Caroline had her two year check at the pediatrician today. Originally I took them to these appointments together but after the last one during which Edward stood on a chair and flicked the lights off and on while Caroline had her ears checked - giving an odd strobe light effect to the proceedings - I decided that future meetings with the pediatrician would be conducted on a two adult per one child basis. So Edward stayed home with Steve and Caroline and I went to see the good doctor.
Caroline is a young giantess. A pink sequoia. Two words: basketball scholarship. She finally crossed the 25th percentile for height and is almost at the 50th. Well 40th. The mind boggles. When she was born 97 out of 100 premature girls were estimated to be able to kick her ass, now she is practically wearing her pantaloons in age appropriate sizes. Just the other day Steve asked if the size 24 month pair of jeans he was holding could be worn by Caroline without rolling up the cuffs and I said no... but I had to think about it first.
Other than that she is slender with a small head and she was a miracle of affable cooperation with the doctor. She highed his five, she covered the light with her finger when requested to do so, she let him count her teeth and she only wiggled a little when he listened to her chest. When he asked after Edward she volunteered, "We need find Edw-ad! Where'd Edw-ad go?" Then she looked under chair and said, "There he is! No! It's a spider. Hi cweepy spooky spider! Hi Spider Edw-ad!" and - just like that - Edward was replaced by an (I hope) imaginary arachnid.
For all of Caroline's curiosity about things and her never-ending climbing she is turning into a pretty easy kid. She is patient with herself and others, although she does have a bit of an edge to her. Patrick kept banging something in the living room and I heard her snap, "Stop it Patrick stop it!" with an air of authority to which even the kindliest of elder brothers would take exception. Edward was shrieking "Share Cayayine share!" at the top of his lungs so she handed whatever it was he wanted to him. Then she waspishly said, "Sank you?" just so we all knew what she thought of his manners. And when I accidentally pulled her hair as I tugged a shirt on her she said, "Sorry?" as soon as her head cleared. It was the way she said it, you understand, that made me say, "Oh. Oh of course. I'm sorry."
She's got a gimlet eye.
Edward, meanwhile, sprouted his molar and has returned to his sunnier self. He has stopped shrieking all the time and is now displaying a waggish sense of humor.
Sit next to each other and smile, I said.
No, no, Edward... smile!
Aw c'mon. Smile! Show me a nice smile!
Caroline, can you show me a nice smile?
Huh.
They think they're funny.
Pending:
Patrick's first conference with the new school tomorrow; Steve and I left the twins with a sitter overnight (but brought Patrick with us;) I finally talked my old grocery delivery service's new owner into re-expanding their delivery area to include me and I am so excited I don't even know what to do with myself... that's like an extra THREE WHOLE HOURS a week back again - I might take up jai alai with all that time; and... what? I know I owe you the rest of the story about Julian and Honduras and how I wound up married to Andy having left my heart in San Pedro Sula and I will - hand to my heart - return to it sooner or later... but is there anything you would like to know? Ask, I aim to please.
I love, love, love your writing about your kids. My life would be very different had I read these posts when I was 30: I would have had kids come hell or high water because you describe yours as so freaking loveable perfect and joyous. (In reality, I'm sure they interrupt your sleep, make messes, are noisy, and need frequest diaper changes -- but you don't write about the drudgery because, apparently, you don't even notice it amidst all the joy.)
I can't wait until you write about your South American love affairs. I can't wait.
Posted by: victoria | January 26, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Isn't it lovely to take them in to the ped. and everything is great? So lovely. As are your adorable kids.
I was wondering the other week whatever happened to the face numbness, but thought it was not my business to ask. But, now that you are actually asking for inquiries, would love to know. And if you got it to go away, how?
Posted by: Kirsten | January 26, 2010 at 09:45 PM
The twin thing is just so cute. I feel that Caroline's hair grew four inches in a month or so.
I've got a question, since we're talking about doctor visits: Did we ever hear what become of the little growth on Caroline's chest?
Posted by: Jillian | January 26, 2010 at 10:05 PM
I, too, would like to know the answers to all of the questions above, but as a speech pathologist, I would LOVE to see a video of Caroline talking! I almost can't believe it. I mean, I DO believe it, but since my days are filled with two year olds who I am trying to get to say their FIRST word, I would just love to see what a prodigy looks like! And yes. More South American romance, please.
Posted by: Shannon | January 26, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Yes! Question! I want to know precisely what percentage of your day is spent sweeping and/or mopping because your floors... they are almost as impressive as your wee ones!
Posted by: plunkie | January 26, 2010 at 10:40 PM
The perfect way to end my birthday, a new post from you! Also I agree with Victoria, the way you write about your children is delightful. I didn't give my opinion about Irretrievably Broken's lifetime of regret in the last post so I'll do it here. I feel there are some people who are never happy with their lot in life and no matter how fortunate s/he is, will always find something to complain about. Some way in which the world "done them wrong." This is such a huge contrast to you; even in the depths of your struggles, there was always humor, always appreciation and that is why you are such a joy to read (and because you're smart, that goes without saying.)
Posted by: Nony Mouse | January 26, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Well, to be honest, I know this is none of my business and not something that you could probably share. But I've thought about Steve's half brother and his wife and their pregnancy loss off and on since you wrote about them (in part because we continue to have our own struggles and are constantly asked if there is anyone else in the family we should alert about the whole translocation thing). I hope they are doing well and would love to hear that they are, or how they decided to proceed.
Again, I recognize its none of my business. But you asked...
Posted by: Cris | January 26, 2010 at 11:35 PM
I am completely intrigued by Patrick and especially his new school (spelling videos?!!). I would love to hear about the conference and more about the school in general and about seeing letters in colors because I am nosy and find all that stuff absolutely fascinating.
Thanks for always being a great read!
Posted by: Melissa H | January 26, 2010 at 11:48 PM
Hey. Small children behaving like... average small children.
Great post.
Posted by: Beverley Smams | January 27, 2010 at 02:23 AM
I am DYING to know the whole first marriage story. Hint, hint...
The twins are delicious, and your descriptions of their conversation slay me.
Posted by: jenn | January 27, 2010 at 06:21 AM
I am not a big fan of children but am utterly in LOVE with yours!! And your writing is always a pleasure to read. Love your blog.
Posted by: susan | January 27, 2010 at 06:47 AM
Perhaps a quick update on the divorced dad whose children you found in the middle of the street. I remember a "woman-friend" suddenly entering their lives....is she still there? I worry, so I ask.
Posted by: Carrie | January 27, 2010 at 06:56 AM
Childless and happily so, but I love reading about the antics of your kids!
Posted by: Lucy | January 27, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Yes, I too would like to know what happened with Caroline's chest. I assume all is fine since you haven't mentioned it, but did it just go away? What happened?
Posted by: Megan | January 27, 2010 at 08:04 AM
Yes, yes, steamy South American jungles! Omit NOTHING! ;-)
Posted by: Alice | January 27, 2010 at 08:12 AM
Julia, the struggle you went through to get to the twin pregnancy and ultimately keep it was epic...an amazing testimony to your strength of will and character. We watched with breathless anticipation for the eventual delivery and you haven't let us down since. Not only are your children (all of them; Patrick is so Calvin!) beautiful, they're clever. Your story of perseverance is one of the reasons we're doing one.last.cycle. (#20, 2nd surrogate, 3rd ED). The stories of your little snowflakes (shamelessly borrowed from you in one of my posts) are such a big part of why we continue to try, year after year (It's going on 8 now) to have one of our very own. And for that, we thank you.
Posted by: smumzie | January 27, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Those pictures are adorable!! I like how Caroline is watching Edward the whole time and then flashes her pretty smile at the end. And I do agree with the other commenter - your floors are always so clean!
Posted by: Helen | January 27, 2010 at 08:29 AM
I want to know what happened with the $900 electric bill. I'm also curious if you ever had Patrick tested to see if he has the balanced translocation, and if you had any PGD'd embryos left over that you need to decide what to do with.
But mostly I'm dying to know about the electric bill.
Posted by: Brooke | January 27, 2010 at 08:31 AM
"They think they're funny."
They are absolutely correct. I am guffawing!
Posted by: Tine | January 27, 2010 at 09:23 AM
All of the above and what you feel you can share about the school conference and Patrick's intellectual development. Also, is he still a Scholar in the larger program and how is that going?
Posted by: Jan | January 27, 2010 at 09:48 AM
Wasn't there a story about Super Patrick and the Wonder Twins? Or something like that, my memory isn't what it used to be.
Posted by: HereWeGoAJen | January 27, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Add me to those who wish to know more about Honduras! South American Romance!
Julia, reading your posts makes my day, every single time. Your children are beautiful and you inspire me to cook more. I tried your Almost Instant Tomato Soup...it was wonderful...Thank you.
Posted by: Sandra | January 27, 2010 at 10:19 AM
All I can ask is for MORE PLEASE because there is something oh so healing about reading your posts and I need healing these days.
Dammit, now I'm almost crying. Stupid anxious life. I need to reread your post now and stare at those pictures for a little while. Also, would Caroline please draw a picture of Spider Edward for us?
Posted by: TeacherMommy | January 27, 2010 at 10:25 AM
My two are 16 months apart, and I hear you on the one child per doctor's visit rule. As soon as I'm holding one for the doctor's exam, the other is making a break for the prescription pad to "color."
I'd love to hear more about more on the first marriage, and more on cooking (if not recipes).
Posted by: Amy. | January 27, 2010 at 10:35 AM
No questions, just thanks. I love your writing, and your family.
Posted by: MyFaithandJoy | January 27, 2010 at 11:20 AM
((hugs)) to teachermommy. I've felt like that, hang on. The only constant is that life always changes.
Posted by: llcsis | January 27, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Hmm. Any question? I'd like to know what you really wished you would have been told about raising twins, what would have been most useful and what was just not important. Not necessarily "I found X product to be a lifesaver", etc., but more "I wish I would have known beforehand that grocery shopping was going to be impossible and that a delivery service is worth every penny." and the like.
I hear from a lot of my twin mom friends about what life is like post-twin, but not a lot of details on things that were surprising or difficult to adjust to, or just terribly brilliant about having twins.
(Um, I guess it may go without saying, but I'm expecting twins, and as yet, I don't have a connection with my other area twin moms, so I rely a lot on my blog friends and electronic connections with distant acquaintances who can offer information.)
Posted by: Kate (Bee In The Bonnet) | January 27, 2010 at 11:32 AM
I want you to post every day, please! I miss you on days when there's no new post. Your writing is so happy and funny and engaging.
Posted by: Susan | January 27, 2010 at 12:41 PM
I'd FORGOTTEN about your promise to tell us about your first marriage! Spill, please :)
Posted by: Special K | January 27, 2010 at 02:21 PM
Just wanted to say that I love "Cayayaine."
May we have some more house pictures, please? Is that a weird thing to ask for?
Posted by: Monica C. | January 27, 2010 at 02:23 PM
I don't know if you've ever told us what Steve does for a living (generally)? It seems that he works form home more often than not, so I've been curious about (read: jealous of) it.
Posted by: Laurie A | January 27, 2010 at 02:23 PM
LMAO at your ads today. "Healing our Autistic Children" followed by "My name is Gin. I kill people" Spider book. Me things google needs to adjust their auto-ad feature just a bit.
Posted by: Linda | January 27, 2010 at 02:47 PM
"Cweepy, spooky spider" is the best!
I will be guffawing over that for awhile.
Posted by: 6512 and growing | January 27, 2010 at 03:27 PM
I want to hear all about Patrick and his new school.
Posted by: carosgram | January 27, 2010 at 03:55 PM
No questions, but a very random book suggestion--I just read "A Duty to the Dead," by Charles Todd, and thought you might like it. It's a mystery novel set during WWI in England, and I really enjoyed it.
As always, your kids are adorable.
Posted by: Jen | January 27, 2010 at 04:07 PM
As always the twins are adorable and yes Caroline should be in line for a basketball scholarship! Amazing how her tiny little self has grown and blossomed. How wonderful that Edward is back to his cheery self that stretch must have been like living through hell.
Everyone before be asked all the questions, now we're just awaiting the answers
Posted by: winecat | January 27, 2010 at 04:36 PM
That sentence should read "Everyone before me..."
My head is always way in front of my fingers.
Posted by: winecat | January 27, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Love it...
Found your blog googling for cold turkey pacifier weaning advice. Really needed the laughs to help with the paci-withdrawal! Thank you!
Clever writing...love it!
Posted by: Holly | January 27, 2010 at 08:53 PM
Yes, please on videos of Cayayine talking!
Posted by: Diane | January 28, 2010 at 02:43 AM
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Posted by: vks | January 28, 2010 at 05:55 AM
That's some impressive growing. My 3 1/2 yo is prob. your Cricket's size twin - and she was a whopping 9 pounds 3 ounces at birth!
Perhaps I should learn to cook - off to your other site.
Posted by: Katherine | January 28, 2010 at 08:58 AM
I'm another vote for 1st marriage and South American romance!
Posted by: Wasabi | January 28, 2010 at 11:33 AM
"Sank you?" Hahahaha!
Posted by: Heidi | January 28, 2010 at 12:32 PM
I think bangs/fringe look well on Cayayine! Edw-ad looks so much like you.
Posted by: Jan | January 28, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Can't wait to hear all about the conference!!!!
Posted by: Jen | January 28, 2010 at 12:57 PM
I for one want to hear about the Central American romance. That one in Honduras. Although if you've got a steamy secret South American story to tell, I'll read that too! ;)
Posted by: Tine | January 28, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Your ads! Are amazing!
Look upon them!
"My name is Gin. I kill people." God, I wish my tagline (and name) was that awesome.
"Known as the Spider," Hells yes!
Posted by: Stacy | January 28, 2010 at 02:21 PM
OK, this is actually for Holly above looking for paci advice in case she checks back. Here's what we did and it worked beautifully, though I think it depends A LOT on what kind of kid you have and how addicted they are.
A few months before my daughter turned two we bought the book "No More Pacifier for Piggy" and started reading it every few nights and talking about how happy he was without it. Then I started talking up the Pacifier Fairy and how, when you were getting too big for them, you could gather up all of your pacifiers and put them in a basket outside and the fairy would come and take them off to babies who needed them and leave you some presents as a thank you. One night it clicked with her and she asked,"What kind of presents?" From there, it was a sprint. We gathered them all up, found a cute basket, put them outside and then I ran, RAN to target at 8:30 at night to get presents. In the morning she was thrilled with the loot. Over the next couple of nights she asked at bedtime where were they again? and we reminded her about the fairy and the presents. She never even cried about it.
HTH and Good Luck!
Posted by: LMM | January 28, 2010 at 03:49 PM
South American romance!! And I second the Cayayine picture of Spider-Edward! And I triple or fourth the video of them talking!
And we haven't heard much about you and Steve lately. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as when I read about you tackling and biting him. More please on you two!!
Posted by: Monica | January 29, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Don't know if anyone has asked this yet, but do you intend to return to Scrambled again anytime soon? I still check it diligently, hoping, always hoping...
Posted by: Robyn | January 30, 2010 at 09:10 PM