Hup 2, 3, 4 --- Come on Soldiers March!

For over a year now, we've tried our best to create a fun routine for the kids at bedtime. At around 8-8:30, I start to clap my hands and say, "Hup, 2, 3, 4, come on soldiers, march, march, march!" They love to march through the living room and lift those little legs as high as they can go.

Well, today we walked the March of Dimes as a family. Hup 2, 3, 4 in an unseasonal 86-90 degree weather...UGH. We did it though. We were one of the last teams to arrive, but we made it through, just like these little guys did for us over 2 years ago now. 

As we walked I remembered all of my friends and family and special children in my life as well as those 4 weeks that Mark and Maria spent in the NICU. We are so very lucky to have these 2. They are the greatest joy you could ever hope for in life. (We were also kinda thankful that we didn't have triplets, that stroller was heavy enough! lol) 

We can't thank you enough for all the donations we received.

Lovin' "Granma's" Meatballs and Sauce!

I think these pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

We went to the Chelsea (senior assisted living) for an Easter Egg Hunt. They had a special courtyard set up for children ages 3 and under. Mark and Maria had a great time gathering their eggs. It was a little chaotic with all of the children, but it went well and fast! In about 7 minutes it was over. It brought some sentimental tears to my eyes as I watched these 2 innocent children enjoy the simplest of pleasures.

Maria especially LOVED the bunny. Oh my gosh, she got soooo upset when we left. I had to go back and have her hug the bunny one more time. The staff took a poloroid pic as she tried to hug the bunny. My hair swooped over and completely covered Maria so she can't been seen in the pic BUT I gave it to her to hold in the car b/c  you could see the bunny clear as day.

Happy Easter! :o)

Handsome Boy

Mark had surgery one week ago yesterday. It was a rough 4 days. Recovery has been going pretty well. His activity level is not the same. He plays, but seems to tire more easily, perhaps from some pain. It was expected that he would cough some since garbage got built up inside him from the surgery, however, yesterday his coughing concerned us. So, we took him to the dr this morning. The dr felt he was too congested and wants him on a nebulizer every 4 hours and also started him on antibiotics as a precaution. We go back Monday morn and if he is still congested, we need to get an xray. Hopefully, this is just a small bump in the road.

Thanks for all of your prayers, calls, gifts and cards. It means so very much to us all.

It's a Party!

Celebrating 2

Both kids loved the firetruck. Maria loves "pretties" aka anything sparkly and girly.

We took them to Rainforest Cafe for the first time. Mark loved it. He was very excited to see and hear all of the animals. Maria, on the other hand, was a bit terrified especially when the lightening began and the apes started whoopin' it up. She's never held on to my neck so tight. Oh and she learned the word 'elephant'. 

Here's the convo: Me: Maria, let's go see the elephant. 

Maria while standing in front of the elephant: WAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! 

Maria while sitting a safe 20 feet from the elephants: Mommy, Mommy, look see, elephants. 

Me: Yes, Maria. Do you want to go see them? 

Maria: NO! 

We had fun. :o)

Hey Good Lookin' Whatcha Got Cookin'?

I saw this apron set at Target and just had to have it.

Here's a Valentine pic of my handsome boy. He is going to be a heartbreaker for sure.

Uncle Chris came to visit. They had lots of fun together.