Air Show and more Fun

Last week I experimented with this new cart at Kroger (below). Seth had a great time. Once we got in the store, Joel decided he hated it. I had to carry him and push this long cart. I was still able to get all of the groceries I needed. They really are fantastic babies. I've never had to completely leave the store and not get my groceries. Today I went back to my old method, pull the double stroller (with the car seats) and push the small shopping cart. While it is difficult, there are distinct advantages.

1. No superfluous items. Only room for the essentials in the small cart - no cookies, etc.
2. No need to go to the gym before. Between loading and unloading twins, and pushing and pulling cart, then unloading groceries; you get a work out.
3. If you get bored, you can count how many times people say "You have your hands full." I just smile and keep going.
4. After this, going to the store with only one child or by myself seems too easy.

Seth on right

Joel on left - at Barbara's parents' farm

Nathaniel watching airshow with friend Maren

Little boys watching the airshow - Joel on right

Joel on left

At N's school - such a nice event. Will took him to the school book fair also.

Seth

Joel

 

I should have taken a picture of the floor along with the two pics above. You wouldn't believe how much food there is to sweep up after the 2 little boys eat. I never swept with Nathaniel - Otis and Annie kept the floor spotless. :(  But having 2 babies is so much fun. My favorite part is when they wake up from their naps or in the morning. They are both usually standing up and grining when I walk in. I pick them both up together, then we cuddle on the floor for a while. I am loving this stage since they are hugging me back.

Joel is pretty much walking on his own. I've gotten some of this on video. He just hops up and takes off. The other day Seth seemed tired so I put him down for a quick nap in the late afternoon. Nathaniel was home from school and playing with Joel. I ran to the restroom, and when I came out I heard Seth screaming. Joel walked out from the hallway smiling at me. I realized Joel had pushed the hall door open then walked down the hall (while jabbering) and the noise had caused Seth to wake up. Joel was so pleased with himself. Seth takes 4-5 steps at a time and I think before long he will be racing around with Joel.

Fall Fun

I love fall . . . I enjoy things from every season, but the weather here is so wonderful in fall.

Seth and big bubba

Seth

Nathaniel swinging with Mimi

Joel on right

Joel

Joel

Seth

Teeth-prize from Allergy Dr.

After Nathaniel finishes his work at school, he can draw pictures on the back of his worksheets (as seen above). I think his teacher encourages him to try and write what he has drawn. I love his attempts at spelling. I'm not sure which I like better - "sidewok" or "pmkins."

He got the vampire teeth as a prize after getting his flu shot. He didn't even realize he got the shot and didn't cry at all when the nurse gave it to him. However, the anticipation was killer. He ran out of the room when the nurse was ready to give the shot and I had to chase him to the lobby to get him and drag him back. He refused to sit in the chair and while I was holding him and trying to convince him to sit, the nurse just injected the shot in his arm. We had a good laugh after about how silly that was. Next year I will be reminding him of this. I will probably read this post to him next year.

Also, we built a swing set in our backyard. It took longer than planned, but Nathaniel helped Will and he had a great time. Nathaniel loves playing on it now - as you can see from picture in above post. We should have taken some pictures of the construction process, but I don't think we did.

Happy Birthday Seth and Joel!

It's here! We made it to the one-year birthday. I can't believe my babies are 1. In some ways it feels like it has been much longer than a year. In other ways I feel like I blinked and the babies were one. It was a hard year but also the best year of our lives. I can't imagine life without Nathaniel, Seth or Joel. These 3 boys make us laugh and cry, and we love every minute of it.

They went to the Dr. for their check-up and everything was perfect. We are blessed!

Joel was 22 lbs and 7.3 oz and 30" long
Seth was 22 lbs and 4.6 oz and 30.5" long

It is amazing to me that they have always been within a few ounces of each other their entire lives. Even when they were living inside of me. I think the delta was even smaller then.

As far as percentiles, they were around 40th for weight. I think Joel was upper 60th percentile for height and Seth was around 73rd percentile or so.

The only thing we need to work on is getting them to call us "Mommy" and "Daddy." They can make lots of sounds, and they talk all of the time to each other in their "twin speak." We're working on getting them to sign eat, drink, etc. but I know we don't work with them as much as we did with Nathaniel. We just run out of time. But we'll get there.

Seth on right

Seth still on right

Seth left

Joel

Seth hopped up and took off

Joel on left

Seth

Seth with Big Bubba

Joel

Seth inside laundry bucket

Seth

Joel left

Joel left

Joel left

Joel left

So many thanks to our family and friends for the wonderful gifts. Thanks to Mimi and Granddad for flying in to celebrate Seth and Joel's first birthday with us.