Sunday, November 25, 2012
September Pictures!
Catching up-- Summer/Fall
Oh man-- I can't believe how I let this blog get away from me! Life is in the fast lane for sure these days...and these boys are growing so fast!
**** FOREWARNING: this is going to be a lot of writing...so if you want, you can just scroll down to the pics!
I have been staying super busy with the Photography business lately, and Anthony has been working his butt off at work, so add in the 2 YEAR OLD boys to that mix, and we are a crazy household!
for their 2nd birthday, we met a lot of friends and family at the Rock Creek Farms up in Broomfield (a HUGE place...I wasn't prepared I don't think!)-- and it ended up being a great time! We of course had Thomas the train balloons, and Toy Story plates and cups! We just had some simple snacks and dips (thanks to my mom for helping me!), and "do-it-yourself" cupcakes for the kiddos....mostly because I didn't have time to frost them before we had to leave! ;) It worked out great though!
so, because so much time has gone by, and I feel like the boys have changed so much....here is what they are into as of now! (I am mainly considering that this blog is pretty much my own journal....so, sorry if you are not me, and actually reading these very long posts! ;)
Noah: 22 lbs
Still our crazy little adrenaline junkie! Can scale huge walls at parks, stands on top of Grandmas' rocking horse and bounces, and just has no fear. However, we are starting to see a bit of caution once and a while with randowm things that we would never think would creep him out....who knows. He still loves the swings at the park, and he and Mason have a lot of fun at the park together now chasing after each other through tunnels and such!
This kid never ceases to amaze me with his agility and natural athleticism. He is truly amazing with climbing, balance, and other gross motor skills. I am terrified to think of the antics he will get into as he grows up....I guess we will have to focus on just making sure he knows how to do things the Safe way...becasue there is no stopping this kid! I feel like Noah will probably be good at any sport that he tries....but will probably not stick with one for long periods of time....get bored with it quickly! Or, he will be great at a sport-- but as he gets older his size may determine which ones he likes better? I don't know-- but I think he has a gift of athleticism for sure!
He still eats pretty much when he "has to", and has similar eating habits. Although...he will not touch bananas lately! I have started to give them smoothies a lot in recent months to get them some veggies! We are definitely dealing with more picky-ness all together, and some days they will not want to eat at all! I still give them the little "sucky things" (pureed fruit and veggie snack that they suck out of a little container......that sounds horrible.....). I have given them juice more as well...mainly becaseu we have all been sick for so long....was giving them more fluids.
His favorite toys are still anything Buzz Lightyear *he now has multiple sets of Pj's as well..), Thomas the train, cars, balls, and of course LEGOS!
His language has really expoloded in the last couple of weeks. He still does not have the annunciation that Mason has, but I am understanding him a lot better recently, and he is doing 3 word sentences. He can count to 4 or 5, and knows all the major colors! We are working on shapes!
He loves taking off his diaper, so he always has to wear pants now. ;) Even though he is very outgoing, there are many times throughout the day when he will want to go "ni-night", and that means he just wants to go get in his crib and lay down, or play or read books by himself. I think he just likes to have his own space once and a while (away from Mason).
He has also started to show some jealousy towards Anthony, as well as Connor and Karysa (and of course Mason)--- if I give them attention and not him. Mason does with Noah and Anthony too. They have both been pretty competitive for me a lot, and seem to alternate weeks of who is mama's boy! We go through rough days when one will not let me put them down.....those are hard days!
He is still such a sweet little boy-- and I love the way he looks when he runs really fast towards me-- he swings his arms so hard-- it is hilarious! He definitely has his little sly smiles and mischeivous grins down pat....I think he gets that from Anthony.
Noah is still our little "bean"! He is so tiny and cute-- and is now outweighed by 5 lbs by Mason! ;) I think it probably helps him stay small bc he prefers quinoa and fruit over fries and chips (Mason). At his 2 year check up he was in the 0-3% for weight, and somewhere around there for height too...but 25% for head (which is the most indicative one). So, I don't think that we have a basketball star on our hands, but he is growing perfectly proportionate to his size and on his "curve" since he was born-- so he is perfectly healthy! Although it is interesting to me that his hands and feet are bigger than Masons--- weird! I would be lying if I said I wasn't already worried about kids teasing him over his size....but he has the perfect personality to handle things like that-- and I know he will be fine! (and he has Mason to protect him! ;)
Mason: 27 lbs
Our "little" bubba is not so little anymore! Even though he is about 40% for weight, and 75% (!!??) for height, he seems just huge!! I guess it is bc we always see him next to Noah bean! So many times now Anthony and I are just in awe of how big he is getting, he is not our little baby anymore! They are little boys now!! (tears....) AS mentioned, he now outweighs Noah by 5 lbs, and is starting to look a bit "chunky", and is probably 1.5 inches or so taller than Noah. We are definitely getting a lot of surprised looks from people now when I say they are Twins!
Oh bubs--- this little man is a handful! He is so passionate, and emotional, and extreme! He has continued with his personality traits he has had from birth.....extreme happiness, to extreme pissiness!;) When Mason is happy, he is the sweetest, loving and fun little boyi...but if something doesn't go his way, or he gets upset, oh man-- we have a tantrum and angry man on our hands. We are really trying to learn how to deal with the boys different behavior. We have to discipline them very differently already! I have read a bit on Hypersensitivity in toddlers, and similar traits to Asperger's or Autism (by accident)...and I wasn't really surprised to find many similar traits to Mason's behavior. I don't think he has either one of these, but he definietly falls into the Hyper sensitive/higher maintenance category. It can be very challneing at times....but he is an amazing little boy, and I know that he has all this passion and amotion and focus for a reason, and he is turning into a very smart and amazing boy!
We had his PT annual overview a few months back. They actually evaluate them on all skills (gross, motor, cognitive, social, etc.)....and I have to say that I wasn't shocked to find out that Mason's at almost a 3 year old level for Cognitive and speech. The kid is brilliant. As for other ares, he is right at his age appropriate level-- a bit behind in Gross still-- but nothing major. His Pediatrician confirmed a lot of my suspicions on his intelligence vs. emotions vs. gross skills connection....and agreed with me that he is probably in that higher sensitive category of kids. He says that when a child is highly intelligent, other ares often are a bit behind at first.
Boy is he running around a ton and playing and climbing with the best of them now! He has been surprising us a bit lately with his lack of fear on the playground equipment-- lately he has been 1st to climb something before Noah-- which is rare! As always, they are changing and evolving everyday. Noah does seem to have more inherent and "natural" ability for balance and agility and climbing and so forth....but Mason's focus and desire will get him up something if he wants to!
As I sort of mentioned, his speech and language skills are phenomenal! He will repeat full sentences in perfect clarity, and knows exactly what he is saying. He will often surprise me when driving by something, and he will talk about what it is , when I have never even told him! Whenever we drive by the bronco's stadium, he yells, "Go broncos!"-- and did that without me ev en telling him...??? Kinda creeps me out sometimes! ;) He knows when we are getting close to home, and where our street is, and how to get to the park, etc. I can basically have full conversations with him....it is crazy!
Some of Mason's favorite toys and such are similar to Noah-- however he is definitely more into Thomas...and has lots of Thomas pjs' and such!
Oh-- we had a 2 year checkup for Mason's Nut Allergy. His Peanut allergy isn't any better...and he is also extremely allergic to Cashews. Even though he tested negative for the other Tree nuts, the doc says that we need to stay away, as he may eventually develop those allergies since he is now testing positive for Cashews. Poor guy. We do what we have to do though! He does have a 20% chance of outgrowing it...so we are just trying to keep him at NO exposure in these next few years-- as that helps his chances. Halloween really made a impact on me this year for this allergy-- they were able to go out to a few houses...but I am going to have to find some nut-free events we can go to in the future. Also, I think I am going to try this "Switch-Witch" idea I heard about....we'll make our own Halloween and Holiday traditions!
Both:
Overall, they are getting along well...except when they fight over toys...or me! They definietly are starting to play together more thouhg..and will chase each toerh around the house and in tunnels, etc. It is super cute to see! They will tell each other they are sorry and give each other hugs....again, so cute!~
They no longer sit in their highchairs, we have them in little booster seats at the big table! Crazy.
they still are obsessed with watching Nemo, Toy Story, and Thomas...but lately thy have liked Shrek 2 ("donkey", "ogerrrr!"), and a Pumpkin movie mom got them called "spookley". They have also watched Ice Age a few times. I the mornings they still watch a bit of Curious George, Super Hwy, Cat in the Hat, an Dinosaur train (not usually all those in one morning...but it will be on in the background).
They are learning the concept of "Scary".
they are still in their Cribs...and I am keeping them there as long as possible!
We have not attempted Potty Training yet. I am not pushing it. They understand the concept, and will tell me when they go, and will sit on the potty once and a while...but still not "there". I am working ion getting them to be able to pull up and down their own pants...and really just be more ready-- so that we don't have a harder time with it than needed. It will happen eventually! Truthfully, I think I am ok with the idea of changing their diapers for a while more...over attempting potty training! I just don't have the energy right now! (Even though Mason throws FIT whenever we have to change him...annoying!)
They did a great job staying at Grandma and Grandpa Lopez's house for 6 days in September! We got to go back to Pittsburgh for our friends wedding, so we got a little vacation! Thanks again!!! Mason was a bit angry with me though when we got back...he would only go to Anthony for a little while! about what I expected...;)
Overall, we are finally coming to terms with life maybe getting a BIT easier? Harder...but easier. We are able to handle them doing more things by ourselves now, and it is nice that they can "communicate"! We have found some great restaurant spots to go out with them (El Tapatio patio, Kobe an, etc.) that keeps them entertained for a bit...but always an early dinner! Bedtime is not such an issue anymore, and I am (or Anthony when he watched them when I am working) able to take them to parks without strollers, more stores, the zoo, museums, etc. They like to get out and run and walk all the time-- and don't really use the stroller any more. I usually have it though in case of double meltdowns, etc! Mason really likes to push the stroller with me ("I push it"). Mason is really good about listening to me when running off, etc. He will stop and come back to me, or stay right next to the stroller or wagon. Noah on the other hand....not so much. He pretty much just laughs and runs faster...and I literally have to Sprint to catch him...gets his running genes from his dad! So, he often times has to go back int he stroller ;).
We still do playdates, go to lots of Parks, hiking trails, the zoo, and try to always do something fun and outdoorsy (or the a new museum or something) on the weekends. We are back going to the gym too after a couple month hiatus! One of our favorite things to do is just going to the river (a few different spots) and throwing rocks or playing in the water. I have to say that Winter may be a challenge for us-- as we get outside a lot! they are also completely obsessed with playing int he car...and the garage door opener. ugh.
We also spend a good amount of time up north in Windsor, and visit Dodo and Papa in Lyons too. The boys love going to the Farm near Grandma's house...and hitting the parks around Windsor and Ft. Collins! It has been so fantastic having Uncle Jay staying in Windsor for the last year too-- he has really become a part of the boys lives...and we are greatly for that!
Some common quotes/words:
-- I do it!
-- Help mama, up mama
-- noah where are you!?
-- thomas and his friends!
-- he outside....
-- "to infinity and beyond!" (Noah says this...but is his own jibberish still!)
"Tunnel!"
-- It's hot
"Get get"(blanket) and their babies are still a huge part of their life! Noah knows that he has 2 babies now, so not only does he need the one, but both of them. Then, his Buzz blanket and Start blanket. Mason has his good ol' brown elephant baby, and now he has to have both of the furry blankets (blue and green)...even though one of them was originally Noah's.
They like looking at pictures and pointing out who everyone is. We also go to Barnes and Noble a lot to play with the Train set there. Often our grocery/store trips consist of me stuffing snacks down them long enough to get what I need, and then I have to let them out to "run 'round". Sometimes it's fine, and sometimes it's crazy! ;)
So much!! wow! Ok, I'm just going to post a ton of pictures....and put comments if it sparks something! Have a great Holiday season everyone!
End of Summer:
September:
I have to post on the next post....I am out of space!; ) The next 2 posts will be September and October Pictures only! ;)
**** FOREWARNING: this is going to be a lot of writing...so if you want, you can just scroll down to the pics!
I have been staying super busy with the Photography business lately, and Anthony has been working his butt off at work, so add in the 2 YEAR OLD boys to that mix, and we are a crazy household!
for their 2nd birthday, we met a lot of friends and family at the Rock Creek Farms up in Broomfield (a HUGE place...I wasn't prepared I don't think!)-- and it ended up being a great time! We of course had Thomas the train balloons, and Toy Story plates and cups! We just had some simple snacks and dips (thanks to my mom for helping me!), and "do-it-yourself" cupcakes for the kiddos....mostly because I didn't have time to frost them before we had to leave! ;) It worked out great though!
so, because so much time has gone by, and I feel like the boys have changed so much....here is what they are into as of now! (I am mainly considering that this blog is pretty much my own journal....so, sorry if you are not me, and actually reading these very long posts! ;)
Noah: 22 lbs
Still our crazy little adrenaline junkie! Can scale huge walls at parks, stands on top of Grandmas' rocking horse and bounces, and just has no fear. However, we are starting to see a bit of caution once and a while with randowm things that we would never think would creep him out....who knows. He still loves the swings at the park, and he and Mason have a lot of fun at the park together now chasing after each other through tunnels and such!
This kid never ceases to amaze me with his agility and natural athleticism. He is truly amazing with climbing, balance, and other gross motor skills. I am terrified to think of the antics he will get into as he grows up....I guess we will have to focus on just making sure he knows how to do things the Safe way...becasue there is no stopping this kid! I feel like Noah will probably be good at any sport that he tries....but will probably not stick with one for long periods of time....get bored with it quickly! Or, he will be great at a sport-- but as he gets older his size may determine which ones he likes better? I don't know-- but I think he has a gift of athleticism for sure!
He still eats pretty much when he "has to", and has similar eating habits. Although...he will not touch bananas lately! I have started to give them smoothies a lot in recent months to get them some veggies! We are definitely dealing with more picky-ness all together, and some days they will not want to eat at all! I still give them the little "sucky things" (pureed fruit and veggie snack that they suck out of a little container......that sounds horrible.....). I have given them juice more as well...mainly becaseu we have all been sick for so long....was giving them more fluids.
His favorite toys are still anything Buzz Lightyear *he now has multiple sets of Pj's as well..), Thomas the train, cars, balls, and of course LEGOS!
His language has really expoloded in the last couple of weeks. He still does not have the annunciation that Mason has, but I am understanding him a lot better recently, and he is doing 3 word sentences. He can count to 4 or 5, and knows all the major colors! We are working on shapes!
He loves taking off his diaper, so he always has to wear pants now. ;) Even though he is very outgoing, there are many times throughout the day when he will want to go "ni-night", and that means he just wants to go get in his crib and lay down, or play or read books by himself. I think he just likes to have his own space once and a while (away from Mason).
He has also started to show some jealousy towards Anthony, as well as Connor and Karysa (and of course Mason)--- if I give them attention and not him. Mason does with Noah and Anthony too. They have both been pretty competitive for me a lot, and seem to alternate weeks of who is mama's boy! We go through rough days when one will not let me put them down.....those are hard days!
He is still such a sweet little boy-- and I love the way he looks when he runs really fast towards me-- he swings his arms so hard-- it is hilarious! He definitely has his little sly smiles and mischeivous grins down pat....I think he gets that from Anthony.
Noah is still our little "bean"! He is so tiny and cute-- and is now outweighed by 5 lbs by Mason! ;) I think it probably helps him stay small bc he prefers quinoa and fruit over fries and chips (Mason). At his 2 year check up he was in the 0-3% for weight, and somewhere around there for height too...but 25% for head (which is the most indicative one). So, I don't think that we have a basketball star on our hands, but he is growing perfectly proportionate to his size and on his "curve" since he was born-- so he is perfectly healthy! Although it is interesting to me that his hands and feet are bigger than Masons--- weird! I would be lying if I said I wasn't already worried about kids teasing him over his size....but he has the perfect personality to handle things like that-- and I know he will be fine! (and he has Mason to protect him! ;)
Mason: 27 lbs
Our "little" bubba is not so little anymore! Even though he is about 40% for weight, and 75% (!!??) for height, he seems just huge!! I guess it is bc we always see him next to Noah bean! So many times now Anthony and I are just in awe of how big he is getting, he is not our little baby anymore! They are little boys now!! (tears....) AS mentioned, he now outweighs Noah by 5 lbs, and is starting to look a bit "chunky", and is probably 1.5 inches or so taller than Noah. We are definitely getting a lot of surprised looks from people now when I say they are Twins!
Oh bubs--- this little man is a handful! He is so passionate, and emotional, and extreme! He has continued with his personality traits he has had from birth.....extreme happiness, to extreme pissiness!;) When Mason is happy, he is the sweetest, loving and fun little boyi...but if something doesn't go his way, or he gets upset, oh man-- we have a tantrum and angry man on our hands. We are really trying to learn how to deal with the boys different behavior. We have to discipline them very differently already! I have read a bit on Hypersensitivity in toddlers, and similar traits to Asperger's or Autism (by accident)...and I wasn't really surprised to find many similar traits to Mason's behavior. I don't think he has either one of these, but he definietly falls into the Hyper sensitive/higher maintenance category. It can be very challneing at times....but he is an amazing little boy, and I know that he has all this passion and amotion and focus for a reason, and he is turning into a very smart and amazing boy!
We had his PT annual overview a few months back. They actually evaluate them on all skills (gross, motor, cognitive, social, etc.)....and I have to say that I wasn't shocked to find out that Mason's at almost a 3 year old level for Cognitive and speech. The kid is brilliant. As for other ares, he is right at his age appropriate level-- a bit behind in Gross still-- but nothing major. His Pediatrician confirmed a lot of my suspicions on his intelligence vs. emotions vs. gross skills connection....and agreed with me that he is probably in that higher sensitive category of kids. He says that when a child is highly intelligent, other ares often are a bit behind at first.
Boy is he running around a ton and playing and climbing with the best of them now! He has been surprising us a bit lately with his lack of fear on the playground equipment-- lately he has been 1st to climb something before Noah-- which is rare! As always, they are changing and evolving everyday. Noah does seem to have more inherent and "natural" ability for balance and agility and climbing and so forth....but Mason's focus and desire will get him up something if he wants to!
As I sort of mentioned, his speech and language skills are phenomenal! He will repeat full sentences in perfect clarity, and knows exactly what he is saying. He will often surprise me when driving by something, and he will talk about what it is , when I have never even told him! Whenever we drive by the bronco's stadium, he yells, "Go broncos!"-- and did that without me ev en telling him...??? Kinda creeps me out sometimes! ;) He knows when we are getting close to home, and where our street is, and how to get to the park, etc. I can basically have full conversations with him....it is crazy!
Some of Mason's favorite toys and such are similar to Noah-- however he is definitely more into Thomas...and has lots of Thomas pjs' and such!
Oh-- we had a 2 year checkup for Mason's Nut Allergy. His Peanut allergy isn't any better...and he is also extremely allergic to Cashews. Even though he tested negative for the other Tree nuts, the doc says that we need to stay away, as he may eventually develop those allergies since he is now testing positive for Cashews. Poor guy. We do what we have to do though! He does have a 20% chance of outgrowing it...so we are just trying to keep him at NO exposure in these next few years-- as that helps his chances. Halloween really made a impact on me this year for this allergy-- they were able to go out to a few houses...but I am going to have to find some nut-free events we can go to in the future. Also, I think I am going to try this "Switch-Witch" idea I heard about....we'll make our own Halloween and Holiday traditions!
Both:
Overall, they are getting along well...except when they fight over toys...or me! They definietly are starting to play together more thouhg..and will chase each toerh around the house and in tunnels, etc. It is super cute to see! They will tell each other they are sorry and give each other hugs....again, so cute!~
They no longer sit in their highchairs, we have them in little booster seats at the big table! Crazy.
they still are obsessed with watching Nemo, Toy Story, and Thomas...but lately thy have liked Shrek 2 ("donkey", "ogerrrr!"), and a Pumpkin movie mom got them called "spookley". They have also watched Ice Age a few times. I the mornings they still watch a bit of Curious George, Super Hwy, Cat in the Hat, an Dinosaur train (not usually all those in one morning...but it will be on in the background).
They are learning the concept of "Scary".
they are still in their Cribs...and I am keeping them there as long as possible!
We have not attempted Potty Training yet. I am not pushing it. They understand the concept, and will tell me when they go, and will sit on the potty once and a while...but still not "there". I am working ion getting them to be able to pull up and down their own pants...and really just be more ready-- so that we don't have a harder time with it than needed. It will happen eventually! Truthfully, I think I am ok with the idea of changing their diapers for a while more...over attempting potty training! I just don't have the energy right now! (Even though Mason throws FIT whenever we have to change him...annoying!)
They did a great job staying at Grandma and Grandpa Lopez's house for 6 days in September! We got to go back to Pittsburgh for our friends wedding, so we got a little vacation! Thanks again!!! Mason was a bit angry with me though when we got back...he would only go to Anthony for a little while! about what I expected...;)
Overall, we are finally coming to terms with life maybe getting a BIT easier? Harder...but easier. We are able to handle them doing more things by ourselves now, and it is nice that they can "communicate"! We have found some great restaurant spots to go out with them (El Tapatio patio, Kobe an, etc.) that keeps them entertained for a bit...but always an early dinner! Bedtime is not such an issue anymore, and I am (or Anthony when he watched them when I am working) able to take them to parks without strollers, more stores, the zoo, museums, etc. They like to get out and run and walk all the time-- and don't really use the stroller any more. I usually have it though in case of double meltdowns, etc! Mason really likes to push the stroller with me ("I push it"). Mason is really good about listening to me when running off, etc. He will stop and come back to me, or stay right next to the stroller or wagon. Noah on the other hand....not so much. He pretty much just laughs and runs faster...and I literally have to Sprint to catch him...gets his running genes from his dad! So, he often times has to go back int he stroller ;).
We still do playdates, go to lots of Parks, hiking trails, the zoo, and try to always do something fun and outdoorsy (or the a new museum or something) on the weekends. We are back going to the gym too after a couple month hiatus! One of our favorite things to do is just going to the river (a few different spots) and throwing rocks or playing in the water. I have to say that Winter may be a challenge for us-- as we get outside a lot! they are also completely obsessed with playing int he car...and the garage door opener. ugh.
We also spend a good amount of time up north in Windsor, and visit Dodo and Papa in Lyons too. The boys love going to the Farm near Grandma's house...and hitting the parks around Windsor and Ft. Collins! It has been so fantastic having Uncle Jay staying in Windsor for the last year too-- he has really become a part of the boys lives...and we are greatly for that!
Some common quotes/words:
-- I do it!
-- Help mama, up mama
-- noah where are you!?
-- thomas and his friends!
-- he outside....
-- "to infinity and beyond!" (Noah says this...but is his own jibberish still!)
"Tunnel!"
-- It's hot
"Get get"(blanket) and their babies are still a huge part of their life! Noah knows that he has 2 babies now, so not only does he need the one, but both of them. Then, his Buzz blanket and Start blanket. Mason has his good ol' brown elephant baby, and now he has to have both of the furry blankets (blue and green)...even though one of them was originally Noah's.
They like looking at pictures and pointing out who everyone is. We also go to Barnes and Noble a lot to play with the Train set there. Often our grocery/store trips consist of me stuffing snacks down them long enough to get what I need, and then I have to let them out to "run 'round". Sometimes it's fine, and sometimes it's crazy! ;)
So much!! wow! Ok, I'm just going to post a ton of pictures....and put comments if it sparks something! Have a great Holiday season everyone!
End of Summer:
September:
I have to post on the next post....I am out of space!; ) The next 2 posts will be September and October Pictures only! ;)
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