Brusha, brusha, brusha!

These two monkeys love to brush their teeth.  They ask to brush them four or five times every day.  I hope they keep this up!

First Astros Game on Twin Night

The Astros hosted twin night this past Friday and extended an invitation to all the Multiples Clubs in the area.  We decided to go but used John's company tickets so we could enjoy the club level.  Here they are headed into Minute Maid Field.

I was unsure how this would go with two toddlers.  They were so excited when we entered the stadium and saw the field.  Maybe I should say they were more in awe...

We walked through the stadium stroller free, holding hands, and magically they both stayed with Mommy and Daddy.  I was pleasantly surprised that they listened to us the entire time.  They never cease to amaze me at what they can handle at 20 months old. They checked out the club level and of course wanted to shop for a souvenir.

We headed to our seats and enjoyed about three innings of the game.  By 8:30 (thirty minutes past bedtime), Daddy and Mommy decided it was time to head out.  We made it through the whole evening without one moment of whining, crying, and yelling.  Yay for George and Clara!  Mommy and Daddy were so proud of you.

Great memories were made at the game!  I know we won't ever forget the twins first baseball game, especially Daddy!

Build a Bear Fun!

Grammy Q and Mommy took George and Clara to Build A Bear today for some fun.  Clara jumped right in with no hesitation.  She loved it!  George, on the other hand, was more cautious and had to warm up to the whole situation.

Clara picked a sparkly kitty and helped fill her up with stuffing.

Picking kitty's heart.

Putting the Clara kissed heart in kitty's chest.

Washing kitty

Picking out clothes

We named kitty Bella. 

George picked a Longhorn on his own.

He sat in the stroller while Clara filled his Longhorn.

Giving Longhorn a hug.

Picking a heart for his Longhorn.

Putting the George kissed heart into the longhorn's chest.

Giving Longhorn a bath.

Picking clothes for Longhorn.

We named the Longhorn Blue. 

After we built our bears, we played at the playground in the mall.  They kiddos had fun climbing, sliding, and running.  Then we headed to Sharky's for lunch.

 Lunch with Grammy!

 We told George to smile...goofball!

When we got home we took pictures with out new fuzzy friends.  Interestingly enough, both fuzzy friends were requested during nap time today.  They must have enjoyed it!

We love spending time with Grammy Q and are sad she is heading back to work in a few days.  We wish Grammy Q would retire and spend all her time with us!  We love you Grammy!!! Thanks for the fun today!

Pee pee on the Potty!

Guess who went pee pee on the potty?  Big boy George!  Such a huge milestone to reach!  Since it only happened once, we are far off from potty trained but it is a start.  He loves sitting on the potty and reading his potty book.  Growing up so fast!

He may hate me later for posting this photo but he is too cute not to!

Consistency and Unconditional Love...

Discipline...the dreaded discipline.  Don't we all wish that we could just flit through life with our kids always having fun never having to correct or redirect them?  What a dream!  Having kids means having a huge responsibility.  Sure we have to feed them, dress them, and keep them safe, but to me the biggest responsibility is making these two little people into responsible, respectful, productive, loving, happy big people.  And to get there, we have to start here with two independence seeking and sometimes tantruming toddlers.

Some days we make it with no issues at all.  Some days we spend our entire day with one or both kids crying, in and out of the time-out spot, and apologizing to each other or Mommy.  Exhausting.  We had one of those days recently and I called in for reinforcements...my parents!  I thank God every day for the clarity John and I both had when we looked at each other and said, "Let's move back home."  Our parents are so incredibly supportive and will basically drop almost anything to spend time with their grandchildren or come help their desperate Mother.  This is priceless on a day when you feel like you might lose your mind because it seems like Groundhog Day.  Didn't we talk about not hitting your brother yesterday?  Didn't we talk about not throwing balls in the house yesterday?  Didn't we discuss not throwing your plate yesterday?  I sigh just typing it.

What I do know is that, as exhausting as it may feel, each and every time that I teach George and Clara right from wrong or even just proper manners, I know I am shaping their future.  There is nothing more important then that.  So if you come to my house and you hear me chanting to myself, "Consistency and unconditional love," I haven't lost my mind.  I am just reminding myself of what I believe are two very important parts of discipline.  I am sure that one day I will look back on the hard days and laugh or maybe even cry.  What I hope is that I will look back with a sense of pride and accomplishment because it all paid off in the long run.  And I am sure it will. :)

Water Babies!

George and Clara absolutely love the water.  We spend as much time as we can swimming.  John and I are so happy that we decided to buy a house with a pool.  George kicks his little legs and gets himself across the spa.  Clara loves blowing bubbles in the water and jumps in off the steps.  I am so happy they enjoy swimming.  We can't wait to take lessons next summer!

One, Two, Three...Jump!

Swim buddy swim!

Splashing!

All smiles!

Mommy's Bookworms

I was cooking dinner the other night while George and Clara were playing downstairs.  They were playing really well together and then it got very quiet.  Usually not a good sign, but when I walked into the dining room, I found this...

Mommy's Little Bookworms :)