Merry Christmas

Just a few photos for the family we couldn't be with today. We miss you all!

Grandma & Grandpa's Tree

This past weekend we helped Grandma and Grandpa Casey decorate their tree, Aunt Jo and Aunt Kate were there to help as well. It was a nice day that helped us all get into the spirit of Christmas. Rowan and Kieran were on their best behavior. Kieran took one ornament off the tree and left a few teeth marks on Grandma's coffee table.

Bye Bye Tree

The tree has been officially dismantled. Kieran was caught ripping all of the lights off of the tree. After I placed every ornament and light strand at the very top of the tree he decided to try and drag the tree around with him. It of course went crashing to the floor, breaking a few ornaments. Instead of worrying about it, we took it down. Kieran wasn't too happy, but found some new things to drag around the house....

Timber

I was just thinking this morning how lucky I was that the boys have no interest in the tree. How foolish of me. I was flipping through some pic on the camera when I hear a loud thud, a few ornaments rattle and Rowan crying out. There lying under the pathetic tree was Rowan, while Kieran (not pictured) happy as can be picking off the last of the ornaments at the top of the tree.

Not sure how much longer I will be able to keep the walkers. Kieran was caught leaning over the edge to pick stuff off of the floor. He has his foot all the way up on the seat portion. Rowan likes to grab onto things and see if he can flip his walker. I know they have out grown them in terms of length but really do I have to give them up???

Not Much New

We headed to my old job today to turn in my work laptop. The hard drive stopped working, so now I have less freedom to search the web and post. Better I suppose, since I can focus on getting stuff done around the house. Rowan and kieran did great at school, no meltdowns. Rowan was his jovial self and Kieran sat in the back of the stroller observing everyone.

I'm posting a few pic of the boys in their playroom so Veronica can see the toy storage we put in and Uncle Alex can get a look at the wild man tee shirts. Hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays. They are approaching fast, I can't wait to spend some down time with family.

Stew and a Tree Trim

We have been getting some flack for our fake Christmas tree this year and after we assembled we know why. The tree itself isn't that bad, it narrow in design and kind of has that "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree feeling. We limited the number of ornaments since many of the ones we had were made of glass. The boys liked the lights for the tree and playing with the ornaments. Rowan nor Kieran liked the feel of the fake tree, which might be a good thing. I'm hoping they stay away from it. Patrick had each boy help him place an ornament each. Kieran wasn't too sure of what was going on, but Rowan wanted to tear the ornaments off of the tree.

After the tree trimming the boys enjoyed homemade stew for the first time. I actually got smart and took off their top part of their pj's before eating. Afterward I realized I should have taken off the whole pj, since much of the food pooled inside of their pajamas.

It was straight to the bath after dinner. We have started bathing both boys at the same time in the tub. While this is the second time we tried it, it seems to be working and goes much faster than the single baths we were giving them in the sink. Our only problem as of now is the number of bath toys we have. We only have one rubber ducky, of course it is the favorite toy. The boys fight over it, taking any chance they can get to rip it out of the others hand. When it is floating in the tub, there is always a mad dash to get it.

BE NICE

I swear Kieran thinks his name is "Be Nice". I use this expression with the boys when they are torturing one another. It just sounds so much better than saying "No" all the time. Kieran LOVES to pull Rowans long locks of hair. He gets a fist full and throws Rowans head around like a rag doll. I find myself saying "be nice" at least 20 times a day. Kieran knows instantly, and lets go of Rowans hair, but I swear the kid only responds to it. He never turns around for his own name like Rowan does.

They are getting big, I was looking back through old post today to find the actual month they started to sleep longer than 3 hours. It was odd to see them small and helpless, how quickly we forget. Rowan is like a bull around the house. He crawls fast and can pull up on anything. Kieran is a slower crawler but boy does he destroy things. He loves to grab at everything, I often find random objects strewn about. At the end of the evening when dinner is done and the boys are in bed I have to collect all my things; bowls, pots, keys, blankets, pot holder anything within his grasp. He once had the silverware holder for the dishwasher half way across the house before I noticed it was gone.

We are going through some major teething. I say we since I am the sympathetic teether who is up all night with one child or the other. The top teeth have poked through on Kieran but Rowan's are just starting. The teething has gotten them off of that beautiful sleep schedule I enjoyed for about two weeks. Hopefully once these teeth are all the way in, we can return to some normalcy in the sleep department.

Gobble Gobble, Literally!

We hosted Thanksgiving this year, thinking it would be easier on the boys. Not sure how I came to that conclusion but all in all it went pretty smooth. Rowan and Kieran were able to enjoy some of the traditional holiday food and still keep to somewhat of a schedule. Kieran was definitely into eating the feast placed before him. Rowan seemed to be more interested in what was on Kieran's tray.

We headed to the beach this afternoon in search of the perfect Christmas card. Let's just say there was a lot of sand throwing and fascination with the water.

Santa

Heeding the advice of other moms, we visited the mall Santa BEFORE Thanksgiving and during the week. It was perfect, no lines and a quick in/out with photos in hand. My mother in law accompanied us making the trip that much easier. She also treated the boys to new Christmas outfits. The looked like big boys in them. Rowan and Kieran did great, no crying but not really sure what to make of the big jolly man.

This week has been filled with trips to Ikea and Bob's Discount furniture to get the last few things we need to make the basement perfect. Patrick is hanging the TV as I type. He tried earlier today but Rowan and Kieran wanted to "help". Other than that we are looking forward to Thanksgiving and seeing family.

MIA

Sorry we have been MIA. Things have been crazy around here. Between finishing the basement and our two very active boys, I find it very hard to get on the computer. So many things to share. Rowan has mastered the standing up part of life, but not really the sitting down part. Much of my day is spent helping him down which can get very annoying fast. The sheer thought of Kieran going through this stage in a few weeks is exhausting. Rowan's favorite thing to do is hold on with one hand and just look as if he is hanging out. I found him holding onto the shade cord with one hand, while wobbling back and forth. As you can imagine the cord was quickly wrapped up, out of reach.

Both boys have mastered the art of opening every cabinet in the kitchen while in their walkers. They can not be left alone for a second. Kieran was caught with a letter from the fridge, a blanket from the bedroom, a bra from the laundry and my purse on his walker the other day. He just loves to cruise around grabbing everything within reach.

The boys are growing fast, at their 9 month appointment Kieran was 21 lbs and 30 inches. Rowan was 22 lbs and 29 1/2 inches long.

Afternoon Walk (Totally forgot to post this)

We usually take a walk in the afternoons depending on the weather. With this unusual burst of warm weather we decided to head down to the beach. The wet sand and sound of the waves made for a beautiful afternoon. Kieran actually enjoyed himself this time and entertained himself with all of the big rocks around. Rowan just liked to use the rocks as chew toys. Next summer is going to be a blast at the beach. Hopefully they will be walking by then and not eating everything in site.

On the weekends Patrick and I usually split who has to get up with the boys. In all fairness I know their routine and it is easier for me to get up with them in the morning. Patrick had the boys up extra early the other morning and as you can see things went downhill fast at breakfast. (Notice lack of bibs, hehe)