Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A new year on the way

Well 2008 is hours away from being done with. Addie will have a significant beef with Father Time, as she's the official year sayer in her class. She's the only one who remembers it's 2008, and Miss Desi relies on her to tell everyone each day during calendar time. We'll see how she does with 2009.
I should mention that Ben wore his Santa's helper outfit to daycare on Monday, as an overcoat and winter hat. He proudly walked in shouting, "I'm Santa, ho, ho, ho." I think that'll remain in our coat closet for months to come.
I'm working on year in review post and some resolutions, but can't get to them right this moment.
Happy New Year to all. May 2009 be better than 2008!!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

some stills from Christmas

So cute
What a 3.5 year old girl can get grown men to do is beyond me.
Santa's helper
Santa's other helper 
Aunt Gail stole the show with Pass the Parcel and her unique gifts.
The dinosaur enjoying a tickle. Note  Guppy sleeping in the chair.
In hot pursuit of unwrapping.
OMG, the Wall E movie!! Hooray!
Mulan was a victim of a hungry dino (see Guppy again)
Loving his dinosaur

Aunt Danielle and Addie at MomMom and PopPop's house

more Christmas

Best reaction ever.  Makes me tear up watching this.

Ben spends hours doing this.

Friday, December 26, 2008

A preview of pictures


Wendy, Kimberly, Cory, TJ, Jeremy. Christmas Eve 2008


Lollipops were used to entice a certain 2 year old to take pictures. It's actually a great photo of the four of us. I thought I uploaded the de-red-eyed version, sorry.


A whole lotta family. Brandy, Wendy, Amanda, Benjamin, Addie, Brian, Cory, TJ, Kimberly, Jeremy, Muddy, Guppy, Gail. Christmas Eve 2008.


One of the most awesome toys ever created. Addie and Ben riding on their new dinosaur. Don't worry, there will be video posted of all he does.


Everyone had to get in on the fun.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Operation W a success!

As a Christmas surprise, I coordinated with my siblings the gift of flying Wendy home for Christmas. Onkteb, Aunt Gail, Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Amanda, Aunt Kim and I managed to pull it off without Muddy or Guppy knowing a thing. She was due to arrive last night to Philadelphia at 8:40pm. Through the horrible weather in Chicago, her flight kept getting delayed. Finally at midnight she arrived to Philadelphia and we got to wait for her luggage. By 1:40am we were home, Wendy had eaten a Capriotti's sub and we were off to bed.
Addie didn't know she was coming, because I didn't want her to mention it to Muddy. So this morning Addie knocked on her bedroom door and entered, to find a very happy Wendy (even though she must've been exhausted from traveling by air for 16 hours yesterday) who greeted her with open arms. Addie took a second to warm up, but then was all lovey with her immediately.
Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amanda arrived to our house at about 7:30am. Onkteb called to say he was on his way over, trying to beat Muddy to the house. I woke Ben up, who got to meet Wendy for the first time. He gave hugs with no problem :)
Onkteb somehow beat Muddy to the house, through some Christmas miracle (er, uh, speeding). I got to videotape Muddy's response when she saw Wendy. After the Christmas Eve and Christmas morning festivities, it'll get posted on here. Definitely worth watching. I can't wait to hear how Guppy responded.

Kim is now on the way to the ER, where they want her to have an ultrasound of her stomach, because they believe her artery is still bleeding. She's scared and sad. Please think positively again for her. She'll be really upset if she has to spend the night in the hospital- but if that's what it takes to make her healthy, then that's what she'll do. I'll stream Christmas morning for her, if possible.

From our family to your's, I hope you have a wonderful, happy, celebratory Christmas. Much love to my loyal readers.

And you better bet there will be lots of pictures of the madness and fun!!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Cute things

I better write some of these things down before I forget:
  • Last week Addie told me she needed to call Santa Claus. I, of course, called Santa and put Addie on the phone. Much to my surprise (and Santa's too!) she apologized for not being a good listener and then broke into tears. She was weeping to Santa about how sorry she was. I was on the verge of tears. I felt so badly for her. She was really having a guilt moment. Through whimpers she told him how much she really wants the BJ babies and how sorry she was. Talk about a tear jerker- Santa's voice almost changed because he was trying to console her.
  • The kids love the drive home from daycare, because I tell them which window to look out for Christmas lights. It usually goes like this, "Look out Addie's, look out Ben's, keep looking out Ben's, oh look out Addie's." and so forth for the 10 minute ride home. Without fail, each time I point out lights on Ben's side, he says, "ohh cool." Very cute.
  • Ben has picked up my use of "super duper." Each morning he has to tell me "it's super duper cold" and to be "super duper careful" on the ice. :)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Back to normal

Some pictures of recent things:
The back of my gingerbread house
An aerial shot.  That's a campfire in the front left corner.
The front.
Goofball Addie
Brian's mom's only request for Christmas was a picture of all of the kids together. Mission accomplished.

Kim is back from NYC.  Thanks for all of the positive vibes and prayers.  Her stent surgery was a success and 100% fine.  Unfortunately when they were removing the catheter from her groin, they nicked her femoral artery.  Not a good thing.  What was originally slated for a 23 hour in-patient event turned into 4 days.  But she's home now, with lots of bruising, but home nonetheless.



Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tis the season

On Monday night Muddy and Guppy picked Addie and Ben up from daycare so they could spend more time with Onkteb and Aunt Gail. Muddy made delicious spaghetti for dinner and we decorate the family Christmas tree. Overall, a nice night.

While we were having dinner, Ben was walking around doing his own thing (after devouring much spaghetti!). He was standing with is his back to the table, playing with Christmas decorations. Amongst the sound of conversation, Ben's voice booms, "Look, boobies!" He had very proudly picked up two huge gleamingly sparkly red Christmas ball decorations and cradled them to his chest.

I have never been prouder. ;)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Positive thoughts please

We just received a phone call that Kimberly will have surgery on Friday in NYC. Please think positive thoughts.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Non-Disney post

The Disney posts will resume once things from the holidays settle down.  Aunt Kim had another stroke-y experience on Friday and we're all focusing our energy on getting her better right now.

In the meantime, two special messages to LouLou and Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amanda ;) For some reason J & A's message isn't loading. I'll try again later.



Thursday, December 11, 2008

Most random Disney pictures


How four adults entertain a 3.5 year old who has gotten a little tired of waiting.
While waiting for Brian to ride the Rockin Roller coaster, Addie and Ben sat in their strollers soaking up the gorgeous sun...and they found their own ways to entertain themselves.
I was so proud. :)
No wonder Addie is a picker!! It must run in the family!

Both kids found it necessary to suck their fingers at the same time.  Weird.  They never do this- except when I took the picture.

Funny things said at Disney

From Ben: "Ahhh, my eyes," as the lights were turned on in the morning.  He and Addie both slept like rocks, from exhaustion.
From Ben: "Chill out, Daddy," spoken plain as day one morning while we were rushing to get ready to hits the parks.
From Ben: "Dat way!" He took on the role of navigator each day, directing his minions which way to turn his chariot and march on.  
From Addie: "The Wall-E movie" when Santa asked Ben what he wants for Christmas.  Granted they've never seen Wall-E, but Addie is hell bent on him receiving it for Christmas.
From Addie: "I wish for the BJ's babies."  Since we stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter, there was a fountain in the main lobby and each morning the kids were given Mardi Gras coins to make wishes with.  Without fail, Addie wished, out loud mind you, for the BJ's babies.  If anything her infatuation with the BJ's babies has proved she has stick-to-it-ness.   
From Addie: "He said buddy babies."  This one really needs a visual to truly understand.  It's what she told us after sitting on Santa's lap and requesting the BJ's babies.  She was saying it in disbelief and in a manner that said Santa was being silly.  She covered her mouth while giggling and doing her not-so-attractive whooping laugh.
From Kate: "Dat way!" imitating Ben, while telling Bub which direction to go.  It happened to be in a really crowded part of Animal Kingdom.  I had Ben with me and left ahead of the rest of the group, because he was ready to fall asleep.  I got the strollers, Ben fell asleep in his, and I was waiting for the rest of the group to meet up.  I didn't see Kate, and she didn't see me.  Hearing "Dat way!" across the crowd I managed to stop them.  It was hysterical that without that Ben-ism we would've been separated!
From Addie and Ben: "Mommy, are we flying?" the whole time we're taxing on the tarmac.  Over and over and over and over again.  At least they were saying it cutely, and not screaming like the other kids on the plane!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Worst mom ever

I know I always nag on here about how busy I am, but I'm not catching any breaks.  My house still isn't decorated for Christmas.  I'm trying little by little each night; while also managing the kids because Brian hasn't been home before 8pm all week.
I'm Cory and I'm a bad blog updater.  I'm an even worse friend, totally neglecting a bunch of my online ladies.  
The first step is acknowledgement, right??

Sunday, December 7, 2008

We're home!

Ben cuddled all of the characters, he was a hard sell on smiling for a picture at the same time.

Some pictures to get you primed for lots of Disney posts....
It was a bright 8:00am flight!
Cinderella's castle, after Cinderella's Christmas wish came true- to have her castle sparkle like her slippers

Bill aka Bub, Aunt Amanda's dad, hugging Addie goodbye- note the hair clips he's wearing!

The grown ladies- Muddy, Kate, me, Lou Lou (Louise), Amanda

Overall a fantastic time! One bad weather day, but we made it through. Lots of walking. Lots of laughter. Lots of love.  Lots of characters.  Lots of eating.  Lots of hugs. 

I'll start themed posts tomorrow.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving

minus the pictures, as I left my camera over at Muddy and Guppy's house.  I'll get it back tonight, and will hopefully have time to upload the pictures before leaving tomorrow.

Things I'm thankful for:
Two children, who are energetic, independent, smart, caring, sassy, fun, creative, happy, loving, and entertaining.  
I'm equally thankful for having a body that allowed me to carry those two beautiful children past their due dates, and allowed me to breast feed them for as long as they wanted .
My health.
My husband, the man who is the loving doting father to those two energetic children.
My siblings, that's the plus of having lots of siblings, there's always support and interest from someone about whatever is going on.
My parents, who I'm blessed with being close to, both in proximity and relationships.
My friends, both old and new.  My former co-workers who have remained friends since I left CDS are deeply cherished for many reasons, but mainly because you already know me and what I bring to the table.  To my new friends, you've got no idea what's in store for you!
My online network of girlfriends, who while I haven't met most of you, you keep me entertained and up to date in each of your lives and were here for me this past year when things weren't the happiest.
 Digital cameras and instant picture printing capabilities.
DVR
Having a job where I'm respected and appreciated for the knowledge I have. Also knowing that I have a job, even in these bad economic times.
Having a husband who works his butt off and knows he has a paycheck too.
Our house, while never fully "clean" is full of laughter, song and joy most every day.  
For a country that realized enough is enough and took a stand.  
Community Organizers/social workers/advocates/volunteers- for making the world a better place, no matter what.

Finally, I'm thankful for Disney and the fact that we are able to go again this year.  We are all SO looking forward to seeing that Mouse and all his friends.  We're equally excited to be able to spend this vacation with Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Amanda, Bill, LouLou, Kate, Muddy and Guppy.  I'm sure we'll have sooo many memories from this week together!! Can't wait til tomorrow!!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Some current pictures

Watching Tinkerbell, right now.  Addie said, "Mommy, look at this" since she knew how cute they are being.
Very proud of the building we created, using all of the blocks.  If you look closely, there are many windows and alcoves, because we always build to suit the Goofy and Donald figurines Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amanda sent for Ben's birthday.
Ben, not happily, showing off his new mittens, hat and coat.  Everywhere we go, people comment on how cute his hat is.
Fire making helpers.  Notice how Ben's head is resting on Brian's shoulder.
Carrying the firewood in to help get our first fire of fall 2008 going.
Serious bed head
My little snow bunny Addie.  The picture doesn't do the puffiness of this coat justice.  She looks like such an adorable little lady in this.

Construction man Benjamin at your service.  These are part of the presents that Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amanda gave him for his birthday.  He's got tools all around his toolbelt!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Total FREAK OUT!

You should have seen the reaction that this emailed link from Muddy received!! 
Watch for sheer amazement! (and yes, Ben got one too)
http://family.go.com/santas-list/video/8524-muddyofaddie/

Updating amongst chaos

Not sure how long this will be, as Addie and Ben throw a ball to one another, with the actual goal of  "bouncing it off your noggin."

Addie and Ben both LOVE Christmas music (which isn't shocking for those of you who know me in real life; I mean genes account for somethings right?).  Their favorite right now is "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas."  Something about that song makes them march around like nuts.  
Addie's favorite movie for the week I was in Houston was Tinkerbell.  It's an ADORABLE movie.  Ben loved it too.  
Tinkerbell was the favorite until I unearthed our copy of Elf, the Will Ferrell movie.  Addie now loves "Buddy" and has watched it every night.  Luckily for her, Brian thinks it's hysterical and very willingly cuddles up with her to watch it.  We all still laugh at certain parts.
Ben has been doing some very cute things.  He's such a little love, in general.  Each night we've also been building towers from the Big Legos he got for his birthday.  He's known for his love of knocking over towers with reckless abandon.  However, the times when the tower falls over on its own make him put his hands on his hips and exclaim, "Oh my!"  It's very funny and cute how he says it.  
We had our first snow this week too.  We had about an inch on the ground when we left for work and daycare.  It was basically Ben's first snow.  Last year we had one snow, and that was it.  If you recall from my blog, we didn't even have sleds so the kids used ghetto cookie sheets to slide down the hill.  We ran out that night to get sleds and never needed them.  Hopefully this year we'll get snow on days we can play in it.  Both were infatuated with the snow. 
Ben loves to wear his winter hat and mittens.  In fact as daycare he doesn't want to take them off.
Ok, wild ball throwing is getting rough....

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Some zingers...

Just now, Brian is sitting on the couch and Addie accidentally kicked him.  He said, "Addie, you just kicked Daddy in his no-no."  Addie replied, "Daddy, it's not a no-no.  It's a penis."  Correct!

Tonight Addie wrote her letter to Santa.  Actually she dictated it to me. I wanted to make sure I wrote down exactly what she said.  I'll have to copy the whole note once the elves retrieve it.  But as a teaser, she said, " The truth is, I've been a good listener."  Think she's a little worried Santa might have the inside scoop?!

Yes, we're alive

Not that I've gotten any "OMG, are you guys ok emails?" or anything, but I felt compelled to do a quick post to say we are indeed alive.
Busy, as usual.  We're actually on vacation starting Monday, for 2 weeks, so that should give me some time to get things posted.  
Hope everyone is somehow making it through life without my updated blog! ;)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Quick updates

I'm off to Houston this afternoon for a conference. I won't be home until about 11pm Friday night.
Addie and Ben both went to the pediatrician on Monday. Both came home with Augmentin for upper respiratory infections. They both went back today for Ben's 2 year check-up and to get flu shots. Both came home with orders to do nebulizer treatments ever 4 hours or use an inhaler and spacer every 4 hours. The spacer takes about 2 minutes; a neb treatment takes about 20 minutes. I hope they choose the inhaler!! Ben did his like a pro at the office. Addie wanted nothing to do with using the spacer for herself. We'll see. Actually Brian will see- since he's on 100% parenting duty for the next 72 hours!
Yesterday was Veterans Day and Brian had off work. He decided to keep the kids home and chill with them. I called in the afternoon to see how things were going and he informed me that they were visiting Brian's Grandmom. She's 88 years old and still on her own. Really a fiesty, fiercely independent woman. Addie was all lovey on her. Ben, as Addie said, "was scared of Great Grandmom." When I asked why, she said, "She has scary teeth." Ben then told me, "No hugs for Geat Grandmom."
After their visit Brian took them to lunch at a diner. Each ordered a drink. On Addie's lid, the waitress wrote "APPlE" for apple juice. The lady's handwriting was such that the p's looked like capital D's. Addie took one look at it and said, "Daddy!! How did they know my name?" It really does look exactly like how Addie writes her name, with capital ds. They had to save that cup, since it was so special to her.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Ben is TWO!

Ben turned two on Friday; Guppy turned 69.

Busy walking at Muddy & Guppy's house.
Enjoying cake and ice cream during Guppy's party.
His party was a jungle theme.  I made the monkey cake without any special pans or anything!
A great picture of Ben, Addie and Graham
Taking a break from the festivities for a beverage 
Cousin Matthew jumping on the moonbounce, having fun
Of course during the party, it became very apparent to Benjamin that the tarp needed mowing. 
Opening presents- we made the mistake of him opening Handy Manny and his tools first.  Handy Manny hasn't left Ben's side since.  Seriously, sleeping with him cuddled in his arms.  He's been at every meal with us, with Ben sharing some of his food and drink.
Muddy, on the Plasma Car that she and Guppy gave Ben, just a moment before running into the table and falling off of it.  *About 10 minutes later, Graham did the same thing, but knocked the lamp off the table and broke it.
Addie being a goofball.  That growth out of her head is Brian's mom.  Doesn't that look weird?!
Remember a while ago I said I got the funniest things for the kids?  This is what I was talking about.  We gave each child who attended this inflatable costume.  Ben never wore his until his party.  Apparently seeing other kids in them made it more interesting.  Each costume has velcro at the wrists & ankles.  Inside is a little fan that constantly blows (with 3 C batteries) while the person is inside.  It's HYSTERICAL to see people waddle around in them.
Addie hugging Graham the inflatable dragon

The birthday boys.