Could you plotz from the cuteness?

holding hands
Originally uploaded by shellipsm

I know that when one is not quite two years old, the concept of friends seems far off.

Malka is a very blessed soul, as she had many friends before she came into our lives, and she has developed many friendships along the way over the past 20 months, as well.

But there is something so extraordinarily unique about her relationship with Leary. They were in the baby room together, then the mini-tods room, and now Leary has moved on to the toddler room, but we all still have a playdate about once a week or so.

Many times, we have been told by others that they all sense a very special bond between these two kids.

We would agree, and are very lucky to have Leary and his wonderful parents in our lives. We all just love watching them together.

Did I mention?

We mailed in a letter to our adoption agency, stating that we are ready to begin the process towards #2.

Keep your eyes on this spot for further details, as soon as we get them.

Shabbat Shalom!

Does it count?

As I stepped out of the shower this am, Malka said: "Wet. Eemah."

Yesterday, as I finished my dinner, she said: "All done Eemah"

As we left the house, she said: "Bye Bye Kancy" (Quincy, the cat).

Do these count as two word sentences developmentally?

And yesterday, for the first time, she said hello to Narda on the phone, and laughed, instead of just listening in...

Riddle Me This... **Updated**

Why is it that a toddler, who consistently wakes up at 6:30, if not WAY earlier on weekends, will willingly sleep until oh, 9am or later on weekdays?

I'm sitting here, wondering if the rain will subside enough for Miss thing to go to her swimming lessons, and she's STILL SLEEPING.

I should be emptying the dishwasher, or taking a shower, or some other exciting task that only gets to happen while she sleeps.

I don't think this rain will let up. So much so, in fact, that it may be an Ergo and Bus day to daycare.

OK off to unload the dishwasher.

**Update** - I chose the shower. I figured that would be a better use of my time. And a nicer way to greet the neighbors... ;)

ALL BY HERSELF...

ALL BY HERSELF...
Originally uploaded by shellipsm

She came, she saw, she climbed.

Over, and over again. All WITHOUT help from Eemah.

Eeek. Our little baby is becoming a big girl now.

Pool help?

OK, so Malka LURVES water. She loves sprinklers, the ocean, the sink, and up until last week, her bath.

She started swimming lessons last week. She sat on the edge of the pool, and giggled like all the other kids. I slid on in the water, and brought her to me. She was fine. For about 5 seconds. She screamed and clung to me the ENTIRE TIME. She would stop for about 30 seconds, to laugh at me blowing bubbles. But then she continued screaming.

I figured, hey, it's her first lesson, most kids have "issues" with it, right?

Narda took her to her second lesson, wash, rinse, repeat.

That night, in her bath, I was able to amuse her by literally sticking my face in the bath, and blowing bubbles. She laughed, and then spent the next 30 minutes playing in the tub. Which is a HUGE shift, as lately, she'd be "all done" after about 5 minutes.

Last night, and tonight, for bath, she ran to the bathroom, all excited, got naked, but then flat out refused to get in the tub. Screaming, wailing, saying, no, no, all done, all done. I literally, got in the tub with her, just to get her clean. (it's been hot AND humid here in NYC, so not bathing is not an option...)

Yet, today, at the children's museum, she all but RAN to the water area, playing, splashing, getting wet. But as far as getting IN the tub? Narda had to help me.

The ONLY thing I can think of is that with other elements of water, Malka feels in control - SHE controls the water, and what it does to her, AND there's a bottom. In the pool? NO BOTTOM (for a 34 inch toddler). Either that, or she's having flash backs to the Mikevah - I really have NO idea.

ALL of the other kids in her swim class, even the ones who are 'fussy" are OK in the water after a while. not Malka. I really don't want her to grow up afraid of water. But the odd part is that she LOVES water. Just no the pool, or sadly now, the bath.

OY - any thoughts? Ideas? Similar experiences?

A lesson in "Toddler-ese"

YoWa = Yogurt
Cone = Corn
Monnie = Mommie
Uma = Eemah
Elmo = Elmo
Wa Wash = Wash Wash
Kancy = Quincy
Juno = Juno
Pees = Please
Bah! = Ball
Mana = Banana
huwo = Hello
Cwako? = Cracker
Appo-Basch = Applesauce
Stowa = Stroller
Daka-Dese = Mac and Cheese

This is just a sample, but she does have a few words that are actual words - mostly the once syllable variety:
Uh-Oh!
Yeah!
Wow!
OK
Bye-Bye
Hi
Oh
No
Hot
Eat

Interestingly enough, words have replaced most of her signs. Or she says the Hebrew word WITH the sign. For Example:

The Hebrew word for Help is Ezra. She'll do the ASL sign for help, but say the word Ezra. Same with Water - she'll say Mayim, putting fingers to her lips.

Baby signs are funny. Not "quite" the actual sign, but it gets the point across. For "all done," she flaps her arm like a chicken trying to fly. For "Please," she hits her chest like a wild woman, and for "hot," she flaps her hand in front of her face, like she's swatting flies. She does have some signs that are spot on, but they are few and far between.

All in all, however, it's pretty great being able to communicate with her; be it in English, Hebrew, or sign.

Mazal Tov!

Welcome to the world, Beckett Ace! And Mazal Tov to Bri and Wes.

Malka can't wait to teach you how to terrorize the furry beasties that you co-habitate with.

Much love and rest to you all.

The worst one yet...

So yesterday, Malka and I were walking down 125th street, going into each and every possible store that MIGHT carry swim shoes for Malka, as she starts swim lessons tomorrow. Sadly, all stores have switched to "fall" merchandise. Ah well. I tried.

On our way home, simply walking down the street, someone called out to me: "Adoption?" I kept walking. They said it again: "Adoption?!" I kept walking. He said it again: "Adoption?!... Angelina!"

I kept walking.

And cried a little inside.

Since it's AFTER August 8th...

Potter. Harry. Hallows.

You may discuss.

I LOVED it. Cheesoid epilogue and all. I just thought the "here's Harry and Hermione in the forest" sections dragged a bit.

I totally lost it at "Albus Severus." Tears a plenty from there on out, ayup.

I have to re-read the entire series again, for sure, as I read Hallows SO dang fast, I'm sure I missed a lot.

Fluke? Or on purpose?

A Potty Just For Me is now the FIRST book she asks for when she goes to sit on her potty, instead of the last one (after the Roly Poly Ollie Series). I got to about page 5, and I heard it. The sound of Malka using the potty for its original intent! When she was done, she stood up and said "all done!," doing the sign for it at the same time. I immediately started clapping, and shouting for glee, asking for a high Five, and giving her kissses and grins.

Let's hope the trend continues!