The Terrible 2's and 3's

Let me vent for a minute... or two.

As Gabe and Landon approached the two year mark, I found myself DREADING terrible two's times two.  I thought it was bad enough when Liam hit that lovely (please sense my sarcasm!) age.  But the mere thought of dealing with two defiant, bossy, non-listening, screaming, and temper tantrum ridden boys literally left me exhausted.

Presently, I find myself struggling with Liam and his terrible 3's more than I ever thought possible.  Can it be that a child can have two straight "terrible" years?!  Lord I hope not.  I'm praying that he starts to mellow out once he starts pre-school in a few weeks.  I know that it will be a great outlet for him.  Some time for him to grow, make new friends, and socialize with other kiddos outside of his brothers.  And in spite of all his hitting, screaming, and object throwing fits... I'll miss him more than imaginable for those three hours he's off singing songs and learning new things.

Dear Gabe and Landon, my sweet little boys.  Don't think that you have escaped Mommy's venting session.  Gabe and Landon have most certainly entered those terrible two's that I dreaded oh so much.  They have emerged as purely defiant little men who have no trouble telling me no (with an authoritative finger point) or literally screaming like banshee children when they don't get their way.  I have nearly reached my limit of thrown sippie cups, hitting and biting, and blood curdling screams.  Is it possible that twin newborn babies are easier than twin two year olds?  I'm starting to think that is a strong possibility.

Due to all of this utter chaos, I've seriously questioned my overall parenting skills, patience, and most importantly my overall mental health.  All over a glass of wine or two.  :)  A mommas gotta have an outlet, right?!?  I love you boys with all of my heart.  Literally to the moon and back.  But lets try to go easy on Mommy for awhile.  My head of white hairs will thank you!  :)

Love you monkey boys!!!

Who needs paper?

When you've got a marker and some skin? Oh Gabe...

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabe and Landon!!!

First off, I am sorry for being such a blog slacker lately.  Not sure why I've been in such a funk, but I promise to try to stay on the ball from here on out.  Or until the next "funk" should arise!  Anywho...

Happy 2nd Birthday to Gabe and Landon!!!

My little monkey men turned two on July 22nd.  I literally cannot believe that they are two years old already.  I'm still affectionately calling them "the babies".  Which I clearly need to stop doing.  I mean, the kiddos are two years old already.  They are talking up a storm, riding around on their Razor scooters (yes, you read that right), singing Lady Gaga (yes, you read that right too!), and even starting to dress themselves.  They are clearly babies no longer.  I guess I will always see my little men as babies.

On Wednesday, we celebrated with our little family of five.  We had donuts for breakfast, hit up the park and had a picnic lunch, had ice cream cake for dessert, and gave the boys their presents from us.  Poor Liam was certain that it was his birthday for the majority of the day.  At breakfast he told me "Mom, this is the best birthday I've ever had"!  Obviously, I need to remember the donut holes for Liam's birthday in February.  :)

Happy Birthday to you Gabey!!!

Happy Birthday to you Landon!!!

The boys were SO excited for their scooters... especially Gabe.  He's been able to ride a Razor scooter with ease since the Spring.  He was so happy to get his very own "gooter".  Landon is still a bit cautious, hence the Radio Flyer three wheeled scooter.  While Gabe was thrilled with his "gooter", Landon was equally excited with his very own baseball bat and ball.  He wouldn't put it down!  Looks like this little boy will be following in his daddy's footsteps one day!  :)

Saturday was the big family party.  Teta, Aunt Kate, and Brady came up from Cleveland.  Mom Mom, Pap Pap, Uncle Chuckie, Aunt Dani, the girls, Uncle Chad, Aunt Dee, Jonathan, and Juls all came too.  Even the neighbors came over to help us celebrate Gabe and Landon's 2nd birthday.  It was an ungodly hot day... well into the 90's with an equally awful amount of humidity, but it seemed as though everyone had a good time.

The Elmo cake made by Mommy and Teta

Gabe being a mad scientist.  He's certain these 3D chalk glasses are sunglasses.  I don't have the heart to tell him otherwise!

Cutie pie Landon

Landon and Jonathan in the boys new hockey net.  We LOVE hockey!!!  Thank you Mom Mom and Pap Pap!

The mountain 'o presents.  Of course Liam is scoping out the goods.  How else would he know what to trade up for later?

The boys and their new rides... plasma cars from Teta.  The boys LOVE them and they were the hit of the party!

Had to throw in this pic of Landon smothering, I mean lovin' on Livy.  Too cute!

Thank you to all of our family members and friends for coming and helping us celebrate.  You all spoiled our boys rotten!  Gabe and Landon, my little two year olds.  I can't believe how quickly these past two years have gone by.  You truly are becoming little men.  Although there may be an occasional (notice my sarcasm) fight, it melts my heart when I see you lovin' on your brothers. 

Landon, you are never short of a hug, "kith", and an "I yuv you too".  You are such a calm little boy, but don't push you too far!  I've got my money on you any day of the week!  :)  You are such an animal lover, currently "buggas" of any kind.  You are the only child I know who finds an ant and gently picks it up to carry it around.  You love to sing Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" or "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".  What eclectic taste you have!  :)  But most importantly, that big smile of yours or asking to hold my hand can melt my heart.  You are such a kind, sweet, and gentle little boy and I love you to the moon and back. 

Gabey you are my little rough and tumble, get down and dirty, thumb suckin', blankie draggin' boy.  You are such a daredevil, but will always take the time to snuggle with me.  You've come to master the pout when you don't get your way.  And it's all I can do to not laugh and give in.  You tell a mean knock knock joke and have an uncanny way of turning the word fork into a four letter swear word.  You are a serious flirt and can have women young and old flocking to our shopping cart.  We are in BIG trouble when you hit your teenage years!  You are such a funny little love bug and I love with with all my heart!

Happy 2nd Birthday Gabe and Landon!!!  We love you!!!