13!!! A Big Patriotic Week!

Visiting Gigi in Newport Beach, CA at Newport Dunes!
Boy's first camping trip!

What a big week we just had! So, I think it is only fitting that it have a post of it's very own, especially since I would likely forget some things if I waited until the boys 4 month mark to write about them. So, a mini celebration to their 13th week of life!

We  felt it was time to escape the Vegas heat. I mean, every time we walked outside, it would literally felt like we were melting (hitting 105* that week and as I am writing this, it is 114* outside! YUCK!)! So, what better place to go to do that than the beach and to have the boys go camping technically for the first time?! We were off to Newport Beach, California to visit Gigi (Grandpa's mom, mommy's grandma) for 4th of July week.  And we were all excited to hear it was going to be in the 70s for the most part! Ah, what would that be like?! We went from Monday until Friday and had the most amazing time!

We started our drive to SoCal right after both boys woke up and ate. It usually takes about 4 hours to drive there, but we made a pit stop in Baker, California for the boys to eat again. They were great the whole way and pretty much slept until we were pulling off the freeway near our destination. Newport Dunes is where Gigi calls home and we were ecstatic we were getting to stay with her for a few days. Lodging would be tight as we were staying in her 32 foot RV, but it all worked out wonderfully. The boys did great! Monday was spent basically relaxing for our first night there, and Gigi getting some cuddle time in with her two great grandsons. We walked down to the bay but the wind was blowing and it was a little bit of torture for the little guys.  They weren't sure how to handle it.  The wind literally was taking the breath away. Poor guys.

Tuesday, while Gigi was at the gym, we headed up to Huntington Beach to have breakfast at the Sugar Shack and then walked out on the pier for the boys first "sighting" of the beach. It was a bit chilly, so they didn't come out of their car seats, but we got some great pictures none the less. And then (as food seems to always be a highlight for this momma), you can't go to Newport and not visit the Crab Cooker at least once. So we headed over there for a late lunch/early dinner and boy was it YUMMY! Nothing like the crab cakes and clam chowder there! =) After some naps and general playing at Gigi's, it was time to settle into bed for the night. The boys really did go down very well the whole time we were there for bed time (naps were hit or miss as they napped up on Gigi's bed), but they were very content in their pack and play bassinet for bedtime and it fit perfectly right next to Gigi's kitchen table (and darn it, would you know Grandma, we never did get a picture of our perfect little set up!). Well, at about 3:30am that night/next morning, I woke to a little bit of noise from one of the boys, but then nothing. They were out! So I sat there, waiting, and waiting, and waiting...from 3:30am until Parker started really stirring around 5:15am! What?! Yup! They had slept through the night for the first time! Even my hubby asked me when he opened his eyes around 4:45am, "No way! Did I miss something?" Nope, honey. Just me sitting, waiting and thinking any  minute one of our babies would wake up! LOL! And I am pleased to say, they continued that for the rest of our stay (and even the first night back home, but the last few nights have been a little touch and go)! Gigi said it was the cool, salty ocean air. Haha, whatever it was, can I bottle it up please?! It was amazing. And I noticed a change in the boys too. They woke up pretty happy and content.  What a milestone! Fingers crossed that it just continues!

4th of July finally made it and we joined some of Gigi's neighbors for an omelet boil (I think that's what they called it).  We headed down the road to another RV and got to pick our favorite omelet ingredients, put them in a big Ziploc bag with a giant scoop of scrambled egg. Then, they were labeled with our names and added to the waiting area. The "chef" dropped each one into a giant vat of boiling water for 13 minutes and viola, yummy omelet breakfast! And it really was delish! We sat and chatted a bit and then the 5 of us decided to take a cruise around the dune's bay to check out the 4th of July happenings.  The place was packed with patriotic beach goers settling in for the day and for the evening's fireworks show! We made our way around the entire bay and headed back to the trailer for a nice little lunch and nap. Then it was time to welcome some more friends and family at Gigi's, which included my second cousin and her husband, and my grandma's good friend! We all had a great afternoon chatting, catching up, and just enjoying the very overcast day. And we couldn't have a 4th of July gathering without a BBQ. Burgers and salad were served and it was all yummy. After putting the boys down, Daddy volunteered to stay behind at the trailer on baby duty and the rest of us wondered down to the bay to get a good spot for the fireworks. To be honest, I don't know if there was a bad seat! The fireworks went off right above our heads. One of the most amazing 4th of July firework experiences I have every seen.  It was great. We even got to see a couple of shows off in the distance.  When all was said and done, we headed back to the trailer for a little festive dessert of angel food cake topped with strawberries, blueberries, and Cool Whip.  YUM! A great way to wrap up a great 4th!

Our last full day in Newport Beach was a wonderful one as well. We headed over to Balboa Island for breakfast at Wilma's Patio (see, there I go continuing to talk about food! I had some of the most wonderful eggs benedict in case anyone was wondering!). After breakfast, we drove down and parked on Topaz St., where grandma's family once owned two homes, one of which I was lucky enough to experience as a kid. Awe, the memories. We parked and headed down to the ferry that would take us over to the peninsula. The boys FIRST ferry boat ride and it was awesome! Of course, they slept through the whole ride, both ways, but I loved being able to take them on it! We walked around the peninsula and down to the pier, picking up two postcards that we sent from right there with a little note from Gigi and a memorable magnet to add to our growing magnet collection of places we've been!

Breakfast at Wilma's

One of the houses on Topaz St. on Balboa Island

The Balboa Pavilion

On the ferry

Huntington Beach Pier

And we finally rounded out our trip by taking in a MLB baseball game. Another first for the boys! We saw the Angels of Anaheim take on (and win) the Baltimore Orioles. It was fun and we stayed until the 8th inning. The boys did great and stayed up for a good chunk of the game and then finally fell asleep in their carseats. We had a great time and it was a wonderful experience.  Overall, the trip was fabulous and just what all of us needed! It was awesome spending great quality time with Gigi, especially since she hadn't seen the boys since they were about a week old. Now, with them being so active and talkative, she really got to see them growing up and into their little personalities. And I loved just being able to hang out with my amazing grandma for a few days.

So we said our good byes and gave big kisses and headed out. The boys had another great car ride all the way home, sleeping most of the way. Back to the horrid heat of Vegas, but with amazing memories of a beautiful summer trip to the beach with Gigi! Aaaahhhhh!

Three Month Old Today!!!

Every time we hit a milestone date, I always think how crazy it is! Time sure is flying! And I really do try to stop and enjoy these little, special moments with each of my little guys! So much has happened in the last four weeks too.  Guess I'll get started (and I am still trying to figure out a format for how I want to record all the happenings. As of right now, I keep track week by week of everything they are doing and what's happening on my phone).

9 Weeks Old

Landon, my chunky monkey, you fidget when you eat. Hands moving back & forth kind of like some OCD tendency.  It's hilarious.

Parker, my little man, you always have clenched fists holding on to something. My shirt, your bib...Daddy actually calls your bib your security blanket (and since you wear it a lot because you still are spitting up quite a bit, it is the easiest thing to hand on to).

On June 3rd, we fed you both a 4 oz formula bottle. Parker, you slept from 7:30 until 1am!!! Longest stretch yet. We woke up a little surprised. Landon, you were having tummy issues all that day so you fell asleep, then back up for an hour fussing a bit, but then slept from 8:30ish until 1!!

Landon you're so funny with your binky. Even if you want it, you won't just accept or take it. You pierce your lips together and make it impossible for whoever is trying to put it in your mouth. And if you really don't want it, we certainly know it. It won't last and you will spit it farther than I ever think possible. And you're our little burper. When sit you up after eating, you have no problems just burping right away. And I know you will hate me writing this and putting it out into the internet, but boy are you gassy! It's what can wake you up out of a dead sleep and sounds like it is coming from a grown man. But it makes us laugh all the time, because for some reason we still never expect it.  As we've heard said before, baby farts are funny!

On June 5, you guys had your 2 month well appt. where you got your first set of shots. :( It's hard to see you cry and have that pain inflicted, but honestly, I feel like it was almost nothing compared to the appointment where you had your circumcisions.  And we were pretty prepared.  Dr. H said we could give you a little Children's Tylenol before you came in, so we did.  Really, you both cried for a second or two and then were fine.  I think the appointment and the shots though wore you out.  We took you home, fed you right away and you two were pooped!  You both had a low fever on & off for 2 days. And you slept a lot but probably because of the Tylenol we gave you about 2 times a day. At this point, you were still waking just about every 2 1/2 hours all day & night. Boo.

10 Weeks Old

On Sunday, June 10th, you had your first pool visit to Christa's. Landon, Mommy put your feet in. At first cried, but then I did it again and you liked it after that. I think it was the initial coldness that just took you by surprise. Parker, your feet didn't go in this time but soon enough.

Parker, you laughed out loud at Daddy on June 12th while Daddy was playing with you lips. We loved it! It was the greatest sound!!!

We live in one of the most popular destinations in the world, so why not take you to some of those big sites?We went to the Hoover Dam on Friday, June 15th for an early Father's Day outing. We had breakfast in Boulder City at the famous Coffee Cup Cafe (it was very yummy too).  You both didn't feel like sleeping, so you were content with just looking around the cafe as we ate and enjoyed a beautiful summer morning.  Then we all walked across the dam. We had the whole thing to ourselves the whole time. We only ran into one other person walking across the dam, and she worked there.  And it's not like it was that early.  It was about 7am! It pays to get places early. As Grandma always says, early bird gets the worm! 

On June 14th, we put you back in your cribs again for the second time (the first time we did that, we only lasted a night and 1/2). You both went down really well. Not much fussing and fell asleep with us only having to come in once or twice to try and quiet you.  We both have to wake up and come in to feed you in the middle of the night, but never more than twice. Now, I wish I could say we were only going in there twice, but that's not so.  Something just seems to happen that makes you both very fussy after the 2 or 3 am feeding. We're hoping you'll both grow out of that soon!

11 Weeks Old 

We celebrated Daddy's first Father's Day. We went and ate lunch at Subway then headed up to Cashman Field to watch the Las Vegas 51s play the Colorado Skysox. Your first baseball game!!! It was fun! We carried you in with the Baby Bjorns and got to go on the field to take a picture during their annual Father-Son catch time. We only stayed for 2 innings, but they were a LONG 2 innings. Unfortunately, the 51s were losing 0-12. Boo. It was 105* today and probably even hotter at the stadium. You guys were such great boys. You napped at first then both woke up and played a bit. And you were little rock stars.  People kept stopping and checking your both out, loving your baseball outfits and big smiles! We had such a great day. Then you came home and passed out! The heat really kicked both of your butts!

Landon you are definitely our congested boy. You always seem to have a stuffy nose and have become used to, although never really like it, the saline up your nose and the hospital-grade nose sucker. You started to really get close to full-on laughing this week. We kind of shake your belly or tickle it and you try to laugh. You want to. It's almost as if you don't know what you need to do to make it happen. It's the cutest thing and I can't wait for the day that you just let it go. Big love bug, we have you in 1-2 diapers. They are ever so slightly bigger than 1s and not quite 2s. Something tells me you could easily pull off 2s though.

Parker, you are still our tiny little man. I always worry that you're not getting enough to eat, or more like keeping enough down, to gain adequate weight. You are in 1 diapers but we have to make them pretty tight. Newborns would for sure be too small though. But I think it's just because when we put you next to brother, you just aren't as big as him.  He is our heavy weight, and you my boy are our feather weight!

You both have found your hands and in full force. You both seem to want nothing more than to put them in your mouths. We try to replace them with your Sophie giraffes but it never fails, you're all about sucking on your fists. It's funny too because sometimes in the middle of the night I'll wake up to hearing this sucking noise and when I look at your video monitor, one of you will have your hand out and will be just going to town! Hilarious!

One of the cutest things your dad and I love are when you both are falling asleep and you smile, kind of chuckle, and make this sound like a dolphin. Too cute. And although you both do the same thing, you both make it sound so different.  Ah, those little moments!

12 Weeks Old

We went and got a weight check on June 25th. You both are definitely growing! Parker, you weighed in at 9lbs 9oz.  Landon, you have 2 lbs on your brother weighing in at 11lbs 11oz!

You both are pretty good sleepers. Don't get me wrong, we have some bad days, but for the most part you take good naps and really go down well and sleep well at night! Mommy and Daddy are thankful for that! We also really watch your sleep cues for nap time. Landon, you get a little fussy, but really it's all about yawning for you. Once we see a yawn or two, we know it's time to "wrap and sack you," as we say. We put you in your swing and if we've timed it just right, you are usually sleeping within 10 minutes. Parker on the other hand, you are our vocal one. You get fussy and tend to tell us you're done doing whatever we are doing. And sometimes you pass right out in your bouncy chair but then other times you get even fussier there. And the batteries ran out in your chair and we haven't replaced them, so we just bounce you by hand if you're really cranky or fussy.  And then our hope is that you sleep the whole time. Haha. Doesn't always happen with you little man. You seem to nap for 1/2 hour to an hour and then can sometimes wake up and be wide awake!

Landon, you LOVE the ceiling fans. I mean love them, bordering on obsessed. You'll find it in any room or from your swing and just look like you're gushing at it or flirting with it. It always makes me smile. And oh you have started blowing bubbles. Both of you! It's like you discovered drool this week. Lol. Your eating habits have sped up a bit. You are faster eaters, done most of the time in under 10 minutes now. Parker, love bug, you are pretty much out of newborn outfits. Some 3 month outfits are a little too long, but they are definitely fitting around your belly. Landon, cutie pie, 3-6 months fit you best. Some 3 months getting a little too tight. 


As we round out your first 12 weeks of life, we are hoping that we'll soon figure out this whole sleeping thing. Going down is great (and even going back to sleep after your middle of the night feeding is good), it's just making it to 5:30am without any hiccups (haha, or maybe I should say without farting...get it? Because that's what seems to be the culprit).  This week we started feeding you a 5oz formula bottle for your last feeding of the night, then you get baths, we read a story and it's off to bed.  This bottle seems to get you a good 5 or 6 hour stretch at least.  Then we do a 3oz breast milk bottle sometimes topped off with another 1oz of formula for the middle of the night bottle, just so that feeding goes a little quicker.  Daddy will feed one of you while I feed the other. We've only done this for a couple of nights, but it seems to work pretty good. We'll see how it continues on in the coming weeks! Fingers crossed we start maybe going to sleep from 7 or 8 pm until 5:30! Wow, what would that be like?!

I should probably start wrapping this up.  I could write pages and pages about you both.  You are really the little loves of my life.  I thought going back to work in the fall wasn't going to be too difficult, but after literally spending every day with you minus a few hours here or there, I know it's going to be harder than I think! I am not ready for that yet and luckily, don't have to think about it for a while.  However, we have met with a couple of babysitters and are hoping we'll make a decision about a great place for you to go to once we go back to school in August. So, it makes me happy to end this post by talking about how both of you are really looking at and seeing each other, just in this past week. It's like "oh, who is that other little person right next to me?" It's cute. And sometimes when you lay you down next to each other, you happen to find each other's arms or hands and will hold them. I know it's probably not on purpose, but it still warms my heart! Keep growing big my little love bugs! I can't wait to see how many more memories we get to make this summer and to see these great milestones you keep reaching! It makes my heart so full! I love you both!

What Would You Do?!

Decision Day has arrived. We have come to the point where the hubby and I have to make a decision about our remaining embryos.  We received a letter from the fertility clinic stating that we had 7 embryos remaining and there were three options. Option number one, store them for another year at the cost of $500 (um, don't have that just laying around...especially with two baby boys). Option number two was to discard or destroy them.  Option number three was to donate them.  Wow, I have kind of thought about this, but I guess not really.  What to do, what to do??? We already had made the decision that we were done as far as adding to our family. We have our two beautiful baby boys and feel content to be a family of four.  I know, many of you are shaking your heads and thinking, You never know! You might decide in two years or so that you want more! I have to be honest, I don't want more.  Having twins, two babies at once, is an experience all it's own, and being able to do that and only have to go through one pregnancy, I'm golden.  I have said since I knew I was having twins (and since I was sicker than a dog during my first trimester) that God knew I could only handle being pregnant once, so he graced me with my two then! And don't get me wrong, I feel that beyond the morning sickness of those first 16 or so weeks (remember people, I lost almost 20 lbs, so I was SICK!), I feel like I had a great pregnancy, so don't think that I hated the whole experience.  I felt great actually the rest of the time and the only discomfort was really having a foot or two up in my ribs. 

So, I would say that I had a great pregnancy, but I am happy having experienced it once.  That's what I really wanted.  I did it and I am good.  A lot of people keep saying too, don't we want to try for a girl? Hmmm, as much as I would love to add a girl into our male dominated family and extended family (since my sis has two boys too), I am not much of a gambler.  LOL! I am of the mind set that I am pretty sure I would keep having boys no matter how many times I got pregnant.  Isn't that how it happens? =)

With that all being said, we knew we didn't need the remaining embryos. On to the big question then...what do we do with them? I personally have a very strong opinion about this, as does my husband.  They just happen to be the exact opposites! Of course.  We are like that a lot...feel very strongly about things and a lot of times, the exact opposite of what the other wants. Hehe, it's what makes us work.  I believe wholeheartedly in donating them. Hubby thinks we should discard them, and I get why he feels that way.  But I feel deep in my heart that donating is the only way to go. Hubby has a hard time thinking there will be other "us's" out there.  Wouldn't that be weird? he keeps asking. He gets caught up on what they might look like, how can we know that there might be little people out there that are technically biological siblings to our little guys? But all I can think about is if we were in that position...the position of not having quality or viable eggs and sperm...I would try any way possible to be able to carry a baby (not that I am against adoption, that would just be another step down the road once fertility treatments were exhausted). So why wouldn't I "help" out another couple if I could? That's the only way I can think about it.  This is our way of helping a hopeful, trying to conceive couple. I guess it just makes sense in my head....and my heart.  My hubby, he still isn't completely on board but has agreed to go along with it, for me.  He is so wonderful like that.  I know I can never truly explain to him why I feel the way I do about it (he is a man, he only thinks with  one side of his brain, my guy!), but I am grateful he is willing to let me have the say here.  And so, we are donating 7 embryos, out into the world (well, even closer, the same city...ok, that is a little weird) to what I hope is a very wonderful, loving couple.  As I told the hubby, there is no guarantee that they will become anything (geez, we know from experience as a couple of ours didn't take or terminated after implanting), but even if just one does, I am glad we are putting them out there for a couple who wants a baby just as bad, if not more, than we did!

So, what are your thoughts on this?  I asked a group of friends recently and was really surprised how many said they wouldn't be able to donate either. And many were shocked that we were going to at least hang on to them another year. It was interesting to hear all these thoughts.  No matter what though, I feel confident in our decision and with my little embryos the best of luck and hope they make it to very good homes! And to find some humor in this, I did tell my hubby how appealing we at least look on paper! LOL! Two well educated, active and healthy teachers...gee, I think I'd choose my embryos too! Those would make some good looking babies! ;)

My Two are Two Months Old!

May 31st, 2012...wow, it certainly seems like it snuck up on us.  My boys are getting bigger every day (Landon, you really seem to look and feel bigger. Parker, I think because brother has you beat, we tend to think of you as our little lightweight man!). And weeks 5-8 have been full of fun and excitement.

So, where to begin? How about with our littlest little man.

Parker, little peanut...my love bug,
Week 5
Around 5 weeks old, your reflux really seemed to be doing somewhat better. You still spit up pretty much every time you eat, but the volume of what you spit up doesn't seem as much. This makes Mommy and Daddy feel a little better.You went from being really alert in the car and when we were out and about, to not.  I am glad to say, your attentiveness and alertness is back.  I love seeing you with your eyes wide open checking out the scenery flying by from the little mirror behind your seat. When facing your brother, you are definitely seeing him and watching him even if he doesn't pay any attention to you! And being you, you still are peeing on everything and everyone! LOL! At 5 Weeks old, you didn't really care to sit in your swing still so we had you napping in the pack and play or in cousin Zack's bouncy blue chair we've inherited. You really like the vibration and it seems to put you to sleep. You are most certainly our active little man. You flail your arms all about.

I am happy to say I heard your 1st coo (that I could decipher) on Monday, May 7th; and at your 1 month appointment, Dr. H uped your Zantac meds from 2cc to 3cc to accommodate for your weight gain. With the little bit of tummy time we started around 5 weeks, you really are starting to hold your head up and I think I can safely say, you really like tummy time. With the helpful introduction to naps on your tummy by grandma, you easily fall asleep for a nap this way!

Week 6
Your spitting up still comes and goes. I mean you always do it, but sometimes less than others. Good days and bad. You really are starting to see so much and we can tell. You follow noises and definitely follow people, like Mommy and Daddy when we walk by you. You finally slept for a nap in your swing again. It's been a while. You really weren't liking your swing or car seat for a few weeks there, I think because of the reflux. You don't nap really well usually, sometimes for 20 or so minutes, sometimes barely an hour. But you do sleep rather well for the most part at night. We're grateful for that.

Weeks 7 & 8
The biggest happenings these last two weeks are how much you are blossoming with your little personality. You "talk" to us after every feeding (and I think part of it is talking while going to the bathroom, probably because you feel better). And we can get you to smile just by talking to you.  We love this! You seem to like discovering that you have this little voice. Can't wait to hear when it really takes off! And we finally moved you into size 1 diapers as well.  They may be a little too big, but the newborns we just a little too snug. You have no problem filling them up though.  =)


Landon, my big boy! My love bug!
Week 5
You are cooing more for sure and making fun sounds, which has always been you.  I am pretty sure you have made noise awake and asleep since pretty much the day you were born. You started to smile around 5 Weeks old. And around that time, you started wearing mainly 0-3 & 3 month clothes. You have a big belly, even if length is still a bit too long on some of the outfits. You seem to be sleeping a lot more...while eating, in the car, etc. You are our day sleeper I guess. You have a little harder time at night, but I think it's because you get bad gas.  Boo! You lost all your hair up front like your brother but you both are still adorable! I am hoping I am wrong about this but you for a bit of time seemed to be growing out of sleeping in a swaddle in your swing. Might just have to let you sit in it and as you're getting bigger, we will really need to start strapping you in. You got into size 1 diapers on May 8th!! Wow!


Week 6
Buddy, you are our sleeper. You fall asleep while eating, wake up for the burping pretty much and then fast asleep you could be again. You do sometimes get in your swing and just stare off for a bit too. Your cry goes from 0-60 in no time and I think it's because you really only cry when something is truly wrong. And you have the breathing sob down pat. I'll try to video it but it's cute the way you do it. Just know I'm not laughing at you, just loving who you are and how you're so different from your brother. And I am glad to say, FINALLY you lost your umbilical cord Friday May19 with a little help from mommy. It was hanging on by a thread. I thought that thing would NEVER fall off. Of course, there is the smallest part left on the very inside of your belly button. Hopefully Dr. H can take care of that at your 2 month appointment. And you are still our snorter.  You make anyone near who can hear you snort, laugh.  No one expects that sound from such a little package.  I find it adorable though. Let's just hope it doesn't mean sinus problems later on.

Weeks 7 & 8
You seem to be staying awake a little more.  It's funny that this is even something we pay attention to, but with you and how much you seem to always want to close your eyes, it's nice to see the big eyes open every now and then. You waited about a week longer than your brother to start cooing and ooing at us.  I find this ironic since you are the noise maker in your sleep and such.


All three of us had our first walk to the park, just us with Daisy, at the beginning of May! This was a BIG step for mommy!!! We ended up walking 4 days that first week. It was great! Now it seems to be our morning routine, for the most part. We get up, eat and head out.  You both seem to enjoy the walk, checking out the scenery at the beginning and napping for the remainder of our time.

You both got letters welcoming you to the world from the POTUS (President of the United States), Barack Obama! Just in time for your 6 week mark!!! You also went to your first concert. Country! Yee haw! It was Country in the Park and we heard Phil Vassar with the Snyders, Christa and the boys, Colleen, Dom and their two little ones, along with Stephanie and Tony. It was a beautiful day out. A little warm at first but great in the shade of the umbrella we brought. Landon, you slept most of the time and Parker, you were awake damn near the whole time but enjoying it. You loved laying on the blanket in the grass in the shade.

You both also "slept" in your cribs for 1 1-2 nights. By the middle of the second night, Mommy and Daddy decided it was a little easier, and more convenient with your late night and middle of the night feedings, to keep you in your Pack and Play bassinets in our room for a few more weeks...at least until Daddy is done for summer break. 

For your first Memorial Day weekend, we headed north to visit family and to introduce you to more of Mommy's friends. We stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's house, even though they were beach bums and in Cancun while we were there.  Wish we were with them! You got to meet your cousins for the first time.  It was awesome! They LOVED you both.  They both wanted to hold you all the time, push Landon in the swing, bounce Parker in the bouncy chair...anything to be near you both.  It was great! We can't wait until you guys are a little bit older and can play with your cousins. I bet we'll all be sorry then, with you four strapping young lads running around!  We also enjoyed a BBQ at Auntie and Uncle's, hanging out with great friends and enjoying a cold, rainy Memorial Saturday.

And on that Sunday, you were left with your first babysitters! Well, if Auntie and Uncle really count! They watched you two while Mommy and Daddy went into Reno to eat some yummy sushi and watch Avengers, the movie! Thanks Auntie and Uncle.  Mommy and Daddy really needed that date!

We came back home after a fun weekend, and a couple days later Mommy's BFF Chaney drove down to spend some more snuggling time with you two.  It was absolutely wonderful having her here and boy did she spoil you both with lots of hugs, kisses, and cuddles! And we were so fortunate to have her here on your 2 month "birthday" because we went and got your 2 month pictures done at Portrait Innovations.  It was a great experience, and Mommy and Auntie Chaney were so proud of how well you both did! And we LOVED all the pictures (probably a little too much, because Mommy couldn't narrow it down and ended up buying a bunch!). You both were in such good moods and really seemed to be having a good time. It made for some great pictures and some memorable moments captured forever!

So, to my two little men, thank you for the past two months. They have been wonderful, especially this last one as you both keep growing like weeds and really developing these amazing, wonderful and beautiful little personalities! Mommy and Daddy love you and have lots in store for this summer! It's going to be fun!

Pictures to come!!

One Month Old...Already?!

To my handsome, wonderful two little men,

You are one month old as of yesterday.  I don't even know where the time has gone. It all started with two little cries that stole my heart the minute I heard them! I really did have that moment of fear thinking about how I would feel about you both when you were born.  Would I naturally feel that love and bond when you both arrived? I wasn't sure.  I've heard a lot of women say they just felt it, instantly.  It scared me to think, what if I didn't.  But alas, that was not the case! First came Landon, and as soon as I heard that loud cry, I can't even begin to describe how immediate the feeling washed over me.  You stole my heart little big man. It was amazing! And then just as quickly, Parker you came along and not to be outdone by your brother, did just the same. I was yours.  My heart melted and I was putty in both your tiny, beautiful little hands! Our 2 days in the hospital are a bit of a blur, but you had quite a bit of visitors, and many more when we came home those first few weeks. And more than anything, the last month has been amazing to get to know your sweet (and sometimes stubborn...gee I wonder who you guys got that from?) personalities.  You are similar in some ways, but oh so different and we love that! It's amazing to get to know you both and to see who you not only look more like, but what personality traits you inherited.  And so, our adventure and journey with you both continues on in full force and we are enjoying every moment with you two (even the middle of the night feedings, like when Parker and Daddy took their first "nap" together!).

Landon, my little big man. You are the bigger of you and your brother.  You were born at 12:52am and weighed 6lbs 11oz, and were 18 1/2 inches long. You had one eye completely shut and as the nurse brought you over to meet me, she said "Here's your little one eyed sailor." Too cute but at the same time frightening for brand new parents.  Daddy was a little freaked out.  He was seriously thinking something was wrong with your eye.  It was cute.  After our first kiss, the nurses took you, your brother, and Daddy to the well nursery to get your stats and get you cleaned up a little.  You are our little chill man.  For some reason, we thought you were going to be a little more high maintenance of the two. I remember those first few days you fought sleeping and feeding. You even went over 24 hours while we were in the hospital not eating.  It freaked me and Daddy out. We attempted to give you a small bit of formula and you did take it (about a teaspoon) so we knew you were going to be ok. More than anything, you just proved to be our gassy boy.  But boy oh boy can you fart like no ones business! LOL! As you work out your tummy and gas issues, you really are content.  Not much makes you fussy or cry unless you need something like to eat, sleep, or be changed.  You look so much like your Daddy too! Everyone says it. And you really do!  I also compare you to Auntie Tey.  You have her shaped face and her same shaped eyes.  It's funny to see that resemblance. You like to fall asleep while you're eating, and sometimes will stay sleeping as we try to burp you.  Too cute!  Oh and are you vocal, and I don't mean crying! You are our little squeaker! You make so many cute, sweet little sounds. While Grandma Peterson was visiting, you were waking up from a nap and made the funniest sound...almost like a dolphin.  We called you Flipper.  It was so sweet.  I am still trying to get all your sounds on video.  I only hope I can to remember them all.  One of my favorite sounds of yours though is right after you sneeze. You sneeze a couple of times and then coo.  Yup, you just sound like you are sighing and let out a long, cute little "cooooooo"! You are special in your own way. You have a kink in your neck. Crazy huh?! The doctor told us that when we went in for your newborn appointment. You must have been squeezed in the womb a certain way for a long time, because you do prefer to have your head turned to the left, or your head resting right up next to your right shoulder. We have to do neck stretches with you, which you don't seem to mind too much. Your neck is definitely getting better! We'll just keep stretching it out and helping you start moving and looking to your right! You still haven't lost your umbilical cord. This worries me, but everything I read says that it's ok. We have your 1 month appointment next on May 8th and hopefully if is off before then. If not, we'll have to see what the doctor says. I love you Landon Douglas.  You are growing so quickly and changing every day.  It has been an amazing first month with you and I look forward to the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years to come with you!

Parker, my littlest little man.  You are our small little peanut. You were born at 12:53am and weighed 5lbs 10oz and were 17 1/2 inches long. I was told after you went with your brother and Dad to the Well Baby nursery to get cleaned up that you had your umbilical cord wrapped around your neck. We had no idea. I wonder if that is why you weren't as big as your brother because at our last ultrasound about 2 weeks before your birth, you were measuring at 6lbs plus.  No big deal though. You were born healthy and happy! I almost from day one have called you my little old man, because you certainly kind of look like one.  You are all me.  You seems to have taken on the Peterson traits with your looks and if you ask Daddy, he would say you are more serious and tense like Mommy.  You keep your fists balled up and tense your legs and arms straight out often.  Daddy says you need to learn how to relax.  You and me both little man.  =) I know you will though, some day.  You are cute every time we put you down, mostly on the changing table, you flail your arms and legs straight out like a starfish (I think this is called the Morel reflex).  I giggle every time you do.  You are definitely our more needy boy, which is ok.  You started having reflux by about 2 weeks old, and boy does it still just break my heart.  You started to spit up after eating, and then the amount you were spitting up really increased.  On April 10th, we took you into the doctor to see about all this spitting up.  You hadn't lost weight since your newborn about at 3 days old, but you hadn't gained any either.  Scary and sad.  =( The doctor put you on medication, Zantac, to help with the spitting up.  It's a super sticky, spearmint smelling medicine that we give you twice a day. You are such a good boy and take it usually with no problems.  The spitting up hasn't stopped, but it seems to have gotten better.  You don't spit up tons like it seemed like you used to.  You definitely seem to "choke it down" as I say more.  This is good and bad.  I think this has started to cause you some pain and that makes me feel so bad for you kiddo.  You have good days and bad.  I am hoping the good really start to outweigh the bad! I think as you get bigger and older, the medicine and your body maturing will help remedy this reflux problem.  I am praying for that everyday.  You are our wide-eyed boy too.  When we go to run errands, usually in the morning, your brother is passed out and you are just sitting in your seat, eyes wide open, taking everything in.  You are your mother's child! You seem to be our super healer.  You lost your umbilical cord by 10 days old if I remember correctly. And you were also the first one to have the Plastibell fall off first (the plastic part for your circumcision). I have a feeling that if you ever have scraps and boo-boos, they will heal up and be gone before we know it! You are my sweetest little sweet and I love you Parker Neal! I am looking forward to you getting big and maybe even some day being bigger than brother!

Darn this for being sideways but I had to put it in. Parker is on the left and Landon is on the right!

Landon after his first bath! Our cute little duckie!

Parker after his first bath. Our little alligator!

You both sleep and eat fairly well. Of course you eat well, you came from me!  ;)  You are eating about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. We sometimes get lucky and get a 3 1/2 hour stretch in there and have even had one or two 4 hour stretches.  Landon, I swear you are by the clock. You just seem to know when that 2 1/2 hour mark has hit! We have fed you both at the same time (because you are breastfed) a few times, but usually you are fed separately. This has proven to help once Daddy went back to work and all our help left. Landon usually eats first, then I'll change you and burp you, then feed Parker so that he can feed a little slower and get burped more often. We believe you are eating about 3 ounces right now, but sometimes when Daddy feeds you with a bottle, you do seem to eat a little more. We are just happy you both are eating, growing, and are happy pretty much all day!

I am so blessed and amazed to have both of you beautiful boys in my life! And to see your Daddy transform from this big, tough coach to this sweet, tender daddy has been so fun! We love you both with all of our hearts and thank God for you two little miracles.  It took a lot to get you two and we will never forget that. We are having fun (even if we aren't sleeping much) and enjoying every moment! Can't wait to see what the next month has in store for us! Love you boys!