12/16/04, 12/20/04, 1/18/05, 2/02/05, 2/07/05, 2/20/05, 02/2805, 03/07/05

March 7 - Karleigh Maries Birthday!! Today our little Karleigh turns 1! I cannot believe how the time flies! I spent sometime yesterday looking at our trip photos and she is just blossoming before our eyes. Her hair has grown, her face is losing its baby chubbiness and she has shown us so much of her personality. We love her to death - one giggling hug with her face burried in our chest is all it takes to keep me going for days!! To think how blessed we are to have these hugs and smiles each day nearly full time could just make my heart explode. Because of the time zone difference, yesterday would have been the day for Karleighs birthmom to reflect on her birth. It is humbling to see how big the world is and how the powers greater than us align us and work magic. How a birth from the other side of the world, could change our life and bring us so much joy. Somehow, destinys hand in this brought us all together and has connected us for life in a way that is both complex and awesome. We will be forever greatful for the gifts we have received and the selfless acts of a mother in Kazakhstan wanting the best for her child. What a huge responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. We work hard each day to live up to her expectations and are eternally greatful. We know that we have been brought together for a special reason and that each of our lives is controlled by a force greater than ourselves. For this we are thankful. Each day I pray that we can help Karleigh and McCale see how this was meant to be, how we can help them feel whole and understand how monumental this really is. If I were to have any wish or last request it would be that my children can feel happy and satisfied with their life, believe that dreams come true and that there is a reason for everything - sometimes we dont have answers but we must believe this.We are thankful for our family and neighbors who joined us for a birthday celebration on Saturday. We enjoyed everyones company and are thrilled to know what a wonderful support system we have for our two angels. Life is good - even though there are a few bumps, people we miss and wish could have joined us, we know that in time we will all find our way to celebrate the good things. Thanks for checking in, Colene Feb. 28 I wanted to provide a quick update to let you know we are all on the mend. A few sniffles are lingering but for the most part we are back up and at 'um. We enjoyed a nice walk yesterday throughout the neighborhood and took our furbabies along. We looked like a parade going down the street. The fresh air was wonderful and put that hint of pink we all were missing back into our cheeks. This morning Dad and Mary came by for a nice visit. They really enjoyed the kids and the feeling from our side was mutual. Karleigh snuggled into Mary nicely - holding her brand spanken new Be-you-ee (Balloon) and McCale showcased his snorty face to grandpa as well as played a few rounds of roll the ball. As mentioned above, the balloon Karleigh is now attached to is new. The valentine balloons bit the dust last week and while we were in shoprite Karleigh saw a huge collection of character balloons. Her body tightened as she gasped in excitement...B! B! B! Be-you-eee!! Beyouee! Beeeeeyouu!! We checked the price of these oversized metalic puffs of joy and decided that her habit might get out of control with such a huge beyouee, so we opted to navigate to the checkout quickly, pointing child in tow. While Jeff packed up the van, I ran to the dollar store for two, regular sized balloons w/ extra long strings. Happiness prevails as Karleigh saw the be-you-ees! When we arrived home she permanently latched on to the Easter balloon and even tried to take it to bed. Beyouee hung on the door knob for the night - only to be gripped onto in the morning through breakfast and diaper changes. Remember - its the small things in life!!! Between the balloon and the empty two liter pepsi bottle - these kids have it good!! : ) The kids are napping now, Im going to see about changing the photos on the home page and feed the birds before the snow storm we expect this afternoon hits. Take care, be safe and more next week. Colene Feb. 20 Greetings from the infirmary, the cold bug hid for a short while and wholloped me like a ton of bricks slid off a 10th floor scaffold. Holy Moly, this has been a rough couple of weeks. The kids were wonderful through the weekend, we were all in the brightest of spirits, then Monday morning, BAM! From nowhere, aches set in, tight chest and tickles in the throat all which blossomed into a full blown respiratory infection with a dash of sinusitus for good measure. Luckily, Jeff was able to stay home from work a few days to help with the kids, they actually napped well this week so it was not too intrusive for his work at home schedule. It was such a help to not have to feed them in the middle of a cough session, or worse. Im recovering now with a lingering hack and a rough spot in the back of my throat that wont quit tickling. I think by tomorrow we should have seen the end of infection- Beuhla. Ofcourse, today, what to my wandering eyes should appear, but two little runny noses and a couple of chest rattles. If this goes full blown again (no nose pun intended) I think I may drive myself to drink. Ok, so it has not all been tissues and cold syrup, we have had many many good moments along the way. The kids are learning leaps and bounds, mimicing nearly all words and remembering the very importants ones. Karleigh adores her valentine balloon (be-you-ee), she loves to hold the string, she carries it with her most of the time while playing, some of the time while eating and half the time when she is getting fresh panties. The poor thing is at about half mast at this point, I hate to think what will happen when she comes down stairs looking for beyouee and its a pile of mylar and string. Her birthday is coming...!! More beyouees where that came from. McCale and Karleigh love to play ball with daddy. They have a small red ball, a mini version of what you would have played elimination with in gym class, and they chase it all around on all fours. They are very good at grabbing it from each other, resulting in the expansion of the lungs and an in-jun war cry from the previous ball-holder. So far, they both bobble with it, so most often it rolls away freely and they two banshees go on to other toys to play tug with. McCale will return the ball to you consistently when playing catch. He holds it up like shaq aiming for a three pointer and the gives it the smallest tap with minimal follow through. The ball lobs in your general direction and we cheer heartily for the victory throw!! He is pleased as punch with himself and patiently waits to have the ball retrieved for his next pose. Karleigh has been enjoying bouncing the ball. She will position herself in a corner or against the wall, legs in a V shape and will drop the ball from shoulder height letting it bounce several times before picking it back up to repeat. They are both so smart and only needed to be shown this by Jeff a few times before they figured out how fun it could be. We are slowly making the break from jar food and formula and have been introducing more solid vegetables, fruit and a transitional milk based formula. We are hoping to be able to make a transition on or about their twelfth month. So far things have been going well. McCale enjoys fresh peas, while Karleigh pops them one by one with her extended index finger, Karleigh is a cheese monger like mommy, while McCale still favors cheerios. All in all they are growing out of ther 12 month clothes faster than I can say, did you pop a button? I have to think we are doing something right. I wanted to take a moment to let those of you know there is a family in Kazakhstan now, travelling to Ecik with Emil and Gulnara, they are adopting two very beautiful children. If you are interested in their journey, here is a link... http://kaztree.blogspot.com They were kind enough to hand deliver a note and some pictures to Emil for us, we are following their every step, we are also jealous of the beautiful snow scapes they are enjoying. If you have a second, lets add a little prayer from them that their trip is smooth and they are home safe and sound soon!! Lastly, Tina....come on! Want me to get all crish-azy on WPA? Where is that referral??????? Colene Feb. 7, 2005 They'rrrr baaaahhahhk! I arrived downstairs this morning to grins, giggles, gurgles and clapping hands!! They are feeling so much better!! My two little munchkins found their way home and the two kiddos that were here last week are gone! They have been devouring two jars of food each, a couple handfuls of kicks and ofcourse "gahkas" (crackers silly, havent you been keeping up?) Their cough is diminishing and the running nose has slowed down to a jog. They feel and look so much better, the hazy glazed over stare they had and puffy eyes are now darting all about, ready to touch EVERYTHING!! McCale was on a rampage when I picked him up from his high chair..."maybe I'll touch the TV, NO! I want to bang on the kitchen cabinets, NO! Lets torment the birds and squirrels trying to eat their cracked corn on the deck!! Wow! A squirrel, EEHHHHH!!OHHHH!!!YAAHHHBABABABABABABABABAAAAAAAA!" Needless to say the squirrel didnt stick around, and I didnt get much couch time this morning. I was pulling them away from the dogs, off the fire place, away from the outlets. Who needs aerobics!! Its great to see their spirit back. Karleigh wanted to catch up on lost time with Molly, she enjoys showing Molly where her nose is. With pointer finger extended she will point to her nose, eyes, and ears. She does not utter the words yet, but I know she understands which is which. When she is feeling exeptionally generous she will point to her own and show us where they are. She is most happing prodding at our faces or the dogs tho. Molly was a good sport and just layed their while Karleigh finished her routine. Jack on the other hand, my little beagle buddy had his first lesson in sharing this morning when McCale joined him on the carpet while he munched on his early morning milk bone. Jack had just broken it up into bite sized, tender meaty, delicious morsels and was in the appropriate position (laying flat out on his tummy, hind legs extended in the froggee position) when McCale snatched up on of the stray nuggets. Before I could say boo, or well, NO! it was in his mouth faster than a piece of bacon on an atkins dieter, he was so pleased. FINALLY! A taste of what the doggees have been talking about all these months. Lucky me had the pleasure of fishing out the chunk with my fingers, carefully navigating the pointy teeth and clamping jaw. Defeated! My poor little guy sulked away in dismay, still hopeful to have a taste of raw hide some day. I cant tell you how relieved I am that they are feeling better. The endless chatter, laughter and the occasional word that only Jeff and I understand are just so uplifting. I hate to see them so down and out. Karleigh refused to let us wipe her nose, we had about 100 outbursts of protest last week from this alone, she was just plain ole' unhappy. McCale was a cuddler who wanted "UP" constantly. It was very challenging to try and make them both happy. Most of the time one child was "odd man out" and thats just frustrating. A few afternoons I had sobbing children on each arm as I tried to console them. My lower back was aching from lifting them both - now close to 42 pounds in total. Not just dead wait, but wriggling, cantankerous bundles of flegm. Wow, enough of the visuals and negativity, back to basking in the glory of happy kids. It seems each day they are learning something new, the phrase "little sponge" that everyone kept telling me is really true. I cant think of anything more priceless than when they light up in victory after mastering the Itsty bitsy spider motions, as he crawled up the water spout. Yes, it seems as if my world is so much smaller than it ever was, I loved to travel, work and play hard, try to foods, check out trendy places and have a cosmo at the W Hotel with Helen, but at the same time, the world is so much BIGGER when seen through the eyes of a child. In sickness and health, I couldnt love these two more if I tried. Now, for a special message to the friends and FAMILY (you know who you are) that have not seen the kids in person. GET YOUR BOOTIE in motion, IM ALWAYS HOME OR AT WALMART, please please come see them and me before we are getting them packed for college. At this rate we have a week or two to go. Thanks all for checking in!! You are all very special to us! Colene February 3 Hi there, Sorry this is late. I keep slipping a day later and later. I started out giving updates on Sunday. This week I do have an excuse. My two little babies are both down and very out with fairly serious colds. These are not like the colds they had last time, cranky runny nose colds, these are tight cough, chest rattle, wheezers with a never ending drain from the nostrils. Poor little things are red cheeked and not eating all that much. McCale ofcourse will manage to find room for a few cheerios no matter what, but Karleigh is pretty serious when she pushes the bottle away and tightens her lips. Its been a little draining trying to keep them both happy or at least apeased. They both want to be held, both will burst into tears at the drop of a hat and both need all the luvvin I can muster. Since I have been coughed on about a zillion times this week, not to mention the mucus wipes as I hug their tears away, I feel as if its coming my way soon. I am doubling up on the magical turtle bay vitamins Jeff and his dad swear by, Im hoping to hold back the serious symptoms, I just cant be away from them. Last night Jeff was helping, he has been so good about this, and he was consoling McCale and I had this urge from nowhere to grab my little guy from his arms and take over. Where the heck did that come from?? The urges like this and the protectiveness continues to suprise me. Im quite attached to these two and when I get to go to the store by myself I feel the need to return as fast as possible. This week I was on line at the pharmacy and I almost tore the ladies head off. Yes, its true, she was a ditz, but still and all...MOVE IT I HAVE SICK BABIES!! Wow...again, I have not felt like that in a very long time - not since the torturous wait for referrals. On a lighter note, we did have a few real good days with the kids. Grandma and Grandpa Belli came for a very nice visit and had some quality bonding time. The kids warmed up quickly and proudly showed off their new found talents. Karleigh said Kracker "gahka" and was so happy on POP POPS lap reading stories and pointing to things when he asked her where they were. McCale practised his squeeling as he mimic'd Pop Pops sounds - the two of them went at it for a long time...I think McCale misses that as ever since he has been giving us high pitched squeels and laughing at himslef. What a proud little booger. Grammy was happy on the floor playing with them and got in her fair share of cuddles as well. We took a trip to Pennsylvania to see Grandma Aug and Bill. We had a nice, albeit short visit. Jeff got the grand tour of the workshop, RV and the new addition. He also was introduced to Uncle Elmer, a large moose head in Bill's trophy room. We had planned to visit my brother Lance and Nancy this week, along with Grandpa Aug, but since the kids were sick we had to cancel. Im hoping we will all be better by this weekend so we can get out for some air. A week of confinement in the house is starting to wear a little thin. Im fighting the urges to buy things on ebay - order something or surf...I need to nap when they nap as they have been sleeping restlessly and I have an ear out for them. That being said, I think I need to cut this one short. I have some cute pictures that I will add this weekend. Thanks for checking in, sorry to be such a downer. I have to call um like I see um. Take care and may your referral dates come quickly Tina!! Im thinking of you. (also, my family is praying for you too!!) Colene January 27, 05 Hello Dear Friends! What an exciting week we have had. First the big news!! Karleigh made it through the night for a week straight!! Yes, its true!! She made a little noise here and there, but went right back to sleep!! ITS A MIRACLE!! We are feeling so much better being able to go to bed early and get up with them. I think they are happier too!! This week has been a big one!! McCale has almost all of his four front teeth in position. We are noticing a small gap between his front teeth that may require minor surgery to repair at a later time. I think this caused the little guy some extra pain as they came down. He has the cutest smile tho and uses it very often, I think this just adds character!!! We have mastered mamamamama and dadadada and for the most part the kids call us by the correct names. When Jeff arrives home from work they are very excited and often scream dadada at the top of their lungs. Karleigh has a Mariah Carey screeeech that would curdle milk. DAdeeeeeEEEEE! Its adoreable. It was Monday night that she gave him the first big welcome - from here on out she has him soo wrapped. McCale is so happy to see him he usually has a couple tears of frustration because he just cant get himself to the door fast enough. What a wonderful welcome for dad and a message of chopped liver for me. Oh well, lifes just a bunch of dirty diapers....NAHHH!! I get grins and giggles all day!! This week we have not only mastered Moma and Dada, but bye bye, complete with the hand signals to go with it. I have learned its the most fun to do this with a fist full of applesauce or other semi liquid/pastey, sticky substance. Oh yeah, big waves and cheers as Karleigh says bybybybyb and McCale BuhhBuhhBuhhBuhh. I believe Karleigh is also saying Cracker 'gahkah' but it could be wishful thinking. For sure they have "UP" under their belt as they both will extend their arms for escalation out of the high chair, off the floor, out of the crip. Sometimes one at a time, other times in unisen. The joy of hoisting 40 something pounds of squiggling baby, sticky fingers and sloshy diapers. WOW, Im making this sound really bad this week. Actually its been one of the most enjoyable weeks. Its very exciting to make connections and see them learn. Each day just gets better and better and if you remember it was a few short months ago that we were on cloud nine...the view 5 miles up from that is breathtaking!! I'm hoping someone who talks to Grandma Belli and reads this can tell her that the kids are using the walking toy she gave them for Christmas. They are trucking across the room like nobodies business. If there is a kitty-target or dog blocking the way its even more fun!! I keep forgetting to tell her this. I hate to cut this short, but Jeff is working late and the kids are fresh, clean and sleeping like angels. I think Im going to indulge and have a nice glass of wine and pull out a book until the Apprentice comes on. Have a great week! More soon. Colene alias..mamamamamamam Jan. 18, 05 First - thank you for the emails!! I love getting mail and am glad to hear from families that are following along while they wait. Please feel free to email me privately if I can help you in any way. I also would love to hear about travel dates, etc!! I won't bug you though, much anyway, I know its hard when people keep asking and you have no new news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Now for the update, I have not been going backward to read the weekly entries so Im sorry if I keep repeating myself. I am also sorry for my lack of "spell checking". I try to jump on and get the update out there and rarely re-read my note. That said, what a week we have had. The kids have been non-stop. They are both babbling, and starting to repeat on command sounds and expressions. It cracks me up when they do this and I really feel as if we are communicating. Not just - wahh...feed me, wahhh...change me, wahhh...Im tired. They are both gesturing with their hands when they want to be picked up or have finished in the high chair. Its great, they are so happy when they are understood. A friend of mine suggested more sign language as an aide for development, Im thinking this is a good idea and will be checking into it. I can sign the alphabet, but thats not going to help us. We have made great strides in the sleeping situation and Karleigh is running at about 50/50 at the moment, half of the nights she makes it all the way through. The other half could be due to indigestion as we have tried new foods. Im forever indebted to Marlee for her suggestion of replacing the midnight bottle of warm milk with room temperature water, its just not worth waking up for. We also will rub her back in the crib, not lift her out. The combination seems to be a winner and we are ALL much happier because of this. As far as walking goes, McCale is getting more daring and will travel between the couch and coffee table using one hand, he will also let go and stand for 5-6 seconds. Karleigh has a technique all her own that resembles a monkey walk. She will get on all fours and walk on her hands and feet, no knees. This is interesting to watch and she is very proud, so we will cheer for her when she does it which earns a large toothy grin with a squished up nose. You would cheer too! McCale is getting his top four teeth all at once, they seem to be on the large size, and are coming in much slower than Karleighs. Hers came through in under a week, his have been painfully lowering a little each day and are at about 1/2 way now. We have been giving him the miracle of all miracles, the Hylands teething tablets and he has been doing ok. He has been asking for a few more hugs, and Im obliged to provide them. Actually, I could hug him all day long..but he really wouldnt care for that and would let me know. Is this the startings of me being an uncool mom?? Oh well, comes with the territory. We have graduated from the Kitchen sink to the grown up "Tubby!" - we LLoooove the TUBBY! Lots of spashing and laughing for one and all. Jeff asked why they only want to splash with the large stacking cups, now, don't you think thats a silly question?? I do!! Its more fun!! Jeeesh, next he will be wondering why we only climb on the big couch!! The grins and giggles of bath time are contageous. I especially enjoy piling soap suds on their heads and making fake beards on them. This will have to hold me until October when we all sport candy corn fangs. This is what I had been waiting for!!! They are both 10 months now and its such a great stage, they learn and do something different each day. They are changing physically and Im losing the baby-burritos that I had a couple months ago. In exchange Im getting two little lap creatures that will look at a book with me, lean their heads back and smile at me with an upside down partial toothy grin. Does it get better than this??? I THINK NOT! They are napping now so Im going to try and get a few things done. Thanks for checking in!! Take care everyone! Colene Jan. 11, 05 Another week flies by, the size 6-9 month clothes are definately not possible anymore and the kids are changing by leaps and bounds. Constant babble has been the theme of the week, from loud screatching to happy giggles, they have been talking to each other non-stop. We hear alot of MAMAMAMAMA and DADADADA, but for no apparent reason. They are getting the hang of what "up" means, and will gesture to be taken out of their high chairs. We have been practising flash cards and they really enjoy seeing mommy oink like a piggie, or woof like a doggee. The big news!...Karleigh is holding her own bottle fairly well. She is even using a sippy cup, while sitting at lunch. We have a new fangled cup that will reduce spillage, thank goodness for that. McCale, he is still enjoying the lap of luxury of being bottle fed. He will lounge back sideways across your lap, stretch his arms above his head and his legs all the way out and just wait for the bottle. Im in no rush to push them, they have so many things going on now, and each exceeds in something different. They are both cruising very well, McCale is now maintaining a standing position for 3-4 seconds, then will bobble and balance himself without falling. Karleigh is not quite as daring, but is really sure footed when pulling herself up and down. We had some really great days last week, the kids were happy, not stuffed up, rested and alot of fun. I was hoping this could continue, but alas, the little guy has three teeth poking through at once and its just a little hard for him. I have no doubt that the next post will announce the arrival of two front teeth and a side tooth. This morning, we had our first real bloodshed. Karleigh bumped her lip on the floor and bit into it. I looked up to the bump and there she was with a little drip on her chin. My aching heart. We used a napkin to wipe her mouth and gave her alot of TLC which she soaked up like a sponge. She was ok in a few minutes and has an ever so slight fat lip. I gave her a frozen teether and she and McCale fought over it, making me see that neither of them were feeling all that bad. They are napping now and Im going to take the opportunity to whip around with the vac. they are into eating what they find on the floor, I missed cleaning yesterday and god knows what kind of furballs accumulate after one day around here. I was so glad to hear from Tina G. and am thinking of her...for those of you with room in your prayers, if you could say one for her - they are waiting their turn, and ever little bit helps!! Bye all!! Colene Jan 4, 2005 Happy New Year!! What an exciting year we have to look forward to! The kids will both turn 1 in March and we have a fun summer vacation planned with friends. As for our week,at the last minute we decided to go to a new years party. We had a very enjoyable time at the E&A Belli Annual Gala, I was the lucky winner of smiley boxers in the gift game and Jeff a duffel bag. The kids were pretty good and slept through the dropping of the ball in the luxury of a pack n play in their spare bedroom. They were adored my their cousins, and reciprocated the love happily. They were also able to meet Patty, Bill and the Goeb Family. Keirsten and Karleigh bonded especially well and shared many giggles on the couch together. The kids are growing like weeds. They are officially out of their 9 month gear and swimming just a little in the 12 month clothes. They are able to reach the top of the giant house toy that Butch and Christine gave them, and now they have mastered all of the features, music, spinning, rolling, twisting, they have them all. They are so very proud of this. Karleigh has started to hold her own bottle of juice. She sucks wind sometimes but is getting used to tilting the bottle up when it gets low. McCale is just as happy opening his mouth real big and chasing the nipple back and forth until we give him some. He is a real ham and likes to play and laugh. We are moving onto more grown up food, adding mashed potatoes, wheat bread and cottage cheese to the menu this week. They seem to be slowing down on their food intake. Im sure we are between spurts. McCale is standing - for a split second or two w/ no hands. He then topples backwards on the pamper padding. He has been working on this all week and is thrilled with himself when he manages to bobble two or three times before crashing. Karleigh is trying the same stunts, but she is not so daring. I can't blame her as she has had a couple of spills and little bruises from her falls. I think her extra pudge makes it just a little harder for her, but she is still ahead of the curve for her age and we are very proud of both of them. So, where are the pictures you ask?? Let me start by making excuses......I did get the tree down, decorations almost all put away, and the kitchen mostly back in order...but I did not find that cable jobbie. I think Jeff has it, and if I ask him for it we will begin a series of "what do you need that for?" "I will put pictures up" "can't I relax for a minute?"....so you see my dilemma. Perhaps I will use the "colene hour" tomorrow for a very fast shower and a search for the cable. You will know if I succeded if there is a current photo on the home page. Thanks for checking in. We will keep posting...its nice to hear from YOU tho sometimes. Drop us a line. Colene and the crew. Dec. 29th Hello Dear Friends!! We are finally recovering from a joyous Christmas!! We are so blessed to have been able to spend it with friends and family. The children had a great time and were excited with the arrival of Santa!! I have some photos to post on the front page, but in our haste of Christmas Cleaning, we seemed to have misplaced the cord to connect the camera to the computer. Im sure it will turn up soon. The week was a little crazy with cleaning, some cooking and the anticipation of guests. We were in pretty good shape as most of the wrapping and decorating was done in spare moments here and there. Jeffs mom was a huge help bringing a feast of desserts and breakfast items and Ann Marie helped alot with food as well so alot of the planning and organizing in those departments was taken from our plate. My brother Lance and his girlfriend Nancy arrived a day early so they helped watch the kids, fold laundry and keep us sane so we could put the final touches on the house. We celebrated Christmas eve with Eugene, Ann Marie and the girls, Jeffs parents, my father, The Flahertys, Lance, Nancy, and the Monks. It was a very nice gathering and we all were pleasantly warmed with egg nog and icy cold ones. The dinner, catered from Natales was good, but not all that warm. We had a small mishap with the sterno, but have learned our lesson for next year. Jeffs parents as well as Lance and Nancy stayed over, we had an enjoyable evening staying up until about three chatting and laughing. Morning came a little too early, but we chased away the fuzziness with Mimosas and a huge variety of breakfast treats. My mother and Bill came over for an early lunch and left shortly thereafter, giving the rest of us an afternoon to enjoy the fire, leftovers and the new toys we all received.The children were thrilled with the attention, new taste of holiday cookies and opening gifts, one strip of paper at a time. Im sure next year will be an entirely different story. They wore new outfits sent by Aunt Helen in Boston and looked so very cute!! Karleigh wore reindeer antlers ever so briefly and Uncle Lance snapped a photo, I will share one of these soon. McCale is healing well from his circumcision and barely,if at all, complained. He was so very brave and strong. Im very glad this is all over, I do think it was harder on us than him. Both of the critters are still pulling up, standing for a second and then tumbling down. I do think it will be any moment now for a try at a step. Karleigh is starting to hold her bottle on her own while McCale lounges back, arms extended over his head and lets us hold it for him. Im sure he could do it if he wanted, but for now, he likes the lap of luxury. I dont mind, I love giving them bottles and watching their eyes get heavy. Most of all, when they have had their fill they turn over and give the best hug. Sometimes the hug is accompanied by a large belch, not so nice, but I do have to laugh. The dogs just started barking, kicking off the baby cycle of cries from the bedroom. I have to run for now, but will post this in the mean time. More soon!!! Col December 20 The holidays are fast approaching. Somehow the tree is up, enough lights outside to be passibly festive and most of the gifts are wrapped. We are going to order in most of our holiday food this year so that takes alot of the work out of planning for the holiday. We are hoping to have a low key Christmas with the kids. Our neighbors, Joe and Pat, dropped off presents for the kids. I put them on the floor and let them try and open them up. One of the gifts was "mooing" from inside the package so they were very intrigued. Together, they pulled single strips of paper from the package, laughing and happy as clams. They uncovered the front of the box and then left it to me for the rest. It was so precious to see them opening the gift, happy and most of all, together. The kids have been hard at work practising their up/down's, meaning pull up on whatever, the couch, coffee table, my leg and then figuring out a graceful way to get down. They are both going hands free for a second or two and then will grasp back on quickly to save themselves from a fall. They are becoming very steady and its only a matter of time now, they will be walking for sure. McCale is intrigued by the Christmas tree. He likes to shake the branches, it is sparcely decorated for this reason. Now that they know about gift wrap, I have to work extra hard to keep them away from the packages. It might reduce me to tears if I had to start all over. We had a big night this week, Karleigh made it from 10pm til 630 am. What a treat for us, we could not believe it when we woke up and they had made it through the night. We both were like, did you get up? no, did you get up? no, you sure you didnt get up?? no? NO?! YEAH!!!! The world seems like such a nice place to live in when you get enough sleep. Im sure this coming week is going to be eventful, the family goal is to not lose track of the meaning of Christmas, remember the important things and enjoy one another. We are truly blessed with two beautiful miracles. I wish that everyone could be this lucky. I will keep it short this week, but will catch everyone up next week. Take care and have a special holiday. Colene Dec 13 As I write this morning, Im blessed with sound effects of two little critters, hooting - hollering and squeeling for joy, not to mention the abundance of raspberries splattering about!! All for the simple exchange of full tummies and dry pants. Wow....such a small price. They are growing like weeds!! Karleigh is now 20 pounds 28"and McCale is following close behind at 18.5 pounds and 29". They had a dr. visit last week and were greated by all of their friends, and grandma who proceeded to poke them in the leg several times. All in all it seems that they are on target and Dr. Trader even felt they would be walking in the next month or two. After the doctor visit Gramma and I took the kids to the diner. This was their first diner trip and they behaved perfectly. We sat them up in high chairs lined with seat pads and gave them cheerios until their hearts were content. They were dressed up in their Christmas finest, McCale in a santa suit and Karliegh in a plaid skirt and sweater. They received many compliments and were very happy - sharing smiles all around. Both kids are pulling themselves up very well, standing alone for a few seconds and crawling fast and furiously. There have been a few days where I was at the end of the rope trying to keep up with them as they sped off in different directions. Im sure this is just a small taste of what is around the corner. We will take each step in stride, just as they will have to. We have moved their bath from the sink to the tub as they are splish splashing like little fish. They really enjoy their time in the tub and it has also helped act as a decongestant for their stuffy noses. We are still having sleep issues, a good night gives one of us 5-6 hours sleep. Some nights we are getting 2-3 and its hard when the mornings can begin at 4am and the day ends at mid-night or so. This week we took a trip to see their cousins, aunt and grandmother in Toms River as well as trip to Pennsylvania to see gramm and Bill. We have been trying to lay low a bit so they can rest up. I know the holidays will be alot for them, and this week McCale is scheduled for his circumcision, so please say a prayer for the little guy. Our tree is up, and has been since Wednesday, but it still stands, naked, in the corner. Im hoping today will be the day we can at least get some lights on it. Its going to be fun to see the expression on the kids faces when they see it. The kids have been very lucky to learn they are on Santas good list thanks to a suprise letter and gift that arrived in the mail this week. The letter was from Jingles, the assistant head elf at the North Pole. How he has time to send a note with an adoreable personalized ornament, I will never know. I have saved the note for the childrens memory box and the ornament will be front and center on the tree as the foundation of our holiday tradition and memories. As Christmas approaches, our hearts weigh heavy due to the losses we have suffered this year. Both of my grandmothers have passed away, as well as my Aunt. In addition to this, many of my close friends have lost pets. As as we pull out the stockings and special keepsakes items that spark remembrance of all of these special souls, it makes us feel empty and sad. We are working hard to remember everyone in our hearts and think of all of the holidays that they made so very special. Although our two kids will not have had the pleasure of having these people in their lives personally, we are focusing on keeping their memories alive through our own actions and traditions. Well, on that sad note, I will go and try and love up these kids. The light in my life that keeps me going.To all, thank you for checking in. May you have a blessed holiday and remember what its all about. Family, friends and remembrance...Colene Dec. 6As we head into the holiday season the days seem to be whipping by faster and faster. Each day I look into the dining room and see a stack of unwrapped presents – then into the living room and see two holy terrors – guess the decision is made as to what I need to do. I mean holy terrors in the nicest of ways, don’t get me wrong – but jeeze louise, they are cruising! Under the table, over the pillow, dog, each other, into the clothes basket, bowls being flung around and the occasional thunk of a little head meeting the floor abruptly. I cannot turn around for a second. The quest for the dog bowl has ceased since we gave up and moved them into the laundry room – but the hole in the door for the cat to go to the basement has replaced the mystery and excitement of unchartered territories. The kids are whizzing around in the car/scooter that Ann gave them, McCale has mastered reverse and even leans back with one arm to navigate. He pushes off with both feet at a time and travels in spurts, very quick spurts mind you. He was hung up on the area rug today and became very frustrated, inch by inch he squeaked his way out of the situation and then gave a huge, almost eerie, belly laugh! AHHHA, YOU CANNOT STOP ME! This week has been a rough one sleeping wise. Three times McCale has woke up at around 2am thinking it would be a good time to pull himself up to the side of the crib and hoot and holler. Fun for him, not so fun for us. Luckily, Karleigh sleeps through this as she needs to rest up for her 4am rising. Yes, up from 2-3 then 4? –when the wiggles are over. 5 hours sleep is like a long weekend and its wearing thin. Last week we had several visitors which allowed for a hot shower and even fresh sheets!! Jeffs Mom, Marilyn came by on Tuesday and spent the night. She brought a nice, home cooked, hot chicken and stuffing casserole which was cheesy and delicious! She brought along some packaged meals for us, this is a huge, huge help. She enjoyed playing with the children and pulled the early morning shift with Karleigh giving me a couple hours more sleep. The two of them were snuggled in the guest room in bed and I think they napped together. What a nice and special bond they are developing. My mother, Marilyn (yes, same as Jeffs mom) came by on Thursday, we played with the children and visited. Mom helped a lot and spent time with the kids too. They like to snuggle with her, grab for her earrings and play with her socks. She is like a walking entertainment center! To top it all off, I was able to sneak in a few extra hours sleep this day as well. The kids met the Malinowski crew this weekend. We attended a babyshower for Christy who is expecting twins in March. The family gave us a wonderful welcome and seemed to enjoy the kids. Trevor and Miranda are getting HUGE! They are both nearly as tall as I am. Rebecca and Jackie are sprouting up too – I hope our kids don’t grow this fast!!!!! We were very touched in a funny way to see a suitcase propped open with a blanket, pillow and sign that said “Belli Children Nap Area” – a play on the fact that if we did not have cribs in Kaz that we would use a suitcase. What a wonderful family with a great sense of humor!!! We like that about them!!! The kids are really starting to blossom. I know I have said that before, but it seems like they are growing even faster. They are mastering tasks after only a few tries and are becoming so much more independent and communicative. Im loving each moment, each special smile they give me, and I know this does not sound right, but you know what I mean…each recovery from a bump or bruise, they want mommy (or daddy) and there is just nothing more special than that. Well, Miss K is starting to make noises from the crib so I had better go. No rest for the…..nahh..not going to complain. Enjoy your week! Colene November 29 Hello Everyone, Another week flies by. I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours was. Although my family was not present, we were lucky to share the day with Jeff's side. Ann Marie prepared a FEAST of all our favorites. Although she was concerned about the meal being hot, which it WAS! She has to admit she has the turkey thing down pat! If she keeps this up we will never have Thenkagiving anywhere but at her house! We enjoyed a plentiful spread of Turkey, Ham, homemade stuffing, veggies, potatoes, and the most awesome pecan pie. Lets just say, the Turkey was not the only thing that was stuffed that day!! We very much enjoyed the afternoon catching up with Ann and Bill (Ann Maries parents) and the kids just loved playing with Samantha, Stephanie and their grandparents!! McCale has taken a special liking to Jeff's brother Gene, and Karleigh is warming up well. Both kids took nice naps in the Pack n Play Uncle Gene put up for them. Lets just say its been quite some time since he has had to do that and a few chuckles were shared among the onlookers. He was a good sport tho. This week has been one amazement after another. Karleigh is standing, very well on her own, she will pull up on the laundry basket that holds the spare diapers and wipes, etc and then edge her way around the side. She has not mastered the sitting back down part and today I had to rescue the poor thing before she split her pants!! McCale is very close behind her and stands with help, he crawls like the dickens tho making a bee line to the front door or the dog bowl. I finally broke down and let him see what those nuggets look like up close. Its amazing to me that his little fist can grab up at least twenty crunchy morsels of dog food, and for the life of me I could not pry them all out. He also met the water bowl face to face. It was a very sad moment for McCale when the bowl flipped forward and doused him with a tidal wave of dog licked water. He gasped, closed his eyes, raised his fists and uttered the words only McCale can be known for..."ah-booo-booo-boo". Poor little guy, dripping wet, water rushing toward him and he was too scared to open his eyes. Mommy to the rescue, "that'll teach him"....not a chance. I have been following along in a book called "what to expect the first year" which gives a play by play of what your infant can/should/might do each month. Oh, yeah, I read it in my spare time....LOL.....No, seriously, both kids are right on target and this really pleases us. We had expected delays, planned for them, and low and behold, our cruisers are doing exactly what they are supposed to. I was reading a section about transferring items from one hand to another- I wonder, do they mean when McCale rips something out of Karleighs hands?? I was also looking for the chapter about crawling over one another and hair pulling. Guess I need the "multiples" version for those goodies. We are fostering three kittens along with the kids, dogs, cat and jeff...so hands have been full, or overfull this week. Im hoping to find good homes. Molly is getting lots more practise licking and washing the kittens and has given the kids a break, except when they have cookie puss, but who can blame her. We are due for an exciting week with lots of grandparent visits. Im so glad everyone has welcomed these two with open arms, Im also glad they want to visit so I can have one minute of alone time and perhaps even shower. Thank you all for folling along - drop us a note and tell us how you are too!! Take care, Colene (Jeff, Karleigh who is screeching like a hootowl right now, and McCale who sleeps like a little angel....wait til he gets up..)