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!