Here at the Jacobs: May 2005

Lag B'Omer

One of our favorite days is Lag B'Omer. Each year we have gone to Dockweiler Beach and joined families from all over the city to build bonfires. It was a beautiful night, and we had a nice barbeque with friends and roasted marshmallows over the fire. Shmuli particularily enjoyed helping to build and tend our bonfire. It was too dark to capture it on film, but as it grew dark, the beach was a truly spectacular sight, with bonfires burning from one end to the other.

Robert helping the children add fuel to the fire. Ours was one of the first bonfires on the beach, because (of course!) Shmuli just couldn't wait to build it.

Here are some of the kids adding wood to the fire. Another fire can be seen in the background.

Chabad brought plenty of candy to eat (and exchange!).

Shmuli enjoyed personally tending the bonfire throughout the evening.

The sun has finally finished setting, and here is the bonfire, burning so brightly.

The twins love to go for walks, and Shmuli is often happy to give them a push!

Here is Shmuli on the last day of his ceramics class, picking up his projects. The children had an amazing time in the class, and were so proud of the beautiful items that they made.

Play Ball!

Shmuli's team is having a great season... and most important... they are having a lot of fun. Shmuli is still playing first base, but is now dreaming of pitching. He is in the intermediate league, which has adult pitchers, but perhaps next year he will have a chance. One thing is for sure- Shmuli has a very strong arm and a great throw!

Here it comes!

Ready for the ball!

Taking a break.

Shmuli waiting for the ball.

Twins at Play

Michael and Natan are really learning to play. They are enjoying sitting in their Bumbo chairs, which makes it easy to sit up and play with their toys. It also makes it easy to interact with each other, which they are starting to do more and more. They are now trying to pull themselves up from their backs and sit up on their own. They can balance for maybe a minute when they sit up without any support... and then of course they tumble and fall.

Lets Play! (Michael is on the left, Natan on the right).

Here- look at this toy!

Dining at the Jacobs

Natan and Michael are getting pretty handy at eating with a spoon now. We gradually introduce food to them to make sure that they are able to tolerate each new food before trying a new one. Each new food is eaten for four days, and if all goes well, it is considered a well-tolerated food. So far, the twins are eating rice cereal, banana and pears. It still amazes me how each new skill must be learned. I remember Shmuli learning to use his lips and tongue to swallow food, and now I am seeing his brothers practice it too. In fact, the twins are wearing bibs that my friend Laura gave to Shmuli when he was a baby. They were so cute and well made, I saved them and they are still doing a great job keeping food (at least somewhat) under control.

Here is Natan, dining on his gourmet rice and banana cereal.

Here is Michael, enjoying his meal (he wears it quite well!).

Natan and Michael now have a swing of their own. It looks like they are enjoying riding on Mr. Caterpillar.

Swinging Twins are 6 Months Old Today

Natan and Michael are six months old today, and are spending much of the day enjoying their caterpillar swing. Both boys enjoy swinging, but Natan just loves it... when he swings, he often giggles and laughs. Michael enjoys it, but usually in a more serious way. It amazes me to think that they are already half a year old!