Back to school, back to school...

I'm singing the song from "Billy Madison" in my head right now - in case you were wondering. (and I don't know how to stop this stupid thing from underlining all my words, so deal with it :) ).
Well, last week I started back at work and what a week it was!
I'll give you a run-down:
Monday: Daycare lady called to say her son was sick. I was on the phone on my entire drive to work trying to figure out if we should bring the kids to daycare anyway. It was decided (with opinions from many, many people) that they will be exposed to germs at some point, so we should get it over with.
At school, the Principals didn't know who I was, what I was there for, or who I was replacing. Not a single person said hi to me (ok, maybe one person did), and in fact most people looked at me like I was crazy.
Tuesday: Slightly better. The boys LOVED daycare and Andrew started sitting up all on his own!! I went out to eat with my old college roomies (from the pink house) and got some sweet Christmas garland from Molly's mom's stash of garage sale items (Thanks, T. Heinz!).
Wednesday: Late night at work - we had open house and LOTS of high school kids were there (which really surprised me). I got a phone call around 4:00 that Andrew had a fever and both boys were sick. Awesome. Adam had to go and pick them up, while I stayed at work. When I got home, I checked on them and heard their snoring throughout the house (because of the stuffy noses).
Thursday: I was planning on staying home, but we called for reinforcements in case the babes wanted some one-on-one time (because they were sick and all). Grandma Judy came to visit for the day, and the boys were doing great, so I went to work after a little while. I felt like a terrible mother, but I didn't want to use my sick time up when they really didn't NEED me to be there.
Friday: The day off. I dropped the boys off with Grandma Judy and Grandpa Don for an overnight visit (the first one). We had a wedding and then went to pick the boys up on Saturday and made salsa all day.
Today, in case you were wondering, Adam and I watched Ghost Hunters on tv all day long. Yes, ALL DAY LONG. Tomorrow I have to go back to school - which did get better by the way, once people noticed that yes, I really do work there. :)

So now, for the pictures:

Andrew smiling for the camera.

Luke, innocently chewing his toy.

The 8 month "bowling pin picture"
Yes, we do this to see how big they are getting.
No, the did not sit still for the picture - AT ALL!

8 months old!

It's hard to believe that these 2 are 8 months old already!!

I know everyone would prefer pictures, and we do take them, it's just been tougher now that we are constantly trying to corral our little movers. Above they look calm, sitting on the chair, but I assure you, seconds after this shot was taken, Andrew arched backwards almost falling out of the chair, which made Luke curious, so he crawled to Andrew's side of the chair, biting him along the way, of course. And so, 2 really do make more trouble than 1 (at least I think so, I wouldn't know, would I?)

The boys like to read books (I try to get there before they eat all the pages).

Luke can sit up all by himself - the boppy is only there as a precaution because he can't really get down from sitting so well by himself. Then he cries. Then he needs to be held. Then we have to try to stop his crying before Andrew starts; the boys have started to exercise their empathic (is that a word?) skills and now will cry if the other one starts.

Playing nicely together.

This was actually really nice. They were both digging in the toy bucket making sounds, seemingly discussing which toy to pull out, which really didn't need much discussion because soon ALL the toys were out and strewn around the carpet, pinned under backs and bopped into heads.

Andrew can sit too, he just needs some support - he's pretty tippy.

Luke crawls over, under, and through EVERYTHING, as you can see by him going under the exersaucer, which is WAY more fun than being in the exersaucer.

Luke under the coffee table - he was on his way to see Andrew who was sitting on the couch (see above).

One of the favorite places to be: eating!

Boys after my own heart. They love to eat and are eating 3 meals a day, including puffs, which they are actually getting pretty good at! They never miss a meal (just like their mom!).

Andrew doesn't crawl yet, but he does roll, and often rolls himself up in the blanket on the floor.

He can't crawl, but he can, however, stand. For short periods of time. When placed carefully against something sturdy. And caught if necessary.

It really is quite something to see. It's unbelievable to see how every single day, they do something different. Luke is making faces and imitating them. He says "mama" and "dada" (not really knowing what he is saying) and he clicks his tongue really loud! Come to think of it, he pulls out "mama" when he's upset, hmmmm. Andrew just started with the /m/ sound (that's an "mmmm" for those non-SLPs) but he's REALLY good at screaming when he needs to be!

One really nice thing that has happened lately is that Andrew will no longer be bullied. He holds his own; not letting go of toys, biting back, and fighting for what he wants. Although, maybe not great that he fights back, at least he's not letting Luke walk all over him (which I was worried about especially since Luke has always been so much more dominant and demanding *sigh* like his mom, again) :)

So now, we start another chapter. Back to School.

I'm sad and excited at the same time. We've had such a fun summer and I've been able to really get to know my boys. I'm sort of sad that I am going to miss out on all that "little" stuff that happens during the day, but I am much better when I am working. I'm more organized, get more done, and I appreciate my family much more. The boys love daycare, and Kelly (aka "daycare lady") sends picture texts throughout the day so I know what they are up to. They always look really happy in the pictures!

Then again, they always look really happy!

How did that happen?

Where did my summer go? I had my first day of workshops today, and although I am ready to go back to work (I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune in November) I just can't believe it's time for that already!
The boys had their first day of daycare. They were good all day according to Kelly (the daycare lady), and I asked the older kids if the twins were good and they said "yeah, pretty much. They only cried one time." (They were hungry - it was before lunch and naptime.) All in all, a success!
Luke LOVES daycare. He loves to watch all the other kids and giggles at them almost the whole time. He is quite the social butterfly (who does that remind you of?). Andrew is quite content, as usual, to be at daycare. I got there to pick them up around 2:30, and Andrew was still napping so Kelly went to get him. He was just fine with her and looked up at me like "huh, what are you doing here?"
They must have had fun, though, because when we got back home they each took another short nap. Andrew was happy to see me, I got about 5000 "kisses" this afternoon - which made me feel better, like they know who I am!
In other news, I officially have a "pukey kid". Thank you Daddy. Apparently Adam was quite a gaggy, pukey kid and now Andrew is. He gags and "spits up" any vegetable that's green unless it's mixed with applesauce or something sweet. Gross.
Luke still loves ALL foods and will usually say "mmmm" throughout a meal. He also tried "puffs" for the first time. I was thinking it might take a little practice to pick up the food and get it into his mouth. Nope! In the first 5 seconds, Luke had a puff in each hand and was cramming both fists into his mouth. Guess he's ready for finger foods. :)
Andrew is finally getting teeth, but they are MUCH slower than Luke's and he's been pretty crabby the past couple of weeks. Lucas is army crawling around like a madman and loves to get close to the dog, hit the fireplace, air vents, or tiles on the floor. He bites anything in his way; toys, diapers, dog bones (yuck) and Andrew's legs.
That's our updates for now! I hear some babies whining (it's bedtime!) so I should go help with baths. Later!

LOUD!

asd Wow! Today has been quite the day and it's not even 10am yet. Luke was up at 5 this morning (stupid teeth!) and I got him to go back to sleep until 5:45 :( . We woke up Andrew - I know, don't wake up a sleeping baby, but you really have to with twins or we would be on such a weird schedule - and fed the babes.
I scrambled to take a shower, but heard them crying before I was done, so there goes that. Hold that thought, Luke's crying...
You know it's been a bad day when you can't even recognize the cries anymore - that was Andrew (he had to burp). Luke has a panicky screamy cry - one that would cause you to think something was seriously wrong - even when all he wants is someone to watch what he's doing. Andrew has a sad wail kind of cry - truly pathetic.
So, back to my story. Shower was short. Came downstairs and played with the boys and they were loud the whole time! Luke is not only crying because his 6th tooth is coming in (yes 6th!!) but he is babbling up a storm! Most of the times he says "mamavavabala" and I pretend he says "mama". Andrew is just watching him with huge eyes wondering how he can make noise, and he has learned to make rasperries SO LOUD that his face turns red and you think he can't breathe.
They both screamed throughout breakfast (which they liked, because in between screams I heard some "mmmm" sounds). They screamed while getting dressed for the day. They cried in their jumpy toys. They cried when I held them, and they cried when I put them down to make bottles. Then they had a bottle and fell asleep, but started screaming because they woke up and the bottles weren't in their mouths (not kidding - I have a couple of hogs ;) ).
Finally, just now it's quiet - for maybe an hour - I love naptime!

Here are some pictures I thought were funny. They pretty much sum up our "now mobile" life around here. Andrew studies everything, while Luke gets closer and closer and closer...

P.S. Not quiet - someone just woke up - it lasted 10 minutes...

organic

I'm not sure if I've mentioned that I dislike pesticides and chemicals, food additives and cleaning products. Have I? Well, here I go again!
It all started 2 weeks ago when my friend Nikki told me about a book she just finished reading (Master Your Metabolism). She said 'You should read it - or, maybe you shouldn't - it might make you crazier' (it was something to that effect maybe not those exact words :) ). So, I read it. It was awesome! It backed up ,my beliefs about preservatives, chemicals, and other poisons in foods and products and it gave actual medical reasons why we should NOT be putting these chemicals into our bodies!
Ever since, I've been on an organic kick. I've always fed my boys organic foods, so why shouldn't I be eating them too?? I'm trying to buy as much organic foods as I can. If I can't get it in an organic form, I try to get the most natural foods possible. I've (GASP) stopped drinking Diet Mountain Dew, and if you know me, you know I've been drinking at least 2 cans/day for years thanks to my college roommate from freshman year who introduced me to the deliciousness of pop - we didn't have a whole lot of pop when I was a kid - for SURE not Mtn. Dew and for SURE not 1 a day. I've made a deal with myself that I can get pop if I'm out of my house, but no more diet EVER! Did you know that the aspertame in diet soda turns to formaldehyde in your body?? Do you remember high school anatomy, dissecting animals?? That smell is formaldehyde. That was enough to change my mind - not to mention the fact that it alters your body chemistry and in some cases your DNA, it sticks in your brain and you can't get rid of it. (This coming from someone who was up to 4 diet sodas a day - I"M DONE!)
Is it expensive? Not anymore than usual. Yes, the foods are more expensive, but I'm not buying as much pre-packaged garbage (sorry Adam) and I'm not buying pop. It evens out for us according to our grocery bills.
And now for what you really look at my blog for...

Look how happy they are waiting for supper

Last night, Dad fed Andrew.

I really want to know how he stayed relatively clean.

Mom fed Lucas.

This is usually what the boys look like.
Peas all over. On the forehead, inside ears...

After this was taken, Luke proceeded to rub his eyes and got sweet peas inside his eyeball. This resulted in a full-blown fit (naturally - wouldn't you cry if you got peas in your eye??) and Mom digging in his eye to get all the peas out. He is fine and can see very well as he just saw me try to sneak his bottle out of the fridge and into the bottle warmer (he's screaming because the bottle warmer is not faster). Light just went off - gotta go!

traveling

My frustration with posting this particular blog entry has hit a maximum level, and since I don't have time to fuss around with formatting the pictures (again!) I'll leave it how it is right now. You just want to see pictures of the boys anyway, right?

So, traveling. Oh, man, we sure are! Luke is "crawling" around on his stomach and can get into EVERYTHING. He especially likes the air vents in the floor. He can pull them out of the floor. Yikes! When he's not crawling, he's rolling. He also started hanging onto the bottom of the swing - like he's doing a circus trick. He's very talented AND he has another tooth (yes, #5). Do NOT let him bite you - it hurts!!

Andrew is rolling around too, but he's a little more laid back (lazy), and doesn't go too far too fast. He prefers to push himself around backwards on his tummy. He has no teeth yet, but they are coming - he is a drool machine and last night (in a fit) he bit me with his gums and that hurt! I'm glad there are no choppers in there. (Yes, my kids have fits - especially when overtired.) Andrew still could stand all day, and he's starting to blow raspberries or at least try - it's really funny!

We have been gone for the past 3 weekends. We were up at my parents' on the 4th of July, then we went to help Adam's parents the following weekend at their lake, and finally last weekend we went to visit Auntie Amy in Duluth. The boys are good in the car. If they wake up they don't really cry, they just make a lot of noise to get some attention. Luke has perfected the fake cough (then he looks behind him to see if anyone's looking) and Andrew likes to scream as loud as he can. At this point, I usually crawl in the backseat to entertain, and the three of us fall asleep for the rest of the trip. I think Dad likes it that way - everyone quiet!

So, here are some recent pictures of our daily trials and travels:

Northwoods Confections

I brought the boys to my old work. This is the candy store where I perfected my flabby physique back in college - chocolate ALL DAY?? Why, sure, thank you! Luke is in the backpack. He doesn't look very comfy, but he was almost asleep the whole time. My back was sweaty, and my shoulders hurt...if you wanted to know. :)

The 4 of us by Lake Superior.
When we left town Adam said "We are those people I HATED in college. Those idiots taking pictures by the lake and driving around looking for a parking spot"
Yes, we are THOSE people.


Ooh, lift bridge, boys. (They didn't look.)

VISITING G & G L.

Taking a dip in Grandpa Don and Grandma Judy's lake.



On the pontoon.
Andrew was driving with Grandpa. Luke was sleeping. Both of them hated the life jacket situation. They had crabby looks on their faces the entire trip.

Luke's idea of a nice boatride - eating and falling asleep. The poor kid had no neck in that lifejacket!

Relaxing in the hammock.

BACK HOME

Below: The First Toy Fight.

Luke is mobile and also grabby. He will roll/crawl himself to Andrew and steal whatever he has. We have doubles of most toys, people, and often Lucas has the same toy - he just wants Andrew's too!

But don't feel bad for poor little Andrew. He is not so innocent.

Here he is after he stole Luke's blankie - right out of his arms!

Don't let the face fool you...

My life has just become REALLY crazy.

busy, busy, busy

We've been busy. Adam and I were busy last weekend celebrating the 4th of July with our annual party at my parent's lake. We were trying to figure out how many years we've been doing it, and have no idea. I think it's been at least 20 (making me REALLY old!). It's also the weekend we celebrate my dad's birthday, my aunt's birthday, my uncle's birthday, and 3 cousins' birthdays.
On Sunday (my dad's actual birthday), we helped my parents move all of the "big stuff" out of their house. That was a little sad, but very exciting because they are building a new house closer to the lake. I was reminiscing all weekend - alone, because no one would reminisce with me - about playing here and there, writing on the walls (sorry about that!), and remembering my childhood in that house.
The boys have been busy, too! The Sunday before the 4th, they had their first "photo shoot" with their auntie Morgan. She took WONDERFUL pictures of the boys that you can see here if you want to!
Luke is busy rolling all over the house, chewing on himself and his brother (which Andrew does NOT like), and just overall demolishing things :). Luke is using his 4 teeth to rip toys and put bite marks on most everything. He will roll over anything in his way - including Andrew, who doesn't seem to mind.
Andrew is rolling one way, then gets stuck. He is perfecting his "goo" sound and his screaming. He'll scream as loud as he can and then look over at us. We can't tell if he's looking proud that he can scream or sheepish like "whoops, that was loud" - it's a surprised kind of look and it's really cute.
Other than that, I'm just enjoying being home for the summer! I'm not really thinking about next year quite yet - denial works wonders! I will have to think about it soon because my new classroom is full of old flashcards that I'm allergic to (yes, nerdy, I know) and I have to figure out a system for storing my high school and birth-3 things in the same room.
Oh, someone's getting hungry - gotta go!