Happy Fathers Day!

Sadly, we are without our daddy today. He had to fly out yesterday morning. And the boys have had their daddy around WAY more than usual so this morning (being the first morning absent of dad) the boys noticed! They ran from their room into ours and peeked around corners and even yelled down from the top of the stairs for their dad. It was kind of sad but cute at the same time. They were definately missing someone.

So, we had the next best thing...GRANDDAD!!! (the boys usually yell his name, thus the all caps) And of course, we had GG, Aunt Lo and even Aunt Lissa over too. We had a WONDERFUL cookout of burgers, corn on the cob and asparagus. YUM! And we had the most amazing cheesecake for desert courtesy of one of Aunt Lissa's fellow police officers. Who knew cops were gourmet chefs!

The guys were hillarious today....total chatterboxes!! They were making complete sentences of baby gibberish and clearly both guys had plenty on their minds. GG was floored at how chatty they were. It was precious.

Not much else is new. The guys are still EVERYWHERE!!! It is very frustrating sometimes because I'm always outnumbered and keeping them out of trouble these days is very difficult. They're so smart and have absolutely no fear! And when one gets in trouble for doing something wrong, it seems like the other copies his actions immediately. Jonah, lil stinker, even threw my iPhone in the bath tonight. But then there are times when they just want to cuddle even for a few seconds...and those little moments make my day!

Anyway, sorry you couldn't be here Neal. We wish you could have enjoyed the day with us. And I know the boys missed you!!!

Here are some cute daddy photos for you!!!!

Here's the most recent wrestle-fest! This one took place on the bed...no children were hurt in the making of these photos, just fun!

Hi Daddy!

Jakie loves to pin Daddy down. ;)

I just loved how cute this photo is of the boys testing their bath water.

And these are from a photo shoot we had done after their bday. These turned out great! Thank you Macey Hart Photography!!!

Movers & Shakers!

My boys have been SO BUSY lately. They're constantly on the move, going, running, jumping, crawling, running, opening doors, crawling up and down stairs, running, grabbing and everything in between. And as always, they're astounding me everyday with what they're figuring out.

Last weekend, Neal picked up a new fan for our bedroom. I couldn't for the life of me find the power button. I fiddled with it for about a minute before I gave up. BUT, leave it to Jonah to show me up. He walked right up and pushed this tiny little button that I didn't even see. Well...I just had to laugh at that one.

The boys know where they're nose are on their face...and mine! And when we say "bellybutton" the boys look to see theirs. Jake has been saying "vacuum" a lot. The boys still love to pretend to vacuum...I even bought them a toy one and it's a hit. Jonah has made up a word in the last two days and I'm not sure yet if he's trying to say something but I think he's saying "buppy." Both boys are getting good at saying "doggie" and Jonah even said "Noah" this week...we have a music box in their room of Noah on the Arc w/a bunch of animals. "Ball" is still a popular one. They have gotten really good at the sign for "more." They point to everything they want which is both good and bad.

The boys have become quite the opposite in their dispositions while out and about in public. Jake seems to be a social butterfly, running up to strange kids and checking out their toys (and playing or stealing them). He played with lots of kids at a recent PAMOM social event in a park. He even blew a kiss to one the Hickey Triplets. ;) Jonah on the other hand has become a complete cling on. He is constantly wanting and needing me to hold him...especially in new/strange settings. The sweet boy is fine if he's in his stroller and we're on the move. He'll say "HI" to anyone when we're on one of our power walks...but get him out of the stroller and he's glue to mom. It's a little crazy when you have one that has to be held and the other one is running in the opposite direction. Ugh!

We changed our schedule this week. We have gone from two naps to one. :( I'm sad about that but what are ya gonna do. So now we stay up until 12 and then take a nap until about 2-2:30pm. We're still a little tired around bedtime so we're trying to go down a little before 8pm to help with that. But so far, it's been ok. I'm actually suprised at how we've been able to adjust so easily. Good boys!

In other news, we have a new cousin that was born yesterday. Neal's brother and his wife had a little baby boy. We hope to see pictures of the little guy soon.

Here's Jonah at Main Street Days Festival...so handsome!

Jake wrestling with mommy!

The boys in front of the Budweiser Horses...this one was named Jake!

Jakie eating...just looking cute.

Jonah begging to be picked up...a look I see often.

The boys with their kiddie pops...we're popping some new teeth. Eeek

And here's Jake...hard at work with his vacuum.

Updates and photos

I know during my last blog, I posted a photo of our recent play date with 3 other sets of twin boys. However, I thought I would share the rest of the photos as it was just so cute to see all these babies playing together! All of these babies' mothers are in PAMOM and although I live nowhere near these ladies, I thought it was worth the hike to get the guys out of the house. I try to get them out at least once a day, even if it's to the store. This house just gets too small for all of us to be cooped up all day. Plus, it's amazing that they have SO many toys and after they play with them a few times, they are so bored! Most days are spent finding new pots and pans to bang on!

Run Jakie Run!

Look! Babies that stay in one spot!!!

I also must comment on the fact that my children's brains seem to grow leaps and bounds every single day. Their vocabulary is ever expanding...yet still no one has mastered "mom." Jonah has stared almost making sentences lately. He says, "Whassat" ALL THE TIME as he points at something. It is amazing! The other day we were getting ready to leave and I had 3 out of their 4 shoes. I kept saying, "we need to find a shoe guys, we're missing one shoe" while I looked under couches and in toy baskets. Then a few minutes later, while I was changing Jake's diaper, here comes super-smart Jonah with the missing shoe in hand. I just stood their with my mouth open for a few seconds...how did he know what I was saying? And these days, it seems like he says hi to everyone. OH, and let's not forget our furry friends. Jonah (and sometimes Jake) greets them all with a finger pointing and a "woo woo" which I translate to mean "woof".

And Jake seems to understand just as much. He likes to take the shoes off the shoe rack but when I ask him to put them back, he does. And if I ask him to hand me something that's on the floor, 9 times out of 10, I'll have it within seconds. Unbelievable! Of course sometimes, he'll run from me when I ask, but most of the time he decides to be sweet. See...here I'm asking him to give mommy back her phone for the 100th time that day. Thank you Jakie!

And it's so cute when GG or Granddad calls because as soon as I say "Hi GG" or "Hi Granddad"...echos usually follow. Super cute! And one of THE most adorable things ever that my kids are recently doing is helping mommy clean! It feels like I'm cleaning ALL the live long day. And apparently, the twins think so too. So, they've decided to pitch in. Anytime Jake has a cloth, napkin or wet wipe at his reach, he will bend over and use it to wipe the floor or carpet. He watched me mop the other day and then took the liberty of helping me swifer afterwards. And then Jonah has started adding a "hmmmm" sound when he swifers...like he's vaccuming. Ugh, so precious! A couple of days ago, they both ran their small toys along the carpet with the "hmmm" sound...which I think meant they were using the dustbuster. Ha! And, of course there's helping mommy with the laundry. My boys are SO helpful!

I couldn't turn this one but here's Jonah vaccuming. (And yes, it was a "no pants" friday afternoon)

And last night as the boys were getting ready for bed and doing the opposite of cleaning in their nursery, they decided that it was time to tell daddy who was boss around here. A wrestling fest broke out...and daddy didn't win. Hee hee.

But the most helpful thing they're doing lately is saving mom's back! The boys have figured out how to crawl down the stairs backwards so I don't have to carry 40+ pounds of baby up and down the stairs! It does make me nervous, but mostly appreciative. Jake has quickly mastered it and although you can't tell from this video, he'll flip his legs up and slide down on his belly...and boy is he fast. His GG and Aunt caught him doing this for the first time the other day and burst out laughing at his skills.

It's an exciting time in our lives, but boy does it wear me out! I am constantly on guard with these boys and I honestly don't feel like 2 eyeballs is enough. I have to watch them all the time, which as anyone knows is almost impossible with 2. Jake has learned how to open doors and mommy not only has less of a way to confine the boys when necessary, she can't even go to the restroom without company. They are soooo busy learning and touching and doing and jumping and running. They're having a blast but their attention span is super short and they're so fast that it's a challenge for me to even empty the dishwasher anymore without someone running off with a fork. Eeek! I love where they are in their development but I must say...it makes for one tired momma come bedtime. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. Love my boys!

And for my praying friends, would you mind asking the Big Guy to help find my parents some jobs! Both have been laid off and it's a hard time to be looking for a job these days. Thanks in advance.

I am so blessed!

Recently I came upon an icon on one of the blogs I follow. It showed a tiny little arm that was just engulfed by her father's wedding ring. It said, "Please Pray For Kayleigh". I have seen this icon on occasion and the other day, I decided to see if this was a feel good story. The other day, it was a bad day and I've been intrigued to follow since then. I decided to check on her again tonight. Well, all I can say is that I am a pool of blubber right now. This sweet little girl who was born 12 weeks early weighing 1 lb and going through a string of over 200 medical procedures (including being the youngest person ever to undergo open heart surgery) lost her fight for life this week. Her parents are UNBELIEVABLY strong Christians and their faith is one of the strongest I've ever seen. Even in their suffering they are delighting in their gift from God and know that each day brings them closer to seeing their little girl in Heaven again.

This makes me think about my precious friend Allison. She and I met online and were both carrying twins when we decided to buddy up. Our due dates were within days. We became very close, emailing as if we were on instant message about our aches and pains. We both found out we were carrying boys around the same time. Our stories were so parallel. Then, at 25 weeks, Allison was in a car accident on the way home and both boys did not survive. Even though I have never met this woman in person, when I found out...I was a wreck. She and I are still close and this Mother's Day was a happy day for her as she was able to hug and kiss her newborn, Henry.

Hearing about and reading these stories makes me feel so ridiculously blessed. I have amazing, wonderfully healthy baby boys. And I don't know why God chose me for this journey but I will GLADLY hold on tight and enjoy this ride. I know that each day is a gift for me to wake up from the sounds of not one but two little cries. I try not to complain when I have to get out of bed to rock someone back to sleep because I know some people don't have that privilege. I don't even mind it when someone poops on the floor (Jake). I just try to laugh it off and enjoy the fact that I have this cute story to tell.

So, my point is, I'm a grateful mother. I'm so glad that I have twin boys. They fill my heart with more love than I even knew was possible. And I thank God for them and the family around me helping to raise them. I'm not sure why some children are only here to bless our lives for a short while, but it's not for me to know right now. The ony thing I need to know is that God only gives us what we can handle. And he is ALWAYS here for us to lean on. And although I thought he took the day off when I found out that I was carrying 2 babies, I know now that He chose to bless me on that day...even though I had no idea it was really what I always wanted. So tonight I will pray for Kayleigh's family and I will praise Him for her time here with her family and I will also say a thank you for Allison's bundle of joy as well as my two monkeys. And tomorrow I will kiss my boys 150 more times that I already do.

Aunt Lissa and the awesome Odin in our tent!














This was after we got back from our Mother's Day lunch. It was just a cute shot.














Jonah is chewing on his straw as Aunt Lo and I are trying to clean up the mess the boys made on the floor of the restaurant.











And Monkey See Monkey Do these days!











And last week we had a play date with 3 other sets of twin boys! 8 babies total!!











Jake is a ham these days as you can see. There is no piece of furniture or obstacle that these boys can't tackle anymore...I'm in trouble!

Just Some Cute Photos

I just wanted to post some cute pics we've taken lately. :)



Sweet innocent look Jonah!











I love the hair Jakie!












Bath time is getting more hillarious every night!












Daddy bought us a guitar! Future band?












Daddy's getting ready for work!

Update on our nearly 14th Month Olds

Ok, so I've been a BAD mommy not posting on my boys for so long. BUT, mommy's been a little busy lately. I've also had some big time computer issues. Yeah! That's not been our biggest concern though :(. For the past 2 1/2 weeks, our little cuties have had some tummy issues. They have had a very rough time and we finally got to see the doctor last week since we were told this should pass within 10 days...yeah, it didn't. Anyway, we are having some tests done so PLEASE say some prayers my little guys get over this stuff already!!!

In other news, we're trying SO hard to talk lately. Both boys say "Granddad" as clear as day. They said "dad" or "da-da" too. "Hi" is an oldie but goodie and is still usually said while holding some device or toy to their ear...smarties. (Is that a hint that mommy's on the phone too much!?) Jonah still says "BOP" all the time and it's hillarious. Jake started calling his brother, "Jo Jo" recently...which is his nickname. And he also said, "hi Dad" the other day. And one if not both say "GG" when grandma comes over. Who says "Mom"???? NO ONE!!! Yeah me. If it makes any difference, GG told me they don't have to say the word mom because I answer to "uhhh". Ha ha.

What I find adorable is that lately they mumble the same things over and over. Jake will say "do-da do-da do-da" a lot while Jonah, other than his "bop bop"s will say "jambi jambi". I don't know what any of it means but its so cute.

We're also recently climbing...fun for mom! The couch and chair are no match for Jake and Jojo lately. and the shutters are paying the price. Ugh. And our super yard that is around the tv is basically useless now. They know how to lean it over and still put their hands all over the electronic devices. Not good. And of course when you reprimand either of them they respond with smiles or giggles and then their brother mocks because it's an attention getter! Smart boys!

Another thing they've started to do which I actually like is they'll bring me things when I ask for them. If they pick up something off the floor that they're not really supposed to have, I say "can I have that please" and usually they'll just hand it to me. And today, I asked Jakie where his socks were (he likes to pull them off when he gets bored) and he looked at his bare feet instantly. I then asked him if he could bring me his socks...and he did. I was floored! I honestly did not expect him to understand the request but sure enough, he's smarter than I give him credit for. It makes me wonder what else he's picking up on. I better be on my best behavior with these super intelligent boys around.

Neal and I recently went to Ikea and picked the boys up a play tent. Boy has that been a crowd pleaser. See below!

And Neal got them a little bike that is still way too big for them but they seem to get a kick out of me and their Granddad pushing them around on it! Whee

And speaking of climbing....look what we can get up into ourselves. Hint Hint Mom!

The Quad Experiment

What a lovely day it was yesterday. We went up to a nearby park with GG and Granddad to meet some other twin mommies and their twin boys. Only one showed up BUT as fate would have it, there were 2 other sets of twins there at the same time. I swear I am a twin magnet these days. We ALWAYS see twins when we are out. I love chatting with other twin parents and getting advice and just bonding over our unique situations. Now that it's getting warmer the boys are LOVING being outside. I'm trying to get them out of the house at least once a day. Sometimes they fuss when it's time to go back inside.

So here are some cutie pics of yesterday's outing with our friends Lucas and Jacob!