a and b: 18-20 month updates

So where have we been, you ask? Where were you, exactly, when you had 20 month old twins? Not on the computer, blogging, that's for sure.

I understand, I need to buckle down and get back on the blogging train and I will, I promise. The issue is that by the end of the day, I am utterly exhausted and only capable of finding some nonsense on television and zoning out.

Speaking of buckling down... E & A are obsessed, OBSESSED over anything with buckles. Their main buckle mechanism of choice? Their highchairs. They can buckle them closed, but cannot unbuckle.. so immediately upon buckling, the scream "PEASE" in demand for help with the unbuckling procedure.

The girls are also very talkative lately. If you have had the pleasure of hearing Evelyn talk, you know what I am speaking of, its pretty awesome. Audrey is more of a 'reader' where she will 'read' her books aloud but Evelyn has full on conversations with you in her own language (with a few 'mommy' 'daddy' 'narnie' au- ee's) thrown in. Au-ee and Au-dee is, naturally, Audrey- and sometimes E-bie for Evie.. too much.

In other news- we have been enjoying our weekly swim classes and playgroup at the Y. E & A both now know how to blow bubbles and kick and use 'big arms'. These skills are not limited to the pool, they will also show these skills off in the tub or anywhere for that matter. "kick, kick, kick, kick" !

Now that the weather has been improving, we've explored some local playgrounds and parks, which has been a fun way to expend some energy. Our neighbors gave us a playhouse and slide for the backyard and against all my intentions of keeping the backyard plastic free, we are rocking some serious colorful plastic these days. We also have been taking our red wagon out and about for walks, which the girls also really enjoy.

Our favorite books lately are all Dr. Seuss. The girls especially love when Eric reads these stories to them. They both can say "Hop on Pop" and 'Go Dog, Go'. Books and putting diapers on their baby dolls account for a lot of playtime around here. Puzzles are also a big fan favorite and lets not forget the shape sorters...

Singing, as I've mentioned numerous times, is also a favorite activity. Sometimes I'll hear Audrey when she wakes up from her nap singing "allllll ooohwaaa towwwwwn" (all over town from wheels on the bus). They are almost completely proficient with their A B C's and like to sing "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" along with "Wheels". We listen to A LOT of music (pretty much all day long) and its so amazing that they know most of the songs on the children's station. They may not know the exact words, but they 'sing' along to most of them on their own.

We are working on our counting and we can get to 2. Isn't that appropriate?

Oh and I'd be a complete fat liar if I didn't admit that their favorite television show (they watch 2) is Yo Gabba Gabba. Sesame Street is their second favorite. They know Elmo and all of the YGG characters. It was simply impossible to escape a few tv shows in the past few months.. being cooped up in the house, what else can you do?

Crayons have made their way into our world.. ONLY to be used at their highchairs. Yes, most of the time I spend after 'coloring' is with a wet paper towel trying to extract the crayon bits from their mouths.

The little lovies have become quite 'independent' in the last couple of months, insisting on doing things on their own... this can lead to quite the breakdown and temper tantrum. It is so surprising to Eric and I that these two have tempers.. who would have ever thought?

I think that's enough for now.. here are some photos with lots more to come later tonight.

Has anyone seen Leonard?