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