(Normally I would put this on my other blog but the recipe is too good not to share!)
In our attempts to eat as much local food as possible, it has become clear that we need some solid sweet potato recipes. Sweet potatoes are a year-round staple in North Carolina and the organic sweet potatoes we get through our CSA are unbelievable. While I LOVE Pioneer Woman, her mashed sweet potato recipe includes an incredible amount of sugar and butter.
I have been hanging on to this Cook's Illustrated recipe in my "must make" recipe folder since November 2002(!) and I finally made it last night. It is PERFECT: only one step in the process (cut everything up, throw in pot, and turn on heat), very little sugar, very little butter, and it tastes unbelievable. It was the perfect amount of mashed sweet potatoes for the four of us. The simplicity of the recipe let the flavor of the sweet potatoes shine through.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes by Cook's Illustrated
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
2 lbs sweet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium), peeled, quartered lengthwise, and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
1. Combine everything in saucepan. Cook covered over low (to medium) heat, stirring occasionally until potatoes fall apart when poked with fork, 35 to 45 minutes.
2. Off heat, mash potatoes. Serve!
The recipe also includes variations such as maple-orange and indian-spiced but this was so good I could eat it every day.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hi Alex!
Right before Christmas, our video camera died. It was going to be more expensive to fix it than to get a new one, so we bought a new one. (Don't worry, we will freecycle the broken one.) The new one has a swivel screen so you can video yourself and see what is on the screen. I tested it while Jon was out of town last week and Alex LOVED being able to see himself on the screen.
I think he could have done this all night.
I think he could have done this all night.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Lucky
Some days I do my blogrounds to check out my blogworld and I feel elated. Blogfriends having babies! People having fun in winter snow! Lots of reasons to celebrate!
Then some days I do my blogrounds and it hits me that the blogworld is just like the real world. There is tragedy and sadness. HFCS contains mercury. A young twin has cancer. Identical twin baby girls have a terminal genetic disease.
While the last few years have been difficult with the preemie thing, the reflux, the torticollis-plagiocephaly-helmet, the ear infections and tubes, the endless day care colds and illnesses, all the speech worries, and my own hearing starting to go, we have been so lucky. So very lucky.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nate 2.75
Nate 2.75 is opinionated. If he does not want to do something, he will yell about it. If that doesn't work, he throws himself on the ground in protest.
Nate 2.75 is loud. He talks loud. He sings loud. He constantly talks. He yells out the car window. He yells at cars to "GO! GO CARS! GO!" He screeches to see what you might do. If you tell him to whisper, he will scream in your ear.
Nate 2.75 is stylish. He picks out his own clothes and that Goldy the Gopher shirt better be clean. He tells you if your outfit looks good or bad. He wants to try different hairstyles. He will not wear what you pick out for him.
Nate 2.75 wants to be a couch potato. He wakes up asking for TV. He gets up from naps asking for TV. He comes home from school asking for TV. He goes to bed asking for TV.
Nate 2.75 is disobedient. He runs away in parking lots. He runs away in stores. He hits his brother and laughs. He does the exact opposite of what you ask him to do.
Nate 2.75 spends a lot of time in time out.
Nate 2.75 is lucky. Lucky he sometimes acts like an angel. Lucky he shows such affection. Lucky he can be such a sweetheart. Lucky he is so cute or else he would have been left on the curb quite some time ago.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Empathy
All of the twin parenting books I've read have said that twins develop an enhanced sense of empathy earlier than their peers. While Alex has long had empathy for Nate's feelings (maybe because Nate is much more vocal in his emotions?), we've noticed a trend lately of oodles of empathy.
If they are crying, they tell each other, "Brother it's okay. You don't need to cry. I'm right here."
If they are hurt, they give each other hugs or rub each other's foreheads.
If one starts crying for a toy, the other will often give it up to stop the crying. Nate is pretty good at working this angle on Alex.
By far my favorite is that Nate has started accepting spontaneous hugs from Alex. He finally saw that it upset Alex when he refused hugs. While he doesn't heartily hug back, it's a small step in the right direction.
It is sweet and endearing to see their relationship develop.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
B is for Boy
I often wonder what happened to my babies.
When did they start to heartily greet everyone and everything they meet?
When did they first love playing with dirt?
When did they become brave enough to climb high peaks?
When did they first run without falling?
Right in front of me, my little babies have turned into boys. 100% boy.
When did they start to heartily greet everyone and everything they meet?
When did they first love playing with dirt?
When did they become brave enough to climb high peaks?
When did they learn to make their own music?
When did they first run without falling?
Right in front of me, my little babies have turned into boys. 100% boy.
And as they grow, I hope they always want me along for the ride.
Friday, January 23, 2009
SNOW!
While I was gone in DC, it snowed at home. It really snowed. Our backyard looked beautiful.
I was jealous that Jon got to play with the boys in the snow. Of course I was not jealous of the shoveling or being housebound or suiting and unsuiting toddlers, but I was sad to miss the boys' first real snow experience. Jon took pictures and video to show me when I got home. Could these little boys look any happier?
Fortunately (or unfortunately) it was still cold on Wednesday so the snow didn't melt. Jon had to fly out to Arkansas so I picked the boys up from school early and headed out into the snow with them.
I could not believe how much they loved playing in the snow. I taught them to hit the trees so the snow rained down. I showed them how to cover your tongue with snow. And apparently Jon taught them to throw snowballs because Nate creamed me pretty hard from behind. And the front. And the side. And I laughed and laughed.
Add this to the reasons I love living in North Carolina - just enough snow to enjoy it without dealing with it all winter long. It was such a nice treat and seeing the boys so excited capped off a pretty spectacular week.
I was jealous that Jon got to play with the boys in the snow. Of course I was not jealous of the shoveling or being housebound or suiting and unsuiting toddlers, but I was sad to miss the boys' first real snow experience. Jon took pictures and video to show me when I got home. Could these little boys look any happier?
Fortunately (or unfortunately) it was still cold on Wednesday so the snow didn't melt. Jon had to fly out to Arkansas so I picked the boys up from school early and headed out into the snow with them.
I could not believe how much they loved playing in the snow. I taught them to hit the trees so the snow rained down. I showed them how to cover your tongue with snow. And apparently Jon taught them to throw snowballs because Nate creamed me pretty hard from behind. And the front. And the side. And I laughed and laughed.
Add this to the reasons I love living in North Carolina - just enough snow to enjoy it without dealing with it all winter long. It was such a nice treat and seeing the boys so excited capped off a pretty spectacular week.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
An insanely long post all about the inauguration trip
This trip was a perfect blend of planning (me), winging it (Heather), and luck. It also involved a lot of hospitality and help from other people. First, there was Beth, who agreed to let Heather and I stay at her house for three days. And provided turn-down service and cooked us meals!
After meeting three times in person, Beth graduates from blogfriend to friend. The three of us girls sat around Tuesday night, watching American Idol, drinking beer, and talking about the inauguration. It felt as if we had known each other for years... in real life. I know I will see Beth again and hopefully, see her little boys as they grow into the incredible men I know she will help them become. (Maybe next time we meet I won't have serious hat hair and windburned face.)
Then there was my mother-in-law, who helped us get tickets through one of the North Dakota senator's offices. Everyone should get a mother-in-law like Roxane, and hopefully one day I will be a mother-in-law like her to my sons' partners. The senator greeted every person who came to get tickets and introduced himself as Kent.
Here I am celebrating the GOLDEN TICKETS! But as you can see, they were silver. The Silver section was the standing section immediately behind the reflecting pool.
After picking up the tickets, we spent two hours walking around the inauguration site to scope out security, pathways, and access. In hindsight, this was vitally important because it was mass chaos the morning of the inauguration. While the tvs showed millions of people on the Mall, what they did not show were the hoardes of people packed onto every street around downtown.
After picking up the tickets, we spent two hours walking around the inauguration site to scope out security, pathways, and access. In hindsight, this was vitally important because it was mass chaos the morning of the inauguration. While the tvs showed millions of people on the Mall, what they did not show were the hoardes of people packed onto every street around downtown.
We started to get cold, so Heather suggested we check out the American History museum. Heather had been to DC before and knew the ins and outs of all the museums. Again, vitally important to this story! Much to our surprise, we found this little gem.
We walked and walked and walked the rest of the evening. We walked past the back of the White House. We saw the Washington Monument. We walked up the Lincoln Memorial and toured it. Everywhere we went, there were throngs of joyous people, excited to be part of history.
We then met up with Goddess in Progress for drinks and food. She was exactly as I imagined - smiley, smart, funny, and friendly. I'm always amazed at how having twins barely seems to phase her and her unending positive attitude is inspiring. Again, it was great to put a real face to a virtual friend. I was wracked with disappointment and sadness when I got her text that they shut down her gate on inauguration day. Read her story here. (Dude, again with the hat hair.)
Beth had let us know about the Virginia Railway Express as an alternative to Metro and it was perfect. The day of, we managed to get on an earlier train and got into DC at 7AM. Because we scoped everything out ahead of time, we knew the Silver gate was two blocks from the train stop. We got off the train and a massive line (10+ blocks) had already formed, so we got in it.
Security was moving fast for our line. They were a large number of security stations with two security people at each gate - one to check bags and the other to pat people down. What is missing from this method? Someone to check tickets! No one even checked our tickets! We were in the secure area by 8:30 so we stood and chatted with people. (And froze.)
The inauguration itself... again words do not do it justice. As we watched people walk out, the crowd went wild. People were chanting "Yes We Can" and "Obama!" There are a few moments in my life that I will always remember every detail: walking across the stage to accept my Caltech degree, crossing the finish line of my marathon, my wedding vows to Jon, the birth of Nate and Alex, and hearing millions of people cheer for President Obama.
Heather suggested we head to the Air and Space Museum immediately after the inauguration to hit the restrooms and get food. We managed to beat 99% of the crowd as when we left the museum, people were crowded in every available space. We headed to our train, which overlooked a Metro station. And when we saw this, we knew we had to profusely thank Beth for helping us find alternative transportation. This is the line at one Metro stop. It stayed like this for hours.
This was the trip of a lifetime. While I cheered for Obama, tears streamed down my face. For the first time in my life, I feel we have a president who represents what I hope my boys will become. And as I said to Beth and Heather, Michelle Obama is one of my role models as a working mother. She has shown you can have it all. This is a First Family I hope to emulate and they inspire me to be a better person.
On 1.20.2009, my hope faded. I know change will come. I know good things will happen. I no longer need to hope. I have FAITH.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Yes we did
How many times in your life will you witness history in the making?
I pondered this thought before the inauguration trip. I will never forget where I was when Challenger blew up and when I heard about the twin towers. And I will never forget where I was the day Obama was inaugurated - in the crowd of supporters, holding a once-in-a-lifetime golden ticket (actually, silver in this case).
I pondered this thought before the inauguration trip. I will never forget where I was when Challenger blew up and when I heard about the twin towers. And I will never forget where I was the day Obama was inaugurated - in the crowd of supporters, holding a once-in-a-lifetime golden ticket (actually, silver in this case).
Was it cold? Yes. Was it crowded? Yes. But just as I am unable to describe the feelings that run through me when I hear Nate and Alex tell me they love me, I am unable to describe the feelings I had when millions of people cheered in unison. It was everything I thought and more. It was, quite simply, one of the best experiences of my entire life. Joy. Wonder. Amazement. Excitement. Hope.
Friday, January 16, 2009
T minus 2 days! (edited)
I'm trying to think of something witty or entertaining to write about the kids but all I can think is ROAD TRIP! WEE-HA!Heather and I leave Sunday for our inauguration trip. Where do I start?
When people ask me why I'm going with Heather instead of Jon, I want to tell them to read this post about her last day of the AP government class she teaches. Other than my grandpa Joe, I can't imagine anyone who would be more excited to be in the crowd with me.
When people ask where we're staying, I want them to get to know this phenomenal woman Beth. We've known each other through our blogs and Babycenter since our boys were 3 months old and we've already met twice in person. People can mock Barack for using technology but that's what our generation does. And I'm hoping to meet up with the woman who founded HDYDI, Goddess in Progress. Crazy awesome.
When people say we're going to be cold, or that it will be mobbed, or that it's insane to make this trip, I want to tell them to zip it. I am proud to have the opportunity to stand in the crowd as our next President is sworn into office. I am EXCITED.
And when people ask why I voted for Barack, I hope they read this letter to his daughters and feel the same hope that I feel for my sons when I read this part:
These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have.
When people ask me why I'm going with Heather instead of Jon, I want to tell them to read this post about her last day of the AP government class she teaches. Other than my grandpa Joe, I can't imagine anyone who would be more excited to be in the crowd with me.
When people ask where we're staying, I want them to get to know this phenomenal woman Beth. We've known each other through our blogs and Babycenter since our boys were 3 months old and we've already met twice in person. People can mock Barack for using technology but that's what our generation does. And I'm hoping to meet up with the woman who founded HDYDI, Goddess in Progress. Crazy awesome.
When people say we're going to be cold, or that it will be mobbed, or that it's insane to make this trip, I want to tell them to zip it. I am proud to have the opportunity to stand in the crowd as our next President is sworn into office. I am EXCITED.
And when people ask why I voted for Barack, I hope they read this letter to his daughters and feel the same hope that I feel for my sons when I read this part:
These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Separation anxiety
One of the reasons we picked the day care the boys attend is because they have separate rooms for every age. We wanted the flexibility to separate the boys if we felt they would do better apart. During both the transition to the 1s room and the 2s room, we and their teachers did not feel they were ready to be separated.
North Carolina forces twins to be in separate classrooms when they enter school. Since it will be a big transition to start a new school and be separated for the first time, we thought we might try a year of them apart in day care to help them transition. We had talked to the director about a plan to separate them in the 3s room and then bring them back together in the 4s room. I was fine with this plan until it became January, when I realized it was going to happen THIS year, and then I started to get SUPER anxious about them being apart.
I know they could do it. When Nate was out sick a week in December, Alex had a rough first day alone but then rebounded and had a fantastic time. I'm not worried about them being separated from each other. I'm worried about them being separated from their life-long friends. They've been with some of those kids since they were all under 6 months old. They talk about their friends at home all the time.
Since our school tries to keep kids grouped together, the question for Nate and Alex would then become - who gets to stay with the clique and who has to go to a new room? Then I started thinking if they have to be separated when they go to school, why not let them have these years together?
When Nate and Alex go to school, I know they will make different friends and do different activities. They are so different in every way. Last night we went out to dinner (Mimi's Cafe, LOVE it) and kids get a free worm and dirt cup for dessert. Alex ate the worms and hated the dirt; Nate ate the dirt and hated the worms. To me, that sums up Nate and Alex. They are as different as they look.
Yesterday I talked to the director again and told her I had major anxiety. We revised the plan to keep them together until they go to school, with the understanding that we may change our minds again and again. That is one of the things I like about going to an experienced group care facility - they treat the parents as gently as they treat the kids.
On to the next worry!
North Carolina forces twins to be in separate classrooms when they enter school. Since it will be a big transition to start a new school and be separated for the first time, we thought we might try a year of them apart in day care to help them transition. We had talked to the director about a plan to separate them in the 3s room and then bring them back together in the 4s room. I was fine with this plan until it became January, when I realized it was going to happen THIS year, and then I started to get SUPER anxious about them being apart.
I know they could do it. When Nate was out sick a week in December, Alex had a rough first day alone but then rebounded and had a fantastic time. I'm not worried about them being separated from each other. I'm worried about them being separated from their life-long friends. They've been with some of those kids since they were all under 6 months old. They talk about their friends at home all the time.
Since our school tries to keep kids grouped together, the question for Nate and Alex would then become - who gets to stay with the clique and who has to go to a new room? Then I started thinking if they have to be separated when they go to school, why not let them have these years together?
When Nate and Alex go to school, I know they will make different friends and do different activities. They are so different in every way. Last night we went out to dinner (Mimi's Cafe, LOVE it) and kids get a free worm and dirt cup for dessert. Alex ate the worms and hated the dirt; Nate ate the dirt and hated the worms. To me, that sums up Nate and Alex. They are as different as they look.
Yesterday I talked to the director again and told her I had major anxiety. We revised the plan to keep them together until they go to school, with the understanding that we may change our minds again and again. That is one of the things I like about going to an experienced group care facility - they treat the parents as gently as they treat the kids.
On to the next worry!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Brother!
Lately Nate and Alex have ramped up their use of the word "brother." They have mostly stopped calling each other Nate and Alex. They don't just say "brother" they really emphasize it: BROTHER! Examples:
* "Don't cry, brother. It's ok."
* Yelled up the stairs in a sing-songy voice: "BROTHER!, where are you?"
* Loud singing, talking, and laughing after bedtime lights out: "BROTHER! You my BROTHER! Brother what are you doing? Stop it BROTHER!"
(Taken last summer by my MIL but this is how we usually find them when they are chatting.)
*My personal favorite. I called Alex "Nate" by accident. This happens fairly regularly, where I call them by the wrong name. Apparently it must happen at day care regularly because Alex shot back, "I not my brother!"
* "Don't cry, brother. It's ok."
* Yelled up the stairs in a sing-songy voice: "BROTHER!, where are you?"
* Loud singing, talking, and laughing after bedtime lights out: "BROTHER! You my BROTHER! Brother what are you doing? Stop it BROTHER!"
(Taken last summer by my MIL but this is how we usually find them when they are chatting.)
*My personal favorite. I called Alex "Nate" by accident. This happens fairly regularly, where I call them by the wrong name. Apparently it must happen at day care regularly because Alex shot back, "I not my brother!"
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Alex: the typical toddler made of concrete
Ever since Alex was a tiny baby, he has fallen into the "Textbook" category. As a baby, he cried only when he needed something. As a newly mobile young toddler, he got into everything. As an 18 month old, he had monstrous tantrums. At 2.5, he selectively listens and is afraid of many things.
He is afraid of:
* The dark. He has to sleep with a nightlight. He also does not like to be outside when it is dark, unless there are Christmas lights.
* Fire alarms. Yes, he still talks about how scared he was of the fire alarm.
* Dogs. Until he spends time around them, then he loves them and cries when he has to leave them and then talks about them for weeks afterwards. Yesterday he told some kids at school that he rode Irene's dog Mango over the weekend.
* T-shirts like this. I don't get it either. Santa didn't know this either because Santa brought him two shirts like this that he won't wear. Something about the short sleeve - long sleeve combo freaks him out and he screams when we try to put it on.
However Alex has always defied this Textbook category in physical milestones and general physical toughness. He was an early crawler and an early walker, giving us months of practice before Nate learned to crawl and walk. The kid has never had any fear of anything physical. He likes to be thrown in the air, flipped upside down, tickled, chased, shoved (playfully), and dragged (playfully). The kid likes to play rough, and he walks away from things that leave me wincing, imagining the pain.
But sometimes I don't wince, I laugh. And Jon laughs too. Some of Alex's stunts would win the grand prize on America's Funniest Home Videos. Over the weekend, we were at a park with Irene, Matt, and Milo. Alex was swinging like Superman while Matt took pictures. This picture turned out pretty sweet.
To achieve a better picture, we asked Alex to put his arms out and lift his feet up. And on one particular push, he flew out the front of the swing and landed face-first in the mulch.
I laughed my butt off. Alex got up totally fine, but man, that sucked that happened in front of other parents because Matt asked Alex in a very concerned voice whether he was ok while I laughed. If Alex was upset of course my gut reaction would have been to comfort him. But that is not even close to the worst thing I've seen Alex do and walk away unscathed.
I still laugh when I picture Alex flying off the front of that swing.
He is afraid of:
* The dark. He has to sleep with a nightlight. He also does not like to be outside when it is dark, unless there are Christmas lights.
* Fire alarms. Yes, he still talks about how scared he was of the fire alarm.
* Dogs. Until he spends time around them, then he loves them and cries when he has to leave them and then talks about them for weeks afterwards. Yesterday he told some kids at school that he rode Irene's dog Mango over the weekend.
* T-shirts like this. I don't get it either. Santa didn't know this either because Santa brought him two shirts like this that he won't wear. Something about the short sleeve - long sleeve combo freaks him out and he screams when we try to put it on.
However Alex has always defied this Textbook category in physical milestones and general physical toughness. He was an early crawler and an early walker, giving us months of practice before Nate learned to crawl and walk. The kid has never had any fear of anything physical. He likes to be thrown in the air, flipped upside down, tickled, chased, shoved (playfully), and dragged (playfully). The kid likes to play rough, and he walks away from things that leave me wincing, imagining the pain.
But sometimes I don't wince, I laugh. And Jon laughs too. Some of Alex's stunts would win the grand prize on America's Funniest Home Videos. Over the weekend, we were at a park with Irene, Matt, and Milo. Alex was swinging like Superman while Matt took pictures. This picture turned out pretty sweet.
To achieve a better picture, we asked Alex to put his arms out and lift his feet up. And on one particular push, he flew out the front of the swing and landed face-first in the mulch.
I laughed my butt off. Alex got up totally fine, but man, that sucked that happened in front of other parents because Matt asked Alex in a very concerned voice whether he was ok while I laughed. If Alex was upset of course my gut reaction would have been to comfort him. But that is not even close to the worst thing I've seen Alex do and walk away unscathed.
I still laugh when I picture Alex flying off the front of that swing.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Travel plans
Friday night, we packed up the car and drove to Charlotte to visit Irene and family. We hung out all day Saturday then drove back that night. We packed very lightly - just clothes, toiletries, and movies for the boys. This is something we haven't really been able to do since the boys were born, mostly because of the sheer amount of stuff necessary for young twins. Between the Thanksgiving Florida trip and this trip, Jon and I feel like we've reached a huge turning point with the boys.
(I forgot a camera and took no pictures of the three kids together. FAIL.)
Right as we were packing up to leave, Jon found out about a week-long business trip he has next month. I made the decision to tag along for part of it and bring the boys. Jon and I are crazily excited. In three years of traveling, we've never been able to parlay any of his work trips into fun trips. The only daunting part is that I will be flying back alone with the boys. But after reading about Sadia and Snickollet doing it, I feel like I can do it too.
2009 is pretty kick-butt so far.
(I forgot a camera and took no pictures of the three kids together. FAIL.)
Right as we were packing up to leave, Jon found out about a week-long business trip he has next month. I made the decision to tag along for part of it and bring the boys. Jon and I are crazily excited. In three years of traveling, we've never been able to parlay any of his work trips into fun trips. The only daunting part is that I will be flying back alone with the boys. But after reading about Sadia and Snickollet doing it, I feel like I can do it too.
2009 is pretty kick-butt so far.
Friday, January 09, 2009
The week in which my kids learn to play me
Really, thank you for all the support yesterday. Jon got home late last night and I poured out all my thoughts to him. That's how I know I married the right guy. When things go right or wrong, I need him and he always makes me feel better.
Btw, for those that do not know me in real life, I crack jokes about my hearing all the time. I even cracked them at the hospital and during post-surgery exams. I am not sensitive about my hearing loss and love to hear good jokes. During my surgery recovery, Jon's brother sent a cookie bouquet. Here I am, hair unwashed for days, eating the ear of the little surgeon.)
The news also came during a bad week. The boys were mostly out of school for the last two weeks. We had visitors and nights we stayed up late and lots of fun times. This was their first full week back and it was a rough transition. Jon jumped right back into traveling as he was gone four days. I think we were all sad real life had to start again.
On Tuesday night, Nate was a terror. Shouting, saying mean things to me ("I don't love you mommy. I love daddy, not you."), just really acting out. I asked him why he was in a bad mood and he said, "I miss my daddy." I gave him lots of attention and hugs and really fawned on him.
So... the rest of the week as he acted like a normal two year old (terrible one minute, so loving the next) whenever he would do something really bad, he would follow it with "I miss my daddy." Smack Alex in the face, I miss dad. Throw food at the table, I miss dad. Tantrum over not getting to watch tv, I miss dad.
That kid is so freaking smart. I didn't catch on for a day. I got outsmarted by a 2 year old.
Btw, for those that do not know me in real life, I crack jokes about my hearing all the time. I even cracked them at the hospital and during post-surgery exams. I am not sensitive about my hearing loss and love to hear good jokes. During my surgery recovery, Jon's brother sent a cookie bouquet. Here I am, hair unwashed for days, eating the ear of the little surgeon.)
The news also came during a bad week. The boys were mostly out of school for the last two weeks. We had visitors and nights we stayed up late and lots of fun times. This was their first full week back and it was a rough transition. Jon jumped right back into traveling as he was gone four days. I think we were all sad real life had to start again.
On Tuesday night, Nate was a terror. Shouting, saying mean things to me ("I don't love you mommy. I love daddy, not you."), just really acting out. I asked him why he was in a bad mood and he said, "I miss my daddy." I gave him lots of attention and hugs and really fawned on him.
So... the rest of the week as he acted like a normal two year old (terrible one minute, so loving the next) whenever he would do something really bad, he would follow it with "I miss my daddy." Smack Alex in the face, I miss dad. Throw food at the table, I miss dad. Tantrum over not getting to watch tv, I miss dad.
That kid is so freaking smart. I didn't catch on for a day. I got outsmarted by a 2 year old.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Hearing test
This morning I had my annual hearing exam to check the status of robo-ear. Sometime in October, I started to notice the same hearing problems I had when my hearing problems first developed. I made the appointment knowing I would get bad news, but this morning I woke up in denial wondering why I made the appointment when clearly my hearing is fine.
I dislike getting my hearing checked. I don't mind the actual exam but I don't like going to the office. I am always the youngest patient. Everyone who works in hearing departments talks really loudly. They also make excessive eye contact when speaking. When my hearing was bad, I hid my condition by carefully watching people's mouths to fill in the gaps. The doctor's office basically calls that bluff.
If you've never had a hearing testing, it's what you would imagine. You sit in a soundproof booth with headphones and they run a series of tests. You either repeat words or click a button when you hear a noise. During the leadup to my surgery, I failed so many hearing tests that I know when things are not going well. I know when I've gone too long without clicking a button and I know when I *should* hear a word or beep but hear absolutely nothing.
It feels really sad sitting in a completely silent room knowing you should hear something but not hearing anything except the scared thoughts running through your head.
I got out of the booth knowing I had failed and my doctor wanted to run extra tests. Never a good sign. We reviewed the results and I have mild hearing loss in the range of human speech. I expected this as I am having a harder time hearing people. And this was pretty much how my hearing started to go the first time, so I'm not surprised.
I go back in six months or earlier if things get worse. And that piece of news was the hardest to take. When I took my first hearing test that showed mild hearing loss, they told me to come back in six months or earlier if anything got worse. And it got worse, so much worse. It's hard not to project what might happen. It's hard not to worry.
Along with my sadness and fear, I feel angry. Angry at my ear for betraying me again. Angry that I'm starting not to hear things again. Angry this stapedectomy was supposed to last me ten years and it's only been three. Angry that I have no control over this.
All these feelings are repeats of the feelings I had when I first lost my hearing. Knowing what to expect this time, I feel a lot more prepared. Until my hearing gets significantly worse, I'll just turn up the tv, ask people to repeat themselves, and be thankful that nothing worse is wrong with me. And I will be thankful for modern medicine that gave me my hearing back to allow me to hear every sweet word, laugh, and sound of love that has come out of the mouths of my babies.
I dislike getting my hearing checked. I don't mind the actual exam but I don't like going to the office. I am always the youngest patient. Everyone who works in hearing departments talks really loudly. They also make excessive eye contact when speaking. When my hearing was bad, I hid my condition by carefully watching people's mouths to fill in the gaps. The doctor's office basically calls that bluff.
If you've never had a hearing testing, it's what you would imagine. You sit in a soundproof booth with headphones and they run a series of tests. You either repeat words or click a button when you hear a noise. During the leadup to my surgery, I failed so many hearing tests that I know when things are not going well. I know when I've gone too long without clicking a button and I know when I *should* hear a word or beep but hear absolutely nothing.
It feels really sad sitting in a completely silent room knowing you should hear something but not hearing anything except the scared thoughts running through your head.
I got out of the booth knowing I had failed and my doctor wanted to run extra tests. Never a good sign. We reviewed the results and I have mild hearing loss in the range of human speech. I expected this as I am having a harder time hearing people. And this was pretty much how my hearing started to go the first time, so I'm not surprised.
I go back in six months or earlier if things get worse. And that piece of news was the hardest to take. When I took my first hearing test that showed mild hearing loss, they told me to come back in six months or earlier if anything got worse. And it got worse, so much worse. It's hard not to project what might happen. It's hard not to worry.
Along with my sadness and fear, I feel angry. Angry at my ear for betraying me again. Angry that I'm starting not to hear things again. Angry this stapedectomy was supposed to last me ten years and it's only been three. Angry that I have no control over this.
All these feelings are repeats of the feelings I had when I first lost my hearing. Knowing what to expect this time, I feel a lot more prepared. Until my hearing gets significantly worse, I'll just turn up the tv, ask people to repeat themselves, and be thankful that nothing worse is wrong with me. And I will be thankful for modern medicine that gave me my hearing back to allow me to hear every sweet word, laugh, and sound of love that has come out of the mouths of my babies.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The long conversation home
Every day when I pick up the boys from day care, I ask them about their day and I get the same generic responses.
I played with (insert name - Katie, Ben, Owen, Cydney).
I ate (insert food - mac and cheese, bean tacos, snack).
I read (insert book - dinosaurs, Dora, ABCs).
Yesterday when I picked them up, I asked how their day was and Alex said, "I cry for you mommy." I said, "What? Why did you cry for me?" Nate said, "I cry for you too mommy. I cried and cried and cried. There was a fire drill."
Nate proceeded to talk the entire car ride, never once repeating anything. Let me tell it to you. There was a fire drill. Nate couldn't stop crying so three different people had to hold him. They had to line up and sit outside in the grass. A scary fireman came to turn off the alarm and they cried again.
This sounded way too elaborate to be make-believe. Later that night when I relayed the story to Jon, I asked him to imagine the horror of being in a room of 2 year olds when an unexpected fire drill took place. I had to get the full story so this morning I asked their teacher about the fire drill, expecting a lengthy tale.
I would turn out to be wrong. Apparently, Nate and Alex were the only kids crying uncontrollably because of the fire drill. I don't know what was more surprising to me - that Nate and Alex were the only ones scared or that 10 other 2 year olds could just take a fire drill in stride.
There has to be more to this story!
PS. I've got a post on HDYDI today about how we jacked up the boys' precious and ironclad schedule. We're getting back on track this week.
I played with (insert name - Katie, Ben, Owen, Cydney).
I ate (insert food - mac and cheese, bean tacos, snack).
I read (insert book - dinosaurs, Dora, ABCs).
Yesterday when I picked them up, I asked how their day was and Alex said, "I cry for you mommy." I said, "What? Why did you cry for me?" Nate said, "I cry for you too mommy. I cried and cried and cried. There was a fire drill."
Nate proceeded to talk the entire car ride, never once repeating anything. Let me tell it to you. There was a fire drill. Nate couldn't stop crying so three different people had to hold him. They had to line up and sit outside in the grass. A scary fireman came to turn off the alarm and they cried again.
This sounded way too elaborate to be make-believe. Later that night when I relayed the story to Jon, I asked him to imagine the horror of being in a room of 2 year olds when an unexpected fire drill took place. I had to get the full story so this morning I asked their teacher about the fire drill, expecting a lengthy tale.
I would turn out to be wrong. Apparently, Nate and Alex were the only kids crying uncontrollably because of the fire drill. I don't know what was more surprising to me - that Nate and Alex were the only ones scared or that 10 other 2 year olds could just take a fire drill in stride.
There has to be more to this story!
PS. I've got a post on HDYDI today about how we jacked up the boys' precious and ironclad schedule. We're getting back on track this week.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Party time after lights out
For the last few weeks, Nate and Alex have been chatting up a storm after bedtime lights out. They never get out of their beds. They sit there and talk and sing and laugh. This is all instigated by Alex. If Alex is awake, he will keep egging Nate on and Nate always responds.
I don't have a problem with the chatting so we try not to go in, but sometimes we hear conversations that alarm us. Lately those conversations have been about taking off pajamas, so we often double-check on them before we head to bed ourselves.
Saturday night, Jon went to check on the boys before our bedtime. Nate was above his covers fully clothed. Alex had his covers pulled all the way up to his chin. This was odd, so Jon felt around Alex's bed to see if his pajamas were in the bed. No pajamas under the sheets, but Jon did find Alex's diaper. Not on Alex's body. Which meant the diaper was not on Alex.
Using a flashlight, he lifted up Alex's covers to find Alex all snuggled up without a single stitch of clothing on.
I'm almost too scared to write this but I think the inevitable poop-in-bed-horror-story may be soon.
I don't have a problem with the chatting so we try not to go in, but sometimes we hear conversations that alarm us. Lately those conversations have been about taking off pajamas, so we often double-check on them before we head to bed ourselves.
Saturday night, Jon went to check on the boys before our bedtime. Nate was above his covers fully clothed. Alex had his covers pulled all the way up to his chin. This was odd, so Jon felt around Alex's bed to see if his pajamas were in the bed. No pajamas under the sheets, but Jon did find Alex's diaper. Not on Alex's body. Which meant the diaper was not on Alex.
Using a flashlight, he lifted up Alex's covers to find Alex all snuggled up without a single stitch of clothing on.
I'm almost too scared to write this but I think the inevitable poop-in-bed-horror-story may be soon.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Morning entertainment
The boys' school is closed today but I need to work so Jon took the day off to stay with them. It's been fun to pop down and say hi occasionally. This morning, Jon showed the boys a magic trick. They have been trying to say "abracadabra" all morning but here's how it turned out:
* Abba cabba
* Cab abba
* Abra abra
* Cabracabra
Next word for entertainment: supercalifragilisticexpialadocious!
* Abba cabba
* Cab abba
* Abra abra
* Cabracabra
Next word for entertainment: supercalifragilisticexpialadocious!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
New Year's resolutions
The first year I wrote resolutions on my blog, it was a joke because I'm not into resolutions.
(I love reading really old posts before we knew it was twins. Reading about "the baby" cracks me up!)
Last year I wrote real resolutions and found it helped me to publicly write about my resolutions. Being accountable to someone helped me accomplish the big resolutions: pre-pregnancy weight! finish the baby book! decorate the house!
(Too bad I had all that wine and sangria and bratwurst and cheese and buckeyes and I've gained back five of those pounds.)
Now I've decided I like resolutions because they go with my goal-oriented personality. So.....
Laura's 2009 Resolutions:
1. Look fabulous in a bikini on my 35th birthday, March 29.
2. Train for a half-marathon
(planning to run one March 28, which is unfortunately Jon's 34th birthday but Jon already said yes because he is an awesome husband)
(not running the one in Phoenix with my sister anymore because I'm attending the Obama inauguration instead)
3. Finish organizing the attic. You have no idea how large this task is.
4. Replace the crappy horrible scarf I made for Jon a few years ago with something much nicer yet still handmade by me.
5. Make my blog, MY NEW BLOG, reflect me, not just mommy me.
That's right peoples, I'm starting another blog where I will document what I get accomplished in 2009. It's an experiment and will take some time for me to grow into, just as this blog did. So please be patient, but please read along!
Laura's Other Journal
I left you a little treat on my first blog post. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Happy new year!
(I love reading really old posts before we knew it was twins. Reading about "the baby" cracks me up!)
Last year I wrote real resolutions and found it helped me to publicly write about my resolutions. Being accountable to someone helped me accomplish the big resolutions: pre-pregnancy weight! finish the baby book! decorate the house!
(Too bad I had all that wine and sangria and bratwurst and cheese and buckeyes and I've gained back five of those pounds.)
Now I've decided I like resolutions because they go with my goal-oriented personality. So.....
Laura's 2009 Resolutions:
1. Look fabulous in a bikini on my 35th birthday, March 29.
2. Train for a half-marathon
(planning to run one March 28, which is unfortunately Jon's 34th birthday but Jon already said yes because he is an awesome husband)
(not running the one in Phoenix with my sister anymore because I'm attending the Obama inauguration instead)
3. Finish organizing the attic. You have no idea how large this task is.
4. Replace the crappy horrible scarf I made for Jon a few years ago with something much nicer yet still handmade by me.
5. Make my blog, MY NEW BLOG, reflect me, not just mommy me.
That's right peoples, I'm starting another blog where I will document what I get accomplished in 2009. It's an experiment and will take some time for me to grow into, just as this blog did. So please be patient, but please read along!
Laura's Other Journal
I left you a little treat on my first blog post. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Happy new year!
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