A Visit & Birthday Celebration

I need to catch everyone up on the happenings over the past four weeks. My big boy turned 3 and he had more birthday celebrations than I can count on one hand. The last weekend in January Papa, Aunt Daph and Uncle Eric came up to visit and to have a small party for Connor.

Garrett was enamored by Papa and was never too far behind him.

Papa put up our dining room chandelier which is gorgeous. It is definitely nice to have a father who can fix things - thank you!
A long day + New England air + a roaring fire = perfect nap time

Cupcakes were requested so we decided to make them into a mini railroad.

At lunch time, we decided to have a birthday celebration - party hats were worn by all. Connor blowing out the candles and Garrett patiently waiting to tear into one of those cupcakes

After a nice dinner out, we came home for ice cream cake. Connor couldn't wait to dig in so I think all his fingers were covered in frosting before I even started to cut the cake.

His own birthday train which he told Grandma he just had to have. Of course, Grandma didn't disappoint.

Watching the opening of presents or at least listening to all the chaos.

Connor requested a trumpet and he showed us real quick he knew exactly what to do.

The boys on a balloon hunt.

After everyone left, the boys were definitely a little tired. They were relaxing on the couch and spending some quality time together. Anyone that has kids at this age knows, these few minutes of cuddling together is priceless.

Hmmm..Connor or Garrett?

In the last few days, we have been busy with the usual grind. This consists of snow, then some ice, then more snow...I think I can honestly say I have seen enough snow this year. We have already surpassed all the historical snow records. Good Times!! A few things I have noticed over the past few weeks:

When Garrett went for his 15 month check up, I made a shocking revelation. As he was screaming from getting his shot, I noticed he had two brand new molars in the back of his mouth. Talk about being unobservant...how did that happen and I never noticed. He is even starting to get the upper ones as well...now only if I could get him to eat with all those teeth.

Garrett has become quite a little man in the past few months (although he is going through quite a mama's boy phase - which I absolutely love). He basically understands everything you say to him - the words are starting to pour out of his mouth. Last night he said "walk" and he almost completely said "please". He is so mischievous and charming that I worry how I am ever going to discipline that smile.

Connor is funny as usual - keeping Brian and I on our toes and never letting us miss anything. This past weekend after some fresh snow - Connor wanted to go to the outside playground. Of course Brian obliged but they had to wade through mounds of snow. The best part was Brian put Connor on his lap to go down the slides because they were wet and covered with snow. At times Connor would be busy talking about something and wouldn't get to Brian fast enough - he didn't realize Daddy was getting soaked and was freezing. It is amazing what you do for your boys. Connor also had a first while at the playground. He no longer fits into the secured baby swings so he was on the real big boy swings and loved it.

The innocence of the boys is what gets me. Of course, I have taught Connor the correct terminology for his private parts. Well, we play this game every night where Brain hides their bath toys and we have to find them. So the other night Brian actually taped a dolphin to the inside lid of the toilet...I found it and told Connor where it was and that maybe the dolphin had to go pee pee. Connor's response - "The dolphin can't go pee pee mommy - he doesn't have a penis." Enough said.

I thought I would play a little trivia with you. Can you guess if the picture below is Connor or Garrett? Good Luck because I even know who it is and I am still questioning myself.

It is four weeks later and I am editing this post to let everyone know the answer because one day I am going to look back on this and not be 100% sure which little munchkin I am looking at. The above picture is Connor right before bathtime when we lived at the Devonshire.

Another Year Older

It was Daddy's birthday in the beginning of January and I think he received the best present any father could ask for...Connor made the day entirely about Daddy and all day made Brian feel so special. Let me back track for a quick second.

The day before Brian's birthday Connor told me that we had to go out shopping. I asked him why - he explained that he had to get Daddy a birthday present. He then whispered into my ear that Daddy really loves Hot Wheels. I asked Connor how he was going to pay for Daddy's present - he told me that he had been saving his money in his wallet and he wanted to buy the present with his money. I was so impressed that I told him that I would help him pay for the present this time since he was so sweet. He denied my assistance, went to his back pack, got his money and asked me if he had enough. I told him he had more than enough. The entire family bundled up and off we went on a shopping spree. Connor brought us all to Toys R Us where he picked out a pack of 5 Hot Wheel cars - he carried the cars and his wallet to the register and really, truly bought his daddy a birthday present. I mean could you ask for anything better than that.

The next day was Daddy's birthday and I don't think Brian could have felt any more special. Besides the fact that Connor reminded Brian every 3 seconds it was his birthday and gave him a million hugs and kisses, Connor was determined to make this birthday special. Connor first instructed me we had to make a cake - not just a cake - he decided cupcakes. We made cupcakes and chocolate cookies (since those are one of his favorites) and my big helper was into all the way. He also enjoyed licking the bowls and bringing some to daddy often.

While Daddy was outside, Nana and Connor wrapped Daddy's present...Connor did all the taping himself. Oh I almost forgot...he also decided to decorate the kitchen using balloons and napkins and a sign.

Nana made Daddy his favorite dinner - meat pie and I don't think dinner could end soon enough. Connor was psyched to sing and eat cup cakes. He lead us off singing and helped blow out the candles. The boys then dug into their cup cakes which meant frosting everywhere. He then gave Daddy his present and then they both decided to share the cars - so Garrett, Nana, Connor, Daddy and myself all received a car. It was a perfect evening and thanks to Connor I don't think Daddy will ever forget his birthday.

Everyone singing

The family resting.

Really getting into the cup cake.Connor wanting more...Pleeasssee. This is good.

Of course, we did have to repeat the singing and eating of cupcakes the following night upon Grandma's return - anything for another cupcake. Happy Birthday Daddy!

Fishkill & New Years Eve

As I had previously written, we then continued on to Fishkill to complete our Christmas extravaganza. I am not sure what happened but most of the pictures I took are very unflattering so I will simply write about it. Upon arrival, the entire family had gathered at the Falahee household and it was so good to see everyone. The kids got to play with their cousins and they were definitely exhausted by the end of the day. The next night Nana and Grandpa babysat for us and Brian and I were able to meet up with Jenn and Andro for a drink or two in town. It was nice to get out and see friends without constantly being on high alert. The ironic part is that we hadn't seen Jenn and Andro since possibly the summer and they would be arriving at our house for the New Years celebration in just a few days. Since Brian had to get back to work, we left on Sunday but with the best gift of all...Nana came with us so that she could spend the week. Needless to say, we were all very happy.

Tuesday, the Buneta family arrived in MA to ring in the New Year with us which is starting to be a tradition which I really look forward to. Let me digress for a second...you know how you always have that one person who gives your kids a gift which immediately starts you plotting your revenge. You probably are wondering what the heck I am talking about. Well, Andro (Jenn notice I am not blaming you at all) brought the boys a very special present - the type of present you always joke about but never really get. Yes, Andro bought the boys a drum set. My boys love their music so this was a huge hit and still is...I must admit I even catch myself sitting down to play every once in a while. It is a perfect gift for the boys and honestly they love it so much it really makes me happy. So, I was thinking I would have to stop plotting my revenge but then I thought about the fact that when Andro was picking it out he was loving the fact he would be leaving it with us and thinking of all the nights Brian and I would be listening to the banging. Revenge is on and it will be sweet. I actually might wait awhile but mark my words - in the end I will be the one standing in the Buneta house with a huge smile on my face. :) Sorry Jenn that you get caught in the cross fire.


New Years Eve was a blast - we all had a nice dinner in the dining room, the boys played with noise makers and all fell asleep early. Nana, Brian, Andro, Jenn and I watched the Colbert Christmas special while playing trivial pursuit and drank because that game is so darn frustrating. I have to be honest the game of trivial pursuit really proves I don't have a clue about anything but before we knew it the ball was dropping and we welcomed in the new year in front of the fire and laughing. Not too bad. Did I mention it snowed all day so we were all very happy we were celebrating at home.



New Years Day we managed to do a first for Luka and Connor - sleigh riding. The little guys, Aidan and Garrett, were down for their morning naps and since the sun was shining all the big kids headed outside - bundled up for the cold. The hill on the side of our house proved to be a great little sledding spot for all of us. Before we could go sledding the boys, Luka and Connor, told us we all had to shovel first. After our hard work was done, we hit the hill and I think a great time was had by all. There are so many great pictures from sledding I hope I don't bore you.

Off we go!
All of us at the bottom of the hill (Jenn, Andro and Luka on the left - Brian and Connor on the right)

Nana pushing Connor and Daddy

Even the adults were into it...Jenn and Nana pushing Brian down the driveway to head down the street which is also a hill.

Brian and I pulling Connor back up the hill
Connor has a smile ear to ear - I am pretty sure he loved coming back up the hill as much as going down
Luka felt the very same way - he is in the tube
Aidan playing in the house - I wanted to add his picture so everyone can see how much he has grown up

The next day we were sad to see the Buneta's return home to life in NJ but we are so happy they came to visit. Thank you for coming to visit and we can't wait until next year.

Long Island Antics 2008

This year someone had a brilliant idea to do a gift exchange amongst all the kids. In the last two years, the group has expanded exponentially and the picture below is missing Alexandra, Olivia and Ava. Allison was gracious enough to host us at her house and I know my boys loved seeing everyone. I think they love all the ladies.

I think this might be one of the first times I have a picture of us. Although, I am now wishing I put on makeup and actually did my hair. Oh well, sometimes I just find it amazing I make it to places.

The next few days were a whirlwind. Garrett hanging out during Christmas Eve - he was happy to find a seat he could sit on without any help from an adult.
How cute are my boys?

Our only family picture from the holidays - If Connor's mouth looks a little funny it is because he just ate a peanut butter/ chocolate kiss cookie which he made with Aunt Laura and has the chocolate all over his face.

Garrett entertaining.
Everyone having a good time.
Christmas Morning - the boys knew exactly what to do. They ripped into their stockings immediately.
Garrett was thrilled with his toothbrush. He wanted it out of the package and he would have been satisfied all day with this as his only present.
Oh yeah...and maybe a box or two to stand on/jump on as well.

The boys playing with their new books and toys. The Wiggles guitar was a big hit.
Quick explanation of Brian receiving ketchup and canned goods. Brian comes home often to tell Grandma and I that he thinks we are going to go into a economic depression and that we should stock up on the basic necessities. Grandma obliged by giving Brian a gift of precious commodities...canned goods and water. :) Brian took them all home and put them in storage.

A little relaxation was definitely needed.

In the afternoon, all of our family came to visit. It took the boys a minute to warm up but they definitely enjoyed all the attention.
It always seems like we never have enough time...I think the fact that I don't have pictures of the boys with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Scott and Aunt Laura speaks volumes.

If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will!

I posted a lot of pictures in my last entry but didn't have many of the boys. I think the following video sums up the boys excitement and really shows how sweet they both are to each other. Hope you love this as much as I do!

Holidays 2008 - Part 1 of Many

Where to begin? The holidays were so much fun but also very hectic. Thus, no posts in over three weeks - I know once I start it will just start flowing. (Be prepared for several posts) Our holiday breaks down into five parts:
1- Massachusetts Christmas
2- Long Island Visit
3- Fishkill Visit
4- New Years in MA
5- Brian's Birthday

Just like last year, we sent a letter to Santa letting him know that we would be travelling over Christmas. Santa let us know that he would be making a special delivery to MA the night of Friday December 19th. He simply said the presents were too big and needed to make a special delivery.

Since Santa told us the delivery was too big, Brian and I got the hint and redid the third floor of our house to make it into a play room for the boys. After lots of hard work, the room came together nicely.

Friday December 19th arrived with a bang - 2 feet of snow! So Christmas eve festivities began by going outside to shovel, an attempt to build frosty (unfortunately the snow was too powdery) and snow angels of course.

Connor in his new snow pants - He kind of looks like Bob the Builder.

Grandma and Connor hard at work.

Grandpa's snow angel (I wish I had a picture of Grandpa making the snow angel but I was too busy trying to pull him out of the snow so that he didn't ruin the snow angel)

Santa came and left some presents by the fireplace. If you look closely, the green piece of paper by Santa's plate was a note from Santa. It told Connor and Garrett that they needed to go look Up Up Up Stairs to find a special present from Santa.

Opening Presents
Garrett liked opening presents but he LOVED to climb up on all the boxes and stand/jump on them.

After breakfast, we read Santa's note to the boys...Connor understood it immediately. He led us all upstairs to see the new play room. His reaction was priceless - Connor jumped around the room like he was Tigger and his smile spread from ear to ear. This was a moment I will never forget.

Thomas the Tank engine set - which Connor has admired in a catalog for over 9 months. He had picked it out last March in a brochure and has kept it in his room and shown it to us almost everyday. In the catalog there were thousands of options but he never wavered and always wanted to same set. Connor is definitely a boy with strong conviction.
When Connor wrote to Santa, his requests were his train set and a "jumpy thing". As Connor rounded the corner and saw the giant ball pit and jumpy house, he ran for it and immediately jumped in. The excitement was definitely contagious.

Christmas in MA was a success and there was still so much more to come but we definitely had some obstacles. On Sunday, Grandma, the boys and I were to drive to Long Island. The only problem was another blizzard hit our area and driving conditions were not great. I was expected to be in the New York office for work on Monday so I made a very dumb decision - I drove in the blizzard to Long Island on Sunday. Our trip was about 7 hours long and was a nail biter at times but we made it safe and sound - thank goodness.

This is what our house looked like before we left and it snowed another 6 inches with ice that day. Papa - you told me it snowed in Long Island but when we got to Long Island I didn't see any snow. I wanted to include this picture so you actually know what we were talking about.

Holidays 2008...to be continued.