The twins visit Chicago...

... and returned home just in time for a rather balmy Orlando Christmas.

Karl and I agreed that the trip, their first one to this area of the country, was a success. We stayed with my dad in Grayslake from mid-day Wednesday, 12/16, and arrived at home late night Monday, 12/21, making frequent visits to the western suburbs where Babcia and Dziadek call Carol Stream home. The twins also got to spend QT with their godparents Aunt Sylvia & Uncle Glen. Their 2.5 year old cousin Ethan was very patient with NL, who scattered his toys about and annoyingly interfered with the puzzle-solving process of a 20 piece Sesame Street puzzle we'd brought for him. On a positive note, this bodes well for his upcoming role as big brother to a new baby due March 3.

The reason behind this particular trip was my best friend Joanna's bridal shower, held at a fellow bridesmaid's home in the south suburbs. Joanna and I have been good friends since those early years 'in the trenches', as my dad likes to call them, at Hewitt. We have shared an unbelieveable amount of rich life experiences in those last 7.5 years- love, loss, heartbreak, moving, buying and selling homes, new jobs, marriage and kids (me), going on an awesome work assignment in London and totally succeeding and embracing it (her). I feel as if we've grown together and have always been there for each other, like sisters. So, to sum it up, I didn't even consider not being a part of her special day (her first special day, that is- the BIG day is not until May 2010). We both burst into tears when we saw each other (it had been over 3 years, keep in mind) but it's funny how, when you reconnect with a good friend, everything seems just the same as it was before. Easy conversation, things in common, laughter, memories. She even looked just the same as she had when I last saw her! (Hopefully, she was thinking the same about me ;)
Well, the shower went wonderfully and the time flew so quickly that I didn't realize I should have called Karl so he and the kids would come to get me a little later than planned. So they made a brief appearance at the party, and after all the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs', I hustled the trio into a guest bedroom, promising food, beer (for Karl), and a quick departure (as soon as she finishes opening her gifts! ;)

I kept my promises, and soon we were off to another Chicago party- this time, a surprise birthday/graduation party for our friend Garron. Unfortunately, we arrived shortly after the 'surprise!!', but poor, shocked Garron was still crying so we did get to join in that moment. This was a rather fancy party- the large house in an upscale Chicago neighborhood was sparkling with Christmas decorations; there was yummy catered food, and bartenders and a wait staff surrounding us. I felt a bit embarrased bringing 1 year old twins into a party of this caliber but thankfully, Garron, Sean, and their family and friends, are some of the sweetest, most down to earth people we know. Garron's sister brought them some toys to keep occupied with, and the staff made sure they were well-fed. Garron was very glad that we'd brought them along since it was her first time meeting them.

We had to leave before too long (missing the magician, unfortunately), since it was way beyond the twins' bedtime and they'd had a busy day.

Uncle Jeff arrives/weekend in Clearwater

While catching up on a friend's blog recently, I realized with embarrassment that I have not blogged in nearly 3 months. She, on the other hand, manages to blog on a fairly regular basis while holding a rather demanding full-time job, caring for a very active 9-month-old, and running a household (in addition to numerous other hobbies and activities). I try not to compare myself to others, but I can't help but feel a bit of shame for not doing my part to chronicle the lives of our rapidly growing twins. Especially now that I am not working outside the house (for now). I should have all the time in the world to blog, right? Well, not really. This 'job' actually keeps me busier on a daily basis than my old one ever did. And I have to say it's more stressful, demanding, and certainly less structured (and personally, I thrive on structure- so do the twins).

But this job is also so much more meaningful, rewarding, and fun. I am gradually getting used to my new role as a SAHM, and even coming to embrace it. I know many moms who'd jump at the chance without any ambivalence and I'm not saying I'm not grateful for the opportunity. But keep in mind, we're talking about someone who has enjoyed success and satisfaction in a (structured!) corporate environment since the month following my college graduation. And of course, in this environment, it surely is not an easy decision to give up a fairly secure job.

In any event, I am once again pledging a renewed commitment to blogging (as well as doing a better job keeping up with cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, etc..)

Ok, back to the initial post title...Jeff's much anticipated visit began late Friday night, after the twins were in bed. On Saturday morning, after completing some furious packing and filling the van with a fresh tank of gas, we headed to Clearwater Beach for the night. Marma, Great-Gram, and Uncle Jeff drove separately since Jeff had plans to head to the Tampa Bay Bucks/NJ Jets game the next day.

The twins slept the entire way and woke refreshed and ready to hit the surf. They had a blast frolicking in the sand and helping Dad dig out a large hole in the sand and attempt to build a castle. The Gulf, at 62 degrees, was a bit less inviting, especially to Lucas, who, like Dad, prefers a warmer swim. Noelle, Mom, and Uncle Jeff enjoyed the refreshingly cool water.

Later, we walked to a nice playground near the beach where the twins climbed, slid, swung, and played in the sand. Noelle had an interesting conversation with a boy at least 4 years her senior. We couldn't make out either end of the conversation, but it was a funny exchange indeed.

Despite all of the day's activities, little Special and Buddy did not sleep well at all when put to bed in their pack-n-play back at the hotel. They slept soundly for the first 2 hours, but it was downhill after that. Lucas woke up first, wailing for an unknown reason. Noelle started in as soon as I picked him up several minutes later. Eventually, Dad tried to get Noelle to sleep in one bed, where she stood up, chatted, and would not settle down. Marma and I took Lucas in another bed, and he did drift off to sleep and slept rather well for the remainder of the night.

Not used to having a tot in my bed, I was unable to sleep so I went into the adjoining room to rescue Karl. Finally, after much walking and rocking, Noelle was back to sleep in the pack-n-play. Needless to say, we were all exhausted the next day, even solo sleepers Gram and Jeff.

I am not quite sure what the problem was except that the twins do tend not to sleep as well when away from home. Also, we did suspect that Noelle had a sore throat since her voice was even raspier than usual (how do you really ever know if a baby has a sore throat?!), and Lucas may have a molar coming in (supposedly the most painful ones of all).

On Wednesday, the W's head to the Chicago area for 5 nights. Hopefully, the sleep situation will somehow work itself out. Sufficient quantities of Tylenol and Motrin will be on hand just in case.

Walking into the Holidays

The seasons are advancing. We're finally seeing cooler days and the kids in warmer clothes. Now that both are 'experienced' walkers, they get more outdoor exercise in their white StrideRites. It's still an occasional challenge to slide their feet snugly into the shoes and double-lace them while NL are wriggling and complaining of the injustice of having to sit still for 90 seconds. Though, the kids feel fairly comfortable tramping about on- and off-road, across the front lawn, over the curb, through muddy spots, and into the generally quiet residential Harding Street. I've just a bit of anxiety when they pick up speed down the slope of our driveway; they fall often enough on level ground and don't give inclines the respect and steady maneuvering they deserve.

Yesterday we joined the nation in observing Thanksgiving. Though, we parted from custom by passing on turkey and instead patronized BeniHana. NL were not as wowed by the egg-juggling and shrimp-tossing-in-hat chef as they'd been in the past. Perhaps it was his "best 3 out of 5" attitude that diminished their respect. Rightfully so.

A week before Christmas, the Wieleckis are again boarding an aeroplane for NL's maiden voyage to Chicago. Kelly will attend a friend's bridal shower a week before the Noel, so we'll spend the actual holiday back in Orlando. And, eventually, if the stars assume the right positions, we'll be leaving Central Florida for a locale that promises at least a fleeting chance of a white Christmas.

Out of Touch, Into October

NL have started to eat with spoons, though reluctantly. It's a mainly pained affair and prolongs feeding time. Normally, eating slowly is a good thing. But NL's dinners are typically past deadline, and with a bath still on the agenda I prefer to move things along and deposit the youngsters in bed at a sane hour. Back to spoons: Noelle grabs them somewhat askew and more often than not spills their contents onto her bare stomach. Not as eager to catch on, Lucas makes clear his preference for his fist over any utensil.

Relegating table-side etiquette to secondary importance, Lucas instead focuses on physical fitness. His current pastime involves pushing a blue, red, and yellow plastic "Fill & Dump" wagon to all corners of the house. He supports himself on either end and with unwavering determination steers it around toys, under leg bridges, and sometimes directly into an unwary pet's hind side. On a straightaway, he acquires impressive speed before deftly carrying out a three-point turn, soon facing the opposite direction for another go. In addition to the wagon, oversized Lego-like blocks catch the youngster's fancy. He can sit by the pile of the multi-colored pieces and arrange and re-arrange them to suit his imagination. Noelle is less keen on constructing; if she does take interest in them, it's usually to disassemble Lucas's creation.

Jumping around a bit (not the kids, this entry): the kids have certainly carved out their individual tastes in food. Though both go cuckoo for yogurt with fruit chunks and enjoy most fruits and vegetables, only Lucas likes beets, and only Noelle likes meat. One time Noelle had a piece of pickled herring, while Lucas threw his at the pets.

NL exhibit their hijinks in the bathroom, too. After their bath, I attempt to brush their few teeth. Noelle invariably clamps her lips shut, or, if I do manage to get the brush in, bites down, shakes her head, and swings her little arms like an off-kilter windmill. Lucas eases up on me a bit but grows weary fifteen seconds into the cleaning, bringing upon himself a gentle headlock until the job is done.

Sesame Street has emerged as the sure method to calm the family nerves. Big Bird and his(?) affable buddies have yet to displease Lucas and Noelle. The kids exhibit instant wonderment and rapture from the first notes of the opening song clear through the commercial after the end credits. I'm still unsure what it is about the show that fixates those young eyes and ears, and I'll admit without shame that I've starting to succumb to the spell. I'm especially fond of Baby Bear. There, I said it.

Just before, and sometimes in the midst of a toothbrushing, the kids are presented with four to six ounces of diluted apple juice. Golden slumbers just would not come about until the kids are sufficiently hydrated. Predictably, being denied juice while observing the other sucking it down does not sit well, causing turmoil not even Elmo can cure. The deprived party erupts into a scream of protest until handed their own bottle.

15 months and counting..

Two weeks ago, Lucas started walking. Up until then he seemed just fine with crawling about, in no hurry to catch up with Ms. Noelle, who has been walking for quite some time. But finally, he began taking his first slow, wobbly steps. All that time spent pushing around his MegaBlocks wagon has paid off. Lucas also enjoys building MegaBlock towers with Karl. They've developed some rather elaborate structures- until Noelle comes and knocks them down, that is.

Lucas is definitely our talker- he tries to repeat many things we say. Some favorites are diapee (diaper), num (when he's hungry), down, dog, car, Big (his favorite character, Big Bird), bath, and of course Mom :) Noelle understands a lot but does not say much. She'll follow simple commands, such as 'bring me your shoes' or 'give Hana a kiss'. She is very proud of herself since starting to eat with a spoon (very messy of course). She has become a rather proficient walker and is practically running these days.

They both still adore Sesame Street and watch it just about everyday. I'd love to take them to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. It isn't far from their great-grandma's house so this could be a feasible trip.

We've been to Disney twice over the last month- Epcot, then Magic Kingdom. Lucas' favorite was 'It's a Small World'..he stood on my lap, wide-eyed and opened mouthed the entire ride. After exiting the ride, he took a nap in the Bjorn while we headed to the newly refurbished Hall of Presidents (always one of my favorites). We hoped Noelle would settle down and nap too but it was not to be. Instead, she giggled during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and clapped during the segment on the Depression. The last straw was Dad chasing her down the aisle during the Reagan days. Yes, our little daughter made a mockery of our U.S. history. It was surely our mistake, though, taking a baby into that type of exhibit.