Fun in the sun....

Thankfully, the warm (ahem, HOT) weather has dramatically convened on New England and this past weekend, we experienced temperatures in the 80's. Now, having lived here for most of our lives, we know well that temps this warm won't last this early in the season, but we took every opportunity to get out with the kidlets and enjoy the sunshine to its fullest. King Tony broke out the bikes and trailers, washed everything and pumped up the tires so we were ready to go.

We also ventured north to Kittery and Portsmouth for some shopping and 'brunching' at a wonderful eatery that was profiled on Samantha Brown's show, called The Friendly Toast, and spent quality time with many in our Kingdom.

The Friendly Toast (as you can see) is an eclectic, but truly yummy 'joint' in Portsmouth--

we're true fans.

Just hanging at the tables waiting for our chocolate chip, banana and peanut butter pancakes, spinach dip with jalapeno and other delicious treats.... :)

It's gonna be a great summer, but before we get too excited, we're checking the forecast since most certainly, temps will drop below 50 again before the week is out. Bikes will return to storage, windows will again be closed, and the sun won't peek through the clouds as often. However, we have faith it'll all return in a few weeks--and when it does--we'll be ready for action. Here we are--prepping for the future day we hope will soon arrive!

King Tony and Prince Alec take an initial stroll with wheels....

Abby learns to peddle her bike. Look out, she's Miss Independent now for sure!

Queen Wendy receives journalism honors....

http://www.wickedlocalparents.com/content/pkspecialneedsliasonwendybulawaagudeloreceivesmediahonors

P&K Special Needs Liaison Wendy Bulawa Agudelo Receives Media Honors

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Recognizes Local Columnist For Efforts to Supplant Misperceptions Surrounding Special Needs

At the recently held 25th Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Annual Conference, Wendy Bulawa Agudelo, who operates public relations consulting firm Image Professors, Inc., and serves as special needs liaison and columnist for Parents & Kids (P&K) Magazine, was awarded the prestigious 2009 MDSC Media Award.


The MDSC Media Award was established eight years ago to recognize with honor a person or company who exemplifies the MDSC mission to disseminate up-to-date information about Down syndrome. Past MDSC Media Award recipients include Irv Shappell, founder of Woodbine House Publishers, Cynthia Kidder of Band of Angels Press, K.C. Myers of the Cape Cod Times, Gene Lavanchy of FOX-25 Morning News, Amy Marcus of the Wall Street Journal, and Beverly Beckham, columnist for the Boston Globe.

Agudelo is mother to Abigail, a three-year-old girl with Down syndrome, and twin one-year-old boys. Since the arrival of Abigail, Agudelo has made concerted efforts in her print and online writing to educate readers about special needs—including Down syndrome. Through several of her columns and articles, she has helped to dispel myths about Down syndrome, while providing factual information to keep the Down syndrome movement progressing forward. Her canvas is P&K Magazine, a highly-progressive regional parenting publication that has confidently taken the lead at shining, without fear, a consistent spotlight on special needs and related elements.


As special needs liaison and columnist for P&K, Agudelo received top honors for her ongoing series of articles boldly focusing on controversy over the word ‘retarded,’ to a February 2009 cover story on Integrated Sports Programs for children with disabilities. She introduced ‘Dual Diagnosis: Autism and Down syndrome,’ while highlighting a local parent support group, Morning Travelers 2, founded by a local mother of a child diagnosed with the unique combination of autism and Down syndrome; and raised awareness of ‘Prenatal Diagnosis’ and preliminary steps including genetic testing which reproductive couples can take in planning and preparing for their future family.



“Wendy has proven tremendous dedication to the Down syndrome cause and special needs in general by going to great lengths to research and uncover unique topics to introduce to her readers,” said Maureen Gallagher, executive director of the MDSC. “Her articles provide a factual and thoughtful perspective of a special needs world that not everyone understands, yet one of which we should be thoughtful and aware. We are very proud to honor Wendy with the 2009 Media Award.”



Down syndrome, which affects more than 5,000 individuals in the state of Massachusetts, is a genetic condition that knows no boundaries and appears within all nationalities, socio-economic classes, ethnic groups and races. Most people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome present in all or some of their cells. This additional genetic material alters the course of development for more than six thousand babies born each year in the United States.



“P&K has given the special needs community a consistent voice, and through the magazine, it has been my goal to share personal stories as well as useful information to raise awareness and help modify stereotypical mindsets about special needs,” said Agudelo. “The MDSC has been a home to my entire family and its wonderful group of member families, have provided inspiration and ideas to help supplant historic stereotypes and provide a more realistic, comforting and successful view of life with special needs. It’s my job and honor to turn those ideas into stories everyone can appreciate.”



About MDSC

Established in 1983, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about and awareness of Down syndrome. MDSC was founded to provide information, resources and support for families, while advocating for the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome into all aspects of the community. Additionally, the organization gathers and disseminates the most accurate and timely news relating to Down syndrome to educate the public, while actively and aggressively addressing social policy and legislatively-driven issues alongside state and local human service agencies. The MDSC Parent’s First Call program delivers much needed answers for couples who have received either a high risk result or confirmed Down syndrome diagnosis, and connects educated parents of children with Down syndrome, their knowledge and experiences, with those couples. More information about MDSC can be found at http://www.mdsc.org/, or by calling 1-800-664-MDSC.

Easter fun......

The last few weeks have been incredibly hectic at the kingdom. Work is keeping Tony and Wendy very busy--as are the little kidlets--who run from one thing to the next with speed that rivals a jet plane. The recent Easter holiday brought a much-needed break in the action during which we were able to enjoy our kiddies, cousins, and church friends--making it one of the best holidays we've had in quite some time.

Note to visitors: Queen Wendy uncovered a spectacular baked french toast recipe that makes any weekend brunch worth a visit, so if you'd like to try it, come on over for a visit and all five of us will meet you at the door with a yummy surprise!

Alec tries his hand at egg coloring...a far cry from activities from last year. :) Progress...
Abby shows off her and Daddy's decorative eggs...

As always, Prince Aramis wants ALL the eggs, the coloring, etc. Proof again that he is 'the baby' and used to getting his way. :)

Easter buckets undone....

Aramis doesn't know where to begin...chocolate, Peeps, bunnies or flash cards?

Almost ready for church...just gotta tuck in my shirt...

Aramis and Abby looking fine and ready to show off their cuteness to the entire congregation.

Cousin Olivia helps Alec find his hidden Easter eggs....

..and she helps Abigail....

Cousins Amy and Mark help Bobby who ends up searching for nearly 20 eggs--but it takes him like an hour or so to find them all. The Easter bunny was extra tricky and skillful this year! ;)

Adia's TV Debut...

(Adia and Uncle Tony)

My little niece Adia was recently selected from more than 9,000 entrants to compete for top honors in the NASA Mars Rover naming contest. The name she submit was AMELIA, supporting the maiden flight of Amelia Earhart on her travel over the Atlantic Ocean. Adia has delved deep into history and is applying the lessons learned from history to the future--hence, her final essay focus and name. This is such a major deal, that local TV station (Ch. 10 News Now) interviewed Adia and her mom, Beth. Below is the YouTube video of my niece who made the evening news. Syracuse gets into the Sweet16 and my niece makes the evening news. Pretty damn impressive week already-and its only Monday!! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYyEA5IhA_U

Update 3/24/09: Adia makes national news. Check out MSNBC link below! :)
http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/03/23/1852055.aspx

Update 3/25/09: Yet another media hit...

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/41843732.html

A show of independence...

Need we say more? The video says it all. Here she is...our Princess, on her own. :)

WANTED: Light housekeeping....

...and we get what we ask for, thanks to the incredible tenacity of our first-born son, who has absolutely no issues sweeping up after making a large mess at the dinner table. Whoever said that housework was woman's work, was sadly mistaken. Men in our kingdom understand that all responsibilities must be shared if we are to maintain harmony--and herein lies living proof. :) Well done, my boy!

Playing in puddles...

Temperatures spiked into the mid 50's around town, and with it came snow melt and awesome puddles! Members from our royal crew took advantage of the lovely weather and for the first time ever, all enjoyed the pleasure of puddle play. After about 45 minutes outside, every one of our little ones were filthy, soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear. :)

Should be dancing...yeah!

I know that our son will hate us for posting this video of him ...but we couldn't resist. Prince Alec, who is a bit of a wild child, was caught dancing half-naked this afternoon. It took us about an hour to finally get the camera in place to catch a snippet, and here it is for all to enjoy. Given mommy's love of the dance, this video couldn't please her more. Denny Terrio--look out!

Fun indoors...

The weather around town has been pretty dreary as of late. Lots of iced over snow, slush and most indoor joints need serious disinfection. So, we've found that staying at home and getting creative with what we have available often makes for the most fun--and memorable moments for us as parents--and for our kiddies. The royal bunch have been actively redecorating all the rooms with their many toys and books. We've constructed some interesting tunnels and forts to continue our focus on physical activity, muscle strengthening and hand-eye coordination activities, and have also given some additional attention to nutrition. You'll note the interesting video and photo of Alec's first experience with a banana--all to himself, below. :)

Prince Alec at play...so adorable!

"Are you lookin' at me...??"

Prince Aramis at rest....

Princes Abigail gives a quick half-smile....

The kids tackle new forts and tunnels...

Daddy stuck in a tunnel.... :( Alec lends a hand by throwing balls at his head! :)

And finally, Alec's encounter with a yummy banana!!

Kids being kids.....

After a lovely holiday and vacation, we're back to our typical routines. 2009 has started off as a much better year. King Tony is busily preparing for his first trial of the year, Queen Wendy just completed her first magazine cover story to appear in February and will launch her new business later this month. Princess Abigail is back in school, running everywhere and turning into a real 'chatty Cathy.' The twin princes are actively using sign language--although both enjoy talking a lot too. Alec's favorite thing to say is 'thank you' (love it!) while Aramis prefers 'eggs!' :) We will also soon welcome our new au pair, Sara-- a beautiful girl who is leaving her family and her Costa Rican home--to experience New England and all that it offers. Amid all the activity that surrounds them, our kids find ways to appropriately distract and drag us into childhood every chance they get. We've again become fans of puzzles and nursery rhymes, PlayDoh and flash cards and are thankful every day for our babies. Simply put, they make life better in so many ways--although never ask us if we feel this way when we're sleep deprived. You'll most assuredly get a different answer. :)

Here are our kids--just being kids.

"Sibling Wrestlemania - Part II"

Tunnels and Forts--what more could a boy want?

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...!