Big Bro and Little Sis

Simon loves his little sister. He is very involved. He wants us to move her basinette next to his chair at the dinner table. He can't wait for her to move into his room, and he wants her crib right next to his bed so he can see her. He is usually disappointed when he sees that she is taking yet another nap. I have a feeling he will be singing a different tune when she gets big enough and mobile enough to grab his toys.

"Playing with her" by giving her a bunch of paper cups.

And of course, she watches him and smiles at him all day. He helps us keep her on a proper day/night schedule with his frenetic activities. Apparently he only wears red shirts.

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...