Zack and Brady enjoying the puddles
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Brady's 1st Front Page Article
We had an unfortunate mishap with the '61 Chevy engine and had to take it to Gary's cousins shop in Maryland for repair. Brady made the road trip with Dad and got to spend the weekend with his Maryland cousins and make a trip to the Cecil County fair. During the fair it poured for a good 45 minutes, did that stop Brady and his cousin Zack - heck no! They had a lot of fun running in the rain and the puddles. Their excitement and enjoyment was captured by a local photographer and the boys made the front page of the local newspaper - Brady's first!
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Growing Up
The boys are having a great summer. They get to see their grandparents every weekend and the uncles almost as frequently. Both boys are enjoying the Tyngsboro multi-sports center with Brady playing multiple sports and Parker playing soccer every Saturday. Brady is super fast and Parker does great dribbling the soccer ball.
Brady is getting so grown up. This week he switched to a seat belt over his car seat in the car. He then asked "Am I still 4?" Super cute. He also puts himself down for naps now and while he does play a little bit, look out the window, or occasionally come out in the hall, he will take a blankie cuddle up and go to sleep on his own. And since the weather has been so nice he's been able to get out and ride his balance bike. He will ride it on the back lawn down the hill the whole way with his feet up. Looks like we need to get out the pedal bike. Where did my baby go?
Parker's words are getting so clear. Seems every day he learns a new word or comes out with a new phrase on his own. Last weekend on the way to Maine we were on a pretty bumpy road. The boys were laughing as their cheeks jiggled and Parker came out and said "bumpy road" all by himself. Just love these kids! He's growing up so fast but still has his terrible two moments. He's starting to do better if you offer him a choice but if he doesn't like the choices good luck haha.
Brady is getting so grown up. This week he switched to a seat belt over his car seat in the car. He then asked "Am I still 4?" Super cute. He also puts himself down for naps now and while he does play a little bit, look out the window, or occasionally come out in the hall, he will take a blankie cuddle up and go to sleep on his own. And since the weather has been so nice he's been able to get out and ride his balance bike. He will ride it on the back lawn down the hill the whole way with his feet up. Looks like we need to get out the pedal bike. Where did my baby go?
Parker's words are getting so clear. Seems every day he learns a new word or comes out with a new phrase on his own. Last weekend on the way to Maine we were on a pretty bumpy road. The boys were laughing as their cheeks jiggled and Parker came out and said "bumpy road" all by himself. Just love these kids! He's growing up so fast but still has his terrible two moments. He's starting to do better if you offer him a choice but if he doesn't like the choices good luck haha.
Riding bikes in the backyard
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Gary's Birthday & Father's Day
This was a week to celebrate Daddy - both his birthday and Father's Day were the same week, and it couldn't have been more special for him. First his sister and her fiance Andy came to visit and we celebrated his birthday a few days early with them. They boys signed cards for him and we had Gary's favorite an ice cream birthday cake! It was special to have Jenny and Andy, Grandma Reggie, and the boys here to celebrate. Gary picked out his own present - wouldn't you know, a new fuel tank for the '61 Chevy! He was happy as a clam. It was also nice to finally meet Andy, he and Jenny are just perfect together - looking forward to the big day next June 2017!
The following weekend we celebrated Father's Day. The day started with Brady helping Daddy cook everyone waffles. He loves to help. Later, Brady had multi sports and Parker had kiddie soccer, then the family came over for a cookout and celebration. It was nice having Grandpa Bob, Grammie Terry, Uncle Erik and Katie, Uncle Chris and Trish, Grandma Reggie, and our family all at the house. We even had a visit from Uncle Paul who was able to stop by before some plans he had with Darcie and the kids. It was a beautiful day so we cooked out some beef and chicken, had some cherry pie (Daddy's other favorite) and chocolate eclairs (Grandpa's favorite) and played for hours in the backyard. The kiddie pool from Uncle Paul has really come in handy this summer for cooling off on our 'hot' Massachusetts summer days. Sorry, but we're still used to hot being 110+ deg, not 90 degrees! So great to be so close to family that we can get together often and for the boys to grow up knowing them.
Sunday we checked out a local airshow / car show. They had a biplane and a Texan giving rides (for $) and two barns full of historic military vehicles, old Indy cars, and classic (20s-30s) cars. The classic cars were driven out and we saw the police catch Al Capone! Complete with a Stow MA local helicopter chasing him down. Brady even got to steer the first robotics car and show the basketball into the hoop. No fighter jets but still a pretty fun show!
Happy Birthday Daddy - Brady playing a musical card with Parker looking on
Jenny and Andy with the boys
The following weekend we celebrated Father's Day. The day started with Brady helping Daddy cook everyone waffles. He loves to help. Later, Brady had multi sports and Parker had kiddie soccer, then the family came over for a cookout and celebration. It was nice having Grandpa Bob, Grammie Terry, Uncle Erik and Katie, Uncle Chris and Trish, Grandma Reggie, and our family all at the house. We even had a visit from Uncle Paul who was able to stop by before some plans he had with Darcie and the kids. It was a beautiful day so we cooked out some beef and chicken, had some cherry pie (Daddy's other favorite) and chocolate eclairs (Grandpa's favorite) and played for hours in the backyard. The kiddie pool from Uncle Paul has really come in handy this summer for cooling off on our 'hot' Massachusetts summer days. Sorry, but we're still used to hot being 110+ deg, not 90 degrees! So great to be so close to family that we can get together often and for the boys to grow up knowing them.
Sunday we checked out a local airshow / car show. They had a biplane and a Texan giving rides (for $) and two barns full of historic military vehicles, old Indy cars, and classic (20s-30s) cars. The classic cars were driven out and we saw the police catch Al Capone! Complete with a Stow MA local helicopter chasing him down. Brady even got to steer the first robotics car and show the basketball into the hoop. No fighter jets but still a pretty fun show!
Father's Day helper - yummy waffles!
Father's Day gifts from daycare - a picture from Brady and a 'Survival Kit' from Parker
Daddy and his boys
Parker Getting a Better View
The Stars of the Airshow
Brady Steering the 1st Robotics Car - He Made the Basket!
Father's Day Air Show / Car Show
Thursday, May 26, 2016
2 & 4 Year Checkups for the Boys
Good news for the boys, neither got shots this round so these well visits were relatively painless!
Parker weighed in at 22.75 lbs (3%) and height of 31.25 inches (2%) but his weight to height ratio is in proportion (34%). There are many 1 year olds that weigh more than him! Guess he'll just be a little guy like Mommy. Since his 2 year visit he has been eating on and off, but has really taken to drinking milk which is good to make sure his little bones are strong. This is also good so he can continue to play rough and tumble with big brother! His words are getting ever more clear and he now says phrases. Not sure if we taught him some, if he picked them up from Brady or daycare, or all of the above, but he has some cute ones. Our favorites are "wait a minute," "oh my goodness," and "oh momma". He does have his two year old tantrums, mostly at dinner time or when coming in from outside before he's ready to, and we continue to try to give him choices and have him use his words to minimize the frustration. Oh we remember this phase with Brady, hopefully this will be behind us by 2.5 yrs. He's also starting to show interest in using the potty. He loves his potty time book and (unfortunately) playing with the toilet lid, but still afraid to sit on the big potty. We sold our old kiddie potty when we moved from Texas, looks like we'll have to get another one.
Brady weighed in at 36.8 lbs (55%), a height of 40.125 inches (41%), a BMI of 16.05 (65%), and blood pressure of 86/40. These were his first BMI and blood pressure readings. He also got to do an eye test reading letters off the chart. Like grown ups he had to read off the reading chart, but since he's not 100% with his letters yet they gave him a card to point to the letters he saw. He knew most but had to refer to the chart for a few. He passed! Brady still has one tube in his left ear so we need to setup an appointment for him to have it removed before it gets too embedded. The other fell out on it's own. Otherwise he is a happy, healthy, super energetic, every growing curious 4 year old boy. It always amazes us what he thinks to ask - Mommy, why do ducks float and not sink? We found out our local library rents out backpacks with themed projects (sports, natures, travel, etc) that you can bring home for the kids. Going to have to get a library card and try these out!
Parker weighed in at 22.75 lbs (3%) and height of 31.25 inches (2%) but his weight to height ratio is in proportion (34%). There are many 1 year olds that weigh more than him! Guess he'll just be a little guy like Mommy. Since his 2 year visit he has been eating on and off, but has really taken to drinking milk which is good to make sure his little bones are strong. This is also good so he can continue to play rough and tumble with big brother! His words are getting ever more clear and he now says phrases. Not sure if we taught him some, if he picked them up from Brady or daycare, or all of the above, but he has some cute ones. Our favorites are "wait a minute," "oh my goodness," and "oh momma". He does have his two year old tantrums, mostly at dinner time or when coming in from outside before he's ready to, and we continue to try to give him choices and have him use his words to minimize the frustration. Oh we remember this phase with Brady, hopefully this will be behind us by 2.5 yrs. He's also starting to show interest in using the potty. He loves his potty time book and (unfortunately) playing with the toilet lid, but still afraid to sit on the big potty. We sold our old kiddie potty when we moved from Texas, looks like we'll have to get another one.
Brady weighed in at 36.8 lbs (55%), a height of 40.125 inches (41%), a BMI of 16.05 (65%), and blood pressure of 86/40. These were his first BMI and blood pressure readings. He also got to do an eye test reading letters off the chart. Like grown ups he had to read off the reading chart, but since he's not 100% with his letters yet they gave him a card to point to the letters he saw. He knew most but had to refer to the chart for a few. He passed! Brady still has one tube in his left ear so we need to setup an appointment for him to have it removed before it gets too embedded. The other fell out on it's own. Otherwise he is a happy, healthy, super energetic, every growing curious 4 year old boy. It always amazes us what he thinks to ask - Mommy, why do ducks float and not sink? We found out our local library rents out backpacks with themed projects (sports, natures, travel, etc) that you can bring home for the kids. Going to have to get a library card and try these out!
Brother lunch date
First Mother-Son Movie Date - We Found Dory!
Friday, May 6, 2016
Parker Turns 2 Yr Old & Brother Birthday Party
This is the second year in a row poor Parker was sick on his birthday. The day before we got the call from daycare that he was running a 102 deg fever and would have to stay home. Poor little guy, turned out he had the flu and had to stay home the whole following week. At least he made his birthday party the weekend before so he could enjoy some bounce housing, cake, balloons, and presents with the family!
Parker is growing into such a sweet and loving little boy. For the most part he has a very pleasant demeanor and enjoys playing with cars, in his sandbox, mowing the yard with his play mower, or exploring. He does get his fits of terrible twos from time to time, and will let you know when he has a strong opinion on something, but for the most part he is more laid back and easy going than big brother.
He is doing really well with his words, his vocabulary expanding everyday and words getting clearer. Sometimes he will just babble us a full sentence, too bad we can't understand it all yet. His big smile and loving personality draw others in. We are such lucky parents to have this sweet boy in our lives!
Parker is growing into such a sweet and loving little boy. For the most part he has a very pleasant demeanor and enjoys playing with cars, in his sandbox, mowing the yard with his play mower, or exploring. He does get his fits of terrible twos from time to time, and will let you know when he has a strong opinion on something, but for the most part he is more laid back and easy going than big brother.
He is doing really well with his words, his vocabulary expanding everyday and words getting clearer. Sometimes he will just babble us a full sentence, too bad we can't understand it all yet. His big smile and loving personality draw others in. We are such lucky parents to have this sweet boy in our lives!
Parker - 2 Years Old
Thank you Grandma Nancy for the "Diggers Cake"
Enjoying Some Family Bounce House Time
Happy Birthday to Our Two Wonderful Boys
The Boys Patiently Waiting to Open Presents
Learned Watching Big Brother?
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Brady Turns 4 Yrs Old
It has been such an incredible journey from holding our little Brady for the first time in our arms, to seeing him grow up into the curious, energetic, loving child he has become. He has always been very well spoken for his age (often mistaken as older), he has a natural curiosity about why things are they way they are, and a wonderful imagination that he shares with his little brother.
This year for his birthday we let Brady pick what he wanted to do - he chose going to Chili's (the place with the "little screens") for dinner and cake. As a special surprise, Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry joined us for dinner. Brady was extra spoiled because for your birthday you get to wear a crown at school and Chili's just happened to have kids night face painting.
The Chili's crew took care of Brady too coming out to sing him happy birthday and bringing him a molten brownie cake.
Happy birthday Brady, we love you to the moon and back!!!
This year for his birthday we let Brady pick what he wanted to do - he chose going to Chili's (the place with the "little screens") for dinner and cake. As a special surprise, Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry joined us for dinner. Brady was extra spoiled because for your birthday you get to wear a crown at school and Chili's just happened to have kids night face painting.
The Chili's crew took care of Brady too coming out to sing him happy birthday and bringing him a molten brownie cake.
Happy birthday Brady, we love you to the moon and back!!!
Brady digging being 4 at school
Brady's birthday dinner at Chili's
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Florida Vacation
Since we don't have to worry about school spring break yet, we took the boys on an early spring break trip to visit the grandparents in Florida. Grandma Reggie and Jeff have their 5th floor condo in Clearwater Beach and Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry have their house in Venice two blocks from the beach. The boys had a BLAST playing with the grandparents whether it be on the beach, in the pool, a playground, or in a street fountain - we can't wait to go back!!!
We spent a large part of the week in Clearwater Beach checking out the white sandy beach, the wonderful heated pool at the condo, and the newly opened playground. The boys had fun digging with their new shovels and buckets in the sand, and burying their matchbox cars. We had fun walking down to Pier 60 to see the sunset festivities including bounce houses, street performers, the new playground, and the beautiful sunset over the ocean. All of this is within walking distance to grandmas. When we had enough of the sand and surf, or while Parker was napping, Brady and Daddy spent a lot of time in the heated pool. Brady wears his arm floaties and goggles and watches Daddy or other kids swimming under water. He can also paddle himself around in a circle. Parker got some pool time too and while hanging onto Mommy practiced kicking to swim. The pool was quite a busy place and a great place to get some sun. The boys received a nice present from Grandma - two scooters. Brady had a blast learning how to push himself on it even getting good enough to take it outside. Parker, wanting to be like big brother, hopped on too but didn't quite understand how to push so Jeff was gracious enough to push him around and around. Mom and Dad took advantage of the free babysitting and spent an afternoon walking the shoreline, going out to dinner, or midnight hot tub time. Life is good!
We did take an excursion to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium home of Winter the famous dolphin from Dolphin Tale. She was found tangled in a fishing net and ended up losing her tail fin but has learned to survive and make use of a prosthetic tail. Two other dolphins reside there as well - Nick (sunburn victim) and Hope (another net rescue). The boys enjoyed seeing the animals and running around but were probably a little too young to really understand it.
We spent a large part of the week in Clearwater Beach checking out the white sandy beach, the wonderful heated pool at the condo, and the newly opened playground. The boys had fun digging with their new shovels and buckets in the sand, and burying their matchbox cars. We had fun walking down to Pier 60 to see the sunset festivities including bounce houses, street performers, the new playground, and the beautiful sunset over the ocean. All of this is within walking distance to grandmas. When we had enough of the sand and surf, or while Parker was napping, Brady and Daddy spent a lot of time in the heated pool. Brady wears his arm floaties and goggles and watches Daddy or other kids swimming under water. He can also paddle himself around in a circle. Parker got some pool time too and while hanging onto Mommy practiced kicking to swim. The pool was quite a busy place and a great place to get some sun. The boys received a nice present from Grandma - two scooters. Brady had a blast learning how to push himself on it even getting good enough to take it outside. Parker, wanting to be like big brother, hopped on too but didn't quite understand how to push so Jeff was gracious enough to push him around and around. Mom and Dad took advantage of the free babysitting and spent an afternoon walking the shoreline, going out to dinner, or midnight hot tub time. Life is good!
We did take an excursion to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium home of Winter the famous dolphin from Dolphin Tale. She was found tangled in a fishing net and ended up losing her tail fin but has learned to survive and make use of a prosthetic tail. Two other dolphins reside there as well - Nick (sunburn victim) and Hope (another net rescue). The boys enjoyed seeing the animals and running around but were probably a little too young to really understand it.
Going Through Security at Logan Airport - These Two Just Love Each Other
Grandma Reggie & Jeff in Clearwater Beach
Didn't Take Long to Relax - Floridaaaaahhh
Mr Cool
Ready for Sunset Dinner at the Sand Pearl
Taking the New Scooter for a Spin
Already Doing Backflips!
Little Munchkin Running in the Sand
We also took a trip down the coast to Venice FL to visit Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry and check out their new house. It's only 1hr 45min from Clearwater so perfect for taking the boys on a nap ride. We spent the first night checking out that beach. With the smaller crowds and beach the boys got brave enough to dig sand trenches and wade in the water. We also saw little clams that would wash ashore and quickly bury themselves in the sand. And just down the shore we saw someone catch a small shark! The boys had fun digging with Grandpa and Grammie until the sun went down. The next day we took a trip to Myakka River State Park for an airboat ride to see the alligators - we saw a bunch too! Some weren't too fond of the boat and got up and walked off. Crocodiles like warmer water so they are only found further south. The boys had fun that afternoon getting treated to ice cream, getting to run through a water fountain in town, and visit a local park. Parker is getting to be such a big boy, he started going down playground slides all by himself! He goes barefoot and knows how to use his feet to slow himself down, when needed. What a smartie.
Grandpa Bob & Grammie Terry on the Beach in Venice
Sunset in the Surf
Parker Showing off his Incoming Canine Teeth
My Florida Sunshine
All in all it was a much needed week of rest and relaxation. Hope we didn't wear the grandparents out too badly! We can't wait to go back.
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