My Cups, my cups, my lovely Aca-Cups

I've seen Pitch Perfect twice. The second time around, I sang along a bit more.
But the one song I did not know was "When I'm Gone" from Lulu and the Lampshades. Anna Kendrick's voice is unique and I love her singing this song.

And because I am just that crazy, I went on a quest to learn the Cups song. I watched YouTube tutorials and practiced and practiced. Dean was very interested in learning it as well. However, being the crazy, stubborn child of a crazy, stubborn parent, he refused any instruction from me. He wanted to watch the videos by himself and eventually, he taught himself how to do it.
I was only able to capture part of his routine. This kid is pretty awesome.





Here is the music video that I want to learn the alternate ways to do cups.

Cups (When I'm Gone) Music Video




"When I'm Gone (Cups)"
I got my ticket for the long way 'round
Two bottle whiskey for the way
And I sure would like some sweet company
Oh, I'm leaving tomorrow, what do you say?

When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
The one with the prettiest view
It's got mountains, it's got rivers,
It's got woods that give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you

When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my walk
You'll miss me by my talk
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

I've got my ticket for the long way 'round
These feet weren't built to stay too long
And I'll go there on my own,
But you'll miss me when you're home
It's for you, dear, that I sing this song

When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
When I'm gone (when I'm gone)
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my hair
You're gonna miss me everywhere,
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

When I'm gone
When I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me by my walk
You'll miss me by my talk
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

My Surf and Turf

I love having twins and watching them develop their own individual personalities. My boys are like night and day. Yin and Yang. Hamburger and chicken chow mein. Yes, that different.

We visited family over Memorial weekend and the boys had a chance to swim in a real pool. Both of them wore swim vests and both of them were introduced to the noodle.

Sam took to the pool like a fish. He has a "no fear" attitude (as evidenced by many furniture climbing episodes) and grabbed that pool noodle like a boss. He certainly did not get this skill set from me but I am so glad he is not scared of the water. He freestyle floated in the hot (lukewarm) tub with no noodle. I am sure he swallowed 1/10 of his body weight in chlorinated water but he had such a great time.

kickin' and swimmin' 
(click on pic to see short video)

Dean is so scared to be in the water without clinging for dear life to some other human life form. No amount of coaxing or bribery worked to get him to hang on to a noodle. He definitely needs swim lessons.

For the first time in a long time, I went in the water. I have always been self conscious in a bathing suit and even at my thinnest, have never worn a two piece. My $29 bathing suit from Marshall's was not the most slimming of garments but being able to enjoy the water, in the water, with my kids was something wonderful.

Monkey see

This happens when you eat lots of bananas during pregnancy. At least that's what Rod tells me.
It could just be that they are 2 year old boys and want to climb EVERYTHING!



Sorry for the neck strain. I have no idea why I record stuff this way.

Mom with Boys

...go straight to heaven according to this shirt. Is this true? 'Cause I need some help in that area.

Sometimes, the boys just work my nerves. The constant fighting over toys, whining to be picked up, having a tantrum over bath time, it gets too much. I can't stand crying and whining. I am talking about a 15 minute crying fit type of crying and whining. Not the little bursts that come on because they fell or because we made them come inside when they wanted us to keep pushing them on the swing. It's the full blown, fall to the ground, stomp your feet, throw your head back, throwing objects kind of tantrum. Where do toddlers learn that??

There are times I get so frustrated, I raise my voice. I show my irritation. I throw my own tantrum. And that is not what I want to teach the kids. I read parenting books and magazines that expound on how to be a great parent. How to show that you understand their pain and are there to comfort them. But when you have two crying kids in each arm, that wealth of information flies out the window.

I don't know how stay at home moms do it. I really admire those individuals who can be with their kids 24/7. I am not the stay at home kind. I thought I could be the stay at home kind. It takes a special mom for that. I know that I am a better mom to my kids by being a working mom. Of course I miss them during the day. It was really hard for me to put them in daycare because of all the things I would miss being away from them. But they love their school and I feel they are happy and thriving.

As for me, when I am with them at night and the weekends, I can devote time to them by playing with them. We get to do fun activities and go on outings. I think it helps me to be a better mom. I can provide for them. They get the attention they deserve at school. Being a working mom doesn't work for everyone but it works for me.

Now, I just need to know where I get my non-stop ticket to heaven. And do I get to fly first class?

7 & 8 months

Didn't I just do a 6 month update? Man, time flies.

I am getting further behind with their updates. So much has happened in the last 2 months. Sam has his two bottom teeth and Dean is sprouting his right now. They are crawlers! They have eaten peas, carrots, apple, green beans and butternut squash. They tried bananas at the end of last week and both threw up on Tang. I am not sure if they just don't like it, if their tummy was upset or they are allergic. Maybe they didn't like what she was wearing. There was no breakout so I am not sure what it could be. I will try bananas later after they have had some other fruit.

They are both such sweet, happy babies. They love to fly around the room. Their ticklish spot is their lower back and they squeal when you tickle them. They are so curious and their eyes take everything in. They love all things electronic and would rather play with paper, trash cans, drawer knobs and DVD players than their toys. Bathtime is so much fun for them and they like to splash the water. But they hate getting their hair washed. They like to sit outside and look at the lights in the sky and down the street. At some point towards the end of their seventh month, they started flipping over in their sleep. These boys are belly sleepers. I cannot get them to stay of their backs.

Developments by baby:

Sam cut his first tooth about late September, early October and now has 2 big teeth sticking up. He loves to smile and show them off. And he likes to bite and has made nursing a painful problem. I think he might be on a strike. He has fierce separation anxiety and cries like a madman when he sees me and I don't pick him up or sees me leave in the morning. I try not to cater to him and let him know that I can't always hold him. For the most part he quiets down after I leave. He hits the milestones a bit earlier than Dean. His personality most resembles mine, he wants his own way, is competitive and a bit manipulative. At least that is what Rod says. He is a momma's boy and knows how to play me. Sam crawls like a champ and gets put in the playpen more often to keep him out of harm's way. He wants to stand so badly and can already pull himself up using various toys and furniture. Rod already caught him trying to pull himself up on the crib and we have had to lower the mattress. Sam's hemangioma is still present and doesn't seem to be getting to much larger. It is the size of a quarter and with it being bright red and on his right thigh, he wants to pick at it.



Dean started his teething about a week and a half ago. They are cutting right now and he is doing much better than Sam did. He always has something in his mouth and if you are holding him, he will grab your face and try to bite it. More hair is sprouting and he might actually need a haircut by his first birthday. His crawl has not quite developed yet but he can move around. Dean takes after his dad and is so laid back. He can sit for hours chewing on some toy. His current favorite is the cloth sword that came with his pirate costume. He is a restless sleeper and can't seem to find a comfortable position. He has bad sinus problems and gets stuffy with lots of big boogies and he hates having his nose suctioned. Dean is developing an aversion to hats and will yank them off as soon as I put them on. This I know is just like Rod.

Calling all babies

Of course I had to do it.
It's part of a mother's genetic code.
Entering your babies in every cute baby contest you can.
That's what mother's do.
That and use spittle to flatten wispy hair and remove face smudges.

If you think they deserve a vote, please for for them. It takes a minute to register but once you're in, you can vote once a day, every day through November 17, 2009.


Samuel's page

Dean's page

4 months

Four months. Wow. Time really does fly. When I look back on the photos from the last 4 months, I cannot believe the changes in the boys. The obvious being their weight and overall size. But also their personalities are more pronounced. I see what people mean when they say you need to cherish every minute with your children because it goes by in a flash. I love these babies to bits and just when I think it can't get any better then it is at that moment, I am amazed that it does.

Dean is so very loud. He has great lung capacity and shows it off when he is hungry. He goes from zero to starving in less then 4 seconds and we cannot get that nipple in his mouth fast enough. His bottom lips sticks out when he cries and it is the most pitiful pouty face. He loves gnawing on his hand and ends up with slobber all over his face and hands. He handles tummy time ok, can hold up his head for a bit but has yet to lift himself with his arms. he has inherited his dad's greasy skin and even after a bath, his head and face get so oily. This does not help the cradle cap that keeps lingering. Dean can entertain himself whether he is in his bouncy chair or on the swing. He gives smiles easily and loves to talk and shrieks when he is ready for attention. His eyes are big and they get even bigger when he is excited or startled. It is the funniest deer in headlights look. He even has darker eyebrows. He is a pretty good sleeper and usually goes down easily except when he is overly tired and past that point. Dean loves the TV and can sit and watch with his dad until he falls asleep. Dean loves kisses and when I go in for a cheek, he turns his head and tries to kiss me but ends up slobbering on my cheek.

Samuel, my little 3 pound baby is a far cry from three pounds nowadays. He is still smaller than Dean but he can sure eat Dean under the table. If there is ever a bottle drinking game, Sam would win hands down. His hair is slowly trying to grow but he does not have the grease monkey look that Dean sports. Samuel has the cutest facial expressions and already knows how to cock his eyebrow. When he raises his eyebrows, he's showing off his "How you doin'?" look. You have a work a little harder to get a smile out of Samuel but when you do, it is a crooked grin that he inherited from his daddy. Oh, and he has the sweetest giggle when he is happy. It just melts my heart. He is not a big talker like his brother but he has no qualms about pitching a fit to get attention. And Sam is definitely an attention hog. Still hollers when he is put down but at least it gets less and less with time. Sam has a harder time with naps. I think he takes after me in that area. It's as if he is afraid to sleep for long periods for fear of missing something exciting. Sam hates tummy time. Can't stand to be on his stomach which is weird because he loved it when he was smaller. Lately, he has been fascinated by his arm and hand. He holds his arm out in front of him and will stare at his fist for ages.

They both are so squirmy and kick up a storm. They do great with breastfeeding and I love nursing them. Their reflux is better and so spit up is less. I am unsure if it is because of the medicine or their maturing digestive system. Bath time is not so traumatic as it used to be and I can't wait until they can sit up unassisted so they can both play in the tub together. They both love sitting on their daddy's lap to watch TV and seem to enjoy the Baby Einstein DVDs I bought them. Both can sit for a while when propped up but because they move so much, they tend to fall over. They are much happier babies and are so fun to watch and play with. At times they look completely different and then other times, they look like they are related.

Their well baby visit is next week so we will see how much they have gained and what percentile they are in. They will also get their next round of shots and thanks to Sarah, I am going to follow the adjusted vaccination. schedule. We'll see if the pediatrician has an issue with that.

Our au pair, Tang, has been great with them. I worried because she dealt with older babies in Thailand, 6 months and up and I thought she would be bored with 2 babies under 6 months. She is sweet with them and they recognize her. I wonder if they can tell which Asian lady is their momma?

Lots of pictures here. I warn you, prepare to get a cavity from all the sweet baby cuteness.

2 months

4/17/09

To my boys at 2 months

I don't think you two will ever know how much you are loved. Don't worry, you will hear me express my love and see me express my love. But no words can express how happy I am that you both exist. I longed for you and prayed for you guys and now you are here turning my life upside down.

Even when you both are screaming at the top of your lungs from "starvation," I can’t help but smile because you are both so adorable.

To Dean: You have gotten so big, I think your head rivals your daddy’s big noggin. You even have the same hairstyle, the bald man ‘do. You have a voracious appetite and just when we think 4 oz will top you off, you are crying for more. The pediatrician says you are just rooting and need oral stimulation. I guess we need to watch how much you eat because you are already 10 lbs. Your daddy worries that you don’t poop enough so you get some Karo syrup in your bottle. You pay us back with a poopslosion of epic proportions in your diaper. I even had to cut you out of your onesie like you were being freed with the jaws of life. There was no way that onesie could have been saved, it was covered in poo. No more Karo for you. You like making grouchy faces and posing for the camera. People say you look like me so I guess the grouchy faces are expected.

To Sam: You have changed the most. A long way from your tiny little body at 3 lbs 3 oz at birth to almost 8 lbs, you are growing into your nose and lips and ears. You still have a ways to grow into your head and your daddy thinks you will be brainy and bookish because you have a fivehead. Forehead just doesn't describe it. You have a hard time with formula because you have the most heinous bowel movements known to mankind when you get a lot of formula. People say you favor your dad so that really explains your gastrointestinal constitution.

You both hate waking up hungry, bath time, explosive poops (especially while you eat) and changings. You guys can be in the most peaceful slumber and then all of a sudden go into a hysterical crying fit. Upon investigation, I hear (and smell) you blowing it out your butt.

You both are able to focus better on our faces and starting to coo. Your necks are getting stronger where you can lift up your big heads and turn from side to side while you are on your tummy. You still hate to be swaddled and squirm and fuss until your arms are free.

Your daddy and I love you bunches and hope you continue to grow strong and healthy.

More photos here.

200904_April

7 weeks

4/9/09 - 7 weeks

Just when I think things are calming down, they seem to get more hectic.

Both boys are circumcised. The penis has to be cleaned because it can accumulate smegma. This involves water (preferably warm), q-tips and a screaming baby who does not like the skin of his special purpose to be pulled back.

During a routine cleaning, I noticed Dean's penis did not look like Sam's. When I pulled back the skin, it looked like the skin was reattaching. When I called the nursed, she said that you have to pull the skin back enough to expose the ridge in order to clean thoroughly. Otherwise, if the skin did reattach,it is painful for baby when the pediatrician pulls it back and in extreme circumstances, a re-circumcision needs to be performed.

Having put the fear of a recirc in my head, I took Dean to see the doc for a look see. There was also an issue with a belly button that sticks out more than an outty should. The doc examined Dean and said there was nothing wrong with his circumcision and that the reason the penis retracts is because Dean has a fat pocket. As he gets older, he will outgrow it.

When they weighed Dean, I was so surprised when they said he is 8lbs 6oz. He is getting hefty but the fact that he has almost doubled his birth weight is awesome. The newborn onesies and diapers are getting tighter. Pretty soon he will be in size 1 diapers and 3mth onesies. I know this is not a big deal but for preemies, it is. I wish I could say it was mama's milk doing this but it is all formula and his hearty appetite.

I had to take Samuel to the doctor Tuesday because I noticed his right eye starting to swell and his face getting red bumps and splotchy patches while I was feeding him. My fear was Sam was having an allergic reaction. Considering I have bad allergies and have had anaphylaxis and edema, I was scared Sam had inherited that from me. I rushed him to the pediatrician and apparently, they did not think it was urgent because it took forever for the doc to see him. They checked his O2 levels and he was at 100%. The doc could not find anything wrong and there was no apparent explanation for Sam's reaction. The doc wanted to do a test feeding but the formula is the same one he has been eating. The Polyvisol the same vitamin. I tried to remember if there was anything new introduced to Sam's food or environment and there was nothing that I could think of or remember.

I gave Sam some children's Benadryl and the swelling went down after a couple of hours. The redness also got better but it has been two days since that happened and several red pimple like bumps have popped up on Sam's face. I just want to know what is causing it so that I can remove it from the house.

6 weeks

3/31/09 - 6 weeks

I went to the dermatologist last Thursday and I have been on a mess of meds. She saw my cold sore and was really adament that I take herpes medicine to suppress future outbreaks. I usually get a cold sore once every two years when I get sick or when my immune system has been weakened. I know not to touch anyone until it is completely gone. As soon as I saw that it was coming in, I immediatley stopped kissing on the boys.

The nurse assisting the dermatologist proceeded to tell me about the baby that died from herpes after his mother kissed him. I am diligent about washing my hands and careful not to touch them with my mouth but this has me freaked out. I have been watching for any signs that something may be wrong. I bought a 30 day supply of Valtrex per the doc and she wants me on it for 3 months. I don't know how anyone can afford that med because even with my good insurance, I paid over $100 for that bottle. I think that bottle is it for me unless she gives me a generic.

As for my rash, they determined it is PUPPP. The rash continues to spread over my body, moving down my arms and legs. The angry red of the rash just doesn't come through in the photo. By the time I saw the doc, I was crying because it itched so bad and I was worried it would cover my entire body and I would not be able to care for the boys. She put me on an intense regimen of Medrol and prescribed me a one pound tub of steroid cream for the redness and itchiness. The doctor said that I could not breastfeed while on this medication but to call my pediatrician about Valtrex.

With all the meds, I was concerned about the affects on breastmilk so I called the milkbank to confirm. They said Valtrex is safe. Medrol is also safe as long as it does not exceed 80 mg a day. I erred on the side of caution and decided to pump and dump. I do not want any steroids affecting the growth of the boys.

The boys are changing everyday. The biggest change is they are filling out, getting bulkier in the arms and legs. Their cheeks are getting chubby. Dean is fast becoming a chunky monkey.Their tear ducts are starting to produce tears. (which is tugging even more on my heartstrings when they cry). Their eyelashes are getting longer. They are some good looking babies.

I tried taking some photos for an announcement but they were not cooperating.

1 month

3/17/09 - 4 weeks

Dean and Sam are 1 month old! I can't believe it. Was it just yesterday that I went into labor? Dean is currently at 6 lbs 5 oz and he is filling out fast. Every day his cheeks seem to get bigger and bigger. He's either eating way too much or storing food in his cheeks for winter. He has moved into Newborn size diapers and can no longer fit preemie clothes. He is definitely the fussier baby. He cries during diaper changes, baths, swaddling and feedings.

Sam has broken the 5 pound barrier but still feels tiny when I hold him. The pediatrician I took him to is different than the one Dean went to. It is in the same practice but the first doc was on vacation so that is why we saw the 2nd doc. He was so thorough and informative. I think I will switch both kids to that pediatrician.

Mom came to visit and stay and help for a couple of weeks. It is nice because I haven't spent longer than a few hours with her in I don't know how many years. Mom has been helpful but I still try to do the majority of the caring for the boys. Mom won't be living with us forever so I have to make sure I can still care for the kiddos.

Sunday, I noticed Sam having labored breathing and some chest congestion. This is the first signs of an illness and let me tell you it breaks a new mama's heart to hear her child having a hard time breathing. I called the nurse and she said to get some saline for his nose to break up the dried mucus. She also said to watch for flared nostrils, labored breathing at more than 50 breaths a minute and high pitched wheezing which are signs of upper respiratory distress.

Rod went to the store and we did the saline and nose suctioning. Still, Sam was having a hard time of it. Dean was also showing signs of wheeziness but not to the extent Sam was. Mom and I took them both to the doctor who said cases of Bronchiolitis was going around. They are preemie babies so their immune system is not strong enough to deal with such infections or illnesses. It also worries me because it says cigarette smoke increases the likelihood that an infant will develop bronchiolitis and asthma. And there are family members who smoke. So take this as an incentive to quit.

There is nothing that can be given to them. It's a wait and see if they get it full blown. It can last up to 2 weeks. I don't know if I can handle hearing them in such distress for that long.

What boys can teach you

1/15/09 - 29w1d

I got this from a friend and thought it was too cute and just a little scary not to share. I guess that means we won't have any hair spray or roller blades or dog leashes or baseballs or Legos or flint rock or Play doh or super glue or marbles or plastic toys in the house. Ever.

Find out interesting things when you have sons, like...

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36- year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR's do not eject 'PB & J' sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17..) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin ! , TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.