New tooth!!!

For the boys birthday, Grant got a present too!  He woke up that morning with a NEW pearly white that he has been SO happy to show us regularly.  If you ask him, "Grant!  Show me your new tooth!"  He stops what he's doing, throws his head back and gives the silliest grin I have ever seen to show you.  Honestly....this kid is the FUNNIEST baby.  I have never seen anything like it!  He has to snort to get his lip up.  lol

Here is his new tooth:

And here is his video showing you his pearlies:

Those eyes...

When the boys were small they had light green/blue eyes.  Soon after, the boys developed streaks of amber that shot out to the edges.  Our doctors thought the color was unique enough to send the boys to Mass Eye and Ear (a leading hospital in Boston) to see if there was anything to be concerned about.

I remember being in the waiting room with my mother and the boys.  There was another family there that had flown in from ISRAEL to meet with the specialist we were about to see.  I was so nervous.  The doctor looked carefully at both boys...then asked...why are you here?  When I explained, he laughed and said, "These are merely variations in color.  The boys should consider themselves lucky."  I left feeling a little foolish for wasting his time...and also...more than relieved knowing it was only cosmetic.  Apparently...two-toned eyes are as unique as these two!!!

I can't tell you how many times I've told this story.  And many people are unable to see the actual variations up close.  But yesterday, when shooting pictures of the boys opening cards from their aunt and uncle I captured this one of Tommy.

There.  Now you can see it for yourself...I hope?!?  Green and brown variations...or in my family we just call them hazel eyes.  :)

I love....

I love the way his hair swirls on his forehead.
I love the way his lashes sweep against his cheeks when he's sleeping.
I love his sweet smile - with those two pearly whites on the bottom.
I love his giggles.
I love the way he gazes into my eyes when I sing to him.
I love how he reaches his little hand out to touch my face when I'm whispering him secrets.
I love how he laughs when I tickle him.  (He is so insanely ticklish!!)
I love hearing him say "mama" when he needs me.
I love the way he puts his fingers through his blanket, pulls it over his head and rolls onto his side when he's ready for sleep.
I love how obsessed he is with his daddy.  (It is so funny to watch.)
I love sneaking him downstairs with me early in the morning and just "talking".  (We have GREAT conversations in the early morning hours.)
I love how he opens his little mouth in a perfect o...just like a baby bird...when it's time to eat.
I love watching him "watch" his brothers.  (He is so smitten with them.)
I love how smart he is....communicating with us in so many funny ways.  (Like clearing his throat when he's thirsty.  :)
I love his sweet, insanely amazing smell.  Sometimes I take his blanket and just inhale that baby scent.  *heaven*
I love how he remembers all of our games.  He knows what will happen next and squeals with delight.
I love cuddling with him, kissing his amazingly soft cheeks and peach fuzz hair.
I love that he lets me.  :)
I love how patient and sweet his is...so very sweet.

I love, love, love, love this little boy.  This list could go on forever.  He has changed our lives in the most beautiful ways possible.

To sum it all up?  I just love being his mother.

Exciting day...

Today was an exciting day for the Riordan boys.  Nana and mommy took the boys someplace very special.  We can't reveal anything yet, but soon enough!  Don't you love a good mystery?  :)

Happy 4th birthday Tommy and Cole!!!!

Four years ago today...

And here we are four years later!!!  After celebrating their birthday with a popsicle party at school, Kevin and I took the boys to Bugaboo Steak House for lunch.  It's a fun restaurant that has animals on the walls that talk, wall mounted fish that flop around and raccoons that pop out of buckets.  They loved it!  The FUNNIEST part was when the staff came over to sing happy birthday.  We didn't tell the boys...and the waitstaff came over clapping loudly and shouting.  The boys looked horrified and actually DOVE under the table!!  When they realized they were singing happy birthday...and there was CAKE...they popped their heads up and started laughing at themselves.  :)  You can see the photos below.  

After lunch we came home and our playgroup friends came over for a mini celebration.  Then Kevin and I took the kids out to the cabana, lit a fire and just hung out.  The entire birthday celebration was just so much fun.  And now here I sit...wondering HOW on earth my babies are FOUR?!?!

Happy birthday Tommy and Cole...my first babies...my beautiful boys.  You are so fun, smart, funny and loving.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.  And we love you both SO very much!!!