Toddler X2

I named this site Times Two for very obvious reasons. I have even written a posting with the same title many months ago (to read it click here.) There were moments, phases even, when having to multiply things by two was overwhelming, and times when it was not so bad. I could not have anticipated then that ToddlerhoodX2 would be the chaos, I mean fun, that it is.
I was warned often about the first six months of twinfancy. But, despite the warnings I found the first 6 months to be ok (click here to read the six month entry.) Amazingly, I was not warned about toddlerhood. I suppose it is better that way.
Both boys walk now, they also run, and they often do so in different directions. They are beginning to understand yet still not listen and they are starting to have opinions which are usually opposite of mine. They are developing personalities that, so far, seem to be very different from each other and every day they remind me that they are 100% boy!
I run around like crazy all day. I have tried going in both directions at once, but as I am finding that to be rather difficult, my new tactic is to stand in the middle and watch...the one in more danger usually wins.
But, it is not only danger that keeps me running around. Ryder is a bandit. He is into everything and prefers to press buttons, both figuratively and literally. The television, phones, remotes, stereo's, computers, light switches, door knobs, dishwasher, you name it, Ryder eyes it, then attacks all while flashing his devilish grin. It can be rather frustrating. Ryder does not necessarily play with toys, instead he looks at them, turns them over, tries to figure them out. Perhaps he is a budding engineer.
Chase is a charmer and a flirt, but he is at his best when he is by my side. If you put him in a room with other kids he becomes the shy one. He is a bit more reserved than his brother and tends to use a bit more caution. Of course, I am grateful for such caution when he is in the same room as Ryder. Ryder has no caution, he has no fear. He climbs as high as he can on anything he can and does so all with a giggle while I run to rescue him with my heart pounding, praying he does not fall. Sometimes he does, it never deters him.
With toddlerhood also comes tantrums and whining, two of my very least favorite things. Chase has a tendency to do both, more so than Ryder who is too busy at the top of a bookshelf. I have nothing to compare these tantrums to, though they seem to be seldom and mild, but still, it is too often. They have no concept of sharing and now fight over toys...mini tug-o-wars are common, and often result in Chase whining.
Their energy level is mind blowing and merely exhausting but it comes with the territory of toddler boys, I suppose. I am not sure what is to come of 18 months but 15 months certainly has me jumping.
But toddlerhood also comes with the adorable attempts at talking and the obeying of small commands. They offer hugs and kisses now, sometimes when told to and sometimes on their own, all of which are the very best moments in a day. They are developing their sense of humor and will crack up in spurts and are very good at making mommy and daddy laugh. They will flash their smiles, or give high fives, or clap their hands in delight and quickly the tantrums are forgotten and the button pushing is forgiven. They learn something new everyday which leaves me amazed and they seem to continue to get cuter by the day:) Yes, toddlerhoodx2 offers the special moments in multiples of two just as well as the trouble making it that much more special of a time.

Apple Picking Playgroup

Our first playgroup outing was to Styer Orchards where we enjoyed a wagon ride to the orchards and some apple picking...well, at least in theory. For Chase and Ryder it was an opportunity to play in dirt and some of the other kids just wanted to play with all the "balls." All the kids did get to enjoy an apple from the trees, however!!
The highlight seemed to be the rusted out tractor that the boys used as their jungle gym. Boys, once again, will be boys!!!

(For more pix of the day click here)

pumpkin patch

A beautiful Saturday, unseasonably warm, seemed to be the perfect day for the pumpkin patch. The boys did enjoy the wagon ride, particularly climbing the ladder up the wagon, but had little interest in the pumpkins nor for posing for the obligatory picture in the patch. Oh well, it was a great family day, and they may never remember it, but we will!

WVU

So tomorrow we set forth on a three day weekend trip to Todd's Alma Matre. He is so very excited it is like we are taking the kids to Disneyland. For me, it is quiet time, time with Todd and the thrill of seeing him at a place he loves so dearly. I can't wait to sleep in, have a few drinks, walk the beautiful, hilly campus and look at the tree's autumn colors. With that being said, however, I am sad to leave my boys. I know I need to, and it is good for them and for me, but when you spend your days caring for your kids something is missing when you have a day or three off. I will be calling daily for reports, and since we are in the country, perhaps even more than once. I will likely look at the pictures on my camera. Yes indeed, I have become one of those moms who feels disconnected from her kids when on a mini-vacation. Sick, isn't it? I will report back when we return about the fun of our trip!!

A letter to my sons on their 15th Month Birthday!

Dear Chase and Ryder,

Happy 15 months!! We spent the day at Ellie Betesh's birthday party. It was a carnival with a moon bounce, a ball pit, a balloon tent and an obstacle course. You both had so much fun and daddy and I went into all the rides with you. Your smiles brought smiles to our faces. Though it is early October, it is summer weather outside and we spent the weekend at the shore.

Blessed with sunny, warm weather we went to the beach where you both ran around freely. It was fun since the beach was empty allowing you all the space you needed. Chase you actually went into the water. This was surprising because all summer long you were scared of the waves when they crashed on you. This weekend you found it fun. You sat right at the water's edge and let the waves crash right into you. Ryder you just ran all around, taking a few steps then falling. I think you had a hard time finding balance on the unmatted sand.

At 15 months you weigh in at 21 pounds (Chase) and 20 lbs. 14 oz (Ryder). Chase is one inch taller at 32 inches (31 for Ryder) and though you head sizes are 18 inches and 17 3/4 we are not sure if that is right, since they said your heads got smaller from last time. It is certainly not an exact science to measure a squirming baby.

This month has been a fun one. You challenge me daily. Now that you walk, it is often in opposite directions. You are beginning to understand yet still not listen and you are starting to have opinions which are usually opposite of mine. You are developing personalities that, so far, seem to be very different from each other and every day you remind me that you are 100% boy!

Chase, you are a charmer and a flirt, but you are at your best when you are by my side. If you are put in a room with other kids you become the shy one, at least in the beginning. You are a bit more reserved than your brother. Ryder, you are independent and a daredevil. You climb, fall, cry, then get right back up and do it all over again. When I tell you NO, you get a look of thrill in your eye and a devilish smile and do it all over again.

Chase you continue to learn new words. We can add tickle, dirty, and airplane to your growing list. You love to ask for more, both by saying "mo" and signing the more sign. You love to spot airplanes in the sky (and in the books) and can hear them whenever they are above, even if you can't see them. Your favorite thing right now is Nursery Rhymes on ON DEMAND. You walk over with the remote control and hand it to me. If I put on anything else, you whine until I get it right. You will sit and watch and dance and clap.

Ryder, you enjoy the nursery rhymes as well, but still get a kick out of turning the television off mid-song. You too have mastered the word and sign More. It is the only word you actually use, although recently I have been hearing No's from you. You continue to absorb words but not use them. The other day you said chicken, which we were having for dinner, perfectly, clearly. But that was it, once and done. One day you will just ramble off sentences. You have recently begun pointing in the direction of the things you want, similarly to how Chase does it.

Chase you have begun with some minor tantrums and you have a tendency to whine. Daddy and I are trying to teach you that whiners don't get, but you have not yet begun to understand that concept. Once the whining is over, however, you flash your grin and how quickly I forgot about the previous tantrum. During these tantrums, Ryder you will just look over at your brother to make sure he is ok. Tonight, while Chase was crying, I rubbed his back and said "it's ok" then I told you to do it. You rubbed his back. It was so sweet. someday perhaps, you will do it on your own for your brother or your friend.

Ryder you are trying to run now. You run, sometimes fall, and then laugh. You seem to laugh at a lot of things. I will hear you across the room laughing to yourself. You are very independent and find enjoyment (and humor, apparently) at looking at the bottom of a toy, or playing with the remote or phone, or taking the batteries out of a toy. You are still a lovebug who gives the best hugs!!
Chase you seem to learn something new everyday. Just today you learned to HOOO like an owl. You recently started bringing me over specific books to read to you. Your favorite book is the First Words book. You love to point out the baby, the airplane, and most recently, the tractor. You love to hide whether under a crib or behind a chair.

Our activities continue. In music I spend a lot of time chasing you down the hallways as you escape the classroom. In gym, I stand in the middle and try to manage the level of danger from a spot equidistant to both of you. Most of the stuff there is safe, but Ryder you just want to mess with the stereo. It is your favorite thing. We started Mommy and Me but because of the jewish holidays we have only had one session so far. I am looking forward to starting it up again.
Last week we had a playdate with our neighbors. For two hours you played with Jacob Eubanks. He has a baby brother Brady who is 8 weeks old. Ryder you and Jake high fived, which was adorable. Maybe you will all become great friends.

We are working on transitioning you to one nap a day. Some days it works, some days you need both, some days you doze off in the car. I am going away next weekend and I am not sure what kind of instruction to leave for your grandparents as far as napping goes. Many days I let you guys decide.
You both continue to attract much attention. The fascination of twins continues even at 15 months. People are amazed that you could be twins, and yet look so different. Despite the attention I have gotten much better at continuing on my way, when necessary. You are such happy boys. We laugh a lot in this house and when we are playing we are silly. It seems to be wearing off on you as you both laugh often. Daddy and I have such a good time with you and our favorite days are family days. We look forward to them and have them as often as we can. It is always the highlight of our weekend.
Not a day goes by that you are not loved. Not a day goes by that I am not the proudest mother in the world. Daddy looks forward to coming home to us at the end of each day and you greet him with smiles and hugs. He loves it.

All of my love,
Mommy

Sample This

When we dream about becoming parents we dream of the coos, the laughters, the dimples. We dream of the hugs and the kisses. Yes, we dream of a lot of things, and tend to turn a blind eye (in our dreams) to what comes along with the cute stuff. Feedings every few hours for the first months, not fun, but yes we expect it and deal with it. Dirty diapers, not fun, either, but it becomes second nature. What we can not ever expect nor prepare for, no experienced parent will warn you and if they did you would not listen, is the diarrhea explosion. I apologize for the graphic but when you enter your child's room first thing in the morning to find a crib splattered painted it is revolting. It was dealt with and may it be the first and last time!!!
After such a nightmare, we went to the doctor, just to make sure there was nothing more than obvious wrong, and I was told I needed to collect a Stool Sample. In my experiences up to now, the word sample meant great things. When I heard sample I was thinking of the diced varietals in the cheese section of whole foods, or better yet, the chocolate tastings at godiva. Yes, that is what a sample was until I was asked to take a stool sample from my son. I have not completed this homework assignment yet, I am waiting for his participation, but I can assure you this never would have made it onto my list of responsibilities when I became a mommy.
And, I thought being the recipient of their stomach virus was nasty! Oh, the things we do for our babies.