Trikes

There's not much to report, but I thought I'd post a cute picture of the buddies "riding" their trikes in our cul-de-sac. They really think they are big kids now! We tried to teach them to use the pedals, but it is much faster (and more fun) to scootch around Flintstone-style.

Daddy's 10 Year Cancer-Free Party

Steve recently reached a milestone in his life. He has been Cancer-free for ten years. The buddies and I couldn't think of a better reason to celebrate, so we invited our friends to one of our favorite parks for a party. All week, as we traveled around town picking up food, drinks, and party supplies, we talked about the party. I'd say, "Who are we throwing a party for?" and they'd reply, "Dad!".


A party for Steve is never complete without a game or two, so we brought our ladder golf set and all the men enjoyed playing. The kids played at the sprayground and playground and built sandcastles in the volleyball court. After three hours of fun, the party traveled to Brian and Kathy's house for a few games of foosball and then on to our house for a poker tournament. Steve took first place (of course) and I came in second.
Ace and Ben and I are so grateful to have their Daddy in our lives. He is an incredible father and husband. Here's to 10 more years of good health!

Texas Twin Bill is Law!!

Governor Perry signed HB 314, "The Twin Bill", today, making it a law. The Twin Bill gives parents of multiples the choice to place their children in the same or separate classrooms in our public schools. Before today, individual school districts made the decision to separate or not. Many school districts arbitrarily separated all twins, regardless of parental wishes, citing studies that were largely based on perceptions rather than actual data.

A few of my fellow Austin Mothers of Multiples championed a petition, drafted the bill, and took it to our Capitol. Their efforts have paid off for all families with multiples in our great state. In the words of fellow AMOM, Julie Robinson, who headed the effort, "This is a historic day for multiples since Texas is now the 2nd state to pass the Twin Bill and the 4th to pass any legislation regarding multiples in this country. Minnesota was first to pass this law and Illinois and Oklahoma passed a resolution in the House on this issue. There are also currently 18 states working to pass the Twins Bill, 8 of which have pending legislation. This is obviously a nationwide issue and I'm so proud that I reside Texas, who will be among the front runners and early-adopter states in equality for multiple birth children and their parents."

I don't know what choice Steve and I will make when the time comes for the buddies to start Kindergarten. But, I do take comfort in the fact that the choice is ours.

Our Month of Fun

Our faithful blog readers are probably wondering what has happened to us. It all started at the end of a very busy April, when I declared the month of May as "The K Family Month of Fun". I wasn't going to volunteer my time elsewhere but was just going to focus on fun activities for my family. Our Month of Fun was on. The universe disagreed.

On the third day of our Month of Fun, both boys came down with a wicked virus. Five days of sleepless nights, 104 degree fevers, asthmatic wheezings, coughs, pukes, and runny noses (all x 2) followed. Just as they were starting to cross over to the world of humans again, I caught the virus. I haven't decided which is worse: caring for two sick toddlers or caring for two toddlers while sick. Either way, I call uncle, Universe. You win.

Ben, taking his breathing treatment all by himself, like a big kid!

Being sick makes Ace tired.

"Beep-Beep", "Toot-Toot", and Our 2 Year Stats

The buddies received two movies for their birthday: "Cars" from Girlfriend Caroline and "Thomas and Friends" from Cousin Finn. Ace loves "Cars" and Ben loves "Thomas and Friends". Any time they wander past our tv, Ace points and says "Beep-Beep!", which means he wants to watch "Cars". Ben will follow right behind him saying, "Toot-Toot!". Then, it becomes an all-out battle: "Beep-Beep!" "Toot-Toot!" "Beep-Beep!" Toot-Toot!" Of course, once we settle on a movie, they are off doing other things and don't actually watch it.

This morning, we had our 2-year well check at the pediatrician's office. Both boys are healthy and handled the visit like champs. Ace isn't a fan of being poked and prodded (I can understand that) but Ben never made a peep during his turn. Here are out stats:

Ace
Weight: 31 lbs, 8 oz
Height: 35 1/2"

Ben
Weight: 26 lbs, 6 oz
Height: 33 1/2"

Afterwards, we celebrated with a playdate in the park with their friends. For a special treat, we went on a nature walk through the trails and looked at leaves, grass, trees, and squirrels (the buddies pointed and said, "meow"). We ended the trip by tossing some balls around on the tennis courts and practicing our balance beam walk on the stone borders.

Toddler Fashion Sense

Ace has become particular about his clothing choices. Each night, he requests his favorite crocodile pj's by signing "crocodile" while saying "ack, ack, ack!". I supposed that's kind of the sound that a crocodile makes.

Yesterday, Ace was very excited when he received a package from Aunt Kate that included Eagle's t-shirts. His daddy loves Eagles' gear and I think it has rubbed off. Today, for some reason, he decided he wanted to wear his fleece pumpkin hat with his Eagles shirt. So, out we went on the first day of May, looking ready for an Autumn tailgate party. When Ben saw Ace in his get-up, he signed "hat" because he wanted one too.