Start adding friends by visiting your favorite BabyHomePages.net sites and clicking on the green plus sign (+) below to send a friend request to the person who updates the site you are visiting.
Matthew's favorite gift - a random box to play in.
Roach Christmas 2007
Lindsey at a Birthday party, dressed up as a 'Cinderella Rudolph'
Lindsey enjoyed soccer. It gave her opportunities to: jump into the net (repeatedly) watch butterflies, pretend to be a unicorn, and occasionally run and kick the ball.
Aunt Janny is my fav- AAAHHHH!!!!!
No, we didn't et new pets, we got new kids DRESSED as pets. A pet kitty and a skunk.
Hanging out with Nana and Poppy.
Could he be any cuter?
Jonah Jr.
My 3 loves of my life!
Prunes!!!! Matthew loves prunes, and he has a stomach to tolerate them. I love the little beard with this one! 5 months old already.
I am most happy with my shirt on my head!
This big sister stuff is a piece of cake with icing on top!
September 7, 2008 - We are adjusting nicely in our new home. The kids have their rooms and a playroom upstairs. We love living right across from our neighborhood park and now we have a pool that has a tanning ledge, so Matthew can sit and play in the water without us carrying him around. Lindsey just started Kindergarten and is really enjoying her 'Big Kid' school. Matthew turned 2 in August and thinks his sister is the coolest kid around.
We have been keeping ourselves busy with swimming, playing, drawing and painting. Lindsey is looking forward to turning 6 in October and has decided she wants her birthday party at a park or a pumpkin patch. She is enjoying planning her Halloween costume this year, as she will be a character she created known as "Super Kitty Cat Girl" and I believe she has designs to make Matthew "Super Dog, the Little Brother." Lucky for her he is not likely to think he has any other option than to wear whatever costume we put him in! He would probably prefer to be Elmo or a Wiggle, but I have a feeling we may have two super hero animals this October.
Nov 1, 2007 - A lot has happened in our family since last spring. The kids are blossoming: Matthew is walking! Lindsey is a soccer player and a kindergartener. It has been a true joy as we watch our children grow into these unique personalities. We have also had a great loss. My brother, their Uncle Chuckie, passed away while surrounded by frineds and family on August 20th. While this is a huge adjustment for me, I think Lindsey is doing fine. She says she wants to go to Heaven to visit him, and I tell her I do too, and we will when the time is right. I have such a gratefulness for having known Chuck, and also a bitterness that my children will not know him as well as I was hoping. He was a cool brother and an even cooler uncle. As I prepare mentally for the upcoming holiday season, I know that my pain is in no way like that of his sweet wife, Jan, or our parents, Mary and Chuck. So, please keep them in your prayers this holiday season. Speaking of the holidays, this will be a fun year as Lindsey can write a wish list and a letter to Santa. She has been learning to read and just turning into the neatest, coolest kid right before our eyes. She LOVES Spongebob and wants to be a veterinarian. The vet part is no surprise to those who know her as she treats her animal toys like baby dolls and her baby dolls like, well, like they are not there! She had two wonderful 5th birthday parties, one with the grandparents, and one with her friends.
March 20, 2007 - What happened to February, you ask? Well, the family has been busy! We went to Jamaica last month. Matthew could not make it due to a double ear infection, but never fear, Nana was here! They had a blast cuddling and cooing while the rest of us were relaxing at the beach. Mimi and Gramps went along, and it was a much needed rest for them!
Lindsey is doing great! She is always making us laugh. Just this morning she was coughing and having a hard time clearing her throat when she looked at me and said "Mama, I can't get my sick out" - I had to grin. Right now she enjoys riding her scooters, playing outside, and pretending to be a 'Baby Blue Goat.' She is the apple of Matthew's eye! He loves to watch her and listen to her talk.
Matthew is a little butterball. He is 20 pounds, 28 inches, and ITCHING to move across the floor. Currently, he is working on the classic, 'roll to my destination' move, but he will be crawling soon enough. He is such a happy baby, and loves to be tickled, just like big sister. He also likes baths, Baby Eistein anything, and chewing. He is also working on mastering his 'Cheerio to the mouth' skills.
January 10, 2007 - Lindsey and I started ice skating lessons last week. She loved it and we even went back to the rink the next day for practice. She still likes to pretend to be "Baby Rudolph" even without the antlers (we sent them to the North Pole until next Christmas.) Her Aunt Heather is right, she does not NEED acting lessons, she does it perfectly naturally daily.
Matthew is already 5 months old. It has been so joyous having him join our family, but it is sad to see the newborn days go as he starts to eat solid foods and sit up with minimal support. He is always quick to smile and laugh, and really loves watching Lindsey's antics. Lindsey has really adapted well to her role of big sister and loves to help with the baby; well, on occasion, anyway.
My brother Chuck is back in ICU right now. He continues to battle health issues here in Dallas, with his wife, Jan, right by his side. While this has taken a large personal toll on their spirits, they continue to amaze me with their strength as a couple.
December 30, 2007 - A wonderful Christmas was celebrated. Actually, we had a 3-day Christmas celebration. Saturday, we went to Nana and Poppy's for a large meal and gift exchanging. Then on Christmas eve, we went to Mimi and Gramps to exchange gifts and, well, eat some more! Then we left out 2 cookies for Santa, milk, and carrot sticks for the reindeer. Lindsey did not understand why she could not hang out with Santa when he came to our house to eat cookies and leave gifts, but she was pacified with the explanation that his magic only works when children are sleeping.
Christmas morning we actually had to wake Lindsey. For those not in the know, this is very rare. She is usually an early bird. Perhaps she was tired from the 2 previous days of Christmas gift opening... She was pleased with her "singing Grinch" and Hello Kitty scooter. Santa also left her a Play-doh creativity center (which is LOTS of fun, we played with that for hours that day) and some other various toys. Santa left Matthew teething toys and some outfits. He, of course, was unaware of the day being different from any other, since every item to him has the potential to be a teething toy when he can manage to get it to his mouth.
The grandparents and various aunts and uncles came over for brunch Christmas morning, which was a relaxing end to our 3 day Christmas fest.
We had a scare this week, my brother Chuck, who has been in the hospital for about 7 months, was brought to the ER yesterday. He seems to be recovering, but it is a reminder to be grateful for having each other every day. We hope the New Year brings good health and happiness to all we know, and the ability to slow down and enjoy our blessings.
November 28, 2006 - We had a
wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we had Turkey Day with the Roaches. As usual, there was a large delicious spread of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Matthew slept a lot, but as usual, Lindsey was a little pistol, and kept us entertained.
We also had company right before Thanksgiving. My friend Freedom, who is currently stationed in the Middle East, came home for Thanksgiving, and stopped in to visit for 3 days with her children Libby, 11, and Max, 4. Lindsey had a blast having kids in the house. She was very taken with Max, and laughed at everything he did and said. Libby liked helping with the baby, and Matthew enjoyed the attention from both Libby and Freedom. Oh, and when my dad learned that Freedom was the Texas Hold'em Champion of Bahrain, there were a few games played at the kitchen table, too.
Lindsey started wearing antlers on her head. While it is cute, I am hoping this thing gets lost soon after Christmas. She has lost half the bells off it already. she even SLEEPS with the thing on. She also has traded her Halloween socks for Christmas socks. I guess she is a festive child, but I am wondering how soon they will come out with Valentine's Day socks so we can tuck away the Christmas socks.
Also, Lindsey thinks Santa Claus will be bringing her one of everything on the planet for Christmas. Apparently, he might need to make up for the things she did not get for her birthday. Here is a random list of things she has asked for: a train (she has one) set, dolls, books, a ($250) play pony, an Easy Bake oven, baby toys, and (I have not had the guts to take her to Toys R Us since Halloween) every ANIMAL we see while around town,
and every Christmas decoration she has seen, whether on display in a store or in our neighbor's yard. Now, you might think that I am exaggerating, and I wish I was, but her catch phrase right now is "I am going to tell Santa to bring me that for Christmas." Lucky for her she has two sets of generous grandparents!
We did decorate our tree this weekend, and that was fun, I think we are going to have better luck this year with ornaments staying in one piece. Lindsey loves to have the Christmas lights on, and enjoys seeing other Christmas lights around town when we are in the van.
Matthew is getting big, he is over 15 pounds. We know, unfortunately, because we had to take him to the doctor because he has an ear infection. We knew something was wrong when he went from consuming over 40 ounces a day to about 15 ounces. He seems to be on the mend, and we are thankful for that. Right now he enjoys batting his hand at dangling toys, and trying to reach for things while lying on his tummy. Also, he still loves bath time, but is about to outgrow his baby tub.
October 31, 2006 - We had a great halloween. Lindsey was a 50's girl or, as she likes to say, a 'pink poodle' girl. Matthew was, well, a baby... in pumpkin pajamas. We have been keeping busy with birthday parties, pumpkin picking, etc. Matthew is sleeping through the night about half the time now, which is wonderful.
The kids got to visit their Uncle Chuckie this weekend, which was a touching time. Lindsey had not seen Uncle Chuckie in the 5 months he has been hospitalized. She was afraid of the nurse, though, since she just got 4 shots at her 4 year check up.
Now we are looking forward to a trip this weekend to see the kid's Great Grandmother, GiGi, in Denison. Also, we will ge tto see Nana and Poppy's retirement home that was recently remodeled. It will be the longest trip we've made as a foursome, but Matthew so far travels quite well.
October 19, 2006 - Well, Lindsey's 4th birthday party (aka Pony party) was a raving success. Luckily, no strangers that she invited showed up! The kids ran, jumped, and skipped around for over an hour, then devoured cake and juice. I think everyone had a blast. Even Matthew managed to catch a nap on his Uncle Tony's chest to rest from all the excitement.
Matthew went to his 2 month appointment on the 7th and was 12 pounds and 10 ounces. That's what we call "healthy-size." He is not missing any meals OR snacks. Lindsey went to her 4 year check up on her birthday where she, too, was given a golden seal of approval. She is about 37 pounds and 41 inches tall. She did have to get 4 shots, though, and that was traumatic for both of us. But you would be amazed at how quickly a lollipop can dry away tears....
October 2, 2006 - Matthew is 8 weeks old today. He loves to smile and coo (woooo is his favorite sound to make) and he loves to eat! (That's the Picciuti side coming out...)
Lindsey is busy thinking about her upcoming birthday party and our neighborhood Halloween parade (She will be a 50's girl in a poodle skirt, unless she changes her mind AGAIN.)
September 19 - Matthew had his first playdate! My co-worker Brenda came for a visit and to go to lunch, and brought along her cutie-baby, Noah. Noah was born just 4 days before Matthew. We put the two of them in the crib, and while they enjoyed the mobile, they were oblivious to having company with them in there.
Matthew is now 6 weeks old and is starting to grin and smile all the time (between naps!)
Lindsey is still enjoying gymnastics and invites all stranger to her gymnastics birthday party. She has invited people at stores, people at the drive-thru, all people, young and old, to her party.
Uncle Chuckie (my brother) is still in the hospital, and his progress can be checked at
www.fixupchuck.com or
http://justjan-jan.blogspot.com . It has been almost 4 months, so it is an understatement to say that this has taken a toll on him and Aunt Janny, his loving wife. All prayers are appreciated.
September 10 - Matthew went to his one month appointment this week and now weighs 10 1/2 pounds! Yes, this boy has missed
no meals. He is smiling more and has laughed a couple of times. He toots a lot. I mean A LOT!
Lindsey is now completed with swimming lessons for the summer and has started gymnastics. She loves gymnastics, particularly getting to wear a leotard. On her first day, she started wearing her leotard first thing in the morning, about 3 hours before gymnastics started! I think most females can relate to this...
September 4 - We had a great holiday weekend and saw a lot of relatives this weekend. Jonah and I went to the movies to celebrate my birthday, it was a wonderful treat.
Lindsey is enjoying being a big sister. She finished her swimming lessons, and impressed her instructor with her ability to swim the length of the pool after jumping off the board. This week we will see if she wants to try gymnastics. She might want a break, so we will let her decide. She is enjoying school, and is continuing to 'plan' her birthday, she expects there to be horses, unicorns, zebras, and every stranger we see at Super Target to be there. I hope she is not too disappointed with a few friends, family, and cake.
Matthew continues to impress us with his incredible neck strength and now with his ability to move his head and neck to follow an interesting object. I think I see a nobel proze in his future.... He loves to sit in his swing, but still his favorite place is in our arms. He has his 1 month appointment on Thursday, we can't wait to see what his weight is up to now!
Aug 28 - Matthew is 3 weeks old today. It has gone by quickly. We are all doing great. Lindsey loves to kiss his head and tickle his toes - particularly when he is sound asleep!
I took him in for a weight check last week and he was up to 8 lbs, 12 ozs.
Our night nanny, Eileen, dotes on him as though he is her own grandson. He loves her, too, and falls asleep easily in her arms.
He has been able to lift his head and move his head since birth, but now he is moving it around regularly, and seems to be able to move it to continue his gaze on an object, so, of course, he is WAY advanced for his age! Weeks ahead, at least! (wink, wink)
August 9- Here's a recap of the last couple of days. Matthew Connor Roach was born on Monday, August 7th 2006 at 11:31 am. He was born 8 pounds 6.7 ounces and 19.25 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing fine. The delivery went well with no major complications for Matthew or Christy. Christy has been getting lots of rest and is in great spirits. So far, Matthew has been in good spirits (i.e. not fussy). He has been eating well. Overall Lindsey has handled the arrival of her brother well, expressing interest in him and wanting to touch and play with him. However, I see some differences in her behavior but expect this to be part of the "sibling transition." Christy has requested I show no pictures of her until she is out of the hospital nightgown. However, I have added a few pictures for you to see. We expect to be home Friday. Thanks to all of our family and friends for your support during this special time. Now, I'm off to bed. More to follow.....Jonah
Aug 4 - We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Matthew. The surgery is 10:30 on Monday, August 7th. Lindsey can't wait to meet him, and has big plans for him, she says she can't wait until he is old enough to go to the waterpark, the pool, and to have lunch with her.
Uncle Chuck has been moved out of ICU into a Rehab hospital, for which we are thankful. His progress can be monitored on the blog his wife, Jan has:
http://justjan-jan.blogspot.com and much more Uncle Chuck info, including photos are at
www.fixupchuck.com
July - We had 3D pictures of Matthew Connor taken, courtesy of Danielle, who used to work at the ice cream store, but now works at Window on the Womb! According to their calculations, this kid is already over 6 pounds, and will be between 8.5-9 lbs at his due date.
His pictures look like he is in jell-o, which he sort of is, and Lindsey was concerned that he would be orange when he was born, but we explained that hopefully he'll be pink like she was.
Also, we went to the Bedford carnival, which Lindsey called the "Park Party" and Lindsey got to ride some rides and played her first Midway game, in which she fished and won a pretty pink unicorn.
We have been busy with work and Lindsey with school, and on our time off we visit Uncle Chuck, who is still in ICU recovering from his surgery to straighten his spine.
May 06 Lindsey is enjoying her new 'Big Girl' School, and is looking forward to swimming this summer. Her Uncle Chuck is in the hospital, and his progress can be viewed at
http://justjan-jan.blogspot.com which is updated by Lindsey's Aunt Janny frequently. All prayers and well wishes for Uncle Chuck are greatly appreciated.
We went on a wonderful vacation to Panama. Lindsey was an excellent air traveler, as long as we had bubble gum for departures and landings. She said she saw elephants, giraffes, and a puma in the jungle of Panama.
I was grateful that I was over the blah's of the first trimester of pregnancy, so I could enjoy myself and all of the wonderful food.
Lindsey now has a friend for life in Alex, who she adores.
Contact This Site's Owner