Asher's First Haircut

I can't get over what a big boy Asher is becoming. Just like Zahara, he was born with a ton of hair, and it keeps growing. It was starting to get in his eyes and we didn't want to put his hair in cute little ponytails and clips like we did with Z. Instead, it was time for his first haircut.

We went to the same place in Dallas that we did for Zahara's first cut. They do a really good job there, and Asher did so well! It's Kids B Kids in Plano, for any locals.

You could tell that Asher loved his new look. I mean, look at this handsome face.

Read about Zahara's first haircut here.

Dear Asher: 9 Months

Dear Asher,

Happy nine month birthday! What a little man you're becoming! This was a huge developmental month for you. The biggest change is that you are incredibly mobile. You are crawling at super speeds and are starting to pull yourself up on furniture. You love "walking" by holding our hands and moving your legs. I love watching you crawl from the living room around the corner to the kitchen to come find me. Your look of surprise and happiness when you see me is the best.

Another part of what is making you look like such a little guy now is your new haircut. Your hair was getting in your eyes and mouth, so we had to take care of it. Just like she did for your sister, G-mom took you for your first haircut. You did such a great job. I can't get over how handsome you look.

You are super ticklish! It's so funny! You are especially sensitive under your arms, on your neck, and on your chest. You laugh a big, throaty laugh that fills me with such joy.

I love how much you love your sister. And she loves you back--much to our relief. I love watching you guys interact. I know this phase won't last forever (especially now that you're mobile), but I'm enjoying it while I can.

You are eating solids a few times a day now. You will eat most foods, but you LOVE Cheerios and Veggie Straws. Probably too much. I think they feel good on your sore gums. Hopefully these teeth come soon!

Other quick facts: You love dancing to music; you squirm like crazy during diaper changes and often end up crawling around naked; and you still wake mummy up in the middle of the night.

We love you. Happy 9 month birthday!

Read about Zahara at this age:
Dear Zahara: 9 Months

Purim Celebrations

I'm really late with this recap, but Purim this year was so fun and I want to make sure I capture the memories. With Zahara in Jewish school now, we have even more incentive to celebrate holidays. She learns all about the meaning, history, and traditions at school. She sings songs and talks about the foods she wants to eat. Purim is a particularly fun holiday because it is meant for the kids. It's a day where we dress up, eat yummy cookies called hamantaschen, and give gifts to our friends.

This year, we spread the fun out and had a few different Purim celebrations:

Playdate with Liana
Zahara's best buddy from daycare came over for a dress-up and cookie making playdate. Liana had never had hamantaschen before, so it was fun teaching her about them and, of course, eating them.

Community Carnival
I had no idea that there was such a large Jewish community in Maryland. But apparently, there is. The week before Purim there was a huge carnival held at a high school. There was face painting, food, games, music, and stories. We had a blast!

Purim Day Schpiel and Carnival
On Purim day we dropped mishloach manot (gifts) to a few of our friends and went to a synagogue to watch a Purim schpiel. A schpiel is a funny skit that tells the story of Purim. This year's theme was Sesame street. It was cute. And of course there was more face painting, games, and food.

What a fun way to celebrate the holidays!

April Thoughts by Z

I take for granted how well Zahara is able to communicate and express herself, but I shouldn't. She really is articulate for her age. I love our conversations and always look forward to what she'll say next.

Thought 1:
Pointing to her classmate who is on all fours next to her:

Z: Mummy, this is my pet dog. Zevi, bark for my mum.
Zevi: Ruff, ruff.

Thought 2:

Z: Daddy, I don't want you to sing anymore. Don't be a parent.

Thought 3:

Z: Why are your eyes pink?
Me: That's my eye shadow. Do you like it?
Z: No. You look like a monster.

Thought 4:

Z: I saw all the blossoms on the trees. They look like Cheerios.

See previous Thoughts by Z here