I'm a piece of Heaven

I was singing to Esther Frayda this evening while she was eating dinner.. "you're a piece of Heaven", then she started saying after me.. "I'm a piece of Heaven".

She is talking more and more each day. Yesterday I asked her how old she was and for the first time she said "I'm 2 and half", I wanted to gobble her up! I also taught her that Esther starts with the letter "E", although I think she is way more interested in her colors right now than her letters. She points out the colors to everything. I think her favorite color now is Yellow, she wants to wear everything yellow. She will only put on her night shirt if its yellow. My sweet yellow sunshine:)

Esther Frayda in her winter pink hat. She also put a hat on her bear and doggie and wanted to bring them with her outside:)

Videos!

Kissing feet

Precious

Stroller

Walking home

Ice cream truck at Gymies

Insider Tips

We are officially going to California on Aug. 28 iyh. Yay!!!!!!!! Thank you Dad, we can't wait to see everyone:)

Most of you haven't seen Esther Frayda in some time, so I thought I would right this post for some insider tips on how to get close and earn some quick points with the queen of all queens, the one and only Esther Frayda!

• Don't be too eager to pick her up, it will backfire.
• If you have a small doggie, you will instantly win her heart (Brenna).
• She LOVES stickers and paper.
• If you offer to watch Elmo with her, she would be pretty happy.
• If you ask her questions about zoo animals in particular sheep, she will get very excited.
• She loves to work, so feel free to give her little jobs. She can do anything from organizing your clothes to running small errands around the house.
• Of course it doesn't hurt to make funny faces and act silly, she might even dance for you and then you know your "in"!

Just remember she understands every single word you are saying even if she can't pronounce it. I hope this helps, just remember to relax because she can sense nervousness a mile away!

We love you guys, can't wait to spend some quality time together!

"I wanna play with mommy"

My sweet ball of love.. We went to Rocha's over Shabbos and when we got there one of her children asked Esther Frayda to play.. her response: "I wanna play with mommy", "I wanna play with mommy" as she was pointing to me, she was repeating herself making sure that she was understood. It was such a sweet and authentic thing to say. I hope she will always want to play with me even when she's a teenager because I will always want to play with her even when she's old and grey:)

Mazel Tov Mom & Yossi!

Esther Frayda and I received a call this evening with a very special surprise... DRUM ROLL

Nani is engaged!!! A very big Mazel Tov to Mom and Yossi! May you both be blessed with eternal happiness, an abundance of parnasus, good health and a life full of laughter!

I am truly happy for you mom & Yossi, I love you guys!

Mommy & Me Day:)

Esther and I spent the day together, just the two of us. She's not in playgroup for the rest of the summer, partially because of her fractured elbow but also because I didn't like the playgroup she was signed up for. So, I am trying to take advantage of this time we have together. Today we woke up late snuggling together (like we do every morning), then after breakfast we got ready and went to the Jewish Children's Museum. She had so much fun running around and looking at all the exhibits. She loved this one exhibit where you get to paint on a stone wall (of course my little artist loved this:), she also loved the Rambams exhibit because there was a stethoscope, so she was checking her heartbeat and then I asked her to check mine and she loved doing that.

now for some pictures (these are unedited but I wanted to post them because if I make them perfect then it will never happen)

(keep on reading for the sweetest thing anyone has ever done:)

After we left the museum, we picked up some sushi and went back home. I thought she would want to take a nap but didn't want to, which is no surprise! When we were out I bought her a package of dried strawberries that she saw in the store. She wanted to know what they were called, I said "candy" because they had sugar in them. She of course went crazy for them! After stuffing several in her mouth I told her I was going to put it away until after dinner. So, after dinner she reminded me (with her excellent memory!). She was waiting a long time for these puppies because she kept asking me about them.. Finally when I gave them to her she ran over and made a little spot on the coffee table/trunk and pulled up a little stool and sat down so happily with her bag. She took a while to open it, I think just savoring the feeling that she had the bag now in her possession. I just thought it was so cute and wanted to share in this moment with her, so I sat down on the coffee table and asked her for a candy. Well, what did my sweet little girl do? ... and I have to say this is the sweetest gesture, I think anyone has ever done but she got up and offered me her seat. She said "mommy sit" and had me sit in her very special seat. She offered me some candy and really enjoyed sharing with me. It may not seem like a big deal but it was such a selfless and loving thing for a little girl to do, giving up her special seat for her mommy. After a few minutes she did want her seat back but she walked over and grabbed one of her heavier wooden chairs and carried it over (using one arm and her splint) and had me sit on that so she could have her seat back. How thoughtful is that?! I am one lucky duck:)

Then she helped me in the kitchen. She watches everything I do in the kitchen. Now what she does is drag in her chair so she could reach the counter and basically tries to cook. She knows where everything is and even how to turn on the oven and burners. I of course need to keep her away from this and keep a very close eye on her. She doesn't understand that she is only 2 and cannot yet cook on her own..

Before we went to bed we read books together. Her favorite book right now is Thomas the Train or really its the little Engine that Could but she thinks its Thomas the Train. She was getting really silly before going to bed. She was sitting on my chest as I was ready and laughing...then she went to kiss me but instead licked my nose and was cracking up and giggling like there's no tomorrow! I kept on turning my head to avoid a big sloppy kiss and she thought this was so so funny but only made her want to catch me by holding my face still while she had her way!

What a perfect day to end it laughing and kissing my most favorite girl in the whole wide world!

Thank you Hashem

Tonight Esther Frayda helped me make a lemon cake. She did all the mixing and she didn't want any help. You could see she was very proud to be able to do this. We then poured it into the cake pan together, then I told her I had to cook it, of course she sneaked in a few tastes. She did not forget about that cake because as soon as I took it out of the oven, she said "cake, cake". I've never seen her get into her high chair so fast!

Esther Frayda is literally maturing each day. She is so aware of her surroundings and the people around her. The other day I ordered pizza. I was eating a slice and I gave her a slice (Gershon didn't want one), she saw Gershon wasn't eating and she went up to me to get a slice for Gershon and said "Abba, Abba". Once she had his slice then she ate. A few minutes later Melissa came into the room and she looked at me again and said "mel, mel" pointing to the pizza. She wanted to make sure everyone had a slice and was eating. She's a little "mommy" :)

Over Shabbos it was just me and Esther Frayda. She's my best lil friend and most favorite companion. She just seems like the happiest little girl in the world. She is always laughing and smiling and has such a good sense of humor. She is such a free carefree spirit and so sensitive and caring. This Shabbos my friend Maayan came over with her two little boys and we went for a walk. Esther had so much fun! She started this game where she would run half way down the block then turn her head as she was running to try and see if I was following her. Of course I was running after her, calling her name and she just though that was the funniest thing in the world. She wouldn't run too far though, she would stop turn around and run back to me with the wind blowing in her hair and a huge smile of her face like it was the biggest thrill of all time.

She says her name now, she started saying it a few weeks ago before Nani came to visit. Sometimes she'll say Esther Frayda but a lot of the times she calls herself "Frayda". It's so sweet, I'm sure my grandma Frances is smiling:)

We are really missing everyone, Dad and Brenna, its been way too long. I really hope me and Esther could come down and visit this summer so you could spend lots of time with your granddaughter and niece.  

A big hug and kiss from me and "Frayda" to everyone, we love you!!!

Shma

Every night before we go to sleep, I say to Esther Frayda "lets close our eyes and say Sh'ma". This is the Jewish prayer that you say before you go to sleep: "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad." Well tonight I said the first 2 words then Esther Frayda said "Adonai" as she was covering her eyes. The sound of her voice uttering the most sacred word in Judaism was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.

It was so cute, we were in Ikea today and Esther Frayda just finished eating a bag of chips as we were passing the bathroom area. Ikea had all these faucet displays and Esther Frayda got so excited and wanted to wash her hands. I tried to explain to her that we couldn't wash her hands because there was no water, that they were :fake" faucets but that's a difficult concept to get across to a two year old! Anyways she was not too happy about not being able to wash her hands. She was looking at me so desperately saying "wash, wash" as if I didn't understand what she wanted. My sweet little baby:)

Monet in the working!

Esther Frayda has been obsessed with painting. I bought her some eco-friendly paint a few months ago. The package had 6 colors in small containers. Every morning, literally the first thing she does is grab her paintbrush and ask me to pour our a little of each color for her on her colors plate. She know if I miss a color and will follow me around, pushing the paint in my hand until I pour some out for her. She does this at least a few times a day. This is very exciting, I really want to create an environment that is creative for her artistically.

When I picked her up from Gymies yesterday, Morah Chaya said they painted that day and Esther Frayda was SO into it. She was very focused and didn't want any help. She is one independent girl, that I know:) The teacher really loves her and can't say enough nice things. Esther Frayda loves going to school and runs right in when we get there without even looking back. It was cute, when I picked her up today, Morah Chaya said that she knew before I got there that is was time to go, so she went to put on her coat and scarf and was all ready when I got there.

 

Potty Trained!!!

When nani was here visiting, she bought a potty for Esther Frayda. We set it out for her and told her when she needs to go "pee pee" just use the potty. I didn't really focus on it because the plan was to do some research and buy a book this next week to learn how to go about potty training a toddler. Well, lets just say I won't have to do that now:)

Last week she used the potty a few times then yesterday she sat down and went #2 all by herself. I didn't even know until I looked at her and she was pointing to the potty. I went to go look and lo and behold she left a present inside! I could not believe it, I really praised her. I then picked up the potty and Esther Frayda followed me into the bathroom to throw the contents of her potty away. She flushed the toilet herself and waived "bye bye" to her present. She was very proud:)

Since then, I haven't had a diaper on her while at home and she is using her potty every single time! Good job Esther Frayda, mommy is so proud of you!!!

Thank you Grandpa:)

Esther Frayda got a big box in the mail today from Grandpa for her Birthday. The most beautiful dresses I have ever seen! I cannot wait to do a photo shoot with Esther Frayda and her new birthday dresses. She opened up the boxes but was pretty taken by the jogging set, she wanted to put the pants on right away and walked around the house all morning in them. 

Thank you Dad and Janelle for the very beautiful and special clothes. Esther Frayda sends a big hug & kiss. We miss and love you guys!!

First week of SCHOOL!

Well, its mini preschool but still a pretty big deal. This is the beginning of her school education. We are so lucky to get her into Gymies and so far she LOVES it. She went for an hour the first day and today she is going for 2 hours. When I dropped her off, she didn't cry just kind of held my skirt. Morah Chaya said she was fine a few minutes later. She's never been much of a crier, so I wouldn't expect her to cry even if she was sad. I'm sure I had a more difficult time than she did. 

The second morning when I woke her up, I asked her if she wanted to go to Gymies.. she looked up at me and gave me a huge smile than shook her head "yes". So, that's a good sign!

When I picked her up yesterday, the teacher said she was a little feisty (which means she was feeling comfortable lol) and asked if she was like that at home.. I said she does have a little feisty streak in her. Thank gd, one that I adore and love!

Can't wait to pick her up today and see how her day went:)

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday my baby girl! I told her yesterday that no matter how old she gets even when she's a grandma with grey hair, she will ALWAYS be my baby:)  I am so lucky and grateful to have such a beautiful and pure soul in my life and to be her mother, I could not ask for anything else in this world. 

I truly believe our soul mates come to us at different times in our lives and can come through many different vessels, some we don't expect. She is my soul, my love, my everything. How lucky I am to be a mother, thank you Hashem!

Bath Time!

February 26th

This is one special day, the most special day of the whole year for me. We are getting ready for Esther Frayda's birthday party tomorrow. We are missing everyone SO much, I wish we were all together. We are thinking of you guys!! I love you Dad and Brenna, Janelle, Jamie, Matt, Kevin!

Words!

Today while she was playing with a bag of my jewelry on my bed with nani, she said "Jewelry"! ..and she said it very clear:) Just in the last week she has grown and matured SO much! She is saying new words left and right. She also said "corn" at dinner.  A lot of times she will say the beginning of the word but now she is starting to say whole words, yay!!

Videos!

I know I'm behind on posting, so I am trying to catch up a bit.. Here are some videos taken in the last couple months. We really miss everyone! I know mom is coming in a week and we are really excited about that. Now we have to plan something for Grandpa and Auntie B to see Esther Frayda, its been too long!. I love you guys:)

Ramblings

She gives unlimited amount of hugs and kisses and I am usually the lucky one to be receiving these.
Last week she learned how to put on her own pants and put on her own shoes, although they were on opposite feet.
She has been trying repeatedly to put on her own diaper which is no easy feat.. inh the meantime she is practicing on her doll.
She is a kissing bunny, loves to doll out kisses especially on my belly.
Runs in her birthday suite having me chase her all around the house trying to get her dressed all the while squealing as loud as she can!
Has a definite say in what she wears, loves furs, lace and anything frilly. 
Hates having her hair brushed- she looks at me at says "no" to really make sure I understand that she means business.
Her favorite word is "no".
She LOVES books and often times will sit and read by herself.
She loves taking her natural remedy herbs and will often times ask me for "more".
She loves watching videos of herself and videos in Hebrew that her Abba plays for her. She now officially understands more Hebrew than I do.
Sense of humor, she was born with a smile and as always had a great sense of humor.
She is and always has been a night owl like her mommy but I'm trying to change that:)
She doesn't like her hands dirty and will ask me to wash them when she gets something on them.
She loves dress up and is such a girly girl!
She has an excellent memory and always knows where my phone is when I lose it. Yesterday I was talking to myself and was mumbling "where in the world is my phone" ..I didn't even think she heard me then she ran and found it in a pile of clothes and gave it to me.

Esther loves smoothies in the morning. She points to the blender and says "smoo, smoo".

to be continued..

Sugar & Spice

Having a little girl is the most amazing experience, it just opens up a whole new world.

Today I took Esther Frayda to her weekly gymnastics class, called Gymies. There is a lot of running, hanging from bars, tumbling and dancing. Today she made a big accomplishment, it was the first day that she climbed up and stood on the beam all by herself! She had been hesitant whenever it came to walking on the beam but today she went right up and climbed up herself. I was so proud of her. Every time we go there, she gets more and more confident in her abilities. You are one awesome gal Estherla, mommy is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

lucky!