Say What?

After our 5 year check up in October 2012 Audrey got some sinus infections which led to an ear infection.  She has always been stuffy since as long as I could remember, but never anything that caused for major concern.

At first they thought her constant sinus issues were the result of allergies and recommended allergy medicine.  We later found out from the ENT specialist that this was a misdiagnosis and counter productive.  Lesson learned.

Audrey enjoying the ear test booth

 In November her teacher started complaining that she was zoning out and Audrey began to miss words on her spelling test.  She started pronouncing the word November with a W instead of a V.  We thought it was cute at the start, but after a while and in combination with poor class results, we headed back to the doctor for further evaluation.  Our pediatrician recommended going to a ENT specialist after a generic ear test came back with some minor hearing loss.

We ended up going to the ENT a couple times to get a baseline hearing test and follow up for what damage there was and what could be done to help clear it up.

She ended up having quite a bit of hearing loss in her left ear and some minor loss in her right due to fluid backing up in her ears.  The doctor presumed this was due to enlarged adenoids.

After our final follow up it was recommended that she have an adenoidectomy and tubes put in her ears.  Major surgery.  Ug.  They scheduled it for Valentines Day, Feb 14th 2013.  Double Ug.

Needless to say we were stressed and concerned.  But Audrey did her pre-blood test with no problems.  She actually thought it was cool to watch them take blood out of her arm and the next day wanted to do it again.  How did we luck out?!  This at least gave me some relief that she might make it through the surgery with out too much resistance and tears.

6 a.m. Preparing for surgery

Audrey was a trooper - had them IV her while awake!

recovery room - all went well.

When the time grew closer, we used all the parenting techniques we've learned to "prepare for success" to ensure as smooth a day of surgery as possible.  Audrey was quiet and calm the whole morning - listening to the nurses and being the greatest of patients.

The nurses and doctors were amazed when she agreed to not only have them put the IV in while she was awake, but not shedding a tear to boot - a first for a 5 year old in their book.    She made it through surgery fine and the recovery ended up being quite painless and quick.   After a long nap she was up and ready to play by dinner time.  So proud of her!

Yin~Yang - 5 year checkup

 Our Wondertwins from my perspective are truly Yin and Yang.  We are reminded of that on a daily basis.  Besides the obvious boy/girl differences, I am hard pressed to find much if anything that they totally agree on or share physically.

Our yearly checkup to the doctors and dentist has arrived and we have plenty of news for Our Wondertwins.  Their Yin and Yang showed up once again in most all of their results.

Audrey is continuing as normal gaining weight and height and sticking around the 60-70 percentile.  No surprises there. She has had what we believe is allergies for quite some time - stuffy nose, slight cough in morning.  As a result her ears were a bit clogged for her hearing test and she was unable to hear the lowest tones.  It was recommended that we give her Sudafed daily and follow up in a few months to make sure there is no permanent hearing loss.  The doctor wasn't too concerned as she speaks perfectly.  She certainly can zone out quite easily and now she has an excuse for it: she just can't hear us! :)

 Her Dentist checkup went well as she received a tooth score of 94 out of 100.  Good genes, good eating and good brushing habits are certainly reflecting in her teeth.  Given that though, the dentist feels, looking at her bite, that the orthodontist is in her future for sure.
Audrey
Weight: 40 lbs.
Height: 42.25"

Ben is a whole different story, and as our dentist reminds us, even though they are siblings, it is common to have a very different experience.  Yin and Yang.  Not sure who is which though!
He is gaining weight and height, but still at a very slow level- hovering around 20 percentile for height and 5 for weight.  Given his eating habits, this comes as no surprise.  We need to continue to encourage him to stuff his face and follow up again in a few months.  His hearing was perfect, so no excuses for him!

His Dentist checkup didn't fair as well, as he received a 74 out of 100.  Poor eating habits, bad genes, along with poor brushing habits are certainly reflecting in his teeth.  He also has 3 teeth loose that he'll be loosing shortly, one upper and two lower.  The tooth fairy will be working overtime for him this year!

Ben
Weight: 35 lbs.
Height:  41.25"

Wondertwins are 5!

Half a decade down for Audrey and Ben!

 This year we splurged and took them to a place called Sky City Bounce House and invited 18 of their closest buddies.  Needless to say they had a blast bouncing around on those giant inflatable bounce houses and slides.  Whom ever invented those should get the Nobel Peace Prize!

Now that they've begun school they are becoming social butterflies.  So we entered the birthday party bonanza.  Audrey and Ben started it off as they have an early October birthday and we suspect that this year will be filled with many more Birthday celebrations as their classmates and friends hit their milestones.

High Fiving Classmates

Of course we also celebrated their actual birthday at school.  Paco and I brought mini cupcakes to their classmates and we quickly became an instant hit.  They couldn't get enough of saying high five! 

As they enter the second half of their first decade we are looking forward to all the new firsts and milestones ahead.
 

The Start of School

1st day pic

Audrey and Ben took one of the biggest leaps of their childhood and began their School Days.

In August they started Pre-K at a local Montessori.  We had no idea how they would react and or interact - although they have been perfectly fine going up to the park and playing with the kids up there - making new friends quickly.

The thought of leaving your children to total strangers is as much of a stress point to the parents as it may be for the kids.  Fortunately for us we had no problems what so ever.  Audrey and Ben were actually excited to go and meet new kids and continue their education.  Lucky us!

After just a week the teachers informed us that they were being moved from Pre-K into the Kindergarten class.  They seem to enjoy the classwork and are having a blast making new friends.


So add one more milestone to the list - there's no stopping now!

Ben and Audrey Pre-K 2012

Audrey Pre-K

Ben Pre-K

4 1/2 Years Young

4 1/2 birthday Cakes

The Wonder Twins are 4 1/2 years young.  We celebrated their 1/2 birthday this year by baking a half cake - one for each of them.
It's become a bit of a tradition to celebrate the 6 month anniversary of their birth in addition to their annual event.  And why not.  They broadcast their age as if it were their proudest achievement (adding the half year as soon as possible).  They can teach us old fogies quite a bit in the art of enjoying age and life in general.  Celebrate early and often - or at least whenever possible.  Good motto.  Hopefully they will continue to embrace each year passing without any hesitation or cringing - well into their old age!

Walt Disney World  *  March 2012

Our trip to Florida went quite well.  Audrey & Ben have been on a plane trip every year of their lives and are continuing to be very good travelers.  Of course having a destination that entails visiting world renowned amusement parks almost every day of a 10 day trip kept them enjoying the ride.

We visited all 4 parks of DisneyWorld, Downtown Disney, Legoland  and Universal Studios.  The schedule was a bit grueling for Dave and I, but we managed to have a great time each day and got to see everything that was on the agenda and then some.  Their Uncle Joe and Aunt Annie recently moved down near Orlando so we stopped by their new digs and enjoyed some family time as well.

Looks like we'll be heading back East again in July this year, making it 4 years in a row that we've managed to travel back in the summer and see the rest of the family.

Party on...  

Leap Year Fun

This Year marked the very first Leap Year for the Wondertwins.  I wanted to make it a memorable one - or at least have some memories of the milestone.  So we headed to Scooter's Jungle - the nearest place where on can leap for joy without getting seriously injured*
*Adult results may vary!
Needless to say they had a blast... Thank you Groupon for allowing us an affordable and fun night out.
Four years in the making...

Happy New Year

4th Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all come and gone in a blink of an eye.  Time waits for no one, especially these days.  The space-time continuum certainly accelerates dramatically when you are working full time and juggling 2 rambunctious kids.

 As with any New Year it is always a time for reflection.  In 2011 we had many adventures and milestones and are gearing up for a few more big adventures in 2012.  Our Christmas Card reflected many events of the past Year:  Audrey's foray into Dance Class and Recitals, Ben trying out and bailing on gymnastics, yet still loving and having a knack for sports (he's looking forward to playing TBall and Soccer this year), the heartbreaking passing of both our beloved family cats, my continued teaching of international students and Dave's ever changing freelance gigs.

2011 Christmas Card

This past September I began work on what would be an epic undertaking into what I now refer to as "The Big Bed Transition of 2011."  The kids were getting a bit big for the toddler beds I made for them utilizing their crib mattresses.  We considered the notion of buying new beds/frames for them.  After searching several local, and not so local businesses and scouring the internet for anything that would remotely fit into their room and be approved by the kids, we (and by we, I eventually mean I) were left to construct the beds our(my) self.

Test Drive

Princess Castle Bed

I am proud of the end result, although it ended up taking A LOT longer than I had originally planned.  Turns out trying to build (2) fairly large and complex beds from scratch while having a full time job with two 4 year olds during the Holiday season takes a HUGE amount of time.  (Parents thinking of doing the same - You have been warned!)

Once the Magnum Creations were finished and installed, the kids seemed to enjoy them.  And they better - for they will be using them for the rest of their natural lives! :P

Finished Batmobile

Update on our Benjamin:
In December we returned to the doctors for a follow up on his weight gain.  Fortunately he gained a whole pound in two months and continued to grow a 1/4 inch.  So for now, all is well.  Unfortunately we are still struggling in getting him to eat a decent amount of food at a sitting.  We are all hoping that he grows out of this phase quickly. Prayers welcome.

Now that the Holidays are behind us, our next adventure will be a trip to Orlando/DisneyWorld come Spring.  Summer will be full of traveling, Fall will bring two big milestones: School and turning 5.  And maybe this Winter we can just chill out for once.  Here's to a smooth ride...

4 year Checkup

Keeping the updates coming has been a bit of a chore this year.  I'm so far behind, but need to make sure I keep posting for posterity.
In October the Wondertwins turned 4.  A milestone indeed for those parents wanting a bit of independence as having a 4 year old brings a bit of self imposed need to "do it myself!"
Fine with me!  Do it yourself then - I get to relax a bit - right.?  ha.  Think again.
This newly found - or newly imposed independence also brings free will.  And most of us know where free will leads:  Challenging the status quo, and the dreaded (and constant) question of "WHY?"

It's time for bed.
Why?
Don't write on the carpet.
Why?
Stop kicking your brother/sister
Why?
Finish your dinner
Why?
and on and on.
I feel the grey hairs growing!

They both went for their 4 year checkup on October 17th.

Audrey

Height: 40 in

Weight: 33 lbs

Ben

Height: 39 in

Weight: 30 lbs

Audrey did pretty well and is staying on track.
Ben didn't gain weight and the doctor showed some concern as his chart flattened out in the weight category.  We'll need to keep an eye on this and check back in in a couple months.
Truth be told he is a VERY picky eater - especially compared to Audrey who will try anything at least once and enjoys a wide variety of foods.
Ben has only a few mainstays: pasta, bread, raw spinach, and anything with salt on it - namely fries and chicken.  Hopefully his pallet will improve over the next few years so we can eat one meal as a family!  Stay tuned...

Bad news is, they received 4 shots this year - including the flu shot.  Good news is - only one more year of shots, then they get a break for a few years.

They were in pretty good spirits for their 4year checkup

They both did really well, considering it was a trip to the doctor's office... I told them way in advance that they would be going to the doctors for a check up and that they would need to get shots.  This was the first year where they actually could comprehend the idea of "getting a shot"  And although I hesitated telling them at first, I was glad I told them.  Ben even made a joke about it.  He said that he was going to tell the Doctor "Hey!  That's not fair!  Giving a guy a shot down there!"  (Thank you School House Rock!!!)
They ended up having to get 3 shots each - plus a flu shot - which wasn't part of the original bargain.
By the time we were ready for the shots Audrey had to go to the bathroom - which ended up being a godsend as Ben was sable to get three of the four shots done before Audrey could realize what was going on.  It came as a bit of a surprise when Ben saw the second shot and then the third he was quite hesitant.

Ben has always been the better at getting shots and only cried for his 4th and final shot.  By the time Audrey was in line Ben had finished and was wiping the last tear.  Audrey took it like a pro as well.  Crying for only a brief moment.  (It does hurt, you know!)  But before we left they were both smiling and wondering about getting stickers for their bravery.

So we carry on and try to keep up with the ever challenging, always rewarding Wondertwins!

We're 4!

The Wondertwins united once again for their 4th birthday.  We decided to forgo a big celebration and made plans to celebrate 4 years of fun at Disneyland instead.  We ended up having a small celebration at home as well, inviting just the neighbors kids and my close friend Leanne.  Paco jetisonned out once again for a long weekend to help in the celebrations.
This year Ben went with a Star Wars cake, surprising us all, as we were expecting a superhero.  (But I guess you could say that Luke has some pretty cool super powers... and he was a twin as well!)
Audrey's latest kick is butterfly's.  So she went with a butterfly cake.  That, I thought, I could handle.  So I decided to take on Audrey's cake and leave the Star Wars cake to the "proffessionals." -  though after seeing the handwriting on the cake, I had second thoughts :(  Not matter - cake is cake and everyone enjoyed the day and the sweets.

Ben, Audrey, Jagger, Ethan, Jack

Makin' Monsters

We're 4!!!!

Their birthday landed on a Sunday this year, so the home celebration was on their actual day.  Disneyland was the next day.  We got tickets for the Mickey's Halloween Party, where you dress up the kids, they have special spots where they hand out candy, have meet and greets with lots of characters, a cool parade and of course, the rides.  Needless to say the kids had a blast.  BTW -  Disney doesn't spare anything on the candy - they were handing out shovel fulls of M&M's, snickers, milky way - not that sugar stick crap! :P
We ended up sticking around until 10:30 - not able to close the place down, but having plenty of good memories and leaving them wanting more.  Which, given it's proximity, I would guess will be happening quite a bit in their lives!

Happy Birthday
 Ben & Audrey!

Summer Daze

The not-so-long summer is coming to a close.  And with it comes more milestones.  The biggest being Audrey's independence.  By that I mean the official end to potty training and the official start of a diaper free household!!!!  Huzzah!!!!!
If you are looking for an official day of infamy, as was the case with Ben, then you're outta luck.  I'll give A&B one thing - they are truly individuals.  By that I mean, they are staying the course in the "we do very little, if anything alike" category.  Quite opposites if you ask me.
So it was with little fanfare and a bunch of fits and starts over the span of a year that Audrey's potty training finally clicked in her brain.
In previous posts I mentioned my will to get her out of diapers by her 3 1/2 year mark.  That of course was foolish on my account.  Where Ben molds easily, Audrey goes her own path.  If she was to let go of her precious panties it would be on her schedule, thank you very much.  I acknowledged our inability to "force" her to go in the porcelain god rather than her princess panties early on and probably ended up saving a few years of my life as a result. 
So we waited patiently.  Constantly encouraging her on her success stories, quietly crying when she digressed.  For a while there I had visions of begging her to go on the potty two years from now as we brought her to kindergarten. ;(
It was a change of venue that finally helped her click - that and I think a maturity that seemed to emerge over the summer.  So starting in August, on our summer vacation, she independently went to the powder room all on her own.  Not only was she going to do it on her own schedule, but she didn't need any of our antiquated help either!  And that was fine - I didn't care how she did it - as long as she did it!  And she continued, despite my skepticism and doubt that it would last.  It's been one month now and no set backs!  Nicely done Audrey!

Audrey Multi-tasking

In addition to being the summer season, the last few months have brought a big change in the twins.
They are truly a joy to watch.  And as they begin to interact and play better with other kids, I am forever grateful that they have each other to entertain and enjoy.   It really is priceless watching them play, wrestle, converse and laugh endlessly together.  They both have sprouted upward in height as well as expanded in their verbal communication.  It's easy to have conversations with them now.
Ben can negotiate with the best of them.  Whether it's how much more of his dinner he has to eat, how much TV he can watch, or how late he can stay up, he is constantly negotiating the terms.  Lucky for him he's pretty cute and has a fairly good sense of humor, otherwise I think his days would be numbered. 
Audrey's imagination has exploded.  She is constantly coming up with new names and scenarios and discussing them like they were always a part of our lives.  Recently we discovered that she has a sister Kayma who has the same birthday as Audrey, although is a year older.  Kayma has pink hair and two dogs - (both pink)  Carabesco (love that name - no idea how she thought of it!), who is big and has 5 pink puppies with red tails, and Alyna who is small.  (Audrey made a point of telling me they are ALL girls by the way.  Also that Kayma was with a "K" and Carabesco was with a "C".)
She goes into pretty elaborate stories about where Kayma lives and what she is doing: "At night Kayma sleeps in Ben's bed - that is why Ben ends up coming to Mom & Dad's room to sleep..."

They will be 4 years young in less than a month.  I was told that though the two's and three's can be "terrible," that 4 is the "magic" year.  We've had quite a bit of magic this past year, so I'm really looking forward to the next amazing feats that the Wonderwins astound us with!