One

Hi All,

Well we made it! My babies are now officially one year old. I still shudder to think the day has arrived. It makes me mostly happy - happy that my babies are growing into such nice little people. And a little sad - sad that the baby days now seem to be such a fleeting moment in time. But really, Drew and Bree are so much fun right now, it's hard to spend too much time reminiscing over days gone by. I love our interactions. I love that they are learning so much, and to think they are learning it from me!
Okay, without further adieu, here are more birthday pics. To celebrate, we had a nice dinner with my parents and sister, and then cake of course!

Family time

"Wow, our very own cakes?!?"

"This could be interesting."

"Cake, I think I love you!"

"Why has Mom never served this before?"

"It's not like it's messy or anything."

"Is it too soon to ask for seconds?"

They Say It's Your Birthday!

A big HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO DREW AND BREE! 

As long as the kiddos are napping together for a few moments, I decided to drop in a blog entry instead of doing whatever I'm supposed to be doing - you know dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning......showering!
We are having a very nice day so far. For starters, Drew woke me up just before the stroke of midnight. His norm is to awaken around 2:30 am, but I figure he knew he was officially one today and wanted to have me alongside. :) It was a quick pick up, hug and lay on the couch together to get Drew back to sleep, and then we were both back to bed.
Drew awoke again around 6 am. This is a little on the early side. But I got up and checked on him at that time. He was stirring, and I was too excited to wish him happy birthday to let him go back to sleep. Plus, this allowed Jim to see him before he was off to work.  Bree was still sleeping soundly in her crib. She really needs her sleep, so I didn't dare wake her.

We tried to hold out for Bree for breakfast, but Drew got up so early. At first, I really wanted them to have their birthday breakfast together. But on second thought, they do everything together. Part of the blessing and sometimes curse of being a twin. So, I decided they could each enjoy their birthday breakfast on their own.  Bree woke up shortly after Drew ate, around 7:30. Drew and I went into her room to greet her. Drew screeched in happiness (as he always does when we go to get sissy). She was her usual jovial self, equally happy to see us. I sang happy birthday to both of them, and Bree got up and had breakfast. Pancakes, sausage and fruit were on the menu. I almost forgot to mention, I ate after the twins. Bree seemed pretty interested in my breakfast, so I put her on my lap while I ate. I gave her some Cheerios to snack on. Well, she ate a few and then decided to feed the rest to me! Considerate, isn't she?!?
We're so happy to have made it to the big 1! We love you guys so much! Sure there is more fun on the way!

Layla

All,
If you are reading this, please take a few moments to pray for this family -
http://laylagrace.org/?p=448

I don't know them, but know their heartbreaking story thanks to the Internet. They are losing their dear child to cancer. The link above is to a recent blog post by her mother that serves as a great reminder to enjoy and cherish all those little moments and even "interruptions" that children provide. Big or small, hug your children tight!

My Funny Valentines

Hi All,
Drew and Bree came down with colds yesterday afternoon. They were feeling it pretty full force today, but we still managed to have some Valentines Day fun. They were happy with their Valentines loot! They received clothing, books, cash, stuffed animals, rubber balls, balloons, and a copy of the 40th anniversary edition of Sesame Street. Sounds like Christmas all over again, doesn't it?!? Thanks to our grandparents, Aunt Frannie and our dear friend Chris for all the goodies!

Today's News = Teeth

Hi All,
In today's news, Drew is now the proud owner of a toothbrush. Bree is too, for that matter, even though she doesn't have any teeth yet! Jim visited the dentist, and she said it was time for Drew to start brushing his four teeth. They have small children's size brushes, and they seem to like to hold them and chew on them. We'll help them with the brushing part. No fluoride toothpaste yet, so we can go without or get some children's toothpaste.

In other teeth news, I know Bree's teeth are on the way, in no uncertain terms. I feel like I've said this before! But she had a runny nose, excessive drooling and some discomfort this evening before bedtime, which we treated with Tylenol. Then, she woke up screaming at 11:45 and did not stop when I picked her up. She is the good sleeper, and that's certainly not in her nature.  Poor little peanut! Looks like it's going to be a long night.

Wagon Tales

Hi All,
You know Drew and Bree are big fans of the wagon (or anything on wheels). Well, this proves how comfortable they are on their wagon rides. While the front seat in the wagon is rear facing, Drew has figured out how to wiggle himself around (keeping in mind he is wearing a seat belt) to make it front facing. And, once he has accomplished that, apparently it's also possible to take a nice snooze!

"The view is much nicer this way!"

"This view's not bad either."

Getting Close

Bree on the move

Hi All,
It's such an exciting time with Drew and Bree right now. It seems there is something new happening every day. Today, Bree independently stood in long intervals (15 seconds plus) for a couple times. And once, she took a big step and fell into my arms! Of course, I couldn't video or photograph it, but one of these days. I can't even guess how much longer it will be before she is walking. And honestly, it doesn't matter to me. I didn't walk until 19 months, and I seem to walk just fine!

Survived

Hi All,
Well we all survived Drew and Bree's trip to P & M Daycare! Jim and the kiddos left the house at 8 am and I arrived at 12:30 to fetch them. I walked in on them happily playing with some of the toys, with good supervision. Jim said they didn't start out so happy, particularly Drew. But, I guess that is to be expected. Bree seemed content to get a wagon ride from one of the older kids.  Jim checked in them every 20 minutes or so, so it wasn't the most productive morning for him. By 11:30, they had both passed out - Bree in a bean bag and Drew in one of the provider's arms. In all, there were 10 kids in attendance, and Jim said they had 4 - 5 workers staffing the daycare. I was very impressed by this ratio. They seemed well organized and under control, and this was all on their first day of the season! While we probably won't take advantage of it every weekend, it's a very nice option to have. We also think it's good for Drew and Bree to get some interaction with other kids. Jim thinks they spent most of the time playing by themselves, but I'm sure that will change over time.

Hanging at P&M Daycare

In other news, today we watched the Superbowl - Colts vs. the Saints. Incidentally, the starring quarterbacks are DREW BREEs and Peyton MANNING, so we quipped over who to cheer for. Turns out the Saints won 31 - 17. The Saints are the Aints no longer!

Drew and Bree were not all that interested in the game. Instead, they enjoyed the latest rage around the house - laundry basket rides.....

Much more fun than football!

Quiet

Hi All,
Well, Drew and Bree are off to work with Jim for the morning. We are fortunate that his firm sponsors a daycare program free of charge on Saturdays during tax season. This is opening day for the daycare this season, and of course, Drew and Bree's first visit. It's also one of the few times we are attempting to leave them in the care of anyone except family. Jim is right there, should they need him. But, we'll see how long they can last before they decide they really need to see Mom. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the quiet Saturday morning around the house. It's been awhile! There are many things I could do, for starters maybe a nice leisurely sit down breakfast. We'll see where it goes from there. Wish us luck!

Looking for Trouble

Hi All,

Check out these pictures and see the trouble I am in for!

Yes, Drew climbed up onto the coffee table in a matter of seconds, and this is how I found him. We inadvertently left a small step stool that is used in the kitchen next to the coffee table. Apparently, Drew knows an opportunity when he sees one! And Bree wasn't far behind. Can you believe these little stinkers?!?!

The Chicken Dance

Hi All,
I received a dancing chicken from a white elephant gift exchange this Christmas. Bree has her own version of the chicken dance for now. I think she will be fully prepared for the upcoming wedding season!