All Good News

I have a couple of updates to report- and they are all good! First, Early Intervention came to the house yesterday to do an assessment on both boys and determine whether or not they had any delays that would require therapy. They do not! The boys are 6 weeks old chronologically, but only 2 weeks old by adjusted age. They are responding to light and sound, as well as to my voice and Dave's. They are tracking objects well and supporting their heads very well. The physical therapist doing the assessment thought they were performing nearly as well as full term babies, which is great!

Also yesterday (it was a busy day), I took the boys to Children's Hospital in Boston for hip ultrasounds. Both boys were breech, which sometimes causes hip dysplasia, so this test was to rule that out. Neither boy has it, which is also great news! Surgery is often required to correct this, so we are thrilled to avoid that. They were very well behaved during the ultrasound- they didn't even pee on the table like their sister did when she had the test.

Today, VNA came to check on the boys and their weights. Ben is up to 9lbs 1oz, and Jack is 8lbs 4oz. Granted, some of you have babies who were born at those weights, but for us, those weights are fantastic! I have already put away the preemie clothes, and now I am starting to put away some of the newborn clothes in favor of 0-3 months. I never thought they would get this big this quickly, but I am so glad that they are growing so well!

The best news of all is that Jack smiled at me for the first time yesterday! It was amazing- he looked so cute! This was a real 'social' smile, not just one while he was dreaming, etc. Social smiles are a typical milestone for 6 week olds, but I didn't know when they would do it since they are not 'really' 6 weeks. Now I can't wait to see Ben smile, too!

Mairead is at her all time cutest lately as she is saying or doing something new every day. When EI came yesterday she was showing off for them and was adorable while doing it. Dave thinks she tried to say 'I love you' back to him when he put her to bed tonight- I think that when she says that to me for the first time I might just cry because I just love her to pieces. We are so luck to have these three amazing kids!

Surprise!

This past Sunday, our entire family and lots of friends gathered at Brian's favorite place to surprise him for his 30th birthday. His actual birthday was April 2, so he didn't see this coming! The Old Court is an Irish pub in downtown Lowell. For all of you life-time Lowell residents, it used to be the Press Club. Brian is a regular at the Old Court- Once, he was even on the menu when they created a special called "Monaghan's Favorite." The owners helped us to set up a party for him in the perfect location.


Christin was in charge of getting Brian there on time- no small feat! When they walked in, Brian headed over to say hello to the owners and other regulars before he realized what was going on.

Katie made this fantastic cake to celebrate the occasion.

Mairead must take after her godfather because she loved it at the Old Court. There were tons of places to run around, lots of people, good food, and even balloons.

I have to admit that yes, I did bring all of my babies to a bar. And sadly, this was not Mairead's first time in a bar... not even close. I will say that it Ireland, it is completely customary to bring your children to the pub on Sundays-- so I am just raising my children in proper Irish custom.

Jack and Ben were very well behaved- they spent some time with their cousin, Beth.

Even Nana made it to the Old Court to spin some yarns.

Mairead had a lot of fun playing with Jen. Jen even let her climb up and stand in the big windows.

Ben had to belly up to the bar for a drink. Since our friend, Krystle, works at the OC, we were able to ask her to store some baby formula in one of the refrigerators. Probably the only bar around that had formula in the fridge.

Here's a nice shot of Mairead's grandmother and great-uncle giving her some beer. She wanted more!

Ok, I know this looks bad, but I swear he was drinking Coke.

Ben and Jack were sporting new outfits- thanks to Erin from Probation (my dad's work) for the adorable little shirts!

Everyone had a great time and we were all happy to come together to celebrate Brian's birthday. He is a great brother, son, uncle, boyfriend, and godfather. We are all so happy for all of the great things he has going on in his life- here's hoping the next 30 years are even better. We love you, Brian!