Battle-bots

I think we are going through a phase...

at least I hope it is a phase.

Being siblings, and especially twins, we want what the other has. Even if it is the EXACT. SAME. THING. the other has. It's the possession that makes it desirable.

It seems that everything is a battle, or a war. Every little thing is a gigantic tragedy.

I'm trying to step back and make them work it out between themselves. When someone comes running over to me in hysterics, because the other one has done something, or taken something, or looked at them wrong, I try to make them talk it out with each other, and NOT ME! I'm there to try and facilitate, but for the love of all that is good, how can *I* help if your brother stole your car? I don't have it. I didn't steal it.

I don't want them to be those whiny, tattle tale kids. I want them to be able to try and work out their difficulties BEFORE they involve an adult. Yes, I know they are only three, but...it is all about laying the foundation for later in life. Right?

Honestly, some days, it is torture.

Some days I want to lock put them in their rooms by themselves until they are four.

Only 134 days to go.

Three and a half just sucks

The whining.
The fighting.
The attitude.
The buts.
The WHYS.
The constant pushing of limits.
The ifs and the ands.
The lack of eating.
The eating everything in sight. (yeah, can you believe I am complaining about eating?)
The crying jags.
The defiance.

of course...all of that is quickly followed by

Cuteness.
Laughter and giggle fits.
Cuddles.
An amazing conversation.
Singing and dancing.
Hugs.
Kisses.
"Mommy I love you *This* much.

Three and a half is a little like living with Jekyll and Hyde. (times two)

Three years ago

Celebrating the boys birthday is always a challenge. I love a party, and I have to admit it isn't a day or two after Christmas and I'm already trying to figure out what our theme will be for our April birthday party. I can't help it, I'm a planner.

But, in all of my planning frenzy, I STILL can't help think, "three years ago I was..." and fill in the blanks. The first year was the hardest. They were still so medically fragile. The second year was tough too because well, they were two! This year, well this year was easier I have to admit, however I still find myself struggling with the memories. They are still so tangible, so clear, still. so. painful. Raw, not so much.

I look at my beautiful, perfect little men, and I marvel at how far they have come. Yet I can't help but think of them like this...
Its hard to believe that they have become this:






All of the planning, and baking, and stuff...ends up being worth it. They enjoyed their day, just running around EVERYWHERE. Being the centers of attention. I enjoyed their pure happiness, and not once during the day did I think, "three years ago..."


(and yes, I did a horrible job documenting their birthday party...and I only have about 5 pictures)

Ce-le-brate good times, whoo hoo.

It's a big day around here. Three years ago today Ryan and Evan made their grand appearance into this world. At a whopping 955 grams a piece these two little fighters defied all of the odds to just survive their first week let alone make home.

Today we celebrate their third birthday. The third year of life. Three years of laughter, love, tears, tantrums, hugs and kisses. Today we celebrate life.



And tell me aren't those the faces of boys that know how to celebrate life?

Saturday is the big party, but there was cause for celebration today, not just the whole birthday thing...

See this plate with a piece of pizza? The child's spoon is in there for size comparison.

It's small yes, BUT........



This is what the plate looked like after Evan worked on it for 45 minutes. That was THE MOST he has ever eaten...EVER. (I'm tearing up just writing about this) He did not want to stop eating his pizza. Every time I suggested we move on he covered his plate with his hands and said no. He just kept putting bite after tiny bite into his mouth and swallowing and swallowing. I don't know what, or why, or how. I'm knocking on wood, holding my breath, crossing my fingers. And baby, I'M CELEBRATING!