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February 5, 2008 - Daniel

Well here is the latest in child abuse. Whether it is Nationwide or just NJ, but every baby has to get a blood test at the age of 1 to test for lead. Well Mommy and Daddy took Christopher and I to get the test done. I went 1st with Daddy holding me and to say it was a breeze would not be correct because it did hurt a little. However, I sucked it up and Daddy was proud of me. Christopher then went in with Mommy. Boy was his test harder them mine. To start with, they stuck the needle in one arm and could not get any blood so while the needle was still in that arm they put a needle in the other arm and got the blood. To say that all of Fanwood was diving for cover from his screen is an understatement.

Oh Yeah, Pop-E said he could heard it at our house where he was watching Luke and even Luke jumped

January 14, 2008 - Daniel

Mommy and Grammy took us on January 4th for our annual checkup/shots, but because we both have bronchitis, we couldn't do the shots and are now on an antibiotic. Christopher has a runny nose and I was a little cranky, but didn't seem too sick.

Once we got better we were back for the checkup and Christopher weighted in at 19 pounds, 5 ounces while I tipped the scale at 21 pounds.

After our checkups, Mommy and Grammy took us to Panera's for lunch. As we were sitting at the table we heard Mommy say that she thinks she sat in water. Grammy being more experience in this matters suggested that our new baby maybe on its way.

We headed back to Grammy's and Mommy called the OBGYN and she went to St Barnabes Hospital to see the doctor.

That's all we heard the rest of the day and were finally "put" down for the night. When we woke up the next morning, Grandma and PopPop told us we now had a new brother named Luke. He was born on 2/15 at 12:51 in the morning, while we were sleeping.

Grammy said that everything was OK and that we would be able to go see Mommy and Luke in a few days.

February 16, 2008 - CHristopher

Big occasion today. Aunt Jess, Uncle Greg and Jake are in Westfield visiting with Grandma and Pop-E. They are coming over with Uncle Scott to have a "Murphy" family get together and it will the 1st time the 4 cousins (Grandsons) are together.

Here are a few pictures of things we like to do - eating, wrestling, looking for ???, watching TV (not basketball). Of course, I always thinking that I lost something - when I only have my diaper on - but don't know what it is.

Also we are always looking up at the TV to see if Daddy still has Basketball on. When he finally asks Mommy should he put B-A-R-N-E-Y on, he always spells it because he thinks we do not understand him. What does he think, we can't spell BARNEY - we are 14 months old, you know!. Look, it also seems that Jake and Mommy like Barney too.

February 25, 2008 - Christopher

When we had blood work done on the 5th, there was some indication that there may be a problem with Daniel's results. So Mommy had to take him back today. The last time he did not know what to expect but this time he knew exactly what was in store for him. Daniel started crying the moment he walked in and let them know that he was not a "happy camper". But he recovered quickly, and the new results came back and everything is A-OK

February 26, 2008 - Daniel

Grandma, Pop-E and Cousin Angela stopped over to see Luke and us. Luke was doing his favorite thing - sleeping and we were doing ours - eating. This was the 1st time Angela saw Luke and it is the 1st time that Christopher did not cry when he saw her.

Daddy got home late and Mommy told him that Daniel did not have a good day because he got not one, but two battle wounds - both within an hour of each other and were basically self inflicted. The 1st one was when he bumped his head on the heating vent and the other was when he bite his lip. It looks like it is going to be interesting times in the "MURPHY" residence from now on and we better have a big supplies of Band Aids and First Aid Cream.

January 26, 2008 - Christopher

Grandma, Pop-E and Uncle Scott came over the see Luke and of course play with us.

I was showing Uncle Scott some of my wrestling moves and he was giving me some pointers on techniques.

Grandma was busy what with holding Luke and playing "Round Ball-E, Round Ball-E" with me. Daniel was practicing his "Dunk" shots to get ready for our Basketball paying days. And Luke was laughing and saying he could not wait to start having fun playing with us.

February 3, 2008

Almost forgot about our "BIG" Super Bowl Party and the Game. Daddy was rooting for Tennessee, Christopher was rooting for the Jets - check out the color of his PJs - and I was rooting for the "Warm" weather team. I do not know who Mommy, Uncle Michael or his friend Anna were rooting for, but the picture taker - PopPop - was Giants all the way.

March 19, 2008

We all said good by to our Ford Escape today, because, since the arrival of Luke, we needed something bigger. We now have a Silver Dodge Caravan that has middle seats that fold into the floor. Since we are now able to face forward in our car seats, it is amazing what you see when you can see the DRIVER and the SPEEDOMETER. Also Luke is in the middle and faces us so we can keep an eye on him and let Mommy and Daddy know if he needs anything. Of course, Luke already wants to face forward - Could it be because of the "fear" on our faces when Daddy gets behind the wheel!

April 20, 2008 Christopher

Today, both Luke and Jake are going to be Christening at St Helen's by Father Dom. Aunt Jess and Uncle Greg got permission from their parish in Woburn, MA and St Helen's to have Jake christened with Luke. Jake's Godparents are Mommy and Daddy and Luke's Godparents are Aunt Natalie (who was Mommy and Daddy's maid of Honor) and Uncle Scott.

April 30, 2008 - Christopher

Well here we are outside on our last day of wide open spaces - where we felt like deer and antelope - free to roam. We are in "SHOCK" that Mommy and Daddy are having a fence installed as we speak. Looks like we will not be roaming with any deer and antelope for a long time. Daniel made one final breakout attempt before the last piece of fence was installed.

May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day

We are celebrating at Grandma house because Mommy and Granny are still in Arizona. We had a BBQ with Uncle Scott doing the cooking - as usual

Grandma played with us in the backyard, Pop-E took us for a ride in the carriage and Daddy told us Mommy was coming home and we would see her in the morning.

It was a nice Mother's Day but we missed Mommy and Grammy.

As of May 11th, we are 15 months & 12 days old.

May 1, 2008 - Daniel

Our Pediatrician suggested that we see a speech and /development therapist .. she didn't think there were any issues, but thought it wouldn't hurt to get an evaluation ... She was saying that normally we should be able to say about 5 words - we guessed that saying "DaDa" 5 times does not count as 5 words.

Christopher went 1st and she showed him different things that we had to repeat like feeding a baby doll, answering a phone, etc. - He passed with flying colors. When it was my turn, I was doing great until she broke out the phone, gave it to me and I wouldn't give it back - but that must have been part of the test since I passed as well.

Looked at those heads - you can tell things are going on in them!

May 7, 2008 - Christopher

There is an old saying "out of the mouth of babes"

An amazing true story of how even 15 month olds sense things....

I started crying at around 1:30 am, which Mommy and Daddy initially thought was normal middle of the night crying like I couldn't find my giraffe or had a bad dream ... I kept crying for a bit and in between I would stop and go "Eh Eh Eh Eh" .. similar to what I do when I want something, but more somber in my tone .. I would cry and then Eh Eh Eh again

Mommy and Daddy thought I had dropped my giraffe or something, so they decided to come into my room and see what was wrong .... When they came in, they saw that the light bulb was burning a hole in the lamp shade ... there wasnt' much smoke or smell, but I knew something wasn't right.

Needless to say that lamp is history!

May 9, 2008 - Christopher

Daniel woke up 1st and guess who came up to get him out of his crib - Pop-E. Well you know how Daniel is - smiles at everyone, especially if you are going to take him out of his crib. When I woke up, who was waiting to take me out of my crib - Grandma. Now since I am shy - I sometimes cry when I see people - ever Grandma and Pop-E - but this time I just put my arms up so that she would take me out of my crib

When Daniel and I were finally downstairs together, we assumed that Luke was still in his crib and Daddy was at work - but we wondered where Mommy was!

That's when Grandma and Pop-E told us

That at about 5:30am Mommy, Luke, Grammy and PopPop

left for Newark airport were they were going to meet Uncle Michael.

They were all flying to Arizona to visit Uncle David, Aunt Charisse

and Cousin Madilyn who have never seem Luke."

and that Grandma and Pop-E were going to watch us until Daddy come home from work. Now, at this point we would normally start crying because Mommy was not there, but when your diaper and stomach are both talking to you, well!

Any way Grandma changed us and Pop-E feed us and then we started to run around, play, read books, watch a little Barney. After naps and lunch we were going to go to the Shoprite or some other place so that we all could get out of the house. We opened the front door and it was like a monsoon outside - so much for a changed of Scenery.

Things We Will Learn From Mommy

To appreciate a job well done: "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

Religion: "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

Time travel: "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

Logic: "Because I said so, that's why."

Foresight: "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

Irony: "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

Osmosis: "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

Contortionist: "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

Stamina: "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

Weather: "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

Hypocrisy: "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

Circle of life: "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

Behavior modification: "Stop acting like your father!"

Envy: "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

Anticipation: "Just wait until we get home."

Medical science: "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

ESP: "Put your sweater on. Don't you think I know when you are cold?"

Humor: "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

Genetics: "You're just like your father."

Roots: "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

Wisdom: "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

Justice: "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."

May 26, 2008

Went to Grandma and Pop-E's for another BBQ - it seem like Uncle Scott always does the cooking. Mommy and Grandma tried to explain to us why we should not play in the "dirty" bird bath water - of course Daniel really listened even when Daddy and Uncle Scott were showing us how to kick a ball.

Uncle Scott shows us one of his "football" punts - that's the sport that the rest of the world calls football. It was so high we never thought it was coming down.

Grandma blew bubbles with us and the ball finally cam down. Luke finally woke up - you know all Luke does is eat, sleep and smile - we wonder what is going on in his head - kind of scary!

August 5, 2008

Uncle David and Aunt Charisse have a new baby girl - Charlotte Ann who was born at 1:45am - PopPop was flying out to Arizona to be there before she was born but she could not wait. Grammy is going out next week and they will be there for the whole month of August. Another Girl cousin - seems that the Murphy males only have boys and the Gewirtz males only have girls.

September 13, 2008 - Daniel

Today was Uncle Scott's soccer teams's opening game of the 2008 season. He was playing Governor Livingston at GL's field. He has never beaten them since he has been the head coach of New Providence. We went with Daddy and met Pop-E in the parking lot. Pop-E open the trunk to get the 2 seater stroller out of the van and there was no seats for the stroller. Daddy had to find a parking stop so Pop-E started to walk us towards the field. Well we got to the top of this hill and we noticed that the field is all the way down at the bottom. We both said this will be fun going down but coming back up was going to be a problem unless Daddy and Pop-E were going to carry us. Pop-E's response to that was "DREAM ON!"

Any way we finally got to the field and saw Uncle Scott, but he did not see us since he was to busy coaching. We played on the metal benches - they certainly make a lot of notice when we jumped on them and we also ran around the track. After the game we went on to the field to see Uncle Scott and the team. Some of the girls recognized us from the SPF game.

After a while we finally started to head back to the parking lot. The hill looked steeper then coming down but we decided to give it the old college try. Half way up Christopher game up and Daddy carried him the rest of the way. I look at Pop-E and he looked at me and we both decided to help each other up the hill. Finally we got to the top and took a deep breath. Pop-E said it was the last time he was coming to this crazy field and I sought of agreed. By the way - New Providence won 2-0!

June 19, 2008 - Daniel

We drove to Michigan to see PopPop's relatives. PopPop took a plane on Tuesday and Mommy, Grammy and Daddy and the 3 Amigos drove out to meet him and see the relatives.

Daddy flew back on Tuesday (PopPop is going to take his place on the return trip) and we stayed until July 1st. We had a great time, and of course everyone loved Luke, because all he does is smile.

We left about 7:30pm so that the 3 Amigos would be sleeping and to miss any traffic for the 10 hour ride. PopPop was cruising down route 80 and then crossed into Pennsylvania. All of a sudden all the cars and trucks stopped. Luke was good since he knew Mommy had his diapers and food. Christopher and I were doing fine watching our DVDs, but after a while even we became bored. Mommy, Grammy and PopPop took us out of the van and walk us around so we could see all the cars and trucks that were just stop.

After a 4 + hours wait we finally started on the remainder of our trip with 120 miles to go. We finally arrived home and we all needed naps - especially PopPop..

August 3, 2008

Grandma's cousins had a weekend reunion at Val and Gasper's condo in Manasquan, NJ right on the beach. We went down on Saturday to enjoy the water, get some rays and meet the cousins, some of whom we had not seem in a while. Even our Great Aunt Mackey was up from South Carolina.

We had a great time, since we love the water - but not to crazy about the sand. You know we have taken dips in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans - not may people could say that at the age of 20 months!

We were sitting on the deck and I was playing with Pop-E when all of a sudden I got a hunger sensation, You know what they say about swimming, water, sun, sand, breezes - they all make you hunger. I must have been thinking about a nice portion of BBQ ribs and the next think I remember was Pop-E yelling. I had mistaken his arm for the BBQ ribs. Because Pop-E knew that I did not mean to bit him - Daniel has that reputation - but when we saw the mark, I understood why he yelled.

Finally it was time to leave so that the "adults" could enjoy themselves with out feeling guilty that they were setting a bad example.

August 9, 2008

We went to Grandma and Pop-E's again for more BBQ - we can't wait until the summer is over so grandma can give us some good Italian food. We saw Grandma's favorite bunny who she keeps yelling at because he eats her flowers. We think his name is "BUGS". Don't bunnies only eat carrots!

Since Uncle Scott was there we got some soccer practice in, took some pictures with grandma, played in our favorite rock garden and ate some BBQ.

And as usually Luke was smiling and practicing his "raspberries"

August 21, 2008

Grandma and Pop-E's came over to watch us because Mommy had to meet with some people who are going to help us speak new words. We think the 1st new word is going to be "antidisestablishmentterrianism" or "Pop-E" which ever is easier.

While Luke was napping we were in the backyard practicing some of our "Dunk Shots". After a quick drink, Grandma and Pop-E took us for a walk and as soon as we saw Grammy and PopPop's house we knew we were near the park and started to point to it - which means we want to go there.

Of course when we got back Luke was up and smiling as usually

August 30, 2008

Uncle Scott's soccer team was going to play a scrimage against Scotch Plains-Fanwood in SP. Since the field is only a few blocks from our house, Mommy and Daddy were going to take us, but 1st we had to go and renew Daddy's license - last day was the 30th of course. While Daddy was getting his license renewed Mommy took us to a park nearby. Since it had rained the day before, guess what was at the park - right! water and mud - 2 of our favorite things. Well by the time Mommy got us back in the van - Daniel was soaking wet and I was covered with mud. Good think Mommy had a change of clothes - however, it was for Luke - how do you think I look in it.

Any way we finally made it to the field and saw Uncle Scott and met some of the girls on the team - I think they really like us - maybe we can go to another game and see then again. Oh, SPF won 2-0, but Uncle Scott was pleased in the way New Providence played.

September 1, 2008 - CHristopher

Pop-E brought a new toy that is blocks that made different vehicles and then plays the sounds they make. It is hard for us but we love it. Pop-E found a piano in the basement, that Daddy use to play with, when he was little. We love it. Here I am pounding out tunes.

Grandma show us a new game which you play with toes. Daddy seemed to know about it but we did not have a clue.

And of course we got to play in our favorite rock garden

July 4, 2008

We went to Grandma and Pop-E because they were going to watch Luke while Mommy, Daddy, Christopher and I went to a big 4th of July party at a house that over looked Manhattan and we were going to be able to see all the fireworks. However, nobody told us that the fireworks start when the sun goes down or about 9PM - we are normally in bed and asleep at 7:30. Well we gave it the old college try, but by 8PM all we wanted was our cribs and we headed home - maybe some one took pictures of the fire works.

Here we are in our 4th of July outfits and Luke in Grandma and Pop-E's crib. By the way Luke also did not make the fireworks at Grandma and Pop-E's

September 19, 2008 - Christopher

Well today is the big day for Pop-E - he turned 65. And of course Daddy turned 31. Also we forget it before but Mommy's birthday was on the 16th and she is only 29. Here is Pop-E (the oldest) and Luke (the youngest).

You would think that would be enough news for us for one day, but what Daniel and I have been dreading for months has finally arrived - LUKE IS CRAWLING. We can no longer put our snacks and drinks on the floor because he is on them in a flash - this is what he probably has been thinking about all those times he was sleeping and waking up with a smile.

Wait until he starts walking - Daniel and I may have to move

Anyway, Grandma is planing a surprise party for Pop-E for next weekend - details on that event will be in the next update

Of course we also watched Barney - who looks the most interested - DADDY!

September 21, 2008

Mommy, Daddy and the 3 of us went to the Fanwood Street Fair to meet Grandma and Pop-E. We saw rides, a big Mickey Mouse, and got balloons. Also we got to go on a big Fire Truck. We also went to a restaurant and had good old Italian food - they probably ran out of BBQ. Of course Luke was there but since he did not take his nap he was just content to sit in his stroller and stare

October 14, 2008

Mommy and Daddy had a wedding to go to and MeMa and Pop-E watched us. While Mommy was getting dressed and Luke was napping, MeMa and Pop-E took us for a carriage ride to see where we will be going to school when we get older. After Mommy left, we shot a few hoops, ate Boston Market and of course watched Barney. Luke started to laugh out loud. We can’t wait for him to start talking so he can tell us some of his jokes.

September 29, 2008

We Are back. It’s been a while but we have been busy trying to keep one step ahead of our brother Luke. He is crawling now and is constantly going after our snacks and drinks. We do not know what we will do once he starts walking. Another thing that has happened is that our speaking has improved and we can say PopPop and Pop-E without any trouble. However Grammy and Grandma are another story, so we just call them MeMe and MeMa. We have a lot to report since this update will take us to the end of 2008

September 29, 2008

Even through Pop-E’s 65th birthday was on the 19th, MeMa decided to have a small surprise party for him. Of course knowing Pop-E, MeMa had to make sure that Jake would be there, since Pop-E kept saying that all he wanted for his birthday was a picture of him with his 4 grandsons. Of course, Jake, Aunt Jess and Uncle Greg were there. Pop-E knew about the party because a certain nephew left a voice message saying that he could not make it. Pop-E erased the message so MeMa would not know he knew about the party. By the time the party started, Pop-E had forgot that MeMa had invited other people so he was surprised when Maria, Rob, Patrice, Bobby, Caroline, Philip, George and Alice also walked in. Pope-E did not get a picture with the 4 of us but did get one with each of us. Now all he has to do is find some software to combine the 4 pictures into ONE!

October 29, 2008

MeMa’s school had their Annual Halloween Parade and sing along and Mommy and MeMe took us again to see it. While we were waiting for the parade to start we found a red car that we could climb in and out of – maybe MeMa can take it to her house for us to play with. We hope it is still their next year. Luke could not get to it this year, but if we are there next year he is in the back seat since we already called "DIBS" on the front seats.

November 09, 2008

MeMa and Pop-E are watching Luke and we are going over to pick him up so Mommy can have a few hours of PEACE and QUITE. We can now walk in by ourselves and we also know where the snacks are and how to open the doors. 1st thing we do when we visit is give kisses and hugs and then head for the snacks. We will have to tell Luke about them.

MeMa found some hats for us to play with - How do we look! Luke is waiting his turn!

December 7, 2008

We went to St Helen’s “Breakfast with Santa” with Mommy, Daddy, MeMe, MeMa and Pop-E. PopPop was in Michigan visiting his relatives. We had pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and cake. Then the big guy showed up in his RED SUIT and Daniel and I were heading for the exit. We finally went in to see him, but you could tell we were not enjoying it. Luke was having a ball turning his head like a top so he could get a better look at the guy in RED.

December 25, 2008 - Christopher

Last night we left out Olives (that's right OLIVES - Daddy said that Santa likes then better than COOKIES) and Milk for the Jolly Old Guy in the white beard and red suit who is supposed to come and leave presents for all little boys that were good - THAT'S US. The next morning "what did our wandering eyes" see - PRESENTS under the Christmas Tree. After opening out presents and getting some breakfast, it was time to get ready for out trip to Brooklyn, NY - the 5th largest city in the country. We are going to Aunt Maureen and Uncle Charlie's house for Christmas Dinner and hopefully more presents.

This was the 1st time we are actually going to set foot in Brooklyn - we have driven through it in the past - and we can't wait to me those "BUMS" that Pop-E is always talking about. We also can't wait to see their house because we hear that they have a lot of steps for us to crawl up and down on.

Notice that there are no pictures of Daniel - that’s because he slept most of the time we were there - probably got exhausted from all those steps.

December 28, 2008 - Daniel

Mommy and Daddy were going to another Christmas party and decided that they need a break from us – you would think we were difficult to take care of. Anyway, Christopher and I were watched by MeMe and PopPop at our house while Luke was shipped to MeMa and Pop-E’s. The party was in the afternoon and when Mommy and Daddy came home Daddy took me to get Luke. Notice no pictures of Christopher – he was still napping at home.

December 30, 2008

The “BIG” day – of course Christmas is big - but this is our 2nd Birthday and Jake has come down from Woburn, to help us celebrate. When our guest came in - we took them into the kitchen to show them the 2 birthday cakes Mommy made for us - one white and the other brown (chocolate). After some play time and reading in the basement, the party started with pizza and drinks - we are still not old enough to have a BREW yet - and then came cake time. The cakes were great and everyone sang happy birthday to us - and MeMe also sang it in Polish. After cake, it was present time.

December 31. 2008

The last day of the year but we are still celebrating Christmas. We are heading over to MeMa, and Pop-E’s house to open presents that they, Uncle Scott, Aunt Jess, Uncle Greg, Jake and others relatives brought for us. You would thing we are celebrating 8 days of Hanukkah.

Talk about surprises. The Chubby Old Guy in the Red Suit was played by Jake. Of course, we could not figure out how he lost some much weight. After all the presents were opened we went home to take a long need nap to get ready for the NEW YEAR

Any way, it's been a great Christmas and Birthday celebrations and we wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2009

At the ceremony, I was very good, because Pop-E was holding me and feeding me snacks - Pop-E always has Snacks. Grammy was holding Daniel - of course, Pop-E was also giving him snacks - but he was not feeling well. Anyway after the ceremony, we all headed back to Grandma and Pop-E for eats, drinks, desert and of course the group pictures. Look at Uncle Greg trying scare us.

Any way the rest of the day we played, watched the cars go by through our new big window and new fence, listened to the rain, read books and of course had SNACKS. After Dinner we watch Barney and while we were watching Barney, we looked up and saw that Daddy was home and we gave him hugs and kisses. Bed time arrived and we said good night to Daddy, Grandma and Pop-E and told them how glad we were that they watched us.

The story goes, that after they eat dinner with Daddy - Chinese we heard - they left for home and got there about 10:30pm. By 10:45 they were sound asleep in their bed. Now we are good, but watching us run around all day even tires out young people like Mommy.