Backdated post- September 7, 2010: All Kinds Of Progress

All kinds of progress

I finally felt the baby. It’s more noticeable when I’m sitting- but it’s definitely there. It’s cool. However, this kid skipped the gentle ‘fluttering bubbles in your tummy’ thing and moved right to judo kicks. Which I will take. It’s kinda cool, kinda weird. I’m happy to finally feel something in there. I’ve been reading about how I’m supposed to be feeling the baby by now and everyone keeps asking if I’ve felt it yet. I was getting a little discouraged and anxious. I mean, I’ve seen the baby moving around on sonograms and everything has been normal- but all the websites say to expect start feeling things between 16 and 22 weeks- and at 21 weeks I was getting towards the end of that window. Of course, they also say that veteran moms tend to notice those first subtle kicks earlier than first-time moms. I didn’t think I would be so neurotic- I’m going to try to relax a bit more this week and enjoy things.

In other news, my parents were here this past weekend and man did we get a lot of work done in the house! On Saturday- not only did my parents arrive, but the FIOS guy installed our phone, internet and TV, the furniture repair man came to fix my nightstand and our couch and ottoman were delivered. It was like Grand Central Station at our place all day!


The new couch and ottoman


Jerry already at home on the new couches

Once all the deliveries were complete, we went to home depot to buy a ton of supplies: paint and brushes, drop cloth, rake, shovel, hedge shears and pruning shears, dirt cultivator, trowel, hose nozzles, nails, screws, organizers, drill bits and.. a BBQ! (I’m sure I am forgetting several items)


David and my dad ...discussing the finer points of shovels and rakes


men chillaxin after a long day of shopping

On Sunday, David and my dad put down tile laminate in the basement where the back door opens, painted the front door, put up a knife magnet in the kitchen, organized the workbench in the garage, mowed the lawn and pruned the hedges while my mom and I did a lot of organization. We got a garbage can for the kitchen and dividers for the kitchen drawers as well as some of the drawers in our bedroom. We got a new liner for the guest bathroom’s shower and a bed skirt for the upstairs guest bedroom. We unpacked boxes, cleaned , dusted, swept and organized while the men schlepped and sweated.

Then on Monday, we washed cars (a Koles family weekend tradition) and finished up the garage.


Handyman David laying down the flooring


Weeding in the backyard with my new gear (gardening gloves and pruning shears)


My mom helps out with the gardening too!


David trimming hedges


Dad amongst the tools and workbench


washing cars... a Koles Family weekend tradition

After my parents left, Mike came over with Daisy and we had a little evening BBQ.



This little house of ours? It’s coming along pretty nicely.

August 31, 2010- Anatomy Screening (20 weeks!)

Anatomy Screening (20 weeks!)

This morning we had our 20-week anatomy screening. Here is a new picture ....he/she is waving "hello!”



We chose not to find out the sex of the baby, but we got to see and learn all kinds of other neat things about it. We saw 2 arms with hands, 2 legs with feet, 1 head with eyes and a brain, 4 chambers in the heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach... all lookin good.

feet!

The baby weighs about 12 ounces and measures roughly 10 inches long right now. It doesn't have any fat on it yet but will get some in the coming weeks. The face was really gaunt… just empty eye sockets and kind of creepy looking. David said it’s an alien baby.

We saw blood flowing in the umbilical cord and the heart rate was 135. They said it looks healthy with and all the right stuff in all the right places. The only measurements we couldn’t get were the spine- the baby moved around a lot. Already can’t sit still- this is my kid for sure!

Backdated post- August 23, 2010: Moving Day!

Moving Day!

So the plan didn’t go exactly as I had predicted (does it ever?). We ended up sleeping at the condo Friday night instead of the house to get some last-minute packing done, but everything else went pretty smoothly. We’re in the new house! It feels…. like home! Messy and unorganized and chaotic and dusty… but home.

The movers were supposed to arrive at 8 AM on Saturday, so we had set the alarm for 7. Of course I was up every other hour with something new on my mind throughout the night, and by 5:30 I was restless and ready to start the day. I wanted to get the bed stripped and get the final few boxes ready for the move, I wanted to have some breakfast and make coffee made for David, I wanted to fold the laundry I had done the night before, I wanted to bring over a few smaller items to the house myself… basically, I was typical me.

The movers showed up bright and early, and we were out of the condo and all moved in by about 2 PM. They worked their asses off and even hauled off our old couches to the dump for us. It was a really hot and muggy day, but we had to keep the doors open for the movers, so now I think every fly and mosquito in Montgomery County also lives in our house.



moving van at our new place

My parents sent flowers “To Ali, David, Jerry and Baby E” which was very sweet and of course made me cry. They are beautiful and we sat them on the dining room table where we ate our leftover pizza for dinner. On Saturday night we rented a movie and watched it while laying on our makeshift couch (a mattress and some throw pillows) while Jerry chased a moth around the living room. We got so many calls from family and friends to wish us luck in the new place; it was an exhausting but great day.


our "welcome home" flowers

Unpacking is coming along nicely, I’m trying not to work too hard or lift too much. We don’t have phone, internet or TV yet; it’s amazing how productive one can be where there are no distractions. David spent yesterday painting/touching up the baseboards in the hallway, living room and dining room so I spent most of the afternoon out of his way in the basement filling up our storage space and fixing up the guest bedroom.


kitchen

By the end of the weekend we had taken care of half of our clothes, the whole kitchen, hallway and linen closets, upstairs bathrooms and most of the basement. You'd think I would have started unpacking our clothing and bedroom stuff first... but no. Jerry is adjusting well, he has a favorite sunny window he likes to sit in and he’s also found our bed to nap on. I was worried our new bed was going to be too high for him to reach, but he's able to jump up no problem.


bedroom

We still need to make an appointment for Verizon to give us an estimate and find a landscaper/gardener. I’d say the lawn is half grass and half clover, weeds, crabgrass, etc. I don’t really want to use chemicals but I also want to knock out the crap and get the lawn into shape. The guy who has maintained the property for the last 20 years came over and met with us on Sunday. He seems nice and will probably do an ok job, but I think we might be able to find a better price from a friend of David’s. He did tell us what all of our shrubs were, so that’s a bonus.


dining room


back patio

Yesterday we went back to the condo for a few small items and I actually got really emotional. Seeing the empty place… I don’t know… it just got to me. It was the end of a chapter. I know I’ve written about this before, and we have so many new things to look forward to, but I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. I swept the floors and collected the kitchen gadgets while David vacuumed the carpets and packed up some wine. We will be back a few more times to oversee the work we’re having done before our tenants move in, I wonder if it will get any easier.


Jerry making himself at home


upstairs guest room

Backdated post- August 15, 2010: I get by with a little help from the fam

I get by with a little help from the fam

We didn’t do a ton of baby stuff this weekend, but we did get a TON done for the upcoming move. We spent Friday packing until Fran and Dov came around 10. We showed them the new house, but it was dark so we didn’t spend a ton of time there. Plus, I was beat so we went back to the condo and crashed.

On Saturday they went to temple in the morning and David and I moved a lot of the kitchen items into the new house (pots/pans, dishes, glasses, tupperware, etc). In the afternoon, the bedroom furniture was delivered and assembled. It's beautiful, thank you Fran and Dov!

Then Mikey came over and he and David went to Costco and bought a mattress and box spring while Fran and I went to Bed and Bath for a few small items. Mike and David also brought a lot of David’s wine to the new house and we packed up some more boxes in the condo before going to Chinese for dinner. Yum!


Our new bed and nightstands


Dressers


Side of the bedroom pic

Sunday we got shelves for the pantry and finished the kitchen, brought over breakables and the ketubah as well as some of our bathroom stuff. We never had THAT much room in the old kitchen so it’s been fun to open some of the things I got for my bridal shower that I haven’t been able to use yet. It was so much fun to unpack and open new bowls, platters, baking gadgets and tools! Plus, we found out that my yellow plates kinda match the old school yellow kitchen- bonus!

It also must be said that if you need to pack or ship something- Dov is your man. Awkward sized bowl? Wrap it in a towel. Need to move some cups? Here, pack them stacked like this. Not sure how to transport an item? He is! I don't know if it's practice from finding a way to get home all the items Fran has picked up on various vacations or maybe its just something one is inherently good at- either way, it was incredibly helpful. So Thanks Dov!!!


Dishes, etc (and the awesome yellow 1960's range)

We are going to keep packing all week and then the plan is to spend Friday night in the new house before the movers come Saturday AM. I. Am. So. Excited.

Backdated post- August 11, 2010: What should have been

What should have been

I know that some readers will think of this as an overshare- so I welcome them to skip this post. However, when I relaunched this blog I wanted it to be a more open and accurate part of my life, and if I am going to be honest (with myself and all of you), I need to let you know that today is bittersweet. This was supposed to be my due date for my first pregnancy. After months of tests and hormones and bloodwork- we were finally pregnant! David and I were ecstatic. We spent Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas amongst family and friends - just the two of us keeping this wonderful little secret. And then just before New Year’s we found out something had gone wrong, that our dream was over. It was hard on each of us in different ways. My heart was broken and I felt lost for a long time. I think David felt sadness, but also an inability to protect me from pain and hurt.

I will not dwell on loss for very long, partially because I educated myself on the issue and learned not only why this happens but also how common it is. More importantly, because we came out of this experience as a stronger and more bonded couple. But ultimately, I think it’s because we have so much to look forward to and be thankful for today. We have a healthy baby on the way and a beautiful new house to move into.

There are so many wonderful things we have to forward to, yet, I also want to recognize my feelings about what was supposed to have happened today. I'd be lying if I didnt admit to thinking about what should have been. I also want to thank David for his unconditional love, tenderness and support during what was a difficult time for him as well.

During this time, I found an incredibly supportive network of women online whose stories gave me great comfort. Now, this is a lot more religious than I usually get, but I have always been very spiritual and I especially connected with a particular story on a Chabad website. I thought I’d share part of it today; it was posted by a woman who had unfortunately suffered a few miscarriages. After one of her losses, her rabbi taught her this lesson.

He explained how every soul that is brought into this world comes for a very specific reason and serves a very special purpose. We live our lives to fulfill this mission and it takes each individual a different amount of time, along a unique and specific journey to complete the mission.

In addition to new souls that come into this world, there are also reincarnated souls that come into this world to complete what they hadn’t been able to in their previous lives. Sometimes these souls need to live a full lifetime, others for just a few years, and others for only a few months, even at times just a few days. Then there are the souls that need so little to complete their mission, that their soul only needs to come into a body long enough to beat its heart or simply create a pregnancy. These are the highest of all the souls--the souls of the truly righteous and pure whose mission took so little to complete.

While the story did not take away my pain/ hurt/ feelings of loss- this lesson gives what happened to me some meaning, and in some way made it easier to live with. Like this woman, I pray for myself and for others to only have pregnancies/ births/ babies/ children that have so much to accomplish that they live long and full lives, but in a strange way, I also feel fortunate to know that my loss was not for nothing. I was chosen, for one reason or another, as the conduit to aid a very holy soul in its vital and final mission. And that comforts me immensely.

Backdated post- August 10, 2010: Homeowners!

Homeowners!

We have a house! Today we closed on our new place in Bethesda and we are so excited! (btw, having never done this before, I had no idea how many times I’d have to sign my name; now I know how celebrities feel)

with the deed to our new casa

After the closing, we went to the new place and took it all in. Here is David (being a great sport) holding up our first piece of mail.


I walked into the dining room and imagined us sitting around the table celebrating holidays with family and friends. I sat on the floor of the room that will be the nursery and tried to mentally place where the furniture should go. For a place to physically empty right now, it is literally bursting with dreams. I can’t wait to move in and start this chapter of our lives.

Backdated post- August 3, 2010: Going Public

Going Public

I started telling a few coworkers about the baby this week and it is really fun to finally share the news with the folks I see every day. Of course people were excited and congratulated me. They also asked how I was feeling, so I took a minute to think and realized that while there were moments of not feeling (or looking) so hot in those first 10 or 14 weeks, now I actually feel pretty good. I literally woke up one day and was like, “Hey, I like steak again! I can stay up past 9:30 PM! I’m not crying at Hallmark commercials anymore! Nice!”

They say the second trimester is often called the best time of pregnancy. I am trying to really enjoy this part of my life, to take it all in and not complain (too much). I want to take in this experience however it comes and enjoy it, because it’s not going to come often or last forever. I’m sure that by December I will look back at this entry and laugh because it will probably feel like I have been pregnant for decades- but right now I am enjoying the anticipation of feeling that first flutter of movement, the extra energy I have now, the quiet times David and I spend talking about names for the baby, planning the nursery and the house we are about to buy.

Backdated post- August 6, 2010: Rachel and Allan get Hitched

Rachel and Allan get Hitched

As mentioned in my previous post, we really went to Florida to celebrate Rachel and Allan’s wedding. As one of the blog's biggest fans, I had hoped to feature their wedding a little sooner, but things have been hectic 'round these parts so it’s being presented in the same chronological order as everything else.

SO…here goes: Rachel and I grew up around the corner from each other in Dix Hills. We went to elementary school, middle school and high school together. Our moms went to the same high school in Westbury and our younger brothers are the same age and are both named Brian! Clearly, she and I had a lot in common growing up. After college and law school, she came back to Long Island where she met Allan at bar review class. And..as they say... the rest is history. I'm so glad we could be a part of their special day.


All dressed up and ready to head out to the wedding.


Here comes the Bride!


Here comes the Groom!

The wedding was gorgeous! It was held at the Palm Beach Ritz Carlton. They were married in an outdoor ceremony and had SUCH a fun band. It was great to see old high school friends as well as many familiar faces from Dix Hills. Rachel looked amazing and we had a blast!


Happy Parents of the Bride


Rachel and Allan cutting their cake


With the gorgeous bride

Before we knew it, dessert was being served and it was time to say goodbye. Here is a video of some of the wedding's highlights:

Backdated post- August 6, 2010: Telling Our Grandparents

Telling Our Grandparents

(Great-Grandparents-To-Be)

I knew that our grandparents would be excited when we told them our news, but I was unprepared for the tidal wave of emotions the news would elicit from everyone involved. There was shock, delight, excitement, gratitude, hope... there were tears and hugs and phone calls.

We were invited down to Florida to attend the wedding of two of the blog’s biggest fans, Rachel and Allan, and the timing was perfect to also tell the grandparents about our news (their wedding will be in a separate post).

We arrived late Thursday night and spend the evening in Sunrise. On Friday morning, we told Sara and Joe, (David’s grandparents) that they were going to be great grandparents again. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what is a video worth? Check it out...

Later that evening, we went to Ruth and Paul (my mom’s parents) and told them our news.



Then we called Rona and Donald (my dad’s parents) who were in Vermont for the month, and told them. This will be the first great grandchild on my side of the family and within minutes the house phone and my cell phone were ringing off the hook! I guess good news travels fast.

Backdated post- July 16, 2010: Pregnant Ladies!

Pregnant Ladies!

Goodie sent this video to me earlier today, and OMFG I almost peed myself I was laughing so hard. This woman is amazing.

Backdated post- July 7, 2010: First Trimester Screening

First Trimester Screening

Words rarely fail me, but right now I literally have no words to describe exactly how I feel. Excited? Elated? No, those don’t quite convey my current state of frenetic happiness/ relief/pride/ exhilaration/ hope/ joy/anticipation/bliss. I am bursting with emotion. Bursting.

This morning we had our End of 1st Trimester screening and got to see the little nugget. This was David’s first time to see him/her, to hear its heartbeat, to watch it hiccup and move its hand to its mouth so it could suck its thumb (our baby has thumbs!). It was phenomenal. It was precious. It was awesome.


Check out my kid- sucking his/her thumb!

I’ve been feeling pretty good recently- sure I am ready for bed at sunset and the nausea is still lingering, but those are GOOD symptoms and overall I‘ve had no complications. Still, I was anxious until I heard that heartbeat and saw that little fluttering outline of a heartbeat. And then my fears melted away. I wonder if this is normal- do all mothers-to-be get anxious before a sonogram, or is it just me?

David and I held hands as the sonographer (I think that’s what she was called) recorded the baby’s heartbeat and reported back that it was good. She pointed out the baby’s two legs and feet, tush, arms, brain and torso. She had me move around a little bit to get the best angles and printed out a few photos for us to take home. Then I did some quick bloodwork and it was over. Off to work.

But HOW do you concentrate on work when you’ve had such an amazing morning?! When you have a zillion emotions coursing through you? I can’t wait to start telling more family next week!

Backdated post- June 28, 2010: Phishin… with kids?

Phishin… with kids?

This weekend David and I went to the Phish shows at Merriweather. With temperatures in the upper 90’s for most of the weekend, (it reached 101 at one point on Sunday afternoon) it was HOT and HUMID but also a ton of fun. I definitely took it easy whenever I could- I sat in the shade in the parking lot, I drank tons of water the whole day and when I was tired during the show, I sat down on our blanket and just enjoyed the music.

It was great to see Rick, the band is playing better than I have ever heard and we met some really cool people, but the best part of the shows was seeing David so happy. When they started to play a song he loves, he’d jump around and smile and dance and sing. I think the only other time I have seen him so happy was at our wedding. Even though it's hot out, I’m glad we could do this together.

I noticed there were actually a lot of children at the shows. Some parents brought a blanket to the crowded lawn and danced with their children, others stayed closer to the perimeter and pushed strollers around the venue. It made me think about whether or not it’s better to introduce this type of activity / behavior to children at such a young age. If they grow up going to shows, will they know what drugs are too soon? Will it ruin their innocence? Will it accelerate their curiosity or take away some of the allure? I t just makes me wonder.... is a Phish show an appropriate place for a child? I mean, these kids were safe and loved and happy- but they had no idea what was going on around them just a few feet away. They were just enjoying a concert with their parents. I guess I am seeing things through different eyes these days.

Backdated post- June 25, 2010: Parenting 101 From The Cosby Show

Parenting 101 From The Cosby Show

There isn’t a whole lot of new programming on TV right now, so we’ve been watching The Cosby Show reruns recently. I swear, that show is just as funny today as it was in 1985. It’s also just as touching. Cliff may wear crazy sweaters but what he lacked in fashion sense, he more than made up for it in common sense.

Despite the daily exhaustion of delivering babies and dealing with his five kids, he was always there to point them in the right direction (with a well-timed wisecrack of course). He taught his kids to keep their word, about honesty, priorities, humility, pragmatism, dedication and respect. He instilled in them a work ethic and deep love for family. I will never be as sassy as Claire and David will never be as witty as Cliff- but we hope to emulate their values and teach our child(ren) the same lessons. And maybe have half the fun they had along the way.

Backdated post- June 20, 2010: Fathers Day News!

Fathers Day News!

This afternoon we told our parents our big news, and boy were they surprised! It’s Fathers’ Day and although it’s still a little early in the pregnancy, we figured it was a great time to let our parents know. There were tears! There were hugs! It was perfect.


(If the video doesnt work above, try this link)

I'm going to keep this post short, because I tink the video says it all. We will start telling extended family and friends in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this video and pictures of our dads opening up their Fathers Day gifts.

Backdated post- June 16, 2010: Home Inspection and a Sonogram

Home Inspection and 9-Week Sonogram

What a day. This morning we had our home inspection and this afternoon I had my first real OB appointment. Oh, and in between, I treated myself to a pedicure. Start to finish, it was a helluva Wednesday.

Our inspection was to begin at 9 AM and in theory we could sleep in- but I was too excited. I was up at 6:30 ready to start the day. The inspection was educational, and except for a few minor plumbing and electrical issues, we learned that the house is in really great shape. We could tell the previous owner had really cared for his home and we’re more excited than ever to move in and make it ours!

I dropped David at the metro and relaxed with a pedicure which was quite a mid-week treat.

Then it was time for my 9-week appointment. lt wasn’t with a reproductive endocrinologist, or with a nurse checking to see how my beta is rising, but a completely normal every-woman-has-one-of-these regular ol’ appointments. It’s nice to be normal finally. There was a minute in the waiting room where I panicked and thoughts about the absolute worst crept into my head- but I pushed those thoughts aside and tried to relax a little. But there was no need to worry. As my exam started, we quickly saw this happy little nugget wiggling and waving at us. With a strong heartbeat and visible arms and legs beginning to form, he/she was right on track! I was told that everything looked great and that I would be due around January 19th. I had some blood work drawn and chatted with the doctor for a few more minutes, I was given instruction for setting up my 1st Trimester Screening and was on my way.


Kind of difficult to tell this is going to be a person one day, but apparently this is what everything is supposed to look like at this point.

I picked David up from the metro in the evening and we celebrated over Chinese food. I showed him the sonogram photos and we talked about work, the baby and the house. With bellies full of dumplings and dan-dan noodles, we went home happy about and excited for the future.

Backdated post- June 14, 2010: Under Contract!

Under Contract!

We are officially under contract! We are going to buy a house in Bethesda, a four-bedroom rambler (high-ranch? ranch with a full basement?) and it's beautiful.

I am super excited, but also a little nostalgic. Tonight I took a look around our place and was struck by how many things I am actually going to miss about our condo. Not the kitchen or the pool- but the place itself. This is where I feel in love with David, where we’ve had so many special moments- holidays with family, evenings with friends, quiet moments of celebration and struggle. I know that we have many years of making new memories to look forward to, but I couldn’t help but think about the last 4 years in this place. They have been the most amazing and fulfilling years of my life. This condo was where I first told David that I loved him, where he proposed to me, where I cared for him after his broken arm in Sun Valley. It is where we worried about jobs and lawsuits and money and sickness. It is where we supported each other through fertility treatments and where David held me and let me cry for hours after our miscarriage. It is where we celebrated new jobs and certifications and raises and birthdays and anniversaries and so much more.

I know that the best is yet to come, but I can’t help but think about where we’ve come from, and how much has happened in this little home of ours. Still, life goes on and we have so much to look forward to. I cannot wait to get into our new beautiful house and begin this next chapter of our lives, make new memories and celebrate new milestones.

Backdated post- June 10, 2010: Father’s Day Gifts

Father’s Day Gifts

Our Fathers’ Day gifts for our dads arrived today, they came out great! We ordered these t-shirts which will serve as gifts for them and a way to tell our parents about the baby.

My dad’s t-shirt is Mets colors and says “Kick Ass Grandpa” on the front and “Grandpa Marty” on the back. Dov’s is Yankees colors and says “Kick Ass Saba” on the front and “Saba Dov” on the back. They are so cute.

I can’t wait to give them to our dads. I can’t wait to see the look on our mothers’ faces. I am really looking forward to finally sharing our news and our journey with our families.

Backdated post- June 8, 2010: Where I begin to really overshare.

Where I begin to really overshare.

I know this is going to be an overshare, so feel free to skip this post if you want... I wont mind... or ever know. Still, it must be asked: Seriously, people, what is up with all the peeing?

I’ve gotten sick a few times, no big deal. I kind of expected it. But this little nugget is barely the size of a blueberry. HOW can it be making me visit the ladies room so damn much? I used to sleep through the night like champ. Now? It’s 3:30 AM and I’m doing the 50-yard dash in my pj's. What gives?

After a quick search of the almighty Google, I found out that the amount of blood in my body is increasing by quite a bit already and a lot of extra fluid being processed by my kidneys ending up in my bladder. Makes sense, I guess. And here is a fun fact: You pee more often during the night because when you lie down, some of the fluid that you retained in your legs and feet during the day makes its way back into your bloodstream and eventually into your bladder. Also, small as the changes may be, my growing uterus is putting some pressure on my bladder giving it less room to store urine. Oh Internet, you are so useful! (You are also filled with all kinds of scary things to make me think this kid is going to be born with 16 toes and 3 arms, but how Google is my ‘Frenemy’ is a while other post.)

So yeah, I’ve been peeing a lot. And I’ve gotten sick a few times. And I fall asleep around the time most 4th graders are going to bed (although I stayed up until midnight one day this week to see a concert!), but overall I have to say that I feel great. And also? Pretty darn lucky.

Backdated post- June 1, 2010: Heartbeat

Heartbeat

This morning I saw your heartbeat for the first time. They tell me that you are about the size of a grain of rice. You are so tiny, yet I already love you so very much.

I am filled with a strange and exciting mixture of emotions. As a Jew, I am not supposed to “count my chickens before they are hatched,” but as a woman, and a first-time mommy-to-be, I am beyond excited. I can’t help but dream about what you will look like; whether or not you will get your daddy’s beautiful hazel eyes, or my dark curly hair.

I must admit that I am a bit torn. As I walked to my office, it felt like I was floating. I am elated, but I know that I’m not supposed to celebrate. I don’t really think that speaking the baby’s name (not that we have one) will invite the evil eye or that buying a crib (or looking at them online) will draw the attention of dark spirits- but I will defer to the tradition of my ancestors (and probably make my mother and mother in-law happy) by keeping them in mind during the next few months. Maybe it will get easier. Still, today I cannot help but smile like crazy.

Backdated post- May 17, 2010: Mothers Day/ Cousins!

Mothers Day/ Cousins!

This is awesome. I couldn’t have planned this better if I tried because I couldn't have imagined it better. On Mothers’ Day, Ilan and Patricia announced they are having a baby this fall! They told their parents first and then us today. I am SO HAPPY for them. I also can't believe we spent a whole week together in March and I never picked up on it. Patricia was so good at hiding it - I had no idea! What fantastic news.

I am also thrilled for Fran and Dov. Although they are more traditional than myself and David, and because of superstition I don’t think they want to get too worked up just yet- but still, you can tell they are super excited to be grandparents. Fran wants to be called Abuelita and Dov is going to be Saba. I love it!

So of course I am thrilled, but what really makes me giddy- literally grinning grin from ear to ear like a silly teenager in love, is the fact that our child will grow up with a super cool NYC-savvy cousin so close in age. Even if they don’t live in the same state, our child will have a fantastic older (by a whopping two months!) cousin to share all kinds of experiences with. They will have common interests and likes and fears- and they will be able to relate to each other better than anyone else in the world. Will they be two cute girls playing dolls and dress up? Will they be boys throwing a baseball in the backyard? Or perhaps a boy and a girl- the best of both worlds! I guess time will tell.

So check it out... here is my niece-or-nephew-to-be AND our baby's cool older cousin!


We have decided to share our news with all of our parents on Fathers’ Day weekend because everyone will be together for the day. I can’t wait- this fall/winter is sure going to be an exciting few months!