And! Seriously! I hadn't realized how much they changed in one year until I looked back at this slideshow. Crazy growing!
Showing posts with label one month older. Show all posts
Showing posts with label one month older. Show all posts
Thursday, December 6, 2012
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!
And! Seriously! I hadn't realized how much they changed in one year until I looked back at this slideshow. Crazy growing!
Monday, November 5, 2012
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Twenty-Two Things I Love
In honor of B&H's 22-month birthday the other day (yes, I'm running behind like usual...), I made a list of 22 Thing I Love About Being a Mom.
1. Newborn finger grasps.
2. Sweet first baby smiles.
3. Chubby baby legs.
4. Tickle monster.
5. Baby eyelashes.
6. The way a new box of Pampers smells (really!)
7. Picking out cute clothes for them to wear.
8. Giggles, giggles, giggles.
9. Scoring a really good deal on any of the following: diapers, babyfood, toys, shoes, clothes, outdoor equipment, pretty much anything!
10. Having supportive, wonderful moms as my new peer group.
11. Storytime, art class, ECFE, open gym.
12. Little tiny clothes fresh out of the dryer.
13. Cooking healthy meals for my family.
14. Holding hands.
15. First time sitting, first time rolling over, first crawling, first steps.
16. Kisses & hugs.
17. Words like "Lub Oo Momma."
18. Kissing owies to make them all better.
19. How toddlers run - so funny!
20. Toddler animal noises.
21. Sitting on the couch reading books.
22. When they sleep on their tummies with their butts up in the air.
I could go on. And on. There are so many things I love about being a mom and being able to experience life on a whole new level. I am very blessed that B&H are my two babes. I love them to PIECES!
They continue to grow and change by the day lately. The say more words than I can count and can say full (4-word) sentences that actually make sense. Today they both said "Granddad go bye-bye (in) truck." I am continually impressed!
And they both can count, sort of. Ben says "One, Three, Two" and can tell you the next number if you stop counting between 1 and 10. Hannah thinks every amount more than 1 is 2. Like, if there are 5 blocks on the floor, she says "Two blocks!" Very cute.
We're really working on having them help pick up their toys, wipe the table, throw garbage away - any sort of "chore" that near-2-year-olds can handle. The toys are the big one. I'm so sick of picking up toys!!
On that note, we are turning the guest bedroom into a playroom. I hope to have a place where I can let them play, but then shut the door when they're done so I don't have to look at the messy toys! And reclaim my living room!! Oh, a Momma can dream! I'll post photos if/when I ever get the room done!
***
What would be on your list of things you love about being a mom?
1. Newborn finger grasps.
2. Sweet first baby smiles.
3. Chubby baby legs.
4. Tickle monster.
5. Baby eyelashes.
6. The way a new box of Pampers smells (really!)
7. Picking out cute clothes for them to wear.
8. Giggles, giggles, giggles.
9. Scoring a really good deal on any of the following: diapers, babyfood, toys, shoes, clothes, outdoor equipment, pretty much anything!
10. Having supportive, wonderful moms as my new peer group.
11. Storytime, art class, ECFE, open gym.
12. Little tiny clothes fresh out of the dryer.
13. Cooking healthy meals for my family.
14. Holding hands.
15. First time sitting, first time rolling over, first crawling, first steps.
16. Kisses & hugs.
17. Words like "Lub Oo Momma."
18. Kissing owies to make them all better.
19. How toddlers run - so funny!
20. Toddler animal noises.
21. Sitting on the couch reading books.
22. When they sleep on their tummies with their butts up in the air.
I could go on. And on. There are so many things I love about being a mom and being able to experience life on a whole new level. I am very blessed that B&H are my two babes. I love them to PIECES!
 |
| Newborn, 10 months, 22 months |
And they both can count, sort of. Ben says "One, Three, Two" and can tell you the next number if you stop counting between 1 and 10. Hannah thinks every amount more than 1 is 2. Like, if there are 5 blocks on the floor, she says "Two blocks!" Very cute.
We're really working on having them help pick up their toys, wipe the table, throw garbage away - any sort of "chore" that near-2-year-olds can handle. The toys are the big one. I'm so sick of picking up toys!!
On that note, we are turning the guest bedroom into a playroom. I hope to have a place where I can let them play, but then shut the door when they're done so I don't have to look at the messy toys! And reclaim my living room!! Oh, a Momma can dream! I'll post photos if/when I ever get the room done!
***
What would be on your list of things you love about being a mom?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Golden Age of Toddlers
Now, before I get into a "oh, my babies are growing up too fast, poor me!" state of mind, I've decided that 21 months might just be the golden age of toddlerhood. Here is what is good about being 21 months old:
- They speak in sentences! Ben can say 3-word sentences (my favorite being "Cookie at Target") and Hannah has got 2-word sentences down, mostly involving things being done or all gone. :)
- They (for the most part) take turns - even without reminders! For instance, we have a slide in the basement that 2 months ago was the bane of my existence. It gave way to 100s of tears every time we played on it because they didn't understand that someone else wanted to slide, too. Now? They take turns and say "Ben's turn" and "Hannie's turn" while waiting. It's so.very.sweet.
- They remember! Last night we had a babysitter and when I got B&H up this morning I asked them what they did with Maya while I was gone. They both said "Maya color!" and "Maya sprinkler!" I could tell just by looking around that they were right. The coloring supplies were out and the sprinkler was in the lawn. They remembered what they did the day before!
- They have true passions for things they love! Like trains. And babies. And kitties and doggies. And coloring. And airplanes. And Elmo. And Curious George. And the library. And the zoo. And Target.
- They have friends! There's no denying B&H like to play with other kids. When we see Z&K at the Y, it totally makes their day! And the days we we get together with our neighbor M and her mom, they are in heaven and talk about it for hours later. It's so great to see how social they are becoming! (It helps me, too, since I like to be social as well!)
- They are BIG KIDS! They sit at the table in boosters now. They walk with me in and out of stores, they Y, church, etc. They follow directions and listen. They understand when they are doing something they aren't. We started Time Out this month, mostly to manage dining behaviors. They understand when I say "We don't throw food at the table. If you throw food again, you will go to timeout. This is your only reminder." If they do it again, they go to time out and 90% of the time they don't do it again at that meal. Whew!
Life is good with these toddlers. We are excited for Fall and have enrolled in several activities to keep ourselves busy. We'll be doing an art class at the nearby community center on Mondays, storytime class with Teacher Sara at the Red Balloon, and ECFE on Thursdays. Plus our near-daily trips to the Y, we'll be set for fall. This Momma likes to be busy and her kids are the same way!
21 months! That's one-and-three-quarters-year old. So very close to 2. Holy Moly! My babies are growing up too fast! Poor me!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
20 words for 20 months
Today B&H are 20 months old, or as Aaron said "one and two-thirds" years old. I'm baffled by their rapid aging. Wasn't it just yesterday, not last year, that they looked like this??
At 8 months they'd stopped looking like newborns, but they were definitely not the toddlers they are today! They'd sit nicely for a photo and not wander off anywhere. Oh, I miss those days! Nowadays, I'm lucky if one kid is looking at the camera and the other one isn't wandering off. This is a recent trip to Choo Choo Bob's - these toddlers were BUSY BUSY for a good hour. My new favorite place.
So, in honor of their 20 month birthday, I've decided to tell you all about them in just 20 words. Those of you who really know me, know this is quite a feat!
BenLoves to laugh, super silly, always smiling. Strong language skills, loves books, new words every day. Gives momma good kisses.
At 8 months they'd stopped looking like newborns, but they were definitely not the toddlers they are today! They'd sit nicely for a photo and not wander off anywhere. Oh, I miss those days! Nowadays, I'm lucky if one kid is looking at the camera and the other one isn't wandering off. This is a recent trip to Choo Choo Bob's - these toddlers were BUSY BUSY for a good hour. My new favorite place.
So, in honor of their 20 month birthday, I've decided to tell you all about them in just 20 words. Those of you who really know me, know this is quite a feat!
BenLoves to laugh, super silly, always smiling. Strong language skills, loves books, new words every day. Gives momma good kisses.
Hannah
Thoughtful and contemplative. Serious with a hint of silly. Dexterous
and scientific, loves puzzles and building blocks. Definitely daddy’s girl!
The biggest *new* thing this month is they self-identify! Both will point to their chests if you ask "Where's Hannah?" or "Who is Ben?" (obviously Hannah self-identifies as Hannah or Hannie and Ben self-identifies as Ben). They also refer to themselves in the third person. If Hannah wants something she yells "Hannie! Hannie!" and Ben can point to his high chair and say "Ben." It's pretty cute. (And also: a big insight as to why Elmo is such a hit with the toddler crowd!)
Today, even, Hannah identified herself in photos (with a little help from me). These kids are too smart for their own good!!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Nineteen Things
In honor of the babies' (er, toddlers. I keep meaning to change my thinking and call them toddlers), 19-month birthday this past week, here are 19 things we know and love about them!
1. They jump around now. And run. And walk backwards. And it's hilarious!
2. More words are sneaking in every day. Latest additions: strawberry (steh-bay) and down (dowwwwwwn). Plus: nose, eye, all done and all gone (both sound like "hong kong").
3. We've started a Kindermusik class. Ben and Hannah are naturals at playing the wooden sticks.
4. We've also started a Storytime class at the Red Balloon. I signed up for this class because I love the storytimes with Sara, but they are SO VERY BUSY (like 80 kids!). I can't handle that with the two toddlers, so I signed up for the "class." It's like storytime, but just 10 of us or so bring our kids. It's simply wonderful. And Hannie continues to be a teacher's pet and wants to sit on Sara's lap all.the.time.
5. Momma & Daddy have started having weekly date nights where we go out to dinner. The babysitter (Maya) comes and they just adore her! I hope we get to keep her for along time (she's a senior in college this coming year...).
6. We've gone swimming a few times so far this summer. B&H seem to want to take it or leave it.
7. We had our 18-month pictures taken this week. The previews are AD.OR.A.BLE.
8. We've had two separate diapers-coming-off-while-sleeping incidents. YUCK. (Thankfully the mess was contained to the sleep sack, but still).
9. We've been STROLLER FREE for about 2 or 3 weeks. We still have one, I still sometimes lug it around in the back of the car, but we rarely use it. B&H are getting to be GREAT listeners and will wait by the car (by touching it) while I get everyone out and will hold hands when we walk in somewhere. This is a freedom I didn't know I missed!
10. We got finger-pricked this week to test for lead. Three of my St Paul friends have had their kids results come back high, so I thought we better get it looked at. Hannie didn't even cry. Ben bawled like the big baby he is (I say that with a mother's love) the minute we sat in the chair.
11. They've become even MORE obsessed with Elmo - even though we never watch Sesame Street. The marketing on that muppet is amazing!
12. They hold hands with each other now, as evidenced here.
13. We've gone out for ice cream more days this month than we haven't. The babies love this. My waistline does not.
14. We started doing "Kid Swap" with our friend Kat (my friend) and K&Z (her twins). We've only done it twice total, but it seems to be a big success. If only illnesses would stay at bay, I think we'd be able to do more swapping!
15. Hannah's getting more patient at letting me put in piggy tails. They are super cute!
16. I think they're teething. That or they are just really drooly. No signs of the 2-year molars yet, but I know they must be coming soon. They got their canines about 6 months early, so I presume the molars will come early too. We're not looking forward to this.
17. They're learning to play with Play-Doh. They have an attention span of about 6 minutes with it. But, if I leave it in the canisters and call it "stackers," they play with it like blocks (building big towers and such) for an entire morning.
18. They continue to love our neighbors. Ben especially loves our neighbor Lucy, and the feeling is mutual!
19. I love them more and more each day!! Here they are on the morning of their 19 month birthday:
1. They jump around now. And run. And walk backwards. And it's hilarious!
2. More words are sneaking in every day. Latest additions: strawberry (steh-bay) and down (dowwwwwwn). Plus: nose, eye, all done and all gone (both sound like "hong kong").
3. We've started a Kindermusik class. Ben and Hannah are naturals at playing the wooden sticks.
4. We've also started a Storytime class at the Red Balloon. I signed up for this class because I love the storytimes with Sara, but they are SO VERY BUSY (like 80 kids!). I can't handle that with the two toddlers, so I signed up for the "class." It's like storytime, but just 10 of us or so bring our kids. It's simply wonderful. And Hannie continues to be a teacher's pet and wants to sit on Sara's lap all.the.time.
5. Momma & Daddy have started having weekly date nights where we go out to dinner. The babysitter (Maya) comes and they just adore her! I hope we get to keep her for along time (she's a senior in college this coming year...).
6. We've gone swimming a few times so far this summer. B&H seem to want to take it or leave it.
7. We had our 18-month pictures taken this week. The previews are AD.OR.A.BLE.
8. We've had two separate diapers-coming-off-while-sleeping incidents. YUCK. (Thankfully the mess was contained to the sleep sack, but still).
9. We've been STROLLER FREE for about 2 or 3 weeks. We still have one, I still sometimes lug it around in the back of the car, but we rarely use it. B&H are getting to be GREAT listeners and will wait by the car (by touching it) while I get everyone out and will hold hands when we walk in somewhere. This is a freedom I didn't know I missed!
10. We got finger-pricked this week to test for lead. Three of my St Paul friends have had their kids results come back high, so I thought we better get it looked at. Hannie didn't even cry. Ben bawled like the big baby he is (I say that with a mother's love) the minute we sat in the chair.
11. They've become even MORE obsessed with Elmo - even though we never watch Sesame Street. The marketing on that muppet is amazing!
12. They hold hands with each other now, as evidenced here.
13. We've gone out for ice cream more days this month than we haven't. The babies love this. My waistline does not.
14. We started doing "Kid Swap" with our friend Kat (my friend) and K&Z (her twins). We've only done it twice total, but it seems to be a big success. If only illnesses would stay at bay, I think we'd be able to do more swapping!
 |
| Four toddlers in the club house! |
15. Hannah's getting more patient at letting me put in piggy tails. They are super cute!
16. I think they're teething. That or they are just really drooly. No signs of the 2-year molars yet, but I know they must be coming soon. They got their canines about 6 months early, so I presume the molars will come early too. We're not looking forward to this.
17. They're learning to play with Play-Doh. They have an attention span of about 6 minutes with it. But, if I leave it in the canisters and call it "stackers," they play with it like blocks (building big towers and such) for an entire morning.
18. They continue to love our neighbors. Ben especially loves our neighbor Lucy, and the feeling is mutual!
19. I love them more and more each day!! Here they are on the morning of their 19 month birthday:
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
A Letter on B&H's 18-month Birthday
Did I tell you today that I love you? I'm sure I did. I do every day. And if the words don't come out of my mouth, I hope the actions that I do show you how much I love you. You both are the lights of my life! I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be YOUR mom. What a privilege. I am so VERY lucky!
You amaze me! Today you are one and a half years old. I can't believe it for one second that you're growing up this fast. I wish I knew how to slow down time. It just isn't fair how fast the time is going and how much you are learning and growing and becoming such great people. Daddy and I were talking this weekend and we think this past month you both stopped looking like babies and started looking like kids. It's exciting, but also bittersweet. My little cherubs are gone and they are replaced with rambunctious little balls of energy that some days I can't keep up with! (You wear your Momma out!)
 |
| A couple of Newborns |
 |
| A couple of 6-month-olds |
 |
| A couple of one-year-olds |
 |
| A couple of one-and-a-half-year-olds |
This past month, your language has exploded! You add a new word every day or so, and many times with only a little bit of teaching. Just this week you added color (it comes out "cah-ger"), cookie, and "May-Me" (our neighbor Mary). Some days I think Ben knows more words and some days I think Hannah knows more words, but I think you're about even. Ben might say them more, but Hannah definitely knows them.
Ben, you continue to be my cuddler, my snuggler, my Momma's boy. Lately you give me kisses. Real ones, on the lips. I love it! You also will hug me for minutes at a time. Sometimes I have to sit down because you get too heavy when I'm standing and you're not done hugging me yet! You are also so busy. You recently learned to jump and kick and you're just about running. You love to climb! I think we're in for a busy summer, dude!
 |
I'm so proud of the things you can do and the new skills you are learning every day. You are such bright, thoughtful, loving kids. You will go far in life, I know it. I can't wait to watch you succeed and say with pride "That's my son!" and "That's my daughter!"
You are loved. Every day. All day. I hope you always know and feel that.
As I say to you every night before you go to sleep: "Love you so much. Love you so much. Love you so much. Not even a little. Just always a lot!"
With all my heart,
Your Momma
Saturday, May 5, 2012
When I was Seventeen (months)...
It was a very good month!
Today is Cinco de Mayo! It's also the babies' 17-month birthday! Ole!
This has been a busy month. So busy in fact that I can't remember what happened and had to look back at my Facebook at status to remember. Thus, to make it easy on myself, I have decided to write this post in Facebook statuses. Enjoy!
4/5 - New words in this house this week: car, truck, moo & "ech ech ech" (barking) for Ben; hi (finally!), meh (either more or milk, I can't tell) & "ech ech ech." And, yes, this post is serving as my official documentation of these words.
4/9 - Signed B&H up for swimming lessons at the Y. They will be Sea Turtles as of April 28!
4/11 - Perhaps the 4:00-4:30 timeframe was not the optimal one to try the two-cart-push-pull for the first time at Trader Joe's. Never have I received so many dirty looks from other shoppers. Jerks!
4/12 - Seriously. Toddler playgrounds need to be fenced in w/ a gate. I almost lost someone today!
4/15 - Did not turn on the baby monitor last night for the first time ever. Babies were fine all night. And guess what? I slept more soundly than I have in more than a year!
4/17 - We saw ducks, geese, a woodpecker, a heron, and an eagle on a walk w/ friends this afternoon. Awesome!
4/19 - Somehow I once again managed to turn on the clock radio alarm in the babies' room. Hope they didn't mind being awoken to Pink at 7:05 a.m.
4/19 - Rainy Day + Playdate with the Meyer gals = VERY MESSY HOUSE. But in a good, played-themselves-silly sort of way.
4/20 - Preparing the house for my weekend departure. Sloppy Joes cookin', sheets washin', babies cuddlin'. How can Momma feel so excited to go away, yet so sad and nervous at the same time??
4/21 - Both of my kids just said "hiiiiiii" to me on the phone. Love them!
4/22 - I have fun & supportive friends, a wonderful & helpful husband, and the best & cutest 16-month-olds in the world!
4/23 - Thank goodness. Hannie eats puree pouches again! Life (er, snacktime) just got just a *tad* easier.
4/25 - Few things are certain w/ toddlers. But I'm learning that Spaghetti Night always becomes Bath Night.
4/28 - B&H love love love their swimming class! And - they already got promoted to the next level. Prodigies.
4/30 - Taking a walk with B&H is like herding cats.
5/2 - Momma's intuition at work tonight. Took Ben to Urgent Care. Came home with diagnoses for pink eye and double ear infections. UGH.
5/3 - Since it's stormy outside and we're quarantined inside, I'm giving the toddlers an AWESOME day at home. First we opened up the bubble machine, which proved to be a great hit (until we ran out of bubbles...). Now we're enjoying an episode of Sesame Street. Later they'll get a mega-bubble bath and maybe we'll make some cookies together. Pretty perfect day!
5/5 - Thanks to the high fever the little lady is running, we've all been up since 5:45. So the non-feverish of the family are going to enjoy some pancakes!
So, to explain in a nutshell - we spent a lot of time outside this month, they started speaking more and more, it was Easter, we slept great, I went out of town alone for the first time (to my Moms of Multiples convention), they like to swim, they like to walk, it rained a lot, and now at their 17-month birthday, they both are sick. Boo!
And what would a post be without photos. First, let's do a comparison between May 2011 and May 2012.
You'll notice that Ben's still sportin' about the same 'do... just longer in the back. Poor kid.
A few more looks at this past month. It was good one!
And I'm sad I don't have a photo of the most highlight of the month! I taught them how to hold each others' hand and give each other kisses - real ones, on the lips. It is the CUTEST.THING.EVER. I must catch it on the camera soon. Makes my heart melt. And, I've said it once and I'll say it again: I love these two more and more every day!!
Today is Cinco de Mayo! It's also the babies' 17-month birthday! Ole!
This has been a busy month. So busy in fact that I can't remember what happened and had to look back at my Facebook at status to remember. Thus, to make it easy on myself, I have decided to write this post in Facebook statuses. Enjoy!
4/5 - New words in this house this week: car, truck, moo & "ech ech ech" (barking) for Ben; hi (finally!), meh (either more or milk, I can't tell) & "ech ech ech." And, yes, this post is serving as my official documentation of these words.
4/9 - Signed B&H up for swimming lessons at the Y. They will be Sea Turtles as of April 28!
4/11 - Perhaps the 4:00-4:30 timeframe was not the optimal one to try the two-cart-push-pull for the first time at Trader Joe's. Never have I received so many dirty looks from other shoppers. Jerks!
4/12 - Seriously. Toddler playgrounds need to be fenced in w/ a gate. I almost lost someone today!
4/15 - Did not turn on the baby monitor last night for the first time ever. Babies were fine all night. And guess what? I slept more soundly than I have in more than a year!
4/17 - We saw ducks, geese, a woodpecker, a heron, and an eagle on a walk w/ friends this afternoon. Awesome!
4/19 - Somehow I once again managed to turn on the clock radio alarm in the babies' room. Hope they didn't mind being awoken to Pink at 7:05 a.m.
4/19 - Rainy Day + Playdate with the Meyer gals = VERY MESSY HOUSE. But in a good, played-themselves-silly sort of way.
4/20 - Preparing the house for my weekend departure. Sloppy Joes cookin', sheets washin', babies cuddlin'. How can Momma feel so excited to go away, yet so sad and nervous at the same time??
4/21 - Both of my kids just said "hiiiiiii" to me on the phone. Love them!
4/22 - I have fun & supportive friends, a wonderful & helpful husband, and the best & cutest 16-month-olds in the world!
4/23 - Thank goodness. Hannie eats puree pouches again! Life (er, snacktime) just got just a *tad* easier.
4/25 - Few things are certain w/ toddlers. But I'm learning that Spaghetti Night always becomes Bath Night.
4/28 - B&H love love love their swimming class! And - they already got promoted to the next level. Prodigies.
4/30 - Taking a walk with B&H is like herding cats.
5/2 - Momma's intuition at work tonight. Took Ben to Urgent Care. Came home with diagnoses for pink eye and double ear infections. UGH.
5/3 - Since it's stormy outside and we're quarantined inside, I'm giving the toddlers an AWESOME day at home. First we opened up the bubble machine, which proved to be a great hit (until we ran out of bubbles...). Now we're enjoying an episode of Sesame Street. Later they'll get a mega-bubble bath and maybe we'll make some cookies together. Pretty perfect day!
5/5 - Thanks to the high fever the little lady is running, we've all been up since 5:45. So the non-feverish of the family are going to enjoy some pancakes!
So, to explain in a nutshell - we spent a lot of time outside this month, they started speaking more and more, it was Easter, we slept great, I went out of town alone for the first time (to my Moms of Multiples convention), they like to swim, they like to walk, it rained a lot, and now at their 17-month birthday, they both are sick. Boo!
And what would a post be without photos. First, let's do a comparison between May 2011 and May 2012.
 |
| May 2011 (5 months) |
 |
| May 2012 (17 months) |
A few more looks at this past month. It was good one!
 |
| We had our first bloody nose. |
 |
| Hannah LOVED Chipotle! |
 |
| We went to Storytime with some friends |
 |
| It's fun to smoosh your face up on the glass! |
 |
| VERY nearly running! (Yikes!) |
 |
| BUBBLES! |
 |
| Hannah loves playing in the sand, even if her serious face doesn't show it. |
And I'm sad I don't have a photo of the most highlight of the month! I taught them how to hold each others' hand and give each other kisses - real ones, on the lips. It is the CUTEST.THING.EVER. I must catch it on the camera soon. Makes my heart melt. And, I've said it once and I'll say it again: I love these two more and more every day!!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sweet Sixteen (Months)
Oh heavens. I know you think I sound like a broken record, but 16 months ALREADY??! Time is going TOO fast. Slow down; the toddlers are growing out of control!
This month brought lots of adventures - Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Children's Museum, the park almost every day and playing in our own backyard. We even have taken to letting them walk up and down the block after dinner as opposed to us pushing/pulling them in the stroller or wagon. The way I figure - the more energy they expel, the better they'll sleep, right?
We also got struck with sickness! At the end of March Hannie came down with a bronchial infection and passed it along to Benjo where it showed up as an ear infection (his 2nd in 3 weeks). A round of super-strong antibiotics for both - and Hannie is fine. Ben still has a touch of infection. We're going to try a different route to combat it (using nasal spray and Claritin to clear up his stuffy, runny nose so it stops draining into his ears). If in 2 weeks things don't look better, we'll start talking ear tubes (this latest ear infection was Ben's 5th in 12 months or so). Boo!
Ben & Hannah each added some new words this month, too! Ben can say car (comes out like "gaaah" like he's from Boston!), truck ("uck"), "moo" and "ech ech ech" (which is code for bark bark bark). He's also getting better at his "quack" and every now and then will blow raspberries for a horsie sound. Hannah says hi, "ech ech ech" and more (or maybe milk? it comes out "meh"). She's also really into saying "Mommeeeeeeeeee" and "Daddeeeeeeeeeee." Both are babbling like crazy - especially to each other. I wonder if they're creating their own language....?
Also more and more prominent this past month: tantrums and meltdowns. Sometimes I induce them (if I take something away or don't let them do what they want - like walk out into the street). Sometimes they induce them in each other (if they take each others' toys/books). And sometimes, I'm not sure how, they induce them on themselves. Crazy kids!
Most fun this month, though, is we are really starting to see their individual personalities. Hannah can be a bit sassy, but is so content playing by herself with her babydolls (she's a good mommy!), blocks, or buckles. She's also a HUGE fan of the sand!
Ben is a bit more sensitive - he gets frustrated easily and needs lots of hugs of reassurance. He also has a *bit* of separation anxiety when I drop him off at the daycare at the Y or at church. It only lasts for a few seconds (maybe up to 1 minute) and then he's fine - until I come back! Then he cries like he just realized I was gone! He continues to be SUPER silly, very giggly, and more of a daredevil than Hannah. He's starting to climb on things like his new "bike" (on and off and on and off and on and off.... all afternoon!) and is in constant motion!
Together, though, their personalities and secrety language collide and they can cause TROUBLE! The other day it was super quiet while I cleaned the kitchen. I walked into their bedroom to find this:
Those are my two at 16 months! Love them more and more every day - even on the days when they push my buttons and I can't wait for naptime! :)
This month brought lots of adventures - Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Children's Museum, the park almost every day and playing in our own backyard. We even have taken to letting them walk up and down the block after dinner as opposed to us pushing/pulling them in the stroller or wagon. The way I figure - the more energy they expel, the better they'll sleep, right?
 |
| Haha. Ben walks just like the Grizzy Bear at the Minnesota Zoo! |
 |
| Hannah crawls in the Bee Hive at the Minnesota Zoo |
 |
| Water tables at the Children's Museum: Ben's favorite place to be. |
 |
| Stopping for a snack. (About the only photo of them together I have in months!) |
We also got struck with sickness! At the end of March Hannie came down with a bronchial infection and passed it along to Benjo where it showed up as an ear infection (his 2nd in 3 weeks). A round of super-strong antibiotics for both - and Hannie is fine. Ben still has a touch of infection. We're going to try a different route to combat it (using nasal spray and Claritin to clear up his stuffy, runny nose so it stops draining into his ears). If in 2 weeks things don't look better, we'll start talking ear tubes (this latest ear infection was Ben's 5th in 12 months or so). Boo!
 |
| Sometimes when you're sick, you need to put your Lovey on your head! |
Also more and more prominent this past month: tantrums and meltdowns. Sometimes I induce them (if I take something away or don't let them do what they want - like walk out into the street). Sometimes they induce them in each other (if they take each others' toys/books). And sometimes, I'm not sure how, they induce them on themselves. Crazy kids!
 |
| In a matter of seconds, we go from happy storytime.. |
 |
| To taking Sister's book... |
 | ||
| To crying little girl! |
Ben is a bit more sensitive - he gets frustrated easily and needs lots of hugs of reassurance. He also has a *bit* of separation anxiety when I drop him off at the daycare at the Y or at church. It only lasts for a few seconds (maybe up to 1 minute) and then he's fine - until I come back! Then he cries like he just realized I was gone! He continues to be SUPER silly, very giggly, and more of a daredevil than Hannah. He's starting to climb on things like his new "bike" (on and off and on and off and on and off.... all afternoon!) and is in constant motion!
Together, though, their personalities and secrety language collide and they can cause TROUBLE! The other day it was super quiet while I cleaned the kitchen. I walked into their bedroom to find this:
Those are my two at 16 months! Love them more and more every day - even on the days when they push my buttons and I can't wait for naptime! :)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
One and a quarter years old
(also known as 15 months old!)
Aaron and I were talking about how old the babies are - he couldn't believe they were 15 months old already! He said, "That's a year and a quarter!" Neither of us can believe A) it's March already and B) it's been 3 months since their birthday. I'm quite certain that as fast as last year went, this year will go even faster!!!
Some new things the babies are doing:
Hannah can sign "all done" most of the time and "milk" some of the time. Ben doesn't really sign either of those. Both can sign "please" when they really really want something!
Hannah added a few more words. She can say "nee" (bunny) and "yeah." I'm also certain she was saying "girl" the other day while we were playing with little people, but she hasn't said it again since. Ben has added "gee gee" (froggy) and "dee tee" (kitty).
EVERY animal they see is a kitty. It makes people laugh.
Ben is finally up and walking so fast. He's gonna be hard to catch soon. He's funny, though, he doesn't really bend his legs too much when he walks. Silly boy.
They play peek-a-boo (also known as "where's ____?" now!
The best thing of all is they both follow simple directions. It makes my life so much easier! They can give me their suckies, walk to the kitchen, put the toys in the bucket (if they are so inclined to), find the _____, go find Daddy, walk to the bathroom, walk to their room. It makes it a lot easier to get them ready for lunch or nap or bath when then can just walk where they need to go!
We had their 15 month appointment today and OH.MY.GOSH is it getting hard to take 2 babies to the doctor. They cried and cried and cried. They didn't want their clothes taken off. They didn't want to get weighed. They wanted a tongue depressor to play with; then they didn't want it. And the shot. OY. Nothing breaks my heart more.
But here are some stats!
Hannah
Height - 31.25" (75%)
Weight - 24 lbs 14 oz (79%)
Head - 18.75 inches (91% waah waaah)
Weight for length ratio - 82%
Ben
Height - 32 " (76% - but I beg to differ because a month ago he was 33 inches. He was REALLLLLY mad getting measured today so I think he was bunchy).
Weight - 27 lbs 5 oz (83% holding steady from a month ago. Whew!)
Head - 19.5 inches (96% waaah waaaaah)
Weight for Length - 91%
HE'S A BIG BOY!!!
Benjo also ended up with double ear infections. :( So doc put both babies on amoxocillin, Ben for ears and Hannah for a yellow boogery nose she's had for a month. Maybe they won't be so crabby if they feel better!!
Overall, life is good. I love my partners in crime, even on the days where they are crabby and I just want to drink more coffee. :)
A few photos for your enjoyment:
Aaron and I were talking about how old the babies are - he couldn't believe they were 15 months old already! He said, "That's a year and a quarter!" Neither of us can believe A) it's March already and B) it's been 3 months since their birthday. I'm quite certain that as fast as last year went, this year will go even faster!!!
Some new things the babies are doing:
Hannah can sign "all done" most of the time and "milk" some of the time. Ben doesn't really sign either of those. Both can sign "please" when they really really want something!
Hannah added a few more words. She can say "nee" (bunny) and "yeah." I'm also certain she was saying "girl" the other day while we were playing with little people, but she hasn't said it again since. Ben has added "gee gee" (froggy) and "dee tee" (kitty).
EVERY animal they see is a kitty. It makes people laugh.
Ben is finally up and walking so fast. He's gonna be hard to catch soon. He's funny, though, he doesn't really bend his legs too much when he walks. Silly boy.
They play peek-a-boo (also known as "where's ____?" now!
 |
| "Where's Hannah?" |
 |
| "There's Ben!" |
We had their 15 month appointment today and OH.MY.GOSH is it getting hard to take 2 babies to the doctor. They cried and cried and cried. They didn't want their clothes taken off. They didn't want to get weighed. They wanted a tongue depressor to play with; then they didn't want it. And the shot. OY. Nothing breaks my heart more.
But here are some stats!
Hannah
Height - 31.25" (75%)
Weight - 24 lbs 14 oz (79%)
Head - 18.75 inches (91% waah waaah)
Weight for length ratio - 82%
Ben
Height - 32 " (76% - but I beg to differ because a month ago he was 33 inches. He was REALLLLLY mad getting measured today so I think he was bunchy).
Weight - 27 lbs 5 oz (83% holding steady from a month ago. Whew!)
Head - 19.5 inches (96% waaah waaaaah)
Weight for Length - 91%
HE'S A BIG BOY!!!
Benjo also ended up with double ear infections. :( So doc put both babies on amoxocillin, Ben for ears and Hannah for a yellow boogery nose she's had for a month. Maybe they won't be so crabby if they feel better!!
Overall, life is good. I love my partners in crime, even on the days where they are crabby and I just want to drink more coffee. :)
A few photos for your enjoyment:
 |
| Crabby Girl |
 |
| Happy Boy |
 |
| New favorite (ultra annoying!) toy - shoot baskets! |
 |
| A tornado ran through their room! |
 |
| Rut row! Stuck under the end table. |
 |
| Crazy hair! (with a pretty bow!) |
 |
| Can you spot what's wrong here....? |
 |
| Feeding themselves yogurt. They don't let Momma do it much! |
 |
| "Playing" with our new easel. |
 |
| Why buy toys? Give the kid a bowl! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)