A Day in this Life

Where do they learn this stuff?

2011-12-30T15:52:00.002-05:00

Warning...this post will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside...grab the tissue box.

The other night while putting the kids to bed, I kissed lil' Mark and then I noticed a little boogey coming out of his nose. He said, "What?" I replied, "You have a little boogey, let me get a tissue." Before I could get up, he grabs me with all his might, tries to pull me towards him and says, "Give me a kiss!!!" All the while giggling his brains out. I screech and start laughing, "No way!!" After both of us recover from our giggling session, he then gives me this funny look, jumps up from laying down, gets on all fours and then lets one rip!!!! I screeched in disgust and laughter. I tried so hard not too laugh, but I did. I then tried to muffle it by telling him it's not polite to pattoo in Mommy's face and not to do it again.

Kids do the darndest things.

Pop-Pop -- this post is dedicated to you!

First Day of PreK

2011-09-01T22:05:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe these kids started PreK today. Where has the time gone?

Cutie Patootie

Devastatingly Handsome

Are you excited about school??!!

Some summer pics

2011-09-01T21:20:00.008-04:00

wanted to be a part of the action

carnival day at school -- see the sad face in the background? he had a train going across is forehead but smooshed it before I could take a picture.

proud little engineer -- he made that house all by himself

Crazy Hair Day at school

First time eating lobster

silly pals

We didn't do much this summer. Unfortunately, we have no pics of the kids in their little pool at home. This past weekend the hurricane tore the pool to pieces. So sad...on a happy note, take a look at those sweet faces.

It's been a while

2011-07-13T22:13:00.004-04:00

This post is prompted by my Dad. He misses the blog and so do I.

Quick recap of the year...

I changed my role at work, twice

Mark got a job in December 2010

Kids started school and really enjoy it

So the kids have been in school for 7 months now. It was a rough start being sick so much, but (knock on wood) they have been pretty good for a while. We've just had bouts of pink eyes, colds and scarlet fever, yeah apparently it still exists.

Two weeks before the kids' birthday Maria wrote her name for the first time. I placed in on the fridge. Mark followed soon after. He was hesitant to do his school work. Yes, they had homework during the school year once a week. Now, he enjoys doing it and LOVES to learn. He asks tons of questions. I mean, a billion questions a day. Maria loves to play teacher and "reads" her books to her imaginary students. Many times, it's in front of our bedroom mirror.

These kids have grown up so much over the past year it's scary. They LOVE each other immensily b/c I see how much they enjoy each other's company. They play pirates and princesses, cops and robbers, robots, dancers...you name it, they love it. Their imagination is awesome.

It's late.

I should go to bed.

I love you, Mom. I hope you get better soon. You have to teach me how to make your spagetti sauce.

I love you, Dad. Thanks for pushing MOI :o) to post.

Hopefully I can make it a weekly event.

Good-night.

Mark~3 years~3 months

2010-06-23T22:19:00.003-04:00

3 years, 3 months...oh how the time has flown.

Things I want to remember about you...

You find every fire hydrant, fire engine, rescue vehicle, police car, ambulance imaginable

When I come home from work you ask me, "Wanna play firefighters, mom?" or cooking or trains whatever suits you mood at the moment.

You love to play cook. The 2 plastic chickens named "the yellow one" and "the brown one" are your favorite

You love to pretend to make Mommy's coffee and after giving it to me, run over with the pepper shaker and make it "spicey" for me mostly b/c you love my reaction to spicey coffee

Despite your bickering at times, you love Ria intensely always keeping an extra eye out for her

You make the most hilarious faces and run past the bathroom door when Ria is on the potty each time acting out a different role, monster, robot or just jogging by. This makes Maria laugh hysterically. You love making everyone laugh.

You LOVE peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and would love to eat them at every meal

When I was leaving for work one morning, you said to me, "Me and Ria and Daddy go with you to work on your puter so we can be together."

You love group hugs, holding hands and giving kisses where you hold both sides of my face, plant one on me and hold it there for at least 5 seconds

You love puzzles and are very good at it

You love to play the guitar and sing songs

I think this list could go on forever.

I love you my handsome boy. mwah

Looking Back~1 Year

2010-03-24T15:34:00.005-04:00

I took this pic on their birthday morning.

See those curls starting?

She always had gorgeous shiny hair and look at those baby blues.

Looking Back~9 Months

2010-03-24T15:32:00.002-04:00

Looking Back~6/7 Months

2010-03-23T12:28:00.003-04:00

Num-Num, you are tasty!

First time eating cereal and lovin' it!

Such a little angel face. Is that chin to die for or what?!

Looking Back~3 Months

2010-03-19T12:21:00.004-04:00

Well, finding time to post has proven more difficult. We had to postpone the kids' bday party b/c we all came down with a horrible stomach virus the weekend of the original date. We have rescheduled for Easter. It will be a day filled with Bunny and Birthday surprises. I only hope that they don't think they will get a party on Easter next year.

Here's a look back at when they were 3 months old. Can you believe the size of their cheeks?!?! Definitely biting material.

Looking Back

2010-02-14T23:48:00.004-05:00

The kids will be turning 3 years old very soon. I thought it would be nice to take a look back at the beginning. I can't believe how tiny they were. Mark was 4 lbs 12 oz and Maria was 3 lbs 8 oz.

Mark Jr.

Maria

Can you see how tiny she is? I loved that cap on her. It was a hand knit donation to the NICU. We still have it.

Look how sweet he is.

I love this picture. He was really listening to his Daddy.

I started calling her peanut right away.

Going home pics. Yeah, yeah, mommy was not prepared for clothing that would actually fit them properly. With 2 babies on monitors, my mind was on more important stuff.

She hated the car seat. She cried every time the car stopped on the way home.

Long TIme No Blogging

2010-02-04T21:20:00.002-05:00

Hello~I'm so sorry that I've neglected the blog. I used to update at night. With my hours changing in June, night time is very short before I go to bed. So to try and recapture the past few months, I'll post a handful of pictures. To start, here's a video of Maria that I took with my cell phone. She is so darn cute.

After Bath

2009-10-25T07:52:00.004-04:00

Let's Dance.
Tough Guy. I'm too sexy for my boots...
Yes, this is a scary pic of me. I tried to get us all, but hey, my teeth look great.

Sunglasses & a Fight

2009-10-25T07:36:00.004-04:00

He did this all by himself. Notice the one glove.
He's so proud of himself. He's my little comedian.
The next two pics have a story to go with it. Daddy was the witness. He was in the kitchen tending to unloading the dishwasher when he heard a little scuffle in the other room. He didn't think too much of it until the screaming and crying started so he came to find out what was going on and encountered this on his way.
Yes, the fight was over the sunglasses and look who won...one lense less but still victorious!

Eating Toast

2009-10-25T07:24:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, that's better. The pics look much more clear. So, Uncle Wally, if you are reading this, yep, I have to edit each one. :o( But it's worth it. :o)

Pool Pics and a test

2009-10-25T06:55:00.002-04:00

To save time, the last couple of photo posts had pictures that were unedited. I think they look a little fuzzy unless you enlarge them. So here are some edited pool pics. Let's see if there's a difference.

Summer Recap ~ vacation

2009-10-22T21:08:00.005-04:00

Toot toot chugga chugga big red car.

March, march, march.
Yeah, she did that herself. She did it so fast. Little monkey.

Whoosh!

Awwww
Dutch Wonderland. We had an awesome time.

Love Note to my Children ~ Mark

2009-10-22T20:53:00.002-04:00

Dear Mark,

Your smile melts my heart. I love how your eyes sparkle and those perfect cherry cheeks appear, perfect for pinching. I'll never forget the day I first saw your hair curl. You were around 12 months old and I was giving you a bath. I was so excited that I called Daddy to come see. You are so very handsome and will be sure to steal a girl's heart one day. Though I must say, you are already quite a flirt and (Eh-Hem) have your eye on older women! I've seen you flirt with teenagers. That's my boy!

I love how thoughtful you are. You take care of those that love you. When you offered to help grandma down the stairs that day, you made me so proud. How can a 2.5 year old be so compassionate?

You are super smart, learning words in leaps and bounds lately. You are a whiz at Peezles (oh how miss how you used to say puzzles). You love to count, sing songs, and Fire Fighters! How you care about other's I could definitely see you choosing that as a career (but please don't, I'd worry about you too much).

You love to dance and boy do you have rhythm! My favorite move is the shoulder roll.

You always say please and thank you, "Oh, Thank you" to be exact. You open the fridge now on your own to get juice and for you and Ria. Oh yes, you always remember your Ria.

I never believed that I could be so close to my son, but you, Mark, I have a close bond. Your expressive eyes and juicy kisses tell me all.

I love you, my handsome boy, very very much.

Love, Mommy

Love note to my children~Maria

2009-10-11T00:38:00.004-04:00

I started to write this about 3 weeks ago. Before my memories fade, here's the first of 2 posts.

So the twins are now 2.5. Can you believe it? I can't. They amaze me everyday with what they learn. I wish I could remember everything they've done or said that has made me happy, sad, astounded and mad. So to put it in writing, here's how I see them both today.

Dear Maria,

You are my little spit fire and sweetheart. I adore your smile and the crinkle in your nose. You have the most adorable walk, always bouncing around like tigger. If I had a nickel for every compliment I have received for having such a beautiful daughter, I'd be a rich woman. Your eyes are amazing, so bright blue. You also have the cutest leggies, footies and belly in town. Even now, you comment on your own tiny hiney that we made a song about. Then again, doesn't mommy make songs up for just about anything, from Good Morning to potty stuff, to bedtime, to brushing teeth and eating cheerios. I think it's so funny that you've picked up my style of singing, always inserting claps, clicks with the tongue or popping noises to add some interest. You've also started clearing your throat more and more just to mimic me.
I love the fact that you sing along with me now and even sing to Mark. When you were just a little peanut in my arms in the NICU, I made up my first song for you.
Maria, Maria, who is Maria? She's the girl with the cute button nose, and cute little piggy toes.
My Maria Girl, My Maria Girl.
She's the girl with the beautiful eyes, the cute pinchable cheeks and she makes funny faces walkin' down the street.
My Maria Girl, My Maria Girl.
Oh yes, she's my Maria Girl, She's My Maria Baby, She's My Maria Girl.
You are as smart as a whip, remembering what you did days ago. You know so many songs, sing your ABCs and retain what you learn every day with ease. You are a little mommy to everyone especially Mark. You are so very loving and know in my heart will make an excellent mother one day. You hug and kiss Mark so much at times, that he has to fight you off. And I have to admit that for someone so petite, you give freakishly strong bear hugs.
You have a temper, since the day we brought you home. You are fiesty and passionate. When you don't get your way you WAIL (which doesn't even seem strong enough a word)! This goes right through all of us, but you certainly know to open your mouth when you are upset so perhaps you will grow up to be an excellent communicator (or opera singer).
I love the bond we share. I love the way we can look at each other and just giggle over the littlest and silliest things. I pray that we always share that closeness. I vow to try my best to keep it that way.
I love you my Maria, so very very much.
Mommy

Friends

2009-08-02T21:38:00.003-04:00

Adam's 44th Birthday Party. Someone doesn't look so happy. Just look at those droopy cheeks, so cute.

Mommy and me.

Maria LOVES Olivia. She recently learned to say her name. She takes very good care of her. Here she kept saying "ahhh" so Olivia would open her mouth for more food. And she also took it upon herself to wipe her mouth after every bite.
Jen and I have been best friends since we've been 14. Gosh, that's 21 years! Here were are with each other's daughters, our goddaughters.

CHEEZ!

My Covergirl

2009-08-02T21:19:00.003-04:00

These photos kinda speak for themselves. As I reviewed them, I could only think, "Work the camera, baby!"

Happy Belated 4th

2009-07-10T12:05:00.003-04:00

We didn't do anything special last weekend, but it was nice to spend the extra time together. Here's a couple pics from their first time eating ice pops. MJ ate his whole pop. He was so excited about it that he kept wanting to high-5 me. Then when I joined them eating a pop, he wanted to high-5 pops together. So funny...

I just loved the way he looked in this pic. I can rarely get him to smile at the camera. Daddy had some luck.

Yee-haw!

2009-07-01T16:06:00.002-04:00

We went to the Turtle Back Zoo last Saturday. They had a free family day. When I saw that they had pony rides, we decided to check it out. I got the tokens and leaned down to ask them, "Do you want to ride a pony?" I got a resounding "OK!!" from MJ. So of course, he got to go first.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous, but as you can see from the pics, I was WAY more nervous than them.

Keansburg, NJ

2009-06-27T18:10:00.003-04:00

We made our annual trip to Keansburg and guess what?! They are tall enough to ride a bunch of rides! Gosh, I think I was more excited than them. They looked so grown up and acted though this was serious business. The pictures do not express their excitement. They had a great time and loved each one.

Day out with Thomas!

2009-06-27T18:01:00.004-04:00

We went to go see Thomas. We all enjoyed the day. We had spectacular weather. I can't believe how big these kids are getting. Time is flying too fast for my taste.

We stopped by Kitchen Kettle Village on the way back from Thomas and sampled some delicious jams and spreads. As we were getting ready to leave, I spotted the sign and how perfect; there were 4 berries! :o)

Father's Day

2009-06-27T17:52:00.004-04:00

Father's Day was great. We had a full house with our friends from Naples, FL visiting. Here are some pics from the day.

Whirlwind

2009-06-27T17:47:00.002-04:00

It's just been a whirlwind lately. I am back in the office 4 days a week. I now get up at 5:30 to be at work at 7 so that I can leave early to be with the kids. I've also been given more responsibility at work. I am very lucky to have a job and to have a boss that finds me valuable. I'm just a bit tired especially since my thyroid has been acting up as well. After all the tests, there's nothing they can do about it. I have thyroiditis. It flairs up, runs it's course real high, burns out and goes low. The doctor said that it will eventually run out altogether since every time it runs high, the thyroid gets damaged. I've just been so tired and hoped to hear that there was something for me to take to make me feel a little more spunky. It will get better, one day at a time. :o)

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T12:34:00.005-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. We went for breakfast at the local Elk's Lodge. We stuffed ourselves silly with the all you can eat breakfast, bacon, french toast, made-to-order omelets...YUMMO! Then we all rested and got ready to go to Uncle Greg's to see him and Grandpa and Grandma Stein. Then we went onto Uncle Tom and Aunt Chrissie's for the evening. The kids had a blast. AND, I took the day off Monday. We rested in the morning, then went shopping, and spent and hour or so at the park where we all had a blast.

I'm so very proud and honored that God offered these two wonderful gifts to me. I can't tell you how very much I love and cherish them.

(also, just a proud plug...I made Maria's skirt. I'm learning how to sew and I have to say she looked adorable in it.)

Hup 2, 3, 4 --- Come on Soldiers March!

2009-04-26T16:16:00.007-04:00

For over a year now, we've tried our best to create a fun routine for the kids at bedtime. At around 8-8:30, I start to clap my hands and say, "Hup, 2, 3, 4, come on soldiers, march, march, march!" They love to march through the living room and lift those little legs as high as they can go.

Well, today we walked the March of Dimes as a family. Hup 2, 3, 4 in an unseasonal 86-90 degree weather...UGH. We did it though. We were one of the last teams to arrive, but we made it through, just like these little guys did for us over 2 years ago now.

As we walked I remembered all of my friends and family and special children in my life as well as those 4 weeks that Mark and Maria spent in the NICU. We are so very lucky to have these 2. They are the greatest joy you could ever hope for in life. (We were also kinda thankful that we didn't have triplets, that stroller was heavy enough! lol)

We can't thank you enough for all the donations we received.

Lovin' "Granma's" Meatballs and Sauce!

2009-04-06T21:44:00.003-04:00

I think these pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-06T21:27:00.004-04:00

We went to the Chelsea (senior assisted living) for an Easter Egg Hunt. They had a special courtyard set up for children ages 3 and under. Mark and Maria had a great time gathering their eggs. It was a little chaotic with all of the children, but it went well and fast! In about 7 minutes it was over. It brought some sentimental tears to my eyes as I watched these 2 innocent children enjoy the simplest of pleasures.

Maria especially LOVED the bunny. Oh my gosh, she got soooo upset when we left. I had to go back and have her hug the bunny one more time. The staff took a poloroid pic as she tried to hug the bunny. My hair swooped over and completely covered Maria so she can't been seen in the pic BUT I gave it to her to hold in the car b/c you could see the bunny clear as day.

Happy Easter! :o)

Handsome Boy

2009-03-14T22:41:00.003-04:00

Mark had surgery one week ago yesterday. It was a rough 4 days. Recovery has been going pretty well. His activity level is not the same. He plays, but seems to tire more easily, perhaps from some pain. It was expected that he would cough some since garbage got built up inside him from the surgery, however, yesterday his coughing concerned us. So, we took him to the dr this morning. The dr felt he was too congested and wants him on a nebulizer every 4 hours and also started him on antibiotics as a precaution. We go back Monday morn and if he is still congested, we need to get an xray. Hopefully, this is just a small bump in the road.

Thanks for all of your prayers, calls, gifts and cards. It means so very much to us all.

It's a Party!

2009-03-14T22:21:00.005-04:00

Celebrating 2

2009-03-13T23:08:00.005-04:00

Both kids loved the firetruck. Maria loves "pretties" aka anything sparkly and girly.

We took them to Rainforest Cafe for the first time. Mark loved it. He was very excited to see and hear all of the animals. Maria, on the other hand, was a bit terrified especially when the lightening began and the apes started whoopin' it up. She's never held on to my neck so tight. Oh and she learned the word 'elephant'.

Here's the convo: Me: Maria, let's go see the elephant.

Maria while standing in front of the elephant: WAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Maria while sitting a safe 20 feet from the elephants: Mommy, Mommy, look see, elephants.

Me: Yes, Maria. Do you want to go see them?

Maria: NO!

We had fun. :o)

Hey Good Lookin' Whatcha Got Cookin'?

2009-03-13T22:55:00.004-04:00

I saw this apron set at Target and just had to have it.

Here's a Valentine pic of my handsome boy. He is going to be a heartbreaker for sure.

Uncle Chris came to visit. They had lots of fun together.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

2008-12-20T11:21:00.008-05:00

I didn't have a snow suit for Mark so I put his Halloween costume on over his clothes. He looks like a little soldier.I did have a snow suit for Maria. The poor thing was so bundled up. I think it doubled her weight with all those layers. She was so very excited though.

Wooo Hooo, having fun in Daddy's pick up.

Hat on

Hat off [UGH]

Pretty Baby

His boots were too big so running was not an option. We helped him around the yard holding hands. It brought back memories of when he first started to walk.

Weeeeeee....

Such a beauty...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-15T21:43:00.003-05:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-15T21:28:00.005-05:00

I can't believe how well the first 2 pics came out considering I took them myself. It was a simple point and shoot and hope for the best. I love these kids so much. They mean everything to me.

OK, now we used to have 2 cats that did the same thing with the Christmas tree box. It brought back memories and gave us more to cherish.

Just look at that beautiful face.

Twinkling lights

Catching up...

2008-12-08T00:15:00.004-05:00

Even though the TP from mischief night made it in, I love this shot.

Mommy, if you take one more picture...

We tried so hard to get them to pose together and look at the camera. This is the best we could get. The candy was just too enticing.

Where's Daddy and Mark?

Yes, our first treat!

Pop-pop, I have no more roar left in me.

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting much lately. Time just gets away from me, especially with the holidays approaching. Enjoy these pics and I hope to get some more up soon!

Who's Who, do you ask?

2008-11-12T10:31:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

In these tough economic times my company, Marquis Who's Who, is trying to promote their new website as much as possible exploring various venues to get the word out.

So I thought, why not post an announcement on my blog? Please, if you have a moment, visit this awesome site and pass the word along. This site offers a wide variety of information such as Food and Wine, Health, Travel and most importantly Who's Who in America, interviews with doctors, designers, chefs, the list could go on. Here is the link: http://www.whoswhoinamerica.com.

Thanks so very much for lending a hand.

Pumpkin' Pickin'

2008-10-20T21:06:00.003-04:00

Life has been crazy lately with work. But, hey the bathroom is done! :o)

We went to a local farm for some music, food and foolin' around. Then we went to a church nearby that had a huge display of pumpkins. We were the only people there so the kids got to play to their hearts delight with all of those pumpkins and gourds.

Happy Fall!!

I love you, I love you

2008-09-12T12:54:00.003-04:00

Boy, I am on a roll today. LOL I just thought of something else to share. It really touched my heart and makes any difficult day being a working parent tolerable.

Every night before the kids go to sleep I rock them back and forth in my arms and sing a little song I made up for them.

I love you, I love you, it's time to go to bed

I love you, I love you, it's time to rest your head

It's time to rest your head my love

It's time to go to bed

I love you, I love you, it's time to go to bed

Well, when I sang it last night, Mark Jr tried his best to sing along. He does know the tune. At the end he kept saying "I ya ya." So he told me he loved me the best way he knew how. I'll always remember it.

Hats, Hineys and Teeth Oh My!

2008-09-12T12:29:00.004-04:00

Bathroom Renovation

2008-09-12T12:07:00.004-04:00

The job started on Labor Day, how appropriate. So long to the bathroom that could never be clean enough because it was so old and missing finishes, etc. We're still bathing from buckets and the kitchen sink, but it will be well worth it in the end. I can't wait for the dust and chaos to cease. Do you see that pipe? Can you believe we didn't have a massive flood. We are certainly blessed. There were 2 pipes with terrible holes. There was so much gunk built up in them that it acted as a seal.

We included a picture of Charles. He's been great through this whole process. The house was built in 1946, when plaster walls were the standard. So b/c of the banging on the walls, we now have to fix my bedroom closet where there's a big chunk of wall missing and the office wall where it looks like someone punched it and the cracks just spread all over while it's bowed out. Those blasted plaster walls!! *&#$*@*&$# Sorry, had to get that one out. I hope to take more pics. We have walls now and Charles is working on laying the tiles on the floor as I type this.

Handsome Boy

2008-08-22T17:53:00.004-04:00

My baby boy lost his curls. It was time. He started looking a little like Samson. We decided to keep it a "baby" cut so that the curls could still be seen. I'm not ready to let go of them just yet. He was so brave only crying when the buzzer was used to tidied up over his ears. Such a handsome little boy.

Eatin' Corn on the Cob

2008-08-22T17:48:00.003-04:00

Mark and Maria's 1st attempt at eating corn on he cob. I have to say it was 2nd nature for them.

Magyarorszag

2008-08-07T21:28:00.003-04:00

Pop-Pop bought the babies these t-shirts last year when he was away in Hungary. Well, tonight after their bath, I put the shirts on them for pajamas. They have many more years of wearing them left, don't you think?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP-POP!!

2008-07-24T22:16:00.003-04:00

Is this baby doll a beauty or what?

Whatchu talkin' about Willis?

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Civil War & Amish Country

2008-07-17T22:07:00.005-04:00

We decided to go to Gettysburg. We arrived later than we had hoped on Sunday and arrived with rainy weather so we decided to go to the Boyd Bear Country, basically the headquarters of the manufacturing of the bears. While there please know that ALL of the teddy bear displays were personally kissed by Missy Lu herself, yes Maria. How adorable she was puckering up and her 'MWAH' to all of the 'quack quacks', yes, everything is a quack quack.
Here are some pics of us on the battlegrounds at Gettysburg.

We went to Hands On Children's Museum. The kids had a blast. There were scientific experiments, face painting, grocery store, dress up area and more. Then there was a garden outside.

Which one is the garden ornament?

My Secret Garden

2008-07-05T23:18:00.005-04:00

Maria getting a ride from Mark and Daddy.

Mommy, Help!! Daddy's a c-r-a-z-y driver!

Maria has learned to "pretend" eat her food. It's adorable to hear her go "num, num, num" as she gently kisses the plastic food.

What's up Doc?

Can I come in? Nope.

Never mind, I found a way.

Success!

There's always time to smell the flowers.

Got Milk?

2008-07-01T21:54:00.004-04:00

Here's what happens when Mommy leaves the room for less than one minute. She is a DEVIL.

PEEK-A-BOO! I love when he peeks through his fingers.

No more BaBas

2008-06-29T22:24:00.002-04:00

Well, I knew the day would come at some point but I didn't realize how much it would hurt. From what I read, the kids should have stopped using bottles at 12 months. I ignored it b/c they are technically 2 months behind and Maria also needed to keep her weight up. Now, at almost 16 months, I know that it's best to do the switch. Tonight I told Mark (oh gosh, here comes that lump in my throat again), that if I really gave it some thought Friday when we decided to go cold turkey that it was there last bottles Thursday night, I would have savored every moment of snuggling with them while they drank at night. They are very loving kids and still want their snuggles, but there is something special about the bottle. I know I'm probably blowing it out of proportion, but I think there are some mother's out there that probably understand.

Introducing...

2008-06-22T22:08:00.013-04:00

Miss Liberty, oh how she shines.

These 2 are especially for

Pop-Pop.

We took a trip to Keansburg on Sunday. They have a small boardwalk. Unfortunately, the kids were sick (just colds) but we thought they could use the sunshine and would have a good time.

Here's some pics from the day. Mike and his kids, Mike Jr and Matthew are up from FL for a visit. Look at these handsome men!

Happy Birthday Tommy

2008-06-21T22:41:00.004-04:00

It was my nephew's 4th birthday today. I missed the cake pics b/c I was holding Mark, but he was so very excited to have Gary play the guitar while we sang Happy Birthday at least 3 times. Chrissie made him a pirate cake. Everything was chocolate from the cake, frosting, twix that were the ropes of the side of the boat, malt balls for canon balls, a hershey's bar peice for the plank. It was a chocolate dream. Anyway, here are a few pics. Tommy was excited to see his penguin card I made him.

I also included Mark, being Mr. Cool with the sunglasses.

AND, look how beautiful those 2 girls look holding my kids. Gosh, it seems like just yesterday I held them in my arms like that. I can't believe how fast the time has flown. It makes me want the world to slow down a bit.

Just a quickie

2008-06-20T22:31:00.002-04:00

These 2 pics were taken about 1 week ago. Maria recently learned how to kiss. Boy does she know how to pucker up or what?

And the other picture is of Mark. This is how I found him one morning. Honestly, I never touched his hair. Can you believe how floofy it is? The expression on his face is priceless. It's like a cross between, "Are you looking at me?" to "Ehhh, good lookin', whatcha got cookin'?" OK, I know I need some sleep.

Father's Day

2008-06-20T22:14:00.007-04:00

Father's Day went great. We had a BBQ and sat outside for the first time since we've lived here. It was so nice for a change. The kids had plenty of space to run around and play in the pool, etc. It was a little hot, but no one really seemed to mind.

Just look at these 2 beauties. Maria looks like a little pixie in this dress and my neice, Elizabeth proudly displays her toothless smile.

Here's a pic of my nephew, Tommy acting silly. He and Mark Jr had a great time together.

Can life get any better than this?

Tickle, Tickle, Tickle Toes

2008-06-06T21:14:00.004-04:00

These kids are too funny. Every night I sit on the floor between their cribs and read a story or 2. Well a few nights ago, I saw something move from the corner of my eye. I looked up to see Maria's foot dangling outside the crib and wiggling her toes. She had this devilish look on her face, basically begging me to eat her toes. Well, once I started, then Mark Jr got in on it. So all of this week without fail, as soon as I sit on the floor, those teasing toes make their way out for me to eat.

Dance like no one is watching...

2008-06-05T23:10:00.005-04:00

I've been wanting to post all week and finally have a moment to do so. The kids have this push toy that looks like a lion. When you start to push it, it plays different tunes. Well, Mark Jr is still learning to walk and when he grabs the handle, he pushes it to start the music and then stops, waits a moment and then starts wiggling his tush pack and forth and sometimes he gets the shoulders rolling too THEN he continues to push the toy to his destination. I think it's the most adorable thing. He loves music so much.

We changed the playroom around on Sunday and guess what? Maria can now walk. Who would have thunk that turning the couch to create a rectangle play space instead of square would inspire her to walk hands and furniture free?! SOOO, my little peanut is growing up. She's very cute and has that little tush wiggle down pat as she toddles along.

Happy Anniversary to US

2008-05-30T23:26:00.002-04:00

We finally got to go out to dinner for our 5 year anniversary. It was May 3. Well at least we made it in the same month. We went to the Melting Pot. The first and last course was the best, cheese and chocolate fondue. For the main course, we had to cook the meat/seafood. I thought it would be cool, but it took too long and the concoction to cook it in was on the salty side. Nevertheless, it was 3.5 hours to spend talking uninterrupted with Mark. That was nice. Funny thing is, I thought about the kids a lot and how weird it was to be out alone without them. This is the 2nd time since they've been born that we've gone out together without them. See what they can do your heart? Happy Anniversary Honey, wow, we made it 5 years already.

First Post

2008-05-30T11:54:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been thinking about creating a blog for sometime now. I've finally decided to take the plunge. I'm not sure how long it will last or how often I'll get to post, but anything this cool is worth a shot.

Happy travels...