April, 2016 Archive

Why is This Year Different From All Other Years?

by Bryan Friedman in All In The Family, Daddy's Corner, The House

With apologies to T.S. Eliot, April is the sweetest month for me. Spring is my time – it’s my favorite season because it means better weather, good strawberries, the return of baseball, and…Passover.

For those who have a love affair with all things bread (like my wife for example), it is sometimes hard to understand why I love Passover so much. Even as a kid it was my favorite Jewish holiday. Of course the obvious choice here would have been Chanukah – presents, latkes, dreidels, chocolate, all the bread you can eat. But somehow I’ve always preferred the other eight-day Jewish festival. Maybe it’s the sweet, sweet charoset. Or the buttered matzah. Or the reclining at the table?

I guess for me it always kind of felt like Jewish Thanksgiving except you replace turkey with brisket, cornbread with matzah, football with baseball, and pumpkins with strawberries. Those are pretty much all upgrades in my world. (Except for the cornbread I guess. I mean I do love matzah, but let’s get serious.) Sure, it may seem like a slog through the Haggadah before the meal – but I love the story of Exodus and all the seder plate symbolism. Plus that’s the whole point right? Remembering that “once we were slaves, but now we are free.” Then we eat. (It’s a familiar Jewish holiday pattern.)

When I was little, we did seder at my mom’s house for a lot of years, then eventually just did it with our old congregation (before Alison and I joined the one we involved with now). But after Alison got pregnant with Madelyn, I decided it was time for us to start a new tradition. It was time for us to own Passover. Thanksgiving at Mimi’s house. Chanukah at Grandma’s. Passover at our house. That’s how it would work.

IMG_7894

Luckily, Alison loves me so much, she jumped on board. Plus she makes the best charoset around, a totally mean (and easy thanks to the crock pot) brisket, and amazing matzah ball soup. (Hat tip to my own Grandma’s recipe – the trick is to use seltzer water in case you didn’t know.) So we started the tradition and we’ve kept it alive. Sort of.

In 2011 we had our first annual Friedman Family seder in our old condo.

Then in 2012, Madelyn’s first Passover.

In 2013 we were in the process of moving so we had no dining room table and even though we made everything, we had the seder at my mom’s house instead.

2014 marked the birth of our current dining room for our first seder in our new house.

And then in 2015 Arielle was born like 3 weeks before Passover started, and I had to travel for work, so we had to forgo having our traditional seder last year. (But Alison threw me an awesome impromptu surprise mini-seder complete with a seder plate of Madelyn’s toy food.)

passover-2015

This year though, I was determined to get our tradition back on track. Plus, we now have a total Passover pro in our household this year. Madelyn came home from school one day and recited all four questions flawlessly then explained what all the seder plate foods represent. Jewish preschool for the win.

The festivities for us started on Friday night, the first night of Passover, when Madelyn and I watched “The Prince of Egypt” together. I love the music in this movie and also its version of the telling of Exodus. Two years ago we also watched it together, but I don’t know if Madelyn really got what was happening. This time, since she already knew about everything – Pharoah, Miriam, the burning bush, the plagues – she totally followed along. It was really fun to analyze it with her and answer the tough questions like “Did God really talk to Moses?” and “Is it all just magic?” I definitely want to make a yearly tradition out of watching this together, and I can’t wait for Arielle to join the fun.

Prince-of-Egypt

The next day was our seder. While Mimi and Poppa were in New York this year having pizza instead of matzah, we invited Gigi to join us as well as Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie Alison, Uncle Michael and Cousin Jordan. A perfect amount at our dining room table!

IMG_5580

IMG_5566

We had all of Madelyn’s Preschool Passover pictures and assorted artwork on display for everyone to admire. I led the Haggadah reading, handing off sections to everyone at the table to get them all involved. Madelyn even asked the four questions herself in English before we all joined her and sang the Hebrew. Arielle and Jordan did their part too, eating charoset, soup, matzah balls, brisket, and everything else in sight. The seder is the peak of my Passover happiness. Food and family. Hungry but humble. A Jewish holiday at its finest.

seder-1

seder-2

seder-3

seder-4

seder-5

seder-9

seder-6

seder-7

seder-8

httpv://youtu.be/aaCKX9K2Hx4

We ended the night with strawberries and Cool Whip and a lovely flourless chocolate cake courtesy of Auntie Alison. (Delicious enough in fact that no one thought to take a picture of it first.) And of course, Maddie found the afikomen since she doesn’t have very worthy competition yet and this garnered her a whole $2.50 – paper money from Gigi and Grandpa and a half-dollar coin from Daddy. Now she’s really rolling in [matzah] dough. She was very happy to get “money” to put in her “purse.”

IMG_7871

I kept things going for one more day as Maddie and I made matzah brei the following morning. She was so confused about soaking the matzah first, but she liked breaking it up. Girl loves her matzah. Like father like daughter I guess.

matzah-brei

While we’re sitting at the table eating this Passover breakfast, she turns to me unsolicited and says, “You know what my favorite part of Passover is?”

“Matzah?” I said.

“Nooo. (Well yes I love matzah too.)” she answered.

“What’s your favorite part then?” I asked. I was really curious now.

“Family and prayers,” she says.

Family and prayers! Are you kidding me? Who is this kid?

She’s my daughter of course. I couldn’t agree more, Madelyn.

  1. 11/7/2024 9:39 PM

    May this holiday season be a time for you to take a break,indulge in your favorite activities,???

  2. 11/7/2024 8:56 PM

    That is,he gets an orgasm,?? ??

  3. 11/6/2024 11:29 PM

    ????? ??) I don’t think he would have judged someone like Ms.Guggenheim moralistically.

  4. 11/6/2024 9:34 PM

    ??? ??Indeed,I know nothing of her sex life at all.

  5. 11/6/2024 9:10 AM

    [They think] they should be a sexual machine and just want to fuck people.????? ?? ?[Stereotypes] reduce sex down to a functionality.’ Similarly,

  6. 11/5/2024 2:41 PM

    ????? ??Whole grain foods have excellent health benefits.According to a 2022 analysis,

  7. 11/5/2024 10:29 AM

    from the instruction manual that comes ????? sexwith your toy to thorough online guides by brands like Smile Makers and Lovehoney.

  8. 11/5/2024 9:10 AM

    She agrees that “moving through the phases of the menstrualjydoll cycle definitely does impact libido and PMS. In terms of libido, during the ovulation phase,

  9. 11/5/2024 7:44 AM

    One couple is on a lounge chair about three over from mine,????? ???? the guy kneeling in the sand to do the damn thing. With the other pair, the woman is truly aspirational

  10. 11/4/2024 9:24 PM

    I gasped a little and he got nervous and asked me if I was hurt???? ????. He moved slowly and after a short few seconds I was luckily able to enjoy our sex.

  11. 11/4/2024 1:47 PM

    In response to the many warnings ????? avabout premarital sex from my church, parents, and elsewhere,

  12. 11/4/2024 10:03 AM

    The first guy who initiated it, when I was only 14, almost succeeded, ?????but I kept on remembering my values and the principles I had set for myself.

  13. 11/4/2024 7:09 AM

    Dr. Olson recommends designating a specific towel for period sex or ????? sexputting down a plastic bag if you’re in a pinch.

  14. 11/4/2024 3:58 AM

    Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your website in internet explorer, may test this?K IE still is the marketplace chief and a good element of other folks will pass over your excellent writing due to this problem.

  15. 11/3/2024 1:05 AM

    herself.??? ??And possibly her own repressed creativity.

  16. 11/1/2024 6:29 AM

    ??????and criminal justice systems as well.Having an erection or having ejaculated makes their assault up to debate,

  17. 11/1/2024 1:41 AM

    with prompt and thorough assistance throughout the process.It’s no wonder JP-Dolls is a top choice for many.????? ??

  18. 11/1/2024 12:53 AM

    ?? ????offering prompt and knowledgeable support throughout the entire purchasing process.The site’s intuitive design made customizing my doll both straightforward and enjoyable.

  19. 10/30/2024 11:35 PM

    The clarity and depth of your research have provided me with a much richer understanding of the subject.?????which complemented the text perfectly and enhanced the overall readability.

  20. 10/30/2024 1:00 PM

    The proof of the pudding is in the tasting: data are needed to test models and hypotheses related to compulsive sexual behaviors.????? ??Arch Sex Behav.

  21. 10/30/2024 10:37 AM

    which means the manufacturers started focusing on better quality sex dolls to stand out from the crowd.??????The dinosaurs of the sex doll manufacturing world died out,

  22. 10/30/2024 9:06 AM

    stirred by an Australian study finding that one in five business employees could be a psychopath.Numerous top business media outlets rushed to cover the news.????? ????

  23. 10/30/2024 5:55 AM

    We wanted authors who would be willing to contemplate and write respectfully,credibly,????? ??

  24. 10/29/2024 9:09 PM

    sex ???She may love to take tons of photographs and he may run away from the sight of a camera.But if he still endures an incessant photo session with her,

  25. 10/29/2024 1:26 PM

    offering prompt The site’s intuitive design made the customization experience easy and enjoyable.?? ????It’s no surprise that com is so highly regarded by many.

  26. 10/28/2024 8:42 AM

    ?? ??giving you peace of mind while shopping.The checkout process is straightforward,

  27. 10/28/2024 4:25 AM

    and relationship pleasure.???? ???Intercourse is only one way to have fulfilling sex.

  28. 10/28/2024 1:26 AM

    whole grains,????? ??legumes,

  29. 10/27/2024 7:53 PM

    ??? ???below the natural replacement and the third lowest in independent countries of the Americas,after Canada and Cuba.

  30. 10/27/2024 2:27 PM

    The sexual maturation process produces sexual interest and stimulates thought processes.??? ????Subsequent sexual behavior starts with the secretion of hormones from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland.

  31. 10/27/2024 1:44 PM

    The joints move smoothly,??? ???com’s customer service is top-notch,

  32. 10/27/2024 12:43 PM

    If we can’t solve it for you,?? ??if we can’t answer your questions,

  33. 10/27/2024 6:27 AM

    ????? ??This level of dedication to customer satisfaction is a major factor that sets com apart from other retailers and contributes to their excellent reputation in the industry.Shopping on com is designed to be secure,

  34. 10/25/2024 4:17 PM

    the most common problems listed for males were experiencing anxiety about performing sexually (81.??? ????4) and premature ejaculation (74.

  35. 10/25/2024 9:46 AM

    ?? ??An arms race is a scenario where both sides of some conflict increase their capacity to inflict damage to one another by developing and collecting weapons.Some of the most beautiful,

  36. 10/25/2024 3:53 AM

    In these cases, sex dolls can provide a sense of connection ???? ???and emotional support that may be lacking in real-life relationships.

  37. 10/24/2024 9:28 PM

    It’s also a great way to reminisce after your solo travel adventure and remember what you’ve achieved.?????If you fancy upping your Insta game,

  38. 10/24/2024 7:58 PM

    She said: What a relief that you’re no longer in a limbo.Congratulations,????? ? ??

  39. 10/24/2024 1:47 PM

    we are pessimistic about our respective countries and our futures.????? ?? ?“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.

  40. 10/24/2024 10:39 AM

    the deeper the darkness of the unconscious becomes.???? ??” In other words,

  41. 10/24/2024 9:37 AM

    ?? ?????this is a wake-up call for everyone.May we all work collectively to create a broader home that is physically and psychologically safe for all people—comprised of extra care for our children.

  42. 10/24/2024 8:54 AM

    ?????as well as perceptions of in-group membershipStürmer,Snyder,

  43. 10/24/2024 12:50 AM

    ????? ?? ?We have more access to information (and misinformation) about the world,and to each other,

  44. 10/23/2024 9:46 PM

    and many are anatomically appropriate ?? ??ample to allow their house owners to utilize them for sexual satisfaction.

  45. 10/22/2024 2:00 PM

    or an external standard of personal accountability.?????Next time you lend a hand,

  46. 10/22/2024 12:30 AM

    ”What would make a cold,????? ????calculating psychopath like Tom Ripley cry? Was he crying out of self-pity that he was enjoying a life that he never had? Did he now see himself as having finally arrived and would that bring him to tears? The truth is that the psychopath has blunted emotions and only has limited emotional reactivity.

  47. 10/21/2024 11:58 PM

    Wishing you a vacation filled with serenity,?????adventure,

  48. 10/21/2024 10:17 PM

    It also requires self-regulation for the client to be in the present in the face of what comes up.For some clients,?? ?????

  49. 10/21/2024 1:43 PM

    Here’s to love,and happily ever after!This caption is perfect for newly-married couples.sex ???

  50. 10/20/2024 7:40 PM

    but the entire loop would take about 32 days,assuming a pace of 12-15 miles a day.?????? ????

  51. 10/20/2024 6:08 PM

    FunWest Doll’s array of finger options caters?? ?? to various user needs, offering stability, moderate hand mobility, or substantial hand movements.

  52. 10/20/2024 5:02 PM

    In these cases, sex dolls can provide a sense of connection ???? ???and emotional support that may be lacking in real-life relationships.

  53. 10/19/2024 5:27 AM

    American Airlines resumed flights to the island from New York City’s John F.Kennedy International in November,??????

  54. 10/18/2024 10:38 PM

    ??????we can fight back against this challenge—and beat it.At a recent healthcare conference,

  55. 10/17/2024 6:22 PM

    It was mostly Asian dolls again, but with more variety (like some BBW dolls),?? ?? including Doll Castle’s latest abomination.

  56. 10/17/2024 5:07 PM

    There’s a pre-sale going on now with the actual release date TBA,?? ?? but some people already beta-tested the doll.

  57. 10/17/2024 4:09 AM

    Europe,????? ????and Canada warehouses.

  58. 10/17/2024 12:37 AM

    The three examples I started withcolor,???? ???space,

  59. 10/16/2024 8:19 AM

    ????? ??, alcohol or substance abuse, self-harm or acting out behaviorse., displacing anger onto others, toxic disruptions in relationships, etc.

  60. 10/16/2024 12:55 AM

    ??? ?????instead of having to be chased around the kitchen with a plateful of beige food.When,

  61. 10/15/2024 8:01 PM

    let them know through your Instagram post how lucky you are!12.Thanks for putting up with me even at my craziest selves.sex ???

  62. 10/15/2024 3:53 PM

    Want to show off your love on social media? Don’t do it without a killer or heartfelt love caption.???? ?Amidst plenty of love captions for Instagram,

  63. 10/14/2024 9:47 AM

    Practicing clinical psychologists’ provision of sexual health care services.Prof Psychol.????? ??

  64. 10/14/2024 1:18 AM

    ?????Sample delicious desserts from local bakeries and pastry shops.Enjoy a scenic countryside picnic with a delicious spread of local produce.

  65. 10/13/2024 5:24 AM

    ?? ??they often think they should be as explicit and extreme as possible with the words they use.This is a pretty bad way to look at talking dirty during sex.

  66. 10/11/2024 1:51 AM

    ????? ??when they know that a partner is fully invested in the relationship,their true colors will start to show.

  67. 10/11/2024 12:06 AM

    ????? ???you can now explore your fantasies in a three-dimensional space,making these virtual encounters feel more real than ever.

  68. 10/10/2024 12:07 PM

    the emotional lives of insects are richer than many of us have ever imagined—not just in the ever-popular bees,but also in flies,????? ??

  69. 10/10/2024 11:32 AM

    Based on the initial assessment,the facility must develop an individualized care plan (ICP) for each new resident within seven days of admission.????? ???

  70. 10/9/2024 10:17 PM

    Stop for a second to think about it if someone hovers over you all your life and does not let you try things and fail and figure it out for yourself,would you sense that you’re capable of solving your problems or taking risks? Perhaps the parents are ambivalent about their child’s transition to independence because they’re not ready to let go,??? ???

  71. 10/9/2024 7:39 PM

    ?? ?????with his neurotypical children,most days were rewarding and every once in a while he had a difficult day.

  72. 10/9/2024 7:08 PM

    Whether you are a seasoned experimenter and always up for trying new things,?? ??or are just starting out on your journey,

  73. 10/9/2024 1:37 PM

    ????? ?? ?Of course,they do.

  74. 10/9/2024 1:11 PM

    you’ll find hundreds in this guide on how to talk dirty.?? ??10.

  75. 10/9/2024 9:13 AM

    ????? ??crates,and hampers of various kinds and sizes are all used in packaging vegetables for marketing.

  76. 10/9/2024 6:36 AM

    ????? ??This caption is a fact.Your wedding day and honeymoon will get over.

  77. 10/9/2024 5:19 AM

    ?????One reason you may object to lending a hand or giving money is that the need to feel good about yourself is satisfied in different ways.Not everyone needs an inflated ego and some people genuinely have feelings of empathy for those less fortunate.

  78. 10/7/2024 2:49 PM

    There are also food courts,????? ??which are are indoors,

  79. 10/7/2024 2:25 PM

    there are still approximately 52 pregnancies per 1,??? ????000 15- to 19-year-old women and 14 abortions per 1,

  80. 10/6/2024 1:38 PM

    ???? ??????” However,to get the best view,

  81. 10/6/2024 8:02 AM

    ???? ??????this hotel is worth a stay even for nonbelievers,thanks to its historically accurate rooms,

  82. 10/5/2024 11:04 AM

    “For Indian Americans in America,?????? ??hoteling has always been a family business.

  83. 10/4/2024 9:54 AM

    too,?? ??and was addicted to barbiturates and amphetamines.

  84. 10/4/2024 2:23 AM

    ” meaning slightly re-scope our jobs so as to better answer our needs.Reassert your autonomy,????? ????

  85. 10/4/2024 12:23 AM

    ??? ???and while it may be helpful to debate the state of things,one would hope that the readersincluding you would add a pinch of salt and digest slowly what’s said.

  86. 10/3/2024 10:08 PM

    and specifically the climate,her response is Well,??? ??

  87. 10/2/2024 11:27 PM

    ???Of course,I accepted it,

  88. 10/2/2024 10:04 PM

    ????? ??be they Chinese,Indian,

  89. 10/2/2024 3:28 PM

    ??? ?????and communities.When leaders thrive,

  90. 10/2/2024 4:52 AM

    from locales as wide-ranging as Alaska,Brazil,??? ??

  91. 10/1/2024 11:50 AM

    I determined that dogs know about 165 words or word-like signs and signals,which put them on par with a human toddler between 2 and 2.????? ??

  92. 9/30/2024 4:27 PM

    or chew.Sometimes,????? ??

  93. 9/30/2024 12:22 PM

    Once you identify the areas needing improvement,it’s time to put yourself to work.????? ??

  94. 9/30/2024 11:12 AM

    which was related to a greater risk of first sex.????? ??ContraceptionEffective contraceptive use generally requires planning and preparation prior to having sexual intercours This is often a problem for adolescents because young people usually report that their first sexual intercourse “just happened” and that they were not planning to have sex at the tim Consequently,

  95. 9/27/2024 3:55 AM

    ??????Bhutan has ended its policy requiring visitors to be accompanied 24/7 by a guide; instead,the nation has implemented an increased tourism tax,

  96. 9/26/2024 10:15 PM

    ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????

  97. 9/26/2024 7:43 PM

    The growing fascination with sex dolls reflects a wider ????? sexchange in how society views closeness and personal connections.

  98. 9/26/2024 2:20 PM

    that a kind older man offering her a snack at a bus stop must’ve rubbed the snack on his genitals before handing it to her.?????? ? ?She slams her phone on the floor when her boyfriend reminds her she has a phone call with an attorney in a few moments as if she could forget,

  99. 9/26/2024 7:10 AM

    Moreover,????? ????with recent legal attacks on women’s health and trans health,

  100. 9/26/2024 3:49 AM

    ????? ??given the fact that dogsand cats are carnivores and my expectation would have been that even the most loving pet would have tried to stay alive by eating the body of their dead owner.Recently,

  101. 9/24/2024 11:47 PM

    There are plenty more ways to have better sex.?? ??9.

  102. 9/24/2024 9:44 PM

    ?? ??Unlock His Deepest,Darkest Desirestips for better sexDo you have a fantasy that drives you wild?I’m talking about a kink or fetish that,

  103. 9/24/2024 11:24 AM

    We find that the strongest predictors of early involvement in sexual activity include (1) academic achievement and (2) attitudes toward sex.??? ???For academic achievement,

  104. 9/24/2024 8:10 AM

    you’re rolling down a hill,going through menopause.?? ??

The Name Game… Again

Just a little over four years ago, Madelyn had her baby naming at Temple Adat Elohim and it was perfectly planned and timed for an age when we were comfortable with keeping her out and up late. We made the date months in advance, I bought a new dress, and we carefully orchestrated the day around what was to come later that evening.

For the second time around in this first of of Jewish lifecycle events, Arielle’s baby naming took place in December. A month before, we realized she was nearing her first birthday and the holidays were about to explode all over the calendar, and we scrambled to get a date that worked for our families. It was so last minute, and while I did get to buy a new dress, it was out of necessity because nothing in my closet was fitting and I was suffering lots of breastfeeding problems that were causing engorgement (enjoy the photos below. Holy boobs).

From the minute we arrived, Arielle and Madelyn acted like they owned the place.

From the minute we arrived, Arielle and Madelyn acted like they owned the place.

Is it just me do the photos you deem most important usually come out most awkward? I so wish I could change a million things about this photo, but this was life in that very minute -- a teething baby, a distracted Madelyn, an exploding and painful chest...  Memories, folks.

Is it just me do the photos you deem most important usually come out most awkward? I so wish I could change a million things about this photo, but this was life in that very minute — a teething baby, a distracted Madelyn, an exploding and painful chest… Memories, folks.

To say that we threw Arielle’s baby naming together in a huff is an understatement, though our wonderful cantor and dear friend, David Shukiar, walked us through the brief ceremony and picking out her name. And repicking out her name. And picking it out again.

You see, selecting a name for Arielle was definitely not a fly-by-night part of the process, which, I suppose, is the actual most important part. We knew for certain we’d be honoring my mom’s dad, Jules, but weren’t sure how to go about doing so. Would we use his actual Hebrew name and call it a day? (We didn’t love it). Would we just use the first initial “J”? (Hard to do, since there’s no “J” in Hebrew). Would we go by the literal meaning and use the name that matches the definition? (Not as easy to match). Just when we’d found a combination with a meaning that worked, we didn’t necessarily like the way it sounded. Well, maybe that was me. Bryan was a lot less picky (shocker), but I was getting hung up on all kinds of little details because pronunciation is important. But with Hebrew, pronunciation can be hard.

And I know her Hebrew name is mostly only used for ceremonial purposes; we won’t be calling her down to dinner using her Hebrew name and she won’t be answering to it when she raises her hand in school. Still, though, I wanted it to sound pretty while also maintaining the integrity and memory of her great-grandfather.

At the baby naming in December, Bryan and I brought up our darling 9-month-old to the bimah and took turns sharing these words:

babynaming9

babynaming10

Generous and with the best smile. That’s how people described my Grandpa, Jules Kaplan, and Arielle Jane’s namesake. He was generous with his heart. His 3 daughters and their families always received such thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Hanukkahs, and other simchas. He was also generous with his wallet, often giving to charities that he felt were important. (When cleaning out his office desk, we had found piles and piles of return address labels and wall calendars and other chazerai from all the philanthropies he gave to). He was always most proud to donate to Jewish organizations and projects that supported Israel.

The other remarkable trait that everyone commented on — from his dashing young army days to the end with his family by his side — was his smile. He was a very handsome man, and he always smiled at everyone from strangers to his 3 daughters that made him proud. He always had smiles for Madelyn, who he knew for 20 months. I can even remember my own school friends growing up and hanging out with my family, remarking on my Grandpa’s smile. If you were lucky, you even got a wink. Happy and joy oozed from that smile.

Two of many things that made my Grandpa smile: Cheering on his family members as he did when he came to see me in action at a UofA football game; and going to Dodger games with my dad -- he loved baseball.

Two of many things that made my Grandpa smile: Cheering on his family members as he did when he came to see me in action at a UofA football game; and going to Dodger games with my dad — he loved baseball.

While Arielle’s middle name, Jane, is in honor of her great grandfather Jules, we knew that we’d also want to incorporate these two traits of his in giving her her Hebrew name.

Semecha is the Hebrew word for Happy or Joyous. It just so happens that Arielle is one happy baby. She hands out smiles like candy and flashes her gums for anyone who catches her eye. She is full of joy, and in return, brings so much joy to us as well.

Netanya is the Hebrew word for Gift. The gifts that Alison’s Grandpa gave to everyone through his generosity is also parallel to the gift we have in Arielle. Every day with her feels like a present, and we know she’s special and unique like the best gifts are.

babynaming11

Arielle, we wish more than anything that you could have met my Grandpa. I know he would’ve been dazzled by your gorgeous smile with your scrunched up nose and sparkly eyes. I also know he would be proud of the person you will become, gifting people not only with your wonderful presence – the best present – but with your generosity and commitment to do your part to heal the world. We wanted you and waited for you, and in March you arrived, our perfect, little, joyous gift who completes our family. Your two great grandmothers, your four kvelling grandparents, your overjoyed mom and dad, and your partner in crime for life, Madelyn, could not be happier about the gift that you are to us and your community. We love you.

After the ceremony, we shared the rest of the Shabbat service and a Hanukkah candle lighting with our family and friends, surrounded by the community we’ve surrounded ourself with at temple. It was so nice to see so many of our friends from preschool, members from various committees we work with, and fellow chairs who are on Board of Directors with me.

So thankful for the friends I've made through Madelyn's preschool.

So thankful for the friends I’ve made through Madelyn’s preschool.

Also so thankful for lifelong friends whose special events we share together.

Also so thankful for lifelong friends whose special events we share together.

And especially thankful for this guy who is a devoted friend and shares his sweet family with us too, while also being a leader without whom we'd be lost. His beautiful voice, his poetic words, and his fountain of knowledge keep us coming back for more. We love our cantor and friend, David!

And especially thankful for this guy who is a devoted friend and shares his sweet family with us too, while also being a leader without whom we’d be lost. His beautiful voice, his poetic words, and his fountain of knowledge keep us coming back for more. We love our cantor and friend, David!

My Grandma and Grandpa created a big, beautiful family, and I’m so glad that my mom and her sisters were there to hear us speak about their dad. It was nice to have most of us together as another feather of remembrance in my Grandpa’s cap.

Four generations represented in this photo. My grandpa would've liked it a lot. It's just missing a few cousins and my uncle.

Four generations represented in this photo. My grandpa would’ve liked it a lot. It’s just missing a few cousins and my uncle.

Madelyn has asked a lot of questions about her baby naming and is already so interested in and proud about all the holidays and symbols she’s learned by being part of her Jewish community. I’m excited to watch Arielle connect with her version of this community over the years, and she hit the jackpot having her big sister to show her the way.

  1. 11/7/2024 4:01 PM

    how to buy priligy as a child Interestingly the sensitivity of our panel of degron tagged Cas9 or Cpf1 proteins to proteosomal degradation is markedly enhanced in CHO cells compared with 293 cells, showing a clear difference in drug dependent stability of the fusion proteins for most of the constructs in both the AID and ecDDD degron tagged sets Supplementary Fig

  2. 11/2/2024 9:04 AM

    ??????????? ????????-??????? Bottega Veneta ?????????? ?????? ??????? ???????????? ??????? ?? ???????????? ??????. ????? ?? ??????? ????????? ? ???????? ??????? ?? ????? ????????? ? ???????????? ???????? ?? ?????? ? ???? ??????.
    https://bottega-official.ru

  3. Mimi
    4/17/2016 8:15 PM

    Dear adorable Arielle,
    I am so happy & grateful that you carry a part of Grandy with your Hebrew & given name. We will share lots of stories about him with you & you’ll know what a generous person he was. I know if he was still here he’d always flash his handsome smile at the sight of you & your big sister.
    You are so loved! <3
    Mimi

Arielle Is One!

What the heck happened to the first year of my baby’s life? It went faster than my legs on their way to lunch at In N Out (that toasted bun, man). I legit could not keep up with all events and milestones and monthiversaries. And the minute I wanted to really slow down and soak it all in, my household was sick with a bug during the days leading up to Arielle’s birthday.

It didn’t help, too, that I was stressed out from planning a party while nursing Bryan back to health and crossing every bone in my body that I didn’t get sick, too. I am proud to say that I never did, but Madelyn did get fevers that were more fickle than ping pong balls at a tournament, and finally ended up with an ear infection. So, enjoying those final days with my baby as a baby was pretty difficult. I wallowed, yes, and even though I knew Arielle would never know that her actual first birthday on March 4th pretty much sucked, I was sad that memories of her first days with us were upstaged by thermometers and popsicles being juggled through the house.

We did enjoy a “happy birthday” song at preschool after I dropped off Madelyn. Arielle and I sat on the bimah and Madelyn was her spokesperson (business as usual), sharing her name and age with the crowd. Arielle didn’t have a total meltdown during her 15 seconds of fame, so I call that a win. That was the highlight of the day.

birthday1

Shortly after, Madelyn came home from school with a very sudden fever and I yelled a lot of swear words about that. There was no special outing or birthday dinner for Arielle. I don’t think I even had time to get emotional like I normally would because I was so busy Florence Nightingale-ing it up. Maybe that’s a good thing. Thanks, germs, for the distraction.

I will share that on her first birthday, Arielle woke up with 2.5 teeth and those teeth are really helping get that food to her belly, because the chunk was finally starting to roll out. Her weigh-in was 19.5 pounds and while she’d once been a petite lil thing, she jumped from 9-month clothes to 12-month clothes almost over night.

By 12 months, her crawling was non-stop with no desire to choose to walk instead. Shrug. Whatevs. When Arielle climbs up the stairs on all fours, she swears she’s reached the top of Mt. Everest.

Blowing kisses and clapping and waving and giving high-5s were all of her mastered party tricks. She also suddenly became aware of bows and headbands on her head (boooo) and started to show her dissatisfaction with these accessories (Madelyn went through the same thing at the same age and now look at her! Accessory whore! She doesn’t want to take off a tiara to wash her hair).

At 12 months, Arielle’s favorite foods are fruits, veggies, grains, dairy, and fats. Yes. The entire pyramid. The girl is a bottomless pit. She just does not stop eating. One day she may become a picky eater because I’ve seen this movie before, but right now, she just loves food. I do too. But the rolls on my thighs are not nearly as cute.

I managed to get a few snaps of Arielle on her first birthday.

birthday2

Two days after her birthday, it was party time. Bryan was finally recovered and Madelyn’s fever couldn’t make up its mind about staying or going. She had no other symptoms other than a fever that I would later find out was due to an ear infection. I quarantined her to her room for most of the party just to be on the safe side, and we were all so sad about it. I wanted to celebrate my littlest baby, while wanting to ditch the party to cuddle with my biggest baby who was devastated to be missing out. Thankfully Princeton was like, “I’m fine. You’re welcome.”

Arielle loves to jam to music. Since the beginning, her little body has always grooved to any beat she hears, so I thought it was fitting to have a music gal come and do a big toddler music session. Amy Tibert of Rise & Sing put on a great little show and had all the kiddos dancing and playing. And since Arielle is such a bright and cheery presence, I threw together a loose rainbow hearts theme with the decor. It was a fun and crafty party for me to design. Lots of paper decorations and lots of sprinkles!

Party recaps are best done through photos, but these parties are always a labor of love and I secretly love-hate these big ones. I love having our family and friends together to celebrate my kiddo, but the work that goes into it makes me a crazy lady. I so appreciate my mom swooping in to lend me a hand when my usual party-planning partner was down for the count the week of the bash.

Who needs sleep when you can be making this sign into the wee hours of the night three days before the party?

Who needs sleep when you can be making this sign into the wee hours of the night three days before the party?

So, I have this thing for banners.

So, I have this thing for banners.

Salty and sweet  (just like the birthday girl) pretzel treats left my house sprinkles-y for days, but we/Princeton handled it just fine.

Salty and sweet (just like the birthday girl) pretzel treats left my house sprinkles-y for days, but we/Princeton handled it just fine.

birthday6

And P.S. — note to ovaries: thanks for deciding to get us pregnant in June and giving us a March baby which makes party planning a total nightmare because the battle of Indoor vs. Outdoor is uglier than anything you’d see on Game of Thrones. I was a wreck watching the weather, which, by the way, was gorgeous and perfect and sunny and in the 80s for two weeks before the party and then did the whole “Oh! It’s March! I forgot it’s supposed to be El Niño! Here’s the rain I must deliver!” So, indoor party with children and sugar … I’m such a glutton for punishment. I will say, though, that everything was fabulous, and everyone had a great time especially the little birthday girl herself.

birthday8

birthday9

birthday7

birthday11

birthday10

birthday12

birthday13

birthday14

The music was so fun for the kiddos as they played with different instruments and puppets and a parachute. Even the big kids were dancing and showing the little ones what to do.

Arielle got to sit in the middle of the parachute and she loved the breeze whooshing through her incoming wispy hair as we all sang “Happy Birthday” to her.

birthday18

birthday17

birthday16

Madelyn observed from the balcony seating aka the stairs outside her room while Poppa and Grandpa took turns keeping her company.

Madelyn observed from the balcony seating aka the stairs outside her room while Poppa and Grandpa took turns keeping her company.

Madelyn was fever-free and seemed to brighten up a bit, so she came down to check out the party just as Amy, the music leader gave all the kids a chance to sing “Happy Birthday” solos on the microphone. It was so sweet how a lot of Madelyn’s adorable preschool friends performed for the birthday girl who they all know and adore. I wasn’t sure if Madelyn was feeling the vibe, but she not only asked to sing, she did a rockstar job!

Hey, Seacrest. Get back on TV. We have a new American Idol!

Hey, Seacrest. Get back on TV. Dim the lights. We have a new American Idol!

Once the music portion of the party was over, it was chow time for most of the guests and I finally got a chance to schmooze with all of our fabulous friends. I love having all my favorite people in our home to celebrate good times. There’s really nothing that makes me happier than fluttering around and visiting with all the wonderful families we’ve met in recent years from preschool and baby groups, or people we’ve known for what seems like forever from college or theater or our expanded family. It was during this portion of the party that I realized all the hard work was worth it.

Cousins Arielle and Jordan enjoy lunch with the original Friedman ladies.

Cousins Arielle and Jordan enjoy lunch with the original Friedman ladies.

Meeting new moms with Arielle has been so enjoyable. We have a good little group with cute kids and fun mamas.

Meeting new moms with Arielle has been so enjoyable. We have a good little group with cute kids and fun mamas.

Birthday38

Birthday37

Birthday36

birthday35

birthday33

And then it was cake time. Or, as Arielle might have described it: BORINGZZZZZZZZZ. She was quite underwhelmed.

That’s right. Who participated in the most disappointing cake smash ever? Arielle Jane Friedman. Yup. She looked at her cake like, “Oh how nice,” and then couldn’t be bothered to dig in. The girl who shoots up milk like she’s a Breaking Bad character and the girl who can’t. stop. eating. bagels was negative 72 enthused about eating sugary bread with sugar goo and colorful sugared crunchies. So for anyone who considers first birthday cake smashes a spectator sport, this was a disappointing display. Instead, my generous babe dipped her finger into the frosting and tried to feed it to ME. I mean, I didn’t mind, but I was fresh off a Whole30 and didn’t want to steal her spotlight with my own personal adult cake smash. So instead, we looked like a couple on their wedding day, delicately feeding each other cake. Oh and since she hardly touched it, I spent the next three days finishing it myself. (Whole30, what?)

She didn't understand why we light our food on fire.

She didn’t understand why we light our food on fire.

Perhaps it was because I was  emotionally unstable and losing my mind while singing my girl "Happy Birthday" with 70 of our closest friends and family that Arielle was silently judging me.

Perhaps it was because I was emotionally unstable and losing my mind while singing my girl “Happy Birthday” with 70 of our closest friends and family that Arielle was silently judging me.

Sentimental she was not. Arielle was all business.  Fun fact: this is the only photo of the 4 of us from the entire party.

Sentimental she was not. Arielle was all business.
Fun fact: this is the only photo of the 4 of us from the entire party.

"VAT EES THEES DEES-GUSTING SHTUFF EEN MY FEENGERS? SAVAGES! GET ME A VIPE."

“VAT EES THEES DEES-GUSTING SHTUFF EEN MY FEENGERS? SAVAGES! GET ME A VIPE.”

After this, we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon.

After this, we went to Hawaii on our honeymoon.

Eventually she got a little more into it once she realized that cake is really delicious. Thank goodness. I was about to start doing DNA tests to make sure she was actually my daughter.

birthday30

Then the bride baby cheated on me and did romantic cake exchanges with Bryan.

Then the bride baby cheated on me and did romantic cake exchanges with Bryan.

Birthday32

And that’s that. The infancy stage of motherhood is over. No more babies in this house. To say I was super emotional about that for weeks before her birthday is an understatement. But now that we’ve crossed the other side, it’s fine. She didn’t turn into a toddler overnight. In fact, Arielle is still very much a baby since she isn’t walking and doesn’t have any words for communication yet. She seems to be on her older sister’s heels of developmental milestones, and I’m OK with that. She’s on Arielle time, and for now, it’s still baby o’clock. And as long as she’ll let me, I’ll kiss her and nuzzle her and enjoy her soft skin and clean perfume.

A year with Arielle has been a delight and even though she keeps us on our toes with a feisty attitude and a decisive sense of determination, she’s still our silly little cuddle bug who’s brought so much joy to our completed family. Happy first birthday, Arielle. We are all crazy about you.

  1. Mimi
    4/12/2016 9:47 PM

    Happy 1st Birthday, adorable Arielle! Not only do I LOVE you, I’m crazy about you too! ? Keep dancing & singing like its 2016!