Ugh!

warning... not the most exciting post ever.

I started the transition to one nap a day today. They used to nap around 9:30-10:30 and then again around 2-3/3:30. The last four days we were finding that they didn't want to go to bed at their usual 7:30 time--more like 8:30/9! And they would still get up at 6:30 (ugh, but I can deal with it).

Well, how did it go you ask....They did well in the morning staying up until 11:15 from 6:30. They probably could have gone a little later actually but I didn't want to cross the fine line of tired and overtired. Kaylie slept until 12:45 (not as long as I was hoping for--ugh) and Ryan until 1:15--being woken up by a motorcycle (ugh, don't get me started on that one!) I think he would have gone longer.

So they had lunch upon waking and we played, went to Kohl's, played outside. I kept them busy.

They did really well until 6--well, 5:50 to be exact. We had some meltdowns in the high chairs, so we went upstairs to play. Different environment usually works. I was planning on a 7PM bottle and immediate bed. Well, they had the 7 PM bottle but STILL wanted to be up! WHAT!?!?! I was astonished. I found this out after bringing Ryan up (after seeing that he could barely stand up) and him wailing on and on (ugh!) until we finally went to go get him. I knew he was at the overtired state, but we let him be downstairs for a bit longer. When brought up, again he carried on crying for what seemed like forever, finally passing out at 8:10. Ugh, I just hate that. It breaks my heart. We're not sure if he is getting a separation anxiety or is just overtired. Up until four days ago, we used to literally put him in the crib, say goodnight and walk out of the room. What gives????

Kaylie was a good girl. She played & pooped (ugh! seems to be her new poop time, so there goes a wasted overnight diaper) after her bottle and then was brought up at 7:40 and she went down without a fight. Still a bit late considering when she woke up, but I'll take it.

I know it was only day one and it will take some getting used to. Hopefully, it gets better each day. Suggestions? Leave a comment.

Pics of the Week

It's slim pickins' for pictures to post this week. I didn't take much.

Here they are last Sunday at Grandma & Pop Pop's shorehouse awaiting lunch.

Ryan wearing his "retro" tee. We know Grandma will love it!

The Sniffer

Kaylie (& Ryan too) do this sniffing thing where they scrunch up their noses and then they crack up at each other. Here is a pic of Kaylie doing the sniff. It cracks me up. Photo by Bob of course.

Tooth Brushing

Brush, brush, brush your teeth...(insert Row, Row, Row Your Boat melody)

The last couple of weeks we have started to brush our teeth regularly. They actually like it. They throw a fit when I take the toothbrush away before they jam it down their throats. How long will this last? I remember hating to brush my teeth as a kid, but then again I didn't have berry flavored toothpaste either.

Speaking of teeth.....our current tooth tally finds Ryan overcoming Kaylie's lead with a whopping 7 and Kaylie stands at 5.

What's New?

Been feeling a little under the weather these past few days. Sore throat is the major thing and now a runny nose and clogged ears. I must have caught the kids' colds. Bob had it too.


What's new this week--although it's only Tuesday? Kaylie finally started to say her 'D's--her first consonant!!!! This is HUGE! She is very quiet about it and doesn't do it all that often, but we have both heard her a few times now in the past two days! I couldn't be happier.


I've been pushing table food this week. Not really pushing it, but they are not as interested in the spoon so I am taking that cue. They are getting the hang of it but I never realized how hard it can be to find foods that they will eat while making sure they are still getting the proper nutrients. Ryan has pretty much refused everything. Pasta is a no go. Tonight I caved and tried chicken nuggets. They were a hit, especially with Ryan! This must run in the family as their cousin, Rachel, is known to enjoy a nugget or two. Anyway that was the first food he actually gobbled up. He could live on Cheerios and Puffs if I let him. Kaylie is willing to try anything and even ate a few bits of broccoli.

Some foods I've tried already: homemade mac & cheese, grilled cheese, toast with jelly, green beanas, waffle, pastina, orzo with broth, ravioli (plain), broccoli, peas, carrots, watermelon, raspberries, bananas, apples. There's probably more, but I'm done thinking about it.

Going to try eggs, venture into tomato sauce, and make a quiche. There may be a lot of casserole making going on in this house. We'll see.


Here are some pictures of them enjoying their nuggets tonight. I love the first one with Cheerios stuck to K's face.

I'm still cute right?

Got any food suggestions? Leave me a comment with recipe!

First Birthday Pictures- A Little Late

We had a photo shoot in our house Saturday. Bob took their first year pictures. Yeah, I know almost 13 month pictures, but whatever. Better late than never. We actually did a photo shoot before their birthday but got a whole lotta nothing. These are pretty decent considering all they want to do is crawl away.

Pics of the Week

I didn't take many pictures because we were out and about a bit this week. We had the doctor's appointment, the haircut, and I took them to my old school (where I worked) so everyone could meet them. Of course everyone "oohed and aahed" over them much to Mommy's delight. We went shopping at some outlets and took quite a few walks this week too.

Every morning, Bob puts on his shoes to go to work. Well actually ANY time Bob puts shoes on, the kids beeline it to the shoes. They love to untie the shoes. Not really very helpful when you are trying to get out the door, but it's amusing to watch every morning.

Ryan & Kaylie received this belated birthday present this week from Bob's firm. They also got a Fisher-Price Zebra bounce & go too. I REALLY need that playroom done soon. Our family room looks like Toys R Us exploded in it. Fortunately, we haven't had to buy them many toys ourselves. They have received most of what they have as gifts or hand me downs. I have to do a basement update but we aren't close to completion any time soon.

Ryan's First Haircut

I took Ryan to get his first haircut today. We went to a place called Kidz Cuts. It had cars and things that the kids sit in to distract them as they get their hair cut.

He was okay in the chair (tractor), until the lady put the cape on him.

Needless to say he started crying--especially when I had to hold his head still (an impossible feat) while she got near the ears. He was arching and moving so much and only strapped in the chair with a rinky dink strap. I was trying to keep him in the chair and hold his head at the same time. She even offered him a lollipop but he wanted nothing to do with it. I'm not counting that as his first lollipop because he didn't even take one lick. LOL. I don't know how hairdressers do it with kids like that. He is pretty butchered. The ears are not even at all. I'm thinking I might try to even it out a bit but I'm no hairdresser. I hope his hair grows quickly. These are the only pictures I got of it because I had to hold his head. Lesson learned--take someone with you to take pictures of the first cut.

Here he is after the ordeal. He looks like a big boy now. Phew, I'm glad that is over. Not looking forward to next time.

Oh yeah, they gave me some locks and he got his first certificate of merit. LOL

Dr. Visit

We took them to the doctor's today because Ryan has had a nasty cough for a week now. It all started after that fever I posted about last weekend. I wanted him to get his ears & lungs checked out for my peace of mind. Well, the lungs & ears are clear. Just have to wait for this cold to clear up. Kaylie has a really runny nose now and has a little cough so far but is all clear too. The joys(?) of twins: if one gets sick, the other is bound to get it. Also, Ryan is cutting all 4 top teeth at once and one on the bottom. No wonder he has been so whiney lately. Let's hope we get over these colds quickly.

Another First!

We took another trip to the shore on Sunday. Kaylie and Ryan had their first dip in a pool!! Ryan loved it but then became infatuated with the stones in the driveway. We think he thought they were giant Puffs. He was actually throwing tantrums because we wouldn't let him eat them. Go figure! Kaylie was not too sure of the situation at all. She clung to the side and just tried to figure it all out. Eventually she started whining to get out. It took about 20 minutes to get them ready to go swimming, (not including the time spent blowing up the pool, & filling the pool earlier in the day), and the whole experience lasted 10 minutes MAX! Yeesh.

Pics of the Week

When it's 95 degrees out, we beat the heat by blowing bubbles in the house. Very hard to blow bubbles and get a good picture, but there you go.
A new thing we started is Pillow Time. I put all the couch pillows & Boppies on the floor and they climb all over them. Kaylie LOVES this, Ryan too, but she gets SUPER-excited about it.

The "OK" Corral- I call this contraption the OK Corral because I know they are safe in the fenced in area. It's a Superyard XT that we picked up at a consignment sale. I think it retails for $65 or something and I got this just like new one for $20! Can't beat that. It has 6 panels, but I need to get the extension kit to make it two panels larger so they have more room. K liked the new digs, but Ry whined to get out the whole time.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all fathers out there.

Bob-Couldn't do it without you!! The kids(& me)love you so much.

Happy Father's day Dad! Love you!

I've Been Tagged

I was TAGGED by Rachel at Irish Triplets, Plus One!

The rules:
Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

What was I doing ten years ago?
Ten years ago...June of 1998. Just graduated from Douglass College with my bachelors, but I was in the 5 year Master's program so I had another year to go. I think I worked at a daycare that summer. I honestly don't know..how bad is that?


What are five (non-work) things on my to-do list for today?

1. Pluck my eyebrows

2. Surf the internet

3. Order the kid's birth certificates (yeah it's been a year)

4. Make dentist appt.

5. Make pedicure appt.




Five snacks I enjoy: (only 5? Hmmmm...)
1. Cheetos

2. Fruit salad

3. Chocolate chip cookies & milk

4. Chocolate covered pretzels & strawberries

5. Rice Krispie Treats


Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Buy a bigger house
2. Travel the world

3. donate to needy schools

Probably more.. but I don't have time to think more about it

Places I’ve lived:
1. Neshanic Station, NJ
2. Colts Neck, NJ
3. New Brunswick, NJ
4. Somerset, NJ

Jobs I’ve had:
1. Teacher
2. Customer Assistant at Champion & Leggs Hanes Bali outlets
3. Worked at a day care
4. babysitter/nanny
5. Mom

TAG! You’re it (Rules are made to be broken right? I'm breaking the rules and only tagging 3 people)

1. Amy
2. Toni
3. Debi

We're Formula Free!

And I couldn't be happier about it. Yes, it's another growing up milestone, but one that I won't miss. I was so tired of mixing two different formulas--ugh! It is so nice just to pour milk into the bottle and be done with it. The little things in life. AHHH!

Damn Yankees!

Yesterday we went to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees play. I have never been to a game there and wanted to see the stadium before they open the new one. Bob got me tickets for my birthday so we went. The seats were awesome--4th row! It was soooooooo HOT! We weren't under any kind of shade, so we were roasting in the 95 degree weather. One time a cloud came in front of the sun and the whole stadium cheered and then booed as it quickly made its pass. We drank lots of water and HAD sunscreen. Only we took the type that is in the aerosol can---a BRAND NEW can. Well, that was confiscated as we went into the stadium. Who knew??? I don't really know what they think I was going to do with it. Bob has very fair skin and burns in a minute and I have become very sensitive to the sun. We needed to have something. I did bring a Waterbabies stick with me that is used on faces. That was SPF 30. We bought sunscreen there and what a ripoff. $5 for a bottle the size that you might get in a hotel room and SPF 15 to boot. So I learned to bring the non aerosol kind with me next time, although I did see another woman with the spray kind which infuriated me to no end. She must have had it buried in her bag or something.

We had to laugh at one of our few outings out as a couple and we choose to sweat our buns off! Anyway, the Yankees lost, but I was glad to be able to see a game. Thanks Nana & Pop-Pop for babysitting. If you want to see a video of Kaylie taken by Nana click here
A pic of the new stadium.

We were this close!

Fever

Despite having a heat wave here in NJ, Ry added to his heat with his first fever (since the 4 month shots) yesterday. We think it's due to teeth. It was a low grade one--99 degrees. He was extra whiny. Looks like he's cutting a bottom tooth and his fangs are trying to make an appearance. Poor kiddo! I have heard him cough a few times today, so I am keeping an eye on that.

Pics of the Week

Not too many pictures taken this week. Bob got out his SLR and took these first four that you see.

Looking up at the fan. What child isn't fascinated by a fan?

No, not licorice, just string connected to a toy phone. Ry likes to floss. Gotta start those habits early.
I gave Kaylie pieces of toast with Polaner's 100% fruit jelly and she LOVED it.
Play with us Daddy!

Tooth Number 5

Kaylie has her fifth tooth now! Her front and center one. She has become a biter. The last two days she went to bite Ryan on the hand while at the music table, in an effort to claim it as hers. She doesn't share well AT ALL. Today, she tried to bite him on his rear (LOL!) and bit me on my shoulder. Naughty, naughty, naughty!! I know she doesn't know what she is doing, but I don't know how to stop it. I tell her no, but what else can you do at this age? I think her teeth might be bothering her a lot. I've given Orajel, teethers, and let her suck on an ice cube in one of those mesh feeders. Seems to help. Let's hope it's a phase that passes soon.

Aren't These Cute?

These are the cookie favors we had for their party. My sister was kind enough to make them. I think they are just so adorable I had to share with everyone. They were very good too! I think she should start a business.

Happy 12 Months!

Aunt Amy & Uncle Steve bought Ryan & Kaylie first birthday onesies. They wore these on their actual birthday. (Ryan's says Baby's 1st Birthday and Kaylie's says 1st Birthday Girl). On Friday, we took a trip to the mall where they were wished a Happy Birthday by anyone that stopped us or any elevators we rode, and the cashiers of stores we stopped at. We then took a walk in the neighborhood and played outside.

To them it was just any other day.

Oh and with all the excitement, I didn't forget to take the monthly pic.

One Year Appointment

Ryan and Kaylie had their one year doctor appointments today. They received the chicken pox vaccine, their final Prevnar shot, had some blood taken, and had a TB test. Needless to say they are currently having a 2 hour nap which allows Mommy to blog. LOL

They will be starting milk. This makes Mommy's life a lot easier--no more mixing two types of formula!! Yipppeeee!!! Of course we are going to ease into it. Otherwise, they are doing well for their adjusted age.
Ryan 22 lbs. 7 oz. 30 inches
Kaylie 17 1/2 lbs. 27 1/4 inches (this number differs from the NICU appt. we had less than 2 weeks ago. Looks like Kaylie shrunk. :) )

First Birthday Bash!

We had a beautiful day for a backyard BBQ birthday bash. Complete with farm theme. It was held in my parent's backyard.

Here are the guests of honor in their birthday wear. Kaylie has a bow in her hair for the first time. It actually stayed in and she didn't even know it was there. Mommy's newly found hobby--collecting bows for her. I'll be hitting up the mall kiosk again real soon.

We had a tent, balloons, and the event was catered.

For those wondering if they wore their hats---Ryan did with no problem as long as he could eat the ribbon. Kaylie on the other hand was not having any of it. She cried the minute I put her in the high chair. She was too tired at this point.

As for the cake, Ryan fully explored his cake, while Kaylie took it slow and needed to be held by Mommy.

My favorite pics of Ryan & Kaylie from the day

Of course a cake picture.

Overall they had a blast. They didn't want to miss a minute and went from 11-5:30 without a nap! That has never happened before. Ryan finally passed out on Grandma as we were cleaning up everything to go home. Kaylie passed out in the car a minute after we left.

Ry 2 minutes before he passed out A tired Kaylie, but still going.....(anyone picturing the Energizer Bunny here?)

They were spoiled rotten and received lots of presents. It is a big milestone for them and for us. On the way home I started to cry because it finally hit me that they are indeed ONE and have come so far!

Bob also worked hard on making a DVD of most of their pictures and video we took of them. It is awesome and I cry every time I watch it. It's my Steel Magnolias or Beaches movie. Ya know the ones that make you cry every time you watch them? I wish I could share it with all of you. He's a good daddy.

Again, Happy Birthday kiddos!!!