Back in the Game

I know it has been nearly 5 months since I last posted on our blog. I hate breaking promises. I promised many people that I would be better about updating our blog. In fact, I think a previous blog states that it was a New Year's Resolution to post more often. Clearly, I have broken my promises and it is time to start anew. One would think that a teacher with some extra time off in the summer would find many opportunities to post a blog update or two. Honestly, I do not know where the summer went. Here it is nearly October already!




Owen




Bryce (finishing up a slice of watermelon)




So on to the things that you really care to hear about...



THE BOYS ~


* are running, jumping, climbing


* have many words: "mommy", "daddy", "doggie", "juice", "cookie", "book", "bath", "jump", "mote" (remote), and "please" are just a few


* laugh, smile, and giggle A LOT


* sing, dance, and spin in circles until they fall down


* stack blocks


* race cars


* make animal sounds


* do an undo puzzles



* walk up and down the steps (holding the wall, railing, or a hand) like big boys


* read books


* love to play outside


* think that everyone who visits is here to chase them


* eat with real silverware


* dump every toy box, basket, or container everyday



* can spot a ball and a dog a mile away


* give hugs and kisses


* make US smile EVERYDAY!

Here is a very brief video (I couldn't fit 500 photos in my 30 second free video) of some of our summer pictures from this summer.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Haircuts, Crayons, and Cookies

Bryce coloring for the first time.




Owen coloring in between bites of his crayon... don't worry I didn't let him swallow any - this time!




Bryce getting his hair cut for the first time. He really didn't need it cut, but we were there for Owen, so we decided to get him a little trim too.

Owen had quite a few straggly hairs that needed trimming. He was starting to grow a little rat tail, so we decided it was time for his first haircut.



Daddy feeding the boys chocolate chip cookies on their snack rugs.

EGGS-tra Special

Bryce and Owen enjoyed hunting for Easter eggs this year. Joe and I were impressed by how quickly they caught on to the idea of finding, picking up eggs and putting them into their baskets. They also enjoyed shaking the eggs to see what kind of noise the surprise inside would make.


So I might be getting a little carried away with my little videos, but I hope you enjoy them. You could say I'm making up for lost time with my slacking on the blog the last couple of months.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Video Practice

Just playing around!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Enjoy :)

Signs of Spring

This weekend it will be 3 weeks since we moved into our new house. We are settling in and enjoying the neighborhood. The boys have explored every cabinet, corner, closet, door, window, and even a few things they shouldn't (like blinds, electrical outlets, coffee tables). They are moving about very well these days. Walking is more frequent than crawling, and their words, sounds, and giggles fill our ears all through the day. Being outside is their preferred place to be. However, since we have rocks for a drive way and dirt and rocks for a yard, it is very difficult to keep them contained and safe. Owen was the first to get a scraped nose. Bryce was the first to eat dirt and rocks (mommy saved the rocks before being swallowed). Swinging at the park and riding in the wagon (up to 3 times a day) keep us entertained in a more toddler friendly way. The boys have made lots of friends in the neighborhood, as they wave and say "hi" (over and over again) to every adult, child, and animal they see. Fits are thrown when it is time to go inside for the evening.

I have greatly enjoyed my time off this week during our spring break. It went so quickly and now I am looking forward to summer even more than I was before.

Enjoying snack time on our wagon ride.

Wish I Could Be...

A stay at home mom!

On days like today I get a taste of what staying home on a "work day" is like. School was cancelled today so I enjoyed the day at home with the boys. I enjoy my job, but I LOVE my boys and wish I could be home with them everyday.

So today we spent a lot of time together and I was able to just observe Bryce and Owen interact with each other. It's great to watch and listen as the make each other giggle. They chase each other and take each other's toys. They get out nearly every toy they have, but still want the remote, the computer, the cell phone and anything else they shouldn't have.

All in a day...

I change lots (and by that I mean at least 10) poopy diapers, but I don't care.

I wear my jammies and so do they, but I don't care.

I eat my lunch after they have had theirs, but I don't care.

I hold going to the restroom until they are extremely occupied or in bed, but I don't care.

I do several loads of laundry, but I don't care.

I wash dishes, sippies, and highchairs, but I don't care.

I slice and dice their food, but I don't care.

I do all of this (and much more) because I DO CARE about the two most precious little boys in my life. I do care about playing, reading books, chasing, tickling, tackling, and loving them everyday.

Maybe tomorrow I can be a stay at home mom again! More snow is on the way!

Happy Birthday

So I'm not doing very good on my New Year's goal to post more on the blog. But, I certainly could not let this day go unblogged.

Tomorrow will be one year since our precious little boys were brought into this world. It's extremely hard to believe that this year has come and gone as quickly as it has. A busy and exciting year it has been.

We let the boys have a birthday cake today. What was supposed to be a small smash cake turned out to be much more. The boys sure didn't mind! They do seem to love cake and icing.

This video gives you an idea of how much fun Bryce and Owen have together. We love their laughs and giggles. They keep us smiling everyday.

Now for some updates:

Bryce had tongue surgery on Friday to clip his tongue since he was tongue tied. He did great and acts as if nothing ever happened. It was not a major surgery, but he did have to be put out for it. He weighed in at a big 16 pounds. We think Owen is about 19 pounds right now.

Both of the boys are doing quite well at the walking behind toys and along furniture. They like to help each other get around and through the gates that we use to keep them some what contained. Dancing and singing is part of their daily activities. They especially love to dance and sing with daddy. Some of their favorite words are: "da da", "D" (for Uncle Dale), "ma", "mom", "hi". They have learned to wave hi and bye and blow kisses.

The new house is coming along great. Dry wall was finished this week and paint will begin next week. We are looking to close sometime early March.

Bryce and Owen were excited to see their new room in the house.

Joe and I are planning our first trip away from the boys. Joe has been given the opportunity to go to the Bahamas compliments of his boss in March. I was hesitant at first, but quickly realized that we could not pass up this opportunity.

One year gone and another one begins. We are looking forward to all of the joys that 2010 will bring us.

Merry and Bright

We couldn't be more thankful for what Santa has brought us this Christmas; two little boys, happy and healthy. We are looking forward to watching the boys tear into and eat wrapping paper without a care for what is inside. For us though, it's not about the gifts inside, it's about the gift of joy and happiness that our family will share this holiday.

We wish all of our family and friends near and far a very Merry Christmas and the happiest New Year.

P.S. Look for one of my New Year's Goals... to post more on our blog!

So I remember several months ago wishing the boys would do more than just lay around. Then they started rolling and I thought to myself "mobile babies aren't as bad as everyone says". Well now we are crawling, climbing, and walking with support, and I think to myself sometimes out loud "please just lay around again". Bryce and Owen are into everything, mostly things the are not supposed to be in. Owen has managed to figure out how to climb stairs and Bryce has figured out how to move the baby gate so he can go wherever he wants. They have new nicknames "Owen= Dora" "Bryce= Curious George".

We are very excited for Christmas as the boys got to have breakfast with Santa this past Saturday. Well everyone is excited minus Bryce. This is the first time we have witnessed Bryce being scared of someone. Well my second time witnessing this as the boys developed a case of "croup" and I had to take them to get shots all by myself. (I told Jamie she owes me big time) Bryce was not happy with the nurse that day.

We are also excited for the house which is moving along nicely. They started electric this past week so we are hoping they beat their expected March deadline.

Listen closely for Owen's first sentence!

So Thankful

We are so thankful for so many things. Most of all, we are thankful for our two little boys who are very happy, healthy, and all too mobile too quick. We are also very thankful for the wonderful family and friends we are so lucky to have. We try not to take each day for granted, but instead make lasting memories of the days that go by so quickly. With all of our hearts and our minds, Joe and I are thankful for the life we live and share each day as a family. If Bryce and Owen could speak any other language than baby babble, we are certain they would tell you all that they are thankful for the hugs, kisses, and smiles that so many people in their lives share with them.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Splish Splash

Well, we have settled in to our new "temporary" living arrangements, thanks to Uncle Dale. The boys are adjusting well and they are loving that they are out numbered by adults to entertain them and tend to them when they need it or want it :) I apologize for not being very good about updating the blog, but between packing, starting school with a new job, moving and everything that goes along with it, I finally uploaded nearly 400 pictures that have been taken over the past few months.

The boys were nine months old yesterday. Each day goes by faster and faster and they are more and more fun. Both boys now have 4 teeth, which are really sharp! They love to eat pancakes and hashbrowns... daddy's favorite weekend breakfast. It took them no time to explore and master the one step that separates Dale's living room from the kitchen. They can pull up on almost anything that is within reach and attempt to stand up without holding on. We have had some bumps and bruises already, and I'm certain they won't be the last. They are always full of smiles and giggles and really enjoy watching Brody (Dale's dog) run and play in the backyard.

Life has been crazy lately and we are thankful for a place to live while our house is being built. Digging is supposed to start today! We will update with photos along the way.

Many Changes

Sorry we have been so slow updating the blog. We have had a busy couple of months. The boys are now fully mobile and we are realizing its difficult with two of them. Owen has started pulling himself up on everything and Bryce has 4 teeth. The boys are excited that we sold our house and get to live with their uncle Dale for six months. For those who didn't know we have been very fortunate as we sold our house in 6 weeks in this great economy and have started the process of building our new house in the Pinnacle in Grove City. As you see below the boys are ready to move.

Buddies

Well time is still moving as quickly as the boys. Jamie is preparing to start her new posistion with the school district and the boys are preparing for fun with the babysitter. Bryce and Owen are growing so fast. They are now eating baby food, starting to sit, rolling everywhere, and making their first attempts to crawl. They have really started to notice each other and as you see in the video they must think each other is funny looking. Little do they know they look alike. They both now have their favorite toys, Owen loves the baby wipes and Bryce loves the desitin. Had I known this we could have saved alot of money on toys. I have never felt as much joy as when I come home from work and the boys get crazy excited to see me. It is by far the best feeling I have ever had. We will try to update the blog but with Jamie working it will probably be every two month instead of every month.

Already

Time flies by so quickly. Today Bryce and Owen are 6 months old. Joe and I have spent a lot of time lately looking back at pictures of the boys when they were born. We can't believe how much they have grown, changed, and learned in their short, quick little lives so far. Rolling, eating cereal and baby food, talking in their own language, playing, reading, singing, going to the zoo, swimming, and spending time with family and friends have all been enjoyed this summer.

At their 6 month appointment yesterday, Bryce weighed in at 12 lbs 11 oz, and Owen topped the scale at 14 lbs 9 oz. In six months they both have nearly quadrupled their birth weight!

5 months ago...

Was January 18th.

Two beautiful baby boys were born weighing only 2 and 3 pounds.

Two proud parents unsure of how well their babies would progress.

We could never have imagined the joy that Bryce and Owen would bring to our lives today.

It is amazing (as we always say) that these boys have come so far in their short little lives. They are healthy, strong, and growing everyday. I have been enjoying my time off this summer tremendously. I love to play with the boys and watch them discover new things. Both of them are now eating cereal and loving it. They both decided to roll from their bellies to their backs this week, so tummy time is a little more difficult since they have discovered this new trick. They love books, music, and stroller rides.

I am looking forward to the next couple of months that I have off to watch them discover many new things. They are truly amazing and we can not imagine our lives without them. Everyone always assumes that life must be so difficult and challenging with twins. Honestly, we can say that it is extremely enjoyable 99% of the time. Having twins is a very overwhelming thought, but the reality is that life has not been as difficult as we ever imagined it to be.

Mommy and Daddy's little superheros.

Wanting all the cute girls to look at us.... in about 18 years :)

Messy, messy cereal faces:) (Owen/ Bryce) The date on the photos is obviously incorrect. Oops.

Update

Well the boys are nearing the five-month mark in a couple of weeks. What progress we have made just this week. They now sit in their bumbos and they are reaching for toys. Both are sleeping through the night and have been for about a month.

I swear when I come home from work everyday it seems like the boys gained at least a pound and grew an inch (I like to exaggerate). They both have grown significantly. Owen is now around 13lbs and Bryce is around 11lbs. At our last Dr. appointment we were amazed, as the boys have finally hit the growth chart. As you can see in the pictures Owens weight and height are in the 3rd percentile and his head is in the 50th. His new nickname is "Bucket Head".

Jamie is very excited and relieved as today was the last day of school and starting Monday she will be able to spend her days with them.

Picture Perfect

We took the boys to JcPenney to have their 3 month pictures taken. Needless to say, we were pretty impressed and had a difficult time picking which ones to buy. Take a look by clicking the link below and entering the password information.


https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTPP0713120625JCP


Name: Jamie Clark
Access Code: LTPP0713120625JCP


Here are a few of our recent favorite pictures (not taken by a professional). The boys are sporting their first Buckeye outfits which won't fit them for long, but we will certainly find them something else to wear come football season! We also got a new jogging stroller, not that ANY jogging actually takes place while using it, but the boys do love walks in it, hanging out in it, and going to the race track to watch dad race (or try to race) his go cart.

1st Easter

Funny how the Easter Bunny knows exactly what to bring 3 month old baby boys! (Formula... and books. Both boys had baskets, but this was difficult enough to arrange, so you only see one basket. We aren't making them share presents yet!)

The boys really enjoyed their first Easter. However, we think the Easter bunny may have mistaken this holiday for one that occurs later in December, as the boys received many wonderful gifts. The holiday weekend was spent in Wapakoneta at Grandma and Grandpa Braun's and in Ashville at Grandma and Grandpa Clark's. As you can see, at some point during each visit, the boys found a perfect place to take a nap.
(We are still working on head control)