BREAKING POTTY NEWS!!!!

We have SUCCESS!!!  Tonight at the same time - this is how these guys do everything, right? - both boys successfully pooped on the toilet.  (Yes.  I am becoming that person that talks about poop.    Don't judge.)  Anyway, one boy was upstairs and the other was downstairs...and both were screaming simultaneously.  I ran from one to the other, wiping butts and whooping!!!  We danced our heads off...screamed...high-fived and celebrated with a Twizzler.

This was the last big hurdle for these guys!!  Now we just need them to do it again tomorrow...and the next day...and the next....and so on!  Way to go Cole and Tommy!!!

Baby bean update...

Well...he isn't a bean anymore!  Hard to believe how quickly this pregnancy is going by.  Yesterday, I had an appointment with the OB to review my ultrasound from a few weeks ago, along with the blood work.  She said everything looked *perfect* and he was growing beautifully.  Even she commented on my blood work numbers.  Apparently, you can't get any better!  So that made me feel great.  His little heartbeat was thumping away at 158bpm.

My little man is moving a LOT now.  He likes somersaults that is for sure!  We're still stuck on names.  I'm hoping to be inspired soon.  I am not sure if there is a baby book out there that we haven't already scoured!

A cute story from yesterday.  I had the boys with me at the doctors and the two of them were sitting side-by-side in a chair, reading library books about going to the hospital.  (Cole is OBSESSED with doctors.)  Anyway, the doctor walks in and Mr. Personality proudly pipes up, "Hi Dr.___.  I'm named Tommy!"   LOL  Cole wanted to know what all of her tools were for and she even let him push a few buttons.  My doctor loved seeing them of course.  She delivered them into the world three years ago!

  

Fall Fun

Update on potty training...

I just realized that we hadn't updated on the potty training situation in awhile.  Well...we had that momentary lapse a few weeks back and I kind of gave up.  Then a few days later, Tommy just walked up to me and asked to use the potty.  After that?  It was on!!  Both boys just got into it and started to appreciate the idea that they could "visit potty's" wherever we traveled.  There were a couple of accidents in the beginning, but they are getting fewer and far between.

They are still pretty worried about doing #2 on the toilet.  Tommy informed me the other day that it was scary as it was SO high up...and it fell SO far down.  And it doesn't help that they have each fallen into the toilet once.  I'm sure that scared the life out of them!  LOL

We're getting there...  We've pretty much moved beyond these little potty chairs, although they played a major role in our transition.  Thank god....cleaning them was a nightmare.  Kevin came up with his own speedy method of getting this chore done.  Take them outside, turn hose on full blast and let em have it!!  :)  Anyway, we've got "part one" down...I'm sure "part two" will come in time.  Before their third birthday would be nice!!

Our visit to Grandma's...

Our first road trip in the new "house" car!  

Last weekend was Grandma Meredith's birthday, so we made the drive in our new car (first road trip!!) and spent the weekend.

The boys had a blast playing in Grandmas yard.  It's no wonder she had SIX boys.  With a front walkway that resembles a Tonka Truck speedway in a little boys eyes, a fun "rolling hill", a LONG hallway for running and a basement perfect for "ghost hunts" -- they were in heaven!

On Saturday, we went to Uncle Steve's and Aunt Patti's to celebrate.  This is the equivalent of traveling to Disney World in their eyes.  Uncle Steve has a big "digger" which he allows them to climb all over and explore.  Steve and Patti also have a HUGE yard that the boys can drive their trucks all over.   Here are some pictures from our weekend.  I only have pictures of the kiddos.  Whenever we had down time, we were relaxing with family and not snapping photos.   Something I definitely need to remember to do in the future!

First, here are some pictures from Grandma's yard.  The hydrangeas were beautiful!

Watching a "daddy long-leg" parade.

A solitary blue flower head was holding on to summer as long as possible!

Tommy takes a moment to relax and watch the clouds float by.

Uncle Steve's Tractor

Tommy was the driver all day.

Cole worked the excavator.  :)

Tommy's big heart...

Here is my second flower from Tommy -- proudly carried in a few moments ago -- given with a kiss.   It is a beautiful dandelion.  He avoided the temptation to blow the seeds and instead brought it inside for mommy to admire.  Since I've pressed the first "flower" for a keepsake, this is the perfect replacement for our small little bud vase.  Can I love this child any more than I do right now...this very second?  Ask me again in a minute.  :)

That silly grin...

He's growing up...getting ready for school...and will soon be turning THREE.  "I'm not a baby mom.  I'm a boy!"  *sigh*  So true.  My sweet baby boy.  His sweet silly grin.  

Mommy loves you Cole Michael!  

My first flower...

The boys were playing outside this afternoon with their new "Home Depot" construction aprons.  They set up construction sites complete with road cones and diggers.  They seemed pretty content, so I came inside to do some dishes.  After about 20 minutes, Tommy came running in yelling, "Mommy!!!  I haf' something for you!"  In his hand was this little piece of grass.  "A flower!" he said proudly.  He kissed me...smiled...then happily strolled back outside.

It is the most beautiful flower I have ever received in my life.  I feel like my heart could burst just looking at it.  :)

My "Hot Tamales" are turning THREE!

Well...it's happening...my babies will soon be turning THREE.  *sigh*  How on earth did THAT happen so quickly?!?  Picking out a theme this year was easy of course.  They may not wear the hats 24/7 anymore, but that has not lessened their *deep* love for all things related to firetrucks.  :)

In researching our party options, we came across the most incredible deal ever.  There is a local firefighter named Mike who actually purchased his very own firetruck to rent out for birthday parties!!  It is incredible!  Not only can the kids climb all over the truck and use the fire hose, but he also teaches fire safety, runs drills with them, reviews "stop, drop and roll" and teaches them about all the gear used by the firefighters.  This is Tommy and Cole's nirvana.  Just seeing the truck in their driveway should be enough to make their whole year!!!

We just sent out the kids invites and they came out really cute.  We used the photo above as part of it.  The boys can not believe that people are actually going to bring them presents they can open and keep.  I think they are finally going to *get* the whole birthday thing this year.  Cole is convinced he will be getting a "jungle jeep" or a pickup truck.  Tommy of course wants a LONG firetruck (like he needs another!) and a spotted Dalmatian puppy like the real firemen have.   So cute and random.  I'm sure their list will change every day.  Nana is making the cake...so can't go wrong there.  Now, let's just hope for nice weather!!

My THREE sons!!!

Well breaking news!!!  Baby #3 is a BOY!!!  We are both still in shock.  The ultrasound was perfect and our little guy was beautiful.  He was not shy at all about sharing his boy parts.  (Actually, he was pretty clear on showing them off at our 12-week ultrasound too!)  

We feel so lucky...these three are going to be the BEST of pals.  The bond of brothers is something special.  Mommy just needs to survive the rough housing of childhood with her house (and sanity!) all in one piece.  At least I shouldn't have to do laundry for the first three years of his life.  We have two of EVERYTHING!  

This is certainly going to make for exciting football Saturdays and Sundays around here every fall.  :)  We are raising our own little football team over here.  LOL  

Go team!!!

A silver kind of day...

Today was just one of those days with silver linings everywhere.  This morning, I made a last ditch effort at Dunkin Donuts asking if they had ANY powdered donuts despite the lack of them on display.  They had only TWO left which she had forgotten to put back.  This made two little boys VERY happy!!

Then there was the Fed-Ex delivery I desperately needed early today that didn't arrive.  When I called the sender, I learned they had sent it with the wrong delivery time...meaning I wouldn't get it until my Fed-Ex driver did his route later in the afternoon.  But thunderstorms threw everything off with deliveries this morning and lo and behold my driver ended up coming earlier rather than later!!  Amazing!!  The entire day seemed to be a series of these events.

But, the happiest of these events took place this afternoon.  I have been waiting for the results on a series of tests that they do on the baby starting at 12 weeks to determine risks of Down's Syndrome or other issues.  I wasn't due to receive them until tomorrow, but I decided to call my doctors office on a whim.  Voila!  The results arrived a bit early and everything was PERFECT!!!!!!!  I cried tears of joy in the car.

My biggest concern going into my ultrasound this Friday revolved around these test results.  Now I can breathe a little easier and just focus on seeing how much our new little son or daughter has grown...marvel at the fingers and toes and that sweet beating heart.  What a happy day!!!!

Our next update should have some very exciting BABY news!!!!

Our new school

Tomorrow is orientation for pre-school.  Pre-school?!?  Where have my babies gone?  *sigh*  Well, we decided it would be fun to take them to the park behind their school so they could play and show them how fun their new school was going to be.  Their school is beautiful.  Brand spanking new with a new playground to match.  The boys loved it!!  Here are some photos from this afternoon.

Tommy climbed to the top of everything.  Fearless.

This doesn't look it...but it's HIGH!

The twisty slide was HUGE.  Two complete twists.    Impressive stuff!

Cole quickly learned that lifting your feet made you FLY down this slide.

Pure joy!

High speeds definitely generate some static!!

Halfway down his ride, Tommy stopped to complain "something bit me!"  He got a pretty good shock from the slide.  Just look at his hair!!  LOL

Tomorrow we meet our teacher and check out the classroom.  It should be a zoo.  Hopefully the boys give it the big thumbs up!

We bought a new car!!!

We made the mini-van plunge!!  So excited.  Here is a picture of our new family car.  It was on its way to get detailed...we pick it up on Thursday.  Can't wait!!!  Hard to believe we'll have 3 kids...

Funny Faces

The boys have made some pretty funny faces lately.  Thought I'd share a few of my favorites.  :)

Tommy hamming it up

Cole vs. the powdered munchkin

Tommy, just in from playing outside in the dirt, wondered why Cole, Nana
and mommy were all laughing at him!

Cole masters one munchkin in each cheek!

Boating with Nana and Papa

Sunday was beautiful, so we went boating with my parents.  The plan was to head to Spectacle Island for a picnic, but apparently it was everyone else's idea too!  They had no room on the docks...so...we slowly made our way back home and had our own picnic right at Nana and Papa's house.  As we were sitting there, we realized how crazy it was to even consider leaving in the first place!  The boys were playing on the beach...driving their trucks...and we leisurely sat in the shade and enjoyed some conversation.  It was a great day!  

For those of you who remember my parents old neighbor's house, thought you would appreciate some pictures of the new house built in its place.  It's gorgeous!  And the new owner is a GREAT guy.

The water was calm with a cool breeze.

We gave the boys little mowhawks with water.  :)

In search of a "swagger-wagon"

Well it's about to happen.  The kids are soon going to outnumber us.  Time to re-group and prepare for battle.  First up?  Car wars!!  Loading the boys in and out of the SUV gets a bit tiring.  I have to keep two (almost) three-year olds close at hand while opening doors, juggling purchases, buckling them up and making sure no one bolts in the process.  Adding a baby to the mix?  Ack!!

The first time I saw my friend magically press a button to her minivan and her two side doors slid open - I fell in love.  Her kids ambled inside while we chatted...her tailgate popped open with the push of a button and she tossed bags inside.  So much room to lean in and buckle belts....it was like mommy nirvana!!!   I knew then that I would be joining the ranks of soccer moms all over the country.  When you have multiple kids...sensible takes over "sass" any day of the week.  And so our minivan hunt has begun...

I was convinced that the car for us was the Toyota Sienna.  Kevin urged me to look at Odysseys, but I thought I knew better.  The Toyota has AWD!!  We need that in the snow!  Look at the leather interior?  It's so plush!!!  But after test-driving both cars...the Honda won out.  Not only did it have leather seats, a nav system and built-in DVD, but it was really fun to drive.  All of the features were really designed with the family in mind.  From the center console that folds flat so I can easily pop into the back seat for a feeding or to break up a fight, to the DVD system with a pop out remote so I can control DVD watching from the front...or when they get older...they can control it without bothering me.  Brilliant.

We've narrowed down our color choices thanks in part to the boys.  Tommy would like fire engine red (Honda called it Dark Cherry Pearl...its actually pretty) and Cole would like "big truck" silver.  A dark gray that apparently reminds him of trucks.  As for me...I'm just patiently awaiting my own "mommy nirvana" moment, when I can hold that key remote...press the button and watch the magic unfold in front of my eyes.  :)