Hair Bands

I mentioned before that Cameron is a little more open to me dressing her hair up. Pigtails are rare but I thought she might like hairbands because she could put them in herself. Little did I know that Timo would find them much more entertaining than his sister...
But Cameron did catch on as soon as I gave her a look at herself in the mirror...oh, how she loves to admire herself!

Sofa Fun!

It always amazes me what the kids can get entertainment out of. Our sofa is no longer just a sofa for sitting...it's become our new bouncy house/trampoline/obstacle course. Almost, without fail, every afternoon, the kids take the sofa apart and create some new adventure for themselves. Even if it's nice weather outside, they want to stay inside and take apart the sofa. They stack, slide, jump, bounce, hide n seek, tumble...the possibilities are endless! All this is with little or no assistance from me. Most of the time I walk in the room to find this...



Timo really likes to sit on top of the sofa like this...then slide down behind the cushion and play hide n seek. He doesn't realize he is getting so big and doesn't fit behind the cushions anymore!
Here is one obstacle course they invented...stepping on one stool, running on the sofa, jumping over the other stool and landing on the cushions. And I have to add, they were totally out of breath after about 5 mins of this. It's a good way to tire the kids out for bedtime!


This day Cameron was playing and grabbed the blanket off the sofa the pretend to go "night-night". As soon as Timo heard me say that, he ran to his room and got everything off of his bed. In typical fashion, Cameron had to follow suite and they both had the best time "sleeping" on the sofa and just being silly. We're pretty strict about pacifiers staying in their beds but I made an exception this day...just having some fun. I can see more and more that they are playing together...they each have a built in best friend!

Ice Cream!

We fired up the ice cream machine last weekend for the first batch of the summer season...strawberry sorbet! The kids were so excited to hear the machine and both kept asking to be held so they could see it spinning round and round. I got tired of lifting them up and down so I, very cautiously, let them stand on the counter. They didn't move at all except to get close to the machine. So for their afternoon snack that day we had yummy strawberry sorbet and brownies!

Pigtails!

Cameron has finally started letting me put her hair in pigtails...I think because I call them pigtails. It only last about an hour or so until she wants them out but hey, I'll take what I can get! Here she is last Sunday admiring herself in the mirror...her new favorite past time...

Running Errands with Mommy

It can be really hard finding time to go run errand without the kids. It's way too difficult to take both with me to stores now because they both don't fit in the shopping cart and Timo has discovered he can "help" by taking things off the shelf and rearranging them on another shelf. There is also the excitement of pushing the shopping cart around but unfortunately most stores frown upon demolition derby style shopping. So now I find that our weekends are taken up with me running household errands, coming home and then Young running out to maybe take care of an errand or two...leaving little time for us, as a family, to do fun things on the weekends. It's a major drawback to not living near family that you can just dropping the kids off or have Grandma come over and play with the kids while you run out.

But we have chosen to live out here and chosen to live in SF so I needed to stop pouting about it and make the most of it. It was time the kids learn how to behave and suffer though some errands like I suffer through playground madness every other day or so! I loaded the kids up on day and set out for errands. Our fist stop, Target. I hit the food court first thing and got each a bag of pop corn..worked like a charm! They both sat quietly, Cameron in the seat and Timo in the basket, munching on the pop corn the whole time. Then we hit Kohl's where I let them try on all sorts of shoes before we settled on matching little crocs for them them...they were so happy to have the shoes. I don't have pics of the first two places because I was in survival mode...just trying to get in and out.

By the time we hit Trader Joes, I was so happy with the kids for being so good, I decided to give them a treat and have lunch at McDonald's. We don't do this often and they have never actually be INSIDE a McDonald's...just passed through the drive thru. Oh, what fun the kids had. From waiting in line, ordering, grabbing their own napkins, picking out our table, eating and then throwing their trash in the trash can!!! Every little step was an adventure to them. The only downside is they weren't really into the food. Cameron ate only the apple slices and Timo ate half a nugget, a few fries and drank all his apple juice box. But oh well, they were having so much fun and being so good, I didn't really care what they ate.
After lunch we went next door to Trader Joes. Out of all the grocery stores I go to, TJs is the one place I don't mind taking the kids because they give out balloons....well, at most stores. Of course this TJs didn't do balloons, they do one better...tiny shopping carts for the kids! How perfect!! I got them each a cart and off we went grocery shopping. Timo only turned his cart over once and Cameron only hit two other people's cart so I'd say it was a success.

They did such a good job following me and each other around the store and even stood by their carts while in line at the check out.

When we were done, it was time to turn the carts in at the counter and head up the elevator to the parking lot...but the kids couldn't give up their carts. The VERY nice employee followed us out to the car so the kids could go as far as possible with the cart. Excellent customer service with a smile.
I was so proud of the kids for being on their best behavior! We had a great morning out together. It gave me hope and I tried it again the next week only to be met with melt downs, clinging and just general unhappiness to get in and out of the car a few times. Oh well, I guess it makes the times when it's really fun even more special!

Nothing is Baby Proofable Anymore

Quietly playing kids are not always a good thing! Twice this past week I've had quietly playing kids but upon further investigation...total disaster. I only have pictures of the second mess...the first one was when they got into my tube of Blistex, thinking it was lotion, and has smeared it all over themselves, the walls, the bed and floor while I was trying to get their dinner ready. I kinda went into panic mode because I didn't know if the Blistex would burn their eyes so I scooped them up immediately and dropped them in the tub...no time for pictures.

The second was just a few days later just after nap. I had heard them up but Timo now knows how to open door, so they typically come out once they are good and awake. I was texting Young and fully expected to see them any minute. A little time had passed, I was wrapped up in my conversation with Young and then he asked it the kids were up. I thought to myself, "oh yeah, they are...wonder why they aren't coming out...and why is it so quiet..." This is what found when I opened their door!
I'm guessing Cameron held the bike and Timo climbed up to the top of the shelf and grabbed the lotion. And the funny thing is Cameron kept putting lotion on Timo's face and he kept saying "no more lotion Cameron, no more lotion on face" as he was squeezing it out as fast as he could. But he was so proud to show me he had opened it all by himself!

It's funny, I think our house is totally baby-proofed...just put everything up high. But now, with them getting so tall, their arm reach is higher and their climbing skills, is it really possible to baby proof anything anymore????

Little Mommy

Cameron LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her baby doll...or is it just an excuse to sing. Good thing it's not a real baby...I fear it would have gotten a little sea sick!

Garbage Time...

It seems the simple things can entertain the kids. Boxes, rubber balls and watching the garbage truck! Every Thursday morning the garbage trucks come rolling by and the kids run to the window to watch. The trucks typically come by early while the kids are eating breakfast but this day the truck was running a little late. We were on our way to a play date and as I was putting on their shoes....Timo heard the truck! They both tried to get out the door as fast as they could so I let them out in their socks and put them on the bottom step to watch. ( I ran back inside to get the camera and shoes.) Once the truck was done in front of our house the kids got up and tried to follow it all the way up the street! We were a little late for our play date but it was worth it for an up close view of the "trash truck" as Timo calls it.

Soccer...Week 3

Our soccer class started off with a bang last week! The kids were doing such a good job at holding the ball with their feet, tapping it and then kicking. They also were superstars in dribbling the ball up and down the field...and then it went down hill.

Timo had a little collision with another boy and that was it for him. He didn't want to go back out to the field...and we still had 30min left in the class. Cameron then saw him on the sideline drinking his milk and she wanted some...so she walked off the field, saw her brother was upset and got upset herself. Ugh! Now I had two kids that didn't want to go play soccer. I tried to entice them by how much fun the other kids were having, kicking the ball, hula hoops...nope. I even tried threats like "we're going home if you don't go back out and play" They both started whinning "go home, get in car, wanna go home..." Boy, did that ever backfire!

I decided it was best to leave because at this point I felt really bad for them and all the parents were looking at us. Then the coach pulled out the parachute for playing "pop corn" with the balls and Cameron took off to grab a hold of it. Timo followed and just like that, they were back out running and smiling! Ah, the temperament of toddlers! We only had about 5 minuets left in the class at that point...but way to stick it out till the end of the class kids!

The water break that lasted 25min!

Timothy...live in concert!

We've started going to "story time" at our local library on Tuesday mornings. The super amazing woman does a combination of songs, stories, poems and puppets. I think Timo is amazed that she can play and sing at the same time. Now he constantly pulls out his guitar to play and sing. Check him out...

NIghttime Prayers

We've been "saying prayers" with the kids ever since they were baby babies and it's one of the most special times of the day we have with them. They each get on their knees (or more recently laying down) fold their hands and shut their eyes so tight...it very cute. We always start out with "Dear Jesus, thank you for our day...." and they shout this out as loud as they can. Then they start repeating each thing we say until the end we we say "we love you Jesus...Amen" And then they give a big shout "hallelujah!" with hand in the air! It's kinda funny, I'm not sure how the whole hallelujah started after amen but it's something that just stuck. Now, when we're out for dinner and pray or the kids pray at church, or anywhere really, they always shout "hallelujah!" after Amen. People always turn and stare...oh well, can't contain the gospel in our kids!

Flying With Daddy

Young comes up with the most creative and active way of entertaining the kids. He lives life a little too far on the edge for me but the kids LOVE it when he swings, tosses and wrestles with them! Guess that's what daddies are for!

My Mother's Day...play by play...

Sometimes I think the kids can sense or somehow know when a big day is coming....as in Mother's Day. I was really looking forward to this Mother's Day because I think I finally understood what Mother's Day was all about. It's not really about spending the day with you're kids...it's about Mom getting a well deserved break! And sometimes spending time with your little ones isn't the most relaxing of days. So this year I REALLY wanted a peaceful, relaxing day where Young would take care of everything and I did nothing.

This is when the kids keen sense comes into play...I think they could feel my eagerness for some quiet time, maybe felt me wanting some distance, I don't know but they certainly did not like the vibe they were getting from me and decided to stand their little ground and make sure I wasn't going anywhere! We had one of the worst nights with them both since they were tiny babies. One or both of them seemed to cry ALL NIGHT LONG...FOR NO APPARENT REASON AT ALL!!! Just crying to be held or rocked. As soon as we put them down they would start crying again. I think we all got just a few hours of sleep and by 6:30am Mother's Day morning, after hearing them cry off and on for hours, I was in tears. What a great way to start Mother's Day, huh?

I was exhausted and Young had to be at church early for a meeting so that left me to get myself and the kids breakfast and ready for church. After chasing a naked Timo all around the house, holding the screaming toddler down to get him dressed, and trying to figure out why Cameron was having a melt down over the wrong color sipping cup I gave her...we were ready for church and out the door. It was only 9am and I had a headache beginning to pound away at my temples and my eyes felt half closed. I got to church with a few minuets to spare so I dropped the kids in children's church and made my way to a coffee shop to have some quiet. I just sat there, sipping my tea, eyes closed, fighting back more tears and wondered "is this is what Mother's Day really was...just being a mom." For goodness sake, I do that every other day of the year, couldn't I just have one day??

I was dragging my feet getting back to church, just wanting a few more moments of solitude, where I was met by my husband with the most sympathetic looks. He knew how I was feeling and told me he had rearranged the babysitter for the evening so I could go home after church and take a nap and we would have a date night for dinner. My mood started to pick up and as we sang worship songs in church I tried to focus on how grateful I am to be a mom and for our two beautiful children...and what a gift they are. I started to then think about my own mom and how she had many many many Mother's Days that were less than perfect as well and how I wish I had known then what I know now....I would have made them the most special days of her life...because now I know what it's like to be a mom.

My Mother's Day had a fantastic finish, thanks to my amazing husband. I took a two hour nap, had an unforgettable meal at RN74, and came home to two beautiful children who slept ALL NIGHT LONG last night. It wasn't the Mother's Day I had expected or planned in my head but it certainly was one I will never forget! I guess Mother's Day is really all about being a mom...all the good and ALL the bad...

My one regret of the day is I that didn't get a picture of me with the twins. I only have pictures of my gifts...our dinner (dessert pic) at RN74 and the sleeping angles...what more could I ask for???

Happy Mother's Day Mommy/Mamma!

Mommy... Mamma... Happy Mother's Day! We (Timo and Cameron) want to thank you for loving us sooooo much. We are only a bit over 2 years old but wanted to let you know that we appreciate all that you do for us.

Thank you sneaking in each at night while we are sleeping and covering us up so we wouldn't get cold. Thank you for putting pappi and paci close to us so we can find it when we get up in the middle of the night. Thank you for getting up in the middle of the night when we wake up scared. Thank you for holding us and rocking us back to sleep.

Thank you for always thinking of us and putting our needs above yours. Coming up with something for us to do or be entertained with is always at the top of your priority no matter where we are or what day it is... or what dad may want to do.

Thank you for the delicious meals you make us. We know you think hard and sometimes stress about what to make for us. We know you are so happy when we eat everything on our plates that you can't wait to tell daddy. We're so glad you take us to McDonald's. When we heard that you would never feed us fast food, we were horrified. But we're so happy that you are a normal mom who wants us to experience McNuggets... Yummy.

Thank you for playing with us. We love to play tiger and dinosaur, sing songs, wrestle and play superman. Thank you for building forts and obstacle courses out of sofa cushions on rainy days.

Thank you for giving us extra love when we are sick or get hurt. You know just how to hold and comfort us to make us "all better".

Thank you that you know us better than we know ourselves. Your soothing loving voice calms us when we're frustrated. We love it when you say "show mommy". Showing you what we need is so much easier than trying to tell you with our 2-year old vocabulary.

Most of all, thank you for being you. God could not have given us a better mommy/mamma!

Happy Mother's Day! Love Timo and Cameron.

Bathtime Bakers

I noticed that the kids don't really play with their boats, fish, balls, letters/numbers and other "bath toys" that we got them. All they really want is bottles, containers, spoons or anything "cooking" related. So we got them some little bowls and a pot & pan set...and they have been cooking up a storm ever since. For some reason, anytime Cameron is "cooking", she is always making cupcakes! Wonder where she gets that from...

All By Self!

This is Cameron's new buzz phase...all by self. She wants to do EVERYTHING all by herself these days. Even dress herself...as she did on this day. She dressed herself from picking out her own clothes to the bow all by herself and did an amazing job. She got lost in the sleeves of her shirt a few times and needed help clipping the bow in her hair, but basically pants, shirt, socks and shoes were all by herself. I'm impressed that she even got her shoes on the right feet. But what the picture doesn't show...it took her about 35min to get dresses! Good thing we weren't in a hurry.....

Soccer Tots!

We started the kids in a program called Soccer Tots a few weeks ago. And while it has soccer in the name, they don't really play soccer at all. It's basically a way to run the kids around for an hour and learn how to take instruction. They play all sorts of games like red light/green light, various obstacle courses, learning how to count and most important...lining up and waiting your turn! (Timo has the hardest time with this one.) They are learning the basic soccer skills...like kicking, hold the ball with one foot, kicking into the goal, etc...but use hula hoops, the parachute, foam "noodles" and plastic tunnels far more than balls.

The first few weeks it was all new to us so I didn't have time to take any pictures. I was able to take a few this past week but I gotta say, it's hard running around chasing after two kids, making sure they stay on course, stay focused and take pics at the same time. It's a 100% parent participation class too!

Chopsticks!

Young and I use chopsticks often at home when we eat and the kids have always been fascinated with them. Santa brought them each a kiddie pair for Christmas...so one night after wresting with the them over tying to use our sticks, I thought it was time we broke out theirs. And to my surprise...they were really good at using them! I couldn't believe how well they were getting the food into their mouths. Now granted, they weren't using them with the proper technique but whatever works, huh?


I also notice that when they use the chopsticks it's totally quite and they clean their plates. I think they concentrate so hard at what they are doing, they don't notice what they're eating or how much. We might have to eat with chopsticks more often!

Weekend Away

Young and I were able to get away to Sonoma this past weekend without the kiddies! Thank you so much to Sharona for watching them!!!! Young's friends, Brandy and Dan, got married at a beautiful winery in Sonoma and we were blessed to share in their day. Congratulations Brandy and Dan!! Thank you for giving us an excuse to get away...


According to Sharona, the kids did great while we were gone with the exception of Cameron being a little under the weather the last day. Looks like we might be able to do this more often...