Trick Or Treat

What's that saying about the road to Hell being paved with good intentions?

Being as clever as I am, I thought it would be a great idea to dress the boys as Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Halloween this year. Knowing full well that Knox is really still too young for trick or treating (and neither Ib nor I need the candy!), I still felt compelled to put the costumes together.

Ib suggested we wait one more year, but I was afraid that by next Halloween Knox will have grasped the concept and have his own costume ideas so I figured this was my last chance to dress them how I wanted.


I made the decals for their shirts at work. It's good to be in the Biz. I've got all kinds of handy tools at my disposal! But can you believe that I could not find a plain red long sleeve shirt for Thane in this town? OK, maybe that is a stretch, since I only checked Target and WalMart...but I wasn't about to run all over the city. While browsing online, I found a one-piece jumpsuit, perfect for Knox's costume! But, it only came in one size (18 month) and one color (white). The reviews said that it was actually enormous and many folks said it fit their 2 & 3 year olds. And for $2.99, I figured I'd take my chances. I also ordered a plain white long sleeve shirt for Thane and then headed off to Michaels to pick up some red RIT dye.

Thane's hat from the hospital was the perfect shade of blue so, after one last stop at the party store for Knox's blue hair spray, Voila! Thing 1 and Thing 2. Riiiiiight...it could be so easy.

Whoever thought Trick or Treating on a Monday night between 6 and 8 pm was a good idea obviously does not have kids. Knox came home from day care with no desire to eat dinner. And, in the interest of getting him out and back home before bed time, I wasn't about to force feed him. Thane had been dressed for hours and was sleeping peacefully, between meals. We got Knox into his costume and then it was time to do his hair. Daddy wet it down and started combing it into spikes...which is not something Knox particularly enjoys. But once the can of blue spray came out, you'd have thought he was being tortured. The screaming and crying that ensued was enough to make a saint swear. As to be expected, Knox's yelling and crying lead to Thane's yelling and crying. And that combination lead to Mommy yelling and crying. And it all added up to Daddy playing the role of that afore mentioned saint.

I'm sure, from outside, it sounded like a house of horrors. No wonder we never get trick or treaters!

But it was all about the photos...and, in the end, we did manage to get one semi-respectable shot for the memory books.

We piled in the car and drove to Jeriann's where Knox got into the spirit by handing out candy. He took this duty quite seriously, and was running half way down the sidewalk to toss handfuls into kids' bags before they even made it to the house.

And if you thought that was the "Trick" part of it all, think again. In my infinite wisdom (read: Mom brain), a few days later I tossed the costumes into the wash with the idea of swapping them on Thred Up (an online kids' clothing swap that I recently joined...and LOVE!). It completely slipped my mind that, even though it is November, there won't be truly cold water coming out of our Arizona pipes until at least January. Yep. You guessed it: For the first time in my life I had a washer full of pink laundry. Awesome.

Who knew? RIT also makes a dye remover. Those guys think of everything. I managed to salvage most everything, but not without some battle scars: A pair of navy blue and white striped pants is now tan and white stripes with green trim, some socks made to look like little black and red tennis shoes are now brown and red...and there is still a faint pink tint to just about everything.

But at the end of the day, no one cares if their socks are pink or if there are red dye splotches on their blue jeans.

What matters is that we have clothes and a home to keep us warm. And I have these 3 amazing, beautiful guys who love me, unconditionally...which is more than anyone could ask for.

Welcome to Another Edition of "Guess That Baby!"

I knew that I had pictures of both boys in this hoodie, but imagine my surprise when I realized that they were BOTH taken at 7 weeks. I guess our Arizona [cold] weather is pretty predictible!

Sweet Baby Thane

When I was around 7 months pregnant, I came across and ad looking for Expecting Mommies interested in a complimentary Maternity Photo Session. Never having done anything like that before, and being thrifty (read: cheap!), I responded and met Jenni...a super cool chick! Our vacation back east was right around the corner, so we put it off until afterwards. And, by that time, I just felt so enormous that I didn't want a camera anywhere near me!

So, this past Tuesday, we scheduled a photo shoot of Mr. Thane in the outside world! Here is a sneak peek of the sweetness Jenni captured!

If you know us you know that, between me & Ib, we take TONS of pictures. But these portraits are so much more than we could capture. Thank you so much, Jenni! I love, love, love these shots of our little guy! I can't wait to schedule a session for both the boys and our whole family.

If you're looking for a photographer in the Tucson area, look her up! You won't be sorry!

www.facebook.com/jennicakesaz - jennicakesaz@gmail.com - 520.248.4727

Seeing Double

Knox Paulson Contessa, just over a month old (11.07.09).

Thane Grayson Contessa, just over a week old (09.27.11).

Gee, do you think they are related?! We sure make some good looking boys.

Look Who's Two! Ah-ah-ah-ah!

In the midst of bringing home a new baby, we doubled our joy by celebrating big brother Knox's second birthday. It seems like only yesterday...

But it's true: Our little guy is 2! Grandma's giant birthday box of new books to read arrived the same day that she got to town. She also tracked down a classic Raggedy Andy doll, which is now displayed on the book shelf in the boys' room. Love it!

Grammy and Grampy sent a singing Elmo...and while it does talk, the volume is controlled by how hard (or soft) you squeeze his tummy. Lucky for us, Knox hasn't figured that out yet.

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa's singing Tigger card was a hit. He played it over. And over. And over. And over. And over. And over...

But Daddy (as usual) scored the homerun.

We took him to the park down the street to surprise him with his "motorcycle."

It took him a few tries to get used to it, but now he rides just like Grampy.

That evening, we had a little get together at the house. It was a combination meet and greet for Thane and we served cake for Knox's birthday, too. Miss Jeriann and John came, as well as Vickie & Louie, Laura & John, Pete & Little Pete and the Howell Family.

Both boys received lots of wonderful gifts and we are truly thankful to have such thoughtful friends.

And, since it's my blog, I'm going to toot my own horn because I am pretty darn proud of the cake I made! Knox is very much into Sesame Street and The Count, so I thought it was only fitting.

I found some clear piping gel at Michaels and added the color. Ma found a kit for me with a piping bag and several differnt tips when she was here. I drew it freehand while looking at a picture I found online. It took me back to my cake-decorating days at Dairy Queen. Not too shabby!

And, from the looks of it, it didn't taste too bad either. Happy 2nd Birthday Knox Paulson! We love you more than words can express.

And Then There Were Four...

On Ib's recommendation I took the final week before Thane's arrival off and, while he dropped Knox off at daycare and went to work, I spent some quality ME time at the house. OK, truthfully, I spent most of it either cleaning or shopping, but that is neither here nor there.
Much to my dismay, Thane did not make his appearance early. There were a couple times that I suggested to Ib we might be headed to the hospital but I was vetoed.

We opted for Plan B...and Thane was served his eviction notice. Ma (Ib's mom, Maria) flew in to spend 10 days with us, arriving on the afternoon of September 17th. Thanks to Skype, Knox recognized Grandma, and was instantly comfortable.

Sunday morning, after our last breakfast as a family of three (plus Grandma!) Ib and I headed to the hospital while Knox and Grandma waited by the phone for news of Little Brother's grand entrance to the world.

At 9:30 am we were rocking and rolling, and just in time for the pre-game shows! Our delivery suite was the best in the hospital, with a beautiful view of both the Catalina and Rincon Moutains. The rest of the morning was spent cheering Ib's Redskins and my Bills on to victories.

Finally, around 2:20 that afternoon, my midwife and the Dr. gave the OK to break my water. And that's when things got exciting!

Let's just say that the epidural didn't work quite as well this time around. But Thane didn't waste any time...in less than an hour he was in my arms! Born 09.18.11 at 3:13 PM. Weighing 7.2 pounds and measuring 19 1/2" long.

Grandma and Knox made their way to the hospital to meet the little guy. Knox was all hugs and kisses.

And Grandma was all smiles: The first of 6 grandchildren that she was able to see on Birth Day!

I was hoping to be home in time for the late game, but they made us stay overnight.

We were finally given the OK to go home late on Monday afternoon.

There were more first meetings for Thane when we arrived at home.

Vinnie and Cooper had lots of kisses, too.

Knox initiated his little brother into the family by sniffing his "stinky toes". He passed the test.

And he took his duty as Big Brother very seriously from the start. Any time Thane cries, Knox wants to know what's wrong. Any time Thane is out of sight, Knox wants to know where brother is.

Grandma baked Thane's first, ever, birthday cake while Ib and I were still at the hospital and we celebrated after dinner.

The next few days, Knox could be found hanging out with his brother.

He's even sharing some of his favorite toys, already.

And he is a very helpful helper.

With a little planning, Ma was able to see all 4 of her sons (not to mention 5 grandkids!) in one trip! Despite the increased pain factor during labor, my recovery seemed overnight. I felt so great that I decided to make the trip to Phoenix to visit Hass & Amy and Farlan's family.

And, really, when you see little faces like these, how could you not feel amazing?

It's been a crazy ride so far and I imagine it will only get wilder! But we feel so blessed to have these two beautiful little guys. Say "Hello" to the 4 Contessa's.

Make Way for Thane!

After returning from our vacation, the remaining 5 weeks were a whirlwind of activity! Ib and I finally agreed on a name for our second born: Thane Grayson Contessa. And he would be here before we knew it!

Jeriann and her sister Jackie hosted a lovely shower for me. Since Knox would be (unknowingly) sharing all his old things with his brother, all we really needed was diapers, wipes and a baby!

The diaper shower was a success, thanks to my sweet and generous friends, who made sure Thane will have his...a-hem, butt...covered for a very long time!

Ib and I found these brother jammies at Costco and, though they won't fit for several more years, we couldn't resist.

Next up: The big day finally arrives!