A Night of Laughter
Monte Carlo Night
Right after we got back from Mexico we headed to over Orchard Cove to spend the evening playing with the boys' great grandparents.
Every year they host a charity event to raise scholarship money for the young staff who work at their assisted living center.
Jack has been a regular for some time, and this was Max' year to meet everybody. As you can see, they had a blast.
Click to see photos of this great event
In April, the entire family went to Los Cabos, Mexico for the week. We spent about 8 hours a day in the pool, and pretty much had the best time ever. When our plane landed in Boston we discovered that there was an outbreak of this thing called Mexican Swine Flu. Thankfully, we were tested two days later and found to be OK.
To see pictures from our trip please click on the photo above.
Birthday Bash
It seems like every weekend we're on our way to some party or celebration. On this particular weekend, we were off to Grandma and
Poppop's house to celebrate two birthdays: Great-Grandma Edy's, and Uncle Scott Bruss'. We all played and had fun being together,
and as is Maletz tradition, we had Carvel ice cream cake.
Click to see photos of the birthday celebration
One of the best things about our new house is the Music Room. Most nights after I get home from work the boys and I jam until dinner is ready.
Jack plays the drums and enjoys singing into his wireless microphone. Recently, Max discovered that if you strum the electric guitar it makes
cool noises. I turn it up to 11, and use all sorts of effects pedals, to help him create all sorts of wild sounds.
To see pictures from our trip please click on the photo above.
Mom's Away!
During February vacation mom went away on a much-needed vacation. This gave the boys a chance to hang and doing their own thing.
We had a blast, visiting friends and family, and making a total mess of the house. As soon as mom left, the first thing we did
was build a massive fort in the family room. We played lots of loud music, ate with our hands, and had some great boy time. And
when she got home we were REALLY glad to see mom!
To see pictures from our trip please click on the photo above.
Why no updates?
If you are a regular visitor to this site then you've probably been wondering where the updates have been. Well, one baby and a good economy is a whole lot different than two under the age of two and a terrible economic downturn. And as Camp ended we moved out of one house, squatted at Nana and Beepa's temporarily, and prepared to close on and move into another. Suddenly, priorities shifted. But the boys are away this evening and suddenly I have a moment, so I thought it would be a good time to post what the boys have been doing. I know that I'm missing a lot with this update, but life has just been too busy to remember everything we've done since Camp.
So What Is Max Like?
We get this question all the time. Max is sweet and gentle, and 
very inquisitive. He seems to like sitting back and watching what's going on. We can't wait for him to talk, so that we can know what he's thinking. We do know that he is utterly mesmerized by Jack and Winston, and that he's a little frustrated that he can't run around the house with them yet. He's recently learned to sit up on his own, and though he can't crawl, he has mastered the art of rolling across a room.
He is often referred to as "Max the Bunny" because he's cute as a bunny, and he has a hat with little bunny ears on it. Jack often refers to him as "Maxthebunny", as if it's one word. Beepa also started calling him "Maxi Taxi", which has stuck. Max giggles and smiles all the time, and just seems so happy. And yet, there's something a little devilish behind smile. We love Max so much.
Entering the world of playdates
Now that Jack is out of the world of parallel-play, 
he's starting to really enjoy having friends over to the house (or going to their houses). Right after Christmas Jack best friend AJ came over for an afternoon, and we all had a ball. Jack could not wait to show AJ his newest toy - a bubble-blowing machine from Uncle Philip. The boys covered the basement in soap suds, and giggled uncontrollably as they popped each other's bubbles. Then they zoomed around the basement in their cars, taking turns playing leader. Occasionally, they would stop to watch "Happy Feet", which is AJ's all-time favorite movie.
While Jack and AJ were playing, Max and Cecilia were having their own fun. Cecilia helped Max work on his walking, and he clearly loved it. He is always so happy when he's with Cecilia.
Then it was time for lunch, so we all went upstairs to make pizzas together. 
The boys at their lunches, and then we had a surprise for them: cookie decorating! Nana had made sugar cookies, and we had made different colored frostings. We showed the boys the basics, and from there they got creative, mixing the colors and toppings and occasionally eating large amounts of the frosting with their fingers. It was wonderful having them over, and we can't wait for the next play date.
Max' First Hanukah & Jack's 2nd (and 2nd birthday)
This year the holidays were a busy time in our house. We had Jack's birthday, Max' first Hanukah, a housewarming at our new place and our first time hosting the Sebell-family Hanukah party. One of the first nights of the holiday Jack & Max' Grandma and Poppop arrived for a visit. They gave the boys wonderful gifts that they loved immediately. For his birthday, Jack got a table and chair set with a dry-erase table. (As you can see, for some reason Jack decided to go through a wardrobe change while opening his gift.) He took to his gift immediately.
Max also got cool presents, including his first rocking horse (or really, rocking cow). As soon as Grandma put Max on his cow he began to rock back and forth, and giggle and smile. Max LOVES his cow.
Jack also got a birthday present from his mom and dad. Since Jack is sooooo into music we bought him a glockenspiel (a particular type of xylophone). As you can see, it did not take him long to figure out how to use it! Then daddy brought out the cake he baked for Jack, and the whole family sang happy birthday. And then Jack made us sing his favorite song 5 more times, relighting the candles over and over so that he could blow them out. Max, who is still a little young for cake, sat and looked adoringly at his big brother and clapped his hands.
Jack's Adventure
The next day Jack's Aunt and Uncle arrived from Pennsylvania. It was the day of our annual family Hanukah party mom and 
dad were busy trying to get the house ready. Aunt Beth and Uncle Scott took Jack on an adventure around our new town. First they stopped at the park in the center of town. Then they stopped and had some lunch. Lastly, the went to one of Jack's favorite places: The Y. Our YMCA has a fabulous toddler center where kids can jump, tumble and roll. As you can see, Jack did all of those things that day!
The Big Birthday
As 2008 came to a close we had a big combined event at our new house. We had the entire family over for Jack's 2nd birthday, and also celebrated moving into the new house, and Hanukah. Family came from all over, and we were thrilled to see that our new house can accommodate 40 people at once. Jack loved the excitement of the event, and barely stopped moving over 4 hours. Max mostly stayed in Tanta Lisa's arms, which clearly made them both happy.
Right before the party Jack was presented with an amazing present from his Aunt Beth and Uncle Scott. Beth hand drew a poster that combined the many current themes in Jack's life, including music, the Wiggles, and his favorite characters, Mickey Mouse and Nemo. This gift was the next generation in a Skolnik family tradition started by Jack's great-grandfather Peepa, who would make similar creations for his grandkids on their birthdays. Jack was taken with this incredible gift immediately. It now hangs above his bed, and most mornings Deena and I hear him talking to his friends on the poster before he announces to us that he is awake.
(Sadly, no one seemed to remember to take any pictures at the party, other than one of Jack's godfather Brian playing in the music room!)
Target Challenge 2008
One of the greatest Maletz-family traditions is the Target Family Challenge. Each year, we 
gather at a local Target store, eager for the year's contest. Grandpa Steve and Grandma Gail give each team (somehow, ours continues to grow; the other team consistently remains Beth and Scott. Their cats do not participate) a certain amount of money to spend within a certain amount of time. A bonus prize is awarded to the team with the largest number of purchases, and to the team that can get closest to the set amount without going over. No calculators are allowed. Amazingly, for the second year in a row, both teams went over. As with many traditions this year, this was Max' first time participating. He didn't seem to get quite why we were having such fun, but hopefully that will change next year. A hysterical time was had by all.
Packages for Soldiers
Since our nation returned to war we, as a family, have 
been quietly sending care packages to American men and women serving over seas. Thankfully, all of the people that we have "adopted" have returned home safely. Feeling very lucky to be safely in our new home, we asked the guests at our family Hanukah party to bring sundries for troops serving overseas, instead of gifts. Boxes and bags of items were generously donated by all who attended. A couple of days later, Jack and I sorted through everything, and packed them up to ship to the many different conflict zones. In total, we gathered enough supplies to fill 9 large boxes. As you can see, stacked on top of each other, they were almost as tall as Deena! A special thank you to anyone who contributed to this effort.
They Sure Are Musical
We have marveled at both boys' interest in music. Even from a week old Jack seemed to connect with music on a most basic level. At first, Max didn't seem to have much use for being sung to, or listening to something on the radio. Now they both can't get enough.
The best part of moving to our new house was that Deena
let the three boys have a music room on the main floor. It has dad's piano, and his many guitars. Jason set up a space for Jack and Max' toy instruments, so that they could join in on the fun. And just after we moved in, the Music Room got a whole lot cooler. While dad was away on a business trip Grandpa Steve presented Jack with what might be the greatest thing he's ever received: a real drum set. This picture shows Jack doing what he seems to love the most. Jack has barely stopped drumming for a moment since, and plays even in his car seat on the way to the grocery store. Jack received a lot of musical presents for his birthday, and he uses all of them. Many nights when dad gets home from work Jack is waiting at the door with drum sticks in hand, waiting to jam. "Daddy...guitars?" he asks, and we play for as long as mom will let us. It's amazing. Jack seems like it loud and fast, with lots of amplifiers and distortion. It makes us so proud!
At about 7 months Max started to show his own affinity for music. First, it began with him fussing until Deena brought him into the music room while Jack and I were playing. Then he learned to clap his hands to the beat. Now he's starting to strum the Ukulele that we bought for Jack, and is vocalize to songs as if he were trying to sing. Jason, of course, has visions of someday soon having his own band to play with.
New Years 2008
We ended 2008 the same way we brought it in -- with a party 
with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Mark. While music blasted throughout the house, we made sushi and other treats. Rachel and Mark gave Jack his birthday present: a collection of dress up clothes in an antique suitcase, which he loved. Max got into the act, trying on a silly hat and hamming it up. He seemed to enjoy his first New Years of staying up late and bopping on the floor with his family. We ended the night with what has become a tradition that we call "Jack's Dance Party". In his room, we put on all sorts of music, along with his disco ball from Uncle Philip and his dad's old black light. As the photo shows, Jack gets into the groove with no prodding.
How Are They Together?
A common question we are asked is "how are the boys 
getting along?" While there are certainly moments where Jack doesn't appreciate Max's interest in his toys, for the most part they get along wonderfully. They are able to play with the same toys, and in the same area without any territoriality. Jack routinely hugs and kisses Max, as you can see from these photos. And Max clearly adores his older brother. When Max cries Jack runs up to his room to try and comfort him. We are very proud of both of them.
Since the New Year
As always, things continue to be very busy in our 
house. Since the New Year we've been down to the New York/New Jersey area twice. We had a chance to spend the day with our friends the Robinsons, and play with their daughter Carly. The boys had a blast at the Camp Reunion, and at Beepa's Annual Superbowl Party. Last Sunday we got together with most of the Sebell family to celebrate the boys' Great-Grandfather's 87th birthday! After years of prodding, Norman has finally consented to letting us record his stories, which we began to do that evening. If you'd like to hear any of them please click here, or go to the Recordings section of the website.
Yesterday, the boys were at my folks', and tonight they are with Deena's in CT. Nate and Philip will be here tomorrow for another BBQ event, and the following day we'll be having a cousins' get-together at Madison and McKenzie's house. I don't know any two little boys with such active social calendars!
Last weekend was Halloween. Jack's best friend AJ and his dad came over for dinner and Trick-Or-Treating. Jack's Nana and our friend Cecilia were also there. In the midst of the fun Nate & Philip Mittleman also arrived. AJ dressed up as Buzz Lightyear, and Jack was his pal Woody. Jack LOVED his costume. It's a little odd when your 2-year old knows that he looks cool in his duds. This was also Max' first Halloween, though it was a little too chilly for him to go from house to house. Jack took great pleasure it putting his second cowboy hat on Max, and Max seemed to love wearing it. The boys are really starting to get close, which makes us so happy. We're slowly introducing Max to the different instruments he can learn to play.
Both Jack and AJ got the message of Halloween really fast -- knock on a door and adults hand you candy. They ran throughout our neighborhood until they fell asleep in their dads' arms. A great night was had by all.
Winston was a little upset that once again he did not get to go as his hero, Snoopy. Maybe next year.
BUSTED
On Monday, May 26th, I found the phone lying on the floor. I put it back in the cradle. Almost immediately, the phone rang. It was the police. Apparently,
Jack had dialed 9-1-1. According to the police officer, they knew that everything was ok because "we could hear your toddler babbling into the phone for
almost 5 minutes". For liability they would have to send an officer over to make sure that we were ok. A couple of minutes later a nice, smiling officer
rang our door bell. I told him "the perp is currently in the tubby".
And Then There Was Max!
We waited for days. And more days. And then it was a week. And then we 
waited some more. Max was just having too good a time and wasn’t ready to come out. So we went to the
doctor’s on Monday, May 19th. She ran some tests. Max was doing well, but she was getting a little worried. She asked us
what we thought about inducing labor. Deena was against
it, having been through it with Jack. So we asked her for a day
to see if nature ran its course. We left the doctor’s office and
went to the hospital for one more test. As we were leaving the
hospital she turned to me and said “my water just broke”.
It was a busy night in the maternity ward. It was a full moon that night. While we waited for our birthing room to become available we lay on the bed and watched TV. First it was the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is fired by Mr. Pitt. Then we watched the pilot episode of Friends. Then we watched the Red Sox game.
Somewhere during the fourth inning Deena yelled out “I need to start pushing”. The head nurse came by, and together we wheeled her down the hall to our room. About an hour later, magically, Max was there. He was healthy and seemed very content. He looked so much like his brother.
We were so grateful that it happened the way that it did. Dr. Molly Clarke, our physician, worked so hard to help make sure that Deena was comfortable, and had the baby as naturally as possible. We knew that she would take care of us -- her step-son is Bill Simmons, the greatest sports writer of our generation (and a huge Red Sox fan).
After we had some time with Max dad went out to the lobby to get Grandma. She was so excited to meet Max, and make sure that Deena was ok. Grandpa had left to pick up Beth at the airport. They arrived not long afterwards. We all celebrated, and made lots of phone calls. Dad called his parents, who were watching the Sox game with the Tootieman.
Later that night, after everything calmed down, we learned the
other amazing news. The game that we had been watching as Deena
went into labor ended up being a historic one. Red Sox pitcher John Lester had gone on to pitch himself a no-hitter.
It was the 18th Sox no hitter in history, and the second one by a lefty (the first being Mel Parnel, who Dad and Beepa
saw pitch at the first-ever Sox Old Timers Game decades ago). Dad and all of the other dads in the maternity ward
celebrated all of the good fortune that night. Then Dad went onto MLB.com and bought Max a baseball signed by John Lester.
So we all got some sleep.
The next morning the family and friends started to arrive. Beepa got there early in the day, and loved meeting his second grandchild. Then the Tootieman arrived with Nana. He was so excited to meet Max, and from the very beginning was incredibly gentle and kind with him. He liked to pat Max’ head and rub his cheeks. Each time he did so he would then turn to us and make sure that he was doing it correctly. We’d clap, and he’d clap, and everyone would cheer. Then Rachel and Mark arrived, and other friends and family. Everybody remarked how much the boys looked like one another, and how relaxed Max seemed to be.
So now our family is a little bit bigger and a whole let better because we have Max. Since we left the hospital he’s been eating, sleeping, and growing, and getting to know this big world around him. We could not love him more.
We're often asked if Jack ever cries or tantrums, since he always seems so happy.
Allow me to introduce you to Jack's alter-ego: Crabbis. Nothing can please Crabbis.
He grabs at everything, only to find that he wants nothing and everything at the
same time. Crabbis fights sleep even though he is exhausted. He will not eat. He
throws food and pulls his dog's tail. We've only seen Crabbis three times now, and
each time it has been after he has gotten over an illness. We thought we left
Crabbis in Mexico, but he reappeared this weekend. We'll spare you the video...
On our recent vacation to Mexico Jack was terrific. Getting there was an incredible ordeal.
To see what we went through, and how Jack maintained his great attitude, please click here.
There are just too many stories to tell from our trip to Mexico. To see our photos please click here.
It's been too long a summer to fill you in on all of the latest Jack news, but know that he is about
ready to walk and talk. He is still happy and fun and growing every day. Grandma was up this weekend
and took these latest photos of the Tootieman.
What a week we just had!
After a wonderful JC Weekend up at Camp we headed home for a whole week of being home as a family.
Jack got to spend time with many of his great-grandparents. Great-Grandfather Mel Kaster and his
friend Debbie Kivel came over for lunch and enjoyed playing with him. The next evening we had a
nice dinner at Orchard Cove, with surprise guest Great-Aunt Lisa Sebell-Nevins. On Wednesday,
Mom and Dad got their first evening away when Nana and Beepa took Jack and Winston for the evening.
Jack did pretty well without mom and dad but Winston put on a show of all of his classic “old”
behaviors. Nana and Beepa looked pretty tired when we got home from our dinner. Thanks for taking
the boys!
Jack’s Grandma and Grandpa Maletz came up for a couple of days, too. The five of us headed into the
city and spent the day walking around Boston. Jack took in a couple of street performers outside
Faneuil Hall, and then had his first trip to the Aquarium. Below you can see Jack bonding with his
new friends, the penguins. Afterwards, we headed to Giacomo’s for a fabulous meal in the North End
to celebrate mom’s birthday. We capped the night off with a stop at Tranni for dessert, and a Red Sox
win over the Yankees. (GO SOX!). Thanks to Lisa Sebell-Nevins for the recommendation!
Jack ended up watching all three Sox games this weekend with his dad, and we quietly celebrated the
sweep over Mom’s baseball team. What a great week of vacation!