How do I do it? I am still figuring that out!

routines...

2010-08-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

My life has been a roller coaster since I started my new job. For my first 5 weeks, I had such an inconsistent schedule, that I couldn't get into a routine. That made it hard to adjust the rest of my life to working full-time again. Now that I am on a permenant schedule, I think that it will be easier. I have already started to make some changes.

First one is picking up. I used to pick up 3-4 times a day during any transition with the boys. I stopped doing that and it has been chaotic! I told myself this week, that it was OK for me to sit and relax on the couch, but NOT before the toys were picked up and the dishes taken care of. So far so good...

Second is meal planning. I got out of the habit of cooking lately...and I hate it. Not only have I put on about 20-25 pounds in the past year, but we had been eating crap. Now that I wont be here for dinners, it is SO important that I make stuff during the day for dinner. I have this really cool book that Real Simple had at target (clearance $3.50!!) that has pockets for recipes, a meal planner, take-out menu holder, and shopping list. it is the size of a 2-subject notebook, and lets me plan a month at a time! Now, I never followed it to a tee, but at least it gave me a guideline!

Lastly, it is OK to stay home. I have been on the go all summer, that I haven't taken advantage of out house and backyard. I need to stay home and play outside, take care of the yard and gardens. We started out so strong only to have slacked off. Not any more :)

My goal is to have my routine in place so that when my classes start in 2-3 weeks, I wont be a mess!! This is going to be a great fall!!

From the girl who never liked tomatoes...

2010-08-22T23:19:00.000-04:00

Dennis and I just spent the evening making spaghetti sauce :) We had oodles of cherry tomatoes from our veggie garden, and since neither of us likes them, we decided to make sauce. I found a recipe online that used the cherry tomatoes, so i kind of followed that (as much as I follow recipes!!). Pretty much it was a pepper, onion, tomatoes, olive oil, veggie stock, tomato paste and herbs.

Dennis wanted me to have him help so that we could do it together. Unfortunately with bed times, he was stuck upstairs while i did all the prep (chopping the pepper and onion, quartering the tomatoes). When he got down, we started to cook. Now, everything was going great...smell, taste...but texture was another thing. because the skins were still on, they didn't break down. we decided that it was fine, even though I knew that I would be picking them out of my sauce when the time came to eat.

We were going to can the sauce, but my pot wasn't tall enough, so i have to wait till tomorrow when I can borrow someones. But, as I was putting the sauce in a bowl for the fridge, I thought about a gift that I got from Mom and Dad. A gift that I don't use all the time, but when i use it, I ask myself how people live without it. My light bulb went off, and i went to my closet and took our my Cuisinart Food Processor. I put some sauce in, and turned it on. VOILA...perfect, beautiful, smooth spaghetti sauce!!!!

If I had it in me, I would take a picture...but unfortunately I have to go clean my kitchen! Tomorrow I will can three large jars of my sauce. Next week I will make another batch. Next Friday, I will have another project. Three Cheese Ravioli...from scratch!

Hiking with three boys...

2010-07-10T20:31:00.000-04:00

Dennis and I have always enjoyed hiking and being outdoors. Now that we have kids we are trying to figure out how we can incorporate this back into our lives and introduce it to the boys! I found this great website: http://www.adirondack.net/Hiking/kids/ It has a lot of great things to do in the Adirondacks, but specifically recommends hikes to do with kids. Here are a few that I think we will try out.
Kid-Friendly Hikes In The Adirondacks

Gurney Lane Nature Trail: Part of the town of Queensbury park system, a 1.3 mile educational nature trail crisscrosses the park. There is a small pond stocked with trout. Gurney Lane is 1.1 miles west of Exit 20 off the Adirondack Northway. Charles Lathrop Pack Forest: This 1-mile trail winds through a marsh, over a boardwalk and through a grove of old-growth hemlock trees. Stop and see the huge white pine called “The Grandmother Tree”. There is a trail guide at the trailhead. Constructed to accommodate people with disabilities, this trail is hard-surfaced and appropriate for even the youngest hiker. Located 5 miles north of Warrensburg on Route 9.

Visitor Interpretive Center Newcomb: The Center has almost 4 miles of marked trails, including 4 separate loops that are fabulous beginning trails for kids. There are lots of neat things to see along the way, overlooks, brooks, views, and Adirondack wildlife. Located on Route 28N just northwest of the village of Newcomb.

Sawyer Mountain: A great beginner hike, this trail is about 1.1 miles to the summit at about 630 ft. The actual summit is wooded, but a bit further along there is a rock ledge with a scenic overlook. Located six miles east of Blue Mountain Lake on the west side of the road, the parking is well marked.

Panther Mountain: This is a great hike for kids because it ascends quickly and the summit is reached in less than a mile. There is are gorgeous views to reward their efforts, and the hike itself is attractive. Round trip is just 1.6 miles. Access to the trail is located about 1.5 miles east of the intersection of Routes 3 and 30 between Saranac Lake and Tupper.

I think that we will start with Gurney Lane (because that it the closest!) to see how they do. My goal is to get out with the boys at least 3-4 times this summer to get them started.

Now, Freddy will be able to walk, and possibly carry his own backpack. The boys will need to be carried. We have one backpack, and if we get/borrow another, I think that we can start trying. If we are just on the trails, we will be able to let Liam and Rory walk some on their own. I already know that they have the energy and strength to do it!!

So, next weekend is Freddy's birthday party, but I am thinking that the following weekend, just might be a day to start! Anyone want to join??

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:47:00.001-04:00

Dennis is wonderful. There really isn't another way to say it. He is so caring, generous, giving, sweet, kind, loving, fun, silly; all those positive adjectives that you can give someone. I knew all of that when we were first together. Now that he is a Dad...he blows me away.

Not only does Dennis work two very demanding jobs, he has to deal with me. I am a great catch, hehe, but I know that I am not always a picnic. When he gets home from working two jobs, I run out the door to my job while he handles the home-front.

Let me explain what that entails...he gets to play with the boys when they are at their grumpiest. Give them dinner (which sometimes I have, but other times he is on his own). Baths, brushing teeth, stories, tucking in, falling asleep himself only to wake up and come downstairs to clean up...sometimes ;p before I come home.

Now, I know that in today's society, the husbands are doing their fair share. But when Dennis does it, he does it without complaint; making sure that the boys and I are happy; then he might think of himself.

Sure I might whine and complain, but, I tend to do that. No matter what, Dennis is the best Hhusband and Father that I could have asked for!!

I love you Denno...your my bestest pal :)

silver linings

2010-06-16T20:59:00.002-04:00

Gosh, I was being such a whiner today! I hate it when the boys do it, but I do know where they get it from!! Today could have been a really bad day...Freddy was feverish yesterday, I haven't been sleeping good, RJ is still recovering, I had to pull a tick off of Liam today, the van was giving me problems, bills, bills, bills...etc.

I started to go my usual path of: I am terrible, I suck, blah blah... Dennis had to come home to rescue me from the post office and then to help me with the car. He gave me a funny look and said "well, try to have a good day." I was driving to Usher Park to meet with our friends for playgroup. A little to chilly for the beach, but the park area is really nice. When we got there I still had a headache, the place was really crowded (Head Start picnic was also going on), and the twins were being grumps.

I got out of the car, headed over to our group, let the boys out, and then got a hug from Meghan. All better...

Seriously, everything was so much better then. I still had a headache, but was able to ignore it so that me, and my iced coffee could climb the jungle gym with my boys. They were having such a good time on the slides, swings, and climbing apparatus!! I bonked my head many times while trying to be a kid and climb through everything with them. It started to sprinkle, but Aarika with her bag of tricks produced a CD player which we took to the pavilion and played music and danced. Once Liam and RJ had enough I packed everyone in (the car started in one try), and went home.

Even though I really didn't feel all that great today, and things seem to be coming down all around us; the boys and I got to have 2 hours of fun with our friends at the park. In the end, it was a good day :)

Frustrated

2010-05-28T19:57:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you just feel like everything that you do is wrong? Yesterday was that day for me. I was getting so frustrated at the kids, getting frustrated at myself, second guessing everything that I do...it was not good. I was so looking forward to yesterday too; Lissa and Corrin came home! I will say that the visit at mom and dad's was very nice and I did end the day on a high note.

Freddy has a new thing...headbutting. When he hits, sometime I hold onto his hands and say something like"hands are not for hitting." yesterday he decided when I did that, that he would headbutt...to the point that I was crying. OUCH!! I sent him to his room (carried him and then "threw" him in bed)...that was at 9am. It was a long day.

I wish that I had a time-out button like Zach Morris had on Saved by the Bell. That way I can just take a step back and re-focus. Could you invent one for me please? I know that people say, just take 5 minutes and take a few deep breaths. But come on, do you know what the boys would do in five minutes???? RJ would be swinging from the fan; Liam would have found a way to the food; and Freddy will be doing graphic designing on the computer. Ahh the life with three little boys :)

Hmmm

2010-05-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have nothing good to write about. Lissa told me that I should keep a list of things that I want to write, but so far my list is empty. I guess I could say that I ran again this morning and that it went better than Monday. I could say that Freddy is most definitely feeling better. I could say that I bought a new outfit to wear to my cousin Jenna's wedding next weekend...yes, lets talk about that!!

I got my dress at Target. It is just a simple summer dress. Red, strapless, flowy. The top is that scrunchy looking elasticy boob covering thing. (gosh I am giving you a GREAT visual huh?! lol). From there it is just flowy down to mid calf. I got a white shrug and white sandles to go with it. This weekend I am going to make some deep purple jewelry to go with it (and then to sell!!). I am excited to get dressed up and go out with my hubby without the boys, although I am going to miss them like crazy 'cause that it just how I am!

Operation stop looking like crap day 1

2010-05-17T09:26:00.000-04:00

OK, before you all say the usuals...you look wonderful, what do you expect after having three kids, beauty is on the inside...BLAH BLAH BLAH Lets give ourselves a dose of reality: I am unhealthy and look like poop. So, I decided to go for a jog with the twins this morning. Unfortunately for Glens Falls, it was about 715am, so a lot of people had to see me!!!

So anywho...I took the boys and went on the bike path for about 2 miles. I was sucking wind, had the worst form EVER, and really wanted a coffee. But, I made it. My goal is to run that same route at least 4 days a week for two weeks and see where I am at.

Wish me luck!

Poor Freddy...

2010-05-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

My baby is sick :(

Freddy didn't sleep well Friday into Saturday...finally me letting him get out of bed at 530am only to find that he had a pretty bad temp. It took a while, but I got some Motrin in him, and that helped with the fever. He remained feverish and lethargic throughout the day; Cassie couldn't even make him feel better. Although she did get him to laugh, and she and Isaiah got him to play catch for a few minutes. Last night was much of the same, with an even worse fever this morning.

The rational side of me knows that he is going to be fine; treat the symptoms, push the fluids, and wait it out. 103 degrees is the worry number, and after 48 hours is the worry hour. BUT, the mom in me still wants to panic! As Freddy would say..."Not good Money!"

On a side note. Mom and Nana very generously gave me some working materials to help me get some more jjewelry in the store. Yesterday when I was At The Warehouse I ended up making 5 necklaces, 2 bracelets, and 2 pair of earrings!! Felt good to have my work on display again! Thanks Mom and Nana!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T18:53:00.002-04:00

Last night, after work, I went to the store to get the couple of things that I forgot to get earlier (must remember lists!!). When I got home, I realized that I forgot the most important ingredient for the french toast...the bread!! Seriously, how do i make it through a day??? So, Dennis went back out for me to get the bread, while I started to get things in order. When Dennis came back with the bread, I prepped the french toast bake...and then looked at the kitchen. I really didn't want to clean, so I decided that I would just wake up extra early to clean and finish breakfast.

I woke up at 530, not happily, and walked downstairs to find that Dennis stayed up and cleaned everything! I was so excited, that I almost didn't curl up on the chaise and go back to sleep...almost :)

Everything was so lovely this morning. Mom, Dad, Sueanne, Meredeth, Dennis, the boys, and I enjoyed a great breakfast and wonderful company. Mom and Sueanne seemed to like their gifts (I am taking Mom out to dinner, and Dennis is taking Sueanne out to dinner - they choose), the boys liked playing with everyone, and I had a really nice time.

Now, I would be a liar if I said that it had nothing to do with my presents...because everyone Noe's how much I LOVE presents!!! Dennis and the boys got me a Sony Reader, the pocket edition. Sueanne and Jimmy got me a gift card for the reader. Now get this...Mom and Dad gave me a work order...they are going to fix my upstairs bathroom!! Mom is going to paint it for me and Dad is going to fix my plumbing!!! I am going to get my Pink Girly Bathroom!!! All mine...no boys allowed!!!! I am going to sit in my Pink Bathroom with candles and pretty things and read ebooks on my Sony Reader...for about 5 minutes until RJ climbs the bookshelf, Freddy pushes Liam, and Harley and Macy start fighting!!!

I love my life :)

Thanks for a great day everyone!!

A bit different...

2010-05-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

I was thinking that I would take a stab at doing this who "blogging" thing differently. I am always amazed that my sister can sit and write a 2000 word blog in the middle of her crazy busy life. The main difference (other than the fact that she likes to write) is that she make it a priority. Starting now, I will also make writing at least twice a week a priority.

So, why the changes to the title and such?? First, I LOVE pink!! It is such a great color! Second, I think that every time someone asks me 'how I do it,' I will refer them here!

That is all for now...I am at work and will be leaving shortly. :)

2010-02-20T12:15:00.003-05:00

First off, Sorry Lissa for not writing enough for you!! I guess my facebook statuses aren't enough to keep you entertained!! :)

It has been 4 weeks since i have started school again. i think that I am insane, but am so glad that I am doing it. I am re-taking Anatomy and Physiology for my degree in Nursing. I have to retake it since NYS required that you complete the class within 5 years of earning your nursing degree. not a bad class to retake, since the information is the backbone of nursing!! I am, however, very upset that I have to re-take developmental psychology. Really??? At least I can take it online this summer.

Okay, why am I going back to school...after all this time...when I have three little boys to take care of?? Well, Because I want to. Because 11 years ago I had to magically come up with what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and I really messed up that decision...many times. Because after a long time, a lot of school, a lot of mistakes, I have an answer to that question. I have a lot more knowledge and life experience under my belt. And now, I can say with confidence that this is what I want to do. I want to be a nurse. I would like to work in maternity or oncology. I want to help people, to take care of them, to help them live. I don't think that it is too late...and I don't think that I have run out of chances to figure be who I want to be.

Pretty much it comes do to this...I want to be my Mom. I want to be someone that my kids can look at and be proud of. I want to be able to support and take care of my family (and remove some of that burden from Dennis!). This is how I know how to do it, and also be proud of myself.

So, I will go back to school. I will work while doing so as well as take care of my little boys. I WILL do this...and I will do it with flying colors...because gray is really boring!

So nice of me to show up!

2009-11-07T00:24:00.002-05:00

Ok, so every other month I am reminded that I have a blog....and then I make a post. I guess it is that time again!!

Unfortunately I have nothing funny, inspirational, complaints, or anything really to write about.

Boys are good and getting big.

Freddy is talking more and more everyday.

Forgive me, but it is 1225am and I am tired...only half hour to go and then I can go home. I will try to make a more interesting post later this weekend!

Confessions...

2009-09-24T22:42:00.002-04:00

I don't seperate my laundry. I am sorry, but I don't. I do take out my sweaters and things that have to be hand washed. I may do a load of towels on their own (not for seperating purposes, but because I love to come to 'that' load when it comes to folding...it goes so quickly!), but for the most part, whatever is in the hamper goes in the washer.

I don't move the baskets/tv/toys/knick knacks/etc. on my shelves when I dust. Once a month I will (maybe), but I usually just go around them.

I make the same dinner 2/3 times a week because it is easy...

The twins only get a back about twice a week. Freddy does get a bath at least every other night.

Sometimes I will do nothing but lay on the couch during the entire nap-time, and then act like a maniac to pick up just before Dennis gets home (and I go to work) so that he comes home to a clean house and I don't feel guilty for being lazy.

Some of you may be wondering why I am saying this. Do you know how many times I hear this question: "I just don't know how you do it?!?" I hear it multiple times a day. As much as I appreciate everyone knowing that I do a lot (and I really do take it as a compliment), it is getting a little much. I mean seriously...everyone is busy. I am just a different kind of busy. How do I do it??? I just do. And not by myself. Dennis is an amazing husband. Our families are our greatest supporters. We have wonderful friends.

Do you know who asks me this question the most??? NANA!!! For those of you who don't know Nana (ok I know that only 2 people read this and you are both related to her, but let me pretend that there is a wider audience), Nana is one of the most amazing woman that I know. She single handedly raised 4 children while working 2 jobs. She does more now than some people my age do. I can't beleive that she "doesn't know how I do it."

I feel really good about everything that I do to raise my boys, and keep my house looking nice, but I could never do some of the things that you all do. So the next time you want to ask me, "how do you do it?". Stop, look at everything amazing that YOU are doing, and pat yourself on your back for doing a good job. Because I often wonder how YOU do it!

Welcome to my home...

2009-09-16T00:09:00.002-04:00

While I was on a quick getaway to Massachusettes, Mom and I went to our favorite metaphysical shop in Rockport, Dark Star. We always find wonderful treasures that we can use with our jewelry making. This trip, I was drawn to the kits for house blessings, candles, and aromatherapy. Those are all things that I have always been interested in, but never pursuied. Now that I have heaps of time on my hands (HA), I have decided to add one more thing to the mix! I want to learn more about how to surround myself with good, positive energies and rid myself and home of negative energies.

Well, instead of just buying a cute little kit with a candle and smudge stick, I decided to look at the book section. There I found a great book titled Cottage Witchery. It is all about different ways to bless your home and provide different energies and auras in the various places of your home. Everything from flowers, herbs, candles, etc. I really liked what the book had to offer, and Dennis was sweet enough to get it for me (even though I know that he is freaking out about me coming out one day dressed head to toe in black carrying a broom!!).

I have a MILLION things that I want to do, but I decided to start small. With Mom's help, I got some dried bundles from JoAnns this afternoon. After I got home from work, I took apart my bundles, put them back together with wire and ribbon, and hung my first swag on the front door!! It was made to promote good luck, blessings, and prosperity.

I hope that when you walk through my front door, you will feel blessed and welcome!

Tomorrow I am going to steal some herbs from Mom's garden!! :)

I did it!!

2009-07-22T19:23:00.002-04:00

Well, I survived my first walk-to-work/run-home exercise program! Whew, that is a mouthful! Although my co-workers thought that I was insane for running home so late at night, I still did it. During the day, I had taken the boys for a walk to the grocery store. Round trip it is 1.5 miles. When I take them, I have Freddy and one of the twins in the stroller, with the other twin in a backpack. It is a good workout! Then I walked the 1.5 miles to work, and ran the 1.5 miles home. If i can do that three days a week, I will feel really good about myself. The bonus is that Dennis was finally able to hook up our Wii. Now I can Wii Fit again!!!! I haven't used my book camp game since I got it for my birthday. My goal is to run/walk three days a week, and do the boot camp the other 4 days. I have started to gain some weight again, and I DON'T LIKE IT!! My goal is to lose a total of 35lbs starting now. Lets see if I can do it!!

bye bye black clouds...

2009-07-20T09:59:00.003-04:00

Today is a new day. I slept for 6 straight hours last night!!!! It was amazing. I feel like a new person; well after my first cup of coffee, since I was up at 515am! I was all set to take the boys outside, maybe to the park. Went to get dressed only to realize I have no clean underoos!! Now there is laundry (with my underoos in the dryer), Freddy is in the backyeard, and I am on the porch with the twins.

Today, I am getting that "Life is good" vibe. We haven't had too many of those around here lately. Dennis is having problems with his job, and therefore we are going to have to make a lot of changes around here. It has left a black cloud over us for a bit. Today though, I am pushing the black clouds away. It is much to nice out, to have metaphorical clouds!

Instead, I have a plan. Play here while the laundry is going. Then we will take a walk downtown for errands (grocery store and bank). Come back here for lunch and put the boys down for a nap. Then I will make dinner (working tonight). We are going to have citrus-garlic chicken with couscous and brocolli. I am also going to attempt to make Guinness oatmeal bread. If it is good, that will also be with dinner. Once that is done, I will pick up the house and rest if I can. Then off to work. I am actually gonig to walk to work today and then run home. I have Dennis's day pack (which is really small and I can cinch down to pit me really good and therefore not have the bouncing bag on my back). I will wear my running stuff to work and change when I get there. Then I will change before I leave and run home. It isn't far, and Warren Street has nice big sidewalks with a LOT of lighting. So it will be really safe. To end my plan, I will shower, pick up the house again, and sleep.

With a plan like that, how can I have black clouds?? I hope that everyone has a "Life is good" moment today!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:30:00.005-04:00

I am so glad that I had such a great Supermom to model myself after!! Happy Mother's Day Mom! And to all the other Mom's reading this!!

2009-05-01T21:53:00.003-04:00

OK, so my new favorite books/movie is the Twilight series. I am addicted! I had never even heard of them until this summer when my cousin KT was reading the final book in the series. Even then, the only thing that I knew was that it was about vampires. Then the movie was made...I was still under a rock and didn't know what it was. All of a sudden it came out on video and I started to pay attention.

I started to read up on what they were about, and from there decided that I wanted to try it out. I wanted to read the book before the movie however, so Dennis got me Twilight for Easter. I think that I finished it in three days. It was pretty quick reading, but more than that, I couldn't put it down! Last weekend, I used a gift card from my birthday and got books two and three, plus the movie. The movie was pretty great! And I really liked the second book too. Oh, and I downloaded the soundtrack to my Ipod (which I am listening to right now).

I guess the whole reason for this post is to publicly apologize to Melissa for making fun of her and her Harry Potter antics. :)

After a long hiatus...

2009-04-30T20:03:00.002-04:00

3 months...I think that this is the longest time inbetween posts since I have started this blog. However, in my defense, I did say that I was no good at these things in my very first post.

Rather than give you an update on my life (since everyone who reads this already knows what is going on...) I am just going to ramble.

I love barefeet. I don't like to touch them, but I love going around with no shoes on; and once it is nice out, I rarely wear shoes. Dennis has always been very disturbed by this even though he has watched me do it for years now. Tuesday was the start of my shoeless season. Mom and Dad came up to help me pack and to finish the floors. It was GORGEOUS out (no matter what anyone says about 90 degrees), so I decided to take my shoes off once all the heavy lifting was done (about 11am). I didn't put shoes back on until I went on some walking trails the next afternoon! It was a wonderful feeling; going from the cool grass to the warm pavement, from the wet puddles to the dry and warm sand. My feet have never been "pretty" (though really, pretty feet??); full of calluses and usually dirty since I dont like to wear shoes! To me it doesn't matter. Add a little polish and perhalps a toe-ring, and they are perfect!

I know that everyone has their favorite seasons, and mine is summer by far. For me, I think that it goes deeper than that. Mom was born and raised in the south, and I think that her "southerness" was passed down to me. I have always felt at home, even complete, by the ocean. The warm/hot sun never bothers me...and I LOVE it. Most importantly, sometimes I feel that I could stay outdoors forever. Melissa left a facebook comment about the Swiss Family Robinson the other day. It reminded me of how much I have always loved to be outdoors and being adventurous. Even though I am in a whole new adventure these days, I would still love to be able to build a house in the trees and live completely outside and off the land. (Remember how I told you that I was going to ramble...)

I wish that I had the courage to get rid of cable and internet all together. Well, maybe not the internet. I would still keep my TV (a beautiful 32in flat screen that I just bought for Dennis) for movies and games, but would go back to the rules that my parents once set forth for me on the limited time by the TV.

I am hoping that with the new house, with the backyard and playground, that me and the boys will be outside almost all the time. I am hoping that we take advantage of the fact that we live just inches (ok, a bit more than that) from the Adirondacks. I really hope that I can really become the minimalist "greeniemommie" that I want to be.

(nope not my feet, but I love the picture)

All about me...maybe!

2009-02-13T20:01:00.004-05:00

Well, if you read the comment after my last post, you saw that my cousin Hollie wants me to write more about myself. I don't know if I can do that!! I have been so focused on my little guys, that they really are who I am at this point. I don't say that as a negative thing either. I am so proud of them, and proud to be a Mom. And I am still at the point where I don't know how to have a conversation without bragging about them or telling a story about something that they did. As much as it probably annoys some people (especially those without kids), I love it!! But for Hollie, and for myself, I am going to try...at least in this post!! :)

Well, I will start off by saying that I love Dennis, but I am talking about a different Dennis than who I married...Denis Leary. If you aren't familiar with Denis Leary or his comedy...come out from under your rock, go to youtube...or just google him! You will find out that he is rudely honest, politically INcorrect, curses worse than any sailor or trucker you have ever heard, and is absolutely hilarious!

I am reading (almost done) his book "Why We Suck," and I think that EVERYONE should read it. Not only does the book make me laugh out loud (literally), but it validates a lot of what I think/feels. He just has the balls to say it! Not only that, but it has inspired me to write a little something of my own...Why We Also Suck (which I am somehow going to send him). Here is how I started it out:

"Why We Suck," written by Dr. Denis Leary in my opinion should be on a shelf in the bookstore right next to "What to Expect When You Are Expecting." Scratch that. It should REPLACE that nonsense. If you need a book to tell you that in the next nine months you are going to get fat, tired, and hormonal, perhaps you shouldn't have gotten pregnant! I am shamed to admit that I bought the book, but I am proud to say that I didn't read a single page. I will say that I read two books cover to cover when I found out that I was having triplets. But that is another topic to be discussed later.

People don't need a book to tell them that just because you are pregnant, you should still eat healthy. Not fast food three meals a day followed by a tray of brownies with the excuse, I can eat it because I am pregnant. Now, I am not the poster child of healthy eating, but it is common sense that what you eat/drink, the baby gets. You shouldn't need to read a book to have that knowledge.

People don't need a book to tell them that they need to quit smoking and drinking so you don't harm your child...JUST DO IT! I am so sick of people complaining that it is too hard to quit smoking during pregnancy; that it is too hard to give up wine during the pregnancy. If you aren't going to put your child first, then DON'T HAVE KIDS! Wear a freaking condom! Take a freaking pill! It is not that hard this day and age to NOT have kids. Hell, you can get the stuff for free!!

People need a book (such as the one by Denis Leary) where they can get a harsh dose of reality, and perhaps a kick in the ass! I have taken this opportunity to springboard off of his book. I would like to take this time to say that I do not have Denis Leary's approval or permission, but since these are my own words and not his, I guess it doesn't matter. Hope he doesn't mind!

You may want to argue that some women who get pregnant may be young, and not know everything that comes with having a baby. If that is the case, then you are probably talking about someone who hasn't even finished high school. Again, I will say that you can get birth control for FREE. Accidents happen and yadda yadda yadda...KEEP YOUR PANTS ON AND THERE WONT BE ANY ACCIDENTS! If you are too young to drive a car, you are too young to have sex. If you are too young, immature, and unintelligent to vote; you are too young for sex! I am so sick of hearing about kids having kids!

I am also sick of hearing about having 17 thousand kids at once. If God wanted you to have that many kids, he would have made you a dog. Now this is coming from someone who got pregnant (I am of age to drive, vote, drink, therefore an adult) with triplets. I did not get pregnant by IVF or by taking fertility drugs. It just happened. It also just happened, that one of the babies didn't make it past 12 weeks in my uterus. We were obviously extremely upset by the loss, but we knew that it was for the best. Our bodies aren't made to have that many kids...and our bodies are smart enough to realize the limitations! It is a shame that science has found a way to trick our bodies to think something else. I am not saying that I am against fertility treatments. I know people who have successfully had children this way. However, they didn't go to the doctor, spread their legs, and say "put 10 embryos in me and lets hope for the best!" What the hell do you think is going to happen?!? "I didn't know that I was going to have 4 or 5 or 8 kids!" MORON!

I am hopefully going to have more to follow, and will keep you updated when I write more. Hope I didn't piss you off too much!

Well Hollie, you asked about me...I guess this isn't really about what is going on in my life...more about what is going on in my head when I am not trying to figure out which bottle belongs to which twin...or trying to find the pacifier that Freddy just stole from one of the boys...or when I am running around playing with Freddy!

Freddy's update

2009-02-11T09:09:00.004-05:00

Freddy went to the doctor yesterday for his well-baby visit. He is doing really good. Dr Anderson said that his eyes, ears, heart, and lungs are great. He is maintaining his growth curve; gaining 2 pounds and 2 inches. Now he is 25 pounds 2 ounces and 34 inches tall!! According to the doctor he is going to be around 6 ft tall when he is fully grown!! He definitely gets that from my side of the family! haha

Freddy making Pip a bucket-head! Pip is proud that his boy is going to be tall, just like him!

Doctors appointment

2009-02-06T14:52:00.004-05:00

Well, yesterday I took the twins for their 2-month check-up. They are doing wonderful! They are both tracking with their eyes, responding to sounds, heart and lungs sound great, and they are growing a lot!! Liam is 22.25 inches long and weighs 12 pounds 5 ounces. RJ is 23.5 inches long and weighs 12 pounds 9 ounces. I am so proud of my babies!!

Hi, I am still here!!

2009-02-04T20:32:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's have been a month since my last post. I guess I don't feel bad considering that I have been a bit busy!! Besides, everyone who reads this talking to me regularly either in person or on facebook!!

It has been quite an adjustment since the twins arrived, as you would have guessed. Dennis and I are starting to get into a rhythm, but it is far from perfect. The most important thing is that they are starting to sleep a bit better. And when I say starting, I mean for the last three nights!! For the most part they are doing extremely well! When you hear about twins, you usually hear about them being premature, or really small for their age, not eating well, etc. Not my boys!! They are growing like weeds; as they should considering how much they eat! They are measuring right where Freddy was at this point (two months old). They still look very much alike, and yes, we still mark their feet!

The Little Prince is such a great big brother. He loves to give hugs to his brothers and he is even starting to give them kisses. We found out when we went to Wilton Mall to play in the kids center that he is pretty protective of them too! There was a little girl trying to see inside the car seats and Freddy gently, but forcefully pushed her out of the way and then gave his brothers hugs!! Freddy is even trying to say 'brother!' On that same subject, Freddy can say Mom and Daddy. And he has been working on brother, stinky, and some other word that we haven't figured out yet.

Dennis is having a hard time since he went back to work. He feels that he is missing out on a lot; especially with Freddy. I just started working again myself. This is good for Dennis in the sense that he will have special time alone with the boys. But also, with me working, we can start thinking about Dennis giving up his second job. We would all love to have him home with us more!!

Freddy and I have been taking a beating this week. Sunday, I fell going down Mom and Dad's stairs while holding Freddy. He got pretty scared, but was fine. I, however, still have a HUGE bruise on my bum!! Freddy also took a header into Kathy's tray-tables Tuesday night. He has a gash on his forehead to prove it as well!

We are all getting VERY excited about the house. We close in less than a month!! Dennis and I have chosen the paint colors for all the rooms. We have to paint all but the kitchen, but we have plenty of time to do it. At least this way it will all be done before we move anything in! The first thing that I am going to do is clean it from top to bottom. Then Dennis and I are going to rip up the carpet in the office. We would like to see what condition the floors are in upstairs. If they aren't too bad we are going to pull them all up, sand, and stain. Otherwise we will leave the carpet and put it on the 5 year plan!

I am bringing the twins to the doctor tomorrow morning, so at the very least, I will put a small post letting you all know how it went. I will also be sure to put some pictures up tomorrow too (at work right now).

"MOM!"

2009-01-05T07:54:00.003-05:00

One little word. Three letters. A word that I am sure will annoy me at a later date. But last night, around 4:30pm, one little boy said, with confidence, "Mom!"

Freddy has been making sounds and noises, da da da, ma ma ma, ah!...etc. But he hasn't actually said a word. We know what he means, but last night was the first time that he said a word. The best part was that there were witnesses. So I am not some crazy mother "claiming" that my son did something! lol My mom and Mary both heard it with me. Then throughout the evening, my dad, Pat, Nana, and Melissa also heard. Dennis did as well, but he doesn't want to admit it!

Of course when he said it the first time I picked him up and cheered, threw him in the air a few times (no I am not supposed to yet) and yelled "I win!!"

No, I don't win...its not a competition. But on a night when I was stressed, scared, and a bit anxious (Dennis went back to work today), that one word made my heart fill with joy and almost burst!

Mom. One word. The BEST word!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T05:29:00.011-05:00

Who would have guessed 3 years ago, that today I would be up at 4am drinking coffee, cleaning the house, and staring at my three beautiful children! Dennis and I have truly been blessed in so many ways!

Well, other than the updates on the boys, Dennis and I only have 1 big announcement...WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! Well, we are in the process... Tuesday of last week, Dennis and I went with our realtor for one last look before the holidays. We asked to see a house that we had been eyeballing for a while now. We loved it, put a bid in that night, and by 9am Wednesday morning they accepted!! The house is in a nice neighborhood in Glens Falls, which is exactly where we wanted to be! Now we just have to do our inspections and wait until March 2nd to close!!! Here is a picture of the house:
Now that we are only a few days away from Christmas, I realized how behind I am!! I am sorry to everyone, but we weren't able to get cards out this year, but look for a little something in the mail this spring :) I also didn't do any baking, but I don't feel bad about that. I am heading out this morning to get some supplies to put together little goodie jars for the family. Dennis and I are going to wrap all the presents today and tomorrow, plus we have to go out and get a couple more things for family members. I am starting to give myself a few brakes however. I am not feeling so guilty about everything that I wasn't able to do...heck I was pregnant with twins...and now I am a mother of 3!!

Freddy jumps from being wonderful to being a little devil. Lately he has been throwing his toys, quite violently, at people (including his brothers). So Dennis and I are struggling with how to get him to stop that. It's hard because he is still so young...how do you discipline a 17 month old? On his good days, he is great. We have been able to do a lot with him...including tubing down Mim and Pips hill! He absolutely loved the snow (except when he had a face full!) and tubing. I am excited to see how Freddy is on Christmas. It should be fun!

Freddy showing Rory all the lights and teaching him how to use the swing!

Freddy now showing Liam how to use the bouncer!

Chilling in the Adirondack Chair!

Liam and Rory are both doing well. We had a bit of a struggle because they both have had "belly issues." Not nearly as bad as Freddy...they are not colicky, but they do get really gassy and at times really constipated. However, we went to the doctor and they wanted to give it some time before they switched formula again. Since then we have been giving them Gripe water (liquid GOLD I swear!!) and it has helped a lot. They still get fussy, but nothing that we can't handle! Liam seems to be my early riser. He is up with me at 4, but Rory sleeps a LOT! It's funny because Liam was the one who gave me (and the nurses) all the trouble with his moving around, and he is the more "active" one! Dennis and I had to cut their hospital tags off the other day. I can tell them apart 90% of the time, but to be sure we wrote an 'L' and 'R' on the bottom of their feet! Lets hope we don't mess them up! We could scar them for life!!!

Over the weekend, I brought them all to Mim and Pip's to see Santa ride around the neighborhood on the firetrucks (courtesy of the Malta Ridge Fire Department). This was when Mom and I took Freddy tubing. We brought the twins out to get some fresh air, but they got too cold after about 15 minutes. It was still nice to have them outside for a bit. The best part about the day was that Dad had secretly volunteered to be Santa this year! So there we are waving at Santa, only to find out that it was Santa-Pip!! It was a great surprise, and you could tell that Dad was having the time of his life!

Freddy LOVES tubing!

Liam and Rory don't like the winter as much as their big brother!! (Liam)

(Rory)

Mom with Liam, Melissa with RJ, and Me with Freddy...Oh and Santa-Pip on top of the Firetruck!

I hope that you all have a wonderful and safe holiday! I know that we will!!!

One BIG happy family!

2008-12-10T20:46:00.004-05:00

Well, as I am sure that you all know by now, the twins are here! If you recall in my last post, I was heading to the doctors. My levels and blood pressure weren't stabilizing, so they sent me to the hospital. The next morning, December 4th, 2008 at 9:59 and 10:00 am, Liam Patrick and Rory Jacob were born, respectively!

Everything went extremely well. Liam did have to wear an oxygen mask for a minute or two due to some fluid in their lungs. And just for a precaution, they spent their first night in the special care nursery (except for feedings). But, we now have two beautiful additions to our family!

We came home on Monday, and things have been hectic here (surprise surprise!), but we are managing. Dennis is off form both jobs this week. Next week he has to go back to the paper, but he is home from YAP (his full-time job) through the holidays. Right now, we are just trying to figure out how to make it work with three!!

Freddy is a wonderful big brother. He is very curious about them and is constantly checking their mouths for teeth! He is taking a keen interest in their pacifiers, which is not helpful, but all in all, he is great with them.. He even gives them hugs! Or his form of a hug, which is to rest his forehead against the other persons.

Here is a few pictures from the past few days. I don't know how much I am going to be able to write in the coming days/weeks, but I will try for at least weekly updates!

2008-12-03T14:15:00.006-05:00

I haven't been on the computer much, and therefore haven't written in a while. Let me start out by saying, 'yes, I am still pregnant.'

The past two weeks were just a blur of hospital and doctor visits. I have still been going twice a week for non-stress tests, which have been going great. That basically means that the babies hearts are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I also had my last ultrasound in Latham. Dr Bennett gave me the thumbs up, and said that she didn't foresee any problems with the boys. By the way, they were each almost 7 pounds!! That was a week ago.

Last Friday I had an office visit, and found that my blood pressure was up really high. They sent me to the hospital (for the 4th time that week...I had fallen down earlier in the week and had to go and get checked out as well). Everyone started out by saying that more than likely we would be having the babies! But, alas...my BP came down and my blood work came back OK. Instead of having the babies, I was sent home with a TON more doctor's appointments and on bed rest. Great.

Monday, I went to the office to follow up, and found out that no, my labs weren't all that great. I almost had pre-eclampsia and my platelets are low. Nice.... Dr Snyder decided that I would stay on bed rest, and repeat all my lab work on Wednesday (today). Depending on the results they would decide if I need to deliver before Monday the 8th. I think that I am going to strongly suggest that they deliver sooner. Bed rest is not fun, and I don't like that my blood work isn't coming back that well. So, I have about an hour before I go to the doctors...

However, Thanksgiving was great!! lol Mom, Dad, Lissa, Mom and Dad Linehan, Kathy, Meredith, and Maureen were all here. Freddy had a great time running all around with everyone. Needless to say that he wouldn't set aside his pickiness for some turkey, but he LOVED the rolls!! Jimmy even got him a cookies with a turkey frosted on it from the bakery...and BOY did he love that!! haha Before we gave him the cookie, we tried to get a family picture, but Freddy didn't really want to have his picture taken. We did manage to get one pretty decent one.

Well I will leave you with some pictures and the curiosity of when I am going to have these babies!!

This is us, Thanksgiving LAST year:

My, how we have grown:

This is the infamous turkey cookie:

Like I said, he LOVED it!!

I'm freakin huge!!

2008-11-15T20:49:00.003-05:00

This afternoon/evening, Dennis, Freddy, and I went to visit Mary, Pat, Brandon, and Cassie. It was a really good time, and of course Freddy had a blast. However, while we were there Mary asked if she could take a picture of my belly. I said she could, but I wasn't going to show her any skin!! lol I guess since I have the pictures, I might as well share them with you. I have one disclaimer however, DON'T LAUGH!!!

When you look at me from the front, I actually don't look THAT bad. But then I turn to the side, and WATCH OUT! lol I am impressed that I have only gained 18 lbs. For those of you that are keeping track, yes that means that I lost two pounds in the last week.

Since Freddy is SO much cuter than me, I will throw this one in there too. He was mesmerized watching Brandon and Isaiah playing catch!

Now, Freddy is fast asleep after his adventure-filled day, and I am about to follow! Night!

Wow...what a week!!!

2008-11-13T13:37:00.004-05:00

I know that everyone keeps telling me to rest, but how can I with so much going on??? lol Last week alone, I had four doctors appointment! All of which went wonderfully. As I stated in my previous post, the twins are growing so well. No matter my complaining, I am so thrilled at the size of my twins. They are going to be such healthy little boys, and I couldn't be happier about it. Good news...Dr Ted set up my C-Section date for Monday December 8th. So, there is an end in sight!! lol At the very most, I will see Liam and RJ in 3 weeks and 3 days!!

Saturday was the shower. Mom (and everyone who helped her) did such a great job! It was so nice and relaxed. Food, friends, family, and presents...who could ask for more? lol Freddy had a great time being the host and playing with his buddy Ethan and his cousin Shayden. He also loved being doted on by Cassie. Dennis and I were once again reminded how blessed we are. Everyone was so wonderful to get us such nice things. The only thing that Dennis and I still need to get are the rest of our cloth diapers. But we wont need to spend as much as we thought because Nana and my in-laws got us some! Also, I found this great women who makes and sells them on etsy for $8-10! I ordered two for Freddy to be sure of the quality, but then I will place a large order!

On Sunday, Dennis and I went to look at a house in South Glens Falls that we really really liked. We ended up making a bid on the house, but it didn't work out. As much as we would have loved that house, we are not all that upset that it didn't work. When the right one comes along, it will work out!

Monday I had another NST and Ultrasound which went wonderfully. Tuesday Mom and Dad came up for the afternoon. Dennis had the day off for Veterans Day, so we had a really good day. Yesterday I was at Mom and Dad's house. We went to Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa where we have a display for the holiday season of our jewelry and woodwork. It is a great little place with a lot a wonderful crafts. Stacy, her mom, and her girls delivered my weekly meal and visited for a while which was really nice. For the past month, Stacy has been making Dennis and I dinner once a week! It is such a nice thing for her to do for us...especially considering Maya is only 8 weeks old (I think that its 8 weeks)!!

Today I had my last NST of the week. The boys are doing great. Their heart rates are perfect, they move around plenty, my blood pressure is great, no swelling, no signs of labor...I couldn't ask for more!!!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I am making new jewelry. I am trying to work for at least an hour each day. Freddy is great in the mornings and allows me to sit at my desk and get some done! Mainly I am working on my Vintaj pieces. Speaking of which, I entered a contest. If you would like to vote, please visit this website. http://vintaj.com/wpblog/?p=813 Mine is number 5. The photo quality isn't that great, but I think that my piece is pretty good. But check it out for yourselves!

Well, that is when has been going on in my life. There is more, but that is it in a nutshell!

33 Week ultrasound

2008-11-06T07:02:00.002-05:00

The twins are doing great. They are developing wonderfully, and the doctor couldn't be more happy with their progress. I must say that they are each 5 pounds...actually one of them is 5 pounds 1 ounce.

I have a dumbbell in my stomach.

I have nothing more to say.

Where has the time gone?

2008-11-03T06:35:00.000-05:00

I am sure that everyone feels the same way at the beginning of a month. "I can't believe that it is _____ already!" For me especially though, I am wondering where the time went.

Two years ago (November 2006), I was working at a great job with one of my very good friends doing what I love. I had just gotten married and settled into our new house that we were renting from family. And unknowingly to me (because of false negative tests) I was pregnant with Freddy.

18 months ago (May 2007), I was well into my pregnancy with Freddy. Dennis and I were packing because in one month we were moving again. I was still working at the VA with Michele. I was also starting to take the Jewelry Business more seriously.

One year ago (November 2007), I was putting in my notice at the VA. Freddy was sleeping through the night and getting bigger everyday! We became permanent vendors At The Warehouse, and our storefront was looking GREAT! Dennis and I bought a new car because we both had really small cars. We traded in his two-door for a small SUV (which is mine hehe). We were getting ready for our first holiday season with Freddy, and couldn't be more excited.

6 months ago (May 2008) I was pregnant again...with triplets...then twins. Life stopped for Dennis and I for about a week, and then it has been going at ludicrous speed (which for those of you that haven't seen Spaceballs, is quite a bit faster than warp speed, which is where our lives are usually run at!). Freddy was 10 months old and everyday was a new adventure for him.

Now here it is November 2008. I could have the babies any day (though we are hoping that they stay cooking for at least another 2 weeks). Freddy is amazing. Dennis and I are looking at houses...to buy this time! We have made some great new friends and trying very hard to hold onto our best friends. And what I want to know is...when did I grow up?

I can't pinpoint the day when I changed into the person that I am today. A person that I never saw in my cards, and yet here I am. There are days when I just want to hide under the covers and cry, hoping to wake up in high school, or college, or the day before my wedding...those are usually the days when we have to pay rent, or make a car payment, or go grocery shopping! My house is a mess (except for my bathroom which I scrubbed top to bottom on Saturday), I haven't cooked a good meal in forever, I have NO idea how Dennis and I are going to get Christmas presents for anyone let alone for Freddy and the twins....and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

This is not the life that I had imagined I would have...even two years ago. But it is the life that I was given, and I have been blessed with a great one.

"Dress Rehersal" for Halloween

2008-10-25T08:17:00.000-04:00

Thursday was a very important day for Freddy. Besides the fact that he was able to spend the day with Mim and Pip (who came up to watch him so that I could go to the doctor), he practiced how to "Trick or Treat!!"

Thursday evening downtown Glens Falls Businesses had Trick or Treating for kids! Dennis wanted to bring Freddy down, and I asked my parents if they wanted to come since they wont be able to see Freddy on Halloween. Well, we got Freddy dressed as a dinosaur, went to visit Kelly and Jeremy, and then headed downtown!!

We were all so impressed at how well Freddy did! He wasn't nervous of all the people or scared of any of the costumes. After a few places he was able to pick out his own candy and then drop it in his bag! He was an excellent Trick or Treater! Freddy even met Macy, the dog of "The Dog Ate My Homework," a great bookstore.

Mom and I were very impressed with some of the stores that we went into. They have some great specialty shops with some really unique gift ideas for Christmas...or any other occasion. We are making plans to go back when we can actually shop!!

We were out for about an hour, hour and a half. By then he (and more importantly, I) had enough. We were all hungry, tired, and someone needed a diaper change! Mom and Dad headed home, and Dennis and I got Freddy a treat of chicken nuggets (since we were going to get all his candy!!).

Freddy did GREAT at his first time Trick or Treating! I can't wait to see how he does on Halloween!!!

Twin Update...again

2008-10-15T08:06:00.000-04:00

Once again, Dennis and I had a scare. I ended up in the ER on Monday. OF COURSE it was Dennis's first full day of in months...so I felt horrible that he spent it at the hospital! But, I digress...

Lately I have had trouble catching my breath. Really though, are you surprised with how bit I am?? There is no room in there to breathe! Usually when I walk upstairs or something like that, it takes me a while before I can breath normally again. However, a few times it happened when I was just resting. On Monday, I was just siting on the couch when it happened. I moved to the recliner to see if that would help, but it just got worse and I ended up passing out. It was only for a second, but it scared the crap our of me!

Dennis took me to the ER where they did a bunch of tests. Long story short..I ended up having two more episodes in the hospital, but the last time they had me immediately lay on my left side. I felt much better!! Apparently these two babies are taking up so much room that my lung capacity is a fraction of what it should be. Also, depending on how I am sitting of laying, the babies are cutting off my blood supply through the main artery and vein...and therefore making me lightheaded and pass out. Thanks boys... lol

I followed up with Dr Ted on Tuesday. He told me that he didn't want me carrying Freddy on the stairs or for long distances. He also doesn't want me to be alone while taking care of him in case something happens. He isn't overly worried that it will, he just said that I really can't do it all anymore. He doesn't want me on bed rest because he still wants me moving around some, but minimal. It was news that I was expecting... So I have made plans to have help for the next couple of weeks.

I also had an ultrasound Tuesday afternoon!! The twins are doing GREAT!! They are growing beautifully with no complications. The bottom baby rotated, but now he is breach...still no help to me. The top baby is still transverse, so I am definitely going to have a C-Section. The boys are each 3 lbs 5 oz!! I am so happy that they are bog...it kills me, but they are going to be healthy little boys! Also...THEY HAVE HAIR!!!! Poor Freddy....his little brothers are going to be born with more hair than he has now! lol Like mom said, at least one of them needs to look like me!!

Here are some pictures from the ultrasound:

This one is of twin A who is the bottom baby and breach. he is looking straight on with his hand just to the left and below his face. The quality isn't that great since I took a picture of the picture to upload it!

This one here is of the twins with their heads together. I think that they are conspiring against me already!!

This one here is of twin A. It is the back of his head. There is a "halo" around his head...that is his HAIR!!

This is twin B and his hair! You can really see the wispy hair in this one!

Dennis and I were again so happy to hear that the twins are doing so well. I will take all the problems that they give me, as long as they are healthy and stay in there until it is safe. Dr Ted will schedule the section for my 37th week. However once we hit 35 weeks, it is safe! So we are only 5 weeks away from the safe zone!! We are getting really excited to meet our new additions to the family!

Apple Festival

2008-10-13T08:17:00.000-04:00

Mom and Nana were there selling our Jewelry at the Goolds orchard Apple Festival this past weekend (which I was told I could ONLY visit, NOT work! lol). We went last year, and were very pleased with the venue. Freddy was with me, but he was only a couple of months old and wasn't able to enjoy everything. So Dennis and I decided that we would go on Saturday and visit with Mom and Nana, pick some apples and pumpkins, and enjoy the afternoon.

It was a beautiful day. The drive was really nice (takes Dennis and I a little over an hour), and Freddy was able to take a nap on the way out. When we got there Freddy was still sleepy and just kind of sat there in his stroller. We went to see Mom and Nana first. We were in the same tent as last year, but I liked the spot better this year. The set-up that they did was great...I am just mad that I forgot to take pictures of the display!! Freddy was still out of it, so Dennis and I decided that we would get something to eat and then take him to the pumpkin patch. Freddy didn't like walking in the pumpkin patch all that much because the plants and brush were almost as tall as him!! but he did like picking at the pumpkin stems! I took a TON of pictures, but he didn't smile, let alone look at the camera once!

Freddy picking at the stems

Showing off his abs!

Playing with Mommy

Dennis took Freddy to the apple orchard and let him run around. He also put him in a tree!! Freddy was a little skeptical of this, but he started to smile a little bit.

Freddy and Daddy walking in the apple trees

Freddy running on his own

Freddy climbing the apple tree...with a little help from Daddy

We went shopping in the craft tents and bought some yummy cider donuts. After about 2 hours of being there I was done. I am struggling these days with the twins, and walking around going up and down hills was a bit much. Mom walked us out because she got Freddy a "winter" present (would be a Christmas present, but he will need them before Christmas). There was a women selling fleece hats, and she made toddler hats with the velcro under the chin. SO cute!!

Freddy is in the pumpkin!

Now he is the worm in the apple!

Freddy was tired and just layed on the ground at Mim and Nana's feet!

Once we got back home, Dennis and I took Freddy to the park (where I just sat on the bench!) and then we went to visit his family. We were all VERY tired that night. But it was worth it for the great day that we had!

OH MY GOODNESS...FREDDY SMILED!!

Proud Moment for Freddy!

2008-10-07T14:14:00.000-04:00

Today, I took Freddy for his first playgroup! My Mom's club set up play date for this morning at the Library. I was a little nervous bringing Freddy. He hasn't had too much experience playing with other kids. Plus, a library!! OMG, Freddy can be a terror! I was imagining him knocking over shelves, eating books, and throwing the toys at all the other kids!

He surprised and impressed me however. He was very happy to be around other kids, which I knew he would be from the small amounts of interaction that he has had. It was very crowded at first, so I kept him away from the large group (another playgroup that was getting ready to leave). Once there were fewer kids in the play area, I brought Freddy over. By that time there were two other Moms from my group with their little ones. Freddy was great. He did throw toys, but only at open areas to then chase after them. He played very well for about a half hour, and then wanted his milk. I had him sit with me to drink so that the other kids didn't get upset seeing another with a snack. After he was done drinking, it was back to playing.

Now there were more kids there, older kids (about 3-4) too. One of the boys just loved Freddy! He played with Freddy for a bit, and even gave him a hug! Freddy was all smiles and happy babble! Freddy and I were there about an hour and twenty minutes! I was so impressed by this. I figured we would be there a half our 45 minutes tops!

I think that Freddy and I are really looking forward to the next get together with our group!

Gold star for Freddy J!!!!

I feel pretty...

2008-10-05T10:30:00.000-04:00

Last night was the first time in a long time that I felt pretty...HUGE belly and all!! Dennis and I went to his cousin's wedding last night. I had found this great shirt at Target (and some pants, but they are just boring black pants) that was perfect! Plus is was big enough (in size and the style) to fit over the twins!

As Dennis and I were getting ready, I felt like I had a little jump in my step. I went all out...curlers AND make-up! I even tweezed...a little. My parents were coming over to watch Freddy for us so that we could enjoy an adult evening. Before they got here, I went to see Kelly. "This is what I look like when I actually try!!" I think that I shocked her...she usually only sees me looking like a blob!

On top of all that, Mom let me borrow a bracelet that she made for her new line "Salvaged Style" (shameless plug). It is a beautiful piece combining vintage jewels with classic pearls!

OK...enough about me...we were going to a wedding!! And boy was it beautiful! Megan and Scott couldn't have asked for nicer weather. They had it at a resort in Lake George. It was nice enough that we enjoyed our cocktails outside on the patio! The ceremony was outside, with the beautiful trees and lake in the background. It was perfect. Scott's (and Megan's!) three children were in the ceremony. The youngest boy gave Megan away (so cute that I was tearing up!), the oldest boy was the best man, and the girl was the maid of honor! Forgive me for not remembering their names. It was a great ceremony. Megan was either laughing or crying...sound familiar!!

Afterwords, the reception was very nice. Megan gave a wonderful toast thanking everyone for coming and celebrating with them. But instead of toasting to the bride and groom, we gave the toast to Scott's father, and Megan's Grandfather (Putt LaMay) who have both passed away.

Dennis and I sat with his parents, Bruce and Marie, and Joe and Pam. Of course we had a good time!! After dinner there was dancing, which OF COURSE the twins and I took part in! Only for two dances...but I still danced! Dennis enjoyed catching up with his cousins Dan and Kevin. Plus we got to see Dan and Kelly's new addition Justin! He is such a little peanut!!

It was a great night! But I was glad to come home and put my feet up (even though I was wearing my sneakers!!). Freddy had a great time with his Mim and Pip too...he went to the park, Home Depot, and Walmart. They got him the cutest Halloween shirt too...Mickey Mouse of course! I think that we all have a good time!

Twin Update

2008-10-04T07:58:00.000-04:00

Well, yesterday I had another doctor's appointment with Dr. Ted. Overall the appointment went very well. Both heartbeats are strong; 152 and 148. I have only gained 14.5 lbs so far (which is very good especially since I have twins!!). Also my blood pressure is still really good. I got the results back from my second gestational diabetes test, and it was negative! I can't wait to tell the doctor in Albany...shame on her for being rude and scaring me.

I told Dr Ted that it was getting really hard to get around...a lot of discomfort (OBVIOUSLY!). He told me that he really wants me to be careful when I am moving around; he is afraid that I may fall. Continue to take it easy, and take help whenever I can. He also told me that starting Oct 20th, I need to go to the hospital for bi-weekly non-stress-tests (that is where they monitor the heart rates and uterine activity for an hour) and weekly fluid checks (ultrasound to check the level of amniotic fluid). I will also see him again that week, and then see him weekly or bi-weekly depending on how I am doing. Basically I am just going to move into the doctor's office!! We didn't set a date yet for the c-section. He wants to wait until I am about 32-33 weeks along before putting me on the schedule.

Like I said, overall I am doing really good...and the twins look like they are staying put!

Oh, did I forget to mention that my belly is HUGE! They have been measuring my belly (actually my uterus) to see how far along I am. by date, I am 28.5 weeks. By the size of my uterus I am 41 weeks!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Below is a picture of me at 26.5 weeks that Mary took during the balloon festival.

Hopefully I have some more cute pictures of Dennis and I (we haven't had our pictures taken in a long time). We are going to his cousins Wedding tonight. Should be a lot of fun!

Two Wonderful Years

2008-09-30T16:11:00.000-04:00

Today Dennis and I are celebrating our second anniversary. It is hard to believe that two years ago right now we were getting married in front of our family and friends on a beautiful beach. Not only that, but I can't believe how much our lives have changed in these two years. We have a beautiful son, two more on the way, and two years of great memories.

The above pictures are from my driveway. Kelly decorated our driveway with sidewalk chalk to wish us a Happy Anniversary!

Backyard playtime

2008-09-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Freddy and I had a good day, and I was even able to take him on two walks...even though each was only once around the block. As soon as Dennis came home, he said "I am going to take Freddy out back to play that way you can rest."

That thrilled me! I have been telling Dennis for a while that I would love it if when he got home he would play with Freddy outside, since I can't really chase him right now. And the fact that I could lay down for 15-20 minutes in the evening...when I really need it!

Well, of course I didn't rest...I needed to take pictures! Like I said it was beautiful out! Freddy and Dennis were running around out back, and then Kelly and Jeremy came out to play! Well, Jeremy couldn't really play since he hurt his back.

Freddy had a great time running around, knocking over Kelly's candles, teasing Nora and Charlie (their cats), running from Daddy, and rolling around in the grass.

It was a perfect way to end the day!

Well I thought I was being good...

2008-09-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

But I guess I am not keeping up to date with my blog!!

Lots happened this week...again...lol I had another ultrasound, another doctors appointment, balloons, baptism, and a nice dinner with the fam!

Lets start with the twins... At my last ultrasound they each weighed in at 1 lb 2 oz. This past week they were each 2 lbs and 3oz!! That is REALLY big right now for them. A single pregnancy at this point the baby only weighs a little over 1 lb! Luckily my blood work for Gestational Diabetes came back with flying colors! The other thing...the babies haven't moved positions. They are still laying transverse...which means my chances of a natural birth are slimming down. I was a bit upset at my ultrasound because of the tech and the doc...nothing significant, I was just pissy...mainly because I didn't get pictures! At least the babies are healthy, and I am not showing any signs of pre-term labor! My appointment with Dr Ted on Friday went very well. I have only gained 12-15 pounds...my blood pressure is great...so far so good! Dr Ted and I discussed the fact that I will probably have to have a c-section. He didn't schedule it, mainly because there is a SLIGHT chance that the babies will move into the correct position. However, after my next ultrasound, if they haven't moved, Dr Ted is going to schedule me for sometime in my 37th week. I have to check my glucose again at the end of the month to be sure that I don't have Gestational Diabetes. But, over all...the twins are doing GREAT!!

Freddy had a busy week. Monday and Tuesday he spent with me, but the he spent Wednesday with Mim and Pip. Basically that means that he was spoiled! He went out for breakfast, went shopping, played, took a nice nap, went outside...he had a really great day. Friday, Pip came to watch him while I went to the doctors. Pip took him to the mall, then to the park, then out for ice cream!! Dennis got home soon after my dad left, and we went to visit Kathy. Kathy had surgery on her knee that morning, and we wanted to make sure everything went well...which it did!

Saturday we got up early for the start of the balloon festival. Mary and Cassie were supposed to come up, but a late night football game stopped that from happening! Dennis, Freddy, and i saw about 20 balloon flying over the treeline behind our development. A nice way to start the day. We just relaxed throughout the day, until Mary and Cassie came up for the evening balloons. We had a small cookout, and then went out to watch the balloons. It was a great show, with over 30 balloons that we saw!

Sunday morning we had the best show, with over 40 balloons coming right over us! It was a beautiful day, and prefect weather for the balloon show. After, we had to get ready to go to Ethan's baptism. When we got to the church, Freddy was asleep, so Dennis stayed in the car with him while I went in. Luckily there was Mass before the baptism, so Dennis and Freddy didn't miss anything. Ethan was adorable...and I am so mad at myself for not remembering my camera. Ethan didn't even cry when he got the water poured over him! Of course, the ceremony tired the little man out, and he slept for the beginning of his party, but when Kristel woke him up, he was happy as a clam! I had a nice time visiting with everyone, Freddy enjoyed the Shrome's backyard, and Dennis was exhausted from chasing him!! Unfortunately we had to leave a bit early to meet up with my parents. They wanted to come up for the closing of the balloon festival. Unfortunately it was too windy for the balloons to go up, so we went out to dinner instead. We went to Talk of the Town for pizza, and ran into Dave McGuire of all people! Dennis and I were just saying how we haven't seen him much this summer, so it was nice to run into him. After a great dinner, we all came back to the house so that Melissa and Mom could help me organize the twins closet. It wasn't a ton of work, but i knew that I would not be able to do it myself, so I was VERY happy to have their help! We ended the night with ice cream and the ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. Even though I am bitter about the change of stadiums, they really did a nice job last night.

Sorry for the play by play, but I figured that would bring you up to speed. Hopefully I keep up better with it this week!! Here are a few balloon pictures!

Back to the Jewels

2008-09-10T17:43:00.000-04:00

Some of you may not know this, but I make jewelry. Not only do i make it, but I have a business with my Mom and Nana. We are The Familee Jewels. Really, we are. Check us out at http://www.thefamileejewels.com/ or http://www.atthewarehouse.net/ (that is where our store is).

Anyways, as I said in my last post, I hadn't been able to make anything lately. Until now! After being At The Warehouse over the weekend with Mom, inspiration struck. For the past two days, I have been creating. I made three necklaces and two pairs of earrings.

The first that I made was one of my Vintaj pieces. I love the way the Vintaj brass mixes with blues and greens, so that is the pallet that I stuck with. Here is a picture of the necklace.

Next I made one of my tried and true Swarovski Pearl necklaces. I made this differently than any of my other pieces, but I really like it. I also made two pairs of Swarovski Pearl earrings. I LOVE working with Swarovski Crystals, and from that I discovered the pearls. They have a beautiful sheen, come is so many colors, and are perfectly made. Here are the pictures of the necklace and earrings.

Lastly I made a wonderful necklace that I am extremely proud of. When I first started wrapping stones, I decided that I was going to wrap this chunk of Rainbow Moonstone that I picked up in Rockport Massachusetts a few years ago. It was one of my first wraps, and it came out beautifully. I created the necklace out of dark green Aventurine and Czech Glass beads. It was really nice. However, something wasn't right about the piece. I ended up taking the necklace apart and using the beads for a different piece. After holding onto the pendant for a long while, I finally knew what to do with it. I made bead links out of deep purple glass beads, Swarovski Crystals, and sterling silver beads. I LOVE this necklace, and am going to have a hard time selling it. Here is a picture of it.
So, I guess I am back in the game! I hope that I can stick with it again...but I think that I will considering I have three more projects started on my desk!

Hmmmm

2008-09-08T13:30:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been about a week since I last wrote, so I figured I had better put something up before Mom or Mary gets mad!! I try very hard to keep this a positive and upbeat blog, so bear with me while I complain for a bit. Don't worry, it will spin positive!!

Last week was really hard. Everything about it from the pregnancy, to Freddy, to just living in general. Even though things haven't always been the best, this was just a lot for me. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary really...I think that it just all built up and then came crashing down.

It all started when I started to have a LOT of pain in my legs. For those of you hat don't know, I have spondylolysis, big word for a stress fracture on my lower vertebrae. My injury is on my L5, Which is the last vertebrae before the pelvic bone. I have known about this for almost 10 years now, and for a long time had it under control. I had gone to see an orthopedic when I was pregnant with Freddy because my doctor wanted to be sure that I would be able to have a vag delivery. Everything was fine, I even got this belly brace thing to help if I needed it, but somehow, it never bothered me! Even after Freddy was born and I was carrying him all around and everything. For the past 2 weeks however, it has really started to flare up. To the point where my legs are just throbbing. You see, it affects my sciatic nerve, and my symptoms are very similar to sciatica, except with back pain (basically shooting pains down my butt and legs, my legs "go out" on me and I sometimes fall, and my back feels like there is a grinder on my vertebae and pelvic bown). It got really bad, where I couldn't walk Freddy and Harley around the block, had a hard time walking in general, and really couldn't do much with Freddy besides sit with him in his corral.

This did not go over very well with Freddy. But about 3-4pm, he had enough of me. I wasn't being fun, and he was sick of the walls in our house. Usually I take him out a couple times a week, even if it is just to the store or the mall. Just something for a change of pace. But I was too scared that I would fall with him, and I knew that I couldn't lift the stroller in and out of the car. So, by the time Dennis gets home, Freddy is grumpy, I am trying to hold back my tears so Freddy doesn't see, Dennis think that I am mad at him...not a good afternoon.

NOW, take that same scenario and repeat it everyday through Thursday. I was a mess. It went from being a rough day, to me having anxiety attacks All the while trying to keep them at bay until Dennis got home so that Freddy wouldn't pick up on my emotions. When Dennis did get home, the flood gates opened. Worrying that I was a bad mother, how am I going to handle three, we don't have enough money, we need a bigger house, the sky is falling...really when I get like that, it all just crashes on me.

Two things happened on Thursday that really helped. One, Dennis and I talked. REALLY talked...got past some issues that contributed to my anxiety (details that don't really need to be online!!). Second, I joined a stay at home mothers group. There is a group for the Glens Falls area and it seems like a really nice idea. There is a message board, play dates, mom dates. I think that having the support of people who are in a similar situation will help. Also getting out and interacting with adults and letting Freddy play with other children will be great!

Friday was another rough day, but I felt a bit better. Also, Dennis and Dad took Freddy to the Civic Center to see the Stanley Cup! I was so happy for Dennis, he was glowing! haha It also gave me a chance to go over to Kelly's for some girl time.

Saturday I woke up and told Dennis that I really wanted to go to the Warehouse (where we have our jewelry store). I haven't been in about two months, and really needed that positive energy. So, after he was done with the paper I headed down. I had lunch with mom and dad, visited with everyone, and finished a piece that I have been working on forever...and just couldn't complete. It was good soul food for me. When I got home we took Freddy to the mall since it was so crappy out. I was still hurting, and had to walk really slow, but Dennis was there to help me. That night we played cards and watched a movie.

Sunday we asked Sueanne if she would watch Freddy so that I could got to church with Dennis (again, it has been a couple of months). So we had a nice relaxing morning, went to church, went to Sully's with Jimmy for a beer (or water), went grocery shopping, and then came home. Dennis went to his parents house to get Freddy and visit for a while. I cooked up a bunch of food for the freezer and then went over to Kelly and Jeremy's. It was another night of cards and a movie...a perfect way to end a really good weekend.

So here it is, Monday. My legs hurt, Freddy is going to be mad at me in a couple of hours, and Dennis may have to work late. But, the sun is shining, all of my babies are healthy, tomorrow night I am scrap booking with my new "Mom Friends," and my house smells like fresh bread (from the pizza dough that I just made)...Life is good!

Freddy's Big Day

2008-09-01T07:28:00.000-04:00

Freddy had quite the day yesterday. It all started when I finally convinced Dennis that we needed to cut Freddy's Hair. I don't know if you could tell by the pictures, but he had these wings...and it was starting to look like a mullet!

Dennis finally agreed that I could cut those few hairs. He was however, very upset when I asked him to hold Freddy..."I'll have no part in this,"is what he said. Once he realized it was better to give in and hold him while I had my craft scissors at Freddy's head, he helped me. Four snips later, and our little boy had his first haircut!

Since we were both doing the haircut, I don't have a picture of the act, but he is his cute new do! I wanted to be sure that he looked good for Mim and Pip, since Mim said that she was going to braid his hair the next time she saw him. Since we were going to the fair, we decided it was a good time to do it.

Speaking of the fair...Yesterday we took Freddy to the Schaghticoke Fair...his first fair!!! I was so excited, but Dennis was less than thrilled. You see, 4 years ago when Dennis and I were first together, I took him to the Saratoga County Fair. This was his first time going to the fair, at least that he could remember. I had a GREAT time, but when we got to the car to go home, all Dennis said was, "um, it was OK. Now you go EVERY year?" Needless to say, Dennis never went with me again...until now! No matter what Dennis thinks of fairs, I wanted to go, bring Freddy, and have a good time. It took a lot of convincing, but I told him that I was going one way or another, and he was welcome to come. So, the three of us headed down to Mim and Pips to go to the fair!

We went down early so that Freddy would be able to take his nap there, and then we would leave. Well, Freddy didn't really nap, but Dennis did!! At 3, we headed to Schaghticoke. We parked at Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob's, but unfortunately they weren't home. Off to the Fair...

The first thing that we did was go through the horse stables. Freddy wasn't to happy there. I don't know if it was the large animals, the sounds that they were making, the smell, or a combination. But he wasn't happy in there. Then we headed over to the craft, far, food, and commercial buildings. Dennis was speeding through them, but the rest of us were busy concentrating on the quits, photographs, paintings, farm equipment, and other great things from the fair. Freddy was able to sit in a saddle, "drive" a tractor, and stand next to the county's biggest pumpkin!! When we left the buildings, we went to the Army tent where Freddy signed a car that they were going to demolish and then sit in a REAL hummer!

After that we walked all around to see the rides and games. We were going to try to take him on the Merry-Go-Round, but he was too little...even if we held him. Instead, Mom (Mim) found a sketch artist and had him draw Freddy. Thank goodness the man was a speedy artist! Freddy wasn't happy just sitting there. The picture came out beautiful, I can't wait to see where Mom and Dad hang it. After that, we walked around for a bit more and then got our dinner. I had my corn dog that I have been raving about all summer (Mom had one too), Melissa had her funnel cake, Dennis had a burger, and Dad had his sausage and peppers. Freddy didn't want too much of his food, but we planned on that. Dad cut off some of his sausage for Freddy. HE LOVED IT! We have come to the conclusion that sausage is Freddy's favorite food!

After dinner, I know that I was ready to go, and thankfully everyone else was too! We all headed back to Mom and Dad's house. Dennis and I wanted to get Freddy ready for bed and give him his bottle so that he would sleep in the car on the way home and then we could just put him right to bed. Freddy had his bath in the sink while playing with a wooden spoon, and then ran away from me when I tried to get him dressed!

When he finally let me get him dressed, he started to show us how tired he really was. We gave him his milk and then he just cuddled with Dennis. he was too tired to even move. Dennis had to help Dad move a piece of furniture upstairs before we left, and that gave me a chance to snuggle with Freddy. Finally hugs and kisses were given, and Dennis and I took a sleepy little boy back home to dream about all the adventures that he had! What a great day!

Freddy and I had a playdate!

2008-08-30T07:52:00.001-04:00

Last week, Freddy and I had friends over to play with. Kristel and Ethan came up! It was so good to see them. It has been forever. Freddy and I were very excited to see our friends. We got the house all cleaned and ready for them, and planned a nice dinner.

When they got here, Freddy was upstairs getting changed. Kristel and I went into the corral with Ethan so that Harley didn't pounce all over him. I can't believe how much Ethan has grown...and how much he looks like Adam. When I say this, I don't mean that I can see that he is going to grow up to look like his Daddy...I mean he looks EXACTLY like Adam! He flirts just like his Daddy too!!

Dennis brought Freddy downstairs, and boy did he get excited!! I think that he was amazed that there was another baby in his play area!! He just stood in front of Ethan, laughed, and shook with delight! Then he poked Ethan's eyes! Oh, and he tried to eat his hair. Next he almost knocked Ethan over trying to use him to stand up. Lastly, when he was walking he stepped on his leg. Good thing Ethan didn't mind!!! Don't worry Ethan, I have two more coming and you can pick and poke at them.

Actually Freddy was really good with Ethan, he is just curious, and doesn't understand "nice" and "hurt." And he never actually hurt Ethan, it was all very cute.

Ethan is doing really good. He is clapping, sitting up, rolling all over the place (but only in one direction and gets really mad when he gets stuck), and saying "mama," "dada," and "baba." All the important things!

Kristel and I were able to catch up as well, with is nice...and promised not to let is go this long between visits! Next month Ethan is getting baptised, so it will be fun for them to get together again!

Below are some pictures of the play date!

WHAT A MESS!!!!

2008-08-25T10:37:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness...Dennis and I have a project on our hands! Yesterday we cleared out our office...which is now Freddy's Room (or at least will be in the next couple of weeks). Basically we had to get everything out of the room to make room for all the furniture that we are getting for him.

Melissa offered us her Dresser and Desk that she had growing up (it was also Mom's). She also is giving us storage cubes that we are going to use to organize his closet (they are the same that are in the nursery if you have seen them). We also bought a toddler bed off of craigslist for him that is already in the room. Well, since Melissa is trying to get her apt cleaned out so that she can move, we are getting all her furniture next weekend, so we had to have the room ready.

So we made plans on what pieces will go where and what we are going to get rid of. Yesterday morning Kelly came over to help me clear the room of the stuff, then Jeremy helped Dennis move all the furniture. What did we do with it all you ask...ITS ALL IN THE HALLWAY AND OUR ROOM!!!

On top of that, we found a really great deal on craigslist for a crib and changing table. Mom and Dad had offered to buy that for us as a shower gift, so we jumped at the chance! The only thing, they wanted us to get it yesterday. So in the middle of all that, we went to Saratoga to buy THAT furniture, and then bring it to our existing messy home! Needless to say, I didn't sleep well last night!

So, I woke up this morning and just started to tackle the mess. Freddy is wonderful in the morning, and is very content to play in his corral and watch Mickey Mouse. So I had about 1 hour to get stuff done, plus a little extra before Dennis went to work. This morning, I finished up my craft corner. We have a landing behind the stairs that we use for Macy's area. Well i put my desk and craft cabinet back there. Along with a bookshelf that is holding the stuff from our computer desk. The suitcases are either under our bed or in the closet. Our coats miraculously fit in the closet (after I got rid of 5!!). I have a pile for the salvation army, and a bag full of garbage. After and hour of work this morning, I feel a lot better about the situation!

We still have to go through the stuff in the hallway, but most of that are Dennis's books. I am not sure what he wanted to keep and what he wanted to get rid of. Other than that, we just have to make a trip to the salvation army next weekend for the two pieces of furniture and bags of stuff!

Now, the fun begins! Next weekend when Freddy's furniture gets here, I will be able to set up his big-boy room!! Then I can tackle the nursery and get that all ready for the twins! I am hoping to have EVERYTHING done by the end of September. I know that gives me a month, but its going to be a lot of work! Plus, while I am doing that, Dennis gets to take care of the garage...I DEFINITELY got the better part of the bargain!! I will update with pictures as things get done!

2008-08-22T14:06:00.000-04:00

I wanted to be sure to put pictures of my flowers up! I have never been good with plants, but this year it seems I have found very hearty plants that can withstand even me!!
It started with a bucked and sunflower seeds that Melissa gave me for my birthday. Though I planted too many seeds, had bird seed fall into and therefore had birds eat out of the bucket, and over watered...I have a flower!!! With at least one more prospect!
After I planted those, I thought that I should try to have another plant. So I went to walmart and got this purple flowered hanging basket...it was on sale for $10, how could I go wrong? I have had it hanging on my front porch all summer and it still has flowers!

After that, I got brave. I had some extra money from a wedding that I designed jewelry for, so I went to Kmart (I figured I wouldn't spend that much money there, therefor I wouldn't get upset if they all died). I got two beautiful Hibiscus trees/plants for the front of the house, a hanging green thing and a red flowering thing (as you can tell, I really know what I am doing) for the back, and another really nice green leafy thing for the front porch! I also got a bird feeder (which is usually empty from my pig birds) and a nice metal standing hanger for out back!!

All and all, I am very proud of myself and my plants. Now if i can get them to last through the fall and winter, it will be a miracle!!

What a day!!

2008-08-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

Well, Freddy and I had quite a day yesterday! It started out with having to get up a bit early to go over to Mim and Pip's house. They were going to watch Freddy while I went to Latham for an ultrasound. Freddy was very happy to see that Mim and Pip got baby gates so that he could roam all around! He had a great time playing.

At my appointment, the twins were doing great. Their heart rates were both right around 140bpm and they each weigh 1lb 2oz. The technician told me that was a little big, but nothing to be concerned with. YEAH RIGHT! I'm the one carrying them. Tomorrow I see Dr Ted, so I will ask him. Also during the ultrasound, Dr Dexter came in to check their hearts to see that they were functioning properly, and they were doing great!! Here are some of the ultrasound pictures!

This is Liam Patrick. He is labeled TWIN A since he is sitting closest to my cervix.

Just for verification, Liam is still Liam!

Here is Rory Jacob. He is TWIN B, and is laying pretty much right on top of Liam!

And again, for verification Rory is still Rory!

When I got back to my parents, Freddy was out walking with Pip. Apparently Pip got mad that Mim didn't take Freddy to see the construction trucks! So Pip took him for a second walk so that Freddy didn't miss out. When they got back, we played in the house until it was time for lunch and a nap. Freddy did great taking a 2 and 1/2 to a 3 hour nap! And boy did we have fun when he woke up!

Freddy had his yogurt and crackers on the deck with me and Mim. Then he wanted to play in the grass so we went over near where Pip was working on the new shed. Now, I haven't updated you too much on Freddy's walking. But, he is doing great! He is discovering that he can get places quicker if he walks, so he is doing it a LOT more! Especially when he is outside! He was having some trouble with the hills at Mim and Pip's however! He would start walking and then he would stumble down the hill. But all in all he did great! He even helped Pip build the shed!

When he was bored with that, Mim and I took him out front to play. Of course he loved the little pond and fountain that they have out front. So no matter what he went over t it. I put his feet in it, thinking that would keep him away since he hasn't liked the pool, but that didn't stop him. He even fell in (one leg up to his knee cause I was holding him) and thought that it was funny! Needless to say he scared the little froggy that was sunbathing, but the frog just jumped in the water to protect himself from the Freddy-Monster!

Freddy walking in Mim and Pip's back yard! He is very proud of himself!!

Pip's little helper! (I remember when I was his little helper!!)

Freddy playing in the pond, before he scared the froggy. If you look closely at the bottom right of the pond you will see a little frog in the sunshine!

Freddy and I had to stop at the store on the way home, so we gave hugs and kisses to Mim and Pip and thanked them for a great day! We got home the same time as Daddy, and much to our surprise, Freddy had a package on the porch!! It was from Mim and Pip!! They ordered cloth diapers for Freddy! This is what the card said:

"Freddy J, Mim and Pip want you to be just like your brothers! Only the best for our boy!

Love ya, Mim and Pip."

Dennis and I were very happy with the surprise! Now we can test them out and get good at them before we have the twins! Also, we are going to save about $40 a month on Freddy's diapers alone! Plus, they are really cute!

These are the diaper covers that Freddy got! My favorite is the one in the front with the frogs on them! I think that they will be perfect for visiting Mim and Pip's pond!!

Just when we thought we couldn't have a better day, it was a perfect night for a campfire! After Freddy went to sleep, Dennis and I joined Michelle, Nick, Kelly, and Jeremy for a campfire and some good laughs. What a day... :-)

What a great day!! And I forgot my camera...

2008-08-16T17:44:00.000-04:00

Today was the 12th Annual Ferrauilo Day At The Track! My friend Michele organizes this great day once a year. She and her family and friends arrive at 6am to get tables and a great space. Then they proceed to put together an amazing spread of food. It is really a great way to spend a day at the track!

Well Dennis, Freddy, and I went today. We were very excited to see Michele and her family...we haven't seen them in a while. As well as Nell and her kids, and Nancy and Linda and their families! We also saw a few people from the VA who I haven't seen in a while.

The really great part was that there were going to be 3 other kids Freddy's age! Nancy's twins Patrick and Kari, and Mary-Jo's god-child Morgan (she came a little later). Freddy did great playing with them. He flirted with Kari, played ball with Patrick, but didn't interact too much with Morgan. He was in there about an hour with the twins and did great. I was so impressed. He did have a problem when the twins got a cracker and he didn't, but another cracker quickly solve that problem. At one point he crawled over to Kari and wanted to stand up, but in order to do so he grabbed onto the back of her skirt and pulled himself up!!! It was quite funny.

Dennis and I had a great time visiting with friends. We didn't bet since that means we wouldn't lose any money. But all in all, it was a great day! I am just REALLY mad that I forgot my camera!!! What kind of mom am I????

Official names...

2008-08-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

Dennis and I finally came up with the names for the twins. We went back and forth a lot with these guys, but we are thrilled with what we came up with.

Liam Patrick (nickname Lee) and Rory Jacob (nickname RJ)!!!

Sorry for the short post, but I wanted to let you all know!!

Just a bunch of big kids!

2008-08-14T14:33:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post this earlier this week, but today is the first day that I feel good!! I had some medical issues, not pregnancy related, that I had to take care of...trust me, you don't want the details. BUT, I am 150% better!!

Friday night Dennis and I went over to Kelly and Jeremy's place (they are our neighbors)...ok, background: Dennis and I live in a townhouse. There are 4 townhouses in one building. Dennis and I live on the end. Kelly and Jeremy live next to us, and next to them are Michelle and Nick. Kelly and Jeremy moved in shortly after us, but Michelle and Nick just moved in a couple of months ago. Its great, because we are all the same age and get along great! We couldn't have asked for a better situation!

OK, back to the story. As I was saying, we all went over to Kelly and Jeremy's place to have our very own Wii Olympics!! Yes, instead of watching the opening ceremonies like the rest of the world, we pretended to be athletes. Complete with matching shirts that I made!! Only Kelly and Jeremy have played the Wii before, so it was a new and strange concept to the rest of us, but either way we all looked like fools!! We swan, ran, did the trampoline, hurdles, shot put, and I am sure more!! I couldn't believe how sore I was after playing!! After a while we decided to take a break and play Guitar Hero. Again, we looked like fools, but oh did we have fun!! Dennis left a bit after ten to relieve his parents who were watching Freddy for us. Michelle came home from work, and we immediately went back to the Olympics, because there was no way she was going to get out of it! Such fun!

By the end of the night, it was concluded that we all wanted a Wii and guitar hero!!! It was great to be a kid again...can't wait till the next time!!!

Everyone getting ready to swim!

Dennis and Nick "Swimming!"

Kelly and Jeremy "swimming." Is it me or does Kelly look like she is about to KILL Jeremy?!?!

The official Olympic footage

Kelly and Jeremy playing Guitar Hero, while Charlie poses for the camera!

Good times had by all...but now I have to get my hands ona Wii!!! haha Christmas maybe? Mom?? :)

2008-08-06T17:49:00.001-04:00

Well, I should have written last week, that way it could have been two shorter posts...instead, I am writing a long one!

After my doctors appt last week, I was extremely happy. Dr Ted took me off of bed rest as long as I promised to take it easy (really take it easy, not my version of it) and take two 1-hour naps (at least lay there doing nothing) twice a day. He also said that of COURSE I could pick Freddy up! I couldn't be happier! I was also given permision to go camping, only because I would be with my family. The only thing that didn't go my way was work. I am completely done until the babies are born. Though I am so happy that the babies are doing great, I am still worried. It was a real wake-up call after talking to Dr Ted. I guess even though I knew that there could be problems, I figured that things would be running smooth. I have been pretty bummed about everything since it happened, and I hope that I can come out of my slump.

Camping this weekend was GREAT. Freddy is offically a camper! He did so good, we were so pround of him. Though he was fussy in the car (I was too), he was wonderful at camp. He slept all night, took his naps, at well, played, and for the most part was a happy little boy! Well with the exception of when I took him in the pool. He still isn't a water baby. Two very big milestones occured this weekend though. First, Freddy said Ma Ma!!! I cried...wich wasn't good beause I was driving! He likes to joke about it though. He says it sporatically, but when you ask him to say "mama", he says "dada" and laughs! Second, Freddy walked!! He took 5-6 steps, and then did it again and again. He only takes a few steps and then gets down to crawl, but he can do it!!

Dennis and I had a good time as well. I was so happy to see Aunt Ro, Uncle Eric, and Katie! It's been since we went out there in January! Dennis got a chance to go kayaking...and really had a wonderful time. Though he wont admit that he is sore! lol Overall, it really was a great weekend.

We got home yesterday and spent the afternoon unpacking, cleaning, and resting up. Dennis had to go into work last night for a function that they participate in every year. I spent the evening with his parents and sister so that they could see Freddy.

This morning I had to take Freddy to the doctors. He is doing great. 29 3/4 inches, 21.5 lbs. He is staying right on his curve! The Dr suggested that we take away one of his milk bottles. He thinks that he may eat a bit better if we do that. Even though he is eating good, he can be pretty picky, and then he will only take his milk. Anyways...we will see how that goes!

As for me, I had to call my doctor today because I had a bit of spotting this morning. They told me to rest and drink a lot of water for the evening and night. I already am going in tomorrow morning, so they said that unless i have more spotting or cramping to keep my appointment and we will take it from there. I just hope that Dr Ted doesn't put me on bedrest again.

Since we are really poor because I am out of work, we are having Mac and Cheese for dinner...guess I better hop to it!

One Week

2008-07-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

Well, its been one week (and know I have the bearnaked ladies sone in my head) since I have been on bedrest. So far, I have only had one really bad day, and one emotion driven argument. Everyone has been really great to Dennis and I...spending a lot of their free time coming over here to make sure that I have help for Freddy. Even Kelly and Michelle (my neighbors). Actually they did the nicest thing for me. Right after they found out that I was on bedrest, they went to the store and got a ton of fruit to make a fruit bouquet! They also made chocolate covered strawberries! It was so sweet of them...and the fruit was DELICIOUS!!!

The other day when my parents were here, I made a bunch of earrings for the store. I have been working on an intricate piece since then, but it hasn't gone so well. My goal for today and tomorrow is to finish that one! I would also like to make a few more chain maille bracelets and finish up a necklace that I started.

Friday Nana came up to spend the day with Freddy and I, wich is the first time we have seen her since she left for Nebraska!! It was a great to spend the day with her and visit. She brought over Freddy's birthday present (which Dennis and I put together yesterday). She got him a Yankee's plate set as well as a Firetruck ride-on covered car thing!! It is the cutest!!

Mom is coming up this morning, and will be here ina few minutes, so I will add more later if I come up with more to say!!

Twin Update

2008-07-24T09:22:00.000-04:00

Well, we have good news, some bad news (at least for me), and more good news! First I will fill you in on what happened over the weekend (bad and good news)...It is kind of long, so if you just want the bottom line, look for the ***

Last Wednesday, I had a little bleeding. For those of you that remember, I had a lot of issues along those lines with Freddy. Because of that, I wasn't that panicked. I just decided, "OK its time to sit down for a while." Well then I had a little more on Friday and again on Saturday. I was going to call the doctor of Saturday because not only did I have some bleeding, but I was in a lot of pain. Again, I shrugged it off, being that I was at work, and very busy. I thought that I just needed to sit down for a bit. Needless to say, It was Sunday morning and I still hadn't called. Sunday I woke up and had a bit more bleeding. (Let me just explain...and for those of you this may be TMI, so skip over if you want...when I say bleeding, I mean a spot or two of blood...not gushing or needing to wear a pad or anything - therefore I still wasn't panicked) I decided that I needed to call the doctor...figuring that they would tell me to take it easy and come in to the office on Monday morning. WRONG! The Midwife scolded me for not calling on Wednesday and told me to immediately go to the Snuggery (the maternity unit at Glens Falls Hospital). She also said to throw away everything that I know about pregnancy...that twins is VERY different from a regular pregnancy.

So Dennis and I dropped Freddy off at his parents house and off we went. I got there and they hooked me up to a few monitors to check heartbeats (which where great) and to monitor any uterine activity (which there wasn't). After about an hour of monitoring, the doctor came it to check on me She told me that I needed an ultrasound to see if they can find a cause of the bleeding. So off to an ultra sound (not that this is happening as quickly as I am writing, we waiting another hour. But at least I was laying down in a bed). I was MORTIFIED because I had to go on a stretcher, and then have an ultrasound for an hour and a half.

***FINALLY when I was back in my room, the doctor and nurse came in to tell me that one of the placentas (the twins each have there own) was starting to lift up...meaning detach itself from my uterus. It wasn't very much, but enough for bleeding. She explained that I need to stop working and go on bed rest...at least until it heals. She said that the rule of thumb was 2 weeks with no bleeding. That was the bad news. The good news is that the twins are doing great! They are healthy and growing very well.

Everyone came over on Sunday night for Jimmy's birthday and so that I could talk to everyone and solicit some help for the next two weeks, because I wasn't going to be able to take care of Freddy (which upsets me greatly and I cried hysterically for a LONG time when I found out). So needless to say, I have been babysat along with Freddy for 4 days now...and I am going INSANE!! More to follow in another post about that. But let me just say that it has nothing to due with the fact that I have my family around, because I LOVE that part...its that I don't have control of the situations...and for a type A personality...its hard.

On to some more good news...

I had another ultrasound yesterday in Latham...Dennis was able to come with me, so my Mom went. Again, the twins are doing great...and we found out that we are having...2 MORE BOYS!!!! Yea! We are sad that we aren't going to have a girl, but we are thrilled about our 3 boys! Names and ultrasound pics to follow!

So now that I have filled you in on everything...run a mile for me and then drink a beer...I need to live vicariously through you!!

Freddy's Birthday

2008-07-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

Freddy's 1st Birthday was last week (July 8th). I can't believe that he is already a year old. On his birthday, Dennis and I took him to Friendly's, where he ate an entire grilled cheese sandwich, a few fries, and half of his conehead sundae! Here are a few pictures:

After Friendly's we went home and waited for Mim and Pip, Grammy and Pappy, Aunt Mere, and Aunt Moe to come over. Mim and Pip couldn't wait until his party to give Freddy his presents! He was a little afraid of the noise that the paper made when it was being ripped. He LOVES his new slide however! We play on it everyday.
All and all, I think that Freddy had a great first birthday!!

His party was on Saturday the 12th. Freddy started the day out very grumpy, but by the time his guests arrived, he was in a great mood. All we had to do was keep feeding him! lol he was great when we were opening presents, singing to him , and he LOVED his cupcakes. He had two because he had to taste both vanilla and chocolate! Of course the family that doesn't love him one bit (HA) spoiled him! He got so many great things that he loves to play with. Mom and Dad's favorite is the baby cage! However horrible it sounds, it is huge (there are 3 extra sides that are not shown in the picture below) and has lights, sounds, and toys attached to it! THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING IN THE WORLD!!!

Freddy had a great day, and slept like a log that night. Only to get sick the next day. He had his first fever and wasn't feeling that great for a couple of days. Not that it was anything to keep Freddy down for long...he is back to his normal self getting into mischief any way that he can! And I love every minute of it!!

I got in trouble...

2008-06-29T14:26:00.001-04:00

Mom got mad at me...I haven't been keeping up with my blog. I knew that this was going to happen when I started it. I apologize if you are reading this and actually come back for more...lol I didn't think that I was that interesting. Oh wait, I know...you just want more baby pictures!! haha

Dennis and I are enjoying these new milestones that Freddy presents us with daily. He is now crawling GREAT, staning on his own, and walking along the furniture. He will drink out of my cup, but not a sippy cup (which I find frustrating...). He is eating on his own for half of his meals. But he still likes his bottle and having us give him some good on a spoon.

Next week is his frist birthday...can you beleive it?!?! I know that we can't! It has been such a wonderful year, but I am sad that it went by so quickly. This week I am going shopping for the party supplies that we will need for his party. We are just doing a small family bbq/pool party for him. Hopefully the weather is good...not that Freddy will care. As long as he has food and wrapping paper to play with, he will be great!

I am starting to feel better with the morning sickness and all. I am still getting really exhausted, but its not as bad as it was, as long as I remember to take it easy sometimes. We have our next appointment next week...and then an ultrasound at the end of the month.

Dennis and I are excited about our next two trips. We are camping the first weekend of August with my parents, maybe my sister, and my Aunt Ro, Uncle Eric, and Katie! I am so looking forward to this trip. We found the campsite in a massachusettes camping magazine and it looks wonderful. Very family friendly, lots to do, close to some great places in mass, without having to travel all the way to the coast (even though I would LOVE to go back to the ocean!). It should be a great long weekend. Two weeks later, we are heading to pennsylvania for a Spellacy Family Reunion (Sueanne's family[my mother in-law]) The great thing about this is that Freddy will be able to meet Robbie! Robbie is Dennis' cousin Katelyn's son, who is anly a few months younger than Freddy! That was a mouthful! Also I will be able to meet the rest of Dennis' family. It should be a good time.

I think that is about it for now...

Mom, I will try to be better about updating my blog!

baby update

2008-06-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to write a quick note to let everyone know about the babies. The third one didn't make it. As upset as we were, it was hard to stay that way when we saw our two very healthy babies playing in my belly! Our twins are growing right on track and their heartbeats are a perfect 156bpm!

Once I figure out how I can get my ultrasound pictures on here I will be sure to post their developments!

More later (I am at work now)...

~Becky

more triplet news...

2008-05-17T19:23:00.001-04:00

Dennis and I had another ultrasound and our first OB appointment last week. Both left us slightly unsettled...

With the ultrasound...our High-Roller dropped down into good position, but still no heartbeat. However, he did develop within the week and a half in-between ultrasounds. The doctors are still going to keep an eye on him to see what he decides to do, but it is going to be a long shot. Dennis and I are still pulling for him though! We were more upset that at our fist ultrasound appointment they never told us that there wasn't a heartbeat in him, but there were in the other two. Had they said that, I think we would have been a bit more prepared for this news. Like I said though, we are still staying optimistic that he will pull through!

At our OB appointment, both Dennis and I decided that we were done with Leanne (one of the midwifes). We saw her once with Freddy and we weren't impressed, but she was there for the delivery. I still wasn't impressed, but because everything went well I was willing to give her another shot. At this past appointment we both had enough. This is nothing against her experience or her talents as a midwife. We just don't gel with her personality. Needless to say, we didn't really learn anything at the appointment that I hadn't read in a book.

We go back on June 9th for another ultrasound and appointment. Please cross your fingers and say a prayer for our little ones!

Pretty Big Update...With Pretty Big News...

2008-05-06T11:05:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess since it has almost been a month, I should write on here!! A lot has happened in the past month. I had a birthday (27 now!), my sister had a birthday (29 haha), Freddy is standing up!!! He is so adorable...he just pulls on my hands to stand up. Then he gets brave and lets go...and falls on his bum!

I absolutely love Freddy to death...so much that it worries me about having other kids. By the way, we are having other kids...3...at once...in December. If you add up that sentance you will come out with...Becky is having triplets and she is due Christmas eve!!!

Dennis and I just found out last week. I had known that I was pregnant for a while now, but we took the test a week ago to confirm it. Then the next day, I started to bleed...I panicked and called the doctor. On Friday I went in for an ultrasound. The test took about 35-40 minutes, and then we waited another 1.5-2 hours for the results. Dr Ted called..."Becky things look pretty good. You are having two and probably three babies!" As you can guessed I was floored. The phrase "oh my God" was all that I could speak for hours. Dr Ted went on to explain that two of the babies are in really good position and look great. The other (who we call High Roller) is sitting a little high. So we have to monitor him to see what he is going to do. Unfortunately there is a chance that he will not drop down, and therefore will not develop. But we are staying positive and praying that all three are doing well.

It has been a real shock to say the least. I have been reading up on triplets and trying to get as much information that I can. There is such a difference in what happens when you have 3 as opposed to just 1. I have already been yelled at by the doctor...I need to take it easy...REALLY. Yesterday he told me to get off my feet and be a couch potato. I am not good at doing that.

Well, I think that I have shocked you all enough for now...

Bye!

Crappy night...

2008-04-15T20:44:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted much in a while...and this isn't going to be an uplifting post, so feel free to skip!!

I have decided that I am going to get another job...another part-time one. That way at the very least Dennis can quit his second job. He is working so much...at two jobs that stress him out too much. You wouldn't think that working for the circulation department of the paper he would be stressed. But he gets calls just about every evening. I tell Dennis to just not answer his calls, listen to the v-mail, and then decide if he should call back. That doesn't work for Dennis. He is the epitome of the "nice guy." Unfortunately that means that he is taken advantage of a lot. I LOVE that he is willing to do this so that I can be home with Freddy...but this isn't worth it. He is so unhappy.

I know that he really wishes that he could just replace his first job... Unfortunately he is making good money there. Money that is going to be hard if not impossible to match at another "service industry" job. He would love to start fresh...in a new direction, but he isn't sure what that direction is.

I know what you are all thinking...that this wouldn't be a problem if I stayed at the VA. BUT then we would have two unhappy parents with a baby in daycare...and that is not what we want. (THANK YOU FAMILY FOR HELPING MAKING THAT POSSIBLE).

SO...Dennis and I are trying to figure out how to make everything work. First and foremost we need to pay our bills...and on that same priority level we BOTH need to be happy. That realization on top of the HORRIBLE day that I have had makes for an unhappy Becky :0(

What a week!

2008-03-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here on Friday afternoon wondering what happened to my week! I am sure that it was filled with things like laundry, cooking, working, Dennis, and my favorite...Freddy. I spent a lot of time on the computer this week looking up information on cloth diapers. My biggest complaint about all of my research is that you can't get an objective opinion on them!! I know that it will be more work, and that they will be a stinky mess, but what I dont' know is if you truely prefer disposible...why? And if you truely prefer cloth...why?

There was one site that I found that they have a sampler pack of the different kinds of cloth diapers available...enough for two days worth of diapers (which is more than enough or I am going to let some smelly pee/poop filled diaper sit there!). The cost is about $55 for the pack. I talked to my mom about it because she has used both cloth and disposable. She told me that if I commit to using them for 1-2 months I have made back my investment. Then I can make an objective decision on which way to go.

I asked her why she preferred the disposible...was it just convenience?? And her reply was no. The big thing that she said that concerns me is that with huggies/pampers/etc. the moisture is soaked in and it not soaking wet on his skin (thanks to that jelly substance in there!). Diaper rash and discomfort immediately come to mind. Also, you have to wash them every night...otherwise your house smells like an outhouse!! I am fully aware of that, but I wasn't aware that you had to put them through a cold rinse cycle and THEN wash them. That way you get that majority of the pee out...and aren't wahing them in pee water. Seems like a lot of water...

However, I do know that there have been some changes in the cloth diaper industry since my bottom needed them! They fit better, are adjustable, they have flushable inserts that help with cleanup. I think that I am just going to have to get them and try them to beable to tell if I really want to use them!

Anyways...here is a picture of Dennis Freddy and myself on easter:

And here he is playing in the driveway later on that day:

Thats going to have to be it for now,,,Freddy wants to play!

~Becky

Freddy's Food

2008-03-21T08:57:00.001-04:00

Well I just got done making some more food for Freddy. Today I made carrots, apples, and pears. I have to go to the store and get some frozen beans and peas and some more frozen berries. Easter Sunday I am making turkey, so I will be sure to save a bunch to make for him for next week.

I love the fact that I am making his food. As much of a hassle it can be, I am proud of myself. I know that it may seem silly to say that, but it does take a lot more time and effort to buy, peel, cook, and puree...rather than buy the jars of it. I will be honest too...its no more or less expensive to make rather than buy. And they have a lot of variety in the store bought food....which I think is why I am proud that I am making it.

The only thing that I really have to work on is giving him more protein in the way of chicken, pork, and turkey. Sunday will help with that...I am making a turkey for Easter, so I will have plenty to work with!

Dennis and I were just talking about if we would want to use clothe diapers...not necessarily for Freddy, but for the next one. I hate the way the diaper pail smells, how much money we spend on diapers, and how much we throw away with them! I know that it would be like the food...more time and effort to do something pretty simple. Time to do some more research...

~Becky

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T07:07:00.000-04:00

"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time -- a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."~~By Adrienne Cook.~~

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun.And find your shoulder to light on.To bring you luck, happiness and riches.Today, tomorrow and beyond.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

I guess it's about time...

2008-03-16T14:53:00.001-04:00

...to start a blog!

To me, a blog is like a diary or journal...which I have NEVER been good at keeping! Lately, however, I have felt the need to express myself...and connect with those who have common interests. BUT, I must warn you...I am not a good writer. I ramble, have spelling errors, and at times make up my own words. So consider yourselves warned!

I titled my blog Irish Blessings because I truly have had a lot of them! Starting, of course, with my son Freddy J (whose pictures are splashed all over my sister's and mom's blogs...and will be on mine shortly). July 8th of this past year he came into our lives, and everyday with him has been a blessing. A lot of sleepless nights, but blessings nonetheless.

Sleeping after all the hard work it was to take a bath. He was about 3 weeks old here.

Freddy sporting the new hat that Daddy got for his Birthday. 8 months.

Another blessing is my husband Dennis. For those of you who know me, you know that Dennis really is a blessing. He came to me in disguise...we worked together and were friends. I never thought that anything would ever happen between us, but then it did. No matter how hard I tried to fight it. Once we were together...things moved fast. Before we knew it we were standing in front of the ocean surrounded by our family and friends saying 'I do." Now we are living in a very nice townhouse in Hudson Falls with Freddy, Macy (our kitty), and Harley (our doggy).

I could go on and on about the blessings of my family...of my Parents who have been my rock and hero's....my sister, who as we grow and mature, so does our relationship...my Nana, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins...my in-laws, who are now as much my family and as everyone else...my friends...

Like I said, I can ramble on and on and on...

I hope to keep up with this blog...at least for myself (I don't even know if anyone will read this!)

Until next time...

~Becky

GreenieMommie@gmail.com

http://www.thefamileejewels.com/