2 Year Appointment

Yesterday, I took the girls for their 2 year appointment at the doctor's office.  I have never taken them to a well-visit by myself and yesterday I had a friend come with me.  I was a big help and made it easier to talk with their doctor.  During their morning bath and as we got ready, I talked with Jenna and Rachel about the appointment and what to expect.  They think it's funny to talk about "Dr. Bob, bob, bob".  
Rachel is still scared of the big exam table and hates when she has to sit on the scale.  Luckily this was the only time that she cried, well screamed really, when she had to be measured.  Jenna stood and watched this and cried too when she had to be measured but then the rest of the appointment went smoothly.  They had a blood sample taken to check lead and iron levels and didn't cry during that.
It makes me laugh that even though both girls talk and talk all day at home, most of time when we're out, they won't say a word.  They didn't really say a thing while the doctor was in there.  I have a 24 month questionnaire to fill out about developmental milestones.  I wish they had sent it to be before the appointment but I'll ask to find out about the results.  Overall it was a good appointment and I really didn't have any major concerns.  I can't believe the next well visit won't be until they're 3!  That's such a change from beginning when it was every month, 3 months, or 6 months.


Here are the stats from the check-up.
Jenna
Weight: 29 lbs, 12 oz.
Height: 34.75 inches
Head Circumference: 19.75 inches

Rachel
Weight: 26 lbs, 2 oz
Height: 33 inches
Head Circumference: 19 inches


I knew Jenna was a little bigger.  She loves to eat and will finish what's on her plate and ask for more.  I've had to keep an eye on her during snack time so she doesn't take Rachel's when she's done.  Rachel is a much slower eater and when she's sick with a cold she doesn't eat much at all.

I've been thinking about the New Year's Resolutions I wrote last week. Here's some updates:

• I've had a few play dates with the girls and we went to story time at the library today.  I'm excited to get back to that.  
• I attended a Zumba class tonight that one of my friends teaches.  It was a great workout, even though I felt silly not knowing the moves.  Kenny had fun with Jenna and Rachel so I'm excited to go again next week.  
• I've been trying to clean the kitchen counters each evening before bed and I started organizing the girls' toys. 
• I tried a few new recipes that were wonderful!

New Year's Resolutions!

As I was browsing the internet, I came across a New Year's Resolution printable and thought it would be a great idea to try and write some for myself.  If they're written down, I can come back and look at them and then revisit the list at the end of the year.  I've never made a list of resolutions before but there's no better time to do it than January 1! 
Here's the link to the printable where I got the idea. 
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/12/new_year_resolutions_printable/

Let’s Do This! 2013

One Word

 I found it very difficult to try and come up with one word to describe what I would like for my year.  I went through about five before I decided on ACTIVE!

This word popped into my head when I thought about having 2 very active toddlers.  Then I thought it applied to more of what I want for myself this year.  I want to be more active in pursuing activities with Jenna and Rachel.  I want to be more active in terms of exercising.  I want to be more active when it comes to cleaning, cooking, and organizing.  Using the computer less will allow me to be more active.  I think this will be my One Word for the year. 

Want

What I Really Want in 2013...

*To get out more with the girls: library, play dates and other activities.   It’s a great way to help them socialize with other children and good for me too!

*To create a budget and determine how to live on less money.  I’d like to stay at home with the girls for longer and this will help!

*To play piano again.  I got a new book for Christmas and I will learn at least one new piece.

Need

What I Really Need in 2013...

*To be more organized.  I would love to begin following a home maintenance/cleaning schedule so that I’m not overwhelmed with things that need to be done. 

*To have a least one date night with my husband!  We haven’t been out since November 2011!

 Share

What I Want to Share in 2013...

*More time with my husband and children: less time on the computer.  I’ve been working hard to not turn on the computer while the girls are awake.  I’d like to limit time during their naps and in the evening as well. 

*Try to be more outgoing, friendly and approachable.  This could be as easy as saying hello to someone during a walk or chatting with another mom at story time!

Succeed

In 2013 I Will Succeed At...

*To lose the 10 pounds I gained since having the twins.  I’d like to fit back into the jeans I wore pre-pregnancy. 

*Becoming a better cook.  I’m enjoying making dinner more and I would love to find some new recipes to try.  I need to boost my confidence in the kitchen.  

I hope that having this written on my blog will allow me to stay accountable and be able to achieve most of these goals for the year.  

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2013!

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit!

I wanted to add some photos of the time with my parents.  My mom had hand surgery in November and wasn't sure if she'd be up for traveling.  I'm SO glad they were able to come and spend 5 days with us!  They arrived on the 26th so they were here for Jenna and Rachel's birthday.  We celebrated Christmas the next night and enjoyed exchanging gifts.  I loved seeing the girls interact with their Grandma and Grandpa.  They loved playing with babies, blankets, books, and play food with their Grandma.  My dad is really silly with them and loves making them laugh.  We had such a good visit.  They left in the morning on the 31st. Even after living in Virginia for 6 years, I still get teary-eyed when they leave.  We're not sure now when we'll see them again.  Hopefully it's soon!

New seat/stool from Aunt Sandra

Rachel and Grandma watching "Mickey's Christmas Carol"

Playing babies with Grandma

  

Soft Kitty!!

Rachel with Grandpa

Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

The morning started white, with snow and ice falling outside.  The girls kept running and looking out the window to yell "snowing!"  I was worried for most of the morning about my parents driving here.  They had spent the night, halfway, in Pennsylvania so they only had 4 hours to drive to get here.  The snow turned to rain, to sleet, to ice, and kept changing and the roads were getting icier.  They finally arrived 6 hours after they left their motel.  It was wonderful seeing them and Jenna ans Rachel were happy they were here.  
After nap time, we decided to open a few gifts because we would open more after dinner.  Sandra found step stools and had her mother-in-law paint them.  They are beautiful.  The back flips down so it's a seat and a step for the stool.  Jenna just wanted to step up and down (which was kind of tricky wearing tights).  They loved these and hopefully it will make it easier for me to wash their hands after meals...instead of me lifting them to the sink.  Sandra wanted a video but I need to find the cord to upload one.  We opened some for Grandma and Grandpa too.

 My friend and her parents came over for dinner to celebrate with us.  I made our favorite crockpot chicken but the girls really wanted cake. They loved opening their new presents and wanted to try out everything. 

 It was hard to get settled down when it was time for bed.  With lots of sugar and excitement and then playing with Grandma and Grandpa, I think it was probably an hour past their normal bedtime when they finally went to sleep.  It was OK though because they had had a fun day!  

Playing and being silly before bed.

Merry Christmas!

Today is December 25th.  Two years ago, we enjoyed Christmas breakfast with friends  came home relaxed, then went to bed not knowing that the next day we'd be new parents.  Tomorrow, Jenna and Rachel will be two.  Tonight at dinner, we taught them how to hold up two fingers and respond "TWO!!" when asked "how old are you?"  I know I've written it before, but I truly can't believe how fast the time has gone.  

Jenna's washing dishes at her kitchen

Playing with Slime!

A few days ago, we had some of Kenny's family here as they traveled to NY.  We exchanged presents and I realized that this was the first time the girls had opened presents since last year.  They quickly knew what to do and were so cute when they passed out the presents to everyone.  

Sorry it's blurry, they were busy passing out presents!

Saying Goodbye to Anne'

Even though they are both sick with terrible coughs and runny noses, we were still able to enjoy Christmas today.  This morning, they both went right to the biggest present and started tearing the paper.  It was fun to see them working together.  After opening presents, they explored and played with the new toys.  The favorite was the Fisher Price Wheelies Loops and Swoops Amusement park...a long name for a big toy!  We were disappointed though because it didn't come with 2 cars or 2 flags like the box said.  I'll try calling the company tomorrow and getting the missing pieces.  Still there was one car and two they already had worked fine.  Jenna and Rachel also loved the Fridge Phonics and played with that for a while.  The got some new phones, books, puzzles, Little People, and coloring books.    

Christmas!

Working to open a present

Rachel's new book!

Playing with the new Wheelies toy

Making cookies (actually tasting the dough)

Tomorrow my Mom and Dad will be coming and staying for a few days.  We'll have some friends over for a birthday dinner.  When you ask the girls "What does Birthday mean?"  They say, "Cake and Presents!!"  We'll definitely be taking more pictures tomorrow.  As for tonight, I will check on the girls on their last night as one-year-olds.  

What are they saying now??

Two weeks from today, I will have 2 two year olds.  I can't believe how quickly time flies!  I love looking back at old pictures and seeing how small they were.  Even last Christmas, they looked like babies and now they're definitely toddlers!  They are talking so much...really just to each other and to Mommy and Daddy.  They don't talk much around other people!

I wanted to write down some of the cute and funny things they say (not all are completely appropriate but funny anyway!) They are really beginning to talk in phrases and are starting to tell stories about things that have happened. 
Jenna calls herself "Nen-na" and calls Rachel "Ray-ray".  Rachel calls herself "Chay-chel" and calls Jenna "Che-na".  
At night: "Night, night Mommy.  I love you!"
When frustrated: "Mommy do-it!"
When flushing the toilet: "Bye bye poopy, I love you!" 
Trying to say Cranberry muffin: "Cran-booby mup-pin"
They're very polite and often use please.  They're starting to say Thank you too!  I love when they say "Up please" or "Shoes off please" 
Heard at naptime: "Lay down, Jenna" "Shhh, shhh" "Lie down Ray-ray."  Jenna is attached to her blankie and always makes usre she has her "Brown kitty, ba-ba."  I think blanket will always be ba-ba.  

Saying different names:
Mickey = "Mick-me"
Minnie = "Min-me"
Becky = "Beck-bee"
Monkey = "Monk-me"
Other names they love to say: Of course Mommy and Daddy, Aunt-Yan ra (Sandra) and Unc Steve!  Aunt Katie and Unc Tim!.  Amy, Oll-ver (Oliver) and Fe, fe- oh (Fiona). 

Both can count to 10 and think that it ends..."8, 9, 10, yay!"  They recognize both letters and sing a form of the ABC song.  Rachel's favorite song to sing is "Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty, little ball of fur.  Happy Kitty, Sleepy Kitty, purr, purr, purr."  Those that watch Big Bang Theory would smile at this!!  

Instead of just using nouns, both girls are using adjectives to describe things.  Mostly colors but sometimes sizes too.  They use color words often to tell me which cup or plate they want or which socks to wear.  It's so much fun to see them learning.  

Rachel is sorting pom poms by color.

A friend made slime for them to play with!