After much anticipation and some consternation, Ella’s tooth finally decided to come out.
The blood flow couldn’t dampen her enthusiasm to see what the tooth fairy would bring her. Unfortunately, the tooth fairy had some trouble finding the actual tooth which she had placed between her two pillows rather than under them. Hence the tears in the morning when she found the tooth still ensconced between the pillows and concluded the tooth fairy had not come. There was some visible confusion on her sweet face when she discovered the tooth fairy had left her a $5 bill under the pillow (where the tooth was supposed to go), but just forgot to take the tooth (or, perhaps, couldn’t find it.)
We’re not sure how long the tooth fairy will be coming to our house. After all, this is the girl who figured out 3 months ago that Santa was just the Christian kids’ parents and had to be reminded not to tell all her friends of her revelation.
A little flavoured laughing gas (”tastes like Pez”), his favourite TV show (Mr. Maker) and some prizes (temporary tattoos) and the kid is a happy camper. He didn’t even realize they stuck two needles in his mouth.
We - Paula’s loyal friends and family - gathered on November 29 to celebrate her 50th birthday. Leigh-Anne outdid herself with a stylish setting and wonderful food and drink.
And Paula glowed all night. Anyone who knows Paula and knows Paula’s friends will know how much pleasure it brought all of us to celebrate with her.
I developed a slide presentation that has been made available online in Flash format for a limited time. Click here and enjoy!
Leigh-Anne received many requests for recipes. They will follow in subsequent posts.
Saturday was dress rehearsal and picture day for the first ballet recital.
Ella’s troupe (Baby Ballet, Tuesday class) are doing the Magic Dust dance in Cinderella.
When I look at these pictures, it’s as if I’ve been sprinkled with magic dust.
It was a warm, bright morning. We were on the front porch and I was snapping pictures furiously when she asked: “Want me to pose, Daddy?”
“Sure Sweetie,” I replied.
Then, I got this pose.
All of a sudden, all the driving to and from class, the fees, the rehearsals, the fees for the custom-made costume, and the exorbitant Ticketmaster prices for the recital tickets seemed so worth it.
Lots of planning went into this year’s party, like any other. The latkes were tasty, the food was oily, and the company was chatty. But, can you tell me why the party always concentrates in the kitchen?
Leigh-Anne’s thoughtful party favours were a hit with the kids. But my favourite moment was the candle lighting.
The music was also hip this year. I made a few new music discoveries for the Hanukkah party season. First, there was the LeeVees “How do you spell Channukkah”.
I also came across Craig Taubman whose Hanukkah Lounge collection blew my mind. Check out a sample of his version of Maoz Tsur.
In September, we said goodbye to Mhel and hello to Reycie.
Mhel joined us on 2 July 2003 - the day before Ben and Ella arrived. Actually, right around the start of this blog, in case you want to refresh your memory.
She has played an vital role in not only caring for Ben and Ella, but for helping them to become the smart, loving, polite little people that they are. We owe Mhel more than the word “thanks” can ever convey.
She and her family will always be part of our chosen family.
Arm in arm, they headed off for the first day of JK. Ella in her green sundress. Benny in his aquarium t-shirt, with his baseball hat worn backward and cocked to the side.
(”Why do you wear it like that,” I asked him recently. “It’s cool!” he exclaimed. Should I be worried that a 4 year-old is conscious of what is “cool”?)
