The Kothe Clan

Snow!

2012-01-16T21:06:00.002-05:00

Just the perfect amount for Gwen and Grady.

Update

2012-01-08T13:55:00.003-05:00

Gwen passed out in the car on the way home from the doctor. Poor girl keeps getting sick.

First movie Puss in Boots. Grady started by meowing every time a cat was on screen. The two older gentlemen in front of us just loved that. After about 10 minutes he said bye bye. The bribing began with suckers and m&ms, but only lasted about 50 minutes and we had to leave.

All dressed up!

Grady's new big woof. Barely enough room for the two of them in bed.

Gina came to visit us. Grady and Gwen enjoyed having some new life around the house.

Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:58:00.009-05:00

The looks on the kids faces as Santa was coming in the room. They were beyond excited. Probably the biggest day in their lives so far!
Cheese!

M&M face

Sibling love!

Gwen and her new ruff.

Cheese!

Surprised face!

So excited to be with Santa.

Ga!

CC and Gwen!

New scooter!

Finally sitting on Santa's lap, but mommy had to go too.

Grady and Ga!

Grady is ready to ride!

The school bus is an old gift that keeps on giving!

Dog, check, jewelery, check, heels, check, major mistake by Santa, check

Cheese!

Checking out my new scooter.

Santa came!

The kids had a great Christmas. They received more gifts than they needed and ate too much candy and cookies, it does not get much better than that. They were very excited that santa was able to visit the house. They were hesitant to sit on his lap, but eventually they did (with some help). They promised me next year they would sit on his lap. The excitement in their eyes as he came and left was priceless. They are already asking for mo Santa and I told them next year after their next birfday.

Photo Friday

2011-12-11T09:51:00.003-05:00

One of Grady's many fits he is throwing. Typically they are related to eating, putting on his coat/shoes/clothes or going to the bathroom.
Open Gym Christmas Party!

Grandma came along to help. Grady is 2 bits in the cookie he decorated, by the time I turned to Gwen to take her picture with her cookie, it was all gone.

New artwork in the Worthington Rec Center!

Grady was not too sure about Rudolph's nose.

Finger painting!

A little closer to sitting on Santa's lap!

2011-12-03T15:19:00.001-05:00

Trip to the zoo with our friends!

Daddy's got this!

Sesame Street Live!

Sharing a seat at Sesame Street Live!

Santa!

2011-11-21T20:34:00.002-05:00

We visited Santa early this year since Neal is having surgery this week. The kids were excited to see Santa, that is until we actually saw Santa. They completely froze.

They would not sit on Santa's lap, so Santa was kind enough to let Gwen and Grady sit in his seat. Unfortunately Gwen did not get to tell Santa she wants a baby doll and Grady did not get to tell Santa he wants a blue truck, but I am sure he already knows that! And yes, Gwen insisted on carrying her purse around the mall tonight. After Santa we headed over to Build a Bear and the kids got to make Ruff 2 and Ruff 3.

School Days

2011-11-11T22:30:00.001-05:00

Worthington Rec Halloween Party

2011-11-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

Worthington put on another great party for Halloween. The kids played games, went on a hayride and did a little bit of trick or treating! By the time the 31st rolled around they completely understood what to do when we when to the neighbors houses.

Give me my candy dad!

Yes, it was cold, but Papa still had his shorts on!

Big Kid Beds!

2011-11-07T20:25:00.002-05:00

It was time. I am quite upset about it as I feel like next they will be going off to college, but it was time.

I could see a switch go off in Gwen's head saying to herself, I am a princess! She loved it and did not try to move out of it once.

Grady in his manly car bed showing off his manly muscles and his tutu! He was so excited.

Naptime did not go quite as planned. After 2 hours screwing around (mostly Grady jumping in Gwen's bed and kicking her) they came downstairs and took turns passing out on the couch.

Photo Friday!

2011-11-06T20:43:00.005-05:00

Pumpkin Patch!

Boo at the zoo!
Grady and Gwen love characters! Gwen likes to give hugs and high fives and Grady follows his little sister, a little hesitant, but eventually loving it.

Pirate in the aquarium at the zoo!

Hanging out in close places. After I loaded this I see Gwen face planting into an apple. I have never claimed to be mom of th year. At least she is eating fruit!

Smoothie moustaches!

Photo Friday

2011-10-29T21:01:00.002-04:00

Kids having a snack and bonding!
Gwen is the mystery machine at the library. A little short to drive it yet!

Pumpkin time!

Grady holding the "guts" while his pants are rolled so they don't fall down!

Gwen holding up the "guts"!

A scene from a scary movie. Daddy put down the knife!

The new Mickey and Minnie!

Photo Friday

2011-10-22T20:00:00.004-04:00

Gwen swimming in the bathtub!

Yard work is easier with 4 extra hands!

Spaghetti!

My little man

Corn box!

Slide time!

I asked Gwen to draw a picture of me. I am a hot mess!

Photo Friday

2011-10-13T21:23:00.004-04:00

C turned 4 this week! He had an amazing birthday party with an incredible inflatable out back courtesy of Erica and Steve. Sadly I have no pictures of the birthday boy, I really need to work on my picture taking.

R is Gwen's big sis!

Daddy not exactly bouncing in the bounce house.

R jumping down the slide.

Roles have switched and Gwen is the outgoing dare devil! Grady, not so much!

Bounce house!

Gwen is going to be a great mommy, she is already helping Grady put his shoes on.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-09T17:54:00.005-04:00

Hanging with CC
Next up, pulling the hay out.

Thornton Family

Grady found his pumpkin!

Corn box!

Trying to find a pumpkin, pickins were slim.

Hayride! Matt was there, I swear.

Tunnel through the pile of dirt, only at a pumpkin farm.

Papa is going to regret this in the morning.

R survived the bumpy ride!

R looked like a pro!

The spectators!

Grady took a turn.

Napping with his truck after a long weekend!

Photo Friday

2011-10-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

Gwen bored at dinner.
Grady handsome as ever!

Early morning wake up, helping mommy get ready for work.

Gwen has quite a sense of style. She insisted on the dress and the tutu!

Gwen's favorite thing at the open gym.

Photo Friday

2011-09-29T20:39:00.003-04:00

CC and Ga picked the kids up from preschool and Gwen passed out, one french fry in mouth and one in hand!

Still sharing boxes!

This is for you Papa Moustache!

Gwen taking care of her baby!

This is what happens when you wake up sick at 6am! Gave mommy just enough time to take a shower.

Photo Friday

2011-09-22T20:40:00.003-04:00

Things have been crazy the last few weeks. The kids started school, I started a new job and Neal has been working late. A lot of adjustments for everyone, but so far all is going great.

Grady is doing good. We had another doctors appointment to check his size and he is not really growing wider, but he is growing up. We will be monitoring him at home and if we see no changes we will probably have to get some testing done. Hopefully the little guy starts gaining some weight. He was 33 inches and weighed about 22.5 pounds, a little lower than the last time. He did really good at this appointment. He hates the doctor, but by the time we were done he was asking if he could go back.

Gwen and her BFF! The night started good at Bucca and then the food sucked and the kids constantly wanted to go potty aka play with the toilet and sink. Probably will not be going out for a while!

Grandma and Daddy got to drop the kids off at school for their first day. The report was good, Gwen cried on and off, which then led to Grady being a little upset, but overall they did fine. Neither of them wanted to go potty, but Gwen held it the whole time and Grady had an accident right when we got there. By the second week they had no accidents!

Gwen heading straight for the babies at school. Grady is trying to figure out where all the big trucks are!

Go Bucks!

2011-09-17T16:11:00.002-04:00

What?

2011-09-14T20:25:00.001-04:00

Photo Friday

2011-09-09T20:53:00.002-04:00

We had the bounce house all to ourselves for an hour!
Skyzone!

Adult only birthday for Aunt CCa!

Gwen loves celebrating birthdays with cake!

First day of school! Next week they will be on their own.

Photo Friday

2011-09-02T08:06:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Aunt CCa!

Running the bases!

Potty Time!

2011-08-28T20:14:00.003-04:00

4 weeks ago we decided to potty train Gwen and Grady. At only 25 months we were a little skeptical, but given Gwen's diaper rash we did not feel we had a choice, so we went for it. We have been pleasantly surprised. The method we used went straight to diapers, no pull ups. Gwen and Grady did amazing. Gwen pretty much got it right away. She has not had an accident in over a week. I am so proud of her. Grady did pretty well with pee pee right away, although he still has a few wet nights or naps, but overall he is doing great. He had a rough time going poop on the potty. He was starting to go in his pants and would run to the bathroom. Suddenly this week things have really clicked and he is doing great. I expect accidents going forward, but I can say we are diaper free. I am a very proud mommy. Unfortunately the money we would typically spend on diapers is now being spent on prizes.

Holding hands and cheesing on the potty.

Photo Friday

2011-08-26T21:26:00.005-04:00

I have a new phone, so I am finally back!

Slide at the zoo, not quite the way I imagined it!

Merry go round gone bad!

Balloon festival!

First real bounce house!

My little hot mess has an appetite like mommy and daddy!

Playing at the zoo with R!

R was nice enough to help the twins up the zoo play area!

Cruise the Ville!

2011-08-20T15:09:00.005-04:00

First ride in the mustang!

The new faces of Bernies Body Shop!

Moving truck time!

Driving the bus!

It is rough riding in the back of the convertible!

Exhausted after only 2 hours!

Jammin in the car!

Potty Time

2011-08-15T11:16:00.005-04:00

If you are wondering where their pants are we were potty training. I am happy to say it has been a success. We have a few things to work on, but overall it has been a smooth process. If you have been around them during this process you have had the opportunity to actually see the results. Yes, that is correct, they love to run around with their potty showing everyone their pee pee and poo poo.

This past weekend we made a trip up to Cleveland. We made a few bathroom breaks both ways (one for mommy) and I am happy to say we had no accidents. It was a full house in the car, but we all had a good time. Grady is obsessed with big trucks. I can officially say Grady said big trucks 111 times from 71 to the Lake.

Neighborhood Party

2011-08-02T21:44:00.004-04:00

Our neighborhood had a party tonight. Jen and Raegan went with us since the guys were golfing. It was the first day the kids have left the house since we started potty training last Friday. I loaded the potty in the trunk and off we went. The kids had a great time and the best news is we had ZERO accidents. I did have them sit on the potty before we went home in order to avoid any accidents in the car. Raegan helped the kids go through the inflatable obstacle course. Surprisingly Grady loved it and took off. Gwen did pretty good too, but never made it to the big slide at the end. Raegan was lucky enough to win a prize at the end. Overall it was a great event just down the street for free. It does not get much better than that!

Grady smiled as soon as he saw Raegan, he really missed her!

It is my fault Gwen was slow, I had to put her in a dress...

By the end everyone wanted to hold Raegan's hand!

My little dare devil!

Hurry!

Photo Friday

2011-07-28T21:03:00.003-04:00

As always, Gwen had too much cake celebrating Papa's birthday!

I could try to explain this, but why bother.

Watching tv, having a snack.

This is the only way I can read the paper on Sunday. They were pretending to be homeless!

Gwen relaxing on the way home after a late night out at C's.

Photo Friday

2011-07-21T21:51:00.002-04:00

C being the great big brother he is, wanted Grady to sit on his lap and read a book. As you can see, it was not as easy as it sounded! I tried to explain to C that Grady was also a big brother. A little bit more confusing since Gwen is technically bigger!
C took Grady on a rid in the jeep!

Gwen wanted to hold baby Mara all day long!

While singing in the car I turned around and found Grady plugging his ears!

Two Year Check Up

2011-07-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

The two year check up was interesting. Grady was ok, until they called us into a room, then he was upset until about 5 minutes before we left. He was crying so loud, I am sure the entire office heard him. Poor little guy. We discussed the twins diet with the doctor. They are not necessarily picky eaters, but they just do not eat a lot of volume. She suggested a few new options we could mix in that were healthy and calorie rich. It is a struggle because I think I could put 5 pounds on Gwen pretty quickly by feeding her chocolate, but that is not really the greatest diet to teach your child. Grady's growth has been a small concern of mine for a while now. At first the doctor said we would do a weight check in 3 months and then proceed, possibly seeing a specialist at age 3. About 3 hours after our appointment the doctor called me at home and said after discussing his case with the other doctors, she would recommend we see an endocrinologist now. He is still on the charts, but given Gwen's growth pattern, she felt it was better to consult a specialist. I have not broke the news to Grady. He is going to be devastated that he will have to go to the doctor again. I already pumped him up before our appointment that if he promised not to get sick he would not have to go back for a year. Here are the stats......

2 YEAR STATS
Gwendolyn
Weight 24 pounds 14 ounces 24%
Height 34" 10% (not 100% accurate since we had to remeasure)

Grady
Weight 23 pounds 2 ounces 3%
Height 32.25" 3% (not 100% accurate since we had to remeasure)

18 MONTH STATS
Gwendolyn
Weight 22 pounds 2 ounces 20%
Height 31" 25%
Head - 45.5" 25%

Grady
Weight 20 pounds 13 ounces 3%
Height 30.25" 3%
Head - 47" 25%

I do not have many pictures of the kids together since they never sit still, so this is the best I have. We have been enjoying the fact that GG has moved to Columbus and has a pool. Gwen is my little fish. We are working on Grady....

Cookies!

2011-07-17T21:26:00.000-04:00

Luckily Jen was there to capture photos! The kids had so much fun!

Photo Friday

2011-07-15T07:31:00.002-04:00

Taking our friend Dash for a walk. The kids really enjoyed this. They were tripping over each other and the dog trying to hold on to the leash!

Gwen loves sunglasses!

You will have to blow this one up to see it....Stacy and Gwen enjoying the baby swings at the park!

Grady cannot get enough of the slide. Surprising he is the one that hates water!

Camping!

2011-07-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

We took our first camping trip last week. It was only a one night trip. The kids enjoyed themselves as did we.

Serious cheese face!

Grady took one bite of the smore and Gwen none...that is ok, more for mommy!

Hot dogs!

Catching lightening bugs!

The beach!

Before the bedtime meltdown.

After the bedtime meltdown.

Rainy morning in the camper.

6/29/11

2011-07-10T20:38:00.002-04:00

The twins birthday fell on a Wednesday this year. We had a great day with them!

Aunt CC, Grandma and I took the kids to the zoo.
Gwen LOVES the carousel!
Grady, not so much!

After dinner we took the kids to the park!

I cannot believe they are already two. Gwen already thinks she is 21 and likes to boss people around. I wonder where she gets that from? Grady is as laid back as ever. Hmmmmmmmm, interesting dynamic!

Dash for Donation 2011

2011-07-09T20:13:00.006-04:00

We had a great time at the Dash this year. It is amazing how things have changed since January 15th 2008. The twins have arrived and turned two, Ryan and Leslie welcomed Mara into their family and C is three and three quarters! Kids sure do put life and time in perspective. Unfortunately we missed out on the team shot, but I did get some pictures.

Papa and Gram D in the back, Daddy pulling Grady, Papa Moustache up front and Patty, C and Christina in the mix!
Our newest team members were Amy, Dan, Sam and Grace!

Gwen and Grandma started our pace, but 1k was too much for Gwen! C started in the stroller, but ended up running the 1k with Christina. I am pretty sure he will be a runner just like Daddy!

Gwen got a medal!

Gwen let Aunt CC borrow her medal.

Walking on the ledge with Grandma!

This picture is exactly why you should be an organ donor. Neal's life went from hospital beds, dialysis units, blood clots, tongue bites, medically enduced comas, sets, surgeries to something we never would have imagined!

After the Dash we headed over to the splash park!

Wish I could have gotten a shot of the fountain turning on and getting Papa!

Grace enjoying the fountain! Sam was on the move the whole time, so I do not have any clear shots of him!

The picture of a perfect and exhausting day!

Photo Friday

2011-07-08T06:49:00.002-04:00

Someday I will learn to keep my finger out of the shot.

We visited Aunt Dee Dee camping over the 4th. The kids love their new camping chairs.

Gwen got to experience her first push up at good old Wild Wood. Oh the memories! Mommy and Daddy met there 16 years ago and have been together ever since. I tried to explain that to Gwen to which she responded, "man you are old!"

The 4th

2011-07-06T21:06:00.003-04:00

We spent the 4th up in Cleveland with Neal's family. The kids had a great time. Having the greatest pool did not hurt either!

They are both ringers at corn hole.

Gwen is our little fish!

Grady likes the steps!

Second birthday party!

2011-07-04T09:38:00.001-04:00

Grady and Gwen's second birthday party was a big success. We were able to celebrate with our family and close friends. Gift opening is certainly a little chaotic, but we survived. It is pretty easy to get side tracked when you are two!

Grady almost slept through his birthday party!

Daddy and Papa somehow got roped in to finishing putting together the food.

Neal somehow managed to get out and Gram D took over.

Grandma and Papa Moustache arrive with the pizza! In perfect Kacirek fashion, I ordered too much.

Gwen's birthday candle.

Grady's birthday candle.

Gwen had a little sampling of the cake when it arrived.

A little soccer out back! My girl loves to kick.

Rock band!

Loving the music!

Don't float away!

My favorite baby boy!

Balloons! Not a bad way to wake up from your nap!

Are all those balloons for me?

Grady will catch on soon! At least C can smile for the camera.

Balloons!

I need to distract her so I can get the mic!

Daddy doing what he does best!

Happy girl in her new necklace!

Naked baby...it's bed time!

Chocolate covered goodness!

New shoes, every girls dream!

Cheese on cheese!

Chapstick, not just for your lips, but also for your nose and cheeks!

As always, Jen did an amazing job on the cake!

At one point I heard C ask Gwen if she could pump herself.... Don't I wish!

99 Luftballons

Connor with his balloons and food baby.

Aunt CC

Sometimes I rhyme slow sometimes I rhyme quick

Biz's beat of the day

Man I am tired

Check out my new chain

Daddy what are you doing to C?

Swing and a miss.

Swimming

2011-07-03T20:47:00.003-04:00

We had a great time at the Machovina party today.

Gwen took to the water like a champ. She really tired daddy out. It was good to have Austin there to help.

Photo Friday

2011-07-01T06:10:00.001-04:00

Gwen loves the carousel!

Grady riding the boat at the zoo!

Fun with Daddy at the zoo!

Best friends!

choo choo!

Gone fishing!

Birthday dinner at El Vaq. Hey Grady, there is something on your nose.

Gwen

2011-06-28T21:37:00.003-04:00

Gwen is a girl, plain and simple. She prefers to be involved in everything the adults are doing. If Gwen asks for her milk and I only hand her one cup, she is immediately asking for Grady's. She was born a caretaker. Gwen will not even go upstairs for bedtime without Grady. Grady is her best friend and she does not want to go far without him. She loves to go down her slide and have someone catch her. Gwen has recently decided that she should catch Grady at the bottom of the slide. Gwen loves to play with her baby doll. She is a little rough, but I think she will be a great mother someday. Gwen is learning new words all the time. Her favorite is outside. I think she will really enjoy camping next week since we will be outside. Her second favorite word is shoes. She does not like being without her shoes for long. Makes sense because once she has her shoes on she can then repeatedly ask to go outside. Gwen loves to swing. She could swing for an hour if I let her. Unfortunately she is the clumsy one. It seems like the girl gets a new boo boo every day. She will say yest to everything, that may get her in trouble someday! I am very lucky to end every night with a big wet kiss from Gwen and a night night. Happy second birthday Gwen!

Grady

2011-06-28T21:21:00.005-04:00

This picture is everything Grady is. He is very excited about everything in life and enjoys every minute.

Grady is such a joy to be around. He enjoys everything around him. Grady currently goes through a list of names multiple times a day....Papa, Dada, Mama, CC. After repeating this he looks to me for some answers. We go through the list again

Grady: Papa

Me: He is at home

Grady: Dada

Me: He is at work

Grady: Mama

Me: I am right here

Grady: CC

Me: She is at home

Grady goes through this about a dozen times a day minimum. Someday he will have so many people added to the list it will take all day to get through. Grady loves to play with all of his toys, he especially enjoys lining them up. Grady sleeps very well and currently prefers a crib full of stuffed animals. It is not always easy to convince Grady to go inside or outside as he is always busy doing something. He loves helping with yard work. Grady still loves his fruits and veggies. He is quite the dare devil at the playground, I sometimes have problems keeping up with him. Grady will find the highest slide and climb up to go down it all by himself. He must get that from his daddy, because I still do not like to climb to the top. Grady loves his sister and typically will share anything with her. I am lucky to end every day with a big hug and him saying night night. Happy second birthday Grady!

Second year birthday shoot

2011-06-24T22:07:00.004-04:00

I need 3 pictures once a year at a minimum, that is IT, I am not asking much, am I? I am not going to point fingers, but SOMEONE was not cooperating. Oh well, I will try again another day.

On the night before our second birthday party...

2011-06-24T21:42:00.007-04:00

Mom (aka Mama or MommEE) was busy getting the house ready. The decorations are up and we cannot wait to celebrate with our family. Thankfully the weather is going to be better than last years 95 degree day. We sure have changed over the last year.

Photo Friday

2011-06-24T05:03:00.001-04:00

Helping Daddy cut the grass. With all this rain, it was a big project.
Pushing a toy that was in the garage sale pile. Gwen plays with it more now than ever.
What is better than playing in the toy box!
Gwen is ready for garage sailing, back pack on and brother for sale shirt!
Daddy enjoying ice cream.

Gwen really enjoying her ice cream!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T20:55:00.003-04:00

Grady and Gwen are lucky enough to have a great dad and great Papa's!

Photo Friday

2011-06-17T07:58:00.003-04:00

Playing at the zoo with Raegan!

When mommy wants brownies, everyone is happy!

Attempting to drink the bath water????

Having fun at the zoo!

Playing with Aunt Stacy at the zoo!

Walking around the gym after swimming!

Ready to swim!

Shower curtain or head wrap?

Photo Friday

2011-06-10T06:43:00.005-04:00

Helping Daddy water
This is what happens when you skip your nap. Dinner is so boring it will put you to sleep.

Mmmmmmmmm hose water!

Grady insisted we go on the train and the zoo. If he had it his way, we would have stayed on it the whole time.

Ice cream sandwiches!

Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day.

Take me out to the ball game

2011-06-06T20:50:00.005-04:00

We headed down to a Clippers game for dollar day. The kids had fun. Anyplace they can walk around, eat and people watch is typically a hit. They are easy to please. They loved their baseball caps and even left them on the whole time. Luckily it was dead because as you can see our bleacher seats were in the 90 degree sun. We ended up hanging by third base in the nice seats and more importantly the shade.

Nothing like a good book after a baseball game!

Gardening by the Garage

2011-06-06T09:36:00.001-04:00

Yard work is a bit challenging with two kids. It takes 10 times longer and results in a much bigger mess. Grady really enjoys it. He loves taking the weeds to the trash bin. Gwen prefers to swing, which makes yard work difficult.

Photo Friday

2011-06-03T00:52:00.004-04:00

Gwen made another poo poo on the potty!

Laying in bed with mommy before bed, catching up on some tv.

This crocodile had no chance! Crikey!

Tickling mommy!

Road to paradise!

Mommy is slowly turning into a lobster.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for watching the kids while we took off to Florida.

Yard work was much easier after vacation with 2 tiny helpers.

Snack time!

Photo Friday

2011-05-27T08:40:00.002-04:00

Trip to Cosi, sadly this is the only photo I have.

Grady's new golf cart. He pushed it all over the yard, even through the sprinkler.

Gwen organizing her furniture on the front porch of her house. The sprinkler is hitting her in the back!

Grady soaking wet and loving it.

Visit with Papa

2011-05-21T20:04:00.006-04:00

Grady, Gwen and I decided to take a road trip to Papa's. We got to spend a lot of quality time with Grandma and Papa. The kids did great. As my dad said they are either 100% or asleep, there is not much in between. They did great in the car. At night time, Gwen pretty much crawled in her tent, begging to go to sleep and Grady let out a cry or two and passed out. To be honest, we were all exhausted by the end of the day. I was a little nervous taking a trip by myself with the twins, but Grandma and Papa helped out a lot. We had a jam packed 48 hours including a few parks, multiple meals out, the zoo and the Memphis Kiddie Park.

Having a snack at Papa's

Grady loved looking out Papa's window at birds, lawn mowers and motorcycles.

Train ride! Gwen was there, my arm just could not reach far enough to get her!

Grady is a little unsure of this train.

We did not even make it out of the zoo parking lot and Grady was already passed out.

Grady and Gwen ran into their friend Gina at the Memphis Kiddie Park, small world.

Grady waving to Grandma and Papa from the plane.

Gwen was not too sure about the car ride, I think she was willing to jump for her life.

The boat ride was a hit, Grady even went on again by himself.

Gina and Grady handing on for their lives!

Gwen and Papa taking a break at the park.

Sand, yes please!

I am not sure who had more fun, Grady or Papa?

Grady is a little unsure of having another woman this close. By the end they were holding hands and kissing each other good bye.

Grady really enjoyed his spaghetti dinner. After figuring out the penne noodle fit perfectly on his finger, there was no more food entering his belly!

Thank you Papa for letting us stay at your place! We had a wonderful time and cannot wait to do it again. Now I must go to sleep to recover!

Photo Friday

2011-05-20T07:32:00.002-04:00

Pretty painted toe nails! Don't ask....

BAD!!! Put those cushions back on the couch and sit down!

Road trip to Cleveland. So far so good. Only 9 more days with your pacifier.

Playing in our tents with hopes that we will sleep good at Papa's.

Strawberries at Papa's.

One thing I did not capture (you will be happy) is Gwen's first poop on the potty! It was an exciting day.

Photo Friday

2011-05-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

Luke relaxing in the shade.
Slide time

Finally my mom bought me a good bubble machine!

My kitchen now has 2 pairs of eyes staring at me while I cook.

Happy Birthday Grandma! We will celebrate by acting like animals in the restaurant. I think their gift really is to be good 364 days a year with Grandma's birthday being the exception.

Good old Ohio weather, last week 50s and rain, this week mid 80s. Grady pretty much used a bucket to dump all of the water onto himself.

Photo Friday

2011-05-07T14:12:00.002-04:00

Ok, I am a day late.... I take a lot of pictures with my cell phone because I do not want to lug around the big camera. I read another blog that shares these weekly and decided to steal the idea.

Daddy striking a pose!

When we are having a snack before bed time I tell the kiddos to sit in their chairs and watch tv. It lasts about 5 minutes.

Gwen cannot get enough of the swing!

New glasses from Touch a Truck

Your supposed to go up the slide, right?

Easter

2011-05-01T08:09:00.000-04:00

Some would say Gwen and Grady were a little spoiled this Easter. They got to attend four Easter Egg hunts, including one at home. By the last one they started to get the picture. The first one went so fast, we were just glad they bent over and picked up an egg. Daddy decided to practice with them after that, but forgot to put something in the eggs. When we got to the second hunt in our neighborhood, Grady was ready. He knew exactly what to do. He ran for the first egg, picked it up then stood there looking at it and shaking it trying to figure out what was inside. Meanwhile his sister picked up ten eggs rather quickly, then dumped her basket of eggs back on the ground. By egg hunt three Grady really knew what he was doing and Gwen did her typical fill and dump routine more than once. They ended up getting six baskets a piece this year. Enough chocolate to ruin Mommy's weight loss.

An attempt at a group shot.

Attempt gone bad....

Grady starting out the easter egg hunt at home.

Gwen smiling on a chocolate high.

Say cheese!

Everyone needs some milk after all that chocolate.

Gwen walked around with her chocolate in her mouth a while, she was tired of holding it.

Grady was very happy Easter Sunday.

Gwen after cleaning up in the neighborhood hunt.

Grady relaxing on the porch after the Kasulis hunt.

Grady the Gentleman

2011-04-29T12:17:00.003-04:00

If you remember, Grady's last obsession was leaves. If you have them, he wanted to pick them all up. Well this spring he has made a change to "flowers". We cannot walk around the block without him pointing at every dandelion growing (especially at the corner house). He would try to hold one hindered of them if I would pick that many. He will give them to mommy, Grandma or Gwen. He is quite the gentleman.

Naked Babies

2011-04-27T21:58:00.001-04:00

When it is an hour before bedtime and nothing makes the kids happy what do you do? Well we take their clothes off and duct tape their diapers on. Yep, you can call me a hillbilly, but try it, it works!

Clean Up!

2011-04-24T21:32:00.000-04:00

When we tell Grady to clean up he piles everything in the room that he can move in one place. That includes pillows, blankets, socks, cups, whatever he can physically pick up. This day he decided to put everything on daddy.

Toph's Birthday

2011-04-21T21:57:00.002-04:00

All three in the same frame! That is an accomplishment.Feed me chocolate

Grady was flirting with Toph's girlfriend the entire time. He is just checking with Toph to see if she is still taken.

Grady looking at Toph's girlfriend through the door.

21 Months Old

2011-04-17T11:55:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe I will soon be planning the twins second birthday party. Gwen is talking up a storm. She is beginning to repeat just about everything I ask her to. She is very attached to mommy and Grandma. I hope to get her involved in some more activities. I want her to be confident in herself. Her favorite words are dough (aka no), sexy (aka suckie), peek, mommy, dad, peas (aka please), papa, Luke, Grady, side (aka outside), shoes and bye. She is so much fun to be around. She loves to be outside and swing on the playset. She is starting to throw some small tantrums, but nothing too bad yet. She sleeps wonderful and loves her blanket. If I let her, I am pretty sure she would take it everywhere.

Grady has started saying hi , dad, mom and sssss (aka please). He is a very happy child. He loves to explore and play everything. At the playground, he just takes off. The slide is his favorite thing to do. Grady is very observant. He is always looking for birds, bugs, squirrels, you name it. In the fall he was obsessed with picking up leaves, now it is on to flowers (aka dandelions). We cannot walk more than a step without picking up a flower. If an airplane or train go by, he is the first to hear it. Grady still loves his fruits and veggies. When it is time to give Grady and kiss goodnight, he puckers up! Grady has a good attention span for most things he does, well as much as a kid his age could possibly have.

This is by far my favorite age, although I have said that about every age, so I am excited for what is to come. Gwen and Grady love each other so much. They do everything the other is doing, both the good and the bad. I am really enjoying being their mommy.

Vrooooom

2011-04-15T21:02:00.003-04:00

Before the babies were born I found a car for the kids at a garage sale, it was a steal. I decided to bring it out about a month ago. The babies could not get enough.

Sometimes they would try to ride in it together, but as you can see, it is not quite big enough for two!

Gwen would push Grady in between her turns.

Grady had a blast. When he was not in the car, he was designated gas station attendant and would pump gas into the car with the gas tank my mom bought them. (Please ignore the very dirty window in the background, damn camera.)

I am pretty sure I said about 100 times, "ok now it is ______ turn" or "take turns". I told Neal if they still loved it through the weekend, we would go get another one. Being a twin mom you realize, sometimes it is just worth it to have 2 of some things. Who am I kidding it is easier to have 2 of everything! So of course we had to venture out and buy a new one. I about had a heart attack when I saw the price, but anything for my kids. The first day home, they only wanted to play with the new one and did not want anything to do with the old one. I heard myself repeating the same things again. Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Since then, they could care less for either of them. What to do, what to do. Perhaps I should wipe some peanut butter on the steering wheel, that will get them in there.

A Walk in the Park

2011-04-13T18:13:00.000-04:00

Flu 2011

2011-04-07T13:30:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately we had a visit from the flu this week. Gwen started on Saturday night. See was up for about 2 hours throwing up then finally went to sleep tossing and turning, the next night, she only got sick twice. Monday morning I called the doc and was warned it is extremely contagious and not fun. Monday night around 9:00, I heard someone else getting sick. Unfortunately Grady got me. I took my very dirty shirt off and called for Neal. First he got a little excited seeing his half naked wife in the hall waiting for him, then he walked in to the nursery to see a disaster. Within an hour, I was in the bathroom. I could barely take care of myself let alone anyone else. Poor Grady was up for 6 hours getting sick every 20 minutes. This is serious people, stay away from it! Flu shots apparently did not cover this monster. Grandma was not so lucky either, she was hit on Wednesday around noon. One word that describes it, violent. We are finally on the up swing. Here are some pics pre and post.

Finally happy and eating!

Gwen's version of the look. Crazy Daddy!

Apples!

2011-04-07T12:20:00.000-04:00

BFFs

2011-04-04T12:04:00.000-04:00

On this episode of cribs

2011-04-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

Gwen is playing with her blanket in the background, her favorite thing to do! Look at my teeth!

Crazy hair!

Another attempt to get some group shots

2011-03-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

Getting closer......

Boys will be GIRLS?

2011-03-28T21:16:00.003-04:00

What to do..............

I know you!

2011-03-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

Brush 'Em, Brush 'Em, Brush 'Em

2011-03-08T21:52:00.000-05:00

Open Gym

2011-03-04T21:27:00.003-05:00

Worthington had a big party for Dr. Seuss' birthday. They had lots of characters, animals (snake, armadillo and some other thing that I have never seen before), make your own trail mix, story time and as always the gym was open. We were able to touch the armadillo and the snake....I myself was excited to do that. Grady was as always infatuated with the characters. The man with the yellow hat is the only character they may recognize from tv and Grady was 100% scared of him. The first time we saw him Grady actually screamed! Overall it was another amazing free event put on by the Worthington Community Center.

The Look

2011-02-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

If you have gotten it, you know what it is. I cannot explain why, but it sure is funny.

Daddy's Girl

2011-02-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

No!

2011-02-25T21:42:00.002-05:00

Gwen's new word. She said it once three days ago, twice yesterday and three times today. Needless to say I am screwed in a month!

Sunroom Fun

2011-02-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

Thankfully when the sun comes out we can use the sunroom. The babies love to go out there.

Grandpa and Grandma's visit

2011-02-22T22:23:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma came down to visit last weekend. Grandpa grabbed some leaves from outside. Leaves and balloons are the two things that Grady cannot get enough of!

Christmas!

2011-02-21T21:34:00.006-05:00

Wow, I am really behind. We had to move Christmas this year, but we still had a great time. The kids got more than I could imagine!

Towers

2011-02-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Grady loves making towers out of his mega blocks. He only uses the single blocks.

New Camera

2011-01-31T16:43:00.000-05:00

We finally broke down and bought a new camera and we could not be happier. We are still learning how to use it, but even without knowing what we are doing our pictures are much better than before. Here are some of our highlights our first day with our new toy.

There are also some downfalls to having a new camera....

One child standing on bike while mommy is playing with her new toy.

Holy ear wax!

Apparently I did not wipe Grady off well enough after lunch as there is still some food on the side of his head!

Snow Days

2011-01-30T13:19:00.008-05:00

I finally broke down and bought the kids snow pants. I found them for under $4 a piece at Target. Unfortunately they only had a pink a purple pair left, but oh well the deal was too good to pass up. The babies were not too excited about walking in the deep snow, but they did enjoy walking up and down the sidewalk.

Nap Time

2011-01-29T12:21:00.000-05:00

My dad is always asking if the kids will just fall asleep on the ground if they are tired. My answer has always been a laugh and a big no, but Gwen proved me wrong.

18 months old!

2011-01-27T22:06:00.004-05:00

Better late than never. The babies are growing every day in every way. They are so much fun to play with. Here are the stats:

18 MONTH STATS
Gwendolyn
Weight 22 pounds 2 ounces 20%
Height 31" 25%
Head - 45.5" 25%

Grady
Weight 20 pounds 13 ounces 3%
Height 30.25" 3%
Head - 47" 25%

FIFTEEN MONTH STATS
Gwendolyn
Weight 20 pounds 10%
Height 30" 25%
Head 44.5 20%

Grady
Weight 19 pounds 7 ounces 3%
Height 29.75" 10%
Head - 46 25%

I cannot quite understand how they are in such a low percentile for weight given how much they eat! The babies are really starting to play together. They laugh together and chase each other. It is great to watch them interact. Even if they are not playing together, they are always looking to make sure the other is close.

Grady loves playing with his toys. His favorite toy is a balloon, any balloon. He is
very tough when it comes to falling around the house, but very scared when it comes to new people or places or the bathtub. Grady also enjoys putting his toys in his shirt and building towers with his mega blocks. When he is tired, he is crazy Grady and laughs and runs around like crazy. Grady is a mamma's boy.

Gwen loves attention. She wants you to play with her, or more specifically walk with her. She loves to walk and hold your hand. She frequently carries her purse around and wears my shoes. Gwen is going to be 100% girly girl. At night she cannot sleep without her blanket. I think she was a fish in her former life. After a bath mommy and the entire bathroom floor are soaked. Gwen is definitely a daddy's girl.

The babies are not saying too many words I can understand, but ramble quite a bit. They seem to understand everything we say to them. Grady and Gwen are giving us hugs and kisses now. Every time they give me a hug or a kiss it melts my heart. I could not love them anymore.

Here is our current schedule
7-7:30 - Wake up and eat breakfast
10:00 - snack
11:30 - lunch
12:45 - nap
2:45 - wake up (they are now starting to sleep even longer)
3:30 - snack
5:45 - dinner
8:00 - bedtime

Digger

2011-01-24T12:14:00.001-05:00

I think I will just tape record myself saying get your finger out of your nose now....

Potty Time

2011-01-20T12:07:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have been MIA. Between hospitals, sickness, computer crashes, I just did not get around to the blog. I am back!

We decided to bust out the potties a couple of weeks ago for the kids. Of course Neal's dream is they will be potty trained by two. Did I mention two is also the number of diapers he has changed in the last 6 weeks? Sorry, I got off track. I think the pictures pretty tell you how this process is going to go....

Polar Bear

2010-12-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

Worthington rec center had a Christmas party a couple of weeks back. It was really nice, especially considering we are not residents and it was free. The kids love going there. For the party they had open gym, decorate your own cookie, and characters. At first Grady would not go near the characters, then all of a sudden he could not get enough of them. He was following the polar bear and bird around. I actually had to stop him because they could not see him and I was worried he was getting so close they may knock him over accidentally.

Itsy Bitsy Spider

2010-12-19T17:06:00.000-05:00

Gwen's version

Xmas tree

2010-12-19T16:46:00.002-05:00

We headed to Timbuk farms to cut our Christmas tree this year. We are obviously new at this as the top of the tree is at a 45 degree angle to the ground. Oh well, it is standing, although it is tied to the wall. The babies had a great time and loved riding on the bus.

Can we take a picture or what??

Downward Dog

2010-12-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

Gwen has taken up yoga. This is her favorite pose.

My Other Fashionista

2010-12-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

Summer hat, princess purse and cookie monster slippers. It does not get much better than this. I am pretty sure I have to file this in the my son is starting to date folder.

Bookshelf

2010-12-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

Stacy and Chris gave us a bookshelf quite some time ago. It has been perfect for storing bins, books and toys. I never thought I could store the twins in it!

Your Baby Can Read

2010-12-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

Grady loves books. He might not be able to read quite yet, but he can typically hold the book right side up and turn the page. I would say that he is on his way to being a genius!

Look at those teeth!

2010-12-07T22:29:00.001-05:00

We are finally seeing more teeth! Luckily the biting has slowed down.

Monkey See Monkey Do

2010-12-07T22:03:00.004-05:00

It is amazing what the kids pick up on. I guess I need to be more careful eating my cereal. This can end up being quite a disaster if I turn my head for one second....

Hospital

2010-12-03T07:41:00.001-05:00

There is one positive thing about going to the hospital...

As Neal said, at least no one has drawn a moustache on them!

Tippy

2010-11-29T10:55:00.005-05:00

Today we had to put Tippy down. It is a horrible thing to have to do. He had cancer and it just seemed to take over his body in the last month. Tippy was with us for a full 9 years. Anyone that has been at our house or even talked to me on the phone has had an encounter with Tippy. When we first saw him at the pound he was quiet and very calm. That was the last day he was like that because as soon as we brought him home he went non-stop 24/7 and had to be in everyone's business all of the time. Tippy's favorite things to do were bark, hump Luke, make crotchless panties, claw humans so he could get pet, eat poop, go for a walk or car ride, eat the babies scraps, climb on the table, catch animals in our back yard and more recently eat his paws or honey baked ham. We will always have our memories with Tippy including the time he ate 2 of my good suits, the time he ate a half a bottle of Tums, and the time he ate a half a bag of mini snickers including wrappers and survived. At our old house our neighbor told us he had found a way out of our fenced in yard and would frequently venture out, but would always come home. We are going to miss him in our home.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T20:39:00.000-05:00

I came downstairs the other day thinking how lucky I am to have our home. I complain rather frequently about the things I wish I had done during the remodel, but I try to remind myself how lucky I am. Our home is big enough for all of us and has everything we need. I do not take enough time to appreciate everything I have. The older I get time seems to go by faster. I swear the twins turned one just yesterday and now here it is Thanksgiving. So I figured I should jot some of these things down to remind myself how truly lucky I am.

1) Our jobs. Not only do they provide us with sufficient income for our lives and enough excess to save, but they give us health insurance which many people do not have. I would be lost without it.

2) My dad. He taught me how to manage my money and make smart decisions. He pushed me in school so that I could do whatever I wanted. He gave me my confidence. He is a wonderful Grandfather to Grady and Gwen.

3) My mother. She is the most caring woman I know. She is there for me no matter what. I will never forget her laying in bed with me at 22 the night before my wedding. My mom has always been there for me. She is the most amazing Grandma and I am so happy she is sharing such a big part of all of our lives.

4) My sister. She is always there for me no matter what. She knows when I just need someone to listen or someone to get me a six pack. Grady and Gwen love Aunt Stacy.

5) My family and friend. We truly have great people surrounding us. Yes we have our quirks, but who doesn't!

6) Ryan and Leslie. We would not be the family we are without them. Kidney or no kidney I am so lucky to have them as my friends. It is not easy to find another couple that you have so much in common with.

7) My health. I do take it for granted sometimes, but I am very lucky to be able to do all of the things we do. I am exhausted by the end of the day, but it was a great day.

8) Our fireman and neighbors. Need I say more.

9) Tippy and Luke. Yes they drive most people nuts, but I love them.

10) Grady's energy. That kid just keeps going and going. He is so content looking at books or doing a puzzle. He can entertain himself for hours. Grady loves to laugh and smile. I can already tell he will be a big flirt! Grady is always thinking whether it is a puzzle or how to steal his sisters cracker that she has not yet touched.

11) Gwen's personality. Boy does she have a big personality. She loves attention, loves to dance and will most likely be a girly girl. She is a sponge with her speech and repeats so many things that I say. Gwen will always be my little girl grabbing my leg or pulling on my shirt.

This is the short list. I could go on and on.....

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T21:19:00.005-05:00

We do not have a traditional Thanksgiving in the Kothe house. Well, we kinda do on Thursday, but Friday is filled with kielbasi and saurkraut and pierogies. We had a great time. The babies are at a fun age. We deal with about 5 minutes of being shy and then 3 hours of running wild.

What Thanksgiving is complete without your fireman hats!

Unfortunately Grady tore his Turkey hat, but Gwen loved hers!

Yum, dessert!

One year later and she still loves kielbasi.

A little tickle from Grandpa!

Yum, cake!
Grady is confused why Grandpa is turning one when he just turned one! He is hoping it is a veggie and fruit cake.

3 out of 4 ain't bad!
Yes, hubby made a point to tell me he put his arm over his hernia. What a guy! Next year we will do pictures before nap time!

2010-11-26T15:30:00.001-05:00

We had a great holiday with the family. Gwen even said Gobble Gobble, or something like it!

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Turkey Day!