When Noah was young we had his milestones chronicled and closely followed by our friend and amazing photographer, Amy Hill.  Times are a little tougher though and we’re pretty handy with the camera so we planned on trying to do Kate’s ourselves.  After all, we take photos of other people’s children and families, we do maternity and newborn shoots, and we get paid for them.  Well, it appears that we can photograph any child but our own.  For some reason it was so difficult trying to do Kate’s six month shots.  We have attempted them THREE times so we have a few great ones with very different feels and backgrounds but nothing consistent.  Here was our first go….

One of my favorite trees is the Japanese Rain Tree because when it blooms it’s magnificent.  It’s the closest thing we have to a cherry blossom in South Florida.  We took the kids to one in the neighborhood but they weren’t very excited about the process.  This was what most of the photos looked like -

But we did manage to get a few keepers -

Kate has recently found her feet and she even sucks on her toes (ewww!).  Apparently she doesn’t “perform” though because we can never get her to do it when the camera is out.  This is as good as gets!

Our dear friend Rachel has recently started creating and selling a line of children’s hair accessories called Dainty Diva Designs.  It’s hard work but someone has to model them…

Poor Noah even got sucked into the shoot.  As always, lollipops were harmed in the making of his photos!

And for those keeping track, Kate is continuing to thrive!  At her six month visit she weighed in at 17.12 pounds (which is the 75th percentile among her peers), and measured 27.5 inches (the 95th percentile).  Her head circumference was in the 90th percentile so we’re hoping Kate will be tall and brilliant!

Happy Easter everyone!  I swore I would take the weekend off of blogging after this blog crazy week (like I’d ever run out of anything to say) but I had to come on and wish you all a great holiday!  We plan to spend the day with my family and I’m really hoping for nice weather.  Tonight we dyed Easter eggs (which needs and deserves its own post!) and set up the kids’ baskets and hid eggs.  I hope Noah has as much fun tomorrow as I did when I was little!

What are you doing for Easter this year?  And for all of our Jewish friends, Happy Passover!

So I’m trying super hard to come up with a different post each day this week.  I may not keep up my steam but my mom loves reading the blog at her shitty job and if putting up a few photos is all it takes to brighten her day than I’m happy to oblige.  I would like to point out that my mom told me I wasn’t a good writer in high school, that my sister Lindy was so much better, but who are you begging for words from now – huh!?  Just kidding!

Here are a few photos from a few different things floating around in my-point-and-shoot from March -

A get together at Lauren’s house, or as we lovingly refer to it, the Savino Family Daycare.

Kate and Adrianna chillin’ out on the playmat.  Something tells me they are going to be sharing clothes for a very long time.  Hairbows too maybe.

Think Alex and Noah are starting to hang out a little too much?  I kid, we love having Lauren as a part of the stay-at-home-mom-posse!  I just hope Noah starts mocking Alex’s awesome potty training habits!

Vanessa’s gorgeous daughter and Spencer just did their own thing.  They’re the babies of the bunch!

And then we decided that it would be a good day for Kate to try something truly solid.  I had a box of Arrowroot cookies with me and she seriously dug it!

Taste it, smell it…

But then she dropped it.  This photo is Lauren trying to cram it back into her hand, not take it away.  Maybe she’s just mad that a) it’s not one of those Krispy Kreme donuts, b) mom let her leave the house with her hair looking like that or c) that I swear the dress she has on is 18-24 months!

Here’s the daycare gang!

And here is Lauren with her cousin and sister and their children.  They were all pregnant together, can you say HORMONES?

Then a few days later we went to Noah’s newest favorite toy store, Genius Jones.  It just opened up in Mizner Park in Boca and they have the coolest toys.  If anyone’s interested, he would love an Automoblox for his birthday.  We went there to get a birthday present for Helena.  I’m ashamed to tell you that we didn’t get a single photo from the party!  None of that is all that interesting.  The reason I bring it up is because I actually caught Noah smiling at the camera!  I’m sure it was a total accident!  Kate on the other hand never stops!

Kate also had her first bagel in March.  Our favorite waitress at Westside Bagel II, Lynn, was anxious to give her one and who are we to deny Kate free food?

They aren’t very attractive photos but it’s what I have.  She LOVED it!

The “after” bagel is to the left of the knife.  May it rest in peace.

And later that week we went to the mall with Beth and Aaron.  It’s been a long time since we’ve seen them because of one illness or another.  Ear infections, colds, fevers… it’s been awhile!  I hope this summer brings us healthier playdates!

Anyone that knows either boy knows that a stop at the fountain is an absolute must!  Thank God Beth had pennies to spare!

Remember what I said about accidentally smiling at the camera?  That’s my boy!

Remember the old Slip ‘N Slide?  Did you know they still make them?  We picked one up so Noah can have water fun in our backyard.  He loves swimming and water parks but I suspect they will be a little more challenging with Kate this summer.  So we invited our friends Max and Alex over to play.  Unfortunately it was very anti climatic!

The boys stood around and whined about getting wet and not wanting to use the slip ‘n slide or blow up pool.  So Lauren and I sent the babies down.  Of course we splurged and got the racing slip ‘n slide (because I thought Noah and Walter would love a good challenge) so we shoved Kate and Max down on the dish soap laden plastic roll.

They seemed to enjoy it as much as a pair of infants could.  Kate eventually realized she was getting wet and broke down.  Max gave her tears of sympathy and the little ones were out.  Then we forced the big guys down.  Noah didn’t “get” it and kept flopping on top of the raft.  I don’t remember this cute little blow up raft from when we were little.  I think we just used to slam our bodies onto the “slide”, coasting over whatever sprinklers may be underneath.

We had to shove the boys just like we did Kate and Max.

After their one run they were whining again and begging to go inside so we finally gave in and let them.  Wusses!  Noah stopped for a quick drink and then ran inside!  At least the slide is good for something! 

And yes, that was the bathing suit from his 12 month photo shoot – the exact.same.suit.  The boy is almost 3!

Our next crazy idea was to let the boys make cookies.  Disaster #2, but at least this time they enjoyed themselves.  The dough was too sticky, they were too rough, and they insisted on using every cookie cutter – Christmas, Halloween, Easter, everything…

And LOADING them up with sprinkles.

Can you make out the spider in the middle?

I didn’t get a photo of the baked cookies because, well, it was just sad.  We didn’t have time to make the right dough for this project so the cookies just looked like big, puffy versions of what the boys intended.  It didn’t seem to change the taste any, they were almost gone by the time the play date was done.

And then Max and I hung out on the couch.

Isn’t he the cutest kid ever?  Lauren looked JUST like him as a baby which could only mean he’ll be a gorgeous young man!

His big brother Alex is very protective and although he hates having his picture taken he loves being with his brother!

So while spring has sprung around most of the US, it’s summer hot here!  It’s so hard to believe it can be in the 90′s here and we have friends snowed in in Denver.  Not to rub it in but we took the opportunity to take the kids to the beach.  While it’s technically not Kate’s first time, it is the first chance she’s had to take it all in.  Being the air conditioned girl she is, she only wanted to take in the first five minutes of the visit but Noah was having way too much fun!  The water was freezing but he didn’t mind one bit.  Here are some photos from our first beach trip in ’09.

This is how often we go to the beach – “I’m going to build a castle!” – Not there, buddy!

Noah wanted to bring home every shell!  He somehow managed to sneak a pail of sand into the car!

And Kate just soaked up the sun.  Complete outfit courtesy of Ayla.  Oh, how I love hand me downs!

At first Noah wouldn’t let go of my hand.  The water was frrreeezzzzing!  He was a little apprehensive about the waves, but not for long.  Please excuse the fact that I ended up in these photos!  I’m still hiding behind “I just had a baby”, and I’m still carrying around baby photos to back it up!

Before I knew it he wanted nothing to do with hand holding – he was off!

Actually diving into the waves!  The salt water in his face didn’t bother him one bit!

We found out about a strawberry farm in Delray and decided to check it out.  We were quite impressed with the place and had a great time!  “The Girls” is off of Military Trail just north of Atlantic Avenue and it’s so much more than a strawberry U-pick.  Noah (and Kate) plucked a basket full of the freshest berries but also got to see hundreds of plant species, fruits and vegetables, farm animals, fountains, gorgeous birds, and a shop full of the most amazing jarred everythings and local foods and finds.  We were lucky to get cool weather and I’m not sure how long I would last in this heat but it was definitely worthwhile.  The fresh vegetables were better priced than at the grocery store, although the strawberries were a different story!

It was nice that you didn’t have to bend to pick, if you didn’t want to -

I don’t know why Noah’s shirt was coming off!  Kate looks confused about it too!

I’m not joking when I say they had strawberry everything!

Walter found a bird that shared his name.  He loved the sign!

Kate turned five months on the 22nd and to celebrate – well, she got her picture taken.  What’s new?  Kate and Daddy have been hanging out on Sunday mornings while Noah and I go do our thing.  He’s been enjoying the morning as an only child doing things we used to when it was just us.  Why I never get a morning to sleep in is beyond me.  I am not wishing time away but I do look forward to the day they both sleep in like good little teenagers.

Here’s Kate at five months -

And on Monday at the Friedman’s Kate rolled from her back to her belly for the first time.  Noah crawled for the first time at their house and Ayla took her first steps here.  I wonder if we spend too much time together or our kids are just show offs!

Here is Kate on her third roll.  She makes it look so easy!

I have several saved drafts and things on my mind to share with you but something incredible happened today and I cannot help but let it skip to the front of the line.  Our dear friend and professional photographer, Amy Hill, came over to spend some time with Kate and I.  She hasn’t seen Kate since she was 8 days old so of course she’s changed quite a bit.  Lucky for us Amy brought her camera and she captured some of the most gorgeous images of Kate.  Here are just a few of my 85 favorites!  Thank you so much Amy!

One other big event happened today – Kate laughed for the first time!  It was so precious.  I forgot how beautiful a baby’s laugh is and I can’t wait to hear it again and again!

On January 18th Kate was baptized.  We tried very hard to keep things low key since Noah’s (on Christmas Eve of ’06) was a three ring circus.  The result couldn’t have been better.  It was a beautiful day, Kate did incredibly well and everyone had a great time – even us!  This is a photo heavy post but aren’t you here for the photos?  Be honest.  You don’t care what I have to say.

Noah looked SHARP!  This was when we arrived at church.  He couldn’t wait to run around and play on the steps.  I’m sure he was trying to get dirty, he probably thought that would stop the photos.  Silly boy.

It takes a village!  We waited until we got to church to dress Kate because she’s a big spitter.  It took three of us to get her in her gown!

And because of the spitting habit and crazy drool she needed a bib.  Lucky us for having amazing and talented friends she has this gorgeous monogrammed bib with pearls!

Noah and Ayla – being, well, Noah and Ayla

I wish I could come up with a caption for this photo to capture how much it makes me laugh.

Kate had hair accessorydrama.  Her hair is falling out so bad (normal for an infant) that I was afraid a bow wouldn’t have anything to hold so we got this.  Then at the last minute found a bonnet so she wore them both (at different times) – what girl doesn’t love a wardrobe change?

This isn’t at all posed.  Do you see Noah?  He was so curious!  He eventually ended up there too.

Every kid loves Uncle Joscelyn.  He makes everyone smile!

We had a brunch at the house afterwards.

This cupcake cross cake was made by my very talented friend Erin.  We happen to be related by marriage but I promise that’s not why we had her do the cake.  Erin and her sister, Kelly, just started an official business.  If you need a cake you should contact her!  Erin – erinyap05@yahoo.com

Kate changed into her party dress once we got home.  The girl has style, what can I say?  She wasn’t much of a host though, she ended up sleeping through most of the party.  So cliche – Grammy loves to pinch her cheeks!

Her cross was a Christmas gift from Aunt Nikki -

MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…………..

Walter couldn’t wait to get behind the camera!  Our friends and family did a great job shooting the ceremony though and we’re so very grateful!

Since I’m only averaging one post each week I might as well share the rest of our “Family Fun Days” with you.  Below are some highlights of the rest of Walter’s time off. His first week back to work went pretty well.  Noah was sad after one nap in particular when Walter wasn’t here but we kept busy and managed to keep his mind off of it.  We also had a house guest (more in a later post) which gave him something new to enjoy.

Here we are on a play date with our friends Beth and Aaron.  We see them at least once a week and really enjoy their company. 

Noah, Kate and me on the carousel -

Noah has been a bench rider for the past several months but once again ventured onto the horses.  Two year olds are so weird.  And this one is so in love with his Daddy!

And another day we went to “Apoe and Agoon’s” Farm (Walter’s parents).  Noah loved it!  He checked everything out and did an amazing job supervising the work.  Kate on the other hand decided she’s not one for the great outdoors.  She complained the entire time, couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t figure out why anyone would go there voluntarily.

We, of course, post only the happy photos though so everyone thinks our kids are angels.  Just kidding.  We did work really hard for these smiles though so I have to share them!

Noah hunting oranges -

This is a tangelo orange.  You can’t do this with all oranges but if you peel the skin and cut the top off you have instant orange juice, there is none fresher.  You just squeeze the orange together and drink, and repeat, and repeat, and repeat.  I felt very outdoorsy doing this!

Here is Noah washing his hands -

It was a gorgeous day!

And here is a panoramic photo of the farm.  With such limited space here you can’t enjoy the full size photo but you get the idea.  Claire and Herbie work very hard growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables and have for years.  While it’s not my cup of tea I give them a lot of credit!  It really is a labor of love!

And then to torture Kate even more we went down the road to Lion Country Safari.  She didn’t like this place much better, the bugs were just a little smaller.  We did the drive through, which we haven’t done in over a year because Noah has never enjoyed it.  Well I think he’s finally old enough to appreciate the giant animals and interesting sights.  He really loved it.  We also did the water park (the only one open in January) but didn’t get any photos of it. 

Noah kept saying – “I want the rions to go ROARRRR!”  I love that kid!

And he was fascinated by the zebras!

If you look closely you can see the baby white rhino under the mom.  He was soooo cute!  There were also two giraffe babies but their photo didn’t come out so well.

On a more somber note, one of the reasons I’ve been so slack in blogging is my Dad.  He gave us quite a scare this week.  We’re not sure why but he experienced a seizure and brain bleed.  He’s still in ICU being poked and prodded and at the moment all of the doctors can only scratch their heads and wonder what happened and what should happen next.  I’d like to give a little public love to my sister, Nikki, who happened to stop by the house when my dad was home alone and all of this started.  Had she not we’re not sure this story would have ended as good as it has.

Here’s my Dad -

He is the most amazing cook!  This is him cooking Thanksgiving dinner in 2007. 

And here is the moment we realized we don’t take nearly enough photos of him.  Because – well, that’s Noah.

And so is this.

And here’s a real oldie, unfortunately I’m not omitting much in between -