Back in the swing!

Bob and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Riley and Madison had 5 fun days with Grandma and Grandma (or ga ga as they call them!) Our moms worked together to take care of the Dovenberg Duo! I think it was a ton of work, but I believe all 4 of them had a TON of fun!

Now, we are back in the swing of things around here. The kids continue to grow and change every day and are a total hoot!!! They are saying a lot of new words and are generally very happy all day, every day! Could a parent ask for more? I don't think so!

Besides all the talking, the only major change is that M and R are using plates, bowls and spoons more and more at every meal. They love the new dishes and are eating up a storm! They like to eat a bowl of cereal (kix, cheerios, crispix, rice krispies) and a pancake, muffin or eggo with milk for breakfast. Homemade mac and cheese is a huge lunch favorite! For dinner, among tons of choices, they like meatballs, carrots and watermelon! HA!

Yesterday, we hung out around the house all afternoon and had some super fun playtime! M and R were playing with each other a lot (and sibling fighting a little too!!!!) Madison says "Riley" now, in her own little way and it is totally adorable! They both wanted to sit on the rocker in their room yesterday, but did NOT want to share the space. I think the following photos tell the story...

But, in the end, they remained the best of buds, checking out the happenings outside.

Superbowl Sunday!

It was a pretty low key Superbowl Sunday around our house, but there was no shortage on fun! The day started with a yummy breakfast. Madison and Riley are practicing using a spoon to eat cereal every morning and are getting quite good at it! Yahoo! Some of their favorites right now are Cheerios (of course), Rice Crispies, Kix and Crispix! Not bad for variety! Mealtime is a time for songs, yummy food (of course) and major giggles!

Bob wanted to make a Mexican Pork Chili recipe he saw on TV for dinner, so we all trekked to the grocery store to pick up some needed "supplies!" We decided to leave the stroller at home and let the kids ride in the grocery store "race car cart." What a hoot! Riley grabbed the steering wheel and said "go, go. go!" and Madison is scoping all around her and pointing out everything she sees! So cute! We did discover, however, that there is a time limit to the thrill of the race car cart. Once the thrill of the experience wears off, the squirming and fussiness begin, so we had to shop fast!
When we got home, we got settled, had some playtime and watched the game. It actually turned out to be one of the best Superbowl's ever! Riley wore a football jersey and pants and Madison donned her traditional pink! They looked and WERE adorable!

History in the making

Today was a very important day for us, and all Americans. Too see a new (amazing) President take office was truly inspiring.


Madison and Riley do not understand what was going on around them, but I wanted them to "see" what was happening in the world around them. We watched the broadcast of President Obama's inauguration and many of the events afterwards. I must say, the marching bands int he parade were a big hit! Both kids were marching and clapping their hands, too cute!







I worked with them all day on saying "Obama." I got a few "bama's," close enough!

Oh the guilt!

Ok, so I feel so guilty for not posting in a bit. My only excuse is that life has been pretty nuts (in a good way) around our house. I know it has been for everyone, so I hope to get back on track now that the holidays are over and we are resuming what we call "normal!"

My babies are growing up! As of yesterday, they are officially 1 1/2 years old. Holy cats! Yes, there were long days and weeks, but overall, time with these darlings has flown!

Here is an update on each of the Dovenberg Duo as an attempt to catch up!

MADISON!

*Loved her first experience playing in the snow. She loved her "swishy" snowsuit and cried when we had to go inside!

*Is a talker! What fun! Her first major words are da da, mama, doggie, hi, hockey, apple, happy, baby, stinky, Darby (from winnie the pooh!) and uh oh!

*Loves to sing along with the song row, row row your boat!

*Could play on our new slide all day long!

RILEY!

*Loved being in the snow but did not want to keep his mittens on! The funny thing was, he was having so much fun, he did not even notice his hand were cold (his worried mommy did!)

*Is starting to talk as well! Famous first words are hi, doggie, elmo, pasta, uh oh and go, go, go!

*Can do the actions for itsy bitsy spider

*Is a total cuddlebug and loves his blanket and stuffed animals.

Both kids adored the Christmas tree and were so sad to see it go! For about a week after the tree was put away, they both would say "uh oh" when we entered the living room and they saw it was not there!

The mall play area is a new favorite spot. Madison and Riley can really play there and love seeing all the other kids. I am sure to wipe them down with anti-bacterial wipes after we are done! HA!

They both love to sing "The wheels on the bus" and can do many of the actions!

The kids are beginning to use a spoon and bowl, it is still a bit messy, but a new experience. Practice makes perfect, right?

These amazing children continue to delight us every day!

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!