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.

Visiting with the grandparents....

It's been a very difficult summer. King Tony and our family have experienced the loss of not just his mother, but his father as well--all within a two month period of time. The sadness is palpable, and for Princess Abby and Princes Aramis and Alec, an extremely large void will forever exist in their lives since Tony's parents are no longer with us. On a more upbeat note however, Wendy's father and stepmother have resurfaced from their extremely busy retirement and recently popped by the kingdom for a visit with the little ones. It was lovely to see how the kids interacted and Abby even welcomed them with her superior signing skills and a great big smile that melted their hearts. (that a girl!)

Other positive news is that the video series for which Abby traveled all the way to Salt Lake City to be filmed in is being released October 1st! We're so excited to see how the final cuts were made and hope that our precious red head made it in one or both of the DVDs so we can one day show her how all her hard work paid off and how lucky she was to have been able to meet her idols Rachel, Leah, Alex and Lucy in person! Baited breath holding begins now..... Check out the company's site at www.signingtime.com for further updates!

Alec gets some one-on-one time with Grandma Lu
Grandpa Frank hangs on tightly to Prince Aramis since he's now walking and on the move!
Grandma Lu gets a turn with Aramis...
Abby giggles like crazy with Grandpa Frank.

Could this be her rendition of 'stinky butt' bubbling again???? :)
Grandpa Frank takes Alec for a walk. He seems very happy to be on his feet!

Adventures on the North Shore....

Fall has finally arrived! Yippeee! Fun in New England really begins this time of year with tons of seafood festivals, do-it-yourself pumpkin and apple picking, hay rides, corn mazes and all the bounty we've come to cherish here in the land where the pilgrims first gave thanks. Our weekends are typically adventure-filled (although we leave plenty of time to get chores around the kingdom done too) and this past weekend we enjoyed a birthday party and a trip to Maine's southeastern coastline.

Now, what are we looking at? Papa called them waves and said it was the ocean, but it looks like a whole'lotta water to me. Crazy adults--they make things so complicated.

"Woo--hoooo!!!!" Princess Abby pulls back on the reins as she rides a pony at her friend Avery's birthday bash.

Party weekend, continued....

The party weekend began last Thursday, you know, when Uncle Mario and Auntie Carmencita (from Miami) arrived in Boston for a visit and King Tony returned from Colombia bearing a delicious treat from Aunt Juliana--OREO cookies with strawberry yogurt filling. As soon as Abby caught sight of the OREOs on the counter, she was on them like a hungry mosquito to a juicy human! The three photos below are the aftermath of tasting the unique OREOs from Colombia, which the company does not market here in the States--go figure!! Thanks Juli!

Princess Abby dives in to not just one, but five yummy Oreo Fresias!
Alec has had his fill, although much of the cookie remains on his face and the high chair!
Prince Aramis is searching for yet another one--but mommy said 'no more for now...'

Fortunately for us, we enjoyed a lot of quality time with Tony's relatives -- Mario and Carmencita--who may be the most positive and kind-hearted people I've yet met. Nothing seems to deter their 'live for today' spirit. Beyond bringing tons of gifts for all the family members, Mario and Carmencita shared themselves and their stories with all of us. Their visit will not soon be forgotten, and they keep encouraging a trip south to Miami... Now, if we could just figure out a way to pack up three kids, two strollers (one double, one single), three convertible car seats, two diaper bags and a partridge in a pear tree, we'd SO be there! :) Maybe in a few years...when kids can carry their own stuff and are potty trained.

Look at those handsome mugs!! Generations of the A-team....

Latin Men Gather to Encourage Argentine World Cup Victory

(Above photo: Tony, Aramis and close family friend Alexis)

Birthday Celebration - Take #2....

It's In the Can Party...featuring none other than....

OSCAR THE GROUCH

Squeeze cheese art. Whoever makes the best, gets a prize!!

Daddy takes Aramis down one of the super slides!

Alec and his loving Godmother, Laurie

The kick-butt bouncehouse/slide combo. Everyone's favorite!

Oscar's favorite song, "I love trash" (compliments of King Tony)
Handmade decorations/party favors out of recycled bottles and newspaper! Go green!
The infamous 'Kitty Litter Cake' makes an appearance.... It was gone in 5 minutes!


So, we did it...we planned a party and threw it with vigor! The twins' "It's in the Can" celebration introduced several families to squeeze cheese art, fingerpainting with pudding, poopie diaper throw and a party-ending food fight! We hope all our invited guests had fun and weren't too thrown by our crazy antics as we absolutely loved seeing the smiles on all the kids faces and had fun getting really messy. The twin princes slept until 9:30 a.m. the next day, which told us that we must have done something right. A good night sleep--oh my gosh--it's amazing!!