Why?

Q: Why did Wesley squat down in shame and pee on the carpet like a punished puppy?
A: Because I yelled at him for pulling all the money and credit cards out of my wallet.

Q: Why didn't you see that Wesley was messing with your wallet?
A: Because I was untangling Oliver from behind the entertainment center where he was lying, screaming, trapped with the VCR and cable boxes fallen on his head.

Q: Why didn't you see that Oliver was pulling down electronics on his head?
A: Because I was getting a container of yogurt out of the fridge for Max's breakfast.

Q: Why didn't you already have his breakfast ready?
A: I did, but then Wesley pulled it off the counter and ate it all.

Q: Why don't the boys eat breakfast together?
A: Because Max had vaccines 10 days ago and still has a rash, fever, irritability, inconsolable crying, lack of appetite, and possible dehydration. So he sleeps in.

Q: But why didn't Wesley have a diaper on?
A: Because this was Day One of diaper training boot camp, or Day One Hundred and Twelve, depending on how you count. Wesley only went once all morning, and it was on the carpet. Oliver is pretty much fine without diapers.

Q: Why don't you try just setting the potty out, having one potty per boy, modeling use of the toilet, reading potty books, listening to potty songs, watching Elmo Potty on you-tube, taking it easy and letting him do it when he's ready, giving stickers, giving treats, creating competition between the twins, suggesting he keep his diaper dry, taking away his diapers, and offering him Thomas underwear?
A: I did.

Q: Why don't you let daddy try the afternoon shift?
A: I will.

Word of the week: bicycle

Why are there no children in this picture?

It IS that bad

The Forest for the Trees

When I'm with the boys all the time, I don't even notice how they're growing up each day. I went to San Diego last week, and made notes on their development. This post is sort of more for them to read in 2020, if you know what I mean.

at 2 years 9 months

Wesley:
words: Holiver, W Wesley, Where daddy?, Mack-ie-poo, hugs (hugs people when they get hurt), watch Caillou, watch TV
songs: Twinkle Twinkle, Ring aroudn the Rosy, ABC
practices words by singing, likes to do things other than their prescribed way, uses toys and clothes creatively, likes to put pants on his head, eat off counters or floors, eat scraps out of swept-up trash, cannot sit still at the table, wiggles, likes screwdrivers and taking toys apart
finally will sit on potty, but won't go. Will sometimes pee in other containers as a challenge.

Oliver:
words: Good job Oliver (praises himself alot), I did it, robot eeh eeh, where is it? dere id iz (there it is), Elmo potty, watch Caillou, watch TV
When he goes to bed: I love you mommy, I love you daddy, I love you Wesley, I love you Maxie-poo, I love you Sodor, I love you feet, I love you Thomas, I love you Edward, I love you music.
Songs: Elmo potty song, Twinkle, ABC
pretty good with potty, but fears pants - cries and begs to wear a diaper.

I hope I can remember how they pronounce words so I can imitate them in years to come.

Happy Birthday Max

James says he remembers Max's birth as a day of happiness, a ray of sunshine. I was in miserable pain and sickness for the entire pregnancy, and we had just accepted a new job and were preparing our house for market. We were stressed, and then what a blessing. This sweet, beautiful baby boy appeared in our family. Happy birthday Maxie-poo!

Scenes from Max's birthday party

Timing

James just pointed out that if we had a singleton in June 05, about to turn three, now would be a reasonable time to start thinking about having a second child. Not doing it, mind you, just thinking about it. I believe he said that is what "normal people" would do.