Happy 3.5 Birthday!

Sunflower Cupcakes

Before

After

 

Our Wondertwins are half way to 4! Does that make me an optimist?
I surely could have said they are halfway done their 3's.
Either way you think about it, Audrey continues to lead the height category by staying a solid half inch higher than her younger brother:  

Audrey

Height: 38 1/4 in.

Weight: 31.4 lbs.

Ben

Height: 37 3/4 in.

Weight: 31.5 lb.

Since they were born I've been compiling a monthly picture of the two of them with the intention of putting them together for a slideshow. I finally got the chance to compile the pics for their 3 1/2 birthday celebration. It's fun to see the big changes in growth in just one month during their earlier years. The changes are certainly still happening albeit just a bit more subtle.
As I look through the slideshow myself, I'm reminded how especially difficult it was to get them together and sitting still for a picture from about 9 months on. (go figure!) The most difficult age I would say was around 20 months. They just had no reason to sit still for more than a second - let alone sit next to each other AND smile for the camera! I think that is reflected in the quality of pictures during what I call "the futile period." Recently it's become just a bit easier as they enjoy hugging each other and saying "cheese!" Of course this usually creates some very disturbing facial gestures. But at least they are sitting still!
I'll continue to snap for posterity. If only to amuse myself.

The Wondertwins Muses

The Wondertwins are really becoming close friends and have a great time playing and interacting with each other. They constantly ask where the other is when they aren't in view. Since they were conceived I can count on my one hand the amount of times they've been apart for any significant time. I figured they could use some individual time to feel confident in an atmosphere without their other half. I was a little concerned as to how they would react on their own - breaking the cord they've shared this last 3 plus years.
As a response to my concerns and a need to encourage their interests, recently we decided to put Audrey into dance class. She loves to sing and dance and tickle the ivories. So what better way to encourage her passion than to enroll her into a ballet and tap "organized" class.
At first I wasn't sure if she would take direction, she certainly enjoys giving it and doing her own thing, but what would happen if you asked her to do specific things for 45 minutes straight? Now after a full 8 weeks of dancing her heart out, I have to say she is doing great. She absolutely loves the class and this week will be bumping up to the next level. Which is really not much of a jump, but hopefully she will be challenged a bit more and learn some cool dance moves in the process! In June she will be in her first dance recital. Given her love of the craft, I suspect we are in for a long and wondrous barrage of recitals in Audrey's dance career.



Since Audrey was going to dance, we didn't want Ben to feel left out. We won a 4 week coupon for a Gymnastic school here in town. I thought he would be hesitant to participate in anything with out his sister. But since he observed Audrey going it alone for a couple weeks and the fact that we framed it as Superhero school he was on board pretty quickly. He too is doing great and this week was recommended to advance in the next level.



They both exceeded my expectations are are having a great time in their new classes. I have to admit seeing them grow and experience new things on their own without any issues was a big relief and makes me feel calm and assured that they will enjoy anything that they put their mind to.

A Day of Infamy!

January 9, 2011.
The day that will go down in Infamy!!!!!!
(At least in this Mom's books.)

That is the day that our Ben said no to diapers and went full force, head strong and all or nothing into wearing big boy underwear!!! Woot!!!!
And there was no looking back. It's been a long haul, I must admit. But even given that it took a full year of fits and starts, when he put his mind to it, he did it with ease and excitement.
For all you who say - "yawn - big deal." I tell you in my opinion, it is probably the single most biggest deal in their little lives since they started breathing on their own. It is that big for me, and made my year...
Now if only his sister would follow suit.
By everyone's account, Girls were supposed to be the easy one's. If you made me place a bet when they turned 2 of who be the first to be potty trained, I would have jumped at the odds and shouted Audrey! The girl of course! Ben, with his clingy, almost shy nature would never delve into uncharted ground without his sister paving the way. Audrey's head strong will to be independent would surely entice her to want to be free and clear of the baby hand cuffs called diapers.
Now given the results, I realize I would have lost the house - and all the diapers in it.
So I'm setting another goal for Audrey. April 2nd 2011. It is their 3 1/2 year birthday. I have faith she can do it. I just hope she is up to the task and uses some of her independence to embrace the big girl underwear. Because I fear the alternative, I have no choice but to bet she will break us free of diapers for yet another day of infamy!
What would the odds be this time around?

Holidaze 2010

The lights are up, the cards are delivered, the first batches of cookies are made, the gifts are bought, wrapped and sent, and we're all settled in for a long rainy week before Christmas.
Despite all the planning it never fails: "the best laid plans... often go astray."

This year with the Wondertwins has enforced that statement more than ever.
We began our year starting in Daycare for the first time in their lives. It quickly became a nightmare as Ben caught pneumonia after the second week and Audrey followed with a severe cold and ear infection. Then Ben with another ear infection and Audrey with another severe cold and ear infection and then... well you get the idea. We literally spent all of Spring and the start of summer in the doctors office, medicating poor Audrey and Ben.
In June we pulled them out of Daycare for our sanity and their health.
Despite Audrey being the boss in day to day activity, Ben has taken the lead in most firsts this year.
The plan was to wait until their 3rd birthday to put them into big kid beds, but those plans were foiled when in February Ben, in a fit of "I'm not ready to go to bed yet" rage, promptly climbed (read:fell) out of his crib. The next day he was sleeping in his big boy bed and actually seemed to enjoy it. Audrey on the other hand LOVED her crib and loved sleeping in it. It was their hugely different sleeping patterns that forced us to separate them into different rooms in the first place.
But in June, prompted by Ben, Audrey began to want to sleep in her big bed and yet again forced upon us a change a bit earlier than planned. So a big girl bed for her was put in Ben's room and both were joined again, almost 3 years after their separation. Mommy and Daddy were the true winners as Ben started to sleep in. (His usual wake time was 6-6:30 AM) Now, with a companion to sleep with, he's working on Audrey time and sleeping in until 8! (JOY TO THE WORLD!)
Giving up binkies was another first this year. And I have to credit daycare for this one. We sent them to daycare sans binkies. And suprisingly they didn't miss it. So with a little persuasion and after about 15 minutes of whining, in March, Ben gave his binky up for good. Audrey followed in May. I honestly thought it would be very difficult for her as she, like her crib, absolutely LOVED that thing. But all that was said to her was that she didn't use it for her nap and she was a big girl now so she didn't need it at night either. She looked at me, looked at her pillow and laid down to sleep. The end of binkies!
In October, just after their 3rd birthday they both finally had a color breakthrough. For the longest time we thought they were color blind. We'd ask what color is that tree? Ben would say very confidently "pink!" - Audrey would look at my mouth to see what shape my lips where making and say: "rrrr - red?!" (Still getting it wrong while trying to cheat!) But after getting some puzzles - which Ben is a PRO at - it finally clicked for both of them. Now Audrey will offer the (correct) color of things, just to let you know. And Ben knows exactly what color superman, batman, robin, aquaman and yes, a tree is!
And finally what's writing about the end of the year without Santa?
We honestly didn't think we'd ever get a picture of the Wondertwins together on Santa's lap.
Audrey was deathly afraid of him. She would grab onto you like a leech and shake uncontrollably any time she even thought he was near. (Can't say I blame her though - forcing one on a complete stranger in a white beard and odd looking clothes IS scary!)
Ben on the other hand, like the previous firsts, took the lead and leaped into his lap, looking at us like, "what's the big deal - sure I'll sit with this big, hairy stranger, if it'll get me a Batcave!" Yes that is what he wants for Christmas. A Batcave.
So one kid on Santas lap. One kid won't go anywhere near him. Ho Hum.
Then what to our wondering eyes and amazement... we go to a party where Santa came to read a story and chat with all the kids. After an hour of playing with kids in a distant room away from the Big, Red, Hairy man, Audrey nonchalantly walks over to Santa, starts talking to him, and then sits on his lap with no hesitation. I was so shocked, I wasn't prepared to take a picture and didn't turn on the flash. waaa.waaaaaaaaaaaa...Ok - I give up. There really is no figuring out this parenthood thing. The best I can figure is, if you make plans, be prepared to have them change dramatically.
But most of all, just be happy to BE!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

We're 3!

As a friend noted: Audrey & Ben have completed 3 times around the sun! When put in this fashion it feels like such a long journey, but in our world it has flown by in a blink of an eye.
And in speedy fashion, their special day flew by so quickly, I'm still in disbelief.
We ended up going to Chuck E. Cheese, as they requested, and Paco joined us for a last minute surprise weekend visit. They had a great time and came home to two cakes of their choosing.
Batman/Superman for Ben, Cinderella for Audrey.

We dutifully went to their yearly dentist checkup followed immediately by their 3 year doctor check up.
Both went great and with a sigh of relief had great marks for their teeth and their 3 year old abilities. They have taken to flossing like pros - especially surprising as their parents barely started flossing in their 30's. And given their sicknesses in the beginning of the year, they both were very familiar with going to see Dr. Stern, whom they love as she showers them with hugs and kisses. Hopefully all this medical pampering will help them in their later years.

Audrey is still taking the lead in the height, but Ben has taken her over in weight this time...
Audrey:
Height: 37 in.
Weight: 28.4 lbs.
50th percentile height 30 percentile weight - The doctor claims she'll be tall and lean. That would be fine I'm sure by Audrey!
Ben:
Height 36 3/4 in.
Weight: 29.2 lbs.
He's hovering around the 40th percentile for both height and weight - a big boost from past checkups.
We hit many milestones during their 3rd year on Earth and are, as always, looking forward to the next milestones...
As the holiday season draws near we are hoping the year ends with a big gift for Mom & Dad - a diaper free zone. So far Ben is making leaps and bounds while Audrey is barely sizzling. So keep your thoughts and prayers not only for a healthy season, but also a milestone in potty training!
(fingers crossed!!!)

Step by Step

Audrey & Ben have turned 2 1/2.
Funny how while you are young every month is counted, especially when 1/2 the year is up. You don't hear too many adults celebrating their half birthday. :)
This milestone was one I was particularly curious about as I had read at 2 1/2 years you should be able to double their height and get an estimate on how tall they will ultimately be.
We had no official doctors visit for this milestone, but unfortunately since we started daycare they've been consistently sick. (Ben got pneumonia two weeks into the new schedule of daycare and they both have had ear infections and colds to boot) :(
Given that, we have had updates on their weight and getting the height these days is fairly easy...
Here's the results:
Audrey
height: 35 1/2 in.
weight: 29.4 lbs.

Ben
height: 35 in
weight: 29 lbs.

If you double the height we are looking at a whopping
5'11" for Audrey
and
5'10" for Ben

Well have to wait a while to see if that comes to fruition!
At least it's documented and we can refer to the results in another 20 years...
In the meantime we are enjoying all that the wondertwins are throwing at us. Step by step we've been experiencing much more talking and conversing and of course the "terrible two" issues of sharing (or rather NOT sharing) and temper tantrums. It's great watching them interact with each other. They enjoy singing and dancing with each other, as well as chasing each other ad nausium.
New milestones include: Ben is officially out of his crib and into a "big boy bed" - something that happened a bit sooner than we expected due to him leaping out of his crib one evening and finding him sleeping on the floor. Most exciting for me is both are binky free!!!! Funny too how just the little steps are just as exiting to us as the big ones!
3 is just around the corner and I'm sure we'll experience much more as the years fly by!

Holidaze

The New Year is closing in fast and the Wondertwins are getting their share of Holiday fun.
We've gone to a Christmas Ballet, the Burbank Chorale, endlessly watched and danced to The Nutcracker Ballet, saw Santa several places (they love to see him and will get close, but not sit on his lap), had cookies with Santa and the Mother of Twins Club, made tons of Christmas artwork, went to their first swim lesson, went to view Christmas lights with friends, helped Mom make cookies, and helped Paco make a festive Holiday feast.
I'm exhausted just writing this!
Just in the last month Audrey and Ben have made a big jump in their words and interaction. It's really cute watching them playing and laughing together and (YES!) sharing their toys.
Audrey is so attracted to anything musical. She sings, dances, plays drums and the piano whenever she can. Her repertoire of songs include the holiday favorites, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frost the Snowman and Jingle Bells along with the standards, A,B,C's, Ring Around the Rosey and Itsy Bitsy Spider.
Ben is still infatuated with Superman and loves anything art related; drawing, sculpting and building to his heart content. He'll use anything as his paintbrush or pencil including milk from his sippy cup - much to his parents dismay.
In 2010 we are considering putting them into daycare for the first time where I'm sure they will love interacting with the other kids and exploring new places.
The next year is sure to hold many other fun events for Our Wondertwins and we are looking forward to them all!

Wondertwins are 2!

As noted before - in the blink of an eye -
Audrey and Ben are 2 years old!
We celebrated their day at the park above our home and the Grandparents once again flew out for the occasion. The party had an Elmo/Cars theme. Up until that day those two words were the first out of their mouth in the morning and the last before bed.
And just when we thought they would never get them out of their vocabulary and we would go mad watching Elmo and Cars - Ben throws us a curve ball. His new obsessions are Superman and Tinkerbell. It happened almost overnight and I sense a trend emerging.
"S!", "Superman FYYE" , " Superman Fye in Sky" "TinkerBewl" "Tinkerbewl Fyye" Ben repeats over and over until we validate him.
Audrey is just happy to sing songs and doesn't concern herself with the bantering of the same words over and over. That's Ben's realm!
We went for their 2 year checkup this week and both are still on a nice track of growth. Audrey is 1/2 inch taller and 5/10ths pound heavier than Ben, but I think he's gaining as we speak.
They each got two shots this time around - Hepatitis booster and the flu shot - Ben hardly flinched for both shots, completely shocking the nurse who is sadly the bearer of pain to unsuspecting children. He just gave her a look like: "what the hell?" I guess he's taking some lessons from superman?!
Audrey:
Height 34.25 in.
Weight 25.6 lbs.
Ben:
Height 33.75 in.
Weight 25.1 lbs.
Fall has peeked into our world this week with a cold spell and yes - actually rain! Both are welcome as far as I'm concerned as it helps prepare one for the holiday seasons...
And maybe the next obsession? Santa!
Wondertwin latest pics

Summertime

Summertime is in full swing and with it comes the traditional sand and sugar.
The months leading into summer brought out the Grandparents. Grandma C for Easter, Grandma H for Mother's Day and Paco for the Fourth of July.
During Paco's visit on the 4th of July and we the spent a day at the beach, followed by some partaking of ice cream. Both of which the twins love. (what a surprise!)
Here are some clips of them enjoying the perks of summer.
The first is us at the beach. It was our second trip this year and they both love the sand. Audrey in particular loves the water - and it was quite cold to boot - but she didn't care. Ben is more content playing in the sand and checking out the people - mostly girls!



The next is Audrey doing an ice cream dance. She couldn't stop dancing over the sweet stuff!
Ben enjoyed it as well, but took the more demure route and just sat with me and ate - so Audrey got the spotlight this time.



Our May and June and the start of July was pretty mild here until this past week when the heat monster finally reared it's head and brought the 100 degree weather. Our neighbors are away and asked us to take care of their pool - so we are taking advantage of that perk and dunking in each day to cool off.
Both Audrey and Ben are doing great with their letters and numbers. Audrey particularly likes singing the alphabet song and counting to 10. For a while there she was skipping number 7 (still don't know why?) but has finally included it in her repertoire. Ben enjoys pointing out letters on books and shirts and anything in his eyesight. He'll keep repeating the letter until you acknowledge him.
We will be traveling back east the end of August and can't wait to see family and friends again and show how much the babies have changed into little people.
In the meantime we are enjoying our summer as much as possible - goodness knows, in the blink of an eye summer will be gone and they will be 2!
click here for WonderTwins April-June Pics

Happy Spring!

Spring has sprung in the southland. We are enjoying some warm weather and the longer days are giving us just a little more daylight to enjoy it.

The wondertwins are a year and a half old. We went for their 18 month checkup this week. As in the past, they are both on schedule and developing right on track.
Audrey is in the 70th percentile for her height and 20th for weight - still long and lean. And Ben is keeping up by being right in the middle - 50th percentile for height and 10th percentile for weight.
Audrey
height: 32.5 in.
weight: 22.4 lbs.
Ben
height: 32.25 in.
weight: 22.3 lbs.
Audrey is spewing out new words by the minute. She still loves to jabber away and repeat any words - both Dave and I are realizing the need to edit ourselves and be aware of what we say!
Ben still loves to laugh out loud and test the boundaries as well as his Mom and Dad's patience. Where Audrey excels in vocabulary, Ben excels in engineering. Stacking blocks and making bubbles are two skills he's mastered quickly.
As Spring spreads it's wings we are looking forward to watching the next milestones evolve.
click here for latest Wondertwin pics