The Meidavs

Lost of little mushrooms.

Una was great for 90% of the time, then had a tantrum (not pictured).

Una’s monkey costume got here and she gave the hat a test run.

Or in hebrew – koo-koo!

Una models some Una Concept merchandise. Check out unaconcept.com to see it in action.

Almost a month after Giannina and Una being silly (see 9/16/05), Una remembers the lesson.

I got some cool looking flowers for Giannina.

On Oct. 1, 1955, the Honeymooners debuts.

AdventurePlex that is.

Could she look any more proud to hit this all important bench mark? Well, could she?

So once in a while we throw a dress on her to make her look like one.

But occasionally we dress her up a little like one just to confuse people.

Not sure if it was her first ride in the cart, but she certainly did love it.

It’s like she’s teething or something.

During an Una Concept photo shoot a little nature took place.

Giannina taught Una just how much fun it can be to be a little silly.

Una has no idea right now how much she will be embarassed by this picture. I put her on about 14 when she asks me to remove it from this blog.

It seemed only right that I should have one at some point too.

Una went to town on a teething cookie.

She did not love it at first, but you can see she came around after the jump.

No, not Happy’s Grandma….our neighbor, Laura Gillmore. Very sweet woman and loves the Una.

It was about time Una gave hats a try, but she may have gone a little too far. I told her that her hair will fall out and she said something along the lines of – you are making that up, dad. It was tough to make out the exact words but I got all the info I needed. I got a pretty good read on that little one.

I was sleeping and she wasn’t so it was time to make a move. She made her move and what a move it was. Then she tried to give me a kiss to make up for it but the damage was done and I was awake.

Some BBQ fun + a little poker with friends.

Giannina and Una came by to have some lunch and for some reason we ate at Barney’s Beanery.

A last attempt at the bouncer she never loved. She did get into the mirror though.

And it was my birthday too – yay, I am 28!

Giannina photographed Nicholette’s Jewelry for her upcoming show debuting her new line.

These are just a few of the very cool pieces Nicholette is making.

Una loves her new bottle.

It’s boobielicious.

We went to a friend’s birthday party and Una made her first baby friend, Natalie.

Una takes after her daddy. She loves the gadgets! Una tested her new bunny slippers courtesy of Aunt Cory. She loves how soft and fuzzy they are.

Una had her first serious encounter with grass. She got a bit frustrated when she couldn’t pull it out.

Una is styling with her new head band, courtesy of Aunt Delia Marie.

Una is starting to love the Exer-saucer (not pictured).

But she still knows where the camera is at all times.

Una started the day by climbing on my back. We then went to Nicholette’s show where she brought her ‘A’ game to an outing once again.

Una & Giannina spend a busy day together. At the end of the day I came home and gave little Una a bath.

Una turned 4 months today so we made her read. She doesn’t know that isn’t the greatest birthday present yet. I actually got her a skirt and shirt combo, but Giannina took no pics 🙁

Una loves her toes!

Working on her close-up.

Una talking to her mommy.

We went to Dennis and Crystal’s place for a BBQ. It was a lot of fun until Una had a melt down. I think we may have scared them into not having kids. Una has her days : )

Crystal & Dennis

Una and her daddy having fun (before the melt down).

First she studied. Then a first attempt at the look.

Followed by 2 more much more intense attempts.

Giannina added some sweet decorations to Una’s wall.

Una and I relaxed on the swing outside…Saturdays are the best.

Giannina & Una in the jungle gym.

Miss Una sitting up.

Miss Una falling over.

Una trying again. She’s a determined little one.

Una trying out her thumb while she’s checking out the front yard.

Our front yard.

Una posing for the camera.

Una is in the early stages of teething and LOVES wash cloths. We bought a whole bunch just for her.

This is Una trying to see how much of the wash cloth she can get in her mouth.

Taking a break from her drool filled wash cloth to watch the dogs play.

Una in a state of peaceful happiness.

They are beautiful.

“Where’s my hat?”

Una’s shadow.

I just cleaned the pond so it looked pretty sweet.

Una enjoying the sun.

Giannina’s garden is really coming along.

She just planted these guys.

Baba G & Nikko taking a break.

Una and I slept in.

So did the dogs.

Sleeping Beauty wakes up.

Una sharing her morning kisses.

Our neighborhood had some pretty sick fireworks. All the neighbors surrounding us had a show. We are definitly having a BBQ next July 4th. They take it seriously here.

Una & I taking it in, it was crazy and some of it had to be dangerous.

This tree looked much smaller when it was in the ground.

It took 6 of us to carry it and we were struggling.

Planting it wasn’t so easy either.

Still trying

Giving it a new home

Securing the tree

A cool shot Giannina took, he looks like he is out of a movie.

Aasha & Jesse came by to meet Miss Una and have a BBQ. Aasha, Giannina & Una were dancing in the yard.

Aasha loving Una.

Step 1 – You need tool boxes, lay them out like you are going to use them.

Step 2 – Read the directions.

Step 3 – Remove old garbage disposal.

Step 4 – Make sure someone is concerned for your safety.

Step 5 – Install new disposal and photograph it so you can prove you changed it.

Una’s little piggies.

Una trying to copy the expression on her toy.

My gorgeous ladies.

Ditto

Watching mommy while she makes breakfast.

Aba holding Una’s face while showing off the ring she got him for Father’s Day.

Una trying to get in the picture.

Una taking over the picture.

Miss Una pouting because we stopped taking pictures for a few minutes. She loves the camera!

Everyone says Una looks like me but this shot looks identical to Giannina’s baby picture.

Una trying to wake her daddy.

Una succeeding. I woke up after this shot and we start to play airplane.

Airplane

Una can rest now that everyone is awake.

Giannina and Una went to visit Dawn at the beach. Una enjoyed the beach in her new chair and Sun hat.

Working on her tan.

Relaxing back at home.

Baba G hoarding his toys.

Una was very excited though she probably didn’t know why.

Una loved her new Exer-Saucer.

But she still knows where the camera is.

The dogs and I join Una in her fun time.

Baba and Nikko lose interest and decide to play with one another.

Una quickly discovered all the fun little toys attached to her Exer-Saucer.

Be prepared for some sweet comments on these, cause there’s only like 26 pictures.

Giannina and Delia, sisters, cousins, I like to call them super cousins.

Left to right: Eliza, Cory, Jimmy TT, Brian (in the back), Chris, Dawn, Josh, Gary.

Long Beach Crew representin: TT, Cory, Hawk Dog.

Leah and Cory helped out with Una all day.

Left to right: Leah (1/2), Dawn, Amelia, People in the yard, Crystal.

Josh and Lizzy relaxing in the garage.

Jin holds Una as Eva and Lia each donate a finger to Una’s death grip.

The VA Jason connection: Amelia, Phil, Crystal, Dennis.

Kristan (Wren’s dad) looks like he enjoyed his food.

Andy, Leah and Dawn chat it up by the pond.

I was a grilling machine and Ricky was nice enough to keep me company while I was slaving.

Wren looking tough as always.

Cory holds Una while she holds on to Geff who is listening in to the sounds of the Una.

TT and Delia flank me at the grill trying to get first dibs on the Carne Asada.

Katie brings out the cake she made to the very excited Giannina.

Kristan and Nicholette enjoy some good eating.

Left to right: Amelia, Tina, Josh, Andy, Maria, Una, Ricky, Delia.

Giannina squeezes under Stephanie’s hat for some shade.

Some TPPT elite: Chris, Geff, Taj, Eliza.

Phil eyes the variety of foods.

TT teases Baba G behind his new sunglasses.

Ali and Una share a moment.

Leah squirming away from Jin’s hug.

Una the drool monster loves the camera.

Beer, BBQ and a sweet apron; what more do you need.

Una turns 3 months 2 days later so we had a little mini celebration for her thanks to katie’s cupcakes.

Una looks a little concerned about all the cleaning and setting up we’re doing.

Later in the day we hung out in the backyard making some preparations while Una enjoyed the Baby Bjorn.

Una holds on to her little blanket.

Una looking happy.

Una takes a little nappy nap in the car.

Leah takes Una for a little walk, but Una finds her entertainment in the pictures on the fridge.

Una, Giannina, and leah hung out for the day. Leah captured a moment.

Giannina and Una chilling on the couch.

Giannina and Una doing crazy eyes.

Una relaxes on the couch all by herself.

And then squares off with Tolo for a head butting contest.

A really big day this year. Giannina’s birthday and father’s day all on the same day and it was a Sunday – what fun. We started the day with a big breakfast I made: French toast, Jew style – made with challah, and some eggs with mushrooms and onions. I know I am usually pretty modest, but that had to be the best breakfast I’ve ever made.

Hard to tell who wants a piece of that giant birthday cake more, Giannina or Una. After a little persuading I convinced Una that she had to let her mommy take care of that one.

I made her all happy that she forgot about the cake.

And then Una made me so crazy happy. She got me a beautiful Titanium ring that was engraved from her. Awwwww!

Finally, Giannina thought that the best way to get Una over her rivalry with her arch nemesis, the purple elephant, was to get her a giant purple elephant. Well somehow it worked and Una and her new friend Tolo are best buds. Though Una does sneak in the occasional bite to remind him who is boss.

There’s Tolo in all his purple glory.

It’s just a little mini taste. I think we were too busy enjoying the sun to get any more pics. But here is the Una working on her tan – face is protected of course.

And here is the pond she spends most of her time looking at and listening to.

I know there is not nearly enough of Giannina with the Una and that is partly my fault, but damn it she’s the photographer in the family. Anyway, here is a little bit of Giannina with the Una. First, Una checks out her new mobile.

Okay, you have to wait a little longer, here’s some Una looking cute by herself.

And finally, some Giannina and Una. Those 2 ladies are all mine…amazing!

A couple of beauties.

And you gotta love this. Una sat down to read all about a hungry caterpillar.

Like any good reader, she began to fall asleep.

But quickly her attention was roused and she was back at it full force.

Friday night and I get home for my turn to get some Una.

And finally, a flashback treat. After months of looking for the right picture to match Aunt Georgie’s crazy eyes (and there have been a few candidates), we have a winner!

Leah stopped by and decided to give Giannina a little mini birthday celebration a couple of days early.

She brought all kinds of goodies: presents, fruit and cake. Giannina sure does love her cake!

And just because no post can go without a little Una. Leah does an impression of the Una.

Thanks to Che Guevara, Ted. Perez. was off for Monday so I had an extra day of fun with the Una. First she showed Giannina and I how even big toys are no problem for her to lift.

She spotted the fishies in her new portable swing (thanks Fred & Hildi). And she stepped it up a notch, pointing at and grabbing them.

Then Una and I discovered her new favorite way of getting around.

We relaxed by the pond looking at some real fish. She can’t grab them but she sure does like to stare at them.

Giannina had to run some errands, so Una and I decided to play, cry and do a little lounging. First, I squeezed into Una’s play mat to see things from her perspective.

Sometime after, Una decided to show me what spending the day with her can sometimes look like.

And then she showed me what it really looks like. What an angel!

Then she did some lounging in her favorite chair. That Una shows off every chance she gets.

She then decided one toy was not enough and grabbed everything she could get her hands on.

And during all this…Nikko took a nap (with only 1 toy – like a civilized dog).

Wren had a little graduation party for his survival of middle school. The Meidavs made an appearance and though the pictures don’t show it, Una was in top form, crying at every opportunity.

Wren + Una chillin.

After all the excitement, the Una was pretty tired and needed a nap.

Giannina and Katie looking pretty for the camera. And Nicholette of course.

And finally, the men of the families. Kris + Arbel

Most mornings Una is just amazing. This Saturday morning was no exception. Her and I immediately started our weekend ritual of exchnaging kisses and stories.

She then asked to be flown around the bed so I happily obliged.

She got very excited.

But once I tried to land her, she had nothing to do with it and was ready to land an uppercut.

Una spends a good part of her day on her play mat where she explores toys, colorful books and all kinds of textures.

Nikko sometimes tries to bring over a toy but rarely gives it up. On the other hand, Baba keeps a watchful eye on Una waiting for his moment to lick her feet endlessly. The band-aid is from shots she had the day before – Baba’s licks, fortunately do not penetrate skin.

Aunt Leah drops by to pay a visit.

Una had her 2 month checkup today (a week late due to a missed appointment). And boy what a checkup. She is not only growing healthily but is setting the bar pretty high for future Meidavs. She came in above the 95th percentile. She has nearly doubled her birth weight which is way ahead of schedule. And has managed to stretch it out over 5 more inches, which gives her some cheeks but she is nowhere near one of those ‘fat’ babies. Dr. Julie also added that she is reacting to her environment more like a 4 month old. Way to go Una!

Current Stats:
Weight: 14 lbs. 6 oz.
Length: 25″

Birth Stats:
Weight: 7 lbs 8oz.
Length: 20″

Una takes a drool break…

…from the daunting task of climbing Mt. Arbel.

And later on a walk, she saw something horrible, but due to her still developing communication skills we were not able to determine the cause. We think it had something to do with her arch-nemesis, the Purple Elephant.

Una relaxing outside in her new shade thingy.

A beautiful profile of Una.

Una looking a little down (might be cause I was stuck inside feeling like crap).

Una and Giannina looking amazing.

Motherly love.

Una recently discovered her feet and her ability to touch them as well as stick them in her mouth (not pictured).

Una and Giannina taking the Baby Bjorn for a dry run and looking good doing it.

Una, Giannina and I.

Una was happy to be around all the people or at least that’s what she wanted us to think.

Then she went on a rampage that was too graphic for pictures. Giannina and I had our hands full trying to bring her back to normal.

She did have a very cute skirt on though.

Later, the girls had a little mini bridal shower for Jackie (the future Mrs. Ledon)

Aunt Delia was very happy for the soon to be Mrs. Ledon.

All the ladies headed downtown for the day.

Aunt Jackie gave the Una some stuff to look at since the stroller was not cutting it.

Aunt Delia showed the Una what someday she will for some reason be obsessed with.

The ladies relax on the couch after a long day in the jungle that is L.A.

Una got some really nice presents for her 2 month birthday and she was so appreciative and excited that she wore herself out and fell asleep.

Una’s foot.

Aunt Delia doing her usual to create some funny and Aunt Christina instant messaging away.

Aunt Delia and Aunt Jackie looking pretty for the camera. I got some sweet early father’s day gifts.

Una was pretty happy with all the visitors too, but she has quite the poker face and wasn’t giving anything away.

Later in the bath she broke down and showed how happy she really was.

Aunt Delia was hard at work shortly after the bath, giving Una a manicure.

Aunt Christina and Una exhausted after a long day out and about.

Una doing her best impression of Anakin Skywalker (pre Darth Vader) while being held by her Aunt Jackie.

Una: No, Aunt Jackie I do not want a banana, I only eat the liquid gold.

A couple days later and upside down, and the same spot is all of a sudden a happy place.

Grandpa Tom just left, but on the horizon are aunts galore. Una thinks about what this means to her daily naps.

And a little bit of what not everyone gets to see…

Just some cute Una…

Giannina swears Una has her fingers.

Grandpa Tom was very excited to meet the Una.

Una and Meg.

A lot more Una…

Una and Grandpa Tom.

???

Una and Giannina.

Una and her parents.

And finally, Una looking about as hard as a baby could look.

Una and Leah bond some more.

Una: What the hell was that. I think someone passed some gas and it wasn’t me this time!

Una met Maria, one of Giannina’s old co-workers.

Then she relaxed on her swing some.

Una met Nasrin the Chiropractor.

Later Una and I watched some TV to cap the evening.

She also likes getting her picture taken, doesn’t even react to the flash anymore.

She loves the water and even getting her head in there.

Una smiles all the time now, but this one is pretty good.

One last bath time shot.

Mother and daughter enjoying a moment on a very special day.

Una takes a good look at that annoying source of all the barking.

Giannina loved her Mother’s Day presents. These two are from Hildi + Fred. Thanks!

Una also had a good time meeting a pink elephant and a crazy giraffe.

Shira and Una had to say their goodbyes.

And then when I got in the picture, Una got real happy.

Giannina and Una walking down the beach.

It was a beautiful day.

Una is in there somewhere.

Una is really starting to love her bath time.

She can’t get enough of the water.

Though she does seem to be losing hair during baths. People assure us that it grows back.

Nothing like being so fresh and so clean.

And after the bath is all done Una is ready to get back to posing for the camera.

Shira at lunch.

Una at Ted. Perez.

Una took a climb over Giannina’s snoogle.

Love at first sight.

Headshot.

Bodyshot.

Happy sleeper.

Una has mastered flicking the camera off.

Just chillin’

My two favorite ladies: Una and her mommy.

She was not so happy about it at first…

But eventually came around. Or maybe I just fell asleep. Either way.

Three Meidav ladies and at least one actually knows she is being photographed.

She actually fell asleep like that.

Everyone keeps saying that Una looks like me so you be the judge.

First, a quick nap on some clean laundry.

Una + Saba (Grandpa) Arie.

Una stretches for Safta (Grandma) Mazal.

Then perks up and takes a good look at her Safta.

Una continues to examine Safta Mazal.

The very happy Grandparents, 3 times over now.

All smiles.

Una gives a little wink.

Una and Georgie bond for the first time.

Three Meidav ladies laughing it up.

Una expectedly was pooped after all the excitement.

Una has been working hard on her double chin. She easily eats her body weight every day.

Just doing some stretching and looking cute.

Eye, Nose + Mouth by Una.

After a long day of work, it’s very nice to come home and hold Una. And she seems to appreciate my arrival.

Leah came by to check out the little Una and cook some Lasagna. Mmmmm…

Close-Up.

Una works hard on her push-ups every day.

Confused + Not So Happy.

What The + Comfortable.

Irritated + Sure, I Can Do That

I Have a Tongue + Listening Intently.

Spit Bubbles + What Is That Thing.

So Tired + Deep Concentration (aka Pooping).

MC Una + Yummy.

That Ceiling is High + What Was That?

Definitely Don’t Like That + Okay, It’s Not So Bad.

1 Million Dollars + No, That Wasn’t Right – 1 Billion Dollars.

Una loves to catch a nap on her swing.

Not a big fan of the flash photography though.

So you’ve seen calm post-bath Una. But there are a couple of other types. There’s upset post-bath Una.

Then there’s scared post-bath Una.

And yes, confused post-bath Una.

So I’ve finally caught up on the last week or so of pictures and posts. So be sure to scroll down and check out all of the recent posts.

And now, today’s activities. Visit #2 at the pediatrician went very well. Una is doing great and invented a dance move while getting examined.

She also got to wear her first cool pair of shades.

Una and I chillin on the couch after a day out.

A nice long video packed with plenty of expressions and even some of Una’s sound effects.

11 Day Old Una from Arbel Meidav on Vimeo.

I’m pretty sure she just wanted to be left alone at this point. But the extra camera attention will pay dividends later.

Giannina and Una lay down for a quick nap.

Una grabbed a hold of my finger.

Most amazing handshake of my life.

My hand is about the size of her head at this point.

Hildi was leaving, so we had a little family photo shoot. The happy parents with the not so cooperative Una.

Nonna Hildi with little Una (that’s Grandma to those unaware).

More of us and Una.

Just Una.

Nikko made an appearance looking sassy.

Una got a little tired of all the posing.

And eventually decided to make her own version of a pose.

Una showed a range of emotion sitting in the back seat. She does love the car rides.

And just another cute shot in the car ride.

A little spit up caught on video. Click the image to check it out.

6 Day Old Una from Arbel Meidav on Vimeo.

Spitting up is a skill, and this little girl has got it down!

Una’s impression of a pink jedi. Very cute.

After a full day of eating and pooping, Una fell asleep. Shortly after, two more went down.

For those Una lovers out there who can’t get enough… Some video of little Una should do the trick. Click the images to check it out.

5 Day Old Una – Part 1 from Arbel Meidav on Vimeo.

They really don’t do all that much at the tender age of 5 days. But it looks like she may have passed some gas with a smile.

5 Day Old Una – Part 2 from Arbel Meidav on Vimeo.

More doing nothing, but kinda cute.

Una’s first bath went pretty well. Shampooed her hair and everything.

We strapped her in for her first trip to the pediatrician.

She had her first experience with being poked and prodded up on a doctor’s table.

First look of focus and determination.

She met Uncle TT.

First blank look? Running out of firsts.

Enough with the pictures already – first time being annoyed with mom and dad.

For those of you checking back looking for more Una, here you go…

Sleepy, sleepy.

Very proud Hildi, aka Nonna.

Little foot, big hand.

Proud mom.

Una’s favorite blanket.

Una seems to think we might be overdoing it a bit.

Very cute little feet.

More sleepy.

Very proud dad.

Much more Una and even more on the way…

Una’s Aunt Delia was quite proud. Nonna Hildi and Aunt Delia love the little Una. Giannina and Una had a thing for one another right away.

Una’s first outfit other than the hospital T was a big hit.

Right before we got the okay to leave the hospital Una decided to bond with a pink bunny.

I was very excited to get the Una back home.

Once we got her into the car, Una immediately became tired. That was probably her first big yawn.

Giannina was also very happy to get our little Una back home.

Una was pretty unsure about her new home, especially with those loud dogs.

Baba couldn’t wait to get his tongue on little Una, but he’s going to have to wait just a little longer.

Una got pretty sleepy in mom’s arms.

Shortly after her arrival, Una decided it was time to try out her new changing table. Baba was real curious about the whole thing.

On March 28, 2005 at 6:11 pm, Giannina and I welcomed our beautiful daughter Una Ariella. Una was born 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20 in. long.

Here are some pictures from her first day. And you can see the hospital’s post at Torrance Memorial Baby Arrivals

We left for the hospital at 12:10 PM. Between contractions Giannina was all smiles, but when they hit on the ride…No fun!

More smiles between contractions and some relaxing music in bed. We got back from our walk around the floor at 5:20 pm. It all started happening right after.

The moment she came out, Giannina and I were overwhelmed with joy.

She wasn’t so happy right away, but still pretty damn cute.

After about an hour with Giannina, Una and I headed to the nursery for a 3 hour routine monitoring. To pass the time, I read her her first book, Super System.

Hildi, Giannina’s mom, Leah and Delia couldn’t be he happier to see Una for the first time.

We had to spend the day in the park cause our neighbor was sand blasting his house. I decided to climb a tree and Baba G looked a little worried.

Our friend who shot our wedding had a studio opening shoot party.

The last picture I took a while back. Giannina just looked so cute I had to add it.

Giannina is the best – she just sent me this image on the IM machine…

We had a few visitors over the weekend and plenty of rain for them.

Giannina’s mom was very excited to see how big Giannina has gotten. Jason was barely awake 😉

Delia cooked up a storm – seriously some unbelievable shit. Jason watched. JK, he helped out at every opportunity.

Nikko had her standard concerned look, while Giannina got all happy and excited to open some baby stuff.

It may seem like not such a big deal with a little over a month to go until the little one is here, but the WSOP is also right around the corner. And it’s hard to ignore back to back poker tournament wins.

Check out the Ted. Perez. Poker Tour site for more.

I know I haven’t posted in a little while, but it’s been busy times. Hopefully some of you still check this out and I plan to post more soon. But for now, here’s what you came for…

Baby’s Heart Beat

I’m not a very big fan of blogs, but they sure are easy. They put all the onus on others to visit and see the latest. So here it is. Giannina and I will use this blog mainly to post pictures of the little one on the way. I’ll throw in the occasional humerous story about how she pooped all over my face and so on. Hopefully those of you looking to get every bit of info on her will be pleased. Enjoy.