"Wow, mom, that asparagus was really great! Can you buy some more and cook it for us again soon?"
This was after asking for seconds...and eating the seconds before touching anything else on their plate (including the bread and butter).
Plain asparagus...who woulda thunk it?
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
FIVE
Dear Tanner & Morgan,
In a few hours, you will be FIVE Years Old.
I truly can’t believe that I’ve blinked my eyes and those little 2 lb 3 oz babies have grown into these rambunctious, full-of-life five year olds. There are so days I get so frustrated by your continuous energy, non-stop talking, and attitude – and then I remember how far we’ve come, and I’m a little bit grateful, too.
We’ve had the good fortune of letting you stay home with daddy this last year. Oh, yes, you still attended “school”, but in the form of a 10 hours a week at a local church and not 50 hours a week in a daycare. You’ve both been healthier – and happier. No more whining about “we never get to play with our toys”. You eagerly dash off to school, but you also enjoy the time you get to lounge at home with Daddy. I hope you’ll remember this year and that special time you got to spend with Daddy when you got older.
Once again – time has deceived me. I didn’t think you’d changed all that much this year until I looked back at the pictures from last year. Then I realized how much you had matured, how the “baby look” was completely gone from your face. And, when I look back from 5 to 3 – I’m really astonished at how far you’ve come.
This has been a good year. Both of you have become very independent. You can take care of your bathroom needs without help, dress yourself, put yourself to bed, brush your own hair & teeth, walk through the stores without being carried, and most recently, buckle your own seatbelt. And, after five years, we’re slowly eliminating your afternoon naps. So many little things that show how big you’ve become.
Oh, Morgan, you are still my independent child. A little stubborn with quite a bit of attitude thrown in – I see a lot of myself in you. And even with that tough exterior, you are still my little girl. Your favorite thing these last few months is to curl up on our laps and ask for a backrub. You crave the touch and companionship. You love us feriousciously, and for that, I wouldn’t trade the world.
You are sooooo close to reading. Tonight you sat in my office and sounded out several short, rhyming words (cat, hat, pig, wig, cot, pot). I know when you break that barrier that we’ll have a hard time keeping you from spending your days in a corner curled up with a good book. Your language and expressions continue to amaze me. These days, I find myself defining words for you correctly. And, days later you will use it in proper context and form. You can count and identify numbers to 100. Your favorite “game” when we go to the store is to tell us the prices.
This entire year, you’ve been our little artist. If in doubt, we’ll look for you at any one of the drawing stations you’ve managed to set up around our house. You draw lots of pictures – they all have a little girl in them. Sometime this fall, the little girl started wearing a pony tail – and then later this spring, a bow in her ponytails. Girls are always differentiated by triangle bodies (because those are dresses). And, there is typically suns, rainbows, and always a swingset.
Tanner, you are still my good-hearted clown. You are so compassionate –if someone is hurt or upset, you are the first one to run to their aid. You understand pain – and it’s clear that you don’t want others to have to experience that. You are so very sensitive – whenever someone leaves, you instantly miss them. And, most importantly, you love to hear people laugh. You’ll clown around and do almost anything to hear people chuckle.
You’ve come a long ways, this year, too. You’ll act like you don’t know how to do something – but when consequence are involved, you’ll surprise us with just how much you can really do. Count to 100? No problem if a reward is involved. Can’t go to the circus without writing your name? You sat down and wrote it without much assistance. You learn so much by observing those around you – we often underestimate your abilities.
This spring, you started soccer alongside your sister. We really thought that Morgan would enjoy soccer more than you would. She had shown more interest in sports – but when we started playing, we saw a light go on. You run, kick the ball, and aren’t scared to duke it out with a bigger kid. We’re so proud that you get in there and participate with such gusto.
Your favorite thing this last year has been fire trucks, “Bob the Builders”, Matchbox cars, and Legos. You spend hours lining up your cars and playing with them. You’ll get out your firetrucks and then use the Legos to build a firehouse. You can contently build and play for hours – with or without your sister. And, somedays, you just want it to be you. You’ll pack up your firetrucks and carry them back to your bedroom to quietly play on your bed. Sometimes, it’s ok to have some “me” time.
Being a “mom of twins” has been such a blessing to me. It was evident to us early on that you guys had a bond we might never understand.
Even when you were separated in daycare, you were still close friends.
And, this year where you have spent nearly every waking moment with each other, your friendship has only gotten stronger. Morgan, I took you for a haircut this spring, and as we got ready to leave, you approached Tanner and told him “please don’t get another girlfriend while I’m gone”. On more than one occasion, you told us that you were going to “marry each other” and that “it’d be ok because when we get older we won’t tattle on each other”.
I sincerely hope that the friendship and love you have as twins will continue throughout your life.
I love you both so much. I really feel like I’ve blinked and that time has gone so quickly – and yet it’s hard to imagine a time when the two of you weren’t around. I enjoy this newfound freedom (and full nights sleep) that has come with my big kids, but I also miss the cuddle time that we used to get when you are little. My favorite thing about this age is your ability to reason and carry on conversation – even on the days when we flit from topic to topic. And, even thought I didn’t think it was possible five years ago, my love for you grows every day.
Happy 5th birthday, Morgan & Tanner. I love you both so much.
Love,
Mommy
In a few hours, you will be FIVE Years Old.
I truly can’t believe that I’ve blinked my eyes and those little 2 lb 3 oz babies have grown into these rambunctious, full-of-life five year olds. There are so days I get so frustrated by your continuous energy, non-stop talking, and attitude – and then I remember how far we’ve come, and I’m a little bit grateful, too.
We’ve had the good fortune of letting you stay home with daddy this last year. Oh, yes, you still attended “school”, but in the form of a 10 hours a week at a local church and not 50 hours a week in a daycare. You’ve both been healthier – and happier. No more whining about “we never get to play with our toys”. You eagerly dash off to school, but you also enjoy the time you get to lounge at home with Daddy. I hope you’ll remember this year and that special time you got to spend with Daddy when you got older.
Once again – time has deceived me. I didn’t think you’d changed all that much this year until I looked back at the pictures from last year. Then I realized how much you had matured, how the “baby look” was completely gone from your face. And, when I look back from 5 to 3 – I’m really astonished at how far you’ve come.
This has been a good year. Both of you have become very independent. You can take care of your bathroom needs without help, dress yourself, put yourself to bed, brush your own hair & teeth, walk through the stores without being carried, and most recently, buckle your own seatbelt. And, after five years, we’re slowly eliminating your afternoon naps. So many little things that show how big you’ve become.
Oh, Morgan, you are still my independent child. A little stubborn with quite a bit of attitude thrown in – I see a lot of myself in you. And even with that tough exterior, you are still my little girl. Your favorite thing these last few months is to curl up on our laps and ask for a backrub. You crave the touch and companionship. You love us feriousciously, and for that, I wouldn’t trade the world.
You are sooooo close to reading. Tonight you sat in my office and sounded out several short, rhyming words (cat, hat, pig, wig, cot, pot). I know when you break that barrier that we’ll have a hard time keeping you from spending your days in a corner curled up with a good book. Your language and expressions continue to amaze me. These days, I find myself defining words for you correctly. And, days later you will use it in proper context and form. You can count and identify numbers to 100. Your favorite “game” when we go to the store is to tell us the prices.
This entire year, you’ve been our little artist. If in doubt, we’ll look for you at any one of the drawing stations you’ve managed to set up around our house. You draw lots of pictures – they all have a little girl in them. Sometime this fall, the little girl started wearing a pony tail – and then later this spring, a bow in her ponytails. Girls are always differentiated by triangle bodies (because those are dresses). And, there is typically suns, rainbows, and always a swingset.
Tanner, you are still my good-hearted clown. You are so compassionate –if someone is hurt or upset, you are the first one to run to their aid. You understand pain – and it’s clear that you don’t want others to have to experience that. You are so very sensitive – whenever someone leaves, you instantly miss them. And, most importantly, you love to hear people laugh. You’ll clown around and do almost anything to hear people chuckle.
You’ve come a long ways, this year, too. You’ll act like you don’t know how to do something – but when consequence are involved, you’ll surprise us with just how much you can really do. Count to 100? No problem if a reward is involved. Can’t go to the circus without writing your name? You sat down and wrote it without much assistance. You learn so much by observing those around you – we often underestimate your abilities.
This spring, you started soccer alongside your sister. We really thought that Morgan would enjoy soccer more than you would. She had shown more interest in sports – but when we started playing, we saw a light go on. You run, kick the ball, and aren’t scared to duke it out with a bigger kid. We’re so proud that you get in there and participate with such gusto.
Your favorite thing this last year has been fire trucks, “Bob the Builders”, Matchbox cars, and Legos. You spend hours lining up your cars and playing with them. You’ll get out your firetrucks and then use the Legos to build a firehouse. You can contently build and play for hours – with or without your sister. And, somedays, you just want it to be you. You’ll pack up your firetrucks and carry them back to your bedroom to quietly play on your bed. Sometimes, it’s ok to have some “me” time.
Being a “mom of twins” has been such a blessing to me. It was evident to us early on that you guys had a bond we might never understand.
Even when you were separated in daycare, you were still close friends.
And, this year where you have spent nearly every waking moment with each other, your friendship has only gotten stronger. Morgan, I took you for a haircut this spring, and as we got ready to leave, you approached Tanner and told him “please don’t get another girlfriend while I’m gone”. On more than one occasion, you told us that you were going to “marry each other” and that “it’d be ok because when we get older we won’t tattle on each other”.
I sincerely hope that the friendship and love you have as twins will continue throughout your life.
I love you both so much. I really feel like I’ve blinked and that time has gone so quickly – and yet it’s hard to imagine a time when the two of you weren’t around. I enjoy this newfound freedom (and full nights sleep) that has come with my big kids, but I also miss the cuddle time that we used to get when you are little. My favorite thing about this age is your ability to reason and carry on conversation – even on the days when we flit from topic to topic. And, even thought I didn’t think it was possible five years ago, my love for you grows every day.
Happy 5th birthday, Morgan & Tanner. I love you both so much.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
My Dad
Since the kids aren't going to be in preschool during Father's Day, they did an ice cream social with dad tonight. They had prepared a small story about their dads along with a picture they drew. Here's the story:
My Dad by Morgan
I love my dad, his name is Randy. I fly kites with him and we got work out and I love to play games with him like MarioCart. My dad has a blue coat and he has white shoes and he has skin and he has a big bedroom and he sleeps with my mom. My dad calls me "mo mo" and when I was a baby, he called me "no no" because I was always doing things I shouldn't. My favorite thing to do with my dad is eat pizza. Ice cream is his favorite food. He is really good at playing the ghost game. I love my dad because he always has time to play with us and he fixed the ball game so I can hit the ball really hard now.
My Dad by Tanner
I love my dad because sometimes we go to the aquarium and one time we saw a lion. I love him because he gives me snacks. My dad's name is Randy, I call him "Daddy". He looks like big and that's it. My dad is really good at working and playing with us. We have a Disney clubhouse and Mickey helicopter that he plays with us. Sometimes, I take a nap when he is working. He doensn't like to take naps. Outside, we play Frisbee, we have two and two soccer balls. He sends e-mails to his friends. Daddy has a saw that he cuts some wood with. Daddy is smart because he thinks of things. He likes to watch Colonel Klink on TV. I want to know how he gets in bed, I never saw him get in bed.
My Dad by Morgan
I love my dad, his name is Randy. I fly kites with him and we got work out and I love to play games with him like MarioCart. My dad has a blue coat and he has white shoes and he has skin and he has a big bedroom and he sleeps with my mom. My dad calls me "mo mo" and when I was a baby, he called me "no no" because I was always doing things I shouldn't. My favorite thing to do with my dad is eat pizza. Ice cream is his favorite food. He is really good at playing the ghost game. I love my dad because he always has time to play with us and he fixed the ball game so I can hit the ball really hard now.
My Dad by Tanner
I love my dad because sometimes we go to the aquarium and one time we saw a lion. I love him because he gives me snacks. My dad's name is Randy, I call him "Daddy". He looks like big and that's it. My dad is really good at working and playing with us. We have a Disney clubhouse and Mickey helicopter that he plays with us. Sometimes, I take a nap when he is working. He doensn't like to take naps. Outside, we play Frisbee, we have two and two soccer balls. He sends e-mails to his friends. Daddy has a saw that he cuts some wood with. Daddy is smart because he thinks of things. He likes to watch Colonel Klink on TV. I want to know how he gets in bed, I never saw him get in bed.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Snow Days
We got 5 - 6" of snow on Monday. The kids have been anxiously awaiting playing in the snow this year, so we let them at it on Tuesday. Good thing - after 50 F days this week, it's LONG gone!
And, for some reason, this picture:
Reminds me of this picture:
(Yeah, I know, I have no clue what the reference is to polymers...blame Google)
And, for some reason, this picture:
Reminds me of this picture:
(Yeah, I know, I have no clue what the reference is to polymers...blame Google)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Economics
Family finances - it seems like I spend a substantial sum of time every week keeping up with our bills, figuring out where we spend money, chasing after billing errors (usually hospital or insurance), and finding ways to get more for our dollar. But, during this time of year, I get to do the really fun stuff (sarcasm) like taxes and insurance / cafeteria plan enrollment forms.
For the last 5 years, I've dutifully sat down and filled out the cafeteria forms and while the medical always takes some guesses - the dependent care part was easy - $5000. I usually spend this money in the first 3 - 4 months of each year, submit the receipts, and collect the money.
This year is different. Randy is home with the kids except for preschool (although that will still be on the cafeteria plan) and next year is kindergarten. I still thought with preschool / summer care / before school care we'd hit the limit. But, I decided to run the numbers.
To my shock and amazement, we don't think we'll hit our $5000 limit for daycare cafeteria plan.
I don't know whether to jump for joy or sit and have a good cry...
For the last 5 years, I've dutifully sat down and filled out the cafeteria forms and while the medical always takes some guesses - the dependent care part was easy - $5000. I usually spend this money in the first 3 - 4 months of each year, submit the receipts, and collect the money.
This year is different. Randy is home with the kids except for preschool (although that will still be on the cafeteria plan) and next year is kindergarten. I still thought with preschool / summer care / before school care we'd hit the limit. But, I decided to run the numbers.
To my shock and amazement, we don't think we'll hit our $5000 limit for daycare cafeteria plan.
I don't know whether to jump for joy or sit and have a good cry...
Monday, November 10, 2008
I Blinked
I'm not sure if it was the way that Morgan looked at me the other night, cocked her head, and then started telling me a story about school...
or Tanner telling me the other night that "I don't like change!" (SOOOO like his father)
or looking at different kindergartens* for next year...
but over the last few days, I looked at my children, and I didn't see toddlers anymore. I didn't see little kids...I just saw kids. Kids who make their own decisions, take care of many of their own needs, children who have these vivid imaginations. And I realized that they aren't my babies anyomore...they're my "kids".
* Yes, really, looking at kindergartens. Our school district offers "school of choice" which means that we don't have to go to our "home school". We'll be enrolling at another nearby elementary school. Sign-up begins 11/17. Can't believe that kindergarten starts in 9 months. GULP.
or Tanner telling me the other night that "I don't like change!" (SOOOO like his father)
or looking at different kindergartens* for next year...
but over the last few days, I looked at my children, and I didn't see toddlers anymore. I didn't see little kids...I just saw kids. Kids who make their own decisions, take care of many of their own needs, children who have these vivid imaginations. And I realized that they aren't my babies anyomore...they're my "kids".
* Yes, really, looking at kindergartens. Our school district offers "school of choice" which means that we don't have to go to our "home school". We'll be enrolling at another nearby elementary school. Sign-up begins 11/17. Can't believe that kindergarten starts in 9 months. GULP.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween - Take 5
Take 1 - 2004 - 6 months old (Pumpkins)
Note to self: Orange is not a good color for a kid with profound liver disease.
Take 2 - 2005 - 18 months old (Cat & Dog)
Note to self: Killing yourself for 2 months to make their costumes may not qualify as time well spent.
Take 3 - 2006 - 2-1/2 years old (Pebbles & Bam Bam)
Note to self: Don't try elaborate hair things on fine, toddler hair.
Take 4 - 2007 - 3-1/2 years old (Minnie & Mickey Mouse)
Note to self: The themed Halloweens can't continue forever - although they are darn cute.
Take 5 - 2008 - 4-1/2 year old (Pterdactyl & Pink Dragon)
Note to self: Halloween was made for kids - our first year of door-to-door trick-or-treating and they had a blast (they were almost as entertained by our trick-or-treaters).
Final note to self: They grow up really, really fast.
Note to self: Orange is not a good color for a kid with profound liver disease.
Take 2 - 2005 - 18 months old (Cat & Dog)
Note to self: Killing yourself for 2 months to make their costumes may not qualify as time well spent.
Take 3 - 2006 - 2-1/2 years old (Pebbles & Bam Bam)
Note to self: Don't try elaborate hair things on fine, toddler hair.
Take 4 - 2007 - 3-1/2 years old (Minnie & Mickey Mouse)
Note to self: The themed Halloweens can't continue forever - although they are darn cute.
Take 5 - 2008 - 4-1/2 year old (Pterdactyl & Pink Dragon)
Note to self: Halloween was made for kids - our first year of door-to-door trick-or-treating and they had a blast (they were almost as entertained by our trick-or-treaters).
Final note to self: They grow up really, really fast.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Things they say...
Tanner: "Hey mom, do you still have that cage you used to keep us in when we were little?"
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Things not to tell your four-year-old....
Tanner was crying in bed last night. I went to check in on him & see what the problem was. He was upset because he didn't know when his birthday was...
Ok, folks, his birthday is April 30th - he has a good 7-1/2 months left until his next birthday. So, I told him about all the fun things that we had left to do before his birthday - visit to Grandma & Grandpa, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Disney, and Christmas! Oh, and maybe we could host an elf this Christmas**....
That was around 8:30 p.m. last night - Tanner was still awake at 11:30 p.m. TERRIFIED by the thought that we might have an Elf come to stay with us... I should have expected this from the kid who was terrified of Mickey Mouse.
** I find the idea of hosting an Elf to be so much fun - and I followed Catie's story long before she became an angel.
Ok, folks, his birthday is April 30th - he has a good 7-1/2 months left until his next birthday. So, I told him about all the fun things that we had left to do before his birthday - visit to Grandma & Grandpa, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Disney, and Christmas! Oh, and maybe we could host an elf this Christmas**....
That was around 8:30 p.m. last night - Tanner was still awake at 11:30 p.m. TERRIFIED by the thought that we might have an Elf come to stay with us... I should have expected this from the kid who was terrified of Mickey Mouse.
** I find the idea of hosting an Elf to be so much fun - and I followed Catie's story long before she became an angel.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Calling all b/g twin parents...
So, at what age do you have to start giving your boy / girl twins separate baths?
Have I missed the boat? Our twins are over 4 years old, and they are still taking a bath together - we get them dressed in the same room (they dress themselves, we just apply sunscreen before they put on their clothes). We've had some interesting conversations about our private part and penises, but nothing too uncomfortable yet.
Just curious...
Have I missed the boat? Our twins are over 4 years old, and they are still taking a bath together - we get them dressed in the same room (they dress themselves, we just apply sunscreen before they put on their clothes). We've had some interesting conversations about our private part and penises, but nothing too uncomfortable yet.
Just curious...
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Beginning of a New Era
Today was the beginning of a new era. Randy would begin staying home with Tanner & Morgan during the days - although we'll maintain them in a church preschool for three half-days a week.
So, without further ado, "first day of school" pictures.
Tanner's first day of school picture - always my kid who will smile for the camera.
Morgan, not quite so cooperative with the camera.
But finally, a cute picture of them together on their first day (and look - I didn't even dress them in coordinating clothes!)
So, without further ado, "first day of school" pictures.
Tanner's first day of school picture - always my kid who will smile for the camera.
Morgan, not quite so cooperative with the camera.
But finally, a cute picture of them together on their first day (and look - I didn't even dress them in coordinating clothes!)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Seven signs you are south of the Mason Dixon line...
1. There is a Cracker Barrel at every exit along the freeway.
2. Winn-Dixie is the grocery store chain of choice.
3. Humidity level is at "wilt"
4. There are two flavors of tea - sweetened and tea for northerners.
5. The side dishes offered at dinner are all fried - fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles.
6. Alligator is an entree choice.
7. All y'all is used to refer to a group of people.
2. Winn-Dixie is the grocery store chain of choice.
3. Humidity level is at "wilt"
4. There are two flavors of tea - sweetened and tea for northerners.
5. The side dishes offered at dinner are all fried - fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles.
6. Alligator is an entree choice.
7. All y'all is used to refer to a group of people.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Listen to your mother...
My mom & I had the following discussion last night (with my dad on the other line of the phone)..
Grandma Crazy: "Well, you know, the only reason I'm watching the Olympics is in the hopes that Michael Phelps is going to come out of his swimsuit one of these times..."
Hmmm.....interesting.....very interesting....
Grandma Crazy: "Well, you know, the only reason I'm watching the Olympics is in the hopes that Michael Phelps is going to come out of his swimsuit one of these times..."
Hmmm.....interesting.....very interesting....
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Summer Tradition
Watermelon, fireworks, lightning bugs, late nights, long days, mowing the yard, swimming - those are my childhood memories of summer. So, taking my kids to swimming lessons, feels like I'm sharing a part of my history with them.
Tanner loves to submerge his head underwater while waiting for his turn...
Morgan likes jumping into the water - but she freaks if she gets her ears wet.
Tanner loves to submerge his head underwater while waiting for his turn...
Morgan likes jumping into the water - but she freaks if she gets her ears wet.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
For the record...
Overheard tonight in Aisle 26 at Sam's Club...
"Tanner, you'll always be my best friend."
Yeah....they're that cute.
"Tanner, you'll always be my best friend."
Yeah....they're that cute.
This is for the stay at home moms...
Randy & I were doing some number crunching today. You see, about 4 years ago this next week or so is when I went back to the workforce - leaving my kids with our nanny at the time. We kept the nanny until a month after their 2nd birthdays, when they entered daycare world. Their first 18 months were at wonderful daycare in Kansas - and the the last 7 months have been at 2 daycares here in Colorado. Okay daycares - but certainly not up to snuff with our Kansas daycare.
At a birthday party this weekend, someone made mention to Randy about 6 years of daycare and how they were excited to not pay that anymore. It made Randy & I think - what had we paid for daycare the last 4 years?
We're budgeting kind of folks...I've put every bill into Quicken for at least 10 years. So, this was easy to figure out...even if it was a little shocking.
$79,367.92 for daycare for the last 4 years
Now, $25,000 of that has been "tax free" in our childcare cafeteria accounts. What did we have to earn (before taxes) to shell out that amount of money (after taxes)?
Are you sitting down....
$111,435.48 over 4 years - or $27,858/year.
We're both engineers...but that is still a ridiculous amount of money when you think about it. And, that doesn't include all of the "extra" costs associated with working (like more meals out because you don't have time to cook, more gas, more vehicle cost, more clothing costs, etc).
So - for all of you stay-at-home moms out there, I hope this gives you an idea of how much childcare for two is worth...maybe you can ask for a pay raise?
At a birthday party this weekend, someone made mention to Randy about 6 years of daycare and how they were excited to not pay that anymore. It made Randy & I think - what had we paid for daycare the last 4 years?
We're budgeting kind of folks...I've put every bill into Quicken for at least 10 years. So, this was easy to figure out...even if it was a little shocking.
$79,367.92 for daycare for the last 4 years
Now, $25,000 of that has been "tax free" in our childcare cafeteria accounts. What did we have to earn (before taxes) to shell out that amount of money (after taxes)?
Are you sitting down....
$111,435.48 over 4 years - or $27,858/year.
We're both engineers...but that is still a ridiculous amount of money when you think about it. And, that doesn't include all of the "extra" costs associated with working (like more meals out because you don't have time to cook, more gas, more vehicle cost, more clothing costs, etc).
So - for all of you stay-at-home moms out there, I hope this gives you an idea of how much childcare for two is worth...maybe you can ask for a pay raise?
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Mommy & Me
Morgan had yet another birthday party today...it seems like "5" is the age at which all of the kids have a big party. Since she's in the class of kids that are turning 5, she's had at least 3 - 4 birthday parties in the last 5 months.
So, with Morgan & Daddy off at the party, that left Tanner & I to do our own thing. We decided to go shopping - Tanner is my most awesome shopper. He is patient, stays near the cart (even when he is walking), and even participates in the shopping process politely ("Mommy, I think Morgan would like this shirt - it's cute!").
What did I learn today? I'm totally jealous of those with singletons...
ONE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EASY
So, with Morgan & Daddy off at the party, that left Tanner & I to do our own thing. We decided to go shopping - Tanner is my most awesome shopper. He is patient, stays near the cart (even when he is walking), and even participates in the shopping process politely ("Mommy, I think Morgan would like this shirt - it's cute!").
What did I learn today? I'm totally jealous of those with singletons...
ONE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EASY
Friday, July 25, 2008
Overhead
Overheard in an Old Navy changing room:
"Daddy, I hope you aren't going to take off your underwear, too. We don't want anybody to see your penis."
(Yes, that would be the girl...Daddy will no longer allow 4-year-olds to accompany him when trying on new clothes.)
"Daddy, I hope you aren't going to take off your underwear, too. We don't want anybody to see your penis."
(Yes, that would be the girl...Daddy will no longer allow 4-year-olds to accompany him when trying on new clothes.)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Favorite Twin Pix
I think most of us will admit that we tend to read blogs of people that we have something in common with - I love reading twin blogs, especially boy-girl twin blogs. I always enjoy reading Matthew's column - and he has a contest for a double stroller going on right now. While we are on the edge of not needing strollers, we do have a Disney vacation coming up in December in which we will need a good, lightweight stroller. And, if we don't win, I still always smile when I see these pictures...
I'm throwing in a few pictures here - just because I can...
First, my favorite - "Tale of the Two Twins"
For those of you who know us, I'm sure you'll attest to the fact that there probably isn't a better picture that more accurately portrays our children's personalities.
And, then there is the "I had that!" picture...
Which, of course, should be followed with a double time out...
But, it's not all bad - twins have a special bond, too...
When they were infants & we would lay them near each other, they'd always end up nose to nose.
And, like they've always said - Twice the Love...
I'm throwing in a few pictures here - just because I can...
First, my favorite - "Tale of the Two Twins"
For those of you who know us, I'm sure you'll attest to the fact that there probably isn't a better picture that more accurately portrays our children's personalities.
And, then there is the "I had that!" picture...
Which, of course, should be followed with a double time out...
But, it's not all bad - twins have a special bond, too...
When they were infants & we would lay them near each other, they'd always end up nose to nose.
And, like they've always said - Twice the Love...
Monday, July 21, 2008
Neurosurgeon Update
Back from the neurosurgeon. I am very happy to report that he is much better than the neurologist. The neurosurgeon didn't know who the neurologist was - just that he was a new resident.
Tanner’s cyst is large for a cyst in this area – but not atypical of other cysts that they see in the brain. The cyst is pressing on part of the brain (maybe it was brain stem) that controls visual stuff – but since Tanner doesn’t seem to have any visual problems, he thinks that it has been that way for a very long time. He said if this stuff happens young enough – kids tend to compensate for it, and he thinks that may be the case with Tanner. The cyst is not blocking the channel for cerebral fluid between the ventricles. As long as it does not grow, does not cause any hydrocephalus, or vision problems – then we’ll continue to monitor it.
We’re doing a follow-up MRI in 3 months. He was going to do it in 6 months, but this cyst didn’t show on previous ultrasounds (from Tanner's NICU stay) – so he is concerned that it may still be growing. So – we’ll do a follow-up MRI in 3 months (mid-October). If Tanner develops any other symptoms that it may be growing (dizziness, unexplained vomiting, vision changes, hearing issues, or headaches), then we’ll be back at his office for some kind of treatment (probably surgical).
He said that typically they don’t “remove” the cyst – they drain it by puncturing multiple holes in the side of it so that it doesn’t reinflate later on. Access to the cyst is typically by ERCP through the nasal passages.
And, a final note – he doesn’t think that this is cancerous. It doesn’t display any of the classical signs of a cancerous tumor, so he said he was “very, very certain” that it wasn’t cancerous. However, they can’t be 100% certain unless they do a biopsy.
I was kind of hoping that the MRI could be after Disney trip in December, but that would be 5 months – so we’ll probably aim for mid-October. The good news is that we’ll do the MRI first thing on a Monday morning – and then we’ll see the neurosurgeon later that morning for a follow-up. We’ll know something that same day (which makes me very happy).
St. Louis called this afternoon - they agree with the diagnosis from the Denver doctor. They were even willing to let us go up to 6 months without follow-up. They also believe that the dizziness is not related to this cyst - and it was found incidentally.
Thank you for the prayers and continued support.
Tanner’s cyst is large for a cyst in this area – but not atypical of other cysts that they see in the brain. The cyst is pressing on part of the brain (maybe it was brain stem) that controls visual stuff – but since Tanner doesn’t seem to have any visual problems, he thinks that it has been that way for a very long time. He said if this stuff happens young enough – kids tend to compensate for it, and he thinks that may be the case with Tanner. The cyst is not blocking the channel for cerebral fluid between the ventricles. As long as it does not grow, does not cause any hydrocephalus, or vision problems – then we’ll continue to monitor it.
We’re doing a follow-up MRI in 3 months. He was going to do it in 6 months, but this cyst didn’t show on previous ultrasounds (from Tanner's NICU stay) – so he is concerned that it may still be growing. So – we’ll do a follow-up MRI in 3 months (mid-October). If Tanner develops any other symptoms that it may be growing (dizziness, unexplained vomiting, vision changes, hearing issues, or headaches), then we’ll be back at his office for some kind of treatment (probably surgical).
He said that typically they don’t “remove” the cyst – they drain it by puncturing multiple holes in the side of it so that it doesn’t reinflate later on. Access to the cyst is typically by ERCP through the nasal passages.
And, a final note – he doesn’t think that this is cancerous. It doesn’t display any of the classical signs of a cancerous tumor, so he said he was “very, very certain” that it wasn’t cancerous. However, they can’t be 100% certain unless they do a biopsy.
I was kind of hoping that the MRI could be after Disney trip in December, but that would be 5 months – so we’ll probably aim for mid-October. The good news is that we’ll do the MRI first thing on a Monday morning – and then we’ll see the neurosurgeon later that morning for a follow-up. We’ll know something that same day (which makes me very happy).
St. Louis called this afternoon - they agree with the diagnosis from the Denver doctor. They were even willing to let us go up to 6 months without follow-up. They also believe that the dizziness is not related to this cyst - and it was found incidentally.
Thank you for the prayers and continued support.
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