Tuesday, May 20, 2014

My Toddlers Moments of Triumph

Who knew that my 25 month old twins, Alex and Allie have accomplished so much in such a short time?
One month after their second birthday, I finally made them ditch their pacifiers.  Not with an episode of crying and from time to time asking me for it with a smile knowing that my answer will be the same, “Remember, no more paci, just like what the doctor said!”  I’m so thankful that during their 2yr old check up their doctor mentioned getting rid of pacifiers.

They recognize almost all of the letters in the alphabet and M is their favorite one.  They are beginning to count past 10.  Most of the colors are now recognized especially in cars.  They love the color, yellow. They love to look for yellow cars, yellow bus, or yellow cranes on our way to school. On one of our evening walks in the neighborhood, both kids pointed out their dad’s car parked on the street among throngs of cars. While we are driving or walking they sometimes mistakenly identify other people’s car as their dad’s just by the mere fact that it’s the same color and make.

They learned to listen and remember.  One of the things their dad taught them when they started walking in the neighborhood was to listen for cars or any vehicles and stop walking until the vehicle passes by.  When I walked with them after dinner one evening, both them at the same time stopped and said,” Stop, cars!”  I was thrilled and was very proud.

I was so surprised the other day when I heard them saying, “left foot, right foot.”  I turned back and tried to confirm it by asking them to show me their right hand, and then their left hand.  Eureka, they do know their “left” and “right.”  

My mom and I took them to church on Easter Sunday.   It wasn’t that successful because their toddlers, but what is surprising to me is the fact that one of their most liked “pretend plays,” is the following: They would carry their Easter baskets or a purse and they would wave at me and say, “By mom!” Then I would ask them, “Where are you going?”  They would reply, “Church!”


They know how to make you feel better at a young age.  On any given opportune occasions they know when to ask, “Are you OK?”  Three simple words can erase any booboos you are feeling at that time.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

My Dream Life (backyard pool)





I heard or read somewhere that it is a very good exercise for your brain and well being to visualize all the good things, feelings, wonderful thoughts you inspire your life to be.  So, here is my exercise for this month.  I have looked through different photos on the internet and borrowed pictures that made me happy and placed them on “My Dream Life” drawing board.
I can envision Alex, Allie and Greg splashing water around in this sleek and minimalist pool while I lounge on the chair putting down the latest novel that I’m reading to watch and listen to their laughter that’s feeling the air.  The surrounding foliage swaying in the cool breeze and the sweet chirping of the birds make this backyard retreat such a wonderful oasis after a full day running around town.
During warm summer weekends I will enjoy entertaining the rest of the family.  Hayden will do her somersaults while Alex, Allie, Tavi and baby Joey will be clapping their hands with glee.  I can almost hear baby Marley’s sweet cooing under the pergola while Joey and Anastasia entertain her.  On the other end of the pool Kane and Magnus are busy wrestling away.

Hold it, what’s that?  I smell the delicious aroma of food that my mom is busily preparing in the kitchen.  Wait until you see my “dream kitchen!”
***swimming pool photo borrowed from Architectural Digest.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Letters and Numbers

Lately I've been hearing the twins reciting the alphabets and counting up to 10.  I feel happy about this new skills they have learned, but, at the same time I feel a little bit sad that I can see a glimmer of my kids slowly growing  up. And in my mind it means college is not too far away.   It is so hard to balance enjoying their little achievements and not being bogged down with worries.  I have no idea how my late grandma did it with her 12 kids and my mom with 5 of us.  One thing is for sure, being a mom can sometimes bring out so many opposite feelings.  And they barely turned 2!