All Smiles

Riley and Madison had a 'bout with NASTY colds the last week or so. As horrible as they must have felt, they have remained the happiest, smiley toddlers around! How blessed are we?!? Despite runny noses and wheezing, playtime must go on I guess!

The kids are still into the riding toys and wagon we have in our lower level. Rides in the wagon are a playtime favorite!

We picked up a couple of buckets for the kids at a local store recently. We thought they would like putting stuff in and out of them. Madison loves running around with a bucket on her head! "Buckethead" somehow manages to not run into anything! Silly girl!

Being sick does not stop these kids from being really good eaters. Pasta and baked potatoes are a house favorite right now.

With Christmas fast approaching, I think the fun has only begun...

Are we ready?

The other night at dinner, I decided to try to give the kids a chance to "attempt" to feed themselves with utensils. I think that it will only happen if I continue to give the kids the opportunity to "practice." However, this "practice" is messy, but, oh so much fun for the kids and a hoot for me to watch!

Madison could have "practiced" with her spoon and bowl for hours, Riley was letting me know he was all done by attempting to take off his bib. Silly kids!

So, we have been stuck inside a lot the last week or so. Madison and mostly Riley have bad colds. YUCK! I have been really trying to keep them busy and out of trouble when spending more time than usual in the house.

M and R LOVE the Christmas tree! They just stare at it and point. It is so cute! They have been so good around it, no trouble at all and I am thrilled about the distraction! they can point out different things on the tree as well as the lights and pine cones. Riley says "Santa" when he sees a picture of Santa, and they both say "ho, ho, ho!" Gotta love it!

Yesterday, we hung out in the kids bedroom for a while...they grew tired of the toys in there, but no worries, there is always the dresser drawer! HA! They loved taking the things out and chillin' in the drawer. They even had their sippy cups in their for a bit. Hey, whatever floats your boat!

So, when did Madison and Riley get so tall? They are beginning to reach things I thought were unreachable as well as climb on things I never thought they would. The newest fascination is the furniture. They can now "monkey" themselves up on the living room couch and chairs. A nightmare for me, a thrill for them!

At meals, I am trying to introduce them to using a spoon on their own. They are still at the stage where it is a thrill to have "control" of the spoon and most of the food ends up anywhere but their mouth, but it is such a fun experience for them, hey, that is what vacuums are for!

The anticipated playdate!

As I mentioned before, we had to cancel a playdate we had planned because Riley was sick. Boo hoo! Well, everyone is healthy in our house so we had our rescheduled playdate today! Yahoo!

Our friends were not coming over until the afternoon, so this morning I gave the kids a bath. Not our usual routine, but because Bob and I were out Friday and Sat night (kids were with Grandparents!) they were in need of a bath big time! Riley and Madison loved their morning bath and morning playtime was just enough to allow their hair to dry before their morning nap! We played in their room. Madison was "talking" on her play phone (a favorite thing to do) and Riley had flipped over the ottoman from the rocker and was using it as a play horse! These kids are a hoot!

After their morning nap, I fed the kids lunch as usual and then we were off to the grocery store to gather Thanksgiving supplies. It was crowded, but kinda fun at the same time. Whenever we return from the grocery, Madison and Riley LOVE to play with the paper grocery sacs! They put things in them, run around with them and even put them on their heads. A great source of entertainment!

Riley and Madison were worn out from their morning and had a great afternoon nap. Then it was back to playing only this time they had 3 new playmates! We had such a fun playdate! They got to play with another set of twins only 6 months younger than they are as well as a little girl the same age as they are. How fun! It was great for me too because I got to chat with friends for a bit! I think it is good for M and R to learn to share toys and play with other kids. They did a pretty good job, but are still working on that sharing thing...

Needless to say, I think we will all sleep very well tonight after a really fun and active day!

We took it pretty easy at our house today. The nasty bug that Riley has in his system remains. Boo hoo! We had to cancel a much anticipated playdate today for fear we would get our friends sick. The funny thing is, for the most part, he is happy as can be, just with little sick "blips" along the way. So far, Madison shows no signs of being sick. I really hope it remains that way!!!

Today was a bland food day around our house. I was told to keep Riley on the "braty" diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, yogurt) so, by default, Madison was on it too! Lots of toast, eggos and rice! She was such a sweetie again today , by the way!

We hit up Target to get out for a bit and to get some Ginger Ale for Riley's tummy. It was a hoot. The kids are in total awe of all the Christmas decorations. They were pointing and talking, it was the cutest thing!

This afternoon, we hunkered down (yes, Minnesota term, I live here now...) and stayed inside for some hard core playtime. It was really fun! Grandma Dovenberg even stopped by to join in the fun.

Hey, if you can smile though the flu, LIFE IS GOOD!

Ick! Sick!

Riley has been under the weather (to say the least) for the last couple of days. Poor guy got a serious bug of some kind! He is finally on the mend, but had a rough go for a while including a visit to the doctor! Through it all he has been a trooper and kept his sweet disposition. The other sweet part of all this has been his sister, Madison. She has been such a gem. It is like she knows her brother is not feeling well. She has been gentle, kind and not demanding of attention, even though she deserves some extra! She was even feeding Riley cheerios today!

Clearly, I am biased, but these children are amazing! They smile all the time, are silly, have such a kind soul and are pretty darn cute to boot!

This afternoon, we were hanging around the house and the kids were playing. They were having fun together and even both sitting in the toy box at the same time! It is amazing how much your child's smile can warm your heart.

Yikes! Time flies! I feel horrible that I have not posted since Halloween! SO much has been going on and the Dovenberg twins have had so many new and fun experiences!




















As the weather has been rapidly getting colder, the kids are wearing their coats and mittens a lot more. Luckily, they still love them! They get so excited if they get to put on their coats and mittens and the best part is, they totally leave their mittens on! I will relish this while it lasts, that is for sure!!!


Their favorite coats to wear are their "swishy vests!" They giggle every time I put them on. They are kind of a slick material, you know what I mean, and when they rub their hands on it, it makes a "swishy swishy" sound! If you ask them about their swishy vest, they rub it so it "makes noise!"
















More fun stories to come...

Happy Halloween!

This was actually Madison and Riley's second Halloween, but the first one they actually "experienced." We opted to not go for costumes this year as the kids really do not "get it" yet and we were not going to go trick or treating. However, that did not stop us from getting into the spirit!

This morning, the kids both wore pumpkin t-shirts. I must say, they looked adorable and they loved wearing them! We ran some errands and they were showing everyone their happy Halloween spirit. Fun!

This afternoon, our neighbors had a little party for all the kids on our street. Madison and Riley loved seeing all the kids and hanging out with friends! Some of the kids had costumes on and were too cute! After we hung out for a while, we hit the rad for home to squeeze in some dinner before the trick or treaters arrived.

After dinner, my mom and I changed the kids into some Halloween t-shirts that my Grandma sent them. They had little characters on them that lit up! M and R were fascinated! It was such a hoot to watch them. We kept the lights off for a bit so they could get the "full effect!"

A fun day with friends!

The weather was BEAUTIFUL today! It was 71 degrees in the afternoon. Cannot complain about that in the end of October in Minnesota!

So, we met up with a friend of mine (who also has twins :) ) and went for a walk on a trail nearby. It could not have been more fun! The kids loved the new scenery and I loved chatting with an adult! a treat for all of us.

After a nice walk and chat, we piled in the car and took off for home. Madison and Riley were in such a good mood, they were giggling in the back of the car. I snapped a couple of pictures before I took them out of the car.

Oh, how I am dreading the end of this weather. It is such a treat to spend time outside. :)

They're back....ha!

Bob and I just returned from a week away from the kids. We jetted off to NYC for a wedding and then went to Mexico for a little R and R to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. NICE!

While the parents are away, the kids will play! BOTH Grandma's tag-teamed the care of Madison and Riley for the week. Are they saints or what? Secretly, I think it was such a good opportunity for the four of them to really get to know and truust each other.

When we returned, they funny stories flowed! The kids were so happy and I think the Grandmas were too! Bob and I enjoyed a much needed break knowing that our babies and our moms were in good hands!

Now, we are back to reality and back into our "normal" swing of things. Sadly, the weather around here does not mimic that of Mexcio in October. We went out and got the kids some coats, mitttens and hats so we can continue toaking walks outside for a while.

They love wearing their coats! Go figure! They were running around the house today thrilled at their new attire! Hey, if it is that easy to make them happy...ha! ha! After they got used to their coats, I put on their hats and mittens and hit the pavement.

Catching up!

It has been a little while since I have posted...life has been a bit nuts. What is new, right? Bob was out of town all of last week, so I was flying solo with the wondertiwns. Things are a little bit back to "normal" for now, at least!

Today, we took Madison and Riley to the doctor for their 15 month appointment. Can they be 15 months old already? WOW! I was thrilled that Bob was able to meet us at the appointment this time. Talk about making my life 100 times easier. Managing two kids alone at the doctor is a trick!

Anyhoo, the kids are doing VERY, VERY well! Here are the stats...

Madison

20 lbs 8 oz. Yahoo girl!

30 inches "tall"

18 1/2 inch head circumference

Generally in the 50th percentile for everything

Riley

19 lbs 5 oz An almost 3 lb gain in three months!

31 inches "tall"

18 1/2 inch head circumference

Generally in the 50th percentile as well, except for weight. However, weight gain is going up at a very good rate so no worries!

Bob and I could not be happier or more blessed. Remember, these kids were born at 32 weeks 6 days and were 4 lbs 3 oz and 3 lbs 11 oz. They are on track, developmentally right on or above and happy! Yahoo Dovenberg twins!

A Weekend Full of Fun and Family Time!

What an awesome weekend we had! We decided it was going to be a weekend that we really tried to spend some quality time together, and that we did! Saturday began with some playtime and a trip to, yes, you guessed it, Target! A family favorite! HA! Then in the afternoon, the sun came out and it ended up being a perfect fall day, so we hit a nearby walking trail and took a wonderful walk. We looked at the trees beginning to change and even saw a pheasant! After supper, we all hung out in our lower level and listed to music. Yes, AC/DC was blaring through the speakers and the kids LOVED it! Riley was clapping his hands and "dancing" and Madison was giggling endlessly!

Daddy and Riley "watching" an AC/DC concert and running around... Madison having a blast!

It was kind of a rainy day on Sunday, so we decided to head to our local community center where they have an indoor play area for toddlers. The kids had a total BLAST! It was so much fun to watch them run around, play and go down slides! We will go back there again for sure!

After naptime (much needed!) the kids had a visit from both grandmas and grandpa! WOW! More fun playtime! :)

I know we will all fall asleep with a smile on our faces and will sleep VERY well!