Happy birthday Tommy and Cole!!!!

Oh my...what a day we have had!!!  My babies turned three and Tommy started his first day of pre-school. It was such an emotional day for me!  I kept remembering those tiny sweet little faces...that newborn smell and all of the *events* leading up to their birth.  And just couldn't reconcile all of that with these independent, handsome and funny boys before my eyes.  Time flew.  I think my childhood friend summed it up best when she said, "the days are long, but the years are fast."  So very true.

I can't tell you how proud I am of both of them.  They are the most beautiful little men - such sweet souls...so loving...so funny...so smart.  Words just can't express the mix of emotions I am experiencing today.  Here are some pictures and a little video.

Happy birthday Thomas and Cole.  Mommy and Daddy love you so VERY much!!!

October 5, 2007

Three years ago... Cole (L), Tommy (R)

Today... Tommy (L), Cole (R)

Tommy's first day of pre-school

Tommy ready to head out...

Cole missing his buddy already...

Tommy ready for the day...

just before the teacher came to take him in and the tears started (for both of us!)

Cole in the parking lot...waiting to pick up Tommy.

One more day....

One more day until my best pals turn THREE.  Eeek!  What a big birthday!  So much has changed in these little guys over the past year...heck even the past 6 months.  Everyday they say or do something new...  It sounds crazy, but Kevin and I feel like we've *survived*.  The first three years were crazy, but now?  They are thriving, happy, funny little boys who are fearless and love to learn.

Over the weekend, we had the boys birthday party with their friends.  Thirty-two children under the age of 4 came to play and meet "Fireman Mike".  We found a local firefighter who actually owns his own firetruck and teaches fire safety.  He arrived at the party with lights flashing - it was awesome!  He played games with the kids and taught them to stop, drop and roll.  He also suited up in gear and showed them what a firefighter would look like when they come to save them so the kids wouldn't be scared and hide.  The kids really learned a lot.  And so did I!  It was really great.

After learning about fire safety, we went back out to the truck and explored.  They learned all the parts of the truck and then came the finale....fire hoses.  This was when the things went from cool to REALLY awesome.  Fireman Mike rolled out two hoses and the kids lined up to take turns shooting the water.  After about 5 minutes, the water started shooting straight up in the air and then all bets were off.  The kids were running through the spray -- getting SOAKED -- and laughing their butts off.  We were so lucky to have such a gorgeous day.  And lucky the pool towels hadn't been put away for the winter yet!

The boys really had a great day and couldn't believe it was all for them.  Thank you to all our little friends for coming and making it so much fun!!

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!

  

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