You say potato

The nieces just left. I try to make it a habit to see them every month. Either I visit them, or mom and the kids come here. Sometimes we plan it so my brother can get messy, loud jobs done in their absence. Last year, during visits he installed new flooring during one trip and painted the whole first floor during another. Because I see them only once a month, I notice changes in the kids that their mom and dad might not notice. Or, at least, the changes are so much more obvious to me.

The twins, now 2.5, have been able to play independently for a while. But, on this trip, their lengthening attention spans were very obvious. I bought a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head for them to play with. The recommended age on the box is 2+, so I hoped they would be a hit. They were. Both Ree Ree and Oatmeal individually played with them for long periods of time. Ree Ree was better at putting the parts in their natural locations while Oatmeal was more interested in putting all parts possible on one potato.

Oatmeal is still more interested in imaginary play, even though Ree Ree will sometimes participate. Today Oatmeal talked about going to the grocery store and putting food into the grocery bag using Mrs. Potato Head's little purse to carry her money. She brought me various Potato Head parts and described them as lollipops, apples, bananas, etc. Also, at most meals, if I sit near either of the twins, I'll have to receive imaginary food such as soup and chicken from them to eat. If I don't actually put my fingers in my mouth, I am chastised.

We packed in a lot during their short visit. On Tuesday night, we went to Midtown Global Market for dinner. My sis-in-law got to eat something not available in their small town and the kids got to play in the Little Tikes house. There was another little kid there (probably about a year older) who played with the twins. It was very nice to see them actually playing with another kid. All three kids actually played together.

Yesterday, we went to Ikea. Sis-in-law is looking for a kitchen table and we thought it would be fun for the kids. The twins had a great time trying out the beds and sitting in the small chairs. Yesterday afternoon, after naps, we went to the local mall and the twins climbed around on one of those squishy mall play sets. Today, we went to Club Just Jump followed by lunch at Arby's. We planned today's activities so the kids would be tired for their drive home. I am guessing they napped most of the way home after jumping and running and sliding for two hours.

Watching the twins in an environment where other kids are around is interesting. Ree Ree has no fear. None. She can get plowed over and she will just get back up. She is less coordinated than Oatmeal, but she never gives up. And, by the end of the morning, she could independently climb the squishy ladders. Oatmeal never has problems with figuring out how to climb, jump, or do other physical things, but she does get shy sometimes. Anytime she is in a new environment she leg clings or seeks out a hand to hold. Today at the jumping place, she started out by running into the maze by herself, but later on wouldn't go into a jumping house where other kids were present. My guess is that their mom and dad will appreciate Oatmeal's reticence. Ree Ree is so independent, they are going to have to start on the "stranger talk" soon.

Where was Schmugly during all this? Along for the ride. She is such a non-demanding kid, it is easy to focus on the needy twins rather than the happy little baby. At just over 9 months old, she can sit and get around on her own, but she can't really crawl (she hasn't figured out how to get up on her knees). And, her feet are still not flat, so she won't be walking any time soon. Having older sisters to imitate seems to help her with her development. She watches them and learns how to arrange toys, reach for and get what she wants, and steal toys from her older sisters. She always seems to go for what they are currently using.

Today, she was the cutest I've seen her. At Arby's, mom was feeding her a jar of food. In the middle of eating, she started playing peek-a-boo and "so big" ON HER OWN. She initiated play. When we responded she crinkled up her nose and giggled and giggled. At one point, the whole restaurant was watching her.

They've only been gone a few hours, but I miss them already.

All pictures will be posted in a new photo album later today. This is my favorite one of the twins.

Comments

[Christopher]

That sounds like a fantastic time! What great girls! Julia would love them (after about twenty-four hours of observing them).

[Elise]

They are just adorable. What a fun visit - no wonder you miss them when they're gone! I bet you're the best aunt ever.

[Question]

Thanks guys. I am the best aunt ever. :)

Seriously, Oatmeal is pretty shy and very tentative. She doesn't like to go into a room by herself unless she is really comfortable with her environment. So, she and Julia would both be sizing each other up. It helps that Ree Ree is around because sometimes she will follow her and be a little more daring.