you know, I've been working like a dog lately, so seeing as I arrived home from work at the same time they were pulling up to our house for dinner, we ended up ordering pizza. This couldn't have happened with better guests, however, as they are super laid back and cool. We all had a great time, especially the kids, who ended up in the bath together.
And finally, a while back I sent my mom to the mall to buy Henry some shoes. When I came home that night, an extra dinner guest awaited me at the kitchen table: a giant elmo. Later that week, this same elmo tried to steal my husband.... I found him in my bed, wearing my pajamas, using the ipad. Here is my evidence. Also, Henry made me ride his train in my underwear. He actually pushed me around the house.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Henry's First Day of School
Unfortunately drop off at school didn't go as smoothly as his smiling face in these photos might suggest. Hopefully he will adjust soon. Here are the classic first day of school pictures.
Zoostravaganza
Isla and Henry
Photos from our Labor Day trip to Baltimore and DC. Specifically the aquarium and the zoo. My only regret is not taking more pictures of us together with Heather, Dave & Isla. Next time!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Michelle's Birthday in Rhinebeck
Here are some photos from our weekend at Turkey Hill with Michelle, Alex & Madeline, where we celebrated Michelle's birthday. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
About your child....
I had to fill out an "about your child" questionnaire for Henry's new school. Here's what I wrote:
Childs Name: Henry DOB: December 11, 2008
Describe your child… personality, reactions, likes, dislikes, etc.
I have a lot to say about Henry…I know it is a lot, but my hope is that this information will be useful to you. We are so blessed that Henry is such a great kid, and such a sweet, nice, loving boy. Sometimes he is prone to being a little whiney, especially when he is tired, but besides that he is just so sweet and fun. He has a great sense of humor, and likes to make jokes. For example, he puts things on his head that he knows are not hats, and cracks himself up. Sometimes he will do something silly, and then say “noooo” to indicate that he knows it is a joke- like the hat example. He still loves games of peek-a-boo, or games that involve making silly noises. We really crack each other up sometimes. He is also extremely ticklish.
Henry understands sharing, which is something we have worked on for a while. He understands the concepts of taking turns and trading. Sometimes he protests, but overall he is a very good sharer, especially for his age. When he is playing with someone else, he will often take two of a toy and offer one to his friend. He also likes to share food, and will often try to feed his friends.
Henry is assertive, but rarely, if ever, aggressive. I think in helping him learn to share, we have curbed some of his assertiveness, and I would like to see him continue to be assertive, if it is his nature to be so. In other words, I want to make sure that we don’t give him the message that he has to be passive just because he has to sometimes share.
Henry is very social, and enjoys other children and adults-- adults more than children sometimes. If Henry is ever shy, it only lasts for about a minute. The only exception to this is sometimes when he first wakes up from a nap, he can be clingy and shy. This can last up to a good half hour, but it is not the norm. In addition to being very social, Henry is also very independent. He is comfortable playing by himself as long as he knows an adult is nearby. Often he will take an adult by the hand and lead them to join in his game, whether it is gesturing for them to sit down with him, or handing them a truck to play with him, or a book to read with him.
In the past, and only once in a blue moon, Henry has been known to bite me, but it is always in a moment of love. He has never done it out of anger. He has not bitten me in a while, but I mention it just in case.
Henry usually does not seem to have too much separation anxiety, relatively speaking. For the past month, he has been content to just say “bye” to me and give me a kiss when I tell him I am leaving for the day. I think this is a sign that he is happy, and I am hopeful this will continue at Montessori.
Motor Skills: Henry is very physical. He walked at 9 months and has reached physical milestones early- lifting his head, rolling over, crawling, etc. He always solves any “problem” he has physically- for example, if he wants something, he is so much more likely to find a way to get it himself than ask me for help. He is very resourceful this way. I think that his fine motor skills are above average, and that he is very strong for his age. For instance, he can pull himself up in a chin up on a bar, and push heavy objects around. He can throw and kick a ball, and loves to spin around until he makes himself too dizzy to do so. He sometimes likes to experiment with body positions, and likes to put his head down with his tush in the air.
Verbal Skills: As an initial matter, Henry is being raised in a bilingual household. My husband speaks to Henry exclusively in French. Therefore, there are some words Henry says in French. The most obvious right now is that he says “oui” instead of “yes.”
Henry has always been very vocal, even as a baby, babbling constantly. Starting at about age one, he liked to “talk” on the phone to his grandparents, babbling as if he was having a real conversation. He then started mimicking our intonations in these conversations around 15 months.
He continues to say real words, and repeats many words that we say, sometimes without prompting. Henry will often use words when encouraged- for instance I ask him if he wants some strawberries, he will nod, and then I will ask, “oui?” and he will repeat “oui!” He does the same thing with the word “please” and “more.” He also uses these words independently of my prompting.
Significantly, he also recently said “Henry” which he pronounces like “Hah-nee.” For many objects, Henry refers to them as the noise they make rather than the word, so we have been working on asking him to repeat the word. Examples are vehicles and animals. During the past month and half, Henry’s vocabulary has exploded, with him saying new words whenever it strikes him to do so.
Also, he has very recently started putting two words together.
Progress in Toilet Training: [REDACTED]
What do you hope your child will gain from the Montessori experience?
Quite simply, we just want Henry to be in a loving environment. Everything else is secondary as long as he is cared for in a compassionate, loving and patient environment. We think that if that is the case, he will be free to develop naturally as a confident, curious, kind individual. So far, this approach has seemed to make him a happy and healthy child.
What would you like the teacher to know about your child?
The only thing I have not yet mentioned is that Henry is extremely musical. He has rhythm, and can carry a tune. He also is a great dancer, and has developed many different dance moves. He loves musical instruments, and loves to drum on anything, with sticks or just with his hands. Certain members of our families are very gifted, musically, (although it seems to have skipped us) but we are thrilled that Henry seems to share in this love of music.
We have a cat, and Henry adores cats and many animals.
Also here are a few tips about “deciphering” Henry, in case you ever wonder what the heck he is doing:
Personal space:
Henry likes to make a raspberry on people’s belly buttons and when he is comfortable with you, will try to lift your shirt to do so.
Henry likes to press your nose and have you stick out your tongue. Cute, until he tries to touch his tongue to yours.
Sometimes Henry will try to kiss you right on the mouth, open mouth.
Henry tickles you by basically pinching you and rotating his wrist. We are working on teaching him how to wiggle his fingers to tickle.
Words, noises:
Henry currently refers to animals and vehicles by the noises they make. The least obvious is his elephant, where he puts his hand to his nose, tilts his head, and makes a “woo” sound. Also a monkey is “eeeee”. And a bird is kind of like a cat, I think.
I am trying to encourage him to say “please” and “more” when he wants something, even if that is the only thing he says.
Sometimes he calls to someone by covering his mouth, palm out, and calling their name. He is mimicking when we amplify our voice by putting our hands next to our mouth.
Henry says “oui” instead of “yes.”
“Guy” can refer to any noun. “On” can refer to anything he wants.
Other:
Henry loves to sing the following songs: twinkle twinkle little star, wheels on the bus, itsy bitsy spider, alphabet, old macdonald, old suzanna, knick knack paddy wack, ants go marching, row your boat, hands up baby hands up…
When henry sees a helicopter, he makes 2 fists and pulls his elbows in and twists from side to side. He wants you to make a helicopter sound (chukka-chukka-chukka etc) and will stop as soon as you make this sound. Similarly, for an airplane, henry sways from side to side with his elbows sticking out and his fists in front of his chest. He will stop when you acknowledge that you see the airplane too. Henry loves trains, cars and trucks equally.
Henry calls all bugs “bee.” He used to be absolutely terrified of house flys, but I have tried to teach him that flies are sooo cool, etc. It seems to be working as he is less afraid.
We will use the word “patience” if Henry is ever having a hard time waiting for something.
Childs Name: Henry DOB: December 11, 2008
Describe your child… personality, reactions, likes, dislikes, etc.
I have a lot to say about Henry…I know it is a lot, but my hope is that this information will be useful to you. We are so blessed that Henry is such a great kid, and such a sweet, nice, loving boy. Sometimes he is prone to being a little whiney, especially when he is tired, but besides that he is just so sweet and fun. He has a great sense of humor, and likes to make jokes. For example, he puts things on his head that he knows are not hats, and cracks himself up. Sometimes he will do something silly, and then say “noooo” to indicate that he knows it is a joke- like the hat example. He still loves games of peek-a-boo, or games that involve making silly noises. We really crack each other up sometimes. He is also extremely ticklish.
Henry understands sharing, which is something we have worked on for a while. He understands the concepts of taking turns and trading. Sometimes he protests, but overall he is a very good sharer, especially for his age. When he is playing with someone else, he will often take two of a toy and offer one to his friend. He also likes to share food, and will often try to feed his friends.
Henry is assertive, but rarely, if ever, aggressive. I think in helping him learn to share, we have curbed some of his assertiveness, and I would like to see him continue to be assertive, if it is his nature to be so. In other words, I want to make sure that we don’t give him the message that he has to be passive just because he has to sometimes share.
Henry is very social, and enjoys other children and adults-- adults more than children sometimes. If Henry is ever shy, it only lasts for about a minute. The only exception to this is sometimes when he first wakes up from a nap, he can be clingy and shy. This can last up to a good half hour, but it is not the norm. In addition to being very social, Henry is also very independent. He is comfortable playing by himself as long as he knows an adult is nearby. Often he will take an adult by the hand and lead them to join in his game, whether it is gesturing for them to sit down with him, or handing them a truck to play with him, or a book to read with him.
In the past, and only once in a blue moon, Henry has been known to bite me, but it is always in a moment of love. He has never done it out of anger. He has not bitten me in a while, but I mention it just in case.
Henry usually does not seem to have too much separation anxiety, relatively speaking. For the past month, he has been content to just say “bye” to me and give me a kiss when I tell him I am leaving for the day. I think this is a sign that he is happy, and I am hopeful this will continue at Montessori.
Motor Skills: Henry is very physical. He walked at 9 months and has reached physical milestones early- lifting his head, rolling over, crawling, etc. He always solves any “problem” he has physically- for example, if he wants something, he is so much more likely to find a way to get it himself than ask me for help. He is very resourceful this way. I think that his fine motor skills are above average, and that he is very strong for his age. For instance, he can pull himself up in a chin up on a bar, and push heavy objects around. He can throw and kick a ball, and loves to spin around until he makes himself too dizzy to do so. He sometimes likes to experiment with body positions, and likes to put his head down with his tush in the air.
Verbal Skills: As an initial matter, Henry is being raised in a bilingual household. My husband speaks to Henry exclusively in French. Therefore, there are some words Henry says in French. The most obvious right now is that he says “oui” instead of “yes.”
Henry has always been very vocal, even as a baby, babbling constantly. Starting at about age one, he liked to “talk” on the phone to his grandparents, babbling as if he was having a real conversation. He then started mimicking our intonations in these conversations around 15 months.
He continues to say real words, and repeats many words that we say, sometimes without prompting. Henry will often use words when encouraged- for instance I ask him if he wants some strawberries, he will nod, and then I will ask, “oui?” and he will repeat “oui!” He does the same thing with the word “please” and “more.” He also uses these words independently of my prompting.
Significantly, he also recently said “Henry” which he pronounces like “Hah-nee.” For many objects, Henry refers to them as the noise they make rather than the word, so we have been working on asking him to repeat the word. Examples are vehicles and animals. During the past month and half, Henry’s vocabulary has exploded, with him saying new words whenever it strikes him to do so.
Also, he has very recently started putting two words together.
Progress in Toilet Training: [REDACTED]
What do you hope your child will gain from the Montessori experience?
Quite simply, we just want Henry to be in a loving environment. Everything else is secondary as long as he is cared for in a compassionate, loving and patient environment. We think that if that is the case, he will be free to develop naturally as a confident, curious, kind individual. So far, this approach has seemed to make him a happy and healthy child.
What would you like the teacher to know about your child?
The only thing I have not yet mentioned is that Henry is extremely musical. He has rhythm, and can carry a tune. He also is a great dancer, and has developed many different dance moves. He loves musical instruments, and loves to drum on anything, with sticks or just with his hands. Certain members of our families are very gifted, musically, (although it seems to have skipped us) but we are thrilled that Henry seems to share in this love of music.
We have a cat, and Henry adores cats and many animals.
Also here are a few tips about “deciphering” Henry, in case you ever wonder what the heck he is doing:
Personal space:
Henry likes to make a raspberry on people’s belly buttons and when he is comfortable with you, will try to lift your shirt to do so.
Henry likes to press your nose and have you stick out your tongue. Cute, until he tries to touch his tongue to yours.
Sometimes Henry will try to kiss you right on the mouth, open mouth.
Henry tickles you by basically pinching you and rotating his wrist. We are working on teaching him how to wiggle his fingers to tickle.
Words, noises:
Henry currently refers to animals and vehicles by the noises they make. The least obvious is his elephant, where he puts his hand to his nose, tilts his head, and makes a “woo” sound. Also a monkey is “eeeee”. And a bird is kind of like a cat, I think.
I am trying to encourage him to say “please” and “more” when he wants something, even if that is the only thing he says.
Sometimes he calls to someone by covering his mouth, palm out, and calling their name. He is mimicking when we amplify our voice by putting our hands next to our mouth.
Henry says “oui” instead of “yes.”
“Guy” can refer to any noun. “On” can refer to anything he wants.
Other:
Henry loves to sing the following songs: twinkle twinkle little star, wheels on the bus, itsy bitsy spider, alphabet, old macdonald, old suzanna, knick knack paddy wack, ants go marching, row your boat, hands up baby hands up…
When henry sees a helicopter, he makes 2 fists and pulls his elbows in and twists from side to side. He wants you to make a helicopter sound (chukka-chukka-chukka etc) and will stop as soon as you make this sound. Similarly, for an airplane, henry sways from side to side with his elbows sticking out and his fists in front of his chest. He will stop when you acknowledge that you see the airplane too. Henry loves trains, cars and trucks equally.
Henry calls all bugs “bee.” He used to be absolutely terrified of house flys, but I have tried to teach him that flies are sooo cool, etc. It seems to be working as he is less afraid.
We will use the word “patience” if Henry is ever having a hard time waiting for something.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August photos!
Photos from the beach (Belmar, NJ-- that's right, Jersey Shore, baby!) these are some of my faves.
Silliness in the car
Visiting mom's side of the family
Visiting Dad & Alice (the horses belong to Alice's neighbor and are the view out her backyard!)
Enjoy!
Silliness in the car
Visiting mom's side of the family
Visiting Dad & Alice (the horses belong to Alice's neighbor and are the view out her backyard!)
Enjoy!
Friday, August 20, 2010
more photos!!
pictures from philadelphia zoo with Emily and Sarah, March 2010
pictures from turkey hill (rhinebeck) May 2010 (I was at my law school reunion)
pictures from home, june & july 2010, including
pictures from turkey hill (rhinebeck) May 2010 (I was at my law school reunion)
pictures from home, june & july 2010, including
- fun in the yard
- yogurt head
- The Chocolate Incident
- bubble bath head
- baby pool with our neighbor.
A note about The Chocolate Incident: we were repainting our kitchen cabinets and therefore had lots of stuff from the kitchen spread out on the dining room table-- including, apparently, a box of chocolates (delicious, I might add, sent to me by amy). I was doing lord knows what when all of the sudden I noticed it was very, very quiet. I found Henry perched up at the dining room table, a chocolate in one hand, a fork spearing a chocolate in the other, and a mouth so full of chocolates he couldn't close his lips around them. Not to mention a face and stomach smeared and dripping with chocolate drool. Like a good mother, I of course grabbed the camera. I would have taken more pictures, but I soon realized that the chocolate drool was about to hit the carpet, table cloth, chairs, etc., so I whisked Henry up to the bath and continued the photo shoot there. He is so clearly my son. Enjoy!
Still more recent pictures to come, so stay tuned.....!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Old Photos
Here we go.... photos, starting in July of 2009 and working our way to the present! For the technologically impaired, remember you can click "slideshow" on the top left to see them bigger.
Little Gym, Luxembourg, Grand Spectacle Show!! (parents and grandparents came to celebrate the end of the session, hence raph took pictures)
Celine and Jeremie's wedding, Burgundy, France, July 2009 (we came back to the US directly from the wedding) Gorgeous couple, gorgeous setting.
A few photos from Rhinebeck, August 2009
Pumpkin picking, followed by Henry's first halloween, Oct 2009 (some of you have already seen these.) That costume was so hilariously cute.
Random photos, summer-fall 2009. These are just a collection of photos from packing up our old apartment, henry playing with new friends, a visits from my parents, eating spaghetti, etc.
Hanukkah 2009
HENRYS FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!! Avon, Ct, December 2009
Raphael's birthday, Rhinebeck, NY Jan 2010. Great time with great friends. And a huge thanks again to my in laws for lending us the house! Also, we went skiing at hunter and I did the biggest wipeout of my life- completely head over heels. Jeff's consolation to me: it looked really cool.
Henry glamor shots, January 2010 (these are some nice photos of henry)
Snowpocolypse, 2010. Of course as soon as we become home owners and within days of moving in (sans snowblower) we get repeated epic snowstorms.
Florida, January 2010. Excuse the bikini shots.
Florida, February 2010 (Henry and I DROVE down with Aunt Elaine, Leah, Seth, Ami and Benjamin. Laurie was busy studying for a final at tufts.
Random, Feb and March 2010 (including rhinebeck, swiffering, new bike, birthday flowers, grandma & elmo, and big boy shoes)
Tub time, with Henry and Arthur, April 2010
stay tuned for more pictues....!
Little Gym, Luxembourg, Grand Spectacle Show!! (parents and grandparents came to celebrate the end of the session, hence raph took pictures)
Celine and Jeremie's wedding, Burgundy, France, July 2009 (we came back to the US directly from the wedding) Gorgeous couple, gorgeous setting.
A few photos from Rhinebeck, August 2009
Pumpkin picking, followed by Henry's first halloween, Oct 2009 (some of you have already seen these.) That costume was so hilariously cute.
Random photos, summer-fall 2009. These are just a collection of photos from packing up our old apartment, henry playing with new friends, a visits from my parents, eating spaghetti, etc.
Hanukkah 2009
HENRYS FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!! Avon, Ct, December 2009
Raphael's birthday, Rhinebeck, NY Jan 2010. Great time with great friends. And a huge thanks again to my in laws for lending us the house! Also, we went skiing at hunter and I did the biggest wipeout of my life- completely head over heels. Jeff's consolation to me: it looked really cool.
Henry glamor shots, January 2010 (these are some nice photos of henry)
Snowpocolypse, 2010. Of course as soon as we become home owners and within days of moving in (sans snowblower) we get repeated epic snowstorms.
Florida, January 2010. Excuse the bikini shots.
Florida, February 2010 (Henry and I DROVE down with Aunt Elaine, Leah, Seth, Ami and Benjamin. Laurie was busy studying for a final at tufts.
Random, Feb and March 2010 (including rhinebeck, swiffering, new bike, birthday flowers, grandma & elmo, and big boy shoes)
Tub time, with Henry and Arthur, April 2010
stay tuned for more pictues....!
Back to blogging
I can hardly believe it, but it's been a full year since we've been back in the good ol' U. S. of A. This year has brought a lot of excitement for us. A lot of continuing "firsts" for Henry, a new home, a new town (aptly named Newtown), lots of new friends, and most recently, a new job for me! (first week was great!)
During these myriad transitions, we've let a few things fall to the wayside, such as managing our pictures. That's not to say that we haven't been taking pictures. (And yes, everyone, I know we still haven't set up our skype. That is because we still haven't set up our office, but it is on our seemingly never ending, ever expanding to-do list). One item that has been on our to do list a long time is to upload our photos. Yesterday we spent a truly glorious day at the beach, and I took some fab pictures of our growing little man enjoying the sand and surf. I couldn't wait to share them with family and friends, and so last night, we started going through old pictures.
When I came back from Luxembourg, several of you "avid" readers expressed disappointment that I was ending the blog. I explained that when we were in europe, not to mention with a new baby, I felt that I had actual adventures to share. It was also a great way to keep in touch. It felt somewhat ridiculous or egocentric to continue a blog just about our day to day life, minus the glamor of europe. But since then, I've seen some great blogs of friends that are about just that- day to day life with their kids, and I've been mulling over attempting to give it a go again. In short, although we're not in europe, it still seems like an efficient and fun way to stay in touch and share photos discretely.
So welcome back to my readers- namely mom and dad :)
During these myriad transitions, we've let a few things fall to the wayside, such as managing our pictures. That's not to say that we haven't been taking pictures. (And yes, everyone, I know we still haven't set up our skype. That is because we still haven't set up our office, but it is on our seemingly never ending, ever expanding to-do list). One item that has been on our to do list a long time is to upload our photos. Yesterday we spent a truly glorious day at the beach, and I took some fab pictures of our growing little man enjoying the sand and surf. I couldn't wait to share them with family and friends, and so last night, we started going through old pictures.
When I came back from Luxembourg, several of you "avid" readers expressed disappointment that I was ending the blog. I explained that when we were in europe, not to mention with a new baby, I felt that I had actual adventures to share. It was also a great way to keep in touch. It felt somewhat ridiculous or egocentric to continue a blog just about our day to day life, minus the glamor of europe. But since then, I've seen some great blogs of friends that are about just that- day to day life with their kids, and I've been mulling over attempting to give it a go again. In short, although we're not in europe, it still seems like an efficient and fun way to stay in touch and share photos discretely.
So welcome back to my readers- namely mom and dad :)
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