Cole's First Day of School

Today it was Cole's turn for his first day of pre-school.  Last night, I looked over at Cole and noticed he seemed a little *off*.  His eyes were watery and he was daydreaming a bit.  I asked him, "You okay, pal?" His response, "I'm nervous about school tomorrow."  It broke my heart.  We talked about it all night and Tommy piped in telling him "School is fun Cole!  You will like school!"  But this morning, Cole was dragging his feet and begging me not to go.

I explained how every little boy and girl gets nervous...that it was okay to be nervous, etc. etc.  And along he went.  Our photo shoot was adorable.  He proudly sat beside his brother on the front stairs.  We caught glimpses of his nerves peeking through.  Then, when it was time to go, he waved goodbye...climbed into the car...and off we went.

He was so scared by the time we arrived, that the teacher actually allowed me to walk him down to the classroom.  When the time seemed right, she told me to leave.  I never heard him cry, so I assumed all went well.

Tommy and I went to pick him up and waited outside the door so we would be the first faces he would see.  As he turned the corner out of the classroom and saw us outside waiting, he broke down in tears and didn't stop crying until we made it into the car.  The teacher said he spent a good part of class in tears, but did participate in snack time and played a little bit.  I just hope tomorrow is a bit easier.  My poor pal...it breaks my heart to think he feels scared or nervous.  I know this is all a part of growing up...but still...just typing this is making me well up!

So proud of both of my guys.  They did such an amazing job this week...brave little buddies...venturing off without mom... and without their brother for the first time since their actual birth three years ago.  Pretty big stuff!

Birthday cupcakes

Things were so crazy at their birthday party, that the boys didn't really *blow* out their candles - everyone else did!  Then on their actual birthday, they were so exhausted by dinnertime that we decided to postpone the singing one more day.

So...here we are...  Birthday celebrations officially ended tonight with monster cupcakes, an appropriate "Happy Birthday" song and blowing out the candles.  A perfect ending to a perfectly wonderful third birthday.  :)

Cole

Tommy

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!!!