Zev's 1st Birthday, Play Kitchen and Yoga in the Sun

Lots to cover so I'll just put up some photos and tell the story visually.
Zev's 1st Birthday was incredibly fun. As you can see, Zev loves birthday cake. Just click on the slideshow to access all of the photos from Picasa.

Zev's new kitchen from Grammy Ray and Grandpa Jerry. This is a gift from heaven - for me. Zev loves to play in it while I'm cooking!



and here's Zev giving Stella a hug followed by some yoga in the sun

Renaissance Baby

Harmonica, kazoo, recorder. Yes, Zev plays three instruments. He's almost ready for Interlochen.

Zev's New Best Friend

We adopted Stella two nights ago and she is already part of the family, like she's been here for years.
Now that he's comfortable with her, Zev has been giving Stella lots of hugs and kisses. He puckers up and tries to land one on her mouth but her tongue gets to him first. Zev is content to follow Stella around, panting when she does and identifying her eyes, nose and tongue. We have to watch out because he likes to poke at our eyes, then his, to show us he knows what they are, but I don't suppose Stella enjoys it too much. You wouldn't know though because she's so calm and gentle.

Lions and Cows and Noses Oh My!

The long awaited conversation has begun: Zev can now communicate the sounds of at least two animals and can correctly identify nose, ears, eyes, teeth and tongue! Turn up the volume to hear Zev's animal sounds. At Mrs. Tiggywinkle's toy store today Zev saw the giant stuffed dinosaur and immediately proclaimed "RAAAARRRRR." He's also begun helping mommy and daddy put the Duplo blocks back into their bin after playing with them. It's amazing to watch the world unfold in front of his curious eyes. He soaks it all up like a sponge. We're so thrilled that we'll have another baby in March. Zev loves to socialize with other children.

The Joker

Here's a video of Zev doing what he loves - riding on his truck and brushing his amazing head of hair.




I don't know how he got in without us, considering it's PG13, but I think Zev saw the new Batman movie...
That's blueberry/yogurt shake all over his face. Perhaps an aspiring actor?

Here are some more recent photos, some from a party at our house.

Walk this way Zev!

He gets about halfway across the room on his own!

Little Fish, Big Ocean

Above: Zev & Aunt Ruthie on the Choo Choo Train!
Below: On the Big Trucks ride at Fantasy Island in LBI (Long Beach Island). Zev was cool driving but daddy was a little scared.

Splashing with Grandpa

We just had an amazing week with Grandpa Jerry, Grammy Ray, Aunt Ruthie, Uncle Ben, the Kaufmans, Krichmans, Brodericks, Mintos, all of our friends and relatives. Zev loved playing with Jenny & Chris's son Owen and I am still in awe over how beautiful their 1 1/2 month old daughter Cassidy is. Zev's cousin Evan showed him how to play like a toddler and Lauren had lots of hugs and could always make him laugh.

Grammy's tickles!

Mommy & Zev....boy I love my sugarbunch.