And then they were 3...

Happy Birthday Cole and Gavin. 3 years in our lives. Someday's it feels like it was just yesterday that you were born....other days, well.... This day is always one of mixed emotion. The memories of waking up on a Sunday morning at 27 weeks pregnant and my water breaking. Of an emergency c-section and two 2 lbs. babies that were taken away to another hospital before we could even say hello. It is also the day I became a mother to two extremely resilient fighters and survivors. The day Eric and my life changed forever. Happy Birthday indeed!

We celebrated today with a beautiful cake made by Stephanie and Caroline Thomson, aka, the Two Sisters Bakery. Thanks girls! It was wonderful.

Gavin loves blowing out candles, so we had to restrain him until we could finish singing. I didn't let him close enough to lick the frosting straight off the cake...but he tried.

Cole got an extra special birthday present. His tricycle came in yesterday. It is beautiful. Thanks to Peter and Susie Trapp, Jack and Judy Lynch, Trisha Watson, and The Northside Twins and Multiples Club for sponsoring the trike for Cole. It adjusts everywhere, so he will be able to use it for years to come. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

So other than the BIG birthday we have been extremely busy with life. Cole is in the process of getting a power wheelchair. This is Cole trying one out for the first time. This one was way too big, but we wanted to see if he would "get it". Cole made the chair go backward and in a circle. But the smile on his face when he realized it was him doing it was priceless. We think he will be able to get it. We have an appointment next Thursday to get measurements and finalize the order. I'm excited for Cole. This means we have a lot to do to get our lives ready for this large and heavy chair. We are having a lift installed in our garage to accommodate the chair. We also have to think about our van and getting the chair in and out. Not sure what we are going to do there. So much to think about and learn.

Let's not forget about Gavin. He has had a major accomplishment in his life lately. He is 2 weeks into potty training and doing great. Very few accidents and holding it all night. Unfortunately, it is causing him even more constipation. As if it wasn't bad enough already.

Now we have always had trouble with Cole sleeping and Gavin has always been the champ. Well these two have switched roles and Cole is our predictable sleeper now and Gavin is up every night. Not sure why Gavin is having such troubles, but I hope he figures it out soon.

I know why Cole is sleeping. He is exhausted from the Jackson Center. They are working his tail off. He did awesome today! I've worried in the past that we are pushing Cole too hard. But the harder he works and the more scheduled his day is, the better off he is. Vacation does not do him any favors.

He is going to be a busy, busy boy this fall. Monday, Wednesday, Friday he and Gavin will be attending our Brownsburg School's community preschool. The class is made up of 7 typical kids and 7 kids with IEP's (individual education plans). Cole will be the most physically disabled kid in the class by far. 1 teacher, 1 aide. We requested one-on-one for Cole, but we were denied. They are going to add one more adult to observe the class for three weeks and see what Cole needs. Then we will reconvene and discuss what changes are possible. My prediction: he will either get one-on-one or he will have to attend the developmental preschool class with smaller numbers and all IEP kids. I don't want him there.

And on Tuesday and Thursday he will be attending The Jackson Center for Conductive Ed. We've decided to keep him here. It is by far the best place for Cole. No excuses and hard work pays off. Exactly what Cole needs. And let's not forget hippotherapy! He will be riding his horse on Wednesday afternoons.

What else???? We hosted the CP Mom's Summer Picnic at our house last Sat. 55 people! It was a great day and so fun to see everyone's kids and husbands. What a great support network.

And Eric and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary. Whew!!! I don't think we could do anymore. I'm exhausted from typing it, much less living it!

Vacation to Casa Trapp

We have just returned home from a great week vacationing in South Carolina. We visited my parents beautiful mountain home in Travelers Rest. It was non-stop but here are some of the highlights.

We had our annual family photo's taken. This year we revisited the Chapel that Eric and I got married in 6 years ago. It was hot just like our wedding day and we were hard pressed to get the boys smiling at the same time. But we did manage to get a few good shots.

We spent an awesome day on Lake Keowee boating. The boys LOVED it. Gavin went tubing with daddy and drove the boat. Cole loved the wind on his face and the sound of the boat.

Eric, Dad and I went to Atlanta for the annual running of the 10k Peachtree Road Race. The guys ran and I enjoyed 24 hours away from the twins, catching up on my sleep and reading. Dad had his all time best race, coming in just over 1 hour. Eric did amazing and I am so proud of both of them.

Papa took the boys on their first fishing trip. They both caught 2 fish. Gavin liked to look, but did not want to touch the fish. Cole was totally hands on and I thought he might gouge their eyes out. They both enjoyed digging in the worm container, but I put an end to that when Cole decided to put his dirt/wormy hands in his mouth.

And if the trip wasn't already great enough, I was able to spend the day with my college roommate Angelica and her daughter Ana Sofia. The kids had fun swimming and playing. I think this might be the last picture of me holding both boys at once. Not an easy task anymore.