Appliances are coming!!! Appliances are coming!!!

I could scream it from the rooftops!!  We will have working appliances come Monday.  We finalized our selections and insurance came through on the same day.  THANK GOD!  Now I feel like I can actually breathe.  I was so worried about baby boy coming home and not being able to even heat up a bottle.  Someone is watching over us that's for sure.  (Thanks Sophie!)

Oh and worth noting for posterity is that we woke this morning to nearly 15 additional inches of snow.  They called it a Nor'Easter, but the snow was heavier than the two Blizzards we've had so far.  The snow is INSANE.  Need to post pictures of our front and back yard.  At the moment, we have two feet of snow on the roof of the pool house and we can only see the top of the pool fence.  Can you imagine?  There has to be over 4 feet of snow in the back yard right now!

Sibling Class - We're ready!!! (we hope...)

This past Sunday, Kevin and I took the boys to "Sibling Class".  It was supposed to be on Friday, but yet ANOTHER snowstorm required that we postpone it for the third time.  It was so worth it!  The boys were adorable and really learned a lot about babies.  

We were lucky enough to have a private class, so it was wonderful bonding time for all of us.  Watching them engage with the teacher, ask questions and answer questions made my heart swell.  They are the sweetest little boys.  We weren't *always* gentle with our babies.  Tommy gave his a few whacks on the floor and Cole was holding his by the foot once or twice, but by the end of class they got the idea.  Here are some cute photos:   

Learning how to hold our baby brother...

Cole perfects his swaddle...a good refresher for mom and dad too!

Babies are little!

Making our baby brother a welcome sign for the hospital!

It's official!!  Tommy graduated!  Big brother-hood here we come!

Cole was so excited to get his big brother award!  (Note: the backside of their awards say Big Sister...clearly the teacher was trying to save some cash when she printed these. :)

One of my favorite moments had to be when the teacher told the boys that babies liked it when you sang to them.  She asked the boys, "What song would you sing?"  With a very serious expression, Tommy quietly began singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".  Not to be outdone, Cole (my little singer) belted out a combo of his ABC's and Fireman Sam.  It was so funny watching them.  Their little brother is sure to be entertained!!!

The boys were adorable and we were so proud of them.   We've got two great big brothers in the making!

Mark the date...

Tonight at bedtime, the boys were allowed to bring a few matchbox trucks into bed with the understanding that they would be taken away when it was time for lights out.  A few moments ago, I walked in, took their trucks away and shut off the lights.  This was not without any drama though.  They both protested and Cole started crying and carrying on like it was the end of the world.  I told him to stop crying...it was very late (almost 9pm)...and I'd see them both in the morning.  

As I was about to shut the door, Cole informed me that I would NOT see him in the morning because he was going to be gone.  "Where are you going?"  I asked.  He informed me that he was going to "run away."  Shocked, I stood there for a second, then calmly replied that he wouldn't need his 'blankie' if he was leaving.  As I walked over to retrieve it from his bed, he quickly changed his mind.  "No, no, no!  I'm staying."  

CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?  The child is THREE!!!  

When I shared the story with Kevin, he told me to mark the date.  "That is the first run away threat of likely 3,000 over the next 17 years."  I think I feel some new gray hairs sprouting... 

Three-year stats!

Yesterday we had our three-year check-up.  I know, I know...a *little* late.  But better late than never!  I always dreaded doctor's appointments as the boys would resist everything.  They'd cry, scream at shots and I would leave a drained, sweaty emotional mess.  The boys I sat with yesterday were like completely different little kids.  I can't tell you how I marveled at the change in them.  They had no memories of the doctor's at all, so it was like starting all over.

Tommy led the way with everything so Cole could observe.  They know each other so well...  He would report back.  "This tickles!"  Or "It's okay."  Can you imagine?  Their own little system.  Cole (my doctor in training) had questions about every tool and his face lit up when he saw each item in action.  It was so cute.  They had blood drawn, two shots and both acted like champs.  The nurses kept saying how good the boys were and the doctor actually told them they could each have 2 lollipops for being such superstars.  And as I was leaving, she tapped me on the shoulder and said, "you really are lucky to have such well behaved boys."  I was so proud!

They got stickers for the blood test.  They both smacked them on their foreheads and thought it was SO funny.  All you could hear from our exam room was fits of giggles.  My little hams!

I don't think I'll ever forget the image of the two of them sitting there waiting for the doctor to come in.  Cole in his superhero boxers and Tommy in his army man underwear....legs hanging over the edge kicking away in the same manner...same facial expression.  They were SO identical to me at that moment.  Here is a picture of them when we were waiting for our shots.

So here are their 3-year stats.  Again...they are pretty much exactly the same with only the slightest differences.  Amazing.  They are super healthy and very tall for their age (89th percentile for weight and 94th percentile for height).  In fact, I just learned that they already meet the height requirement for most Disney rides.  YAY!

Cole - 36.25 pounds and 40 7/8 inches tall

Tommy - 36.75 pounds and 40 1/8 inches tall

It was such a great visit.  This mommy needed a little break after all the insanity around here as of late!

TWO MORE WEEKS!!!!!!

The countdown has begun!  If all goes according to plan, two weeks from today we'll be holding our sweet baby boy.  We're not sure if we'll have a working fridge or stove, but we DO know that we have bottles washed and ready, a finished nursery and diapers stocked.  Thank goodness we planned ahead!

Tomorrow the boys are taking a Sibling Class at our local maternity center.  It was scheduled for last week, but ended up being cancelled as the teacher was sick.  As my due date is so close, they actually offered us a private class as a replacement which we happily accepted!  They are teaching the boys how to hold a baby, how to care for a baby and how to be "gentle".  They are also going to make a special "Welcome Baby Brother" sign to put in the baby's bassinet at the hospital.  So cute!

On the flip side, I've been busy making little gifts for the boys from their new baby brother.  I think they'll approve of him once they see the cool presents they've got.  (Well for a few days anyway!)  We've got all sorts of plans in place to smooth the transition.

• I have photos of the boys packed to put around my room, so when they come in, they see their pictures and don't feel *replaced*.  
• I also got some great advice (Thanks Lisa!) to be sure their brother is down at the nursery so they can walk in and just have some time with mommy.  Then together as a family, we'll all walk down to the nursery and wheel back their baby brother. 
• Birthday cupcakes to celebrate the baby's birthday. (Thanks Auntie Meredith!)
• And of course, special gifts will be waiting for them from their new baby brother.  That has to earn him stars in their book, right? 

Hopefully the transition isn't too painful as the boys have each other.  *silent prayer*  I am anticipating the worst and hoping for the best.

Wait...my baby boys aren't going to be my "babies" anymore!  Wow.  Just typing all of this made me come to this realization.  (cue waterworks)  But they are going to be GREAT big brothers.  Just watching them this morning - coloring, singing songs and sharing - makes my heart happy.

Mommy's Fault

The other day, Cole woke from naps in a cranky mood.  He was whining and crying over just about everything and finally at dinner we decided he might need some "time to chill" in his room.  As Kevin, Tommy and I were sitting there at the dinner table, we could hear Cole whimpering upstairs.

Mom: "Tommy, what do you think is wrong with Cole today?"
Tommy:  "Cole's in a bad mood."
Mom:  "I wonder why?"
Tommy:  "Mommy it's YOUR fault."
Mom: "My fault?  What did mommy do?"
Tommy: "You let him sleep TOO long and then he woke up and was crying."

Hmmm....he could be right!  Maybe Cole overslept.  Tommy is just like his dad.  An opinion about everything...and usually right!

Blizzard 2011

Here is our official Blizzard photo!!  This photo was taken at Nana and Papa's house, which became our refuge during the crazy fiasco that happened at home.  The boys and I spent the days here while daddy dealt with the ongoing list of issues at home.

The branch that took down our electrical box was certainly a pricey one!  The surges that came through the house after the accident fried our heating system, stove, advantium oven, dishwasher, alarm system, AC/Heating unit, cabana heaters, cabana fridge and of course small things like our Keurig, baby monitors, routers, humidifiers, computer and...*sniffle* our goldfish.

But the good news is that we have insurance, the baby is still cooking...Nana and Papa's is STOCKED with good food and fun toys...their laundry is on the same level as the bedrooms (HEAVEN!) and the boys are having a blast.  :)  Thank you to my parents for opening their home to us.  This is spa living at it's finest!!  Here is a little slide show of all the fun we've been having in the snow here.  Running and digging in snow = tired little boys who nap.  Yipppeee!

GO PATS!!

We're hoping to have a TV this weekend for the big game.  *fingers crossed*  Still uncovering the damage from the Blizzard, but I'm sure we'll find a way to tune in.  We couldn't be prouder of our Patriots...  :)  Here are two big fans showing their support!!!   GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Belly Love!

I am going to miss my pregnancy belly.  I love feeling him moving around...little feet pushing against my hand...little bum (or was that a knee?)...sticking out as he readjusts.  My morning ritual of rubbing on cream  reminds me of rubbing a Buddha belly for luck.  Round, full of life...always changing...it's so remarkable.

With my new fancy camera for Christmas, I've started experimenting with different fabric backdrops.  I've seen this photo on the internet before and decided to duplicate it for our own "belly shot".

Hard to believe, this little guy will be here so soon!  Officially 3 weeks and counting -- unless he decides to make his debut beforehand!

Farewell to Kisses

Well the Blizzard of 2011 brought us lots of excitement and a little sadness.  We woke in the morning and were enjoying the pretty snowfall when we heard a loud crash.  A branch came down and sheared our electrical right off the side of the house.  Power surges and burning smells prompted the arrival of fire and ambulance and we were evacuated in our pj's into the ambulance.  At first, the boys were terrified, but then realized they were actually IN an ambulance with a real fire fighter and came around fast.  :)

Upon getting the okay to return inside the house, we learned that the burning smell was most likely coming from our appliances.  (We won't know for sure what was lost until power is restored.)  After a quick inventory we noticed Kisses the goldfish wasn't moving much.  Kevin thought she might be sleeping, but upon returning home this morning, found that she had gone to the big fish tank in the sky.  Apparently, her tank fell victim to the surges as well.  Poor Kisses!!  We'll miss her!!  We were just preparing to celebrate her 1st birthday.

Let's hope the boys don't notice a difference in our replacement fish.  Kisses 2 will be making her debut soon.  But for now, a moment of silence to celebrate the short life of our very first pet.

Farewell Kisses!!

Supermarket is Open!!

For Christmas, Auntie Meredith gave the boys a cash register.  They also got AMAZING shopping carts from Chris and Molly and Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Janice.  What does all this add up to?  Why the best supermarket on the South Shore of course!!  The boys love to set up their "grocery store" and take turns shopping.  Tommy uses magazine order cards as "coupons" and they love being the cashier.  Here is a cute picture of Cole making change for Tommy.  He even says, "Thank you, come again soon!"

Thank you everyone for our beautiful gifts!  We're getting LOTS of use out of them!!!

Our "Dry Run"

Yesterday, we had a little dry run with the baby.  It wasn't planned...and of course the timing was terrible with Kevin traveling for business.  But the good news is that our little man decided to stay put.  Now mommy has to "stay put" for the next few weeks in order for him to fatten up a bit.

Thank you to Beth and Joe for helping me out -- from beginning (Joe arriving with a HUGE tarp in case my water broke in Beth's car) to end (Beth and I celebrating in ultrasound that the crazy doctor on duty wouldn't be delivering me) -- it was full of laughs and quite memorable.

The boys didn't miss a beat and were a little bummed that - as Cole stated with a disappointed sigh - their brother "didn't want to come out".  :)

Now, if we could just explain "mommy needs to rest" in a way that they would actually understand...

Happy New Year!!!

Beginning...

Middle...

END.

Hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's!!  We partied with our little revelers and bid farewell to 2010.  Next stop?  Our new baby brother!!  I think we'll ALL be looking as tired as Cole come February.  :)