A Tale of Two Kiddies

Should I be worried...

that I have mad cow disease? OK, not really, but read on...

For the past couple weeks we have dealt with diarrhea and vomit entirely too much. And now, just when everybody appears to be getting better, I start to develop these weird bumps on my hands and feet.

And did I mention they hurt? A lot? Every time I walk I am in pain and it sucks. So, what do I do? I turn to Dr. Google and come up with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. This is not to be confused with Foot and Mouth disease, which is what my friend thought I meant. Too funny!

Now that I have self-diagnosed myself with the help of Dr. G I feel so dirty! It's so sad because adults don't really get it that often, but I'm convinced this is what I have based on pictures and the description.

I am frantically washing and Purell-ing every chance I get and not kissing my babies on the face, which is so hard because I basically want to eat them up all day long.

Anybody else ever had this? I've called the pediatrician and they say there is nothing I can do. If the kids are going to get it, they're going to get it. YUCK!

Recipe of the Week - August 20th

This recipe is my own creation. I combined my favorite aspects of 3 different recipes and got...

Salmon a la PRO*

Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (cut to portion size)
1 c. soy sauce
white sugar to taste (at least 1 c. or more)
1 T. ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 green onions, sliced (green and some white)

Directions
Combine soy sauce and sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves. Taste mixture to make sure iti s the flavor you want (sweeter = more sugar, less sweet = more soy). Add ginger, garlic and green onions (you can also add more or less to taste). Pour mixture into a large ziplock bag and place fish in marinade. Marinate for up to an hour. To bake: preheat oven to 450. Pour marinade and fish into shallow baking dish (preferably glass). Bake until fish is cooked through, at least 20 minutes. To grill: Remove fish from marinade and grill on top of a piece of tin foil until fish is cooked through. Boil remaining marinade on stovetop for at least 5 minutes. Serve fish and marinade over sticky rice.

NOTE: This recipe is not an exact science, which is what I love about it. You can tailor it to fit your family's needs and it will always taste good. This marinade is also good with tuna steaks. Kids love it, too!

How many does this recipe serve? 4 servings, but can be doubled/tripled, etc.
What do you serve with this main dish? Sticky rice and either edamame, sugar snap peas or snow peas

*PRO is an old nickname. I never had a nickname until I was in my early 20's and then it stuck. I served this to my friends for New Years Eve several years ago and they began calling it Salmon a la PRO. The name stuck and the dish is requested often.

Recipe of the Week - August 13th

I love to cook, but seem to have less and less time with 2 two-year olds running underfoot. Instead of the gourmet meals I used to make, I am always in search of the perfect 3-ingredient meal or crockpot recipe that will satisfy everybody in my family.

I've decided to start a "Recipe of the Week," in which I will share my favorite new recipe finds. If you try it, let me know what you think. This week I've decided to share 2 because they're both SUPER easy and very yummy.

Citrus-Honey Chicken

Ingredients
1 Oven-Roaster Chicken (3-4lbs.)
1 c. honey
1 c. orange juice
1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Rinse chicken (do not forget to remove the bag from inside! I've seen it happen. GROSS!). Salt and pepper inside and outside of chicken. Poke several holes in lemon (I use a shish-kebob skewer). Place lemon inside cavity of chicken. Put chicken in oval crockpot. Pour 1 cup honey over chicken, followed by 1 cup orange juice. No need to stir. Cook on low for 6 hours. You can baste the bird as it cooks. I have done it both ways. If you choose not to baste the breast meat will be moist, but not very sweet. The dark meat will be VERY tender and sweet no matter what you do.

Servings: 4 or more
Where did I get this recipe? A neighbor
What do I serve with this entree? Egg noodles and a veggie. The egg noodles are great for the extra sauce in the pot. Rice would work, as well.

Feta, Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients
1 can white shoepeg corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch green onions
1 container crumbled feta cheese (I have used the herb and plain)
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste

Dressing Ingredients:
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. canola oil

Directions
Combine corn and black beans in a bowl with a lid. Add diced green onions. Make dressing and pour over corn mixture. Add feta cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cover bowl and shake to toss ingredients. Serve with Scoops Tostitos chips.

Optional ingredient: Some people add sliced cherry tomatoes or other veggies. You can totally play around with the combos.

NOTE: This salsa is better if it sits for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.

Where did I get this recipe? A friend serves it at all her functions. The first time I tasted it I knew it was going to become a favorite in my house.

Sex and the Shot

Let's talk about sex!*

I'm just not that into it. For a really long time it was something we HAD to do at just the right time of the month in order to get pregnant. And then it was to be avoided because we were trying to get pregnant (IVF). And then I had that whole fiasco of a pregnancy and was on "pelvic rest" for pretty much all but 3-4 weeks. During that time Brian was too scared to do anything, so we didn't for a VERY long time. And then we had twins, and we were too tired to do the basic things like shower, eat and brush our teeth, let alone have sex. Plus, when you don't shower or brush your teeth who could possibly find you attractive?

The babies turned 6 months old and started sleeping better and Brian wanted sex. I was definitely not ready for it. And I'm such a beeyotch that I didn't even give in to the pity sex. He got close to nothing for a year. That’s in addition to the previous year where he REALLY got nothing. Poor guy!

And then I found a miracle. I talked to Dr. Fabulous, my OBGYN, and she said, "Try testosterone, it works!" I was like, "What? Will I grow a moustache? Will I get facial hair?" No and NO! It is a very low-dose shot, just enough to give your libido a boost. And boy did I need it!

After the first shot I was a new woman. Not only did I initiate sex, but I initiated MORNING sex...and that NEVER happens. I started wanting sex more, we started having sex more and the cycle grew on itself. Having more sex = wanting more sex! And no other side effects to speak of.

Well, I haven't had the shot in a few months and we're back to a couple times a month. Sad, I know.

Ironically, while I was in the middle of writing this post I met up with Dr. Fab and several girlfriends for drinks. We all discussed the “T-Shot,” as we refer to it. I’m going to see her NEXT week for my next shot.

Anybody else out there getting the T-shot?

*I'm writing this post as if I actually have readers, when truthfully I think the only person that reads my blog is Sarah from Sarah and the Goon Squad. Shout out to Sarah!

My preschool rant

It all started last winter when a friend casually mentioned that she was applying to 12 (YES, 12!) preschools for her twin girls. I seriously freaked out. She had a list already in place, had done all her research and I hadn't even considered preschools yet. So, I hopped on the bandwagon, started researching schools and went to some open houses.

At the time I wasn’t even sure A&M needed to go to preschool, but there I was with the rest of the crazies moms standing in line after the open house to ask questions like “What is your policy with twins?” and “Is this a feeder school for Tiny Tot Prep?” OK, I didn’t really ask the 2nd question, but during this time the sound of my own voice started to irritate ME. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror without wanting to puke.

In my area, most preschools choose classes by lottery and the ones that don't, with names like Country Day and the like, aren't exactly my cuppa’ tea. No chance was I putting on make-up and sitting around with a bunch of other parents being “interviewed” so my kids could be chosen to go to preschool. I paid the $30-$80 per registration and applied to four schools and waited and waited and started asking those annoying questions of friends, "Have you heard from ABC Preschool?" “Oh, Joey got in? Lucky you!”

Then the waitlist notices started coming in: #16 & 17 (dreadful), #148 & 149 (oh, c'mon), and then there were the schools that didn’t bother to respond, but took my $80 anyways. Thank you very much! I felt like we had been rejected, like my children had been shunned. The truth is, it's a lottery so I know I'm being a bit ridiculous.

As my one friend said when she got her daughter’s acceptance letter, "I feel like Susie just got into Harvard!" And I feel like my kids got the thin letter saying “Thank you for applying, but we’re sorry to say you didn’t make the cut.”

I'm really sad that I let myself get so worked up over this. That I actually care, but I do. I can't help it. I need the break from them, they need the break from me, and school is supposed to be good for you, isn't it?

I know it's not the end of the world. I'm sure they'll go to college even if they don't get into preschool. Right?

The part that annoys me the most about the whole thing is that I bought into the game and got all hung up on preschool. PRESCHOOL?! How pathetic.

Do tell, are your kids going to preschool this year?

Diarrhea and other fun things

WARNING: Gross-out post.

There are some things I really freakin' hate about being a mom and I'm not afraid to say it. My top 3 in order are:

1. DIARRHEA
2. VOMIT
3. DIARRHEA

I can put diarrhea twice, I have twins.

That shit is nasty and we've been up to our eyeballs (and sometimes down to our toes) in it. It started with Alex last Thursday. By Friday we added vomit to the mix. And by Sunday he was blowing out diapers on a regular basis. I knew it was bad when he stood up in his highchair and proclaimed that he had peed when in fact it was poo running down his leg. GROSS!

And then Mia started with the shits on Saturday and it was doubly good times in our house. Laundry, sheet changing, changing 20 diapers in a day when we usually go through 10 or less. Like I said, GOOD TIMES.

Today was definitely a good day. One solid poo from Mia, no poos at all from Alex. I guess he was pooped out. Oh, do I crack myself up. ahhahahahaha!

Should I be worried...

that my 2 year olds have a continued obsession with my birth control pills?

I opened my pack this evening and realized a pill was missing. Now, before you start screaming "BAD PARENTING! PUT THOSE PILLS AWAY!" I need to tell you that they are stowed in a drawer that I do not let my children near. However, the other parental unit in this house allowed them access. Brian got a full dose of crazy, hormonal, kamikaze the nurturing mother side of me with eyes bulging, voice beyond raised, "WHAT IF ONE OF THEM ATE A PILL?"

After my huge rant I went upstairs to find the pill sitting on my nightside table. PHEW! I guess it's time to husband-proof the house...and apologize.

A Plug for Crib Tents

For about two weeks our house has been in total chaos. It started with Mia. That adventurous, little bug figured out how to climb over the top of her crib and propel herself into her brother's crib like a rocketship. The first time she did it we found them both quietly sleeping TOGETHER 3 hours after we put them to bed apart. See the proof.

I know this seems cute and all and Brian and I spent that night staring in awe at our beautiful, sweet, little creations. Then the REAL climbing began.

First 10x each a night, then 20x, then 30x...EACH. Plus, they were waking at the crack of dawn and tearing through their room -- the drawers, the closet and anything else that was not nailed down. And then there was the ranting and raving and kicking and screaming and crying. Mine, not theirs. Obviously, my tactics were not working. For me, it was truly the worst 2 weeks of their life since the first 6 months had passed us by. Who said it gets easier?? I was so stressed out and anxious, worried for their safety, and about to ask my doctor for that Paxil prescription she kept trying to push on me.

I asked advice from friends and got an earful. "Put them in toddler beds!" "Forget the toddler beds, just go to crib mattresses on the floor." "Skip all that and put them in twin beds." "Pad their room and create a jail cell." All of this seemed a little drastic or too premature. I was not ready for my 27 month olds to be tearing up their rooms or worse, the house.

And then there was that camp that suggested crib tents. I didn't want to use them, quite frankly. I was afraid it would stifle their independence, cage them in, scare them, make them hate the beds they love. And then there was that day with no naps and the previous night of climbing 30x EACH and I was exhausted and they were exhausted and I said, "THAT'S IT!" (Anybody's kids read The Pigeon and the Hot Dog?)

Off we went to the big baby store and within 2 hours those crib tents were up and ready to be tested. When Brian got home he said, "WOW, it must have been REALLY bad for you to do that on your own!"

That night was a little bumpy with them crying and me wondering if I had made a terrible mistake. But the next day was better and the next even more so. And then a wonderful thing happened. Alex started ASKING to be zipped up ("zip up, Mommy!). Mia still doesn't like to be zipped at night so we leave her tent open and she doesn't climb. At our bedtime we zip hers and voila, my good sleepers and late wakers are back.

So, if you're considering a crib tent, but aren't sure I'm here to tell you that they are well worth the investment. For their safety and, most importantly, for your sanity.

Where have you been?

Since I love lists, I figured it would be easiest to explain the 1+ year absence with a modified Top Ten List, so here goes:

10+ hours a day spent with twins. I guess I could stop there because really that's my #1 reason, but here are 9 more...

9 days away from them the entire year and I'm sorry but Paris and San Francisco are a lot more fun than blogging.

8 knitting projects currently ongoing or in the queue. By the time bedtime for the duo rolls around I am ready to veg on the couch, knit and watch...see #3.

7 days a week of non-stop toddler action.

6 meals a day to cook/prepare. Really only 3, but I need to fill #6 and if my math is correct 2 kids X 3 meals = 6!!!

5 -- oops forgot those 5 days in Key West with the girls, but who's counting the days away when you're spending 351 days WITH the kids.

4 little feet pitter pattering around my house, up and down the stairs...10+ hours a day. I don't want them getting into things they shouldn't, now do I?

3 hours of Reality TV a night. Between the 10 hours of American Idol on TV each week, the Project Runways and the Laguna Beaches (did I mention that I love America's Next Top Model) who has time to blog?

2 CRAZY toddlers

1 business-traveling husband

This post makes it sound like I don't love every moment with my kids and the truth is I don't. Wow, can't be THAT honest! Really, they are amazing and funny and cute and sweet, but they are also challenging, frustrating and irritating, too. I guess that's two 2-year olds for you, right?

100 Things About A&M

I was reading some blogs and saw all these "100 Things About Me" and thought it would be fun to do a variation of this about A&M.  Obviously these will change a lot over the months/years, so it will be fun to update it.

1. A&M were conceived in a petri dish.
2. Their due date was 6/21/04.
3. They were born 5/07/04 at 33w5d.
4. Alex is 2 minutes older than Mia.
5. Alex weighed 4lbs.5oz. and was hogging all the nutrients. 
6. Mia only     weighed 3lbs.5oz.
7. Alex spent 3 weeks in the NICU.
8. Mia spent 5 weeks in the NICU.
9. When they came home I cried and wondered WHAT THE HELL DID I GET MYSELF INTO?
10. Alex rolled over at 2 months old or 2 weeks adjusted age.  Smart boy!
11. Mia had reflux and took Zantac until 9 months old.
10. Alex used to be easily startled, which makes Mia laugh.
12. I would prefer to dress Mia in purple (b/c I love purple), but she looks better in pink.
13. They both have the clearest blue eyes I have ever seen.
14. People ask me ALL THE TIME if they are identical.  My response: "Nope, he has a penis!"  Then half the people argue with me that they are still identical.
15. People assume Alex is a girl because he has long hair.
16. They used to love veggies and avocado, now they don't. :(
17. They don't like much of anything, but raisins and cookies.
18. Mia tried to crawl at 8 1/2 months.
19. Succeeded on all fours at 10 months.
20. Alex was two weeks behind.
21. Mia walked around 14 months.
22. Alex was a month behind.
23. Alex ran and jumped first.
24. They are big talkers, but we don't always understand their words.
25. Both of them know many signs to communicate with us.
26. Their first sign was ALL DONE.
27. Their favorite sign is MORE.
28. Mia is the boss of Alex.
29. Alex lets her be the boss.
30. Mia is a biter, which is why she is the boss of Alex.
31. Alex never got the hang of biting since he didn't get his first tooth until he turned 1.
32. Alex likes to hit.
33. Mia loves to read.
34. Alex loves to push around the baby stroller.
35. Mia loves this, as well, especially when she can steal the stroller from Alex.
36. Neither of them are very interested in the baby doll that goes with the stroller.They LOVE their babydolls.
37. But they prefer real babies.
38. They will probably never get a real baby brother or sister.
39. Alex loves to play with sticks and rocks and bugs.
40. Mia loves the sliding board and swing at the park.
41. One of their first words was "outside."
42. After they said "duck."
43. Mia talks a lot now (and to think I was worried).
44. Alex started out talking to his hand.
45. He still talks to himself a lot.
46. Mia loves cats.
47. Alex loves dogs, until they bark.
48. They both love airplanes.
49. They've never flown on an airplane.
50. They like to hide their shoes (behind the library chair).
51. Sometimes they hide them so well I can't find them.
52. Mia wears a half size bigger shoe than Alex.
53. At 2 she weighed 2.5lbs. more than him.
54. He was an inch taller.
55. He's so skinny his pants fall down 1/2 the time.
56. They both have teddy bear blankets that they sleep with.
57. Alex sucks his thumb.
58. Mia used to have a more difficult time soothing herself to sleep.
59. Mia needs less sleep than Alex.
60. They both sleep 10+ hours a night.
61. They nap 2-3 hours a day.
62. Mia sleeps like her father...an earthquake wouldn't wake her once she falls asleep.
63. They like to give each other hugs and kisses when they're not fighting.
64. They hold hands and sing the "I Love You" Barney song.
65. They refer to Barney as Bar-Bar.
66. They didn't watch TV at all until they were 22 months old.
67. Now they would watch it 24/7 if we let them.
68. They LOVE Elmo, but not too much else on Sesame Street.
69. They knew all the characters on the show before they ever saw it from their diapers (Pampers).
70. Alex is now a bigger talker than Mia.
71. Mia is in speech therapy.
72. At 26 months they figured out how to climb out of their cribs.
73. Mia learned first and we found them asleep together in Alex's crib.
74. When they both started doing it 25+ times a night I bought crib tents.
75. Mia won't go to bed with the tent zipped, so we wait until she's asleep and then zip it.
76. She doesn't climb out anymore.
77. Alex likes to kiss our eyes, ears, nose and mouth when he says "Night, night!"
78. Mia gives eskimo kisses at bedtime.
79. They use several stalling tactics to avoid bedtime: more wa-wa, cuh-yahs (covers), baby, teddy (both of which have been thrown out of the crib), turning off the aquarium while we watch and then saying "Uh oh!" as if it is broken.
80. They love the water -- bathtime, pools, sprinklers.
81. Alex loves the ocean.
82. Amelia is scared of the ocean...
83. and the dark.
84. Alex loves to pick up live bugs and give them to mommy.
85. Alex likes to collect and hoard things.
86. Mia sometimes joins him, but most of the time prefers to run around.
87. Both of them LOVE play doh (doh, mommy, doh!)
88. Their favorite books are currently If You Take a Mouse to School and Catch Me! Catch Me! (a Thomas the Tank Engine book).
89. Daddy is currently #1 in our house.
90. Alex loves to count, but only to 2! (1-2, 1-2, 1-2)
91. They both love to sing, especially Mr. Derby's "Hop-Hop Song" or "Hello, Everybody" from Music Together.
92. They are not going to preschool next year.
93. They hit the terrible twos at about 26 months.
94. They are still REALLY good and funny and sweet.
95. Alex shares more than Mia.
96. Mia snuggles more than Alex.
97. They both love each other and say it daily.
98. A-yah and Ya-Ya (now Mi-A!) are their nicknames for each other.
99. People now ask me if she is older because she is bigger.
100. Alex and Mia are growing up TOO FAST.