Dean - 8 months

Dean is the golden child - you couldn't ask for an easier baby.
- Dean is happy all of the time, unless he is hungry, tired, or a few other fun quirks that we'll get to in a sec
- Dean loves to give the air zerberts - out of no where he will start and laughs at himself or others when they do it.
- Dean loves his mobile - its like is Am Ex, we don't go anywhere without it.
- Dean loves his puppies - unfortunately Suki doesn't return the favor. He is dog repellent to Suk. Apparently there must have been some ear pulling, because Suki used to love him, now she runs in the other direction if he gets within reach. Moo is a little more tolerent.
- Dean is a toy hog! Nothing makes Dean more frustrated than when he has every toy in the house, except one. And Sydney has that one... He doesn't really want it, he just doesn't want her to have it.
- Dean loves to roll. And he's quick. Leave the room and come back and almost guaranteed he's in a different location. He found out yeterday that the tile floor is not a fun place to roll.
- Dean is a do-it yourselfer. He loves to feed himself his bottle. Often he will refuse it, if you try to feed him. But, lay him on his back, hand him his bottle and he's good to go.
- He is a handsome baby - frequently we get compliments to our face and behind our back about little Dean. Already a ladies man!
- Sydney is his favorite. Again - like the puppies, its not always a 2 way street. She loves him from out of reach, but he gets a little too up close and personal for her.
-Dean decided on round 2 this weekend - that rice cereal might be ok. Of course, he had to have his own spoon and pretend to be in control. But, its progress. A few week's ago as soon as it touch his mouth - he screamed out like we were killing him. He totally wasn't into it.

Sydney - 8 months

Sydney at 8 Months - is my real wild child.

This post is long overdue. Hopefully I will get to her brother soon.

Sydney at 8 months:
- is tiny and mighty
- Sydney just passed up the 1% in weight and is "thriving" her way up to the 5% level.
- Whatever she lacks in size, she makes up for vocally. She can babble all day long, when in the mood. She has not yet discovered how nice it is to use her "inside voice". She definitely prefers the neighbors across the street to also hear what she has to say.
- She has become fearful of one thing - Deanie attacks. When little Dean is near, the yelling is not far off.
- She loves to fly - in daddy's arms, getting her own air in the jumper or activity center. The bigger the better - she is on the road to following in her dare-devil dad's footsteps.
- Until yesterday she had no need for tummy time - until Dean got praised for making small gains in crawling. Not to be left behind, she lunged off my lap, tummy to the floor and wanted to push off my hand to try to crawl. Then, also for the first time of her choice, practiced rolling over by grabbing a large toy from her back and pulling herself to her tummy. Who knew competition could begin this early. Syd finally decided it was time to step it up!
- Loves her Sophie the giraffe, paci, walks, sitting in the swing looking out into the front yard.
- Dislikes personal hygiene (baths, fingernail clippings, lotion). Definitely need to change this.
- This girl is as nosey as they come. She has to be involved and know what's going on at all times. This includes being a night owl, loving to mad-dog anyone in public, twirl around in the jumper to view where the action is.

-Syd has a natural mohawk. It just seems wrong to try to tame anything about her at this point, including her hair. If you try to rub it down, it just pops right back up. It just seems to be the right bow on top of this little package.

Am I getting old

Because I went to a Charlie Brown Christmas music concert last night, featuring "smooth Jazz" grammy pianist David Benoit and la-la-love it!!! He was so good. I am a fan. And the restored Fox Theater in Downtown Riverside is pretty fun too.

Can't stop shopping

This year, we were going to do a small Christmas, because we are in the midst of a bathroon remodel - a gift to all. One big gift for everyone and stockings. Well, after the shopping was done - I found an excuse to spend more money....stockings. I can't stop shopping and I am spending too much money. So, I am trying to use some sort of self control and not buy anything (more) for myself. But, if Santa still visited me - this is what I'd want. And these are just my finds from today - clearly I have too much free time during the day.

Gorgeous Necklace from here

Cute Romper to wear at home

Making me happy today

Getting pictures like this from home, while I'm at work

Finding Vegan, Gluten-free and Dairy-free cupcakes to bring home to the new "adult" at home as a day late birthday surprise from here.

The Birthday Girl

You can call her M'am - now that she's 18.

If I were a billionaire

I'd blow tons of $$$$ on cute baby clothes like baby bean. Why does Target Clearance have to be more aligned to my budget. sigh..... Sydney would look so cute.

Christmas 2010

I'm mentally ready for Christmas. Maybe its because I have a week off from work (with twins and family!). Maybe its because the plan is to have a completed remodeled bathroom complete with a cast, iron claw-foot tub. Maybe its because I might get to snowboard. Or maybe its because I can shop mostly guilt free. Brian and I are thinking about skipping presents for each other and doing a weekend trip, just the 2 off us. The "big" kids - well they are teenagers so I need to wait for lists to come in. The twins, I am trying to be smart. I don't want endless useless toys in the house and I want to stick to a budget. I love wood toys and educational toys and nice clothes.

So here's what I'm thinking:

Something of a splurge from the usual Target clearance rack - co-ordinating, organic clothes.

Something practical and useful - baby food maker

Something for now - Zebra Activity Center.

Something for a few months away - Chomp and Clack Aligator.

And if Santa wins the lottery - a Phil and Ted's double stroller (unlikely :( )