PHOTOS!

Here are some much needed photos...We'll see how many I have the patience for! 

Baking cookies!

All covered in flour!

How cute are they?

Easter photos from Sears

One of my favorites-at the park feeding the ducks:

Slacker!

I can honestly tell you every night I tell myself I need to come here and update. However, I'm lazy and I do not. But-here I am! So-here goes! 

When I last posted a month ago..Anthony was sick with his first fever. Well-then he woke up with a cold, a lovely cough, and a rash. Nicholas also got the cough/cold. They were sick for almost 3 weeks-on and off. It was not fun! Nicholas had a rash appear once his cold disappeared two weeks ago... Thank goodness that was over with! Then last Saturday, we had plans to go to a local zoo. Nicholas woke up rather warm, but I attributed it to him just waking up. Nope. We got home from the zoo and he had a fever of 102.5. I knew he didn't feel well. I felt so bad for him. The fever didn't break and they have ALWAYS broke when they've had fevers before-with Motrin of course. So from Saturday afternoon until Monday, the poor kid had a fever. Finally on Monday it broke and I thought we were in the clear. Nope. Come Tuesday morning, when we had a playdate-Nicholas woke up with a lovely rash all over his stomach and back. I did some research and think he has Roseola which is highly contagious. Knock on wood Anthony has not gotten it. Yet. 

So as you can imagine-Nicholas was miserable for a few days. And to be honest, I was quite worried about him. He was just miserable-not happy, laughing, running around like he usually does. I am happy to report however, that he is back to normal and is his happy self again!

How are the boys doing? Well-overall I think they are doing great. I am having them evaluated for speech delays. I am not sure where I stand on this, as I of course think they are little geniuses! ;) However-they do not speak. At all. No hello, hi, bye, cat, dog. Nothing. They CAN say mamama and dadada...but I am not all convinced it's in the right context. They also know the sounds an elephant, lion, sheep can make. And we are working on cat/cow as we speak. They understand EVERYTHING we say to them. They can match up pictures to do a puzzle. Ask them to find something in a book-and they will(Anthony is really good at this). They just may need some help getting the words out. At times, I don't want to rush them speaking-they are still my babies, ya know? But at other times, the whining and the constant, "EH!" will be nice to stop. Maybe I should get them on video soon...

Both boys are doing REALLY well using their utensils. We give them forks now as well(maybe for the last 2-3 months) and just recently they've started to get the hang of it. If we help with putting the food on the fork/spoon, they are able to get it in their mouth. They seem so proud of doing it themselves too! 

Foods they self feed with utensils:

-oatmeal

-yogurt

-applesauce

-cereal(they LOVE LOVE LOVE Cheerios!)

-soup

-pasta

-shepherd's pie

-scrambled eggs

-mashed potatoes

Those are just a few! Really-they are not fans of us feeding them! Oh-and they LOVE strawberries! They can eat a whole pound in a sitting! I am glad they love fruit because they certainly do not like vegetables(besides Anthony and his peas). 

Let's see...what else? Nicholas has been starting to have tantrums. Not sure if they are really classified as one, but he does get upset if he doesn't get his way and cries, etc. No throwing of his body to the ground or anything like that-kicking, pounding fists, etc. I do my best by trying to ignore it. I have a book I need to read about raising respectable, well-behaved toddlers. That's my biggest fear-they do not behave for me/others. It's hard. I'm home all day with them-so sometimes I may need to give in for my sanity! We'll see...Hopefully the book gets read before the baby arrives!

The weather is finally starting to warm up around here. Now if it would only stop being windy/rainy we would all be happy! We got the boys a sand/water table and they love to go out on the deck and play. I took them outside alone the other day and it went surprisingly well. They didn't take off all over the place-they stayed in the driveway and pushed the lawnmowers and other toys. I was pleased with them-and myself for just doing it! I feel bad I don't take them out as often-it's something I need to work on. Although-nice weather would make it happen a bit more often!

I will stop here. I know there is plenty more to update on. I will post again before the weekend is over and add pictures as well! I hate to take up too much space! ;)

Fevers. Ick!

Anthony has now joined the ranks of having a fever. Nicholas had his first one last month-which thankfully Anthony did not get at that time. I can not tell you how worrisome it is when they have fevers! I do not know why it worries me so much-but it does! The poor kid! I noticed last night his head was HOT! It was weird. When i was changing him before bed, I noticed that his back/stomach were really hot. Thank goodness I took his temperature. It was 101.5! I gave him some motrin and luckily he slept through the night. He woke around 7:15am and he was on fire! The poor kid was shaking! I immediately gave him some motrin. He was sooo clingy. I could not do anything! He was on me all.day.long. His cheeks were so rosey. He was so lethargic-wouldn't eat much, and certainly didn't drink much! That was a worry!

And to top it all off-he took a 2.5 hour nap! Go figure! He naps no more than 30 minutes/day! And of course Nicholas slept for "only" an hour. No break I tell ya! Finally, around 4pm, Anthony started to act like his self-he was eating, drinking, laughing, and playing. It was great. The fever never came back-and hopefully he is better now. 

So it was quite the day-but we survived it. Nicholas was SOOO good. It's like he knows. He was so happy running around playing, playing with Sadie. He was great. All Anthony did-with me-was sit on the couch and watch Jack's Big Music Show and Baby Einstein. But gosh was he cute! Such a cuddle bug! And when Nicholas woke up from his nap-he laid on me-it was so sweet. I have the best kids-I really really do! 

Tomorrow Tony is off for most of the day(YES!). We are going out to lunch with his cousin's who are moving to Wyoming next week. So sad. Hopefully the boys will be on their best behavior! :)

Next post I need to add photos. I am trying to go to bed early tonight.... We'll see! 

16 Month Update!

The boys has their 15 month appointment yesterday(I know-a month later-I hate when that happens). Overall-everything is really good. Nicholas weighs 23.10lbs and Anthony weighs 21.14lbs. Nicholas is 31 1/4 inches tall and Anthony is 29 inches even. He's my little shorty! :) As for his head size-it's great! He is going back onto the growth curve-so that is a relief-and one that we figured was going to happen. So the Dr is pleased about that. Overall, there are no real concerns, with the exception of either of the boys talking. The Dr. seemed a bit more concerned than I thought he would be. I'm guessing maybe because they do not use "mama" and "dada" in the right context. Anthony sometimes seems to...but it's certainly not consistent. He said to contact EI and have them come out and evaluate them. I'm not overly concerned as 1.) they are twins, 2.) they are boys, and 3.) they understand EVERYTHING we say. Plus, as a teacher, I know all kids are different and learn at different rates, etc. In their own time they will talk-and once they do-WATCH OUT! The Dr. did seem rather impressed(as I think he should be!) that Anthony was pointing to various objects in the book, etc. It's really amazing to watch him find keys, balls, the dog, cat, penguin, elephant, lion, etc... And if he wants your attention while he is doing it-he practically screeches! It's quite humorous!

Overall though-the Dr. said they were excelling everywhere else, that they were growing great, look healthy, etc. So that's great. They had to have their shots-MMR and chicken pox. I will say I was VERY nervous about the MMR shot. For what reason-is beyond me, as I do NOT believe it causes autism. I think it is caused somewhat by genetics and environmental. But to pin point it on this one vaccine is crazy-because then every kid would have autism. Not the case. And-autism is higher in boys-so I think that's where my worries were! I am happy to report they had no reaction whatsoever and were relatively happy boys the rest of the day. Oh! And it was my first shots with them(besides the flu shot-that was wimpy and quick). Tony ALWAYS holds them for their shots and then I take them and comfort them. Well, Nicholas was NOT happy at being at the Drs. office, so I held him. I had to give him a bear hug while she got him in both arms. He wailed. And then calmed down and the world was right again! Tony held Anthony and he quickly calmed down as well. I will say-overall they do REALLY well for shots. Thank goodness! I would be a MESS! 

Other than that-all is well! They are just the light of our lives! They really truly are. Who knew twins could be so much fun???? :)

Smarty pants!

I have to say, I think my boys are pretty smart! I know I am their mother, and possibly biased as well...But...I still think they are rather smart! Today I brought out two puzzles. They are animal puzzles they got for their birthday-really easy to do, not a lot of pieces. Well, the last time I did a puzzle with them, Anthony just handed me the pieces and I would put them in. This time, I would give him a piece, and he would put it in the right spot! HUH? Now granted, it might not have been PERFECTLY in the right spot-but it was there! I was amazed! And it's so funny because you can see his eyes looking all over the place for the right spot. What a smarty pants. Then, he was watching Baby Einstein Baby Noah(animals). When the lion came on, he would come into to the dining room, make the lion noise, then go back and watch the video. It was sooo cute! He's such a stinker! And books...oh my goodness does he love books! He points to ALL the animals...and screeches to get your attention! It's quite funny! Nicholas also loves books and points to everything in them. 

They are 16 months old now, and no they do not talk. We do see the pedi tomorrow and we'll see if he is concerned. If he recommends EI, so be it. I am not totally concerned yet. They understand everything, and Nicholas actually has a few sounds. While reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear today, it seemed like he was trying to say the beginning sounds of some of the animals. In their own time, they'll get there. Words or no words, I still think they are little geniuses! :) 

Photos and more!

The boys are so much fun lately! Here's a "quick" rundown...

Anthony:

Anthony LOVES to help. And by I mean help, I mean CLEAN! This child certainly is NOT mine! ;) He was in the tub the other day and he was handing me the toys to put away! When the bibs, utensils, and cups are thrown from the highchair, Anthony will pick them up and come hand them to me. If he sees paper, etc on the floor-he picks it up, and will sometimes put it in the trash(he does need some help opening the drawer). He will gladly hand Nicholas his sippy cup or even a snack. He's such a sweetheart! He really is. Genuine, ya know? I didn't know they learned to do these things at 15 months old! He is also a HUGE fan of taking off his shoes and socks. I have started to not even bother putting his shoes on until we have reached our destination. Why? Because he will take them off five times before I even make it to the car, and then they will disappear once we are in the car. It's tiresome! We have arrived at various destinations with one shoe on, and one sock off. He thinks nothing of it!

Nicholas:

Nicholas is now into the "running away phase. And frankly, it's quite cute. It does get tiresome, but I don't run after him! I just wait for him to come near me and quickly grab him. If I say, "Nicholas-let's go change your diaper" he will instantly look at me, smile, and run the other way! Stinker! He also is now into climbing. He can't climb much-but he CAN climb onto the train table. Not nice! I was folding laundry one day and he was making a noise like he needed help. I was in the other room saying, "Nicholas, use your words." Well, once I finished, I walked into the playroom and there he was....Standing tall on his train table. He was making noise because he couldn't get down! I grew a lot more gray hairs that day! He is now also trying to climb the stairs-STANDING. CRAZY! How did he learn that? I certainly didn't teach him! He does well I might add. And he is also learning to hold our hands if we take him out of the stroller(only done if there are two of us). Anthony...needs some work! :) 

Tony and I say daily how amazed we are that we have two babies(toddlers, I know). It's just so amazing to think we made these beautiful babies. I am in awe everyday. I can't even begin to imagine my life without them. I would be lost. They are the best thing that ever happened to me. To us. Do you know how many times at night-AFTER they are in bed-that we say, "Let's go wake them up!" How many parents say that? And no we are not crazy! They bring just sheer joy. Amazing. 

Well I need to add some photos. Slacker. I know. I may do many posts of photos. We'll see how adventurous I get!

Anthony trying hard to put his shoes on!

         How cute is that photo???

Awww..they really do love each other!

This is what happens when you wake at 5:45am!

I asked Anthony for kisses...instead he stuck his tongue out at me(and yes I taught him that!)

Give a kid some tissue paper and he will be entertained for hours! Well..not quite. Maybe 10 minutes...

                  Too cute!

          Such a little boy!

A picture is worth a thousand words! 

         So sweet!

     How precious!

I love this photo. They were giving each other high-fives outside. It                                                   was their first time in the snow as well. 

 

FINALLY

I know I know, it's been too long! I am such a slacker! Every night I say to myself, "update the blog!" And yet-I never do! Soooo bad. Anyways-let's cut to the chase!

The boys are doing AMAZING! They are soooo much fun! Anthony is walking everywhere now. He is funny though because he walks with his hands out, like for balance. It's too funny. He's also really really really attached to me. Sometimes it makes things difficult to get ANYTHING done. I will say though, I am highly honored! He has quite the mouthful of teeth. In fact I think he has a FEW molars! I'll have to count one of these days. Still no words, but he's really good at babbling when he wants to! We are working on using plates/forks/spoons. Some days are better than others. He has the tendency to like to do things for himself. It should get interesting when he's in preschool, if not sooner! We are off ALL bottles-that was done on New Years' Eve. No problems there. Anthony is a milk-a-holic! LOVES milk. He drinks almost double what Nicholas drinks! 

Nicholas is also not talking yet, but is a proud babbler as well. I think he will be the first to talk. It's really amazing what these kids understand at such a young age. Tony and I can not believe it. We are patiently waiting for them to start speaking. I'm not too concerned, as they do understand almost everything we are saying! Nicholas can basically run. He also likes to run away if it's time to change a diaper, change clothes, etc. It's a game for him-and it's rather cute I might add! He loves to spin around with daddy and get all dizzy. Boys boys boys. Anthony is not a fan of that activity. They both LOVE books. It's great to be sitting anywhere, and have the two of them walk over to you with huge grins on their faces and a book in hand. And Nicholas HAS to sit on your lap! Adorable. 

The winter is getting long, as it's not easy going out when it's FREEZING or snowing, which is what seems to be happening a lot lately! I never minded the winter, but now that I have kids-I can't stand it. It makes for a longggggg day. Speaking of which...We are now down to one nap. We are still in the learning phase of it all, but so far, so good. For the most part...LOL! They wake around 7:30/7:45am now and go down for their nap between 12/12:30. Oddly enough they do not seem overly tired by this time. I know I am! Anthony always seems to wake within the first hour. I've let him CIO and he's gone back to sleep. Nicholas has been woken up and he too goes back to sleep. THANKFULLY! I try to sleep-but I can't. I am always thinking and waiting for one of them to wake up. Drives me batty. Hopefully soon they will BOTH get the memo to sleep for at least two hours. Once they do-I will be one happy momma!

We are needing to get creative in terms of "play." I am bored. I'll be honest. LOL! We have a ball pit now, which I am thinking probably was not the greatest idea, especially as the two of them tipped it over this afternoon and balls went EVERYWHERE. Oh yes. It was great. Also, I let them play in the fridge for a few minutes. They love it. We have tried coloring at the table-which they really enjoy. Going outside is a chore and one we have done twice. Once when daddy was home we went out in the snow for the first time. They LOVED it. Well-the sledding part at least! LOL! Nicholas wanted nothing to do with being IN the snow though! Oh well! We took them down the street twice-it was really cute! And then I took them for a walk when the temperature was over 30 degrees for a change. Anything for a change! I try to get out and about at least once a week. It helps make the day go by faster. And they like it too-I think!

As for other news...We bought a new car! Well new to us, but it's used. Tony refuses to buy a new car. I have to say-he has a point. We saved at least $10,000 by getting a car that was only 2 years old and had only 25,000 miles on it. Not too shabby. We got the Toyota Sienna AWD minivan. It was the way to go. I want convenience here! And a sliding door, as well as a car starter. Which we have! :) I also got $8,000 for my Rav4. Not a bad deal all the way around. 

AFM and the baby...Things are going well. We had the big u/s last week and all was well. I was really worried they would find something wrong, or the baby wouldn't be growing well, etc...But-all is well! I felt much better! They didn't get a great look at the heart, so we go back in two weeks. We also got a few 3D photos-which are really cool! I hope to ask for some more when we go in 2 weeks. I will have to post photos. My next posting will have to be of photos only! I am feeling the baby move more and more. However-I do not feel the baby almost the entire day. These boys keep me busy!!! I only feel the baby when I am sitting or laying down. Apparently something I do not get to do throughout the day! LOL! I still do not feel pregnant, nor have I gained any weight, nor do I think I am actually showing really. Tony thinks it's because I had the boys already, so I might not grow much. I want to look pregnant and not FAT! Geez! LOL! 

So-that's about everything in a nutshell! We get the car tomorrow, we have lots of visitors as well tomorrow...busy busy! OK. Off to do laundry and wash the floors. And then have something sweet to eat! Any excuse, right?!? OK. By Sunday, I PROMISE-photos. And lots of 'em!