this is what '6' looks like

and, of course, "metoo!" wanted to be in the picture.

Happy Birthday STEFANIE!

A full day of partying on sunday started with a pottery painting party for 16 of Stefanie's closest friends and ended with cake at home for just the 'family'. Stef had a blast and Jena had fun with a friend of her own there too. You know it was a good day when both girls were asleep on the sofa by 6:45.

Purim Empress-es

The girls and I celebrated Purim by attending the children's Megilla reading at our synagogue. Stefanie has decided that, at almost 6, she is too grown up to wear a princess costume (the traditional outfit in honor of Queen Ester and the triumph of the Jews in ancient Persia). She reluctantly agreed to wear her tiara and some of Mommy's make-up. Jena was thrilled with the whole concept and was happy to wear her costume over her pajamas. Even at 3, Stefanie would have refused to leave the house in such an outfit. Jena is all about the fun and Stefanie is all about the fashion. Funny how two girls can be so different.

has it really been 5 years?

On March 25th, 2003 I walked into an office in China and my life changed forever. Can it really be five years ago that I held Stefanie for the first time? Those baby teeth are gone, that little bald head now grows hair down her back and that mouth that cried for 3 hours now reads. I knew then that Stefanie was someone special and she has continued to amaze me everyday since. Happy "gotcha day" Stefanie-- look how you have grown.

Mommy's Birthday

While I was at work, the girls spent the day decorating the house for my birthday. Here is a picture of the wonderful birthday sign they made. I've also posted a few pictures of everyone enjoying their cake, as well a picture of Jena and her buddy Katie making the most of their cupcakes. What more could a Mommy ask for!