Videos

So, Marilyn sent the boys some Valentine Gifts. We opened them early this morning. She got them each a dancing/singing chicken. Watch Lincoln's reaction.
The first time he watched him, he sat on him. The next two videos are only on because the boys are obsessed with watching themselves on the computer. When I blog, they both come and BEG to watch themselves.

Chuck e Cheese

I know this is hard to believe, but we went to Chuck e Cheese for the first time tonight. WOW! That place was cool. The kids had a blast. We ran through 25 tokens in about an hour and our boys ate two pieces of pizza each!
BUT, the best part of the night came after we had eaten and ran out of tokens. Ethan asked if they could play on the playground. For those of you who know Ethan, this is not something Ethan loves to do. He usually watches everyone climb up to the top, but he rarely makes it to the top himself. Tonight, he climbed to the top of the slide and actually decided to crawl along the tunnel on the ceiling. I found this picture on yahoo to show you the tunnel. I did not have my camera with me for once.Link was running around and having a great time for a while, but he quickly started missing Ethan. He decided to climb up the tunnel slide. He got half way and Nate pulled him down. A few minutes later he gave it another try and was much quicker than either of us imagined. The next thing I know he is in the tunnel RUNNING along with Ethan. I panicked that he would not know how to get down or fall down the slide...so I said...NATE you have to get him!!! So, 32 year old Nate climbs up and crawls through the tunnel to grab Lincoln. The boys are squealing with laughter and running from him. I was so panicked but seriously could not stop laughing! Let's just say we left as soon as the boys got down! We may have to find another Chuck e Cheese next time...OR wait until they forget about us!

Lion King

Ethan asked to watch Lion King at home today. They have watched it once at school. His request was that we sit with him during the "scary wolf parts." This is his reaction during the scary parts.
This was Link's reaction.

Tiny Pieces

Wonder what we did on our snow day???? We made a MESS! These were a couple things I heard from the boys?
Moma, do you know where my pirate sword is? After 30 minutes, we found it here.
Moma, do you know where that red shooty thing is? They are both loving the tiniest toys ever. And of course, they have to have the ONE that they NEED. Any good ole shooty thing or sword won't work.

My favorite question of the day was from Linky. "Moma, titu (tissue)?" His nose was sooo runny today! He does not like it running...I don't either!

Snowday....sort of

The forecast called for an inch of snow today. By days end we had about two inches. Toto, we are not in Ohio anymore. Around 10:30 we got an announcement that they were calling an early release. WHAT???? Early release for two inches??? Oh well, I am not complaining! When I left at one the roads were PERFECT for my commute. When Nate got home, he and Ethan played in the snow. Link has a little cold so he stayed in.
I took a few pictures outside, but quickly moved in to take them from the window. It was COLD!
Ethan making snow angels.
Link called "DADA" over, and over, and over! Nate started throwing snowballs at the window. He thought it was hilarious. (Notice the snowball coming at Link)

Row Row

Just some video of Link singing Row, Row, Row your boat!

It has to match

I am tickled pink that Ethan has the tiniest bit of me in him. He is SOOOOO much like his Daddy. This week he has been on a matching kick. We got the boys new shoes yesterday and they match. He LOVES them. Today I dressed them alike for church and Ethan was so disappointed that they didn't have matching shoes! I LOVE IT!
Link was having some belly issues tonight. All I heard tonight was "MAMA." We snuggled before bath and watched Mickey Mouse on Youtube!

Funny facts

Right before Christmas, Nate and I found two books written Goodnight Moon style. One was Goodnight Virginia and the other was Goodnight Washington, D.C.. Each night this week the boys have asked to read Goodnight Washington D.C. and Goodnight Moon. The second night we read it Ethan said, "Look, there's the Lincoln Memorial." He also recognized the capitol. The next night, I asked if he knew who our new president was and he replied, "Uncle Obama." He knows his name now. We have a different book in the car that has landmarks from all over the world. Today he noticed a landmark that looks very similar to the Lincoln Memorial. He says, "Mom, look here's Linky Memorial." He has been a WONDERFUL little boy this week. Thank goodness because Link is running me ragged! Nate got a taste of Link today. He has pushed his buttons all day!

This picture with the toenail clippers, was taken after he put his blush on while I was putting my makeup on. Ethan got less than satisfactory on his report card for personal hygiene skills. We're starting early with Lincoln!

Bath excitement

So, many of you know...I don't give baths. It is one of least favorite things! Tonight, I put the kids in the bathtub and start filling it up. I ran to my room to get jammies and lotion and diapers ready. I am putting the stuff on the bed and I hear blood curtling screams followed by a wet four year old running for dear life to my room. I SPRINT into the bathroom to see a smiling two year old getting drenched from the shower. It took FOREVER for me to get Ethan to calm down. We actually did some deep breathing techniques...all the while Link was giggling and trying to get the shower to come back on. That boy is T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Missing Daddy...all of us!

This morning, which came too early, Ethan said, "Mommy, don't go back to the capitol today. It's too cold for you!" After some questions and comments from him today, I realized he payed attention to what happened yesterday. He asked to look at pictures of the Capitol and our new president. At school yesterday they colored pictures of the First Family. He colored the girls red, pink and orange. He colored Barack brown. I guess I needed to give him a little more credit. For dinner, I made fish sticks and french fries. I didn't want to tell E what dinner was for fear he wouldn't eat the fish. I told him it was a surprise. We had a little picnic on the floor and watched Scooby Doo. He took a bite and said, "hmmm...not bad!" When I asked if he wanted to know what they were he said, "Mom, they're fish sticks!" HA!! I guess they've have fish sticks at school before!
Link is missing his Daddy. He went to the window and called for him. He got the cell phone and tried calling him. During dinner, Nate called, and Link was able to talk. Ethan has tried picking up the slack. Tonight, while I was getting the bathtub ready, E picked out jammies without me asking. He got matching sports jammies for both of them. I guess he has little bit of me in him! We are all missing our Daddy! Hurry home, Nate!

I WAS a part of HISTORY!!!!

This morning went off perfectly! Darcy picked me up at 7:30. We made it to the bus stop and were on a bus by 8:00. There was practically NO one there! We made it to the mall by 8:30. We were able to walk around Washington monument SUPER easily! We even made it to a portapotty without a line! By 10:00 the masses were growing. We decided to get a spot so we could see the jumbo tron. By this time, there was no moving. It was definitely getting packed.




Everyone was sooo happy! People were calm. At one point, the announcer for the inauguration, asked for everyone to please take a seat. The crowd cracked up! NO ONE was sitting!!! We were able to see the inauguration and hear everything. Everyone was quiet. As soon as the speech was over, everyone started moving towards the exit. By exit, I mean, the way we needed to go. I thought we made good time getting to the bus stop. We were there about 12:40. Again, people were very calm. Imagine leaving a foot ball game but there is never a break. It was like that. When we got to the bus stop, we saw one Landmark bus, which was full and leaving. Between this time and the time we got on the bus at 4:30, we only saw two other buses. Metro did not have their act together today! The last few hours were COLD...I MEAN COLD!!! My cheeks are burnt from wind! We did find a "warming bus" which ended up being our savior for the afternoon! I really hate to complain. It was such an amazing opportunity! I knew what I was up against today, and it was worth every freezing minute of the day! Thanks for going with me DARCY!!!

It's back to school for these boys tomorrow.

Today Memaw and Pappy left and the boys were sooo sad! Not only did Memaw and Pappy leave today, Daddy left until Friday. It's funny they both seem a little scared. Ethan won't even go to the bathroom without me. He asked me to turn every light on downstairs. When I was getting their clothes ready, Lincoln called for me everytime he couldn't find me. I guess Daddy makes everyone feel safer!
After dinner, the boys wanted yogurt. Lincoln would not let me feed him. He had to have his own spoon, so I started putting the dishes up. This is what happens at my house when you let your kids eat yogurt on their own.

That is yogurt on Hunter's back.
Ethan says that Link got yogurt on his pants....not sure if I believe that story!
Tomorrow is the big day. Wish me luck!

Proof that we need some warmer weather!

The boys have some energy stored up from not being able to go outside! Daddy got some out of them today, including Hunter! Check out this video before game time!

I am a planner. A HUGE planner! I need to have everything in order. I need to know where I am going and exactly how to get there. This inauguration business is stressing me out! Nate is going to be out of town on Tuesday which is adding an extra element of stress to my day. I finally bought a REALLY warm pair of gloves today. I have under armor, a fleece sweater, a hat, a scarf, and a coat! I have Shelley on hand to pick the kids up in case we run late getting back. We have a bus route planned out. Darcy called on Friday to find out where the stops are. The funny thing is Metro wasn't sure of the stops on Friday. I honestly think we have planned as much as possible, but I am still freaked out! Send your well wishes our way!

Getting Spoiled!

Memaw and Pappy made it into town Wednesday night. They have been spoiling the boys and US! I went out with the girls last night and we went on a date tonight! Nate and I need a weekend of rest. Our plan for tomorrow is to sleep, sleep, and sleep some more!
The boys had a jammer day yesterday and a popcorn party tonight! They are having a great time!

Where does he come up with this stuff?

This morning at the breakfast table, I hear, "Linky, don't make me go all crazy eight ball on you." Then, he laughs and so does Link.
In case you are wondering, this comes from a movie, Everyone's Hero, that Pappy recorded for him at Christmas. We rented it when we got home, and Memaw and Pappy are bringing a copy with them when they come today. This phrase, along with the word "idiot", has entered Ethan's vocabulary since watching this movie. I seriously don't understand how a kid can watch an hour and a half movie, and pick up the single worst word from an entire movie. He doesn't even know what the word means.
I also have a Bucky and Earl update for those of you that are wondering how they are doing. Well, they have a new friend, Strawberry. Strawberry is semi-real. It's a play fruit from the toy kitchen. Apparently, Bucky and Earl have been really sick this week and Strawberry has been helping them feel better. Strawberry painted with Bucky and Earl today to make them feel better. When we got home, Ethan had to take Strawberry to the bathroom to wash him because he had paint on his hands. When I told Ethan that I didn't know that Strawberry had hands he said, "MOM-they are pretend hands." SOOORRYYY!

Tuesday troubles

Today was the third day that we have come home to an empty crate. Since Hunter is now deaf, I am having to go upstairs and wake him up from the couch to come down. I found some rugs at IKEA for 1.99. I bought three, and it looks like I will need to get more soon! I have no clue how he pulls the door in.
The boys wanted to do some coloring this afternoon. They have been doing a great job so I decided to get dinner started. A few minutes after I had everything in a big mess, I notice this. His teeth and tongue are actually blue. And it looks like we are going to need some heavy duty cleaner for the table. Those washable markers are not washing off.
The boys were playing very well together, so I decided to steam some carrots. After I steamed, them I decided to puree them for our taco meat and then some carrot muffins. I cooked for an hour. When it was time to eat the tacos, Lincoln would have nothing to do with them. I had to bribe Ethan to finish. I told Ethan that he could have a muffin for dessert. I noticed that the muffins looked weird. I have made these so many times. I knew something was wrong. I thought and thought and realized I forgot the baking soda and powder. They were tossed quickly!
What a disaster of an afternoon!

Book Worms

These boys love their books! In fact, Ethan was supposed to get a movie last night before bed, but he got so wrapped up into his books he forgot!
(Notice Nate's eyes glued to the Steeler game)

SLEEP

According to a "Sleep in America" poll released by the NSF in March 2007, if you're a mom you probably spend the least amount of time in bed—sometimes fewer than six hours a night. And if you're like many women in the survey, you probably also wake up feeling tired at least a few days of every week.
I have an amazing husband who does as much if not more of the household "stuff." SO, even though this study talks about women, I have to add Nate to this as well! Our boys have woken up before 6:00 am everyday this week....including the weekends. We need sleep sooo bad! We went to Starbucks both days this weekend out of necessity! We are tired, cranky, and delirious!
We took the palm tree wallpaper border down last weekend. I did two paintings for the bathroom this week. Yesterday, we went to Ikea and got some accessories. Here is the new design!


After a week of antibiotics, I think Hunter's wheezing has gotten better. I am not sure, but he seems to be breathing a hair better. He is feeling better. When we got home from church today, he ran downstairs to greet us. He had gotten out of his crate while we were gone. Nate and I are still not sure how he did that!
I hope this week we get some sleep! I hope we are less cranky! I hope we enjoy the kids a little more!

Good Timing

This has been a rough week for all of us. I think the four of us have held it together really well during the day. Once we get home, the nerves are shot, and exhaustion sets in. Today was the last straw. Lincoln was fussy. Ethan didn't want to share, and I just wanted to sit until Nate got home. During the hour and a half we had until Nate got home, both kids went to timeout twice! When Nate was five minutes away, both kids ran to the window to wait for him. I had asked them to stop playing with the blinds three times before Ethan almost pulled the blind from the wall. Let's just say, that was the LAST straw. He went to his room and stayed there until it was time to go. Once Nate got home, they were fine. We ran our errands and ate dinner. We had a great time. Right before bed, Ethan came over and gave me a kiss. He gave me a big squeeze, and said, "Mommy, sorry I was so bad today!" It was the sweetest thing and such good timing! I thought it was such a mature thing to do. He is turning into a good little boy.

This face is deceiving! It looks full of energy and happy. This was not the face we saw at 12:30 am, 1:30 am, 3:30 am or 5:00 am. The poor baby is just not adjusting to going back to school and the new room! Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. Nate and I need some sleep!

***I had the cutest butt shot of Link, but Nate and Marilyn told me I couldn't post it. Sorry....it's cute!!!***

Good Intentions

When I walked into my morning class today, my teacher friend told one of the kids to bring this truck to me. I noticed he was devastated that he couldn't play with it. I looked at my friend and she said, "Take it home to your kids." Their theme for the week was transporation, and she brought it in for the kids to play with. Her good intention turned into mass chaos. Everyone wanted it! A few fights had to be broken up over it. I gave it to Ethan in the car on the way home. He smiled and said, "This is the most wonderful gift, Mommy." (butt-kisser)

We weren't in the house a full minute before I hear, "Mine, MINE, mine, MINE, mine....." over and over and over! I tried distracting. We took turns. I gave him the little car inside the truck. I gave him the big truck. I tried everything. Ethan was so patient! Finally, a little light clicked in Ethan's head. He decided to distract Lincoln with his Mickey Mouse video game. It worked, but not the way Ethan planned. Ethan got distracted with the game and played for a while. Lincoln finally had the toy to himself. He actually learned how to get the two little doors open and push another car through it by himself. Once he started doing this, Ethan came over to see what was happening...then it started all over!
She had good intentions......

Your baby: 20 months 2 weeks

 

Today when we got to Daycare, Ms. Sonia, stopped me and told me that Lincoln was moving up to the next class. I had a feeling this was coming. We have been seeing the signs of the "two's". This was from Babycenter today: You've been warned about the "terrible twos," but you may be unprepared for this rite of passage if your child has been cooperative up until now. The stage doesn't always begin exactly on your child's second birthday. Development experts say it can strike as early as 18 months and as late as 30 months (though some angelic children never go through this phase). How do you know if you're in the midst of the TTs? Look for new signs of assertiveness from your toddler. Hallmark behaviors to watch for: He may insist on doing exactly what you've told him not to do or throw himself down on the floor in a fit of temper if he doesn't get his way. His demands may alternately frustrate and amuse you. At times, for example, he'll likely ask for something that he doesn't even want, just to see if he has enough power to get it.Again, I swear these people are watching my kids! Nate busted out the Pack-N-Play for "timeout" this weekend. He was playing with the plugs and would not stop! Remember when he was my layed back little angel. Now, he will do anything to make his brother laugh even if we have told him NO a million times! Thank goodness he is so darn cute!

Ho-Hum

All day there was been a little hint of sadness at the Leap house. Everyone knows that the two week vacation is coming to a close. Lincoln even wanted to make the most of his last day. He woke up at 5:15. Nate, the sweetie, got up with him. We all needed naps today! We have had the BEST Christmas. Everyone got what they wanted, FUN!

Today the girls took me to Yvonne's to have a Fish Pedicure. Check out the video of the first minute!
The first few minutes were intense. It really tickled at first then you to used to it. Girls, thanks for going with me today!

Christmas Quotes

ETHAN:
Daddy, Happy Merry Christmas.
It's not the one I was thinking of, but I still like it.
Mommy, remember you are coming home with us (from PA).
Mommy, if I eat a good dinner tomorrow, I want another cake.
Donny ere our dan apparel, fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.
LINCOLN:
Mama!
Dada!
Pap Pap!
NOOOOOO!
Go!

After baths, Ethan told me that he and Lincoln were gonna be best friends. I don't doubt that for a minute!