QOTD: Gems from Ben

In the past few days, Ben has really given us a few doozies! The things out that kid's mouth are hilarious!!!

The other day at dinner, we were talking about who is in our family. Ben & Hannah understand that Gaga is my mom and Grandad is my dad. I asked Ben who my brother was. He thought, then I decided to give him a hint:

Me: "He's big and has a beard....?"

Ben: "Santa Claus!!!"

No, Ben, your uncle is not Santa Claus.

---

Last night we had Teriyaki Chicken for supper. Lately, the kids, Ben especially, have been asking when they sit down "What we havin?" Last night was no exception. 

Ben: "What we havin?"

Aaron: "Teriyaki Chicken!"

Ben, very concerned: "What is Very Yucky Chicken???"

Oh, that kid!

We've also begun the "why?" stage of childhood. Joy! :)

Nap time QOTD

Hannah, singing herself to sleep:

"Oh, my darlin, Oh my darlin, oh my darlin Hannie-Beeeeeee."

Pause.

"I love myself so much!"

QOTD: Pretend Play

Scene: kitchen after breakfast. B&H have just found some Little People & other small figures that had been put away for a month or so. 

Ben, holding Cinderella: I'm Cindellla!

Hannah, holding Curious George: I'm Curvious Goerge!

Ben: Hi, how are ya?

Hannah: Hi!

Ben: George, let's play together!

Hannah: Ok! 

Ben: I'm so fancy. 

Hannah: 'Kay, bye!

Hannah runs away to play with something else. 

It's hard to capture just how cute it was to see this 30- second pretend play. Ben's "Cindelella" is so funny - very high and squeaky.  And Hannah face who,e she was being George is hilarious!

I'm not sure if this sort of pretend play is developmentally appropriate for 2-1/2 year olds, but it sure warmed my heart this morning! I hope I can catch it on video soon to catch their voice inflections and faces. So cute!

B&H at Two and a Half

Last week my "babies" turned 2-1/2. That means now they are closer to 3 than to 2. Holy cow! Where has the time gone????? I love that they are growing up, but some days my head spins so much form how fast time is passing that I get dizzy.

At 2-1/2 Ben and Hannah are storytellers. They're make-believers. They're friends (with each other and with other toddlers). They're singers. They're runners and dancers. They're helpers, when the mood strikes. They're big kids one moment, then babies the next.

A preview of our 2.5 year old photo session.
(c) Heather Hanson Photography

 Ben continues to be my cuddler. He loves to snuggle in at bedtime for stories. He also loves to be around other people. Definitely an extrovert here! He is busy, busy, busy. And, he is also super sensitive. He doesn't do well with change and likes his "regular" things.

That kid loves trains, cars, trucks, the mailman, airplanes, road construction, coloring, wearing pink socks, running, swinging, getting tickled, and ..... Cinderella! He has two little Cinderella dolls that he carries around almost every day. It's pretty cute, actually. In fact, today, Cinderella was driving the bulldozer as he played road construction. The best of 2 worlds collide!

 
Hannah is proving to be Miss Independent. Often Ben and I will be playing together and she will go off to the corner and play or read by herself. She's very introverted and independent. She can be bossy. And she can be sweet. She is a total daddy's girl and loves to cuddle with Aaron.

She loves her Nummy (still) and building with blocks and coloring and running. She has LONG LONG legs that help her run so fast. I see a future track star here! She likes to sing and dance and put on shows. For being such an introvert, she likes to be a star for people she knows.

They are growing up so fast. It excites me and breaks my heart at the same time. In the blink of an eye, they are 2-1/2. That means one more blink and they will be 5. I love every minute I am with them and try to soak it all in.... knowing it won't last forever.

I've had some new MOMs ask me lately if it gets easier. I wouldn't necessarily say at 2-1/2 our life is easy, but it is a different feel than when they were newborns, infants, or early toddlers. They do great things, like sleep through the night, feed themselves, play independently, make up songs, "read" their books & nursery rhymes, help each other, cuddle and love their parents - all great things that make life good. But then there's the tantrums, the mess, the fights, the struggles at nap and bedtime. Oh, the sleep struggles!!!

It's not easier. It's different. It's a busy life. By the time they {eventually} fall asleep at night, I'm so exhausted that I just collapse and rest up so I can do it all again tomorrow. I wouldn't change it for one minute, though.

I love you to pieces, B&H!!! Thank you for making my life just so awesome.

Video-Bombed!

Don't you hate it when your sibling takes your spotlight??? Sheesh.

When Momma's Away...

I went on a Girls' Craft Weekend this past weekend with my friends from my Moms of Multiples club. When I got home, Ben & Daddy wanted to show me their new trick.

Oh boy. Looks like they had a good weekend!

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! 

Many Faces of Hannie

Oh, dear. Two months have passed & I haven't blogged.

I'm trying to decide if I should go back and update or just move forward. We'll see. I'm leaning toward moving forward - but then I won't get their 2nd birthday or Christmas 2012 documented. Heavens. I'm far behind.

But - today I have just a few photos to share of my precious gal. Oh, Hannie. these faces. They make me laugh, cry, sigh, and smile all at the same time. You are surely showing your different moods lately! I cringe at thinking about your teenage years...

Happy 2nd Birthday!

I have more to say about B&H turning 2, as well as their party coming up on Saturday, but I wanted to share a birthday slideshow. I'm proud to say I only cried during this slideshow 1 or 2 times. (Last year I cried at least 12 times putting together a 1 year slideshow!). We had a fun year - it was great to look back at all the great photos I took.

And! Seriously! I hadn't realized how much they changed in one year until I looked back at this slideshow. Crazy growing!

QOTD - George Style

We've started a routine where we watch an episode or two of our favorite show - Curious George - before nap or bed. It is a nice cuddle, wind-down time.

The other day, I turned it on, and Ben sat down right in front of the TV and said:

"Oh, this one is my favorite!"

Maybe we watch *too* much George.....

Falling behind on Thanks

Of course. Didn't I sort of think this would happen? I mean, I've tried many daily (or weekly) posts before and they've all fizzled. So, again, I play catchup.

12: Today I am thankful for our YMCA! It is so nice to know I can get a workout in and the kids are safe in the Kids Stuff having a fun time. Even if they cry a bit when I drop them off (a new thing in the past month), the staff calms them down and gets them engaged in activities!

Eating snack in the lobby. Their favorite part of the Y!

11: I am thankful that we have food on our table! I especially like this time of year where I do more baking and soup-making. Mmmm. Even on days or weeks or months like I've had lately where I worry about my weight and inevitablly eat too many cookies, I can look back and be thankful that we had enough to eat in the first place!

10: I am thankful for our church, Nativity Lutheran Church. Though there are many times we grumble about how far we have to drive to get there (up to NE Mpls, about 10-12 miles/20 minutes away), it is worth it. We love our pastors, love the message, and love the staff. We're lucky to have found a place where we fit in and feel good about attending. Just wish it was a bit closer!

9: I'm thankful for my Moms of Multiples group (MVMOM). There is absolutely no way I would have survived these 2 years without this group of supportive, wonderful ladies! (PS: Check out the web site above and see if you recognize anyone!)

8: I'm thankful for ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education), a program through school districts here in Minnesota that teaches kids AND families! I took a class last year which I loved! (And miss my friends from it!) And I'm in a different class for 12-24 month old kids now. It's great! I'm especially thankful that the school is only 2 blocks away, so all 3 of us can just walk right over!

30DOT catchup

I missed a few days - Election and Birthday will do that to you!

Day Seven: It's my birthday today, and I'm thankful for my Mom. I never understood that my birthday might be a special day for her, too, until my own kids were born. So today, we both celebrate and I am thankful for my mom!

Day Six: It was election day yesterday, and I'm thankful we live in a country where we can and do have a choice and voice in who are elected officials and laws are. Regardless of how you feel about the results, you, too, should be thankful we have this priveledge and right! (Also: can you imagine that only 92 years ago women weren't even given that right??)

Day Five: I am thankful for the opportunities are have at our fingertips here in the Twin Cities. Museums, the Zoo, libraries and bookstores, parks and trails. What a great place to raise a family!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday. I love my birthday, I always have. I sort of wish it were appropriate for adults to wear shirts that say "It's my Birthday!" so the people at storytime or Trader Joe's know and will say something nice to you. I guess that's the benefit of Facebook telling all your friends it's your birthday - it's like getting 60 birthday cards in the mail!

I initially found this photo of a b-day cake and thought "That's too many candles
for MY cake" - but then I counted them and discovered there are only
25 candles. I think I think I'm younger than I am...

Anyway, I got this idea from my friend Dara (who also has a birthday this week) and I knew I wanted to do it, too. (Though, admittedly, my New Year's Resolutions are not getting looking like they'll make it in the next 7 weeks...). She made a list of things she wants to do in the next year that equal the number of years in her age.

Since I'm 33 today, I am making a list of 33 things I want to do this year. Some are selfish, some are selfless, some are big, some are small. Some are meaningful like The Birthday Project. Some are all about me and no one else.

1. Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children - at least twice.
2. Host a Christmas Cookie exchange.
3. Run a 5K, a 7K, a 10K, and a "longer than 10K" race (maybe a 10 mile or 1/2 marathon?).
4. Read at least 6 books for fun.
5. Make a family cookbook.
6. Take the kids to Wisconsin.
7. Get a pedicure.
8. Swim in a lake (with the kids).
9. Take a family vacation - that doesn't involve going to or staying at a relative's home.
10. Crochet a blanket (you'll remember that was a New Year's Resolution from last year, whoops, didn't get there...).
11. Reconnect (ie: see in person) some old friends who I've not seen much since B&H were born
12. Paint my bedroom.
13. Take a sewing class.
14. Go to Lake Minnetonka.
15. Try Zumba at least once.
16. Pay off one of my student loans
17. Send real paper cards to my immediate family members for their birthdays.
18. Sleep in (past 8:00) just once.
19. Stay up late (past 11:00) just once.
20. Go to a movie in the theater.
21. Go to a concert.
22. Go to a play or musical.
23. Leave a treat and thank you note for the mailman.
24. Take the kids on an airplane (Yikes! This is crazy!)
25. Take the Jeopardy online quiz again.
26. Go sledding (with the kids).
27. Learn a bit of basic graphic design.
28. Shovel my neighbor's sidewalk for no reason.
29. Wear pajamas all day.
30. Spend an entire day sitting at a coffee shop reading (without kids).
31. Go on a Girl's Weekend with my friends.
32. Donate blood.
33. Pay for someone's coffee who is behind me in line.

Wow. I better get started!

***
What is on your list this year?

30 days to 2 years!

Today the kids (notice how I've stopped calling them "the babies"??) turn 23 months old. That means we have just 30 days left of them being one year old! Caaaaa-Razy!

So, to celebrate and look back at their year of being One, I made a list of 23 things I love about One-Year-Olds. What a great way to look back at the last year. And while this *is* similar to the 22 Things I love about being a mom from last month, it's more specific to what I love about them at this age and how we spent the last year. It was a fun one!

In no particular order....
1. Toddler art projects
2. Running through the sprinklers













3. They learned body parts, starting with the basics like head and foot and now moving on to specifics like cheek and elbow and armpit!
4. They're beginning to know their extended family either from talking on the phone or seeing them at birthday parties or looking at photos
5. They make new friends
6. They love (LOVE!) certain characters from books (like, Maisy, Curious George, Knuffle Bunny and Elmo)
7. They talk! Sometimes too much, especially Ben. :)

8. They can remember the plots of stories and retell them to themselves or each other, particularly stories about the characters from #6
9. The many, many trips to the Zoo or Museum
10. How they run. So funny!
11. They can self-identify, even with their nicknames
12. First haircuts
13. They can start to sing songs, though the words are mixed up and hilarious
14. JUMPING!


15. They (mostly) survive a road trip

16. Oh my - the love between this Sissy and Brobbo!

17. Kisses, oh the many sloppy kisses!
18. Naptime. I love naptime, even in the many forms it's taken this past year
19. Going to the park
20. Silly things they say or know, like the Mendota Bridge is the "airplane" bridge because you can see airplanes there. Or that they know what the bracket is on the railing. Or when they put their loveys on their heads and say "Nummy hat!" Or the way Hannie draws "tiny circles."

21. Bath Time
22. Toddler laughing, especially when playing tickle monster
23. How just darn cute they are!

Sneak Peek of our Holiday Mini Session with Heather Hanson!

In general, I am much calmer, happier, excited about their 2nd birthday coming up than I was last year for their first birthday. Seriously. Last year I was a wreck and sad about all the things about B&H as babies that were gone and I'd never get to experience again. THIS year, though, I am excited about all the fun things to come. Not that it's ever EASY to be a mom, but it is easier now than it was when they were tiny babies. I'm eager to see the things that will come in the next year - more learning, more self-sufficiency, more challenges, more fun. Maybe we'll start thinking about preschool. Maybe they'll get potty-trained. Maybe we'll go on a family vacation. Maybe!

I love looking back at the last year, but this birthday, I'm not weepy and crying over what has past. I am so excited about what is to come!

PS: For fun, you should look back at all our One Month Older posts from the past year. You can see the babies grow and grow!