Trying to Get Back to the Blog Thing...

I have been feeling terribly guilty about not blogging for almost a full year!!! It is something I love doing, but seems to get pushed down on my "To do" list.

I cannot believe my babies are about to turn 4 years old! It is difficult for me to even type that age.

The boys have been doing great. They both love preschool, which was not the case at the beginning of the year. Joseph had the hardest time transitioning, but within a few months he really grew to love his friends and teachers.

We just had parent/teacher conferences and I was so nervous. Why I was so worried about a 3 year old conference, only God knows. Seriously, they are only 3!!

The teacher started the conference out with a prayer which was so nice. She said the boys are doing so well. She told us the boys are an absolute blessing to have in her class, so well behaved and very kind.

Mrs. L. said Dominic needs to know where Joseph is at all times. Joseph cannot even go to the bathroom without Dominic. Too funny, because at home Dominic is definitely the more independent one of the two.

Words cannot explain how proud I am of my two boys. Honestly, I just love those boys so much. I know they had their challenges early on, but oh how far they have come. My heart is truly filled with absolute love and pride.

Under Construction

I am trying to give my blog a "facelift".

Thank you to cuteblogs website for my new background. It is an awesome free blog design site. They even explain how to change your settings.

I also found this other great site, scrapblog. I used their FREE products to create my new heading.

I am not quite sure about the new look, I still want to do some fine tuning. I cannot believe how much I like designing web pages! It is REALLY time consuming, but a lot of fun.

Smokin' Vitamin

This weekend I had to take Joseph to urgent care. He has had a cold for about a week, but now it has settled in his chest. When we got to the urgent care they measured his oxygen level and it was 85-86%. The normal oxygen level is anything 94%and above. Since his oxygen level was so low they took us right back, and started a breathing treatment. The doctor also came in right away and ordered some antibiotics and steroids.

The steroids taste awful and made him throw up. Poor guy...he has never thrown up before so he started freaking out. He screamed for 30 minutes..."I jus wanna go home...Where is my Dominic...No tank you" He was just pitiful.

I thought for sure they were going to admit Joseph to the hospital. Thankfully, his last oxygen level was 99% and he was able to come home.



I have had to give Joseph and Dominic breathing treatments at home. When I was first trying to explain about the treatment I told them it was like vitamins for their lungs. They love their vitamins so I thought they would associate the treatments with something good.

When I started Dominic's first treatment he looked at me and said "No mom, that is not a vitamin, it's a SMOKIN' vitamin" I just had to laugh.

The smokin' vitamin-

Beautiful Day

It was absolutely beautiful today. We took the boys outside to ride on their new "twactors". It is so amazing how quickly they are growing!

We had an appointment with their Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor on Friday. Dr. D. said both boys are doing great. He cannot believe their improvement since November. They are both still going to need another set of braces (after they grow out of their current ones). They will likely wear the new set of braces for about six months and then Dr. D. will re-evaluate. Dr. D. said he really could not be any happier with their improvements. Dr. D was very nice to Matt and I, he shook our hands at the end of the appointment and told us what a great job Matt and I have done. That is just our job as a mom and dad...to do the best we can for our boys. I do feel very blessed that the boys have received early treatment for any lingering preemie issues.

The boys will also be re-evaluated for any physical therapy needs. The doctor wants the boys to be evaluated every 6-8 months just to make sure they are on track. Unfortunately, the only children's hospital in the area has a waiting list.

I really find it so difficult to accept a waiting list for children as they grow and change so rapidly. The last time the waiting list was 4-6 months long! I enrolled the boys in private physical therapy during the wait, but hopefully this time it will not be as long. The receptionist told me the wait was about 2 months which is not too bad.

We are so proud of you Joseph and Dominic! You have worked so hard and come so far! We love you with all our hearts.

No More Highchairs

Last week, when Matt was out of town, I decided to take the boys to Red Robin. I decided to try something new...no highchairs! The boys did great. I thought for sure they would be running around, but sure enough they just sat across from me without any problems.

Having twins is such a conversation starter. Everyone asks if they are twins and if they are identical. We always meet new people everywhere we go! We met 3 families just sitting in the booth!

During dinner, the staff would periodically sing Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday. The boys really got into clapping their hands and singing Happy Birthday to the kids. After they were done with dinner, I surprised them and had the staff sing Happy Birthday to them. They barely set Joseph's ice cream sundae down before he devoured it!

Dominic-

Joseph-


We had a great night. I cannot believe they are big boys sitting in a booth now. It just feels like yesterday when they were in their infant carriers resting in the booth. How time flies!

Easter Weekend 2008

I am back to blogging for good! I finally had back surgery on my herniated disk in January. I am feeling so much better! I am still in physical therapy for some weakness, but all in all, I am so much better than before the surgery.

Matt was visiting a friend in California so the boys and I spent Easter weekend at my parents. We all had a great time! The boys absolutely loved dying the eggs. I was not sure if they would understand the Easter egg hunt, but as you can see from the below pictures, they really got into it.


Nanny and Grandpa with the boys--

Mommy and her boys--


Easter egg hunt--




The boys are doing great! We are so blessed with all of their progress. I will write more about their lasted accomplishments in a later post.

A big congratulations to my sister Marji and brother-in-law Chris who are expecting a baby girl at end of July! I asked the boys what kind of cousin they wanted and Dominic said he wanted a "pink baby"! We are so excited to have a new baby in the family.

Also another big congrats to my other sister Chrissie and her NEW fiancee Keith! They are getting married next January. We can not wait and are very happy for them.

We love and miss everyone!

First Snow

I am finally back to blogging! I have just recently returned to a part-time status at work. I am so thankful I am able to work part-time. Working full-time, 5 days a week, with the boys was definitely a challenge.

One of the reasons I went into nursing was the benefit of working 12 hour shifts. If I was still working on the Pediatric unit I could work full-time, but only 3 days a week. With my new job, I was covering for my boss when she went on an extended maternity leave, our office hours are Monday-Friday. I am not used to working 5 days a week!! During the past 5 months I realized if I had to work full-time, I would have to quit my office job and go back to working on the Pediatric floor (3) 12 hours shifts per week. I think I just got spoiled with these great hours.

One thing I can say is I really have a deeper appreciation for any moms who need to work full-time, 5 days a week, to support their family. I also know how blessed I am to have an extremely flexible and high demand job in these days of economic uncertainty.

The boys are doing great. They are talking up a storm and very busy all the time.
They were shocked and excited when they came downstairs this morning and noticed all of the snow. We have about 8 inches of snow accumulation!

We took the boys outside just before their nap and as soon as they woke up they were begging to go back out again!

This is the first year there has been enough snow for them to use their sleds I bought 2 years ago!

Joseph-

Dominic-

Matt pulling the boys up and down our driveway until dark!


The boys finally came in and had hot chocolate in their new "coffee mugs". They were so serious with their treat--notice Dominic's eye is always on Joseph!



I hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying the holiday season!