Kate and I visited a Montessori school on Friday morning - further research and grist for the mill in the ongoing how-to-educate-the-kids discussion. When I explained this to Jacob later in the day, he said "Monster Story School!?!?!?!". He was bitterly disappointed to find out that there is no school dedicated to scary stories.
We just got home from a great day in the big city, visiting with Dan & Alison, and my visiting parents. Too chilly for all but a brief visit to the park, so we spent most of the day indoors, chatting and eating while the five cousins entertained one another.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Make Believe
The twins live in the land of make believe all the time now. They are constantly taking turns pretending to be the big bad wolf, their cousins, Rick the sidewalk plow guy, Tom Brady (Jacob insisted that his teachers call him Tom all morning at school on Monday), etc..
Still, I was a little taken aback when Jacob said to me this morning, "I am a male woman".
Then I remembered that our postal worker is female.
Here are some photos from the past couple of days.
- Zoë smiling (a safe bet anytime except 6:00-7:30pm)
- Molly working on grandma's craft project
- do you think it might finally be time to get the boy his first haircut?
- I love this series of photos from today
Still, I was a little taken aback when Jacob said to me this morning, "I am a male woman".
Then I remembered that our postal worker is female.
Here are some photos from the past couple of days.
- Zoë smiling (a safe bet anytime except 6:00-7:30pm)
- Molly working on grandma's craft project
- do you think it might finally be time to get the boy his first haircut?
- I love this series of photos from today
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Kate the Swan
Kate gets picked on around here sometimes for not being quite as tall as she imagines herself to be. So we can't blame her for getting into the spirit of things in this photo, trying to demonstrate that her wingspan is equal to that of a trumpeter swan. Thanks to our friend Beth for the photo.
We had a pretty quiet, family weekend. This morning we did make it out to the Wye Marsh with a bunch of friends to see the chickadees, swans and reptiles.
Kate and the twins' enthusiasm for skating led them to spend an hour on the rink this afternoon, in the pouring rain.
We had a pretty quiet, family weekend. This morning we did make it out to the Wye Marsh with a bunch of friends to see the chickadees, swans and reptiles.
Kate and the twins' enthusiasm for skating led them to spend an hour on the rink this afternoon, in the pouring rain.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Imaginary Friends
I have read that it is rare for twins to have imaginary friends, presumably because they have each other. What would the psychology textbooks have to say about my twins sharing an imaginary friend, and that imaginary friend being their father's real-life sports hero? Disturbing on so many levels.
This morning, at the coffeeshop.
Me: What are you doing upstairs guys?
Jacob: Tom Braden is up here
Me: Excuse me?
Molly: We're talking to Tom Braden
Me: Okay, can you see if he wants to join us here at the table for some muffin
They return to the table
Me: Do you guys want some more muffin?
Jacob: Tom Braden does (takes muffin and shoves it into his closed fist)
Me: What are you doing?
Jacob: Tom Braden in there (pointing into his fist)
Molly: I have Tom Braden in my hand too
Me: Really?
Molly: Yes, two Tom Bradens
At dinner tonight, Jacob subjected me to an inquisition and looked really incredulous when I had to admit to him that I'm not friends with Tom, that I've never met him, don't know where he lives, don't know what he's doing tomorrow, etc..
So, Jacob might be the only person jumping on the Tom Brady bandwagon at this juncture of his career. Part of me also suspects that Jacob might just be yanking my chain, intentionally mispronouncing Brady's name, taunting me by pretending to be friends with my idol. I wouldn't put it past him.
This morning, at the coffeeshop.
Me: What are you doing upstairs guys?
Jacob: Tom Braden is up here
Me: Excuse me?
Molly: We're talking to Tom Braden
Me: Okay, can you see if he wants to join us here at the table for some muffin
They return to the table
Me: Do you guys want some more muffin?
Jacob: Tom Braden does (takes muffin and shoves it into his closed fist)
Me: What are you doing?
Jacob: Tom Braden in there (pointing into his fist)
Molly: I have Tom Braden in my hand too
Me: Really?
Molly: Yes, two Tom Bradens
At dinner tonight, Jacob subjected me to an inquisition and looked really incredulous when I had to admit to him that I'm not friends with Tom, that I've never met him, don't know where he lives, don't know what he's doing tomorrow, etc..
So, Jacob might be the only person jumping on the Tom Brady bandwagon at this juncture of his career. Part of me also suspects that Jacob might just be yanking my chain, intentionally mispronouncing Brady's name, taunting me by pretending to be friends with my idol. I wouldn't put it past him.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Win Some Lose Some
Good news: Uninterrupted sleep from 8pm to 6:30am last night from all 3 kids
Bad news: Me covered in poo and puke by 7:30am
Zoë had a doctor's appointment on Monday and continues to shoot up the growth charts. She now weighs over 18 1/2 lbs, which is 4 1/2 lbs more than when she joined our family 10 weeks ago. She'll be catching up with the twins pretty soon, who continue to sprout upwards but haven't put on an ounce in the last 6 months (stuck on 30 lbs).
Our outdoor rink looks temporarily doomed with this warm spell. We did get out on the public rink on the lake yesterday - Kate and I on skates, the kids on foot and in sleds.
Bad news: Me covered in poo and puke by 7:30am
Zoë had a doctor's appointment on Monday and continues to shoot up the growth charts. She now weighs over 18 1/2 lbs, which is 4 1/2 lbs more than when she joined our family 10 weeks ago. She'll be catching up with the twins pretty soon, who continue to sprout upwards but haven't put on an ounce in the last 6 months (stuck on 30 lbs).
Our outdoor rink looks temporarily doomed with this warm spell. We did get out on the public rink on the lake yesterday - Kate and I on skates, the kids on foot and in sleds.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Recent Conversation
Jacob: What this?
Me: Your new toothbrush.
Molly: Where you get them?
Me: At the pharmacy.
Jacob: Was he there?
Me: Was who there, Jacob?
Molly: (with her exasperated, baba's an idiot look) Farmer C!
Me: Who?
Jacob: Farmer C - was he there?
Me: (finally getting it, and now giggling, unable to explain why Farmer C was not at the pharmacy) Ummm, brush your teeth please.
And to clear up some recent fan questions:
- Yes that's Molly in the blue wig. Jacob prefers his firefighter hat exclusively, while Molly never met a hat or pair of shoes she didn't want to try on.
- The kids are lasting about 15 minutes at a time on the ice. But they're asking to skate all the time, and we head indoors at the first murmur of dissent in order to keep up the enthusiasm. I was skeptical about trying 2 year olds on skates and about the effort required to have a backyard rink, but the kids are loving it, and all the rink effort is being exerted by Kate.
- And sadly, we're nowhere near toilet trained. We go in spurts (ha ha), where we try for awhile, but with almost no success. The twins both love their big kid underwear, but have no idea when they're about to do the deed, so we end up in permanent puddle clean-up mode. And with Zoë's arrival, I can't say it's near the top of my priority list. I think we'll wait until spring time to try again.
Me: Your new toothbrush.
Molly: Where you get them?
Me: At the pharmacy.
Jacob: Was he there?
Me: Was who there, Jacob?
Molly: (with her exasperated, baba's an idiot look) Farmer C!
Me: Who?
Jacob: Farmer C - was he there?
Me: (finally getting it, and now giggling, unable to explain why Farmer C was not at the pharmacy) Ummm, brush your teeth please.
And to clear up some recent fan questions:
- Yes that's Molly in the blue wig. Jacob prefers his firefighter hat exclusively, while Molly never met a hat or pair of shoes she didn't want to try on.
- The kids are lasting about 15 minutes at a time on the ice. But they're asking to skate all the time, and we head indoors at the first murmur of dissent in order to keep up the enthusiasm. I was skeptical about trying 2 year olds on skates and about the effort required to have a backyard rink, but the kids are loving it, and all the rink effort is being exerted by Kate.
- And sadly, we're nowhere near toilet trained. We go in spurts (ha ha), where we try for awhile, but with almost no success. The twins both love their big kid underwear, but have no idea when they're about to do the deed, so we end up in permanent puddle clean-up mode. And with Zoë's arrival, I can't say it's near the top of my priority list. I think we'll wait until spring time to try again.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Where is Santa video plus some January photos
- Where is Santa, as performed 53 times by Molly and Jacob this Christmas
- At Myles' animal-themed, 3rd birthday party today. From left to right, Jamie, Sara, Nicholas, Lachlan, Molly, Myles, Asia and Jacob, with big brothers Jonah, Max, and Ethan in the back.
- First time on the backyard rink (tonight). Yes, there's a rug to stand on, pillows to jump on, and a fancy pushing device that was entirely scorned. The kids didn't want to come inside out of the bitter cold, so we'll take that as an initial victory. When we brought out a puck, Jacob took 3 unassisted steps to chase it down. Confirming Kate's theory that you can't learn anything unless there is an understood, tangible purpose.
- warming up inside with hot chocolate and freshly-baked butter tarts (thanks grandma)
- At Myles' animal-themed, 3rd birthday party today. From left to right, Jamie, Sara, Nicholas, Lachlan, Molly, Myles, Asia and Jacob, with big brothers Jonah, Max, and Ethan in the back.
- First time on the backyard rink (tonight). Yes, there's a rug to stand on, pillows to jump on, and a fancy pushing device that was entirely scorned. The kids didn't want to come inside out of the bitter cold, so we'll take that as an initial victory. When we brought out a puck, Jacob took 3 unassisted steps to chase it down. Confirming Kate's theory that you can't learn anything unless there is an understood, tangible purpose.
- warming up inside with hot chocolate and freshly-baked butter tarts (thanks grandma)
More holiday photos
- Grammy and Zoë, sporting her new Team Canada jersey
- Grandpapa and Zoë
- Aunt Beth and Zoë. Detect a theme. She enjoyed a variety of laps this Christmas.
- Back in Grammy's arms
- Reading Grandpapa's business section
- Splashing in the sink, with Molly lifeguarding
- Amid the stocking chaos
- Building Rudolph the Snowman
- Singing, "Where is Santa, Where is Santa, Here I Am, Here I Am, Merry Merry Christmas, Merry Merry Christmas, Ho Ho Ho, Ho Ho Ho!!"
- Grandpapa and Zoë
- Aunt Beth and Zoë. Detect a theme. She enjoyed a variety of laps this Christmas.
- Back in Grammy's arms
- Reading Grandpapa's business section
- Splashing in the sink, with Molly lifeguarding
- Amid the stocking chaos
- Building Rudolph the Snowman
- Singing, "Where is Santa, Where is Santa, Here I Am, Here I Am, Merry Merry Christmas, Merry Merry Christmas, Ho Ho Ho, Ho Ho Ho!!"
December Photo Catch-Up
- Molly & Jacob proudly displaying their homemade Christmas gifts
- It's never too early to be a punk rocker
- Kate rocking out on her new guitar. Never trust anyone over 35 - but what about on her 35th birthday?
- Around here we take our cake decorating seriously
- "Walking" with big cousin Erin
- Molly recognizing which gift is for her. Santa was smart enough to leave them one present each at their grandparents' house (plus the oft-requested cake and candles), and then the rest of the gifts under the tree at Aunt Beth and Uncle Don's house, where we spent Christmas Day
- The big twins and the little twins on Christmas morning in front of the stockings
- It's never too early to be a punk rocker
- Kate rocking out on her new guitar. Never trust anyone over 35 - but what about on her 35th birthday?
- Around here we take our cake decorating seriously
- "Walking" with big cousin Erin
- Molly recognizing which gift is for her. Santa was smart enough to leave them one present each at their grandparents' house (plus the oft-requested cake and candles), and then the rest of the gifts under the tree at Aunt Beth and Uncle Don's house, where we spent Christmas Day
- The big twins and the little twins on Christmas morning in front of the stockings
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Holiday Catch-Up
We're back home after a great Christmas break in Montreal with my family. Spoiled by my parents, allowing us many outings for runs, movies, dinners, etc. The kids had a great time with their big twin cousins, who are the best 7 year-old babysitters ever. Unfortunately Jacob injured his foot on the first day, such that he couldn't walk for about 3 days. That added to his door-slammed finger, lack of sleep, and his general two-and-a-half-ness meant that he had a pretty tough trip. Very fragile with lots of crying. And his spirits still haven't picked up much since our return home.
Kate's parents are visiting now for a few days so the good times continue to roll. Kate and I took advantage by doing a 10km snowflake run yesterday at a pedestrian pace but at least we kicked the new year off to a healthy start. I had a few beverages the night before so I took some convincing to get out there.
Last year my 3 resolutions were to 1) blog more, 2) run a 45 minute 10km, and 3) make sure mom and mother-in-law felt appreciated. Scorecard is mixed. I did blog more but the numbers were heavily skewed by our China trip. I stalled at a 46:06 as my best 10km, but I did beat my PB in the half marathon by 7 or 8 minutes. And I think I thanked the moms a lot, but we also abandoned them for 2 1/2 weeks with the twins while we went to get Zoë - it may take a while to repay that one.
New Years resolutions for 2010.
1) Blog more (no, really)
2) Complete a "real" triathlon (no, I still can't really swim but that's in the details right?)
3) Remember to laugh with the kids every day, even if I'm at the end of my rope
Kate's parents are visiting now for a few days so the good times continue to roll. Kate and I took advantage by doing a 10km snowflake run yesterday at a pedestrian pace but at least we kicked the new year off to a healthy start. I had a few beverages the night before so I took some convincing to get out there.
Last year my 3 resolutions were to 1) blog more, 2) run a 45 minute 10km, and 3) make sure mom and mother-in-law felt appreciated. Scorecard is mixed. I did blog more but the numbers were heavily skewed by our China trip. I stalled at a 46:06 as my best 10km, but I did beat my PB in the half marathon by 7 or 8 minutes. And I think I thanked the moms a lot, but we also abandoned them for 2 1/2 weeks with the twins while we went to get Zoë - it may take a while to repay that one.
New Years resolutions for 2010.
1) Blog more (no, really)
2) Complete a "real" triathlon (no, I still can't really swim but that's in the details right?)
3) Remember to laugh with the kids every day, even if I'm at the end of my rope
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