k?

Kate says, "K?" a lot lately. Usually when she's "telling" me, or Ethan, or her dolly something. Yesterday, I gave them a snack of crackers and then decided it was enough. I said, "no more" and put them away. She looked at me and in all seriousness said, "no crackers all gone." (pause) "K?" Who am I to argue with that? **We are entering the stage I have waited my whole life for. Talking toddlers. Not just a word here or a word there, but actual thoughts communicated in coherent (to me, at least) sentences (using the term loosely). Warning: I will be making posts like this one quite often.

the Zoo

Ever wondered what the best day to go to the zoo is? Turns out it's the day after a huge rainstorm. There was NO ONE there, except for crazy animal loving people who go to the zoo every day. I swear every where we went the people near us knew the animals by name and were talking to them like they were their own children. The weather was beautiful (albeit a little cool for us Californians). And it seemed like the animals were just as excited to see good weather as we were. They were out and running around. I've never seen animals at the zoo so active. The kids got out and ran around and had a great time, although I'm not sure how many animals they actually cared to see. I think their favorite things were the ducks swimming in the flamingo pond. Oh well, it was fun, and I got a huge bag of kettle corn out of it.

I know I'm the only one...

but I love these rainy days. It's been 6 straight days and I'm still loving it. It may be that we never get them, but I just love it. It's not too cold, but just cold enough to cozy up on the couch with a bowl of kettle corn and a sippy cup of milk, and watch a good movie (good movie being Lady and the Tramp). Normally, I'm anti-tv-for-kids, but on a day like today, how could I resist?

a lesson in twinese

So maybe I'm the mom who doesn't correct my kids when they say something completely incorrectly. If I can understand it, it's good enough for me. Don't get me wrong, it totally melts my heart when they say things like, "chicken" and pronounce it perfectly. But then again, they have the rest of their lives to speak perfectly. I always heard that twins had their own language. I'm not exactly buying into that, but it is strange how one will start calling something by something funny, and even if the other was saying it right before, they will switch. They pretty much call everything by the same name. And I don't correct them.

• hayo- hello
• hico- helicopter
• E.E- Ethan
• Deet- Kate
• hode you- I would like you to hold me
• cars- colors (as in, they would like to color)
• tet- they want to build a tent
• nuk/ nuch- milk
• take it- they would like to take the toy they're holding with them
• Binkin- their cousin, Lincoln
• yep- an answer in the affirmative
• beak- grape
• zapa- pasta
• yeyow- yellow
• Wodie- Rosie (as in Thomas the train's friend)
• Goopy- Goofy
• bimins- vitamins
• bwee bwee- their blankie (not just any blankie, THEIR blankie. any other would be called banket)
• Pooper- their friend, Kooper
• wice- either rice, or shredded cheese; they think they're synonymous
• dip it- they would like to dip their food in something, usually ketchup
• Is!- as in, "there it is!" they have found what they are looking for

I c a n N O T believe that they are 22 months. I have never said that about them before. That must mean things are going well. I'll take it.

A rare family photo taken after an even more rare successful lunch outing

This one's for Darling

They got these darling slippers for Christmas. It was raining today, but that did not stop them from wearing them to Nana's. I guess they knew that slippers on a rainy day were just the ticket. Don't be fooled by Ethan's face- he's not embarrassed one bit.First day of story time at the library. It's so official- you have to wear the name tag. I love it.

I just realized that Ethan has the exact. same. face. in these 2 pictures. The kid cracks me up

Ethan's begun the tackling phase. I guess it's just inherit in the male species. Kate and I were peacefully folding laundry till Ethan came in and broke up the party, laughing hysterically at just how funny he was. He just couldn't resist rolling around in the warm, clean clothes. Can you blame him, really? Kate did find it funny. This time, at least.

Dear Kooper,

I'm sorry that I threw a huge tantrum at your house today. It wasn't cool that I screamed and cried and kicked and screamed some more for a long time. Mom doesn't even remember how long it was but she said it seemed like 3 hours and she's really mad at me. I tried to make it up to her by being really good the rest of the night. I think it worked, but she said I still had to apologize to you or else she said we will never leave the house again till we're 12. So, are we cool? Love, Ethan