Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is here, and this is the first year that Simon has really been able to enjoy the whole run-up to the holiday. He's been enjoying the Lego advent calendar that Teta gave him, and talks about Santa a lot. He has "helped" decorate trees and wrap gifts. And knock over trees and unwrap gifts.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Love, the Dude.

Reading a story with Uncle Pete and Cousin Sawyer

1 month old

Aida had her 4 week doctor visit last week, and she is doing great! Above average in weight and height and perfectly healthy. She got her first vaccine, which she did not approve of. We don't go out much with her, it has been colder than usual for December, so we just take her to her doctor visits and a couple of trips to Teta's house a few blocks away. We'll gradually get out of the house more, but for now it's fine to stay home. Simon is such a homebody, he LOVES staying home. The few times that we have all gone out, it has been a real job of work to get everyone out the door, especially Simon.

First Foursome Family Photo

And a big yawn...

Firsts

Aida arrived just in time for a busy holiday season. We are celebrating our first (and only) Thanksgivukkah, and getting ready for Christmas.

Holiday tree, Christmas house, and dreidels

Simon likes to make sure Aida has plenty of toys to play with.

First bath, she didn't mind it.

Clean girl

Thanksgiving dinner, in shifts.

Tummy time

Simon loves to hold his baby sister

A surprise every night? Hanukkah is amazing!

Welcome, Aida!

The little dude is now a big brother! Aida arrived Wednesday, November 20 at 11:45 a.m. She is named after Michael's grandmother Aida and his father, Adel. It's pronounced just like "Ida" (EYE-duh). There have already been LOTS of misspellings and mispronunciations, she'll have to get used to that.

Waiting for Baby G

We are waiting patiently for Baby G (for "Girl" or "Girgis"). She is due today. Simon came a little early, but she seems happy where she is for now. Simon has been crossing off the days on his calendar, he is very excited. He picked out a birthday cake for her, and a present for when she comes home. Maybe she is waiting for Michael's birthday tomorrow...

Happy Halloween!

The lure of candy finally won out against the longstanding dislike of dressing up.

There is another...

Bringing balance to the force

A sister! Due November 17, just in time for Daddy's birthday. 

Her light saber hand.

Dance party

One of Simon's favorite activities lately is the family dance party. We have one or two of these per day.

Simon showing off his freshest moves for Cousin Pellie. She is singing along.   

Smooth Criminal!

Simon entertaining Pellie some more.

Catch-up: 3rd Birthday, etc.

Wow, it's been a while! We've been busy. Spring came finally, Simon turned 3 years old, and we've been running around a lot. Here a few pics from May:

Simon REALLY enjoyed his birthday this year. 

A party with his friends, presents, and lots of cake!

Visiting The Bean in Millenium Park

Millenium Park

Playing at home

A Picasso display at Daley Plaza

Is winter over yet?

Sadly, no. 

But little dude's making the best of it.

Hangin' with cousin Sawyer

Uncle Peter, Aunt Beth and cousin Sawyer came to visit us in February. The boys had a great time together, as usual. Simon was beside himself with joy at the Museum of Science and Industry, just the escalators were amazing to him, not to mention the giant model train, the baby chicks, the funhouse mirrors, and the submarine! He also "skated" at the top of the Hancock building with a little help. And he got to ride in a taxi, one of his favorite things. Unfortunately we didn't have any snow for Sawyer, just a terrible cold snap.

Reading his magazine

For Christmas, Simon got a subscription to National Geographic Little Kids magazine. Thanks, Uncle Jim and Aunt Margene! When the new issue comes, he loves to "read" it. So many animals and fun games!

Sound appreciation

We're deep in winter now, so there's not much excitement around here, but we keep busy. Every time it snows, Simon wants to clear off all the surfaces on the balcony and in the nearby community garden. He likes to put on his boots and shark gloves and stomp in the "rolling hills" of snow.

In January, we had one of his ear tubes replaced. They had both fallen out, as scheduled, about two years after putting them in. On one side the hole is still there, so his ear is draining fine, but on the other side there was some fluid buildup which was muffling his hearing a bit. The outpatient surgery was quick and easy.

Ever since then, it seems like he is always asking us "What's that noise?" At his followup hearing test, his hearing was back to normal. In honor of hearing better, here are some photos of him popping in some of his favorite tunes (Mary, Mary by Run DMC) and enjoying some music on Mommy's phone.