Joey's Holiday Program

Friday was Joey's turn, and it was a different program with different songs and poems. Joey had a big smile on his face and did a great job. He was very excited to bring us our gift of an ornament he made for our tree. Since it was one week since the horrific events in Conneticut, before the program began the pastor says a prayer and speaks a bit about the services for the holidays and about his children when they were our kids' ages. He did this both days, but this being the week after, he also said the name of each victim, followed by a bell being rung, there was a moment of silence and a nice prayer for those that are grieving. He spoke how the bells changed their tune in a moment as the kids outside were ringing their bells to start the program. Whenever Joey has programs like this I can't help but be a bit more emotional or sensitive wishing Josh were alongside him. Joey is such a patient and loving boy that I know if Josh were with us he would be holding his hand, including him, and spreading so much love. So after the bells ringing one tone to another, reflecting on grief of losing little ones so innocent, followed by a bunch of smiling sweet faces the same age as many of the children's lives that were taken, and ringing bells... lets just say it was an emotional moment!

Total Hockey!

Our great neighbor, Mr. Sole aka Mr. Hockey himself was kind enough to set Joey up with his first set of hockey equipment! This is a pretty penny if you couldn't gather from all the equipment you see Joey wearing here, so a huge thank you to Mr. Sole for going with Joey to make sure he was sized correctly, Mrs. Sole for offering some great tips that I will probably ask her about again, and for being patient with our shy guy. He was and still is ecstatic! He puts his equipment on daily and takes his stick around the house...we've limited him to the kitchen and outside of a foam puck going under the stove which was quickly retrieved we've only had one casualty- a candy dish that was on the counter- No High Sticking! Thank you so much!

Body By Joey

Joey is in the process of not napping most days now. One day I was trying really hard to get him to nap so I could get a run in since I neglected to get up at 5am that morning! I had less than 1/4 mile to go when he was up or should I say demanding to not take a nap at all since he had been tossing and turning the whole time I was trying to run. So, when I got him he asked what I was doing and if he could exercise. I said sure, and he ran to get my yoga mat! He showed off his pilates/yoga moves for me before asking to head to the basement to run on the treadmill. I put the safety strap on him and kept the pace really slow, he insisted on me increasing it. As I did he laughed and would say "the house is really moving now!"

Play Ball!

Joey started t-ball this weekend! We signed him up for a 3-4 class and thought it was a parent/child class, but when Phil went in with Joey he was told it was just kids. Joey had asked Daddy to stay with him before they got there, but once he was in the gym he was in his element. He ran the bases, was learning to field grounders, and throw. While he was the shortest one there he had the enthusiasm to make up for it. Jillian and I walked up to the school to meet the boys, and Jillian picked dandelions to make a bouquet for her big brother who loved receiving it! Great job Joey!

First Day of School!

Last school year Joey had started school in March after finding and contemplating a lot about a preschool for him being under 3 years. Joey had a hard time with being overly shy and things as I've stated before are magnified around March (when his twin brother passed away). So we had put him in preschool last March right before spring break was his first introduction, and then he finished off April and May. So today was officially his first day of school!

Joey was very excited for his first day of school! He had been talking about it for a while. He met his teachers last week and was very excited to go back, but a little apprehensive about Mommy and Jill not staying with him. Then this weekend after telling him that Jillian is too little to go to school and he is a big boy he took that as his way to indulge in being able to be away from Mommy and Jillian during the day! He kept telling me that Jill is too little to go, but he's a big boy! Joey sported his backpack, did his "homework" from meeting the teachers (he had to decorate a treasure chest to put on the bulletin board the first day) and headed out the door. He refused to hold my hand in the parking lot but did tell me there were no cars coming before walking, and even held the door for Jillian and I. Joey did a great job on his first day, we left him outside of his classroom where he did not cry--instead Jillian was the one that was crying as I told her we had to leave. She came in for the meet the teachers day and I think she thought she was going to be allowed in again. We took a peek into the classroom she'll be going into once she turns 2, but we didn't spend much time because she was not happy with having to go and I didn't want to disrupt the other classes!


Jillian does have some big girl status news of her own, but we will wait a bit to share...

Boomtown Half: The Race That Could Not Be Run

A little over a week ago I saw a run was going to be held today to benefit the people of Joplin, MO. It was the Boomtown Half Marathon that was to take place in Joplin, MO last weekend. Due to the devastation of the recent tornadoes the race was not going to take place. The race I saw was in support of Joplin and called the Boomtown Benefit: The Race That Could Not Be Run. The distance would be anywhere from 10 yards to 10 miles. There would be no time clock, no fancy t-shirts, no closed streets, no lines of port-a potties, and only water fountains along the course and water bottles at the finish. The entry fee was a donation to United Way for the people of Joplin. Noting the 10 yards to 10 mile distance (not to mention the race was put together in 10 days)I thought it would be perfect to donate and have Joey and I run. I would push Joey in the stroller for 9.75 miles and he would run the last .25 to the finish. He said he was going to beat me! And I believed him! He was really excited, and this morning when I went to get him as I do most races at an early hour he smiled at me, hopped in the car donning his Lightning McQueen race shirt and was ready to go. He persevered through the long (one toilet) potty line doing his dance but keeping dry (the first part of a runner's agony!) We took off and Joey was in his element with the beautiful scenery, looking at the water, the trees, the geese, cheering me and other runners on, and eating his Cheerios. We met a few people, including the race director who I had e-mailed earlier in the week to make sure it'd be okay to bring Joey in the stroller and have him run the 10 yards or whatever it'd turn out to be. We were at 9.94 miles when I pulled him out of the stroller to finish. He was startled by another runner and then didn't want to run or was confused, something. Turns out he fell on the graveled pavement, got a couple of good boo-boos on his knees and was crying. I told him its not easy to run, and when you fall you get up, and the most important thing is to try and finish. So, he whined/cried his way but he did cross the finish and he accepted his medal. I guess sometimes the great visions in your head don't always turn out that way in reality (I wasn't holding hands with Joey smiling and skipping our way across the finish line of his first race, but that is life)! Daddy, Jillian, Auntie, Andrew, and Emma were there to cheer us on too. Andrew made a sign for Joey to show his support. Joey slept the whole way home. Running is tough, but with a little more training I think he'll do just fine!

It was a beautiful day weather wise, and of course a great way to support the people trying to get their lives back together in Joplin. There were 153 registrants accepted, the same number of deaths. Each bib was in remembrance of one of them. My bib read: Gregan D. Sweet, 59, Joplin was at the Pizza Hut with his wife when the tornado hit, according to his son's Facebook posting. His wife survived. Joey's bib: Steven Haack Stephens, 28, Joplin. Died from injuries after he helped rescue his wife and mother when their vehicle was struck by tornado. Worked in construction. Joey's "traumatic" morning is absolutely nothing compared to the devastation the people of Joplin faced and continue to face as they restore their lives and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joplin.


Not sure if this is going to work, but Christy had way better pictures of the whole thing than I did since I was running. Poor Joey, but I can't look at these without laughing. Try clicking here.

Last night Java was also able to meet Grandma's latest addition. The kitchen seems slow going compared to the quick taking to Jessie! Yes, last night Grandma's puppy was named. We had the help of Auntie Pam (#1 Dog Lover), Auntie, Uncle Chris, Andrew, Emma, Mr. and Mrs. Sole, Dom, Nick, and Gigi to help figure out a name. Jessie got quite the welcoming with everyone playing outside and Snowy and Java there to play and pounce with. Jessie seemed to like nestling in for a rest on Mrs. Sole's feet. Grandma reported that Jessie slept fairly well last night waking almost every 2 hours but going back to sleep nicely and taking to her crate really well.
(After the race today we had some outside water fun, so just threw some of those pics on at the end.)

Joey at the Southwest Half Marathon

Sunday I ran a half marathon. I was not expecting to do well, coming off of a long winter, but was using the race to stay in running shape to start training later this month for a marathon. Well, the race was in Palos Heights, and I know why the height part is part of the town's name. It was a very, very hilly course. It was also a very windy day, topped off with running over many bridges that had no protection from the winds so even the downhills at times felt like uphills. I was more than pleasantly surprised with the course and the day itself. I had a personal best in the half marathon and that was with lots of wind and hills. So of course that leads me to wonder how well I may have done if the conditions and course were a bit more favorable...ah, it keeps me coming back for more.

Anyways, I had told Joey I was going to be running in a race and he was super excited. He kept telling me what color shirt I would be wearing. He had a long day on Saturday with Auntie Brooke and Uncle Chris' baby shower, he didn't go but he partied at Grandpa's house the whole day and after the shower up until bedtime. So I was a little hesitant to wake him at 5:20 to go to Grandma's house and then head out to Palos Heights, but I went in his room and touched his back and whispered "Joey do you want to go to the race?" He whispered quite loudly, "yeah!" And he sat straight up and extended his arms up for me to grab him. I told him he could sleep on the way to Grandma's but he told me he didn't want to sleep. He was talking to me the whole way. We transferred to Grandma's car and headed out for the race. Joey is such a trouper and really loves watching the races. Even though they are not cars like I know he'd prefer he makes me smile and I can't wait to see him (and Grandma too!) as I'm finishing. There is nothing quite like putting my medal around his neck.

At the end of the race I had given Joey my medal and a reporter asked to take a picture of Joey and I and ask me about the race. So without further ado, click here for Joey's first press release.

Joey's First Day of School!

(this is a longer post than it probably should be so feel free to just scroll to the pictures!)

Yes, you read that correctly. Joey had his first day of school today! I know, next week is spring break, the school year is almost over, what the heck are you talking about, right? Well, I have been in the process for about 3 weeks now of looking at preschools for Joey. I had narrowed my search from 6 to 3 and then 2 and was in debate over our church's school and another school. We had gone to the open house for our church school and Joey met the teachers, Joey played at the train table for a bit, of course was really shy and had me carry him down the halls, but also wanted to go back in when we got to the car. We thought for sure we would be going there this fall. Before going in to the open house I had called the other school that I was in a toss up with and left a message to receive more information. I had heard nothing but good things about this school but wanted to talk to someone and visit as well. I spoke with the director week and a half ago, and this past Monday went in to visit the school (sans Joey). Upon entering I felt it was going to be a good fit for Joey. I really like the rooms, the teacher that I met and the director. Another major benefit was that they have a 2 year old program. Jillian's birthday is Dec. 30 so her and Joey will most likely be 2 years apart in school even though they are 17 months apart because Jill would have to be 3 by Sept. 1 for that school year. Anyways, with this school she can enter as a 2 year old and can do so in January.

So, I was somewhat still in debate, but love this school for many reasons. Joey being so incredibly shy, I feel needs a bit more socialization than the Wed. and Thurs. with "Ms. Rhonda" over at the park district. So after touring this school and seeing that there was a spot available on Thursdays for him to join now we decided we would give it a try. So yesterday after teaching and picking him up from "Ms. Rhonda's" I drove over to the school to show him the playground that he will be able to play at when he's in school. I explained that the building was the school, some of the activities he'd be doing, some of the friends he'd meet, etc. Joey does know a boy who is a month apart from him that we met at the library...James. James and Joey have become friends at the library, and James is at the school, so I kept telling Joey he would see James there. His eyes would light up when I told him that, but I was hoping he didn't think I meant James the red train from Thomas and Friends!

We got him a new backpack last night that he picked out and he has been sporting around. He was so excited to see his school yesterday and was talking about it all morning, barely eating breakfast (surprise, surprise!). So we headed over to school and when we got to the parking lot Joey said "I don't want to meet my teachers." Luckily the new backpack distracted him enough to allow me to get Jillian and walk him in. We were first to arrive since we were the newbies. He met his 2 teachers and started to play, hanging close to me and making me sit next to him. After a while (and with the help of the trains they had) I was able to stand up and walk over to Jill who had seated herself at the table and was working on a magnetic Noah's Arc puzzle. The teachers laughed and said they thought she was ready for school already. Yes, the social butterfly will not have a problem with me leaving her when that time comes! She also made herself at home with the play kitchen and some of the farm animals. I was there about 10 minutes to get Joey comfortable. James had arrived and Joey and him were playing a little. I told Joey I was leaving and he grabbed my leg and said no! I looked at the teacher and asked if I could sneak out and she said I could hanlde it any way I wanted. So I told Joey I was helping Jill. I picked her up, said goodbye to Joey and told him I'd be back in a little bit. Of course he cried...

Jillian and I came home and made some cupcakes. I used to bake a lot with Joey when he was Jillian's age and he loved it, but hadn't allowed Jillian to be on the step stool by herself in fear that Joey would knock her out of the way or someone would end up hurt. So we had some downtime to cook and play.

We arrived back at the school 10 minutes early and saw Joey playing outside with some friends. I snapped a few pictures from the car before getting Jillian out and picking Joey up inside. Joey was so happy to be at school. He told me he was crying and saying "mommy, mommy." I told him I'd always come back and he should just have fun. The teacher said he cried for about 10-15 minutes, but when she grabbed a book and sat on the mat he went over with her and stopped crying and was fine the rest of the time. He has not stopped talking about all the fun he has had at school and told us he wants to go back tomorrow! Unfortunately it is spring break next week, but the following week he will be back again!


Oh, and of course Java always needs her little drama too...Java has a case of hives. She always seems to get them when spring first hits. She has always had sensitive skin, it just surprises us every year still. Not pretty picture so I'll save you on that one, but thought I'd keep you updated on all of us!

Water boy

Joey has been enjoying the pool this summer. He likes playing in our kiddie pool and ou rfriends came over one day to play with us. Later that day our neighbors had a graduation party for Dominic and Joey was in the pool and in heaven. He loved splashing around with Mr. Sole and of course all of the kids that play with him and include him in everything. He did not want to get out. Congrats Dominic!

I'm so proud

Joey loves Galaga. Watching him play is so fun!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Burning Trail,Carol Stream,United States

Happy Birthday Boys!

Joshua, our oldest child and a great teacher, we continue to thank you for showing us the important things in life, making us realize we are stronger than we know, and can love in so many capacities. We miss you always, and on your birthday we are reminded again of the day our lives were completely flipped upside down, and you started us on a rollercoaster journey that I wouldn't ever want to miss. We love you Joshua!

Joey, we can't believe you are 2 today! You are such a joy and bring so much laughter in our lives. We are constantly amazed with all you do. We see glimpses of your brother in you all the time, and know that a big part of you is in heaven. We look forward to each new thing you learn and do, and are enjoying watching you grow. We love your run, your laugh, your skinny little limbs, the way you take care of your little sister...we love everything about you!

Twins have a special connection that can never be broken, even with life and death. There are many times when we've noticed Joey acting oddly, or picking up a habit of Josh's around times like these, occasions that are reminders to him that he has a twin brother. While Joey may have been very young when Josh passed on, there is no doubt in our minds that Joey knows Joshua and still feels a part of him in daily life. The twin bond is a very strong bond. Happy 2nd Birthday to our twin boys!

Weekend Fun

Saturday Joey woke up very early (4:30 am!) and took his first out of state trip to Kenosha, WI to watch Mommy run a half marathon! Joey was wide awake at 4:30 when I put him in the car to go to Grandma's house. He wanted to go in and play with Aspen, but it was a brief stop before jumping in Grandma's car to head up to WI for the race. Joey pointed out all the trucks, and telling us that Uncle Don drives one!

Grandma and Joey had a lot of fun cheering on Mommy and all the other runners. Joey was yelling "Go Runners Go!" and enjoying some snacks and the outdoors. Joey had been on most all of my training runs with me, and really enjoys being in the jogging stroller. He often wakes up from his naps asking to go running. He asked Grandma at one point to go in the street and run. Joey was so excited from the day, he didn't even sleep on the way back home! All morning today he has been running around the house yelling, "Go Runner!"


On Sunday we had a long overdue visit with Uncle Paul, Aunt Katherine, Ben, Abbey, and Juliette. The kids had a lot of fun playing outside and inside, and it wasn't until everyone was settled down in their pj's that I remembered to take some pictures. They were all wound up, but ready to give Chien (their dog) some hugs, and to plop down and rest on him. Poor Chien!


And finally...a quick Jillian update: Jillian started rice cereal on Friday night and has been enjoying eating solids quite a bit! She doesn't fuss at all and even seems to chase the spoon into her mouth if you aren't quick enough. She does push a lot out right now, but she is still learning, and I think will pick up on it pretty quickly!

Chubbette!

Jillian is now 4 months--time really flies! Jillian went in for her 4 month check today, and turns out Jillian is quite the chunky monkey! She weighed in at 15 pounds 9 ounces and 25.5 inches, which puts her at the 88th percentile for weight, and 90th percentile for height! We tell Joey practically every night at dinner that he better keep eating or else his sister will surpass him, and I think it may happen sooner rather than later! The doctor also said she looks very healthy and is doing really well. He commented on her strong trunk control and predicts she'll be sitting on her own by 6 months! We have been sitting her up a lot, but she can only sit unaided without toppling for a record of 12 seconds, but we have some time still! Jillian is so close to rolling completely over, she will roll on her side but not make the commitment to continue onto her tummy. I anticipate the last part of the roll to happen sometime soon though.

Jillian did fairly well with her shots. She cried more than both the boys, but I guess I'll give her a break being a girl (thank heaven for Motrin!), and the doctor commented on her behavior when he checked her ears--she tried pushing his hands away and complained a little and he told Jillian she was acting just like her brother Josh when getting his ears checked--he hated it! Josh was very patient with everything else, and barely ever cried with his shots, but hated having his ears messed with!

To give Joey a little credit in the weight department, he was born practically half of Jillian's weight and was a far reach from any growth curve, but he packed on the pounds fairly early on as well. Here are a few pictures of Joey (and one with Josh too!) at 4 months, and Jillian at 4 months. They sure know how to store the milk in their cheeks!
(Not sure why the one of Jillian showed up so small)




Here are some random pictures from the past week and a half.


And here is Jillian with Emma (almost 1 month!).

Jillian's Baptism

Jillian's baptism was a wonderful day. Auntie Trisha and Uncle Chris became Godparents again! Jillian didn't make a peep when she was christened, and Uncle Chris and Auntie Trisha did a great job with everything. Auntie Trish made a beautiful bib for Jillian (we knew it would be gorgeous since the one she had made Josh was so amazing!) and Uncle Chris did a good job lighting her baptismal candle. Auntie Trish came over in the morning to help dress Jillian in Nonna and Auntie Steph's baptismal gown and then after church we put her in Gianna's baptism party dress. Thanks for the dresses everyone! Thank you Auntie Trisha and Uncle Chris for all of your help at the church and with the party. It was a great day, thank you for sharing in her special day!

Go Fish!

We have a lot of updating to do here, and I hope to get a Joshua's Journey up by the end of the week too.

Today we had to go to the pet store to get some more food for Java. We like taking the kids along to look at the fish, birds, hamsters, etc. Joey is always very intersted in the birds, and tweets back at them, and points to all the fish and makes bubble noises at them. Phil and I always joke about getting Joey some fish or a bird, but today when we went we both decided, why not? So...Joey officially has his first pet(s). We got 6 goldfish (at 13 cents a pop how can you go wrong? Plus we asked for 5, but the guy threw in one for free!). Joey is having a lot of fun feeding them, pointing to them, and counting them. I asked him how many fish there were and he said "4, 5, 6." He was right there were 6, but didn't start counting with 1. He'll get there. In the meantime, here is Joey with his new friends. We also have some pictures of Joey getting his fish at the store but are on Phil's phone so we'll have to add those later. (There are also a few of pictures of Jillian too.)

Big Brother Andrew

Andrew spent a couple of nights at our house when his baby sister was born. Joey and Andrew had a lot of fun together. They loved playing outside, and Joey loves to tackle and rough it up with Andrew but Andrew is still a little unsure of the whole idea. On Saturday, before Easter, we went to th e park district for "The Bunny Bash" where we made some Easter crafts, saw animals in the petting zoo, listened to music, did an egg hunt, potted flowers and more! Sunday was Easter, and the Easter bunny made a stop at our house! Andrew and Joey had a great time, but Andrew also enjoyed going to see his parents and baby Emma too. Here are some pictures of Andrew, Joey, and Jillian over the weekend.

Sledding Birthday Party

January 4th is Auntie Christy's birthday, but we celebrated yesterday since baby Jillian arriving Wednesday and might be home for her first day or two on the 4th. Sorry Auntie, that we had to celebrate so early, but we were also celebrating the fact that you, Uncle Chris, Andrew, and Baby G made it back home safely from New York on Saturday after a long wait at the airport. While they were away we had quite the snow storm, so Joey put on his new snow suit from Nonna and Grandpa and we went by Auntie Christy's for a little "sledding" in the driveway. We headed back inside to warm up with some hot chocolate and celebrate Auntie Christy's birthday!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

We've had some snowflakes here and there, but today there was a good amount of snow on the ground so Joey bundled up, grabbed his new shovel (it was going to be a Christmas gift, but for the sake of chores we gave it to him early!), and headed out the door to help shovel! Last year Joey was not very interested in the snow at all, he just sat with Josh in his snowsuit and starred, then cried. This year was much different. First off, Joey loves his boots (thanks Andrew!) so a chance to wear them is always welcome. He was really interested in the shovel and helping do what Mommy was doing so he only complained when he dropped the shovel and couldn't quite pick it up with his mittens on. After a while he decided playing with his basketball was a bit more fun. After a mitten change and playing for a while in the snow, Joey took a little spill in the snow, lost his glove, and got a little wet so he was done for the day. We came in, changed into warm, dry clothes, had some milk, and it was naptime!

Joey's First Haircut

Joey finally got his first haircut yesterday (12/7/09)! Unlike Josh, Joey has always had pretty short, fine hair. Some pictures he even looked bald for a while. His brown hair from his baby days changed into more of a blonde color for now, and they were hanging over his ears, and he was getting some curls in the back that were getting longer and longer. So it was time for his first cut!

We were so lucky to have Linda cut Joey's hair. A friendly, more familiar face is always a good thing for a baby getting their haircut, and boy did she give him the royal treatment! She had so many new and exciting toys for Joey to play with, and even let him play while she cut his hair. He did really well because of her magic touch. Joey didn't even flinch when the razor came out. After the cut Linda took him to the mirror to check out the new 'do, and play with some of the other pampering and primping tools. Then it was back to being a boy...he headed upstairs for a cracker and to see Dakota (their German Shepherd that Joey still wanted to call Java). Joey looks like such a little boy now, without the baby curls. Thanks Linda for a great cut, and a fun time!