* * * E V A N & N O A H * * *

Christmas with Mima & Popo

2012-02-12T15:58:00.002-05:00

Mima and PoPo visited us for a special Christmas celebration. We had a great time hanging out in Cape May walking around and just hanging around the house opening presents!

Evan is wearing his school uniform here... We don't dress him waspy on purpose.

Evan got a karaoke microphone and he decided to serenade Court House. It's a nice addition to the drum set Mima and PoPo got him last year hehehe. This microphone has been a playdate favorite.

"Snow" Day

2012-02-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

We took advantage of a teeny tiny bit of snow we got one day and it slowly melted and turned to gushy mud as we played. Noah and Evan are still waiting for a real snow day.

Happy (late) New Years!

2012-02-06T21:55:00.000-05:00

Here's the party animals right here!

Noah had too much fun. He puked all over. We had to leave Aunt Donna's party early and Grandmom had to change out of her dressy little outfit and put on Aunt Donna's sweats. Take it easy next time, Noah!

Christmas with Amelia

2012-01-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

The Cronin boys exchanged gifts with their girl Amelia.

Evan was kissing her and singing to her the whole time. "AMELIA, AMELIA, I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU!" Noah just eyed her suspiciously. Perhaps a little jealous? Don't worry little Noah. You are mommy's baby. For now. But be ready to be the middle child, poor little guy.

She can't help being so cute!

Amelia makes an effort, "Aw, c'mon kid!"

Noah makes a run for it...

And flies into the comforting arms of Daddy.

Noah was much better on Amelia's next visit. He played with her at the kitchen set and in the playroom.

The Newest Little Cronins

2012-01-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

Meet Court House and Roxy!

You should've seen the afternoon of Christmas Eve when we brought them in the house. Our Christmas gift to the boys. Two silent little boxes with holes in them. Both boys reached down to shake each box and Mike and I were like "NO! er... just open them!" And out jumps our kitties! They came out like they owned the place. No scurrying off under the couch as cats are known to do around kids. I wish we captured the look of joy on Evan's face or Noah's happy dance. But instead I have this...

Mike loves them too...

But he pretends he doesn't.

Puppet cat hangs out too. Brittany got him for Noah and we put him here so Roxy and Court House don't miss their orange brother back at the shelter too much.

They are the sweetest cats you have ever met. Mike and I hung out with every cat at the shelter and these two found us. Court House (the one with the distinguished mustache) jumped into my arms and purred and purred and purred. He had 2 other brothers - one was orange and 1 sister. All 4 cats had similar personalities, but we took the girl too who was a little more laid back. Turns out she's the most lovey. Actually, they're both lovey. You can't sit in a chair without a cat jumping on you to snuggle. Court House lets Noah lay on him, try to pick him up by his head, water ski from his tail. The cats are saints. They love the kids no matter what. They hang out in the middle of big crowds of people at our house and playdates - they love everybody. They're awesome. Except for one thing. They fart. A lot. They also try to jump up on the dining room table. That's when I have to squirt them while yelling their full names, "Roxborough Marie Cronin!". Just kidding! They don't have full names. Hehehe - I'm not that crazy.

Christmas Tree Decorating!

2012-01-01T18:30:00.000-05:00

We went to the Christmas tree farm we went to last year, thus starting a new Cronin tradition. We went at dusk on an unusually warm night. They had a huge momma pig with all her little piglets. Noah met a baby friend wandering around with his mommy and daddy.

Noah likes to control the tree lights.

Lights on.

lights off.

Lights on.

Thanks, Noah!

This was the first year that Evan was REALLY into decorating. The boys and I went all out decorating the house this year and Evan was so proud. He said, "Mom, it looks so CHRISTMASSY in here. We have the most Christmassy house I've ever seen!"

Evan put ornaments on.

And Noah took them off.

Noah Update

2011-12-30T21:32:00.001-05:00

Our little Noah who barely spoke a word had us really worried for awhile. I had called Early Intervention to analyze him and see what was going on. If you asked him to say mama we got "baba". If we asked him to say dada we got "baba". Basically everything was "eh" or "baba" and he wasn't saying words that he had said back in July, with the exception of "tick tock", and a bunch of animal noises. He would only use sign for things like "more", "done", "poop" and "hungry". His evaluation told us that he was at level or higher in all categories (24,28 mos for fine and gross motor skills), with the exception of verbal communication where he was at a 10 mo. level. His pediatrician and the Early Intervention recommended he see an ears, nose and throat specialist due to his frequent ear infections. We found out that he had an excess of fluid in his ears that wasn't draining and had been there for a very long time. One morning I got up at 4:45 am and loaded my sleepy Noah in the car so we could go to the hospital and get his ears drained and tubes inserted.

So he has recovered quickly and now says "mama" and "dada" on a daily basis. And finally he says consonants other than "b". He says "let's see" and "kitty" and "uh-oh" and "ho ho ho". I know it sounds trivial, but it's a huge step for our Noah. Our little baby couldn't hear very well for a very long time and now he's finally starting to communicate!

At the Gaylord

2011-12-28T12:41:00.004-05:00

The first weekend in December we went to the Gaylord hotel for a Christmas weekend. It's really more than a hotel. There's a bunch of restaurants and they had a big kids theme. It's a short ferry ride from Old Town Alexandria, but we never made it over there.

Mima, PoPo, Kelly, Mike, Jack, Kate, Susan, Granny & Gramps Gifford all met us down there where we went through ICE. Rooms and rooms of ice sculptures with the Madagascar cartoon theme. Very cool, but FRIGIDLY cold. They issued us parkas to wear and our teeth were still chattering. Here we all are in our parkas. See how much fun Noah is having??

Poor Noah got stuck on the ice slide. Twice. Aren't I a great mother? He got stuck once (they won't let 2 people go at the same time... even parents with little kids), then I thought I had it figured out and sent him down again. And he got stuck again.

After our ICE adventure, we all had lunch and I shared the BIG NEWS about Baby Cronin coming this summer!

The boys were freaking out over the characters too.

Puss in Boots was their absolute favorite. They both kept running up and hugging him.

"Gingy" was their second favorite.

We had a Shrek Feast one morning!

And we made gingerbread men. And sat on Santa's lap.

We had an amazing kick-start to Christmas! Thank you everyone for coming over and hanging out with us - we love you!!

Evan and Chaeli Take Over Storybook Land

2011-12-26T22:52:00.001-05:00

These two have major red-eye.

Chaeli took Evan to Storybook Land for her birthday. Noah stayed home with Aunt Genie and Jonny had a babysitter as well. Then Shannon and I took the big kids out for their special night!

For those of you who feel badly for Noah, he was able to go with his big brother, Grandmom, Aunt Brittany, and Olivia the week before Christmas. Party pooper me stayed home that time, rested and did some online Christmas shopping because I was feeling tired and pregnant. Oh yes, for anyone who doesn't know - I'm pregnant! Mike's and my master plan is to populate the world with scores of little Cronin children. Actually, just 3. My due date is July 18, but we all know how that goes. When I was pregnant with Noah, I walked bow-legged, 3 cm dilated, back and forth, to Evan's preschool, constantly contracting and feeling like I had a watermelon pressed against my bladder for over a week after my doctor assured me that she wouldn't see me for my next prenatal visit because I was going to give birth any minute. She tried to talk me into being induced, but I held my ground knowing that it's best for your baby to let him come out when he's ready. Plus, being induced is HORRIBLE. Those contractions are the worst. Anyway...

You can see Chaeli's pink jacket in the one cart. After this we watched Santa rise from a chimney and turn on all the lights of Storybook Land. Evan was fascinated by his chimney elevator.

The kids study the map to figure out where to go next. Of course they were hungry so we got dinner.

And the lights are on!

We waited to see Santa too and got a chance to hang out with Mrs. Claus. Evan and Chaeli argued the whole time while in line, then magically turned into angels when they saw Santa and the Misses.

We stayed after closing - until 9:30! Thank you, Chaeli for a wonderful time!

Bring Your Tike to Work Day...

2011-12-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

Didn't happen. Mike was turning off our street with Evan in the car, heading toward Philly when Evan started crying. Mike said, "Evan, are you crying?" to which Evan responded, "No, I'm trying to hold in my tears." Evan said he missed his "little family" and wanted to go home. So actually, there was no "Bring Your Tot to Work Day" for Evan.

Here he was all excited before that fateful car ride.

And just a cute day when Evan wanted to hold Noah for his morning bottle.

Movie Night Outside

2011-12-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

With the Cronin boys and their neighborhood friends! Mike projected Cars 2 on the garage doors. But first there was pizza.

Noah and Jonny discuss girls, world politics and sippy cups.

We made some smores too!

More Fall Fun

2011-12-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

Guess who can drive the Jeep now. That's right - Noah! He drives it all over the town. He pushes the gas and just goes and goes and goes. He even drove it over to his grandparents' new neighbors who just so happen to have a little 2 year old boy. Noah drove over and started playing with the kid's toys.

The Boys Busy Being Spoiled

2011-11-30T00:53:00.000-05:00

Here's the kids while Mike and I were at our anniversary weekend in Philly.

I love this picture of my mom.

Noah cheats skeeball just like his brother used to!

Stuff from Grandma's Camera

2011-11-28T10:43:00.003-05:00

From the Harvest Festival. I love Evan's little face!

Sarah's Birthday Party!

Our annual spooky dinner at Menz's

Bike riding with the Cronins

2011-11-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

Fall Fun

2011-11-22T22:07:00.001-05:00

Me, Mike, Brittany, Noah, and Evan (in Noah's stroller) with my mom and her friends in Ocean City - Aunt Doris and Sandy!

Noah hangs with Pop.

The boys at the library.

Evan gives his tough look.

Both kids are covered in chocolate ice cream.

At Mack and Manco's.

Jeannine's Wedding!

2011-11-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

Our little Jeannine is all grown up and is now a beautiful bride. Here she is with her husband Chris at their wedding at the Noyes Museum.

I know I keep repeating this, but I have to put it on the blog too. My fondest memory of Jeannine is watching a Power Rangers video she made with my sister and a few of their other friends. I don't know how old they were - somewhere in middle school. Jeannine was one of the villains. She was filmed in my parents' front yard and had a pillow case on her head and she was jumping around and growling. I guess like Power Ranger's nemesis do. That image is so burned in my mind that it's very hard to imagine my little sister's best friend a married woman. Seriously, all Brittany's friends are like little girls to me. But look at them all now! All grown-up and pretty.

The wedding party waits for Jeannine to walk up.

And there they are! Very blurry. I stole these pictures from my mom since my camera's battery died as soon as we arrived. She's an even worse photographer than I am.

Brittany poses with the beautiful Main of Honor - Jackie! You may know her as Sydney's momma.

... And Janet with Emily (who performed the ceremony).

Brittany and Josh (soon to be an official uncle of the Cronin boys). I'm in the corner, staring creepily.

And Steve and Tricia with Janet's arm.

Evan and Noah were with Aunt Donna and Olivia, being spoiled rotten. So Mike and I let loose a bit. Well, Mike and my dad did. My mom and I were the designated drivers. I look wasted, but I'm holding the same glass of wine in every picture.

We pose by the paintings

Mom and Dad! They are so cute!

Sista Sista. As you can see, I changed into my black vest.

This is the only good shot I have of Jeannine's dress and shoes.

HALLOWEEN!

2011-11-16T07:23:00.006-05:00

Hello everybody!

And going back a few hours.... Evan poses with Grandmom and his girl Sydney.

There's nothing Evan loves more than a good scare and this child LOVES Halloween. We really milk the holidays over here. Between the Harvest Festival, Morey's Fear and also our little downtown parade that we went to with our neighbors (and hung out with Aunt Missy, Uncle Fred, Brynn & Devon too!) We really had a great time and all ended on the actually day with late night trick-or-treating with family and friends - the way Halloween should be!

It was great. We had a big pot o' meatballs on the stove for the guests. The kids were getting in costume... When a terrible, blood-chilling accident occurred. Just a warning. The photo below is not meant for those who are squeamish.

It's not blood, but worse! It's pomegranate juice! My mom doesn't give the kids candy for Halloween. She gives them pineapples and pomegranates. Noah took his immediately and said, "Ball!" or rather "Bahl!" and threw it over and over on the kitchen floor. Ballballballballball. He took it to the living room and threw it. "BALL!" and it exploded. Thankfully the fruit was still good to eat. So yummy. My favorite... they give me a buzz like coffee.

Anyway, more Halloween.

Noah is in disbelief that his grandmother would give him a defective ball.

Sydney too!

I can't wait to show the kids this shot when they start dating.

Noah, where's your costume??

Finally, the big reveal! No, he's not a wolf man. He's an adorable baby owl!

And the hat comes off. Noah, don't you know how cute you are?!!

Crazy Livvy and Laura.

My husband, looking incredible.

And our new neighbors come over!

This is Noah's little buddy, Johnny. It's unbelievable how well they play together. It's the first time that I've seen Noah actively play with another child other than his brother. He usually plays side by side with other kids.

And we FINALLY get out of the house. Aunt Ella's not in this shot because she's inside handing out candy.

Look at Noah's costume from behind. O those little wings!

It's getting late! Noah hangs out with his Godmother.

He was really good about grabbing candy. But he always gave a piece from the previous house back to the current person handing it out.

Aunt Donna wears the owl hat Noah that hates.

Baby gets cold and Aunt Wanda gives him her sweatshirt.

And the night's over - TRICK OR TREAT!

Halloween Part 2

2011-11-14T07:29:00.000-05:00

Here's Evan with our new neighbor Calie (I know I spelled that wrong) waiting for the bus. They play together almost every day after school. Plus, Calie's little brother Johnny is only 6 months older than Noah, and believe or not they play great together! I'm so glad Noah has a friend too!

There was also a Halloween parade at the school, but of course I forgot my camera! I'll get some pictures from Naomi and Calie's moms.

Halloween Part 1

2011-11-13T15:58:00.023-05:00

Hello, Becky and Amelia!

Here we are at the Harvest Festival. The aunties, uncles, cousins, the Holdens, the Menchins and several neighborhood kids and their families came over our house during the event. Our house is always the center of activity - especially since we know a bunch of the neighborhood kids. We hung out at the house and we all came and went as we pleased - the festival starts right next to our driveway! Afterward everyone came over to celebrate Sarah's 25th birthday.

Amelia hangs out with Green Lantern. Her relationship with Spiderman is apparently over.

Evan and Naomi play

Noah took an outdoor nap so I wouldn't have to stay at the house all day.

The weekend before Halloween Mike and Evan went to Morey's Fears on the boardwalk. I took Noah home after this because he was terrified. He didn't cry, but he kept his head turned and his eyes closed. Then he tried to follow Evan and Mike through the admission gate. He was so sad when I put him back in his stroller, but I knew it would scar him for life.

I pose with my ex-boyfriends and Evan who's thrilled and Noah with eyes shut hoping the scary clowns will go away.

I won't leave you with something scary. I'll leave you with something cute! Amelia dressed as a gnome. Becky made the costume. Aw girl, you are too much!

Outside After the Rain

2011-11-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

Mima, PoPo and the Giffords Visit

2011-11-09T09:42:00.001-05:00

To view some really nice photos, please go to Jack and Kate's blog. Stay here if you want to see red eye and stuff that doesn't make any sense. Okay - here it is!

See what I mean? Cute little Kate's in the background by the drums dressed adorably in a black tiered dress and black mary janes. Poor little Noah is half-naked as usual. This is how he looks most of the time outside too.

Noah asks for the camera.

And I give it to him! He takes this lovely shot of his mommy.

Mike and Mike talk uncle talk. blahblahblah

Aren't you glad you stuck around? Seriously, we had such a blast. The first night we all hung out at Coconut Cove and the kids ran wild. They weren't serving food anymore since it was the end of the season, so we got Primo's Hoagies and hung out. Inside Mima was serenaded for her birthday by an old sea captain (at least that's what he looked like) and the kids danced. I don't have any pictures of this.

Kate drinks her bottle as Noah shows off his tan.

This shot's angle is funny because Noah's body looks teeny tiny with a huge head and Kate has a huge body with a little head. It looks like they should switch heads. Again, it's my superb photographic abilities.

Mima and PoPo relax a bit.

The next day we all played outside. Then half the group went to the beach. Kelly, Kate, Noah, Evan and I stayed behind to rest. That night we did the rides! Mima loves the kids so much that she rode on the Pirates of Wildwood and the spinning Tea Cups against her better judgement.

Look at how cute the kids are!

We also celebrated Mima's Birthday! Jack and Evan look so proud here!

Mima handed out presents on HER birthday to Evan, Noah, Jack & Kate.

And the cake! After everyone arrived, Mima was looking around for the photo she sent us when she and PoPo were in Jamaica. She couldn't find it because it was being transferred onto a cake!

We ended the perfect day with a bonfire and drinks outside. Mima left the house a bit tipsy from Mike's strong vodka tonics that night.

Hell's Angels

2011-11-08T12:23:00.002-05:00

Watch out for these surly guys next time you're in the neighborhood.

And Noah fades fast. He literally started getting sick while sitting on the big wheel. He's feverish here.

I'm like, "Mike, is he okay?"

And the sun sets over the playset.

Evan attacks Mike with the shovel - NO PICTURES!

He is literally pleading with us to stop taking pictures. This is why there's hardly any Evan on the blog - he won't let us!

Noah is done.

So let's watch some Evan TV. On the Super Cute channel.

9/11

2011-11-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

This was all going on right in front of our house. Evan, Mike and our neighbors even made it in the papers.

Mike literally told me to get out of the picture for this one! He didn't want my hideous face to break the camera.

Pop and Noah remembered inside the house, in their own way.

First Day of Preschool

2011-11-06T20:58:00.000-05:00

I know that you've seen the first day of preschool twice already. But this is the THIRD time... and you've never seen preschool with a school bus before! Evan was beyond excited. He took a dry run on the bus during school orientation with his friend Naomi. We also went through a bus in the school bus parking lot across the street from my parents that someone mistakenly left open. Evan, Noah and I went on to check it out and were not caught.

Of course Evan had an entourage!

By the way, he doesn't fit into those shoes he's wearing anymore. He's also dangerously close to outgrowing the sneakers I bought him 2 weeks into school. His big toe is just about to hit the front.

Unfortunately for Evan and Naomi, the buses were running VERY late on the first day. We waited for about an hour. Evan's friend waiting 2 hours before her mom finally drove her in. It's been on time ever since, thank God.

The End of August

2011-11-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

This is so hard to for me to look at. Especially since the boys' tans have faded and it's cold again. Here are Evan and Noah at the end of the summer, just being outside. Which was pretty much everyday.

PopPop is teaching the boys how to fill up the tires.

Noah and Evan are amazed.

It has been a long time

2011-11-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of catching up to do and I apologize to everyone (Brittany) for ignoring the ol' blog for awhile. Here's some cute stuff from this summer. Aunt Donna and Livvy invited Evan over for a Play Dough Playdate. Or as Evan corrected me a million times - a playdoughdate.

This is Evan when he arrived home. He's wearing his goggles and his purple "green lantern" ring. I think Aunt Donna drugged him.

Noah sneaks in to see his big brother who was gone all day long...

And steals some of his water.

Boardwalk Rides

2011-08-30T21:20:00.001-05:00

Here are the kids mid-July, which is why Noah has his pacifier. Although tonight (present time) his teeth were bothering him and he started pulling on his shirt again looking for it! Also, Noah's wearing his flip-flops in these pictures. We lost one of those long ago. He's now wearing Evan's old Mickie Mouse crocs that my mom can't stand and these way cute little gray canvas sneakers - the only piece of clothing that I think I ever bought for Noah.

The boys pose with the mascot for OC's soccer team... The Nor'easters I believe. He was passing out coupons for tickets to the game that night... right across the street from the rides.

First Evan and Mike played miniature golf. Evan has played a bunch of times this summer and is actually is getting pretty good. He only cheats sometimes.

Sadly, we should have had Noah sooner than we did. Noah loves the kiddie rides on the boardwalk and Evan just decided the baby rides are boring. He prefers the roller coasters, log flumes, and scary ghost rides. Stuff that Noah can't go on. So if anyone is considering having a sibling for their firstborn, I suggest starting early so they can ride the boardwalk rides together.

Evan looks bored. This ride is very different from the ghost ship in Wildwood that he went on. It's $12 to go on (we had a coupon for a free ride). You walk through the ship and people jump out and grab you. It's not recommended for kids under 10 year old, but guess who insisted on going on? He was definitely scared walking through, but he wanted to go on it again afterward - with Daddy this time. Unfortunately Mike and I didn't want to shell out the money for a second ride.

Then we climb up to the train the circles the park from above. Mike and PopPop wave from below.

I'm sitting in the back with Noah. hello, face!

NoNo! You're so cute!

Noah goes on a baby roller coaster.

PopPop discovers the "Ass House"

Grandmom and Evan go through the maze.

Evan and Mike hit the log flume.

Then Evan and I went on.

Then Mike and Evan went on again. Oh ya - and Mommy's "not cool" anymore. Daddy's cool. Evan doesn't even let me to put him to bed anymore! He just wants Daddy. When I asked him why I'm so uncool he said because I "wear girl clothes". What?! Little punk. At least I have a few more good years being the apple of Noah's eye until I'm kicked to the curb for Daddy. All because I wear girl clothes.

Noah loves the log flume too.

Pop and Evan drive the bumper cars.

Evan and I ride the roller coaster. The Big Boy Roller Coaster. See how cool I am, Evan? I'm Super Cool.

That's Evan on the rickety bridge.

And Evan going down the slide. Poor guy scraped up his back sliding down - his back went over a seam!

But he's okay now.

Look how big he is! Last year he was so skinny that he could still fit into his 2T pants. This year he filled out and bipassed 5T altogether. We have to get all new pants and shirts. What comes after 5T? We will find out. Also, since I'm sick of making 2 dinners - one for Evan and one for the rest of the family, I've just been having Evan eat whatever we're eating. Last month he would have none of it, but very recently he's actually been grudgingly eating dinner. Maybe he was just getting tired of chicken nuggets, pizza, tuna fish, pb & J, and chips with guacamole & salsa. I try to give him at least 2 servings of fruit a day and he treats it like torture. Sorry Ev, a growing boy needs good food! Other than those nasty little processed chicken pieces. Please take notes from your little brother. See how well he eats? And see how he adores his mommy? Remember that was you?

What Evan looked like back when he wanted his mommy pre-ghost ship. On his Halloween Haunted Hayride.

Olivia's Horseshow

2011-08-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

We are so proud of our Livvy!

Half of the audience was Olivia's family and friends!

Evan takes an artistic shot of Becky's leg.

Evan got to ride after the show!

Evan and Noah hang out with Amelia

2011-08-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

We're hanging out at my parents' house because Hurricane Irene is a-brewing outside. Mike, my dad, Uncle Larry and Uncle Dan just got back from the bar and Aunt Ella my mom and I just finished an intense round of Uno (Aunt Ella's power was out so she came over here). We Cronins left our home clean and organized because I had Olivia over as a mother's helper on Thursday. All of our outdoor stuff is in the garage - including the swings from the playset. So now I have some time to update the blog!

This is from the day Olivia had her horse show early in the month. Becky and Amelia came over in the morning and we left around lunchtime to see our Livvy ride (I'll post that later). Here's Amelia studying YOU with those enormous eyes. She's chewing on her Sophie.

Becky and I are hoping she'll have red hair like the wee Irish lass she is. Judging from the color of her little eyebrows we think maybe. So pretty.

The boys love this little girl so much.

I know how every parent thinks they're kids are the most beautiful kids on the planet. Sometimes the rest of the world can feel differently. All kids are beautiful - it's just that we parents are so completely biased. With that in mind, I know you've read this blog before and rolled your eyes at times with all the 'look how great my kids are blah blah'. I'm fully aware that I'm an obsessed mom with a blog dedicated to her kids. I try not to be too weird and gushy, but I know I am. But seriously.... Look at these 3 kids! LOOK! I know that I joke that Amelia will have to marry one of my boys, but really I don't care. I just want the three of them to have a lifelong friendship together. They are all so perfect and funny and smart (eye roll) and I can't wait to see them all running in the yard together, building forts in the woods like we used to do, then hanging out together as teenagers, then as adults perhaps... who knows... grandkids? hehe Evan and Noah will have to choose between Amelia, Sydney and Marti's girls Maggie and Charlotte. Sorry. I'll stop.

Noah pats Amelia's head! Awwww. He LOVES babies. I'll have to post a picture of him hugging his Baby Jeremy - a funny Cabbage Patch doll with a tuft of hair on his head from Grandmom. He snuggles the baby around his neck or against his ear while saying "aw aw" and then he lovingly chucks Baby Jeremy across the room. Which is why we would never leave Noah alone with a real baby.

And then Evan pats her little head. Awww! Evan is very gentle with babies who aren't his brother.

/

Noah then started patting Amelia's eyes. He was obsessed with trying to touch her eyes. Amelia pretty much told him to quit it.

Night Out

2011-08-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

One National Night Out we hung out with the aunties, uncles and cousins for some rides, free food and fireworks while our Mike was away on business. Noah fell asleep on the way there. He slept in his stroller with my mom and the aunties so I got some one on one time with Evan which is rare these days. Rare for both of my boys. There was this huge bouncy thing where 2 kids can race. It's identical on each side. They each go through a bouncy obstacle course, climb up bouncy stairs and slide down a huge bouncy slide. Evan did it and won! We played games, chatted it up with Santa Clause in his summer clothes, and sat in an army jeep, danced at the dj pavilion (with Noah who was up at this point).

We were in mid dance - Noah was grooving to the music with the strobe lights flashing when the fireworks started. The music instantly stopped and Noah jumped. I picked him up and he was shaking! I've never seen him afraid of anything. I brought him back to our chairs and he snuggled against me the entire time. He didn't cry, but he absolutely refused to look at the firework display. Once he briefly glanced over and then turned immediately away, facing Aunt Genie who was rubbing his little arm. So our little guy is actually afraid of something... Our poor baby!

After the fireworks, Noah was Noah again.

Noah hangs out with Livvy, relieved the fireworks are over.

Time to go home - Good night!

So Cute!

2011-08-18T21:38:00.005-05:00

at the 4-H Fair

One day after breakfast...

And please everyone who doesn't know it, check out Amelia's blog. Your head will explode from cuteness overload!

My boys do some reading

2011-08-17T20:45:00.004-05:00

They're never all looking at the same time, so Evan looking up.

And Noah looking up.

Noah being Noah.

Our Noah has been pacifier free for a month now - although I'm sure if I brought one back out he'd gladly take it. He's been putting more stuff in his mouth now that it's gone - even his hands. He's still not much of a talker, but he does make animal noises. If you ask him to roar like a lion he'll growl, if you ask him what the snake says he hisses, he'll blow raspberries as a horse noise and makes a little whinny. He ticks tocks like clock if you ask him, but it sounds like "ghi-gha'. If you ask him to say ANY other word other than animals or clock sounds he'll respond, "Bah-bah". And he's very polite. He'll thank you for everything, "GA ga". If I hand him something I used to ask him to say thank you and that's what I got. Now he automatically does it. He walks around the house singing nonsense words. He's also a great helper. When I tell him to put toys away, he'll do it. If I ask him to close the fridge door he'll do it. I'll point to a piece of trash and ask him to throw it away and he'll pick it up and put it in the trash can. And he's fearless. Nothing phases him, not falling and getting hurt, boardwalk rides, he only cries when he's hungry or tired... Mike and I were at a restaurant one night and the song Iron Man played and we both decided that Iron Man was an excellent name for Noah.

At Noah's 15 month doctor visit, I found out that Noah's in the 70s percentile for height, but only the 25th for weight. I was instantly concerned. We've always considered him to be our little chunker, especially after our long, lanky Evan who was actually in the 90s for height at one point and 1% for weight! But apparently Noah's lanky too. The doctor quickly put my mind at ease after I was like, "But he eats A LOT! How can his weight be so low? He does poop a lot..." The doctor said everything is absolutely FINE and that there's much more to a toddler's weight than food intake. He explained metabolism and genetics are what determines weight. Noah's tall and extremely physical and the doctor said it's not a bad thing to be tall and thin. Well, the kids definitely didn't get that trait from me. That's from the Cronin side.

Outdoor Artists

2011-07-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

After graduation and our playdate, Grandma and Pop came over for dinner. And dear God, they brought over sidewalk paint! It looked nice painted over the melted marshmallows. (Actually, Jackie picked up all of the marshmallows - thank you!)

Grandma eats dinner innocently while Evan and Noah paint the house and themselves.

And now Evan's scaling the walls. This is what it's like having a house full of boys!

The Boys Do Hard Time

2011-07-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

One rainy day we went over to Stone Harbor to visit Aunt Ella at work and the boys got arrested for being too very cute in public.

Sheriffs Cronin & Cronin show off their badges.

We actually met the real sargeant and one of the officers showed us around, like where they process criminals, fingerprint, etc. Check out Evan when he first went.

Mugshots were taken.

The officer took photos and printed out the mugshots for us!

Then the boys escape and make their getaway.

And on a sunny day.

Evan Graduates

2011-07-12T14:19:00.000-05:00

I know these posts are out of order, but here's Evan's preschool graduation. Also, the photo quality is horrible. I think I know how to fix it, but I've been too lazy to do it.

Half the crowd there was for Evan! We had Olivia, Aunt Wanda, Aunt Genie, Aunt Ella, my mom, me, Noah and Mike. Seriously, are our kids loved or what. Evan's not even moving up to Kindergarten - he's moving up to another preschool! And the graduation was during the work week. He's just very loved.

Afterward, we had pizza and sandwiches at our place. Aunt Wanda's graduation present to Evan was 2 guns that shoot out mini marshmallows. It was hot and we all had melted mini marshmallows stuck to our feet. Jackie and Sydney came over too and got stuck in the stickiness. Next time we have a marshmallow fight, it will be over the Gaglione's house.

Congratulations, my little peanut! You are so smart and funny and you will do splendidly in Big Kid Preschool in September! Mommy, Daddy and Noah love you!

At the Zoo with Amelia

2011-07-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Bob sent me these - thanks Bob! The Cronin boys spent the day with Amelia at the Cape May County Park.

Here's Peter Parker before he turned into Spiderman.

He feeds his hungry little Amelia. It would be awesome if he was this sweet to his little brother.

Holy Cuteness!

Kisses from her momma.

And kisses from her G-Mom. That what you get for being SO CUTE! Thank God for Janice. She helped out so much with the boys and was so patient. AND she made homemade zucchini blueberry bread for us!

We check out the bird "house". Noah loves the birds! He loves the animals. Evan could care less. He's more into the little zoo vehicles that the zoo employees cruise around it.

Becky grooms Evan like a monkey.

Then Peter makes his transition! I tried to convince him to get the little Spiderman on his arm, but no such luck.

He kisses his Mary Jane.

And leaves some Spiderman makeup on her little head.

Noah takes over the playground.

Evan and Noah at 14 months

2011-07-08T20:59:00.002-05:00

Noah at 14 months.

Evan at 14 months.

I thought it would be neat to put them side by side - so similar, yet so different!

We've been having so much fun this summer. It's the very best time of year to be a stay-at-home mom. Winter I'm pretty much pulling my hair out from being indoors, but I've never been a big fan of winter, working or not. One big thing we did was join the Wetlands Institute. Maybe that along with the library will help keep us busy all winter long. We've been there a couple of times so far. One day I took my little mother's helper, Olivia, with us.

Last week was super busy. Now get ready for over a week of summer fun...

Wednesday, we spent the day at the beach with Marti, Tim and their adorable kids John, Jude, Maggie and Charlotte. Charlotte, the world's happiest baby! She seriously is.

The kids and I met Becky, Amelia and Janice at the zoo the next day. That evening when Mike got off work, we met Marti (who was staying at North Wildwood) and her family and Janna and her family at the beach - then back to Marti's condo for drinks, pizza and to let the kids run around. By that time I was completely soaked because all the kids were in the ocean. I wasn't dressed in a bathing suit since it was turning dark. After sunset Evan actually took off his clothes on the beach and danced naked in front of everyone. That's my boy!

Then Friday night was girls' night! Becky, Chris and Amelia came over to spend the night. Chris dropped me and Becky off in Cape May where we met up with 2 of her friends, then Mike picked us up at the end of the night. The next day we all hung out, Mike and Chris took a bike ride, then Marti and the kids came over for a bit. I then dropped off Mike back in North Wildwood for mantime fishing with his friend and then the boys and I headed to Aunt Genie's pool for a swim.

The next day was the Big 4th of July Party at my parents' (even though it was only July 3) complete with fireworks, volleyball, pickled shrimp (my favorite), bbq and ice cream sandwiches made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and much, MUCH, MUCH more food. We left at 11:15 pm, but I heard the party actually ended way after we left - at 2am!

The next day - July 4th - we went to the beach with Brittany, my mom, Becky, Chris & Amelia and that's when everything came to a screeching halt. We pulled up to the beach and Noah threw up all over the car. I thought he was just carsick since we just switched him to a front-facing car seat. But no, he was feverish, shivering and listless the whole day. I felt so bad for him. We ended up missing the fireworks!!! It was the very first time I missed the 4th of July fireworks in my entire 34 years. We could hear them from our house, either Stone Harbor's or Middle's. I couldn't tell. Meanwhile, my mom had everyone over for leftovers and everyone walked to Upper's fireworks. We just couldn't swing it with the kids - especially Noah. So Mike and I just had a few drinks, just us, once the kids were in bed.

So then the next day, my parents had us over for dinner for my birthday. Noah was feeling much better and rode around next to Evan in his jeep - and we saw Aunt Ella for a little bit. Then the next day Evan got sick! I was home with Noah so he could nap and my mom and sister took Evan to Stone Harbor to the beach. It started raining so they packed up the beach stuff and just walked around the shops. Noah and I met them around 3:30 after he woke up and Evan was shivering with fever. He was so sick that he couldn't even look at toys at Hoy's, so home we went - where Mike grilled steak and veggies so we could celebrate my mom's birthday. Evan dozed on the couch. Mom and Brittany left early for AC so Brittany could get on a bus to go back to NYC and my dad stayed to watch the Philly's game outside at the garage with Mike. Woohoo we're busy little Cronins!

So now it's Friday and Evan is really sick and we've been in the house for the past 2 days. Imagine that! I think we got Amelia sick too and so we had to postpone our blueberry picking in Belleplain with Becky. Fun times can't last forever with exhausted kids and I'm sure that Mike and I are next to get sick, but we really did have fun. Yay summer!

Some Summer Stuff

2011-07-07T12:56:00.006-05:00

This isn't from July 4th... It's from Flag Day!

This is when Sydney stayed over!

The kids use their twisty straws. Sydney models my attempt to style little girl hair.

And take a bath...

And another day when Jackie and Sydney came over.

The boys snuggle with Aunt Brittany.

And play

Noah gets stuck.

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-28T12:56:00.010-05:00

Mima and PoPo came for the weekend. We headed to Skimmers Weekend and the beach in Sea Isle one day and out to breakfast the next day.

All the guys on the dock.

Here's PoPo opening his little gift...

Evan says, "Please don't take my picture!"

3 generations of Cronin men. Mike wears his special flower head piece.

We had Fathers Day breakfast at South Doc on the bay.

Noah and Pop play "flip the creamer container". Here they are in mid-play.

My mommy poses on a bench.

The boys are up to no good.

The ladies with Evan...

and the men....

I'll leave you all with this. The color is a little crazy because it was taken on Mike's phone. Click on this one to make it bigger. Stare into his eyes. You are getting sleepy...

This was Friday night when Mima and PoPo came and we went to Coconut Cove (currently Evan's favorite restaurant). Corn is Noah's favorite food. Give him an ear of corn and he'll give it back bare. He also wouldn't stop staring at the girls at the table behind him. He was twisted in his high chair in a complete 180. That's his thing now. Even at the beach, he'll walk away from us and go to other families and stare at them. One time a dad said to him, "Hey little man, what's up. High five?" And Noah gave him a high five. Sometimes he'll sit at their beach toy pile and stare at them, waiting for them to say 'ya, sure you can play with it'.

Soooo - HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

You're the best dads in the world! We love you so much!!!

Life is really, really good

2011-06-07T14:35:00.017-05:00

What an awesome sky!

So we've been in our home for a year now and I'm so happy that we made the move. We're surrounded by family and friends that love us so much. My kids have so many people around them that love them to pieces and want to be with them. Mike and I are able to have date nights... and we're so close to the beach! Evan's school year ends next week - then it's nothing but summer fun for the next 3 months! Beach, bbqs, boardwalk all summer long! Evan and Noah are the two luckiest kids on the planet.

Please click on the picture below to see Noah's face. This kid is so funny! And no fear of the ocean. No fear of anything!

Evan runs back to our "camp".

Then back to the water!

The lifeguards are gone since it's after 5pm, so Evan and I race to the stand.

So does Noah.

But it's getting cooler, so Noah gets a sweatshirt.

Up on the stand. I share a special moment with my Evan who doesn't like kisses anymore. I think I snuck one in here anyway.

And we head home with sandy feet.

Mothers Day

2011-06-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

I'm such a lucky mommy! I love my boys - all 3 of them.

We spent the day in Stone Harbor.

Pop's work had boats on display.

We ran into Uncle Fred, Aunt Missy, Brynn & Devon. We run into them everywhere! This picture makes me think my kids look like my dad's side of the family.

And Lobster House for dinner!

Easter at Ev's School

2011-05-31T20:46:00.000-05:00

Evan had an Easter egg hunt at his school too. We got to hang out a bit before the hunt.

Noah takes over. Every time we pick up Evan, a group of little girls run over and attack the NoNo. They kiss him, hug him, pick him up. One little girl always tries to sneak Noah her pieces of her lunch.

Playing duck duck goose... I think.

Evan looks for eggs.

Evan with his friend. I know the background is crappy, but I had to catch them when I could. I had to make sure Noah didn't run out into the street.

Noah looks for eggs too.

Ooo! Look! An egg. Strategically placed by his mama.

Evan checks out his loot.

Some random stuff I found on Grandmom's camera

2011-05-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

Food Shopping

At the arcade.

At the AC Home Show.

O dear Lord, look at that drool!

Aunt Genie and Jess came too.

Mike and Evan build an... er... something at the home show. The shelving in it is nice and crooked.

Jeep driving

Aunt Wanda gave Evan Chris's old helmet.

Pop and Grandmom's cat, Footsie.

After T-Ball

2011-05-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

We went to the Bay Fest in Somers Point, forgetting how drunkie drunk everyone gets when you're there late in the day. Despite that, we had some fun.

Yes, we Cronins are cute. There was an array of bouncy rides that Evan had to go on 30x each.

We have a million pictures of Noah riding the ponies, because Noah LOVES riding the ponies. Unfortunately the pony rides cost $5 each! Noah started crying when I took him off the ride, so I asked if he could get back on. And the guy charged me again! When Noah cried the second time the ride was over, I was like forget it.

Look at his face here!

Grandma walked with Evan for a bit until he said, "Stop following me, Grandmom."

So here he is as a lone rider.

More bouncy fun.

Now it's the end of the day, the partiers are getting rowdy in the street and we head for home. Of course Grandmom always has homemade cookies available. Here we have gingernaps.

It's Sydney!

2011-05-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

This is just one day when Jackie and Sydney came over to play. It's so nice having them down the street. And Evan loves his Sydney so much. At one point Jackie and I caught Evan on the ground taking off her shoes so she could go into the moonbounce. AND on the way to the house after we all picked up Evan from school, Evan was holding hands with Sydney from the wagon to her in her stroller, making a little train! Do I hear wedding bells in their future? YES, I do. Jackie and I are already planning on them having beautiful kids in like 30 years.

More adorable pictures to come... Jackie emailed me some from today.

Jack's 6th Birthday

2011-05-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

We forgot to bring our camera down to VA, but I got Mike to take some pictures with his phone. So this is it!

Evan plays guitar.

Jack's party was great - he's really into Pokemon now and that was the theme. And now Evan says he's really into Pokemon too. Although I don't think he has any idea what Pokemon is. The best part was after the kids left and we ate yummy seafood! Happy Birthday, Jack! I still picture you 3 years old, so please stop growing so fast.

The day before we got to hang out with Kate since we arrived Thursday night at Mima and PoPo's. She and Noah had a blast...

Destroying the lemon display...

Raiding the toy pantry. Noah says, "Shhhh, don't tell anybody."

T Ball Fun

2011-05-22T20:01:00.004-05:00

He's the only 4 year old on his team of 5-6 year olds and he's so cute! These are my mom's pictures so please excuse the 2007 date stamp. O grandmom!

Evan with coach and his son.

Evan likes to look at the dirt. Like his mom, he has no idea what's going on in the game.

Noah's like, "Get me out there!" He kept trying to run out in the field.

Yay Evan!

My cousins Brynn and Devon came to watch Evan play. Brynn was super cute and gave Noah his bottle and he kissed her on the face.

Noah's Very First Birthday Party

2011-05-18T20:22:00.021-05:00

Not counting the impromptu one we had on the actual day. And here it is!

And I love this one especially...

There obviously isn't primping before my picture taking or touch-ups afterward. I should probably start, right? But then you wouldn't get my slightly fuzzy, completely hilarious pictures like the one above. And that would be a damn shame.

Noah with Grandma

Noah pumps himself up before the party by climbing up on his chair. He's a big climber now... the couch, beds...

I'm King of the Mountain!

Now for the party! Sarah sasses the camera.

Noah's date was his girl Amelia. I can't believe next year at this time she's going to be running around like Noah is now.

Proud MomMom

Proud PopPop

Evan wears his party animal shirt and picks his wedgie with Olivia.

The guys hang out.

And the ladies. Oh wait, Bob's there too. He's always near his beautiful little grandbaby.

Brittany holds Amelia. Bob makes sure she doesn't drop her.

Mike had a some betting going on since it was the Kentucky Derby. The crowd heads inside for the race and guess who won the pot - my dad! Evan wears the plastic protectors from Noah's Kitty Cat Keyboard. Let's guess who got it for him.

And back outside...

Watch out! Here he comes... Missing a shoe.

And the guys again. Evan looks like such a big boy. If you stand behind the banners, the lettering looks like Hebrew. I noticed that on my birthday.

Noah's Noah Ark cake!

Noah takes a bite and isn't so sure.

Evan starts going in...

And goes in for the kill!

Both boys lose interest after a few bites, but not me!

Me with my piggy face. The cake was so good - the same one as our wedding cake!

I don't have any pictures of this, but sometime after midnight, after countless beers, Uncle Larry did a reenactment of something that happened at his work. It's called The Mouse and it was hilarious. It involved a sound like this, "Eeeeeeeee!". The best part was the look of horror on Aunt Wanda and Sarah's faces during it. Priceless. Oh Uncle Larry, you made Noah's birthday for me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NONO! You are as cute as a button and we love you lots. AND we love you, family and friends!!!

Easter Sunday

2011-05-13T21:04:00.001-05:00

Brittany, Sarah and I provided the soundtrack to the movie below. It's from our old Easter albums. Unfortunately, Disco Bunny isn't playing. We make sure it plays at every Easter hunt now.

We sure do make the most out of every holiday. And this is Noah's Very First Easter! The day started with Brittany and Josh spending the night at our place after Aunt Ella's party. Mike and I called Grandmom and Pop to come over first thing in the morning and we all watched as Noah and Evan searched for their Easter baskets. Evan's was in the toy room closet and Noah's was in the dining room. And guess what. We have no pictures of this! Our camera was uncharged and my parents forgot theirs. I had made a strata for breakfast and we also had bagels and my mom's pancake cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting. And candy of course. When Noah was napping, Evan and I walked to church. It was a beautiful, sunny, hot Easter Sunday.

Before Aunt Wanda's Easter dinner we all met at my parents' and Aunt Ella's for the big egg hunt. Evan and Noah are pros at this by now. But notice... no Noah. He was in my parents' house taking his afternoon nap.

Noah finally wakes up sans his Easter outfit and Jeff feeds him. Evan has never let Jeff hold him, making Jeff comment, "Noah is much more friendlier than Evan ever was." Soak it up, Jeff, because I'm sure Noah will be just as standoffish as his brother. They're both little punks, just like you!

Afterward we walked over to Aunt Wanda's for Easter dinner. There was ham, turkey, scallops, salads, cheesy potatoes, deviled Easter eggs and a whole bunch of other stuff. I literally gained 2.5 lbs. over Easter. I'm not exaggerating - I cried on Monday. Anyway, on a happier note...

Noah is back in his Easter finery. What good are Easter clothes if nobody gets to see them?

After dinner Sarah had a cookie decorating project.

Then Sarah gives us her crazy face.

The guys were all hanging out on the porch.

Noah heads over to Uncle Tom.

Awwww!

Uncle Larry has his Easter hairdo.

The boys are getting tired.

Then we left during the thunderstorm. Mike had to roll my fat body into the car.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Baby Amelia visits!

2011-05-12T22:11:00.001-05:00

Ooch. She yawned.

Noah loves LOVES her.

Have you ever seen a baby girl this cute?

Evan holds his baby brother. This is from a few months ago, but I forgot to post it and it's too cute to sit in photo limbo.

Evan says, "STOP TAKING MY PICTURE!"

Easter Saturday

2011-05-06T15:44:00.014-05:00

Here we are in OC, ready for the Easter egg hunt on the beach. Evan wouldn't let me take his picture so I did it upside down, bending over from behind him.

Before the hunt...

Noah looked for eggs too.

Then we dance. Thanks Ev, for finally letting me take your picture!

And then we met the Easter Bunny!

Noah hasn't had his morning nap, but he keeps on goin'.

And later we had the egg dying event at Aunt Ella's house, of course! This is my 33rd year of dying eggs at Aunt Ella's house - and it's Noah's very first! Then he fell asleep in one of the extra bedrooms. What a long day for our little guys.

Noah being 1

2011-05-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

Click on this photo to view it larger. Then make this picture your wallpaper. Do it. If not for the sake of Absolute Cuteness, then for the couple walking behind Absolute Cuteness.

What's it like for a guy who's newly one? Well, let's check it out!

Noah met the Easter bunny!

Who is that little bunny in the flowers?

Strolling with daddy down the boardwalk.

Our little guy walking in the setting sun. Look at those little leggies!

And with no hood...

Our lack of Evan photos lately is because he's not too into picture taking. You really just have to catch him off guard. So here's some Grandmom and Pop when we all met up for dinner after the boardwalk.

And the elusive Evan! Eating his dessert at the bar with the guys.

Happy 1st Birthday, Noah!

2011-05-03T20:17:00.003-05:00

I know this is late, but I got caught up in the Key West updates.

My little NoNo! He still looks like such a little baby with that wispy, peach fuzz hair.

Sarah visits on the big day!

We had cake.

And Noah hates it!

But he loves it in his hair.

My baby is still quite a handful. I'm hoping that means he's going to be an angel as a teenage? The little guy took his first steps here and there at 9 mos. and took off walking at 10. Now He doesn't sit still and can run pretty fast and when he's outside he's running while carrying tree branches 3x as tall as he is. And if you tell him "Hey - HEY! Stop!" He'll run even faster and laugh. When you ask for a kiss, he'll give you multiple, wet, open mouth kisses all over your face. If Evan gets hurt and cries, Noah runs up, hugs him and lays his head on Evan's shoulder. If he doesn't want something, he'll hold his hands up and shakes his head no. He still doesn't say much but Mama, Dada (or DAD!), and Baba (means bottle or pacifer. If he says it while pulling on his shirt it means pacifer because he's looking for the little leash that clips on his shirt.) and sometimes we argue over the fact if he said 'Evan' or not. We'll say "Noah, say 'Evan'" and he'll respond, "Ehhhn!" and Evan says, "He did NOT say my name. He just said 'Ehn'."

We love him, LOVE HIM. He's my little Nokie and he's awesome. Check out our Evan at 1 year too. I have such beautiful boys... And you have to see Evan's long skinny baby legs next to Noah's little tree trunks. Click for Evan's 1st Year. Please make sure to click on the video of him at Avery's birthday party. And look at the Dance Party Video. You're going to die from cuteness overload! Please stop growing up, guys.

More house pics before we say goodbye

2011-05-02T21:23:00.003-05:00

Kate says, "Uncle Michael, enough!" Actually, she has the sweetest little voice you've ever heard and calls her brother Jack "Bubba".

Then he grabs both exhausted babies for more photo fun. Those big brown eyes and blue eyes are half shut - poor babies!

Kelly in the kitchen with a Miller light. Mike was sneaky with the camera.

And our last shot of the trip. Right before my camera battery ran out. Noah is strapped in for the long car ride through the keys, back to Ft. Lauderdale. Of course we had to stop at Southernmost Point so Mike could get some Cuban coffee and Cuban bread.

We knew the party was over when on the car ride to the airport Evan felt sick and Noah was screaming while trying to bust out of his car seat. Evan then threw up into his popcorn bag on the plane and insisted on sitting shirtless after I took off his dirty shirt. We arrived in Atlantic City and was greet by my mom - THANK GOD!!! Because our car was dead! Just another day in the life of the Cronins. We should've just stayed in Key West.

Bye bye, Key West. Thank you, PoPo and Mima for this fantastic gift - We love you!!!

Back to Sunset Key

2011-05-01T22:08:00.006-05:00

Evan hangs out with his balloon monkey before we head out for breakfast on Sunset Key with the entire gang.

Sweet Kate sits nicely in her stroller while Noah refuses to sit or be held. He's such a little punk. He's like, "C'mon Kate, be free!"

"Woman, put me down!"

A cruise ship was docked at Key West on the way back.

Look out, Mike Gifford!

On the Western Union

2011-04-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

I think this is my favorite night... The night was beautiful and it was so pretty
being on the water (and there was free alcohol and conch chowder!). Take a lookie.

That's Mallory Square in the background during the sunset celebration! The Giffords are there watching our ship.

Look at Noah's wispy hair flying in the breeze. I love his little "wings".

Then he falls asleep after the "cannon" that we shot at an enemy ship. Poor little guy doesn't feel too good here.

In case you're wondering Evan wasn't doing pictures - and neither was Mima!

Someone's awake now!

Evan's actually driving the ship here.

Now PoPo's driving.

Sunset Key

2011-04-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

It's small man-made island only a 5 minute ferry ride from where the cruise ships dock and has a really nice restaurant and fancy schmancy homes.

Evan ponders life while on the ferry.

Noah waits patiently for his mimosa.

On the way home Noah threw his bottle into the gulf! The ferry captains tried to fish it out, but it got away. NoNo!

Key West Fun

2011-04-28T21:23:00.004-05:00

I don't have any pictures of this, but Jack was chosen to perform at the sunset festival in one of the acts! It involved fire and acrobatics and our nephew handled it all like a pro. He's currently preparing to take his own act on the road.

On the conch train.

Kate and Noah cruise in the double stroller. For a while both of them were actually sleeping in it. I was with them while Mima and Kelly were in a store and a few people asked me if they were twins. I said yes and that they were Kelly's. Check out Noah's dirty little feet. Kate was always neat as a pin. Noah not so much. Aw, NoNo, I love you!

Mike and Kelly and the beautiful kids.

Evan pets a shark at the aquarium.

And he finds a friend.

Yikes. Stripes

Noah being cute in Key West

2011-04-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

The boy has a fever here and he just keeps going. His shirt is soaked with saliva, as usual. Last I counted awhile back he had 6 teeth. Who knows how many he has now since he won't let my finger in his mouth anymore.

So cute!

He bites a chip.

Oops.

He drops the chips.

I throw the broken chip away and he's not too happy.

O my is he cute!

Kate's 1st Bday (in Key West)

2011-04-26T20:53:00.007-05:00

The next day Kate chose Blue Heaven for her 1st birthday party. The restaurant is where Ernest Hemingway used to referee boxing matches. You dine outside with chickens running around and a few cats too. The food is incredible.

On the way there, Kate holds up her finger to show everyone she's one!

She waits for her birthday meal.

Evan heads upstairs to the brothel converted to a bathroom. Here's looking through the peep hole.

Evan is on a small porch off the bathroom by the Blue Heaven sign. He was even up in the attic.

Key West House

2011-04-24T20:16:00.005-05:00

Here it is!

It's Judy Blume's old house...

Noah chills with Daddy.

Kate and Mima hang out.

Our first dinner out at Key West at Red Fish Blue Fish.

Key West Sleepy Time

2011-04-21T21:13:00.007-05:00

So as you all know, PoPo and Mima got us an awesome house in Key West for 10 days! The house was beautiful as you will see, but here we are on the trip down with the sweet sweet children. Sweet when they are sleeping.

Uh-oh. Look who's awake on the 4 hour drive down the keys!

That drive takes a lot out of you!

Afterward the cousins united and took over the Key West house. More coming soon!

Evan and Noah pack for Key West

2011-03-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

Cute little suitcases courtesy of Grandmom and Pop!

Bike helmet courtesy of our neighbors. Evan likes to wear it on our walks to school.

And Evan took this photo. Noah spans both suitcases.

Here's some cute little things... Evan says "Picking my nose is my most favorite thing to do in the whole world." Also, his favorite color is no longer blue - it's black! Evan enjoys making his "world famous tuna fish". That's even what the teachers at his school call it when he brings it in for lunch. This what Evan puts in his world famous tuna - shredded carrots, celery, dill pickles, mayo, mustard, salt and pepper. He even shreds the carrots for me. Each time it's the best he's tasted - ever.

The boys meet Amelia

2011-03-25T21:23:00.000-05:00

Here she is, coordinating perfectly in her charcoal gray footsie pjs with her hi-tech seat. Noah was all over her. He was like, "look, ma! Someone smaller than me!"

He strikes up a conversation with his fiance. She feigns interest at first then gives up and falls asleep. She's asleep in most of my pictures, but she had her eyes open a lot when we were there.

Then she tells him to beat it. Check out the little tuft of hair on top of her head and her little blonde eyebrows. Seriously, she's the cutest little thing ever. She's making a face just like her mom - just take a look at the picture of Becky below.

Evan loves Amelia's kitty keyboard that makes cat noises when you hit the keys and sings crazy cat songs. Evan also loved Becky and Chris's house. At one point we were all downstairs and he's in their shower, behind the glass door singing "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands! And I'm so happy!"

Noah's such the baby to me. Then I see him next to baby Amelia, poking her with his fingers, running laps around Becky's house and escaping up the steps and taking off down the hallway upstairs. It was like he turned from an infant to a toddler before my eyes! Crazy.

Amelia Molly Menchin

2011-03-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

YAY! She's here!!!

Becky and Chris finally had their beautiful little baby girl. Amelia was born on March 16 at 8lbs. 9oz with brown hair, blue eyes and a tiny, perfectly formed little Becky nose. She gave Becky a hard time coming out, but look at HOW VERY CUTE she is. Such a little girl with long thin fingers and nails. I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!

She's 2 days shy of being exactly 11 mos. younger than Noah. They are obviously going to be best friends.

Dumb me didn't bring a camera of course, so I snagged Bob's pictures.

Evan and Sydney

2011-03-21T21:53:00.000-05:00

You're going to die from cuteness overload. Sydney lives right down the street from us and sometimes she walks with us to school on Mondays. Little do the kids know, their marriage has been arranged already by their proud aunts Brittany and Jeannine.

They even started their own band! That is the kids did, not their aunts.

Noah is 11 months!

2011-03-20T09:32:00.004-05:00

This is the funniest face I have ever seen - I had to post it. Poor little Noah.

Best friends...

And this was from a few weeks ago. Noah walks all over the house and outside too. There's no stopping him now! Now if only he would say "Mama"...

The Cronins play outside.

St. Patricks Day

2011-03-19T21:21:00.005-05:00

The Cronin lads!

And Evan dancing!

They taught him the Irish jig in school. And he pulled out the robot at the school's sock hop fundraiser. Evan and I went there on our "date". Mike was home with a sick Noah, so Evan and I walked there alone and danced the night away. It was very nice to spend time alone with him. It used to be just the two of us a lot and now we're never alone together anymore. At the sock hop, Evan did the robot and got on ground and spun around on his back! He also would run and slide on his knees. I thought Mike taught him how to do it, but he said no! Who taught Evan how to do the robot? Not us. He made quite an impression.

Just Another Sunday Night...

2011-02-28T11:18:00.006-05:00

Watching this stuff makes my heart hurt. These are for Brittany who wants more video.

Check out Noah shaking his hiney to the beat. The boys had tons of energy after walking on the Wildwood boardwalk all day with Grandmom and Pop. Actually Evan rode his big wheel and Noah drove his red sports coupe.

Rocking in the BBC! ??? And Boom Chicka Boom and you can't catch me! Some of Evan's finest lyrics! His microphone is actually a toy hatchet that he ripped the blade off of after I kept getting mad when he'd hit me with it.

And some time on the playset.

Is Noah having fun? Hard to tell...

At least we know Evan is!

Noah is 10 months!

2011-02-19T12:25:00.011-05:00

Here he is!

I had to give him the remote to make him sit down. He kept standing up and walking toward me, trying to grab the camera.

And he's down!

He only walks by himself if he REALLY wants something. Mostly he'll grab your hand and make you walk him around the house, or take his little push cars. Crawling just pisses him off now. He'll do it while complaining the whole time, "ehhhhh. Eh! EHHH!" Then he curses in Spanish. Actually, he's teething and when he's furiously biting something, he makes noises that sound like the Tazmanian Devil. It is so funny.

This is what we did later in the day...

So our Noah has been formula fed since the day he turned 9 months. No more pumping, no more nursing - it's all done. It's a blessing and a curse for someone like me who breastfed Evan for 2 years and change. Not that I would ever want to go that long again, but I was trying with all my might to do it for a year. But then Noah got some colds and some teeth and he would refuse to nurse. And we had such a nice system going before that where he would nurse first then he was supplemented with formula. I could pick which way he ate depending on if we were at home or out and about. It was really great because I could have that closeness with him, but at the same time he could be babysat for long periods of time and I'm not biting my fingernails to get back and nurse him. But now instead of getting him up in the morning and quietly rocking him in the glider as he eats, I have to rush downstairs, warm up water, measure, measure, shake shake. Not too mention it's very expensive. Actually, I should just shut up now because Noah and Evan are with my parents and sister right now - and they were last night too when we took a limo to AC!

Noah Takes His First Steps!

2011-02-08T13:23:00.002-05:00

Mike's been insisting for a week that Noah has been taking steps, but I haven't had the evidence to believe him until tonight.

Noah says, "Not bad for a 9 month old, eh?"

So now we're officially in trouble.

We went to the doctor on Friday for Noah's well visit and because Evan had suffered a fever since Sunday night after dinner at Levari's. We found out Evan has strep throat! We had to go back to the doctor on Saturday because guess what - Noah has it too. Surprise surprise. Mike and I got it too. Apparently Evelyn from Evan's school had it and so did miss Catie. So now it's running through the Cronins too. I'm ready to ditch this place and live somewhere where it's warm all the time.

Other than that, Noah's well visit went well His height is 29.75 inches which is I think 90-91 percentile, weight 20lbs 6.5 oz. which they said was somewhere in the 70ish percentile (I forget the numbers they told me). They didn't write down his head circumference, but I remember it being somewhere in the 50th percentile. So Noah is actually long and lean - what?! I asked the doctor if it was a problem that his height, weight and head weren't in proportion and she said he was absolutely fine. She said babies become incredibly active at this age and they start to loose some of their baby chub from all of the exercise. So no concerns and he's right on target with everything.

Also, if you notice in all of Noah's pictures that his hairline looks hilarious. Well, photos don't do his hair justice. He does have it! It fans out at his ears and I can actually take my hand and swipe it so parts it on the side. It's just so baby fine and it's on the lighter side so it doesn't really show on camera. On the same note, he has eyebrows too.

So sick of stupid winter

2011-02-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

So we all just recovered from ebola and numerous colds. We're out and about again. So happy to be out of the house... Mike, Evan, Uncle Dan, Uncle Larry and Uncle Dan's cousin Chuck all went to the midget races in AC. Evan and Mike came home from that literally at midnight because Evan didn't want to leave. Mike said he was sitting on the edge of his seat - cars were crashing right below them! Then we had Becky and Chris's shower the next day, the we celebrated a belated birthday for my dad on Sunday. It was busy. After eating birthday dinner at the restaurant/bar down the street of my parent's house, Brittany put Evan in our car and he was shivering like crazy. We brought him home and he was burning up with a fever. Haven't we all suffered enough? Here are some happier winter moments...

Cute babies

Chillin in the minivan.

Evan likes to race Noah around my parents'house.

Noah says, "Ma! I can't move!"

Snow time!

Mike was away so we stayed at my parents' house. I'm wearing my dad's ski jacket and some scraps I found around the house. My hair is dredlocking and I'm pretty sure I didn't brush my teeth that morning.

Every kid needs hot chocolate after snow time.

Watching tv with PoP.

Somersaults

Ok. It was fun. Please hurry spring.