Easter, Birthdays & More

Although it was from a while ago- I thought I would share some pictures- before they turn TWO!

First here is Easter (and Tyler poaching on Carter's bastet!)
We were so impressed that the boys loved to hunt for eggs (granted there was a bunny marshmallow inside) but we thought they wouldn't really care- they loved it! (first pic:Tyler/next:Carter)
All the eggs just scattered with the missing marshmallows at the end:


Then we headed to Joan's and look who showed up- it was fantastic! And although one of Tyler's favorite phrases is "Bunny goes hop hop hop," the boys pulled a "santa" and were terrified. Would not even go near the cottontail but clung to our legs. Hopefully Mr. Bunny will visit us next year!We also visited Grandma a couple times that day. She always adores seeing the boys!
Remembering Grandpa: always a hard day of the year. We know he looks down and smiles on the boys daily- but it still doesn't stop the empty feeling of wishing we could see how happy they make him and wanting him to be a part of their lives. We miss him dearly.

The Zoo with the cousins: We had so much fun- the boys loved holding hands with Mary and Lucy and Camden helped keep everyone in order!


Popi's Birthday! As both he and I learned, celebrate with these two and you don't get to blow out your candles (or even lick them!). (Tyler in red/Carter yellow)
Sushi: The boys in action with their favorite food- avocado rolls . . . and they have to eat it all in one bite. It's hysterical. (First Carter/next Tyler)My Birthday: We celebrated at Gigi and Popi's and the boys spoiled me with hugs and kisses.





The Park: Of course, The favorite place. From cool big toys, taking Linda on a walk, duck ponds, or just a good ol' path, all these boys need is their fire engine and school bus and they are good to go!
Above: Tyler- thinking about it. . . (code for most pics: Tyler in Red shirt/Carter green - even under jackets)


Below: Tyler is typically the FAST one, Carter the "professional scooter"








Other Fun Pix:
They love to cuddle on the couch (Tyler in red).
I love that they enjoy cleaning- at least "wiping" - here is Carter with the windows:
Here's one of Carter that will bring a good chuckle- they love to wear our shoes and be shirtless- all at the same time:
Next up to embarrass: Tyler- I found him with his sungalsses on his head- he thought it was great to copy me.
Partners in crime: Even at the children's museum
Our challenge of the month: The boys in beds. It has been a trying transition to say the least but here is how we found them a couple nights into. No, they don't share a bed, but they sure do try.Lastly, our pretty pup Maizy never gets any attention anymore. I take that back, attnetion from me, but she gets too much from the boys . . . they just pounce on her, tackle, ride, take her collar and walk her around the house- she's amazing with them. So I thought she deserved a picture.

Almost . . .

The boys- almost two . . . the baby- almost here. . . I'm not quite ready for either.

We have wonderful pictures now with our great new camera BUT I cannot get the pictures downloaded on our computer- I think I am seeing a pattern here. new computer? So frustrating- so that is why you won't get to SEE my little men and just get to hear me chatter. I just figure it it's been way to long.

To answer people's top questions:
Q:Do you have a name? A: We are so far from deciding a name we have started to come up with a "march madness NCAA" tourney type bracket to get to the hospital with "the Final Four". . . but if it's anything like the boys- it will be 8 names and she still won't have one for 4 days.

Q: What's the nursery look like? A: it's still the playroom. . . maybe just maybe we will get to it this weekend.

Q: Do the boys know? A: They LOVE my belly and will lift up my shirt many times a day to laugh and pat and say baby . . . or again, just laugh. I think they might miss it when it is gone. Can they possibly understand though? They see baby stuff in the house and get excited asking "baby?! baby?!" and even have thrown in a "baby sister?!" so I think they kind of get it and will for sure when she is here.

Q: Anytime? or Smuggling a Ball? A: That's the question on the street now with a shocked look as someone sees me from the side suddenly. . . straight out and big now "like a bullet" my mom calls it and I have gotten to the point of just saying "yes, anyday" like I had to with the boys at 7 months so I shouldn't be annoyed this time!

Q: Where do they get that CURLY hair?! A: Yes, we have yet to cut the boys hair and it is WILD. What's funny is it still isn't filled in all the way so they don't have much so it's it just these fine little ringlets all over.

Q: Can you tell them apart? A: People are so amazed with how much alike they say they look still. It's something that will always confuse me a bit because like I always say, they are so different to me. Tyler is in a momma's boy phase lately (scaring me a bit to be needy right before baby) and loving to learn. He repeats every word and gets so excited about anything new he can say or do. In fact every morning he still says "Happy Birthday Gigi" with a smile - her birthday was a MONTH ago but he was so proud of himself when he learned to say it. Since, we have had other birthdays but he still smiles and says "Happy Birthday Gigi" . . . Carter loves to sing and laugh. He talks a lot too but is much more laid back and doesn't get frustrated like Tyler when he doesn't understand or can't quite say something. Very laidback but my mischievous one. . . he tries to cross every line but with this cute little smile that is so innocent and sweet - again mischievous. But what BROTHERS they are- the BEST of friends at time just chuckling, discovering and playing together, kissing one another when the other is hurt or sad, and calling out each other's name if they are out of sight . . . but then literally tackling and beating up each other the next moment. Their new thing since they don't bite as much anymore (THANK GOODNESS) is to yell. It is this loud screechy noise. They start off angry but it quickly turns into a competition into who can screech this terrible sound louder and they both end up laughing at one another cause again- it's a ridiculous screech. However, when they act like "dinosaurs" and stomp around the house together (quite an imagination) it's the same sound.

Sorry again for no pictures! But thank you for getting through my book of a blog. Have to run: Carter is now on my back with a mitten on pretending it is a puppet dinosaur and wanting to kiss (or eat - who knows?!) my face.

Hysterical!

Every day they seriously crack me up with something new. Travis came home from work tonight and I was so excited to share stories. It's these kind of days that make me jealous of myself.
Above: Tyler
This morning I was explaining to him in my so stern voice about sharing, or something, I don't even know now . . . all I know is I said "do you understand?" and he said "Capesh!" with a smile. Yes, my little Ty knows Italian. I guess I say more often than I thought: "Do you understand? Capesh?" I just stared back at him in disbelief. He is speaking so well and copying everything I say. . .

and he ADORES his brother. Every naptime and bedtime he asks to sleep with Carter in his crib. I have made the mistake to let him get in once with him and he started snuggling up with Carter's blankets and wanting to lie down with him. But Carter wasn't having it. I am waiting for the morning when I see Tyler has finally figured out how to jump over himself and I find them sleeping together.
Above: Carter
Then this morning, I am changing this little guy's diaper and he points up high on our bookcase and says distinctly "poker chips." What?! Yes, we have a poker chip caddy and the last couple days I let them hold them to distract them while I change their diapers. But I never knew I ever told him what it was. The things they catch on to. Right after I am changing Tyler and he points up to the same caddy and says, "Cookie." I had to laugh.

Carter's other story of the day reminds me of how desperate (or lazy?) I can sometimes be. He sneezes, walks over to me and says "nose." He then grabs my arm and wipes himself with it. Think that's disgusting? I was wearing a tank top. It's a moment when you want to say, "Honey only when I am wearing sleeves is that okay." . . . or is it? Kara, kara, kara.


Above: Playtime & Storytime with Gigi and Popi
How do I know these two are part Uffelman? You may not see many similarities above. . . but you will at the dinner table. Travis and I love sushi rolls and lately- the boys have begged for it. I used to give them avocado from my roll but the past couple times they have "please please pleased" their way for me to just hand a peice over. They both stuffed the huge peice in their mouth- one big bite, just like us. Travis couldn't believe it but I could. We Uffelmans have bigger mouths and can eat faster than you think. And these boys prove it. It is quit the sight! I am going to start making them sushi on a regular basis!
Above: Carter
This picture is precious because it is so my little Carter. He cannot stand to have ANYTHING on his hands- even the smallest crumb from a cracker. He will beg and beg for me to wash his hands mid-meal. Here he is drinking milk and not letting his hands touch. It doesn't look like there is anything on them but one speck makes a big difference.

Above: At the Duckpond. The boys had a ball feeding the ducks.
The boys love to play the piano. There has been no means to the madness of their playing until just the other day. Tyler was trying to actually play a song using one finger at a time from each hand. It was quite impressive! Usually it has been frustrating as they ask me to play a song for them and as I do they jump up next to me and start pounding. But seeing Tyler concentrate and play key by key was really neat.

Two of a Kind

In my mind, these two little guys are so incredibly different. They each have their unique expressions, quirks, personalities, words that it confuses me when people say "how identical" they are. "But look at their smiles, eyes" the list goes on of how I will respond. . .

And then I see this picture (above) same foot up and all and I understand . . . not just that- we just had their checkup for the first time in over 6 months and they are only 2 ounces apart. Two OUNCES . . . really? And for months I have been fretting and worried that Carter is not near the eater of Tyler. I thought they would be two POUNDS apart. It truly is amazing.

Aunt Rhonda came to visit with her boyfriend Uncle Ben too. It was great to see both of them! The boys hadn't seen Ben in a long time but loved him immediately. Okay, if Ben is reading he knows I should say, they liked him immediately after they got up from their naps (we woke them up to say hi when they arrived after they had just gone down- not the smartest move!)
Below: Park time with the boys . . . from slides to looking for ducks.




Below: Tyler climbing to the slide . . .
Teaser: Next pics coming- their first haircut . . . hopefully this weekend!

Cousin Day

It was Cousin Day last Friday and Kylie and I met at the zoo- and oh my goodness, the kids had a ball! It seems that every time we see Camden, Holden, and Lani now the boys just all connect and play together better and better. I think it's my kiddos growing up a bit and actually being "little boys" to keep up and follow them around. I was a bit nervous to take them out of the stroller and have them run in opposite directions- but they just followed Camden and Holden around. So cute. And even when Holden wanted a ride in the stroller, Tyler hopped in all on his own to ride with him (and yes, enjoy some PB&J like his big cousin too) . . . and anyone who knows my boys know that they NEVER go back in the stroller after being taken out. . . it takes candy - or now cousins - to coerce them.
Above: Holden and Tyler
Above: Tyler actually rock-climbed his way to the top all on his own like his big cousin Camden . . . little scary. He has always had no fear or hesitation about trying anything new.

Above: This was adorable . . . and of course excited this pregnant mom. Carter loved Lani. . . . so much so he fed her- not himself, those tasty Puffs. He has such a little sweetheart personality.
Above: All four boys on the telescope. My boys had no idea how it worked but if C&H were on it, it was cool to them.

Funny Every Day

It's not like they are even saying sentences yet, but they still manage to make me laugh daily with the simple one liners- or worders. . . How easily they have learned how to manipulate with a "pleeasseeee" or a simple smile. Here are some of my favorite moments where I have realized they are growing up. It makes me grin and almost cry all at the same time.

For instance- something as simple as catching Carter asleep on the couch watching Mickey Mouse Club with blankets he had toppled over the top of him. It sounds so basic but they have never fallen asleep anywhere but a crib or car. . . okay, or jumperoo. It was the sweetest sight, such a little boy, but then I almost cried (call me pregnant). . .

Speaking of pregnant, every mom knows you never feel beautiful . . . that's an understatement, you always feel slow, messy, and just darn ugly (or is it just me?) . . . So this last remark made me glow: I was at the doctor's waiting to have my terrible horrendously looking legs looked at (speaking of feeling gross) and was reading a "Lucky" magazine. Tyler kept looking at the front and pointing to Mandy Moore and saying "Mama" with a smile. I love him. And of course to hear it again, I kept asking "Who is that Ty?"

Then last night Travis had work till really late so he wasn't home to help put the boys down. I ready them "Goodnight Moon" and stated time for bed. But Tyler ran over to the shelf and pulled out "Puff the Magic Dragon" and said "Dadda's Book, Dadda's Book!" Travis sings it to them all the time. It's adorable to see.

And they have been teething nonstop the past week so I have Motrin on their changing table. Last night Carter points to it saying "Medicine please, please, please" . . . He knows the word medicine??? I said "you only get medicine if your teeth hurt." He and Tyler both stopped dead in their tracks, looked at me, and stated almost simultaneously with big doe-eyes "Teeth hurt" . . . really? The things they will say to get what they want when the hardly know ANY words! Almost every night Carter now stands up immediately when we put him to bed and says "Poopie"- just so we will take him to the toilet and he gets out of bedtime. Manipulators I tell you.

But their VERY favorite is saying "bye bye" . . . it started almost a year ago as a tantrum controller. When they would start getting fussy somewhere I would tell them we are leaving so start saying "bye bye." It always calms them down- Now it is an obsession. Random people get kisses blown to them and even a little boy in Costco got a big bear hug from behind from Carter this past weekend. But the best? I was at home getting the boys rallied and down the stairs when Carter stopped, crawled right back up frantically and looked around and said to the two toys in sight "Bye Bye Truck, Bye Bye Bus" - smiled very content and slid back down the steps.