The Agros

Visits

2012-01-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

Since the girls' Great-gramma Stell lives in Florida, it is always an opportune time for her to see the kids. Poppy and Olive are such a joy to her! They love when she reads to them and tickles them. Aunt Sandy was visiting Gramma Stell, so she got to enjoy the kids as well.

Gramma reading to Poppy

As always, it's nearly impossible to get both kids in a picture.

Beautiful beach scene

Pictures and Videos from Christmas

2012-01-15T19:07:00.001-05:00

This Christmas was very different from last year. Olive and Poppy actually understood that they were getting presents "from Santa." A month before Christmas, we introduced their Elf on the Shelf, Crunchy (they named him). So, they anticipated Christmas for a while, and finally Santa came! I cannot express the joy that I felt watching their excitement as they opened presents. There is no comparison in the world. Poppy and Olive even like to look at these pictures and videos from Christmas day. I hope you enjoy them, too!

Poppy opening Cootie

Olive examining her Play-Doh

Markers

Twin dolls

Skippyjon Jones doll and book

Elmo's Tickle Hands

Poppy's favorite gift... the dolls

Olive's favorite gift... a fuzzy puppy

Loving Mom-mom's new work of art

Me and Olive sleeping

What a spread!

Jill's aunt, uncle, and cousins enjoyed Christmas dinner with us.

Goodnight, Christmas.

Forgot a Video

2012-01-10T19:19:00.002-05:00

This was supposed to be in the last post...

We are in Florida!

2012-01-10T17:39:00.001-05:00

Where have we been, you ask? We are in Florida visiting Mom-mom and Pop-pop. It's so easy to get caught up in the activities and forget to blog. Our annual trip has been a blast so far. We'll be here for a few more weeks. Here are pictures from before Christmas.

Arrival (Olive)

Poppy

Getting acquainted with their bed and reacquainted with their dolls!

Mommy and Olive

Olive and dancing Santa

Olive and Poppy

Poppy looking into an ornament

Our new favorite place, Ghirardelli
Poppy

Olive

Off to the beach

Olive

On our way to see Santa

Jill and Mom-mom

Olive

Poppy

Olive

Me and Poppy

Olive and Pop-pop

Pop-pop

Another Easy Activity

2011-12-10T12:19:00.000-05:00

Masking tape road

" I'm tryin' to play here!"

Uncle Billy at it Again

2011-12-09T12:11:00.001-05:00

Counting Board

2011-12-09T11:48:00.001-05:00

I saw this homemade counting board online (can't remember the website or I would give credit). It's just egg cartons glued to foam board. We count cereal, raisins, packing peanuts, etc.

Olive

Poppy trying to eat the packing peanuts

Olive gives them a try.

Papa's Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T19:40:00.001-05:00

Here's an article in which my dad was featured. Enjoy!

Very Thankful, by Michele Gerlach

Playing in the Leaves

2011-11-29T14:31:00.001-05:00

Gotta love leaves! I raked up a small pile so that Olive and Poppy could play in them. There is just something about a pile of leaves that screams fun.

Olive

I threw a handful of leaves at Poppy.

She was more interested in the rake.

Poppy and Pop-pop

2011-11-05T21:29:00.001-04:00

Poppy sang the entire alphabet by herself today. So proud!

Gymboree Halloween Party

2011-11-02T12:26:00.001-04:00

Sunday, we attended the Halloween Party at Gymboree. Olive was a peacock, and Poppy was a bee. I was Woody from Toy Story, and Jill was Jessie. I made Jill dress up. No other adults were dressed up. Sorry, Jill.

Almost a good picture of all of us at once

Even worse, but you can see more of Olive's costume in this one. She also had a tail, but she wouldn't wear it.

Eagerly waiting for the party to start

Gymbo was dressed like a lion

Picasso pumpkin

Singing the Alphabet, Sort Of

2011-11-02T12:08:00.002-04:00

They usually sing the alphabet much better than this, but this is what I caught on camera! Enjoy!

Reminder

2011-10-29T21:49:00.002-04:00

Reminder: In 20 years, ask Poppy if she is still afraid of crickets and Olive if she still calls monkeys "hahas."

October Snow

2011-10-29T19:54:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins on Pumpkins

2011-10-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

The last blog post was about apple picking at Milburn Orchards. About a week prior, we went just to explore and have fun. Here are a few pictures from that outing.

Poppy

Olive

Poppy

Olive

So tall!

Quick story about this next picture... Poppy was obviously having a great time in the tiny wooden school bus. I climbed in with her, and Olive was in there too. It was a crowded bus that day, as there were 3 other kids and 3 other adults crammed into the 8 seats. Poppy would not let anyone else have a turn as the driver, so I had to physically remove her from the bus kicking and screaming!

Apple Picking

2011-10-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

We spent the morning at Milburn Orchards in Elkton, MD, with friends. All the trees are dwarf trees so that children can pick their own apples! Of course, Poppy and Olive could not resist tasting every apple in sight.

Olive tasting her first freshly picked apple

Poppy tasting her first freshly picked apple

There is a huge shadow on her, but I couldn't resist!

Keep your hands off my apple!

Look at all those apples!

Olive showing our friend M. the apples

Olive in the wind

Olive trying to hold her friend's hand

The end of this video is the best. Poppy says good-bye to her friends.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

2011-10-21T16:39:00.003-04:00

Boy, am I late on this! Jill's birthday was October 12. Unlike last year, we acknowledged her true age. I made a cake, frosted it, and let the kids decorate it. They had fun tasting all the decorations.

This was the finished product.

Poppy testing the frosting

Olive after testing the frosting

Icing from the tube

Jill and her cake

Jill and Poppy

The family

Happy Birthday, Jill!

16th Annual At-Home Dads Convention

2011-10-13T20:54:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I took my second trip to the Annual At-Home Dads Convention presented by Daddyshome, Inc. Not only did it mean almost 4 days off, but I got to reconnect with friends from last year's convention and meet even more SAHF's. Here's a breakdown of the weekend...

Thursday: Arrived in D.C. and had dinner with the other early arrivals. Eating and drinking.

Friday: Walked around the city and the National Mall (Smithsonian area). Visited the Hirshhorn and saw an amazing Andy Warhol exhibit called "Shadows." Highly recommended. Visited the National Museum of American History and saw too much to tell you about! Meet and greet at night, followed by eating and drinking.

Saturday: 16th Annual At-Home Dads Convention! Keynote speaker Dr. Aaron Rochlen spoke about his research on the wives of at-home dads and how their emotions and relationships are affected by this role reversal. Other seminars I attended included topics such as raising a healthier generation of kids, visiting art museums with children and creating positive learning experiences, developing self-esteem, and postpartum depression in dads (Yes, that happens!). Nighttime: eating and drinking (Do you see a pattern?).

I didn't take any pictures during the convention, but here are some pictures of the sights I saw while in D.C.

I don't quite remember what this statue was.

My buddies Mike and Randy

Occupy D.C.

Capital Building

Washington Monument

Make-up

2011-10-12T12:10:00.005-04:00

Olive and Poppy like to play with Jill's make-up. One day, they figured out how to open something, and it was all downhill from there!

Olive

Poppy

Olive after we moved the party to the bathtub

Word of warning: Do not use lip stain! It also stains bath mats, legs, stomachs, bellies, and hair.

Big Girl Beds!

2011-09-18T12:36:00.002-04:00

We just set up big girl beds for the kids this morning. They are at Gramma Ro's and Pop-pop Joe's at the moment. We are going to pick them up today and see what they think of their new room! The orange sheets show up yellow in my photos for some reason. I don't have time to edit right now, so imagine they are orange!

The Importance of Organ Donation

2011-09-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Time moves so quickly. Some events in the past few years have been misplaced on the timeline. But, here's how I remember it...

About a year and half ago, my dad started to have some problems breathing. Initially, the doctors thought that he had COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Through further testing, it was found that he has IPF, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, in both lungs. I explain it to others as the gradual transformation of the lung tissue into scar tissue. The cause is not completely understood, and unfortunately there are no consistent treatments or medications. For the most part, a lung transplant is necessary when the disease progresses far enough. It progresses at different rates for different patients, so there is really no telling your condition in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc.

Realizing that a transplant was the best course of action, my dad enrolled in the Duke University Hospital Lung Transplant Program. After testing, counseling, and lots of waiting, he got the green light to move from his comfortable home in Andalusia, AL, to a Residence Inn in Durham, NC. This occurred at the beginning of July. He started the "pre-hab" physical therapy program to gain strength, endurance, and improve his overall health. They put him on the actual transplant recipient list on Tuesday, September 6, and on the night of Saturday, September 10th, he got a call that they might have a lung for him! After waiting 12 hours at the hospital, they decided that the lung would be split and go to 2 other patients on the list. Right after, they said they had another potential donor! After another 12 hour wait, they prepped him for surgery. This was no ordinary lung transplant. My dad had an enlarged pulmonary artery (very rare) due to a faulty heart valve. So, the surgeons did open heart surgery as well. Dad got one lung, a new pulmonary artery, and a new heart valve. The other half of the lung went to another patient. Despite the extra surgery requirements, the surgery took a much shorter amount of time than estimated.

The surgery was completed yesterday morning, and Dad is already doing laps around the ICU! The hospital staff is absolutely amazed at his progress so far. He will be in ICU for only another day or 2 hopefully. He is waiting to do a swallowing test today so he can actually drink something. And, he'll be getting a routine lung biopsy to check for signs of lung rejection. No cell phones are allowed in the ICU, so I haven't been able to talk to him yet, but I am constantly being updated by his wonderful support system: my step-mom CJ, my step-brother Matt, and my sisters Maria and Nicki. How I wish I could be there!

My dad was very lucky to have a successful transplant. Not all patients and families are so lucky. I don't know what I would do without you, Dad. I couldn't roll my eyes at your jokes or be secretly envious of your knowledge of photography. You have always meant a lot to me, but the past few months have really opened my eyes. I can't wait to see you again! And, have a speedy recovery so you can see your grandkids again!

P.S. In the 24 hours from when my dad the call from the hospital until his surgery was completed, 2 donor lungs saved 4 lives. Thank God for organ donors.

P.P.S. To read more about my dad and to donate to his transplant fund, please visit EverRibbon.

Videos

2011-09-01T18:53:00.001-04:00

Some Outdoor Fun

2011-08-22T19:40:00.000-04:00

There is a fun little play area outside Wilmington Montessori School where the kids go to camp (This is the last week.). It has picnic tables, trees, boulders, and student art work. It makes you want to have a picnic. One day, that will happen.

Olive chewing on her cup

Mom-mom on top of a boulder

Mosaic tiles

Delaware Museum of Natural History

2011-08-15T20:12:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from the Delaware Museum of Natural History that I have been sitting on for 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Poppy on a fake deer

Olive on a fake tortoise

Darn museum glare

Look at the size of that emu!

No, Poppy, you may not climb into the diorama!

A raccoon freaking out Olive

Poppy

Poppy would not move from this spot for fear of falling in! There was some crying involved.

Olive with the sea shells

Camp

2011-08-09T20:08:00.000-04:00

Poppy and Olive started camp today! For 3 weeks, they are attending Wilmington Montessori School for 3 hours per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If you don't know what the Montessori Method is, take a look at this. The kids had seen the classroom a few months ago when I was researching different camp options, and they made themselves right at home! Poppy immediately found two dolls to play with, while Olive found one doll. Typical! I gave them kisses and drove home to an empty house. I have to admit it was wonderful! It was as if the kids were napping, but I could make all the noise I wanted. I blasted music, clanged dishes around, and scrubbed the outdoor toys with reckless abandon.

Then, at 10:30, the phone rang. It was one of the assistant teachers, and I thought either Olive tripped over her own feet and got hurt or Poppy hit someone. I guess I shouldn't assume because I was wrong. Since it was their first day, the teacher thought I should know that Olive would not use their potty. She said she had to do poopies but would not sit on the potty. She was holding it in and was in immense pain. She carried on for 45 minutes. Poor thing! I felt so bad that she was crying for daddy and I couldn't help her. That's when I got emotional. I knew she'd be fine, but it was heartbreaking. I almost cried for her. The teacher said that some kids get picked up early on their first day if they are having a hard time, but I didn't want to do that. Instead, I decided to drive back to the school and stand in the observation room until noon (pick up time). When I got there, Olive was absolutely fine! As soon as the teacher hung up with me, Olive went poopies on the potty, and all was resolved. Phew! When it was time to leave, I got a big hug and kiss from both Olive and Poppy. I missed them so much!

So what exactly did they do today? First, they had independent exploration time. They can literally do anything they want as long as it's safe. Then, Poppy did some finger painting while Olive was "sick." During snack time, Poppy even tried to give Olive a snack to help her feel better. How sweet! The last hour was outdoor play and water play. Sounds fun to me!

Here they are standing outside the school dragging their belongings. They look so grown up!

I had to zoom in on this picture because Poppy's face is priceless! Smile!

Olive was all business.

Let's get this show on the road.

Blast from the Past

2011-08-01T15:21:00.000-04:00

Remember puffy paint? I don't know if they even make it anymore. But, I found a recipe for microwave puffy paint on my new favorite blog, Play at Home Mom. Please check out this site if you have kids. There are so many fun art and sensory activities. Anyway, the puffy paint isn't for t-shirts or hats. You paint with it on cardboard squares and then microwave it. It basically dries it out right away and gets spongy like puffy paint. Ours was a little too thin so there was not as much dimension to it as I would have liked. We all had fun anyway!

Stir, stir, stir.

Stir some more.

Stir until smooth.

Taste it. Don't worry. It's just flour, salt, and water.

Grimace.

My kids chose to make brown, green, purple, and pink paint.

Now, paint!

Poppy and Olive didn't quite understand the concept of microwaving their creations to dry them out. Actually, I think it scared them. I had to microwave Poppy's in secret because she would cry every time I tried nuke it! They stacked them on top of each other and smooshed the paint all around. It was mostly brown in the end.

We also got a visit from one of Jill's dear friends, Andrea. Hide and seek was the game of choice!

Where's Olive?

Baby Nicolette

2011-07-24T16:09:00.000-04:00

I caught my kids in a moment this morning, and it prompted me to share a friend's blog with you. I've been sharing updates through Facebook, but I don't think I've linked through my blog until now. The Joneses have a beautiful baby girl who was born very premature at 23 weeks and 6 days... almost 4 months early. Nicolette Ava Jones was born on February 5, 2011, and joined her mom and dad at home on May 15, 2011, 2 weeks shy of her May 29th due date. Please follow their blog and see how well Nicolette has grown!

Although we have not met Nicolette yet, Poppy and Olive love to look at her birth announcement. This morning, they invited her to play with puzzles.

Poppy and Nicolette

"Alright, kid. We're going to teach you how to play like a big girl."

Olive giving Nicolette a front row seat to learn

Olive kissing Nicolette with and without a pacifier

Art Wall

2011-07-22T11:36:00.001-04:00

Quick potty training update: the girls had NO ACCIDENTS yesterday! Unfortunately, they have had about 50% accidents today. This is so discouraging, but not every day will be perfect for while. Ho hum.

Anyway, I finally hung up some artwork that the kids have created!

Potty Training, Day 4

2011-07-18T21:08:00.001-04:00

To be honest, this might be the last post dedicated to potty training. Potty training is an ongoing endeavor, but I'm sure we have mastered the bulk. After 3 days at home, we finally had our first outing! Although the kids wore Pull-Ups to Gymboree today, it was still a bit nerve wracking leaving the house. We went prepared with our Potette Plus, which is awesome by the way. On separate occasions during class, Poppy and Olive asked to go pee-pee but didn't make it to the bathroom and went in their Pull-ups. They just don't have the strength to hold it in for a long period of time... yet. It's been a long 4 days, but it was worth it: no more cases of diapers and no more changing table in the family room. I could not have done it alone, so thank you Jill for helping while not at work and Mom-mom for helping and working so hard with me for 4 days!

Poppy

Olive

Poppy cooking and wearing the apron from Aunt Maria and Uncle David

Me and Poppy

Olive

There wasn't much ice cream left in the container...

Potty Training, Day 3

2011-07-17T19:58:00.000-04:00

Steady improvement today overall, even though there were 3 poopies on the floor. That sucked. Olive and Poppy are starting to say "no" when we ask them to sit on the potty. I take that as a good sign. They want to do it themselves and understand that when they have to go, they should sit on the potty. We will venture out tomorrow to Gymboree, probably wearing Pull-Ups in case of an accident. We'll see how it goes!

All work and no play makes Poppy a dull girl.

Olive eating a reward cupcake

Potty Training, Day 2

2011-07-17T08:37:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Day 2 of potty training. Here is a quick update (since it is technically Day 3 right now). Both Poppy and Olive have pooed in the potty, and each had unprompted potty breaks! The process is "clicking." They are still motivated by candy rewards, but at least 1 success went unintentionally unrewarded. That didn't cause any problem or complaints! Accidents were still about 35-45%, but they are improving.

Naked Play Time

Poppy with a reward: Mrs. Potato Head

Olive with a magazine

Potty Training, Day 1

2011-07-15T20:41:00.002-04:00

Yes, you read that correctly. It's potty training weekend for Poppy and Olive. And, Mom-mom is the lucky volunteer to help me since Jill is working on a few big cases and will be working all weekend. First, let's say it can be difficult to know when to train and what method to use. I think most agree that you potty train when the child is ready. We have had 2 potties for about 6 months. Most days, I'd try to get the kids to sit on the potty once or twice for as long as possible, and a few successes were inevitable. They understand all the lingo, usually tell us when they are dirty, and recently they have wanted to have their diaper changed. When you decide to actually train, you must decide on a method. I considered Potty Training in a Day (many books on this technique), child centered (the child decides it's time to get rid of diapers on her own), and the Naked and $75 Method (the cost of carpet cleaning). I chose the latter. After breakfast, naked time (and wearing big girl panties) commenced. Each time there was a success, I gave a special treat. It started as marshmallows, but they soon tired of them. I switched to M&Ms as per Mom-mom's suggestion. Much more motivating!

By nap time, 1 P.M., the kids had blown through 12 pairs of panties! How did they pee that much? They each peed in 6 pairs and had at least 6 pee-pees in the potty each: some just dribbles, some a whole potty full. After nap time, I could tell they were getting frustrated and annoyed with the whole situation, but we powered through and even had our first unassisted potty poo by Olive! Overall, today's experience was much better than I expected. We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Poppy and Olive enjoying marshmallows

Let Poppy demonstrate the procedure...

Step 1: Pee and transport

Step 2: Pour into big potty

Step 3: Flush! Bye-bye, pee-pee!

Olive--Don't spill it!

Salty snacks and big girl panties

Poppy--Is it over yet? This is exhausting!

Instant Camera Gratification

2011-07-14T07:52:00.000-04:00

Just as we like to see our digital pictures immediately on the view screen, so do Olive and Poppy. They made me take pictures of random things so they could then look at the back of the camera to see them.

First, the pajamas!

Then, the bellies!

Then, the pigs!

Leftover 4th of July Cupcakes

2011-07-13T11:18:00.001-04:00

I have not posted 4th of July pictures yet, but I couldn't resist showing you these.

Poppy

This is such an Olive face.

Olive

Monkey See, Monkey Do and Other Videos

2011-07-13T10:55:00.003-04:00

Monkey See, Monkey Do at Meal Time

What Do They Call Stars?

Olive Reading

Poppy Reading

Happy 2nd Birthday, Poppy and Olive!

2011-06-28T05:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to our children! Seriously? Two years? I still don't believe it, even though it is true. It has been the most difficult, most challenging, and most satisfying 2 years. Here is a monthly recap of Poppy and Olive's 2nd year.

13 Months Old

Olive is in pink, and Poppy is in yellow. Look how pudgy they are!

14 Months Old

Olive and Poppy in their favorite tree

15 Months Old

Poppy with a fake goose

Olive with fake birds on a clothesline

16 Months Old

Poppy and Olive eating a sticky snack

17 Months Old

Olive decorating the tree

Poppy decorating the tree

18 Months Old

Olive taking a break from unwrapping a gift

Poppy just unwrapped a gift

19 Months Old

Olive on the couch

Poppy falling asleep

20 Months Old

Olive and Poppy in the playhouse with Uncle Jim

21 Months Old

Olive reunited with our old dog, Penelope

Poppy stating her opinion

22 Months Old

Olive and Poppy playing

23 Months Old

Poppy and Olive returning from the jungle

2 Years Old (Minus 3 days)

Poppy, Jill, me, and Olive about to dig into birthday cake

Birthday Party!

2011-06-27T14:19:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the girls 2nd birthday if you can believe it! We had a party on Saturday, and it was a blast! It was a farm theme, complete with petting zoo. Everyone asked me how many sets of twins there were, and there were 6 plus our girls. Anyway, here is some pre-party silliness!

Mom-mom Diane

Olive with her cowgirl boots.

Poppy, who had a rough morning, would not keep her boots on!

Jill's ready with her cow earrings.

The Set-up

Famous Dave's catering

The pen for small animals

Rabbits, chickens, a pig, ducks

The larger animals: sheep, goats, miniature pony (not shown)

Making balloon sticker animals

Our bounce house definitely got full use!

Pop-pop and Great-Grandma Stell

Mom-mom and Pop-pop

Great-Grandma and Aunt Sandy

Joey and Jesse

Poppy and me

She wanted to be held most of the day!

Friends S. and A.

Friends V. and L.

Clare

Andrew

Den

Mark

Josie

Great-Grandma Josephine

Cousin Brandon

Cousin Frankie

Poppy, me, and Willow

Poppy was not so sure about the pony.

Cousin Linda

Olive and Mom-mom

Little M.

Cousin Evie

Olive riding Willow

Not so sure about it

Grandma Ro

Mike

Janis and J. making a funny face

Jake riding Willow

Please don't take my ribbon, Poppy!

Aunt Ne-ne showing Olive how to feed the goats

Cousins Natalie and Sara

Olive

15 day old Carl and Anna

Friends A. and E.

Pop-pop Joe

Grandma and Pop-pop

Little A.

Olive

Do you think she loved the animals, or what?

Mr. Sheep

Poppy and L. romping in the balloons

One of the chickens laid an egg for us!

Little G. and Mom Erin

Another Little G.

We have fun in Gymboree art class together!

Animals again

J. riding Willow

Cousin Bill

Pop-pop

I gave in and let them have soda!

Olive

Poppy

Janis

Bouncing away

Cake time!

This is the first party I've planned almost all by myself. My consultants were: Jill, my mom, and Jill's mom. I could not have pulled it off without you all! Thank you to everyone else that helped clean, set-up, break down, and clean again! Let's do it again in a few years. And, to our guests, thanks for coming! We hope you had a blast.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T18:41:00.005-04:00

Unfortunately, it wasn't the blissful day I imagined because Poppy was up in the middle of the night with a fever and Jill also does not feel well. After I napped (when the kids napped), I felt much happier and rested. I guess it only goes to show that the difficulties of fatherhood do not stop for Father's Day. But, take a look at the awesome shirts I got from Jill! Thanks, Honey!

Poppy was camera shy for some reason.

Gotta Love a Sprinkler!

2011-06-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

A Trip to the Mall

2011-06-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

The new indoor play area at the Christiana Mall is quite fun. There are lots of things to play with, climb, and ride. We like this one better than the one at Aventura Mall in Florida which we explored while on vacation a few months ago.

Olive climbing flowers

I'm showing Poppy how to drive a car.

Climbing a train

I wish that random kid was not in the background!

After, we tried story time at Barnes and Noble. It didn't work so well, so we had our own story time!

Woops! Olive lost a shoe!

Babies, Baby, and Slide

2011-06-12T10:53:00.000-04:00

Relaxing in Bed

2011-06-11T10:06:00.011-04:00

Olive and Poppy

Olive

Poppy, Olive, and Mommy

Mommy was not quite awake yet.

Dancing with Grape Stems

2011-06-11T10:03:00.001-04:00

Nightgown

2011-05-26T10:26:00.000-04:00

Poppy and Olive love to wear over sized clothing instead of helping me fold laundry. They got a hold of Mom-mom's nightgown and looked so funny!

Olive proud at her accomplishment

Notice Poppy's diaper around her ankle. Soon after, she peed on her chair in the background.

Poppy's turn

Am I shrinking?

A Few Dress Up Pictures

2011-05-25T10:23:00.001-04:00

Hug me!

3 Videos

2011-05-24T16:17:00.000-04:00

Painting Project

2011-05-24T10:22:00.000-04:00

You deserve an explanation... My computer was in the shop for about a week which is part of the reason I couldn't update the blog. Second, I am EXHAUSTED at night! Jill got a new job a few weeks back and is working like a dog. She is usually home after the kids are already in bed and has been working weekends. This is NOT a complaint; it's a reason. Thank you all for being patient with me and to my wonderful wife for working so hard!

I did have time, however to make a shape and size sorting box for the kids. I flattened a diaper box, cut out shapes with an Exacto knife, glued it back together, and painted it pink. The rest was up to the girls! I still get anxious when they wield paintbrushes or play with messy things, but I am making an effort to do more crafty projects with them. After all, they love making messes!

Olive choosing yellow

Poppy choosing blue

Here's the set-up: two splat mats, bowls and paper plates for paint, paper for multitasking, and smocks made by our friend Aimee all on a fake hardwood floor for easy cleanup.

Olive the Red-nosed Baby

Poppy

Rabbit and Bunny

2011-05-09T20:15:00.002-04:00

Ears care of Cousin Linda

Planting Annuals

2011-05-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

We had a messy, busy morning planting annuals and two trees. I could not have done this myself with the kids, so Mom-mom and I split the work. Some of these pictures are not the best, but they do illustrate how much fun the kids had!

Playing under the maple

We potted two beautiful Serpentine Atlas Cedars.

Poppy was a MESS!

Olive enjoyed wearing the gardening gloves.

Trying New Words Gets Easier Every Day

2011-05-02T19:43:00.002-04:00

The Last of the Easter Pictures

2011-04-27T14:54:00.001-04:00

I meant to post these yesterday, but I spend half the day in the emergency room with Olive. She has a corneal scratch that was causing her immense pain. Luckily, it is shallow and narrow and should heal by tomorrow. Her eye hasn't bothered her at all today, and she hasn't even needed any Tylenol. Anyway, enjoy the pictures!

Here we are decorating eggs.

Olive choosing a sticker

Memphis and my sister Maria

Poppy, me, and Olive

Shaefer

Memphis

Memphis kissing Shaefer

The next 3 pictures are the best that I got with all the little kids. Which is your favorite?

Brothers

Maria and her boys

Jill reading to all the kids

Shaefer assumed Jill's duties when Jill was done reading.

Thanks for "reading" to us!

Cupcake cake for Shaefer's 3rd birthday

Happy Birthday, Godson!

Yum!

Memphis auditioning for The Hangover 2

Last but not least, Easter egg hunt!

Easter Dresses

2011-04-25T19:24:00.000-04:00

On our way to Grandmom Rosalie and Pop-pop Joe's house for Easter! Pictures from the actual event to come. Olive is in purple, and Poppy is in pink.

Olive saying "bunny" in sign language.

We asked Poppy to smile and gave her the universal sign of fingers-pushing-up-cheeks. So, that's exactly what she did!

Happy Easter, Everyone!

2011-04-24T10:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

Hiatus

2011-04-23T15:33:00.001-04:00

It appears that I took a hiatus from blogging upon returning from Florida. So, I'll finish the trip in one posting. Enjoy!

Olive lounging on the balcony

Cousin Dani loves to do Poppy's hair...

And Olive's hair...

And Mom-mom's hair!

A visit from Penny!

Penny was our long haired Chihuahua until Jill got pregnant. That's when she started protecting Jill and attacking me. So, we gave her to Cousin Dani and her family. Olive loved Penny! Poppy wasn't as impressed.

Olive ready to pounce

Closer...

Still not close enough...

That's more like it!

Penny didn't attack me this time!

Poppy giving everyone the accidental finger

Poppy being eaten by a boar at Jungle Island

Olive and Pop-pop

Poppy at South Point Park

This would be a beautiful picture if the biker wasn't there!

Me launching Poppy into space

Guess who was at the playground with his 3 kids and entourage of women? Comedian Dave Chapelle! Here I am getting close enough to get in the same picture as him!

I think Dave saw Mom-mom snapping this picture, but he was cool about it.

Making friends

Diaper heads

Olive

Poppy on the left and Olive on the right

Olive could not get enough!

We call this picture "Feral Olive." Her hair is crazy!

At Hollywood Beach, we wanted to go into the fountain. Good thing no one had diarrhea!

Surrey without a fringe on top

Seaquarium!

We told Poppy that the turtles were just fighting.

Fluffer-Nutter

2011-03-27T18:09:00.000-04:00

We ate peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, and the kids loved them!

Olive

Poppy

Lots of Pictures

2011-03-24T13:40:00.001-04:00

The weather is beautiful here in Florida. We are so lucky! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Olive

Poppy

Poppy kissing Olive's nose

Mommy and Poppy on our way to the playground

Mommy and Olive

Mom-mom

Poppy

Poppy likes sand...

...but Olive loves it!

Poppy piloting

"Are you there to catch me?"

"Here I come!"

Mommy and Mom-mom

Jill at the peak

Olive and me

Poppy and Mommy

Me, Olive, Poppy, and Mom-mom singing an oldie but goodie:

"See-saw, knock on the door.

Who's there? Grandpa!

What do you want? A glass of wine.

Where's your money? In my pocket.

Where's your pocket? In my pants.

Where're your pants? I left them home...

Get out of here, you dirty bum!"

Tree climbing lessons

After a long morning at the playground, all the kids wanted was Mommy.

Olive on the left, Poppy on the right

Olive and Mommy

Olive and Poppy

Olive, me, and Poppy

Olive loves when we feed the birds because they come so close to us.

Me and Olive, Mommy and Poppy

Poppy

Me and Poppy, Jill and Olive

Bright orange, gigantic moon

Look Out, Here We Come (Again)!

2011-03-20T14:34:00.000-04:00

Taking advantage of Mom-mom and Pop-pop's new house, we returned to Miami on Friday for another jaunt! As expected, the plane ride was not so fun, especially for Jill. The kids spent the first hour competing for a peek out the window. Jill had the window seat. Therefore, the kids spent an hour wrestling on top of Jill. Try as I might, I could not tear either one off her without an ear splitting scream. Sorry, Honey, but it was quite amusing to watch.

We're here! Poppy and Olive don't look excited, but they are!

Jill and Poppy swallowing water already

Olive

Olive, me, Jill, and Poppy

Poppy

We're hungry!

Poppy

Do I have to wake up?

Olive didn't want to nap even though she woke up at 4:30 am!

Can we go now?

Man, it's hot!

All Smiles

2011-03-16T13:08:00.000-04:00

Chocolaty smiles from Poppy and Olive

Cereal with Milk

2011-03-15T13:57:00.002-04:00

Fun with Our Friend Mark

2011-03-10T14:15:00.001-05:00

"Take a picture of my foot."

Olive and her crazy curls

Different clothes, different day

Playing with Baby Einstein: Look at Me! Flash Cards

I love these cards!

Poppy--"Hug me, you fool!"

Poppy's crazy smile

She looks like a crazy lady in this picture!

Lots of good pictures of Olive

Keeping House is Exhausting

2011-03-09T08:10:00.001-05:00

In these pictures, Poppy has purple pants, and Olive has pink pants.

Visit with Uncle Jim, Aunt Chara, and Uncle Billy

2011-03-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

First, let's say I hate being sick. I hate it even more when the kids are sick. Good thing only Olive is showing signs of a snotty nose. So, anyone who came in contact with us the past two weeks, sorry if you get sick. It's our fault! I'm especially worried for Aunt Chara (Olive's godmother) who is pregnant. Please don't get sick! I don't have any pictures of her because she didn't want to be on camera, but I do have pictures of Uncle Jim and Uncle Billy playing with Poppy and Olive.

This house ain't big enough for the 3 of us.

Olive, Uncle Jim, Poppy

Olive and Poppy showing Uncle Billy their cars

Olive with the ball popper

Poppy has learned to enjoy smiling at the camera!

Cadbury Caramel Eggs

2011-03-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Giggles and Screams

2011-03-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

Conversing Over Breakfast

2011-03-05T13:52:00.001-05:00

Happy

2011-02-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

Why is Poppy so happy?

It's because she peed in the potty tonight! That was our first pee in the toilet. (Olive pooed twice in the toilet a few weeks ago in Florida.) She knew what was happening and was VERY proud of herself. She wiped and everything!

That was the icing on the cake this week. Both girls this week showed lots of progress with their language abilities. They can echo "a-b-c" and say "pie." Also, Poppy can say "bubbles!" As I recall, that's the longest word yet. And, they are so close to saying "Olive." It's amazing watching their progress before our eyes!

Here are some playroom pictures from the week.

Poppy couldn't reach the basket at the top of the ball pit.

Instead, she brought the basket to her while Olive did a funny dance

Poppy--"Daddy just cleaned up 200 balls."

"Hope he's ready to do it again."

Finally, we had a play date yesterday with our friend Clare and her kids who are about 22 months old. It's always a blast!

Olive, A., and Poppy

Olive has brownie on her face.

S. with her mom, Clare

Kiss on the Cheek

2011-02-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

Mommy got to Poppy before leaving for work. The evidence...