Best birthday and more

Lately Steve and I have been fantasizing about what it would be like to be able to sleep in, to not have the 'baby' alarm go off around 6-6:30 and go nonstop all day until about 7 p.m.  The only way we could actually sleep in would be to have someone stay overnight with the boys.  After a very busy week and a last minute trip to Ogden, UT for a funeral in Steve's family (8 hr drive- up one day and back home the next) we desperately needed an overnight date.  What better time to do this than my birthday?!

So Friday evening we had the same girl who helped us last summer with the boys come over and stay with the boys until noon on Saturday.  Even though I was really excited to be able to sleep in the next morning I have to admit I was really nervous.  In the last week Aaron has become much more clingy and began having serious separation anxiety, not even wanting to be held by my parents.  All that nervousness was for nothing... both Aaron and Andrew hardly knew we were gone.

What did we do?  After checking into our room at Red Rock Resort & Casino practically across the street we went to dinner and a movie.  The room is the NICEST I've ever stayed stayed in- double sinks, huge tub with a flat screen TV, walk in shower, king sized bed, huge flat screen TV, great big room, two comfortable chairs, and a nice view of the Strip (along with a nearby parking lot!) We decided to spoil ourselves by ordering room service for breakfast.  I assumed the breakfast tray would be laid on the floor outside our door like on our cruise.  To my surprise there was a knock at the door and after opening it they wheeled in a table that was all set and included a delicious breakfast with all the necessary condiments.  Even though we didn't get nearly as much sleep as we'd hoped it was nice to lay around all morning while reading and watching TV and being in a hurry to go anywhere.  Around noon we finally came home to our two happy boys who were very well taken care for.

But this isn't all... the day before my birthday a great friend, Barbara, took me for a pedicure (which I badly needed), a deluxe cupcake, and even paid someone to babysit the boys.  And for my birthday Steve bought me a very nice watch.  This birthday is one I'll always remember as one of the best.  Last year's birthday was just as happy but in a very different way.  Aaron had only been home from the hospital for a couple of weeks and Andrew was to be discharged the day after my birthday. All we did last year for my birthday was get dinner from Chipoltes, which I ate quickly before leaving to stay overnight at the hospital to practice (like I needed that) caring for Andrew.  Steve stayed home and cared for Aaron himself while I was gone.  And that was my birthday.  But I am not complaining... that was one of my happiest birthdays ever having just become a mother of two beautiful babies that we had prayed a long time for.

Right after we got home from the hotel it was right back to work.  This picture was taken about an hour after getting home.

This is how I usually give them their bottles.  I've tried laying them on the floor and giving them their bottles.  This never works because they soon throw the bottles aside and began playing.  I will soon be transitioning them to sippy cups rather than bottles.

There more pictures and info I'd like to include about our quick trip to Ogden and Andrew being a tease but I'll save that for another blog.  However, I will add these two photos-

Our trip to Ogden wasn't exactly 'fun' since it was a long drive two days in a row

 but one good thing was being able to stop by my mother's grave in Orem.

Andrew is so tired when we got home from church.  With church from 9-12 they 

don't get their morning naps and come home exhausted- and so do we!

13 Months

Since Aaron and Andrew were born I've been keeping a baby book for each of them that includes a month by month update.  However, after the first birthday it continues by year rather than month.  I feel that there is too much learning and growth- at least from 1 to 2- that I'll forget a lot by their next birthday.  Besides, there won't be room.  Soooo I'm going to TRY to update their book each month on our blog.  I'm already behind because they were 13 months yesterday. 

LENGTH  Aaron:   30 inches   Andrew: 31 inches

WEIGHT  Aaron:   19.4 lbs.     Andrew: 21.8 lbs.

PHYSICAL CHANGES: This month Aaron got another tooth for a total of 5, but it looks like 2 or 3 will soon appear.  Andrew now has 7 teeth with more to soon come in.  Both of them are looking less and less like babies and more and more like little boys or toddlers.

EATING & SLEEPING HABITS: About 2 months ago I started making ALL their food- yogurt, breakfast stuff, and meats with vegetables.  It's taken A LOT of time but is sooo much cheaper and way healthier.  Both A & A have been more regular since having homemade food.  I'm trying to transition them to do more self-feeding/finger foods rather than be spoon fed.  They're probably a little behind but I've been very nervous about them choking for two reasons:  Andrew's TEF and being a first time mom.

Aaron:  Is somewhat picky- he'll usually eat finger foods as long as it's fruit, string cheese, or Cheerios.  When it comes to vegetables he sometimes will unless it's mixed in with other foods.  His favorites are strawberries, bananas and string cheese.  Aaron still takes two naps although there's some days where he thinks he only needs one.  Those days he's more cranky and very ready for bed at night (so am I!).  Lately he's been waking us up bright and early at around 5;30-6 with an increasingly louder whiny cry that has short pauses every so often to see if he's been heard.  It definitely wakes us up.  Most of the time he wakes up fussy and crying which hasn't always been the case.  (Speaking of that- I he's now awake and crying...)

Say "Cheese".  Aaron makes this face all the time when we're feeding him.

Andrew:  Eats  ANYthing.   I have yet to see him refuse food.  His favorite is strawberries.  He is a VERY eater.  Andrew is also still taking two naps and is usually a very good sleeper.  He always fall asleep and wakes up happy and cheerful.  Ever since he learned to sit up, kneel, and stand he can take anywhere from 5 min. to 1 hour playing and jabbering.  Ever since they were about 7 months we have had Aaron and Andrew in separate bedrooms. Aaron almost always woke up first and would immediately wake Andrew up earlier than he'd want.  For a while we tried making adjustments but we finally decided to make it easier on ourselves (and them).  Eventually we'll transition them back into the same bedroom.  

NEW SKILLS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & TALENTS:  We've seen a lot of progress from 12 to 13 months!  The physical therapy must have helped- now he's the one that climbed stairs first and will soon be walking.  I'm not comparing, just stating a fact.  Most of it is personality because Aaron has the strength to climb stair and almost walk too.  He's simply MUCH more cautious.  Now that they're moving around, crawling, and standing Aaron & Andrew get banged up more.  Usually we don't know about Andrew's scratches, bruises, and welts until after the fact.  If he cries it's short and quick and sometimes he'll even laugh.  Aaron, on the other hand, is MUCH more dramatic and sensitive.  Sometimes he'll cry for several minutes over the smallest bang or even looking at him wrong when he's tired can get him going.  Even though they're twins they are SOOO different.  We love them both so much and feel grateful each and every day for them.

Aaron:  Probably the biggest thing for him is he no longer does the army crawl- now he can zoom from one end of the room to the other.  Aaron can now throw things and knows how to make a HUGE mess on the floor (along with the help of Andrew). He pulls himself up to standing position and side steps around his crib, coffee table or pretty much anything he's holding on to.  Oh, and he's figured out how to turn the fan and light on in our room using the remote.  And he now knows how to turn the light on and off.  I think it was in the last month that he finally learned that sippy cups are more than just a toy to bang on the high chair.  Andrew still wants whatever toy Aaron is playing with so Aaron has learned to take a toy and turn or crawl away.  Andrew does the same thing when he's got something Aaron might want.

Andrew:  Before too long Andrew will soon be walking.  He'll stand for several seconds at a time and sometimes has even clapped his hands while balancing.  Occasionally he's tried taking a step but we can tell he's sure thinking about.  He walks across the room using a push toy- sometimes with Aaron in it.  He no longer does the army crawl- which he did FORever- and crawls very fast.  He's great at climbing the stairs but hasn't learned yet how to safely go down. Andrew has also learned how to do Peek-a-boo and clap his hands.  Another new skill he has (I'm not sure I'd consider it a talent) is throwing a temper tantrum.  When he doesn't get his way or something he wants he'll throw himself flat on the floor and let out the most dramatic, fake cry and then looks at us to see if it got our attention.  I almost have to laugh.  

Andrew is clapping his hands

When Andrew climbs stairs he'll usually turn around every 

couple of steps before continuing on his way to the top.

NEW PLACES VISITED & NEW EXPERIENCES:  Most of the time we do pretty much the same thing day to day. However, this month we went on a trip to Salt Lake City (where we all got colds) and visited Temple Square and went to the Hogal Zoo with our friends, the Higby's,who used to live here in Las Vegas. We stayed a night with my aunt in downtown SL and two nights with one of my sisters, Julie. On our way home we stopped for a couple of hours at my parents.  Vacations are still nice but when you get home you need another vacation!

FAVORITE THINGS & ACTIVITIES

Aaron: Spinning tupperware bowls upside down on the kitchen floor; dropping everything & anything on the floor to see if it makes noise; taking a bath; using the fan remote; crawling into our downstairs bathroom and taking all the magazines out of the basket and putting their shoes onto the floor; taking a bath (cries when it's over); go for a walk each morning with our Nicholas and his mom; gets excited when Daddy comes home; riding in the car 'stroller' to get the mail or go to the neighbor's; taking all the rocks out of the planter or pulling all the books off of the shelf. Basically, loves to make a mess.

Andrew:  Loves to crawl and stand everywhere; unload books onto the floor and turn the pages; climb the stairs; taking a bath (cries when it's over); speed crawling to the refrigerator/ freezer/pantry whenever he sees it open; gibbering CONSTANTLY; using push toys to walk across the room; gets excited when Daddy comes home; bang on the piano.  Andrew teams up very well with Aaron to make big messes.  Last Saturday while I was running errands Steve said it was a little quiet and after checking on them he found them in the downstairs bathroom with the toilet paper unraveled and magazines ALL over the floor.  They are learning young.

This is the mess A & A made in the bathroom.  

Andrew is on the go too much to get in pictures most of the time.

Good-bye formula, Hello savings

It's no secret that children are expensive: diapers, bottles, clothes, cribs, car seats, bouncers, swings, strollers, and the list goes ON and ON.  Even though it can be costly it is so worth it!!  But I am happy to report that we have recently had some savings in the baby department.  Today is the first official day on all milk!  For the last week I've fed them half and half (not the product half & half!)- half formula and half milk.  They have tolerated it very well and Aaron has actually been drinking all of his bottle, which is a first. In addition to this savings about a month and half ago I stopped feeding them jar food.  It takes a little (okay, a lot) more effort on my part but it's been worth the savings- and the better health for them.  When it comes to feeding them solids I admit I'm probably overly cautious.  Most first time moms probably are but we also have a greater risk of Andrew choking because of his TEF. Each day we see progress-and a bigger mess!- with self-feeding.

Without an afternoon nap Aaron is VERY tired

"I've had enough!"

Andrew is doing better at self-feeding- and making a bigger mess

Andrew LOVES being held upside down.  He's be happy being like that all day!

Taking drastic measures

Andrew (at 3 or 4 mos.)

Aaron (at 9 mos.)

The binki has been driving me crazy!!  For the last couple of weeks we've talked about getting rid of them for good but we either wanted to wait until after our SLC trip or were too chicken. We've pretty much given them the binkis for sleeping... or at church... or when they're fussy... or sometimes when they're playing.  Okay, so I guess they use it more than I want to admit. Even though they can be a real pain I have to admit I do think it's cute to see them sucking on it.   But that was when they were little babies and now they're pretty much almost toddlers. (It can't be!!) And there have been moments when it's helped quiet them down or get them to sleep.

Andrew is not as attached to his binki as Aaron is but he does like it sometimes when he's trying to go to sleep and he loves taking it out of Aaron's mouth and putting it in his.  Andrew also likes to throw it out of his crib but it doesn't stop him from going to sleep.  Aaron, on the other hand, is a whole other story.  He LOVES his binki!!  I rarely see him asleep without it and if there's one in sight he gets all excited and makes inhaling/exhaling noises (what he does when he's excited) until it's in his mouth.  Anytime Andrew is sucking on one he grabs it and puts it in his.  We've even had fun putting the handle (whatever you want to call it) in our mouths, moving our heads back and forth, and watching them laugh hysterically.

Lately, though, I've had enough!!  As much as Aaron loves his binki and wants/needs it to sleep he LOVES throwing it over the side of his crib.  We've done what most parents would probably do: if he's crying and won't go to sleep until he has it, we've gone in and given it to him. Sometimes that's worked but usually he'll throw it right back down only to wait for us to get it again.  I feel like a dog playing fetch.  I've tried NOT giving it to him. Period.  All that does is prevent him from taking a nap.  I've tried attaching it to a 'leash' on his shirt.  He pulls it off and has a great time playing with the leash and binki.  For the last 3 days he hasn't taken a nap in the afternoon because he'd rather play a game with me of Fetch the Binki.  Besides all that they get dirty and need to be cleaned; they get lost and more need to be purchased.  Note:  Andrew could probably care less about his.  Pretty much he sucks on it because it's there.  I doubt we'll have any probably breaking him of it.

Last night before they went to bed I finally did it:  I snipped ALL their binkis.  And then we've carried on as usual, offering it to them before going to sleep.  They were pretty confused the first time they tried putting it in their mouths and it didn't work. (As I'm writing this, Aaron is waking up from his nap crying.  It looks-we have a video monitor- like he's trying to suck on the binki and it won't work.  I feel so bad.)  Andrew went to sleep last night and both naps today without a problem.  So far so good.  Aaron hasn't been so easy.  Even though he was soooo tired last night Aaron kept fussing for close to an hour before we finally picked up the binki and gave it to him. All he wanted to do was hold it in his hand. I forgot to mention that about half of the time he's holding it in hand and not sucking on it.  

We debated which method to do:  take all the binkis and throw them in the trash OR snip them. Obviously we opted for the second one but the problem we can face with that is he still may throw it over and want it again for the sake of holding it in his hand.  But the advantage is that they feel like the one in control.  "Hmmm, this doesn't work anymore.  I'm not getting any comfort from it.  It's doing me no good.  Maybe I don't need it anymore."  After a few days we may just toss them in the trash. Hopefully this won't take long.  The morning nap today was not a problem and the afternoon nap Aaron woke up once looking for it but fell back asleep (probably had it in his hand).  He woke up not long ago and it looked like he was trying to suck on it and didn't get any success.  Made him mad, he cried, and he is now awake.  Oh, well.  It's not going to be easy.  It'll probably be harder for us than for them.

But for the last 24 hours I've felt like a really mean mother.  It's not hard for me to feel guilty about ANYthing and this is no exception.  I'm trying to tell myself it's got to happen eventually, they'll won't remember it in the long run, and I might keep my sanity (if it's not already gone!).

The second semi-drastic measure:  For the last week I've duct taping Andrew's bib to keep it on him while feeding. I guess he thinks he's grown up enough that he no longer needs to wear one. Believe me, he still makes a huge mess when eating.  I've tried feeding him without the bib and without fail he needs a change of clothes.  The duct tape has been very effective in keeping it on and now he rarely tries to take it off. 

Back on Track

Now that we've home from our SLC trip for almost a week I feel back to normal. The suitcases have been unpacked (but not put away!) The van got washed and vacuumed (the first time in a long time too!) The laundry has been done with clothes folded (but will need to be done again soon... one of those never ending jobs).  The babies are getting regular naps again.  And I feel almost rested again.  With kids you never go on vacation to get rest.  

Vacations are still fun but certainly not relaxing.  It requires far more planning, packing, preparing, and organizing ahead of time.  I don't even know why I bothered taking a book to read because it stayed in my bag the entire time.  We did fun things such as:

Walked around Temple Square-

Aaron (L) & Andrew (R)

We were only able to get one at a time to look at the camera

Aaron (L) & Andrew (R)

Tired, worn out, and thirsty

Aaron (L) & Andrew (R)

Visited the Hogel Zoo-

Almost asleep as we left the zoo.  Another long day.

Andrew (L), Aaron (R)

We don't have pictures to document these activities but we also did the following:

• Had a very nice visit with my aunt (and stayed with her 1 night) in SLC
  
• Saw friends in SLC that used to live here in Vegas
  
• I went to water aerobics with my (step) sister, Julie
  
• Bought two buckets of wheat
  
• Lost my really nice watch (not exactly fun)
  
• Stopped at my parents in St. George for about 1 1/2 hrs on our way home
  
• Listened to two babies cry/scream/whine almost the entire way home, from St. George to home.  It was about 7:30 pm, our time, when we left St. G and they had reached their limit. (They hadn't had a nap at all since taking a short one that morning.  They are not good car sleepers.) Finally, about half an hour before our arrival they both finally fell asleep.  We have never been sooooo happy to get home.  
  
  

Happy Birthday Aaron & Andrew!

Normally Aaron and Andrew wake up between 6:30 and 7 a.m.  However this morning we first heard a baby awake at 5:45 a.m.  Way too early for us!  But I think it's because Aaron was so excited it was his birthday.  Kind of like when I was a child and couldn't sleep Christmas Eve because I was full of anticipation to see what Santa brought.  (We soon learned it was due to a poopy diaper but I'd like to think he knew it was his special day.)

This afternoon we had a party with our neighbors, friends, and some of Steve's family.  We planned to keep the party simple with just cake and ice cream.  By the time the celebration began, however, our counter was full of delicious food, lots of friends, and presents everywhere. It's hard to keep a party simple for the first birthday of special babies like Aaron and Andrew! They had a great time playing with the tissue paper, boxes, wrapping paper, and of course all their new gifts.  Aaron and Andrew wish to say thank you for coming to their party and for all the fun toys.  Happy Birthday Aaron and Andrew!

A&A's birthday cake

Blowing out the candles

Aaron is better at smiling for the camera than eating cake

Andrew thinks cake tastes pretty good

Opening presents

Aaron with Mommy

Andrew with our friend Lexi

Aaron & Andrew with our good friend, Barbara Moffit

Aaron and Andrew with Grandma Ross

We can't wait to play with all our new toys!

Child Proofing

I am so sorry Andrew and Andrew but it's time to get out the child proofing equipment.  This is especially true for Andrew.  For about a week now Andrew's favorite thing to do is open kitchen cupboards.  This morning before I could blink my eyes and right in front of my face, Andrew pulled out a glass pie pan, dropped it on the floor and it shattered into a million pieces with Aaron only a couple of feet away. As quick as I could I picked them both up, carefully walked around the mess, and placed them in the jumper or Exersaucer and began sweeping. Childproofing isn't something I've looked forward to because opening cupboards or through a stair gate can be pain. Sort of.  I guess in the long run it can prevent, or at least decrease, trips to the hospital for cuts, poisoning, or bone breaks. 

If you walked into our house and didn't see the obvious signs (scattered toys everywhere) that young children live here, you'd figure it out really soon. Our coffee table has nothing on it or under it except maybe a small toy Aaron left there from his last time playing.  Instead of the ottoman placed by the chair for a relaxing reading it's in front of the television.  All the plugs have plastic covers over them and rubber stoppers are no longer placed at the end of door stoppers.  Gradually more proofing has been added as the need has presented itself (such as broken pie pans or learning to climb stairs. Probably the next item to go up is the stair gate. Today I think Andrew fell down a step or two when I heard him crying (which only happens when he REALLY hurts himself) and I found him at the bottom of the stairs.  Normally he hasn't climbed the stairs unless Steve or I am around.  That's very smart, Andrew.  And we didn't even teach him that!  So far Aaron hasn't been in a hurry to try opening cupboards, climbing stairs, or standing.  He's happy to drop everything and anything to see how much noise it makes.  He could do that ALL day.  It's been so much fun to watch their personalities emerge and how different and unique each of them are.

 

And here's a few photos from recent days:

Andrew is trying to figure out how to get around or over this ottoman.  

The buttons on the TV and DVD are so enticing.

Aaron: Leave me alone!  I'm trying to play.

Andrew:  I just want to join  the fun.

Aaron is such a droolaholic.  He seemed to like swinging.

Aaron and Andrew swinging at the park for the first time.  Yes, they are still in their P.J's in the late afternoon.  Aren't we supposed to stay in pajamas on Conference Sunday?

Andrew playing Mozart.  And Aaron is in the corner reading the paper (upside down)

Aaron loved playing the piano because it makes noise.  Aaron is all about making as much noise as possible.

Playing a duet.