Memorial Day Weekend

All hope of ever catching my blog up are futile. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will never actually attain such a feat. But, here we go anyway.

Memorial Day Weekend we went up north to visit the parentals. The boys can't get enough of the attention. A weekend full of two sets of grandparents who don't get nearly enough time with their grand kids on a regular basis leads to a lot of fun for the grand kids. We spent a lot of time with both sets of parents. We all ate too much. We went to a softball game where my old High School was playing for the championship. This gave a chance for my mom to show off her grand babies to all of her friends in the softball world. One of the cool things about this was that I was able to meet Willie McGee....baseball great who once played for the A's and Giants. His daughter plays in the league and so my mom has gotten to know him rather well. He is a very nice guy and I hope his hand shake gave the boys a little baseball magic.

How could I forget the boys' favorite part of our trip. First on the agenda was Pixie Playland, a toddler amusement park. The boys loved it and blew through ride tickets at an astounding pace. Of course, there was a train that went around the park. There was a tunnel and ducks and a lot to do geared especially to their age range. The boys loved it!

They had cars for the boys to drive. That was a ride it was hard to convince them to stray from. We also went on two roller coasters. The boys were not so sure how to feel about those. One was a dragon with big hills. I really underestimated how fast it could go. The boys didn't cry, but I don't think that Ben has ever clung to me so tight as he did on that ride. After the first go round I was hoping it was over. Of course, we went around three times before the attendant stopped the ride. Now, I love roller coasters. I have ridden them as long as I could remember. But, that dragon was kinda freaky. I don't know if I was scared because of the company I kept or because it was really all that fast or because of the surprise of how fast it came to be, but......I was glad that they didn't circle around to ride that thing again. When asked if the dragon was fun, Seb without hesitation said,"Yes....but, it was soooo fassssss. I get too scared. Fassss. Fassss. I done."

The boys also rode in this plane ride that not only goes around, but they control it going up and down. I was quite nervous with this one because we couldn't ride with them. I was secretly thinking.....What if they want off and jump out as the ride is high up in the air? I think the terror had tears in my eyes....I am an overprotective wimp when it comes to my babies, you know. Of course, they were fine. No daredevil antics. Ben didn't care for it all that much, but again, didn't protest. Seb, once he learned the controls, took the plane high up in the air. He liked it a lot and decided to return to the plane a couple more times. Brother did not ride it again however and promptly returned to the cars which were safely on the ground at all times. All in all, it was a very nice weekend.

The 3 yr old Photo Shoot

A little more catching up.......
So, obviously I don't mean a photo shoot from three years ago, but do in fact mean that we took our yearly trip to Sears for a birthday photo shoot. So, yes, the following are the boys' third year birthday pictures. Of course, they are as handsome as ever and such big boys now. And, what a difference a year makes. Although the pictures came out just as great last year, it was quite the process. Last year, Mike had to grunt at the photographer just to take a picture when the boys looked still and decent. The boys were all over the place. Running here, running there, unable to take direction and definitely a handful.

This year, now that they are big boys, it was much, much, easier. The boys actually posed. They did not run around the studio room in a frenzy. They may not have held their hands where directed for long periods of time, but at least the bodies were in one place. And they did good. Quite the hams.

It is really scary how time flies. And, I know, I am a broken record on that one.....but, in the day to day, things just melt together. Then, before you know it, you are looking at a picture and thinking, "Wow. When did they get this big? This old." Yes, I know they are 3 and last year they were 2. But, those are just numbers. Then they come up with something new.....something that is probably a symptom of being 3 and it forces you to really stop and think. It makes you think of all that has happened in the past year/years and how happy that you are that you didn't miss any of those little things. For every time I have complained about missing out on something for myself......it reminds me why I am happy to not go to this movie or that party. I have gained so much more in being present. In spending time with my boys while I can....while they want me to spend time with them. While I am their everything, as they are mine.

So, yes......I hate watching Thomas a million times in a row. I do get a little exasperated with Seb's constant need for my attention. "Mama, mama.....I have to tell you something. I have to show you something. Mama.....will you sit with me? Will you read to me? Mama, I need you." I am glad that even if I don't get to take a shower right away in the morning or if I don't get to use the restroom exactly when I need to.....that I make the time to listen to what he has to tell me or see what he wants to show me....even if it was a ploy just to get my attention when I was trying to sneak away to wash the dishes or straighten the house. Even if I have seen or heard whatever revolutionary news he wants to share just ten minutes ago. I am happy that my answer is usually yes to sitting with him and reading with him because especially before bed, those are special times we have together that I will remember and I hope that they will remember too. Even if right now the wonder twins are making me read two Thomas the Tank Engine books about nine times each before falling asleep. It is a small price to pay to be such an important, wanted and loved person in their lives.

I am glad to report that Ben has begun talking more too. It seems that he is always a couple of steps behind Seb in new things, from getting teeth, to walking and now to talking. Although we don't know for sure, I have always believed Ben the "younger" of the twins. Ben is my baby. But, I don't know what I will do if he talks as much as Seb. We recently took a long car ride to the Bay Area and for every minute that Seb was not asleep, he was demanding I turn around for conversation. With Ben, for the longest time it was one word at a time and then most recently two. But, now he is stringing together more and more. "Oh, mama....a fan.....goes round, round, round (complete with hand motion)." "Oh, mama, look....bird.....fly.....tree!" And, the icing on the cake is that just last night, when we were doing our reading marathon and I asked a question about the story, I heard a little angels peep. It was Ben. I asked him to repeat because I barely could hear the answer. To be honest, I didn't know he had answered, I thought he was commenting about something unrelated. But, when he spoke up, he did have the answer to my question. He had actually felt confident enough to answer a question before Seb and without looking to Seb for approval. I am so proud that he is finally finding his voice.

So, I will try to get back to you all and talk about the ups and downs of our Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Bay Area. Until then, enjoy the pictures of my beautiful big boys.

A Nice Visit From the Grandparents and a Trip to Disneyland

Catching Up ---Part III

As mentioned before, we had a lot of guests come through town to celebrate the twins' third birthday. We were especially lucky that my mom's Spring Break coincided with the birthday party. My parents came for a visit that week and of course spoiled the boys rotten. I almost feel nonexistent when there are such revered guests present. Each and every time I try to do something, it is,"No mama, Nonny do." Or it is,"No mama, Papa do." And boy, do they remember every little thing. For instance, my mom makes them their favorite breakfast each and every day (waffles/pancakes and sausage). I was picking up Bisquick from Costco the other day and Seb pointed to the box and said,"My Nonny makes pancakes. My Nonny loves me." Or, when we get into the car, Seb will ask,"We go see Papa now?" "No Seb, Papa lives far away. We will see papa in a month or so. We are going to see (whoever we are going to see on that day)." "Mama. We don't need to see (insert name). It is papa's turn. We need to see papa now."

Even when something happens that Seb is proud of, he must include his thought on missing those favorite family members. With a new haircut he goes through all the names,"Papa will like my haircut? Nonny will like my haircut? GG will like my haircut?" Or when it has been a tough potty training week and he actually has a good potty day," My daddy is proud of me? My Nonny will be proud of me?" "Yes Seb. Everyone is proud of you. " Then of course, it is inevitable. "I need to call my Papa on the phone. I need to talk to Papa. I tell him. I tell him."

The boys have enjoyed playing outside with their new toys. Seb thinks his motorcycle is more than awesome. He is also in love with his Sponge Bob thongs. I don't know what it is about Sponge Bob that kids like. The boys don't watch the show, but love the merchandise. I can't stand that show. I much prefer the barnyard.

My parents got the boys a couple of scooters. They are three wheeled scooters and so can stand up with little balance. The boys thought those were really cool, except for the fact that they didn't really get the scooting part for a couple of weeks. They wanted to stand on the things and have everyone push them around. I guess what they really wanted were Segways. Come on boys....you have to get some kind of exercise out of the whole thing. It was quite hilarious seeing my mom and multiple other adults trying to scoot around on these little scooters to demonstrate how they were to really work. Of course, instead of teaching them by example, the boys just laughed at such a circus act. No inspiration at all. Never fear, they have picked up the concept now. Although, they do still enjoy chasing mommy as mommy rides around the patio.

On the actual day of the boys' bday, Daddy took the day off from work so that we could go to Disneyland as a family for the first time. We were hesitant to do so beforehand because we were not sure how much they would enjoy it or if they would like to ride the rides etc. Since Disney was giving free tickets for birthdays and it covered half of the family, we decided to chance it. The boys were in heaven. They LOVED it, everything about it, from the rides to the characters to the overpriced refreshments. I apologize for the lack of good pictures, but you try running around with two kids excited to explore every inch of the greatest place on earth. Furthermore, there were few lines and so no time in between runnings around to stop and pose. We were go go going from 10am to 5pm when one twin finally fell asleep in the stroller and we thought it the perfect opportunity to run away while we still could.

The boys loved the Jungle Cruise, the Train ride with the Dinosaurs, the Autopia cars (I let Ben drive so that was certainly a bumpy ride) and the Winnie the Pooh ride. I was also not surprised that they loved the Buzz Lightyear ride which upon ending was the only time there was a meltdown the whole day. Ben didn't want to relinquish his seat and didn't understand that with no line we would be back in no time. So, yeah, that was a little awkward with me dragging a flailing child down the tunnel as every person in a 10 mile radius stopped to stare. But, for such a big day at such a young age, I think the day an overall success. The rides that the boys loved that came as a surprise were the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. We were hesitant with those two wondering if they would be too scary. Seb especially loved them. In fact, for two weeks after our trip, everyday, several times a day, Seb asked when we were going to go see the Pirates again. He bragged to family members that he had seen ghosts. He also added," Oh, it was scary. But, I like." The one disappointment of the day was that he didn't get to see Goofy. I think that next year.......season passes are in our future. And given another year to grow, just imagine all of the new rides they will be eligible for. It really does make me happy to see my great boys that excited. I don't know what I will do when they start to get to the age when mama and daddy aren't the preferred tag along guests on their trips to new and exciting places. Thankfully, I think I have a couple of years left before I have to worry about that.

We Had A Bday Party

Catching Up - Part II

The boys' had their third birthday party. People came from near and far to celebrate. It was a Backyardigans party this year as last year was Cars and it just didn't seem right to have the same party twice. The boys had a great time. Of course, the favorite part of any party for them is the cake. Even more so than the gifts. Although a close second comes in two parts. They enjoyed the fact that all visitors let them take/eat whatever they wanted off of their plates (I was a little embarrassed at their scavenger like nature) and they loved my mom's homemade lemonade that was freshly squeezed from homegrown lemons (as did all guests - it was an unexpected hit to the party). I would say that hours were spent (especially by Ben) with a party cup and a fork. A fork?? Yes, how else can one dig out and eat the pulp string by string. Amazing what will pass for entertainment these days.

Back to the delightful cake though. I do agree with them that the cake was rather fantastic. Yummy! Vons does the best job and has the most delicious cakes. They did not have a Backyardigans design however so the boys got to pick out the design that they wanted from the cake book.

The good news was that they agreed on something.....that is a miracle in itself. The bad news.....they picked the Ratatouille rats. Okay....I know. The cartoon rats are very personable and cute. But, the thought of rats on top of my cake.....I didn't like. I tried to persuade them that Mickey Mouse would be better. Although still a mouse......a kinder, gentler.....less ratty mouse. We tried Speed Racer, Nascar......even hockey. They wanted the Rats. So, since it was their birthday and their cake, it was their decision. No one seemed to mind and I do admit that it didn't stop me from enjoying multiple pieces.

The boys were treated to an enormous amount of gifts. Of course, they weren't so interested in opening said gifts. I had to do the bulk of that job and had a little help from one of the other children in attendance at the party. Not to say that they didn't appreciate what was inside all of the neatly wrapped packaging and gift bags. They were just too busy running here and there to stay in one place too long. They made out like bandits though and I was just as happy that they got some very nice clothing as well.

We did the obligatory pinata thing. A great hit at any kids party. Of course it is a little stressful keeping all kids out of the line of fire. The boys did pretty well with taking turns. That poor Pablo bird took a beating though. I almost felt guilty at the prospect of watching this poor animal taking so many hits. Its head getting smashed in and knocked about. I half expected an animal rights activist to jump forth from the crowd to rescue the poor thing. Finally, we had to have one of the older kids break it open. Then the rush to candy grab ensued.

Mike was certainly a great host and was the grill master for the day. If there is one thing that we were successful at doing, it was feeding our guests. Not only did we have an island of snacks, but my dear husband was busy for the duration of the party grilling hot links, hot dogs and hamburgers for a ravenous crowd. To my surprise......he didn't char one single meat product. He was on his game folks.

So, I end this installment with pictures of the boys enjoying their party in their new house (bday gift from mommy and daddy). I think the boys had a fabulous time which is what it is all about. And mommy and daddy really realized how old they were when after the party they had to go straight to bed exhausted and passed up on the opportunity to go to another party that night at a bar where drunkenness and karaoke would have been in full effect.

We colored Eggs

A little catch up -----Part I

So yes, I have been MIA for the last month. I used to hate when I tuned into some one's blog and it had been neglected. How could they??!!?? Right? I am now one of those people. Not that I have been held up by super important tasks or am a super important person. I have done a mediocre job of keeping the house clean. The minimalist approach of doing just what I had to not feel guilty. Yes, I have kept the family fed. I have spent a little extra time with those little dogs of mine. We have attended to a couple of local parties and obligations.

I have tried to be a good mom and spend as much time as possible doing things with the boys. This has meant playing in the backyard a lot in this sunshiny weather. Playing in the little pool, kicking the soccer ball around (boy is Ben getting good at dribbling the length of our lawn or zinging it across the yard), watching that horrible Thomas the Tank Engine (Tho-as ---no m pronounced---as demanded all day long by Seb or Choo-Choo as concurred with by Ben). We have gone about our routines which those who know me know that I love my routines. Seb continues to talk my ear off and Ben is still the "quiet one".

However, none of this is the reason for not having time for the ole blog. I know this because I still have time for pouring over facebook (and Mafia Wars). I still have time for my 3 fantasy baseball teams. I am moving right along on my second 162 game season on my PS3 MLB The Show. I am proud to proclaim that my DVR is wiped clean every week as I finish my recorded shows before the next one comes along. I have my unlimited 3 at a time netflix which I try to get back the very next day. And, of course.....I have my Roku player so that I can keep up with my instant play selections on those days that the mail is slow. I have turned my movie viewing into somewhat of a crazy activity as well. Just as I would play school when I was young and assign reports to the cabbage patch students and then go and write said reports......I have found myself pretending to be professor of interesting classes which compare movies/TV shows and find myself constructing said papers. How else could 20 episodes of season 1 Charles in Charge captivate me so. My excuse.....research of course.

So, down to it. Over the next couple of days.....no I will not be sharing the ramblings of my TV and movie findings. I will be catching you all up on a few of the occurrences around here of which I have neglected in blog land. I am going to do it. I am. So.......we colored eggs. This was back around Easter, duh. It was a lot less messy than I expected it to be. The boys were very patient and loved picking the colors and dropping the eggs in. They were excited to find that the red and blue made purple or the great combo that green and blue made. They enjoyed putting the stickered faces on after the eggs had dried. However, they still do despise the eating of eggs. So, mommy and daddy had a little eating to do. Egg salad sandwiches for lunch and a big vat of macaroni salad did the job on a week full of those pesky eggs. As for dietary likes and dislikes.......Seb generally will try everything and swallow at least one bite of anything. Very seldom does he request mommy's hand to spit something out. Ben on the other hand is king of picky. On a good day he will try something. He then will rarely swallow it. It used to be he too was a frequent user of mommy's spit out hand......but, now he has a new thing. He leaves said bite on the tip of his tongue......sticks the tongue out and expects mommy to pluck and discard. It is quite the sight and I try not to laugh to encourage such behavior.

I promise......tomorrow is another day......of blogging. We will tackle the birthdays perhaps.

Oooooh Kay.

So, yes it has been forever since I last wrote. Why this is, I do not know. There has been plenty to write about.....I just haven't had the energy. I have been quite the procrastinator lately. I need to clean the house. I need to finish our 2 yr post placement report and send it off. The list really goes on. We did make it out to Little Ethiopia to visit with our friends at the monthly meeting. It had been too long and we are glad we went. I really missed those guys.

As you can see, the musketeers are still pretty popular around here. My mom made the tunics and sent some pirate hats which really have the boys over the moon. Seb is especially drawn to his costumes being that he is the budding actor in the family. He still has to act out and repeat any scene he is watching on TV. Whether it be a choreographed sword fight or Goofy spitting on his hand and smoothing down his hair under a hat......it is all mimicked quite convincingly. While watching the musketeers he must have his tunic, his hat (usually his Dodger's batting helmet??) and his guitar (which is used for being the troubadour and also doubles as a sword.)

Of course, the tunic is sometimes a source of a fight for me. Seb loves his tunic so much he does not want to take it off to eat.....or even use the bathroom. Luckily enough for me.....they don't insist on watching the Musketeers all day long anymore. They do pepper in a few other shows and my sanity thanks them.

Seb continues to amaze me with his linguistic skills. He really is quite the talker. What used to be "NO" morphed into "Not Yet" which is now "Ohhhhh Kayyy!". Of course, he now has picked up some of my not so finer moments in parenting to parrot back at me. "I told you....."(the exasperated mom thing of how many times have I told you, blah blah blah.) or "Mom, Don't tell me. I know, Mom." (when he knows I am about to go into the previously mentioned speech) or "What did you do that for?" (When I do something that he now finds annoying.) It could be worse though....thank goodness I don't have an overactive potty mouth! But, I am glad that he has so much to say, even if that means that he never stops talking. You never know what he will come up with next, from "My dada has big boobs" to "Scooby has eyes like me" to "We all wear blue" and on and on. Ben is still content to let brother do the talking. It is most likely to hear from him when he wants something or has a request.

Both Ben and Seb have learned most colors and can identify a jelly belly from a mile away. Ben has the sweetest voice and his version of "yellow" makes me smile. Seb's favorite color is blue. He insists on wearing at least one article of blue clothing at all times. One day he even refused to wear a Navy Blue shirt because "that's not my blue". Ben on the other hand isn't a color snob. He is a character or picture snob. Good luck changing his shirt when he has fallen in love with a certain logo.....whether dolphin, dog or a Cars character......I am lucky that we usually get clothes in pairs otherwise the kid may just wear the same clothes all week long. And when the well runs dry....you should see me convincing him that Handy Manny is just as cool as Lightning McQueen and very often.....it works.

The favorite food around these parts is an oldy, but goody. Peanut Butter! The boys love peanut butter....on a banana, in a sandwich, just on a plate.....PB & J or just PB sandwiches are an almost everyday lunchtime demand. Each twin polishes off a half sandwich and Ben can do it in what seems like a minute's time. Seb is so in love with PB that the color brown is rarely identified as brown. It is PB. It doesn't help that the brown jelly belly is PB flavor and so probably what put the idea in his head.

The boys are now learning to count to ten. I start them off and they say the next number before I repeat it. This all happened by surprise actually. After our nightly tooth brushing routine I would count to ten to allow them that last bit of "I do it myself!" tooth brushing time. One night, they started saying the numbers before I did. Now they enjoy practicing our counting routine.

Okay....so really....this picture shouldn't surprise anyone. My guys to a T. I love that they are such individuals with different personalities. Poor Benny, I promise that we really didn't set out to torture the poor kid. He was totally into it until the Bunny grabbed him. And he did so well with Santa this year too. Note to Bunny.....give Ben the candy before taking the picture.

Last year we didn't do any of these commercialized Easter activities. This year though we will be coloring eggs. I am also doing our little family tradition from when I was little where the kiddos awake to find that the "Easter Bunny" has hidden jelly beans all over the house. I remember finding jelly beans into the summer months sometimes, haha. I am sure we will be on a sugar high this coming Sunday. Then on to GG's for another hunt and a nice family dinner. Then the fam will be coming for Spring break and the boys' 3rd bday party. Seb keeps talking about, "My party" and is excited to name all the people who may attending. In fact, every time we go into the car he asks if "we go my party?" No Seb...the party is at home. Then on to who is attending again. "Papa goes to my party. Nonny comes to my party. GG comes to my party." etc. 3 yrs old.....can you believe it? and of course, their bday means that we are approaching our 2 yr famiversary........

Please...don't let me blink.....it seems like years fly by when I do so!!!

I Love You Too, Mama.

Things are pretty much as can be expected around here. Ben's rash is just about gone. His stomach has a giraffe spot pattern from skin growing back darker and his face has a white spot pattern where the skin grew back lighter. Amazing really, but he is healthy and happy and that is all we could ask for. The weather has been pretty nice so that means good times in the backyard.....and also means that my two little bundles of energy can wear themselves out throughout the course of the day. They have been busy playing with their new basketball hoop, digging in the dirt, kicking the soccer ball, playing with the foam swords that Nonny and Papa brought for them......
In fact, Seb loves to put a bucket on his head and march with his sword. He calls himself, "Good Knight," when he does this. Of course, with the basketball hoop they are more into dunking than shooting, but it is hilarious to watch Seb dribble. He gets a few good bounces in and then the ball scoots away and he falls to the ground as if his balance was attached to the bouncing ball. Ben loves to investigate everything in the yard as if he has never seen it before. He collects and counts rocks. He checks out the many different flowers and trees and things falling from the trees and plants. He can spend hours shoveling rocks or digging in the dirt. He transfers dirt from the ground to the dump truck and then to various parts of the yard. Ben loves to be outdoors and will stay there long after his brother has decided to go inside.

The boys' new favorite movie is the Mickey Mouse version of "The Three Musketeers". And, when I say favorite....I am talking obsessed! I am talking all day long, if they are watching something......it is that movie. Help me!!! I tried renting something else and putting it on the big TV in the front room (an enticing ploy... I thought). They watched ten minutes before Ben promptly led the charge into his room and demanded his movie. Of course, it is a crack up to watch the movie with them (the first 2-3times a day). Seb has to talk throughout the whole thing. He is like the second narrator. In books and movies he loves to point out the characters. "Ohhhhh, the bad guys. Where did the bad guys go?" He flips the page. "There the bad guys. What they doing? They jump big." or whatever the page shows. This goes on with any movie or book about all the characters. Of course his favorite is Pete which is one of the reasons why I think he loves the Three Musketeers. And the funny thing is, he loves Pete so much he will not classify him as a "bad guy".

Both boys are loving the traffic signals while driving. Where before they would get excited helping daddy navigate and screaming "Go!" with the green light and "Stop!" (insert obligatory stop hand motion) with the red light, they have now added the "Slow Down." for the yellow. Of course they say the words so that they are drawn out very sllloooow. It has really stuck with them and even in their gingerbread man book where the gingerbread man's chest buttons are those traffic light colors.....they talk about the colors and what they mean.

Also, when they watch their TV shows, they have been participating more. They answer the questions asked by the cartoon character and Seb will add to it even.

TV: Is this the sound of the tiger (audio of a bee)?

Ben and Seb: NOOOOOOOOOO!

Seb: A Beeee! A Beee!

TV: Is this Goofy's tie?(pointing to one of three ties)

Seb: Too tiny. (pinching hand gesture)

TV: Is this Goofy's tie?(again pointing)

Seb: Too big.

I am still loving our nighttime ritual. We have the TV off, music in the background and we just talk to each other and cuddle. Ben always tells me I have to sit with him first and Seb is usually okay with that. This is the time I get the most love from my Benny. He is a busy dude and although very loving......he is completely different then his brother. Nighttime is when he kisses and cuddles and tucks in his favorite stuffed dog by his side. He likes me to rub his back or his head and would like for me to never leave his side. At bedtime, Seb goes down the list of all the people he loves. He always starts with Mama, Daddy and Ben and then adds in whoever we have been talking about or visiting lately. Whether it be the dogs or Nonny and Papa or GG and Steve. His new thing though is after he declares who he loves, he turns it around. "Mama loves me. Daddy loves me. Gung Gung (Ben) loves me." and so on.

What is really special to me though is that Seb always makes time to tell me he loves me. Not just in a list of names. At random points throughout the day, he comes to me with a big smile and hug and says, " I love you too mama. I love you too." That just melts my heart. I love that Seb can express himself now. Yesterday I had accidentally bumped his head while cleaning the room and he said,"Mama, you hurt my head." That killed me. Also, whenever I steal away to get my chores done Seb says,"Mama. I help. Me clean too. I come." Outside Seb will motion to me,"Mama, sit with me." I sit and he motions to the dogs. "Jagr sit with me." Miraculously she comes over. Seb will look at me and say,"Mama, you love me this much." (he reaches his arms as far as they can go. I say,"Seb I love you this much." I reach my arms too. "Mama, loves me in heart." Touches his chest. I answer,"I love you in my heart." Seb replies,"I love you too mama, in heart too."

So, I know.....I could go on all day. I look at this picture and think.....what are they cooking up next? It is exciting to see them grow and learn. I am so proud of both of my boys. Their birthday is coming up in a couple of months as is our Famiversary. Happy times every day and celebrations to come. I love you too, Ben and Seb. I love you too. With all of my heart.

Who Knew??

So, who knew? I thought I was lightyears away from seeing a picture of my kid at a party.....a party I did not attend......on someone else's myspace page, haha. Double take....is that really my Sebby? That must have been some Superbowl party kid.

Here is a big high five to my Seb though. He has been talking up a storm. For example, he'll see a monkey on TV. "Ohhh, monkey. Me love monkey. Daddy love monkey too. Mama no love monkey. Gung Gung (that is Ben....don't know how, but it is) loves monkey too." And then it starts all over with the next thing whether it be Mickey Mouse or a banana.

Seb has been working hard on his potty training too. Ben refuses to even begin and I am giving him slack partially because of his rashy mood and partially because it is easier for me to focus on one kid at a time in that arena. He sits on the potty once every hour and is doing quite well. He gets a jelly belly treat for going which he loves. Now he has taken to sitting Sally (the stuffed Porsche car) on the potty next to his. "Sally go Pee," he says. Then he sits and goes and exclaims,"Go Pee, Me go Pee." He gets his treat and says...."Sally candy too." I say that Sally has to share with him.....not falling for that one.....no way.

Super Bowl Sunday

So, yes, we are still unable to attend such events as Super Bowl parties as a family because of the rash that just wouldn't leave......you can't see it that well from the pictures as thankfully the head and back regions are only like former white blistery dust. That is very much welcome compared to the big red leopard spots on the chest and belly and those now spreading from the shoulders down the arms. When reading up on this stupid rash we did learn a couple things that explained some changes we had seen. The rash causes fatigue and headaches along with its obvious itchy nature. Bingo....after so long of no nap taking, Ben has been putting himself to bed mid afternoon for a little nap or falling asleep on the couch while watching a movie or TV show. He has been more irritable than usual. He has wanted to be held more, babied more and has decided that he does not want to bugger with using the big boy potty anymore and he used to be the star in that arena. Poor sick guy.....hope you get well soon kid.


Because of the dreaded rash and people's very dare I say racist or is it just anti- African view of what that rash must mean, after much deliberation we decided that Ben and I would stay home from the annual Super Bowl party. We figured Daddy and Seb could party down and Ben and Mommy would have some much needed one on one time at home.....the boys wouldn't notice.... right? Plus, Ben is a bit antisocial and doesn't usually enjoy a huge party of strangers while Seb basks in it. Ben loves alone time.....he wouldn't mind right?

Daddy had gotten his hair cut and so we figured the boys were about due for one as well. They both hate it, but I had the lesser hater of the two, Sebby, come to me first and Daddy told him that we were cutting his hair so that he would be ready for the party and ready to see his main squeeze Cassidy. With a little protest and a few tears we got Sebby's hair cut. The big surprise was to see Ben run over to me, plop himself into my lap and demand his hair cut too. Now usually Benny is a two man job because he hates it......with a capital H, Hates it. Writhing, screaming, crying, bending, moaning, freaking out.....absolutely positutely HATES HIS HAIR CUT! But, hearing that brother was getting ready for the party......Ben wanted to get ready for the party too. He sat without batting an eyelash through the whole thing. I praised him all I could, but knew he still couldn't go to the party. It really made me sad. Poor kid.

But, the boys still had some time for some fun. So, the brothers took their baths and got dressed up in their Raiders jerseys (as if the Raiders would ever make the Superbowl) and played for a while. Racing around the couch by foot, by hop and with the ever popular crawl races.

The boys were so cute, I couldn't help but take a couple of pics with them. And in the end, it wasn't so bad. Seb and Daddy went to the party until half time. Seb played with a gaggle of girls who carried him around and dressed him up in various outfits. He let all the mommies at the party dote on him. He even refused to let Mike feed him and insisted on sitting on our friend's lap and eating from her plate.....silly boy.
Ben and I ordered pizza which made him feel right away that he was getting the better deal. We did all those things that are impossible to do with brother home....we played with the train and Benny could build his own track and not fight over the tunnel piece. He got his doctor's kit out and I was his patient. He also enjoyed beat boxing into the stethoscope. We played golf in the house. We sat together and watched the game and he got all of mommy's undivided attention. Yes, mommy and Ben had a fabulous time. Although.....mommy was more tired after this day than any other in a long time. It is hard for me in my old age to run races around the couch in every manner possible and give into a toddler's every whim. But, I think Ben was happy to have the time alone and I was happy that he was happy.

My Big Boys

These wonderful boys amaze me everyday. We have been pretty much stuck in the house and not attending functions since Ben caught a viral rash.....ugly, but not serious, so no worries. It isn't said to be contagious and no one has caught it as of yet. This is with Ben....when feeling Seb is getting too much attention lifting up his shirt to show his leopard spotted belly. He points out all the "boo boos" and laments his condition so that we can sympathize. Of course, brother being the compassionate dude he is, starts to kiss each and every boo boo. A little gross, but his heart is in the right place. We have enjoyed the quiet time together as a family though. Sometimes it seems like you are going all over the place to visit here and there and you forget that you are missing out on time together. So, we have really just been enjoying each other lately. My parents and my grandmother came for a visit last weekend and of course, the boys were spoiled with homemade waffles and a side of sausage every morning.....not to mention homemade pizza and all the attention two boys could ever get in a four day weekend.

Little by little my mom has been bringing things back that I had left in my old room that I like to think of as free storage. As these things make it back to me and find room in my garage, I am of the opinion that my junk is no longer welcome in its old habitat. This visit was a bunch of my.....well, for normal people it would be Halloween stuff.....for me it was just general room decor. My scream ceiling hangy thingy.....scream mask, scream figurines, a big crypt keeper....I don't know what else. Ahhhhh, memories, right? I was happy to see that the boys may take after me once and for all in my love of all things horror. The boys were quite taken with the Scream stuff......although I didn't let them near my most prized Crypt Keeper.
Very funny that characters in Disney movies can send them hiding behind the couch, but Scream masks are great to play with. They love "ghost". I keep thinking, ha, maybe our Halloweens of Pooh and Tigger are fading fast and a good old fashion movie marathon starring Jaime Lee Curtis will be in order before I know it. After all, mommy and daddy's first date was on Halloween for such a marathon. Even if Daddy has bad taste in movies.
Too bad I only had one mask. Seb so enjoyed running around the house in it and bobbing like a rapper in a video. He hid behind the couch and jumped out with an enthusiastic boo several times....followed by uncontrollable laughter of course. Note to Seb.....it isn't really scary if you do it from the same place over and over again a million times in a row. It doesn't surprise anyone. Of course, we love you so much we can't help but throw up our "surprised arms" and give a scared yelp. Poor Ben was so jealous of Seb's mask, he put the hanging scream over his head. Now that was funny. Especially seeing two little ones chasing each other around the house with loud giggles and enjoying Halloween in January.
The boys are just growing up too fast. Their vocab is growing and Seb is starting to put together little three word sentences. Usually, "I love.....(enter whatever he is doing)." I love ball. I love cookies. I love tools. etc. Of course, a big laugh came when he was writing with chalk and of course the ch sound came out as a hard c. So, he told everyone very proudly," I love cock." He also is telling me a lot more when he needs to use the bathroom. He says,"Go pee," and points proudly at the stream going into the potty. He also has become more independent. He wants to pull up his own pants or put on his own shoes....even when this could take a million years with tie laces (why he prefers his rain boots I suppose). If I try to help him with my impatience....he puts up the stop hand and says in a strong voice," I DO IT!" He also has become possessive with his things as so very few things aren't joint community items in the life of twins. Well....his bed is his. So, gone are the days when Ben could come over for a snuggle or sit next to brother leaning on the pillow. I frequently hear now..."Noooo! My Bed!" and of course, that makes Ben want to be on that bed more. I finally get Ben on his bed and all of a sudden one toe is over the divider and then one foot with a devilish smile and then I hear,"No! My Bed!" from Seb again. This is reminiscent for me of many battles my sister and I had over the couch when we were allowed a cushion each and pushing the boundaries would often lead to bickering and a call for MOM!
Both boys love to count never mind that everything in a line that they are counting is "2, 2, 2, 2". They also like to try to point out letters. Many times the letters are "E, O, O, T, T, A". Although I was impressed as we have been writing their name in chalk and they can point out letters if asked....don't know how much of that is coincidence in three letter names though. Ben can say his first name now which is a major achievement for him. If you ask, "What is your name?"....okay, usually if I ask as he doesn't talk to many strangers.....he will tap his chest and say,"Me Ben!" Seb also says "Me, Me, Me" when it is his turn for something. He also has started demanding milk, but he calls that "Me" too. I only give them milk or juice with meals and they get water in between when thirsty. Seb now will tell me," No wa! Me! Me!" If he sees me going to the refridge water dispenser as I still water their juice, he catches it. He says,"No wa, no wa".
They are in love with running races now. Ben is faster than a bolt of lightning. Seb runs well, but his big feet often get in the way. They get impatient waiting for me to start the race sometimes and demand,"Set Go!" Of course, once someone fell and my mom picked them up and gave them lots of attention.......they started doing dramatic flailing falls and laying out on the ground every single race. They would then call for the person they wanted to pick them up. I finally got tired of that game and tried ignoring the fallen children helpless on the ground. Of course, Seb then squeaked out in a very pitiful voice,"Help me, Help me." So I couldn't help myself. Seb is also very good in soccer. We set up a kicking triangle with Seb in the middle. He loves "kick ball". He is usually on target and even stopped a couple kicks between his leg....future goalie I imagine.
They are also fond of their slide. They go down it in every position imaginable. They push it over and make forts. They push it back and forth across the lawn for no apparent reason. We got a sheet out and made a fort the other day. We told Seb that we put up the sheet to make a fort of the slide. He said,"Sheep, Sheep," and looked under the sheet and said, "BAAAA?Baa?", looked out and said,"no sheep." We had fun though even with no sheep. The holes of the slide made good spaces to make ghost hands come up through the sheet and grab faces......a favorite pass time around here. We also took the sheet and made adult held hammocks to swing the babies in. That was fun for them too.

One more funny thought......the potato heads that the boys play with. They have become less interested in the potato, but love the accessories. They balance the hats on their head.....put on the Santa beard or hold the various lip pieces in their mouths so that they are in fact the potato head. Seb even took the potato head arms and played the piano with potato head's hands. It was very strange and my crazy brain had wonderful thoughts of horror movies in the making.

Anyway....thought I would say hi from our sick house and let everyone know we are in deed still alive. We miss you all and promise that as soon as the rash leaves we will be rearing to go and ready to hang out with you all.