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