Books from Dad

Have I mentioned that our dad is the BEST?! The kids got a package from him filled with books and a DVD of him reading to the kids. What a treat! We all loved seeing dad on the big screen and interacting with the kids. Eliana turned through all the pages as her daddy read to her. Tristan tried to keep up with where daddy was reading but had a harder time. I am going to play him every day to the babies so they will know his voice and his face when he comes home.



The USO has all these donated new/used books and the program is called United Through Reading. Chris picks the books, reads them to us then sends them our way. In turn I send him pictures and video of the kids watching and reading with dad. This is just one more way the kids can stay connected with their daddy.

What a STINK!

I feel SOOOO guilty. I have been wondering why my boys have had upset tummies and why their spit up has smelled absolutely horrid. I thought they may have had a reaction to the bull frog sun screen i loaded on them yesterday or that they might be sick. I gave them two baths yesterday because the smell was unbearable! I finally figured it out when I was sucking on the nipple to get the milk to come up from the bottle straw and got a taste of their milk. I wanted to gag right then. The formula was rotten!! I opened the can and took a whiff and almost barfed again. The smell was THAT bad. Why hadn't I figured it out 2 days ago when I opened that can of formula? I thought there reluctance to eating was from the new bottle. Then they just tolerated it all day today without a peep. I can't imagine drinking one tiny sip of what I have been feeding my babies. I use Parents Choice Sensitive from walmart. The use by date is May of 2011. I called walmart to make sure I could take it back and get a new one and to tell them they need to find out if there have been any other complaints about that lot of formula. They need to find all the formula from that lot and check a few cans to see if it is all bad. Anyway...I feel dumb that I didn't figure this out sooner. Even after two feedings of good formula their tummies are still churning. I hope they feel better soon.

Eliana threw a fit this morning when I woke her up for school. As soon as I woke her the first words she uttered were "Umf...I never get to go FIRST!" She must have said it 100 times in 30 minutes. I tried to convince her of all the things she gets to do first but I had no success. I offered to say a quick prayer with her so she will feel happy today an not worry about who is first in life. She folded her arms and listened patiently then said "I don't feel better yet!" I said that it takes a little time for moods to change. I also told her that going first isn't always the best. That doing something for the first time can be scary and it is easier to watch others do things first. AND if she always insisted on going first that she would have a hard time keeping friends because her friends would never have a chance to go first and that would make them sad. IT took about 5 minutes for her to forget about her little rant. THANKFULLY! She was driving me nutty!

Podee bottle straw

These are the best things ever! Now when I need to feed two hungry babies I can just give them the bottle straw and post on my blog like I am doing right now:) I can't wait to see how they will help my life while I am out shopping or running around. YEA!!

quibbling twins

The boys are starting to interact a little more with each other. Soren is a thief! He will reach over into Barrett's lap and take all of his toys. Because Barrett is so laid back he sits until he gets bored then flops onto his tummy for a different adventure. So today I got a little story line going with some pics.

Give me that book!


No way man...that's MY book!


Let's ditch the book and play together.

Dude! I didn't say bite me!


Lets just chill out and watch some Baby Einstein bro.

A wet nap!

We had a play date with Kayleen's kids at the pool today. Unfortunatly it was during the babies nap time. Barrett had his bottle while floating in his ladybug and crashed out. He was dragged around the pool and had screaming kids right next to him for a full hour. That baby can sleep through anything! Soren wanted nothing to do with sleep. He never wants to miss out on any fun to be had. When we got home I started dinner, bathed the babies and put them in their highchairs for sweet potatoes and turkey. (yummy baby food:)) Soren cried the entire time from exhaustion. I put him to bed at 6:45. I really hope he stays asleep through the night.

Barrett's eruption cyst

My poor little Barrett has been teething like crazy. 4 weeks ago he cut his first bottom tooth. The one just next to it looked like it would break through as well but it hasn't. In fact, it has gotten swollen and turned a purplish blue color. My good friend Kayleen's hubby is a dentist and I sent him some pictures of Barrett's mouth. He said it looked like an eruption cyst. So I immediately look it up online and sure enough all the symptoms fit. They say it is fairly common and should resolve on its own. But it has been 3 weeks now. I might call my dentist to see what he has to say.

Online definition:
Eruption cyst/eruption hematoma is a fluctuant, fluid cyst which may appear 2-3 weeks prior to the eruption of a tooth. As the tooth emerges, the cyst may be blood filled and appear blue to purple in color (eruption hematoma). Eruption cysts and eruption hematomas are usually asymptomatic and resolve with eruption of the tooth. The lesions should not be incised as this may increase the potential for infection.

So little guy also has his two top teeth coming in. His top right was a little bloody as I could see the gum breaking for the tooth. The other top tooth will appear any day too. It is not like my twins to cry very much unless something is bothering them. Barrett will be sitting happily then in an instant start to ball his head off. I just feel bad for him. Teething can't be fun at all!

I found this idea on Ashtons web page. I hope this works! :)

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. C'mon now, anything funny, strange, cool, embarrassing, or awful you remember about me?? This could be interesting...

Ok, I have lost a little accuracy while typing. I am fast but I have lots of typos. That is why I LOVE spell check.

42 words

Speed test

A swinging good time

It was an interesting week at our house. Without going into all the details Eli and Tristan were sick with fever and Barrett is going through a phase of fighting sleep. So after being cooped up for a while we all needed to escape the house. We went to J.F. Gregory park to feed the ducks and turtles and play at the park. It was the first time I put the babies in swings. They LOVED it! They must have swung for 40 mins while the kids were playing. It was a good time for all of us and a much needed escape.

"Do you know why?"

This is the phrase I hear about 30 times a day from Eliana. She will make a statement about something and then ask the infamous question. "I had a good day at school. Do you know why?" "My favorite color is yellow. Do you know why?" etc. etc...It is great to watch my kids go through these phases of learned and communicating. At times I think "could you please stop saying the same thing over and over again!" Then I have to remind myself that she will only be 4 years old for another 2 months. Then she will be 5 then 6 and then before I know it she will be a teenager. So I have to treasure every moment I get to observe my children growing and hope that I can always contribute in a helpful, loving and positive way.

I love my children. Many times when I am out in public with all 4 of my kids people will make comments like "Oh, I feel sorry for you" or " I wouldn't want to be you." That isn't as common as "whew, you have your hands full." I simply say "It is great being me." I have been blessed with beautiful children who are precious, loving, fun, smart and always entertaining. My babies are always so happy. They rarely cry and I keep waiting for the day they will act out in public or give me a hard time while driving around. They are little angels, sweet as could be. So YES, I love being a mother of 4.

I wonder what Eli or Tristan will start saying next? Whatever it is, I am sure they will make me smile.

One step closer to ITALY!!

I just LOVE our AMX sky miles card. Thanks to all our everyday spending we have two first class tickets to Italy for 3 weeks next May. YEAH!!!! This will probably be our one and only get away without the kids for a romantic adventure. I am looking forward to Chris being my tour guide as he takes me to the places he served on his mission and meet the families he still keeps in touch with. In Rome we have a beautiful place to stay thanks to his friend Monica. I have always been enchanted with Italy since I was a little girl. I lived there from age 2-6 but I only remember the little neighborhood we lived in and the lemon tree we used to climb. I have other memories of our travels as a family. I have an amazing husband that will steal my heart all over again in the most romantic country. Every girls dream!

Can't plead innocent now can you!!!

Our new dog Bella is wonderful and is a great addition to our home. However, she came with some bad habits. She has a passion for chewing up everything and digging in the dirt. She is VERY smart and aware of her misdeeds. As soon as they come to my attention she cowers. So I show her the evidence, put her nose in it and scold her. After the MANY many times I have done this she still persists to misbehave. I am going to have to do some research online to find some good advice. I need to buy her a good chew bone to crave her fixation. I have let her stay out of her kennel a few times at night and just when I think she has finally learned the rules around here she poops or pees in the house while we are sleeping and I inevitably step in it while I am wondering in the dark taking care of babies in the night. So she is restricted to her kennel at night. She used to sneak into the kids room and sleep with Tristan but I had to stop that when she chewed up some stuff in their room.

SO Bella is guilty as charged and needs to shape up. Any dog trainers out there willing to give my advice?

Why I dont read many books

OK, I really do love to read but I can't do it and have my normal life function at the same time. I put off and procrastinate most everything until my book is done. The kids always demand a lot out of me so they dont get thwarted the way the household chores do. I finished Breaking Dawn in the Twilight series. Good read for me. It is low key, easy to read and has a good story line. I also enjoy the characters. So today I have lots on my agenda to play "catch-up" so I must go.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Since we are saving money for our Italy Trip Chris didn't want me to send him any thing that he would have to carry home with him. So I sent him the normal package of magazines, beef jerky and stuff from the kids. I still wanted to do something a little special for him. So the kids and I decided to throw him a party. Eli and Tristan helped mix the cake and swirl in the chocolate. After it cooled I frosted it and they decorated it with sprinkles, M&Ms, colored frosting and candles. We also made a banner and colored it to show him how much we care. I video taped our little party for dad and sent it to him on his b-day along with lots of pictures. Thankfully he loved it! I am extremely grateful for modern technology that allows us to communicate half way across the world with those we love. Chris treated himself to a rootbeer and a small ice cream. He hadn't had either one since he's been in Iraq. Then he got to fly. So a fairly good day for a soldier on his birthday in Iraq.

Our daddy's the BEST!

Barrett
Eliana
Soren
Tristan

It is times like this morning that crushes my heart. My sweet little boy Tristan woke up and said "good morning mommy. I miss my Daddy!" " I know baby. He is going to call this morning and you can talk to him." "I want to see his body" "Me too, me too. We just have to remember all the fun times we shared with daddy while he was here with us and before you know it he will be back home, holding you in his arms and wrestling with you on the floor. Be brave, keep remembering and loving him." "OK mommy, I will be brave!"

He makes a comment about missing his dad daily. It is difficult for him to understand why dad is away and can't come home to him. It is so sad and unfortunate that Chris has to be away from his family. To miss out on so many milestones and creating memories. However it is a time to teach our children about daddy's job and how important it is that he serves our country with honor. Despite any political views people may have, my husband is a patriot. He loves and serves our nation without complaint and does the best he can. He is our hero and we love him. So we will trek forward in our lives and face the hurtles while he is away.

We miss you Chris, DADDY! We will be strong and brave until you come home. We hope you can feel our hugs all the way across the world.
LOVE, Damato family

Cutest faces you've ever SEEN!

Soren and Barrett are getting the hang of sitting up. I coudn't resist taking pictures. They were being so smiley and fun. I got some great video of Barrett sounding like a Bear and talking. Then when they were both sitting together Barrett reached over to hug Soren and took him down. Barrett thought it was funny but Soren wasn't so pleased about it.

True to his name (Barrett)

Barrett is discovering sounds. He is constantly talking all day long. Some of his new sounds are a gargling noise, baba, nana and my favorite is his BEAR noise. He growls all the time. Eliana calls him Brother Bear. He is such a delight. His demeanour is always pleasant and he looks as though he is cooking up brilliant ideas in that little brain of his. He is definitely my introvert compared to Soren but everyday I see more of his personality shine. Such fun to have these twins and watch them grow together.

Soren slept through the night

Yes, my little guy fell asleep at 7:30pm and I had to wake him up this morning at 6:45am to take Eli to the bus stop. I thought he would be crying and desperately hungry but he woke up with smiles and happiness. I had to question myself on who I gave a bottle to at 1am. But I remember it was the baby with snaps and Soren had on zipper jammies. I know this is just a teaser! Whenever they sleep long or do something great the next day is always a let down. But I will take it when I can get it.

Tantrums

We have been talking about how Grandma and Grandpa are leaving in a few days and the kids are getting sad. We stopped by the DEERS office to see if they were busy so my mom could get a new card. As soon as my parents stepped out of the truck Tristan threw the BIGGEST EVER tantrum. "I want to go with them!!" If I was smart I would have called after them to wait but I new they were coming right back because it would be busy. Sure enough they were back as soon as they left but Tristan was screaming his head off. I mean WOW, I have never seen a tantrum like this one before. I had to pick him off the floor of the truck. He wouldn't sit in his seat. Kicking and screaming. I finally got him buckled in and mom had to put her hand over the red button so he couldn't undo himself again. Finally after a while he stopped the screaming but he was still just as upset. He said he wanted g-ma and g-pa to leave right now! He acted out this same way when Daddy was leaving. He doesn't know how to express his feelings about people leaving him.

There was no reasoning with him this time. We were all out of the truck going to the water park and he wouldn't get out. Mom decided to stay with him until he was ready. After he realized I wasn't coming back for him he gave in to moms bribe. She said he must be getting hot in there and offered to get him a nice cold Dr Pepper. (she knows the way to his heart...haha). He was still a pill for most of the day. The water park was disappointing. The sprinkler park was shut down and so was the slide due to a wasp's nest that had recently been destroyed and a life guard had been bit. After several upset people complaining about it not being open they finally opened it right before we were leaving. We went down the slide several times and in the sprinklers for 5 mins. I was also upset because they wouldn't' allow the babies red floaties in the pool. Saying they were unsafe and they had seen several flip over. Well, if you have seen these things you would know that my little 7 month olds were not going to tip these things over. So my life was extra hard at the pool with the babies. My dad was swimming and helping but he kept letting Barrett flop his face in the water so I took over. All in all we have had better days but we still managed to have a few laughs.

The kids didn't want to leave as usual. We tried to go out to Love's Sea food tonight but they are closed on Mondays. So we went out to Fatz cafe in Pooler. It is kind of like a chili's. Great food and all the kids did pretty well. Tristan actually ate 3/4s of his cheeseburger!! Amazing!

My two Dancing STARS

Eliana Loves to dance! She grabbed Tristan and said "Dance with me!" She pulled him close and then said "This is how you do it...you hold my hand out like this...and put your other arm on my back like this." It was extremely funny to see these two siblings dance like they were professionals on a show. I just know they will hate these pics when they get older.