Quinn Central

A Visit to the Providence Children's Museum

2011-07-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

Paul had a few days off and gets comped rooms at Foxwoods all the time in the summer so we headed north and Stayed at Foxwoods MGM for a few days. On our way up we went to the Providence Children's Museum and we played there and had lunch from a nearby cafe. Paul and Emme explored and played together all day. It was nice because he works so much that he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with them and do fun things like this too often. However by the evening he complained his back was killing him. I said I have no pity for you- Welcome to my world- this is what it is like watching kids all day! He didn't like my humor but I told him it was the truth! haha He swore it was from climbing the kiddie climber and he didn't really fit. So I told him I do things like that all the time and he is in much better shape than me! He was not going to win this one!

Exploring how water flows

Paul building his creation.... wait isn't he supposed to be playing with Emme!

Can you see my tooth? I know my blue eyes have eaten you up and you will give me whatever I want!

I make her do this at home too!

Boing!

Paul and Emme in the "CLIMBER!"

Jack and I waited in the shade and took pics of Daddy and Emme in the "Climber."

Paul teaching Emme to crawl through a tunnel

Getting ready to leave

By the way wishing a Happy 5 month Birthday to Baby Jack!

Jack's First Food- Carrots!

2011-07-09T23:25:00.001-05:00

What is this crap? This is not my milk!

May I try your pasta instead?

I will take it in and then spit it all back out. They will never know.

Give it to me. I will do it myself.

I said give it to me.......

I want the spoon now so I can dump this nasty stuff off and chew on the spoon.

Look at this now I am in trouble.

Well as you can see from the above photos, Jack was not very happy eating his first real food. Jack has not ever had cereal or formula and we make all of our own baby food. Emme's first food was carrots too. She liked them better though. Next up will be some banana or corn. I know he will love his baby yogurt but that has to wait until he is 6 months. He will be 5 months old in a couple of days. Jack is doing great. He sucks his thumb/ fingers to soothe his gums and he still rarely cries. He is so laid back. Emme was pretty laid back too but Jack is much more so. Emme learned how to drink from a cup with no lid or straw and manages nicely but often forgets she is holding a cup without a lid and jumps or something crazy. She is so sweet with her brother and when she gets in trouble or knows she has done something wrong so says "Sorry Mommy'" in the sweetest, cutest innocent way that makes my heart melt. She recently started telling Paul and I that we are her best friends and she randomly tells us she loves us and hugs and kisses us without us saying it first. She has been doing that with Jack for awhile now and we were getting a little jealous. She hugs and kisses him ALL the time. We have to watch that she doesn't crush him or smother him with her hugs and kisses though. He's a big boy though he can take most of it!

Morning at the Playground

2011-07-09T22:10:00.001-05:00

All this watching Emme run all over makes me sleepy

So we woke up this morning all hyped up to go to music class- even Paul was going to come with us for part of the class before he had to leave for work when it dawned one me. There was no class this week since Ernie was on vacation. CRAP. I was just finishing Emme's braids when I actually said out loud that there was no music class today. Obviously I had not had my morning coffee because that one statement instantly set off the mother of all meltdowns. Even the offering of m& m's couldn't calm that howling mess. So I calmly told her that if she stopped crying I would take to her the cool playground that we see from the parking lot of music class that I never take her to. And that maybe if she stops crying Daddy can come too. It took a bit of cajoling but she came around. Paul even drove her to Dunkin Doniuts first and Jack and I met them at the playground. Disaster averted! Yessssss! Until of course Paul had to leave for work and she cried. But I told her he would be home for a bunch of days and we would be doing fun stuff with him so she calmed down.

Then to top it all off she even behaved while we ran errands.

Emme's Dental Checkup

2011-07-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

So 24 hours after my root canal I find myself back at the dentist's office. Not for me thank goodness! Emme is having her check up and it went great. I love this dental office. It is amazing. They make the kids feel like superstars- so comfortable and they are so nice and explain everything. Emme picked out cotton candy cleaner for her teeth and got a new toothbrush and a light up ring! We did find out that the attachment of her upper lip is very low from the gum line. It is hereditary and it will mean she needs braces if we don't have it snipped. If we do have the surgery to snip it she most likely will not need braces since her teeth have nice spacing. The dentist asked which one of us- Paul or I had the low attachment and I didn't know so she checked my gums and it's not me. Sorry Emme- you have Daddy to thank for that one. But we don't have to worry about it until she is 8 or so. After Emme was done, the dentist presented Jack with his first toothbrush to celebrate his first tooth. Great now I have three mouths to brush. I must be doing a good job with Emme's since there were no cavities! YAY!

Since Emme's best bud Natalie had a dental appointment earlier that morning we decided to meet for lunch. The girls had such a nice time and Marianne and I had a good time catching up too. Jack of course slept like an angel until the end of our meal.

Root Canal!

2011-07-05T21:58:00.001-05:00

So I have had this tooth that really doesn't bother me much but is completely full of filling. I felt something funny a few months back and when I mentioned it to the dentist he suggested I get a root canal. Now you might think that he just wanted to make some money but I have had this tooth refilled 3 times in the past that inevitably it would need a root canal. So I scheduled myself for today. Today arrived and I had a fresh wave of panic. What if the medicine they give me messes up my breastmilk? What if something happens to me and I have to have major surgery? What if my sister goes into labor while watching my kids and I can't even go get them? Why am I even doing this when I am not even in pain? I SOOOO doubted the entire thing but went through with it anyway. I have to tell you it was awesome. Well as awesome as root canals can go. The dentist was pleasant, nice, explained everything ( I have had 5 prior ones with other dentists) double checked everything -medicines and all to make sure it was compatible with my milk. I still needed many shots of Novocaine since my body just doesn't like to let go. But the procedure went great and I left on Cloud 9 and it wasn't from drugs!

I met up with Jeanine ( who did not go into labor! PHEW) and headed down to my mom's to help her pack for her move. I completely forgot I had major surgery in my mouth except for the one time I bit down on a munchkin and reality set in. Other than that I had no pain and needed no further meds. Then just before bed I stuck my finger in Jack's mouth to see what all the fuss was about him trying to put his whole hand in his mouth and what did I find but a little bottom tooth! I will never forget that. I lost one and he got one! Not even 5 months old and a tooth to boot!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

This must be the new way to smile.Jack is convinced Emme has joined Mommy at the Funny Farm!

Today Emme wanted to use a glue stick. I showed her how to use it and I cut up a bunch of scrap paper and she stayed quiet and busy for over an hour. SO FREAKING AMAZING. I have already stockpiled a bunch of paper for those times when I need her to do something that doesn't involve her wrapping herself around my leg as I try to load the dishwahser etc. I was very impressed she did not waste the glue stick or glue herself or anything else together that wasn't supposed to be! So proud of my budding little artist. She says she likes to do "collage." She also asked to use the scissor but I only let her cut stuff while I do her hair since that completely preoccupies her.

Another Busy Saturday

2011-07-02T21:15:00.003-05:00

Our day started with music class of course and then a mad dash to Home Depot for our free monthly project. This month we constructed a holder for coasters. We had a blast as usual and you can see from the pic above all of Emme's pins she has earned from her projects. Next we headed to Bobby & Keri's to celebrate Bobby's belated 40th! It turned out great. Paul's cousin's kids were up visiting their grandparents and they were able to come to the party so all the kids had a great time playing together.

Here Emme is showing off her (poor) throwing skills. She completely missed her cousin. But her cousin had great catching form!

Emme and her cousins

Roasting marshmallows with her big brother

Jack hanging out with Grandpa Q!

Jack and his big brother Paul Jr.

Everyone had a blast. All the food was yummy and Paul of course had to work but he made it by for a quick to go bite to eat. Then he was able to get back after work and we hung out until 11! with Bobby and Keri. I am so happy we were able to come since Emme was at the doctor yesterday and got a positive strep test! She has been coughing for over a week but she never complains. I finally took her since she had some fevers that seemed to only come at night. She started the antibiotics yesterday and there was a complete turn around change. I am so glad she is feeling better and none of the rest of us got it.

First Day of Summer Vacation!

2011-06-29T21:06:00.001-05:00

Well technically it is the first day of my summer vacation as Emme and Jack have been off since Monday. They got to spend some fun time with my sister Jeanine who did not send me any photos to put on the blog of their fun adventures! So today we hung at home and made some swirly crayons out of some old crayons that I had at school. Emme loved sorting them by hues and we baked them up and had a blast making a mess!

Emme's Reese's Peanut Butter cup shaped crayons decorate her paper and my table pad! Yikes!

My sweet little Jackie and his big blue eyes. He is the sweetest baby ever. Hardly ever cries and is always so pleasant. He has been sucking away on his fingers and thumb. I think he might be teething already! Not even 5 months yet!

Busiest Saturday Ever

2011-06-26T23:46:00.001-05:00

We started at Music Together class, stopped for our weekly Dunkin Donut treat and then headed home for a nap.

Next stop Uncle Christopher's to celebrate his birthday. Emme had a blast visiting family, playing with the cat, eating yummy cake and dressing up in Aunt Keri's shoes!

Finally we headed home and rushed over to the high school to catch the school bus over to Reis Park for Somers Annual Fourth of July (early) celebration. We caught the last bus and hiked to the field so fast. As soon as the fireworks began they were really loud and Emme started to whine she had to use the bathroom. I pulled up our blanket and headed to the "dirty potty" (Port a Potty) It was pitch black and I had Jack in the Baby Bjorn. What a sight! Here I am trying to get her on the potty in the dark with a 17lb monster hanging from my front and my butt propping open the door only to find out there is no toilet paper. I can't close the door and leave her alone in the potty in the dark while I check the others for paper. My bag is caught on my back tangled with the bjorn straps so I can't get to my wipes and there are huge bangs of fireworks going off. We had an awesome view. SO I had to wait until someone came over and I had them get some tissue. Now I have to try to wipe her not let Jack or her touch anything, get her off and out without getting slammed by the door. What an ordeal. At least when it was all over and the wipes came out with the sanitizer Emme had calmed down and we repositioned our blanket closer to the exit and were able to enjoy the rest of the show.

SO SO SO annoyed that Paul was away this weekend for his pool tournament. He missed a lot of fun stuff and we missed him a ton. But I am glad we were able to go to all the events and enjoy them without too much hassling or meltdowns.

Picasso in Training

2011-06-21T22:39:00.001-05:00

How do you keep a straight face? Ok so I shouldn't have left her at the table while I fed Jack. I should have known her creative juices would have come forth and created a monster. The eerie silence should have told me turn around but I just couldn't. At least I was smart enough to have disrobed her prior to her watercolor adventure. Thank you Grammy and Papa for the nice gift. I never thought watercolors could be so vivid and beautiful on someone's face! Of course we were late to wherever we were supposed to be going to as usual.

Excellent Scorekeeping!

2011-06-20T22:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Emme came and sat with me at the score table while I did some work. She wanted to write on some scribe sheets so I gave her some blanks. I think she did a great job as both a scribe and score keeper. Whoever was running this dog was super fast! Great job Emme with your zeros!

Fun Weekend

2011-06-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

Even though we didn't Q for our ADCH, everyone had a great weekend. Jack rolled over for the first time, we ran some great runs with the dogs and Jack rode his first big boy swing. Many of my agility friends are planning their next trial but I am taking this return to agility slow. It is so hard to compete and take care of two little ones. My parents are a great help but it is still hard to manage all these things in your head and compete on top of it all. I am so lucky that Emme and Jack are so good or I would never even be able to get out of the house never mind hang out in a hot field all weekend. Hopefully we will be able to trial before the end of the summer.

Blackthorne Weekend

2011-06-18T22:19:00.001-05:00

Jack and Papa Mike decked out in their Adidas Blues!

Roll

Roll Over- He did it a bunch of times. So proud! He definitely has enough weight behind him to move him over!

So we were going for our ADCH today and I had a great partner and Tom and I ran clean. I think we did awesome but our partners Larry and Ginger made a few errors and we were over time. I have never been so nervous in my life. I was glad to have run clean though. Even though we didn't Q I wouldn't mind pairing with them again. Still one leg to go for the ADCH!

Lazy Sunday

2011-06-12T22:11:00.001-05:00

Planting the seeds in the little garden.

Here I go riding down the path.

After the planning and prepping for Jeanine's shower for the past few weeks, I needed to rest so Paul and Emme gardened all morning. Then he kept her busy riding her tricycle and playing outside. And finally he cooked me a delicious dinner so I was able to relax. As you can see from the picture above Jack got the memo that today was a a day of rest for mommy and he cooperated perfectly as usual. He is soooo good.

Jeanine's Baby Shower

2011-06-11T21:54:00.003-05:00

Today was Jeanine's Baby Shower. We had an awesome day. Jeanine and Kevin were showered with so many gifts and well wishes for their new baby girl due at the beginning of August. We chose the theme of Eric Carle and the party was held at Frankie and Johnnie's The Pine Restaurant. Now we just have to wait for Baby Mac to arrive!

Kiddie helpers

Baby cupcakes

The Very Hugry Caterpillar Cupcake Cake

Also a very Happy 4 month Birthday to Baby Jackie!!!!

Still Loving Her Brother

2011-06-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am so lucky. Emme has adjusted so nicely to her brother's arrival. Potty training has been done for awhile now and she is really becoming more mature. She is so helpful although the terrible two whining phase has begun. I HATE WHINING! I think it is worse than nails on a chalkboard. It incenses me to the point where I just want to scream. Also Emme has some insatiable desire to rub, pet,kiss, hug and squeeze Jack's head like he is a puppy. She has no concern for his skull although his soft spot was closed extrememly early. I guess he knew what was coming. Aside from this the kids are happy together. Even the pups enjoy an extra face to lick!

The Dance Festival at school went superbly. We were the finale. It went so fast but the kids did a great job and so did we coordinating, yelling, practicing, yelling, making sure they were doing the right thing, yelling-- OK I did the yelling, Marianne and my mom did the rest. A HUGE THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALLISON MICKELSON for getting the kids to move and groove to Bruce Springsteen. We had to choose a song from specific composers and I chose Bruce since I had a ton of albums and like him but let me tell you after listening to more than two hundred tracks there was only one I found to be appropriate for school use- I'm a Rocker. Everything else was about drugs, sex, drinking, and rock and roll.

Twins

2011-06-07T21:33:00.002-05:00

Can you see the resemblance??? Both sporting their Adidas Clima Cool gear and blue eyes to match!

Father's Day Project at Home Depot

2011-06-04T18:39:00.001-05:00

After music class we headed to the free Home Depot Kids' Project Center to make a Father's Day project for Paul. Emme and I made a wooden valet for Paul to put all of his crap er I mean things in so they aren't all over the house! Now he won't be able to blame us for his stuff gone missing!

Emme and her project!

Happy June

2011-06-02T12:35:00.002-05:00

Here is a pic of Emme and a sleeping Jack leaving for school. I can't wait for school to be over so I can spend all day with my kiddies.

SNOOKER SUPER Q!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-31T12:22:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to say that Tom Jones is only one leg away from his ADCH which is a huge accomplishment for us. Memorial Day weekend we were in Saratoga for Y Agility's trial and we Super Q'ed on a really tough course that ate up a lot of greedy competitors who were going for lots of points. We kept it simple which is so hard since I have been trying to get this last snooker leg for awhile but we did it and we placed fourth. What I thought was even cooler was that Tom's sister Bean with Shannon Kelly and his cousin Zeke with Jeannie Bonsignore also placed and super Q'ed too on the same course!

We have been competing now for almost 4 years and I have had two babies during that time. I have taken a good amount of time off and Tom is always so good about jumping right back into the game. We have has some ups and downs but I have truly loved every second so far. Coming this far is an accomplishment in itself. Now all we need is a pairs leg and it will be our ADCH! Then we can set our next agility goal!

Getting Big

2011-05-25T12:14:00.009-05:00

Baby Jackie is getting big- FAST. He is really trying to sit himself up, has great control of his head and is grabbing at things and putting them into his mouth. Here he is for the first time in his high chair eating his number links.

On another note I have been back to work now for three weeks. It is so tough leaving both of them so early in the morning at their school to go teach at my school. I am finally into a good schedule at my job where I am back with my class, pumping on a good schedule and I am getting stuff done. We are very busy preparing for the dance festival that will be in two weeks. HUGE THANKS to Allison Mickelson for helping out so so so so so much choreographing our dance. My mom, Marianne, myself and all of our students cannot thank you enough. I am sure it will be great!!

Bathtime with Elmo

2011-05-24T22:04:00.001-05:00

What could Jack possibly be staring so hard at? His Elmo toy that is hanging from my cabinet knob. Since I find it extremely easy to bath him on my kitchen counter I need to find something that would keep my counter/ cabinets/ anything on or near the tub dry from his "fountain." He likes to pee in the tub or should I say out of the tub! So I hung this Elmo bath toy that is waterproof from the cabinet and now when he pees, Elmo catches it! SO when tub time is over Elmo is cleaned right along with the tub and my kitchen remains dry and clean!

A Naughty Girl and A BLUE EYED Baby Boy!

2011-05-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

Jack's First Trial

2011-05-22T21:38:00.001-05:00

Breeze, Abbie, Smartie, Jerry, Jack, Emme, Tom, Maddie & ROO!

This was taken on the last day of my first trial back after having Jack. We didn't get any Q's but we ran a ton. It felt great getting back into the swing of things even though I know it will be a slow, long process of getting back into shape and the dogs too! Jerry has shown a lot of maturing and he follows the courses better instead of doing "his own thing." Tom is amazing- just jumped back in and all of the mistakes we made were mine so I can't complain. My mom is exhausted after now having to keep an eye on two but good thing Jack is still staioned in his stroller. Wait until both kids are up and moving. Hopefully by then Emme will be running her own dog! ( the two dogs on the right are our friend Lauren's dogs- ROO stays with us when Lauren goes away on long trips- she is so fun and Emme loves her)

Hanging Out

2011-05-21T21:31:00.001-05:00

Jack amuses himself at dog trials by sleeping A LOT! We are outdoors all day so he gets a lot of fresh air.

Emme loves to be in the ex-pen. This is her choice. She likes to be locked up with the dogs. She sings to them and dances around them and occasionally snuggles up with one and rests. Don't worry someone is always watching her with them. We don't just lock her up and go run our dogs. My mom is stationed just outside the gate with Jack.

Here is Jack's first picture at Stew Leonard's Little Farm!

Random Pictures

2011-05-19T22:49:00.001-05:00

Devil

Angel

Peaceful

Look at me... I still have Blue eyes!!!!!!!!!!

Emme faking sleep and Jerry the protector keeping an eye on Jackie!!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T23:37:00.001-05:00

Today we hung out at home for Mother's Day. Paul cooked breakfast and let me nap a little which I never get to do. The kids made awesome projects at school for me with the help of their wonderful teachers of course. Paul got me a nice spa gift certificate from the kids and the dogs. Now we just have to get Paul to stay home and babysit! It was agreat day.

After dinner Ellen surprised us with a visit. We haven't seen Ellen in awhile so it was a nice surprise.

Mother's Day Project and Dinner

2011-05-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

Emme is up to her 5th pin on her Home Depot apron. Today we went to Home Depot for the Kid's Project Day. We love going because we work on little wooden projects together that are easy and it's FREE. Today Emme made a Mother's Day planter with Paul.

Later that night we went to dinner with Paul's side of the family to celebrate Mother's Day. Here are a few shots from the evening of Aunt Keri and Emme sharing dessert and Uncle Bob and Baby Jackie sharing a nap!

2011-05-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

My dad won a raffle for tickets to the Intrepid last year so of course we waited until the day before they expired to use them. We had a great time. I'd never been to the Intrepid before so it was great to finally get to go. Emme loved all the fun kids' stuff and the arts and crafts. Jack decided that today was the day he was going to poop and it was a mess. I had to wash out his jeans in the sink and then tried to dry them using the hand dryers! The drying wasn't too successful but one of the staff members offered to throw it in the clothes dryer they have there! I was so worried about bringing a change of clothes for the potty training princess, I never thought to bring extra clothes for Jack. After the Intrepid we went to dinner at a really good diner nearby. To top off the day Mr Jack pooped again and had to wear Emme's pants home.

Emme's First Starbucks

2011-04-30T14:09:00.000-05:00

At the SPCA Walkathon today, there was a Starbucks giving out FREE drinks to all walkers and vendors. Since we were there representing PCOTC, our dog training center, I let Emme get a Raspberry Tea. She drank a little and decided she didn't like it. I think she is a Dunkin Donuts gal like me!

The Many Faces of Jack

2011-04-26T12:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

Poor Jack I didn't even get a picture of him. Hopefully someone else did!

Coloring Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T17:38:00.000-05:00

As you can see someone enjoyed this very much. We only lost one egg!

The Bronx Zoo

2011-04-21T17:23:00.000-05:00

Today we met my cousin Moriah and her two girls for a visit to the zoo. The kids had a great time. We got there early and good thing. It was the first nice day during the week off from school and it got packed. By the time we were ready to leave the meltdowns were in full swing. However all kids were zonked out after only a few minutes in the car.

Stepping Stones Children's Museum

2011-04-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Norwalk with the kids to the Stepping Stones Children's Museum. It was packed but it was awesome. Emme had a blast running from room to room tearing through the place and wasn't responsible for cleaning anything up. I wasn't either so that was worth the price of admission right there. Paul Jr. met up with us and played along with Emme. They had such a fun time.

I caught one!

Everything was hands on and lifelike. There were so many different exhibits it could keep kids of many ages busy and happy. Emme's favorites were the floor piano, the school bus with working seat belt, horn and windshield wipers and the scan it grocery shop.

Learning to scan products is the first step in Major League Shopping

Scrub those teeth!

Working in the Energy Lab

Chess anyone?

Rock Slide

Outside in the pavilion there was a stage, a ton of soft climbing mats, life size chess pieces, a rock slide and some ball and ramp experiments. Kids could run and smack each other with pool noodles and it was partially covered so even in the rain you could go outside.

Hanging with my big brother

I hate Insurance Companies

2011-04-18T23:21:00.001-05:00

Better yet- I have had it with my ob/gyn. I am still bitter about having to switch to a new doctor when I was 17 weeks pregnant with Jack. Since I arrived at the office of what was 2 doctors and 2 midwives all that is left is one doctor with whom no one seems to get along with and a midwife who is leaving at the end of the month. I still have an open incision so I am going to great lengths to get it healed so I can leave too. So back to why I hate insurance companies. The fabulous doctor I described above refused to do Jack's circumcision in the hospital because "she doesn't do circumcisions- that is the midwife's job." The midwife had that weekend off that I was in the hospital because the doc was to go on vacation for the following week and a half and she would be the only one on call. The doctor told me it would be done in her office by the midwife as soon as I was discharged. I asked if it would be a problem with insurance since I was already precertified for the procedure in the hospital. She said it wouldn't and it was done frequently so I thought nothing of it even when the nurses gave me a look when it was not done in the hospital. So when I went to the office and they asked me for a referral I was shocked. I couldn't produce a referral yet since Jack didn't have his own insurance (he was covered under mine for the first 31 days) but they kept telling me I needed one from his doctor. They even called his pediatrician whom Jack had not yet seen and they told them they couldn't give a referral because he wasn't their patient yet and he had no ID number. This went on for an hour and a half with all of us including the ped calling the insurance company to see how we could handle it. I was in hysterics wanting to leave, Paul was trying to calm my post partum mood swing and keep Jack happy when finally the secretary said it was cleared that Jack could have the circumcision- they got the ok from the insurance company.

SO WHY did I get a statement of the insurance company refusing to pay and the office telling me they refused to eat the bill?? So today I spent almost an hour and a half on the phone with three different people and got three different answers as to why they are not paying when finally someone said that the office sent the bill to the wrong place and that is why it wasn't covered. Well now we will really see if that is true. Stay tuned- I am sure this is not the end of this! All the while my mom and Jeanine came and entertained the kids while I fought with these nasty people. UGH!

WHUD Kids Fair

2011-04-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Today is rained. No it poured. It was awful and I wanted to get out and do something so we headed to the County Center and checked out the Kids Fair. It was ok. Emme had a great time running around and checking everything out. Some stuff she was still too small to do like the big slide and the bounce house which she was not happy she couldn't do but she was entertained as was Jack and I for the bulk of the day. Our favorites were the "meet and greet" with the characters, the ponies from the farm, the little animals from Muscoot Farm, the touch tank from the Maritime Aquarium and all the nature stuff from the Parks Department.

Emme & Jack's First Trip to the Museum of Natural History

2011-04-14T18:25:00.006-05:00

My dad won tickets to the museum in a raffle so we decided to head down to the city and go. It was a really nice day so we arrived and ate lunch outside and watched the dogs in the dog park. Then we went inside and ventured through the halls. Emme liked the dinosaurs but wanted to know where they were. All she could see were bones! She enjoyed the Asian and African mammals hall because they depicted real life animals that she could relate with. Jack slept through most of it but his eyes were wide eyed with the elephant! On the way home Emme snacked on some cheez doodles and a Sport bottle of water. We ended up making a number of emergency stops along the way since she drank almost the whole thing! Thank goodness I keep the little bjorn potty seat in the trunk!

Beautiful Day for the Park

2011-04-11T18:23:00.000-05:00

Big Boy Jack

2011-04-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Jack went in for his 2 month check up and he is the size of a four month old. The doctor had to double check with me that this was his 2 month appt. He is almost 12 and half pounds and 23 and one quarter inches long. He is not fat with little rolls- just long and lean with little chicken legs and fat cheeks! Emme was 1.5 lbs smaller at her 2 month appt. He looks great and she said his murmur sounds a lot smaller than when she originally listened when he was a few days old. He even had a shot in his leg and didn't cry. What a good boy! He has grown out of most 0-3 month clothes because he has little diesel arms that don't fit through the sleeves! The best part of all is that his eyes are still blue :) :) :) Emme's were dark brown by this time. My father in law, my side of the family and I are all hoping they stay blue.

Trash to Treasure

2011-04-10T23:51:00.000-05:00

Yes more trash- I mean toys for the yard says Emme!

I love my new playhouse!

I am sure most of you think I am crazy but yes I love to shop for what people throw out. Not always in the trash but tag sales, consignment sales and shops, craigslist and yes even people's driveways on bulk trash days! I am not ashamed as I have found some awesome stuff for little to nothing. Most of Emme's clothes and shoes are secondhand although you wouldn't know it. So on the way home from the party today I spied a Little Tikes outdoor playhouse by the curb about 5 blocks from our house. I had Paul pull over and I even rang the bell to ask the owner if it was worth taking. They said it had some marker on the windowsill and table but I am the Queen of Goo Gone and other fabulous products that remove crayon etc from walls so it shouldn't be a problem. Paul dropped us off and went back to get it. He washed it off and assembled it and it needs two new bolts which he has in his work truck so it will be perfect. We can powerwash it when we do the rest of the outdoor toys in a few weeks and it will be as good as new. The cost $0. LOVE IT!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cousin Jillian

2011-04-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

Emme & Jillian eating cake!

Jack the sociallite and Aunt Jeanine

Today was Jillian's Baptism and since her birthday was not too long ago they had one big party for her. When we told Emme we were going to a party her response was.... "Will there be cake??" We told her yes and she said. "I love cake, it's my favorite!" She takes after me for sure in the sweet treat department. The kids had a blast and my cousin Moriah and her husband Bill threw a great party. We can't wait to see them again soon.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

2011-04-08T23:44:00.008-05:00

I can only imagine what these two were doing before I walked into the room. But nothing was broken, no one was crying and Jack didn't look like he had been bear hugged so I will just have to keep my eyes on them.

Big Girl Bed

2011-04-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

ready for bed!

What a fiasco. I have been searching for the past two months for the allen key to take the rail off Emme's crib. She is potty trained and I am tired of hoisting her in and out of the crib int he middle of the night when she cries to go "pee pee." I even had bought a crib rail and today, finally I came across the allen key that fits the crib. So of course the rail is off and it's two hours until bedtime. I assemble the bed rail and I was puzzled. When I went to purchase it I had specifically said I wanted to put it on a crib but in teeny tiny print it states that it cannot be used on a crib only an adult bed. Then why was I misinformed. I cannot use it now and I refuse to put the rail back on the bed. So I call around and find out that the crib I have never manufactured a toddler rail even though they were supposed to and the full bed conversion kit is no longer made so I am screwed. Great! So Babies r Us tells me they have a crib rail in stock and I can come and purchase it. ( I decided to keep the other rail because Emme will be getting a twin bed or bunk bed this summer. )

I arrive at the store to pick up the rail and on the box it shows a crib with a rail and it says "Crib Rail" but why on the back of the box does it say Do not use on toddler bed, bunk bed.... Use only on an approved adult bed and adult mattress????? Does this make sense. So I buy it because it is now 1 hour until bedtime and we have no solution. As a last hope I stopped at the consignment shop to see if they had any used bed rails and no luck. BUT ALAS as I was walking out of the shop I noticed a cherry wood toddler bed that matches our furniture. It uses a crib mattress and the owner gladly will disassemble it and put it in my car even though technically they are closing. ( I buy a lot from them so they love me!)

finally put together

So in the end the crib rail from Toys R us was $75 and the cherry wood toddler bed in really good condition ended up costing $55 with my coupon. I suppose we will be going back to Toys r Us tomorrow to make a return! We came home and I assembled it and put the sheets and mattress on and Emme loved it. She was so proud of herself and so are we. Paul came home and disassembled the crib. Jack will eventually end up in it this summer when Emme moves to her new room. Now the true test will she stay in the bed when we say good night and close the door or are we in for a night of visits?? We shall see.

A Smile for Mommy

2011-04-05T18:55:00.000-05:00

As far as my kids are concerned when they were infants I was not Mommy, I was a milk factory. Jack wants nothing else to do with me other than eat. No snuggling, no sitting content on my lap. Just food all the time. Anyone else can hold him and he will fall asleep or coo and smile. Not for me. At least not until today. It took him almost 8 weeks to smile at me other than the happy milk drunk smile as he was eating. I am so happy.

Cardiologist Appointment

2011-04-04T18:45:00.003-05:00

Brave Jack

Jack went in for his follow up appointment with the cardiologist today. At 5 days old the pediatrician heard a murmur and referred us to see a cardiologist. She said not to worry too much about it since murmurs are common in newborns because they are finalizing their cardiac structure and closing up the holes and sometimes it takes a little longer to close. The first appointment was three weeks ago when Jack was about four weeks old. We got good news in that the three holes Jack has in his heart are really nothing to worry about at all. They should close up on their own by age 1 and even if they don't the holes will not grow but Jack will. The hole in the upper part of the heart was a fetal structure- a trap door that will just go away- it was for use in utero. The lower two holes are a muscular defect but the doctor could only see them on an ultrasound with contrast so that was really great news. Even today he still heard the murmur but the EKG looked awesome and Jack has grown 3 pounds in 3 weeks! The doctor called him a fat pork chop! He said for him to be growing so well is just another positive that the heart is healthy and the murmurs are nothing to worry about. We don't have to go back until August and I jokingly said Jack might be a grown man by then at the rate of his growth!

Surprise! Happy Birthday / Retirement Uncle Sev!

2011-04-03T18:37:00.002-05:00

Today we went to a surprise birthday/ retirement for Paul's Uncle Sev. He is an amazing guy. He is very artistic and a real jokester. So it was good to get him by surprising him this way. He had no idea. We had a great time and this was the first time both kids got to take pictures with Grandpa Q. Paul's dad is doing very well and was able to come to the party and really enjoy himself. It is so great to be able to celebrate together.

Home Depot Kids and Friendly's

2011-04-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

working hard

I did it!

What a ham!

Nothing like cramming your Saturday with lots of fun stuff for the kids. We went to Music Together class first. Today was the beginning of a new session- Maracas! Emme and Jack both enjoyed it and Jack stayed awake for the whole thing. Then we headed off to Home Depot for the Kids project. Emme made a planter box. We avoided a meltdown by the skin of our teeth because Emme wanted poofy cheese doodles and this little boy took the last bag. I told her the crunchy ones had more doodles in the bag and she would have "extra!" and she bought it. Whew! Then we met Jeanine for lunch at Friendly's and I must say Emme LOVES her conehead sundaes. Can you tell by her expression?

Minnie's Masquerade at the Mall

2011-04-01T14:37:00.001-05:00

Radio Disney came to our local mall to do crafts, games and giveaways for the kids with a Minnie's Masquerade theme. Minnie didn't come but the kids made masks and hats, watched a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode and answered questions about it and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in general. I picked Emme up from school early and changed her into her Minnie Mouse costume and shoes. Emme had a good time with her buddy Erin. Erin answered a bunch of questions and won some magnets which she shared with Emme. After it was over the kids wanted to get their feet measured in Stride Rite and look at shoes. They rode the carousel and spun the Kidgets wheel and got prizes. Emme picked out these big red lips that ended up being a kazoo. She was hysterical every time she blew into them. She wore them almost the whole rest of the day!

My New Favorite Photos

2011-03-30T22:10:00.001-05:00

Paul and I are so incredibly blessed to have two amazing kids. Emme absolutely adores Baby Jack. She has been so good with him.The transition has gone very well so far. They are going to be best buds. I can see it already. She sings to him and tells it "It's okay Baby Jackie" in this sweet little voice I have never before heard when she hears him crying. She demands I feed him as soon as he starts to cry. Even today when I was in the kitchen he spit up on his shirt and she came running in to tell me "change him! He threw up on his shirt" She is such a good helper too. Although she questions me when I ask her to throw away diapers. She says "Poopie in here?" If I say yes she hold it with two fingers away from her body like it was toxic or something. She cracks me up!

The "Quinn" Scale

2011-03-29T21:37:00.002-05:00

Baby Jack in the "Quinn Scale" with Nurse Jeannie and Emme

I absolutely adore my pediatricians. They are a husband and wife team whose office is below their home on a horse farm literaly less than 4 minutes from my house. They answer the phones themselves off hours and on weekends and will have the kids come in if needed during those times too. They are amazing. The office is comfy and really child oriented. Each room is painted a bright color and each has its own animal theme. There is a huge fish aquarium in the waiting room and there are usually an array of animals waiting to be visited after the appointment including cats, goat, pig, horses, miniature horse and dogs. There is a swingset and lots of cool stickers, band aids and lolipops which Emme can't get enough of. There was only one thing that I didn't like and that was that they did not have a baby scale. Since Emme started with them as an infant we would have to rig my infant car seat onto the regular scale. This wasn't too much of a problem for most people because their car seats would fit on the scale. My car seat is the heaviest of all and it is awkward on the bottom and if it wasn't rigged just right it would fall off or give an inaccurate reading.

So I asked why they didn't have one. Everyone said ask Dr. Greg. So I kept asking him when he was going to buy one (in the nicest way ever :) I even made him rig the car seat for Jack on the scale the first few times I brought him to show Dr Greg just how tough it was. He finally broke down and said he ordered one. No one believed him. Until today when Jeannie the nurse called me. I answered the phone to "hi Michelle Quinn- Guess what? Today is a historic day............." I was a little confused at first and I thought it had to do with insurance and then it hit me and I was so excited. They told me I had to come in and have Jack weighed right away so he could christen the scale.

We couldn't get there right away since I had to get Emme so Jack was the second one on the scale but if you look carefully at the picture they decided to name the scale after Baby Jack. The new scale's name is Quinn! Oh yeah and FAT Baby Jack is 11 pounds 5 ounces! and he isn't even 7 weeks old yet! Emme weighed that much at 3 months!

Musical Emme

2011-03-29T19:03:00.018-05:00

Today we stopped by to visit Paul's aunt and uncle and Emme "found" the piano. I was very impressed she didn't smash the keys like some kids do to make the noisiest music. We have a toy piano at home and Emme likes it a lot. I thought it was very cute how she asked Aunt Dos to come and sit with her to play music. Aunt Dos and Uncle Sev's daughter Laura is an amazing vocalist and Emme likes her a lot. Laura also teaches Music Together classes and sings the songs to Emme when we are visiting. Hopefully one day Emme will take piano lessons.

Future Rock Star

2011-03-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if this constitutes as "dress up" or "dress down." I came to check on Emme and this is how I found her!

Handsome FAT Jack

2011-03-22T07:35:00.001-05:00

Jack is growing like a weed. He is so long. I just put these overalls on him and I think this is the only time he will wear them since the snaps on his bottom keep popping open! Oh well at least Emme got good use out of them!

Music Together

2011-03-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

We love Music Together classes and the best part is Jack is free with a paid older sibling until he is one. I take him every week since Paul works and he sits quietly watching everything. He has been going since he was three weeks old. This week I solicited my sister into coming and helping out since I can't hold, bounce, dance with etc both of them at the same time.

Jack's First Trip to the Bronx Zoo

2011-03-18T19:15:00.002-05:00

Jack didn't do much at the zoo except sleep, but the rest of us had a great time. Emme ran her way around the zoo and was slumped over sleeping in her car seat before we even got out of the parking lot to go home! My dad took the day off from work and Paul was off and the weather was amazingly beautiful- notice the short sleeves in the pics. Emme was a bit freaked out by the 4D Dora & Diego show. She loves them but didn't like getting wet. She was so scared she was shaking. Her little heart was pounding in her chest. The funniest part of the day had to be during lunch when we were trying to get Emme to eat some sandwich and all she wanted was pickles. So my dad said, " How about I give Jack some pickle?' Emme replied matter of factly' " No he eats from the breast!" I swear I almost died right there. She is a trip and a half. You never know what is coming out of her mouth.

My First Nail Polish

2011-03-17T18:59:00.002-05:00

Emme came home from school today and said "Mommy, paint my nails!" She has been mesmerized with all her teachers nails and decided it was her turn. She even had her toes painted too! What amazed me is that she wanted her nails done so badly she sat still and didn't smudge any!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

all he needs is a remote control and a beverage and he will be set!

can you see the love oozing out of this one!

Silly Kids

2011-03-16T22:53:00.013-05:00

Fake Glasses

chillaxin on the couch

check out my "Timbs!"

Emme found her "practice" glasses in the car when we were cleaning it out the other day to try to fit the double stroller and single stroller in the back. We managed to squeeze them both in. I have come to the realization that we cannot drive anyone else in the car if Paul, Emme, Jack and myself are in the car. No one else can fir with the monster car seats and the strollers. I need to get horse trailers for Tom and Jerry! I guess I will have to start saving for a school bus!

As for the pictures of Jack he is modeling off his Timberland boots. I came across these in the newborn shoe bin at the local consignment shop. I think I paid $4 for them. They are so, so cute. The treads are painted on the bottom!

It's All About Dora The Explorer and Diego

2011-03-14T11:34:00.001-05:00

It's an addiction. Emme talks about Dora, wants to be Dora with a backpack, and has even resorted to counting in Spanish. Tonight Dora's Ballet Adventure was on and Emme went nuts. She wanted her tutu like Dora and proceeded to dance across the living room. Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Q for the ballerina outfit. I even caught Emme the other morning trying to put a smal piece onto her toy and getting frustrated. She called out "ayudeme!" which means help me in Spanish. Hopefully she won't go swinging across my living room next when Dora swings through the jungle with Diego!

Happy Birthday to Emme Again

2011-03-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

Emme and Dolly in matching dresses

Today we finally got to celebrate Emme's birthday with Grandma and Grandpa Q. Grandpa Q is home from the hospital and doing well and we are also celebrating St. Patrick's Day early. Everyone had a great time and Grandpa finally got to meet Jack. He and I are both hoping Jack keeps his blue eyes since we both have blue eyes. Keri made a delicious chocolate cake from scratch that was so so good. Break that kitchen in good Keri. We will come and sample any meal you wish to cook for us!

Thinking about them Yankees.......

Superdeliciousyum!

Silly and Serious

2011-03-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

Clifford!

2011-03-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

I am excited that Emme is smart and has a good memory but sometimes it's over the top. This kid knows when we get off the exit for the Danbury Mall that we are going to ride the carousel and use the potty with the blue seat! When we drive past the JV Mall she tells me the Bear store is closed and she wants to ride on Clifford. I cannot even push the stroller around the mall on the 2nd floor without her trying to climb out to see where Clifford is on the floor below. She will remember exactly what you say and when you say she can do something so you better stick to it. There will be no deviation in the plan. Or be prepared for a meltdown!!!

Jack's First Bath

2011-03-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

Jack got his first real bath today since his bellybutton stump fell off last night. I let Paul give him the bath in the secret hope he would get peed on but unfortunately Jack was good. :) Jack hated the water for the first part- he screamed and screamed but then at the end he was just hanging out in the empty tub. I was surprised he wasn't cold.

Visit with Grandma Q

2011-03-03T20:02:00.004-05:00

Today we headed down to Paul's parents' house to make a visit. My father in law is still in the hospital and has yet to meet Jack and my mother in law has only seen him once so since I have been given the ok to drive YAY! we headed down to visit. Hopefully we will be able to have Jack meet his Grandpa Q in the coming weeks since he should be out of the hospital very soon!

As for the nurse service, they are wonderful. The wound is healing much better since I have been taking the homeopathic drug Traumeel and since the wound is being cared for in a less harsh manner.

Uh OH!

2011-02-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

This should not be the image you see on the screen of your camera after taking a picture. :( My camera took a spill and now must be repaired. After speaking with Canon the repair cost will be a minimum of $225. Thank you ceramic tile kitchen floor!

By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!

Home Care Nurse

2011-02-27T23:50:00.000-05:00

Ok so it's been 11 days since my staples have been out and my wound opened up. So far it is healing slowly. The doctor is satisfied with the results but it is brutal having Paul clean and care for my wound. On Friday a home care nurse called to see how I was and was going to make a post partum visit. The hospital sets this up automatically unless you decline it. They come and check you and the baby out and looks for signs of post partum depression. When I told them about my wound and how my husband was taught to care for it they almost had a heart attack. They told me that is part of their service and my doctor should've alerted them immediately and they would have been coming every day to clean and care for it with saline and packing tape instead of harsh peroxide and gauze packed by a loving non medical professional named Paul! They set up with my doctor for a prescription to come and they will be starting tomorrow. I can't wait and Paul can't either. Other than that things are going well. Jack is nursing every 1.5-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night. The dogs love him and Emme can't get enough of him. Now if only this wound would close.

Happy 3rd Birthday Natalie Grace!!!!

2011-02-27T19:34:00.001-05:00

Today is Natalie's 3rd birthday and we went to an awesome "Backyardigans" birthday party. Emme and Jack had a great time. I am completely wiped out after two parties in two days after not doing much. Everything was so nice. We had a barbecue dinner and Marianne made two great cakes that had Backyardigans on them. There were also pails of dirt (chocolate pudding oreos and worms) and sand (vanilla pudding, graham crackers and worms) The kids loved it. Emme ate so much food and cake. I can't believe how big Natalie is getting. She is so smart too. Happy Birthday big girl!

Happy Birthday Cousin Moriah

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-05:00

Uncle Kevin and Emme playing with all the cool toys.

My dad and my cousin Moriah share the same birthday February 28th. This year my cousin was having a "sort of" surprise 39.999 birthday. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it considering I only had a baby two weeks ago but I don't get to see my dad's side of the family too often and I didn't want to miss the chance. Besides Baby Jack had to meet the fam! Also I am still not allowed to drive so it was another great excuse to get out of the house. My dad came up early and took Emme to music and then we had lunch together. We all piled into his new minivan for the trip out to Manhasset. We had a blast and can't wait to get together again. Best of all my cousin Leigha and her husband Kevin (who were not present!!) had a baby girl this morning. Can't wait to meet Sophia!

Quick Update

2011-02-25T13:02:00.001-05:00

Well I have been back to the doctor and the wound looks "good." I have no idea how anyone could say that but I guess since it isn't infected that is the good part. It is still 12 cm long and 6 or more cm deep in certain spots. Just plain gross. I feel so bad for Paul who has to endure me screaming as he pours peroxide into the wound and pull out the packed gauze every morning. He must love me a lot! Emme got her first view of the wound by accident because what two year old listens to you when you say go watch tv and she wants to play doctor. She wasn't fazed. I simply siad Mommy is ok. I just have a big boo boo on my belly. That is how Jack got out. It hurts sometimes but it will get better. She said ok and continued to "help." They are allowing me to make one small drive a day to pick up Emme. I am not allowed to lift her or Jack in his carseat so it is a pain in the neck, but at least I can get out. A small bit of freedom is great and keeping a routine for Emme is really great. She is doing much better and is really adjusting well.

I have a new manly binkie so leave me alone!

Also Emme was helping to change Jack the other day and spotted his penis. She asked what it was and I said it was his penis. (She knows all about parts and that she has girl parts.) I said only boys have them. So she was quiet for a minute and then she said "Jack have a penis... and Daddy has one too." She then rambled off at least 3 or 4 other male members of the family and told me that they have them too. I must say excellent inferencing skills for a two year old. I can only imagine what she says at school.

The Pinky Binkie

2011-02-23T12:43:00.001-05:00

I just had to post this. I absolutely HATE the color baby pink. I don't know why I just do. Before Emme was born I ordered her cool pacifiers with her name on them and Marianne bought her some pink newborn binkies. I was so desperate to keep her quiet and get some sleep we used them with Emme. Unfortunately after a few days Emme kept spitting them out and would get so upset she would scream. It was useless trying to jump up and get to her before her meltdown would start as soon as I heard the binkie pop out. So Emme never ended up using binkies after that. She is a solid thumb sucker! I threw them in a box when I packed up her stuff and then the other night when Jack would not settle back down I dug them out, washed them off and offered it to him. Talk about love. He loves his pinky binkie. I have slept, Paul has slept and Jack has slept. What more can you ask as parents of an almost two week old. My mom and sister keep telling me they are going to buy him some manly binkies but from the picture above I don't think he really cares what color it is as long as he can have it. By the way he HATES the swing and you can clearly see he is tolerating it probably because of his pinky binkie.

Jack's First Restaurant Visit

2011-02-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

Jack slept through the whole meal!

Paul went back to work today so my dad took the day off to come and help out and pick up Emme. We snuck out and had lunch at one of our favorite places and then went to pick up Emme from school. We are trying to keep as normal of a schedule as possible for Emme since she is having a little bit of a tough time understanding her "place." I am glad I was able to go and pick her up because that is part of the "normal." I don't know how easy that is going to be without permission to drive but we shall see.

Staples Removed Today........

2011-02-17T12:19:00.002-05:00

........and my entire incision opened up.

I had a c-section, was mentally prepared, recovery was supposed to be much better since I knew about it and it was sort of planned. So what happened? The doctor said it isn't uncommon for incisions to open up. I never heard of it before but after asking around at a few mom groups it does happen. The doctor explained she cut on the same scar I had from Emme since it is more beneficial to have only one cut on your uterus instead of more than one cut in different areas. So what happened was that the incision had been oozing a little- not uncommon and then two nights ago I jumped up from bed because I thought I forgot to feed Jack and he was crying ( I did not forget- sleep deprivation was fooling my head) and I felt something pop in my incision. I inspected it and saw that a staple was missing?? So this morning the doctor removed the staples and then found the missing one- it had twisted under the incision and was inside it. Then the whole incision slowly opened up and she was like "You have a huge hole in you abdomen- Your incision opened up" She said I have to show it to you so you understand. The feeling was surreal. I had no emotion until she said it could take weeks to heal and I couldn't drive. Nor should I go anywhere or do much of anything. I started bawling. I guess taking care of my two year old was to be put on the side for a few weeks. Then she showed Paul how to clean and pack it because it was up to him to take care of it everyday until my next appointment. They poured peroxide into the "gaping hole" and packed it with gauze, covered it and I was good to go. Thank goodness it didn't hurt. She did a great job of killing all my nerves when she did the c-section. Then she said she was leaving for Turks and Caicos for a vacation. HA!

I Found My Thumb!

2011-02-17T12:14:00.001-05:00

I know it was by mistake but it was amazing. He stopped crying immediately. Too bad it was short lived. Some day........

I love to pat my Baby Jackie!

2011-02-16T10:18:00.001-05:00

Emme loves her "Baby Jackie." She started calling him this all on her own. All she wants to do is "big hug and kiss Baby Jackie" and "pat him." She must think he is like a dog because she pats him ever so gently on his "furry head!" Transitioning is getting better with Emme. She is still having a tough time getting dropped off at school. She cries and wants to come home. Her schedule at school changed also so she is there less but I guess knowing I am home with Jack doesn't amke it easier.

Tomorrow I go to get my staples out so hopefully things will go well. No pain but the incision is still oozing a bit.

4 Days Old!

2011-02-15T22:08:00.002-05:00

Daddy & Jack chilling out

From Aunt Randy & Uncle Pat

From Grammy & Papa Mike

From Daddy

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T19:09:00.002-05:00

Opening her Valentines and candy from school

Getting ready to leave the hospital

Emme and Jerry checking out Jack

Sitting together in our matching seats

Today we came home from the hospital. Last night my parents went home. They were watching Emme for us all weekend and visiting with us at the hospital. So Paul had to go home and stay with Emme and I got to spend the entire night alone with Jack. Funny thing is he slept and I didn't! I don't know why but I couldn't sleep. Thank goodness for Jeanine's Ipad or I would've lost my mind. I bought a bunch of good stuff! I feel great and my incision doesn't hurt. Now I have to look forward to my staples coming out on Thursday and maybe I will be allowed to drive this weekend. I hate being cooped up in the house.

We picked Emme up from school on the way home and she was so excited to see her Baby Jackie in the car. She is having a little adjustment issue with me. She is very unsure of him, but she likes him so hopefully it will continue. As for potty training- she is in panties all day and a pull up at night. She refuses to wear pull ups for naps and said she will give all her old diapers to Jack. She has had a few accidents which is better than what we expected so far. She did pee all over the booth in Friendly's this weekend under my parents' watch! I felt bad for them. But other than that she had been good. Let's see if it continues.

All I Want for Christmas.....

2011-02-13T11:36:00.001-05:00

is an Ipad. That is what Emme is requesting since she thinks she can watch Dora all day and play games if she gets one. I want one because I am too lazy to schlep down to the basement to fire up the PC.

Baby Jack

2011-02-12T22:24:00.002-05:00

Baby Jack is doing great. He is so alert and a good eater. I am up and getting around as much as possible. Incision doesn't hurt too much so I am not needing too much pain medicine which is nice. Emme is having a grand old time with my parents. She is being royally spoiled with special dinner and lunches out and she gets to spend most of the day at the hospital with me. This morning Paul took her to music class which she liked a lot and my mom stayed here with me at the hospital. Big shout out to Aunt Jeanine who lent me her Ipad so I could shop online for boy clothes and keep Emme entertained with netflix on demand videos of Dora!

What do you mean he is coming home with us?

I don't know about this!

It's A Boy!!!

2011-02-11T23:16:00.004-05:00

Jack Michael Quinn

Born February 11, 2011 at 8:10am

8lbs 6oz 20inches long

Jack entered the world this morning via c-section. We knew yesterday it was going to happen today but we decided to keep it our little secret until he got here. I went to the doctor yesterday and my blood pressure was very high and I still wasn't dilated or anything so they said I could wait until Monday (Valentine's Day) but I figured who would want a birthday on Valentine's Day so we opted for today 2/11/11. I was exactly 40 weeks and one day- the same as Emme. After the c- section it was revealed that the umbilical cord was very, very short which may have been why Jack never descended. Personally I think that it must be amazingly cozy in my womb because neither one of my children wanted to exit! If my blood pressure was ok the doctors were going to let me go another week to see if I dilated and went into labor but I am glad things worked out the way they did or I might've had a ten pound baby!

Jack Michael is amazingly perfect- long fingers and a head of hair. He looks incredibly similar to Emme when she was born. We are all doing great and Emme seems to really like her "Baby Jackie!" Hopefully that continues. Aside from hot flashes and severe itchiness ( both common for c-sectioners) I am doing well.

Music Together

2011-02-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

So I was a little hesitant taking Emme to music class just 6 days before I was due so I enlisted Paul to come along since he might be bringing her some weeks after the baby was born. Plus it is a little difficult getting up and down and moving all around with Emme to the music. So we schlepped from Home Depot to music class and like every week Emme had a blast. She and Natalie have taken a few sessions together and it is so amazing to see each of them as the other one arrives to run and hug each other like they have been apart for ages. It is so adorable. They really are such good pals.

Home Depot Kids Workshops

2011-02-05T13:40:00.004-05:00

I love the Home Depot Kids Workshops. We came across it by accident in January when they had it. We were shopping for some tile and they had little tables set up and kids were making little battery holders. I asked Emme if she wanted to try it and we sat down and she really liked it. She was good at it too. She helped squeeze wood glue, place tiny nails in the holes and hammer the pieces together. This month I dragged Paul along to do the project with Emme. The two of them had a blast making a heart shelf. After completing the shelf each kid gets a certificate and a pin. Not all the kids get aprons they are usually raffled but they thought Emme was so good at making the project and for being so little they gave her one anyway!

Oh and the best part about it is it is FREE!!!!!!!!!

Hammer time

Putting the pieces together

Finished project

38.5 weeks Pregnant and Counting

2011-01-31T17:32:00.001-05:00

So I am almost there although Baby Quinn is not as ready as I am for the birth. So far I have not dilated any, the baby has not moved down into position. The head is down but it is sitting tight where it is. As for my blood pressure it is getting worse by the day. I have not been truly diagnosed with preeclampsia just yet but my numbers are definitely heading in that direction. I went to the doctor Friday and they did a blood test. If it comes back in the normal range I can still work, if not I will be home until the birth. I would much rather spend as many days with the baby after the birth than waste some before unless it is medically necessary. So let's hope the blood test comes back good. Other than that I am tired, sleep awfully but manage to get though the day. It must be because I am running after Emme!

Sunday Morning

2011-01-30T13:24:00.001-05:00

It has been a ritual to go to the Dunkin Donuts after Church each Sunday however this week both Marianne and I were thinking the same thing after passing McD's on the way to Dunkin Donuts. We had to go there for breakfast. Unfortunately when we asked the girls if they wanted to go there instead- they were on the verge of a meltdown. How dare we ask this. They must have their donuts. So what did we do? We both drove through the drive thru at Dunkin and bought them their two munchkins and then drove to McD's to enjoy our own breakfast. End result --> happy children = happy mommies!

Emme's Birthday Party......FINALLY!!

2011-01-23T23:30:00.001-05:00

Mickey Mouse cupcakes!

Natalie & Emme

Sophia & Emme

Emme & her guests!

Matching Elmo slippers!

I thought this day would never come. Emme's party was supposed to be two weeks ago but we got slammed with the stomach virus. YUCK! It was awful. So far in both pregnancies I have gotten the stomach virus in my last month of pregnancy and it is the most awful experience ever! But today we were able to have Emme's party as I am 37.5 weeks pregnant and Baby Quinn did not make an appearance! WHEW!

We had a great day. The kids had a blast playing with the play kitchen and food. There were no meltdowns and no one wet their pants. (Children and adults!) Emme got lots of wonderful presents and really had a fun time playing and celebrating with her friends and family. Thank you to everyone who came and helped Emme have a great party.

Happy 2nd Birthday Emme!!!!

2011-01-19T22:44:00.055-05:00

Since my blood pressure has been increasing this pregnancy the midwife insisted I come in today to get checked. I requested to leave early from work so that I would only miss 1/2 hour of the day but was denied and told I had to take the whole day. I was angry at first but then I got excited because Paul was off on an end day and with me being off we could spend extra time with Emme on her birthday!

We started the day off at the diner where Emme requested pancakes and bacon!

Emme enjoying her birthday breakfast out!

Emme went off to school and Paul and I to the doctor. After the appointment which went ok, we surprised Emme at school with her birthday cupcakes and smoothies. She was a little intimidated by the Mickey Mouse cupcake tower.

Devouring her Mickey cupcake!

Later that night she opened her presents and got lots of cool stuff.

Tom helps open gifts

Jerry inspects the helmet

Princess Emme on her princess trike

I cannot believe my little girl is 2. She is such a good girl even though we are into the terrible twos. She is very smart which is not so good for me because she understands how to drive me crazy sometimes! She is going to be a great big sister!

Making Cookies

2011-01-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Not sure if more M&M's ended up in her belly than on the cookies!

Never Ending Winter

2011-01-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

A little deep.....

Papa Mike's new car! There has been so much snow in the city that he has no place to park it! So it has been residing in our driveway. We keep telling him that if he doesn't come and get it soon we will start using it!

Playing with her fur brothers!

Happy Birthday Emme and Paul

2011-01-09T23:37:00.001-05:00

Minnie & Mickey Cupcakes

Simpson Cupcakes

Blowing out the candles with Daddy

YUM!

What was supposed to be a birthday party for Emme and Paul was a sneaky ploy by by sister and sister in law to have a surprise shower for me. As nice of a gesture it was I don't like surprises so it wasn't as fun as I would have liked it to be. They did a great job with all the food and decorations and gifts and I am very thankful for it. However with all the sneaky stuff going on and my "pregnant" brain there was confusion about celebrating Emme and Paul's birthdays with Paul's side of the family. I spent hours making Simpson and Mickey Mouse cupcakes the day before but somehow we ended up only celebrating Paul's birthday that night after the shower. All in all it was a good day.

Picasso in the Making

2010-12-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a mural in Emme's room since before she was born. Since her birth and going back to work it has been almost impossible to work on it for long periods of time. This Christmas break I broke out the paints and I let her paint her own picture while I was working on the wall. We had to cut our painting session short after she finished her beautiful masterpiece and then began painting her arms and hands! Maybe I will have the mural done before Baby Quinn moves into the room!

Educational Toys

2010-12-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

My mom bought Emme this educational animal toy for Christmas and we tried it out today with great results. It comes with cards that you have to match the animals to based on pattens, where they live, letter or sounds etc. It is really for age 3 and up but I figured we could try some of the easier cards. Before we started I let Emme play with the animals to familiarize herself with them because from being a teacher you learn that kids need to play with the tools they are using for a few minutes before you can ask them to do anything with them. If you don't the child will be too interested in figuring out the "tool or toy" then what you are asking them to do. So I gave Emme the animals and we talked about each one and then on her own she started to put them into groups. I laughed to myself because I am so "OCD" with stuff that I think it has worn off a little on her. She did a great job though!

Lunch Date at Friendly's with Papa Mike!

2010-12-28T23:05:00.000-05:00

My first real ice cream cone that I am eating by myself. Thanks Papa Mike for lunch and ice cream. Now we are off to help Papa buy a new car!

I Love My Christmas Toys!

2010-12-26T11:00:00.001-05:00

Here is Emme making cookies with her new toys she got for Christmas. Don't you just love the medusa hair do??

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well I got about an hour and a half of sleep last night preparing for today. This morning we had Paul's side of the family over for breakfast. This was the first trip up to visit since he received his new lung in June. We just had construction done on the inside of our house and I have been manic trying to get rid of all the dust! Just little things need to be finished like moldings and staining but the bulk of the construction is done. We now have a new basement which Emme is modeling off in the picture above, a new entryway, new tile floors in basement, hallway and laundry room downstairs, new front door and a new master bath.

We had a delicious breakfast with them and since we already exchanged gifts with them we waited to have Emme open up our gifts until the afternoon when my family came up. She wasn't looking to run downstairs just yet and tear up the place! Maybe next year! After everyone left we prepared the food for dinner. Then my parents, Jeanine and Kevin came and we ate again! Emme had an awesome day. Thank you to everyone for celebrating with us and for all the wonderful gifts!

Christmas Eve at the Farm Stand

2010-12-24T23:58:00.000-05:00

Our good friends the DiNardos invited us again to their wonderful Christmas Eve feast at the Farm Stand. This year it was really a lot of fun for Emme since she can run around with her friends. The food was fantastic as always and the company was great too. This year Marianne's mother in law decorated a tree with little favors that the kids took as they left. All the children are definitely sleeping well tonight!

Christmas at the Quinns and Grandma Q & Paul Jr's Birthdays

2010-12-19T20:15:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Christmas a little early at my in laws since the holidays are a crazy time in our family. It was really nice to spread it out too so Emme wasn't opening a million things on Christmas Day. We also did my mother in law's and Paul Jr's birthday too so they got to have an extra celebration day!

Emme's favorite part of any party- the dessert! Hmm wonder who she gets that from!

Annual Holiday Card Crapshoot er... I mean photoshoot!

2010-12-04T21:35:00.000-05:00

So it took 6 adults, a whole bag of doggie treats and loads of patience to get the fnal shots for my parents' annual holiday card. My dad managed to fall on the floor and not break anything and no one ended up killing any other human or animal although it was close. There was minimal swearing however but much less than last year. Here are a few of my favorite oopsie shots!

Jerry "STAY, no kisses thank you!"

No Emme you stay too!

Emme giving Smartie a shot!

Um Brody- you are supposed to be sitting not trying to get Tom to play with you.

We can't wait until next year when we add two more babies and ?? more dogs to this photo! Yes that's right I am due in February and Jeanine is having a baby and due in August!!! Kevin is already having anxiety over next year's shot!

What a Goofball

2010-11-25T22:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We are so excited that my father in law is home from the hospital. We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at my in laws and everything was so wonderful. As you can see Emme has decided that shoes are one of her favorite things. I hate to tell her we won't be able to afford the Jimmy Choos though!

Happy Birthday Uncle Dom

2010-11-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Dom's birthday tonight with delicious dinner and a lot of fun. The girls always have so much fun together.

Halloween Fun

2010-10-31T22:19:00.003-05:00

We had tons of fun this Halloween now that Emme can enjoy it a little more! SHe had a blast at her two Halloween parties at school, a Halloween visit to the Cortlandt Farm Market, and trick or treating at Aunt Jeanine's and Uncle Kevin's and with Mommy and Daddy. This made for a ton of candy for Mommy um I mean Emme! Baby Quinn will be born on a sugar high for sure!