Tigers to Time-outs?

Grandma Linda came last week to help me out as I got a lot of work done, both for my job and my family! The spring cleaning bug hit me and I got closets organized, clothes and toys organized to sell and more. It was so nice to have her--thank you Ga Ga! We even made it to the zoo last week....

Ga Ga and her peeps at the first zoo outing of the season

"He looks just like my stuffed animal at home--but bigger....way bigger...."--Lilly

Loving the dolphin show and the shark exhibit, we may have a marine biologist on our hands! (Addy)

As we near the 2-year mark, the girls have begun to give me a glimpse of the terrible-twos. I've done time-outs with them for almost a year now, starting when punishing them for biting, pulling hair, etc. Now we try and enforce it for tantrums, throwing toys, running off in public, etc. Mostly things that I consider dangerous or that make mommy need a time-out so I don't lose it. We started giving the time-outs in their crib, lastly only 1 minute. Now, they'll do them just about anywhere and know I mean business. A couple weeks ago, after running away from me Addy did hers on a park bench, I've also done the front door step when they run onto the street when playing in the driveway and our dining room chair has become the timeout seat for the first floor. Here are a few rules I've tried to follow...

1. Be consistent, tell them why they are going in time-out, put them there and when your done explain again, hug/kiss and let them go. If they get up, put them back and set the clock again. If the behavior warrants an apology, make them "say" it, even if they can't say it.

2. Don't use time-out as a blanket threat, if you say they'll get a time-out if they throw a toy again, and they look at you and throw the toy, you need to follow-through (yes, even grandmas)

3. Try to keep a straight face when you go back after a minute and the arms are outstretched and they are ready for the kiss...Pavlovian response? (disclaimer, I was not in the room while filming, arm was going around the corner of the wall, but notice how she looks directly at the camera...can we say drama queen?)

Another funny story...when the girls were in the NICU, Jeremy and I used to sit through feedings and talk about what we thought they'd be like as they got older. One day, I was feeding Lilly and Jeremy was feeding Addy. Jeremy told me that Lilly would be just like her mom and LOVE ketchup on everything. Addy would be the condiment queen, passing on ketchup and using "better" condiments like honey mustard, bbq, etc. (I know, we did a lot to pass the time). As it turns out, Addy is my ketchup queen and reaches over to dip off others' plates if she doesn't have her own. Here's Addy...(we are still working on the deal with Heinz...free ketchup for life?)

Last item for this blog, Brooke tagged me for 7 favorite things (in no particular order)....Lilly's bear hugs, Addy's sloppy kisses, a bubble bath, wine with friends, uninterrupted sleep, Michelle's cupcakes and a back rub from my hubby. (Tags--Mamalouise, Amy Wagner, Brooke Kline)

Back problems, biting, Butler and babies...

Those who know me well, know that I have had neck/back issues periodically since college. I won't have any issues for months, then one wrong reach for something and I'm practically on my back for 3 days. After a few issues in the last month, this morning's pain led me to call a doctor and have Elmo entertain my children while I laid on the floor waiting for Aleve and a heating pad to kick in. Feeling a little better and still waiting to get into the doctor, I thought I'd update my blog while the girls eat their lunch.

Addy & Lilly have been busy spending some time in the last week with friends Mallory & Jacob. Mallory has learned to hug, and was first illustrated with no coaching and a sentimental hug given to her good friend Lilly. Caught slighly off guard that someone was in her space, Lilly accepted the hug, but didn't really reciprocate. The whole scene melted my heart and showed me the affectionate toddlers they are becoming....atleast for a while. Later that night (maybe the next day, not sure at this point), we had bloodshed. Fighting over the damn cozy coupe, Lilly bit Addy so badly, we saw blood and a bruise for a couple days. Instituting the zero tolerance on violence, Lilly spent 1 minute in her crib for time-out. The doc recommended time-out lasting as long as their age. So, the summary for the week is that my friend Megan is raising a hugger and I'm raising a biter--what this will mean down the road is unknown.

For a little fun, the girls continued their tailgating streak, and spread some love down at Butler on Saturday! Good friends visiting from Chicago and we had fun despite the frigid temperatures. Remarkably, the girls didn't catch colds. They were tuckered out from chasing frat boys, flirting with Jacob and meeting real-live bulldogs!

Friends, Elizabeth & Will welcomed Evan Bradford Spice into the world late Friday night (11:02 p.m.). He was born 7 lbs 14 ounces. Congratulations to the proud parents! I'm trying to convince Elizabeth to enter the blogosphere, so I'll keep you posted if she does! On that note, my blog roll is looking a little pathetic--I'm protesting friends that don't keep their blogs updated!!! If you are a reader and want to be added to the blog roll, leave me a comment and I'd love to add you. If you are on the blog roll and haven't updated (you know who you are)--update soon or we'll go on strike...

Lastly--Congrats to Aunt Cat who finished her comprehensive exams at Catholic University this week. We are so proud of you and know you did great! Can't wait to see you in a few weeks.