The beginning of life with a 2 and a 3 year old

From the time I had my first glimpse of the terrible twos along with friends telling us that three was worse, Matt and I always thought that we would surely find out for ourselves since we would have one of each at the same time. Thankfully, Abby was pretty easy on us during her twos for the most part except for her drama queen tendencies and pension for throwing up when she got really upset.  Thankfully that has subsided.  So far the 3s are way more fun than not.  I realized the difference between 2 & 3 year old meltdowns (basically the way that everyone has gone through it before would describe it)- 2 year old are way more irrational and 3 year olds are more stubborn in the I do it MYSELF kind of way.

The other night, Matt was putting the kids in the bath and Abby was throwing a fit because she wanted to do something herself (can't recall what it was), and I was undressing Zack.  Out of nowhere he melted completely because he wanted to keep his shirt on- totally irrational.  So, both kids were serenading us with screams and we just took a deep breath, gave each other a big hug and laughed!  I think this was Zack's first tantrum-like experience and he was much better when he got out of the bath and got a big hug! 

I am pretty sure I wasn't as calm when Abby went from sweet to 2 in a flash.  I think the addition of a 5 month old to the mix made it a bit more unnerving and the fact that I wasn't sure if it was a phase or a her new personality.  Now, with experience, I know that it is just a phase:)....I hope!

I love that Abby is "reading" on her own now and that she reads to Zack

On the bright side, the majority of the time they are such a joy.  Abby is getting much more creative in her play and brings Z along for the ride.  We often have pillow trains through our living room, hide and seek, and lots of other fun imaginary games.  Abby has also started playing with dolls for really the first time ever.  She takes care of them and Zack joins in to.  They do everything together and if one laughs, they both do.  Same with crying, unfortunately.  It is fun to watch them become friends and enjoy eachother's company.  It is also nice that they get to play with other kids throughout the day now that they go to separate preschool and daycare.  I love that they are so excited when they are reunited.

Zack is copying everything we say these days and his favorite it to call Abby in a low voice like daddy does, "Ab-i-gail!"  He counts one, two, bee, which is way too cute!  He is pretty mellow still-at least compared to big sis who can be a tad more demanding.  He has a really great spatial sense it seems and likes to build towers, read stories and be outside.  He has figured out how to climb in and out of his crib- so not ready to move him to a bed!  He is quite the jumper and climber.

So far I can't complain about life with a 2 and 3 year old.  I hope it I can still say that 6 months from now!

Here are a few pictures from the last month.  I have taken a total of 20 pictures this month.  I usually take anywhere form 300-1000.   So, I just have my random iphoto pics and horrible lighting. It has been a CRAZY, unpredictable month to say the least.  I am looking forward to March and more updates and decisions hopefully coming soon!

SUPER CHEESE!

Happy Valentine's Day

They like to hang out in Z's crib

Play time with the Weida girls

We watched the Weida girls tonight while the big kids went to Duke's. The kids played and played all night and all were great! It is fun to see the kids play together and see all their different personalities emerge.

Date Night!

I have had a gift card for Autnie Pasto's for a while so we decided that it was a good night to go out instead of cook dinner.  After a crazy month and weekends that end before they even seem to begin it was a very nice night out.  There were lots of kids and the restaurant was packed so it was perfect!

Mommy and her little man

Daddy and Abby

LOVE!

Those days are here

Since the kids were born and then the next round of kids were born we have been going to the beach but the days, although fun, have been filled with bottles, naps, eating sand etc.  There is rarely a relaxing moment as anyone with toddlers knows.  We have always reminded ourselves that someday we will be able to sit and the kids will just play.  And today, they did!  As we sat in the beach in our lounge chairs and barely moved for a few hours, the kids played in an out of the water and came to visit for food or a little snuggle.  It is so hard to believe that the kids are getting so independent and growing up so fast!

They had a blast spinning and floating around in their tubes!

Sunset Cruise

We were able to join some of Matt's friends from softball on a sunset cruise and Monica graciously took the kids so we could enjoy the evening without worrying about kids going overboard.  The weather was perfect and we had a great time meeting some new people and being out on the water!

 Matt being difficult! Over and over again...

 A little blurry but it was the best we got:).

Visiting the Swans

A trip would not be complete without a visit to the swans...  We had plenty of cheerious so we got to stay for a while.

Laniwai: Heaven for a day!

Matt's parents decided to treat themselves to a spa day at the Aulani- something that Bill has never done and Mar rarely does.  They got to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the amenities.

And then the best part was that they treated US the next day!  Thank you! It was so awesome.  Matt and I loved the soaking pools and a day together without electronics or any other distractions.  

Matt's massage therapist said that she recognized him from the brochure and she brought it out for him.  These are the poor quality pictures of the brochure.   It is fun to see the pictures in print!