Constant Entertainment

Our children are funny, really funny. We're always laughing at this or that. And, they're smart too. Okay, maybe some of their peers are talking a lot more than they are, and Madeline and Eli don't have a very expanded vocabulary yet. However, the words they do have, they can rock and their communication skills are definitely not limited by our language barrier.

Some examples of the entertainment value of having Madeline and Eli around:

- Eli has become very attached to his (toy) gun. Lately, he has been alternating between carrying it around and carrying around the deer call, which should make Daddy very proud. However, he does it all the while wearing a flowered lei. Too cute!

- Madeline, Eli and I were playing with toys on the floor yesterday when Madeline picked up a set of toy keys, stood up, said "Bye!" and walked off towards the kitchen (making a car noise as she went).

- Eli is in a kissing phase. Whenever I scold him, he just closes his eyes, leans forward and blows kisses to me. Seriously, how am I supposed to spank the child when I just want to eat him up? This kissing phase is following up a clapping phase that has fizzled out. For a while there I was being applauded for changing diapers, bathing, putting on shoes... it was very good for my self esteem.

- We went to the park a few days ago to enjoy the sunshine and warm day. It's difficult to chase twins around the park to ensure their safety when they are often running in opposite directions, especially since they now love to climb up the big playscapes. I was helping Madeline ride on a toy when I spied Eli at the top of a slide leaning forward. I ran over to him but not fast enough. I watched him go down the slide - head first from a standing position, involving several somersaults. I was anticipating the screams and the glares from the other moms. However, Eli simply stood up with a big smile on his face and tried to climb back up the slide for another go. Boys, gotta love em!

The Best Team Won

Brandon and I enjoyed our day in Auburn. The Dawgs won... barely, but a win nonetheless. We enjoyed visiting with friends we rarely see and had great seats at the game. Afterwards we went out to a nice dinner. When we were finished with dinner, we decided we should take advantage of the fact that we were out late (it was 8:00) and go out. We went to a college bar. I ordered a glass of wine... it was poured out of a screw top bottle... into a plastic cup... I took one sip and returned it. We were informed that people really turn out to the bars around 11:00. I can remember those days. However, they were long ago... we were in bed by 10:30.

House Divided

It's that time of year again, y'all. Mama Kaye is coming tonight to keep M&E so Brandon and I can head down to Auburn in the morning for the big game. We plan to live it up like two crazy college kids... well, maybe more like two tired, old parents. May the best team win (GO DAWGS!!).

Pajama Party Monday

It's cold outside, and Madeline and Eli are both sick with a cold, so I declared a day-long pajama party. No changing out of them until bath time, after which we will put on new pajamas. If only M&E would cuddle up in bed with me and watch movies all day, it would be the perfect way to spend a Monday. No such luck!





Eli has a huge goose egg in the middle of his forehead and I have no idea what happened to cause it. Not the first time; won't be the last.

Hair Milestone

Madeline wore her first ponytail yesterday...





Pigtails, braids, and curlers here we come!

Wanted: Table Manners

Table-Top Trouble

I took Madeline back to her room to change her diaper this morning and when I came back, this is how I found Eli. Standing IN his bulldozer to reach up in the bowl on the table. I'm glad he's getting so tall (and innovative) but I'm running out of spaces to put things.

Big Foot (x2)

I had been thinking for several weeks that it was probably time to get Madeline and Eli some new shoes. We finally found the time to go shopping for them yesterday. The verdict...

Madeline was wearing a size 3. Now she's in a size 5.

Eli was wearing a size 5. Now he's in a size 6.5.

M&E, I apologize for shoving your big feet into little bitty shoes for so long. I'll try to take action sooner next time, i.e. in 3 months when you've already outgrown your new ones.

Halloween Fun

Another Halloween has passed for Madeline and Eli. This one was much more fun than last year's and I'm sure next year will be even more fun as M&E grow up. Let me just say that I saw some of the cutest little costumes this year... a pig, a strawberry, a skunk, a pumpkin, etc... all so cute. While there are so many adorable costume options out there for this age, I am um... careful with my money (not cheap) when it comes to Halloween costumes that will never be worn again. That being said, Madeline was a ballerina (sporting a pink tu-tu made by yours truly) and Eli was a hunter (sporting Garanimals play clothes and Daddy's accessories).












M&E got to wear their costumes on several occasions this year. Last week, I traveled to Virginia with Mama Kaye for my first weekend away from M&E. While I was gone, Daddy and Grandma took them to Boo at the Zoo. (By the way, I came home to two happy, healthy, napping children and a clean house. Way to go, Daddy!) Then, we went to a costume parade at Homewood Park. Finally, we had a great time at the Johnsons' Halloween party on Friday. That wraps up Halloween 2008. Thanksgiving, here we come...