The Thomas Twins

Seaner....

2012-01-28T14:44:00.001-05:00

Just keeps getting more adorable.

Thanks Aunt Sue

2012-01-17T17:04:00.001-05:00

And we'll see how long this lasts

2012-01-06T14:48:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Cooper and Bailey turned four and I realized that soon this blog will be four. I have been a true slacker when it comes to posts and updates and I'm aiming to do much better in 2012. Having thought of that I decided it was time to stop procrastinating and make my New Year's Resolutions (you get until the 6th to decide, right?) So here they are, in no particular order:

1. Keep up with this blog. I aim to be at least as active on this blog as I was in 2009 and 2010, which is only about 3 posts a month.

2. Get organized. I mean this one. I mean I mean all of these, but this is the one I NEED to mean. I feel like there is stuff, stuff everywhere and it's causing this choking sensation in my throat and anxiety at bedtime when I think of all the corners and mounds and pounds of things to go through. I feel sick being this unorganized. I plan on getting organized, doing each room at a time. Finding a home for everything even if it means finding a new home for it. Like at Goodwill or the Landfill. And to aim to bring nothing home unless I know where I will store it.

3. Be consistent. With everything. With putting things away. With a cleaning routine. With discipline and rules with the children. With my running. I am terrible about starting something and before it becomes routine enough I stop.

I also have a few running goals and resolutions, which you can read about here.

2 x 4

2012-01-05T21:17:00.001-05:00

Today, the twins turned four.

Brothers

2011-12-26T15:50:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

A Christmas Tradition

2011-12-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

When I was little we didn't do a lot of Holiday Baking at our house. I remember one time making cookies with my mom during my ENTIRE childhood. Are you weeping for me yet? Just kidding. However, my mom did make one thing almost every year when I was young, Rice Krispie Treats. Because of this my sister and I still love these simple treats. I make them every year, but only at Christmas, and usually give my sister half of them after I've snatched half for myself. Yesterday I made my yearly batch with Cooper's help.

Cooper and I often are at odds, I find that he almost focuses his attention on getting me worked up. Usually naptime is when he's at his best. Yesterday I forsook any 'alone' time for the day and allowed Cooper to skip his nap completely. Instead he helped me make Rice Krispie Treats. What a wonderful experience. He was very helpful, pouring in the ingredients as needed and putting away the things we were through using. And he was very proud of the finished product.

We also made Homemade Granola Bars, that while tasty, don't hold together very well when cut. Bailey loved it crumbled over yogurt for an afternoon snack though. I think we may have found a 'granola' recipe but not a bar recipe. Our kids love Quaker and Fiber One Granola Bars so I will continue on the hunt for a homemade granola bar that we all enjoy.

Our Perfect To Me Family

2011-12-20T07:21:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful for four wonderful children whom love to be read to, a spouse who will cuddle up and read to them, and even that mangy dog who will allow the daughter to sit on him.

My first Christmas

2011-12-19T14:58:00.001-05:00

Baby Brodie in a well worn hat.

They Might Be Giants

2011-12-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

This isn't footage from the camcorder, this is actually iPhone video, but thought I would share.

Next thing you know they'll be living in a shoe.

2011-12-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

Bailey and Cooper have been talking for quite sometime now but recently they have started concocting the most fascinating and hilariously funny play scenarios, or at least to their mom, who to be honest, doesn't get out that much anymore. In order to preserve these moments in hopes of sharing them with high school graduating classes and possible boyfriends we have broken out the camcorder more and more lately. I love catching them when they don't know I'm recording them. However, other times they come right up to me in hopes of an impromptu interview.

Just yesterday I learned that not only are Bailey and Cooper going to get married, ten girls they'll have and eleven boys. They said this with an air of assurance and went off to decorate their 'kitchen' for Christmas.

I've yet to figure out exactly how to format the footage I'm capturing for your viewing pleasure, perhaps I have to use YouTube? But as soon as I figure it out, I promise to share.

Six Weeks Already?

2011-12-14T15:28:00.001-05:00

Wherever does the time go? Baby Brodie is already six weeks old. He isn't on any recognizable schedule yet but is loved entirely by his siblings.

2011...where has the time gone.

2011-12-13T15:50:00.002-05:00

I know, I know I said I was going to post more often. It's been a busy year. No more promises.

I promise.

Anyhow, in lieu of sending a Christmas letter in everyone's Christmas cards this year (let's face it those things were already weighed down) I thought I would compose a little post, a sort of year in review thing, for those who may be stopping in after receiving our Christmas card in hopes of more news or snippets about what we've been up to this year.

In January, the twins turned three. We celebrated with family and friends. Then at the end of the month we celebrated it again with family and friends. Sean went back to the allergist and we got the fabulous news that he was no longer allergic to eggs, milk or soy. We also decided after a string of 'slow months' to sell our house and began the preparations to move.

In February, Todd and I ran Holiday Lake 50k. It was my first 'ultra', Todd's second. I got shin splints the week before and feared a DNF (Did not finish) or even worse was in my future. However, I am proud to say that I finished the 50k in 5:29:41. The following Monday we listed our house officially for sale. On Tuesday, Bailey and Cooper started preschool two days a week at a local church. They loved it immediately. The next Saturday I ran a local 5k trail race and finished first female. Despite finishing well I didn't feel well. Turns out, I was pregnant and didn't yet know it.

In March, we had several showings on our house and went to several open houses. We stayed busy with work, preschool, getting the house ready and running a few Mountain Junkies races. Mid-March I finally made it the doctor and confirmed that baby number four was indeed on his way, due October 31st. At the end of the month Bailey and Cooper took Daddy to school for Daddy and Me night and Todd and I ran the Terrapin Half. Worst race ever for me. Proof that running requires a strong and healthy mental front.

In April, we finally announced that we were expecting. We started going on family hikes in celebration of the warmer weather moving in. We ran Martin's 10k in Richmond and visited the National Zoo. The twins are in love with Monkeys. Sean, who has yet to talk, just smiles and points at everything.

In May, I traveled to Cincinnati for a girl's weekend to run the Cincinnati half marathon. We celebrated the upcoming arrival of my niece, Neko, with a baby shower/cookout in our backyard and we saw the Air Show when it came through town. In an effort to lower our monthly bills we sell our Sequoia and bought a Suburban on Ebay (yes, Ebay) and I drive to New Jersey over Memorial Weekend with the three kids to pick it up. Preschool ended for the year and we learn that baby is most probably another boy.

June. Todd ran a trail marathon and I a 25k at Carvin's Cove, we both felt we did well considering our training and conditions. We frequented the local splash-ground as the weather is not yet warm enough for the pool. Out of nowhere we get an offer from our bank to refinance our house. We jump on the offer as we never really wanted to move in the first place. Our niece Neko is born on June 20th and a week later we learn that baby is most definitely, without a doubt, another boy.

July was cookouts and beach trips, family visits from Arizona and loads of ice cream and pool trips to beat the heat. It was also when my grandmother, Betty, passed away at the age of 93.

In August, Sean turned two. After two years of very, very little speaking Sean finally starts talking. He starts us off by saying "no". He loves our reaction so much that he starts saying more words. He enunciates everything in such a way that I just love to listen to him talk. Todd and I celebrated our tenth anniversary and take the family to Busch Gardens.

All three children went to preschool in September. We were nervous about Sean going but he loves it just as much if not more than Bailey and Cooper. After a few short weeks he is talking more and more. Todd ran another Trail Marathon and I was lucky enough to attend and volunteer for the race. It was an eye opening experience to be on that side of a race. As a late birthday present Todd and I went to Charlottesville to see the Avett Brothers in concert. It was awesome. Bailey ran the 1/4 mile kids race at the Amazing Kids Mile and found the after race goodie bag quite rewarding.

October began and I was ready to have the new baby. However, the new baby was not quite ready to come. The whole month is a blur of false labor, trips to the hospital, loads of walking and running in hopes of bringing on labor. It was actually a really busy month with birthdays and wedding and races, then festivals, orchards and field trips. I really, really thought the baby was going to come in October. I was wrong.

Six hours into November. That's when baby number four, Brodie Michael Indiana, finally made his debut. Luckily for him he's a pretty cute and a pretty good baby so I don't hold it against him that he waited for November. Aunt Sue and cousin Ivy came to visit for a week after he was born and were so much fun that we were really sad (and scared) to see them go. The kids had pajama day at school and a Thanksgiving Feast.

And now that brings us to December. So far we've had a Christmas Program at school that was adorable, we've gone to visit Santa and had our annual Cookie Exchange where I once again, did not even get honorable mention for my cookies. We still have loads of shopping to do and it's still undecided whom among us is on the naughty list.

The Worst Blogging Family Ever?

2011-06-22T15:29:00.003-04:00

Probably.

I really, really plan on being better. I promise.

The Times They Are A Changin

2010-12-29T13:00:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that one week from today Bailey and Cooper will be three.

Three.

How did this happen? I promised myself if wouldn't. That I would find a way to keep them young and small. But then I got busy with cleaning up toys, and mopping floors and endless laundry and reading Blackberry Mouse six dozen times and now here we are and my babies are turning three.

I can't stress this enough, how quickly time is flying by. But if you're already a parent you already know and if you aren't there is no way to convey in words how true a statement it really is.

I wanted to record a few things, write them down someplace so as not to forget. So here I go.

Bailey repeats everything. Already this is dangerous but sometimes it's quite cute. Especially when she says "I really love this song" or "We don't like Taco Bell do we Mom?" Other times it's less cute, as when she repeats that line about Grandpa being a big kid...while he's here visiting. Today she referred to her babies as James and Judah, the sons of a friend of ours, last week one of the baby names was Alexa also the name of a friends child. She got two strollers for Christmas and a baby doll and I can tell you that would have been enough. She also got a carrier that has gone everywhere we've gone since Christmas. The baby doll's name? Trouble. Thanks to Todd for that one. That a hoot to hear about, "I've got to get Trouble, Mom." "I like Trouble". And so forth.

Cooper is talking tons too. And he got a lot for Christmas. Lightning McQueens and Spiderman and Parking Garages but what is his only interest? Bailey's strollers. If I hear them screaming over a stroller one more time I will hear them screaming over a stroller one more time. Because I don't seem to be making any headway on convincing them to share or honor each other's personal property. He is developing a few oddities that I hope change quickly. He HAS to have his hands washed a lot but then HAS to have them dried completely or have a meltdown. I thought that maybe he would potty train easily because of this. Nope. Not so at all. He had five accidents this morning before I just threw in the towel and put a diaper back on him. But we did get to wash our hands twelve times this morning. So that was fun. Fortunately for Cooper he's one of the sweetest and cutest little buggers I've ever seen and so logical over everything else that I know in the end he'll be just fine. Every one has to have some oddity, right?

Sean is growing. I mean I think he's finally gaining weight, yay! He is in awe of all of the goodies that have come into the house but his attention span is still so short that any toy is a great toy for 35 seconds or less. He goes on Monday to the allergist so we'll be praying for good news. Here's hoping that at least he can switch to soy milk. He is also getting a new tooth and has a bad diaper rash and I often find myself spoiling him because he just seems to have it so hard. I know later he will be a terror and Bailey will constantly remind me that it was all my doing and we are so unfair to her. Or Cooper will say it. Or some nice lady I've never met at Kroger will say it. Point is, sooner of later I'll probably hear it from someone and I'm just telling you now, I know it's all my doing and he's had a tough time of it so I don't feel guilty about it.

Except I do a little. Because I drink guilt for breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner.

I feel guilty for example that I don't blog more. So maybe in 2011.

Or maybe not. We'll just have to see how it goes.

The Triplette

2010-11-17T22:26:00.000-05:00

For over a year now, and as long as we possibly can, this is how we ride.

Our Sink Sitter

2010-11-16T22:39:00.000-05:00

Recently, Bailey and I made pumpkin seeds together. For the record, they were far too troublesome and not very good. I don’t recommend you bother.

I get sidetracked so easily.

I placed Bailey in the sink to help me wash the seeds and get them ready. She loved sitting in the sink. She sat there for over an hour. Now, whenever I’m in the kitchen cooking or baking, she wants to sit in the kitchen sink.

If it’s clean. I let her.

This is Seaner

2010-11-15T22:22:00.001-05:00

He is such a stinking cutie.

Because he is so stinking cute, I try to take his picture to capture his adorability. However, like his mother, he hates to have his picture taken. Recently at a 5k I spent the morning trying to get his picture.

He literally spent the morning trying to evade me.

I said “Seaner, your powers are no match to me.”

He replied. “Oh yeah, Mom?”

Sneak Peak

2010-11-15T22:07:00.001-05:00

Last week my sister and her husband finally let me photograph them together. It was a spur of the moment sort of thing, at the seafood dinner, but I’m hoping they’ll like what I did enough to let me actually shoot them.

And I mean that in a purely photographical way.

Family Dinner

2010-11-15T21:53:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday these two really cool people had us over for Family Dinner in Blacksburg. It was awesome, they made my favorite foods:

pizza, pasta and brownies. Yummy.

And of course some of my favorite people were there, the host and hostess, as well as these cuties:

We had a super awesome time. So much so that we’re (the kids and I) are going back on Wednesday for more.

The previous evening we had the Seafood Dinner. That is the annual Christmas feast that my mother’s family has every year. Where the food may not be our thing, we enjoyed getting to see everyone, especially Donna and Ben who were up from Florida. I will try and post some photos from that dinner as well but this us my favorite from the evening…

Seaner is 1!

2010-08-26T15:47:00.003-04:00

Last week we went to Duck, North Carolina for our big vacation of the summer/year. It was a perfect time to go as it was the only week Uncle Tyler and Jordan had off all summer long but it was also a packed full week of birthdays and anniversaries for our family. Monday was my birthday, Wednesday was our 9th anniversary and Friday was the Big Day otherwise known as Sean's first birthday. We celebrated with a Duck Donut, glazed with sprinkles for the big man who is allergic to most things. I'm not suer the donut was completely dairy or egg free but it seemed better than a cake with icing that surely would have been full of both. He loved the donut, I will try and post pictures or video later. Duck Donuts are possibly the best donuts ever. Ever. And I love donuts so that is saying a lot. We went 3 times during our vacation. And we only found them on Wednesday. I ate 10 powdered donuts. Yes, they were that good. But back to Sean. We spent the day mostly lounging by the pool or splashing on the shoreline. In the afternoon we went to a restaurant that was overly priced and not so tasty, I won't name them. Afterwards we went to Jockey's Ridge, the coolest place to watch the sun set ever. I've been going there for 17 years and yet I never outgrow that large pile of sand. Here we carried out the rest of our day rolling in the sand and trying to get that perfect picture of our family. We came home with buckets of sand in our hair, pants and shoes, but no perfect picture. Here is an OK one of only three of us.

I know Sean will never recall this first birthday but it was very monumental for me. Remembering that big day last summer when he finally arrived. The joy and sheer happiness. All the perfect days since. All the trying days since. And the perfect and trying days to hopefully come our way. It also marked my year goal of breastfeeding. It's time to wean. And gain 25 lbs. Our at least cut back on the powdered sugar donuts.

Now we are home, unpacked and moving on to the next thing. Seaner's first birthday party. We are having a party this Saturday. It's soccer ball themed and I've been searching for the perfect, OK more like doable, dairy free cake and icing recipes all week. At least he doesn't know what Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake tastes like.

Bailey 20 months old

2010-07-26T14:53:00.003-04:00

Today I imported all of the pictures and videos off of my small Nikon camera that I bought last year to take to Arizona but that I hardly ever use. I have however been using it more recently to take to the pool. Anyways, I imported the pictures and found that some of the pictures and video were from last fall, including this video of Bailey taken 10 months ago. I don't remember her ever being that small and cherub cheeked so it's nice to have this as proof.

What we've been at all month long.

2010-07-26T13:58:00.003-04:00

It's been nice and hot here lately so we've been doing the pool, either at Hill City or at a friend's house, several times a week. Sean, as well as his big brother and sister, can't get enough of the water.

Morning's mischief makers

2010-07-07T08:15:00.004-04:00

Time sure flies by when you're having fun and I reckon mostly what we do is having fun.

Bailey and Cooper continue to amaze me with their vocabularies and speech. Cooper is big on adjectives and it's always "a big one truck" or a "a yellow one bus", it just dawned on me that I guess there's a little bit of math going on there too. Bailey is full of phrases both cute and otherwise, "I don't think so" being a favorite of hers. She is very happy being the sole sister as she told me yesterday she would like two more brothers for a total of four, but not five. Sisters, she'll have none of those, please. Their conversations regularly have me in stitches. But their recall is amazing at this age to the point that I was shocked last night when I told Bailey she could come to Walmart with me. "I want to ride in the car" she said, referring to the carts with steering wheels. When I informed her that Walmart didn't have car carts she retorted, "Oh, so we go to Kroger because Kroger has cars." Her logic was so plain and simple she won me over. We went to Kroger where fortunately for me, milk was on sale. Unfortunately, for her all the car carts, in demand as they are, were currently taken. Little girl, bless her exhausted little heart, wasn't too happy about that.

Cooper, our daring bounce house jumper, trampoline tackling, roller coaster rider, would have nothing to do with Sunday's loud firework display. He actually asked to go to bed, for Cooper that was a first. Bailey held her own (and was thus held by everyone around at least once) until past 10:30, also a first around here. She got flashy Fourth of July jewelry as well, so it was a pretty good day for her.

Then there is Sean. A far more calm and easy going baby then I recall either of the twins being, and for this we are more than thankful. His sweet disposition makes his new found allergies even more disheartening. We have confirmed that he is allergic to eggs, milk and soy. The eggs being the biggest allergen has probably caused most if not all of his eczema that has ailed him for months now. In just a little over a week his skin is looking better with just the eradication of eggs from both of our diets. I have continued to eat some dairy but his skin and tummy seem to be handling that just fine. I have bought a few egg and dairy free products for us to try and have started to make his own baby food. It is only a little more work and I find that it gives me more control over what he eats, and we all know how much I love to garner control. However, I will say that homemade baby food smells and tastes much better than the Beech Nut and Gerber varieties. The other day Sean got only a smidgen of the banana puree I made for him because Bailey and Cooper swooped in like vultures and ate up all the banana puree before Sean could decided whether or not he liked it. This morning we have just blanched peaches for his breakfast, we will see if they are successful.

Sean is crawling everywhere, standing alone on occasion and walking with assistance. I have spoken with him and let him know that I see no reason for him to walk before his first birthday. He has kindly told me, mostly with his eyes, that there are several reasons to begin walking asap. Namely, to get away from Cooper's grasp quickly, and to reach the red ball, or the Tonka truck, or the stairs. We will let you know when steps are taken.

The parents are still running, not as much as before but we do have several races coming up ahead including our first adventure race in two weeks. We are busy playing and teaching the twins as well as working, cleaning, and having fun as time allows. We aren't nearly as interesting as our children though, so back to them.

It has been hot here, maybe not as hot as El Azizia, but pretty hot nonetheless for us four seasoners. So we've been frequenting the pool, the 'city pool' as Bailey calls it. A month ago Bailey and Cooper were frightened of the water, not several sessions later and with the added comfort of Puddle Jumpers they are little fish. Cooper can float by himself in waters deeper than him and will jump in the pool by himself. Bailey, who is almost always a little more timid, loves to jump in the water if you catch her before she goes under. She also likes it if you 'swim' her across the middle size pool. Today, the burning temperatures may send us in the city pools direction.

But first we must get on with the peaches.

Nine months old already!!

2010-05-20T15:30:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. I haven't posted in like two months. We're busy people, Ok? Sean's surgery went well. He recovered with little side effects if any. Today he is nine months old. That's right, 9 months already. He is crawling, sitting and pulling up on the side of furniture and his crib. He says 'Da-da' and 'ma=ma' and 'ba-da-ba-la-doo-da', but mostly it's 'da-da'. Todd thinks he will be walking in no time but I am Ok if he waits a few more months. He is one cute little bugger and we're so glad he's a part of our family.

I will try and post some more photos soon. We went to Washington, D.C. this past weekend and got some great outdoor pics of the kids I want to share.

Wish us all good luck.

2010-03-17T22:28:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow we travel to Charlottesville to the UVa Hospital for Sean to have surgery. From what I’ve been ~~promised~~ told, it’s a simple procedure, but I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t extremely nervous.

Not only does our little guy have to be sedated and ‘go under the knife’ they expect him to go without food or milk from midnight to post surgery, surgery is at noon. The little man doesn’t go more than five hours at night without waking to fill his tummy and they expect him to go 12 hours plus with 8 oz. of water. Aargh. If I sound a little stressed, it’s because I am.

Here’s to hoping that all goes well and he makes it through the hospital’s attempt to starve him and his surgery. It would have been nice of them to prescribe something. For at least his parents.

I’m only joking because I am so worried I could collapse from all my fears.

Sometimes, she surprises even me.

2010-03-07T03:13:00.000-05:00

Though not as enamored by Sean as Cooper is, Bailey is still a tremendous big sister.

Our little monkey.

2010-03-05T05:09:00.000-05:00

I need to learn how to take action shots or I will never capture Cooper adequately in a photo.

Always going at full speed a head with a smile on his face.

Number 3

2010-03-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

I am constantly amazed at how breathtaking and miraculous Sean is.

Now and forever, I am your biggest fan little man.

Our little Lady

2010-03-03T15:00:00.001-05:00

Last Christmas Bailey got a most adorable outfit from Gymboree courtesy of her Aunt and Uncle. It was a cute dress with matching stockings; size 18 months. Bailey being a wee little thing has just now grown into the dress, over a year later. Just last Wednesday she wore the tights for the first time and unfortunately, the last time. Within minutes of playing at Romp and Roll she had torn holes in the tights by rolling down a padded incline and getting caught on some Velcro. The holes, being quite small, wouldn’t have had to be the end of the tights. However, on the car ride home our little lady spent her time in her car seat to see to it that the holes were increased…about ten times over. When I was getting her out of her car seat all she replied was “I did it, Mommy.”

I decided to snap a few pictures of the tights as I have a feeling Bailey is going to take after me when it comes to dresses, and our little girl in dresses may be a dwindling occurrence.

Snack time

2010-02-24T23:50:00.001-05:00

When a package arrives

2010-02-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

For Christmas, as all of you must know by now, Bailey got an apron from Aunt Sue. It was a big hit. Really big. There was only one drawback to be seen.

There was only one of them.

And you see when you take to wearing your apron morning, noon and night including meals, it’s bound to get dirty and need to be washed. Your brother, who is possibly a bit jealous of your good fortune, will take to pointing out that your apron, being worn nonstop, is dirty. Your mom will have to wash it despite your insistence that it isn’t ‘durtee’. But then you might reply ‘I need another one’.

If someone as awesome as an “Aunt Sue” hears of your woes, she may just make you another one, perhaps even two and one for that pesky brother of yours. Which is nice, because as soon as you get it in the mail, you’ll want to put them on, despite the fact that you’re eating a rather messy snack of cinnamon sugar bites.

But of course there is little to fear when you have almost as many aprons as days of the week.

Thanks, Aunt Sue, you rock!

2010-02-15T21:02:00.001-05:00

Last year for Christmas Todd bought me Photoshop Elements and only now, a year or so later, am I finally playing around with it. I have no idea what I’m doing, it’s all trial and error (mostly error), but it’s fun when I’m up in the middle of the night.

I love when I capture something like this.

2010-02-10T14:30:00.000-05:00

All boy

2010-02-09T14:26:00.001-05:00

Cooper is such a rambunctious little fellow. The other day he was playing with his daddy and he just closed his eyes and jumped off the couch. I happened to catch that feat with my camera and that photo has been making me both laugh and smile for days and I just thought I would share.

My little taste testers

2010-02-03T23:01:00.001-05:00

I have recently been doing a lot of baking, so much that I even went and started a new blog to record all of my sweet treats and baking feats, you know, because I have so much free time on my hands and all.

The thing is, I really want Bailey and Cooper to experience home baked goods though. I seldom recall my own mother baking, actually I think there is only one memory I have of my mom baking Christmas cookies with us, and I want my kids to have even more memories, whether or not their fond memories (OK, so that isn’t true, I want them to be some of their favorite times because already it’s been some of my favorite times with them).

I have been baking cookies and cakes, brownies and muffins. Lots of muffins. This week I decided to make seven muffin recipes to try out. By the end of the week some of us won’t care if we ever see a muffin again. But I have been ‘testing’ my recipes out to see whether or not their kid friendly. The other day we were snowed in and I made two different muffins; Cinnamon Sugar muffins and Maple Muffins. When they were all done I let Cooper do a little taste testing. He had quite the time with it.

He was thrilled to be chosen as number one taste tester.

He sampled the Cinnamon Sugar ones first.

He decided pretty quickly that he liked the Cinnamon Sugar ones over the maple ones. I wasn’t a bit surprised.

Here he’s saying “Anytime, Mom. Anytime.”

The next day I made Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins. Bailey got to be number one taste tester that day (Cooper was still down for his nap).

She loved them.

She couldn’t stop singing their praises.

Our arms are full and look how happy that makes us.

2010-02-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

I always find it a tiny bit rude and very funny when people comment how ‘full’ our hands are, but the truth is, they just don’t know how fortunate we are to have our hands this full. It can be very difficult and trying to have three kids but we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Round and round.

2010-02-02T14:54:00.001-05:00

The twins got an electric keyboard for their birthday from their friend Jack. They love it. Love it. I only wish there were two. I think so do they.

I think I understand why my grandmother always got my sister and I the same thing at Christmas.

You can’t tell by this picture, so I will just tell you. This shot is of the two of them rocking out, playing wonderful music together on that new keyboard.

How did I get so lucky?

2010-02-02T14:31:00.001-05:00

Bailey and her apron

2010-01-30T13:31:00.001-05:00

For Christmas this year, Bailey got an apron, handmaid by Aunt Sue. Bailey loves her apron. Loves it. Wears it to cook in her kitchen obviously but also wears it to restaurants, to Target, to bed. If she has a diaper change it’s ‘back on, Mommy’. Same goes for a bath. It is constantly getting tomato sauce and ketchup on it because she wears it to eat. I have to pry it or sneak it away to wash it.

She even wears it on snowy Saturday mornings when she’s doing her keyboarding lesson.

Cooper shovels.

2010-01-29T17:10:00.001-05:00

Cooper shovels.
Originally uploaded by cookiecrazee

We are getting set to welcome the first snow of the year. Well, I'm not sure what we'll be doing is welcoming, but it looks like we're getting the snow whether or not we want it. The last snow lasted five weeks (or at least parts of it did). Of course at least now we have extra hands to work on snow removal.

Five Months Old Already!!!

2010-01-20T01:53:00.000-05:00

Sean is amazing! I can't believe he has already been in our lives for five months, the time is flying by. He is full of smiles and loves to 'talk' almost as much as his sister. He is rolling over and I don't think it will be long until he is crawling and holding his bottle on his own. They grow to fast these kids, they really do.

Talking, talking, talking.

2010-01-18T22:40:00.003-05:00

The twins vocabulary seems to be increasing by leaps and bounds every day. They seem to repeat most of what we say to them and surprise us often with things we didn't even know they had heard or learned, they know for example who Elmo is even though they have never seen an episode of Sesame Street.

Bailey woke up this morning and said "I want to get out of bed." By the time we got downstairs she had said no less than five times "Happy Birthday, Anya" getting louder each and every time she said it. Anya's birthday was last Thursday.

We had lunch at Olive Garden with a friend of ours who is expecting a little boy in six weeks or so and we had just sat down when Bailey started hollering, using no voice suitable for any indoor environment, much less a restaurant, "I WANT salad. I WANT salad."

'Want' may just be her favorite word next to her favorite phrase, "Mine, Cooper, mine." Apparently, everything belongs to Bailey from her little brother to her big brother's thirty train cars.

Bailey can recall her ABC's if you say them ahead of her and she can sing the chorus to Vampire Weekend's 'Cousins'. Phone is 'pone' and shirt sometimes seems to have an almost silent 'r' but overall she talks very clearly.

I am sure that it is because I spend most of every day with her but she talks more than any other toddler I have ever known. However, I am loving it. For now. Ask me again in six months and I may have another answer.

Birthday Week Recap

2010-01-11T14:33:00.006-05:00

The twins turned two last Tuesday and we spent the whole week celebrating. Tuesday we had a special birthday dinner and a train cake. Grandma Pam, Tyler and Jordan came over and we let the twins open their big birthday gifts from us. Then on Saturday we went to Chuck E. Cheese in Roanoke with Tyler, Jordan, Dani, Erin, Chris and Xavier. I will say that is was a wonderful visit, busy but perfect for our kids age. Then we went to Build-a-bear thanks to Uncle Scott and Aunt Heather and their girls and made a Polar Bear named Goliath for Cooper and a Bunny named Thumper for Bailey. Then Ed and Charlene met us for some shopping and dinner at Red Robin. But the weekend didn’t end there. Sunday we had a birthday party and lots of Bailey and Cooper’s friends were able to come to their Monkey Party. I will try and post some of the pictures from their party later, but for now here are some from their actual birthday.

In no particular order...
Partaking in train cake. They were topped with candy pieces. Cooper really liked the M&M's which I think was the first time he had ever had them. They didn't melt in his hands but...
Getting ready to sing happy birthday twice.
Birthday dog. Max really, really wanted some cake.

Eating their birthday dinner that actually happened before cake, even though I know they would have liked it the other way around.
The train cake. It was actually a bunch of cupcakes. I was hoping to make it look a little more like Thomas the Tank Engine but I am more a baker than an artist so this was what they got. I also made a butterfly for Bailey but it isn't too pretty.
Two years old!

Happy New Year.

2010-01-04T13:46:00.003-05:00

We hope all of you had a happy and healthy holiday season. We had a happy but truly very busy one and I for one am happy to see things beginning to slow down around here. We finally took the trees down yesterday and today I am putting away stockings and wreaths and trying to find room for all the wonderful things we got for Christmas. I have a ton of photos to post from Christmas but I am trying to find a way to make the file sizes smaller because posting pictures at the current file size is taking too long for our busy lives. But for now, our children on New year's day:

Sean, who is four months old already, rolled over on New Year's day from his back to his stomach (he had already tackled stomach to back rolling). He is drooling like mad but no teeth yet.
Bailey, who got a kitchen for Christmas and lots of wonderful things to stock it with, will be turning 2 tomorrow. Boy time flies. (And yes, we like to get as much wear out of the Christmas pajamas as possible.)
Cooper. Oh, Cooper, makes me laugh, laugh, laugh. He'll be two tomorrow too. He got not a train or car too many for Christmas and wakes up every morning crying that he needs socks on. I think that might be my fault but it could be worse.

Hope you are all having a good new year!

Love, The Thomas'

Cookies

2009-12-10T22:58:00.003-05:00

I had so much fun a few weeks ago baking Pumpkin Bread with Cooper that I took the opportunity this afternoon when he woke up early from a nap to do some baking with him again. This time we made Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Kitchen Aid Mixer did a lot of the work but Cooper was still able to pour in ingredients and to 'wow' and 'uh oh' as he watched the batter combine.

He wasn't very interested in watching the cookies bake.

But he loved the cookies scoop.
As soon as the first batch were out my little taste tester was ready to go.
He didn't tell me but I think he liked them as this was his face...

four cookies later.

Yum.

2009-11-24T08:22:00.003-05:00

Last week Cooper was on a nap strike. That or he has signed up for some sport that requires him to be able to jump 3 feet high and he was diligently practicing over the side of his crib. On Thursday afternoon I finally moved him into the playroom so that at least Bailey could have her beauty rest. I was in the process of making vegetables stock (my new favorite past time) and decided to whip up a few quick breads. I decided that it might be fun to make some bread with Cooper as my sous chef. I brought him downstairs and put him on the island and set about explaining what everything was and letting him, after I measured everything, add it to the mixing bowls. It was a tad bit messy but it was so much fun. We both had a blast. I was a little worried that it may not tasted as well because a few ingredients missed the bowl but I figured the experience was worth it. I even made a few mega-muffins and let him put the crumb topping on, he put all of the crumb topping on one muffin.

They have turned out to be the best pumpkin muffins and bread I have ever eaten. Bailey agrees with me. This morning we had the last of our Ego waffles (there appears to be a nation wide shortage) and I was eating some of the Pumpkin bread. Bailey wasn't eating her waffle so I went over and asked if she was done eating. She looked up at me and said "I want pumpkin". And I'm a big fat sucker. Because hearing my 22 month old daughter say that she wants a food that I wouldn't even try until I was 26 made me go back on one of hang ups to never let my children eat something other than the thing I made for them. But fresh bread is so much better than frozen belgian waffles that I couldn't resist. We ended up all partaking in the delicious bread Coop made last week.

I can't wait to make Christmas Cookies with them.

My Little Girl

2009-10-28T20:33:00.003-04:00

It is no secret that I have no fashion sense, I never do my hair and very seldom wear make-up.
I have never been much of a girly girl. Never been fond of dresses or things in my hair, could have cared less about the prom. But having a little girl is so different. I love to put Bailey in dresses and bows in her hair. I think tights are the best and bright colors a must.

There are days when I think of myself as a better 'boy' mom than a girl mom and I have already thought that if we do have two more children, I would be OK if there were both boys. But I am so grateful for Bailey. There is just something about having a little girl, it really is something special and I truly got lucky with mine.

Even when she points her finger at me, says 'NO' and walks sassily away from me, I still love her.

Goats are Good Fun

2009-10-27T22:16:00.003-04:00

...if you're a toddler.

We have visited a local orchard here in Virginia three times in the last five days. Maybe it's because of my love for apple crisp, or the desire to overuse my nifty apple peeler/corer/slicer I got last year for Christmas form my mother-in-law. Could be the feeling of guilt that overcomes me when I think of my grandmother not getting her Stayman apples.

But really it's just the way that Bailey responds to the orchard's pet goats. Even after her fourth time there this fall she still thinks they are amazing.

October Already.

2009-10-24T21:23:00.004-04:00

Time is going by so fast, too fast if you ask me. Since Sean has been born all the kids have gained several pounds and the adults have all lost a few pounds. Todd and I have starting running completing one 10 mile race (Todd) one four mile race (Alexis) and two 5ks. Both of the twins have fallen and gotten fat lips. We've been to the Orchard twice, a hay maze, a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. We have petted many a goat and seen some pigs and sheep along the way. We have been to a Sourghum Festival and a Garlic Festival. We have done a fair bit of dancing and singing and some of us have shown quite an interest in the guitar. We have all decided that Pumpkin Bread is one of the best things fall has to offer and that rain is just a symptom of the season that we're bound to come acustom to. We have been busy. We have been tired. We have taken over two thousand pictures. Now we will begin to post some of them.

Really.

I promise.

Tomorrow, though.

We're just so tired and busy.

2009-10-07T22:22:00.003-04:00

I started this post weeks ago but am only just getting it posted today. I have over a thousand pictures I'm about to sit down and go through and I promise, promise that we will post again soon.

If we aren't to tired.

Introducing...

2009-08-27T13:32:00.002-04:00

Big Brother Cooper

Big Sister Bailey

AND...

Sean August Orion
8 lbs 12 oz
20.5 inches
August 20th, 2009
4:05 pm

I've Been Challenged, Well, Sort Of

2009-06-30T14:27:00.003-04:00

I realize I haven't posted very often lately, so I am challenging myself (due to a comment on another of my blogs) to post three times a week. We'll see how long that lasts.

I have been thinking for some time now that I needed to change my blog header. The thing was/is that I really liked my old blog header from when the twins were 7 months old. But now that photo is over a year old so I figured I had better choose another photo. The real challenge there is in finding an OK shot of both kids. Getting twins in the same frame is hard enough and even when you do it is often with them crying or looking away from the camera.

We've been going to the pool a lot and I stumbled across a photo today that about sums up the last month for us, so I played around with it on Lightroom and there you go, our new blog header. May be temporary or it may be there for a year.

Father's Day

2009-06-29T08:53:00.003-04:00

I realize I have not been very good about posting updates but I'm big, busy and tired so please excuse my lack of posting. I was going to post pictures of our trip to Arizona and California but now, almost a month later I realize that task is just to massive to handle right now. So we had a great time, the kids loved Disney and getting to see everyone. OK, shall we move on? Great.

Last year for Father's Day I had a lady who makes cakes make a cake for Todd. Then we hid it and surprised him after family dinner. Unfortunately, for me Todd doesn't like cakes or surprises. I was angry at his lack of enthusiasm and declared that I wasn't going out of my way for Father's Day anymore. So this year I had my brother and his girlfriend go out of their way for someone who isn't even their father. Worked out beautifully!

I wanted to get Todd flowers for Father's Day, but not any old flowers. I wanted to get him Daisies from Edible Arrangements, that is until I saw the price. I was pondering the idea of making them myself when Tyler and Jordan offered to do it for me. They stayed up late the night before Father's Day dipping dozen pineapple daisies, not all of which made the arrangement. Then they snuck it over Sunday morning while Todd was helping move my mom. When he got home that afternoon he smiled and said 'how much did I pay for that?'. To which I replied $85. He was about to go into cardiac arrest when I told him the truth. He was quite surprised and he loved the chocolate dipped pinapple, just like we thought he would.

If you want to get Todd something special, it's pineapple. That morning for breakfast he was going to eat pineapple and I told him that he couldn't because I needed the pineapple for the kabobs I was making for dinner. So when he was out packing up my mom do you want to know what he had for lunch? A pineapple fruit cup from Sheetz. So when he got home to his flowers that afternoon all he had had to eat all day... was pineapple.

Here are some pictures of the arrangement that only looked like this for about 10 minutes, at which point all the cantaloupe was gone as well as half the pineapple. Did I mention our kids love pineapple too?

The super big mug says "World's Best Dad, Hands Down" and has Bailey and Coopers hand prints on it.

May The Force Always Be With You

2009-06-15T15:05:00.003-04:00

When we were in Arizona a few weeks ago all of Cooper's older male cousins seemed to have Light Sabers. Cooper was very envious so we did what any parent on a budget would do, we came straight home and bought him one. This is him on day one of his Jedi training.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T01:36:00.000-04:00

I just want a small piece of you
a token to put in my pocket
and I will own that one thing
and it would make me happy
I just want a small piece of you
somethin to put in a locket
and i will look at it daily
and that will make me happy

I guess it's human nature to want to hold you very still
I guess it's in a mother to inject a little guilt
Go on son and see the world;
I hope you see it all
But please please please don't forget to call

Free to fly free to go free to not look back
That's how free I want you though it scares me half to death
Free to wander miles and miles and free to come back home
That's how free I want you though it chills me to the bone...
Go on son and spread your wings;
I hope that you take flight
But please please please don't forget to write

I know you're just a baby sleeping in your bed
And you probably have other thoughts drifting through your head
I know this conversation's a little premature
It's just that I've heard eighteen years goes by like a blur

-Sara Groves "Small Piece of you"

To all the mothers out there, have a happy mother's day.

23 Week Ultrasound

2009-05-06T07:59:00.002-04:00

The baby is most definitely a boy. We have had three ultrasounds and at each one it has been rather clear, one tech even told us to 'definitely' buy blue. We had a third ultrasound last Friday because the video from the previous session hadn't worked. The tech, possibly feeling sorry for Todd that he couldn't be there, switched the ultrasound over to 3D for a few minutes, it was really quite neat to say the least. It makes me even more excited for his arrival.

I hope to have more pictures posted soon but blogger in draft is causing too much of a headache at the moment.

Xavier's birthday weekend!

2009-04-20T10:02:00.001-04:00

Xavier turned 2 on Friday and my Dad and Grandmother came in to spend the weekend with us. Saturday morning there was a party at my sister's house and Saturday night we had everyone over for dinner. After dinner we took our little quads outside as it has finally gotten warmer here.Bailey talking on the ~~phone~~ bark.The birthday boy. Two already.

Tyler and Jordan, aren't they a cute couple?

Grandpa Tony.Coop loving on his daddy.Chicken?Not much of a lap dog anymore.Isn't he cute?Bailey was trying to put flowers in her hair.Playing with a snake. Todd always has to have some fake snakes around. I'm not really sure why.

It is increasingly difficult to get these two in the same frame.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

We had Easter at my Aunt's house and it is not exactly child friendly so we took the kids outside on a eggless sort of hunt. They ran off some energy and had a good time. Cousin Xavier.Bailey-girl.

(Coop brought his own eggs, smart kid) We tried to mohawk Coop's hair but it is just too thick, even post haircut. Thanks Pam for the Easter clothes.

Our first PB&J

2009-04-16T23:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know why but I really wanted the kids to try peanut butter so at their 15 month well visit I asked our pediatrician. He told us to go ahead, that most people (doctors?) now think that more children have allergies when they aren't given peanuts until 2 or 3 years old. So on Easter we decided to give them their first sandwhich. You may find these pictures in messy, but I absolutely love them.(This is Coop the day before trying out his new booster seat. He was eating a PB sandwhich only). This is pre-haircut.This is Coop post haircut enjoying jam. Yes, we use grape jam. You won't find jelly here.Crazy mohawk girl.They really enjoyed it.

The Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

So I have been planning on posting pictures from our Easter Egg hunt a few weeks back, I have just been a combination of too busy, too tired and too lazy, so at last here they are:Mean Girl #1 who still had her stitches in at the time.Coop looking a little silly.I thought it may be too early to do an egg hunt but all of the kids did really well. My sister and her family came over and we had breakfast and then we went hunting. On the hunt.Chris caught Daddy having a great time.The kids were so proud of their find.

I kept trying to tell them they weren't real eggs, but it turns out it doesn't matter to Bailey.Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

And by the way. In the hopes of not sounding idiotic, what is MBC under 100? I love all the visitors and comments, I was just wondering what it is :) Thanks for stopping by.

One Pretty Day

2009-04-02T10:55:00.001-04:00

I am anxiously awaiting warmer weather so that the kids and I can go outdoors more often. But in the meantime we did have one nice day a few weekends ago and we made it to the park. It was a little chilly so we were about the only people there. It was also early.Bailey really likes Mulch.Cooper really likes balls. We bought that soccer ball that morning and almost lost it about three days later, but that's another story.It is very hard to get a good picture of both kids. Very.Daddy and Coop checking out the bridge.Coop checking out the field. A few more years buddy.

They were on the hunt for sticks and small rocks. They found quite a bit.

Hopefully soon we can go back. I am so tired of rain.

I now fully understand the meaning of "this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you".

2009-03-30T22:23:00.000-04:00

Near the end of last year my sister suggested that we start a 'family dinner' held at each other's houses every other Sunday night so that our kids could be sure to have that time to see each other and play with each other. So far it has gone pretty well. However, I feel that when dinner is at our house some sort of chaos is likely to ensue. We've only had it here four times. One of them had to be rescheduled and only my brother-in-law and nephew were able to make it. The time after that, the one and only snow of the season started a half hour before. We got ten inches. So I should have known something is just off when dinner is at our house.

So Sunday my sister and her husband and my nephew come over and we put dinner in the oven and start setting up "The Office: Trivia Game" for which Todd and I have been preparing for like three weeks now. When what happens? Well, I hear crying and my sister saying "Bailey fell and um...she's bleeding". I turn to see my sister picking up Bailey and prepare for the worst. It was bleeding pretty bad, as I undestand head wounds do and I ran to get her. I no longer get her in my hands then Todd says she's going to need stitches. In a rather quick, but still disorderly way we got Bailey ready and in the car leaving Coop here with his aunt, uncle and cousin. We had called the emergency center beforehand and they were ready with paperwork partially filled out before we got there. We were called in almost immediately and taken to the suture room.

The doctor said stitches were preferred as they would heal leaving the least scarring.

So a nurse held her head and Todd and I sat on either side of her as they gave her a shot of painkiller and began the suturing. I might add here that I have never had stitches until Bailey was born, so I had no idea what to expect. In a lot of ways I really do feel it was harder for me than for her. She screamed, she fought, she turned redder than I have ever seen anyone turn all while we were holding her down. She was quite angry. She got five stitches.

Surprisingly we were able to get her stictched up and were back home in just under one hour. Bailey was smiling and playing and running around as soon as we were in the door. She is one tough cookie.

She isn't even afraid of the toy she fell on. This is her today, trying to get to the off-limits toy.

Hopefully, this is her first and last experience with stitches, but I don't know.

Why Everyone Should Have A Springer.

2009-03-06T14:01:00.000-05:00

When Todd and I went dog hunting oh so many years ago we were in disargreement, as we often find ourselves, over which breed of canine would be a new member of our family. I wanted a Golden Retriever, because have you seen Air Bud? OK, I haven't either, but I wanted a golden-because well I just did. Todd wanted a Springer Spaniel, because he likes to be just like his brothers and sister whenever he can. Needless to say, I won round one and Max entered the family just over five years ago. After less than a year however, we were 'adding' to the family again. This time we got a springer. Jake has been a good dog. Before I got pregnant with Bailey and Cooper he was my 52 lb lap dog. But I never realized just how great a dog Jake was until Bailey and Cooper were born. He is the most gentle (lazy) loving (needy) dog I have ever seen. The kids can climb all over him and he doens't seem to mind. Max on the other hand, likes to pick and choose when he wants to be affectionate. Jake is always ready for love.

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-03-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

So Aunt Sue told me about a much easier way to put pictures on blogger so finally the pictures of Valentine's that I have been wanting to post but couldn't get loaded. I even posted a few extra because it was so easy.

Xavier and his mommy came over to plat with us. Each of the kids had gotten these big balls from Target (for only 2.48!) and the kids love them. They know which one belongs to each of them and it isn't pretty when one tries to 'trade'.

Starship Imagination

2009-03-06T08:54:00.004-05:00

Todd finished the playroom about three weeks ago but I have been having trouble posting photos on blogger, I have a lot more of the kids I will try and post in the next week or so, but for now welcome to our spaceship.

Cooper's New Do

2009-03-01T13:10:00.002-05:00

We recently got 10 inches of snow and have been staying close to home all week. This is what happens when you have cabin fever from too much snow and have nowhere to go.

Because they are increasingly adorable.

2009-02-15T10:00:00.006-05:00

Last Year on Valentine's Day

I can't express how quickly Bailey and Cooper seem to be growing. Yesterday, I looked at the picture from one year ago on their first Valentine's and I couldn't believe the difference.

They are beginning to speak a few more words. Cooper can say "Max", "Ball" and best of all "Momma" which makes up most of his vocabulary. Bailey says a little more with the cutest thing being "Bye bye daddy". She started it a few weekends ago when we had to meet Todd who left his wallet at home to get gas in his vehicle. Todd got inside my vehicle to say hi to them and when he was getting out he said "Bye, I'll see you guys at home" Bailey responded with "Bye bye daddy" which we thought was cool but probably just a fluke, but that same afternoon at nap time she said the same thing when he put her down for nap. She has yet to say "Bye bye momma" but then I never seem to leave.

Bailey and Cooper are also very cute together. They love to hug and wrestle and ticke one another. Bailey just puts her hands on his stomach and says "tickle tickle tickle" but it's enough to make him laugh. They hold hands in the car and giggle, it's one of the most adorable things I have ever seen.

They are eating A LOT. Last night we went to La Carreta (the best Mexican restaurant around) and they ate one cheese quesidilla, one cheese enchilada, half of a cheese burrito, chips, rice and beans. They ate more than Todd or I. They love grapes and pickles (especially Cooper). One thing I love about this age is that they will eat any leftovers. Before we were always throwing away leftover food but with Bailey and Cooper we just heat up what's in the fridge for lunch. I know that won't last long however.

It is not all fun and finger foods though, they have started getting into the cabinets and that drives me bananas. We have resorted to wrapping hairbands around the knobs and so far that has worked OK.

Fun From Far Away

2009-02-15T09:58:00.001-05:00

So because I am all about blog games and tagging I have decided to join Haley and gift the first three people to comment on this post. Only the first 3. And since Sue is the only one whom ever comments, she will probably be getting something really good unless someone else comments!

My Little Nephew X-Man

2009-02-09T20:09:00.002-05:00

My sister Erin and I took the kids to the park yesterday because it was absolutely beautiful. OK, it was 62, which here in Virginia counts as beautiful when you are desperately seeking springtime. However, we both forgot our cameras so I don't have any proof of the exciting endeavor so I thought you might be pleased with this instead. Isn't he a cutie? He turns 2 in April.

Tickle, Tickle, Tickle

2009-02-06T09:08:00.003-05:00

Bailey's new favorite thing to say is "tickle, tickle, tickle". She really likes to tickle the dogs. Cooper really likes to be tickled.

Also Before I Forget:

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY aNnIe!!!

LOVE, UNCLE tODD, AUNT ALEXIS, BAILEY AND COOPER

2009-02-06T08:57:00.002-05:00

We shoot to have dinner between 5:30-6 and bath at 7. Between 6 and 7 we try to make it family time, playing with the kids or watching them play with their toys or watch them just being goofy. Bailey loves to dance. Loves it. I've yet to get her robotic dance on camera because as soon as she realizes the camera is on she runs to it.

We Have A Visitor

2009-01-30T15:24:00.002-05:00

Last week we got a package in the mail from Arizona. Brandon, our dear sweet nephew, had chosen us to send a friend of his for a visit. The friend is Flat Stanley and he's well, he's flat, so thankfully we don't have to feed him very much. He is to be here for less than two weeks and we want to do something really fun with him, so we're asking you for suggestions. Where do you think we should take Flat Stanley?

He really needs to be on his way home by Monday so we need to do something fun with him over the weekend.

Ten Weeks

2009-01-29T13:01:00.004-05:00

By now all of you probably know that we are expecting another baby, this one due the end of August. I had a check-up this morning and all looks well. I thought some of you might like to see the ultrasound photo they took. The baby was moving a lot and we got to see his arms and legs and beating heart. We are very excited and hope that all continues to go well.

UPDATE: We do not yet know if the baby is a boy or girl. We probably won't know until 23 weeks. I refer to the baby as a him only because 'it' doesn't sound right to me. Todd, however, thinks the baby is a boy.

Silly Girl

2009-01-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

Just a few shots of Bailey in all of her fashionable favorites.

Happy Birthday Ella

2009-01-21T13:12:00.002-05:00

Pancake Breakfast

2009-01-18T09:16:00.004-05:00

Last weekend Todd let me sleep in. He fed the kids Eggo Mini Pancakes, they come in a box of 40, which is only two breakfasts for the twins. Todd was very surprised that Bailey and Cooper could each eat 10 pancakes. And not only eat 10 pancakes but shove them in their mouth.

Notice Max there by Cooper's high chair? This is where he usually waits annoyingly hoping for scraps of food from Coop or Bailey. That morning, he was really disappointed.

Coop shoving them in his mouth one full one at a time.

Coop showing you what he has in his mouth.

Bailey reaching for more.

The kids love these. They are really easy to make. I highly recommend them.

1 Year Check Up

2009-01-06T11:25:00.003-05:00

Today was Bailey and Cooper's first year check-up. In addition to lots and lots of fun shots (a late birthday gift) we got their updated height and weights.

Bailey is still our little girl weighing 18 lbs 7 ounces with a diaper on and standing just over 27 inches. Her head however, remains in the 75th percentile. The doctor says she looks great but we could have told you that.

Cooper is just over 20 lbs and technically can have his car seat turned forward facing and is 29 inches tall exactly.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BAILEY AND COOPER!!!

2009-01-05T11:12:00.009-05:00

We interrupt the christmas posts to bring you more relevent news. Today is Bailey and Cooper's first birthday. I can't believe they are already one, my time has flown. We had their party this past Saturday. For those of you unable to make it:

We bought the cake at Wal-mart and they gave us two free 6 inch carrot cakes that I dressed up a little bit with their names and colored icing.

We sang "Happy Birthday" to each of our children. Our guests looked at me like I was crazy that we were going to sing it twice but I think that each of the children should be serenaded with the song.

The kids had a great time with their cakes. Coop made an absolute mess of himself, Bailey was a little more reserved, but just a little.

They loved it. And went straight from thier high chairs to the bath. I should have taken their clothes off before the cake, but I wasn't thinking.

Bailey just playing in hers.

Today has been pretty laid back. I sang happy birthday to them again this morning but other than that we have just hung out. Unfortunately, I think Coop is getting sick :(

Christmas Morning

2008-12-31T15:04:00.006-05:00

The kids were pretty excited with all that Santa left them. They spent a few hours before breakfast playing with those toys waiting on Grandma Pam and Jim to get here.

The kids got a slide.

And this here very dangerous, terrible horrible no good very bad truck. Bad choice, Santa. After several falls and countless red marks this toy has been removed from rotation.

The kids also got Mega Blocks, they were a hit with both kids and adults.

And of course, stockings.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-31T07:02:00.001-05:00

OK, so I've finally loaded all of the christmas eve pictures onto the computer and because of my compulsion to shoot so many photos it looks as though it will be several posts to get it all in.

Let's begin with Christmas Eve. The X-man's daycare was closed so he got to come and spend the day with us and Grandpa Tony and Great Grandma Betty. The twins love their cousin, they followed him around everywhere, it was pretty cute.

Here is a picture of the tree on Christmas after everyone's gifts were here. Don't let it decieve you, usually we put gifts under the tree in the family room but we couldn't do that this year with the twins getting into everything and the big boxy tree stand doesn't allow for many gifts to go under the foyer tree.

Coop looking up to his cousin.

Apparently, Elves brought me these flowers. I think Todd did, but he never would come clean, they were just here when I got up to make the coffee and breakfast on Christmas Eve.

Breakfast. We got a late start and it doesn't look nearly as good as it tasted.

That evening we had people over for mexican food. A few year's ago when we were in Arizona for Christmas my sister-in-law Heather made delicious refried beans. Now every year since we make them near Christmas and everyone comes over for Mexican Movie night. This year was "Rudolph" for the kids. It was their first movie ever. We made it 11:28 before we had to turn it off because all three kids had lost interest. Oh well, maybe next year.

Next we exchanged gifts with our friends who had come.

X-man wanted everything!

Bailey in her first Christmas Eve p.j.s.

Coop in his.

Then we all went to bed so Santa could come. I couldn't sleep and I snuck down after 2 a.m. to see if he had come and sure enough he had. I was so excited but I managed to get back to sleep until the kids woke up.

He left us a ton of stockings. Some we even had to deliver to people who don't even live here. Santa is so generous.

Headbands and Hairbows... apparently not for any of us

2008-12-28T23:56:00.003-05:00

I thought I had taken more photos from the Christmas party we had the weekend before Christmas but apparently I just had pictures of our kids, oops.

We usually have gates everywhere but we took them down for the party. The entertainment center and Christmas tree were open territory and the children flocked to them.

When Taste Is Not Relevant

2008-12-28T23:42:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday we had our Christmas Party. During the day while we were cooking and decorating I dressed Bailey in 'indoor clothes' because we were staying in. Even though we weren't planning on going anywhere Todd still had to point out that Bailey has never looked sillier. In my opinion, he just really hates the headband and bow.

Her shirt says "My brother is the naughty one".

Before the twins were born we got two sets of robes as gifts. Robes are more an inconvenience when it comes to infants and toddlers. We put the kids in them the other day just because we didn't want them to go completely wasted. Bailey had a good time walking around in nothing but a diaper and her robe.

Cooper gave up his robe but he wanted to show you all his cool comb over that his dad gave him. In preparation of his future I guess.

Oh What Fun-Dirty Face-Pants On Head

2008-12-28T18:24:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know, you all want to see pictures from Christmas but first I have a few posts pre-Christmas that I never got the chance to post. First, a few days before Christmas Cooper decided to try out a new fashion technique-what do you all think?

I kept expecting him to take the pants off his head but he seemed to be pretty content. I did however, wash his face...eventually.

Cookie Baking

2008-12-17T12:56:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I told Pam, Todd's mom, that I would like a copy of her sugar cookie recipe because I have never found a recipe that turned out very good cut-out cookies. She told me that she would give me a copy of her recipe but that she would also come over and help me make them one day. She even took the day off to come and bake cookies with us.

Here is Grandma Pam working on the cookie recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. I love stuff like that.

Not quite ready, we needed A TON OF FLOUR!!!

The baking didn't take as long as the decorating but the decorating was a lot more fun. I can't wait to do this next year when the kids can be more involved in the decorating and eating of the cookies.

She brought along these little cute icing pens but I wasn't very good with the writing.

The one batch made over 5 dozen cookies. That's a lot of decorating.

But they were very yummy, notice the missing Hollyberry Tree.

Thanks Grandma Pam for coming over and making cookies with us, it was a lot of fun and we look forward to doing it every year.

Beaver Boy

2008-12-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

Whenever I go in to get the twins after naptime they are always standing up in thier cribs waiting for me. They aren't usually crying and I only know they are awake because they are 'talking' and laughing back and forth between their cribs. The other day I decided that when I went to get them from their nap I was going to throw open the door (which I normally do, which induces a huge smile) and snap a picture (of the huge smile). So my plan went ok and I got Cooper's big smile as I opened their bedroom door, but then I noticed something...

He seemed to have something dark on his face, especially around his mouth.

To my dismay it appears he has been chewing on his crib. I don't know for how long but they usually aren't in their cribs for very long before or after they are asleep, I don't know how he got all this damage done, if it was just that day or if he'd been working on this surprise for days, working a bit at naptime and at bedtime.

The damamge:

These were beautiful cribs that were supposed to be able to convert into toddler beds and then double beds. They weren't cheap. Now I'm really wishing I had gone the Jenny Lind $109 crib route that you can buy a $10 crib teether bar for. What was our solution? The only thing that would fit, a Fireplace Guard from Burlington Baby Depot.

So far it's worked and I haven't had any more wipes that looked like this:

Bailey's crib, it has no signs of damage and thus has no need for the silly looking Fireplace Guard.

First Visit To See Santa Claus

2008-12-11T11:59:00.002-05:00

This was the first attempt, taken immediately after the kids were sat on Santa's lap. Then the lady asked me if they would smile, and I told her 'yes, usually', she begins to ring bells, but not very enthusiastically and Bailey looked up at Santa and lost it. I had to take her back from Santa and thus, this is their Santa Photo for 2008. No smiles, no fun. I have actually never seen Bailey so unhappy to be held by someone, I think it's because her father went around that whole day saying, 'we're going to see Satan Claws today Bailey'.

Yep, I don't think that helped.

Our Toddlers

2008-12-10T11:43:00.005-05:00

Cooper has been walking for a little over a month, but his first few weeks the steps were few and far between, only in the last week has he been walking almost everywhere clear to one end of the house and back again. Bailey took her first steps on Thanksgiving Day, almost three weeks after Cooper, but I stopped being worried over their physical differences and abilities months ago, trust me. But she can walk just as well or better than Cooper now. Just this weekend we started to notice her walking to and from pieces of furniture without our goading her into walking and yesterday and this morning she has been walking like a pro. She did basically the same thing with crawling, she didn’t crawl until Cooper had been crawling for weeks but as soon as she did start she seemed to catch up with him in skill in a week or less.

Just A Teaser

2008-12-08T15:01:00.003-05:00

In mid-November I wanted to go ahead and begin work on our Christmas Photo Card but Bailey mauled her face and then it was Thanksgiving and then we had family in...

Anyways, Bailey's face looks a lot better so we got everything and everyone together Saturday to do the photo session. It was less than ideal.

Here is a great example of what we were able to get over the day.

I was, after much distress, able to assemble a card which is in route to my house and then shortly in route to each of your houses.

Next, Big News From Bailey.

Guess what?

2008-12-05T09:34:00.006-05:00

Cooper and Bailey are 11 months old already! The time is flying by, I can't believe that a month from today our children will be one. I don't know if I'm ready for that.

Here is a little weekly wrap-up that's almost a week late.

I didn't take many pictures over the long weekend because we were soooo busy. We did put up the trees though with my brother's help and they look alright except for that bare spot that no one could reach because the tree is 10.5 feet tall.

Here is Cooper helping, but not really.

Here is Bailey, who really likes the tree stand and tree skirt.

Especially the bow.

Cooper and Dad, admiring the tree.

Bailey took her first steps on Thanksgiving Day, it made the day for me and I was truly aware of all I have to be thankful for.

We went to my Aunt's house on Thursday, had dinner her at our house Friday and then had a dinner at my sister's on Saturday, I am through with stuffing until at least next Wednesday.

Happy Birthday Aunt Sue!

2008-11-26T02:01:00.001-05:00

We tried to be cool like you, Sue. We tried to show you how much we miss you and love you by having our kids do something cute and special for you, here is what is left of that attempt:

This is the documentation of our attempt to get the kids to hold these signs:

Coop wanted to run, not sit.

Then he wanted to crumble and eat the paper, not hold them up for his picture to be taken.

We tried to get Bailey to say 'happy birthday' on tape but all we got was "Red, Bye Daddy".

So then we went on to different measures, that were equally as futile.

So then we tried the old 'how quick can you hand them an object and snap their picture' routine.

Not fast enough.

So we tried a little backdrop pose. Do you like our backdrop? Aunt Sue made it for us several years ago for Christmas.

So we couldn't get the message across exactly as we had it planned but it is still the same,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE! WE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WISH WE COULD SPEND YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH YOU! WE LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND YOU AND YOU AND YOU AND YOU!!!!

2008-11-25T12:07:00.002-05:00

So we are terrible, or at least I am terrible. I meant to get these birthday greetings posted so much sooner but we have had a busy weekend so with the same amount of love but with a little added guilt, happy birthday to the following:

Heather, whose birthday was Sunday.

And Wesley, who turned 16. Sorry our gift was unwrapped and cardless, but we still hope you had a great birthday, all four of us.

My Dad, who turned 70 yesterday.

And our Todd whose birthday is today!

So happy birthday everyone, we love you and miss those of you too far away to see on your birthdays!!!

Kids Love Mashed Potatoes...Moms Not So Much

2008-11-25T11:59:00.002-05:00

The Past 19 Months, Brought to You By Alltel

2008-11-19T13:31:00.005-05:00

My cellular telephone had been falling apart for some time when last week it stopped charging. It would lie to me and tell me it was charging, but I knew better and then it would die. At first there was a battery removal drill we would do, but by Thursday of last week that wasn't even working. So last Thursday afternoon, in the pouring rain, I went out to get a new phone.

My old cell was purchased on April 2, 2007 and was a Razor or something to that effect. I took pictures all the time when I was out with it, but the quality was never any good and I could never get them off of my phone. My new cell phone also has a camera in it, I was a little sad that I would be losing all of those photos that I had taken over the past 19 months, especially the ones taken April 18th, 2007. The lady at the cell phone store sold me a nifty card for my camera and we were able to transfer some, not all, of my old photos and then I came home and was able to put them on my computer. Here they are, in no order what so ever.

This is Cooper the first time he ever sat in a high chair. We had gone out to take pictures in Altavista and stopped in to have a bite to eat (Did you know Altavista now has a Wally World, Scott? We didn't eat there, but it was close to where we ate.). Coop is such a nut. We used to use those cart covers all the time, now I NEVER use them, what a waste or resources, don't you think? Or maybe you don't think so, but I still do.

Same day, same kid.

Same day, different kid. This is Bailey who was also having her first high chair experience in a restaurant. She doesn't even look nervous.

This is Xavier Brandt Colbert, my nephew, born April 17th, 2007. These were taken the day he was born, or really the day after, because he was born so late, but in his first 24 hours.

Same kid, different day. This is my nephew on October 17, 2007. Exactly six months old. His Daddy had a dentist appt. and I went over to watch him and he was all smiles and all I had was my cell phone.

Bailey and Cooper last spring in a Lowe's Shopping cart. They were sooooo small.

This is Coop at Target (can't you tell?) He LOVED that hat!

This is the first and only picture on my new phone. That is our daughter Bailey driving the Escalade even though she looks like a boy. We got "Those boys are so cute" like eighteen times that day. It is Cooper's sweatshirt and my hat but her sweatshirt was dirty and we had to go to Toys 'R Us. Bailey was screaming and laughing, she loved this thing. Cooper seemed really nervous and kept looking behind him. I couldn't catch them both looking at me.

Babyhood Graduation

2008-11-11T14:50:00.006-05:00

Coop is changing and growing so fast, Bailey is too, but Coop looks so much older than Bailey. More and more people ask us what the age difference is and not if they are twins.

Coop, like Bailey, has big news for you. On Friday night Coop took his first steps. The moment was Precious Moments designed and seemed to come right out of a Hallmark store. Todd and I were encouraging him to walk from him to me and vice versa. He didn't walk to me the first time but on his way back to Daddy, he took three steps. I thought (hoped perhaps?) it was a fluke, but he was doing the same occasionally over the weekend. The thing is, you can't make him, he has to want to do it all on his own. I haven't been able to get it on tape, but this is him a few minutes after his first steps on Friday.

That is how he walks with the car, not from the back but from the side, oh the noise it makes.

On Saturday, we took Cooper to get his first haircut. As you can tell in the picture immediately above and below, he sort of needed it. He was getting a little curl in the back that was sitting on his neck so we decided to take him to a barber shop. On Saturday morning we went in search of one. I turned down the first few because they weren't authentic enough but finally I found just what I was looking for. A genuine barbershop complete with church pew seating as you waited. I asked the lady at the front if they did children, she said yes. Then I asked her if I could take pictures, she said yes, so I went to the car to get the rest of the family.

Doesn't it just look so authentic and nice...and cheap.

This is Coop, before the ceremonies began.

This is Bailey, looking on while her brother gets his haircut. At the rate she is going, she won't be getting a haircut before she graduates from college.

This is the chair. In the background is this old vacuum they use to vacuum your hair, everyone in my family enjoyed watching that get used on other people. They didn't use it on Coop.

And then he was up.

He did really, really good. I was a little worried but it went really well. He was curious what was going on behind him, so it may not be the straightest cut.

He even smiled for pictures.

The lady who cut his hair put some aside for me to keep. I had brought along a sandwhich bag. Really.

The complete look.

He got this certificate, which in my opinion, was an added bonus for me. It says "This is to certify that Cooper Thomas has bravely met the requirements of receiving their first haircut and has graduated from babyhood on the 8th day of November in the year of 2008." If I'd known this was the graduation into toddlerhood, I may have waited a few weeks.

This is Coop and his sister on Sunday. Don't get me wrong, I like the dissheveled look, but I also like the 'I'm old enough to have had a haircut' look.

If only his bangs were straighter.

Bailey's Big News

2008-11-11T14:34:00.005-05:00

This is Bailey, as most of you should already know. She has some big news to share with you, but since she can't type or talk yet she asked that I show you by way of pictures.

So that's it folks, she isn't quite walking yet, but she's definitely on the move. She can stand like this and clap and do her 'little dance' for about a minute before she gets tired and sits back down.

Coop has some bigs news to share with as well, I will try and post it soon.

First Trip to the Orchard.

2008-11-07T10:48:00.003-05:00

When I was a kid I loved going with my parents to Morris Orchard, especially right before Halloween to get out Pumpkin and a peck or two of apples. We even bought our Christmas Tree from Morris Orchard every year I can remember us getting a tree at all. We didn't make it to the Orchard before Halloween but we did manage a trip up the next day with my Dad and Grandmother.

One of my favorite things about the orchard as a kid was feeding the goats and donkeys and seeing the rabbits and other animals. As an adult it seems a lot more cruel and inhumane but we took a moment for the kids to see the goats and we even paid the quarter for the less than handful of pellets. Cooper and Bailey did think the animals were cool and got a chance to pet them.

Then we headed over to this squash that was as big or bigger than Cooper.

And then indoors to pick apples. Inside the orchard are big crates of every kind of apple you can imagine and you pick your own. Most of them are priced the same so you can mix and match. I got a big of Granny Smith apples and we made the Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings that night. I also got a bag of Stayman for eating. My Dad and Grandmother picked a half peck of Arkansas Black's to make a pie when they got home.

Bailey and her Daddy.

We then headed over to Fairview Christian Church where my sister was selling baked goods to raise money for the churches Christmas Float for the Lynchburg Parade.

And my brother-in-law was performing with the church band 24/7.

There was also a yard sale going on inside. We almost bought Cooper this lovely hat but then we didn't.

Our nephew Xavier was there and he wanted to give Coop a big hug, it was adorable.

The rest of the afternoon we spent playing Ticket to Ride, I kept wanting to play again in hopes that I would win but I have a compulsion to keep taking tickets that inevitably costs me the game every time.

Ten Month Photos

2008-11-06T15:27:00.006-05:00

When I decided to invest in software and equipment to take the children's photos at home, I thought that I would take their pictures in the 'studio' all the time. That has been far from the truth. It is a lot of work to get the kids dressed and taken down there to not get any good photos. So I don't do it as often as I'd like or should. This afternoon, I decided because I had missed the 'nine month' photos (other than the Halloween Card) that I would go ahead and do the 'ten month' photos since the twins reached that milestone yesterday. I decided to take them outside where the fall leaves could act as a backdrop. I knew the leaves would be interesting for them as well, however, I didn't know just how interesting. I think I will call this session,

"And then we ate leaves"

Hope you enjoy!

Just A Swingin'

2008-11-06T08:00:00.004-05:00

Our playground is not yet complete but the baby swings are finally up. On Halloween Grandma Pam asked if she could take Bailey out for a swing, I decided to take Cooper and the camera and come to. Bailey loves swinging, she is all smiles and giggles, Cooper on the other hand, isn't sure how he feels about it.

Halloween #1

2008-11-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

In celebration of All Hallow's Eve my Dad and Grandmother came in from out of town, we bought several bags of sugar packed candy and brought the coffin out to the front yard. Grandma Pam also came over and brought my maternal Grandmother as well. Todd and I dressed up as Vampires and as we do every year, we got the yard set up like a Graveyard. We also brought out our potions and concoctions and our large cauldron of "witches brew". We had 37 trick-or-treaters and only one of them said thank you audibly enough to hear them. Several of the kids were so rude that I thought about asking for their Kit Kat's back, but refrained.

After trick-or-treating ended, my sister Erin, her husband Chris and their son Xavier came over with pizza and my brother Tyler and his girlfriend Jordan came over as well. Pam had brought salad fixings and a huge tray of sweet goodies for dessert. We were too busy eating to get any pictures of that portion of the evening but all in all (there it is again) I think the twins had a pretty good first Halloween, even if they don't ever remember it.

We have soo many pumpkins!!

Doesn't Pam take a good picture, I always think so. Have I mentioned I hate having my picture taken? I do, I am always afraid I really look like the person I see on film, too frightening, even for Halloween. Pam really liked that 'witches brew'.

What we're into now.

2008-10-29T09:12:00.004-04:00

A week from today Bailey and Cooper will be 10 months old. They are getting so big and their personalities are really showing. I try and record a lot of what is going on in their lives in a journal but I thought I would share some of the things going on in our home.

Bailey and Cooper are no longer on bottles. Last week I went to Romp 'N Roll on Monday as usual and I was talking about middle of the night feedings and how sometimes Bailey and Cooper would wake up and want a bottle and I would put them back to bed with a bottle and every single mother there jumped on me about giving a baby a bottle in bed. I felt terrible. Really. I felt like the worse mother ever who was allowing her children's nonexistent teeth to rot. I decided that I didn't want to ruin my children's teeth so I would change this immediately. I decided that as of Monday night they would have sippy cups, no bottles and that they would have to learn to go back to sleep on their own, and pronto. Now over a week later our children have not had a single bottle in over 8 days and they have not had a night feeding. I thought it would be terrible for them. Turns out, I was the one who was debilitating my children. They were ready for it way before I was apparently. Sure, they still wake up but I let them fuss it out and only once have gone in to check on them, they fuss a little and go back to sleep, often times easier than I do. I had been jumping up and making a bottle and letting them feed themselves as soon as I heard them cry at all. I am only a new mother, I don't know everything but I learn quickly, or so I think.

Since then Bailey has gotten four new teeth. Apparently, they were just staying hidden from fear her mother was trying to rot them out before they exposed themselves. So she now has six teeth. Four on top and the two bottom. Cooper still has only four, two top, two bottom.

Thanks to all those teeth the twins are eating and eating everything in sight. Like their mom, they love bread and things closely related to bread, toast, waffles, rolls, etc., etc. They also love fruit and puffs and Cooper is a fan of Carrot Wagon Wheels. Actually I had been on a huge goose chase looking for more Carrot Wagon Wheels when I eventually found them yesterday at Wal-mart after looking at Target, three grocery stores and Toys 'R Us. I aim to make them happy.

Speaking of Wal-mart. I have started taking the kids out more by myself. It's fun but can be rather tricky because I have to either use the double stroller or find stores with double carts. Sam's is my favorite because of their double carts. We have done Target on our own several times and we have now done Wal-mart. If you have small children Wal-mart baskets suck. Unlike both Sam's and Target where the children are seated higher and side-by-side, Wal-mart's seating is lower to the ground and the children sit across from one another. Bailey was tired. Cooper was kicking her. Over and over again. Bailey was crying. Cooper was laughing. Bailey's screaming was so bad that when I was waiting in line they opened a new line for me to go through even though there were loads of other people in front of us and in other lines. I don't know if it was the sleepiness or the kicking but the child was bloody unhappy. It was not fun. But then Wal-mart is never fun.

Though they fight over toys and kick each other in shopping carts they also have a lot of fun together. Yesterday, I had them in their room while I was putting laundry away and every time I walked past from the Guest Bedroom to our Bedroom (I have a system, not entirely efficient but a system nonetheless) they were laughing and chasing each other and what almost appeared to be tickling (I know where to stand so they can't see me but I can see them playing). It was really touching. It's things like that display of affection that make me delighted they are not going to be only siblings no matter what the future may hold.

Bailey has a terrible diaper rash, worse one either of them has ever had. We called our pediatrician yesterday and they called in some Greers Goo without us even having to make a trip in, I love Dr. Mutch. So far I haven't seen much difference but it has been less than 24 hours.

I don't know if it's the rash or the teething but Bailey wants to be held all the time and Cooper most of the time. She cries for me to pick her up and I am torn between letting her cry it out or picking her up and risking 'spoiling' her. I don't mind the crying but I also don't want to appear cold so I have been trying to do a little of both. Funny how much thought I put into it when all she wants is for me to pick her up.

Neither of them are walking yet but they LOVE their little tikes Walk 'N Rides. Cooper likes to push his from the side instead of the back so that the wheels are being pushed across the floor instead of helping him move. Bailey is right along side Cooper pushing hers. She can stand up for a few seconds longer on her own then Cooper. Everyday they get closer to walking I am torn between them walking and continuing to crawl. Cooper can get his leg over his Walk 'N Ride and sit on it by himself and move it a little that way. He can also push it up to a cabinet, stand on it, attempt to open a drawer and proceed to fall. Over and over. What a routine. And the pantry, which almost always used to be open, is their favorite "No" spot. They know when the door is open, they appear to be magnetically attracted to that room and all the goodies it has to offer. More than a couple times a day I find myself removing one or two children and one or two Walk 'N Rides from the pantry. You would think I would just keep that room closed but it is a hard habit to make for some reason.

All in all, our children really do rock.

Here, see for yourself:

That is not a brush, it is the case that holds their forks and spoons.

Now it needs to be washed.