Our 2008 journal

January 15, 2008
We celebrated our third birthday this year with cousin Kozy. She entertained us with a puppet show, magic and balloon art. You all also got to help Kozy make a pretend cake. Aaron was a little embarrassed standing in front of everyone and you threw yourself down on the ground a few times and hid your face. Everyone laughed at you so then it became a big game to you. Aidan was totally into the act and really enjoyed helping. We did not have a huge turn out of guests because the weather was really bad. The Blanton’s, Dad’s employee Jamie and his son Spencer, Nonnie, Papa, Michelle, Lindsey and a bunch of their friends all came for the party. The big hit of the party was the digger birthday cake. Mom and Dad bought you all your very first scooters for your birthday.

On your actual birthday Nan, Grandma, Alana, Luke and Logan came to visit. We went to ‘cook at you table’ (Kansi) for lunch and then for ice cream.

Christmas was really fun this year. We visited Santa at the mall for the first time. Aaron asked Santa for chicken nuggets, and Aidan asked for a digger. Santa did not need to bring chicken nuggets since we always have plenty in the freezer, but he sure brought us A LOT of diggers. He also let a drum set, a train table, dress up outfits, Smart Cycle, and a huge Thomas tent. We spent Christmas at our house and Papa, Nonnie, Gaga, Ed, Michelle and Lindsey all came over for Christmas dinner. We went to Uncle Gary’s the day after Christmas.

We went to FL in January. You all flew without your car seats this time since we now have more kids than adults. All three of you traveled so well – as usual. We stayed at the time-share condo on the beach during the first week. It was really nice being right by the pool and beach. We played and the sand and flew a kite. Mom went shopping with Nan and Carter one day and you and Dad walked way down the beach and took the trolley back to the hotel. The best part of the trip was meeting Hot Dog the bird. He got his nickname from hanging around the pool each week during the hot dog lunch day. Hot dog has been known to walk into hotel rooms if the door is left open. One-day dad was cooking bacon and when we opened the door there stood Hot Dog. You all really got a kick out of it.

Aaron really made some serious potty training progress during vacation. You went 5 days and nights without wetting in your pull up. The last few days at Nan’s and the flight home kind of messed things up, but you are defiantly getting the hang of it.


February 12, 2008
Well had I known about three year old twin boys, I might have thought twice about another baby. Wow, are you all wild, crazy and very busy boys… times two. We never have a dull moment. At your three year visit Dr. Harper told us it should be the terrible three’s not the terrible two’s. The problem is you are developing independence and you have learned how to use your words.
If Aidan is told ‘no’ you try to reason with me. I say don’t go outside, you say I am just going to get something. Aidan is the wild child. It is very funny because when I call you name you answer, “right here”. I don’t let you out of my sight for too long though – you have a very creative and active mind and body.
We have to be careful not to be too hard on Aaron because if we tell you no (especially after nap time) it sometimes sends you into an all out meltdown. Aaron is very sensitive in all aspects. You are such a wonderful big brother and you love to help with Carter and give him kisses. You are the cautions one and I can always count on you to tell me if Aidan is into something he should not be.

We have decided that so far Aaron seems to have the book smart and Aidan seems to have the street smarts. Aaron is very good with the ABC’s and counting. You love to participate in the Dora and Diego shows.
Just in the past few months you all are interested in TV. Diego and Dora are favorites. It is nice to have some ‘quite’ time, but it does not last for long.
Potty training is coming along slowly but surly. Aaron has pretty much got it. Actually on vacation you went 5 days and night without wetting in you pull-up. Both of you have got pooping in the potty down, and that has been going on for about a month now.

We are currently enrolled in swimming and gymnastics now. Aidan is like a caged animal when you hit the gym. The first two classes Aidan got so excited that he joined the wrong class. You also like to rearrange the blocks that you are to climb over and one class you did not like the color stars the teacher gave you so you took it upon yourself to pick out some new stars – it really gave me a good laugh. Aaron always takes awhile to warm up in gymnastics, but once you do you sure do enjoy yourself.

I am racking my brain to think of some funny things you have said, but you all make us laugh all the time with the things you come up with. We absolutely love listening to you all talk to each other. You all love to role-play and pretend to be daddy and his workers, or some animal.

After we retuned from vacation we quit sitting in your room at bedtime. You all still work us during naptime – I think you will give up nap before we can ever break that. Aidan really works us, and Aaron just takes so long to fall asleep. You all sleep 1-2 hours and Aaron is always the first one up.

After Carter was born I realized how fast you all were growing and I decided I did not want to miss any more time with you. I am only working part-time while you are in school. I am totally enjoying all the time with you and I love seeing all the growing and milestones. This huge weight of guilt has been lifted from my shoulders. It does take lots of work trying to get everything done at work and home, but I would not trade it for the world. You all are so awesome and I love every minute with you.

February 12, 2008
Today you laughed out loud. Once again, just like your brothers, Daddy made you laugh for the first time. You were sitting in you high chair and Daddy was getting your belly with a little bear toy.

Yesterday you ate rice cereal for the first time. We were VERY impressed at how well you did. You ate all of it and did not make a big mess – or – maybe Mommy’s feeding skills have really improved.

Looks like the last time I wrote you were already proving to be a very good baby. Well, not much has changed you are just wonderful. And everyone seems to notice. You hardly every cry and you are always just along for the ride. You love to sit in you swing or bouncy and watch your brothers run around like the crazy boys they are.

I think from watching you brothers you are realizing you better start moving to keep up with them. You have been rolling over for over a month now and now you are learning to scoot. You really enjoy your tummy time and trying to reach any toys we place in front of you.

We are working on the sleeping arrangements because right now you are pretty happy sleeping with us. You were sleeping from 5-7 hours before we went to FL last month, but the vacation really messed up those long stretches of sleep. I put you down last night in your bed and you slept for about two hours and then you slept with us. We will try again tonight.

We still are not on much of a schedule. You have been going to work with me so you have just been eating and sleeping whenever you want. You eat about every 3 hours and nap here and there throughout the day. Tomorrow Amanda is going to start staying with you two days a week so hopefully we can get you in some type of routine. You stayed with Amanda last week, which was your first time with a non-family sitter. I did ok leaving you, but only because I knew I did not have to do it every day.

February 24, 2008
Potty training is going well. Aaron has been wearing underwear during the day for a week now. We have had two accidents at home, but none while we have been out. Aidan goes when we make him, but just does not quite have the hang of making it to the potty before you have to go. Fortunately since vacation you all have both learned to always poop in the potty – no more dirty diapers!!!

JUNE 4, 2008
I should have let them drive...
We went to the Jeffersonville Aquatics center today. Aidan decided to try the tube slide out first thing and did not care for that so much. It took him a while to warm back up to the play area after that. Aaron was all over the place and really enjoyed shooting the water sprayers. After Aidan decided to give it another try he stuck by Aaron - at one point they were holding hands walking through the water (so cute). The water was a little cold for Carter, so he just hung out and watched from his stroller.

One the way home I turned the wrong way out of the pool - surprise, surprise. After we had driven a few miles, I was realizing what I had done, just as Aidan says "Mommy, why are we going a different way?" Then when I was turning around Aaron said, "Mommy, you are so silly." Glad my three year olds had a better sense of directions than me.

JUNE 1, 2008
We had a very progressive week. Aidan has one week of potty training under his belt now. He even did great during the trip to Columbus this weekend. We bought some cool new undies at the end of the week, so that made it a little more exciting. He is still in pull-ups at night, but is staying dry at nap. Aaron made it so easy on us potty training himself in one week, day and night. Aidan is been pretty easy, we just have to remind him to go often. In my mind potty training was the most intimidating milestone, so I am feeling pretty good now.

Carter starting pulling up this week. So in the past three weeks he starting sitting and standing. Tonight he had his first bath without his baby tub. He thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the tub.

This weekend we traveled to Columbus for my college roommate Keri's wedding. Nonnie went with us to stay with the boys during the wedding. We stayed in the indoor water park hotel. I have to admit I was quite nervous leaving her with all of them, just because it was SOOOOOOOOO crowded. But I reminded myself she was fully capable and if she felt overwhelmed she would leave. I really should have given her more credit (ha-ha). She said they had a blast and the boys listened so well and always stayed together. The played in the water park, hula-hoop and ate ice cream. Carter had a great time too, splashing and squealing when he watched the boys go down the slide. His brother's are the coolest guys ever in his mind.

Dad and I had a nice time at the wedding. My $16 dollar dress got a great complement and I did not have the guts to say how cheap it was. It was a quick trip, but we did get to stop and say hi to Grandma and Aunt Carol. We had to get back for our 'nursery closing' meeting. It went .... well, just about how I thought it would go. But I guess you can't always keep everyone happy. I am just looking forward to putting more POSITIVE energy into the Louisville nursery, and leaving all those stressful/worrisome days behind.

MAY 29, 2008
Quote of the day:
Aaron: Mommy why is your tummy so soft?
Mommy: From growing all you boys in there.
Aaron: Oh, I want a soft belly like you Mommy.
As I was telling this to Adam at dinner he said Aaron also asked him yesterday why my tummy was so soft. I am glad someone around here likes my 'twin tummy'.

August 18, 2008
One again it has been way too long since I last wrote. I do have a very good excuse though – three VERY busy little boys running around. Aidan and Aaron had their fist day of school yesterday at St. Paul AKA ‘the basketball school’. Mrs. Nickels is your preschool teacher. You are going to preschool M, W, and F from 8:30-11:00. We have you enrolled it the daycare/preschool program, but you will only be going M, W, F so that I can work those days, but we sill have some time together during the week. Carter will be staying with Mrs. Tiffany who was Aidan and Aaron’s preschool teacher last year at Northside. Michelle babysat for you all this summer and you all really enjoyed your days with her. Mrs. Amanda stopped sitting at the end of the school year and Michelle started the fist of June.

We kept very busy this summer with your ‘survival’ swimming lessons through ISR. We went five days a week, each for 10 minutes for five weeks. I have to admit I was very glad on the last day of class. You all learned a special float technique and the swim float combo. On your last day of class you tested you skills fully clothes. Mrs. Joni tied your shows together, put something over your face and flipped you over and you were able to turn and float and hold your float and then swim to the side. I was very pleased with the results and Aidan’s swimming technique really improved. Aaron was doing great at swimming before the lessons, but by the end Mrs. Joni said Aaron was the floater and Aidan was the swimmer.

I do have a very funny story from the lessons. One day during your lessons the Master instructor was evaluating Mrs. Joni. He was a great instructor but, boy, did he mean business. He was in the water for Aidan lesson. Part of the teaching is that they do not was you to raise your head for air they want you to turn in float and then roll back and continue swimming. The other instructor was working with Aidan and was holding his had above Aidan’s head so he would not pop it up. Well obviously you did not like this much. So when you rolled over into your float and as you were crying you said ‘YOU ARE AGGERVATING ME’. I want to crawl under my chair. Out of all the things to say that came out of your mouth. You continued to tell him this throughout the lesson. It was very funny and you sure did express how you were feeling.

You all continue to make me laugh on a regular basis with the things you come up with. Aaron told me something was ridiculous the other day. I will admit I am responsible for some of these choice words. But I will credit Damn-it and shut-up to dad. Aaron is very fond of these words when he needs some attention.

Right now your favorite thing to do is watch Curious George, play with your digger toys and of course play outside. Aidan loves to play dress up. Every time we go in the basement to play you put some costume on. We went outlet shopping this past weekend and got new swim trunks and a swim shirt. Aidan has been a surfer all week and has showered in the outfit the past two nights.

Mr. Carter is just keeping right up with everyone. You are all over the place and very content just playing on your own around your brothers. You have been strictly on formula for about three months now. You are close to giving up jar food. You love cheerios and other snack food. The boys are constantly feeding you their snack food and you are quick to eat whatever they drop or leave unattended. The other morning you had your first pop tart and grunted at me when I took it away.

Your personality has really started to blossom over the past month. The babbling and funny faces are so cute. You do not like to sit still to get your diaper changed or dressed. It is very difficult to keep you still. But that is about the only complaint I have out of you, because you are about the easiest and most laid back baby. You are always just along for the ride… sleep and eat when you can. Bed and nap is so easy. You just have a bottle, give hug and kisses and off to bed you go. The only time I remember you were trouble when we were out was the time you were screaming with excitement at Old Charlie’s. I actually had to take you out because you were so loud and excited and we could not get you to quiet down. You are just so wonderful and pleasant and everyone is sure to point it out.

Football season is starting and we have so excited boys around here. This weekend we are headed to Cincinnati for a Bengals game. Carter is going to stay with grandma Lord. Next weekend we are going to Columbus for the fist OSU game to go to Skull session. You all absolutely love the OSU marching band, so we have been waiting all year to take you. Every time we get in the car we listen to the marching band CD. I cannot wait to see you’re all’s faces!!!

One more thing, then I have to get to bed so I can keep up with you all tomorrow. A good nights sleep is defiantly required around here to survive. That and Jazzercise for mommy. But you all went to your first friend birthday party a few weeks ago. It was Jillian from Northside Preschool. She had a party at here house with swimming. You all had a great time and everyone was impressed with how comfortable you all were in the water. Well until next time…. Hopefully it will not be so long again.

October 17, 2008
Happy birthday to my baby boy – my baby Carter tuned one today. We had a party at the house this evening. We rented a bouncer for the kids and we cooked out. We had a great turn out and the bouncer was huge hit with everyone. Carter enjoyed bouncing with daddy. You did have a cake of your own, but you did not really dig in. We had pictures taken on Tuesday where you were photographed eating a cake, so the cake was old news for you. We had a Dora themed party since you’ve loved Dora probably since your eyes could focus. You had a good time, but it was kind of a late party for you – as long as mommy was around you were ok.

Everyone was so impressed with your walking. Yesterday when daddy got home from work you walked down the hall turned the corner and continued walking. You still seem so little to be cruising around so well. You are just so darn cute!!!

One year ago Mom and Carter were at the hospital getting to know each other. I can remember the special time we had together – just us – you sleeping on my chest. That is more special than you will ever know, because I never experienced that one-on-one time with you brothers. You still love Mommy holding you, but it is only on your clock. I cherish every day and memories I have of you boys because you all grow WAY too fast. I have been so lucky to have my part time work schedule. I have not missed any of those ‘little things’ and I love my time with you all.

Daddy is back to work at the nursery again after about 6 months at Greenscapes. We are so glad to have our daddy around more – he was working way too much. Aidan and Aaron are glad to be helping out at the Nursery and riding the digger. We just opened ‘Nursery Liquidators’ this week and Aidan and Aaron appeared in a newspaper article profiling the business. Lots of people saw it –you all are superstars! You are also on the website.

Aidan got a note home from preschool today for misbehaving. Mom and Aidan talked about it and wrote and apology letter. Aldan said ‘I wish I could say I was sorry right now’. I do believe you are genuinely sorry for your behavior, but I am sure that will not be the last letter home.

On Wednesday evening’s dinner Aidan decided to say damn at the dinner table. We had already had a discussion on the way home about ugly words – you learned damn-it from your dad. Anyhow – I say do you say that at school (school behavior is usually better than home behavior). Aidan said in a very low voice – ‘sometimes I say it on the playground’. I about fell out of my chair. I had to cover my face I was laughing so hard. Obviously it should not have been that funny, but oh my Aidan. You do give us a run for our money.

Happy 1st birthday baby Carter. And good night to all my baby boys – I love you all so much. Each of you bring so much joy and put a smile on my face – all in your own special ways. Aidan your little mischievous grin, Aaron the way you always tell me I look pretty and Carter the way you crawl for me saying mama.

November 20, 2008
It’s a(nother) boy. We adopted ‘Boots’ the cat this week. Mommy really tried for a girl, but Boots won all of our hearts. It was between him and a gray little girl kitty. Everyone is adjusting well, except Jack. Aidan wants to know why Jack keeps blowing on Boots. This morning Aidan had Jack shut in the bedroom and when I asked why – he responded because Jack just kept blowing at Boots. You all say the funniest thing. Then later today while I was cleaning the upstairs you all decided the cat box. I don’t even want to imagine how – I found cat poop in the bathroom trashcan. We are all really enjoying Boots, but Aidan is the animal lover of the family.

Mister Carter is developing his own little personality and it is quite a spunky one. Meals are your favorite time to display this attitude of yours. When you are done eating you just take your arm and clear all the food left in front of you. We probably puck you sippy cup up 10 times throughout dinner because you like to drop in on the floor then grunt when you want it back. The other time you attitude is on display is when you wake between 5-6AM for your bottle. You just talk about it from the time we walk into your room until we sit down on the couch and give it to you. This is the only bottle you take now. You were taking 4-5 bottles a day and we took one out and you took the others out (no problem) over the course of a few days. You still really love that AM bottle and you REALLY love you passie.

Aidan and Aaron went to see Frosty this week at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. When I told you all that you were riding a bus your first question was did the bus have seatbelts. I said I did not know then you asked if the bus was going on a main road.

Aidan and Aaron had their first overnight trip at Nonnie’s this past weekend. You all went to a football game and want to Bob Evans the next morning. The highlight of the trip was throwing thinks down the laundry shoot. Nonnie was very worn out when she brought you all home and Mommy was very ready for you all to get home. I was pacing the floors waiting for you all to get home – I don’t do well with nothing to do.

Daddy has been back to work at the Nursery (Nursery Liquidator – Overstock Outlet) since early October now. Although he has to work weekends, we are so glad to get to see him more. I am so glad to be eating dinner before 7PM and it is nice having help getting everyone to school in the AM. The nursery is doing great and Aidan and Aaron are getting big enough to go to work with Daddy, and you all love it.

We have the 4th birthday party planned. We have reserved two rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati. All of you cousins are going to join us overnight to celebrate all the December birthdays. We will be in Cincinnati that weekend celebrating Christmas with the Lord family. On you actual birthday you have your school Christmas program then we are going to go to ‘cook at your table’ with Mommy’s family.

Letter from Comet the Elf

Dear Aaron, Aidan and Carter,

I am writing you from the North Pole. I will make my last flight back to your house tonight for this Christmas Season. I have really enjoyed watching over you these past few weeks and reporting back to Santa. Aidan I told Santa how good you have done using the potty at night. Aaron I reported to Santa how good you get your self dresses for school in the mornings. And I told him how good Carter sleeps at night.

I will not be back until next Christmas, but remember Christmas magic lasts all year long and we are always watching you from the North Pole. Sometimes we might even fly in for a night to check on you.

Don’t forget to leave cookies for Santa and food on the lawn for the reindeer. Santa did want me to pass on some special instructions. He has a lot of work to do at your house and he is afraid you might see him. So he would like you to have special night and sleep in your Mommy and Daddy’s room, but just for tonight. Remember not to peek because it could take Santa’s Christmas magic away.

Merry Christmas. I look forward to visiting you again next Christmas. And if you’re lucky you might get a surprise visit from me sometime during the year.

Your friend,
Comet the Elf