They rolled the dough....
....and loved every last bite!
Twin Tales +1: The life and times of Ella and Aidan, and their baby sister, Lauren
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pizza Party at the Parkers
Last night, Ella and Aidan participated in making their own dinner.
They rolled the dough....
....spread the sauce....
....added the cheese....
They rolled the dough....
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thoughtful Thursday
I speak with a lot of moms and I often hear “I can not wait until they ….” Fill in the blank. I wonder if they are just wishing the time away instead of embracing the beautiful things that are somewhere inside the challenges of the every day. I am someone who has always hated regret and cannot handle guilt, so I promised myself that I would truly try to find the positive and the beautiful throughout each and every stage of Ella and Aidan's growth.
I try to embrace each day. Sometimes I do not even make until lunch, but I start out the day with good intentions. At night I promise myself that I will try to be a better mom the next day and think of something fun each and every day to “attempt”. Sadly, so often what I thought would be fun just did not turn out that way, but I give myself extra points for good intentions.
What I am trying to say is that I take to heart all of the sage expressions moms of older children say:
“They are only this age once, enjoy them!”
“The time goes by so fast, don’t wish this stage away. You will miss it.”
But even with that truly embedded in my heart, there were things over the past three years that I looked forward to.
I waited….
To get pregnant and begin my life as a mom, but the struggle just made me appreciate the gift of children even more.
To be done with morning sickness and lose that lovely shade of green, but was also strangely reassured by the porcelain god and
thought that being so sick meant my babies were healthy.
For Ella and Aidan to sleep through the night because I’m a better mom after a decent night sleep.
To see them give feedback in the form of a smile. Not to be confused with gas or projectile vomiting from reflux, which is
an entirely different kind of feed-back.
To hear them talk, to belly laugh, to sing. I wondered for months even before they were born what their voices would be like.
For them to hold my hand as we walk. Is there anything better than a sweet, tiny hand inside your own?
For them to hold each others’ hands as they walk together. The thought of this melts my heart every time; they are there for each other now and always.
Looking back, each and every one of these things was so worth the wait and awesome to experience. I would not trade any of the challenges in between, since they made each of these Mommy Milestones even more precious.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Twosome Tuesday
It's official - we have now instituted a new Parker family ritual - one on one time with each of the kiddos. We have done this a few times in the past, but just for the purpose of splitting up to accomplish more errands in a shorter period of time.
From now on, we will plan a full morning of nothing but fun activities tailored specifically to Ella and Aidan's interests. No errands - just fun!
Today, it was Daddy / Aidan and Mommy / Ella since those seem to be their natural preferences anyway! Next time, I cannot wait for a date with my little man, and I know that Mike yearns for some little princess time as well!
Mike and Aidan headed off to the dealership to get new tires put on Mike's truck. Aidan had been talking about the "tire store" for days and was beyond excited! They played in every unlocked car at the dealership, had a fun lunch at Five Guys, and capped off their guy time with a trip to the John Deere store.
Aidan was in heaven getting to play on every kind of tractor, backhoe, forklift, etc that he could imagine, and even brought home his very own "gator" souvenir.
Ella and I had a much more "girlie" affair!
We began our morning with manicure/pedicures, where Ella chose OPI's Strawberry Margarita for her little fingers and toes. She LOVED every minute at the "polish store" and fit right in with the crowd.
Then it was off to Joseph Beth Booksellers to play and have lunch in their cafe, followed up with a little shopping in the mall.
It was an amazing experience to witness each of them without their counterpart. When you think about it, they are never (and never have been) alone or apart from one another. Mike and I were both a little surprised at how quiet each of them were, especially Ella. Normally "in charge", outgoing, talkative and bossy - Ella was quiet, demure and borderline shy. Don't get me wrong, they each held their own, never whined or fussed, minded their manners and had a great time.....but...
...the twin connection was definitely at work. A part of them was missing and they both knew it, and were a little lost without each other. It was obvious that their dynamic was a bit off and they really and truly missed each other.
I am excited to make this more of a tradition for us and the kids. It is so easy to forget that while they are twins, they are also individuals with their own little personalities, likes and dislikes. One on one time is so important in fostering their own identities and shaping who they will become as they grow up in the world, and it is our job as their parents to nurture this growth....and to have fun with our little people as much as possible!
From now on, we will plan a full morning of nothing but fun activities tailored specifically to Ella and Aidan's interests. No errands - just fun!
Today, it was Daddy / Aidan and Mommy / Ella since those seem to be their natural preferences anyway! Next time, I cannot wait for a date with my little man, and I know that Mike yearns for some little princess time as well!
Mike and Aidan headed off to the dealership to get new tires put on Mike's truck. Aidan had been talking about the "tire store" for days and was beyond excited! They played in every unlocked car at the dealership, had a fun lunch at Five Guys, and capped off their guy time with a trip to the John Deere store.
Aidan was in heaven getting to play on every kind of tractor, backhoe, forklift, etc that he could imagine, and even brought home his very own "gator" souvenir.
Ella and I had a much more "girlie" affair!
We began our morning with manicure/pedicures, where Ella chose OPI's Strawberry Margarita for her little fingers and toes. She LOVED every minute at the "polish store" and fit right in with the crowd.
It was an amazing experience to witness each of them without their counterpart. When you think about it, they are never (and never have been) alone or apart from one another. Mike and I were both a little surprised at how quiet each of them were, especially Ella. Normally "in charge", outgoing, talkative and bossy - Ella was quiet, demure and borderline shy. Don't get me wrong, they each held their own, never whined or fussed, minded their manners and had a great time.....but...
...the twin connection was definitely at work. A part of them was missing and they both knew it, and were a little lost without each other. It was obvious that their dynamic was a bit off and they really and truly missed each other.
I am excited to make this more of a tradition for us and the kids. It is so easy to forget that while they are twins, they are also individuals with their own little personalities, likes and dislikes. One on one time is so important in fostering their own identities and shaping who they will become as they grow up in the world, and it is our job as their parents to nurture this growth....and to have fun with our little people as much as possible!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Mommy Monday
Today was the first day in a long time that we did not have anything at all planned - no playdate, no errands, nothing! It was wonderful to have the kiddos all to myself for an entire day!
I asked Ella and Aidan what they wanted to do for the day and they told me "Go to the Toy Store!". So, off we went to our favorite little spot - Toys & Co in Cotswold. This is a huge store with just about anything you can think of, but more importantly, the staff welcomes and encourages all of the kids to play with everything. There are no harsh looks or sighs of disgust as a random toddler knocks over a display, or as Ella insists on pushing "her" baby around in the toy stroller, or as Aidan takes down numerous trucks and sets up a racetrack on the floor.
We love this place, and they know us by name now and always give Ella and Aidan a special prize whenever we stop by.
After playing for an hour or so, we headed over to the mall to have lunch and start the hunt for their much coveted Halloween costumes. If you think hard enough, and know our little ones at all, you can place a good bet as to what they want to be...but I am not telling!
The afternoon was spent just like a typical fun summer afternoon - playing with the water table and the sprinkler!
I asked Ella and Aidan what they wanted to do for the day and they told me "Go to the Toy Store!". So, off we went to our favorite little spot - Toys & Co in Cotswold. This is a huge store with just about anything you can think of, but more importantly, the staff welcomes and encourages all of the kids to play with everything. There are no harsh looks or sighs of disgust as a random toddler knocks over a display, or as Ella insists on pushing "her" baby around in the toy stroller, or as Aidan takes down numerous trucks and sets up a racetrack on the floor.
We love this place, and they know us by name now and always give Ella and Aidan a special prize whenever we stop by.
After playing for an hour or so, we headed over to the mall to have lunch and start the hunt for their much coveted Halloween costumes. If you think hard enough, and know our little ones at all, you can place a good bet as to what they want to be...but I am not telling!
The afternoon was spent just like a typical fun summer afternoon - playing with the water table and the sprinkler!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Simple Sunday
After a nice bagel breakfast and trip to play on the tractors at Lowes, we spent the rest of the morning splashing about at the pool.
The kiddos loved swimming in their rings (is that what they are called?) and Aidan asked over and over (and over) to be tossed in the air as high as Mike could safely pull it off. I still have no idea how he stayed in the ring with each higher and higher toss, but he did and he LOVED every minute! Ella was not at all interested in the whole tossing game - she preferred to quietly swim around the entire pool multiple times. That little lady is a water baby through and through and is quite a fast swimmer!
After so much excitement and activity, it was time for lunch and to quiet down a bit - Ella and Aidan have clearly got this relaxing thing down pat!
The kiddos loved swimming in their rings (is that what they are called?) and Aidan asked over and over (and over) to be tossed in the air as high as Mike could safely pull it off. I still have no idea how he stayed in the ring with each higher and higher toss, but he did and he LOVED every minute! Ella was not at all interested in the whole tossing game - she preferred to quietly swim around the entire pool multiple times. That little lady is a water baby through and through and is quite a fast swimmer!
After so much excitement and activity, it was time for lunch and to quiet down a bit - Ella and Aidan have clearly got this relaxing thing down pat!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Flashback Friday
Aidan is truly a Daddy's boy to the core and wants nothing more in life than to be just like his Daddy (well, perhaps also to become Buzz Lightyear)!
I stumbled across this picture that was taken last fall of their two pairs of shoes and just had to grin at how cute they look next to each other.
It won't be long at all before the size difference no longer exists.
I stumbled across this picture that was taken last fall of their two pairs of shoes and just had to grin at how cute they look next to each other.
It won't be long at all before the size difference no longer exists.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Staying in Touch
I have not been a very good blogger lately.
The start of consignment sale season has found me literally buried underneath clothing, hangers, safety pins and tags preparing for several upcoming sales.
The good news is that Ella and Aidan caught up on their "email" this afternoon. I was told not to bother them while they sent their important messages to Opa and Grandma Shushi!
PS - Please pardon our playroom mess as we are also in the midst of a slight redcorating event!
The start of consignment sale season has found me literally buried underneath clothing, hangers, safety pins and tags preparing for several upcoming sales.
The good news is that Ella and Aidan caught up on their "email" this afternoon. I was told not to bother them while they sent their important messages to Opa and Grandma Shushi!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Flashback Friday
From newborn to size 6....
.... to the end of an era....
.... patience has finally paid off.
No power struggles, no potty boot camps, no countless messy miserable days spent at home trapped with naked children, and most importantly - no tears!
Yes, I may have waited a bit later than many others, and I may not be "supermom" because I did not train them at the same time, but I chose to follow their lead and was not about to endure the torture I have heard about so many others experiencing with potty training.
Don't get me wrong - I am grateful that it is over! I am sure that there will be an occasional accident, but it sure feels good to say an official goodbye to diapers!
.... to the end of an era....
.... patience has finally paid off.
No power struggles, no potty boot camps, no countless messy miserable days spent at home trapped with naked children, and most importantly - no tears!
Yes, I may have waited a bit later than many others, and I may not be "supermom" because I did not train them at the same time, but I chose to follow their lead and was not about to endure the torture I have heard about so many others experiencing with potty training.
Don't get me wrong - I am grateful that it is over! I am sure that there will be an occasional accident, but it sure feels good to say an official goodbye to diapers!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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