Category Archives: Parenting

First T-Ball Game: Rays vs. Angels

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These past few weeks, we have had a lot of family over (so very nice!). And, on Friday, my sister and I got to spend some special quality time together–sitting on the couch, each holding one baby girl, chatting about growing up and how we want to be as moms. I had such a nice time, Jamie. Love you!

That same night, it kinda hit me that Saturday was Blake’s first real t-ball game. The other weeks were just practices. I had to go! I felt fine. The girls would probably love to get some fresh air. And I just couldn’t miss being there for my big guy, and seeing Mike being a great Dad. The more time goes by, I’m SO aware of how important it is to be there for my family. To be what my sis and I chatted about–To be a good mom and wife.

As usual, Mike and Blake had a blast! We were lucky enough to have Mike’s Dad, Auntie Amory and Uncle Jay there to cheer everybody on. Blake’s favorite part: wearing the helmet and hitting the ball. Let’s go RAYS!






Two Weeks Old & a Big Brother

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It seems like we just got home from the hospital…

Brooklyn:

  • Is the most mellow person I have met in a long time. I swear I don’t even know what her cry sounds like.
  • Makes the best faces when she sleeps. Cracks me up.

Bryn:

  • Loves to be held. When she cries (I do know what that sounds like) all she wants is to be in your arms.
  • Might have a blocked tear duct (like I did as a baby). She’s still gorgeous.

We’ve been busy getting adjusted to having three kids and a new schedule. A few days ago, we went to the park which was nice and a complete reality check as I held Brooklyn and tried to get Blake off of a rock wall. Today ended with some Mommy and Blakey time. We played basketball, baseball, and read books. Now that I’ve been cleared to kinda get back to normal (I’ve never been so sick of my bed!) and feel somewhat normal (so excited that I’ve already lost 20 lbs.), I think more Blakey time is in my future. I can’t wait!




 

The Twins Have Arrived!

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Finally, after 37 weeks and 6 days, our two adorable girls arrived on March 22nd at 7:51 a.m. and 7:52 a.m. Brooklyn weighed in at 5 lbs. 8 ounces while Bryn was 6 lbs. even.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was excited and a little nervous. Were the babies going to be ok? I wonder what we are having!? What if something happened to me during the c-section? Was I really going to be THAT sore? I made the mistake of looking up c-section info a few nights before I was supposed to deliver. What a mistake. This was easier than having a regular delivery (and I thought having Blake was a piece of cake!).

I hope in the coming days to write more about my experiences of the delivery, recovery, having twins, etc. But, for now, I leave you with a lot of pictures. Thank you to our friends and families for all the love this past week. We are so very lucky!















We Made a Wish Today

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Early this morning, while snuggled in bed, I found an eyelash on Blake’s cheek. I told him, “Eyelashes are special and when you find one you get to make a wish.” He didn’t fully understand but we agreed that our wish was for healthy brothers or sisters. So, I took it from his cheek, we said our wish out loud, and blew the eyelash off of my finger. Funny how he really loves little moments like that. A minute later, he was asking if I could find another eyelash. :)

I recently read a blog post about bringing another child (or children) into this world when you just have one. And that God has chosen THIS child to be an older sibling. To teach the younger one(s). To be able to handle maybe a little less attention than before. To be a good role model. It’s making me feel better that Blake is taking on this special big brother role… in just a few days. He’s going to be great!

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T-Ball Time!

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It’s been a rough couple of weeks trying to get through these contractions, going to way too many doctor appointments, and just being big and awkward. But, tonight I thought: I can’t skip over these milestones that Blake is hitting just because I might be a little tired. This online diary of our lives is something I’m already looking back on.

This past Saturday, March 16, 2013, was B’s first t-ball practice and he did great! For an hour, they got to rotate to different stations: catching, hitting, throwing, and running the bases. All decked out in his Cubs Spring Training shirt with his lefty glove in hand, he had so much fun throwing the ball towards the cones (pics below). Then, they moved to hitting (watch video) and so on. Running the bases was a little tricky because his competitiveness came out and he kept throwing his arms to the side so none of the kids could get to the base first. He’s learning.

I also met a really nice mom who was pregnant too. I can already see us being friends. Her son and Blake even hugged goodbye. Let’s hope they are on the same team!


Nesting

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For Blake’s pregnancy, I definitely wanted the nursery to look perfect. Jamie, remember painting the stripes in his room? I loved how everything turned out.

For the twins, we wanted to do something simple and neutral since we don’t know what we are having. And once I hit 33 weeks this past Friday, I was in official nesting mode. The crib and changing table were delivered just in time for me to get my fix! We’ve decided to put one crib in our room for them to share for awhile (below) and one crib in the nursery.

Here’s a few shots including one of our big boy helping out too. He dusted, cleaned the mirrors with Mike, vacuumed, and even helped me pack my bag for the hospital (more on that later)! I think we are all a little anxious and excited for the new babes to get here.


Happy 2013!

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Starting the new year off right…I’m a few days late on my blog post about New Year’s Eve.

This year, we invited a few friends over for a sleepover with their three boys. What a fun and different kind of night. I skipped the champagne and vodka but enjoyed my guava juice in a wine glass. B and “those boys” (what he kept calling them) did everything from ride bikes in the dark to eating popcorn and gummy bears while watching a movie to jumping on Erin to the point where a few of the boys were squished and crying. We all stayed up way too late and by 1 a.m. I was ready to call it quits. When I woke up the next day, my eyes stung and all I wanted was a greasy breakfast. Apparently, whether you drink or not…being prego and staying up that late makes you feel hungover. Here’s to a promising 2013!




A Rainy Saturday

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Sometimes I forget to blog about what a typical day is like in the Tomarelli household. I want to capture big events, like birthdays and holidays, but also the little things too. I know we’ll look back at this and be thankful for a few photos that captured just an average rainy day.

The funny thing is, this wasn’t an average day. Today was the first time Blake saw a movie at a real movie theater. I know it may not seem like much, but taking a very active little boy to an hour and a half movie could have been a challenge. We all enjoyed popcorn and juice while watching Monsters, Inc. And after an hour of the show, we decided to go. Blake couldn’t resist the stairs.

It was still raining so we headed off to Jump ‘n’ Jammin (a local place that has a bounce house and random obstacle courses) which was a madhouse of little ones running around. B burned off so much energy that he fell asleep around 5:30 p.m. Wish us luck once 3 a.m. rolls around.. He’ll be jumpin’ into our bed asking for cartoons and pancakes!

1. After a shower, Blake waking up Daddy wearing his new robe. He’s such a little man. // 2. B playing with his favorite Christmas gift–the green trash truck from Tia. // 3. Sipping on some juice and getting comfy in the theater. // 4. Picture of us before the show starts. // 5. & 6. Crawling through the maze and posing for a picture at J’n’J.





 

Christmas Snapshots

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A little look into our lives over this past December. What a fun time! As Blake would sing.. Happy Day! (Happy Holidays!)

1. Santa Visits Our Town // 2. Blake before his first ever Holiday Happening recital. // 3. Our little guy loving the spotlight and singing to all of us parents. SO proud! // 4. Oh what fun! Thomas and Blake on Mike and Ryan’s shoulders at Aunt Nancy’s house. One of my favorite Christmas parties every year. // 5. Jamie, Blake, Mike, and Thomas get together for a picture. Love my sister’s top! // 6. Lauren, Blake, and I put together a toy at Papa T’s house. // 7. Papa T, Blake, and Mike pose on Christmas Eve. // 8. Santa brought B exactly what he wanted–a green bike! // 9. Blake coming downstairs so excited to see what’s under the tree. // 10. Testing it out! // 11. Christmas Day over Dad and Jeanette’s house. We had fun! Hope you did too!











All About My Baby Boy

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We’ve been going non-stop lately with parties, shopping, gift exchanges… So, the real time spent with my little man has been extra special. Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant and know that two babies are going to be here soon. Maybe it’s because B is just growing up so fast. Or that the awful shooting last Friday of those 20 children is still on my mind. I just can’t get enough of my Blake.

What I’ve been loving lately about him:
1. He calls Mike and I: Dad and Mom (no more Daddy and Mommy)
2. His favorite thing to do after his bath is turn on Michael Jackson and dance with us.
3. He loves his glazed doughnuts.
4. He loves to help me cook and Mike clean.
5. His favorite song to sing is It’s a Small World.
6. He feeds the babies Chili Cheese Fritos so that the spices stick to my belly.
7. If I can’t get up easily (this belly is growing!), he says, “I’ll help you!”
8. His favorite movie right now is Home Alone.
9. He has best friends: Tanner and Austin who he always talks about.
10. When I make him breakfast, he says, “Yum Momma this looks good. Thank you.”