Twin Connection

Despite his casts, Dominic has been in a wonderful mood. On the other hand, Joseph has had a real temper today. He keeps "eyeing" Dominic's casts and boots.

When I got home from work today I asked Joe if he wanted to try on Dominic's cast boots that were too small. He was all excited and would NOT take them off. As you see in the picture they are WAY too small. I finally coaxed them off him by mentioning the word "outside". I looked down at his feet and there were two blisters from the boots. First of all, I immediately felt neglectful, but then realized the boys have always had the same of everything. Maybe this is why Joe was crabby today. He was going to wear the same boots as Dom even if they inflicted pain!



We went outside tonight and played with chalk. They helped me color in the heart and add extra touches to the sign we made for Matt.



I think this picture is too funny. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Dominic's New "Boots"

Dominic's Physical Therapist decided to cast him today. The process is called serial casting. The casting will help stretch Dominic's heel cords which are tight. He will wear this set of casts until Thursday morning. I will remove them (just unroll) and bath him and then return to PT in the afternoon for another set of casts. Each time they change his casts they stretch his foot a little more. This whole process could take a few weeks.

It takes about 45 minutes to cast him as he lays on his belly. He did a great job he did not move once. He just played with his matchbox cars and Barney computer. I was so surprised at how he tolerated the procedure.

As you can see from the pictures, so far he does not mind the casts. He calls them his "New boots". When we got out of the car, he was excited to show Daddy and Joe his new casts. He walked into the house yelling, "Joey...new boots!"

Dominic decorating his cast's with Nemo stickers-


Dom saying "Cheese"




Of course Children's Hospital did not have the right size walking shoes. Matt being so handy, rigged up a slip proof bottom until his shoes come in. Matt used the rubbery grid usually used to prevent rugs from slipping and duck tape. What do ya know...it works great.



Dominic is such a trooper! He is an inspiration to me. It really reminds me not to complain so much over little things.

A Visit From Auntie Marji

My sister Marji came out to visit us today. We decided since it was raining we would take the boys to Walmart. My sister does not have a Walmart by her so it was a REAL experience for her! The boys love going out in the rain so they can wear their new Nemo raincoats. The coats are so big, but they are really into Nemo. Too bad my sister and I did not have a raincoat like these, we got so wet from the down pour of rain on our way out of Walmart.

Dominic-

Joseph


We bought the boys some Viewfinders. I have not seen these since I was little. The boys thought they were so cool. Note to self: Good activity while waiting at a restaurant.


We all had a great time visiting with Auntie Marji. Next time we will come out to the country and visit Auntie Marji, Uncle Chris and possible their new puppy!

Auntie showing Dom how to work her camera-

Joseph and Auntie-

Florida 2007

I found this awesome website called Smilebox where you can create online scrapbooks, greetings, postcards, and slideshows. I just put together some pictures of our Florida trip. We all had so much fun visiting our family. For some reason (might have been my 2 BUSY toddlers) I did not take very good pictures. There were not many to choose from so I did the best I could. Sorry if I left anyone out.

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Mexican Fiesta!

I am actually feeling much better today. My back is finally on the mend. So, we decided to tempt out fate and take the boys out to a more adult like restaurant compared to our usual Coney Island. I have to admit I was a little nervous. But, as it turns out the boys could not have been any better.

Dominic-

Joseph-



They loved their chips and salsa. Who would think toddlers would like salsa? The waitress brought them crayons to color their menus. Boy, did they think they were something! Since they were so good we decided to order a fried ice cream sundae with honey topping. Matt and I the boys loved their dessert!

The boys are growing-up so fast! Here is a picture of exactly 2 years ago!

Potty Training 101

How do you potty train 2 year old boys?????? This is the question I have been pondering for the past few weeks. I have been doing a little research. And for those who know me well this usually means 2-3 hours of Internet searching.

I have finally come up with a plan. First, I am going to introduce the boys to the potty chair. This will take place every night just before bed. Usually, before bedtime they run around naked for 10-15 minutes. During this "Nakey" time I have them sit on their potties and read a book. Their homecare nurse suggested some type of activity on the potty because it usually takes about 5 minutes to relax themselves. After their book is done they jump up and I swear to you- they put their heads nearly in the potty and shout "NOPE...no pee-pee"! What a stitch! Neither has had any success yet, but I just know they must be getting closer. I know, wishful thinking!

After this initial phase of potty introduction I plan to take a few days off work this summer and attempt "Big boy pants". We will see...I heard boys are harder to train than girls and are not usually potty trained until 3. It cannot hurt to try earlier, as you see in the below pictures they don't seem to mind.

Dominic-

Joseph with Dominic offering support-

And We're Off!!

Tonight we decided to bring the boys trikes outside for the first time. Let me tell you, I had already been planning this since yesterday. Last night I took Dominic over to visit my friend Dana and her kids. Seve, who is four, was going to ride his bike around the block as we walked with the rest of the kids. In preparation for todays first bike ride, I asked Seve to show Dominic how he puts on his bike helmet. Dominic idolizes Seve, so it was good interaction.

Tonight we opened the new helmets and of course Joseph was fine wearing his (after he wore one for 8 months after surgery). I was leery about Dom because he hates wearing hats! But, my prep work paid off! He put the helmet right on and kept it on the whole ride around the block!

They love their new trikes! They can't pedal yet, but they try. Now the problem is they do not want to get off their bikes and come in the house!

Dominic on his bike-

Joseph-

And we're off!