Downsizing.

After our big Hallowe'en photo shoot with Padrin – and subsequent downloading of some very large files onto my computer – it suddenly became quite clear that my computer hard drive is not a bottomless well of storage space.

The warning that said storage space was perilously low caught me quite off guard, but it was certainly an eye opener.

In a previous life (AKA "before babies") I worked as a graphic designer and have a considerable amount of client files on this computer dating back to 2005. I designed for both print and web and I can assure you that there are some very large print files being stored on my computer. Trade-show displays. Multi-page documents rife with hi-res photos. Billboards.

The complete contents of my client folder adds up to 13 GB. This is the sum of 5 years of work.

My folder with every single picture I've ever taken of my boys EVER?

Well, that would be 30 GB.

That's 30 gigabytes, everyone!

For the non-nerdy types, rest assured it's a lot.

Like, a lot a lot a lot.

And as much as I enjoy taking pics of the boys, I am still fumbling my way toward hobbyist level at best. For every 30 photos I take of my sons, maybe 3 are keepers.

I am no Padrin.

So, I've been spending "all my free time" lately making an effort to properly archive the nice photos of the boys (ie. largely the ones that made it onto the blog).

I've still got a long way to go, but have made a small dent at least – and in doing so, I've unearthed a few treasures.

Treasures I'd put aside to blog about later.

At the time, I never would have thought that "later" would mean 17 months later, and yet here we are.

Without further ado (and before Gamma Rita leaves a message complaining about all the posts lately with no pictures), the OP proudly presents a blast from the past in the form of 4 month old Nate and Seth:

Gamma Rita was in fact sitting across from me when I took these pics. We were on a patio at Starbucks™ enjoying the summer weather after a nice walk with the boys during her epic first visit to finally meet her grandsons. She even bought those outfits, including the "Division Champ" t-shirts and the "Team Captain" hoodies. I can't believe I still remember all that actually, but I do. Maybe it was because it was the first time I realized how sharp they look in orange. 

Or "unge" as my babies would say. 

Looking back, I can now see that Seth was already working on his cool-dude gaze that would later be the downfall of many a cutie, and that Nate was still 75% eyeballs. 

I can also see that Nate was deploying his wing-flaps and that that probably meant something, but I didn't know about wing-flaps then so it went unnoticed at the time. Seth was clearly onto it though, and also over it.

And lastly there was this: 

The precursor to all those teeth that continue to torment us to this day. I knew something was up even at the time. If the boys weren't busy drooling, they were busy chewing. They loved those terry cloths like nobody's business. 

- L.

PS. I hope you all enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I have a feeling there will at least a few more posts much like this one while I get busy archiving things properly.

Penaten Power!

– Hey Seth? 

– Yes, Nate?
– I hear there's 'dis story going around about you and me pulling off some Penaten caper? I think Mommy blog about it and everything.

– I knows nothing about 'dis Penaten, Nate – or capers of any kind. Nothing at all. I not even know what a Penaten is. 'Dis my innocent face by the way.
– Oh, that good innocent face Seth. Wish I think of that a little sooner. 

– Instead I cover with cute smile.
– Cute smile good move too. It almost always bamboozle the Mommy-type people. Is nearly foolproof. I make cute smile too. See?
– You think it working?
– Dunno, but talking probably not good right now. Just keep smiling and maybe Mommy go away.

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: I'm not sure what the magical ingredient in Penaten might be, but do not underestimate it. The day after The Great Penaten Caper (featuring the Penaten Twins), Seth took his first step and both boys cut a new tooth.

- L.

The Amazing Nate: No Van De Graaff Required

Alternate post title: 
It Might (Almost) Look Like Business In The Front, But It's Definitely A Party In The Back.

Alternate post title II: 
What A Hat And A Slightly Sweaty Head Can Do.

I realize it doesn't appear too spectacular here but if you look closely you can see that's not Nate's regular curl behind the ear poking out at you:

The following might give you a better idea what I'm talking about: 

It's like he's got his own electrostatic generator.

And just because Seth was trying so hard to get your attention in the background (and looking so cute while doing it)... 

He's busy chewing on his sleeve here as he has been for pretty much the last month thanks to his new teeth. By the time I laid him down to sleep I had to seriously debate whether to find him a new shirt to sleep in because his sleeve was so soggy – but he was already dozing off so I opted for not. 

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: This is not the first time Nate has sported this look since it's winter here and a hat is generally required gear when going outside (and even in the coldest weather Nate's head tends to get a little sweaty in just about any kind of hat), but his hair was especially out of control after we got back from the grocery store today. I should have made more of an effort to take some pics immediately upon our return since everything had calmed down some by bedtime when I managed to sneak in a few photos. Yes, you read that right. You're looking at the calmed down version.

- L.

Playdate!

It finally happened – one of the couples from the prenatal classes we took last year got brave enough to invite us all over last Saturday. And by "us all" I mean all of us – babies included. Of course there was no way to predict how it would go over with 4 sets of twins. I think we all expected a few show-downs over toys*, but there was none of that. Everyone got along famously and the only crying that occurred was due to a bad-mommy move on my part**. A good time was had by all – and thanks so much to our friends at little grovers*** for having us over.

– Hard to believe, but all the babies aren't even in this photo.

– These activity tables were a big hit!

– Like, a really big hit. Note to self: look into buying some activity tables.

– Nate surveying the scene. Just in case there's something more exciting than the activity tables.

– OK. It's not all about the activity tables. I still got a chance to show Seth a new book.

– And "hang out" with Nate.

– Until they both summarily ditched me AND the activity tables for something that was clearly even more awesome. I think Nate's expression says it all.

•   •   •   •   •

*Those activity tables were a HUGE hit with all the boys. I think Nate and Seth especially spent 90% of their time hovering over them. Except for the other 10% when Nate is clearly losing his marbles over the riding toy. 

**Bad mommy move: Nate has never met a stranger to this day, but Seth is sometimes a bit more reluctant when it comes to someone that is not mommy. In my defense, I was trying to wrangle two babies plus gear and I kind of... forgot about that. Oops. And although it's nothing two minutes (or less) of cuddles and kisses didn't cure I definitely have some residual mommy guilt. Ah, live and learn. And sometimes learn again. Sorry Seth! *sigh*

***There are more pics over at little grovers, so get on over there and check them out already.

PS. I took along my point-and-shoot camera that day (instead of my fancy camera). When I went to download the pics later that night, instead of getting a ton of cute pics, I got a "memory card error" message instead. It's extra frustrating because I can preview most of the pictures I took in teeny-tiny thumbnails on the camera, but I can't download any of them. Long story short: all the photos I've posted were very generously donated by the other 3 mommies with cameras. : )

PPS. Nate and Seth are having some teething times of late in case you were wondering what the clown cheeks were all about.

Out & About: The Starbucks Edition

I've been wanting to get some pics of the boys in their pea coats for awhile now, but I kept forgetting to bring the camera along when we would head out. Or I'd remember to bring the camera and then forget to take the pictures. See: Mommy brain.

I finally got my act together a few days ago before heading out to Starbucks. Nate and Seth love it there by the way since they get coo-ed and clucked at by random strangers and regulars alike, and especially by the staff. One of the baristas is officially their "girlfriend" ever since she stocked coffee near our table a few weeks ago and they couldn't take their eyes off her.

Here are Nate and Seth upon arrival:

You can see from the semi-maniacal look in Nate's eyes that he's ready to get out of the stroller. Like, now. 

He didn't really calm down much upon release.

This slightly blurry shot above is the clearest one I could get since he was having such a good time he wouldn't stop moving and whipping his head around to look at everything. 

Seth on the other hand was more focused. Literally. Of course, they looked so cute when the coats came off I kept clicking.

Seth looking fetching in his new (slightly too big) red shirt: 

And Nate:

... who is perpetually teething so I couldn't manage a shot without hand/fingers in the mouth. 

Although I tried. 

But the best I could get him to do was switch hands. Even with the blur you can see how drooly those fingers are! 

- L.

Updates on Everything III

We Survived: Our first illness. Of course, I was too sick to post about it, but it happened. At first I wasn't sure what was going on so I consulted my mommy friends online with the following:

Can teething cause a runny nose/throat mucous or am I looking at our first family cold? 

I ask because I'm up with a screaming, runny nosed baby who is otherwise showing all the signs of teething. No fever, lots of drool, hand in mouth, etc. But he can't/won't go back to sleep - when I even try to settle him in my arms cradling him he starts coughing/choking. He won't lie on his tummy or side unless he is already/almost asleep and lying reclined on his back is keeping him awake (as is sitting on my lap). Help!

And it turns out teething really can cause a runny nose, but alas it was not the cause this time.

Less than 36 hours later I posted an update:

Well, I thought you all were onto something with the teething/runny nose, even the next day when Seth also got a runny nose (he is also teething though). But today, I have it too. And a sore throat. And I'm definitely NOT teething. Ugh. 

I knew it would happen eventually, but all the same I was dreading it. I'm glad it's over and that I can say we did pretty well all things considered. The boys are long back to 100%. I'm still struggling with occasional bouts of runny nose and dry cough, especially at night, but then it's also allergy season for me so it's hard to know what's residual cold and what is allergies but I'll put myself at 95% which is more that enough to say we survived our first family cold. Yay!

Toothwatch 2010: Keeping an eye out for first teeth may have come and gone – but the teeth, they keep on coming.

Nate has been sporting two top teeth for the past couple weeks, but it wasn't his front teeth he cut first – rather the ones on either side. I guess that's pretty unusual but not only is Seth following suit, it turns out they come by it honestly since I also cut my teeth that way.

This week, after much preemptive drooling Nate finally cut one of his front teeth (right side if you're facing him), but it will probably be awhile before you see any evidence. I think he's still wary of the Tooth Fairy lady and he really doesn't appreciate me poking around in there either.

Final tooth tally for October:

Nate: 5
Seth: 2 (with one imminently on the way).

First Foods: As predicted, applesauce was a success. I might even try making the next batch myself, but don't tell Nate and Seth that or they won't eat it. I'll just pretend it's store-bought.

Up next on the new food frontier is egg yolk (and yes, I will obviously be making that myself, so... shhhh!). If all goes well we'll be trying yogurt next.

Food load for October:

8-10 oz. of solids per baby per day (plus Mum-Mums!)
32-36 oz. of formula per baby per day.

Really, I have no idea why they're so skinny.

Getting around: They are. All over the place. Keep an eye out for (imminent) future posts.

That's all for now, but Nate and Seth are going for their 9 month check-up Nov. 2nd, including height/weight stats so check back for more updates in a few days.

- L.

It's Over!

– Hi everybody! It's me, Seth! I got some big news for you all. 

– I got my first tooth and I'm so excited!!! Check out my close up... 

– Can you see it everyone? 

– I's going to be smiling for the rest of the day and I hope you is too!

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: Toothwatch 2010 was officially declared over at 8:15 AM yesterday morning, and as you can see in the close-up pic Seth isn't wasting any time now that he's got his first tooth since he's already working on his second one. I was kind of surprised it hadn't broken through by this morning because it is *so close* to joining it's mate, but no worries. I expect he'll have his second tooth before the sun is up tomorrow. Yay Seth! : )

- L.

These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things

– Hi everyone! 

– Oh, hi everyone! We is playing.

– We is playing with our toys. We have lots of toys.

– And we like our toys a lot. These not our very favorite toys tho'. 

– No, they is not.
– Can you guess what our very favorite toys are? 

– *giggle* ... oh, you is a sly one Nate.
– Don't I know it. 

– Dat's a trick question everyone!
– It is! Is a trick because our favorite toys are... 

– ... not toys at all! Gotcha!

Mommy note: Of course that's the way it is with all babies, isn't it? The box is always more entertaining than the toy inside and often as children we create our own toys out of everyday objects. Nate and Seth are no exception. Their favorites include:

01. Green Box: Green Box is a favorite at changing time since it holds the baby wipes. I used to keep it in the crib we used for changing until everyone got a little too interested in it and it started to look like a clobbering hazard. It is still great fun to play with though and an endless source of fascination whenever it's time for a fresh diaper. Green Box was in no way involved in any of "The Great Shiner Capers" although I can see why it would would seem a likely suspect. However, it was never at the scene of the crime. The source of the shiners remains a mystery to this day.

02. Green Thing™: Green Thing™ is a small pillow that came with the Jungle Gym. I have no clue what is so awesome about Green Thing™ but Nate and Seth both love to cuddle and chew on it endlessly. It's very popular.

03. Clean Diaper: I can guarantee at least 10 minutes of quiet time if I toss a clean diaper (or two) in the crib or Joovy. Fun to chew on AND play Peekaboo with, it's always a hit.

04. 10 Cent Plastic Ring: You can find 10 Cent Plastic Ring attached to a wide variety of toys for babies. It's there so you can easily loop it onto a car seat, bouncer or crib. Too bad it's more entertaining than the $15 toy it came attached to, but it's great fun to chew on and just the right size for little hands to hang onto. For what it's worth, I think this is also the most coveted teething toy around our house as well.

05. Random Article of Clothing: This could be any article of clothing really, but items with straps to chew on get bonus points. These denim cover-alls have been well loved, both on and off the babies.

Of course, there is one exception in all this (and you can give yourself a half-point if you guessed it), and that's the boys' unwavering adoration for Sophie (who is a real toy). Sophie wasn't cheap, but she's been worth every penny – and the boys love her as much as I once read they would. In fact, she's been loved so much that most of her spots have worn off, and her feet and ears seem to be missing a little paint too. I expect she will be completely naked long before Nate and Seth are done with her. 

Poor Sophie.

- L.

Updates On Everything II

Well, it's time for another mass update post since I feel like I'm getting behind on keeping up with Nate and Seth and all their antics and adventures.

First things first... the boys are 7 months old today! Don't worry, this isn't our official 7 Month post – check back later today/early this evening for updates and cute pics of the babies. Speaking of which...

Videos, Videos, Videos: 

I uploaded 5 new clips to our YouTube™ channel the other day and then ran out of time to let you all know about it over here on the blog, so by all means head on over and check 'em out while they're still fresh. Here's our list of new titles (in no particular order):

Spooky Seth™: What can I say? The boy makes some spooky sounds that are very much his own, although I never thought I'd actually capture it on video since Seth is typically distracted whenever I've got camera in hand. This video features an unexpected visit from Spooky Seth™, interspersed with some really big grins.

Spooky Seth™ Part II: Not so spooky anymore but Spooky Seth™ sounds were certainly the jumping off place for Seth's NEW noises, which sound suspiciously like Donald Duck to me. 

How To Steal Your Brother's Butterflies (And Get Away With It): This video has a bit of everything: playtime, big smiles, bonks in the head, songs from the jungle gym, Spooky Seth™ noises, kicky legs, cuteness and of course, butterfly thievery. 

Peas: Lip Smackin' Good: A short video of Nate trying peas for the first time. I love the lip smack at the end. : ) 

Peas: The Bib Is Also Tasty: A short video of Seth. I think the title says it all really. A small funny... when you upload videos to YouTube™ it automatically generates tag suggestions for your convenience. Sometimes, however the suggested tag really misses the mark. YouTube's recommendation for this video was "Combat Sports".

New Foods:

Speaking of peas, here's an update on our first foods. So far we've tried sweet potatoes, peas, bananas, avocados, peaches, squash and pears. I've made some things myself and left others to the fine people at Gerber™. The babies are fine with either, except sweet potatoes which they now prefer from the jar. Of course. Naturally, I let them know they were breaking their mama's heart but I don't think they heard me over the lip-smacking going on. They are both hearty eaters and love their solids.

As for favorite foods, I was about to declare avocados the big winner until they tried squash. They loooooove squash. Can't get enough. Pears are a close second, and they definitely consider it the best meal EVER when both are on the menu at the same time.

I, on the other hand, prefer the avocados since I'm convinced they keep my babies fuller (and therefore sleeping longer) at night. We also introduced oat cereal at bedtime a week ago and it seems to be helping with keeping everyone asleep past 5:30 AM (or the dreaded 4:45 AM!) for the most part as well. As far as I'm concerned, avocados and oat cereal are the best meal EVER – and since I've been mixing in some pears with the oats, everybody wins! : )

Toothwatch 2010:

Gotcha Nate!

Finally, a photo of the prized teeth. No other teeth to report yet, however. Toothwatch 2010 is still in full effect for Seth. 

Nate's Plagiocephaly:

After just 5 visits to the osteopath, I'm so happy to report that we are seeing definite results. I took a "before" photo of Nate's head around the beginning of July and some "after" photos yesterday morning. Pardon the messy food face/neck in the "after" shots, but breakfast in the high-chair seemed like the best time to catch Nate in profile without a helper around to hold him while I took the pictures.

Before: 

Even here his head was not as flat as it had been originally since we had already been doing tummy time and positioning him off his flat side at night, but you can see the flatness is still quite prominent.

After: 

What a difference already! It's easy to spot some pretty dramatic changes to his head shape, particularly at the base of the skull and overall less of a "cone" shape to the crown as plates of his head move downward. We have a follow-up visit in 6 weeks time to check for further progress and possibly have additional treatment if required. In the meantime, Nate has become a confirmed tummy sleeper during naps and at night which is going to go a long way also in helping his skull bones reshape themselves naturally. Go Nate!

And with that, I think that's all our recent news for now (or at least the highlights). Don't forget to check back later today for our official 7 Month post – hope this keeps you all busy reading in the meantime.

- L.

Toothwatch 2010 Update

It hasn't been for lack of trying but I've not been able to get a shot of Nate's new teeth for you all to admire. It's the strangest thing because he loves to show them off, but every time I get the camera out to snap a pic he'll either close his mouth or do this: 

Every. Single. Time.

Maybe he really is hiding his pearly whites from the Tooth Fairy lady.

*shrug*

Who could blame him? They are very nice teeth after all. I'll have to step up my game though if I want to document them before he has a complete set.

- L.

Look What I Can Do!

Although Toothwatch 2010 remains in effect for wee Seth, there's a new video over on our YouTube™ channel of him showing off his newfound skills with a bottle this morning. If it seems like they are both learning something new almost daily, they are. My babies are growing up entirely too fast.

- L.

Two Tooths!

– Oh hi there everyone! 

– Did mommy tell you all my big news? 

– Let's see... what was it again?

– Oh yes. My tooths. They is right here. I have TWO now! They are fun to play with. 

– But I have to make sure I don't show 'em off too much. I's not ready for a visit from that Tooth Fairy lady I keep hearing 'bout. Stay away Tooth Fairy lady!

Mommy note: Nate was having a grand time playing peekaboo with me while I snapped these pics. Peekaboo is a big hit with both boys and they absolutely love it when you "find" them. I get the some of the biggest grins I've seen around here with this simple game.

And now at least one of those grins is getting pretty toothy! I love it. : )

- L.