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!!!!!!!!!!