The Blessings of February

We have one more week of Daddy being away to get through. We are ready for him to be home full time. We miss him so much.

Daddy was away for the third blizzard of this year and we luckily didn't lose power. We didn't get outside to play either, because Mommy was not able to shovel with two kids going crazy inside. Daddy took care of it when he got home and there was plenty of snow still left to play in. However, Mommy and the boys made "snow pudding" and enjoyed our time inside! Nick will tell you how to make it in the video.

Valentine's Day was also fun for us despite the snow. Nick's school party was postponed so he was a bit bummed about it. However, we had tons of fun at home with everything heart shaped and filled with chocolate!

Nick's shirt says it all!

Boys enjoying heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes and pears for breakfast.

Nick eating the melted chocolate for our chocolate/marshmallow sandwiches for lunch.
(No one said V-day was healthy!)

Nate is almost done taking the sandwich apart!

Dinner last year was spaghetti and heart shaped meatballs.

This year Mommy was not up for that.
Instead, the boys got heart shaped "sweet potatoes on a tray."
(Sweet potatoes "on a tray" is taking the already done potato, slicing it thin, and putting it in the oven with butter and brown sugar on top--
my Grandma Rose's specialty that I used to beg for as a child!)

Baby John and Aunt Francesca visited us this past week. We had a great lazy time together. John is so adorable and already smiling and cooing. Nate was enthralled with him although he was in time-out once for kicking him. It is hard not to laugh at him since he just turned 18 months today and he acts like he is going on 3. Make sure to watch the video of him and the baby. It is too cute.

The next two videos captures the best of the boys. First, Nick is imitating me "stomping" to Nate to get kisses. It is too adorable. Second, we did not teach Nate to sing "Born in the USA." We caught him doing this and I ran to get the camera. What 18 month old do you know that can sing it? I am a proud Mama of a Boss fan. We are raising this boy right!!

A Prayer....

Here is a quick video of Nate. Nick had already said our prayer before dinner, but I always forget to have the camera ready.... so we quick prayed again. Nate is adorable!

Enough Already....

So I am done with the snow. Nick isn't, but I am. The big day planned by my husband for my birthday was taken away in a blizzard. Now with the third round of snow, we have had at least two days off from school and Matt's of course away at training in southern Virginia. Such is life. Needless to say, here are some pictures from the past month. Stay safe and warm everyone!

My big boy in his Elmo pajamas.

At the Philadelphia Auto Show. The boys had a great time!

Soon, they will be off doing boy things and Mommy will be left in the dust.

Nick taking Daddy for a dream drive.

The two cutest boys.

My Birthday Blizzard. Nate lasted 10 minutes.

Mommy's birthday cake made by Daddy and Nick.

Nate after the destruction of cake.

Nate when we told him that the cake was being put away.

Nick with his heart sugar cookie tonight. We had plenty of time inside to make the dough, chill it, roll it, cut it, frost and sprinkle it!

A January Update

It has been a while since we posted with pictures, so I thought I would give everyone a January update....

New Year's Eve

Daddy and Mommy go out!

Thanks Gaga!

New Year's Day
Baby John and his proud cousins.
Someday, he can beat Nicholas up for posing with his hands on his head!

Nicholas holding John.
He loves him so much.

Nate's first time really bowling with his brother.

All dressed up for Baby John's baptism.

Off we go, and we even made it to church on time!!

Things Nate does at only 16 months old

Things Nate does that I don't want to forget and am writing here because I am too lazy to get a baby book for him like I did for Nicholas:

1) He roars like a lion and tries to make bunny noses with his face but ends up scrunching his eyes instead. Knows all animal sounds including a monkey which is his favorite.

2) Loves to dance with his mommy but only to the Cars soundtrack.

3) Loves Mickey. Cannot say Mickey so says "Mimi"

4) Doesn't nap very well. He doesn't sleep for long periods of time. Nicholas naps sometimes and when he does, it is longer than Nate.

5) Nate can jump already. He is 16 months old.

6) Carries around Curious George and sleeps with him and loves him so much.

7) Says "Jesus" and "Mary" and kisses the statue of Jesus at school right on his feet. I swear he knows that this is appropriate already.

8) Tells me no already.

9) Calls Elmo "Momo" and loves him dearly

10) Knows all movements to "The Wheels on the Bus"

11) Can say "basement" and "boo" to the Eagles.

I am sure I am forgetting some things but Nate amazes me everyday with his comprehension and verbalization of what he wants. Such a sweet little man!

Few More Christmas Pics

These pics were taken on my mom in law's camera, and I found them too cute not to share. We wish everyone a very Happy New Year and final weekend of football. It is sad for us. We are now officially rooting for a Colts-Saints Superbowl. If I have to live in this city, I don't want to have to deal with the Eagles going to the Superbowl. God help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brothers at Chuck E Cheese playing b-ball!

"On top of a snowball, I can't move in this suit...."

Daddy and Nick with their snowman!

Nick dancing with the hippo at the aquarium. Joy comes in many forms :)

Happy New Year!

The boys are officially ready to start 2010 off with a bang. Happy New Year friends and family. This family wishes you the happiest and healthiest new year. Toast to the new decade! Ten years ago tonight I met my husband and fell in love. The rest is now the Finest Family! Love you all....