2008

November has just been a blur.  Some good, some bad but all combined it just seems to make time go faster.

Last Thursday we had our neighborhood pre-thanksgiving dinner.  The premise of the evening is to try out recipes on the neighbors prior to doing the real thing for your family. We started it a couple of years ago and it’s now become “ Tia’s event.  Every year it’s fun but this year was especially fun.  We had a new family join us (with their 5 children) and it just seemed to make it even more special.  Tia, Jose and Charles are such great hosts and everyone clearly had a blast.  The food was amazing and all the kids thoroughly loved it. Trent and Sophie especially since they discovered whip crème. Trent also discovered a water spray bottle (poor Charles room will never be the same – but Jenifer (Tia) just laughed.  Aaron and I were both horrified (he’s got quite an arm and had to demo his reach with the spray bottle) but were able to recruit taller neighbors to help get the water off the ceiling fan, closet mirrors etc.  Needless to say, we clearly owe Jenifer and Jose several rolls of paper towel.    In spite of the drama, it was just another fabulous neighborhood event that reminded us how fortunate we are to have such great neighbors.

On Friday Aaron had rotator cuff surgery.  We had hoped it would be minor but unfortunately his shoulder was quite torn up and the surgery was much more involved.  So… he’ll be in a sling for 6 weeks and has VERY limited movement.  I was prepared but wow we were such a team and now – it’s all me.  Aaron tends to be very organized (or anal) so in preparation for our drive to his folks in Arizona for Thanksgiving we’ve already had the conversation that he can’t comment on my driving, how I load the car, how I keep the house, my cleaning abilities, or my child bathing techniques or—- the possibility that he may be left in the middle of the desert is quite high.  Poor guy.  He’s used to totally being in control and now he can hardly move.  I can’t even imagine how he’s going to feel when it’s time for the lawn to be mowed (he loves to manage his yard) or when we need to put up the Christmas tree.  That in itself will be a whole Keene moment.  Thank goodness for my neighbor Jean who just knows what to do and when. Always willing to help – no matter what.

She and I spent yesterday trying to free Trent’s toothbrush from the drain in the kids bathroom sink.  I’m not sure how it got down there but it’s clear it’s not coming out with the help of a plumber. We tried everything we could think of but that little red toothbrush is really in the drain for the long hall.  Needless to say, it was the last thing Aaron needed.  What is it about being a toddler that just makes you go for it- no matter the consequences?

And yes, Trent got a new Spider man toothbrush today  (he picked it out). But the Spider man on the toothbrush is bigger than the drain so I think we’re safe.

Hopefully pull Aaron can get some sleep tonight and our toddlers get the “ mama really needs you to be good” message so we can all deal together.

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The toddler world is amazing, busy, trying and sometime scary.  Today we had our flu shots, Loser me had gotten a postcard from our pediatrician’s office two weeks ago but hadn’t done anything about it until yesterday.  In my defense it had said, “call for an appointment “ but hadn’t said, “we have a limited amount of vaccine and you need to call NOW to get yours” … so I thought I had time.  Apparently not.  I called yesterday to make an appointment and then got a long sermon about the health of my children and importance of responding to direct mail as soon as possible.  Hmmm ok- but please make it more direct.  I was then told they had run out of vaccines for 3^rd olds and I was on my own.  Ok.    Not good. Bad mommy and time for a plan “B”.  So there is was. Me –whipping out the micro preemie – high-risk twins.  After being put on hold the receptionist came back and said “ is this the mom of Sophie and Trent”?   Answer Yes.  “ Well, we’ve set aside some vaccine for our very special high risk patients and will look forward to seeing you tomorrow”.  I hated to do it but I do know that we are the smallest infants ever to be seen in the practice (hence the reason we have two pediatrician’s who follow us) but at times it just has to come out that we are in their marketing brochure and you need to pull it out.

The shots though were hard.  Sophie had a FULL meltdown going into it but Trent took it like a big man.  However, after telling Sophie it was ok- he proceeded to cry 25 miles – all the way home about not getting his way to go a specific playground near the doctors office.   I do though have new appreciation for shots.  I recently got my flu shot and the two days after really hurt so I’ve very sympathetic about shots and know that they definitely hurt.

Needless to say, after being a “crab” most of the day- Trent crashed early and hopefully is down for the night. 

It’s hard to believe they are 3.  This weekend we were at our friend Gabby’s birthday party and after I told one mother how old Sophie was she commented on her small size (she had a 4 year old that could’ve taken me down).  I wasn’t prepared for her comment but was able to quickly say that she was 1lb at birth and although small- we were pretty impressed by our 3^rd old.  Needless to say the other mother had not much to say after that but will probably think twice about lame comments moving forward.  People are so funny.  Not sure if they think their pointing out something that every mom and dad doesn’t isn’t aware of or worry about.  If there is anything my twins have taught me is – just appreciating every moment of every day. 

Trent is so ready for preschool.  January can’t come soon enough for him.  Sophie on the other hand is more tentative.  Trent is trying so hard to use the big boy potty while Sophie has no interest.  She also continues to walk on her tippy toes and every day it seems to get a bit worse.  Our plan is to get her assessed by an Occupational Therapist but in order to avoid the insurance drama- I would like a letter for Dr. Edwards office stating the need.  This week is all about securing the letter.  It’s great that she was deemed in eligible by the school district for services (which mean we’re not 70% behind) but is also mean there is a whole lot leg work to get things paid for out of our private insurance. 

I can’t believe it’s November though.  Where did 2008 go?  And woohoo! – Sophie has (knock on wood) been healthily the whole year!  We are so blessed.  This week we have our neighborhood Thanksgiving dinner at Tia’s (Jenifer & Jose’s – Trent’s god parents).  The objective of the night is to bring recipes you want to try on your family.  I think we’ve been doing it for 3-4 years but it’s always a GREAT time.  The kids are so excited!  They just love being with the neighbors and the events we do. They can’t wait until Thursday.  Hopefully they’ll manage to keep their clothes on- as the naked toddler period persists. 

We made it, we made it!  All the way through October and Sophie was totally healthy.  Neither Aaron nor I are pessimistic people but wow, given that history has not been kind to us- October was quite a nail bitter.  But she showed us all.

Halloween was SO awesome!  Having Halloween on Friday just rocks.   I “ cut” in the morning and with Doris took the babies to downtown Willow Glen for trick or treating.  We had feared rain but thankfully it held off and we just had cloudy skies.  Aaron had turned our wagon into a pirate ship and our two little pirates wouldn’t have been more thrilled.  They were so proud.  And we were definitely the talk of Willow Glen.  Lots of “ wow that is so creative”.  Thank goodness for Aaron since I have I clearly was missed when the creative gene was passed out.  It’s been quite traumatic to learn that a mother is expected to create crafts for children birthday parties.  Hmm. I am the woman who got S minus in art and so the thought of crafts are just not a skill I have.  Hopefully Aaron wants to bond with Michael’s going forward.  Anyway, Halloween was clearly a highlight of their year. And although I know their mine, I have to say that they were two of the cutest pirates I’ve seen in quite some time Willow Glen is quite the place to be as well. First the downtown trick or treating and then the neighborhood stuff.  All the houses get dressed up followed by a great neighbor trick or treating event, and finally a huge post trick or treating event at our neighbor Laurel’s house.  Quite a kick off to the holiday season.

From now to the end of the year we can look forward to jumping in huge piles of leaves, the neighborhood pre- thanksgiving event (the objective is to try out recipes on the neighbors before you try them on your family and friends), the annual girls wrapping party at my house (lots of wine, chick talk and wrapping of gifts), and finally- the neighborhood progressive party followed by the children gift exchange.  All fun events that really make the season special.

Our toddlers continue to grow and amaze us each day. Trent’s speech is awesome and he’s turning into such a little man. Although he’s got a nasty temper (which we’re definitely working on) we are hopeful that once he starts school he’ll learn that how to better handle frustration.   For the most part our little Sophie continues to do well but there are times when we still worry.  She sometimes tires easily and we can see that her left side is weaker and she’s not great a hopping (when she works with Gayle our wonderful Early Interventionist) but we know we’re doing all the right things to help Sophie get everything she needs to make up for her early birth and issues related to hydrocephalus. 

Pottery training continues though to be challenging.  Trent is interested but just can’t seem to close the deal (although he’s now heard how EVERYONE we’ve ever met wear’s big boy pants) but Sophie as ZERO interest.  We were told she might not be interested for a while but now we’re wondering just how long a WHILE really is.   The plan is to get them into preschool in January but the pottery-training thing continues to worry us.

The naked period continues as well.  We’re quite sure they egg each other on but we thought as the weather changed and got colder that the naked thing was a bad idea.  Unfortunately not.  Although they’ve now stopped streaking through the backyard, they are still stripping in the house. Last night they completely stripped down to the birthday suits and then proceeded to pull every cushion we have in the house that was not secured onto the floor.  I knew something was up when they were so quiet for a long period of time but I wasn’t prepared for the discovery.  Aaron and I were in the kitchen and once I discovered what was up I told him it was definitely  “Two Keene adult- we can take them” moment -and “Wow- look at that”.   We know we are blessed but for just a moment we both had a moment of “Thank goodness we don’t have triplets!”

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Fall is upon us and I love it!   The weather change, the giant piles of leaves, the prep for Halloween, and the excitement of our twins for tomorrow- it’s all good.

October has just flown by.  One week in China for me, an amazing trip to the half moon bay pumpkin patch the Thursday I returned from China  (Half Moon Bay is the pumpkin capital of the world) and great times with Grandma and Grandpa Pa Keene.

Trent and Sophie are SO excited about Halloween.  They’re going to be pirates and Aaron has been working hard to turn the wagon into a pirate ship.  He’s such a creative guy and I definitely know the kids will be thrilled when we wheel the wagon out tomorrow for the Willow Glen trick or treating.

Tonight we had the annual pumpkin carving party at our house.  Pizza, juice boxes, a little wine and 30 neighbors having a great time, Aghast we had rain but we just dealt with it and moved the party into our garage.  

And the party has just begun! Tomorrow. Down town Willow Glen has an annual Trick or Treating for toddlers in the morning (which my little ones and twins across the street with enjoy) and then tomorrow night- we will do the WHOLE neighborhood thing- trick or treating with everyone and then the annual post party at Laurel’s. Willow Glen just rocks at Halloween and our sweet with the various decals on the 30’s streetlights just sets the stage. 

The piles of leaves have set the stage for fall and we can’t wait to see what come next. 

We’re so proud of our Sophie girl- she made it through October without issues.  November is definitely looking good!

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I can’t believe its already mid October.  Where on earth has 2008 gone?   And wow- 2010 seem like it is almost around the corner.

Our toddlers are continuing to keep us busy.  They are SOOOOO excited about Halloween.  They’re going to be pirates and Aaron is going to turn the wagon into a pirate ship.  Thank goodness for being able to purchase costumes on line.  Some one the other day asked me if I was making the kids costumes and I had to laugh out loud. (Aaron stopped mentioning his mother sewed all his costumes after our first Halloween)   I can sew a button and then I’m just about done.  I blame my mother though.  1) She couldn’t sew at all 2) when I wanted to take sewing in jr. high she said no-it would pigeon hole me as stereotype women and I could learn it at home (please refer to #1 though).  My mother was one of those women definitely ahead of her time – with a significant career and stubborn when most women were staying home and it definitely set the stage my sisters and I.  Life does come full circle though.  I watch Sophie and she’s one of the most stubborn people I know (other than myself) and I can tell exactly where it comes from.

Last weekend Aaron decorated the front of the house for Halloween and it’s so nice to see the neighborhood and downtown Willow Glen all dressed up for the big day.   Our street also has something extra special.  We have old globe street lights (1930’s) and every year someone on the street – we still don’t know who- puts Halloween decals on all the lights at the beginning of October.  Bats, cats, witches, etc- it so so neat.  Last weekend we also discovered a local pumpkin patch with several large jumpy houses, a giant dinosaur slide, and giant spider man slide.  We went both Saturday and Sunday.   A kid’s dream and parents heaven.  The first day we went Aaron was showing our toddlers how to climb it and got busted by the people who run it “ if your children can’t climb themselves- they can’t be on it”- said the stern voice.    So down Aaron came and the kids did just great on their own.  We were so proud.  Our micro preemies just showed everyone how easy it was and clearly proud of themselves as well.

It is so interesting to watch their personalities develop and evolve.  Trent just loves to play and wants Sophie to always be with him. He is such a boy.  Loves being with his buddy Charles (our next door neighbor and Tia’s son) and playing with the other neighborhood kids. He also is joined at the hip with Aaron.  “Papa” is so the MAN!.  Sophie on the other hand is much more attached to me.  She is not though inherited my enjoyment of shopping.  Last weekend I took her to the mall (trying to do my part to help the economy get back on it) and it was a complete disaster.  She’s not usually fussy but she screamed and I mean SCREAMED all through Macy’s, the GAP and the Apple Store (of course it started right after I said I was an Apple employee to one of the employees at the store).  I was so embarrassed.  We held out for almost a 1 1/2hours accomplishing very little and then finally I took her screaming all the way out of the mall.  Needless to say, I’m guessing that any time now I’ll be getting a letter from Valley Fair Mall suggesting I do my shopping on line from now on.    How can a girl who loves shoes like she does not love the mall?  I was so disappointed.

This week I am in Asia and Aaron’s wonderful parents have come to stay at our house to help Aaron with the kids. We are so fortunate to have them. The kids were beyond thrilled when Mamaw and Grandpa Bobby showed up.  I’ll be back on Thursday morning and then Friday afternoon Aaron and I will take off for a long weekend to celebrate our 15-year anniversary.

This particular trip has made me especially anxious since the last two October’s have been very challenging for Sophie with serious health issues.  She’s absolutely fine and looks perfect- we’re just nervous. I think both Aaron and I are holding our breath (as are our neighbors, Tia, and Doris our nanny)- just taking it one day at a time.   I was in fact so nervous that I had one of the people on my team at Apple get his passport and visa in the event I had to drop out of the meeting at the very last minute.  David, the gentlemen who did that for me- never acted like I was a nut and just did it.  Once again, having someone who was willing to do that reminded how special the Apple family is.

Thank goodness for speakerphones, Aaron, his folks, and our neighbors. Having all that makes being away so much easier.

So we’ve been working hard at potty training and I’d have to say Aaron and I pretty much get a “D” at it.  I’ve read everything there is to read (Google –“potty training” and you and read for a year) and yet- it’s just not happening. Trent really wants to but Sophie has ZERO interest.  We were told that she may take a while given her neurological issues and that added with being super stubborn—- just NO interest in calling it a day with the diapers.  Trent on the other hand is motivated.  He’s DYING to go to school and completely understands that big boy pants are a requirement to become a scholar.

Tonight though we were taken by surprise.  I had just gotten home from work and Aaron while home a while was still wearing his “I’m a sales rep” clothes as the kids were playing outside.  Suddenly Trent drops his pants and say’s “ I’m going to Pee” and that he did.  Oh our poor tomatoes.  Hmm… thank goodness for the concrete.  Aaron and I had the dumbest looks on our faces as we stood in our kitchen watching him.  The directions how to handle SOOOO were not in any literature I’d read. And then Sophie said” WOW” ….. !!!! “Can I do that?”… Talk about not wanting to have the discussion about who has what equipment… Such a bigger thing I’m not ready to do at 3…And where did our son learn the nature pee?   We’re so glad we’re over 40 and can always say no matter what happens…..”Hmmm ….Look at that” and not let it phase us….

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I know everybody has always said that toddlers are buys but I don’t think Aaron and I ever understood how incredibly busy twin 3 year olds could be.

24/7 they are going and naked more than we’d like. Sophie still likes to nap but Trent has given it up. We are so unhappy.  We loved our schedule that had them both resting at the same time and now— it’s completely changed the plan and Aaron and I are having a hard time adjusting.

The continued warm weather is both a blessing and a challenge.  I think it’s made Aaron and I continue to keep our little plastic pool busy, use our water spray toy frequenting the local park that has a water spray area.  Of course we’ve managed never to plan ahead and every time we’ve ridden our bikes to the playground with the water spray park we haven’t brought the appropriate attire but at some point you just have to deal.  We know it’s hot, they’ll dry and they’re happy.  Wet toddlers is not worth getting worked up over.

They continue to amaze us everyday.  One day last week I came home from work and told Aaron I felt like I was coming down with something (which amounted to being all in my head after a good nights rest) but the kids were so sweet.  After Aaron told the kids I wasn’t feeling well they ran to get their play stethoscope to check my heart rate and after giving me a kiss- Trent handed me his prized blanket  (binky) and assured me it would make me feel better.  Such a sweet moment that reminded me how lucky I was to have two sweet little ones.

This weekend was all about celebration. On Saturday Willow Glen had its annual Founder’s Day parade.  What an awesome event. Tons of old cars, and 100 year old Willow Glen Resident as the lead in the parade, a great focus on the need for a green environment, marching bands, dancing horses and lots of fun.  The kids had an amazing time. The event as followed by the Italian festival in downtown Willow Glen.   Historically Willow Glen had a large population of Italian’s so having the festival in downtown Willow Glen definitely was like coming home.  It was such a nice event. Lots of great food, music, art, history and a great kids corner.  Needless to say the kids corner was huge hit with our two little ones.  They loved, loved loved the jumpy house, Had it worked out I would’ve brought my computer with me to finish my performance reviews while they jumped all day but it was one of those deals where they had to come out every 10 minutes with tickets.  However, we did burn through a lot of tickets.  Unfortunately Trent was highly frustrated by the wait for his turn and reared back his head smacking me good with his head.  I now have a large bruise above my lip that looks like either I have a half mustache or got in a fight with a purple pen.  I can only imagine what it will be like to go to work tomorrow.  Oh well there are bigger problems in life.  The event though was awesome.  The kids also enjoyed riding these life size dinosaurs.    I’ve never seen kids ride like that but wow were they popular.  Trent and Sophie were just over the moon riding them.  

The best part of the weekend though had to be the dancing on Saturday night.  Once again we ran into our social worker from our Packard days.  She’s no long with Packard and we’re long healthy which means at long last we can be friends without worry of privacy issues or roles.  I never thought 3 ½ years ago that we would have the honor of meeting Gab’s family and more than that- being able to dance with them and enjoy a neighborhood celebration.

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We continued to be blessed everyday and no matter what life throw us- we need to remember that.