What a year it's been. For the sake of posterity, here's our year, in a nutshell....the good, the bad & the ugly. Thankfully, we had a LOT of good, a little bad, and not much ugly. We are feeling very lucky & blessed. We are looking forward to a GREAT 2009!
January 2008
JD had surgery to remove his epidermal cyst on his left eye
No more morning bottles; by end of month, no more bottles at all
JD had a new found love for his blankie
We had Verizon FIOS installed at home
JD walked most of the time; started standing from middle of floor on own
Both kids started using forks at meals
My Aunt Kathy came for a fun visit
We had our furnace replaced - ouch
The kids started their first Kindermusic class - first "school" experience
February 2008
Cole had surgery to get ear tubes
Cole started walking & talking immediately after tubes were put in
Shoe sizes: JD 5.5w & Cole 4.5
Spent a wonderful weekend away at Benny's Landing with my BF from college
Both kids babbling - "no-no", "push", "yes"
March 2008
Cole cruising furniture and taking a few steps
Both have molars coming in
Went to an Easter festival in the SNOW
Both kids know animal sounds; vocabulary expanding; can understand simple commands; know body parts, and say hello and goodbye; blowing kisses
Cole learned to throw a ball from sit (hasn't stopped since)
April 2008
Refinanced our home
Spent an amazing girls weekend in Annapolis with my college girls - SO FUN
Cole learned to climb jungle gym in backyard
Cole started walking
2nd Round of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease
Started volunteering in the NICU
Kids started swimming lessons
We added another boy to the family - my sweet nephew Connor was born!
May 2008
I entered my 39th year of life
JD - 24 pounds, Cole - 20.7 pounds
Spent a WILD weekend in NOLA with good friends
June 2008
Spent a fun week in OBX with our family
JD running everywhere
Both kids putting 2 words together, repeating EVERYTHING
Spent a short fun weekend at Deep Creek Lake with our family
July 2008
Cole discharged from PT; still in OT monthly
August 2008
Enjoyed watching the 2008 summer olympics
Evicted the bat colony in our attic, for the 2nd time
Boys first boat trip to Glass House Island on the Magothy River
First Navy game with the boys - they loved it!
JD & Cole turned TWO
JD 25 pounds, Cole 22 pounds
September 2008
Spent a weekend in Dewey Beach during Hurricane Hanna with MOMs gals
Aunt Kathy came for another fun visit - first zoo trip with the kids!
Cole got a clean bill of health from ENT & hearing specialist
Both kids know their colors and can count to 10; they LOVE reading
The Little Einsteins & Diego are the favorite cartoons
October 2008
Went camping with friends at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Hagerstown, MD
Found out Jessica was leaving us in 6 weeks
Started visiting schools for kids
Flu bug hit our house with a vengeance
Cole spent a night in the hospital for dehydration;
November 2008
Took kids to Willow Oaks Farm to "walk to the North Pole"
Attended my Grandfathers 93rd? Birthday Party at nursing home - first time kids met their only living Great Grandfather
I went to Seneca Lake, NY for a 36 winery 2 day wine binge
My Great Aunt Marge died - the last living relative on my Dad's side
Obama won the Presidential election
Kids talking in sentences and keeping us laughing all of the time
December 2008
Kids started school at Bay Country
Changed work schedule to 3 full days per week instead of 5 partial days
Mom Wells had successful radiation on her brain neuroma
Cole discharged from the Infant & Toddler Program
Flu hit our house with a vengeance (again)
Kids enjoying school and doing well - Cole still having a bit of trouble at drop off but after a minute or two, is fine for the day;
We spent New Year Eve with good friends and welcomed a new adventurous 2009!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
He's a natural...
We're not sure if he's destined to be a football, basketball or baseball player - but he's got some early aspirations.
This video is what Cole describes as "playing Redskins". If you can hear him as he chatters, that's what he's saying. You'll notice his squat about halfway through which is his version of hiking the ball, then running and falling down repeatedly. He did this for no less than 15 straight minutes yesterday...the only thing that would have made it better was if he had his new Redskins jersey on.
He also tried out his new t-ball set and he loved it. He crushed the ball across the yard on his first try. He may be a lefty?!
This video is what Cole describes as "playing Redskins". If you can hear him as he chatters, that's what he's saying. You'll notice his squat about halfway through which is his version of hiking the ball, then running and falling down repeatedly. He did this for no less than 15 straight minutes yesterday...the only thing that would have made it better was if he had his new Redskins jersey on.
He also tried out his new t-ball set and he loved it. He crushed the ball across the yard on his first try. He may be a lefty?!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
A little Jingle Bells action for ya - JD loves to sing...he's a little rusty on the words though. He's helping me vacuum in prep for our company - kinda like whistle while you work....
Hospital Christmas
While most of us are enjoying the holidays at home with our families, there are many people who are not as lucky and are having to be in the hospital for Christmas. Particularly in my thoughts today are those pregnant mammas that are on bedrest - and the parents of new babies who are in NICU. Holidays spent in the hospital are no fun...and quite depressing frankly. For anyone who has had to spend the holiday there, you can attest. Many of them had grand visions of what their 2008 holidays would be like while they were happy, beautiful pregnant people...unfortunately, somewhere along the line, that changed and they are unexpectedly stuck in the hospital incubating their fragile babies, or visiting their fragile babies bedside as they cling to life in NICU.
This is just a shout out to those people to let you know that you hold a special place for me today while you are spending your time within closed walls of AAMC (or elsewhere). It's not easy - and you'll have a different appreciation for holidays from here on out, I assure you.
Our NICU parent support group has set up a breakfast for the NICU parents this morning. We are hopeful that we have a good turn out - as many of our volunteers have had to spend holidays on bedrest and/or in NICU at some point. It's certainly not the same as enjoying your family and friends, wonderful food, festive music, christmas smells of candles and pine, and all of the other good parts about the holidays. At the very least, we hope to allow the current NICU families to feel a little bit of Christmas and some parental support from those who have 'been there and done that'.
Although I won't be attending due to this cold and cough I acquired this week, I know that my fellow volunteer families will offer a wonderful support day for these parents, with lots of hope for a bright future for their children and families. Next years Christmas will be much different for them once their miracle babies have been released from the hospital and grow into such special kids. You all are very close to my heart today! Merry Christmas to you - even though it isn't really what you had planned for your 2008 holiday season, you are watching miracles happen within those walls every minute you are there....hang in there.
This is just a shout out to those people to let you know that you hold a special place for me today while you are spending your time within closed walls of AAMC (or elsewhere). It's not easy - and you'll have a different appreciation for holidays from here on out, I assure you.
Our NICU parent support group has set up a breakfast for the NICU parents this morning. We are hopeful that we have a good turn out - as many of our volunteers have had to spend holidays on bedrest and/or in NICU at some point. It's certainly not the same as enjoying your family and friends, wonderful food, festive music, christmas smells of candles and pine, and all of the other good parts about the holidays. At the very least, we hope to allow the current NICU families to feel a little bit of Christmas and some parental support from those who have 'been there and done that'.
Although I won't be attending due to this cold and cough I acquired this week, I know that my fellow volunteer families will offer a wonderful support day for these parents, with lots of hope for a bright future for their children and families. Next years Christmas will be much different for them once their miracle babies have been released from the hospital and grow into such special kids. You all are very close to my heart today! Merry Christmas to you - even though it isn't really what you had planned for your 2008 holiday season, you are watching miracles happen within those walls every minute you are there....hang in there.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Eve before Christmas Eve
As I sit here so psyched that I'm done shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and ready to enjoy the next 48 hours, I am also filled with so much emotion. I'm not sure why - other than Christmas just tends to do that to me...I remember going to church on Christmas for years and sitting with a lump in my throat the whole time. I sort of feel like that today. The anticipation is awesome - just thinking about seeing the kids so excited makes me feel so happy. There truly is a magic to Christmas - if you let there be.
There were a few Christmas's in the not too distant past where I was not at all happy about the holidays. I could have just skipped them all together and been fine with that. I remember dreading the holiday season - simply because for me, it was a reminder of what I didn't have. My life without children was not what I had pictured and until I had the blessing of a child in my life, one way or another, I was going to stay in that rut. We lost our first baby 4 years + 1 week ago. That day last week I wanted so badly to blog but the words wouldn't come...as it has done for the last 3 years, I woke up sad, not remembering why until later in the day. My, how far we've come. For any of you who are still living childless, and not as your choice, don't give up. Holiday time is tough for you - it often centers around children and the wonder of Christmas. I remember wishing so much I could get beyond myself and enjoy it for what it was but when you're in THAT place, it's nearly impossible to do. Since I was like that for a period of time, I think I appreciate 'the season' that much more...
Every day for the last 3 weeks, we have been riding in the car listening to Christmas music. The kids recognize the songs, and even know some of the words. They hate when I just sing them (yes Mom, you were always right about my singing ability) and scream to have the real versions put on. I know about 4 cd's by heart now and which numbers certain songs are. They are SO into it!
Last week, I attended the kids Christmas party at school. It was great to spend some time in the classroom with them - it wasn't anything fancy, just a special lunch and gift exchange. It gave me a chance to see how their classroom is run and how my boys interact with the teachers and other kids. I left there with tears in my eyes - happiness because they were so happy and a mild sadness because the years are ticking by so quickly. They did a beautiful gift for the parents which is a treasure to me forever. It's their handprints, along with a photo of themselves and a poem reminding me that they are only small for a short while and don't forget to keep remembering that...it's a priceless gift that I'll treasure for many years to come. Even more special is the fact that Cole is crying in his photo - which I love. I love it only because that is where he was emotionally on that day when it was still really hard for him to be at school and not at home...they captured this perfectly and whenever I look at it, I will remember how far he's come.
School seems to be going well now - Cole still gives me his big sad lip when I walk in to the classroom for drop off - but he's doing much better. A few quick tears is all they get and then he's sidetracked for most of the day. He's my non-sleeper though so apparently at nap time he's up first every day and they have to pull out all of the stops to keep him from waking up the rest of the kids. Not a surprise - he obviously got that from my side of the family as none of us need much sleep to function. JD is doing really well adjusting and seems to have never skipped a beat. Both kids talk about school and their teachers non-stop when they are at home; and have really blossomed just over the last 3 weeks that they have been there.
A friend of mine warned me that sometimes when kids are in a school/daycare environment for any part of the day, they come home as little hellions because they have had to behave all day. I forgot when she called it but something like "the pre-school phenomenon"? I was happy for the warning because wow, was she right on! Before we even get into the carseats in the car on the way home, they are pulling new tricks making it nearly impossible to get loaded up and out of there. It's probably a cross between the age and this 'phenomenon'. Either way, it's a challenge.
Both kids are talking up a storm now - and saying things that make us laugh daily. It's amazing what they retain - and even more amazing how we are realizing many of the things we say and do since they are imitating us. Not always a good thing. Today we were out and I had a caffeine-free diet coke in my hand (you know, the cans are brownish in color) and JD blurts out, "MOMMY'S BEER"...
Both boys have a short list for Santa this year - they both want GUITARS. And nothing else. I have no idea how this is, as there isn't an inkling of musical talent on either side of our families. Nonetheless, they will be anxiously awaiting Santa's delivery so that they can be rock stars. Cole is still not interested in many toys other than books and balls - he is always trying to perfect his throwing and catching - including how his father instructed him to throw the beach ball at the tv so that it would come back to him and he can practice both at the same time without a partner. It's a large smooth surface that bounces the ball back really well....What happens when he's doing this with a baseball or golf ball and it goes right through the tv?
We are hosting Christmas Eve this year, which I can't wait for. It will be fun for us to have all of our family together for a fun night - as kids we spent our Christmas Eve's with our cousins and extended family and I have such fond memories of that. The cousins love to be together so I'm sure we're in for some fun (as long as JD does not continue to torment his cousin Em by stealing her toys she is so diligently lining up along the floor).
I would like to wish all of our friends, family and anyone else reading, a wonderful Christmas. Take this time to reflect on the last year and remember the good parts, and smile. I hope Santa is good to all of you - and you get all that you wish for this season and in 2009. Cheers!
There were a few Christmas's in the not too distant past where I was not at all happy about the holidays. I could have just skipped them all together and been fine with that. I remember dreading the holiday season - simply because for me, it was a reminder of what I didn't have. My life without children was not what I had pictured and until I had the blessing of a child in my life, one way or another, I was going to stay in that rut. We lost our first baby 4 years + 1 week ago. That day last week I wanted so badly to blog but the words wouldn't come...as it has done for the last 3 years, I woke up sad, not remembering why until later in the day. My, how far we've come. For any of you who are still living childless, and not as your choice, don't give up. Holiday time is tough for you - it often centers around children and the wonder of Christmas. I remember wishing so much I could get beyond myself and enjoy it for what it was but when you're in THAT place, it's nearly impossible to do. Since I was like that for a period of time, I think I appreciate 'the season' that much more...
Every day for the last 3 weeks, we have been riding in the car listening to Christmas music. The kids recognize the songs, and even know some of the words. They hate when I just sing them (yes Mom, you were always right about my singing ability) and scream to have the real versions put on. I know about 4 cd's by heart now and which numbers certain songs are. They are SO into it!
Last week, I attended the kids Christmas party at school. It was great to spend some time in the classroom with them - it wasn't anything fancy, just a special lunch and gift exchange. It gave me a chance to see how their classroom is run and how my boys interact with the teachers and other kids. I left there with tears in my eyes - happiness because they were so happy and a mild sadness because the years are ticking by so quickly. They did a beautiful gift for the parents which is a treasure to me forever. It's their handprints, along with a photo of themselves and a poem reminding me that they are only small for a short while and don't forget to keep remembering that...it's a priceless gift that I'll treasure for many years to come. Even more special is the fact that Cole is crying in his photo - which I love. I love it only because that is where he was emotionally on that day when it was still really hard for him to be at school and not at home...they captured this perfectly and whenever I look at it, I will remember how far he's come.
School seems to be going well now - Cole still gives me his big sad lip when I walk in to the classroom for drop off - but he's doing much better. A few quick tears is all they get and then he's sidetracked for most of the day. He's my non-sleeper though so apparently at nap time he's up first every day and they have to pull out all of the stops to keep him from waking up the rest of the kids. Not a surprise - he obviously got that from my side of the family as none of us need much sleep to function. JD is doing really well adjusting and seems to have never skipped a beat. Both kids talk about school and their teachers non-stop when they are at home; and have really blossomed just over the last 3 weeks that they have been there.
A friend of mine warned me that sometimes when kids are in a school/daycare environment for any part of the day, they come home as little hellions because they have had to behave all day. I forgot when she called it but something like "the pre-school phenomenon"? I was happy for the warning because wow, was she right on! Before we even get into the carseats in the car on the way home, they are pulling new tricks making it nearly impossible to get loaded up and out of there. It's probably a cross between the age and this 'phenomenon'. Either way, it's a challenge.
Both kids are talking up a storm now - and saying things that make us laugh daily. It's amazing what they retain - and even more amazing how we are realizing many of the things we say and do since they are imitating us. Not always a good thing. Today we were out and I had a caffeine-free diet coke in my hand (you know, the cans are brownish in color) and JD blurts out, "MOMMY'S BEER"...
Both boys have a short list for Santa this year - they both want GUITARS. And nothing else. I have no idea how this is, as there isn't an inkling of musical talent on either side of our families. Nonetheless, they will be anxiously awaiting Santa's delivery so that they can be rock stars. Cole is still not interested in many toys other than books and balls - he is always trying to perfect his throwing and catching - including how his father instructed him to throw the beach ball at the tv so that it would come back to him and he can practice both at the same time without a partner. It's a large smooth surface that bounces the ball back really well....What happens when he's doing this with a baseball or golf ball and it goes right through the tv?
We are hosting Christmas Eve this year, which I can't wait for. It will be fun for us to have all of our family together for a fun night - as kids we spent our Christmas Eve's with our cousins and extended family and I have such fond memories of that. The cousins love to be together so I'm sure we're in for some fun (as long as JD does not continue to torment his cousin Em by stealing her toys she is so diligently lining up along the floor).
I would like to wish all of our friends, family and anyone else reading, a wonderful Christmas. Take this time to reflect on the last year and remember the good parts, and smile. I hope Santa is good to all of you - and you get all that you wish for this season and in 2009. Cheers!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Lucky Me
About 10 or so weeks ago, I was contacted and asked to visit a new MOM on bedrest at AAMC (our local hospital). This was an interesting one - she was pregnant with Quintuplets. At that time, she was about 22 weeks pregnant I think. I visited her a few times over the next several weeks - and 2 weeks ago, she delivered her FIVE babies at 30 weeks gestation.
I was lucky enough to get to meet the babies today for the first time and see the proud Momma too. The 4 girls and 1 boy quints were all born between 2 and 3 pounds, and they all are doing incredibly well. None of them are on any breathing support, which is amazing. The smallest baby that I saw today was still only about 2 pounds, 1 ounce - and she was breathing on her own and looked beautiful. What a sight it was to see them all doing so well and just having to stay in NICU to feed and grow. It was just another reminder of the miracle of life.
Click HERE to read one of the articles in the local news.
What a Christmas gift for this Momma of five. The Grandmother and I were talking today and she's on the hunt for some Christmas preemie outfits for all of the kids - after some thought, I remembered that 2 pounders are still so tiny that even preemie clothes don't fit well. Anyone who has followed my blog since the early days remembers that I had my boys in halloween costumes purchased at the PET STORE. Think she will be offended if I point her in that direction to find some little outfits for these five little miracles? Perhaps I should just go buy them and deliver them and she'll never know the difference...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Fun winter weekend
It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away...we had a fun winter weekend filled with christmas activities. We're definitely in the spirit (aside from sitting on Santa's lap) and we were able to enjoy some time outdoors this weekend. Hope you all are getting your shopping wrapped up - it's coming fast!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Progress
We're making progress - myself included. Today's drop off was far less traumatic on all of us. When I arrived yesterday to pick them up they were in great spirits and continued to talk about things at school for a few hours in the evening. That's a good sign. Small steps, right?
Until Monday when we do it again after a 2 day weekend. I'm thinking positive though! TGIF.
Until Monday when we do it again after a 2 day weekend. I'm thinking positive though! TGIF.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Mommy Guilt
....is killer! I hate it. Today was day #2 at school, after a two day break between their first day and their second day. JD started crying when we pulled into the parking lot. He calmed before we got out of the car but the minute we walked into the classroom, he lost it. Cole held strong for a few minutes and then broke down when he realized I was not staying.
I made a quick exit and cried myself to work. The guilt for leaving them so upset has the best of me.
I know it's good for them, and I know that they will get used to it, and I know that they will be fine...I do. But it sure doesn't make it any easier to leave them both wailing screaming for Mommy...
I made a quick exit and cried myself to work. The guilt for leaving them so upset has the best of me.
I know it's good for them, and I know that they will get used to it, and I know that they will be fine...I do. But it sure doesn't make it any easier to leave them both wailing screaming for Mommy...
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