Meet Henry and Murdoch

Anderson and his new train friend Henry

Jake and his new train friend Murdoch

Friends of ours recently gave the boys a hand me down Thomas the Tank Engine speciality track. It didn't come with the trains so they have been foaming at the mouth for the past few days wanting to play with it but couldn't. Today we bought them some trains for it and they played with it non-stop from 10 a.m till they just went to bed. Meal and naptime were a huge struggle because they didn't want to stop playing even for a second. Jake threw such a fit, which is so out of character for him, that finally we relented and just let him have it when he ate and napped. You would have thought the world was ending. Thankfully we managed to talk him down from the ledge before bed and he left the trains in a safe place till tomorrow.

While the boys were in a Thomas fog, Kevin and I spent the day cooking. We made potato soup, chicken enchilada soup, a HUGE batch of chili, pretzel crusted chicken and oreo truffles. The truffles are for Thanksgiving and they are so yummy. I got the recipe from Jodi and thought I would share. Here it is.....

Oreo Truffles-3 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

45 Oreo cookies, divided (1 package)

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 (8 ounce) packages semisweet baking chocolate, melted

Directions

1) Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in a food processor; reserve for later use. (This can also be done in a resealable bag with a rolling pin.). 2) Crush the remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs and place in a medium bowl. 3) Add the cream cheese and mix until well blended. 4) Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1" in diameter. 5) Dip the balls in the melted chocolate and place them on a wax paper covered baking sheet. (Any left over chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.). 6) Sprinkle the tops of the truffles with the reserved cookie crumbs. 7) Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. 8) Store leftover truffles, covered, in the refrigerator.

Catching up

Wow, it's been almost a week since my last post and I have no idea where the time went. The boys had a much better week than the week before, everyone was healthy and feeling good. Today we did a lot of running around and the boys enjoyed getting out of the house. We headed to the mall and started off with some muffins and egg souffles from Panera. The boys had already been fed a huge bowl of oatmeal before we left the house, but they still devoured half of our breakfast.

Santa was already set up and taking customers at the mall so we thought why not? There wasn't much of a wait and the boys seemed interested. When it was their turn we took them over to see Santa. Jake was compliant, he seemed neither scared nor impressed by Santa and willingly sat on his lap. Anderson wasn't having it. He didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but he did sit on my lap next to Santa. As soon as the picture was taken, Jake was off to touch the ornaments and other props. Anderson and I stuck around while Santa asked him what he wanted. Anderson rolled his eyes at Santa and completely ignored him. It was very naughty of him.

After our time at the mall we brought the boys home for a nap. I headed to the salon for some grooming and gossip. When the boys woke we went back out to Whole Foods to pick up some groceries and the boy's Artic Cod Liver Oil. The boys love their fish oil and I'm so happy because it is SOOO beneficial to their growth and development. It smells, looks and tastes pretty gross but they don't seem to mind so I'm taking advantage for as long as I can. We also strolled around Parisian and the boys sat in the double shopping cart. Jake sat up high and Anderson below him. Several times Jake rubbed the top on Anderson's head and leaned down and kissed him. It was so sweet and Anderson just had a huge smile on his face.

I had my second phase of braces put on this past Thursday. It was pure hell. My teeth were so sensitive and sore already and they were made even worse when they removed my spacers in order to put on these freakish metal rings that encase all of my molars. I couldn't hold back the tears, they were just streaming down my face as the orthodontist used any force necessary to fit these dang things on. The spacers were supposed to have created the "space" necessary between my teeth to fit the brackets on, but they weren't on long enough and I suffered dearly because of it. Let the record show that I feel I have a pretty high tolerance for pain.

I've been pretty emotional about it... wondering why I'm torturing myself like this, wondering if it will all be worth it, thinking of a bazillion other things I could have done with the money. Having braces as an adult is a much different experience than the first two times I had them. No authority figure telling you that you must wear them, no peers to share war stories with, and lots of pain. I feel like a huge whiney baby and I fear that since I'm having such a hard time with this how will I ever survive the jaw surgery. I'll be on a liquid diet for 8 weeks following the surgery and part of that time I will only be able to drink from a syringe. And the pain.....I don't even allow myself to go there yet.

Popcorn Time

Jake in a popcorn frenzy.

Anderson enjoying it while watching the 6 o'clock news.


Yummy, yummy

The boys tried popcorn for the first time a couple of weeks ago while we were shopping at Target. Jake loved it but Anderson wouldn't really even give it a try because he was too obbessed with trying to get a sip of our Coke. We found these cute little plastic popcorn tubs for them, so today we filled them with some popcorn and the boys loved it! They were so quiet for at least 20 minutes just munching on popcorn. They didn't even move off the couch. Now I know what to give them when I need to get something done around here.

Just a couple pics...

The bubbies lounging around together when they were sick.

I had been sitting behind them and running my fingers through their hair. A little while later I found Anderson doing the same thing to Jake.

If you look closely you can see Jake's hair running through Anderson's fingers.

Just when I feel like eating again..

I had to go and get these damn things on. That's not me by the way :). I haven't been able to eat anything but crackers all week but of course right after I had the braces put on this morning I felt STARVING. Having had braces twice before I knew that within an hour I would be unable to eat anything so I raced to McDonalds to get an egg and cheese biscuit. Just as I anticipated the pain began almost immediately, however I was able to eat my biscuit.

My teeth are aching like someone just beat them with a hammer and the inside of my mouth is already chewed up from all the metal. Talking hurts. I was able to eat some soup for dinner but that didn't put a dent into my week long starved hunger pains.

I contemplated getting clear braces but the orthodontist discouraged it. Apparently they don't move teeth as quickly and break more easily. Kevin said if I was going to get braces I should just "own it" and go all the way with the metal.

On a funny side note... I asked my rambunctious Kindergarten students what they could do to improve their behavior. One of my girls answered she "should follow erections better".

Warning.... another disgusting post

Where do I start? The past 48 hours have been HORRIBLE. When the boys woke up yesterday morning they seemed fine, they were happy, eating, and playful. Kevin had the day off for Veteran's Day so they were happy and excited to have a "bonus" day with Dad. We had a wonderful morning playing, reading together and just cuddling on the floor in one big pile of Edgars.

I went to work for the afternoon and Kevin put the boys down for nap and then things took a turn for the worse. Jake woke up crying, Kevin went in to check on him and he had a massive blowout. Straight to the tub he went and he was hysterical about it. Poop was everywhere and Kevin had to try and get his soiled clothes off without spreading the poop throughout the house. Thankfully Anderson slept through everything.

Then a half hour later, Anderson woke up. It was just a few short minutes till he started throwing up. Every 15-20 minutes for 5 LONG hours. The poor guy was just miserable, he couldn't keep any liquids down and just lifting his head up made him throw up. We decided to take him to the ER down the street that just opened near our house. My sister came over to stay with Jake (who was sleeping) because both of us had to go. Someone had to sit with Anderson in the back since he was throwing up so often.

They tried to give him pedialyte but he couldn't keep down anything and was growing more listless so they did an IV for fluids. He was such a tough guy about it, he was more than cooperative and only cried from the pain. He never fought or screamed, Kevin and I felt our hearts break in two as they made failed attmepts to find his tiny veins. Once they got the IV in he fell asleep and I called my wonderful friend Jodi to come pick me up so I could relieve my sister. It was going to be a couple of hours on the IV for him and it was getting late and Tina had to work the next day.

As soon as I came home I called Kevin to get an update as I knew both of us were feeling yucky at the ER. He was in the room with Anderson and now he was throwing up. I felt just awful for leaving him and I was worried sick that now he was getting sick all while trying to keep Anderson comforted.

Kevin was able to stick it out for the remainder of the time, he was amazingly strong. I would have been a hysterical mess and fell apart. I always fall apart when I throw up, I'd rather endure some sort of crazy torture than throw up. He brought Anderson home, continued to get sick and at around one in the morning I joined him. He and I took turns holding the garbage can for one another and getting eachother water. I love that man, he is the patience and love that holds us so tightly to one another.

Today we are in complete survival mode. All four of us stink, feel like complete sh!t and I for one can't wait till bedtime since we're both running on close to zero sleep.

A HUGE shoutout thanks to Jodi for coming to pick me up, putting her own health in jeapordy(I swear I didn't touch anything), and missing part of her favorite show. I promise to repay you in clothes and toys for our favorite Baby Simon.

Mondays...blech (Warning TMI)

Sensitive stomach? DO NOT READ


We had the Monday of all Monday mornings around here. How does puke in the crib, hair, jammies and forehead, di di in the diapers, and a complete stripping of clothes and bedding all before 7:30 a.m. sound?

I heard the boys chattering away at about 7 this morning. I usually let them chatter and play for about 15 minutes before I go and get them. This gives me time to throw in a load of laundry, pour their milk cups (which they demand the very minute they wake) and if I'm lucky check my work email. This morning I heard a strange gagging noise but it isn't unusual for Anderson to gag himself while sticking his fingers in the back of his mouth due to teething pain. I listened to make sure they were both okay and continued with my business. THEN I went to get Jake out of bed and the minute I opened his door I knew I was in trouble. The smell of puke is undeniable and poor Jakey was swimming in it.

It was all over him, his hair, at the foot of the crib, on his blanket, pillow and lovey. He was a little spooked but I think it was only from my reaction. Had I not coddled him, I don't think he would have thought a thing about it. After I cleaned up that mess I was finally able to change his diaper and get Anderson out of his crib.

Now, I'm on the verge of getting sick from cleaning up the sick and I have the diarhea to deal with. Jake has a full load and it smells just like the puke. How does that happen? The rest of the morning was spent changing horribly rank diapers and obbessing over every symptom I might have. This afternoon Anderson joined in with the di di so now that poor guy has the stomach flu too. Now I just wait for my turn.

Uh-Oh

Jake's new word.

Anderson being cute.

Jake has a new word....fire truck. Only he says fire f@ck. It is precious, he is precious.

Today we bought a Christmas snowglobe. There are a handful of Christmas items my mom and grandma would put out every year that always fascinated me as a child. I looked forward to seeing them each year. I hope to recreate that with Anderson and Jake. We spent way too long picking out a snowglobe, it had to be just the right scene, song and have adequate amount of snow in it. When we brought it home the boys were smitten. They both wanted it so we tried to take turns by switching when the music stopped playing. That didn't really work but they were desperate to have it to themselves for any length of time. When it was time to put it away Jake was beyond devestated. Anderson was upset as well but not nearly to the degree that Jake took it too. I guess it is safe to say they were fascinated. :)

2 months, 2 days, till 2

Eating their first bowl of cereal

Anderson James

Jake Thomas

As we draw closer to Anderson and Jake's 2nd birthday I am sinking deeper into a mommy depression. I can't believe my bubbies are using forks and spoons, eating what we eat, saying their ABC's and counting, and telling us when it is time to go poop. This is crazy, it feels like it all happened overnight. I've been shopping for their Christmas gifts and I can't believe they are ready for trains, bowling pin sets, and matchbox cars.

Today they looked like minature men all dressed up. I'm sure I sound like a broken record but really I can't keep up with the change. I'm not ready to move on to the next stage. I want them small enough for me to hold, agreeable enough to let me shower them with kisses, and needy enough to always want their momma.

Halloweenies

Sorting through the goods.

Jake Thomas

Waiting for the siren to start the trick or treating

Nanny and Papa were having a hard time getting them to sit still.

The boys were too busy for picture taking.

Anderson James

What a fantastic day! The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for a better Halloween. We started the day off at Switzer to see Grant and Claire in their Halloween parade. The boys wore their costumes and enjoyed joining in with the big kids. Claire was a flapper and Grant was Indiana Jones.

This evening they got dressed again in their costumes and played outside while we waited for the sirens to go off at 6. Anderson and Jake were running around, chasing eachother and just beside themselves with excitement. We trick or treated at about 6 houses and probably could have done more but they were dripping in sweat from the unusually warm day so we brought them home to strip off their costumes. The rest of the evening was spent handing out candy. They had mixed feelings about that. Jake liked to hand it out and so did Anderson, but then as the stash got smaller they had a change of heart. Anderson began to refuse to give away candy and Jake would fake kids out. He would put his hand in the bag but not drop the candy in. At least 5 kids got cheated out of candy.

Now I just need to figure how out erase the monkey costume from Anderson's memory. The stinker is relentless about asking for it. Today he spent most of his waking minutes asking to wear it and if he was wearing it he was telling you over and over "monkey".

Happy Halloween

Pumpkin carving time

Anderson and Jake gutting the pumpkin

Anderson digs in

Jake takes a turn

We carved our pumpkins after dinner tonight. The boys enjoyed taking the seeds out with their giant spoons. Both of them were very apprehensive about putting their hands into the pumpkin and pulling out the seeds. After we carved the pumpkins we bundled the boys up and headed to Romeo. For those that don't know Romeo is an area with many historic homes.

There are countless streets of beautiful homes from the late 1800's, but one street in particular called Tillson Street is really decked out for Halloween. About 80 percent of the homes on that street go all out for Halloween. The spooky displays are amazing and it is so much fun to stroll through the historic neighborhood of haunted houses whilst feeling the crunchy fall leaves under your feet. It was pretty busy, there were even some local businesses selling parking spaces. We were joined by Uncle and Grant so the boys were pretty excited. Tomorrow we will be going to see Grant and Claire in their Halloween parade at school and of course doing lots of trick or treating in evening.

A dash of them, a heaping spoonful of me

Anderson saying his ABC's....Jake video coming soon.

The boys have been making great strides lately. They soak up new information and seem to learn new things constantly. Both can count to 10 and say their ABC's. They usually leave out two or three letters but I still think that is pretty darn good. The funniest is when they get stuck on a letter and will repeat q, r, s over and over until they finally remember that t comes next.

This week they have been mastering their shapes and colors. They are able to identify a circle, square, triangle, heart and star. The colors they know are red, blue and yellow. I've lost count of the words that they say but I do know that the most popular ones this week are witch, pumpkin, pirate, spider and vampire. Anderson is stringing 2-3 words together and Jake is right on his heels. Last week at the library, Anderson told two strangers he had "poo butt". It was quite embarrassing but he really did have a "poo butt" so what is one to do?

While we were at the library, we realized just how much the boys LOVE trains. They played with the library's train set for about an hour with no sign of letting up. I once tutored this really strange boy who was obsessed with Thomas the tank engine. He was a pretty freaky kid so I always kinda associated the trains with weirdness. In fact I used to tell Kevin our kids wouldn't play with trains. Well guess what is on their x-mas list? My sister will be picking them up a huge set that Costco has right now and I guess Santa will have to pick up the odds and ends.

Santa is going to be pretty busy this year. Kevin has asked for lasik surgery and I am getting braces. Kevin eyes are pretty bad, poor guy can barely see a hand in front of his face without contacts or glasses. He will be having his surgery done after the first of the year.

My present is a bit more complicated. I'm treating myself to braces for the third time in my life. I was lucky enough during my childhood to have been privy to braces twice, three retainers, and a head gear contraption. After 8 years of that nonsense the orthodontist waved the white flag and told my parents that he couldn't do anything more for my severe overbite and underdeveloped jaw. Surgery would be the only answer. So when I was 19 I consulted with a maxillofacial surgeon but chickened out. A possible complication of corrective jaw surgery is permanent nerve damage. Picture being numbed up by the dentist for the rest of your life. Didn't sound fun to me.

Five years ago I went back to the surgeon thinking it was time to have the surgery. Long story short I decided not to do it for a second time. Last week I returned to the same surgeon for the third time in 13 years. I'm surprised he agreed to see me again, I was afraid he might have had enough of me.

The typical surgery takes around 1.5 hours, he anticipates my surgery will be about 5 hours. I need a lot of work. In layman's terms I will have my upper jaw expanded and pushed back and my lower jaw will need to be brought forward and some work on my chin will be needed as well. I'm saddened to say that I need every procedure that the man does. BUT before any of that can happen I need to get braces. My braces should be on in the next 4-6 weeks and at this point the surgeon and orthodontist believe I should be ready for surgery in about 6-10 months.

I have mentioned the surgery to a couple of people in my life and have chuckled at their reactions...."what for?" I appreciate the polite gesture but come on people. It is quite obvious "what for". So I'm excited at the prospect of throwing my insecurities out the window over my buck teeth, but I'm also scared sh!tless of not waking up from surgery. I cried today when I found out in two weeks I'll only see the boys for an hour on Nov. 13th due to parent/teacher conferences. I can't stand the thought of not seeing them for one day let alone missing out on their little lives.

Please and Thank You

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Trick or Treat

Anderson, Simon and Jake

Monkey and Dragon not wanting to take pictures

Family Pic

Monkey and Dragon 2008

Bumble Bees in the same spot 2007

We took the boys to downtown Rochester this afternoon for some early trick or treating. They were so excited wear their costumes despite the near heat stroke I imposed on them. They had on so many layers they could barely move. Anderson didn't care, Jake was slightly annoyed but after all he is our hot box. Baby Simon joined us this year and although he was too little to collect the good stuff, he still looked awfully cute as a little giraffe. The boys quickly learned the routine...hold open your bag, say trick or treat and move on to the next store for more goodies.

Some new pictures

Jake Thomas

Anderson James

Creative ways to play with blocks

Jake showing off his bear slippers

Anderson toutin about in his

Fun with stickers

Jake stickerin' up his coloring book

Anderson places his stickers carefully

" See, see?"

Look Momma!

The boys are becoming increasingly more difficult to entertain. Boredom comes fast and furious on some days and today was one of them. It was much too cold for a walk outside, we've already putzed around Target about 8 times in the past 7 days....and its only mid-October.

The last time we tried stickers, Jake managed to eat one completely but this time it was different. They both stuck stickers for about 20 minutes and even though Jake tasted one, eating it wasn't his main focus. Anderson was very thoughtful in his placement of the stickers and easily removed them from the paper. Jake had a more difficult time removing them but soon got the hang of it. He didn't pay much attention of where he put them or if he stuck six of them on top of eachother. Either way they both had a good time.

That's Two! Two Cute Babies! HaHaHa (Thunder! Lightning!)

Jake giving it a shot.

Anderson nails it. (With a little encouragment from Jake)

We have been trying to teach the boys all the things you teach toddlers: numbers, alphabet, colors, shapes etc. They have been making strides lately and will often spontaneously start counting things when playing alone. Everyone does there part in teaching the boys including the Grandma's when watching them during the day and to who we are eternally greatful, and myself after work but I think most of the credit for shaping our little monsters goes to Mumma. Tammy has been the best mother to the boys a father could ask for and they are very lucky to have someone as thoughful and loving as her.

I have writers block for titles lately

I adore this picture of Jake

Anderson on a mission

The boys have been getting a lot of outdoor time lately. We have had a streak of nice, comfortable weather days but we know they are drawing to a close. Pretty soon we'll be stuck in the house due to the cold or too layered up in sweaters, jackets and hats to even move around.

Anderson had his first visit to the dentist on Monday. He bumped his tooth a few months ago but recently it started showing some discoloration. Everyone I asked thought he needed to go, he might have an infection that could damage his permanent tooth.

I made an appointment with a pediatric dentist and on Monday the whole fam showed up to see what a pediatric dentist was all about. Jake and Anderson loved the fish tank they had in the waiting room and took no time at all to trash the play area. I took Anderson in back to see the dentist while Kevin had the pleasure of changing Jake's stinkies.

The whole thing took about 3 mintues. Dentist walks in, lets Anderson touch his gloves, looks at the tooth (gets bit), and says all is fine. Now please proceed to the checkout and pay 65 dollars. I wish I made 20 some dollars A MINUTE!!! Good news is he is fine, bad news is my mommy instincts told me that for FREE.

I thought they loved eachother...sniff, sniff

While Kevin was bathing the boys this evening we were suprised to find that someone bit someone else on the back, through their clothes today. Poor little guy!

I have heavy soakers

New cloth diaper without giant maxi pad insert

Cloth diper with giagundous maxi pad insert filled with THREE triple layered inserts.

Lugging around about 5 lbs. of diaper

I have what the diaper industry calls "heavy soakers" at nighttime. We thought we had solved our problems months ago when we came up with the ingenius idea of sending them to bed with TWO diapers on. We just doubled them up. It worked for awhile but then they started soaking through those a couple times a week and now we are just at a point where they are literally up to their necks in pee come morning time. Thank god for sleep sacks, it keeps the mess contained.

So after some research I decided to buy them some cloth diapers. They look so much more comfortable than sposies and I know I wouldn't want to wake up soaked in my urine either. We tried them out last night and they were a bust. The leaks weren't quite as bad, but they did leak. So tonight we added extra inserts and we'll see what tomorrow will bring.

Just a side note...the boys got their hair cut yesterday. I'm tired of haircuts every few weeks so I told the lady to shave them down to a one on the sides and back. They look so ridiculous to no fault of their own, they are completely bald on the lower half of their heads. They look like little mushroom heads. Sorry guys, forgive me?

Jake choosing a book from his new library

So many choices!

Reading with Daddy before bed.

When your Mom is a teacher, you have a lot of books. I had been buying books for years through the school book orders to set aside for my future little ones. I had two large tubs full of books...christmas books, halloween books, thanksgiving books, books about teeth, being afraid of the dark and the list goes on and on. The boys aren't quite ready yet for anything but board books, but we set up a little library anyways. They were pretty excited when they saw all the books I have been hoarding for them.

Kevin had Friday off so the boys got to spend a lot of time with Daddy. They ask for him constantly when he is at work and anytime I take them out they think we are going to meet him for lunch. They get so upset when they realize we aren't meeting Daddy. So when they get a bonus day with Daddy they love it.

Yesterday we did our annual pumpkin picking with the McBrides. Nanny and Papa came this year and the boys loved the every minute. They really enjoyed the wagon ride through the pumpkin patch. Both of them were trying to lift and carry any pumpkin within reach. Afterwards everyone came back to our house and we ordered carryout. Fortunately we didn't forget the camera on our outing, unfortunately we did forget the memory card. No pictures to share.

Today we played catch up. We set up our little library, cleaned the bathrooms, and I organized the little people's closet. I packed up all of their summer clothes into bins and washed some of their new fall/winter wardrobe. After dinner the boys spent some time playing outside. When it was time to come in I picked up Anderson and started to carry him into the house. Jake began to cry immediately. He knew what that meant and he wasn't happy. Before Kevin knew it Jake was making a break away down the sidewalk at full speed. Poor Jakey!

Happy 21 Months

The boys turn 21 months today. It is unbelievable to me that it has been 2 years this month since I was put on bedrest as they turned somersaults inside my belly. I miss being pregnant....I loved every second of it. It was such an incredible time for Kevin and I to prepare and relish in the anticipation of their arrival. We had moments of fear of course due to our pre-term labor scare, but for the most part it was such a blissful time.

Now they are starting to string two words together, "bubble bath" and "see Mama". Today they ate their banana whole for the very first time. They proudly held their half peeled banana, taking such pride in their accomplishment. Each milestone distancing them further and further away from babyhood. I'm watching their wings grow, but I'm not ready to let them fly. I need them far more than they could ever need me.