Dear Maya honey,
My sweet beautiful girl. We celebrated Ethan's 6th birthday today. You are away at sleep away camp. It is your first time. It is Canp Hess Kramer in Malibu. You are there for 2 weeks with Hannah.
You've wanted to go to sleep away camp since last summer. I am so proud of you. You are so confident, outgoing, and friendly. They post pictures to the camp website everyday and when I see you my heart soars because you look so happy, glowing, and beautiful. You look so happy and fulfilled, and as your mama, that is my ultimate goal for you.
Honey, I love you and I miss you, but my heart soars with happiness for you. I can't wait to see you a week from tomorrow, but until then live it up, love it up, explore, enjoy, and just be. You are my sweet angel honey, and I truly have nothing but love for you.
Hugs and kisses,
Mommy
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Ethan, 6 years old
Dear Ethan,
Happy happy birthday my love! It has been a few years since I wrote in this blog. Life gets busy, one thing after another, and willingly or unwillingly, we forget intentions that we once set. Talia reminded me of this blog a few months ago, and I thought, on Ethan's 6 birthday, I will write him a letter! And so here we are.
We had your birthday party today. It was great fun. It was a boys only party, as per your request, at Ultrazone Laser Tag in Sherman Oaks. All your best buds came, which was great. It was a lot of fun. Turning 6 is a big deal. It is the first birthday party I really remember, and it sets the stage for being a real big boy. Next year comes first grade, and a whole lot of wonderful growing experiences.
I love you so much sweetheart. You are such a special boy, with a sweet heart of gold. You are a true little lover, with sweet blue eyes that pierce everyone with their beauty, and a smile to soften even the toughest of faces. You have grown so much this past year. Started at Lanai, learned so much at Huntington, been reading and writing so beautifully, made so many new friends, learned how to ride a bike, how to swim well, and how to skateboard. You've had some great role models (Coach PJ) and an incredible teacher who loved you so much (Mrs Mayberry). Your closest friends are still Devon, which is so sweet and special, and Jackson, Jayule, Troy, and Logan. You love electronics - iPad and Xbox, but also building and creating with Legos. Your favorite books is the "Ready Freddy" series.
This summer has been great. You are in camp at Camp Funtime, and while Maya is at sleep away camp at Hess Cramer, you have been going to camp with Devon at Sierra Canyon. You take the bus so beautifully, like a real independent big boy, and I am so, so proud of you.
Keep shining my beautiful boy, you are wonderful, and I am so, so proud to be your mama.
Love always,
Eama
Happy happy birthday my love! It has been a few years since I wrote in this blog. Life gets busy, one thing after another, and willingly or unwillingly, we forget intentions that we once set. Talia reminded me of this blog a few months ago, and I thought, on Ethan's 6 birthday, I will write him a letter! And so here we are.
We had your birthday party today. It was great fun. It was a boys only party, as per your request, at Ultrazone Laser Tag in Sherman Oaks. All your best buds came, which was great. It was a lot of fun. Turning 6 is a big deal. It is the first birthday party I really remember, and it sets the stage for being a real big boy. Next year comes first grade, and a whole lot of wonderful growing experiences.
I love you so much sweetheart. You are such a special boy, with a sweet heart of gold. You are a true little lover, with sweet blue eyes that pierce everyone with their beauty, and a smile to soften even the toughest of faces. You have grown so much this past year. Started at Lanai, learned so much at Huntington, been reading and writing so beautifully, made so many new friends, learned how to ride a bike, how to swim well, and how to skateboard. You've had some great role models (Coach PJ) and an incredible teacher who loved you so much (Mrs Mayberry). Your closest friends are still Devon, which is so sweet and special, and Jackson, Jayule, Troy, and Logan. You love electronics - iPad and Xbox, but also building and creating with Legos. Your favorite books is the "Ready Freddy" series.
This summer has been great. You are in camp at Camp Funtime, and while Maya is at sleep away camp at Hess Cramer, you have been going to camp with Devon at Sierra Canyon. You take the bus so beautifully, like a real independent big boy, and I am so, so proud of you.
Keep shining my beautiful boy, you are wonderful, and I am so, so proud to be your mama.
Love always,
Eama
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Pride as a parent
Dear Maya,
Today we got a lovely letter from Hebrew School. It was a summary of how you have done so far in your first half-year. This is what what written:
It was so lovely that it took my breath away and actually choked me up! I sent it on to daddy, sapta, saba, grandma and grandpa. You are really exceptional and I am so incredibly proud of you. You are a real achiever, and such a dynamite kid.
You've really shined this year -- moving up from TK to K, getting "purple" a whole week through (purple meaning you are performing above the top level...) what can I say kiddo? Keep it up - you rock! I am so incredibly proud of you and honored to be your mama...
Today we got a lovely letter from Hebrew School. It was a summary of how you have done so far in your first half-year. This is what what written:
Maya is a self-motivated learner who enjoys learning Hebrew and Judaic studies. She takes great pride in learning about Jewish heritage. Maya enjoys listening to Torah and holiday stories and shows good understanding of holiday customs. With little encouragement she participates in classroom discussions, prayers, and singing. She is a diligent worker; she enjoys hands-on activities, and her project about the story of Creation reflected her keen interest both in the process and completion of her work. We commend Maya for her sense of cooperation. She is a very respectful student who listens attentively to directions and follows them carefully. We are looking forward to her continued progress throughout the year.
It was so lovely that it took my breath away and actually choked me up! I sent it on to daddy, sapta, saba, grandma and grandpa. You are really exceptional and I am so incredibly proud of you. You are a real achiever, and such a dynamite kid.
You've really shined this year -- moving up from TK to K, getting "purple" a whole week through (purple meaning you are performing above the top level...) what can I say kiddo? Keep it up - you rock! I am so incredibly proud of you and honored to be your mama...
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Happy 5th Birthday, My Beautiful Daughter
My sweet Mayale,
Happy, happy birthday my love! 5 years old! I cannot believe it. 5 years is a milestone - a whole "hand" - a whole "chapter." I feel like we've known each other much longer than that, and I feel like there is much more than just "5" in you. You have a whole lot of stuff in your 5 year old "you" and it's all wonderful and precious.
If I think of how far you've come in the last year, it is overwhelming. I picked Ethan up from school yesterday and I was talking to his teacher, Abby. Abby was your teacher when you started at VBS too. Abby said how different you and Ethan were -- that when you were in her class you were so quiet, and observant, and did not take the lead much. I remember when you were like that. So sweet, and so attached to mama... you would cry every time I left you. Now things are so different! The other day your TK teacher Mrs. Bell said that you are outstanding, outgoing, and confident. She says you are a super girl! Well, not a surprise to me because I know it. Not only do I know it, I feel it in my bones! Mrs. Bell is awarding you the Principal's award - the first award for your class. Going to you. I am so, so proud of you. You are a wonderful, special girl. You love to help and be involved and you are friendly to everyone. You are excellent and mama loves you so, so much.
You love to do your homework and love to tell me all the new stuff you are learning in school. Other moms tell me how advanced you are in class. It's so, so good. I pray you will always be strong academically and interested in learning and achieving.
You care about your brother and your family -- well, you always have. You love to play and you LOVE to do art. That is your favorite thing right now. You love lalaloopsy and you like hearing pop radio... the song you always recognize is "Royals." You are playing softball right now and you love it too. That is what is so special about you. You never complain, you just go and you do. You are up for anything. It's a wonderful quality - a lot like your sapta!
For your 5th year I wish you continued happiness, innocence, energy, and joy. As you learn what friendship is all about in school, I hope you learn to be with friends who are nice and care about you, and learn to stay away from those who might not. I hope you find and nurture your passions, whatever they may be. I hope you continue to love as strongly as you do, and I hope you never lose your precious energy for life.
God blessed me when he brought you to me honey. I truly feel that. I love you, my beautiful 5 year old, to the moon and back.
Love,
Mommy
Happy, happy birthday my love! 5 years old! I cannot believe it. 5 years is a milestone - a whole "hand" - a whole "chapter." I feel like we've known each other much longer than that, and I feel like there is much more than just "5" in you. You have a whole lot of stuff in your 5 year old "you" and it's all wonderful and precious.
If I think of how far you've come in the last year, it is overwhelming. I picked Ethan up from school yesterday and I was talking to his teacher, Abby. Abby was your teacher when you started at VBS too. Abby said how different you and Ethan were -- that when you were in her class you were so quiet, and observant, and did not take the lead much. I remember when you were like that. So sweet, and so attached to mama... you would cry every time I left you. Now things are so different! The other day your TK teacher Mrs. Bell said that you are outstanding, outgoing, and confident. She says you are a super girl! Well, not a surprise to me because I know it. Not only do I know it, I feel it in my bones! Mrs. Bell is awarding you the Principal's award - the first award for your class. Going to you. I am so, so proud of you. You are a wonderful, special girl. You love to help and be involved and you are friendly to everyone. You are excellent and mama loves you so, so much.
You love to do your homework and love to tell me all the new stuff you are learning in school. Other moms tell me how advanced you are in class. It's so, so good. I pray you will always be strong academically and interested in learning and achieving.
You care about your brother and your family -- well, you always have. You love to play and you LOVE to do art. That is your favorite thing right now. You love lalaloopsy and you like hearing pop radio... the song you always recognize is "Royals." You are playing softball right now and you love it too. That is what is so special about you. You never complain, you just go and you do. You are up for anything. It's a wonderful quality - a lot like your sapta!
For your 5th year I wish you continued happiness, innocence, energy, and joy. As you learn what friendship is all about in school, I hope you learn to be with friends who are nice and care about you, and learn to stay away from those who might not. I hope you find and nurture your passions, whatever they may be. I hope you continue to love as strongly as you do, and I hope you never lose your precious energy for life.
God blessed me when he brought you to me honey. I truly feel that. I love you, my beautiful 5 year old, to the moon and back.
Love,
Mommy
Monday, July 8, 2013
Happy 3rd Birthday to my Beautiful Ethan
My sweet, sweet boy. Happy birthday to you! I just went through and read the history of this blog... Your other birthdays, the moments when you were so young and things were so crazy... Man, it's amazing how some things change so much and some things really stay the same.
You know what has stayed the same? The beautiful loving spirit that is you. Ever since you we're orn you loved "love", and you were loving and affectionate... And you still are. Today when I got home from work I gave you a big kiss and then Sapta gave you a big kiss and you held both of our faces, one on each cheek, and smiled and laughed.
Turning 3 is exciting! Tonight as I put you to bed we talked about it being your birthday tomorrow and you were jumping around, so excited. You said you were going to be bigger, and taller, and you would "touch the sky!" -- go for it baby!
You are a funny, sweet kid. You like school, but right now you'd much rather stay home and hang out or go to the park. You are TV and iPad obsessed - and this is something we are constantly battling! At school this past year all your teaxhers loved you andall the other teachers at school said they hope they will have you in theyears to come. You learned so many Jewish songs and prayers, and you are so mature and well-spoken. You love your friend Jake and play so nicely with him. You love to play with Maya in your little make-believe world. You still love cars, but you also love transformers, and sports! We just started you in a sports class at Balboa park and you are super into it.
You are a good, sweet boy Ethan, and I love and cherish you everyday. You fill me with joy, peace, and contentment, and I thank you for that. I am so grateful for you. Happy, happy birthday my love.
You know what has stayed the same? The beautiful loving spirit that is you. Ever since you we're orn you loved "love", and you were loving and affectionate... And you still are. Today when I got home from work I gave you a big kiss and then Sapta gave you a big kiss and you held both of our faces, one on each cheek, and smiled and laughed.
Turning 3 is exciting! Tonight as I put you to bed we talked about it being your birthday tomorrow and you were jumping around, so excited. You said you were going to be bigger, and taller, and you would "touch the sky!" -- go for it baby!
You are a funny, sweet kid. You like school, but right now you'd much rather stay home and hang out or go to the park. You are TV and iPad obsessed - and this is something we are constantly battling! At school this past year all your teaxhers loved you andall the other teachers at school said they hope they will have you in theyears to come. You learned so many Jewish songs and prayers, and you are so mature and well-spoken. You love your friend Jake and play so nicely with him. You love to play with Maya in your little make-believe world. You still love cars, but you also love transformers, and sports! We just started you in a sports class at Balboa park and you are super into it.
You are a good, sweet boy Ethan, and I love and cherish you everyday. You fill me with joy, peace, and contentment, and I thank you for that. I am so grateful for you. Happy, happy birthday my love.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Beautiful birthday wishes for my four year old!!
My dear Maya,
We are now a few days past your birthday, but life has been so busy that I haven't had a chance to write your letter. We had your birthday party on a Sunday, then I flew to Chicago that Monday, came home, celebrated your actual birthday that Thursday, then flew out to Boston the next Monday. Busy, but wonderful. Wonderful because now I'm home, and I'm with you and Ethan, and as your mom there is really no other place I'd rather be.
It's amazing to think that you are 4 years old. Not because it has gone by fast, because it has, but I also feel like I remember you at each age so well, so I don't feel like I missed out on anything. To me the beautiful thing about you growing up is really watching you grow. I look at how you see the world, how you think hard, and how you try to figure it out. It impresses me every day. I give you so much credit - I think you are going to do wonderful things - whether for the world, for a company, for your family, or for yourself. Or maybe for all.
If I think back to how you were when you turned 3 to how you are now... wow. You can now write your name so well, and are starting to figure this reading thing out. It's wonderful and exciting! You love to color/paint, and have a real passion for it. I see you figuring numbers out -- how much more is grandma's age to sapta's age (a conversation we just had in your room as I was putting you to bed tonight!). Math skills, reading skills -- it's so fun to see your brain click and learn and want to understand. Yay for that!
You have a wonderful heart and you love your brother so much. I see the way you look out for him. Sometimes you are also quite tough on him too! But that is the tricky part of having a sibling. You bit his cheek the other day - oy vey - broke skin and everything! Daddy and I were not the least bit happy with you and you cried for a solid hour, long after Ethan had said that he was fine and it didn't hurt anymore. I know it scared you -- realizing that when you act out in frustration sometimes you do things that you regret... wishing you could make it go away... but seeing that you can't. I hope that while these lessons are painful, you learn from them. Much easier to learn from biting your brother's cheek than god knows how many other more serious things...
I always feel it is really special how you are always looking out for Ethan - making sure he gets a toy that he likes, or a candy that he likes. If he really wants one of your toys 9 times out of 10 you give it to him - even if you really want it. I don't take that for granted at all. It shows that you have a kind, generous, loving heart.
You are a fun, active, quick on your feet girl. You aren't boring in the least. I see how the kids at school like you and want to hang with you and I love that! Go and shine and I am here in your corner cheering you on.
Happy birthday my beautiful Maya-le. You are my heart's sunshine and I love you so very much, every single day.
Lots of love,
Mommy
We are now a few days past your birthday, but life has been so busy that I haven't had a chance to write your letter. We had your birthday party on a Sunday, then I flew to Chicago that Monday, came home, celebrated your actual birthday that Thursday, then flew out to Boston the next Monday. Busy, but wonderful. Wonderful because now I'm home, and I'm with you and Ethan, and as your mom there is really no other place I'd rather be.
It's amazing to think that you are 4 years old. Not because it has gone by fast, because it has, but I also feel like I remember you at each age so well, so I don't feel like I missed out on anything. To me the beautiful thing about you growing up is really watching you grow. I look at how you see the world, how you think hard, and how you try to figure it out. It impresses me every day. I give you so much credit - I think you are going to do wonderful things - whether for the world, for a company, for your family, or for yourself. Or maybe for all.
If I think back to how you were when you turned 3 to how you are now... wow. You can now write your name so well, and are starting to figure this reading thing out. It's wonderful and exciting! You love to color/paint, and have a real passion for it. I see you figuring numbers out -- how much more is grandma's age to sapta's age (a conversation we just had in your room as I was putting you to bed tonight!). Math skills, reading skills -- it's so fun to see your brain click and learn and want to understand. Yay for that!
You have a wonderful heart and you love your brother so much. I see the way you look out for him. Sometimes you are also quite tough on him too! But that is the tricky part of having a sibling. You bit his cheek the other day - oy vey - broke skin and everything! Daddy and I were not the least bit happy with you and you cried for a solid hour, long after Ethan had said that he was fine and it didn't hurt anymore. I know it scared you -- realizing that when you act out in frustration sometimes you do things that you regret... wishing you could make it go away... but seeing that you can't. I hope that while these lessons are painful, you learn from them. Much easier to learn from biting your brother's cheek than god knows how many other more serious things...
I always feel it is really special how you are always looking out for Ethan - making sure he gets a toy that he likes, or a candy that he likes. If he really wants one of your toys 9 times out of 10 you give it to him - even if you really want it. I don't take that for granted at all. It shows that you have a kind, generous, loving heart.
You are a fun, active, quick on your feet girl. You aren't boring in the least. I see how the kids at school like you and want to hang with you and I love that! Go and shine and I am here in your corner cheering you on.
Happy birthday my beautiful Maya-le. You are my heart's sunshine and I love you so very much, every single day.
Lots of love,
Mommy
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Dear Ethan
My sweet boy. Here we are, on the day before your 2nd birthday. It's so amazing that two years has gone by. Two years since your beautiful spirit entered the world. Since your gorgeous blue eyes, dimple chin, and heart of gold became a luxury I could enjoy and appreciate every day. I am so lucky to have you.
You really are an incredible kid. You are the sweetest, most loving little guy I know. This is your personality and your biggest blessing. How lucky you are that you were born this way. As your mama I think about these things all the time -- what it will take for you to have success and happiness in your life. So many things contribute to that, but what might be the most important is a good personality. And at 2 years old, you have this category checked off. What a beautiful blessing!
You are wonderfully friendly. You say "hi" with a wave and a big smile. But it's really to people who you know and like, so it's not to just anybody. When people leave, you say bye with emotion and depth. I love this about you! It's special and such a nice quality to have.
You love to laugh. You are a happy boy. It's easy to make you happy and you exude happiness so it feels good from every perspective. You find joy in almost everything we do.
You have such a good heart. For the most part, you always say sorry if you hurt someone. You say please and thank you, many times unprompted. It's pretty amazing for such a little guy!
And how could I forget. You LOVE Cars. I mean love. It's so funny to think that as an infant and toddler you had Maya's toys to play with... strollers, dolls. And you were the best stroller-pusher ever! But then one day you learned about cars, and that was it. Cars-obsessed! I don't think anyone even tried to teach you about cars, you just got into them on your own. The difference between boys and girls I guess.
Love you sweet boy. Love you to the moon and back and I absolutely adore you. Happy birthday!
You really are an incredible kid. You are the sweetest, most loving little guy I know. This is your personality and your biggest blessing. How lucky you are that you were born this way. As your mama I think about these things all the time -- what it will take for you to have success and happiness in your life. So many things contribute to that, but what might be the most important is a good personality. And at 2 years old, you have this category checked off. What a beautiful blessing!
You are wonderfully friendly. You say "hi" with a wave and a big smile. But it's really to people who you know and like, so it's not to just anybody. When people leave, you say bye with emotion and depth. I love this about you! It's special and such a nice quality to have.
You love to laugh. You are a happy boy. It's easy to make you happy and you exude happiness so it feels good from every perspective. You find joy in almost everything we do.
You have such a good heart. For the most part, you always say sorry if you hurt someone. You say please and thank you, many times unprompted. It's pretty amazing for such a little guy!
And how could I forget. You LOVE Cars. I mean love. It's so funny to think that as an infant and toddler you had Maya's toys to play with... strollers, dolls. And you were the best stroller-pusher ever! But then one day you learned about cars, and that was it. Cars-obsessed! I don't think anyone even tried to teach you about cars, you just got into them on your own. The difference between boys and girls I guess.
Love you sweet boy. Love you to the moon and back and I absolutely adore you. Happy birthday!
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