Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hello there sister!

The girls have been  interacting with each other more and more lately, I love seeing them start to notice each other more. When they have two of the same or similar things they give one to their sister, they give each other kisses and high fives, they copy each other when they do something funny, they will look for each other when asked where their sister is and laugh when they think their sister is funny.



K got sick so I need to once more strip my diapers so they don't get it again, I have been very slow in getting to that so we have been using disposables for awhile now, I think I am ready to get back to cloth though.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Cheerios Everywhere

Look at this mess
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you say my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you say I'm the Mom
With cheerios everywhere

Look at this twin
Treasures untold
How many cheerios can one little fist hold?
Looking around here you think
It could really use a sweep




Sunday, August 7, 2011

Camping

During Mike's vacation in July we went camping with his family in Kananaskis. The girls were able to sleep in the trailer which was lovely as it was pretty cold and windy for a few of the nights and I don't think they would have slept as well outside with us. They loved camping, they love being outside and going for walks in the stroller or thier backpacks. Here are some things I learnt from camping.

  • Foamy Blocks are Nicer Than Gravel - I brought along our foamy block puzzle piece things to set up outside for the girls to play on, they mostly stayed on them and they were much nicer to crawl around on than the gravel. 
  • Pack for Cold Weather - I have not been camping in awhile and have never taken babeis camping so I did not plan well for the cold weather, thankfully my Dad was driving out near to us the second day were out and brought us thier jackets and touques and just in time too because the next day was freezing. Thankfully it warmed up after that and we had lovely hot weather. 
  • Kiddie Backpacks are Awesome - The girls love them because they can look around and they hold the baby a bit off your back so the air can move around and you both don't get so hot. 
  • If Your Babies Don't Like Water Don't Haul and Heat Water for a Kiddie Pool - They screamed then got out. 
  • With Twins Bring a Stroller - We were debating whether to bring the stroller and backpacks and I am so glad we brought both, that way we could go hiking with the backpacks but when one person needed to watch both babies they could take them for a walk in the stroller alone. 




    Thursday, August 4, 2011

    Leaving on a Jet Plane

    Flying with twins is an adventure! Recently we took the girls with us on a little weekend trip to Abbotsford for wedding. It was alot of fun and a nice short flight, I don't claim to be an expert but here are a few things I learnt about flying with babies (or baby)

    • Bring a stroller - we thought we would save space since we were only going for a weekend and not bring a stroller but little did we know you can wheel the stroller right up to the doors of the plane and then it will be there again when you get off. Handy.
    • Bring Cheerios - We did this, snacks for little ones who love to move but must sit on your lap are helpful
    • Only one baby can sit in each row because there is only one extra oxygen mask, we sat across the aisle from each other and it worked great
    • 'Forbidden Toys' are handy when starting to descend - In general out girls are not allowed to play with our cell phones, however when they started getting really fussy on the way down the cell phones entertained and quieted them
    • Bring Grandparents - They are great and don't mind when the baby grabs thier magazine or braclet ect. 

    Tuesday, August 2, 2011

    Bambino Bums and Stinky Diapers

    I recently won a BambinoBums Diaper from Calgary Cloth Diaper Depot for being a fan on FB.

    The BambinoBums are a one size pocket diaper with fleece lining and a microfleece insert. I thought they may not fiy as well because they only have one row of snaps to fasten around the waist instead of two like all my other snap diapers but it fits my girls great! I love the fit, I love the bright colours and I would definetaly buy more if I needed more diapers.

    When I went to the website to set up the link I saw that BambinoBums just redesigned to add an extra snap around the waist! While this is great the other thing that is great is now the diapers at Calgary Cloth Diaper Depot are on sale, you can try one out for only $11.20. Sweet.

    http://rediaper.ca/images/rockin%20green%20remix%20funk.jpgThe ammonia stink in my diapers was getting bad so I bought some Rockin Green Funk Rock soap which is supposed to get rid of it. I tried it once and while it helped it did not eliminate the stink. I continued my regular wash routine but added some Baking Soda to each wash and that helped maintain the smell but it was still there. I decided to try the Rockin Green again and make sure I follow all the instructions. It seems to have worked on my Blueberry Diapers (which are partly bamboo) but my BumGenuis still stink, they are better, but still stink. I am not impressed and I am not sure what I am going to try next. I would not recommend the Funk Rock soap though, it was too expensive not to work.

    Saturday, July 23, 2011

    And....We're Back

    At long last another blog post.

    Birthday Cake

    Our girls are 1 year old now! What a year it has been, it is funny to think of sleepless nights and endless feeding and first smiles, first rolls, first food...those babies who used to just lie there and wave their arms are so busy doing this and that now.

    They are standing on their own and take a couple steps everyday, they love to walk around holding our hands and climb on anything they can.

    They are learning to sign to us and can now say 'please', 'thank-you', 'more' and 'all done.' Sometimes they interchange please, more and thank-you. J's current favorite is 'Thank-you'

    Recently they have become terrified of water. Terrified. They hate baths, pools, kiddie pools...My strategy is to give them more frequent baths until they love them again then attempt a pool again when they are not so scared.

    There is a quick 1 year update, look for more posts about camping, flying, diapers and more soon!

    Wednesday, May 25, 2011

    The Nap Drop

    As of yesterday my girls are single nap babies. I was not looking forward to this happening but now it is not so bad. Their morning and afternoon naps were getting to be 45 minutes each at the longest. Yesterday at nap time they were still as happy as can be so I gave it a shot and in the afternoon they slept more than 2 hours after being relativly happy all morning . Success! Today they were not so happy in the morning but are sleeping currently.

    Goodbye morning nap, you will be missed. 

    Friday, May 20, 2011

    Cloth Once More

    I officailly began using cloth diapers again, ran out of diapers, washed diapers and have not stuffed them and began using them since being cleaned. It seems my will power is lacking. I intend to stuff them today and get them back on them.

    Before beginning to use them I had to do a good wash to get the yeast out of them that was giving my girls rashes. I found this article on the Babes in Arms FB page and tried it out. I think it worked for it's purposes but I think some amnonia remains so now I am going to work on getting rid of that.

    In other news, I love being outside with my girls and Jael likes looking like she is straight out of the Newsies.

    Tuesday, May 10, 2011

    Standing is the New Sitting

    My girls are really enjoying practicing all their new skills, they crawl like pros and are climbing up on everything.

    I decided last week that they are old enough to eat what we eat so since then they have had sweet and sour chicken, quinoa, spaghetti, fried rice, mango chicken, rice, burgers, meatballs, grilled cheese etc.

    and they are loving it!

    Monday, May 2, 2011

    Treasure Trove

    "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
    -James 1: 17

    The month is over and just look at all the good gifts God has given me! Praise Him! I hope you have enjoyed following this and have been looking for things to be thankful for every day.

    Until next time....

    Saturday, April 30, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 30th

    Today I was planning to have my treasure not be our kids or our house for the sake of variety but then Jael decided to change my mind. Jael cuddled with me this morning, which is something she basically never does. And incase that was not enough she then signed 'more' for the first time just to make sure she got on here. Sweet Jael is my treasure today.

    Friday, April 29, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 29th

    As you may have gathered I like babies. I enjoy gatherings of babies and watching them interact while chatting and hanging out with other mommas. One such babyfest was my treasure today.

    Thursday, April 28, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 28

    Today our friend Christina came over for a great game of Settlers of Catan, it was a great time. I love that game. One might say I treasure it.

    Wednesday, April 27, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 27th

    Both my girls are learning new tricks every day and Kaylyn's newest favourite is sitting up on her knees and looking out the windows. When my Mom arrived today with my brothers and Grandma she was watching out the window and it was so sweet, it was my treasure for today.

    Treasure Tro ve - April 26th

    I was out late last night and did not get a chance to post my treasure. It was a busy day, lots of great company and good food and and cute babies and planning camp. Great friends were my treasure yesterday!

    Monday, April 25, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 25th

    Spring is finally arriving! I love sunshine and I am loving watching buds come up around our house, it is very exciting and surprising because we did not plant any of it but there it is! My treasure today is the flowers blooming outside.


    What is your treasure today?

    Treasure Trove - April 24th

    I decided to post my treasure from yesterday, watch later today for today's treasure!

    Yesterday we came home from our little vacation and the sun was shining on a beautiful Easter afternoon! We went to the park with the girls to play in the swings but one of them was taken already...my treasure yesterday was sharing.


    Wednesday, April 20, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 20

    The weekend starts early this week! Tonite we are heading out to Lethbridge until Sunday. I am really excited and looking forward to getting away for a bit. So, my treasure for this long weekend is our little trip to the farm and I will be back on Monday with more.

    Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 19th

    The hardwood floor is moving along beautifully, the first (and largest) room is practically finished and my treasure today was working with Mike on it. I like feeling like a handywoman, working the saw, seeing everything come together and working with Mike. Sometimes the girls try to help too, they are handybabies.




    What is your treasure today?

    Monday, April 18, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 18th

    Since the girls were born Mike and I have gone on three real dates, we have gone out without the girls apart from these times but most of those trips were looking at houses so they don't count as dates. Tonite was one of those three dates and it has been lovely. We went to Crossiron Mills and then came home for tea, I forgot my camera on our way out the door so these pictures are from at home. Today, without a doubt, my treasure is my date with Mike.



    What is your treasure today?

    Sunday, April 17, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 17th

    Mike won a ipod, I am really excited about using it and putting some pictures on it, I think it will come in handy. Excitment / winning things = treasure.

    Saturday, April 16, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 16th

    Today stuff is getting done! We finished painting our room and began laying hardwood, soon we will be done and be able to move in upstairs. My Dad was super busy today but still made time to come over and help us get the hardwood started. Thank Dad!


    What is your treasure today?

    Friday, April 15, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 15th

    I think I have the most amazing siblings ever. Today my younger brothers both came over to hang out with the girls and help me out. Elias is beginning to take an interest in baking and I could not be happier as every time he comes over he tries out something and leaves me delicious treats, I loved baked goods! Thanks for all your help today guys, thanks for playing with the girls, they like you and thanks for the brownies! Your visit is my treasure today!


    What is your treasure today?

    Thursday, April 14, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 14th

    Today Glynis came over for a sewing day, during which we have not sewn. We did however look through a couple boxes of fabric that our Aunt gave us awhile back. In these boxes we found a gem: vegetable and fruit fabric, we proceeded to create a quilt pattern to use these amazing fabrics and I have now cut the blocks. I am extremely excited about this quilt. Great fabric that was given to us is my treasure today.


    What is your treasure today?

    Wednesday, April 13, 2011

    Another Win

    I used to think I didn't win anything but I guess I just hadn't entered any contests for cloth diapers. I won another one! This time from Calgary Cloth Diaper Depot, a new place to get cloth diapers in Calgary. If you become their fan on facebook you can win too! But watch out, I am a fan too so I might just win every time.

    The new diaper is a Bambino Bums Onesize Pocket Diaper in red, because who does not want a bright red diaper? Since moving my girls have been in disposables, I think we will start up again on cloth when the reno is done and we are fully moved in. Until then my garbage bin fills up and my box of diapers empties way too fast. One bonus to being is disposables is that they have been sick this past week and lets just say diaper changes have not been pretty.

    Here's looking forward to trying out the new diaper and getting back into cloth!

    Treasure Trove - April 13th

    Last night Mike and I picked out paint for our room. Since I could not come to Rona with him because it was supper time for the girls he went and got a few paint chips for us to look at, and by a few I mean a lot. It was fun to lay them all out on the floor and have our own little paint store. After we finally made up our minds we preped the walls for painting. Spending time with him and choosing paint was my treasure for today. I like Mike and I like paint.



    What is your treasure today?

    Tuesday, April 12, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 12th

    Today was sunny and glad looking outside! As opposed to yesterday's deceiving sunshine with bitter wind it was lovely weather today for a walk, so walk we did. Today my treasure is getting outside in the sun. (Summer you can not come too soon.)



    What was your treasure today?

    Monday, April 11, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 11th

    Since Jael got her own the other day I figured it is Kaylyn's turn.

    Over the last couple weeks it has been so fascinationg to watch Kaylyn learn to crawl. Many things the girls learn to do seem to come on slowly but every day I have seen her get better at crawling. A week ago she was scooting herself across the hardwood on her belly and now she is crawling all over the place and enjoying the new freedom. I think she has always wanted to move and now she can!

    Here's to learning new things, here's to Kaylyn motoring around: my treasure today is watching her.

    What is your treausre today?

    Sunday, April 10, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 10th

    When Mike and I went to Mexico I assumed that the hotel would have conditioner. I was wrong. So when we went into a nearby town a few days into our stay we went to a store called 'Mega' and I was very excited to finally have conditioner. When we came home I went back to using my old stuff but when we moved last week it was the first stuff I found so now it sits there and reminds me of sunny days and beaches. I like it. I don't think I am the type of person who would usually say this but today my treasure is my conditioner :)



    What is your treasure today?

    Saturday, April 9, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 9th

    Today I spent almost all my time away from home, but I am still sneaking this in on the right day!

    We recently bought a house and we are removing the old carpet from upstairs and replacing it with hardwood. As with most renos the job seems to be getting more involved as we go along, there was particle board on the subfloor which had to be ripped up and replced with plywood. Today the plywood is all down and we are now ready for hardwood. We would not be able to get so much done without a bunch of help so you are all my treasure today! Dad, Mom, Tyler, Josh...Thank-you!


    Friday, April 8, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 8th, 2011

    I don't often spend time with only one of my girls because there are two of them and they are on pretty close schedules. However, both of them have not been feeling well this week and it is making Kaylyn have longer than usual naps while Jael is still taking regular naps. Both today and yesterday I have spent a couple hours with Jael playing in the sunshine and eating cheerios. Instead of being annoyed that they are not both sleeping together I want to treasure the time I get to spend with either of them so today my treasure is my time with Jael.


    Thursday, April 7, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 7th, 2011

    If you are not a mother you won't quite understand. If you are a mother it requires no explanation.
    Today my treasure is some good 'ol shower therapy.




    What is your treasure today?

    Wednesday, April 6, 2011

    Treasure Trove - April 6th, 2011

    One of the blogs that I frequently visit is Ryckman Photography, twice a year she has a series she calls Ordinary to Extraordinary. Everyday for a month she finds some treasure in the ordinary and posts about it, with pictures of course. I have followed all the last three times she has done this with the last one just ending a few days ago. I was inspired to find my own treasure and post about it for a month, at the end I can look back and see the whole treasure trove. God has blessed me so much and I am so thankful to Him for filling my life with treasure.

    Today my girls are 9 months old! It is so amazing to watch them grow and learn.Since the day they were born they have brought us so much joy, they are my treasure today and everyday. From sleepless nights with two tiny babies to finger food and learning to crawl life with them is always an adventure. I love them to bits.



    What is your treasure today?

    You can follow my treasure trove on Facebook here.

    A Menu

    Yesterday............
    Breakfast:
    2/3 Cup (dry) of mixed Cereal with some prune juice mixed in
    Cheerios
    Half a Banana
    Blueberries
    Plain yo-gurt
    Water

    Lunch:
    Cooked Carrot chunks
    Peas
    White Beans 
    Cheerios
    Kidney Bean, Wax bean and pea puree
    Canned Peaches
    Water

    Snack:
    Rice rusk cracker
    Cheerios

    Supper:
    Cooked carrot chunks
    Grated cheese
    White Bean and Broccoli Puree
    The rest of the banana
    Applesauce


    Today...........
    Breakfast:
    2 slices of toast
    Cantaloupe
    2/3 cup Rice cereal
    Yo-gurt

    Lunch & Supper: TBD

    Wednesday, March 16, 2011

    Babies are Funny

    If you have not seen these yet you should. And if you have seen them you should watch again. They will make you smile.

    Monday, March 7, 2011

    Disposable Liners

     !!!!!!!!!!  Warning: This post deals with poop. Be forewarned. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    As you may or may not know poop changes as soon as you start solid food. It is no longer water soluble and cannot just go through the wash, it must somehow make its way into the toilet. One handy device some people have is a diaper sprayer that hooks up to your toilet, we do own one of these but as our home is fairly temporary we have not hooked it up. As such when poop got grosser I began using flushable liners in my cloth diapers. These liners make clean up easy no matter how goopy the mess, so if you have goopy poopers these are for you!

    There are three places/types that I know you can get

    1. Kushies
    Available at Walmart, $10 for a roll of 100

    2. AppleCheeks Flushable Liners
    Available at Tiny Tree Hugger, $8 + shipping for a roll of 100

    3. Bummis
    Available at Bobebe, $7 for a roll of 100

    Because of shipping I have not tried or seen the Applecheeks. I have seen both the Kushies and the Bummis and the Kushies makes a larger roll so I assume that their liners are thicker than Bummis as they both hold 100 liners however since Bummis are cheaper (Twin Club members also get 10% off at Bobebe) I buy them and have been very happy with them.

    Something to consider:
    I pay about 6 cents per liner and disposable diapers cost 16 cents, using liners in every diaper makes cloth diapering not as economical however even if you have a diaper sprayer or easy clean up poops (read: a lump of poop that dumps out of the diaper) if you ever need to put cream on your baby's bum you will need to use a liner to keep it off of your diapers as it wrecks them.

    I am sure there are other brands and prices out there, have you found any cheaper liners?

    DID YOU KNOW? That even if you use disposable diapers you are not supposed to throw your poop in the garbage but dump it in the toilet? Landfills are not designed for human waste.
    Now you do.

    Monday, February 21, 2011

    Baby Food Factory



    After buying 24 more jars this weekend that I found for a great deal on kijiji I made a whole bunch of baby food today.




    While the peas and green beans were boiling I chopped up broccoli, carrots and potatos. 



    After letting the cooked veggies cool I add some of the water that the veggies boiled in to the blender with them and then puree and pour into jars.



    Doesn't that look delicious! K woke up in the middle of my production and ate a snack while I finished up.


    I mashed the potatos with veggie water instead of blending them. 


    Of all the foods that I made today the only new one was potato. On the menu for this evening was mixed cereal with green beans, broccoli and some potato and applesauce and some prunes for dessert. They hated the potato, it made them puke so I don't think they will be eating it again soon.