So, in the midst of our busy busy lives this summer, I have been remiss in my blogging. To all my fans (yes! I have fans!) I apologize. There's so much to catch up on, I don't know if I can fit it all in a single post, but I'll try. So grab a frappuchino, a comfy chair, and settle in!
The boys have grown so much this summer, its unbelievable. They've each put on some weight, which is especially exciting in Oliver's case, and are starting to outgrow their baby looks as they morph into what we call "Twoddlers". They love their finger foods, and favorites include scrambled eggs with cream cheese, graham crackers, diced fruits and veggies, cheese, and best of all, Dino Bites! Really, I can't believe I feed my kids this stuff, but its one of the few protein foods they'll eat, and I have to admit, they are really good. They've also gotten more adept at drinking from a cup and with a straw, which makes travel easier. Noah has learned the fun trick of getting the dog to pay attention to him by dangling his food over the high chair. If the dog doesn't notice in a few seconds, Noah will put the food back in his mouth, eat a few bites, and try again later. Speaking of the dog, I don't know how people with kids survive without them. They must spend alot more time mopping their floors than I do. Baby entertainer and mop all wrapped up in one cute furry package? That's our dog!
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| Twins in a Box |
Oliver has also been weaned recently, which is a great relief to everyone. Though I still breastfeed him at night for his "dream feed", which allows us some mommy/baby cuddle time, the rest of the day he eats from a bottle. We had to go through several bottle types to find one he likes, but now that we're there is so much easier on everyone, and I think he is happier because it allows him to look around as he eats and to eat more quickly, giving him more play time. Fortunately, the bottle he chose is also the easiest to use and clean- the Playtex DropIns System. We took these bottles to San Diego (more on that later) and they were a breeze to use and clean up. Overall, he is also eating much better, and I'm praying we've finally got his eating/pooping woes behind us.
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| Mmmm....Graham Crackers with Cream Cheese.... |
The boys are also making amazing strides in their physical/intellectual development. Both can now crawl on all fours, pull to stand, swivel when sitting, get up on their knees, and get into bear position (all fours with knees off the ground). Noah is even experimenting with standing alone, and walking with support, and I know Oliver won't be far behind. Their physical therapist is wowed by their progress, and says with all their activity (they are constantly on the move) they are acting as their own therapists, though we will continue to see her to assure their progress. They are also much more interactive with one another, playing "chase" with each other, babbling constantly, giving hugs and kisses, saying "mama", stealing one another's toys, and cooperating with daily activities, such as getting dressed and washing their hands off after a meal. Unfortunately, their increased awareness of "that's mine!" has led to biting each other for revenge, so we are using some "Love and Logic" strategies to nip that in the bud. We are also teaching them sign language so they have more communication tools at their disposal, as they work in parallel on verbal language skills. I can tell you, there's nothing more heartwarming than when your baby crawls to you saying "mama" then give you a big wet kiss and hug when you pick him up!
We are also making progress on bedtime, though self soothing is something we continue to work on. We developed a solid nighttime routine in San Diego, and have continued to implement it at home, and the consistency works like a charm. It consists of the 4 Bs: Bath, Book, Bottle and Bed. We have also decided to separate them temporarily into different rooms for sleeping, as they tend to disturb one another. I would like them in the same room at some point, but right now, this just works for us.
Our big trip this summer was to San Diego to visit my Dad, Jamie, and Stephen's sister Christina and her husband Steve. Stephen's parents also made the trip at the same time we did, though they went by car rather than by air. We spent a few days packing and arranging for things to be purchased, or shipped down ahead of our arrival so we'd have all we needed. We woke up plenty early (3AM) for our 7:30 flight, but due to construction on 99, long check in lines, having to open each and every bottle at security and Stephen and Oliver being selected for a random explosive dusting/pat down (there's nothing that says "terrorist" like an 11 month old, blond hair, blue eyed baby), we missed our flight by 3 minutes.
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| The babies are under there somewhere.... |
Although this was infuriating and threw off our carefully considered schedule, we caught another flight very quickly, and were on our way. The most unfortunate part was that I had already apologized to most of the passengers of the first flight while we were waiting in the check in line, so I had to start all over again with my looks of sympathy as we boarded the new flight. It turned out most of the looks weren't needed, as the boys stayed pretty well entertained on the plane, and fell asleep as we landed.
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| Wait! Thats my plane! |
While we were in San Diego, we all enjoyed visiting our family, and the boys experienced many new things! Here are the highlights:
The Zoo: The boys saw polar bears, elephants, panthers, lions, monkeys and more. One bird in the aviary took more than a casual interest in them, and had to be fended off (I think the cookie crumbs on their shirts factored in). But their favorite part of this world renowned zoo was the children's petting arena, where Noah got to pet some very patient sheep and goats. Finally someone who understood their need to put everything in their mouths!
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| They like to eat shoes too? Just like me mom! |
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| If only the dog was this patient... |
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| This bird likes Arrowroot cookies... |
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| Time for a snack! |
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| Whats better than live polar bears? Sculptures that let you crawl all over them! |
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| GrandDad, Oliver, Noah and GrandJamie at the Polar Bear Plunge |
Seaport Village: The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons on the grass in front of a giant retired aircraft carrier, and walking around the shops. Noah managed to steal the pigeons' sandwich when Stephen wasn't looking...
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| First time on a slide! |
Shelter Island: The boys took their first turns in the swings. Noah wasn't too sure, but Oliver loved it! They also enjoyed sliding down the slide, swimming in the hotel pool, and seeing the fishermen on the pier.
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| Oliver and GrandDad on Shelter Island |
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| Noah hangin at the hotel on Shelter Island |
Mission Beach: The boys ate their lunch on the sand before taking a long walk in their backpacks. They were a little unsure about the water, but the walk was beautiful.
Home with GrandDad and GrandJamie: The boys enjoyed crawling around the house and in the backyard, eating dinner at the family (see picture below with Noah in the highchair and Oliver eating what he threw overboard...maybe this is what parents without a dog do? Assign one child to eat dinner below the high chair?), and tasting strawberry ice cream for the first time. Yum!
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| We went on many walks with Grand Dad and GrandJamie |
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| The boys slept great in San Diego! Must be all that ocean air! |
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Picnic in the backyard.
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| A new house to explore! |
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| Where to next mom? |
Hanging out with Auntie Christina: The boys also spent several mornings over with Dad and Auntie Christina so mommy could sleep in (now that's a vacation!) They had a great time crawling around her place as well, and went out with us all to sushi to celebrate Steve's birthday.
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| Breakfast with Auntie Christina. Trashcan under highchair makes cleanup a breeze! |
After 7 great days we flew home (caught our flight this time!), and the boys enjoyed hanging out with another baby sitting just behind us on the way. Once home, my mom, who just moved to Chico, helped watch the boys while we unpacked. Whew! What a trip!
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| Oliver on the airplane, flirting with the toddler in the seat behind us... |
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And you thought I would take a nap....
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| Noah on the flight home |
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| Home sweet home |
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So, what's next? Well, I'm training for a Half Marathon in November (Almond Bowl), the boys get to start going to the developmental gym for playtime, and I will hopefully have "broken up" with my pump by their first birthday. I am really proud of my ability to provide breastmilk for them for their first year, but am also looking forward to the freedom I will gain when I don't have to pump anymore! Next up, their first birthday party! I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly, and I marvel each day at how blessed I am with these two beautiful, smart, loving babies who have come so far in the last twelve months.
