JOURNAL

Hi y'all.  Summer is here and has let us know!  Sticky, sticky, sticky and thunderstorms and rain - yuk!  Glad to have some warmth, though.  Josh starts his first Summer of camp at the YMCA today.  He is a bit pensive about the idea of going to camp, but I'm convinced he'll have a great time.  Jen continues to pick up some good hours which is definitely keeping her busy, that's for sure.

Joyce took us all for our annual 6 month portrait sitting, then to lunch afterwards this past Saturday.  Click here for the pictures or visit the picture page.

The Fumia Family is looking forward to our Summer Vacation.  If anyone can look in on Sarah (our cat), please let me know!

Oh, and check out my Uncle Jonny singing @ The Chicken Bone in Framingham. 

CLICK HERE

Happy Summer to all! 

Summer is here!  Happy Father's Day to everyone.

I have been working on putting up pictures today, as well as enjoy my Father's Day.  The boys made me plates with their hand-prints on them.

I have added tons of pictures to the pictures page.  Included are pictures of Jack's piano recitals and Josh's class trip to the zoo.  In addition, I have been busy with the scanner and my old box of photos.  I have posted a bunch of pics from years past.  Some funny, some interesting and ALL embarrassing!

Everyone here at the Fumia compound is going very well.  Josh had a recent bout with a pneumonia and I suffered the worst allergies of my life, but we've all persevered.  Everyone is out for the summer (except me!) and is looking forward to summer activities, including camp, swimming trips, the boys recent trip to go strawberry picking, and vacation!

If you haven't joined facebook yet, join and friend me or Jen - lots more frequent updates on the kids there.

Happy Summer and Happy retirement to David!!

-Adam

Everyone is doing well.  The family recently passed around a bug of some sort.  That was not fun.  It spurned some ear infections, but everyone has healed nicely. 

Jack had his first piano recital, which went over wonderfully.  He did great and was vey proud of himself (as were we!).  I will post the video and pics here as soon as I can, but for those of you on facebook, they are posted on Jen's profile.

Josh and Alex are both doing very well, save for a bout of "cabin fever" with all of this cold, snowy weather.  This past weekend with temps in the 60's was a wonderful reprieve.  Josh got to practice some baseball in preparation for T-ball this year, and Alex took his first spin on roller skates.  (He loved it)

All in all, everyone is good.  We're all anxiously awaiting the arrival of warmer weather.  Adam is dreading the coming of the annual DPH survey at work, and hopes it's quick, painless and turns out well.  Always a stressful time. 

Adam's Dad had spinal fusion surgery, and is recouping.  The surgery went well, and Adam went to CT to spend some time with him.  Dad reports that the symptoms are improved and he's on the mend.

As usual, there's always drama with Bruce.  Check out his pages for the updates.

Thanks to Joyce and Sheila for all the help with groceries and babysitting and tuition and everything.  We couldn't do it without your support.

-3/10/09

New song recording posted on the music page.  Some kid pictures and videos will be a'comin' soon - promise.

Quick update - everyone's great!  :-)

Happy New Year!

1/12/2009

So, as you all know, there was this huge ice storm in northern New England last Thursday.  My Mother was affected.  I went up on Friday night and stayed until Saturday evening.  When I arrived, the town of Westminster was pretty much destroyed - looked like a tornado went thorough with downed power lines, poles and trees everywhere.  Many of the roads were not passable, most others were down to one lane with debris everywhere.  No power anywhere.  When I got to my Mother's driveway, I was greeted with no less than 20 trees down blocking the way.  Took me about 15 minutes to climb my way through in the dark to get to her house.  She was OK with the wood stove for heat and no damage to the house.  We spent the night and then in the morning, started to dig out.  Thanks to Uncle Jeff and Jonny, and Jay and Carlos for coming by to help clear the driveway.  We cut up countless trees and spent a lot of hours clearing a tunnel so my Mother could get out.  She will probably be without power for some time.

Visit the picture page to see the pictures and some video.  I also posted pictures of the boys at Halloween.

12/15/08

Josh had his First day of Kindergarten today!  He reported having an "awesome time" in Mrs. Rolo's class.  Check out the picture page to see pics of him getting on the bus. 

Not to be forgotten is that Jack also had his first day of pre-school as well.  Busy day.  Jack also had a good time.

Make sure you check out Jack's video singing his favorite song.

8/28/08

Well, it's been awhile since I've updated.  So, here's the king's ransom.  I've added over 700 pictures in the picture gallery page going all the way back to last September.  It's amazing how time flies.  Check them out.

We are freshly back from our first "real" vacation in over 4 years to lovely Lake George.  We had a wonderful time and wish we were still there. 

JOSH

Josh has graduated from pre-school and is enjoying summer vacation!  He has just recently earned his Orange belt in karate and we are all very proud of his achievement.  Josh is looking forward to starting Kindergarten in the fall.

JACK

Jack is our little musician and is singing to us all the time.  He is enrolled in music school starting in September for piano lessons, and is in "Music Together" with Mommy all through the summer.

ALEX

We are very close to Alex's 1st birthday already!  He is starting to say "mamama" and "dadada" and is about 5 minutes from taking his first step.  He is an earlybird (up at 4:30AM every day - argh!)  But he has exploded with personality lately and is getting his tiny little fingers into everything whether nailed down or not!

JEN

Jen is still undergoing her quest for 8 hours of continuous sleep.  We wish her well in that search.  Jen also has also recently picked up a Per Diem job ad Landmark Health in Rhode Island.  We have been fortunate to find a very lovely and capable young lady to watch the boys during the day when needed.

ADAM

Adam is still doing the daily grind back and forth to Boston.  Sherrill House continues to be a challenging place to be at, but rewarding.  Otherwise, all is status quo on this front.

Thanks for visiting.  Enjoy the pictures!

6/29/08

Josh went to his first full day of preschool at Bright Beginnings which is part fo the Hopedale Public School system today.  He was very excited (as you can see above).  It was easy to see that Josh is used to this setting from daycare because he gave Mom and Dad quick kisses and hugs goodbye and was off into the classroom, all the while many other children were having much less smooth transitions.  Good luck Joshy!

Alex had his checkup today.  He is a little over 11 pounds already and doing just great.  Nothing to report which is good!

A couple of weeks ago, due to Bruce's situation, Devin (Bruce's grandson) was in Massachusetts with his Mother Chanel from Arizona and spent an evening with us.  Some pictures of our S'mores party are here.  We had a great time.  Devin, who recently won several awards, is very good in martial arts and gave us some great demonstrations.  In addition, and to Josh's delight, Devin also showed us his expertise in Playstation 2 and played the Spiderman game. 

The Fumia clan also made it's way up to Vermont for the Labor Day weekend.  The weather was wonderful and everyone had a good, relaxing time.  Pictures are here (there are some great ones of Jack!)

Well, even though it's supposed to be 90 degrees this week again, summer is almost over, school is starting everywhere, Adam's commute is tight once again.  We are now thinking about Josh's favorite holiday, Halloween and the fact that a very special birthday - Josh's 5th - is coming up soon.  Josh is starting soccer for the first time next weekend, and that ought to be very exciting.  Here are some pictures of Josh posing in his new soccer uniform

9/4/07

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Hello everyone.  Usually I have joyous news to post here, but that is unfortunately not the case this time.  As you may know, my mother's husband Bruce suffered a severe cardiac incident and is currently on life support.  Given his condition, he continues to do fairly well, and is making little gains here and there.  I have set up a special page on this website to post updates and information about Bruce and his battle.  At the top of the site there is a box with a link to the Bruce Update Page.  I will endeavour to post updates whenever possible.  You may also, if you wish, go to Bruce's page and send in words of encouragement, pictures, stories, etc. which I will then post.

Good luck, Bruce!  We're all pulling for you!

8/14/07

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Hi everyone.  I found a website where yuo can "Simsonize" a photograph.  That is, you can upload a photo of someone and the site will convert it into a simpson's style cartoon character for you.  I did that with all of us in the logo at the top of all the pages.  Thought it was funny.  Those are actually converted pictures of me, Jen, Josh, Jack and Alex.  You can see it bigger by clicking here.  There is a link to the website on the links page.

Everyone continues to do well.  Sheila was up this week to help Jen with the transition while I went back to work - thank you Sheila!  Also, thans to everyone who has visited or called or emailed or sent gifts for little Alex - it is all much appreciated.  We are so overjoyed at having three wonderful special little boys now.  Alex is getting bigger, is doing all of the things that babies are supposed to do and is a little cutie pie.  I'll have some more pictures up soon.

7/26/07

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Just wanted to drop a quick note to say everyone is doing well.  Alex had his 1 week checkup.  He was 6 lbs, 12 oz and was 19 3/4".  He is still a tiny bit jaundiced, but nothing to worry about.  He has a gunky eye, but we are just wiping it with a wet cloth - again nothing to worry about.  He is sleeping well, eating well.  It's actually nice to hear the sounds of an infant in the house again.  Josh and Jack are doing pretty well with this all.  There will still definitely be some adjustment, though.

For those of you who check this site for pictures, today is your lucky day.  I have finally posted a TON of pictures, from the past months, and from the past week with Alex.  Enjoy!

7/16/07

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Everyone continues to do very well.  Jen is up and about again, and Alex is doing great.  He had a busy day today with hearing tests and checkups and procedures, but has remained in good spirits (for a 2 day old!!)  More pictures are here.

We expect to have everyone home tomorrow afternoon.  Starting on Wednesday, we would love any visitors who want to stop by and see the new guy.  Just stop on over, send us an email or give us a call.  We'll be around!

7/9/07

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He's Here!  Alex was born this morning.  Pictures are here.  I'm home briefly to put up the first pictures.  So far, Alex has been wonderful.  He's been sleeping well, his color is good, etc., etc.  Jen is also doing well.  It was a long time getting things going when we went to the hospital at 11PM last night.  Jen didn't progress too much most of the night, but when they broke her water, things tripped into high gear.  Alex actually came most of the way out before the doctor even got into the room, and Jen never actually pushed at all - Alex just made his appearance.  Jen is obviously still tender, and tired, but  doing very well.  She's a trooper and we are all so proud of her!

Check back later in the week and I'll post more pictures. 

7/8/07   

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OK, well I looked up the definition of "schmuck" on the web, and the only one I found was that it's the Yiddish word for "Jerk."  I'll accept that.  I haven't updated this website since Jack's first birthday back in November of 2006.  I think schmuck sums it up.  Why?  Well, the usual excuse - I've been busy.  However, I do luckily have one better.  I crashed the website and put a back-up here, which was from last November (thank God I had that!)  Anyway, in my spare time, I have been putting things back together, and hopefully now I can post updates again.  There is no way to sum up all that has happened since I last posted, so what I will do is at the very least begin to post all the pictures I have accumulated since then. 

I will start today with Josh's recent graduation from his daycare center. 

As many of you may now know, Jen has resigned her position with the VA effective 6/29/07 so she can stay home with our children.  As part of that, Josh and Jack will be leaving Small World that same day.  Josh has been going here for most of his life, and it's a monumental event and accomplishment in his life to arrive at this graduation.  Josh has been my commuting companion, faithfully keeping me company every day for over 4 1/2 years.  I will miss him probably more than I even realize.  Thank you Josh (and Jack) for being so patient and wonderful putting up with a lifestyle many adults couldn't handle.  I'm proud of you and I admire your strength.  Daddy loves you!

Josh update

Josh is quickly becoming quite the little man.  He will be starting Bright Beginnings preschool in Hopedale in the Fall.  He is learning his letters and numbers very well and can even sign his name.  Josh is full of energy and loves to dance, play, sing and watch TV.

Jack update

Jack is doing awesome.  He is walking well, is beginning to talk like a champ and is a happy, personable little boy.  He has the greatest laugh.  A few weeks ago, he had surgery to remove his adenoids and place tubes.  he has been a completely new kid since then.  The surgery was very successful in relieving his ear infections, and his sinus pain.  It was a nerve-racking day for Mom and Dad, though!

Baby "J" update

The baby is just over 6lbs now.  Due date is 7/16/07.  We are busily getting Jack's room ready for the new addition.  We purchased a new crib and will be all set when the day arrives.  We are all very excited about his arrival.

Anyway, thank you all for your patience.  I will be putting on loads of pictures in the coming days - check back!

Happy Birthday, Jack!  Jack turns 1 year old on 11/14, if you can believe it.  We had a great party for him yesterday.  Thank you to everyone who made the trek in the rain to celebrate with us.  I wanted to post the pictures ASAP, so here they are.  Again thanks to all - it was good to see everyone.

11/13/06

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You know, I realized that I also forgot to post pictures form Halloween this year.  Here are some pics of our little pumpkin and Spiderman with muscles!  Josh is still working through all the candy he got (Dad may be helping a little ;-)

11/13/06

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Josh is officially 4 years old today!  Can you believe it??  We had a Pirate Birthday Party for him last weekend and it was a great time.  Check out the pictures here.  I can't believe my little boy is 4.  Seems like only yesterday that he came into this world.  We are so proud of him.  Thank you you to everyone who made the trek out to our house to celebrate with us.  Check out the Journal Page, about 1/2 way down for the entries I made 4 years ago when Josh was just arriving on the scene. 

Special thanks to:

Have a great weekend everyone.

9/28/06

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Hi again, everyone.  This is unusual - two posts in two days.  I have finally put up some "old" pictures here on the site. 

These pictures were on the "old" website, but it has taken me until now to get them here.  I will, over the next several months, be putting up more of the old photos I have of stuff like our honeymoon, various family get-togethers over the years and things of that nature.  I'm not sure yet how I will present them - perhaps an "Archive Photo" page or something similar.   For now, everything is on the Pictures page.  Any suggestions on how to present them are welcome.

9/12/06

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Ahoy there, Mayte!

The vacation is over.  Bummer.  We had a nice week off, but now it's back to work.  Jen is starting her new job and it's back to the grind for Adam, Josh and Jack.  Josh got to spend a couple of nights at Grammie's house (yes, that's 2 nights in a row!!), and had a blast.  Check out some pictures here.  The Fumia clan went up to VT and stayed at the Hawkes the first weekend of the trip.  David and Marilyn joined us.  David wasn't able to pull out any Trout, unfortunately, but had a lot of fun trying.  It rained most of the days.  Josh and Adam walked almost all of the way around the lake, and checked out the new trail to the big rock.  Dick was nice enough to give us a ride the last bit back to the cabin.  Jen and jack went to the Lobster bake back in Vermont the second and final weekend of the vacation.  Josh is allergic to shellfish, so he obviously didn't attend.

it was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing this morning!  I guess summer is gone, fall is here and my favorite time of year is upon us again.  It's a very busy time from here until February.

I can't let today go by without saying a word about what happened on 9/11/01.  It's one of those things that you will remember where you were, what you were doing, what you were thinking, what you were smelling - for the rest of your life.  I was working at Hospice Care, Inc. in Stoneham.  I was sitting at my desk and the intake nurse came out yelling that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center in New York.  She had heard it on her radio.  No one thought it was anything but a tragic accident at that point.  There was a lot of speculation, of course.  But little did we know that our entire world was going to change forever in a few more minutes.  As I sat at my desk, trying to get information on the internet, she came back out to report that the other tower had been hit.  "A plane just hit the second tower.  We're under attack."  I'll never forget those words.  At that moment, there was a sort of thick silence that descended over everything - inside and out.  Things were just - too quiet.  We watched what was happening on the television.  I just felt that I needed to be home and I left to be with Jen.  I listened to it on the radio.  Warplanes flew overhead my whole ride home.  We watched the devastation unfold on TV like some horror movie and wondered what was next.  Was Ryan OK?  Were Drew and Teresa OK?  We couldn't call anyone - the lines were all jammed.  I remember feeling so helpless, angry, scared - all at once.  It was this generations JFK.  We must never forget.

9/11/06

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Greetings!  Lots to tell you all about - where to start?

Jen got the job!!  She has been hired as the Manager of the Boston Telehealth Program.  We are all so proud of her - this is a really significant achievement.  She has a lot of work ahead of her, but she is looking forward to the challenge.  Congratulations, Jen.

Josh is a daddy!  Huh?  Josh is the proud owner of "Chicken Little", his new hamster.  Two hamsters came home from the store, but regrettably, only one is left.  Poor "Stuart Little" didn't make it.  However, Chicken is doing very well and loves to run all over the house in his exercise ball.  Sarah seems to have adjusted to the arrangement, but wasn't too sure about things when Chicken first came home, as you can see in the pictures.  Josh is being a great pet owner so far!

Josh has also graduated to the next swimming Pike class.  He is doing fantastic and can float by himself with a floaty, and can jump into the pool, as well.  Way to go, Josh!!

Jack can crawl!!  Finally!  Two weeks ago, he finally got the hang of crawling, and now he is unstoppable!  He's all over the house, and all the gates are back up.  The return of our "gated community".  The fuzzy hair remains, though :>)  Jack also had a lot of fun helping us clean the kitchen, recently, as well.

We have had some very nice visits with everyone over the past weeks.  Sheila and David came down last Sunday to visit after a successful visit to Lancaster (more details to follow), and we all had fun making pies.  The Fumia clan made the trip up to Westminster for a nice visit with Grammie and recuperating from ANOTHER shoulder surgery Grampa Bruce.  We were treated to a great meal and had a great time visiting.  Josh loved being at Grammie's house.  We also had a nice visit from Joy, Charles and Jenniebell, albeit brief.  It was great to see them again - thanks for making the trip!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.  Love to all!  New pictures are posted - check them out.

HAPPY GRADUATION JONATHAN!!  GOOD LUCK AT COLLEGE!  WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOU!!!  There's always a free meal at the Fumia house!

8/23/06

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Hey all.  I'm just here to post some pictures from our very fun weekend.  We went to Davis Farmland with Josh's best friend, Joey (from daycare), along with Joey's little brother, Andy, Mom Margaret and Dad George.  We had a GREAT time and were very glad that we we able to meet up with Joey and his family.  Josh and Joey ran through the water together, had ice cream and fed all the animals.  It was HOT and it was FUN!  Pictures of our day are here.

7/17/06

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Very bizzy these days.  Josh and Jack have been fighting some coughs and eye ailments, and everyone has been trying to stay cool.  We went for a couple of dips in Auntie Nene's pool, and made it out to the fair in Franklin for the 4th of July holiday, which was a lot of fun.  Josh even rode on the "Crazy School Bus" ride, and Jack managed to snag some cotton candy "behind daddy's back!".

Anyway, I am just here to post a few new miscellaneous pictures from June.  I know that some of you are waiting for baptism pictures, and I am working on scanning and such to get them posted.  I'll get them up as soon as I can.

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far!

7/6/06

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Hello everyone.  Just wanted to write a bit about Memorial Day weekend.  The Fumia clan went up to Vermont to attend the festivities.  We rented a cabin on the lake and took advantage of easy access to the water spending much time out on the boat.  Adam, Jen, Jack, Josh and Matt Dalton stayed in the cabin.

There was a parade through the center of Weston with police cars, fire trucks and antique cars plentiful.  Josh was very excited to see the fire trucks!  The Wantastiquet Trout Club also had a "float" in the parade.  The plan was for Josh and Emily to ride in the float and throw candy to onlookers.  However, there was some technical difficulty with the float and as it turns out, no one was able to actually ride in it.  No worries, though, as Josh was still able to fill all the little pockets in his fishing vest with candy, so he was none the worse for wear.  After the parade, there was a yummy pig roast.

We also attended a birthday party for Peter at the clubhouse.  Lots of yummy food and cake and a beautiful day.  Happy Birthday Peter!!

Everyone got to spend some time on the lake fishing (yes, even Adam) and exploring.  The weather was very good - couldn't' have asked for better.

All the pictures I have so far are here.  I'll post more as I receive them, so check back!  Have a good week, everyone!

6/1/06

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Mother's Day.  A day when sons and daughters should take a few minutes and be thankful for their Moms and all they do.  So, Thanks Mom for everything!

For The Fumias, Adam took his Mom out to a nice lunch at the Naked Fish.  It was a great time.  He met Mom at Bruce's mother's in Framingham and got a chance to say hi to Jean and Glen.  It was a very nice time.

Sheila was up in Vermont for a Director's Meeting at the Trout Club so she and Jen weren't able to be together for the day.  However, they did get to speak on the phone.  Jen spend a very good day with her boys.  Jen was treated to a nice breakfast cooked by Dad and Joshua.  Josh cut up a pineapple and bananas and made delicious fruit plates for everyone.  He also took care of the toast and did a great job (Dad took care of the eggs for obvious reasons...)  Jen then got some gifts from Josh and jack and everyone had a great morning.  See the pictures here.

The Fumias were then treated to a visit from Uncle Ryan and Ra.  Josh was very excited to see Uncle Ryan.  Ryan even helped to feed Jack!  Josh mysteriously appeared towards the end of the evening covered with Spider-Man tattoos.  We can only wonder who was responsible for that.  See the pictures here.

Happy soggy week, everyone.  Looks like we're in for it for a loooooong time to come here in Boston, unfortunately.  Stay dry!

Love, A, J, J & J.

5/15/06

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I would like to share with you an email exchange that I had the privelidge of being CC'd on recently.  I thought it was a hoot!  Please note that the names have been changed to protect the guilty!

ORIGINAL EMAIL

5/12/06

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Hello.  Things have been fairly well.  There hasn't been a heck of a lot to update.  One thing is that Jack is now using a nebulizer just like his older brother.  He was wheezy last week during Adam's vacation and the doctor prescribed Albuterol for a couple of weeks.  Jack has his official 6-month well-visit next week, and he'll be reevaluated then.  He's been doing well with the nebulizer mask - better than Josh did.  However, it certainly isn't his favorite thing to do.

One interesting note.  At the doctors visit, both boys were weighed.  Jack was 16 lbs, 3.5 oz with nothing on but a diaper.  Josh was 31 lbs fully clothed (sans shoes.)  Wow.

Jack has made the jump to solid food.  As you can see in the most recent pictures, he is enjoying food very much.  He still has to nurse after a meal, but he definitely is liking the food.  We know he likes sweet potatoes, oatmeal cereal and carrots.  We know he doesn't like rice cereal and peas.

Adam had a birthday!  He's now an old man of 32.  The best gift he got - the chance to spend an afternoon with his boys.  He went out to lunch with Grammie, Grampa Bruce, Josh, Jack, and Jen was able to come back early from her Maine business trip to join us.  Adam got some great presents, including the entire 1960's Spiderman Television series on DVD.  You'll never guess who that was from?!?!?  He also got some wonderful Omaha steaks from the Swifts.  Thanks to everyone for everything!!!

5/3/06

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BAPTISM DATE SET

Jack's baptism will be held on May 21 in Milford.  His baptism will be performed by the bishop himself!  If you want to come, give us a call or email and we'll let you know the specifics.  We haven't decided on the details for a reception yet, so stay tuned to TheFumias.com  We will most-likely host a small little get-together celebration at our house.

For your viewing pleasure, some pictures of our little Easter bunnies.

Happy Easter everyone!!

4/16/2006

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I would like to publicly thank my Mother for her donation of art supplies to Josh's daycare last week.  The Center, which you may or may knot know I am on the Board of Directors of, is a not-for-profit Corporation, and funds are limited.  The Small World Child Care Center is located on the grounds of the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center.  The VA provides the space and utilities and things like that.  Without the generosity of donors, the Center wouldn't be an rich and diverse as it is.  My Mom also donated something to which no value can be placed - her time.  She led Josh's class in an art lesson making and decorating paper hats.  The kids really loved her lesson and enjoyed having her there.  They want her back!  Josh was very proud to have his Grammie teach his class.

Thank you Mom and Grammie!!!

4/7/06

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Well, we found out "the hard way" that Josh now also has an allergy to shellfish.  Last Sunday, Josh and Dad took a trip into the ER.  It wasn't too serious, fortunately, but Joshy now has an "Epi-pen, Jr.", and let me tell you, there's nothing "Jr" about it.  It's a giant needle that has to be jammed into his thigh if he has an allergic reaction to anything.  So the list of no-no's for Josh is now:

On a lighter note, Joyce held a St. Patrick's Day party, complete with corned beef and cabbage and little hats and everything, at our house which went very well.  Josh and Jack both had a great time and talked about it for days afterwards.  Check out the pictures.

3/17/06

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Jack ate his first SOLID FOOD last night!  He gobbled it down.  Josh helped to feed him his first few bites.  Pictures of this momentous event here.  Way to go, Jack!!!

3/13/06

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Jack can sit up!!  (Well, sort of.)  Here are some pictures of Jack making a good attempt.

Recent Jack update.  Jack is yet another champion sleeper, going for as much as 10 hours without interruption.  Parents everywhere hate us, so I'm told.  He has also been taking 3 and 4 hour naps during the day at daycare.  We're beginning to wonder if this is the first of MANY growth spurts for our future linebacker.  Jack has been adjusting to his new schedule well so far.  Folks at Small World really like Jack and are glad to have him there.

Recent Josh update.  Josh has been a great big brother so far.  He is helping to show Jack how to roll over and sit up and play with cars and all kinds of other things.  Josh has been doing well at school.  He has a bit of cabin fever with the cold weather recently and enjoyed the chance to get outside yesterday with the warm weather.  He's looking forward to helping daddy "fix things" outside in today's nice weather as well.  Josh continues to do well with his swimming lessons.  He is having a little problem with Jack getting attention at home, but is very willing to have all of us play together.

3/11/06

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I

 have posted some pictures from Bruce's recent trip to Arizona to reunite with his daughter, Chanel after a few years apart.  Bruce also got to meet his grandson for the first time, as well.  The trip by all accounts went very well which is a very, very good thing for everyone!

3/5/06

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Hello everyone.  I have FINALLY posted a bunch of new pictures.  Sorry to be so incommunicado lately.  As you can imagine, our lives have been quite full adjusting to the new routine with 2 kids (still sounds weird).  I promise to post a much more thought-out and eloquent narrative in the near future, but for now, here are some highlights from what's been going on:

Check out all the new pictures.  More later - I promise!!

2/27/06

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David just sent me his pictures of the Vermont trip.  Check them out.

12/19/05

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We had a great visit to Weston last weekend to celebrate Christmas with the Swift/Weston family.  A great time was had by all.  Everyone chipped in to decorate the tree and get the place looking festive for the season.  A special thank you to Emily and Lee for spending so much time playing in the snow with Joshua.  He had a wonderful time and enjoyed sledding and playing in the snow.  Another special thank you to Sheila for helping out with Jack all evening.  I think Jack also had a good time.

It was quite the eventful visit.  Several games of cribbage and pitch were played, sometimes with surprising results!  Ra is a natural, methinks!  Ryan and Brian, it was a pleasure for Dick and I to kick your butt in Pitch, too!

Check out the pictures from the event.  High-resolution downloads of the group Christmas pictures are here and here.  If you have electronic pictures of the weekend that you would like me to post, email me.

Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for a wonderful weekend!

Here is a link to a fun little holiday thingy.

12/10/05

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Jack has been good these past couple of days. He seems to be comforted fairly well which is good.  He's been burping and pooping and crying and all the things babies are supposed to do.  He is still as red as the setting sun in Phoenix, and chubby as can be. He's got quite a little personality on him already. He can move his head pretty good. He stares at you and makes these funny little faces - it's adorable.

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Well, he's here.  At 1:58PM today, we welcomed the newest Fumia into the world.  Jack Warren Fumia weighed in at a whopping 9lbs, 15oz.  We went into the hospital for 7AM and right after the doctors "did their thing", Jen started contractions.  She performed like a trooper and did an amazing job.  By 2, Jack was born.  He is a cutie and has a wonderful temperament.  He has spent a lot of time sleeping and looking around at stuff, but not that much time crying (just yet.)  Jen is doing good, and Jack is doing great.  Josh is still figuring things out, but will be fine.

More to come!!

11/14/05

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Halloween Fun.  Josh had a GREAT time for Halloween this year.  As you can see, he decided to dress up as Spider Man.  Josh and Grammie made some Halloween treats in the form of lips and little licorice spiders which Josh brought into school with him.  The kids loved the treats and it even got a mention in the school newsletter.  Josh made out very well with his candy bucket and sends out a special Spider-Man "Thank You" to uncle Ryan for going out with him.  He had to give up some candy that had peanuts and eggs, (but Mom and Dad made it up to him.)  Jack-Jack, Jen, Uncle Ryan and Josh hit the streets and traveled the Cemetery Street and Bancroft park loop.  Dad stayed home to give out candy and scare the trick-or-treater's.

Jen is now officially on maternity leave, and is getting ready for the big day.  Brother Ryan stayed with her yesterday so she wouldn't be alone.  Mom is staying today and tomorrow, and we hope to have someone to stay for the rest of the week, or I will be there myself.  With the hospital so far away, we want to be sure that Jen isn't home alone all day.  Thank you to Ryan and to Sheila!

And Ryan, thanks for helping with the battery!

Stay tuned for news of the "big day"!    I'll post some more Halloween pictures, as well as a few others very soon.

11/1/05

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GOOD NEWS!  Jen has a clean bill of health from the doctors, and so does "Jack-Jack."  We went in today for a final ultrasound, and everything looks quite on track for a healthy and BIG baby boy very soon!  Jack-Jack is weighing in at more than 7pounds already, and Jen's November 7 due date is still a few weeks away.  And she is feeling every ounce of him at this point.  Make sure you check out the most recent ultrasound pictures of our big boy.  The plan is for Jen to work this week and next, and stop on 10/28 as her last day.  However, we'll see how that plan pans out, as it's getting harder and harder for her to move around, much less sit in rush-hour traffic.  Jen's a trooper though, and is doing great considering.  We are both very excited about what is to come, and can't wait to share this joy with all of our family and friends.  Josh is also excited and regularly talks to Jack-Jack and says good-night every night.  Josh even insisted on buying Jack-Jack his own little pumpkin, which we have proudly posted on the front porch.  Remember to keep checking back to TheFumias.com, as I will post pictures of the new arrival as soon as I possibly can.  Wish us well!!!

10/18/05

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We had a great visit today by Grammie and Grampa Bruce.  We went to get ice cream and had a great time.  It was great to see you guys - thanks for stopping by.

8/21/05

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The Bridge is done!  So is the deck!  David and Sheila have sent word, and pictures, that the bridge across the creek at the Vermont house has been completed!  It looks great, it's very safe (no more bouncing) and has sturdy railings.  They also spent time sanding and refinishing of the back deck - Josh and his legs thank you!  Great job!!!

8/11/05

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Josh has been enjoying his brand new water table that Dad made for him to keep cool.  Josh, Ethan and Caleb have been enjoying the water, and the pool during these hot weekends.

Jen is pregnant!  She will have another long, hot, uncomfortable summer.  Her due date is November 7, 2005, which happens to be the day before her birthday!  Everything has gone well so far.  All ultrasounds have shown both Jen and "Jack-Jack" to be healthy and everything is on-target.  Jen will give birth at Newton-Wellesley Hospital again.  Our experience there last time was excellent.

Jen has moved into a new job.  Previously, Jen was working at the VA in West Roxbury as a case manager.  She was approached by "upper level" people to transition into the home care program at the JP campus - which is right across the street from Sherrill House, and in the same campus as Josh's daycare.  The entire Fumia family will be within walking distance every day!  This is a great opportunity for Jen and a good move for her career.  She is very excited.  She started on Monday, 7/18/05,  We all wish you luck, Jen!

7/05

I haven't updated in a long time, I know.  Sorry.  It's been a a bit crazy here in the past couple of weeks.  The old computer room is almost completely empty, now.  In the next couple of weeks, we are going to start the painting process.  Jen and I have decided to go with the "classic Winnie the Pooh" theme.  Meaning that we are going to go with colors that are of the more antique shade and not the bright golds and reds.  The guys, Paul and Dennis, whom I work for in my second job have offered to help us pick out colors, and even scan some images into the computer so that we can print transparencies, then project the images on the wall and trace them on.  I think it'll be a lot of fun!

I went to a conference the other day at the Greenbough & Noble school in Dedham, which was a great experience.  It is this old school that teached kids from grade 7 through grade 12.  It's a fancy, schmancy private school.  There is a real castle in the grounds where we ate lunch.  I made a lot of good business contacts, and learned a lot.  It was a good experience.

Jen has been getting slammed at work.  They are chronically understaffed, and it is starting to worry me a little bit.  I know how tired she is when she comes home at night, and I'm not sure it's 100% healthy for her to be so busy that she misses lunch.  But, she says she is fine, and I have to believe her.  I guess I'm just being the neurotic, over-protective husband right now.  I just want her to be as comfortable and healthy as possible.  I worry about her.  But, she is a string, intelligent woman and can look out for herself, too.  I just wish they'd cut her a break now and then, you know?

Anyhoo, we're on our way to Connecticut to see the Dad's for Father's Day.  I am looking forward to seeing my Dad - I haven't seen him in a long time.  And, I always enjoy seeing David.  It's raining pretty good which should make for SUCH A FUN DRIVE (yeah, right).  But, we'll take it slow.

Until next time. 

Love, A&J

Posted 6/15/02

Check out the new part of the site!  I have added a page for music.  None available, yet, due to space limitations, but I hope to soon.  I have links to some musicians sites, and I hope others will send in new links and chat about music.

-Adam

Posted 5/23/02

Sorry that it's been a long time since we've updated.  So much has gone on lately that there never seems to be time.  Where to begin?  Ah...guy's weekend.  David hosted the guy's weekend getaway two weekends ago.  The weather was great, the food even better and the lake was pristine.  Everyone was hauling in fish (um...well...except for David, of course :o)  I had a chance to put the canoe in the water and row around the lake (with Lee in tow.)  It was wonderful and very relaxing.  It was my first visit to the club, both solo and as a member.

My Mom and Bruce are pretty much into their new house in Westminster.  I helped Bruce move their stuff out of storage in Holliston and bring it to Westminster.  It was a cold, rainy miserable day.  I'm glad I was able to help out, though.  Their house is coming along.  Some walls have been knocked out, and the paint is going on and the floor is in.  Lots to do, but the furniture has been delivered and they can finally start to put their new home together.  The house is pretty unique, and the property is awesome.  They are on about 5 acres of land that is all wooded.  The house is set back along a long, windy driveway from the road, and they are right on the edge of a lake.  It's so quiet and beautiful.  It will be a great place to bring "Rufus" in the coming months.  Lots of places to explore!  Oh yeah, and when we got there last Friday, there was about 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground!!  Can you believe that - on May 18!!

Our house is now starting to fill up with baby stuff.  There is a pile of baby clothes in the dining room, a crib in the basement and some sort of rocker plaything in the living room.  Man, how time flies and changes things in a person's life.  I can't believe it's all happening yet.  It's magical, and scary and wonderful.  And the best part about it is that I have such a wonderful woman to share it all with.  I'd be lost without her.

I will sign off with a thought.  I recently heard of an acquaintance of mine who has a young family member who was diagnosed with a possibly terminal illness.  When I wrote back to my friend, I found myself reflecting on how my views of these things has changed over the past years.  Since I have been working at hospice, I have come to realize that our life is a journey.  It has a beginning and an end.  We can't fear the end - it is part of the fabric of our being.  The end will come whenever it comes, and we must realize that we cannot change that - nor should we.  I will leave with a final quote that was sent in to my office with a donation by a family member of one of our patients.

"The value of our life is not in the number of days we have, but in the use we make of them."

Ciao...

-AJ

Posted 5/21/02

Well, we are starting yet another week.  (Do they just keep coming?  Or do they ever stop?)  It was especially hard to go to work today, that's for sure.  We spent the weekend in Vermont.  It was absolutely lovely up there.  The temperature was 70 degrees, there was a little breeze, the sun was shining, the grass was green, the flowers were blooming, and I even got a SUNBURN!!  I can actually say that I got my first sunburn this year in Vermont!  It was wonderful.  We both feel much more relaxed than we have in a long time.  Jen is doing great.  She is starting to get big around the belly.  She says that she can feel little "Rufus" kicking around in there.  That's pretty cool!.

Well, I don't have anything mushy or profound to say.  I lost 5 pounds - I guess that's it.  I'll just put some links to some fun sites.  Enjoy and have a great day!!

Have fun and enjoy.  Send me an email, I'd love to hear from you!

-Adam

Posted 5/6/02

It's Wednesday - hump day.  Wednesdays are always kind of tough for me.  I usually work at Masquerade on Wednesday nights, which means that I don't get home until late.  I guess it's better than wasting away in front of the TV, and I get paid for it - but still, I think I would rather NOT be going from one job to another.  I have always had multiple jobs.  When I worked at the VNAB (Visiting Nurse Association of Boston), I worked almost 80 hours a week for a whole year.  I worked 6:30AM to 6:30PM every day, and then I would work reception on Saturday (and some Sundays) for 12 hour shifts.  The paycheck was great - but WOW.  I don't think I would want to work quite that much again if I can help it.  I understand that it's going to be necessary for my to leave my "9 to 5" in order to take care of our son.  So, that means I will either have to get a night job (or, at least second shift), or piece together a couple of part-times.  Like bookkeeping, which is what I do for Masquerade.  I have learned that sometimes you can plan ahead, and sometimes, you need to wait and see what the future brings.  The best laid plans can go to shit is a millisecond.  But, you don't want to be caught with your pants down, either.  It's a balancing act.  It certainly adds flavor to life!  Sometimes bitter, and sometimes sweet.  But always interesting.

-Adam

Posted 5/1/02

It's still surreal that we're going to have a baby, but seeing

I can't wait!

Posted 4/24/02

WE KNOW!!!

Well, the guessing is over.  Jennifer had the ultrasound today, and everything is just fine, I am happy to report!  The baby is growing normally, has all the correct number of fingers and toes, and is moving around like mad.  It didn't want to stay still for the nice ultrasound lady - already causing trouble!  I couldn't be more happy and proud of my wife and my new family.  Life really doesn't get any better than this.  I truly have it all, and everything else is just frosting on top (but, I DO like frosting...Mmmm).

Anyway, we know what it is.  We cheated and know the sex of our baby.  Would you like to know, too?

Thanks to everyone who has supported us with love, and help and friendship so far.  We can't thank you enough.  It really does make the difference between happiness and, well, being not so happy, I guess, to have people around us who love us and want to see us succeed.  Well, maybe I'm a little mushy right now - but the sentiment is true and pure.

Well, go find out what the sex of the baby is, already.  Geeze!

-Adam

Posted 4/23/02

Well, we now begin another long week.  Both of us have used up all of our comp time, and now we must trudge on to earn as much as possible back before the baby comes.  It is fortunate that we both had jobs that offer extensive time off, and that we were able to stay in Bethesda with Jen's family when we were needed without having to worry about work.  In some small way, I personally think it might be nice to return to some semblance of routine.  I have to admit that I have been finding it hard to focus on the "work game" after so much emotion for such a long time.  I can only imagine what Sheila has been going through all these months.  The thought of sitting at a desk for 40 hours this week does not fill me with happiness.  Perhaps a desk is not where I am supposed to be?  I am beginning to think that it's not.  After having a "crash course" this past week in the life of a man who accomplished so much, I begin to see how little I have done.  I have certainly sat down at the banquet of life, and eaten (en masse!), but I haven't really taken the chance to enjoy it all that much.  I think it's time for a change.  As I get older, I see that life is what you make of it.  If you wait around for things to happen, and for things to come to you, then you life a life of anticipation - not fulfillment.  Perspective is the key, I think.  I couldn't ask to be more blessed - I have a beautiful and wonderful wife, I have a child on the way, I am healthy, I have a family who loves me.  I'm doing ok.  Now I just have to trust that and seek out happiness and success, rather than wait for it to come to me.  Because, man, it 'aint comin'!

Tomorrow is going to be a pivotal day in my (and Jen's) life.  We go to the ultrasound and will find out the sex of our child.  I must admit that I am excited.  We talked about whether or not we would want to know, and decided that it would behoove us to know early.  Yes, it will take some of the surprise away, but I think that the surprise element is really just for us - no other reason.  What I mean is that I think it will help us to get ready for the child, given our limited financial resources right now, if we can buy things for a boy or a girl.  In any case, I am really looking forward to knowing, and I think Jen is, too.  Check back here tomorrow and you'll know too!

Welp, those are my ramblings for the day.  Can you tell it's Monday?  I always look for a reason to be optimistic on Mondays.  I hope yours is good!  Ta ta!

-Adam

Posted 4/22/02

What a week it's been.  On Friday, Ryan called us to say that Jen's Grandfather, Dr. John Allen Hall, was not doing well, and that we should prepare for what was to come.  Dr. Hall had recently taken a nasty fall and broken his hip.  He had surgery to repair the damage, but he never was able to get back to his old, vigorous self from that trauma.  I called Jen at work, and she left to come home.  We immediately drove down to Bethesda, Maryland that morning to be with the family.  The traffic was pretty bad, and it took us 10 hours to get there, but we were in time.  Dr. Hall was still with us, although not able to communicate at that point, and we were just waiting for John Allen Hall, Jr. to arrive from California.  He did arrive around 9PM from the airport.  Dr. Hall's whole family was there, by his side, and he passed away at 12:11 AM on April 13, 2002.  It was quite remarkable because Mrs. Hall, Dr. Hall's wife, had passed away at 12:11 AM on May 13 several years ago.

We spent the next few days making plans for the service, contacting family and friends, going through the mountains of photographs Dr. Hall had spent a lifetime collecting, beginning the process of packing up Dr. Hall's possessions and taking time to reflect on a truly remarkable life.  On Wednesday, April 18, 2002, the family, and a number of friends gathered at the National Cathedral to celebrate a service for Dr. Hall, and say goodbye to a man that had touched the lives of so many people, both personally, and through his work to make the world a safer place to live in.  The sky was bright and blue, the air was warm, the birds were singing, and the world was beautiful.  It truly was as if he was also saying goodbye to us.

That night, we went to Dr. Hall's favorite restaurant, Jean Michael's in Bethesda.  We had a wonderful meal, and toasted "farewell" to Dr. Hall, which is something he would have approved of, and enjoyed very much, with a fabulous bottle of wine picked out by his Grandson, Ryan.  He would have been proud - it was a great bottle of wine!

While I was not able to know Dr. Hall before his health began to be a barrier to his communication, his impact on those his life touched is a testimony to the legacy of the man.  He was a proper gentleman, an intelligent man, he loved his fine food and good wine, and was someone who worked his entire life to both make a difference in the world, and enjoy it at the same time.  When his name is spoken, it is done so with respect and admiration.  Men like Dr. John Allen Hall truly are a rarity in modern times, and his passing, while part of the cycle of life, is a loss to the world.  Personally, to Dr. Hall, I say "Farewell.  In the short time I knew you, you touched my life, and those of my family.  I am gratified that you were able to see your Granddaughter married, and that you knew she was going to carry on the family line.  I will take care of her.  And whenever I drink a good glass of wine, I will think of you."

-Adam Fumia

Posted 4/20/02

Check out the names

Sheila has been down in Bethesda for the last few days.  Dr. Hall has been having some challenges to get through and she is there to help him.  He is having a tough time of it and our thoughts and prayers are with him.  The plan is for David to take the train down this weekend and then they will make the looooong trip back to Connecticut.  Maybe a few hours alone together in a car will be something to look forward to, in some strange way.  Perhaps some hours of relative quiet and peace will be good for the soul.

Posted 4/10/02

New pictures of the wedding are here - from David & Sheila.

A new week is here.  As we were sitting on our rumps this weekend, working hard to put impressions of them into the couch, the phone rang.  It was our upstairs neighbor, Matthew.  He was meeting a friend at the Waltham Middle School.  She is having twins, and was at the school to go to a fair sponsored by the Mothers of Multiple Babies (MMOTA, I think).  It was a gold mine for us.  $1.00 to get in, and well worth it.  They had tables of clothes for newborns,  through to the Mother-to-be, most for $1.00 or so.  We picked up some tiny little jumpers and some bibs.  Also, they had durable stuff, like high-chairs, strollers, etc.  Jennifer talked to one of the ladies running the fair and found a car seat that was only a year old, and had only been used a couple of times.  For $32.00!  And then we picked up a stroller for $5.00!!  So, now we have a stroller and car seat sitting in our living room.  You'd think we were expecting?!?  Anyway, that was a nice surprise.

We also went out to Concord to see where my Mother and Bruce are staying.  Bruce works for the National Park Service, and is in charge of the maintenance for the Minuteman National Park in Lincoln, Lexington and Concord.  While they wait for all of the closing junk to be completed on their house in Westminster, they are staying in this wonderful old house that belongs to the park.  It dates back from the early 1700's, and is very neat, indeed.  

We are still planning our trip to NYC to witness David FINALLY graduate from NYU with his doctorate.  Yaay!  We'll stay with Drew and Teresa while we're there.  We are very much looking forward to going and being there with David for the big day.

Posted 4/8/02

He's Here, He's Here!!

Joshua David Fumia was born on September 28, 2002 at 5:50 AM weighing in at 8lbs., 6oz.  

Jennifer is doing wonderful after about 27 hours of pre and regular labor.  She did incredible by all accounts and I am so incredibly in awe of her stature and her determination.  Joshua is cute as a bug, and big as a horse.  He is a beautiful baby boy with all fingers and toes in tact, and Mom and Dad couldn't be happier.

I have to get back to Mom and will write much more later on, but, as promised, here are the first pictures of the newest addition to our family.  Enjoy, thanks you to all for all of your help and good wishes, and know that Mom, Dad and Baby are doing just great.

-Adam (daddy)

posted 9/28/02

One centimeter dilated and 50% effaced...

One centimeter dilated and 50% effaced.  That pretty much explains our lives for the last couple of weeks.  Jen went from 0 CM dilated and 0% effaced to 1 & 50%.  That’s about all the movement we’ve seen toward the “big day.”  Jen has been moving right along, though.  She gained 5 pounds just last week, if you can believe that!  That’s like the equivalent of her whole leg.  Anyway, “The Big Wait” goes on as we enjoy our last few nights of sleep and quiet, and await the first day of the rest of our lives. 

One good thing.  Jen’s last day of work was on Friday.  The daily grind was staring to take a toll on her, so it’ll be a nice relief when she can sit down and rest during the day.  I know Sarah will be very happy to have some company during the day.  Other than resting, the only thing Jen has on her plate until the baby comes is to go and get the car seat in the Jeep inspected by the Waltham police.  She already had the one in the Jetta inspected (we put it in wrong, of course,) but the nice officer there corrected our errors and the seat is now nice and secure. 

The update on my job is that it is still good.  I am enjoying the work, although it is very much the same kind of thing I have been doing for the past two years, so it’s nothing new.  The nice part is that I have a lot more freedom, the people are very nice, my bosses are being extremely flexible with me as far as the baby is concerned, I am not being micromanaged (halleluiah), and it’s a really good fit for me.  I am glad I made the move when I did.  It’s a good situation all around. 

You may notice that, with this update, I have removed a good chunk of the pictures.  Unfortunately, I am limited to 10 MB of space on this site, and before this update, I was at 9.75 MB.  Pictures take up a lot of space, and I really needed to make room for baby pictures.  One of these days, I will be switching to a web hosting company, and then I’ll have 100 - 200 MB of space, so that won’t be a problem anymore.  The site will also have online forms, voting, and somewhere between 10 – 20 people will be able to get email accounts on the site. And it’s just like a normal email account.  I wouldn’t be able to snoop on the emails, and you’d login just like on AOL or whatever.  It’ll be very cool.  I’m looking forward to that.  Well, sorry to go on-and-on, but you all know how excited I get about these technical things.  I mean, we got a firewall/router last weekend and that is so cool!!  I am all set up to work from home with PCanywhere.  So, I can do my work just like I’m at my desk in Boston, but from the house in Waltham.  That’ll allow me to work from home and spend more time with Jen and the baby.  I just think that stuff is the neatest.  Anyway, be sure to check the site soon after you get the word that the baby has arrives, as I will put pictures up A.S.A.P.  That’s a priority for us, so that those friends and members of the family who are not up here in New England can still be part of this occasion. 

Well, back to waiting.  We hope everyone is well.  We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone soon.  How lucky is this little boy to have such a diverse, interesting and loving family all around him?  I think he’s damn lucky.  As are Jen and I.  Love to you all. 

-A&J

P.S.  New pictures of "The Belly"

Posted 9/21/02

The Big Wait

Another week gone by, and another “perfect” exam for Jen.  The doctor checked her out today and we are happy to report that everything looks great.  Jen is still “fully closed”, and things aren’t ready to happen just yet.  Most importantly, we are happy to say that the baby has turned!  He is head-down and is no longer in a breech presentation!  Yay!  It’s one of those, “all systems are go” situations.  Now, we wait until “Rufus” is good and ready to make his grand entrance.  Other than that, Jen is feeling tired and big and is having a bit of trouble keeping her energy level up.  Sleeping is very difficult, and she is definitely looking forward to her last day at work before her maternity leave.  But she is getting along fabulously, and I am so proud of the wonderful job she is doing so far.  I admire and respect her more that I could ever express.  She is already proving what a wonderful mother she is going to be!  The girls at her work gave Jen a shower yesterday, and that was a nice surprise.  Ingrid made “Rufus” a blanket, and we got some other really neat gifts as well.  It meant a lot to Jen that people at her work recognized this special occasion and was so glad that she could share this happiness with her “work family”. 

The update from me is that my job is going along well, so far.  There certainly is much work to do.  I am not looking for things to keep me busy, that’s for sure.  They are glad to have me, I think, and I definitely feel useful, because I am filling a void they have had in the administration and development departments of Sherrill House (SH).  I am getting to know all of the employees, and the volunteers and donors as well.  There are some really good people here, and that, to me, makes all of the difference.  Everyone is excited for Jen and me about the baby and keep asking how she is doing.  It’s a real “family” atmosphere there, and I am glad to be working at SH.  There will be a lot of opportunity for me there, I think.  One of my bosses (I have 2), is attempting to prove to the board of directors that we need to hire an additional staff person.  That would be great, because my duties would not be so split and I could really concentrate on the development./database and systems aspects of my job.  Although, and don’t tell them this, I do enjoy the break when I have to do the more mundane tasks.  In any case, this was a good move, so far, and everything is working out well. 

Last weekend, I went to Westminster to help Bruce out up a drop ceiling in the basement.  It’s a lot of work!  It’s amazing what he did with that room, though.  He moved and redirected all of the plumbing, he put in a vent for the dryer, he added plugs, he sheet rocked the whole room and he put in a new floor.  He even added a new closet.  It’s amazing the transformation of their new house.  Anyway, after that, I went to Holliston, where Jonny, some of his pals, and I “jammed” for a couple of hours.  It’s been a long time since I’ve done that.  I got to play the drums with a few songs, sing (of course), and play the keyboard for a few, as well.  It was a lot of fun.  I forgot how much I love doing that! 

That’s all for now.  The wait is on!!  See/talk to you all soon. 

Love,

-Adam & Jen 

posted 9/6/02

We're Getting Closer...

Well, lets see.  I guess first I would like to send a huge "Thank You" out to David, for helping me move a couch and a futon last weekend, and to Sheila for shampooing all of our rugs.  The Swifts came for a visit last weekend to say "hi", have dinner and to let us borrow the rug shampoo machine.  I think we got most of the "Sarah Cooties" off of the rugs (although her hair still has a firm stronghold on the dining room rug - it's clean, but it's there!)  But, even better, they brought us the family cradle.  It is all refinished and rejuvenated and absolutely beautiful!  It's so nice to have a piece of history, really, to put "Rufus" in when he first comes home.  Oh, and we also went to a fabulous dinner at the Tuscan here in Waltham.  If you ever can, get out to eat there - it's a wonderful Italian restaurant.  It's located right on Moody street, and reservations are required, so call ahead.  It's definitely worth the trip!  Thank you David and Sheila for everything!  It was really great to see you.

We also got to take a trip out to Westminster last night to see Joyce and Bruce, and go to another really nice dinner at this really cool "country style" restaurant.  I say "country style" because it reminded me of a big cabin.  It was all wood planked floors, there are two covered bridges going over water falls to get to the entrance and there is a big duck pond, as well.  It's a really cool, secluded "woodsey" atmosphere.  Neat place.  It was such a nice night, the temperature was perfect and the sunset was gorgeous.  We had a wonderful time - Thanks Mom and Bruce!  Joyce had a special event to celebrate - her student loans are finally paid off!!  Yay!!!  That must be such a burden off the shoulders- congratulations, Mom.  They're done, done, done!!  We also got to see the incredible job Bruce did with the laundry room downstairs.  It is completely transformed, with new walls and closet.  The ceiling goes in this weekend.  It looks great!

Jennie updates.  See her page for more belly pics

I can't possible put into words what all of the love and support everyone has shown us has meant to Jen and me over these past many months.  Just saying "thank you" doesn't seem adequate.  However, it's the best I can think of.  Thank you all for the support, the faith in us, the wonderful gifts, the love, the friendship and for letting us know that your there for us if we need you.  We are so excited at what's to come and can't wait to share this time with each and every one of you.  Thank you all so much and we love you.  We'd be lost and lonely without our families by our sides.  We are better people, and will be better parents because of our strong families, and support we have.  Thank you.  We love you very much!

Before I sign off, be sure to check out the belly pics

FIRST:

*Adam and Jen will call:  David & Sheila, Joyce & Bruce, Perry, Mary, David Fumia, Matthew & Elisa, John & Karen, (and our respective places of employment)

THEN:

*Joyce & Bruce will call:  The Neal's and the Firth's

*David & Sheila will call:  Ryan, The Halls, all the Perrys and the Fales

*David Fumia will call:  The Fumia's

*Perry will call:  Doug

*Mary will call:  The Weston's

Please let us know if you think we have forgotten anyone, or if this is not acceptable to people.  We'll talk to everyone personally, but I just wanted to present it here so everyone could look at it.  I will send emails to everyone with phone numbers that we have and everything else.  Thank you for your willingness to help.  My primary job will be to be with Jennie.  The only thing I am going to do while she is in the hospital is run home to put pictures of the new guy on this site.  It'll be great to have some people to take care of the logistics.  Anyway, we'll talk...  Thank you!

Till later...

Love,

Adam and Jen.

Posted 8/29/02

Shower, Shower, Shower!

Jen's shower

The day started about noon, which is when everyone started to arrive.  We were treated to a huge salad buffet, with all kinds of lettuce and toppings (even the goat cheese was good!)  It was a great idea to have something lite, like salad, on a hot day.  We then visited for awhile, while the children went outside to explore the woods behind the house.  David, Marilyn and Nana Fumia were there to represent the Fumias.  Thank you for coming!  Then we all sat around the living room while Jen attacked the mountain of gifts.  In her usual, slow, methodical style, she opened each gift (much to the dismay of the kids.  They helped her rip open a package or two when Jennie went too slow for their tastes!)

In any case, we had a wonderful time.  It was so nice to see everyone come out to support us on our "adventure".  It was so nice to have all of my family together showing how much they care about Jen and me.  And, I know they see what a wonderful person Jen is, just like I do.  Thank you all for everything - especially for being there.  It means the world to us both.  And thank you, Cathy, for trekking up from Connecticut.  It was great to see you, as well.

One more update:  Adam's new Job.  So far so good!  The computer was down my first 2 days there, so it was hard to jump right in.  But the people there are really nice, and have welcomed me with open arms.  I think it will be a good place for me to be.  They genuinely are happy to have me and are excited about the things that I can help them accomplish.  Sherrill House has a long and distinguished reputation.  They are well known and respected in the Boston community, so I'm glad to be a part of that.  The commute is still a work in progress.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Thank to ALL who showed us how much we are loved.  We love you, too.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Love,

A&J

Posted 8/14/02

Well, we had a very nice phone call today form the land of fun, relaxation, fish (yuk!) and merriment (translated = Vermont).  The Jr. Perry's are up for a visit, and they called to check up on us, and more specifically, on how Jennie is doing.  It sounded like they were having a great time, and both Jen and I were very jealous and sad that we couldn't be there.  Unfortunately, Jen won't be able to make that trip in the car for a while.  It's just a bit too long for her (and her belly) to sit in a car.  So, we will look forward to seeing Vermont as soon as we can.  Of course, next time it will be a threesome!!

Welp, it's DONE, DONE, DONE!!  The nursery is finally finished!  And it looks really great.  We spent a lot of time this evening just sitting in there, enjoying the fruits of our labors.  David and Sheila helped to paint, and we got lots of stuff in our theme (Winnie the Pooh) for the shower in Vermont, so it is decorated just perfect, and the colors worked, and we are just so happy with it.  I tried to do a 360 degree picture of it, and it didn't work out as well as I wanted, so I just posted somepictures

Oh, before I forget, be sure to check out these new pictures of Jennie's big belly

We went out to Westminster for dinner on Friday night.  It was a good time.  Bruce grilled out some pork chops (and he did a great job!) and we had a salad with lettuce from my garden.  (Hey, by the way - anyone out there with a green thumb.  My tomatoes plants are, like, 5 feet tall and I can't keep them tied up.  The fruit isn't even beginning to get red yet.  How big will they grow?  I'm afraid they are going to die all hunched over.  Lemme know

It's pretty surreal to think that I only have 4 more days to go before I no longer work at Hospice.  It will be a whole new world not being a part of the VNAB soon.  I feel that I grew up there and it almost feels like I'm leaving home.  It really hasn't hit me that I am going to have to start everything over, again.  It's really exciting, and really good, and really where I want to be, but it's also a daunting task.  I am sure that the work is something I can handle, and that I really will be an asset to the folks at Sherrill House, but there are the things that people seem to overlook.  I have to meet all new people, forge new friendships, search for that "comfortable" feeling, again.  Figure out where the boundaries are, when I can take a coffee break, when I can sneak out early, when to sense the bosses are in a "stay away" mood, and when they would like to chat about personal things.  Then there's that feeling that you know you have authority to do "this" or "that" without asking that only comes with the trust and dependence of time.  And, getting through that first big screw-up.  Although, there are a lot of new challenges, too.  New people to meet, new things to learn and experience.  New ways to feel useful and important.  So many emotions that sometimes I wonder how I will have the time and energy to feel them all - plus go home to my new family.  It would be easy to be overwhelmed by these tasks.  To tell the truth, while I do wonder about the "how's", I am more psyched than anything.  You can't really experience life, and emotion and success (or failure) and happiness and love and joy to it's fullest until you get out there and "do" - try.  I am at a point in my life I never thought I would reach.  And, I tell you, whether I succeed or fail, I will appreciate what is in front of me and NOT look away from the challenge.  Thanks goes mostly to my soul mate, Jennie, that I feel something I haven't felt in longer that I can remember - 

ALIVE!

Thank you, Jennie.  You give me the strength and I would be lost without you.

Posted 8/4/02

New pictures are posted.  We have been busy, but I wanted to post some pictures ASAP from the recent party and shower in Vermont.  You will find some of the pictures here.  I hope you enjoy them.  Perry and Sheila have a bunch more, and I will put those up when I get them.

Thanks go to David and Sheila for a wonderful weekend.  The food was wonderful, the shower was a BIG surprise, the weather held out and everyone has a wonderful time.  THANK YOU!!

My other big news (which most of you already know) is that I have given my notice at Hospice Care, Inc.  I will be working at a nursing home www.Sherrillhouse.org beginning August 12, 2002.  This is a great opportunity and both Jen and I are very excited about it.

Jen is doing very well, all things considered.  She is feeling quite uncomfortable with the heat and all, and she waddles around pretty good, but she looks beautiful and is still excited about everything.  The doctors say she is doing very well.

Joyce will be putting on a shower for Jen on August 11.  This should be a fun day.  Jen is looking forward to spending some time with Adam's family.  Adam will be tagging along to work the grill and work on his Mom's computer. 

Have a great week.

-Love Adam and Jen

Posted 7/31/02

Hello, all.  Please see the new wish list

David and Sheila are back from their vacation, with a million stories to tell, I'm sure.  There have been no pictures posted to the site recently, and it's all their fault!  (They borrowed our camera.)  They both seem nice and relaxed, and are even going to take a trip or two to help with the baby's room!

We have started paining the room.  Most of the walls are done.  Might need a second coat, though.  They are an antique yellow, and the trim will be an antique blue.  Jen is going to paint some of the furniture (outside, of course), and then we can start putting the whole room together!  Things are rolling!

Jen is feeling a well as can be expected for a pregnant woman in the summer.  She looks VERY pregnant, now!  She is doing such a wonderful job, though.  She already acts like a mom, and plays music for "Rufus" through the headphones.  

-A&J

Posted 7/9/02

New picture!

The latest, and last ultrasound is here!!  Little "Rufus" is doing great.  The doctor said that Jen looks "perfect" - she is just the right weight, the baby is just the right size, and everything looks right on track for Jen's September 27 due date.  We are both so happy.  Jen has to go back next week to do a sugar test.  She has to drink this orange drink that is basically supersaturated sugar in water.  It's to test for gestational diabetes.  Jen should be nice and off the wall that day.  Let's hope there are no looooong meetings that day!

David and Sheila, are now inNewfoundland

Jen is looking forward to "Girls Weekend" in 2 weeks.  So far, Alyssa, Katya (and Kirt) are scheduled to come.  She would love more people to come as well.  Drop her a line and let her know if you want to go.  It'll be a great time!

Posted 6/19/02