Wordless Wednesday

Sully's Bday Recap

Sullivan's Birthday was so much fun!

I know he had a great day, because he was all smiles, laughs and clapping!

We started out the day with a Breakfast Birthday Party...

complete with CAKE!

After Patrick and Finnegan went to school,

Sully and I met Godmomma Sara for Storytime and Lunch.

We picked up the big brothers and went right to Discovery Place

to enjoy some of Sully's favorite activities.

Sully had a blast, especially at the water table, of course.

It was a great day.

We can't wait to continue the celebration on Sunday at the big party!

Happy Birthday Sullivan!

Happy First Birthday to our Sweet Baby Boy!

We love you so much.

xoxo

Our Bond

Dear Sullivan,

On the eve of your first birthday, I want you to know what an absolutely glorious year it has been. You have brought so much joy to our entire family, and especially to me. Before you were born, I had never experienced such an intense bond. All that changed the moment the doctor placed you in my arms. We nestled closely together and there you stayed for hours (Daddy waited patiently for his turn to hold his son, but understood that you and I had some major bonding going on).

Though friends and family got brief moments to hold you, you made it known that you wanted Mommy. There were times when you were a newborn when I wondered if you would ever want anyone else to hold you, there were times that I was exhausted and my arm had gone numb, but looking back, I'm so glad you held on to me.

The year went by far too fast. While some things were a blur, I could always count on you, Sullivan, being right by my side. People joked that you were a Mommy's boy or that we were attached at the hip, but I believe they were all just jealous, as I had a precious little boy with me at all times.

Now, as you grow older, I watch how determined you are to follow around your big brothers. You want to do what they are doing. You want to play with them, run with them, eat with them, and be one of the big kids. I know it's only a matter of moments before you will not be the baby anymore, but the 3rd part of the team. While I can't wait to watch the bond with your brothers grow even stronger, I know I will crave the days when you and I could not be separated.

So, for now, I will treasure all our cuddles, I will continue to rock you to sleep, I will pick you up the moment you cry and I will try my best to cherish each and every moment with my sweet baby boy.

I love you, Sullivan.

Love,

Mommy

Flashback Friday

One Year Ago Today

Milestone Monday

The view from the front seat changed considerably this weekend,

when I looked to find 3 big boys, and no babies, smiling back at me.

Time goes by far too fast.

Hotel, Sweet, Hotel

I never thought I would be grateful to be in a small hotel suite with 3 little boys. Never. But, that was prior to our 10 day stint living on the second floor of our water-logged house. After 10 days of trying to keep the kids, fed, happy and safe all while not allowing them to be downstairs, I was ready to get out!

While I was anxious to move out and start construction, our insurance company kept giving me very interesting replies like these:

"Yes, Mrs. Kilcoyne, we understand that inches of water ran through your house for hours,

but that does not mean that there is necessarily water damage."

"We hear your concerns over the hundreds of exposed nails where the baseboards used to be,

but that does not mean it's unsafe for your family.

Hopefully your children will know better than to go near them"

"Just because the demotion team has confirmed the large amount of airborne particles present during construction, it does not mean that it is unsafe for your children to breathe"

Finally after Gill's relentless efforts,

we moved to extended stay on Friday and demolition began.

We settled comfortably into our new surroundings.

Finn and Patrick set up the train tracks and started chugging...

I was greeted with beautiful flowers from Gill,

and Sully was happy to have a high chair and view of all the action.

Tonight was our first playdate in our temporary home.

The Weltz Family joined us for golfing...

swimming...

playing...

and pizza!

We all had a great time and it was nice to feel a bit "normal" again. We will be here for a while (that's contractor talk for "who the heck knows") and will make the best of it. But, I think I speak for all of us - there is no place like home.

The Definition of Friend

Miriam - Webster Dictionary: Friend: (Noun)

1: one attached to another by affection or esteem

2: one that is not hostile

Miriam-Webster and I seem to have differing opinionsas to what defines a friend.

Juliane Kilcoyne Dictionary: Friend: (Noun)

1. A Neighbor who battles your water leak, digs in the dirt and get soaks (head to toe)

while trying to save your home.

2. Someone who knows you need a warm, home-cooked meal without you having to ask.

3. One who understands just how much you and the kids need fresh air - and joins you in the adventure.

4. A family that opens their home for an evening of playtime, delicious food, laughter and manicures!

5. Someone who has known you for your entire life and with whom you share all your milestones.

6. People who reach out, even from far away, to support you and send you their love.

We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends.

Racing Day

Whether you know them personally, or just through the blog, you probably know how much my boys LOVE their Cars. Yes, they love other things: trains, rocketships, dinosaurs, computers, planets, but their one true love has remained: Cars. Everything Cars.

Yesterday, Julie and I finally ventured uptown to the NASCAR hall of fame for the first time. We were waiting for just the right time to visit, mainly when we could purchase discount admission! It was worth every, single penny.

When we first arrived, Patrick and Finn were a bit overwhelmed. This was the real thing.

Real retired race cars. No models, no toys, the REAL THING.

They saw The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a car that Doc Hudson was based on in CARS.

and a car just like "Mr. The King"

Patrick, Sully and Finn - my racing guys!

The boys learned how to change a tire by a retired NASCAR PitCrew Team Member. We also learned about horsepower and Sully played with a giant foam engine puzzle!

Patrick inside a real race car!

The boys compare cars.

All the boys had such a wonderful adventure. Finn, Jack and Patrick even raced their own cars on the track while Sully and Ryan raced in cars of their own.

It was an adventure to remember. They guys can't wait to take Daddy back. I have a sneaking suspicion that we will be visiting again soon!

As if the day couldn't get any better, we ended the day racing around the park with Isabella and Jenna.

What a great day at the races!