Nothing is Safe Anymore!

It all started a few weeks ago, when I had to run into the dining room to see what Patrick was up to, only to walk back into the living room to find Andrew on all fours on our side table. My little monkey had figured out how to climb onto a large basket we were using to block off the floor lamp, and then up onto the table. A terrifyingly hilarious moment. He was so proud of himself too!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Clearly this isn't safe, so I started spending my time perched on the edge of the side table to keep him from climbing it. However, Andrew then figured out how to climb onto the Bose subwoofer that sits next to our entertainment center. Thus began my days of going back and forth between the two, trying to teach my children (because obviously Patrick followed Andrew's lead) not to climb those things. 

Andrew

We rearranged some furniture, and while I still have had to spend a large part of my days using the subwoofer as a seat, they move on to other things much more quickly, and are starting to actually listen when I tell them to get down rather than just laugh in my face. Well, at least they did until a few days ago.

Patrick

Andrew and Patrick can now consistently climb onto the coffee table, which of course is their new favorite thing to do. By the time I get the second one down off the coffee table, the first is already back up there smiling away. The only relief is that in all the chaos, my boys have started to figure out how to also get down off the table safely! It's no longer quite as scary when they are up there, even if my heart is jumping out of my chest when they do it. I have a feeling the couches and the chairs are only a few days away. Nothing is safe!

What mom? We're not doing anything! (Patrick, left; Andrew, right)

Here's what happened the rest of the week at a glance. Dave's parents were in town for a few days, including St. Patrick's Day and it is so fun to see how much Andrew and Patrick love them. Dave and I were even able to go out to lunch on our own for once! I'm so grateful to have them around to be part of their lives. Also, we spent the first day of spring outside playing in the snow. That pretty much sums it up.

Smiling up at MeMaw (Andrew, left; Patrick, right)

On a more serious note, I could not reflect on this past week without saying something about the marathon I'm running and why I'm doing it. Last Saturday marked 13 years since I lost my mother. I am running the Chicago Marathon not only because I'm competitive and crazy, but because I am trying to raise money for the Huntington's Disease Society of America in memory of my mother and in hopes that my brother won't have to suffer as she did. If you have a moment, please visit my fundraising website for more info. Every dollar counts, and I appreciate it more than you could ever know.

Finally, GO HARVARD!!!!!!!!!!!! 

YAY HARVARD!

Patrick

Andrew

Running around!

Yoga Success!!!

Today has been such a great day that I had to get online and make a post immediately! To be honest, I started out this morning with a bit of a headache, and super nervous for trying our yoga class again. However, boosted by the fact that I witnessed Andrew and Patrick actually allow another child to hug them yesterday, and the fact Patrick even went up to another kid and gave him a kiss, off I went to class.

Andrew

In the beginning, it was a little rough. They definitely were much more willing to move from their original spot, but the second I actually started practicing any yoga, it made them upset. I decided in those moments that my goal for this class was just to get them accustomed to the space so that maybe next week I could do more yoga. Then something amazing happened. We stopped to do a few songs as a group, and then after that the boys were finally brave enough to start running around and playing! I was able to get about 15 minutes of actual yoga in at the end!

When did my boys get so tall???

The best part was hearing them laugh and knowing that next week will be even better! They became completely fascinated with the mirror. We all wondered at the end if they think they see their brother when they look in the mirror. Sage told me that at one moment they were on opposite ends of the mirror, and as they got closer together, Patrick looked from the mirror to his brother, and then got very upset as if he wasn't expecting it. I just wish I had a video of the way they played in the mirror. Absolutely adorably hilarious! Patrick kept picking a spot where two mirrors met at the seam and leaned back and forth across it as if he was trying to play peekaboo with himself. Andrew was more into running around pushing the massive exercise balls around before sprinting up to himself in the mirror and laughing.

Patrick just hanging out in the entryway

 Such a good time, and so good for my soul! I can't wait for next week! I also can't wait to find more activities!

Ups and Downs

The last week has been full of its ups and downs. Our first parent-toddler yoga class together was a major disaster, but there was a gorgeous sunny day for a jog, and my boys have finally re-entered the snuggle phase!

Patrick in the blue, Andrew in the orange; "Riding on dogs is frowned upon in this establishment"

Andrew's turn!

First, the bad stuff. Yoga was awful! I don't think it would have been as bad if my expectations weren't so high. The boys have been doing extremely well in daycare (they are currently still sleeping in from being so exhausted from all their play yesterday and yes it is almost 9 am), and they still LOVE story hour at the local library. Therefore, I walked into that class with excitement for getting to do something so completely normal, like take a fitness class. In the beginning, it looked like it was going to be okay. Patrick and Andrew wouldn't move from the spots I put them down, but they weren't upset either. We started the class, the other toddlers were quietly playing, and then it all went downhill. Someone came late and put her mat down between Patrick and me. He DID NOT like that. However, I kept hope alive, grabbed him and got him to calm back down, just in time for Andrew to decide he did not like this yoga class. I tried to go out in the hall to calm them in hopes of going back in, but it just never happened so we left. Luckily though, the instructor is awesome and willing to give me a make up class, and hopefully this week will go much better!

Snuggle time! Andrew, left; Patrick, right

Now, the great stuff. This winter, and yes, it is still decidedly winter up here in Maine, I have had to run with the boys in these warm sleeping bags and a weather cover over the stroller, more to keep the cold wind off their faces than to keep rain out. However, I finally was able to take that off and get them so true fresh air! We went for a full 7 miles, my furthest run yet pushing the jogger and it was amazing! I look forward to more days like this. They are just good for the soul.

Andrew

Also, Andrew and Patrick have decided cuddling is okay again! I was in for the long haul, thinking it would be awhile before they wanted to snuggle up with me again. They are always go, go, go! And when they're not, they prefer to be in their cribs, until now. They actually like to take these little 10 minute breaks from playing to just come over and sit on my lap. Patrick even fell asleep for a nap on me the other day, which hasn't happened since they were small babies!

Patrick just hanging out

Finally, I feel like I must be doing something right, seeing the actions that Andrew and Patrick are choosing to mimic of mine. They love to give each other hugs and kisses. Patrick has even started this new thing, where he drops his voice into this sweet quiet sound, and then gives his hugs and kisses, even to his stuffed animal. It makes me so proud to see them so loving. Of course, they still wind up to hit each other sometimes too, but boys will be boys. We'll work on that one.

Here's a video for your enjoyment too!