Rub-A-Dub-Dub

Rub-a-dub-dub, two boys in a tub

Jack and Ben enjoy tandum bathtimes at the SAME time, thanks to our  new laundry basket! I got the idea from a girl's blog who also has twins, but just a little younger than the boys. I wish I had stolen the idea sooner. It was great!

Jonathan Andrew, 9 months old

Benjamin David, 9 months old

Jack, true to form, stands up and tries to make his escape. Thankfully, daddy was right there to thwart his efforts (allowing mommy to keep playing with pictures!)

Ben enjoys the bath toys!

Daddy makes bathtime so much fun!

The other perk to having a laundry basket (for as long as they'll fit?) An extended sleeping night! They slept 11 hours because of a nice, long bath! Looks like that'll be a staple around our house for some time.

Jack Has His Day!

True to form, the other boy is never far behind his brother!

Jack pulled himself up to his feet using the ottoman in their bedroom this morning. He was so pleased with himself!

Jack and Ben inspect the new teethers I found cleaning their room this morning. They had so much fun playing with the packaging that I haven't even taken them out yet.

Jack and Ben say, "Ah, yes. This feels much better, mommy!"

Now that I know that they're teething, I'm trying to be a bit more proactive about things, especially after gaining some wisdom from my friends who've 'been there' and survived! It is nice to know why the boys just haven't been themselves the last few days. Now, I have teethers and apple slices freezing, teething biscuits for lunch, washclothes ready to be douced in cold water and Hurricane Gel at an arm's length.

Bring it on.

A Big Day for Ben

They told me it would happen fast, but I didn't think it would be this fast!

Last night I noticed Ben had acquired a new tooth... it's a little tooth, but it's pokin' it's little head out! Looks like we'll be using a lot of Hurricane Gel in the next few weeks. Err, months.

And today, he pulled himself up to his feet on the fence! Unbelievable. All in one day.

Ben looks so big, yet so small.

I wish that I would hadn't put the camera away before he starting slipping into a split! He grasped his little hands tightly on the spokes of the fence and wouldn't let go! It was too cute. I could have grabbed the camera again, but sometimes, not even good photography can come before helping out your little one.

But don't think I wouldn't try next time! :)

Like Father, Like Son

Jack helps daddy open the mail

Way Back When

My younger sister, Marissa, posted this picture of my husband and I at my older sister, Ellie's wedding, two and a half years ago. In August 2007 (when this was taken,) Andy and I had been married for three months. We were - and still are - in that Honeymoon Phase.

Gosh, I hope that never ends.

I love you, Andy.

So Much Love

Time really goes go by so fast. It seems like just last week that we brought the boys home and struggled with knowing how much food they were getting, how much sleep WE were getting and if we were doing anything right.

Now they're almost nine months old. They're crawling. Pushing themselves up to a sitting position from their bellies. Trying to pull themselves to stand. Eating with their fingers. It's unbelievable.

Jack and Ben playing in Jack's crib after their afternoon nap

I never knew just how much MORE I could love someone since the boys were born. Looking at their eyes, wide smile and dimples, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. Pride. Love.

They are our blessing.

God has entrusted these two lives to me and Andy... and we will be forever grateful.

We Have TWO Crawlers!

Yup, that's right. Jack had a 2-week lead, but now Ben is right behind him... literally!

Ben and Jack slide across our hardwood floor

Ben sips his (empty) sippy cup. I'm thinking I'll have to put some liquid in there so they don't think it's just a teething toy!

Ben

Jack

Jack on all fours

Jonathan LOVES looking out the window. I probably take a gazillion pictures of him looking outside every day. His face is priceless!

You may be older than me," Ben said, "but it's only by ONE MINUTE!" Hmm. He does have a point there.

Jack points out where Ben's eyes are, but Ben is not so easily amused. "

The Wonder of it All

My boys love windows. And light. Especially the light that comes through our front window. Now they are able to stand up to see it, on the couch where I have fed them for the past eight months. This has become their new favorite activity!

Ben and Jack

Benjamin, 8 months old

They watch the cars go by, watch our neighbor shovel his driveway and the people walking their dogs. I never realized just how entertaining it really is... to an 8-month-old, of course.

Ben

Jack

Jonathan

(You can't tell from the photo, but Jack is casually tapping his right hand against the window sill, just as you would do if you were waiting for someone. Oh, so cute!)