More home improvements . . .

After we painted the kitchen, we knew the living room was next. It had been a boring, stark white (becoming dirty and gray) for eight years. It was definitely time for a change. We spent all last week preparing the room and getting activities ready for Charlie and Sofie as well since their living and playing area would be completely off limits. With the help of grandparents we were able to keep them busy and happy, while Chris and I painted. We pretty much worked around the clock to finish by Sunday, but it was well worth it. We love the change and hope you enjoy the pictures!

Charlie and Sofie love their new living room!

Dinner at the Dumonts

So, we've been trying to have more family dinners where we all sit down to eat together. As crazy and messy as it is, we think Charlie and Sofie really enjoy socializing and eating with Mom and Dad. We experience lots of talking and imitation from both little ones and then dinners done and we can get ready for bed. This video is a perfect example of a typical week night dinner at our house.

Charlie and Sofie are talking more and more and we can't keep up! I swore I would write down every new word, but I haven't. Who has time? Charlie just said "cool" the other day. He was talking about his new "cool" plaid sneakers. Sofie is naming everyone: "Mommy", "Daddy", "Dardy" (charlie), "Ah-me" (auntie Amy), "Bama" (grandma) and "Bampa" (grandpa). Charlie has a little song he sings, "Mom, Dad, Mom, Dad, Mom, Dad". Who knew we would have these little chatter boxes living among us so soon?

Lastly, another reminder to check out our March of Dimes page. The walk for babies is Sunday, April 26. I know the economy stinks, but please find it in your heart to sponsor us. Every little bit counts. Skip a dinner out and save a baby instead :).

Laura

Movers and Shakers

Yes, Charlie and Sofie are walking, running, climbing, spinning, and falling all over the house. When we go outside, they are so excited to get down and run up the sidewalk to the garage. Charlie slipped and fell on some ice the other day and Sofie decided she would like to walk around to the front yard. Who needs exercise when you've got two toddlers to chase around the neighborhood? It's so fun for them because last autumn they could barely walk and now they are very agile, and very curious! Unfortunately, I am in a constant state of alarm, waiting for someone to fall, hurt themselves, cry, whatever. The dentist warned us about them getting black teeth from falling on their faces. I'd like to try to avoid that one, thanks.

They are also doing some sweet, amazing things, too. They are coloring and drawing with much more ease and interest. They imitate and laugh at each other, and they are surprising us with an ever-increasing vocabulary. We now have to censor ourselves and be very careful about tone and attitude as every gesture is imitated!

I've still got the home improvement itch. In a couple of weeks we'll be painting the white living room walls a dark, but warm brown color called new chestnut. I can't wait! We want to get it done before it's nice outside and also before we start our Saturday Water Babies class.

One more thing that will keep us busy this spring is our March for Babies. We'll be walking again this year to help support the March of Dimes and to say a big thank you for all the support and medical expertise we received on our journey to parenthood. We never forget how blessed we are to be parents and how difficult it is for so many families! Please support our efforts by walking with us or sponsoring us with a donation. Click on the banner on your right. You won't regret it!

Laura

Around the house

We've been busy this year so far. Something has inspired me to start all kinds of re-organizing, re-decorating, and home improvement projects. I'm pretty determined and persistent, so I usually make it happen one way or another, even with two toddlers running around! This past weekend we painted the kitchen. I was noticing how dirty our white walls and ceiling were looking and thought the room needed a warmer color anyways. I willingly did all the preparation so Chris would help with the part I don't particularly enjoy, the actual painting! After a long weekend, and two very late nights (2 am!), we finished and I must say it looks terrific. It's just the change I was itching for! Charlie and Sofie enjoyed sitting on the cans of paint prior to opening them up. I'm not sure they even know we changed anything. Oh, and thanks Dad for the painting supplies! The brand new 2" brush was especially helpful in edging along the ceiling!

Happy Holidays!

The month of December has been full as we seem to have holiday celebrations and activities each week! We are very blessed to have an abundance of friends and family to share the season with! I've posted some photos of recent events such as going to see Santa at Macy's (Sofie was so afraid of Santa that we had to do a family photo in order to keep her somewhat happy.). We had a Klaseus family holiday party last weekend and posed for a picture with the whole family, including Grandma Marian who is 89 years young! This week Charlie and Sofie helped me bake some more Christmas cookies. They love shaking on the sprinkles and eating the cookies once they're cool. I'm not surprised! Warm wishes to everyone this season and have a happy new year!

Holiday Photos

An update on the tree

So, the tree is up and it looks great. Only non-breakable ornaments are on the bottom half, securely attached, of course. Charlie and Sofie were taught right away to touch the tree gently, but that they may touch it. It is not off limits. We tried showing them how to touch the lights, branches, and ornaments with just one finger and they actually did it! It was so funny. Now, a few days later, they have found their favorite ornaments and they like to hang out by them, touching, tugging, and shaking. It's kind of frightening, but we're realizing that they are usually doing it to get attention. Thank goodness for ornaments with bells, etc. They alert us when someone is messing with the tree! It seems when we ignore the tree, it's not so interesting. We will not be placing presents under the tree until we are ready to have them opened, thrown, stepped on, etc. It's been less than a week and so far, so good. Now, let's see how the next month goes! Happy Holidays everyone!