The Big 3, Oh!

This past Monday, the kids went for their 3 year and 6 month checkups. Birthday boy Liam checked in at 31 pounds and 37.5 inches tall (50th percentile), and Keira was a solid 16 pounds 6 ounces and 26 inches long (around 65th percentile). They both were well behaved and we survived the day. The good times came two days prior at the much anticipated Wall-E party. Liam did great at opening all of his gifts on his own and hugging and thanking everyone for the loot. I can't believe he is three. Maile made it all the way from Ohio (thanks Frances for enduring 12+ hours of driving!) which I think was all Liam really wanted for his birthday anyway.

Of course we also had to go to Toys R Us so Liam could spend his Geoffrey money. He got a shark puppet, some purple Moonsand and some dinosaurs and spent less than $25. He is low maintenance when it comes to shopping. Keira will probably bleed us dry.

But, she's so darn cute, we might not mind! We have to restrain from spoiling her rotten.

Happy Belated St. Patty's Day!

St. Patrick's Day is also Keira's half birthday. I'm sure she'll find ways to turn that into a celebration when she's older, but for now, she's happy to pose for her 6 month picture. I'll update you on her stats after she goes to the dr. next Monday. Isn't she just the cutest little lass you've ever seen?!?

Keep the warm weather coming. Liam shows off his sandbox.

Weekend Project

On Saturday Kyle and Liam started and finished their "boys only" project of building a sandbox for the kids. I really thought Liam would flake out 15 minutes into it, but he hung in like a trooper and stayed outside with Kyle for 5 hours while they dug, hammered, sawed and filled (and had a picnic lunch). I used this time to get the taxes done. I'll get some pics of the kids in the finished product soon.

Keira posing for the first time in her highchair. I'm not ready for the days of wiping down that tray again. Chubby Face - photo by Liam

Up Next on Bravo

This is the famous "Ten Questions" as popularized by James Lipton on "Inside the Actor's Studio," originated by French television personality Bernard Pivot, after the Proust Questionnaire. Like Heather, I love this part of the show, but never thought about what my own answers would be, until now.

1. What is your favorite word? Mommy - I know all moms can't wait to hear this word, but I love when Liam says it, not whines it, as in "Okay, Mommy" or "Yes, Mommy" or of course "I love you Mommy." I'm working on Keira too, but all I get out of her right now is "Goo." Sometimes I still can't believe that I'm responsible for two little humans, or that I'm old enough. I'm still 19, right?

2. What is your least favorite word? right now, butthole because Liam thinks it is funny and I'm trying to get him to stop saying it.

3. What turns you on? simpleness - not simple as in unintelligent, simple as in low maintenance, easy-going, low stressed, life loving, and giving. There is a Lynryd Skynyrd song about it. Look it up.

4. What turns you off? high maintenence, highly stressed, selfishness, greed

5. What sound do you love? I love Lora's answer so much I couldn't come up with anything better. Well maybe except for reggae music by the pool. It's like Calgon, it can take you away.

6. What sound do you hate? whining - This is also Lora's, and probably every other parent's on the planet, but I truly want to stick my fingers in my ears sometimes and go "LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA!" I had a history teacher in 8th grade that had a big banner in the front of his room that read "Thou Shalt Not Whine." I loved him. He was a hard ass old man with a dog named Killer, but he was great and the saying stuck with me. I also can't stand the sound of my cats meowing when they want attention, but this is just like feline whining so it's the same.

7. What is your favorite curse word? I guess, Hell. As in "What the hell?" It's not my favorite. I don't think I have a favorite curse. I use them and abuse them like most of the rest of us, but I don't think cursing sounds particularly attractive so I try to catch myself. But apparently I use the above phrase enough to rub off on Liam. I'm leaning him toward "What in the world?" instead.

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? A doula or a personal trainer - They are kind of the same thing, someone who listens and encourages you to find strength you didn't know you had to achieve something that will enrich your life.

9. What profession would you not like to do? HVAC Engineer, according to my husband, it sucks.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "We're all so happy you're here."

Wish Granted

I guess if I bitch and moan enough, I will get my wish. Saturday was gorgeous!! 72 degrees and mostly sunny. It was great to open the windows, grill outside, and get out the new jogging stroller for a run to the park. The kids loved it too. We packed a lunch and ventured out. Liam ran around like a maniac and climbed on the jungle gym. Keira slept for most of it but still got some nice fresh air in her lungs. Now we're even more anxious for spring to get here and stay.

Keira can't wait to lounge by the pool in the new shades Mammau got for her. Liam - back to his Houdini antics.

I got a couple hours out last weekend to do some sisterly bonding. I left Kyle at home with the kiddos but waited until they were both in bed. Then he got to watch some corny movie without me bugging him. We also want to say "Congratulations!" to Maile for earning her gold belt. We can't wait to see you in 2 weeks. Liam asks most mornings if you are here yet.

In Like a Lion

I know everyone has been writing about this, but I'm REALLY ready for the cold weather to end. I feel like a hermit. I need to go to the post office and the store, but I don't feel like taking the kids out into subfreezing temperatures. I'm glad it snowed a little yesterday and Kyle and Liam got to play outside for a bit (about 20 minutes before Liam's cheeks turned an unnatural hot pink shade) but I'm so over it. March had better go out like a lamb, a soft, warm cozy, bright little lamb.

Keira is sitting pretty well now. It won't be long before I can plop her down and let her play without worrying about her falling on her head.

Keira's tribute to 80's rap. Her cheeks are unreal. She has the most perfectly round face. Taking a Sunday nap with Daddy. Liam was also napping. I got to workout, get a shower, and do some laundry uninterrupted. Score!!

Liam got to go to Chuck E Cheese as a reward for staying in bed at night. He has started to say he is scared at night and wants the hall light on. He is also scared of the "bad-guy" characters in cartoons. I can remember being pretty scared of some of them myself when I was younger. I guess it will be some time before we let him watch The Wizard of Oz.