Opening Day, ect

Hi Guys,

What a weekend we have already had and its only Saturday night.

Last night Lily and Carli came over for dinner. Mom made her staple, Mexican Pie. It was tasty as always. Adam, you and Lily played together while JD ate dinner with the adults. Lily brought over two baby dolls and Ad and Lily challenged each other all night with who would spend the most time with the baby.

As soon as Lily arrived you gave her the biggest hug. You really have only seen her a few times over the past few months but you were so happy to see her! After dinner we played some music and all three of you danced. Lily had her own dance routine and Ad, you were doing your trademark elbow pump!

This morning was opening day for T Ball! JD, you've been excited all week for today. You, Ad and I got up early and I made an omlet baseball breakfast for all of us. You and Ad both love eggs so most weekends this is what we have but today was a little more special.

Soon after, the four of us headed to the field. "Applebees" is our team's sponsor, so you were decked out in your Applebees hat, Berwick T Ball shirt, windpants, and your cleats.

You looked awesome. Mom and I talked quite a bit about how old you are getting.

By the time we arrived at the field there were probably 100 people already there. Grandy and PopPop came down from Gray. This meant a lot to you, you were asking when they would arrive quite a bit before the festivities started. You walked over and looked at the big field, and then we found our team. Coach Don and I rounded up all of the kids and we headed to our spot for the parade. Our team was the first team to be announced. They announced the team and the names of both coaches. I haven't had my name announced over a PA system in a long time...kinda cool!

After all the teams were out on the field they announced all stars and stuff from last year and then the Mascot from the Sanford Mainers (semi pro) threw out the first pitch, or attempted to. The ball didn't make it halfway to the plate. After that a lady sang the National Anthem, about twenty seconds into it all the kids started to laugh. It was pretty funny.

All in all, it was an awesome way to start the season. All of the kids were excited, they looked good, and they were ready to have fun. Apparently, Berwick won the state championship last year, so the program has a good rep throughout the state.

From there we headed over to, "Field E" to begin our game against, Seacoast Ortho. I have to say, EVERY guy I have met in the league has been awesome. They all seem to just want to go out there and have fun. The other helper/coaches for your team continue to be great.

Addie, you had a good time too. You hung out with Mom, Grandy and PopPop. Grandy took you to the swings right next to the field for about 20 minutes. You enjoyed the change of scenery.

The game was fun it consisted of three at bats per team. You did well in the field and at the plate, you even played first base for an inning. All day you were running all over the place with that big grin on your face. By the time the game was over eveyone got to bat and play the field three times. You had the greatest morning.

After the game we headed home, got changed and headed to your friend Jacks birthday at Chuck E Cheese's. They had a band made up of animals, a huge cake, and then the mouse came out to say hi. They had a dance with the mouse and you got right up in front and busted out some nice moves. The front stroke, back stroke, you shook your butt and everything.

You and I went to play TONS of video games for about an hour and half. There was one car driving game that you wanted to play SO bad but everytime we went over, there were people playing it. We were about to leave and you asked me if we could go over to it to check one last time to see if it was occupied. We went over and there was one older guy there (older than me) on one, and another little kid playing the other (there were two of these games side by side). You waited for about 5 five minutes (long enough for these guys to play at least 2 games). After their third game was over, you asked the older guy (SO NICELY)," May I please have a turn." The man said,"Ask him if he's done (pointing to the little kid next to him)?" Lucky for this guy, the little boy was finished, because I was about to Tomahawk him to the other side of Chuck E's house. The point is, you were so determined to play this game, and you finally got to. Nice Job!

What a weekend we've had and its only Saturday night!!

T - Ball

JD, today was the first time you have ever played organized baseball (in the form of t-ball)! It was SO exciting.

As I came home from my run this morning around 6:45, you came bombing down the stairs yelling, "Daddy, Daddy"! Today is the first day of t-ball, I'll go grab my cleats!!" I had to tell you that you were about 12 hours too early.

After work I pulled in and was greeted by you with your glove in hand. You were wearing jeans, a spiderman shirt and your glove. As much as I tried to encourage you to wear "Athletic Pants", you were determined to sport your jeans for your first practice. When we arrived at the field, we found that you were not alone in wearing your jeans!

We got there and met coach Don in the parking lot. Three other Dads and I are also coaching but Don is kind of running the show. I was immediately impressed by Don and his way with the kids and decent knowledge of the sport. You and I went up into the club house where all the gear is kept and got the "T", balls, and helmets.

You are one of 11 kids on the team. When we arrived, the coaches broke the kids up into two groups and began practicing fielding the ball. You did a great job of keeping your head down and moving your glove to the ball. Then you guys played catch with each other. Right away three coaches complimented you on your arm. Most kids were working on stepping with their opposite foot and throwing the ball, you already had this down.

JD, you were the most polite little guy there. You were playing catch with a boy who was kind of tough to play with. He was pretty good, but he kept picking up another ball when it was your turn to throw. Every time you dropped your ball to accommodate him. I was so proud of the way you handled him. Not to mention the times that you did throw, you almost took off his head. I actually went over to tell you to throw a bit easier!

After "Catch" it was time for everyone to hit. Coach Don was talking to everyone about the hitting order and one of the boys shouted, "I'm hitting first!" Coach Don told us that his rule was that anyone who asked to hit first, would hit last. He then asked the group, "How many people get to hit first?" Everyone was silent for a minute and then someone spoke up and said, "Only one person can hit first." That was you that said that. Coach Don said, "JD, since you got it right, you get to hit first.

As soon as you got up to bat, Coach Andy set you up to hit. He had your body positioned different than we do here at home and you kind of just looked at him. He said, "Go ahead." You swung and hit the tee. Then you moved your body to be more comfortable, and honestly, it was right way to stand. Jade, you crushed three balls to center field, OVER the infield. You were the only kid to hit the ball into the outfield all night. You did it three times in a row.

The thing that hit me the hardest tonight was that the smile was stuck on your face all night. You had an absolute blast!! When we were walking back to the car, you said, "Daddy, are we playing t-ball every night?"

You chatted the whole way home about practice. You were proud of yourself for doing well, and I could tell you were gaining confidence. You had so much fun out there.

On the way home, you and I picked up a pizza. You didn't last too long at the table though. We watched the Sox while we ate, and you said, "I guess I'm a little tired." I carried you up to bed and you were out like a light.

What a great introduction to baseball.

First true Spring Weekend

Well Guys, its Monday night and we are all tired! We had a great weekend. Friday, Sat and Sunday the Sox played the Yanks for a three day series in Boston. Schilling, Beckett, and Matsusaka (?) pitched for the home team. JD, you are really getting into them lately. They've only played about twenty games and you know almost the whole line up. Big Papi is your favorite.

Ad, you have been joining JD and I lately to watch the game on the couch. You don't know what the heck is going on, but you love to yell at the TV when I do! The Sox took all three games!

Friday night I let JD stay up to watch the whole game, it was so fun. I love sharing this past time with you as my Dad did with me and his with him. I can't wait to truly share it with both of you as time goes on.

Saturday was great. We did some boring cleaning in the yard. JD said, "Dad it's boring playing alone, will you play with me." We threw the ball around, played in the sandbox, played wiffle ball, and drank smoothies. Then, Mom went to work at 2:15 and the three of us went for a bike ride. Adam, this was the first time I had you on the back of the bike. You hung on to my belt the whole time. You love cooing at the birds and always seem to have something so interesting to say. I wish I knew what you were thinking all the time.

We came back home and had burgers for dinner. Ad, you weren't excited about the beef, but loved the buns. JD, you were a hungry boy despite all the soda and chocolate we at together during the day!! After dinner we danced to rock n roll, as we do almost every night. I hope this never changes. You both enjoy music so much. I can't get over how JD recognizes artists just by the voice already. Music is such a great thing to be passionate about. I wonder if it will stick with you both?.

Sunday was also fun. I didn't mention that this weekend was the first rain-free weekend in about 15 days. It hit 75 degrees, both days, the sun was welcome!

I got us up early and all four of us hit the beach like a ton of bricks. We brought breakfast to eat, but found out quickly that it was FREEZING. We only lasted about an hour. This was the first time Ad was walking at the beach. You could have stayed the whole day, I think. You loved the seagulls and couldn't figure out how I made a line in the sand with my sandal. It was a pleasure to watch you today
My Big Boy cuddled under a blanket with Mom. It really was cold. JD likes the beach as much as anyone and for him to be under the blanket means its truly cold!!

We came home and worked around the yard. We lit a fire and burned lots of brush today. Toward the end of the day, JD I went for a two mile bike ride. Your furthest yet, Jade. I was so proud of you, you almost brought a tear to my eye. I saw you begin to get older today. You whizzed down the hills, buzzed by cars, and you listened to everything I said. It was like I was looking at myself from above. I'm still taking it in.


The night ended with a yummy Seafood dinner. We all took showers and hit the rack after some stories.

What a great way to begin the Spring!!

Introduction to this Journal

JD and Adam,

I have been meaning to write a journal for you both for quite some time now. I have always thought how it might be nice for you to have something to look back on from when you both were little. One of our friends, Chad, recently began putting something like this for his daughter and I thought I would commit myself to doing it for you. If you are interested in reading the words I wrote, you are at all times, welcome to. Keep in mind that this is all written from my perspective!

JD, write now you are almost five (!) and Ad, you are 16 months! I can't belive that you are both so big, and I truly still can't belive that I'm a Dad. I have decided, for the sake of this journal, not to go back through the years prior to today, I could spend weeks writing about the fun we've had!

I do want to quickly summarize how we got to Berwick, ME:

JD, you were born in Boston at Brigham and Womens in 2002. It was the single greatest moment of my life. Honestly, I thought it would be kind of gross and wasn't entirely excited about going through the whole process. When you arrived, however, it was as if I had known you for years. You looked in my eyes and I knew everything would be OK.

I can't even tell you what a trooper Mom was. I have never seen her so tough in my life. She was determined, Jade, determined to get you out and bring you into our family. We looked at each other after you were safe, she was holding you, and we cried. Tears of joy.

We were living in Millis, MA the time. My hometown. Mom and I decided to move into a house, rather than the condo we were living, after a few months. We wanted the best for you and a small house in Norfolk, MA was the best we could do at the time. So thats where we headed.

This house was good to us, although we only stayed for about 2.5 years. Here you learned how to crawl, walk, and talk. We had a fenced in backyard that you completely tore up! You threw you first tennis ball, jumped out of your crib, had your first Christmas, and watched your first Sox game.

We had a finished basement here, and in the winter you and I spent hours and hours down here playing. You loved any kind of ball, you liked your stand up music toys and once we set up a tent down there that stayed up for weeks.

We had a pond down the street where you and I would swim on hot days. I would toss you on the back on Mom's bike and off we would go. Needless to say it was much easier getting you to GO to the pond than to get you in the seat to head home. Once you screamed for 10 minutes while I tried to get you in that seat. The neighbors were looking out the window at me!

During our time in Norfolk, we took many trips up to Gray, ME to Grandy and Pop Pops cabin. We all loved the beauty Maine had to offer and after much deliberation, we decided to move up here and settled in Berwick.

The hardest thing I've ever had to do was to leave Mass. My family and friends are so important to me and leaving was not easy. Mom and I thought you would have more opportunities to enjoy the simpler aspects of life in Maine. I'm not sure if it was the right move or not, time will tell I'm sure. I do know, however, that you have a wonderful time almost every day. You take advantage of everything that's offered to you up here. I sincerely hope this never changes for you.

So we arrived in Berwick 2.5 years ago. Its flown by! Addie, you were born at York Hospital and once again Mom was unreal. This time was scary for both of us as, when Mom was pushing, Ad wasn't coming out. Come to find out, the cord was wrapped around your neck and you were stuck! The doc recommended an Emergency C-Section and out you came. I remember how ear piercing your cry was even at one minute old. That, my little boy, hasn't changed yet!

You and I spent the first hour of your life alone in the hospital room. Just you and me. Mom was getting stitched up and you looked at me and feel quickly asleep. Once again, one of my boys took care of me. Your eye's soothed the nervous feeling I had inside. Soon after Mom came back, you spent the better part of a week and a half attached to her. Cuddling, feeding, and cooing. JD and I visited every day and awaited you arrival home.

I forgot to mention an important fact about BOTH of your births. The first song you have ever heard in your lives was "Thunder Road." If you don't know who sings that song, I have made a mistake somewhere along the way!!

Ad, you are a sweetheart. You're 16 months and walking all over. You have said a few words, Car, Daddy, JD, Fish, and yesterday I think you said Mumma, but I haven't told her as of yet. I don't want to get her exited just in case I'm wrong.

You also have a hot little temper on you. I know you're officially my son. If you want something, we know it! You keep us on our toes all the time. And what a dancer! You dance to anything and everything, from Ton Loc to U2.

You have both been getting along very well lately. The first year of Ad's life had its challenges. JD was an only child for over 3 years and is very close to both Mom and I. It was difficult for him to share his stuff with a new person who couldn't talk, walk or play! As soon as you started to walk Ad, JD accepted you a bit more. Not to mention, you have the strength of a 10 year old!

JD you now help Ad all the time, every day. You play 'catch' with each other, play cars, basketball (on the little hoop), and watch movies. I often think how lucky Ad is to have you to look up to for the rest of his life, Jade. I could never ask for two more loving, energetic, funny boys.

Anyway, that's a quick snapshot of the last few years. From here on, I'll start recapping days and stuff throughout the year.

Dad