More than Double Blessings

A HUGE thank you to our friends and family for such a successful

fundraiser for our local Children's Hospital.

The link below is missing several of my team members

donations since it wasn't put in on line

but together we raised $1,500!!!!

http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=1080&teamID=12881

If any one had wanted to give but didn't, its not too late,

donations are still being submitted, just follow the link or let me know

and I'll send you the address to mail check directly. 

It was a happy morning to celebrate how much our Children's Hospital

impacts the lives of so many.

Every life born is a miracle, truly. 

Our miracles (and so many others) were just needing some very special people 

to get through some tough early days

and we are so thankful for each and every person

who cared for our boys, loved our boys, and prayed for them.

They are still tiny but they've sure come a LONG way

since their One pound, 10 ounces

and One pound 12 ounce days!!!!!

Remember them then?

Alex showed his feisty side today.

He alternated between wanting to go fast

dragging one of us with him

to not wanting to wheel at all

but also not wanting us to help him. 

sound like a typical three year old? yep!

Sorry to anyone who was walking behind us

when Alex decides to abruptly stop,

multiple times,

just because he can.

It was cute

at first.

 We had a little rain,

a few tears

but as always

 we get by with a little help

from our friends!!!!

 Nicholas holding his "best buddy Chris's hand 

Chris had to do a little convincing but

Nicholas did the slide. 

Victory.

Alex did the slide with his Momma and loved it.

Immediately said "more, more".

Wish we had gotten more pictures but we had a great morning. 

Thinking back on this mornings walk and the last three years, 

I'm not sure our team name "Double Blessings is exactly true. 

I think we have so much more than just double blessings!!!!

Animal Adventures

We spent a beautiful day with friends at this incredible place called Hidden Valley Animal Adventures in Varysburg NY. It was an easy hour and a half drive for us each way.

We loaded up the boys and some special treats for the ride.

Their loveys got to come along and they were so excited about this.

Nicholas wanted to make sure bear had a prime spot looking out the window.

Alex was in a silly mood and pretended his was a hat. 

http://www.hiddenvalleyadventure.com/when-here/things-to-do.html

We were invited here for our sweet friend's Sawyer's

birthday party.

We took the one hour trolley tour of the grounds . 

I"m not even sure how many acres there are here

but its massive and just as beautiful

Alex wasn't sure what to expect at first

but warmed up to the idea fast!

The animals came RIGHT up to the trolley.

Which Alex wasn't sure was a good idea

at first....

Afterall, these are NOT little animals!

Nicholas had this look on his face A LOT.

He was in awe!!!

I wish I had gotten more pics of him on the trolley

but I was busy chasing after him. 

As soon as the trolley stopped he was off looking

out the sides of the nearest window spot,

he was anxious to see and feed them,

and absolutely LOVED this place. 

We were each given food in cups for them.

I think they've seen this routine before.

not shy at all. 

We would stop every so often to get a closer look

at some of the animals, feed them and then

go riding again.

Alex even though timid at first kept saying

"more animals", "come", and "tis"--his

way of saying "sit".

After the trolley ride we were able to go into 

a smaller petting area

 The animals were just walking around,

most very friendly and would walk right up to you. 

 Heaven for this boy

 Alex kept saying "more more" animals

but he wasn't in a hurry to touch or pet them, 

Nicholas however had no reluctance.

 They both loved trying to feed the animals

 Here is Nicholas trying to tuck in some hay in the fence. 

Seriously can't say enough about this place,

we will definitely be going back!!!!

 Afterwards we had lunch at their lodge

 Alex showed off in his wheels.

don't let these pictures fool you,

he was ALL smiles......

until he saw his momma behind the camera. 

happy exhausted boys

Sweet end to the day

Nicholas reading to his bear!!!

3 years ago.....

Three years ago: One pound 10 and one pound 12 ounces: the littlest packages that arrived way earlier then expected and forever changed our world. It would be impossible to put into words how much love this momma has for her boys (any parent ofcourse). This woman was mushy to begin with and then give her two living breathing odds-defying miracle surpassing babies, well what's mushier than mush? Who knows but thats what I am.

Nicholas and Alexander: You came into this world too soon and already having to fight. You've been through more battles than any one more than 10 times your age should have had to have. I desperately wish I could have changed that course for you, made your beginning easier somehow. But I couldn't. What I can do is tell you how proud I am of you both. You have come sooooo far in these three short years. From the very beginning you have defied the odds, changed even the "experts" expectations, and brought so much love and life to many more hearts than just mine.

I Love You!!!!

A little stroll down memory lane, some of my favorites so far:

Our miracles

born at just 28 weeks

 1st "real" baths

Finally home after 102

and 107 days in the NICU

 

Here is Alex's external shunt until he was big enough

to have the internal VP shunt inserted.

We affectionately called it his "bubble"

 

 

Alex's helmet. He had to wear 23 hours a day for almost a year
(Momma worked hard to get pictures of him during that hour without it )
Nicholas not sure what to make of Alex's

"under construction" helmet.

later though he most definitely wanted one of his own

Nicholas always wanted to play with Alex's cords

This was not set up

They used to sleep and cuddle together like this A LOT

Love.....

those cheeks......

 

 Happy Birthday my boys
We are sooo proud of you and how far you've come.
We love you sooooo much!!!!!!!