First things first

So we're way behind in posting some udpates on Tzofi. And aside from recounting all the great moments of Tzofi's debutante trip to the States, we must start with the big news: the firsts.

Since coming back, Tzofi's had her:
- first cold and cough. poor thing.
- her first food! a pureed (organic) tomato which according to Dr. Funny (he fancies himself quite the standupist (that's Hebrew for stand up comedian, not kidding) would be great vitamin C and a good healthy Mediterranean fruit to start with. he then made me swear not to tell the nurses at the well baby clinic that I started foods without their permission. oy.) it went over well. and tzofi loves playing with her spoon and the food so the videos will begin with some rice cereal soon.
- and her first tooth! well if a little prickly sharp nub coming out of her gums counts. it's certainly the tip of the iceberg, if you ask me. hopefully when the whole bit starts to grow in, her smile will sparkle in the blazing summer sun. and of course,the pics will follow.

Now that those milestones have been mentioned, we have to go back in time. Please send pics to me, zhrubenstein{at}gmail{dot}com, from any of the days we shared together - on the island, at the beachhouse, in the city - so we can form a composite photo essay of Tzofi's East coast tour *Summer 2007 Whoooo!*).
Looking forward to hearing from you all and missing everyone already!

The Legend of Sidekick Stinky McRubes

Hard to believe, but within two weeks of the great photo shoot below of Rubin and Tzofi, Rubin passed away from kidney failure. It was all so sudden and quick. And we're sorely missing his presence in the house. Rubin was all heart, litle brain, tons of spirit and lots of hair. Back in March, I started writing a post about Noonie and Rubin and Tzofi. It seems fitting to recap.

Many of you have been asking how the dogs are reacting to Tzofi. So I thought I would dedicate some time and prose to Rubin and the Noonster. First Rubin, he is afterall the easy one. Rubin's happy doing one of five things: loving (ie. cuddling); going on a walk; playing; getting treats or sleeping. And he barks when people come in the house or to the door. Even near the door seems to get his bark on. Rubin's territorial but loyal. So loyal that his self-appointed role as 'protector' of us Rubenstein women - Noonie included - has naturally extended itself to include Tzofi. Rubin's been amazing with Tzofi so far. He seems to really love her too. He follows her everywhere. He kisses her. Watches her. Barks when she's upset (true story). And generally seems to like hanging out with her - whether on the play mat, the bathroom or under her crib.

Oh stinky McRubes, we didn't want to say goodbye. We miss you so much already. We hope you had a wonderful life. And we promise to regale Tzofi with stories of her legendary, loyal sidekick. This one's for you, little dude!

Hanging with Rubin

Bath time is serious time.

Tzofia and Harry go to Jerusalem

I gave Ziva a much needed afternoon off on Sunday and took Tzofia to Jerusalem for the day. We ate lunch at a cafe with my friend's Michael and Daniel. Daniel took the following lovely photos. All was good.

Tzofi at 10 weeks...

Party Pooper

We went to a birthday party for the son of friends of ours on Friday afternoon. Tzofia spent the entire time sleeping in the arms of friends and strangers alike. It's a good thing she was sleeping because the Mime at the party was incredibly creepy.