Feathers, Puzzles, Stickers, Crayons and More

We've done so many new activities and 'crafts' the past couple of months.  The boys really seem to enjoy them and are developing the skills quite well.  I thought I'd highlight on a handful of them:

Stickers (and some gluing): The boys just love sticker time.  We put them on foam paper (which is easy for them to peel off again), Gavin, Wyatt and Mama!  They are learning quickly how to handle the small stickers even and transfer them from their fingers to the paper.  (Sometimes the slightly larger stickers wrap around their fingers though and give them trouble getting them off...)

Feather and Pipe Cleaner Fun: I wrapped a cardboard box in large-holed twill (mesh).  The idea was to learn to put objects through the tiny holes.  We used feathers and pipe cleaners.  The boys thought this was great fun; although I have to say loading the feathers on top of the box and twisting the pipe cleaners this way and that was a lot more entertaining!

Puzzles: We have a lot of the wooden jumbo puzzles the boys enjoy.  I also bought them these foam alphabet puzzle pieces the other week.  The boys have decided these types of puzzles are wonderful.  Over the course of a couple of weeks, they have understood the concept of keeping the pieced flat and trying to fit them together.  They practice this all throughout the day since we just keep these pieces out all the time.

More Feather Fun: One day we decided the feathers didn't need to go in the box, but rather made excellent 'throw in the air and watch them float' and 'cover Gavin/Wyatt/Mama' and 'Tickle, Tickle' toys instead!  We had so much fun throwing the feathers and chasing each other tickling.  The boys kept trying to feed the feathers to the dogs even.  After the feather fun, the boys got to help me vacuum, which is of course one of their favorite things to do!

Shapes: Another one of their favorite 'puzzles' is the shapes blocks.  They have gotten pretty good at putting the shapes in the correct slot too.

Crayons: The boys have also taken a big interest in drawing these days.  After several months of semi-interest, I was very impressed with their artwork below they drew today!  

They've also enjoyed playing with play-dough, but I don't have a picture to go along with that.  There are so many other special 'craft activities' the boys do these days, but I just wanted to highlight a few of them.  

These are a Few of Our Favorite Things

Here are a few things on the top of the boys' 'favorite things to do' list:

Vacuum: They ask to 'bambum' all throughout the day!

Dust: They each have their Swiffer Duster we keep out so they can dust when ever their heart pleases.  Sometimes they knock over the picture frames and get sad.  I put them back in place and explain that accidents are okay.

Washing hands: They could seriously do this every 20-30 minutes if I let them.  I bought them 'big boy stools' so they can reach the counters, as well as faucet extenders.  They love to rub the soap in their hands and turn on the faucet.  (Taking a drink is pretty funny too!)

They also love to brush their teeth and take a bath.  Something they'd also do at least 3-4 times a day!  They are always asking to do all of these things (words and signing), which makes me smile.  I'm enjoying it now, because I can see the day when two little (soon to be 3) dirty boys won't want to come in from outside to take a bath or wash their hands!  

With all this cleaning though, you'd think we had a spic-and-span house and squeaky clean boys... but that just doesn't seem to be the case!

Wyatt and Gavin's New 'Big Boy' Room

Originally we had left a full sized bed in the boys' room so 1) I'd have a place to sleep when they were sick and 2) we'd have another bed for guests beside the guest bedroom.  This was before we had children, yet alone twins.  Great idea, it just never worked that way.  When one or both were sick, I would use the guest bedroom to ensure the other baby got some rest while I tended to the other one.  When guest come over, there are only so many places to put TWO BABIES and we only have one pack and play.  So, this bed rarely was used.

Because the boys are older, I decided I wanted to get rid of the bed and make their room more of a 'big boy room' vs a nursery.  They love it!

Here are a couple of quick before clips of the room:

This part hasn't changed:

Here is their new room:

A reading area for two little boys who love to read!  I took the feather comforter and pillows from the bed and made a reading area 'under a cave' as we call it.  I then made 'rain gutter shelves' for the boys.  These are great for little ones; allowing them to easily put up books and to see the actual covers which is much better than just the spines. I also have a bucket of books below for them to dig through (not counting the other hundreds (literally) in the game room.  The boys just LOVE to read throughout the day, so this was perfect for them and will help foster what they already enjoy.

You can't see it, but I have our two crosses we've had since the boys were born 'For this child I have prayed' and above that it says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always'.  I love this because I'm always telling the boys to rejoice in the Lord and the day He has made!

There beds are now side by side.  When they are ready for their 'big boy beds', we'll keep them in this same position, just remove the front siding (convertible cribs).

Anyways, that's a little glimpse as our new 'big boy room'.

6 Year Anniversary!

Jason and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary earlier this month!  I can't believe how fast time flies.  We met our first semester of college in October 2002 and started dating in January 2003; that's 9 years ago! I spent a lot of time this past month reminiscing and enjoying all the wonderful memories we share together.  I thank God for my best friend.  There are so many activities we love sharing with each other, great conversations, and beautiful times of just being with each other.  With each year and new steps of our journey together, we become closer.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man leading our family.  He is a great husband and father.  I love growing in life with Jason and look forward to each step forward God blesses us with!

Anniversary Date

Jason and I had a great date of movie (The Avengers) and dinner (Melting Pot) on our actual anniversary!  It was wonderful having several hours alone as husband and wife; time to talk and just enjoy each other! 

Family Anniversary Trip

Due to our pregnancy, we decided to have a fun 'family anniversary celebration' this year!  We planned a fun trip to San Antonio the weekend after our anniversary.  We'd stay at a nice resort/condo at the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch, http://wildoakranch.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-wildoakranch/index.jsp?null , where we'd be able to enjoy the grounds and the fun pool area.  We'd also get to go to Sea World, which the boys would love!  So, we left Thursday after lunch, boys happy as could be (Gavin had a mild runny nose, but nothing serious for a 14 month old teething boy). We got there right at check-in, unloaded, changed and headed to the pool.  This was Gavin and Wyatt's first 'real pool' experience and they loved it!  We bought them little 'shirts' with 'inner tubes' in them to use, as well as floats in the shape of cars for them to sit in.  They loved them both.  We were very impressed with how 'brave' they were walking along the steps and them jumping towards us knowing they couldn't reach once they did.  They loved water splashing on them, and watching their dad go down the slide!  We stayed for about an hour, then headed back to the hotel room to get ready for dinner.

By this time the boys started to get fussy, but we didn't thinking much of it since it was dinner time and they had just swam, so were pretty hungry.  We got to the restaurant on site and they began to fade before our eyes.  We barely got our food and asked for to-go boxes because the boys weren't feeling well at all.  Gavin was becoming very congested and their fevers started to rise quickly.  By the time we got to the room, Gavin had 101.8 and Wyatt 102.4.  We gave them meds and called the pediatrician (on call) and by the time we were talking to her, Wyatt's fever had risen to 103.7.  We ended up heading to CVS to pick up Tylenol to give them in addition to the Ibuprofen.  I sat in the back with the boys keeping cool washcloths on their face.  By this time it was past their bed time already.  About an hour later, their fevers had gone down some, but the night wasn't anywhere near over.  We got some fluids in them and a little bit of food and the boys seemed to 'perk' up a little.  Although still very congested, they played a small game of chase with dad around the condo (such a beautiful sight after such a huge scare earlier).  Sleep was minimal that night.  Gavin's congestion seemed to be getting worse and he was having such a difficult time breathing.  By the morning, they were still the same and after a very short, unproductive nap, we decided to head home early; less than 24 hours in San Antonio.  

On our way home, Gavin's breathing wasn't getting any better and so I called the pediatrician asking if there was any way they could squeeze us in that afternoon.  We planned for their last appointment of the day and prayed we'd make it on time before they closed.  It seemed like we'd get there perfect timing, until we ran into Houston rush-hour traffic on our final stretch.  Lots of prayers were being said, and with the help of God, we got there 10 minutes before they 'closed'.  The office was so sweet!  They ended up staying open for us so the boys could be checked out.  As soon as the doctor walked in, she said Gavin has 'Stridor Croup' just by hearing him.  After a further check-up of both boys, they gave them steroids that were to start working about 6 hours later (both had croup, Gavin was just about a day ahead of Wyatt and so his wasn't as bad yet).  If the steroids didn't work we were to be prepared to take them to the ER that night.  

To make a long story 'short', the steroids did help the boys' croup!  Sleep was 'better' Friday night, but still not good.  Fevers remained stable, but Gavin continued to have difficulty breathing and choking on his congestion.  By Saturday, both boys just had a 'typical cold'!  We've spent Saturday, Sunday (Mother's Day) and today just snuggling, reading, calm playing and watching movies.  Gavin's congestion seems to be getting better slowly, fevers minimal, but Wyatt's congestion is getting worse and going into his chest.  We are going to keep an eye on it of course and may have to go back to the doctor.  It seems Wyatt's colds always end in his chest and needs breathing treatment.  I pray this time is different.  

The boys are not eating well, but 'well enough'.  They eat only a fraction of what they typically do and are turning down all their favorite foods.  They are getting lots of fluids though which makes me very happy!  The boys aren't sleeping well at night or naps, especially Gavin, so their naps are off right now of course.  They've actually fallen asleep in our arms three times the past couple of weeks which they NEVER do.  By 9/9:30 am, they are falling asleep on me and I have take them to bed right away.  Same thing happens in the early afternoon.  The boys have been soaking up the snuggle time and are attached to me all day.  I've so enjoyed being able to be there for them, love on them, and give them lots of hugs, kisses and make them giggle!  I'm so blessed to be able to stay home with my children and take care of their needs; something I'll never take for granted or tire of!    

Due to lack of sleep, major worry and pregnancy, I started to get sick on Friday as well.  It's just a minor cold and I'm certain will get better with rest when the boys get better.  Until then, we are staying in, staying 'calm', snuggling and keeping the house disinfected!  

Jason and I are so thankful for God's guidance, healing and love He's lavished us during this time.  We naturally were disappointed in our trip, but now that the boys are 'better' than that awful night, we are laughing and calling it our $400 pool trip we took 3 hours away!  Sea World will always be there and we'll likely try again next year when Luke is a little older.  We are thankful we were able to take care of and nurture our precious sons!  I am so thankful God led us to leave when we did and allow us to see our pediatrician.  I'm so thankful the steroids worked.  I cherish our snuggle time and relaxing weekend we had recovering.  Praying now we are all healed and don't have to go back to the doctor soon.

Mother's Day Gifts for Grandmas and Great-Grandmas

I thought I'd post a sample of the boys' Mother's Day gifts we made for Grandmas and Great-grandma's this year!  

As with most pictures, the boys hate posing... So, the below pictures were the best I was able to capture.  The rest of them were great shots of their ears, half their body, the back of their heads or crying.  They loved holding the letters until the camera came out.  Honestly, all they wanted to do was play and Mama made them pose instead.  So, what we got were pictures of typical little boys wanting to get up and go!  

Here we have:

WE (Heart) U

Grandma (and Great-Grandma)

I scrapbooked the mat and put it in an 8x10 frame.

We also had fun finger painting one day and made hand-print bouquets.  Getting hand-prints of 13 month olds is pretty hard, especially when doing multiple pages.  So, we had a few very smudged or 'large' hand-prints!  Mama added the green and the writing of course.

24 Weeks Photos

Because I said in my last post I'd add pictures soon...

Yes, I'm being silly showing off my athletic physique, haha!!

Okay, so this has nothing to do with belly shots, but it was taken at the same time.  I was goofing around with the boys telling them to make funny faces for the camera.  They were doing just that.  The below photo you can see Wyatt's silly face as he was heading towards me grabbing at the camera!  What happened next...

Wyatt jumped in my lap; his head butting my mouth. My top teeth hit my lower lip and busted it good.  I now have a huge blood blister looking wound on my lower lip! Here we are showing off Mama's battle wound right before Jason and I got ready to go out on our special 6 year anniversary date in which we were getting all dressed up!  Gotta love the timing!

Luke's Nursery is Coming Along Great

Back in early March, we finished putting up the main decorations in Luke's nursery.  We've decided to keep it a 'guest bedroom' as well by leaving the queen sized bed in there.  It went from a girly room decorated in pale yellow to Luke's new nautical themed nursery!  I'm so pleased with the way it is turning out.  We just ordered the crib, and the sheets are back-ordered until June (we are using Clouds and Stars zip sheets and for some reason the blue is really popular right now). 

 I just love this picture!  I ordered it from an artist from Utah and then bought the mat and frame.  I just love the Scripture underneath that we added: 'He leadeth me beside still waters...'

I painted the NSWE navy blue with red trim to match the room.

Both Jason and I really liked the nautical theme for a nursery.  I just had to use the Scripture 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men' in my decorating!  

Just this week I finished up Luke's name plate to put above his crib once we get it all set up.  I decided to make something similar to Gavin and Wyatt's name plates, although the theme is of course different.

I also organized his closet and all of the baby clothes by size.  All we'll have to do is wash the tiny clothes in August!

We are getting so excited to meet our little boy.  He is growing so fast and becoming stronger by the day it seems.  I've so enjoyed feeling him move these past few weeks.  It's as if his movements are becoming a lot more intentional and I'm feeling a lot more of them!  We've been able to feel and see him kick through the skin for a few weeks now!  I have an appointment coming up next week, in which I'll try to write more about pregnancy.