Mama Time

I took my first multiple day trip by myself last week. It was a great time in NY and although the weather was horrible, it was great to see old pals and have a couple days of spontaneous, nothing planned-doing-whatever-came-my-way days. Thanks to Shara for hosting me and of course everyone here who helped out while I was gone and Josh was working/coaching etc!

Maya is doing great- walking, talking...having so much fun in the sunshine.
Here are some pics from the last couple weeks.

She LOVES the slide


This was Maya actually saying "cheese" for the picture (sounds like "cchhh")
These are kids from my Mommy group- so cute:

14 months

Josh and Maya were at the park today for an hour or so and when I came to meet them Maya was covered in dirt & sand and was having a total blast. She climbs to the top of the highest structure, is going down slides (even the big curvy ones), loves trying to play with the older kids- hugs them, follows them, is really interested in bikes & is all over the sand box. When I saw her today, hair matted, dirty as can be but so happy I called her "The Playground Warrior." I don't have a photo of the dirty little munchkin but I do have these recent ones;

This is my SPECIAL blanket from when I was little (awww...)

The J

We are now members of the PJCC...the Peninsula Jewish Community Center which is commonly referred to as "The J." Not only are we members- I now work there (What? I know, crazy- it all happened so fast). It's a huge adjustment for us all but we are hanin' in and trying to take the changes day by day. There are plenty of details about becoming a working Mom that don't need to be shared on our blog but I will share some of the good points about The J job: I get home by 2 and have the afternoons with Maya, in the summer- there is a great kid pool that I am excited to use with her, Josh and I get to use the gym and when it's time- I can take Maya with me and she can go to preschool there (Im sure that is going to sneak up on us and be here before we know it.)
It's almost the end of February (I can hardly believe it!) Here are some of the happenings with little M:

• Signing- She is signing all the time and constantly looking for new signs, too. She is learning them pretty quickly and it's amazing to see her communicating so much and so well! I counted the other day and she is now using 17 sings regularly....including her newest one she is mastering "I love you."
• Maya is saying a few words including Dada, Dooooogggee, Uh-oh, and baby (sounding like Bebe)
• She is really into practicing eating with the spoon- she likes putting the food on it and trying to get it to her mouth. This makes for fun,creative and messy meals, for sure.
  
• She is walking a lot now. She still crawls but is walking longer distances and more frequently every day.
  
• She is a playground junkie. She LOVES going to the park and now is no longer happy sitting in the swing. Our little daredevil is all over the structures and likes going down the slide (and likes going down w/out our help, of course.)

With my return to working, Maya has a lot more time with Josh-which is just amazing (he is with her in the mornings and most days until we find a day care which will work for us a couple days a week.) They are having so much fun together. She is constantly asking for him when he isnt here.

Here is a picture of Maya on Valentine's day. Josh got her that big fuzzy white bear that she loves-

When Maya saw me taking the picture- she leaned her face into mine and smiled. I love that little look on her face

and some walking...(sheesh, sorry my voice is so loud!)

Maya is now 13 months!

She's practicing walking all the time. So fun!

A Big Week

This was a week of some firsts for us- I had my first night away from Josh and Maya & it was great fun. I headed to Vegas for a night & met up with my good friend Jen (thanks lady for the amazing time!) Needless to say, we had a blast and Josh and Maya had a great time here bonding and spending the time together.

Maya also had her first sleepover with her Grandpa Richard ("G") and Grandma Sandy. Josh and I went to a party, spent a little time in the city and then we both got to sleep in the next morning, which was such a treat (sadly, I cant remember the last time I slept till 10!) Feels good to know that that we all did well with the little adjustments.

Here are a few pics from the last week or so:



For some reason, I think of Maya going off to school or something in this pic- she looks like a proud little ladyMatt, Heather & Romi came over yesterday- CUTE....

We had a lovely Hebrew naming for Maya and a cupcake filled celebration as well (Rabbi Micah Citrin was great!). Sarah was able to come for the weekend (amazing!) and not only did I have great girl-time with her, she was such a rock-star party helper & photographer (thanks, girl!) Here are a few shots.









Also, I was just able to spend my first night away from Maya and Josh. I spent 19 hours in Vegas (delayed flights made me stuck in the airport and shortened my time there but the short time I had was well worth it) I had an amazing time and Josh and Maya had so much fun together. There aren't any pictures from my amazing dinner, parties or dancing at the club but I will give a shout-out not only to Jen (my Vegas partner in crime) but to the fam for helping out and being supportive of my play time. XO

Maya is working on standing on her own. She loves playing what we call "jump-jump-stand" where we support her in jumping twice and then let go for her to stand on her own. She is also into pushing/walking with her truck/walker around the house. So fun. Her 1st year apt at the Dr went well, too. She made a huge jump from the 3rd% to the 25% in height and weight (which explains those yummy cheeks!)

1 Year!

Today is Maya Rose's 1st birthday and I can hardly believe it. What a time! She is really doing well and we love her so much and are so proud of her. She is really into playing with her push/pull truck, the salad spinner, looking at books, making her new "fishy kiss" face. She is saying "uh oh," "Da Da," some version of doggy "doggggeeee, "no no" and goes "mmwwa" when she wants to give us a kiss. She is really signing a ton, too, which is super awesome to see and helpful at times, too! This girl melts my heart every day and certainly makes us giggle. Here are couple pics from the day. Thanks for all the calls, songs and gifts- truly, so sweet! XO

We all shared a plate of pancakes at brunch. Yummmmm

Here is the "fishy kiss!" and her new toy phone...uh oh!