WELCOME TO OUR WORLD :)

Catching up

2008-07-09T19:33:00.003-05:00

Life has gotten the best of me and I am WAY behind on updating. First it was computer issues, we managed to lose a few months of pictures--sadly containing Kyle's Yellow belt ceremony and Julia's 1st Birthday the others we lost were just hanging around kids playing in the yard sort of pictures. I do have some pics of Kyle's ceremony and am hoping that my brother took enough pics of Julia's B-day. So onto the update: I'll start with Julia's B-day. IT was a bittersweet day for me I was excited because she is growing so fast-almost before my eyes and sad because I realized that it was our last "1st Birthday that would we would be having. Julia had a great time being the center of attention. Our whole family was together--It was even more special because my brother and sister-in-law were home to visit(they hadn't been back in 3 yrs and in that time my brother had done an additional tour in Iraq)it was the first time that they had seen Julia. Anjie decorated Julia's cake and cupcakes (which came out really cute). It was sad when they left a few days later:(. Once we got into May we were gearing up for Mackenzie's first Dance recital--talk about STRESSFUL! We (I guess I should say "I") didn't have the greatest experience with this school. Mackenzie's Teachers were wonderful it was the Studio owner I had issues with. We made it through and the recital was a success! Mackenzie had SO much fun and LOVED being on stage. I'm not sure that she will go back to dance (if we do it will be at a different school)some days she says that she wants to take Karate others she says she wants to dance. Shortly after the recital Julia decided that she would be my earliest walker, she was officially 14mths when she took her first steps (Kyle was 17.5mths and Mackenzie 15 mths) she is still very much a drunken sailor or even a Frankenstein if you will. Now that school is out we have been enjoying a laid back summer. We have been to the Sprinkler Park and took a day trip up to Hampton beach with a friend and her kids. They had o much fun (even Julia) and had sands in places that they probably didn't even know existed! Julia probably ate half of her weight in sand too. I also decide this year to start a garden. I thought the kids would have fun with it and it would cut my grocery bill down a bit. Here is what I planted (bear in mind I was accounting for some plants to not make it): 6 zucchini plants, 6 cucumber plants, 18 various tomato plants (6 Roma, 6 cherry and 6 grape), a whole envelope of green bean seeds, some strawberry plants (to go with the TONS of wild raspberries we have)and a package of Watermelon seeds. I think I over planted---Everything survived and I now have TONS of tomatoes growing Can anyone tell me how long it takes for them to turn red? The only thing that didn't work out was my watermelon :( I have one leaf pop up and the a day later it died. I have 3 strawberry plants that survived out of 10. I will post pictures soon--I just need to burn a disk and download Hope everyone is well.

Baby Steps and Small Victories

2008-04-24T19:05:00.000-05:00

Over the past few months I have MORE than a few nagging thoughts about Kyle's attention span. I worry ALOT about what Kyle's future school years will hold for him. As a 28 week preemie Kyle is "at risk" for a whole host of issues one of them mainly is ADD. When Kyle started karate this past October I was keenly aware of his lack of an attention span (granted he is 4). When he would go through the obstacle course and come to the cones that he was supposed to weave through he would usually barrell through kicking them out of the way. This past week at Karate I saw the dreaded (in my mind) obstacle course being set up and thought to myself "Here we go"/ Kyle got to the cones (where he was supposed to turn around and walk backwards through)he stopped an studies the cones for a second and then turned around and started walking backwards. I watched with such pride that I almost let out and audible "Good for you!" The next thought that popped into my mind was "Baby steps and small victories".

Do preemies Feel Pain?

2008-02-13T15:40:00.004-05:00

There was a article in last weeks New York Times Magazine entitled The First Ache. It opened a HUGE discussion on my preemie group that I am still a few days later trying to get my head around. The gist of the article is about *when* a fetus starts to feel pain. Countless NICU baby's undergo medical procedures with NO anesteshia and pain control. This past week alone I heard a story of a preemie having a chest tube inserted without anesthia or local anesthetic, this baby then retreated into herself and reacted to nobody for 3 days. To hear this makes me feel physically sick. I understand the Medical side of anesthesia being dangerous for these tiny babies, but there are studies out there proving that severe pain in these little babies can cause BRAIN DAMAGE. It makes me wonder how much Kyle felt during his *painful* procedures? I think back to the shots, COUNTLESS heel sticks,blood transfusions, eye exams& 2 PICC line insertions. Kyle's feet and hands are scarred with "dots" (as Kyle calls them) he has 2 scars on his leg from PICC lines. I can remembebeing told several times "Don't worry he wont feel it". Did he feel it? To this day he hates having his hands and feet touched unless it's on his own terms. Cutting his toenails is torture for him It usually starts with the anxiety of seeing the clippers and the cries of "that hurts!" PLEASE don't hurt me!" The more I learn the more scared I am for his future. I cringe when I hear parents of preemies say "Oh yeah they were born early but they have no problems". Prematurity will always be an issue Kyle is 4yrs old we are just at the beginning of the road--And we are one of the lucky ones. What bothers me most is that we are 4 YEARS into our journey and we are still constantly learning more. Why didn't we have this inforamtion 4 years ago--maybe I couldn't have handled it at that point.

To the Makers of Moon Sand

2008-01-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

WTF were you thinking!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! (Obviously REAL moms had nothing to do with this product or the product testing.)

O.K A little background. Kyle got Moon Sand for Christmas, I was SO excited because he has talked about it a lot and I also have been dying to try it out too. It's been put away for the past couple of weeks so I figured I would take it out while I made dinner. HOLY CRAP!! Talk about a mess! IF I wanted the mess that the Moon Sand Made (OK that MY kids made WITH the Moon Sand) I would have driven to the beach got a bag full of sand, poured some water in and dumped it on my dining room table. This stuff is horrible, it stuck to their clothes, was all over the table, the floor, their socks! If something takes longer to clean up than how long it was played with, it's a NO GO in my book! It will NOT be coming out again--at least until summer where they can play with it outside.While it IS a cool concept, to me it fails miserably. NOT WELL THOUGHT OUT GUYS!!!!!!!!!

Some things just should not go in a blender

2007-11-23T12:57:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was Julia's first Thanksgiving, She was less than interested and napped the afternoon away. Most of you who know me, know that I make my own baby food. I have been known to use a jar or two when I'm in a pinch :) I recalled seeing a recipe for "Baby's first Thanksgiving meal" Throw Turkey, Cranberry sauce and some water into the blender and blend until smooth. So today for lunch I was determined that Julia would have her "First Thanksgiving meal". Let me tell you I had reservations about it as soon as it plopped out into the bowl--The color and texture left much to be desired. Here are the results. BTW I promised Julia I would NEVER make it again.

Perfect......

2007-11-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

This past week Kyle had his 6 month check up with the Orthopedist at Children's Hospital. Kyle has had issues with his ankles as a result of low muscle tone, his ankles tend to collapse inward causing the tendons on the outer part of his ankle to lengthen in effect giving him weak ankles. He has had inserts called "cookies" in his shoes for the past year and half supporting his feet in the right position so that all the tendons could shrink and stretch where needed. I was completely shocked when she looked at his feet, watched him walk and declared his feet.....Perfect. It was such a surprise that I almost cried right then and there. We have crossed a Doctor off the list!

How do you find yourself?

2007-11-14T15:21:00.000-05:00

I was at a friends house today. As the kids were all playing we were chatting about kids, life and other that other good stuff. We came upon he subject of finding yourself. I don't know who I am anymore other than "Mom". Somewhere along the last 4 years I have "lost myself". I don't even remember what I used to like to do. We get so caught up in Mommy that I think we (as mother's) tend to ignore ourselves. I'm the first to admit my kids come before me (as I think they should). When we go out I don't care how I look as long as my kids look presentable (It does help if I don't have any spit up on my shoulder) So my question is..... How does one find themselves after they have been lost? Maybe and Manicure and pedicure will do the trick? :)

One berry, two berry, pick me a blueberry

2007-11-08T21:49:00.000-05:00

Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE starting my kids on blueberries? I'm not sure why (besides the fact that they are a REALLY GOOD "super" food--anti oxidants and all)but I think it has to do with the little purple faces. The one of Mackenzie is one of my all time favorite pictures. Have some blueberries and enjoy!

Please remember.......

2007-11-03T21:07:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2007-11-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

One quick post then off to bed for me. Last night was Halloween. We took the kids Trick or treating--(very fun night considering we went to many houses that I did as a child). Kyle was Spiderman, Mackenzie a rainbow witch and Julia was a black cat until we lost her "ears" somewhere along the way, Mental note for next year-bring a flashlight. Kyle had so much fun running house to house yelling "trick or treat" at the top of his lungs, Mackenzie would only go to houses that weren't scary. Here is the only picture I took for the night. Enjoy

Another year goes by....

2007-10-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY MY SWEET MACKENZIE!

Today my drama diva is 3! I went into her room this morning and said "Good Morning, Do you know what today is?" She replied "YAY!!!! it's HALLOWEEN! (it's O.K folks she's a blonde) LOL. I said "Nooooo". she thought about and said "Mama, I'm 3?" I said "Yes!" She jumped up did a little dance then launched herself at me for a giant hug and said "Mama I LOVE YOU!" My God, can it get ANY better?

The aroma of cupcakes is wafting through the air (Like I NEED any more cupcakes). Tonight we will go to Bugaboo for a small family party and come home for cupcakes and presents (since I know she can't read--she is getting a pink Leapster-she has been harping on it since Kyle got it for his B-day last month). Kyle and Julia (O.K Kyle really) picked out a Princess game to go with it. After Dance class on Saturday 11 of Mackenzie's friends and cousins will come over for a "Princess Tea Party" can you hear the Joy in my voice--8 of those 11 kids are girls 8 girls in party dresses and screechy LOUD voices running around the house :) Saturday night will definitely be a Calgon sort of night. We had her 3 yr pictures done on Mon but I have not scanned them yet (shhh). I will put some up soon :) Off to frost cupcakes!

It started out a good week......

2007-10-19T14:34:00.000-05:00

and then *sigh*. Maybe I'm too sensitive or maybe I'm just a sap. A baby on my Yahoo Preemie group (who happened to be born the same day as Kyle but 2007)passed away at 3 weeks old. I don't know the specifics but it hit me HARD just as any baby on the list that doesn't make it. Being thrust into the world of preemiehood sucks (to put it bluntly). You have all these dreams of the fairytale birth, bringing baby home and living happily ever after. When you have a preemie those fairy tales are crushed. I didn't get to bring a baby home with me (for 3 months anyways).

I got to sit in a hospital for 3 months till Kyle could grow big enough (I remember the thrill of a 4 gram weight gain and the terror of a 4 oz gain-usually meaning he was withholding fluid in his lungs)I remember the look of fear in my then 12 yr old step daughters eyes as I tried to hold it together one day when Kyle's sats kept drifitng lower and lower, luckily it was equipment failure.

Breathe on his own-After 9 weeks hanging out on CPAP I was beginning to think he would rather live at the hospital than go home with me.Thanks Prematurity. I remember one night shortly after Kyle came home-Joe was at a wake for a family member- Kyle was such a slow sloppy feeder (I had to double what formula was in his bottle because he would lose half of it to his bib)that after an hour with 2oz of formula I lost it, begging him to just eat and why didn't he "get it".

I feel for this mother (young mother, only 20)who had to make the (brave and selfless)decision to take her child off of life support and let him go peacefully in her arms. It could have been me. I am so thankful that I never had to make that decision. The impact of prematurity will always leave a raw spot in my heart. 4 years down the road, prematurity is still an issue for us and most likely will be for a LONG time. Kyle had Karate last night, he was doing some pretty strenuous stuff (for a 4 yr old) and after about 5 minutes he was wheezing and so out of breath that I could hear him all the way in the lobby. I have never had to carry his rescue inhaler with me but now I will. Kyle will go back to the school system for an OT (fine motor) evaluation and back to Children's for his 6 month check up with the Orthopedist-hopefully will be be able to discontinue the use of inserts in his shoes. I've learned not to get my hopes up though. Thanks Prematurity. Rant over, on to happier posts.

Its' been a while......

2007-10-10T18:59:00.001-05:00

We have done so much lately and I have so much to catch up on! We had a great trip to STORY LAND, the kids had so much fun but I will get to that later. My post tonight is about Kyle. My first born turned 4 on September 27 at 8:08am. Kyle's birthday has always been bittersweet for me. You see, Kyle was born 3 months early, 28 weeks into my pregnancy. He was supposed to be a Christmas baby but never made it that far. I have alot of issues with Kyle's early arrival. My body was the one that failed, not Kyle yet he had to pay the price for my body's failure. At 27 weeks I developed Pre-eclampsia. I wasn't feeling well so I went for my 28 week check up a day early. I was sent to Labor and Delivery for an Non Stress Test and monitoring my BP at that point was 185/99. In the space of 20 minutes I was drugged beyond belief and put in an Ambulance for the 40 min ride into the city where I was told that most likely my baby would be delivered TODAY. LUCKILY I was at a really good hospital and was able to hold out until I hit 28weeks and 4 days, most importantly I was able to get BOTH doses of those oh-so-important steroids. The night things went downhill really fast, Joe had come into the Hospital after work and asked what I wanted for dinner--We were is the heart of China Town so I said "When in Rome" He found a Chinese place down the street (They only spoke Chinese LOL). He got back and not 2 bites in I started shaking and feeling horrible. I was quickly moved BACK to labor and Delivery to be monitored my BP was 200/112. My Kidneys and liver were shutting down and Kyle was not tolerating it well. That night they told me that Kyle would be delivered first thing in the morning and that I would have to have a C-section because he was transverse (sideways) I remember the Doctor (a woman) coming in at some point in the early morning with consent papers, (basically signing my life away)I was so scared and drugged out of my mind that she climbed into bed with me and just held me while I cried. Joe called my parents to let them know what was happening so they made it to the hospital as I was being wheeled into the OR (BP at delivery was 212/120). Kyle was born at 8:08am on a rainy Saturday morning. I remember hearing this tiny little cry. Then the NICU nurses telling him to stop peeing on her :) He weighed 1lb 14.8oz and was 14 inches long (Just to get the idea--the first picture of him is with a beanie baby). I got a quick glimpse of him as they rushed him off to the NICU OH Yeah, his Apgars were 9 and 9 they wanted to score him less but just couldn't). After that I don't remember much. I finally got to see him 24 hrs after he was born (my first thought was "Holy S**t I gave birth to a baby monkey" He was COVERED with hair! Kyle stayed in the NICU for a LONG 93 days and came home 2 weeks after his due date. Looking back his NICU stay was pretty uneventful, living it was another story. Fast Forward to today: Most people say "You would never know...." But they don't see the battle scars that I do. The tiny white "dots" on his hands and heels from countless pin pricks and IV's, the scar on the inside of his leg from his PICC line. The little wheeze of CLD (Chronic Lung Disease) when he exerts himself and the way he uses his upper body to compensate for for weaker core muscles. They don't see slightly smaller stature (39 inches and 32 lbs) or the look on his face when he can't accomplish things his peers can. Don't get me wrong I am SO PROUD of my son and all he has accomplished. He is so sweet and lovng, not to mention he has a GREAT sense of humor. He knows what his scars are and what they mean. I also know how lucky we were and how bad things could have been. We recently went back to the NICU, I got the same knot in my stomach walking down that long hallway that I did 4 yrs ago. I can't look through the doors beyond reception to the warming tables and incubators because I would be transported back to a place where I would never want to be again. My heart breaks for the parents and grandparents looking so lost in the waiting room. We met the Head Neonatolgist in the Hallway.He was BLOWN AWAY by how well Kyle is doing. Kyle and I have such a special relationship--we went through a lot together and I'm not entirely sure that I'm the only one that remembers it.

We had a great Birthday Party with Kyle's friends here at home. Kyle wanted a Drag Racing Party (can you tell he's his fathers son?)so all of his friends brought their bicycles over and raced around the driveway. I made a "drag strip" cake complete with race cars. It was such a fun day for him. Every year gets a bit easier but I don't think I will ever completely be "over it" But MAN I LOVE THIS KID! :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET BOY!

What do I get for dragging 3 kids around on a hot August Day?

2007-08-30T13:10:00.000-05:00

A HEADACHE!

Poor kids it was so not their fault. We left the house at 10:00 for Julia's 4 mth check up. Why leave the house 1/2 hr before her appt 10 min away you ask? Because parking at the Medical Office building is a B*&$H. We finally get parking, get everybody unbuckled and unloaded- Mackenzie holding my hand, Julia in her bucket and Kyle "helping" to carry Julia. We make it into the building with no one getting run over and start with a Chorus of "I'm Pushing the button (to the elevator)" No I'M pushing the button", "No I'm pushing the button" each chorus getting louder between the two of them. I finally decide that Kyle will push the up button and Mackenzie will push the button in the elevator. The door opens the kids bolt until they hear my "STOP, let the people who are on the elevator get off" They look at me like I just spoke to them in a language they have never heard. We make it into the office AT 10:30 only to see 2 other families waiting (I think CRAP this is going to take a while). I ask "How far behind is he?" The nurse knowing me says "Not too long" (GREAT) We take a seat and I begin to notice how darn hot it is in the office (why do pediatricians not use A/C? The little ones can take a chill for a few minutes). The kids start going through the backpack looking for snacks--which I did not have with me-they grab the juice boxes saying "I'm thirstyyyyyyyyyyyy" So we open them up and they suck them down in a NANOsecond. Julia then decides to fall asleep on me as we get called in (mind you the Dr still has another patient ahead of us--It's now 10:50) I wake Julia by stripping her down plunk her on the scale (which she was none to happy with 16lbs 2oz By the way),get her up as the nurse walks in to get her weighed and measured. I tell her "I already weighed her--she's 16lbs 2oz" I can tell she doesn't like that I'm doing her job (she is new to the practice)but she also knows by now that I was a NICU parent and did ALL of Kyle's care for at least the last 4 weeks of his stay (other than meds). Dr finally comes in we chat for a few minutes,Julia smiles, He comments on how big her head is and I confess (in a whisper) that she is a belly sleeper(GASP) and her head has not flattened out. He knows me and my children well enough by now that all 3 were belly sleepers and gives me the quick AAP recommendations about "Back to Sleep" and I give him the "When SIDS is totally wiped out by back sleeping I will put her on her back so she can wake me up every hour because she HATES it. For now we will stick with the 12+ hrs she is sleeping at night on her belly (usually 7:30-9:00). He leaves the room to get the growth chart and I turn around to 2 kids looking at me saying "I need to go potty" in a sing songy voice. We all traipse to the bathroom where I manage to get Macks on the potty without falling in and Kyle to pee IN the water (all while still holding Julia). Get pants up, hands Purelled and then back to the exam room. We then get those great immunizations so the Dr can see how long Julia can hold her breath before screaming (this girl can SHRIEK). We leave the office to go through another elevator chorus and get through the parking lot with no one getting run over. In the car, seats buckled, ready to go, Julia, is passed out in her car seat--it takes a lot of energy to scream.

We head for the bank and of course the Drive through ATM is out of service. So we drive across town to the other bank go through the ATM (cause if I can't drive through itwith 3 kids in the car I'm not interested) Both kids asking to listen to "God Smack" (what they listen to in DADS car). By now it is 11:45. Now, If any of you know me I have a weakness..GYMBOREE. I LOVE the clothes. Gymboree's labor day sale has started so I planned on going to the Mall and finishing Macks Back to School Shopping (Along with my extra 20% off coupon). So I take Speen St. Not sure WHY I did that because for the last 6 mths it has been under construction for the new mall expansion, but I did. 10 minutes later and less than a 1/4 mile we get to the mall. 10 min later we find parking. We get in to Gymboree and the kids RUN for the TV at the back of the store. Of course they do not have everything I want so the SA starts making calls to other area stores. NO LUCK. Julia then wakes up and remembers that she got shots and starts to scream. I realize this was a HORRIBLE idea to begin with, put my stuff on hold and head for the exit it's now 12:45.

We make a run through the Mickey D's drive through. I pull up to pay and realize my wallet is in the back of the car (What a LOSER!) I get out of the car go to the back--no Wallet, I'm thinking "Are you kidding me??????I didn't even take it out!" Get back in the car and there is my wallet (What a LOSER!) I pay, drive off, get home. Get the kids started--you know I HAVE to take the pickle off of Kyle's burger because it may bite him if he does it, feed Julia put her back to bed because whatever is in those shots makes them sleepy--wish I had had some last night when it was 2:00am and I STILL couldn't get to sleep. Get the kids in their rooms for "rest time". Clean up lunch and sit down to check e-mail, then remind myself about the mountain of laundry downstairs, bottles that have to made, rooms that need to be cleaned and dinner that needs to get started. *SIGH* You've just had a small glimpse into a day in the life of a Stay at home mom :)

Summer

2007-08-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

SIGH.......Summer is coming to an end and I'm wondering where it has gone (although I am looking forward to Fall, it's my favorite time of the year). We have had a lot of fun. We have made trips to the pool, sprinkler park, zoo and countless trips to the playground. In 2 weeks we are taking a long weekend and heading up to STORYLAND in NH. I think the kids will have a blast!

We are trying to gear up for School and Fall activities. Kyle will be in school 2 days and Mackenzie will continue with going for 1 day-They are excited to go back and see Miss Cathy and Miss Kristen! We are looking into Karate for Kyle which will be great for building his core muscles and hopefully helping with his attention issues-A concern for me considering that kids born as early as Kyle are at risk for ADD and other learning issues). Mackenzie will start ballet/tap dancing in the fall. Julia is growing like a weed. She will go for her 4 mth check up next week. She is sleeping through the night--I'm talking in bed at 7:30pm and waking up at 9:00am--We joke that we breed kids that hate car seats and cars but that are FABULOUS sleepers! Her reflux is still being controlled with Meds and she will STILL spit up if you even look at her funny. It baffles me that probably close to 95% of preemies suffer from reflux. Kyle NEVER had any issues with reflux but my Full Term chunky monkey can soak a spit up rag in seconds!

I will leave you all with some pictures although I have not taken nearly as many as I should--last night for instance, Kyle and Mackenzie were rolling down the hill in the yard (the same hill that my brother and I rolled down as kids) and playing leap frog--which ended up as them jumping on TOP of each other instead of OVER each other. It always after the fact I say "I should have brought my camera out!" Speaking of my brother--he is home from Iraq--safely after a year of running an Iraqi prison. No more worries about that--he did not make Chief so will be retiring out of the NAVY after 20yrs of service. We are hoping that he and Anjie will come back Northeast (from San Deigo) for a visit in April--just in time for Julia's 1st Birthday.

Long time no type

2007-06-09T11:10:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that it was August when I last posted! SO much has happened since then. Kyle is now potty trained (since January). In February Kyle went for his eye exam and was fitted with glasses. Both Kyle and Mackenzie got their Big boy/ big girl beds. Mackenzie is potty training as we speak she just came to me and said "Mommy come see my pee in the potty!" ;) And, Oh yeah, We had another baby! Julia Elise joined the family on April 26th--she was our biggest one yet at 8lbs 1oz and 21.5"(although not hard to beat Kyle's 1lb 14 oz). We have been enjoying the warmer weather and went to the beach a couple of weeks ago with the Downin clan. The kids had so much fun playing in the water and building sand castles. I'm sure the beach will be at least a monthly trip. We deiced that come August we will travel down to PA to see Natalie and Brad (and so Joe can go to the NHRA drag races). Need to run and referee the pizza fight right now but will post more..I PROMISE :)

2006-08-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

O.K I've been REALLY lax about posting and Mackenzie now has enough hair for more than 2 pig tails! :) We have had a very busy and fun summer playing with friends. We've been to Davis Farmland a few times, spent countless days at the playgorunds in addition to Joe, my Dad and cousin Michael building our swingset,plus we found a GREAT wading pool that the kids LOVED spending the day at (Mom did too because the pool is only 2 feet deep)! Kyle had his evaluation at NEMC and it went pretty well. Kyle's main issues are low muscle tone/ gross motor skills. He also saw the opthalmologist at the beginning of August and we were quite surprised to learn that his eye measurements have changed for the better, so we have escaped glasses for the time being. Mackenzie is Mackenzie--that about sums it up. This girl is crazy and crack me up to no end--Just as an example: She will hit Kyle, look at him and say "SORRY!!!!!" and go put herself in a time out. Here are some pictures from the past few months :)

2006-02-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!! MACKENZIE HAS ENOUGH HAIR FOR A PIG TAIL!!!!!

This week I have gotten to the point where I was either going to Crazy Glue the barrette to her head (she constantly takes them out) or cut her hair (can you hear the tears in my voice). I decided to try the piggy tail on top of the head and she tugs at it but can't quite get it out (YET). OF course because I took a picture of Macks, Kyle had to get involved too. Her are some pictures of his favorite activity--BLOCKS!

Hope you are all well :)

2006-02-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Has it been a week already???? Kyle had his eye appointment last week. It was not fun for him and we have a diagnosis of moderate near sightedness and an astigmatism. Not what I was hoping for but not a HUGE problem. Kyle will go back in July and if his measurements haven't changed then he will be fitted for glasses. Mackenzie finally sprouted a new tooth yesterday (I was beginning to wonder if she was only going to have 2 bottom teeth). Last week was my Stampin' Up party- Us ladies had a fun night of Stamping :). Not too much news here. Next week Ryann's dance team is preforming at the Boston Celtics game -Look for pictures to be posted.

2006-01-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

What a fun few days we have had! Yesterday (Sunday) we went to a birthday party at a bowling alley. Let's just say that 2 yr olds and bowling DO NOT mix! Between Kyle throwing the bowling balls and pitching a fit over wanting balloons we were lucky no one ended up with a concussion! Kyle did have fun and eventually got a balloon :) Mackenzie had a whale of a time crawling on the bowling alley floor getting he pretty pink velvet jeans dirty. Mackenzie is now offically a walker altohugh she looks like a little old lady with bad hips and knees when she walks. Today we had a snowstorm (about 6 or so inches) I took the kids outside to play. I think it took more time to get ready to go out than we actually spent outside. You have to allow at least 20minutes per kid for Hats, snow pants, boots, hat again, coat, hat again (you get the picture). We were probably outside about 1/2hr when Mackenzie decided she was etiher A. Cold B. Sick of sitting in the snow C. Sick of standing in the snow or D. Hungry. So it took another 20 minutes of Kyle pitching a fit because he just saw Pa plowing and didn't want to go inside, getting 2 screaming kids in the house and bribeing 2 kids with juice to get out of the wet snow clothes (Let me tell you-- if I step in one more puddle of water in my front hall.........). Not too much on the radar this week. Tomorrow is Mackenzie's 15 mth check up - I will post vitals at her babies online site. Wed Kyle has school. Thursday Kyle and I will travel into Boston for him to have an eye exam at NEMC (not something I'm looking forward to). Then Friday we have playgroup with Kyle's friends. Friday night is my Stampin Up! Party--Oh the joys of adult conversation!
Take care all!

A day at the museum

2006-01-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

O.K I figure I will give this blogging thing a try as a way to keep everybody updated about what is going on with us (and because we did something fun today)! Today Kyle and Macks and I went to the Childrens Discovery Museum with our locals Mom's group. We had ALOT of fun! The museum is in an old Victorian house and every room has a different "theme". Kyle whizzed past the "train" room into the "ball" room. This is a room woth lots of PVC tubing all over. You climb up to a platform by the ceiling and let the balls go down these "tracks" Kyle and Mackenzie (who eagerly followed Kyle through the train room to the balls) had a BLAST! Who knew Mackenzie could climb up AND down stairs. It was then onto the "water" room with a HUGE water table and tons of toys, we didn't last to long there before heading upstairs. There we found the "rainbow" room with a fun slide that had light up stairs, "the Diner" (LOTS of play food and little bar stools) & the "Jungle" room where Kyle and Macks took one look at the HUGE gorilla and Lion they skeedaddled out that room and into a room I can't really name :). It had lots of stairs to climb and a wind machine and neat instruments, shapes and texturted things to touch. We spent most of our time there. We did make it back down to the "train" room and the kids were sad that we had to leave so soon. Today is big sister Danielle's 11th Birthday!!!!!!!! Tomorrow Kyle goes to "school" with his friend Sarah, hopefully it will go better than it did last week. Kyle was quite upset that I was leaving but the teacher told me at pick up that he only vried for about 10min. Mackeznie and I will be off for a leisurely stroll through Target while Kyle is at school. Time to go get the rugrats up and into the tub!