Visit with Santa '08

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

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

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!!!!

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cute Diapered Bums

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

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

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

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

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

First head wound

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!

What a weekend.

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

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

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

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?

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!!!!

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!

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