Last week, I had the kids at the park. As I was pushing Brooks in the swing, he asked me, "What kind of legs does a spider have?" Well, I told him they have eight legs - I wasn't for sure how to describe what kind of legs they have. He looked at me and said, "Like an octopus?" Yes! What a great correlation! An octopus also has eight legs.
That satisfied his curiosity to one question, now, I only have 5,000 more to answer before he grows out of this stage!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Mirror, Mirror
I've had two people tell me this week that Brooks and Adlyn are spitting images of Zach and I in regards to our looks and demeanor. Strange they should mention that, because I have also noticed the same thing.
The older Adlyn gets, I have noticed that our personalities are more alike. Zach mentioned to me last week that Adlyn is strong willed and stubborn, just like her mom, and she also does as she as told and is compliant, even though she doesn't want to. I'd have to agree! I also think we look a lot alike.
I also had someone notice our family this week when we were out for an ice cream date. He told me this week that once Brooks loses some of the baby fat on of his cheeks, he will have the same angular face that Zach has. I also had another individual mention that Brooks is very laid back, just like Zach. She also mentioned that she thinks Brooks has an eye and appreciation for color, just as Zach does.
It is interesting to see their personalities develop as they get bigger. As babies, they had the exact opposite personalities that they do now. I attribute it for the time they spent in the hospital. As small babies, Brooks was always first in the NICU. He had his cares first, and Adlyn was conditioned to wait for her turn. Once I brought them home, Brooks continued to be demanding, and Adlyn was ultra-relaxed and I had to rely on her patience to help Brooks. Once they started to crawl, Brooks was always in the lead. Adlyn followed him wherever he went. Then, they turned one. I think Adlyn determined this was not the lifestyle she liked! So, she became a little more demanding, and Brooks took a back seat role. Even now, Adlyn is always brave enough to go first on any new adventure. Brooks will watch and observe her actions, and then he will join in.
I'm excited to see them grow and change in the years to come!
The older Adlyn gets, I have noticed that our personalities are more alike. Zach mentioned to me last week that Adlyn is strong willed and stubborn, just like her mom, and she also does as she as told and is compliant, even though she doesn't want to. I'd have to agree! I also think we look a lot alike.
I also had someone notice our family this week when we were out for an ice cream date. He told me this week that once Brooks loses some of the baby fat on of his cheeks, he will have the same angular face that Zach has. I also had another individual mention that Brooks is very laid back, just like Zach. She also mentioned that she thinks Brooks has an eye and appreciation for color, just as Zach does.
It is interesting to see their personalities develop as they get bigger. As babies, they had the exact opposite personalities that they do now. I attribute it for the time they spent in the hospital. As small babies, Brooks was always first in the NICU. He had his cares first, and Adlyn was conditioned to wait for her turn. Once I brought them home, Brooks continued to be demanding, and Adlyn was ultra-relaxed and I had to rely on her patience to help Brooks. Once they started to crawl, Brooks was always in the lead. Adlyn followed him wherever he went. Then, they turned one. I think Adlyn determined this was not the lifestyle she liked! So, she became a little more demanding, and Brooks took a back seat role. Even now, Adlyn is always brave enough to go first on any new adventure. Brooks will watch and observe her actions, and then he will join in.
I'm excited to see them grow and change in the years to come!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Bookie
Adlyn is starting to torment her brother. Poor guy. He has to put up with her calling him "Bookie", and he doesn't like that name at all. I gathered some tips from my fellow co-workers on how to put an end to it. I'm eager to try out some of their ideas. He is fine with "Brooks" or "Brooksie", but "Bookie" is not acceptable.
I think she is also testing her limits by chasing him around with her hands in claw position. I hope she backs off soon and treats him nicely at all times of the day.
After shower time, they spent about ten minutes wrestling, laughing, and having a good time. This weekend, they also gave each other a huge hug at the grocery store. The weekend prior, they were giving each other kisses. Brooks attempted to hold Adlyn's hand at church on Saturday. So, there is hope!
I think she is also testing her limits by chasing him around with her hands in claw position. I hope she backs off soon and treats him nicely at all times of the day.
After shower time, they spent about ten minutes wrestling, laughing, and having a good time. This weekend, they also gave each other a huge hug at the grocery store. The weekend prior, they were giving each other kisses. Brooks attempted to hold Adlyn's hand at church on Saturday. So, there is hope!
Preschool
Last week we took a few minutes to visit the preschool they will be attending this fall. We were pleased to meet the teacher and I think this will be a good fit for our kids. The structure and environment is very similar to their current preschool. I wanted to make sure the kids visited the preschool before summer so we can talk about it during the next few months.
The twin debate is a current topic again at their preschool. They would like to see them placed in different classrooms next fall, but I'm not 100% sold on the idea. We need to make a decision soon, but I'm just gathering input from other teachers and parents of twins before we make a final decision. The pros and cons are about equal in this case, and my gut instinct says to keep them together. They are only three years old. I never thought I'd be making decisions about their placement at this age.
The twin debate is a current topic again at their preschool. They would like to see them placed in different classrooms next fall, but I'm not 100% sold on the idea. We need to make a decision soon, but I'm just gathering input from other teachers and parents of twins before we make a final decision. The pros and cons are about equal in this case, and my gut instinct says to keep them together. They are only three years old. I never thought I'd be making decisions about their placement at this age.
Why?
Brooks has entered a stage where he asks, "Why?" nearly 100 times a day. To be honest, he is truly interested in hearing the answer, and isn't just saying "why" to annoy us.
I know he is just going through a stage and he is a very curious little kid. Until this is over, I'll keep doing my best to answer all of his questions.
I know he is just going through a stage and he is a very curious little kid. Until this is over, I'll keep doing my best to answer all of his questions.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Dentist 2.0
Last month the kiddos had their second visit to the dentist. Zach and I were nearly speechless at the end of the experience, it couldn't have gone better!
Dentist 1.0 - Our first trip to the Dentist
Dentist 2.0
A&B were excited to play with the toys and read the Berenstein Bear's dentist book in the waiting room. The fish tank was also a highlight, along with the waterfall feature on the wall. Brooks was starting to get his shirt all wet as he was mesmerized by touching the feature.
It was time to go back to the room and both kids froze. Yikes, this isn't good. Luckily, Adlyn is the brave one and she headed back to watch the movie where the puppies go to the dentist. Zach continued to coax Brooks to the back. Eventually, he came and watched the movie.
Although the kids didn't sit in the chair, they were perfect. I was so proud of them! Adlyn went first, not to our surprise. Both of them got all of their teeth cleaned, polished, and flossed! They continued to do well as the dentist came in to take a look in their mouth.
To wrap things up, the hygienist brushed on a fluoride treatment. Brooks was adorable! He asked the lady if she was going to paint his teeth different colors.
I contribute the success of our event to the wonderful hygienist, who is also a mom of young children. She was very patient, calm, and kind. Our kids responded to her very well. She did a much better job than the last hygienist we had.
At the end, they each got to pick out a toothbrush and two prizes from the treasure box. Brooks quickly decided to pick out two little cars, one for him and one for Dad. He wanted to play cars with dad upon return from the dentist. Adlyn couldn't decide. Finally, she picked a sticky hand and a car. Then, she could play cars with the boys.
Good work Brooks & Adlyn! You have made your Mom and Dad very proud!
Dentist 1.0 - Our first trip to the Dentist
Dentist 2.0
A&B were excited to play with the toys and read the Berenstein Bear's dentist book in the waiting room. The fish tank was also a highlight, along with the waterfall feature on the wall. Brooks was starting to get his shirt all wet as he was mesmerized by touching the feature.
It was time to go back to the room and both kids froze. Yikes, this isn't good. Luckily, Adlyn is the brave one and she headed back to watch the movie where the puppies go to the dentist. Zach continued to coax Brooks to the back. Eventually, he came and watched the movie.
Although the kids didn't sit in the chair, they were perfect. I was so proud of them! Adlyn went first, not to our surprise. Both of them got all of their teeth cleaned, polished, and flossed! They continued to do well as the dentist came in to take a look in their mouth.
To wrap things up, the hygienist brushed on a fluoride treatment. Brooks was adorable! He asked the lady if she was going to paint his teeth different colors.
I contribute the success of our event to the wonderful hygienist, who is also a mom of young children. She was very patient, calm, and kind. Our kids responded to her very well. She did a much better job than the last hygienist we had.
At the end, they each got to pick out a toothbrush and two prizes from the treasure box. Brooks quickly decided to pick out two little cars, one for him and one for Dad. He wanted to play cars with dad upon return from the dentist. Adlyn couldn't decide. Finally, she picked a sticky hand and a car. Then, she could play cars with the boys.
Good work Brooks & Adlyn! You have made your Mom and Dad very proud!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Fishing
Last Saturday we enjoyed a trip on the boat with Zach. It was a beautiful day! Life has been very busy lately, and this fishing trip couldn't have come at a better time. We spent 8+ hours on the boat and Brooks and Adlyn had a great time. The fishing was good and action packed.
Brooks was the net man and enjoyed his duties of netting the fish. Adlyn was excited to play on the beach, although she was a little disappointed that the water wasn't blue. We didn't meet her storybook expectations of a beach. Both kids insisted on being barefoot in the sand. Brooks & Adlyn took a short nap on the boat and it couldn't have been a better day!
On Wednesday, Zach took them back to the lake again. It was another beautiful day and they enjoyed the full day of fishing.
Brooks was the net man and enjoyed his duties of netting the fish. Adlyn was excited to play on the beach, although she was a little disappointed that the water wasn't blue. We didn't meet her storybook expectations of a beach. Both kids insisted on being barefoot in the sand. Brooks & Adlyn took a short nap on the boat and it couldn't have been a better day!
On Wednesday, Zach took them back to the lake again. It was another beautiful day and they enjoyed the full day of fishing.
Jammie Day
On Tuesday, the kids enjoyed jammie day at preschool to celebrate the Week of the Young Child. On Monday, they had hat day. They were excited to wear their jammies to school, and I hope they have more dress up days in the future. Brooks and Adlyn are doing very good at school and they enjoy it!
Lately, we have noticed them using the past tense of words. They are also doing well at saying his or her. Every week they continue to improve their skills. Next week, we will visit the preschool they will be attending next fall.
Lately, we have noticed them using the past tense of words. They are also doing well at saying his or her. Every week they continue to improve their skills. Next week, we will visit the preschool they will be attending next fall.
Tango
We enjoyed a trip out to a ranch near town last Sunday. The kids were excited to see a farmer, and luckily Bill was wearing a cowboy hat! Bill showed us a two day old calf that was really cute. We also met Tango, a brown colored horse. The river was nearby and we threw lots of rocks and sticks before we enjoyed brownies and ice cream.
On our way home, we were able to see a tractor and let Brooks and Adlyn sit inside. We are looking forward to returning soon!
On our way home, we were able to see a tractor and let Brooks and Adlyn sit inside. We are looking forward to returning soon!
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| Tango enjoys some horse candy. |
Dirt Cake
A&B have now enjoyed their first dirt cake. How delicious! They didn't eat very much, but I finished it for them.
We mixed up the chocolate pudding and they were great helpers. Zach put some Oreos in a bag so the kids could crush them. Brooks was interested in the Oreos, and was suprised to see they were stuck together. It made me realize that at the age of three, he has never had an Oreo before! Zach put the bag on the floor so the kids could stomp on them. Brooks threw his Oreo on the floor and stepped on it. Ahhhh! I cleaned up that mess. He was only doing what he was told!
We sprinkled the crushed Oreos on the puddding and added the worms. What a great treat!
We mixed up the chocolate pudding and they were great helpers. Zach put some Oreos in a bag so the kids could crush them. Brooks was interested in the Oreos, and was suprised to see they were stuck together. It made me realize that at the age of three, he has never had an Oreo before! Zach put the bag on the floor so the kids could stomp on them. Brooks threw his Oreo on the floor and stepped on it. Ahhhh! I cleaned up that mess. He was only doing what he was told!
We sprinkled the crushed Oreos on the puddding and added the worms. What a great treat!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Hang Loose
Nothing & Anything Mixup
The kids have the phrase "Nothing" and "Anything" mixed up, along with the words "Nobody" and "Anybody".
For example, if I ask them what they would like for lunch, I know they want to say "nothing" but they say "anything" instead. Someday I'll correct them, but for now, they are just happy and we know their intention.
For example, if I ask them what they would like for lunch, I know they want to say "nothing" but they say "anything" instead. Someday I'll correct them, but for now, they are just happy and we know their intention.
Sure, Maybe Not
Brooks has a new set of words for Yes and No.
"Sure" is now his response for "Yes".
"Maybe Not", said with much skepticism, is his response for "No".
Did he learn this from me? Maybe I say "maybe" too much, when I should really just have a firm response of "No".
"Sure" is now his response for "Yes".
"Maybe Not", said with much skepticism, is his response for "No".
Did he learn this from me? Maybe I say "maybe" too much, when I should really just have a firm response of "No".
What these numbers say?
In the past few weeks, we keep hearing the same phrase, "What these numbers say?". They are really interested in letters and words, and are eager to learn. Numbers is often used in exchange for letters, but we don't mind. Brooks told me the other night that he wants me to teach him how to read. They are interested, but I think we need to learn our letters first. As we drive down a road, they notice all of the signs, and ask what they say.
Adlyn loves to sing songs, and is getting close to singing all of her ABC's. It typically goes like this:
A, B, C, D, L, M, N, O, P, Y, & Z.
Not bad, what she has in the correct order.
Last week she kept saying, "Minnow, minnow, P." It made me laugh. She sings a lot, and is very close to singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Row, Row, Row your Boat to perfection.
In addition to Brooks asking about numbers and letters, he is curious about "What kind ____ this is?" and "Where _____ at?" For example, he sees a tractor, and asks us, "What kind of tractor this is?". Or, "Where Salt Lake City at?". I think I'll need to pull up a map sooner than later to show him where things are proportionally. In regards to tractors and every other item he sees, I often don't have another word or more information to share with him. (For example... Brooks: What kind of tile is this? Anne: I don't know, just tile by the front door.) Or, he wants to know who built things. Such as, who built our house, or who built the street, or who built our bathroom. If I respond with "builder", it isn't good enough.
Brooks: What kind of builder?
Me: A construction builder.
Brooks: Where construction builder live at?
Me: In town.
Question after question...at least he is interested in a lot of different things!
Adlyn loves to sing songs, and is getting close to singing all of her ABC's. It typically goes like this:
A, B, C, D, L, M, N, O, P, Y, & Z.
Not bad, what she has in the correct order.
Last week she kept saying, "Minnow, minnow, P." It made me laugh. She sings a lot, and is very close to singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Row, Row, Row your Boat to perfection.
In addition to Brooks asking about numbers and letters, he is curious about "What kind ____ this is?" and "Where _____ at?" For example, he sees a tractor, and asks us, "What kind of tractor this is?". Or, "Where Salt Lake City at?". I think I'll need to pull up a map sooner than later to show him where things are proportionally. In regards to tractors and every other item he sees, I often don't have another word or more information to share with him. (For example... Brooks: What kind of tile is this? Anne: I don't know, just tile by the front door.) Or, he wants to know who built things. Such as, who built our house, or who built the street, or who built our bathroom. If I respond with "builder", it isn't good enough.
Brooks: What kind of builder?
Me: A construction builder.
Brooks: Where construction builder live at?
Me: In town.
Question after question...at least he is interested in a lot of different things!
Airplanes and Helicopters
Both kids like to see airplanes and helicopters. They call them "air-pa-planes" and "hill-pa-copters". A few weeks ago, we were close to their airport in Cheyenne and the kids liked watching the huge airplanes come and go. Adlyn really wanted to see a helicopter, but I told her we probably wouldn't see one. Shortly after, we were on I-80 and the kids got to see two helicopters! They were very excited, and I was shocked! Perfect timing.
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| This is one of Brooks' favorite shirts! |
Water Mountain
A few weeks ago we were with Grandpa at a Mexican restaurant that had a water fountain. It was full of pennies, and Adlyn was eager to throw in her penny. I thought she called it a water mountain, but I wasn't for sure.
This weekend, at the greenhouse, she noticed a large water fountain on display. Zach and I confirmed that she does call it a water mountain!
This weekend, at the greenhouse, she noticed a large water fountain on display. Zach and I confirmed that she does call it a water mountain!
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