QOTD: Sleep

Overheard this morning, around 7:15 a.m.


Ben: "Hannie-B! Wake uuuuuuuup!"
Hannah: "No! Go back to sleep!"

Quiet for the next 45 minutes.




I think she gets it from her Momma.

Spring Fever

Spring Fever. We have it at this house! In more ways than one this week.

It made me beyond sad to realize that this happened during this week last year:

It was 70 degrees! We played outside for hours - with no coats! Not even close this year. Nope. We have been continually greeted with snow, sleet, and yucky cold rain. There's still a foot or more of snow on the ground. The "highs" have barely broken above freezing - and they're getting colder by the day! Some spring, right?

The kids also had spring fevers (literally!) early this week. I got them in to the doctor right away, and turned out Ben had an ear infection and Hannah had an upper respiratory infection. Thankfully, ear infections are easily healed - just a bit of antibiotics and the kid is back to his silly self.

But Hannie B. Poor gal. Her remedy was to breathe in from the nebulizer up to 4 times a day.

Thankfully, she seems to not be bothered by it. And it appears to help. But we still have rough nights now and then - like last night. She fell asleep great, but woke up crying at 12:30 and never really calmed back down. She and I "slept" on the hideaway bed downstairs for a few hours, then she woke up at 5:30 a.m. inconsolable again.

My solution: put on Curious George and pull the covers over my head. I got about another hour of sleep. She was glued to the tube.

Mother of the year??

Needless to say, I'm eager for naptime today. I hope it goes over well. If not, I may fall asleep standing up!

QOTD: Growing Up

The other day, Ben & I were hanging out while Aaron took Hannah to go get donuts for breakfast. He was playing with his babydoll - pushing it in the toy stroller - and we had this conversation:

Me - "Ben, are you going to be a Daddy when you grow up?"
Ben - "No, I be a Mommy."
Me - "That would be fun, but boys can't be mommies. Only girls can be mommies. Boys can be daddies!"
Ben - "Hmmm, then I be mailman."

Logical, right??

A love letter to my Valentines

Dear Ben & Hannie,

I am the luckiest Momma - I get to have YOU BOTH as my Valentines! I love you so much sometimes I can't even express it. I never knew there was a feeling like that of a Momma to her babies. It's awesome and I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to experience it through you.

Today, Ben you are sick with a fever. At first I was disappointed we couldn't go about our usual Thursday business and we won't get to go to ECFE this afternoon. But, what better thing to do on Valentine's Day than cuddle on the couch with one of your sweeties? I love you snuggled up next to me. I hope I comfort you as much as you comfort me.

Hannie, today you really adapted to a different routine. You can be so independent that it frustrates me at times, but today it was great to have a little lady who can do what she wants all on her own. You played by yourself great this morning while I took care of Ben. And you never went too far away from him; you kept coming back to make sure he was OK. What a good Sissy!

Today is Valentine's Day, so everyone in the world is expressing their love for each other. But you know what? We do that for each other every single day. It is one of my favorite things in my life! I love that Ben gives me big sloppy kisses. I love how Hannie giggles and asks for more kisses when I blow raspberries on her neck. I love how you both love each other. Just yesterday I was fixing lunch and the conversation at the table was this:

Ben: "I love you Hannie."
Hannah: "I love you Ben."
Ben: "I love you Hannie."
Hannah: "I love you Ben."
(for *at least* 5 more repeats)

You can't beat that! My heart exploded then!

Lovey siblings holding hands at storytime

Since it's lovey holiday, I thought I'd write you a lovey poem. Here goes:

My kids are named Hannie and Ben.
I can't imagine my life without them. 
They like to snuggle and play
And be silly all day.
Each one is truly a gem.

One of the things I love most about you right now is how passionate you both are about the things you love! Ben - trucks, trains, hammers, firetrucks, buses, Dobby, books, the ABCs, Daniel Tiger you love it all and show such excitement and happiness when you play with your favorite toys. I love it. And Hannie - you're a girl who doesn't go far without her Nummy or Kitty. Sometimes I think you think you ARE a kitty. Such passion is adorable and I hope you never lose the passion for the things that are important to you in your life!

My little loves, getting ready for movie night

I love you B&H, more and more every day. I hope sometime in your life you get to experience the sort of powerful love I have for you. It will knock you out!

You are my best little Valentines!

Love, Momma

Random Words - QOTD

Sometimes I just have to shake my head and wonder "WHERE did they learn that?"

Today we were going downstairs to play and Ben said:
"Hurry! I'm going quick!"

Hannah replied:
"Be careful, please!"

I just had to laugh at that. Silly kids.

Thick as Thieves

One common question I'm asked when out and about with B&H is "What's it like to have twins?"

Usually, I don't have an answer. I mean, I don't know any different. I can't compare it to anything else and I can't imagine it any other way. This is my family, we do what we have to do. Such is the life of any family out there. I don't think it's any harder or more work or busier than any other family out there. I don't think of my hands being full. I don't wonder how I do it. I do consider myself lucky, though. (But more that B&H are my children, not necessarily that they are twins).

Well, this weekend it came to me an answer to "What's it like to have twins?"

It watching two people become life-long best friends from the very day they were born.

Even as infants, I could tell that B&H were drawn to each other.

Remember this:

And they have always had a playmate right there! It's so wonderful for us all that they can count on each other to join in the fun!

But recently, B&H have really "gotten" that they have a built-in best friend. We talk about how they are twins a LOT. And they understand that they are each others' twin. And we notice other twins around and they find like things at home (like 2 of the same Little People toys) and call them twins. So cute!

But above all - aside from being twins, they really are each others' best friend. They don't often go long without knowing where the other is. They don't often play in different rooms of the house. Even when they fight over toys or books, more times than not, they eventually settle down together with the item. It's amazing!

And lately, their language explosion has shown their connection. Just a few recent quotes about being twins and best friends. 

While heading downstairs with Hannah, Ben not far behind

Hannah: "C'Mon, Ben! Let's go downstairs together!"

As Hannah was at the store with Daddy

Ben: "I need my Hannie-B."

And of course, I can't forget their giggles, hugs, & "I love you"s! They really are thick as thieves!

Big Kid Quote of the Day

I've called the Babies "The Babies" (or "Baby" singular when talking to just one) for their entire lives. Like, "Good Morning, Baby!" or "Do you want more milk, Baby?" or "The Babies didn't take a good nap today." (an unfortunate truth from time to time).

It doesn't really fit anymore. I sort of realize that. They really realize that.

Today I was met w/ opposition from both of them. I said something like "Do you like your eggs, Baby?" Here are the responses I got:

Ben: "Not baby. I BEEG (big) boy."
Hannah: "Hannie big girl."

I guess it makes sense. I mean, look at these two. These are babies;

Or even these two *could* be babies.

These are def. not babies.

Sigh.........

I'm begging for time to slow down!