A little about Joseph...

I have decided to occasionally write about the boys separately. Today I am writing a little on Joseph.

Joseph is a very laid back- "go with the flow" type of a kid. He does on occasion have a slight temper. But, very rarely. It is almost funny when he has a tantrum because he is such a calm kid and then all of a sudden he throws a fit and I am like "where did that come from?"

Joseph loves to read and draw. He could do these activities all day long. We bought the boys each a special toy this weekend for doing so well in their therapy classes. I was a little worried because for the first time I bought two different toys. Dominic got a geotrax train with remote (his favorite), and Joseph got a Travel Magna Doodle (a magnetic drawing board). Both kids loved their gifts and there was not one fight! It is like they know what each other likes and respects it. Anyways, Joseph could not get enough of his "draw draw board" He had to sleep with it the first night!

I hate to admit this, but Joseph also loves to watch TV. But not just any TV show. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and his ABC and 123 Videos. He loves to learn and soaks up every learning opportunity. He is extremely patient when I teach him new things.

He loves to be outside on his swing and has just learned how to climb up the slide. He absolutely loves blowing bubbles as you see in the pictures below.

Joseph just started Occupational Therapy last week and during his evaluation he did not complain once and preformed all of the tests like a champ. His therapist said she has never worked with a 2 year old that has cooperated so much! He already loves his new therapist "lissa" (Melissa). I am so thankful he has always thought therapy is fun.

He is constantly complimenting me (and everyone else) on my hair and jewelery. He touches my hair or jewelery and says "Pretty, Mama" and gives me a huge hug. It is so sweet.

Joseph has been through a lot in his short 2 years of life but has never complained or crabbed. He is such a "happy go lucky" child and really enjoys life. He is a joy to be around and is my little snuggle bug.

I love these pictures. They really represent the special glow Joseph radiates and his will and determination in life.

"Rocka Rocka"

My mom bought this great rocking horse for the boys at a garage sale last week. They both love it! They get on and chant "Rocka... Rocka".

They are getting better with the whole sharing and waiting for their turn concept. But, this rocking horse is way too "cool" so we have to sneak them on it separately. This saves a lot of yelling and potentially angry and irritated neighbors!

We took the boys to their swimming class this morning, They both love swimming and went under water with no problem. Joseph loves going under water so much he was saying and signing "more...more". Then we went to our usual spot, Coney Island, for lunch. We have been going to this Coney since the boys were babies, so we basically know all the staff. We even have our own booth! It was so cute today, the boys have not seen their favorite waitress, Danielle, in a few weeks. They walked in and ran right to her and gave her the biggest hug! Too funny, my little lover boys!

Vacation

I've had to take a small "Vacation" from my blog. It is killing me not to have enough time to update my site.

I am really busy with work trying to organize a conference for next week. I really think my calling is an event planner! I love it!

I will update this weekend with new pictures.

I will leave you with this picture- My mom and I went to a few garage sales today. Now who is the "garage sale bully"! Yikes!

A Tribute to Matt on Father's Day

Matt is the most wonderful Father. He is so loving and caring with the boys.

-He is very patient.
-He is always very attentive to every need of the boys.
-He is very cautious and watches the boys so carefully.
-He is very organized. He always has things in order.
-He is always challenging the boys in a good way. The speech therapist told us to constantly question the boys. Matt so good a getting the boys to say 2-3 words together.
-One of my favorite things- is he is forever making the boys giggle, whether it be rough play or just being silly. He can get 2 crying toddlers into an all out belly laugh in about 2.5 seconds!
-He reads to the boys.
-When I am not home he keeps the boys on our schedule so that things run smoothly
-He respects my requests on how to do "things" when he is home alone with the boys.

Matt is an amazing Dad to our boys! Even though I do not say it enough, I appreciate every little thing he does for the boys and our family. Thank you for adding so much to our lives.



Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's especially my Dad and Matt's Dad.

Our Plate is Always Full

I feel like I have been so busy lately. I have been working both parts of my job the Palliative Care Medicine part and Pediatric part, getting the boys off to their school twice a week, taking them to their physical therapy appointments, doctor appointments, my physical therapy for my back...and the list goes on. I have this persistent feeling that I am never "caught-up". But, this is life.

Sometimes I become so bogged down with my "TO DO" list I forget about what is most important; my family and the love we share together. With the job I have this should not be a difficult concept to remember. Everyday at work I have a constant reminder that life is short and things and problems come and go but our love for each other will always remain. Our plates will always be full... it is just an art to find a balance.



I love the below story. A leader at a training session I attended read/preformed this and it was so powerful.

A Motivational Story with Wisdom -
The Professor and the Jar
By Author Unknown (thanks to Beth for sending)

A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The Professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the grains of sand.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.


The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Just a Little Patience

My girlfriend, Dana, and I went to JoANN Etc. with our kids today to look for pieces for a flower arrangement.

The boys were tired because I had them out at Target just prior to JoANN's. Now, I would not say they were being bad by any means, but they were excited and a little loud throughout the store. Just like any normal 2 year old would behave belted in a stroller.

When we went up to the check out counter of course there was a line. So we waited...and waited quietly until one of the boys spotted what he thought was a soccer ball! Oh man, that was it! They wanted that soccer ball! The thing is it wasn't a soccer ball. It was a black and white graduation hat/visor that maybe looked like something soccer because of the color.

The lady at the register called me up and I put my purchases on the counter. All along the boys were saying not yelling soccer ball. The lady bends over the counter and tells MY boys to be quiet they were being too loud! It took a minute for it to sink in, but did she just correct MY boys for something that was clearly not wrong? Then she looked right at them again, almost touching them, and nastily said "SHH"!

That was IT!

So being the non confrontational person I am, I asked her just that, "Did you just correct MY boys?" She said, "Yes, I think they are being loud and I can not take it". I said, "Oh REALLY, I think they are acting just fine and I am REALLY sorry you feel this way...they are only 2!"

The boys must have felt the tension and immediately were quiet the rest of the purchase. Way to prove me right boys!

The lady felt very uncomfortable because as soon as she was done ringing me up, she again leaned over the counter and said "I am really sorry, I just overreacted to the noise. They are such beautiful and wonderful boys"

What is wrong with people they are just two years old. Have some patience.

Here is a quote I love especially with twin 2 year olds:

Our patience will achieve more than our force.
Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797)

Maybe I should have passed this quote along today.

At least the arrangement turned out beautiful. Thanks Dana!

"PARTY BOYS"

Today we drove out to Northville to attend the graduation party of Andrea. Andrea is a little girl (well, not so little now) I used to babysit for! WHAT she is graduating!!

The boys had a blast with my parents and sister Marji. They ate so much I thought they would explode!

They were so tired and slept all the way home. As soon as we pulled in the driveway they woke up and with the sweetest little voices said "Party?...Nanny...Grandpa...Marji...Party..." You get the picture. This little chant soon became louder and louder and more insistent! They both had a major meltdown of epic portions right at the front door. They could not understand why the party had not continued at our home. Poor kids!

It took us a good 10 minutes to finally settle them down.

My two "Party Boys"! I hope this is not a sign of the future.

Nanny and Joseph-


Grandpa and Dominic-


Dominic certainly is not letting his casts get in the way of his fun-

Up to the Wee Hours of the Night!

Dominic and Joseph have always been great sleepers. They both go down to bed between 7:00-8:00pm and wake around 8am. We rarely have problems putting them down to sleep, BUT last night Dominic did not want to sleep! He loves his new trains SO
much I think he just cannot settle himself down.

Matt and I tried everything to get him to calm down. We rocked, read, sang to him, played with his trains for a while, had a snack and juice and finally had to resort to the upstairs bridge. Dom loves running across the upstairs bridge. Every night before bed Joe and Dom both run up and down the bridge. It always seems to work off their last bit of energy. So I thought when Dom was still up at 10:00 playing with his train to try one more time of running down the bridge.

He loves to go into the spare bedroom, AKA Nannie's (my mom's) guest room, and get my Nana's (my Mom's mom) old purse. He's yelling down the bridge "Get Nana Jeeeean's purse!" If only my Nana knew how much joy and fun her beloved purse gives my boys. I was so tired last night but had to laugh at the scene.



What a character train in one hand, purse in other!



After this last run he was finally out by 10:10! The latest night he has ever had. I wish I would have tried this trick about an hour earlier! I was just worried he would wake-up Joseph. Of course, Joseph slept through everything!

Garage Sale Bullies!

This morning I went to a few garage sales around my house. My morning started out great! The first sale I stopped at I hit the jackpot! The boys are really into trains and for their birthday Matt's Mom, Dad, and Sister Joann started them with a collection of GeoTrax trains. They are so cool!

As soon as I walked up the drive way I noticed three big boxes of Geotrax. I asked the lady if I could purchase the 2 trains with remotes (Retail price 19.99 each). She said no unfortunately I am selling everything together. So, I asked how much for everything. She replied $20! I got over $200 worth of Geotrax in perfect condition for $20!!!

I have only been to one other garage sale this spring. At this last sale I noticed a man with a truck with a trailer attached and toys were just overflowing. I really thought nothing of it except I was a little jealous because there was a football toybox the boys would have loved.

This brings me to my next sale. I hit another house with tons of new boy toys. I really think I am on roll now after my last find! I almost have my hand on a big bag of plastic tools, perfect for the boy's workbench. Along comes the garage sale bully!

The lady grabs the tools plus about 5 other surrounding items and quickly tries to confuse the garage sale host by bartering down each and every item!!! The lady got so flustered she said, "fine, but not the tools they are too nice and I will not lower the price". I swear at this point I was going to offer the lady double the ticketed price to to spite this bully. But, before I knew it she was bartering again for other toys and somehow fit in the tools. They were gone!

The bully turns around to her husband and tells him to pack the toys in the trailer. It was the same man I saw a couple of weeks ago. And again he had an overflowing trailer. Darn these people! I am sure they do this for a living and sell the toys on Ebay or Craigslist, but they take the fun out of garage sales. I told my mom about this story and she remembers him from last year at my garage sale. You'd better believe this year I will be ready for those garage sale bullies! Am I ridiculous or what?

Here is a picture of Matt trying to assemble the new GeoTrax. He has already been at it for an hour! Such a dedicated Dad.

Time Passages-Part 1

I have decided to chronicle how our family story began. I want to have a place where all of my thoughts/journals are together. One day when I print this blog into a book, the boys will be able to look back from the beginning.

So here is how our Family began...



May 5, 2004 "A Wonderful Offer"

This is not exactly where things began but this is the day things changed for the better. I thought this would be a good place to recap Matt's and my journey through infertility. Matt and I were married on August 7, 1999. We started trying to conceive about 6 months after we were married. For those of you that don't know me as well, I have always loved babies and children so I envisioned a huge family for Matt and I. We soon learned one of life's toughest lessons...Things don't always work out the way you plan them.

After a year of trying to conceive, we contacted a specialist. Over the next couple of years we went from doctor to doctor trying to find an answer to our infertility. The hardest part is that no one was able to give us an exact reason. We went ahead and tried multiple invitro fertilizations (IVF's). Each cycles was either negative or I would have miscarriages very early in the pregnancy.

Matt and I thought we would give it one more shot, and decided to go out to Colorado. Dr. Schoolcraft is one of the top infertility doctors in the world. We had our hopes up, but unfortunately on May 5, 2004 we got the dreaded call from the nurse that the cycle was negative. At this point we started to research other paths to parenthood.

This brings me to the title "A wonderful offer". Matt's sister Lisa proposed a wonderful offer to us. Lisa has been happily married to Chris for 9 years and has three beautiful children Olivia (7yrs old), Elizabeth (5yrs old) and Caroline (3yrs old). So you can see she already has her hands full. Lisa approached Matt and I, after she had heard of our most recent negative result, about possibly becoming a gestational carrier for us. Matt and I were extremely overwhelmed at first. How could someone be so unselfish and offer so much to us? We sat down with Chris and Lisa to discuss the details and we all agreed to give it a go ahead. I was very excited to get started with the process but also very worried for what Lisa and her family would have to endure.

To be continued...

Big Truck Show

Today we took the boys to the Big Truck Show. It was held at a local high school parking lot. They had every type of truck you could imagine. The boys absolutely loved it! The only problem was the heat! It was really too warm for Dom and his casts. I had to stop at CVS and buy a handheld fan and air out his toes! What a scene that was!

Dominic-

Joseph-

Daddy and Boys-


More pictures to music using the cool site SMILEBOX, you can click each pic to make bigger.

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

On a personal note, I have found a new addiction. McDonald's now serves speciality coffees! I love the iced vanilla latte. Watch out Starbucks...McDonald's is movin' in! For the past 3 days I HAD to have an iced latte. Thank God, there is a McDonald's less than a mile away. The really sad thing about my coffee addiction is I swear the boys first combined words were "Mommy's coffee!" Something has to keep me up to speed with the boys!