Our Trip to Thomas

I just have to say that I have amazing kids! Okay, it’s a mother’s pride here, but I do have great kids! Our boys are always complimented on their behavior, and our trip to see Thomas the Tank Engine again was certainly no exception. They sat so nicely in the car for almost 2 ½ hours with several stops along the way. We stopped about 30 minutes away from the railroad at a McDonald’s to let them stretch their legs. They ran around in the outdoor play area for a little while, and then willingly with no fuss went inside with us to eat. People were amazed that after being in a car seat for so long, they still sat so nicely!

After a little indecision on my part whether or not to stop at our hotel first, we decided to go to the rail yard first. We got there just as Thomas was pulling into the station for the train 1 hour before ours. The ladies at the ticket booth said that since it wasn’t crowded we could ride right away. So, we jumped onto Thomas for our ride. It gave us a chance to explore the grounds after our trip instead of trying to squeeze things in. They seemed to enjoy the ride.

After our “ride on the rails”, we headed to the front of the train to get our picture taken with Thomas. The boys were a little busy looking at Thomas so close to really pose nicely, but we still got an okay picture with our camera. Then we were off to the exhibits where they were really a hit! The boys enjoyed playing on the train tables that were set up, and thought that the hay used to create a hay maze was hysterical. All the adults in the tent were enjoying the sound of their squeals of laughter!

So, that was pretty much it. We stayed at a very nice Best Western (with a not so great restaurant service wise-food was good though), and the boys had a great night’s sleep. We headed back for home late Wednesday to make it back for Bobby’s Physical Therapy session. All in all, Bruce and I were very proud and made sure to tell them so.

Gluttons for Punishment

I’m just starting off by saying this has been a very difficult week. Yes, I had full intentions of blogging about 9/11 (don’t worry I have comments), but then the boys and I got sick. We’ve been battling runny noses and slight coughs and fevers. They’ve also been teething again. Thank God Evan’s almost done. I shouldn’t complain about him or Bobby though. We never know they’re teething until an extra tooth shows up. Actually, I shouldn’t complain about any of the boys. They are really so good and so sweet most times. Even while uncomfortable, they’ve still been very loving and usually happy.

Now onto 9/11. Since most of you don’t know, my Aunt Donna was murdered on 9/11 along with the other 3000+ people. I loved her almost as another mother. She was a wonderful aunt, a good friend, and a fellow Maniloonatic. I’ve had my share of guilt and grief, and I have chosen to NOT be a part of most memorials because I have been victimized by the press. I have chosen to deal with my loss privately. That said, I am so tired of people ignoring my feelings and more tired of people asking questions like I have no feelings. Why would anyone ask anyone who has lost someone they loved deeply if body parts or pieces were ever located???????? Do I really appear to be that inhuman and unfeeling? No, this hasn’t happened once. After I have told people that my Aunt Donna was murdered in the attacks and after I have mentioned my deep connection with her, several people have asked about pieces or parts! I am insensed. For the curious, no they have never recovered pieces or parts. We have chosen to believe that she was at or near her desk when the plane hit in that general area. We choose to believe that her death was instantaneous and have fairly good reason to.

On a more positive note, I will never forget the kindness of all the Red Cross volunteers I came in contact with both shortly after the attack and several months later at the Family Assistance Center. They were amazing to say the least. I will also never forget the outpouring of love sent electronically from around the world (with a special remembrance for an email sent from Turkey offering hope that a victim could be found alive after more than a week). Also, a special Thank You to Don who literally picked me up off the floor when we heard the Towers fall in his office listening to Imus. And, I cannot forget Modeldad (Steve) for offering a home if I needed to get away. For those of you who were with us that night and the following days and all of you who to our surprise crowded the funeral home, you will be in my heart always.

Okay. I’m done. Back to baby stuff. Bobby is now a whopping 20 pounds, 1 ounce. William is 22 pounds, 3 ounces. Evan is 23 pounds, 8 ounces. They are doing very well. The pediatrician is very happy with their growth and progress. We have decided to take the boys back to see Thomas tomorrow. They loved their ride last time, so I’m sure it’ll be fun again! Tune in again on Wednesday for the Thomas the Tank Engine update!

Bobby and His Women!

Bobby has a thing for older women. If they are asian, all the better. He started his first "love affair" just before they turned one with an asian girl who works at the local China Buffet. Every time he saw her, he would practically dive into her arms and not want to come back to us! Again, it happened today, but with a different girl. He saw this girl, dove out of Bruce's arms to her, hugged her and blew her kisses. He's a little casanova!

By the way, Happy Grandparent's Day to all the grandparents out there!!

Cute Baby Moment

Bobby is and has always been quite a little character. Bruce reminded me to add this to today after I had already done the posting. It was too cute not to do.

All on his own, as Bobby walked onto our porch from the house he lifted his arms above his head like a gymnast who has completed a flawless routine and said, "Ta Da!" A person could get weak with cuteness like that.

"Seal" of Approval

Today, Mom and I took the boys to Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant, NJ. At first, we balked at the $9.00 admission fee per adult (under 2 is free), but then felt better when we were told it was good for all day admission. We had just missed penguin feeding. That was really disappointing because when Elmo was thinking about penguins, the boys were so excited.

When we got to the first tank of colorful tropical fish, we knew we were in for a nice time. Bobby was trying to leap out of the stroller, and Evan was standing up as much as he could in the next seat. William was very happy, too. Everyone loved the “blue” fish. They weren’t initially happy with the next tank of HUGE native fish. I think some of them were bigger than me! Soon though, Bobby was calling for the fish to come “down.” They also really enjoyed the sharks. However, when we went back after lunch, they were really upset by the commotion of feeding time in the tank.

Unfortunately, they never did get to see the penguins. They are set up pretty high-too high for the stroller bound-behind dark glass. We did take them up to the second level where there is a touch tank, a marmoset, two birds, a few more tanks, and the upper levels of the seal and shark tanks. Mom and I were brave! We took them up without strollers! The boys climbed up beautifully with William using the railing!

We washed all of our hands per instructions. The boys all touched a snail and a sea star (formerly known as a starfish). They weren’t all that impressed. Then, they spotted the seals sitting on the ledge of the tank and got so happy! They all ran over and blew kisses with many waves hello. William began laughing and running all over the place! He was exploring. Bobby also enjoyed exploring. Evan enjoyed finding a place where his brothers weren’t so that they were in three places with only Mommy and Na Na to catch them!

Overall, it was a nice day. I have to add that food was pricey, but it was fresh. They also got to try mac and cheese bites (deep fried triangles of mac and cheese-yum!) which was a nice change. Of course, I also bought chicken nuggets. We’re planning to go back as well as planning a trip to the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden.

Rudeness Dignified

We live in a relatively upscale town. Our neighborhood is fairly low key and is working middle class-ish (although McMansions are creeping in). That said, there are some extremely very rich people in town.

Mom and I took the boys to a local market today famous for its apple cider donuts (YUM!). Mom was pushing the twin stroller and I had the single. A woman walked up to her and asked if they were twins. She told the woman that they were triplets. The response was, "Are they yours?" Mom was a visibly happy that someone thought she could be their mom. Actually, my Mom is young looking, and since women are having babies older now, it's not much of a stretch. I piped up that they were my sons. The woman looked at me and fumbled, "How did you.... Uh, are they...uh...Are they...uh...Was it....ummmm?" Even though I swore I would answer back smartly the next time, I felt bad for her. I told her we were blessed with our boys through IVF, quickly ended the conversation and walked away.

What in the hell is it with people?!?!?!?! Not even Mom is safe from rudeness that generally abounds. With her standing right next to me, people will ask if I have "any help at all." Ack! I'm now in the process of trying to come up with smart ass answers for these people! A Canadian friend with triplets has suggested a response of, "Do you masterbate?" when people ask if the boys are natural followed up with, "Because that's how personal what you are asking is." I'm thinking this would kill my mother. So, for her sake, I'm ready with, "No, they are a poly cottom blend."

Labor Day

In honor of yesterday, Labor Day for future viewers, I began to think of the labors of Motherhood. Many of our jobs are done uncomplaining and full of love (like reading the same book over and over and over). But motherhood has done some things to me on top of doing things for me (like bringing me the immense joy of having the boys and getting their hugs and kisses). Motherhood has really screwed me up!

Sure, from time-to-time I would get teary at a sad part of a movie or show. Now if a puppy so much as appears on the screen I’m in desperate need of a tissue box! I was so moved by a young boy on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon that I couldn’t even see the screen any more! However, figuring that you might expect that level of emotion because such a precious child has such a debilitating disease, I’ll go on. I cry when they hug or kiss each other. I cry when they are nice to each other. I cry when I even think of their little faces when we take them to Disney World the first time! We haven’t even planned a trip!! I was near hysterics when we took them to see Thomas in June seeing them see Thomas. Not only am I teary, but I’ve lost my functional brain.

I used to have conversations with people that had absolutely nothing to do with babies. I could converse at length about Historic Preservation Laws and how they affect the siting of cellular antennas. I could give presentations on it or tutor the new people on the client side. There were even conference calls when I could take on a pretty intimidating lawyer. Now, nursery rhymes and toddler tv theme songs are in my head. I can discuss at length exactly why I thought Big Bird was selfish when he didn’t want Allen to go on vacation to Hawaii. I almost know the Doodlebop pledge. I tutor the boys’ Developmental Interventionist on Raffi riffs.

But, you know, I would not trade it for the world!

Well, maybe on the really cranky days I’d pay you to take them…….

My Brain Washed Babies

Bruce was hoping against hope that their first word would be, "Spitfire." I tried and tried to explain to him that "Spitfire" was a little difficult for a baby to say, but he held on to his dream until they said, "da da."

Not to be outdone, I believe that he has been secretly brainwashing them with airplanes whenever I'm not looking-and sometimes when I am. He has them so hooked that every morning when he gets them from their cribs, they point up at the Spitfires in their room, wave and blow them kisses.

A Dentist's Dream

Did you ever know of a kid who got angry when they were told to stop brushing their teeth? I know three! Yes, our Evan, Bobby and Will actually get mad at us when we take away their toothbrushes!
In other news, we tried to get their 18-month-old pictures taken today once again at the Picture People. This time we made an appointment. The boys did not cooperate. The pictures came out looking like we had three very sad little boys. Needless to say, we didn’t buy any pictures, and we are going to try again another time.