Water Woes

Our house has well water. This means that when power goes out, our water stops working. In preparation for Hurricane Sandy and the chance that our power goes out, we filled our bath tub to the top last night to make sure we had water to be able to flush the toilet. Gross, I know, but essential when you live in a house with well water.

 Andrew

One of the first things Dave said to me this morning was that he filled the tub to the top but apparently some of it leaked out. I just said, oh well, it still has enough to get us through, thinking that the plug for the drain wasn't sealed enough and that it was just draining down our pipes. Of course, what was our fun surprise when Dave went down into the basement; apparently our bath tub leaks!! WOOHOO!!! Of course this is also the morning Dave has to rush off to take our cat to her vet appointment. Oh yeah, and we found a spot of black mold...I guess our basement remodel may take a little longer than expected! I see a bathroom remodel in our future now too!

Patrick

Our temporary fix, is to just keep the bath tub empty. I guess this means we are going to be spending the morning filling 5 gallon buckets with water!

So, to make us feel better, here are some adorable pictures of my children :)

Andrew, left; Patrick, right, helping put laundry away before their bath last night

I love these two!

Andrew and Patrick Playing

Andrew and Patrick were playing just a few minutes ago. Patrick went up to Andrew and tried to eat his face. Andrew did the same back and Patrick fell back and started crying about it. As I was thinking about swooping in, Patrick decided he would get his brother back by kicking him in the stomach. Boys will be boys! Enjoy! Andrew is the one in the blue stripes :)

Perfect Fall Morning

Andrew, front; Patrick, back; flannel is essential for fall!

Winter will be here in the blink of an eye, so this morning I finally dragged myself out the door for a jog with the boys. I'm so glad I did! I finally went over a full 5k in distance and enjoyed the cool fall weather with all the beautiful leaves that will soon be gone. The peak was probably last week for the leaf color, but I'm not complaining. New England in the fall this year has been amazing!

On a different note, we have come up with a temporary fix for our no gate at the bottom of the stairs issue. We have taken one of their neglect-o-saucers and removed the seat, so now it is just a step and play piano that they can crawl all over and stand up at. They love it, and it keeps them from being able to crawl up the stairs, which they have gotten quite good at. Supervised stair climbing usually accounts for some of our favorite daily moments because they are always so proud and excited when they reach the top.

Andrew, left; Patrick, right

Check Up Results

Andrew:

20 lbs 11 oz

28 3/4" tall

SUPER LARGE HEAD

Patrick:

20 lbs 9 oz

29 1/4" tall

SUPER LARGE HEAD

Basically this means our boys are still quite tall, about average-above average weight, but they are off the charts with their head sizes. When our pediatrician was explaining to us that there tends to be a correlation between head size and when babies walk (bigger heads walk later), he waved at the chart and the dots indicating where they are on the growth curve for their heads. Those dots were WAY above the 97th percentile. We all just chuckled.

With all of that being said, Dave and I may have to wait longer than we thought now for those first steps. They are showing all the signs of walking soon, but apparently because of their SUPER LARGE HEADS, they may not walk for another 2-3 months yet. Only time will tell!

9 months old!!!

Today Andrew and Patrick turned 9 months old. I can't believe that it was only 9 months ago that Dave and I became parents. It has been the most amazing journey, and we could not be more thankful for our two amazing little men.

Patrick

For breakfast, we gave them scrambled eggs with cheese for the first time which was really fun for us. They are eating less pureed food as they are learning to chew and pick up their food to feed themselves. Watch out for some fun pics of their first spaghetti experience soon!

Andrew

Tonight, we also decided it was time to try out giving them a bath at the same time. Up to this point we had been using a baby/toddler tub but they have pretty much outgrown it, so we decided we might as well try the two of them together. We were worried they would get upset because they seem to enjoy the one on one time they get with each parent at the end of the day, but it went really well. I think solo baths are going to be a thing of the past. I took some awesome shots that I will not post here. However, I'm sure they will resurface someday when I feel the need to embarrass them! :)

Andrew, left; Patrick, right, in action!

Family shot post bath! (Andrew, elephant; Patrick, hippo)

Tomorrow we go to their pediatrician for a 9 month checkup. I'll be sure to have an update on just how big my big fat baby twins are! :)

Trip to Virginia

Sorry for the long overdue post. We were in Virginia for a week, and it has taken a couple of days to get settled back into our normal routine. Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened while we were gone. 

Andrew, left on the way down; Patrick, right. They swapped at rest stops to get turns next to mommy.

Our trip to Virginia was full of so many amazing moments. I could have done without the screaming children for the last two hours of our drive down during Baltimore and DC rush hour traffic. I do not miss the awful traffic whatsoever, that's for sure. However, once we got to MeMaw and PePaw's house the boys had the best time crawling around the kitchen island chasing each other before passing out for the night. Chasing each other is now one of their favorite things to do and their laughter as they play is such a fantastic sound. Hopefully I can capture one of these chase sessions on video!

One of the not so fun parts of the trip was realizing that due to the fact Dave and I are the only two people they see most of the time, they 100% did not like being held by other people. This changed by the end of the week, but for the first half they wanted nothing to do with anyone else unless we were holding them or they were on the ground able to escape.

Patrick left, Andrew right out to dinner

During the week, we got to spend some time with their grandparents, my best friend, my brother, and of course my brother and sister-in-law and their new baby boy Logan! We also were able to celebrate our niece turning four! So much packed in to the week.

All I know is that seeing Logan I can't believe that my boys were ever that tiny. He is a handsome little man, but it definitely amazes me that I already forget Andrew and Patrick being that young and it was only 8.5 months ago!

Having fun at dinner

We went out to dinner for the first time with them able to sit in high chairs and they were so good! At first we sat them together, and then realized it may be better if I sit between the two. The rest of the evening was spent with me happily picking up their toys as they played one of their favorite games. Drop something and watch as mommy picks it up and gives it back to them. I think the waitstaff may have also learned not to put the extremely hot plate that they caution you not to touch directly in front of a baby (luckily Andrew didn't touch it before we moved it), as well as you can't give tiny glow sticks to babies that they could swallow or chew open and swallow the liquid inside. Fun for all!

Andrew

Patrick

One of my last favorite moments from the trip came from their sleeping arrangements. Andrew and Patrick's cribs at home are in opposite corners of the room, but their playards they sleep in when we travel are usually right next to each other. This is the first time we have travelled since they have discovered how to pull into a standing up position. Sometimes they'd wake up from a nap and I would think maybe they had gone back to sleep. I'd get to their room and then through a crack in the door see them playing with each other and holding hands and talking through their cribs. It was so awesome to see them interacting like that.

Andrew left, Patrick right

That's all for now, but I'm sure now that we're home I'll go back to updating all the time! :)

Bye Bye Infant Car Seats

For a little while now, Dave and I have been talking about the need for new car seats for the boys. We still thought of it as some distant need, and not a pressing issue that needed to be addressed immediately. Yesterday, as I put the boys in their car seats to take them out to the car I realized that there was no way we could possibly subject them to those for a road trip. They have 100% outgrown them.

Of course I panicked for a moment since we are leaving tomorrow morning. Luckily the local Babies 'R Us had the car seat we liked the best and we were able to run out last night and pick up two. They are already installed and we have been out on our first errands. We found great ones that will allow us to keep our babies rear-facing for longer as well as have 3 extra inches in height so our super tall babies can use them longer as they transition to forward-facing seats.

I guess my babies are quickly approaching toddlerhood! Ahh!!

Standing Up Already?!?!?!

For a couple of weeks now, both Andrew and Patrick have been pulling themselves into a standing position on anything and everything. However, today was the first time one of them decided to stand up without holding onto ANYTHING. Seriously, how are my babies growing up so quickly???

They really love those stairs (Andrew left, Patrick right)

I was playing with Andrew this morning, and Patrick had pulled himself to a standing position over on one of the chairs in our living room. The next time I looked back at him he was no longer holding onto anything and was plain old standing. I just stared with my jaw dropped as for the next 10-15 seconds he stood there with a huge smile on his face before he plopped down into a sitting position.

Patrick left, Andrew right

Of course, Andrew was not to be outdone. This afternoon he stood up by himself too, although not for as long. I thought I still had plenty of time before they start to walk, but I have a feeling I'm going to blink and that time will be here. It's just amazing how quickly this first year is flying by and how much they have changed in just the last couple of weeks, let alone the last 8.5 months! I can't believe I'm approaching the time when I have to start figuring out what to do for their 1st birthday.

Apparently Andrew doesn't like those bars as much!

In different news, we are leaving to visit our new nephew Logan on Friday so wish us luck on our long drive with the boys! I'm sure I'll have some fun stories to share.

Sunday Not-So-Fun Day

This may be surprising to find out, but the hardest adjustment I've had to make up to this point is how to deal with NFL Sunday. It's not the sleepless nights I had at the beginning or the never having a weekend off or sick days. It is 100% most definitely figuring out how to enjoy the NFL season.

Dave with Patrick, left and Andrew, right

Andrew and Patrick may look incredibly adorable dressed up in their NFL gear but it doesn't help when they scream and cry and yell for your attention while all you really want to do is watch your game. I love my children, and as I've said many times before, they are the best thing, along with my husband, that has ever happened to me. HOWEVER, with the Brady v. Manning showdown Sunday, it was not nearly as much fun to watch with screaming children.

Sunday was one of those days they were particularly fussy and for the first time in a very long time, I don't really know everything going on this NFL season. I usually pride myself on knowing everything going on with each team, but this year I have to admit I barely know what's going on. Heck, with all the players the Patriots cut during preseason, I barely even know my own team.

Patrick left, Andrew right

Oh well! I guess I'll just have to find solace in looking at my boys in their adorable jerseys! It's just football after all (I can't believe I just said that!). By the way, in case anyone is wondering how we agreed to deal with the fact that Dave is a Steelers fan while I am a Patriots fan, we split time in jerseys. They only wear them if the two teams are playing at different times so that we can switch them for each respective game. Also, we agreed on Polamalu and Gronkowski jerseys because we each respect those players. There will be no Roethlisberger or Brady jerseys in this house!

Hammer Time

Recently, Dave and I decided to make some renovations to our basement. The previous owner of this house had decided to make another bedroom in the basement (although he couldn't technically call it a bedroom because of our septic system) and add a half bath. In theory, we liked the idea of this being a guest room/our office. However, as the boys have started getting bigger, and their stuff has slowly started taking over the entire house, we realized we would enjoy our basement and use it a lot more if we tore down the closet/wall he built and made it one large room again.

We are nowhere near done yet, but we already love our basement so much more! I can't wait to be able to make a little play area for them down there, especially so they can look at the 180 gallon fish tank (yes, that's 6' x 2' x 2' of fish tank!).

Patrick, 5 months old

The only hiccup we have run into so far is the fact that apparently Andrew HATES the sound of a hammer. Yesterday, Dave was doing some work in the basement, and every single time Andrew would make what we call the "super sad face" and start crying. He was only okay if I was holding him and rubbing his back while his daddy hammered away.

 He looked something like this:

Andrew, just the other day

I hope he gets over this soon! :(

Interesting Discovery

Dave was going through all of our pictures of Andrew and Patrick from the very beginning the other week, and he noticed something strange. Apparently, in a vast majority of the photos Andrew is on the left and Patrick is on the right! We are talking almost 2000 photos taken since they were born, and it's probably close to 75% of them are that way. Here is an adorable sampling! :)

7 weeks

8 weeks

9 weeks

11 weeks

3 months

4 months

Not something we intended, but when you're in doubt, just guess the baby on the left is Andrew! :) (Yesterday's post pictures don't count because now that I'm aware of it, I try to make sure I switch it up!)

Congrats Dan and Emily!!

This morning my brother and sister-in-law welcomed Logan to the world! He is a healthy 8 lbs 3 oz and 21" long. We are so happy for them, so in honor of their new cousin, Andrew and Patrick are wearing their "My Uncle Rocks" onesies. (Their Uncle Eddie definitely rocks too!)

Patrick left, Andrew right

The first thing they did when I showed them a picture of their new cousin was to break out in smiles. I can't wait to watch another member of our family grow up, and to watch all the cousins play at family get togethers! :)

Patrick left, Andrew right

We are off to Virginia for a visit next week, and I know Dave and I can't wait to meet Logan. Maybe we'll have some pictures to share then!

Being Healthier

Anyone that knows me knows that I didn't exactly grow up eating the healthiest foods. My dad did the best he could under our circumstances, taking care of two children and his ailing wife, but he definitely didn't do us any favors in teaching us about healthy living. Sure, we had to start the day with a healthy breakfast but for the rest of the day it was cafeteria meals (which aren't necessarily the best for you), and things like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Wendy's for dinner.

Andrew at only 5 months!

Over the last couple of years I have started to try to be healthier, and now I have been trying harder than ever for Andrew and Patrick. They deserve to grow up with a more balanced diet than I did. I have never bought a jar of baby food and I never plan on it. I have made all of their food and I know that they are better off for it.

Last night I had my monthly "Moms of Multiples" meeting, where a holistic health coach talked to us. I know change is hard, but a lot of what she said is important and I plan on starting to make even more changes to the way our family eats.

Patrick at 5 months just learning about solid foods :)

We are fortunate in that we live in an amazing area to be able to buy local, and get really fresh products and ingredients that haven't been processed to death or doused with chemicals, and I intend on beginning to take even greater advantage of it. I may even follow in my friend Kara's example and get our own chickens! We certainly have the space for it!

Change is hard, but I know that paying better attention to exactly what I am putting into my body is one of the most important ones I can make to do everything I can to be around my children as long as possible. I am just so blessed to have Andrew and Patrick as part of my life. They have made me change for the better in so many ways! :)

Rainy Day Jog

Earlier this past summer, Dave and I went to the LL Bean flagship store in Freeport, ME for our first day trip away from the boys. While we were there we bought them little rain jackets and pants so that when we went to Acadia National Park in August, a little rain wouldn't prevent us from doing the hiking we wanted to do. We didn't really end up needing them for that trip because the weather was amazing. However, it was nice to know we were prepared.

 Patrick enjoying the ride on our first hike in Acadia National Park

 Dave pointing something out

 Family Picture (the boys were tired from the hike so nap time!)

Fortunately for me, the rain suits still fit, and now serve an even better purpose! It was raining this morning, and under normal circumstances I probably would have just used that as an excuse to take a day off. However, instead of making excuses, I put the boys in their awesome jackets and off we went on our morning jog. Now I remember how much I LOVE running in the rain, and I don't have to worry about leaving my little men behind to do just that.

All ready to go for the morning jog! (Andrew left, Patrick right)

Let's face it, this is really just an excuse for me to post more adorable pictures of my children. :)

Stair Climbing

When baby proofing our house, we opted to just put gates at the top of each set of stairs to prevent them falling down, as well as gates to keep them out of the kitchen to give us a little more time to get all the child safety stuff installed in there.

Our thinking was that they will always be supervised so if they go to try to climb up the stairs I will always be able to grab them and keep them from trying to climb up and hurt themselves, or be able to sit there and supervise so that I can catch them if they fall. 

 Patrick with Bruschi in the background

Well, as of last Thursday, we may need to rethink that! I guess we didn't think of the twin factor when making that decision. As I was running off into the dining room to bring Patrick back into the living room, Andrew decided to start climbing the stairs. Luckily, he didn't hurt himself, but he did manage to climb up THREE stairs before I grabbed him and told him not to do that...

Andrew

Although, I must say it makes me one proud mama. It took him no time at all to do that, so I guess he is really starting to figure out this world which is really cool to see. Plus, it reminds me of a story my grandmother's neighbor Paula (pretty much another grandma to me) told me about when I was a baby and we were visiting my grandma in Boston. 

Patrick

Apparently while my dad was putting together my crib, I started climbing on the unfinished project and was just dangling from it. Paula asked my dad if I should be doing that, and he just shrugged and said, it's ok, she does it all the time. I guess like mother, like son. :)