Graffiti Artists

The twins gave the Missus a birthday present, though not one that she might have wanted. They somehow got hold of a Sharpie and turned into graffiti artists with bad results for the kitchen cabinets. Fortunately we were able to clean it off okay and we are hopeful that we'll be able to channel their future artistic endeavors into less destructive channels.

Tessa and Adam had their two-year checkup on May 8th and passed with the proverbial flying colors. They only had one shot to get, and they did pretty well with that according to the Missus. I was safely and happily ensconced at work during their appointment.

Here are the stats:

Tessa: weight, 29lbs 8oz.; height, 36in.
Adam: weight, 29lbs 13oz.; height, 36 1/2in.

They are almost exactly the same size and weight, so Adam is unable to push his sister around, as the picture below can attest.

Poor Adam has been fighting a fever the past couple of days. Every time we resolved to take him into the doctor, his temperature would go down and he'd be running around like a maniac. Finally the Missus took him in and he has an ear infection. He's feeling pretty rotten and won't take his medicine without a fight. What joy.

Two Years Old

I can't believe how fast time is flying by. The twins turn two today. The Missus and I sang them Happy Birthday to You this morning, but they didn't really get it.

Every Monday and Wednesday, the Missus goes to work, so I help get the kids ready for daycare. We're into a routine on those days. We wake up at 5:30. The Missus heads for the shower, and I go downstairs to get the kids some milk. Then I come upstairs and go in and get Adam. We sit on the comfy chair in our bedroom watching Sesame Street while he gulps down his milk. I sit him on the chair and go get Tessa. Usually she's asleep, but sometimes she's waiting for me, holding her two blankies and her baby doll. We all sit and watch Elmo, the twins on my lap.

It's the best part of my day.

We're trying to teach the kids colors. Pointing at Thomas the Tank Engine, we ask, "What color is Thomas?" "Blue," they always say. Great. Woo-hoo.

Then we point at (the very red) Elmo and ask "What color is Elmo?" "Blue!" I don't think they're getting it yet.

They do like to hide, especially Tessa. Trying to get her dressed, or put to bed is always a chore, since I have to chase after her. She likes to hide behind her crib, not realizing that I can see her clearly through the bars. I called it a chore--but I don't mean it. I'll miss it incredibly when she doesn't do it anymore.

After the kids are dressed and ready to go, we take them downstairs. Immediately Adam will ask "Wiggles? Wiggles?" They love the Wiggles and Bob the Builder. Adam calls him "Bob da Builda-der."

I help get their shoes and jackets on and put them into the car. I kiss them and the Missus goodbye and wave as they leave.

The day is all downhill from there.