Aaron & Andrew Playing Ball Together

Despite being ultra-BUSY and very mischievous, Aaron and Andrew are so much fun! I am loving this age! If I could I'd snap pictures and film videos of them all day. They move so fast, though, that I miss so many great shots. Even though they have their squabbles they are becoming more inseparable. They do frequent 'twin talking' (which is hard to film- it's short 'conversations' at a time), play and laugh together. When one gets into mischief (rolling out the TP roll, etc.) the other one is usually not far away.

Today I was trying to film them while they laughed hysterically on the couch. But Andrew immediately jumped off and wanted to stand next to me behind the camera and see the picture. He's recently learned that I can snap a picture of him and then he can immediately take a look at it (I LOVE digital). So I gave up filming that scene... but not much later I got my chance. This long hallway is the sports arena of our new home. Aaron caught on rather early to the idea of tossing/ rolling/ pushing a ball back and forth or pushing Hot Wheels cars to each other. Andrew gets easily distracted- as you can see. Something I need to work on- keep my mouth shut while filming! But even so, it shows how much fun they have together. I love having twins!

Dipping saved the day

It is no secret that Aaron has been one of the most cautious and picky eaters. Even when we first began feeding him solid foods, it took a while for him to get used to a spoon. As a baby he would NEVER put anything in his mouth (Andrew put EVERYthing in his mouth). When we tried giving him foods like Puffs he had to examine and play with it a few times before daring to put it in his mouth. Eventually we could spoon him most anything. That all changed around the time Aaron turned 1. It became increasingly more difficult to feed him- HE wanted to do it. And HE decided what he would and would not eat. Mostly he would decide NOT to eat it. We became increasingly more FRUSTRATED.

Aaron has a fabulous sugar radar: it might look disgusting or very similar to a vegetable (no connection) but if it had sugar he would pop it in his mouth after taking a close look at it. He likes ANYthing sugar. He hates ANY vegetables- if I even tried putting one on his tray he would QUICKLY pick it up and hand it back. If I didn't take it right away he'd either start crying or just throw it off his tray. Believe me, I always offer him vegetables, rice, and the same things Andrew was eating. I should mention Andrew loves all vegetables, fruits, and pretty much ANYthing (he must take after me!). Mealtime has usually been STRESSful.

Aaron's menu for several months has consisted of: chicken nuggets, peanut butter sandwiches, most fruits(because they're sweet), anything w/ sugar, yogurt, all crackers & anything crunchy, oatmeal, pancakes, Dutch Baby & French toast (the last 3 because syrup is served with them- sugar); sometimes cheese. Once in a while he'd eat spaghetti. Oh, he would NOT eat any pasta or rice. Absolutely not. For a few weeks this has been his menu. This all started to change a few weeks ago.

We made the discovery that Aaron LOVES LOVES LOVES ketchup-probably because sugar is one of the ingredients. He could eat it straight. This discovery was made the night we were having pot roast and we gave Aaron some (with ketchup) and expected him to push it back. To our utter shock he ate a piece- again and again. He even ate a potato and then carrots (along with ketchup). Since then he's learned he actually likes carrots. Ketchup is not the only dip he likes- Ranch dressing and soy sauce are two of his favorites. So when we want to offer him something 'new' (he's already been offered it before, most likely) we serve him a dip along with it.

But we were shocked today when we were giving Andrew some sweet tomatoes (which he loves) Aaron begged for some too. Initially I assumed it was because he wanted to play with it. I almost went into shock when he quickly put it in his mouth and wanted more- and more. Then tonight when we had rice for dinner I offered him some and showed him I was putting a dab of soy sauce on it. Without any hesitation he ate it and then wanted more and more and more. It was as though he was making up for all the rice he'd refused the last MANY months. Even though he didn't eat the broccoli on his plate at least Aaron allowed it to stay.

Maybe, just maybe Aaron is growing out of his very picky phase.

Monkey see, monkey do

Aaron started walking down the stair because Andrew was...

One busy toddler can cause a lot of destruction in a short period of time. Two busy toddlers can do it more than twice as fast. Their eyes are always watching what the other is doing to see if it's more fun. And if it appears to be more interesting or exciting there will soon be two doing it. Most of the time this is non-threatening and even cute to watch. But it's time when an entire roll of toilet paper is all over the floor and the water from the toilet bowl is splashed all over them and the floor that it's not so funny. Or when a bag of goldfish crackers is dumped upside and then stomped on.

Andrew keeping a close eye on Aaron...

And it's not always the same person initiating the action (or trouble!). If it involves climbing it's usually Andrew that starts it. If it involves throwing or light switches I can guarantee you it was probably Aaron that thought of it.

One of their favorite things to do at the park is dropping rocks into the bbq

When I have an unraveled roll of toilet paper to clean up or buckets of water from the bathtub on the floor I try to remember how lucky they are to have a playmate and best friend-always. Of course, it doesn't necessarily make it fun to clean up. But a smile or hug from them or a sound of their laughter does help.

When one grabs a push car so does the other one

Andrew dumped the goldfish, Aaron helped throw & smash them

More than double the trouble

Just one of the messes I clean up on a daily basis. Andrew dumped a bag of goldfish crackers and Aaron quickly came in to join the fun by smashing throwing, and eating them.

Everywhere we go the comment is always made: "Oh, double trouble!!". Yes, two is twice as one but in reality that is so not true. I always hear others ask how I do it with TWO! Silently I would wonder what the big deal was, there's moms with 3 more kids and I only have two. After yesterday I now know.

Until yesterday Aaron and Andrew haven't been apart from each other for much more than an hour, except as newborns when Andrew was still in the hospital. They both were more calm, laid back, and MUCH easier to deal with. You'd think they were completely different boys. Dad had Aaron while I took Andrew to Sunrise Hospital for his magg-3 (however it's spelled) test. Having one is SOOO much easier than twins.

It is so much fun to see them play, talk, and laugh together and I cannot imagine only having one of them. But they are twice as busy when they're together, they've always got to watch what the other is doing, and copycat on everything. When they're together they've got to compete for the spotlight and the attention. This morning it took me over an hour to prepare a crock pot dinner that should've only taken 15 minutes. Between pulling them off the couch several times, cleaning up a dumped out jar of dried cilantro, and cleaning up a fun splash in the toilet, I was finally able to finish it. When they're together Aaron tends to be very whiny and clingy. Andrew wants to be held. Apart from each other they are so easy.

On the other hand they can be so, so fun and are actually becoming more attached. They love giving each other 'hugs' and kisses, rubbing each others' backs, and pushing each other around on their push toys. Even though it is double DOUBLE trouble it is so worth it.

Smarter than we think

Neither Aaron or Andrew know how to lock a door- or so I thought. Last Thursday I was doing some weeding in the backyard while they threw rocks, played with toys, and basically made a mess. I had been coming in and out of the back door (which is not a sliding door) and so had they. As I was beginning to gather my things up to come inside they shut the door on me- and locked it! A not-so-pretty word came out of my mouth and in about 5 seconds I thought of all my options. Any other doors open? No. Any windows open? No. Spare key? No, earlier that day I had brought it inside when I got home before the tile guys came. Guess I'll have to call Steve- but I have no phone. And I've barely met only two of my neighbors.

At first both the boys were staring at me through the door making faces, smiling, and thinking it was so funny that they were inside and I wasn't. I tried yelling at them to open the door but they just thought that was funny. After a couple of minutes they wondered away and begin making a mess. Aaron headed for the drawer with all the ziploc bags and began pulling them out one by one. Andrew watched for a minute and started doing to the same. I knocked furiously on the door to get their attention. The only thing that accomplished was Andrew waddling over to the door and knocking back. I twisted the handles and pointed and Andrew just turned back. This was only the first time they had locked any door and I'm sure they had no idea what they'd even done. When I realized I'd have no luck getting either of them to open the door than I figured it was time to try something else.

First I ran to the end of the court to see if a friend in my ward was home so I could call Steve and see if he could come home. When I saw she wasn't home than I remembered that one of the neighbors we'd met a few days earlier worked from home. They are a very nice couple and I figured he'd be willing to let me call Steve. Kevin was great! He found a Turbo Tax envelope and we headed back to my back door. While I called Steve, Kevin stuck the envelope through the door and fidgeted with it. After about ten minutes (felt like hours) the door open and the boys came running out in the back. I can't tell you the relief I felt when that door opened!

Soon after the boys went down for their naps I made sure that spare key was placed in the front yard again so that should they do something like that again I'll be ready! I should never underestimate what these little guys can do!

MISCELLANEOUS

We finally found a food Aaron likes- ketchup! He loved eating it with a butter knife but I'm sure even his fingers would do. Aaron was furious when I took it away in hopes that he'd eat a more substantial lunch.

Andrew has a little doggie that he is so attached to. So much so that I had found another one just like it in the event the doggie gets lost. He has to sleep with it and has to take it about everywhere he goes. It's cute but can be really annoying when you're in a hurry and you HAVE to find the doggie first. Andrew also LOVES his 'blankie' that my Aunt Wanda made the boys when they were newborns. They know whose blanket is whose and it's not because they can read their names that are sewn on it. This is Andrew asleep with his doggie and blankie-

Basic facts about our twins

Whenever I go anywhere with boys I ALWAYS get stopped by people making comments and asking questions such as: Are they twins? How old are they? Are they identical? Who's older? What are their names? Where did they get their red hair? Are they always this happy? (NO WAY!) Oh, they're so cute! I love the red hair! Etc. etc. This morning at Costco was no exception. There simply aren't words-or time- enough to describe each of these little guys and their different personalities. Here's an attempt in a few words.

Andrew LOVES to lay boxes flat & jump all over them

ANDREW

Favorite snack: Anything, especially 'fishies'

Favorite toy: his beanie doggie, which has been lost since yesterday morning; we NEED to find it; or the new play kitchen when Aaron hasn't pushed him away

Favorite parent: total Daddy's boy

Favorite food: Anything

Favorite breakfast: Anything requiring syrup, especially Dutch Baby

Favorite playtime activity: Climbing on everything

Shoe size: 6, almost 7

Weight: abt. 24 lbs at last check

Length: abt 33.5 in, at last check

Attention span: Very short of course; goes from one thing to another in seconds

Average nap time: about 2 hrs 45 min.

Temperament: Very mellow and happy go lucky

When he gets hurt: High pain tolerance; sometimes I don't know he got hurt until I see the bruise or scrape

# of words known: NUMEROUS; learns new ones everyday

Bath time favorite: Splashing or trying to turn on the faucets

Favorite book: Anything with doggies

Word most often said: Doggie

Wakes up: Happy; talking/making sounds

Wake up time: Between 6 and & 7:30

Other: Very cuddly

Has to sleep with his blankie & doggie

When TV is on he's clueless to anything around him

Prefers to be spoon fed (especially if TV is on) then self fed

Say the word 'prayer' and he quickly folds his arms and bows his head

Can spot Jesus in any picture and will say, "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!"

Curios about EVERYthing and ANYthing

Loves to climb on shelves, hide in cupboards or closets

Loves to hug, grab, rough house with his brother (his brother doesn't like it in return)

Has an infectious laugh

Fearless

Teaser

Angel

Aaron's domain is the play kitchen- he loves, loves, LOVES it

AARON

Favorite snack: crunchy Veggie Sticks

Favorite toy: Anything with a lid or cap; the new play kitchen

Favorite parent: Mommy; total Mama's boy

Favorite food: Chicken nuggets or Peanut Butter Jelly (PBJ) sandwich

Favorite playtime activity: the new play kitchen- he reigns and lets Andrew know it

Favorite breakfast: Anything requiring syrup, especially Dutch Baby

Shoe size: 5, almost 6

Weight: abt 21.5 lbs, at last check

Length: abt 33.5 in, at last check

Attention span: Short, of course, but when learning a new skill (caps on pens, stacking cups, buckling high chair, etc.) he will stick to it until he figures it out

Average nap time: 1 hr. (drives me crazy!); not unusual to have no nap

Temperament: When happy, he's HAPPY; when mad, he's MAD

# of words known: very few

Bath time favorite: Pouring water from measuring cup to pitcher, over & over & over again

Favorite book: Probably Goodnight Moon

Word most often said: Daddy (in reference to a phone) Note: When they first began saying words telephones were: Tah. Then all of a sudden they started calling them Daddy. Whenever I was feeding them lunch I'd pick up the phone and say, "Let's call Daddy" and I'd call Steve, since they were busy and buckled down. But Aaron is OBSESSED with phones.

Wakes up: Screaming, until I pick him up. Then he's instantly happy and talking.

Wake up time: Between 6:15 & 7:15

Others: Has to always be holding something

Gives kisses on the lips

Eats great with a spoon/fork

Doesn't care to watch TV

Laughs easily, at almost anything

When we pray together he's talking, playing, clueless

Biter

Bully

VERY VERY ticklish

SO much fun

Aaron & Andrew in their brand new play kitchen just minutes upon discovering it...

Happy one minute...

Sad the next.

I've had to break up more 'fights' in an hour than in the last year. They have so not learned how to share.

Making dinner with twins... not recommended.

The afternoon, especially between 4 and 5 pm are my least favorite times of the day. By that time I'm worn out and the boys are too. They're more cranky, fussy, and beginning to get hungry. Trying to make dinner at the same time is nearly impossible and takes about 3 times as long as it would if I was alone. Today I even had Steve around and they were really putting on a show- clingy, throwing tantrums, crying, teasing & grabbing at each other.

Tonight for dinner was attempting a first time recipe-Giant Empanadas. While Steve finished up the weeding in the front yard I took the already testy boys inside to start dinner. After settling them down by watching a Singing Time video with them on my lap I got everything out and ready to cook. Before I even had the stove on I was having to resort to what is usually a 'no-no'. First was letting them play in the pantry. We installed a latch up high so I have control of when they do and don't go in it. Because when they do I can guarantee you they reorganize the can rotator and pull stuff off of shelves.

Aaron began putting all the cans in the rotator on the empty shelves on the wall.

When either I'd had enough of that, or they were bored and ready to move on to something else, I then put Aaron in the high chair. He was insisting on me holding him which doesn't work well when ingredients need to be chopped. When I accidentally left the measuring drawer open he pulled himself over and got himself busy reorganizing that. He LOVES playing with measuring cups and spoons so he was having a blast.

Andrew is usually a little more mellow and willing to sit in front of the TV, entertain himself, and not cause all my hairs to turn gray within minutes. Notice I said "usually". Tonight was not one of those nights. He wanted to be doing what Aaron was doing. Before I had a chance to get him in a high chair and find a drawer I was willing to let him play in he got himself into mischief. He pulled down the dishwasher, pulled out the rack, and began to set the table- isn't he amazing?! And I've never even taught him how to set the table before! One thing I would have mentioned is we use CLEAN dishes, not dirty ones.

And then he was kind enough to put some of those dishes in the dishwasher. Others only made it to the floor. They are always busy watching what the other one is doing and if they should jump in. Tonight was no exception- Aaron's taking a look at what Andrew's busy with and decided he's having more fun. (I hate when the text turns blue and underlines. I'm no techy and can't figure out how to fix it... help! Got it to turn black. Whew.)

During all this I managed to finish part of the recipe but made a huge mistake when I put the hot hamburger sauce on the pie pastry. It melted the pastry and ruined it. Luckily we live very close to a grocery store so Steve offered to go while I attempted to feed the boys a different dinner- since this one obviously wouldn't be ready when I'd hoped. They reFUSED to eat ( I knew they were both very tired) so up we went to take a bath while Steve got the empanadas ready to bake. After they were in bed we were finally able to sit down and eat around 7 pm. And it actually turned out to be a keeper.

Was this an unusual dinner prep day? Not really. Actually experiences like this are becoming the norm. That's why lately I've been making a lot of crock pot recipes because I can prepare it in the morning when the boys are happy and less needy. And I can enjoy the aromas all day. Cooking dinner at 4:30ish can be a very tiring and not-so-fun experience.