Owensborosown

Mall Play

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Sandy’s Beatle needed servicing and Owensboro offers no Volkswagen Dealerships, so we took advantage of her vacation time off this week to take an afternoon trip to Evansville. We left just after lunch, traveling during the boys’ nap time. They slept while we ran errands and when they awoke we parked and entered Eastland Mall. There we found a terrific playground located right in the center of the Mall. While the boys played, Sandy and I took turns shopping and watching them play. This arrangement worked so much better than guiding them through the stores in their stroller trying to keep them entertained and while attempting to shop at the same time. I wish every Mall had a playground.

Happy Birthday Aunt Susan

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I think Sandy’s sister Susan just loves being an aunt. She was the first of the Roe sisters to become a mother and didn’t become an aunt until Benji and Trey Davey were born. She lives in California and traveling is expensive, but she has managed a visit with her nephews about every six months. The last get-together was this summer when the family gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks for Granddaddy Roe’s 75th birthday. Having raised Cousins Christine and Tyler, Aunt Susan is very familiar with toddlers and enthusiastic about spending time with her nephews. She reads our blog to keep up with their growth and adventures. She has thoughtfully mailed many packages of Tyler’s old toys for us to enjoy. We are very fortunate to have her in our lives. We wish you a happy birthday.

It Comes with the Job

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

With unseasonably warm dry weather, Sandy home on vacation this week and Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, I decided it was a great opportunity to hang Christmas lights on the house. I usually wait until it is bitter cold. Last year, the weather was so nasty that we skipped hanging the icicles altogether. Using three different sized ladders I worked my way around our two-story roof a few feet at a time. After climbing up and down multiple times, and carrying those heavy ladders around all day long, my tired body ached. I took a long, hot shower and wanted to just lay on the couch and rest, but no: That wasn’t in my son’s itinerary. They hadn’t seen me all day long and wanted some serious Daddy time. Both climbed on the couch and attacked my feeble bones with toys and covers, but I’m not complaining.

Leaf it to Us!

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Mommy almost received more assistance than she could handle recently when Benji and Trey Davey took the initiative to help her rake and bag the backyard leaves. Their first experience with leaves last week was counterproductive to Mommy’s raking efforts as they jumped and scattered the front yard leaves everywhere. This time they wanted to help and pitched in with enthusiasm. Their first helping efforts involved picking up handfuls of leaves and dumping them over the fence. While this did help clean the backyard, it simply relocated the leaf issue to another area of our yard. When Mommy introduced plastic bags and suggested the leaves go there, the boys were more than willing to comply.

Pondering Blog Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

When Daddy takes the boys outside after their afternoon nap he usually brings along a pen and pad. While the twins are playing, Dad will relax in the late afternoon sun and write down his blog thoughts. Today Benji decided what Daddy was doing was much more interesting than playing with cars in the grass, so he climbed up in Daddy’s lap and took over the blog writing. After some preliminary instructions and writing composition tips, Daddy’s student was encouraged to begin his storytelling. Unfortunately young Benjamin was hampered first by writer’s block, then by some difficulty writing down his ideas.

Reaching for Greater Heights

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

As this photo testifies, nothing on top of the dresser is now out of reach. In fact, it is not an uncommon occurrence these days to leave the room and return to see diapers and accessories relocated to the floor. For this reason, Mommy has wanted more shelving installed in the toddler’s suit. Recently Daddy found the perfect shelves at a rummage sale and endeavored to hang it above the changing area. The introduction of tools to their room was cause for much twin excitement. Tools are in their blood. Their Mommy is an engineer, their Grandparents owned a hardware store, and on of their favorite cartoons is Handy Mandy. While too young now, you can bet a set of starter tools will soon be on their Christmas list.

Tree for the future

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A few years ago we hired a landscape architect to create a plan for our yard. We have been implementing her ideas slowly as the opportunities present themselves. This summer when the local utility company was cutting the high school’s large trees out of the fence line, they asked if they could remove two cherry trees in our backyard under the utility line. We agreed without knowing they had a tree for a tree plan. The next week, we received two $75 gift certificates for new trees. Combining these, we purchased this red oak tree for our lawn. Before we know it, the tree and the boys will be standing tall and strong.

Birthday Benchmark Photo – 23 months

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

At each benchmark we analyze where the boys are in their development and what progress has been made recently. Last month we talked about how many words they knew, and this month what strikes me is how they are using the words to communicate and direct us. They identify now when we are moving from inside or outside, and recognize when we are going upstairs or downstairs. They ask for their blanket and stuffed animals by name. They request the TV to be turned on, lobby for the Disney Channel, cheer when it is selected and jeer when it is not. They ask to take baths, solicit massages and then rate our outfit selections. Who knows when they first developed opinions and preferences, but it is obvious they are now expressing them.

Model Temperament

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Another example of how little boys differ from little girls was identified tonight as we tried on clothes. Many little girls love trying on clothes and are known to change themselves into various different outfits in a given night. Boys typically have no interest in clothing and have been known to discard them on the way to play outside. On this evening, Mommy wanted the boys to try on the clothing she bought them for Christmas. They are at an in-between size where their arms and legs have not yet grown into 2T, so they are somewhat hard to fit. This interruption in Davey’s playing wasn’t welcomed.

Cooperative Play Behavior

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Today we observed Trey Davey and Benji playing cooperatively as they rolled the tow truck back and forth to one another. Experts say young children’s play may take one of five different forms. Playing by oneself is called solitary independent behavior. Playing passively by watching or conversing with other children engaged in play activities is called onlooker behavior. Playing, even in the middle of a group, while remaining engrossed in one's own activity is called parallel behavior. Children playing parallel to each other sometimes use each other's toys, but always maintain their independence. Sharing materials and talking to each other, without coordinating play objectives or interests is called associative behavior. Organizing players into roles with specific goals in mind is called cooperative behavior. Research has shown that children typically don’t participate in cooperative behavior until older, between 3 to 5 years old.

I just raked those

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I suppose because Sandy has a desk job, she loves the opportunities she gets to work outside. Sunday afternoon was such a beautiful autumn day that Sandy couldn’t resist raking leaves while the boys napped. We live in a neighborhood of older homes with many large shade trees. Leaves fall in abundance and even our small front lawn will generate large leaf piles. After finishing their nap, Daddy dressed the twins and brought them outside to see Mommy. Their first act was to run and jump into the leaves. It was a totally instinctive act. No one taught them this, and no one suggested it, they just saw the pile and knew what to do. It’s another example of free fun.

The talk around town

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

When Grandpa David saw his friend Steve Cable at the HealthPark, he asked how Steve and his wife Mary were doing. They said they were lucky to be alive. Apparently two very menacing pirates came to their door Saturday with swords. Steve said they were prepared to offer the little buccaneers sweet treasures to spare their home from plunder, but their parents have the boys on a candy-free diet. The Cables confessed that the twins costumes were the best they saw all evening and absolutely adorable. Steve and Mary are our neighbors two doors down and one of the five houses we visited on our street.

Trick or Treat Ye Scallywags

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Argh, what a gut-filling journey we’ve had. Our map directed us north from the Caribbean into the Mexican Gulf to the Port of New Orleans. From there we eased into the Mississippi’s fresh water until we reached the Ohio’s mouth. Just up that river we set our anchor and slipped ashore. Some call me Blue Beard Ben, the Scourge of the Seven Seas, and my mate is a scurvy dog named Captain Trey Doubloons. We heard tales that a bountiful fill of saccharine treasures were ripe for the taking from every doorway of this port. Well, shiver me timbers, that story’s too good to be true. Trey packed his sword and I brought me cutlass, and together we relieved the townies of their sweet booty.

Distress Rehearsal

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

We purchased the boys’ Halloween costumes in Gainesville, Florida last month on our way home from Grandma and Granddaddy Roe’s house. Ironically, it was the day the University of Florida’s Heisman winning Quarterback Tim Tebow received a scary concussion from the University of Kentucky, as the Gaters were murdering UK 41-7. We chose our costumes, but when the boys became frightened by the Halloween store’s scary items, we left quickly without the benefit of trying them on for size. Now, one day before Halloween, we thought we should try on everything with time for any necessary last minute alterations. Benjamin James was totally cooperative and loved the dress-up fun, but Trey Davey was not in the mood. After his meager efforts to hide failed, he fought and howled like a slasher-movie scream-queen before being succumbed by the monstrous costume.

That The Rub

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Our boys are constant motion from the time they wake us at 6:00 am until their 9:00 pm bedtime (and sometimes in-between). Few activities inspire them to be still, but one constant is the after-bath massage. Both enjoy this exercise nearly as much as their beloved bath. One isn’t allowed to hurry through this procedure. They’ll lay flat and coo as long as you rub. We apply generous amounts of Baby Soft Lotion and see that all exposed areas are addressed. It’s interesting to observe the envy displayed by grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have observed this post bathing ritual. You wound think they’d trade places on the table if given the chance.

Our Own Tractor

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

For Trey Davey and Benji, all road vehicles can be narrowed down into three categories; cars, trucks and tractors. On each minivan ride, the boys delight in pointing out each truck and tractor. There must be too many cars to bother. Our next door neighbors, the Roberts, were cleaning out their garage Sunday and graciously gave the boys a small tricycle and this very nice John Deere pedal-tractor and trailer. Daddy had a much loved pedal-tractor when he was a boy and this one had been a favorite of Zack’s until he outgrew it several years ago. Both boys were so excited that the toy was twice placed in timeout after they fought over it. The twins’ legs are not yet long enough to reach the pedals, but with one boy in the seat and the other in the trailer, they delight in Daddy pushing them around the yard until he drops of exhaustion.

Making Inroads

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

While watching Benji play with the cars and trucks my cousin Valerie gave the twins last week I noticed an amazing new development; Benji was using the roads on the carpet. We purchased this colorful rug from Lowes’ last year hoping the boys would enjoy its cityscape features, but until now they have acted oblivious to its’ design. We tried to show them several times how to drive cars along the carpet’s roads without their comprehension. Now it seems a though they’ve figured it out. They’ve also figured out how to tow cars using the wrecker’s hook. Who says learning can’t be fun?

Bath Laps

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

We keep writing about how much the boys love water, and now they’re even trying to swim in the tub. When I came into the bathroom yesterday and saw them in the tub on their bellies it concerned me, but Sandy calmly suggested I watch them. They were playing like they were swimming by moving their arms and kicking their feet. Squeals of joy reverberated throughout the bathroom as they splashed and played. I was also amazed at how long they looked stretched out across the tub. It won’t be long before they’re too long to practice their swimming in the tub.

Afternoon Snack Outside

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The boys enjoy an afternoon snack after completing their nap about 3:30 pm each day. Mommy thought it might be fun to take the snack outside in the sunshine today. She wants our boys outside and actively exercising as much as possible. Much has been done to prepare a fun and safe environment for them to enjoy the outdoors. Our role models are the Roberts family next door who seem to live outdoors whenever the temperatures are above freezing. Striking a balance between active physical activities and inactive pursuits such as watching TV and playing video games is our goal for well rounded young men. At this point they offer no resistance and enjoy going outside to play or eat.

The Corn Box

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

What if you had a sandbox full of corn? That’s exactly what we found in Reid Orchard’s corn crib. Not being bashful, the boys leaped right in to investigate. They found a number of farm implement toys and hand shovels ready for work. The corn seemed easier to work with than the sand on the beach, but impossible to build castles with unlike the sand. Mommy found the corn soiled the twin’s clothes less than sand, but had the same habit of working itself into some unusual places like under the diapers. Seeing the benefits of both, the twins would choose a sandbox and a corn box for their backyard.

Timeless Classics

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The Ford Motor Company unbridled the Mustang automobile on April 17, 1964 at New York’s World Fair. It is the car maker’s second oldest nameplate still in production. The car’s name came from the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane, and its sports car-like design featured a long hood and short rear deck. I remember receiving a red plastic Mustang toy car for Christmas and Sandy remembers sharing a red Mustang peddle car with her sister Susan. Granddaddy Roe recently said his favorite car was his 1966 red Mustang. When approaching this ride at the Apple Festival the boys had several options; a dune buggy, a bus, a jeep and a hot rod, but they chose the Mustang.

Wishing Well

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Another stop on our Reid’s Orchard hay ride was to a wishing well. Today, it’s almost hard to imagine getting drinking water that came from somewhere other than a water treatment plant, but individual water wells were the norm until relatively recently. As water was a source of life and often a scarce commodity, wells were considered to be gifts from God. Some ancient people believed deities actually lived in the wells, and they would offer coins to those gods hoping their wishes would be granted. It was fortuitous that the coins, traditionally made of copper or silver, had biocidal properties which actually purified the water. How lucky was that? Trey Davey and Benji each made their deposits and maybe a secret wish too.

Buzzing the Grand Stands

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This ride is like an old friend. It was the very first ride they rode way back at the International Barbeque Festival in May. Since then they’ve experienced other carnival rides, playground rides and shopping cart car rides, but this one is special. Judging by their 1950’s styling, these cars have been circling this track for a half century. The Grands almost certainly watched Daddy ride in these cars as a boy, and those memories and stories are vivid today. Soon Benji and Trey Davey will outgrow these cars physically and intellectually and seek larger, more thrilling amusements. But today they are content to race around this well-loved oval under the adoring watch of some of their biggest fans.

You pick lunch

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

While the boys’ speaking vocabulary is under a hundred words, they understand a great deal more than that. During our hay ride at Reid’s Orchard we stopped so the children could pick an apple directly off the tree. While getting off the wagon, we explained what we were going to do in the briefest of terms. Once on the ground, they ran into the orchard evaluating trees until they found one they liked. Then without prompting, they each picked an apple and headed back to us for the return hay ride. Perhaps it was by instinct, but each picked apples like they had done so all their lives.

The Daddy Topper

noreply@blogger.com (DaddyDave) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Of all the rides around, by far the scariest is The Daddy Topper. Forget the roller coasters, forget the haunted houses, The Daddy Topper trumps them all. No line forms to ride The Daddy Topper, you are chosen by behavior. Act up, wander off or whine incessantly and you are asking to be chosen. You won’t see it coming; suddenly you’ll just be snatched off your feet and the ride begins. You may begin the experience with a sharp sensation in your diaper area, depending on the degree of your bad behavior. Then your liberty is taken and you begin a trill ride like no other. Riding high above the masses you negotiate precariously through crowds of people over uneven farm fields riddled with carnival tie downs ready to trip you at any point. You must always be on the look out for low hanging awnings, umbrellas and streamers that could decapitate you at every turn. Your only saving grace is the ride’s short duration. The Daddy Topper tires easily.