Packers

Dear Patrick-
Whew! You have exhausted Mommy and Daddy tonight. You have a big, big personality and it is so funny to watch. Tonight you climbed up the stairs of the Guenther's slide over and over and slid down head first over and over, seeming to have no regard for the safety of your own body. Even falling over the side of the slide and landing smack on your head did not deter you--no tears, no whimpering and, certainly, no slowing down! You can take on Dominic as if he were half your size, even pushing him to tears of his own. I'm guessing your dad and I are in for a wild ride in the future! Please, go easy on us.

Love,
Mommy

Playing

I love watching and listening to my littles play together. They've just begun to do this. When Dominic isn't beating on, pushing or laying on his brothers, he can be very sweet. Yesterday, I heard him encouraging Patrick to walk to him, "Come here, Patrick, come here. You don't want to? Ok." Or telling him to crawl through the canvas tunnel because "The tunnel is awesome" (awesome is one of his current favorite words). All three boys love crawling around our recliner in the living room and playing a hybrid version of peek-a-boo and hide and seek. After crawling around a bit, one or more will squeel and laugh that they'd been found! And I so enjoy these rare times when, rather than playing referee, I can just watch and take it in.

Olympics

Patrick has begun training for his new event--the beginner walk (ok, a stretch, I know. I'm in the Olympic spirit, though). The last few days he's gotten pretty good on his two feet and has been enjoying the loads of praise that are heaped on him every time he gets from A to B. I've been waiting for Jackson and Patrick to walk in hopes that they'll be a tiny bit more independant. So far, Patrick walking hasn't really made my life easier, but I'm still hopeful :)

New Friends

Dominic has been really big into pretending. He has a slew of imaginary friends. The lastest are "Ladybug" (he hasn't gotten to very creative names, yet :)), "Gri-ul" (or girl), and my personal favorite, "Jesus". One or more of his friends usually go with us when we go out of the house and they always have to get on their shoes and socks before leaving--even Jesus. Today, he's taking lady bug to see his new cousin "Baby Joseph" because "Baby Joseph needs candy." Should be a fun trip!

Rest in Peace, Grandma Mach

Wednesday, February 10, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother passed away. Doris Mach, my dad's mom, left this world to enter the next. Of course, a funeral and all that surrounds it is a great excuse for a family get together. It was really wonderful to see some extended family that I'd last seen at Grandpa's funeral 2 1/2 years ago.

The kiddos and I went to see Grandma just a few weeks ago at Independence House. Though Grandma's alzheimers was advanced, she enjoyed seeing and holding the littles. Grandma and Grandpa were married for 63 years (if my math is right); a true testament to fidelity and love. Gives Valentine's Day a bit deeper meaning, too!

Today, during the graveside service, we had forgotten Dominic's mittens so I put his tiny hands in my oversized gloves. Enjoying his giant hands, he soon began his rendition of "If You're Happy and you Know it, Clap Your Hands"--very loudly. I shushed him, but Luke said later that maybe Dominic gets the deeper meaning of this whole thing and that today, was, in fact, a celebration and we should all be Happy!

May the Choirs of Angels come to greet you. May they lead you to Paradise. Love you, Grandma!

A Big Thank You

To Patrick and Jackson: Thanks for both sleeping through the night last night for the first time since you were born. In place of crying, I heard the angels sing.

Brotherly Love

Last week at the brothers' (a nickname for the twins coined by Dominic) one year check, I was commenting to the doctor about how Jackson and Patrick seemed blissfully unaware of their twin. They are usually quite content to play by themselves. I've been watching a bit more closely since then to their interactions and finding that they are a little more (though not much) engaged with each other than I thought.
Patrick is still our bully, but Jackson is appearing to be a little more tenderhearted. Yesterday, he was playing with a little car and when Patrick came over to steal it from him (as usual), Jackson picked up a second car and handed it to Patrick. The same day, I caught the two smiling at each other and holding hands while sitting in their separate high chairs. I'm sure the brothers' connection with each other will grow, though. I love having twins!

Potty Training

We've been periodically working on potty training with Dominic. This week I decided to really get to work, though. We've been setting a timer for every hour--Dominic is now trained to run to the potty at the sound. He's been getting stickers and smiley faces for every successful attempt, which seems a bit fluffy to me, but has been working pretty well. I can't claim any of these ideas, though. Our sitter, Linda came up with the whole system. I was hoping this whole "using the potty thing" would just work itself out eventually, but, as are most things parenting, potty training is a bit more complex than previously thought. I'm sure we'll get it eventually!

Christmas, Part II

Better late than never...

The interstate was closed on part of Friday and all of Saturday. We were finally able to leave for Wahoo on Sunday afternoon. First stop: Beatrice at my Aunt Ann and Uncle Barrie's. The Bruggeman family Christmas is always a highlight of the holiday season!

Dominic got lots of presents (again).

My Cousin Meghan and her new husband John came back from Indiana. She was a big help with our litter during the day.

Patrick banging, I mean, playing away.

Dominc snuggled with Jake while the rest of us enjoyed the Annual Bruggeman Gift Exchange. He eventually gave up and fell asleep.

 The Bruggeman Family Gift Exchange is always a time of LOTS of laughs. We all bring a gift having to do with a specific theme. Themes have included: The color Red, Earth Wind and Fire, Something having to do with your nose and The Periodic Table. This year, the theme was Italy and the creative people of the Bruggeman clan did not dissapoint!

Lizzy made a gondlier costume that was pretty impressive.

The boys were all exhausted from the long day with the family.

Opening presents, round four. By this time I'm beginning to think Where am I going to put all this stuff? I've since been purging all our old toys to make room for the new ones. This is the sweet, new tent the kiddos got.

As any parent could attest to, Christmas with kids is an amazing experience. We were so happy to be able to spend time with all our family, as well!