They're Smart, No Really Smart

Last night the girls were really resisting bed time. I mean this isn't anything new, but Izzy has terrible separation anxiety so I told them the next day (today) that I would take them to Stepping Stones and for ice cream. I kind of figured they would forget about the whole ice cream promise; I'd already planned to take them to the Children's Museum.

The girls wake up around 7am. Don't you know the first thing they asked for when they woke up was ice cream. They didn't stop asking until they had a kiddie cone with rainbow sprinkles in their little hands around 11:45am. It served as lunch. Not too shabby.

A lot times I fall for the girls little tricks. It's because I love them and they have me tied around their little fingers. They are quickly mastering the art of stall tactics. It all started a few months ago when they started hiding their lovies before bed time. Zoe has a little "lambie" and Izzy has "monkey."

While I would tidy up after baths, the girls would hide their stuffed animals. It would take me forever to find them and by this time I was so tired and had very little patience. It's like they knew just what button to push. They would sit in their cribs and say, "Lambie, where are you???? I can't find it!" After a while I would learn the basic hiding spots, down the stairs, under the sofa, in mommy's room, etc. You would think I would learn to put them somewhere safe while we did the night time routine but mommy brain takes over and you just plain forget.

Then last night, the girls tried to hide the two books we read at night: Goodnight Moon and Llama Llama Red Pajama. As if hiding those books meant that they would get to stay up all night. Seriously I have no idea where they get their energy. They wake up at 7am and are full steam ahead until 7pm. They have stopped taking naps and don't even want to listen to my pleas for quiet time. I try to tell them how much I miss nap time but it doesn't make a difference. I did get some nice cuddle time today before they went to school. It was all worth it.

Days Fly By, Almost New Year's

The old saying time flies by used to annoy me, but now I have realized how much truth it holds. I wish I had more time to write here and document incredible moments with the girls.

Like last Saturday when the girls were playing "night, night" with my husband's father and Zoe put a blanket over him and then proceeded to sing him "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." She had the hand gestures memorized. I teared up.

Today the girls helped feed their younger cousin lunch and were proud as can be. It made me remember how small they used to be, and that they aren't really babies anymore, even though I still refer to them as such.

Or when Izzy hung up with my father on the phone the other day and then went to the window to look for him. They had a game when the weather was warmer in the Fall, where Poppy would go outside and give Izzy kisses though the window. Izzy said, "Where's Poppy," and pushed her little nose up to the glass.

Now the girls recognize places along the roadside, I have to be more strategic about my routes. I can't drive by the Sherwood Diner in Westport without being asked about 100 times to go eat there, even if we've just exited the parking lot. Their favorite ice cream place has a life size cow fake cow outside that they sat on for a photo this summer and whenever they pass it they say "mooooooooooo, ice cream?????" no matter what time of day.

Yesterday, the girls helped me make cookies for their class snack. I didn't realize how much I could allow them to help. I let them help mix and pour ingredients into the bowls once I had measured them out. It was such a joy to see them become excited with the process of baking a cookie from start to finish and then enjoy it together.

I used to sing to the girls when we had to drive in the car and now they sing to me. It's a good thing they learned because I am no American Idol. I just did it to get a laugh or a smile.

One new little habit that is amusing, yet often annoying, is the girls direct me when I am driving. They say "this way," or "that way" and get very upset if I don't follow their command.

Anyway, I guess I am saying that I regret not documenting more of these moments so I am going to make a better effort in 2011.

Worst Nightmare, Wildest Dreams Come True

Worst Nightmare = The girls love Dora. Zoe sings, "Do do do do do Dora."

Wildest Dreams = Pinkberry slated to open in Fairfield, CT.

Seriously, this post opens an all too honest window into my life's priorities at the moment. It also serves as a nice reminder that I am easily pleased and that other then Dora, everything is okay. That is very comforting.

I swear it's a tomato

I awoke this morning to the whining cry of my daughter Isabelle. The clock on the cable box said 5:18am. Too early.

Mind you Izzy hasn't napped in three days. I figured she would be asleep until 9am.

I decide to be strong and wait it out a bit. But between the crying, the sound of my husband snoring next to me and the cat meowing to let me know the baby was crying, I had no choice but to get out of bed.

I throw on my "mom" robe -- a big fuzzy pink one -- and walk bleary-eyed down the creaky hallway. The sun hasn't yet come up, but the light in the downstairs hallway is shining up the stairs. Without thinking to turn it off, I open the door to my daughters' room.

Izzy is standing up in her crib, arms outstretched, with monkey tucked securely under her armpit.

"Upppp-ieee," she says.

I lift her up out of the crib and sneak out the door. Her semi closed eyes open wide in the light. She now asks for a pop (lollipop), which are prohibited until further notice. I realize I can't try and get her back to bed in the hallway with the lights on below, so I carry her back into my bedroom rubbing her back in hopes to get her back into dreamland.

I sit on the chair in my room (straight up) and rub her back until she closes her eyes and rests head on my shoulder. I am sitting there hoping that I can also fall back asleep. By this time it's 5:40am and the sky is starting to brighten ever so slightly. The night is slipping away from me and reality is sinking in. I try to slip back into bed.

My husband is still snoring away. It is not as loud as it could be, but in the silence it's loud enough. Neither Izzy and I are going back to sleep.

"Show," she demands.

I turn on the T.V. and my hubby doesn't budge. Izzy starts to squirm and scream.

"Snacks!!!!" she yells, and with that she slides off the bed and heads down the hallway to the stairs. She wears a sleep sack to bed so when she walks it's all wobbly like someone from Star Wars. I turn off the T.V. and my hubby doesn't seem to flinch.

Downstairs I go with my daughter to get a snack. I pour Cheerios into a snack trap, feed the cat and grab her something to drink. She catches sight of something in the fridge.

"Apple?" she requests.

I turn around and grab an apple. Arched back, screaming and tears ensue. She turns back to the fridge.

"Door... open!!!!" she yells. "APPLEEEEEE!!!"

I open the door and say show me. She points to a small container of cherry tomatoes.

"Izzy, those aren't apples," I explain.

But she isn't having it. I glance at the microwave. 5:50am. Not even 6am, are you kidding me?

I am clearly not going to win this debate. She is on the floor flopping around like a fish out of water over a tomato she thinks is an apple. So I decide to get it out of the fridge, cut it up and give it to her to eat.

Her arms wave in delight (a.k.a. happy hands) during the process. I cut the small tomato in half and we walk back over to the T.V. in the family room. Ni-Hau Kai-Lan is on. Finally we are into morning hours, although still too early. Meanwhile, Izzy is chanting "apple, apple."

She bites into the "apple."

"Eeeeewwwww," she says and throws it on the ground. Classic.

Veres Playground - Fairfield

I discovered Veres playground through the Fairfield Welcome Club playgroup director. It's an amazing playground in a wonderful neighborhood, full of friendly families with young children. The play structures at Veres Park are designed more for the 2-5 age group, so it's a very safe if you have multiple children under your watch.

The playground area is wide open so everyone can be in constant view, but on the flip side, there isn't a lot of shade. There are roads nearby, but they aren't busy and everyone seems to be cautious driving and aware of the children. There is a baseball field across from the playground that hosts little league and soccer practices. You will often find moms meeting up and having picnics or coffee breaks in the mornings. Everyone I have come across has been incredibly friendly and happy to chat while the kids play.

There are slides, big- and little-kid swings and a generous sandbox. The families in the neighborhood leave toys in the sandbox and on the grass for the children to play with so there is always something new to discover.

Veres Playground is one of those places you want to tell everyone about because you love it so much but at the same time you don't want to let the secret out.

PROS: Playground designed for younger children. Good visibility and lots of toys on site.

CONS: Can get very sunny and hot at times. Near roads, although not busy through streets.

Owen Fish Park - Fairfield

I had hesitated to bring the girls to Owen Fish Park as mothers had warned me about a nearby pond. However, after finally going this week I realized it's not much of a threat since a tennis court separates the playground from the pond

Owen Fish Park was renovated by SPARK (1998) and is a wonderful, shady playground for toddlers and elementary school age children. There are baby and big kid swings, slides and climbing structures, as well as a four-person see saw. The park is located off Stratfield Rd. in Fairfield, but tucked away off the main road. There are picnic tables and a little stream with ducks that the kids enjoyed.

PROS: Lots of shade, a nice community of young families and various play structures for energetic toddlers make this a great place to play. No fee for non-residents.

CONS: The main play structure does have a few "drop offs" so you have to keep a careful eye on kids while they play. The small stream could also entice children to its slippery rocks, so just remain cautious.

Green Moon

We're trying to line-up activities for the Fall. Green Moon in Rowayton looks like a fun place for the girls, but I don't know anyone who has been there yet. I think we will try a class to see what it's like before committing. They have an art class or a longer combo class that includes a music and Spanish portion. I can't really imagine two-year olds doing complex art or Spanish, but I am interested to see! We are finally loving the crayons over here, with more ending up on the paper than in their mouths. Whoa, milestone.

Donut Inn

I am a loyal D&D customer for my regular coffee (and munchkins for the girls). Many times I hit the drive-through in my PJs with the girls to kick-start the day and resolve some serious crankiness in the back seat. Recently my husband and I discovered Donut Inn in Fairfield. It's also a drive-through and offers many of the same items (munchies vs. munchkins, etc.), but their iced coffee is amazing. It's so much better for some reason. I love my D&D coffee too but my family and I wonder about the ice they use. Have you ever noticed that it takes forever to melt? Can't be natural ...

Our Very First Aid

I am sure there is more to come, but my poor little girl had to have stitches last week. She was walking along the water's edge at low tide and fell forward. A jagged shell sliced open her knee.

I swooped her up while blood ran down her knee at mock speed and raced up to the First Aid station at Compo Beach in Westport.

A young, pretty girl in a bikini and short shorts rinsed off her leg with some water. She seemed a little out of her element, but sweet none-the-less. After looking at the cut again, I knew stitches were unavoidable. We got in the car. Luckily my babysitter was with me that day, otherwise I may have started to cry as well.

We got into the car and drove off to the emergency walk-in. The hospital was too far -- I was out of gas -- and the people who usually do stitches and such were out of the office on holiday. We called ahead and they let us right into a room. I was thankful not to have to be in the waiting room with a screaming, tired and super scared toddler. My amazing new sitter took Zoe and got everyone some lunch at the diner across the street, and then went to Walgreens for some diapers. The one time I forget to restock the diapers in the diaper bag and of course needed them desperately. Go mom...

After a few minutes of trying to keep Isabelle calm and distracted, I wondered where the nurses and doctor had gone off to. I realize there were other people waiting to be seen, but I had always thought blood and a screaming toddler somehow bumped you to the front of the line. I popped my head out the door to see what was happening. The nurse then informed me it would be about an hour and a half wait.

Isabelle then started to go into hysterics when I closed the door again. I started to brainstorm as to how I was going to keep her happy until they came to sew back up her knee, which would also be an unhappy time. It was nearly Noon -- both lunch and nap time -- which meant the hysterics would just worsen over time. After about an hour, the nurses took pity on me and convinced the doctor to detour.

The women in the waiting room offered to let us go ahead, but the doctor was determined to make a point. There was a serious reason this guy wasn't a pediatrician. Anyway, I can't say anything bad because I am thankful he sewed up my daughter's knee and that I didn't have to wait in a hospital. That would be much scarier.

They numbed the knee and cleaned out the sand and small rocks. Ouch. Isabelle was still hysterical. She actually fell asleep during the stitches, about eight in all (very jagged cut), out of exhaustion. We went home so everyone could nap.

The silence was needed all around. When Izzy woke up, she said "banana!" That was followed by a grilled cheese. She seemed to be in good spirits, all be it quite drained.

We all had ice cream for dinner.

Happy Birthday to Us!

The girls turned two officially on Saturday at 12:05am and 12:06am. I can vaguely remember waking up at the hospital after having slept for three hours in a total fog. I was a mess. The anesthesia didn't agree with me and I was sick for the next several days (and all through my csection). But let me tell you, it was worth it. Look at those beauties. Love you girls! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I am thankful everyday for you two. Love you, Mu-mah xoxo

Terrific and Terrible Twos ... Ready or Not, Here We Come!

The girls turn two on Saturday. Where does the time go? I can't believe it.

Just in time for their birthday, I purchased a "time out" chair. It's a small, pink, hand-painted chair I picked up at Home Goods that says, "Even princesses sometimes need a time out."

When I came home with the chair I explained that it was a naughty chair (trying to channel Nanny Jo here) and that they would have to sit in it when they didn't listen to mommy. Well, I think it all went in one ear and out the other.

They love that chair. They stand on it. They fight each other to sit in it. They push it around. They put their dollies in it.

Just yesterday, Izzy was standing on the dining room table and I told her to get off and sit down. She laughed in my face so I picked her up and sat her down in the chair. She had a grin from ear to ear. With that, Zoe climbs up onto the table and stands up and starts to laugh. I pick her up and stand her over by Izzy. They start to push each other for a piece of the chair to sit on. I am thinking we need another chair. They are going to be warming that corner for a while.

I wouldn't say the girls are terrible, but they definitely are defiant. I guess that is the age though. They are really smart so I know they understand they aren't supposed to do certain things, but then when I tell them no, they think it's a game. Or rather they turn it into a fun game to seek attention -- all the while negative attention -- from mommy.

We have a small back yard that runs into woods. Most of our street is on a hill so the houses have more front yard then back yard, but we recently moved in and haven't decided whether we will clear out more woods for lawn area. Right now we're fine with our patch of grass. It's perfect toddler size. However, the problem is that when the grass ends, there is quite a steep slope into the woods. There is mulch, which is slippery, and then rocks and such. Let's just say you wouldn't want to slip and slide down the hill, let alone a toddler.

Every day they look at me, laugh and then run for the edge. They wait for me to come and grab them and I put them in time out (put them inside for two minutes). The problem is that while I am bringing one to time out inside, the other is copying her sister and running for the woods. They cry and complain and when they come out I try and explain what happened and why. Usually I get a reprieve but shortly after they are back at the game. Then I usually give up.

We HEART Daddy

Lincoln Park - Jackman Ave Playground

This playground is in the Stratfield area of Fairfield, CT. You can search for it on Google Maps. Just search for Lincoln Park, in FFLD, CT.

PROS: It is a wonderful playground for toddlers in that it has shade, is fenced in and has a variety of climbing opportunities, slides and swings. There is also a sandbox and picnic tables. The playground is in a quiet, residential area and there is a Fire Station across the street, which is nice in case of emergency. The area is always clean and it's easy to watch multiple children.

CONS: Sometimes there are older grade school children that swing very high on the older kids' swings. However, when asked to watch out for the younger children, they have complied. It's somewhat off the beaten path, but is worth the drive!

So cute

Loving this t-shirt and this one too.

Playgrounds

There are so many wonderful playgrounds in Fairfield County, but you have to know where to look. I never thought to look on the town Web site, but it lists all the playgrounds in the area. It's still hard to tell the pros/cons from the links, but it's a start for one to investigate.

With two toddlers under toe, the criteria that matter most include:

* Safety & Location: Playgrounds with gates are few and far between, but they exist. It doesn't have to be within walking distance but it needs to be off a main road. You never know when someone is going to decide not to listen.

* Age-Appropriate: Toddler-friendly playscapes with stairs that aren't steep and slides made for their size. It's also nice when the company is similar in age. This way the kids can make friends and you don't have older kids playing too aggressively.

* Perks: Sandboxes, toys and picnic benches can help make a playground more than a pit stop!

So I thought I would try and blog about the different playgrounds and post photos so local moms can decide for themselves and discover a new place to bring their tots!

First up, Lincoln Park on Jackman Avenue in the Stratfield section of Fairfield. See my next post.

Officially Summer

One OH Four

Luckily neither of my children have a temperature of 104. Actually, that is what the thermometer said on my car when I got inside after the supermarket today. I guess that is the temp in the sun.

I know, I have been itching for summer. But I can't take this kind of heat and humidity. I am more of a 70s and a light breeze kinda girl.

I got the baby pool all ready (well actually my babysitter did) and we all lounged for about an hour. While trying to dry off outside, we realized that inside in the AC, an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba and a snack was a much better idea.

Izzy has been very content stacking Fancy Feast cans. When she wants to, that girl can really keep herself occupied. But when she wants to be needy, watch out. You will be holding her and walking around for hours. She's almost 30 pounds and honestly I don't know why I am not skinnier. Must be all the mac n cheese leftovers I snack on.

Are You Pregnant?

Something you never ask a woman even if she looks as if her water may have broke in your living room. A woman at the toddler adventure gym in Westport asked me that three weeks ago and it broke my heart. She should have known better, but she completely insulted me not once, but twice.

It was a slightly older woman, but we can certainly not claim dementia in this situation. She had her granddaughter in tow and while on the slide she casually asked me how old the girls were.

"21 months," I beamed proudly.

"And expecting another?," she replied.

"NO, I am not pregnant," I spat.

"Oh...well it would have been a bit soon to have another anyway," she said.

So first of all thank you very much for completely insulting me about my weight and then again if I had been pregnant that I was not properly spacing it out. The nerve some people have. Everyone knows it's an unwritten rule never to ask a woman if she is pregnant. It's just plain taboo.

I have been unhappy with my weight for some time. Working with a personal trainer really helped me - not once, but twice (thank you Dana & Abby!) - but it's not realistic. My love affair with sweets is keeping me from my goal. So I enlisted the help of a nutritionist recommended by a close friend. I just embarked on a 10-week program starting today. The goal is 20lbs. More would be great but just to lose that would be so amazing for me.

Fingers crossed!

Finally March

I just realized it's March. We are going to Florida to see my husband's parents at the end of the month. I think we will be much better prepared this time -- or so I hope. Our whole family is in need of some warm, sunshine.

We miss our Dziadek; he hasn't been able to come visit us up North in several months. We call him Ja-gee. It's a lot easier than the full word and spelling, and we hope the girls will pick it up some day soon.

Ever since I met my husband, we have been going to Florida in March to see his family. I feel very lucky to have in-laws who live part-time in a beautiful vacation spot. The beach is so pretty there with dolphins grazing the shore and starfish on the beach. When we met in college, we would go down for Spring break. It was great to have free lodging (and it still is).

When we were engaged and lived in New York, we expanded our Florida trips to Miami for a few days and then would drive across Alligator Alley to Bonita Springs to see everyone for a few more days. I think we've actually outgrown Miami for a while -- not to mention it's incredibly expensive -- but I will always have great memories. I am more excited about making new memories with our girls in Bonita.

As a little girl, my family went to Florida for vacations. We were lucky enough to go to Disney and stay in nice hotels and eat Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes. I rode Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain with my dad, but I closed my eyes the whole time. My Grandma treated us and looking back I am so appreciative. I can't wait to take the girls to Disney someday. There is just something wonderful about the sunshine state, especially when you are up in New England during what seems to be the coldest and longest month of the year: March.

Mama

After a year and a half of repeating mama, mommy and muh-ma, my little Zoe finally said mama in the backseat while we were driving home from the grocery store. I know in my heart she always knew who mommy was, but there is something just lovely about hearing the actual word. This is a day to remember.

Completely Captivating and Compelling

This blog: The Nie Nie Dialogues.

It's amazing how someone you have never met can touch you.

Scrapbooking

I saw a feature in Martha Stewart Living about this woman, Darcy Miller, who does these gorgeous scrapboxes. Basically it's the same idea as scrapbooking, but you use a shadow box. I have been meaning to do something creative with precious items like hospital bracelets, first beanie caps and such, but wanted to make sure the end result was something worth hanging on my wall (basically that I didn't turn it into crap).

I was looking through old photos trying to find some specific ones for my project. I came across some photos of the girls when they were itty bitty. Just another reminder of how fast they grow.

I'll post some photos when mine are complete, although I am sure they won't be quite as lovely as Darcy's.

Mommy Dating

I never realized I would be back on the dating scene. After all, I am married with children. Ever since we moved to Fairfield, I was determined to meet other cool moms with similar interests and parenting styles.

I managed to meet a few really cool ladies from the Mothers of Multiples Club. While I don't attend all the meetings or events, it's been a great way to get information, sell used toys and clothes (and vice versa), and to meet new people. While all moms have something in common -- children -- there are still a lot of things to factor into a good friendship.

Today I was in Ole Mole Southport picking up some take-out. There was a woman there also picking up an order and she had her toddler in the stroller with her, who was passed out. I was envious of her daughter's ability to sleep on the go and engaged in a discussion.

My usual pick-up line is something like "how old is your daughter/son?" When I told her I had twin daughters around the same age, the flood gates opened up and she asked me on a play date. A little too soon I thought to myself. Turns out she recently adopted this little girl, which is totally awesome, and was looking for other mommies in the area. At the end of the conversation I wasn't left wanting more. It just wasn't clicking; there was no chemistry. I think she was too old for me too. But she asked for my phone number. What was I supposed to do? I ended up giving my email and phone number. She seemed like a nice woman, but I just don't think it will work out.

Here are my criteria:

1) Location, location, location -- Getting out the door with one or two toddlers under toe is challenging even for the most organized person. If you live more than 20 minutes away from each other, the chances significantly decrease that you will actually be able to keep up a face-to-face relationship.

My one close friend lives in Wilton and I would say that is about the cut off. I am dying for her to move closer, like across the street, so I can come over in my PJ's at 8am with the girls. My other close friend lives in Norwalk, which is closer since it's right on and off I95, but she works full-time so we have to arrange weekend play dates and get togethers. I wish she was around all the time so we could see each other more. But she is bright and talented so I am sure she will be in business for herself someday soon.

It's hard because sometimes you meet someone really cool, or have a friend with a child the same age, but location and toddler schedules keep you apart. One woman I met with twins lives in Seymour. We met at a Target in Milford once, but the distance makes things hard. My other friend lives in Hamden and while we have gotten together several times since our children were born, it's not like living in the same town or two towns over. She has made her own group of local friends and even started a really cool mommy group on MeetUp.com. I wish I could attend more of her activities.

2) Age -- I never thought age would make a big difference, but it does. I have found that I tend to click more with mommies who are within five years of my age. Same goes for the kids ... you want the children to be able to interact on some level.

3) Parenting Style -- I walked into a new Moms group that was organized through my former pediatrician's office hoping to make a connection. When everyone had arrived, there was a nice group of about 12 mommies. As I made conversation and listened to what other mommies were saying, I quickly realized that I wasn't going to make any lasting relationships. They were talking about their natural births, herbal medicines and how they did yoga the entire pregnancy. While I completely respect other people's choices, they do not reflect my own beliefs. So I grabbed a bunch of cookies and left politely after about an hour. I never spoke with any of them again.

My mom once told me to treasure this time because you have the opportunity to pick your mommy friends. Soon enough the girls will be in school and the dating pool will open up again. Only this time, your kids will be picking their own friends and you will be blindly matched up with mommies you may never have ever asked on a first date.

Eating Clean

I picked up the book Eating Clean and am trying to fight my sugar habit. I never really realized how addicted to sugar I am. Between Sweet Rexie's and Crumbs, I have been really gorging on sugar. Nothing seemed to taste quite right without maple syrup or a few packets of Splenda in it, so I knew it had to stop.

Today is Day 5 of Eating Clean. It is based on six smaller, protein packed meals and basically the philosophy is to eat "clean" -- meaning all natural, non-processed food choices. You can have sweet things, in moderation, so long as they are flavored with natural sweeteners like Agave Nectar. There is a belief in the power of supplements like bee pollen, flax seed and wheat germ, so I am also giving that a try. I will say the first two days were really hard. I had headaches and craved soda and candy. But now I am fine. I swear I have more energy.

I have always valued the importance of health and try to feed my children healthy, fresh food options. Of course it's not possible all the time, but I do my best. And it's frustrating when you make something fresh for them and they toss it on the floor or poke it around like it's a gross bug on their plate, but I keep trying. I want them to enjoy desserts and sweet treats, but am trying to avoid the traps like a Munchkin every time I go through the Dunkin Donuts drive through. I definitely don't think sugar is the enemy, but we need to have a truce.

Cabin Fever

We have cabin fever -- along with the other hundreds and thousands of moms in across the U.S. (well maybe it's not so bad in L.A.). Winter here is dragging, as usual, and just when you think the snow is gone and the grass is around to stay, we get dumped on again. I find that March is the hardest month because technically spring is supposed to begin, but it doesn't really start until my birthday, in April. It is, however, a nice gift.

The girls turned 20 months yesterday. I am on a downward path toward the terrible two's, even though I feel like it started around 13 months. Tempers and attitudes are playing out over the course of the day and I am doing my best to play both referee and ignore the whining. But at the end of the day it's all worth it as we are rewarded with several cuddle sessions and kisses.

We had the stomach flu two weeks ago. It started with Isabelle and then Zoe caught it a few hours later. I was spared until five days later, while my husband fresh home from a business trip also came down with the awful, awful bug. I really wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Vomiting and stomach pain, aches, chills and sweats. When I finally came down with the symptoms, all I could think of was how my poor little girls endured the same. They also ended up with a raging diaper rash from the end of the bug (will spare you the details). Not fair. They were like little cuddly, wet noodles for two days. We watched our fair share of Elmo and Yo Gabba Gabba. Foofa is Zoe's favorite. She has a little stuffed animal version of the character who she sleeps with at night.

My friend asked me yesterday if I had picked a date for the girls' birthday this summer as her friend who has a child the same age already "called" a date for her son's second birthday. I can't even think about a party right now. I feel like I am drowning in Desitin & Triple Paste. The women in my family were blessed with incredibly sensitive skin.

I think we will have a Yo Gabba Gabba themed party, but something simple and at home. I am sure that is what the girls would want anyway.

We Heart Tsukihoshi Shoes

After several weeks of trouble jamming my girls' feet into their shoes, I wondered if maybe it was time for some new kicks. To my surprise (and horror), the girls' feet grew, which meant that they had been quite uncomfortable for some time now.

We piled in the car and headed down to Stride Rite to get the girls feet measured. One is a little under a size 6 and one is a little over, so we ended up with a 6 and 6.5 of the same shoe in different colors. I had been eyeing the Tsukihoshi kids shoes for a while but needed to wait until the girls' feet grew until I could justify the purchase. Apparently, these are the top brand in Japan and manufactured based on feedback from orthopedists. They are machine washable (not dryer safe) and incredibly light and cute.

Specifically we ended up with this pair in hot pink and light pink. All the reviews I have seen online are over the top positive so I felt okay paying nearly $50 a pair. Unfortunately, that's about average except at Target (which we love for other shoes!).