Chocolate Sprinkles

This is what happens when Garrett gets thirsty...and has a sweet craving...and I'm distracted. Here is his latest concoction...he calls it "Chocolate Sprinkles".

Fill a bowl half way with milk
Add a good squeeze of chocolate syrup
Did I say syrup? Let's add some of that too (maple)
Sprinkles of cinnamon

Just mix it all in a bowl and slurp up through a straw. Serves A LOT since it's so sweet you can only take a small sip (yes, he begged me try it...kind of tasted like french toast).

Go figure, this unimaginable cocktail he will actually ingest but he won't go anywhere near a fruit or vegetable...unless he's bribed...with dessert. What can I say? He drives a hard bargain and some days it just isn't worth the frustration. Bon appetit!

LOL*

A typical night at our house...
(make sure you have sound)

...dancing, jumping and *laughing out loud. Do they have to grow up?

My Time Sheet

This one's for Blake and Garrett.

All too often I am asked, "what do you do all day?". Not by my dear husband, he knows better. But by Blake and Garrett who can't imagine what I do while they are at school. When I ask them what they think, I usually get an answer resembling "go shopping and watch tv". For the life of me I can't figure out why they say this. In fact, I can't remember the last time I step foot in the mall and if I am at a store it probably sells groceries. As for the tv, if it is on, it's sure to be on a show with some kind of dancing or singing animal. Never mind the fact that I have their brother and sister to take care of. So, to answer their question (and humor myself), HERE is what I did today (a typical day in my life):

*6 am woke up, made breakfast for me and Blake, checked e-mail, checking account balance and headlines, picked out boys' school clothes.
*6:25 got in the shower.
*6:50-7:30 unloaded and loaded dishes, made school snacks (I took the day off from making lunches and let them buy today), brushed teeth, changed and dressed babies, gave Garrett his medicine.
*7:30-8:15 loaded up kids, took Blake and Garrett to school.
*8:15-9:00 vacuumed house, cleaned couch, picked up, stripped beds to wash bedding.
*9:00-10:00 fed and changed babies, cleaned up pack 'n play to lend to friend, changed diapers, did laundry, washed bottles, ate a snack, turned the tv on (sshhh, I do watch tv sometimes...but usually just the news so I can stay in touch with reality).
*10:00-11:00 babies went down for a nap, I started writing this blog and realized I forgot to put deodorant on. Put deodorant on. Plunged the toilet that Blake clogged this morning with half a roll of toilet paper (hey, I never said it was glamorous) and cleaned the toilets. As a side note, what is it about boys not being able to get the pee IN the toilet? Sigh. Giggle...I just remembered Garrett impersonating Chris Rock impersonating his mother (no, we don't let him watch it but he must have seen a commercial for "Everybody Hates Chris"). I overheard him saying in a high woman's voice "Chris, you get in there are wipe the pee off that toilet! That's disgusting!". Come to think of it maybe it's more appropriate than I originally thought... Anyway, did more laundry. Unloaded and loaded the dishwasher again. Cleaned the mirrors and glass in the house and the haze off the inside of my windshield that I can barely see through.
*11:00-12 noon played with the Chase and Ella while finishing laundry. Fed the babies, had lunch, checked e-mail and headlines, changed diapers.
*12 noon-12:40 went to Costco for gas, picked boys up from school and off to errands.

This is the first half the day (today is the boy's short day at school), but you get the picture. And don't get me wrong- I'm not complaining. I actually prefer to be busy. But shopping and lounging in front of the tv I am not. One day hopefully they'll recognize and appreciate that...but I'm not holding my breath. So long as I have these days I will consider it all a labor of love.

Milk, It Does A Body Good

That, and A LOT of jumping.

If you know Chase personally or have read this blog, you are probably well aware that he has always been an active child. And by "active" I mean "jumping". Not the cute, excited bouncing that most babies do...the hair flying, catching air, using his entire body kind of jumping. (And almost always accompanied by his squeaky laughing and a big dimply smile). He's always been solid and strong but between the bouncing in the exersaucer and him using his crib for a trampoline, it appears that he has built some legitimate muscle. Check out this picture of him watching the big boys go down a blow up water slide (and so wanting to go down himself!).

Maybe that's what having big brothers and yearning to chase after them does for a baby boy. And, I have to say, Blake couldn't have picked a more appropriate name for our little (I mean, BIG) Chase.

These Are The Days

Today was a proud parent day. Pardon my bragging and thank you in advance for indulging my parental ego, but these are the days that make cleaning vomit from a car seat, poop from the carpet and enduring what sometimes feels like hours of whining and complaining ALL worth it.

The day started out with some anxiety. After all, it was Garrett's second "first" day of school, having switched classes and teachers. I knew he'd do great, but parted this morning with a hope and a prayer that he would have fun, behave and make new friends.

After dropping the boys at school, I was off to take Ella to the doctor for her hemoglobin recheck. Her levels were low at her last visit and today required a blood draw. Not the quick toe prick kind...the hold her down, poke her arm and keep her still kind. I did find some relief in learning that Ella's propensity to gnaw on odd and inedible things (like the window sill and crib railing) were not totally uncommon symptoms of iron deficiency. Who knew? As we sat waiting for her name to be called in the lab, she managed to charm a somewhat grumpy old man who, as he left, handed me $1 and insisted I take her for ice cream afterward. The draw itself was much better than I expected as I was quickly reminded how Ella having no prior experience with this unpleasant process proved to be a HUGE advantage in this case. She did great. No shrills, no cries, not even a tear. Okay, maybe a bit of a scowl, but that's Ella.

Both Blake and Garrett had a great day at school. Garrett really liked his new class, new teacher and new friends. And Blake came home from school today with FIVE green tickets given to him by his teacher for good behavior. That is a personal record for him and something any parent would be extremely proud of. What's even more remarkable is that he came home from school feeling so excited about it that he asked to do his homework right away (even before getting in any play time). Once he finished that, he asked to do more workbook pages to earn "happy faces" at home! I can't think of too many things as a parent that make you more proud and happy for your child than to see them learning something new and succeeding at what they put their mind to. I just hope his excitement lasts...

Having seen the extra attention Blake got from working hard in school, Garrett decided he wanted to earn his share of happy faces at home by doing workbook pages too. He completed 10 pages with minimal effort. And earned himself almost enough happy faces to catch up to Blake...until Blake took the lead picking up the yard. Then Garrett decided he would make (my) dinner. Who says sibling rivalry is a bad thing? He made me and Blake a place mat with "activities" like tic tac toe and a maze to entertain us. And while the dinner idea didn't quite come to fruition (although I did get raisins and crackers), it's the thought that matters most.

Like I said, these are the days...

Back to School

First day of kindergarten. To Garrett, this means claiming Blake's school as his own and making new friends (in his words). First day of first grade for Blake means playing on the BIG playground and seeing some of his old friends (in his words). For me, it means letting go (whether I want to or not), having faith in my children, myself as a parent, and in their teachers. I hope they make good choices, learn from their bad ones, make good friends, foster a love of learning and have a great time doing it! Best of luck, Blake and Garrett, you'll do great!

...And they did. The after-school report from Blake was that school was really, really, really fun. He loves his teacher and is excited to have several existing friends in his class. I think Garrett had fun too...once the shock of kindergarten wore off. Who can blame him when he went from a nurturing, protective preschool environment where there were twice as many teachers and twice as few students to the big world of public school with a lot of rules and even more expectations. I know he'll adjust fine (if he can save his comedic impulses for the playground) and I can't help but be especially proud of my little Garrett who is so eager to make friends, have fun and please his teacher.

The Journey: Twelve Years

"It was a perfect summer evening, just before sunset. They sat on the rocks which were nested in the sand. He began by confessing that the evening's plans weren't what he originally told her, and that, in fact, the dozen long stem roses weren't for just any occasion, and that the new clothes he had on weren't just because he needed them. This night was special and it was going to change their lives forever.

He wrote her a story about the journey of life; its peaks, its valley, its rivers and streams, and now...its ocean. With tears in his eyes and a ring in his hand he knelt, proclaimed his everlasting love, and asked her to journey the rest of the way with him- she accepted, of course. So there they sat in front of the beautiful blue ocean, the great unknown. Although what lies beyond that horizon is a mystery, they look forward to discovering it...together."

This was from our engagement announcement (August, 1996). We were married a year later, twelve years ago today. The journey (so far) has been incredible. We've climbed mountains, sailed smooth seas, been tossed about by wild rivers and been gently carried down stream. No matter what unpredictable path life has us navigating, we are fortunate to make the journey together. Not just as husband and wife and mother and father, but also as best friends. Here's to another twelve amazing years and beyond...here's to love, life, family, happiness, faith and hope, and the little things in our lifelong journey together.

I love you, Brian. Happy Anniversary.

Teacher, Teacher!

Looks like I'm not the only one who's excited for school to start back up again...

Nine more days (but who's counting?).

Happy Birthday, Chella!

I knew that the twins' first year would be over before I knew it... and I was right. I'm convinced that the side effect of sleep deprivation is amnesia. Funny how even those endless nights are just a distant memory now. What I do remember (and cherish) is watching our little, tiny babies grow chubby thighs and cheeks, give first smiles and giggles, get first teeth, first finger foods, first hair cuts, first words, first rolling, then crawling, cruising and walking. First hugs, first kisses, first playing...and fighting. We've seen the incredible transformation of their personalities and the fascinating and polarizing differences between them. Yet, you can just tell they love each other. We are incredibly lucky and blessed to have two very special little people who add so much to our lives.

ELLA, while intense and reserved at first, has developed a more outgoing, happy disposition. Once the "easy" baby, she has now become the more "demanding" baby (good thing she's so darn cute at the same time). You may have an entire conversation with her, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, as indicated by her vocal inflection but have no idea what you just talked about. She loves a good game of peek-a-boo, which will instantly put a smile on her face. And she is quite the acrobat. She can wiggle out of most unwanted positions...like car seats, high chairs and diaper changes. I'm pretty sure we have a gymnast on our hands. Hopefully that doesn't mean she'll be a climber too...

CHASE has been and continues to be a super-happy, super-charming baby. He loves to laugh and smile (both of which are infectious) and already looks like a little boy with his haircut and dimples. And he loves to tickle you and be tickled (who doesn't eat that up?). While he's not as graceful as his sister, Chase loves to jump (in his crib, holding on to things, on his brothers...) and throw his weight around with falling hugs and belly flops. His nicknames range from "Hercules" and "the tank" to "the chiropractor". Like the rest of him, his heart is big and soft, he just hasn't learned to control his strength yet. He is happy to occupy your lap or use you as a human obstacle course by crawling under your knees, your arms or any other space that will get him as close to you as possible...since he really just wants to love you and be loved.

This first year with the twins has been more rewarding, humorous, exhausting, and fulfilling than I ever imagined...and we still have a lifetime to go! Happy Birthday, my precious babies, Happy Everyday.

Update: What's a first birthday party without the mess of cake? Judging from their faces, I'd say they liked it! Thanks to their big brothers for decorating their cupcakes.

As a side note, their stats at their 1 year exam were: Ella is 25 lbs., 9 oz., 32" and Chase is 27 lbs., 1 oz., 32 1/2". Good thing chubby babies are cute!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Even though the Tooth Fairy didn't bring Blake the $100 he was hoping for when he lost his first tooth, I think she might have pulled some strings. When we were at the dentist a few weeks ago we filled out cards for the boys to enter a drawing the office is having throughout the summer. The prize? Two (very good) tickets to see the Padres. A few days ago the office called to tell us that Blake won! How perfect, since Blake also loves baseball. And a great way to top off our summer of fun.

Here is the view from our seats.

Blake, my aspiring baseball player and avid spectator.

Let's face it, baseball isn't exactly fast-paced to begin with, but this game was painfully sloooooow. Not to mention sitting for three hours in the blazing mid-day sun. Blake was begging to leave by the third inning. I attempted to satiate him with peanuts, soda and ice cream until there was finally some excitement and then Blake got his second wind. Then he informed me that he didn't want to leave until he caught a foul ball, saw himself on the jumbo tron or got a free t-shirt (talk about high expectations!). It wasn't enough that he WON the tickets. So we stayed to watch the Padres get defeated by the Braves and Blake left with his head hung low because he had to leave empty-handed. Funny enough, I actually remember feeling that disappointment as a kid. What he doesn't realize is that he may not have a free ball or shirt to commemorate this game, he will have pictures, memories and stories about our afternoon at the ball park together. Tickets: free. Memories: priceless. No matter how you look at it, we won.