New York Gymboree

The trip to New York in March was a chance for a bunch of old friends from college to get together! Sarah and Chris were in from London, so we just had to meet up so the kids could become new friends. We all met up at a Gymboree, which was a genius move--it allowed the adults to talk while the kids got busy.

Auntie Helena with one of the British twins, Lauren.

How fast can these kids empty a basket full of balls?

Kaya and Anna say "FAST!"

Liora hulla-hooping.

The gang from college, plus our good clown friend.

Kaya loves Helena...all the kids do.

Tony giving the kids a ride.

Liora giving a ride back!

Two headed horse.

The gang! 

The ladies: Lauren, Anna, Liora, Kaya, and Sophie

The girls plus Nate.

New York, stop #1

In mid-March, we took another trip up to New York. We had a gathering planned in the city, and we were able to combine it with some good extended family time. The first evening, we headed to Randi and family's for a great dinner.

Cousin Ryan on babysitting duty.

Uncle Scott on babysitting duty! :)

Liora and Randi demonstrate the cannolis.

Hanging with Kona dog...

...who doesn't seem that pleased with the kids (that face!), but she let them hang on her anyway.

Of course Liora got to help cousin Zach on the guitar...

...and Kaya accompanied on the drum!

A Visit with Colin

Friends Elise and Andy went and had a baby the same time we did! Colin is just a few days older than Kaya, and they are oh so cute together. Here are a few pics of them moving and shaking!

And Liora practicing some gymnastics.

A Pirate's Life for Me

One of Liora's buddies at school had a pirate goodie bag for his birthday, and so we've spent a few weekends with the paraphernalia. We've hidden the gold coins so Liora can discover the treasure; we've all had a go at the eye patch. 

Taking a good look at her treasure.

Kaya wants some too!

Whoops, eye patch fail.

Happy First Year Kaya!

Today Kaya turns 1!

Watching her grow has been such an amazing, fascinating, rewarding experience. She is smart, beautiful, sweet, and thoughtful. Here are some notes about where she stands at this special day:

• She has words! Dadda, Cheetah, and Duck are all things you can kinda sorta make out. Momma might be one of them, but it's just not in use as much. Cheetah is one of her buddies, and Duck was a gift from Liora for her birthday.
• Kaya is walking! She was taking tentative steps between Mommy and Daddy (and falling into us) for the past few weeks, but she took some real steps this past weekend, walking all the way across her room. She still prefers to crawl, but walking isn't far off.
• Some things Kaya likes to do: blow kisses, kiss, hug, clap her hands, give high fives, point, and wave bye-bye. If you ask her for a hug, she squeezes you tight. She kisses her buddies (a lot), and also babies she sees in books.
• Her teachers tell us she "doesn't let the other kids boss her around." We aren't quite sure what that means, but we know she doesn't let them take toys from her. At home, she has started pushing Liora away from a toy that she wants for herself.
• Kaya is over baby food. She doesn't really want to eat it anymore, preferring cheerios at every meal. Mommy and daddy had to put the box away or she would just refuse her food and point to the box. She also enjoys sweet potato, carrots, and cheese.
• Kaya likes to examine her toys. Ever since she just started moving around, she has taken time to figure things out. At the same age, her sister would play with something, and then move on. Kaya will take some moments to play with it and learn how it works, and she doesn't give up easily at all.
• Kaya is tall-ish for her age. She just recently grew into 18 month clothes, a feat her sister accomplished right at 18 months. We'll know more about percentiles at her 1-year check-up, but she seems on track to be taller than her sissy.
• Kaya love her books. In the morning, it's the first place she wants to go, right to her favorite book pile. She will hand you books and say "uh, uh" until you start reading. She does not like getting pulled away from them.
• Kaya shakes her head no, but she also is very emphatic with her yes nodding. Mostly employed to tell you, yes, she would like you to read that book, and yes, she wants that box of cheerios.

Today it's hard to believe she is one. This has been a great year for us all. Liora is a great big sister; very concerned for Kaya's welfare and loving and patient in her care. And of course Kaya loves her big  sister!

It wasn't so long ago that I wasn't sure if I wanted to have children. It's hard to believe now, because I truly believe that having them, helping them grow, and watching them learn is the best thing in life. Kaya is one amazing little girl, and I'm so in love with her! Happy birthday baby girl!

The Artist

As you might remember, Santa brought Liora an artist easel for Christmas. Here she is creating one of her masterpieces!

Kaya kept busy and supported her sister.

Sister Tea Party

Is there anything cuter than sisters playing tea party together (besides being doctors together)?

Lexy even wanted a taste.

Doc McLiora

Liora's new favorite show is Doc McStuffins, a little girl who is a doctor to her stuffed animals. Inundated with other viewing choices, mommy and daddy are happy that her favorite show encourages her to be a doctor (and not a princess, monster, or weird singing animal).

She has taken it to heart, and practices doctor quite a bit! Kaya likes to get in on the action too.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was at our friends Sandy and Ed's house, parents to one of Liora's best friends, Elle. They had some yummy lasagna, and then we did an early countdown to "midnight" (which was actually 8 pm, I believe). It was a bit crazy and frenetic, hence the very blurry photos. But, let me tell you, you give two 3-year-old's a noisemaker, and it makes for some hilarious photos!

Elle's face is priceless!

Dressed for bed before heading home, and tuckered out from all that noise making!