The twins first adventure in Marathon...

This is one of three posts that I've put up today so please scroll down to get all the latest updates. There has been a lot going on around here! And while I wish we had gotten down to Marathon more already, the twins made their first trip yesterday! They slept all the way (both ways) in the car!! We're looking forward to a lot more visits once the twins get a bit older and the weather warms up a tad. Take a look at the chaos we created!! Jon-Jon even skipped lunch to play with Ella. He can't wait for his new brother or sister!!

Happy Birthday - Three Months Old!!!!

We did not forget that the twins turned three months old on Christmas Eve. As a matter of fact, we sang happy birthday to them numerous times, however, because of the holidays we hadn't posted their 3-month photo. They continue to keep us busy and are changing every day. For the most part, they are very happy and adore their older sister. They also recently made the big transition to their cribs. They had been sleeping downstairs with me, and for the most part were sleeping in their swings. We were worried the transition was going to be tough because of the lack of motion. The first night they actually did rather well. Ella was a bit easier than TJ but even he settled in eventually. The second night they both got up twice but otherwise were very quiet. This is a pretty big accomplishment for us all!

one...TWo...THREEEE...

....weeeeeeeee!! Gramma P. gave the kids a new playset for the basement for Christmas. Daddy put it together Sunday night, and we showed it to Francesca yesterday! We did try to put Ella in the swing, but Francesca wasn't quite ready to share it yet...she told us, "NO, MINE!"...we'll work on that :)

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy...

While it doesn't seem fair that Josh already gets kicked off the top spot on the blog, I think he would even agree that his goddaughter was her own little star yesterday. I'll be sure to upload pictures of all of the kids in their homecoming attire but for now, this entry is dedicated to Francesca...

Getting ready to head to the armory...

Look how good Francesca is in her seat already...

After about a half hour of waiting the sitting-business got a little old, time to do a little dance...

Still waiting...maybe a story will make the time go by quicker...

OK this is getting a little long for a toddler...let's try a snack...

...pretzels, of course, make her thirsty (she saw other people using this machine too)...

...let's pick this one waaaay up here...

...reunited at last!!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly everything seems right in the world...

Merry Christmas!

Francesca, TJ and Ella must have been good little kids this year because they got a lot of nice toys and clothes for Christmas. We started our festivities Christmas Eve at our house with Brian's side of the family and spent Christmas day in our pajamas :) and Grammie, Grampie and Aunt Darci (Ci-Ci ) came up for a visit. We'll celebrate Christmas with the rest of the Contri family once Josh gets home (TODAY!!) and settled a bit (sometime next week). We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

the land of the free and the HOME of the brave...

YES!!! Uncle Josh is finally back in the USA. After a very brief stop in Ireland (around 9pm EST) last night, the troops landed in Maine early this morning. From there, they'll fly straight to Fort Bragg (probably already on their way) where they will begin the demobilization process (4-8 days) before making their way back to Syracuse. Darci said he sounded WONderFUL! but tired (it has been a lot of flying). Stay tuned for more homecoming info!!

On the third day of Christmas...

...my true love gave to me...three little gems - 2 little loves and the first baby in our family tree. How lucky we are to have Francesca, TJ and Ella to spend Christmas with this year! They certainly keep us on our toes but keep us laughing and smiling all the time too. They all have such wonderfully unique characteristics and nuances that we are just amazed as we continue to discover each and every one. They light up our each and every day (and night).

The greatest gift of all...

...a homecoming for the holidays. Uncle Josh left for a tour in Afghanistan with the National Guard on January 17, 2008. When he left, Francesca was approaching her first birthday, and I did not yet know I was pregnant with the twins! I am ECSTATIC to report that he has left Afghanistan today to begin his journey back home - to the USA - to his friends and family who missed him so much. It has been an emotional and prayerful time for all of us, and words can't even begin to describe how happy we are that he'll be home soon (approximately 2 weeks - after a demobilization period at Fort Bragg). We will reunite with him at the Armory in Syracuse where he will meet his new niece and nephew for the first time and see how much his Goddaughter has grown. Somehow Christmas seems a bit more magical this year :)

Happy 11th Anniversary!

Today, Grammie celebrates a special 11th year anniversary - breast cancer free!!!! We're sending lots of hugs and kisses her way :) Francesca even tried to get Ella to call Grammie. (I swear TJ will never remember that I put him in a pink vest jacket!! Based on the pictures, I don't think we'll need to worry about him wearing it on his own!)

Introducing...Princess Ella!

She is such a little sweetheart! She's the star today (can you tell why?!?!), but I also included a pic of her and TJ watching the Today show this morning. It's hysterical!