Hot cocoa

A few weeks ago, Brian had some yard work to get done, and the boys wanted to be outside with him.  It was chilly, so they bundled up in their coats, hats, and gloves, and spent some time outside.  When they came in the house, I made hot cocoa for them.

Neither of them had ever had hot cocoa before.  They were a little unsure about drinking something hot at first, but once they tasted that sweet chocolate, they were hooked.

I sat and watched them enjoy their sweet treat which also helped warm up their little bodies.  I had to laugh as I watched them - how naturally they held their cocoa cups, and chit chatted across the table.  It reminded me so much of my childhood - watching my mom have coffee with her friends, socializing, and catching up.  I hope my boys continue to sit down and enjoy their cocoa together for many years to come!



Insanity training....

Scary pumpkin faces

I love just watching them sleep....

Oh, yes....he has his feet TOTALLY stuffed into the pillow case. 

They stayed there all through his 2 hour nap!

Let's go Racin' boys!

Jackson's legs

With twins, it is impossible not to compare them.  Over the past few months, Brian and I have noticed that Jackson's legs look a little different, and were definitely different than Lincoln's.  Our concern was the angle at which Jackson's legs come out from his knees.

So, on Monday before Thanksgiving, we took Jackson to see Dr. Korn, our pediatrician.  I kind of expected him to tell us we were crazy and paranoid, but he didn't.  He indicated that there is definitely a deformity, believed that at this time they usually don't treat it, but recommended that we see an orthopedic specialist at Children's Hospital.

I think this concerned both Brian and me a bit.  Because of all the therapy that Jackson went through with his neck and head, we called right away to get an appointment.  Luckily, they were able to see us on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Children's Hospital is great....but sometimes frustrating.  We waited almost an hour after our appointment time before we saw the doctor.  It is extremely difficult to entertain an almost 3 year old boy in a small room filled with medical equipment.  Just saying...especially with a germophobic husband.  However, when the doctor came in, he instantly put Jackson at ease (not an easy fete), and he earned my trust almost immediately. 

He took one look at Jackson's legs, and began telling us his thoughts.  He explained that "knock-knees" are actually fairly common among kids, and usually becomes apparent around the age of 3.  Jackson is a pretty classic case.  Although it was great for us to have Lincoln to compare Jackson's legs too, the doctor recommends against comparing them now that Jackson has been diagnosed. 

At this time, no treatment is needed.  We will just monitor Jackson over the next year.  If the angle of his legs remains the same, or gets better, no treatment will be needed.  However, if it worsens over the next year or two, he would need surgery.  The surgery would insert a plate in his knees to restrict growth on the one side, forcing his growth to correct the angle issue.  I laughed when the doctor was explaining this, as it was almost exactly like what we went through with his helmet - it restricted the growth of his head in the one area, forcing it to grow in the underdeveloped area. 

This was a huge relief for Brian and me.  Although he may need to have surgery to correct this in a few years, it's definitely not as bad as we had each imagined.  For the time being though, please say a few prayers for Jackson that the issue corrects itself.  We'll update everyone again next fall after our visit to Children's.

Pre-Thanksgiving weekend

Friday before Thanksgiving, we headed north to Toledo.  Friday night we visited with my family and the Willingers.  Saturday morning we met Aunt Lori and Uncle Tyler at Bob Evans for breakfast.  Saturday afternoon we had fun at Knox's 3rd birthday party, and Saturday night we all went to bed early, exhausted by the day's events.

Around 2:00 in the morning, things took a turn.  Jackson woke up and was very fussy, and unfortunately I had some terrible stomach cramps.  Brian was trying to take care of Jackson, and then I heard it - Jackson throwing up. 

This concerned me for many reasons:
1)  Brian does not do well with puke
2)  My sisters carpet is less than a year old
3)  Knowing how I felt....I wondered how many other people weren't feeling well

I flew out of bed, grabbed some paper towels, and tried to keep the damage to a minimum.  Brian went to clean up his hands (he had caught the first batch of vomit), and before I knew it the second batch was in my hands.  Thankfully, Jackson's vomitting subsided quickly.

After cleaning up my own hands, I assessed Jackson's state.  He had some throw up on his jammies, so we had to change his clothes.  Some had also gotten on his blanket, so I knew I had to get that away from him and into the washing machine.  Brian started working on the carpet, but nearly added to the mess....so I told him to leave it.  I took Jacksons dirty PJ's and blanket to the washing machine, and assigned Brian the task of redressing Jackson while I attended to the puke.

After starting the washing machine, Brian and I brought the boys up to sleep in my sister's living room - as it has hard wood floors.  Much easier to clean if anyone else got sick.  I found the Resolve, and went downstairs to tackle the carpet.  It cleaned up much better than I thought it was going to.  I found some Febreeze, gave the air a quick spray, and decided to settle back in for some sleep.

Brian and Lincoln were in sleeping bags on the living room floor, and Jackson was curled up on one end of the couch.  I laid at the other end of the couch with my legs by Jackson to keep him from falling off onto the floor.  Surprisingly, we slept pretty well until about 7:30 when the boys awoke, and the rest of the house started to stir.

Plans for Sunday changed.  We were hoping to visit Miss Tracy on Sunday morning to see how she was doing.  She had major surgery the week before on her jaw, and we decided we shouldn't share our flu bug with her.  Instead, we spent a bit more time with my family and the Willingers, then headed back to Cincinnati.  The boys were fine, but neither Brian or I were feeling real great.  It was a long drive back to Cincy, and the rest of the evening was a bust.

Not what we needed before Thanksgiving, but thankful it came and went before the long holiday weekend!

I come back to you

Being a working mom is tough.  Feeling torn is a constant state. 

Daycare teaches the boys more than I could ever teach them.  But what kind of mom lets someone else raise their kids?  Each time I see a diaper rash, I question the care they are getting.  When the boys have a new scratch or bite mark, I get concerned about having them be around other kids.  I wish that I could keep them home.  I can protect them at home.  I would take care of them better.

Reality slowly creeps back in, and financial responsibilities and mental stability win out.  The boys are well cared for at school, and watching multiple 2 year olds isn't easy.  Quality of time more important than quantity.  The boys have developed social skills from the group atmosphere at daycare, and are advanced with their language and logic.

Even still, sometimes a mom just needs to know that her kids are ok with going to daycare.

Lincoln started giving me that reassurance a few weeks ago.

The boys are always smiling and giggling when we pick them up from daycare.  They are genuinely happy to see us, and ready go to home.  We love this, and love that their teacher has even commented on how happy they are each day to see us.  It was just a usual day of picking the boys up from school...both of the boys climbed in their seats and got buckled in.  We were pulling out of daycare when I heard Lincoln say, "See Mommy.  I come back to you."

I was a bit startled at first, and I didn't quite understand what he meant - so I asked him.

He very calmly responded by telling me that he came back to me - just like he does everyday.  He goes to Chickadees, but at the end of the day, he comes back home to Mommy.  He doesn't have to be afraid - Mommy will always be there for him at the end of the day, to take him home, feed him, bathe him, hug and kiss him, and to tell him how much she loves him. 

He proceeded to tell me this same simple sentence for over a week.  Each time, my heart melted for my little man.

And I thank God above that each day, he always comes back to me.

Chickmonks

Yes, you read that title correctly.  This post is about Chickmonks.

A few weeks ago when we picked the boys up from school, Jackson was extra talkative about the day's activities.  He was so excited to tell us that they went to the zoo!  (We believe the probably read a book that talked about a trip to the zoo).  Playing along, we asked him what animals he saw at the zoo.  Of course, there were the usual animals....giraffes, elephants, cows, and pigs.  Then he exclaimed that they also saw Chickmonks.

Of course, we knew exactly what he meant - chipmonks - but it was so cute to listen to him!

He told us all about Chickmonks - how they are very small, and they run around in trees.  He seemed quite facinated with them.  Trying to help him understand, I turned the conversation to Mickey Mouse - and told him that Chip and Dale are chipmonks. 

He could say Chip....but the animal was still chickmonks.  I'm still trying to get the picture of a baby chick wearing a monk outfit out of my head!

The snowman....

A few years ago, Brian took his mom to celebrate Christmas with her brothers and sisters.  When he arrived home, he had a special surprise for us - a large wooden snowman!  Brian's Uncle Ralph had made them for everyone, and he gave Brian one too.

It's meant to be an outside winter decoration, but Brian says it is too nice to put outside.  So, it's in our living room.  It is tucked behind a chair in the corner to keep the boys from beating it against the wall.  His head peeks out nicely over the top of the chair.

This morning, I was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast with the boys.  Lincoln looked in the living room, and then announced that the snowman was eating breakfast too.  Of course, the snowman was eating Daddy sandwiches, just like the boys. 

Next, he turned back to the snowman and says, "Good morning snowman.  How are you today?"

This alone was cute enough, but then he turns to me and says, "The snowman is shy.  He doesn't have much to say."

Boys will be boys

There are so many different types of "boys"....and mine are both unique.

First, we have Lincoln.  He is currently in a stage where he wants to lick everything.  Yes - everything.  The table, the bath toys, and yesterday I barely caught him as he was sticking his head in the toilet.  Last night, he was licking the soap off Jackson in the bathtub.  And laughing the whole time.
Remember the kid who was dared to lick the flag pole in the winter....yeah, that's going to be Lincoln.  Only, no one will dare him, he's just going to do it because he can.

I know....that's scary.  But then we have Jackson.

Several times over the past few days, I've heard Jackson say, "Hey everyone.  Watch this."  Yes...famous last words. 

I'm really hoping this is just a phase they are both going through, but if not, please say a prayer or two for me that I can keep Lincoln from drinking out of the toilet, or licking the toilet seat (which is worse?), and that I can protect Jackson and keep him from being the next great star of Jackass.

Lord have mercy on me....

Anniversary dinner

On November 1, Brian and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.

Uncle Aaron and Scott were kind and agreed to watch the boys so that Brian and I could go out and have a special dinner together.  I honestly don't know who was more excited - Brian and me, or the boys!

The boys talked all week about having dinner with Uncle and Scott, and how they were going to watch a movie with them.  They were actually excited, and not in the least bit worried about being away from us.

It was a great night....there were no tears when we left, and Aaron and Scott both said the boys were great for them.  They enjoyed their chicken tetrazzini, the Cars movie, and their special ice cream treat.  Brian and I enjoyed 3 hours out of the house, an AMAZING dinner at Jags, and an adult conversation without interruptions.  It was heaven.

Thanks to Uncle and Scott for spending time with the boys and allowing Brian and I to remember what life used to be like...even it if was for only a few hours.

Days of the week

Early last week, we started talking about the days of the week.  To my surprise, Jackson started singing the days of the week...in order.

Sunday Monday.  Tuesday Wednesday.  Thursday Friday.  Saturday.  (Kind of to the tune of Oh My Darling Clementine...but not quite)

Daycare has taught them a cute little song, so they now know there are 7 days in a week...and then the order.  I believe they also know how to sign the 7 days of the week...but I haven't quite picked that up yet.  Guess I need to find another sign language book!

Donuts!!!

Really nothing more to say....the smiles and cream filling say it all!

Balloons and Binoculars....

Our boys definitely have personalities.  BIG ones!  They can find joy and fun in just about anything.

First up, there is Jackson.  Last weekend, he found the balloons from his surgery back in August.  Both of the boys had fun throwing, hitting, and kicking the balloons around the living room, but Jackson was the one who tried to jump over them.  Of course, most of the time he would jump while laughing, and almost fall down on top of the balloons.  He was laughing non-stop, and I caught him in the middle of one of his laughing fits.  I really don't know how, but BOTH of the balloons still surived!  (and you see, the train track is still close by!)

Lincoln is my binocular boy.  It all started the day Jackson had his tubes put in his ears.  Lincoln was at daycare by himself, but knew Mommy was coming to pick him up early.  When I arrived at daycare, Lincoln and Miss Bianca were at the window, holding their "binoculars" over their eyes looking for us!
Now, Lincoln finds binoculars everywhere...but this picture takes the cake for the best binoculars EVER!

Trains

The boys, mostly Jackson, have been very interested in trains lately.  We had a train cross in front of us on the way to Grandma Hart's memorial mass a few weeks ago, and the boys were facinated!  We also saw one earlier this week on the way to daycare.  Now, they think we should see one everyday, like the school busses!

The boys got a wooden train track and little trains for their first birthday, and they play with it a lot.  A few weeks ago, I knew Jackson had gotten the train set out, and the boys were playing, so I didn't think much about it.  When I went and checked on them, here is what I found:

They were having fun taking the train up and down the little hill, and around all the curves they had built.  They didn't care that the track didn't connect until I showed up.  I somehow figured out a way to connect the track, without completely destroying the track they had created!  Eventually, we worked together to put the track in the figure 8 format it's intended to be in.

Last weekend, Jackson got the train track out again, and was playing away.  Here is what I found this time:

Obviously, Jackson remembered that part of the track had to go under the hill, and he got those pieces together.  He had a bit more difficulty getting the rest of the figure 8 formed.  But again, he didn't care, he was just playing away with all his match box cars and trains!



Love that he is trying to put it together more on his own all the time, and love the creativity behind it even more!  Working hard to encourage their own thoughts!

My body is broken....

Last weekend included "fun" time for Brian.  His friend Jay came down to visit, and the two of them went to a Jackyl concert Friday night.  It was quite late when they got home, so when I heard Lincoln fussing around 5:30, I rushed in to quiet him down.

First, I offered to rock him, but he didn't want to rock.  Jackson soon woke up, so I scooped him up and rocked him, hoping they would go back to sleep.  Lincoln just layed in his crib quietly while I rocked Jackson.  Then, I heard Lincoln say "My body is broken".

Poor Lincoln.  He has an aweful time with coughs and runny noses.  His head was all congested, and because he wasn't feeling well, he declared that his body was broken. 

So cute, yet made my heart ache for him.  We've taken great care this week to ensure he gets his benedryl and we run the vaporizer for a few hours when we put him to sleep. 

I'm not sure where he got the "my body is broken", but it was a cute way for him to tell me that he just wasn't feeling like himself!

Hummingbirds....

It seems like the boys just moved to Chickadees, but Tuesday they spent part of the day in Hummingbirds!

Growing...

This is a post that I've thought about writing for a long time.  And as time passes, I realize that I need to write this post.

There are so many ways to measure the growth of a child.  When they eat more food, we assume they are going through a growth spurt.  When their shirts don't cover their belly, or their pants become "high-waters", we buy them bigger clothes.  We groan about how heavy they are getting when we pick them up.  But it never really sinks in for me until I sit down to rock my boys.

I don't remember rocking them a lot as babies, but rocking has become a pretty common occurance over the past year.  We went through a struggle where we had to rock them so they would go to sleep.  I made them lay their head on my left shoulder and curl their legs up on my lap (much like holding a baby on your shoulder).  We had to hold them just right so we could lay them down in their cribs without waking them.  It was such a snuggly little position.

Several months later now, I can't "hold" them like a baby any more.  Their legs are too long to scrunch up on my lap, and their heads surpass my shoulder.  They just don't fit.  So, we transitioned to a point where they sit more sideways on my lap, wrap their one arm around me, and lay their head in the crook of my elbow.  Their legs dangle off the side of my lap.  Part of me loves this new position, as I can see their faces, and their expressions.  The other part of me realizes how much the boys are growing, and with a heavy heart wonders how much longer we will be able to have our special time.

For now, I will enjoy each and every minute snuggling and rocking them.  Although they will outgrow my lap, they will never outgrow the love in my heart.

Happy Anniversary Brian!

Four years ago today was the most beautiful day.  It was like God planned it perfectly for us.

All through the year, He gave us weather that resulted in vibrant colored leaves that were still on the trees on the first of November.  For our special day, He sent extra sunshine so our guests could feel the warmth of our love. 

Most importantly, He guided us to each other, and He blessed our union.

In the past 4 years, He has continued to steer us through many difficult times, and blessed us with the most amazing little boys.   There is no one that I would rather share my life with.

Happy 4th Anniversary Brian.  I love you!  Hope you enjoy your chocolate covered strawberries!

November 2012 Celebrations

Birthdays:

• November 1 - Uncle Bob Gels turns 75
• November 3 - Daphne Wolff turns 31
• November 12 - RJ Willinger turns 32
• November 14 - Knox Willinger turns 3, Stephanie Wappes turns 25
• November 20 - Alissa O'Connor turns 9
• November 28 - Pete Hug turns 90

Anniversaries:

• November 1- Brian and I celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary!
• Novmeber 14 - Sean and Beth O'Connor celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary
• Novemer 21 - Rodney and Dennis celebrate 23 years together!
• November 25 - Dennis and LouisAnn Brunswick celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary
• November 28 - we remember Brian's Grandma and Grandpa Hart's wedding anniversary

Halloween

We survived our third Halloween!

The boys enjoyed a great day at Chickadees.  They wore their pajamas (which confused the HECK out of them!), loved that it was "muffin day", and they even went trick-or-treating at school (they brought home brown paper bags filled with sandwich bags of Pringles, pretzels, cheese curls, and Cherrios).  They also got their faces painted - Jackson had a pumpkin, while Lincoln had a spider and spider web.

We picked the boys up a little early so we could get them fed before we headed out for Trick-or-Treating.  They each had a bowl of chili, some Pringles, and a white chocolate covered strawberry for dinner.  We needed the warm soup before heading out into the cold, damp evening.

The boys were excited to put on their costumes, and even endured mom taking a few pictures....

Jackson was all about getting his picture taken.  Lincoln was just ready to go Trick-or-Treating.

We went across the street to see Mr. Herb and Miss Marg first.  They LOVED the boys costumes!  They couldn't believe how big the boys have gotten, and really enjoyed our visit.  They gave each of the boys 2 candy bars to begin with, then said they were too cute and gave each of them another candy bar.  We chatted a bit, and as we were saying goodbye, Mr. Herb gave each of them another candy bar.  Love sharing our boys with Herb and Marg. 

Next we went to our other neighbors.  We don't know them very well, but when she opened the door and saw the boys, she knew exactly who they were!  She was excited to see them, and let the boys pick out their candy. 

We stopped a few houses down at the next light, and met one of our neighbors for the first time (Miss Pam).  She was so excited as she was just coloring a picture and needed 2 blue crayons - one for her ocean, and one for her sky!  Amazing that two were standing her porch just when she needed them!  (This was definitely more humorous for me than the boys)  She gave the boys their candy, and let them ring her doorbell - several times.  The boys loved it!

We crossed the street to see our neighbors who have a little girl that is just 2 days older than the boys.  They just had another baby the end of September, so they had a bucket of candy sitting out for people to help themselves.  Lincoln saw a skull in their flower bed though, and was afraid to get his own candy. 

We stopped at the next house, making our way back home.  I was hoping to meet the people who had moved in a few months ago, but they too just had a bucket of candy out for people to help themselves.  I was trying to get the boys to pick out their own candy, and I heard Jackson say, "Mommy - that's scary!"  I wasn't sure what he was talking about.  He was pointing to the door, and then I saw it - a statue of a monster standing in the sidelight window - his head was severed and "floating" above his body! 

After the 2 "scary" houses, we headed back home to warm up.

The boys were excited by all the candy they received, and were counting it in their jack-o-lantern buckets.  I wanted to go and meet another neighbor, so I convinced the boys to go back out to 1 or 2 more houses.  I assured them we were going to a nice house - like going to see Great-Grandma and Pete.  So, off we went to meet the nice older lady down the street.  She was tickled to see the boys, and just shook her head at the idea of twins.  After she closed the door, Jackson said he didn't want to leave.  He liked her goose on her porch.  I let him pet the goose, then we said goodbye. 

Lincoln told me we could go to one more house, and he picked the house with the flag.  By this time, there were more kids out, which the boys really didn't like.  However, they made it up to the door of the last house, and laughed at the "hand" in the candy bowl.  When we were leaving the porch, another child came up with a "Scream" mask, and both the boys clung to my legs in fear. 

We carefully made our way back home, avoiding all the scary costumes.  The boys were done. 
We let them each pick out one piece of candy to eat - they both choose M&M's, and they sat quietly on the couch eating their treat.

After we watch the Charlie Brown Halloween show tonight, we can put Halloween behind us for another year.

Hope all your little angels and devils had a great Halloween!