Birthdays and First Timers....

King Tony turns 39 today. It's a pretty big milestone as it represents the final chapter of one's 'thirties.' Although, Tony has the formula right. He's successful, handsome, strapping--even with the newly emerging gray hairs. He's a business owner, father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, volunteer, Trustee, Board member, editor and good friend. That's a big load to carry--and fortunately for us--he carries it well. Today also marks another major milesone in that our three munchkins were taken to a local kids hair salon to get their first haircuts! We figured Abby and Alec would do okay, but Aramis just HATES being manhandled. No surprises here--the photos tell all. Although, everyone now has a neat, clean hairdo to start off 2009. Even Tony went in to his barber for a trim before his birthday celebration commences later this evening. Now...all we have to do is figure out when Wendy can sneak out for a haircut!! :) Happy New Year!!

Alec sits for his cut as if he's been doing it for years...What a pro!!

He's such a big boy!!

Then, there's Aramis...who doesn't want anything to do with combs, scissors or drapes!

"Ack, don't touch me--don't comb my hair--I'm a boy and I like being messy!!"

"Oh the injustice of it all--stop, stop, stop manhandling me!!"

"I'm done.--thank goodness. Like my angled bangs??"

Visit with the Dubes.....

Our eldest son's (Alec) Godparents (Regis and Laurie) made the trek to our place to exchange gifts and spend some time during the holidays. It turned out to be quite an adventurous visit with Auntie Laurie, Uncle Regis and their gorgeous son, RJ--the next American Idol and Mariah Carey fan du jour!

RJ teaches Princess Abby how to sing 'Jingle Bells'--his version!

And then Abby shares her version--a mighty scaled-down and shortened version. :)

Opening presents....

Opening gifts on Christmas--a time honored tradition that we of course want to share with our children. This year, Princess Abs understood the pleasure and enjoyment that comes from ripping apart paper-covered items--to reveal a surprise contents within. It took us from 9:30 - 5:30 to open our gifts--and honestly, there were not that many to start. Wait until 5 years from now. It'll all be over in less than 5 minutes--regardless of how many items are left by Santa. We're savoring the moments....

Merry 'Cellulitis' (okay, Christmas!)....

Christmas and Santa Claus have both arrived at our home--and we couldn't be more thrilled that he believed all our little munchkins to be 'good' and therefore left many wonderful gifts underneath our Christmas tree! We enjoyed a beautifully sunny, white Christmas--and even King Tony received unexpected gifts from Santa this year! He must have been extra good.

We were late risers this year--which is unusual given that Princess Abs is otherwise awake at 4:30 a.m.--so gift unwrapping commenced much later--around 9:00 a.m.! Unbelievable--and a sweet gift for Wendy and Tony who never get to sleep--let alone sleep IN! :) Alas, the photos below (and forthcoming video) showcase the pleasure of Christmas morning at our digs. The only glitch in our day was uncovering a lovely little surprise on Alec's calf--the onset of cellulitis. Now making its third appearance on our twins, we knew exactly what to do (thank goodness)--catching it early and within two days, it was like it never happened. So, while there was a momentary 'Merry Cellulitis,' it returned to Merry Christmas quickly, and we hope all those that enjoy our blog had a lovely holiday!

Our annual ornament. Since Tony and Wendy met, we've collected one Christmas ornament each year to become part of our personal collection. This year's was a gorgeous sled with the names of all our kiddies on snowflakes. :)

Everyone enjoys the opening of Christmas presents--even King Tony!!

And finally, the dreaded 'cellulitis' dot! It came, we conquered. It's gone. Priceless!

Just hanging with the boys....

Christmas is almost here and the boys, Abby and their parents have been enjoying pre-holiday preparations and traditions including cooking baking, present wrapping, watching Home Alone, reading Christmas cards and listening to Harry Connick, Jr.'s Christmas CD. As we enjoy the newly fallen snow, we also capture precious moments with our little guys as they troll through their toy chests--already overflowing with goodies--and figure out new ways to hide from mom and dad (underneath the kitchen table, the baby grand piano and inbetween furniture). Crazy boys...!

Snowstorm #2....

New England is now getting pelted by another snow storm (warnings, expecting another 8-12 inches, etc.) but for us, we're taking full advantage of the white stuff since it is, afterall, nearly Christmas!! We're a snow-loving family. We ski, we sled, we generally just like four seasons--and winter is one of them. It may not be our favorite, but if you live in the northeast, there's no option but to enjoy it for the few months you have it. So, we are.....

Daddy and his munchkins....sledding.....The boys seems to enjoy the snow!

A view from our doorstep. It's snowing pretty good, but

we reside in a lovely area...

Accumulation so far....not bad!!! More is on the way today! And, for those who follow our blog, we did experience additional sled 'tipping' moments with our sons as well. For some reason that red sled doesn't like to stay on its bottom. The boys enjoyed it much more than Abby did (reminder of past sled uses: http://kingdomandcastle.blogspot.com/2008/01/wintertime-in-new-england.html ) but Abby has found her toboggan, and that is a sled she can warm to. :)

Learning Spanish...

We wanted our international, Spanish-speaking relatives to know that yes, we are in fact encouraging the education about and use of a diverse array of languages. As of today, we speak English and use sign language, but upon Tony's return from Colombia, more Spanish has started to crop into our daily conversations. In the video above, note that even the toys our children play with have a Spanish language component--further encouraging use of a third language. We hope it will make our relatives even more happy to note that the kids PREFER to play with the toys on the 'Spanish' setting. Who would have thought--azul, verde, naranja VIVA!!

Auntie Sings So Sweet....

Abby's Godfather was last year caught on tape--dancing--which is simply something he doesn't do much of EVER! So, it was equally as enjoyable to us to catch Abby's Godmother on tape--singing children's songs as Abby stood mesmerized beside her. This was a moment to be captured as Auntie Abra has a lovely voice, but doesn't often let her inner child come out. Only with very special people does she show this side--and we're honored that it is with our darling daughter (and her God daughter) that she decided to 'let lose.' We love our Auntie Abra!!

Stop, thief!!

Our sons know exactly what they are doing. I figured it out. It's not dumb luck that they know the exact tone of cry to shrill when they need food or a hug. It's not innate to them to know how to give 'puppy dog eyes' when they are trying to get out of a reprimand for something they did that they shouldn't. Bottom line, they are smart. Alas, we now have to worry that our sons will be bank robbers as Aramis was caught on film stealing his sister's pants. Why? Who knows? Maybe because they wanted to see if they could get away with it. Maybe they simply wanted to teach her a lesson. Either way, we now know that our kids are smarty pants--and regardless of the color or materials--it's all about the pants!

Christmas fun begins....

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving, although all of us remain stuffed to the gills with turkey and stuffing. Thanks to a few well-deserved days off, we've been able to initiate pre-holiday festivities including chopping down and decorating our Christmas tree, getting out our holiday cards and decorating the house! This year, we're using the beautifully handcrafted advent calendar gifted to us by Uncle Erick and Auntie Beth a few years ago. Abby enjoyed filling all the secret doors with candy for herself, Aramis, Alec, and Daddy.

"oh, the candy goes inside--and I can't eat it until when?????" (P.S. If you like Abby's shirt and may be interested in purchasing one for your little guy or girl, visit http://www.ohsewkids.com/. Our neighbors, Renee Metsch and Dawn Simpson founded the company and design adorable, personalized items--perfect for the holidays!)

Anyone who knows our family well knows how challenged we were by our daughter's tremendous food preferences since birth. She was initially a 'salty/crunchy' type of gal--and anything that was smooth or soft (just about everything else), you may as well never try to feed it to her. Over the couse of two years, we requested and received advice from several nutrionists--many of whom were perplexed by Abby's feeding preferences. Eventually though, with time and encouragement, Abby has slowly, but surely, overcome her preferences. We think it may be due to her brothers--both of whom are great eaters. Interestingly, one of the nutritionists we worked with--Linda Piette- is also an author. She wrote the now-famous book "Just Two More Bites." To further develop her practice, Linda is now working on a companion DVD to accompany her workshops--showcasing 'great eaters' and 'not so great eaters.' After learning that Abby had some new brothers who were fantastic eaters (thanks to our super-connected grapevine of friends), Linda asked to put Alec, Aramis AND Abigail in the DVD. We were thrilled to be asked--especially after having endured years-long battles with Abby. But, we are so proud to say that all three of our little guys are expected to be featured in a DVD showing positive eating habits! Who would have thought???? Maybe all three of our kids (given their frequent appearances in newspapers, newsletters, Emmy nominated DVD series and now, teaching/educational movies) will become the next Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie! :)

On the move....

So many parents warned us about how things would change once all three of our little ones became mobile. We listened, and maintain an appropriate level of fear and concern, yet our excitement completely outweighs our fret. Last evening (on his way to bed) and this morning, Prince Aramis decided it was time that he ascended the stairs much like his sister Abigail. Aramis does everything Abby does, and Alec does everything Aramis does--so you understand how this will all work. Soon after Aramis' trip upward, Alec decided it was his turn. Now, all our children are fully mobile, climbing stairs and looking to climb them over, and over, and over again. We'll be tired, but will enjoy every single moment of our kiddies learning how to fend for themselves. Our 'old person's' backs and joints thank our children right now--since they are all getting too big to carry.

Pillow Fight....

Isn't it great to be a kid? I think so. At least I can say that I absolutely love looking at life through the eyes of my children. Things are less hectic, less complicated and generally, just more fun! This evening before bedtime, the twin princes decided to engage in their own form of fun--a pillow fight! I felt so lucky to be home with them rather than in an office or somewhere within a commute--since these moments truly make life less complicated and of course, more fun! Enjoy!

Abby's star continues to rise....

Our once tiny little 'strawberry princess' has quickly evolved into a movie starlet and the most popular girl in her Pre-K class, among other notable milestones. Posted today is the story of Abby's success as one of the child stars in the latest DVD releases from Signing Time. As such, the story appears on the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress website complete with photos. We're so proud of our little 'pie.'

http://www.mdsc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=290&Itemid=1

Recently, Signing Time linked the news from the newsletter and MDSC website to their site. We're absolutely so proud of our little girl and encourage all who read this blog to investigate Signing Time. An incredible company that has made an immense difference in our lives and our childrens--all of whom use sign language. :) http://www.signingtime.com/news/in-the-news/

Happy Halloween....

Happy Halloween everyone! All the Kingdom's kiddies have been very sick this last week, but we rallied them for a 30 minute trek around town to complete their first-ever TRICK OR TREAT! Our incredibly awesome neighbors (the Jacobson's) hand-delivered a huge bag of goodies for the kids as they were heading out to dinner, so we left our area and headed to another part of town! Wouldn't you know it? We stumbled across an incredible find--a house owned by two engineers who turn their garage into an amazing theme-scene for Halloween every year! They had a moving dragon and everything...very cool.
Here is proud Papa with his little ones: Tiger, LadyBug and Lion.

These are photos from the surprise house. The dragon actually moved and it looked incredible!

Momentous Occasions....

Three are many occasions in children's lives where parents must sit up and take notice. Their first steps, their first words, their first smile or giggle, their first time successfully using the toilet--and millions of other special moments. The last few weeks have marked many of those momentous moments in the lives of the Kingdom's three cherubs. Below is video of two of them. The first, of Abigail ascending the steep stairs all on her own. The second, Aramis giving himself a chocolate facial. :) Enjoy!

Crunching leaves....

As Fall is now in full swing , playing outdoors among the leaves, pumpkins and cornstalks seems like the greatest thing in the world to do. The princes and princess of the kingdom yesterday enjoyed 'crunching the leaves' for a bit. We took all the kids outside in the late afternoon sun to walk on the leaves and hear the sound it made. Funny how the simplest things resonate so strongly with children. They loved it. We learned about leaves and why they change color and fall from their tree 'homes' at this time of year. An all-around great Fall afternoon activity.

Alec sits in the most perfect Fall light....



Abby 'crunching leaves'

Abby learning about the changing color of leaves...

She's a movie star....

The movies finally arrived and we are thrilled to report that our tiny princess is dispersed beautifully across both DVDs--teaching others how to sign 'day,' 'nice,' and 'star,' among others. We couldn't be more proud of Abby--who not only appears on the Signing Time DVD series, but is today teaching her brothers how to sign. Alec and Aramis know how to sign 'excuse me' (for use when the burp), 'cheese,' 'dog,' and they are learning how to fingerspell and sign the alphabet. More to come from our super-signers. :) Order your copies today!

Abby amid signing 'day' above...

...and 'star'

(which she is one...a beautiful, shining, super star!)

Buddy Walk 2008...

This weekend, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (http://www.mdsc.org/) held its 12th annual Buddy Walk in Wakefield. The family was in attendance, and did some volunteer work for the cause. The weather was PERFECT (sunny and warm) and we were able to make new friends, enjoy old friends, and spend some one-on-one quality time with Godmother Abra. :)

MDSC president Charlie Gadbois addresses the large crowd....

Registration begins...and look how many are already here!

Abby gives Sparky the Fire Dog a hug...so cute!

Abby with Godmother Abra (and Sparky too)...she's so happy with her 'auntie Abra'.

Alec's First Steps....

It's official...all the babes in the Kingdom are now walking! More videos to come, but as of today, Alec is walking (unassisted) and all the kids are now sporting new StrideRite shoes -- the perfect accessory to their newfound skill!

Trip to Sterling, Mass.

Prior to plans to attend the Topsfield Fair this year, we wanted to take the royal court to visit some farm animals to see how they'd fare in close proximity. To our surprise and glee, Abby, Alec and Aramis seemed to be very comfortable with all manner of beasties.

Welcome to Davis Farmland!
Goats, anyone?
Abby gently pets a newborn....
Alec gets accosted by a newborn which jumps onto his chest for a kiss! SMOOCH!

(He was a little stunned, but laughed hysterically afterward)

Mama is a little unsure about Prince Alec as he likes to grab/grasp....not good.

Oh no! Alec loves cows...very reminicent of my brothers and me--

growing up on our farm in Upstate NY.

And, finally, Aramis gets in on the action and feeds the animals like a pro!

Boys being boys....

The videos below will speak volumes about the title of this post.

We give you...the twin princes...at play.

Finally, it's HERE - Baby Signing Time 3&4 Arrives...

She's a STAR...

From Signing Time....


Hi Friends,

We are excited to announce that Baby Signing Time 3 & 4 are available TODAY! As a thank you for being filmed for our productions, we put together a video called "Meet the Signers," and will be sending your family a copy of Baby Signing Time 3 & 4. Go to Meet the Signers to see your your signing star! Also, here are some links to our latest and greatest Baby Signing Time 3 & 4 previews. We thought you might enjoy previewing clips of the shows that may include your little signer. Watch Baby Signing Time 3 & 4 previews.

(Abigail with Rachel Coleman in Salt Lake City. Abby LOVES Rachel--and was completely 'star struck' during our visit).

For those interested in checking out Princess Abigail, click the link below; then click on Meet the Signers (September 2008). Abigail appears at the 2:36 mark on the video. http://www.signingtime.com/resources/videos/signing-star/

The song (and video) is yet another original from Rachel Coleman and the Signing Time family--all of whom are unbelievably talented--in more ways than one. We've purchased our copies already, with more to be purchased as holiday gifts. How can we not? Princess Pie is a movie star (well, at least she's an Internet star...) :) We couldn't be prouder and had to share!

Baby Signing Time....

To all who have asked, the answer is, we have NO idea! According to the Signing Time company press release from mid-September, the newest Baby Signing Time DVDs were set for release today, yet they are not yet available. Nothing posted on company blogs and major newswires haven't carried any updates, so as far as we know, they are still set for arrival soon--just not today as previously anticipated. I know several who read this blog are waiting with baited breath, but unfortunately, we know no more than you. Here's the press release as an FYI:

TWO LITTLE HANDS PRODUCTIONS INTRODUCES TWO NEW BABIES:

Baby Signing Time 3 & 4

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – September 18, 2008 – Two Little Hands Productions – creators of the popular Signing Time DVD series – announces their newest additions to the Signing Time family. Baby Signing Time 3 & 4 will make its debut on October 1st of this year. Baby Signing Time 3: A New Day and 4: Let’s Be Friends includes new signs, more songs and scores of adorable signing babies. Parents who are yet unfamiliar with the concept of signing with their baby will discover that babies can use signs to express their needs and wants long before they are old enough to speak, virtually eliminating tantrums and nurturing mutual understanding.

“Babies who sign have access to language much earlier than those left waiting for speech to develop. The signing child can describe the world around them by expressing their needs and preferences. Their hands give them a clear and powerful “voice” – quite a contrast to the whining and pointing traditionally associated with toddlerhood,” said Rachel Coleman, co-creator and host of Baby Signing Time. “The truth is that using sign language with babies and children who can hear is revolutionizing parenting in America.”

Created specifically to teach American Sign Language (ASL) for babies as young as three months old up to three years old, Baby Signing Time features Emmy-nominated host Rachel Coleman, along with animated Baby Alex, Baby Leah and Baby Hopkins. Baby Signing Time 3: A New Day sets a baby's day as they learn signs for everyday things in their world: nature, weather, following directions and more. Baby Signing Time 4: Let’s Be Friends teaches signs for everyday things in a baby's world: friends, emotions, fruits & veggies, opposites and more.

Parents submitted video auditions of their children for the chance to appear in Baby Signing Time. Many of those who were chosen traveled long distances for the opportunity to be a part of this award winning series. The babies and toddlers featured are primarily one and two-years old.

“Babies sign to communicate something, so it is quite a challenge getting them to sign on cue,” said Emilie Brown co-creator of Baby Signing Time. “It’s amazing to see the adorable things that children do when we film them. I love it when the camera happens to capture those truly magical moments!”

ABOUT SIGNING TIME AND TWO LITTLE HANDS PRODUCTIONS
Signing Time is a captivating and entertaining DVD series produced by Two Little Hands Productions. Signing Time was created to make American Sign Language fun and easy for children of all ages and abilities. Two Little Hands Productions also produces the popular Baby Signing Time DVDs and CDs that have played a prominent role in the recent “baby signing” trend. For more information, please visit www.signingtime.com.