Bryan the amazing escape artist

While getting ready this morning, I went to put something in the hall closet. I heard one of the boys crying (not unusual) yet it was strangely louder than normal. When I opened the door to the twins' room, there was little Bryan wanting to escape. He got out of his crib! I thought that thing was escape-proof! If you've seen it, the rails are quite tall and the "rungs" are flat, not great for pulling up on. He wasn't hurt, but he was mad that he couldn't get the door open. Thank goodness he couldn't because the gate at the top of the stairs was open. That will have to change for sure now! It's only a matter of time before Jonathan catches on. Oh boy!

Reading with Bryan and Jonathan

Update: I've re-uploaded this video due to people having some problems viewing it. Hopefully it will work this time! Sorry! I uploaded pictures onto my computer first thing this morning (you know, it's busy season and I've got priorities!) and I was so excited I just had to post this video right away.
Update: In other news, I just bought the twins their first tricycles!!! I'm super excited! I bought them from another mother of twin boys through the twins club. She had them for a couple of years and decided to sell them and get "big boy bikes" for her boys. They are meant to be their b-day gift, but there's no way I can wait until August. Ok, I admit it, I broke already. I brought one over to Jean and Mark's house on Suday to try it out on them. It was gorgeous during the whole day and I was waiting for Bryan to take his nap(Jonathan already had his by then) so I could take one at a time out there and hopefully prevent a fight. No such luck. Bryan never took a nap! What's up with that? He was bursting full of energy the whole day until dinner time where he was running out of steam. He took a quick 10 minute nap, but that was it. I hope that's not a habit that will last long. Anyway, around 3, I took both of them outside to see what they would do. They must have already tried riding a bike at daycare 'cause they knew exactly what to do! I had Bryan on first and I was walking Jonathan along my side while pusing Bryan. There's a nifty handle on the bike so I can steer and the kids don't have to peddle. We rode/walked almost all the way to the local park a few blocks away. Jonathan got tired of walking and decided to have me carry him. They LOVED the park and I kinda didn't. One goes one way and the other goes the other way. You really need two people when you take them there and it was all me. Ugh! Let's just say I got my workout that day. Strange report: I put them into the swings and Jonathan was loving it just like last year with giggles and laughter the whole time. Bryan didn't like it at all! He was fine sitting in the seat, but as soon as I pushed, he freaked out! I had to hold him while I pushed Jonathan for a little bit.
On the way back, Jonathan started to ride in the bike then he tried to jump off (thank goodness there's a harness on that thing!) so I put Bryan back in it and I carried Jonathan. We played this game off and on all the way back to Nana's house. Did I mention I got my workout that day? Once we got back, Bryan went inside right away, but Jonthan wanted nothing to do with getting off the bike. OK. We rode around the cul-de-sac a couple of times then around the house. He loves hills! I managed to eventually get him off of the bike (kicking and screaming) then we took a quick walk around the house once more. It was a good weekend.

On a side note: Does anyone have an easier way to load video on this thing? It takes forever!

Roar!

Last night before night-night-land, I "read" to the boys. I put read in quotes, because it's more like say a word or two, then I'm forced to turn the page. If you've ever read a book to a toddler in you're lifetime, I'm sure you'd understand - especially if you're reading to two at the same time!
I am really loving this stage of the twin's development. They're trying to say every word they hear and they're so much happier that they can express themselves. There's plenty of frustrations when we can't understand them(which is a lot)but it's getting better every week.
The book we were looking at last night was the big animal book. They know enough now that I can say "look at the lion, what does a lion say?" and Bryan will give me his best "ROAR!!". He's also got down a cow's Moo, a pig's snort, a duck's Quack (pronounced Gooack), a horse's Neigh, a sheep's baa, and a rooster's Cock-a-doodle-doo (pronounced coo-ooh!) I love it so much I want to cry!
Jonathan is a little bit behind in the talking area, but not too far behind. He's trying to roar too and he can now proudly point out the duck in the picture at Nana's.
Matt took some video and I'll share with you soon.

Just a quick video

It's been awhile since I've posted anything, so I wanted to give you a quick hello to say that the boys are doing great. Here's a peek a boo session one afternoon. They love to hide behind curtains, towels, blankets or anything they can cover up with and jump out and surprise us. I love it!

Overdue

OK, I know I'm WAY overdue on an update. Things are going well. I promise to post an update some time this weekend, so be on the lookout!

Christmas Time

OK, so it's not Christmas time any more, but I'm close enough.
Matt and I stayed home and had our first family Christmas with the Twins. They didn't understand what was going on, just that they were getting a lot of boxes with decorative paper to rip off. There was plenty of food, clothes, books, and toys to play with the whole day. That's right, food. The big toy this year was a kitchen set from Nana and Papa Bevevino. It's complete with a pot and pan that when placed on a "burner" will sizzle like it's cooking something. SO COOL! We used the ye 'ole video camera to record Christmas morning at our house, but in all the whirlwind, I didn't get any pictures. I hope that doesn't make me a terrible mother.
The big gift that I got this year was a new digital camera! It's a cute little one that also takes video so I'll be posting some video of the boys in the near future. In the mean time, here are some pictures of Christmas weekend and New Year's.
Matt's brother AJ threw a New Year's party this year and invited Matt and I for the 20 somthing's shindig. We were clearly the oldest people there, but I forgot all about that after my second rum and coke. We even played beer pong and won three times!! Aren't you proud? Believe it or not, this picture was taken at the party. It looks like we were at a work event or something.

Here's AJ with the twins before the party.

Every night around 7PM is "Bath Time" We ask the boys what time it is and they get super excited and run to the gate.

A few weeks before Christmas, Jean and Mark dug out an old kitchenette from their basement that was Matt's when he was young. We cleaned it up and now the boys play with it when we visit their house.

Over the holiday break, Matt, AJ, and Amy worked together to make pizza. It was so much fun for them and they were really good. They boys sat in their highchairs and ate toppings then their own slices. Can you believe that Jonathan actually loves black olives!?! I think the boys have their father's taste buds for sure!




Jonathan's been making the most adorable faces lately. I'll try to get that on video too. Here's a still...

Overall, everyone's doing great. The boys are saying more words every week. They know Touchdown pretty well. We were training them for the Rosebowl. Too bad that didn't pan out! At least we've got the Steelers to root for!
Well, more updates to come in the near future. I'll try my best since it's now busy season at work and time is limited. I hope everyone's doing great and keeping warm!

Thanks

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone that keeps in touch with me and my little family by reading this blog and posting comments, emails, letters, calls, etc. I'm relieved to know that I can keep close with family and friends far far away. Isn't this internet thing great!?!
This holiday season, we're staying home in Chicago instead of driving back to Pittsburgh. It was a hard decision since we've been driving/flying to see family for the holidays for the past eight years. Wow! As I'm sure it's been for everyone else, we've been experiencing some tough times and have decided that cutting out some trips home is a way to save up for what's more important. Good thing we decided to do the "TOUR" in July!
Here are some pics from Thanksgiving. Amy, Shane, and Lucy came to visit and we had a blast!












In other much more sad news, my neighbor and a wonderful inspiration of mine is fighting stage 4 cancer. Her friends and family started a care page for her. If you have the time, the stories are amazing. You'll have to sign in with no charges.