Benji's Adventures

Nice Knowin' Ya

2009-12-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for following my adventures - we made it through the first year! Phew! From this point on I will be hangin' out on my very own Facebook page, so please add me as your friend if you want to stay in touch with me. 'Til next time . . .
Benjamin Phoenix

Cousin Tania

2009-10-20T22:49:00.001-07:00

What is this wacky thing??

2009-10-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Great Grandmommas

2009-10-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Fishies!

2009-10-20T22:31:00.001-07:00

At the Weisses

2009-10-20T22:25:00.001-07:00

Tunnel Creature

2009-10-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Throne

2009-10-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

2009-10-20T21:53:00.001-07:00

Birthday Nap

2009-09-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

Being 1 is exhausting! Luckily Aunt Ilana is comfy.

Abiqutie

2009-09-28T22:01:00.001-07:00

Actually, the original "Abiqutie" is my cousin Taslim, but we're borrowing the moniker for the purposes of this posting (thanks Taz!). Momma and Benji took our first trip together minus daddy to Abiquiu, NM, home of the Van Hattum family and many happy times in one of the most beautiful places on earth. All pics courtesy of Taslim and Samia Van Hattum.

Chowing on avocados

in the Van Hattum kitchen

At the mosque

with cousin Fatima in the garden

with "auntie" Samia

Benjamins bonding

Favorite game of the summer

2009-09-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

New wheels

2009-09-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Life's a Beach

2009-09-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

First trip to Stinson Beach, momma's old stomping ground.

Farmer Abe, Farmer Babe & Farmer Baby

2009-09-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the summer solstice we took the Bunj on his first camping trip up at the farm that grows our vegetables. We all had a great time and love eating fresh seasonal food grown locally. We especially enjoyed meeting Nigel, our farmer, and eating eggs fresh out of the chicken for breakfast on Sunday morning. braiding garlic

We got to keep this, so if you ever come to our house for a meal you will be able to

keep the vampires away for at least a week afterward.

Standing up on his own was a new trick for Benjamin at the time.

meeting the baby chickens

yee-haw!

Uncle Jakie

2009-09-28T20:41:00.001-07:00

Uncle Jakie is a lawyer. That's funny.

Daddy's side of the family

2009-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Bracha Gold and Sarah Porat

Avram Gold
Barkai Porat

For Posterity

2009-08-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

3 1/2 minute video of Benjamin with his great-grandmother. It was worth travelling 10,000 miles with a 10-month old for this!!!

Reunion!

2009-08-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Benjamin's great-grandfather "Papa" (Sarah's father's father) was born in Romania. He had 6 brothers and sisters, all of whom left, escaping anti-Semitism. "Papa" settled in America, one sibling went to Israel, and the other 5 ended up in France. This was a reunion of the American and Israeli branches of the family. Hopefully the French family can make it to the next one!

With cousins Rachel, Shira & Janet

Rabbi Dan (Janet's husband) with Yael and Florence Salomon

Dana Salomon

Ziv Yekutieli (Yael's husband), Yael, Avrami, Sarah, Dana & Ofer (Dana's husband)

Sharing toys with cousin Amalia

New mommas: Yael with 2-month-old baby daughter Carmel

The Salomon ladies

Emil & Florence Salomon with son-in-law Ziv and granddaughter Carmel

Andy Kaufman with granddaughter Rachel

Jonah (Janet's son) was fascinated with Benjamin.

Exploring the Old City

2009-08-06T19:31:00.001-07:00

Meeting Great-Grandma, Jerusalem, May 2009

2009-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Cousin Shenanigans

2009-06-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Pics of Benji, Lia, and Evie (and various parents) from our 24-hour stopover in New Jersey. Wish we could all hang out more often. *Sigh*.

Silver Surfer

2009-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

International Man of Mystery

2009-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Awesome hat from Vietnam, courtesy of Abe's colleague

Mr. Personality

2009-05-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Stopping to Smell (?) the Flowers

2009-05-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Oh, Brother

2009-05-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Deeeeelishus!!!

2009-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

They Grow Up So Fast

2009-05-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lately it has been striking us that Benjamin looks less like a baby, and more like a boychik (stream of drool running down the chin notwithstanding). Do you see it also?

Fun with Daddy

2009-05-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Up To No Good

2009-05-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Makin' mischief with Asher, Benji's trusty sidekick

Dolores Park

2009-04-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Golden Gate Park (we like parks)

2009-04-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Playground!

2009-04-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Whoa!

2009-04-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Yee-Haw!

2009-04-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Big Boy

2009-04-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Catching up on some reading

2009-04-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Benji Loves Evie

2009-04-07T21:47:00.001-07:00

Movin' and Shakin'

2009-04-05T19:41:00.001-07:00

Scary Bearies

2009-03-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Benji and Asher

Mr. Potato Head

2009-03-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just Being Cute

2009-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Moonwalk

2009-03-01T22:02:00.001-08:00

Electric Boogaloo

2009-03-01T21:59:00.000-08:00

Saving the world . . . once again

2009-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

"Must press button now! Wait . . . must press this other button over here!"

I swore I would not let my living room become overrun by cheap plastic crap that beeps and flashes lights. Resistance is futile.

Feelin' Irie

2009-03-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hellloooooo!

2009-03-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

Bend It Like Beckham

2009-03-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Twinkle Toes

2009-03-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Early Birds

2009-03-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Our morning hike up Bernal hill has become something of a family tradition. It's a great way to start each day and Benjamin loves being outside.
View from the top

"One day, my son, this will all be yours . . . "

Outfitted for the AM chill. You know you want those booties.

Chowing Down

2009-03-01T21:39:00.001-08:00

Most Awesomest Video

2009-03-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Family Gallery

2009-03-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

We loved having the Hendlishes Sr. in town for a long weekend! Here are the shots from our photo shoot from their visit, along with some special extras . . .

With Grammy and Zayde Cousins Lia and Evie

With both sets of grandparents

Grammy Sharon and Zayde Seth

Savta MalkaAdmiring Onlookers

Lia and Tanta Sarah

With Aunt Ilana and Uncle Yishai

Evie with Uncle Abe

Aunt Ilana, Uncle Yishai & cousin Evie

Our little yogi

2009-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Downward-facing dog 3-legged down dog
Upward-facing dog

Couch time

2009-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

What goes on while we're not looking

2009-02-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

We're not always sure what kinds of shenanigans our little guy is getting into when we're not around. Luckily, our intrepid spy Lacy sends us frequent snapshots taken from her super-secret nanny cam.

With Asher Temchine, plotting world domination

Mindful babies unite!

2009-01-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

At our monthly gathering of mommies, daddies & babies from our mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting class. There were so many great images so we had to post a ton! (I hope you don't mind, Malka.) All photos courtesy of Edward Katzin.

In the gymini with Milo, PJ, Myles & Asher

L to R: Milo, PJ, Nate, Morgan, Kai, Cecilie, Charlotte, Asher, & Benji (Myles in front)

Charlotte, Asher & Benj

Daddy surprising mommy with cupcakes and a "Happy Birthday"

Red velvet . . . my favorite!!

Benji's latest - blowing razzberries

With Chris and Morgan Katzin

Benji & Morgan bonding

Not-so-bonding

Tell you a secret . . .

New Tricks

2009-01-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

Actually, these tricks are kind of old now: sitting in his chair, standing on the couch, putting hands and feet into his mouth (sorry, negligent blogger). Due to an unfortunate encounter our camera had with the floor, we have been thus far unable to capture the newer tricks: downward dog, hurling himself forward from a downward dog position (this boy wants to crawl - badly!!), eating rice cereal, and running down the hallway (assisted by daddy, of course). Daddy promises mommy she's getting a new camera for her birthday . . .

Playmates

2009-01-18T09:07:00.001-08:00

With Asher, Benji's everyday play pal, and Lacy, who keeps them out of trouble (kind of).

Boro Park represent!

2009-01-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

In Brooklyn with the great-grandmas. Sadly, the camera was on its last legs at this point . . . but we love these shots

Swimming with the Fishes

2009-01-18T08:53:00.001-08:00

We spent a day with the Monticellis checking out the aquarium at the new California Academy of Sciences. We were all impressed, especially with the albino alligator!

Vanessa and Enzo

Jellyfish are groovy, man

On the roof with Jason, Vanessa & Enzo

The Great Monticelli Invasion

2009-01-18T08:49:00.001-08:00

Hangin' with Enzo

Thanksgiving with the Hendlebergers

2009-01-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

With Uncle Yeeshy, Aunt Elana, and Cousins Leah and Yvie

Oh Bruddah

2008-12-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

Holiday weekend

2008-12-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a beautiful November morning in San Francisco . . .

Belly up, belly down

2008-12-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

New things for Benji: grabbing objects, playing with toys, scooching backwards on the play mat (not to mention scooching into a corner of his crib, getting stuck, and waking up screaming at 2 am), and best of all - laughing!

Gang's all here

2008-12-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Benji's best buds. From left: Kai, Nate, Morgan, PJ, Milo, Asher, Lucy & Myles. Unfortunately, Benj managed to sleep through the whole party. Just like mom.

Family stroll

2008-11-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

First protest

2008-11-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

We went to the Civic Center to protest California's passing of prop 8. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful vibe of unity -- people of all colors, ages and orientations coming together to stand up for the rights of all human beings to love and marry whom they choose. Being there with Benjamin, we were especially struck by all the children at the rally -- children who have been told their whole lives that their families don't count, that the love their parents have for each other and for them is somehow inferior and not deserving of the same recognition as the love of other peoples' families. We hope for the sake of these children that we see this last accepted form of state-sanctioned discrimination banished; it hurts and degrades all of us.

Here is a photo of Benji being interviewed for the local news:

Lazy morning

2008-11-15T18:10:00.000-08:00

4 Generations

2008-11-09T19:46:00.001-08:00

A visit from aunt Chaya

2008-11-09T17:19:00.001-08:00

Watching daddy get his black belt

2008-11-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Lil Pumpkin

2008-11-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the big Halloween haunted house . . .

Party boy

2008-11-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Introducing Mr. Moo

2008-10-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Not just another pretty face

2008-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Moo

2008-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Our trip to see the animals at Little Farm in Tilden Park . . .

Benji Soprano

2008-10-07T08:43:00.002-07:00

A visit to the great-great-great grandparents

2008-10-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

Ladies' Man

2008-10-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so many fly womens! From top to bottom (and in chronological order):
Aunt Ilana, "Aunt" Jamie, "Great-Grandma" Frida, "Aunt" Lindsay, Cousin Ariel, Cousin Sophia, "Aunt" Margaret, "Aunties" Robyn & Melissa

Buddha Baby

2008-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

These pics were taken at a recent gathering of mindful babies (and their parents) from our birthing class. Namaste.

Rockin' and Rollin'

2008-09-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

Chief Executive

2008-09-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Now that the economy is tanking, it's been a pretty slow day at the office. Here's a picture of me waiting for my bailout and golden parachute.

All Smiles!

2008-09-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

Finally captured on film!

Elf Series 2

2008-09-18T09:04:00.002-07:00

Fun with Grammy

2008-09-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

Conversation

2008-09-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jazz fan

2008-09-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken while cooking dinner the other night. We mixed a martini (for us, not for him), popped some Coltrane on the iPod, and set the little man down on the couch. He LOVED it. (He was smiling the whole time, but unfortunately doesn't quite get the concept of "smiling for the camera" just yet.)

Did someone order an elf?

2008-09-05T21:32:00.001-07:00

Tummy Time

2008-09-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

Baby & Daddy express a similar sentiment

2008-09-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

All wrapped up, with nowhere to go

2008-08-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

Bicoastal Bambino

2008-08-28T20:23:00.001-07:00

Monkey checks out his baby brother

2008-08-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ol' Blue Eyes (in Black & White)

2008-08-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

B is for . . . Ben Jammin'

2008-08-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Cousins Taslim and Fatima brought me this awesome Bob Marley onesie. I love Bob so much that I went cross-eyed, then peed and spit up all over it.

Who's Your Daddy?

2008-08-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Lil' Traveler

2008-08-10T12:38:00.001-07:00