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.

A roar from the jungle...

The last few weeks have been focused on getting things more organized around the castle. King Tony has been very involved in preparing the great room for his two sons--turning the once enjoyed media room into a jungle fit for princes. While still in preliminary phases, he has requested that Queen Wendy begin sewing drapes and finalizing all purchases so that the nursery will be well-stocked and welcoming for his boys as they arrive. So far, he is doing much more work as Queen Wendy and Princess Abigail would much rather play this summer than work. Isn't that always the way of things....?

On a side note, we're headed off to enjoy the hottest ticket in Beantown (for families, that is) by attending a Baby Loves Disco party in Boston on Sunday. Queen Wendy (who moonlights as a journalist) is writing a feature article on this burgeoning trend that brings families and nightclubs together on weekend afternoons and gives children aged 6 mos. to 6 yrs. a huge area to shake their groove thing and boogie until they've got no energy left!! We'll post photos eventually....

Babies, Anniversary and Transportation....

Today, we were given an opportunity to take a closer look at the two princes who are growing in Wendy's belly--both of whom are growing well! The photos are a little dark, but show outlines of the faces of the two handsome rascals that should be with us in the September/October timeframe. We can't wait!

Yesterday was also the day that Wendy and Tony (the King and Queen of the Castle) celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary. The couple celebrated five years of blissful marriage along with Princess Abigail by purchasing and picking up their new horse/carriage combination to replace the one they will soon outgrow upon the arrival of the two princes due in September. Some photos taken on Wendy and Tony's wedding day five years ago are below for reference.

Fairytale Wedding at Searles Castle in Windham, New Hampshire

Castle Cake designed specifically to mirror the look of the wedding castle in which

Tony and Wendy were married. Yummiest cake on the face of the planet!

Photo of the backside of the castle on our wedding day. Truly beautiful!

Introduction to the Kingdom....

As of today, here we are...a family of three comprised of a King, Queen and one little Princess. Our kingdom and castle will soon expand however with the addition of TWO Princes expected to arrive in September 2007.

We're medieval fans of course (having married in a castle) which inspired the name of our blog.