Super Sweetest

I was always anti-Valentine's Day. I would wear all black and mope and complain about it being another consumer holiday. Until I met my Sweetest and life changed forever!! We met 6 years ago on a blind date. A mutual friend had given him my phone number and we briefly talked on the phone and set up a date. When he showed up at my house I wasn't sure what to expect and he wasn't exactly "my type." But, when I heard him talk, I thought there was something about his voice that I found very attractive and it caught my attention! We had a wonderful date. We went out for dinner and then sat and talked for hours! By the end of the evening I knew I had found someone special!

We were engaged 5 months later and then married the following year on a cold, but beautiful November day. Three years later we had our precious boys!

When I was a teenager I had a "list." The List was all of the qualities I was looking for in a husband. And my Sweetest by far surpasses my expectations and dreams! He is a teacher, an artist, a film maker, a guitar player, a singer, and the best egg sandwhich maker EVER!

Over and over I am reminded of what a wonderful person I found! He is my best friend. We still talk and laugh for hours. He listens to all my stories and share my joys and sorrows with me. He always gives me an honest and realistic point of view while still supporting me and my dreams. He always plans special surprises for me too. When we were dating we would go to Broadway shows and he would get front row seats! And even being married and on a tighter budget he still plans special day trips to Mystic Seaport or other fun places! He always gets me the perfect gifts and knows exactly what I will love without me having to even tell him. We always joke that we are "psychicly" connected because we will call each other at the same time and funny little things like that.

My Sweetest supported me (emotionally and financially) when I decided to go back to school to pursue my Master's Degree. And again when I left my job of 8 years. And he was there with me in the happiest moments of graduating and getting my teaching certificate. And with me during the darkest days of our struggles with infertility and miscarriages.

When I was picturing who I would spend my life with I knew that person would have to want children and be an amazing father. Well, our son has been named since our first date!! We had talked that night about children and he told me he wanted to have a son named, Vincenzo.

My Sweetest is so great with the kids. He loves them so much and they know it. He works two jobs so I can stay home to raise the boys. Being a mom and being home with my babies was a dream of mine since I was very young. It was something I wasn't willing to compromise on and my Hubby understands and supports that in every way. He gets up at 5 am for work and returns each night to help with dinner, baths and bedtime routine and never complains that he is tired or doesn't want to. He gets up with them on weekend mornings so I can sleep in which is LOVELY!!! The boys know they can go to him as well as me for any needs they have.

I know that I am loved and spoiled!! And I know that I love my Sweetest so much even though I don't always say it or show it. He bears the weight of my moods and my temper often. And his love and devotion may often seem unappreciated. But, it's not. I know what a treasure I have found and I love each and every quality about him. I wouldn't want to spend my life with anyone else. I look forward to growing old together, "the best is yet to be."

Sink Bath

We went with Grandma to get the boys portraits done today! It was so much fun!!! The session didn't seem to be going well because the boys took turns crying and walking away and refusing to pose. And then they would smile, hug or laugh and the photographer wouldn't be snapping pics because she said she could only do 30 shots and didn't want to waste them. Needless to say Grandma and I were not sure what to expect of the pics. But, we were pleasantly surprised when they all came out gorgeous!!! Of course we are biased, but my goodness their little personalities were captured! And we bought sheet after sheet of just about every pose!!! I will post the pics when we get them.

After pics we went to walk around Build-A-Bear and then to the food court of the mall for dinner. Well, there is a carousel in the food court so the boys really wanted "horsey rides" and were very distracted. Cenzo kept getting up and walking away. So we told him if he didn't sit and eat he would have to go in his stroller for time-out. Well, he did it again so we put him in the stroller. He grabbed a bite of cheeseburger off the table and stuffed it in his mouth as he went into the stroller.

Then he cried and screamed with a mouth full of burger, he started coughing and then gagged and threw up! UGH!!!! Thankfully Grandma and Hubby cleaned it up cause I can't stand vomit (although who does like it, right??) He got cleaned up and we rode the carousel and the night ended on a good note. It was so much fun!!! The boys really enjoyed their time with Grandma!

Cenzo reeked of vomit on the car ride home so he needed a bath. Hubby and I were exhausted from wrangling the boys at their photo shoot. SO I decided to do a "sink bath." We used to do sink baths when they were little and then at 9 months or so moved them to the tub. Every once in a while we will do a sink bath and its like a special treat. Cenzo was SO excited. When I put him in the warm, soapy water he said "awww, I yuv sink baps" (translation: I love sink baths)
It was so cute. And I had to admit I love sink baths too. Its one on one time with them and it reminds me of when they were smaller. They used to be teeny tiny preemies and now they are big 35 pounders so its hard to remember how needy they once were. Sink baths are also so much easier on my back than the tub ones, LOL!

and then the bottom fell out...

Well, I was "this close" to a dream opportunity. A friend of ours called this week to say she may be selling her house and would we be interested. YES!! Absolutely. Its in a fantastic area, great neighborhood, good school system, more space!!! YES!!! The neighborhood reminds me of the one I grew up in where kids could play safely in the driveways and street and have fun together. My neighborhood friends were among the best I will ever have!

Lately I have been stressing over school issues because the boys are almost 3 and will be attending preschool in the fall. Time and again I have been hearing that Luccio wold receive better services and be eligible for different preschool programs if we lived in another town.

So when this opportunity came up we jumped at it!! I called the mortgage company and we can get approved (miracles happen!!!) and then the real estate agent came to give us an estimate of what we can sell our house for yesterday and it will come close to what we will need to make. So it was falling into place!! We were going to put our house on the market tomorrow. I was imagining my boys running through that yard!

Then... I got a call today. The house is part of an "affordable program" where your income has to qualify. Well, the good news is we qualify because the median income rate went up!! YEAH!!! BUT, so did the price of the house. BUMMER!! We were crunching the numbers down to the pennies and trying to "make it work." So this new development takes us out of the running!

It felt like a punch to the stomach. I called my dad and it made me feel better. But, I am still bummed. I know it was only a couple of days that we were even considering this, but I truly felt it would happen.

Our current house is a cozy home for our boys to grow up in and we are blessed to have a home that we can afford without stress in these crazy economic times. But, still....I REALLY wanted that neighborhood for my babies. UGH!!!

Cozy Nests

Last summer we had night after sleepless night happening at our house.  One of our 2 year olds, Vincenzo, had developed a fear or anxiety about being in his bed.  Since it was light out when we put them to sleep around 7 pm he was fine going to bed, but he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming as if he was having a nightmare and it became almost impossible to get him back to sleep without lots of rocking, cuddling and coaxing.   We even resorted to leaving the door to his room open with the hall or bathroom light on all night.  It seemed to help a little.  But, the cure came when we started to help him build a "nest' in his bed.  We let him choose a few stuffed animals and a favorite blanket.  It became part of our routine to tuck in "fluffy" his beloved blankie and his "animals" that include a big mickey mouse and a baby mickey.

Worked like a charm.  He felt safe and nestled in at night and the waking up and screaming ceased.  He has added to his nest as time has gone on and now has several animals including Goofy, Donald Duck and a few teddy bears.  At bedtime everyone has to be accounted for and tucked in with him.

Luccio has started to build a nest too.  He still has his Wubbas at night

(see O Wubba post for details) and he has a few "woof woofs" and bears.  

For Christmas I made the boys their own quilts and they love to have them tucked around them at bedtime.  

Their beds look like they are getting smaller and smaller, but are so cozy.  Tucking everyone in with their Lovies has become a nighttime ritual that we all look forward to.  It's a nice end to the evening routine and helps everyone get some sleep!!

Almost as much fun as California...

My parents were supposed to go away this week to a spa and resort in San Diego. My dad was going to be taking a class for work and mom was going along to enjoy a break from winter!
Unfortunately because of the bad economy and some stress at work, the trip was canceled! Bummer!! So the boys and I consoled Stregga by spending the day with her. And we kept her busy folding basket after basket of laundry!!

I don't know if it's because we have twins or if there is magic happening, but our laundry baskets are ALWAYS full!! It's like a never ending fountain of clothing!!

I usually do laundry on Monday and Thursdays for the most part. Then Hubby or I will throw in random loads here and there. The problem is the folding and putting away. Sometimes I fold them right away but then the boys will be napping so I can't put them away. Other times we just pile one load on top of the other. That is what happened this week. I felt like I was drowning in the sea of clothes piling up in my room. So Stregga took pity on my and came over to fold and fold and fold...and put away!!

She even cleaned my bedroom and dusted- WOO HOO!!
And the boys entertained us with their funny antics!

I don't know, but I think Stregga would agree that it was by far better than relaxing by the pool at some swanky resort in sunny California!

Clean Up, Everbody Do Your Share...

Our house has gotten overrun with toys. Big toys, little toys, plastic toys, noisy toys, learning toys, musical toys...too many toys!!! Right before the holidays we did a major clean up and gave some toys away. Well, 2 months later here we are again with more toys than 2 humans could ever play with. Lately, I have been feeling so claustrophobic, like our tiny house is closing in on me. When I go into the playroom I feel my chest tighten when I look around at the mess.

Before I had children I used to swear that I would NEVER let my kids have so much junk! My nephew used to tease me and say "what are your kids going to play with cardboard boxes?" And I used to say "YES!" I pictured simplicity. But, I gave in to consumerism. I went overboard. At Christmas time I was insane, I was more excited than they were and I do love all of the fun things we have. But, I feel like they don't appreciate it because there is too much. SO I am not saying I need to throw everything away, just shuffle and rotate them a bit. And pass on what we don't need or use anymore.

So today I had enough. I reached my limit! And I didn't get there quietly. I started off just moving things around, then I started loading baskets of toys and trucks and junk and moving it to the garage. As I was doing this, the boys were following after me taking things out of bins and dumping the baskets I just re-organized.

I lost it, completely lost my mind! Luckily Hubby was home and came downstairs to the playroom and started loading up garbage bags and helped get the chaos under control!

Now we have less toys and more room to play, YEAH!!! We have baskets for cars, for people, for cooking supplies, for musical toys. We put puzzles and large building blocks and a pop up tunnel in the closet. We organized the Book Nook. And you can actually see the train table now!!!

We parted with more toys than the boys would have liked, but they will get over it. Luccio went out with Daddy for the afternoon and Cenzo went over to Stregga and Papa's. By the time they see the cleaned up playroom tomorrow all they will know is they can see their toys and the floor!! Hopefully they won't remember what is missing. And will enjoy what they have!!

Don't wear your size on the outside...

I've been so sick of winter and feeling blah. So I was excited to get out this A.M. for some shopping time. Hubby had the boys entertained so off I went.

I headed to a local children's clothing store to check out their winter clearance sale. I hit the jackpot!! All of the fall and winter clothes were 70% off and the summer clothes were 90% off!! WOO HOO!! So, if you are mathematically challenged like me that means the sale prices for 70% off clothing was $5-$7 and the 90% clothes were $1-$2!!! Now that is a sale! I basically bought two of everything item in the boys' sizes. I am trying 3T for summer and 4T for fall. I figure if its too big then I can just use them the following year.

Next I decided to stop by Fashion Bug because I wanted a new scarf. I have been feeling so frumpy and fat lately that it's ridiculous. I figured maybe a cute scarf would hide all that. Well, they didn't have scarves, but the sale going on was 55% off clearance prices! SO, since I didn't have the kids with me I grabbed armfuls of clothes and tried on tons of shirts. I found quite a few I liked!

I bought a big pile of shirts and even got 2 new bras. I cannot even tell you how old my current one is. But, it has seen better days. One side of the underwire has been missing for months. It fell out in the dryer never to be seen again. On some people that wouldn't be a big deal, but when your BBs need their own zip code like mine do, underwire is essential!!!!!

Normally I avoid buying clothes for myself because nothing fits quite like it used to and it's so much more fun to buy for the boys. Plus, I always feel super guilty spending money on myself!

But, today I was dressed so bad I just couldn't take it. I was wearing maternity jeans (from when I was pregnant 30 months ago!!) and a shirt that I normally wear to bed, but it was the only clean thing that fit.

Needless to say its been awhile since I treated myself to a new wardrobe. I noticed the sizes run differently these days. I had to buy much larger sizes that I used to. Hmmm....is it the winter weight or did they start changing the number system?? LOL!!!

Either way, they fit! So I was happy. And like my mother in law says "don't wear your size on the outside, dress in what flatters your body."

I wasn't brave enough to try on jeans. So I will be sticking with my fave maternity ones, but don't tell anyone!!!

Mommy Too Big

Today, I dropped the boys off for a class on their own for the first time!! We have been going to a toddler gym class together for about a year now. And this semester they are offering a class for 2-3 yr. olds called "Crafty Climbers." The kids have free play time on the gym equipment, organized activity, make a craft and have snack all in 90 minutes. I debated a bit if the boys were ready or if I was for such a big step. I decided it would be good for them on many levels. First of all because they are with me so much, I thought a break for all of us would be nice. I think the structure of a class would be good for them. they will get a chance to play with friends and follow directions from a different adult for a change. And prepare them a bit for preschool which will be coming in the fall.

Luccio loves going to the gym and could care less if I go or not. He is fairly agreeable and easy going when it comes to stuff like that. Vincenzo on the other hand is a Nervous Nellie like me. So I started 2 or 3 weeks ago preparing him for the fact that he was going to "school." I told him he was going with Luccio and they were going to play and have activity and snack. So he said "Mommy come too." I told him I couldn't because I was too big and its for kids. Well, he latched onto that idea and for the past 2 weeks he has been telling everyone, "Mommy too big." Most people have no idea what he is talking about and think he is just referencing my hefty weight gain. Its not great for my self esteem to hear over and over, "Mommy too big." But, it got the point across to my 2 year old.

So today I brought the boys in to "school" and Cenzo repeated over and over his mantra "Mommy too big" as we drove. When we arrived he was ready to go. We took off their jackets and shoes and Luccio ran into the gym without a look back. Cenzo came up to me and with a shy look waited to see what he should do. He said one last "Mommy too big, I stay with Luccio. Mommy get coffee." Then we did our 2 kisses and a high five and he smiled and ran off!!

No drama, no tears. Big boys going to class, WOW!! It was gratifying!! And I got so much done in that hour! I visited 2 preschools, shopped at the Parent-teacher Store and got my coffee. And I still was 15 mins. early for pick-up! When I arrived the door what closed but I could still hear Cenzo's loud voice yapping away! LOL! And it sounded like a lot of laughter going on so I was relieved!

When the teacher came out and addressed those of us waiting Mamas it felt like it was grading time for us! We all began asking her questions immediately. She started with one mom telling her that her son lead the pack, another 2 she told that their sons had some tantrums but straightened up their act as time went on and ended up really enjoying themselves. One mom had left her little boy in tears so she was already feeling worried and the teacher confirmed her worst fears that D. was the saddest in the class, awwww, poor little guy and poor mom! I wanted to hug her. Then it was my turn. She said my Little Bear puts his foot down and wants what he wants when he wants it. He was screaming at her at open point so she had to remind him to use his words! OMG!! She went on to other moms. Then I asked her, well what about Cenzo? "He was perfect!" she said. Sigh of relief because he was the one I had been anxious about.

Then the line of kids came out and mass chaos ensued. The boys were carrying monkey magnets that they had made. Luccio saw me and came running, he was showing me his craft and yelling, "I did it! I did It!!!" They were so proud of themselves and their crafts!! I was almost in tears at that point because they were so adorable!

As we put their shoes on, Luccio lost his monkey magnet. We searched and couldn't find it. So we sadly had to leave without it.

Once we got home they went straight for a nap and slept 4 hours! When they got up Hubby was home so the boys told him about school. The only clear phrase was "Mommy too big!"

Then my parents called and talked to them on speaker phone and asked the boys about school. And of course Cenzo told them, "Mommy too big."

Ahh, great! But, my goodness I am proud of these boys. Even my little Bear and his impatience, LOL!!

Oh and by the way, when I changed into my jammies I found the monkey magnet, it had fallen down my shirt.

So, if I monkey magnet can get lost in my shirt and I can't feel it, then I have to agree, "Mommy too big!!"

Mother of Boys

Well, we had an interesting Sunday.
It started with Luccio waking up at 5:30 am, ugh!!
I am NOT a morning person at all.
Before 7 am is still nighttime to me.
I convinced him to stay in his bed until 6:30and then I dragged my self out to the couch.

It was Hubby's day to sleep in so I tried my best to wrangle the boys and keep them quiet,

no small feat.

Then Hubby took Cenzo to get his haircut. The poor kid had been asking for a haircut for 3 weeks now! Don't ask me how a 2 yr old knows when his hair needs a new do', but he does!

He left looking like my little baby and came home looking like a little man.
A handsome little man though!

We finally got both boys sleeping and I ran to my bed to nap. Then the doorbell rang! UGH!
I am sure most people with small children can relate to the fact that
we consider naptime sacred.

Doorbell ringing is unacceptable!!
However it was a very nice neighbor dropping off cupcakes for the boys
so I couldn't stay too mad!
Especially since the boys were still sleeping.
I quickly ate a cupcake and ran back to back to bed!
I never ended up really napping because a cycle of phone calls was coming in.
But, I rested.

Then Hubby headed to his Dad's for a Super Bowl Party.
And my Dad came over to pick up Luccio for a Guy's Outing!
So Luccio and Papa headed off to Barnes & Noble and the Mall!

Cenzo and I spent the afternoon playing with cars and Mickey Mouse characters.

A few hours later when Luccio got home we had dinner and decided to that
since Daddy was off having Guy's Night,
we would have a party of our own.

Now as a Mother of Boys,
I was left home to watch the Super Bowl football game with the little guys.
As many people can attest I am not a Sporty Girl to say the least.
In fact, the most football I have seen was in the movie Varsity Blues starring the guy from Dawson's Creek. So, needless to say the boys didn't get a real rundown of the game.
But, we put the Super Bowl on for background noise as we played a game of nerfball!!
There was running and cheering just like in Varsity Blues!!
And Cenzo actually got really into watching the game on TV for a few minutes
and tried to do some of the moves..

Luccio on the other hand
thought resting on the couch with toys
was better idea!

Like mother like son!!!