Potty Peeing!

On the 5 previous bath nights before tonight Ryder peed on his bedroom floor in the period of time between taking off his towel and putting a diaper on him. He does it while laughing, either because it feels good or because he knows he shouldn't be, probably both!! The first time it happened, we thought it was random. The second night, we thought it was weird it happened again. By night three we started to figure it out and nights 4 and 5 I guess we were just procrastinating. Tonight we decided to sit Ryder on the Elmo potty after he came out of the bath. We figured if was going to pee it may as well be in the proper place. Lo and behold he actually did it. Todd and I were amazed. When we bought the potty it was because Chase was showing an interest and telling us when he was wet. He used the word potty pretty often, so we went and bought a potty. Since we bought it however, Chase has no interest in it and Ryder would occasionally sit on it, but mostly he liked to pull off the parts. So, it was to our disbelief when we asked him to sit on it that he did excitedly, sat there for a minute or so and then peed. In typical Ryder fashion he then tried to stick his hands into the potty but we managed to prevent him from playing with his own siss. I am not expecting this one instance to become the training period for our boy, but I thought we should go on record with his first potty peeing.

Ryder wants to be a rock star!!

What little boy doesn't, right? But, really, he has a love affair with the guitar. He carries it everywhere and strums it all day. He even has proper form. And, it seems, he could be another Hendrix in the making, as he always plays the guitar lefty. I support my rock-n-rollin' son....at what age can we begin guitar lessons?

HMMMMM!

Chase has this thing that he does. When he is thinking he stops and says "hmmmmm" as if he is really comtemplating where the puzzle piece belongs. And, I suppose he is. I think it is just adorable when he does it. But, I wonder where he learned this from? Is it just something that is within him, a little piece of what makes him Chase? Or, is it a learned behavior? This made me wonder if I do it too? Could it be that I just never noticed. In the last few days I seem to do it all the time. Is this a behavior I learned from him, is that even possible? I know I do it intentionally, constantly, just so he will mimic me. But, do I "hmmm" when I am thinking? Just leaves me saying "hmmmmm!"

Day at the Aquarium

I have mentioned how the boys love their fish. We knew they would be excited to see bigger, more colorful fish. We took them to the Camden Aquarium where they got to see all sorts of fun sea animals. The aquarium is a great place, we were there for hours, and the boys had a great time. They were first impressed by the size and colors of the fish we saw, and just how many there were. They wanted to stand on the ledge by the windows and it seemed they were trying to get in the tank, but the glass was just too thick. Then the penguins were a big hit. I am not sure why Chase has taken a liking to the word penguin, so seeing them live was a thrill for him. He specifically asked to see "more penguins" and as a result we went back for a second showing. As were we, they seemed to be amazed by the size of the Hippo and I think it may have changed their perspective a bit when we read "The Hippos go Beserk" last night before bed. We saw sharks and jellyfish and an octopus and though it is not a sea creature, Trinidad the Parrot- who squawks but does not talk- received hello's and goodbye's from both boys. And, it should come as no surprise, but the highlight of the day was turning the handles that made the turtles move, or sliding the doors that had facts behind them. Fish are neat and all, but nothing compares to hardware.
By the day's end, Ryder was ready for a nap and Chase was asking to see more fish, but we said bye bye to the fishies and headed home. Until next time.....

marveling at the fish

Who knew Jellyfish could be so neat?

"More Penguins"

Trinidad

Seeing Double!

Soon after we found out we were pregnant, we were given the good news that it was multiples. Immediately we were excited for the twins and never considered multiples could mean anything more. At a very early ultrasound, when Chase and Ryder were mere black dots, there seemed to be a third black dot. Apparently Baby B, who we now know as Ryder, had split into an identical twin. This was shocking to us and admittedly, I am not sure either of us took this as good news. After further viewing via ultrasound, the doctor said he was not sure that "B2" was viable, as it seemed smaller than his brothers. A week later when we went for another ultrasound, and to see heartbeats, Baby A (Chase) had a beat, as did Baby B (Ryder), but B2 had not developed and we were told it would be absorbed. In that week between the possibility of three and the reality of two we never once spoke about what we would do, and to be honest neither of us were disappointed to not be pregnant with triplets.
Occasionally, however, I think about what it may have been like to have three boys. I think about it on the days that our twins are a handful, wondering how we would have ever managed. And, I think about it on the days when they are sweet as can be and running to mommy for hugs and kisses, and think it may have been fun to wrap my arms around three pint sized men.
Recently, I took a round of photos of Ryder at his favorite window. I found the pictures to be quite interesting to look at, when it dawned on me....this is what it would have looked like...two little Ryders. Check it out!!
PS: Chase did not cooperate for this particular photo shoot. He loves the window as well but was too busy pointing out trucks, trees, dogs, and neighbors to marvel at his own reflection.

Cousins

Sometimes it gets hairy, a fight over a toy or a battle for attention. But, more often, the cousins have a lot of fun when they hang out. Here is a sweet, quiet moment, that had to be captured. Don't worry Madden, when you are ready there is a 4th chair for you!!

Remember When Bathing Was This Much Fun?!!