First tooth arrives....

Prince Alec has experienced the arrival of his FIRST TOOTH!

Just a few weeks behind Prince Aramis's two front teeth, Alec now has one pearly white showing on the bottom. The boys are working on their crawling, although Alec will likely walk well before he even attempts crawling. It is difficult to get him to sit down these days!

There's a lot going on right now--some really great--such as Abby's selection for the next Baby Signing Time series, and some, not wonderful. As many of you know, King Tony's mom has been battling breast cancer for more than three years. During the last two weeks, she's experienced some major and very serious set backs. We hope you will keep her, Tony, and his sister Stephanie in your prayers.

All about the Twin Princes...

As Princess Abigail is preparing for her Hollywood debut, the twins wanted to get in on some of the excitement and have been showcasing their many talents as well. Below are their renditions of the 'Hungry, Hungry Dance' as well as a yet-to-be-named, in-sync exersaucer routine. :) The Agudelo Five enjoyed an afternoon at the park, and our 7-month old twins are already loving the swings. Abby has graduated to the slide and adult swing, although for real swinging fun, she wants to swing alongside her brothers in infant swings. Thank goodness for the warm, dry, and sunny weather. Bye-Bye cabin fever!

Spring has sprung!

Mother Nature has finally released New England from her winters grasp and has shed sunshine on our tiny town, encouraging the Forsythia bushes to bloom, and for all of us to escape our four walls and venture to the outdoors. The boys and Abby absolutely love being outside with the warm sun on their faces and a cool breeze in their hair. Abby continues to ask to have picnics out on our back porch--which makes for fun mealtimes. Here are brand new photos of the twin princes. Miss Abigail got in on the fun, but was tormented to no end by her baby brothers.... Happy Spring!

Off to Utah we go.....!!

Abby made it! Yes, our darling little red head will be traveling (with mom/dad/family) to Utah in a few weeks to take part in the filming of the next series of Baby Signing Time! King Tony and Queen Wendy are thrilled and so excited that Princess Abigail was selected from thousands of entrants. What's more, she gets paid!! :) (not much, but hey, it's money for her college fund). Here's the note we received from Two Little Hands Productions. We're off to Utah in a few weeks, so wish us luck!!

**********************

Dear friend of Signing Time,

Congratulations! Your child has been chosen to participate in new volumes of the Baby Signing Time series. We are very excited to get started with the production process. Here are a few things that you can expect during this process.

Children will be filmed for 2-3 days from May 12th to May 29th in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each child will receive a stipend of $35.00 per day for filming. Children will be assigned approximately 15 signs that they will need to learn prior to filming. These signs will be made available to you via the Signing Time website. We encourage you to practice the signs and practice cueing your child to perform the signs.

Most contact will be conducted via email so please be sure to check your email daily. The next email you will receive will contain more detailed information and an exact schedule. We are working quickly so that our visitors from out of state can begin booking their travel.

Thank you for being a part of Signing Time!

**********************

Developmental milestones...

Every parent looks forward to their child(ren) reaching life milestones, from holding their head up, to walking, potty training and talking. For Wendy and Tony, a restful evening would be the first sign of the princes ultimate development--and while we're not there yet--(oh, how we wish we could sleep two hours straight...), we hope we're not too far. In the past week, the boys have gotten more comfortable sleeping on their bellies. With SIDS concerns, etc., we keep a close eye on our little guys, but have found they sleep better when resting on their tummies. Case in point, the below photos. During naptimes, Wendy often finds the twins on their bellies resting comfortably. It's great that they can do this, but during the evening, if they awake on their tummies, forget about it. It's screaming for hours at a time and it takes forever to get them back to sleep. UGH! We hope this will remedy itself soon....

Prince Aramis has also found a new 'tool' in his tool chest--his new two front teeth! Yes, our youngest baby has broken through two front teeth(bottom) which he uses to chomp on pretzel rods several times a day. We can't wait until he'll smile for the camera and show off those pearly whites! Woohooo!!

And, despite the facial expression shown below, Abby has finally found a way to enjoy milk. Abby was born with a milk/diary allergy, however at 1 1/2 years, we tried yogurt and found her able to digest/manage it well. So, we tried ice cream, cottage cheese, American cheese, etc., and her taste really wasn't for any of those foods. Eventually over the last six months, her food preferences have changed dramatically and she now eats all of the above. We have struggled to get her to drink milk (or soy) and tried everything from chocolate, to strawberry to Ovaltine (malt), to milk shakes. Nothing seemed to work. Yet today, she asked for and received some chocolate milk, which she drank from her cup without fuss. This is a major breakthrough since now, maybe we can put some weight on our little princess who at 2 1/2 years, is only 25 pounds! Petite and perfect, but Mom and Dad really want her to have some chub so that as she begins running around during summer, she has some calories to burn. :) See that milk in the far right side of the photo? That's it--chocolate flavored cow juice!

Smiles, everyone, smiles!

The Princes of the kingdom have started to find their personalities and given the appropriate stimulation, can be found laughing hysterically for hours on end. Their infectious laughter fills the kingdom with joy and Princess Abigail loves it most.

Signing Time....

When Princess Abigail was nine months old, we introduced her to sign language. We had read that the use of sign language helped eliminate the frustration with communication (or the lack thereof) between parent and child, and also has a highly positive impact on a child's IQ. Fortunately for us, Abby loved sign language and took to it like a fish to water. Today, she can sign in sentences and knows more signs than even her parents know. She's also been teaching her speech therapist how to sign -- which is truly impressive.

Just a few weeks ago, the company through which we have purchased a library of 'learn to sign' videos called Signing Time (Two Little Hands Productions) put out an open casting call for children aged three and under for consideration in their upcoming video productions. We couldn't resist submitting a brief sampling of Abby's sign language vocabulary to see if maybe, just maybe, she'll be one of the children picked. With thousands of entries, we're thinking she probably won't, but in our minds, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Below is a sampling of signs Abby uses. We've also added the links to her two audition pieces located on You Tube. (click the links or copy and paste into your Internet browser).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H788URRSaNw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mNMFS53Q_E

The best part of all of this is that by the time she enters preschool, Abby will be multilingual, and able to 'speak' the fourth most used language in the US - sign language. (ASL is fourth to English, Spanish and Chinese).

It's all about the egg....

We're a family that celebrates Easter and the few days before are very important as it is 'time to color the Easter eggs!' This is the first year that Princess Abigail has really gotten into the holiday and the first that we've been able to introduce the Princes to the time honored tradition. The twins didn't know what to make of all the mess, but Abby absolutely loved coloring eggs. We even colored a few with her name on them, and trying to wrench one of her special eggs from her tight little grasp was nearly impossible. We're thinking she's finally entered the 'it's mine' phase. Oh no! So, to all of those who read this blog, Happy Easter!

Coloring the eggs...making a mess and all!
"Now this is MY egg. Don't try to take it away from me, cuz if you do, I'll squeeze it so tight it'll crack and THEN where will you be?"
Daddy holds up Aramis' special egg so he can take a good looksy....
Here they are--the sweetest royal threesome in the kingdom--Alec(L), Abby (M), Aramis (R)

Godfather gets jiggy...

A wonderful unexpected visit from Abby's Godfather Peter brought smiles to all our faces this afternoon. Peter just returned from New Orleans where he spent more than a week doing volunteer services in support of Hurricane Katrina victims. He helped rebuild homes, pave driveways, etc., and we were thrilled that he returned home safely. Peter popped by to say hello and give Queen Wendy a break. It was great!! Abigail missed her Godfather so much during his trip away that she skipped lunch and a nap to spend time with him. She was too excited to eat or sleep, so the two of them headed down to Abby's playroom. On the sly, Queen Wendy was able to capture some never-before-seen moments of Peter --dancing with his God Daughter Abby. This was too good not to post since it is a rarity to capture an image of Peter smiling on camera, let alone getting jiggy on video! (For those that don't know, Peter recently retired from the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police--the most hard-ass law enforcement agents in the country). Aren't they adorable together!?!?!

Happy Spring!

Finally, it has arrived. A sans-flu season filled with lukewarm breezes, sunshine and gorgeous foliage. Spring is here--and around the kingdom--excitement for the season has also been brewing. King Tony is neck deep in NCAA March Madness, Abby is enjoying recess outdoors while at school and the twins are getting their pictures taken a lot more since they seem to be growing and changing so much more quickly than they did a month ago.

Prince Aramis loves his baths. Well, as long as no one is snapping his picture while he's butt naked, that is. Our little man was again admitted from the ER into the hospital this week for severe respiratory issues and is now at home with a lovely nebulizer which Wendy and Tony must use on him every 4-6 hours. :( This is him upon returning home. We knew after a few days in the hospital that everyone needed a good bath and a nap, and our boys get what they deserve... :)

Prince Alec has a smile for everyone! He's a glorious little tyke--when he's not crying--and has been fortunate enough to AVOID the ER/hospital since his arrival home in the kingdom. Thank goodness!
To help their sleep deprived parents from calling them the incorrect names, we occasionally dress the twins in clothing on which their names have been printed. It really helps in the wee hours of the morning, and the late afternoon stretch of the day when the coffee wears off and child screaming has penetrated every corner of one's brain......

Aha!

It was one of those moments parents both await with baited breath and fear --all at the same time. In the last week, Princess Abigail has begun climbing stairs and cruising around the house, and seeks to open every cabinet door and the refrigerator about 50 times a day. She also, akin to the highly intelligent, thieving velociraptor dinosaur--continues to seek out and test for weaknesses every baby gate in our home. The King and Queen are thrilled to have her on the move. We were also recently successful at documenting one of Princess Abby's 'A Ha!' moments when she opened one of the cabinets to find and reach her snack drawer and retrieve her own snack for the day without the help of a grown-up! She's very proud of herself--as much as Wendy and Tony are--and now, we have the pleasure of doing some serious babyproofing!

"A ha!" This is where they've been storing all the goodies! They thought they could keep them hidden from me, but noooooooo way! :)

"Just what I wanted, a box of delicious, salty crackers!"

Happy 6 Months Boys....

Today, March 12th, the twin Princes Alec and Aramis turn 6 months old. Time has seemingly flown as these little cherubs (okay, little devils...) arrived in our kingdom. Finally in good health, the twins are sitting independently, eating solids, and starting to talk and motor. It's so exciting for all of us. Miss Abigail has taken their lead and is now climbing stairs (a very scary endeavor for her parents as she's too much of a risk taker sometimes) and has expanded her eating preferences enormously. We're thrilled! Anyway, here's to our first six months and to hundreds and hundreds more with our gorgeous boys (and daughter too, of course!). Happy Six-Months Boys! :)


Alec is already prepping for March Madness. Syracuse U may not make it in, but if they do, he's going to support the Orange (even if the hat IS a little big...). :)

Here comes trouble....

Need I say more? Pictures say it all.. :)

"So, Mr. Bee, whadda youse lookin' at?"
"Damn papparazzi--get outta here! This is a PRIVATE conversation between me and the bee...."

"We swear, we had nothing to do with the spilled milk bottles, the spit-up on the carpet, or that foul stench in the air that seems to be emanating from our rear ends....really!

It's Abigail!!!"

Stinky Butt....(not for uptight readers)

With all the diaper changes occurring in the kingdom these days, one can only imagine how often the air can be filled with unique and sometimes near-fatal stenches! Princess Abigail, while an occasional contributor herself, finds her brothers poopie diapers a little too much to handle. She's even crafted her own description of those moments when either gas or poop smells fill the air--and it's called the 'stinky butt' dance. We've videoed it below so that everyone can enjoy the innocence and honesty that only a two-year old can deliver....We hope it brings smiles rather than scoffs from those who think that normal bodily functions are taboo and off-limit subjects. We just couldn't resist--sicko parents that we are!

Lots of kisses....

There is little more to say than 'we are a loving family!' Princess Abigail, being the perfect big sister, has been helping out a lot with her twin brothers and their developmental milestones. In fact, she's willing to lay on her belly and help out Alec and Aramis with their daily rolling and 'tummy time' exercises, mid-line grasp and other gross and fine motor skills. After the boys complete their exercises, she is first in line to congratulate them on a job well done with...of course...some special sister kisses. You'll see from the video below. Princess Abigail is an absolute DOLL!!

Starting Solids....

Alec (L) and Aramis (R) begin adding solid food to their diets
Don't they look oh so excited??!!

So, the kingdom is enduring another change in that the princes are moving into a new phase of their development at five months--which includes the addition of solid cuisine on the daily menu. We've only just begun this process, but can tell that applesauce is definitely a favorite of Alec's. Aramis on the other hand could care less for it. We're making our own babyfood (well, we're doing the best we can at this time--who knows what will happen a week from now) and hoping they'll enjoy the consistency of 'real' homemade baby food versus a lot of the store bought stuff. Now, we're not fools. We keep a ton of those little plastic squares filled with squash, apples and blueberries, prunes, beans, peas and apricots in the cupboard for those hurried meals or on-the-road visits. Our goal is to do things a little differently with the boys since Abby is a tremendously picky eater, and we hope that by introducing 'real' food, maybe they won't have food aversions. Well, here's to wishing and hoping for the best. We'll post 'messy' photos once we introduce lovely items such as chocolate, ice cream and spaghetti! :)

No good deed goes unpunished...

Okay, I hate this phrase. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. It has plagued me my entire life--as far back as my 21st birthday when I drove several of my drunk friends home (MY birthday and I was designated driver...go figure) and was pulled over at 2:45 a.m. by a police officer wondering what I was doing driving 5 miles over the speed limit at that hour. I was so irritated that my friends were drunk (one was puking in my backseat as I was pulled over, mind you) that I screamed at the officer and said, "why are you pulling me over when all I'm trying to do is get my friends home safely and avoid puke in my hair!" He smiled, of course as he saw (or should I say smelled) the situation up close and personal (as he stepped back when I opened the window), and proclaimed, "no good deed goes unpunished." He didn't do anything to me but send me on my way, but it really irked me as before that day, I'd never heard the phrase and had no idea what it meant. Little did I know that it would be the first of many instances. Case in point, this past week. After a nice snowstorm, our plow guy came to clear the driveway, mailbox, etc. Unfortunately, it was raining and foggy and he somehow backplowed into an icebank, getting his truck completely stuck. I saw him outside and went out to render some help. After 45 minutes of digging, pushing, rocking, rock salting and tire spinning, his truck was freed. I felt I'd done something to help him out as he'd be able to get back to his job and serve his other clients. Little did I know that two days later, I'd receive in the mail, a bill for the full service! I was shocked. Clearly, my 45 minutes of hard labor and help to a guy who had no other means of freeing his damn truck, wasn't worth a penny. I shared this little tidbit with King Tony whose first reaction was, 'no good deed goes unpunished.' Can someone please dig into the books of cliche' lingo and permanently delete this one, for the sake of all of us? I think if anything, good deeds should be appreciated, rewarded, revered--not punished. So, I'll pay the bill. I'll also let the guy and his business know how bad for business I think this practice. And, I'll start shoveling my own driveway as given the time I spent on his problem (not mine), I could have shoveled the entire driveway and then some--at no charge!

An ER visit...

I just wasn't prepared. Years serving as a volunteer at Children's Hospital in Boston and a sister to both a pediatrician and a surgeon didn't give me the strength I needed when having to endure a visit to Winchester Hospital's emergency room earlier this week with our little Aramis. While giving him a bath, we noticed a red circle around his left breast/nipple. We thought it was wierd and sent a photo to Uncle Erick and Auntie Beth who within two minutes, discerned it as an abcess needing immediate medical attention. It's seven o'clock in the evening, so we called our own pediatrician's office, and were advised to take him into the ER. Fortunately, we were seen fairly quickly, and were told he needed IV antibiotics and bloodwork for something called cellulitis (a staph or strep infection, basically). I was okay with the bloodwork, but NOT okay with an IV. Some background: Abigail was permanently scarred for life because of an improperly placed IV (called an infiltrate) while she was in the NICU soon after she was born. Not surprising, Aramis too suffered the initial affects of an infiltrate when he had an IV after birth (which we had removed before it could do any serious damage--having learned through Abby's experience what to look for, etc.). So, I'm not a fan of IVs. After speaking with both the ER doc and two nurses, we arrived at a compromise, which was a IM (inter muscular) injection of antibiotics and oral meds. After the bloodwork came back and we learned that little Aramis' white count was up, we gave him a shot, some oral meds and waited to make sure he didn't have an allergic reaction. Now a few days later, we're still worried that the abcess will have to be lanced at some point, but happy that we caught it so quickly. Otherwise, it could have spread and worsened. So, a lovely side affect to all these antibiotics are both explosive diarrhea, irritability (as if the twins could be any more irritable...) and a serious problem with gut flora (the stuff that breaks down food in the belly). It'll be an interesting few weeks, but thankfully, Abby has been a great big sister and helper and Alec is trying his hardest to whine only when we're not focused on Aramis. :) I was happy that we didn't spend 10 hours in the ER (normal wait time...) and that we were able to bring Aramis home without having him admitted, but let's just say that I hope we won't have to see much of the ER in years to come as it is a place I'd just as soon avoid.

Happy Hallmark Holiday....

Okay, okay, we all know what a Hallmark holiday Valentine's Day is, but isn't it still a little fun to plan (or receive) something special from someone you love? The Agudelo twins and their big sister Miss Abigail dressed the part today in their red, Cupid's arrow, heart-filled gear and hung out in a chair together to show their love for one another. Obviously, as they age, these moments will be few and far between, so Wendy and Tony take all opportunities possible to get the kids together in pictures. Miss Abs actually enjoys giving her brothers wet smooches when they are sitting in their exer-saucers or working on their rolling. They, in turn, roll their eyes and aren't yet quite sure what to make of all that affection. I guess...time will tell. :)

King Tony surprised Wendy with an incredibly creative and handmade book titled, "That's Not My Mommy." A throwback to several Usborne Book titles, the installment includes several hilarious photos of women (smoking, bald, etc.) and one of mommy when pregnant with Miss Abigail. It was such a sweet gesture, it made Wendy's day and definitely was more appreciated than a dozen roses (well, Tony got her a few dozen of those LAST weekend...). :) Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Aramis, Abby and Alec warm up for the camera

The twins strike a manly pose....

It's all fun and games in our house....

Taking a drive...

Doesn't everyone enjoy taking a drive? Off to a known or unknown destination--with the wind in your hair, bugs on your windshield, or freezing rain under your tires? Within the kingdom walls as of late, there's been a whole lot of driving going on. Recently, Princess Abigail and her friend, Knight Benjamin, took out the new, red, sportster gifted to her and her brothers from Auntie Cookie (Stephanie), Uncle Doug, and cousins Clo-Clo (Chloe) and 'sh' (Joshua). So, off they went with snacks in hand....(don't they look so cute and content?)

But, all of the sudden, a complete blow out occurs, and the flat tire leaves them temporarily stranded.... :( Together, they ponder what to do next....

Then, Abby gets an idea. "Benjamin, you must exit the sportster and fix the flat tire." Knight Benjamin seems pleased with her suggestion as he is a young man of strong muscles and character. He knows he can fix the tire and get them on their way again....and then, their casual drive can continue. :)
Prince Alec on the other hand, hasn't quite graduated yet to the level of sportster, and instead, drove the purple Bumbo around the kingdom's lush grounds. As you can tell, he has it mastered.
Prince Aramis prefers to drive Daddy around. It's a much more cozy ride and right now, that's all the driving he wants to do. :)

The kingdom has been amid a number of changes as of late. The boys are beginning to sleep (thank goodness!) and Miss Abigail is in school and off socializing several times a week. Grandma Kathy has also been visiting--to keep the kingdom in line, of course. :) The best part of our drive are the stories we share after we've completed them, so we suspect that more stories (and ultimately more driving) is still to be enjoyed.

A Chargers Family....

Unfortunately, the San Diego Chargers just couldn't take the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots two weeks ago, terminating their half-way-decent season. King Tony is an avid San Diego fan, and has been working hard to cultivate said love of the Chargers among his three little ones. As you can see below, it is more than an obsession. Even though our favored team won't be in the SuperBowl this year, the local favorite--Pats--will be. So, you'll find us in front of the boob tube for a few hours watching the Pats take on the Giants as we secretly begin planning next year's strategy towards a Chargers victory. :)

Alec dressed in Chargers gear

Proud Papa and Aramis cheer on the Chargers

Germaphobia...

Okay, I'll admit it here in our blog. I'm a germaphobe. Not the super anal retentive germaphobe type mind you, but someone who would rather live in a healthy home than one wrought with illness. This winter has been a train wreck. All three of the kingdom's precious cherubs have fallen prey to more than one viral infection (sinus, common cold and the newest one, rotovirus). I alcohol wipe ever doorknob, switch plate, set of car keys, bannister and faucet once a week. I wash clothes in hot water with bleach (or bleach alternative). I wipe down counter tops with Clorox wipes and there is a bottle (or two) of Purell hand sanitizer in every single room. My hands alone are dry and cracked from all the handwashing--but still--the children are sick. I don't get it. The twins hardly leave the house so it just seems impossible that they could ever be sick. Low and behold, they are. Not once this winter, but for the third time. Can someone out there PLEASE explain it to me? My hope was to keep them safe from germs for at least six months. That way, they'd at least reach a sleep-through-the-night pattern so that the king and queen could get some much needed rest. But NO....THAT is asking way too much. So, going on five months now Tony and Wendy continue to remain sleep deprived, exhausted, and fighting unknown viruses at every turn. What was the line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding--"put a little Windex on it." Maybe that's what I'll go do now.....

An amazing view...

Some people have a view of the ocean, the mountains or even of a gorgeous lakeside retreat. Most of the time, our view isn't one to brag about---until---a fresh snowfall. Our tiny place in the world could almost be considered heavenly after it snows. We reside amid a state forest in Massachusetts, on a cul de sac of three homes. And, when the weather is 'just right,' it becomes a magical and amazingly beautiful location--someplace we want to share with others. Winter has arrived in all its magnificence as evidence in the photo below. Happy New Year!

A holy day...

This past weekend was very special in that we baptized our twins, Alec and Aramis. We were honored that four very close family friends agreed to become Godparents to our little princes, who were welcomed into the Christian faith on Sunday--via Pastor Andy Gilman. Interestingly, it was Andy's last service before retiring from his work at our parish. While a bittersweet day, he did the amazing and has a magic touch all his own! Not only did he somehow quiet two screaming boys upon introducing them to the church, he casually and confidently walked both boys (one on each arm) down the aisles of the church so that everyone could get a good look. We were stunned. Then again, the Godparents (and Uncle Doug who has a gift with our kids as well) were able to keep the boys happy during our post-baptism celebration. Here they are....!

Godfather Ed and Aramis

Godmother Wendy and Aramis

Godmother Laurie and Alec

Godfather Regis and Alec

Wintertime in New England....

For those reading this family blog who do not reside in New England, we hope posted photos will provide a sense of the fun that can be had after the snow falls. It's not all snow plows and salted walkways out here--there's so much more to do! Case in point, Abby's first sled ride.

King Tony selected a beautiful red sled for Princess Abby and after getting bundled up to brave our most recent snowfall, the pair set out into our backyard. Needless to say, the experience started off a little 'bumpy' (see video below...hilarious), however in the end, everyone figured out how to pull and ride in sync and enjoyment was had for nearly 45 minutes. King Tony was extremely tired after pulling his little girl's sled, but will remember the day for the rest of his life. :) (as will Wendy who documented the events of the day and hasn't yet stopped laughing).

Abby and Tony pose before the sledding begins

Princess Abigail--so beautiful in pink Pashmina

King Tony has a little chat with Abby about snow

The video below shows the initial 'pull' of the sled--and what happens when you forget to first review proper sledding procedures....