9 Months

I can hardly believe it but Alex is already 9 months old. He is 25lbs, 29 inches tall, and his head is as big as Ethan's. 95th percentile for weight and head, 75th for height. I don't know where this kid gets his size but, as the doctor put it laughing as she walked in to examine him, he is huge! His look is starting to change though. He only gets cuter. He has brown eyes and lighter hair, with a double cowlick on the top of his head. His new loves are his sippy cup, walking, mac and cheese or any other table scraps you will give him, soy yogurt, and his brother. He is just adorable.



Our only set back was our allergy testing. We have known since he was around 10 weeks old that he had a milk allergy but other things have concerned us over the months. We confirmed with the allergist through testing that beyond milk, he is allergic to strawberries, weeds, and seems to have a sensitivity to wheat. What is it with this family and allergies? More Zyrtec please!

Ethan, oh Ethan! I can hardly believe he will be three in less than two weeks. It is amazing to me how time passes when you have children. You blink and 1/6 of the time they will spend in your house is gone. I don't know if I can handle this. (sip the wine...ok, I'm good) He is doing so well; such a big boy, such a great big brother, and of course Mommy's little helper man. He is such a thinker though. I hope it is not hereditary and that I have not made him into such a little planner. He knows that Grandma Lucy is coming tomorrow for Easter (we can't wait), his birthday is next (he will tell you, April 12), Grandma and Grandpa Hurford are coming to visit, then the waterpark. We are going to Great Wolf Lodge in May. He also just found out today that we are going to ride Thomas the Train after that. He is so excited about all of his events coming up. I just hope he will sleep with all these little thoughts running through his mind.



I had a revelation this week. Thank you Paige for helping me come to this realization. I am tired of living life waiting for what is next. Patrick and I have been very guilty of this over the last six months or so and have reminded ourselves that you can't buy time and you certainly can't get it back. Whatever life holds for our family, I trust in the Lord and the plan that is before us. In the meantime, we are planning our weekends, enjoying our friends, and missing our families.

My week...

Sunday: While Ethan was playing outside, I went to jump the fence to pick up "stuff" on the dog side of the yard. Ethan ran up and caught my foot square in his eye. Nice shiner for the week.

Monday: I returned home from work around 4PM and I realized I had no soda in the house. World stopping I know but I managed to push on. At 5:00 PM dinner was served promptly. Both kids ate a great dinner. I went to take Alex out of his chair and he vomited all over himself, me, the highchair, and the floor. Great. I changed and got the kids rounded up for a bath. As I'm getting ready Ethan announces he has to go potty- and not the easy type. Of course he can't share the bathroom- he needs his "privacy, so just leave!" He is downstairs, I'm preparing the puked on child and bath upstairs. Then I smelled it. Alex had a stinky diaper too. Professional juggling being my career now, I check on Ethan, change Alex, go back to clean up after Ethan and am horrified to find that the temporary babysitter had attempted to clean a blown out diaper/pajama set out in the guest bathroom sink. Not only had she not used the laundry tub, she gave up and left the stinky clothes, now drenched, on the sink still dirty. To top it off the sink was full of what we will call dried bits of unpleasantries. Great. That had to wait until later. I got the boys in one bathroom for a bath. All was well. While the boys are splashing I emptied the bathroom diaper collection- full and now with a loaded stinky one, tie the bag and set it in the hall. Finish with the boys and begin bedtime routine. On the way out I toss the garbage bag down the stairs, like always, except Monday night it explodes at the bottom of the stairs. Diapers everywhere! Then the sharks came for the frenzy. I love my girls but those dogs have their noses in everything! Bedtime is successful. Two beautiful, sleeping boys. Off to clean the bathroom and do the laundry.

Tuesday: The boss was with me. Need I say more.

Wednesday: Although it was windy and only about 50 degrees, the sun was shining so I decided to take the kids outside. We played for a while, had a delicious, actually home cooked dinner and decided to go back out. After running at least five days a week for the last three months I decided that I was ready for the bike. With the new Burley trailer hooked up I loaded the boys up and off we went. If you know where we live, you know there are hills, lots of hills. Who knew that pulling nearly 70lbs of kids behind a bike would be so difficult? Needless to say, the ride was cut short when I turned a corner, saw a huge hill I new I would die on, took a u-turn and headed home. When we returned home I literally picked up the phone and refreshed his 9-1-1 skills. After medicine for the kids and a gallon of water for Mom, off to the bathtub we went. Both kids were in and splashing. I was ready to wash Ethan's hair when I spotted it. Swimming in the water, unseen by the kids, was a 50 cent piece size spider! OMG! I dropped the sprayer, told Ethan to get a toy from behind Alex (other end of tub) and quickly scooped and flushed that disgusting intruder down the toilet. Ethan suspected nothing. Phew! Successful bedtime again. Around 9:45 I am in the office doing work, yes real work, and saw a car pull up in front of the house. Bottom of the hill, right in front of the steps leading up to the house. No big deal. I see a guy get out and start walking up the stairs. Suspicious but no big deal. UPS sucks around here. It is not completely uncommon for other good citizens to drop off packages that were delivered to their door. This car was new though. I went to the living room where I could see the porch and the guy was leaving and jogging down the stairs. After he was gone I checked the porch for my package. NOTHING! No package, no flier, no mail in the box, nothing. Now my suspicion is up. I return to the office. Fifteen minutes later the car shows up again. This time I flip on the office light and stand in the window and the car quickly drives away. For about five minutes I felt like one tough Momma. You don't mess with a girl who works the Bronx! Then I realized how stupid that was. I am here alone with two little kids. I called the cops. One police report later, a phone call to Patrick and now he is on his way home.

What tomorrow will bring, I don't know. What I am buying tomorrow, more wine and soda.

8 Months

I find myself continuously falling behind on the blog, and my work, well, I guess on nearly everything these days. Due to priorities I am skipping my work tonight and blogging. No logging calls, scheduling programs, or typing 2010 performance goals. No changing sheets, washing windows, or cleaning toilets. Blogging is such a great excuse!

Alex is 8 months and two weeks old today and is walking (March 10). He has been walking with one hand support for a few weeks but took two steps yesterday. I don't think that is official but after he took 8 steps unsupported tonight I think we are in trouble. When Ethan walked at 8 and half months we were so proud. I am very proud of Alex but also know the hell of having a baby walking. Baby-proofing nightmare! He has no concept of the word "no", loves the fireplace and dog bowls, is very very quiet, and has an older brother who occasionally throws in a hip check just to see a fall. I may just have to pad a room.


Can't take your eyes off him!


Just teasing!

He is adorable. His chubby little arms and legs lurching in the Frankenstein walk are so precious. He also waves bye-bye with a flailing arm. I call him my little Mush. He is 24lbs (weight at 7 and a half months) and is wearing 18 and 24 month clothes. His little baby face, two front teeth, and peach fuzz hair give him the perfect combination of a handsome and charming little snuggle bug chubb.


Look at my two front teeth.

I have also discovered he does say "Ma Ma" except he says "Na Na". Well, he actually screams "NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA!" when he wants me. It finally hit me one day when we kept saying it and stopping when I picked him up. He is quite the Na Na's boy now too. Ethan now says, "Momma, you can hold/carry/feed two guys." Yes, I can! Although I am due for a vacation...


Mad at Momma face

Ethan is hysterical. The things he does everyday that are hysterical can not be captured in their entirety. I can only highlight...

-At school he made his girlfriend cry by refusing to play with her after they spent the first two hours of the day together. When he stopped talking to her and made her cry the teacher asked him what the problem was. He told the teacher that he was done with her.
-At school they are learning the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher told them to put their hands over their hearts. He yells out, "That's not our heart, that's our boobies!"
-Ethan throws water on me while I'm getting Alex out of the bathtub and proceeds to do a cannonball in the water. I, of course, start to reprimand him at which point he puts his hands out in front of him and calmly says, "Now, settle down Momma, just settle down." Seriously? I had no further comments.
-Ethan is very frustrated with me not letting him get a giant bowl of water to put on the floor and says, "UHHHHHH...One of these days...You just don't understand!"
-After dinner we are sitting at the table and Ethan reaches over and grabs my purse. He pulls out my little zippered wallet which has a picture of the boys on the front and says, "Momma, I love your wallet." He then fully examines it, turns it around, hugs it, heck, he may have even smelled it. I see this smile creep onto his face and he bursts out laughing and says, "I want your money!"
-Patrick was giving the boys a bath and after pulling Alex out Ethan jumped into Alex's bath seat (Ethan protection device). Patrick told him to get out. Ethan didn't move. Patrick, in a harsh voice, tells him to get out again. After Ethan is out Patrick begins to explain that standing in the seat is dangerous and he could get hurt. Ethan responds under his breath, "If I can't, I can't. I don't care why."

Oh, how the list goes on and on and on...


Brotherly love- It truly is amazing how, at such a young age, these two guys truly love and adore each other. Give them time.

Happy Valentine's Day

February 14 is not just a Hallmark holiday, for us it is an important reminder of all the very special friends and family we have in our lives. Thank you all for everything! Your love and support are truly the greatest gifts. Please know that you are all loved and hold a very special place in our hearts. Happy Valentine's day!

Snowy Days

What a crazy week this week with all the not fun stuff like work, meetings, minor car accidents where crazy women demand cash and threaten to sue but don't want to file a police report all over a 3/4 in scuff mark on a mirror, having the first draft of this entire post become a lost document after an hour of work,etc.! But what a great family week!

On Wednesday we had our big snow storm keeping both Mom and Dad home from work. Mom was completely off but Dad had to work from home (train service was threatened, possibly sleep in office or work from home...not a very difficult decision). Ethan was super excited to get outside the second he saw the snow. The minute after Alex was asleep for his morning nap we were laying on the hats, snow pants, socks and boots. Round one of snow play involved shoveling the white stuff for Mom and building a little snowman for Ethan. Ethan also loved making snow angels, throwing snow and eating eat. Perhaps his favorite games though were throwing the carrots we had brought out for the snowman into the snow to "hide" them and kicking down the snow banks I had just shoveled. Not funny.


Snowman #1

When Alex went down for his afternoon nap we were out for round two. More shoveling for Momma and a bigger and better snowman for Ethan. We then moved on to making a mountain for Ethan to jump off of into the snow, to building an igloo, to turning the mountain into a tunnel. Ethan LOVED the igloo. He kept calling it his new home telling me that his old home (our house) was broken so his new home was more cozy. It was so cozy he even took a "nap" in it. We had a blast!


Snowman #2


My little snow man.


Ethan's new "home"

The depressing part of that evening came at bedtime. Depressing to me that is. As I was tucking Ethan in to bed and leaning down to give him a bedtime kiss, he says, "Momma, I really don't need kisses sometimes." WHAT! I thought this kind of thing happens when little boys are 10, not 2! Momma needs kisses! He did say though, "But I do love you Momma, and here, you can have a hug." Great. Thank you. In the days since he will not let Patrick kiss him either. Occasionally I can sneak in a quick kiss but he quickly remembers his protest and either pretends to wipe it off or pretend to take it off and throw the kiss away. Apparently on his terms we can kiss his cheek. This does not make me very happy but I refuse to make a big deal about it. This is only another test. We are getting used to it.

Another test, battle I should say, that we are winning is the re-potty training battle. Everyone knows of Ethan's past calculated decision on why he did not want to be potty trained and in fact his reasoning for having pull-ups especially for school. I say again I am winning. We started a new charting and ticket system. He gets one ticket for #1 and two tickets for #2. When he gets twenty tickets he chooses a very special activity for us to do. The catch is that for every accident he has, he has to give back the allocated number of tickets. So, he can choose to quit but then he loses everything he earned. Actions have consequences people. Call it real life, call it cruel, it's working. The first two days were a test but in the last five days we have only had two accidents and today he chose to wear big boy pants and gave up the pull-ups. I'm not claiming victory yet but we are definitely winning. So far he has earned a train ride to Daddy's office and a trip ice-skating. He is working on indoor mini-golf. Hey, it's better and cheaper than buying diapers.

Alex just amazes us even more everyday at this age. He got another tooth yesterday, February 12, which brings the count to two. Two adorable bottom teeth. He also started standing unassisted. He is getting very brave with his standing and cruising. Trying to maneuver with only one hand while cruising and of course letting go entirely to stand for several seconds before reaching for assistance has been the big accomplishments for the week. Unfortunately he has now discovered how he can get into things and likes to pull everything out or cupboards and the bookcases. Watch out! Oh the joys of baby-proofing. Living in lock down, gotta love it.


Move along people, there is nothing to see here...

Otherwise, we are happy, almost completely healthy (a few sniffles and coughs), and ready for the long weekend.

A Weekend of Firsts

What can I say, progress is good. Alex pulled himself to standing today for the first time all by himself. Actually he did it twice. Sitting in the laundry basket, up on his knees and standing. One of the best parts was that Patrick and I both witnessed it. Just over 7 months, pulling himself to standing, standing, and cruising... all I can think is let the advanced baby-proofing begin again tomorrow.

First Tooth and Cruising

Alex cut his first tooth today. Lower right front to be exact. He also started cruising. I forgot how cute it was to watch them finally figure out how to get their body to move where they want it to. His motivation is the nebulizer and Ethan's cars on the sofa. If he sees the nebulizer tubing, off he goes. So far he has only moved about 2 to 3 feet but he is definitely side stepping now.

If we could only get well here... both kids have been sick this week. Ethan was first with a high temp, wheezing, runny nose and cough. Now Alex has the horrible cough, wheezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Sleepless nights with Ethan, now sleepless night with Alex. Poor kids. I'm ready for this winter to be over.

Ice Skating

It's a good thing Stevie Y retired, but Zetterberg should enjoy the time he has left...Ethan "Fast and Furious" Hurford is lacing up for the future of Hockeytown. Ethan had his first experience ice skating today and was amazing!

Ethan was so excited to go ice skating for the first time. Although he was concerned that he did not have his own skates he raced into the rink ready for action. We got his size 8 skates (adorable), Mom had the guys take the rust off hers, and we laced up! Ethan jumped right off the bench and started walking. A little bit of an adjustment but for his first time ever on skates, let alone single blade skates, he strutted with confidence and pride. As we stepped onto the ice he started laughing saying, "It's slippery!" Holding hands he was off! Choppy little steps and glides but he was skating! We had so much fun together. His favorite part was skating fast with Momma. I skated, he glided and laughed as we weaved in between all the other people going as fast as my back would let me! When we were finished we refueled at Old McDonalds where Ethan told me, "We should go again Momma." Priceless.


Ready to go!


Little Super Star

January 2010

Happy New Year! So I'm a little late and a little behind. This has really been a crazy month for us. We were on vacation until the night of January 4th. I flew back to Florida the morning of January 5th for a week long meeting. January 15th Alex and Ethan both got sick. January 17th and 18th Alex was at the hospital. Finally on the 25th I'm ready to record our monthly events.

The first few lines are self explanatory. Patrick and I have been crazy with work. Mine should slow down, Patrick needs a vacation. On Friday the 15th I noticed Alex was not acting like himself and appeared to be getting sick. Saturday morning we woke up to Ethan having croup and Alex having a low grade fever. Manageable. Patrick and I had date night Saturday night but shortly after we returned Alex was hysterical, running a higher fever, and wheezing. By Sunday morning his fever had gone over 102 and he slept the entire morning. After falling back asleep after a small bottle he woke up hysterical and burning up. He had a fever of 104.1. Off to pediatric emergency we go. He was listless, wheezing, and very pale. We were scared. The doctor sent us home with a breathing treatment and told us to manage the fever until morning then go to our doctor for a chest xray. Two hours after we get home his fever is now up to 104.7 and he is limp. We call the pediatricians (ours and the clinics) and we throw him in the bathtub. As the fear of potentially watching our baby have a seizure came into and out of our minds we waited and watched him lying in the tub. It was an amazing sight to see life come back into his eyes the second his fever dropped. He sat up and began splashing. That night was extremely scary alternating tylenol and motrin every 3 hours, putting him in the tub when his fever went above 103, and lying awake just to watch him breathe.

Monday morning back to the pediatricians office. Blood count showed a wbc of 20 (normal between 5 and 10) showing infection. Really? Come on, no kidding! Back to the hospital for a chest xray. Negative. Back to pediatrician for urine culture. Idiot secretary makes us wait in the waiting room despite my pleas to get a collection bag asap. Alex urinates what little he has had the entire day in his diaper. Now the doctor uses a catheter and can't get a drop. I feed him a few ounces and wait. Finally enough urine to culture. We go home with antibiotics and wait. Fever still above 102. Tuesday morning we are back at the doctor's office. More blood and now a throat culture. Urine and throat negative. Wbc count still high. At this point they are looking at my 21 lb big boy and saying, "Well, he doesn't look too bad and is not dehydrated so go home and see what happens overnight." I nearly went ballistic! How about a blood culture or an injection of antibiotics or anything that will give me answers and make my baby feel better! But we went home.

Fortunately by 2:30PM, roughly 24 hours after starting the antibiotics and three doses later, Alex played for the first time in four days. My happy baby was back. Finally by Wednesday we had a normal temperature. When I spoke to the doctor on Wednesday she informed me that she felt he had had blood stream infection that had not settled any where else yet. WHAT!!!! God forbid if I am ever in this situation again I am going straight to the pediatric hospital and having an infectious disease consult. I don't think our hearts can take that again. Alex seems to be doing great now. Still on the antibiotics but doing great.

Otherwise, the big baby turned 7 months old yesterday and is growing so fast. He is in size 4 diapers and 12 month clothes. He loves making the little "Indian" noise when you pat his mouth. His favorite game is dropping things and then helping to pick them up. He started drinking out of a sippy cup on the 23rd. Today when I returned from work he gave me my first kiss. When I asked him for another he gave me a giant open mouth planted straight on mine. I melted. He is standing unsupported holding on to things and is walking well holding hands. Crawling is coming. He can turn himself around on his belly and will army crawl a little (8-12 inches) if he absolutely has to to get something out of reach. No other ambition though to move. Just a happy little guy who adores his big brother and the dogs.

Ethan J is hysterical. We got his first report card home from school. Excellent on everything except personal hygiene (not potty trained- yes, we are still fighting that battle. He told me the other night that he likes pull ups at school because he likes it when the kids say P.U. when he poops his pants. I said it. It's true. That is my son's reason for not ditching the diapers. Entertaining the other children.) No surprise on this one either then. His only surprising make was a needs improvement on works independently. WHAT!!!! Not my kid. This is a mistake. Ethan sits for 45 minutes to an hour at a time working on tasks or projects, playing with cars or trains, this is a mistake. I approached the teacher asking to explain because we just don't see this at home. Her answer was this. "I don't know how to say this..." Me: "You can be blunt." Teacher: "Ethan is the class clown." Nice. She went on to explain how when the kids are doing a project Ethan sees this as his time to shine and begins to perform. His goal is not completing a color sheet, it is to make the other kids laugh hysterically. Other than that he is far beyond his older peers in his educational milestones, has his entourage of girlfriends, and has his teachers wrapped around his fingers. His latest trick- pointing at his teachers saying,"Can I get a...." to which they respond, "Boo- ya!"


Finally feeling better!


Rub a dub dub, two guys in the tub


7 Months


SNOW!


Shaving with Daddy


This is MAN stuff.

Holiday Vacation

After Christmas this year we went to Florida for a week with the Fino/Welch family. Despite the record breaking frigid temperatures we had a blast.

Ethan had prepared the entire previous month for jumping into the pool. He practiced daily with his life jacket jumping onto the sofa cushions. Unfortunately we were only able to swim two days in the pool, quick in and quick out, but were able to jump. Not what Ethan expected. Perhaps I made the mistake of letting him jump but he was determined. With life jacket on he went for it! Down he went. His life jacket and a little assistance quickly made him resurface however I do not think his experience met his expectations. He was freaked! I just don't think he expected to go under. With a little coaxing and coaching from Uncle Brian we continued to experiment, although a little less carefree, with jumping, swimming and floating in the Pool. Alex loved the pool! We kept the babies in the "little pool" (what Ethan calls the hot tub) where the men had "baby wars". They were completely amused. I am talking about Patrick and Brian of course.

We spent a lot of time layered up on the shore throwing shells and rocks into the ocean. I don't know what it is that is so entertaining about watching a splash but talk about a time killer. Ethan was actually adorable this year with how particular he was about which shells and where he needed to throw them.

The trip to the aquarium tied in perfectly to the timing of Ethan discovering the movie "Finding Nemo". We saw the blue fish, clown fish, jellyfish, Mr. Ray, sharks (we even saw the feeding time), and a huge sea turtle. Ethan also loved the manatees Hugh and Buffet. We even took home our very own Buffet. Yes, more plush. Did I mention I hate dust collecting plush?

Finally, the Tampa airport had a pleasant surprise of a playground in the terminal, next to our gate. BONUS! The perfect end to the trip. One tired little boy getting on a three hour flight. No delays, no traffic, home happy and relaxed.


Just throwing some shells.

Our trip to the aquarium

Ethan and Uncle Brian

"Baby Wars" (I wasn't kidding)

Alex and Oliver

Christmas 2009

This was another Christmas of firsts. Alex's first Christmas. Ethan's first Christmas truly understanding Santa Claus. With all the joy that the holidays bring, it was another Christmas that reminded us how truly blessed we are.

We had been gearing up all month on two fronts. Preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus and preparing to prepare cookies and wait for Santa. We all know what is the most important of those two events however we all also know what is most important to a two year old. Ethan knew the reindeer's names, he had spoken with Santa and put in his order, he had practiced making cookies, customized a plate for Santa, and had a scheduled itinerary (in his mind) of his tasks and the nightly events of Christmas Eve, Santa's visit, and Christmas morning. He was ready. We had two countdown calendars. One traditional advent calendar(countdown to Jesus) and one chocolate treat calendar (countdown to Santa). As the day approached Ethan could hardly focus on anything else. The great distraction was Grandma and Grandpa's arrival.

We were very fortunate to be able to share our celebrations with Grandma and Grandpa Hurford. Grandma Hurford had a bonus celebration this year on December 24. As Alex celebrated his 6 month birthday, Grandma Hurford celebrated her 60th birthday. Fortunately we were able to give Grandma a special day on the 23rd by taking her into the city for a NYC birthday dinner. The 24th had a lot of action.



First off to the doctor. Both boys were sick. Ethan had a raging ear infection and Alex had a viral respiratory issue. Alex was under the weather but Ethan appeared to be perfect- nothing was going to stop his Christmas. We returned home to a day filled with playing and preparing. Ethan had gotten a new teddy bear from school and had a little skit with Grandpa where the little bear would innocently walk down the street and then attack. I think we all perished multiple times. It was hysterical. Next was cookie baking. Sugar cookies with lots and lots of icing. Ethan did it all. Mixing, rolling, cutting, icing. He was a cookie making machine.



After the cookies were assembled on the plate and carrots were placed in a bowl for the reindeer, we started to track Santa on the internet (who knew satellites were that good), and had dinner. Ethan was pretty tired out and went to bed without a fuss knowing that Santa would only come when he was sleeping.

Christmas morning was hysterical. Like any other morning he woke up at the usual time, I think 5:00 or so calling for Momma. I went into his room and he began talking about his dreams and his day... he had forgotten it was Christmas. I began to ask him if he had heard anything last night, he said no. I said, "Not even some reindeer on the roof?" Then came the horrified gasp. He sprung up in bed and shouted, "Oh Momma, I forgot! It's Christmas!" With that he catapulted out of bed. I had to reel him back in to go potty before flying down the stairs to confirm the previous night's visitor.

With a smile from ear to ear he witnessed a glorious sight. As if in slow motion, he scanned the room and took it all in. To be honest I don't think he knew where to begin. Santa went a little overboard, I have to admit.



The sweetest thing about the morning was how meticulous he was about opening everything and examining each new treasure one piece at a time. Every item had to be played with with due diligence before moving on to the next. His favorite gift was his "treasure box" from Santa. He had asked Santa for Emily the train (more Thomas and Friends monopoly items). Buried behind a few other wrapped gifts he found a special little box with a big red ribbon. With a big grin and twitching little fingers, he opened the box to find his prize. Emily! He was literally jumping up and down giggling. It was in that moment alone that I found a new love for Christmas. In those brief snip-its in time when the giggles and smiles etch a permanent memory in you brain and in your heart you realize the miracle of children, the innocence they possess, and the pure happiness they bring to your life. The rest of the morning was just icing on the cake, or should I say frosting on the cookie.





Poor Alex's first Christmas morning was not as joyous. He had his morning bottle and went back to sleep. When the sick little guy woke up later that morning he enjoyed opening a few presents and loved watching and playing with (grabbing) his brother. He slept the better part of the day but being the guy that he is, he was a happy little trooper through it all.



Since Ethan has already started asking when Santa will be back, and if we can have another countdown calendar, I'm sure time will fly by and before we know it we will be gearing up for Christmas 2010.

Holiday Preparations

Traditionally it always seems to be a crazy, yet fun filled month and December 2009 is proving to be no different. Between work craziness and getting ready for Santa we have been busy.

Grandma Hurford visited the first week of December to help with the boys while I was away at training. Thank you Grandma for everything!

Grandma Lucy was able to visit this past week to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Yes it was the big 3-0. That's all I have to say about that. The boys had a wonderful time with Grandma. Ethan kept Grandma Lucy busy pretending, building a gingerbread train, making crafts, playing trains and cars, and even took Grandma on his "train to the city" to see the "huge Christmas tree" at Rockefeller Center. Thank you Grandma Lucy for all of the memories and everything else.



One of our tasks while Grandma Lucy was in town was to visit Santa. Ethan did very well waiting in line and made friends with the little boy in front of us. Ethan had two goals: 1. Ask for Emily (Thomas the Train Collection) and 2. Take Santa's deposition about the reindeer. When the moment of truth came it appeared as if he had shackles on his legs. Five hundred tiny babysteps forward and we made it the six feet to Santa's lap. Santa was very good about engaging Ethan and getting him to sit on his lap. He appropriately asked what he wanted for Christmas to which Ethan muttered a very quiet, "Emily." Although he had practiced the previous 24 hours his line of questioning with regards to the reindeer, I had to help him by asking what he wanted to know about Santa's reindeer. He asked, "How many are there?" Thank God Santa gave the traditional answer of nine that I had been feeding him. No tears though and he even sat on his lap for the picture. Alex on the other hand slept the entire time. As we were walking away, after Santa had already held him for the sleeping baby picture, he woke up. I begged the manager for one more picture and we slipped back in for a quick shot. Luckily both kids kept their eyes open.

When we got home I showed Ethan the picture to which he responded, "I do not look happy. I do not. I do not." I nearly fell on the floor laughing. Later that day he explained to Patrick exactly what happened and reenacted the face he gave for the pictures. He told Patrick he gave that face on purpose to look sad. Then it hit me! He has a book where the Big Hungry Bear is sad and cries because he has no presents so the little mouse feels sorry for him and gives him a sleigh full of gifts. The little scammer is already trying to work his magic with Santa!


Not the official photo but you get the idea.

The boys are great otherwise! On December 11, Alex started saying "Da-Da". It is the cutest thing ever. He also now says "Ba-Ba" and is reaching out when he wants to be picked up. He is becoming quite the Momma's boy wanting to be held. The poor little guy is still sick and still taking daily breathing treatments as well as sleeping with the crib wedge. The poor kid has been sick since we returned from Michigan in October! He can fully turn himself around on his belly and can inchworm-army crawl across a blanket. Big, strong, cutest baby in the world!

Ethan is Ethan. I have to stop typing all the funny things he says because it happens all day every day. He has his entourage of girlfriends at school. They dance around him during music time, he sits with them at lunch, and most recently I was approached by a mother. Adrianna, his main girlfriend, apparently went home and told her father, "Don't worry Daddy, I have Ethan." To which her father's response was, "Who is this Ethan kid?" I reassured the mother I was as concerned as she was :) Patrick and I have decided an all boys school is definitely in his future. Ethan is super excited for Santa but is even more excited for Florida. It is amazing his recollection of details from our trip last year (when he was 18 months old). He has talked about the hermit crab we found on the rocks and details about the pool that we do not have in pictures. It is quite impressive. He can not wait to do cannonballs in the pool this year with Daddy and has even practiced them on the bed with his life jacket on. 8 days to go!


Patrick and I are so excited for Christmas this year. Alex's first Christmas and Ethan's first year of full comprehension and anticipation of the events. It is going to be a fun week!








Alex's first wrapped present


Big Brother helping out

Black Friday

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to everyone! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner shared by our dear friends, the Fino family. Ethan made everyone turkey hats for dinner but when the moment of truth came was the only one not to wear his hat. A very fun and filling day.





Alex turned five months old this week. He has been very sick with bronchiolitis. He started breathing treatments on Tuesday but is not much better. We are watching him closely and just continue to pray this does not get any worse. He is a trooper though. Trying to smile through it all and using all his energy to give us a few belly laughs here and there. I maintain he is the best baby in the world, even when he is sick.





On a more somber note, Grandma Lucy had to put Jackson to sleep last Friday evening. It was a very difficult loss for all of us but in the end not a difficult decision. Jackson had gotten very sick, very quickly and within a weeks time had deteriorated significantly and was suffering. In all the sadness in losing such a dear pet and truly a family member there has been a glimmer of humor. One night shortly after Jackson had passed Ethan and I were saying prayers at bed time and he asked to pray for Jack. As we began to say the "Our Father" our dialogue was this:

Our Father who art in heaven- Ethan: Jack's in heaven!
Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
On Earth as it is in heaven- Ethan: Jack's in heaven!
Give us this day our daily bread- Ethan: Jack likes bread in heaven.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation- Ethan: Jack loves chasin!...

At that point I fell over laughing! Out of the mouths of babes. In all seriousness, we will all miss the gentle giant. Goodbye Sir Jackson of Mocha Night. (He was originally my dog, I named him, and will miss him dearly.)




Otherwise, we are gearing up for Christmas now. Shopping for the kids is nearly complete. We are working on putting up decorations today and tomorrow and are hoping to have Christmas cards ordered by Sunday. We are very excited for this Christmas though because Ethan this year fully understands Santa Claus and can not wait until Christmas!