He Did It!

So Ryan has been trying to pull up lately. I knew he would do it pretty soon because this child is determined. He has been trying out different objects to hold on to so he can stand, but nothing worked until last night. I was lying on the mat with them (the mat they both refuse to stay on now) and Ryan did his shuffle/crawl over to me. The boy has gotten fast since that last video. I was lying on my side and he got a good grip on me and did it--he pulled up. Our boy pulled up! Daddy P had the cell phone ready (cause he's addicted to his Crackberry...shhh don't tell him I told you!) so we do have a picture of it. When I got home from work today I tried it again, and sure enough, up he goes! He was a bit more brave today and actually let go of me for a few seconds. This is huge! We are so proud of this boy! Good job, Ry-Guy:)

All Dressed Up

R & E were beat after their first day at church. I was beat because I had to put their shoes back on them 1.2 million times that day.

They were so tired that they started to get annoyed and poke each other. Boys!

And just because he was looking so sweet I had to snap this picture.

Firsts!

R & E have been up to some big things. This past weekend was filled with many firsts that may seem like no big deal to many people, but were extremely important for our family:

• They went to Target for the first time-this trip was out of pure necessity...they had one diaper left. One...so yeah, mama had to go to the store!
• We went out to dinner together for the first time--before the Peas came along Friday was date night for Mama and Daddy P. Boy have things changed! We went to dinner pretty early, so there was no wait. This worked well, but let me tell you...there was no leisurely conversation after dinner.
• We went to Babies R Us for the first time--during cold and flu season one of us would stay in the car with the boys and the other would go in the store. We'd switch if we needed to. No more of that (at least not for awhile) It was fairly early, so no large crowds.
• Most importantly---the Peas went to CHURCH for the FIRST time! What a blessing to be back in the house of the Lord! Our church family were so instrumental in helping us through last summer with all of their prayers and support and it was wonderful for them to get to see the Peas. Now, the Peas are Preacher's Kids, so you know they are in for a lifetime of church! Ha:) They both did extremely well. They were so enthralled with all the sights and sounds, and they didn't cry at all. There was a moment for a potential meltdown, but I know their cues, so I got them out in time. They needed to eat, and once they did they were fine. Everyone was so glad to see them, as no one knew we were coming. Even though we got the all clear for the doc that it was ok to take the boys out (believe me I asked and asked, and asked again for further clarification to be certain that it was ok--I'm sure he was tired of me by the end of the visit!) we are still to be careful around people who are sick. I'm always armed with sanitizer, but people really respected our need to keep the babies as germ-free as possible. Most people were happy just to be able to look at these little gifts from God.

Now, what it took to get myself and two babies dressed for church and out the door?? That's a story for another day! All I'll say now is Good Lord! I need to start getting ready for next Sunday right.now! I'll post pics of the Peas in their first church outfit soon:)

Part of our Bedtime Routine

We start the boys' bedtime routine around 7pm. Since the have become more mobile I have to put them in their cribs while I gather their pjs, diapers, and whatever else we need. Then we "Go Craaaaazzzzzy!" It's a completely silly game we play that the boys seem to love. I dress them for bed in our bedroom, and it's something about being in our bed that drives them nuts:) There are lots of smiles, giggles, and laughter during this time, and it's one of my favorite times with the twins. I spared you the "crazy experience" in this video! This is what happened one night as I was gathering their things.

Why We'll Be Baby-Proofing this Weekend

Evan hasn't quite figured out how to get his legs under himself, but he doesn't let that stop him! He manages to get any and every where he wants to go using this method. Ryan is able to get on all fours, but he hasn't quite coordinated the "crawling" movements---yet. It won't be long for either of them, though! We are so very proud of our two Peas--they are absolutely amazing.

Be sure to pause the song at the bottom of the blog so you can hear the video--enjoy:)

Peas at the Park

Ryan and Evan went to the park for the first time yesterday! The weather has been beautiful here lately and I was off work for four days due to the nor'easter. I gave Nanny J the day off, so I had the Peas all to myself! They love their new stroller and they enjoyed the park, though Evan conked out on us! Of course they attracted lots of attention from all the pretty ladies:)

The Peas' Nursery

We chose an ABC themed nursery for the twins because we wanted something gender neutral. Here are pictures of the Peas' new pod: We don't use the bumpers that came with the bedding, even though it is sooo cute, because both our children figured out how to pull the bumper down! Plus, their cribs weren't really made for bumpers since they don't have a slotted back. These bumpers are breathable, which are supposed to be better for babies anyway. Oh, and their blankets only made a special appearance for these pictures:)

In an earlier post I revealed my high hopes to paint art for the boys' nursery. Well, better sense prevailed and I realized that I didn't have the time nor the talent! LOL...a painter I am not. Believe me, I tried! I found a blog, LaineyBugCreations.blogspot.com, (I don't know how to post a link...sowwy!) and Jenn did a beautiful job. I e-mailed her a picture of the bedding and this is what she came up with! I love it:) If you click on my profile and go to "blogs that I follow" you can find her blog there.

Here's Ryan's canvas. Notice the "R is for Ryan" and "E is for Evan" matches the...

canvases that come with the bedding. Jenn decided to mimic the bedding's A is for...motif and use the same thing for the Peas' names. How cool is that? I wouldn't have thought of that in a million years. Check out her blog if you are looking for some custom art for your child's or loved one's room. She makes all kind of things!

One of my favorite things in this room is the picture on the wall in this photo. This is a prayer written by Rev. Wilson, who I lovingly call Rev. Diane:) She created this prayer for the Peas the day they were born. I wish I could post the words here. So beautiful and heartfelt! Rev. Diane has a sweet sweet spirit and we love her very much. She spoke life, health, and strength over our boys and look at what God did and is doing. Thanks Rev. Diane! This prayer will always have a place in Ryan and Evan's lives.

Here are some of the books that we read most frequently. Their other books (they have tons--you can never have too many books!) are on a shelf in their closet. This pic of Mommy & Daddy P was taken at my amazing surprise baby shower thrown for us by the women of our church. Some of R&E's toys are in the storage cube that doubles as a seat for their puppies. BTW, these Leapfrog puppies are fantastic! You can program them to say and spell your child's name. You can also program it to sing about your child's favorites. When Evan hears Scout say his name, he just smiles and smiles. Ryan looks at it like, How do you know my name! Characters these two are I tell you! :) There are a few things I want to add to their nursery, but overall it's pretty much done. Thanks so much to Daddy P who primed and painted the room, scraped the glow in the dark stars off the ceiling, and put up the chair rail that I was convinced we had to have. You did a great job, Babe!

Upgrades

Ryan and Evan have moved up in the world. Instead of the Double Snap 'N Go they now roll in this beauty:
I must say that we are all happier with this upgrade. R & E are getting too big for the DSNG and whenever they are in it they cry and squirm. We went for all walk in our neighborhood this afternoon and they tried out their new wheels for the first time. They loved it! This stroller is easier for Mommy and Daddy too.

This chunky monkey here is so heavy that his bouncey seat nearly touches the floor! He can't even sit upright in it anymore because it's so low. Plus, Ry twists and turns in the thing so much that you'd think he would turn it over. Plus, feeding him in the bouncey seat became a chore since he loves to well, bounce in it! I had to wrestle with him to be still so I could get the spoon in his mouth! Nope, no more! Now look at him in his big boy highchair!

Evan tried out his highchair the first thing this morning. His favorite thing to do in it so far? Bang his toys on the tray and then--you guessed it--throw them on the floor :)

Bath Time Fun

March of Dimes

Our family has decided to participate in one of the local walks for the March of Dimes. Premature babies benefit from the research conducted by the March of Dimes. Babies like Ryan and Evan...the two Peas. The walk will be April 25 in Fairfield, Connecticut. We would love to have any of you in our area join us. If you can't join us, please think about us on this day and all the families affected by prematurity. You can also consider donating to the MOD in Ryan and Evan's name.

2Peas with their Mama

I was headed out to a baby shower yesterday (can't wait until Baby Boy Juleau gets here any day now!) and of course I had to kiss my sleeping Peas goodbye, but both babies were wide awake and kicking in their cribs. I scooped 'em up and took them to their Daddy. I realized that I don't have a lot pictures with the boys because 1) I'm ususally behind the camera and 2) I usually look a mess! Ha! I wanted my husband to take the picture quickly because I fully expected one of the boys (ok, ok Evan) to snatch my hat off!

Ryan: "You think she has us, Ev-Man?"
Evan: "Uhh, this doesn't feel right. We're way too big for this now. Maybe she should sit. You tell her; you're the oldest."

Ryan and Evan: "That's better, Mommy!"

I just found out that school is canceled tomorrow since we had a pretty bad rain storm here this weekend and trees are down in the area. I get a bonus day with the Peas! Wohooo:)

Photo Story

Both Peas are happily playing with their own toys...until

Evan spots Ryan heading for the crawling snail...

"I don't think so, Big Brother. This toy is MINE!"

This little scene made me giggle. As the twins get older their personalities are really starting to evolve. Ryan is definitely the laid back one. He's happy to be in his own little world figuring out how his body works. Evan, on the other hand, is very feisty. Very very feisty. I think this child just may be a bully! He thinks everything is HIS and he goes for it with gusto. Doesn't matter if it's a toy, your face, your hair, a foot, whatever...if Evan wants it he will find a way to get it! A mess!

And we're back!

Our internet is finally up and running!! Wohooo! Being without a computer for the past few weeks makes me realize how much we rely on technology. I've been using my mobile phone for internet, but it's just not the same:) Anyhoo, I was all ready to post new pics of the Peas and lo and behold I realized that Daddy P had taken the laptop to work, and the laptop is the computer with the software to load the pics:( I can't win for losing here...ha! Thanks for checking in on us anyway, and the hubster has promised to bring the laptop home with him tomorrow. Super cute pics are coming really soon, and I even managed to get a picture of me and the boys together--finally:)

R & E

I know I said that we'd be up and running with posts last week, but we just found out yesterday that the cable people have to come back out to get everything all set up, and they can't before Saturday :( No Internet at home = no fun. I decided to do another quick post to give an update on the Peas.

Ryan: Boy, wait until you see new pics of this boy! He is getting BIG. Not only that, but he is all over the place. He's inching forward now and he moves from all fours to this push-up like position. He loves to figure out how his body works. I spend half my time trying to make sure he doesn't get away!

Evan: This one figured out that rolling around equals freedom and he has not stopped yet! He gets everywhere and I have to chase him too. The Baby One has had an explosion of skills lately. How fast this baby is growing up! He grabs, pulls, and pinches everything! All three of us have scratches on our faces because of this one. He's getting big too.

I finally finished their nursery last night! They love their room. They sleep through the night (for the most part) and have no trouble at all in their cribs.

That's all for now...I have a picture overload for you when we get back up and running at home:)

Very Quick Post

Hello all! This is a super quick post to say that all is well with the Peas. We made the move just fine. Our home computer hasn't been set up yet, so I'm posting from work, which I hate to do! I miss blogging, though, and I have some great things to share about R&E! I plan on getting all set up at home this week. Thanks for coming back and checking on us! Happy Wednesday:)