Sunday, May 27, 2012

Animal Adventures

We spent a beautiful day with friends at this incredible place called Hidden Valley Animal Adventures in Varysburg NY. It was an easy hour and a half drive for us each way.
We loaded up the boys and some special treats for the ride.
Their loveys got to come along and they were so excited about this.
Nicholas wanted to make sure bear had a prime spot looking out the window.
Alex was in a silly mood and pretended his was a hat. 

We were invited here for our sweet friend's Sawyer's
birthday party.

We took the one hour trolley tour of the grounds . 
I"m not even sure how many acres there are here
but its massive and just as beautiful

Alex wasn't sure what to expect at first

but warmed up to the idea fast!

The animals came RIGHT up to the trolley.
Which Alex wasn't sure was a good idea
at first....
Afterall, these are NOT little animals!
Nicholas had this look on his face A LOT.
He was in awe!!!
I wish I had gotten more pics of him on the trolley
but I was busy chasing after him. 
As soon as the trolley stopped he was off looking
out the sides of the nearest window spot,
he was anxious to see and feed them,
and absolutely LOVED this place. 



We were each given food in cups for them.
I think they've seen this routine before.
not shy at all. 
We would stop every so often to get a closer look
at some of the animals, feed them and then
go riding again.
Alex even though timid at first kept saying
"more animals", "come", and "tis"--his
way of saying "sit".
After the trolley ride we were able to go into 
a smaller petting area

 The animals were just walking around,
most very friendly and would walk right up to you. 
 Heaven for this boy

 Alex kept saying "more more" animals
but he wasn't in a hurry to touch or pet them, 
Nicholas however had no reluctance.




 They both loved trying to feed the animals

 Here is Nicholas trying to tuck in some hay in the fence. 
Seriously can't say enough about this place,
we will definitely be going back!!!!

 Afterwards we had lunch at their lodge

 Alex showed off in his wheels.
don't let these pictures fool you,
he was ALL smiles......
until he saw his momma behind the camera. 

happy exhausted boys

Sweet end to the day
Nicholas reading to his bear!!!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

3 years ago.....

Three years ago: One pound 10 and one pound 12 ounces: the littlest packages that arrived way earlier then expected and forever changed our world. It would be impossible to put into words how much love this momma has for her boys (any parent ofcourse). This woman was mushy to begin with and then give her two living breathing odds-defying miracle surpassing babies, well what's mushier than mush? Who knows but thats what I am.

Nicholas and Alexander: You came into this world too soon and already having to fight. You've been through more battles than any one more than 10 times your age should have had to have. I desperately wish I could have changed that course for you, made your beginning easier somehow. But I couldn't. What I can do is tell you how proud I am of you both. You have come sooooo far in these three short years. From the very beginning you have defied the odds, changed even the "experts" expectations, and brought so much love and life to many more hearts than just mine.

I Love You!!!!

A little stroll down memory lane, some of my favorites so far:


Our miracles
born at just 28 weeks












 1st "real" baths






Finally home after 102
and 107 days in the NICU

 
Here is Alex's external shunt until he was big enough
to have the internal VP shunt inserted.
We affectionately called it his "bubble"






 



 
Alex's helmet. He had to wear 23 hours a day for almost a year
(Momma worked hard to get pictures of him during that hour without it )
Nicholas not sure what to make of Alex's
"under construction" helmet.
later though he most definitely wanted one of his own
Nicholas always wanted to play with Alex's cords

This was not set up
They used to sleep and cuddle together like this A LOT




Love.....




those cheeks......








 




























 Happy Birthday my boys
We are sooo proud of you and how far you've come.
We love you sooooo much!!!!!!!