On their 23rd Month Old

A very special moment that surprised Mommy and Daddy. On their 23rd month shy of 1 month to go for their 2nd birthday. The first moment is unbelievable that they were NOT afraid to touch a fish that Daddy caught for them. Secondly, we had previously took them on a boat ride last visited but Rianna was not up for it. Until this time they really took the time to enjoyed the sightseeing of ducks, birds, fish, and lots of boat coming by when we all rode the platoon boat. Lastly, the biggest surprised of ALL is their FIRST real HUG as sister and brother!

Labor Weekend Pictures

Lily and Rianna

Eating lunch

Lily and Grandma

Justin with "Aunt Karan"

Justin and Lily smiling

Updated Health Situation

I finally got the referral form to go see a ENT Doctor at Edward Hospital. I asked specifically I wanted a different doctor this time. I felt so much better that I have a doctor with compassion and understanding my frustration. At this point, she is telling me that it sounds like there IS something going on but cannot give me the diagnostic. I am now being referral to Loyola University to go see Ontology, Neurology & Skill Base Surgery.

I had my cholesterol/diabetes check-up, no diabetes but my cholesterol is slightly elevated but my HDL is very good. My next step is to get my thyroid check and go for a mammogram. The last time I had a mammogram when I was 35. It was a very scary moment when test revealed that I needed more testing with my left side. It turned out I had a small cyst. To this day, I think I still have it (motherly instinct). It does make me nervous as I am getting older.

I will update any news especially about my hearing.

All Age Playgroup (Tiny Tots)

It was a perfect day and all of the kids had so much fun! The kids enjoyed playing with play-doh. My next craft will be finger paint. Let's hope the weather will be nice the next round of playgroup.

Justin, Aron, and little Josh

Cameron, Aron, Justin, and Rianna

Check this out!

Justin putting his head in the water

Tons of toys scattered all over my back yard

(A bargain shopper with used

toys through craiglist)

A Poem for My Closest Friend

A wonderful poem and this is for my dear friend John Kliebhan who lost his father yesterday. This is for all of our 'father' who passed away.

Hero Dad

You are my hero, Dad

You're my secure foundation.

When I think of you, I'm filled with love

And fond appreciation.
You make me feel protected;

I'm sheltered by your care.

You're always my true friend;

When I need you, you're always there.
You have a place of honor

Deep within my heart.

You've been my superhero, Dad,

Right from the very start.

By Joanna Fuchs

My Sleeping Babies

I just realized the last time I took a picture of them sleeping in their crib when they were infant. I wanted to capture this moment before they grow up too quickly. Here a picture of my daring kids.....snoozing off!

Daddy's 40th Birthday

Poor Daddy! He had to go to a wake for his closest friend, Steve's uncle passed away. Daddy and his friend, Steve grew up together! They have many wonderful and funny stories where they both grew up on the South Side of Chicago.

*Daddy love his new grill sauce/brush pan. Also, the kids made a cute birthday card!

New Vocab

I just had to share you what Justin said to his Mommy. I was putting Rianna into her car seat as John was waiting to take off. Daddy caught Justin was telling Mommy (when she couldn't hear him) he said, I love you! I went around and kiss his forehead! I am amazing that they are getting so well with their explosion of new vocab every day.

I hope to hear them again someday.

Love Mommy!

Bunco Night with Tiny Tot 08/21

Anju, Nicki, Nicole, Kristi, Myself, Crissie, and Susan

The winner/loser Jennifer, Susan, and Kristi

Their favorite song for bedtime

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, touch your nose

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, touch your toes

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, turn around

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, touch the ground

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, go upstairs

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, say your prayers

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, turn off the light

Teddy bear, Teddy bear, say good night

We have been singing this song since they were about 15 months old. They are now helping us to sing and sign.

There were 3 other songs they did like when they were born --

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Rock-a-Bye, Baby

Hush, Little Baby

Too Many Faces of Rianna & Justin Smiling!

Jungle Safari in Romeoville (w/TT)

This is the first time we came to this place called 'Jungle Safari' at the Romeoville Recreation Center. It only cost us $2.00 dollars for non-resident and can stay as long we like which is nice. We are looking forward doing this again later this Fall. They were a bit nervous that because there were so many little ones running around. I am hoping to go on a playdate with less crowd might be better for them.

Rianna & Justin's Wish List

I figured I could post them in here in case if anyone see a bargain sale between now until their "Birthday or Christmas".

I have found some 2-piece or one piece zipper w/out slipper from 'Carter' brand. I only found 2 of them at 'Burlington Factory'. I am concerned because Rianna has heavier upper chest/arm area. I noticed she get a bit of uncomfortable when wearing long sleeves because of her thickness arm. She need something loose so it won't look tight on her. Justin is still a skinny boy waist size but he is definietly tall.

*Justin's waist is very skinny so often time most of his pants fall right off on him. The 24 mos jeans/pants will be slightly short but if I were to buy 2T it would look so baggy/too long for Fall.

Need:
Pajamas (2T sizes) 2-piece or zipper
Clothes (some 24 mos / 2T)

Socks (toddler size 6-8)
*Leggings (size –24 months) for Rianna
Vinyl training pants (24 mos because of their tiny weight)
Potty chairs (Bjorn – Blue/Pink)
Step Up (plain white wood – seen them at Target)

Book:
Sandra Boynton (Let’s Dance Little Pookie, Bath Time, or Dinosaurs)
Karen Katz (Twinkle Toes / Excuse Me: A Little Book of Manner)
Jane O’Connor (All of Fancy Macy’s book for Rianna)

Share:
Laura Berkener for car ride (1 CD)
F/P Cash Register
F/P Doodle Pro (Big for home/ Small for travel)
Easel Paper Roll
Leap Frog Farm Magnetic Animals Set
Leap Frog Fridge Wash & Go Magnetic Vehicle Set

Rianna:
Mrs. Potato Head
F/P Little Mommy Newborn Doll Stroller
F/P Little Mommy Newborn 4-in-1 Bassinet for 12-14" Dolls

Justin:
Mr. Potato Head
GeoTrax (any collections)
Little Einstein Pat Pat Rocket

The Dentist Appointment 08/12

Rianna and Justin went for their 2nd dentist appointment since their last check-up was at 12 months old. Believe it or not.....Rianna has 8 tooth cut through at the same time but she is DONE! Justin has 1 more tooth to go but we are still monitoring his bottom tooth as 1 hasn't come up. If not the dentist will have to pull his baby tooth so the permanent tooth can come through. We will go back once more time in November. They have really NOT shown any cranky or fussiness since they started teething. We are surprised, fortunate, and lucky that they can tolerate high pain. We are happy that they have all of their 20 tooth before 2 years old!

Family Park Day for Us!

Daddy cooling Justin off.....

The twins' no longer need the bucket seat!

Isn't he adorable?

Trying to climb on this thing?!

Play Date

We had a play date with one of the TT's group that they were all friends since 8 months old. Here some pictures of their fun day!

Aron, Justin, and Rianna

Waaaayyy too much fun!!!!!

Aron and his Mommy (Kristi)

Aron is a Cub Fan!

Gloria and Joe's Wedding

We were invited to a platinum wedding in Chicago for a dear friend of mine who I known him since grade school. I love getting dress up and looking like a 'Hot Mama'.

John is on the 3rd (right side)

Diana is standing next to the groom~Joe

Mommy & Daddy Play Dress Up!

It has been a LONG time coming that we get to go out on a 'date' together and play dress up. We were invited to a platinum wedding that took place in Chicago. The groom - Joe is Diana's childhood friend since 3 years old while I met the bride around the same time as I met my darling husband John. John knows Joe when they were friends through college days. It is funny how we both share the same friends but never cross each other pass until 7 years ago when I first met him....FINALLY!

FIL came in town!

Papa came in town to help while Mommy and Daddy goes to a wedding in Chicago. However, we hired a sitter (http://www.sittercity.com/) for a couple hours until bed time. She help to do play time, cook dinner, diaper/pajamas, and put them down for bed time. Papa got to watch the monitor to be sure they are sleeping. The sitter was FANTASTIC with my kids! Whoo-hoo!