A Letter from Luke

Yesterday we got this cute little letter from Luke's teachers. Luke is ready for Potty training! at 22 months! We are so excited. At school he is dry for most of the day and uses the potty 2-3 times. We are really excited to be DIAPER free after 4 years. I almost can't believe it is possible that we wont have anymore diapers. Nicky was fully trained by 2 and a half and Brandon by 3. I'm hoping for a fast start with Luke. Nights will be tougher, but that's OK. he's still little. I am so proud of him. Go LUKEY!!

 

below are some older posts about the Potty. Keep your fingers cross we will be diaper free soon!



Nicholas Potty Update

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Last October marked a new milestone for Nicholas. A Big Boy Toilet. A new beginning and endless "Potty Candy". An end in sight for diapers...??

We had no agenda, he's not even 2 yet.  We just provided the toilet and the temptation. (usually marshmallows, m&ms, and jelly beans) Then it faded and he lost all interest. And the toilet sat and collected dust.

Then last week everything changed....Peepee became a hot topic and Nicky started taking his diaper just to dash to the potty and go.  Afterwards, so proud of himself, he runs naked around the house, occasionally jumping with glee, laughing and making sure Daddy knew what he did.

Now we can expect potty usage about 4-5 times a day, however, big boy underwear has no bearing on his decisions to use the potty or not. So we do a lot of wash.

In any case, we are well on our way to being diaper free! Way to Go, Nicky!

Speaking of Poop

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Speaking of poop and potty training, I thought I would share two of the boys favorite books about, well POOP.
It has to be a boy thing...

Anyways, if it helps you potty train, all the better!

The first is Disnosaur vs. The Potty.
It's a simple, colorful book about a Dinosaur who won't go to the potty.
There are lots of sound effects and the boys love when we "Roar" like the Dinosaur.

The second book is called Where's the Poop? - which we read over and over.
The boys raise the flaps to find the poop!
They LOVE it.
This book helps build confidence and shows that all creatures have to poop.
Some even poop orange.
Nicky thinks the penguin poop is the funniest.

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Brandon is 30 months!

Dear Brandon, 

In the past 30 months, I have watched you grow from a tiny little bundle in my arms

 to the big boy you are today

I love so many things about you...

 your big green eyes {where did they come from?}

your thick blondish hair

your perfect full lips and cute tiny teeth

your long legs...

and your tiny little calf muscles, exactly like daddy

I love your laugh and your giggle

I love how you blow a kiss

how you say Tank You and Vawl.

how you cry and say NO MOM-A
I love your french accent
and when you dress up in my necklaces
I love that you want dolls and purple toys
I love that you like bugs
I love how terrified you are of the jets in the bathtub

how you love lollipops

I love your passion for firetrucks and things in "twos"

how you love to fix things
and climb on everything
I love how you like to clean your hands and wahc the dishes
and vaccum

I love that you know how to use an iPad and play with games on Nickys leapster
I love how you are fearless and copy everytihng your brother says
I love saying good night to you and playing our "nighttime" game
I love that you want a KISS and an "uppy" hug

I love that you still love to watch Baby Einsteins

I love your tantrums and how you throw yourself on the floor

Your stubborn personality

I love your smile and your long eyelashes

I love how you dance and swing your arms

I love how high you can jump

I love when you sing twinkle and clap your hands

I love your lawnmowers and your tools and your firetrucks

my heart swells when you hold my hand

or kiss me for no reason

when you say "I love you, Mommy" and give me a hug

I love when you share, but that's not too frequent

you love Chocolate milk and "myilkies"

I love your toes

And above all, I love how these past 30 months have been the most incredible experience, and the moments above, are the moments that matter 
and I could not be more proud to be your Mommy

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6 Months Big!

Dear Luke,

This morning I woke up, took one look at your little face and thought to myself,  ”Wow, daddy and I made you; and you’re pretty incredible”. I have 3 incredible boys. And that makes me happy! It makes the recent events tolerable and puts my life into perspective.You have made me happy for 6 months - half a year! And what a half year it has been. I can't wait for the rest. I can't wait for "forever."

You are in the 90th percentile for weight (20.6 lbs) and height (27 inches) and 75th for head circumference. {ALWAYS different with each boy!}

You've grown, my little man and slimmed down a little...and your head grew. {Forgive me, but I am going to plagiarize myself - I stole this from Brandon's letter} You had your third round of shots and screamed our pants off. During the check-up the Dr checked all your vitals and tracked your milestone progress...sitting up? check. eating solids? check. reaching for toys? check. Responding to name? check. Teeth? check - 2 of them on the bottom. We got the OK for finger foods and sippy cup with water.You are also pulling yourself to standing, and crawling all over. You love to play with toys, and are content to sit for hours - something your brothers never really liked to do. you even will just sit in my lap. We have a fun new "trike" for you. i will post pictures of it later. You are starting to babble and love to blow raspberries. You love your jumper and we have to buy you a walker because you want to zoom all over. You love the doggies too. You are fascinated by them and watch them. You are also so fascinated by your brothers. Oh how your face lights up when you see them. You are a special and incredible young man. I can wait to watch you grow. I love you oh so much.

.:Below are the letters and posts for when Nicky and Brandon were 6 months:.

___________________________________________________________________________________
 Dear Brandon,

I am sorry this is so late. I have been so busy at work and haven't had time to sit down and write you a proper letter once you completed your 6th month wellness check. On January 10th you turned 6 months old and have changed so much in the last month. You are in the 75th percentile for weight (18 lbs) and height (27 inches) and 60th for head circumference. You've grown, my little man. You had your third round of shots and did very well, just minimal crying and and some angry looks directed at me. During the check-up the dr checked all your vitals and tracked your milestone progress...sitting up? check. eating solids? check. reaching for toys? check. Responding to name? check. Teeth? check - 2 of them. We got the OK for finger foods and sippy cup with water.

Our only concern at this point is the shape of your head. Until recently, you have been content to just lay on your back watching and patiently waiting...no hustle and bustle about you. All this laying down, has caused a slight lopsidedness to the back of your head and we are considering a helmet for you to wear for a couple months. If we do this, please know we are doing it because we love you and want you to have a nice head. :) 

You already getting on all fours and starting to scoot around. You don't get very far and usually end in a face plant, but you are trying.You so badly want to run and play with your brother. The way you look at him melts my heart, you are in total awe. Nicky is still a little indifferent for now, but we are starting to see some protective attitude when you are surrounded by other kids.

At 6 months, you love to smile and laugh and you are easily amused. You love to play with toys and will spend long periods of time cooing and rolling all over the ground. You can stay busy watching the dogs run in circles, and we get such joy out of your giggles. You've already learned that doggies give kisses and just like Nicky, you love when they lick you all over. You love to jump in the jumper, and spending time outside makes you happy. The only other thing that makes you squeal for joy is the bath. You already love to spend hours soaking in the tub and we pass the time reading books and playing with the foam ABCs. Tomorrow you start swim lessons with your brothers so you will be ready for this summer!

Now that you have had 5 weeks of "sleep training" under your belt, you are sleeping so much better. You go to bed around 6:30 pm and sleep until 3 am or 4 am. Then you will usually sleep until 6 or 7. Daddy usually goes upstairs and brings you down to me in the morning. You love to lay right next to me and snuggle. That hour before Nicky gets up is our special time to catch up and dicsuss the day ahead. You are such a happy baby and so easy going.I am so lucky to have such a sweet boy. Watching you grow up to be a little man has become one of my greatest pleasures. I can't wait to see what you can do. I love you to the moon and back, my little Banjo.

xoxo,

Mommy

PS. I thought it would be fun to see a picture of Nicky at 6 months and see what I had to say about him at the same time in his development and how different/same they are.

Nicholas went for his 6 month his 3rd round of vaccines this week. He is in the 60th percentile in weight, 70th in height, and 30th in head. He weights 18.9 pounds. He is still in some 3-6, but starting to wear 6-12 months now. The dr told us to start feeding him 2 x a day and we can start him on finger foods. He eats apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, rice cereal, carrots, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, and green beans. He is starting to drink from a sippy cup some water. He is almost crawling, and he hops when he tries. He is a very good jumper now. 4 teeth have come in. his 2 middle bottom and his 2 "vampire" teeth. We also had to have him "cry it out" this week. It took 19 minutes the first time. He slept through the night. so far the longest he has cried since was that first night. We also went to Palm Dessert for the weeknd to celebrate Craig's 30th. Nicky was great on the plane - his 4th trip and 8th plane ride!! Grandma Lenore(Booba) flew to the desert to babysit. We had a blast! He also spent a lot of time in the pool. Nicky loves the water.

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A Mom's Prayer, Courtesy of Tina Fey

For the baby girl I will never have and to my boys, change the girl stuff and shes to boy stuff and them :)

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches. May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer. Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers. Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed. And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget.

But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes. Amen.”

-Tina Fey

(That my friends, is what you call good writing. Click on the link and pick up Tina Fey’s book Bossypants for more.)

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Dear Three Year Old Nicky

Dear Nicky,

After two, you only have a wellness check every year on your birthday. So after a year of speculation, I picked you up on your 3rd birthday and walked across the street to Hill Country Pediatrics to find out how big my baby is getting. You were adamant about "no Boo Boos" at the Dr. (shots) I agreed.

No Boo Boos on your 3rd Birthday, my little man!

After being, weighed, measured, and your first blood pressure test, we waited for the Dr. to give us the results and fill us in on how you are doing. The results were surprising! You had a huge growth spurt and is in the 95% for weight (39 lbs) AND height (39 inches). Your BMI is 16% - or just perfect. Crazy that they check that now!

You are in a size 3T/4T and wear a size 10 shoe. They predict you to be 6'1 based on their little prediction chart, which is great!

On a developmental side, you are really excelling. You can identify most letters and can spell your name - (N-O-C-K-Y - you  insits there is no "I" in Nicky). You can spell stop and dog and you are very sharp, speak your mind, and is a total cheeseball.

Your passions right now are your continued love for latex and vinyl gloves, motorcycles, watching motorcycles on youtube, monster trucks, army men, and anything to do with water: water guns, water balloons, and squirt bottles. You love to run in the sprinklers and hose and is wet every afternoon.

Daddy lets you watch Hot Wheels and Transformers, which you think is so cool. You still love Dino Dan, Curious George and Calliou. I still want to poke my eyes out. You still love to watch Baby Einstein with Brandon, Shawn the Sheep, Timmy Time, and now sit still long enough to watch some movies at home: Bambi, Tangled, How to train your Dragon, and Ice Age.  On June 24th, we are going to take you to your first movie: cars 2. I can't wait.

For the most part, you are potty trained and sometimes at night. You can hold it for 8 - 10 hours, but I think when you wear a diaper to bed, you think you can pee in it. We will be working on that in the next couple of months.
.

You love the iPad, and spends hours playing games on it. Its pretty amazing how quick you pick up on new technologies and can adapt to these things! You can browse on YouTube and choose new games to play.

You have such a big heart too  - you love to hold hands, snuggle, and you tell me all the time that I am your best friend. But then again, you also tell Grandma Booba that ...and Miss Tiffany, Ella, Haylee, and Kylee Jo.  Either way, when you say that and slip your little hand into mine, I know that this is all worth it.

I've spent three glorious years getting to know you and I hope that I have 300 more. I love you every day, every minute, every second. I love you to the moon and back.

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In One Month

 Dear Luke, we are cheating...

You're not supposed to come until May 28th

really 6 weeks away...

but the Dr. wants me -US - to be healthy and I cannot go into labor

I am having my third c-section at 38 weeks so nothing "catastrophic" happens.

But it wont.

The only thing catastrophic so far, has been my enormous thighs swallowing up my knees 

and my rear end starting to become the 8th world wonder. 

So, the countdown is on. 

30 days till you arrive. 

30 more days of pregnancy. 

30 more days of O'Douls.

30 more days of gluttony

30 more days of your strong kicks in my bladder. 

30 more days before we become a Party of Five.

I can't wait to see your face

I cant wait to see your toes

I cant wait to hold you

smell you, touch you.

I cant wait to see YOU

AND I cant wait to have my body back

I cant wait to see my knees

I cant wait to drink and eat sushi

I cant wait to be done

And I cant wait to tell you how you completed our family.

I cant wait to tell you I love you.

I cant wait to tell you how LUCKY I am.

May 18th can't come soon enough.

Here is your mommy at 34 weeks....tanning you and her white body in the sun.

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19 and counting...

Brandon, 19 months ago, you were a tiny little pea in my belly. When you were born, we knew you were special. 19 months later you are still so special to us. We joke that if you were our first born, we'd have 18 kids by now. Not really...but maybe. You continue to be such an easy child and love to be independent.

You love to taunt your brother and purposely take his toys to annoy him. You find this hilarious and nothing stops you, not even a threat of timeout. But you love him so much, watching you copy what he does is really sweet. I love how much you love him.

You are so carefree and loving. You snuggle and say Night Night to light switches. Your favorite word right now is NO and you can say ABC. You are soooo close to saying Nicky - its sounds more like Nik-ni. You got Roxy and Zeusey down. And we know when you want to eat. :o) The amount of words you say increases weekly. You continue to wow us in all the new developments and you are excelling in school.

We still have to watch you because you are a fearless daredevil. You will walk right off the couch and laugh. You love to climb on things and are starting to jump off everything. The problem is you are so accident prone - you bump your head daily. We sometimes wish you still had your helmet. You are so funny and love to smile.You have these cute rows of teeth and you still make your stink face when being silly.

Your blonde hair has sprouted all over your head and this past month you had your first haircut. I don't think you can possibly be any cuter with your chubby belly, grey-blue-green eyes, and your perfect lips. Nothing makes me smile more than watching you grow and develop and become another perfect little man.

I thought I would end with the most recent picture of you and compare it to Nicky at 19 months. My two little angels. I love you to pieces...and to the moon and back. Happy 19 months Brandon!

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Happy 18 months, Banjo!

Banjo, Banjo, Banjo...how did we get SO LUCKY to have the easiest, sweetest, happiest, cutest boy ever?? Don't get me wrong, your brother gives you a run for your money, however we never described him as "EASY" or "Happiest." He was (and still is) strong willed, challenging, way too smart, and endearing. BUT YOU - you are perfectly perfect in so many ways. {Don't you worry Nicky - your 32 month letter is next} Since your last check up, so much has changed! You've had a little verbal word explosion and we are so thrilled with your recent developments. You can say over 20 words now, but can repeat much more when asked. We got rid of the baba and your are so much more vocal. You've put together your first sentences:

• Here you go!
• I see you!

You have really started to get into books, and every night we sit down with you and go through all your favorite ones. You're walking so much better and our concerns about any excessive drooling have stopped.

At every wellness check we get your vitals and you are finally TALLER then your head is BIGGER! You are 32 inches - 75% and 26 pounds - 50%. You've thinned out and your baby beer belly is almost gone. You are in a size 6 shoe now and 18 - 24 month clothes.

Remember last month? when you decided not too sleep? Well, thank god you've put an end to that craziness. Once again - you are the best sleeper - we put you down with minimal crying or fussing and you pretty much sleep through the night again. If in fact, we do have to go up and check on you, you make us take you downstairs to watch Wonder Pets or Oobi. We watch for a while, and then you get to say "buh-bye" and go back upstairs. You sleep until about 730 every morning and sometimes I have to wake you so we aren't late for school.

You love to play with anything that Nicky has, and you love pushing tea carts and lawnmowers all over the house. You love balls, bubbles, and the doggies. You love to point out buses and you yell "beep beep" when you see a big truck go by. You also have a sweet tooth.

And we can hardly believe in 6 months you will be 2! never forget, you are our little ray of sunshine and you have made such a huge and positive impact in our lives. We adore everything about you.

And as always, I went back to check and compare Nicky's 18 month update.

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Dear Brandon - 15 months

Dear Brandon,

You turned 15 months on October 10th and we celebrated with a wellness check. You do very well at the Dr's. You "talk" to everyone and are growing well on the chart, a perfect curve, but you are chunkier than you are tall. You weigh 25 pounds (55%), height 30.75 inches (45%), head 47.7 cent (50%). Your little feet fit into a little size 5 shoe and 12 - 18 months clothes are starting to get tight. You knew mommy had her hands full with Nicky, so you sleep 7 - 7  for me and you can nap almost 3 hours a day. You have the most perfect smile and the blondest silkiest hair. No haircut yet...maybe next month.  Your eyes are amazing -  still a stormy blue grey and you have 16 sharp teeth. You love to laugh, play, and kiss. You do this special little butt dance on me, and never do I feel more loved and treasured. These are the little things a mom holds on to. You do have a little temper and you are starting to show a preference for daddy. You are very agile, and like to stack blocks, ride tricycles, and climb. You can moos when we say cow, and kinda woofs when we say dog. You can point to your head, knows shoes go on your feet, and can throw away garbage. You pick up the phone and says Hi. You still are not talking much, but you make your presence known. You can say mama, dada, up, hi, more, wawa (for water or chocolate. ha), and occasionally you will throw out a thank you or naked. We took you last week to have your hearing tested to make sure you weren't partially deaf from all the ear infections and you passed. There could be some delay if your ears where blocked for periods of time, but they do not predict any delays in development. We continue to work with you, and we've seen an increase in your vocabulary and mumblings even in the last week. These last 15 months have been crazy but worth it. lI love you, Banjo.

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....and now you are One

 Dearest Brandon,

It's probably not fair that I write you a letter on your birthday, and you have to share this with Nicky.  I sat down and contemplated how fast this year has gone. A year ago, you arrived tiny and small, and squishy. You stole my heart immediatley. I wasn't able to hold Nicky until hours after I delivered him...with you, I saw your precious face within seconds. You looked nothing like Nicky, and somehow I wasn't prepared for that. Speaking of Nicky, your brother did not know what to make of you. He screamed pretty loudly the first time he saw you in my arms. Right away you had so many nick names, Banjo (the one I dreamt before you were born) Brando, BB, Baby B, and soon Brandy Boy.

You have proven to be easier than your brother, and even now, you are so happy. You always have the biggest smile. Most people say that you are such an easy baby, so smiley, so infectious. Little do they know that you have developed quite the temper, but we are lucky that you haven't started actual temper tantrums as early as Nicky did.

You are very vocal now, and have conquered Ma, Da, Hi, Yeah, Uh-oh, and mayyybe we got a Bye. I think I heard Apple too. You use all these sounds interchangeably and now that you are in the Young Toddlers class at school, I wonder how quickly your vocabulary will blossom. You started walking right at 11 months, and you won't let anyone stop you. And you are so quick toddling around like a drunk sailor! You love the stairs and are a climber. You want to be as high and as tall as you can. You are also so agile, and have great balance and coordination. You are very good at stacking and putting things into their holes/spots. Your attention span seems to be lengthier than Nicky's was - IS -  even to this day.

You have 12 teeth, and teething has been miserable for you, as bad as it was for Nicky. Your hair is a couple shades lighter, and as you fall to sleep, you lightly tug on your hair. This must comfort you - kind of like when Nicky takes the tags on his bays and puts them in his ear as he falls asleep. I love to watch you sleep. You have not become attached to any toys, blankets, or bays like Nicky, but you do love your nini.

Your eyes are a curious grey/blue/grey - and the shape is definately mine. In fact you are pretty much my spittin' image.  Actually there are 2 camps that think you and Nicky look like me, or that you and Nicky look like Dan. It's just so strange to me that you guys look NOTHING alike, but at times so similar. Your features are so different, so special, so beautiful, so Dan and Me.

At your 1 year wellness check you got the 45th percentile trifecta - weight, height, and head circumference. You clocked in at 23 pounds, 29.5 inches and your head is perfectly right below average - and thanks to your helmet, just P E R F E C T.

To compare, at 1 year Nicky was 25 pounds - 80th percentile, 30 inches - 75th percentile, and his head was in the 40th percentile.

As I have said before watching you grow up has become one of my greatest pleasures. You and your brother bring me so much joy that its obvious why I am here. For You. For Nicky. Forever.

 Below is the update I sent out right before Nicky's 1st Birthday.

Nicholas had a good weekend, 2 more weeks and he is 1 years old! I can't believe it. 4 more teeth are coming in - 2 top molars and 2 bottom molars for a total of 12 teeth and lots of long and miserable screaming fits. Honestly, no one tells you about the teething. Its just terrible and he doesn't handle pain very well - just like his mommy. Nicholas has also become prone to some tantrums recently. My favorite is when he throws his hands up and falls flat on the grown and lays there crying. I have to try not to laugh, its so cute. We went Strawberry picking this weekend at a farm about an hour away and he enjoyed the berries and mud. Nicholas met a horse for the first time and i can't wait until he is old enough for some lessons. Yesterday during our walk, we stopped and watched a flag football game with all these little boys. He was fascinated and I am pretty sure we may have a little Tom Brady in the making! (I'm hoping for early retirement :) ) Nicky now says momma, dadda, "gat" for cat "goud" for dog, and duck. I think we've heard nanna for banana and ne ne for something else, not sure yet.  Today was the second day in a row that he did not cry when I dropped him off at school and that made ME happy!

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For Eternity

Dear Nicky and Brandon,

5 years ago I married your Daddy, the man I love

5 years later, nothing has changed

I still love, adore, and cherish him

Like I have said before....

Here is to LOVE and wishing the two of you great LOVE in your future too. 

{Our Vows} 
Victoria,
I love and support you
In being all that you are and all that you will become
With this ring I choose you to be my wife
I love you, adore you, and cherish you
This ring is the symbol of my unconditional love for you
Let it always be to us, our symbol of our love.

Daniel,
I love and support you
In being all that you are, and all that you will become
With this ring I chose you to be my husband
I love you, adore you, and cherish you
This ring is the symbol of my unconditional love for you
Let it always be to us, our symbol of our love
 

::For Eternity::

::Happy 5 Year Anniversary!::

{ Watch OUR Wedding Videos HERE}

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Dear Brandon, Happy 9 months!

 Dear Brandon,

Happy 9 months, my little man! It feels like it was just yesterday I was driving to the hospital to meet you. I can't believe you are growing so much and so fast and becoming so independent. Over the last nine months, you have collected quite a list of nicknames: Brandy Boy from the ladies at School, Brando from Valerie, BB from Josh. Before you were born I dreamt of you and in my dreams, you were my little Banjo. That's my pet name for you. But your Daddy and I, just love you. Nicky calls you "NO Brandon, Move". That's his way of loving you too.


I also refer to you as the Happiest Baby of the Block. You continue to remind me, that not only were you another gift, but that baby boys can be easy and happy. I am constantly surprised that you like to play by yourself, how easy it is to rock you to sleep, to give you a toy to keep you busy, to HOLD you. and STAY there. It's quite a nice and refreshing change. It lets us chase after your brother!

You had your 9 month wellness check today and there was good news to report. You are growing strong and healthy.

weight 21.8 ounces - 70th percentile
Height: 29 inches - 75th percentile
Head - 46 cm - 70% percentile

You have 7 teeth and another poking through. You can't clap yet or high five, but you get SO excited when we ask you to. We'll be working on it.

You're crawling all over, and sometimes when we turn our heads you are half way up the stairs now! Time to get more baby gates! You are enjoying school and doing so well. You are eating lots of solids and finger foods. Your normal schedule is cheerios/life/puffs in the morning before school, and at school you get 2-3 servings of baby food. You love pears and peaches, and yogurt. You also have a special place in your heart for Maddie, a girl at school who you share your treats.







You are starting to cruise and let go. Even stand for a bit by yourself. I captured this video yesterday of you "walking" with Nicky's Dump Truck (we won't tell him)


I am so proud of you my little Banjo. As always I like to see how you are doing in comparison to Nicky. Below are notes I took from his 9 month check up as well as a picture from his 9th month. He was a little stronger, heavier and taller, and already clapping, but we have time. I have no doubt you will shine in your own way. And you already do in our hearts. Never doubt that.

we love you, banjo.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Nicky started clapping and High Fives. he takes a couple steps now and is getting so big. At this last check -up for 9 months he was in the 75% for height, 85% from weight (up from 70% at 6 months) and still in the 40% for head. He has gained some weight and is really filled out. His weighs about 22 pounds now.

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Guest Blogger: Grandma Booba (Bubba)

Last month I posted about "Something New" to Abelingland. A Guest Blogger! As I have mentioned before, I started writing this blog so I could capture funny stories, milestones, and memories to share with the boys when they get older -  the Story of their Life! I asked my family to be a guest blogger once a month to share something they would like the boys to know, whether it be a picture of them when they were little, a favorite book, a story, or anything that comes to mind. My goal is that the boys also have a little piece of them too.

I asked Valerie to be the first blogger, and as you can imagine, Val spent the last 2 weeks sweating, full of anxiety and teetering on the edge of cliff. Kinda like when she had to give the Maid of Honor speech at my wedding. (Thank you Kathleen and Amy for keeping her drunk and calm) Although that turned out great, even if my money tree is dead!

So being the best twin sister I am, I gave Auntie Val a pass and my Mom stepped in...so THANK YOU Mom. I know the boys will treasure this forever...
 ______________________________________________________________________________

Dear Nicholas and Brandon,

There is so much to say about being CERTAIN of what you want.

All I ever remember is wanting to be married, by twenty five, with a big diamond, a real house (no apartment), and twins by the time I was 30.

As luck would have it...... all my wishes came true, accept for the apartment (lived in one for 4 months). Having Victoria and Valerie were the best thing that ever happened to me........ until May 10th 2008.

Who would think that one teeny tiny baby boy could mean so much?????

I didn't carry him, I didn't give birth to him and yet my whole world changed that day. Nicholas filled my heart like nothing I could or would have ever imagined....... The complete love I felt for him immediately was pretty shocking. Yes, I wanted grandchildren, but if it happened great, if not it would still be okay.

Truthfully, I really am not that fond of kids....... I HATE CRYING BABIES.... as my two had colic for 6 months, so if I never heard another baby cry I would be content.

Being so far away from Nicky was torture for me, but I saw him every month of his first year except for the month of September, so we did bond!!!!!!!!! I longed to hear his cry and to comfort him. Vicci was so wonderful about posted weekly pictures, so BOB and I did not miss a thing. To see him roll over, laugh, crawl and walk were amazing. Hearing him say words and sentences, incredible. Selfishly, having him call me Bubba, (Nicky's version of BOOBA, Texas style) was the cat's meow. He is so smart and funny and such a little athlete already (must be in the genes). What on earth could be better than this.........and then a second one???

Yes, another new baby boy. Will I love him as much? Is there room in my heart for another grandson? Oh my God yes!!!!

Brandon was born July 10th, fourteen months after Nicholas, so we had to bond with this beautiful boy. It was a little bit harder as Brandon did not like the bottle in between nursing as Nicky did. So, bonding was not as easy. Also, I did not come out as often, but one week Vicci came home for work and I had Brandon to myself....... WE bonded and I fell madly, deeply in love. He is precious and sweet and he somehow wormed his way into my heart and just made it bigger and they both fit perfectly within the walls of my beating heart.

Love,

Grandma BOOBA

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It’s a Big World, baby, and you’re little for a little while ….

Like most parents, Dan and I have specific lullaby's we sing to our boys. Some of Nicky's favorite's are: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hush Little Baby, Catch a Falling Star and Somewhere Out There from American Tail.
Dan even makes some up. And right now, every night we have to sing the "B" song. It's another Dan Song. Basically it goes, "buzz buzz buzz, buzz buzz buzz, buzz buzz buzz, bbbuuuuuzzzz" and then we tickle him.You should try it. Hours of fun.
 
But, the most special and meaningful is That Little Boy of Mine. My Grandpa Mario sang that to Val and I when we were little... Nothing made us feel so loved and special. I hope one day, Nicholas and Brandon come to treasure this song as much as I do. I hope they pass it on to their families and make special memories with their kids. More on this later, because it deserves its own post (as soon as my mom sends me pictures. ahem. mom!)

I am always looking for a new melody to sing and I came across this website, Jitterbug: Music for Kids when I was reading a blog, Kids Stuff World. One of the albums featured was by artists Renee & Jeremy. They have a song that is so beautifully sung and animated, I can't wait to play it for the boys. I am learning it already.

It’s a Big World, baby, and you’re little for a little while ….

Little for a Little While

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Sensational Nicky

Darling Nicholas, its your 22 month birthday today! You are becoming my little ham man! It's hard to believe that this little person I created has a mind, opinions, feelings, and can express his own thoughts now!

And in 2 months you will be TWO. A full blown toddler. a terrible two toddler. but all my toddler. I don't know where the time has gone, or how I am going to deal with this big birthday. It feels bigger than your 1st. That day was filled with excitement and lots of big firsts: cakes, party, celebration, friends...this time I don't want it to come. I want you to stay little and, well little. The next thing I know you will be 22. Then you will be gone. In the meantime, I will stare at these pictures and remember you exactly the way you are right now.

Sassy, Silly, and Sensational

I love you to the moon and back!
xo Mommy

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Dear Brandon - a 6 month letter from Mommy

 Dear Brandon,

I am sorry this is so late. I have been so busy at work and haven't had time to sit down and write you a proper letter once you completed your 6th month wellness check. On January 10th you turned 6 months old and have changed so much in the last month. You are in the 75th percentile for weight (18 lbs) and height (27 inches) and 60th for head circumference. You've grown, my little man. You had your third round of shots and did very well, just minimal crying and and some angry looks directed at me. During the check-up the dr checked all your vitals and tracked your milestone progress...sitting up? check. eating solids? check. reaching for toys? check. Responding to name? check. Teeth? check - 2 of them. We got the OK for finger foods and sippy cup with water.

Our only concern at this point is the shape of your head. Until recently, you have been content to just lay on your back watching and patiently waiting...no hustle and bustle about you. All this laying down, has caused a slight lopsidedness to the back of your head and we are considering a helmet for you to wear for a couple months. If we do this, please know we are doing it because we love you and want you to have a nice head. :) 

You already getting on all fours and starting to scoot around. You don't get very far and usually end in a face plant, but you are trying.You so badly want to run and play with your brother. The way you look at him melts my heart, you are in total awe. Nicky is still a little indifferent for now, but we are starting to see some protective attitude when you are surrounded by other kids.

At 6 months, you love to smile and laugh and you are easily amused. You love to play with toys and will spend long periods of time cooing and rolling all over the ground. You can stay busy watching the dogs run in circles, and we get such joy out of your giggles. You've already learned that doggies give kisses and just like Nicky, you love when they lick you all over. You love to jump in the jumper, and spending time outside makes you happy. The only other thing that makes you squeal for joy is the bath. You already love to spend hours soaking in the tub and we pass the time reading books and playing with the foam ABCs. Tomorrow you start swim lessons with your brothers so you will be ready for this summer!

Now that you have had 5 weeks of "sleep training" under your belt, you are sleeping so much better. You go to bed around 6:30 pm and sleep until 3 am or 4 am. Then you will usually sleep until 6 or 7. Daddy usually goes upstairs and brings you down to me in the morning. You love to lay right next to me and snuggle. That hour before Nicky gets up is our special time to catch up and dicsuss the day ahead. You are such a happy baby and so easy going.I am so lucky to have such a sweet boy. Watching you grow up to be a little man has become one of my greatest pleasures. I can't wait to see what you can do. I love you to the moon and back, my little Banjo.

xoxo,

Mommy

PS. I thought it would be fun to see a picture of Nicky at 6 months and see what I had to say about him at the same time in his development and how different/same they are.

Nicholas went for his 6 month his 3rd round of vaccines this week. He is in the 60th percentile in weight, 70th in height, and 30th in head. He weights 18.9 pounds. He is still in some 3-6, but starting to wear 6-12 months now. The dr told us to start feeding him 2 x a day and we can start him on finger foods. He eats apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, rice cereal, carrots, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, and green beans. He is starting to drink from a sippy cup some water. He is almost crawling, and he hops when he tries. He is a very good jumper now. 4 teeth have come in. his 2 middle bottom and his 2 "vampire" teeth. We also had to have him "cry it out" this week. It took 19 minutes the first time. He slept through the night. so far the longest he has cried since was that first night. We also went to Palm Dessert for the weeknd to celebrate Craig's 30th. Nicky was great on the plane - his 4th trip and 8th plane ride!! Grandma Lenore(Booba) flew to the desert to babysit. We had a blast! He also spent a lot of time in the pool. Nicky loves the water.

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Dear Nicky - 18 month letter

Dear Nicholas,

Last week you had your 18 month check up. It was a little late because we canceled your first one last minute to go visit your Auntie Val in Party City.  What a great trip that was, just you and me. You are growing up so fast, its hard to believe in 6 months you will be 2!

Not too much has changed since last time except you are now 32 inches tall and 28 pounds! Your weight is in the 75th percentile and your height is in the 50th. That means your a little above average, but Daddy and I think you are way above average. You are wearing a size 6 shoe and pretty much fit perfectly into 18 - 24.

18 months and you still prove to be challenging in some areas and in others you continue to blow us away, especially how smart you are. You have started to say sentences and put multiple words together like:

• Thank you
• Where did it go?
• I don't know
• Come Zeus, Come Ra
• No, mine
• All Done
• and my favorite I love you. (when asked)
  

Right now we are working on Merry Christmas. It comes out Merry Nah.

Our biggest worry right now is how to help you stop crying at night. It breaks our heart every night when we hear you cry out for us. We would do anything to take all that sadness away....but are your REAAAALLLLY sad, or just know how to play the game, mister??  On the occasion you do break us down and we go back upstairs to tuck you back in, you are just fine. So happy we are there, just to point out the moon and stars. You will even lay there pretending to be asleep while we sneak out, just to have you jump up crying again. Daddy and Mommy may have to start turning off the monitor...and I can't begin to imagine how this will all work out once you figure out how to climb out of the crib. I do not look forward to that day.

At 18 months, you love trucks and trains and anything with wheels. You love to point out buses and fire trucks and make siren sounds when you see an ambulance. You pick me flowers. You love sticks and old pipes. You love to clean and we have to pry brooms out of your hand. You still ADORE your Daddy. Puppies and bubbles are still top of your list. You've started to play by yourself and have your own make believe.

You can count to 2. (go Nicky!), say ABC, and every color is green, but we're working on it. We can get a blue, white, yellow, red, and purple out of you when prompted. You can sign a lot of words, and love to be outside. Ant bites make your skin flare up and you hate bugs. You still have your nini (pacifier) but we're working on it.

and at 18 months you still dance...

...and you make us dance. we love you poops.

Mommy

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My Letter to Nicholas - 17 months

Dear Nicholas,

Happy 17 month birthday, my angel. I've decided to write you a letter each month to document your accomplishments and try to capture what life is like for you at this time. Needless to say, you (and your brother) have become what I live for. I love watching you develop into my little man. I wont say that these past months are easy - you are a handful! You're daddy and I never know what will come next with you. Nicky, you are wild, completely unpredictable, non-stop chaos and delight, willful and adorable, smart and playful, curious and stubborn. You test us each day, mostly Daddy...Mommy has more patience :).

At 17 months, you have become very vocal and make sure we all know. I tried making a list of all your words, but now I can't keep up. This month, you started shaking your head Yes and No. You can repeat almost any word we say. You will often throw your hands up and say "I don't know". Right now we are working on "Trick or Treat", but it's still a tongue twister. I have no doubt you will have it down pat in time for Halloween.

You can say the names of your friends at school, especially Kylee Jo. It comes out...Kaiyee. Speaking of school, I love watching you through the window before we pick you up. I can't describe the rush of emotion I feel every time I see you so independent - playing with your friends, dancing to the music, covered in paint, or even sitting by your self reading a book. I am so proud of you.

Nicholas, you must get this from me - you love books. I think most kids do, but I hope this love stays with you. It will open up a whole new world for you one day. I can't wait to read you the Harry Potter series. Mostly because I can't wait to read them again!

Right now you sit in the "book closet" before bedtime and we read all your books. We try to finish off with Good Night Moon - it seems to calm you down - if that's possible. Then we say "Good Night Daddy, Mommy, Brandon (baby), Roxy, Zeus, Grandmas and Grandpas, Alex, Val, Frank, and Amy." and then we go to your room, turn on your lullaby music, give you your nini, your blankets, and you grab all the tags and put them to your ear.

I kiss you good night and *hope* that you will lay down and go to sleep. If we are lucky you do, if not, its about 10 - 30 minutes of you crying out for us. It breaks our hearts, and many times Daddy gives in and goes up there to sing you softly to sleep. He sings "Good Night Nicky, Good Night Nicky, Good Night Nicky, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight." it works. You adore your Daddy.

At 17 months you can eat with a fork and spoon. You love to drink out of a water bottle and can even put the cap back on. At dinner time like to play with your food, and usually throw it all on the floor for the doggies to pick up. You say "Ca" for Chocolate because Daddy gives you Hershey Kisses. You tell us when you want juice or milk or water. Your favorite foods are still fruit and crackers, but you also like hot dogs, fish, chicken, pasta, anything Mexican or Thai or Chinese. Usually the best way to get you to eat EVERYTHING is to feed you on our laps. This is like a treat for you!

Nicky, you are so loving. You will kiss us and hug us. Sometimes bite us. That's fun.

Every morning when you wake up you climb up on our bed and hug the doggies. Roxy and Zeus usually respond by licking you all over. This makes you laugh. You are so ticklish and we love to rough house with you. You usually say MORE! MORE! and we have to flip you upside down until you are dizzy and we are exhausted.

I love to hear you say Mommy, to watch you sweep the floor, to hear you say Ra for Roxy. I love watching you run around the couch and wait for us to catch you. I love watching you fall asleep, and I can't wait to feel your arms around me. I love it when you smile and when you say a new word. I love your little tail, and the color of your eyes. I love it when you clap after you have accomplished something. I love when you hold my hand. I love when you draw on the new floors and when you run away from dead bugs. I love dressing you in cute clothes and watching you run around naked. I love when you kiss your brother, and when you fall asleep with Daddy. I love YOU and love being your Mommy. I am so lucky you are mine.

I love you always,

Mommy

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