A Healthy Dose of Fresh Air

After being cooped up in the house for too long because of rainy day after rainy day, we all enjoyed some fresh air today. It was in the 70's (yes, just a couple days after Christmas) and sunny and breezy, so we got outside. I spent the morning on the couch, as I had been for the past 24 hours with a stomach bug, so the fresh air was wonderful.



Madeline and Eli wanted to take the golf cart for a spin, so we complied...


M&E riding their new 4-wheelers from Grandma and Grandpa...


And, here is what Daddy did today, the fence that I have been begging for (gates to come). Ally (our dog) is about to find herself outside!

Merry CHRISTmas to all!

All dressed up for church Christmas Eve. Yes, we are in short sleeves because it was quite warm.

Look what Santa brought! Just what Mommy was hoping he would bring.

M&E are all grown up, eating at their own table. Yes, they are having pound cake for breakfast. Well, really it was just a snack while the monkey bread and sausage balls were cooking. It was Christmas, so it's okay.

As we wrap up 2008, we are counting our many blessings... two healthy children, a stable job, a roof over our heads and food on the table, etc., and we can thank only our God for all of this. Thank you for all, especially for sending our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Granddaddy Tours Bham - Toddler Style

My dad came to visit a couple of weeks ago. A fun-filled, action-packed weekend was had by all. On Friday, Granddaddy, Madeline, Eli and I visited the McWane Science Center. I had been wanting to check this place out for a while now, and I'm really, really glad that I didn't try to do it alone. I would have lost a child! The place was packed and M&E had an absolute blast. They fell asleep in the car before we even made it out of the parking garage.



The water table was a huge hit. I might have to invest in one of our own.





The trains also were infatuating. (As was the button that started them.)





They also have a walk-on piano a la BIG...



And, the light peg board was another highlight (pardon the pun.)





So, if you're looking for a way to wear out your children in Birmingham, might I suggest the McWane Science Center?

Beware the Diaper Bandit

Perhaps "Diaper Bandit" is too harsh. "Diaper Recipient" may be more appropriate. Unfortunately, I can't know for sure because I didn't see it all unfold. Madeline and Eli were taking a long time to fall asleep for their nap the other day, so eventually I went in to check on them. I opened their door to find Madeline waving a diaper around in the air. She still happened to be wearing one, so I was curious as to where the spare came from. I looked over to the crib next door and Eli was standing there butt naked from the waist down. Thankfully, he didn't tee-tee while un-diapered. If I get too many repeat performances of this, potty training here we come!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Last year we gave in and put up the artificial tree. This year we made up for it by not only buying a real tree, but cutting it down ourselves too.

After a pit stop at Old Navy for two little hats and two little pairs of mittens and another at Starbucks for two non-fat peppermint mocha twists (one whip, one no whip), we headed north to Beavers Christmas Tree Farm. The four of us braved the 34-degree (COLD) temperature and walked (some rode) up the hill to select the perfect 7-ft. Cypress that would adorn our living room throughout this Christmas season.

Okay, to be fair, Brandon cut down the tree while the rest of us watched.

Here she is in all her glory...

Low Rider

Eli likes to get low and bounce when he dances. The boy has some moves (and some very strong quads).

Snacks with Santa

Madeline and Eli met Santa Claus tonight. Brandon's company hosted "Snacks with Santa" so M&E were able to meet the man who they know says "Ho Ho". Madeline took one look at Santa and decided against sitting on his lap. She's really not a fan of old men in general. She opted to perch on the rocking horse next to Santa for a photo op...



Soon though, that was not enough. She wanted away from the man in the red suit.



On a side note, I cranked out their Christmas outfits last night. Not only are they festive, they are economical too. They are reversible, with different designs on the other sides. I'd hate for all of that hard work to be useless after Christmas! My sewing machine died on me yesterday so M&E and I had to venture out to Walmart for a new one. I don't like the new one as well. However, it does work, which is a leg up on the old one.

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...

Eli's Coming...

I am delighted to report that Eli has finally decided to walk. He is still not using it as his primary source of transportation, but it is starting to overtake the crawling. Here's a glimpse of our little linebacker walking...

Zoo-per Sunday Afternoon

On Sunday afternoon we continued our fun-filled weekend with our first visit to the Birmingham Zoo. It was a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon and we plan to return for sure. In fact, we're seriously considering the year-membership so we can go a lot. As someone who grew up going to the National Zoo, I wasn't expecting much, but it was actually quite a nice little place. We saw lions, tigers, a gorilla, monkeys, sea lions, etc. I think Brandon and I may have enjoyed the spider monkeys the most; they were quite entertaining. But, I think M&E's vote went to the sea lions. Also, the zoo was decorated for "Boo at the Zoo," their Halloween program, so there were lots of fun decorations to check out too.

Pumpkin Patch

On Saturday, Brandon and I took Madeline and Eli to the pumpkin patch. A good time was had by all. We arrived at Old Baker Farm at lunchtime, so Brandon, Madeline and Eli had hot dogs for lunch. Hot dogs gross me out, so I ate a bag of kettle corn - a whole bag of kettle corn. It was mmm, mmm good. When everyone was pleasantly full, we set out for the hayride, which took us to the pumpkin patch. After a photo session, we selected two pumpkins to take home with us. I have to say the pickings were slim, and it was only Oct. 18th! Don't pumpkins rot if you get them any earlier? What are people doing getting their pumpkins so early? Personally, I like to have mine last until Thanksgiving, but I guess that's just me. After we picked up our pumpkins, we rode the hayride back to the farm and went through the petting farm before heading back to the car and home for nap time. Madeline and Eli could not have been any better behaved for their first pumpkin patch experience. They were rewarded with snack cups full of graham cookies on the way home (and two pumpkins).

Just a Few Tidbits

I have been neglecting my blog lately - my apologies. Here are a few highlights from the last couple of weeks...


**Madeline and Eli were dedicated last weekend at our church. We enjoyed a good visit with our family members who came to share this with us. We are so grateful for these two beautiful children God has loaned to us and we are doing our best to be Godly parents to them.

(Madeline fell down the day before this and got her first big boo-boo.)

**Eli learned that "hot" means blow on your food before you eat it. He has found new ways to use this lesson as well. Yesterday, I fixed some homemade mac 'n' cheese and had just taken it out of the oven when I spied Eli reaching for the handle of the oven. I said, "No no, Eli. That's HOT." He let go, put his lips to the oven and blew on it. Forget the mac 'n' cheese, I want to eat HIM up!

**Madeline also is proving to be one smart cookie. The other day we were playing with some magnets, many of which Eli had chucked all over the room. I said, "Madeline, please bring me that magnet. It's by the stroller," totally thinking she wouldn't understand me. She walked right over to the magnet, picked it up and brought it to me! Now, I just need to train her to fetch diapers, wipes, shoes, etc.

**Eli is starting to walk more and more but not consistently yet. He has days when he walks quite a bit and the very next day he'll go back to crawling all day. We're working on it. On the other hand, Madeline is 100% mobile. Yesterday, I got home from some errands and took her out of her car seat and placed her on the ground. She walked over to the steps, crawled up them, walked (uphill) up the sidewalk, crawled up the next flight of steps and waited for me at the front door. My little baby, she is no longer.

**Last week, Mama Kaye taught M&E how to get down off of furniture backwards and feet first. It is so nice to be able to walk away from them when they're perched on the sofa and not have to worry about them nose-diving off of it. They're trying to crawl up on the furniture too, but aren't quite tall enough for that yet.

**Speaking of tall, M&E had their 15-month checkup on Wednesday. Madeline weighed in at 20 lbs., 2 oz. (just below 10th percentile) and her height is 31.5 in. (75th percentile). Eli weighed in at 24 lbs., 4 oz. (50th percentile) and his height is 32.5 in. (90th percentile). So, both children are tall and skinny like their mommy - yeah right. Dr. Smith said by looking at their growth charts, you'd never know they are twins, which made me feel like I've done a good job.


Tomorrow, we are going to the pumpkin patch. Brandon and I are very excited about it. We can't remember the last time we've been to a pumpkin patch! We plan to do it to the max, hayride and all. I also made M&E some new corduroy pants and fall design appliqued t-shirts today for the occasion. Unfortunately, my camera made an unexpected trip to Newnan inside Mama Kaye's purse, so let's hope Brandon's work camera does a good job documenting the experience! Brandon, by the way, is out at the farm tonight so he can wake up early and go bow hunting in the morning. Yes, I am sacrificing my Saturday morning sleep-in so my husband can go hunting, and I am patting myself on the back right now. If only I had a glass of wine and a good movie to watch... sigh.

Madeline and Eli's Excellent Outdoor Adventures

Last week was park week. Madeline, Eli and I went to Homewood Park 5 times (including two separate visits on Friday). You just can't beat this weather! As a result, M&E have gotten a little blonder and a little tanner. Madeline also has taken off. She's sitting above because she's eating her lunch. Right after that though, she was off and running. May I point out that Madeline has now been walking for over a month and Eli still is a crawler? However, he did take 4 steps this weekend. Come on, butter bean, up and at 'em!


Brandon and I took M&E to Toys 'R Us on Saturday and Madeline got her first baby doll and stroller. (Eli got a brachiosaurus.) Both M&E have taken tumbles trying to push the stroller because they think it's sturdier than it really is.



Yesterday, we took a trip out to Johnny and Susan's farm. M&E met the ducks and geese - lots of "Duck! Duck!" (At least that's what it sounded like so I'm sticking to it.) Johnny caught some fish for them too, but M&E weren't sure about the slimy feel of them. We had a great visit and a delicious meal with the B'ham Wards - a great way to wrap up the weekend!