Winter Wonderland

It snowed! AND, the kids did pretty well being housebound. They did take naps and are taking naps now which is am improvement over what they did at Nana Pam's all week and they seem to be in pretty good moods. I want to go sledding so bad - we got 5 inches or so - but we can't take the kids out. It's ok, really though, because if I remember correctly the one and only other time I sledded it was a lot of work! We got a couple of pictures - we put socks on the kids hands, and bundled them up and even though they liked being in the wagon I don't think they were big fans of the cold snow. I wanted to let them try to walk around on it, but Lance said no way and they were back indoors after literally 5 minutes :)!

Stuck inside - they don't look like they minded too much.

Wagon time in the snow.

It was really coming down, and as you see they weren't too sure if they liked it or not.

Marley liked it though, she was running around - although prancing like a princess because she doesn't like to get her paws too wet. If you look closely you can see Tyler checking out dad!

A shot of the backyard - the grass was covered which doesn't happen around here too often.

Snow Day - Oh No!

Well, it looks like it is going to be a snow day. I would usually be excited, but the kids have been pretty grumpy and they have a new little cold so it could be a taxing day. I don't really know why they have been fussy - it could still be teeth related, cold related, non-napping related, who knows. It's mostly Tyler and we took him to the doctor yesterday thinking he had an ear infection, but all checked out ok. He still has his cough so maybe he is just annoyed. Luckily, the kids have generous friends and family who have given them great toys to keep them entertained! For Christmas, they got a slide/climbing toy from my Dad that they love. It scares me to death - and we have already had a boo-boo (just got it two days ago), but apparently it is good to have to give them something they are allowed to climb on rather than everything they are trying to climb including all couches, chairs, on top of coffee tables and any toy! They also have this piano/drawing toy from Liz that they enjoy now that they have figured out that putting the pens to the colors makes it sing. Some pictures!

Tyler likes to climb up the slide rather than use the door.Katie was so happy when she figured out how to slide down on her own.

Tyler is a fan of the tunnel part too!

Katie about to take off!

Their drawing toy - good thing since the experiment with real crayons didn't go so well!

They still love Jack's Music Show and Yo Gabba Gabba too, but that only occupies them for five minutes max. I don't understand how some people say that their kids can watch a whole show or dvd at their age - maybe these two already have ADD!?! They will glance up at it and dance and sing while it is on but certainly won't sit quietly and have tv time - I guess it is good they would rather be active and play, but I admit I am a little envious of people who say they put their kids shows on and they don't have to worry about them moving from that spot for an hour!!!

More teeth!

I didn't think it was possible for Tyler to get more teeth, but sure enough one popped through on Sunday. He has been a little fussier than usual and not eating as well, but we didn't connect the two until we saw a little blood on his gums - poor little guy. It is hard to tell since he won't open up and say "ahhh," but I think the only teeth lacking now are his 2 year molars. He really has a mouth full!!! The good thing is that he loves brushing his teeth. Katie's likes to hold the toothbrush, but doesn't really do much brushing but that might need to change soon since she has two more too! She now has four on the top, two on the bottom, and one more trying to make its way in. She is still eating ok, but is a little grumpier and won't let you get near her mouth!

I was reading an article about teeth, and I was sad to learn that it is likely that the kids will have the same teeth issues as me and Lance. I really want to get them started on good oral care habits now so hopefully they won't get as many cavities as we have had! "They" say that just us giving them kisses, and letting them eat off of our spoons passes along our bad teeth germs and that the kids could already have cavities - yikes! I bet that would be painful for a little one and I hope it doesn't happen. Of course, the article also recommended that kids should go to visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. That seems to be standard advice now from pediatricians but I just don't see how that can happen. They won't even let me stick my finger in to see if it is all the way through - I know that a stranger will not have any luck taking a look. The old recommendation used to be age 3, and that seems more realistic to me. Regardless, I did not put them on my dental insurance plan this year and can't enroll them until next November so we will probably at least wait until then and hope that they miraculously learn to sit still, follow directions, and be nice to doctors between then and now - ha! I hate to say it is overkill, since my two will probably end up with bad teeth thanks to my laziness, but I put it into the same category as carseat laws these days. I understand the advice and cautions, I just think it may be a bit much. Rear-facing until two (which we are doing, but Tyler is anxious to turn around these days), and in a carseat or booster until you are practically an adult (and in some cases may be with the current weight and height limits - poor Katie). I guess, like the carseats, the dentist decision is really just up to the individual. I will keep the kids rear-facing until their legs won't allow it or until two, whichever comes first and I will take them to the dentist when my pediatrician tells me to and gives me a good reason for it, and so far it hasn't been mentioned!

Crazy Kids!

We've had a good morning. You can tell the kids are sleepy, but they are playing well together and are being super silly! Yesterday, the kids stayed with So-So and Grandpa while Lance and I went to the Vandy game (fun game and the kids love to visit with their grandparents). I don't know if the kids just like to show-off their skills to their grandparents, or if it is just someone else "teaching" them, but it seems like everytime we come back they have something new to show us. This morning and yesterday afternoon their new word was Mickey Mouse (and Katie kept bringing us Brobee, but calling him Bubba), they seemed to do really good with pointing out body parts, they keep giving each other things and patting each other on the head, and they've learned to put blocks together and stack them up! Here are just some random shots from their Sunday morning playtime (and destroy the house time so don't mind the look of a disaster zone in this pictures :)).

Where's your nose? After, where's your head which Katie was still displaying! Where's Katie's mouth?

Playing blocks together.

My little monkey!

Of course, locking Tyler into the cabinet is always fun!

Despite the look she has on her face, she was really enjoying being able to get the blocks to fit together! Tyler dancing - one of my absolute favorite things!

Katie wasn't too in to the dancing this morning.

Lessons

I am so very uncreative. We are still struggling with the nap issue as well as the boredom induced whining and it is driving me crazy! I know what we need to do is get out and do something to keep them awake during the time they are used to napping, and to give them a change of scenery when they are sick of roaming around our house. That became even more obvious today when their favorite thing to do seemed to be everything I didn't want them to - tearing up every magazine into little pieces to put in their mouths, opening the non-closing laundry room door and Katie going straight for the dog food while Tyler closes the door and stands against it to lock us out, or Katie crying when she wasn't held! The problem is that I just can't think of anything to do! It is too cold to go to the park, to the zoo, or anywhere outdoor. It is too expensive to go to Monkey's Treehouse, grocery shopping (for some reason the kids love it), or do breakfast/lunch/dinner. They are too young to go to the Adventure Science Center or the movies. So, I really am at a loss about what to do to entertain 16 month olds when it is cold and you are broke. The good thing is that it is forcing me to get creative around the house - we have had dance parties, built forts, and tried to build lego masterpieces. I have learned some very random things that make them laugh, and watched them really discover each other more and more in the last couple of days. And you know what, I have learned and realized that what the kids really like, more than anything, is spending time with mom and dad and they could care less where that happens!

Bedtime = On Good Behavior

I think it is starting to dawn on the kids that the longer they play happily and are in good moods and don't act sleepy, the more likely it is that we extend their bedtime. That means that once we get into the bonus room (our routine is straight from bath after dinner since they are usually a mess, then into the bonus room for what was initially supposed to be book time, and then bed) they both are usually playing and talking and having a ball because they don't want to go "nigh nigh." Actually, when you tell Katie it is time for night night, she repeats it, picks up her Clifford doll and isn't too upset when you pick her up. Tyler, on the otherhand, knows exactly what picking him up at that time of night means and he doesn't want any part of it. He pitches a royal tantrum every night at bedtime, but is usually the first one asleep after just a few minutes of protest. Katie gives us goodnight kisses as soon as she is in her crib, but Tyler turns his head and refuses because he is mad at us for ending his fun for the evening.

Here they are tonight before bed, making the circuit of toys that they don't get to see that often and love. The ball pit got moved upstairs once we realized that if we didn't contain it, we would have balls all over our living room and kitchen constantly.

This is one of Katie's many faces - she is quite expressive for someone with such a limited vocabulary!

They really do love their ball tent and the extra balls that go with it. I guess I can handle the mess since it makes the munchkins so happy. Each of them with things that are their favorite words - Tyler with a "ball" and Katie with a "dog," and sucking in for some reason? I wonder if she understands her Daddy when he says she is chubby?!?
You can tell a little in this pictures that their hair is growing - Tyler is actually soon to be in need of a haircut because of that mini-mullett!

Pigtails and Hair Bows?

Ok, those of you who haven't known me since I was a little girl may be surprised to hear that I used to LOVE to play with Barbies. Of course, I made mud pies, and built forts, and played kickball with all of the neighborhood boys, but I also enjoyed playing with dolls! Mostly, I just liked to brush and braid their hair, which may seem odd coming from someone who has had short hair most of my adult life and who thinks throwing it into a ponytail (when long enough) is making an effort. I sheepishly admit, though, that one of my first thoughts when we found out we were having a girl is ooooh, fun - they have much better clothes, and shoes, and accessories! Now, I am anxiously awaiting the day I can give little Bug pigtails or an outfit matching barrette but it seems that day may never come. "Patiently" waiting for Katie to have some hair for me to play with reminds me why I have never really done much with mine. Hers (like both of her parents), is super fine, and super straight which means what little bit she does have won't stay in any of the barrettes I have tried and honestly looks pretty silly in those headband bows. Of course, poor Tyler, got the other part of mine where it just grows out and is beginning to give him a baby afro! So guess I shouldn't be surprised about our hair woes, considering their genetics! All of that was a sideline, though, to what I came here to say which is that their hair does seem to be growing somewhat, finally, and I hope to have pictures up soon!

Nothing much else new to report. We got a call last week from the speech therapist since our cancellation didn't get communicated and it is a good thing we decided to wait. We would have had to pay a $1,000 deductible only for them to likely tell us that they wouldn't make any official evaluations until 18 months. At that point, if we are still having issues, we will be able to contact Early Intervention through the state and get more affordable evaluations. The kids still don't "know" who mama and dada are, and don't say it with regularity. That is the only concerning thing since that particular milestone was supposed to be hit at about a year. As far as their number of words - Tyler is doing outstanding. It seems that he picks up something new everyday. I really can't tell if Katie is just being obstinate or is delayed - she will say a word once or twice and then not really repeat it like Tyler does. She doesn't seem to have as many consonants as she should, at least ones that are identifiable, but she is constantly babbling and "communicating" and I really think she thinks she is talking! We'll give it a couple more months and see where we are. Their understanding of simple directions and what we want them to do is much improved and I am taking that as a really good sign! I asked Tyler to take his socks to the couch and put them on and he went over to his little couch (not the one I was talking about, but close enough), sat down, and tried to get them on his foot. Then, this morning, I told Katie we needed to get her jacket on and she brought it to me and held her arm out. Also this morning, Tyler was having a little tantrum and Katie went over to him and patted his head and made a little kissing noise. Everyday they learn something new and I am just not going to worry about it right now and try to enjoy this really great stage!

Marley is Getting Better!

It seems that Marley is getting a bit better. She still gingerly gets on the couch and bed, but she can do it now, whereas before she needed help. I'm so glad we took good advice from Lance's dad and just waited to see if she improved! She "forgets" sometimes that she is hurt when she first sees us and jumps excitedly, so I think maybe she is milking it just a little. The kids are so cute with her these days and I am so proud of Miss Marley for being pretty patient. Tyler does especially well with petting nicely. Katie is in a definite hitting stage (which we just can't figure out how to break) and will sometimes try to do it to Marley, but a reminder usually gets her patting gentler or giving "Mar" a kiss.

My little man is developing definite ideas of what he does and does not want to do. He is all about giving kisses and giggles until he can tell it is almost bedtime and then he scurries into the ballpit to "hide" and turns his head if you even think about asking for a kiss. He knows that after bathtime is bedtime and he stays on guard in hopes that we will forget that it is time to go "nigh nigh." They both have some new favorite words lately - shoe, sock, hat, dog - but for Tyler at least the old standbys (mi for milk,ball, book, truck) are still the mainstays. They have been eating pretty poorly at dinner so we have stopped giving them milk when they get home (water now) and Tyler is very upset - he gets his water in hand and goes over to the fridge to repeatedly say milk, clearly wanting us to know that he is not fooled and that although he will drink the water he wants the white stuff! Tyler did take some time off from panhandling for milk last night, though, to show off his new skill - he has learned to twirl around while laughing like a maniac - so cute.

They both love to "dance" and "sing" - they have a toddler gymnastics class at the Y near our house that I want to get them enrolled in if the real estate market ever picks up and we can rewew our membership. They will love it, I am sure, and it will have the added benefit of wearing them out so maybe they will start napping again! Instead of just skipping the morning nap, lately, they have decided that they don't want to nap at all which means unhappy babies late in the day and definitely unhappy parents! Hopefully, it is a short phase!!! If it isn't until next summer that we can start back at the Y, I am definitely going to put our little Water Bug into some swim classes (she still loves to kick and splash and even put her face in) and I think my little wild man will enjoy the kids area they have there since I am not too sure he will be a big fan of swimming! I think swim classes are the way to go because I still can't figure out how I would take the two of them by myself to a pool while they can't swim! You can tell I am anxious for the weather to get better so we can get out and play, or if nothing else for us to have some indoor entertainment options - non-napping, bored toddlers with a mom who has cabin fever are not nearly as fun as exhausted, entertained ones with a mom who loves watching them have a ball!

Jealousy

Katie is jealous of Tyler's "ba ba" time. That is what he says while he is getting the breathing treatments and tonight Katie was walking around the house saying it while trying to get her hands on the mask that he uses. She finally got it and walked around all night trying to put it on her face. Silly girl doesn't realize that we hope she never really has to use it like her brother, but all she knows is that he gets held while we sing and rock, and he gets to wear the "fun" fish mask.

Katie is getting pretty good and carrying around her dog in one hand no matter what she is trying to get ahold of with the other.

Tyler is pretty intent on getting those "locked" cabinet doors open - it's the first thing he does when he is free to roam. Katie has a new favorite book - Bob the Builder! Tyler, for some reason, enjoys the pump! We finally gave in and let him play with it since he kept stealing it from the laundry room now that the door won't close!I am hesitant to say it, because as soon as I do it will change, but they have been playing pretty well together lately and even just gave each other a kiss at bedtime tonight, awww.

Our Sweet Marley

Marley girl is in pain and it is breaking my heart. Marley is 8 years old (a terrier mix), and until the two rascals came along was spoiled rotten as our first "daughter." She is wild and crazy, and can jump higher than you would ever think possible. She is so loving and so spirited and is doing great with the kids. Yesterday, she was doing her spastic sprinting around the backyard which she does when she thinks she needs to expend some energy (so smart). She suddenly started yelping and when we went out to her she was unable to move her back legs. She was shaking and scared, and I (known to be so good in times of crisis - extreme sarcasm) was carrying her around trying to figure out what she had done and what we could do for her. We do have a mole invading the backyard and maybe she fell in a hole - initially I thought she had been bit by something - it was that sudden! We got her (and me) calmed down and let her test out her legs some and she had movement but still was limping pretty bad and couldn't jump or put weight on her back leg. We decided not to take her to the emergency vet clinic (being poor sucks!) and just watched her all evening. She is in pain, especially when she tries to lay down, and cannot get up onto the couch or bed where she loves to be. I hope it is just a sprain and something that will heal with rest and time, because honestly we just cannot afford an expensive vet visit and definitely can't get surgery if that is what they recommend. So, we are just hoping and praying that little Marley girl starts feeling better soon. I have looked into some programs that offer financial assistance for veterinarian services so if she doesn't get better soon we might apply for those. I was up all night crying and worrying (as was Lance) because I don't want to be inhumane but also don't want to spend money we don't have going to a vet who tells us that there is nothing that can really be done. Life is tough sometimes, but we are so incredibly blessed that I need to try to remember that more often when I am about to have a stress breakdown (which seems like a possibility at all times these days). Now, I do have to say that if someone would just like to buy a beautiful piece of property on Center Hill lake that would make me even more grateful :-)!

If you are the praying type please remember Marley, who we and the kids love so much, and our little Tyler Bear. He has a cough again, but thankfully doesn't seem to be having trouble breathing this time. It is a deep, hacking cough that so far is very sporadic. We have started up the breathing treatments again and hope that we can head it off. He is still causing mayhem and doesn't seem to be affected, and in fact had THREE timeouts yesterday. They didn't really work, but I had to try something since "no," and hand popping also were pointless. He has gotten into the habit of doing something he knows he is not supposed to, looking at us as if to say watch me, and then when we tell him no he does it even more! That included, this weekend, climbing into the fireplace, pushing the pack and play (still our make-shift gate) out of the way to make a mad dash for the stairs repeatedly, and much havoc in the kitchen including jerking the cabinet doors long enough and hard enough for the locks to bend out of shape and give him access and learning how to open the oven (time for a lock on that too). He still does more sweet things than he does as a troublemaker - he was feeding Marley every single one of his much loved goldfish, gave Katie a kiss yesterday while they were eating, and brings us all sorts of balls, books and blocks in case we are bored - but he is edging ever so slightly closer to the label of "Trouble T" instead of "Sweet T"!

Snow and a Vandy Win!

It's been a good Saturday so far. At least I can say that since So-So and Grandpa watched the kids this morning while the kids still try to get used to one nap! We woke up to flurries that have continued all day and made it look like a Winter Wonderland. They are sticking around because it is ridiculously cold and has been since our 1/2 an inch Thursday, followed by flurries Friday and today. Not enough for snowmen or sledding but the kids don't have the gear or skin thick enough to handle the cold long enough for that anyway. We went to the Vanderbilt/Florida basketball game (and we won - woohoo) and the roads weren't that bad, but it sure was pretty to drive by the snow covered park. So-So and Grandpa said the kids did just fine, but I know they have been pretty fussy these days skipping the morning nap. They are just in an odd stage where they aren't tired in the mornings anymore, but can't quite make it until the afternoon. Tyler is up there right now trying to get our attention, but he needs to sleep longer (so he doesn't drive me crazy being a grump this afternoon)! Tyler is branching out some in his favorite words, but ball still wins - and he really likes to bring them to us!!!

Katie wanted to go out and play in the snow!

So we got them ready to go for a wagon ride! Too cold for that though, so we'll just read (another favorite)! GrandBob taught them how to "eat" the cookies from the book and they spent some time chomping on pretend chocolate chips too drove Marley crazy because she couldn't figure out what we were eating!

Hearing Test

Well, we canceled the kid's hearing test today. They just don't seem like they have trouble hearing and seem to be progressing well in terms of speech and communication so we are going to give it at least until they are 18 months old and reevaluate where they are then. The co-pays, time off work and hassle wouldn't be a consideration if we thought they really needed it, but as it is I think it would be a bit of a waste of time and money. Katie still doesn't talk nearly as much as Tyler and doesn't say words nearly as clearly as Tyler, but she is trying and she definitely is learning to communicate. Lance thinks (and I tend to agree) that she is just a stubborn one and won't talk if she doesn't feel like it. She babbles like crazy and does this really cute ooohh noise at anything she thinks is interesting - I really think she thinks she is talking and she might be and we just haven't figured out what she is saying yet. She points and looks at us so sincerely and we act like we understand, but really have no clue what she is trying to get across :-)! Things like them both waving when the front door opens, responding to my request to bring me things, pointing up and saying it when they see a light, running to their chairs when I ask if they want to eat, etc. makes me really think that hearing is not an issue. Speech may still be, but I want to give them some time since twins are often behind, as are those who are premature and I wouldn't be surprised if they start "talking" up a storm here soon. It seems like Katie is testing some new things out - shoe, sock, shirt - but she is choosing difficult first words! Tyler is still infatuated with the word ball (and there are plenty for him to point out around the house) but is starting to mimic and will bust out a touchdown every now and then too! Mama and Dada are still an issue, they aren't saying them to us but they will bring Mama the book, take Dada the ball etc. so they are getting there. Tyler might be a little confused though because sometimes when he does the touchdown symbol he says da da instead of tuh duh - although that could just be smart association on his part!

We might get a snow day tomorrow and if so we'll get the kids bundled up and take some quick pictures!!! They have downgraded our chances though and are now saying only an inch at most so probably no snowman - so sad!

16 Months!

It is hard to believe that our little babies are already 16 months old. They are doing so great - more of their personalities are showing through every day. Katie is definitely a silly one and has really started liking her ride-on toys, climbing in and out of everything, doing laps in the kitchen and on any straight, long path, still loves balls, has recently begun to think it is funny to hit people which we are trying to nip in the bud, bullies her brother incessantly because she is just so darn insistent that she gets what she wants - she could definitely be following in my tomboy footsteps! Tyler still has the sweetest smile and funniest chuckle but he also has a rare, but wicked temper on occasion (both of them have mastered temper tantrums already). Tyler amazes me with his ability to figure things out - whether it is how to get in or out of something that he shouldn't be, take his diaper and clothes off, put the shapes in the right space, ball in the basket, or puzzle piece in its place, he seems to have a pretty mechanical mind. He is pretty particular in comparison to Katie - he will not drink out of his cup until he turns the spout the right way whereas Katie is oblivious, gets annoyed when his hands get dirty (even though he could care less if it is in his hair) while Katie likes to play in anything messy or gooey, and enjoys stacking blocks or sorting things before Katie inevitably comes along and makes his freshly made tower "go boom." They are playing together relatively well, although they still want the exact same toy at the exact same time more often than not. They are doing pretty good with their words and following directions - Katie has started saying "Mar" for Marley and has the same "B" words that Tyler does - ball, book, block, bye bye - Tyler has learned to "hide" behind his hands or to take his dad's hat and put it over his face and peer out through the mesh thinking we can't see him. The only thing is that he doesn't quite have the hang of timing and he will "hide" for a loooong time before revealing himself when we are supposed to give him praise. I think it was literally 15 minutes the other night of him looking through the hat, us saying "Where's Tyler", and him laughing hysterically but he wouldn't show his face :-)! Just some random pictures from Christmas at my Aunt's and our week home (I'm going to miss these little monsters when I go back to work next week)!

Their Grandma Barnhart got them this wagon and they love it. We put them in the other afternoon to go for a short walk (it's cold here) and had to remove two screaming, kicking kids from it and hide it because they did not want to get out (this was after much dragging around the kitchen).

They got to taste pickles!

Katie likes to brush her hair, too bad she still doesn't have much!

Tyler is so happy he got a ball popper that works again!

They would both live off or crackers (and maybe grilled cheese) if we would let them.

Of course even with all the new toys, empty diaper boxes are still one of the biggest hits!