Wordful Wednesday


V:

• I'm an angel. I'm not an angel, I'm Veronica.
• Are you happy Thomas? Are you happy now Thomas?
• This is my honky-honky. (pronounced hoan-key, points to nose)

T:

• I want to be a Polar Bear when I grow up.
• When I'm a Mommy, I'll play with ribbon.

Wordful Wednesday

V:

• The kids are a little frightened of the abominable snowman in Rudolph. They wanted to watch it this morning while I was taking a shower, but I told her it was something Mommy or Daddy had to watch with them so we could hold them. Veronica's response, "We can watch it, and I can hold onto Thomas like this." She stretched her arm up and around like he was right next to her.

T:

• On the way down to North Vernon this past weekend, Thomas started whispering, "Shhh... The coach is coming!" Judson reminded me that was from Rudolph - which we'd only just shown them that morning!

Both:

They've been taking care of each other. For example, this morning they wanted to watch Rudolph, but they are a little frightened of the abominable snowmonster (ABOVE).

Today Veronica really scraped herself on a chair at the State House while we lunched with Daddy. She had some pretty sad and painful tears. Thomas tore a piece of his bun off and handed to her. "Here, Sissy. This will make you feel better."

Post Party Paradigm

Today has given us a variety of coincidences to make their extra-thoughful gifts even more exciting. (Disclaimer: We don't always watch this much TV. Mommy & Daddy were exhausted, so we used the TV as a tool to rest.)

• We awoke to watch Sid the Science Kid. Sid was learning how to use a magnifying glass, so we broke out the magnifying glasses Uncle Thad and Aunt Paula gave them so they could learn along side Sid. I texted Uncle Thad to let him know. Thad was just made aware earlier this morning while listening to NPR.


• We played with our new Memory games (Spiderman & Princess themed) from Madeline & Julia. Then, while the games were still out we watched Caillou play Memory!


• Veronica pulled out the mittens Aunt Peggy made for her (and Thomas), specifically to play in the snow. We awoke to snow for this first time this season.

All the gifts we received yesterday were SO thoughtful. It is amazing how much those we love care for us and are interested in the interests of our children. We are so blessed.

Wordful Wednesday

V:

• Rolling paper = wrapping paper - guess because it comes in a roll!
• "I'm a girl; you're a girl; Grandma's a girl... Thomas is a boy; Daddy's a boy; and Pa is a boy!" Says each with a grin. So proud to be a part of the fairer sex!
• "Ma- sha- sheen." machine? We think it's the carts at Meijer that have cars with a Dora DVD player in them.
• Loves to help. She is such a Mommy at heart. "I'm a Mommy just like you." Grandma said that she took them to the bathroom at church last weekend and Veronica so wanted to help Thomas. "I'll hold him on the potty." She got some toilet paper for him too.
• At nap time I hear the yelling through the window to the neighbors, "Richard and Paula, we're sleeping again!"

T:

• "We're (or "not" at times) sitting in a circle!" The update at every meal as to if we fill the table (circle or oval) all the way around.
• "Panana" = banana.
• Grandma took them to the park the other day. They were swinging in ellipses on the tire swing. He asked to get off. The explanation: "It makes my neck kiwi."
• Overheard talking to himself in the backseat:"That was a lot of fun. For more fun go to pbskids.org." Hmm....
• Has to bless "Spiderman and Superman" at every prayer now. In my head, I see them as our troops.

Both:

• Fruit Lips = Fruit Loops ( Treat we eat on weekends when Daddy's home for breakfast)
• Conversation heard upon waking... T: I have two Spiderman books in my bed. V: When I'm a boy, I'll have FIVE Spiderman books in my bed.
• They are amazingly good at following the rules of English. They've both said "mine's" for a long time, just as you would say, "This is Veronica's." The new word is "dooze"... in place of does.
• Song being sung quietly loudly from the nursery now at nap time: "I've got underwear. I play the guitar!"
• They've been including Julianne and David a lot... After the Nov 9 visit to the cemetery, Veronica said, "I want Julianne and David to catch up with us." On the way to church one day, Thomas said the same thing. Thomas shows me things and says, "This one is for Sissy, this one is for Julianne and David, and this one is for Thomas.

National Prematurity Awareness Day

I committed myself to blog today through this site... http://www.bloggersunite.org/

It's such a great idea. However I've been thinking too much about preemies lately, so I'm too tired to blog about my history with prematurity. I live with the life and loss of prematurity every day, every minute.

Some people who don't know me well all too easily protect themselves when others ask me how many children I have. They answer for me, "Let's just say 2." Hmmm... I'm not comparing raising two children to raising four. But, let's compare having four children to raising four children...

• I'm sure it's physically exhausting to chase after four children every day. Every day I miss two children while at the same time be present for the two I have in the room with me every moment. Every day I wonder what I could have done differently so that I could raise four children. Every day I try to keep Julianne and David a living part of our family - despite those who choose to make them a distant memory. It's exhausting.
• Every day I work at becoming stronger - even three years later - because of the toll two premature pregnancies took on my body.
• Every night I can't go to sleep (and sometimes can't go back to sleep) until I physically make sure my earthly children are breathing.
• Someone with four children has to budget their time to get each child to their activities. I use my energy to try not to think about what activities my deceased children would be participating in now.
• Every day most mothers of four get to hug and kiss their four children. Every day, I give extra hugs to the ones I am lucky enough to hold and and I spend time sending love up to those I don't.
• Every day I am thankful for all four of my children. Every one. Every day.

Today I have another preemie to be thankful for. A close friend was beside us for the births, deaths, fear, grief and celebrations associated with all our children. She has suffered the lonely and heartbreaking road of infertility. Saturday, a mother selflessly put a preemie in her arms for adoption - one for her to call her own. Today is the first whole day she will have her new daughter at her home.

Birth and life are amazing... no matter how it occurs, no matter how early, no matter how short or how long. It is all precious.

Wordful Wednesday

V:

"I want to go where I was born." (When we mentioned visiting the nurses at the hospital then found out we couldn't due to H1N1)

"You need a maggot. This is my maggot." (Magnet)

Veronica does a lot of baby talk now - she likes to pretend she's a baby.

T:

"I've been working on the railroad, all the children come." (singing I've been Working on the Railroad.')

"You're so snugly. I'm snugly. You're comfy."

He often tells me how pretty sissy is. Sometimes he compares her things to his: "Sissy's is pretty. Mine's is cool."

"You've got a beard on your leg!" (After touching my unshaven legs.)

Both:

"I'm getting very busy!" (dizzy - when spinning around)

"It's not working!" or "It's working!" This is in reference to whether or not they can pee when they sit on the toilet. Veronica's got it just about down minus sleeping and holding BMs in. She doesn't even need us to be in the room with her - she even washes her hands independently. Thomas is making grand progress.

Like me to "act like a baby" (their own command). Then, they tell me to cry. If I won't they tell me, "Daddy's not home." I guess this is very upsetting because it makes me cry. Then, they tickle me to make me happy.

WordfFUL Wednesday

I've noticed a lot of bloggers do a "Wordless Wednesday" where they post a picture. I'm always posting pictures, so I thought I'd change it up a bit. I'm going to do the occasional "Wordful Wednesday" and use it for the little tid bits that don't make up a full story blog...

Veronica:

• Calls nightgown, "nightengale."
• She's constantly telling us what she can do when she's big. "When I'm big, I can..." drink my own coke, wear underwear all the time, use an open cup with one hand...
• Now she's also into what she's too big for - like bottles or clothes that she's out grown. "When I'm little, I can wear this!"

Thomas:

• Often says, "It's kinda like ____, but it is ___." Example: It's kinda like it's blue, but it is blue.
• Is excited about things being scary - unless they really scare him - because he understands they are not real. "Spiderman's scary, but he's not real."
• Sings the line from Chim-Chimney, "A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be," but lucky usually comes out "yucky."

Both kids:

• Use the phrase "sounds like" when they mean "looks like." That sounds like a house.
• Still use one of my favorite phrases when they want to be held, "I want to hold you."

The Letter of the Day

For the first time today we worked on writing letters. Thomas let me write 'T' hand-over-hand with him. In fact, he requested we do it over and over. Veronica was interested, but too independent to let me help her. She colored the insides of the letters.


Next thing I know, I hear Thomas reciting, "Down and across - I did it!" Sure enough he'd made a "'T'... "for me!" he said.

The first letter Thomas wrote himself... T.

Veronica let me show her how to make a 'V'. She even let me do a little physical guiding. And she made a 'V' with minimal to no help!

Veronica's first letter... V.

When Daddy got home, we gave him a big surprise... Thomas wrote T after T for him - by himself! He did one in every color he could. Veronica was happy to show off her letter "coloring" - staying independent! She does a great job staying inside the lines of the letters.

Binoculars, Bikes, and Bellydancing

Hannah and Blake came over this morning for a visit. Hannah, as always, was a little slow to warm up, so we decided to do a craft. We made binoculars out of toilet paper tubes.

Once we were warmed up, we headed outdoors for a bike ride. Each kid over 2 had their own bike - they even formed a "train" as they proceeded up and down the sidewalk.

We played in the leaves, too...

"Thomas, I can't reach the leaves. Will you help me?"

"Let me give you a boost..."

"I think I can make it."

After our cousins left we got to eat dinner at Santorini's with Aunt Peggy. The flaming meals were abundant and quite a hit with the kids. As we were gearing up to leave, the belly dancer (who had just arrived and was about 60 years old) cornered us. The kids watched but kept themselves hidden. We were standing with our bags, ready to leave. It became apparent she would not let us leave without a tip. I found a dollar and tried to get the kids to give it to her. No way. So, I laid it on the table hoping she'd stick it in her waistband as she had done with other bills. No - not for the two year olds - you must give them a proper show... she stuck it in her cleavage.

Decorating at Debi's

We were invited to Debi's today for a Halloween celebration. Deanna was there also to share the fun and fill the kids with suckers.

We decorated cookies....
...and were quite proud of the finished products...

...and found them to be delicious!

Pumpkin Patch

Daddy took a day off today to go to the pumpkin patch! This year was different than last year in that it was more crowded and our kids were less scared. It was also visibly different:

2008

2009

They were more interested in the activities that Waterman's had to offer: Bouncy houses, bike "tractors", haystacks to climb on, going inside a big "pumpkin" (below).

They were excited to see and feed the animals.

I'm not sure about the toupe this duck is wearing...

They were also interested (and not scared of) the pumpkin-eating dinosaur!

We took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where we searched and searched...

...to find the perfect pumpkins.

After a long morning of pumpkin-fun, we refueled at Edward's drive in with some good ol' fashioned burgers and shakes - and some tunes from the juke box.

Hare crow.

Last week the kids made Scare Crows at Mamak's house. They were excited to show them off. We left them at Mamak's. And, as we're quite sure she needed to keep the TWO 30 inch tall scarecrows on her refrigerator, we went ahead and made some to decorate our house. They saw our neighbor taking a walk and had to rush out of the house to show him their creations.

Veronica was quite proud of her "hare crow." This is the most detailed face I've ever seen her draw. She started with the eyes (two circles with dots in the middle), and then drew a mouth. Then, for the nose she made two filled-in circles. I'm pretty sure it was two nostrils. But, then she decided the scarecrow needed another nose - hence, the third nostril.



Thomas filled the face with his favorite color - blue. He was very specific about what was what. He even drew a mustache. I like the way he sticks his tongue out now when he's concentrating.

Spiderman

Thomas has had an obsession with Spiderman for quite some time. All he knew about him was his picture. Plus, there is one on top of a building on New York Street. Judson and I were both secretly teaching both the kids to sing the theme song to suprise the other. Then, Judson had some time to himself while he was sick. He scanned his 196_ boxed set of Spiderman cartoons and found an appropriate one for the kids to view.

It was quite the hit! Thomas was glued to it. Veronica was excited and giddy over it. They went to bed singing the theme song. Here's what we were able to get out of them recently. Thomas wasn't in to the taping, but he went off to the side and was "spinning a web."

Not-So-Fickle Friendhips

Little Blake is 1 year old! This was quite impressive to the twins who are trying to figure out age relationships. (Well, those a year above or below them - they now realize they are going to be 3 instead of 5 on their next birthday). So, for "Baby Blake" to have a birthday and turn one -well that's impressive.

According to Veronica, babies can't walk - well some can if they are a little bigger. And Thomas:"They aren't big yet, they need to talk louder." (I assume this is because most babies can't talk.)


We were honored to be a part of the festivities. The twins started off a little shy. Veronica clung to a willing-to-snuggle Aunt Peggy and Thomas kept his eye on 9-year-old Jacob. We'd met Jacob once when playing with our cousins - he's a friend of theirs. Jacob is amazing with little ones. He remembered that Thomas needed a little warm-up and just would test the waters gently on occasion until Thomas was ready - and boy, then was he ready. Jacob and Thomas ran around the clubhouse playing hide-and-seek, dancing, and acting like dinosaurs. Veronica decided this was fun and finally worked her way off Peggy's lap. Shy Hannah and Jacob's sister Grace were even in on the fun.



Jacob left before the very tired, napless Thomas who cried, "Where'd that boy go? I wanted him to be my friend."

Since we were on the southside of town, we maximized our fun and headed to play with our friend Emily... Just in time too - Her daddy had made a huge pot of delicious chili! Our lighter eater, Veronica, even asked for seconds!

As we were leaving the very amicable playdate, Thomas said to Emily, "Bye! You're not our friend anymore." I even asked him to repeat it to be sure. We discussed most of the way home that people are still our friends even when we aren't with them. They have a lot of heart and will make a lot of friends - we want to be sure they know that friends are always there for them.

Get-A-Way with my Deer (& Dear)

My Dad gets some incredible deals from the local radio station's Saturday "auction." It's mostly businesses offering sweet deals on a one-time thing - with only one or two chances to get it.



The most recent was an overnight stay in a two-bedroom cottage at General Butler State Park in Carrollton, KY. The certificate expired on October 11. Originally, my brothers and their wives were going to use it, but it didn't pan out. Dad and Mom couldn't use it either. So, at the last minute, not only were we the lucky recipients of this deal, we were also offered FREE overnight babysitting so it wouldn't go to waste! Judson just happened to have Columbus Day off, so we scheduled to use the certificate on the night it expired.



After celebrating Pa's birthday, we kissed the kids and headed to Carrollton. We made it at dusk and were greeted by a half dozen deer grazing on the golf course. As Judson checked in, I headed to snap a few photos. They were just across the street from me... about 20 feet away. They seemed to be used to the paparazzi.




After we checked in, I decided we needed to get a hike in. We picked up a mere 1.5 mile hike and ended up with this equation... (all hill + either rock or mud terrain + setting sun) x a person who is still recovering = turning around at the quarter mile mark to make it back alive and with some sunlight left. We did run into a deer on the trail who just stood and stared at us. We didn't move for 5 minutes while she just watched us. It finally became too dark to see her, even though she was no more than 15 yards away, so we left her alone.



As Judson's family has a lot of ties to Carrollton, we let his sentiment dictate our dinner. We ate a phenomenal pie at Hometown Pizza. We talked about getting a delish breakfast at the park's lodge before drifting to sleep.



We woke in time to get that breakfast, called for another vote, and decided that sleep was cheaper and more delicious than breakfast. So we checked out with one minute to spare and enjoyed the lodge's beautiful sitting area and read books until the lodge opened it's restaurant for lunch. I was going to go for a healthy salad bar until I noticed a Kentucky Hot Brown on the menu. Having never experienced this, I decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity... The waitress actually laughed out loud when she asked if we wanted dessert.



With daylight on our side, we completed a couple of small trails and played around with taking pictures of things other than people.



We then headed to Madison where we delivered a birthday treat to his mother. Cream Pulled Candy - I had never heard of it and was looking at it in the park's gift shop when Judson mentioned how much his mom loved it. Sold. Oh, and she was nice enough to share. If it had not been a gift to her, I would have eaten the entire carton on the spot! She was in great spirits and even HID the carton from Daddy Gayle to ensure she had her fill.



In keeping with the sentimental savories, we headed to Hinkles for dinner. A couple tiny (White Castle-ish) burgers lead to some incredible hand-dipped shakes. Mmmmm....



I short walk afterward and I was back to still-life shots of Madison's fountain on Broadway.



Before picking up the kids, we got some fall flowers to replace the daffodils on Julianne and David's headstone. I suppose it was too much fresh air, or maybe too much rest, but I had my silly husband back. He decided to decorate my dad's car with the old flowers. We were in tears laughing at all the stares we got on the way home.

I love this man for many reasons. I especially love the care-free time I get to spend with him. I'm blessed to have people (thanks, Mom & Dad) who make that happen!

Candy, Pickles, and Strawberries

We headed south today to celebrate (a little belated) Pa's birthday. We were going to try to make it to Mass in North Vernon, but that was a little optimistic... We did, however, cruise into Columbus in enough time to be early to St. B's service. And what luck! They were having kids do most of the reading and singing for this service. Plus... there was a puppet show. Thomas stole the show, too. One of the puppets mentioned candy. "CANDY!?!?!?!?" Thomas erupted incredulously. There were a lot of snickers in the large church following that. So, of course Veronica had to follow suit. It was quite an appropriate eruption from them, so we even got a lot of compliments on how good they were following the service.

Still heading south, both kids were excited to know that they would be seeing Uncle Danny. Thomas stated, "Danny's not playing football today because he's not wearing a team shirt." Knowing my brother's wardrobe consists of 95% wrestling team t-shirts, I called Danny. Sure enough - he would greet them wearing a team shirt!

Veronica and Thomas had their first "butterfly" painting. (I had them paint on one half of a piece of paper and then fold it in half to give a mirror image. Then, I made one boy and one girl butterfly body.) These were their cards to Pa. I transcribed their messages to him on the cards as well.

From Veronica: Happy birthday, Pa. We love you. PS. Eat your pickles.

From Thomas: Happy birthday to you. PS. Strawberry

They saved Pa a few breaths and agreed to blow out his candles.

End of an ERA (Ensured Rest Area)

Well, we knew they could do it - or at least that Thomas could. We found him in Veronica's pack-n-play several times on vacation this summer.

Yesterday we drove down to North Vernon to visit Mamak and Pa. Even after a morning of hard play with our twin friends and singing to the top of our lungs the last 45 minutes of the trip down, no naps were to be had. Sure, Veronica told us with a devilish grin that she was ready to go to sleep shortly after we got to Mamak's. Mamak was right, "Someone has alterior motives." They simply had not been in their pack-n-plays for a while (not even a week), so they wanted to play in them.

I went in there once to discover Thomas jumping on the bed next to the pack-n-plays; a second time to find Veronica in Thomas's pack-n-play with him. I decided I was tired, so I'd let them do whatever as long as I could lay down. Mamak went in later to find both of them outside of the pack-n-plays. "I'm stinky," Veronica informed her. Mamak asked Thomas if he was. "No," he replied and crawled back into his pack-n-play. Mamak took Veronica to the living room to change her diaper. Halfway into the change, Thomas ran out of the bedroom, "I'm done sleeping!"

Last night I looked in on them - so peaceful and innocent! Veronica hadn't moved a muscle from when we laid her down. Thomas, being too big for the pack-n-play anyway, was curled up in the width (shorter than the length!) of the pack-n-play.

This morning I heard them stirring and chattering nicely to one another, so I just enjoyed the conversation while I could keep my feet up a little longer. Then I heard two thuds followed by the pitter-patter of feet and whispering, "Mommy's sleeping. Let's not wake her up." They ran right past my door to find Mamak... and then they ran toward my room saying, "Let's wake up Mommy!" I was a nice morning not having to get out of bed, but still being able to snuggle with them.

Now, if we can keep them in their cribs a little longer...

Don't Quote Me on This...

Here are some random twinisms...

Both: "That's not better!" (When we don't do what they want to their satisfaction.)

Thomas: Yesterday = any day before today

Veronica: Last day = yesterday

Thomas throws "kind of" into everything... "It's kind of like it's blue. It is blue."

Veronica likes to start sentences, "Actually..."

Thomas: "My favorite is blue." He needs to wear blue, eat out a blue bowl, have the blue crayon. He now even says his name starts with "blue" (and for months, he's said it started with 'T'.) In fact, I have made him a Peter Pan costume. When he saw Veronica's Tinkerbell costume, he insisted he was to be Wendy. Why? "Because she's blue."

The other day we were at Mamak & Pa's... The twins were in the basement. I overheard Veronica saying to Thomas, "You stay here and I'm going with the other Mommies, OK?"

Veronica the other night: "Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs eat you."

And, to wrap things up, it's amazing how many quotes they do from their favorite shows:

• They squeal when I put toothpaste on their toothbrushes - just like when Mary Poppins pours medicine into Jane & Michael's spoons and it comes out in different colors.


• For a long time they've needed their handy, dandy notebooks. (Blue's Clues)


• "Calling all super-readers!" (Super Why)


• Thomas looks for super-letters and puts them into his super-duper computer. (Super Why)


• "Let's give him an Andy's room welcome" Thomas just says on a whim. (Toy Story)


• When jumping over, off of, or into something, they have several phrases: "Blue Skiddoo, we can too!" (Blue's Clues); "Let's jump into the picture." (Mary Poppins); and "To infinity and beyond!" (Toy Story)


• We made a video of them acting through "To infinity and beyond." They've enjoyed watching it on the computer. Now, Veronica even quotes herself from the video (below). She'll just look at us and smile and say, "Veronica said, 'I can hold onto that.'"
  

Note how it takes Veronica several attempts to actually jump. I started taping because she was actually explaining to me, over and over, that when she got 'big like Thomas' she could jump off the top one - but for now, she'd jump off the bottom step.

Krashin' the Korens

Yesterday we had planned to head to Madison to watch Harlan play soccer. The game was rained out, so we crashed the Korens and got some Kelly time.

Thomas and Veronica watched Sonny & Jonathon play baseball, and then tried for themselves. When Veronica went in, Thomas still wanted a partner, so I obliged. When Veronica came out he said to her, "We're having fun. We're playing baseball. Would you like to join us?"

Today we headed back to Madison for the Chataqua Arts Festival. My cousin Allie had a booth there including her gorgeous paintings, wood block print purses, quilts and pillows sewn from a foot-powered sewing machine (she lives without electricity). And, being the daughter of a clown, she made her own unique juggling balls to sell. She was generous enough to let Veronica and Thomas each pick one out. (My dad taught her dad - the professional - how to juggle!)

We ended the beautiful day with a visit to Mama and Daddy Gayle - and were delightfully surprised to spend some time with Sonja, Wes, Haniah, and Mikiah - who was showing off his brand new iPod Touch.

Our Little Stars

Fountain of Our Youths

I was asked at the last minute to speak to a Biology Senior Seminar class at Marian University about physical therapy. Judson offered to take the day off work so that I could do it - and then he offered to bring the kids around campus.

On the drive over, we told them a little bit about Marian.

• That's where Mommy went to school.
• It's where Mommy & Daddy met.
• It's where Mommy & Daddy got married.
• There is a special brick with Julianne & David's name on it.

This was pretty exciting news apparently. Veronica decided that when she gets bigger, she'll get married to Thomas.

Monkey'n 'Round

This morning Danny & Dawn arrived before the kids were awake. Danny popped in just to peak on the kids when Thomas opened his eyes. "You're here!" That turned into a snuggle fest.

Dawn worked on sketching the playroom's mural with chalk. Of course she needed a team of experts to help her.

Then, we went paint shopping with Dawn to find the supplies necessary to complete the mural (another weekend). That lead to wanting to paint for themselves. They liked Uncle Danny as a canvas.


Later in the afternoon, we headed south for Madeline's 8th birthday party. A day of lacking naps and over-indulging in cake and ice cream made for a whole new world of discovery on the ride home... pushing buttons. Each other's buttons. Thomas figured it out first - the power of the word, telling Veronica her pink shirt was actually blue. You'd think he'd just told her she wasn't going to live in our house anymore the way she reacted. Which, of course is just what fueled more. Then, she realized she could do the same with him. I never realized how long Arlington Avenue is.

The Clown Show

After their naps today, Veronica and Thomas told us they enjoyed the clown show...




Yes, we went to "the greatest show on earth." Didn't know what they would think once it started... can you say "overstimulation?" That's what I thought, but they handled it well. In a total gaze - full of enjoyment... especially for the clowns. That's the only time they weren't quiet - laughing at the clowns.

I believe Judson's favorite part were the SEVEN motorbikes riding around at top speed in a little orb.



So, maybe they did show some signs of overstimulation. The after-effects in the last five minutes of the show...

Homecoming

The kids have been away from home for over two weeks. I did get to see them in the middle of it all, and I know they were having a great time at Mamak and Pa's but the homecoming couldn't have been sweeter.

I was working in the kitchen when they walked through the door. Veronica was on auto-pilot. She ran straight back to the kitchen until she was in my arms. After some big hugs, she wanted to read a book. That's where not-quite-awake Thomas found us as Mamak carried him in from the car. With his lids half open he said, "Where's my Daddy?" When he understood that Daddy was at work, he insisted on "I want to hold Mommy." We read books together until the sleepy boy decided he wanted to go to his bed. The bed had an alternative affect on my somnolent son. He oohed and aahed himself awake be taking inventory of his room, his bed, and all the many creatures that were right where he left them.

Fruits of My Labor Day Weekend

Judson and I headed south to see the twins at my parents' house. It was a great weekend to be home, as we got to see my brothers and their beautiful wives as well!

On Saturday, Danny and Dawn made it there long before I got moving. They took the kids garage saling. When I arrived, after a week without seeing them, I got a lot of huge hugs! Thomas promptly introduced me to the "scary" (a good thing) dinosaur he got at a rummage sale. Veronica hopped in my lap and apparently was speaking "bunny" to me while showing off her new stuffed pet.

Later in the day, Thomas started throwing himself on the ground, into couches, or onto pillows, yelling, "MY BODY!" It took us a while to make the correlation: Earlier in the day, Danny was picking up each kid and throwing them onto a bed, letting them know it was a body slam.


On Sunday I was trying to sleep in, but I have never been so happy not to be sleeping in. Veronica and Thomas insisted on seeing me. Veronica kept stroking my arm and my belly while Thomas simply snuggled and sweetly whispered, "Mommy" over and over.


Thad and Paula showed up later. Thomas and Thad had a great time looking at a map, discussing the different routes they could take. Paula had fun with bath tub games with the kids. As Thad and Paula were leaving, Thomas became to interested in heading downstairs to say good-bye. However, he did holler back to Paula, "Bye! See you on the next street... on the map!"


On Monday, Danny made a quick trip back up with some friends to see the NV Rummage Frenzy. He made his friend pull over in Vernon when he saw a Curious George doll at a road-side sale. (Danny - a George fan himself - was known to keep close tabs on his George most of his life.) Danny walked into Mamak's house, held George out for Thomas. Thomas simply squealed, hugged George as tightly as he could, and then ran off to put George in his bed. He ran back to grab Danny and show him where he had George resting.

My Brother

Another relayed story from my recuperation:

Pa was talking on the phone. Veronica asked Mamak who he was talking to.

Mamak: "He's talking to his brother, David."
Veronica: "I have a brother David."

Melt My Heart

It's been six days since I've seen the kids. I'm in no shape to have them even climb on me right now, so I call a couple times a day.

They don't talk much on the phone yet - just stare at it. They "showed" me a couple pictures the drew, but no talking.

Tonight though, Thomas asked to talk to me and said, "I want to hold you, Mommy." Then I couldn't talk.

Mom insists that they don't get down much - in fact they just request me when they get told "no" by Pa or Mamak. I believe this, that's why I'm OK with knowing where they are - and I'm certain they are happy and feeling loved. But, geesh, I miss 'em. And I want to hold them too.

Before you get married...

I'm recovering from surgery, so I've been missing the kiddos who are, of course, having a fabulous time with Mamak and Pa.

Mamak told me that today Veronica was showing her bare fingers to her, pointing out that she didn't have a wedding ring on because she wasn't married. She wasn't married because you have to be grown-up to be married... and when you're a grown-up you wear underwear.

Fair with a chance of Corn

We went to the State Fair three times this year - each with a free admittance ticket!

Riley Hospital had a nice little "Fun Farm" for the kids to play with. It included live animals and a fake farm. On the "farm" they had to do chores: gather eggs & grain, feed the livestock, drive a (pedal) tractor, milk the cows, plant and harvest a field. At the end of the activity, they took their goods to market where they were paid a currency that was good at a store - and they could then go shopping for a snack.

One day we took advantage of the unlimited ride bands. Thomas is quite a daredevil on the rides. He was sad one day when we went with friends and Daddy was able to ride a BIG roller coaster with our friend Alysa. He did however, get many (smaller) roller coaster rides out of armband. Veronica was not into the roller coaster scene. She was happy to ride the carousel over and over.

She did ride the carousel over and over until she discovered "CONVOY" the ride... only when Judson would ride with her. (Ironically, she could not see him at all when he rode with her, but she wouldn't do it with out him - about 10 times!)

And the food, well, it speaks for itself.

Thomas even fell asleep after eating his last bite of chocolate ice cream - with his eyes closed the whole time.

We enjoyed some family time and some friend time.

We're looking forward to returning next year.