Thursday, March 15, 2012
We are still alive!
Well, i can't believe I haven't posted since August. Holy cow! So much has happened since then. If anyone is still out there reading, I will be updating my blog over the next few weeks. Stay tuned....
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Update
Where or where has the last month gone. I thought time flew by when I was home on maternity leave - it's just going by lighting fast now. I wish I would have done a better job of documenting what the kids have been up to. In a nutshell, we have had three birthday parties, Jay's 30th birthday, Mark turned 6 months old, only 1 trip to Miti, swimming lessons, speech therapy, bachelor party, dinners with friends, and oh my personal favorite - house shopping. Yes, you are reading that right. More on that later. I'm exhausted just thinking about this past month.
The kids are doing great! We are trying to take full advantage of these beautiful summer days and nights. Anna is thriving at Goddard. She transitioned into the Pre-K room last week. The teachers aren't as lovey-dovey or huggy as the "flamingo room". But she seems to like the "lessons" and "learning". Luke is starting to say two words at a time unprompted -- which is huge. He is even starting to repeat some simple 3 word phrases. Oh what a long road we are on, but for now, he loves to practice talking so we are going to continue his twice daily lessons. Sweet baby Mark is rolling all over the place now. He has absolutely no interest in sitting up - he throws himself back. He still likes to wake up at 4 am - but I decided last night that was going to end. Wish me luck.
I've been terrible at sharing pictures and even worse at printing them. In no order, here are some randoms of the kiddos.
On the house front, thank God we live w/ my parents. We were set to break ground on our dream house the beginning of August. We had everything picked out, deposits down, purchase agreement for the land ready to be signed...when we got a phone call on Tuesday afternoon (they make all their bad news calls on Tuesdays) that the had significantly underestimated the cost. I won't go into gory details - but the last person you want to make a mistake with numbers is a CPA that loves spreadsheets. Needless to say we fired them. Now we are fighting to get our money back and trying to figure out what the heck we are going to do. So unbelievably frustrating given we started this process in April, I picked everything out that we wanted during my maternity leave so as not to take more time away from my kids or job. Now we are back to square one.
I do believe that everything happens for a reason - even though we might not know what it is. However, this has been an extremely hard pill to swallow. Keep us in your thoughts that everything works out the way it's supposed to.
We are also suspecting that Mark has Apraxia - like Luke. We hope and pray he doesn't - but he is showing some early signs. Of course we will do whatever we can for him. But fitting in Luke's OT/ST and possibly Mark's ST is a daunting task. The fact that this doesn't go away and that he/they could potentially have lifelong learning problems, sensory problems, communication problems (I could go on and on but I won't) breaks my heart. Times two - it just splits it in half.
It's been a tough month. I think back to August 2010- and that was an even worse month....I think I just want to remove August from the calendar.
Maybe I better end with this:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can, and
The wisdom to know the difference.
The kids are doing great! We are trying to take full advantage of these beautiful summer days and nights. Anna is thriving at Goddard. She transitioned into the Pre-K room last week. The teachers aren't as lovey-dovey or huggy as the "flamingo room". But she seems to like the "lessons" and "learning". Luke is starting to say two words at a time unprompted -- which is huge. He is even starting to repeat some simple 3 word phrases. Oh what a long road we are on, but for now, he loves to practice talking so we are going to continue his twice daily lessons. Sweet baby Mark is rolling all over the place now. He has absolutely no interest in sitting up - he throws himself back. He still likes to wake up at 4 am - but I decided last night that was going to end. Wish me luck.
I've been terrible at sharing pictures and even worse at printing them. In no order, here are some randoms of the kiddos.
 |
| All clean after his bath! He loves to kick and splash all over the place. |
 |
| No one makes Mark laugh like his brother and sister. |
 |
| Me and my big boy - this boy alternates between melting my heart and making me crazy! |
 |
| 1st time eating - like the rice cereal. In the past 3 weeks he's been through all the veggies and I haven't found one that he doesn't like. We'll be starting fruits and oatmeal over the next week or so. |
 |
| Trying so hard to get him to sit up. I can at least keep him in here for a few minutes before he wiggles his way out of it. |
 |
| My three lovies |
 |
| Yes - that's Luke in Mark's baby seat. I came downstairs one morning to find him sitting in "mark's air". |
 |
| Me and my little boy. Love him so much! |
;
 |
| Mark loves his exersaucer, too. We really are very lucky with him - he is usually a very happy baby! |
I do believe that everything happens for a reason - even though we might not know what it is. However, this has been an extremely hard pill to swallow. Keep us in your thoughts that everything works out the way it's supposed to.
We are also suspecting that Mark has Apraxia - like Luke. We hope and pray he doesn't - but he is showing some early signs. Of course we will do whatever we can for him. But fitting in Luke's OT/ST and possibly Mark's ST is a daunting task. The fact that this doesn't go away and that he/they could potentially have lifelong learning problems, sensory problems, communication problems (I could go on and on but I won't) breaks my heart. Times two - it just splits it in half.
It's been a tough month. I think back to August 2010- and that was an even worse month....I think I just want to remove August from the calendar.
Maybe I better end with this:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can, and
The wisdom to know the difference.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Anna's first and last days
Anna's last day at Iren's. Iren and I both knew the day would come eventually, but it snuck up on us faster than either of us wanted. We both shed many tears behind closed doors so Anna wouldn't see us. It's hard to explain the relationship Iren and I have. She offers advice, a shoulder to lean/cry on, tough love and hugs. She is a grandmother, mother, friend, mentor, baby-whisperer all mixed up together. She has taught Anna so much in her 4 short years there - and helped us to lay a positive foundation for our children's future. I tear up just thinking about it and Anna's already been gone a month. Although I know it was time for Anna to move on, it's hard to say goodbye...
Here is Anna's 1st day of big girl school with her Princess lunchbox.
 |
| and of course Luke had to be in the picture! |
Here is Anna's 1st day of big girl school with her Princess lunchbox.
 |
| She was soo excited! |
Friday, August 05, 2011
Luke's 1st haircut
I finally did it - I cut off the curls. I almost cried - and I think I had to be dragged there kicking and screaming. OK - I'm being melodramatic right now. But it's been a really long week. Anna, Luke and Jay have/had the stomach flu. I haven't slept more than 4 hours total a night since Tuesday night. Jay is still in bed now... Anyway, I digress.
I had plans to have a Luke and Mommy day and take him to get his hair cut and lunch. As luck would have it, I forgot to tell Jay what day I had planned and he had a golf outing that day. So I packed up all 3 kids and took them to the salon on a busy, Saturday morning. I'm sure when I walked in they were all ready to kill me. I knew it was going to go one of two ways - they were going to be angels or all 3 would be crying. Lucky for me - it was the former. Luke loved sitting in the race car and eating his sucker and watching Kate cut his hair, Anna was talking to all the stylists about her hair and swimming and Mark was laughing out loud. It was great.
I had plans to have a Luke and Mommy day and take him to get his hair cut and lunch. As luck would have it, I forgot to tell Jay what day I had planned and he had a golf outing that day. So I packed up all 3 kids and took them to the salon on a busy, Saturday morning. I'm sure when I walked in they were all ready to kill me. I knew it was going to go one of two ways - they were going to be angels or all 3 would be crying. Lucky for me - it was the former. Luke loved sitting in the race car and eating his sucker and watching Kate cut his hair, Anna was talking to all the stylists about her hair and swimming and Mark was laughing out loud. It was great.
 |
| In the car on the way to get our hair cut |
 |
| Look at those beautifu curls |
 |
| Love my race car and sucker |
 |
| I'm a big kid now! |
New routines
Since I last posted, I had to go back to work - boo! Such is life I guess. I'm very lucky to have a job that affords me the flexibility to be work 4 days a week and be home with the kids when I need to. It's very exhausting to say the least - but hope I'm teaching Anna that she can do anything she puts her mind to and showing Mark and Luke that they need to support their future wife's dreams, too. At least that is what I keep telling myself when it's 10:30 at night and I'm finally starting to get ready for bed!
The kids have adjusted really well. Anna still loves big girl school. It's summer camp and every day is an adventure. Luke is one of the "big kids" at Iren's now and takes care of his little brother. Mark didn't even shed a tear when I dropped him off.
Here's a few pictures of my favorite little people
The kids have adjusted really well. Anna still loves big girl school. It's summer camp and every day is an adventure. Luke is one of the "big kids" at Iren's now and takes care of his little brother. Mark didn't even shed a tear when I dropped him off.
Here's a few pictures of my favorite little people
 |
| If one kid gets their Sesame shirt - they all must wear the Sesame Place shirt. |
 |
| Poor Mark can't even play on a little blanket by himself! |
 |
| 5 months old already! |
 |
| My happy little baby - he just brightens me up! |
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Vacation 2011 - Crayola Factory
On the way home we hit up the Crayola Factory. It wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. The description on the website was great - but it was kind of a letdown. Maybe if the kids were older they would have enjoyed it a bit more.
They did each paint their own picture, including Mark, that I want to get framed for their rooms!
They did each paint their own picture, including Mark, that I want to get framed for their rooms!
 |
| Luke working hard to create his masterpiece |
 |
| Anna having more fun with Daddy than painting |
 |
| They are pros at posing with characters! |
Vacation 2011 - Sesame Place
If only Sesame Place was 5 hours closer!!! 8 hours is a long time to drive for only 2 days at the park - and two days is just about all you need. The place is great for the 3-6 years old. There are about 10 dry rides and probably 15 wet rides. Anna was able to go on all the dry rides, but only a few of the wet rides. Most of the water slides you have to ride by yourself and she wasn't interested yet. Luke could ride all but 3 of the dry rides and only 2 water slides. We made the mistake of taking him and Anna on the big family boat first - and he hated it! He wouldn't even try the smaller slides - our fault. They did have a lazy river and some zero-entry pools that the kids liked.
Day 1 we did all the dry rides. We bought a "hopper pass" that let you get to the front of the line. Well worth it because it was 95 degrees and neither of the kids had the patience to wait in line. Thank God my parents were with us. They were able to sit in the shade with Mark and help take turns with the kids. They have a couple of shows with Elmo and the gang that were air conditioned (glorious!!!!) which was a nice way to break up the day. There is also a parade down Sesame Street. Unfortunately it was during nap time and both boys were sleeping - but Anna loved dancing and singing and waving to the characters.
Anna was at the perfect age because she still loves Abby Cadabby and the other characters at Sesame Place. This was the first time she has been some place like that and everything was new and exciting to her. She loved hugging and taking pictures with the characters and riding all the rides.
Luke was hesitant the first day. He didn't want to touch or take pictures with the characters. He wasn't a big fan of waiting in lines and wasn't too sure of the rides. However, he did really enjoy the live shows - as long as no one came by him.
Mark was at the perfect age because all he did was eat and sleep! There was a huge shaded area at the park in the middle of the dry rides - which was a nice central location for my parents to camp out with the baby and/or for us to switch up the kids and adults.
Day 2 we started with breakfast with Elmo and friends. I was dreading this already because Luke is a horrible eater and he wasn't a fan of the characters the day before. Let's not mince words he, he would scream and run away from them. However, he must have warmed up because 10 minutes into breakfast he was hugging and taking pics with the characters. He would scream when we had to take him away from them or when they wouldn't wave at him. What a change! The parade was later in the day so he was able to enjoy it after taking his nap. I wish I had a 3rd day there because he was really getting the hang of things Day 2.
Of course Day 2 was a balmy 68 degrees and it was the day we planned on water rides. We braved the "cold" and played in the water. After a few hours we decided it was back to the dry rides. Of course, everyone had the same idea and the lines were ridiculous and we had no "hopper" passes. You have to buy them for 1 day only - and of course I bought mine months ago. Who would know the weather would change by almost 30 degrees over night? Jay couldn't take it and went and bought more. Oh well! It was worth the extra money to not hear the kids whining all day long!
We also rented a cabana day 2. I thought they were around the pool - at least that was how the map led me to believe. I thought it'd be nice to have a cool place to nap the kids. They had fans, a fridge, lounge chairs and towels. A perk was that you could meet the characters 1/2 hour before the parade and the Count came back to the Count'staht were free. Oh well.
Our trip went way to fast and it Sunday came before we knew it. Bye to our Sesame friends and off on our 8 hour trek home!
Day 1 we did all the dry rides. We bought a "hopper pass" that let you get to the front of the line. Well worth it because it was 95 degrees and neither of the kids had the patience to wait in line. Thank God my parents were with us. They were able to sit in the shade with Mark and help take turns with the kids. They have a couple of shows with Elmo and the gang that were air conditioned (glorious!!!!) which was a nice way to break up the day. There is also a parade down Sesame Street. Unfortunately it was during nap time and both boys were sleeping - but Anna loved dancing and singing and waving to the characters.
 |
| Luke loves Elmo - as long as there is someone else with him! |
 |
| Mark wasn't too sure what was going on. |
 |
| Anna loved the swings - the whole time I was afraid she was going to slip out because she is soo small. |
 |
| Note to self - just because a child is tall enough to ride this doesn't mean he is ready to ride this. Luke was terrified. This ride took you up two stories and then dropped you down 1 story and then bounced you around. It made my stomach drop. He screamed bloody murder - Anna was scared silent. |
 |
| Luke had a great time dancing at the Elmo Rocks! show. |
Anna was at the perfect age because she still loves Abby Cadabby and the other characters at Sesame Place. This was the first time she has been some place like that and everything was new and exciting to her. She loved hugging and taking pictures with the characters and riding all the rides.
 |
| She climbed up this rubber thing to the top and slid down by herself. I think this might have been one of her favorite rides! |
 |
| This sums up Day 1. Luke standing just close enough to be in the picture, yet far enough to run away if they got too close! |
Day 2 we started with breakfast with Elmo and friends. I was dreading this already because Luke is a horrible eater and he wasn't a fan of the characters the day before. Let's not mince words he, he would scream and run away from them. However, he must have warmed up because 10 minutes into breakfast he was hugging and taking pics with the characters. He would scream when we had to take him away from them or when they wouldn't wave at him. What a change! The parade was later in the day so he was able to enjoy it after taking his nap. I wish I had a 3rd day there because he was really getting the hang of things Day 2.
 |
| Anna and Zoe. Unfortunately, Abby wasn't able to make lunch. |
 |
| Mark and Big Bird. Yes - I let a character hold my baby without sanitizing my hands. Don't think I didn't change his clothes after breakfast!!! Or make everyone else sanitize their hands before touching him. |
 |
| Not sure who everyonewas looking at - but it wasn't me |
 |
| Not easy to get 5 people to look at the camera |
 |
| My brave little boy! |
 |
| One of the kids favorite rides |
 |
| Luke saying "I don't know". Kid cracks me up! |
Of course Day 2 was a balmy 68 degrees and it was the day we planned on water rides. We braved the "cold" and played in the water. After a few hours we decided it was back to the dry rides. Of course, everyone had the same idea and the lines were ridiculous and we had no "hopper" passes. You have to buy them for 1 day only - and of course I bought mine months ago. Who would know the weather would change by almost 30 degrees over night? Jay couldn't take it and went and bought more. Oh well! It was worth the extra money to not hear the kids whining all day long!
We also rented a cabana day 2. I thought they were around the pool - at least that was how the map led me to believe. I thought it'd be nice to have a cool place to nap the kids. They had fans, a fridge, lounge chairs and towels. A perk was that you could meet the characters 1/2 hour before the parade and the Count came back to the Count'staht were free. Oh well.
 |
| My little poser |
 |
| The family boat ride - note Anna scared stiff and Luke screaming. Longest 2 minutes ever! |
 |
| Much happier in the zero entry pool |
 |
| Even happier back on the dry rides |
 |
| The lazy river was not a hit at all - with either of them |
Our trip went way to fast and it Sunday came before we knew it. Bye to our Sesame friends and off on our 8 hour trek home!
Vacation 2011 - Hershey PA
Jay and I decided to take the kids to Sesame Place this year. We knew we weren't ready to venture to Disney World with an almost-2 year old and an infant. Boy am I glad we waited. The kids (especially the boys) are way not ready for Disney yet. More on that later.
Sesame Place is just outside Philadelphia. It's about an 8 hour drive from our house. My parents decided to come along and the 8 of us piled into the minivan for a short 4 day vacation. We left early Thursday morning and arrived in Hershey PA just before lunch. I didn't realize there was a huge amusement park there or I would have planned the trip better. As it was, we had time to tour the Hershey factory and make our own candy bars. We started off with ride in the Hershey Kiss boat to see how the candy was made. Apparently, back in the day you could actually walk through the factory. This was a simulation - but it was interesting and kept the kids attention. It was a balmy 95 degrees outside and so nice and cool inside!
After our boat ride, we made our own candy bars. You have to put on a sterile hat and apron - and if you have facial hair, a face net. Even the babies have to be covered. I found this all quite amusing b/c you never actually get close enough to the machines to contaminate the chocolate - but I'm sure Mr. Hershey as a reason.
Next we went up to the snack bar and the kids had edible chocolate paint to paint the table with. There was even a special visit from Mr. Reese Cup. There was a chocolate bar and we decided to cap off our chocolate tour with chocolate fondue -- yummy!!!
After a couple hour break from the car, we piled back in for naps and our final destination - Sesame Place!
Sesame Place is just outside Philadelphia. It's about an 8 hour drive from our house. My parents decided to come along and the 8 of us piled into the minivan for a short 4 day vacation. We left early Thursday morning and arrived in Hershey PA just before lunch. I didn't realize there was a huge amusement park there or I would have planned the trip better. As it was, we had time to tour the Hershey factory and make our own candy bars. We started off with ride in the Hershey Kiss boat to see how the candy was made. Apparently, back in the day you could actually walk through the factory. This was a simulation - but it was interesting and kept the kids attention. It was a balmy 95 degrees outside and so nice and cool inside!
After our boat ride, we made our own candy bars. You have to put on a sterile hat and apron - and if you have facial hair, a face net. Even the babies have to be covered. I found this all quite amusing b/c you never actually get close enough to the machines to contaminate the chocolate - but I'm sure Mr. Hershey as a reason.
 |
| Quite attractive outfits I must say! |
 |
| Mark was such a good sport. |
 |
| It was a bit of a challenge to keep the hat and apron on Luke! |
Next we went up to the snack bar and the kids had edible chocolate paint to paint the table with. There was even a special visit from Mr. Reese Cup. There was a chocolate bar and we decided to cap off our chocolate tour with chocolate fondue -- yummy!!!
 |
| Luke couldn't decide if he'd rather eat or paint with the chocolate |
 |
| Anna loved taking her picture with the characters |
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Mark's Baptism - June 5, 2011
Mark was baptized on June 5, 2011 at St. Anthony of Padua. This is the parish I grew up at and worked at in high school. Fr. Dale married Jay and I and baptized Luke and Anna. It was so nice to be able to complete the circle with Fr. Dale. Mark wore Jay's baptismal outfit (as did Luke). I'll let them fight over it when they have their own little boys one day (far far in the future).
 |
| Godfather Joe and Mark |
 |
| Godmother Erin and Mark |
 |
| The Toman Family |
 |
| Mark and his mommy |
 |
| Mark and his Daddy |
 |
| Fr. Dale and The Toman's minus Luke who was running wild in the hall! |
 |
| My sweet boys - how I love them so! |
 |
| The actual moment of truth |
 |
| My three muskateers |
 |
| What a good boy he was! |
Joe and Erin Rosa are Mark's godparents. They have been an integral part of our family. We miss not living a few doors down from them and seeing them almost every day. Erin -I don't know what I would have done without your calls before and after every doctor appt!!! You helped me keep my sanity when I was so close to the edge!! I honestly don't know how I would have made it through those 9 months without your love and support. You know I tend to let my mind wonder to worst-case scenarios and ask too many what-if questions. I don't know what I would have done without her! Joe always had a beer ready for Jay and a game on TV! What more can you ask for??? I'm tearing up remembering the good old days on Andover with the Rosa's, Hvizd's and Sidon's. Ah, but life goes on and I digress. In all seriousness, we know you love our kids and will help Mark grow in our faith and be a support to him.
We had a beautiful day for Mark's ceremony. What a wonderful gift to welcome him! We celebrated with dinner at Anthony's afterwards. Let me tell you how much more I enjoyed this party b/c there was no work involved on my part:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
