Everybody Into the Pool

Summer fun officially began after a quick trip to Target (is there really such a thing as a quick trip to Target??). We purchased our pool for the season and Molly and Aidan are in heaven. Daddy blew up the pool while the kiddies napped and Mommy went grocery shopping. Pat got the kids up, into their suits and into the pool. As I put the groceries away I enjoyed the giggles and laughter of two happy toddlers. Pure magic. Needless to say swimming has been the preferred activity for the last several days.

Today the temps were close to 90 and Molly and Aidan were swimming after their nap. Pat was finishing up his outside chore for the day (yes, the man who had his hip replaced a scant 5 weeks ago). He joined us poolside when he was done and decided to go for a dip. The pool is not really big and his presence took up a good bit of real estate. After about five minutes Molly said to him "Daddy, please get out. You're too big." Well, at least she said please. Daddy had to settle for having water poured on his feet.

Toddlers are so silly. Molly and Aidan play a game they created which they call ha-poo. We have no idea what it is or how it is played but they rip around the house saying ha-poo and laughing like maniacs. If Molly wants to play she'll ask "Aidan ha-poo hmmmmm?" and the games begin. Yesterday Pat said to Molly "Molly ha-poo hmmmm?" Molly responded "Nope, not yet." Pat has asked several time since and received the same reply. No ha-poo for daddy.

For the last several weeks we've been dropping Pat at his PT appointment and heading to the gym. After I'm done my workout we head back to pick Daddy up. The other day we got into the car and I told Molly and Aidan that we were going to pick Daddy up. Molly said "He's my favorite Daddy." My heart just melted.

I wanted to let everyone know that we are the proud owners of a new cat. For the past week or so Aidan has been crawling around on all fours while meowing. This is the perfect alternative for us since both Pat and I are allergic to cats. It's all good.

They Call Me Mom

Mother's Day has always been a bitter sweet day for me. For more years than I care to remember it was a painful reminder that I was not a mother though I longed to be one. Then I lost my own mother and my heart still hasn't fully healed. This Mother's Day I found myself struggling to let go of my dream of becoming a mother to another child as my husband finally closed the door on another adoption. Not an easy one for me. Mother's Day also reminds me that there are people I love dearly that have hoped and prayed for a child and still have empty arms. I share their pain.

I know, I know. You say "How can you feel this way when you have two beautiful, healthy, amazing children to love and hold?" Molly and Aidan are my world. I feel blessed that they are mine. I consider it a great privilege and honor to be their mother. I KNOW that I am their mother. I see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices and feel it in their touch. This is the sweet part of Mother's Day for me. But I feel this everyday.








On a much, much lighter note....In a short span of time I've gone from mama, to mommy, to mom. How did this happen? Molly and Aidan are only 2 1/2. Today as I was doing the dishes Aidan approached me with a paper in his hand and said "Here Allison, I drew this for you." Mom isn't sounding too bad now.

Back To Normal

Life resumed it's "normal" rhythm this past week. This included three days at the gym (Aidan now has two 5 year old girls fussing over him..Chloe and Lily), story time at the library, a visit from Mo and Pop Pop, and several trips to the park. Molly and Aidan helped Mommy fill the bird feeders with seeds and have been having fun watching the birds. They talk to their birdie friends and are disappointed when they fly away. Mommy, Molly and Aidan are happy that Daddy is around even if he is limited in what he can do. It will be tough when he is ready to return to work.

The weather has been pleasant enough to be outside but it's not warm enough yet for shorts. I LOVE the hot weather and I'm anxious for it to arrive. Molly and Aidan enjoyed their first ice cream cones. They've had ice cream before of course but we've always given it to them in a bowl to avoid a mess. They were thrilled to have their own cones and were amazed to find out that you get to eat the cone. Life is good.

I took the kids to the zoo this morning after Mass. Daddy stayed home to rest. Molly and Aidan had a great time. They walked most of the time while Mommy followed behind with the double jog stroller. Should have left it in the car. Trips to the zoo are becoming very interesting. Today's highlights included the discovery of camel poop and noticing that camels have hineys.

Back Seat Drivers

Molly and Aidan have begun to point out stop signs to me as we're driving. I hear from the back "Mommy stop sign. Stop Mommy.". This is followed by "OK, go now Mommy." Are you kidding me! They are 2 1/2. For kicks I threw out "green light means go.". Aidan replied "red light stop." Very scary. Aidan has recently turned into a parrot. Frequently he will repeat what you say to him including sentences of 7 or 8 words. It has been absolutely facinating to watch Molly and Aidan's language skills develop. They can tell us what they want and express their ideas. They are constantly asking "what's that?" or "who's that?" Their vocabulary is quite impressive. Vehicles on the road are not simply cars or trucks but tractor trailers, tanker trucks, and pick up trucks. Construction vehicles are now excavators, front loaders and backhoes. Flowers are tulips, irises and daffodils. Truly amazing.

In other news, Pat arrived home from the hospital last Monday and is doing very well. He is able to get around on crutches including going up and down steps. He will have in-home PT for a few more weeks and then will continue at the rehab facility. He is also visited several time a week by an RN to check his vitals, wound and draw blood. The staples were removed yesterday (25-30 of them) and he is healing nicely. His pain is managable with the medication prescribed by the doctor. He is getting stronger every day and we are pleased with his continuing recovery. Molly and Aidan are glad to have Daddy home even if he can't play with them like he usually does. My sister and her husband returned home on Sunday. We had a terrific week and are so greatful for having had their help. My BIL took home a lovely parting gift...a stomach bug.

On the Mend

Pat had his hip replacement surgery on Friday the 20th. We got the call on Thursday night to be at the hospital at 5:15am. Ouch. Luckily the hospital is only about 15-20 minutes away. We arrived at the appointed time and Pat was taken back to the pre-surgery area. I stayed in the waiting room while they got him ready and then was able to sit with him until they took him to the OR at 7:00am. The surgeon spoke to me at 9:00am to let me know that everything went smoothly and that Pat would be in recovery for "a few hours". It turned out to be 5 hours because they had to wait until bed was available to move him to his room. Reminded me of a over booked flight. We weren't offered a free hospital stay for our wait. I finally saw Pat around 2:30pm. He was very groggy (I guess anesthesia and morphine will do that to you) and I only stayed with him a few minutes. I headed home to see the kids. My sister and her husband arrived on Thursday night and will be staying through the week. I am so grateful to have their help. My niece, her husband and his 8 year old son are also here to help out for the weekend. Molly and Aidan are having a great time and Aunt Barbara, Uncle Charlie and the gang are keeping them busy. We've also had a break in the weather and are enjoying some warm temps. The kids have been able to play outside and have been to the park. My sister and niece have put Molly and Aidan to bed the last two nights and they've gone right down. I think we may hire them full-time!

I went to the hospital around noon and found Pat sitting in a chair. He had already been for a short walk using his spiffy new walker. He was feeling better and was less groggy. He didn't sleep that well but not unexpected in the hospital with all the regularly scheduled poking and prodding. Pat's brother Mike came to visit. The OT came to give Pat some gadgets and show him how to put on his pants and socks. She also went over the Dont's for hip replacement patients. I went home for a bit to see Molly and Aidan and make them dinner. Afterwards I went back to the hospital. Pat was still sitting in his chair. He was sleepy and took a nap. We took a stroll up and down the hallway, kissed good night and then I went home. The surgeon will be in to see Pat tomorrow. He seems to be doing very well. He still has a long way to go but hes on the road to recovery. Pat should be coming home on Monday. Daddy misses his kids and they miss him too.

Ready for Spring

The weather has been unseasonably cold and rainy. Despite our best efforts to get the kids out and about it was a LONG week.



Last Saturday our church held an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny arrived on a fire engine with sirens blaring. The hunt for eggs went well and a ton of candy was procured. All was topped off with family photo with the Easter Bunny. Molly and Aidan had a great time even though it felt more like January than April.



Easter Sunday was also very nice. We got the kids up earlier than usual so that we could avoid the crazy crowds at the 10:00 Mass. Molly and Aidan were good as gold. We gave them their baskets after church and several chocolate bunnies were quickly devoured. We drove to Pat's cousin's house in NJ for Easter dinner. They have a 2 year old daughter so we didn't have to bring toys. We barely saw Molly and Aidan as they were having such fun with their cousins. Holidays are much easier these days. We don't have to bring the gear we used to. This trip all we brought were there pajamas and blankies. So nice :-)

We had a hard time this week putting the kids to bed. There was a lot more unhappiness than usual and we felt like we were performing in a three ring circus. Molly has a list of requests...I'm thirsty, change me my diaper is wet, I need to go potty, I don't like this book in my crib (take out book), I NEED that book in my crib (put book back in crib), I didn't kiss Aidan (reminder her that she kissed him on the head, now she needs to kiss him on the lips), etc. The list is growing longer and more creative. We can't just ignore her because she'll just keep whining/crying if you don't at least go into her room (1 1/2 hour one night). When we go into her room we don't give her what she wants, we don't stay long, and we tell her firmly that it's time to go to sleep and tell her that we love her. After 5 or 6 trips she settles down and goes to sleep.

Aidan on the other had will try and come up with things to keep you in his room. Read me another book, rub my back, let me close the door when mommy/daddy leaves the room (then try to escape into the hall or play with the door knobs). Once you make it out the door you're good. He doesn't fall asleep right away but is content to play in his bed until he doses off. Sometimes he poops in his diaper before drifting off and we have to wake him up to change him when we check on him before we go to bed. Luckily he is half asleep through it all and goes back to bed without a peep. Bedtime this week has been stressful for mom and dad. We're hoping this too, like other things, shall pass.

Mother's Little Helper

Molly love to help around the house. She has the hang of some things....



...and needs a little work on others.



I also had some help making cup cakes.

Another Week Gone By?

I was reminded by my niece Kristen that I'm overdue for a new post and I promised her that I'd get on the ball. Not much going other than the usual shenanigans of the typical toddler times two. Molly and Aidan are the loves of our lives but man can they wear you out. We're finding two to be as tough as it is rewarding. It is amazing to watch them learn and grow and discover the world. Their vocabulary is expanding like crazy and they now speak in full sentences. They are putting together thoughts and ideas. I know every parent thinks this but Molly and Aidan really are bright kids. They can identify colors (the basics and much, much more) and shapes, count to 10 hitting all numbers on most occasions, sing the alphabet song and get it about 60% right, and they can identify a handful of letters and the sounds they make. Both have terrific memories. Molly loves, loves, loves to sing, dance and move to the music. The Kazakh man is still not an excellent dancer but what he lacks in form is more than made up by his enthusiasm. Trains continue to be Aidan's passion and he can name a good number of engines from the Thomas collection. Molly and Aidan love books and we recently started another session of toddler story time at the local library. They really enjoy the program and have gone from quiet observers to enthusiastic participants. We check out a few books each week and they think that is the best.

My sister Barbara arrive from VA on Monday for a week long visit and that is always great. She is terrific company and a big, big help with the kids. She was out of commission recovering from knee surgery when she visited in January and developed bronchitis on her February visit. She is back to her normal form and can really enjoy the kids. More importantly, she has resumed her role as nanny. LOL. It's always difficult after she leaves because it's back to reality and making my own coffee in the morning. Luckily she visits frequently.



Potty training update...Things continue to go well. Accidents are few and minimal. Number 2 is either done on the potty or in a diaper at nap/bed time. There are no issues using a public restroom. Aidan can get his own pants down now and Molly can get hers up and down. There is a downside to all of this though. The convenience of having a child in diapers is gone. We have to make sure we use the potty before we leave the house, make sure we know where the bathroom is when we're out and head straight for the potty when we return home. Already they are learning the power they have over us with the request of "I have to use the potty". Last Sunday we went to the LaSalle Women's Basketball banquet. I saw very little of the presentations and awards as I was busy making trips to the bathroom with either Molly or Aidan in tow. But we can't complain. They are doing so well and we're so proud of them.

In other news...My husband Pat has scheduled his hip replacement surgery for the 20th of April. For those of you who don't know him you might be surprised to hear that he is only 46 and quite young for this type of procedure. I'm looking forward to his improved health and the better quality of life the surgery promises. I'm praying all goes as planned and that he has a speedy recovery.

Winter Blast

What a difference a day makes. We enjoyed unseasonably warm weather earlier in the week and got out as often as possible. The snow was just about all melted. Then on Friday we were hit with a storm that dumped 8.5 inches on us. Molly and Aidan were happy whatever the weather.














We'll be ready with our new rainboots when the snow melts.

Really Nice Weekend

My niece Kristen arrived Friday night for a weekend visit. Lucky for me as Pat was scheduled to go out with the guys. Kristen and I took Molly and Aidan for ice cream. She helped me give them a bath, put them to bed and then we watched "Little Miss Sunshine". A nice quiet evening at home.



On Saturday, Pat put together the table and chairs I had ordered for Molly and Aidan from The Land of Nod. It has a roll of art paper attached to the end. The kids love it. Now they can color whenever they want to without having to ask me to get everything out. We made a quick run to the toy store in the afternoon as Aidan was successful again in doing his business on the potty. Surprise, surprise, he selected another train from the Thomas collection. Molly on the other hand was eyeballing the pink Barbie Escalade a few aisles over.





Our friends Bob and Beth and their son Nicholas came for a visit on Saturday night. For those who don't know or remember, we traveled to Kazakhstan with Bob and Beth. Nicholas' crib was next to Aidan's in the baby home. We're fortunate that they only live 25 minutes away. We had Chinese for dinner and a fabulous raspberry cream tart creation from Wegman's (courtesy of Bob and Beth) for dessert. The kids ripped around the house and had a great time. We sat at the table and talked for hours. The only mishap was a bruised pinkie finger for Aidan. After he stopped crying he asked me for some tape. I gave him a piece and he applied it to the injured hand. He asked for another and then another. He was satisfied after the hand was covered with about 8 pieces. I wish I had thought to take a picture.

We took the kids to Mass on Sunday. Didn't think it would be fair to leave Kristen alone with two toddlers. I'm sure she's more than capable but I thought it would be nice for her just to relax. After Mass we went to the zoo for the first time in a few months. We had a good time but it was colder and more windy than we anticipated. The pathways around the zoo were covered with puddles as the temps are rising and the snow melting. One section was completely covered and people had to wade across several inches of water. I'm looking forward to the nicer weather and more frequent trips to the zoo.

Potty update: Congratulations to our Molly Claire who made #2 on the potty for the first time Sunday. Of course there is a story...I was upstairs doing something and Pat was in the living room playing with Aidan. Molly was in the toy room. We suddenly heard her wailing. Pat ran into the room to find Molly standing in front of her potty with her pants down. He looked inside and bada bing she had done her business. We figure she sat down to pee and it just happened. She apparently was quite caught off guard! We sang, danced and clapped. She started to laugh. Meanwhile, the boy had his face almost in the bowl looking at the contents saying "pine cone, pine cone". Guess he thought it looked like a pine cone!! The toy store was closed so we'll be making another trip tonight after daddy gets home from work.

Now We're Cruisin'

Molly and Aidan continue to do well on the potty. The boy has even figured out how to get his pants down without assistance. Silly me. I thought this was something that came naturally for boys/men. The really big news is that Aidan "did his business" on the potty for the first time on Wednesday. A huge celebration ensued with hopping, dancing and singing. We called Daddy at work and Aunt Barbara in VA. Mo and Pop Pop arrived for their weekly visit and the fussing continued. When daddy got home from work we went to the toy store. As we pulled into the parking lot Aidan exclaimed "Bar-buh takes me here." Once inside we headed to the Thomas the Tank Engine section and the boy was in Thomas heaven. Several people stopped to watch him and chuckle. Molly was a great sport and kept pointing out things for Aidan to consider. We thought she might get bent out of shape since only Aidan was getting something. What a good girl.

We've been hanging around the house most of the week but have made a few short outings. No problems keeping dry. Last night after dinner Pat generously offered to go the the gym with me and stay will Molly and Aidan at the child care center. I haven't taken them all week because I was afraid it would be too long for them to go without going to the potty. They had a great time, stayed dry and mom got a much needed workout. Thanks Daddy!

OK, I hear you. Enough of the potty training play by play. I promise only to include the occasional update in future postings unless something truly worthy happens. I've included a few pictures of our week around the house.

Potty Training Day 4

Molly and Aidan are doing great. Mom is exhausted. We had just one accident today. Molly has been flying solo since Monday. She has discovered how to go just enough to get me dancing and singing her praises and to get her reward...two M&Ms. She then repeats the process 5 minutes later. Smart little cookie. Makes you wonder who's being trained here. Aidan will always go if you sit him down but as yet won't take the initiative himself. He was dry this morning when he woke up. I believe this is a positive sign. They both seem pleased with themselves and never miss an opportunity to tell people they're wearing underpants. I watched my neighbors two children for a few hours today while she went to the doctors. Molly and Aidan were so excited to show Abby and Ryan what they could do on the potty. "Look Abby, look Ryan see, see, pee pee in the potty" they shouted. The five and six year old couldn't have been any less interested. I was able to get them to give Molly and Aidan a few high fives. We took Molly and Aidan out tonight for ice cream and told them we were going because they were doing so well on the potty. They made it there and back again with dry pants. So progress continues to be made in the Number 1 department.

Number 2 is another story. They either make it until naptime or bedtime when we put diapers on them or just go in their underpants (extremely unpleasant option for mom and dad). We're scratching our heads and grasping at straws on this one. We talk about doing it in the potty. I follow them around diligently watching for any indication that they might need to go (and they can tell you when they do). Sometimes they sit on the potty for a second, then get up and say "too hard mommy". Today our builder came over to look at our basement and discuss some ideas for finishing it. I brought the kids down with us as they have tons of toys down there to play with. Not five minutes into our discussions I look over and see Molly standing there with that look on her face. She sees me looking and says "making stinkies mommy". Dang, a missed opportunity. We're hoping a few more viewings of the "Elmo's Potty Time" DVD will shed some light on the subject.

Mutiny on the Potty

We awoke Saturday morning to a beautifully sunny day. The bounty of underpants was spread out on the bedroom floor and Molly and Aidan carefully considered each pair before making their selections. Spirits were high. It went downhill from there. We got downstairs, took off our PJs, said goodbye to our diapers and proceeded to sit on the potty. You would have thought we were trying to make them sit on a pile of hot coals. There was much complaining, crying and attempts at escape. Nothing else. We were a bit taken aback since this was not the first time Molly and Aidan used the potty. Pat and I remained calm and enthusiastic. We periodically asked if anyone needed to use the potty. We periodically placed them on the potty (again with much protesting and crying). Aidan did go a few times but also had an accident. Molly wouldn't go and had several accidents. We still remained positive and encouraging. We went with pull ups for nap time. The afternoon went much better with fewer accidents and fewer protests. Both went a few times. Molly and Aidan had a bath and when it was time for bed we sat on the potty before going upstairs. Both sat without protest and did their business. HOORAY!! Progress was being made. At days end the tally for underpants stood at 9 pairs. We're going with diapers overnight until Molly and Aidan get the hang of things.

Today (Sunday) has been a much, much better day. No one has cried when asked to sit on the potty. I took Aidan to the bathroom during Mass and he went on the "big potty". When we got home Molly took the initiative and went all by herself! Aidan had two accidents this morning which is surprising because last time we attempted this he was a pro. Go figure. Anyway we still have a long, long way to go but we've started and are moving forward. Good job Molly and Aidan.

Hooray for Underpants

We've decided to revisit potty training and tomorrow is the big day. Last time we used pull ups which ended up being too much like diapers. This time we've decided to go cold turkey and straight to underpants. Molly and Aidan helped pick out their underpants. My sister also brought some on her last visit. They have about 20 pairs each. Hopefully this will be enough! Both kids are ready. They know what's going on. It's time. Wish us luck!! We'll keep you posted.

Busy, Busy, Busy

We had a family wedding last weekend in South Jersey. My sister and BIL came up from VA to babysit. A trip that usually takes them 4 1/2 hours ended up taking 9 1/2 hours due to several Interstate highways being closed for weather related conditions. They stopped along the way to pick up my niece and arrived safe and sound at 10:30PM. My BIL was happy as he was just in time for the Laker's tip-off. Pat and I left for the wedding the next morning. This was the first time both of us would be away overnight. Molly and Aidan waved to us over their shoulders as they headed out to the toy store with their entourage. This after having had chocolate chip cookies with their breakfast. We were not going to be missed!! The wedding was terrific and Pat and I enjoyed some time together as a couple. The kids were good as gold while we were away and made out like bandits at the toy store. Thank you Aunt Bar-buh (and Uncle Charlie).

My BIL drove back to VA (that whole gotta work thing) and my sister stayed for the week. Unfortunately she pickup up a stomach bug and then a nasty cold and wasn't feeling well all week. She was a trooper and never failed to respond to a request of "sing Aunt Bar-buh". We did get out and about a bit during the week including toddler story time at the public library. The kids were glad to have her around. When she wasn't feeling better by Friday I convinced her to go the our local Emergicare center. Turns our she had bronchitis and after she was given a "magic shot" and several prescriptions she was on the road to recovery.



Saturday was my birthday. I also received the honor of being inducted into the Hall Of Athletes at my Almamater, LaSalle University. What a day!! The festivities included a Men's Basketball game on campus followed by a reception. The inductees (there were 4 of us) were introduced at halftime of the basketball game. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to support me. Family, friends, teammates and neighbors traveled from near and far. More than 30 in total. The reception was top notch. Good food and adult beverages. The inductees were introduced and we each made some remarks. The event was well done. Afterwards the troops trekked back up the PA turnpike to our house to continue the celebration. My husband had planned everything and did a great job. He also surprised me with a framed LaSalle jersey with my #42 on it. It was also my 42nd birthday. Coincidence? I think not.

In kiddie news....When Molly gets aggressive with Aidan he moves several feet from her, puts his hands on his hips and says "Go ahead Molly push me down". This tactic was successful the first several times as Molly stared at him with a puzzled look on her face. However, the boy is going to need some new material. I saw him try it today and Molly said "okay" and began to chase him. He ran in terror saying "no no, no don't knock me down!!". It was good while it lasted. I had a proud moment today. I had just filled Molly and Aidan's cups with ice and was at the sink filling them with water. There was a buzz around the fridge and I turned to see Molly and Aidan licking the floor trying to pick up tiny pieces of ice with their mouths.

Down for the Count

At 2:00 am on Sunday morning we were awakend by Molly's crying. In addition to crying she was calling for her mama. This is an unusual occurrence as the girl is a champion sleeper. Mommy opens the door to find her little girl standing in her crib, pointing and saying "wet, wet". Mommy immediately thinks that Molly's diaper has been saturated and as a result the sheets are wet. This happens on occasion but she's never woken up in the middle of the night to complain. I begin to feel around to assess the damage and something is definitely wrong. The sheets are wet but there are also shall we say foreign objects that used to be food products in the mix. DUH!!!! What in the world could I have been thinking? In all fairness, this was the first time Molly had been sick to her stomach so it just didn't register. Poor little girl didn't know what was going on. I called in the reinforcements and daddy changed Molly while I stripped the crib. We gave her some ibuprofen for her fever and put her back in her crib. I rubbed her little back and she was snoring before I let the room. Molly woke up the next morning still feeling under the weather. Pat took Aidan to church and the girls stayed home. Molly spent most of the day sitting on her daddy's lap and only ate a few pretzels. I gave her a bath in the afternoon to help with the fever. She began to nod off on the couch shortly before her normal bedtime so I took her up and again she was snoring before I left the room. She slept through the night and woke up the next morning feeling much, much better. Mommy and daddy (and Aidan too!) were very happy. Aidan didn't catch whatever it was that Molly had and we thanked our lucky stars.

Happy Mardi Gras

Well, 'tis the season. The crew I celebrated Mardi Gras with for the past many years left for New Orleans on Thursday (sigh). No time (or money) to trip the light fantastic these days. Besides, I'm having a party right here with my two beautiful kiddies. In honor of the season I dug into my collection and introduced Molly and Aidan to beads. I put a few strands out in the playroom for them to find after their nap. When I joined them in the playroom the beads had been discovered and Molly was sporting all but the one strand she allowed Aidan the have. The girl is bead crazy!! She dances and whirls around with her beads. It is a sight to see. Aidan also enjoys playing with beads but has a hard time getting his hands on any without mom's assistance. It's that whole sharing thing again. The boy has found a different use for beads and it involves trains of course. He drapes his beads over Thomas, Percy and James or fills his freight cars with the precious cargo. They both like to fill cups and bowls with the beads and pour them in and out. Hours of fun which is helpful as were mostly stuck inside due to the chill temps.

This whole talking thing is a hoot. Below are some of our new favorite phrases....

"I don't like it" (multipurpose phrase)
"Too scary" (also multipurpose)
"Two kids" (said when they're doing something together i.e. both sitting on daddy's lap
"Go ahead Molly, push me down" (don't know where this one came from)
"Out" (shouted at top volume while pointing a finger...guess who)
"Who's that?" (when asking mom and dad to identify Disney princesses)
"no thank you" (said while throwing a toy offered by your brother or sister)
"MINES" (no explanation needed)
"I'm busy"
"one minute please"

Aidan has begun to use I, me and my. The other day shortly after his nap he asked me "I have my dinner now?" I gave him a snack and when he was done he repeated "I have my dinner now?" Guess the boy was hungry. I like that they can tell us what they want. We're working on getting them to use words when they need/want something instead of hopping up and down while crying or whining. Slow going but we're making some progress.

Christmas in February

Last night we survived a sacred right of passage for parents. We assembled a kitchen set for Molly and a Geotrax train set for Aidan. We started around 9:00PM and weren't done until 12:30AM. The assembly directions for the kitchen included 19 steps each involving multiple pieces. An engineering degrees was recommended but not required. Pat and I worked well together and there was minimal squabbling. What was the occasion you may ask? Well, these were to be presents for the kids for Christmas but Christmas Eve festivities and a few glasses of wine after Molly and Aidan went to bed put the kibosh on that. Then Pat decided to clean the rug in the playroom before we put everything together so January turned to February and there you have it. The kids were thrilled with their new play things and spent most of the morning playing with them. Aidan was in choo choo heaven and Molly was cooking up a storm. They each played with the other's new toy and exhibited excellent sharing skills (surprise, not always the case!). It was fun to watch them play.

We had a sorry excuse for a snow storm last night and were left with a measly two inches. This was the first accumulation we've had all winter so we had to make the best of it. After breakfast we told the kids that we were going outside to play in the snow. Aidan said to me "I need my bathing suit." Snow suit, bathing suit whatever. We bundled the kids up and they had a blast. They helped daddy shovel the driveway with the shovels from their sand pails. They enjoyed walking through the snow and seeing their foot prints. Pat made them snowballs and not knowing what they were or what you're supposed to do with them Molly quickly deduced that they were to be eaten. She ate one snowball and unhappily left another outside for later. We were out for about an hour and went inside because mom and dad were cold. A much more successful outing than last year when Molly and Aidan cried to go back inside after only 15 minutes in the bitter cold and whipping winds. They'd never make it in their native Kazakhstan.

All In a Day

I have some exciting news....we now have high speed Internet access at home. We need not be ashamed by the fact that we have dial-up. YIPEEEE!! I also have a new wireless router thanks to my BIL Charle and a new Dell notebook that we purchased after Christmas. I'm wired and ready to go!! The DSL modem was installed on Monday and I setup the router on Tuesday. I had some techinical difficulties with the router and spent some time on the phone with support. Normally I love this kind of stuff. Digging in and solving a technical issue. Now with two toddlers time spent in this way has lost it's appeal. Very difficult to concentrate. Anyway, everything is in working order and I'm happy.

Molly and Aidan have been in there own rooms for about 3 weeks now. Molly is all settled in. She goes down easily and snores the night away. A different story for the boy. Dispite having all of his gear (two fleece blanckets, three stuffed dogs, a soft race car, two mini trucks, several books and some tissues) he is having some difficulty going to sleep at night. He cries when we leave his room for the night. This is something he hasn't done in a quite a while. A couple of nights he fell asleep with his body on the bed and his feet on the floor. We put him on the bed when we checked on him before going to bed. He does seems to be adjusting and the last few nights his protests have been brief. Naptime is a different story. He's realized that being in a bed means freedom. Fun and games. He likes to roam around the room and check things out. Most days he only does this for a while and then gets in bed to sleep. One afternoon I got Aidan up from his nap and found him sporting one of his sister's hot pink socks. Several other pairs were in his bed and several more were scattered around the room. All in all I think they're doing well with the change.

Below is Aidan's rendition of a choo choo train. Pretty good for a two year old don't you think? After watching his Uncle Charlie do it a few times he decided to try it himself.