Meet Anthony!

Anthony is here!

He made his appearance this weekend both feet-first and a week early; clearly he heard how many illegal fireworks were puchased in NH by his dad and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to see them on the 4th of July. So we know that: he is punctual, loves surprises and is a bit of a pyro right from the womb. He's going to fit in just fine.

Here is Justin doing his best Buzz-Lightyear-Goes-to-Surgery impression.


...and now he's doing an impression of that pole that holds the IVs. All in the name of keeping spirits high. It must be working on Nina, she's smiling while she's actually walking to surgery.

He's a keeper! (that's actually a nice product shot for the iTouch there too--I'd send it to Apple, maybe get AJ's college paid for...)

There's the beautiful boy! He is absolutely perfect! Nina was the picture of grace under pressure during the whole experience. I'm not biased, the nurses and MDs all were amazed at how cool and calm she was from the moment she found out this wouldn't be a typical birth right up until she held Anthony in her arms. Justin was a fantastic birth partner-strong and calm, he kept everyone serene and did absolutely everything right.

"If I have a monument in this world, it is my son"

-Maya Angelou

The D-Word

Sweet relief. I am NOT good at keeping secrets and even worse at not talking. That stream-of-consciousness thing I do is sort of a compulsion, so I guess this could count as therapy.

New destination-appropriate outfits are ready...

Bags are packed (the butterfly one is Bill's)...

Now I just need to make it to tomorrow morning.

It is not quite what I anticipated...but their reaction got better as the morning went on. Michael was very concerned about what kind of fuel the plane runs on (?!).

April Fool's and Cognitive Psychology

yumm....grilled cheese!

G was a little confused when I served her this last night...but I blamed it on being distracted (long day, can't concentrate, blah blah blah). She found it rather easy to believe that yet again, I don't have my act together. (is there a message for me in there somewhere? that's what sublimation is for folks--let's make some crafts! )

Anyhow--this is actually slices of butter poundcake (toasted) with orange-tinted vanilla frosting. It took a few bites for her to believe it was dessert and not a grilled cheese--even after I showed her the frosting. It was interesting how long it took for her switch her thinking and not trust her eyes. Mike would not believe it no matter what we did. He would not try it.

This is what they are getting at breakfast--its not cranberry juice, it's jello. Whee! THIS is what parenting is all about, playing mindgames with your children.

Holiday Wrap-up

The holiday post is way overdue, but here are some great pics from the holidays. Santa did find our house, and he was good to everyone.

X-mas morning...notice the Zhu Zhu pets on the fireplace. They have yet to be played with (downside: out $50 bucks, upside: no lead poisoning! I think its a win).

Gia with her American Girl Doll! This the one with the llama. (as opposed to the one with the horse, the one from the depression, the homeless one--someday I'll learn their names).

And Nina with her American Girl doll. Err...I think this is the one from China....

My two little angels eating the holiday dinner. Wait, is that Mike saying grace?!?

Actually, he is squishing the roll between his hands to mash it flat. Because it "tastes better that way".

I hope you all had great holidays!!