Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy Birthday To You...

Well folks, it's hard to believe but today Eli and Jude turn two.  That's right, they've been on this planet for two years.  I know it must be shocking to you because I can barely comprehend it myself.  These last two years have been both very short and very long.  When I think back to the day they were born it seems like only yesterday.  I still remember the times before the babies (no matter what other mothers say about forgetting) and it really doesn't seem like that long ago.  But then I think back to those sleepless nights and marathon feedings and passing out on the couch while nursing at 4 AM and it all seems like another lifetime.  I suppose that this is just the nature of parenthood.

Two years ago on December 30, 2008 at 7:28 and 7:30 AM, Elijah Lee and Judah Maxwell entered this world at 34 weeks gestation.  They weighed 4 lbs 14 oz and 4 lbs 12 oz and were 19 1/2 inches and 19 inches long.  Today, Eli and Jude weigh around 26 lbs each, give or take a couple of ounces (Eli is still a little bit bigger) and are approximately 35 inches tall (Eli is also still a little taller).  They run, hop, climb, slide, and swing like pros.  They can count to five successfully every time by themselves and to ten with help.  They can recognize all of their letters and sometimes sing along to the ABCs.  They love music of all kinds but especially pop and dance music.  Much to Travis's dismay, they very much enjoy Ke$ia.  Their favorite television shows are Blues Clues, Yo Gabba Gabba, and the Fresh Beat Band.  They love dogs, cats, and ocean animals of all kinds.  They like to eat pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, clementine oranges, Eggo waffles, cheesy scrambled eggs, and pretty much anything sweet.  They are pretty good at eating with spoons and forks but still struggle a little with cups with no lids.  Their favorite playmates are still each other.

In the last two years, my babies have become little boys.  They play hard and love life.  Even though another birthday means another year farther from those precious baby snuggles and coos, it means so much more to learn about the people we are raising.  I look forward to all of the joys and surprises to come in this next year!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

School-Loving Boys

Eli and Jude are absolutely loving school.  I have to actually drag them out every day.  My boss thinks it's the funniest thing ever but I'm totally exasperated.  Seriously, who wants to WRESTLE two squirmy toddlers after a long day of work just to go home?  I know I don't.  But I'm still really happy and excited that they love being at school so much.  They love their teacher, Miss Brooke, and they both play so well with all of the kids in their class.  I'm sure it helps that all of the teachers coo over them because they're so adorable.  : )

I'm a little torn about what's going to happen in January for them.  Because they're 6 months younger than everyone in their class now, they may not move up to the next class next semester.  The kids who are actually their age will move up into their classroom and the older kids will go to the next room.  I haven't talked to my boss about the plans yet but I don't even know what I want them to do.  On the one hand, I want them to stay with the kids they know and move up with the rest of their class.  But on the other hand, I think that they would be more successful in a class with kids their own age and they really love their teacher.  I suppose I'll have to think about it a little more.

Hope everyone's having a great December!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Happy Chanukkah!

This year, Chanukkah has completely snuck up on me.  Normally I'm very prepared, ready with more latkes and dreidels than anyone could ever need.  I really love fried foods so it's no surprise that I'm a fan of this holiday.  This year though, I've been a complete slacker.  Tonight is the third night (which is so early ANYWAY) but I have only bought Eli and Jude one thing each and bought two things for Travis.  I was just not prepared for it this year.  And I'm so exhausted that I cannot even peel a potato for my precious latkes.  Of course, now that I'm thinking about them, I really want to make a batch.  Ugh, don't you hate that?

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great week and a happy holiday - even if most of you do not celebrate the joyous festival of lights.  : )