My monkeys

I haven't posted in a while. We've been busy with everyday stuff and I've been a little sick since I got home from visiting Maritza and Paul in MSP. I don't even think I blogged about that actually. But there is no slowing down, especially with my "twins". I get asked so often now if they are twins, either that or they say they look nothing alike. People are so funny. I had a lady ask me today how old Maddie was after she asked for her pacifier. Apparently if a child can ask for one they are too old. RUDE, I'll parent how I want thank you very much! Anyway...back to my cuties. 

We went to The Little Gym a few weeks ago and the kids had fun. Only thing is, Max is just too big to playing in the open gym with babies. I may need to put him in sports of gymnastics soon. But they had a blast.

Are my kids spoiled rotten, maybe just a little. Taking them to the grocery store is often times a losing battle. I generally put my foot down, but this day Maddie won!

And she won again. Wheeeeee!

Dress up fun!

Can't forget about my handsome guy Max. He is really into super heros lately. Notice his buddy Spider man and his power ranges shirt. Side note: Max asked if he could kiss me like "in the movies". I asked him what that was, so he showed me. O M Gee!! Isn't he a little young for noticing that, I guess we need to screen what he is watching a little closer!!

Popcorn snack at their playground

I love going to Willie's Ice House. They have good food and great atmosphere. The kids like to get dirty in the sand or "play" video games. Right now they don't beg for money, I think Max is starting realize he isn't really playing.

Visit to Honey's

We had a fun visit to Shawn's mom's house a few weeks ago. We went to spend time with her and to go to Shawn's cousin's wedding reception. The kids love going out there and cannot wait to go back. It's funny, Maddie asks to visit "Honey house" quite often. They have a pretty cool bond. Max and Shawn went for a ride on the mule, which is always fun.

They rescued a baby squirrel and even though the picture is not that great I wanted to share it. Maddie was obsessed with the squirrel. She referred to it as a rabbit most of the time though. She loved it and always wanted to be close to it. She never touched it though. Max was a little more leery  but he did take interest when Shawn held. him

And a big thanks to Honey for the early Christmas present. The kids absolutely love their new playground. It's huge, but it is so nice! 

School Days

Picture Day

She finally loves school! Teacher says she has great days and is a good helper. She fusses in the morning that she doesn't want to go, but she does great once she is there. She hops out of her car seat and tells my "bye"!

After school snack

The next pictures are random, but Maddie has been getting these randmom rashes. I've taken her to the doctor and she thinks it might have been a virus. I am re-washing all her sheets and clothes in dye-free detergent in hopes that will help. The first picture is from about 2 weeks ago. The last one is from today. Thoughts? 

Our first play!

We ventured into the city to visit Miller Outdoor Theatre to see the play Cinderella. I was skeptical and first since it was their first live performance, but we went with Andrea and Leah, so we figured if the kids didn't cooperate we'd ride the train at Herman Park. We rode together which was much better than making the 20 minute drive alone and the kids loved it too. We were a little late, but once we got there the kids really got into it. They sat quietly except when they got excited about the characters. But it was geared toward kids so it was pretty interactive. After the play we got to meet the actors. Max didn't want to take a picture, but he shook hands with most of them.

The girls meeting "Prince Charming"

The kids with Cinderella

 After the play we had a picnic in the park. The kids were more interested in chasing the pigeons though. After they ate we walked over to the zoo area to catch the train. It was my fist time to take the kids and it was really fun to ride around Herman Park. There is so much to do and some great play areas. One thing we did notice though was the large number of homeless people that are taking shelter in some of the covered areas. Overall it was fun, the kids had a blast and napped on the way home. We are looking forward to doing it again for sure!

YAY, train ride!

The kids and the birds

Take 1 - Me and my girl

Take 2 - the kids and I

First day of MDO 2012

So it was the first day of school and the kids were all smiles this morning. Max couldn't get out of the door fast enough. Maddie just tagged along really. They were both really excited about their new backpacks. My sweet friend Andrea monogrammed them for the kids so that was extra special. I was a bundle of nerves because I had a feeling Maddie would have a hard time today. We loaded up in the Expedition and drove to school and kids watched Little Einsteins on the way.  Once they got unloaded Max said bye, Maddie had no idea what was happening but she went along with it and didn't even look back. All is well....?? I thought so.

Right before pick up Maddie's teacher called to let me know she had had a rough day, crying off and on throughout the day. It started when she wanted to sit by Max in his class line in the morning. She doesn't like to hear the word no, so I assume that set her off. Ms. Letty said sometimes she did not and throwing tantrums. She was so tired during lunch she almost fell asleep at the table. She was not happy when they changed her diaper either. They finally found her pacifier after she cried during nap time. My heart sunk when I got off the phone, I may have even cried. I felt terrible. Needless to say I was ready to pick her up. When I saw her, she looked okay, pacifier in her mouth. 

After we headed to Menchie's for a frozen yogurt treat. I know it will get better, but I am not looking forward to the in between phase. I know she is in good hands because they were Max's teachers. :( Lord give me strength. By the way, "Max had a great day, he was happy all day" - teacher note :) 1/2 isn't that bad I guess.

Totally 2!

It's hard for me to even get started talking about Maddie because she is literally all over the place. We refer to her as the instigator because she typically starts all  screaming, wrestling, and dangerous games. She loves playing with her brother and he does too, but sometimes he gets annoyed. She has just discovered dressing up. She's not into dresses, but she loves bracelets, hats, crowns, shoes and bangs. What a diva!! She likes to collect her treasures in her purses or bags. In the mornings she likes to take our her paci and give it to they bunny she sleeps with and then covers the bunny up. She tells the bunny "night, night". When she is tired or relaxed she loves to twirl her hair. The cutest is when she is with her daddy and they cuddle and he twirls one side and she twirls another. Priceless!

Maddie is very musical and memorizing songs easily. She often sings different songs, i.e., twinkle  twinkle little star, ring around the rosy, ABC's, I like to Move it, Ai se eu te pego, cowboy cumbia to name a few. :) She is potty training, and she's doing pretty well. We are still using pull ups and she tells me about 50% of the time. If she's having fun she won't go potty, but she's been a good sport. She is starting MDO next week, which I'm excited and nervous about. She still LOVES her paci, but we are trying to cut back. She loves to scream! Sometimes its funny, other times annoying, but SO Maddie.

Speaking so much!! Maddie says:

Sanga sanga li - When one of the kids has a booboo, I say the old Spanish song "Sana, sana". Maddie loves to touch my freckles, then she gets this concerned look on her face and rubs my face saying "sanga sanga li" MOST PRECIOUS THING EVER!!

When reading her bedtime story, if there is an animal on he page. She likes to get possessive of her pacifier or her bunny. "No tiger, it's my bunny not yours"
"Take a bite Max, you can do it" - trying to deflect attention away from herself at lunch

"Be nice Max, I sad" - This is her pleading with Max when they aren't being nice. It goes both ways

"I big gurl" - After going potty and wanting to act "big"

"Get outta here right now" - when she is "going" potty or just wants to be alone.

I don't know

I can do it

Help me

She enjoyed watching fish at a baby shower. We practiced saying "Hola pececitos"

Such a big girl in her car seat that she has almost outgrown

She loves accessorizing!

I caught a "terrible two" tantrum on camera. Sad moment, but I couldn't resist.

Aprés tantrum, she fell asleep waiting on lunch. Tired girl!

RWP Foundation Luncheon & Museum fun

We made a quick visit to College Station to attend a luncheon for the RWP Foundation that my father in law established before he passed away last year. It was bittersweet to be old co-workers, his side of the family and friends. It was a good experience though and I hope to become more involved in the future. It was held at the Brazos Center in Bryan which also has a museum. Since the kids wouldn't stay still for a luncheon we decided to check it out. The kids loved seeing all the animals (dead & alive). It was small, but the kids were excited. I remember taking my students there on field trips, so it brought back great memories.