Friday, January 29, 2010
I'm ready for SPRING...but for now SNOW.
Nashville is getting slammed with a slow moving snow storm. 6-10 inches and 1/2 inch of ice before it ends tomorrow. Ugh. Tooks some pics outside today, can anyone spot Simon?!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Two Bugs in a Rug!
Ummm...is there anything cuter than seeing your twins cuddling on the couch together?? I dont think so!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Boston and One and the Same by Abigail Pogrebin
I departed this past Friday for my first weekend away from the twins. A fun-filled weekend spent in Boston with my best friend, Stephanie. My husband surprised me with the trip, I was hesitant but accepting…he is now in the running for husband of the year! The flight from Nashville to Boston is five hours; I wanted nothing but to read a book! I love reading, but time do so is running on empty these days. I chose One and the Same by Abigail Pogrebin. I must say I chose the perfect book for my Boston escape, being away allowed me to really hear what I was reading. Further, guilt for leaving never crossed my mind because I was constantly mulling over our approach to twin parenting.
One and the Same offers a view of twinship that covers the spectrum, from the pitfalls to the rainbows, written with the insight of a twin. Pogrebin marries beautifully twins’ testimonials with factual information relating to multiples. If you choose to read this book, which I highly recommend, you will laugh out loud, shed tears, and come away with focused vision on the challenges of being a twin in adulthood. Pogrebin does not necessarily offer solutions to the difficulties of raising twins, but a parenting lesson was learned through each story she shared. I know I will be a better parent to Kellen and Paxton for having read this book.
One particular paragraph stood out to me, I read it several times, and then stamped GUILTY on my forehead! The paragraph reads:
“Labels or personality styles are assigned to each twin and scripted by the mother and family quite early,” Rothman writes, “likely as a means to soothe their own anxieties.” Joan Friedman agrees. “The labels are created in order to convince yourself you have a separate attachment. And if you don’t do the work and really have the separate attachment, then you’ve just created sort of a myth that helps you define one child in relationship to the other. . . . That’s the difference between being known and being noticed. If you’re not known through your attachment to your parents, then you’re noticed because you’re like your twin or you’re different from your twin. It’s not about who you are, but how you compare to this other person.” Being known versus being noticed.
Excerpted from One and the Same by Abigail Pogrebin Copyright © 2009 by Abigail Pogrebin. Excerpted by permission of Doubleday Publishing, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Wow, powerful stuff. I am certainly guilty for reciting the boys’ differences and not who they are as individuals. How sad if Kellen and Paxton become adults only being “known” for how they compare rather than whom they are? The difference between the two is fine, but I find this concept of utmost importance in parenting twins. This realization will foster more individuality, separation, and parenting decisions that will hopefully lead to a healthy adulthood for our twins.
So in sum, Boston was fabulous. Stephanie and I, once again, hypothesized solutions to all the world’s problems and did so over yummy wine and fantastic Italian cuisine. I return to Nashville manicured, pedicured, massaged, refreshed and energized with a better perspective on parenting. Now that is a successful 48 hours!! Thank you to Stephanie for hosting me, and Abigail Pogrebin for enlighting me.
One and the Same offers a view of twinship that covers the spectrum, from the pitfalls to the rainbows, written with the insight of a twin. Pogrebin marries beautifully twins’ testimonials with factual information relating to multiples. If you choose to read this book, which I highly recommend, you will laugh out loud, shed tears, and come away with focused vision on the challenges of being a twin in adulthood. Pogrebin does not necessarily offer solutions to the difficulties of raising twins, but a parenting lesson was learned through each story she shared. I know I will be a better parent to Kellen and Paxton for having read this book.
One particular paragraph stood out to me, I read it several times, and then stamped GUILTY on my forehead! The paragraph reads:
“Labels or personality styles are assigned to each twin and scripted by the mother and family quite early,” Rothman writes, “likely as a means to soothe their own anxieties.” Joan Friedman agrees. “The labels are created in order to convince yourself you have a separate attachment. And if you don’t do the work and really have the separate attachment, then you’ve just created sort of a myth that helps you define one child in relationship to the other. . . . That’s the difference between being known and being noticed. If you’re not known through your attachment to your parents, then you’re noticed because you’re like your twin or you’re different from your twin. It’s not about who you are, but how you compare to this other person.” Being known versus being noticed.
Excerpted from One and the Same by Abigail Pogrebin Copyright © 2009 by Abigail Pogrebin. Excerpted by permission of Doubleday Publishing, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Wow, powerful stuff. I am certainly guilty for reciting the boys’ differences and not who they are as individuals. How sad if Kellen and Paxton become adults only being “known” for how they compare rather than whom they are? The difference between the two is fine, but I find this concept of utmost importance in parenting twins. This realization will foster more individuality, separation, and parenting decisions that will hopefully lead to a healthy adulthood for our twins.
So in sum, Boston was fabulous. Stephanie and I, once again, hypothesized solutions to all the world’s problems and did so over yummy wine and fantastic Italian cuisine. I return to Nashville manicured, pedicured, massaged, refreshed and energized with a better perspective on parenting. Now that is a successful 48 hours!! Thank you to Stephanie for hosting me, and Abigail Pogrebin for enlighting me.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Surprise, Surprise!
I was cooking dinner last night, Aaron had not gotten home from work and the fellas were playing at my feet. I must have gotten wrapped up in what I was preparing because I suddenly felt a little tug at my leg. Not unusual, I looked down to give Pax a pat on the head...and found him in the drawer beside me. I HAVE NO IDEA how he crawled in there and I didnt hear him or see him!! I wanted to quickly pull him out but opted to grab the Nikon instead! Kel took the opportunity to stand up on his brother and start pulling his hair. These kids are too much!
Monday, January 11, 2010
On the Mend
Looks like we will survive this "prolonged viral infection", which in mommy's words means a really, really long cold. When all is said and done it will have taken the boys over 21 days to heal up. Needless to say, it has been a long three weeks.
Last week Kellen had to get a x-ray of his lungs to rule out pneumonia, as he was still running a 102 fever. He didnt have pneumonia (thank God), but his fever ran through Saturday night. He was pitiful. This is what he looked like most of the week, curled up in a blanket in my lap.
As a mom it was so hard because each wanted to be held, rocked, and loved on...without the other one anywhere near. Friday afternoon, when Kellen had a 102 fever and lay motionless on my chest while I rocked him, Paxton sat at my feet and screamed. Luckily, I have the MOST amazing husband that left work early to come hold Paxton while I tended to Kellen.
Also, we had snow flurries for almost three days straight. The boys only got to see the snow from a window. Too sick to let them play in 19 degree weather!!
Last week Kellen had to get a x-ray of his lungs to rule out pneumonia, as he was still running a 102 fever. He didnt have pneumonia (thank God), but his fever ran through Saturday night. He was pitiful. This is what he looked like most of the week, curled up in a blanket in my lap.
As a mom it was so hard because each wanted to be held, rocked, and loved on...without the other one anywhere near. Friday afternoon, when Kellen had a 102 fever and lay motionless on my chest while I rocked him, Paxton sat at my feet and screamed. Luckily, I have the MOST amazing husband that left work early to come hold Paxton while I tended to Kellen.
Also, we had snow flurries for almost three days straight. The boys only got to see the snow from a window. Too sick to let them play in 19 degree weather!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Birthday Cakes & Ear Infections
The fellas have now been sick since Christmas Eve, Aaron and I have sworn off the nursery at church. They pick up something almost every single time we go, but this was a doozy of a cold. Now on our 13th day we are fighting ear infections. I wont go into the long story about all of the screaming and sleepless nights, but fatigue has taken over. Will Aaron and I ever sleep again?!!
But onto more fun stuff. As you know the boys celebrated their bdays on the 30th. Anyone who has spent time with these kids will tell you their personalitites are very different. I spoke to my Aunt Cissie on their bday and told her we had smash cakes ready to go. And we laughed because I said Pax will be head first into icing, and Kellen will probably ask for his to be sliced!! Well, I was right!!! It was so funny, Pax is definitley a leap before you look kinda kid and Kel is a test the waters slowly little man!!!! Any icing or cake on Kel's hands are a result of us pushing his fingers into it, Pax didnt need any help! All the pics below are from the birthday. Enjoy!
But onto more fun stuff. As you know the boys celebrated their bdays on the 30th. Anyone who has spent time with these kids will tell you their personalitites are very different. I spoke to my Aunt Cissie on their bday and told her we had smash cakes ready to go. And we laughed because I said Pax will be head first into icing, and Kellen will probably ask for his to be sliced!! Well, I was right!!! It was so funny, Pax is definitley a leap before you look kinda kid and Kel is a test the waters slowly little man!!!! Any icing or cake on Kel's hands are a result of us pushing his fingers into it, Pax didnt need any help! All the pics below are from the birthday. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Dear Paxton and Kellen,
Happy 1-Year Birthday my angels! I cannot believe this day has come, you two are 1 year old today. Gosh, my eyes are already welling up with bitter-sweet tears. The four of us have come so far. We have nurtured you from newborns to healthy happy 1 year olds. That one sentence entails so much...many sleepless nights, questions about being good parents, trips to the pediatrician, prayers, 5 different bottle types, even more sippy cups, books read aloud, rattles shook, wiping noses and tushes, eating solids, saying no-no, singing songs, hugs and kisses and lots and lots of laughs. The pair of you are simply 'what life is all about' and mommy and daddy just cannot believe you belong to us.
My wish for you two in the coming year is to learn more about yourselves, the world, and each other. While having a twin must be tremendous, you must learn to be individuals. Each of you are incredibly unique from the other, I love you both equally, loving each and every part of your whole.
Paxton: When mommy was in recovery from delivering the two of you, you were handed to me first. You stole my heart. You were perfect, you are perfect. Your personality is large, and you have never met a stranger. You pose for the camera, with a smile as big as the moon. You are a charmer, flashing those big blue eyes with the longest eyelashes. Your laugh is a grunt, you can be sneaky, and love to play with anything that looks like a hammer.
Kellen: The first time I held you I am quite sure I could see a halo around your head. You melted my heart. You were perfect, you are perfect. Without question, you have the sweetest nature of anyone. That doesnt mean you dont have fight, you like to steal your brother's binky! You can be shy, but once you warm up your laughter will make a room stop. You would eat an entire dump truck of food if we would let you. You are extra ticklish, brilliant, and love to throw a ball.
Fellas, there are not proper words to describe the connection between a mommy and her babies. I could literally squeeze you so tight I could take your breath, but I quickly remember you are not a stuffed animal!! Happiness X Infinity = the year I have just experienced as a mommy. I love you so so much. Happy Birthday my loves and many, many more.
My wish for you two in the coming year is to learn more about yourselves, the world, and each other. While having a twin must be tremendous, you must learn to be individuals. Each of you are incredibly unique from the other, I love you both equally, loving each and every part of your whole.
Paxton: When mommy was in recovery from delivering the two of you, you were handed to me first. You stole my heart. You were perfect, you are perfect. Your personality is large, and you have never met a stranger. You pose for the camera, with a smile as big as the moon. You are a charmer, flashing those big blue eyes with the longest eyelashes. Your laugh is a grunt, you can be sneaky, and love to play with anything that looks like a hammer.
Kellen: The first time I held you I am quite sure I could see a halo around your head. You melted my heart. You were perfect, you are perfect. Without question, you have the sweetest nature of anyone. That doesnt mean you dont have fight, you like to steal your brother's binky! You can be shy, but once you warm up your laughter will make a room stop. You would eat an entire dump truck of food if we would let you. You are extra ticklish, brilliant, and love to throw a ball.
Fellas, there are not proper words to describe the connection between a mommy and her babies. I could literally squeeze you so tight I could take your breath, but I quickly remember you are not a stuffed animal!! Happiness X Infinity = the year I have just experienced as a mommy. I love you so so much. Happy Birthday my loves and many, many more.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Merry Twin-Mas!
Well, its official...I have a Christmas hangover. And no, it is not from the many glasses of fabulous red wine I drank over the holiday! I love all that entails Christmas, the shopping, seeing family, traveling, laughes, the MUSIC, and having the hubby off work for a few days, just to name a few. When it is over, I am left with my Christmas hangover...back to work as usual with a 365 day wait until next Christmas!!
This Christmas, with the boys, was just plain delightful. Aaron and I cannot wait for next year. The boys have a bit of hangover themselves, a nasty cold. Between the Christmas Eve service at church, traveling to see great-grandparents, going to a friend's Christmas day party, and back to grandparents that night, they are exhausted and sick. Ugh.
As I mentioned we had a busy Christmas day. Which started with opening gifts at our house (just the four of us).
My first pic of the day!
Whohoooo, its Christmas!
Opening gifts from Papaw and Gisha!
Thanks P&G!
Then the boys opened Nana's presents. Thanks Nana!
Then we were off to Granddaddy and Grammy's house to open presents!
A one hour car trip and a short nap away we were at the boys great grandparents house!
A one hour car trip back to Nashville, a short nap, and a wardrobe change, we were at the Ochab house! We love our friends!!
Mr. Ochab has a train set from when he was a little boy, Mrs. Ochab sets it up every Christmas. The boys were fascinated!
Our Christmas Day ended back at Grandaddy and Grammy's house to watch the Titans lose to San Diego and eat some yummy lobster. I took over 300 photos on Xmas day, thanks to my new Nikon camera the hubby gave me:-), but of all 300 this one is my favorite.
Can you see those dark circles under my eyes??!! Aaron and I were worn out. But every second was worth it. Now, I am going to attend to this hangover, gotta rest up for New Year's Eve!!!
This Christmas, with the boys, was just plain delightful. Aaron and I cannot wait for next year. The boys have a bit of hangover themselves, a nasty cold. Between the Christmas Eve service at church, traveling to see great-grandparents, going to a friend's Christmas day party, and back to grandparents that night, they are exhausted and sick. Ugh.
As I mentioned we had a busy Christmas day. Which started with opening gifts at our house (just the four of us).
My first pic of the day!
Whohoooo, its Christmas!
Opening gifts from Papaw and Gisha!
Thanks P&G!
Then the boys opened Nana's presents. Thanks Nana!
Then we were off to Granddaddy and Grammy's house to open presents!
A one hour car trip and a short nap away we were at the boys great grandparents house!
A one hour car trip back to Nashville, a short nap, and a wardrobe change, we were at the Ochab house! We love our friends!!
Mr. Ochab has a train set from when he was a little boy, Mrs. Ochab sets it up every Christmas. The boys were fascinated!
Our Christmas Day ended back at Grandaddy and Grammy's house to watch the Titans lose to San Diego and eat some yummy lobster. I took over 300 photos on Xmas day, thanks to my new Nikon camera the hubby gave me:-), but of all 300 this one is my favorite.
Can you see those dark circles under my eyes??!! Aaron and I were worn out. But every second was worth it. Now, I am going to attend to this hangover, gotta rest up for New Year's Eve!!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Breakfast with Santa
I had purchased tickets to a Breakfast with Santa at Davis Kidd Booksellers in Green Hills. So off we went at 8 am this morning, with a Papaw in tow. This event was terrible at best. Davis Kidd was so disorganized, children were literally melting at their parents feet. The Santa, well...he looked like he had a few Christmas cocktails last night. And when he finally made his way to our table, during the lousy breakfast, he quickly said "Ok, Santa has got to go sit down." WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!! I am pretty sure I paid $15 per adult, and $9 for each kiddo to have Breakfast with Santa...not watch him sit in a chair.
As I regain my Christmas spirit and take a deep breath :-)...I will post some pics. This is EXACTLY what I thought this picture would look like. Pax all smiles, and Kel staring at a beard trying to figure the whole thing out! Better luck next year, at least I know where we will NOT be!!!! HO HO HO!!!!
The boys and their Papaw!
As I regain my Christmas spirit and take a deep breath :-)...I will post some pics. This is EXACTLY what I thought this picture would look like. Pax all smiles, and Kel staring at a beard trying to figure the whole thing out! Better luck next year, at least I know where we will NOT be!!!! HO HO HO!!!!
The boys and their Papaw!
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