Success!

An early benefit of twins - Chris loves to push anything/anyone and Aiden is a happy participant!



The boys snuggled into a one man car but enjoyed the ride anyways!



Momma pushing the boys while they "steer"



Aiden and Chris enjoying their new sandbox. Enjoyment includes, eating, shoveling and throwing sand!



Fortunately for us our life is always playful and full of many firsts.... For example, the attire that I walked in to find Aiden wearing (or NOT wearing!) mid-nap! People weren't kidding when they told us that boys definitely keep you guessing! I LOVE it!




So as you can see, there is never a dull moment in our house. The boys are in "full swing" and may consider joining a track league with their need for speed in the coming years. They LOVE to be chased and often find ways to taunt you into wanting to chase them around the house. They are quick learners, especially when it comes to learning to work the system and get what you want!

We have been LOVING the weather this week. Welcome back sunshine and welcome summer time! Yesterday we met our friends Caroline and Mathieu for some playtime at the playground in Agawam. Aiden and Chris loved their freedom and ran in opposite directions. Mathieu preferred to stay close to Caroline and wanted to be held. Caroline was a great sport about helping me track down the twins as we continued to "round them up" in an attempt to keep them in sight. I look forward to the days when communication is easier but I know that will go hand in hand with wise cracks and talking back... So, in the meantime, I will enjoy what I perceive as innocence and will continue to talk to myself until they can understand me!

Last night we attempted to have our first family meal. As in Mike, Aiden, Chris and I all sat down together to eat at the same time AND enjoyed (or rather played with) the same food! The dinner choice was spaghetti, garlic bread and carrot sticks. The boys love to naw on carrot sticks and are beginning to enjoy dipping them in ranch dressing. The calorie intake is most likely negative since they probably burn as many calories chewing and licking as actually end up in their mouth (rather than on the floor, across the room of down the front of their shirts)! Mike and I enjoyed the meal but I wouldn't say we could even consider it a meal for the boys since maybe one bite made it to their mouths. We shall try again in a few weeks....

This morning Grammie Hopkins was a great sport and came over super early for me so that I could head to Belchertown for a dental cleaning. It am continuing on my legacy of having several cavities at each visit... UGGH! I am still not sure why flossing, brushing and using mouth wash daily doesn't do the trick. If anyone ever sees one of those specialty piggy banks that says "denture fund", please pick it up for me and I will be happy to reimburse you! I fear for my dental future at the pace I am going.

Aiden and Chris loved their time with Grammie Hopkins. She brought them a few new books that they LOVE! One book of doggies, one book of cats and one Elmo talking book! Could they be any more perfect for what they boys love? The new reading material kept them very happy and very busy! Thank you Grammie!

This afternoon, Grammie Pt and I headed to the pediatricians for another weigh in for the boys... Maybe there is hope after all! It had been one month since their last check up and Aiden gained 8 ounces and Chris gained 11 ounces! Both boys grew 1/2 inch, although my mom and I both agree that both measures are totally subjective and depend on the nurse doing the job. I also have to admit that I may have cheated a bit in the weight gain department. For fear of the boys not gaining any weight, I gave them sippy cups with water on our car ride over. I should first explain that water is a huge treat for them and they know it! I also have to explain that I was so pathetic that I even timed it so that they would drink but not have to go to the bathroom until after their weight was taken. Oh the things we do for our kids... I guess the good news is that they gained weight, even if I did cheat a bit! Aiden is now 19ish pounds and Chris is 18. We had a different pediatrician since ours is still on her maternity leave. I was thrilled when he explained that preemies often do not catch up on weight gain until they are around 2 years old. For the first time, we actually had a pediatrician that was happy with their weight gain. Yippee! He also said that we need to factor in that they were born weighing so little. Double yippee!

The pediatricians recommendation today for feeding steers us in an entirely new direction. Rather than constantly trying to search for high fat food options, he said focus on the nutritional content rather than finding high fat food choices. He also told us to put the plate in front of the boys with lots of fruits and veggies and let them feed themselves, even if it means that they may not eat for a few days... So tonight was night one... they played for a few minutes, shuffled the food around and went to bed hungry. I am hopeful that I will find two hungry hippos in the morning that are willing to go along with our new feeding regime. Only time will tell.

Grammie Pt. stayed for a while to play after the doctors appointment. Chris and Aiden were in their glory. They also loved the new car/wagon that she brought (See pics above). It was so nice to have company all day and so great for the boys to get lots and lots of Grammie time in. They sure so LOVE their grammies! Yeah for Grammies!!!