My Ears Are Ringing

Mmm, the little darlings are not being so darling at the moment. Evan is currently screaming his head off, refusing to go to sleep for the night. The boys play this little game-- one goes to sleep while the other screams for twenty minutes, then that one falls asleep and the other awakes to do the same. Normally they eventually settle down, but tonight Evan is apparently going for the gold.


Other than us losing our hearing, things continue to go well. The boys are growing like weeds! Evan enjoys practicing "standing" with Daddy-- he has pretty strong legs! Joel is his sweet precious self, most of the time at least. We've dealt with some sickness over the past few weeks; sniffles went around between all of us, but things seem to be on the up and up now.


I plan to write the official Christmas letter (blog) within the next week, and hope to include lots of beautiful baby photos (Todd and I might actually jump in a few shots. Only if I get a haircut, though.) Until then, feast your eyes on these happy moments, a time which I call "Mommy Decorates the Babies".

Sweet little Evan:

Angelic Joely Bear:

Christmas Wish List (For those who need it)

Just thought I'd post for those who are asking for ideas...

Gift Certificates:

Dinner by Design http://dinnerbydesignkitchen.com
Hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.)
Houseware stores
Cleaning Help (Merry Maids or Molly Maid)
Men's Wearhouse (Todd)

Black dress socks (Todd)
Photo Frames: Dark Brown (any size)or White (large)
Queen sheets (white or neutral colors)


Joel and Evan:
Savings bonds, etc. (or contribution to college savings account)
Clothing: Size 3-6mo. for winter; 6-9 for warmer. Matching outfits. We love zippers and overalls! NOTE: Joel is already wearing 3-6mo clothing, while Evan is still comfortably in 0-3mo. This will hopefully give a clue as to sizing (since it's all a guessing game to me!)
Cloth diapers: BumGenius One Size http://www.nickisdiapers.com/ I know it seems like a strange gift, but trust me, it's a useful one! We also use Fuzzibunz size medium. And inserts, particularly hemp, would be wonderful to receive.
Baby Books (Sandra Boynton books are especially loved!)
CD's: Lullaby; Rainforest; Nursery songs
Finger puppets (I'd like a "family" or animals.)

Toy Ideas:
TinyLove Sea Deluxe Fun Mobile
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6652&parentCategoryId=85185&categoryId=85226
Play Sounds Mat
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1652&parentCategoryId=85185&categoryId=85226
Grow With Me Travel Toy
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534252&parentCategoryId=85185&categoryId=85231&subCategoryId=86222
Surprise Inside Elephant
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534252&parentCategoryId=85185&categoryId=85231&subCategoryId=86222
Light Up Musical Mirror
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=533787&parentCategoryId=85185&categoryId=85231&subCategoryId=86222

I hope this gives a good set of ideas. I included links to the pictures of what I could, but other stores probably carry the same or similar items.

Two Month Update (Finally)

Round is my favorite shape!
Can you guess which baby this is? (Mommy couldn't.)
It's JoelyBear and his blankie Geoffrey! Too much to drink will knock a guy out!

Evan loves when Mommy sings!

Evan posing nicely (with other Geoffrey in the background.)
Evan is chillin' on Daddy's pillow.
Oh yeah, it's a rough life...

It's been a while since I've written, and so much has happened! In short, Evan now loves to smile (started at 8 weeks); both did great at their 2month checkup; both boys LOVE playtime, spend lots more time awake (contrary to what anyone believes, as they always sleep when we go out); and the sleep routine is finally getting better.

I am now willing to venture out by myself with them. Not to say that it's easy.... I have yet to figure out how to actually shop while I have both boys with me. But they enjoy getting out of the house, and I REALLY enjoy getting out of the house, so we tend to run errands quite a bit. Tomorrow I have my first twin club meeting, and I'm really looking forward to meeting other local moms of multiples.

(Todd's doing well too. I'm just too hungry at the moment to post anymore. He loves his job and he's a great, but very busy, dad.)

Life remains good! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

P.S. The answer to the "guess who" picture is Joel.

I have not forgotten!

The boys are two months old... it's time for another update! Unfortunately, I'm sick and feel like crap, so I won't be doing that until I'm better. We actually didn't take any pictures yesterday (sigh...). When I feel better I'll get around to it.

FYI... Evan had his surgery to repair the hernia. It was a success!

Seven Weeks!

Evan is always sleeping when I try to get his picture!
This is what my bed is like each morning...

Seven weeks and two days ago, I was told that I would be giving birth the following day. On the one hand, it feels like a lifetime ago. On the other, I can't believe that so much time has passed. I also can't believe what a terrible memory I have. I've already forgotten how miserable I was during pregnancy. I can barely remember the day we learned we were having twins! (Just kidding, I'll never forget that day.... Todd and I had placed a bet on whether it was twins or not; I won, and he still hasn't paid up.)

Our sweet boys are developing their own personalities, but there are a lot of similarities between them as well. They "talk" to each other sometimes as they lie in their crib. "Eh, eh, eh," they say back and forth, generally in protest to me lying them down. Neither likes to lie flat at this time. Evan always wants to cuddle, and pouts when he doesn't get his way. (Who knew newborns could throw actual temper tantrums?) Joel is happy to sleep in his boppy pillow, and will actually stay asleep for hours on end once he is in it. I'm so tempted to put it in his crib at night, but refrain because the experts say not to put anything in with them. So, if anyone has any advice on getting babies to sleep for extended periods, please advise!

One new development... each of them have hernias, though in different places. Joel's belly button is so huge it looks like a cork is sticking out! Evan has an Inguinal hernia that appeared a few days ago (look it up if you want, it's too hard to explain). On the 30th we will be bringing them in to the surgeon for a consultation. Guess where... good ol' Lutheran General! At least we don't need directions on how to get there. They've both been checked, and are absolutely fine at this point, but Evan will definitely need surgery, and most likely Joel as well. Both are minor, routine procedures, so we aren't worrying, but I will be glad when it's all done.

Oh, speaking of going to the doctor, both boys were weighed today. At 7 weeks, Joel is 10lb 1oz, and Evan is 8lb 8oz. They are healthy growing boys!

Picture time!

Pictures of the boys taken yesterday (1 month, 4 days).

Joel:

I know this is a bit blurry, but Joel is smiling! Evan:

Aren't they growing a ton?!?!

Things have been busy around here! Joel and Evan are spending a lot more time awake now, so I have even less time on my hands than I started with. They love to be able to just look around; both stare out the window constantly from my bed. Aunt Jessi came up this weekend and was amazed to see how much they keep their eyes open now. Even though it means even less downtime for me, I absolutely love it. Unfortunately, nothing is getting done around here, but I say it's worth having a messy house to be able to play with the boys each day.

Milestone! Joel has started smiling. Not too consistently yet, but I'm definitely marking his first smile at 6 weeks. Evan toys with smiling, but I still don't know if it is a true smile that I see, so I'm waiting to call it official yet.

The tears are flowing, time to go.

Pics will be added when blogger is working properly!