If I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus...

Who doesn't love Christmas jammies?

The usual suspects eating Christmas breakfast.

Not sure why I chose that as the title of this blog, but thought everyone would be more inclined to read it if it had something juicy in it. It doesn't.

Christmas time really gets to me. I am a sentimental dad, there I said it. It has always meant something special and I have really fond memories of Christmas as a child. I had some great traditions that I hope can carry forward to our kids so they can feel the same way about Christmas as I do.

Traditions that I would like to have every year.

1. Christmas Eve mass. I love getting dressed up and going to mass on Christmas Eve, it is, after all, the entire reason for Christmas. With no small task at hand, Jen and I got all the little ones dressed in their Christmas "fits" and were able to get them in the car and over to church. Luckily, we chose the later mass at Holy Name in NOLA where we were able to get a sweet parking spot AND the boys were very good at church. All the Dietz clan in town was there and it was really nice to get back to church. While not the easiests of tasks, we did it. Note to self - don't go into the nursery again with crawling babies that try to put everything into their mouths (coughing and runny noses, here we come).

2. Aunt Sandy's peanut butter balls. For as long as I can remember, we used to get a package in the mail from Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dave. It always contained the most delicious chocolate covered peanut butter balls. I don't even know what makes them so awesome, but we always got them around christmas and I used to look forward to it every year. I definitely need to get that recipe from her.

3. Christmas lights. I used to always help my mom put up christmas lights around the house and yard in the weeks before Christmas. This year, Owen "helped" me put them up outside. I just kept thinking of Rusty and Clark W. Griswold putting up the lights in National Lampoon's (probably because the movie was on for 24 straight hours) and I am looking forward to having my boys help decorate every year. Note to self - I definitely will be going overboard as the years go on...I just don't think I can help myself.

4. The Night Before Christmas. After Owen was born, I bought our own copy of this book and we have read it the past 3 years. I know they don't really get it yet, but this was something that we always did on Christmas Eve and I think that everyone should read it. This is something that really captures the joy of Christmas for little kids. The look on Owen's face as I acted out some of the parts of the book was priceless.

There are a bunch more, but these are some of my favorites. We had a terrific Christmas with some family and some friends. Unfortunately, we can't always all get together at the same time anymore so we do what we can and make the most of it. Our families have been so good to us in 2009 and we hope that 2010 will be an even better year for everyone.

Merry Christmas from Connisonville - Brett, Jen, Owen, Parker, and Jack.

One of the reasons to look forward to bedtime

It's milk, but I'm prepping him to love coffee just the same.

I love the nighttime routine we have with Owen. It usually goes something like this:

• Tubby Time
• Short Playtime/Cleanup Party while "the brothers" get their tubby.
• Small cup of Cheerios (or other cereal) and Milk/Sesame Party
• "Brush Teef"
• Read 2 books/turn on sound machine/nightlight
• Prayers
• Hugs and kisses and I tuck Owen in with what ever animals he wants and we say goodnight.

Owen has been getting good at saying his prayers. He is very thankful for a lot of things, especially all of his stuffed animals. He now knows the whole prayer (which we have kind of made up on the go), even though we still have to say it together.

"Dear God, Thank you for my Mommy and my Daddy, my brothers: Parker and Jack, GaGa and Pops, Sissy, Uncle Lea, Doos, MawMaw and PawPaw, Aunt Kell, Nana, Baxter, Scooter/Skeeter, Mike the Tiger, Douglas, Edgar, Gorilla, all my elephants, all my family, all my friends, my health, my house, all my toys, all my books, and everything else. Amen."

It is one of the best parts of my day.

Oh, the places we will go (Part 2)

In Part 1, Jen and I considered our trip to SC a win. The ride back to BR was not quite as successful.

We started out from SC around 6:30pm, stopping first for Starbucks (if you haven't tried a Caramel Brulee Latte, you need to) so we could get all hopped up on caffeine for the ride to Montgomery where we would stop for the night. We started out ok, and the boys eventually fell asleep nicely and we were on a roll. Unfortunately, they woke up really fussy about an hour outside of Atlanta (3 hours in) and we were forced to stop, change diapers, feed the little guys, pee, get more coffee and FINALLY get back on the road.

During the mass commotion that was our car during this 30 minute pit stop, a young, fairly normal looking woman approached us (as I was just finishing changing a crying, tired baby). The conversation went something like this:

Girl: Are you headed toward Atlanta?
Me: Yeah, it's south, the exit is right there (pointing to the interstate sign, I assumed she was lost)
Girl: Cool, so you can give me a ride?
Me: (obviously shocked) HAHA. Have you lost your mind? I have 3 kids in there!!
Girl: But your going to Atlanta.
Me: (Trying to be nice) I have my car packed up and we don't have room.
Girl: Aww, come on, you are already going that way.
Me: Yeah, with my 3 young children.
Girl, I have a 2 year old too...
Me: So you should probably go see her.
Girl: But...
Me: You need to back up away from my car, now. BACK UP, NOW.

At that point, she knew I was serious and I was a bit on edge. I thought she looked normal, but I'm wasn't sure what the crackhead in her was about to do so I made sure she knew I wasn't afraid to go nuts on a crackhead. She finally left and went inside. It was quite the interesting experience with a crazy homeless person. Seriously, you have to be pretty crazy to WANT to get into a car with us...

It took some tears to get everyone back to sleep and another couple hours passed until we made it to Montgomery. We (ok, I) then took a wrong turn off the exit and took an extra 10 minutes to find our hotel. Grrrr. When you just want to get in and get settled, getting lost sucks...at 1am, with 3 kids, in 35 degree weather.

The hotel was pretty good, we had a bit of a time again checking in, getting everyone inside and settled, but we finally got everyone to sleep. The cribs were set up this time (thanks to Jen for calling ahead and making sure they were). Unfortunately, someone (Owen decided that the late 4's was a good time to start making some noise. Had we been at home, no big deal, but in a hotel room, you don't have many options. We managed to keep him quiet for a while but I think everyone was up by 5:45am. I later found out that Jen didn't even sleep for two hours. I was out like a light though, thankfully, since I knew it would be another interesting ride home.

We packed it up again and hit the road. The boys slept a little during the morning time, but not the 2 hours they normally get. After some more stops, etc. everyone slept about 45 minutes for the afternoon nap - not awesome considering when we got home to BR, we needed to get ready for a going away party later in the evening. Jen's cousin John has joined the Marines and it was the last big shindig for him before he shipped out so we had to see him off.

With the help of GaGa and Pops, who came to our house when we got home, we were able to get everyone ready and out the door for an appearance at the party. Jen and I were not expecting much considering the lack of naps that everyone had, but we were hoping to make it long enough to say our goodbyes. Luckily, Parker and Jack snoozed on the way over there so when we got there, I stayed in the car with them for their catnap.

The party was good, I think we lasted almost an hour and a half. By the time we left and got home, we were definitely exhausted. LSU was playing Arkansas at 7pm so I had to stay up for that nailbiter...Once LSU clinched it in OT, the TV went off and I was done. Jen barely made it to the second half.

Soooooo. Here is the thing for next time...I think we need to start a bit later so they don't stay awake very long at the beginning of the trip and go for as long as we possibly can drive while still being safe. The next time we do make a long trip like that, Park and Jack will be a little bit older and in forward facing seats. I'm not expecting these trips to be easy for some time, but at least they are manageable and the time with MawMaw and PawPaw make it totally worth the trip.

Anybody else have travel tips for youngsters? We are taking suggestions!!!

2009 Christmas Card

I realized I could save card images from Shutterfly through some interweb trickery.  Ok, I really just took a screenshot of the card online and cropped it, but the term interweb trickery sounded cooler.

Our 2009 Christmas Card.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Connisonville!!

-Brett, Jen, Owen, Parker, and Jack

Good Morning Jack.

Action Jackson

I woke up this morning, got Jack from his crib and since Parker was still snoozing, I brought him to Jen for morning breakfast in bed. When he was finished, as clear as day, he said "hey Dada." Even though I know he is just blabbering, it is still the cutest thing ever.

Then, cute was gone in 60 seconds...Jen let him crawl over to me. These three things happened within the next minute. Jack spit up on me, he bit me, then he laughed and pulled my underarm hair. Awesome, nice way to start a Monday.

Oh, the places we will go (Part 1)

Jen and I decided that we would come up with a fantastic plan for traveling 12+ hours in the car with 3 children. This plan, consisted of driving as far as possible while all the dudes were sleeping. We thought that Atlanta would be far enough and we could handle the 4 hours after our hotel stay. When I got off of work on Friday, we drive into NOLA to pick up Owen who was visiting GaGa and Pops, bathed and fed everyone and started on the road at 7pm. How smart is it to start driving that far at 7pm? We were hoping for the best, not knowing how this would actually turn out...

6 hours, a No-Doz, and many old CDs later with hardly a peep out of anyone, we pulled into the hotel which was 30 minutes outside of ATL. There were some logistics to consider when we got there...the kids, the bags, the checking in, trying not to put anyone down on a semi gross hotel room floor (Jen was grossed out more by the thought and not so much be actual grossness). We did end up with all 3 pack and plays that we requested (thank God) and unfortunately, I had to set them up at 2am. We continued with normal nighttime routines even though we were all in the same room (though it was a suite). Everyone slept pretty well, I was hoping for at least 4 hours and we got 4.5 so I can't complain. Owen charmed the pants off the hotel staff while I gathered up oatmeal, cheerios, and COFFEE from the hotel breakfast bar. He is sometimes so shy and other times, he will talk to EVERYONE.

We hit up Dunkin Donuts for some more coffee and we were back on the road. With not as much success, but with what we still considered a win, we endured the remainder of the trip thanks to two dual screen DVD players in the car. I would have been the last person to think that a 9 month old baby (or two) needed a DVD player to watch in the car. I think I remember seeing a screen in a rear facing seat and thinking what lazy, terrible parents those people must be. Needless to say, my opinion has changed trying to keep not one or two, but 3 kids as quiet as possible for 13 hours.

A few, fairly uneventful hours later, we got to SC and were rescued by MawMaw and PawPaw.

For those who have little children, and have to travel across country...I would recommend against it. Just kidding, it is way better to drive cross country than fly with little kids, the possibilities of mass chaos on a plane are endless. In the car, at least you can always take the next exit and stretch your legs at a luxurious truck stop in the middle of Alabama...

Red Robin

Why are they both trying to eat their balloons?

On our visit to SC for Thanksgiving, we decided to head out with everyone to Red Robin. Back in our Gap days (circa 1999-2002), I remember eating at the one they used to have at the Mall of Louisiana, but it closed. I really wish that they had one in BR because it was probably the most kid friendly restaurant.

Jen and I were expecting a public meltdown/disaster since both Parker and Jack were not cooperating too nicely at home just before we left. We fed them, packed up everyone and headed out. Of course like clockwork, both little ones needed diaper changes as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. When we got into the restaurant, MawMaw and PawPaw had 3 high chairs set up and Owen was already coloring/scribbling on some paper. He couldn't have been happier. We entertained the boys long enough for our food to come and then fed them enough Cheerios and Puffs to last a lifetime (seriously, they could eat an entire box of Cheerios if we let them). Both the waitress and the manager offered Park and Jack anything they wanted...ice cream, mandarin oranges, veggies, bourbon (kidding, making sure you are paying attention). The staff couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating to them. They brought all 3 boys their own balloons and plastic cups to play with. They were quiet, entertained, and it was quite an enjoyable meal for all. My burger was just about fantastic and they will bring you as many fries as you want. That is enough reason to visit right there. Oh, and the milkshakes - phenomenal.

Jen and I don't venture out to many restaurants with the whole clan by ourselves, but Red Robin might provide enough of a distraction that would make it worth the hassle. When we have help though...we are up for anything!! Connisonville + MawMaw and PawPaw (and Aunt Kell and Nana) @ Red Robin = WIN.

Our Thanksgiving Blessings

During Thanksgiving, we need to express how thankful we are for all of our blessings. Connisonville is blessed in so many ways that it is hard to write them all down, so here are just a few:

Our Family and Friends. We have been blessed with wonderful people that surround us in our lives and have shown us how important our family and friends truly are.

Our health. Having twins caused us to do a lot of research on the "interwebs" and found a plethora of things that could go wrong with multiple pregnancies. We were very blessed this year with two very healthy full term baby boys and a very healthy momma. We continue to be a healthy, happy family and are very thankful for that.

My job. I am very thankful for my position with the State of Louisiana that allows us the financial ability for Jen to stay home and be our homemaker for Connisonville. I am also thankful that I have a job that doesn't require travel, is close enough that I can come home for lunch, and provides good health benefits (a recent pharmacy visit cost me $3.13 - awesome!!).

Our Momma. I don't have enough room to write down everything that Jen does for this family. Plain and simple, she is our everything and her boys can't thank her enough for all that she does for us. We love you momma.

We hope that this Thanksgiving has given everyone time to reflect on their blessings. We hope for continued good fortune and to be blessed with another year even better than the last.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Why I'm glad we don't have an IKEA in Louisiana.

Mom, put down the credit card...

IKEA. Another glorious reason to visit MawMaw and PawPaw in SC. It's about 40 minutes away on the north side of Charlotte, but well worth the drive. When you don't have one close, you forget the awesomeness in that big blue building.

It actually wasn't that bad, considering that Jen is a homemaker that doesn't get out much to shop anymore, it could have proven disasterous for our bank account. We both walked around that monstrosity of a building saying "when the boys get older we should get _____" Needless to say, I fear the next visit to SC. Jen "got some really good deals" on some bedding and whatnot for Owen (at least that is what she tells me). Note that Owen is still in his crib and will probably stay there until he is 12 as long as he is not trying to climb out. But when he is in a big boy bed...he is covered (literally)!!

IKEA has some quality stuff that looks nice and its relatively cheap. This is key becuase we have 3 boys so I'm pretty sure they will eventually destroy our entire house and we will have to replace all of our stuff and start from scratch. Thanks in advance boys for helping satisfy your mom's shopping habit.

He's a man/She's a lady

Kids say the darndest things. This wasn't some episode with Bill Cosby, this happened in my driveway.

Owen and I were playing in the front yard while Parker and Jack were down for their morning nap. We spotted a woman walking her dog early on a quiet Sunday morning. Owen is learning about men and women (everyone on TV, people on the news, commercials, Sesame Street, etc) and points out whether "he's a man" or "she's a lady." Now I'm guessing you know what happened next...he misidentified the woman walking the dog. On my quiet street. At 9am. The awesome thing was that she didn't look anything like a man, but I can't blame the kid, its easy ro get confused in today's society. It is one thing he is learning that I guess we still need to work on!

I tried everything to distract him pointing out the dog, dragging his noisy car on the concrete, trying to be polite with loud "HELLOS!" I think I did a good job, I'm not really sure if she heard him any of the 15 times he said it (Owen tends to repeat phrases he is proud of), but it was quite embarrassing at the moment. I'm sure this won't be the last time he (or any of my boys) gets me into an interesting situation. I figure it gives me funny things to blog about...

And I will get even with him when he gets to high school.

Acting like adults.

I think we look fairly well rested considering the circumstances...

MawMaw and PawPaw were in town all of last week and it was pretty fantastic. Jen and I were able to get out of the house and watch the Saints on Monday night with some old friends that we never seem to see anymore (which is really all of our friends that we never seem to see anymore).

Jen's cousin Kevin and his fiance Amanda were finally getting married. I only saiy finally cause I think they have been together about as long as Jen and I, but everything is really a time warp before children so I can't say for sure. Once again, grandparents to the rescue and they took over kid duty while Jen and I got some quality adult time in New Orleans for the wedding festivities.

On Friday, Jen was able to go the the Bridal Luncheon (at Restraunt August) and we all went to Commander's Palace for the Rehearsal Dinner. It was phenominal. The food, the atmosphere, the fact that we were childless and knew that everyone was ok, it was all great.

We woke up on Saturday at about 8:15 and I thought it was great sleeping in...until I realized that the clock was never set back the previous weekend and it was really 7:15 (so much for sleeping in). We got a nice CC's coffee date, went to Verizon to look at new phones (got an HTC Eris - pretty sweet), and over to Lakeside to do some shopping on an old Dillards card. We met up with Jeff and his cousin at Superior Grill on St. Charles to watch the LSU/Bama game and really enjoyed some much needed relaxation time. Although, we spend the large majority of the day talking about our boys, looking at picture of them, and wondering what they were doing at all times. Thank goodness for the updates from Maw Maw and we knew they were doing well the whole time. She even started using Wins and Losses

The wedding was great (other than the LSU game that I had to continue to monitor on my phone at the church) and it was nice to hang out with the Dietz cousins at another family function while the Mixed Nuts had another great performance at a Dietz wedding. It made me remember our wedding, and how much fun it was, but specifically, that Connisonville pretty much spawned from that day. It has been a crazy ride, and I never would have never believed it if you told me that we would have 3 beautiful boys within 3 years, though I can't imagine it any different now.

We also got to see Jeff and Melanie's new baby Austin. He is so little compared to our guys and it made me remember that they were that size just 8 months ago. Boy does time fly. Also, I was reminded how easy it was for just one baby. We thought is was out of control sometimes, but little did we know how insane it could really be...

I was a great weekend for Jen and I to be able to spend some time like adults instead of watching Sesame Street all the time. We missed our little guys so much but we know that MawMaw and PawPaw really enjoyed the quality time with them.

Thanks again so much MM/PP and we can't wait to make the trek to SC to visit for Thanskgiving!

Creepy Crawlers

They look innocent, then they start moving.

Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat.

Jack is crawling...everywhere. Parker is starting to crawl, but is currently much slower than Jack. By my estimation, it will be about a week or so before both little guys are everywhere in our house.

Since Owen was in the crawling stage oh so many months ago, our house has been babyproofed. All electrical outlets were covered, drawers and cabinets locked, and knicknacks (those function-less items that look great on a coffee table or bookshelf, but serve no real purpose) were removed. Our house went from Restoration Hardware to Babies 'R Us in less than a week. There was no reason to try to keep the house looking like a magazine when we spent every other minute prying something out of Owen's hand as he was trying to eat it. Foolishly, I thought that we were pretty set in that department when P and J got to that stage. How soon did I forget, that we can no longer *picnic* on the floor, leave the bathroom door open, or leave a room for longer than 5 seconds.

*Picnics on the floor are the Connisonville way to keep all children happy while the adults get to eat. We try to eat together with everyone in their respective chairs, but that is not always the best decision as one or many children are OVER their seat in quick fashion. Somedays we don't have the energy to fight the battle so we end up eating/playing in the living room to make everyone happy.*

Now that they are into crawling, both P and J are on a personal mission. They fixate on one item - a toy, a random cheerio on the floor, Jen's flip-flops, etc. and go full force until they get it. I have forgotten how semi-annoying this can be when you are not prepared/tired and have to constantly be on the lookout for an approaching baby, focusing especially on what they are trying to put into their mouths. Here are some of the things that I forgot about this stage that I have been quickly reminded of:

• potentially pulling toys off of the coffee table and on to their heads
• almost stepping on/tripping over babies in the house
• instability while seated in the bathtub and trying to grab toys out of their reach
• grabbing Dad's eyes, nose, sunglasses, hat, phone, and pens, while they are being held
• trying to pull themselves up on Dad, Mom, their cribs, furniture, etc.

It is just humorous that with every new stage the little ones are getting into, I think it is going to be "easier" and it turns out that it isn't necessarily easier...just different.

Whoops!

I just read an excellent post over at HDYDI about making sure you get enough one one one time with your kids/spouse/self. It is pretty important to us and we definitely try to spread the love around. (Note to self: Too much one on one time is why we have 3 kids in the first place.) The specific time with each one of our twins isn't particularly feasible at times so that is probably the rarest occurrance. Fortunately, they are too young for it to really matter right now, so we need to work on getting each one of them by themselves as they grow older. We got some one on one time with Jack this weekend and unfortunately it didn't go as well as I would have hoped.

On Sunday, with MawMaw and PawPaw in town, we made a Sam's run. Jack was up early and didn't have the best nap due to the time change, so we left PawPaw in charge of Owen and Parker (who was still sleeping) and took off. Now you must remember that leaving with only one baby never happens in our house. Occasionally we will take Owen somewhere individually or the twins without Owen, but rarely one baby and not the other. This fact, combined with the normal commotion that it takes to get all of us from one point to another, gives me a slight excuse for the mishap. Here is the play by play.

We pulled into the parking lot and Jen hopped out of the car and said she was going to grab a cart. I thought that was funny, since that is never the first thing she would. I just shrugged it off and let it go as one of those "I'm not sure what she's doing...I think she might be crazy...I don't understand my wife sometimes" moments. MawMaw and I got out of the car a bit slower as we were chatting about her Blackberry while she was trying to pull something up and I continued toward the Sam's entrance. I realized she wasn't walking with me and looked back in her direction. She was waiting back at the car and I must have had a confused look on my face as to why she wasn't joining me.

MawMaw - "What about the baby?"
Me - (snapping my fingers and pointing back at the car) "Oh yeah, Jack's still in the car"

I forgot my own kid. T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E.

Turns out, I am the crazy one who left Jack in the car and had no intention of bringing him into Sam's with us. I formally retract all "my wife is crazy" statements and humbly offer my apologies - sorry Darling. At least I have an excuse (not that it would stop CPS from taking my kids from me). I blame it on easy going Jack being so cool and quiet in the way back of the Acadia. I blame the fact it wasn't a complete circus to get everyone out of the car and into strollers. I blame the fact that I forgot how easy it can be with just one child. Ok, Ok, I blame myself. I am not used to having one child anymore and the constant management of 3 makes it seem so easy when only one is around. I just lost all concept of baby-ness and I can't be trusted anymore.

Sorry Jack, I will never forget you again.

for the little guys - before you grow up and i forget...

a few of my very very favorite minutes of everyday are before your naps and before bedtime. i'm guessing this is one of many little "twin" things because you BOTH do this at different times... right after you finish nursing, you both get all tired and milk drunk and i cradle you right under my face cheek to cheek and you put your hand around my neck and and either hug me or play with my hair while we rock for a little while and its just the sweetest little time. no other time of the day seems as quiet. and there's so little time that i get to spend one on one with any of you that i just try to lap it up whenever i can get it!
i just adore you little snuggle bunnies while you still let me snuggle and amidst all the insanity, i am really really really trying to enjoy every minute of you until you both assume your very own agenda quite like your big brother who runs around this house like a crazy man.
love you so so so so so so so so so very much, mom
ps. as a side note - another favorite moment of the day is the one when daddy walks through the door =)

eight month * twenty-six month newsletter

Dear P and J...
You're SITTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congratulations my little ones. a little behind the times but nevertheless... you're also really trying to get where you need to go. if you're on your belly you both manage to end up somewhere totally crazy. but you're not crawling. you're just moving. still semi-earthworm status. but we'll take what we can get.
suddenly you both seem to look older. daddy and i were discussing this recently. park you have 4 top little teeth and 2 bottoms. jack you have 4 tops and 4 bottoms. this is probably contributing to your "old-er"ish look. but its killing us how cute you both are! with your little hair that combs to the side. the teething isn't bothering you as much as it was last month thank God for that.. for the moment because i'm sure the next phase will strike shortly.
you've been sleeping alllllllll night long for a little over a month.. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this. you make little noises in the night but i think you're just telling us whats up and you go right back to sleep.
you're both eating your three little meals a day and still happily nursing whenever you can and really whenever you want too. you both love to shovel in the Gerber Puffs which is both precious and hilarious. we think you'd eat the entire container if we let you. its like a little game. you try to eat them super fast but then half of them end up down your shirt or in your diapers or under your necks. but you're getting better! please learn to chew stat because frankly cheerios would really be more cost effective.
park.. you're still kicking the Da-da-da-da-da all the time and its so SO adorable. jack you used to say Dada but now you're more interested in Vavavavava. Where did you get that? and who is it? Secretly i'm a bit miffed due to the fact that to say Vava you have mastered putting the top of your mouth on the bottom of your lip which is a requirement to produce Mama. Sooo i'd like you to get on that as soon as you can. I try to teach you everyday but it hasn't clicked yet. Again no rush.. biggest bro has you covered.
You've been on adventures to the playgrounds lately because its been so nice outside. You both like to swing and you're very content to be in the stroller as long as its moving... but when it stops you're both basically over it and ready to get out!
All of us just embarked on our first tailgate to the LSU vs. Auburn game as a party of five and Daddy and i declared it a win! we even messed up naptime to make it happen but it was a beautiful day and of course people got a kick out of both of you.
We looove looooove loooooove you more all the time and constantly stare at you all in disbelief that you are really ours.. How did we get so lucky?

Dear O-w-e-n,
YOU ARE SO MUCH FUN.
You are talking talking talking talking singing singing singing repeating repeating repeating. Still loving to say your ABC's and your new favorite is singing Happy Birthday. Started with Daddy's birthday, Mack's birthday, and then Gaga's birthday and really you'll sing it to anyone. It's just adorable. And this morning you sang the sesame street theme song all by yourself for the first time. You LOVE Cookie Monster! and really all things sesame street.
You still love to be outside and run around anywhere you can go - playground, Mike Tiger, park, zoo... anywhere! You're so much fun to be around. You crack us up all the time.
You love to be just like daddy and you'll do anything he does. If something big happens during a football game you say, "Oh my gosh. Let me see what happened. Woooww." and really you have no idea whats going on. but its the cutest thing.
You're really interacting with your toys and stuffed animals more and more.. like making them talk to each other and giving them rides on your trucks. You're becoming so independent. It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. Like all of a sudden you can climb on the swingset without help and just last week started going down the slide not needing any help. How did you get so big? Trying to let you go outside on pretty days by yourself if I'm in the den with brothers but you still don't really want to go out without me. I know one of these days you'll just be out the door without a care!
We adore you. You amaze us everyday!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BOYS,
Mom

Out and About

Momma and Owen

Josie and Owen

This weekend, the weather really cooperated with us. It was really great fall weather and we definitely took advantage of it.

On Friday, Jen took Owen to Boo at the Zoo at Audobon Zoo in New Orleans. She met Antoinette, Vincent and Josie out there and they all had a great time. Since they had such a good time and stayed up past Owen's bed time, they crashed at GiGi and Pop's place while Parker, Jack and I had some quality time at home. We went for a walk after work bundled up in the brisk air and they went into a "fresh air coma" and were out shortly after their baths.

Saturday, Parker and Jack slept in until 7:15 and gave Daddy a nice little morning!! PS - When it is 2 on 1 in the morning, it is much harder to get the appropriate amount of coffee. When Jen and Owen got home, we got everyone fed and headed out to our first tailgate with the whole crew. We were able to park at Uncle Doos's place (the animal house) and walked to the Parade Grounds where we met up with the Baton Rouge Dietz crew (Katie, Rob, Mack (who was sleeping), Kevin, Ted, Daniel, John, Marylyn and Larry). Since it was a gorgeous day and we were in a good area, it was definitely a success. All the boys lasted about an hour and a half before we started to get fussy and had to escape back to the animal house for feeding time. Jen took the boys home and I went to go tailgate with the big boys. Jen and Antoinette hung out with the little ones while Vincent and I were at the game so they had a good time. LSU won over Auburn so that was a nice outcome to our Saturday.

Sunday, Owen and I played ball and chase in the yard, weeded the garden, and tried to spend as much time outside as we could. When P and J got up from their naps, we walked over to the playground in our neighborhood and we were able to swing with the boys and climb and slide with Owen. He really loves a playground and is good at climbing by himself and going down the big slides without help. It was a quick trip before naps but still fun, and we promised O that we would go to the other playground when he woke up from his nap. Yet another adventure this weekend, so we headed to the City Park playground with the dog park and there were a lot of people out. The boys didn't last too long, but it was still a win and it was another excuse to take a drive and spend the rest of the day outside. We put all the dudes to bed and I was able to grill steaks and Jen and I finally got a minute to relax and enjoy a good meal without rushing through it. I think this needs to become a regular thing again...waiting until everyone goes to bed before we eat!!

Parker and Jack turned 8 months on Sunday, October 25th. Boy time flies. It has certianly been a crazy ride, but we have enjoyed every minute of it (well, maybe not every minute...). Things are so much more relaxed in our house than just a few months ago. The little ones are in a routine at an age when Owen was still sleeping in our bed with us. It is amazing how structured we have become compared to when it was "just Owen" and we were still tryng to figure it all out. We knew we had to be structured with twins or we would have gone insane. Nighttime routines are in check and the boys have really taken to them, naptime usually goes smoothly and there is some peace and quiet in our house when everyone is sleeping. Jen is doing amazing watching all of them everyday by herself . It is still tough to make outings to various places (mall, playground, Target) without a bit of help, but she is making it work. I can't thank our Momma enough for all that she does for us!!! Happy 8 months guys!!

Dad and Owen

The Boys

Hello...Poison Control?

Funny story...

Jen was changing Jack's diaper on the floor just before lunch yesterday and when she was all finished, went to fix lunch for all the boys. The next thing she knew, she turned around and Jack's mouth and hands were covered in Desitin. He had gotten a bit hungry and decided that the tub of Desitin was more delicious than whatever pureed fruit/veggie was being prepared.

Jen quickly called the poison control number and explained what had happened. The guy on the phone let Jen know that it wasn't harmful, but she needed to feed him to get it out of his throat and down into his stomach. He said he might throw it up but he would be fine. He ended up with no side effects, probably becuase he didn't eat too much of it and Jen caught it in time, but it was still a bit scary for her for a minute. Turns out poison control gets 2-3 calls a day about diaper rash ointment that got ingested!!

When I got home for lunch, both Jack and Parker were in their high chairs eating lunch with Momma and they couldn't have been cuter. They both had the biggest smiles on their faces when Jen told me the story of the events that just took place. I looked over at Jack and that huge smile turned into his "Desitin Eating Grin."

Just another day in Connisonville.

Nothing but Wins and Losses

#1 Pumpkin

Josie

Love in a Pumpkin Patch

Nice Chicken!!

As stated before, each outing we have with the troops is characterized by a win or a loss. Sometimes, their are mixed wins and losses for each family member for a particular activity, but with 3 kids, we can always have a clear winner. This time, I decided to wrap up the weekend by totaling up the score.

Friday night. While Owen was in New Orleans visiting Pops and GaGa, Jen and I needed to run out and get a gift for GaGa’s upcoming birthday. After work, we quickly ate some dinner, packed up Parker and Jack, and headed to the mall. It was a bit cooler than we expected and we like to walk around The Boulevard, so of course we forgot long pants for the boys and had to end up wrapping blankets around their little legs. We weren’t outside for long, but when the wind would pick up, it definitely felt like fall. We LOVE this weather! Picked up GaGa’s present, grabbed some yogurt at the new place Menchies and headed home. WIN.

Saturday morning. It was kind of a rough night for Parker due to the teething that is going on, so he was up at the crack of dawn and therefore, so were we. When the boys went down for their morning nap, I went out for a nice run in the excellent weather and then Jen headed to the store for a few things. The boys slept and slept and slept some more. Normally, this would be ideal, but we were supposed to be meeting Vincent, Antoinette, Josie and the O-Man at Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch. Well, we were running way behind, but eventually got there and met up with everyone. Owen and Josie had a blast looking at pumpkins, the animals, and all the festive fall decorations. Since it was great weather, it was a lot of fun. We packed a lunch for everyone and ate under a tent. Unfortunately, the boys were (and still are) congested and were not having fun toward the end. In fact, they were pretty much miserable and we had to round up the troops and hightail it out of there in quick fashion. We got some excellent pictures and we actually can’t wait for next year when everyone will be able to participate in the festivities. Owen – WIN. Parker and Jack – LOSS x 2.

Saturday Night. Jen and I made plans to get out of the house and have a quality date – something that we never forget to do, and went to Maple Street Café with Henderson and Melanie. It was good seeing them, they are about 2 weeks away from their new addition so Jen and I felt like old pros discussing all about kids. Good luck to them and congrats again. We can’t wait to find out (b/g and name) of their newbie. Note to self – don’t try to get out of the house by 7:30 ever again, it just never seems to happen. Nighttime routine for the kiddos – LOSS. Dinner with other adults – WIN.

Sunday morning. There was more nice weather so we put the boys down, and headed to the new Daneel Park that has been recently upgraded. It is really nice and there were a ton of parents and kids out there enjoying the fall-ness of NOLA. Owen had a great time at the playground and practically went on everything they had…at least the stuff suited to his age. We got some good pics and it was fun to have some one on one time with Owen. WIN.

Saints Game. WIN. We hung out with Gaga and Pops, Sissy, and Uncle Lea and ate some delicious crawfish monica and had fantastic birthday cake from Whole Foods. Owen sang Happy Birthday to Gaga which was really cute. Catching Saints game traffic on the way back to BR so all the kids meltdown at the end of the trip – LOSS.

Overall, the weekend was a WIN by the score of 5 to 4. Let’s hope the LSU Tigers have the same winning luck against Auburn next weekend.

Are you talking to ME?

I love the sound of my kid’s voices. There is something about them that just make you smile.

Sometime in the 6 month range, both Parker and Jack started mumbling. dadadada. babababa. That is about it, just little munchkins discovering their own voices. Now I don’t know if it is a coincidence or what but it seems to have grown into “dadada” when they make eye contact with me. This doesn’t happen all the time, but it does seem to happen. Maybe I am grasping at straws and I am the only one who sees it, but hey, I will take what I can get.

Recently, Parker has been teething. Poor guy is in some serious pain. In his new way to deal with this sensation in his mouth, he has been making a sound like he is rolling his R’s, except it is from way back in his throat, so he sounds like a wookie, more specifically – Chewbacca. It is pretty hilarious and I'm hoping to catch it on video.

“Don’t you know how these things happen?”

Seriously, someone told me that when we were in the hospital after Jen just gave birth to Parker and Jack when they found out we also had an 18-month old. People say the stupidest things.

Anyway, one of Jen’s nursing school friends is preggers again. WAHOO!!! Congrats guys! I actually think something was permeating from their text books that caused everyone to be prego. Since graduation from nursing school (December 2006) until now…there are 7 babies between 3 couples and now the 8th is on the way. 8 babies?!? Dang.

Our friends (Amy and Justin) who are pregnant with their 3rd have a 2 year old, an 11 month old and are due in May. Wowsers, take it from someone who knows…you are in for it. Funny thing about the situation is that they continued to say to themselves “Jen and Brett are still alive” as if that is some comforting thought that we haven’t spontaneously combusted from lack of sleep or overexposure to poopy diapers. Thanks for the confidence. In God's funny way of working, one of the few people who can relate to our situation with 3 kids 18 months apart is Amy's mom, who had Amy and then her twin sisters 11 months apart!!!

Good luck Amy and Justin. Feel free to drop off a kid at our house whenever you ant...we probably won't notice an extra little one during feeding time at the zoo.

7 month/25 month newsletter.

Dear Park and Jack,
SEVEN MONTHS OLD.
Ridiculousness.
A. we all have survived.
2. HOW?

You both are just more and more precious as the days go by. Usually happy as little clams. Both of you are getting so much hair that is really starting to stand straight up on your head just like Owen's used too. Jack more than Parker but its getting to be close. Jack- you're winning the teeth race with your 2 bottoms and 2 tops with a 3rd top right tooth aggravating you to death. You have no idea what to do with all of these teeth and you're making hysterical faces that resemble a precious little chipmunk. Your smile is now even different. Park- you're still going strong with only your 2 bottoms but something somewhere must be on the verge of explosion because YOU PUT ANY AND ALL THINGS in your mouth. All objects, your highchair tray, my shoulders and hair, your brother's limbs if you can find one... Thank God that He doesn't allow anyone to recall their days of teething because seriously- its wretched.

In other news, both of you are still content as the day is long to remain in your earthworm state of rolling and rolling and rolling. Noooo one feels like sitting. You can stay up for a couple seconds but its all wobbly with an inevitable crash landing. This is no good for your father and I... and we'd appreciate it if we could just plop your tails down on the ground instead of finding one of the sixteen daycare items that have taken over our house. 2 bouncers, a swing, an exersaucer, a jumperoo, 2 bumbos, 2 highchairs, and a walker. Really? LEARN TO SIT. Thanks love ya.

You're both saying Dadadadada... SO SO SO PRECIOUS. And last week you started with some other syllables.. I've heard a couple Nanana's when you're hungry. I think I heard a Baba somewhere also. Just adorable.
Of course no Mama. But I'm not upset about it don't worry. I hear it all the live long day from big bro.

Yall love to be tickled and we are just adoring how much you both love to laugh and grab our faces and plant your own faces on ours.
YOU LOVE EACH OTHER. Whenever you catch each others eyes, you both smile and laugh like the other one is the greatest thing you've ever laid eyes on. And its adorable. Yall love to laugh at your big brother when he's being sweet and trying to make yall giggle. Unfortunately he adores yall to the point of pain... and sometimes its a little rough. But Dad and I are trying hard to keep him from riding yall like horses, poking your eyes out, sticking his entire fists in your mouths, or belly flopping on top of you. But seeing as how he's a fast little booger, sometimes this cannot be avoided. And I do apologize. Remember this now and forever... Dad and I are outnumbered... there's only so much we can do!!

Oh this just in: YALL ARE EATING US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME. You two are little starved gremlins who sit in your highchairs as though each meal should consist of a thanksgiving feast and grunt and groan and pout when the spoon is taken out of your mouths because it cannot possibly be shoved in there fast enough. For God's sake men! Wanna know how much yall eat? Ok here we go:
Boob upon arising.
Oatmeal and fruit for breakfast.
Boob for nap.
Boob when you get up from a nap.
Rice/fruit for lunch. and then you split another fruit because you're still grumpy and want more.
Boob for nap.
Boob when you get up from a nap.
Rice/veggie and split a fruit for dinner.
Boob for bed.
OH AND THERE ARE TWO OF YALL. So double it up team.
Are yall serious?
You're only seven months old.
Your father and I are already wondering how many gallons of milk this house is going to consume when yall are in high school. Ok I can't go there at this time.

Anywhooooo. None of that matters.
What matters is that your mother loves both of you so much more as each minute goes by. I live with constant guilt that I can't hold all of you all day long but guess what? There's only one of me. And three of yall. So there's that... but I can still feel guilty because I wish I could just snuggle with all of you all the time.

Oh and guess what else, I just finished TEN miserable days of pumping and dumping because I had to take antibiotics and your Dad and I were up to our eyeballs with formula, and bottles, and trashbags full of vomit-inducing diapers full of formula poo... But we all survived. And both of yall were back on the boob like you hadn't missed a beat. I told Daddy I would never complain about nursing ever again because I missed it terribly and it is so much easier than 230948 bottles a day not to mention yall like it so much more. YAY TATA's!!!!!!!!!!!! God didn't give women boobs for any other reason. Remember that later my little gentlemen.

Dear Owen,
HOLY MOLY YOU ARE THE CUTEST 2 YEAR OLD ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET.
You're just turning into more of a little person every single day.
You love being ALL OVER your brothers and it's not your fault that your molars are coming in and you want to chew on them. We're not holding that against you at this point.
Yesterday you said your very first nursery rhyme in its entirety:
Wee Willie Winkie ran through the town
Upstairs Downstairs in his nightgown
Rapping at the windows, Glaring through the locks
Are the children in their beds? For its 8 o'clock.
Yep you said all of it. It's on video. I ALMOST DIED it was so precious.
More and more you're saying complete sentences and its just amazing to both of us. You're so happy to get up in the morning... you love saying Good Morning to everybody. You're such a helper boy with me all day long. You're really getting to be more independent playing with your books, and trucks, and puzzles, and blocks. You're super into trucks/cars/buses... especially diggers! You LOVE animals and play with your big pals Edgar the elephant and Gorilla a loT. Lately you like to read them books and last week you got into sitting them right next to each other in different places all over the house and saying, Look Mommy, they love each other! Its hilarious. You love LOVE LOVE Mike the Tiger and we go visit him as much as possible and you tell everyone, "We sawed him. He's so lazy. Sits in the corner". You actually think every tiger you see is Mike. And you get so excited. You love being outside and running around like a crazy man. You love the zoo and the park and any and all playgrounds. And you are so dang smart! You remember so many things that we are just blown away sometimes.
You're just now into Sesame Street and beg to have it on at all times even if you're not paying attention whatsoever. You never saw a single second of TV in your first 2 years of life. I was so proud of this accomplishment. But the fact remains, the more kids you have.. the lower your standards become. Sad but true my boy... sad but true..

Anyway... we love you so so so so so much and as crazy and insane and out of all control as things tend of get on occasion... all it takes is one single second of you doing something so adorable that Daddy and I look at each other and know we could not imagine our lives without the three of you. Although we do look upon those faint memories with fondness... HA. Only kidding boys.

Dear Daddy,
I would be nothing without you. You make everything better. All the time. Thank you for putting all of us first. There is no one more wonderfully made anywhere on earth. I love you more every day.

Dear Self,
Hey so you're still alive. Thumbs up!
Keep on keepin on. How about you not forget to take care of yourself every now and again?
How about you go to gym a little more often since you're paying for it, even if it puts big daddy in a little bit of a bind? How about you stick to Weight Watchers for the 789th attempt? All of this would be good. Don't worry self, you won't be stuck in your house forever. One day these three gorgeous amazing children will be manageable in public and you will see the light of day again. Remember what Barbara Bush told you, long days... short years. One day all of these boys will think you're the most ridiculously embarrassing human on earth and they will pretend they don't need you... lap up this time while all three of them are constantly on top of you because one day you will miss it.
Peace out.

Can You Hear Me Now?

The other day, Jen was at work and I was in the kitchen making a sandwich. I saw Owen picking up one of his many toy phones (these are actually just old cell phones that no longer work that he likes to play with) and had a conversation with himself. It went as follows:

"Hello? Sissy? Where Uncle Lea? On ship? Um-kay. Talk to ya later."

At the end of this, I asked him if that was Sissy, and he just shook his head yes and went on playing quietly by himself. It was freaking adorable and it just made me wonder what is going on in that little head of his.

These Are My Confessions

How can you not love these faces?

In response to a post at our favorite twin blog site (How Do You Do It - http://www.hdydi.com/), and Usher's song in my head, here are a few confessions I would like to get off my chest.

1. Bedtime is golden and I look forward to it every night.

2. Coffee and/or some form of adult beverage give me the strength to face certain parts of the day (breakfast/bathtime/bedtime).

3. I think Jen and I can pretty much handle anything as parents and we tend to show no mercy to other parents that are "overwhelmed" with fewer than 3 kids.

4. Whenever I have the twins by themselves and get comments on how "your hands are full", I am quick to tell them that we also have a 2 year old to make myself look like super dad.

5. I secretly like that twins are like rock stars and everyone stares at us at the mall, park, or wherever. I'm sure that will get old, but for now, I am just happy to get out of the house and think their stardom is kinda cool.

6. TV has become a babysitter in our house. Owen never watched it, but does now and it is hard not to put Parker and Jack in front of it to keep them entertained while we eat, chat, not hold a baby, etc.

7. There are numerous times my house looks like a Toys 'R Us that has been ransacked by looters. I would prefer all the toys, books, etc. be hidden and our house looked like Pottery Barn.

8. Owen knows what beer is. "Daddy's beer." "Mommy's beer." I think its cute and don't think there is anything wrong with this.

9. I think it will be so much easier when P&J are walking/talking/toddling. I know I am just fooling myself, it will be just be a different kind of hard.

10. When they are smiling and making each other laugh, I can see a bond between my boys that I am already jealous of.

Ahh, I feel better.

Jack and Not Jack

It has become quite obvious that we are going to run into some identity issues in the years to come with our twins. When we found out Jen was preggers with twins, I started to do a lot of reading about them. I remember reading a story about a set of twin boys that were going into kindergarten, when one boy was asked his name; he promptly replied…Michael and Brian (or whatever their names were). It was at that moment that I was set on making sure our boys knew their own names and knew they were each special, individuals. We rarely refer to them as twins, partly because I don’t want them to be labeled like that, and partly as a conscious effort to recognize them as two people and not one unit (yeah I know, everyone else is going to look at them that way).

It can be hard to tell Parker and Jack apart. They look the same, they're identical twins so that is kinda the point… Now, I can't say that we didn't have (don't have) trouble sometimes identifying the boys if we can’t see their faces, or we are looking at old unlabeled pictures, or its 3am, or if Jen put Jack in Parker's crib (probably just to see if I noticed - she has such a lovely sense of humor). So with all that, I know it's hard sometimes getting the boys names straight. I know that we will sometimes forget who did what or who we are holding and refer to them as Jack/Parker or Parker/Jack. More recently we have a running joke using Jack/Not Jack when someone refers to one of our little ones as Jack and either Jen or I come back quickly with "that's not Jack." Everyone is entitled to make mistakes. This week, I have just seemed to take notice of these many mistakes because my parents were staying over. It isn’t just them, it’s everyone. Even Jen’s parent’s who probably see them more than anyone else does, have just as hard of a time keeping them straight, but it is just humorous to see it happen on a regular basis.

Parker has a strawberry hemangioma on the left side of his head. This birthmark is a series of blood vessels that joined together and takes some time to break up. It has started to stretch out and become thinner and lighten up in color, but currently, it has been the thing that makes it easy to tell them apart. Parker is affectionately referred to as “Parker with the marker.” There are many other differences that Jen and I notice immediately, but others who are not around them as much, don’t seem to pick up on. When this birthmark fades and eventually disappears (or is covered by hair), we will have to figure out another way for everyone else to distinguish between the two boys. I know that they will continue to be mistaken for each other; by friends, classmates, teachers, but I would really like for their relatives to be able to tell them apart!!!!

Mom, Jack, Park, & Dad visiting Mike the Tiger

Parker & Jack holding hands

Jack & Park playing in their crib

Time for some adult...time?

My parents have been in town since Wednesday…needless to say, Jen and I really look forward to when they are in town. We love to visit with them and hang out, we love to see their interaction with all of our boys, but this time, I must admit, it was all about us... This trip, they were staying for over a week so we didn’t feel like we had to cram everything in. We were getting a well-deserved break, and were able to get out with each other, to the gym, dinner, for coffee, and relish the time we can spend to ourselves. Ever since we felt that Parker and Jack could adjust to a schedule, we were on a mission to “take the night time back” (in a very similar fashion to a neighborhood watch program). This really just meant that we had a goal to get ALL the boys in bed by 7:30p. Sure there are days that this doesn’t go exactly to plan, but for the most part, we are on track. Jen and I will sometimes wait to eat dinner until they all go to be so we can actually enjoy a meal. One forgets though, that even though we have that time together at night, WE STILL CAN’T GO ANYWHERE!!!!! When MawMaw and PawPaw are in town, we get to take advantage of the time and get out of the house as much as possible.

This trip served a special purpose, they once again came in to save the day and watch the boys while we were headed to NOLA for an engagement party at Jen’s parent’s house. My parents were going to watch the boys for their first overnight trip away from us (at our house in BR). The two of us have never spent the whole night away from the three of them, especially not in different cities. It was quite the uneventful night on my parent’s part. The boys all were kept on their schedule (did I mention that both my parents are military??) and Jen and I were the ones forced to adjust. It had been over 2 years since we were at GiGi and Pop’s place without any kids. We used to head into NOLA for the weekend on a pretty regular basis, hang out, go out to eat, visit the French Quarter or Harrah's or whatever...but now when we go in, we spend the majority of our time packing, unpacking, feeding, changing, etc. It is quite a different experience without the kids. I walked into their house and it had an eerie quietness about it. Jen and I looked at each other and thought it was strange. We were able to sleep in (even though we both woke up at 6:45am anyway, we were able to go back to sleep), something we haven’t done in quite some time. We were able to pack up and leave in almost record time (instead of juggling car seats, pack-and-plays, toys, diaper bags, etc). As much as we missed our guys, it was nice to get some time with each other and hang out with the rest of the Dietz clan (and spent all of that time talking about our kids).

When we got back to BR, we still had to know every detail of their afternoon/evening/ night/morning, but it was nice to know that we were still capable of getting out and interacting with adults. We wouldn’t change it for the world, but it was fun to experience a night out - sans kids. Thanks MawMaw and PawPaw for letting us get out and enjoy some adult time.

(I have to get the pics from our night out from Jen's mom, so I will post them later)

2 x 6 = Tired

Our little boys are 6-months old today. I joked to some people I work with that with two 6-month old boys in our house, Jen and I have aged a full year. Mathematically it makes sense, but I don’t think that it counts. Either way, having twins has been such a blessing. We can’t even imagine our lives without Parker and Jack. It is a completely different experience than raising a singleton (that’s multiples lingo for only having one kid at a time). We tried to prepare for it, we read twin books, read twin blogs, and talked to twin parents. Note to everyone else: having multiples is something that you can never be fully prepared for. Jen and I have had to learn how to adapt along the way, take each moment in stride, and do the best we can. We were pretty freaked out at the mere thought of twins - How are we going to feed them, change them, pay for them? What about them waking each other up? What about going anywhere by yourself? Two of everything???? What about…you name it, we thought about it. God is funny that way, we were scared at first, but now that we have made it through the first half year, we know that we can handle any situation He can throw at us. God trusted us before we did (thankfully someone did!!) and we just have to sit back and laugh at His sense of humor. The first 6 months has been quite an adventure (filled with twice as many diapers and half as much sleep) but we are really looking forward to the rest of what’s to come.

PaRtY!!

We had Owen's 2nd birthday party this past weekend and it was a hit. Parker and Jack hosted a "Water Party" for the O-man and for two, not-yet 6 month old boys, they can really put a party together. We got a Canes Tailgate Pack and a monsterous cookie cake from The Cookie Company, so I am not sure how they could have gone wrong!!

We had about 20 people, 4 kids, and 2 babies (other than ours) over to celebrate with Owen. We basically had a water park set up in our backyard. Jen and I spent A LOT of time blowing up the pools that the kids were going to be playing in. Armed with a handheld pump, and the patience of a gnat, all Jen kept saying was "I am going to be here until the end of time."

It was a bit on the warm side for an 11am party, but it definitely could have been worse and I think everyone had fun. It was so great to see Owen enjoying the attention. I sometimes feel bad that he will probably be cast aside because everyone is always interested in "the twins," but luckily, he is the coolest dude ever and everyone loves him. He got some really great gifts that he has enjoyed playing with, especially his "Mike Tiger" book.

We are really blessed to have so many friends and family around to be able to celebrate with him (if only MawMaw and PawPaw could have been there too. They will be more than happy to have some one on one time with the big guy next week though). Thanks to everyone who came and made Owen feel special for his big day.

PS, I want to give a huge shout out and big THANK YOU to my lovely wife for "helping" the boys put this party together, they (we) certainly could not have done it without her. She is a fantastic host and even more fantastic mother/wife/person and I thank God for her everyday.

3/5 of our beautiful family

Apparently, someone likes cookie cake

Owen's big boy bike

mmm, delicious

You can call me Juan Valdez

Here is how every morning starts in our house.

Hi, my name is Brett and I have a coffee addiction. There, I said it. I feel better already. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to change this habit of mine, I just wanted to put it out there and admit it.

Jen and I couldn’t function without our daily pot of coffee. Now, we have always been coffee drinkers; a daily morning cup, an afternoon coffee date at CC's or Starbucks, or a nightcap after a great meal at a nice restaurant. In fact, we probably should have taken a student loan at CC’s for Jen’s coffee consumption during nursing school, but that is another story.

It seems as though my addiction has reached a whole other level. There isn’t a time when I will turn down a cup of coffee; I want coffee all the time - every second of every day. We have a programmable coffee pot that we received as a gift from MawMaw and PawPaw and I was excited at the time for a new kitchen appliance, but I can’t express how important the auto-on feature is for Jen and I. I prep the pot each night with the grounds and water, and the smell of heaven fills our kitchen. It is a daily struggle to press the Program button instead of the glorious red On button. I want coffee right then and there, but my addiction must wait until 6:20am (recently changed from 6:40am since the boys are getting up earlier) when the heavens align, all the moving parts are put into motion, and deliciousness is brewed (queue the choir of angels - AAAAAAAHHHHHH). This programmable feature, which should be a requirement on all coffee pots, saves me about 10 minutes of brew time every morning. That means, each morning, we have coffee 10 minutes sooner than the average parent. I admit it is a bit uppity that I never want to go back to my old ways of waiting for coffee to drip in the morning, but you know what? I have an addiction and I don’t care.

The Dude is 2.

Owen is 2. 2 years old. He is no longer 1. Not uno, but dos. That is just crazy, I seriously can't believe it. I'm sure that every parent says that on every birthday, so I guess I'm getting the hang of this parenting thing... I won't bore you with the normal, this is what my kid did, learned, ate, threw up, spilled, over the past year, but I thought I would share just a few of the things that we have gone through as a family in the past year:

• 87,000 diapers. I think the people at Sam's just love to see us coming. Seriously, I don't know what we would without Mr. Walton. Thanks big guy.


• 416 Batteries, With technology where it is today, I can video chat online with my parents in another state, and yet cant seem to be able to keep working batteries in any toy that we own. The one in the remote seems to last about 3 years before I need to replace it, my parent's Toyota Prius runs on them, and I seriously can't go a week without replacing AA batteries in something.


• 26 Bethy (pronounced Betty) visits. Bethy cleans our house. Bethy does not speak English. She loves Owen and even gave him some wonderful smelling "childrens cologne." It just smells like baby powder, but the thought was there. Thank goodness for Bethy becuase our circus tends not to care what is on our floor before it goes in their mouth.


• 13 canisters of Folgers coffee (the big ones from Sam's). 6 pounds of Community Coffee-New Orleans Blend for our cold drip coffee. And who knows how many number of CC's/Starbucks/PJ's visits. Coffee is our lifeblood, it is part of our morning, and let's face it, it is part of our family. We love you coffee.


• 1 C-Section. I say we, because even though it was a cakewalk for me, I was there and went through part of it, and 80% of our family was present so I count it. I would post the video (yes, I took a video, and regardless of how much my hand was shaking from excitement/nervousness, it still came out pretty clear), but I don't want to "sweat from my eyeballs" as King says. I still tear up every time I watch it.

We have also gained the following items during the year that were not around when Owen was 1.

• Parker


• Jack


• 1 Swingset (that took WAY too long to build)


• Gigi and Pop's Suburban (now we are again minus the Suburban)


• Daddy's job with the State of Louisiana


• New tenants for our condo (who still owe us a babysitting service)

With all the things we have been through and the changes that have taken place over the past year, I am trying not to be sad about Owen growing up. It is part of the journey and we can only hang on and enjoy the ride. I can't help but look forward to next year with the O-Man, I can't wait to see what is next.

I love you buddy.

Wook (2 year olds can't say their "R's")

In Connisonville, after we do our little dance in the morning, two people venture off to work.

Dad leaves and goes to work for the great State of Louisiana. Mom stays at home to work for our family (love her and can’t thank Jen enough for that).

As a background, I have a love/hate relationship with work. I could go on and on about how the system is broken when people go off to a job for 40+ hours a week, where they probably waste a ton of time doing mindless activity to fill up that time because there is no incentive to get your job done as you are still required to be there for the same 40+ hours!!! Don’t get me wrong, I like work. It can be a challenge, it can be exciting to see your work help people (I help build software systems, I don’t save lives), but I like it on my terms. To put it differently, I don’t mind working, I just don’t like jobs. Anyway, back to my story.

Owen has gone through various stages when it comes to work. First, it was learning the sign for work. He would use this when PawPaw stayed at our house and worked from our computer nook. Then it was “Bye Bye!” where he didn’t give it a second thought that I was headed out for the day. In fact, it seemed as though he looked at me with an expression that read: you’re still here? I know that it wasn’t what he was thinking, but it was like I couldn’t get out the door fast enough. We then moved to the game where he would tell my “Bye Bye” but then watch me from out front window with his face pressed on the glass while I got in my car, and drove away. It is pretty heartbreaking to leave this sight.

We have recently had some minor (and major) meltdowns when it is time for Daddy to leave for work. As if it isn’t tough enough to leave the family and go to work (where I don’t want to be, where I am continuously working toward a solution of independent wealth so I don’t have to go) and I have to hear, “Daddy, work, don’t want to, don’t want to” as he gives me a leg hug and a kiss goodbye.

This is the stuff that no parenting book will prepare you for…or at least I haven’t written it yet.