Sending Christmas Cards

Sending Christmas cards is one of those "pains of Christmas", but it is something I HAVE to do or my holiday season is just not complete. I used to start just after Thanksgiving. I would have to start that early because just to sign my name to a card would have been insincere...or so I thought. So, I would spend hours putting pen to card to write each person a special little message....SO DUMB! Last year we sent out our first Christmas photo card, and I LOVED it! I wanted it to be a family tradition, our picture taken in our matching Christmas PJ's....but Jason was against that idea. I really don't know how I talked him into doing it last year.

But, even if we couldn't get the perfect family photo (which we did) I had this ADORABLE picture with Santa as back up.

My "thing" is I like family photos on the cards. Don't misunderstand, when I receive your Christmas photos with your babies I LOVE them. But, for some of my friends; allow me to rephrase MOST of my friends live far away and out of state so I truly enjoy seeing the entire family, so I get to see you too my friend. This year Jason and I did not get together in a timely manner to get the perfect family photo for our Christmas card...in fact I have to work on us getting family pictures more often, I do not have many at all which is silly because we all do everything together, but I digress.

In absence of the perfect family photo I tried to have my own mini photo shoot like I did at Halloween. After 2 hours back in October I FINALLY got the best picture of Kyle and Hailey together. In fact, it was so perfect I used them for halloween cards...so obviously I could not use it again. I felt with a little time and patience I could get another one....but NO!

The photo shoot above was in their christmas eve outfits and after about 45 minutes they both passed out for naps, and I in my frustration gave up on our photo shoot for the day.

I did not give up for good! Here was attempt number 2.......in their christmas day outfits.

When photo shoot #2 was a bust I called Jay in absolute fury....yeah I lost it a bit, I was stressed our cards should have been out a while ago! So he took the kids to see Santa..I sadly was derailed from attending this fun event. I left the babies in his hands to get the perfect photo so I could just make our cards and be done with it. I was sadly disappointed to see what he came home with. Of course Jason really did try. I guess he had the woman take several photos and sadly this was the best........

Not exactly the adorable perfect picture I was looking for.

After some deep breathing, a little screaming, and some photo cropping I made our christmas card.

It doesn't have all of us in it, and it isn't exactly what I imagined, but it was a card we got to send out to people we love and care for across the globe (literally). So, next time you get a christmas card particularly from a family or from someone with children, know it is not JUST a card. It is a masterpiece of art that someone spent a lot of time on. Taking, getting, picking out, cropping the perfect picture and then finding the right card to fit the chosen photos is a daunting task; done to try and bring you some holiday cheer...but in the end SO WORTH IT!

One pain of christmas that isn't so painful after all. Hope you enjoy our christmas card!

Poop-she thinks its funny!!

Who thought diaper changing- especially poopy diaper changing could actually be funny? When you change Haileys diaper she will chit chat, coo and caa, but that's just when she pees. When she has pooped she is quiet. You see her little irish eyes smile as you undress her and then when you open her diaper she CRACKS UP laughing as if to say "hahaha yes mommy I just did that, and yes mommy you have to clean it. I am a smart, beautiful, loving baby, who thinks you face changing my poop is the BEST". I actually don't mind changing her poopy diapers. The laughter she shares is intoxicating and I can not help but laugh with her. Happy Pooping =)

H1N1 Oh My!

So the debate continues on, some people vaccinate others do not. It is a parental choice. One of the many decisions you have to make as a parent. I do feel we over vaccinate to a degree. For instance: The chicken pox vaccine? I had the chicken pox. All my friends had the chicken pox. None of the people I EVER knew were hospitalized or had their lives in major risk for chicken pox. I am not saying there were not severe cases out there, but I do not feel the pox were so detrimental to children that it is best to vaccinate them. I actually enjoyed having the chicken pox. Not so much the itching, but I remember that special time staying home and my mom taking care of me. Getting to stay on the couch and watch movies. One day my mom brought down her old family movies and my brother and I got to watch them. But now your baby can't start school unless they are vaccinated.

The flu shot is a choice everyone has. I got it the last 2 years because I was pregnant. There are groups who should indeed have a higher priority in getting the flu shot...pregnant women, children, the elderly, the sick, etc. Not the ING folk...but that's another debate entirely.

This season I did vaccinate both Kyle and Hailey for the flu as well as H1N1. I was on the fence about H1N1, but then my doctor explained if it had been manufactured in time it would have been in the "regular" flu shot. I did not freak out about getting them vaccinated. They are home with me all the time so its not as though they are in as high a risk category as children in school or daycare (more day to day, touching contact with other potentially sick babies). But, when it became available both received the shot. In fact Hailey is due for her second dose..depending upon supply, next week.

The posting is a little pointless, but just a thought. Remember you are never alone. As much as a parent researches...like I did about this h1N1 vaccine, its just nice to sometimes know you are not alone, and what other mommies are doing.Plus its 3:30am and I am up =)

So whatever you decide: vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Try not to judge the mommy beside you. She is in the same boat as you, just trying to figure out what really is the BEST, most SAFE, LOVING thing to do for her baby.

Oh Christmas Tree

It's the most wonderful time of year! It's CHRISTMAS!! I LOVE Christmas. As we do every year we traveled to Norton to visit Jay's cousins and uncles to get our tree, and wreaths. I did debate getting the fake tree...thinking Kyle may be TROUBLE around the tree, but was quickly out voted, plus I have to admit I would miss our little tradition of seeing family and picking out the tree.

Thank goodness its a family lot because Kyle was everywhere

Hailey's FIRST Tree!

Helping Daddy decorate

Kyle taking the ornaments off

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving this DeVincent household had so much to be thankful for. Jason and I were thankful for our home, our lives together and our children. We are so thankful for their health and well being, their happiness, their hearts, their lives, and their presence.

I have to admit though this was NOT the most fun thanksgiving from a parent perspective. Kyle was MISERABLE just about the entire day, from beginning to end. As you can see from the picture below he was not in a very cooperative mood. He was not having pictures taken. So I snapped what I could.

Kyle and Hailey in their coordinating outfits.

This Thanksgiving was a very special thanksgiving, despite Kyle's mood or attitude. It was Hailey's FIRST THANKSGIVING!!!

A moment of brother, sister love

Hailey's FIRST TURKEY =)

Thanksgiving Jammies =) I know I am ridiculous

Kyle's jammies...yup still in a mood.

Despite it all it was a good family day. Shared with my father, grandmother, brothers and sisters and then with Jay's family. It was a long day......a REALLY long day, but a good day =)

The midnight madness activities with no babies and fun friends were just what a mom needed to unwind. Maybe next year Rhonda and I will have a better plan, oh and a little less booze =)

Baking Babies

Every year for Thanksgiving, well every year for just about every event I bake: but these photos are just of Thanksgiving Day baking =)

This is a photo of Kyle and Auntie Kate baking last year, I didn't start the blog until after so it allows everyone to see the changes in a year.
Here is Kyle this year REALLY HELPING me to bake. He helped pour ingredients into the bowl, and helped to stir. He also helped out by tasting the cookie batter and making sure everything tasted OK. I know some of you may be in shock he is sitting on the counter, but he will absolutely NOT sit in the high chair. He behaves on the counter, and really enjoys helping me cook. From breakfast in the morning to desserts, he loves it =)

Here is Miss. Hailey Bug. She was too little to help bake, but not too little to watch and learn, and laugh at us a little.

Apparently baking is exhausting because they both took super long naps afterward. Maybe I should bake more often =)

Twice The Tubby. Half The Time

After a fun filled Saturday night, where Jason and I stayed out WAY late we were exhausted on Sunday. But, we had two dirty babies who needed tubbies. Now that Hailey is sitting up very well on her own I thought we could try to put her in the tubby seat and they could share the tub. It worked out!

Of course, I missed some of the cutest pictures ever because my battery died but at least I was able to catch a little bit of this new milestone =)

The Art of Food Shopping

When you have children something as simple as food shopping can become a challenge. When it's one baby you want to make sure you go at a point in the day your little one will behave so you are not "that woman" in aisle 3.

When I had to shop with 2 babies I have to admit I was a little overwhelmed at first. The car seat holding Hailey and Kyle sitting could not both fit in the front of the cart. I couldn't put one of them in the cart because I could not fit all the groceries. Kyle was too little to walk next to me, so I would put Kyle in the front and wear Hailey in the Bjorn.

I dared one day to try the carts with the cars in the front and put Hailey in the front in her carseat. It worked, until Kyle wanted out in aisle 8. Yes, I was THAT WOMAN! The other day when we went shopping I knew it was time for Hailey to sit in the cart "like a big girl" (which hurt my heart a bit). I also noticed that the cart with the car could fit both of them in the front. So, I dared again; Kyle in the car. Hailey sat up front with my back up plan in tote. It was a very peaceful shopping experience with laughter and everything! Of course I had to take pictures, so now I am THAT WOMAN in the store trying to have a mini photo shoot. the pics. were quick because I was being stared at =)

I do have to add that I felt accomplished at the end of all my shopping trips. I always left with what I needed. I thought I was creative in keeping my Irish twins happy and for the most part well behaved while we shopped...that was until I saw a woman doing it with 5 children! If I pat myself on the back, then I have to pay om age to the woman with 5 boys who makes it out every time with everything and no drama... BITCH, no just kidding.

Vehicles, Vehicles Everywhere. Just Not One For Me.

Our family vehicle is a Buick Rendezvous. It is a combination of an SUV, luxury car and (I hate to admit) a minivan. It is a great SUV, very comfortable. The comfort is why we got it. I was uncomfortably pregnant with Kyle and wanted a vehicle with the safety seat clips (which began in 2002 vehicles) when I sat in the Rendezvous it was like sitting in a seat you could have in your home.



Here we are 2 1/2 years later and it is time for something new. Because I am always ridiculously over prepared with anything I could possibly need for the kids I need more space. The car is starting to have some issues as well. the gas gage is broken..and yes we have run out =). The muffler is getting loud, it is just time to go. Not only that, but when you have a husband in the car business he gets easily bored driving the same vehicle for so long.

Having Jay in the business you would also think it would be easy to find our ideal vehicle and its not! I refuse to have a car payment, and we want something bigger than what we have, but not too big. Picky, picky. Jay for the last few months will suggest a minivan here and there. I always refuse. I just can not picture myself in a minivan. I am not a minivan kind of girl! Last night Jase brought one home and it was beautiful. Red, fully loaded, automatic sliding doors on both sides. It was roomy and comfortable the perfect vehicle....almost, it was a MINIVAN!

I considered it, I really did! This morning I told Jay I liked it and would drive it if he loved it. I said " if you can see yourself driving a minivan day in and day out; if you are READY to be the guy that drives a minivan I will really consider it". He said NO!!!! Hahahahaha he said NO! So the search continues for the perfect vehicle. Happily! Don't worry, I'll keep you posted =).

He Gets Me, He Really Really Gets Me.

For a few months now Kyle had been able to comprehend things. For instance if you asked "where is Elmo?" he would get Elmo. Now, he actually helps and understands commands. He will bring me the phone if it rings and I am feeding Hailey. He will help me change Haileys diaper by handing me thee wipes and the diaper when I ask for them. He LOVE helping me cook. He will put the vegetables into the chopper for me to chop. Loves mixing the pancake mix. He is even beginning to pick up after himself (a little bit. I am not making my 18 month old do any hard labor).



I just realized today that Kyle and I are actually sharing mini conversations: about lunch, getting dressed, reading books, turning toys on and off. Its amazing. He is saying at least one new word a day and fully comprehending me. He even knows what warnings and time outs are. After a time out he always says sorry and gives me a hug and a kiss.



Kyle and I have shared numerous one ended conversations in the past- where I would either imagine his answer or believe by reading his face I knew his response automatically.



I truly have a hard time knowing my children are growing up. As much as I like them seeking and learning these new skills and losing a little more dependency on me, when I take a step back and take a deep breath I realize how magical it all really is. Kyle and I have shared numerous conversations, laughs, smiles, fun times and sad. The bond between a mother and child can not fully be explained, only understood by a fellow mother. Watching him learn and grow, and realizing it all has been one of the best blessings in my life =)

5 1/2 Month Old Blues

Over the last few days Hailey has been a skutch. I have had such a hard time getting anything done because she wants to be with me all the time! I love that she loves me and wants to be with me; but sometimes a momma has got to pee..or pay a little attention to the OTHER baby in the room.

Hailey has always wanted mommy. For instance at night, I am the ONLY person who she will allow to feed her. Which (I hate to say) sometimes sucks! It means I literally do every feeding. Which I know I should not complain, when she is older I will miss these days (I already do with Kyle) but a break now and again would be nice =)

I used to be able to put Hailey in the Bumbo or her swing and as long as she could see me she was fine but not these last few days!! I love you Hailey Bug but please, let me breathe! I should be grateful she started at 5 1/2 months. I can remember Jason coming home and crying to him to hold Kyle while I just brushed my teeth, and that was right up until he was mobile.

I don't mind spending all this time with Hailey. What concerns me is my lack of focus with Kyle. Luckily he is an amazing little boy and just playing hide and go seek (while holding Hailey) or chase is entertainment enough for him.

Thats all for now...I have a baby girl crying in my arms bcs. I am not talking only to her!

Lessons Learned

It is fun having two babies and seeing them interact as they grow and change. Kyle is learning so much everyday and teaching Hailey along the way. Why the first thing she learned from Kyle was screaming is still beyong me. But I love watching them together =)

Church Brings Out The Hell In Him

Jason is surprisingly religious. I have my beliefs, but have to admit I am not devout enough to want to attend church every week. Jason is quite the opposite. He had "man weekend" here at the house, literally drank for 48 hours; hung over and all he attended church that Sunday (the kids and I escaped to Falmouth that weekend).

I pray with both my babies every night thanking the powers above for all we have and the love we share;Jay doesn't do that. However, none the less Jason must attend church on Sunday. I think he feels like God will REALLY listen there as opposed to anywhere else.

We have a rambunctious and admittedly too attached 18 month old. We went into church and today the children were allowed to go into the nursery right away as opposed to after the Children's moment. Just for a hint of background I have not ever left Kyle anywhere other than my mothers house and Jays mothers house. So to drop him off in the room was hard. We heard him cry a bit and as much as I wanted to run back down, I conversed with myself and said he will be fine, especially when other kids join him. Today, no other children entered the nursery, and not even 3 minutes into today's service a woman came up requesting one of us go down to soothe him.

Of course he calmed down, but I have NEVER had to deal with him being such a hellion. I had a bigger work out in church lifting and chasing Kyle up and down the stairs and around the building than I probably do all week. One should not break into a sweat during a Sunday service.

Thankfully everyone in our church understood and even tried to help. I was given a "busy bag" for Kyle to play with during the service. Offered paper for him to draw on. I was given full access to all the toys in the nursery. Kyle was not having it. I felt like maybe I was a bad mother for not being able to properly control my 18month old; but then was told by another woman her son was 18 and is still this way. It made me feel better.

I would have thought with Kyle getting older going out and doing things, like shopping or going to church would get easier. Though there are some ups there are some downs...he has a thought, an opinion, a want that is not always in agreement with what I want. I even have to admit we have stolen a toy once. It was not on purpose..we were in Kohl's looking for something. Kyle grabbed a little teether blanket and I walked right out of the store without knowing until I had strapped both babies in the car. I know the right thing would have been to go inside and pay for the toy, but it was raining, I was tired and I just strapped BOTH babies in!

The point is Kyle is getting older and I love it. Even the new challenges sometimes just make me smile and think of new ways to deal. Today at church was not just a day it was an event. Church brought the hell out in him. I can't actually blame church, but I can give a little fault to the powers that be for making him grow up. Ahhhh 18 months rocks!

Trick or Treat

This Halloween we celebrated by throwing a costume party for the kids at Rhonda's house. OK OK so we did it to have an excuse to dress the babies up, and we had so much fun. The weather was perfect (68 degrees in October) and we were able to share the day with family and friends. Here are a few of the pictures I caught throughout the day. It was so hard to narrow them down! Such a fun day. Thanks Rhonda =)

Dorothy and her Scarecrow
Mommy trying to get a picture..

wasn't working to my advantage =)

Ryan Mulloy as an elephant

Kyle with his cousins Jameson and Wesley playing in the yard

My little Dorothy with her ruby red slippers

scarecrow

Daddy and Hailey

Kyle

Grandma raking up leaves, making fun piles to jump in

Where's Jameson?

Wes

Grandpa brought treats for all the kids!

a mini group shot

the spider-people??

Great Grandma and Hailey

Great Grandma, Grandpa and Hailey

Yay for leaves

Hailey with 2 of her older cousins and her big brother...she's in trouble =)

Family

He LOVES her

so much fun

Hailey's FIRST Halloween

Hailey and Grandpa

Halloween Outfit #2 for Kyle. I know I am ridiculous

One sleepy baby. Yes, I bought halloween pajamas for him..and they GLOW

Baby's first boo jammies =)