Spent I am

In a word? I am spent. My whole body aches and the cats are so freaked out, they've taken up permanent residence in the 2 inch space underneath my bedroom dresser. Sofia's face says it all...



Whenever I feel I can't unpack one more box or have to use the brainpower that is running on empty to figure out the ideal location for towels, knives, tampons, scotch tape or band aids...I simply walk out on my front porch and look at my view...



Sofia and the makeshift tv (computer playing DVD of Grinch)



A new day brings chaos



The boys having their first lunch in the new house



Sofia (a.k.a. Musical Director) leading the boys in a rousing rendition of "Sticky Bubble Gum" with pencils...



A cute Sofia/William moment



David *helping* me stock (mostly unstock) the shelves



David being a ham sandwich



William, my handsome little man



Synchronized Leg Stuck Move - this should be an Olympic sport!



William (lovely in hand) telling me he's ready for nap - That's M'Boy!



Bath time, good times

<

Nighty night...Tv should be functional tomorrow. I'm counting the minutes...

Move Day 4

First of all, for anyone who's had a c/s...Julie from A Little Pregnant has a great post about her recent cesarean. Man alive, that girl has a way with words.

***

So we are officially moved in. There are many loose items back at the house, but they'll come with time. Hoping to get the other house completely emptied, cleaned, painted, etc. in a month. This is going to be a huge challenge.

I'm so tired right now, I can't even tell you. Sofia just passed out next to me (the house is in dissaray, so I'm just letting her sleep with me for now). Still lots of organizing and unpacking to do. I came to the verge of a complete, mental breakdown earlier when I was alone with all 3 kids. Let me set the scene: Moving boxes everywhere, some with items, some empty, no babyproofing done, cables sticking out of the wall just begging to be tugged. Note to self, baby proof before bringing in the team. Finally, I put together the pack and plays and got them to bed. I then immediately had a beer. I'm not even a beer drinker, but it seemed like the thing to do. I then set Sofia up with the laptop and a DVD of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was the only thing I could find.

The first night in a new house always feels weird. New smells, sounds - or lack thereof - the quiet is deafening! Of course, that will change at 7 a.m. tomorrow. I'm embaressed to admit how hard it is for me without a television. Thank god for the internet!

Move, Day 3

So another day of moving down. I'll be glad when this is done.

I had the boys with me today and man alive, they were into everything as I tried to move stuff and unpack. The funniest moment, D & W body slamming themselves into the carpet and then laughing uproariously. Boys are a trip.

We met a few of the neighbors, an older man next door who is the "mayor" of our street and a leathery older lady named "Maryann" who was strangely reminiscent of the tan lady in Something About Mary. I'm not sure how I feel about living next to someone with his nose into everything. He's super nice, but as soon as we drive up, that garage door goes flying up. I can already see how annoying that will be. (I'm weird that way) I hear there is another 3 yr old on the street, but have yet to see them. Its so quiet there, I mean, peaceful beyond belief. This neighborhood won't know what hit it once Sofia has one of her coming unglued meltdowns. Tomorrow, we are hoping to spend the first night there.

Foot is still swollen, still very painful and have great difficulty bearing weight on it. Doc appt tomorrow a.m.

Birthday Present to The Family for the Next 2 Years

I did some shopping today, a big screen TV (46 inch Samsung flat screen - The birthday and christmas present for everyone in the household for the next 2 years) and a kitchen table and chairs (on sale - I looked for 3 weeks on Craigslist and never found anything other than overpriced or outdated items). The TV was a bit extravagant, but honestly, I'm a hardcore TV addict and have coveted this forever. Plus, there was really no where for a TV in the family room other than over the fireplace. I think I made the salesgirl at Best Buy's whole day 'cause I could not have looked very promising hobbling in there with my no makeup and wet hair. :) The thought of watching Lost on the new TV has me all warm and fuzzy.

Unfortunately, while hobbling around town making purchases, my poor foot swelled up to caveman level - not seen since being postpartum with the twins. I am currently icing it with Jolly Green Giant mixed veggies.

I have an appt tomorrow at the doc's, even though I suspect it's a sprain or at worst, torn ligament and there's nothing they can do. I should be staying off of it, but we all know that isn't going to happen.

Funny moment of the day? Going to the "beach house" to drop a few things off (after picking up the kids from sister in law's) and showing Sofia her room. When we went into the boys' room, she pointed to the closet (which is rather large) she asked if that was her room.

Ah, god love that little girl.

All the way home, Sofia kept saying she wanted to go back to the beach house. Other than William walking into the sliding glass door, the kids were having so much fun running all over the house and yard. I am feeling really good about this move as it's all for them.

Sofia still keeps insisting we need our suits for the beach. This wasn't completely out of line as is often the case in the Bay Area, with late summer comes the most gorgeous weather of the year. The problem with this is it entices all the people here to head for the coast, flooding the one road in and out. This is to be expected, but in the middle of the move, a bit of a drag.

Ah well, I just think of my big old TV and everything is ok again.

Move Day 1

So I'm working furiously here. (Needed to break)

My ear freakin' hurts. I have an ear infection (Doc gave me antibiotic/steroid drops that thus far are doing diddly - took 4 advils a few hrs ago and that did nothing) and I think I strained my ankle carrying a box outside. My whole foot went to the side and I could feel the ligaments being stretched. Other than that...So, I'm a mess, basically trying to pack up all I can while limping around.

I did get some free moving boxes from someone in the mother's club and plan on going to get more in a little bit. Very helpful and cost effective.

Date Night at the Winery

So last night, the husband and I had a date night. The timing wasn't great as this is "move" week, but this concert had been postponed from July and this was the day it landed on...

It was a comedy concert by my favorite comedienne, Kathy Griffin. It was at a winery tucked up high on a mountaintop in the south bay and could not have been a more gorgeous setting. The weather was perfect, the views breathtaking and the laughs plentiful. I laughed so much that my face hurt.

For a brief moment, I felt kind of sorry for my vastly outnumbered, straight, conservative husband in a sea Kathy's excited- beyond-belief-to-be-theree "gays" but I got over that the minute she came out and started tearing apart all the main players in today's pop culture. Husband does like her or I would not have brought him, he just gets visibly uncomfortable when she starts getting political. Plus, he watches the show with me, so I'm fairly certain he knew what he was getting into.

Kathy is a bit offensive for many, but I love her no hold barred takes on everyone from Nancy Grace to Miley Cyrus. Some highlights: Her take on the "prairie ladies" of the FLDS ranch scandal, Lindsey Lohan's newfound lesbianism, Miley Cyrus' youtube clips and "creepy" Vanity Fair spread, Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes, Pam Anderson and the aforementioned Nancy Grace. I have to say, she has Nancy *down* - it was a sight to behold. One of the best lines (paraphrasing here) was to the audience, which was very upscale Silicon Valley yuppie (gay and straight). "I know who you are! You're the MFers who have their Prius in the garage, right next to their Humvee." She nailed that one.

Tomorrow, we start moving to the beach house. Sofia seems to think we need to pack our bathing suits. I don't think she quite gets that this move is permanent, she most likely thinks we are going on a vacation. I explained to her that the suits were not necessary at this beach. A parka and a good set of earmuffs might be more appropriate.

Twenty-Thirteen!

So we went to the mall tonight, Sofia and I.

We had iced cream in the food court. There was a little person there and Sofia was staring so hard at her, that she walked into a table. She then kept pointing at her and asked if she was a lady. I assured her it was. I could see the confusion in her eyes as she just stared and stared...I had to stop her from pointing and exclaiming loudly "I'm scared of that lady! Where did that lady go?" I felt really bad, tried to distract her.

On the way home in the car, Sofia was insisting she was 5 (as she often does) and asked me how old I was.

"How old do you think I am?" I asked.

"Twenty thirteen!"

33? I'll take it!

Sweet, sweet, David

So cute David moment.

He is so smart. Since very early on, he was been incredibly observant. He does not miss a thing. He'd have to look at the jar of food I was feeding him to make sure it was the one he liked. Now, if he sees me get my sweater on or hears the jingle of keys, he starts whimpering. That little mind... He is such a sweet, intuitive and loving boy, a true Pisces.

So William's *thing* is shoes. He somehow manages to put on my wedge high heel shoes and clonks through the house in them, carrying Sofia's Dora purse, I might add. (Much to Steve's chagrin) It's a hoot. I let him wear an old pair of Sofia's Crocs (with Dora on them) all day and he was thrilled.

So, he's carrying around my shoes (as usual) while simultaneously trying to climb on the Kangaroo climber (which is currently in the middle of my living room). I take the shoes away and he starts SCREAMING bloody murder. This boy has a temper and does not react well when things are taken away from him.

So, David sees this, goes into their room and returns with one of their little sandals and hands it to William, to console him.

I about melted. *gush*

They have their share of brawls over toys, but already, I marvel at the selflessness they're learning at such a young age. I suspect this is probably one of the benefits of being a twin and it's just really cool to see.

Way Back Thursday

Ok, so over at Twinfatuation, they have "Way back Wednesday." I'm a day late and a dollar short on this one, but was perusing old pics (going to have my hair colored today and wanted to show her a pic of how I liked it) and stumbled across this pic from when I was 22 weeks with the twins.

What is frightening to me is that I currently weigh about 20 lbs more than I did here. What's wrong with that picture?

So here's my "Way Back Thursday."

A Tale of 2 Sofias

Once upon a time, there were 2 little girls named Sofia. Both Sofia's both had brown hair and brown eyes. Both Sofia's had little brothers born in March 2007 and both Sofia's had mommies and daddies married in September 2003.

All the teachers at their school had great difficulty in telling them apart (even though their Mommies felt they really didn't look alike at all). From the first day of school in September 2007, they would come home with each other's diapers on, bearing handmade gifts that included photos of the "other" Sofia, etc.

One day, Sofia K.'s mommy called to make an appointment for a gymnastics class. The woman on the other line asked "Oh? Are you Sofia F.?"

"No," Sofia K.'s mommy replied, "But we know her..."

They are now buddies. When not bossying each other around, they enjoy playing hide and seek and doing cheers.

Surf's Up!

As some of you know, we are moving to a rental house in Half Moon Bay next week (3BR with family room, big yard), renting out our current house (so if ya know anyone looking to rent an awfully cute 2/1, let us know!) And for those of you who didn't know, well, NOW you do! ;) It sort of just happened in the past few days and I've not had a minute to call anyone.

Email me for details...

Surf's up!

****

And a funny video...

Thank god someone is interested in cleaning around this joint. We encourage that.

William, that cheeky monkey trying to upstage his swiffer-loving brother.

Those crazy Bluetooth people

I've become one of those people. Those annoying people with the antenna apparatus sticking out of their ear? Talking to invisible people and making you feel indescribably ridiculous when you respond to their conversations, thinking they are talking to you? It's the modern equivalent of waving back to someone who wasn't waving to you...

As of July 1st, it's illegal to drive in California and talk on the cell phone. I've spent the past 6 weeks barking into my speakerphone (a la Jonathon Antin from Blowout). I know I've been doing it to excess when my 3 year old is now mimicking me by sauntering around the house, holding her toy cell up to her mouth and yelling "No, we're not doing that!" or "I told you I was going to be Jasmine!" So, I figured it was about time I got on the Bluetooth bandwagon.

Header

Another day, another look.

The header is still kittywompus, but I will be fixing that. This background is still reminding me of 70's kitchen wallpaper, why do I keep gravitating towards that?

I should be calling Direct TV, researching debris box and making a timeline for moving. Am I doing any of that? Oh no!! Just spending 3 hours on my blog.

Yes, I'm a freak.

Resolution...at last!

So it's official. We are moving.

We're moving to the coast (a small, desirable, eclectic area about 20 minutes from me "over the hill"), which I have mixed feelings about. Very excited as it's a great family house. A little anxious because it's literally steps to the ocean. Anyone who has known me for a while is familiar with my love (yes, that's sarcasm) of fog and all things ocean related. I grew up in a coastal town and have had a lifelong fear of the ocean. In fact, I have had a recurring dream since childhood that the ocean is chasing me.

Psychoanalysis aside, this is a good thing. The upside? We'll have 3 bedroom, bath and a family room, a large yard. The downside? I'll now have a 20-30 minute commute. I currently have a 5 minute commute, so this is going to mean I will really need to have my act together. No more going home and lunch and getting dinner ready, tidying up, throwing in some laundry. Still, I think the good far outweighs the bad.

So, I've been perusing craigslist for used furniture and boy, what a trip that is. Every once in a while, you will stumble upon a gem, but mostly it is just people trying to offload their dated, atrocious junk.

Looking at it makes me want to put on some Cyndi Lauper and have some Tang.
Seriously, people? Have you not heard of Goodwill????

Cases in point.

A lovely kitchen table, circa 1982 - asking $175



Something out of a doctor's office for $150



All that you ever wanted in a couch for only $125



Another kitchen set circa One Day At A Time

A New Look

Ok, so we have a new look.

It's a work in progress, what can I say? It's looking a little 70's kitchen wallpaper, so I'm on the fence, just trying it on for size. Sure is bright, eh?

Stay tuned.

My Passionate Wee One

William has always had a very *passionate* cry. As Steve tells it, he was still crying when only his head was out of me. He doesn't cry often but when he does? Watch out. Hold on to your hat!

People who have watched him as an infant would comment, "That William..."

Here are the many faces of William.

With a clicker and a Croc. It just doesn't get any better than that.



William getting slightly upset



Turning red



Full blown!

Secrets

Ok, I admit it. I'm hooked on AMC's Mad Men.

I watched a bit last season, but came in at the end and didn't quite know what was going on. The show is incredibly subtle, but even though I was confused, I knew this was a show I needed to take the time to catch up on...

It's dark, stylish, intense and shocking at times. Just my cup of tea. Other than The Office and Lost, I don't watch a lot of scripted television anymore. I am so thrilled to have found something smart, edgy and juicy to look forward to on Sunday Nights, a la Six Feet Under.

Last night's epi had me thinking a lot about dark family secrets. (Lots of those in this show) I grew up with this kid who was raised to think that his mother was his aunt (apparently everyone knew this but him). How much of a mind F#@K is that?

I also had a situation when I was younger in that my best friend was extremely troubled (lots of abuse growing up) and would manifest this by extreme promiscuity. One night, we had a double date and long story short, she slept with her date and mine. She ended up pregnant (already had a 1 yr old baby out of wedlock whose paternity was questionable as well) but she (thank god) found out she was pregnant too late to "do anything" about it.

She obviously was not sure who the father was. When the baby was born, her aunt out of state adopted him. He looked exactly like my date, so it was clear who the father was, but it just blows my mind that there's some guy walking around who doesn't know he has a kid. What also blows my mind is that this kid is now 18 years old. I ran the numbers. At first, I thought - that can't be right! But it is. My friend and I stopped talking to each other in the late 90's (she got my sister in law fired from her job - long story) so I don't know what happened, if he was ever told who his mother was...

Oh yeah, my best friend's father was a priest who had left the priesthood for his mother (his student) so I'm always fascinated with that sort of thing. Not sure where they are going with the whole priest storyline. I got a weird feeling when they showed him alone with the two little boys who looked scared shitless, though. I'm tellin' ya, this show is dark.

Time for a Haircut?

Weekend highlights: (Pam, totally blatant stealing of your idea)

Friday - Went to movie night in the park. The feature was "Arctic Tale." Arrived at 6 p.m. and by 8 p.m., I was ready to leave. I left Steve and Sofia there and took the boys home, only to be greeted by him one hour later. He said he couldn't deal with all the global warming propaganda. Ay-yi-yi. This is what I get for marrying a conservative.

Saturday -- In the morning, I picked up a dresser from Craigslist as well as a Kangaroo Climber which is currently residing in my living room. The boys adore it. Every time they wake up from a nap, they get a look as if to say "Yey! It's still here." It's awesome as they love it so much, it's keeping them from getting into the 50 million other things they typically get into.

I think I already mentioned gymnastics. Late afternoon, had dinner with the family of Sofia's friend from pre-school, a.k.a. "the other Sofia." In addition to having a daughter named Sofia born 3 wks after ours and a son born 10 days before our twins, they are coming upon their 5th anniversary, which is September 13th, same as ours. Great minds do think alike!

Sunday -- The usual, grocery shopping and laundry, swim lessons. This afternoon, escaped to a movie with a friend I haven't seen in 18 months. It was nice to catch up. We saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was eh. Great acting, but overly sentimental (I am such a sap for storylines involving crazy mothers and family secrets)

Another busy week. Not sure what is going on with the house sitch, but I have my fingers crossed on a scenario. Trying not to get my hopes up.

Oh yeah, I think it's time for David to get a haircut. He's beginning to resemble this clown from from Million Dollar Listing...(and seriously? I work in real estate and there is no.way.on.god's.green.earth any of the high end owners we deal with would list their house with this Joey Ramone knock off. L.A. is so ridiculous!!)

Gym-nash-tickths

Today was our first day at toddler gymnastics. It's held in a wherehouse very close to our house, in fact we could have walked there. (We didn't). Sofia *rocked* it out. That girl loves her some "Gym-nash-tickths" After class, the teacher asked if it was a "make up class." I laughed and said "No, this is her first time." She commented that she was "enthusiastic."

What I found really amusing was how the woman on the phone stressed that she needed to be in a leotard, bare feet with hair pulled out of her face, as if she were on her way to the Olympic trials. So, we arrive there with Sofia in full Nadia Comanice gear. I guess none of the other moms got the message as the other kids were in shorts and tee shirts, no leotards, etc. I definitely felt silly, my husband is convinced it's a trick they play on the "newbies." :)

Some pics I took with my phone...

Yummy on the Cheap

So, I'm not one to dish on recipes or food (pun intended) but just had to share my latest Trader Joe's discovery. As a working-outside-the-home (and inside, for that matter) I rarely have time to really cook. My husband relies on late lunches and prepared foods for sustenance, as do I.

This week, I stumbled across this delicous surprise at Trader Joe's. I will definitely be adding it to the chicken lasagne, frozen mac and cheese and imported, frozen pizzas as "easy eats from TJ's" list.

Made some mushroom rice, popped it into the oven and had a meal in about 10 minutes. It included 3 breasts and was actually quite tasty and didn't taste frozen at all.

Thumbs up!

We Encourage That

Thank god someone is interested in cleaning around this joint. We encourage that.

William, that cheeky monkey trying to upstage his swiffer-loving brother.

Another walk down memory lane!

A dead animal on my shower tile? Oh no, that was my post partum hair loss last year. That is some scary, scary shit. It's a good thing I have a lot of hair or I'd surely be bald.

What a Year!

Just came across this graphic from about a year ago.

Sofia looks like such a baby in this pic and the boys don't even look recognizable to me!! Wow, only a year ago and it feels like a zillion years.

Divide and Conquer

Went to my friend's birthday party tonight. I thought I'd mix it up and brought just David and Sofia, let William stay home with dad and have bonding time. Next time, it will be William. It was awesome! David had a blast and Sofia was like a different person with D. when it was just the 2 of them. Very interesting...

I know it's hard to believe that one more child can make that much difference, but having the 2 of them was completely manageable whereas 3 is off the charts chaos. We even went to Trader Joe's afterwards and it was kind of fun. As we drove along and I watched Sofia tickle David in his carseat and him laugh, it made me wonder how different their relationship would have been if there was only one boy. Not that I'd ever trade either of my boys in, but YKWIM.

Went to my friend's birthday party tonight. I thought I'd mix it up and brought just David and Sofia, let William stay home with dad and have bonding time. Next time, it will be William. It was awesome! David had a blast and Sofia was like a different person with D. when it was just the 2 of them. Very interesting...I know it's hard to believe that one more child can make that much difference, but having the 2 of them was completely manageable whereas 3 is off the charts chaos. We even went to Trader Joe's afterwards and it was kind of fun. As we drove along and I watched Sofia tickle David in his carseat and him laugh, it made me wonder how different their relationship would have been if there was only one boy. Not that I'd ever trade either of my boys in, but YKWIM.

The highlight of the evening? Sofia meeting her match in the form of a 6 year old dictator. Sofia kept trying to engage the girl and the girl was giving Sofia the perpetual eye roll, which S. is too young to understand (thank goodness - sucks to see your kid get the eye roll). Some of the conversational gems of Sofia's "I have Dora flip flops," "I go to bed and then I wake up and have breakfast" and "I sleep in my mommy and daddy's room." I just think it's beyond sweet that this is something she's proud of.

****

The rental drama continues...I am so over it, I can't even tell you. I hate this crap, I really do.

Look-alike Meter - William

Ok, so now this one I believe. I think.

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Yad Vashem research - Family history

Look-alike Meter - David

And again!! A bunch of horse poop! This kid is a mini me of MOI. 6% more like S.? Yeah, that's a good one!

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Ok, what a bunch of horse poo-poo!!

This kid is a mini me of Dad. Equal parts mom and dad? I think not!

Look-alike Meter - Sofia

What a bunch of horse poop! This kid is a mini me of Dad. Equal parts M. and S.? I think not!

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Free family tree charts

Rentapalooza

I've been in trying-to-find-a-rental frenzy. (I've decided that it makes sense to rent a bigger house and rent our home out for the time being due to the real estate market drop around here).

In this area, it's almost impossible to find anything under $2500/mo that has 3 bedroom and is clean. It's insanity.

I've looked at 4 rentals in the past 2 days and one looks promising. There's another I'm hoping to see tonight or tomorrow.

In this process, I almost got caught up in a Nigerian 419 internet scam.

Good times. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Artiste

Caterpillar - by Sofia

Butterfly poop

Interesting questions of the week...

From my nursing home bound elderly aunt who isn't sure what day it is, let alone twins who don't look alike. "Are they really twins?"

That was probably the oddest twin question I've had thrown at me. I was tempted to go into the minutae of monozygotic vs. dizygotic twins and then thought, if she doesn't think they're "really" twins, what does she think they are? A freak of nature? I recall when I was pregnant, she said something about my eggs and I suspect she has it in her head that they aren't actually from my eggs and somehow something got switched and we ended up with someone else's kid. She's 84 and I didn't have the energy to edumacate her so I just said "Well, yes, they are."

The second most interesting questions asked this week?

Driving tonight with Sofia...

"Mommy???? Do butterflies poop?"

I wasn't quite sure how to answer that question. Being the nerd that I am, I had to google it and yes - in case anyone was wondering - Butterflies do poop.

Butterflies, like all insects, digest their food inside a tube (called the alimentary canal) that runs from mouth to anus. To eat, a butterfly uncoils its long snout (proboscis) and sucks in nectar. The food enters the alimentary canal, gets digested, its nutrients absorbed, and waste excreted

More than you ever wanted to know, no doubt.

A Big Day

So after 2 consecutive nights of drinking, I was in much pain yesterday.

All 3 kids didn't care much about my state and woke up bright and early, ready for action, demeanding pancakes, milk, yogurt, oatmeal. Thank god it was pre-school day for Sofia. In fact, it was her first day as a "Dinosaur" (the 2nd level in her school) and should have been an exciting day. As it was, I could barely get my act together enough to make her lunch. I had a brief moment of panic when I thought I was supposed to bring snack. That may have sent me over the edge.

I spent most of the boys' nap time cleaning the house, doing 5 loads of laundry and dishes. All the stuff I'd let slide early in the week when I was out carousing.

Mid afternoon, we packed the boys up in the minivan and visited the aunt at her resthome. We sure know how to have a good time, the boys and I. After a five minute period of being scared witless, they came to love the resthome, flirting with the octagenarians and making their sneapkers squeak as they ran across the hospital grade floors. Good times.

Then, it was off to the park. The boys played in the sandbox for the first time ever. They were really getting into it, despite William's insistence that he hit David repeatedly over the head with a shovel. They were all about pounding the shovels on things, but I was happy they were contained in the sandbox. They also learned the ins and outs of climbing and slides.

Oh yes - and I am pretty sure David said "Cheese." (Tchthsheeee)

All in all, a big day.

Some shots of the boys just hanging out at home.





Future musician?

Hollywood

So I received the local park and rec booklet a few weeks ago and haven't had time to look at it.

The other morning, I opened it up to find Miss Thang staring back at me. I remember the photog coming one day and Sofia posing for her. This is what we like to call her "Hollywood smile." You have to click on the photo and see it large to fully appreciate the cheese level.

I love how the other girls are looking cute and sweet in the background and there's Miss S., hamming it up to the camera.

That's Steve's side 'cause she sure as heck didn't get that from this camera shy chick. ;)