Terrifically Terrible Twos!

When it is good, it is SO good.  When it is bad, it is SO bad.

John and I were talking about how George and Clara have changed so much in the past few months.  I used to say most of my days were good.  Relatively routine.  Pretty easy.  Well, those days are gone.  Most days with two two-year olds are challenging.  Most things are an argument, discussion, negotiation, or flat out tantrum.  With all that insanity, comes the hilarity.  My two monkeys are little firecrackers.  Big personalities.  Lots of energy.  The best smiles and giggles.  And now the ability to communicate what they are thinking and feeling.  Here are some great moments lately:

I was loading the washing machine for the ten billionth time this week when Clara came running into the laundry room.  She looked very proud of herself and yelled, "I poopoo in tunnel!"   I came running out of the laundry room after her saying, "What? You poopoo in the tunnel?!"  Then she replied, "Diaper Mommy diaper!"  Whew!  For a second there I thought I was going to be sanitizing our tunnel.  Good thing I only had to clean her heinie!

We often go on family walks.  We have taught the kids to step off the side of the greenbelt if someone is coming so we don't get in the way.  The kids get this.  No problem.  Our lovely dog Bailey on the other hand does not.  Last weekend we stepped out of the way for a lady walking her dog.  Bailey wasn't cooperating so John very firmly said, "Sit!" George's bottom hit the ground quickly.  I was laughing hysterically as the lady walking by jokingly said, "Are you training the dog or your son?"

Clara has looonng conversations with George, John, and I.  I understand about every third word she says.  The other day she sat in front of me with her head in her hand chatting away.  Every once and a while she would shake her head and cover her eyes as if she was relaying some very awful news.  Where do they pick up these things!?!

We were outside playing and George started pointing and exclaiming, "Geico! Geico! Geico!"  I couldn't figure out why this child was screaming the name of an insurance company.  Turns out he had spotted a lizard.  Now every lizard he sees is referred to as Geico.  Great marketing Geico.  Great marketing.

We were eating some chips with lunch the other day.  George was taking a long time eating and was holding up Clara from being excused from the table.  I told him, "Hurry up and put those chips in your tummy!"  George promptly lifted up his shirt and tried to jam the chip into his belly button.  Silly guy!

Clara is a little Mommy.  She lines up her dollies and covers them with the blanket.  She sings to them.  Rocks them.  Kisses them on the cheek.  It is amazing to watch her pretend play.  Each day it gets better and better.

When the "Mad Mommy" voice comes out, Clara frequently wraps her arms around my legs, looks up at me with pursed lips, then says, "Kiss, Mommy?"  The little stinker.  Works. Every. Time.

I was explaining to George and Clara that our next holiday is Valentine's Day and on this day we celebrate all the people we love.  I asked George, "Who do you love?"  His answer, "Pop-pop."  My response, "Who else?"  His response, "Pop-pop." My response, "Who else?" His response, "Pop-pop."  My response, "Who else?"  His response, "Daddy!"  Well I guess I don't make the cut.

When Clara really wants something and she isn't allowed to or can't have it for some reason, she looks at me with big bright eyes and says, "Peeeaaaaasss."  Man.  How do you turn down such good manners?

The other day George starting listing all the sports he wants to play with Daddy.  His list included golf, tennis, football with a helmet (yes he said exactly that), hockey, running, and swimming.  He is so adorable and I hope he gets to play all these sports with Daddy.

Clara often shares with her brother.  Unfortunately the reverse isn't true.  When Clara shares without being asked, I am nothing less then beaming.  I say to her, "I am so proud of you for sharing!  What a sweet big girl!"  The smile I get in return is beyond priceless.  It lights up the entire room.  Then she usually covers her face as if she is embarrassed by all the praise.  Yeah, right Clara.  Miss I Love Attention.

I had a doctor's appointment on a day George and Clara were going to MDO.  I got up early and got myself ready for the day.  Make-up, hair, nice outfit.  After I got George out of bed, he looked me up and down and said, "Mommy pretty."  Sweet boy.  Side note:  I find it hilarious that I now try to look nice when I go to the doctor.  Well at least in comparison to what I look like most days chasing two 2 year olds!