| Last Updated: Nov 07, 2009 |
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Lombardi's Brett & Gabe 03-30-04 Ashlee Rose 06-25-07 |
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Stories 29 Jan - Wow...where did the weekend go? Saturday the boys' had a fun & full day with Dad. He took them to a birthday party for a 2-year old friend of theirs. Dad reported they had a great time. Gabriel stayed close to Dad the whole time but Brett was off and exploring. Mom heard all about this secondhand because she spent her Saturday at the Emergency Room...severe back spasms in multiple places. It had been bothering her all week and I guess she just couldn't take it anymore. After a 5 hour wait she got to finally come home. She says the meds help for now but she's going to be getting a few deep tissue massages to work out those knots. Sunday we all just laid low, Mom rested in the lounge chair with a heating pad. Brett and Gabriel played inside/outside and everywhere in between. They did some coloring and chalkboard drawings but the play-doh time wasn't a favorite of Dad's. Seems he isn't a fan of the little play-doh droppings everywhere. This week we are going to be working on some Valentine's craft projects. I found some cool stuff online and it should be alot of fun! I'll post our favorites on the boys' site. Recap of the last few days in the Lombardi household. Seems Brett has had a growth spurt as of late. He's now just about 1/4" inch shorter than Gabriel. They seem to stay very close in height and weight. I miraculously got them to stand still long enough to get their heights marked on the wall. Results are.... BRETT -- 34 1/2" GABRIEL -- 34 3/4" And it was another surprising cooperative moment as both took turns standing still on the scales to learn that each weighs 28 pounds! The same weight how cool! Oh Mom scored big time recently on a trip shopping she found a real bargain on this cool McDonald's Blow-up ball pit. It even has a drive thru and golden arches!! It is awesome (see pics) and much needed because we just destroyed the last ball pit Granma Dwight got us for Christmas! (Well thankfully Mom managed to salvage the tube Dog part...see pics) Recently Brett came out in the morning with his cowboy hat on carrying his guitar....sooooo Darling!!! Then during one changing diaper session for Brett and Gabriel comes over and tries wiping diaper oitnment on his butt!! Too funny!!! Such a little helper! Brett gets mad...wants to go for a ride in the car so he comes after me with my shoes. Gabriel really likes to play with play-doh only he calls it "cheese". He doesn't try to eat it anymore but he still calls it cheese...funny because cheese is one of his fave snacks! Brett has added another movie to his list of fave's: "Ice Age".
25 Jan - Apologies for the delay in updates...Mom has been a bit absent-minded lately, we've enjoyed toying with her on occasion! Not too much mischief because we wouldn't want her to run away or something. We both have been developing some new skills, only Mom and Dad call them "phases"...whatever! Let's see Phase 1: Gabriel has a morning routine which consists of a minimum of twenty minutes or so of vacuuming the house, no kidding! We tell him he doesn't have to do it all of the time but he seems to enjoy it still. Now if Mom can teach him to make his bed. Wait...no the potty comes first right?! Phase 2 belongs to Brett: Mr. Brett likes packaging. Therefore when he chooses a snack from the pantry DO NOT think about unwrapping it and taking it out of the package. He needs it as is for a few minutes to feel it out and then he'll LET you open it BUT don't I REPEAT do not take the item out of the package...that's HIS JOB! Okay here's another Gabriel one. He likes vaseline, he tries to dab it on his face, specifically his cheek. Not sure if he's seen me moisturizing or what, but he recently came into the den with a vaseline container and he opened it and added another glob to his cheek. Yes, on further inspection he'd already globbed a few times on his cheek! He was so funny and so proud of himself. He even called it "Butt Paste"...so did he really, in a round about way call himself a "Butt Head?"?!?! Phase for Both - Well they both are developing individual tastes in food, very different from each other...go figure! Anyway, they both like seedless grapes...but Brett gets bored of the skins after while and will just eat the insides out and leave of mess of skins. He also eats the insides out of bread and toast...cookies and crackers....etc. As for Gabriel, that child LOVES raisins!!! He just can't get enough it seems, just about every other time he gets to choose a snack he goes for the raisins. I'm glad it's healthy at least, ya know! Oh and one last food related phase belong to Gabriel. Both boys' have loved ice pops since they were first introduced. But now Gabriel has mixed up the scenario. Instead of me just handing him the ice pop and off he goes...he's changed it to handing it back to me to break into bite size pieces and put in a small cup for him. Seems he likes chewing the ice pops that way better. As I type they are winding down for their afternoon nap and before they headed to their room Brett had some boo-boos whilst playing in the backyard with Mom and Gabe. Let's see he somehow got a scratch on his right cheek, now Gabriel isn't the only one with a scrath on his face. Then Brett slipped by one of the trees and got a bit scrapped on the elbow. And to end the play session with flair he somehow popped himself in the mouth because all I know is I turn because he calls out and he's got a small trickle of blood down his chin and chest....Mom's heartrate shoots up but it turned out to be a tiny spot on his gum (his eye teeth are like fangs and if he even bites down wrong he'll puncture his lip or gum...soooo all is well and things have calmed down a bit for the day.
21 Jan - Dad's Saturday with the boys'. They went to the park and then out to lunch whilst Mom enjoyed a break at home! The boys' got home from such a full day with Dad that they took a 3+ hour nap!! Dad must have had them running cross-country! It's a bit windy around here lately, or as Winnie the Pooh would say..."blustery day!" But the boys' are doing fabulous and we are counting down the days until Granma and Snowma come out for Dad's graduation!!! 13 Jan - Friday night Pizza night at the Lombardi house. The boys' have settled back into their routines and even made some changes on their own. Like they are on and off again with their afternoon naps. Today was a "Go" for a two-hour nap, the last three days...not so "Go"!! We're getting ready to slowly see if they are interested in potty-training. Mom's doind her research and collecting different methods to be ready for us and our very own ideas about the whole thing. Lately Brett has shown signs of either wanting to be a movie producer or a movie critic. he has a few shows that he just HAS to watch. No matter how many new ones' I add to his collection he likes certain ones best and will pick them out over and over. So suffice to say Mom knows most of the dialogue to Toy Story, Toy Story II, Madagascar, and Polar Express. He'll occasionnaly watch Valiant and Monster's Inc. but anything else forget it! If it is cartoonish...forget it...has to be animated. This weekend I have removed the movies from Brett's sight so we can get plenty of play and exercise! The boys' have two birthday parties this weekend to attend. One for some twin friend's, Liam and Riley. And another for Madison, a daughter of Rob's co-worker. Should be lots of fun! Of course, the Patriots play Denver this weekend so Daddy will be in "the zone"! Go PATS!
Holidays in Kentucky Recap - We had a wonderful visit with family in Kentucky this year. The boys had so much fun with Granma and Papaw...as is evidenced by the many, many photos. santa had no problems finding the boys' at Granma's house this year! Mom and Dad even got to spend a few nights away, alone in Nashville while Granma watched the boys' and their cousins', Zachary and Erica. Granma had her hands full that's for sure but Mom and Dad REALLY enjoyed their special time. It was a "Johnny Cash" themed getaway. THey went to see "Walk the Line" and then toured around the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and downtown Nashville. They even brought us back some guitars...in keeping with the country music theme! We love theme...now we can play along with Daddy. The boys' are still holding out on saying "Granma"...they say Papaw and even call for "Pike"...Papaw's English Bulldog named "Spike". But when you say Granma they just smile really big look at her and hold out on her. She thinks maybe she should've just let them call her "Car" their favorite word...or "Butt Paste" they like saying that for some reason. Too funny. We think maybe now Gabriel is trying to say it. He called her one day this week with Mom's cellphone (unknownst to Mom) and was saying "Ga..Ga...Ga" The boys' helped Mom pick out a cool birthday present for Granma this year. Granma likes turtles...soooo what better gift than the adoption of a threatened species. She is an adoptive parent to "Sumner" a Loggerhead turtle being tracked/monitored by satellite off of the North Carolina Coast. Dad's graduation is coming up in February and we are all excited about it. We're having a big party for him!! Well right now he's focused on supporting the Patriots playoff bid but when football season is over he can concentrate on the graduation party! Granma is coming out to visit for his graduation. Yea!! Well I know this in NO way covers all that we've been up to since I wrote last but at least it is a start. love to all, Autumn
December 2005 - Family News...Santa told Mom and Dad what we'll be doing next September -- Living in Florida!! Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas! We'll be the "new and improved" Beach Boys!! 16 Dec - Play-doh is still a fascinating activity for the boys'. Last night while I was preparing dinner they were at the far counter preparing their own play-doh meal. It was so cute. I had on an apron... so Gabriel just had to have one too. We're getting very excited about our trip to Grandma's house next week! Papa hasn't seen the boys' since last Christmas so he's in for quite a TREAT! 13 Dec - This past weekend the boys' went to the Twins' Club Christmas Party. They got to go on their first hayrides, see Santa and play with many other children. The cookie exchange went well, Rob was such a dear and MADE ALL 10 dozen for me!! How lucky am I?? So when we were coming he he saw all the cookies I had...it was an "exchange" so we left with a variety of 10 dozen cookies...he said "Oh My Gosh" you're bringing HOME all of those?!? Too funny. But now we have our neighbors and mailman, etc. all set with cookies! At the party the boys' played with Play Doh for the first time...no eating involved! Soooo I got them some play-doh and some accesories and they have been having BIG fun all morning!! I've also ordered some of that Crayola color wonder marker/paint sets. That looks awesome...markers that only work on special paper!! We'll try it on the flight to Granma's house I do believe. Last week, Dad took the boys' to Storytime and this week Mom took them. Hopefully, we'll get this down to a regular addition to their schedule. After the holidays I'm going to incorporate a playdate group for them on Thursdays. 5 Dec - Weekend Update -- The boys' had a very full weekend. Saturday was their first Christmas party and they both got to see Santa. Gabe made a run straight for him with his brother Brett following right behind. No fear of Santa with these guys! Santa gave them some really cool cars that do all kinds of crazy stuff. They both had a blast. The party was a bowling alley and they got to bowl for their first times. Lots of fun for everyone. After the bowling Dad and our friend Courtney (the boys' have serious crushes on her I do believe) took the boys' to a nearby track and field area. Check out the videos for some cute clips of Santa and Track Time. Our dear friend Sharon's surgery went well and she's home recovering very well. She and Courtney will be watching the boys' this Saturday so Mom and Dad can go to his work Christmas party. This coming Sunday is the Twins' Club Christmas party and the boys' will be helping Mom bake 10 dozen cookies for the "cookie exchange". Should be interesting as Dad is the real chef! Speaking of chef Daddy's team did really well in the "Iron Chef" competition...but they lost by 4 points! Better luck next time Daddy-O. Mom's cousin Aaron from KY is in town for a week long school and he stopped by the house Sunday. He's a lot of fun! The boys' really liked playing with him. He's coming by for dinner again so hopefully Mom can get some pictures of us with him! 1 Dec - So you noticed the naptime pictures? Hard not to chuckle right? Funny (true) story. So *day one* picture the boys' go in for their nap and I come to check on them once it gets quiet. I open the door see empty beds and turn to find them in the floor...a definite kodak moment before putting them back into their beds. *Day two* picture and I go check when it's quieted down. Hmmm empty beds...where are they? I turn and there again they are in the floor together again. Yet another kodak moment before carrying them back into their beds. A couple of times when we've checked on them at night we've found one has gotten out of their bed and into their brothers. Not often, but a few times. These guys are always amazing and entertaining us. The boys' have been helping Mom with Christmas decorations. Brett loves Santa and whenever he sees an image of Santa he says "Ho-ho-ho" then Gabriel will chime in with his "ho-ho-ho". Tomorrow the tree goes up and we are going to work on our "hands off" behavior. Wish us luck! The boys' get to see Courtney tomorrow night for a sleepover. Auntie Sharon is having surgery this weekend so please keep her in your prayers. 30 Nov - The boys' are 20 months old today! WOW they are so big...such little men....but STILL babies. It is truly amazing to feel your heart outside of your body, times two! 28 Nov - Grandma made it home safely from her visit for Thanksgiving. We are very thankful she came to spend it with us. It was a truly wonderful time, anytime she's around good things happen! And the bonus is we get to see her AND Pa-Pa for Christmas! We are taking another airplane ride. We love adventure...just like our Mom and Dad. 26 Nov - GRANDMA IS HERE!!! The boys' are loving having Grandma's attention. They show off for her all of the time. Lots of hugs and kisses around here. 23 Nov - A few new twists to the toddler bed transition. They still go down very well, Gabriel even sometimes decides to go to bed a bit earlier and heads straight to their room, signaling time for night-night. The twists are later...two nights ago Rob went to check on Brett when he was crying out. What he found inaddition to Brett sitting in the floor was Gabriel had climbed up onto the twin daybed and was sleeping there. The night before that I went in to find Brett in the floor and Gabriel in the bed that Brett had vacated. Last night, Brett had a night terror and I went in for him. I sat on the daybed with him and heard Gabriel get out of bed and come climb onto the daybed with us. All in all they still are doing very well but they are definetely testing the areas of their independence in their room thanks to the freedom afforded by the toddler beds. Anyway, today we plan on going to storytime at the library and to play at the park. Grandma comes tomorrow and we are SOOOOO excited!!!! 20 Nov - Whohoooo! The boys' are doing the toddler bed like pro's! Naps and bedtime NO PROBLEMS!!! Man these fellas catch on fast. I'm sooo proud of them. We're all getting very excited for Grandma Dwights' visit for Thanksgiving this weekend! 16 Nov - Quick update on the toddler bed transition. They slept through the night again. The naptime was a bit easier today. They understand that the bed is where they lay down to rest but it seems hard for them to stop midday to rest! So we try a few approaches and within an hour of going into their room they are napping for at least an hour to one and half hours. Tonight they went down a little earlier and there was no fuss. They laid down, shifted a few times for comfort and headed off to slumberland. Man we are soooo blessed! The weather has finally cooled off around here. But man it went from 80 degree days to much cooler. But the boys' still get outside for plenty of fresh air. Like today for instance, the boys and I went for a nice walk in the neighborhood. Really...they each held one of my hands and we walked around the block. They were wonderful and loved talking about everything they saw. ESPECIALLY the cars! Mom had an apoointment and so Dad had guys' night with the boys' and fixed dinner, gave them baths and had them ready for bed by the time Mommy got home. The boys' played for a bit, got lots of hugs and kisses and went off to their new beds! 15 Nov - Okay so the boys' had their first night in their new toddler beds. I'm very happy to report they both went down no fuss and slept through the night! They woke up a bit earlier than usual...5 a.m. but hey Mom can work with that! Rob and I are so very proud of them! Rob keeps reminding me not to jinx ourselves but every accomplishment is a grand one! I'm betting the boys' nap a bit more today than normal to counter the early rise. The key around this household is flexibility!! So I knew they would nap longer but I forgot to think through how they would go DOWN for that nap. It took 3 different methods/attempts and one hour of serious "nap" commands/prompts before they both succumbed to slumber in their toddler beds. I really can't believe I forgot to factor in DAYTIME naps! Fortunately they did catch on and I foresee easier days...but baby steps the WHOLE way! So since they are down Mom is heading to Napville herself! Wonder how long they'll sleep? Let ya know later. 13 Nov - We've had a busy and oh so fun weekend around the Lombardi house. It all started Friday, Dad was off work and surprised Mom with a "Girl's Day Out Spa Package at a 5-star resort. He took care of us boys' while Mom got a European facial, Deep-tissue massage, Roof-top lunch and sauna, whirlpool and steam rooms all day. It must have been good for her because she came home and was sooooo relaxed! Saturday we took the boys' to the Saddle Club's annual pancake breakfast. They loved getting to see and pet the horses. Neither were to keen on the idea of sitting up on one, that's still Daddy's job...as evidenced by the new pics. Afterwards we went out to eat and did some shopping for their toddler beds. Oh and another thing, Mom came home from her spa day with some massage and bath oils for us boys'! We heard her telling dad her masseause said if she rubbed it on our hands and feet we'd sleep thourgh the night. Gabriel has no problem with that but Brett has been waking up at 3 a.m. pretty regularly so it's worth a try! Dad's got another day off of work tomorrow so he's taking us out for the day, fun-filled boys' day out he says. Then we'll come home later and get Mom and take her out to dinner. 6 Nov - Well we hope Snowma had a Happy "Surprise" 50th Birthday Party!! It was really hard for mom not to slip with her updates so she waited until the party was over!! Dad went home to surprise Snowma for her party...we're sure she was VERY surprised. So that means we've been the men of the house around here with mom all weekend! Today we went to see the "coolest"!! We both love airplanes and Mom took us to the Air Show so we could see the Thunderbirds. Man, she can plan great...we had to grocery shop and then we stopped off the road near the airfield JUST in time to see the Thunderbirds grand finale! She even knew the schedule would be off and planned for that! Well, we loved the airplanes and we both kept going on and on about them. We found out today that we also like Tootsie Roll pops! Brett goes right to the tootsie roll center...Gabriel likes to take his time and play the drums with his tootsie pop! Mom's been letting us play and play all weekend! She made this "attempt" at making bath soap crayons for us....what a mess! So we just did some finger painting with them in the bath because they melted so fast! Brett has a new favorite...crayons. He even sees one or a container where they are/used to be and he starts calling for them. Fortunately Mom only has the washable variety inside the house (the garage has the other kinds) because he really loves BLACK! But Mom said no problem and was very happy when the claim was true and the color washed right away! Well it's almost dinner time and we're starting to let Mom know she better have something good for us! She's outnumbered right now, ya know!?!?!
3 Nov - The boys' tried some powdered donughts for breakfast today and judging by the gusto with which they devoured them I'd say they might have future careers in law enforcement! Not making fun...just calling 'um like I see 'um! Yesterday we finally made it Story Hour at the library! YEA!!! The boys' had a good time and loved all of the books and the children's play area. They even did some arts-n-crafts but when they tried eating the crayons Mom thought it was time to head out of there! 31 Oct - Halloween at the "Zoo Boo" was so much fun! The boys' had a fabulous time and Mom and Dad were so very proud to hear all of the compliments on their little Wiggles! Check out the new Pictures Mom added. She made all of our costumes and even decorated our wagon into "The Big Red Car!" We loved it! When we got home we even helped Dad hand out some candy to the other trick-or-treaters. Dad loved Mom's costume idea but he's so competitive he challenged Mom and said he'd top her next year! COOL, their competitive nature means great things for us!!! We'll just sit back and let the good times roll!!! Oh yea and we all got our picture taken by a group of Sociology college students who were doing research on families...they all went ga-ga over the WIGGLES!
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