Fun filled days...

Alec taking a rest...

Aramis dreaming away....

Alec meets the jungle...

Cousin Chloe comforts Alec

Cousins Abby and Chloe spend quality time together

As Wendy is on maternity leave, the days have been filled with lots of mommy-child activities---which are a complete dichotomy from what Wendy did in previous years. Her life was filled with long days/nights, focus on career, email after email, client meetings, new business development and anything but a focus on family. In just a short time, so much has changed, and now, Wendy is mother to three tykes--resulting in quite a handful and a life so much harder than she had previously lived. However, it has become a life filled with fun at every turn. We now see family more often and enjoy special moments that only parents can appreciate as their son or daughter giggles for the first time, takes their first step, tries a new food, speaks their first words or waves to a stranger in the store--making that person's day. It's a whole new life filled with more reward that could be found in a life of all work and no play--and Wendy is happy to have these few months to cherish and fully appreciate the diversity of life.

New foods galore....

If there is any one reading this blog that has experience with 'problem feeders,' then this post will make incredible sense to you--and may also provide some level of hope. Princess Abigail, now 29 months of age, has ALWAYS been a problem feeder. That term basically means that she has incredibly strong food preferences--resulting in a very, very tiny number of food selections she WILL eat, while maintaing a huge laundry list of foods she won't even try. Abby doesn't like to try new food she has never experienced before. We cannot tag this to any sensory issues--but rather--we've found that Abby's personality dictates her interest in food. That interest is minimal. It has taken us 29 months to get her to a whopping 22 pounds!! Each step has been a challenge--but we believe that strides are now being made as this past week, Princess Abigail has tried cole slaw, hot dog, cold cuts, apples, cheese, broccoli, rice, ravioli, macaroni and cheese and sushi. Of all those things, her favorite is sushi (California rolls and New Phila Maki especially). Go figure! How is it that our daughter has lived on a staple of yogurt, Pirates Booty, veggie sticks and pureed fruit and vegetables during her 29 months, and absolutely denied trialing anything along the lines of the chicken mcnugget, pizza or hamburger line? Yet, without even a second thought, she can be found face down in a tray of sushi? If someone out there can explain it to me, please do!! These photos are proof of this craziness. I can't wait to share this update with her nutrionist!

The Royal Mom Treatment....

After two months of almost no sleep for Mommy, King Tony surprised Wendy with the most incredible surprise on a Saturday morning. Wendy was trying to get one hour of sleep before Tony had to depart for an a.m. appointment and she awoke to the smell of breakfast. As she decended the stairs, she was welcomed by the photos below--a home cooked egg and sausage breakfast, mimosa and hot, caffeinated coffee! What a treat. King Tony had fed Princess Abigail and one of the twins, washed and readied bottles for the day and even cooked a meal for Wendy to help her ease into the weekend after weeks and weeks of no sleep and pure exhaustion. For moms across the world, this is one of the most wonderful gifts a husband could give his wife. So, take note, boys. A hot, unexpected meal and just some sweet words will win tremendous favor with your spouse. Forget those expensive bobbles that sit in a jewelry chest or trips to exotic international destinations. Remember that with the ladies, the smallest but most sincere show of affection will earn you more bonus points than something you could just as easily purchase from the Internet, a travel agent, or a local retail store. King Tony rocks!!




A surprise for Queen Wendy -- WOW!

Itsy Bitsy Spiders....

Pumpkins carved by the Kingdom's royal carvers...

Halloween is SCARY says Princess Abigail

Alec taking a little rest....

Aramis practicing his role as Blood God (vampire)

This year marked Prince Alec and Aramis' very first Halloween, and Miss Abigail's third. The Kingdom loves Halloween, but this year, we found it difficult to get out trick or treating given that Queen Wendy cannot carry all children, goody bags and drive at the same time. King Tony had to work late, so sadly, the kids did not get a chance to visit neighbors. However, we did carve pumpkins, watch It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and eat chocolate--all Agudelo family traditions--but will have to wait until next year to get out to play tricks and collect treats. Queen Wendy took pictures throughout the day to capture the Halloween spirit which existed even before the kids would have been placed into their official costumes. Sincere thanks to good friend Sharon Randall, who gifted the twins gorgeous Halloween outfits which they wore all day to show their support of the Day of the Dead. More to come after we dress up this weekend for follow on Halloween antics!

Age sets in....

By now, most folks know that the Boston Red Sox clinched another World Series victory! King Tony is thrilled--as that makes two wins (2004/2007) in three years. Not a bad deal. These wins are the first Tony has experienced in his lifetime as a fan of the Boston Red Sox--so it truly is a momentus time in sports history. The week also gave way to another interesting adventure for King Tony as his all time favorite rock band--Van Halen--was visiting Boston. Tony was able to secure a great seat and attended the concert lead by former radio personality, EMT and lead singer, David Lee Roth. King Tony said the concert was really great--but interestingly--Queen Wendy found something on the nightstand the next morning that gave her pause. A pair of used earplugs! Yes, its true. As you age, the loudness of a concert becomes more disconcerting, and harmful to aging ears. While he'd never admit it to anyone, he's clearly on a path of survival -- to maintain and protect the faculties he has remaining. :) Picture proof of what Queen Wendy found is above! :)

Game 4 -- A potential victory

Aramis (L) and Alec (R) after several late nights watching Red Sox/World Series

The Boston Red Sox tonight head into Game 4 of the 2007 World Series. Should they win this game, the team will again hold the prestigious World Series pennant--something Boston has not done since 2004--the last year Queen Wendy was with child. It seems that the years where Wendy is pregnant, the Red Sox have pulled ahead. Interesting coincidence...

The twin Princes are exhausted since FOX starts these games later in the evening--which cuts right into their evening sleep and feeding patterns. Above is a photo of how they look in their pack and play after another late night. Notice the similarities between the photo of the boys above and a typical photo of drunk collegians after a night of partying. hmmmmm......!!

Go Red Sox!!

Grandparents and friends....

Stephanie giving Prince Alec his lunch

Prince Alec and Aramis have had tons of visitors the last few weeks. Most notably, Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Frank and Grandma Lu. Grandma Kathy has spent several wonderful days with the boys, while Grandpa Frank and Grandma Lu popped by on their way through to York, ME for a visit with some old Florida friends.

Exciting news from Red Sox nation this week as the Boston team will again enjoy a spot in the World Series. King Tony is thrilled and Queen Wendy has been making sure that all Red Sox gear is clean and at the ready for wear once the seven-game series begins on Wednesday. Over the weekend, Abigail's godparents and our very close friends Abra and Peter joined us to watch the New England Patriots game. New England stomped Miami--but Tony and Wendy were able to enjoy a few minutes as Abra and Peter took over 'baby duty' for a bit. It was wonderful!!! And, our very good friend Stephanie Jones popped by for lunch--and ended up feeding lunch to Prince Alec instead! :) See? This is what happens when you decide to visit a family with newborn twins and a toddler under the age of three--they put you right to work--so consider yourself forewarned! :)

Other than a slew of glorious visitors, the kingdom is keeping its fingers crossed for another World Series victory. More pictures to be posted after our Wednesday evening vigil--and Game 1 of the series.

Grandma Kathy with Alec

Aramis cuddles with Grandpa Bulawa

Alec (L) and Aramis (R) enjoy bonding with Abby's Godparents, Abra and Peter

The new Red Sox Nation...

Daddy, the Sox are going to kick the butts of the Indians, right?

Family Photo of Red Sox fans

The newest additions to Red Sox Nation

Tonight, the Boston Red Sox begin a four-game series against the Cleveland Indians. Should they reign supreme, it will assure the Sox's spot in the World Series 2007. King Tony, an avid Sox fan, has already begun 'fielding' his own baseball team via his three children. We're prepped and ready for the game to begin later this evening..and all family members are wearing their Sox paraphernalia for good luck. Let's just hope that they are victorious. Otherwise, all the garb being worn in the photos below will be burned in effigy. Go Red Sox GO!

The Kingdom at Work and Rest....

Having twins affords parents and caregivers several unique experiences. As evidenced from the photo above, the Kingdom now has a new method for feeding the princes who eat at regularly scheduled, two-hour intervals called double-bottle-feeding. This method is being employed for two reasons. First, neither prince cares to wait any length of time for his meal. The second is that most parents of multiples believe that eating and sleeping are 'team sports'--meaning that you feed and put to sleep both babies at the same time to get them into a routine. Let's just say that while the advice may be sound, putting into practice the advice is slightly more challenging. But, we're working on it....

And, Miss Abs has found herself equally as exhausted as her parents. When going to get Miss Abs to take her to her bed for a little nap, King Tony found Abigail face down on the kitchen rug...sleeping. This must be what happens after a few long days and nights. All of us...Miss Abs, Tony and Wendy, cannot wait until Princes Alec and Aramis begin to sleep through the nights. It'll be cause for celebration!

Exhaustion.....

Aramis

King Tony and Aramis

Alec

It hits you like a truck in the afternoon around 4:00 p.m. Pure, unaltered exhaustion. After sleepless nights, every two-hour feedings of the twin princes, and hours upon wonderful hours spent with our two year old toddler, both King Tony and Queen Wendy are absolutely pooped. This whole 'raising children' gig is much harder than hundreds of families we know make it look. We can barely get a shower in each day, let alone a meal. How did this happen? Where did our 'free' time go? We spend minutes looking at each other trying to figure out the mystery--and yet, we have no real answers. We're told its parenthood in its rawest form. We feel so blessed to have our beautiful family--but continue to think that we should have done more homework since had we known then what we know now (absolute sleep deprivation, lack of energy and no time to even shower), we may have waited a little longer to expand our family. :) Well, then again, maybe not. We're in absolute love with Abigail, Aramis and Alec. Aren't they adorable?

A Davis adventure away from the kingdom...

Abby's first pony ride!











Abby and cousin Chloe
Chloe's second pony ride ever!


Today, King Tony and Queen Wendy decided to do something unexpected and unplanned. The family woke in the morning, ate breakfast, and proceeded to prepare for an afternoon out at Davis Farmland in Sterling, Mass. The princes, just three short weeks old, were in for a treat. Princess Abigail had enjoyed the farm last October when Tony and Wendy brought her to the corn maze where we spent three hours trying to get out--and finally--we did! :) Today, the family met Queen Stephanie and Princess Chloe out for a few hours together. The weather was as gorgeous as could be expected this time of year (80+ degrees and sunny) so we siezed the moment, filled the carriage and took off. The day was filled with unexpected wonders--including Abigail's very first pony ride! She typically rides in her royal carriage, but today, showed her feminine prowess and rode Flower the pony. Princess Chloe got in on the fun as well and everyone had a wonderful time! Queen Stephanie even arrived with gifts in hand (ALWAYS) including some gorgeous yellow mums and fresh apples and peaches from Lookout Farm. Yum! She even concocted a delicious and unique chicken salad for lunch, made with grapes and orzo. What a superstar! The boys relaxed in their carriage as young calves, goats and sheep tried to eat their blankets...but in the end...much fun was had and we loved getting out of the house and showing off our beautiful family. Here they are!

Boys, boys, boys...

ALEC AND ARAMIS (one sleeping; one awake...ALL the time)
















ARAMIS VINTON








King Tony and Alec, taking a break...



The Kingdom is officially sleep deprived. Princes Alec and Aramis are nothing short of complete handfuls at this point. They are up to eat every 2-4 hours--even when the rest of the world is sound asleep. It has been draining the King and Queen, but we continue to trot along with the hope that the princes will quickly gain weight and begin sleeping through the night. Princess Abigail has been a huge help and wonderful big sister. She helps bring the boys a pacifier should they need it, hands us spit-up rags and blankets on demand and even helps Queen Wendy with the laundry. It's tough to keep up with it all--so she's been of tremendous support. Alec and Aramis are both 'filling out' as they gain weight and aside from a wee bit of 'colic,' all is going very well. We're even considering heading out to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress' Annual Buddy Walk and Family Picnic being held this Sunday--and an outing like that requires organization and good weather. Send your prayer to us that we can accumulate a boatload of both before then! :)

Playoff season begins...

Well, the Red Sox made it into the playoffs (breathe sign of relief....since King Tony is a huge Sox fan). While no one knows exactly how they'll do, my money is on Jason Varitek's skills and Big Papi's (David Ortiz's) incredible ability to hit homeruns in a clutch. King Tony already has Princess Abigail removing her tiara in lieu of a unique piece of headware, which isn't quite as shiny or glamorous. :(

I didn't do it!!

Here it is, the very first photo showcasing which twin will be the bully in the kingdom. Prince Alec (L) has already started 'sleep punching' younger brother Aramis (R) who outweighs him by at least 8 oz.! For all the future challenges we have when Alec claims "I didn't do it.." we have proof from two weeks of age that as a matter of fact, Alec probably DID do it!! From King Tony and Queen Wendy's perspective, there's nothing better than sleepy, well fed, dry diapered, non-crying/screaming children. Now, we're off to find Miss Abigail since who knows what she's gotten into now.... :)

"Direct hit..."

Alec (aka: Erick's clone) and Aramis (Derrick's clone)
They look like Bulawa men--but King Tony has appealed
this theory and continues to fight it tooth and nail.


Uncle Doug and Prince Aramis get acquainted Cousin Joshua welcomes Alec



Having boys is a new experience for both King Tony and Queen Wendy. We're used to girls. Girlie pink bows, tiaras and giggles. Boys on the other hand pose a completely new set of unexpected pleasures including grunts rather than giggles and burps that would put beer drinking champions to shame. In addition, they also have the unique skill of selecting a target and hitting it with an unexpected stream of pee. King Tony was victimized yesterday when Aramis was getting his diaper changed. Not only did Aramis defile King Tony's shirt and shorts, he also hit one of his big sister Abigail's Elmo toys (much to her chagrin...). Queen Wendy couldn't stop laughing--having seen the battle first hand. It made for a much more enjoyable afternoon given sleep deprivation which has throttled the kingdom. Fortunately for King Tony and Queen Wendy, Queen Stephanie and King Douglas from the Weymouth Kingdom of the South Shore have visited along with Grandma Kathy, Prince Joshua and Princess Chloe. The boys are amazed at how many visitors they've had thus far--all of whom want to hold them for hours on end. The Kingdom has also experienced some challenges with that angry baby disease called COLIC, although we're hoping that with an increase in boobie juice and some infant massage, all will again be quiet in the kingdom--at least until Princess Abigail teaches her brothers how to be more vocal!

Day 10....

Now at 10 days of life, our Princes Alec and Aramis have been enjoying the good life in the castle. They get bathed, fed, changed, read to and held for hours on end--the epitome of royal living. In fact, they can get exactly what they want at any hour of the day or night--they need only 'sound the alarm' or 'ring the bell' which to their parents and big sister means, cry out loud until someone comes running... :)

The boys have adjusted well to their lives outside of Mama Wendy's womb. She, on the other hand, misses the big bulge in her belly which received daily rubbing. Now, the challenge that rests on her plate alongside motherly duties to Abigail, Alec and Aramis, is the removal of the extra pounds and stretch marks - ECH!!

Grandma Kathy, Auntie Stephanie (aka Auntie Cookie), and Cousin Chloe have all made visits to see the princes several times. Neighbor and friend Mary Gentile also popped by with a Harrow's chicken pot pie - YUM! (and thanks so much Mary) - to say hello to the gents. We hope to soon meet other members of the family and friends of King Tony and Queen Wendy--but until then--the princes will continue to bask in the glory of their new world. Their cares are few, their demands are many, and everyone around them jumps when they say so!!

A loss...and a smile....

For King Tony and Princess Abigail, Sunday night football was a new tradition. King Tony's favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, played the New England Patriots in a showdown that wasn't to be missed. Unfortunately, the Chargers lost, but don't King Tony and Princess Abigail look perfect in their Chargers garbe?

Hail to the Princes....

Finally home in their own castle, Princes Alec and Aramis are settling in nicely. King Tony and Mama Wendy are makiung ais few adjutments and all is going well--albeit for the lack of a few hours sleep.

Here they are...

(Aramis on the left and Alec on the right)

Bag of surprises....

At 4:17 a.m. on September 12th, Mama Wendy had the interesting experience of feeling her water break. It seemed that one of the princes was ready to arrive--and so, the day's adventures began. After a quick shower, kisses and hugs to Princess Abigail and welcome of Mimi, King Tony and Mama Wendy headed off into Boston for an early morning retrieval of the princes.

PRINCE ALEC ANTHONY was born on 9/12/07 at 9:13 a.m. and weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz.
PRINCE ARAMIS VINTON was born on 9/12/07 at 9:14 a.m. and weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz.

Both boys are of good size and had to make a stop in the NICU for some antibiotics and monitoring given that they are a few weeks early.

Mom and Dad are doing well--and hoping to enjoy four days with the boys in the hospital--re-learning how to change meconium-filled diapers and feed via breast and bottle. The interesting twist in the story is the addition of two tiny penises and trying to figure out how to change a diaper without pee going in every direction!! :)

We'll post pictures hopefully later today. WELCOME PRINCES ARAMIS AND ALEC!!

A week or two to go...

Well, the doctors estimate that the princes are weighing in at somewhere between 6 and 8 lbs. (we'll know more this Friday) which means that they are confident that they will be ready to deliver on September 20th. A final decision will be made this week, but our little ones could be arriving in just shy of 10 days. Whew! Mama Wendy is as big as a house--and her midsection is as stretched as she hopes it to ever be. The princes are active and often kick each other--which will likely make for interesting bedtimes once they arrive. King Tony has put the final touches on the boys' room--including a hand-crafted, three-dimensional elephant. A lot of work, but very cute and creative. Mama Wendy finished the drapes and all the drawers are stocked with everything from diapers and wipes to clothes 0-3 months through 4T! Abby has even gotten involved in the fun and often plays in the boys' room. She's going to be a wonderful big sister and her first task will be to read to her brothers since she absolutely adores reading books!

The kicking will continue until morale improves....

...Now at 34 weeks, Mama Wendy is trying to keep herself focused on work and other responsibilities (namely as mother to Princess Abigail and wife to King Anthony) as her belly expands beyond its former limits and as ritualistic beatings occur from the inside out! The twin princes are actively moving around and letting Mama Wendy know when its time to eat, time to drink, time to rest, time to move, time to roll over and even when to change the music station! At a doctor's visit last Friday, the family learned that the princes were pushing 4 lbs. each -- and were doing extremely well. Great news for all of us. Mama Wendy spent yesterday on Martha's Vineyard (sadly, for work purposes and not for a lovely day trip...), and learned quickly that around this time in a pregnancy, it may be time to reduce hours and take a few more naps. Fortunately, she didn't get ill (sea sick) on either the ferry ride over from the Cape or back, and in general, enjoyed her time playing PR gal! She returned home to her beautiful family and a homecooked meal prepared by the hands of King Anthony (what a wonderful treat) which included Mojito grilled chicken with vegetables and a wonderful treat from the new candy shoppe down the street, RICKY's, a chocolate covered Twinkie! Yum-yum! We'll all be back at the doctor's this week to double-check status of the princes, and will be doing so weekly until their expected arrival between 9/20-10/4.