Hip Hip Hooray! It's Valentine's Day!

Brian and I don't usually do anything crazy unpredictable for Valentine's Day.  The typical flowers, candy and a card followed up by going out to dinner is usually the routine.  This year I wanted it to be a little different.  As many of you know (I like to pretend there are actual readers), I love planning events, parties, get togethers, Bachelor viewing parties etc.. So I thought it might be fun to have an over the top Valentine's day dinner with a couple other couples.  Granted, I wasn't committing to anything but the idea was there.  A few weeks later I had two couples and two excited gfs to plan it with!

Here is what transpired:

We sent our men on a scavenger hunt and used lots of cheesy poems:

The first Husband got this on his way to work and then this when he got home:

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Hurry home, I have a surprise for you!

Don’t be late to pick up your date, He lives on Del Rey, that should give it away!

Then my husband Brian got a card that read:

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Be ready by 5:30, someone is coming for you!

Once Steven got to our house to pick up Brian I had their next clue:

This will be fun, tonight’s just begun. There is still one more, go knock on his door

Don’t be late, he lives by the lake.

That led them to Brian's friend, Kevin's house where his wife Sarah had a card for all three of them that said:

Suit Up!  You have 10 minutes

We had gathered all of their suits, shirts, ties and shoes and made them get all dolled up for us.  :)

Their next clue was:

Have your cake and eat it too, We ate it at a wedding for one of you

That card sent them to this amazing bakery called Nothing Bundt Cakes where they have the most delicious bundt cakes.  I pre-ordered our Chocolate Chocolate Chip cake and dropped off three flower corsages for them to give to us at the bakery earlier that day along with their next clue.  Side note, we did not buy the corsages, they are ridiculously expensive so instead I went to Trader Joe's and bought 3 bunches of flowers for $3.99 each and made them all myself along with 3 boutonnieres for the guys that we would give them later. Thank you high school Floral Design class I took 11 years ago!

The guys said they walked into the bakery and didn't know what to do so they just stood there waiting until one of the ladies clued in and remembered her part.  She gave them everything and they were on their way with the next clue:

Don’t be late, for our dinner date, Head to the lake, for our Italian plates!  

This card took them to an Italian Restaurant called Peppinos at the Mission Viejo Lake where we again had our order already in and waiting to be picked up along with the last clue.  Unfortunately it didn't matter how much advanced notice we gave the restaurant, the guys still had to wait 20-30 minutes for our dinner.  Anyways, the last clue was:

Race the clock, get to the dock, With flowers and cake head to the gate, Your ladies await!

The best part about our whole plan was this last part.  Kevin's grandma lives in a beautiful house on Mission Viejo Lake and has a party boat which she willingly let us borrow for the night.  We were at the dock with blankets and boutonnieres.  When they got to us we took lots of cheesy ball prom-esque photos, giving each other the flowers, pinning on the boutonnieres etc..  Then we boarded the boat and took it back to the house where we had a beautifully pink and red fancy table set to enjoy our dinner and dessert, and take more awesome photos.

We all had a great time and had so much fun planning everything even though it was in such a short amount of time.  

Here are a few of our pictures, enjoy! 

One down, 3 to go

 This weekend we packed up the kiddos, some fancy schmancy clothes and hit the road.  On Friday afternoon we drove straight up to Oakland. Luckily we only had to make two stops. One for much needed leg stretching and the other a quick bite to eat.  In the beginning the kids did great, towards the end and sporatically throughout they had their moments.  Ellie kept saying, "Out, out, out" or "walk, walk, walk."

We stopped at a little place called Andersen's, known for their split pea soup. Brian remembered going there as a kid and even has a picture of him and his brother with their heads through a wooden sign.  So for nostalgia sake, and our rumbling tummies, we stopped.  I must say, not good. Surprizingly the reviews on Urban spoon were raving with a 92% positive rating... So we were pretty surprized how boring and tasteless it was.  We got the kids picture in the sign and headed on our way. We left at 11:30AM and arrived at our destination around 8:20 PM.

The next morning we met up with my family and attended the sealing of my brother Cameron to his bride, Ciera.  It was a beautiful and intimate wedding. The grounds at the Oakland temple are gorgeous!  I think we saw at least 3-4 Quinceañera's and 3-4 wedding parties from other faiths taking pictures on the grounds.  That is not even including the amount of bridal parties there getting married in the temple.

Afterwards we headed to Benicia for a luncheon hosted by Ciera's dad. We had some very good Mexican food and got to know some family and friends.

Next we were onto the reception hosted by Ciera's mom and stepdad at their home.  They had a beautiful backyard all set up for the occasion. We met more friends and family and had a great time. Unfortunately the kids were dead tired and had a one track mind trying to jump in the ungated pool.  We played keep babies out all night long.  They had a ring ceremony as well as some heart felt words by the bride and groom for each other. It was very sweet to hear what they had prepared for one another.  Skylar gave a toast that was very clever, witty and charming. Her sister Amanda also said a few sweet words and the night ended with sparklers and a send off.  We were so happy to be there to celebrate them and their new marriage and can't wait to continue the celebration this weekend with an open house for our close friends and family.

Modern Elegance Bridal Shower

Today I threw a Bridal shower for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Ciera. (Wow, that's a lot of hyphens!)   That's right, my little brother is getting married!!!  I honestly cannot believe I am old enough to have siblings getting married but seeing as I have been married now for 7 years, it was bound to happen right?

I have so much fun planning parties.  If I could have my dream job, aside from my already dream job of being a stay at home mommy, I would be an event planner.  I cannot even express how much joy it is for me planning and executing parties.  I feel at home, in my element.

Here are a few pictures of the festivities... if you follow me on Facebook you are lucky enough to see them twice! ;o)

Our brunch menu was:

French Toast Roll Up with Cream Cheese and Strawberries

French Toast Roll Up with Nutella and Strawberries

Banana Streusel Muffins

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yogurt Parfaits

Fresh Fruit

Donut Holes- Powdered Cinnamon, Powdered Sugar, Glazed, Chocolate with Sprinkles

Orange Juice 

Lemon and Cucumber Water

It was a great day!  We look forward to officially adding Ciera to our family this August!
       

This morning I got up with the urge to get out of the house.  It's supposed to be 80 degrees today and I feel it would be a cryin' shame to waste such beautiful weather, especially when half of the country is having April showers.  Honestly, I love nice weather, but I detest the heat.  There is only one time that I really enjoy and soak up the suns rays and that is when I am on the beach with my honey some where tropical.  Let's face it, California beaches are great in theory, but the water is freezing!!

Getting out of the house is a huge production with twins. (I'm sure it is with any number of kids but I only know how it is with twins.)  I have been trying to make an effort to take them to the park so they can play but realized just how easily someone could come up and snatch one without me being able to do anything about it.  (I am aware that I am slightly paranoid.)

We have Disneyland passes and go at least once a week.  It is a great place to walk around and there is surprisingly a lot to do with one year olds.  There are lots of rides that allow little ones (albeit a few kinda dark ones like Mr. Toads Wild Ride and Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs) and places to let them run around and get their energy out like A Bug's Life Land or that big room next to Off The Page (the name escapes me) in Disney's California Adventure.  I have braved going by myself with the twins a couple times and meeting up with a friend and their kid(s), it is a tiring process but the kids love it. Could I do it every week? Yes, but would I want to?  That's a different story.

The other day I was watching The Pioneer Woman's show on the Food Network and longed for all of that wide open space they have out in the country.  Part of me wants to sell our house and move out to open fields and greener pastures.  We have nothing remotely resembling a yard where we are now.  Don't get me wrong, I love living in Orange County but it saddens me that my kids don't have a place they can run around and be free in without being surrounded by busy streets.

So what will we be doing today to get out of the house? Haven't a clue yet.  Maybe just a stroll around our local Target to pick up some (un)necessary items.  Or maybe I will brave the park again, we'll see.

(I realize this a totally random post) :o)

12 MONTHS!!!

ETHAN  
24 LBS 11 ounces (98% percentile) 31 1/2 inches (98% percentile)

He walks!!  Ethan has been walking up a storm! He is still very hesitant to walk all the time, especially because he can move around so much faster if he crawls but it's only a matter of time before he is running around the house.

He is still very independent and is starting to throw tantrums if I pick him up when he is playing or take something away that he shouldn't have.  It is usually in the morning before his bath that he is very sensitive and extra wiggly.

Ethan is very happy and playful.  He loves to jibber jabber and it really sounds like he is speaking in sentences because he fluctuates his "words."  

Ethan is the hardest baby to find shoes for!  His feet are so thick that they don't fit in any!  I had to take him to Target and find ones that are loose and big so he can slide his feet in.  I wouldn't mind it so much if the weather were warmer but it is so cold and he hates wearing socks so I had to find something to put on his feet.

This little man knows how to make his mamma happy.  When he is tired he will come over, hug me and lay his head on my shoulder.  I melt.  He also will tilt his head or lay it on a pillow and wait for me to say, "Awwwwe."  SO CUTE!  I cannot get enough.  

He has the most kissable cheeks in the entire world, they are soft and pillowy!  I just want to hold him and kiss them all day long.  Surprisingly he lets me a lot.

This month we went to his Grandma Celia's wedding and he was all over the place chasing after his 4 year old cousin Aiden.  He wanted so bad to get up and run with him but his little legs couldn't quite keep up.  He had a great time just crawling everywhere.  Ethan loves to dance!  He was dancing all over the place.  His dancing is him rocking his head and body back and forth, I must say it is the cutest thing to watch.  He has a train at home that plays music and whenever he hears it he stops what he is doing and dances.  I love it!!  I just hope he keeps dancing for the rest of his life. 

This month we also went to Disneyland a lot and he met lots of new characters.  He met Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Sully.  For the first time ever he was ecstatic to meet them!  He laughed and smiled like crazy, we were in heaven!  

Ethan is in size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.

ELLIE 

21 LBS 10 oz (50% percentile) 31 inches (90% percentile)

Ellie is such a happy little lady.  She just loves to laugh and laugh.  Brian and I love to tickle her and kiss her like crazy.  

She is starting to walk too!  Ellie has taken 5 steps in a row at most and the best part is that the first time she did it was when her daddy gave her pickles!  She liked them so much that she stood up and walked to him for more!  Silly girl!  Her and Ethan LOVED the pickle and cried when daddy had to cut up more for them.  They were so upset that he was out.  

Ellie is talking more and more each day.  She has mastered a couple interesting words like basketball, Baxter, Cracker, Pickle and Tickle tickle.  Yes, I am aware that there are similarities but it is still impressive.   When I get out the goldfish crackers she will say "cracker."  The doctor says her talking is very advanced for this age. 

Ellie loves the Disney princesses but is not a fan of the furry characters.  She screamed and cried when we introduced her to Sully.  

Ellie loves to dance and roll around on the floor.  She sits and spins in circles when she is happy and cracks herself up.  I will be in the kitchen and all of the sudden hear her laughing, when I look in the room she is spinning around giggling like crazy.  ADORABLE!  I especially love when she gets so into dancing that she doesn't stop when the music does.  

She loves wearing shoes and putting them in her mouth.  When we push her around in the stroller I will often see her with one foot in her mouth.  Silly girl.  

Ellie has a blanket that she is attached to.  It is flannel on one side and satin on the other.  When we put her to bed she grabs it and holds it while putting her thumb in her mouth.  So sweet.  Lately she has been making sure to grab it in the mornings when I take her out of bed.  She loves it and I love that she has something comforting to cling to, not to mention something I made for her.  

Ellie loves stuffed animals and dolls.  She will take them and hold them close to her.  She has one doll and it has plenty of wear on it.  When we go to Disneyland Brian will give her a doll or some fluffy stuffed animal and she will hug it and love it, that is until he takes it away from her and puts it back on the shelf, what a tease.  She definitely needs a new doll though, something soft and plush but better than her little worn one she presently has.

Ellie has a security blanket, it's one little tiny one that I made before she was born.  She sleeps with it and lately always picks it up and brings it with her in the morning.  She loves to hold it in one hand and put her thumb in her mouth to sleep.  It's satin on one side and soft flannel on the other.  

Ellie wears size 3 diapers and 12 month clothes.

They love to talk!  They will wake up around 7:00 AM and talk to each other until 7:30 when I finally get out of bed to get them.  They also love to mimic each other, if one coughs the other will cough, silly babies.

Both babies are starting to enjoy our trips to Disneyland a lot more.  One of their favorite rides is the carousel.  They will hold the handles and rock back and forth dancing to the music.  When the ride stops they hold tight to the handles not wanting to be done.  They also love to look around and dance to all the music throughout the park.  

I am starting to wean them onto regular milk and it is quite a challenge.  They both didn't like the taste of regular milk at first but Ethan is starting to come around.  Ellie on the other hand won't even put the bottle in her mouth once she knows it's regular milk in there.  I feel so blessed to be able to nurse them this long.  I honestly can't believe my body has been able to produce so much to feed both babies.  It has been such a joy and I know I am going to miss it.  

The babies love playing pass the basketball with mommy or daddy, they will grab the ball and push it back and forth.   

They sleep from 7PM until 730AM, waking usually only once to eat.  They also take 2 naps a day, although I know that won't last much longer.  Sometimes they spend the whole time just jibber jabbering back and forth with each other.  I love to listen on the baby monitor.  

I can't believe my babies are actually a year old.  It's amazing how fast time flies.  I feel like the first birthday party should partly be a party for the parents and how they survived!   This past year has been incredible, sometimes incredibly difficult but mostly incredibly wonderful.  I love being a mom and can't imagine my life any different.  We are so lucky to have such a hard working man take care of us and make it possible for me to stay home with them.  I love watching the bonds between the babies and Brian grow, they all adore each other and I adore all of them.  Here is to many more memories and milestones.  We did it!  They are still alive and well!  

11 Months!

Ethan
No stats for him this month, again no doctor's appointment, but I did weigh him in the last few weeks and he was at 23.5lbs!

This month Ethan loves to stand up and walk!! Well sort of.  He loves holding our fingers and walking around the room. He also loves walking the perimeter of the couches, bed, fireplace and pretty much any piece of furniture or wall we have.  He is so close to walking on his own we can feel it!  He loves standing and moving around from place to place on his own.

So long my cuddly wuddly little man, this guy is all about independence!  He likes to play with his toys and sometimes with Ellie.  He rarely cuddles with me anymore but does still let me squeeze him once in a while.  He doesn't like to be in one place very long unless it's his highchair, he can sit there all day.

He smiles a lot but now it's more of a teasing smile, like he has a secret or he knows he is into something he shouldn't be.  It's pretty funny watching him.  He is still my little love.  I can always get a smile out of him.

Ethan is never full.  We feed him almost anything and he just gobbles it up and grunts for more.  He also likes to feed himself.  When I offer finger foods he prefers to take it from me and put it in his mouth.  I haven't given up the reigns on feeding him his oatmeal or some of his dinners yet.

Ethan got another tooth!  He now has a total of 7 teeth and I can see swollen spots on his gums and know he is working on more.

Ethan understands lots of words like: hungry, momma, daddy, Baxter, Yay!, clap, wave, water, handsome, grandma, etc. He is also pretty good at saying Momma and Dada.

He has become a lot more vocal lately.  He screams for almost any reason and it is starting to really get annoying.  When I change his diaper I feel like I am wrestling a full grown man sometimes.  He is so strong and hates being laid down for a quick change.  He is at that tantrum phase which is not fun.

Ethan is very interested in doors.  He opens them and closes them and opens them and closes them.  Brian had to child proof the cabinets in our bathroom because Ethan loves them.  At Grandma Neilson's house he likes to play with her kitchen cabinets as well.  He always goes right over to the cabinet that holds her stand mixer and baking toys.

He is still in size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothing.

Ellie
No stats for Ellie this month but at weigh in a few weeks ago she was 19.5 lbs.

Ellie can do no wrong.  She is just the sweetest most loving little lady.  Brian did a time lapse video of him and the babies in our living room playing, Ethan was in his own world and Ellie came over to him 6 times in a matter of 26 minutes!  I know that when I play with them it's almost the same thing, except when Ethan notices that Ellie has occupied my lap he comes over to me and tries to steal my attention.

Ellie is standing on her own now and still (assisted by furniture) walking everywhere.  She comes over, grabs our fingers and then tries to walk us around the room.  She loves to climb all over Brian and I.  She has created the perfect little soft spot on her daddy's heart and knows how to win him over.  Brian just loves the attention his little "Ellie Bell" gives him.

Ellie is not an independent girl, she loves attention and being held.  I hardly get anything done while she is awake because she weeps most of the time if I am not near her or with her.  I must admit that I love being wanted that much, it just forces me to capitalize on nap time to get everything done.

She doesn't hate headbands right now but if you remind her that she is wearing one, by touching it, she will take it off.  So I try not to remind her too often. :)

Ellie is such a giggly little lady.  She has the most infectious laugh that just makes you want to kiss and tickle her all day.  She is darling when her daddy wakes up and wants to play with her.  They laugh and have a ball together.

One thing I forgot to mention last month was that Ellie has teeth!!!  She now has 6 teeth, four on top and 2 on the bottom.  She is a great little eater but definitely knows when she has had enough.  She likes to feed herself occasionally but really just likes opening her mouth and having us put the food in.  Already a princess complex haha.

Ellie is in size 3 diapers and wears 9-12 month clothes.



The babies didn't really understand Christmas, I think they were a little overwhelmed with all the attention and chaos that the holiday season brought.  We took them to see Santa at Disneyland and California Adventure and we took them out to see Christmas lights.

We didn't get to Disneyland that much this month because our passes were blocked so we stayed home a lot.  Uncle Cameron and Uncle Skylar came home for a few weeks and they took the babies to the park.  Ethan does not like swings, he tenses up and gets all shaky.  Ellie wasn't a fan of the swings either but after playing peek a boo she warmed up to it.  Watching my grown up brothers go down the kiddie slides with the babies was icing on the cake!

Ethan and Ellie take 2 naps a day and sleep really well at night.  They go down at 7 and sleep until 730 the next day waking up only one time to eat around 3-4AM.

10 Months!

Ethan
I still need to weigh him, we don't have a doctor's appointment again until February.

Ethan is now standing up completely unsupported by anything but his own leg muscles.  He likes to stand up and reach everything he can from nightstands, counters (the low ones) and chairs.  He also loves to pull down this mesh gate we have and look over it.  One thing he doesn't like is when we try to stand him up and let go or walk with him.  His legs turn to jello and he pulls up his knees.  He loves to stand on his own but not when we help him.

He is still my cuddly little guy but only likes to really cuddle when he is sad or tired.  Most of the time when I pick him up and pull him in he puts his head on my shoulder for a minute or two and it just melts my heart.

Ethan has also taken a huge liking in tilting his head back and forth.  He looks at Brian and I, then tilts to one side and then waits for us to do the same, then he does the opposite side.  He also has this super cheesy smile that he does to be funny.  He throws his head back, squints his eyes and grins with all his teeth, it's hilarious and adorable!  I catch him doing it in the mirror facing  his car seat.

He loves to bounce.  Most every morning when I go get the babies from their cribs he is standing there jumping up and down.  He is so happy!

This month sleeping has been a lot better, he finally stopped waking every two hours but for whatever reason wakes up around 11-12 crying, I have to go in and soothe him until he falls asleep.  No teeth have broken through this month so I think he is having night terrors which in my opinion are much worse.  I would rather have to give him Tylenol or baby orajel, I can't do anything for night terrors.

My favorite new development of Ethans this month his understanding of peek a boo.  He will take his blanket and pull it over his face and wait for me to say, "Where's Ethan???" and then he will drop the blanket and I shout, "There he is!"  He loves it and so do I.

We took family photos the last week in November and Ethan was beaming in all the photos, which is odd because usually he just has a blank mouth open stare and Ellie who is usually all smiles only smiled for a few and the rest she sobbed.  So weird!

Ethan is still in size 3 diapers and wears size 12-18 months, he is the cutest chunk ever!


Ellie
I still need to weigh her, we don't  have a doctors appointment again until February.

Ellie is crawling and pulling herself up everywhere. We hold her hands sometimes to walk with her and that little girl takes off, she is so quick!  I keep telling people, she won't walk she'll run!  She likes to stand (not without using something to help her up), make sad faces and chirps so we will pick her up.  She has the most adorable pouting face that makes us crack up.  She is learning how to manipulate us into picking her up or playing with her.  She still hates being left alone or set down.  Sometimes when she is pouting she will fake cry and then open her eyes slightly to make sure we are watching and then start fake crying again.

Ellie is just a little happy girl.  She loves to be held, by pretty much anyone but Santa.  We have tried 3 different times to get her to smile on Santa's lap but she refuses and breaks out in screams and sobs.

My little girl is starting to take a stand against headbands of any kind.  Every time I put one on her she pulls it off immediately, I have to distract her right away for her to leave it for any period of time but she is not a fan. She doesn't mind hair clips but they bug me because her hair is so fine that they just slip out.

She has developed a princess wave where she sticks out her right hand and rocks it side to side.  She doesn't do it all the time on queue but does do it, especially if I am holding her walking through Disneyland.

 Ellie loves pillows. One night we pulled some pillows off the couch and put them on the floor with us, she went right over to them and laid her head down.  Now every time she sees a pillow she puts her head down on it and we all say, "AWE."  She loves it, and so do we.

Ellie is still in size 3 diapers and 9-12 month clothes.  I love that she is so petite!

Both babies understand the word clap and hungry.  Most times when you said clap they will drop everything they are doing and break out into a round of applause.  It sometimes even works when they are crying. If you ask them if they are hungry, and it's time for them to eat, they start chirping and crying for food. Too funny.

They are great eaters and will eat any thing you give them, except for the freeze dried yogurt drops, Ethan loves them and Ellie HATES them.  They LOVE pork, I made a pot roast the other day and I couldn't feed them fast enough.  I have been trying to feed them whatever we eat for dinner, except for the super allergenic stuff they can't have until they are at least one like peanuts, chocolate, strawberries, honey etc.

When the babies do play they usually stick together and play with the same toys.  I love watching them play together but most of the time they steal each others toys.  Ellie gets so sad when Ethan takes from her because he is so much stronger resulting in her having to find a new toy.

I am still nursing both babies.  It is a lot of work with both of them getting so big but I know it won't be for much longer so I am trying to enjoy it as long as possible.  I have already felt my appetite lessen which scares me.  I really enjoy the time I get with them when I nurse, I never dreamed I would be able to nurse this long, when the babies were first born I remembered thinking, I don't know how people do it! I think I will aim for 3 months, then 3 months came and I pushed it to 6 months, then 9 months and now (hopefully) 12.

Brian installed some gates in our house to keep the babies in one place and they are not happy about it.  They crawl over to our mesh one (it is retractable because a suspension one wouldn't fit and I didn't want one permanently up) and pull on the top to try and see over.

Both babies will go to practically anyone, they are very even tempered and just happy babies.  I love to watch them learn and grow each day. I feel so blessed to be their mom and can't imagine my life without them.

I am so excited for their first Christmas!!!

9 Months!

The stats are in!

Ethan
22 lbs 13 oz (90%) 30 1/2 inches (98+%)

Ethan is getting faster and faster!  He crawls all over the place and pulls  himself up everywhere.  Our poor dog Baxter has been the target of Ethan's new found speed.  Baxter leaves his bone in random places and Ethan always seems to find it, pick it up and wave it in his face.  One of my favorite things is when he crawls over to where I am and stands up to get closer to me, even if it means just looking.  I can't resist his toothy grin!  I also love that he doesn't smile for just anyone.

This has been a hard sleeping month for our poor little man.  He seems to wake up ever two hours and won't settle without nursing.  It has been a rough month for me as I, like all moms, am useless without rest.  I think he has nightmares and is starting to teeth again.

He has a total of 6 teeth, four on top and two on bottom.  Our pediatrician said that she was surprised to see so many teeth in such a young baby. (Yay?) I love his smile, with all those teeth he sure looks more like a toddler than a baby under 1 year old.

Ethan also loves to scream, it's a happy scream but a scream none the less.  He will scream every where we go and unless you can see his smiling overjoyed face you'd think he was throwing a tantrum. Luckily he doesn't do it for long periods of time or all day, it's usually just a few minutes.

He is in size 3 diapers and 12 month clothes and I swear he is bigger than most 1 year olds we meet.

Ellie
19 lbs 5 oz (50%) 29 inches (80%)

Ellie can finally sit up on her own and is now mobile!!!  She crawls all over the place chasing her brother, mommy and daddy! She is not so comfortable with pulling herself up but she does stand if you pull her up.  I can't believe I have two mobile babies!!! In some ways it's easier because they follow each other everywhere but in some ways it's harder because they seem to love taking each others toys, pacifiers and sippy cups.

Ellie is learning to nod her head and clap, she claps all the time and randomly nods her head.  It's too funny, we will ask her questions and she just starts nodding her head.  We have no idea where she learned it but it's adorable and we are constantly making her do it.

This last month on a recent trip to Disneyland we went on the Mark Twain Riverboat and got to ride on the top with the captain.  When up there you get to steer the boat, blow the horn, sign a guest book and get a certificate.  Daddy was holding Ellie and right when we got to the top of the boat he noticed that her diaper exploded and covered his shirt!  The boat had just begun to leave and we had nothing with us as our stroller and bag were parked by the entrance so we were on our own until we returned at the end of the loop around the harbor.  I didn't realize I had to pack extra clothes for Brian! Luckily he had a sweatshirt to throw on and I had extra clothes for Ellie.  I had a good laugh.  :o)




Both babies LOVE looking at themselves in the mirror or on daddy's camera.  They get the biggest smiles and sometimes the loudest giggles when they can see themselves.  I love watching them play with their reflections.

They also love to dance, whenever they hear music they stand up, holding on to something of course, and bounce up and down, it's hilarious!

This past month we got Disneyland passes and are loving how much Ethan and Ellie are enjoying our outings.  We made the mistake of taking them on Pinocchio, WAY too dark for babies.  Ellie spent the whole time clutching onto Brian and I spent the whole time covering Ethan's ears, the music is so loud!  It's amazing how different everything is when you are there with your babies.  I never realized how dark and LOUD the rides are.  Since getting our passes we have been there at least twice a week every week since October.  Surprisingly there is a lot you can do with 9 month old babies.  We have gone on lots of rides: Pinocchio(scary), Peter Pan (scary), Dumbo (great), Carousel (Ethan LOVED, Ellie scared), It's a Small World (great), Pirates of the Caribbean (great, they weren't even phased by the drops), Haunted Mansion (great), Jungle Cruise (indifferent), Buzz Lightyear (Brian's favorite), Mark Twain Riverboat (great), Little Mermaid (LOVE), Ferris Wheel (LOVED), Monsters (LOUD, scary), Heimlich's Chew Chew Train (great), Flik's Flyers (not a fan, they couldn't see out), King Tritons Carousel (Ethan loves, Ellie scared) and that's not even all they can go on!  They have also met many characters: Tiana, Snow White, Jasmine, Belle, Merida, Mickey, Santa Claus, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and counting.  They are at such a fun age and seem to be enjoying Disneyland as much as we do.  Ellie even waved at all the characters in the Toy Story Parade in California Adventure!

8 Months

 Ethan
Approximately 21.5 lbs. (He dropped 1/2 a pound in the last week)

Ethan is completely mobile!!!  He crawls everywhere and I find it to be both fun and stressful!  Suddenly I am so aware of all the little things he can bump his head on or get hurt with.  He loves crawling around and exploring this whole big world.

Not only is he crawling but he is also pulling himself up and taking steps!!!  It's insane how quickly these little loves learn new things!  Needless to say we lowered the crib AGAIN.  It is so fun when he crawls over to me and pulls himself on my lap.  I love that he can chose where he wants to go and can entertain himself, especially if he chooses me.  We are anxious to see if he is like his mommy and learns to walk around 8 months.

This month he is obsessed with his bouncer.  I can put him in it and he will happily bounce for close to an hour.  When he isn't in it, he is crawling over to it and standing up to play with the toys on it.

The week before he was 8 months he cut 4 teeth on the top!  It was a rough two weeks with him being unusually fussy and sleep deprived but the teeth finally came in and he is doing so much better.  He has the cutest little gap between his two front teeth and I adore it.

Ethan is my little vacuum cleaner, he will eat everything I put in his face.  He loves everything, he gets wiggly and fussy if I take too long to give him another bite.  It's pretty funny.

He is in size 3 diapers and size 12-18 month clothes (he can still fit in 9-12 month clothes but I don't have any of those so he gets the bigger size :o))


Ellie
Approximately 17 lbs. (She gained 1 pound in the last week)

Ellie has decided that she doesn't like being left alone or set down to play.  I can sometimes sneak away if she is occupied with a toy but the second she sees me in another room or walk by her she gets super fussy and cries and cries until I pick her up or bring her into the room where I am.  It's so cute but also so hard because I can't get anything done.

She still doesn't know how to sit up on her own yet but will stay sitting up if we sit her up. Thankfully she can get to her belly from that position so we don't have to sit and support her or make sure she doesn't hurt herself.  She is scooting around backwards and loves to roll around and take toys from  her brother.

Ellie is a picky little eater, she HATES fruit.  Every time I introduce her to a new one she makes the funniest faces and locks her mouth shut.  She loves sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and any other veggie I throw her way so I can't be too disappointed.

Ellie is no longer toothless!  She has one bottom tooth that, lucky for mom, came the same time as her brothers 4!  Thankfully no other teeth have surfaced or seem to be in the works and that is just fine with me.

One other thing that Ellie has started doing is smiling when she sees herself.  She LOVES her reflection or looking at herself in photos.  The other day I was sitting with her on my lap and kept noticing her looking somewhere and smiling, I followed her eyes and saw her looking at herself!  She is too funny!  If I move her away from the mirror she always finds a way to get back in front of it.  Another time she was sitting on my bed while I was blow drying my hair and I heard her giggle, she was giggling at herself, silly girl!  Whenever we bring out a camera either on our phone or an actual digital camera she puts on this big goofy grin and smiles big.  Love her!!!

Ellie is in size 2 diapers and 6-9 month clothes, she still fits some of her 3-6 month clothes.  Love my little girl!


This month they have graduated from their baby tub to the big bathtub.  They are SO cute splashing and playing together during bath time.  It has become much more enjoyable for me to get them clean and ready for the day now that they are able to be in the tub at the same time.  

The babies have entered the Stranger Danger phase.  They recognize faces and voices as well as know if a face isn't familiar.  It makes it a little harder to have other people hold them but that only really happens if they are already fussy to begin with.

They are interacting with each other more and more each day.  It is so fun to watch and I can't wait to see what they do next!

Mossy Initial DIMS (Did it Myself)

To say that I love Pinterest would be a MAJOR understatement.  I am constantly pinning and trying different crafts and recipes, I even created a board dedicated to recipes that I have actually tried which you can see  here.    I try at least 3 recipes a week...sometimes more, sometimes less.

This is a craft I pinned months ago and finally got around to doing.  It was super easy, super inexpensive and super quick.  You can find the original post and tutorial here, by Felt So Cute.  

She uses a Styrofoam letter whereas I used a wood one I found at Joann's already cut for $2 and I painted mine black because I didn't have any green paint.  

Here is how it turned out.... I LOVE it.  (Yeah, Blogger still won't let me make the pictures right side up...)

 

Ethan does the poopy dance

Just a glimpse into my afternoon... at least he is blissfully unaware or affected. And if you can't tell, his diaper exploded down his legs and all over my new rug. :)

7 Months

Ethan
Approximately 17lbs  We don't have stats this month because we don't go to the doctor until 9 months

Ethan is just the most lovable, cuddle-able, squeezable, kissable baby boy.  I could literally curl up with him all day.  He is mastering getting around, sitting up and growing teeth!

This month he decided that he didn't want to just roll over so he taught himself to sit up.  It was so exciting!  The worst part is that neither Brian nor I saw him do it... we only noticed him sitting up in the pack and play after I laid him down for a few minutes to make dinner.  Brian came in and said, "Well, I guess he knows how to sit up now."  I was in shock!  The weirdest thing for me was going to his crib to soothe him at night and finding him sitting up.  Needless to say we lowered the crib.

He isn't fully crawling but is SO close.  He takes small scoots but knows how to get to where he wants.  In our living room he LOVES Baxter's dog bed.  No matter where you put him down in the room he finds his way over to it.

He is very easily entertained and loves to play with his toys.  He chews on his new sippy cup rather than drinking from it.  He loves Ellie, he will sit and stare at her or grab her feet and put them in his mouth.  He also likes to grab her face which she isn't a fan of.

On August 26th he got his FIRST TOOTH!!!!  The day before he spent the whole day chomping on Aunt Lisa's finger and now has something to show for it.  I almost cried!!! My baby is growing up!!  Then, if that wasn't enough, not even three days later he cut his SECOND TOOTH!  Insane!!

Ellie
Approximately 13lbs Again, no stats this month

Ellie is the happiest, giggliest, wiggliest little lady.  She is SO ticklish and Brian and I LOVE to tickle her and make her laugh all the time!  She is mastering rolling over, sitting without falling over, stealing whatever her brother has, playing by herself and talking as much as possible.

This month Ellie has been learning to play by herself and with Ethan.  She is quite the little thief, one thing you have to understand about Ellie is she doesn't use a pacifier, she prefers to suck on her thumb and occasionally will chew on a pacifier if she is in the mood, BUT if Ethan has his pacifier she goes after it.  She LOVES taking it out of his mouth and putting it in hers.  It's hilarious!  Ethan is so laid back that he doesn't really seem to mind it or if he does he sure doesn't show it.  She also goes after any and all toys he is playing with.  I give her her own toy and then give Ethan his own and she always wants what he has.

She likes to sit up and see what is going on around her, her favorite thing to stare at is our dog, Baxter.  She loves him.  Every time he is around she reaches for him and giggles.  He likes to lick feet and the babies feet are no exception.  I have been trying to teach her to be gentle because she grabs his fur and ears and even snout.  He is so good with her and just loves that he is getting attention.

She loves to sing in the car or when she is tired.  She doesn't love to be put down, especially if I am in the room and will flail her arms or do the saddest chirps and cries to get picked up.  She doesn't like to share and when she is uncomfortable she will make it known.




This month brought on lots of changes.  First, we started them on solid foods.  I am determined to make their baby food and it is so much easier than I ever thought possible.  I made rice cereal and they absolutely hated it, then I made peas (They both hated them at first, Ethan liked them the second time and Ellie finally liked them the third time), zucchini (they actually both liked it), sweet potatoes (they LOVE) broccoli (not big fans but will eat it) and peaches (surprisingly Ellie's least favorite, she hates them).  Our pediatrician told me the only thing I should buy rather than make is carrots so I bought those and they went over okay but not great.  I have really enjoyed making their food.  It's super easy and freezes really well.

The second BIG change was splitting the babies up and giving them each their own crib.  I think this was hardest on me.  I had been fighting it since before they were born.  I wanted them to be in the same crib because I read so many good things on co-bedding twins.  Brian was complete opposite, he wanted separate cribs from the beginning but being the good man that he is he didn't fight me on it, only putting up the argument that we should get a second crib, just in case, and keep it in the garage.  The day came that Ethan headbutted Ellie and then got his own leg stuck through the railings on the crib and that was it, Brian built the second crib and had it in their room the same day.  The first couple nights were rough, a few times I had to put them in the same crib for them to sleep but they soon got used to being on their own and now sleep just fine.

I am loving being a mom, one of my favorite parts of the day is hearing both babies happily "talking" when they wake up from their naps.  Ellie loves to squeal and see how high she can make her voice and Ethan just sits up and plays with his toys grunting and jibber jabbering.

They both are saying Dadadadada and Brian is just LOVING it.  It's funny because when they are sad and crying they say Maaamaaa which I love so we are both happy campers.

They are super easy babies and will go to anyone.  They rarely cry and love to play.  I can tell they are starting to get a little clinging but I read that is a good thing.  I think this next month they will start to develop that stranger danger instinct so if they seem reserved that's probably why.

(We did their monthly photo at the end of the day and Ethan was a little restless and Ellie a little tired)

6 Months!

Ethan
19lbs. 13oz. (80%), 28 1/2 in. (98%), HC 45 (93%)

My big cuddle bug!  He is so squishy soft that I can't help but squeeze and kiss him every time I pick him up!
He is wearing size 2 diapers and size 6-9 month clothes
He has no teeth but loves chomping on teething toys and drooling on his fingers

He is rolling and planking!
SO close to sitting up by himself
He can sit up and hold his own weight if we sit him up
He is VERY interested in food, he watches me eat all the time
He smiles all day to mama but still has a blank stare with all most anyone else
He scoots backwards
He almost always wakes up happy
He almost always falls asleep in his CARS float boat in the pool
He is immediately soothed with his pacifier
He talks more to himself than anyone else

Ellie
16lbs. 7oz. (30%), 27 1/2 in. (85%), HC 44 (75%)

Our little Peanut Girl is more smiley and giggly than ever!  She is so alert and social!

She is wearing size 2 diapers and size 6 month clothes
She still has no teeth but is always chomping on things and happily drooling

She finally rolled over!
She still doesn't like her belly
She sleeps on her side
She sucks her thumb and grabs the closest fabric in the same hand when she is tired
She sleeps on her side
She loves to suck other peoples thumbs
She loves to sing, sometimes she sings herself to sleep
She smiles at EVERY ONE!
She is SO ticklish!  Her little ribs and thighs and neck are all little sweet spots of joy!
She does NOT like being put down
She LOVES to hear how loud and high she can scream
She recognizes the song Popcorn Popping

Ethan and Ellie are starting to notice each other more and more.  They like to grab each others faces and hands and put them in their mouths.

We took them to Lake Mission Viejo for the 4th of July fireworks and were interested to see how they would do with the loud sounds, they were mesmerized!  We spent the night celebrating with Kevin and Sarah Helfrich at Kevin's grandma's house on the lake. It was a lot of fun and the babies got a lot of attention!

We also took them to the OC Fair on July 25th.  They were great!  I think it was major sensory overload because when we got home they were zonked out.

They are still sleeping pretty good.  I put them down at 8, they wake up between 4 and 6 and then sleep until 8, up for an hour then back down for 1-2 hour nap then up for 2 hours then back down for 1-2 hours then up :o)

Being a mom of twins is a LOT of work.  It takes so much just getting out the door and running simple errands.  Luckily this month I have been able to recruit Cameron to keep me company.  We have gone shopping I don't even know how many times.  Everyone pretty much stares at us because they think I am his wife, it's weird.  After that I recruited his girl friend to come with us and Cameron resorted to calling me "Mom." Not cool. Haha.

5 Months

Ethan
Approximately 19lbs! Holy Moly!!! We don't have a doctors appointment until 6 months so we don't know his stats.
He is wearing size 2 diapers and 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes.

He is mobile!
He is rolling over and over and over
He loves his toys
He loves to grab my hands and arms and pull them to him
He loves to chew on his hands
He is like a faucet (teething maybe?)
He is a happy boy but doesn't smile at just anyone
He still stares, it seems like he just stares right through people
He reaches for things and of course puts them in his mouth
He really is such an easy baby
He still goes to anyone
He is standing more and longer
He is so mellow and easy going
He LOVES his tummy, every time I lay him down on his back for bed he turns over and sleeps on his belly
He loves his paci and fortunately only takes it when he is tired or cranky

Ethan is very content, he is okay being set down on a play mat or in the the swing.  He loves to cuddle with Mama and coo.  He loves to touch our faces and put our fingers in his mouth.

He has the softest, plumpest most kissable cheeks. I could his and cuddle him all day.


Ethan is no longer allowed to be on the bed if I am not on it with him.  The other night I got up for their 3AM feeding and Ethan was screaming bloody murder, I picked him up and held him for a minute then put him in the center of my bed, ran to get Ellie and ran back just in time to see Ethan roll himself right off the edge of my bed!  Luckily I got their just in time and he fell right into my arm and never hit the floor.  It scared the heck out of me!  I had to put both screaming babies on the bed and take a breather before I fed them because I was so shaken.  Now Ethan enjoys the floor or the swing when I have to grab Ellie.



Ellie
Approximately 15.5lbs! My little peanut is not so little anymore!!
She is wearing Size 1 diapers and 3-6 month clothes

She is so alert and happy
She is easily amused
She giggles at the most random things
She smiles when her dad is in the room, even if he is playing with Ethan and not her
She loves to sing to herself
She sucks her thumb when she is tired (I LOVE IT)
She screams when she is tired but falls asleep relatively quickly when she is being held
She is so ticklish! Her little armpits and thighs are the sweet spots that get her laughing
She loves to talk and coo even when no one is paying attention
She grabs my necklaces and plays with them
She still goes to anyone
She loves her daddy
She has no interest in rolling but is starting to lean over to her side
She loves to put her fingers in her mama's mouth

Ellie is very playful.  She is a social butterfly and does not like being put down by herself.  She wants everyone's attention and she will award it with smiles and giggles.

She is starting to do this thing where she is crying but trying to keep her mouth shut. Her bottom lip sticks out when she frowns and she makes the most adorable sad puppy face that it is so hard for me to not pick her up all the time and spoil her.

Our babies are little swimmers!  We took them swimming for the first time a few weeks ago at my parents.  It was late in the day so the water was warm but the air was a little cooler.  Ellie seemed to enjoy herself because when we put her in her float boat she was kicking under water.  Neither one cried or laughed so it has been pretty hard to gauge if they like it or not but we keep going because the weather has been nice and the water has been warm and they don't seem to mind. :o)

This last month we took a trip to Utah for a family reunion and we drove both ways.  It was an experience.  The babies did really well for 9 out of the 10 hours both ways, that other hour it was rough.  I would sit in the back and try and soothe both babies but all they wanted was out of their chairs and into our arms.  At one point I was able to soothe Ellie by putting the Curious George book in her face and she actually grabbed the other end and looked at it like she was reading it.  We took a picture because it was the funniest thing!

Lately both babies have been noticing my food and watching me put it in my mouth.  They are fully ready for cereal but I am holding off until they are 6 months since they are both doing really well just nursing.  For now I am enjoying their new interest.

Both babies are happily enjoying the discovery of their feet, I must say that I love this stage!  They are so stinking cute grabbing their toes and trying to shove them in their mouths.


They are excellent little sleepers.  Right now they are sleeping 8PM-3AM-8AM and it is wonderful!  They nap 3 times a day; 10-12, 2-3 and 4:30-6 give or take an hour here and there.

Lastly, both of them now respond to the sound of their names.  Brian and Ellie were playing where Brian had Ellie's hand on top of his and then make it jump and hit his hand and when he stopped she did it on her own!

I am really loving being a mom, it is the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I love watching them grow and discover new things.  I love being able to calm them right down when they are upset.  I love making them laugh and smile.  I love taking care of them.  I love them.

Take me out to the ball game!

Last night we took the babes to their first baseball game!  Everyone was sporting the Angels colors, even the babies had little Angels onesies!  We were so lucky to share this with both Grandpa George and Grandpa Neilson!

The Angels played the Mariners and it was an awesome game!  I don't think Ellie agreed though, the Angels got two back to back home runs which of course had everyone up and cheering as well as fireworks after each one to celebrate...she was not happy about it, she screamed and cried so of course we had to capture it on film  :o)  All in all though the babies did very well and everyone had a great time!

Here are a few pictures of our night