Got Resolutions? (2010 In Review)

I don't think I ever got around to making resolutions for 2010, and let's be honest, I only had one...survive! Well, I did. And I accomplished so much more than I could have dreamed!

2010 Accomplishments:
1) Lost all of the baby/IVF/Previous employer's weight - I weigh less now than the number that's on my driver's license, which I know I weighed more than when I got married. It's possible that I weigh less now than when I met Striker. In fact I'm pretty sure of it. I haven't worn a pants size this small since high school graduation. How'd I do it? Eat right and be Alex and Tony's mom...50 pounds of baby to carry around and play with all day is a pretty good workout.

2) Exclusively breastfed twins - I had zero expectations of nursing past 6 months and started out just wanting to see how long I could last. I was fortunate enough to be able to quit pumping and just feed my babies when they needed to be fed. Some people would think I'm crazy, crunchy, or whatever. I say that it's free, healthy, and easy. It was a choice that we made as a family and the one that worked the best for the four of us. It CAN be done even if it's not the easiest or most convenient option. I'm proud that we did it and do not have any regrets.

3) Enjoyed the great outdoors - Have BOB, will travel! Farmers Market, MANY parks, the streets of Chino or Eastvale, Disneyland, our hunt for MLB Mickeys, and many more, oh the miles BOB and I walked together while showing Alex and Tony how much fun it is outside.

4) Huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and in turn, from Striker's. We're better parents and better spouses because of it.

FIG, no need to JAM. Sorry, it's one big brag fest, but 2010 just might have been the year when everything just sort of fell into place. I'm looking forward to all that 2011 brings...even the big 3-0!

Tree Gifts

I'm going to be sad to take down our tree this weekend because Alex will no longer be able to make his gifts to the tree. Every day I find random items or toys under the tree that he drops over the gate. Highlights include: one of my flip flops, various toys, a package of wipes, and his sippy cup. If he could lift one of the animals or his brother, I'm sure I'd find them there too. ;)

Elmo ABCs the Remix

Apparently one of the great skills I acquired in my many years in a call center environment is the ability to selectively tune out all sorts of noises, while instantly becoming aware of silence. I consider this to be a rather handy skill for all parents, as silence is never a good thing in a call center or in a house with 2 small children. This is the only toy that I have been unable to tune out thus far.

The big red button that Alex has his finger on causes Elmo to sing the alphabet. Nothing fancy, just A-Z in the usual song. Unless it's pressed repeatedly. Then it sounds like:
ABCABABCDEFGHABCDABCDEFABABABABABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

It's actually a very cool toy...fun and educational, but that one button just might get broken....accidentally of course!

Christmas 2010

Christmas Eve 2010

Merry Christmas 2010

First Christmas Eve Goulash

Not surprisingly, Tony was a HUGE fan of tonight's goulash. He quite possibly ate as much as I did! Guess I should learn to make it...

First Mickey

Alex and Tony received their first stuffed Mickey Mouses today from Art and Helga(at least I'm fairly certain that they don't have any other stuffed Mickeys...it's starting to look like Toys R Us in our house). Alex was instantly in love with it and actually stopped eating to grab him.

Look What I Can Do! - Alex

Facing Forward

Hey, wait a minute! What car are we in? Why are we facing this way? Hey, I can see the back of mom's head!

The Price of Efficiency

These pictures were sent to me by Striker this afternoon while I accomplished in 2 1/2 hours what would have taken me close to 2 days with Alex and Tony requiring my supervision or coming with me.

Cost:
Broken FiOS remote
2 babies trying to climb through the dog door and throwing things through it (yeah, that's going to be a new fun game that's impossible to stop)

All totally worth it!

What I Learned Today

1) I should pretty much give up on Christmas baking until Alex and Tony are in kindergarten...otherwise I get cookie monster underfoot (even though he's totally NOT into sugar) and demolition dan shredding Kleenex in the other room. They're cute though.

2) I can bake 2 different batches of cookies, pumpkin bread and make Rice Krispy treats in one evening...it doesn't mean that I should attempt to repeat that performance.

3) The hubby is a decent sous chef (is there a term for assistant baker?)...especially now that he knows unsalted butter isn't just a low sodium version. It's possible I've corrupted him into actually trying to eat better/fairly healthy rather than depend on his blood pressure meds...next thing you know, we'll be eating vegetables like our kids. ;)

Got Toys?

My living room looks like this (I'm making progress, I swear! You should have seen it Saturday night!), and yet Tony prefers to play with the laces on my stinky walking shoes. Weird kid!

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Pack the Pilot - 1st Birthday Edition

Alex's First Hair Cut

"Riding" in a taxi while watching Elmo's World. He only cried during the clippers part...good thing we're keeping his hair longer on top so there was more scissor action ;)

Happy Birthday Striker!

We went out to Flemings Friday night for Striker's birthday (a day late since bowling league fell on his birthday). As usual, our food (and wine!) was amazing! Anyone want to guess the time elapsed between these 2 pictures?

Elmo After

Twin Elmos - Before

First Birthday Highlights

The big party is Saturday, so we kept things pretty low key on their actual birthday. We started our day like we usually do - watching Sesame Street in my bed after Striker leaves for work. Then we went downstairs and the boys made sure the Christmas tree was still there...or maybe they're checking for presents from Santa...hmmm...

We went to Chili's with Striker for lunch, where the boys shared their very first kids meal of grilled chicken and rice. We ran a few errands then Auntie Lil Dahl came over (injured after a fall down the stairs, she couldn't even pick up the birthday boys).

They played with a few new toys from. grandma, then we had pasta for dinner.

First Birthday Stats

Alex
25 lbs 12 oz...gained exactly 19 pounds his first year
29 1/2 inches
6 teeth  (4 top, 2 bottom)

Tony
23 lbs 8 oz
28 1/2 inches (Yep, still an inch shorter than his brother)
8 teeth (4 top, 4 bottom)

First Visit With Santa

Alex: Who the heck is this guy?! Where's Mommy?
Tony: Why is there a dead cat hanging from his face?! Or is that a poodle?

Both: Why do we need to tell him what we want for Christmas?! Grandma, Oma and Opa get us everything we want! And let's not forget that our birthday comes first...

Does it make me a bad mother that I L.O.V.E. this picture? ;)

Happy 50th Birthday Uncle G!

Lil Dahl and I got him 50 of his favorite things: 50 cans of Mt Dew, 50 cans of Natural Light, 50 bags of plain Ruffles potato chips, and 50 Ding Dongs. If there had been a practical way to have wrapped and stored 50 bologna sandwiches, he'd have been all set!

Striker and Shades Do Lights

My uncle had back surgery a month ago which has prevented him from putting up the Christmas lights on his house like he usually does every year. Since Striker was so good about getting our lights up, I volunteered him to hang them for my aunt and uncle. And since I was feeling generous, I also volunteered my sister's boyfriend...you know, in the name of male bonding. ;)

Alex and Tony supervised to be sure that the lights were hung according to my uncle's specifications. And of course Striker's curse of the bulb that burned out as soon as the ladder was put away continued...

The Return of the Snowmen

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The Stockings Were Hung...

Giggle of the Day

Striker sent this to me from (where I am assuming is) the restroom of the Hyatt Regency in SFO, where he is attending a conference (more on that later).

Freeze Frame: Tony

Tony is passionate and independent. He tends to hit milestones first. He's persistent. He learns by repetition and doing things himself. He prefers green vegetables over most other foods. He's always on the go. He needs his naps to recharge him. That's why I have so many pictures of him sleeping...it's the only time he's still! He likes routine. He likes picking on his big brother. He loves bath time and playing in the water. He's a total boy and loves getting dirty and making messes. He loves dogs and even our cats. He's daring and willing to try new things, but wants to do it his way.

First (Ice) Hockey Game

We got tickets to tonight's Ontario Reign game and the boys did great! Tony snuggled on my lap the whole time and kept me warm. Alex moved around from Striker's lap, to my lap, to standing unassisted in the seat between us. Not only did the game go into OT, but a shoot out as well - bonus, bonus hockey! Even better? Reign won! Looks like we'll be heading to a Kings game soon!

Thanksgiving 2010