The M.A.B. Chronicles

Big G Little g

2012-01-10T00:11:00.001-05:00

This also happens while I make dinner. :)

2011-11-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

This is what happens while I make dinner.

2011-11-21T16:36:00.002-05:00

Peek-a-Boo!

2011-11-21T16:24:00.002-05:00

A and B just hanging out

2011-11-05T23:05:00.001-04:00

Aliyah taking some steps!

2011-10-05T23:53:00.001-04:00

Party Rockin! (We ALL love this song!)

2011-09-13T21:42:00.002-04:00

Holiday Road

2011-09-03T11:52:00.002-04:00

Just Part of The Scenery

2011-06-03T13:17:00.002-04:00

So difficult. NOT!

2011-05-11T23:03:00.000-04:00

This is how Aliyah and Benj wake up almost every morning.....

The Twinkies are ONE!

2011-04-27T00:17:00.003-04:00

The Twinkies turned one last weekend! We celebrated at "Aunt" Pam's house in Connecticut and then stayed over at a hotel. Here's a video shot in our hotel room. What started as Mick just entertaining himself turned into super delicious hearty laughing from Benji! SO SWEET!!

Appa-cado

2011-04-27T00:09:00.002-04:00

One Mick Show

2011-04-22T00:13:00.002-04:00

Cuteness

2011-04-14T23:18:00.001-04:00

YUUUUMMMMMMMMM!!!

2011-04-03T00:14:00.001-04:00

Pics from the past few weeks

2011-03-24T15:21:00.003-04:00

The Benjinator looks a little scared here. I hope it wasn't me! That smile....START!!

An early taste of Spring. Ice cream on South Street.

Sadie thought it was hysterical that she could make Ben laugh! :)

Classic. Lij loves babies. Hopefully he'll still like them when they can talk.

Aliyah kept swiping Hannah's glasses and Hannah giggled every time.

Tandum feedings are challenging. Me no likey. (still, look how cute they are!)

A rare capture of Benji sitting up on his own. He's getting there...
(try to ignore all of that "stuff!")

Aliyah is working on getting OUT of the sitting position. She likes to sit. :)

All Done Aliyah

2011-03-24T13:14:00.001-04:00

Mick Wii Fit

2010-09-13T23:05:00.001-04:00

"Why you did that?"

2010-08-04T09:01:00.002-04:00

Last night Mick woke up around midnight. He was in our bed and having trouble falling back asleep. A few minutes later Scott turned on the hall light and Mick covered his eyes. Without hesitation he said, "Daddy! Why you did that?!"
That's some cute grammar right there. :)

M, A, B and "poop!" Huh?

2010-06-09T14:04:00.002-04:00

Well, here they are...Aliyah and Benjamin! Mick's hangin' with them on a blankee. See how he tries to calm Benjamin with a little pat-pat. So cute! Also, Mick decides to describe the scene for us. He's on the floor on a blanket with Aliyah and Benjamin...there's a table and, what? poop? He's such a boy. ;)

Benjamin's First Bath At Home

2010-06-04T13:42:00.001-04:00

2010-05-26T13:18:00.003-04:00

Aliyah's home! Here are some videos of big bro Mick taking on his new role with class and a whole lotta love. :)
I have no idea what he's singing in this first vid, but it has the word "baby" in it and it's lullaby-ish and well, quite frankly...DELICIOUS!!

Here's some footage (heh) from Aliyah's first bath at home. Check out Mick stating, "I a big brother now" right at the beginning. I'm gonna EAT HIM UP!!!

Here's Mick meeting Aliyah for the first time. He walked in with cousin Elijah and Uncle Jordy. I was overwhelmed to tears and Mick wanted to know why I wasn't talking. He wiped away one of my kisses. I didn't take it personally. :)

2010-05-04T10:01:00.002-04:00

This blog is still called The Mick Chronicles, but not for long. With two new additions to the G. family, the name will be changing. That doesn't mean that little Micky won't have a strong presence here, it just means he's gonna hafta learn how to share. Oh boy.
MEANwhile...let's keep the focus on the Mickster because that's certainly how he likes it!!

2010-04-21T01:03:00.002-04:00

No editing required. Mick's on his way to selling millions of exercise dvds. All he needs is a simple keyboard (with a VERY simple beat), no shirt and the power of interpretive dance. Don't worry about purchasing a copy! Here are two top notch sample vids. Many will try to imitate, few will succeed.

Winter into Spring 2010 Videos

2010-04-01T08:57:00.004-04:00

Here's Mick meeting a lobster for the first time. He kept talking about wanting to try it and then when the time came he said, "I don't like it." heh. Still he had fun high five-n it!

Here's an example of how Mick changes his pitch when he wants to sweet talk someone into doing something. If you listen carefully at the beginning he says "DADDY!" in a low voice. Then you can hear his sweet tone when asking for a baseball bud. Cousin Hannah distracted Daddy for a moment, but then he went and played ball with his boy. This was from March 20, 2010. Spring time BABY!

And finally we rewind to Purim 2010 (Feb). Mick made Hamantashen cookies and his mama tries to exploit her young son's mispronunciation of big words. Mick's nobody's fool. He catches on and, as usual, shows everyone who's boss.

Fresh Squeezed

2010-03-12T17:12:00.007-05:00

Scott sat at the kitchen table recently to squeeze out some OJ and curious Mick got right in there. I lost track of how many times he asked, "Can I do it?"
He got his chance and had a blast. The juice was YUMMY!!

Brown Bear...what do you see?

2010-01-21T11:42:00.002-05:00

A Capella Mick-Eye of the Tiger..can't get enough!

2009-12-03T12:45:00.002-05:00

Sophisticated Pallate

2009-10-05T09:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a little conversation that I had with 3 yr old Mick at 8:34am today.

Mick: "Mama...I want something to eat."

Me: "Ok...........do you want bagel with cream cheese?"

Mick: "Ok. With lox on it."

Me: "We don't have any lox, sweetie, how about bagel with cream cheese?"

Mick: "Cucumbers on it?"

Me: "No, I'm sorry, love, we don't have any cucumbers."

Mick: "Why not?"

Me: "Because we need to go food shopping."

Mick: "Ohkaaaaaaaaay."

Me: "So, bagel with just cream cheese. Is that ok?"

He said yes and is still working on it now. Guess it's time to go to the supermarket!!

Rock Band Mick

2009-09-10T17:25:00.002-04:00

Mick's been watching a bit of Rock Band and he's into "Eye of the Tiger" Here he is rockin' out.

What's the minimum age for American Idol tryouts?

2009-08-26T01:07:00.002-04:00

Elijah's on Phanavision!

2009-08-08T12:17:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday, Aug 5, Jordan and I took Dad to the Phillies game for Father's Day. Ticket number 4 went to the greatest 9 yr old phan I've ever known. Here he is hammin' it up on the big screen!! (btw, I should mention that Happ pitched a 4 hit complete game shut out...it was awesome!!!)

Abuela's Chicken Soup

2009-08-02T16:12:00.003-04:00

Nothing cools ya down like a nice hot bowl of soup on a warm summer day! Mick asks for Abuela's soup often. Mmm mmm good!

Mick and his cousin Sadie

2009-07-22T17:40:00.003-04:00

This is one of the cutest things I've seen in a long time.

DJ Jazzy J and his crew

2009-06-21T09:35:00.004-04:00

A three part video series (heh) from Jordan's and Abuela's birthday bbq. This is the first posting on the Mick Chronicles to NOT feature Mick!! Sorry Mick fans...he'll be back in the next post, I promise! In the meantime...sit back, relax and enjoy my funny family! :)

Happy Birthday Uncle Jordan!

2009-06-07T16:15:00.001-04:00

Filet Mignon For Breakfast

2009-06-03T15:43:00.003-04:00

I have pictures to post from recent Mick activities, but I just wanted to share a little gem from last week.
Here's how a conversation (?) between Mick and I went one morning...

Me: "Mick, what do you want for breakfast?"
Mick: silence
Me: "Mick, do you wannnnnt waffles?"
Mick: "nnnnnope!"
("nope?" okee dokee)
Me: "Do you wannnnnt a bagel?"
Mick: "nnnnope!"
Me: "Do you wannnnt eggies?"
Mick: "nnnnope!"
Me: "Do you want cereal?"
Mick: "nnnnope!"
Me: "Um....do you wannnnnnnnnnnt filet mignon?!"
Mick: ponders for a moment and then, "OKAAAAAAY!!!"

Hmm... Mick has never had filet mignon and I'm pretty sure he'd never heard those words either.

Me: "Really? Well, we don't have filet mignon, so let's pick something else."
Mick: "Noooooo! I want min-yone! I WANT MIN-YONE!!!!!"

oops.

Like most toddlers he got distracted and asked me for eggs shortly thereafter. phew!

Follow-up "Spinach" Videos

2009-05-18T09:39:00.004-04:00

Here are the latest in the Mick-Spinach video series. At the end of the first one you can hear me say, "please chew." heh. The continuation is documented in the 2nd video. :)

Snap Shots--April '09

2009-05-01T01:16:00.010-04:00

Ok...I just haven't been feeling inspiried lately...my apologies!! Actually, our computer is just so slow these days that I avoid time consuming stuff, like uploading photos. blahblahblah. OK...here are some snap shots from April 2009.

Mick in the tub. Mommy likes to play with his hair. heh heh.

Elijah, Hannah and Sadie are home! They LIVE in NJ again! WOO HOO!

Lij and Mick are buds.

Sadie and Hannah dancing to music at the Thomas Live show.

Grandpa tickling the Mickster at intermission of said show.

Here's a pic from the end of March. We met cousins Matt and Wendi in Princeton for lunch. So great to see them and to see Princeton too! :)

Mick ran around this grassy area hanging on to his Thomas VHS cover for dear life! He fell in the mud and so did that cover. A fellow toddler picked it up for him and got some ice cream on it. Great. Where is that tape cover? It's got mud and ice cream on it and it's mysteriously missing. hmm. Pappa?
Random shot...dancing in the living room...

"Grapes" or "Berries"

2009-03-16T11:54:00.003-04:00

Call them what you wish. That's Mick's way. He repeats me when I say, "berries," but goes right back to calling them grapes! (btw...this was shot a few weeks ago when Mick and I had colds...no worries, Abuela!)

Jacksonville

2009-03-11T14:02:00.013-04:00

Mick and I spent an extra long weekend at Aunt Pammy's house. Aunt KarOn and Celia flew down too and we had soooooOooOOooooo much fun! If Mick was fluent in English (heh) he would tell you that the highlight of his weekend was Jake, the dog. Jake's kinda up in years and he was definitely worn out from Mick. He was also happy to have a little pal to play with. I'll admit that Jake looks better in these next two pics, but I just had to post them both because...well, because they're sweet!

Mick and Celia trying to jump rope!

Making hamantashen...they turned out great!

Mick got himself involved in the whole process!

We hit the beach two days in a row. The weather was beautiful and everyone was happy happy happy (some of us, present company sorta excluded, got burned burned burned too!).

The following pictures I've decided to call "The Mick/Celia Chronicles." These may be used again when they get married. HA! Just kidding?

Two and a Half!

2009-03-03T10:00:00.005-05:00

March 2, 2009 marks 2 1/2 years for Mick! It also brought us a snow day with Poppa! Mick was most interested in "helping" his dad with the shovel. Kid loves to push and drag things (as long as it's not the cat, then we're good). :)

Guitar Hero

2009-02-18T10:14:00.002-05:00

Masterpiece Theatre

2009-02-03T19:46:00.007-05:00

Mick is on the verge of carrying out a conversation in his mother tongue. He says things like "Let's do this!" "Sit down." And "Where are you?" When I heard him fall the other day, I came in the room and found him flustered. "What happened, Mick?" I asked. He replied, "I went down." Later, when I pointed to his toy school bus and asked him what color it is, he pointed inside and said "Red." Then he pointed outside and said, "Yellow." Correct on both counts. But the topper came last week when Candice, Mick and I were in the car on the way to Kohls. "Pappa," he said. "What'r we doin' NOW?" His mother and I looked at each other in astonishment. And then we erupted in laughter "We're going to the store, Mick," Candice finally said. Mick's response: "OOOOH. Yaaaaay."

Eight Crazy Nights

2008-12-31T11:04:00.018-05:00

Well, it's been awhile since our last post so I thought I'd make up for it with lots o' photos!! Here are some highlights (and a Mick-fashion show) from Chanukah week. We actually ended the week at cousin Billy's house for a Chanukah party with the whole gang. (papa wasn't there because he was, sadly, at the Jets game.......btw, us Eagles fans are still in shock!)

Gram came for a visit that was jammed pack with Chanukah goodness. The weather was decent and we even got to throw the football outside for a bit. Good action shot!!

Video Pollyanna with the Utah-ians was a huge success!!

This Chanukah was extra special for Mick. He LOVES opening presents. He likes to rip off bits and pieces of wrapping paper. He really takes his time and it's so cute! He'll open any gift that's around him, so protect your own presents! :)

Talk about capturing the moment.....Mick didn't eat much on this particular night, but based on this picture, you'd think he did! He ate about 1/2 a latke and ran out of patience, or something. He did enjoy what he had.

Shortly after the latke lovin' came a clementine in one hand and a chocolate covered joe-joe (oreo) in the other. That's my boy---double fistin'!

Mick got a lot of Chanukah presents, yet here he is, waiting for us to leave for another party, just chillin out with his trusty teddy.

More chillin' (on a different day) with Gram.

Gram's excited about her photo book. Mick's more interested in Toby the train.

Mick and Mama putting together Morgan's mine so Toby and friends have a place to play. :)

This is pretty much a daily occurrence. All DVDs and tapes have been relocated to the kitchen. Still, Curious Mick tries to change what's on. Maybe it's time to move that coffee table...hmm.....

There's a lot going on here....take it all in.... :)

AND last, but not least, the best shot of the week!

"Spinach"

2008-12-08T14:36:00.004-05:00

The Sweet Life

2008-12-04T15:57:00.007-05:00

Mick was asleep in his room Monday morning, and I was in the room next door. I sneezed, and to my surprise... I heard Mick's sweet voice. "Bless you!" the little voice said.

Blessed, indeed.

The next day, I brought Mick home from his grandparents' house. He walked straight to the TV, and I braced for his customary request to turn on the TV. Instead, he looked up and said, "Papa? Dance!" So I turned on the iPod and we rocked out together, complete with laughing, clapping and the occasional rock star kick.

"How to Eat Penne" by Micky G.

2008-12-01T16:16:00.004-05:00

A Peaceful Saturday at The Philadelphia Zoo

2008-11-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Flying Foam Bricks Are Fun To Watch!

2008-11-12T18:46:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday, Mick and I went to the new Please Touch Museum with Natanel and his mommy. It was jam packed and amazing! Mick loved it! We didn't get a chance to cover the whole place because of the dump truck. Here's a video of Mick in the dump truck. This is when things got out of hand a little as the kids were having a foam brick play fight. The kids in the dump part of the truck were throwing them over into the front and the kids in the front were throwing them back. Mick, in the safest spot under cover in the front, just stood there and took it all in. Kids were climbing all over the place and Mick just stood there. See for yourself...OH, one last comment...it got really out of hand when the foam bricks became wood blocks. The staff stepped in there, but not before this mama got pelted with one! That's how the video ends...you can hear me yelp a little!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T13:45:00.004-05:00

We got good use out of 2 "used" costumes this year! Elijah's Tigger costume for Boo at the Zoo and then Celia's 101 Dalmation costume for Halloween day. Mick picked up on the whole trick-or-treating thing right away. His endurance impressed both his papa and I. Little puppy did take a break in a pile of leaves and at the Dunkin Donuts as you can see from these pics.

2008-11-01T15:05:00.013-04:00

Time to catch up in Blogville. Apparantly other things happened in the past few weeks that didn't involve the Phillies. heh. ;) Here are some photos from what else has been going on!
My friend Michelle, and her family, hosted a pumpkin pickin' hayride party. It was very excellent! Mick had his first hayride, his first pony ride and his first candy apple!

Mick loves tractors and pumpkins. He points to them and shouts every time we see one (and you know how many pumpkins there are around these days!!).

On 10/25 we went to "Boo at the (Philadelphia) Zoo" with Ellis, Dov and their parents. :) Last year we went by accident...er...we didn't know it was Boo at the Zoo and were not dressed up. This year the kids were prepared! Mick wore Elijah's old Tigger costume (looked like new) and he didn't seem to notice that he was wearing something out of the ordinary (except he didn't want his hood up...ever).

Here's the Mickster next to a rabbit. He willingly pet the bunny and then sat down beside it; however, I think his expression says it all. heh heh.

Here's Officer Dov!

Harry Potter (aka Ellis) and Tigger seemed to bond that day. It was rainy and a bit chilly, but that didn't stop these guys from playing!

The next day we hung out with Uncle Jordan. We didn't get any good pics of him and Mick. Hopefully Abuela did and we'll post a pic here where we can. It was a rare Sunday in October where Mick wore his Eagles shirt during the day and then we changed him into a Phillies shirt for the night. And so it goes that I begin and end this post with a comment about the Phillies! Fact is....I can't stop smiling! How 'bout dem Phils?!?!!!!!!! :)

2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies!!!!!

2008-10-30T01:44:00.001-04:00

PHILS WIN!!! PHILS WIN!!! PHILS WIN!!! PHILS WIN!!!! WOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Weekend in Dillsburg, PA

2008-10-27T15:08:00.008-04:00

Inbetween Phillies madness (and before the WS started), Mick and I headed to Celia's house in Dillsburg, PA. There Mick and Celia did all kinds o' things together. On Friday night they played with Remi and Brody. Here's a picture of Remi and Mick (or Micky as she calls him--so cute) hugging. This might be one of my all time favortie photos!! Remi and Celia strikin' a pose in front of Aunt KarOn's b-day cake.

Celia giving Brody a high five!

The next day Celia and Mick frolicked. heh heh.

In the backyard...

...at the store....

...in front of the tv (Thomas, of course!)...

...and around the house...actually, they did LAPS around the house and it was great for sleeping later. ha!

They also took a bath together, but I'm going to save those pics for some years in the future. They're not bad, just embarrassing enough. :)

Shankar's Party

2008-10-22T11:11:00.007-04:00

Scotty's co-worker, Shankar, recently had us and 2 other families over for the day. Mick had a blast right from the start. He ate lots of stuff that he normally doesn't (cheese doodles, POPCORN!!, chips, etc) and loved every minute. He made his way around the apartment as if he lived there as you can see from these photos. (**the Miller Lite can is filled with popcorn. no beer was served to minors! HA!) Mick, Shankar and a cheese doodle.

I'd say he was comfortable there, eh?

Gram's Visit

2008-10-07T23:15:00.008-04:00

Gram (aka Muhmah) came for a visit from Wednesday to Monday! We miss her already and wish her a happy birthday (it's today).
While she was here, we did our best to take her places for entertainment, but really the best entertainment came from a little 23 pounder named Mick. :)
We went to Pt. Pleasant Beach and walked the empty boardwalk (the best!). What a beautiful day we had. Here's Mick pushing the stroller without any help (because he won't let us).Action shot!

As we strolled along the boardwalk we heard someone say, "HEY!" and turned to see Catherine standing against the railing!! Mia, John and his dad were on the beach! What a random meeting! And a great one, at that! We hung out for awhile and Mick and Mia "played" skee ball.

On another adventure....(sorta)....we headed to Station Ave for the Haddon Heights Fall Festival. Here's Gram and Mick enjoying some live music. (ok, so it was a girl singing karaoke on a little platform, but she was good!)

Firefighter Elmo took Mick's breath away. He even offered him his cookie!!! woah.

A visit from Muhmah would not be complete without a visit to The Regent Diner in Howell. (or "The Reg" as I like to call it) Here's a photo of Mick with his great-great aunt, Ann! (she's Scotty's grandfather's sister---how cool is that?!)

Day Out With Thomas

2008-09-24T15:52:00.006-04:00

On 9/20 we took a ride with Abuela and Grandpa to the Strasburg Rail Road to hang out with Thomas the Train! There were a LOT of people there and it was a bit overwhelming for Mick (uh...and for us!), but it was still cool. Look at these pics of Thomas! He's right there! Mick clung on to Abuela, but couldn't keep his eyes off of Thomas!
This was taken on the Strasburg train. It was a 45 minute ride passed beautiful scenery. Mick went from lap to lap to lap to lap and held on to that snack cup like a champ!

Just when we thought Mick was done for the day, he heard some Thomas music and felt the groove. He ran around in circles and danced...all while hangin' on to that snack cup!

Musical Two Year Olds

2008-09-20T19:30:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday night we slept at the Jordan family home. :) We had a lot of fun, but seemingly not as much fun as Mick and Kevin! These two 2 year olds can JAM! They tickled the ivories together, clanked a xylophone and drum pad and then sat together while watching a Baby Einstein. There was some real bonding here.

Brandon's 2nd Birthday Party

2008-09-17T14:25:00.004-04:00

We went to Brandon's 2nd birthday party last Saturday. Brandon's uncle gave him the cool truck that's pictured here. Mick jumped into the passenger's seat and away they went. Brandon got the hang of it right away while Mick shouted, "BEEP BEEP!" It was quite adorable! Crusin' for babes.

Mick at the wheel!

It was so interesting to watch these 2 year olds (that are only 9 days apart) interact with one another. It was like watching the same person! They both did the same stuff. They would drive for about 3 feet and then get out and walk around the truck...climb back in and either drive or climb back out. No comments. No whining. They were on a mission and I think the goal was to just keep moving! Here they are trying out the handle on the door. Mick tried it and then Brandon tried it. They were both unsuccessful (because the door doesn't open!) and they were both ok with that. They just carried on with their mission. :)

Shake Your Booty!!

2008-09-12T22:53:00.001-04:00

Utah

2008-09-05T00:37:00.009-04:00

We drove to Moab from Salt Lake City on Monday 8/25 and then back to SLC on Friday 8/29. What a great trip! We spent most of our time at Arches National Park, with a one day excursion to Canyonlands. Mick had a blast! He loved hiking, especially the hikes that had stairs as he grunted with each step for comedic affect. heh heh. That's my boy.
Here we are standing in North Window Arch. It looks more daunting than it is; however, Mick certainly wanted to continue through the arch. Scotty and I had a difference of opinion with the Mickster. This lead to a meltdown....or three. We thought saving his life was worth the occasional meltdown. (am I being too dramatic?!)That's North Window Arch in the background and our little independent hiker in the foreground. :)

Balanced Rock at sunset. I'm pretty psyched about this shot. We stumbled upon this amazing sunset. The dark overcast sky in the east and the clear blue sky with the sun setting in the west made for amazing light.

Mick and his papa taking a rest with Turret Arch in the background. Mick is working on a lollipop which made him a happy hiker. He would not let go of that thing. It was pretty impressive!

Several hundred pictures in we realized that we didn't have any together. We took this one ourselves and still never got one of the three of us together. Next time....

Double Arch. That's Mick and I at the bottom. I ended up climbing up into that arch on the left and then dropping the camera battery (through it) to the other side. oops. I had to do a little hike to retrieve the battery which scared the husband a bit. I don't like scarin' the husband, but I must admit that that little hike was exhilarating!!

Our last sunset at Balanced Rock and Mick took this shot! Juuuuust kiddin'. We asked someone to help us out.

Mick is TWO!

2008-09-03T10:49:00.002-04:00

Hi. :) Well, we're back from Utah and I will post some pics soon. Just wanted to put this one up of the little man. Mick turned 2 yesterday (his golden b-day---2 on the 2nd) and he's as deelish as ever!

Boom Boom Boom

2008-08-21T01:19:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here trying to come up with something to write that will go along well with this video and I've got nothin'. There are no words. Just watch.

Loveladies, Part 2

2008-08-19T16:41:00.007-04:00

For Loveladies, Part 2, we joined Aunt Elaine, Uncle Don and their whole crew. Twenty-two people slept over on Saturday night! It was a packed house and SO MUCH FUN! Here are some highlights from the weekend.

**Uncle Don "stole" a bite of Mick's pizza! Scotty was particularly amused by this.

**We learned the "jump, shake your booty!" song and Mick got involved right away. Now when
I say, "Hey Mick!" he says, "OKAY!" and starts to dance. He even tries to say, "Shake your
booty!" but it comes out more like, "yake yer oooty!"

**action shot!

**Millie, Betsy and Ruthie all trying to get in some Mick time. Or maybe they just wanted to

check out the book I was reading. :)

**Speaking of reading...he looks like he's really into, doesn't he?

Buba

2008-08-15T13:32:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone. I've been slacking in the Blog dept as of late, and I pretty much still am (ha). Just wanted to post a picture of my Buba. In July of 2005 she died, just one month shy of turning 99. Today would have been her 102nd b-day. Here she is with mom and Hannah in May of 2003. We miss you Buba and think about you all of the time. Just last night while Mick was chomping on some broccoli I said, out loud, "I wish Buba could see you right now!" and then I said, "She probably is." :)

Zoo Monday

2008-08-07T13:06:00.003-04:00

Elijah, Hannah and Mick joined Abuela, Grandpa and I at the Philadelphia Zoo on Monday. After Elijah got his face painted he quietly said, "roar" and made me laugh. :) Hannah got flowers painted on her face to match her dress. Mick skipped the face painting and worked on his taggie. This was taken before we left for the zoo. Do you think Abuela's happy?! :)~

Loveladies, Part 1

2008-08-05T01:02:00.007-04:00

On Sunday we went to LBI to Aunt Elaine and Uncle Don's house. It was a quiet day and Mick got some quality time with his mama and papa. ;) We're heading back this weekend when the entire Weill clan will be there!! We can't wait! There will be photos from that, of course, but in the mean time, here are a few from LBI trip #1.

(ps...I know. Mick needs a new swim hat...been a little busy lately...I'll work on it, I promise!)

Party Hoppin' with friends

2008-08-01T23:26:00.006-04:00

Our multiple party weekend was great! Celia and her parents visited and slept over. The next night we all slept at Brody and Remi's beach house (oh, and their parents were there too!). Three year old Celia seemed to be quite taken by Mick. She actually pet his hair and said, "This is my friend.......this is my little boyfriend." She was also heard saying, "I think Mick wants a hug" several times over the course of the weekend. Adorable!!
Here they are at our neighbors Luau fiesta. Mick seemed like he needed assistance. Celia to the rescue!

After a long night of party hopping, the two buddies chill in their jammies.

Here's Mick hanging out with Brody. Brody turned one while we were there!

Mick and Remi. Remi's so sweet. She often refers to Mick as "Micky" or "MICkeeeeeeeee!"

Arianna Mae

2008-07-24T19:15:00.004-04:00

Arianna's baby naming was this past Sunday. It was a beautiful ceremony and it was so nice, as always, to be with our great friends. Arianna took the attention and crowd like a champ!! Mick, on another hand, didn't seem to notice the crowd and just weaved in and out of everyone as if he owned the place!

The Utah-ians!

2008-07-22T01:17:00.006-04:00

The Utah-ians FINALLY arrived! WOO HOO!! Here are some pics, including two of Mick getting hugged by Elijah and Hannah. (Sadie just kept shouting, "Mick! Mick! Mick!") More photos to come as their visit continues. :)

A Visit From Peri

2008-07-19T00:08:00.007-04:00

My friend Peri came to visit Mick and I on Friday. She and Mick had not seen each other in a long time, but Mick seemed to remember her. He also seemed to be quite smitten by her! His eyes lit up when he saw her and he got very friendly with her! Mick was so comfortable around Peri that he just climbed up and plopped down on her lap! :)

He was quite intrigued by her necklace (an iron stick figure).

Mick even wanted to have his snack on the couch next to Peri. His move....smooth, eh?

When we went outside, Mick reached up for Peri's hand! His flirting was in full force!!

Clearly Mick enjoyed his time with Peri! Hopefully they can hang out again soon! ;)

Today's Headlines

2008-07-17T10:58:00.004-04:00

A young boy goin' after his papa's heart! Look how serious Mick seems to be! He's really into this recent edition of NJBIZ...or is it the pretty colors in that ad? Hmm. Wait...what's this...he's picked up the paper to get a better look!

More like a better GRIP!

Newspapers make fine hats :)

July 4th

2008-07-08T00:09:00.005-04:00

Our friend, Ali, convinced me (hee hee!) to enter the decorated stroller competition for the 4th of July parade in our town. She gave me a bunch of patriotic paraphernalia at about 10:30pm on the 3rd of July and away I went. Mick's stroller was like a scrapbook page. I did what I could and we actually placed third!!! Ok, there were only 4 strollers in the running, but still.....that's sumthin'! Mick got into the patriotic mood and swung those flags around!

Blueberry Fire Truck

2008-07-02T14:19:00.003-04:00

Blueberry season is in full swing! Did you know that Hammonton, NJ is the blueberry captial of the world?! Indeed! Every year we talk about how we'd like to go to the Blueberry Festival, but we never made it....until now. :) We were expecting all things blueberry, which we found. What we weren't expecting were fire trucks. If Mick could talk he would say, "Blueberries? Who needs blueberries when you've got fire trucks!! beeeeep beeeeep!" (*side note...Mick happens to love blueberries. At least when there aren't any fire trucks around!)

NICU Buddies

2008-07-01T00:19:00.007-04:00

Mick already understands the importance of good friends. He's kept in touch with a few of his first friends that he met in the NICU! One of them, Brandon, was born 9 days after Mick. The two of them were roommates and became fast buddies. (well, at least their parents did!) This past weekend, Brandon and Mick got to hang out. They really seemed to bond. We weren't sure if it was because they are a mere 9 days apart, or if it was because they remember each other or feel something familiar perhaps. We'd like to believe that it's the latter. :) While it's hard to capture two 21 month olds in one good photo, we did our best! This first one is the closest we could get!

Here Mick and Brandon are playing...separately.
Here they are playing...together!

Sweet Brandon made a valiant effort to hug the Mickster.

Mick's reaction? "Not so close, dude!"

Mick-chillin'!

2008-06-27T11:09:00.002-04:00

Mick's parents are big fans of ottomans. Looks like we've trained well. All he needs is a snack and the remote!

West Palm Beach

2008-06-22T17:09:00.004-04:00

Mick accessorized while we were in Florida this time. Hats, sunglasses, goggles, etc. He's not afraid to push the fashion envelope!

Is There Something Funny Here?

2008-06-17T23:22:00.003-04:00

Yes, it has been awhile since my last post. Mick and I were sicky and then the 3 of us went to Florida for a week. There are LOTS o' pics from that trip and once I organize them all I will post some. In the mean time, I just wanted to share a few moments from my day.
Today while Mick was eating some cheese puffs I sat and watched him. He was really working it. He should have taken a bite, but of course he took the whole thing at once and that's why he had to "work it." Anyway, the whole process was so darn cute and it made me laugh. Mick looked at me with a question in his eyes and continued to chew. I kept laughing. It was just so funny to me the way he was manuevering the food in his mouth. The sound of it too.
Slowly a smirk formed on his lips and his eyes danced as if he was thinking, "is there something funny here? am I gonna figure it out? I wanna laugh!" I continued to laugh and his smirk turned into a smile. Then, all while chewing on the cheese puff, he started to laugh with me. He had no idea what he was laughing at other than his mama being silly. That works for me.
Moments like that just warm my heart and make me feel all fuzzy. :)

Happy Birthday Abuela!

2008-06-05T10:42:00.004-04:00

Abuela's birthday was on Sunday. We went to Cooper River Park to celebrate with about 1,000 other Jewish people! Oh yea, it was Israel's 60th b-day celebration. Here's Abuela with Mick on stage! Can you find them? ha.

MG+CS+pineapple=Love!

2008-06-05T10:34:00.003-04:00

Micky's sicky and his mama has some of it too. :( The creative juices aren't flowin' much. Here, though, are two photos from our trip to Dillsburg, PA last Saturday. Celia sat down for some fruit and caught the interest of a certain 22 pounder. Maybe this is how he got sick? oops. Well, it's reeeeeeeeeally cute...that's sumthin'.....right?

DBraz and co. at the zoo

2008-05-28T14:01:00.003-04:00

On Saturday we met the Braslows at the zoo! We had a great time :)
Abby, Sara and Mick are pictured here enjoying a snack. Mick was intrigued by Sara's "pretzel eyes"...wow...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2008-05-23T17:40:00.006-04:00

We had some interesting weather on Thursday. During the day Mick and I played outside in the rain. At the same time we played in the sun. Hmm. The rainbows finally showed up in the evening and Scotty got out there to snap some photos with Mick. The lighting was pretty cool. Mick seemed impressed by it all. (I think)

Sunday Dinner

2008-05-21T11:07:00.002-04:00

We had dinner with our neighbors and their family on Sunday. Little George and Mick admired each other from afar at first, but eventually became pals (sorta).

The West Chester Family

2008-05-18T23:48:00.003-04:00

On Saturday Mick and I went to Megan's house in Sellersville, PA. Karen and Celia went too and, as a bonus, Lyn and her two sons, Billy and Tommy were there. Mick played hard with his NINE playmates. Here's Megan's son, Timmy, putting trains in Mick's back pockets. Billy and Stephen played a game while little Tommy and Mick ran wild.

I tried to get a shot of Celia and Mick together. This is the best I could do! :)

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-15T15:33:00.008-04:00

We did our first Race For The Cure on Mother's Day. Mick did the "Carry Me" and "Push Me" for the cure. ;) He got his walking in, after the race, on the walk to lunch.
It was a great day. Our thanks to the Schwartz family for encouraging us to go! We plan on making it a Mother's Day tradition.

Ellis and Mick after lunch.

Missing Bus Driver and Passenger Found

2008-05-14T14:04:00.003-04:00

After missing for over two weeks, a Little People bus driver and his passenger were found late Monday. The two, along with a circus clown, an elephant, 4 shapes, 2 letters and 1 number, had apparantly been stuck in an air duct. Twenty month old Micky G. alledgedly figured out how to pull back the vent and took great joy in dropping said items into the duct. The 11, pictured here with the vent, are resting comfortably in their living room. When asked if he planned to press charges, the bus driver responded, "I don't get mad, I get even."

Landscaper in Training

2008-05-12T12:44:00.003-04:00

Mick was really into watching Papa do some yardwork last week. He joined right in and played with a rake. We're hoping to have him mowing and edging by this time next year. :)

This is how to eat spaghetti :)

2008-05-09T00:27:00.003-04:00

Spring is in the Air

2008-05-07T23:22:00.004-04:00

My parents have this beautiful tree in their front yard (a cherry blossom, I think) that blooms pink flowers every spring. When the flowers fall it makes a great canvas for photo shoots! When my nephew, Elijah, was about 17 months old I took pictures of him hanging out in the flowers. I remember him being a great subject. He kinda hung out and chilled in the flowers. So sweet. I also remember thinking that someday I hoped to be taking pictures of my child in those same flowers. Well, I did it :) At 20 months, though, Mick was not as easy as Elijah was at 17 months! The little man is always on the go and that was no exception for this mini photo shoot. It might look like he was just walking around in the flowers; but, that's not how it happened! None of these pictures were taken consecutively. I had to chase him down inbetween each shot and carry him back to the flowers. Still, as usual, we both had fun!

"Grandpa" John

2008-05-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

Grandma's friend, "Grandpa" John, had his big surgery today. He's recovering and should be home on Thursday. We're looking forward to our Florida visit in June, so we can give John some therapy in the form of a toddler named Mick! :) Here's Grandma and John this past February. Aren't they cute?!!!

Sweet Baby Ryan

2008-05-02T09:22:00.004-04:00

Heaven has a new baby angel. Mick's old roommate from the NICU passed away last night. He was 19 months old and had Mitrochondrial Disease. He is finally free of pain. We are saddened by this news and our hearts go out to Ryan's family. Rest in peace baby Ryan.
Mick and Ryan were born 8 days apart. Here they are celebrating Ryan's 1st b-day.

Ryan in January.

Mick on Press Row

2008-04-26T15:05:00.003-04:00

I took Mick to visit Scotty in Trenton this past Thursday for Take-yer-kid-to-work day. It was great to see Mick roaming around Press Row. He especially loved playing at an empty desk. He found a remote control and that was all he needed! Afterwards we met Abuela for lunch.

Zoo, Part 2

2008-04-25T22:59:00.004-04:00

On our second visit to the zoo this week we met Melissa and her son, Natanel. As you can see from these photos, neither Mick nor Natanel need to see animals at the zoo for fun. A puddle and a "white car" will do just fine! (*side note: the hat Mick is wearing is from the Hogle Zoo in Utah-thanks Abuela!)

Zoo, Part 1

2008-04-25T16:17:00.002-04:00

Mick and I went to the Philadelphia Zoo twice this week! (getting the most out of our membership---whenever any of you want to go with us, please say the word and we're there!)

Zoo trip, part 1, was with the Podolskys and the Mirons. The animals were in rare form and so were the kids! heh heh.

Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ

2008-04-23T17:25:00.006-04:00

As promised...beach pics (from 4/18)

Our Beloved Maple Tree

2008-04-21T23:02:00.009-04:00

We had quite a day this past Friday when the weather was beautiful. Our plan was to get to the beach ASAP! Upon Scott's arrival home to the neighborhood, he approached some guys that were trimming a large tree just down the block from us. He told them about our maple and asked for an estimate. For those of you who don't know, our backyard maple tree died last summer. :( It still looked kinda cool, but when it started to shed off its bark, we decided that it was time for it to go. We had bad luck with two different tree guys who said they would show and didn't (did they call you?! ha). SO...back to Friday...

When they finished up down the street, they came here, gave us an estimate and began choppin' down the tree within the hour! Alas, this delayed our ASAP-ness on getting to the beach! We did eventually make it there and I'll post some pictures soon. For now, here are shots of our maple...before, during and after the removal.

The Steiners!

2008-04-17T16:17:00.004-04:00

Howie, Dana and Sydney came to our house on Sunday to hang out. Mick and Sydney had a great time playing (seperately) together! ha. We tried to get a pic of them hugging or even near each other, but it was a bit difficult. Howie tried, but it didn't exactly work, as you can see in these pics!

Who needs toys when you've got boxes?

2008-04-15T10:25:00.004-04:00

Mick, much like his mama, has quite an attention for detail. If we leave one new thing in the living room, he notices it right away. Examples... The morning after I had attached the safety border to the coffee table Mick ran right to it and started playing with it. The morning after Scott left a glass of water near the couch, Mick ran straight to it and tried to play with it--oh dear. Add something new to his play area and he's on it. Even an old toy that's been in hiding (ie. under the couch) for awhile. If it makes a reappearance Mick notices immediately and plays with it. He'll also drop his favorite toy (the Little People bus at the moment) when any new object arrives at the house. Like a box. Mick's Gram sent us a big box of diapers (and wipes and cream, thanks Gram!!!) and Mick couldn't wait to play with the box! After struggling to open the box, I helped him, but the rest was all Mick. He climbed on it, over it and slid down it as best as he could. Who needs toys when you've got boxes!?!!

Orange you craving an orange now?

2008-04-11T16:20:00.004-04:00

Mick loves fruit but he doesn't love it when it's cut up or sliced. He wants the whole thing! Yesterday he went to town on an orange. Lots of juicy bites and one scrunched up face! It's not a lemon, Mick!

Grandpa!!

2008-04-07T17:43:00.001-04:00

While we were visiting the Kaban family in New York, Mick hung out with Abuela and Grandpa. I'm not sure he enjoyed himself, though. What do you think???!!