A while

Sorry.  I know.  It's been a long time.  Life has been mostly good, and I haven't felt much like writing.  I also have been trying not to sit in front of the computer so much (with mixed results).  And I'm trying to spend more time exercising, which has not been easy.

Turtle and Tadpole turned 2 a few weeks ago.  We threw a party for them, and I think a good time was had by all.  Especially the eating chocolate cupcakes part.  They've been singing Happy Birthday ever since.

They're amazing little 2-year-olds, generally well-behaved, fun, smart kids.  They speak primarily Italian, but are picking up a lot of English now that they've started preschool.  They go to preschool!  Twice a week!  That's how I find time to exercise.  Honestly, I don't love the preschool, but we will probably have to find another preschool next spring anyway, since we are considering a long trip to Italy this winter.  We've had some issues with separation anxiety, but this week they are doing a bit better.

The kids have been swimming, riding their tricycles, doing lots of arts and crafts, reading, and playing with their favorite toys, which include blocks, cars and trains, play dough, pretend food, and our homemade felt board.  They are so much fun!  It's also getting much more difficult to manage them when we're out and about.  Ironically, while most other moms seem to complain about their 2-year-olds running away from them, mine both always want to be carried, which is really hard on my back and arms.  I actually really wish they'd be a bit more independent, although I do appreciate that I rarely have to worry about losing track of them.

I have been busy with sewing and training for a possible marathon this winter.  I'm excited about having a goal and getting back in shape!  My running has been varied lately - sometimes I run faster than usual and feel great at the end, sometimes I have to keep stopping to walk and feel like crap when I finish.  It's all ok, though.  My training program officially starts this weekend, though, so I'm hoping the good runs pick up.

I hope all is well - I will probably not be back here for a while again, as I try to stay out of cyberland, but you never know.  Happy summer to all.