My Sweet Life (with Two Twinkies & a cupcake)

Don't judge book by its cover

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Hard to Choose.

Tried Taste Test.

Mission: Santa

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, clowns or anything else dressed in a costume has not been a welcome site for my kids in the past. Witness the past few years of our double doom with Santa:

2007

2008

This year, our kids saw Santa a few weeks ago and we witnessed Sarah walk up to Santa and stand next to him and actually enjoy talking to him but she wouldn't sit on his lap. Adam was terrified and Jacob hid behind a tree.

We knew we had a few more chances to visit the big guy this season and wondered if we'd have any more success. Last night was our annual Mothers of Multiples family Christmas party and I was so proud of my two who were willing to walk right up and get on his lap and tell them what they wanted!! Adam was still terrified but I was the mean mommy and let him sit there anyways for the photo. (hey...Jacob and Sarah had to do it...so does he!)

The only complaint I have for the night was that after all the discussion of what she wanted for Christmas and the relief that we seemed to settle on a Baby last night...Sarah squealed to Santa the minute he walked in the room (loud enough to be heard over the excited chatter of about 40 other kids) "I want a Piggy!!!!"

Mission Accomplished!
(Well...at least 66%!)

Hosted by Cecily and Honey Mommy

Santa has a tough job...

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

So this year is the first Christmas that my kids really "get" Christmas, Santa and how this all works. They have gotten so excited over putting up the Christmas tree, seeing the lights on the houses, hanging out stockings, checking the daily Advent calendar, talking about baby Jesus' birthday, Santa, and the almighty "Naughty List."

It's been really fun to talk about Santa and what kind of presents they want him to bring (pending a spot on his "NICE list", that is). Its also been fun to try to fulfill their little wishes so they can really see and remember what the magic of it is all about! They are at that age where they are learning and discovering and we really want to make it special. So barring any major fiascos, we hoped to be able to give them what their hearts desired this year (it really wasn't much...).

Jacob is an open book - the kid has trains on the brain. A few things may catch his eye in the Toys R Us catalog, but he always comes back to the coveted Choo Choos! (and the kid has a reason to desire them so...despite his love, he only has 3 little trains, no tracks and nothing else train related...I know...he's a neglected kid!). I think he will be more than happy with what Santa will be leaving for him on Christmas morning.

Sarah's request(s) though...have been a bit more complicated. It started out very simple really...Princesses! That is easy enough! She also mentioned a Baby doll here and there but she has no Princess toys so we...I mean Santa...figured that was a great gift for her. Then when we went to see Santa a few weeks ago, she walked right up to him and told him she wanted a Mouse.

Huh?

A mouse?

Really?....what KIND of mouse exactly??

My first thought was maybe it was this mouse - Perla from Cinderella...at least it fit in with the idea of Princesses....but when I asked her about it...she said nope, not that mouse.

So then I thought maybe it was this mouse - the little one from the book The Mitten by Jan Brett. It is a recent favorite read at bedtime and she always giggles when it tickles the bear's nose and makes him sneeze...but when I asked her if this was the one she wanted...it was a nope again.
After grilling her at dinner the other night (as in asking questions...not as in prepping her to eat...) she told us the mouse was pink and had a boat. Perfect...that didn't help us at all! But we did wonder then if maybe it was this - it's not a mouse - but maybe that's how she saw it...but I'm pretty certain she's never seen the show and although it has a boat, the "mouse" is not pink....

So then I opened it up for discussion amongst Facebook friends...and everyone brainstormed these mice....

I'm pretty certain she's never seen a Zhu Zhu pet....
I know she knows who Mickey is so she'd tell me that if he was the case....
And then I thought just MAYBE Angelina was it...but when I asked her that yesterday morning, she shoved the book away and most definitely said "no!"

Perfect...Santa, nor her parents, have ANY idea what she really wants for Christmas.

So as a last resort, I asked her teacher if she's said anything there or has a toy there that might explain this interest. Danielle told me she had no idea but that day they'd drawn pictures of what they wanted for Christmas and this is what she drew and said....

A KITTY??? Seriously?? Sure - to catch the unexplainable mouse, huh? And then she tells me she doesn't just want one kitty...but THREE kitties - a black, a red, and a purple one!! Sheesh kid - you're not making this easy!

Ok...this Santa is thinking the Tooth Fairy has it easy - leave some money under the pillow and you're all good!

So last night at dinner we talked more and I asked her if Santa brought you just ONE toy - what would you want....

And with a huge sigh of relief from the other side of the table, she said a Baby Doll.

Whew...now THAT, Santa can handle!

While Sarah changed her mind for the 500th time, her easy-to-please brother simply said he wanted a Christmas tree...guess I'll be returning the trains tomorrow!

So, what is on YOUR kids' wish list this Christmas??

Holly Babies

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

I came across this photo the other day and remembered how much I love this one, taken in December of 2007 of my two lil ones!! Ironically, I remember that their PJ's were purchased by my friend Melissa, who is being induced today for her first baby! (I can't wait to hear the news of Baby G's arrival!!).

I look at this photo of them, just 1 month older than Adam is now and see so much of both of them in him...Sarah's eyes and grin, Jacob's face and nose, Sarah's hair coloring (although he has more hair than the two of them put together in this photo!)...so neat to see how much he resembles them both but is yet so unique!

12 months old
December 2007

But, in my search to find this one again to post today, I came across this second photo and I just had to post it also! Remember in my post yesterday, I have a photo of Sarah, sweetly sitting and admiring her favorite ornament on the tree? Well...there must really be something special about that ornament because I found this photo of her from 2007 - checking out the SAME ornament!! It is a Precious Moments girl sitting on a swing that I got several years ago from my Mom. (It is really cute...). How sweet that this one ornament catches her eye so well!!

12 months old
December 2007

Play along with Way Back When-esday at Twinfatuation!

Neige $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Neige $100 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

oh how i could dress my lil ones up in clothes from here!!

Trim the Tree

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

We've been so busy lately that we've barely had time to get our Christmas tree up! We finally snuck the project in this weekend and let Jacob and Sarah stay up a bit later than usual on Sunday night to help decorate it. They helped last year but this year was so much more exciting - oh to see Christmas through a child's eyes!!

As I pulled out each ornament, they would shriek in delight, taking turns claiming them as their own and finding a special spot on the tree to place it. They each quickly sorted which ones were for 'boys' vs. 'girls' and especially loved anything with a character on it (i.e. Mickey, Pooh, etc). They actually did really well listening to which ones needed to go up higher out of Adam's reach and handing off fragile ones to Daddy to hang up high. They even spaced them out so that we only had to relocate a few!

We still need one more strand of lights on and I want to put the garland up to finish the tree but they are both very proud of their work and took time to admire the beauty of it all both that night and again the next morning. As they left for school Monday, they each walked up, waved "good bye!" to the tree and said "bye" to each of their favorite ornaments!

I'll be sure to post better pics once its completely adorned along with some of our other holiday decor!

Squeaky clean kids sprucing up the tree

Proudly decorated

Sarah sat admiring her favorite one
( which is actually one of my old ones -
A Precious Moments girl on a swing)

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

The good, the bad and the ugly pretty much sums up the weekend here. Let me break it down...

The Good

* A Friday night movie with my BFF. Lisa and I have been friends since we were 3 and 4 years old, married good friends and are still extremely close. Our busy lives don't allow us to spend nearly as much time together as we'd like but we both agreed to find time soon to do SOMETHING, just the two of us, and we voted for a movie this weekend. We saw The Blind Side and it was great and spent some time after the movie chatting, too!

* Another night out Saturday for a surprise birthday party. My friend and fellow Mom of Multiples (our twins share the same birthday, just 2 years apart) Denise turned the big 4-0 this week and her hubby went to great lengths to throw her a perfectly orchestrated surprise birthday party! Paul and I had a fun night, just relaxing and talking with friends.

Does she look surprised or what!?!

Moms of Multiples
Another thing in common with Denise - we're the tall ones in the back!!

Susie, Lisa and myself

* We finally got our Christmas tree up and stockings hung! I'll post pics soon once the finishing touches are complete but it was lots of fun seeing Jacob and Sarah get so excited about each ornament that was pulled out of the box. The big question is how Adam will be with the tree...

* Speaking of Adam...Sunday was his 11 month birthday! I didn't even take his Mickey Mouse picture today (see The Ugly below...) but will surely get an update on his soon!

The Bad & The Ugly

Thankfully the Goods far outweigh the bad & ugly but Sunday seemed to be a long day. We started it off with The Ugly - as in poor Adam's gunky and puffy eyes and face as he fell as the next victim of the Pink Eye Plague that does not want to leave our house. (Sarah is the only one now who has not had it but I doubt she will go unscathed - it'll probably hit the day before Christmas or something...). We should have taken his cue and stayed home from church that morning because I had to tell Sarah that Jesus had a direct line to Santa when she misbehaves at church and that did not even seem to phase her as she screamed and threw herself on the floor during church. I had taken her out in the vestibule but Paul could still hear her screeching through the 'sound proof' walls' - nice!

I then tried to keep Adam from touching everything during mass so he would not spread his eye funk but I swear, that boy rubbed his face on every square inch of the pew we were sitting on! Then I felt bad that a couple old ladies behind us reached out to shake his hand and flirt with him but they did so before I could warn them that he had an infection...but then figured they should know better not to grab at a baby with their own germs so I figured that if they get pink eye...its their own fault...I know, NOT nice of me, but it was too late already!

While most people are counting down to Christmas...I have a different countdown...that to our holiday break! 7 more days and it can't come soon enough!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Jacob and Sarah were just one month old on Christmas Day 2006 and had been home for about 2 weeks. One of the first things I did once they were home was try for a cute picture for our Christmas card - and the following is what we got! I still love this photo!

They could have fit IN their stockings!
In fact, I think we have a photo of that somewhere!

Jacob's Donald Duck was quite a bit bigger than he was at 1 month old!

Sarah and Daisy, all snuggled up
These were gifts from their cousin

Movie with friend. Surprise birthday party.

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

2 nights out in one weekend!!

devilish grin

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:32:00 +0000

He gives kisses. (Sometimes he bites!)

He waves "bye bye." (Often when you're not looking)

He loves to climb the stairs. (He hates when you shut the gates.)

He loves apples and macaroni and cheese. (He doesn't like green beans.)

He loves music. (He is noisy!)

He demands Mommy. (So does his sister.)

He scrunches up his nose to laugh. (Which is dripping with snot!)

He is still a baby. (but not for much longer...)

Hosted by Cecily and Rachael

The moments that make it all worth it

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Each school year has its ups and downs. Good students. Tough students. Great parents. Disconnected parents. Fun times. Boring times. Challenges and easy times.

This year is no different although we've seemed to go from one extreme to the next some days/weeks.

We are currently in a 'good stretch' (although as soon as I wrote that, I probably jinxed it and things will hit the fan tomorrow...) and its these moments that allow us to sit back and take in our students at their best.

One thing we are really enjoying right now is the development of a real friendship between two of our students. For anyone who knows anything about Autism, you understand that socialization and friendships are not easy things to come by with my students. They struggle with the give and take of relationships, they struggle with understanding others' points of views and they struggle with initiating interactions.

Yet, somehow in the middle of each of their own selves and personal challenges - they are emerging together and developing a relationship that makes sense to both of them. Their friendship may not be defined in a way that you imagine a relationship, but for them - it works.

Its a game of 'chase' or pretend baseball. Its catch and pillow fights. Its asking to observe or imitating each others' unique tricks and talents. Its helping each other when they drop something or getting something the other person needs at snack time. Its kicking back and looking at the ceiling and pretending like they're looking up at the clouds together (something probably being copied out of a movie they both like but it was a fun moment to witness).

Each month our school recognizes "Super Stars" from each classroom for a job well done. This week, I plan to send both boys down to honor their friendship and kindness to each other.

And as we sit back and watch their relationship grow, we are also very sad. Sad because neither fully realize yet that their best friend is leaving soon. One is moving to Texas next month as his family is embarking on a new opportunity.

He will be greatly missed by us staff but I am certain there is someone who will miss him even more...

Say What?!?!

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Missy always hosts "Say What?!?! Wednesday" and I keep telling myself that I need to start writing down more and more of what my kids say so I don't forget their funny thoughts and words! A couple from this week that were too good to forget:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

First up, our conversation in the car on Friday on the way to school. We had our first snow that morning and although it was only about a 1/2" of snow, our entire trip to their day care was all black ice and traffic was moving slow! Jacob must've noticed it was taking longer....

Jacob: Are we to school yet?
Me: Nope, the roads are slippery so Mama has to drive slower today.
Sarah: So you don't fall off the road?
Me: Right, Mama doesn't want to slide off the road.
Sarah: And crash into a tree?
Me: Umm...right...we don't want to crash into a tree!
Sarah: Or crash into a house? *giggle*
Me: What? Where did you get that idea??

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When we put up our Advent calendar last week, Sarah wanted to look at each day's item and asked what it was (it is the Manger and each day is a different 'character' to put up - some are animals, stars, trees, shepherds, wise men, Joseph, Mary and Jesus). As We got to the 24th, which was Jesus, Sarah asked to hold him (they are little stuffed ornaments). She hugged him, kissed him and said "I love baby Jesus. He's my friend!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Then in church Sunday morning, Jacob and Sarah had each pulled out the hymnals and were leafing through the pages. They each closed the books and were looking at the pictures on the cover (of Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper). He then proceeded to point to each one, call them "Jesus" and gave them all kisses! Sarah followed suit!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cookies for Santa

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

December 21, 2007

What's this back here?

Going in for a closer look...

Mmmmm! It looks like a cookie!

On our tree hung a home-made, cookie-like ornament given to me by a college friend. Sarah must've really thought it looked like a cookie (it was painted like a present on one side but it did look cookie-ish on the other...) and just had to try it for herself!

Stop by Twinfatuation for more Way Back When-esday!

1 out of 3 ain't bad!

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Our little town had their annual Candlewalk festival and parade on Friday night. We had never been up to it so we decided to check it out. It was a pretty chilly night but it was perfect as we'd had our first snowfall that morning and there was still a bit of snow on the ground to help set the stage. The parade was relatively short (only about 15 minutes) but just right for little ones and cold weather!

After the parade, we wandered around our one-block downtown to visit vendors, check out the Christmas lights and see Santa Claus (who made his grand entrance via horse-drawn sleigh in the parade).

We've been talking for weeks about Santa Claus with Jacob and Sarah. Jacob bravely warmed up to clowns this summer and has insisted he'd sit on Santa's lap this year. Sarah has not been as certain but had said she'd at least stand by Santa. I was pretty certain Adam would be a no with his stranger anxiety though.

As we waited in line, I thought for sure Sarah would chicken out. Much to my surprise - SHE was the brave - and ONLY one - to warm up to Santa! She chatted with him (she told him, oddly, that she wanted a mouse for Christmas!?!), laughed with him, and stood right next to him for pictures. Jacob turned and ran behind the Christmas tree when it was his turn and Adam
screamed as soon as Paul tried to hand him off to Santa. We did manage to get a family photo with Santa before we left so we have a memory (and no one is crying in it!).

All bundled up!

Watching the parade

Santa and Sarah!

Ho Ho....HEY!!!

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Adam didn't like Santa very much!

Attached

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Lately, I've had this weird feeling - something on my hip that I just can't shake.

It feels rather large and warm and sometimes it starts to creep up my back and arms and shoulder and I get a bit achey.

It makes it hard to do simple tasks...make a cup of coffee, cook dinner, fold laundry, go to the bathroom, even talk on the phone....

Paul or anyone else I talk to insists they don't have this problem...that its just me...

And when I think about it - it IS just me. Just ME that Adam wants to be held by!

My little guy is 100% attached to Mommy right now. He doesn't even want Daddy if I'm around - he will literally cry, push away, arch his back and lunge out of his arms towards me if Paul picks him up and I'm nearby. If I set him down, he melts into tears. If I *gasp* walk away - he throws himself on the floor sobbing. He cries when I drop him off at day care and he's been a slobbery, sobbing mess when I've walked in the past few days to pick him up but as soon as I pick him up, he's instantly ok.

Last night, I walked in the door from the library with his siblings and as soon as he heard me, he dropped his toy that he'd been perfectly content with a second before and crawled at lightning speed to get to me, totally ignoring the fact that there was a set of stairs (going down!) between him and I.

Yup...he flew right off and bounced down them, head first. (Don't worry...he was ok. Its only 3 steps and he was already crying before he fell and he stopped once he was in my arms.)

While I love my little guy and love that I'm loved...this is so different. We never went through this with Jacob and Sarah at this age. Paul was just as involved as I was with them as infants so they were equally content with either parent (sure, they've chosen sides at times now that they are older...but at Adam's age, they were happy with either of us at any time).

I feel bad sometimes (ok...often times) because he's always demanding my attention or arms while Jacob and/or Sarah are begging for some one-on-one attention, too. He and Sarah will literally push each other away and fight over my lap (neither like to have to share) and poor Jacob just gets what rare moment of my time is left when everyone else is content (thank goodness my sweet big boy is so easy going and not as demanding as his other two siblings!)

I know this will pass and get better and it doesn't really 'bother' me per se...but just tough sometimes to juggle his need for my arms or his crying for them if I don't pick him up when he wants me (which is pretty much always!).

A rare photo of him, HAPPY with someone other than me!
"Aunt" Lisa and Adam

Hosted by Cecily

If I could turn back time...

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

I just got done wiping tears away as I watched a video posted on Facebook. The video was posted by the husband of a friend of mine. The video was from her memorial service.

Last week an old friend found me on Facebook and in his note, he said "Is it safe to assume you know about Jamie?...." Very regretfully I had no idea what he meant but a quick search confirmed my fear. She had passed away. A month ago. From cancer.

I hadn't even known she was sick.

Jamie and I met the summer after my freshman year of college. We were camp counselors at at local YMCA day camp. We hit it off and ended up working 3 summers together there. As summers turned to fall and we all parted ways to college, several of us stayed in touch and met up throughout the year. Even after we all moved on to other summer jobs and then our careers, we stayed in touch. Not as often, but enough that she and I were still present at each other's bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings and my baby shower. In fact, I think the last time I actually saw her was at my baby shower (she had moved out of state a few years ago).

While we kept in touch, our emails got farther and farther apart. I think the last time I'd been in touch with her was either last Christmas or this spring. I can't be for sure. From what I have heard, she was diagnosed with cancer about 6 months ago, so I am sadly certain I had not been in touch with her since then.

I've lost family members and even a few friends over the years but this has hit me really hard. Maybe its because for someone who truly values friendships, I feel like a very bad friend lately. I used to go out of my way to stay in touch with people and last night I finally caught up on some emails that had been sitting in my inbox since September. Seriously? I couldn't find 10 minutes over the past 3 months to get back with a friend?

Life as an adult is hard. There's work. And family. And children. and Life. And it all gets in the way but its no excuse. Life should not have gotten in the way so much that I didn't even know a friend was sick and dying.

I think about friends from all of my walks of life. Friends from elementary school (yes, there are still a few that I've stayed in touch with or reunited with recently thanks to Facebook/MySpace, etc). Friends from High School. Friends from College. Friends from past jobs. Current co-workers and friends. Yes, that's a lot of people to keep in touch with but its times like these that I wish I made more of an effort to stay in touch, got out more, talk more, email more.

I wish I was a better friend - all the time - not just when its convenient. I finally got around to calling a friend today. I consider her one of my closest friends and she's expecting her first baby any day now, but I feel like I haven't been 'present' at all during this exciting time for her. Even my best friend - I feel like we do a decent job of talking each week, but that I don't make the time for her to really DO something - I can't remember the last time just she and I DID something together - even before kids entered the picture (ok...maybe it was our trip to AZ, but that was in 2005!).

I know I can't do it all - that I can't 'save' every friendship I've ever made - but I really need to make more of an effort to be the friend I can be - the friend I used to be. I don't want to live with the regret of hearing of the loss of a friend and not having had the chance to say goodbye. again.

RIP Jamie

You will be missed

One week

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

I love when I can pull Way Back photos from the exact date as I'm posting and I love it even more when the photo found is something special!

These photos are of Jacob and Sarah on their 1 week birthday. It was the first time they were held by their Grandma, Aunt Nicci and Uncle Mike. They were (obviously) still in the NICU at this point but doing well enough to be able to be unhooked from their monitors and be held together.

As I look at them together, I remember how tiny they both were and even more so how tiny Jacob was (he looks sooo little next to Sarah!). Amazing to realize how big and healthy they are now!!!

Grandma with Sarah and Jacob

Uncle Mike & Jacob with Aunt Nicci & Sarah
(little did they know that parenthood was in their near future, too!)

Visit Twinfatuation for more Way Back Whenesday.

How Sweet It Is

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Whoever said that Twins are Double Trouble....never knew how sweet it can be!

Jacob & Sarah had their 3 year check up last week. They 'lucked out' and didn't have to get any shots. We were going to get them the H1N1 but they were literally 1 day too old to get it. The Dr. had shots for kids age 2 & under and ages 4 & up....not sure why 3 year olds got left out but for some reason they did...??? Very odd...but they were happy! (Poor Adam was not as lucky...)

Overall great check ups for both. Jacob has to see a specialist for some concerns (will post on that another time) but nothing too serious, I don't think. Both are right on target developmentally and growing like weeds!

Want Proof?

Jacob is 40 lbs (97%) and 41 inches tall! (greater than 97%!!)

Sarah is 35 lbs (84%) and 38.75 inches tall! (85%)

You can compare their 2 year stats here.

Birthday Bash

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

We held Jacob and Sarah's birthday party this weekend at a local children's museum and it was a success! We opted for a different location for a couple of reasons. One was that even with a decent size house, it gets crowded with as many people as are usually present. Another reason was that we asked guests to fore-go toys/gifts this year and to consider getting them gift cards for a certain toy store so that we could put them towards a big swing set/play structure come spring. We figured if the kids were busy playing in the museum, the focus would be off of gifts and more on just having fun.

We had about 18 adults and 9 kids and everyone seemed to have a great time (the kids especially!). There is lots to do and its always fun to just sit back and watch your kids be kids and enjoy playing! They get to be imaginitive and playful and silly and creative!

Jacob spent probably 95% of his time at the fire engine. I think he thought it was his! We had to make him take off his fireman coat and hat at one point because he was so sweaty from running around and climbing with all his 'gear' on! Sarah was ALL over the museum, running from one section to the next and around again. This was Paul's first time at this museum so she was having fun showing him around. Adam was on my hip for about 90% of the party too - our lil guy is very attached to Mommy and with being very tired and having lots of people around, he wanted to stick close. Thankfully family and friends gave my arms a break once in a while. Really though, despite how tired he was, he was sooo good - the only time he even made a peep was if he was fussing about wanting me.

Here are some of my favorite pics from today (I know..more than just a 'few' but there were lots of fun ones!). Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us - we hope you had just as much fun as we did! A day spent celebrating my sweet kids' birthday surrounded by family and friends Makes My Monday!

One of the few pics I caught of them together!

Firefighter Jacob

Sarah's favorite present
Princess Belle Bear

Our two blondies
Jacob & Cody

Make a Wish!

All the girls
Megan, Katelynn, Anna & Sarah

The boys (minus Luke)
Brayden, Logan, Cody, Jacob

Adam hanging out in the Tot Spot

2 firefighters
Uncle Michael and his protege'

My Sweet Girl

Why I'm Thankful

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Jacob - I'm thankful for your easy going nature, your sweet smile, your silliness, your piercing blue eyes and how big and strong you've grown! Hard to believe you were once my teeny tiny baby boy. You've been happy and easy-going from day one and always up for a new adventure!

Sarah - I'm thankful for your spiritedness, your playful mood, your sense of adventure, your curiosity, your intelligence and your appetite to learn more. You've always been the first to give something a try and have good - ahem - leadership qualities (aka bossiness). You can certainly hold your own with your brothers and cousins and will surely not let anything get in your way in your future!

Adam - I am so thankful for the gift you have been to us. I say it all the time but you are truly the best baby ever - so happy and content and loving. You adore your siblings, dole out kisses and words to your Daddy and love to be attached to your Mommy. You are possibly even more curious than you sister (if that's possible...) and you learn so quickly by observation. You will surely be keeping up with your brother and sister in no time and won't let them keep you out of the mix! I'm thankful for the chance to still be nursing you and watching you grow so healthy and strong. I'm thankful for the chance to enjoy just you as a baby at times.

To all three of you - I'm so thankful to be your Mommy. You have each given me a gift - to be blessed to have you as my children - to teach you, play with you and watch you grow. You are all such good kids and while life gets hectic sometimes and we don't always have the time to drop everything to be with just one of you at a time, we are so thankful for your love and patience. I'm thankful to watch you all grow up so closely together and I can't wait to continue to see how our family takes shape as you grow.

3 years. 1 boy, 1 girl.

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Quiet Birthday Wednesday.

Party On Today!!!!

Presents a hit

Glamour Girl

So grown up already!

Thanksgiving 2009

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:08:00 +0000

We celebrated "Round 1" of Thanksgiving with my family at my parents' house ("Round 2" with Paul's family will be next weekend). This fall had kept all of us busy (and lots of our kids sick) so we had not all been together since this summer! It was nice to spend the day together, let the kids play, us adults talk and just relax. Sadly, my oldest brother could not make it home to Michigan but he at least made it home to spend the weekend with his wife in Tennessee. (He is on the west coast right now and she's in TN during his assignment).

It was a great day with lots of great food and fun times. It is amazing to watch our family grow and our children play together. I know my Mom and Dad are loving a house full of little ones again!

It was Adam's first Thanksgiving and he ate like a champ! He is feeding himself most meals and eating lots! He actually probably ate the best of all the little ones today! He downed lots of squash, mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing. He had a few issues with the texture of the squash and potatoes on his hands and kept shaking it off onto the floor, but he got a lot in his mouth, too.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know I have LOTS to be thankful for this year...my children, my family, my job, my home, our health....I could go on and on. I am so blessed! I hope you are, too!

Adam's first Thanksgiving

Grandpa with Adam and Luke

Trains are the HOT toy in all of our houses!

Jacob & Cody, Uncle Michael & Luke
Adam & Aunt Julie, Sarah

Hosted by Cecily

Sarah @ 36 months

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:31:00 +0000

36 things about Sarah...

1. She always has an opinion about what she wants to wear.
2. She'll eat just about anything for some candy!
3. Her favorite Princess is Jasmine (although she has yet to watch more than 10 minutes of the movie!)
4. She is very much a Mommy's girl.
5. She is one of the smartest 3 year olds I know (and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom!)
6. She is very sensitive about things like tags, sock seams, hats, and clothing in general.
7. She is always cold and wants to wear a sweater.
8. She loves Color Wonder.
9. She likes to read us stories and will hold the book up like a teacher to show us.
10. She loves ketchup, ranch, syrup and any other dipping sauce.
11. She still bumps her head against her crib at night.
12. Her favorite TV show is Little Einsteins.
13. She knows all of her letters and their sounds.
14. She loves to help me do the laundry, fold clothes, put away dishes, and pick up toys so I can vacuum.
15. She tries to feed her babies like I feed Adam.
16. She's only had about 3 accidents since she started wearing underwear in May.
17. She already loves to go to the store.
18. She is quite the mother hen to her brothers.
19. Her best friends at school are Lauren and Alex.
20. Her favorite 'twin' friends are Anna & Megan and Jack & Quent.
21. She loves to wear dresses.
22. Calls her brother 'Jakey' sometimes.
23. Doesn't like to wear a hat or gloves.
24. She still sucks on the tags of her blankie.
25. She is very headstrong.
26. Although she was 2 inches longer and almost 2 lbs heavier than Jacob at birth, she is almost 5-6 lbs lighter and probably about 2 inches shorter than him now.
27. She STILL does not have her 2 year molars!
28. She still uses sign language and is helping teach Adam his first signs.
29. She gets her curly hair from me!
30. Wants a baby doll and a princess for Christmas.
31. Has been teetering back and forth on the idea of sitting on Santa's lap this year.
32. Used a pacifier up until age 1.
33. Calls Jacob "honey" sometimes.
34. She says her 'o's' with a funny, UPer accent.
35. "Tickle Tickle" was one of her first words but now she says "Ticklies" sometimes.
36. She is the only grand daughter on my side of the family and one of 3 girls on Paul's side (compared to many other boys).

Happy 3rd Birthday Sarah!
We love you so very much and are so proud of you!

Jacob @ 36 months

bolszewski@comcast.net (Barbara Manatee) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:15:00 +0000

36 things about Jacob at age 3

1. Trains, Trains and more trains. Everything is a train for this lil guy!
2. His favorite TV show is Dinosaur Train.
3. He does not like ketchup, ranch or any other dipping sauce other than syrup.
4. He loves cereal.
5. He does not like to eat cold things very much.
6. He has the bluest eyes and blondest hair of anyone I know.
7. By about 33 months, he was already wearing 4T and 5T shirts for length because he's so tall!
8. He is inches taller than any other kid in his class.
9. His best friend at school is Cole.
10. He is very much a Daddy's boy.
11. He still sucks his thumb and loves his blankie.
12. Has been fully potty trained for a few months but still needs a pull up at night (he has always been a big night wetter).
13. Didn't start walking until he was 18 months old but shows no signs of motor delays now.
14. Has had all of his teeth since he was about 18 months old.
15. Knocked one of his teeth on the stairs this fall and now has a gray front tooth.
16. Was brave enough to meet a clown this year and seems confident in sitting on Santa's lap this Christmas.
17. LOVES his Grandpa!
18. Is good about giving Adam a toy to play with.
19. Has the biggest pouty face you've ever seen when he's mad or upset.
20. Is a great sleeper - he rarely wakes up at night.
21. Likes to take a shower.
22. Whenever he gets a cold, it almost always goes to his chest and ends up with croup or wheezing.
23. Is ALL boy - noisy, rambunctious and silly!
24. Likes to play 'hard to get' by refusing kisses or wiping them off.
25. Can be super sweet and often initiates telling us he loves us.
26. Does not mind getting all bundled up with hat, coat, gloves and a hood.
27. Does not like a stuffed frog that moos like a cow that is at his Grandma's house.
28. Has a light brown birthmark on his lower back.
29. Is already about 40 inches tall and between 39 and 40 lbs.
30. Wears a size 9.5 wide shoe.
31. Has a much longer torso than legs (although those aren't short either!).
32. LOVES bread, sandwiches, and more bread!
33. Still wants a cup of warm milk when he wakes up each morning (so does Sarah).
34. Is very easy going and often lets his sister have her way.
35. Has left several dents in our drywall around the house thanks to his hard head.
36. Is a lefty!

Happy Birthday Jacob!
We love you so much and are so proud of our big boy!