May 26, 2009 - The Good Samaritan/First Steps/Toddler Bed (59 Weeks)

A good samaritan exists somewhere in La Habra. I went to the market on Tuesday and somehow left my wallet in the shopping cart after strapping Anthony into the carseat. My sixth sense told me I’d lost it once I pulled up in front of the house. After frantically searching the car like a DEA agent and then having Daniel recheck, I made the calls to close all active accounts. A tip I took from Suzy Orman (making a photocopy of all cards in my wallet front and back) made cancelling everything easy since the account numbers and toll-free numbers were all on one paper. I wasn’t worried about charges since everything was cancelled pretty quickly. What I was really bummed about was the inconvenience of having to replace my license and losing my pretty pink wallet that I’d bought myself for my 40th birthday. It turns out that a good samaritan, named Elizabeth, turned in my wallet to the store manager. I picked up my wallet the following day to find everything inside (stamps, Starbucks card, credit cards, etc.) The manager gave me her number. I immediately called wanted to offer a token of appreciation with a gift card to the market, but she did not return my call. I guess doing the right thing was reward enough for her.
As for the weekend, we spent it indoors cleaning, rearranging furniture, running errands, visiting Toys R Us, and sorting through the boys' clothes. The latter seems a monthly task since they are growing so fast. In between the many tasks of the weekend, Anthony decided to show us that he can take more than two wobbly steps. He caught our eye when we least expected it several times. He takes two steps, gains confidence, and then takes off quickly with about 2 or 3 more before falling face first. We are sure it won't be long before Daniel shares his steps with us!
We decided that once school is out, the boys will be sleeping in their own beds. The family bed will return to being mommy and daddy's bed (we hope!) We took the first step by having Daniel convert Anthony's crib into a toddler bed. The fear of the boys falling out scares me, so we are going to have to put pillows down on the floor.

May 19, 2009 - Cops and Carnivals (58 Weeks)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Whittier Police Department had an open house on Saturday. I went solo with the boys since Daniel was working. Present was Engine 28, Whittier SWAT, mounted patrol, an ambulance, and several booths representing Whittier services. I made the rounds with the boys and took several pictures with all the more than willing officers. It was a pretty hot day, so I didn’t stay for the K-9, helicopter landing, or the Jaws of Life demonstrations. Nonetheless, it was a chance to get out and show law enforcement we care and support them.
Sunday afternoon, we went to the St. Bruno’s carnival. We strolled around checking out the booths and rides. Because the boys are not tall enough, the merry-go-round was the only one we could get on. Afterward, we tried to get their faces painted with just a simple baseball design and neither would have any part of it. Daddy and I worked our way to the food booths, got some grub, and headed home. Note: Daniel was a good sport in taking us since he doesn’t like carnivals.

Twin Update: Neither is walking yet. They are able to stand without support and make attempts, but the taking of several consecutive steps is not happening…YET! Anthony is playing with the letter ‘B’ in his repertoire of sounds and Daniel is playing with the letter ‘G.’

Make a Smilebox slideshow

May 12, 2009 - My 2nd Mother's Day (57 Weeks)

This was my 2nd Mother’s Day! It was a pretty laid back day. Our boys did not let mommy sleep in as I’d hoped, but Daddy made up for it by making me breakfast. What can I say? I’m easily pleased. Give me pancakes, bacon, and coffee and no one gets hurt ;) Yes, I did say PANCAKES! Not exactly diet food is it? Despite our Biggest Loser challenge going on at work, I gave myself Mother’s Day as my “cheat day.” I figure I deserve it. Speaking of the diet, I’m down 10 ½ lbs. It is so hard to lose and so easy to gain! Anyway, after breakfast we all got ready, packed up, and headed out to my mother-in-law’s house in Riverside. She was really happy to spend some quality time with the boys.
Earlier this week, I almost had melt down shortly after getting home. When I arrived on Thursday, Josefina motioned to Anthony for him to come to her. He cautiously let go of the ottoman and took a step. I sat on the floor in horror with my eyes welling up with tears and chin trembling. I seriously think I stopped breathing. In my mind this was NOT how I envisioned seeing his first steps. Those precious steps were to be taken for me or Daniel. Perhaps Anthony heard the silent scream inside my chest or my prayer to God, but as he lifted his leg to take the second step, he plopped down and crawled to her. To admit that I was relieved sounds shallow, but it is the truth.

May 5, 2009 - Brush, Brush, Brush (56 Weeks)

On Saturday we took the boys to a health fair being held at Leffingwell Elementary. There were lots of information booths, free vision and hearing screenings, raffles, and workshops for parents. It turns out that Officer Scoggins, our campus police officer, was at the fair with his patrol car. He graciously let the boys sit inside for a nice photo opportunity.
Our big boys brushed their teeth for the first time on Sunday. Well, to be more accurate, mommy and daddy did the brushing. It went better than we expected. There was no gagging or crying.