The Never Ending Story: Having a Twintastic Time!

GET.OFF.THE.BED!!!

2012-02-08T23:04:00.000-05:00

Have you ever got the urge to punch an adorable black lab right in the head?

NO? Strange.You must not own mine.

Our dear sweet dog Harley LOVES to sleep in the beds when no one is watching. Problem is I hate dog hair, anywhere, but especially on my beds and he is shedding like some sort of a freak right now.

Yesterday I washed the girls comforters and this morning changed their beds. After I got done with the beds I vacuumed the upstairs and went to go put something away in Gillian's room and found Harley sleeping on her bed.

I scream "GET.OFF.THE.FREAKING.BED!" and the idiot doesn't even flinch! So I scream it again and still nothing. This is where the insane urge to punch a dog comes in....

Finally after yelling like an insane woman he jumps down and trots off to find a couch to lay on. I look at the comforter and it is COVERED in dog hair. (insert 2nd urge to punch a dog here)

What the freak man. What the freak. Now I have to wash the bedding again.

Roomies once again

2012-02-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

When we switched the girls to their toddler beds it became apparent, by Finley's insane screaming, that she didn't appreciate Gillian being able to climb in bed with her whenever she wanted.

I ended up separating them and putting them in separate rooms. This was working out pretty good until this past week.

For some reason they both decided they hated bedtime and it became a HUGE nightly fight. I mean this was borderline hysterics for them and its hard to deal with two insane kids who are in separate rooms at the same time.

So in a exhausted morning stooper Gary and I were talking about the "situation" with their sleeping. I suddenly decided they needed to share a room again and before Gary knew what hit him I had him dragging Finley's bed back in Gillian's room.

Gillian has a full size bed and Finley a twin size bed. Had I known they were going to end up sharing the big bedroom again I would have gotten Finley a full size bed too but too late to think about that.

Either way it doesn't matter because they have been sharing Gillian's big bed since they moved back in together. Finley's bed has sat unused in its spot for the past week. The only issue we are having is they have got up in the middle of the night for the past 5 nights and refusing to go back to bed. I'm unsure if its because we were all sick and no one could sleep or maybe they are smooshing (technical term) into each other and waking each other up. The cold is gone and everyone (except me) can breath again so I decided to put a pillow in between them so they can't bump and wake each other, we'll see if that works.

If it doesn't I am going to try putting Finley in her own bed after she falls asleep. If that doesn't work I'm giving them away until they are sleeping through the night.

And don't even get me started on napping......Finley is dropping her naps and Gillian still LOVES her naps so this is creating a huge problem for me.

Usually I would make Finley go in her own room for a couple of hours for "quiet time" during nap time. I don't care if she doesn't nap, but she needs to wind down some. But now they are sharing a room I have no place to send her. I made her old room the playroom again. I tried putting her in with Gillian but then Finley torments her and she won't sleep.

They haven't napped in days. Today poor Gillian fell asleep at 4:00 on the couch and took a hour long nap while Finley helped me make blueberry cake.

Maybe I should put a little sleep sack and pillow in the playroom for Finley? Or a crib mattress on the floor for naps? Lost here. I need a little break in the afternoon for goodness sakes. I'm worried Gillian won't nap in her room anymore either because Finley won't be in there.

You know when I thought about having twins this was never an issue that crossed my mind. Its insane the things I deal with on a daily basis. Insane.

It always works out

2012-02-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

So much has changed in the past month its unbelievable!

I've kept it no secret that I hated my job, and Gary and I had been toying with the idea of me staying home with the girls and quitting.

Well last month on January 2nd I lost my job. And I actually left there with a smile on my face! I have never been happier in my life to be unemployed! I was with that company for 8 years and unfortunately it changed owners 2 years ago and it just hasn't been the same since.

So I am happy to say I have been home with the girls for the past month and I love it! I was worried finances would be a problem but as it turns out we are better off. Had I known it would be like this I would have quit years ago!

I guess everything happens when its supposed to though. For now I am enjoying being home with my girls and looking forward to the spring when we can get outside and really start enjoying our days!

Finley is 2!

2012-02-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics from the most insane 2 years of my life!

25 Months

2 Years old!

23 Months

22 Months

21 Months

20 Months

19 Months

18 Months

17 Months

16 Months

15 Months

14 Months

13 Months

1 Year Old

11 Months

10 Months

9 Months

8 Months

7 Months

6 Months

5 Months

4 Months

3 Months

2 Months

1 Month

Happy Birthday!

13 weeks Sonogram. Looks just like her doesn't it?

The past 2 years!

2012-02-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

My sweet baby girl is two! I'm in awe........

25 Months

2 Years old!

23 Months

22 Months

21 Months

20 Months

19 Months

18 Months

17 Months

16 Months

15 Months

14 Month

13 Months

1 Year

11 Months

10 Months

9 Months

8 Months

7 Months

6 Months

5 Months

4 Months

3 Months

2 Months

1 Months

Birthday!

13 week Sonogram

"Don't make me bust the door down"

2011-12-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you felt like a super hero?

I did and honestly I'll pass on feeling it again!

Finley learned how to lock a few of the doors around the house. It wasn't so bad when she did it to her bedroom because I was able to use a butter knife to get it open.

Trouble started when she learned to lock the bathroom and we have no key and butter knife wasn't doing the trick.

Last week the girls were running like maniacs all through the house and I heard the bathroom door shut. I jumped up and screamed "Noooooooooooooo"
Knowing what was happening I ran to the door and jiggled the handle. LOCKED.

Finley had locked herself in the bathroom and the second she figured out she was locked in she freaked.

All these crazy mom thoughts started running through my head. "Did I leave out a cleaner?", "What if she manages to get the toilet lock off and drowns in there?"

I considered calling the fire dept but honestly what were they going to do that I couldn't? I told Gillian, who was outside with me to get back and started throwing my body into the door. I have to say its pretty hard to bust down a door knowing there could be child behind the door, I had to hold the handle while throwing myself into it so the door didn't go flying when I finally did get through!

Finley was screaming on the other side and Gillian was asking over and over again "What you doing mama? Mama, what you doing"

After about 10 good smashes I blew through that door like a pro, Finley was huddled in the corner looking traumatized and Gillian was yelling "YEAH MAMA" and clapping.

A few days ago Gary and I caught Gillian throwing herself up against a door in the family room, all we could do is laugh. If I need an accomplice the next time Finn locks herself in I'll be sure to call Gillian.

First Dentist Appt!

2011-12-21T18:25:00.001-05:00

The girls had their first dentist appointment today and I was pretty nervous about it.

We went to Kids Dental and they were awesome there though. Finley went first and was great. She opened her mouth when the hygienist asked her and let her count all her teeth, they brushed them and then put some fluoride on them. She has perfect teeth she said, no cavities!

Then it was Gillian's turn and I knew she would be more of an issue, she didn't cry or fight but didn't want to open her mouth for too long. She has fallen and hit her front teeth a few times and has some tiny chips in them. One of them looks a little bit discolored from behind but not from the front. She said that was from the trauma and it was normal. It probably won't get any worse and nothing has to be done about it as long as she doesn't fall on them again! She's very accident prone though so I'm sure at some point she's going to lose a tooth.

She also commented on how we need to get Gillian off her pacifier, which I've known for a while, but have been dreading it. Her front teeth are taking a toll from it. So that will be our next thing to take care of. I'm going to start that after the new year. No need to ruin our holidays for no good reason!

So besides that she had a great appointment too, no cavities either.

So tonight to celebrate our good teeth we're drinking hot chocolate and staying up late to watch movies!

Tomorrow is their 2 year Pedi appt! Will update how that goes.

All grown up

2011-12-14T23:36:00.000-05:00

My babies are two. Its depressing. I can't believe how quickly the past 2 years has gone by.

I remember the feeling of confusion as we brought the girls in the house for the first time like it was yesterday. And here we are two years later and the girls are toddlers.

So much has changed over the past month. Its like I told them they were two and they instantly grew up.

Gillian is talking up a storm. She never stops. She says a handful of new words a day and is up to around 5 or 6 word sentences. She loves puzzles. I gave her a fish puzzle where you match the colored fish to their colored tails and without explaining it to her at all she dumped it out and put it back together right. She loves that puzzle and always go to it first, but if you ask her what any of the colors are her answer will always be "yellow." We're working on that.

She can count to 7 but almost always skips 2. She loves to color and is also getting into pretend play. I catch her feeding her babies or making Elmo walk when she's playing by herself.

She is such a sweet sweet girl, if she's playing with something and Finley wants it (and trust me if she's playing with anything Finley wants it) she will give it to her. If Finley is still sleeping she instantly asks where she is, she is just so sweet and cuddly.

Finley is just starting to talk, she says a few more words than she did and her longest sentence to date is "Harley ate it" which she told me after finding a wiffle ball with some of his teeth marks in it.

She thinks everything is purple and counts 1,2,9,6 no matter how many times I try to get her to say 1,2,3,4.....nope 1,2,9,6 it is.

She loves to dance and sing and her favorite song is Jingle Bells! I'm pretty sure she's going to be an actress.

She loves to build things too, Stacey got the girls some stacking blocks called wedgits and Finley plays with them everyday. It took her 2 seconds to figure out how they stacked and she hasn't stopped since. I wake up in the morning to a new tower everyday.

She loves to stack her lego's as tall as she is too, so tall that she has to get on her tippy toes to put another one on.

Finley also thinks that she can trade anything for something Gillian has. She wants Gillian's cup? She'll hand her a crayon for it. Wants her Elmo? Gives her a spoon in its place. The amazing thing is Gillian is okay with these odd trades? I think as long as she's getting something in return she's okay. I think its hysterical to see what Finley comes up with next.

Both girls are doing well in their big girl beds too, We put Gillian in a full size bed this past weekend because she is having a hard time falling asleep on her own. I'm not sure if she had a bad dream or is scared of the dark but she went from going right to bed to crying hysterically. After dealing with this for a couple months with Finley I know it will pass but until then its a pain.

So we put her in a full sized bed so I can lay down next to her until she falls asleep. Or should I say until we fall asleep? I'm good for at least an hour nap every night now. Thanks Gillian!

Finley is still in her toddler bed and needs to be moved soon. She sleeps with her giant Elmo and he takes up most of her little bed, I keep going in there to find her hanging off the edge. She suddenly loves bed time too. If I tell her its time she comes and gives me a big fat kiss and heads to her room where she closes the door on her own and goes to bed without fuss.

I'm looking forward to the day Gillian does the same!!

Finley is also my early bird, she's up every single morning at 7:10, no fail. I could set a clock by her. Gillian on the other hand would sleep until 9 if you let her.

So that's how we are doing for now. I can't wait to see what next month brings!

Autumn Nor 'Easter from hell

2011-11-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

If your from the North East you are accustomed to getting Nor' Easters, but not in October. Usually when you talk about them its in December or January but never in October.

Well, I guess there is a first time for everything huh? Last Saturday, October 29th we got 13" of snow here in Ct. Yep, you read that right 13".

It was the most insane storm I have ever witnessed and I am sure I will never see anything like it again.

It started around 1 in the afternoon and by 5:00 pm trees were snapping all around us. I still have no idea why. Gary said its because alot of the trees still had leaves on them and combined with the weight of the snow they just couldn't take it. We lost alot of HUGE limbs and the tree in the front yard lost just about all of them. All that was left was a trunk. It was insane.

Two trees fell on the girls new playscape. Don't worry, somehow it managed to survive and one fell on Gary's car. Luckily the main branch fell just to the right and barely missed it, leaving only a few scratches.

The most insane part was the fact that we lost power, for a week. Yep a week. Nearly the whole state was without power and it was crazy. The first few days there were people lined up at the few open gas stations waiting to get gas for hours. Lines to the open fast food places were miles long, what did you expect when no one could cook I guess? Every where you went there were trees and power lines down, it was like a war zone all over the state.

We ended up at Mom and Dad's house for the week since somehow they managed to keep their power. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The girls didn't want to take naps or go to bed for that matter while we were there but we all learned to live with cranky babies. Then they both got sick and even crankier.

Halloween came and went without a trick or treater in sight. Most towns cancelled Halloween all together, some postponed it until the following Saturday but most people were still without power so we didn't see anyone. It was a sad year for the adults and kids that's for sure!

A week after we lost power Gary and I decided to head to the house to clean out the fridge and start cleanup on the yard. While we were there the power came back on. Thank goodness. We spent the whole weekend piling all the branches to the curb and cutting down all the broken trees. We lost both our trees in the front yard and I'm most upset about that. Oh and the fact I went grocery shopping Friday and spent $200.00 on food. Then lost power on Saturday and all our food went bad. I had to go yesterday and spend another $200.00. That's $400.00 in 8 days for food. Not my idea of a good time that's for sure! Not to mention I have been cooking extra of everything and freezing the extras. I lost my whole stash of freezer foods downstairs.

So, I'm done wishing for snow this year. Please, no more snow.

What happened to Fall?

2011-10-28T20:39:00.002-04:00

Well, I wished for snow and apparently I have secret powers because we're getting it. Tomorrow. Its not even November and they are saying we're getting around 6". That's insane.

So I figured I better get our pumpking picking pictures up before the snow comes so I don't look crazy for posting snow pictures first!

Last weekend we went to a cute place called Karabin Farms and the girls had a blast! They had a place to pick pumpkins, and you could pick apples, they did tractor rides to and from the apple orchards, and even had a ton of animals for the girls to look at.

They had such a great time, I felt horrible making them leave! Next year we will skip Lyman Orchards all together and go right to Karabin Farms. Much more family oriented, less commercialised and overall a better experience for the kids!

Some of these pictures are from 2 weeks ago when we went to Lymans too but its all pumpkin pictures just the same!

Play Doh

2011-10-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

I decided to make playdoh tonight for the girls, I wasn't sure if I was crazy or not but decided it was easy enough to find out!

I used this recipe http://www.playdoughrecipe.org/playdough-recipes/traditional-playdough-recipe/ and it came out awesome!

I rolled it out into balls for the girls to smash and gave them some toothpicks, cheerio's, magnet letters, and curly pasta. They loved sticking the toothpicks in the playdoh and then putting O's on them.Finley was making sculptures with the toothpicks and pasta and Gillian was a huge fan of taking her magnet letters and smashing them into the dough so it left a print of the letter too.

They played for over an hour, straight through our normally scheduled bath time and into our movie time. They had a blast and I had a blast watching them!

I love finding something that will keep their interest for more than 30 seconds and I'd say a hour is a huge SCORE!

Toddler Activities?

2011-10-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

So, its getting cooler out and I've been looking for fun things for the girls to do inside.

We have tried coloring here and there but Gillian is the only one who likes it. Finley just likes to eat the crayons.

They both love painting so I started filling a silicone muffin tin with washable finger paints, giving them each a brush and letting them go crazy in the tub. They love that. They paint the walls, themselves, each other and then after they help me wash it all off. Amazingly they love that part too. Then when were all done I do baths.

So what other activities does everyone else do with your 2 year olds? I need some ideas! I hate to say " I can't wait until their a little older so they can do more" because I really don't want to wish my kids older but I'm not going to lie I'm looking forward to the days when they can help me decorate cupcakes or do real crafts with me!

So ideas please!!!!

Sleep......where are you?

2011-10-26T22:13:00.001-04:00

I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose my mind.

For the past 3 months Finley has refused to fall asleep in her room. I'm still am not sure what happened to start this whole thing but I have a feeling it was because Gillian was climbing into bed with her while she was trying to fall asleep and it was ticking her off. She would start crying and throw Gillian's blanket out of her bed while pointing for her to go away but Gillian kept on persisting.

Then all hell broke lose and my normally easy to put asleep baby freaked! I mean freaked. She was so upset when we were putting her down I was scared!

So I started letting her fall asleep in the living room every night. After she passed out I would move her into her room all while praying my heart out I didn't wake up Gillian in the process.

Lately though Finley has been a button pusher and is getting up off her couch instead of sleeping and running around like a crazy girl. Then to make matters worse she gets up at 6:00 every freaking day and poor Gillian will sleep in until at least 8:00. So of course Finley is tormenting Gillian at 6 and getting her all worked up. Then I'm waking up to Gillian screaming her head off. Not how I want to start my mornings thank you very freaking much!

Last week I had enough and took apart Finn's bed and moved it into the playroom. She obviously needs her own room. Her and Gillian are on two separate wave lengths in terms of sleeping and its killing me slowly.

So, now my playroom is gone, and Finn has her own room. The problem was getting her to sleep in it.

I was going to gradually try to move her in there. Don't ask me what my gradual plan was because honestly I have no idea but in my head I was going to be nice about it.

Then 3 nights ago after dealing with Finley staying up until 10:00-11:00 a couple nights in a row I had it. I threw up the gate (Gary still hasn't put the door back up) and chucked her in there. She cried, not hysterically but she wasn't happy, for about 30 minutes and then passed right out.

The next night she decided she wasn't going down without a good fight so she spent an hour yelling "Mama where are you" out the door towards the living room. Over and over and over again until she woke up Gillian from yelling it so loud and I was ready to strangle her!

Tonight was better. I'm not sure how long it took her to fall asleep because I actually went to my room and fell asleep for about 35 minutes but she only yelled "Mama where are you" once so that's a plus!

Gillian however got up again tonight and I'm hoping this isn't the new trend in the house for me to deal with.

On a bright note though Gary and I have slept until 8:20 every morning since separating them. I have no idea what time Finley is waking and I don't care, as long as she's playing quietly in her room and I don't have to listen to poor Gillian screaming at 6:00am every morning I'm one happy camper!

Now if I could get them to both go down without any drama or waking back up we'll be okay!

So I'm not super mom......

2011-10-18T00:30:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it, I am not supermom!

I may have twins, I may work, I may have a busy day, but I just can't keep up anymore.

I've been begging Gary to let me hire someone to help around the house, even if its just twice a month. I can't keep up with the little things anymore. You know the filthy walls, fingerprinted windows, my once white kitchen cabinets......

So, my neighbor has a girl come in once a week to help her, I asked if she was looking for more work and thankfully the answer was "yes!"

So she came today and did the cabinets, the walls, windows and the bathroom. Not having to clean a bathroom was worth every penny.

I will admit though, I'm anal and like things done perfectly so it's hard for me to let someone else come in and clean my house. I did go back and redo a few windows that looked streaky, and may have redid a cabinet or two but I'm okay. I can let go. I will let go......

Sharing!

2011-10-13T21:19:00.000-04:00

I probably shouldn't post this because that's usually how I jinx myself but the girls are being awesome with each other lately! I mean awesome!

They went from attacking each other non stop, biting, pushing, hair pulling, and smacking to playing nicely with each other overnight. Its so strange.

They are even learning to share, that is huge. We do have a few things in the house that are "no shares", they are specifically that child's and they do not have to share it with their sister if they don't want to.

Both of them have their blanky's, Gillian has her wubbanub (or her mubby as she so affectionately calls it), Finley has her Pooh (that really isn't a pooh, its a green bear but she calls it Pooh), her puppy (a German shepherd beanie baby dog nana gave her) and most recently her sock monkey (which is a whole different post).

Both of the girls understand that they can't take these things and are pretty respectful of that. If Gillian finds Finn's monkey laying around she'll pick it up and bring it to her. And if Finley is looking for her blanket and finds Gillian's she'll give it to her. Its all very sweet to watch.

Tonight I had a glass of water and they both wanted to drink out of the cup, of course when one took a sip and I handed it to the other there was a freak out.

I explained they had to take turns and we went back and forth making a big deal about who's turn it was. After about a minute they had it and were gladly handing it back and forth to each other.

So my tip of the day is this: If your giving one child a drink, give them their sisters (or brothers) cup to give to their sibling too. If I give Finley a cracker I tell her to give one to Gillian also and when she does praise her for sharing, I've been doing it with both of the girls for months and months and I think its paying off! Now they will automatically give whatever they have 2 of to their sister. Except M&M's. I can't get either one of them to share their M&M's!

Heres to many more happy sharing days!

2nd and 3rd place go to.....

2011-10-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

Finley and I! We got the dreaded cold a day after Gillian and it knocked me off my feet for about 24 hours. Now the house looks like a bomb exploded and I have to deal with the aftermath.

Which is no small task when you have two kids running around destroying things faster than you can clean them up.

I'm working from home today in an attempt to completely recover and get the house back in order.

Gary is the only one left to get sick, I'm sure he's next. I'm hoping his immune system is better than mine because he has been working on the dining room and I want it finished sometime this century.

Camp closed!

2011-10-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

Well we closed up our camper today, it was torture.

Nana stayed with the girls and babysat all day while Me, Gary and Sondra all went and closed up camp. I am glad to see it gone for the next 6 months but will miss it at the same time.

The girls had a great time there this year, they loved the lake, the bands at the beach, going out on the boat and mostly driving the golf cart around!

It was such a difference from last year where they did nothing but ride their walkers all over the deck. Next year I'm hoping we'll all be riding bikes around! How awesome would that be?!

Speaking of bikes Nana and Grandpa are getting the girls strider bikes for their birthday or Christmas this year and I'm psyched! I am really hoping they learn to ride them quickly and we'll be zooming around on them by the spring! We'll be practicing all winter in the house!

If you have no idea what a Strider bike is I suggest you google it, then youtube it and you can watch kids that are 2 riding this bike. Its amazing. Hoping for amazing bike riding next year!

In the meantime I am going to enjoy the fall and winter and am praying for a ton of snow again like last year!

Bring on the holiday's and cold weather! I'm excited for fleecy PJ's, Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, and pies!

And the award goes too.....

2011-10-07T21:26:00.000-04:00

Gillian!! For being the first of the family to get sick this year!

I hate when my babies are sick, its amazing to see how much different they act with every illness though. The older they get the more clingy they get when they are sick.

Last night poor Gillian was in bed with us because she was whiny and wouldn't sleep in her bed. I had no idea what her issue was but thought maybe it was her 2 year molars coming in and gave her some ibuprofen.

She was trying to fall asleep and I was rubbing her back, I kept falling asleep while doing it and she kept waking up saying "No momma, tickle back" and so I would keep rubbing until I fell asleep again. Every hour or so she would start whining and say "Momma....tickle. Tickle Momma" and grab my hand and pull it near her back or belly.

So I spent the whole night waking up every once in a while to rub my baby girls back so she could fall asleep......

When we all got up this morning the poor punkin had a runny nose. I'm sure she'll be back in my bed tonight and I'll be tickling her all night again.

And on a side note, I think its amazing that Gary can sleep in the same bed as us and never wake up to her whining. Is it just a Mom thing?

Bite me Ryan Seacrest

2011-10-06T21:40:00.000-04:00

I was listening to the radio the other day and Ryan Seacrest was on.

Somehow he got to talking about J-Lo and is going on and on about how she rocks because she can handle twins, a full time job and always looks great.

News flash Ryan.....SHE'S A FREAKING MILLIONAIRE!

She probably has 10 Nannies that take care of her kids, a walking entourage of people that fix her every time a hair is out of place and someone who does her makeup all day long. Of course she looks amazing and can "handle" her kids.

I bet she hasn't done a dish, laundry, or ever had to worry about her mansion looking like crap!

What about me? I work! I have twins! And I don't have any help!

Screw you Ryan Seacrest. Just screw you.

Clutter, Clutter, Clutter!

2011-10-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

This madness has to end! My house is a disaster. I hate it like this!! There is just "stuff" everywhere and anyone who knows me knows I'm not a fan of "stuff."

I like things simple, minimal, easy.......I'm not a tchotchke person, I hate trinkets, and I don't like to collect things!

I'm like the freaking scrooge of home decorating! Don't get me wrong, I like my house decorated but not with cluttery looking things.

2 days ago I started my mission!

Operation get rid of the crap is in full effect!

I've done all the kitchen cabinets, and tomorrow I'm moving on to the top of the fridge. That's right refrigerator, I'm coming for you!

I'm chucking just about everything I come in contact with, some of it I have in a pile to put by the curb with a huge "FREE" sign on it. I'm hoping some idiot comes by and is interested in my overstock of coffee mugs and casserole dishes.

I still have to do the girls toy closet, the hall closet, my whole bedroom, the bathroom cabinets and then go through 10 totes of baby clothes to give away.

After that is all done I'll be working on my basement. It looks like a bomb exploded because we are remodeling upstairs and basically threw everything we didn't know where to put down there.

Once my house is back in one piece and I am decluttered I am vowing to never keep another thing I don't need or use again........

I admit, I have a favorite......

2011-10-05T23:06:00.000-04:00

No I don't have a favorite child! I do love both my kids equally however, I do have a favorite to put to bed!

Finley refuses to sleep in her room so she goes to "her couch" and lays down and Gillian goes to her room.

Every night I tell the girls to say goodnight to each other and they give each other kisses and head off to their sleeping areas.

Gillian climbs into her bed like a good girl, puckers up and gives me a kiss. I tell her I love her, she reaches for another kiss. Then we say "night night", "night, night" a few times and then I say "Love you bean bean" and she says "Muv you momma".......

I close the door and can hear her blowing kisses to me and I blow them back, every once in a while she'll throw in a "night night" and I whisper it back. Back and forth we go for a couple of minutes until I realize I can't stand at her door all night and blow kisses to her. Trust me I would love to though.

Then I come out to Miss Finley and ask her if Mommy can have a night night kiss and she whines "Noooooo"......I kiss her forehead anyway and tell her I love her.

See the difference there? I understand at this stage in their lives Gillian is the more lovey affectionate one and Finley isn't, it just stinks I can't have two lovey dovey sweet babies!

Hopefully one day Finley will come around and give me my goodnight kiss!

Pictures!

2011-10-04T14:02:00.000-04:00

To work or not to work......

2011-10-04T12:55:00.000-04:00

That is the question.

Gary and I have been talking about me quitting my job and staying home with the girls. I know, they are 2, why would we make that decision now? Better late than never.

Gary has a job where he can do some OT and make up my pay, although I hate to have him work more so I can stay home. So this is my dilemma.

I miss my girls while I'm at work. I feel like I am constantly juggling my job, the house and the girls and I hate that.

I've done all I can do to try to make it easier on myself too. I only work 4 days a week, 5 hours a day. Then I work at home at night after the girls go to bed.

My boss is pretty awesome, I'm payed well, and If I'm sick or one of the girls are sick I can work from home. Who could honestly ask for anything more from an employer?

I just can't get the idea of staying home with them out of my head. I want to go back to school too. I think a nursing career is in my future and taking classes while the girls are Pre K in a couple years sounds right up my ally.

I think I'm just scared of change, scared to make myself take that leap into something different.

Would I hate being home all day? Would I be bored? Will I get sick and tired of doing the cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids day in and day out? Will Gary resent me? Will I resent him? All these questions......

If your a stay at home mom how do you like it? I always said it was never my thing. That's the reason I went back to work after the girls were born but now I may be having a change of heart.

Oh decisions, decisions.

The Math

2011-10-01T00:08:00.001-04:00

Today I was thinking how busy life is with twins, then I started wondering how many diapers we've changed in the past 21 months.

Which led to me wondering how much of everything we've done! So I pulled out my calculator and did some math.

Changed 8040 diapers

Gave 670 Baths

Washed 3100 Bottles

Did 700 loads of "baby" laundry

Cooked 1461 meals

Changed 200 sets of sheets

Had 650 sleep interrupted nights

And picked up 1,768,548,215,000 million billion toys

That's alot of diapers! And toys!

Attachments

2011-09-30T12:29:00.000-04:00

We have some serious blanky issues going on in this house! Not only does Gillian take her's everywhere but Finley's has decided her's is her new BFF and won't go anywhere without it either. .

Not only do they fight you to take it on car rides but they insistent on trying to bring it in stores now. I really don't want to have to keep track of their blankets so I'm refusing to let them, which then in turn is causing them to melt down!

They both call them "Key's" and cry "key, key, key, key, key....keeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyy" if they don't have it.

I can only imagine what this is going to turn into.

Why?

2011-09-30T12:15:00.000-04:00

Gillian just started "NO" 4 days ago, and now yesterday she started the "WHY?"

She's not even 2 and she's doing it already! How can that be possible?

Yesterday I got "why'd" at least 10 times.

Me: "Gillian do you want to go visit Mema?"
Gillian: "Why?"

Me: "Gillian do you want to take a bath?"
Gillian "No, why?"

BECAUSE I SAID SO!!

And on and on and on........and so it starts!

Please leave Summer.......please

2011-09-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

The first day of fall was a week ago and Its not feeling very fall like here in Ct. I packed up 97% of the girls summer clothes weeks ago and pulled out all their fall/winter clothes.

Problem is its been nearly 80 everyday here. What is going on? I got the girls adorable boots and fall dresses that they can't wear yet and its ticking me off!

I have never cared for the summer, I don't like the heat at all. Not even a little bit. I'm not that kind of girl that would lay out on the beach or even leave my house once it gets in the 90's. I prefer the 70's, no humidity please!

Unfortunately my girls love the beach and the lake so while its nice out we are there playing and I'm stuck sitting in the stupid freaking sun. But I love my kids, so I grin and bear it.

Its almost Oct now though so I can start complaining. Go away summer! You are not welcome here anymore!

I would like to put on my boots and wear comfy fleecy pants to bed. I want to go apple picking, drink apple cider, make pies, soups and decorate for Halloween! I can't do this when its 80% out though.

I'm sorry I just can't. So please summer. Leave. I'm begging.

I'm ready for the leaves to fall and for things to cool down!

Screw you time out.

2011-09-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

I don't think this time out crap is working. Or Finley was having an exceptionally bad day and was immune to them?

She bit me 2 times, Gillian 3 times and then herself twice. I don't know what got into her today but it was not a good day for her, me or Gillian.

I'm honestly not sure where to go from here with her either. I don't want to spank her. I did a few times in the beginning but then she was turning around hitting me and Gillian.

How am I supposed to say "no hitting" and then hit her for it in return? Makes no sense to me. Its not exactly setting a good example I guess is my point.

So......I'm lost. I'm just hoping this phase passes quickly. Maybe it was a one day thing? Ugh.

Just one of those days........

2011-09-26T22:21:00.000-04:00

Or maybe should I say "days"-plural.

Where to start?

**Our washing machine broke. Gary thinks he knows whats wrong though so I ordered the ridiculously expensive $100.00 part online and that better do the trick. For now though I'm part less and waiting for it to come in while the laundry piles up. Good thing the girls have enough clothes to last them 2 years.

**Gary is doing some construction work on our house and somehow managed to let a 2x4 drop on my SUV......leaving a nice dent on the hood. Thanks Gary.

**Gillian was wrapped up in her towel tonight and managed to slip on the tile while she was bundled up-meaning she no hands to catch herself. Hence the HUGE fat lip she ended up with when she hit the floor face first.

She was bleeding everywhere, I almost wondered if it was going to be our first ER trip at one point. All I said over and over to her was "I know baby girl, I'm sorry," Oh baby, I know it hurts......I know." Then I gave her some M&M's and managed to get the bleeding to stop.

After that she was 1/2 crying some and saying "Oooh I know" over and over again. Then she'd throw in a "bad bad floor" now and again for good measure than ask me for another M&M. Man that kid knows how to work me huh?

**I cleaned up pee 2x today.....Gillian seemed to be showing some interest in the potty but that has gone out the window and now she is trying to manipulate me for M&M's.

She will tell me she has to go then makes me whip off her diaper and she jumps on the potty for 3 seconds, looks in it, jumps up and screams "Pee Peed" and then yells "YEEEAAAAAH" and holds out her hand and says "M&M".

The problem is she didn't go pee in the potty. Does she really think I'm that dumb?

Tonight after trying the "fake out pee" on me 3 times, and me telling her 3 times she didn't go pee pee so she couldn't have a M&M she took off playing naked in the playroom.

She came out 10 minutes later yelling "YEAH!!! PEE PEE MOMMA.......M&M" and sure enough there was a trail of pee behind her.........with her yelling "YEAAAAH" and holding her hand out for her M&M.

So needless to say, we're going to put this potty crazyness back on hold for a few more months.

**My sweet mother in law ended up in the hospital this weekend and the girls miss her. Of course I do too but I understand whats going on, they on the other hand really just want their mema back. Hopefully she will be out in a couple days. I sure hope so because Finley doesn't like seeing her BFF hooked up to all sorts of tubes. She wasn't too happy that Mema couldn't come for a walk with us around the floor.

So thats been my past few days. Hopefully the next few go better........

Hair!!!

2011-09-25T09:07:00.001-04:00

The girls are finally getting hair! I'm so excited! Only Gillian will let me do hers though. Finley runs away screaming "NO!"

Here are some pics of the girls from yesterday. Gillian looks so grown up with her ponytail and Finley looks like she's 20 in her pictures. I don't know why but I can almost see her as an adult in them!

And for the record I never dress them alike but just went to Old Navy and got these 2 shirts on sale so they wore them together today to visit mema!

Dr. Jeykll and Ms. Hyde

2011-09-24T19:08:00.000-04:00

Wow is all I can say.

It is no secret Finley is the strong willed hard headed one of the family (wonder where she gets that from) but tonight took the cake.

This must be the terrible two's. Early.

Yesterday Gary was telling me how Finley had a temper tantrum when he got home from visiting his mother, he said as soon as the car stopped she freaked and started yelling "RIDE" and crying hysterically.

I don't know if I thought he was exaggerating the situation (you know how men can be) or maybe I just wasn't listening, but tonight after getting back from the hospital to visit mema the same exact thing happened and I am shocked.

She was screaming, throwing herself on the floor, slapping anything and everyone around and SCREAMING some more. She was screaming so loud and for so long ( I would say at least 12 minutes) that she started gagging and nearly threw up. All I could do was sit there and watch.

I mean, what do you do when this happens. I don't know? I've never seen a tantrum before? I tried telling her to calm down, I tried holding her, but she was flailing and trying to smack me, Gary tried holding her and she nearly bit his finger off. He wasn't too happy about that. Obviously.

It just amazes me that one second she can be happy as pie and then the next a raving lunatic.

It took well over an hour to calm her down completely. She took a good nap? Is this the sort of thing I should expect often out of my "spirited child?" I'm hoping Gillian never catches onto this crazy behavior.

Its going to be a long couple of years if I have to put up with this everyday.

My prayers have been answered!

2011-09-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

Since before the girls were born I've had dreams of dressing them up in little matching outfits with their hair in bows and ponytails.

Then they were born with zero hair. Which kinda dashed my dreams. There were always the headbands but by the time they were old enough to pull them off and resist they did. So those were gone pretty quick too.

Every once in a while I would *try* to put a little pony tail in Gillian's hair since its longer now and she would do her "no, no, no, no, no" thing at me and shake her head wildly. Bummer.

Last week I came home to hair in a ponytail? At first I thought maybe someone came to visit and did her hair while they were hair but as it turns out it was Gary.

Gary asked her if she wanted a pony tail and she said "Yes" and actually let him put one in. What the heck man?

Over the course of the week she's been coming to me taping her head saying "pony tail!"

My prayers have been answered, my patience has paid off! I have a girly looking little girl! Maybe with a pony tail people will stop calling her a "he"...........maybe.

Now if I could just get Finley on board we'd be all set!

Oh the questions

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-04:00

Mema has been in the hospital for a couple days and we took the girls to visit her yesterday.

For some reason everyone we saw took the opportunity to ask us "one of those questions" about the girls.

If you're a mom of twins you know all about those questions.......

17 people asked if they were twins. One of these days I'm going to say "No" just to see how someone reacts. Of course they are twins.

2 people asked if they were identical, when I tell them nope fraternal they feel the need to argue that they look "EXACTLY" alike. No they look "NOTHING" alike. But thank you for your opinion.

6 people attempted to guess their age. "They must be about 14 months, 15 months etc...." no one guessed right by the way. Good tries though. Then they went on to say how "tiny" they were. Yes they are tiny. Thank you.

3 people tried to guess who was born first. Why in goodness name this is relevant is beyond me. People seem to think Finley the firecracker was born first. Are the bad ones generally born first?

2 people asked if twins run in my family.......my response is always a "no" and then they stare at me blankly waiting for an explanation of where my twins came from.

3 people "god blessed me" Thank you, I am blessed.

And I got 4 "you got your hands full" comments.

That was my 2 hour trip to the hospital. Can't wait to go back...........

Pee Pee in the Potty

2011-09-22T21:06:00.000-04:00

Hmmmmm.........We may be on to something in this house.

Yesterday Gillian went pee pee in the bathtub. And she freaked when she did it. Personally I thought Finley should be the one freaking but nope, she just laughed that she was sitting in pee water.

So Gillian jumped out of the tub in tears because she was peeing on herself.

Today she did the same thing. I asked her if she wanted to go on her potty and she said "Yeah" so I got her potty out.

Then I decided I was crazy and diapered the girl.

A while later she came running to me yelling "pee pee" and holding her diaper upset. I felt her diaper and sure enough she was peeing.

About 20 minutes later she did the same thing and again I felt her diaper and she was peeing.

Then I decided to take her diaper off since she seems to know when she has the urge to go and showed her where the potty was.

She came flying into the living room about 20 minutes later screaming like a crazy girl in hysterics. "PEE PEE!!!!!" She was peeing on herself and running at me! I threw her on the potty but she was so scared she jumped back off.

I made a big deal about the little bit that got in there though, I screamed and high fived her and she yelled "Yippee I pee peed in potty" and walked around "yeahing" herself. Then we emptied the little bit of pee in the toilet and clapped for her!

Then it was bed time so I had to put another diaper on her. I'm thinking about letting her run around naked for the next few days and see if she can get it.

Is it crazy to think a 22 month old could be potty trained?

Dinner Bribes

2011-09-22T20:55:00.000-04:00

Maybe I give my kids too many options. You know, I'm that kind of parent that would rather reason with them and get them to *try* to see my point rather than argue with them and have a tantrum break out.

The part of the day that is usually the hardest for me is getting the girls inside for dinner.

I get home from work around 3:40 and start to make dinner usually around 4:30. So this leaves about 50 minutes of play time outside for the girls.

When its time to go in I usually say "Okay girls, lets go inside and play, mommy has to cook" and that is followed by two "No's." Then I go on to explain to them that If I don't cook no one will and try to reason with them some more. It never works though......

Today I decided to try something new. Bribery. Yes you hear me bribery. Today's dinner banter went something like this:

Me: Come on girls lets go in so mommy can make dinner!

Girls: No!!!

Me: Please....mommy will make you chicken?

Girls: NOOO!

Me: Please.....

Girls: No

Me: Do you want an M&M?

Girls: Yeah!!

Me: Okay lets go inside and get one!

And the next thing you know I have two kids running in behind me. Score.

Hey, it may not be the right answer for everyone but its the right one for me!

Bath time fun

2011-09-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

The girls and I love bath time. They usually spend 30-45 minutes in their bath and we NEVER skip a night. Bath time is everyday in this house and it can change 2 cranky little girls into 2 cutie pies in 5 seconds.

Here is a picture from tonight. Gillian put a washcloth on her head and said it was a hat so Finley followed suit.

Here are my cheesy girls.

Get off my couch

2011-09-20T23:09:00.000-04:00

Finley thinks my really expensive couch is hers, and only hers.

Its probably because I let her fall asleep there every night, but this is getting pretty ridiculous.

I heard her crying "puppy, puppy, puppy, puppy, puppy, puppy" like a crazy girl tonight and went into the living room to find her trying to pull Harley, our 110lb lab off the couch.

I finally kicked him off so she would stop crying and she walked around saying "bad bad puppy" and guarded her couch for the next 20 minutes.

Then I tried to sit on it to watch the news tonight and she climbed up on it and started pushing me from behind pointing to the chair across the room and whining at me. I asked her if she wanted me to get off and she quickly said "Yeah! Mama off!"

So, I guess its hers now? Good thing there's a second one......

Grateful

2011-09-15T22:18:00.002-04:00

This afternoon a cold front came in and the next few days are supposed to be in the mid 60's , unfortunately the girls have nothing but sandals, dress shoes and rain boots right now.

So today I decided to venture out to Target with my girls and get them some sneakers. I must have been insane.

We had a little talk on the way over about how we were going to be good girls and hold mommy's hand, not run off, and not tear stuff off the shelves.

They acknowledged they understood.......I swear they said "yeah" and when I asked them why we were going they both yelled "shoes!"

The problems started as soon as we got in the store. The stupid freaking $1.00 section is right there and Gillian wanted socks. Pumpkin socks. I finally got her away from the sock bin and on our way to the shoes.

After we got to the shoe section I bee lined to the first pair of sneakers I saw. I found the girls sizes and turned around only to find 20 pairs of shoes pulled off the shelves and the girls carrying around Elmo slippers screaming "ELMO." This happened in a matter of 45 seconds. See what twins can do?

I tried to pick up all the shoes I swear I did. The problem was they were pulling them back off faster than I could get them back up. Eventually I threw them all in a pile, mouthed "sorry" to the security camera and dragged my hellions outta there!

They refused to let go of their Elmo's though and insisted on carrying them through the store saying "walk, walk, walk" as they dragged him along. I found a clearance rack on the way out and was looking for some Elmo shirts for the girls while they pulled packages of socks and pajamas off the racks.

At one point Finley came to me with one of those rod's that holds packages saying "Uh-Oh" over and over again. Yeah....."Uh-oh"

I grabbed 2 shirts and booked outta there.

When we go to the register I realized both Elmo slippers were MIA and the girls were begging for M&M's. Me being the good mom I am told them they could have whatever they wanted if they just behaved for the last 3 minutes of our trip.

Of course as soon as the M&M's hit the counter and not their mouth's Gillian threw a fake tantrum, She does this over exaggerated scream thing and then takes 3 steps back and slowly falls back to the ground. Its all very dramatic. I rolled my eyes at her and went on my way but the cashier fell for it and "awwwwwwd" at her then offered her a puppy sticker. Of course Gillian's a sucker for a sticker so she got up smiling and took her sticker.

On the way home we were listening to the radio and the girls were dancing in their seats and I couldn't help but smile.

No matter how insane they make me, I wouldn't change a thing about my life. I love my girls, I am so grateful to have two crazy little girls that keep me on my toes. Things may be easier to do without them but they are definitely not as fun!!

I just don't get it.

2011-09-09T21:22:00.000-04:00

I love to sleep. So does Gillian.

Finley on the other hand appears to be the complete opposite and its making me insane.

About a week after we switched the girls to their big girl beds all hell broke lose with Finn. Out of no where she decided she was petrified of going to bed at night. I have no idea why.

There were a few days leading up to the "breakdown" where Gillian was climbing in bed with Finley and trying to sleep with her. For some reason this really upset Finley and that's when the whole hell started.

So, after a few nights of trying to force her to sleep in her bed and her getting so upset she couldn't sleep if she wanted to, I started putting Gillian to bed in her room and Finley to bed in the living room. Once she's out I put her in her room and she's fine for the night.

The problem is a couple nights a week Finley doesn't feel like going to bed and stays up WAY past her bedtime. I keep all the lights off in the house and lay on the couch behind her until she's asleep so I get screwed when she doesn't want to go to bed.

Tonight was one of those nights. Its 9:15 and she just fell asleep. I still have to pick up the house and do the dishes. I'm exhausted. I don't want to do anything except go to sleep.......

I'm hoping this phase passes quickly. I want two kids that fall asleep in their beds. I was thinking about separating their rooms to see if that helped but I don't want to lose our playroom. I'm not sure it would help anyway.

What can I do? I'm out of ideas? Being a parent is way more complicated than I ever imagined by the way! Way more complicated!

The artist's.....

2011-09-08T23:41:00.002-04:00

The girls love to draw.

Gillian spends a good part of her day hounding whoever is around to draw on her magnadoodle. She goes to bed and will rest her princess nightlight on her pillow and draw for at least 20 minutes before she passes out.

I have to say though, the kid can draw a mean circle.

They also love chalk! They play in the driveway with it and have even expanded their creativity to my house, cars and their playscape.

Sondra was over this past weekend and mentioned chalkboard paint......why didn't I think of that?

So, Gary went and got some today. I'm excited. I'm always looking for things to keep them occupied inside so hopefully this will be good for at least 10 minutes of quiet.

I can't wait for them to get old enough to actually sit down and do things with! Crafts! Baking! Coloring!

Picture time

2011-09-07T23:15:00.000-04:00

I haven't taken a picture of the girls since we were on vacation in July.....I know. Bad. I'm just too busy think about it lately. Luckily Sondra was over the other day and grabbed my camera.

Yeah we are the coolest parents on the block. Thanks.

2011-09-07T22:18:00.000-04:00

All summer I was looking on craigslist for a playscape for the girls that was reasonably priced.

I was eyeing one of those 8 in 1 climbers that usually retails for around $600.00. The cheapest on I found all summer was $150.00. Something told me to keep looking though and hold out a little longer and It paid off. Big Time.

A few weeks ago Gary and I decided to go out and hit some tag sales. The local children's museum was having one and we decided to stop there. They had a gigantic playscape there with a sign on it that said "Make an offer" so we offered them $250.00 and they took it.

And with that we scored the biggest score ever. This is a commercial playscape and retails for around 6,000........and my spoiled rotten little girls got it.

They better think we are awesome. I never had anything like this growing up. Heck all I had was some barbies.

They love it too, they play on it for hours a day. I'm actually getting sad thinking of the weather getting cold and them not being able to play on it as often.

Someone lied........

2011-09-07T21:59:00.000-04:00

So, in case you didn't notice I haven't been around much.

Someone one once told me "The first 6 months are the hardest with twins" and I wish I could remember who the hell they were because they were freaking liars.

The first 6 months was cake. No I take that back, the first 14 months were cake. THEN all of a sudden my sweet little babies because independent maniacs with minds of their own.

I knew this day would come but nothing could prepare me for life as I know it today. NOTHING!!!

Both of them can throw a tantrum with the best of them. There is more hair pulling, biting and pushing than a wrestle mania match. I feel like a constant referee.

Don't even get me started on the constant whining. Finley says about 10 words so she is constantly frustrated trying to tell me what she wants, Gillian on the other hand will repeat everything you say these days (so watch your mouth!) and walks around jibber jabbering like a crazy girl.

The most amazing thing about watching these two interact though is the fact that they are only 21 months old and can show so much jealousy. If Finley is on her bike and gets off to do something else and sees Gillian eyeing it she runs (and I seriously mean runs) back to it and hops back on. If one tries to climb up on my lap the other tries to pull them down and beat them to it. Its insane around here.

I'm not going to lie, when Finley isn't eating her breakfast in the morning sometimes I say "Finley, look Gillian is going to eat your pancakes" and she runs over to the table. Yeah I never said I had good parenting skills. Just trying to get a kid to eat.

Yeah so this is what we are up against in this house right now.

Oh yeah did I mention that Finley will not fall asleep in her bedroom at night? I have no idea whats up with her but she gets hysterical if I try to put her in there. So, I started putting Gillian to bed in her room and Finley in bed on the couch and its working for now. I'm sure tomorrow will change though.

Well, that's life as I know it. Its crazy and I love it!!! I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.

Attack of the twins.....

2011-08-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know what happened to my sweet Gillian over the past week? She's turned into a biting maniac! She used to be afraid of Finley, she would never bite or hit and now suddenly she's attacking her every chance she gets.

She's biting, hitting, kicking, slapping and even pulling hair. Who is this kid?

So tonight I decided to take drastic measures. I put her in time out. I knew it was only a matter of time.......today was definitely the time.

I put a chair in the corner of her play room (that was where we were playing at the time) and put her in it. She laughed and got up about 30 times before she finally figured out I meant business and then her laughs turned into whines and she stayed there for about a minute and a half. Then I told her to say sorry (which she can't say yet but I figure she'll learn it eventually) and that was that.

Fifteen minutes later she smacked Finley and landed herself right back in. This time she got up once and then stayed for her minute.

Then of course because I didn't have enough to do all night Finley bit Gillian and she ended up in time out for the first time. She too got up about 30 times and was laughing and running from the chair but eventually realized she had no other choice and stayed there crying.

I'm hoping this is the start to good obedient children.

Draw, Draw, Draw, Draw, Draw........

2011-08-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

The girls new favorite toy is a magna doodle. Its all they play with now a days.

I think we have 5 or 6 of them now ranging from big to small and they follow anyone who is around all day long saying "Draw, Draw, Draw."

I'm not an artist, thank goodness my only critics are a couple 20 month olds!

I've been drawing trees, apples, cars, boats, flowers, stick figures, ice creams and sun's for a week......it's getting kinda old. (for me anyway) Gillian on the other hand doesn't seem to be getting tired of it yet.

I must be a pretty good artist though because every time I draw an ice cream Gillian sticks out her tongue, tries to lick it and says "YUM!" Silly kid.

Help! I'm talking and I can't shut up!

2011-08-11T21:10:00.000-04:00

When I was a kid I used to talk so fast I would stutter. My grandma got me a shirt that said "Help, I'm talking and I can't shut up.....Thanks Gram.

I remember very vividly my father screaming at me to "SLOW DOWN ERIN!!!! THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!!!!!"

Thankfully I grew out of that.

Now I have my dear sweet Gillian who is picking up at least 5 new words a day. She repeats EVERYTHING you say and I am amazed by how much she's talking now. I hope she doesn't develop a stutter. She's too cute for that.

Then there is my sweet Finley....... She's talking or she's trying at least. She would still rather do her signature "Finley whine" and shake her head "NO" at you though. Although she did start shaking her head "YES" this week. Thank goodness because the "NO" was getting kinda old.

First Haircut!!

2011-07-27T22:13:00.000-04:00

Gillian's hair has been in her eyes for weeks. I was going to give her bangs before we went to Maine but was worried I was going to ruin her hair before Kelly's wedding.......so I waited.....and waited, and waited.

Last night I snuck in her room in a feeble attempt to do it while she was sleeping. Problem was she sleeps on her side and I couldn't get a good angle to do it.

This morning Gary and I decided to give it a shot. He held her with a handful of M&M's and I got up the nerve to cut. Despite the fact she was shoving her face full of M&M's that kid still put up a fight. Eventually Gary had to hold down her arms and I grabbed her hair pulled it together and aimlessly cut.

Yep, that's how her first haircut went. I'm shocked she didn't end up looking completely ridiculous. Maybe I should have been a hairdresser after all?

Here are some before and afters.......Sorry Bean Bean. Maybe next time if you sit still I'll do a little better?

Before

After

Now they're Big Girls.....

2011-07-25T21:43:00.000-04:00

I know my posts have been far and few between but I'm trying, I really am!

We just got from 10 days in Maine. We rented an awesome house right on the Ocean and had a GREAT time! The girls did amazingly well and we had a good time, and even got to relax!

There was one kink though.......my babies turned into big girls.

The 2nd day we were there they learned how to climb out of their pack and plays. This made for an interesting day or two. They would run around like maniacs for a while then climb back in their pack and plays and go to bed.

When we got home we were worried they were going to try to climb out of their cribs so we converted their cribs to toddler beds and prayed.

The first 2 days they fell asleep on the floor after running around playing for 20 minutes. After that they decided that wasn't too comfy so they fell asleep in their beds and have been there for the past 5 days. I'm so proud of my little girls. Kinda sad too. When did they get so grown up? It kills me to walk in their room to check on them and see them sleeping there with a pillow, blanket and stuffed animals in their bed.

Karma?

2011-07-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

So remember how my last post I told you there was that missing Chihuahua that I was so worried about?

This afternoon Gary went to go get propane and a mile or so away there was a sign on someones yard that said "FOUND DOG". Gary decided to stop to find out if it was indeed the missing Chihuahua and it was! They said they found him this morning roaming the streets. Poor puppy spent the whole entire night out roaming around.

He gave them the owners address and they went and dropped the peanut off to them.

Strange......very strange. Glad to know all the neighborhood dogs are home safe and sound now!

Um, Erin.....Where's Harley?

2011-07-02T22:30:00.000-04:00

So, tonight my mom calls Gary and tells him she got a call from Harley's Microchip place saying someone found him.

Huh? What do you mean found him? We didn't realize he was missing!

Now, let me say we are responsible dog owners I swear! Harley spends his days playing where the girls are and his nights passed out on a couch or in our room.

When Harley was a puppy he was a maniac and if he ever saw an open door he'd bolt out of it in a flash and we'd be chasing him like idiots around the neighborhood. Because of his antics we decided when he was a year old to get him microchiped. Thank goodness. The best $30.00 I've ever spent in my life.

Now that's he's 6 and a fat lazy lab he has given up on running out the open doors and has come to realize this is where the food is and he's not leaving. Until tonight.

Gary was cleaning out the garage and left our gate to our deck open so he could bring things down to the basement. I'm assuming Harley decided to take a late night stroll at that point.

He wandered 5 houses up and stopped his fat self at the first person he found. Probably hoping for a treat, and thinking how much easier it would have been to go down the hill instead of up. So my dear neighbor called the Home Again number on his tag and told them where he was.

On the bright side her and her neighbor loved Harley, they said he just played with their kids for the hour he was there and went on about what a good dog he was. They even offered to watch him for us if we go on vacation! As usual Harley the lovable lab has made a good impression on another person.

The ironic part was about a hour ago someone was walking around looking for their Chihuahua. I was upset that they lost their little dog. I told Gary I would have to go check in the morning to make sure they found it. Little did I know my dog was escaping at that point!

Harley the wonder Lab has struck again......

Twin Tip

2011-06-30T22:25:00.000-04:00

Assign a color and seating order!

From the time the girls were born we always put Finley on the left and Gillian on the right. Why would this ever matter you ask?

Well, its simple really. Finley is a peanut, Gillian is not. They have always had a big weight difference in them so by assigning a "spot" for them early on you make sure you never have to adjust and readjust straps on things.

If I put Gillian in a car seat Finley used last we would have to loosen the straps to get her in. What a pain to do every time you're going someplace!

Same goes for strollers (if your using a side by side) and high chairs. Always putting them in the same spot ensures you aren't going crazy loosening and tightening straps back up to accommodate the other baby!

Second thing is colors! I'm pretty sure this extends beyond the "twindom" since I remember always having a color when I was growing up! That's what happens when you have 2 brothers.

Anyway, assigning a color early on helps out when you're trying to figure out who's toothbrush is who's or who's sippy cup is who's etc etc. Pick a color for each child and stick to it if you can.

Picture Time!

2011-06-30T22:12:00.001-04:00

Its been a while since I posted pics. I was out of memory cards for the longest time and unfortunately when you have twins its hard to get out of the house to even pick something as simple as a memory card up!

Here are some pics from the past month, they sure do grow up fast don't they?

Finley posing for the camera

Gillian in her floppy Diva hat

Ice Cream Time!

Finley being a clown!

They are all grown up now, eating at a big girl table!

Gillian

Finley being very serious

And then a goof

Finley giving Gillian a ride

Finley

Gillian playing "peek a boo"

Gillian watering Daddy's plants

Gillian shoved a whole strawberry in her mouth!

The crazyness that is my life

2011-06-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

Here are some recent video's of the girls. They are starting to play together more lately, which unfortunatly has led to more fights over things! Its okay though, they are learning to deal with each other and how to play nice. Eventually (hopefully) they will get it!

This one they are playing ring around the rosie with each other....for a while at least!

This one was just one of those nights where they were being goofy.

18 Month Stats

2011-06-30T21:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, I made their apt a little late this month so technically they are almost 19 months but either way. They grew! Yippee!

Finley came in at 21lbs1oz and 33 1/4 inches long and Gillian came in at 24 1/2 lbs and 33 1/2 inches. That puts Finley in the 25th % for weight and 95th for height and Gillian is 50th for weight and 95th for height. Sounds good to me. Just glad they gained more than a pound this time around!

So besides that things have been busy busy around here. The girls are getting into everything, they only want to play outside in their pool and are basically running me into the ground!

I'm going to go banana's when the winter comes and they won't be playing outside every second of the day.

If Finley isn't out now she grabs you by the hand whining and drags you to the door saying "pool" over and over again until you take them out. She's a kid who knows what she wants and how to get it I tell you!

______________________________________________________________

We are taking our first real family vacation next week and I can't wait! We are going to Maine and I'm psyched! I am pretty sure this is one of those things I am building up in my head (kinda like pumpkin picking) and will end up being a nightmare but for now I can't wait!

The unexciting part is trying to pack for 10 days away with 2 kids. Goodness knows I'm not a light packer to start with and now combine this with being gone for 10 days and its not a good combination at all. Thank goodness we have a minivan and roof rack!

I have no idea what we are going to do when we get there but I do know we are renting an awesome beach house and I plan on taking advantage of that and being a beach bum for most of the mornings! All I know is as long as I'm not working I'll be happy!

Say goodbye to the blondie

2011-06-16T22:51:00.000-04:00

Finley's hair is getting darker by the minute. Its strange. Very strange. Not that I thought she would ever stay blonde, since both Gary and I have brown hair but its strange to see it change.

I'm excited though. I don't want the girls to be blondies.......no offense to any out there, but my dream was to have 2 girls with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes! Because then of course the dark hair makes the eyes look even more beautiful!

Now to wait and see what Gillian's does. Her's is pretty light, not sure. Time will tell I guess!

And that folks was my random ramblings of the day.

The crappy night from hell.

2011-06-14T19:03:00.000-04:00

Last night was one of those nights where I stayed up extra late (2ish) to finish a book I was reading.

No sooner did I flip my kindle closed and turn over and Finley woke up crying. She doesn't generally wake up at night anymore unless she has a dirty diaper so I knew we couldn't ignore her. Gary went and got her, changed her diaper and tried to put her back to bed but she screamed blood murder and wouldn't go anywhere near her crib.

Her blood curdling shriek apparently scared the heck out of Gillian because she instantly woke up and started crying.

Now we have 2 babies up and upset. Off to the living room we went where we watched some Elmo and then I talked everyone into going back to bed (so I thought).

Finley went right to bed but Gillian just wouldn't. I finally went in and got her after about an hour of her whining in her room hoping that she would fall asleep in bed with us. But that was wishful thinking.....

Hours later (around 5:00am) Gary decided to load Gillian up in the minivan and drive until she fell asleep. Problem is we know as soon as we try to get her out she's going to wake up so Gary packed a pillow and blanket with him and off he went.

She fell asleep 30 seconds into the drive and Gary parked in the driveway and fell asleep on the bench in the back of the minivan.

While all this was happening Finley got up in hysteric's and had a HUGE dirty diaper. It was diarrhea. And she was not a happy camper.

I think I changed her about 20 times in 30 minutes. She had a awful diaper rash going on too from all the poopy's and was crying hysterically.

I called Gary, he ran inside, took Finn while I went and tried to get some sleep in the minivan. Because for some reason despite the fact is was 5:30 am still hadn't slept a wink I convinced myself I was going to work.

I finally fell asleep around 6ish and Gary called me at 6:30 freaking out that Finley needed to go to the ER because she was crying. Really Gary? Really? I mean, I know he's a dad (and a good one at that) but you don't take a kid to the ER because they are crying. He is such an over reactor when it comes down to them.....which FYI bothers me to no end. Can you tell?

So while he was freaking out about Finley he told me I had to wake up Gillian and bring her in because there was something seriously wrong with Finley....so i woke her up like an ass and then had 2 pissed babies in the house.

I called into work, made everyone some breakfast, changed 100 more diapers, and then we all went down for a nice nap, about 3 hours long.

Once we all got up everyone seemed more rested and happier. Finn's rash is looking better and now I'm just waiting for Gillian to get the hell. Probably tonight.

I should go to bed now huh? Since its 7 I figure I can get in a few good hours before someone wakes and ruins my night.

So that was my night. These are the nights that I feel like telling anyone who ever said to me "I always wanted twins" that they are freaking idiots. But I wouldn't change me changing 100 poopy diapers a night for the world!

Grrrrrrrrrr

2011-06-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

Finley growled at me at least 6 times today. Like a dog....and loud. I have no idea where this new sound came from but its cracking me the heck up.

Also I have *almost* figured out how to tame Finley!

She is constantly resisting getting dressed, heading to the car, or going inside the house. Basically she fights you about everything.

The other day I started explaining to her why were getting dressed or doing whatever we were doing and all of a sudden she comes and sits in my lap to put her diaper on and clothes.

I tell her "Finley, you need to put a diaper and clothes on if you want to go outside and play" or "Finley you have to get dressed if you want to go visit Mema"

Then magic happens and she complies.

This morning Gary was wrestling with her and I told him about it and sure enough. Good Finley emerges.

Crazy. She understands. Its so strange. She seems too little to rationalize with. Guess not though. It just amazes me that she actually understands what I'm telling her. Finally.

Twin Tip time!

2011-06-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

I am far from an expert but I've decided I should share my wealth of knowledge about Twins! I've decided to post weekly my "Twin Tips" and maybe it will help some ~~poor schmuck~~ dear expecting mom of multiples!

Feeding Tip:

When the girls first came home and we were both here Gary and I would each take a baby and feed them. Very easy and convenient if you have a 2nd set of hands that's for sure.

You will quickly realize at some point (unless your wealthy and can afford a nanny-unfortunately I don't fall into that category) that one, or both of you, will have to go back to work.

At this moment panic will set in. How will you feed 2 babies at once? One will surely be left to cry while you are feeding the other! OM FREAKING G!

My advice, get 2 boppy's and set them both up on your couch facing you. Get your bottles and your babies put in their boppy's with you in between them. Now ladies stick those bottles in those babies mouths! Yes at the same time!

I was shocked to learn there was a twin mama out there that was feeding her babies one after the other. What a waste of your already precious time.

I also used to put the girls in their bouncers and feed them at the same time in those, so if that floats your boat then try that.

But please please unless your breastfeeding (and good for you if you are, I pumped for a few months and that was hard enough) there is no reason why you shouldn't be feeding them both together! Even if you are breastfeeding get a My Breast Friend and try to tandem nurse them!

Are you all done? Are you all done? Are you all done?

2011-06-10T17:14:00.000-04:00

Sheesh. The girls have been using their "big girl table" for a few weeks now. The problem is they can wander at times. If they get up I ask them "Are you all done" Finley usually does this little whine and then goes back to her chair because she knows I will only ask this 2 times before her food gets taken away.

Gillian on the other hand has lost her dinner few times because she is constantly getting up. I figure eventually she'll get it. Right? I sure hope........

Dear McDonalds. You're idiots.

2011-06-08T23:25:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I went to McDonalds to grab Gary and I some McFlurry's-because Yes we are addicted to ice cream!

I placed my order (1 McFlurry and 1 Chocolate Shake please) and drove to the window. The girl tells me "I'm sorry we have to get more stuff to make your milkshake, please pull into that handicap spot right there in front and we'll bring it out to you."

But excuse me Miss McDonald's , I'm not handicapped.

She tells me that's okay, that's where the waiting orders park.....

Um, no that's where handicapped people park.

Despite the fact I am not handicapped, its Illegal to park there and you can be fined over $100.00!!

So we bicker back and forth over their handicapped spot. I tell her I'm not handicap and refuse to park there. After about 3 minutes of this ridiculous banter I tell her I'm parking in the parking lot and to come and find me.

She does. Dumb ass......

Ring around the what?

2011-06-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

Oh boy.....we went camping last 10 days ago. When we got home I noticed a mosquito bite on Gillian's leg. Gary and I didn't think much of it at the time but here we are 10 days later and its still here with a funky freaking ring around it.

The first thing that crossed my mind was lyme disease. So I called the Pedi last night and got her in today. The doc isn't sure but thinks it may be lyme, or maybe ring worm? The only way to know for sure is to get a lyme tither done. Great. Bloodwork.....

Now our last attempt at bloodwork sucked. Big time. Horrible.

We decided to head to CCMC this time so the pro's could help. While we were at it we decided to grab Finn's paperwork for her missed bloodwork at her year appt too.

Off we went......it wasn't as much of a nightmare as I imagined.........For me. I'm not going to lie. I couldn't be in the room. Just couldn't do it. So Gary did the holding while I took the other baby and walked around. They managed to get them both though!

Finley did end up with a collapsed vein and I think it was bugging her some because she was whiny and every time she looked at her band aid she would shake her finger at it and start to cry again. We even tried Ice Cream to calm them down but that didn't even work. Poor babies.

We finally got them in the car and put on Elmo. Then they stopped crying. Thank goodness for Elmo.

So, that was our day, five hours of doctors and hospitals.

Pray Gillian doesn't have Lyme. I've never wanted her to have ringworm so bad in my life! Strange right??!!

Its been a while....

2011-06-08T21:47:00.001-04:00

Okay almost a month. Time sure flies when you're ~~taking care of 2 crazy twins~~ having fun.

Okay a recap to get us up to date. The nice weather has hit, but frankly its too hot for me. I'm a 80's kinda girl. Not so much a 90's kinda girl.

So with the nice weather comes camping, beaches and pools! Camping has been going well. The girls are sleeping halfway decent there, napping like good girls and aren't terrorizing everyone around like we thought they would.

We took them to the lake for the first time two weeks ago and as soon as Finley noticed the water she beelined in.......all the way up to her chest. No fear. None. Which FYI is freaking me out. So, there is no taking your eyes off her for one second while there.

Gillian didn't go in at first. She was very content playing in the sand near the water. I liked it that way too. Cindy and Sondra managed to get her in though and then there was no getting her out. So the girls LOVE the water. Alot! This makes me more excited for our trip to Maine next month though, it wouldn't be much fun having a beach house with two kids afraid of the sand or water now would it?!

When we're not at the camp or beach we are home, chilling out in our kiddie pool and playing with our water table! The girls love it, they play there for hours.

That's it for what we've been doing!

Gillian is still taking up a storm and saying all sorts of new words daily. She loves to read and Elmo is still her #1. Friend.

Finley has started trying to repeat things you say to her and does a TON of blabbering. I knew once she started she wouldn't stop and I have a feeling over the next month that kid isn't going to stop talking and will leave Gillian in the dust.

Oh and I'm sure everyone knows by now what an ice cream freak I am. I have the girls hooked now. Their new word is "Ice Cream"!

We ditched our high chairs in favor of a kid table. It was kinda crazy at first. They would have a hard time sitting down for a whole meal but they are getting better. Finley sits for the most part and Gillian gets up now and again. Either way it sure as heck beats those HUGE high chairs taking up my small kitchen! Also the girls are eating just about their whole meal with a fork! They are growing up too fast......way too fast!

So that's been the last 3 weeks, with the exception of today. Which is a whole different post in itself that I will get too.........

Flying eggplant!!! DUCK!

2011-05-15T23:57:00.002-04:00

So I have an issue.

We are not big eating out people. Personally I don't want my kids eating garbage, but more importantly, I don't want to deal with Finley in public!

Today we went to Lowe's with my Mom and Dad to pick out a shower for them, (Gary is redoing their downstairs bathroom) and after dad said "Lets go for Pizza."

After some thinking I thought "sure, what could go wrong with 4 adults and 2 kids?"

We are going to Maine in 2 months and since we don't ever go out to eat, seriously we've taken the girls out a total of 4 times since they were born, it would be a good idea to get them used to going out to eat before our vacation.

Off for Pizza we went. Everything was fine happy ha-ha until our food came and Finley started literally chucking/over hand throwing food. I couldn't believe the height and distance this girl could get!

Eggplant fries were practically going over my head. I was trying to block them as they were coming at me and Dad, I must have looked insane with my daughter across from me pelting me with fries. I was so worried she was going to hit someone sitting behind me! I couldn't believe it, I don't think anyone could. We all just sat there watching in a stooper not sure what to do.

Finally someone took her food away, or she threw it all, I'm honestly not sure anymore what happened?

All I know is my daughter is a food chucker and I don't know what to do about it.........any ideas? Someone please give me some pointers before a sweet little old lady loses an eye.

Hello, Poison control?

2011-05-14T22:16:00.002-04:00

Well, we made it 17 months before we had to call poison control. It was a pretty good run! But today, my friends, that streak was ended.

Cousin Kelly's wedding shower was today. I went and got my hair done and then Mom and I went to get pedicures. It was a good morning and since Gary had the girls all morning we decided to bring them to the shower.

**I'm going to preface this part by saying my dear ~~inattentive~~ sweet mother asked me not to post this. But I'm sorry Mom, I can not tell a lie**

We got everyone dressed and headed out the door. I had Gillian, Gary was putting stuff in the minivan and Mom had Finley.

I was putting Gillian in her car seat and looked over my shoulder only to realize my mother was at her car and she didn't have Finley. I asked Gary if he had her and he didn't and I freaked. I started calling her name, like the mime would answer me, and started getting panicked.

The next thing I know Finley is walking about from behind our garbage cans with her hands raised in the air and covered in something brown. It was on her hands and her lips. It kinda looked like chocolate syrup at first glance. But why the hell would there be chocolate syrup behind my garbage can I'm standing there like an idiot wondering?

I'm pretty sure I said "What the hell........" and Gary came around the car and realized it was motor oil. That idiot had a can of motor oil from when he changed our oil last behind the garbage cans.

And now my daughter is covered in oil. Awesome.

I immediately start to freak. Because well what mom wouldn't?

Mom said she "told" Finley to go to the minivan and that she was headed in that direction but seriously mom........who thinks a 17 month old is going to actually listen?

I know she wasn't thinking the way I do. I know what my daughter is capable off but let this be a lesson to her for the future! NEVER assume Finley is going to listen, NEVER take your eyes off that little trouble maker for one second!

So we got the little runt in the house and cleaned her up and then Gary called the on call doc and poison control.

I'm not sure if she licked any of it, but I wasn't about to take my chances since she had a spot on her lips goodness only knows!

Poison control said that she would have had to drink it to really have any issues, and she would be showing signs of respiratory stress if there was a problem and to just watch her for 6 hours. 8 hours later and she's fine. But still. Seriously? Why me? Why,why,why?

So that was my day.

The wedding shower was lovely by the way. We all had a great time despite my oil licking child!

I hope we never have to call poison control again but just in case, we have the number written on our dry erase board on the fridge just in case!

Life in a nutshell.......crazy

2011-05-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

Well, where to start? I managed to erase a whole memory card of mine. Did I mention it had the girls pictures on it from when they were first born? Luckily I had it backed up on an external hard drive but my memory card was my "backup-backup" and now its gone and leaving me paranoid.

After I managed to do that (by dropping my laptop while my card reader and card were in it) Finley spilled my coffee over my laptop and the last time I backed up any pictures was October. Yep. I'm an ass. October.

I was going to bring it to geek squad this weekend when Gary tried to turn it on again today for one last ditch effort and it worked. Thank goodness.

I backed up everything as soon as I put the girls down today. And from now on I vow to always back up my pictures!

Besides that all is well in our "Twindom"

Finley is getting better with her attitude, it seems she is starting to realize she isn't getting very far acting the way she is and has decided to shape up.

She's even trying to say more words lately. Which gives me hope, because honestly I'm ready to call early intervention on her wordless butt! She's a freaking grunting mime!

I find it more puzzeling because she understands 100% of what I say to her. I tell her to go get my boots and she goes and gets them, put your clothes in the hamper.....done. Go get your pink shoes, she goes right to her shoe rack and gets them. Seriously. Gary and I can't get over how smart she is. But talk. Nope. Not for my little stubburn Finley. She would rather pull me around by the hand all over the house playing the pointing/grunting game!

Last night it was to the kitchen and it went like this:

Me: Finley do you want water?
Finley: **whine and point to the cabinet**
Me: Okay you don't want water, do you want crackers?
Finley **whine and point**
Me: Okay, do you want cheerios?
Finley **whine/grunt and point**
Me: Do you want raisins?
Finley **signs more** which in her talk means yes please!

This is the stuff she does all day long. Whatever she wants she pulls you to it and does her whine/grunt thing. It cracks me up. Gillian doesn't do that, she doesn't want anything I guess? Not sure why they are so different in that aspect?

So thats my baby bitty girl. I love her to death. She's such a hard headed spirited little thing. Just like her Mama thats for sure!

Then there's Gillian. Her vocabulary grows daily. She says "I did it" (that was her first sentence) and today she said "bye bye dada", she can say "Ernie" clear as day and her newest word is Elephant. What l7 month old says Elephant? If you tell her to say something she will always try to repeat it back to you.

She's a sweetie for the most part. She gets upset if Finley tries to take her blankie (which she calls her "kee") or wubanub but usually is pretty mild manored.

She has been dropping to her knees though at the campground this past week while we walked if she didn't want to leave where we were. Geesh, hope she doesn't get all crazy and rebel on me like Finn! I'm pretty sure I can only hand one spunky kid.

They are starting to really love each other too! They have been doing tons of hand holding, dancing together and hugs and kisses this past month. I just melt watching them interact with each other. It make all the crazy days worth it.

So that about sums up the past month! Can't wait to see what next month brings! Should be interesting! Now that I have my laptop back I can post pics again! I'll see what I have tomorrow to put up!!

The road to skinny

2011-04-30T19:13:00.000-04:00

FINALLY!! I am making progress! I decided to go shopping today for summer clothes for myself for once! I bought the size I was before I was pregnant with the girls! I dont think I've ever been so happy in my life! I almost started jumping for joy in the dressing room!

I'm still not where I want to be. I'd like to be one more size smaller........just one more size. Where I was when I got married, that would be great. So I'll strive for that next. Its about 10lbs. I think I can do 10 more lbs.

Easter

2011-04-29T19:57:00.000-04:00

This has been my favorite holiday with the girls so far. I think its because they are actually old enough to participating in the activities now! We didn't let the girls color eggs this year, I was too worried they were going to be dyed blue for Easter so Gary and I decided to color them for them. Gary took it to the next extreme though.....because well, that's Gary for you! I made an Elmo egg and then got tired and fell asleep on the couch.

Somehow I ended up in bed and woke up to Gary telling me he did all the Sesame Street characters and I had to wake up to see the picture of them he took on his phone. I thought he was a lunatic but this is what he did for 3 hours:

Now that's one loving talented Daddy! He did them all with a fine tip marker and crayons. I still haven't been able to destroy "The Count." He's sitting in my fridge. Wonder how long he'll last in there?

Saturday we had brunch with the family and an Easter Egg hunt for the girls. Gary and I did plastic eggs and put marshmallows in them. Once they found one and realized there were marshmallows in them they were all over the place looking for more. They were both in great moods the whole day too. It was great!

Finley and her bucket

She found an Egg!

A mouthful of Marshmallows and going for more!

Gillan and Cousin Stacey

Finley and Mema

More Marshmallow eating!

Silly Finley

Gillian

Gillian being Silly

Easter Sunday I let them have their chocolate bunnies......and they loved them!

Sunshine and Summer Time!

2011-04-29T18:51:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to say the weather has been beautiful here for the past few days! So nice I unpacked all the summer clothes I got the girls a few days ago! As usual I got way too much stuff for them but what else is new?

We have the camper just about ready for this season and are looking forward to getting away to the lake for a few days next week. I hope the weather cooperates and the girls sleep well there. If its anything like last year I may go banana's! I was having flash backs of sleeping out in the minivan with the girls last year and driving around aimlessly with them for hours on end to get them asleep. Oh dear goodness please let them adjust this year and sleep well!

Besides camping we are going to Maine this year for my cousin's wedding! We are beyond excited! This is the 3rd year in a row one of my cousins is getting married in Maine but the first one we were able to go to! We rented a beach house for the week prior and I am just too psyched!! I can't wait to see the family and get everyone together and most importantly try to RELAX!

I don't know what its going to be like vacationing with 19 month old twins but hopefully its not going to be bad! I'm praying Finley is good. Not Gillian, because Gillian is always good but FINLEY if you read this please be good for Mommy and try not to ruin Kelly's wedding? Kay? Thanks!

I can just picture her having a mental fit at some point during it and me having to high tail it outta there with her in tow! I actually think to be safe I may have Gary stay with her someplace (car maybe) until its over!! Lol. That may seem a little extreme but I refuse to be that person that ruined my cousins wedding day with my screaming toddler!

Maybe she'll learn some self control by then? Doubtful though.

On a random side note a friend of mine is pregnant with her 3rd and I had a brief moment of insanity where I almost called Uconn today to make an appointment! The thought of doing IVF again though scares the heck out of me. Why I'm not sure. I've already been through it once but never with 2 toddlers. I'm not worried about being pregnant or dealing with more kid (s) but I'm worried about the whole process with 2 kids already. Errr. Maybe some miracle will happen and I'll end up pregnant on my own this time around? Then again its been 17 months and no miracles yet.

I have to admit though, I want another one. I thought I didn't care but as I see others getting pregnant around me I get that uncontrollable urge for more! Poor Gary.

Whats a Rody you ask?

2011-04-29T18:28:00.001-04:00

This is a Rody! The girls love theirs!! You're supposed to be able to hop around the house on them but my girls have only mastered the up and down bouncing on them, not so much the forward bouncing motion! Think Hippity Hop only so much cuter!

And on a side note.....how cute are they holding hands? I don't know whats up with the love lately but I sure am glad they are holding hands rather than biting each other and pushing each other down!

Baby Wrestling!

2011-04-28T21:38:00.000-04:00

Here is a video of the girls wrestling and Finley hugging Gillian. I assure you no babies were harmed in the making of this video and Gillian is laughing not crying (this is directed at my mother) when Finley is hugging her!!

Spread the love

2011-04-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a while. I have lots to write though so let me start by saying suddenly the girls LOVE each other. Its strange. One day they detested one another and now they are best friends. Not that I'm complaining or anything. Just pretty weird how that happened over night?

I got them Rody's for Easter and at first they didn't really care for them. Now they love the darn things. They bounce and bounce on them like crazy and their newest thing is to bounce on them while they are holding hands. It really is sweet. My two little girls are holding hands. Awwww. Just melts me to watch those two.

Also Finley is giving Gillian tons and tons of hugs. If I tell Gillian to hug Finn she runs up to her and kisses her hand and then touches Finley with her "kiss" and runs away. Oh well! Close enough.

I have a video of the hand holding Rody action I'll put up separate. If you don't know what a Rody is or don't have one, you don't know what you're missing. My girls love theirs and its definitely their best toy yet!

The bite heard around the mall.....

2011-04-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

So, did I mention Finley is the devil? Yeah well if not I'm telling you now. Devil Child. I love her to pieces anyway but she's definitely going through her terrible 2's or something early.

Today we went to the mall to look for Easter dresses for the girls. I nixed the whole thing after going to one store and decided they would wear the dresses I got them for my cousins wedding instead. Then I got this bright idea to go get their feet measured and look for some shoes for them for the summer.

I'm not sure why I try to torture myself, next time she'll just go shoelessm but I did. She did pretty good to start. She let the nice shoe lady measure her feet and played in the kid play area while trying on a couple pairs. Then she got bored and realized there were hundreds of pairs of shoes around her.

Let the chaos commence. She started pulling the shoes off the shelves, and boxes down all while I chased behind her like a idiot "Finley, No, leave them there. Stop Finley. No Finley.Please Finley."

Finally after a few minutes of trying to reason with a 16 month old I grabbed her and picked her up. She was not happy. At all.

She started flailing and screaming. I held on to her tighter hoping it would calm her down and she would stop but instead of calming her down it sent her into a fit of rage and she bit the heck out of my shoulder. Not even my shoulder really.....you know that really tender part of your shoulder near your collar bone? Yeah that part. I wanted to scream. But I didn't.......I didn't want to give her the satisfaction.

So that was my afternoon. Great fun.

13 Totes.....

2011-04-19T22:44:00.000-04:00

My girls are 16 months old and I have 13, Yes 13 totes of baby clothes in the basement. That almost a tote a month of clothes. Why am I saving all these clothes? Even I have another baby there is no way they would need even 1/4 of these clothes. And lets face it. Even if I did have another girl I would probably buy a ton of new stuff anyway for her.

So, I have a friend that had a baby in February. Her daughter was big when she was born so I figure will probably fit into all of my girls clothes no problem. Problem solved right? Wrong. Now that leaves the daunting task of going through all the clothes and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of.....I'm trying to tell myself to only keep one tote of each size. Its harder than it seems!

I've already gone through 7 totes. Halfway there!! Wish me luck! From here on out I'm getting rid of clothes as the girls grow out of them. No more clothes hoarding in the basement.

48 Pillowcases and 100 lotions

2011-04-18T21:27:00.000-04:00

So, Seriously. My house hasn't had a good cleaning since........well before I became pregnant. Which was 2 years ago. So um yeah. It needs it. Bad!!

Not that I need to make excuses for my cluttered house but I was pregnant with twins! TWINS! You try carrying twins and having morning sickness until you're 18 weeks and want to clean your house! Yeah, thought so.

Of course after the girls were born the first year was all about survival and keeping my house clean wasn't part of that plan. Don't get me wrong, we do the dishes everyday, laundry, vacuum etc, but the real stuff like cleaning out closets, drawers, bathroom vanity's hasn't happened in a looooong time!

Now that spring has sprung Gary and I have tag teamed the house and are trying our hardest to "declutter" and clean the house as much as possible.

This past weekend we did the living room, girls bedroom, playroom, bathroom and kitchen. That included moving furniture, wiping down walls, and even cleaning cabinets, which in my world constitutes "real cleaning."

Today Gary tackled the breezeway which has become our catch room for anything and everything we aren't sure what to do with or don't have room for in the house. Kids toys, strollers, totes of baby clothes. Fun stuff. I came home today to it all cleared out.

Did I mention what a great husband I have?

Tonight I'm working on the hallway closet and its a mess. I've pulled everything out and needed a break. I can't figure out why we have so many pillow cases? Its insane? I don't think Gary and I have ever thrown one away in the decade we've been together so they sure have piled up! And lotions...... How many lotions does a girl need? Geez. I've been on a rampage throwing everything out and organizing.

There are still so many projects left on my list to accomplish. I hate it. I hate that my house has become this disorganized mess. I will not stop until every single closet, drawer and refrigerator top is cleaned!!

What about everyone else? Whats on your list for spring cleaning?

Did I do that?

2011-04-16T23:34:00.001-04:00

Today my Mom came over to watch the girls for a few hours while Gary and I went to work on getting our camper open for the season.

I was getting all my clothes together to get dressed, Finley was on my hip and I had a red and black polka dot bra in my hand and my hair in a messy ponytail and my flipping pajama's on. Got a good mental picture yet?

All of a sudden Mom says "Um, some people are coming to your door", I hate when people come to my door. Please don't try to get me to donate money to a charity, preach to me, ask me if I need new windows, etc, etc, etc. Not to mention we NEVER use our front door, only our breezeway door off the garage so that may have annoyed me even more.

Anyway, I said "Oh no their not" and caught them just as they were walking past my huge wall of windows in the livingroom heading to my front door......and I proceed like this:

Me: Knock knock, knock on the window!!
Them: Look up in complete confusion
Me: Shaking my finger back and forth as if I'm telling them "NO, NO, NO"
Them: Still looking up confused
Me: Doing the "shooing get the hell off my property, you better not even think about ringing my door bell hands"
Them: Ahhh, giving me the "okay crazy lady look"

Then I realized how insane I looked. I had a baby in one hand, my bra in the other and me making finger motions to them through the window, and I'm pretty sure my finger hand was my bra hand in hindsight.

Either way, I didn't have to put up with anyone trying to sell me something today. Score.

Finley

2011-04-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Oh where to even begin with this girl? I laugh every single day when I think about how complete opposite Gillian and Finley are. I get they're obviously not going to have the same personalities, but I am amazed daily by them.

I think it gets me most because I seem to be having a real discipline issue with Miss Finn and Gillian is rarely a issue with her attitude.

Finley refuses to walk and hold any one's hand. The only time she will hold your hand is if she's dragging you to show you something or to get you to do something. Never walking though. Forget about it.

We went to open the camper this weekend and I made the comment to my mother that if Finley was my 1st and only child, I would never have another. If Gillian was my 1st I would have a million more if they were just like her!

Now don't get me wrong, I love Finley, she's a sweetie but she doesn't listen. I'm hoping with a little "coaxing" she will.

Anyway, while at the campground we decided to take the girls for a walk. Gramma took Gillian and went on her merry way. I had Finley. Who instead of walking wanted to go up to the other camp sites and climb their stairs to their campers. So I had to grab her and take her away and she kicked, screamed, slapped me, and pitched the biggest fit on the planet. I brought her back to our site and waited for Gramma to come back with Gillian to accuse her of playing favorites!

Watching them walk together, with Gillian holding her hand and trotting alongside her it was easy to see why.......

I got a leash for the girls. Yep, the kind they wear and I can lead them around like dogs. Gillian will never need it but I thought it would be good to have while in busy places but Finn needs 10 leashes. I'm not sure she's even "leashable".

Gary and I keep saying we just need to break her. Like a wild horse. Thing is, I've never had a wild horse. I'm sure this will be harder than I think.

Despite the fact the kid is hard headed I love her to death. I see so much of my own personality in her it scares the daylights out of me. In a way I like that she's so "spirited" I don't think anyone will ever take advantage of her and she certainly won't be a push over! She'll go places with that attitude that's for sure!

When Finley isn't being "Miss Attitude" she is the polar opposite and is "Miss Helper". She LOVES to help. Give her some clothes to put in the hamper and she's all over it, tell her to hang up her jacket and she's running it to the door. Tell her to do ANYTHING and she does it for you. Its so funny to watch her, even after bath time she puts all the clothes in the hamper and then throws the diapers in the tub. I've tried to tell her they don't go there but she thinks they do so I pull them out after they go to bed every night.

She's even being nicer to Gillian. If she takes something from her I ask her to give it back and she goes and gives it right back to her with a smile on her face. Gillian still doesn't trust her though. When she tries to hug her she freaks and thinks she's trying to attack her and usually runs away. Oh well. Hopefully one day they get along well......

Hopefully.

Picky Eaters

2011-04-06T18:59:00.000-04:00

You know how most kids would rather eat chicken nuggets, french fries or mac and cheese? Those are not my kids.

No......my kids are crazy. If I put chicken nuggets and green beans in front of them they will eat all the green beans and not touch the chicken nuggets.

I've been noticing this trend with them the past couple of weeks. Its getting worse. They eat every fruit and veggie I put in front of them and pick at everything else. Most people would think this was great. But me? I'm worried my girls aren't going to gain any weight only eating fruits and veggies!

Today I stopped offering fruits or veggies with every meal. I'm insane. Breakfast they had eggs and hashbrowns. They ate some of it, but not tons. Snack was grapes which they ate all of, lunch was hotdogs, macaroni salad and baked beans. Gillian loved the hotdogs, Its only the 2nd time she's had them, Finley was happy to pick her tomato out of her macaroni salad and ate a few hotdog piecesI decided to skip afternoon snack in hopes it would make them more hungry for dinner and I made chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for dinner. They both ate a ton. Thank goodness. I felt guilty not giving them something else with it though so for dessert we had strawberries. They ate a ton of them.

So now I'm lost. I don't want to feed them macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets! I want to feed them grilled chicken and veggies! I'm worried that I'm feeding my kids too healthy. Can you even do that?

The day I thought my babies weren't babies anymore......

2011-04-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

April 3rd, 2011.

Exactly 2 years ago I had my egg retrieval. At this very moment my babies were splitting and dividing cells. Its awesome to think back on that day. I was scared out of my mind, crying to the nurse's.

I was so scared they were going to go get Gary who was doing his "business" in a cup to calm me down. Thankfully I made it through my retrieval and 2 years later I sit staring at my sweet girls in awe.

Today I decided we should put the girls in their "big girl beds." Gary thought I was crazy, but no...I insisted I wasn't.

A hour later he had the crib fronts taken off, and the rails put up. Nap time was okay, Gillian fell asleep on her pull out princess couch/bed and Finley fell asleep in front of the door. Gary snuck in, grabbed Finley and put her in bed.

Tonight didn't go so well. They spent a hour banging at the door. After Gillian gave up and decided to go lay down Finley followed her around taking her binky and blanky and pissing her off.

I felt so bad for Gillian I told Gary to get the crib stuff because we were putting them back together! Twenty minutes later we had them back together and both girls sleeping in their cribs.

Sometimes I think they are more grown up than they are.........tonight I realized they are just my little 16 month old babies. And I'm okay with that!

Sesame Street

2011-03-29T22:31:00.000-04:00

LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary called me last Friday and mentioned he saw a commercial for Sesame Street live close to us. I got so excited I could hardly contain myself. I went on the website to see when it was and its this weekend!!

So of course I got tickets for the girls, and us, and the grandma's and Auntie Cheryl and Cousin Stacey.......we may look like lunatics while we're there. Six adults and two kids. I think the adults are more excited than the kids.

So of course I had to go on Etsy and order the girls Elmo shirts with their names on them, and then I got myself a Elmo shirt and Gary a Grover shirt-because Gillian can say "Vrover" so if she see's the shirt and say's "Vrover" Gary will melt and because he's a good Dad he'll wear it!

So thats the plan for this weekend. I'm soooo excited! I can't wait to see the girls reactions. I know for a fact Gillian is going to be the most excited thing on the planet. I'm pretty sure she'll sit there like a good girl too. Finley on the other hand will be excited but she isn't the kind of kid to sit still for 5 seconds so I'm kinda worried about her! We'll see though!

The magic powder......

2011-03-28T21:29:00.000-04:00

"Poopy Powder" as we have very affectionately dubbed it in this house, is a godsend! What is poopy powder you ask? Miralax!

I have to admit, I feel like a horrible mom. For months and months I really thought Finley was just a mean mean kid. Now that we have her on the miralax everyday and she isn't constipated anymore she is like a whole different child I mean not even in the same ballpark as old Finley.

Don't get me wrong. She's still my "spirited" child who can throw a tantrum with the best of them but she smiles now! ALOT! And I realized a few days ago when she started running around laughing and smiling again that I pretty much suck. I can't believe I missed this one.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm feeling alot of mommy guilt over this one.........

At least I have my Finley back. My happy sweet sweet Finley back. Hopefully to stay this time!

Constipation sucks.

2011-03-24T20:16:00.000-04:00

No not me! My poor peanut Finn Finn!

This girl has been struggling since we switched her to milk at 11 months old. Its been on and off but when its on its on! And its horrible.

Last night took the cake. She's been pooping rocks for days, I called the doctor a few days ago and they suggested I give her Miralax. So I gave her some on Tuesday and she pooped within 30 minutes. Then I decided I didn't need to give her any on Wednesday because (I'm an idiot) she pooped good on Tuesday. What a mistake that was!

Last night she got up around midnight and was crying, cranky, fidgety and trying to yank out her hair she was so exhausted. You could tell it was her belly. I couldn't get her to drink anything though so the miralax wasn't going to help then.

She was up with Gary until at least 6:00 this morning before she finally fell asleep on him. I passed out around 5:30 and got back up at 7:30 for some strange reason. I felt like a truck hit me and called into work.

Gary and I napped when the girls did this morning but I'm still beat. All nighters suck. Constipation sucks.

I gave her the miralax this morning and she went almost immediately. I won't be skipping it again for a while. I'm not sure how long she will take it but I read they can relapse if stopped to quickly.

I've also been trying to make dietary changes with her too but its hard. She eats a ton of fruits and veggies so I'm not sure why this is happening in the first place. Plenty of fiber in her diet, plenty of water drinking, she does love bananas and cheese though......I'm sure those are my culprits.

I'm going to try to give her less milk too. Maybe 1/2 a sippy cup instead of a whole one.

Anyway, I hope we don't have another problem like this for a loooooong looooong time! I'm too old to be up all night. I need my sleep!

Little Miss Chatterbox and the Mime.

2011-03-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

Gillian is talking up a storm. She learns a couple new words a day. Finley is my mime. Seriously.

The doc said Finley was normal though and Gillian was "advanced" but man, its making me worried! I decided I need to count all their words and then worry myself more!
Gillian:
1. Momma
2. Dadda
3. Bye Bye
4. Hi
5. Eba (Elmo)
6. Vrover (Grover)
7. Bi-Bir (Big Bird)
8. Ber (Bert)
9. Kitty
10. Puppa (puppy)
11. Baba
12. Chicka (chicken)
13. Quack
14. Baaaa (when she sees a sheep)
15. Sissy
16. Chee (cheese)
17. Bath
18. Hot
19. Key (blankie)
20. ket (jacket)
21. kee (cookie......ie, cookie monster)
22. fishhhh (fish)
23. Baba (baby)
24. Nana
25. Per (diaper)
26. Mow-mow (mickey mouse)
27. Up
28. Duck
29. Ball
30. Night Night

Finley
1. Mamma
2. Dadda
3. Night Night
4. Mow Mow (mickey mouse)
5. Eba (Elmo)
6. Puppa (puppy)
7. Nana
8. Cracker (although I haven't heard it, Gary's swears she can say it)

I think thats all of them. Anyway......you can see why I worry now. I'm sure Finn will catch up in no time though, she always does!

My WTF moment of the day

2011-03-23T21:53:00.001-04:00

So......Finley may be a little nutty. I say this lovingly of course but I think she's a little "coo-coo" (joking of course, please don't message me that I'm an evil mother)

When Finley gets tired she starts pulling her hair out and eating it. She's been doing it for a few months now and usually I can catch her as soon as she starts even reaching for her hair and put her down for her nap/night night and then it isn't an issue.

Then part of me a few days ago started going a little "coo coo", I started freaking out suddenly wondering if maybe its because she isn't getting enough attention? Do I pick her up enough? Does she feel left out because I read to Gillian so much? Am I playing with her as much? She has been a little cranky lately. Am I a freaking horrible mother?

WHAT THE F--K!

Phew. Okay now that I got all that out. I have to stop googling by the way, anyway, I will always worry one of the two isn't getting enough attention. Gillian does get read to ALOT. She's also alot more verbal and I spend alot of time flipping through books with her going over her words she knows. Finn on the other hand could care less about talking (unless she's screaming ELMO) or being read to.

Now every time Gillian comes to me with a book, which is every 2 minutes, I feel guilty..........

Anyway, I know it is just because she's tired and its what she does but its making me insane.

Has anyone else dealt with this? I'm so worried she's going to end up with a bald spot. Poor kid has no hair to start with, now she's trying to pull it out. Great.

Oh yeah and my WTF moment......in a feeble attempt to give Finley something to "soothe" herself with rather than yank out her hair I gave her a pacifier? Who does that? What parent in their right mind tries to get their kid hooked on a pacifier???

She took it too but I doubt she'll actually use it. She's not the pacifier type. Thats Gillian's thing.......

Oh well. Advice? Please......pretty please.

Its that time of the year again....

2011-03-23T18:29:00.000-04:00

I dread it.....dread it. What is "IT" you wonder?

Cleaning out the girls closets, and 3 dressers full of clothes. Yes they have 3 dressers full of clothes. Well one dresser is Pj's and their towels and stuff, but it still SUCKS!

I started tonight. I pulled out everything that doesn't fit them anymore or anything I wasn't fond of. I was making piles while the girls were in the livingroom watching their Elmo and then they decided that wasn't fun anymore and came to see what I was up to.

Then all my piles became one huge pile and everything was unfolded and screwed up! So I threw everything on top of their dressers and now I have a bigger mess. Not to mention 2 HUGE laundry baskets of clothes to fold in the livingroom and sort through. Errr.

I've been slowly shopping for the girls for spring/summer this year and have about a tote of clothes for them so far.

I'm trying not to go overboard with their clothes this summer. Easier said than done for me I know. Its all just so cute. I can't stop myself from buying it all!

Wish the spring weather would hurry up and get here though. Really stinks having all these cute clothes and not being able to wear them yet!! Hurry up nice weather!! HURRY!!!

Crazy kids

2011-03-22T20:58:00.003-04:00

The girls have stepped it up a notch the past few days.

They are trying to get out of their cribs, opening closets and getting into them, climbing up on the couches and chairs....pretty much making me a nervous wreck!

So.....Gary rigged this up so they couldn't open the closet in their room anymore

We took all the cushions off the couches and now they are jumping on it like a trampoline.....never imagined this is how my expensive leather couches would be used when I got them years ago.

Also, Finley is knocking over anything she can find and climbing in it or on it. I had to take away her new princess kitchen because this is how I found her. Yep, she's stuck in the oven.

Did I mention the day I was making dinner and heard her crying but couldn't find her? Where's waldo anyone?

Its funny a year ago my biggest worry was them crying for one of 3 reason: Hungry, dirty diaper, tired. Hm. Sure seems easier a year ago huh? Why did I feel like that was so rough? Now I am chasing 2 running kids all over the house making sure they aren't climbing on something or wedging themselves in anything!!

Oh to go back to the good old boring days when they did nothing but lay there......the simpler days.

I gotta say though, those boring days sucked. I hated them. As easy as they were, they were too easy! I love my girls running and talking and getting into things. It makes me laugh to see what they can come up with next! Or to see how much they change and grow up everyday. It really is amazing watching 2 little people grow into big people thats for sure!

Progress

2011-03-22T20:22:00.001-04:00

SLEEP!!

I'm pretty sure we're making progress in this house!

We are down to one nap, averaging about 2 hours long, and bed times have been pushed up to somewhere between 6:30-7:30 depending on everyone's moods. They are getting up around 8ish too, well maybe earlier, but I'm getting up around 8!

Oh did I mention both girls are consistently sleeping through the night? I had to let Gillian complain for about a hour one night but I stayed strong and went in changed her and put her right back to bed. Eventually she gave up and realized there would be no more late night Elmo marathons.

I have to admit. I miss our late night rendezvous .....but I'm over it and enjoy my sleep more.

This is war.....

2011-03-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

Its no secret to anyone that we have some sleep issues going on in this house. I assure you, its not with me!
I love to sleep. I would think my kids would too but that unfortunatly is not the case.
For the most part 98% of the time Finley sleeps through the night. Gillian on the other hand has a terrible habit of getting up anywhere from 9:30-2:00am and torturing me. The time she gets up varies, the length she stays up varies, and I know I'm to blame.

When she does get up I usually change her and let her watch Elmo for a little bit and then put her back to bed.

Now I am convinced she his getting up just to watch Elmo. I'm over it. I can't watch one more late night episode of Elmo.

I always said I would never let my kids CIO as babies, but they are not babies anymore and fully aware of what they are doing.

Last night Gillian got up around midnight and we did our usual diaper, milk, Elmo routine. Then I decided to bring her in my room and try to get her to lay down. No luck....

Then a light bulb went off. This kid is playing me. Like a freaking fiddle!

I put her back in her room and let her cry-okay she wasn't crying but whining like a crazy girl until she fell asleep a hour later. And I woke up this morning proud of myself!

So bring it on kids! From here on out your going to get a diaper change and back to bed with you! No more Elmo, no more playing, BACK TO BED WITH YOU!!!

I will win. Because I'm the freaking adult!!!

Love is.......

2011-03-14T22:49:00.001-04:00

Love is......

Carrying TWO babies for 37 weeks with horrible morning sickness and heartburn and never once complaining!

Singing the itsy bitsy spider over and over again because the girls love to do their spider hands

Letting Finley feed me old Cheerios from goodness knows where because she likes when I make my chomping noise at her.

Chasing the girls around the house with the vacuum from couch to couch just to hear them laugh hysterically.

Reading the same book a hundred times a night to Gillian because its her favorite!

Letting Finley put a stacking cup up to my mouth over and over again while I scream "whoopie" into it just to hear her laugh.

Getting up with upset babies at all hours of the night and watching countless hours of Elmo to calm them down.

Taking a shower with 5,000 toys on the floor of my tub.

My husband trading in his Jeep Wrangler for a minivan.

Holding vomiting babies for the a whole night because I didn't want them to feel scared.

Secretly wishing one of the girls would get up at night because I miss them.

Letting them run around the house naked after bath time because its their favorite part of the day, even if I have to clean up a little pee!

Letting Finley put on her own lotion because she feels like a big girl, even if she only does her belly and knees.

Letting them take my slippers off a hundred times because they love to try to put them back on. Did I mention I yell "yippee" every time they come close to making it on my foot?

Rubbing Gillian's back for a hour while she's in bed with me to get her to bed, despite the fact my arm and hand fell asleep 56 minutes earlier.

Being excited to wake up in the morning so I can see my girls.

My life.......every last dirty diaper, crying baby, and sleepless night!

I honestly wouldn't change a minute of it for the anything in the whole entire world!!!

Screw you Wii!!!

2011-03-14T22:23:00.001-04:00

Let me start this post by saying we had a great weekend, except for the part where Finn was a constipated maniac and was crankier than cranky!

Anyway, we had Ben, Jon, Sondra, Stacey, Christine and Kaylah over for Dance Central party night! It was fun, except for the part where I drank too much and Finley got up upset with a belly ache. Talk about a quick way too lose a buzz and sober up!

And in case anyone is reading this going Wow, this chic is a lush. I never drink.....for the plain and simple reason that I worry one of the girls will wake up and need me and I'll be bombed and not be able to take care of them. But I decided to live a little and have 2 drinks! Then I felt like crap trying to calm my poor Finley down!

So blah blah, drank too much, blah blah. Ben and Sondra stayed the night. Thank goodness because I felt like hell when I got up the next morning. Between daylight savings time and drinking the night before I needed a nap desperately! Since they were over to help Gary, I went and laid down for a hour and got a much needed mommy nap!

After I got up and the girls went down for their nap I ran to the store to get PRUNES! Which by the way worked in about 30 minutes for Ms. Finn! Poop Finally!!!

After things seemed to calm down Sondra started screwing around with our Wii. She decided to set up our Mii's and then we decided to do some stupid fitness test crap it has. Everything was going super until it asked me to step on the board and weighed me.

My BMI was 25.05 which FYI is .05 over the "healthy" range and that mother f*****g thing called me over weight..... Excuse me......stupid ass Wii.......what did you just call me? Oh hell no!!!

Does this Wii know I just had twins 15 months ago? I don't think it knows who its messing with! You're talking about someone who can feed, change and carry two babies at once!!! Don't mess with me!

So now I'm on a personal mission to prove my Wii wrong. I will lose my 3 pounds and get in this so called healthy range. Oh yes I will.....on a happy note it said my fitness age was 31. Guess what?! I'm freaking 31!! So I guess that's good right?!

So that was my Wii day. It ticked me off. I'm obviously not over it.

Dropping a nap

2011-03-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

Well. We've been having issues in the house with sleeping.

The girls used to go to bed around 6:30/7:00, then something strange happened and it started getting later and later. At some point last week they were up past 10:00! That is just insane!

So the thinking started......on a typical day they would get up between 7-8 and take a nap from 10-12, then they would take their 2nd nap from 3-5. This is where the issue is.....

Their 2nd nap is just too late to be a nap in my opinion.

I had two options to fix the problem, one was to get them up earlier. That however would require me to get up earlier and I usually don't go to bed until at least midnight sometimes 1:00am so to have them sleep until 8 is perfect.

My 2nd option was to push their morning nap and get them to one nap day. We've been working on it for the past 4 days and some days are better than others.

Monday they napped from 11:30-1:00 and went to bed around 7, Finn was back up around 8 and Gillian around 9. I finally got them both back to bed for the night around 10ish.

Tuesday they had a dr's appt so they napped in the car from 12-2 and went to bed at 8. They never woke and slept through until 8 the next morning.

Wednesday they napped from 12-2 and went to bed around 7:30 Finley was up off and on for most of the night starting around 9ish, Gillian got up too at one point and Gary finally got Finn down for good around 2am. Both up at 8am.

Today they napped from 12-3 (yippee! 3 hours) and I put them both down at 7ish because they were acting tired. Gillian went right to bed but Finn refused too. I finally went in after about 30 minutes of her whining wondering if she had a dirty diaper. I picked her up and smelled her and there was nothing but she was signing "diaper". She hates to be wet so I brought her in the living room, changed her and let her lay out here for about 20 minutes. Then she started saying "night night" so I brought her back to her room where she played with her gloworm for 40 minutes before falling asleep.

Now I know for a fact Finley is teething. She is definitely getting her eye teeth and the doc said something about her cutting molars. I thought she had them all already though (except her 2 years) so I'm not sure......I can't get in there to look so I don't know. Either way I am pretty sure that is playing a huge part in her crankiness and I may be having a hard time deciphering between tired cranky and teeth cranky at this point. Poor kid is getting Tylenol every night for the past 4 nights because she's in so much pain. I'll be glad to see the teeth come in and hopefully her sleep to go back to normal!

Anyone else transition their kids to one nap around 15 months or am I pushing it? Would you try something else?

Vrover

2011-03-09T23:04:00.000-05:00

Thats what Gillian calls Grover.....Vrover. She's too cute.

So I asked the pedi about Finn's talking and she asked me what words she can say , I gave her the run down of her usual ones and she said she was saying more than enough words for her age and Gillian was just a "advanced talker".

I guess this doesn't surprise me much with how quick Gilian does everything but this is a perfect example of why you shouldn't compare your kids. I'm constantly comparing them and Gillian typically does everything first and then I automatically think Finley is lagging behind. In reality Gillian is a over acheiver with most things and Finley is normal!

Sorry Finley, I hope you don't read this in 20 years and think your just "normal" and I hope Gillian isn't reading this in 20 years rubbing this in your face..........

Doctor Appt

2011-03-08T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well the girls had their 15 month appt today! They didn't gain nearly as much weight as I expected either!

Gillian weighed 22.14lbs and her height was 32 1/2 inches. She only gained a pound but grew 2 1/4 inches

Finley weighed 19.13lbs and her height was 30 3/4 inches. She gained less than a pound and grew an inch.

They ended up getting their HIB shot and a booster on their flu shot and since we had such a debacle with their blood work I asked they do a finger prick hemoglobin test. Everything came back great. The doc said they were perfect.

I can't believe how little they both gained though. Finley especially is a little bitty cute peanut!!

Oh dear sweet Children of mine......

2011-03-07T21:46:00.001-05:00

If you lift up my shirt one more time and pat my belly and say "baby" I may have to hurt you!

I know I'm still a little flabby from having you two 15 flipping months ago but I assure you there is no baby in my belly!

Those kids I tell you. They are cute though! Finley likes to come up and pull up my shirt, pinch a piece of fat and then laugh to herself and run away. As if she's saying "Yep, that fat.......its all my fault, I rock for wrecking your hot body" (okay maybe she isn't saying that but that's my interpretation)

Gillian decided to get up tonight after being down for 2 hours so I brought her to the livingroom and put on Elmo. If your thinking to yourself "Holy crap, does this chic use Elmo for everything" .....you're right! I use Elmo for everything. If my kids are upset and crying in hysteric's-I put on Elmo. If they are running around my house yelling "EBA" I put on Elmo, If they are at family's house and bored-you guessed it, I put on Elmo. He's my go to guy. Love that little red monster.

Anyway, we watched Elmo after Gillian got up tonight and when it was over she grabbed her phone (my old blackberry ironically enough-who give kids an expensive blackberry to play with as a toy is beyond me) and started "talking" into it. Then she would stick it to my ear and I would talk and we went back and forth. I finally asked her who was on the phone for me and whispered so quietly "eba" and handed me the phone.

She makes me laugh hysterically some days. I am amazed by how much they understand. I can't wait to have conversations with these two. They are such characters I can only imagine how those will go.

So that was my very random post of the week.......

The day I've been waiting for!

2011-03-07T19:54:00.002-05:00

Tonight the girls are I were playing in the playroom and I told Gillian to give Finley a kiss and she did!!! Then she did it again and again! Then to top it off Finley kissed her....again and again! It was so sweet!

Their first act of "sisterly love".....and it only took them 15 months!!

A months worth of pictures.

2011-03-04T23:21:00.002-05:00

Yes a whole month. I've been terrible about posting them so I've decided to just post a million of them all at once!

Miss Finley climbing as usual

Trisha and Chantelle came to visit! The girls loved seeing them!

Gillian trying on Daddy's hat

Gillian and Trisha again. Gillian wanted to wear her Elmo bathing suit

Finley playing with Daddy's hat

Uncle Ben and Uncle Jon got the girls Elmo hats

Finley wearing her hat

Gillian in her wrapeaze. Seriously, if you don't have one. You need one!

Gillian getting ready to go play outside!

Finley doing the groverelli

2011-03-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

Sweet Kisses

2011-02-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

I usually have to beg for kisses from the girls...."can mommy have a kiss, please? Kisses? Please? Please? Kiss Mommy."

Tonight I was giving the girls a bath and Gillian was looking at me so loving. I told her "Mommy loves you" and she got up and gave me the sweetest kiss then the sweetest smile......and then I cried. Yeah I couldn't help it. I tried, but couldn't. She was just so sweet.

I love these girls so darn much. I know I say that alot, but its strange to want something so bad and not be able to have it for so long. Everyday I have a point in the day where I realize 2 years ago I never thought they would exist.......and now they are here. Its so surreal.

Teaching and climbing.

2011-02-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

Just about everyday it dawns on me that I have to actually "teach" my girls things. This usually happens after I expect them to do something and then realize they have no clue how.

Today I was in the playroom with them looking around at the insane mess they made.

Then I started thinking they are old enough to pick up their own toys, why am I doing it all? So I was going to start a new "pick up your own toys rule" when I realized. They have never picked up their own toys, they don't even know how to put away their toys.......how did I miss this one?

So we showed them how to clean up and put everything away. They put a few blocks away, we cheered and they clapped!

So our newest "rule" in the house will be clean up time before naps and bed time. Hopefully they catch on quickly and are picking up their own toys soon!

Besides the picking up I'm worried........very worried.

I got a Summer Best view video monitor last week, which by the way if you have twins this things rocks! You can pan between 2 cribs in a room to watch them both or if you have them in separate rooms you can get a extra camera for the other room. It rocks.

Anyway, now that I have this monitor I realize the shenanigans that go on before nap and bedtime! They both are chucking socks at each other and teddy bears. Its hysterical to watch.

Finley though is starting to pull up on her crib rails. That little monkey is going to be climbing out of her crib in a few weeks. I just know it. This is going to put us on a fast track to "big girl beds".....something I was hoping to avoid until they were at least 2!

Now I am trying to figure out how I am going to handle this. Do I take all their dressers out of the room? If not I definitely need to anchor them to the walls. I will have to get a latch for the closet so they can't get into that too. I can imagine this not going well at all. Not at all! I'm just hoping she holds off on climbing out for a few more months.

Finn is a determined thing though so if she gets something into her head she usually doesn't stop until she's accomplishes it.

So I'll be watching her....and waiting for the day my life is turned upside down by the big girl beds!!

Tax Time

2011-02-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

Dear H & R Block. Screw you.

I called a few days ago to inquire about their pricing. They asked me a few basic questions and then told me it would be between $119-$299. That's a pretty broad range but why would ours be so expensive anyway? So I make an appt for today.

We got there, did all our stuff found out we're getting crap back compared to years before and then she says "It's going to be $298.00. All I could do was laugh. $1.00 cheaper than the most expensive range they gave me. Really?

This will teach me to never use them again........EVER! We have used the same person for the past 6 years and she went MIA this year so we said "screw you" and decided to let H&R Block screw us I guess. Lesson learned.

At least we're getting enough back to enjoy our vacation this year!

Oh Spring. Where are you?

2011-02-25T22:21:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of the winter and snow. I'm not gonna lie......call me nuts but I really love opening up my front window's and watching the snow fall. Unfortunately it doesn't snow 24 hours a day during winter (although this year came pretty close) so I gotta admit. Its starting to wear on me some!

I am excited for the nice weather to get here! I am excited to get the girls outside! I'm excited to get our camper opened up!!

Last camping season was hell. Yep, Hell. I mean who camps with 5 month olds anyway? Who in their right mind does such a thing? Gary and I that's who! I guess it wasn't that bad, but it wasn't my idea of fun either! It was hard trying to entertain the girls while we were there. I'm hoping now that they are walking (running really) and able to do more it will be better this year!

I guess only time will tell. We will start opening up the camper in about 5 or 6 weeks. Can't wait!

We also have our vacation this year. We're going to Maine for cousin Kelly's wedding and I can't wait. We rented a beach house for the week and its all I think about all day long. Seriously! I love seeing my family and they will all be there! We always have such a great time when we're all together.

So, spring. Please come soon. The weather is starting to suck. I just want to go outside and walk, bust out the swings and slides, sandbox's, sprinkler, pool and water tables! And lets not forget about early morning coffee and breakfast on the deck Ahhhh! I can't wait! Please spring.......get here soon.