Vitamin D is Good for the Soul

What an amazing day! We had a family day today, and spent as much time outside in the sun as possible! It was gorgeous out, and we didn't want to waste a second of the sun! We went to Paneras for lunch, and Sophie gobbled up everything in sight, as Jack munched, and watched everyone around him. Then we went to the park. The first place we went was really nice, with lots of walkways, castles, and fun things for the kids to do. Alas, our kids are too young, so after a few quick photos we decided to leave. We went to a different park, and it was much quieter and more relaxed. The kids played on the playground for awhile, going down slides, climbing up the play structures, and walking around. Then, we loaded them up in the double, and took them for a walk. We let them out on a soccer field, and watched them run all over. They loved the openess and freeness of being able to go wherever they wanted. Last, we went to the dog park to watch the dogs. The kids got to pet a few of the little dogs that came up to the fence. Then we were lucky enough to meet a golden retriever named "Maggie." She was very gentle, and let the kids pet her. Next, we went to watch the big dogs. None of them came that close to the fence, and I think Matt and I were fairly happy about that. They were well, scary, for lack of a better word. The kids were happy to just watch, and play in the grass. We loaded the kids back up in the stroller, and by the time we got to the car, they were just about asleep. So much fun, and so nice to be able to spend a peaceful, blessed day together.

*CAUTION: Picture Overload!*

Totally exhausted after a fun day outside. They like to sleep close to each other.

Go ahead and laugh. I won't be mad.

I'm sure by the end of this story you will be laughing at me. It's OK, because in most situations, you can laugh at yourself, or cry. I am choosing to laugh this time. Yesterday morning, Sophie woke up, and had lots of clear stringy things in her diaper. I didn't think anything of it, and chalked it up to the fact that I had switched to a package of Huggies that we had(instead of the normal Pampers). Sometimes diapers leave wierd things on babies' skin, so I just assumed it was this. When I saw it again later, I panicked. It looked a lot like tiny, little, clear worms. But dead worms, because they weren't moving. I called the Pediatritions, and they said it could be pinworms, which is a common childhood illness. It's sorta like lice. Sometimes there are outbreaks among kids. She told us to do this check by shining a flashlight in Sophie's diaper area at night, because that is when they "come out." Ok, ew. EW, EW, EW! At this point, my sking started to crawl, but I wasn't convinced, and had the nurse set us up with an appointment for today. I called Matt on the phone sobbing out of worry for Sophie. I called my mom, because I knew she would calm me down. I had visions of strange worms in her belly, and places where she could have gotten them. I was worried. We did the "worm check" last night and there was nothing, this morning, nothing. I had saved the diaper from yesterday, but figured that the doctor probably wouldn't have wanted to deal with a day old diaper, so I put some of the little "worms" in a baggy. They looked suspiciouly like something else. I'm sure some of you can guess where this is going. The Doctor took one look at them and said they weren't worms. He wasn't sure what it was, but then I said maybe elastic, and he stretched one, and said that yes, it did look like that. Then he said, "Wow, she must have eaten a lot of it. How did she do that?" At this point I wanted to hide my face in shame. What kind of a mother lets her seventeen month old eat handfulls of elastic???? Where was I while she consumed this delectable substance? So, in light of everything that has happened, and all the stress I felt from imagining Sophie with huge African worms inside of her, I am choosing to laugh at myself. And to catalog it away for the grandkids. Because really, what else could I do?

Dear Sophie, Seventeen Months

Dear Baby Girl,

I love having a little girl so much. You are so sweet and you love to sit and cuddle with mommy all day. Every morning when Jack wakes us up way too early, you and mommy sit on the couch underneath a blanket and relax while watching Jack run around. You are such a social butterfly. You love to be part of the mix, and you are happy to sit with mommy, and hear stories, or talk. You are so curious, and you like to have everything named for you. You like to tell us what names you know. You talk constantly! You like to make the sounds for animals, and we aren't sure why, but when you see a cow, you blow raspberries. Where did you learn that one? You are so spunky, and some days you keep mommy guessing as to what you want and need. Mommy has to work for your giggles, but once I get you going, it's hard to get you to stop. You love to read. All day long, you look at books, or ask for other people to read them to you. You watch all of the trouble that Jack gets into, and try to look innocent when he convinces you to join in. Your beautiful, impish smile always makes me smile back. I can't help it, you are just too cute with you scrunched up you little nose and you look at me like I am crazy. I might be crazy, but I am your mom! I love that you seem to like to do things that might make you dirty. You like to do what Jack is doing. Mommy would love to have a little tomboy that loves to play soccer and run around outside, but if you choose to do something girly, I will love you just as much. You love to eat, and it makes mommy so happy to see your cheeks all filled out. Mommy and daddy were so worried about you this summer, but God took care of you, just like he has always done. We are so happy that he helped the surgeons fix you, so that you don't ever have to worry about it. I'm going to ask your brother the same thing, but maybe you could slow down the rate at which you are growing? We could just stop at this age for a little bit. It's a fun age. Really. We could try at least? I hope you always keep your strong and determined attitude. I hope you always fight for what you want. But I also hope you always remain sweet and kind.

I love you forever and always,
Mommy

Dear Jack, Seventeen Months

Dear Baby Boy,

Can you please slow down? I mean really, do you need to grow so fast? Did you need to start walking and be so independent at such an early age? Mommy can't keep up with how much you change every single day. You amaze me when you run around the house with such zest. Exploring and taking in everything that you possibly can. When you came up to me this morning, and asked, "What is this?" as clear as day, I couldn't answer you because my words were stuck in my throat. My baby is speaking in sentences! I miss my cuddlebug. The little baby who used to snuggle and fit on my chest. Some days, you give me little glimpses of that cuddley little guy, but then right away you are off again, zooming around the room. I love those quick kisses, and little cuddles, almost as much as I love your laugh. You are such a happy little guy. You laugh at everything. Something so small will send you into fits of laughter. Kisses on your belly, and under your arms always get you going. You love your cars, and you love to open the drawers and spew their contents all over the room. Taking a look at each little toy you find in them. Then you climb into the empty drawer, and have a ball. Sometimes we have to get an extra one out for Sophie because you don't always like to share. After you run around like a mad man, you will sit quietly on the floor and look at a book. That's the time when I know I can snuggle with you, and you will listen to a story that I have to read. You are such a rough and tumble little boy. You fall down, or get hurt, and after a quick inspection, and a few hugs and kisses, you are on you way again. You are all boy. You love your milk. You drink and drink and drink. At least we know you will always have strong muscles! You like most foods that mommy makes, but you are just like me, and you don't really like breakfast. You are just like daddy, that you don't really like sweets. Ice cream is too cold for you. Your daddy and I love you to pieces. We can't get enough of your free spirit and infectious laugh. Your little goofy grin. I hope you never loose those things. I hope you always keep that wonder you have for everything in this world. My little toddler. I know I can't freeze you at this age, but maybe we could work on just slowing down a little? Please? For mommy?

I love you forever and always,

Mommy

Videos of Our Lives

Instead of pictures, I made a few posts with videos of things that the twins have been up to. Our days are getting more fun, as well as crazier, busier, sillier, more exhausting, and filled with love!

Daddy Teaches Jack to Dunk

We finally brought the basketball hoop down from the attic, and the twins loved it! Matt taught Jack how to dunk the basketball, and he has been dunking anything and everything since. Blah Blahs, stuffed animals, blocks, you name it, it's gone through our hoop.

Working together to build blocks

The other day, Jack was building his "blocks" into a tower, and Sophie was helping by knocking them down. He gets pretty frustrated, but she loves it!

Jack Gives the Dog a Bone

The kids love dogs, and last week when we went to my parents house, Jack was very excited to feed their dog Kalli, bones. He also wanted to feed her everything else he was eating! I'm sure now he has a friend for life!

Rachel Reads to Sophie

Two weeks ago, we were lucky enogh to have the opportunity to visit with the Fredrick Andersons. Sophie loved that Rachel read her books.

Spring is on its way!

We caught a cute little bunny hopping around our house this morning. That must mean spring is almost here!

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy!

For Valentine's Day the twins and I surprised Daddy by picking out new shirts with our messages of love for Daddy on them. Jack's says, "I love Daddy," and Sophie's says, "My heart belongs to Daddy." We then had a little mini-photoshoot, and I took a lot of pictures and made Matt a scrapbook to take to work. Just a little reminder of how much we all love him. Here some of my favorites from the shoot.

A New Obsession

Things with wheels. Jack did this for at least a half hour on Wednesday. He's not particular about what kind of moving vehicle it is, as long as it has wheels, he can provide the sounds.

I love...

• That the kids love to read books. They do this all day long. Especially Sophie. And they have this silly "reading voice" that is very dramatic. I wonder if they are copying me?
• That the when comes home from work, the kids run to the gate to greet him. Jack pulls on Matt's jacket to make sure that he is staying for a while. Then chaos ensues as they enjoy "Daddy Time."
• That the twins kiss and hug each other all the time. They are also starting to play together much more often than before. They play peak-a-boo, read together, and other games that I really don't understand.
• That they are talking like crazy, and picking up new words all the time. It never ceases to amaze me when they say something new. They say things like, "quack", "ball", "bubble", "flower", "no", and many others.
• When Sophie has her "Incredible Hulk Fit" as Matt and I like to call it. Well, we don't encourage it, but it's pretty ridiculous when Sophie gets so mad she bites things...like a cabinet. So, like I said, she gets in trouble, but it is so silly.
• That they are such good eaters. There are very few things that they won't eat, and they love their veggies. They love enchiladas, salsa, white chicken chili soup, cantalope and rice.
• They aren't big fans of kid friendly foods like pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• That they laugh all the time. It makes stressful days less stressful.
• That they love to go places. Everyday they try to get me to take them somewhere. Matt and I are really excited to have a backyard to let them roam in this year.
• That they love going for walks and being outside. This is sort of mandatory to be part of this family! We love to exercise and relax outdoors!
• That they are our little growing, exploring, sometimes getting into trouble, toddlers. We love being parents!

Finger Paint Mess

Since I have been on a mission to give my kids a chance to experience as much art as possible, Tuesday night we broke out the finger paints to give the kids a chance to do some art. They loved it! They didn't get too messy, but of course some ended up in their hair, and a very little bit in their mouth. The kids liked to spread it all over their paper, and the table too. We didn't let them get too messy, but maybe next time! Here are some shots of the excitement:

Sophie's Finger Painting

Jack's Finger Painting

The Little Things

This morning, I was sitting with Sophie on the couch, having our morning cuddle time. Matt came over to pick her up, and her lovey fell on the ground. She looked at it, and said "uh-oh" clear as day. It was the cutest thing ever! We made her say it a few more times, until we got our fill of her cuteness. What a great way to start the day!

Moo, Baa, Putt Putt

Saturday we went the Farm Show in Harrisburg with Grandma and Grandpa P, Aunt Laurie, and Uncle Matt. It was fun, and the kids loved seeing the animals. Of course, every animal was a, "woof!" We saw goats, cows, and sheep. Jack was even brave enough to pet the goats and the sheep. Jack also ran around and scoped out the huge tractors, while Sophie scarfed down lunch. They had a hot dog and french fries. A huge treat for them! Later, they had some of Grandma's ice cream, and some of my dill pickle. Yes, they are definitely my kids! They also tasted maple candy. I was exhausted! It's hard to carry a stroller up and down multiple stair cases all day! All in all, it was a fun day!

Look it's twin goats!

Did You Know, 15 Months

Here's a fun game to play, add the words "Did you know" in front of all of these statements, and quiz your knowledge of our now fifteen month old kids. And by the way, who took my babies and replaced them with these walking, talking little munchkins?

• Sophie is finally walking by choice. She has been able to walk for a long time now, but she wasn't too keen on letting anyone know that.


• The twins have been skipping their morning nap lately. Let's just be honest, I'm not ready to go to one nap!


• Sophie calls her lovey "La-Ya." She is very protective of her, and doesn't like other children to play with her. This is the only toy I let the kids not share.


• One morning the four of us were sitting on the couch, and Sophie started babbling about something, and we had no idea what she wanted. Jack got down off of my lap and found her lovey to give to her. It was exactly what she wanted. I have no idea how he knew this! It goes to show you that they do have their own secret language. I wonder how much they are talking about me? Now, if you say, "Jack, get La-Ya," he gets her lovey for her.


• Jack gives everyone kisses. He kisses Sophie on her face, even when she isn't too sure about it. He gives kisses with his whole mouth open wide, but Sophie gives very soft pecks. You might miss it if you don't pay attention.


• The twins love books. Sophie will sit and cuddle for a long time with books. She especially likes to have someone read to her. I made them a little book corner in their room with lots of soft pillows, and a bookshelf of books.


• Jack calls me "mama" now, and says it when he wants me. He came tearing into the living room one day yelling, "ma ma, ma ma, ma ma," and when he turned the corner, and could see me, he looked, smiled, and softly said, "ma ma." It melted my heart right then and there!


• The twins get so excited to see Matt come home from work. After their second nap, they wander around saying, "Dada," and check the stairs constantly.


• The twins are talking a lot now. They say all kinds of things. Jack came up with "ball" tonight all on his own. He got the biggest smile! Both babies have also said things like milk, more, snack, grandma(gma), woof(for every dog, and animal they see!), and some others that I can't think of right now.


• They are starting to fight like siblings, and some days it drives me nuts. They just pick at each other. Jack will pester Sophie by touching her on her head, or following her really closely when she is walking/crawling. Sophie will cry hysterically if he gets near her, or she will offer him a toy, and then cry when he takes it. Some days I want to draw a line down the middle of my house, and make them stay on opposite sides!


• The twins love to leave the house. We visit a friend and her sons Christopher and Jacob once a week, and the twins love it. Note to self: Join a MoM's club!


• We are having so much fun with the twins. I feel like this is the perfect stage for kids. The discovery is amazing. I love to see their little faces when they see something new. They giggle at Matt and I constantly, and the littlest things set them off! It's amazing how just when you think you can't love them anymore, because your heart is bursting, you somehow find a way to love them more.(Hmm...must the way God feels about us, his children!) We have been so blessed, and are so thankful for our little cuties!
  

Buffalo Recap

I could go on and on about Buffalo, but instead I am going to give you a recap of the week bullet-style, and add in pictures where appropriate. Bear in mind that some of the pictures are fuzzy because the lighting was low no matter where we went. *Hint, Hint Matt* Valentine's Day is coming up, you could get me an external flash! ;) Here goes:

• The kids were great in the car. We stopped once in the middle of the trip to let Jack run around. When they got cranky we turned on kids music, with just the back speakers on, and let them go to town.
  
• We stayed at the "York Estate," and it was beautiful, and we were well taken care of! The kids slept ok, but Jack did wake up two nights, and was unable to fall asleep for a long time. I became a very tired mommy! We lost power for a few hours one night, and the kids got to eat by candlelight! Also, the Yorks have a dog, Cocoa, who was so sweet, and even let the kids pet her.




• The kids had lots of new yummy foods, like Bison dip, an Anderson favorite, cheescake, cookies, Aunt Jean's special cinnamon rolls and icing, and of course wings(barbeque!).




• We saw the Keller's on Sunday, and the kids met their ten month old cousin Monalisa. She was very excited to meet the twins, but the twins played shy. The twins also really took to their Great Uncle Dan, and followed him around and asked to be held constantly. I think at a couple points they were even fighting over him! HAHA! Sophie also conned her great aunts and cousins into carrying her around.




• On the Anderson side, the twins got to experience their first gag gift exchange. To be honest, most of the jokes went over their heads. ;) They loved playing with thier great grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. And yes, Sophie conned more people into holding her, even cousin Peter, who took very good care of her.





• We came home completely exhausted. At least I did! HAHA! I am at this point, declaring vacations "unvacations!" At least for me anyway! ;) But we did have tons of fun and were very glad to make the trip, and very thankful to the Yorks for inviting us, and giving us a place to stay. I sure hope Aunt Jean didn't regret that choice at 3:00 in the morning, after Jack had been up since eleven!

Family

Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.

~Anthony Brandt

Happy Birthday Matt!

On December 30, Matt turned 27. Happy Birthday! We celebrated with a trip to the Anchor Bar, the home of the Buffalo Wing, and coffee cake with family.