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