and a one, and a two and a three!

Noam turned 3 on May 7. The next day was Mother's Day (a very special one for the Goldberg's, and the first for Natalie & Dave). And Manda's birthday is May 9. So we combined the celebrations and shared a special day with the Goldberg clan at Darien Beach. Mom was surprisingly feeling ok (the day before had been rough but she seems to pull through for special events). She held up at the beach for hours. The sun was shining - we maybe were finally turning a corner with the weather.

As far as mom's health, we had received some poor news the week prior that the Folfirinox wasn't working, so she was quickly switched to a new treatment regime including shorter chemo blasts, with continual oral chemo. We were holding our breath to see if would be kinder and gentler. The Folfirinox was an ox with nasty horns. So far so good - her energy levels looked like they were picking up so we were pleased with that bit of news.

We brought a picnic lunch for the family. As usual too much food. Natalie commented that of course with 4 jewish mother's - how could there not be. Lavi made it clear that we were the ONLY Jewish mother's on the beach that day. But you can't beach Darien beaches - that's for sure! Noam was celebrated with costumes galore - so exciting!

Noam then continued his birthday celebration with a party the next week for his friends at our house. Noam had wanted a repeat of ari's party - costumes, races, superheros, bouncy castle, silly string, etc. So sad - but it got rained out. So we bagged most of it except for the bouncy castle (thanks Rosenberg's)...and the kids had a ball bouncing on the castle in our playroom. Thanks to Lavi for always diligently clearing out the toys. And an added bonus that the room is large enough to do such a thing. But it worked - and what could have been a disaster, with again tired parents, turned into a bunch of fun for the kids. And Noam just loved the racecar superhero cake which he helped me decorate the day before. We were thrilled to have Tessa join us for the party - and also so happy that mom could make it again.