Could I be a Gerber baby?

These are the pre-pea pics from Thursday night before the first trial of veggies.  Our fat naked babies are so cute, I had to share . . . WHO'S CALLING ME A PREEMIE NOW???

Bowen:

Luke . . . 

Well, our mommy thinks we could be Gerber babies!  (Oh, and of course our grandparents and Aunt Beth . . . )

Peas, please!

As of last night, we added peas to the boys' menu.  We have been feeding them rice cereal by spoon for a few weeks now off & on, so it was time to move onto something new.  They are pretty good with the spoon for about 5-10 minutes, and then they cry for their bottles.  But it's a start!

Bowen (below) did better today with eating peas.  Last night, I thought perhaps he might like peas as much as his daddy does (which, is not at all).

I'm also trying homemade baby food, which is not very difficult to make.  I hear it's less expensive, and obviously cuts a lot of preservatives/additives from the wee diets.  I can prepare quite a bit at one time and freeze ahead small portions in ice trays.  And as my mom said, "That's all we had when you were a baby!"
Next week - on to carrots!

Papa Beau-Dog

I left the boys to nap on our bed this afternoon.  I returned to check on them 10 minutes later, and Beau-dog apparently decided to join the non-action.  I had already shooed Beau off the bed earlier that day (when the boys weren't on the bed).  But since all parties seemed content, I left well enough alone and let them enjoy their group nap.

Checking on them again later, George had also made it onto the bed.  Crazy dogs.

6th month check up

Yes, I know, photo updates are needed.  In the meantime, the boys had their 6-month check up with Dr. McLaren today.  (They are 26 weeks old, or 13 weeks adjusted age.)  Just wanted to quickly share the stats:

Luke - 13 lbs, 23.5 inches long

Bowen - 14 lbs 12 oz, 23 inches long

All else is well in their world.  And ours, as they consistently sleep 10p to ~5:30a.

And if you hadn't heard, Chris is very excited to be starting a new job at the end of September.  He will treat outpatients at LSU Hospital.  We think it will be a nice change of pace for him for the time being, as he finishes his MBA this year and as we continue to adjust to having babies in our home.  No more 24/7 work cell phone, and no weekends or government holidays.  (We're talking Columbus Day, Flag Day, etc. - I'm a little jealous!)  His last day at Schumpert is Aug 29.  He'll have a month off, during which he plans to paint the house and knock out several of the semester's classes. . . On that note, still greatly enjoying my return to work.  I love what I do, have a great boss & a great work environment.  I'm feeling very blessed right now in the occupational category.  And Aunt Beth is getting her baby "fix."  It's a win-win.

I'll try to get some photos up later this week.

Hey, Brother

We really aren't playing favorites, but just happen to have caught Bowen on camera lately doing sweet things.  Luke's a little harder to catch on camera, but he'll have his day!  He's starting to find his voice, too.  He really likes to make this little growl, for lack of a better description.  Maybe I'll get it on video soon. . . . Our latest: for the first time Bowen seems genuinely aware of Luke.  Chris was quick enough to catch a few of the smiles and squeals he offers his brother.  Meanwhile, Luke is too preoccupied trying to stand on my lap (and being burped) to reciprocate.  The distinct personalities already shining through!



Oh yeah, and being back to work has been good.  I still love my job and am enjoying getting back into the groove.  It will be even better when the boys are a little more consistent with sleeping to 6 am.  We still get the occasional 4:30/5 am wakeup cry, but at least it's not every night!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

So this past week was my Mom's 50th.  Our family and some of her dear friends put together a little celebration.  Her BFF from Michigan (aka our Aunt Peggy) flew down to the July LA heat (God bless her!) to join the festivities. 

This photo shows Mom with her fun cake we made; I made copies of old pictures through the years and put them on painted wooden skewers to surround the "50" candle:

My sister, Beth, and I had a blast putting together this huge photo collage that included pictures of Mom's childhood, old pets, special events throughout our lives, and of course, some grandsons!

Aunt Peggy on the left, Mom (aka Wendy), and her dear friend Ginger.  While I'm here - Aunt Peg has provided the boys with their very first Detroit Tigers T's.  Ginger was so kind to provide us with 4 big casseroles right after the boys were born (such a blessing!)

The whole fam damily (he, he):  Of course you can pick out Chris, me & the boys.  Also in are my sister Beth & her hubby Shane and their two boys Brayden & Abel.  Also our Mom & Dad (aka Nana & Papa, or Wendy & Billy).

 

Bowen's Vowels

For the last 2 weeks or so, Bowen has taken to making my new most favorite sound - these throaty wide-mouth "O"'s.  It has been my mission to get it on video, and I finally succeeded today!  (Once the camera's on him, he is usually distracted by this strange shiny object.)  Anywho, here it is for you guys to see.  Of course, you could've heard a whole "conversation" if I had not gotten the camera so close to him so quickly (which distracted him, as you'll see at the end). Enjoy!

Oh, and PS - the boys have slept now 2 nights in a row from 10p to 6a. . . maybe, just maybe . . .