Happy 2nd Birthday, Colin!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Colin!
Happy Birthday to you!

Today Colin turns 2 years old! How is that possible? It seems like yesterday that he was born, a big 8 lb, 14 oz bundle of joy :-)

Here's his blog introduction, complete with an adorable picture of him on his birthday: http://thefogartyfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/introducing-colin-james-fogarty.html

Happy Birthday, Little Man! You light up our lives, keep us laughing, and make our hearts burst with love!

Just A-Swingin'

Yesterday as I was pushing Grace on a swing at the park, I was thinking about how grown up she is. I mean, how can she really be 4.5 (going on 15) already?! I was remembering painting her room with Martin, wondering if we would be blessed with a son or daughter. Sitting in the rocking chair with my big pregnant belly trying to envision what it would be like to be rocking a baby in that chair. Driving to the hospital a month early, thinking it couldn't possibly be time for our little one to arrive. Being in complete shock as they wheeled me into the emergency C-section. Hearing her cry for the first time. Breathing a sigh of relief as they told us that she was perfectly healthy. Laying eyes on that tiny beautiful little girl and knowing that Grace was the perfect name for our daughter. Bringing her home and rocking her for hours on end, never wanting to put her down. Spending hours staring at her, in complete awe of the miracle we'd created.

It's amazing how the simplest moment, like pushing your kiddo on a swing, can bring about a tidal wave of memories. Grace Calleigh, you are such an awesome little girl. I look forward to continuing this journey as your Mommy :-) Let's just slow down a bit though...I'm not ready for you to be grown up just yet. Deal?

My Cousins Live in the Computer

Our kids have three cousins on my side of the family and five cousins on Martin's side. Of their eight cousins, seven live far away -- two in Pennsylvania and the other five in Ireland. This always makes me sad because I have great memories of playing with my cousins during my younger years in PA. On the flip side, it makes for an adventure when the cousins do get to see each other!

As we were preparing to say goodbye to Martin's Mam last week, I told Grace that we would visit Nanny and Grandad in Ireland soon. I then mentioned that we would also get to see all of her Irish cousins - Liam, Melissa, Michelle, Conor, and Sam - while we are there. Grace got a really confused look on her face and replied, "They don't live in Ireland."

Then I was confused. "What do you mean they don't like in Ireland? They all live close to Nanny and Grandad."

Grace wrinkled her nose and said, "No, they don't. They live in the computer."

It took all of my willpower not to crack up. Since we Skype with the Irish fam, Grace now believes they all live inside the computer. Hilarious!

Riding into the Sunset

It's January in Texas, and it feels like April. I'll take it. I love this weather! We took advantage of the 70 degree weather with a trip to the park. Grace and one of her pals rode their scooters into the sunset. I adore this picture (Grace on the left). Grace got her scooter for Christmas and has mastered it already. She loved getting out to ride it! It's officially broken in now!


Colin had a blast today too! He must have gone down the slide 50 times. He's becoming so independent! I wonder where my kids get that from...

One of his new favorite things to say is, "No, sir." After hearing me say this enough times, he's making it his own. Now when I change his diaper, he tells me, "No, sir" and when I try to feed him something he doesn't want to eat, he says, "No, sir." I've explained to him that I'm a ma'am, but he doesn't seem to care at the moment. He just wants to put his foot down and express himself boldly. Love him!

2012 is Going to be EPIC!

Get ready, people. 2012 is going to be your best year ever! Don't believe me? You should! And if you want to make sure of it, start planning for it now. I'm well on my way to planning out an EPIC 2012. This year is gonna rock!

I'm SO fired up about the year to come! Awesome things are happening in our lives...Grace will turn five this May, and Colin will turn two at the end of this month! Our babies are growing up, and I want to capture all of the memories we're making as a family. I wasn't the greatest blogger in 2011. I'm recommitting myself to the blog in 2012 and plan to blog at least 3 times a week to capture all of the Team Fogarty fun! That's a promise.

In other VERY exciting news, Martin and I both turn 33 this year. Why is this a big deal? Well, Martin was born and raised in Ireland and has the most adorable accent ever. My favorite thing to hear him say is 33 - tirty tree. I have no doubt this year will be a blast because I'll ask him often how old we are. I'm sure it'll annoy him, but I'll be entertained ;-)

Other fun goals for this year include committing myself to reading at least one book each month, committing to an AMAZING nonprofit organization as a Board Member, completing the Austin 10/20 in April (a 10 mile race), biking in the Livestrong Challenge as a part of Team Ruben in October, and working on photo albums and scrapbooks to preserve memories of this precious time in our lives.

What are you most excited about in 2012? Here's to making this year one to remember!

Stay tuned, my friends! Sending lots of love from our home to yours.

Happy New Year!!

From our home to yours, Happy New Year! May 2012 bring you happiness and peace :-)

We rang in 2012 at home with Martin' parents who are visiting from Ireland. It was an awesome way to ring in the new year, and we're so thankful for the special time we've had with them. Bring it on, 2012. Team Fogarty is ready for a year to remember!