Hauf Household

Early morning computer games.

2012-01-21T04:29:00.001-08:00

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Guard dog.

2012-01-19T08:04:00.001-08:00

Lauren got to play in the snow with Rudy. He stayed by her side the entire time. Maybe we can train him to scare off boys...

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2012-01-19T08:02:00.001-08:00

A recipe for future chefs.

Garlic salt, flour, orange juice, food coloring, powdered sugar,
Italian seasoning, paprika, and a couple eggs.

Oven for 148 minutes to make it crunchy

All we need is a brave soul to taste it !

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What They Are.

2012-01-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

It seems that every time my Dad hugged me when I was little, which was at least everyday, he told me that I was smart or beautiful. I do not know if I was. But I do know that be made me believe that I was. Now I think I am.

What we tell our children to do, they sometimes don't. What we model for our children to do, they most of the time will do. What we tell them they are, they believe.

Nathan you are my first. Dad held you before I did, but the second I saw you you filled my heart with love and you continue to do that each day since. You are quick to laugh, and slow to anger. You are a giving person. You are great with your words. You are amazing.

Adam, I held you first. I looked into your eyes and saw love like I had never seen before. You are compassionate and kind. You have a smile that lights up your whole body and all those you are around. You are an amazing artist. You are quick to learn, and you are dedicated to do your best. You are amazing.

Lauren, my first girl. The second I held you I knew we would be bonded for life. I heard you cry so strong and loud, and I knew you would always be able to hold your own. You enjoy life. You are inquisitive and don't mind danger. You are amazing.

The boys at Rainforest Cafe.

2011-12-20T15:32:00.001-08:00

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Rudy loves Lauren's big bear.

2011-12-20T07:24:00.001-08:00

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They already got a puppy, I wonder what they asked Santa for.

2011-12-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Magic Letter.

2011-12-06T13:37:00.001-08:00

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Making Hot Chocolate is a Family Project

2011-12-06T13:35:00.001-08:00

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Three cute kiddos.

2011-10-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

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Big brother little slide

2011-10-25T12:00:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

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My Biscuit Makers

2011-10-06T15:30:00.001-07:00

I think there is more dough on those hands than in the pan. But man do those biscuits taste better when made with little hands.

Riding the Pony

2011-10-04T09:12:00.001-07:00

I think Lauren will love when Aunt LeAnna teaches her to really ride.

YouTube Video

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Beautiful Girl

2011-09-15T14:45:00.001-07:00

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Now if only Lauren could learn to pump

2011-08-26T15:57:00.001-07:00

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Summersaults!

2011-08-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

The boys learn many things by observation. Thanks to great cousins they learned to do summersaults in the pool. Crazy summer fun.

YouTube Video

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Adam is Quite the Artist

2011-07-27T20:17:00.001-07:00

Adam amazes me with the things he draws. He loves to use white paper, sidewalks, driveways, not coloring books. No in the lines stuff for this free spirit. He even rejected the notebook I got him...because it had lines.

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Nine Months

2011-07-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

In the past nine months we have changed a lot of diapers, wiped up many messy faces, tickled too many times to count, and slept all night twice.

Lauren in the past nine months has learned to smile, began to giggle, rolled over, crawled, crawled up the steps, said mama, pulled up to stand , stood up without holding on, learned to walk, and made us all fall in love with her. She is the light of the family.

YouTube Video

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Going out to eat is never boring with these three.

2011-07-22T06:16:00.001-07:00

Lauren loves Nathan's get well balloons

2011-07-14T13:51:00.001-07:00

Lauren is all smiles even through she partied with Dad all night.

First broken bone

2011-07-12T10:59:00.001-07:00

Nathan broke his collar bone last week. He is doing great and taking it all in stride. He is swimming amazingly fast even with one arm. If you ask him what happened he will tell you "I broke my clavicle on a spinning seat". "Now I get lots of milk and ice cream to help it heal"

No Tylenol for this kid. He only cries if it gets bumped. Other than that he does it all with a little extra help from best brother Adam.

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One out of three

2011-07-12T10:53:00.001-07:00

Nathan watched every firework. Adam and Lauren had a great time, but were only really interested in the grand finale.

loving my pink sippy

2011-06-17T11:41:00.001-07:00

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Lunch.

2011-06-07T15:42:00.001-07:00

The boys made me lunch. The presentation was great. Spaghetti, chocolate animal crackers, and Ritz crackers. The boys informed me it was my favorite. And the spaghetti was not swirling and squishy, but hard so I can bite it.

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Adam loving on Lauren

2011-06-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

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little girl. big ideas.

2011-05-14T13:42:00.001-07:00

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Missed Pictures.

2011-05-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Third child syndrome. There may not be quite as many pictures of Lauren. But that does not mean that she is less special, or less admired. Here are a few things that I have learned since they boys were babies. Sometimes when I use camera too much to try to capture all those little cute moments, I loose moments of just enjoying my child. Sometimes I need to just forget the baby toys and sit down and play. Sometimes, okay a lot, of times I am not going to be the perfect Mom. But I love Lauren more than words could ever express.

Over the past week I have been witness to moments that are documented only in my mind. Lauren decided to try to stand without holding on to anything. And she did. And she smiled big. At me. I was so happy I could have cried. Then she did it again. Now she has entered the falling down stage. I hate it. I hate to see little bumps on that beautiful sweet noggin.

Moment two. It was crazy. She is not even 7 months yet and she crawled up the steps. No just a couple... she crawled all the way upstairs. ALL of the stairs. She did it fast and without falling once. I can't blame her though. At the top of those steps sat the two best brothers in the world. I would crawl anywhere for those boys too.

Third moment was by hands down the fourth greatest moment in my life. The boys were trying to jump up on my bed from the floor. I was hold Lauren and she was laughing like you would not believe. It was so loud I had to keep turning her around to make sure it was all happy screams. Then I proceeded to help Lauren "chase" her brothers around... and when we caught Adam he gave her kisses, and that Nathan was just to giggly to catch.

Lauren Ann. We love you. Your smile lights up our house. Your laughter lights up my world. Your determination.... scares me.

4 year physicals.

2011-05-03T08:33:00.001-07:00

The boys were troopers at their physicals. 2 hours, 10 shots and four toys. Only seconds of tears for the boys. Baby sister was an angel. The doctor said he saw Monkeys jumping in their ears, maybe that is why they can't hear me...

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growing too fast.

2011-05-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

Lauren is crawling all over and pulling up on anything she can.

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Blizzard Fun

2011-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

The boys are posing in the path that Dad made for them.

Adam flying in the snow.

Nathan helping Dad shovel.

Beautiful Baby Lauren

2011-01-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

The hospital had a professional photographer come in when Lauren was a mere 24 hours old. I can't believe she is already 3 months. I was going to post her 3 month pictures and realized I have not shared her 24 hour pictures.

Lauren came in to our lives at 8:37 in the morning on the one of the most windy days in Chicago history. We dropped the boys' off at Aunt Wendy's house just 1 hour prior to her being born. 1 hour after she arrived the hospital was without power. If her birthday is indicative of anything look out world. (It is just an over site that her name is not Wendy Storm).

Lauren is the sweetheart of the house. We often spend a good amount of our day trying to make her smile or laugh. She is told stories of dragons, monsters, and super heros. Adam has already bought her a batman shirt (a purple and pink batman shirt). This princess will not need a prince to rescue her because I have not doubt her brothers will teach her to fight her own way out.

Welcome to our world Lauren, thank you for having more smiles than tears. Thank you for not minding loud noises. Thank you for being my daughter. I can't wait to get to know you better.

What we have been up to.

2010-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

Smiles for Mommy

More smiles

Bro Bros hanging out with little sis

The boys entertaining themselves while mommy tends to little sis

The boys helping out.

2010-11-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lauren Ann Hauf

2010-11-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

37 weeks and patient.

2010-10-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here trying to let go, and enjoy the kicks. I want to enjoy this kicks that are just mine and hers. A special little conversation between mother and daughter. I want to feel her move and enjoy her presence. It is just an ordinary miracle, but the best miracle of all. It is these moments that our lives should be consumed by. It is these moments that are imprinted on our hearts and minds forever.

So to the mom inside of me who is worried that someone saw a booger in the boys' nose. To the mom who is worried that their nails were dirty when Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. To the mom that gets worried by other mom's who worry or are judgmental or competitive. To the mom who gets that nervous mom sweat when her kids act out. To the mom who is worried about dumb little things...

Remember these kicks. This is life. This is a miracle. This is what I should think about as I try to fall asleep tonight. Which I guess tonight I will be because this little one is giving me quite the heartburn.

2010-10-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams

Heaven is Not Too Far Away

2010-10-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

Needless to say as Tucker has been the first major loss in the boys' life we have been talking a lot about heaven. Heaven through a child's eyes although sad is magical.

Here are some of the questions and observations of the boys'

Adam: "If we drive really fast and turn left then turn right - could we go there?"
Nathan: "Tucker barks really loud, I think I can still hear him"
Adam: (after I said we could get another dog) "I want to go to heaven and get a heaven dog"
Nathan: "I need to go feed him. He is hungry"
Adam: "His family is there."
Nathan: "It is like a dog park."

Goodbye

2010-10-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Tucker was welcomed into our home before Steve and I had kids. He bathed our house in a blanket of dog hair and love. He was the best home security system money could buy. He barked loud, but licked harder. He was a member of the family, he was the spirit of the family. He always knew when I was upset. He loved to kiss my pregnant belly, he loved to sleep beside the boys. The boys could take food from his mouth, ride on his back, pull on his fur, and he always come back for more. When I cried he pouted. When the boys cried he whined. When the boys fought he got in between them.

He was only sick for about 24 hours. We did not even get concerned enough to take him to the vet. I arrived home from work. He greeted me with tail waggin' love. He laid down on the floor. The boys were upstairs with Dad, who was putting them to bed. Tucker curled up next to me as I rubbed his belly. He leaned up and kissed my nose, then took his last breath. It was the biggest shock. He was happy up until the end. He was not in pain. We should all be so lucky to go in the arms of the person that loves us the most.

I was stressed about the loud barking and the dog hair, but I would give almost anything to hear that bark again and to be coated in his hair. He showed us unconditional love. He taught me to control my temper. He will be missed and loved forever.

Binders and Kicks

2010-08-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was pregnant with the boys, before I knew it was twins. This means that I was not even 20 weeks yet. I had this planner with what we needed to buy, the cheapest pave to buy it, and what date we needed it by. Then at 20 weeks we found out that it was twins. Everything changed. The binder went into the garbage and we started to just enjoy the ride.

Now I am thirty weeks pregnant with number 3, there is no binder in site. There is no bedding in the nursery, there is no paint on the walls. We have about 4 onsies and 1 pair of pink pants, of which I have bought one. There maybe a name, but we are not for sure.

The kicker is, I am enjoying the ride so much this time. I love to feel her kick. I love to dream about what she will say, what will make her smile, and whose eyes she will have.

The other night as the boys and I enjoyed a night of sleeping in the same bed I had the best moment. The boys were on either side kicking my side as they tried to fall asleep. The kicks must have excited their sister, because she began to kick to. For the first time I was kicked by all three kids at once. I know that sounds abusive, but they were nice kicks, and it was a heavenly moment.

Fights

2010-08-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been feeling a little under the weather lately. I have allergies or a cold, I can't really decide. That being said I am not the most patient person lately. Due my attitude it seems like all Nathan and Adam do is fight. I thought that the infamous fight over whose imaginary ball it was, was going to go down in the books as the dumbest thing to fight over ever. This was when the boys were about two and they were playing catch with an imaginary ball while we were coming home from daycare. This is the perfect toy if you have not used it yet.

Why the imaginary ball is the perfect toy for the car
1. It is free
2. It can never be dropped and roll to a place where you are not able to reach it
3. It can be whatever color you want it to be.
4. It never gets dirty
5. It never gets lost
6. It does not hurt when it hits you in the head while driving.

But all that being said, the boys found a way to fight about whose ball it was. I tried to give them another but it was not the same. So I had to take the ball away. who knew one could take away an imaginary ball. I even thought about making some imaginary scissors to cut a hole in it.

Anyway so back to the fight worse than that. We had company and I was trying to keep my early birds quiet while our company slept in. Well they did not do good. They were finally getting along and actually sharing the trains, while the fight over who should say thank you begun. This went on for a couple minutes and ended in tears and both boys screaming "You're welcome!"

Speaking of Love

2010-07-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

I think one of the hardest lessons I have learned is how to give love as is it needed and take love as it is given. Everyone says I love you a different way and everyone hears love as different as those who tell it. Some people send cards, some people send emails, some people call.

The strangest way that I hear I love you from Steve is when he calls me "Katie". We are in the midst of parenthood. I am more often than not "Mom", "Hon", or "Babe". Which is what I am. But when he leaves me a note, or calls me on the phone sometimes he calls me "Katie". And there I am with butterflies and giggles like we just met. He still gets to me, even when he is not trying.

2010-07-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Additions

2010-06-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

The boys have been it for almost three and a half years. I am their Momma and their Momma alone. They are caring, loving, smart little souls. Even knowing this I have been floored by their reactions to the upcoming addition to our family.

We did not tell the boys at first. I wanted to wait until we knew if it was a boy or a girl, but my little monsters listen to me even when I think that they are not and they figured it out. It was a moment perfect enough for a movie. I was laying on the couch after a long day of swimming and fun with friends. The boys both came up and sat next to me. Adam look at my belly and asked "What is is there?" Nathan said "Is there a baby in there?" I smiled and said yes. Adam said "Is the baby going to match Aunt Sarah's? It was a priceless moment as they continued to rub my belly and try to feel a hand or foot through my belly button.

The boys switched rooms, and their old room is waiting to be painted pink. I told Nathan one day to go jump on his old bed, which is the crib converted to a toddler bed. "Mom, that is the baby's bed." "Yes Nathan you are right"

When we were cleaning I noticed that Nathan had left his large stuffed elephant in the baby's room. I told him to pick it up and take it to his room. "No, Mom, I am giving it to the baby." I thought how sweet "But Nathan that is yours, we can buy the baby another one" He thought and said "No if I take it baby will be sad" okay now I am on the verge of tears.

We brought he boys with us to the ultrasound. The both said they wanted a sister. They got their wish. As the appointment was almost done Adam said "Mom is the baby coming out now?" I laughed and said no, they are just taking pictures. He was so sad and said he wanted to hold the baby.

I mean really, where did these guys learn how to be so sweet. They are in love with her already. God help the boy that wants to date her, God help the guys who even call.

They make me so proud. I can't wait to watch them grow up.

Just a Touch of Pink

2010-06-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

We will be adding just a little pink to this household in November.

What did you say?

2010-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

A little picture of brotherly love.

The boys make me laugh and make me pause with all the things they come up with. Just a little sampling of the things they say.

Nathan playing with a pretend Turkey. "We don't eat play turkey. We eat lunch turkey"
Sure kid. By his age I had seen and heard all about the turkey, chickens, rabbits, and cows we eat.

Adam with his speech therapist.
" Adam where is the block?" (as she places it next to his chair)
Adam replies with a smile in his eyes..."Right There"

Adam laying on my lap watching TV. I told him I was going to take a shower and did he want to sit with Dad? "NO, I wait right here for you" (and he did wait right there for me)

How to Wear Out Two Three-year-olds

2010-04-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Barefeet and Applesauce

2010-04-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to the beach for the first barefooted run of the season, the boys like me and their Grandma Jane love being shoeless. The water was cold, but the sand and the breeze was perfect. I told the boys to put their arms around each other, and it looks more like a head lock. Adam is looking at daddy taking a picture with his phone and Nathan is looking at me with my new camera. So as Steve stated "More blog updates and less words to be expected"

Adam LOVED the slide.

Nathan ran so hard his face turned bright red - another thing about the skin he inherited from his mommy, the good thing is that it also turns bright red with alcohol, so he won't be able to hide that from me...

Adam and Nathan helping me make applesauce just like Sid the Science Kid, they are good little cooks and will eat anything, especially if they helped make it.

Saying I Love You

2010-03-19T14:21:00.001-07:00

I read an article on how to deal with toddlers. One very useful piece of advice that I took from this article is to listen to you kids and they do say "I love you." The author stated that kids act out often when they are in a comfortable environment (like when they are home with momma). Toddlers often test their boundaries (meaning behaving like devils) only with those they trust the most.

I then read an article on parenting. Sometimes, it said, leaving your kids alone is the best parenting you can do. Sometimes ignoring your kids a little and giving them room is the best way to love and nurture them.

Lets just say today that the boys and I both said "I love you" A LOT today.

Trains, Police Cars, and Minivans.

2010-01-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

The laughter somedays does not end. Sometimes the laughter comes from pure joy. Other days it comes from frustration.

Pure Joy.

Adam sitting at the kitchen table in just his underwear. Adam farts. Adam states "Choo Choo Trains coming out of my butt."

Frustration.

The three of us on our way home from a long day at daycare/work. It is later than usual. The boys are really hungry. So am I. To the drive thru we go. Cheeseburgers all around. Of course things are dropped milk is spilled. Screams begin. I am in the middle of a pounding headache. I would like caffeine injected into my veins.

The screams and demands are not stopping. If I was 3 I would be screaming too. Heck, I am 31 and I would like to lay on the floor and cry. Well I do the ultimate parent thing. I PULL OVER THE CAR. I am half way in the back seat. This means my backseat is sticking up in the front seat.

Then I notice As I am picking up milk lids and half eaten cheeseburgers, there is a police car approaching with lights on. He pulls up next to me (and my big back side sticking in the air). "Is everything alright ma'am? (now I feel old and embarrassed)

The boys were ecstatic. " Police car! Police car! He's talking to mommy!"

"No, Officer, we are fine. Just a three-year-old burger emergency"

"Okay, I was just checking" He replied with a smile. I think he was a dad by the understanding look in his eyes.

The rest of the ride home was nice. The boys were happy with their cheeseburgers, and I think they think that officers are there to make sure that mommies get cheeseburgers for kids.

Phobias

2010-01-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

I must admit I do have a phobia. I have a sameness phobia. I am afraid of things not changing. I am not unhappy at any given point, I just don't like being at the point very long. I have not found the medical term for this but I did find one I wish I knew how to pronounce...

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia- Fear of long words.

A Brown Car and A Blue Truck

2009-12-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

I could not be more proud. Adam and Nathan had their first chance to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Adam went first and stated that he wanted a baby brown car. Nathan stated that he wanted a big brown truck. As you can see by my face I am in awe at how well they could articulate their wishes to the big guy. They did explain to me that they did not want to sit on his lap, because he was scary. We did high fives, and I am so proud.

I learned after the fact that at daycare they got to decorate stockings with pictures of things they wanted for christmas and....sure enough on Adam's was a little blue sports car and on Nathan's was a big brown truck. How cool is that? I sure hope Santa was paying attention.

I don't know who is more excited for this Christmas but it has to be a toss up between me and Steve. We are biting at the bit to see their faces and hear their giggles.

Festival of Lights.

2009-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

The boys are so sick of taking pictures... standing still stinks...

Ellie, Audrey, Adam, and Nathan hugging to pass time before the parade. (I swear Adam is in there somewhere)

Token picture of Adam to keep things even.

Much Delayed Halloween Pictures.

2009-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

My little Dragons.

Patiently waiting to go get candy.

The Dragon Duo.

A Moment by the Super Cool Pumpkin with Clayton and Kaya

Hot Chocolate to warm the cold Dragons.

Why We Scream/Why We are SOOO Cute.

2009-10-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

The boys have those eyes. You know those eyes that are so cute that they melt you at first glance. Adam has that smile that cuts right through to my heart, and even as I type about it tears form in my eyes. Nathan has that laugh, that laugh that makes you happy no matter what else is going on. They have to be this cute. They have to be this cute or I would have kicked them out of the house when they turned 2.

The boys have those screams. You know the screams that make you feel like your ears are bleeding. Adam has a scream that would make even the most experienced Mom wince. Nathan has a scream that makes even grown men run. When they start screaming together, it is just down-right torture. They have to scream, because they are so cute that if they never screamed they would not yet to be able to walk, because I would never have let them out of my arms.

They have to be so cute.
They have to scream.

Heaven.

2009-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Mom: We are going to the eye doctor.

Nathan: You hurt your eye again? (This was a follow-up we were there yesterday)

Adam: I hurt my eye, too. I show doctor.

(Now we are in the car)

Nathan: Eye doctor too far (It is 30 minutes away)

(Now we are at the doctor's)

Adam: Mom sit in big chair.

Mom: Do you want to show the doctor your eye?

Adam: No my eye's all better.

Nathan: Mom, is she fixin your eye?

Mom: yes.

The doctor thankfully was a mom, so she was patient and the boys' loved her. I just crack up at what they say. After all that excitement we all needed a nap. How boring going to the doctor used to be.

Let Them Be Little

2009-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine sitting in the stands watching the boys graduate from high school. I can't imagine helping Nathan with his tie before he says"I do." I can't imagine holding Adam's newborn in my arms. But until now I never imagined talking with the boys about their day. Until now I never imagined those little hands wiping my tears when I am sad. Until now I never imagined what wonderful, caring people the boys would be.

They make me laugh everyday. Because of them I run through sprinklers. Because of them I dance. Because of them I believe in the healing power of a kiss. Because of them I believe in the joy of make believe. I never imagined the journey that we are on being this fun. I never imagined the journey that we are on being so blessed with giggles, wiggles, dirt, and funny smells.

I used to be unable to comprehend having a dirty car. Now as I entermy smelly car, I smell their childhood. As I walk over hotwheels, wet spots, and crushed cheerios, I realize I am walking through their childhood.

Before the boys were born I tried and tried to imagine what they would look like. Before the boys could talk I tried and tried to imagine the sound of their voices. I am learning to stop imagining, because each breath they take, each smile the give, each silly sentence they utter they completely surpass anything I have imagined. So today I will enjoy. Today I will listen and look and know that in a couple years my babies will be teenagers.

But for now they can sit naked together in a laundry basket, and this makes me giggle.

Elliot and the boys.

2009-08-30T06:52:00.001-07:00

Nathan Golfing

2009-08-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Where the Summer Really Went.

2009-08-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

1. Stand-up Diaper Changes

2. Cooling Off Cheese Burgers with Vents in the Car

3. "You can have an M&M if you eat your chicken"

4. "Wow you ate a whole Dinosaur Tree!"

5. "Don't sit on your brother"

6. Rolling down the windows in the car while going 60 mph to drown out two-year-old chatter or screams.

7. Telling myself I am "letting them work it out" when they fight, when really I am tired and lazy.

8. Loving the phrase "boys will be boys"

9. "Don't pee on your brother"

10. "Don't touch your brother's pee pee"

11. Mommy does not have a pee pee.

12. "Go ask your father"

13. Never underestimate the power of a Barney or Elmo DVD.

14. Hiding my chocolate donuts.

15. Going out of the house after making sure the boys' look cute, realizing I forgot to even look in the mirror.

16. Picking up pizza off the floor and putting it back on the plate (at a restaurant no less)

17. Doing the Hokey Pokey at Borders Book Store during story time.

18. Endless numbers of "time outs"

19. Being outsmarted by 2-year-olds.

20. Speed grocery shopping.

Where did the summer go?

2009-08-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Ellie, Audrey, Adam, and Nathan

Petting Zoo fun, I kissed this pony multiple times to try and get the boys to kiss her, but all I got was a dirty mouth

Elliot teaching the boys how to golf.

The boys and Elliot at the pool in Lake Geneva.

Adam, Nathan, and Steve climbing the steps at the Arch.

Where did the summer go (cont.)

2009-08-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Adam petting the baby frog.

Four little frogs swimming in the water....Four little frogs doing what they oughta...

Nathan and Adam at The Lincoln Park Zoo. I am pretty sure there was a sign that said no climbing on the rails...

Great-Grandpa giving us a tractor ride.

Adam, Mommy, and Nathan at the Mississippi River in St. Louis.

Spilled Milk (Okay Dumped Milk)

2009-07-31T19:39:00.001-07:00

Amazing is the only word to describe my boys. Amazing. I was driving home with them after a long day at work, and there was no room in the car for silence. The boys alternated from screaming at each other to laughing all in one breath it seamed. I had a headache. I was tired. I need some Excedrin and a nice soft bed.

Then I look in my little handy dandy built in child view mirror (love you Toyota Sienna) and I see it. I see the two little bubbles of life in my back seat. I see the billions of times that those cells had to divide to get everything just right. I see my brown eyes, I see Steve's dimples, I see my moodiness, I see Steve's amazing concentration, I see my empathy, I see perfectly formed fingers and hearts, and yes I hear those amazingly strong vocal cords.

I get a lump in my throat as I think of my patient who so politely told me he had had brain cancer, although he had used a long technical name with such ease my jaw dropped. As this beautiful little 10 year-old-boy told me about his illness, I felt a tear on my cheek. He was so strong and wise. Bless him. Bless him for telling me his story so today I am a better mom.

Life is not fair. Life is unfair. But boy is it an amazing gift. Millions of things can go wrong, and sure hundreds of things have gone wrong in mine, if not thousands. But just today as I see Adam with tears in his eyes from laughing so hard at Nathan pouring milk in his brand new shoe...and then on to my freshly shampooed car mats....and I do realize that millions of things are going right.

Summer Fun.

2009-06-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Nathan trying to get at least one drop out.

Adam trying to entice the frog into playing with the ball.

Nathan after a long day of playing outside

Adam's big cheese for the camera

The Boys and a Frog

2009-06-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

Steve caught the boys a frog on Father's Day. To see them play and hear them laugh was their gift to him.

Fun with Markers.

2009-06-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

2009-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

No.

Stop that.

Don't touch.

Get that out of your mouth.

It seems like these days I am more of a referee and a fun blocker than anything else. I have those days where I feel like I have not said or done anything except give my children boundaries, boundaries that they need to be drawn ever so close and hard these days.

This weekend as we were away from home with my parents, I did get a chance to shift my perspective. Although these boundaries are important, so is letting your children fly, and telling them that they can. They need us to set limits and rules, but we also need to give them the confidence to challenge, and dare I say it, break the rules.

So as they sit in my arms for a entire two seconds, before they are off to jump off the furniture or open the drawers, or throw things off the loft, let me whisper in their little ears, "You can do anything" "I love you so much it hurts" "You are so special" "You have the world by the tail"

I pray they have the confidence to break the rules....but let them wait until tomorrow....(it is Dad's day to watch them on Wednesdays)

A Day at the Beach

2009-05-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Steve and I took the boys down to a beach on Lake Michigan one lazy Sunday afternoon. It was sunny and warm. The water was cool and calm. The boys had so much fun throwing rocks into the water. They even enjoyed splashing their little toes in the cold cold waves. I enjoyed sitting with my hubby on the beach watching the waves, and listening to the giggles of the boys as they played.

The best part was people had brought their dogs to play, and the boys got tons of wet doggie kisses. One man brought his Irish Wolfhound, which even as a young pup stood about 4 foot tall on all fours. Nathan kept saying "Horse, I see horse"

Job Preferences.

2009-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Little sticky hands.

Little runny noses.

Hair that won't lay down.

Goldfish by the pound.

Dirty floors.

Bikes inside.

Sandbox with no sand.

Matchbox cars.

They never ask about these preference's on the "What job should you have?" questionnaires.

I just ventured up to peek at my sleeping babies....and Adam was fast asleep on the floor next to the door. Nathan was all tucked in his bed. I heard heaven in each inhale and exhale.

Say it

2009-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Scene: A play date.

Nathan crying with his hands up.

Mom: "Nathan use your words. Say something."

Nathan (ever so sweetly with a s-h-i-*-*-y grin) "Something"

Much wiser Mom Friend: "You deserved that"

Mom picks up child in defeat.

Words Worth More Than a Million...

2009-04-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Big Boy Beds and Peeing in the Potty

2009-04-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

We converted the cribs to toddler beds. They crawl up into their little beds as we read stories of moons, rabbits, and various other tales. As we close the door we hear whispers of little voices, surely exchanging stories of the day.

Stories of toys lost or broken. Stories of the amazing feat of peeing in the potty that has been accomplished. Stories of silly mommy trying to keep the house clean and noses wiped.

Hold on tight to the bottles and the midnight feedings. Hold on tight to sleepless nights spent with crabby babies. Hold on tight to diapers and footed sleepers.

I am holding on tight, but boy are they squirming.

Girls and Cars (Hot Pink Barbie Cars)

2009-04-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

A moment I will treasure forever was watching Adam driving with his cousin Kaya. Kaya had been giving Adam a ride in her hot pink Barbie car. She had wandered off to better things, so Adam decided to take a stab at driving. He did very well for his first time, although steering was an afterthought to how hard he could stomp on the gas peddle.

So there he was cruising in his pink Barbie car....when the charm came. He stopped right by Kaya, opened the passenger door, and patted the seat.....She climbed in and Adam smiled his little Adam smile, and off they drove into the sunset....well okay off they went in circles.

Are you kidding me? He is already learning to pick up chicks? I picture him in a red convertible mustang with a blond bombshell beside him Oh Adam.

Blue Skies

2009-03-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with the boys I freaked out one night that the boys might ask me why the sky is blue and I would not know what to say. I mean, as a mom, I need to have these cute concise correct answers down pat.

Internet to the rescue. I searched for the answer, read all the sites I could. Then I came up with my own little concise answer. Okay now I could rest. No. Pregnancy hormones must have been in overdrive, because I took the blue sky quest to the next level.

Steve must know the answer too. I sat there ignoring what was probably a really good game or show of some kind that he was watching. I read him a couple sites, told him my answer to the sky blue question. Proceeded to ask him what he thought he would say. Sweetly he said that sounded good....or you could always look it up with them on the internet.

I am still holding on to my answer....what if they ask me in the car...or when we are camping....

I can't let them know that I have no friggin' clue until they are much older....

EWW STINKY Makes My Monday 2

2009-03-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for pampers!

Nathan's skin reacts to everything. We can only use the regular pampers, not huggies, not pampers cruisers, not Target brand....or his little bottom becomes a a red hot bum.

He has had four explosive diarrheas this morning already. His bum is only slightly red. And we have only gotten one little drop on the carpet. I have my handy helper, Adam, to get plastic bags and lots of wipes. The entire time the are both holding their noses, saying " EWW STINKY"

If my little Nathan bean can smile while he is having the runs and the pukes, I can surely smile while cleaning it up.

Visit Cheryl for more Makes My Monday postings....

Twinfatuation: Makes My Monday: Laundry List

Twinfatuation: Makes My Monday: Twin Love

2009-03-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Nathan is very sick, but Adam is being the best brother in the world and bringing him toys and playing so nice and quiet.

Brotherly love makes my Monday.

Trade.

2009-03-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Adam: " trade, trade" (referring to trading the green sippy for the blue one)

Nathan crying

Mom: " He does not want to trade. Just drink out of the green one."

Adam: "trade trade"

Nathan: "NO"

Mom: "Adam you always want the green sippy. "

Adam: "TRADE!!!"

Mom: " Adam. Stop."

Adam crying.

Nathan: "Trade Trade!"

Adam: "NO" (smiling)

Nathan giggles.

Mom ...just walking a way...deep breaths....

Food.

2009-03-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

One evening an old cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside of people.

He said "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all.

One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other if Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith"

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which one wins?"

The grandfather simply replied, "The one you feed."

-Anonymous

2-year-old pictures

2009-03-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

2-year-old pictures

2009-03-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

2009-03-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

Dirty floors. Dirty Counters. Dirty Dishes. Crying children. Bad Day? No.

We all get a gut check every once in a while. Last night mine was Tuesday. I was reading some mommy blogs and stumbled on Tuesday's story. All I can say is we need to live each day. We need to hug and kiss our kids each day.

Each day is a blessing.

For a gut check please visit Tuesday's blog by clicking on the picture above.

Way Back When-esday: Starbucks!

2009-03-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Starbucks Fix. The sound of two happy babies drinking. The taste of a carmel latte.

To participate in Way Back When-esday visit Cheryl's site:

Twinfatuation: Way Back When-esday: To The Rescue!

762 days

2009-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

The boys have been learning and growing (outside of me) for 762 days. I remember the first time I held them. I still can taste the first time I kissed their little heads. My heart flutters as I remember the first time 10 fingers curled around mine.

As they age I am sure birthdays, zoo trips, and first days of school will be remembered. I am sure pictures of catching frogs, chasing bubbles, and first water slides will be captured. In my memory, though, it will be days like today that are forever tucked into the category "priceless."

This day, 762, we colored at the kitchen table. We watched "SuperWhy." This day we sat on the couch and read for the 418th time the little people picture book. They name things from ambulances to frogs. I laugh at the thought of reading it when all the could say was bird and ballon. I would go right to those pages to point to what they knew again and again. Now I try to stump them with pictures of trash cans, cabbage, and potato salad.

As we sat down to lunch and all shared three peanut butter and honey sandwiches I felt it. I felt what we only feel at certain blessed moments in our life. I felt pure love. I looked into four little brown eyes and teared up at all we have been through over the past 762 days.

I laughed at the days when I would call Steve in tears telling him to order chinese, and to be home as soon as possible. It was hard the first couple months for me and Steve. We really did not have any outside help since we lived so far from our family. We just went day by day. We read parenting books, I cried, we laughed. Looking back I would not change a thing.

We have gone from carrying two infant seats up three flights of stairs, to two toddlers crawling in and out of their car seats, and walking up and down the stairs all on their own, many times not even holding on to the rails.

What is it about this 762nd day that has got me so mushy. Well as I type, my little princes are sleeping in their cribs for the last time. When they wake up I will take pictures, and shed some tears, then the cute little white cribs will become cute little toddler beds.

This sappy music is not helping to fight the tears. Lord help us on their first day of school.

Crazy Happy Boys Having Fun

2009-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Adam all cuddles after his bath, was enjoying pinching my cheeks and posing for the camera.
Nathan was trying to be just like Dad as he climbed all by himself up three rungs of the ladder. Too cute, my little daredevil.

Random.

2009-03-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

We joined friends at "Pump it Up" to bounce away some energy for the boys, and stress for me. The kids had tons of fun, as for the moms, I think we got a little tired. Then we headed off to eat mac and cheese at Noodles and Company. It was a great day, the boys slept for hours.

Adam and me at the new Dalpiaz crib.

Nathan admiring his monkey slippers.

2009-03-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

When we decided to get hardwood floors I was thinking of how nice they look and how easy they are to clean. Now that they boys are riding their bicycles and tricycles all around the floors have taken on a scratched, worn look and they are hardly ever clean. As Discover would say, cost of hardwood floors, thousands. Cost of a year-round race track......priceless.

What Matters.

2009-03-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Adam and Nathan are talking so much right now. They tell me about trucks, and school buses. Sometimes they talk so fast or soft that I cannot understand anything. We are learning colors and shapes. Everything is blue or a triangle right now, but we are getting there.

Nathan as we were leaving daycare yesterday proceeded to point to the coats on the wall and tell me who they belonged to. Kyle's coat. Derrick's Coat. Eva's coat. So cute. Thank goodness their names were above their coats, or I might have thought he was faking it.

Adam wanted me to hold him as we walked out of daycare. I explained to him that Nathan need to be carried, and Adam could walk out. Nathan had an boo boo on his head, and he needed mommy. Adam looked at me looked at Nathan. He then stated for all to hear, "No. Nathan walk."

Today.

2009-02-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

Adam

Nathan

We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.

- Stacia Tauscher

2009-02-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

I have been reading this wonderful book The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. It is amazing. It is not only helpful because I myself am an introvert, but my Adam is as well. It has helped me to understand his frustrations and my frustrations with him. One of the most amazing points the book makes is that introverts recharge from within and extroverts recharge from the outside world. Simple concept, but aha moment indeed.

So here I am blessed with two amazing children. They are alike and different in so many ways. The main difference I am coming to understand is that Nathan is more of an extrovert and Adam is more of an introvert. This concept helps me to teach them each more effectively and to understand them each in their own right.

Adam tends to soak in things, like language. He will listen time and time again to a word without trying to say it. Just at the moment that he feels he has practice enough in his head , he states "elephant" or "ambulance" It is amazing and astounding to hear him say the word so clearly.

Nathan tends to throw it all our there. If you say ketchup, he tries and tries to say it. Right now it sounds like "cabbage", but hey I know what he means. It is amazing how he puts it all out there. He loves attention and LOVES to talk to people.

What a blessing to be born with a friend that can help you look out and that can help you look in. Adam will help Nathan look in. Nathan will help Adam look out. I can't imagine a better blessing, except maybe to be their mom. They help me to look in and look out. I am truly blessed more than anyone deserves.

Dogs Boxes and Playdough

2009-02-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a Mommy will do anything to try and get away...

Sometimes she thinks of shipping her kids off...

But then they smile... (Thanks for the great shirts Aunt Kirby!)

We promise not to get playdough on our new shirts.

Tucker with over 50 pounds of love on his back.

Two Arms

2009-02-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

There are times when two arms are not enough. Two nights ago the boys had just went down for the night. Adam decided that he needed mommy, I usually do not give in to these demands but there was something in his cry that made me turn into mush. I went right in to go rescue him from his crib. Although I tried to be very sly, Nathan spotted us. As soon as I laid down with Adam in our bed, Nathan begin calling for me.

The soft calls soon turned into the high pitched freaked out cry "Mommy UP" Okay deep breath time. Daddy will get him. His cries continued. Daddy did get him, but my heart was breaking. They both wanted me. And I needed them both. I had Adam calmed down, but more than anything I wanted my Nathan sleeping on me too. I tried like the brave twin mommy I am to have this happen. Of course they start talking to each other, and soon I am half asleep with four little footsteps all around.

They are more than one armful, and two arms were not enough.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Oh Adam.

2009-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Adam is a charmer. He has one of those smiles. It is amazing how young they are when they "learn to work it" We were leaving daycare yesterday and Adam was saying goodbye to all that he passed. There was this one particularly beautiful young worker by the exit. He was smiling that smile of his, and saying in his cute soft voice "Bye, Bye" I think he was entranced by her because he kept his eyes facing back toward her as he inched closer to the door....closer....still smiling cute. Bam. He ran into the wall. In true playboy style, he never lost that cute smile. He did not even miss a beat, he just said Bye one more time and pushed open the door. Lock up your daughters.

Mirror Mirror

2009-01-31T21:12:00.000-08:00

As parents we hear ourselves echoed in our children. For good or bad, this is how it is.

Nathan has been throwing food lately, and I was trying to discourage him. I had told him three times in a row, and three times I was sure he did not listen. Unaware of the decibel that my "No" had reached, I was scolding Nathan while changing Adam.

After Adam was all diapered and ready to go, he proceeded over to Nathan. He got right in his face and yelled "NO NO NO" while shaking his finger. I was appalled at how I looked in that little mirror. There is no need to yell. Inside voices please.

Simple rules we have learned are the best.

2009-01-31T21:02:00.000-08:00

Hold hands when walking in parking lots, malls, etc.

Be nice.

Sit down while eating.

Share.

No yelling.

If only we as adults could follow these rules...

Pee Wars

2009-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

I knew that this day was coming. The day of pee wars. I just did not think that it would come this soon. We are ever so proud that the boys know what peeing is. If we ask them they will pee, mind you on the floor never in the potty. So the other afternoon Nathan peed on the floor, while proudly saying "peeing!".

Of course Adam followed by stating "Pee" and squeezed out a bit.

To not be upstaged Nathan said "Peeing!" and tried his best to squeeze out more. With a couple of attempts and not even a drop. He walked over to me soooo sweetly.

He pointed to his penis, and said with all seriousness "Broken. Fix it."

Oh Nathan. I cannot wait to tell you this story. "It is not broken, honey. You are just out of pee"

"Fix it" He asked again.

Okay I do what I do in these situations where I am at a loss. I just tickled him. Hey, maybe he would pee.

Understanding.

2009-01-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

As the boys babble there are many times I cannot even comprehend one syllable. There are times when I feel I can understand everything. I previously have been correcting the boys about the difference between hot and cold. Okay who knows what they understand, right? I have always thought that speak to them as adults, and we all will remain a little more sane. So we are walking hand in hand in hand the three of us out to the car from daycare. I am asking them about their day. I am pretending that they asked me about mine.

I am feeling all "motherly" and "in control". To put me in my place once again enter an almost two year old with a great vocabulary.

Nathan says "hot".

"No baby" I reply, "It is cold"

"Hot" he restates.

"Cold" I say. "It is cold, that is why we have on coats and hats. Cold. See the snow?"

"Snow" He replies. "Cold."

"Yes" I say with pride. "Snow is cold. It is cold outside."

"Hot" He says at he tries to catch the steam from his breath with his red glove.

"Yes, baby" I reply with tears in my eyes, "You are right, your breath is hot"

So there I was again schooled by an almost two-year-old. Schooled in the importance of perspective and listening.

Kessler Grandkids

2009-01-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

The challenge each year becomes getting all the children to sit still long enough for a picture in front of the tree. I was armed with two cookies, one camera, and one video camera. Soon the boys were sitting. Then came the other grandkids. We did take some pretty good pictures, but as you can see they were not still or sitting. As the boys started to wander away I sent them back to "feed Santa." Next year will hopefully be easier.

Happy New Year.

2009-01-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

So it is resolution time. Each year I try, as many others do, to make positive changes in my life. Each year I feel that I fail. I was trying to come up with things to start today that could make my life better, things that could make my families life better. As I was thinking I was reminded of a conversation with a friend that is far more wise than I. She stated that it is good to fail. Failing means that you tried. So here is to trying. It is not that I will make these new resolutions stick, it is that I am trying to be better, trying to live better.

I will try to think of three positive things about each day (thank you fellow bloggers for the idea)

I will try and realize the blessings of those in my life

I will try and not agonize about my own failures that I see mirrored in others.

I will try to be more frugal.

I will try to find balance.

I will try to laugh more.

I will try to stress less.

Three positive things about today.

1. I hugged my sister, her son, and her husband.

2. We ate a home cooked meal.

3. My car is pretty clean.

Hauf Household

Early morning computer games.

Guard dog.

What They Are.

The boys at Rainforest Cafe.

Rudy loves Lauren's big bear.

They already got a puppy, I wonder what they asked Santa for.

Magic Letter.

Making Hot Chocolate is a Family Project

Three cute kiddos.

Big brother little slide

My Biscuit Makers

Riding the Pony

Beautiful Girl

Now if only Lauren could learn to pump

Summersaults!

Adam is Quite the Artist

Nine Months

Going out to eat is never boring with these three.

Lauren loves Nathan's get well balloons

First broken bone

One out of three

loving my pink sippy

Lunch.

Adam loving on Lauren

little girl. big ideas.

Missed Pictures.

4 year physicals.

growing too fast.

Blizzard Fun

Beautiful Baby Lauren

What we have been up to.

Lauren Ann Hauf

37 weeks and patient.

Heaven is Not Too Far Away

Goodbye

Binders and Kicks

Fights

Speaking of Love

Additions

Just a Touch of Pink

What did you say?

How to Wear Out Two Three-year-olds

Barefeet and Applesauce

Saying I Love You

Trains, Police Cars, and Minivans.

Phobias

A Brown Car and A Blue Truck

Festival of Lights.

Much Delayed Halloween Pictures.

More Poop Stories.

Why We Scream/Why We are SOOO Cute.

Heaven.

Let Them Be Little

Elliot and the boys.

Nathan Golfing

Where the Summer Really Went.

Where did the summer go?

Where did the summer go (cont.)

Spilled Milk (Okay Dumped Milk)

Summer Fun.

The Boys and a Frog

Fun with Markers.

A Day at the Beach

Job Preferences.

Say it

Words Worth More Than a Million...

Big Boy Beds and Peeing in the Potty

Girls and Cars (Hot Pink Barbie Cars)

Blue Skies

EWW STINKY Makes My Monday 2

Twinfatuation: Makes My Monday: Twin Love

Trade.

Food.

2-year-old pictures

2-year-old pictures

Way Back When-esday: Starbucks!

762 days

Crazy Happy Boys Having Fun

Random.