New Tricks

Hello All,

We are past due for sure for new photos & videos. My life should slow down a little in a few weeks and I'll get around to it. But for now just reporting that the boys had their NICU follow-up clinic appointment last week. Our little boys who are supposed to be like 4-month olds now weigh 17 lb 3oz (Bowen) and 15 lb (Luke). Both have found their feet. Bowen found his hand ~2 weeks ago. Luke is starting to roll, and Bowen is now definitely rolling from back to tummy and trying to get his knees under him. I'm getting a little scared! They are both reaching for toys and Bowen likes to reach and touch your face when close enough. They are so sweet, and it is exciting to see them develop. . . . Thanks for following, and hopefully I'll have up photos soon.

Baby Dedication

(authored by Chris & Darla)

The boys made their first trip to "big church" this morning for their dedication.  Pastor Chuck held all 33 pounds of babies at once.  Bowen is on the left and Luke on the right.  Both sets of grandparents, the Cathcart greatgrandparents, Grandmomma Porter, and Aunt Beth and cousin Brayden all watched.  (This was also cousin Brayden's first time to sit through big church, and he did so great at 3.5 yrs old!)  Uncle Shane was turning on people's electricity (he works for SWEPCO and was working thanks to Ike) and Uncle Michael and Aunt Sylvia are finishing up their trip to Europe, so they couldn't make it.

It was so great to reach yet another "normal" milestone.  We forget how amazing our boys are.  We were reminded by the collective gasp when Pastor Chuck announced for the crowd their birth weights of 2lb & 1.5lb.  We continue to say that God is always good, but in the case of these boys, He was also very gracious!  

BTW - Today's date (the 14th) is the day that last year we had our very first prenatal visit and discovered we were having TWINS.  Little did we know how much our lives would change!

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!