Little Things Thursday

I love how Finn draws "happy circles" for me and Patrick uses every color in the rainbow-

What Masterpieces!!

Walking the Runway!

On Friday the boys were in a CMOM's Fashion Show at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.  

We were so happy that my dad came down from NJ to support them.  The boys did great! 

 They behaved so well, despite the bright lights, heat and paparazzi!

Apple Picking

Last weekend we took the boys to South Carolina for some apple picking.  

It was the first time they had ever done it and we had a blast.  

Finn and Gill concentrated on one tree that was full of apples.  Gill taught Finnegan how to get the apples off the tree and within minutes, Finny was a pro!  He filled 2 bags all by himself.

Patrick, on the other hand, picked 2 apples, refused to put them down and declared that he was "all done".

It was a great way to spend the morning and I am still enjoying the apples - I put a second apple crisp in the oven this morning and can't wait to enjoy it!

IT'S A BOY!!

We can't wait to meet our new baby boy in February.  

Take a look at these pictures, isn't he beautiful?!?!

A Bittersweet Day

Today is filled with memories. 

September 11, 1999 - Gill and I met at Just Jakes in Montclair, New Jersey.  We were both at the bar with friends.   Our friends drank a bit too much and starting hitting on each other - that's how we met, both tending to our drunk friends!  It was such a fun night, one that I will never forget.

September 11, 2001 - For the year and a half prior I was privilidged enough to work at Marsh Inc. as a Program Event Coordinator.  I was so proud to have such a prestigious job in such a well-respected location, the 99th Floor of World Trade Center, Tower 1.  When our company downsized in June 2001, my best friend, Rosemarie, and I were devastated that we lost our jobs.

The morning of 9/11/2001 was a blur.  I watched as our beloved towers fell to the ground.  I cried as I mourned the friends and colleagues we had just lost.  I reassured friends of my safety, as I had not made it known to everyone that I had lost my job.  More than anything, I prayed.  I was thankful that Rosemarie and I were spared.  I thanked God that 2 weeks later I was going to be able to walk down the aisle and marry the love of my life.   More than anything, I made a promise to myself that my life would be worth something, that my life was spared for a reason.

September 11, 2009 - I have found the reason.  This morning, Gill and I will go to the doctor, have an ultrasound and find out the gender of our child.  Today we are making new memories.

Stay tuned...

First (and maybe Last?) Day of School

Today was the first morning of Nursery School!  

Gill and I got up early this morning; made lunches, packed backpacks and made a special waffle breakfast.  

The boys were thrilled to wake up to their Daddy and were cheering for "SCHOOL!"

The boys were dressed in their special outfits, complete with monograms on their polo shirts.

Patrick and Finn put on their school bags and marched around the house ready to go!

Johanna came over to take our family picture and give the boys "high fives" before their big day.

Going to school was VERY exciting, the boys held daddy's hand on the walk

and even stopped at the water fountain on the way in.

When we arrived at the classroom, things got a little hairy.  Patrick was a little upset, but found some trains and calmed right down.  Finnegan refused to go in the room so Gill walked him around for a bit and then Finny went right in.  We gave the boys kisses, said goodbye and left, per the teacher's request.  

Gill and I grabbed a drink and sat in the lounge area, right outside the school doors.  I was not ready to leave the boys just yet and Gill sat patiently with me.  After a few minutes I heard a yell/cry that could only be Finnegan.  I went to the hallway and I see Finnegan escaping from his classroom!  There he was, running down the hallway, toys in both hands being chased by two teachers - it was hysterical!

When Finn finally got settled back in the room and we were sure the boys were ok, we left.  I was home only about 30 minutes when I got the call from the school's assistant director asking me to come back for the boys!  Apparently, they were very upset and inconsolable.  When I got back to school, Patrick said "take me home" and Finn just clung to my leg saying "i'm sorry, mommy".  That was enough, I packed them up and brought them home.

We will try again on Monday, but this time I will stay in the classroom with them.  I will try to figure out whether this is just an adjustment period or if they are not yet ready for school.

On the plus side - the boys did enjoy their lunch, even if they did eat it with Mommy!

Saturday at the Zoo

Yesterday, we took the boys to the Riverbank Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina.  

The boys had been cheering to "GO TO ZOO" since Friday afternoon and were so excited to see the animals.

The funny thing was, for the first hour that we were at the zoo, Patrick kept asking "Go to ZOO?".  

Finnegan loved meeting all the animals and making the appropriate animal sounds for each one.

Gill and Finn had a great time watching the elephant while Mom and Patrick got to feed a giraffe!

After we visited some animals, we went on a carasol ride.  Finnegan had a blast riding the zebra.  Patrick, however, was none too happy.  Instead, we found a playground that he enjoyed.  Patrick did make it known that I didn't know how to play "right'.  He said "No Mommy - where's DADDY?".   OUCH!

It was a great day at the zoo with our "monkeys".

Outlaws

So as not to incriminate myself or my boys -

I will let the pictures of our new favorite activity speak for itself.