April 1, 2013

Spring Break: Baby Style

Gone are the days of soaking in the sun and libations on spring break (yes, even as adults we get a "spring break" because I married a teacher...and it.is.awesome!).  However, this year was the most special trip yet!  We were able to go to Ohio for three amazing events, and a very fun mix of family and friends.  First up, Easter...which was also Harper's baptism day!  We wanted to divide our time between grandparents houses, so we headed to Cincinnati first. 






The next morning we traveled up to Newark to celebrate Easter with the ever-hospitable and wonderful Weekly crew.  It was a beautiful day (ok, I take that back...it was raining and freezing!) and the ceremony was so moving.  Harper lapped up the attention from the priest....
and Grandma's noodles were right on the money!!











Then we spent a few days soaking up family and friends in the nasty 'Nati.  Our good friends, Chad and Christina were finally able to meet Cael!  The Gilbert dogs, Carson and Gracie, loved having a baby in the house, and were as much protective as they were curious about this little human bouncing all over the place.  The weather was nice for opening day, and
Cael loved watching the Reds!








Then mid-week we headed to Antwerp for some Dolinski/Gonya lovin.  Everyone was so excited to see Cael again, since it had been since Christmas (when he was 8 weeks) and his personality is so fun now!  When we got to town, everyone was at work...so we were able to relax and unwind after the drive, soak up some sun and wait for the madness to start!  The rest of the week was filled with visitors and fun, ending with a Baptism party for Cael.  Waylon's birthday was also that week, turning two years old already!! Waylon loves to go outside, and begs to do it all the time (video).

It was so neat to see his eyes light up when he saw that we brought him presents!!  We were able to meet baby Carter at the party, and Great-Grandma/Papa Dolinski came down from Michigan!!

























We went back to Cincinnati for Cael's baptism Sunday, then headed back to Virginia the next morning.  I swear our baby is the best traveler ever...I think even more tolerant than most adults I know! haha  He did love to stretch it out when we would stop to rest/eat/nurse...and he really enjoyed our make-shift changing table in the car (because let's be honest, rest areas and McD's are not the ideal place to change the babe and let him roll around a little!)




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March 30, 2013

Cael | 5 Months

We arrived in Ohio on your five-month birthday, and Momma forgot the tie stickers.  So this is the picture we have, which is pretty fitting because you probably would have just ripped off the sticker and jumped through a photo-session making everything blurry anyway. :)


Well little mister, you are the biggest joy I never knew I was missing in life.  Your laugh is infectious. You giggle and make everyone around you melt.  You giggle most when you are scared, so peek-a-boo gets you going the most (See video of it, here)  And once you get going, people keep trying to make you giggle...I think Auntie Michelle holds the record for funniest/longest game of peek-a-boo yet.  This month was another full of firsts, fun and fumbling through new-parent adventures.  You have taught us a few things this month, and hopefully we are teaching you a few things too.  For starters, your daddy and I probably lost our "parent of the year" certificates when we met our friends for lunch and you had your first trip to HOOTERS! haha  You were, of course, flirting the whole time with the ladies, and they ate you up.  And I have a feeling when you start walking, you will be running around everywhere.  You have the most active legs ever, and love to be in your "Jumper" bouncing away.  You also finally met our friends Jeremy and Katie, and you loved them too.  There are a few friends left in Virginia that you haven't been able to meet yet, but we are working on it.  I cannot wait for the next month, but will be sad when you hit the big half-birthday!  It seems like time is flying by so fast and I'm constantly trying to catch up!  Watching you grow has been a treasured gift, and I can't wait to see what you do next!   

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March 26, 2013

It's a Twin Thing

I've been meaning to post this for about five months now.  But today seemed to be the perfect occassion. I love an excuse for a fun celebration, and a very sweet little miss is
6 months old today!!

I remember it like it was yesterday, literally.  Going over to Brandon and Michelle's house to go out for the twins birthday dinner, like we do every year.  The car ride there was filled with anxiety and discussion between Daniel and I, as to if the subject came up, how we were going to tell them that I could not partake in a birthday "cheers" at the restaurant since it was still so fresh, and we were worried to tell anyone. 
Oh, how little did I know....

When we got to their house, Brandon let us in and told us it might be a minute before Michelle is ready because she isn't feeling good.  A few minutes later when she came downstairs, she had a smirk on her face as she sat on the stairway and started to tell me the real reason she wasn't feeling good, and that she would not be able to cheers to the twins birthday that night.  I was in complete shock!  Without thinking twice, I gave Daniel the "uh oh, it's going to just come right out of my mouth without your consent" look and said, "funny...me either."  And so it began....our journey to become parents...together. 



Of course, as the wives of very close, identical, twins...we were fairly used to nodding our heads at people when they saw we were doing the same thing, going the same places, or wearing similar outfits.  But this was no wrestling tournament we were attending to watch our husband's coach together....this was the biggest adventure we could ever imagine.  After the shock wore off, we both knew we would likely have to tell everyone (once we actually told everyone) that NO... we didn't plan this. 
How could we plan to get pregnant just two weeks apart!?

6 & 8 weeks, birthday trip to Atlantic City

Admittedly, there were days or weeks that I was simply shocked to be sharing this journey, others that I was excited to swap stories and feelings, and even a few days I was sad we weren't going through it separately, since through life the twins have always been a "collective one," and this was a very personal adventure.  Overall, I think it was the best blessing God has ever planned for our husbands.  They empathized with each other late at night when the hormones got the best of their once sane women.  They laughed when we talked to friends without children about the fun symptoms and side affects.  And Michelle and I welled with emotion every time we imagined the future with our babies being closer than ever.  We both grew up with cousins that had an inseparable bond, and being far away from them has been difficult on both of us.  So how perfect was this situation?

Through the ups and downs that are pregnancy, it was nice to laugh and talk about it all with my "sister."  We had a secret look in the early stages at events before it was public knowledge and we had to explain that we were "driving, so water is fine for tonight."  And the multiple...and I mean, multiple bathroom breaks were always interesting to explain.  Daniel and I knew when they broke their news, we would come shortly after, being as we were only two weeks behind them.  It was very hard to bite our tongues when everyone called us to wish us congratulations on becoming Aunt and Uncle.  Then our turn came, and, as predicted...the shock and surprise "no way! did you plan that?!" came from every single mouth we called and told.  It still makes me smile to revisit the reaction of the twin's parents, because for them, this journey was very unique.

24 & 26 weeks


31 & 33 weeks



What a blessing it has been!  Little did I realize when we were pregnant that the stories and swapping of information would continue, even more so, when the babies arrived.  I remember the excitement and overwhelming emotion Daniel and I felt the night we got the call that little miss Harper Danielle was making her debut.  I was up all night, and could NOT wait to meet her!  We saw her that morning, and fell in love.  Chalk it up to the hormones, or just the bond of family that I grew up with, but I instantly felt connected to this little girl (with PERFECT lips, haha).  I felt the need to whisper her advice, pray for her everyday, brag about her, snuggle her, protect her, and tell her everyday how special she truly is.

I truly believe that family is the strongest thing you will ever encounter or experience.  If you have love within, nothing...and I mean NOTHING can get in your way.  I learned in my pregnancy that even in loss, the bond remains.  I am so happy that my family is growing, and that my sweet boy has been given someone to bond with.  They have, and it melts my heart.  A month apart, and inseparable already...just like their daddies.









 

I'm sure in the future we will have our hands full with these two trouble-makers.  But I hope they love each other, grow closer, and learn to navigate this crazy world together.  I can't wait for vacations, birthday parties, holidays and family dinners.

Happy half-birthday sweet baby girl!! You are my sweet, spicy and loving niece, and I can't wait to see what the next six months holds for you.  Thank you for showing me this kind of love, that only a little girl can.  And take it easy on your momma's lip, you feisty little thing!  Auntie Sara loves you!
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March 1, 2013

Cael | 4 Months


Oh sweet child of mine...you are a beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy!  When did you get such a vibrant personality?  It seems that overnight (every night) you grew into a person of your own.  You wake up every morning excited for the day.  I believe your Pop called it a "waking up with a shit eating grin, ready for the day" when it was your daddy...and you, my son, have the saaaaaame outlook on life, and I LOVE it!  This month was full of more firsts: watching daddy and Uncle B coach a wrestling tournament, Valentine's day, grabbing onto everything in sight, laughing out loud, rolling, letting your little temper show, and first bath in a public sink (if we don't count the airplane over Christmas, because really, that can't even be considered a sink for goodness sake!).  I finally feel like I've learned you and you have learned me (for now), and it was actually the first month I didn't refer once to any of my "what to expect" books or pamphlets.  I finally have the attitude "I've got this!!"  I also noticed it was the first month that when we are driving in the car alone, just you and I, and it's dark where I can't see your smiling face in the mirror...when you fall asleep I'm not constantly putting my hand on your lips (sometimes waking you up) or even {ashamed to say this} turning the car off at a red light to make sure I can hear you breathing (because you just never know!)...now I calmly drive and talk with you until you fall asleep, then I'm able to turn on the radio, sing, talk on the phone and be delightfully reassured when you sigh in your slumber, which makes me smile in relief.  This month we also had the annual visit from Grandma DD and Papa D for Grandma's birthday.  You were thrilled to see them, since normally when we video chat you hide from the camera and get a serious look stuck on your face.  I hope someday soon you become a camera hog because even Ms. Millie tries to sneak in some pictures of you doing something cute, and then you just freeze...even if we try to hide the camera or recorder!  We had fun this month too making and sending out Valentines to family.  You enjoyed craft-time with mommy until your feet were covered in ink, your body in kisses, and it was bath-time at 3:00 in the afternoon.  I'm sure this will be the first of many crafty days...better get used to it!  I love you Caelbo, and look forward to the next month of fun!
  

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February 26, 2013

What's In A Name?

What's in a name?....an abundance of happiness and love, actually.  Six years ago today, my life and my name changed because of one man taking a risk, and loving my sisters and I unconditionally, forever.  Cue the music....ADOPTION DAY! 



Of course, it was many years prior to that when he took the big PLUNGE into a role of fatherhood that nobody saw coming, or ever asked him to.  Let's take a little stroll down memory lane to find out exactly how we got to this magical day. 
I believe Brad Paisley (with a few interjections by yours truly) said it best...

"He Didn't Have To Be"
When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new
It always winds up feeling more like a job interview (with me being the harshest of employers, of course, protecting my mother's feelings)
My mom used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me (us, all four of US!) and then turn around and run

I met the man I call my dad when I was five (err...thirteen) years old
He took my mom out to a movie (Evita actually, and we hear the story over and over like it was yesterday..."and then at the end of the movie, he asked 'may I kiss you'" blah blah, gross gross) and for once I got to go (yeah right, more like babysit for the night.  But no worries, he watched Toy Story with us shortly thereafter, which made up for everything)
A few months later I remember lying there in bed (actually, we were right there a part of it all...and he asked me first for permission which wasn't an automatic given until he got on his knee...for me.  Then we were in serious plan mode to ask Mom)
I overheard him pop the question and prayed that she'd say yes

And then all of a sudden
Oh, it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad (parent)
That he didn't have to be

I met the girl (man) that's now my wife (husband) about eight years ago
We had the perfect marriage but we wanted somethin' more
Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends
Crowded 'round the nursery window as they bring the baby in

And now all of a sudden
It seemed so strange to me
How we've gone from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' through the glass I think about the man
That's standin' next to me (video camera in hand, taking away all my pain and making me smile, as usual)
And I hope I'm at least half the dad (parent)
That he didn't have to be

Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me (braid my hair, cheer me on at games and musicals, teach me to drive, relax me and teach me to LIVE and love adventure, scuff my heels with his sander, throw a ball in the backyard, paint my room...for the fifth time, dry my tears (even after I put his F150 in the ditch), threaten the boys, create a type A - master packer, and kill that spider that he too didn't want to kill!)Is I hope I'm at least half the dad (parent)
That he didn't have to be

The challenge: raise four crazy girls, as if they were your own, and love them as if you held them at birth.  This was no challenge for Paul Dolinski.  Sure, we were "challenging," but he took on the role with grace and handled our antics with amazing experience...and the key word, patience.







I have been three (yes, THREE) different last names in the eight years I have been with Daniel (I think at one point, he thought I was having an identity crisis, haha).  By far, my favorite (sorry hunny) is the one that took the most dedication, heroism, and love....Dolinski.

I always knew what a great task "Paulie" had taken on, but never appreciated it as much as I do now that I am a parent myself.  I'm not sure that I would be able to love one (let alone FOUR) little humans that had already inherited their own personality, attitude and agenda.  And he did it, because he loved our momma so much.  I thank GOD everyday for that!

Oh...and I totally forgot to mention that I loved being able to, and miss being able to "GO DOLINSKI" on someone. haha :)  Daniel still says sometimes that I do, as he hides in the corner and doesn't claim me for the moment.

 

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February 14, 2013

Will You Be Mine?

Happy Valentine's Day!! 


 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5


Today holds the most special place in our hearts.  Yes, it is Valentine's day...the holiday that everyone celebrates love and all things amore.  But for anyone that can do the math (which the teachers at Daniel's school were quick to call us on), today is the day we made the most precious gift we've ever received from God.  We always joked with anyone that figured it out that Daniel must have forgotten the chocolates. ;)  Truth is, Valentine's day has always just been another day to celebrate our love, and last year was no different.  We never get fancy gifts for each other, but maybe just give an extra kiss, or dress a little nicer to impress the other. 

This year, I am a little emotional and sentimental because I have been given this precious gift.  He is my Valentine.  He always will be.  I wonder what I did to get so lucky?  It actually brings tears to my eyes anytime I think "what in the world did I ever do to deserve this much love?"  I try everyday to live the life God intended for me, but I never imagined He would repay me with such a wonderful gift.  Cael is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  There is absolutely no way to describe the gift of a child until it happens to you, and you have that "ah-ha" moment that this journey is for real and it is AMAZING.  We have an amazing family, extended family, and friends that we call family.  That is LIFE!
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January 30, 2013

Cael | 3 Months


My sweet "Cael-bo," as your mommy calls you as a inside nod to the middle name chosen for you eight years before you existed, you are growing so fast, and changing everyday.  Most days, I wish time would slow down just a bit so I could take in each moment and savor it to the last drop.  But the fact is, you are evolving, learning new things, showing us your personality, and flirting with the world.  Mommy and Daddy truly think you are the best thing, and we have no idea or recollection of our life before you arrived.  This month was filled with more fun firsts...mommy and daddy going back to work, learning your new normal with our nanny (the wonderful Miss Millie), rolling over, finally enjoying tummy time, and my personal favorite...your first giggle, which was the most amazing sound I've ever heard.  You absolutely LOVE to be with mommy and daddy, but luckily, you also light up when you see Miss Millie, which eases our worries about being away from you to be back at work.  We really enjoy to face-time with family in Ohio.  Every Sunday, we go to church together, and you are literally an angel for the hour we are there...either sleeping, or smiling at everyone in the pew behind us.  Then we go to brunch, just like mommy and daddy used to before you joined our family, and you love to laugh and play.  You got two snow days with Daddy this month, which he loved! 

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January 20, 2013

What A Mighty Good Man


Sorry ladies, I snatched one of the "good ones."  In my eyes actually, I got the best man possible for me and our little family.  It's hard to appreciate how much you love someone until you watch your love grow into a family, and priorities are strengthened and rearranged. 

Daniel, you continue to show me how much you care about me, through everything.  When I got sick this weekend, I woke up in the middle of the night and immediately thought I should get through it, and not bother you since you were in the heat of a really good wrestling tournament.  It got to the point that I could not take care of Cael, so I had to break down and text you.  To my surprise, you found a ride from the tournament and came through the door with a smile two hours later, without question.  That day, more than ever, you were a rockstar.  I truly believe the only reason I was sick for as short of a time period as I was, is because you took care of everything, including me.  You took "in good health and bad" to the next level.

I know through my pregnancy you took excellent care of me.  When Cael was born, you showed me that you were made to be a father.  There is no way I could have made it through those first few weeks of his life without you by my side, cheering me along.  Through the highs and lows, the midnight cry sessions while getting used to breastfeeding, the nodding of your head yes, when you know I'm clearly nuts and hormonal, feeding me and catering to my needs, and telling me that you think I'm beautiful.  Everyday I thank the Lord for blessing me with an amazing partner in life.  Thank you for being my hand to hold, my neck to hug around, and my heart to love forever.
You are my hero.  And I know, you will be Cael's too.

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December 30, 2012

Cael | 2 Months


My sweet boy, you are changing every minute!  This month was filled with fun things.  You enjoyed many firsts again...Christmas, flying to Ohio, crying over spilled milk (otherwise known as liquid gold...and momma might have been crying more than you on this one), sleeping ten hours through the night, and your very first blowout (did I mention this was during your first flight...so fun!).  You have taken so well to your nighttime routine.  We try very hard not to vary from it too much, but you are flexible if we do.  You and mommy had such a great time in Ohio for the holidays, but daddy sure missed you!  You changed so much in the four days we were gone, and daddy could hardly sleep at night without you snoring next to our bed. :)  You got to see Grandma and Grandpa Gilbert again, and this time they stayed at our house to visit with you.  You saw snow for the first time, both in Virginia (by way of a dusting) and in Ohio...a blizzard...that cancelled two of our flights.  You were seriously a pro at the airport when our flight got cancelled and we were stuck for hours.  You have become quite a flirt too, and know exactly when to turn on the charm!  You got a virus at four weeks that you had to take medicine for and broke out in a terrible rash.  YOU HATE MEDICINE! haha  But for whatever reason, they flavored it mint and grape...so that could be the reason.  You are all better now, and the rash is finally starting to subside.  Mommy and daddy count their blessings every night because you are so wonderful!

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November 30, 2012

Cael | 1 Month


Cael, I cannot believe you are one month old already.  Time is flying!  We are trying to cherish every moment, capture it in our minds and on film, but there are so many!  The past month has been filled with fabulous firsts.  Your first bath, tummy time, bottle with daddy, Skype date with our family in Ohio, Ohio State v. Michigan football game...the list goes on.  You make us smile every single day, without fail.  Mommy is enjoying being home with you on maternity leave, and daddy will be joining us soon.  We have bonded and learned your "Caelisms" that are adorable!  I feel like we should thank you now for being a VERY good baby.  You love everyone almost as much as everyone loves you!  You love to go places with mommy and daddy.  This month we also celebrated your first holiday, Thanksgiving!  Grandma and Grandpa Gilbert came to town to meet you and your cousin Harper.  You still like to nap in the sun almost every morning, and thankfully the Virginia weather has been cooperative.  You like to be in your stroller and on car rides, since it usually puts you right to sleep.  We are starting to see your eyes smile at us, and your quickly turn your head the moment you hear mommy or daddy in the other room.  You certainly do not miss a meal, and mommy is very thankful for that!  At one month, these are your stats:

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