Thursday, December 27, 2007

Loving Tyler


Here is Ella "holding" Tyler...she is totally in love :)

Like Father Like Son


Here is a shot of Drew after he kicked Mike off the couch. The male tv watching gene is in full effect!

Celebrity Sighting!!


A year ago, the local Hoboken Hospital where Ella and Drew were delivered, asked us to take part in a photo shoot for their new ad campaign. Drew made the cut and was featured in newspaper ads. This year they called us back for a follow up ad. We expected the same thing as last year - but to our surprise newspaper ads were joined by full length ads on the city's bus stops!! The ad also features Drew's name which is a fun bonus. So, the next time you are in Hoboken ride down the main street, that is Drew on every block!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

2 turn 2


Ella and Drew turned 2 this week posing a perfect opportunity to reflect on the people they are becoming.
First born Ella has changed so much in 2 years. She started out as a teeny baby who was so laid back. Her wild side began to emerge in the end of her first year and she is developing into such a spirited girl. She loves to laugh and gets a twinkle in her eye when the games begin. She is thrilled to please everyone and she is so heartbroken when she thinks she has done something wrong. Eager to learn, Ella is already becoming a teacher's pet. She loves to show off her knowledge whether it be a picture in a book or the dance moves that go to a song. A daddy's girl all the way she wakes up every morning asking, "Daddy home?" She gives the best kisses and hugs with all her might amazing us that she isn't hurting herself as she smashes her forehead against ours! We love watching her get excited, she dances, jumps, and shakes everything she can.
Drew started out 2 years ago as a little high strung, we had to respond to him right away before he had major meltdowns. He slowly started to mellow out and by his 1st birthday he was a pretty laid back guy. These days he can entertain himself for a while and he really investigates the world around him. He enjoys doing things in his own time. One of our favorite qualities is his sensitive nurturing side. He is always looking for Ella, making sure she has one of whatever he has or that she is right with us. If you praise Drew he immediately points to Ella to make sure we don't forget her. He also has a funny mischevous side. He smirks and tries to make us laugh.
Together they are just the ultimate team. They are learning how to play together more everyday and they are starting to have conversations. Ella loves to get Drew going, but when she can see he has had enough teasing she gives in right away - usually with a big kiss. They know each other so well and their innate closeness is amazing. It is such a joy to be a parent to these two awesome kids. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Party of Five


Tyler Toivo joined our crazy clan on Monday December 10th. He arrived exactly one week early, I guess tired of being left out of all the fun! For 3 days Mike and I could boast that we had 3 kids under 2...wait is "boast" really the right word to use there?!
The pregnancy was incredibly easy and made me realize how carrying twins was twice as difficult. Ahh, the bliss of not knowing! Tyler weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 19 inches long. My mom was there as my 2nd coach, but I like her there for Mike. They chat to each other and make fun of me to pass the time. Ask them to tell you the story of me getting an epidural, they think they are so funny!
I had named him Corey, almost immediately after becoming pregnant, but at the last minute we settled on Tyler. He just looks like a Tyler. We chose his middle name (pronounced toy-vo) after my Finnish Grandpa Toot. My grandpa was a strong, hard working man with deep family values and a softer funny side. We hope that Tyler inherits those qualities.
Ella and Drew met Tyler at the hospital. They were immediately intrigued by him and curiously watched him sleep, eat, and be changed. They have been very gentle with him from the get-go. They love to help burp him and they get a big kick out of me waving his hands at them. All day we hear, "Hi Baby!!" Drew likes me to hold him all the time and Ella loves to announce when he is crying and then blows a kiss. We are all amazed at his size, because although it is average, he is so much bigger than Ella and Drew were. He is wearing clothes now that Drew wore when he was 3 months old!
Mike has been home this week and my mom is still here, so the adjustment to having another baby in the house has gone smoothly so far. Stay tuned for the update in a week or so when I am flying solo!