What is Happening

We have had a really great two weeks--even though Todd has been in Singapore.

Mama B and Grandfather joined us the last two weekends and we had a wonderful time with them. I worked a few nights and they took great care of Clark. Clark is more than attached to both of them and would pick spending time with them over me any day!

Clark has had two great swimming lessons--his teacher Miss Sam raved about how wonderful he did today and how much progress he has made in three weeks.

The weather has been absolutely AMAZING. We have been eating all of our meals on the deck and soaking up the spring weather.

I signed Clark up for a tennis class starting in a few weeks. He had to choose tennis, karate or soccer and he didn't even think twice before picking tennis.

I am feeling much better. Still occasional nausea but overall I feel good. I am still running every day and chasing Clark around and not feeling to overly burdened (even though I look  6 months pregnant instead of 17 weeks!).

Austin Trip!

Our Texas trip was unbelievably wonderful. It felt like we never left and it was so wonderful to reunite with some of our best friends in the world.

Thursday: arrived at the Mattsons. They were so surprised to see BELLA who flew with Todd thanks to Papa Dave.

Friday: AM run with Alicia for Katie. Todd and Brent went golfing and I spent the morning with Tara and her boys. Friday afternoon back at the Mattsons for naps and Friday evening dinner at Fino (love love love that place) with the Morgans.

Saturday: AM run with Alicia. Main Event bowling with the Mattsons. Nap for Clark and Delaney's soccer game in the afternoon. Saturday night Mattson fam(with lots of help from Grandma Jan) prepared a wonderful open house and we saw lots of our friends from church.

Sunday: AM run with Alicia. Early morning church, naps and relaxing in the afternoon. Academy awards.

Monday: AM run with Michelle. Delicious breakfast and playdate with Simon and Alicia and youngest three. Todd had lunch with friends from NI.

Tuesday: AM run with Alicia. Playdate with Lani and Brock. Lunch with Tara, Jill and Beth at Rudy's. Naps. Relaxing afternoon and evening.

Wednesday: Zilker Park with Mattson kids. Played by barton creek, threw the football and played soccer. Lunch at mighty cone followed by Hey Cupcake. Amazing steak birthday dinner made by Papa Dave. Early night as our flights were at 6am Thursday.

We had a wonderful time! It was so great to see all of the Austin people we love. Overall we feel like we are totally happy with our life in New Jersey, but we sure miss having the 'friends like family' in Austin.

Who loves his bunkbeds?

Sound all Around

I took Clark to the Philadelphia Orchestra's 'Sound all Around' performance. The focus was on percussion and we had an absolutely fantastic time. Clark's eyes never left the stage and he was completely engaged for the entire hour.

Fun Stuff

Today Clark and I took the train to Philly and visited 'The Academy of Natural Sciences'. Clark loved the dinosaur bones, animal displays, and fun interactive live animal area. The butterfly garden is amazing, but the second we walked in he wanted out because it was HOT and HUMID--he kept saying 'Mommy, I am sooooo sweaty, we need to get out of here'. After enjoying the museum for a few hours we had lunch at one of my favorite spots in Philly 'Sabrina's Cafe'.

We have a few other fun things coming up---we start private swimming lessons in two weeks. We are signed up for 8 weeks and he will do weekly, 30 minute lessons. I really would like him to be able to swim well enough to save his own life by August when the twins are born.

We are going to a children's storytelling concert performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra next week. The focus is on percussion, and Clark isn't crazy about loud noises so hopefully it will still be fun for him.

I am also planning to register him for a multisport class this spring through the township. It will be fun to give him more opportunities to be active and meet other kids.

I guess all of this is a sign I am starting to feel a bit more like myself. I am still nauseated a good portion of the day/night, but I am not throwing up as much and I am feeling more energetic. I am 12 weeks along, and at our OB appointment yesterday one of the babies was jumping around like a nut, and the other one was hiding and taking a nap. Everything looks great with the pregnancy so far.

My Sweet Three Year Old Clark

Before another month goes by, I need to write about what is going on with little Clark man at 3 years old.

3 Year Well Check:
39.8 inches (93rd percentile for height)
37.1 lbs (91st percentile for weight)

Likes:

Reading and library trips
Playing outside
Anything related to the Revolutionary War. No kidding--the kid is obsessed. 'Mommy, you be General George Washington and I will be a Colonist! Let's go look for some Redcoats!' He knows the full story of Washington crossing the Delaware for a surprise attack against the Hessians (yes, he even calls them Hessians and can identify them by their hats) and he loves to 'talk about' the story.
Much to my dismay he loves anything that is war like. 'Mommy, check out the bayonet on that musket!'. He loves cannons, bows and arrows and anything else that shoots. Yikes.
Knights and knight stories
Puzzles
Playing with friends
Adventures to aquarium, Please Touch, historical sites--anything new and interesting he loves.
Nature hikes 'Mommy, we sure went on a great hike this afternoon! I loved seeing all that deer poop' (hysterical laughter).
Playing with friends
Food and desserts (favorites--any protein (salmon, chicken, beef etc), breakfast for dinner, pasta, cucumbers, pears, pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon). If given the option, he will always pick chocolate.

Dislikes:
He isn't into coloring or drawing
Consequences (his least favorite is having a toy taken away--he would take a time out or even a spanking any day over that)

New social situations--he loves his friends and people he knows, but is slow to warm up in new situations

Being dirty--the kid isn't a fan of having anything on his hands, even if it is fun! (i.e. fingerpaint, salt dough etc)

Personality:

Clark is very sweet and concerned about others. While reading 'National Geographic' the other day, he became obsessed about the article about Tsunamis. 'Mommy, I feel really sad about all of those people whose houses and cars got washed away in the Tsunami'. I was telling him about animal shelters and he said, 'Lets take all of those puppies and kitties food, and water and maybe we could take them little jackets in case they are cold'.

Clark is so excited to be a big brother. Almost daily he has something new he is going to teach the babies. 'Mommy, when the babies come out, I am going to teach them how to eat', 'I am going to read the babies stories, sing them songs, and tuck them into their beds', 'I am going to teach the babies how to talk!'.

He is full of questions and likes to TALK about EVERYTHING, ALL THE TIME. Really--it is a marvel to me when I sit in the car with other peoples children and they contently look out the window. That never happens with Clark--we are always having some discussion. Some of the latest questions--'Mommy, how did you get pregnant?' Really? He is 3! Thankfully, he was happy with a very basic (yet honest) answer.' 'Mommy, where do the clouds go when they move across the sky? Do they go back to heaven?', 'Mommy, where is Heaven? Is it between the earth and the sun or on another planet?', 'Mommy, what are the guys who put on the knights armor? Oh, I remember--they are Dukes. You be the duke and I will be the knight'. And on....and on. Sometimes his questions make me laugh and sometimes I am really stumped and have to turn to Google.

I am working with him on not giving up--he gets frustrated quickly if something doesn't come easily to him. We have been doing some little learning activities together most days, and because he knows exactly what all of his letters SHOULD look like, he won't really try to write them because he can't make his hand create the shape he knows the letter should make.

As a side note, we got him bunk beds and he is in heaven! He sleeps on the top bunk at night and for naps and LOVES it. He goes to bed around 7:30, wakes up between 6-6:30 and takes about a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. I was worried he was dropping his nap earlier in the week, because he didn't sleep two days in a row, but he is back on schedule napping every day.

We are in love with this little boy. He is such a joy and a gift to our family.

First Real Snow

On Saturday we had our first real snow. Clark loved helping Todd shovel even though it started drizzling freezing rain. It was the perfect day to stay inside and assemble Clark's new bunk beds!

Birthday fun continues!

Mama B and Grandfather stayed over for a pajama party after Clark's birthday party and then we woke up bright and early for breakfast at the Pop Shop.

We decorated chef hats and ate delicious stuffed french toast, pancakes and eggs benedict. The best part? Kids eat free if they wear their pajamas on Saturday morning!

Clark's 3rd Birthday Party

Clark's birthday party was super simple but tons of fun. We had the Mulliner and Mann families, Mama B and Grandfather and Miss Susan from Todd's work. We ordered pizza, had cake and cupcakes and opened gifts. The kids had a fun time running around and playing and Clark was thrilled with all of his presents.

Clark's 3rd Birthday!

We started out celebrating Clark's birthday with M&M pancakes--his favorite! I also let him watch two cartoons which is about two more than I usually let him watch.

He then helped me make his chocolate birthday cake and we picked up helium balloons for his party.

Boy I have been slacking!

I have been so terrible about blogging--I need to post more about Christmas and a good long post for Clark's birthday we celebrated yesterday.

We made the announcement on facebook this week that I am in the process of cooking TWO little nuggets who will be born in August(ish). I am pretty much devoid of energy and constantly nauseated--so any down time I have is typically spent with my head over the sink or in my pillow. I am sure it will all be a distant memory in a few weeks and I will get back on track with keeping more up to date on my blog.

A few things I want to remember about this pregnancy:
1. Positive pregnancy test December 12th.
2. Went into doctor's office on December 15th and was given reports of 'abnormally high' beta HCG levels suggesting multiples--ultrasound didn't show much more than a black dot.
3. December 21 ultrasound showed one healthy little yolk sack and possibly one additional--but still couldn't really tell. HCG levels still through the roof.
4. Made announcement over Christmas to my family about pregnancy--Clark wore a 'Big Brother' t-shirt. We still had to clue my mom in, but her reaction was priceless.
5. Ultrasound on December 30th showed two little beating hearts. My first reaction was pure JOY and about 15 minutes later panic!
6. So excited and happy about pregnancy--thrilled about raising twins with all of the challenges that will go along with the joy!
7. Much sicker than with Clark--the nausea, vomiting and fatigue are definitely more than doubled! I am trying to have a good attitude--the weeks will go quickly but sometimes the days really drag.

We are all so excited to welcome two more little ones into our home! It is going to be wild, but so fun.

Christmas!

Before time runs away with me I wanted to catch up with our trip to Tucson, AZ.

My entire immediate family was there, including Granny Frome and it was so great to spend time with my sibs, in-laws and parents! The little cousins had an incredible time running around together and we stayed at a beautiful resort surrounded by miles of dessert trails.

Here is a rundown of our itinerary:

Friday: We arrived after waking up at 3am to catch a 6:30 flight. We were beat, and hung out with my parents and Grandma at the clubhouse while Clark and Shayne reconnected and played! When they saw each other they sprinted towards each other for a giant hug. So cute! We checked into our condos and had dinner at Mom and Dad's place.

Saturday: Saturday morning my mom had crafts for the kids--gingerbread houses and making ornaments and decorations for the Christmas Tree. The kids really got into it. Saturday day evening Todd and I were in charge of dinner--we ordered tamales, a huge salad, salas and guac from 'The Tucson Tamale Company'. They were awesome--traditional and very unusual tamales. My favorite was The Bombay with curry. After dinner, we had the traditional Christmas program. Singing, Christmas stories, and opening jammies from Granny.

Sunday: We all did Christmas at my parent's condo. The kids had a blast opening their gifts from Santa. We had breakfast and then headed to church. We went to a Spanish branch--oops--but half of the group speaks Spanish so it was fine. Sunday afternoon we were treated by mom and dad at the Marriott Starr Resort Christmas buffet---the food was amazing and there was something for everyone. Unfortunately, Clark wasn't feeling well throughout the day. He had a fever and zero energy. He was a trooper and went along with the flow.

Monday: They guys loaded up and went golfing, and the girls took the kids to 'The Dessert Museum'. The kids loved all of the wild animals, climbing on the rocks and exploring the trails. It is a really well done place where we really could have spent all day. Monday night Dan and Holly hosted a great dinner at a local Mexican food restaurant.

Tuesday: Spa day! The girls went on a hike and to the spa while the boys kept the kids. We had such a great morning relaxing and then going to lunch treated by Granny Frome at the spa. Tuesday evening Todd and I took Clark to see Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathy in Green Valley. They are both super generous and interesting and we had a wonderful time.

Wednesday: In the morning we went to Sabino Canyon for a tram ride and some short hikes with the kids. It was beautiful but freezing! We still had a great time. The boys golfed in the afternoon and then we had an awesome dinner hosted by Carrie and James at 'Feast'.

Thursday: We packed up and headed to the airport at 9:30. Our flight was delayed two hours, so we hung out in the Tucson airport and then thankfully made our connection in San Francisco to arrive home around midnight. Clark was a dream travelling to and from Tucson even though it was a 12-14 hour ordeal each way but we were still exhausted after arriving Thursday night.

It was so great to spend time with family!

Storybook Land

On Wednesday, a friend invited us to Storybook Land to check out their Christmas spread. It is out towards Atlantic City, but totally worth the 45 minute drive!!! The decorations and lights were amazing and it is a magical place for 2-5 year old children! They can go on most of the rides themselves, and everything is nursery rhyme or children's book themed. Clark LOVED the beanstalk bouncer, having hot chocolate and funnel cakes and staying out until almost 11pm!

Macy's/Love Park

On Monday, we went to Macy's in Philly with friends and enjoyed the amazing light show and Dickens Village! After the show and learning about the Ghosts of Christmas, we went to LOVE Park and checked out the Christmas market and giant Christmas tree!

Don't mind the floral scarf that Clark is obsessed with and insists on wearing :)

It's beginning to look....

A lot like Christmas! We are having so much fun preparing for Christmas and taking advantage of all of the many Christmas activities in the area!

We headed out towards the Morris Arboretum yesterday for the Holiday Train display, but it was POURING so we stopped at the Please Touch Museum instead. They have some fun Holiday displays and their usual fun activities. Yesterday afternoon we made gingerbread houses. It totally fell apart because of my lack of patience to sit and hold it together, but Clark had a great time decorating and spreading frosting all over it. I asked him not to eat very much of the candy because it had been in the attic all year (leftover from last Christmas). Clark tasted a few and then made eye contact with me as he was reaching for another gumdrop. He then said:
'Mommy, maybe you should go in the family room and take a little rest'. Haha, I was laughing so hard--I asked him if it was so he could eat his candy in peace and he knew he was busted. Pretty cute.

Every morning he is so excited to open the next door on his advent calendars! One has candy, and the other has a scripture and felt replica of some part of the manger scene. It makes each morning so exciting and fun.

Other plans include the Franklin Institute on Saturday (Todd and Clark), Macy's light show/Christmas village next week, The Morris Arboretum (weather permitting), a date with Todd to see Handel's Messiah at the Kimmel, the Comcast light show, Love Park Christmas village, live nativity at Mount Laurel Baptist church, and of course spending Christmas with my family. We are excited--and Clark is really wrapped up in all of the magic.

Catch up!

Thanksgiving weekend Todd and Clark went and picked out a real tree! Todd's parents came down for the weekend and we had a wonderful time with them and Ben setting up Christmas! We have a more formal tree in the living room/entry way and a fun, quirky tree in the family room.

I have been very busy with the final organization and implementation of 'The Prince of Peace: a Celebration of Christ through Music and Art'. It is next Sunday, and I will be very glad when it is over.

Today I took Clark and a little friend to Johnson's farm. They play so well together and had such a fun time looking at the reindeer, playing in the sand, decorating cookies and taking advantage of the other activities there.

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