One day at a time

Wow... seems so long ago

2009-03-06T14:38:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick little video of Z. It was probably taken at the end of 2007. He is so little and rolly poly. So cute! This is when he first started walking. It is so neat to look back!

Nice day at the Park

2009-02-10T07:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the temperature was in the low 60s. It was a WONDERFUL change from the snowy cold we had a few weeks ago! We took advantage of the warmer weather and went to the park. It was a wonderful morning!

New Blog!

2009-02-06T15:39:00.002-05:00

We have been working to set up a new blog. My goal with this one is to provide tips, stories, and information to parents... especially other twin moms! Come on by and check it out! Join us at it's beginning... and see how we grow!

TwinsMommy

Visit with Santa '08

2008-12-29T14:35:00.003-05:00

So, a few weeks ago we took the kids to see Santa. I am a strong part of the local twins club. So, we organized for Santa to come to us! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to get pictures with him, wihout waiting in a two hour line. It was great!

Anyway, the actual Wondertwin visit wasn't so great. They were terrified! They were actually shaking and climbing over me to try to get away. I felt so bad for them. We told them they were OK and jumped up there with them. It was quite an experience, but all survived. Hopefully, we haven't caused any long time trauma.

A stroke of bad luck

2008-12-16T22:05:00.002-05:00

Last Monday my dad had a stroke. He was taken to the ER on Monday (where he remained in the ER for 15 hours!!!!!!! Because, they didn't have a room!!!! WTH?!). He was released on Friday.

He is doing pretty good, but he has some communication problems. He struggles with direct questions, names, and just finding the right word sometimes.

Overall, he is doing GREAT! Especially, since it has only been a week! However, we still have a road ahead of us. I have been doing everything I can... I even spent about 4 hours on the phone trying to get a CT scheduled today! Still, it is hard seeing him struggle through this. :(

Please, keep him in your thoughts.

Christmas pictures

2008-12-11T14:29:00.002-05:00

Last week I worked on getting pictures for our Christmas card (seems like I went through this last year!). It took about 3 hours and I took about 300 pictures. Anyway, here are a few of the ones we didn't choose... but are fun.

I LUB LOOOOOO!!!!

2008-12-03T14:59:00.003-05:00

B has been saying "Where are you?" for some time. Z started that about a month ago. Last weekend was the best! They started saying, "I love you."! Here is a clip of them each saying it.

By they way, B also started saying, "How are you?"

Some of the latest pictures.

2008-12-02T14:02:00.003-05:00

I just realized it has been far too long since I blogged. Hubby and I have been working on a new blog... So, I guess this has fallen behind. Anyway, stayed tuned for more info on the new one... Until then, here are some of the latest pics.

The kids have gotten much better about playing together. I was happy to find out in Parent magazine that kids are like a roller coaster. They are great leading up to their birthdays and turn into monsters on their half birthday. Why does this make me happy, you ask? Because I know it is not just my kids! And that we will have some good times every couple of months! lol

They just recently learned to smile upon request! It is so cute! Of course, it doesn't always work. lol

This picture of B really reminds me of my little sister when she was a toddler! I'll see if I can find an old picture and compare.

BammBamm and Pebbles

2008-11-21T22:34:00.002-05:00

I know this is a little late in posting, but here are the kids in their Halloween costumes. I will try to remember to post directions on how to make a simple Bamm Bamm and Pebbles costume... and for under $10!
Anyway, here they are!

Ironman Florida 2008

2008-11-16T21:12:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures from our day. Dh was competing in Ironman Florida... the babies and I were the cheering section. We made some signs... complete with Wondertwin scribbles. We yelled our encouragement... and we spent most of the day like any other: playing, eating, and sleeping. Such is the life of twins!

Here are the Wondertwins waiting for the race start. It was quite chilly... and early. Neither factors made the twins extremely happy.

All the swimmers heading in to the start. It is amazing seeing 2000 bodies all run in and swim at the same time! I'm glad I'm not in the mix!

Z with his "Daddy support" t-shirt. I got them made the day before. Their names were on the back. They were sooo cute!!!!

B in hers, playing on the little condo porch. They thought it was so neat to go out there and see the ocean and birds. They squealed with delight every time a bird would come close!

The family at the completion of Dh's race. I was so proud of him, but sad I practically missed the actual finish. We were there, but being in thousands of people, with a twin stroller, twin toddlers (during the witching hour, mind you), and Dh changing his jersey on me (I was looking for the orange one he had on when he passed ont he bike), made that difficult. I was waiting to see him, giving snacks, toys, answering questions about twins, giving juice, refilling cups, etc... and then I heard his name announced. I just barely turned around to see him cross. Video was out of the question at that point. Oh well... such is the life.

18months

2008-11-11T22:29:00.001-05:00

A local triangle mommy took some pictures of the kids right after they turned 18months. They are beautiful... and the kids are growing so quick! If you are in the triangle and want her info, please let me know!

What a trip

2008-11-08T18:00:00.003-05:00

We are finally back from our trip... here are some thing I WASN'T prepared for! ;)

1. Food poisoning (me). The nice thing was, the toilet I was puking in was MUCH cleaner than mine probably would have been.
2. Screaming/fit-throwing toddlers.
3. Every drawer, door, lamp, pen, chair, etc the kids could get their hands on.
4. Two kids that suddenly decided to have NOTHING to do with the stroller.
5. Two kids who do NOT nap in the care on trips!
6. Finding that 3 medicine syringes was not enough (kids got ahold of them and they were GONE!)
7. Being the only mommy with toddlers.
8. DH being focused on and worn out by the race... so he couldn't help much for a few days (don't know how I missed this one... it was 140.6 miles after all! ;))
9. Not having channels that have cartoons 24/7.
10. Diaper rash (we used disposables on the trip and have done cloth.
11. Kids waking at 3:30-4:30 EVERY morning. (They couldn't grasp the hour difference and then the time change on top of that.)

Overall, the trip went pretty well... but it was probably the most TIRING trip I have ever taken! Dh and I are SOOOoooo Happy to be Home!!!!!! lol

Things that have helped us during travel (tip #6)

2008-11-05T21:32:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, we are currently on a little vacation. Dh had his Ironman on Saturday. We are currently visiting Savannah on our way home. Anyway, I thought I would post a little list of some things that made this trip (with twins) a little easier.

1. Ergo carriers
2. Step 2, two seater wagon (the kids LOVE to ride around in this!)
3. Smoothies (I put in a baby food container of fruit, one of veggie, and some milk or juice... they drink it up!)
4. Harnesses (makes it so much easier to survive with two toddlers that want to walk and be independent!)
5. Travel noise machine (ours makes rain sound helps kids sleep better in a new place)
6. Folding baby gate
7. Summer travel high chairs
8. Backpack diaperbag (leaves my hands free)
9. Snack traps (especially great in the car!)
10. Mini strollers (the kids spent HOURS pushing them around the hotel!)
11. Juice boxes (perfect amount to split between 2 sippys)
12. Baby Einstein and Elmo dvds and car dvd player
13. Borrowed books and small toys from friends.
14. Hooded towels (great for quick warm up after the beach)

OK, that is all I can think of right now. Off to early bed.

Today in History

2008-11-04T23:04:00.003-05:00

Though all you readers are already aware... I want to post it.

As of this moment, we have a new president elect... Barrack Obama... the first black man to hold that position. The current electoral votes count 297 to 145. This is an amazing day in history.

I am proud to say I voted. I took part in this historical moment. I voted for Obama. This is an amazing day.

I hope he can make the changes he says. I hope our country will turn around. In one of the hardest times since the Great Depression, this is a hopeful change that we need.

My heart is welling. I am happy. I am proud. I am an American!

Great Ironman, but no sleep for me

2008-11-02T05:02:00.003-05:00

Before I start venting, let me tell you about DHs race. He finished in 11:06 which is a HUGE leap from 12:54 last year! I am very proud of him! We got to see him leave on the swim, twice on the bike, and when he came in at the finish. He did really well... and only had one minor mishap when he was checking his watch and tripped (his hands, knee, and elbow are pretty skinned). But that didn't slow him down!!

I hope to post some pictures when we get home. I think I have taken about 7 rolls of film since my digital died. The hard part is getting them developed... Then, I never did know what to do with all those pictures of silly stuff you take. At least with digital they only take up a minute piece of space.

Now for my vent... I'm not sure what I am going to do with my son! He is currently throwing a fit on the floor becuase he wants my dh's phone. That is not really that big of a deal... he is a toddler. But the SUCKY part is that it is 4:10!!!!! and we have been up since about 3:30.

OK, so it is an hour difference here. So, it is now just after 5 at home... and the time change happened... So, that it would have been just after 6 now if it was yesterday. So, that makes me feel a little bit better... but not much.

Z has been getting up at 4:30 everyday, since we have been here! Then he is good for a couple hours and gets fussy around 10! He usually naps at 12 or 1 at home! His nap here lasts about 1 hr because the people making noise outside wake him.

I have been putting him to bed 30-60 min later to get him use to the new time (since we were going to switch anyway). So, my child is getting about 4 hours less sleep a day!!!! It is killing both our moods!

Isn't the definition of vacation something about a relaxing time away from home and your regular routine? How can I get my son to understand that???!!!!

Fun site

2008-10-31T13:25:00.007-05:00

Now that winter is setting in, we are all looking for more activities for our kids. Here is a great site with thousands of different coloring pages... and the best thing is... it is FREE!!!!! Print and ENJOY!!!!

www.freecoloringpagefun.com

Reality

2008-10-30T20:19:00.003-05:00

No one prepares you for all the changes kids bring. We haven't gone on many vacations since the kids arrived. Right now we are in Fl. Dh is doing the Iron Man race (140.6 miles swimming, biking, running) on Saturday. We came down to support him and to have a little vacation.

So, currently the twins are asleep and Dh is at a meeting and dinner. I am here. In the room. The TV and the internet are my companions.

I never thought about it before kids. When you are on vacation, you don't have the same resources as at home. Unless you take a sitter or are near friends/family... you are on your own.

My kids go to bed at 7:30. So, that is it. The evening is done. We can sit in the room and watch a movie or sip a glass of wine, but that is it. We are stuck in the room.

I love my kids. I wouldn't change things for the world... but this is the reality. No more going out. No more walking on the beach in the moonlight. No more laying by the pool to read a book.

I'm here... doing my job. I am their Mommy!

Changes

2008-10-26T21:28:00.002-05:00

So, last Wednesday I took Z to get his first REAL haircut. I took a picture before... the whole haircutting experience was traumatic for both of us. He screamed and hyperventilated the entire time. It was horrible.

But, I am not writing about that. No, afterward I picked up the camera to take another picture... and the lens is stuck. It won't go in. It won't go out. My little digital that has taken Oh SO MANY pictures and recorded so many events from pregnancy through the kids first 19 months is caput! AGggghhhhh!!!!

I am at a loss. I didn't realize how much I relied on it!

So, no new pictures. I did however get out my old, very beautiful, SLR camera. The feel of it in my hands was like meeting an old friend. I have taken about 4 rolls in 2 days! I know, it is a bit excessive, but I don't want to miss anything.

Now, I have to get them all developed... Hopefully, I can get them put directly on disk... and maybe then you will see pictures again.

First trip to Natural Science Museum

2008-10-20T11:53:00.002-05:00

Cute Diapered Bums

2008-10-19T22:09:00.002-05:00

I tried to take some pictures of the twins for a cloth diaper contest... never submitted the pictures, but you can see the fun of my afternoon. They are the cutest diapered bums in the world!

Poor Little Man

2008-10-16T21:50:00.002-05:00

I went to play Bunco last night. I don't remember the last time dh has called me to ask me to come home... I think maybe when they were brand new. Anyway, I rushed home as Z had been crying since about 7:30. It was close to 10.

Dh had him mostly calmed when I arrived. He nursed and I put him to bed. Dh and I caught up for a bit... Then Z started sobbing again. He cried until about midnight. We gave him tylenol. He slept. About 1:30 woke crying again. Around 3:30 or 4 he went back to sleep after some motrin. Around 6:15 they were up for the day... with a temp over 102.

Took him to the Dr. He has an ear drum infection... different from the regular ear infections. Poor guy.

It is 10:55. He has been asleep since 7:30. Why am I still awake????!!!! Off to bed!

A real conversation

2008-10-14T06:43:00.002-05:00

I was changing B's diaper and we had a conversation. I think this is the longest one so far.

Me: Reny is coming over.

B: (signing "baby) Babyyyyyyy

Me: Yes, Reny is a baby. Baby Reny.

B: Waaaa Waaa Waaa

Me: Yes, Babies cry. They go Waaa Waaa.

B: Good job!!

Going to bed... me

2008-10-13T13:25:00.002-05:00

So, I went to bed around 11... AGAIN. I know I should be going to bed at 10. My body needs sleep... but I can't make myself. Is anyone else in this boat?

The twins go down around 7:30 or 8. Then, dh is either out training or we watch a show together. Around 9:30-10 he goes to bed. Then it is just me.

There I am. No one to wait on. No reason to clean. No one to watch over. Nothing but me, the computer, TV, books, etc. I check e-mails. I catch up on shows. I do things for me. It is quiet. It is nice.

Then, around 10:45 I realize I should already be in bed. I kick myself for staying up so late. Once in bed I can't sleep because I need even more time to wind down. Around 12 or 1 I am usually asleep.

I didn't use to have this problem... but then... I didn't use to have kids. Do I need to be more disciplined? Do I need to find other "me" time? Or can I just keep going on like this?

Museum visit

2008-10-10T20:08:00.004-06:00

Last week we went to a local museum. The kids had a blast banging on the drums and bells... and playing in the toddler area. I also included a video of B chasing a ball in a little maze. It cracks me up how she runs side to side, chasing it!!!

Playing on the Tiger Pillow with Daddy

2008-10-04T13:09:00.002-06:00

First head wound

2008-10-02T06:51:00.004-06:00

I haven't posted about this yet... even though it happened on Monday. I don't know what my excuse is. Is the fact that I have 2 toddlers that are climbing, throwing fits, and acting like they have no idea what the word "no" means good enough? ;)

Anyway, on Monday morning we were trying to get out the door. I was going to take them to the mall that has our favorite play place. Shoes were on, bags were packed... just needed the sippies. As I'm in the kitchen fixing the sippies B and Z start fighting over the crate of Thomas Train stuff. I went over to help solve the problem.

B got mad that she wasn't getting her way, right away, and threw herself back. This happens numerous times a day right now... but she just happened to be right in front of the brick fireplace. (*** Note, yes, I have covered it, put pillows on it, used the bumpers, they take it all off. There is only about a foot showing... and this is where she hit.)

I could do nothing to stop it. It was in slow motion... her falling back and hearing the SMACK as her head and the brick collided.

She cried for about 5 seconds. I scooped her up to check her. She screamed and thrashed around to get down. It hardly fazed her!

I found a nice little gash on the back of her head. It was bleeding, but not bad. I took a picture to send to DH so he could help me decide if a trip to the Dr. was in order. He thought not... I needed piece of mind. So, he headed home (after only being at work 2 hours after an hour drive there). He didn't want me to take 3 toddlers to the Dr... especially if she had to get stitches.

Dr. was glad I brought her in. The gap was big/deep enough. They spoke of gluing, but her hair would be in the way. So, they had me hold her tight... and they STAPLED it! (What happened to stitches? When did glue and stapling become the norm?) They didn't numb her or anything... she sat stunned for a second, then SCREAMED for about 30 seconds... then was done. She is such a trooper.

Here is the before... don't look if you get sick easily.

Bedtime... yeah, right!

2008-09-30T06:07:00.001-06:00

What a weekend.

2008-09-28T07:06:00.003-06:00

The kids have another cold... AGAIN! This is the 3rd one since the end of July. And of course, I have it. Although, not as bad this time. I have been taking Emergen-C, Vitamin C, Echinacae, and drinking lots of water. I also am not eating bread/pasta/sugar (basically, starchy and sugary stuff). So, I think all of that has helped.

Kids have been bears. Of course, they HATE the bulb syringe... but all that snot!!! I have to use it or they rub it all over their hands, floor, etc.

However, with use of the bulb syringe has come a new problem... sticking things up their nose!! We colored this morning... they tried to stick the crayons up their noses. They had grapes and cereal for breakfast... yup, tried to stick them up their nose. Zane found a sharpie marker on the table... tried to write with it (lid was tightly on), then tried to stick it up his nose.

When do things get easy? LOL

Oh, and on top of it, my crown fell off last night. I bit it, but it is mostly still together. So, I called the Dentist on call and he said to stick it on with a paste of flour and water. Who knew?! So, it is on... for now. However, the broken piece is cutting my tongue. :(

My say

2008-09-23T11:53:00.003-06:00

So, this morning we went to a playdate at McDonald's. There were people from the higher up of McDonald's and about 6 other moms from my local Mom's group. They wanted to pick our brains... as Mommies. What do we like? What do we dislike? What do we want?

I stressed the wish for more healthy choices. I want veggie sticks, cheese sticks, fruit cups, natural ingredients, etc. I also said that I would like them to have more environmental awareness... or if they already do, to make us more aware. My kids (and their future) are my greatest priority. Their health and nutrition are at the top. If they want our business, they need to help me do the best by my kids.

I was very happy with the discussions. I felt like they really listened. So, maybe we will see some positive changes.

First ride on the Choo Choo

2008-09-19T19:56:00.002-06:00

Today we went to a local park... it is one of the neatest parks I have ever seen. They have a choo choo that runs around the park. They have paddle boats, kiddie ride boats, a carousel, a pond with ducks, and the usual park fun play stuff.

I met my friend there (she has a daughter the same age as the Wondertwins). We played, fed the ducks, then went on the train before we left.

I loaded the kids up right behind the engine. We waved to all the kids. We were off. My kids just sat there... with wide eyes. I couldn't tell if they were happy, or terrified. lol The ride lasted about 5-10 minutes and we were back. They couldn't wait to get off.

Maybe they will like it more next time.

Twin Talk

2008-09-18T10:00:00.004-06:00

I found this AWESOME site! There is information for moms of twin, stories, pictures, etc. Now, my blog is being listed on this site! I'm so excited to be a part of it!!!!

Check it out. Much to learn and see!

Today's Game: What will you eat?

2008-09-18T10:00:00.002-06:00

I hope I'm not the only one with toddlers experiencing this. I feel like I am on a Game Show... WHAT WILL YOU EAT? Unfortunately, there is no big prize. Just my sanity.

I never know what B and Z are going to eat. Rarely is it the same thing as each other, or what they liked the day before!

For awhile Z would eat any kind of pasta as long as it had tomato sauce on it... Now, no pasta. He WILL however, eat peanut butter or almond butter. Sometimes by itself. That can be quite messy.

Fruit is pretty much a constant. However, this morning Z didn't want grapes or raisins, or pear. He DID actually eat a bit of cheese though... which has been pushed away for the last week. B will ALWAYS eat cheese. In fact, it seems to be her favorite. She is always signing/saying "cheese". Then if I say, "not right now". She follows with saying/signing "Peese!!!" (please). SO darn cute!!!!!!

I hope they will start eating other stuff. Sometimes I am moved to tears because I can't figure out anything they will eat (especially Z). Luckily, they WILL almost always drink a smoothie.

So, for now I will focus on that. I fill it with all sorts of good stuff... and then I don't have to worry so much. This morning they had avacado, squash, banana, pear, yogurt, ground flaxseed, cod liver oil, and orange juice. They drank it up!!!!! MMmmmmmm! Hmmmmm Maybe I should start drinking that for breakfast.

PEE PEE!!!! Yeah!!!!

2008-09-16T13:22:00.001-06:00

Our big excitement of the day, B peepee'd in the potty, TWO TIMES!!!!!! She has been really into "pee pee and poo poo"... and often tells us when she has it. So, I figured she might be getting ready. Most of the time she is dry in the morning and after nap. So, I just sat her on the potty first thing. It took a couple of minutes, but she went!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!! My goal is to keep putting her on their after sleeping and see how that goes. Z no interest at all.

So cute!

2008-09-14T20:58:00.000-06:00

That is all I can say... they are just too cute!

Jumping rope- The athletic training begins... early

2008-09-12T10:46:00.005-06:00

Red in the face

2008-09-11T11:13:00.002-06:00

This morning I noticed a large zit forming on my forehead. For those who don't know, toothpaste is a wonderful way to get rid of one quick. Plain old white toothpaste will absorb the oils and give a refreshing feeling. It is also great for bug bites and ivy rashes... ANYWAY... I digress.

So. I put toothpaste on the zit... as Miss K wasn't due to come for 2 more hours. I made a mental note to wash it off before her time of arrival. (********Those of you who don't have kids... mental reminders don't work as well once you have kids! *****Those of you who do, you know how SILLY of an idea that was!) I'm sure you can already figure out where this is heading...

Miss K came. I chatted with her mom. Mom of Miss K left. We all played with books and toys in the living room. Changed diapers. Got snacks together. Packed up kids. Headed to chiropractor.

Taking all 3 toddlers into the Chiro attracts a lot of attention. So, I chatted with the people in the waiting room. Chatted with the receptionist. Basically, we were social butterflies. (*** You almost HAVE to be with twins!)

I wheeled the kids into Dr. E's office. As he is shutting the door he says, "What is wrong with your forehead?!"

OHHHHHhhhh SHHHHIIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!! is my first thought. I forgot about the DAMN toothpaste!

I laugh it off. Meanwhile, I am licking my fingers and using the spit (yes, very gross, but I had to get rid of it ASAP!). I am sure I was beet red. All the while I am explaining about trying to get rid of my HUGE zit and how many uses toothpaste has, besides cleaning your teeth.

I played it cool. I am proud of that... but MAN was I embarrassed!

Oh well. He didn't think much of it. He is a great guy. But, I think we might be causing a delay in his having kids any time soon. That sometimes happens around us.

Anyway, Ha ha moment on me. Such is life.

Towel find

2008-09-03T16:21:00.002-06:00

As winter is just around the corner, I was thinking about keeping the kiddos warm and comfortable. After bath they take off, most of the time. If I am bathing them alone... that means one kid is running around naked until I can get them dressed. So, we got these towels. They LOVE them! And, they stay on their head and around them... a big poncho. So, now they are wrapped up until I get them dressed... Unfortunately, it won't stop them from accidents until I can get a diaper on! ;)

Itty bitty camping chairs

2008-09-02T10:42:00.002-06:00

I saw one of these at my friend's house. The wondertwins are really into chairs and couches. So, we went to get them. For $5 each... we got two chairs that were "just right". They LOVE them! They specifically like to curl up in their chair with "nack nack" (snack in a kiddie bowl, as seen in the pics), and watch "Melmo" (elmo). Ahh, the joys of being small. I hope they can always be so easily pleased!

Snappi use #1... Tip #6

2008-08-29T20:01:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, we use cloth diapers. Mostly we use pocket diaper, but we also use some contours, fitteds, and Chinese prefolds.

If you don't know this about cloth diapers, pins are rarely used now days. Instead, we use snappis. These are a "T" shaped gadget that hooks on the diapers to keep them snug.

Anyway, being the mom of twins... I have found multiple uses for many things. Snappis are one of those things.

So, I thought I would share some of the uses I have found. This is the first... You can use it to hook blankets onto couches, pillows, or the pack-n-play to create a tent!

You can see the red snappi on the right side of the picture. There is another one (purple) hooking the blanket to the pnp. The kids LOVED the tent!!!!

In addition, you can also see my kids cute, fuzzi bunz diapered butts as they look out the window, which is at the back of the tent. ;)

Monkey got a haircut

2008-08-29T19:57:00.003-06:00

Last Sunday I gave Monkey his first haircut. You can still see some of the curls when his hair is wet or sweaty. It was just getting too crazy. Anyway, for those that asked, here is a picture... from right after.

Tip #5

2008-08-28T05:30:00.003-06:00

This one is more for the Mommies' and Daddies' survival of the morning... with kids. Poor Man's Espresso.

I don't know about you, but we often have coffee left over after making a pot. Dh was reheating it in the microwave the next morning, rather than waste it. This morning I tried Poor Man's Espresso.

Take remaining coffee and pour it in the water container. Turn it on and have it run through the grounds from the previous morning again.

It gives it a stronger flavour and heats it all at once. It was actually very very good!

The next day's brew will run water through the system to flush it. Periodically you can run white vinegar through to clean the whole thing (a good thing to do every once in awhile even if you don't make the PME).

Castle!

2008-08-26T20:05:00.001-06:00

We got a castle! It is a 2nd hand "classic castle" from Little Tykes. It was originally over $550. We got it for $75!!!!! I'm so excited! The Wondertwins LOVE it!!!!!!! Here are some pics.

Converse shoes, Lazy Day Fair, and Mr. Potatoe Head glasses

2008-08-23T19:48:00.001-06:00

I <3 Sepia!!!!

2008-08-22T13:14:00.001-06:00

Tip #4

2008-08-21T06:55:00.003-06:00

While posting on twitter this morning, I remembered another tip. So, I need to post it before I forget.

#4 My kids are always dropping or throwing their sippy cups out of the stroller. So, I used some of those wrist bands (like the Lance Armstrong "Live Strong" ones) and looped it around their cup. Then, I used those plastic links (they are sold in just about any store that sells baby stuff... I think I even saw some in the grocery!) to attach the cup to their stroller.

Now, when they throw it out or drop it... it is still attached! And Mommy doesn't have to pick it up!!!!!!

Wondertwins' Mom Tip #2 and 3

2008-08-19T13:03:00.005-06:00

So, I thought I would share some more things that I have figured out. Here are my two new ones of today.

#2 Need an easy way to wash toddler hands without the mess and waste of water? Put a few inches of water in a large pot or bowl. Squirt some foam soap on their hands (foam seems to rinse easier). Help them rub them together. Then, let them rinse their hands in the water! I am so excited to have figured this out!

#3 I am always looking for ways to get my kids to eat "protein" foods. So, today I put a bit of almond butter in small bowl for each of them. Then, I stuck about 5 small pretzel sticks in each. They loved dipping and ATE IT UP!!!!!! (Before they wouldn't eat almond or peanut butter on anything!)

Outside

2008-08-18T20:08:00.004-06:00

The Wondertwins LOVE to play outside! Papaw built this awesome porch for us. It is a great, safe place to spend time together. This cracks me up because it is totally what they do almost all the time when we are on the deck. They push things one way, then the other... back and forth. So cute!

Discover, explore, grow... toddler

2008-08-17T09:04:00.001-06:00

Playing with Pup

2008-08-16T19:36:00.002-06:00

Up, up, up, up

2008-08-07T13:07:00.002-06:00

The Wondertwins have become obsessed with climbing onto things... mainly the couch. If you are sitting on it they immediately run over saying, "Uh, uh, uh, uh" (up, up, up, up). If you help them up they squeal and clap. Dh and I remind them, repeatedly, "No standing... sit down". But, inevitably they can't do just that. They have to stand... the must try to jump.

So, back on the floor they go. Most often, this is followed by screams and throwing a big fit. Eventually, they calm down... to be repeated again.

"Uh, uh, uh, uh!"

I'm 30!!!!!!

2008-08-01T08:52:00.002-06:00

On July 20th I turned 30. Dh took me out to dinner with many of my friends. It was great! I felt like I was in college again... just chumming with friends... no kids around. It was a fun evening.

Here are a few pictures. The first is of my Chocolate Truffle Cake... MMMMMmmmmmmmm!!!!! Then you see the whole group, my dad and stepmom, and DH and I. I have more pictures, but can't post them all.

Book Meme

2008-07-28T11:49:00.007-06:00

I saw this over on Stacey's blog and thought I’d take a shot at it.

Here’s how it works:

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline or star (or mark in a different color) the books you LOVE
4) Reprint this list in your blog so we can try and track down these people who’ve only read 6 and force books upon them.

The premise of this exercise is that the National Endowment for the Arts apparently believes that the average American has only read 6 books from the list below.

1 **Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 **Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 **To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 **Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 **Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 **Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 **Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 **The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 **Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 **The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 *******Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery I loved these books when I was a teen!!!
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel Ugh... I did NOT like this book!!!!
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 *****Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 ********The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon This is such a great book... especially if you have any kind of relationship with someone who is autistic.
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville ~ I did read about half of it.
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 **********The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett I have read this numerous times!
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 ********The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 *****Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 *****Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 *****Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Some other all time favorites of mine are Jurassic Park,... I have others, but babies are fussing. I'll try to fix this later.

How ’bout you?

Best Friends!

2008-07-27T19:41:00.002-06:00

Someone is listening to me!

2008-07-23T19:42:00.002-06:00

So yesterday the Wondertwins were playing in the living room. Bumblebee walked up to the TV and started to play with the buttons. Monkey walked up to her, gently took her hand, looked her in the eyes, and said, "NoooooooooOooooo... NoooOOoooooooooo." He was shaking his head and looking very serious.

It was so cute! I especially love how gentle he was with her. I LOVE my kids!

WOW... Monkey can use a FORK!!!!!!

2008-07-18T19:13:00.003-06:00

Monkey Boy has a little bit of a texture issue. He doesn't like to pick up things that are slimy or too messy. Today I fed the Wondertwins cantelope. Monkey just kept looking at the melon on his tray. So, I started feeding him with the fork and bowl I was using. I was getting more for Bumblebee and set the bowl and fork down on Monkey's tray. He immediately picked up the fork, speared a selected melon and ate it!!!! I was so surprised!

I ran to get the camera, but the battery was dead! By the time I got it charged enough he was done eating melon. So, I got out some raspberries in an attempt to get him to do the same trick.

Notice how he checks the berries out. First he pokes at them. When I tell him to use the fork, he gets down to business, but hesitates when he gets it to him mouth. After the video ends (camera died again) he finally ate the berry.

I was just so excited to see his coordination! I am in shock that he can not only hold the fork, but pick out food, stab it with the fork, and put the food in his mouth... WITHOUT making a mess!!!!! WHOOOOoooHOOOooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our trip to Indiana

2008-07-17T09:28:00.011-06:00

All in all, it was a great trip. We had a few mishaps including my back causing problems on the 2nd half of the trip (I had twisted my ankle and fallen 2 days before the trip) and the Wondertwins and I all getting a huge cold. However, taking my family to visit joyous places from my past, getting to see old friends, and spending time with my family was wonderful. I will have lots of great memories from this trip!

Hubby and Monkey taking a break from our hike on the first day of our trip. We were visiting Spring Mill State Park... One of the neatest parks in the US!

In front of Donaldson Cave.

The Wondertwins and I on the back porch of the Inn.

Hubby and Monkey Boy standing in the cool Spring Mill Creek.

Our family, in the Village. You can see the actual Mill to the right in the picture. I wanted that to be the main focus, with our family... but I guess the photographing stranger didn't understand that.

Monkey and hubby in front of the Mill wheel, then BumbleBee (we changed her nickname) and I in the same place.

Somewhere, there is a picture of me playing with this same spinning wheel when I was 1. I tried to get the Wondertwins' picture here on numerous occasions during our stay. As you can see, they were not into it... AT ALL!!!!

Friends since High School... my friend Lisa and her little munchkin with the Wondertwins and I. We had a great visit, despite her dealing with two herniated disks!

BumbleBee wearing Daddy's cap.

Our trip to the Indianapolis Zoo. This was the Wondertwins first trip to a zoo. They had a blast! Auntie was such a great help! She even carried BumbleBee in the Ergo... Continuing even after she got stung when a wasp got trapped under the strap! What a trooper.

We found these fountains in the gardens next to the zoo. The Wondertwins had a blast splashing and playing! They were soaked by the time we left... Luckily, I had extra clothes!

We also got to visit with my friend who has twins. Her girls are about a week younger. We have been getting together since all of ours were about 2-3 months, along with some other twin moms. She recently moved to Indiana... So, it was great to get together and have our kids play together again!

Going back home

2008-07-06T19:33:00.002-06:00

I grew up in a little town in Indiana. My hubby, kids, and I are on our first road trip... back to where I grew up. The drive was long... but we made it. We arrived yesterday.

As we neared the gatesk, of the park we are staying at, my chest grew tight. This place... this park we were visiting... I grew up here. It was a place of many of my greatest memories. This is a place where my family was happy. I don't remember fights here... I don't remember things that led to my parent's divorce... things were good here. I remember time with my grandparents... I remember feeling young and free. And now... I was bringing MY OWN kids and husband. It was an amazing feeling!

We hiked, we swam, we ate, we looked, we walked, the list goes on. We packed about as much as we could... with twin toddlers. It has been amazing.

My dad has memories being here, as a kid... I have memories growing up here... Now, I am beginning to build memories for my kids.

WOW

Glasses

2008-07-03T12:12:00.004-06:00

Little Frog LOVES to put on glasses. The funny thing is, she never puts them on her face. She puts them on her neck then uses her chin to hold them down. Too Funny!

Together

2008-06-30T19:38:00.001-06:00

The Wondertwins love the couch pillows. They love to pull them off and tackle them together. Lately, they like to lay their heads together. The love each other... and that makes me so happy!

My favorite boy!

2008-06-29T19:16:00.005-06:00

He just looks so sweet! I just want to scoop him up and give him a cuddle!

Here we are being silly together. You gotta act like a kids sometimes! lol

Beat the heat! CD contest!

2008-06-29T19:13:00.001-06:00

Win a Bum Genius 3.0 Starter Kit from Nature's Child - Wholesome Goods for Mothers and Babies

New chairs

2008-06-26T17:00:00.002-06:00

We got some new travel high chairs. We needed something light, compact, and easy to move around. The kids LOVE these! We took the trays off and they used them as little chairs. They LOVED having something just their size!

Keeping Cool!!!

2008-06-16T10:52:00.008-06:00

Thanks to Eva for this idea... We put the kids in their high chairs on the porch. Then we gave them water, cups, measuring spoons, etc. They had a blast!!!!!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!

2008-06-15T18:14:00.003-06:00

To all the Daddies... Happy Father's Day!

To our Daddy,

We love you very very much. Thank you for being such a great Daddy. We have learned so much from you in this past year. We can't wait for more!!!! Happy Father's Day... to our Daddy... the best of them all!
Love, B and Z

Newborn Wondertwins

Our first Family Trip to the Beach... Oct. 2007

Christmas Eve Cheer!

Earth Day... 2008

Helping Daddy on the Computer

Race for the Cure

2008-06-14T17:47:00.003-06:00

This morning we all did the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. Hubby went at 5:45. He ran 2 1/2 miles, then did the 5 K, then ran the 5 K a second time... then walked the end with us. All around he probably did between 8-10 miles total.

The Wondertwins and I just walked the 5 K with some Mommy friends. That was enough for us! lol First of all... it was H-O-T!!!!! And HUMID!!!! I was sweating buckets! We walked to the course, had to walk a great distance to the start because of the crowd of participants, then had to walk back to the car. All around, we probably walked about 4-5 miles. Not near as much as hubby, but a great distance for us!

Anyway, we hope one day they find a cure for cancer. We have a good friend who is a survivor (AND is awesome by the way, Auntie Cindy!) and my father who is in his battle with Prostate Cancer. Too many people are affected by cancer one way or another. Help support the fight... help them find a cure!

Window Cleaners... Name your price!

2008-06-07T21:28:00.003-06:00

I have two window cleaners available. Only natural products are used. They are especially good at the lower windows. They work together... two cleaners for one price. :)

Ooo-Ah Ooo-Ah Cool Cool Kiddies

2008-06-03T19:06:00.001-06:00

no NO nono no no

2008-05-28T20:51:00.002-06:00

Monkey Boy has learned to say "no". He says it to everything. He walks around saying it to himself. I think he just likes the way it sounds.

Tonight we put him in bed. I walked past their door... and I could here him... "no... nonoNonono no... Nono... NO... nononooo."

It cracked me up. I have never heard someone have a whole conversation with themselves using only one word.

We have another WALKER!!!!!

2008-05-27T09:48:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Little Frog started taking more steps. Before she would take 1 before toppling over. This time she would walk about 5 steps into Mommy or Daddy's arms. She just went back and forth for about 30 minutes! It was right at bedtime. So, I was even more impressed by her energy that late in the day. She ended up staying up until after 8! Soon they will both be running everywhere!!!!

Skinny little froggy legs

2008-05-24T21:18:00.001-06:00

I saw this picture of my DD. She definitely has her Momma's skinny legs... and they look like true little frog legs. She is so damned cute!!!!

Shake that booty!

2008-05-22T05:53:00.003-06:00

He cracks me up, the way he wiggles his little booty to dance. You can hear Little Frog saying, "Ah Duh (all done)" when the song ends. I LOVE my kids!

Blogger

2008-05-15T19:28:00.003-06:00

I have loads of pictures to post... but something is wrong with my blogger. I am too tired to work it out... this is the 2nd day I have tried to post... I guess I will deal with it tomorrow.

Now, I am off to bed. Sorry. Good night.

Silly Monkey :op

2008-05-11T20:46:00.001-06:00

The news is not good.

2008-05-04T10:11:00.002-06:00

I only remember my dad crying in front of me once before. It was my grandfather's funeral. Today, it wasn't in front of me, but over the phone. The news is not good. The lymphnodes were full of cancer. It has spread to his lymphatic system. His voice broke up as he told me. He apologized. He doesn't need to apologize. I told him that.

He told me about some of the possible options from here. One is an over the counter thing that some people have had work. I don't remember the name. He is also planning to try to battle it with a change of diet. There are other options too. He will research more... So will I.

This week he plans to go to an oncologist. He wants to find out everything he can. He wants to be in control of this black hole. Hopefully he can.

The battle is not over. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Every little bit helps.

And we will just keep taking it "One day at a time".

The big C update

2008-05-01T05:52:00.004-06:00

Last October my dad found out he had prostate cancer. The Drs. were amazed at how advanced the cancer was with such a low PSI. He was suppose to have the surgery asap. However, that was not to be. He found out he had heart issues, the Dr. went on vacation, another Dr. screwed up his medical records (saying he had had a heart valve replacement among other things... he is STILL trying to get this all fixed), etc.

SO, Yesterday he finally had the surgery.

He had to be at the hospital at 5:15. His surgery began at 7:15. It was a robotic surgery.

My step mom and I waited in the waiting room. We looked at pictures, we went to the Chapel, we went for coffee, we went to look at the gift shop, we talked to friends on the phone, we did anything we could to help the time pass.

At 8:15 and 10:30 we received updates. With the past concern about dad's heart and the fact that he would have to be upside down (yes, on his head) for the entire surgery, this was a HUGE relief!

Around 11 the Dr. came out to meet with us. He said everything had gone smoothly. They were able to spare the nerves on one side, but not the other. That side was too hardened. The lymph nodes were enlarged. So, they took those out too.

The prostate and the lymph nodes were sent to the pathologist for further evaluation. He should hear back on Friday.

So, he is now resting in his own room. He should be able to come home today. They said he should be able to drive by this weekend.

Now, keep your fingers crossed that the evaluation will come back clean. This will tell us if it has spread, or if he is clean. This will tell us if he needs chemo or if we are done.

I scream. You scream. We all scream for Ice Cream!

2008-04-29T09:43:00.002-06:00

Today is a certain big ice cream store's "free cone" day. The Wondertwins, Ms. K, and I will be venturing over there. The Wondertwins had some ice cream last weekend and decided they LOVE it! So, we will go give them a little treat again.

MMmmmm Phish food!

Oh little Play Mate...

2008-04-24T09:10:00.004-06:00

This morning the Wondertwins were super clinging. I think they knew Daddy was going to be gone for awhile (He is off on his yearly golf trip). So, after being up with them since 5:30 I fed them breakfast around 8. Afterward I put them in the living room to play while I cleaned up.

It was amazing! They played nicely together for about 40 minutes. I don't think this has ever happened before... at least not for more than a couple of minutes. I just stood in the kitchen watching them and listening to them giggle and squeal. I even video taped some of it because it was so wonderful. I love that they have each other!

Frog legs

2008-04-20T10:01:00.002-06:00

Little Frog is cruising. She is also doing a great job pushing toys and walking. Here is a little clip. You can also see the sibling rivalry that has been starting. Most of the time Monkey wants whatever Frog has.

Ugh

2008-04-16T08:45:00.002-06:00

Wondertwins and hubby caught something. Some kind of thing that gives you the runs. I have changed so many diapers the last couple of days! Ugh

Then, last night frog woke EVERY HOUR! I gave her gas drops, changed her diaper (just wet), gave her tylenol, gave her a bottle, a new pacifier, everything! She didn't want to sleep. She just wanted me to sit up so she could talk to me.

I'm so tired. I need a vacation.

Wondertwin Powers Activate!!!!

2008-04-14T18:45:00.003-06:00

The twins have "Wondertwins" shirts. I tried to get a picture of both of them while the shirts were still new and white. Of course, Mommy doesn't always get what Mommy wants. Things are definitely a little more interesting now that they are on the move. Frog does her inch worm scoot all over the room, rolling in between. Monkey boy is fully walking... and is on the go all the time!

What do you have in your mouth?!!

2008-04-11T10:30:00.003-06:00

I don't know how many times a day I ask my children, "what do you have in your mouth?" If we are outside it is a leaf, dirt, a small rock, once a screw! (scared the s#$%@ out of me when I saw it!) Inside they find paper, dog hair, dog food, etc. Everything goes in their mouths... EXCEPT food!

Yes, my kids fight me on eating good food. B spits many things out or just blocks me from putting it in her mouth. Z just picks things up one at a time and drops the things he doesn't want onto the floor. Right now they won't eat their crackers, banana, pasta, grilled cheese, meat, and many other things. However, if I were to put a handful of dogfood on their tray, I GUARANTEE they would eat it!

UGH!

Baby wearing Mama

2008-04-09T08:55:00.004-06:00

When the twins were born my sister gave me a Maya Wrap. I have loved it! In the beginning I could carry the twins together... and last June I carried Monkey Boy over the finish line at Hubby's Ironman.

However, now they are getting HEAVY! It is hard for me to carry even 1 for very long. So, I was out on the search... and I found out how to make a Moby style wrap. It was SO easy! I still need some practice on putting it on (especially on the back!), but I think it is going to be great! I just wish I had discovered it sooner!

Here is one of my first attempts. You can see the fabric is all twisted, but it still works. I have gotten much better since then.

Boohbah

2008-04-03T08:54:00.007-06:00

Last year my husband did his first Ironman triathlon. When preparing for the race a friend of his sent her list of things to take. Boohbah was on the list. We had no idea what that meant.

So, almost a year later, we are now much wiser in the school of "Boohbah". In addition, the same friend sent hubby his very own Ironman Boohbah and a dvd for the kids. As you can see, they very much enjoy the gifts!

*Sorry the video is a little dark.

I'm going to be a Loser!

2008-03-31T19:38:00.003-06:00

So, after having the twins I fairly quickly lost most of the weight. I guess it was a combination of running after two, not eating enough, and breast feeding two.

THEN, I got my period when they were about 9 or 10 months... SNAP... I gained 10 pounds in a week! UGH!!!! And that 10 pounds was like a buried tick! It wasn't going anywhere!

Now the Wondertwins are 1 year. I am still nursing, but not near as often. I don't really have an excuse anymore... I'm just lazy... and Queen Procrastinator.

I decided I need some motivation. I enjoy watching the Biggest Loser. They help motivate me... but it fizzles out after a day or so. I need to be held accountable. It is too easy for me to make excuses!

My friend, who has a baby exactly 2 months younger than the Wondertwins, wants to lose weight too. So, we came up with a deal. We will weigh ourselves each week. In addition, we will put $5 in a pot each week. At the end of June whoever has lost the most gets the pot! Now, I am motivated!

So, we weighed ourselves today. We both weigh the same. We are not over 200... but not too far off. Our goal is to lose at least 15 pounds by June 30th. The winner with the most weight loss will get $130. Nice!!! Huh!!!???

I will feel a little bad when I take all her money. But I can't WAIT to fit into clothes that aren't maternity! lol

Wish me luck!!!!!

War wound

2008-03-29T19:03:00.007-05:00

Many babies bite or hit at some point. Little Frog has bit me a few times... When you tell her, "No biting" in a firm tone she starts crying. She is just like her mama, very sensitive.

Anyway, Miss K has been on a bit of kick... She has popped the Wondertwins on the head with a toy every now and then, has scratched, and has now bit Monkey Boy twice. Thursday it was on the arm. They were in the crawl tunnel. He probably took something, as he tends to do, and she bit him on the arm.

Yesterday, she was in the rocking chair. Monkey used the chair to stand up. She grabbed his face, pulled him close, and bit his cheek. I watched it happen, but had been changing Bree up on the couch and could not get there fast enough. I felt so bad for him.

I firmly said, "No biting." She smiled, waved at me, and said, "Hi".

We are going to have to work on this. They are just babies... but can't we all just get along?!

P.S. Check out this site and click on my picture.

Help me be a "top mamma"!!!!

Cat in the hat... Fox in a box

2008-03-28T09:05:00.005-05:00

Fuzzy ball?

2008-03-25T21:09:00.002-05:00

So, today I decide to tackle the mountain of laundry. I start with the adult clothes, then a load of diapers, then baby clothes... next towels... you get the idea. Anyway, I am always finding stuff in the drier. Most of the time it is something from our pockets. When I take the adult clothes out of the drier I find some change. I scour the floor to make sure none was dropped (don't want anyone choking!).

Then, I take the load of baby clothes out of the drier. As I'm getting the last few things I see something spherical in the back... a marble?... a ball of paper? I reach in... looks like paper. It has fuzzy lint all over it.

*Side note: The thing with finding paper is, I am obsessed with trying to figure out what it once was. I will uncrumble the paper and try to piece it together. Was it a note? A receipt? It's quite a game!

So, thinking it is paper I try to unfold it. It splits in two. It is brown. It crumbles slightly. Could it be? I don't know why... but I smell it. It is. It is poop. I have no idea how it got in the drier. I am grossed out.

Guess I have another load of laundry to do.

1 year Dr. visit

2008-03-24T15:08:00.003-05:00

Today the Wondertwins had their 1 year visit. We were suppose to do it Friday, but postponed so we could see the doctor we like.

Overall, they are doing great! He was very happy with their growth, development, etc. He kept saying what a great job we have been doing. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I like going to him... he gives me that much needed pat on the back.

We said we did not want to get shots at this time. He was all for delaying the vaccinations. He also told us to find a pox party so we could skip that one all together. I was ready to go in and argue for no vaccinations and was so happy to find how supportive he was!

Anyway, here are their stats:

Z:
Weight- 22lbs (from 5 lbs 6 oz at birth!) <35%>
Head- 47 <70%>
Height- 30 1/4 <75%>

B:
Weight- 19lbs 9 oz (from 4lbs 8 oz at birth!)<25%>
Head- 45 <45%>
Height- 28 1/2 <35%>

Where are the Wondertwins at 12 months?

2008-03-22T21:45:00.003-05:00

I'll start with Little Frog since she is 1 minute older.

* Has 8 teeth, 4 on top and 4 on bottom.
* Does a strange army scoot that reminds me more of an inchworm, than anything else.
* She loves her blankey and paci. She needs both to sleep.
* She needs lots of sleep. She goes to sleep around 7:30 and sleeps until about 7:30.
* She sleeps HARD. Not much will wake her.
* She has great rhythm and bounces up and down to music.
* You can give her a pile of books and she will sit there reading them, talking to herself, turning the pages for a solid hour if uninterrupted.
* Likes to be pushed in the ride on toy.
* Most of the time she points, signs more, all done, and Daddy.
* When you put food (that she likes) on her tray, she gobbles it up by the handful as fast as you can get it down.
* Her new thing is to try to follow the dogs... She laughs and giggles every time they look at her.
* She is very wary of people she doesn't know. She will stare at new people or, if they are holding her, will start crying.
* She is very sensitive. If someone fusses at her she cries (especially when she is told, "no biting!")
* She LOVES to play with gift cards and paper!
* Her favorite thing to wear is just her fuzzi bunz diaper. She will squeal and hit her hands on her tummy, laughing the whole time. It is the funniest thing!

Monkey Boy:
* He LOVES to breast feed! He comes running any time I sign "milk".
* He shakes his head "no" whenever he can't do something (for instance, when his sippy rolled under the stroller. He had a cracker in one hand and couldn't crawl after the sippy. So, he shook his head "no".
* Anytime I am eating something he comes over to beg for food.
* He has 8 teeth. 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom.
* He eats very slowly. He will pick up a cherrio and nibble on it... eating them one at a time.
* If given a book he will flip the pages, but soon goes to eating it or trying to tear off the pages.
* He picks up any little thing and puts in it in his mouth.
* He throws fits... For instance, if I am eating something and he crawls up... if I don't give him a piece fast enough he jumps, throws himself down and makes a cry sound (though it is not real crying).
* He gets focused on what he wants and will not give up until he gets it.
* He is a VERY fast crawler.
* He can walk, but usually only does it in the living room or walking to get to mama.
* He loves to play "monster". He growls at mommy and daddy.
* He LOVES to push Bree around in the little ride on toy.
* Is a very light sleeper. If someone goes in the room to check on them he will pop right up.
* Can sign all done, but only does it occasionally.

Though they are so different, they are both such wonderful babies. I love them more than words could ever express!

Happy 1st Birthday!

2008-03-21T08:44:00.005-05:00

The Wondertwins are now 1. I can't believe it! This year was the fastest year ever. They have learned tons and grown so much!

Here is a picture of each from the beginning, and from their 1st birthay.

Working together

2008-03-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

First words!

2008-03-16T10:22:00.004-05:00

Today the babies both signed and said, "All Done" after eating. Z does a one hand wipe/shake. He says "Ahh Duhhh". He doesn't do it on command yet though. So, his may not be ingrained. Here is a video of B. She now says it all the time. Hers is more of a clap and throwing her arms out. Sorry it is so dark.

They are both so cute!

My favorite Girl

2008-03-13T20:00:00.007-05:00

Little Frog is such a good little baby. You put food on her tray, she eats it. Not all food, but the ones she likes (fruit, cheerios, cheese, ravioli, pasta, toast, carrots). She sleeps just about anywhere... in the car, in the pack-n-play, once in the jumperoo... you just give her a binky and her blankey... then she talks to herself or plays quietly until she falls asleep.

Need something to keep her busy, giver her a couple of books. She will look at them, turning the pages, talking to herself and smiling, for at least 20 minutes... once an hour!

Her favorite toys? A cup or a spoon. She played with a plastic cup the entire day today. She would put it to her mouth and tip her head back like she was drinking. Then she would smile at me, so proud of herself!

We JUST finally moved her crib mattress down. She has been able to pull herself up for awhile, but has never attempted it in her crib. She just lays there and talks to her blankey or Zane. When she wakes she just coos to herself. Then, two days ago she pulled up to her knees to see Zane. We finally moved the mattress that evening.

She does have her moments, but who doesn't? She has been known (by all of my twin friends) to scream the loudest ear piercing scream... and if I weren't nursing twins I would have to quit altogether because she will only nurse first thing in the morning. She also tends to spit out new foods before she figures out if she even likes them (it is funny to see her spit something out, then ask for more because she has tasted a bit of it and likes it).

Overall, she is a very good baby. I wouldn't trade her for the world. She is the best little girl I could ask for. Little Frog, we love you so much!

I think we have a walker

2008-03-12T19:46:00.003-05:00

On Monday, Monkey Boy started taking 3-4 steps at a time. He will walk between things or from something to me. Sometimes he will walk towards something and turn around to walk back (usually to Mommy).

We thought he was busy before! lol Let the fun begin!

No, I have not forgotten about little Frog. She has actually started getting on her hands and knees more. She does a little inchworm/army crawl. However, I am looking forward to her crawling on hands and knees.

No no

2008-03-09T20:23:00.002-05:00

Monkey boy just learned how to shake his head, "No". Mostly he does it when I say, "No, no".

So, a fellow twin mom and I went to one of the local parks (the swing clip is from that day). We walked around with our 4 babies, enjoying the nice weather. We went to a paved area to let the kids crawl around together.

We handed out some crackers. Monkey had a cracker in one hand and a sippy in the other. The sippy fell and rolled under the stroller. He started to crawl under the stroller, but couldn't, he still had the cracker. He looked at the cracker... he looked at the sippy... he looked back at the cracker... then back at the sippy and shook his head. "Nope, it just won't work." Then he went back to eating his cracker.

1st time on a big swing

2008-03-06T17:45:00.002-05:00

Gotta Love the Pup

2008-03-05T15:45:00.005-05:00

Sorry this is sideways. I took it with my digital camera and didn't even THINK about the fact that you can't rotate video. Anyway, it still cracks me up just to listen to him.

No, Little Frog is not walking already. That is Ms. K in the video.

Almost a toddler

2008-03-02T20:20:00.002-05:00

Monkey boy is growing and growing. On Tuesday he took a step. Friday he took 2 or 3. Now he stands on his own for a bit... Sometime he lets go of things just so he can stand for a few seconds or take a step or two towards Mommy or Daddy.

He got tubes last month and now chatters all the time. He doesn't say specific things often like B. He just chatters about everything and to everyone.

I can't believe he is going to be 1 in a couple of weeks!

Waiting for Spring

2008-03-02T17:39:00.004-05:00

Yuck!

2008-02-28T10:38:00.004-05:00

The Wondertwins have their 2nd cold of the season. I think that is pretty good, considering the average is 6 for the first year.

It has moved into the runny nose stage. The period when they go down to nap with clean faces and wake up with green coating under their noses (and sometimes dried all over their faces from moving around).

Whoever invented the aspirator should have invented some kind of holding device with it. You would think I was trying to suck out their brains! They fight and scream like crazy! Then, when I am done they breathe better, smile because they feel better, and go on their way. However, when they see that thing come out it is utter mayhem!

I'll be glad when they are well again. Where is Spring?