Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Belmont Day Camp
Camryn has been asking to go to camp with Ethan every day since it began. Today she finally got her chance.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Bris
Tonight we celebrated the birth and the bris of baby James. Though I tried to dissuade Ethan, he chose to perch as close as he possibly could to the "procedure." He watched intently, in awe, and didn't look away for even a moment. When it was over, he turned to me and asked, "Why did they cut off a piece of his finger?"
He was...umm...a little 'surprised' to learn that it was not James's FINGER that was cut--and that the same thing had happened to him!
He was...umm...a little 'surprised' to learn that it was not James's FINGER that was cut--and that the same thing had happened to him!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Co- Shower?
Is it time for me to stop showering with Ethan? Last night he said, "Mommy, your vagina has a beard!"
Hmmm. I guess it is.
Hmmm. I guess it is.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Disappearing Snapping Turtle
Ever since I learned that Arnorld's Ice Cream, voted "Best of Cape Cod" for 1000 years running, was a three minute ride via bike path, I have been planning to take Ethan on a secret, soft-serve date. I intended to tell no one, not even Daddy, but when Cami fell asleep right after her lunch today (while Ethan was still eating), everything just seemed to fall into place...and I couldn't leave H behind after all. I told Ethan that he would get a big surprise if he finished everything on his plate, and--since he is basically a reward-powered MACHINE--he finished his sandwich fast!
Ethan was thrilled to learn that his surprise was more than just a bike ride, but, since riding along with me on the new "trail-a-bike" is his favorite thing EVER, he pretty much swallowed his chocolate cone whole to get back on the path. We rode for as long Daddy's 'boys' could handle it, then turned around toward home to Ethan's immense (and vocal) disappointment.
A few minutes into our return trip, we noticed a huge gray..something...on the side of the road. We pulled over, identified the creature as a snapping turtle, and determined that since there was nothing but highway between him and the nearest pond, he was either... (hold on, asking H for something funny to put here...okay...-->) 1. Paralyzed by the speed at which human civilization is spreading; 2. Exhausted by his own stupidity; or, 3. Nesting on a tube of Super Glue.
Having recently pulled off the highway to escort a grasshopper off our windshield, we knew we had to save this guy, too. Ethan was so passionate about getting that turtle home! It was nice to see him care about someone other than himself for a change. We decided to zip home for some kind of box/crate in which to transport him, then zip back. As we rode away, we passed some young boys hooting and hollering on their bikes. H said, "They're going to take him. I should stay and protect him.". I said, "Nah. He'll be fine." And we rode on. It took us less than five minutes to get the laundry basket from the basement and return. But the turtle was gone. The only possible explanation, of course, is the young punks.
Is the lesson 'You don't get to be as OLD as H without picking up a LITTLE bit of wisdom'?
Nah. Must be something else.
Ethan was thrilled to learn that his surprise was more than just a bike ride, but, since riding along with me on the new "trail-a-bike" is his favorite thing EVER, he pretty much swallowed his chocolate cone whole to get back on the path. We rode for as long Daddy's 'boys' could handle it, then turned around toward home to Ethan's immense (and vocal) disappointment.
A few minutes into our return trip, we noticed a huge gray..something...on the side of the road. We pulled over, identified the creature as a snapping turtle, and determined that since there was nothing but highway between him and the nearest pond, he was either... (hold on, asking H for something funny to put here...okay...-->) 1. Paralyzed by the speed at which human civilization is spreading; 2. Exhausted by his own stupidity; or, 3. Nesting on a tube of Super Glue.
Having recently pulled off the highway to escort a grasshopper off our windshield, we knew we had to save this guy, too. Ethan was so passionate about getting that turtle home! It was nice to see him care about someone other than himself for a change. We decided to zip home for some kind of box/crate in which to transport him, then zip back. As we rode away, we passed some young boys hooting and hollering on their bikes. H said, "They're going to take him. I should stay and protect him.". I said, "Nah. He'll be fine." And we rode on. It took us less than five minutes to get the laundry basket from the basement and return. But the turtle was gone. The only possible explanation, of course, is the young punks.
Is the lesson 'You don't get to be as OLD as H without picking up a LITTLE bit of wisdom'?
Nah. Must be something else.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Eastham
Our annual Cape Cod trip brings us to Eastham this year. We started this tradition with my mother (a.k.a Babi) when Ethan was just a baby and it's hard to believe that this is our fifth summer already. First was Falmouth, then Truro, then Martha's Vineyard, then, last year, Brewster. I think this is the winner. So far, the weather is perfect and no one has sliced up his feet on oyster shells requiring an ER visit. (Memories...) The house is cute and the location is ideal. We can walk to Great Pond or the bike path in less than five minutes, and both bay and ocean-side beaches are a short drive or bike ride away.
We've been here two days and have spent both at Nickerson State Park. Little Cliff Pond yesterday, Big Cliff pond today. They are both stunning kettle ponds--warm, crystal clear and breathtakingly beautiful. We adore our Walden Pond, but these outdo it somehow. For me, anyway.
Yesterday was Coco's first day ever at the beach, and she was ecstatic. In the throes of a nonstop, doggie-style Freakout, she pranced, bounded, jumped straight up in the air, chased the water, bit the water...and SWAM!!! She's incredibly powerful and--when excited--quite unpredictable, so keeping her under control (and everyone else safe) was a serious workout. Despite talking about it for the past week, we forgot that TODAY was her birthday (#1!), and we left her at the house for the whole afternoon! Much guilt was experienced later, and we made up for things by giving her a hot dog at dinner. Happy Birthday, Coco!
Ethan is loving the swimming and actually did a little "doggy paddling" on his own today!! All of that work in Nani's pool is paying off, and the pride he took in his accomplishment was awesome to behold. "I did it! I did it! I did it!" H and E took the kayak out for their first early-evening fishing, but came back disappointed and empty-handed. A first! NOT. They DID report seeing a snake in the water, and apparently Ethan wasn't scared in the least. I guess the sour-cream-and-onion fried crickets he courageously devoured a bit earlier in the day paid off (in their own gross way).
Camryn had so much fun building in the sand today, and she befriended a little boy named Leo on the beach. They worked together on many projects, including a giant birthday cake with long, crooked candles made of sticks. Cami sang the happy birthday song to herself, cut the cake, and scooped ice cream on top. Ultimately, Leo turned out to be more of an assistant. He did pretty much whatever she told him to do. (A GOOD assistant!) While she definitely enjoyed the upper hand for a change, she was perfectly polite in all of her directions and demands. I was very proud. Some day, that will be me! ;)
On the downside, H has already destroyed his back, I have a terrible sunburn, and we found a tick in the bedroom this morning. Given the amount of ticks they predicted for this year, we will be lucky to leave here Lyme-free. We are checking everyone endlessly and thoroughly, but it's still pretty scary.
Anyway, I suppose the ticks serve a purpose. I have to worry about SOMETHING, even on vacation. :(
We've been here two days and have spent both at Nickerson State Park. Little Cliff Pond yesterday, Big Cliff pond today. They are both stunning kettle ponds--warm, crystal clear and breathtakingly beautiful. We adore our Walden Pond, but these outdo it somehow. For me, anyway.
Yesterday was Coco's first day ever at the beach, and she was ecstatic. In the throes of a nonstop, doggie-style Freakout, she pranced, bounded, jumped straight up in the air, chased the water, bit the water...and SWAM!!! She's incredibly powerful and--when excited--quite unpredictable, so keeping her under control (and everyone else safe) was a serious workout. Despite talking about it for the past week, we forgot that TODAY was her birthday (#1!), and we left her at the house for the whole afternoon! Much guilt was experienced later, and we made up for things by giving her a hot dog at dinner. Happy Birthday, Coco!
Ethan is loving the swimming and actually did a little "doggy paddling" on his own today!! All of that work in Nani's pool is paying off, and the pride he took in his accomplishment was awesome to behold. "I did it! I did it! I did it!" H and E took the kayak out for their first early-evening fishing, but came back disappointed and empty-handed. A first! NOT. They DID report seeing a snake in the water, and apparently Ethan wasn't scared in the least. I guess the sour-cream-and-onion fried crickets he courageously devoured a bit earlier in the day paid off (in their own gross way).
Camryn had so much fun building in the sand today, and she befriended a little boy named Leo on the beach. They worked together on many projects, including a giant birthday cake with long, crooked candles made of sticks. Cami sang the happy birthday song to herself, cut the cake, and scooped ice cream on top. Ultimately, Leo turned out to be more of an assistant. He did pretty much whatever she told him to do. (A GOOD assistant!) While she definitely enjoyed the upper hand for a change, she was perfectly polite in all of her directions and demands. I was very proud. Some day, that will be me! ;)
On the downside, H has already destroyed his back, I have a terrible sunburn, and we found a tick in the bedroom this morning. Given the amount of ticks they predicted for this year, we will be lucky to leave here Lyme-free. We are checking everyone endlessly and thoroughly, but it's still pretty scary.
Anyway, I suppose the ticks serve a purpose. I have to worry about SOMETHING, even on vacation. :(
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Hildi's 50!
We are back in New York celebrating Hildi's 50th birthday. Arthur, Jani and Taz flew in from Florida, Stephen, Kate and Camilla from Washington, and Andrea and Emilia took buses from D.C.. It's been a long time since we've all been together, Stephen's 50th several years ago I think, so it's a real treat. Including Nani and Grandpa, Hildi's pack (Rich, Hildi, Rebecca, Jesse and Julia) and us, we are twelve adults and seven children, although Rebecca is quickly morphing into the adult category. Growing up in a family of just three, with no siblings and only one cousin (hundreds of miles away), I had a very different childhood experience. These kids are so lucky! Though it's difficult, if not impossible, for me to identify with the relationship of siblings, I'm getting to experience the extended family dynamics now, and I'm finding it really wonderful to be part of such a large and loyal group. Even the inherent Rosenfeld family drama is more cute than catastrophic.
As we sit in the pool and I watch all the kids play, I imagine them grown, with their own children, and how they will gather for family occasions. How Ethan will stress when his child is learning to swim and how Julia will tell him not to worry. They will be so many!!! I am so happy that they all have each other in this life. And while I can't imagine having another pregnancy, or another child for that matter, being a part of this now, I understand that Nani and Grandpa did it right by having four. I'm always amazed by how Ethan and Cami, who usually take a while to warm to a new situation, are immediately at ease with their cousins and aunts and uncles (whom they don't get to see THAT often), and by the adults, too, who don't correspond as much as we should (day to day), but pick up as if no time has gone by and function in this big house as if we always live here together. Sometimes I wish we lived on a kibbutz or some kind of 'commune.' A totally primal feeling, it gives me the insight that not only is more children better, but more adults to raise them is even better still. So much more love, attention and discipline. A much richer, much more layered environment. So many more lessons, so many more teachers to give them. Ethan had an 'incident' with uncle Arthur that I won't go into here, but suffice it to say that Ethan learned a great lesson, and Arthur gained a friend and admirer for life.
I think it's nice for Ethan and Camryn to be the youngest of the bunch; they get so much attention! Ethan has not left the pool other than for meals in the two days we've been here, and Taz and Camilla have been looking after him the entire time. Camryn The Cutie has everyone under her spell, and she is constantly being held, hugged, kissed and coddled by someone.
Arthur and Jani brought their new baby, a one-pound chihuahua named Pasha. Since the Rosenfelds are all crazy dog lovers, everyone is fighting over the adorable pup, but Camryn is definitely the most devoted. In her words, "I wish we could have a little Pasha at my house." He is so damn cute! Will we be compelled to get another one??? Fingers crossed that we resist!
Hildi's dinner party was prepared by Rebecca's best friend, Chef Andy. It was a yummy gourmet feast and Ethan really enjoyed watching the prep in the kitchen that went on all day. Not sure what was more intriguing for him, watching the chickens being deboned, stuffed and sewn back together with a giant metal hook OR watching the sugar bowls being made like beautiful blown-glass sculptures. No question he preferred eating the bowls. And he insisted on sitting next to his first real crush, Emilia, again, as he has for every meal since she arrived. Poor Nani was crushed by his betrayal. After dinner we went to see some spectacular fireworks nearby. Cami was pretty freaked out and I had to take her back to the car and plug her ears with my fingers until they were over. I'm sure she'll grow to love them eventually.
Hildi turned 50 so gracefully and beautifully. I can only hope to be half of everything that she is when it's my turn (in 25 years). I feel so close to her; I guess I'm beginning to understand what a sister feels like after all.
As we sit in the pool and I watch all the kids play, I imagine them grown, with their own children, and how they will gather for family occasions. How Ethan will stress when his child is learning to swim and how Julia will tell him not to worry. They will be so many!!! I am so happy that they all have each other in this life. And while I can't imagine having another pregnancy, or another child for that matter, being a part of this now, I understand that Nani and Grandpa did it right by having four. I'm always amazed by how Ethan and Cami, who usually take a while to warm to a new situation, are immediately at ease with their cousins and aunts and uncles (whom they don't get to see THAT often), and by the adults, too, who don't correspond as much as we should (day to day), but pick up as if no time has gone by and function in this big house as if we always live here together. Sometimes I wish we lived on a kibbutz or some kind of 'commune.' A totally primal feeling, it gives me the insight that not only is more children better, but more adults to raise them is even better still. So much more love, attention and discipline. A much richer, much more layered environment. So many more lessons, so many more teachers to give them. Ethan had an 'incident' with uncle Arthur that I won't go into here, but suffice it to say that Ethan learned a great lesson, and Arthur gained a friend and admirer for life.
I think it's nice for Ethan and Camryn to be the youngest of the bunch; they get so much attention! Ethan has not left the pool other than for meals in the two days we've been here, and Taz and Camilla have been looking after him the entire time. Camryn The Cutie has everyone under her spell, and she is constantly being held, hugged, kissed and coddled by someone.
Arthur and Jani brought their new baby, a one-pound chihuahua named Pasha. Since the Rosenfelds are all crazy dog lovers, everyone is fighting over the adorable pup, but Camryn is definitely the most devoted. In her words, "I wish we could have a little Pasha at my house." He is so damn cute! Will we be compelled to get another one??? Fingers crossed that we resist!
Hildi's dinner party was prepared by Rebecca's best friend, Chef Andy. It was a yummy gourmet feast and Ethan really enjoyed watching the prep in the kitchen that went on all day. Not sure what was more intriguing for him, watching the chickens being deboned, stuffed and sewn back together with a giant metal hook OR watching the sugar bowls being made like beautiful blown-glass sculptures. No question he preferred eating the bowls. And he insisted on sitting next to his first real crush, Emilia, again, as he has for every meal since she arrived. Poor Nani was crushed by his betrayal. After dinner we went to see some spectacular fireworks nearby. Cami was pretty freaked out and I had to take her back to the car and plug her ears with my fingers until they were over. I'm sure she'll grow to love them eventually.
Hildi turned 50 so gracefully and beautifully. I can only hope to be half of everything that she is when it's my turn (in 25 years). I feel so close to her; I guess I'm beginning to understand what a sister feels like after all.
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