Teach Me to Teach You

There are books on everything.
There are books on how to walk, how to talk, and how to catch.
There are books on how to write and read, how to poop, and how to sleep.
There are books on how you are doing it right or wrong, if you have two or just one.

But there are  no books on the two of YOU.
My book on how to do things with the twins is called life.

I learn from them just as they learn from me.
I learn how to teach Natalia by singing, hugging, cheering and discipline with the occasional yelling.
I learn how to teach Noah by repeating, allowing him to do things himself,  and discipline with just a mean mommy look.
If all else fails, .... there is talking and understanding but there really is nothing like a lil spanking for some good memory branding.

They are different. So my approach in teaching them, discipline them, and even loving them is different. I got no books on this. Its trial and error. But we have fun. As they get older I need them to be a little clearer. I need them to teach me how to be the best mom I can be for each of them individually. I need to know how I can make them both amazing adults with love for life, with laughter filling all silence, with encouragement in following their dreams, fill them with kindness and confidence without them becoming arrogant, and even more... how do I teach them to get up after a fall? That its ok to fail, to defend themselves without causing harm to others, to stand up for what they believe, not to be bullies or become victims, to take care of each other, or how to be content with what they have?

I need them to teach me how to teach them how to be happy. (say that 3 times quick)
Because no book in the world will teach me that. And I'll never know if I got it right.
No pressure...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ;)

The kids had a nice Christmas,

we hope you did as well ;)

Have a wonderful New Year!

On Christmas Eve:

On Christmas with Santa:

The Twins are Three!

Last Tuesday the kiddos turned three.

I don't even know how that happened. 

One minute I couldn't get pregnant, the next I'm stuffing

my face with their birthday cakes.

I didn't get many pics but here are a few of them :)

On their actual birthday. We took them out to dinner.

Their birthday party on Saturday October, 12th.

Blurry BUT it's probably the only pic of the four of us o_0

Err... Hi?

You know who is a bad blogger? Me.
I'm not even sure I could call myself one any more. But.... anyway... hi and stuff ;)

Apparently I am capable of making empty promises. I didn't know I would dare do such thing, but I did. A couple months back I said I would blog more and I disappeared instead. How does that happen? I dunno *shrugs*

What you didn't do was read the fine print. I meant eventually I would blog more, yes. That is what I meant. And I'm still not committing, I'm just saying.

I will leave you with some pics of a little vacation we took in August. Hopefully that is worth some forgiveness, because I'm showing you the kids, and who could be upset after seeing little ones having fun? Right? Right!

Natalia forcing her love on Noah

The big man

The little Lady

Go, horsey, go!

I love Paco the horse!

I'm the volcano King

I'm Superman! (She was saying this)

We still know how to sleep like proper twins!

Family Traditions

Life is busy.

Anything and everything can get in the way at any point, we all know that. But we can still make an effort to make sure the important stuff never take the back burner. For me, family is extremely important, its right up there with sleeping.

I grew up with fond memories of always having meals at the table with my parents and siblings. It always just was. We never questioned it, we never made excuses, and the tradition was hardly ever interrupted. Then we came to NY and we did continue having meals together for a while but it was while watching a movie... that was fine. We were still together and we still chatted after while dishes were being done and homework was being taken cared of. But eventually jobs started, schedules changed and family dinner happened only a few times per week. Then we got married and bla, bla, bla....

Now that I have my own family, I want the kids to have the same memories and family value that I grew up with. For almost a year now we've been having dinner together at the table with the twins. TV and radio are off. Phones are mostly not around. And we talk and we share (and yell at them to eat when they are not) and I truly hope that since they won't know any better, that the kids never come up with the genius idea to change it.

And I didn't stop there, I want the kiddos to be close to their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, so I implemented family day with my parents and their kids once a month. We take turns hosting it. We catch up, we eat, we drink, we play or watch movies and its nice. We would like to do the same with Jeff's side of the family but the distance and their extra busy life has made it a bit impossible, sadly. His mom does come often on Sundays to visit so at least we have that. I hope that all the youngsters in the family will look forward to this for years and years to come.

What kind of traditions do you have or wish you had?

Silly Problems...

Someone explain to me...

- Why do the twins let me kiss them up to six times, but the seventh time annoys them? Worry-not. I found a solution to making these heartbreakers give me what I want. I tell them not to kiss me and then they do... so much for teaching them to do what I say. Why listen... when they can do what I say NO too? (Little rebels) (So my kids)

- Is there a hypnosis thing going on in "The Wheels on the Bus" song? These two cannot get enough of it. At first it was annoying and then we started using it to our advantage: whenever we want to have adult conversation we put on a playlist on YouTube on the TV and we chat. We don't even "hear" it anymore. But it does go round and round...

- Why do the last 15 lbs I have to lose love me oh so much? WHY????
Why must it love me to death so much so that it refuses to break up with me?... Okay, so I have a soft heart and whenever I feel my fat feeling a bit sad I do give a bit of goodness to cheer it up, but come on! Crushing its feelings would be too mean, right? RIGHT? I know I have to do it, I know. I just have to toughen up and take control. (So not fun!)

What silly problems do you have?

Dah Fun Place!

No, not the bedroom. Stop it.
Not Disney either. (Though, I want to go) (I've never been) (I know!)

Dah Basement. Our basement.
We've made it our playroom. (Again, stop it!) We figured when we were pregnant with the twins, I obviously only mean me (but you try telling Jeff that), that we wouldn't be able to go out often. Little did we know that it actually meant almost never. So we worked hard to finish it up. Okay, so that actually means Jeff and my brother worked hard to finish it while I supervised. I did a good job too, I even got the eye rolls supervisors get along with the "talks behind my back." (I take my jobs seriously)

We put up a bar, a bookshelf for me 'cause I love to read, the laundry area, a 120 inch screen with a projector, and a pool-slash-ping pong table, the computer center, and the Xbox Kinect system.

Well, we hardly use it o_0
We don't go down much with the kids because there are too many things I fear they'll run into (and they already have upstairs to put toys in every single space they find), we don't play too much pool or ping pong because we figured its there and we can play whenever we want... and so that reasoning hasn't helped (also the kids love to steals the balls). The computer? Sees us rarely... we have our phones and laptop upstairs. The Xbox kinect? Well, that was played the most only one night but by my nephew, nieces and sister-in-law. We do make use of the screen, though. By that I mean, we have it in the box unopened, and instead of using it, we  enjoy our movies straight on the wall. What? Don't judge... it looks fantastic! On most Saturday nights, we put the kids down and run downstairs to watch a movie.

So much for plans... but hey its there and if we ever get too bored we can just go downstairs and figure out what kind of fun we can have there... (go ahead and think what you want at this point)

Sss..Su-Suh..Summerrrrrrr!

Me thinks Summer is finally here.

I'm really not sure though, as soon as you get used to not wearing a light jacket and dare enjoy fifteen minutes of short sleeves, the wind picks up and shows you who is boss. And then? you freeze to death. Okay, not to death but if I don't give you a bit of dramatic flair, how am I supposed to get your attention?

I've heard the ice cream truck on and off for the past month and half and that is just confusing. Once they start driving around and teasing me with the music they should not be allowed to take days off. That being said, I don't actually go out to buy ice cream. The last thing I need is two little devils angels giving me hell begging looks to get them some of that goodness every single time they hear that magical sound. Basically, I'm training them to not know what the music means... while I suffer in silence o_0

We, by "we" I mean Jeff, got a used swing/slide set for Noah and Natty a few weeks ago but with the wild weather of too hot, kinda too cold, and rain uncertainty they kiddos have enjoyed it only about three times. I can't wait until I can take them out with no worries to tire them out for them to have fun. We are ready for Summer... but not the too hot kind. Can't have it all, I know. But, my solution to both the heat and the ice cream music is to munch on ice (who needs extra calories?) while I'm outside with the kids. And don't worry (mom) the kids have plenty of ice cream, promise.

Weeeeee!
And yes, we had to wear sweaters because of the wind. Boo!

When Did I Grow Up?

Did I grow up?

I feel like it was just a few years ago I lived with my parents, attended college and was quite happy with whatever part time job I had. Now I’m actually considered an adult (weird!), I own my house, I am a wife, and I’m responsible for two little beings that mean the world to me. And I don't feel like I've changed a whole lot.

I often wonder how any of this came to happen.
I know the kids part, no need to explain that :D But how did I get to be so content being a SAHM after enjoying going to work for so many years? It's certainly more different than I expected. I get to make sure my kids have the best caretaker, teacher, and mother and most importantly I actually love it. At first, I thought I might get bored since I've never stayed home for so long but I'm quite happy being a bum. And by bum, I mean not dressing up and walking around in heels and makeup and whatnot and never having a private moment to myself (unless you are counting the hours of 12:00am to like 5:00am when everyone else is sleeping.) Otherwise, I'm quite busy. I promise you that staying home does not mean I have nothing to do. I just can't believe where my life is at.

If you had told me a few years back that I would be a mom of twins and that I wouldn't be working, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, a grown up, raising the kids and hoping I do a good enough job that they turn out happy and fulfilled adults. This doesn't mean I can't act immature every so often, though. Being an adult doesn't mean I don't get to have fun. So, I want to promise my inner child that I will do my best not to forget her and make sure she gets to live her moments too. 

Not Shanny!!!!

This may be weird, then again I'm weird so maybe its just normal. Why don't you be the judge?

 

I have this thing, I love my name.... now (I didn't quite like being called "Chani" growing up in Venezuela since they don't have the "Shh" pronunciation) I do appreciate how different it is now, thanks Mom! However.... I hate it when Jeff calls me Shanny.

Why you ask?

I feel like I'm in trouble. Like I am a little girl who did something wrong and is about to be punished. I don't know why... I just do. I hear it coming from his mouth and I think Chit!.. Um, I mean Shit! I'm so used to always being called Baby, Honey, Chichi (cute story behind this one) and Shan by my adorable husband. Just NOT Shanny!

Even when we have one of our stupid fights, mostly because I started it, he doesn't call me by my name. So why on earth must he freak me out 3 times a year and call me Shanny? I think he does it on purpose now. It never fails, I think something is wrong and it is my fault. I can't describe the first few beats my heart gives when he says it, they are strong! (I did say I'm weird). Why do I associate my name being called to something negative? Maybe its because my Mom called me Shanny every time she yelled at me when I was younger. Once again Thanks Mom!, please note the sarcasm this time. Now my husband cannot call me by my name... ever... without me freaking out.

Well maybe only if it comes after an "I love you", but even then I'll probably give him a strange look, which might not be too romantic. The bottom line is that I'm spoiled, I'm used to being called "sweet" names and unless you want me to get a heart attack because you said my name, Jeffrey, please call me anything you want..... just not Shanny!

A Kid's Social Life

The twins have a busier social life than me. I cannot keep up.

How is it that two year olds have so many birthday parties and shows to attend? Don't get me wrong, its fun, but I'm a bit jealous. I want to have personal chauffeurs, personal stylist, and to be given goodie bags too. Also, also? I want to be able to eat all that cake they gobble down and have no guilt associated with it. And then? I want someone to carry me in a like a princess and tuck me in bed too.

These kids have it good.

I probably had it good too, I don't remember. In fact, I don't think I remember anything prior to having kids. My social life consists mainly of being their... ah heck, just read the list of duties I just mentioned, their personal EVERYTHING. I love it though, I'm just a bit jealous... that's all :D

Summer is still hiding over here but the fun has surely began.
The kids are going to be disappointed this weekend though, why? It's Mommy's turn to be pampered (not with pampers) but who am I kidding? Let's face it, I still have to help them celebrate Mother's day... so yes, my social life on mothers day is to help the kids help me have a wonderful day, which in turn is how I know I will (kudos to you if followed that). They are the bestest busy kids I know... and they haven't even started school and meeting more kids yet, eek...

Happy 9th Anniversary to Jeff! (and me)

If you asked me two years ago if it felt like Jeff and I have been married for 7 years (at that time) I would have said "Nooooooo! It only feels like two years :D"

Now?

With kids?

Is it really only 9 years? I don't believe you. There surely has to be more years involved. We are more tired than ever and (luckily) happier than ever. Funny thing is I think I've spent less time with him these past two years than I did before, I'm not sure if that's good or bad. At least I'm not tired of him, eh?

In fact we are happy enough that I STILL have our wedding pics as my avatar on Blogger and its also my profile pic (top left of your screen). Could I/Should I take it down? Nahhh, I'm too lazy. It's been 9 wonderful years. I still love you Jeff, so go unpack your bags and here is to the other 9 *cheers*  :D

As I say every year,

My dear Jeff: I did, I do, I will...

Best Moments EVER!

When one or both of the kids come up to me and say

I LOVE YOU Mommy!

 

Even better when they follow up with hugs and kisses.

My heart melts.

My head spins.

And then I fall..

 

Never mind that they probably don't know

the real meaning of their words.

But their actions?

They say it all ;)

 

And now,

you may continue on...

Ohh, So That's a Date!

Jeff and I went out on Saturday. ALONE. With no kids. #ThatShitCray

OK. So my mother-in-law and her darling offered to watch the twins for us. We booked them like a month before... busy life people, busy life. We went out to dinner, we went to the movies, and went to a Hookah Lounge.

And you know what else we did right? That's right: we talked about the kids most of the night! (What were you thinking?) It's the most natural thing to do, isn't it? Who else does this? Raise hands.

The next day? We were tired. Like really really tired. Living the wildlife is apparently not for us anymore. I got up with the kids in the morning and put on a pot of coffee. About 20 minutes later I stood in the kitchen staring at the pot wondering if I had pressed "start" or not... you think the fact that the pot I was staring at was full would have given me a hint... but no, I pressed "start" again to see if the light would go on... true story.

On other news, our two favorite topic of conversation are officially 2 1/2 years today. Six months from now they'll be three. How and when did this happen? Someone has some 'splaining to do.

Twins Egg Hunt

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

 

We didn't do anything spectacular.

It was too cold and windy so the kids

spent no more than a half hour out in our

backyard hunting for eggs.

 

 



 



My Princess and My Rocket Scientist

My Princess...
*She likes to wear flowy dresses and spin and say "Natty Princess"
*She loves to count everything in English and Spanish.
*She loves to sing ABC and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
*She likes combing her hair... and bang the brush on Mommy's head.
*She groups her blocks by color, letters and numbers.
*She is very good at figuring out puzzles.
*She knows to manipulate all of us with her "pleeeeeeeaze", eye winks, and kisses.

My Rocket Scientist...
*He is obsessed with The Milky Way, Space and planets.
*He likes to name everything in English and Spanish.
*He is obsessed with The Wheels on the Bus.
*He likes to build houses, castles and tunnels with his blocks.
*He loves to spell.
*He really, really would love to have his very own rocket ship.
*He is do-it-yourself-er. He is all hands on with doing anything.

Both...
*The are very good at understanding their "turns" to do things. Though they scream "My turn, my turn!" when you are done with the other one, with whatever: bathing, playing, cleaning, washing hands, etc, etc, etc.
*They figured out how to build "train tracks" together with foam puzzle pieces.
*They also figured out how to use the same pieces to make ramps and drive their cars down and to roll balls.
*The are obsessed with tunnels. Anything they can get under and scream tunnel is fun. Driving in the highway and going under bridges is big family game. They laugh and we lose our voices.
*The figured out they can make shapes with their hands and love to make circles, diamonds, and triangles.
*They like to draw and name what they made. Example: Natalia made two funny circles and called them eyes. And Noah drew some twisted line and called it snake.
*They are good at getting the basketball in the basket.
*They love to dance a.k.a. jump.
*They constantly call each other by their name... here is a conversation example:
(agua means water) (She calls herself baby sometimes)

"Where my agua? Where my agua Noah?"
"Oh here it is! Here Natty" He hands over her cup.
"Thanks Noah"
"You are welcome Natty"
"Natty drinking agua. Noah drink the agua!" Yeah, she is bossy.
"Okay Natty"
"Oh no! Baby mess!" Dropped some watter.
"Bad Natty!"
"It's okayyyyy, baby clean!"
"No Noah clean!
"Natty's turn" finishes and hands over towel or mommy's shirt... whichever.
"Noah's turn"
"Yay Noah!" She claps.
"I did it. Thanks Natty" He claps.
"Welcome Noah"
"Ride the bike Natty?"
"Yeah Noah in the hallway!"
"Look! One bike two bikes, weeeeeee"
"Weee"

A Kid's Nightmare...

What does it consist of?

As a young child, the only nightmare I remember was of me falling... I think we all dream of it at some point, heck, I still do from time to time. I know I would wake up in a panic because I didn't like it--that horrible falling feeling. But at two years old? They don't really know the falling feeling, so wassup with Natalia screaming her head off from time to time?

Noah wakes up and calls for me, I go and hug him, he gives me kisses and goes back to sleep.
Natalia screams NOOOOOOO, nooooo! and when I go to her she is fast asleep. Sometimes she is even crying. No tummy aches, no stuffy nose, the child is fine. I pick her up and give her some loving and she continues to sleep. What could they possibly dreaming?

Here are my top five nightmares for my two year olds:

1-Food is being taken away from them--well, mainly Natalia. The girl loves her food.
2-Daddy is hugging Mommy. How dare he?
3-I yelled at them for being naughty. Hmm, probably not, if they are dreaming they should be able to get away with it, no?
4-That they asked for candy or ice cream and I said no.
5-Err... that Mommy went out without them? Because they love me oh-so-much? Maybe?

Phone Dump!

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Love Thee?

Let me list the ways:

- I love thee a little mixed. Not too dark, not too light.
- I love thee at the right temperature. To keep me warm on a cold morning.
- Or cool on a hot afternoon.
- I love thee a little sweet. Some shugah never hurt anyone... but too much is overboard.
- I love thee at the right size. Too big doesn't feel right. Too small is not enough.
- I love thee to keep me energized... as only you know *exactly* how to do it... wink, wink.

Oh Coffee. I love thee so many ways....

I have missed you this past week while we've been sick.
And while I'm still coughing my guts out this morning I can finally appreciate you for all that you are. My dear dear love. Help me survive these twins who are back full force with energy and completely ignoring their coughs and runny noses. And help me get them tired so we can all take a nice long nap later. Okaythanksbye!

I Don't Know About Jeff...

He might, maybe, perhaps not love me in an intense way...

Yes, we are about to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary (in May).

18 years if you count both weddings-Hindu & Catholic-

(we like to do things in two's up in here!)

 regardless that doesn't say much... does it?

I was listening to songs, and according to those Jeff hardly loves me.

Don't believe me? The man has never ever said to me:

"If you ever leave me baby, leave some morphine at my door." ~Bruno Mars

 (He might help me pack my bags!)

or

"If I should be so bold I'd ask you to hold my heart in your hand." ~ Jason Mraz

(OK, this might fall into the 'I Do' category but still, I like how dramatic this is)

or

even more dramatic...

"I'll catch a grenade for ya..." ~Bruno Mars

(... No, I don't want him to literally do it, just to tell me.)

or

"You are so f*kng perfect to me." ~ Pink

 (hmm, there is something about this one...)

BUT,

But, but he did sing this to me way before we got married:

(From The Wedding Singer)

"I'll miss you
Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold
Need you
Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you" ~ Adam Sandler

So, he may not be all dramatic about it, but I suppose he loves me just enough...

and growing old we are... By the way, that remote control indeed belongs to me ;)

 

Ohhhh Jeff: All of the above, take it!

I'm dramatic so I dedicate them to you.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I love you :)

Here is my gift to you:

Yes, I'm still cashing in this one...

(pic from their first V-day ever)

 

Not from V-day but whatev,

here are our 2 hearts being silly: