Bring It On, Summer 2012!

Daddy’s last day of school was Friday, so it’s OFFICIALLY summertime at the Casa de A&B!

To mark the occasion, we took a trip to the zoo yesterday.  It was going to be a HOT day, so we got an early start…out the door before 8am…which I think has to be a record.  We enjoyed the sunnier side of the zoo first – where the elephants and giraffes are – and then treated the girls to a ride on the carousel.

They were SO excited, and I was SO proud that neither of them was scared this time.  Baby A chose to ride a panda cub, and Baby B chose a Siberian tiger.  They had the biggest smiles on their faces the entire time.

There’s a temporary dinosaur exhibit at the zoo right now.  We didn’t go through it, but we did take time to climb on one exhibit they have in the common area.  Here are A and B, practicing their dentistry skills, I suppose…

We walked a little more before sharing a big soft pretzel, and then we strolled through the shady side of the zoo.  We were excited to finally see the anteater, who has always been off exhibit when we’ve visited.  The girls were anxious to see the flamingos at the end of the zoo, and they sure put on a show…they seemed to be extra “talkative” yesterday (the flamingos, that is...well, and the girls!).

After the zoo, we headed to lunch at Macaroni Grill, per the girls’ suggestion, and then we rounded out our visit to the Big City with a trip to Whole Foods.  We barely got on the interstate for the trip home before the girls were out cold.

It’s so much easier to go and do with the girls these days.  As I think about our “bucket list” for this summer, I expect we’ll have lots of great adventures…

  

·         Hike Mammoth Cave

·         Long weekend in Memphis

·         Visit to North Carolina, making a couple of stops along the way

·         Visit the botanical gardens

·         Visit Dinosaur World

·         Visit Kentucky Down Under

·         Attend “Venus Presenting” to see the eclipse…better catch it now, ‘cause it won’t happen for another 500 YEARS!

·         Visit Chaney’s Dairy Barn

·         Go to the library

·         Visit the indoor play place

·         Take swimming lessons

·         Play in the dancing fountains downtown

·         Have a picnic at the park

And plenty of adventures without leaving our backyard, too…

·         Play with playdough

·         Play in the sprinkler in the yard

·         Make homemade pizza

·         Grill and eat outside

·         Eat a slice of watermelon

·         Get new bikes

·         Help Daddy wash the car

·         Make homemade ice cream

·         Do some messy artwork outside

·         Fly a kite

·         Make our own ice cream sundaes

·         Play in the rain and splash in some puddles

This time of year is definitely a special one for us.  It’s so nice to be able to enjoy so much family time every week.  The summer of 2011 (when the girls were 2 ½) was so much fun…and I’m thinking this one will be even sweeter!

2012 = AWARE

I came across this Henry Miller quote years ago, and it immediately struck me as something very profound.

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.”

At the time, I was working in North Carolina, very focused on my job and my career. I tried to challenge myself not to get so caught up in the rat race (albeit a very invigorating race), such that I wasn’t really living.

At the time, I remember thinking about driving to work each day…my mind was always running far ahead of me, such that I rarely noticed anything on my drive. Not only was that physically dangerous, but it was kinda sad…even in my short commute, there were beautiful trees, a small river, and so many sights and sounds that I took virtually no note of.

As I think about inspiration for 2012, I want to revisit this quote.

I think I do a pretty good job of being aware of my girls. Heaven knows I take enough pictures and write enough journal entries…but still, there’s more.

It’s cliché, I know, but I think becoming a parent adds a new dimension to the space-time continuum. Time seems to be flying faster than ever before.

In 2012, I want to continue to strive for awareness, and for appreciation. I want to challenge myself to continuing to be purposeful in my actions…yet allow myself to appreciate and enjoy the carefree days of the girls’ early childhood.

My bigger challenge for 2012 is to be more aware of my other roles…those of wife, household CEO, and friend.

There’s no doubt in my mind that my Mommy role comes first, but I sometimes seem to run out of steam in the other areas. I know part of that is just a function of having two rambunctious babes, and I’ve come to be OK with that.

But sometimes that leaves me feeling like I’ve driven to work (or, in this case, made breakfast, lunch, and dinner, done laundry, read 53 books, orchestrated a craft project and taken the girls for a walk, documenting much of it in words and pictures) without looking up.

Where I think I can do a better job is in keeping a calendar on a daily basis. I want to write down some of my daily tasks, like pay bills, or mend blanket, so that I can have a bit of a roadmap for the day, and – at the end – a written sense of what I’ve done.

I also want to write down things that can sometimes otherwise get lost in the fray, like send birthday card to X, email Y, clean out junk drawer. It’s those little things that don’t necessarily have to happen…but I know will make me feel more rounded out if I can accomplish them on a more regular basis.

So, for 2012, across my many roles:

I aim to be more aware…to be more purposeful…so that I may enjoy my life more joyously… drunkenly…serenely…divinely…fully.

My word for 2012 = aware.

(Thank you to my sweet friend Marcia for the amazing inspiration on so many levels, including the idea of a word for the year. Visit Marcia to see how she and others are embracing the new year.)

Looking Ahead to the New Year

Our girls turn three in less than a week. While I breathe deeply and try to digest that coming milestone, I’m also looking forward to the year ahead.

This past year has truly been an awesome one, as I’ve (mostly dry-eyed) witnessed our babies turn into little girls. I inscribed the girls’ ornaments this year “a year of first adventures”, and it’s such a true sentiment. This year we definitely branched out, even leaving the city limits on a number of occasions! :)

We took our first mini-vacation as a family of four. We made our first of several trips to the zoo. The girls mastered their tricycles. And we’ve gotten a lot more “adventurous” with our day-to-day, as well, more often leaving our stroller in the trunk, and having ditched the notion of high chairs in restaurants months ago.

And in response to the question, “What’s your biggest accomplishment this year?” posed on Facebook yesterday, I quickly answered “Potty-training twins!”

I know there will be many more “big kid” changes in the year ahead of us. And while I know some of them will be bittersweet, I’m excited to see what’s in store.

A year from now, my girlies will have long since adjusted to their big kid beds, and (I hope!) most of our baby-proofing will be behind us. They’ll be on a break from a preschool program, and I hope we’ll have enrolled them in some type of extracurricular activity, like gymnastics, or swimming, or music, or dance. And I’m certain we’ll have so many more adventures on which to reflect.

I hope that my then almost-four-year olds will be taller and stronger and faster and more well-travelled…but I hope there are other things that will be just the same.

I hope they’ll have the same zest for life, love, and learning. I hope they still squeal with delight. I hope that their eyes still twinkle at the sight of a four-legged friend. I hope that even as they grow, they’ll continue to find comfort in snuggles with Mommy and Daddy.

And I know, no matter how big they are, they’ll always be my tiny baby girls.

May your 2012 be filled with many continued blessings! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Fall Break Fun!

I really can't believe it's already time for Hubby's Fall Break! It seems like he just started back to school...but I'm not complaining!

We don't have any big plans, but we hope to spend a lot of fun family time together.

We kicked things off on Friday night by ordering pizza, a very rare treat.

On Saturday morning we headed to the farmer's market, followed by bagels at Panera. Saturday afternoon we gave the girls their tricycles.

We've actually had their tricycles since last December, but we'd been waiting for the right time to give them to the girls. The weather this week is supposed to be pretty perfect...nice fall temps and beautiful sunshine. That, coupled with an extra set of hands from Daddy, made us decide that Saturday was "The Day".

I sent the girls on a walk around the block with Daddy, while I staged their trikes in the drive. The girls were ecstatic when they looked to the top of the driveway, breaking into a run.


Saturday afternoon we got some peddling in, but it wasn't until Sunday afternoon that we made any considerable forward (and backward!) progress.

I'm hoping that "steering" kicks in on Day 3.

As for the rest of the week, here's my bucket list...

Family / The Girls

• Jackson’s Orchard, including a wagon ride and pumpkin patch pictures
• New shoes
• New fall / winter clothes
• Trip to the zoo
  

Me

• Clean out two junk drawers
• Organize my closet
  
• Order September pictures
  
• "Date" with Hubby (in some form or fashion)
  
• Pedicure
• And should I be so bold as to actually consider a massage???

Looking forward to a great -- and productive! -- week!

2011 Goals, Revisited

So…I had thought maybe once a quarter I’d check in on the yearly goals I outlined for myself in January…but here it is September, and – to be 100% truthful – I just looked at my goals for the first time since said January. Gulp!

Having waited far too long, I’ll tell you I was scared to see how I was tracking. But inspired by Marcia – whose inspired personality makes goal-setting actually sound fun! – I finally worked up the nerve to see how things are tracking.

What’s funny is that I’m actually doing OK! That tells me that either I have a strong internal compass for what’s “right”…or my goals weren’t very lofty after all! In any case, here ‘goes…

BABY STUFF

• Potty training.

One down, one to go! I’m very happy with where I am on this front, as I’ve allowed myself to follow the girls’ lead. As of now, Baby B still isn’t quite ready. I realize if she hasn’t announced her “readiness” in another few months, I might have to re-evaluate, but for now, I feel good about where we are.

• Baby-proof the kitchen and allow the girls out of the “holding cell” in the den.

I haven’t moved on this one yet, and I’m OK with that, too. I would like to be baby gate-free by the time the girls turn three…which I think is realistic…but I’m trying to find the right balance to continue to give the girls their freedom (which they currently have in the den), and not drive myself CrAzY looking after them every single moment. Since I’ve waited this long, I’m hoping our baby-proofing can be minimal.

• Stair masters.

Check! The girls are doing great negotiating the stairs…I still walk with them for my peace of mind, but they’re pretty agile!

• Let the girls out of their stroller.

While I still make a lot of use of the stroller for bigger shopping trips, I’m comfortable running small errands (a bank deposit, a loaf of bread, a quick gift) with them by my side. They do fantastic walking in the neighborhood hand-in-hand, and I am so proud to have taken them numerous times to a restaurant for snacks by myself. It’s still so far from relaxing…but I’m hoping with enough practice, we’ll be out for a girls’ lunch soon.

• Sitter.

Check! Since the first of the year, Miss Jennifer has been coming once a week to play with the girls for a couple of hours. Most of the time I leave to run errands or just have a little “me” time…and that’s so good for all of us!

• Utensils.

Check! The girls are actually pretty mannerly, and relatively neat!

• Go on a family trip (other than to see family).

Check! We took our first mini-vacation this summer, and we’re even considering another mini-trip this fall!

• In general…CHILL OUT!!! I know it will be good for us if I occasionally throw caution (along with fear and dread) to the wind and just.have.fun. Jump in puddles, play in the dirt, go down the slide…do more art projects, make an introduction to Play-Doh, decorate some cookies…let the girls be KIDS.

We have yet to jump in any puddles, but we haven’t had much rain until this week (a likely excuse, huh?). We’ve played in the dirt (or at least the backyard), we’ve played with sidewalk chalk, and we’ve gone down lots of slides – even unassisted! We’re ramping up our art projects, and I have my sights set on Play-Doh. And we’ve had several kitchen projects, and I hope to do lots more with the approaching holidays.

Overall, I’m relaxing a bit as the girls are getting older. I’m learning that they won’t melt in the rain, and that finger paint does (eventually) wash off. Baby step by baby step, I’m getting there…even if the girls are sometimes dragging me by the shirtsleeves.

ME STUFF

• My email box is OUT.OF.CONTROL!!! D.

A couple of times this year, I cleaned out a lot of old files, but I still don’t have a system in place. ((sigh))

• Clutter / filing. B-.

I’ve cut down on clutter, but I still don’t keep up with filing with the frequency I’d like to.

• Pictures / scrapbooking. A-.

I am FINALLY up-to-date on all my picture stuff. I haven’t scrapbooked as much as I’d like to, but I do have all my supplies organized, and I do delve into it from time to time. It’s a great creative outlet, and I would like to do it with more frequency.

• Camera / Photoshop. F.

Haven’t touched a thing. ((sigh))

• Do a better job of staying in touch with out-of-town friends. C.

I finally met Alison’s baby over Labor Day weekend (and I can’t say enough just how awesome that was!!!). I haven’t met any other friends…yet…but given how well the girls have done on our last couple of trips, I’m at least feeling more optimistic about the opportunities over the next few months.

• Sugar addiction. B-.

I do fine as long as I don’t buy / make the stuff. If I do, I must have an outlet (share with friends / give to neighbors)…or just eat a bit and toss the rest. I still have no willpower.

So…for the balance of the year…

I need to continue to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone with the girls. I’d like to be baby-gate free by the end of the year, and I would like for B to be potty-trained (or at least well on her way).

As for “me” stuff, I want to conquer the paper in the house, and get a system in place to deal with it on a regular basis. I also need a system to deal with my email. I am considering just dumping the contents of my current inbox into a folder and starting fresh. Otherwise I seem to get caught up in dealing with my current mess, unable to focus on moving forward.

I honestly don't see me taking time for the camera / Photoshop goals I outlined. They're not off the list, but I'm trying to be realistic.

We still have 112 days in 2011. I can do this!

Fab 5 Friday...and ME!

Despite a little case of the sniffles, this has been one fabulous week!

1) On New Year’s Eve, the weather was nice enough for us to go for a long walk. When we got home, I parked the girls’ stroller in the driveway, and they enjoyed watching Mommy and Daddy play a few minutes of pretty competitive Frisbee. With a little coaching, they clapped and cheered at the more spectacular catches. And they naturally laughed when Mommy dropped the pass (not sure how I feel about that one!).

2) I made a big batch of juvec this week…as close as I’ve ever been able to come to my hubby’s mom’s recipe…what I describe as “Hungarian jambalaya”. I decided to try it on the girls, and they loved it! And their daddy’s heart melted just a little more when he heard, “More juvec, please!”

3) I’m quite proud of myself for working towards one of my 2011 goals with unabashed fervor. The girls have eaten at least one dish a day from bowls…with spoons! Baby A is doing amazingly well, and Baby B is trying really hard. And Mommy is taking deep, deep breaths.

4) The girls are reaching new levels of conversation every day. Just one example…upon seeing me pull a cup out of the cabinet, Baby B said, “Kitty cat on Mommy[‘s] coffee mug!” WOW!!!

5) We had a fantastic day on Wednesday, honoring our girls and celebrating their second birthday. It was relaxed and fun…filled with lots of playing and reading and several of our favorite foods. Bliss!

****************************************************

Starting this week, I’ll be linking up with the great Dolli-Mama at Life Not Finished for what I think is a fantastic new meme, “52 Weeks of Me!”

I generally keep this blog focused on the girls…as my life is of course very focused on them…as I think it should be. But with that focus, it can be easy for a mom to forget about herself.

That saying, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? Yeah, I’m not quite sure where that came from...

Dolli-Mama has challenged herself to do one thing each week just for her, and I’m excited to join her. Some weeks that one thing might be big – like a pedicure or a date night with hubby.

But what I think is particularly great about this challenge is forcing ourselves to look around when we don’t have a “big event” to cite…to appreciate the bubble bath I had after the girls were in bed, or the real cream I treated myself to in a cup of coffee.

Sometimes it may just be a matter of perspective, but we have to make sure to take care of ourselves. I truly believe it makes us better mommies…and that’s what it’s all about.

So how did I indulge myself this week???

On Sunday afternoon, when all the troops – A, B, Daddy, and the kitty cat – were napping, I went to Panera. I got myself a big ceramic coffee mug and filled it with hazelnut coffee and a splash of real cream. That went perfectly with the toffee crunch cookie I ate! I scored my favorite table right by the fireplace. I sat back, relaxed, and worked on some (belated) holiday cards…all.by.myself. Yum!!!

Check out the Dolli-Mama and see what she and others did this week to treat themselves...and maybe it will inspire you to do the same!

The Good, the Not-so-Good, and the Hopeful, Part II

Yesterday I posted some reflections about the year 2010, as well as projections of what I'd like to improve in 2011 in the "Baby" category. Today, "Me" stuff...

ME STUFF

The Good
The girls were born in January 2009. That was obviously an amazing start to the year, but I felt like I was running most of the year just to keep up. In 2010, I more or less got my groove back…or more accurately, created a new groove. There are several things that I’m pretty proud of, things I want to continue to build upon…

· Hubby and I have been spending more time together, even if it’s just to watch a DVR’d TV show after the girls are in bed. We finally discovered that we can get a “house sitter” to come over after the girls are in bed, allowing us to go out for a late dinner. We’ve been doing that about once a month, and it’s heavenly.

· I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping up with my friends in town, even if it means a late night or a missed weekend nap in order to meet for coffee.

· As we transitioned the girls away from baby food early this year, I’ve been cooking…a lot. I try to limit processed foods when possible, and we’ve definitely been eating much healthier. I love nothing more than seeing my refrigerator stocked with home-cooked meats and veggies, and my counter and produce drawer overflowing with fresh fruit.

· Although due to the girls’ schedule I’ve gotten away from any type of aerobics routine (which I miss!), I’ve done a pretty good job of exercising in some form of fashion. I walk or jog probably four times a week.

· I’ve gotten back into reading more this year, and that just makes me feel like “me”.

· In partnership with my friend Jenny, whose B/G twins are exactly one week older than A & B, we started a Mothers of Multiples group for our area. I’ve made some awesome friends – ones who really “get it” – and we look forward to continuing to grow the club this year.

· I started this blog almost a year ago. I’ve sure enjoyed the creative outlet, and I’ve made even more awesome friends – who also “get it”!

The Hopeful
· My email box is OUT.OF.CONTROL!!! I have got to be more disciplined about clearing out my box each day / week…and in turn I hope I can improve my follow-up, too.

· Clutter / filing. I’ve been working on this one already, realizing that I spend 97.5% of my waking hours in the kitchen / den area, and I feel so much better when it’s clutter-free. I do a decent job on a day-to-day basis, but I need to get better about monthly filing and especially SHREDDING.

· Pictures / scrapbooking. I am disciplined when it comes to monthly editing and printing, but I am SO BEHIND on putting my printed pictures in albums…and I don’t even want to think about how far behind I am on scrapbooking. This is a big one for me…I really enjoy scrapbooking, and I want to find a way to dedicate time to this hobby.

· Camera / Photoshop. We invested in a great camera before the girls were born, and I L-O-V-E it. Sadly, though, I rarely use it out of “auto” mode. I bought myself a how-to book specific to my camera model, and – mark my words – I’m gonna figure this puppy out this year! Likewise, I invested in nice a nice software package for photo and video editing…but it’s never been out of the box. The camera is my first priority, but this one is a close second.

· While I stay in pretty good touch with my in-town friends, as well as a couple of friends from “home”, I would like to do a better job of staying in touch with out-of-town friends. This year I am bound and determined to meet Alison’s baby in person, and I would also like to make arrangements to see at least one friend from high school during the year.

· Finally, and most shamefully, I must admit I am addicted to SUGAR. I cannot resist the likes of candy corn, and sugar orange slices, and conversation hearts. In reality, I have very little willpower, so I must do a better job of limiting my candy purchases. I’ve also found it helps if I brush my teeth immediately after I put the girls to bed, as that’s an almost-sure way for me to limit my sugar sins.

Whew, again! I’ve compiled quite a list…I’m tired just typing it! (And if you’ve actually made it through reading this, I should reward you with a Starbucks gift card or something!)

I have quite a few things I want to work on, but I know they’re areas that will make my life easier and more enjoyable.

Once again, here’s to a great 2011!

The Good, the Not-so-Good, and the Hopeful, Part I

I’ve never been one to write “resolutions” at the start of a new year, but I thought I’d take a moment to reflect about what’s going well in my world, and project what I’d like to improve in the future.

I’m breaking this post into two parts…today I’ll focus on “Baby” stuff. (Maybe one of my resolutions should be to not call my almost-two-year olds “babies” anymore? Nah…) Tomorrow I’ll post about “Me” stuff.

BABY STUFF

The Good
I’m so proud of my girls, of course…what mom isn’t? When I step back, I think I can break that down into a couple of broad categories…

· The girls eat really well, and I hope to continue to enforce good eating habits.

· The girls are in a great routine, and I think that’s key to them generally being very good-natured.

· At almost two years old, I think the girls are very well-mannered.

· I think the girls are well-stimulated at home, between books and music and toys, and – so far – no TV. I intend at some point to introduce the Boob Tube to them…not sure when…but I think it’s pretty funny that they call almost any electronic equipment (like a stereo) a “TV”, and they have no clue who Dora the Explorer is. :)

The Hopeful
I know some of this will naturally come with age, but for a lot of these items, I have got to force myself outside of my comfort zone.

· Potty training. The first step is for me to do some more research about different techniques…which requires me to kick it into gear!

· Baby-proof the kitchen and allow the girls out of the “holding cell” in the den. The den is a great big playroom for the girls, but at some point they need venture onto the hardwood floors!

· Stair masters. The girls don’t get a lot of practice going up and down the steps…I usually carry them, as I have someone waiting on me above or below, and I don’t have time to dilly-dally. This could be embarrassing if they’re seven and we resort to installing an elevator.

· Become comfortable to take the girls out by myself – to the park, for example – out of the confines of their stroller. We get out and about all the time, but they are almost always under the watchful restraint of a five-point harness, even to drop off a package at the post office. The few times I’ve run a quick errand with them not in their stroller, I needed a shower afterwards, as I was sweating like a horse...followed by a dose of chocolate to calm myself down. :)

· Leave the girls with a sitter…when they’re awake. Hubby and I have left them with a “house sitter” a few times, going for a late dinner after they were in bed. Otherwise, they’ve never been alone with anyone but Mommy or Daddy. I know this isn’t healthy for them…or for me!!!

· Transition the girls to eating with utensils. I think they’re probably capable, but I still just shudder at the thought of the colossal mess they’re bound to make. I know there are some cultures that eat predominantly with their hands…but I’m not prepared to move to a different country just yet.

· Go on a family trip (other than to see family). I hope we will be able to brave the beach this year!

· In general…CHILL OUT (just a little bit, from time to time)!!! I know it will be good for us if I occasionally throw caution (along with fear and dread) to the wind and just.have.fun. Jump in puddles, play in the dirt, go down the slide…do more art projects, make an introduction to Play-Doh, decorate some cookies…let the girls be KIDS.

There have been a few instances when I’ve seen for myself that children will do things on their timetable, when they are ready (like transition away from bottles).

I need to do the occasional gut-check to make sure I’m open to allowing evolution to take its course, that I’m not hanging onto a baby routine (like carrying the girls up and down the steps) out of convenience for me.

Whew…easier said than done, but at least I’m aware of my potential tendencies!

So I hope to look back 12 months from now and feel like I've continued to steady the base for the girls, but that I've challenged them - and primarily me! - to grow.

2010 was a fantastic year...and I'm looking forward to much more magic in 2011.

Happy New Year!