Identity Theft

If there is one thing that I have learned in my almost two years of twin parenting, its that as soon as you figure them out, that's when they're gonna change it up on you.

We have had a total turn around in personalities in this household. Nixon has gone from a shy, clingy, dare I say it, momma's boy, to a pushy, bullying, machismo daddy's little man. He generally wants nothing to do with me anymore, preferring the company of dada and the ensuing rough house play. On the other had, Reaghan, who has always been a pushy daddy's girl, is now totally submitting to her brothers commands and clinging all over me all hours of the day. Strange. I'm not sure what to think of it.

The weirdest thing is I am just a tiny bit upset by Nixon's new found independence. I used to complain that the kid wouldn't let me get a thing done because all he wants to do is be held, but now he won't even let me pick him up at all. I kinda miss my little buddy. I realise that it is a good thing for him - he was way over dependent, but with his move from me I think it just hit me solid in the stomach that they just aren't ever gonna be my little babies anymore. They are going to stop wanting so many hugs and kisses (yech muma), sooner or later I'll start to get the eye rolls (mom...don't kiss me in front of my friends) and before you know it they'll start wanting me to drop them off a block from school so their friends don't know their mommie still drives them - okay, maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here. But the point is, when they are infants the months seem like forever, but as soon as they start to walk its like time kinda doubles up on itself. It seems like they just became toddlers, and now I'm looking at about a year until preschool.

On an upside, with the sudden turn in weather the kids have been going bonkers to play outside. Yesterday we put their rain boots on, tucked their pantlegs in, and let them stomp in puddles for an hour or so. Afterwards we had a nice lunch at La Shish and once we got home the kids blessed us with a THREE HOUR NAP!! Sooooo nice of them since muma hadn't gotten a wink of sleep thanks to the congested snore monster I've been sharing a bed with. We just can't wait for summer!!

I got shushed

The kids have been learning alot during their daytimes at the learning center. Some of them are really helpful...they carry their plates to the sink, they wipe thier own noses, they are getting very good at the whole fork/spoon thing. Other things are just kinda funny. The other day we were giving them their night time bath - I was trying to get Reaghan to stand up so that I could wash her bottom, but she was way too busy playing with a tub toy.
"Come on Rea, stand up so muma can wash your bottom."
no reponse
"Reaghan, stand up so muma can wash your bottom."
Reaghan turns quickly towards me and put her index finger over her lips
"Shhh." She then turns back to her toy
Bill and I just kinda sat there in disbelief for a second.
"Reaghan, what did..."
"Shhh." again with the finger over the lip

I was reminded of one of the Austin Powers movies where Dr. Evil is shushing someone at the table. "Before you even go there...shhhh."

Cute.

Sunday

The Den

Happy Sunday

A Day Apart

In days past when I had alot of time on my hands (read: bedrest), I had read alot of books on raising twins and fostering a strong sense of their own identity. A few of the books had suggested that starting in the toddler years it is a good idea to separate them every once in a while, giving them each some one on one time with a parent. Bill and I have done this a little before, he would take Nixon to Home Depot while Reaghan and I went to Holiday Market or vice versa, but today we decided to do a whole morning alone each with a kid. It started out because I really wanted to go to the outlet mall in Howell, the kiddos needed new PJs, but surprisingly Bill didn't think that spending a morning shopping at an outlet mall and then having lunch sounded like a great idea. Besides, we recently had bird number three in our basement, so he wanted to do some investigating to find out how in the heck they keep getting in there and then fix the problem. Since Nixon has a bloody fit every time I subject him to shopping, and Reaghan is a budding fascionista, it was an easy choice with kid I would take.

Reaghan and I had a terrific time shopping, got some great deals, and then had a nice little girly lunch at a Chinese restaurant near home. While shopping I had let her walk in the stores part of the time and was totally surprised at how well she behaved - no snatching at items, though she did make a few selections (a very cute kitty t-shirt and a pair of pink sunglasses with flowers) and at the restaurant she sat in a booster seat instead of a high chair for the very first time! Reaghan was very impressed with the order of beef with broccoli with brown rice that we shared at Ginger, ate nicely with her spoon, and even kept her voice down! When we got home she showed all of her favorite items to Nixon and Daddy and then went upstairs for a nap with no problems!! There was alot of horseplay going on in their room right after we put them down for nap, no doubt because they hadn't seen each other for three hours, but they eventually settled right down.

Bill and Nixon had a great time as well. They hit the hardware store, then had a "manly" luncheon at BW3. Bill reported that Nixon was a perfect gentleman the whole time, downright chatty, and even flirted with the waitress (I'm sure daddy was proud).

Tonight is our monthly date night, we are heading to Ann Arbor to go to the Earle. We've decided that each month on our date night day that we will hang with a kid in the morning. I think that not only is it good for the kids, but in a way its really nice for us as well. You really feel much less stressed out with only one kid, and it is so nice to have that one on one time with them. Maybe next time I'll do a mommy-son breakfast!

It'll be fun!

By the way, special thanks to Leighla for her guest spot! Maybe the experiance will lead to her starting her own little blog!

Travels Colorado Here we Come!

Well...I guess I should start with an introduction. I am Leighla, a friend of the Double Dinks. I live in Grand Rapids with my family. I am the mother of Aaron. Aaron is one week younger then the twins. Most of you I believe have either met me or all of us before.

But Meet Aaron and our dog Cicero >>>>>>

So, a few weeks ago we took our first trip to Colorado...yes we braved the plane ride with our darling 20 month old.

Who at the time was sick and cutting his last tooth, getting over pink eye, and sick with a fever everyday the entire week prior to our departure....which later carried on into our trip.

So...the flights were not bad...on the way home we did run into a snotty woman in front of us, that I was ready to take on. That being said I will move on from that story. We traveled prepared with toys, food (Cherry Lollipops were the food of choice, and did you know they can also work as earplugs if necessary, trust me on this one), and the ultimate travel item a portable DVD player with 200 hours worth of Blue's Clues, which is Aaron's favorite show. Oh, did I mention a car seat, since there is no way Aaron would just sit and be happy...you got to strap that boy down and never let him up until you reach your destination.

Now, in Colorado we were in a beautiful condo with the slopes behind us....gorgeous just gorgeous. And my little man wanted a bite, and he got one. Then after the bite he had a wonderful time playing outside....until.....

Temper tantrum city....I would guess part of the tantrum was brought on by exhaustion from being sick, but who knows...he really let me have it. So, with the tantrum I was not about to just stand outside in the cold and let this go on. Lately, his events let's call them had been lasting ten minutes or so. Instead I gave my stern mommy warning, picked him, legs kicking and all, and hauled him back in our lovely condo, who's walls were beginning to close in on me. While his father was out enjoying the mountain.

After getting him into the condo, I sat down to try and ignore my son's rage. The screaming and tears eventually subsided, and a strange breathing pattern emerged. I thought to myself no way.....what is he doing....but yes still fully clothed boots and all, he had fallen asleep, and was SNORING! on the floor in the door way. Classic Toddler.

Now, I tell you this story but the trip was really great and Aaron settled down, and we did have a great time. Maybe we will talk again soon.....Leighla