Wesley's First Public Performance

I was so excited that I was going to be able to share this with everyone. Wes and his class performed a couple of their skits for the December Policy Council meeting. We did not perform a Christmas related skit due to religious affiliations of some students in the classroom. I had my dad's camera and was planning to video a part and take pictures to share. I have seen Wes and some of the others sing "Going on a Bear Hunt" and they are wonderful. THIS TIME, however, the kids did nothing. They definately had stage fright. So I will forgo the awful video segment and just put the pictures which make it look not so bad.

The first problem came in that the performance was 45 minutes away. Secondly. the meeting started at least 20 minutes late. To add to this, they did not perform first as we were originally told, but somewhere around third on the agenda. The teacher was great and got the kids colors and paper to keep them busy, but they were anxious. It was at this time though that I actually had the thought that I would enjoy teaching students this age. I never thought I would like kids this young, but having Wes this age, I have definately had those thoughts lately (not that I am planning on changing jobs right now.)

Before the performance:

The performance:

The kids performed "Going on a Bear Hunt."

All done -- now for cookies and juice:

The twins after the performance:

Thankfully my parents were their to help with the twins as well as watch the not-so performance.

Alex with Reese (April's little girl)
On the run:

Visit with Jack and Taylor

Jack and Taylor came in today to celebrate Christmas with their grandparents. we were so excited that they let us come play for a while.

Wes and Taylor played by this table half the night.
Unfortunately, in many of my pictures with Jack, his face is turned. He is just too quick.
Taylor is not in this photo. She did not want to sit with the boys, and we couldn't let her cry for Christmas.
Here is Taylor and Wes again, but now at a different table. Yes, Wes is a little ham.And Alex loved when Jamie held him. He is starting to love to hug and cuddle, something he did not care for a couple of weeks ago.

We really had a great time! With Jamie and Taylor and Scott, Jennifer, and Jack living so far away, Christmas time is one of the only times we get to get together and play. We are luck to be able to keep up with them on their blogs though. Here is their picture from last Christmas. It is unbelievable how things/the kids have changed in one year. (although getting them to all pose for a picture proved just as difficult).

Christopher Bradley Gravois

Congratulations Tiffany and Brad!!!
Christopher Bradley Gravois came after a long night, but he is absolutely adorable!! Mom, Dad, and baby are doing wonderful!

My three boys patiently waiting to go see the baby as everyone was talking outside.

Pictures from the past 2 weeks

Sorry about the lack of pictures and blog entries. Things have been so busy around here, and I did not get a new camera yet. So, let's see what's been happening:



First,


Every Christmas Mom and Dad give Kris Kringle presents every Sunday in Advent. I received my beautiful long coat this year and the boys and Daniel received clothes. I had said thank goodness they received it a little before Christmas because they did not have much cold weather clothes, but since I am writing this 2 weeks later, the cold weather has yet to come -- until today that is.

Aiden, more interested in the Cheese Nips than Kris Kringle. I am sure boxes with paper will be more fun come Christmas.

Alex's Christmas shirt is long sleeved. It was really rather warm for this, but we have to get some use out of it before Christmas.

Glenn was worn out from all the fun!

We also gave Glenn a early little Christmas present: A little Santa cuddly, a Christmas shirt and Christmas socks.
Wesley helped Aunt Shannon and Parrain unwrap the presents. He is doing pretty well with keeping the gifts secrets, he just has no patience when it comes to someone unwrapping them. He is having fun giving gifts which is something new this year.

Continued

Second:

Actually just come cute pictures from the week.

Wes enjoying ice cream with PawPaw: chocolate with chocolate syrup!

Aiden was playing so quietly we had to check on him. We were surprised to see him trying to clean. The following pictures were just too cute as you can imagine what he was doing. I guess he sees this quite a bit cause he had it down to a science.

Wes, Parrain, and Glenn

No Pictures

Unfortunately, Wes dropped my camera (I could have done it just as easily), and the lense is now jammed. We are going to try to see if we can get it fixed, but are unsure of where to bring it right now. SOOOO, sorry if pictures are far and few between. We borrow my parents' camera for a few things, or take pictures when we are there. I guess we will have to have a new, unexpected present under the tree. Let me know which cameras you have and if you like them (why and why not) so we can make a better informed decision on which camera to purchase.

Pictures at Granny's

Wes and Glenn. Doesn't he make a cute Santa?
Getting in trouble? -- The boys love to turn on the Robot Vacs, but then they run away from them.

Alex started to give a goofy grin whenever we try to take a picture. Look at the picture above and below. I have about 10 more of these to prove it, but I guess only a mom thinks the same pose over and over again is adorable.

The twins with Glenn. They were jealous that they were not playing in his new toy. Of course we put Alex in and after a few seconds, he realized that he could not get out. Therefore, it was not nearly as much fun as he thought it would be.

?

Night Out

We had a nice weekend. Saturday night, Daniel and I went eat at Cristiano's in Houma. We were using one of our last gifts from Christmas last year -- a gift certifcate. I can't believe we waited so long to go there, but we did not get out much last winter or spring with the boys.

Well, we loved it. I had sea bass and Daniel had one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. It was definately nice to be able to have a night out without kids.

The boys slept at Granny and PawPaw's. I think they had a great time. Wes stayed up with his Granny and PawPaw since the football games were on and these game would tell whether or not LSU would make it to the Nat'l Championship Game (they did for anyone who slept through that). His over-tiredness definately showed during mass the next day though.

Aiden was also not too cooperative. He was still not feeling well and woke up a few times. He is doing better now. Alex was the only "angel" of the night. He went to bed relatively early and did not wake up until after 8AM.

Thanks again for babysitting.

Pictures from the weekend

Here are some of those promised photos from the Templet Christmas party. We actually did not take many pictures since we now chase the boys around so much. Actually, the Saints game was on also, so we were side tracked. Sorry, we forgot about picture taking until we were ready to leave. As always, send us pictures if you have some, and we'll share.

Uncle Kevin and Wesley coloring.

Aiden and Parrain Kevin. He was really not feeling good at this point. He was much happier earlier. Sorry Parrain Kevin.
Aiden in a better mood.

Alex with his treats.

First Christmas Party of 2007

Today we officially kicked off the Christmas season with our first Christmas party of the year. Of course the mid-seventy degree weather made it hard to think of it as Christmas, but that is South Louisiana for you.

The Templet family had their Christmas party a little early this year with hopes that more people could make it. Things get so busy in the next few weeks. We had a good time but had to cut our visit a little short because the boys are still sick. Alex seems to be getting better, but not Aiden. We go back to the doctor tomorrow, though. I am sure it will just take a little more time for the anitbiotic to work.

I'll have pictures from the party soon.

I also received my first Christmas present today -- a nice coat from my parents. When we went shopping Friday my mom saw I was looking for one. She and my dad went today to get one for me and decided to give it to me since I may need it before Christmas. Granted with the weather the past couple of days, I really don't need it yet. Not looking too good for a nice cold, white Christmas, but still too soon to worry about that. Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Thanksgiving Pictures

Sneaky boys!!

Wes was eating a bag of chips. He made the mistake of putting it down and not watching his brothers. Aiden quickly grabbed it and started eating away at the chips. Alex was right behind him. BUT they were sharing the chips.

16 months

16 month milestones:

What the boys should be doing:

• walking well (a)


• bend over a pick up an object ( a)


• use at least 3 word (mama, dada, ball, pawpaw, tata [touchdown] -- Alex says nono, Aiden says wawa [Wesley]. (a)


• point to one body part when asked (a)


• point to a desired object (somewhat)

Looks like they are definately catching up here. Of course, these are the bare minimals they should be doing at this time, but it is wonderful to see checks in all the way down.

We actually met to update their IFSP which is the plan for therapy. We are decreasing their therapy time by half. They were receiving 2 hours of therapy a week up until now.

Things that many 16 month olds are doing and we will begin working on:

• running


• using 6 words (a)


• kick a ball forward


• walk up steps (definately starting to climb as you can see in the pictures below)


• remove an article of clothing


• feed a "doll"

Aiden did figure out to use the stool right after I took the picture. He just wanted to do it the hard way I guess. They were so pround of themselves that they could climb up and down by themselves. Going down still needed a little help, espcially Aiden who just wanted to walk off.

Doctor's visit -- not so routine

Alex and Aiden turned 16 months old today!!! We went to the doctor this morning to get the second half of their flu shot. They started screaming as soon as we walked to the back. I guess they are remembering those people in white (nurses and doctors). They have been taking shots every other week the past couple of months -- no wonder they are screaming. Well, they lucked out today (in a way). Aiden woke up with a runny nose so we asked for the dr to check them first, and really mostly because of their wheezing recently. Both had a fever and red throat. Aiden's also has the bad nose which would indicate a sinus infection. SO, no shots today. They are on antibiotics and a decongestant. We go back on Monday to see that the antibiotic is working. If so, they can have their shots then; if not, a new antibiotic.

It sounds aweful to say, but the boys were so cute at how they were scared. They would not let us put them down. When the dr came in to check Aiden, he was screaming and Alex's chin was quivering, like he knew he was next. Aiden was staring him down as he was writing in their charts. Poor things, hopefully they will not be seeing as much of doctors in the upcoming months.

Happy Thanksgiving 2007

Wishing all of our friends and family a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

We are so lucky to be blessed with such wonderful family and friends.

Poll

Okay, so I had to try out this new feature on the blog. Answer the poll on the right about your Christmas shopping for the year.

Sleepy boys

More updates:

Alex weighs 22 pounds 7 ounces and Aiden weighs 25 pounds 1 ounce (about 2 1/2 pounds more than Alex).

They were so sleepy this morning. They did not even budge when the camera flashed. Alex looks so peaceful; Aiden looks like he had a rough night (the hair).

Update on twins

The boys are back on breathing treatments. Both started with a little cough and then wheezing. They were not happy with the first few treatments, but they are falling into the swing of things. At least they are not fighting the whole 20 minutes.

Alex and Aiden each have 11 teeth now, although not the same ones. Those back molars are coming out, so they are drooling like crazy again.

They are trying to mimic much of what we say, and have conversations with each other. It is too adorable. Recognizable words: mama, dada, pawpaw, ball, nono, touchdown. They are also trying to say each other's name and Wesley's name.

They are playing well together most of the time. They do fight over the same toys, though. Aiden still does a great job playing by himself. Alex does for a short time (5 minutes) then needs someone's attention.

They are doing a wonderful time walking and are even carrying things as they walk.



Here they are playing with a toy together. Aiden stared playing by himslefm but Alex got jealous. They played quietly for about 15 minutes with the same toy. Usually the same toy means screaming. Of course, all good things must come to an end and Alex wanted it all to himself.