What a Week

I lost my sense of smell and taste to the clutches of an evil cold. Losing the ability to taste food is nigh unto the worst experience for me--I mean really, what is the point of eating if there is no flavor? I was tortured. The first day was really bad but the second and third days were less aggravating but there was still the fear that I would never taste food again or smell my sweet babies, particularly their just out of the bath perfume--one of my favorite scents.

So, I can taste again and I feel much better.

Other good news: I have not had back pain for TWO days. People, this is huge. I have been suffering from chronic back pain for nearly a year. I realized yesterday as my sense of smell was gaining power that I had not grimaced once because of searing pain in my back.

Related to the new development of no back pain is the exciting fact that I can run over TWO miles without stopping. Again, people, this is huge. At the beginning of the month when I started working out after a two year hiatus, I could only run 2.5 minutes at a time without wanting to die. I feel like a runner again! The trick to gaining endurance was to slowly crank up the minutes and most important of all, was finding a comfortable pace. I don't run super fast, but it's a noble pace.

My two year menstruation vacation ended this week. It was a lovely two years of no hassle.

Snow! We got snow this week and it was beautiful. Following the snow was a topping of ice and that wasn't beautiful. I have had to gingerly walk across sheets of ice on our sidewalk. A kind neighbor shoveled our snowy walks, which was really generous, but it meant that we have had an icy and treacherous walkway. I also had to hack off inches of ice from my car--never pleasant.

Asher and Soren are nearly recovered from their colds! In fact, they both slept through the night, last night, without interruption.

Speaking of A&S, Asher woke up coughing earlier this evening so I ran to the nursery to check on him. As I was opening the door I heard Soren crying so they were both awake. Soren was standing, crying and Asher was sitting up quietly. I grabbed Soren, because his is the first crib, and Jamie picked up Asher. Soren quickly calmed down and Asher quickly snuggled with Jamie. It was actually a quite magical moment--Jamie and I each holding one of our beautiful twin sons. I was grateful and nearly bursting with joy that we had two children so that both of us could hold and comfort one. Otherwise, we would probably quarrel over who got to hold the baby. A nice perk of having twins.

Last of all, hubs and I went on a date! It was super fun and he looked super cute in his new birthday jeans.

Nutellicious

I made the following recipe this morning and it was superlative. Try it!

Oven Crespella with Nutella Sauce
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons whole milk, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread such as Nutella

Garnish:
Garnish: confectioners sugar
Accompaniment: chopped strawberries

Put a 12-inch ovenproof heavy skillet in middle of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.

Whisk together flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 1/2 cups milk in a bowl.

Add butter to skillet and heat in oven until golden, about 1 minute. Pour batter into skillet and bake until puffed, set, and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together Nutella and remaining 3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Thin sauce with additional milk if necessary.

Cool pancake in skillet on a rack 5 minutes (it will sink). Dust with confectioners sugar and drizzle with sauce. Serve with berries.

Snow

We got snow today, finally. I love the snow (just not driving in it) and the wintry scene outside coupled with the sound of snow being shoveled makes me think of my childhood and how lucky I was to grow up in such a snowy, lovely state.

There is something so calm and quiet about snow, I love the serenity of it.

Chinese New Year = Dreaming of Dumplings

I want a Rickshaw Dumpling Bar in Virginia or DC or MD...somewhere closer than NYC!

Documenting the Cutes

Asher and Soren have done many remarkably cute things lately, it's kind of WHAT they do.

Asher got a cold just as Soren's ended, so we have had many rough nights the past week. Asher will wake up with wretched coughing fits and each time I worry that his coughs and gasps will turn into a seizure or something worse. He always pushes through the discomfort. I'll run into the nursery to check on him and he'll be on his side, bravely surviving his cough. I'll pat his back and or pick him up and he is so grateful for the contact. He remains the snuggliest, sweetest baby babe ever.

Soren, when he wakes up at night, is nearly unconsolable. He struggles to get comfortable but once he does, he too is wonderfully snuggly. A few nights ago both boys were up so Jamie and I brought them into our bed to soothe them and offer them water. Asher dove into our down comforter, something they both love to do, and Soren, seeing his brother lying down, laid down next to ASher and started softly stroking his face. Jamie and I were like, "This is the cutest scene EVER!!!" It was really sweet. Asher perked up and they both sat there, smiling. We are so lucky.

The next night both boys were up, both crying. I held Asher and Soren was ticked because he wanted me and would have nothing to do with Jamie. Finally, in protest, Soren vomited all over Asher and me. Oh dear! We cleaned up then sat in bed and everything was quiet. Suddenly, Soren starts doing ALL the signs he knows: cracker, baby, daddy, and another one that he invented. It was soo cute! Again, Jamie and I were like, 'He is so cute!' I love middle of the night sign language demonstrations.

Yesterday Asher was upset when I sat him down so he threw himself on the ground. Soren with his brotherly solidarity, decided to also throw himself on the ground so both boys were belly down. So cute!

Soren is Mr. Tips! He loves to run around and bounce on his tippy toes. I love, love, love it when he cruises on his tips!

Asher and Soren love to put objects on one of the cupboard shelves in the kitchen. I have found sippy cups, trick or treat pumpkins, balls, and tonight, a small magnet. They are so cute stashing their toys.

I think this is a good documentation for today.

Birthday Hubs

Wow! Look at the difference in ONE year. I can't believe Soren was barely the length of Jamie's folded arms. Now he's a little tot getting all tall and opinionated...just like his dad!


Blurry baby babes looking at the blurry spread.

YUM!

Roasted sweet potato and black bean tacos with queso fresco...they were incredible.

Baby birthday loving.


Jamie is officially 34 years old! What a handsome birthday hubs. For his birthday this year Jamie got two pair of fancy Camper shoes and a comely wool coat. He is one dandy man!

I made him a splendid feast of roasted sweet potatoes, black beans (cooked from scratch), Spanish rice, fixins (cilantro, lime, queso fresco), and key lime double happiness pie for dessert. A feast we had to feast on the goodness of his life and all that he gives to each of us. He is an affectionate, kind soul, always embracing his loved ones with warm hugs, sweet kisses, and generous compliments.

I love you Jamie!

Bundled

Brrr, the cold. I like winter, I really do. Winter is best tolerated with snow and since we have had wretchedly cold temperatures and no snow, I feel slighted. Come on! Can't the northeast and west share a little of theirs?

I don't love summer, it's too hot and the humidity attempts each summer to kill me and nearly succeeds. However, now that I have children I appreciate the ease of leaving the house without having to pile on layers of warmth just to run simple errands.

It is my hope that we will have a big snowstorm, SOON, then spring will quickly follow.

Inauguration

The Deuce, inaugural style.
(Yes, Soren is wielding what looks like a menacing weapon. It is the chew rail from his crib. That boy, always has to have something in his hand. Asher is gripping his fake credit card, another favorite and usually contested item.)

Celebration foods: tomato salsa, mango avocado salsa, queso, and an empty bowl waiting for onions to cool for carmelized onion dip.

Old Town jumbotron. Jamie kept asking, "Why are we going to Old Town?" and I was like, because! I want to see the action in a city SO close to DC. Sheesh.

Asher and Soren's inaugural inauguration was the most memorable of my life.

Because we live so close to DC, a part of me felt bad that I wasn't on the mall with a million other people to experience the epic event. The day could not have been more perfect, however, and seeing all those people in the cold and hearing reports of hypothermia and walking for miles and hours just to exit the mall made me feel less bad and more happy about being at home with my family.

We had good food, good drinks, and good, emotional times as we watched the inauguration. Several thoughts surfaced as Jamie and I watched the inauguration...I was elated, impressed, excited, and happy. I thought the ceremony was the perfect length of time. President Obama impressed me with his speaking cadence and his message. This isn't a prosperous, decadent period in American history so the serious tone of his address was appropriate and necessary. I teared up through several segments of his speech and loved it most of all when he quoted George Washington.

What an exciting time for his children! Sasha and Malia are so adorable.

After the inauguration and after the boys woke from their naps we went to Old Town because I wanted to see what kind of crowd had gathered to watch the parade on the jumbotron in market square. I was surprised to see such a scrappy crowd but I figured that the diehards were actually in the city. It was still fun to watch a few minutes of the parade, live, and see President Obama and Michelle walk a bit of the frigidly cold parade route.

So, that was our day. It was the best day of my five day weekend.

I OWN You Christmas 2009!

I just ordered my Christmas cards today! Woo hoo! Once again, my dad's creative genius is materialized. If you didn't get a card last year and want one this year, send me your details!

My Print, Framed

Today Jamie brought home my Christmas print from the frame shop...what a lovely surprise! Jamie should be applauded for the handsome frame he chose--it is perfect and timeless. I love this beautiful letterpress print and already I feel like our home is more beautiful because of it, if only because it represents our love and marriage.

Everything a Toy

Asher modeling his zipped open sleep sack and his top of the morning rosy cutes.

I love this baby monitor!

I love this baby monitor even more when I bang it against other objects!

I marvel at how play is so intuitive for babies. It's like they have magic fingers and everything they touch is suddenly a toy or interesting plaything. Even in the middle of the night when coughs or other discomforts wake them up, they still have that desire for play (unless, of course, they are competing with a sib for mom's two arms and in protest they vomit).

Asher and Soren are ready to play the moment they wake up! They like to run around their crib, toss taggies, and when they see their toys, it's like they are brand new! I love my playful baby babes.

Quick-Fast Makeover

I decided to update Chon's bed. I bought a new bed-skirt, a red coverlet with matching sham, and white sheets with colored polka dots. While she was out on Sunday evening, I stripped down her bed and put on the new linens. Her bed looked beautiful and very comfortable. I knew that barging into her room and changing her bed was a bit invasive but I couldn't help myself, it was too fun!

Well, she was clearly happy with her new bed! The following morning when she came upstairs she threw her arms around me and thanked me for her new bed! She said she was so surprised and that she loved the color and the sheets and she had to call her friend that night to tell her. Her gratitude and enthusiasm was really endearing and sweet.

Dealing with IT

The croup, I hate it.

The sickness continues. My nights have been sleepless. Soren is just miserable. The croup-coup has slowed him down and taken some of his sparkle. I often find Soren flat on the floor with his arms curled under his stomach, which is a heart breakingly pitiful scene. He can hardly breathe for all the junk in his nose--he coughs, gags, and throws-up a lot.

Last night Soren writhed uncomfortably for two hours, completely unable to fall asleep, which was clearly ALL he wanted. I held him, stroked his back, and finally thought to give him some milk, mostly as a distraction from his misery. He gladly accepted the bottle then yacked it up over the two of us. I schlepped us to the bathroom to strip us down and clean us off and staring at his little body in the mirror and seeing how much he looked like a little boy and not a baby made me actually grateful for that strange, exhausing moment because I got to appreciate him in a new light. My little man, growing up and always amazing me with his cuteness. He finally went to sleep, poor thing.

I am taking him to the doctor this afternoon, mostly to ease my own mind. I wish there was an easy cure for a runny nose and a nagging cough.

Cleaning Away the Croup

Cleaning together.

Getting the good spots.

Teamwork is my favorite.

Soren has the bark like cough of croup. Poor thing. He is miserable at night and I am too because I fear that he will stop breathing or choke or otherwise suffer while I am unable to make him better. The croup has weakened Soren's energy but not his cleverness. Today he took over the chore of sweeping and even attempted to clear the hard to reach and usually neglected section of the floor under the couch. What a helpful, ailing little man!

Cuteness Update

Asher says BABY BABE! It is the key-utest to hear him repeat this little phrase. My baby babe says baby babe!

Tonight Soren turned his riding truck on it's side so he could put objects on each wheel and make them spin. Asher and I were both drawn to the fun and the three of us spun objects on wheels for a good 20 minutes.

An Obligation

Dinner was so awesome and easy last night that I feel compelled to share it with all of you, my dear readers. This dish was prepared in under 30 minutes...in your face Rachel Ray!

While the lentils, rice, and onions cooked The Deuce colored, it was such a delightful evening.

Curried Red Lentils with Carmelized Onions

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons curry powder
3 1/2 cups water
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 1/2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed and picked over
Salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Quick Caramelized Onions
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium onions (about 1 pound), halved and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar


For the lentils: Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the water, coconut milk, lentils and 1/2 tespoon salt and bring o a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring onece or twice, until the lentils have fallen apart, about 20 minutes. Uncover, raise the heat and simmer until the lentils thicken a bit (they should be loose but not liquidy), about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and adjust the seasonings, adding salt to taste.

For the onions: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the foaming subsides, add the onions, salt, and sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to color slightly, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very tender and nicely browned, about 15 minutes. (If the onions start to burn at any point, reduce the heat.)

To serve: Spoon some rice into individual shallow soup or pasta bowls. Spoon some lentils over the rice, top with a tangle of caramelized onions and serve.

Resolved for Design

My latest vases!

Excitedly anticipating their crayons!

Off they go a scribbling!

Chewing the crayon proved more enjoyable then drawing with them so we presented crackers and cheerios as a more edible treat.

One of my 2009 resolutions is to improve the aesthetics and design of my home. I want to do more with color and images to make our home more uplifting. This resolution, along with a few others, feels both exciting and challenging.

To address my design resolution, I updated the fireplace mantle, bought two wonderful prints from Etsy, and introduced The Deuce to bolts of paper and their first crayons! My little creators. I can't wait to see what they color and draw in the years to come. Hopefully the artistic talent of their grandfather will be easily evident.

A London Love

I loved me some Ritter Sport peppermint bars when I was in London (ten years ago this fall...yowza). I was devastated never to find any here in the states. Well, after ten years of waiting, they are rumored to be available now. Woo hoo!

Freezy-Freezins

Do these gloves make me look warm?

Incoming!

What is this place and what is that madness in the sky?

I like to assume that because it is cold the baby babes don't want to be outside. Yet...every time I bundle them up and we head outside they seem happy for the freedom to move and don't seem to even notice the coldness, other than the hindrance of bulky outerwear.

The other day we headed to the city hoping to see the National Building Museum but parking was impossible! Instead of playing indoors we went to Gravely Point to watch the planes land. Last time we were there it was summer and Soren was freaked by the planes. He wasn't so freaked out this time but both boys were definitely startled each time the planes tore over our heads.

16 Months!

Soren, hoping for a little kiss from Miss Sophia under the slide...

Soren's sweet smile!

Mr. Fist's Up Walking Man Asher!

Another month has passed and The Deuce are 16 months old!

Wow!

Sixteen months old baby babes are pleasurable source of energy, curiosity, and sweetness. Asher and Soren spend their days pointing, playing, chasing, running, stumbling, echoing, mimicking, and reveling in their discoveries.

Asher walks around repeating, 'me, me, me, me' and 'baby, baby, baby' all day. Those two words have never sounded sweeter! Asher likes to make 'ssss' sounds by slightly sticking his tongue out and blowing--he does this when he is particularly interested in something or is excited to point something out to me.

Soren is masterfully observant. Do something once and he remembers and repeats. The other night Jamie was trying to pry a stuck wooden puzzle piece from it's base so he used a plastic spoon to help leverage his efforts. The following night when Soren couldn't get one of the puzzle pieces out he used a spoon to mimic what he had seen Jamie do the night before (fortunately, he had a spoon in hand cuz he always has something clutched in his cute little hand).

As I was getting the boys into the car for church Sunday morning a bunch of crows flew above and yapped their loud call. I mimicked their song and immediately so did Asher and Soren! I was pleased with their participation in the sounds of nature! They made their little caw, caw sounds during the short drive to church.

During the opening hymn at church both Asher and Soren started rocking out. They bounced both their heads and their fingers. I was so proud. I love that they bounce their finger to music, it's one of my favorite little actions. The chorister is flamboyant in her hand waving and Soren loves to mimic her dramatic motions. Those baby babes amuse me endlessly.

So, 16 month-olds, they are loads of fun. Come play with us and see for yourself!