What's Happening Lately...Sorta

Well, what's been happening is a whole lotta not bloggin'. But it has been just that crazy. Not to mention I seem to have a crude case of writer's block --- I think of stuff to write down, memories to capture, milestones to remember, and then poof- I sit down at the computer and get pinged by a dozen work emails, interrupted by children who would like to be fed or something else incredibly demanding, or I just want to nap. Usually it's the latter and I have zero willpower in that department.

But here goes --- just some random thoughts and catch up with the Clanahan's. I also have a few pics to dump from my i-phone but I think I'll save that for another fascinating post. Or maybe not. Let's see if I can get through this post without someone yelling "Mommy" or "MEEEEEE!" 

1. Mother's Day Out is going FANTASTIC. It has been so good for R&Q and so good for me as well : ) Although those 5 hours pass darn fast. At any rate, the kids both love it and barely give me a second glance as I leave. From the feedback I get from their wonderful teachers, they do really well listening, actually follow directions (what???!!!), and play wonderfully with the other kids. So warms my heart that even if I have a hard time getting a "please" or "thank you" here, they are doing it in public, where I suppose it matters! For Quinn, her report cards mostly say that she is a total doll, wants to be the class helper all the time, keeps up with the "big boys" without a problem, and is chatty and busy all.the.time. The only issue she's had lately is either rarely napping or only taking a 30 minute snooze. Which actually works out for me, because she usually crashes for another hour or 2 when she gets home. Ryan's feedback is that he is always sweet and cuddly, curious about almost everything, loves to play outside and read books, and has really come out of his shell the past few weeks. He's talking more and always takes great naps. His main issue is eating. The boy is PICKY and sometimes just won't eat at all - just will drink milk & water. But to be fair, he's used to having mainly "hot lunches" at home and is not a huge fan of lunch meat or anything else that I can send with him. So I try to stock him up on crackers, cheese, and peaches - things I know he will eat. Then he devours snacks as soon as he gets home!

Here are a couple of pics of the kids worn out on their way home from MDO, yay!

2. So the house has officially been on the market almost a month. We've had about 8 showings, all with mostly positive feedback. The main issue has been that our house unfortunately backs up to a fairly busy road (which wasn't nearly as busy 6 years ago!) But we still feel confident and did a little price adjustment yesterday so we'll see if that helps. I am SO tired of cleaning constantly in case we get a call for a showing. I literally have gone through twice as many paper towels this month, 2 containers of granite cleaner and 3 things of Clorox. FUN. If you know me at all, I am not a cleaner. I like things clean, but I do "surface cleaning", meaning baseboards and scrubbing shower scum is not my bag. Nor is vacuuming. Matt has always like to vacuum (did I score in that department or what?) so I never do. The other day we had a showing and I had a momentary freak out when I had to figure out how to turn the vacuum on. Turns out there's this handy little red button at the base. Hmmm.

So we'll see --- we are hoping that the next month will bring in a buyer and then we can get this show on the road! We haven't broken ground on the new place yet until we feel a little more positive about selling here. And it's a 4 month building process, barring weather. So now I am just hoping that we can be in the new house by mid to late fall. Here's hoping...

3. I believe we can now safely say we are getting entrenched in the terrible 2's. A little early for my taste. But we are dealing with multiple tantrums a day and plenty of time outs. It's interesting to see how they each get in trouble. For Ryan, I think he sometimes just "forgets" that he shouldn't do something and then knows immediately to stop. So he doesn't get timeout too often because the behavior doesn't continue. For Quinn, well, ... she's special : ) She knows exactly what she is doing, knows that it is wrong, and then she keeps doing it. And then melts into the floor and throws a fit if I take her away from it. Then her timeouts are used as "plotting" times when she thinks of what she will get into next. It's just such a science experiment to see their little personalities. I love them equally --- I love that Ryan doesn't want to disappoint and wants to be "good" and no matter my level of frustration, I love that Quinn is strong-willed and independent. Each set of their qualities will serve them well in life, and perhaps they can even learn a little bit from each other. Here's hoping!

4. We've had some GORGEOUS weather around here. Perfect for playing outside almost all day - and especially in the evening when Mommy is trying to get dinner ready and have a few moments of silence. And that's reason #2589 why I love my husband --- for the past few weeks, almost religiously, he takes the kids outside, blows bubbles, plays balls, whatever, as soon as he gets home from work. It's like HEAVEN to me. A thirty minute heaven, but wonderful nonetheless.

5. I am finding it more and more challenging to work from home, raise the kids, get errands done, house stuff, cook dinner, ya know, the works. It's such a balancing act. Most days I feel just torn --- knowing that I should have given the kids more attention and worked less, or on the days where the kids have my full attention, I know that I may not be on as top of my work as I used to be. But I know I will look back and I won't remember the times that I didn't meet that one self-imposed deadline, but I will remember if I told R&Q that "Mommy is too busy to read you a book right now". I'm still just trying to find my footing. Some days I am more successful than others. But we're working on it.

6. I've had a lot of teeth and dentist related dreams lately. It's so bizarre. The first one, the dentist pulled out 10 of my teeth without pain meds because they were "bad". The second, my teeth just fell out. And then last night, I had a dream that I had my teeth polished and cleaned for hours. I have no idea why I feel the need to share that, but I'm pretty sure it means that my mind is working overtime at the moment.

7. While 2012 hasn't been the least stressful year --- I  have been incredibly blessed by a wonderful group of girlfriends who keep me sane. I know that I am not always the best friend in keeping up with everyone, but I am so thankful that I have people that I can call at the drop of a hat or shoot an email and know I will get back heartfelt advice and prayer. So thankful! These women are like family --- and I couldn't make it through everything without them! Or our "Mommy's Night Outs" : )

8. I think that's quite enough for now. I know I have more to update on the twins specifically and some milestones as we quickly approach their 2nd birthday in 6 weeks, aghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! How did that happen? But I'll save you from all of the words. Plus, naptime is over and mommy is back on duty!

Love to you all,

We have a climber.

So we have a climber. And I'm not even going to pretend I am happy about it. I am not at all.

I'm sure if you've read this blog for any amount of time or know my family at all, you can guess who it is.

QUINNIE QUINN QUINN.

It all started early last week when we.had.just.run.out.of.complete.patience. and put her in "big time out" in her crib. That's a last resort time out punishment as we typically put her in the corner. But the corner had failed us at least 4 times, so Matt put her in the crib.

Later he came to tell me that when he went to rescue her from the pit of unimaginable hell, she was just waltzing around her room checking things out.

Nice.

Well, we hoped it was a one-off thing and maybe she had gotten herself so mad and upset that she had an extra boost of energy to get herself out. She didn't do it again for 3 days.

Until I put them down for naps on Thursday and sat down working on training a new co-worker.

Then came the unmistakable knock on the door. Then the sound of books hitting the floor.

Ran in there and sure enough, that stinker was out. UGhhhh. Put her back in, told her to "STAY" (yeah, like that was going to work) and of course, she just did it again, and again, and again. And kept her brother up in the process. And since I was working, there wasn't a whole lot I could do at that moment. Finally, 2 hours after  her naptime should have started, she finally gave up and passed out.

And that night was much of the same. We finally ended up pulling out the crib mattress and Matt slept next to her on the floor until she finally fell asleep. Let me tell you how much fun we all are when there's no sleep in this house. Pleasantries and compliments were not exactly exchanged the next day. After scouring the internet for crib tents (OMG, places have stopped selling them and the two places left that actually carry them WERE ON BACKORDER), I made a dash in the pouring rain for toddler rails since I was scared to death she was going to get caught on a rung climbing out.

Of course, those did nothing to contain the beast that had just discovered UNTOLD FREEDOM. I was by myself that night as Matt was at a men's retreat, and I spent a good portion of the evening crying into the phone with my mom as my child screamed from the unfairness of it all and Ryan cried because he just wanted sleep already.

Me too, bud, me too.

The main dilemma is separating them right now isn't really a reality. We have to keep the house staged for selling and the other room is a guest room. So we are a bit stuck. After doing some research and talking to friends, we stuck her in the pack 'n play so we could all get some sleep and do some eval on the situation. Wouldn't you know it worked like a charm on Saturday night. And Sunday's nap. And Sunday night. So, sold. We are going to pack 'n play her for the meantime. I just don't think she is "there" yet on being able to stay in the bed, and although we could do the whole training thing now, I am just not there yet energy-wise. I need prep time. There was no warning for this madness. And if you know anything about me, you know my little a-type, anal retentivness wants to pick the day, pick the schedule and roll with it on my terms.

Roll your eyes. I know you want to. This is just a small taste of what the kids are going to do that's NOT in my plans. I get it. But for now, I'm granting myself a reprieve. Because carrying the child back to bed 30 to 40 times in a night doesn't sound appealing right now with everything going on. I know she will eventually be ready and so will we.

And Ryan. Dude, I think he would just stay in the crib until age 12 if he could. He's just watched the action from afar with a bemused smirk on his face, like "glad it's not me, sucker." Just like his daddy. Learn from other people's actions. So I guess that would make Quinn like me. Yikes. I've heard the stories. Thanks, Mom.

But if he gets any ideas and leaps out of the crib anytime soon, someone will need to call in my Xanax stat.

My babies are definitely not babies. :(

Easter Bunny 2012

The day after the kids go to "school", they are always itching for something more fun to do than just watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse, read and color with Mommy. Apparently, I'm not as fun or cool as Miss Kara. Whatever. Yesterday I went to pick the twins up and Quinn literally picked up her backpack when she saw me coming and RAN clear to the opposite side of the room, so I had to chase her down and make her come home. She was not a happy camper that Mommy made her leave her fun day. I guess if it was the opposite and she cried the whole day because she was sad to be away, it would be much worse. But super fun to carry out your screaming, kicking child out of preschool like I was kidnapping her.

Anyway, I decided today would be the perfect day to take the kids to get their pictures with the Easter Bunny so we could have a fun and different activity - and wear them the heck out. We bypassed the picture taking last year for some reason I can't remember (probably because I didn't have a brain a year ago), so the Mom in me really wanted to capture the memory. We were sad that Daddy couldn't go, but I was fearful of the weekend crowds so today seemed as good a day as any.

While we were waiting for the incredibly sloooowwwww "Easter Bunny Helper" to get set up (just what do you call them anyway? Easter Bunny Elves?"), the Bunny himself came over to the stroller to get acquainted with the twins. Now, they have never been within 100 yards of any large, furry, fake animal so I was a little nervous. To my surprise, they giggled. And kept giggling. It was precious.

And then I knew... I wasn't going to get my freak out Easter picture this year. I have this twisted little mind that secretely (or not so much) wants one of them -or both would be even better - to have a total meltdown so I can laugh about it for the next 20 years. It didn't happen with Santa 2011, so I had high hopes for Bunny 2012.

Yeah, not happening. Instead, we got this:

Which I am actually kind of in love with. They look pretty stinkin' adorable. It was fairly difficult to get them to both smile looking at the camera and at the same time, but in the end, this was the final product. I love that they are in matching outfits --- contrary to most of the pictures I post on here (the professional ones, etc), I don't often match or coordinate them. But I found these outfits through my obsession, Smocked Auctions, and LOVE them. And I only have 2 more months for jon jons for Ryan (per Matt's instructions), so that boy is wearing the heck of them this spring/summer.

I will cherish this photo for years. Until I get the freak out picture I am hoping for : )

Milestones & Mayhem

I don't know what my problem has been lately, but I haven't been able to put together a coherent sentence, much less a blog post. Massive case of writer's block and communication, which isn't a great thing for someone who works in communications and marketing : ) Anyway, I did want to record a few things for posterity and update y'all on what's happening around here --- potentially not the most entertaining but definitely things I want to remember for the kids.

Anyway, in no particular order - your exciting reading for the day.

Milestones:

• Quinn said her first 3 word phrase this past weekend: "Look at that!". Clear as a bell and music to our ears. She was in the midst of opening up a fun gift from Ma who was in town and got really excited about some cute spring clothes. She is soooo my daughter! I was starting to get a little worried about the twin's speech because I know by now that a lot of toddlers are saying more phrases at this point. However, I am trying to get better about not comparing what's going on with other kids their age. It's ok to a point, but each child does their own thing on their own time. And I knew the capability was there --- they both babble incessantly --- but in "twin speak". It would be nice if they would let me in on the translation of that.
• Ryan also put together his first phrase just yesterday: "See that!" Big, big deal for him since he is the more quiet of the two. Who knew that these little phrases could bring tears to my eyes? But I am just so proud of them and how far they have come. And now that we've had these breakthroughs, I have a feeling more and more are to come. First one who says "I love you" gets an extra deposit in the college savings account. Kidding. Sort of. : )
• Quinn has officially "graduated" from ECI! We have only used their dietician sevices for the past year and a half or so to help Quinn gain weight for her surgery and then post-surgery to ensure that she regained and maintained. Well, the first month after her surgery, she not only got caught up but flew up the charts to a spot she's never been -- almost 18th percentile or so if I remember correctly. The next month, although she didn't gain weight, she grew a full inch in less than 4 weeks. Crazy! So happy for that --- and for my budget since she now fits back into her old jeans perfectly and even better than before. So we decided that this little one is going to grow just fine. She will probably always be on the small side, but hey, her momma 'aint huge, so what did we expect? 5'10 was never in her future.
• Both twins have gotten much more adept at using their forks and spoons for independent eating. They do great with the forks at dinner and love, love being able to scoop their own yogurt. The cutest part: after they get a bite on their own into their mouth, they both immediately go "Mmmmmmmmm!". Does it taste better eating off a fork versus shoveling it in with their hands? Probably :)
• We finally feel comfortable enough to bathe the kids at the same time if we are by ourselves. We are super, super careful and it takes some coordination, but they get such a kick out of being in the tub together. Ryan constantly splashes Quinn like any other mature little boy and Quinn uses the washcloth to try to wash him up. It's so cute. And they are both getting great at holding the toothbrush AND brushing their own teeth. I don't know how clean they get them so I always do a follow up, but mostly then do it on their own. Big kids :(

Mayhem

• I received my first gash and heavy bleeding courtesy of one of my children. I've accidentally gotten hit in the nose multiple times, but never had actual blood flow. Anyway, Ry Guy got a little too excited about the new plastic plates that Ma got him. I guess he was trying to show me the plate and instead caught me across the brow with the plate. I am not ashamed to say that I almost immediately started to cry from the pain, so I kinda army crawled behind the couch so he wouldn't see my huge tears. I didn't want to break his sensitive heart since I knew he had not done it on purpose. When Matt came to check on me, the first thing he said was "Ok, we need to go to the bathroom and whatever you do, don't look in the mirror." Well, of course that set me in a panic, especially when I put my hand to my face and pulled it back to see it covered in red. Awesome. The plate caused a pretty decent gash just below my eyebrow and just because of where it was, it wouldn't stop bleeding. I think stitches were probably in order, but I had about zero desire to go sit in some ER for a few hours on a Saturday when we had family in town. So Dr. Matt ran to the store for some butterfly strips and professionally applied liquid bandaid (OMG that stuff burns like HELL) and patched me up with tape. Cute look. Like someone said on my facebook page, it's amazing that anything can be turned into a weapon in the hands of a toddler.
•  The blood continues --- we had to take some more family pictures recently for an area magazine (they asked me to write an article about Q's journey and wanted some accompanying pictures). And you know how much I just LOVE pictures, right? (mild sarcasm). It's no easy feat to get 2 toddlers and 2 adults coordinated somewhat without looking like THAT family. So after much stress and a trip to the mall, I nailed down the outfits, actually got my make up done (what? Vanity much?) and we headed to a local park. Not 2 shots in, both babies busted it down 3 steps. Quinn came out mostly unscathed, but Ryan took a pretty good beating. Blood all over his forehead and nose with a pretty decent welt to go along with it. She assured us she could photoshop it out. I haven't seen the photos yet but hoping that's true. No more family pictures for awhile. I need a break. And shamefully, besides with my i-phone, I've been on an anti-camera kick in the New Year. I need to get on the ball but it seems I am too busy chasing R&Q than to take actual pictures of them.
• A little more mayhem - we've decided it's time to move. This house has always been our "five year home" and then we planned to move on. Well, 2 babies later, who need to be separated at some point and would really like a game room (I mean, momma would really like the game room), it's about that time. We went crazy for about a week thinking we were going to put money down on a lot almost immediately but regained our senses and are truly starting the home search process. And not to mention, the prep-house-for-sale process. The former is exciting, the latter is a huge pain and proving to be somewhat costly. Guess I shouldn't have driven through the garage wall when I was preggers. Anyway, hopefully sometime this year we should be outta here and into something new or new to us. Should be interesting. We've never actually moved with stuff. In our first move to Louisiana, Matt's company assisted with the move but we virtually owned nothing but a few pieces of used furniture, clothes, and assorted wedding gifts. Our 2nd move to the condo was just down the road and again we didn't have many things at that point. And in the 3rd move to Houston, we literally had nothing. Just enough stuff to fill a Honda CRV - and it wasn't even that full. Thanks, Hurricane Katrina. So now, 6 years of acquiring, 2 babies and all of their stuff, whoa - this should be interesting. Matt doesn't know it yet, but even if we only go 5 miles down the road, we are totally hiring movers.

So that's a little bit about what's going on here. Chasing crazy toddlers who are wearing me thin, working when I can during naps, Little Gym classes, playdates, and then all four of us completely crashing at night. Life is busy, but good busy --- but I need a nap! Hopefully next time we "speak", I'll have some more exciting updates to share and heaven forbid, some actual pictures : ) (And perhaps that the kids had their first Mother's Day Out experience? We'll see!!)

In Him,