Easter Fun

Easter is another one of my favorite holidays and I love following tradition.  I'm not a huge fan of taking my kids to the mall to see some random person dressed up as a big stuffed bunny or weird Santa, but Alena wanted to visit the Easter Bunny so one rainy Sunday we ventured to the mall.  Two out of three kids were content sitting on the bunny's lap, which I thought was a decent percentage.  I didn't know the Easter bunny didn't talk though so AJ wasn't able to tell him/her what she wanted for Easter.  All three enjoyed the train ride more than anything.

Dying eggs is another fun tradition that all three kids enjoyed this year.  I may be a  more creative next year and spend a little more money on the decorating kits because I'm just not impressed with the cheapo ones.  I've also heard of using kool-aid to dye the eggs which would have been a great idea this year since Lauren kept wanting to put her colored egg in her mouth.  I hate hard boiled eggs so I think Justin ate most of our dozen eggs, except for a few I was able to get the little ones to devour.

The weather Easter weekend was beautiful so we attended Urbandale's Easter egg hunt.  They separated the older kids from those 4 and under and had eggs scattered at Walker Johnston Park.  The hunt lasted about 30 seconds, but everyone had a great time.  L was pretty proud of the one egg she gathered, C kept dumping his eggs out and recollecting them, and AJ enjoyed discovering what was inside each of her eggs, (she definitely needs to be more aggressive next year ).

We spent Saturday night in Ames to make it a little easier to get to the early church service.  I love seeing all the little ones dressed up in their fancy dresses, nice dress shirts and shoes.  Unfortunately, L threw up on her pretty sweater and dress on the car ride to church so she smelled like puke during the service, but otherwise everyone was well behaved.  At the very end of service, L had had enough and was ready to get out of there so Justin took her to the back where many other little ones and daddies were playing.  CW saw daddy leave and wanted to follow so Grandpa also got out of staying for the whole service!  I'm sure that was planned :).

After church we went home to take a few pictures before everyone put on their play clothes and prepared the food for lunch.  Of course, picture taking did not go well and Lauren was upset because she wanted the truck that her brother had.  Good memories!

We enjoyed a delicious ham with yummy side dishes and two homemade pies.  Pat and Willard joined us-it is so great they are back in Iowa.  Besides a little wind, it was a beautiful day which was mostly spent outside, watching the kids play on the driveway and venture around the acreage.  The adults even got to play some cards while the twins napped.  AJ got the movie Frozen and a Frozen book from the Easter Bunny.  She asked me how the Easter bunny knew she wanted the Frozen movie since she didn't tell him.  Good point, Alena-guess we'll have to mail him a letter next year!  Smarty pants!  I love holidays!

Last Sunday was beautiful, so we decided to make our first trip of 2014 to the Blank Park Zoo.  We are so fortunate that Grandma and Papa buy us an annual pass each year because we love taking trips to the zoo, even if it is only for an hour.

Grandma and Papa met us there right after it opened to join in the fun. Unfortunately, I had to run a quick errand shortly after we got there after we realized one little missy forgot her shoes and was missing one sock.  (Have I mentioned how difficult it is to remember EVERYTHING for a little outing, especially when you are rushing around like a crazy person, while two toddlers tug on your pants begging for you to hold them?).

Many others had the same idea as us during this beautiful day and the zoo was hopping!  I wasn't sure how the twins would react to seeing all the animals.  I have decided there are two types of toddler sight seers:  Those who love to gawk at every exhibit for as long as possible, and those who barely look at the exhibits and are more interested in the "non-exhibits," (other zoo visitors, workers driving the gator throughout the zoo, or the child crying because he ran out of goat food).  Alena is definitely the latter.  She loves going to the zoo and seeing the animals, but we could probably walk through the entire zoo in 40 minutes and be done.  The twins, we discovered are both oglers.  They loved the zoo and couldn't get enough.  DQ enjoyed pointing her little finger at every animal.  We spent two hours there and didn't even see everything.

Another great thing about zoo days is the kids take a nice long nap after their adventures.  Point for mom and dad!  I'm sure we'll be back many, many times this spring, summer and fall!

Twins-18 months

Looks like we better start planning your second birthday party soon!  How is this possible already?

I love, love, love this age!  Their brains are like little sponges soaking up everything and learning new things daily.  Their vocabulary is expanding and their individual personalities are shining.

Lauren:  Since about 15 months of age, (soon after I told your pediatrician I was worried about your lack of words), your vocabulary started growing.  You are a little chatterbox and will try to repeat nearly every word we say to you.  Your big sister is always so proud of you when you say something she can understand.  You continue to talk a lot with your facial expressions and your favorite word is "no."  We had a few challenging weeks recently where you did not want to sit in your high chair and eat.  Occasionally we would let you sit at the table like a big kid, but most of the time you just wanted to be held and spoon fed.  We were beginning to wonder what was wrong, but we think your teeth were really bothering you.  You refuse to wear a bib now, which means you usually get stripped down to your diaper for meals because your utensil skills are still not up to par (although getting much better). Now that you are 18 months old, Miss Molly offers you your milk without a lid on it.  You've done so good drinking out of a big girl cup.  (Your brother, not so much).  You also sleep on a cot now at school-just another example that you are no longer a baby! We love your little personality and your sassiness.  Your huge, squinty-eyed smiles continues, although now you have teeth, which you are so proud to show.  You are so close at being able to jump and love to dance and high step to music.  You love laying on AJ's bed reading bedtime stories together.  A couple weekends ago we went swimming at a hotel-you loved the water, especially "jumping" off the side into mommy's arms.  You remain just a little thing, who can still wear size 12 month clothes, although now the pants are too short for you so I'm putting you in 18 month clothes that you can barely keep up.  A few weeks ago, it seemed like you were gaining on your brother's height advantage, but he must have had a growth spurt recently because he remains at least an inch taller than you.  You still sleep with your stuffed bunny.  (I had to cut the ears off because they were getting disgusting from you sucking on them).  At first you weren't happy about it, but now you just suck on the bunny's nose.  You also like to go to bed with your turtle that lights up and shines stars on the ceiling and wall.  You are quite the mimicker.  Miss Molly has lots of stories of you mimicking her during school.  Many times Miss Molly will hold up her hand and say "Five more minutes," letting friends know that they are going to do something else soon.  Apparently you like to hold your hand up too saying "five more min."  I'm worried you are going to be our bossy child...

Caleb:  A few weeks ago, I was really starting to worry about your vocabulary because you hadn't started saying any new words. You were the first to say some words, but after that your vocab never changed.  All of a sudden you have started saying more and more.  Sometimes you and Lauren will  have your own little conversation in twin talk that no one understands but you two.  It's pretty rare, but so adorable when it happens.  You two are playing together more and more. I didn't think it was possible, but as you continue to get older, you become more and more boy.  You can be destructive, pulling everything off the shelf before moving on to something else you can destroy.  You love books and will sit down with a book and "read" out loud. If you could, you would stay outside forever.  You love running around in the backyard, going on wagon rides and throwing balls around.  It is going to be a fun summer!  Lately you have started throwing little tantrums, where you will lay down, kicking and screaming if something doesn't go your way.  We usually ignore you and it's over in 20 seconds.  After that, you go on playing like nothing happened.  You continue to be a great traveler (please teach your twin how to ride in the car without screaming).  You are learning your colors in school and I'm not sure if purple is your favorite color or the only color you know how to say, but everything is purple!  You still give the best hugs and slobbery kisses and are such a snuggler.  We are so glad this hasn't changed!

We are looking forward to you learning more and more as the weeks go by and can't wait to have many fun adventures together this summer!

My Little Houdini's

Finally, Spring is here!  I think many Iowans would agree that this was a very long, cold, depressing Winter.  Recently, we have had some warm days, with temps in the 50's (which feels like a sauna compared to the single digits and negative wind chills we had the majority of the Winter).  The kids have LOVED being able to get outside at school and at home, especially the twins.  In fact, since they have had some freedom outside our house, they are constantly waiting at the door hoping to go outside.

Unfortunately, like most Iowa Springs, the temperature has been up and down, and recently we are on the downward slide again.  Thus, it is again too chilly to spend much, if any time outside.  Ha, try explaining that to two toddlers!  Any opportunity they have to walk down the driveway or venture to the backyard they take.  Taking them in and out of the van before and after school has become even more challenging.  CW wants out of your arms the second you step into the garage and usually runs to the driveway, yelling "truck" while pointing at Justin's vehicle.  After a couple minutes I am able to coax him back to the van with his previously slobbered on stuffed Mario.

This morning, Justin took Milo to the vet for a check up. (Our pre-diabetic cat needed another lab draw to check his blood sugar and an updated rabies vaccine).  While he was gone, I spent the time getting three little ones out of their oatmeal covered jammies and into clothes.  After successfully dressing one twin, I went upstairs to help AJ pick out some clothes.  9 times out of 10 when I head upstairs with Alena at least one of her siblings will follow up the stairs soon after.  (The twins are so proud of the fact they can now "walk" up the stairs).  After a couple minutes it was eerily quiet downstairs and I hadn't heard the sound of toddler chatter in Alena's room.  I yelled downstairs, but got no reply.  Uh oh!

I sprinted down the stairs, slipping on the last stair, and looked at the door leading out to the garage.  It wasn't shut tight, which was a dead give away that I had two escapees!  I ran outside towards the end of the driveway and looked up and down the street.  No sign of those rug rats.  Then I ran to the back of the house and there is where I spotted them.  CW was already at the shed, (he is so fast!), but LW was just getting into the grass in the backyard.  So in my socks, I ran toward the shed, grabbing my 27 pound twin and hauled him back toward the house, while he screamed and tried to wiggle out of my arms.  On the way, I picked up his sister, barefoot and shirtless, and got them inside hopefully before any neighbor noticed!  Of course I had two very unhappy campers for a while as I ruined their escape plan and their "outside" time.

I've been trying to figure out who was the instigator of this plan:  I can just picture it now.  The two of them probably huddled together discussing the plan shortly after AJ and I went upstairs, (or perhaps they planned this days ago).  I'm sure Lauren held the door open for Caleb, per his orders, while he quickly scampered down the garage stairs before taking off.  I'm guessing Lauren knew that what she was doing was wrong, but decided to follow her brother anyway.  I honestly think I saw a little remorse in her face when she was caught so I blame this incident on her brother.  This is only the beginning.

Guess we learned our lesson-we're going to have to start locking our doors or possible invest in some door handle locks.

Homemade Goodness

We are all trying to eat healthier.  Every time I turn around there are new recommendations about what you should eat, what foods to avoid, what food are heart healthy, etc.   In fact, it's pretty impossible to keep up with it all.  One study will say something and 6 months later another study will refute the previous study.

One thing that I have been focusing on lately is limiting processed food in mine and my family's diet.  I've focused mainly on this right now because I KNOW anything with added chemicals is not as good as the real thing.  I'll admit, it's hard.  Thankfully there are some great websites available with recipes that contain only non-processed foods.  Obviously the best way to limit processed foods is to make your own.  This is often easier said than done when your time is limited, but I'm trying my best.

I love to snack on granola bars.  I recently found a great recipe for homemade granola bars.  They are a prefect combination between soft and crunchy granola bars and you can add any nut or dried fruit you may want.  Everyone in my family enjoyed them, except AJ, but she's never been a granola fan so she doesn't count.  Now that they are all gone, I'm craving them again...

I'm most excited about my homemade yogurt.  I wish I would have tried making yogurt years ago.  I know others have reported difficulty getting their yogurt to turn out, but I am 2 for 2 and thus far would say it is very easy and fool proof.  Not to mention delicious. Have you ever looked at the amount of sugar in yogurt?  Of course all yogurt will contain some sugar because it is made of milk and milk has lactose (sugar), but I had to search high and low to find a cup of yogurt with less than 10 grams of sugar. I did find some decent options in the organic area of the grocery store, but didn't like the price so much.  Thus I decided to give homemade yogurt a go and try making a healthier version of this "good for you" food..  All of my kids love yogurt, and it is great in their fruit smoothies, (with hidden spinach-shhh, don't tell AJ).  This is usually a twice a week "treat" and a great way to use yogurt.  Plus the add-ins are infinite:  granola, fresh fruit, dried fruit, frozen fruit, honey, syrup, peanut butter, nuts...

I've given up sweets and all junk food for Lent.  I've done this before and although it is difficult, those who know me know that I love a good challenge.  My evening usually consists of a little treat after the little ones go to bed.  Yes, I have a sweet tooth, (or teeth), which I blame on the Wray side of the family.  I would have six little hands trying to snag my treat if I ate it in front of the three Musketeers.  Last night, after they fell into their slumber I sat down with a bowl of homemade yogurt, fresh strawberries, granola and a little honey.  It was delicious.  Not as good as a piece of my dad's homemade apple pie a la mode, but darn close!  I'm looking forward to finding other "healthy" foods to curb my sweet tooth/teeth.

Have my kids had McDonald's?  Sure.  Do I ever just throw some Tyson chicken nuggets in the oven?  Absolutely.  Kraft Mac and Cheese?  Yep.  I think a parent would be lying if they have NEVER done any of these three things.  I love knowing that even if I'm unable to stay home with my kids and prepare every one of their meals, they are eating very healthy meals at their daycare.  In fact, they eat better there than I could ever do at home.  This is definitely one thing I love about our daycare.  They are constantly changing the menu to make it as healthy as possible.  They focus each meal on whole grains, fruits and veggies and no fried foods.  Many times AJ has said to me, "I only like the broccoli at school," or "I love the chili at school."  Although these statements may break my heart a little, I don't care because she is eating things I wouldn't touch when I was 4.  Mr. Carlos sure makes some yummy food for everyone, (I might have to snag some of his recipes).

I'm excited to find new healthier, homemade options of other favorite snacks. I think teaching your little ones to eat healthy is vital.  My oldest already seems to understand the importance of it and I hope she is learning lifelong skills with regards to food options.  I am hoping to feel better, more energized and less tired after limiting sweets and junk from my diet, and am looking forward to keeping my sweet tooth at bay when this is all said and done.

A Round of Amoxicillin

Oh, otitis media!  How I despise you sometimes.  None of my children have had the typical symptoms of this disorder, making it difficult to really determine what is going on.  About a month ago, DQ was having trouble sleeping and would wake up once or twice a night which is not like her.  She also had decreased appetite, but no fever or any other problems.  The poor girl has been getting tooth after tooth so we chalked her symptoms up to teething.  We finally decided to take her to the doctor and low and behold she had an ear infection.  After completing a course of Amoxicillin, we continued to have rough nights and some crabby days so we took her back in.  Her ear infection remained so she got started on a second antibiotic.  About a week later, her brother felt left out and decided he wanted to be up in the middle of the night too.  Who doesn't love a little one on one time with mom or dad?  After a REALLY rough night, he bought himself a trip to the doctor too.  He was diagnosed with an ear infection too (interesting that it was the same ear as his twin).  Since he had recently been on Amoxicillin for an infected incision, he was started on a different antibiotic to help treat the ear infection.

DQ finished her second course of antibiotics, but continued to have rough nights and decreased appetite so back to the doctor we went, where she was diagnosed with a double ear infection.  This time she got placed on the big dog antibiotic, Augmentin.  I swore I would never let a child of mine be on Augmentin.  AJ had a horrible experience with it, where she had non stop diarrhea while she was on the medicine and for DAYS afterwards.  As you can imagine, this caused a ferocious diaper rash that took a while to clear up.  I held my breath as I picked up the Augmentin for DQ, knowing we could be in for a long couple weeks.  I also picked up some probiotics to hopefully reduce the diarrhea.

Last week, AJ woke up once in the middle of the night and wanted to sleep in our bed.  Later that night she said her ear hurt.  She seemed fine the next morning and the next day so we didn't think much of it.  A couple days later she mentioned her ear still hurt so I figured I better be a responsible mom and take her to the doctor.  Wouldn't you know it, she had an ear infection too!  She must have felt left out when she watched her brother and sister take their antibiotics.  She too got to join in the fun and take the yummy bubble gum medicine twice a day.

It was like a pharmacy in our house and I almost needed a spread sheet to keep track of everything:  the antibiotic, the dosage, the probiotic (since everyone was on antibiotics, I went ahead and started everyone on a probiotic).  Luckily, DQ just finished her course of Augmentin without any diarrhea and it seems like her symptoms have resolved, but we'll know for sure at her follow up appointment next week.  Whew, we're hoping for a healthy Spring!

Going For Gold

You either love watching the Olympics or you don't. It doesn't necessarily matter if you are a sports fan or not; some avid "sporties" could care less about the Olympics and are upset their regularly scheduled programs are not on.

 I absolutely love watching the Olympics, both Winter and Summer. I love that every 2 years, athletes from all over the world get together in one city to compete against each other. I love rooting for the underdogs or watching the veteran athletes compete for their third straight medal. I enjoy watching each host country tell their story in the opening ceremonies, and athletes walking into the stadium, elated to be there, whether they have 200 other team members or they are the flag carrier because they are solely representing their country.

The announcers are nearly always the same and help set the mood while watching each sport. I love the background stories on particular athletes and learning about the host country from Mary Cariollo.  During my bed rest, I watched the Olympics ALL DAY LONG. I learned more about badminton and table tennis than I cared to learn, but those two weeks flew by. I filled Justin in on what happened during the day and was so sad when they were all over.

So during these next two weeks the television will be on more than normal. We will tune in at 7:00 PM to watch the evening program, (hoping Bob Costas's eyes improve because it is tradition to have him anchor the evening Olympic coverage), and watch during the weekends.  My normal 9:30 PM bedtime will likely be pushed back a little and I'll be sleep deprived, but in the end it's only two weeks every 2 years (alternating summer and winter).  Alena has been into watching the Olympics, especially the ice skating and snowboarding.   (She mostly enjoys when competitors fall). The other day while watching downhill skiing she mentioned that she wants to be in the Olympics. What a great dream AJ!

I think exposing children to all sorts of different sports is a great learning experience, even if she has to learn about them on TV. Before we had children, Justin and I often talked about how we hoped our children would be athletic and interested in sports. We are both athletic and competed in multiple sports in high school so our 3 little ones should have good genes, right? We both enjoy watching sports so much that we can't imagine not watching our little ones compete in sports. So much can be learned from competing: The importance of team, dedication and commitment. Reliability, coach ability, and confidence come from competitive sports.  It also teaches children to be resilient, cooperative and develop leadership skills.   All lifelong skills that will be useful in the future.

AJ will be in her first team sport this Spring when she participates in the Urbandale Soccer program.  She loves playing soccer with two twin boys at school so I think she will enjoy it.  This summer she will do a gymnastics/dance combo class. It's so difficult to know how much or how little to involve your children in.  You don't want to overwhelm them with multiple activities a week, yet if you don't get them involved early enough they may not have the skills they need to be competitive in high school.  I grew up in a competitive high school, with over 300 in my graduating class.  Nearly everyone was able to participate in sports, but only the best were on the Varsity team.  Justin had a very small graduating class (less than 40) so you didn't necessarily have to be the best of the best to participate on the Varsity team.  Honestly, some sports/activities were probably begging kids to participate just so they would have enough members :).

We're trying to find a happy medium with activities with Alena and will hopefully learn from her experiences to help guide us with the twins.  We think it is most important that everyone learn how to swim, whether that be through organized swimming lessons or through experience they gain from swimming during the summer.  I'm so excited for my little ones to start sports and hope they have fun doing it!