We never gave Bernadette a proper online goodbye,which has now been over 4 weeks I think. Plus she has been so thoughtful to call and check up on us and pointed out that I had not updated the blog since the apple orchards to which she had a role in the apple-sauce making. I guess that means she misses us to go and check our blog. But probably she just wants to be sure we are not screwing up where she left off:) We're doing ok Bern. Thanks again for everything!! Jackson is growing like a weed and finally graduated to the big crib just yesterday. I think he has forgotten all about the 4 hour walks you spoiled him with. Shane misses all of the attention you gave him and Jason sure misses your help in the kitchen. The next family will be lucky to have you!

These were taken the night before she left. I could pretend Jackson is sad to see her go, but Bernadette knows this boy hated the camera. Cried every time we pulled it out!

Apple Picking @ Barton Orchards

Our second time apple picking, and our second time apple picking with a newborn! It was a successful trip, and Jason just finished jarring his homemade apple sauce. Delicious! If only he had the help of our most recent purchase, the Kitchen Aid mixer (we're slow on this trend) for the grape jelly, raspberry jelly and tomato sauce he also made this summer. All those hours peeling, seeding, mashing. Glad I was not a part of any of that. I just got to enjoy the fruits of his labor, and Bernadette's too (the baby nurse). I know he will miss her help in the kitchen!!!




Excuse me, which way for the Gala apples?
















Video of the kids (and Mom's) doing the hokey pokey. Shane prefers to observe.
Corinne in pink with Emma and Chrissy in blue with Alaina. Jason jumps to the rescue halfway through.

Here's what we've been up to....

Jackson is growing by the minute but at last week's 6 week check-up he was only 10 pounds, which is still less than Shane ever was. Still seems like a peanut to us.

The brothers are bonding nicely. Shane gets a kick out of seeing Jackson first thing in the morning. We bring the baby over for Shane to touch and visit with and Jackson gives Shane a kiss on the cheek. Really, he is looking to eat so a big cheek will do for about one second.

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Don't mess with me.



Who's crazy idea was this?

I still fit!

Nana's boys.



Enough said!



I may look innocent...



Gearing up for winter.



While one is inside attempting tummy time...



The other was outside flat on his back under the gas can.



A little yo gabba gabba to wind down.

More family pics.

We are still adjusting to life with 2 boys, but reality will really set in when we have to say goodbye to Bernadette in 2 1/2 weeks. She has been with us since we came home from the hospital and is a tremendous help with Jackson. We find ourselves asking to change the occasional diaper just so we are not totally clueless when the time comes for us to handle it all ourselves. Here are some more family pics.

Off to school....

Look who's all grown up! Shane started his first day of school September 1st. He is at the John Coleman School in White Plains and will be getting all his therapy sessions at school - 14 sessions each week. It was a sad day for Mom but Dad was more excited. He spent most of the day at school with Shane, as suggested by the staff, but typical Shane ignored him and did his thing. He was so excited to be in his new classroom, playing with all the new toys and meeting his new friends. Though having to forgo his usual 2 hour nap which used to take place at 9:30am caused some havoc and he was EXHAUSTED by midday. The barely one hour nap on the cot proved not to be sufficient enough and the poor kid could hardly keep it together. All ended badly when he threw up the last 15 minutes of school. Too much excitement I guess! But each day has been better and better. We think he is going to love his new school!!!

The meeting.

Video of Shane meeting baby bro Jackson @ the hospital.

First 2 weeks....