Jonah's Blog

Pre-School!

2011-09-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Bottle

2011-09-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

For two years, my parents have turned a blind eye to my oral fix, ignoring my dependence on the bottle. Now, with preschool right around the corner, suddenly they're consumed with migrating to all things big boy. I'm not too keen on the adjustment, but sometimes I oblige with other people, including baby sitters, just to mess with them...

Bye Bye Summer

2011-09-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Remembering 10 Years Ago

2011-09-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

It's a rather odd header, I suppose, considering I wasn't even a glint in my parents' eyes back on 9/11. But the connection is certainly there, as my mom and dad had met just weeks before and were instant messaging each other across the world when the planes hit the twin towers, my mom narrating the grizzly scene to my dad from her office window 'til she had to evacuate. My dad, not having a clue where she was for 48 hours, was freaked and realized in that time, 'crap, I must really dig this woman.' Their relationship blossomed under the heavy canopy of 9/11. Every email, phone call and IM thread those first several months was against that backdrop. The smells, the sounds, the national psyche and even the sentiment of carpe diem that permeated the city then were part of the fabric of every exchange.

***

My parents passed the promenade on their run this morning, and the eerieness was palpable. (So was the timing. By sheer happenstance, my mom took the photo above at exactly 10:28, when the north tower fell.) And for a New York minute, the compassionate and caring aura that filled the city ten years ago was back. Across the Brooklyn Bridge, bikers and runners tossed their normally contentious exchanges for a rare moment of cooperation, each yielding to the other in the bridge's narrow lanes while they made room for a band of firefighters from Anaheim, CA playing their bagpipes. Runners, including my normally aggro mom, paused their stopwatches to make way for others and took a break from elbowing clueless, ambling tourists. And by the time my mom made it to Chambers Street in Manhattan, the re-valorization of the people in uniform was in full gear... from diners offering free donuts and coffee to NYC's finest to runners stopping mid-way along the park to thank police officers for their heroism.

Chocolate Chocolate Chunk

2011-09-05T11:47:00.001-07:00

Block Part-ay

2011-09-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me now?

2011-09-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

Waiting out Irene

2011-09-02T19:08:00.001-07:00

Bye bye bed head...

2011-08-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've now got this haircut thing down — third time's a charm. Bubbles, Blues Clues and lollies... what more does one need? By the end of it, I liked what I saw. And I'm digging my new leave-in conditioner.

before - note wisps and mad scientist-hair fuzz

after: slick and styled and ready to roll

I'll Raise You Five

2011-08-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a banner day. Cohen and I reunited - as in, on purpose, since the hairpulling incidents of this past Spring. He seemed not just fine but dare I say delighted to see me. Perhaps it was because I was sitting beyond touchable range.

I Heart the MTA

2011-08-13T19:03:00.001-07:00

I've been talking an awful lot about choo-choo trains (as in, every fourth word), so my parents took me to one of the finest cultural institutions I'll ever know: the New York City Transit Museum. Also known as Seventh Heaven. It was a fascinating experience on a number of levels: it offered a glimpse into history, a look into the city's urban development, and chronicled a tale of pop-culture (with less than subtle advertising that would've made Don Draper wince). Best of all though, I got to run around, slam doors and press a whole lot of buttons.

Weekend with Daddy

2011-08-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

My mom was a bit suspect when my dad not only agreed to but encouraged her to accept an invitation to a blissful girl's getaway in Amagansett. Eventually, she got him to fess up: Should Collingwood win the playoffs to compete in the Grand Final (touch wood), my dad will be cashing in all his miles to fly across the world to Melbourne to cheer on the Pies for an estimated five days. However the negotiations net out, I had a grand time with dad while my mom was off finding herself in the Hamptons. And it turns out I've effectively set my mom's body clock to wake at 6:58 AM-- kid or no kid, with or without dirty martinis.

Cousin Max!

2011-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

The more I age, the more I appreciate family, in particular my Cousin Max, quite possibly the coolest 13-year old I've ever met. Also, I loved hanging with my Auntie Wawa and Uncle Alex. Their visit was (too) short and sweet.

Heat Wave

2011-07-24T10:29:00.001-07:00

104 and game face on (that's 37 Celsius for my Aussie kin). Enough said.

Montauk!

2011-07-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

In the world of Park Slope, Brooklyn nannydom, the industry standard is 2-weeks paid vacation. Realizing that it would actually cost my parents more to pay for additional child care on one of Ira's week's off than it would for them to actually take a vacation, they decided we'd head to Montauk. How very free-spirited. Of course, my dad had work obligations on a Monday and a Friday, killing any chances of extending our vacation into the weekend. And so off we went for our awkwardly timed mid-week holiday.

Despite the uninspired context, the vacation itself turned out to be surprisingly pleasant and relaxing. We all had a blast in Montauk. I mastered my breast stroke, connected with the ocean in ways I never had before, and ate, lounged and slept heartily. My mom only forgot to pack a few things, including:

diapers (seriously?)
swim diapers (again, seriously?)
a back-up sippy cup - which only became an issue when my favorite sippy cup landed on the side of the road somewhere in East Hampton. (Tip: tossing things out an open window is a great way to pass time on a 3+ hour car-ride.)

She did, however, remember her bike helmet, even though my parents didn't bring their bikes.

I will confess, there was an element of schaudenfreude to the whole experience knowing that it was 10-degrees hotter back in NYC.

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

Clean shave

2011-06-24T18:32:00.001-07:00

I'm Two!

2011-06-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

Well for the love of Elmo. Looks like I blew right past my pledge for quarterly updates — but we're back on track to kick off Q3. I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post, when I was decked in winter gear. And now, here we are, prepping to greet the Summer solstice as we celebrate Father's Day.

And so much has happened... First, as you can see above, I've moved beyond mere dictation and am now actually blogging myself. Other milestones, in no particular order: Meredith Vieria left the Today Show, my (ex)Congressman's weiner became a national spectacle, we caught (and crushed) Osama Bin Laden, Britain's royal family had a renaissance.... oh, and I turned 2! Special thanks to my Auntie Donna, Bube and Zede for the fabulous birthday balloons all the way from Melbourne - via the internets.

To celebrate the occasion, my Bob-pie and Pop-pie came to town. They witnessed the many dimensions of my character: from cute-as-a-button to total pill. I got plenty of love — and scoldings — from my Bob-pie. My Grandpa (Pop-pie) is a whole other story. Note to self: If I want anything — ever — go to him. Hello, pushover. I also got to hang out with my cousin Finn on the Kriegel side (photos forthcoming).

Also worth noting: I've learned how to gargle water and spit it out all over everything.

Editor's note: To keep things digestible, I've broken out highlights over the past three months into various sections below.

TWOSAPALOOZA! June 18

2011-06-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Another meticulously organized, cleverly branded and highly spirited joint birthday bash, compliments of the June Moms (and Dads). Once again, the best $75 my mom ever spent getting onto a random listserve of knocked-up women in the neighborhood. Whoda thunk it?

Memphis!

2011-06-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

I cleared my calendar for a few days in April to make a quick visit to Memphis, where I saw my grandparents and my Auntie Roosie and got a taste of suburban life. Turns out I really dig space and cars. (I'm my father's son.) And I had a blast at a new kids' playground called My Big Backyard, on the beautiful grounds of the Memphis Botanic Gardens. (Shout out to loyal readers Tom and Marcia Collins for telling my grandparents about it.)

My mom says I'm an outdoor dog. On occasion, I capitalize on her urban guilt, which allows me to get away lots of stuff I otherwise wouldn't. Like, say, climbing and stomping on our (wooden) coffee table. With so little space in New York, my mom says she can't say no to everything and she has to pick her battles. Lucky for me table dancing isn't one of them.

(Miscellaneous pix in early spring-wear below. Coats compliments of Egg's $5.00 bin in Dumbo.)

Share, and share alike

2011-06-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Spring was a character-building season for me. I learned how to share some of my most prized possessions, namely, my babysitter Ira. (While readers might resent the term 'possession,' I have no doubt she'd agree that I own her.). Cohen, a fellow June baby, took up residence at my place for several days while his mom was recovering from shoulder surgery. After a brief, rocky start (let's just say our schedules were not in sync), our rhythms grew completely in harmony; our termperments, fantastic complements to one another. From Cohen, I learned the art of sitting quietly and drawing. And from me, he learned how to dance on tables.

It was a beautiful yin-yang kind of relationship. Until I discovered Cohen's hair. Oh, that hair. So thick and lush. Just begging to be pulled. And so I did. A lot. It really got a rise out of him, which made me only want to do it more.

The following week, Cohen enrolled in Little Snowflakes day care. Sometimes we see each other in the park, and I'll do a little wave. I check out his hair and (try to) move on.

Bye, Bye Sadie

2011-06-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

The final visit was somewhat anti-climactic — rushed, early AM, just before the movers came... It's just as well. I'm not good at long goodbyes. How I miss her.

My First Egg Cream

2011-02-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

The clock is ticking before my on-again, off-again girlfriend Sadie moves to the Left Coast. (Not sure if I shared that yet - probably because saying it publicly makes it more real). But I've got about a month left before she jets to LA, so I need to make the most of it. We started the protracted goodbye by hopping the subway to get egg creams at Brooklyn Farmacy. Pretty damn good. Despite the hiccups afterward. (I'm still getting used to carbonation.)

First Haircut

2011-02-20T10:38:00.001-08:00

My dad wanted it to happen a long time ago. My mom just didn't think I had enough hair to warrant a cut. But after an unsuccessful month of battling a nasty tangle (some food was stuck in a tuft of hair and refused to wash away despite numerous rinses), my mom relented and took me to her local spot, Lisa Lobue, where I sat in a really cool airplane and had my first haircut - with lots of fanfare, photos and lollipops. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

Another lapse, Another year

2011-01-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

And I thought my last lag was bad... Who knew it was possible to break my own sorry record? Consider it a super-extended holiday break (Thanksgiving-President's Day). A new year, 6 blizzards and one historic regime change later (b'bye Mubarak), a few things to note:

1. My vocabulary has quintupled, landing me at around 25 words, including thank you ('hink yeeewwww'), cheesestick ('shiztik') and moo (moo). And that's only English. It occurs to me I've yet to introduce my caretaker extraordinarie, Ira, otherwise known as the Israeli Mary Poppins (with tattoos), who has taught me loads of Hebrew as well. I understand a ridiculous amount more than I can speak - in both languages - and pretty soon my mom's gonna have to stop dropping the F-bomb. (Immediately below: sledding with mom during blizzard #2, saying "shiztik")

2. Despite the chilly temps, I had a fabulous time in Marco Island over the Christmas break, where I got to see my cousins Hannah and Max and had meatballs every night for dinner. I also got to reunite with Chana, my first babysitter, who, at age 26, took an early retirement to Florida. Most importantly, though, we learned the value of blackout shades. I slept a whole hour later every morning thanks to the thick Marriott hotel curtains that made my little sleeping alcove a cozy, cavernous nest. In desperate attempts to replicate these extended sleeping habits at home, my mom ordered custom-cut blackout shades for my bedroom. 3 times. The third (and final?) shades just arrived, and with our luck, they just might fit this time. $214 and 3 shipments later, we're all keeping our fingers crossed that this investment translates into additional hours of sleep.

3. Since my last post, I went through a terrible shrieking phase which got me exiled from a couple of our favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. For five long weeks, my parents were housebound, virtual pariahs. But within this same blogging lapse, I've had time to mature, and I'm proud to say I returned last week to Bar Toto without incident. (pictured below with my new Crackberry. Thanks, Auntie Roosie!)

4. Speaking of growing pains, I hit a kid named Oliver at Tot Shabbat recently, where I was on center stage with 120 eyes on me right next to our guitar singer/songleader. Apparently there was collective wincing and a whole lot of "Oooohhhs" from parents (which, in English means, "Thank gawd that wasn't my kid.") But it wasn't really like that. And since this is my soapbox, let me explain. Truth is, I was (over-)excited to be there - great music, haimish community sing-along - what could be better? In my ebullience, instead of running up to hug Oliver as I'd intended, it came out a push and hit. Simple as that. Luckily, my mom wasn't there, so she (feels she's) free from responsibility. The good news is, Oliver's as crazy as I am, and his parents were delighted that for once he didn't do the hitting. I've since returned to Tot Shabbat, and endeared myself to Oliver and his parents once again.

5. I got waitlisted from Beansprouts 2's program, like all 10 of my fellow 'June baby' comrades (so I don't take it personally - or maybe we all do). The place is appealing not just because it's oversubscribed, somewhat affordable and known for its quality instructors, but because it's in spitting distance from my bedroom. In response to the growing demand, Beansprouts was gracious (stupid?) enough to create a new program for us soon-to-be two year-olds - from 12:30-2:30, otherwise universally known as a two-year old's naptime. Thanks for that. As Isla's mom said, they can suck my beansprout.

6. My parents have spiraled into some sort of delayed reaction guilt cycle and have recently decided to enroll me in all the classes they should have months ago, So I'm now taking gynmastics/tumbling, music, and soon, swimming and arts and crafts. They're all pretty cool, and each experience reinforces what we all already know: I have trouble sitting still and really don't see the point of circle time.

7. I realize I've yet to tell you in detail about my new babysitter Ira. She's fabulous and deserves a post all her own. One day, when I've got an accompanying visual, I'll make a point of that. In the meantime though, rest assured that I'm in amazing, outsourced hands from 8 AM-6 PM Mondays-Fridays, she takes me everywhere, and prepares super healthy yet savory meals for me that include things like barley, spelt and tofu.

Hooray for Fall!

2010-11-21T17:46:00.001-08:00

They did it, they did it!

2010-11-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

I can hardly even practically believe it. But my mom and dad both did it - they crossed the finish line of the ING NYC Marathon! Official times:

Mom: 4:11:40

Dad: 5:09:13

My Grandpa, Bobelepie and my great Uncle Moishe all flew in for the occasion to experience the collective high that is marathon mania in New York. And my Bobelepie (mom's mom) worked off years of guilt missing high-school track meets by standing out in the cold in multiple locations to cheer my parents on. A victory for all. Most importantly, no more long training runs - which means I can take back my Sundays with mom and dad. Harrumph.

Marathon Eve

2010-11-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, v2

2010-10-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

While some mistook me for a dragon this year, I was actually a Stegosaurus. We all know dragons are fictitious, though some might argue (especially some nutjobs running for office this year, including one Levi Johnston) that Stegosauruses are fictitious too. Not so. Stegosauruses are very, very real.

Longest Lag EV.er.

2010-10-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

Oy. It's been so long since I've written, my computer didn't even remember my blogger password. Several dramatic things have happened over the past few months. I shall enumerate here:

I’M WALKING! That’s right. On September 6th I started walking – as in head and chin up, shoulders out, with unabashed confidence. Some might even call it a swagger. I’d been flirting with the idea for months, teasing people with the notion that I’d actually be an early walker. Hard to say why I waited so long to stop cruising (I’ll leave that to the pediatric neuro-pyschologists), but suffice it to say my parents looked like jumping, screaming monkeys when they first saw me do it. That was kinda funny to watch, so I just kept on, and here we are. We would have documented this milestone much earlier, were it not for my mom’s obsession with capturing the moment with just the right shot. Needless to say, that shot never emerged, and now, lo and behold, it’s almost November. But I’m WALKING!

I’m also biking. To accompany my swanky new trike (pictured below), my dad just got me this sweet duck helmet (pictured above), so now I’m set – even though I’m not supposed to get on this thing ‘til I’m two. (What can I say? Once you advance, you just advance...)

Speaking of advanced, check out my new trick (another thing I'm not supposed to be on, but my mom saw the fearlessness in my eyes, so, out of sheer ignorance, she let me try it out).

(I know, we're on #4, but I can't get the numbers to switch.) My Bube and Zede made the maybe not-so-annual journey across the world to visit me. It was fantastic. They really mastered the art of play and nappy changes, and we got to spend a lot of QT together since my parents have been outsourcing my childcare while they tackle long training runs for the NYC Marathon (one more week!) {Aside: I must say, while I’m thrilled for them (assuming they make it to the finish), it’s been quite the disruption to my routine, and I’ve been a rather stoic champ about it. Sure, I may lose my cool every now and again (I recognize the signs, the gear, the AM routine before they walk out the door), but then, invariably, I pull it together…} To mark my Bubbe and Zede's visit all the way from Oz, my great North American Grandpa and my Bobelepie flew up from Memphis for a gigantic family reunion. (It’s odd, isn't it, that in-laws can like each other that much?) I got a crazy amount of attention that weekend. We even had a giant babysitting session when all four grandparents took care of me for hours while my parents went on a long training run. When my mom returned to the apartment, she walked into this madness - my Zede teaching my Bobelepie some Tai Chi.

(I know, it's #5, stay with me....) My parents have begun the prechool tour insanity. They’ve only looked at one so far, Beansprouts, whose sole criteria for admission, it seems, is just plain dumb luck (130 families clamboring for 13 spots for full-time 2s). Do I smell a market opportunity? Who knows what we’ll do yet, but at the very least, I've got my photo ready for the admissions app. C'mon Beansprouts, look at this face. How could you not let me in?

(No idea what's happened here - but we're on #6.) Here’s a big one. Chana, my greatest (non-parental) companion, who’s been with me since I was just 3 months old and who helped shaped me into the boy I am today, just up and left me, high and dry. (Chana, I know you’re reading this, so I threw that in just for you.) Not really. But she did pack up her things and move to Florida to start a new life. So I know it’s nothing personal. She prepared me a couple weeks beforehand so it could all sink in and then spoiled me with riches before she left - dinosaur puzzles and train tracks and other fun things. I gave her a book chronicling our blissfully smooth 14 months together and about 2400 photos of me (one of them framed to put by her bedside) so she’d never ever ever forget me. Ever. I saw her get a little v’klempt when I gave it to her, which gave me no small amount of satisfaction. The parting just two days ago was sad but subtle (so much so, I’m not even sure it’s really registered yet). My parents are thinking they may need to deal with some sort of delayed reaction (last time she was unexpectedly out for 3 weeks, I broke out in hives), but hopefully the mental and emotional prep has mitigated that. Anyhoo, sad as I am about Chana, I’m super excited about her friend Ira (pronounced eer-uh), who’s coming to take care of me starting Monday.

Tomorrow is that much-anticipated day in the neighborhood. As I’ve said before, Halloween in the Slope = Christmas on steroids. I’m going to be a dinosaur. We expect decent visuals, so if all goes well, more soon.

14 Months Old - and fully clothed

2010-08-08T16:59:00.001-07:00

Forgive me once again, fair readers, for my long absence. I've been insanely busy cruising, climbing walls, exploring electrical sockets, knocking paintings off walls and trying to make my way into the toilet- albeit unsuccessfully. Given my wild curiosity and rapid fire mobility, my parents finally got their act together and hired Baby Bodyguards to childproof our place, which now looks like some sort of nursery-prison hybrid. Now, to complement my myriad toys in the living room, we've got plastic c0vered doorknobs and not-so-tasteful plastic hooks on cabinets. Somewhere there's a market opportunity for an aesthetically-centered babyproofing business. The guy did have the wisdom to instruct my parents to allow me one drawer that's not in lockdown - filled with innocuous things like tupperware. And as you can see, I've made it my home.

Also, I had the great pleasure of seeing my Autie Roosie, Uncle Alex and cousins Hannah and Max. Not to play favorites or anything, but I had an especially fantastic time bonding man to man with Cousin Max, who took great care of me and fed me lots.

Speaking of relatives visiting, in other news, my blog is at the center of controversy again. My mom got quite a bit of flack from some well-meaning (if not overly anxious) relatives this weekend (who shall remain nameless - hint: sounds like "Shmara") for posting an innocent enough photo of me in the shower at 13 months (said photo below). All it did, my mom and I believe, was capture a representative moment in time. And yet there was all kinds of perv talk going on amongst relatives. "In this age, you can't have that up online." Sure, I get that in theory, but here's the way I see it: My entire posse of followers are beloved friends and family, likely NOT connected to any sickos or pedophiles. And with that, I feel pretty safe. That said, if any of you does indeed have any pervy friends who like to lurk online and check out adorable babes in the buff - (or should you yourself BE one of these pervs), please do let me know STAT, and I'll take it down. Until then, enjoy the more modest photos of me at 14 months.

13 Months old

2010-07-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

We are One Giant Birthday Celebration

2010-06-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

I can hardly even practically believe it. After months of meticulous planning by all kinds of organized moms (needless to say, mine was not among them ), we held our joint, so collective it was almost Socialist "We are one" Koombaya June Baby Birthday Bash. There we were, me and 16 other kids my age from the neighborhood, each with our respective posses of people, taking over the park, permit and all.

And to top off the day, before I went to bed, I had a special-edition joint skype session with Memphis and Melbourne. I got to talk to all four of my grandparents at once (on different days at the same time!) to tell them about the big event. (They were so excited, they kept talking over each other... and I didn't know where to look first...)

Anyhoo, it was a picture-perfect, blue-sky summer day, and the scene captured so clearly the reason why everyone who lives in Park Slope loves it - and why those who don't, well, don't. The camaraderie, the sing-alongs, the 'we are one' birthday onesies, the cupcakes and party favors and photo shoots, all timed to a tee... It was enough to make some of our guests do the gag reflex (and believe me, they did).

As my mom explained it to me, for some folks, it may have been a little too much Type-A organizing for their liking. But for my mom and dad (neither of whom are stellar planners), experiencing it from the inside, it felt like a fabulous community, one giant tribe of warmth and support for a bunch of clueless moms and dads going on the same wild ride for the first time. It was like they all graduated together from a year-long course on Parenting 101 (clearly, they've got many more courses to go...). And all it took was a $75 fee to join some random listserve. And now, a year later - months since the breast pumps and hooter-hiders have been put away - here we are, moms and babes (and even dads), hanging out with one another by choice. Whoda thunk it? I call it a combo of good people kissed with good luck.

As for the party post-mortem, here's how it went down: As in past cases, our parents acted like complete asses at times (see video below), but overall, the energy was fabulous. Except for when it wasn't. (Again, below). I also snuck in a few swigs of my mom's mimosa, which was not half bad. More here....

One is Fun

2010-06-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

Especially when I get to share it with my lady.

Reflections on a Year: Birthday Eve

2010-06-06T19:24:00.001-07:00

At this very moment exactly a year ago, my mom was eating her Ciao Bella ice cream (coffee and chocolate flavors combined) on our living room couch, entertaining an old acquaintance from her nomadic backpacker days who'd blown into town. When she got off her rump to get more ice cream, my dad pointed out in some disbelief: "Uh, Mirmy?" And there it was. A massive water spot on the couch. That's when they had a feeling I was coming early.

And now it all makes so much sense. My mom says I just couldn't wait to enter the world. And that I was living up to my nickname - Mr. Curiosity - before I was even born, all too eager to see what was on the other side... I can't help it, it's just how I roll. And I must say, it's been a pretty amazing ride so far. While there's a lot of hype about the comforts of the womb, and our parents spend a lot of time trying to replicate that sensation (especially those first 3 months), I must tell you, now that I'm older and wiser, life outside is INfinitely cooler. It just is. There's just so much more to do and see - and it's just so much fun to learn and be and grow in the world. Especially when there are so many people showering me with accolades and adoration. What's not to like?

People should really relax about this whole aging thing. I mean, if being one year old is anything like these first 12 months, I can't wait for more!

11 Months Old!

2010-05-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Memphis!

2010-04-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Just when my body clock was reacclimating to North American time, I was off to Memphis - to see my grandpa, Bobelepie, Aunty Roosie and a whole lotta friends. More on this soon... I'm falling asleep at the keyboard...

Home again, home again

2010-04-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

25 hours (tail winds), 8 bottles of milk, 4 jars of porridge and carrot mash, 9 diapers, and 2 outfit changes later, I'm home. And I slept even less on my journey home from Australia than I did on the way over. Who knew it was possible? 45 minutes of shut-eye from Melbourne to LAX. And I didn't cry a peep.

To avoid repeat episodes of sleeplessness on the way over, shortly after take-off my parents applied some homeopathic remedy (mildly alcoholic) to try to get me to doze off. When they saw no immediate results, they took it upon themselves to double the dosage. All it did was end up getting me drunk (fools), which was readily apparent by my slurred speech and unusually wobbly crawl at the back of the plane. My buzz must've made me less inhibited though, as I made a whole bunch of friends with fellow travelers. One woman was so taken by me, she took me right out of my mom's arms and started showing me off to her family and friends on the plane.

And then, the most remarkable thing happened. Amidst all the hullaballoo, chatting it up with her friends and family, my dummy (er, pacifier for the Americans) flew out of my mouth, and who was there to retrieve it and give it back to me? None other than my cougar friend Jessica! (see post immediately below) We had a fun, surprise reunion on the way home and exchanged tales from our respective holidays. She said she recognized the dummy from the plane ride over and was hoping it belonged to me. Smart girl.

Below, highlights from travel - including the lovely folks at Qantas and my reunion with Jessica.

My Time Down Under

2010-04-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it. Just as I'm getting used to this topsy-turvy-upside-down world, where whirlpools move counter-clockwise and people drive on the wrong side of the street, it's time to pack up and go home. My days have been so jam-packed in Aussieland, I hardly know where to begin. So here's a quick lowdown of the highlights:

First, I traveled the farthest I've ever, ever gone in my whole life. There we were, for 27 hours, stuck inside a flying capsule (this one sponsored by the lovely folks at Qantas) crossing the furthest stretches of the earth. That's right, 27 hours in the air. And I slept for 2 (two) of them. Even more remarkable, I didn't cry a peep. Just a lot of chatting with fellow weary travelers, all of whom I charmed... Especially my new friend Jessica. About 10 years my senior, I guess she's what you'd call a cougar. We were quite taken with each other. She even drew me a picture which she gave to me at the end of the flight (included below). And when my parents were about to collapse from exhaustion about 20 hours into our journey, the lovely Qantas flight attendants took me for a walk and played with me so they could catch some shut-eye. Really top notch service, I'd say.

Once we landed, all my Aussie kin - who attended my virtual bris and have been following my blog ever since - had a chance to meet me face-to-face. A thrill for all of us. On top of reuniting with Auntie Donna, Buba and Zede, I met Cousin Riley, Cousin Willow, Cousins Lexie and Cleo, Cousins Jackie and Adie, Becky and Colin, Simon, Katie, Jeannie, Greg, Auntie Bella and Uncle Peter, Soniala and Uncle Boris, and of course, my favorite skyping mate, Big Buba (all featured below). And that's just the inner-circle - to say nothing of all my dad's childhood friends and my grandparents nearest and dearest, including even my mom's oldest friends from Memphis living in Melbourne for the year - Anabelle, Silas, Hannah and Sam. As you can imagine, I was 'on' just about every waking moment, which had me knackered for nap times and sleeping wonderfully long stretches.

I got into a routine straightaway, far quicker than my parents, who seem set in their ways. I adapted to organic porridge, pears and custard and grew quite addicted to my Bube's matzah ball soup. In fact, I'd say with the exception of Vegemite, I've grown exceptionally fond of Aussie cuisine in general. Their avocados are ripe to perfection, and the eggs are noticeably farm-fresh and light (with yolks exuding a warm-orange glow).

I got so comfortable with my Aussie kin that my parents entrusted me to them for two whole days while they went on a getaway to the Australian countryside. When they came back, I showed them my wacky new raspberry skills.

Thanks to a whole bunch of super generous people, I also built up my Aussie book collection (attn Park Slope neighbors: I'm establishing an Aussie lending library to share Australian lore with those interested in learning about this fascinating upside-down culture and far-away place.) Included in this collection are 9 new books on wombats, which seem to be all the rage right now.

Oh, and in addition to packing on the kilos and picking up an Aussie accent (subtle, but there), I sprouted my first two teeth.

I'll stop now before I get all v'klempt with nostaglia. See photos below - too many to count - of me and all my Aussie mates and relatives.

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Giant Playdate

2010-03-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

At the risk of sounding bit hyperbolic, I hosted the biggest playdate of my life today. Six babes and six moms total - a veritable pre-school in our living room - and I only slept through half of it. My mom was trying her best to be super planful. And she was so close to being right on track - if it were yesterday. She forgot about that hour we lost today springing forward, and since I'm still operating in primordial time, I woke up an hour later than planned, to 10 people in my house. Just as we were finally settling into standard time.

I Heart Sadie('s Ear)

2010-03-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Zirbit

2010-03-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

9 Months Old!

2010-03-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Playing Catch-Up

2010-03-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

Good heavens! Has it really been a month and a half since my last post? (which means i've turned 8-months AND 9-months since my last entry. YIKES. Note to self: must include retroactive post of 9-month celebratory picnic at the Tot Lot.) But the truth is, it's not that I'm slack. It's just that I've been utterly consumed every waking moment by any number of the following activities: crawling (up a storm - and fast!), babbling in multi-syllabic tongue, pulling up, grabbing toys, grabbing hair, grabbing books, eating books, eating paper, rummaging through the recycling, and hunting for any live wire, cord or other hazardous object that I can put in my mouth. It's a wonder I've managed to fit blog updates into the schedule at all.

Three Cheers for Skype!

2010-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

While I've been skyping with my Aussie grandparents since I was 8 days old (you may recall my virtual bris), my American Grandpa and Bobelepie were late to join the bandwagon. Seems they still have a ways to go before they get entirely used to it.

Happy New Year - Another Ball Drops!

2010-01-24T13:35:00.001-08:00

Today, I am a man - thanks to world renowned pediatric urologist Dr. Dix Poppas (that's right, the urologist's name is Dix).

On Friday, January 22, Dr. Poppas and his best-of-class team, including the chief of Pediatric Anasthesiology at Cornell Medical Center, performed a right inguinal orchiopexy as well as a right inguinal hernia repair. In laymen's terms, that means I grew a pair of balls. (I've kept this close to the vest, but since it's all over I can tell you now: my right testicle has been hiding out in my groin since birth and hadn't dropped - so I had to get it fixed.)

After it was all done, a seven-member team marched into the recovery room, one of the doctors cradling me in her arms. I was super brave - didn't even cry, just fell right to sleep, woke up a bit groggy and hungry, but that was it. No drama. The doctors were beaming and told my parents I was - I quote - "the posterboy of pediatric surgery." My mom and dad haven't stopped bragging since.

As far as recovery goes, I was basically back to my super active and gregarious self the next day. The hardest part is that I can't use my exersaucer - which my parents hid and think I didn't notice. (hello, object permanence? I know when something's missing...) Also, I'm enduring dry sponge baths for the time being and am denied the pleasure of playing with my other favorite toy until the stitches come out. As you can imagine, given my enthusiastic curiosity with my own anatomy, changing my diaper has become a four-hand, two-parent job.

P.S. If anyone ever needs a right inguinal orchiopexy and/or a right inguinal hernia repair, Dr. Poppas is your man, and Cornell Medical is the place. They called later that afternoon and the next day to check up on me, as did my pediatrician (shout out to Dr. T. J. Gold and Tribeca Pediatrics). And they say New York is a cold, impersonal place. Not so. I was very well taken care of, and so were my parents.

Auntie Donna's Visit - and 7 Months Old!

2010-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

It was a sweet time. Apart from closing the gap and meeting the last member of my mom and dad's collective nuclear family, I scored big on Aussie gear. My Auntie Donna spoiled me rotten with all kindsa super adorable, expensive clothes my parents would never buy me. She had it in her head that she'd be taking a short trip to Boston during her visit to the States, but once she laid eyes on me, the furthest she got was Woodbury Commons. Go figure. The other perk: some decent-quality photos taken with an actual camera (vs my mom's fuzzy iPhone.) See for yourself.

Christmas in Memphis

2010-01-24T10:57:00.001-08:00

I'll keep this brief since, yet again, I'm woefully behind and have lots to report. So, here's a quick punchlist:

1. After celebrating my first Hanukkah (rumor has it there are eight nights-my slacker parents only celebrated one), I traveled to Memphis over Christmas for another family visit, this time so my Grandpa and Bobelepie could show me off at various and sundry holiday parties. My charm and responsiveness generated all kinds of effusion, including but not limited to: "He's even more adorable in person - who knew it was possible?" And some of my most loyal followers got to meet me in the flesh, face to face. They pretty much stood star-struck while I smiled and gave the occasional courtesy chuckle.

2. I also got to enjoy Christmas day with my Episcopalian brethren, when I met and became bff with one of my mom's dearest friends.

3. Per usual, I was a champ on both legs of the flight - traveling only with my mom this time. We got stuck in a middle seat, so I just charmed the pants of the folks on either side of me. The lovely woman on my right had severe aerophobia - turns out she was most grateful for my babble and kicking, which distracted her through take-off and landing.

All in all, another wonderful visit filled with lots of kisses and pinched cheeks. Visual aids below.

My First Blizzard

2010-01-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

14 inches of winter wonderland, and my mom had grand visions of a holiday card. This is why you never got one.

Uncanny

2010-01-24T10:47:00.001-08:00

My Great North American Grandpa

2009-12-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

More Sitting

2009-12-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

I'm (practically) Sitting, I'm (practically) Sitting!

2009-12-28T15:26:00.001-08:00

6 Month's Old!

2009-12-07T17:50:00.001-08:00

Mile High Club

2009-12-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. Despite all good intentions (see 4 Months Old!), I'm just not getting around to blogging as much as I'd like. Playdates and general near-six-month a.d.d. are keeping me super-busy, so once again, my apologies. The good news is that with such delays, there's always plenty to share. Many debuts this month. Among them, and in no particular order: my first foray into solids, my first Thanksgiving, my first trip to Memphis, and my first flight (Delta #2933, operated by Northwest)

To celebrate, I wore my airplane onesie. My mom was all worried about my ears popping, but I just sucked hard on her boob at takeoff and landing and all was fine. Plus, I met a lovely 4-month old named Sam sitting a row behind me. I understand this is just a warm-up before the grand trip to Australia in March, but, if i may say, I did fantastically well.

My mom had promised to buy the folks sitting next to us some airline cocktails if I acted out. Instead, I charmed the pants off of them, they paid me all kinds of compliments, and I, in turn, saved my mom and dad a few bucks. A win all around.

The only oddity was the unprecedented amount of crap in my diaper mid-flight. My dad had to wipe down the entire bathroom cabin. On both legs. Apparently high altitudes/cabin pressure can do a number on the bowels. Other than that, the travel experience under the new Delta/Northwest merger was far better than I expected.

Hooray, Zoo!

2009-12-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

For years, even before I was a glint in my mother's eye, with every trip my mom and dad made to Memphis, my Bobelepie would hock the Memphis Zoo. This time, they finally bit, and we all went - my first zoological experience. Favorites included but are not limited to: elephants, pink flamingos (real, not plastic), polar bears, and, most beloved by far, the Great North American Grandpa.

Southern Debut

2009-12-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

As you can tell from my enthusiasm, Memphis was clearly the place to be for Thanksgiving. The fall foliage was at its finest and for five days straight the sky was an amazing, deep blue - nothing like those sultry summer months, I'm told. I hung out with my Bobelepie, Grandpa, Auntie Roosie and Uncle Alex in the same house where my mom grew up. And I met a ton of other people who'd heard a lot about me and were just thrilled to meet me. Even Toby Doggy met me with warm reception, though we mostly kept a respectful distance.

Given the somewhat patronizing talk I'd heard about Southerners from various Yankee urbanites, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of discourse. I was prepared to have to slow down my speech patterns, but everyone understood me just fine. All in all, quite a homecoming.

Food, Glorious Food!

2009-12-05T18:34:00.001-08:00

5 Months Old! - and sideways

2009-11-08T16:10:00.001-08:00

Friends with Benefits

2009-11-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

Everything was going really well with Sadie - good ambience, great chemistry - until our moms busted in on us. Mortifying. I really must get a lock on my door.

Halloween!

2009-11-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Halloween in the Slope is like Christmas on steroids. The anticipation is palpable - I've never seen anything quite like it. A whole bunch of giddy parents who clearly haven't gotten out in a while fool themselves into thinking their babes actually care about candy and costumes - as if I know what a Collingwood Magpie is. (For the benefit of my American followers, it's the mascot of my dad's Aussie Rules footy team.) Rumor has it I'll actually care about the Pies one day- but right now all I know is that my parents kept me out. Late. In the rain. So I could march in the Halloween parade. When all I wanted was bed.

Such gross misjudgements, willful or not, deserve hard lessons. So I gave them one - three sleepless nights in a row. That'll teach them to disrespect the sanctity of routine. All that said, there was one redeeming moment of the evening: meeting Borough President Marty Markowitz, Grand Marshall of the Park Slope Halloween Parade. My heart almost skipped a beat. Pictured immediately below, with my (dare i say it?) girlfriend, Sadie (who was a frog).

Free

2009-10-17T19:45:00.001-07:00

Reunited and it feels so good

2009-10-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month, but it felt like no time had passed. We picked up right where we left off, Sadie and I... The two of us, catching up over beers (via breast milk). Good times. And, judging from her body language, I'd say I'm getting some pretty good vibes (the yawn not withstanding).

4 Months Old!

2009-10-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Fair Readers,

I'm absolutely bamboozled (to use an Aussie colloquialism) that it's been over a month since my last entry. Shame on me. WHERE has the time gone? Actually, I can tell you:

First, two major developments:

1. I finally met my Aussie grandparents! They were here for the past 5 weeks and just left today. Suffice it to say, my Bube and Zede kept me so busy, I had no time to write. We bonded up a storm, and I've got plenty of footage to show for it.

2. My mom went back to work. It's been 5 weeks and counting. So far, so good. She's mangaed to leave by 6:15 (almost) every night and says I'm helping her break some bad workaholic habits. She told me only someone as important as I could help her change her ways. I think my dad's a bit jealous that he couldn't do it on his own, but I reminded him that he doesn't rely on her as the sole food source, and I think that reassured him a bit. (Whatever works...)

3. With mom back at work, this leaves me spending most of my days with my sitter Chana, who rocks. She's takes me on long walks in the park and on playdates with big kids and is just all around super chill and really into me. She even promised to make me homemade babyfood when I start on solids. How cool is that?

4. My Memphis grandparents came for a visit while the Aussies were here so everyone could plotz and kvell together... As you can imagine, my cheeks got quite a workout that weekend.

5. I got my 4-month shots and once again was tough as nails. I also broke up with my pediatrician that day - not for any lack of love. It's just that a new Dr's office opened right around the corner from me. She took it well, but I can see why she'll miss me. Tribeca Pediatrics, here I come.

6. My mom lost her iPhone (so she thought). When she went to replace it and learned she'd have to pay $100 more than last time for the exact same phone, she couldn't stomach it. So, for an extra $200, she fell for the upgrade - with video. As a result, we got a whole lotta video going on (below). Ah and did i mention she found her lost phone? In the bowels of her breast pumping bag. (I keep reminding her that we've gotta start behaving like we're in a recession, nagging her to return the new phone,but she's addicted to the video feature and can't go back.) Anyone wanna buy a 3G?

7. I'm starting to teethe, and it bites. It's been the source of some fitful sleeps and restless nights. I'm drooling like crazy and sucking on everything. We're all ready for this chapter to end, and it's only just begun. Blech.

8. Ending on an up note, after becoming transfixed with one of these on a playdate, I got a badass exersaucer. It's so super-cool, I can't even decide what to play with first - I'm in A.D.D. nirvana. Unbelievably stimulating - kicks the swing's ass. (See photo below)

ANYhoo, I'm really hoping I can get back on - and stay on - the blogging wagon. In the meantime, thanks for your patience as I continue to get just cuter and cuter. Just below, one of my favorite moments with my Zede and Bube. (safe travels back!) And below that, more photos from the past month.

My Busy Month

2009-10-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

3 Months old!

2009-09-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

Just tilt your head for a proper glimpse. (no idea why it keeps posting sideways.)

A Whole New Demographic!

2009-09-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

Big stuff is happening. I've busted out of my 0-3 month onesies and started wearing 3-6 month duds (pictured left). It's a a whole new marketing demographic- and I got there even before my 3-month birthday. 25th percentile, my butt.

General overall cuteness

2009-08-26T19:44:00.001-07:00

Sparks

2009-08-26T19:23:00.001-07:00

This thing with Sadie's getting more intense. It's like we know what the other's thinking. I've never felt this way before... complete comfort and total synergy.

Babies Who Lunch

2009-08-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

Eight-Hour Boy!

2009-08-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

I did it, I did it! Slept 8-hours straight. My parents have never kissed me so much, so hard.

Really, we're just friends

2009-08-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sadie and I are pals from way back - like almost 2 weeks ago. Sometimes i wonder whether we could ever be more than friends, but i can't let myself go there right now. It'd be too weird. So i'm just gonna play it cool and see where things go.

Our Moms are Freaks

2009-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

And we've got the video to prove it:

So suddenly I've made fast friends with a bunch of different babies born in June. Apparently all you gotta do is pay $75 to the woman who owns this store in the neighborhood, she puts you on a listserve - and boom! - instant friends. My mom swore she'd never join, but... (I'm seeing a pattern here.) These moms, they barely know each other's names or what they do for a living, and yet they spill their guts about all kinds of crazy things from gas (ours, not theirs) to clogged milk ducts. The one thing they seem to have in common is being completely clueless when it comes to motherhood -- the great equalizer. (I'm the Zen Master in the blue birdie onesie - clearly my father's son...)

Swaddle Talk

2009-08-15T06:22:00.001-07:00

Fair readers (all 14 of you)-

My apologies for the lapse in communication. I was already behind when our cable/phone/Internet went down for almost a week, which made my web-dependent parents go a bit batty (Time Warner be damned). We missed out on all kindsa stuff- including the Bill Clinton/Al Gore reunion in N. Korea.

As for me, gosh, so much has happened... In no particular order:

- I passed the 10-pound mile-marker
- Had my two-month vaccines (i was tough as nails)
- Within five hours of posting to the Park Slope Parents listserve (another group my mom swore she'd never join), got the deal of the century: a brand new(ish) swing - with working mobile!
- Outgrew a bunch of clothes
- As you've probably noticed, I've gotten more chatty
- Started sleeping 7 hrs at night (!!) (I'm told that's a big one)
- Graduated to size 1 swaddlers (mom learned this the hard way when my poop exploded up the back and out the sides of my
shorts at a very fine lunch establishment)
- Too many playdates to count

I'm sure there's more, but those are the biggies.

Oh, and I saw my first movie (Funny People, rated-R, 11 AM screening). Mom and I sat in the way back (I hung out under her hooter-hider) and anytime I made the slightest sound, she just shoved boob in my mouth, and I got more milk! That worked really well for a while, but after getting jacked up on too much dairy, I let a big one rip during the only silent part of the movie. The five other people in the theater turned around and naturally assumed it was my mom - the only person they could see. So I did it again just to screw with everyone.

That’s pretty much what I’ve been up to. Photos of said milestones (and more!) below (and in Older Posts at the way, way bottom).

2 Month's Old!

2009-08-15T06:16:00.001-07:00

Good Vibrations

2009-08-15T06:05:00.001-07:00

I'm starting to get way more into my bouncer - just didn't have the emotional maturity a few weeks back to appreciate its full potential.

See See My Playdates

2009-08-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Beatrice is so sensitive. One fresh remark (it wasn't even that bad) and she let me have it...

Crowdsourcing opp: Submit your caption here ('cause I'm drawing a blank). Readers vote and I'll post, New Yorker-style.

All in Favor of Health Care Reform

2009-08-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Old Swing, New Swing, White Swing, Blue Swing

2009-08-13T19:20:00.001-07:00

Mother Sucker

2009-07-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

That's what was on the onesie my mom and I wanted to buy. But my dad thought that was too crude. So we got this one instead. Still accurate, and I can wear it out in public.

Morning Glory

2009-07-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

Week 6: More Firsts

2009-07-28T07:28:00.001-07:00

my first smile (captured by iPhone)

my first subway ride (the G to Williamsburgh)

My first crap in the tub

Muslim-Jewish Dialogue

2009-07-15T06:09:00.001-07:00

My most spirited playdate yet. Despite issues of turf encroachment and swiping pacifiers, our moms agreed that we dropped all baggage and overcame our differences almost immediately.

My First Concert

2009-07-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my parents took me to my first concert in Prospect

Park - They Might Be Giants. It was free -- and fascinating. I've never seen so many Maclaren strollers and white people dancing in my whole life.

Hail to the Swaddle

2009-07-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

My First Playdate

2009-07-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

My first-ever play date - with Beatrice and Marty. Apparently I hosted, but we were pretty oblivious to one another until our moms lined us up on the couch for these photos. Meanwhile, they yapped away about such mundane things as the consistency of our poop and the frequency of our farts. My mom swore she'd never do that - and look where she's landed.

4 Weeks Old!

2009-07-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

One of these days, if the muse ever hits, I'll actually write something again. In the meantime, here's me at 4 weeks. (that's right, i've switched to first-person...)

Adoring Aunties (+ Uncle Lenny)

2009-07-05T15:44:00.001-07:00

Jonah goes to work

2009-07-05T15:40:00.001-07:00

Week 3

2009-07-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Cousins Kriegel

2009-07-04T18:50:00.001-07:00

Hooray! park!

2009-07-04T18:41:00.001-07:00

Hooray! bath!

2009-06-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Daddy, Grandpa Abe and Zaide Gary,

I'd like to wish you all a happy Father's Day. It's so cool that you all love me so much. Now on this day I can tell you how much I love you back. And a special thanks to daddy for helping make me. The world's pretty neat so far.

Lots of hugs and kisses,

Jonah

Virtual Bris

2009-06-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

So Little Man, how does it feel to be loved by so many people all around the world?

Through the wonders of modern technology (a.k.a. Skype) Jonah's bris was streamed live into Melbourne, Australia where over 50 people celebrated your arrival.

When you're older, all of this technology will seem so passe - but for us it was still a great reminder that the world is a lot smaller than we may think and that the people who love you most are never far away.

How Jonah got his name...

2009-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

After many sleepless nights and several discussions (with too many people), we decided to call our son Jonah – who, like his name, shall be a dove. The original Jonah was the son of truth (literally, the son of Amitai), and without bestowing too much of a burden on Little One, we hope that as he embarks on all of life’s journeys that he can bring peace and truth to the world and to all who are fortunate enough to know him.

In giving our son his name we wanted to pay tribute to those who have come before us and give Little Jonah the inspiration to carry this legacy into the future.

In calling our son Jonah we recall two of his great grandparents - Yudel Mark (Mirm’s maternal grandfather) and Yossel Bryfman (David’s paternal grandfather).

The name Mark is Mirm’s mother's maiden name, and so naming our son Jonah Mark Bryfman became a way for us to recognize the lineages of both families.

The Hebrew name for our son, which we formally announced at his bris, is “Yonah Mendel ben (son of) David ve (and) Miriam.” Mendel is the name of David’s maternal grandfather and the first husband of his beloved Buba (grandmother) Zina. The name Mendel is actually a Yiddish name, but it was important for us to recognize the role that Yiddish language and culture has played in both of our families. In fact, when our two families met, it was amazing to witness the power that Yiddish had in bridging the divide between Memphis and Melbourne.

At 8 days old it's difficult to really know what Jonah understands and doesn’t fully comprehend. For both Mirm and me the bris was difficult yet important. Just as he'll have the permanent physical marker of this occasion, we hope that his name can also carry forward the love that was bestowed upon him by so many people on this day from all around the world.

Jonah's Bris

2009-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Hi Little Jonah,

Wow. Can you believe it? You’re a whole week and 4 hours old - practically a veteran to the world now…

The last letter I wrote to you (ok, and the first) was on January 20^th – Obama’s Inauguration Day. I was about 4 months pregnant and brought you to DC to witness the changing of the guard. And at the end of the day, after freezing our tucheses off on the Mall for 6 hours, jumping over walls with luggage, and barely escaping the all-out brawl that broke out in Union Station, I was so guilt–ridden for exposing you to the harsh elements, that I had to explain why I’d schlepped you there in the first place.

In that letter I shared with you the importance of bearing witness to history. I explained to you that your mom (and now you) come from a family of historians, so the history radar is always on… and with that comes a great inclination to size up our lives against a backdrop of grand, milestone moments. Your grandparents on your mom’s side, for instance, marched with Martin Luther King in Memphis during the sanitation strikes, on the frontlines of the Civil Rights movement. On your daddy’s side, your grandparents volunteered on a kibbutz in Israel during the Six-Day war – that was some honeymoon… And as for your mommy and daddy’s generation, GenX, as they call it, that was really known for, well, nothing – until that historic Inauguration day. Suddenly, we were connected, bound by a common cause and shared values, part of something greater than ourselves. Finally, it was time for your mommy and daddy’s generation to own a piece of history. It was finally our turn to define ourselves not by our apathy, but by our empathy… to engage collectively in leaving our mark on the world – just like your grandparents did.

So what’s all this have to do with your bris?

Basically, it all boils down to this. I’ve had great misgivings about this ceremony. I’ve been to only a few brises but have never really given it much thought, never found it disturbing - in fact, I’ve always seen it as a rather celebratory event typically topped off with hummus and whitefish. But now, as a mother, I‘ve been facing this day with some dread and great ambivalence. Why put you in such pain? (even though I’m told you wont remember it?) Why continue such a dated – and, if I daresay – barbaric ritual?

I still don’t have a decent answer to this. But, the one thing I do know is this: when I saw your dad bring out the little yarmulkeh today that you’re wearing now, I was filled with such joy and delight – I just love seeing it on your tiny head. So of course the next question was why? Why is this little yarmulke so important - especially for your parents who aren’t particularly observant (ok, who aren’t at all observant). And it came down to the fact that just like that historic inauguration day, you’re now part of something much greater than yourself. By performing this covenant, you become part of larger community bound by 4,000 years of tradition and shared values. This whole concept of moving from generation to generation resonates especially clearly today, as we become parents, our parents become grandparents, and you become connected to those who came before you and those who will follow you to live a life rich with meaning, compassion, justice, and loving kindness. And if that means dealing with a few seconds of guilt and pain, well, I guess that’s what it means to be “chosen…”

Love, Your mommy

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2009-06-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

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2009-06-16T14:30:00.000-07:00