Chasing Shadows

Today is Ash Wednesday.

We were blessed with lots of visitors after our MOPS outing and naps. Paula came by to pick up the twins' homemade cards for a neighbor in the nursing home. Dodie dropped off some hand-me-downs for Mommy.

I had just told the twins Deanna was stopping by. Veronica said in an all-too-pitiful voice, "I want to see my Daddy." I asked her if she wanted to call him, and she cheerfully responded, "No, Deanna coming!" Deanna was in the midst of reading to Veronica and listening to Thomas's masterpieces on the piano when Judson made it home.


Needless to say, we were in quite a rush to get to the Ash Wednesday service in the midst of all that excitement. It was daylight on our walk over there - much of it skipped and walked backward. They were a little antsy during the service, but it was an odd time and day to go (and after all that glorious company!). They were interested in the ashes and both opted to get them on their foreheads. They were quite proud that all of us had ashes on our foreheads. We sat where they could see the piano. Thomas was quite pleased with this - especially when they sang "Frosty" as he informed me...

The walk back was in the dark. The streetlights gave way to some great shadows. Thomas had a grand time chasing his shadow. He would spread his legs apart and squat to examine it too. Veronica, at first, insisted that the shadows must be Peter Pan's. Upon arriving at home, we had to go straight to the mirror to check out our ashen crosses.



The twins quickly got a hold of the bag of goodies Dodie brought for Mommy and discovered their bags. After filling up the bags, they played a game of, "I'm going to visit my friends." They would sling the bags over their shoulders and head down the hall. I had explicit instructions to stay in the playroom. (Someone must be there to greet them when they return!)

Stuffing a bus in the bag.

Veronica giving orders to Thomas.

Heading out to visit their friends.

Local and State Government

Local Government

We hosted two other two-year-olds again today. Governance wasn't a big deal (they got along splendidly) until an outside toy was found in another kid's bag. Then our heads-of-state went a little crazy-in-the-head. I think that it was fine and dandy sharing their toys - until they saw someone else's toy. Veronica and Thomas fought and fought over a little toy cell phone. (We have several of our own!) I finally had to put it away. Other than that, peace was easy in the land.

During a coloring session, Thomas seemed to be writing his name. He said, "Thomas, T, O, H, M..." while he was writing.

Veronica was very busy keeping inventory of all the diapers I changed and who was dirty. That evening when she had a dirty diaper, she said, "I dirty, just like Kasey!"


They are getting a little sneaky/manipulative. I guess that comes with independence. I went in during "nap time" to discover Thomas had yet again removed the bar from the blinds. If I put him too close to the window, the blind bar is gone. Too close the other direction and he removes all the clothes from his drawer. There's no middle ground. Today I could tell the bar was removed, so I went in to find Thomas with his pants off. I ignored his requests to put his pants back on and scolded him for removing the piece of the blind. When I left I heard him telling Veronica, "Let's take off our pants. Take off your pants, Sissy!" When I could yet again hear them jumping on the beds, I went in. They knew I was no nonsense as they immediately laid down. I didn't hear much from them after that. Last night was about the same. One of them ended up with a stuffed animal that squeaked. I heard them squeaking the animal. When I went in to find them standing facing each other, I asked who had the animal. They both just stood still. I told them to lay down and that I would remove the animal if I heard it again. I heard it one more time, went in the room. This time they were both laying down. I asked who had the toy and they both remained quite still - pretending to sleep (with their eyes open).

State Government

As Judson has been working pretty late nights, we won't (especially the kiddos) see much of him this week. Since today is Fat Tuesday, I made some brownies and surprised his office with them. The kids carried the brownies in. The complete surprise turn delight on Judson's face was priceless. (I think he blushed for 15 minutes straight after we arrived!)

Veronica went straight to checking out everyones' pictures and playing with a squirrel while Thomas found some balls to throw. Eventually Thomas noticed a picture hanging on the wall of Representative Charlie Brown and President Obama. He wanted to know all about the picture. Between ball throws, he then requested about four separate times that I pick him up and take him to see Charlie Brown and "Bama". He would squeal, "Charlie Brown!" each time he saw the photo.


Judson was miraculously able to take a dinner break at that time so we made the exciting adventure up and down the hills in the tunnel to the mall where we dined together. We were in view of a TV screen where Veronica saw a brunette singer on the screen. "Lauren!" she told us. (She was obviously taken with Judson's office mate, Lauren!)

When we returned from dinner we discovered the reps were at the end of a short dinner break. We snuck up to catch a glimpse of, as Thomas kept repeating all the way up, "Charlie Brown, Uncle Dave, and Bama." Well, we got to see all those people and more... except for Obama.

First we ran into our friend Trevor who is a lobbyist. He is the father of one of their friends. The twins made sure to tell him to "be careful" as he was leaving. We saw Dolly who gave them each a bag of pretzels and played music on her Boilermaker doll. At first they were interested, but then they decided he was "scary." (I'm sure my Hoosier brother and father would be proud!) Our wonderful state rep, John Day, was there to greet us and witness the interactions too.

We had the fortune of seeing Uncle Dave! (Very sweet as they were just pointing him out specifically in pictures today!) Veronica was happy to be carted around by him. They went missing for a time - not sure which bills Veronica got to vote on (or how she voted!).

Then... around the corner came... "CHARLIE BROWN!" Thomas exclaimed and shook his hand. Soon after, Veronica and Dave came around the corner. Veronica just stared down Rep. Brown. A good balance, all in all.

Homeland Security

On the way home, Veronica and Thomas munching on their pretzels... "fwom Dowwy, that was nice." They discussed the "scary boy" boilermaker for awhile. When I reminded them that the boy just played music like their frog (in first picture above) they discussed that too.

At home they easily got into their PJs after changing TWO dirty diapers. Aside: I LOVE synchronized poops! It is so much more convenient to change two dirty diapers at once than do it alternately all day long! Veronica compared the other girl's dirty diapers to her own, quite proud that she had a diaper like Kasey's.

I changed Thomas first and he hopped right up on the couch to read a book. When Veronica was finished. She joined him. Thomas read the book aloud to her. She sat quietly and listened, only to point occasionally and ask him questions. He answered them for her.

We said our prayers. They asked to kiss Jesus, Julianne and David. When they were finished, they both asked to give me a kiss to give to Daddy.

Independence, Imagination, & Inspiration

We are having an explosion of imagination and independence lately!

INDEPENDENCE

"I do it." -commanded
"I did it!" - proclaimed

These are some dominant phrases in our home as of late. (And, of course - in stereo!)

Thomas finds it very important to climb into the car by himself - he can get himself all the way into the car seat. Once she has help into the car seat, Veronica likes to buckle herself in. (Fortunately she can't undo them!)

Veronica also finds it very important to dress herself. Usually, it's zipping up her coat - or even trying to put it on. Today I told them we needed to get dressed. I went out to get some clean clothes from the laundry basket. When I returned, this is what I found...

They are also wanting to take part in helping out with all the things we do. They have both been putting on "make-up." Veronica even told me she was shaving her beard the other day. They both helped me dust this week and tonight we made pancakes!

I went out with a friend earlier in the week. They were ready for their Daddy time and not at all sad to see me go. However, I did feel like I was a teenager who just got my license and they were my parents. They both repeatedly said, "Be careful in the car, Mommy" and reminded me to get my keys.

IMAGINATION

I just marvel at how their imaginations just pop out of nowhere! This week we spent some time outside chasing down Curious George and Tinker Bell. We finally found "Monkey George" up in a tree!

Since their new obsession with Mary Poppins, they've started dancing and singing regularly. They do it on their own - this morning I awoke to the sounds of "Step in Time" coming from their room. They have even started trying to dance TOGETHER (holding on to one another). We march many more places now - it even makes going to be fun. When we listen to the soundtrack, they can narrate the whole movie to the instrumental music. They light up from the moment they first see Mary Poppins in the clouds with the opening credits. They know all the characters names and sing and dance along. Thomas even seems to know the whole dance routine to "Step In Time." He does it throughout the house all day long. When Veronica hears an instrumental piece she doesn't really like on the soundtrack, she calls it "scary," hoping we will fast forward. I often discover Thomas talking to Michael and Jane (the kids in the movie) in his cups or a box. Their favorite parts are

"Dirty Bert" = Chim Chim-Cheree"

"Jump In the Picture" = anything when they are in the chalk drawing. Includes
Jolly Holiday and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

"Step In Time" = That is actually what it is called.

"Medicine Go Down" = A Spoonful of Sugar

Pa had the good fortune of watching it with them this weekend. This picture is obviously before their favorite dancing songs started!

When seeing stars in the sky, they sing Twinkle Twinkle to them. They both love singing and doing the motions to the Wheels on the Bus. However, don't try to sing along (you'll be scolded) and don't request a song (they don't take requests).

This week they both started skipping. I think Thomas has been doing it for a month or so, but it was so well defined this week! I mentioned it to him and Veronica watched him for a moment and then joined in.

Veronica has been coloring eyes a lot.

They like to hear me make up stories and tell them when they have a book in front of them.

They are into Play-Doh. Veronica loves the press and likes to make snakes and spaghetti. She also likes to cut it with the plastic knives.

Thomas could probably do it for hours. He talks to himself while he creates with his hands. Yesterday he made a lot of "Frosties" (snowmen). After playing around for awhile, he labeled one creation an elephant...

We finished our weekend out by watching Thomas "skidoo" into several books. That's something Steve on Blue's Clues does. He jumps into pictures. Thomas would open a book; twist & sing; jump onto the pages; then run around the house looking for things that would be a part of that book. Veronica much more enjoyed me pretending she was a guitar. So imaginative!

INSPIRATION

It's inspiring to watch not only the way they help and care for each other, but also how they inspire each other to do, explore, and imagine more. They are learning and doing so fast. I wish I could slow it down to enjoy every angle of it. On the other hand, part of the fun is how fast they do it.

God Bless Blue's Ears

At church today, Thomas was very interested in the song book. He would hold it up to me and say, "That says song." He would move his finger along with the words on the page. While others were singing, we would sing along with Jingle Bells. While others weren't singing, he'd sing "Holy, Holy."

After Mass we were talking outside to some parishioners. Thomas was standing directly next to, but with his back to, Veronica. He started yelling, "Sissy! Where are you Sissy?" Finally, he turned around and exclaimed, "Oh! There you are, Sissy." Then he put his arm around her and talked to her about something.

Judson said that during their trip to dinner, Judson pointed out where the pumpkin patch we went to visit was. He asked if they remembered going there. "Yes," the both replied. Then he asked if they remembered what we ate on our tractor ride. "Corn," Thomas answered. That was four months ago. I think that's pretty good!

When we got home, I had to run out to get my cell phone repaired. Judson decided to give me some more "down time" as well. (I'm spoiled, I think.) The kids were excited to know they were spending the day with Daddy. (This is the only reason I didn't feel too guilty - I knew they could use some "one"-on-one time with him.) Veronica was practically pushing me out the door. Before I was ready, she would say, "Go, Mommy!" I went to give her a kiss good-bye and she pushed me away, saying, "Leave, Mommy!" I guess she was ready to not share Daddy with me. I can understand.

When all of us met back up at home at bedtime, the kids were wound up! We had a lot of fun running off the energy. At some point, Veronica found the Blue's Clues ears we bought for their birthday party and put them on. Thomas surprised us. He opened to a page that said, "Food," pointed at it and said, "that says 'food.'" Then he turned the page, pointed to the word "bathroom" and said, "that says 'bathtub.'" Veronica narrated her book from start to finish - "Knuffle Bunny Too." Her favorite line, "This is NOT my bunny," which she remembers as "NO THAT MY BUNNY!" complete with hand gestures. We have some readers on our hands!

They were still keyed up when we finally started praying, but I asked Thomas to begin the prayer anyway: In the name of the...

"Fauter, Son, Horry, Spirit. Amen.
God Bless Blue's Ears, and Steve, and Joe, and Blue."

My Funny Valentines

Above is our Valentine's Day card for 2009. The twins have had fun telling people about the chocolate on their faces. I didn't give them the chocolates in the boxes (I'll admit... I ate them! ) I smeared chocolate on their faces. Veronica thought it was an adventure, but Thomas wanted me to wipe it off. Didn't matter, however, because he put it right back on when he tried to drink the pudding. They really didn't eat much of it - most of it was used as finger paints. I've left the boxes out to play with all week. This morning, Veronica pointed to one that Thomas had apparently painted on. She was telling me that he had painted "Baby Jesus."

Today, my uber-wunderbar husband took the kiddos out again. They were quite excited 1) to spend time with Daddy, and 2) to go to Target. I got to leisurely do things in the quite of my own home. THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE'S GIFT! I watched some uninterrupted TV and water colored. When they returned for a nap, my friend Kay called to offer to watch the kids and send Judson and myself on a date. We felt guilty taking her up on it, but we also felt guilty turning down such a genuinely thoughtful gift. So, we went.

Kay showed up early with suckers.


Now, we don't usually have suckers around here. They've never had suckers. So, the first five or more minutes were spent getting to know the suckers. Most of it was dazed amazement...



After the initial shock, they both had their own directions to take the next step of investigation. Veronica just kept asking me what it was. Thomas understood from our descriptions that it had something to do with his mouth, so he would just press it against his closed mouth and tell us it was good. Finally I took Thomas's sucker to demonstrate. Veronica followed my lead...

A successful experiment! Well worth the time of experimentation!

Veronica, little Miss "What's This?", was even calling it a Lollipop a half hour later. Interesting as I believe we had only called it a sucker!

We left everyone in quite a happy mood and headed to Italian Gardens for a great Italian Dinner, with lots of side shows (collapsing ceiling, our food eaten at other people's tables, and the love/hate relationship the couple next to us had with the staff), and of course our favorite dessert - fried caramel apple ravioli al a mode. mmmmmm....

We returned to find Kay had a mild evening with these kids who would apparently do anything for her - waited patiently to turn on Mary Poppins , brushed their teeth, went to bed easily (was she next door? - just kidding). She had even explained to them how excited we were to go out together. She said Veronica told her that "Mommy miss us, Daddy miss us." I've never heard her use the word "miss!"

We were even able to visit with Kay for a while ourselves. We had a great conversation about the jazz musicians she knows. She was the chocolate coating on our day!

Sweeter than Honey

For the past few days, Thomas has been calling Veronica "Honey."

Let's go this way, Honey.
Do you want the Kitty, Honey?
Come on, Honey.
Let's do it together, Honey.
It's OK, Honey.

He says it in this ultra-sweet, high-pitched voice too. I hope I can get it on tape sometime. It's oh-so-sweet!

Veronica doesn't seem to respond to it directly (other than being pleasant in return to him). But she has been having (as Judson says) sudden outbursts of bliss. She is just so happy lately!

Thomas has been also needing a kiss and a hug - one can't come without the other. He will take your head in his hands to ensure that he gets one planted right on your lips! "I need a hug." "I need another kiss."

Veronica is trying to make sure everyone is taken care of. She has been trying to help change Thomas's diapers. She also makes sure I have a doll when they both do. Andy is Thomas's doll. Amy is Veronica's doll. Now there is also "Mommy's doll." I feel so important!

They've been singing a lot more lately. Wheels on the Bus (with motions!); Row, Row, Row Your Boat (while playing with boats in the tub tonight!); Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (when they saw a star out tonight while we were swinging outside); Step In Time (the Mary Poppins fanatics!); Baa, Baa Black Sheep; and of course, The Alphabet Song. Tonight we even danced to Ella Fitzgerald's Old MacDonald (at least 5 times!).

And then, there is this connection the two of them are showing for Julianne and David. As I've mentioned, lately they've been asking not just to kiss "the babies," but actually asking to kiss Julianne and David. They can point to designate which baby is which. Now they are incorporating them into their everyday activities.

Yesterday we met Judson for lunch. Thomas climbed up on a chair to reach onto a shelf and get some cardboard coasters. We made sure while he was there he got one for Veronica, too. He ended up with a third, so he was able to carry two out. He was holding one in each hand when he said, "One for Julianne. One for David."

Today we opened a few Valentine cards we received in the mail. Veronica was carrying one around in a basket. I could hear her talking to herself as she was taking it in and out, "This is for
Julianne and David."

They take my breath away.

Swimsuit Edition

Woke to both kids holding their babies. Thomas had his swaddled. The five of us (Veronica, Thomas, Amy, Andy, and myself) snuggled for a good while on the couch. (I love those mornings!)

We were going to go to the Y, but I decided to get creative with a photo shoot (will post that on Saturday as not to spoil a Valentine surprise). That took more time than I planned, so we invited our neighbor Dodie and her dog Reilly for a walk. GORGEOUS weather - dreary day but we didn't need coats! After a little speedier trip around the block (a dog is motivating), we played outside again. The kids requested to eat lunch on the picnic table, so I was more than happy to oblige.

More slow "drives" through the neighborhood after the nap. Note to self: Don't assume the kids will "drive" their cars fast enough to get dinner out of the oven.

On our way out this afternoon, Thomas paused to look at the mail on our porch. I heard a squeal, "Oh! What's this?!" He was staring at the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Large photo: Skimpy Bikini. Small inset title/photo: "Bikini or Nothing"/gal covering up her topless chest with her arm. I suppose that means nature vs. nurture?

Slow and Fast Movements

****SLOW****

Slow Start

Rarity: The twins fully woke before Judson left today. He went in to try to cover them back up. Thomas asked for Judson to hold him - so, of course, Veronica asked the same. I told him to bring them into the bed to snuggle with me. They were both devastated. Long after he was gone, they were both crying for him. I did get Veronica redirected eventually by discussing Sally. (See yesterday's blog.)

After a lunch with Carolyn and Robert we pulled into our drive and Veronica and Thomas were certain Daddy should be home. Quite disappointed he wasn't. After their nap, the temperature had finally warmed up to the close to 60 degree weather the forecast had promised. We went out for a drive in our cars. Those sporty cars clocked a whopping .4 mph!! (That's a decimal point before the 4...) Yes, it took us one hour to go around the block. We had a good trip though. Saw several neighbors and plenty of dogs. It turned into a dog hunt after a while. They didn't want to go in after that exhilarating ride, so we played outside until it was dark and I was cold. (I wasn't popular to suggest dinner, but they took me up on it anyway.)

****FAST****

We settled in for another fun bath. Mommy was not paying close enough attention though to figure out who changed the mood. (Although it was most likely Veronica from her reactions.) Let's do the math:

(2 kids + 2gether in the tub) x 2 years = 2 long 2 avoid #2

Yes, it was time for a BM. And that's not a bath movement.

Of course they had put almost every toy in the tub tonight. I evacuated everyone and everything. While I was cleaning the tub, Thomas proceeded to urinate on the rug. Until tonight if he had to go while he was in the tub, he would ask to be put on the potty. (sigh) Finally, I got back to the business of cleaning the kids. Some bubbles lured them back. Thomas made "snowmen" out them (and destroyed them) while Veronica tried to make her "little" accident up to Thomas by scrubbing him down with the bubbles. That then led to yet another lesson on anatomy - since we have two differing examples on hand.

After the bath, I really didn't want to deal with robes so I suggested getting straight into our jammies so we could read. Veronica wasn't on the same page, but Thomas tried to persuade her. "Time for jammies, Honey." Well, we ran around in our robes -and then nude - and then finally got the jammies on. Just as we were about to head to bed, things sped up even more - Daddy came home. The kids saw him from the window, hopped off the couch. "Let's go see Dad!" Thomas exclaimed. (Dad?) They beat me to the door where Judson realized it was locked. "Sorry, Dad, " he apologized. They had a great time recapping the day with him before we finally put them down.

When Unwary Met Sally

Judson spent some quality time with the kids sans Mommy today. They hadn't seen him (except for last night briefly) since Tuesday. They were more than ready to kick me out the door. "Go to your meeting, Mommy." We told them I was going to a meeting, for fear they would want to go to church (last week was not so pleasant as T was recovering - we were frightened of V's recovery at church). After church I went out for some "me" time. The sight of them in the widows - hanging out like little monkeys - was priceless.

When I returned they were sound asleep, but Peggy and Judson were hanging out in the living room with Peggy's new rescued Border Collie, Sally. Sally is the most mild-mannered dog I've ever met. She's super sweet with all kinds of people - especially the kids. Veronica woke up a little bewildered. I took her into living room where her first words were, "Peggy's dog, Sah-wee!" She perked right up! She was able to spend a lot of quality time with Peggy and Sally while Thomas snoozed longer. I finally went in to wake Thomas so he wouldn't miss out on anything. He was a little annoyed. However, he also perked up as soon as he saw Sally.


Because is was an incredibly beautiful day - and we had a sweet, sweet pup - we took a walk.

Thomas spotting a plane overhead.

Helping Peggy with Sally's leash.

The walk was slow, but incredibly fun! Now, I am at Starbucks, enjoying some more time (Thanks, Judson) while my kids are snoozing like the little angels they are.

Emily?

Thomas decided to sleep in this morning. That put us a little behind for leaving NV for Greenwood, where we were meeting up with Carol and her daughter Emily. I thought they understood which Emily - they made a lot of appropriate references. Then they started mentioning Curt, and Opie. Opie made sense as my cousin Emily has a dog named Opie. I think the Curt reference may be from Carol (Curt is Carolyn's sister).

Anywho... we had a great lunch with our friends and even caught a glimpse of one of their cats, DJ. They enjoyed stamping together. Emily was super helpful getting dolls unstuck from the shopping cart Veronica was driving. Thomas became attached to the singing Frosty the Snowman they had - didn't want to see it go. Eventually he kissed the whole group of those dolls on the way out. (Frosty, the Abominable Snowman, Rudolf and more!)


After a nap and some snuggles at our house, there was quite a celebration to see Daddy when he came home. It was so sweet to see how excited they were to see him (it had been 5 days).

Snow Angels

Of course a trip to North Vernon is not complete without a trip to the cemetery to visit Julianne and David's resting site. I was able to sneak out during nap time to find what looked like untouched snow all over the cemetery. I sat for a long time just enjoying the pristine white everywhere. Then, I was compelled to share a snow angel with my angels.


Later in the evening, Thomas started the Sign of the Cross on his own and proceeded to say a prayer that included Julianne, David, and Jesus. The both of them wanted to kiss the "sleeping babies" - Julianne and David - and then even called them by name. It brought sweet tears to my eyes.

The Envy of NV

On Thursday, Pa had a two hour delay for work and Gwamma didn't get called in to sub. What a fun morning!

We decided that since Thursdays are Daddy's late night during Session, we would make the most of our visit and spend another night. After nap time, Grandma, the twins and I trekked out for some shopping. Veronica and Grandma hit the grocery while Thomas and I did Wal-Mart. Thomas had a grand time discovering all that Wal-Mart had to offer. I gave him a couple items to hold. I found him talking to them. He'd hold them up to his face and say to each item, "No more games, OK?" I'm not sure where this comes from or what it means, but I caught him doing it on Friday as well.

We met up at the library and played with their computer games and checked out some new videos. (With Veronica not feeling well, she was in charge of our viewing pleasures. Grandma and I thought Curious George three times in one morning was enough and wanted to expand our horizons.)


Pa called and let us know he was going to the Senior night girl's basketball game. We decided that since everyone was doing well (and knew they wanted to see Pa) we would head straight there (without cash!). After sweet-talking our way in, we found Pa to bum some dinner (hot dogs!) money off of him. We sat across from the band at first. Thomas was mesmerized. He only moved between songs to inquire about why they'd stopped. Veronica, on the other hand, was a little annoyed by the volume. We moved to the same side of the gym as the band and the volume satisfied Veronica. Both kids enjoyed the cheerleaders and the game... so much so that they barely noticed their hot dogs!

On Friday everyone seemed to feel pretty perky. We enjoyed a morning of playing with Mommy's toys. Both Veronica and Thomas's imaginations are taking off with their play. They have conversations with their toys and between their toys. It is so much fun to watch.

The snow was still there but the temp was 46, so we headed out for some fun! We started on the riding toys. Thomas was quite interested in kicking down the shelves of snow on the borders of the sidewalk. That led him to the snow in Grandma and Grandpa's yard. There was only a thin layer of snow over a layer of ice (that was over another layer of snow). Thomas would pick up the pieces of ice and call them "fish". There was enough snow to build a small snowman. Thomas had a ball knocking Frosty down, building him back up, and then body-slamming him again.

Veronica enjoyed watching as long as she was in the safety of Grandma's arms (doesn't think much of walking in snow). Both kids were in awe of how many "Frosty"s there were around. (Every lump of snow was a Frosty.) Veronica had fun playing in the perimeter of the snow. She even branched out into the snow a little after we went back to the parking lot nearby and she saw Thomas playing on his self-proclaimed mountains.

The evening was enjoyed watching and signing along to some Sesame Street tunes with Mak and Pa.

Twice the Toddlerdom

Today I was going to watch Robert for Carolyn. We have a great exchange going. On weeks we do not have MOPS we trade off on watching the others kid(s). I was thinking about how she had things she needed to get done before her baby is due - and that got me thinking about our other friend who is due sooner. So, I called up Katie and told her to drop Kasey off. The more the merrier! So, instead of two two-year-olds in the house. It was Christen take on four!

Between Thomas's illness the week prior and all the snow keeping us in, I figured it would be great for the kids as well.

They really got along beautifully. The only problem was Veronica spiked a fever in the middle of it all. I knew something was up as she was not playing, just clinging to me (which made making lunch for 7 harder). I thought I was only trying to be a good friend but hopefully she hung on to me enough that she didn't pass it to our friends!



Veronica knew we were supposed to go to my parents tonight. She also knew it was after lunch. Before lunch I gave her a little Ibuprofen. After she had some food in her system she really perked up. As soon as she was finished eating, though, she went straight for her jacket. She put one arm in herself and then proceeded to attempt to zip up the jacket herself. Once she was in (with a little help). She practically kicked all our guests out. "I want to go to Gwamma's house." This was her mantra for about 20 minutes while we finished our visits, cleaned up lunch and loaded cars.

Gwamma (that's the first it's come out that way) was glad to be able to hold our little sickie while Mommy got a massage. Of course things only perked up more when Pa got home! We also had the pleasure of hosting a visit to our friend Jill. They had a great time showing off for her.

Candy Cane

Today we did several rounds with Play-Doh. Veronica gets quite excited about "cupping" (cutting) it - the only time she uses a knife! They both love making "sketti" (spaghetti) with the Fun Factory. Veronica finished before Thomas the last round. While we were in the bathroom washing her hands, we heard Thomas hollering, "Candy cane! Candy cane!" We went out to discover Thomas very proud of his latest creation.

He made one for himself and one for Veronica.

Candy cane.

P.S. It is nice to get away from the 's' alliteration on the titles. I didn't realize I'd done that on the last half dozen titles. Still have alliteration - but maybe it's my first step in breaking away!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

"Sissy. Sissy. Wake up, Sissy!"

Ah, Thomas is getting back to himself. That was the first sign of life out of the two of them.

The morning went alright. I think I'm going to have to slowly wean them from the TV. They got quite used to it was Thomas was sick. We did have some great playtime with the train set in the morning though. Thomas fell asleep at the table during lunch - he's still got some endurance to regain. That gave Veronica and myself some time to read and play together. She even got to wave at the mailman and was quite interested in where he was going next. Even more interested when it was our neighbors!

After we all took our long-overdue naps, we spent some more time without TV! Hooray - it may go easier than I though (I just doomed myself, I know). More trains. A lot of play just the two of them - between the two of them! I heard them once while they were pushing their strollers:

T, holding a bag: "My camera is in this bag. Let's take a picture."
V: "My phone is in that bag!"

I'm glad they are watching stuff I enjoy, when we do these TV marathons though. They are addicted to Mary Poppins now. (They even say it with Bert's cockney accent!) They beg for the puppets (Muppets) but complain that the larger, monsterish Muppets are scary. They got over their fear today and enjoyed Steve Martin and Carol Burnett with the Muppets.

I must say, however, I'm almost all supercalifragilisticexpialidocioused out.

Snow Styles

We found out today that our kids have fairly different snow styles. Well, we kind of already knew that as even with a light dusting on the ground: Thomas is excited to walk in the snow, and Veronica prefers to be carried.

Let me back up a little first. Yesterday, we tried for a low-key morning until I had to get my haircut. Judson was at work, so I dropped them off with him to take them to lunch. (We thought getting them out of the house a little may be necessary since they'd been cooped up all week.) After lunch, Judson took them home to nap. Apparently, this was not on their agenda (again). Veronica just didn't do it. Thomas was on the fringe of feeling better, so he didn't wipe out, but he wasn't happy to be awake. Judson got the all-too-infrequent-these-days pleasure of holding Thomas as he fell asleep. Veronica was cooperative and worked on her bag lady routine. (She piles as much as she can on top of her stroller. Then she unloads it carefully, only to reload it in the exact same configuration. Then she pushes it around the house and starts over.)

Judson told me to stay out after my haircut. (I think he's scared I may turn into some psychopath from being locked in the house all week with a sick kid and his sidekick.) I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Kay and then spent the afternoon painting pottery. My dad called while I was painting. They were heading back from the Jeffersonville wrestling sectionals (Red Devils are champs!) and offered to just keep driving north to get Judson and myself out of the house together! Oh joy! (What wonderful parents I have!)

Veronica had begged Judson to take her to Target. My kids have a grand fascination with the place (which makes shopping easier!). In fact, at an art show, they saw a large canvas with a bulls eye painted on it (larger than them!). Both were drawn to that piece. There interpretation: "Target." We decided the easiest course of action would be for all parties to meet at Target. Judson was there for a while first, shopping and trying to get them to eat. I found them in the gardening section. Both toddlers were out of the cart. I must say, my husband is my hero as this worked for him. I would never even try it as I am certain they would not cooperate like that for me. Nevertheless, it was a hoot to watch them explore the things on the shelves. They were really very good about it; pulling one thing off at a time, asking what it was, and then returning it to the proper place. (Respect and reverence for Target?) When we knew Mak and Pa were close we headed toward the front of the store. The dollar bins were mesmerizing to them. So much so, that Thomas ignored Mak and Pa when they came in and Veronica ran with a frightened face to Judson for comfort! Once they realized that meant they didn't need to leave Target and could play with their beloved grandparents, they were all squeals and giggles. (And so were Mommy and Daddy as they got to have a date!)

This morning we got ready for church. All was well until about half way through the service. Thomas needed a drink. Well, I've always only brought water to church. He desperately and inconsolably needed milk. Judson took him home while the rest of us made it through Mass. Veronica asked frequently about him. We found that he was missing her too.

Both kids seemed interested in trying the snow again. (I was excited that I could redeem the lack of snowman from the previous snow disaster.) However, yet again, Thomas (the poor, not completely well soul, I keep reminding myself) had a complete meltdown as we tried to get ready to go outside. Once outside, however, his mood was considerably lightened.

Thomas dove right in once he saw us building a snowman. He threw himself into the snow over and over, finding any and every way to fall in it he could. Veronica was not so sure she wanted to be in the snow, but was enjoying it from the sidewalk. Eventually, she wanted to get closer to "Frosty" and the fun took off even bigger!

Thomas enjoyed being pulled in the sled.

Veronica took some persuading, but decided she was interested in trying to ride on her belly... completely flat. She rode like that for quite a while!

After some snow fights in the alley. Veronica pulled the sled. "Let's go, Fwosty!" she said.

We settled down to some lasagna for lunch and what was the best nap they'd had all week.

After the nap, Veronica and Thomas played together super closely. Even holding hands through the house. They had some of the most give-and-take conversation I've ever heard between the two of them. I think they'd missed each other through Thomas's illness. It's so nice to see my favorite pair best friends back to their routines!