Greenfield Village

Inside our horse and carriage ride

Jake on the train


Anderson waiting at the train depot

Best Friends...for the moment

We took the boys back to Greenfield Village this weekend. The last time we were there was for "A Day out with Thomas" and it was pretty packed. This time we were able to do much more with them. We bought the unlimited ride package and were able to take them on the carousel, model T's, horse and carriage rides and the train.

Anderson and Jake did a great job staying with us as we walked, standing in line patiently, and using their manners to say thank you to all of our drivers. It was such a great day for the four of us. At one point I started to get really choked up on the carousel. Just to watch the wonder and joy in their little faces...and to think what might have never been. I'll never be able to repay the heavens.

Father's Day 2009

Kevin, Grandpa and the boys

Anders and Daddy

Family pic

Love this one!!

We had a great Father's Day yesterday. The boys wore t-shirts that said "Dad's number one fan". We headed to the zoo early in the morning and the boys enjoyed seeing some exhibits we always seem to miss while we are there. Of course they just love the train ride, especially the tunnel part. Then it was home to nap. After nap we headed to the McBrides for a b-bq. The boys had fun with squirt guns and chasing after Grant and Claire. The boys and I are lucky to have such a great Daddy!

Fun in the pool

Anderson James

Jake Thomas

Sweetie pie

My cheeky monkey

The boys scored a bigger pool this year and yesterday was the season's first swim. They had a great time and actually ended up swimming in their birthday suits. As the sun started to go down and a cool breeze picked up they began to shiver but of course didn't want to stop swimming. I coaxed them out with some underwear. Yes, underwear. They wore underwear for the first time out in the yard while I finished cleaning the house. You could tell they were feeling like hot shots in their Elmo underwear. They both pee'd in them too.

You'd think I'd be better at this by now...

It hasn't been a very good week and today was just the icing on the cake. Both boys have been really pushing their limits this week. A has been waking up so crabby each morning that the first 2 hours of the day have me ready to beg to be medicated. He is constantly struggling with me over anything and everything. He requests oatmeal, I make it for him and he becomes hysterical because he doesn't want oatmeal. He wants to keep his pajama's on ALL day, doesn't bother him in the least that he is soaked in urine because his diaper leaked during the night. Try changing a diaper while a 33lb. firecracker is exploding underneath you. When he is frustrated with me he takes it out on Jake. Out of nowhere he pounces on Jake and starts grabbing at his face, poor Jake never sees it coming.

Jake has been having his moments as well. We tell him not to touch, move back, don't throw and he comes up and hits us. The funny thing is that he swings real hard and then at the last minute slows his hand down so that he barely makes contact. When Jake really gets mad he starts chucking his toys down the open staircase to the basement. My walls look like hell and it's slowly killing me.

But today, well today is in a league all of its own. The morning started off with a cranky Anderson. By 8 a.m. I knew we needed to get out of the house to try and break the cycle. We were in the car by 9:15 and headed to the outdoor mall. I figured we could play at the kiddie place until Parisian opened because I had a bill snafoo to straighten out. I was so preoccupied this morning with trying to keep the peace that I failed to notice it had been raining all night/early morning. It wasn't until we were in our stroller within feet of the play area did it occur to me that everything was going to be soaken wet.

I made futile attempts to dry off the watermelon climbing toy with the small towel I had in my diaper bag. Against my mom instincts I allowed them to climb up on it and play. I felt like I had no other choice. The stores weren't going to open for another half an hour and I certainly wasn't going to go home without going to Parisian to complete my errand. Of course someone slipped on the wet, vinyl freakin watermelon and smacked their head. As I'm tending to the injured the other blue angel is running wild. I bribe everyone back into the stroller with some popcorn and I hang my head in shame as people stare. I was about to call CPS on myself.

Everyone has settled and is now happily eating their popcorn. The stores still don't open for 15 minutes so I head to Starbucks. The boys and I struggle to get through the tiny shop with our massive tandem stroller, of course no one helps us with the door. Just when I think the worst is over the boys discover (and I regretfully remember) that I put a few m and m's in their popcorn bag. I do this from time to time, they rarely have sweets so I like to surprise them by dropping a couple of m and m's into their popcorn. Wanna guess what happens next?

Boys flip bag over to retrieve the four m and m's that they have at the bottom of their bag and there is now popcorn all over the floor at Starbucks. I want to cry. As I'm picking up the popcorn, the barista asks me if they are twins. I reply "yes" and she says "you're so lucky, I always wanted twins". Oh, the irony. I was happy however to have found someone more clueless than I was feeling at the time.

We leave Starbucks and head for Parisian. As I'm struggling to drag the heavy double stroller over the threshold of the doorway, my hot drink tips over out of the cup holder and spills. Of course it does! I don't even give a sh!t at this point, I'm pushing on. The stroller is dripping with hot carmel cider off the back, leaving a trail behind us and I just don't care. I head to customer service.

When I arrive at customer service I am told that I can't straighten things out with my account because they don't do it there at the store. They use a private company. Of course they do.

We got mail

Tearing through the packing materials

Jake and his Big Belly Bank

Anderson happy about his

Last week I saw the cutest bank in a little speciality shop in downtown Rochester. They only had one bank, so I looked on-line and found quite a few stores selling the banks. They are called Big Belly Banks and come in a variety of styles. I found a store on-line that personalizes the banks so I bought three of them. Two for my boys and one for Baby Simon's first birthday.

The boys have been looking at pictures of the Belly Banks on-line and watching the demonstration video of how it works. You put the money in the mouth of the animal and watch it zig zag down into the belly of the bank. They have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their banks, so when they arrived today the excitement level was pretty high. We spent a lot of time "feeding" their coinasaurus!

Some New Pictures

Bubble Time

Jake has become great aiming the bubbles at his face

Anderson couldn't be more happy

This never gets old

Claire and the bubs riding on the glider

We had an interesting start to our day, Kevin found Anderson in a pool of regurgitated blueberries when he went to get him from his crib. The sweet little guy never made a peep last night, but at some point he had to have not been feeling well. His jammies and bedding were just covered in disgusting blueberry yuckies. Despite my best washing efforts, his bedding is stained and ruined. More importantly he seems to feel okay. He is in business as usual mode, so for that I am relieved.

Grandma recently bought the boys some bubble fans. They are obbessed with these things! They love to dip, push the button and watch the magical bubbles fly around their heads. It only took two uses for them to run the battery dead and use up all the bubbles. They have been replaced now and the boys can resume their obbessive behaviors.

Random thoughts

We've been taking full advantage of the warmer weather. When Kevin comes home from work we usually head outside, eat outside and stay outside until bedtime. The boys never tire of the outdoors. Today they were throwing their "bouncy, bouncy balls" around telling us it was "amazing". They amaze me.

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The boys have been calling their Daddy "Kev". It is so precious to hear that. If I am calling for Kevin or when the boys try to get his attention they will yell out "Kev, Kev". When we ask them what my name is they always look puzzled and say "Mom".

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Tomorrow will be my last day of work till September. I have never written a single word on this blog about my work because I struggle with the guilt that goes with being a working mom. I have to say though that returning to work part time has been a very positive experience. The boys wake around 7 leaving me almost 4.5 hours of precious play time with them before I have to leave for work. I am there to see their precious sleepy faces when they wake, I prepare and feed them their breakfast, change their diapers, and dress them. I love that I am the one that can do this for them.

We do the grocery shopping, go for walks, play in the yard or attend story time. While I am at work, the boys eat their lunch, play a bit and nap from 1-3. Usually I am home within a short time of them waking from nap. Most importantly though, the boys are well cared for by their grandmothers in our home. They are in a safe, loving (that's an understatement), and nurturing environment. Kevin and I know how lucky we are to have this arrangement, without it I would have never been able to leave the boys. That being said I am looking forward to spending the upcoming summer days with my bubbies.

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The bathroom remodel will be starting within the next couple of weeks. This weekend we need to pick out some tile. That is easier said than done with two active toddlers in tow.

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My orthodontic treatment has come to an end. My teeth are aligned and ready for surgery. That is great news, the bad news is I can't have my jaw surgery till November at the earliest due to insurance reasons. This means I will have to unnecessarily wear the braces till then. That sucks.

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Anderson has had a rash for 3 weeks on his face and arms. We took him to the dr. and they told us it was secondary dermatitis. We figured it was from his sunscreen. So after some research we bought some California Baby for him. Seventeen dollars for just a couple of ounces!! The rash remains so back to the dr. he will go on Friday. It seems like we just laid the tooth/abcess debacle to rest and now we are dealing with this.

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I will conclude with a confession. Jake ate Costco's version of dippin dots for dinner. Our super eater is on a hiatus and something about them not eating pushes the outer limits of my sanity. I have this innate drive to feed them, even if it is ice cream.

Rediscovering the world

Since the new playset was installed, the boys and I have spent a considerable amount of time on the glider. They love when the three of us load onto the glider and swing together. We huddle close together, our arms all around eachother, and I bury my face into their sweet heads of hair. I sneak kisses as they chatter. They ask me to tell them about our upcoming summer Disney vacation. I tell them about the character breakfast, the swimming, the rides, going on an airplane, etc... They talk about the birds singing and the breeze that blows through their hair. We have sometimes glided for a half an hour at a time and I have just been cherishing every minute.

The boys have afforded me the opportunity to take life in at a little slower pace. I'm more acutely aware now of the airplanes overhead, the sound of children playing in the distance, birds singing, and the cool breeze. Everything is a fascinating discovery in their eyes. Nothing is discounted, everyone is important and the cup is always full.

Tons of Trucks

Kevin and the boys in front of a helicopter

Anderson and Jake with huge grins aboard the school bus

Jake driving the firetruck

This morning we took the boys to a "Tons of Trucks" event at the nearby hospital. They had trucks, semi-trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, shovels, firetrucks, dirt diggers, large machine equipment, buses, helicopters, etc... The best part was they gave kids access to it all. You could get in the driver's seat and lay on the horn, push the pedals and pull on all the switches. The boys enjoyed seeing all the trucks but I think the constant horn blowing was a bit much for them. It was LOUD and non-stop.

Anderson and Jake love to watch the school bus go by everyday from the windows. Whenever we are driving they watch for school buses and get very excited when they finally spot one. You can imagine how excited they were today when they got to actually climb on board of one and sit "like the kids, like the kids". After the trucks we headed over to the baseball fields to watch cousin Grant play ball. When the snacks ran out, the boys started to get restless so home for nap we went.

19 hours of Kevin's life

Just need to fill the bottom with sand and add some flowers to the flower box

Me and my bubs riding the glider together....we LOVE the glider!

19 hours of Kevin's life that he'll never get back. It's like a father's rite of passage. The boys love it and that is what we live for so what's a sore back, sun burn and 19 hours anyways. So says the lady that supervised.

My breakfast treat

The belly dancer at the wedding and a completely inappropriate yet funny guest who had been overserved.

Bob, Sean (the groom) and Kevin

Kev and I before we left for the wedding

It is becoming tradition that Daddy makes pancakes or waffles for breakfast every Saturday or Sunday. Today is Monday but since it is a holiday it felt like the weekend. As Kevin was whipping up some waffles, the boys and I were sitting at the table eating. Jakey mumbled something to me with a mouthful of food. I asked him to repeat himself because I couldn't understand him and he said "I love you much mama". What a treat! The best part was that it was completely random. He wasn't repeating or reciprocating in any way.

Our long weekend didn't really turn out how we had planned. Kevin had to work on Friday so the boys and I met up with the McBrides at Partridge Creek. Tina and I had our make up done at Bare Minerals, we wanted to try their products. After that we all did lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Later in the day, Jared and Brian came over for a visit. They played with the boys and afterwards J, B and I went out for a couple of margaritas and a Mexican dinner. It was delish.

On Saturday Kevin and I finished the backyard de-landscaping project. My dad had tore out our bushes that were around the patio so that the boys could have more space to play and enter/exit the patio. He was going to replant them at his house. We replaced the shrubbery beds with grass and re mulched the backyard. We also spent some time perusing the outdoor playscapes and made the decision to purchase one....and pick it up in Grandpa Denny's truck about 10 minutes before the store closed.

Early Sunday morning, Grandpa Denny and Grandma Merris came by to help Kevin start the tedious process of building the playscape. There are literally hundreds of screws, bolts, washers and pieces of wood. None of which is labeled in any way. We knew this going in based on the on-line reviews, but it is still daunting nonetheless. They worked on the playscape for 7 hours. Later in the day we had a wedding to attend at the Detroit Yacht Club. The DYC was really beautiful, it had a lot of traditional charm. The wedding was interesting, Kevin's childhood friend married a girl who is originally from Egypt. They had an ethnic band, a belly dancer and the favors were glass beads from Turkey. They sorta look like an eye and are supposed to keep the "evil/evil eye" away and bring you luck. It was a very nice wedding and I'm happy to have experienced another culture.

Today Kevin and his Dad worked another 9 hours on the playscape. It is about 85-90% complete but the slide is still unfinished which at this point is the most important part to the boys. The boys and I watched Dad working hard most of the day. The boys liked to "help" by constantly picking up tools, wood, and wood chips and handing them to Dad or Grandpa. They got to spend a little bit of time in their "big castle" but the gaping hole where the slide goes was giving me anxiety so their time up there was short lived. Pictures coming soon!

Introducing the Crestwood

We purchased this playset for the boys today. We were originally going to purchase our neighbor's playset who is moving, but after a closer look it wasn't in very good shape and seemed unsafe. It needed A LOT of work. So after much research we decided on this set. I'm so excited to put it together for them...they are going to LOVE it!

A Lovely Afternoon

Anderson James feeding the ducks

Jake contemplating taking a dip, his curiousity was really trying to get the best of him

Anderson enjoying his picnic dinner

Today we took the boys to the park for a picnic dinner. We picked up some sandwiches, laid down a blanket next to the river and enjoyed a quaint dinner together...just us and the ducks. Anderson was content to sit with his sandwich and take in everything around him. Jake preferred to get up close and personal with everything around him. Jake walked around with his sandwich in his hand and chased the ducks, touched the trees, and pressed his luck at the edge of the river.

After we ate, the boys fed the ducks some of their bread. The ducks at Rochester park are so well fed that they weren't the least bit interested in the bread...they were already full. The highlight of our outing was when the boys wanted us to hold them on the swings. They both cuddled up on our chests (facing us) and we swang for what seemed like forever. I had Jake with me and he sweetly nuzzled his face against my neck and rubbed the back of my arm with his hand. Sweet Anders kept telling Kevin and I that he loved us. My heart was overflowing, I will carry that memory in my heart forever.

Three years ago today....

From my former blog....

We are pregnant! This morning's test was almost as dark as the control line. Tomorrow is our beta and we are hoping for high numbers! It just doesn't seem real, I keep feeling like its a dream that I'm going to wake up from. I even pinched myself yesterday. I never ever thought this would happen. Despite the apprehension there is a joy nothing like I have felt before. There are no words to describe it.

I still can't describe the incredible excitement and relief that we felt on that day and during the wonderfully frightening weeks and months that followed. I spent most of my pregnancy walking on air. I.am.so.blessed.

Visits and treats

A rare and special "treat"

They ate every last bite

happy little bubbies

Anderson, Jordan, and Jake...new friends

Jenny, myself and Jennifer...old friends

This week we had a visit from my friend Jennifer. She has been a very good friend of mine since the 5th grade. We remained close over the years but after finishing medical school she and her husband moved to Maine. Unfortunately, because of the distance, we only see each other about once a year now. She has a three year old daughter, Jordan and a new baby girl Logan. They came by for a visit on Wednesday and our other long time friend, Jenny joined us as well.

The boys and Jordan had a great time chasing each other around and jumping on the bed. All three of them were sweating by the end of the night.

Mother's Day 2009

Anderson and Mommy

Jake and Mommy

Jake in bed watching tv with Grant and Claire

Nanny (my mom), Claire, Anderson and Jake

Tina, Mom, me and Claire

Hard to believe this is my third Mother's Day. I had a great day! Kevin made us all a wonderful waffle breakfast and he cleaned up which to me is the best part. My mother's day gift is a day to the spa for a massage and pedicure. Can't wait for that! The rest of the morning we relaxed around the house, I had a little time to myself and after naps we headed over to the McBride's house.

Slowing Down

I've been neglecting my blog. I'd like to think its because we've had some nice, warm days and I'm too busy making the most of them after being stuck in the house for so long but I'm not sure if that is the case. I think I have writer's block.... I know I have fallen victim to mom brain. I follow a lot of blogs written by MOMs (moms of multiples) and it makes me feel a bit inadequate. They are so witty, creative, intelligent and interesting.

I'll think of things to blog about throughout the day, but when I finally have the time to sit at the computer my mom brain has gotten the best of me. I can't produce any coherent thoughts without an insane amount of effort and concentration. The thoughts used to flow faster than I could type but now there are times I just sit and stare at the screen trying to remember who said or did what. It's crazy.

I was always one to carry a grudge, make a mountain out of molehill, and nitpick. Now.....forget it. I have difficulty remembering what I ate for breakfast yesterday let alone stew about something someone said or did for months or years on end. I guess that is one perk to mom brain. For the sake of this here blog I hope things start to improve. I feel like this is the beginning of the end.

**disclaimer*** (enter mom guilt here) please do not perceive my recent lack of bloggy love to mean I'm any less obsessed or crazy in love with my bubbies.

Professional Pictures