8 years ago
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
More sundering
Today was Vanh's turn to stay with Mommy while Max went shopping for groceries. After some painting he took his teddy bears along on a walk to the Farmer's Market. He really liked the trumpet players.
You can see 2 separate paintings, both firetrucks. The yellow bits are the lights.
You can see 2 separate paintings, both firetrucks. The yellow bits are the lights.
Stylin' Saturday #14
A little bit of a different start to the fashion shoot today. Both boys grabbed handfuls of clothing to bring downstairs instead of the usual one each from the respective pants, diaper-shirt, and top/sweater drawers. Each child's selection is spread out behind him:
Here is what they ended up in:
It should be noted that Vanh wore his hat exactly long enough for these photos, after which he offered it to the dog and demanded candy as a reward for posing.
You can also see some of our stuffed menagerie. Vanh is holding his two very favourite teddy bears, both of whom are named Two. (He has two more teddies named Two as well. When I suggested that maybe he could think of another name for the fouth one, he showed me the number 2s embroidered on it. As if.) The brown bear on the floor with the plaid scarf is Max's Big Bear, and the bear in his lap is Max's Other Bear.
Here is what they ended up in:
It should be noted that Vanh wore his hat exactly long enough for these photos, after which he offered it to the dog and demanded candy as a reward for posing.
You can also see some of our stuffed menagerie. Vanh is holding his two very favourite teddy bears, both of whom are named Two. (He has two more teddies named Two as well. When I suggested that maybe he could think of another name for the fouth one, he showed me the number 2s embroidered on it. As if.) The brown bear on the floor with the plaid scarf is Max's Big Bear, and the bear in his lap is Max's Other Bear.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Zeitgeist
This month's theme for the post-every-day challenge is Zeitgeist. Here is some zeitgeist of these twins (am I using the word correctly?)
They help each other. They work together to achieve a goal, and make sacrifices for each other.
Like the other night, when they were sitting at the table and Max had a blue ring-pop candy, his first and hopefully only, and boy was he enjoying it. It was probably the most special treat he's had to date.
Meanwhile, Vanh noticed the ketchup bottle on the floor (its flight from the fridge having broken the door flap and exposed said candy for discussion in the first place) and wanted it returned. He climbed down from his chair and managed to pick it up, but was thwarted by the fridge door, the opening of which is Max's special skill. Vanh called to, "Help peese Max," and Max immediately started to climb down to help, until I reminded him that candy is only eaten at the table. He looked hard at his candy, then his brother - then sat back to enjoy his candy.
But, "Help Max, peese, help peese," came again, and with a "Max help brother" Max laid his candy on the table and went to open the fridge. Watching the two of them trying to maneuver the full bottle into various too-small spaces was equally sweet. And then "Tanks Max, tanks."
They want everything the other one has. When I cut their nails they fuss over who's turn it is. Last night I noticed Max had something in his hair, so I ruffled through it to try to fluff it out. Vanh quickly slid his head under my hand and moved it around to create the same ruffling effect.
We rarely get them two of the same thing so they are good at sharing. When they fuss I usually say something like, "Don't worry, Vanh knows how to share, he'll give you a turn when he's ready," or "Max knows that's yours, but he wants to play with it for a bit, you know he'll give it back when he's done".
Sometimes that even works.
They like to sit in big chairs now when they eat (unless of course Mommy-yap is available).
They are enjoying their first chocolate advent calendar. Santa puts chocolate in there for them. I know because they told me.
(PS Max in red, Vanh in black)
They help each other. They work together to achieve a goal, and make sacrifices for each other.
Like the other night, when they were sitting at the table and Max had a blue ring-pop candy, his first and hopefully only, and boy was he enjoying it. It was probably the most special treat he's had to date.
Meanwhile, Vanh noticed the ketchup bottle on the floor (its flight from the fridge having broken the door flap and exposed said candy for discussion in the first place) and wanted it returned. He climbed down from his chair and managed to pick it up, but was thwarted by the fridge door, the opening of which is Max's special skill. Vanh called to, "Help peese Max," and Max immediately started to climb down to help, until I reminded him that candy is only eaten at the table. He looked hard at his candy, then his brother - then sat back to enjoy his candy.
But, "Help Max, peese, help peese," came again, and with a "Max help brother" Max laid his candy on the table and went to open the fridge. Watching the two of them trying to maneuver the full bottle into various too-small spaces was equally sweet. And then "Tanks Max, tanks."
They want everything the other one has. When I cut their nails they fuss over who's turn it is. Last night I noticed Max had something in his hair, so I ruffled through it to try to fluff it out. Vanh quickly slid his head under my hand and moved it around to create the same ruffling effect.
We rarely get them two of the same thing so they are good at sharing. When they fuss I usually say something like, "Don't worry, Vanh knows how to share, he'll give you a turn when he's ready," or "Max knows that's yours, but he wants to play with it for a bit, you know he'll give it back when he's done".
Sometimes that even works.
They like to sit in big chairs now when they eat (unless of course Mommy-yap is available).
They are enjoying their first chocolate advent calendar. Santa puts chocolate in there for them. I know because they told me.
(PS Max in red, Vanh in black)
Baby talk part II
Remember "elk"? The boys don't. They say "cat" now, clear as day. I need to write some more of these down before they're gone:
ef-pho-phant (now you know how the end of that story really sounded)
They can't pronounce L yet, so they "Yike Mommy yap peese!" when they want to sit in my lap.
Spaghetti really is pasgetti. Who knew.
Some of their favourite expressions:
Check it out!
What's this then? which would actually be more of a Whas zis zen?
Look at that! (Yook at zat!)
A toothbrush is a "brushteeth"
***more to be added if I think of any
ef-pho-phant (now you know how the end of that story really sounded)
They can't pronounce L yet, so they "Yike Mommy yap peese!" when they want to sit in my lap.
Spaghetti really is pasgetti. Who knew.
Some of their favourite expressions:
Check it out!
What's this then? which would actually be more of a Whas zis zen?
Look at that! (Yook at zat!)
A toothbrush is a "brushteeth"
***more to be added if I think of any
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Counting Part 3
A little Christmas tree was set out a few days ago. It was funny watching Vanh (or Max, sigh) carefully count the points on the (regular five-point) star. Round and round he went - he was well into the teens before he ran out of numbers.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I have to tell...
I'm sorry sweetheart, I have to tell. This story is just too funny to keep off the internet. And you're only two years old. You're not old enough to be embarrassed.
So, last night HE was sitting in the bottom of the shower after it was turned off, umm, investigating himself. The shower is separate from the tub, and has one of those old-fashioned circular drains in the center.
"Look Mommy!" he said. "Digger!" So I looked, and sure enough he had, umm, manipulated himself into the back-and-forth bend of a construction shovel and was pretending to dig up the drain holes.
"Well, yes" I laughed, "Little tiny digger."
"Lit-tle ti-ny BIG DIGGER!" he agreed gleefully, sending me to the kitchen in paroxysms of laughter to share with Daddy.
When I came back it was obvious, umm, something else was going on.
"Look Mommy! Elephant!"
At least I didn't say your name.
So, last night HE was sitting in the bottom of the shower after it was turned off, umm, investigating himself. The shower is separate from the tub, and has one of those old-fashioned circular drains in the center.
"Look Mommy!" he said. "Digger!" So I looked, and sure enough he had, umm, manipulated himself into the back-and-forth bend of a construction shovel and was pretending to dig up the drain holes.
"Well, yes" I laughed, "Little tiny digger."
"Lit-tle ti-ny BIG DIGGER!" he agreed gleefully, sending me to the kitchen in paroxysms of laughter to share with Daddy.
When I came back it was obvious, umm, something else was going on.
"Look Mommy! Elephant!"
At least I didn't say your name.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The sundering of the twins
Given the choice the boys will always choose to be together, so it's hard to get alone time with one of them. We've decided to make this a deliberate habit and today was the first day. Vanh was convinced to go shopping with Daddy while Max stayed home with Mommy. The idea is not that we are doing anything special; it's just a chance to get to know each child as an individual.
Max and I spent time unpacking some Christmas decorations
and then some painting.
I kept asking him who the paintings were for (hoping to get cheap and easy Christmas presents, I'm no fool); he kept replying, "for Vanh."
I noticed that I got a lot more snuggle time than usual. Max came over for a good long cuddle at least three times in just over an hour, which is more than I would usually get in a week.
When Vanh came home he was excited to give Max his gift (fruit candy) but asked twice for his turn for "painting". Next week sweetie!
One last photo - the boys were fascinated with these singing mice from their stockings last year - great to see they still love them!
(PS to B - What can I say, they went to bed early!)
Max and I spent time unpacking some Christmas decorations
and then some painting.
I kept asking him who the paintings were for (hoping to get cheap and easy Christmas presents, I'm no fool); he kept replying, "for Vanh."
I noticed that I got a lot more snuggle time than usual. Max came over for a good long cuddle at least three times in just over an hour, which is more than I would usually get in a week.
When Vanh came home he was excited to give Max his gift (fruit candy) but asked twice for his turn for "painting". Next week sweetie!
One last photo - the boys were fascinated with these singing mice from their stockings last year - great to see they still love them!
(PS to B - What can I say, they went to bed early!)
Stylin' Saturday #13
Oh the negotiations. We've come a long way from week #1. They don't have a lot of matching stuff so it's neat to see how they dig through the drawer to find it, then convince each other to wear it. They really like to match. Max knows he owns "orange pants" and Vanh asks to see his jeans before he selects a pair "no Pooh".
No matter what they are doing they always drop everything to race upstairs when I tell them it's time to pick their own clothes. Certain events suggest this may have more to do with the desire to get first choice of the sweaters, or the fear that brother will get to pick both outfits, than any actual eagerness to be stylin' and/ or compliant.
As you can see from this first picture this eagerness does not extend to being photographed in said outfits...
... but they know the drill...
...and how to thwart it.
"Time to jump!"
"Time to run!"
Their outfits were improved by the addition of Daddy's sneakers...
... and again by their snowsuits.
No matter what they are doing they always drop everything to race upstairs when I tell them it's time to pick their own clothes. Certain events suggest this may have more to do with the desire to get first choice of the sweaters, or the fear that brother will get to pick both outfits, than any actual eagerness to be stylin' and/ or compliant.
As you can see from this first picture this eagerness does not extend to being photographed in said outfits...
... but they know the drill...
...and how to thwart it.
"Time to jump!"
"Time to run!"
Their outfits were improved by the addition of Daddy's sneakers...
... and again by their snowsuits.
Hope Santa brings a drum kit
Oh, and yes we do have little red and blue dots all over the back of the kitchen door, thank you for asking.
Favourite books
In preparation for Christmas decorations we're trying to cull some of the clutter, so I had the boys sort through their shelf of "paper books" (as opposed to board books which don't have to be kept up high) and select their favourites to keep downstairs for now. Here are the books they chose:
"Wheels on the Bus" is over to the right, and the ones you can't see are "When it Rains, it Rains" and a Dora book.
For fun I flipped to video and asked them to read. If you are a teacher familiar with Balanced Literacy, you may recognize the similarities to the guided reading technique. Admittedly it is usually done with the same book. I do this with my students and find it amazing how children can tune everyone else out and read out loud to themselves! Of course, it is a little more relevant when the "students" are actually "reading"...
"Wheels on the Bus" is over to the right, and the ones you can't see are "When it Rains, it Rains" and a Dora book.
For fun I flipped to video and asked them to read. If you are a teacher familiar with Balanced Literacy, you may recognize the similarities to the guided reading technique. Admittedly it is usually done with the same book. I do this with my students and find it amazing how children can tune everyone else out and read out loud to themselves! Of course, it is a little more relevant when the "students" are actually "reading"...
Friday, November 26, 2010
Here comes Santa Claus
The boys were apparently a little traumatized by the Santa Claus parade, which started late and required a lot more clothing of its audience than we had on. When I mentioned Santa the next day Max responded with "No Santa. No blankets." and later, "No Santa bring toys."
We were really hoping for more success with the "picture with Santa" this year. Thinking a little preparation might do the trick, my parents brought them to the mall to see Santa's set-up before Santa arrived, so they could practise walking up the step and sitting in Santa's chair. Once Santa got there they forgot everything and clung to their grandparents in terror, although they did admit later that "Santa said Hi Max," but reminded me again, "No Santa bring toys."
Vanh was lamenting the end of the Halloween candy and mentioned there was “no more white chocolate,” so I asked if he wanted Santa Claus to bring him some. The following conversation ensued:
Vanh: Santa bring brown chocolate Vanh Max
Max: Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah
Vanh: No Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah.
Max: Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah.
Vanh: No no no Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah! Santa bring brown chocolate Max Vanh!
Max: Santa bring toys. Max, Vanh, Savannah.
Vanh: No Santa Savannah. Santa Max Vanh.
At least he included his brother.
To make up for the lack of Santa photos, here are a few others:
At the Experimental Farm. The sign says, "Please do not touch the buck. He is strong and could hurt you."
So nice to have flowers at the end of November! Thank you neighbour.
At the Aviation Museum with Meme & Gumpy.
Hmmm, I wonder where I can find a Santa who sits in a plane...
We were really hoping for more success with the "picture with Santa" this year. Thinking a little preparation might do the trick, my parents brought them to the mall to see Santa's set-up before Santa arrived, so they could practise walking up the step and sitting in Santa's chair. Once Santa got there they forgot everything and clung to their grandparents in terror, although they did admit later that "Santa said Hi Max," but reminded me again, "No Santa bring toys."
Vanh was lamenting the end of the Halloween candy and mentioned there was “no more white chocolate,” so I asked if he wanted Santa Claus to bring him some. The following conversation ensued:
Vanh: Santa bring brown chocolate Vanh Max
Max: Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah
Vanh: No Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah.
Max: Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah.
Vanh: No no no Santa bring brown chocolate Savannah! Santa bring brown chocolate Max Vanh!
Max: Santa bring toys. Max, Vanh, Savannah.
Vanh: No Santa Savannah. Santa Max Vanh.
At least he included his brother.
To make up for the lack of Santa photos, here are a few others:
At the Experimental Farm. The sign says, "Please do not touch the buck. He is strong and could hurt you."
So nice to have flowers at the end of November! Thank you neighbour.
At the Aviation Museum with Meme & Gumpy.
Hmmm, I wonder where I can find a Santa who sits in a plane...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Big changes
Tonight I tucked in Max with 1 big bear, 1 little tiny bear(his words) and a mother kangaroo with twins. Vanh had 2 blue bears named Two, 1 bear named Frog, and a bunny rabbit.
You have to understand, up until two days ago the boys wanted nothing to do with stuffed animals. They would sleep with books and the occasional truck, but anything remotely cuddly and soft would be tossed immediately. I didn't talk about it much because so many dear friends and family had given them stuffed toys, but they really had no interest. When we took everything out of their room once they moved out of cribs, we didn't bother with the stuffies, and they remained untouched.
But now - the teddy bears are slowly moving in to our lives. They sit at the breakfast table and get fed. They have naps and are told they are loved. They jump on the bed, and are told to go to sleep. And they get tucked in at night by a mommy who is completely besotted with her little boys.
PS No this is not a hint for Christmas - we have more than enough thank you!
You have to understand, up until two days ago the boys wanted nothing to do with stuffed animals. They would sleep with books and the occasional truck, but anything remotely cuddly and soft would be tossed immediately. I didn't talk about it much because so many dear friends and family had given them stuffed toys, but they really had no interest. When we took everything out of their room once they moved out of cribs, we didn't bother with the stuffies, and they remained untouched.
But now - the teddy bears are slowly moving in to our lives. They sit at the breakfast table and get fed. They have naps and are told they are loved. They jump on the bed, and are told to go to sleep. And they get tucked in at night by a mommy who is completely besotted with her little boys.
PS No this is not a hint for Christmas - we have more than enough thank you!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Referraliversary
Two years ago today we found out we were parents and saw photos of our children for the first time.
Click here to see what you said.
Click here for memories of that day.
Click here for more memories of referral day.
Click here to see what you said.
Click here for memories of that day.
Click here for more memories of referral day.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Stylin' Saturday #10
Yes we remembered, and they did a great job, Vanh wore baseballs and Max a dinosaur shirt with pants the exact same shade of red. Sorry for the lack of photos.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
