So we have our first duet here on Little Duets. Try not to get your hopes up though, it's not all fancy with harmonies and stuff, but I do think it is quite sweet. The girls have a great love for singing and an uncanny ability to memorize song lyrics. Most of their favorites are from Annie and The Wizard of Oz. Today, during lunch, I witnessed them breaking up the lyrics to "Tomorrow" so that each girl had a word or a few words to sing...and they did this totally in sync with one another, without missing a beat. I asked them to recreate their singing activity on camera. And they did, complete with a bow at the end.
Please excuse the wet hair...we'd just gotten back from swimming. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Great Barbie Makeover
The Barbies at our house got a makeover courtesy of Miss Gracie and Miss Kate. I have to say, I was initially conflicted about the whole ordeal because I really don't like mess. Barbie hair, by the way, is like dust...you clean it and 2 seconds later it's back! The part of me that supports individual creative expression though was all over this project...and of course I must admit I felt a little bit of satisfaction knowing it was Barbie's locks they were shearing.
I never really supported the whole Barbie thing to begin with. The little ladies just moved into our house around the girls' second year and I couldn't stop the influx. It started with just the Princess Barbies but then others started showing up. Soon they brought their cars and their fancy outfits. And shoes, oh the shoes. Some of them even had horses...the nerve! Well anyway, they were here to stay despite my thoughts about the potential negative impact their unrealistic, unattainable body shapes might have on my little girls' self esteem. I must state here, for whatever it's worth, that I never bought my girls a Barbie...well, except for maybe Barbie Thumbelina who looks more like a fairy...does she count?
Anyway, despite my reluctance to have them in our house, I was aware that Gracie and Kate enjoyed playing with them, dressing them, driving them around the playroom, etc. I had to change my thinking to support the dolls as tools that foster imaginative play rather than sexist cultural icons. Can we say cognitive dissonance? Needless to say, when I noticed the girls were cutting their Barbies' hair, I didn't stop them. And they were so proud of their endeavor!
Gracie said, Look Mom, we cut her hair for Locks of Love!
Kate said, We're giving Barbie a makeover!
Kate said, We're giving Barbie a makeover!
They actually did a good job on some of the dolls...pretty stylish if you ask me.
Even Ariel got in on the action. Here she is sporting a cute little bob! I'm still finding strands of red hair in the playroom!
The girls haven't been in the Barbie bin much since this happened...kind of has me wondering if this was some type of symbolic commencement representing a new phase of play, one that doesn't involve Barbie. On the other hand, perhaps I'm thinking a bit too deeply about the whole ordeal, as I've noticed the scissors have been getting a lot of use lately.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Anthem Days
Our neighbor to the north has a great celebration every spring called Anthem Days. We've been going for 4 years now, I think. There are pony rides, train rides, bounce houses, Easter egg hunts and oh yes, a carnival. This year we went ahead and bought those expensive tickets so the girls could have the full carnival experience. Shortly after realizing that $40 worth of tickets would last us maybe 2 minutes, we noticed people wearing wrist bands. So back to the ticket line we went to buy our own bands so the girls could have unlimited, all day carny fun. And actually, it was very fun. I loved watching them go through some of the fun houses...they just looked so grown up, able to make it through fun mirrors and rope bridges without help from Mom and Dad. I'm sure someday they'll be at this carnival with their friends, too cool for Mom and Dad even to observe. For now we will enjoy every moment they want to spend with us! Here are some pics from the day:
Dad and his girls
This picture really shows the girls' personalities :)
Kate on Fangs the pony
Gracie on Charm the pony
The Carnival
Gracie checking her loose tooth's status on the ferris wheel. It's still there, Grace!
Make a silly face!
Now a nice face
Dad and girls in a bear's belly!
Shawn and his man purse
What up little girls?
Birthday Fun
Well I am over a month behind on my blogging so I figured I better get to it! I shall reminisce about the last month in the next few posts, okie doke. I had a lovely two-day birthday celebration for my 33rd. The night before the big day, my "little family" (as Gracie calls our immediate fam) went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant Abuelo's...yummy! We then made our way to the Morgan household to see our "big family" (as Gracie calls everyone else related to us), who had a little party prepared. Mom made me a special lemon cake, as I'd been craving all things lemon. I received musical birthday cards from my dad and brother which delighted the girls with their princess and Wizard of Oz tunes. I opened presents, we ate cake, played, laughed, etc. Aren't birthdays the best?!
The next day (my actual b-day) Mom and I went to see my favorite musical RENT in Tempe. Two of the original cast members were in this production which was just beyond exciting to me! It was so wonderful...you could truly feel the energy and connection in that theater. I tried to hold on to that feeling as long as possible. Thanks for a wonderful birthday gift, Mom, one I will always remember!
Our Little Family
Our Big Family
What's a party without Hula-Hoopin'
Mama and Gracie
Kate getting ready to do something naughty...love this look!
My attempt to blow out the six candles (3 tens and 3 ones = 33)
The candle fiasco! My family delighted in the fact that their runner girl couldn't muster up enough breath to blow out any of the candles. Good thing Grace and Kate were there to save the day!
Me and Mom off to see Rent!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Happy St. Patty's Day! We spent the holiday park-hopping. The desert in early spring is so beautiful...MUST take advantage of it while we can still be outside sans pool. The day became even more "green" when Gracie suggested we collect plastic bottles and recycle them. We have to keep our Earth healthy, Mom. "Green"...get it?!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thoughts at bedtime
I live for these moments when the mundane is suddenly transformed into something much greater.
After a day full of activity, when I am exhausted and ready to be alone, I can't say I look forward to the bedtime routine. I know I'm supposed to enjoy every moment with my children, but some nights, it seems it take forever to clean up toys, take baths, read books, brush teeth, sing lullabies, etc., especially when I am on my own with them all day/all night. Yet although the bedtime drill may seem uninspiring at times, I do believe there is a silver lining to it all, as I've repeatedly experienced some of the sweetest mommy/daughter moments at the end of this routine. Tonight as I sat on Kate's bed, gently brushing the hair off her face with my hands, she entered into a reflective conversational mode, asking sincere questions and sharing thoughts, important to her at this sweet time of innocence. She wanted to know if the shows on Noggin were for babies. This was important to her because she likes them and she is not a baby. I told her they were for anyone who enjoyed them which seemed to be good enough for now. She was also worried about being able to remember all the words when she is in the play Annie someday. I assured her that she would do fine because she has a fantastic memory and would have lots of opportunities to practice. This eased her fears and I could see her little furrowed brow relaxing. At the end of our chat, she asked, "Mom, why did you stay and talk with me so long?" I told her I enjoyed chatting with her. She thought for a moment and said, "Wow Mom, we get along really well." And with those words, I could feel the tears in my eyes.
I don't think I can accurately describe why I'm emotional about my babies these days; I know it involves how quickly it seems time is passing...how they are no longer babies. With Kate tonight, it was as if I sensed this little person entering into a transition stage, a time that I want to embrace but leaves me somehow nostalgic for the days of complete innocence when thinking something might be too babyish would never have entered her mind. And her little anxieties that seem so cute (like not being able to remember all her lines in a nonexistent play) have hints of perfectionist tendencies which are very familiar and trigger some anxiety within myself because I'm not sure I'm the best person to help her deal with it all. Or maybe I am since I can relate. I feel privileged that she can share her thoughts with me and that she thinks "we get along really well." She just sounds so grown up saying such words. Despite how quickly she seems to be maturing, I take comfort in that which is constant, the unconditional love I feel for her. I will always strive to provide the best guidance I can for her wherever she may be in life. I hope we will always"get along really well". I think she is an extremely intelligent, expressive individual with a beautiful spirit and am so thankful we are together.
After my chat with Kate, Gracie asked to be rocked. Kate no longer asks for this little indulgence so I cherish every rocking moment with Grace until she no longer needs them. During this time, I was once again reminded how very different these identical twins are. Grace is very much in the moment which seems to produce a lot of random thoughts...at least they are random to the rest of us. As we began to rock, she wanted me to tell her how she broke her collar bone at 2 1/2. She then caught sight of the lights from passing cars and proceeded to follow them along the playroom walls with her eyes. She was then back to the collar bone, wanting more details about that incident. Then, in her signature Gracie voice she said, "I love my family," something she repeats often these days, almost as is she's reminding me how important it is for her that we are a strong unit. I think despite her random, carefree behavior, she is very perceptive, though not always able to express what she is sensing. She has always been sensitive to others' feelings and will often begin to tear up when someone in the room is sad or extremely happy. It's like she is a magnet for other people's emotions. She is nurturing and empathetic. She is completely full of joy and enjoys being 5. The thought of something being too babyish doesn't cross her mind yet and I'm not sure it will. I don't see her as affected by the social world around her; it's almost as if she has a deeper connection, like she knows where she is from and is happy to experience this world as she is...doesn't feel the need to change for others. I hope her little light continues to shine brightly and that she remains unaffected by the opinions and pressures of others. She is a true inspiration and I am so incredibly honored that I have this time with her. I feel I have a lot to learn from her.
After a few minutes, Gracie's chatter ceased and we continued to rock in the playroom, my arms wrapped around her growing body. From the bedroom, we could hear Kate singing "Maybe" from Annie. As she got to the end of the song I was overcome with emotion again feeling the familiar, "I want them to stay this age forever" feeling. It's these precious bedtime moments, moments of complete awareness and acceptance, that I hope will remain in my memory. I don't think I will choose to remember the nagging to clean up and get jammies on part of the routine.
After a day full of activity, when I am exhausted and ready to be alone, I can't say I look forward to the bedtime routine. I know I'm supposed to enjoy every moment with my children, but some nights, it seems it take forever to clean up toys, take baths, read books, brush teeth, sing lullabies, etc., especially when I am on my own with them all day/all night. Yet although the bedtime drill may seem uninspiring at times, I do believe there is a silver lining to it all, as I've repeatedly experienced some of the sweetest mommy/daughter moments at the end of this routine. Tonight as I sat on Kate's bed, gently brushing the hair off her face with my hands, she entered into a reflective conversational mode, asking sincere questions and sharing thoughts, important to her at this sweet time of innocence. She wanted to know if the shows on Noggin were for babies. This was important to her because she likes them and she is not a baby. I told her they were for anyone who enjoyed them which seemed to be good enough for now. She was also worried about being able to remember all the words when she is in the play Annie someday. I assured her that she would do fine because she has a fantastic memory and would have lots of opportunities to practice. This eased her fears and I could see her little furrowed brow relaxing. At the end of our chat, she asked, "Mom, why did you stay and talk with me so long?" I told her I enjoyed chatting with her. She thought for a moment and said, "Wow Mom, we get along really well." And with those words, I could feel the tears in my eyes.
I don't think I can accurately describe why I'm emotional about my babies these days; I know it involves how quickly it seems time is passing...how they are no longer babies. With Kate tonight, it was as if I sensed this little person entering into a transition stage, a time that I want to embrace but leaves me somehow nostalgic for the days of complete innocence when thinking something might be too babyish would never have entered her mind. And her little anxieties that seem so cute (like not being able to remember all her lines in a nonexistent play) have hints of perfectionist tendencies which are very familiar and trigger some anxiety within myself because I'm not sure I'm the best person to help her deal with it all. Or maybe I am since I can relate. I feel privileged that she can share her thoughts with me and that she thinks "we get along really well." She just sounds so grown up saying such words. Despite how quickly she seems to be maturing, I take comfort in that which is constant, the unconditional love I feel for her. I will always strive to provide the best guidance I can for her wherever she may be in life. I hope we will always"get along really well". I think she is an extremely intelligent, expressive individual with a beautiful spirit and am so thankful we are together.
After my chat with Kate, Gracie asked to be rocked. Kate no longer asks for this little indulgence so I cherish every rocking moment with Grace until she no longer needs them. During this time, I was once again reminded how very different these identical twins are. Grace is very much in the moment which seems to produce a lot of random thoughts...at least they are random to the rest of us. As we began to rock, she wanted me to tell her how she broke her collar bone at 2 1/2. She then caught sight of the lights from passing cars and proceeded to follow them along the playroom walls with her eyes. She was then back to the collar bone, wanting more details about that incident. Then, in her signature Gracie voice she said, "I love my family," something she repeats often these days, almost as is she's reminding me how important it is for her that we are a strong unit. I think despite her random, carefree behavior, she is very perceptive, though not always able to express what she is sensing. She has always been sensitive to others' feelings and will often begin to tear up when someone in the room is sad or extremely happy. It's like she is a magnet for other people's emotions. She is nurturing and empathetic. She is completely full of joy and enjoys being 5. The thought of something being too babyish doesn't cross her mind yet and I'm not sure it will. I don't see her as affected by the social world around her; it's almost as if she has a deeper connection, like she knows where she is from and is happy to experience this world as she is...doesn't feel the need to change for others. I hope her little light continues to shine brightly and that she remains unaffected by the opinions and pressures of others. She is a true inspiration and I am so incredibly honored that I have this time with her. I feel I have a lot to learn from her.
After a few minutes, Gracie's chatter ceased and we continued to rock in the playroom, my arms wrapped around her growing body. From the bedroom, we could hear Kate singing "Maybe" from Annie. As she got to the end of the song I was overcome with emotion again feeling the familiar, "I want them to stay this age forever" feeling. It's these precious bedtime moments, moments of complete awareness and acceptance, that I hope will remain in my memory. I don't think I will choose to remember the nagging to clean up and get jammies on part of the routine.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Gracie's Tooth
Gracie lost her first tooth just a few short weeks after her sister. She wouldn't let us touch it while still loose in her mouth. Yes, that little tooth held on until the bitter end, finally falling out during breakfast. I was getting ready to take the girls to preschool when she came running into the bathroom hysterically screaming, holding the little treasure she had rescued from her mouth before it was swallowed with pieces of banana. She was completely overjoyed by what had happened. Gracie, like her sister, has not turned over the tooth to the fairy yet. The consensus at this time is that they will wait until they both lose two teeth and then give the fairy all 4 at once. They always seem to make their own rules for these traditional practices which keeps things interesting around here. Here is Gracie in the summer 2004 showing off her bottom baby teeth. Congrats my baby girl!
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