PJ Weather

It was REALLY cold today. So the boys and I stayed in our Pj's all day long! Soooo enjoying my time off from work, so I can be with them. Yes, it is exhausting entertaining 2 toddlers all day, but I enjoy every minute of it.
Chance is REALLY walking!!!! Both boys have been walking around the house, holding on to everything, and a bit nervous to let go for quite sometime now. But, today, Chance decided he was gonna let go and walk instead of crawl. He would be a little wabbly at times, but he would catch his balance and continue to walk. It was never walking towards me, it was just walking to all his toys. Colton.....I'm afraid still has a ways to go.
But, I guess you never know, he could always surprise me, and just randomly start walking one day, and skip the balancing/standing alone part!
We leave for another short Beaumont trip Christmas Eve morning. We'll leave Christmas day, after our big lunch, and head on home, and pick up Audrey.
Done Christmas shopping. The boys presents this year, consist of being outside! Wagon, carstroller, and a Kawosaki (sp?) 4wheeler. HMMMMM....wonder who HAD to get that for the boys......I think Shawn is more excited about this gift, than the boys will be! I did get the boys a few books with the one big picture on each page. They LOVE BOOKS!!!! Hope this is a sign of super smart boys I'll be raising!

OUCH!!!

So the boys are finally getting some teeth, including the top teeth. We have been toothless for so long, it's an exciting time. Also a fussy time. Tonight, I was bathing the boys in my parents garden tub, which can be slippery and harder for the boys to pull up and NOT slip, because of the curve of the tub. Well, Chance, was pulling up and his hand slipped, and his incoming NEW front tooth, hit the edge of the tub. My sister and I hear this "crunch", and he fell to the tub, holding his mouth. I immediately got him out, holding him. He was bawling, I was bawling. No blood, thank goodness. BUT....his NEW tooth has chipped on the corner! :( He keeps playing with it, with his tongue, cause I know there is a sharp edge. I know he will be fine, I'm just hoping it didn't shove up any, and will cause the tooth to permanently NOT come down. We shall see!!!
Here are a few pics of my SILLY BOYS!!!!

walking is just right around the corner...I think!

Yesterday, I had tears in my eyes....Chance decided to walk to me and his CC without holding on to anything (about 5 steps). A first!!! I was so proud of my son. I don't think he realized what he did, cause he is still choosing to "cruise" or "crawl". But....now, when holding your hands out, he will take a few steps, SOLO.
Colton, tonight, stood, SOLO, which is a first for him, as he has always had "balance" issues. And then he didn't hesitate at ALL, he started walking towards his Daddy. He took about 2 steps. Again.....so proud of my boys!!!
I know, I know, once they start running around this house, I'm gonna regret EVER wanting them to walk.
But for now, I'm enjoying every minute of them mastering this milestone!

15 month checkup--My SHORT, CHUBBY MEN!!

Well we took the boys to their 15 month check up towards the end of their "15 months". They are doing great. Pedi was very pleased with how the boys were developing. Here are the stats on my little men....literally.
Colton:
Weight: 23.94 lbs 50% percentile
Length: 30 in. 5% percentile (yes, we are on the short side)
Head cir: 19.375

Chance:
Weight: 24.75 lbs 55% percentile
Length: 29.75 in 5% (again, we are very short!)
Head cir: 18.375 (a whole inch smaller than older brother!!! Must be all the hair he has)

Chance's new thing...."hives"....my poor baby. He broke out in hives on Sunday. Dr. said it could be from anything, but he thought more than likely it was from his cold. He broke out with hives while we were there. I also told the Dr. how many words the boys are saying and how they point at everything. He stopped me and said, " listen, that is a number 1 sign your children don't have autism". It was a bit of a relief......BUT as a teacher, I know there are many children out there, who develop normal for awhile, and then BAM, everything stops.....
As my mom and Shawn have told me, I don't need to worry, BUT I DO!!! I can't help it. I'm a Mom.....don't think the "worrying" will ever stop. Even when they are all grown up! :)

The Big 4-0

Well I did it!!! I managed to keep a secret and surprise Shawn. I threw him a 40th surprise party at La Fogata, and it was fabulous. He was actually shocked and surprised, and had a great time. It was a HUGE CHORE to even get him out of the house. He had been sick all week long with a bad cold/cough. That Friday, he knew Mom was watching the boys, but he just wanted to get take out and watch a movie. He didn't want to dress up either. He didn't want to do anything, but he felt too bad to argue with me either. 30 of our friends were there for his special day. Here are a few pics.....1) of us, 2) Shawn and his rugby friends.

5 hours = WAY TOO LONG

Went to Beaumont this passed weekend for my cousins wedding. Riding in the car with the boys for 5 hours USED to be long, but they slept most of the way. So, it wasn't so bad.
NOW....with two toddlers, forget it. An hour goes by, and they want out......AS DO I!!!
Overrall they were pretty darn good. Ranell and Bill watched them Saturday night, while we went to the wedding. They had a great time with them. It was nice seeing our family.
We also got to see damage that was done from Hurricane Ike. I can only imagined what it looked like days after the fact. So many blue tarps on roofs.

The boys are talking like crazy. Half of it is baby talk. But they are REALLY trying to communicate with us. I love it. Especially since I'm a talker.
They are soooooo freaken close to walking too. I keep saying, just a few more days/weeks......so I don't wanna say that anymore. They could SO walk, if they were more secure with themselves and not little weenies!!! They have it down pat....they just wanna hold on. They aren't quite ready to let go and be "free"!!!
I know when they do decide to take that step without holding on, they will NEVER STOP walking. Knowing my sons, it will go from taking that first step without holding on to SPRINT running. That will be my luck. I just know it. I'm lucky like that!!! :)

3 more days till my week break. Can't wait to be with my boys, home relaxing!!

Uneventful....besides the obvious

Besides having a new president this week elected.....it was a pretty uneventful week in the Bowen house. The boys current sitter is not only prego with twins.....BUT she found out she is having 2 boys yesterday!! Obviously it was in her deck of cards, that 1. she watch my boys, and 2. she was made for having twin boys. LOL she is in SHOCK.

Shawn went to get Audrey tonight and they will be hunting tomorrow. Therefore the boys and I are staying at my parents.

Chance is getting closer and closer to walking. He will take 1 step here and there, but then he squats.

Maybe by Christmas we will have a walker or two. I hope!!!

We went to 1st birthday party last weekend. UNbelievable party! But, I must say, that will be the last party I go to without HELP. Way too hard and exhausting. Basically I was in the playroom with the boys the entire time. Which isn't bad whatsoever, BUT, to walk and around and chat with adults would have been fun too. Thats why everyone tells me, Im not gonna want them walking. Well for TWINS, yeah, I want them walking. We might have leashes to get them under control, LOL, but at least my hands will be free. Like for eating snacks and sipping ritas at birthday parties. hehehe

A First....

So, today was a first with the Bowen boys. Staying at my parents, since Shawn has left for the weekend for hunting. Mom and I are bathing the boys. Boys are having a good time, things are good.
Then my Mom says, "Oh my gosh!".......and I look over and there is one of my sons (still a mystery whos it was) POOP....floating. SICK!!!!! My Mom said, "Quick, get it out". Another daily reminder, that my world has COMPLETELY CHANGED in the last several years.
Although grabbing POO out of a bathtub is not my ideal of FUN.....being a Mother is "ideal" for who I have become, and who I have always wanted to be.

We're Moving IN.......

Well, not really. This weekend is opening season for deer hunting, and I'll be officially known as a "hunters widow", from what I've been told. Which means, the momma's girl I have become, means....I'll be moving in with Mom and Dad on the weekends. Plus, I'm one big weenie, and if I hear one scary noise, not sure "momma bear" will come out and get the boys. LOL
AND weenie me, will want the boys to sleep with me every weekend, which I know, gets them in a bad habit. (We only sleep with momma Saturday/Sunday morning for an hour or two)

The boys are doing super. Talking/babbling up a storm. Once they learn a word, they want to say it all the time. My dad is trying to teach them, "how old are you?" and then they hold up the number 1 sign.
Last Friday, would have technically been their "first birthday". That was my actual due date. I thought I might have a walker by this date, but not yet.
You can tell they want to, but they must take after their momma and must be BIG WEENIES, like me!!!

ok, tell me if you think this is bad. Everyday, I DVR my soap, Young and the Restless. Well, I've watched this since they were in my tummies....everyday. Well everytime the opening song comes on, the boys dance, and actually get excited.
OOPS! I guess I should have played "Monday Night Football" or "ESPN" music all the time.
I think my boys are gonna like soaps! LOL.....

Pumkpin Patch

As you can see below, just a few pics from our annual Pumpkin Patch trip. Last year, the boys slept the entire time!!!! This year, another story. They were too busy looking at the cars/trucks go by on busy DeZavala Rd. And, we also had big sister this weekend, and Daddy come with us! Family event. We've realized it's pretty much impossible to get the boys attention, which scares me as a teacher. LOL They obviously do NOT take after me in the posing for the camera department. GRRR
We are finally over our "illnesses". I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is, to change "normal" diapers. WOOHOO! AND, another milestone for Mr. Chance......he has started drinking REGULAR MILK. NO MORE expensive formula for his milk allergy. He has outgrown it, just like the Dr. predicted. Im so proud of him.
Im also certain, walking for Chance will probably happen within the next week or two. He is WANTING to push his push toys ALL over the house. Colton is a little on the wabbly side, but I know he will eventually get there. He always does.
One of my best friends had her 1st son yesterday (2nd child for her). His name is Wyatt Martin Roberts. So precious. I am so happy for her and her family. I met him yesterday evening at the hospital. BIG BOY!!!! :) Can't wait to get to know the little cutie patootie!!!

Is It Friday Yet?

SO ready for the weekend, and I'm ready for our tummies to be clear of the "bug" that we can't seem to shake.
Two nights ago, I was reaching for a darn paci, and my herniated disc flared up. Yes, I have one of these issues, and I honestly have no idea where I got this problemo!!!
Anyways, I have vicodin and muscle relaxers on hand, for when it does flare up. Didn't want to have a stiff neck with two babies, so I took some.
Next morning, I guess the meds didn't agree with me. Got sick. LOVELY.
Driving to work, down 1604, and I had to get sick once again. Im pulling off the road, and my head is out the window. NICE.
It brought back memories of college days....except, then I wasn't driving, I was in the backseat DYING, and I didn't have two toddlers in the backseat. GRRRR
Oh, how times have changed for me!
Anyways.....of course everyone at work was asking, "morning sickness"???
NO PEOPLE......sorry to disappoint. It was just from 2 vicodin and muscle relaxers. LOL

The boys are slowly getting better, although they still have the toots.
We are getting Audrey this weekend, and Im hoping to take some "pumpkin patch" pics of the 3 of them.
Hopefully by Monday, no more toots!!!!

Trip Down Memory Lane

So, had to get up early this morning to help my mom out at the Top Cats Kitty Clinic. Memories......being up at Clark, locker room, Top Cats....yes, I still miss those days. ALOT!!!! Of course, things are WAY different now, than they were when I was there, 13 years ago. YIKES! Why does it only feel like 5 years ago? geez.....
So another weekend of staying in. GRRRRR Boys still aren't their normal self. NOT at all. They don't wanna eat. Still dealing with poopy diapers that literally smell like DEATH! I'm seriously not lying.....I would take a "regular poopy" diaper, over these diapers, that literally smell like a dead animal, I kid you NOT! SICK!!!
Last night, boys are in their highchairs, and Chance decides to throw up, ACROSS the kitchen, and partially on his brother. Had to move Colton over, and just let Chance, BLOW.
Got about 2 hours of sleep last night. Shawn was coughing ALL night. He told me he took cough meds. Then at 3 am, when I had finally had enough, I asked him, "what did you take?". He tells me cough spray. GRRRRR, ok that's NOT gonna help with the coughing.
And he doesn't cough dainty either. When he coughs, he might as well be coughing up several organs.
Oh, the JOYS of being a mother of 3 boys......LOL, I mean 2!

relapse, I know it

Ok, so I'm doing it to myself. Here I was sick all weekend....living next to the JON.....and as we speak, I'm eating chips and salsa. NOT, soup like my momma suggested, but chips and salsa.
I can't help it! Blame it on horomones! A girl at work, was eating leftover Las Palapas. OMG!!!
LOOKED so good, compared to the little food (bread) I ate this weekend.
Anyways, hopefully, no relapse later this evening.

Boys still having tummy troubles. Poor Chance, his nose is just raw from the boogers and snot! GROSS.....Calling allergist tomorrow, to see if there is something stronger for my Baby Chance! I can't see him go through another year, of not breathing.

I think Shawn is pulling up....woohoo, dinnertime!!!

Sick, Sick, and more SICK

I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is to see when your babies are sick. And there isn't alot you can do for them.
BUT......when Momma is sick, the whole house falls apart.
OMG....Friday morning I felt horrible. Colton had gotten sick Thursday morning, but he seemed in better spirits that evening.
Friday....I got sick, Colton got sick, and Chance got sick.
I had to call in a sub.
Not only did I get sick.......I pretty much was laying on the bathroom floor all day long. It was miserable. It was like my boys knew, that their momma was sick. They would crawl in there with me, and sit next to me, patting me on my back.
SUCH GOOD BOYS!
It finally got to the point, that I had to call Shawn to come home from work, cause I simply could not take care of the boys myself.
He came home, I took a 4 hour nap.
THEN.....HE GOT SICK!
Today is Saturday, and no one has gotten sick today. I know the boys don't feel good though, cause they just wanna sleep and NOT play. I called my parents this morning, and GUESS WHAT????
THEY ARE BOTH in bed SICK!
What the heck is going on? LOL
Shawn is on his way to get Schlotskys (sp?)
I figure if I wanna eat that, then Im good to go! I gotta make up for not eating for a day.

Why buy toys?

When the boys can find random things around the house, that entertain them MUCH more than the toys we buy them. EX: new fight of the day......mini shampoo bottle they got from their bathtub. Ok, WHAT? A 99 cent empty bottle of shampoo, is the reason for this temper tamtrum I'm listening to now.
The paci fighting is just simply out of control. Today, Im watching the boys looking out the window, and Chance is slapping Colton's face, FOR FUN!!!!
Chance is CRACKING up!!! Meanwhile, Colton is throwing another FIT.
They were both just slaping each other in the face. One screaming, one laughing.
This just proving how polar opposite they are!
Then, I put the boys in their bed, while Im getting their PJ's on, and Chance steals Colton's paci, and he has this look of "VICTORY" on his face. Meanwhile....another FIT being thrown by his brother.....
Thats just when I layed on their bedroom floor, to TUNE THEM OUT. They were both looking at me, just smiling and laughing!

oh yeah....their NEW favorite place to be.
THE TOILET. Is this what raising two boys is like?????

FIGHTING.......

Man, the boys are misbehaving a lot lately. worrying me! they don't listen to me. Shawn says, its cause they are 1. but, they listen to my Dad or Shawn. why not me?!

Yesterday they were both standing at my legs while I was sitting, and Chance of course steals Coltons paci, and Colton was throwing a HUGE FIT screaming, and flat out slapped Chance. Then Chance was screaming, and he flat out slapped Colton. it was terrible!!!!!! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
THEN, they both get to the dogs water bowl, playing in that. OK,.... I can't begin to tell you, how many times, I move Colton away from that, and have spanked his hand,(mean mommy I am) and I've even put him in a timeout (1 time), and he STILL goes there. GRRRR
Then I'm like, great.....
Are they gonna treat me like the dogs treat me. Im the loving one, who takes care of them, but they only listen to the MAN?

Then to top it all off, colton pulls up on the tv tray table to stand, and it falls back on him, and he hits his head on tile, and table hits him on head. big goose egg.

yesterday was a not a fun evening in the Bowen house!

My vampire

What an exciting day. Went to my parents house for our ritual Tues/Thurs. night dinner with the boys....and they have a push toy that babies can stand behind and walk with/or push. Well Colton walked/pushed the toy to me first. Walked across the living room. Then Chance got brave, and he did it!!! Now, Chance won't STOP! Once we got home, he got our push toy, and was walking all over the living room. It was so darn cute! So proud of my little men!
Also, the reason for Colton's bigtime crankiness is he has his vampire tooth coming in. No front teeth, just the vampire tooth.
LOVELY.....

Pics from Fiesta Texas

Here are some pics from the company picnic at Fiesta Texas......

Fiesta Texas

What a day! Shawn's company picnic was at Fiesta Texas (Six flags). My parents, my youngest sister, Audrey, the boys, Shawn, and myself, all went.
It was a VERY nice picnic that Rush put on.
Luckily it wasn't too hot either....considering.

My parents would watch the boys, while we could ride some of the roller coasters.
Annoyed with six flags in the fact of, on the baby rides, the following rules apply:
1. must be of walking age
2. must be wearing shoes

ok, the boys are technically walking age, they just aren't walking.
and 2nd, who needs to wear shoes, when your in a stroller all day?!?!? the boys hate shoes by the way. they will be barefeet non-stop, thanks to their momma. I am ALWAYS barefoot.

But the ONE ride we could ALL ride, was the train!?!?! ok, why don't those rules apply to the train. It's high up, you aren't buckled in, the sides are wide open. I don't get it. Whatever.

Picked up Sonic on the way home, and the boys have no problem eating JUNK FOOD. Another bad trait they get from their mother!

Audrey had a short visit with us, as she is gonna be in the Houston Nutcracker. So she has practice every Saturday. Will be taking her to the airport in a bit!

Im pooped!!!

TGIF

thank goodness for fridays. always a busy day at work. I just got through folding a mountain high of clothes. and once i put those away, a new pile starts to grow. GRRR
the boys were at the "new sitter" for day 2. Im kinda ready to make the switch. the boys everyday sitter, has been feeling ill, plus she is prego with twins.
the boys seem to really enjoy their new spot.
audrey will be here tomorrow, for the weekend. shawns company picnic is on sunday at fiesta texas, which should be fun.
ok, time to feed the boys dinner....they are NOT happy campers.
im ready for a dinner tonight with a friend. Mommy alone time. THANK GOODNESS.
i need a break!!!! just a small one!

Getting Started.....

Thank you Lynds for setting up this blog for me. I am clueless when it comes to blogs, but wanted to give it a try.
Today was another busy day at work. Picture day, UTSA mentors....and the usual busy body kiddos.....
Time to go for now.....the boys are getting into the closet, and pulling out a bag full of Momma's old Mardi Gras beads....LOVELY.....they are having fun though!