Future Politicians Perhaps?

"I will not do that eber eber again, mom. I promise."

This can be heard on a daily basis in our home. Any time the kids do something they shouldn't and I talk to them about it, I hear, "no, mom. I don't want to " or "I won't do that eber again." It's very cute!! They are also going to give me a run for my money with semantics. Yesterday TJ was doing something and I asked her to please stop yelling about whatever it was. She looked at me and said, "no mom, I'm just talking loud, not yelling. It's ok mom." I will have to choose my words carefully with these two!

They also have caught on that when mommy is irritated, lots of hugs and kisses might help diffuse the irriration. The other night Noah squeezed me tightly and said, "Mom, I love you for eber and eber." TJ had to follow that up with, "Mom, I love you with all my heart." Just makes me melt!

Privacies

The kids are doing SO well with potty training. Actually, I guess you would say that they are potty trainED!! Just need to get nights down and they really aren't showing signs of that just yet. They are so funny when one of them is on the potty. Whenever Noah is on the potty, TJ just HAS to bug him. He could care less when it's the other way around but she is little Ms. Nosey!

Noah: "TJ! Go away! I need my privacies!!"
TJ: "Noah, everyone has their privacies you know."
Noah: "Yea, that's right. They do. Ok TJ."

I now know that whenever I hear TJ say, "I love you", "I'm OK", "don't mind me", or "I'm sorry" I need to quickly see what she is doing. LOL At least she gives me a heads up.

We were outside playing yesterday and Noah said, "Mom, please help push me up the driveway?" So as we got to the top he said, "thanks mom. You're a great helper. That was just awesome!"

It's so funny to hear them use phrases they have heard and how they talk to each other. A friend was over the other day and said that they sound like an old married couple. :o)

We're Baaaaaack!

So we made it home safe and sound from our vacation. We had a FANTASTIC trip and the kids are now going through Disneyland withdrawal! We were able to spend some time with cousins Linda, Charlie, 2 of their sons (and significant others), baby Emily (who is just as cute as can be), Grandma Gloria and Grandpa Karlak, and Aunt Krista (and her two beautiful boys). Lots of new faces and places were on the agenda and the kids handled it very maturely. After all, they are 3 now! :o) It's interesting how they seem more mature all of a sudden. The conversations they have with each other and with adults are hysterical! The kids really enjoyed getting to meet their Grandpa and Grandma Gloria. TJ had grandpa read her a few books, Noah enjoyed matching flash cards with Grandma Gloria and just as the door shut behind them Noah exclaimed, "I had a great day mom!"

Here are a few highlights from our trip. I'll be adding pics to the Kodak photogallery on Tuesday evening and then I'll be adding the pics from Kevin's camera when he gets back in town this weekend.

The kids enjoyed going on rides although Noah took a little longer than TJ to get comfortable on some of the rides. Most rides were too slow for TJ :o) No surprise there! They talked about every ride for days and still do. They enjoyed the "Finding Nemo" submarine ride. (I was freaking out on that one since I am a tad claustrophobic though.) I would have to say their favorite was "It's a Small World". I found a 14 min. clip on YouTube that someone took and Noah is constantly asking me to watch it. If I say "no" then he wants the song on our ipod. LOL They are already planning a return trip. They are just so much fun at this age and seems to get better with each passing day. Stay tuned for more on our trip in the coming days.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all for of the thoughtful and delightful birthday wishes! Also, the kids' dress-up box has some real fun items in it now so we are excited to get some dress up days going!

What's Up?

Here are a few updates:

• Both kids are potty trained!! TJ has been for a few months and Noah for about a month. Now we need to work on naps/nighttime.


• The kids are finally in their "big kid" beds! They are doing really well! TJ stays in hers like nobody's business meanwhile Noah is up to visit her and do a few jumps and then runs back to his bed when he thinks he hears me coming. The video monitor is GREAT!


• TJ thinks that she is a doctor around here. After the car accident, she came over to me and said, "mommy, lie down so that I can fix you!" as she grabbed her play doctor kit. Any time someone has an issue, she will run into the other room to grab her med kit and demands you sit still as she checks your blood pressure (correctly I must add), temperature, ears, nose, and then listens to your chest/back.


• We are getting ready for our vacation to Anaheim! We'll be going to Disneyland twice, California Adventure, and a hands-on science discovery museum. Stay tuned for pictures in a little over a week!


• They are still talking up a storm. This does cause issues since they think they are allowed to say whatever the want whenever they want. This has been lots of fun to deal with on a daily basis. Just the other day TJ said, "Mom, I'm not in the mood for any of these games. I'm not mom." I just look at her and smile. My latest is that I tell her she is draining my energy and we'll have to think of some way to put it back. She informed me that she could be a sweetie and help clean the house. :o)


• Noah is spelling words now, knows all of the alphabet letters/sounds, and more. It is just amazing what he picks up.


• TJ is more into her art. Although Noah does have an uncanny ability to imitate almost any sound and can still sing on key. He also uses different words for songs and keeps the tune/rhythm. Right now TJ is into creating little works of art with each color. And don't you dare bother her! She'll call you out in a second for interrupting her. She'll say, "excuse me, excuse me mom. I'm coloring right now!"

I guess that's about it. We're looking forward to spring and our vacation. The kids are growing and doing really well so life is good.