The Sweetest Lullaby

Every night I put Garrett to bed and Brian reads and tells stories to Connor. Last night something wonderful happened. Garrett finished drinking his bottle, read two books and proceeded to stand up on my lap. He was comparing the star on the back of the rocking chair to the star in the curtains when he suddenly began to sing me a lullaby. It only contained the phrase "night-night" but he sang it to me almost to the rhythm of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...it was absolutely priceless.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow

So what do you do with two kids when it is absolutely freezing out...you go to the Kids Fun Zone...Dah! We went first thing in the morning and spent three hours crawling through ball pits, obstacle courses, jumping on air mattresses and playing arcade games and I am not sure who had more fun - Brian or myself...just kidding, although sometimes I think we really do have just as much fun as the boys at these places. Connor and Garrett loved the games and Garrett even hit a jackpot which allowed them to go crazy at the ticket counter - lollipops, sunglasses and stamps for everyone.

When we woke up on Sunday, I couldn't believe that it was actually snowing. Connor immediately ran upstairs and woke Brian up. hehehe After breakfast it was mandatory that we go out and enjoy the snow. To most kids this means, making snowmen and snowballs. To Connor, this means getting the shovel and cleaning up. Basically, I think we owe him a lot of money for doing all our shoveling on Sunday. Garrett's first snow fall which he can enjoy.

Learning to use the shovel with mittens on.

Getting to work - watch out Garrett

On to the last step - almost done.

Connor's thoughts about the snow were classic. He basically told me that we had to get more snow so that Santa can come. He has a one track mind this year.

Fishkill Forgiveness

A wise man once said "Don't be travelling with those boys until they get better"...oh wait that was Papa Winston. When we woke on Thanksgiving day, we were so happy that Connor was so much better and he told us he was ready to go to Fishkill. So we went!

We had a great Thanksgiving day but that night Garrett became very sick including a 103 degree fever. We definitely left our mark on Fishkill this trip (trust me when I say you don't want anymore detail than that)...hopefully we will be invited back one day. ;)

It is several days later and I am happy to report both boys are on the mend and should be 100% very soon. Now it is time to get ready for Christmas...Ho Ho Ho! Speaking of Ho Ho (which is what Connor calls Santa), he brought out the brush the other night and swept up in front of the fireplace to get it ready for Ho Ho.

As Thanksgiving Approaches

Apparently, our new family tradition is that someone becomes incredibly sick before the holiday. Last year, I had pneumonia - enough said. At the moment, both boys are at home with Grandma and I am pretty sure it has been a very long day for Grandma. Garrett has been vomiting since Friday but only at night...strange right? Well, he is on a strict Pedialyte diet so hopefully this bug will pass quickly. Connor woke up on Sunday and basically sounds like he has the croup AGAIN. Poor little man couldn't even breath last night as he was trying to fall asleep. His voice is all raspy (which is actually really cute) and his breathing is so labored it hurts to watch or even listen. Our plan is to go to Fishkill for Thanksgiving and we are still hoping for a speedy recovery so that we can make the trip. Fingers crossed.

Observation: Connor stood up next to me yesterday (usually he doesn't stand in one place for very long) and the top of his head was to my belly button. I knew he was a tall boy but honestly I really thought he would at least wait until he was 10 to pass me in height. I guess I need to accept it could be by the age of 5 instead. :)

New achievements by Garrett: Garrett looked up to Daddy yesterday, put his arms out and said "up." It is great to hear him voice what he wants - he also said "again" after I finished reading a book and proceeded to flip the pages. Did I mention he also went pee pee on the potty? I kid you not - he watches Connor intently and when I took his diaper off to go into the bath tub, he walked over to the potty. I placed him on the potty and mission complete.

Balloons Anyone??

As I had previously mentioned, we used balloons as a potty training tool (aka bribe). Connor is completely potty trained but the love of balloons remains by both boys - Garrett even tries to say balloons. (On a side note, during the weekend Garrett clearly said tissue as he pointed to the tissue box which was astounding). Every night before bath time is balloon party time and I know my explanation will not due it justice. At the beginning of our basement the hallway is actually pretty wide and then it gets narrow. We now use this piece of the basement for balloon parties - you are probably thinking one or two balloons. I asked Daddy and Grandma to guess how many balloons are down there and our best guess is over 200. There are so many the boys walk through it and can actually hide from us. Just wanted to give you a glimpse into our nightly routine.

You are probably wondering why there isn't a picture of Garrett in the balloons. The problem is that Garrett has no fear - walks right through them and even throws himself into the pile. The only issue is that he disappears into the balloons and you can't see him.

Quick cute story: Connor was eating dinner last night and as he was eating he told me his "tummy was moaning". Kids really have a knack at saying the funniest things.

Garret on the other hand understands everything. When I walked through the door the other night, Grandma told me they were practicing rolling. He ran over to the rug in the family room, got down and started rolling...it was so cute to watch that tush pop into the air.

Dino - thanks for telling Brian you actually read the blog. He totally thinks I am nuts and I did the balloon update just for you. :)

Fall in New England

What do you do on a beautiful fall day in New England? Run through the leaves - check! Play tee ball - check! Run around - check! WATER BALLOON FIGHT - CHECK!!!! Garrett better watch out

The boys relaxing on the front steps Oh yeah, we also were surprised to find out the Wiggles came to MA. On Saturday we went to their show and both boys loved it...I mean really loved it. It also helps to be sitting front row center and have the Wiggles about 4 feet from you. I don't think we will ever top that one.

Sunday, I got a little too confident. We had a painting session - two boys and mommy. The boys each had their own paints and went to town painting. Garrett did superb but after about 5 minutes his attention to painting started to slip and before I knew it his face was covered in paint and then he decided he wanted to try to eat the paint brush. Thank goodness I caught the paint brush in time but I think he did a pretty good job painting himself. And yes, that is a Guinness apron he is wearing as a smock. Needless, to say both works of art were masterpieces.

Halloween 2008

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!

Things you miss the most

We went away to Vegas for three days and of course during this time we missed our boys every second - And NO we didn't win a thing. Brian and I started making a list of the things that you take for granted everyday but miss so much.

Connor's phrases which we couldn't wait to hear again:

1- O-Tay (OK)

2- Huuury Huuuury (Hurry Hurry)
3- Maybe (Whenever there is an incident, such as a car being pulled over on the side of the road, Connor wants to know why, what happened and what is going on. Sometimes he makes up scenarios and says "Maybe, they went through light...Maybe, they had accident")

4- I luv you

Garrett's most adorable movements/moments:

1- Koala hugs

2- Kissing those cheeks

3- The amazement of him saying a new word almost everyday (Knock-Knock, Bye Bye, Brother "Braaa") and his determination to tell us stories which we totally don't understand but he talks for 30 seconds and looks at us like why don't you understand me.

4- His style of walking. Also, to get their attention I sometimes march them up to bath. When I tell them to march he throws out his right leg as he walks trying to imitate us picking our knees up.

Thanks to Grandma and Papa for watching the boys which allowed us to go away. From all the stories, it didn't sound like we were missed too much but the hugs we got when we came through the door were priceless.

The End of October

It's somebody's birthday...I wonder who?

Two big helpers to blow out the candles.
Getting some cake before mommy cuts it.

We travelled to Fishkill for Emma's first birthday party. In my usual haste, I always forget one thing. This time it was that I forgot to charge my battery for my camera, so for an entire weekend in Fishkill I really only have a very few photos. I will have to make up for this the next time we visit.

Winnie the Pooh.
Bob the Builder and Dr. Jekyl/Magician
I wish this shot was a little bit closer because all the kids were so cute. In the picture, Garrett is obsessed with Danny and laughing hysterically. The kids painted pumpkins while at the party which was a huge hit - the boys are very proud of their masterpieces which are still displayed in our kitchen. Thanks for a great weekend and a fun party!

It's Hammer Time!

Garrett received this music table from Nana, Grandpa and Aunt Ellen. From the day one of playing with the table, he has done this strange dance where he balances on one foot and kicks with the other. It is the cutest and funniest thing I have ever seen. You also get a glimpse of him walking towards me.

This was too cute not to share.

A Quick Update

What a delinquent I have been but the days have been very hectic and chaotic because of work. So I thought I would throw some random things into a very quick blog.

Since I last posted, we celebrated Garrett's birthday.

Our first family portrait - thank you grandma.
We had Nana come to visit for Columbus Day weekend - thank you for all your help.
We raked and bagged leaves since the fall came to our yard in full force.




Garrett is walking better than ever and now says bye bye and knock knock. Connor is still the best big brother ever and is as inquisitive as ever.

Saturday Antics

Right now you are probably thinking - 'Seriously..enough posts already' but I am simply not done. Keep in mind that all the previous posts happened on Friday which is why the boys didn't go to bed until 11pm.

So the weekend before the arrival to Boston, Uncle Eric was asked if there was one thing you wanted to see what would it be. His reply was simple..."Fenway Park." Brian heard this and immediately arranged for us to have a Fenway tour.

Notice the "ALDS" logo - the crew was busy preparing the field for the championship series.

A moment captured during our tour.
A stroll through Boston.
After a really fun dinner (which explains the ketchup on Connors chin), we watched a street performer play everything from a bucket to the kitchen sink. Connor even ran up with a dollar...we were busy dancing.


Garrett wasn't too thrilled with the loud noise but I just thought he looked so cute in his winter hat.

It was a fun and jam packed weekend. I think everyone slept well for a few nights. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed themselves and will come back to visit really soon.

Its My Party...

After getting home from the farm, it was pizza party time. As many of you know, Garrett's birthday is October 9th so we thought we would have a little pre-celebration. In keeping with tradition, we made cupcakes for the big birthday.

Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday to You - Look at Connor blowing out the candles.
What is this?
Daddy why don't you try it first.
This isn't so bad.
My hands are dirty.
I am going to wipe them on Uncle Scott.
This is good after all and Uncle Scott makes a great napkin.
This is fun...I love cupcakes.
Presents too?
It's Graham.
Immediately after opening his present and giving Graham a hug, he headed right upstairs to put Graham with his other stuffed animals in his crib.
Thank you Aunt Daph...sealed with a kiss.
Another present Aunt Laura...this is great.

Looking through their loot.

No Rest for the Weary

Friday morning the second contingent, Papa, Aunt Daph and Uncle Eric, arrived at our door step just as the boys were finishing breakfast. They obviously were up bright and early to make the drive but as usual we didn't take it easy on them. We decided we were going apple and pumpkin picking. I learned at work that there is actually a farm less than 10 minutes away from the house which has everything - every type of fruit grown throughout the year, animal farm, bee conservatory and most importantly pumpkins. So off our contingent went...by the way, it is tough getting this many people out the door at one time but somehow it happened.

We took a train into the orchards which should give you an idea the size of the farm. Ready to go pick some apples and go exploring.
Every pathway was covered by a trellis in which grapes were growing...Connor was intent on picking the grapes and Papa was happy to oblige.
" Uncle Scott, Uncle Eric...you forgot a bag."

Look! I picked this apple.

Everyone enjoying the farm.
Look at me.
I think Uncle Scott found a big one.
Connor and Papa searching the field for the perfect pumpkin.

Loading up the car.
This one is a little too heavy.

Fun times...to be continued.