so as not to forget

My friend Page will occasionally blog about things her kids do so that she won't forget. I find myself wanting to do that lately, so I think today's the day. The babis get more delicious by the minute, and they've hit an age that's just an incredible amount fo fun. For the first time, I find myself wanting to hang onto this stage, instead of just being anxious for them to get a little bigger and more independent.

Noah

Ah, Mister Noah. You have to be one of the happiest babies I have ever seen. I look forward to seeing you and your big grin every morning, and I love the laugh/squeal/gasp/thing that you do when you just can't contain the joy. When you start to get mad, you sort of pant really fast, and it always makes me laugh. It used to be so hard for you to fall asleep, until you finally figured out how to hold a pacifier in your mouth, and now there's nothing left that's difficult about you. For the past couple fo weeks, you have been sleeping half turned-over to the right, as if you fell asleep in the middle of tossing aside a boulder, and it's phenomenally cute. I think if I just had you, I would wonder what people found so challenging about having a baby.

Lily

Ohh, Lily. You take everything seriously, even laughing. From the moment you were born you have been wide awake and staring, drinking in everything you can. Daddy says you have a "million-watt grin" because it's just so intense! From smiling to rolling over to sitting, you are ahead on every milestone and I'm always wondering what you're going to do next. It's amazing to hear your baby coos and sounds, because they are so expressive I can tell exactly how you're feeling. You are a wonderful cuddler when you're sleepy, and it makes me feel like the most special person in the world when you snuggle against me.


Both of you love to watch the dogs, and you laugh and squeal with delight when they sneak in a slobbery kiss. (The dogs aren't quite as thrilled that you've learned to grab their ears.) You both have been sleeping 11-12 hours through the night (with occasional minor wake-ups) for more than two months now, and for that I am eternally grateful. You love it when I read to you and sing to you. You love tickles and peek-a-boo and being swung into the air.

A year ago yesterday we found out we would be having twins. And I almost cried. Almost. (And it wouldn't have been from joy.) But I didn't cry. And it's been a long time since I could have imagined or wanted my life without you.

thank goodness for daddies...

... because mommies aren't as good at making beat-box noises while making babies "dance".

... because mommies might not think of making fart noises and pretending that they propel a baby into the air from the force of the gusts.

... because mommies forget that bath time is, first and foremost, time for blowing raspberries on naked baby skin.

... because mommies may not notice that a red-and-white polka-dotted shirt looks something like a bandanna. Therefore, they might also not wrap it around a baby's head (and one of her eyes) and swish her hand around while growling, "Avast, ye mateys!"

... because mommies get so caught up in feeding babies baby food that she doesn't realize how funny baby laughs are when their mouths are full of cereal and squash.

... but mostly because daddies are the best at making babies laugh, hands down, and helping mommies to slow down and enjoy the fun moments.

five months! and toes!

The babies are five months old!! Absolute craziness.

Noah is more of a heartbreaker than ever:


...and Lily is zooming ahead on those milestones. She figured out how to grab her toes today. (Noah is vaguely aware that he has toes, but he can't stop giggling long enough to try and catch them.)

sweeeeet.

tip of the day #2

If you meet a mother who is holding a baby, and the baby begins to squirm, squeal and cry, it is best to end the conversation and excuse the mother to comfort her child.

It is not a good idea to ignore the baby's cries and continue talking. Especially if you are talking about useless information that the baby's mother cares nothing about. And especially if you just KEEP TALKING while the baby cries louder and louder.

It is also NOT the best time to mention that you are a twin. Wait five minutes and someone may care. Maybe. If they aren't actively avoiding you for being so inconsiderate.

promoting responsible family planning, one couple at a time

We have recently been visited by my brother Michael and his girlfriend Danielle. Bless their little hearts, they drove about 30 hours round-trip, mostly in rain, to come see us and the kiddos. It was my first time meeting Danielle, and it was very much a pleasure. I kind of feel bad having anybody come visit these days, because it seems like they get volunteered to help out with babies. But Michael and Danielle rose to the challenge beautifully... mostly. I think Michael's pretty sure he doesn't want children anytime soon, unless they can change their own diapers. And entertain themselves longer than 5 minutes at a time. And not cry all day long.




And here we have a few photos I hadn't managed to post yet, mostly because I am lazy.


This may possibly be my favorite baby picture so far:

We FINALLY found the little "baby trooper" onesies that Scott's coworker (another Danielle) got for them. I have packed and re-packed various sizes, seasons, and genders of baby clothing so much that I was afraid I had organized them into oblivion. But here they are, and I even found them before they got outgrown!