Give up? This is Owen! He's a month younger in this picture than the twins are now. I came across this picture the other night and just wanted to post it and get people's input as to which of the twins looks more like him. We get all different statements about this topic, so I wanted to poll the viewers of this blog using a picture at a rough age comparison . . .
Okay, so I had Bri bring up the camera, because it had been WAY TOO LONG since these babies had bath pictures taken. Bri gets the cred it for the amazing photography . . . we especially love the ones of them looking up. Wow! I don't know what else to say . . . we're just having so much fun. Overwhelmed each day we are by the goodness and kindness of God in giving us these precious little ones. (If you want to see the pictures bigger, just double click on the collage:)
So, we are trying to give Judah something to chew on for 2 reasons:
As a Christmas present for Brian's parents, we got them tickets to take Owen to see "Bob the Builder LIVE" at the State Theater in East Brunswick. He had a blast. Because new experiences can be daunting for him, we talked with him about it a good bit before it happened and one of the ideas I thought of that day was for "monkey" to be his little pal throughout the day and specifically at the show. My MIL said he was a little scared when the lights went out, but within 5 minutes he was over it and ready to enjoy the show, which we were told they all did thoroughlly:)
So, we had some fun with hats today. Brian came home after getting the oil changed in the van this morning with his baseball cap on. The babies always wonder if it's really Daddy or not when he has his hat on. So Daddy took his hat off and put it on Judah. Soon, I said "Layna needs one too" and then before long Owen wondered where his was . . . the babies actually crawled around with these hats on . . . which is why we got such cute shots. Today also happens to be their 10 month b-day. I cannot believe that in 2 short months they will be 1 year old! Where has the time gone? We were at the doctor's yesterday and both babies checked out well. Judah's got a half pound and half inch on Layna. Their both 50th percentile and above for all of their measurements. They handled their finger pricks and shot in the leg well. I must say we have a great doctor, but between check-ups and sick visits, I am ready to stay away for awhile. Hope you enjoy the pics!
We had the privilege of having our 10 year-old niece, Makayla (Kayla for short), stay with us for most of the week between Christmas and New Year's. She fit right into our family. She's smart and witty and alot of fun. Bri got to do some fun things with her, like take her ice skating. We took her to build-a-bear where she made a Koala cheerleader bear named Klaire. She loved playing with Bri's internet tablet and blackberry, but I made sure we had some quality time reading by the fire:) I wanted to take a picture of her and Layna because on Bri's side of the family, there is the better part of 10 years between these 2 and only boys in between. I think they'll have a great bond! Don't they look alike too? We love you so much Kayla!!
So, in a room we used to call our "library" we are in the process of setting up play space for the twins. The main reason is there is only one entryway into the room and therefore only one gate will be necessary to "contain" them. What is also true about the room is that there are alot of windows and they are taller than other windows in the house, so the sills are lower. Since the babies are pulling up on things, I wanted to see how "safe" they were at the window closest to their play space. Needless to say, they were really cute standing beside each other there. Judah (like Owen) really likes to look outside. Layna liked doin that, but also like playing with the window handle . . . hmmm. At any rate, we're hoping this will make for a good play space and preserve my sanity:)
begin! I thought that when Owen start the crawling and cruising stage, but now that the twins are there--oh boy! Any helpers??
Daddy popped Judah in the swing with Owen the other night. Neither wanted to be in such close quarters for long, but they were long enough for me to snap a few pics. They really play great together already. Owen enjoys when Judah's around because he plays mostly in his own space, unlike Layna who HAS to be doing what Owen is:) I especially like how their right hands look holding the swing. Bri and I really think they'll have a great relationship . . . we pray to that end anyway.
So, I'm working on putting a few pics and sets up here, but couldn't resist putting this one up right away. We usually think of Layna as the character of the 2, but lately I don't know. Judah started making this funny face the other day and I just happened to catch him with the little star puff hanging from his chin. He looked like an all-star too with his basketball shirt on and "swishies":)
I decided to put the kids in their Christmas outfits the Sunday after Christmas instead of the one before. We took the pictures after church when they were quite hungry, so they did quite well considering. We tried to get JJ in the pics who was up for a visit, but the only picture was one of him crying and bright red and only half of him made it into the picture . . . I decided I wanted to keep Abby as my twin, so I didn't indlude that one. I will mention that Abby dressed Judah, which is why his outfit is arranged that way:) Owen and Judah matched, but Owen was feeling well and was in jammies till the rest of us got home from church . . . oh well. Owen did enjoy sitting beside me and looking at the pictures from Christmas just before bed tonight. Hope your holidays were as happy and fun as ours:)
My side of the family still attempts to get together at Christmas time each year. We shoot for whatever day everyone can make. This year we gathered at our home the day after Christmas. Although I did wonder with 17 kids now among us and 12 adults, perhaps we should start renting a hall or something:) The "big" girls sitting together on the couch are my brother's and oldest sister's. They range in age from 16 to 10. My brother also has 4 boys ranging in age from 7 to 1. My sister, Kristen, has 4 girls, ages 9, 7, 5, and 2. My twin sis has a 1 year old and then there are our 3. The day seems a blur when it's over, but what a joy it is to reflect back on many moments of children at play together. Owen is starting to really enjoy time with his cousins old and young. Hopefully, we will continue the tradition for many years to come.
The babies received some rhythm instruments from Pop Pop Keener and Nana Marie for Christmas. Owen is waiting for a play violin (looks like a real one, but plays a song when you move the bow across the strings) from them. In the meantime, he is really enjoying the instruments Judah and Layna got. They all love the rhythm sticks (as you can see) and Owen especially loves the drum. I am going to add some shakers and maybe another drum to the set. I thought about enrolling them in a music class on a day of the week that I have a helper, but decided that we could have our own class in the comfort of our own home. I think my teaching degree should at the very least qualify me to conduct such a class even if I am in my pajamas:)