So, I finally broke down. I did it. I turned the car seats to the forward-facing position. Most of Thomas and Veronica's friends have been forward-facing for a year now. I just want to keep the kiddos as safe as possible. The law requires they stay rear-facing until they are a year old or 20 pounds in weight. Well, they both make sense to me - 20 pounds fills the car seat out better; a year of age gives more developmental/muscle stability... hmmm... mine were preemies and Veronica continued to waiver on either side of 20 pounds for a long time. Plus, it's stated that rear-facing is actually safer, so why not?
It was time to move Veronica's straps up though, she finally grew a little taller... So, I decided to bite the bullet as Thomas's long legs did not look quite comfortable. I didn't see it going over well to turn one around and not the other.
So, last night, the #1 Daddy-O and I changed the seats up. To our surprise, forward facing had different criteria for the harness height and they can now seat in either seat (it's been Thomas on driver side and Veronica on passenger side for a year as the harnesses were different). I found some extra safety in the tethers that strap to the back of the car. Not required, but recommended for increased safety. Who thought I wouldn't buy into that?
This morning, we went to try the new seats out. I got around them being "siwwy" because the seats were already silly!!!! They thought it was pretty cool.
It was much easier to strap them in, and they seemed to enjoy the ride more. We could see the same things at the same time (hard for me to not think they were still looking the opposite way - a two year habit); we could see each other; they could actually see what I do with the steering wheel; and they could see so much more without the seats reclined! Exciting stuff!
The only thing we'll likely miss is both of them asking to hold our hands while in the car seats - we can't reach them like that now.
We drove first to the Glendale library today for a Signing Times story time. It was well attended and Veronica and Thomas sat still through the whole thing and paid attention - another first! This particular library seems to have a puppet theme in the children's area. So, afterward, they all went to play with the puppets. There was a little cardboard theatre Thomas was particularly interested in. He sat behind it, armed with a puppet, and started yelling, "Puppet show! Time for puppet show!"
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
The BBC Live
Our first attempt at watercolor painting
"B-B-Cs!" That's what Thomas says when he wants a YouTube video that shows magnetic letters displayed during the alphabet song. (Pa was kind enough to introduce this to the twins.)
For the past couple months they've both been consistent in recognizing the letters A, B, C, D, O, T, & X. I was surprised one day about a month ago when I was writing the alphabet on the driveway with chalk. They took turns anticipating some of the next letters. This past week, the main book Thomas has wanted to read is ABC Look at Me by Roberta Grobel Intrater. It shows a picture with a different baby showing an emotion for every letter of the alphabet. He will read it over and over!
Today they floored me! We were waiting for the large stall in Target's restroom when they both started to help each other through the alphabet song! I through a few prompts in, but between the two of them, they sang it over and over! One lady walking into a stall peeked her head back out and said, "You're a good mother." That was a super compliment!! However, I know that they are good kids and make it easy for me. Veronica continued to sing it throughout the entire shopping trip. She has most of it down. It's funny that Thomas calls it "BBCs"... yet when he recites it, it is "ABC."
Well, all that knowledge is simply exhausting because they both fell asleep on the way home. However, when they woke up, Veronica insisted on helping me empty the bags... that's when she found it... the paintbrushes. Yes, after last week's ceramic painting fun, I decided to get some washable watercolors to play with. Well, there was no waiting for painting! We had to get started right away!! They had an absolute blast painting - lots of concentration and good sharing of the supplies. (Even if it was tempting to try to drink the brush water.)
Towers were even built by both kids... Quite a switch in interest - we didn't know if they could do it. We just knew they wanted us to build them as fast as we could so they could knock them over. So, actually taking the time to build towers was amazing... of course every tower was demolished properly.
Bath time was great as well. They insisted on playing with their numbers (they stick to the wall when wet) and Thomas was naming many of the numbers. They played with their "coffee." (Pouring water from containers) Thomas offered it to Veronica by calling her "Honey."
What fabulous kids. Today was a fun day.
Veronica's first watercolor 11/17/2008
Thomas's first watercolor 11/17/2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Family Traditions?
Last year before Christmas and before their first birthday, I slathered paint on four infant hands and made angel wings out of them on a plate.
(picture to be posted here later)
I have thought about it and have decided it would be fun (now I'm not sure if it's fun, but will be neat, rather) if we would do this every year - make a different picture out of their hand prints on a plate. We would display them along the wall in the dining room and see the changes over the years. Great idea, right? Well, Veronica and Thomas didn't think so.
We packed up and went to my favorite pottery painting place, Ceramic Dreams. The gal who owns this place is so sweet. When I was on bed rest with Veronica and Thomas she let Judson pick up pottery and supplies and have me keep them at the hospital indefinitely. Last year she let me take the supplies home to try to do the plates while the kids were strapped in high chairs. They were quite interested in the place - the paint, the ambiance... but not the paint on their hands. Veronica started screaming when I put a little paint on one hand. Finally I got ONE hand print on the plate.
We decided to distract them before trying more by giving them Christmas ornaments to paint. I was afraid Veronica would not like this either. However, having paint on a brush is a lot different than having someone use the brush with paint on your hand! They LOVED it! Sometimes with pencils or pens they are not sure which end to write with. They didn't have any trouble figuring the paintbrushes out... dip in the paint, slather (Veronica) or dab (Thomas) it on the ceramic.
I was hoping this would warm them up to the paint a little. I tried Thomas's hand... he agreed with Veronica's first impression. I was able to get a very smeared hand print of his on the plate though. I tried for Veronica again, but they were not going to be so open about that idea. So, I switched from having a bunch of hand prints making a Christmas wreath to two hand prints making some holly.
(picture to be posted her of this year's plate)
We still got the plate - tradition held - better luck next year?
(picture to be posted here later)
I have thought about it and have decided it would be fun (now I'm not sure if it's fun, but will be neat, rather) if we would do this every year - make a different picture out of their hand prints on a plate. We would display them along the wall in the dining room and see the changes over the years. Great idea, right? Well, Veronica and Thomas didn't think so.
We packed up and went to my favorite pottery painting place, Ceramic Dreams. The gal who owns this place is so sweet. When I was on bed rest with Veronica and Thomas she let Judson pick up pottery and supplies and have me keep them at the hospital indefinitely. Last year she let me take the supplies home to try to do the plates while the kids were strapped in high chairs. They were quite interested in the place - the paint, the ambiance... but not the paint on their hands. Veronica started screaming when I put a little paint on one hand. Finally I got ONE hand print on the plate.
We decided to distract them before trying more by giving them Christmas ornaments to paint. I was afraid Veronica would not like this either. However, having paint on a brush is a lot different than having someone use the brush with paint on your hand! They LOVED it! Sometimes with pencils or pens they are not sure which end to write with. They didn't have any trouble figuring the paintbrushes out... dip in the paint, slather (Veronica) or dab (Thomas) it on the ceramic.
I was hoping this would warm them up to the paint a little. I tried Thomas's hand... he agreed with Veronica's first impression. I was able to get a very smeared hand print of his on the plate though. I tried for Veronica again, but they were not going to be so open about that idea. So, I switched from having a bunch of hand prints making a Christmas wreath to two hand prints making some holly.
(picture to be posted her of this year's plate)
We still got the plate - tradition held - better luck next year?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Blessings
I have a deep respect for Veterans. I have several relatives who are Veterans. Today I found a new reason to appreciate Veterans. It is Veterans' Day and I am STILL sick. I've been making it through day-to-day for the last week. Saturday was a huge break because Judson took the twins out all day so I could rest. Today (Tuesday) he had off and did the same. (Hence, my appreciation for Veterans... and of course my husband who looks after us all so well.)
Judson took them out in the morning and brought them back for their nap. (I napped through the entire time!) When they woke, Judson gathered them up and was going to whisk them away so I could continue to rest, but they wanted to come into the bedroom and say good-bye. While they were taking their turns giving me hugs, Thomas noticed the picture of Julianne and David that I keep on my nightstand. He said, "Kiss Day an JuJan! Kiss Day an JuJan." I handed him the picture and he kissed both babies very sweetly, seem satisfied and left.
In a way, Julianne and David are the Veterans of our immediate family. They fought the battle that won Veronica and Thomas a safer pregnancy - and thus their beautiful lives. We know what they did for our family was difficult and honorable and we cannot thank them enough.
What a blessing to have all my children know and love each other - even if they cannot physically be together.
Judson took them out in the morning and brought them back for their nap. (I napped through the entire time!) When they woke, Judson gathered them up and was going to whisk them away so I could continue to rest, but they wanted to come into the bedroom and say good-bye. While they were taking their turns giving me hugs, Thomas noticed the picture of Julianne and David that I keep on my nightstand. He said, "Kiss Day an JuJan! Kiss Day an JuJan." I handed him the picture and he kissed both babies very sweetly, seem satisfied and left.
In a way, Julianne and David are the Veterans of our immediate family. They fought the battle that won Veronica and Thomas a safer pregnancy - and thus their beautiful lives. We know what they did for our family was difficult and honorable and we cannot thank them enough.
What a blessing to have all my children know and love each other - even if they cannot physically be together.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Happy Birthday, Angels.
On their first birthday, I was pregnant with Veronica and Thomas and had already been in the hospital a couple months. I was not able leave the ward without the accompaniment of a nurse because of the IV medication I was on. Because I knew how busy the nurses were with other high-risk pregnant women, I rarely asked to leave. The nurses on 2 south that we came to know and care for were very generous with their resources when it came to Julianne and David's birthday. They were part of the hospitalization and birth of Julianne and David. They helped arrange to have a prayer service in chapel for us. They even arranged staffing that day so some could attend. As they knew it was important to me to light a candle on their birthday, they made special arrangements to light a candle as well.
On their second birthday, we were able to go to North Vernon and celebrate grave-side. We baked cupcakes and lit candles on them to sing "Happy Birthday." When we finished the song, the candles blew out "on their own." We are certain it was Julianne and David participating.
Well, today we wanted to continue the tradition of a "birthday party." I baked cupcakes before we headed down. November 9 is also my mom's birthday. This year Mom turned 60. We were able to spend this day celebrating with Mom and all her children (and extensions!). Veronica and Thomas had a wonderful time with "Denny, Dawn, Fad, and Pauda." This enabled Judson and I to spend leisurely time at the cemetery, talking, singing "Happy Birthday," and eating cupcakes. David seemed to blow his own candle out again this year. Julianne, however, was not able to get her candle blown out until we put it next to David's. We've always believed that they looked out for each other beginning in the womb.
Because family encourages us to celebrate our angels (what a wonderful family!) they also gave Judson and myself some time together on a date that evening.
It was a beautiful day loving our beautiful children.
Julianne & David's headstone with their birthday cupcakes aglow.
Our two lambs celebrating their birthday with The Lamb of God.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sick
It's been a long week.
On Tuesday (Election Day), we headed up to Carmel to get our first formal family portrait done... Dad takes so many good pictures that these almost two-year-olds don't know what a portrait studio looks like. (Thank goodness!)
On the way there we were munching on snacks as to be in good spirits for the photo shoot. Veronica gagged on her cheese - throwing up all over her pretty dress. Fortunately the studio was very friendly, said we could arrive a little late, and Target was around the corner. A little clean-up and a new sweater later, we were on our way.
Thomas was very patient through all of this. He looked very concerned, but seemed to know he should not interfere. When things were a little quieter, he would ask, "Sissy OK?" He seemed happy when we told him she was, but he had to make sure a few more times.
By Thursday Thomas had the flu. Veronica is often looks after Thomas as much as he looks after her. If one is upset, the other tries to make him/her laugh, gives a toy, etc. However, Veronica didn't know what to do with the likes of something this serious. She seemed to think she needed to be held and comforted over it more than Thomas. However, after Thomas would show improvement, she would make sure I gave Thomas "medicine" - Pedialyte pops.
It's so nice to have children who care so much about each other.
On Tuesday (Election Day), we headed up to Carmel to get our first formal family portrait done... Dad takes so many good pictures that these almost two-year-olds don't know what a portrait studio looks like. (Thank goodness!)
On the way there we were munching on snacks as to be in good spirits for the photo shoot. Veronica gagged on her cheese - throwing up all over her pretty dress. Fortunately the studio was very friendly, said we could arrive a little late, and Target was around the corner. A little clean-up and a new sweater later, we were on our way.
Thomas was very patient through all of this. He looked very concerned, but seemed to know he should not interfere. When things were a little quieter, he would ask, "Sissy OK?" He seemed happy when we told him she was, but he had to make sure a few more times.
By Thursday Thomas had the flu. Veronica is often looks after Thomas as much as he looks after her. If one is upset, the other tries to make him/her laugh, gives a toy, etc. However, Veronica didn't know what to do with the likes of something this serious. She seemed to think she needed to be held and comforted over it more than Thomas. However, after Thomas would show improvement, she would make sure I gave Thomas "medicine" - Pedialyte pops.
It's so nice to have children who care so much about each other.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Hanny Book
It's funny what kids decide to pick up on... and then go on and on and on...
Veronica's current obsession is being "siwwy" (silly). They both like to let you know, "I funny." Veronica's silliness seems to be most important to her when trying to put her in the car seat. She thinks it is hilarious to stand up backward in her car seat. She does pretty well if we let her be silly to the count of five. If she's not willing to give it up after that, no one thinks it's funny! :)
Thomas has been fascinated with Blue's Clues since he was very, very young. I know, I know... "no TV until they are 2 years old." Well, you experts try taking care of two infants simultaneously!! Watching a few minutes of it at a time kept each of them occupied enough to feed one, get a diaper changed, calm another... Besides, we like to think of Steve as one of their first "teachers." After all, we are certain Thomas's first word was, "a clue!" He said it at an appropriate time of the show, clear as day... at 6 months old.
If you've never seen it, the premise is this... Steve (in later seasons, Joe) lives in a house with his dog, Blue. They have many friends (like the salt and pepper shaker, alarm clock, side table...) and like to do many activities. To figure out what they are going to do is usually a mystery solved by finding clues (blue paw prints on objects). Each time a clue is found Steve draws a picture of it in his "Handy, Dandy Notebook." When all three clues are found he sits in his Thinking Chair... and thinks! Then they figure out the answer.
Well, both Thomas and Veronica find this fascinating. Early on, they would notice any hand print or paw print in life and name it a clue. Then Thomas began finding clues everywhere (with or without paw prints). I've caught Veronica drawing and talking to herself - often what she says she draws is whatever clue Steve found that day. We have a cute little book that looks like Steve's Handy, Dandy Notebook. Thomas can't go anywhere without it now... he always needs his "Hanny Book."
Veronica's current obsession is being "siwwy" (silly). They both like to let you know, "I funny." Veronica's silliness seems to be most important to her when trying to put her in the car seat. She thinks it is hilarious to stand up backward in her car seat. She does pretty well if we let her be silly to the count of five. If she's not willing to give it up after that, no one thinks it's funny! :)
Thomas has been fascinated with Blue's Clues since he was very, very young. I know, I know... "no TV until they are 2 years old." Well, you experts try taking care of two infants simultaneously!! Watching a few minutes of it at a time kept each of them occupied enough to feed one, get a diaper changed, calm another... Besides, we like to think of Steve as one of their first "teachers." After all, we are certain Thomas's first word was, "a clue!" He said it at an appropriate time of the show, clear as day... at 6 months old.
If you've never seen it, the premise is this... Steve (in later seasons, Joe) lives in a house with his dog, Blue. They have many friends (like the salt and pepper shaker, alarm clock, side table...) and like to do many activities. To figure out what they are going to do is usually a mystery solved by finding clues (blue paw prints on objects). Each time a clue is found Steve draws a picture of it in his "Handy, Dandy Notebook." When all three clues are found he sits in his Thinking Chair... and thinks! Then they figure out the answer.
Well, both Thomas and Veronica find this fascinating. Early on, they would notice any hand print or paw print in life and name it a clue. Then Thomas began finding clues everywhere (with or without paw prints). I've caught Veronica drawing and talking to herself - often what she says she draws is whatever clue Steve found that day. We have a cute little book that looks like Steve's Handy, Dandy Notebook. Thomas can't go anywhere without it now... he always needs his "Hanny Book."
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