12/28/09

NIPPLES!

Twin1: What's this?
Mommy: Nipples.
Twin1: No. Andre Lunch.
Mommy: No. Only mommy feeds the baby.
Twin1: No. My baby lunch.
Mommy: Um. Go Talk to Daddy.

I had no idea that I would be discussing the 'birds and the bees' with the twins when they were 31/2.

Twin1: (Pointing at his Nipples) Baby Lunch.
Daddy: Only mommy feeds the baby lunch.
Twin1: No. My baby lunch.
Daddy: No. Only mommy's feed babies. Daddy's feed the baby with a bottle.
Twin1: Ooooh, bottle. Go get it.

Really? 31/2 is too young for this conversation. Daddy was certainly taken aback.

12/27/09

Them Apples

So I guess my kids (Twins) really like apples. We were getting dinner ready the other night - Turkey Dinner, I believe. The twins seemed to have disappeared on us. We looked upstairs and none were to be found. My cuz offered to go check downstairs, where their bedroom is, to see if they were down there. The cuz's bought the twins a tent and tube which we set up downstairs for them to play with. So, I just assumed they were playing. I guess they decided they were hungry. They opened the fridge downstairs, pillaged a large bag of apples and a box of cream cheese, and headed to their room. When my cuz discovered their whereabouts, they were under one of their beds eating the apples - I do mean appleSSSS. They had taken a bite out of every apple in the bag. I guess they were marking their territory? Fortunately, they had not yet moved on to the cream cheese. That could have been a mess. My cuz proceeded to fish the twins out from under the bed, while they grabbed on to every post and slat to be found, hoisted up them and the bag of apples, and shooed them upstairs to dinner. Needless to say, they didn't eat much dinner!! Ah well. At least I know that they can fend for themselves when left alone and that they will make healthy decision.

12/26/09

Live from the Ski Hill

Wahoo. I've still got it. I have skied the last two days and I am awesome. I have energy, strength, and endurance. Wahoo. I had no idea that all I had to do was lose weight. Wahoo. I even did three runs today top to bottom. Okay, I had a few rolling stops, but not official stops. Fun, Fun. And, I have gotten to ski with my mother again. Wonderful. It is a very special thing to be able to still ski 'Blacks' and 'Double Blacks' with my mother. She is truly amazing.

The kids have been awesome. They are getting better and better on the skis. They have not yet ventured onto the ski hill. We are still on the cat track behind the house, but they are going faster and faster, and further and further. Nan and Papa got them skis and boots, so now they can head out anytime and for as long as they would like. Ya, Nan and Papa. Thank you.

Everyone up here has been having a blast with all the kids. It is so wonderful that we get this opportunity to all be together for a week. And we all get along so well. We just mesh. What great family I have. Oh, and my husband has finally arrived. He was very muchly missed for the few days we were with out him. We just aren't complete until he is here. Speaking of complete, my sister still isn't here. We are all a bit erked with her. She arrived home from Africa last Sunday and just had to spend some time readjusting at her house!!! Doesn't she know that she could have done that here..... (kidding, we understand fully, I just need to do a little rubbing).

We are all eating extremely well, as families tend to do when together. We all pitch in and make a dinner each night. We have had ribs, turkey, and stuffed chicken. Yum. Oh, and don't forget the multitudes of treats - chocolates, chips, candies. I am making sure that I keep active with the kids/skiing throughout the day, so that I can indulge a little.

I have been having a blast playing in the snow with the twins. They love throwing snow, sledding, and making snow angels. I having been waiting for this for so long, it is finally here, and it is better than I could have imagined. I love playing with the hooligans in the snow. The only problem is that they have so much fun during the day that come dinner they are too tired and, thus, CRANKY. Ug. But, I thing all the fun is well worth a little crank.

More later, when I get a change to steal my brother's computer. Thanks bro.

12/23/09

Packing, Packing, Packing

I am packing for our ski trip today. My mother and I are heading up tonight with the kids and my husband is driving my mother's car up on Friday afternoon. It should be a very busy day today.

I can't wait to be back in the snow, though. Fun. The kids are really into the snow this year. Hopefully the kids don't wear me down through the night. Who knows, perhaps the baby will pick this trip to finally sleep through the night. HA! Who am I kidding. It took the twins 3 years before they consistently slept. Then, we introduced potty training and it was all over.

Wahoo. Should be fun. I guess I will be a week+ without Internet access, but I am sure that I will have some fun and interesting stories when I get back.

Here is a picture of the baby. He is getting very inquisitive. Oh, and he now points where he wants to go when he is being carried. Mainly he points to go up stairs when we pick him up out of his crib. He also claps and waves. What a smarty.

12/21/09

All Mine



Aren't these guys just the most adorable little men. And they are all mine - at least until they grow up, become independent, self sufficient (?), and leave.... Nooooooooooooooooo. I just love them so much. They need to just stop growing up. That's it. Nothing more.



.

Shopping pour Moi

Long, long night last night. None of the kids wanted to sleep all that well. Perhaps that was because we were out and about yesterday and didn't stick to a schedule?

We headed out of the house early yesterday to drop my husband's brother at the airport. The kids had a blast running around in all that space. The baby squealed with glee continuously as he walked around freely with no toys to trip over.

Today, I had a sewing lesson in the morning. I learned a bunch of great tips about the machine. I really enjoyed myself. I was a little skeptical at first, but I definitely walked away with some useful info.

After the lesson, I headed over to the mall to buy a couple shirts for myself. You know, ones that aren't covered in food stains or tears. I went to the Gap because I had a gift card. I haven't been in that store since the twins were first born - 3 years ago. I felt weird. And oddly enough, I had a hard time remaining in the ladies section. I kept drifting into the kids section, thinking that the twins would look great in those jeans, or wouldn't the baby look adorable in that hat. I even found myself standing in front of the men's dress shirts thinking my husband would look great in that shirt. I ended up walking away with 2 shirts for myself and oodles of money left on the gift card. I couldn't imagine spending more on myself. Oh how things have changed. In the past, I wouldn't have thought twice about dropping cash on clothes. Now, there are so many other things, and if it isn't on sale, I won't even look at it!!. Wow. I didn't predict this change. I guess I will have to go back again and see what else I can find. I do need a belt! Thanks for the gift card Uncle C.

I quickly sped home after the shopping feeling guilty about all this time I had to myself. It is kind of nice to leave every once in awhile, though. When I walked in the house I got the running hugs and big hello. It was nice to know I was missed.

12/19/09

Quilt and Playing with Dolls

This is the quilt that I have been working on. It is a house warming gift for my husband's brother who just bought a house.




The twins played with their babies while the baby napped today. The put their babies down for naps, changed their diapers, and fed them. Too cute. I was wondering if this would ever happen. It lasted for quite some time, too.




12/18/09

The Shower

I had no idea when I embarked on motherhood that showering would turn into a well planned, often not well executed, event.

In the early days, showering was non-existent. The majority of my time was spent in pyjamas, not just because of pure exhaustion and lack of sleep, but also because I refused to continue to wear maternity clothes. Pyjamas were not maternity clothes; however, nothing else fit.

Soon, showering only occurred when my husband came home from work. Eventually, I showered when the kids were screaming themselves to sleep for their first nap. That way I didn't have to listen to it. Although, the blood curdling screams could still be heard through the running water often leading to tears (mine), which of course were not tears because I was in the shower!!

The showering during the first nap lasted until the first nap was dropped. Then, started the well planning part. I often tried to shower when I noticed the twins were absorbed in something: TV, play..... or I would just forgo the shower until the afternoon nap. Often I would come out of the shower to screaming, this time of a different kind. Usually because one twin was beating the other. Or worse, no screaming, this usually meant that the twins had banded together and were either wielding knives, smearing bum cream over everything, or writing on the walls/couches with permanent marker. Yes, all of those things has happened.

With the arrival of the new baby, showers have moved once again to nap time. This time the baby's first nap. I can often leave the twins without major incidence now. But, most of the time the twins gravitate to the bathroom while I shower. This is not favorable because the baby sleeps under the bathroom and has often been wakened with the screaming that ensues in the bathroom.

Today, for instance, although the baby was not awakened, I was entertained first with screaming and banging on the outside of the door (for some reason this is the only door that they are unable to open on their own!!) and in entered twin2. Then, the light show began. The light was switch off and on repeatedly and, of course, left in the off position for quite some time. Once out of the shower, I was demanded to watch a demonstration of lassoing the sink with a sewing measuring tape. Eventually, more screaming occurred as once twin took a toy from another twin. I ushered all of us out of the bathroom and breathed a sigh of relief because the baby remained sleeping.

Showering, a well planned event, often poorly executed. I had no idea. I can't wait to see what 3 children will attempt while I sneak my 5 minutes of restoration.

12/17/09

Wake Up, Wake Up

Oooh. I attempted way too much pre-caffeine. It's 8:30 and I am only just having my first cup of tea. The headache has already started. Naughty me. I really should know better. No good deeds until caffeine has been consumed. Check.

I made the twins pancakes this morning. Normally, I am happy to have them help, but today I am just not in the mood. And they only ate 2 pancakes. Grr. I can already tell it is going to be one of those days.

We are sick, yet again. I am tired of being sick every 10 days.

On a silly note. Twin1 has taken to acting like a dog about 60% of the day. It really is funny. He walks around the house on all fours saying, "Wook, Wook." (Trans: woof, woof.) Twin2 has taken it upon himself to be his master and orders 'the dog', as he has been named, around. They even put a horsey backpack on twin1 so that he could have a leash. And last night, twin2 put 'the doggies' food on the floor for him! Giggle. It is funny.

Their imaginations are growing everyday. Twin2 was jumping a car over his popcorn last night. Fun, fun. I do like this stage.

The baby, on the other hand, has been difficult. However, difficult for his standards really isn't bad. I am just not used to it. He is finally getting his 8th tooth and he is not happy about it.

The twins have been waking up a lot again - 4 times a night each. Yesterday, I cut back on the milk consumption again and we are back to one waking each. Ya. Note to self - not too much milk. It's tough, though, because they love their milk. It is their one comfort item. When I give them a sippy of milk, they sit on the couch and their eyes roll into the back of their heads. They really do love it and it is hard to say no. It's just milk, but too much seems to affect the potty training and sleeping. Too bad.

I am almost finished my second quilt. This one is a man quilt. I quite like it. Too bad I am giving it away.

I hear loud noises in the other room. Gotta man my post. I am now starting to feel caffeine ready. Ya caffeine.

Oh, I gave the twins and my nephew a hair cut yesterday. Here is a picture of where twin1 fell asleep hiding on me. He really wasn't that hard to find with all the snoring.


This is twin1 hair cut. He didn't want his picture being taken.

Twin2's hair cut while reading a book under the desk in the kitchen!

And of course, the baby enjoying some couch time. He loves it.

12/15/09

Dress



Here is a picture of the beautiful vintage dress of my mothers. It was made over 30 years ago in Thailand. Oh, and of course, my handsome husband. We had so much fun.

Work

I am actually at work today. Although, I have to say that it kind of feels like a bit of downtime while the kids are sleeping. I keep waiting for the shoe to drop.

My wonderful mother is watching all three kids today. I stopped my at lunch and the potty training was not going. My mother was hoping to shame them into peeing on the potty at their request and of course pooping on the potty.. I guess we'll see if it works.

My day has been an absolute breeze. At the moment, I don't even have any kids. I guess it is because it's before Christmas Break and a lot of the classes have parties, and are decorating classrooms and such. My poor classes never got to do all that stuff. Sure, I had movies every once in a while, but not the teacher/parent induced 'festivities' that they were used to. This morning, I watched a cartoon movie for two hours. Here I thought I was getting away from cartoons. Hmph.

My husband had his first day on his new job today. He is now the Commercial and Small Fleet Sales Manager at the GM store. Still with the Mertin Auto Group, of course. We are extremly pleased with this change. He was ready for another challenge. Hopefully now he will get to utilize some of his talent and abilities. Ya. I have heard it said that a happy wife = happy family. All I care about is that my family is happy, so really... A happy family = happy wife. Of course it is great when they all do what I say!! He, he.

My husband and I had a blast at his holiday party. There was a band and all they played was oldies rock. It was awesome. I love dancing.

Well, the bell is about to go. Back to the real work - being a mom. It was nice to have a bit of a break and make some money, though. I already have plans for what I am going to buy myself - an undermount radio for the kitchen. That way I can listen to music while I cook. Then all I will have to do is wait for the holiday music to cease. Ha.

12/12/09

Itch

I had the itch to get out of the house today. I phoned up my mother and off we went to visit "The Greats." We had a wonderful visit. Grandma was up and about. She even got on the floor and played with the boys. Wow. It was truly wonderful to see. Grandpa looks good too. He was excited that he had lost 11 lbs. over the year. He just got a new GPS and was fiddling around with it. He now knows how to get to my mother's house!! He said he would wait for my next visit to put my address in and learn how to get to my house!!!! Giggle. Aren't they wonderful. 84 and still going strong.

All the kids were great on the trip. We even managed two stops. One to a sewing store so my mother could yell at the lady who sold her a program with glitches in it. Grrrr. She was not happy to have to do this and was quite worked up when finished. We also managed a quick jet through Costco. And we really were quick. On a weekend and everything. Who knew.

All the kids slept on the way home, so I even got to unload the car and put everything away before things started to melt/spoil.....

At the moment, I am sitting in my house coat, sucking all my loose twin skin in with a body slimmer, wearing way too much makeup, waiting for my husband to finish getting ready for his staff party tonight. He, he. Men take so long to get ready! I have been trying to loose just a few more pounds so that I could wear my mothers 30 year old poppy dress. It is beautiful. I have always wanted to wear it, but was either not small enough or had no event to wear it to. Tonight, I get to wear it. I will have to remember my camera and get a picture of my dashing husband and myself. I can't wait to start dancing. I love dancing.

Good night.

12/11/09

Late Night, Early Morning

We had a late night last night. All 3 kids had a nap yesterday, at the same time. Wahoo. Except, I was also watching my nephew who didn't want to sleep. As a result of the nap, the twins stayed up late to watch a movie. We started off watching Monsters vs. Aliens, but they asked us to turn it off because it was too scary. I like that they know their limits and aren't afraid to express them. So, we switched to "The Little Polar Bear", which twin1 picked out. It was a cute cartoon and was received much better. At 9:30, I sent the twins to bed, did a few last minute things around the house, and I went off to bed. At 10:30, twin2 opened the bedroom door complaining that his rooster (a blown up latex glove) was broken. They were still up! I fell asleep and they continued to play in their room!! Good thing they didn't get adventurous and head out of the house. I put them back in to bed and then remained up for the next hour making sure that they really were asleep and not just pretending. My husband was playing hockey.

Despite the late night, both were up at 6:00am. I don't mind the early mornings, but they are probably going to nap again today because of the late night + early morning = another late night. Ug.

We went to "Strong Start" this morning. We had a great time as always. It was library day. They are doing better at sitting, but they still fidget a lot. I think that this is okay. I don't think that 3 year old's should have to stay still and stare at the teacher for a long time. I think that kids should be moving and reacting to the book. I don't know. Some kids seem to be great at focusing. My kids like to move around and I don't think it is a bad thing. I let them move around, but other mom's in the group try to get the twins to sit, stop kicking, cross your legs..... I am not sure what age that this should be enforced, if ever. I taught some kids who had to keep moving to stay focused. Take me for example, when I watch a movie or read a book, I am always fidgeting. Rarely do I sit completely still. In fact, as I sit here typing, I am curling my toes. Perhaps, it is not so much the fidgeting, but the type of fidgeting. I guess, teaching appropriate fidgeting may be required at some point, but not now.

We have a busy weekend planned. My husbands Christmas party is Saturday. There is going to be a band. I get to go dancing. I am very excited. Then, on Monday, both my husband and I have Dentist appointments. I despise the dentist. I am having two fillings replace. Yick.

12/10/09

Movie Night

Walking

Here is a video of the baby walking. Although it isn't a great video, it is a giggle. If you listen closely you can hear twin1 trying to convince me that the smell emanating from his bottom is not poop.

This second video is a much better picture of the baby walking. He is very proud of himself. He can walk all over the house now and can even stand up in the middle of the room unassisted.

12/9/09

Ingenious

Twin2 and his invention.

I do hope that he doesn't utilize it anytime in the future.

Only a 3 year old would create a personal wedgie device, then sit and read a book.

12/8/09

Bath Time

How adorable. I couldn't resist a couple of pictures. Sorry, the few ski pictures I took are on my phone and I have no idea how to get them off. We tried to get a video of the baby walking, but he was having none of it. We'll try again later.
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Skiing

We had a beautiful weekend of skiing. The snow was great, but the temp was a bit cold: -15C, -20C the day we left.

We got away Saturday after my husband's work at a great time - 5:30 - which meant that we arrived at the ski hill at 9:30. Wonderful. All the boys slept the whole way, except for a brief interlude from Twin1. He kept us entertained with his driving abilities, "Sign STOP, mom." and "GOOOOO." He is very helpful. I have no idea how his brothers continued to sleep.

The next morning we were up early because the twins had a lesson at 8:30am. We had to pick up their skis and boots at 8:00am, so things were moving very early around the house. I am pretty sure that my sister would not have liked the thundering elephants running around the place that morning. We managed to arrive at everything on time. The twins were very keen to put on boots and walk around. As we waited for the instructor, they even put the skis on and were happily pushed around by Nan and Dad. The instructor arrived and so did the meltdown. I had to go put the baby down for his nap, so I left a protesting twin1 behind. I guess things went down hill from there for twin1. He did not want to be in the presence of the instructor. Twin2, however, did awesome. He went up and down the little slope, guided by the instructor, like he knew what he was doing. I arrived back to see 2 trips down the slope, but then he got very cold. The instructor took his skis off and suggested some jumping, but twin2 took off and never looked back. He was heading to his mommy. He began crying, so we knew the lesson was over.

We had planned for both boys to go into the daycare after the lesson, but they were both so upset that we scrapped that idea and went home for hot chocolate and a movie. All in all, we were pretty happy with the fact that they were willing to put the equipment on and twin2's progress.

At home, we changed all the peed on clothes and I made hot chocolate for them, which they said was, "Yuck, mom." and, "Yuckies." Really. What was I thinking? Plain milk did the trick, though.

We attempted to put all the kids down for an afternoon nap. At which time, my husband and I escaped for some skiing. I still got it. Wahoo. It was great.

We arrived back to a full house of awake kids. Around 3:00pm, we managed to coax the twins back outside. They happily put their skis on and went up and down the little slope in front of the house. I guess the idea of the ski instructor was just too traumatic for twin1. They did fantastic in front of the house, though. Really good. We are going to pick up some boots and skis, so that we can head out any time.

All in all, a completely successful weekend. The drive was wonderfully uneventful. The packing took minimal effort. And we all successfully skied. Wahoo. We have finally entered in to the fun zone with the twins. Now, if we could just conquer this potty thing! My mom keeps suggesting that we give up - I will persevere.....

12/4/09

It's Official!

Yes, it is. The baby is walking. Wow. I can't believe it. He is a whole 2 months ahead of where his brothers were. A couple of days ago, he even said, "Ba," (Bye) to a lady as we were leaving a store. The second, third in our case, child certainly does develop quicker.

I thought my Aussie relatives would appreciate this. The twins most used phrase at the moment is - "No worries, mom." Yup. There is a little Aussie in them.

We are off for our first ski adventure of the year this weekend. The twins are booked in for a ski lesson/day care on Sunday morning. I hope it goes well.

12/2/09

Cuteness

Here are some recent pictures. We, my husband, took the twins skating on Monday. They are doing really good. They hold on to the handle bars without falling, can pick themselves up when they do fall, and get around the rink pretty quickly.

Twin2



Twin1 decided to accessorize with some 'Cars' stickers. Twin2, of course, helped.


Who is the naughty one here. The baby for eating something that he could choke on, the twins for leaving the apple laying around, or me for allowing the twins to eat an apple while not sitting at the table.







Aren't they just too cute.


Zymactive

I am in Love... I have been taking the Zymactive Enzymes for only 2 days and my back pain is almost gone. Wahoo. You have to take them on an empty stomach and remember to take them, but they really work. I love you Zymactive. Thank you, cuz.

12/1/09

Normality

We are now back to some semblance of normality around here. My husband went back to work today, well actually last night. We are all sleeping and eating (and keeping it down). Now I have to attempt to wean the kids off of TV again after watching it non stop while we were all sick.

Some interesting things happened this week. The baby can crawl down the stairs backwards. We have only tried him with three steps, but he did it over and over the other day.

We picked the boys up some ski helmets, gloves, and goggles yesterday in preparation for their first ski lesson next weekend!! They seem to be excited, but I am not sure that they actually know what they are getting in to.

Twin1 is back to calling me, "Mumma." My husband says it sounds like the deep south around here when he is calling me. I love it.

Twin2 is getting very good at cutting. In fact, he took it upon himself to cut the quilt (my very first one) that I made in a few spots. Grrr.

Something interesting to me... The twins will now go to time out unassisted when they are in trouble. They still sometimes run away, but the chasing seems to be decreasing at the moment.

The drivers side car window went kaput. My husband took it in to get fixed today. Cha-ching. Ouch. At least it helps that he works for a dealership and gets a good rate.

Lets hope the day fairs well with no vehicle.

11/30/09

Diarhea pffp, pffp. Diarhea pffp, pffp.

It all started Wednesday after "Disney on Ice." Twin2 awoke screaming in the middle of the night, "Mess! Mess!" He had vomited in his sleep. The next day, still vomiting, he went to Nan's while I took Twin1 and the baby to our first Naturopathic appointment. My Grandparents, Nan's parent's, visited and Twin2 continued to vomit. We all thought he had food poisoning because no one else was sick. Boy was I wrong.

Nan got sick Friday, during the day. The baby started at 6pm Friday. My husband started around midnight Friday. Twin 1 started around 3am Saturday. I held off, thank goodness, until Saturday night at 9pm. If I had gotten sick any sooner, I do not know what we would have done. I was able to take care of everything while my husband slept and then we switched. We were all so incapacitated. I don't think that my husband has been that close to bodily fluids like that since the twins were first born and vomited up all their meals.

Thankfully, the flu only seemed to last about a day and a half altogether with aching muscles, chills..... Unfortunately, my grandparents, in their two hour exposure to twin2 on Thursday also got the flu. Sorry, everyone.

11/27/09

Hooligans

In the matter of 4 hours on Wednesday, my children were wild enough for 3 days worth of energy. We were finally well enough for swimming this week and because my husband and I were taking the twins to 'Disney on Ice' (Which was awesome. I can not explain how great it was and how much the twins loved it.) I was flying solo with the swim lesson.

Usually, my husband or myself run into the coffee shop after swimming and pick up banana bread for the twins as a treat. Today, as I was on my own, I decided to go to the coffee shop first because I knew the baby would be very ready for his nap by the end of the swim lesson. I finally coaxed all the kids in the car and attempted to explain what we were doing. They did not understand the concept of acquiring the banana bread pre-swim lesson and not getting to eat it until post-swim lesson. So, they were confused and frustrated about not getting to eat the banana bread.

They fought with each other the entire time in the car: hitting, crying, yelling. I threatened no swimming, or no Disney on Ice, but they knew that that was not going to happen. Oh, wait a second... it all started when they locked me out of the car... Oh ya. What a wonderful phase this is. As soon as they get in the car, they climb all over it and lock all the doors. Yes, I still have keys, but they just don't seem to work when one child is physically holding the lock shut... I should have known to forgo banana bread at this point, but I was really hoping for the best. You know, that they would turn things around, have a great lesson, sing 'Kumbaya' on the car ride home. Who am I kidding, though. This is my group of hooligans.

So, eventually I get the car open, kids strapped in, they fight, and we all arrive outside the coffee house. Once at the coffee house, the twins are enthralled with the doors: one opens in to let people in, once opens out to let people out. You would think that this was a boring everyday occurrence, but to twins it is hours of fun. Oh, and I should mention that we arrived just before 10:00am, coffee time, so the place was just starting to fill up and we had an audience. As the twins played with the doors, letting all the heat out and getting stares for the group of ladies already gossiping, I attempted to corral the twins over to the cash register. The twins ordered their banana bread and I made the mistake of ordering a 'Chai Tea'. While we waited for the tea, the twins ran all around, knocked over the posts that create the line (which are actually quite heavy), pummeled each other a few times, and both burst in to loud obnoxious tears. Why oh why do I even attempt to do anything for myself? I finally got each twin seated on either side of a table, each said apologies to each other, I received my drink, and we started to head out the door. After more hitting, yelling, crying, discussing, apologizing, we are back in the car heading to the swim lesson.

At the swim lesson, neither twin waited for me to get the baby out of the car and ran through the parking lot into the recreation center. Fortunately, once of the receptionists kept their eye on them while I got everything together and ran in after them.

During the lesson, with a new instructor, the twins were awful. They didn't listen at all, swam all over the kiddy pool, causing the instructor to physically have to pick the twins up and plop them down at her desired location. Ug. I think the twins completely wore her out for the remainder of the day. Sorry.

Once dried and dressed, each twin ran out of the change room in different directions. (Please remember that this entire time, I am holding the baby) We got their shoes on and headed out to the parking lot, where they once again ran around dodging in and out of cars. Uuuuuuuh. We had another discussion about cars/parking lots/ holding hands..... Nothing. They continued to run away from me. Finally we were back in the car,...after they locked me out again, and were heading home. More yelling, crying, hitting, fighting because I had now told them they could not have their banana bread. They did not deserve it.

At home, after putting the baby to sleep, I fed them a nutritious lunch and sent them to bed telling them they needed to sleep to get ready for McQueen and Mator. Both actually went to sleep and I got an hour and a half to myself. Twin2 awoke from his nap and said, "Ready McQueen, mom." He was ready to see McQueen because he napped. The remainder of the day was wonderful, but oh the morning.

11/24/09

Fantastic

Fantastic day so far. We went to 'Strong Start' this morning. The twins always have a blast there. Although, there was a bit of a tussle over the tool bench. This resulted in the second ever time out that I have had to give at school. Ah well. Lesson learned, I think.....

My nephew was dropped off at school for me to watch while his parents were 'in transition.' For once, I think he had a great time visiting. He ate all his lunch. The kids played hide and seek. We made 'Scotch Shortbread' cookies courtesy of 'The Cookbook.' Then his mom came and picked him up. Great, great morning.

Now, I think the twins are downing an entire bag of animal crackers. I can hear them saying, "Lots. Need, lots." I am sure to find a pile on each of their plates in the kitchen. But, at least they are sitting at the table and not sneaking off to make a mess that I will find in a few days once it starts to smell.

I like days like this. Busy, low stress, fun filled. Now, do I venture to the library..... Nope. Better not to push my luck.

Twin1 has started wiping his face after I give him a kiss. He is still too young to think it is gross. I hope. I guess I'll just have to give him even more kisses. He, He.

We have a crazy busy week ahead of ourselves. We are off to Disney on Ice tomorrow night with the twins, thanks to 'cuz' for the tickets. Speaking of tickets, we seem to have lost them. My husband and I will have to do an all over house search tonight. I have a sneaking feeling that I may have thrown them out. What to do?

On Thursday, I am taking Twin1 to see the naturopath. I hope to discover some wonderful things and get some insight.

Then on Sunday, my husband and I are going to have a much deserved date night at the 'Four Seasons Hotel.' I can't wait. My husband won a gift certificate in a golf tournament - $150. I have no idea how we will spend all of it. Perhaps we will get 2 nights out of it. The twins will spend the night at Papa and Nan's, and the 'cuzes' are going to watch the baby. Thank you everyone.

Well, the twins just ran down stairs giggling and the baby has turned on 'the robot' and turned of the computer power, so I had better run.

11/22/09

Week in Review

This was a very long week. With hospital visits, illness all around, lack of sleep, and in ability to leave the house for fear of passing illness on, by Thursday I was ready to scream/cry. Just let myself succumb to the tension. I was ready to put myself into 'time out' (of which, I think twin2 spent almost an hour altogether in 'time out' on Thursday).
Fortunately, Friday happened. We awoke to fewer sniffles and cheerful attitudes. I even got to sleep in a little bit - 6:30am wooohoooooo. We have finally adjusted to the time change around here, by the way. So, with a smile on our faces, I packed us all up and ventured to 'Strong Start.' We had a great time. Then I had a visit from a good friend in the afternoon and our kids played together as good as can be expected. Friday ended with a dinner that the kids gobbled down and continuously said 'Thank you, mom. Thank you, mom. Yum. Yum. Mmmmm." It's about time I made a hit and didn't have to fight with them once about it. Friday managed to make the entire beginning of the week seem so far behind us. Thank you, Friday. I leave you with some pictures of the pleasant dinner. Oh and I have to say how great it feels not to be 'old' like my husband today!! He, He.

I think kabob's may have to be a weekly dinner.

11/21/09

Teamwork

Can you guess what they are doing?





Yup. Bum wiping 'A la Twins'

I was feeding the baby in the kitchen and could hear quite the commotion in the bathroom - "ooh. Yuck," was uttered a few times. Don't worry. They both washed their hands after.

11/19/09

Words of the Day

Twin1: "Aw white, mom." (Trans: All right, mom.)

Twin2: "Sowy." (Trans: Sorry. And there have been a lot of them today.)

Baby: "Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma, ma." (Now no longer to the tune of a growl, but sung when he cannot find me. I like it much better. Although, the growl was really funny.)

11/18/09

A Day in the Life...

We awoke to snow this morning. It was very pretty. There was only a couple centimeters and most has disappeared, but I think there will be more tonight.

I had a great morning. My mother took the twins and I got to have a nap while the baby slept. Aren't mothers great.
During their absence, I took it upon myself to clean the couch cushions. They were in dire need of it. While the cushions were removed, the baby discovered that he could climb onto the couch. He crawled back and forth having an 'extreme' adventure, squealing with glee, sporting a huge smile on his face.

(Sorry, I didn't get a picture of it. I thought this was a cute picture, though.)


After lunch, the twins ventured downstairs for some play time. While I thought the twins were playing nicely downstairs, they had quietly opened the door to the 'under construction' baby room and pilfered my husbands tools, including many items that could have seriously hurt them. I guess we will have to bolt that room shut.

We ended the afternoon with a craft. Here are some pictures. The twins enjoyed themselves and I got dinner ready. I made curry. Thanks for the inspiration, cuz.



11/17/09

No, he didn't? Yes, he did!

So I was sitting in the big lazy chair, just finishing feeding the baby when I heard a knock on the door. I looked out the front window to see an RCMP vehicle. I open the door and the officer says, "Did someone call 911?" Um. No. Um. Ug.

***********

My mother had stopped by for a short visit earlier to see how twin2 was doing after his follow up at the hospital. (His oxygen level was 95, which is okay, but could be better. He is still on the nebulizer every 3 hours until he is looking and feeling better, plus a number of other medications.) As my mother and I talked about twin2, she needed to use the phone and did so. The baby of course, is into everything and screamed about wanting the phone. I said sure. And she handed him the phone after she was finished. Well, I guess he dialed 911 and then hung up. Ug. Don't I feel like a twit.

***********

Sorry, officer. I wasted tax payers dollars to appease my child for a few seconds. I guess the phone is now off limits.

Craziness

So, so much has happened in the matter of 2 days. First of all, Twin1 is sick. Sick, as in, in the hospital with an asthma attack, sick. My husband took him in to emerg last night around 8 and he was released this morning at 8 with specific instructions to do nothing but take his medicines and to go back to emerg at 1pm to be reassessed. To facilitate the 'do nothing' portion, Papa was nice enough to watch twin2 for the day. I am not sure that twin1 is getting any better. I think he may be getting a little worse. We'll have to wait and see. If he does get worse, it looks like we'll be in for a transfer down the valley and a couple nights in the hospital. We did manage to go a year with out an attack. We are doing better.

At the moment, twin2 has a cold and we have started him on all his meds. The cold has not progressed into an asthma attack yet.

In the midst of all this, I have begun to make a quilt and it is almost down. I copied a lovely quilt that was given to the twins when they were born. It is pretty easy, so it is a good one to start with. I never thought I would have the desire, but now that I have so much time in the evenings because all the kids go to bed at 7pm, I find that I am getting to let my creative self out once again. Quilts, though? I guess this is because my mother just gave me her old sewing machine and flannel was on half price at the local fabric store. Why not?

Yesterday, the twins had their first dentist apt. It did not go well. Twin2 went first and screamed the entire time. Thus, nothing but sitting in the chair was accomplished. Twin1 held his hands over his mouth. We were told to reschedule for 6 months from now. I guess we had to start sometime, though.

I made pasta the other night. My sister and I had taken a pasta making class the previous Monday and this weekend I decided to give it a try. My first 'flour well' was not large enough. When I added the wet ingredients, the dam broke and all the liquids escaped. On my second try, I made the well large enough, but some how measured wrong. I ended up with way too much liquid and kept having to add flour. Several hours later, with the help of my husband and the twins, and a cranky/stuffy baby, we ate past dinner. It was delish. I don't think I need to give it a try again for another 6 months, though.

In an effort to provide shade and privacy in the back yard, my husband planted 4 more trees this weekend. That now makes 8 trees in the back yard. I think it will all look beautiful when it grows in.

How is that for a crazy few days.

11/15/09

Grr

Grrr. I had a post almost all finished and my hand hit the mouse pad on the lap top and deleted it all. Grrrrr. I guess I'll write it tomorrow. Re: pasta and trees. I know you just can't wait. I'm off to drink some wine and cuddle with the hubby for now.

Dentist appointment for the twins tomorrow morning. Lets hope it goes well.

11/14/09

Natural Medicine

My mother and I went for our massages yesterday. We thought we were going to have to take all three kids with us and then would have to figure out what to do with them as we took turns with our massages in the middle of the city, but my Dad offered to watch the twins for the day. So we just had the baby with us. No biggy. He quite likes his time spent with his Nan.

The massages went well. My back is quite a bit looser. I now just need to keep it that way with some warm showers and stretching because I won't be able to get another massage anytime soon. My mother saw much relief this time for her extremely painful neck. Last week, she and my sister went for three days of massage in a row and the RMT suggested some enzymes for my mother to take. My sister already takes them for her digestion and feels they work wonders. Within a few days, my mother has benefited from the enzymes. She says that her neck is no longer extremely painful, but just a bother. Isn't that great. With massage, hopefully she can see some relief finally. Now I have my sister looking into whether or not I can take these enzymes while nursing the baby. It would be great if I could start feeling some relief from something that is natural. I sometimes resort to anti-inflammatories and feel very guilty when I do because of the baby.

So, now I wonder. Why do doctors not prescribe more natural medicines when they seem to have such great results? Is it just the lack of study/research or is it $$$? My mother and I had this discussion in the car yesterday and she believes doctors are prejudiced.

My twins suffer from allergies and asthma. Currently, twin2 is on a steroid puffer daily and steroid cream as needed. Both of these are harmful after long term use and he has now been on them for over a year. The steroid cream, specifically, is known to suppress the immune system. I am in the process of making an appointment with a Homeopath to see if there are natural remedies for these problems. Hopefully I can get some answers. I have heard Vitamin D and Colloidal Silver can produce results, but just how much is needed/when do you take it? I don't feel comfortable just going with the advice of the health food store owner, but would like a guide to keep an watch on our progress. I have the number for a high school friend of my sisters. I will have to give here a call Monday.

Oh, speaking of Monday. The twins have their first dentist appointment!

We made some hobby horses for the twins the other night. They are quite taken with them at the moment. Sorry about the picture quality. My camera is on some sort of setting that is not conducive with my photo taking abilities.

And look at this cute bottom. I couldn't resist.




11/12/09

Hide and Seek and Cheerios

My husband and I played hide and seek with the twins the other night. However, it went more like, my husband or I help the twins hide and then they yell, "I'm over here." They didn't quite get the idea of hiding and keeping quiet. They did have a blast, though. And so did my husband and I.

This morning, the twins decided to practice some dexterity by cutting out some pictures I had printed off the Internet. Twin2 was very excited and asked for help putting his fingers in the holes of the scissors (child scissors) and did a great job cutting out each of the pictures. Twin1 started out with the right intentions. He didn't want help with the scissors and once he got started decided that ripping was far more efficient.



The baby has finally moved past the Cheerios only stage. He has been very slow with his eating of solid foods. A lot of foods have given him digestive troubles: gas, constipation. We were feeding him a jar of prunes a day and were not seeing much of a result. And he hated it, too. We were resorting to suppositories, which are so much fun. Until, I decided to start feeding him the hemp seeds that I eat in my yogurt and then everything was fixed. As long as he eats a 1/2 tbs. of hemp seeds everyday, he is a happy camper. He sleeps much better and is far happier in the middle of the night, which really is the only time he gives us any sort of problems. Anyway, once I figured out his digestive issues, he started eating more solids. Until, I introduced Cheerios. Then he refused to eat anything accept yogurt and hemp seeds, and Cheerios. When he saw the Cheerios he would get a huge grin on his face. When I put some on his tray, he would dive in with both hands and shove the cheerios in his mouth. My husband and I tried to get a video of this, but his love of Cheerios is starting to waver a little bit. I think he is headed for another growth spurt and has realized he may need to eat something of substance to do this. It is pretty amazing how the body works. How it know what it needs even at the age of 10 months old.


I think the baby has actually started to speak his first words. I am quite in awe because the twins didn't really start saying anything that we could understand until they were about 18 months old. They had the whole twin speech going and could understand each other well enough to strategize their next onslaught. The baby, though, is clearly saying 'Da' and today said 'Ma.' When my husband comes through the door from work, the baby starts yelling, "Da, da, da, da." So, we figured that he new who his Da da was. Today, I was in the bathroom drying off the twins from the bath and the baby was shut outside the door screaming at me. When one of the twins opened the door to get let out, the baby came crawling in still crying, climbed to a stand on me and stated yelling, "Ma, ma, ma." Wow. Now he even knows my name. Astonishing. There truly is a difference to raising twins vs. singletons.

11/11/09

Oh the Power of TV

So I purchased this cool icing decorator bottle set from Pampered Chef and my husband has been itching to try it out. Also, he had purchased this neat silicone car cake shape a few years ago. Today he decided to give both items a try by making and decorating a cake to look like Lightening McQueen.

When the twins finally got curious about what my husband was doing and he told them he was making a cake, they got very excited and started yelling, "Party, Daddy. Party, Daddy." I was in the office ironing the new drapes in preparation for hemming and perked my ears up at this exclamation. As my husband proceeded with the decorating, and the cake was about half finished they both started excited yelling, "Happy birthday. Happy Birthday." At this point, I was in the kitchen mixing up the colors my husband would need for the icing and we both looked at each other with eyebrows raised.


The twins have never experienced a birthday for themselves. They attended their cousin's birthday last January, but I didn't think that they really even noticed any of it. It was just another family dinner. And, in fact, only one of the twins even ate the cake - Twin1. I mean, if you ask the twins how old they are, they couldn't even tell you. They have no concept of age = birthday. Or so I thought.
As the twins jumped around the kitchen yelling, "Happy birthday. Happy birthday!" I began to really realize the power of TV and cartoons. There was really no other place that they could have picked up the idea that a cake = Birthday. Very interesting.

I tried to explain what a birthday was, but as far as they are concerned. Cake = Party = Birthday. Ah well.








,

11/10/09

Potraits

Here are some portraits the twins made of a couple family members. After they finished making them, I asked them who there were. They each picked all the colors and glued everything on themselves, even choosing where to place each item. I did the cutting. Here they are.
Aunty C by Twin2



Daddy working by Twin1

Weekend

I missed a day. Gulp. And here I was trying to blog everyday this month. I guess that is out the window! If I blog twice in one day, will that right things?

The weekend is over and it is time to pick up the pieces once again. It doesn't even feel like we had a weekend. We were crazy busy. We had dinner with family both nights. I attended a cooking class on Monday and then had a facial. I got some much deserved 'me' time. But what was missing - oh, time as a family? Yup. Last night, as my husband and I cuddled trying to wind down for a few minutes before bed, we discussed how busy we were this weekend and both came to the conclusion that we missed the weekend because we missed spending time as a family. Isn't that nice. It's so wonderful that we love each other so much.

My cooking class yesterday was fantastic. The class was instructed by Chef Dez who was very funny, entertaining, and knew his stuff. I learned how to make pasta from scratch with a variety of sauces. I have always wanted to make fresh pasta and now I know how. We tried to make pasta as a family in the summer. The twins had a blast, but the result was awful. Looking back, we did almost everything wrong that you could possibly do. I will have to try it out on the weekend.

We had Turkey Dinner at my mom's last night. It was delish. She sent me home with left overs, so I am going to try to make Turkey Pot Pie from scratch. I always make the insides from scratch, but this time I am going to try the pastry crust too!!

Twin1 didn't want to put his rain jacket on this morning, so I explained that he needed it because it was raining out side. He replied with, "All right, mom." It struck me as a very grown up response. He actually understands my explanation and responded with more than a one word answer.

Well, mom's got the twins this morning, so I am going to try and nap while the baby is asleep. Maybe I can still fight off this cold. I think it has finally won the battle, though.

11/8/09

Joke of the Day

Q: When do kids adjust to the time change?



A: HA. Never. They wait another 6 months for it to change back to their schedule.



4am came very early this morning. And, yes, I did manage to not return the huge smile the baby was using to provoke me out of bed. All he got was a grumble from me and a snore from his dad before I whisked him upstairs to play. I finally got him back to sleep at 5:20am, got myself to sleep, when I heard the pitter patter of little feet and the yell of, "Daddy, Mooooom," at 5:40am.

My husband thought I was still up with the baby, so he told the twins to go upstairs. Resulting in the baby once again sitting up and giving a huge grin, as if to say, "Finally, it's time to wake up. Enough of this sleep thing. Lets play." This time the grin was received by a groan from me.
Twin2 is showing a few signs of his asthma emerging once again. It has been over a year from our last attack. We have got him totally drugged on all his puffers. So far the cough has not turned in to a wheeze. We are hoping to keep it that way. He is so like me. If he misses out on a little sleep, as he has done with this wicked time change, then he immediately gets sick.
I told my husband about this night lite I found on line. He told me to buy it right now. So I did. I hope it works.
We are off to the cuz's today for dinner and to pick up our new (old) couch. My brother and parents are also going to join us. Should be fun. I also plan to hit the sale at the Fabric Store and see what gems I can come away with. My husband wants to pick the twins up some hockey gloves. I am not too sure how this is going to go, since they still refuse to even venture onto the ice for more than 3 minutes. (Snicker, snicker) I am still hoping they take to skiing before hockey!!! My husband of course is trying to push the hockey - hence the gloves. Perhaps the gloves will remain dress-up attire. I'd be okay with that.

11/7/09

Toddler Independence

Twin2 put his own jacket on yesterday. The right way and everything. He, specifically, has become very independent as of late. His now favorite saying is, "All my self." Or, "My do it, mom." Or, "My try." Which when translated means that it now takes us 30 minutes to get ready to leave the house, you know with potty stops, arguing over whether or not they have to pee and which jackets/shoes to wear and which toys they are not allowed to bring with them, boots, jackets, and all this independent dressing.

11/6/09

Grey

I feel a little like the weather today. Grey. We went to Strong Start this morning. There were only 6 kids there. It was really nice to have such a small group of kids. Yesterday, we went and there were about 20 kids. With that many kids, I tend to spend the entire time with my back clenched waiting for one of the twins to barrell one of the other kids over.

Yesterday, at Strong Start, I witnessed a sad moment with my twins. I am sure that some would look at the incident with pride, but I was quite saddened. After gym time, the kids always sit around the table and have a healthy snack. The twins tend to stick together like glue. They line up behind one another to wash hand and they sit next to each other at the table. Yesterday, though, was different. They each got in two different lines to wash their hands. Which resulted in my jumping back and forth between the lines, saying excuse me, excuse me, as I bumped in to all the other parents with the baby in my arms. Twin1 was already seated at the table and Twin2 joined him. After a few seconds, Twin1 got up and found a seat at the other table where he stayed to finish his snack. Today, as there were fewer children and only one table to sit at, they did not sit together, but apart. This has never happened before. I don't know if they are starting to seek independence from each other, or not. They did not seem to be unhappy with each other, but there was definitely a conscious choice to sit apart.

I always envisioned that they would be joined at the hips and would do everything together. Although I new they would eventually develop different interests, I certainly didn't expect them to start so soon. They just grow up too fast.

11/5/09

Good Night's

Night, night is one of my, no, is my favorite time of the day. It is the time when all of the days hustle and bustle, meltdowns and messes can be put to rest. It is the time when all is forgotten and love abounds.

Night, night is usually right around 7pm for all three kids at the moment.

The baby
I place him in the crib and say night, night. The first thing he does is lay flat on his blanket and give it a hug, as if to say, "Ah, I'm home." Then he sits up, plays and sings for a bit, whines for a bit and eventually falls asleep hugging his blanket.

The twins
We walk down stairs with our milk. Both organize their bed for the night - toys placed in the correct spot. For twin1, he puts a machine on the bottom shelf of his side table and a stuffed animal in his bed, usually one of my husband's old bears. Twin2 collects as many things as he can fit in the three drawers of his night stand and then strategically stacks a few items on the top, careful not to let them fall, and a stuffed animal in his bed. Twin2 then nestles himself into the corner of his bed because he doesn't want to hurt Thomas, by sleeping on him (He has a Thomas the Tank Engine Pillow Case). Blankets are pulled up around their chests and my husband and I alternate kiss. Sippy's are handed out. At the door, we give a round of, "Miss you. Love you. Miss hockey (or which ever sport is on their minds at the time)." Sometimes they list off family members and say they miss them, sometimes they list off toys.

My husband and I always head up stairs with a big sigh of contentment knowing that we are doing the best we can and they still love us.

11/4/09

Shots

I am listening to twin2 and the baby mimic each other in the other room. I love it when they play together so nicely. It brings a smile to my face.

We all got our H1N1 and Flu shots yesterday. Consequently, or coincidentally, twin2 developed a fever last night and still has it. All of our arms are very tender. The baby was in a lot of pain last night and needed to be given Tylenol. He is still uncharacteristically crabby today and I continue to give him Tylenol. And, to think, we get to do all this again in a month. Because the baby is young, he received a half dose and needs to go back in 1 month. The twins need to receive a booster in 21 days. Yahoo. That was something I was not prepared for.

The decision to get the shots was a very difficult one. I have never taken the children for flu shots in the past because of skepticism over the preservatives in it. My husband and I discussed it and would not be able to live with ourselves if any of them did get sick.

They all did very well getting the shots. The twins are well versed in the area of hospital treatment and medications. They know that medicine makes them feel better and choke it down or deal with the pain. We had a few tears, but nothing compared to some children.

My husband and I still are up in the air about whether we made the right decision to vaccinate or not. I guess, only time will tell.

11/3/09

Self-worth

I have an odd sense of entitlement now that I have earned some money. I know that I have been contributing via maternity leave, but it never really felt like I was an equal part in the financial contributions of the house.

I always felt a little guilty when I bought something for myself knowing that my husband had worked so hard to earn it and I was just at home 'playing' with the kids. I know that I have the hardest job in the world - er, at least that is what is said about SAHM's -, but when people ask if I am working and I say 'no,' I feel like I am copping out on 7 years of education and hard work.

This morning I woke up and felt like it was okay if I spent some money at the fabric store or the outrageously expensive Pampered Chef catalogue - I earned it.

Hmmm. I wonder what this says about my feeling of worth as a SAHM. I had no idea I felt this way. However, it doesn't change the fact that I think we have made the right decision for me to stay home with the kids; instead, it makes me realize that I have not fully acknowledged my contribution as a mother, house wife, maid, cook, mender, personal shopper, nutritionist, teacher, chauffeur...... Just because there is a monetary value attached to working a day as a teacher, it shouldn't demean all that I do for my family.

11/2/09

Mommy's Gotta go to Work

"Mommy's gotta go to work," rang through the house this morning. I awoke at 5am thinking I this was just another weekend Monday. No plans really. Just a nice day spent as a family.

At 8am I received a call from the school that I offered to TOC for. The principal said, "It's November. Can you work today?" I couldn't think of any reason not to. My husband was home today. I had been away last Monday at a cooking class, so really I couldn't use the baby as an excuse. I was ready and heading out the door in 20 minutes. I mean, there isn't much to do when you have been up since 5am already. All the kids and husband had already eaten and the baby was down for his 1st nap.

I had a great day. The class was easy. No problems. I even came home at lunch and fed the baby. I guess all the stress and anticipation wasn't all that necessary. I was, however, asked to work tomorrow and I politely declined. Two days in a row is a bit much.

The twins had their daycare trial this afternoon. My husband dropped them off at 1pm. They didn't even turn around to say goodbye. They just barreled into all the toys. I picked them up at 3pm after work and they didn't even notice me. Twin2 actually asked if he could stay longer. "More time, mom," he pouted. To refer to the Staples slogan, "That was easy!"

Why do I make things so much harder than they have to be? I guess all the worry is really me. I need to get over myself.

11/1/09

Joke of the Day

Q: How do you get 3 kids to shift their routine 1 hour?




A: HA. You don't. Or, it certainly doesn't happen over night.

10/31/09

Favorite Thing

The baby's favorite thing right now is to splash in pee. Yup, if there is pee left in a potty for a few moments, he bee lines it over there and splashes with glee. He even squeals. Yuck.

Bad Mood

I once took a seminar from a psychologist who said that we choose our reactions to situations. For example, when we stub a toe and no one is in the room we may curse. However, if a child is in the room, then we may not be so dramatic. You will still feel the pain, but how you react to the pain is your choice.

Today, I choose to be cranky. I have not had enough sleep for several days now. My back is once again very painful - I have a massage scheduled with my mother's miracle worker November 13. Until then, I am relying on stretching, hot baths, and my husband. Along with the bad back, my husband and I had a confrontation last night, mainly to be blamed on a partying baby in the middle of the night, which is still unresolved.

I hate to leave things unresolved with him. For most things, 'out of sight, out of mind' usually applies for me. I don't have time to worry about petty things. Once I turn around, I have forgotten it ever happened. My students used to love this about me. I would tell them to see me after class and I would inevitably forget. This is definitely something I have had to work on as a parent. If I want to teach my kids right from wrong, I can't go along forgetting that they misbehaved. Also, when it comes to my husband, I am not very good at leaving things unresolved.

I believe that the relationship between a husband and wife is very special and delicate. You have to have respect and consideration for each other. As well, there has to be communication. With our busy household, my husband and I often reserve much of our one-on-one conversations for the car. Now that the kids are all heading to bed at a reasonable time, we can now talk in the evenings.

I guess tonight will be one of those evenings, or the bad mood will remain. Perhaps I chose to put myself in a bad mood so that I won't forget to discuss the confrontation with him!!! There is a little psychosis for you. Sorry babe.

10/30/09

Exhaustion - Part 3

The baby

In the beginning, the baby was a baby. He ate often, but usually gave me a 3-4 hour stretch at night. With 2 other children to care for, naps never happened unless my wonderful mother was watching the twins and then only when the timing was right. He did the usual late evenings and a little party session somewhere in the middle of the night, but this was to be expected.

When the baby was 4 months old, he slept through the night 3 times, not consecutively. I thought I had the best baby ever. He even slept in his own crib. I had not introduced co-sleeping for fear of loosing more sleep. Then teething began.

At 6 months old, the baby started teething. He got 7 teeth in 3 weeks. He was in pain and wanted to suck all the time. The good little sleeper ended. He started getting about between 3 - 6 times a night to eat. Nothing put him back to sleep except eating. So, the co-sleeping began. I was not going to get up out of bed 6 times a night. At least I could doze while co-sleeping and nursing.

The baby is now 10 months old. He gets up 4-6 times a night to eat. And, yes, he is still co-sleeping. We are in the midst of finishing the nursery. I think he will get to sleep in there when he is no longer a baby, but at least he will have his own room. Lets see if it gets used or not!

10/28/09

Library

I decided it was time to get the twins library cards. Yesterday afternoon, once the baby awoke from his nap, ate, and the twins had peed, we headed off to the library. The twins were quite excited. They like books. We had the talk about how we share books at the library with lots of people, so we have to keep them nice looking and be gentle with them. We were prepared and eager.

The librarian processed all our information as quickly as she could while the twins played with the handicap button on the door and the baby squirmed and squealed (not happily) in the sling. I chose the sling because I new I would need my hands free at some point. The twins were busy and I was trying to keep the baby happy when I heard a little squeak, "Mom?" Twin1 had peed all over the library floor! I apologetically told the librarian that my son had peed on the floor. I mean, really, what could I do? It's not like I was going to run to the bathroom with three kids, get paper towel and start cleaning it up. The librarian was nice about it. Once she was finished processing the info, I packed all of the kids back into the car to head home for new clothes and another pee break. I hadn't thought to bring a change of clothes because they had only just visited the potty. Finally, we were clothed and back in the car. I was determined to check out the library with the kids.

At the library, I showed the twins the kids section. They ran around liked crazed animals looking at the different books and stuffed animals yelling at the top of their lungs, "Horsey - Neeeee; Dog - woof, woof; Birdy - quack, quack; Sharp-tooth (shark) - Grrr...." Yes, I am not kidding. I forgot to have the discussion with the twins about how the library is a quiet place. I finally corralled them into a spot, picked out a book and sat and read it together while the baby checked out the place. The twins each picked out a book, I gave them their library cards, and we checked out our books. No more pee incidents.

Twin1 picked out the 'horsey' book and twin2 picked a 'wolf' book. It was neat to see what they chose for their first books. They nicely looked over their books on the car ride home. Until, of course, they were finished looking at them and the books immediately turned into weapons with which to beat each other. So much for the discussion about being gentle with the books!

10/27/09

Daycare

Urg. Daycare. So, my maternity leave is over and I now have to think about how I am going to supplement that income. If I substitute teach, I only need to work 3 days a month. Big deal, right? Well not right. I told myself it would be no big deal. I talked to a lady that has an in-home daycare. She is great with the other kids and she has experience with twins. We went to her place for a look-see and things are great. They know most of the kids and the daycare provider from 'Strong Start'. Familiarity is not an issue. I don't even think the twins would have an issue with anything. It is all me. I am not ready. I have no idea how other moms do it, the thought of actually having my kids cared for by someone other than family makes me want to cry.

Now, I never even contemplated the baby. I always assumed that the baby would go to my mother's for the day and the twins would go to daycare in order to relieve some of the burden on my mother. I had everything worked out, until the evening after the look-see. Then, I melted. These are my children, mine. I want to keep them in a nice, safe bubble that revolves around the love of their family.

Lets face it though. I have had it great. If I have ever needed to do something like an appointment, or when I went back to work after the twins, my mother was always there for me. I saw what this did to her, though. She was exhausted and deprived of her own freedom. She has already raised her kids and shouldn't be doing it again. Besides, the twins were 14 months old when I went back to work, not 10 months old. Yes, 4 months makes a huge difference at this age. 4 months makes a huge difference at pretty much every stage of development.

So, I bawled all my fears to my ever understanding and compassionate husband and he told me not to worry, he would figure it out. I could head back to work when I was ready. I have now begun the process of weaning the baby. I guess, I will have to wait and see when I am ready. I am going to go through with the daycare. I do need a place where the twins can go for a morning or afternoon if I need to do something. But, the baby is coming with me!

10/26/09

Just Another Day

Ah, fall weekend mornings: a cup of tea, couple sippy's of milk, and cartoons. I love weekend mornings. Especially when they are lazy ones in the fall - it is still dark outside and you can hear the rain dancing (he, he...not on my tongue) on the skylight. No phones ringing, no children screeching...just peace and quiet and the rain.

Moments ago, the twins took it upon themselves to help feed the baby cheerios. A snapped a photo while the baby giggled with glee.



I am off for a little 'me' time today. I am taking a cooking class down the valley with my sister and then I get to do some child free shopping at the fabric store and Costco. I am a little nervous about leaving all three kids with my husband for so long. This will be his first time. I am sure that he will do great, but I am nervous nonetheless.

It's time to refill the freezer with meat once again. This seems to need doing about every 3 months. Costco is the best deal around here. I take a cooler, buy in bulk, then get it home and repackage it in dinner sized portions. The portions seem to be getting bigger and bigger with the growing twins. Twin2 is in feeding frenzy stage at the moment. Another growth spurt is on the way.

At the fabric store, I am picking up some essentials for making curtains in the kitchen. I am finally going to use the fabric that I purchased 3 years ago to recover the $20 sofa we had purchased at a garage sale. My cousin is giving us their couch because they have purchased new ones, so the musty garage sale find is outta here. Ya. Now I have a tonne of fabric and nothing to do with it, so drapes it will become. Finally, I can enter the kitchen and not have to look right at the lady who lives behind us standing in her kitchen window with a cigarette in one hand, beer in the other and the telephone in the crook of her neck. Some days she is on the phone at 7am **** Funny story. My husband was replacing the back fence this summer and this same neighbor called him over to look at it from her deck view. She thought she was helping by telling my husband the fence was really crooked. The fence was not crooked, she was very drunk.... Hence the tall fence being built.****

Well, duty calls.

10/25/09

"Mane Event"

We went to an equestrian show this morning at a near by town. My mom requested that we go in order to get the twins some cowboy outfits. We arrived early because we were up early this morning and we wanted the baby to sleep on the drive. Thank goodness farm people are also early risers. The twins were enthralled the moment we entered the exhibition park. "Horsey! Horsey!," could be heard for miles. We quickly scouted out the best deals and very quickly spent all my mother's money. We walked away with 2 cowboy hats, two horse decalled rain jackets, and three pairs of cowboy boots (Yes, a very cute pair for the baby once he starts walking). Twin1 wore his hat all the way home. We went straight to my mother's house to show off our wares. I think she was pretty pleased with our purchases. She said, "Every kid needs cowboy boots." After putting his cowboy boots on, twin1 has not taken them off. I am afraid he may sleep in them tonight!


After sitting on the potty, he immediately put his boots back on and nothing else!


My tape measure is his lasso.