Way back When-sday

Several other blogs I read (see the new links off to the right??) often have a "Way back When-sday". They normally post pictures of their babies / children from way back when. Well, I don't know that B & K have been around long enough to have this day every week, but I figured in honor of their 6 month birthday we'd go back in time for the past six months. That's right peeps -- BENNETT & KENDYLL ARE SIX MONTHS OLD TODAY!!!!! How the h-e-double-hockey-sticks did that happen?? Don't worry, the six month picture will be coming soon (I'm "advance" posting this) . . . I just wanted to give a little flashback. Enjoy!

J & K + 8

As I've mentioned before, we get some ridiculous comments & questions when we go out in public with B & K ("are they twins?"). Lately the natural progression of questions leads to a question on whether we watch the TLC show "Jon & Kate plus Eight". My response used to be that we do indeed watch that show, if nothing else to make our lives seem a little more calm / less nuts / normal. But lately I really can't watch that show much. And it wasn't until I was reading this blog entry that I really got why I've stopped watching that show (and thanks to a fellow local MoM for pointing me in the direction of this site . . . please go check out her blog -- her boys are a ADORABLE!!).

I always thought it was a bit odd that these people let cameras into their homes to tape their every moment . . .but then I watch it, so who am I to judge? I always found Kate to be annoying and a bit of a b!tch, Jon to be a little wimpy and their kids to be adorable but absolutely out of control. Again, it helped me to think our lives with just two would be a walk in the park. I felt a little uneasy about the money they probably make for allowing TLC into their home and I always thought their product placements and "free" procedures were a little over the top (I mean what MoM wouldn't want a tummy tuck and possible boob job??). But the last straw to me was the episode where Jon flew across the country to get hair plugs. Initially I was just put off by the whole idea that he thought he needed them in the first place -- nevermind the fact that I'm sure he got them for free, they paid for his flight and that he probably felt like he needed them because he is a big "celebrity" now. And Kate really pushing him to do it was over the top (come on, we all know she is probably the one who even gave him the idea in the first place).

But even more upsetting (to me -- as it was to the person who wrote the blog entry) is that that they flew across the country for such a vain thing while their little children were really sick. I mean I'm still a pretty new at this parent thing and my two have only been sick once, but I think I would have a really hard time leaving them for a MAJOR surgery while they were sick, let alone to go have some plugs put in. Ugh . . . I just don't get it.

So I know this post probably seems totally random, but I was asked this question AGAIN today and I just felt the need to share my opinions. Because I certainly didn't go into this depth with the person who asked the question . . . my new polite answer is "No, I don't really watch that show anymore".

Reunion

We had a very busy weekend. It was my mom's family reunion this past Saturday. So we all packed in the wicked Pacifica and drove 2 hours to Canton to drop off Tabasco (who in typical form puked 2 minutes from Tim's parents house . . . poor dog has been car sick as long as we've known him). We fed B & K and then drove another hour to Girard to the Pizzulo family reunion. I haven't been to Girard since my Grandpa died 2 1/2 years ago and haven't been to a reunion in at least 6 years (probably longer!!). It was really nice to see everyone. B & K were a big hit and everyone mentioned they love keeping up with the family on our site. Thanks!

Here is a few pictures of my me, B & K and my cousin "Aunt" Julia (who everyone says looks more like my sister than my cousin . . .I take it as a compliment -- and I hope she does, too!).





As I've mentioned before, twins run in my family on my mom's side (hence B & K). Here is a picture of my mom (on the right) and her twin sister, my Aunt Anna Marie.



The reunion was held at Tod Park. A few of our family members had a park bench dedicated to my Grandma Belle when she passed away almost 6 years ago and we were lucky enough to have the pavilion right by her special bench. My Grandpa Frank (Bigs to his friends . . . his last name was Bigowsky) also has a special bench at his old hang-out, Jib Jab Hot dog Shoppe. I made Tim stop on our way out of town so I could snap a picture of that too (I had not seen it since they put it up . . . Grandpa visited Jib Jab EVERY day. He had his own booth that they called "the office" and his is the only bench in front of Jib Jab. And it faces towards the building, always looking inside, instead of facing the street. So cool!).

For Aunt Elaine

Tim's Aunt Elaine & Uncle Brian in Nashville gave Bennett & Kendyll these precious outfits. They finally fit into them, so I thought I'd snap a few pictures.

And here they are "checking out" their outfits a little further.

When Daddy is away . . .

The babies will play!!

B & K are getting the hang of sitting up in their Bumpo chairs and playing with toys on the tray.





They are also getting the hang of letting some cool rattles soothe their teething gums. Yum!




And here is the pic of Kendyll "holding" her bottle.

Play Date

B & K had their first Twinfant Playdate yesterday. The local twins club has different "play groups" for different age groups and we attended our first session for ages 0 - 12m at Alica's house (mommy to Sam & Will). There were two other MoMs there with their twins as well . . . 4 mommies and 8 babies -- wow!! It was a very fun time as most of the babies were all within 2 months of each other. The mommies had a great time comparing stories and sharing our experiences and the babies had a blast playing on the floor (and my two enjoyed using some of Sam & Will's toys / bouncy chair, etc.).

Of course I forgot to bring my camera, but I did snap a few pictures of B & K before we headed out. It was a very fun time, but it made for two very, very, over-tired babies. Ugh. . . needless to say it was a LONG night for me & Tim and we put the babies to bed early last night. They have been much better today. It was totally worth it though and we are looking forward to the next date in September (we will be hosting a session at our house sometime soon, too).

Tim is off to his 2nd home, Chicago, again this week. He'll leave out tomorrow morning and will be back late on Thursday. B & K & I will be hanging out as usual this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A little happy birthday wish to our friend, Erin! She is entering the "dark side" with the rest of us and turns the big THREE - OH today. We're heading out to help her celebrate tonight, but I know she reads the blog so I wanted to give her a big shout out here.

"Ben & Ken" say happy b-day too!! :-)