An Update + Some New Fun Toys

Earlier this month, Nate had his follow-up appointment with Osteopath Samara and not only did she give him a big thumbs up on his progress so far, we don't need to go back for any more visits! This is good news for me, but probably gets a mixed review from the boys. They always had a great time at Nate's appointments because Samara has the best toys.

At our last visit, she introduced some different toys than the ones we were starting to get familiar with because as she pointed out, the boys are older now and looking for new challenges... which got me thinking. And shopping.

I didn't want to overwhelm everyone, so I decided to introduce things slowly – but check out some of the new toys I was able to find online. They are definitely a hit.

Up first was our new Stacking Puzzle Box by Gowi™. It features 10 stacking/nesting cups and also comes with a shape sorter in the lid of the container that everything neatly fits back into when it's time to play "put away". The pieces stack up really high when fully assembled, but that was a challenge with two babies who were intent on destruction.

I'm surprised there are two that are still stacked actually. 

And there was not time to stack and take a picture before things got knocked down, but I like the motion in this shot: 

It was all very fascinating until Seth decided my camera looked like a fun toy too. The rest of Seth is out of frame because he's trying to climb up my leg to get at it. 

That's when I knew it was time to introduce the Hammer Balls by Plan Toys™ (minus the hammer of course for reasons that should be obvious). It's really a well made toy that can be enjoyed without the hammer option as the balls push through with a hand as well.

Seth was having a pretty good time with it... 

... when suddenly Nate spied the new toy and couldn't get over to it fast enough. I had no idea my laid back son could move this quickly. Seriously, he's a blur. 

In the end a good time was had by all... 

... although perhaps too good since later this afternoon the camera again found Seth in a sad state. 

Midway through his afternoon bottle he promptly rolled over and hit snooze. I couldn't decide whether this looked comfortable or not, but I leaned toward "not" and put him to bed.

- L.

PS. The new jammies in the playtime pics are size 18 months. 18 months!!! I know my babies are long, but this is starting to get ridiculous.

The OP Turned One Today!

Happy Birthday to us!

It was one year ago today that I sat down at my laptop and typed out our very first post. I wasn't sure how much time I'd have for blogging once the babies arrived, but it seemed like the best, most efficient way for a weary, pregnant mommy-to-be to keep everyone up to date as we prepared to welcome Nate and Seth earthside.

And then they arrived. These two. And there was no way I couldn't not keep blogging and sharing our adventures with you all – our ups and downs, our first foods and first teeth, our time spent growing up and making important discoveries, documenting noodly babies, silly conversations and sometimes a little trouble to keep things interesting.

I tried to take some pics of the boys today to commemorate the occasion. This was the best one: 

Hmm... the rest could perhaps generously be interpreted as "out-takes":

And in case you're wondering why Nate's shirt is wet, this was one of the first photos I took: 

Yes, that is what it looks like. And no, I don't know why Seth often looks like he's pulling Nate's ear.

All the same, it's been a blast blogging this past year – more than I ever imagined when I took my first timid plunge into the blogosphere – and we look forward to sharing our stories with you all for a long time to come. Thanks for tuning in.

- L.

This Is What Happens...

... when Seth decides to cut his afternoon nap short.

Poor little guy ran out of steam right in the middle of play-time and I didn't have the heart to move him since it would have woken him up. I didn't have any qualms about grabbing the camera however.

- L.

Full Of Surprises

I originally grabbed the camera to show off Seth's prowess at opening and closing the drawer on the nursery wardrobe, but as often happens things took a turn for the interesting and I captured more than I bargained for. 

I think it's pretty clear they're up to something, don't you?

The whole thing is on YouTube™. You know what to do.

- L.

PooBucket™: A Love Story (Part II)

– Well, what have we here? Why it's Poobucket™! I thought I never see you again Poobucket™, but you come to visit me. I is touched.

– I not lie. Life behind bars not been easy, Poobucket™. I's in for 5 to 10. That's when mommy say lunch is. Say you'll wait for me Poobucket™.

– Ours is a forbidden love.

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: Seth's arms are apparently longer than I thought. The prison stripes are a nice touch though.

- L.

These Two...

... make me laugh. And they'll make you laugh too. Really. Head on over to our YouTube™ channel and check out the giggle twins. 

- L.

Hangin' Out With Nate

– Hi everyone. It's me, Nate. I heard some of you is asking where I been. 

– I been around. You know, hanging out. 

– 'Dis my new favorite thing EVER to do by the way. 

– I could do 'dis all day.

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy Note: This truly is Nate's new favorite thing EVER to do all of a sudden. In fact, he simply must spend some time hanging upside down before he'll acquiesce to a nap these days. In case I forget he's very good about reminding me by pushing his head down on my arm (while I'm cradling him) so hard it's either dangle him or risk a fracture.

- L.