outings with the boys Yesterday we went to Greenville, briefly to go to Sam's and to stop by Ms. Lynn's house. Outings are never spontaneous these days, as I have found there is an art to leaving the house. First, I have to make sure to pack the diaper bag with enough diapers to last all day, plenty of wipes, an extra outfit, mini vanilla wafers (or other snack food item), nooby cup full of water, bottled water (for mom and as back up if I forget the nooby), the cellphone (hopefully charged), and the car keys. Oh wait, depending on where we are going, sometimes it is necessary to pack a few of their toys to keep them occupied. In restaurants, I usually bring their bead maze or mirror that has suction cups on the bottom to secure them to the table. This usually keeps them occupied, but I've quickly learned the best toy at a restaurant is kids cups and spoons. In stores, I've learned how to push the stroller and pull a shopping cart with great ease. Sometimes rounding corners can be challenging, but I've found with lots of practice that there is nothing to fear. For outings with their stroller, I have snap on toys to entertain them. However, Cooper would rather pull at clothing and tags as we go by. Elliott loves to look for mirrors and make silly faces at himself. In crowded malls, some people can be quite rude and walk towards you forcing you to move either left of right quite abruptly. Early on, I learned that if I am looking away as I walk towards them, that they get out of the way for fear I will run over them. It is a walking version of "chicken", one in which the stroller wins every time. Of course there is the occasional bump to which I exclaim "Oh, I am so sorry" and clearly serves as reminder to move out of the way when they see a stroller in the future :) Today, we went to Barnes and Nobles with Ms. Lynn. Elliott attempted to take his nap and Cooper cried out "cook-cook" for vanilla wafers while she and I enjoyed frappacinos. I opted for the non-caffienated version, chocolate-chocolate chip. Before today, neither of the boys has shown an interest in sweets, much less chocolate. Which is odd, knowing what a sweet tooth I have. But today, Cooper decided he just had to have a sip of my frappacino. And thus, his sweet tooth was born. Elliott waking from his nap, did not want part of sipping the straw (he is still learning this new found skill). For the most part they were very well behaved, attracting several onlookers and the constant remark "Are they twins?". With twins, I have found that where ever we go that I have to allow for one to two 15 minute long chats with total strangers. Twins seem to be drawn to other twins. And I've learned there are more twins in this world now then ever before. People stop and tell me, they are a twin, or they have twins in their family, or a friend has twins. It's exciting for me to hear their stories, compare them with my own and for me to share our adventures. After, Barnes and Nobles I left to go to Hallmark. I've learned quite handedly how to manipulate doorways to get both myself and the double stroller through. There are "many-a-do-good" samaritans that come to my rescue and open doors allowing me to stroll right in. They often comment on "boy you have your hands full" and look at me as if I must struggle from place to place. I don't mind the looks, as long as they are opening the door, for it's one less door I have to open :) When actually, it is rather easy to get in most stores than people suspect. Especially when they are handicapped accessible, then all I have to do is just push a button. I prefer doors that open automatically, but when those aren't available, it is easier to enter doors that I have to push open rather than pull. I just enter the doorways backwards, pushing the door with my rear and then swivel the stroller clockwise until I reach the direction I want to go. It's an art form, and I am quite proud of it :) I've learned how to pop wheelies and jump curbs where there is no ramp provided. Some stores do not have wide enough walkways between their racks that allow for the double stroller, I learned this when I was on bed rest and would shop riding on one of those motorized carts. For those stores who aren't willing to provide wider aisles....I merely press through leaving the aftermath of "me, the twins, and a double stroller" can cause. Sooner or later, they'll get the hint..haha! So, as far as shopping goes.....with planning and a lot of finesse.....I've learned that there is no store that is off limits!!

the joys of teething Finally, our back molars have each emerged. My slobbering, drool-box, "part st. bernard" children have all four of their primary molars!! Mind you, the teething experience hasn't been all bad. I've heard nightmarish tales of what to expect from those that have been there, done that. Thanks to the makers of Baby Motrin, for without it, the teething experience may have been unbearable. Granted, Elliott has been more of the "temper tantrum" teether, becoming fussy around bedtime.......and Cooper did become more fussy AFTER each tooth emerged rather than the initial swelling. Nothing can really prepare you for the "joys of teething". Elliott's final lower molar emerged after he had what appeared to be a blood polyp just above his gum line. How I know this, is because he enjoyed moving it around with his tongue during feedings. Each time their teeth were ready to break through the gum line, their gums would swell up and becomes "squishy". Sometimes the gum line will actually bruise before the tooth finally pushes through. Then, as a excited mother, I would actually stick my finger inside their mouths to feel the rough passage of their newly acquired tooth. I have on many occasions experienced the "chomping" effect of Cooper and Elliott proudly demonstrating the use of their new teeth....OUCH! For me, each tooth is just another reminder that my babies are growing up, and the start of the next adventure. My babies love to sport a smile and show off their pearly whites....and it's amazing how just one emerging tooth can change a babies face into a more toddler like smile. Now, Cooper and Elliott each have 12 teeth......and grins that bring out huge dimples in their cheeks. Sometimes I look at Cooper and see myself, but when he smiles, I see reflections of his daddy. He has a "flirty" smile that fits right in with his batting long eyelashes. Elliott, who I feel looks a lot like me (minus the blonde hair), when he smiles it's like a "dennis the menace" cute mischievous smile. His smile is bright and vivacious. Already at the age of 15 months, they know how to work their "cuteness" with smiles that can melt my heart.

someone check the zoo....I am missing a couple of kids I've come to the conclusion, that Cooper must have indeed been switched at birth......by someone from the local zoo :) My affectionate new nickname for him is "monkey boy" as he loves to climb almost anything that he can muster his ham-hocks up and over! All kidding aside, Cooper seems to show no fear what-so-ever when it comes to heights. He used to climb up his toy box (not too far up to worry me, plus the toy box has containers that he sits in). From the toy box he began to cross over onto a three drawer dresser (ok, beginning to worry as this is somewhat higher without any railing on the side to prevent a fall). Now, my little man has advanced up to Mt. Changing Table, which he quickly can climb up and clear off the top of his high boy dresser in the blink of an eye (ok, mom is worried....grey hairs are sprouting left and right). Don't worry I don't need to run out and purchase one of those fancy video camera baby monitors, or set up some sort of alarm to notify me of Cooper's latest adventure. I have dear Elliott, who very distinctively shouts out "Ge Dow" over and over again until Cooper is rescued. "Ge Dow" translated into adult language is affectionately known as "get down". Gee, I wonder where he picked up that phrase? So it would seem that Cooper was alone in his rock wall climbing.....but lately I've noticed he has an accomplice joining him in the toy box. It's just a matter of time before Elliott seeks to out do his brother's latest climb, and I have to admit to the world.....I gave birth to monkey boys!

Wed, Aug. 18th, 2004, 05:05 pm To sleep, perchance to dream..... Ah yes, a full night of restful sleep.......for Elliott that is. Why does it always work out the nights my dear baby boy decides he will sleep through the night end up being the nights that I stay up until 1 or 2 AM? I could go to sleep when he does (around 11 or so) only to stumble out of bed around 2 or 3 AM fumbling toward his crib for his nightly feeding. It's a chance I take, to sleep or not to sleep. At least I did manage to sleep until Cooper decided he was in need of an early morning snack and pulled up to the drive-thru window bright and early at 6AM. I did manage to cuddle with him and sleep until the phone rang at 8:30AM. Surprisingly, I had to wake Elliott up this morning to get him ready to pick up his Daddy. How I miss a good, solid, nights sleep......But for now, it's easy to get by on a few hours here, and a few hours there. The real joy is snuggling with each of my babies during a few stolen hours in the quiet, stillness of the night. It's as if for just a moment, I can stop time and capture their innocence and seal it forever in my soul. And on the few occasions that Elliott decides to sleep through the night....I wake up refreshed yet longing for the time that we missed....Babies grow up too fast!