8 months old!

Gus is wondering what his brother is so excited about. The really funny thing is that Zevon was totally cranky before this shot and instantly smiled when I held up the camera. Guthrie was the opposite.

I'm a few weeks late with this post, but I'm sure you are all used to my poorly updated blog posts. The boys have made it to 8 months, and we are rapidly approaching the age where they have been out in the world as long as they were inside me. Kind of weird to think about, especially since it felt like I was pregnant FOREVER with the little guys and life since they have been born has raced by.

They are growing and developing their own unique personalities. Zevon is still low-key yet sensitive and Guthrie is still a mover and a shaker. But they are also adding layers to those personalities.

Zevon the drool monster

Zevon loves faces and will try to chat with any welcoming face. I caught him talking to his reflection yesterday...pretty cute! He is very social and tuned into people, so it isn't any wonder that he is showing early signs of stranger anxiety. He knows when there is a new face around and now he isn't sure about it. He loves touching your clothes, faces, hair, necklaces, and he is very gentle. He is also a brute, and when he is upset he is a little difficult to contain (makes me nervous for when he is a tantrum-filled 2 year old). We had a little scare a week ago with an odd rash that appeared on his arm. At the doctor's office, they weighed him and he was 22 lbs 6 oz! Oof. No wonder my back hurts. The rash is still a mystery, but everything else seems fine so we are just watching it.

Goofy Guthrie

Guthrie is a total wiggle bottom. He has discovered how to clap his hands and use his voice. The best is when he combines the two and he looks like a little protester ("I will not stand for this!-pounds his fist-These peas are terrible!-claps his hands-Feed me more applesauce!"). He is not crawling, yet. But he is getting very good at the belly rotate and pivot with a little bit of creeping. I caught him pulling things out of the coffee table the other day. He is such a goof ball!

They are also starting to interact with each other. To our amusement, they display this interaction through stealing each others' toys. They will play tug-of-war with a toy until one wins (usually Zevon). If you've seen the video Will posted a few days ago, you'll know what I mean.

One thing hasn't changed: they still aren't sleeping well. The only difference now is that we know they can sleep through the night because they have! They just don't do it at the same time. I guess we can count ourselves lucky that they aren't both up, but I'd much rather have neither up at 2 am (and 3 and 4 and 5...). They are fighting colds, and teething is bugging them, I'm sure. Zevon has sprouted 2 teeth and I can tell he is proud of them. Guthrie is constantly gnawing on everything, so he isn't far behind. With these guys there is always something that is bothering their sleep patterns. A small success is that they are napping sort of consistently with a morning and an afternoon nap. But they often don't last more than an hour. This makes for a cranky household. We continue to put one foot in front of the other and hope for a better night tonight.

Let's hope Will's eternal Cubs fan optimism will rub off on us in surviving the remaining 4 months of this challenging first year with twins!

Sharing Is Not What We Do Best

Our boys are frighteningly good at taking toys away from each other. At this point Zevon has the strength advantage, but Guthrie is showing some craftiness. I love the point when they both realize they are being watched.

Evie and Zevon

Sometimes I'll ask Evie to talk one of her brothers for a minute while I take care of the other. This is what I walked in on after I asked Evie to talk to Zevon.

What's for dinner?

Guthie getting his first taste of sweet potatoes and rice cereal

Zevon trying rice cereal for the first time

Our boys are not small. They are what I'd like to call 'pleasantly plump'. So you can imagine that we have gotten quite a few comments like, "what are you feeding those boys?!" Up until January, they had been enjoying meals straight from the cow (I'm the cow). I can't say it has been the most pleasant experience nursing twins, but I feel very fortunate that I've been able to continue as long as I have. Still, I have been eagerly waiting the day that I could feed them something else and start to phase myself out.

While home in Minnesota for Christmas, we had the boys sitting with us in high chairs. We suddenly noticed that both Zevon and Guthrie were watching every bite of food we would eat. In fact, they would open their mouths if we brought the spoon close to them.

Guthrie sitting in the high chair his mom and aunts sat in.

Zevon in the high chair that used to be his grandpa's

Doctor recommendations state to wait until 6 months before starting with any solid foods. I'm such a stickler for rules. But we realized that these boys were ready to eat. When we got back to Washington in early January, we purchased 2 new high chairs (Evie had destroyed her old one) and bought our first of many boxes of rice cereal. And what do you know, they loved it!

Guthrie wasn't sure at first, but soon warmed up to the new food. Zevon loved it from the start (surprise surprise). Since then we have tried oatmeal, whole wheat cereal, carrots, apples, peas, sweet potatoes, squash, peaches, and green beans. They aren't the biggest fan of green veggies, and Guthrie doesn't like cold food, but for the most part they eat everything. Or, at least they attempt to eat everything. Zevon likes to suck his tongue, and sticks his tongue out so much while eating that most spoonfuls end up back on the spoon. Guthrie takes a little more coaxing to open his mouth and eats less than his brother (by far), but is the better eater when he is hungry (opens his mouth more, doesn't spit food back out).

So how do you feed twins? Most mealtimes, when feeding is going well, I feel like a momma bird trying to keep hungry mouths full. At its worst, it is a circus. Or an episode of Double Dare with goop flying everywhere. I have one bowl with 2 servings of whatever I'm feeding the boys, and one spoon to feed both. I try to make sure each guy gets an equal number of spoonfuls, but I'm pretty sure Zevon usually ends up with more. Guthrie will lose interest pretty quickly and I swear Zevon gets more hungry as the feeding goes on.

What meals look like in a home with twins. Not sure anyone is actually eating here...

I haven't completely phased myself out. If it all continues to go well, I'll continue to breastfeed the boys until they are about one. I can't nurse them in tandem any more...they keep on poking each others' eyes out during the feeding. I have to play the role of nursemaid and referee all at the same time. Now, I feed them one at a time. Much calmer for everyone, and they seem to be okay with waiting their turn.

Check up city

I know that we have nightgowns, but night skirts? Evie is modeling her new pajamas from Grandma Bev and Grandpa Wayne

Evie had her 4 year well child check up two weeks ago and her first dental appointment yesterday. You would all be so proud of her! She had 5 shots and barely shed a tear! Such a big girl! The doctor was impressed with how well she did. Her stats are pretty impressive too: 44 lbs and 42 1/2 inches tall. That puts her in the 90% and 95% for weight and height. As the doctor said, she is a 'solid' girl. The doctor encouraged us to get her into the dentist, which is something that we have meaning to do for a while. We would like to be a good first experience instead of waiting until she has a cavity or a tooth is knocked out. I was able to get her an appointment yesterday and I will say it was a good experience. She got to watch a movie and they gave her a bag full of tooth-happy treats. She sat still for the x-rays and the cleaning (though each time the hygienist paused in the cleaning, Evie asked if she was done yet). Her teeth look great and she is very proud of them now. I am still having trouble coming to grips with the fact that I have a preschooler. Sometimes she acts like she is 2, other times like she is 14. We are all trying to figure this growing-up thing out!

Belly Time

It used to be that Zevon hated belly time and Guthrie loved it. Now they both agree it is a good time. Guthrie regularly rolls over now, but Zevon still hasn't made his move yet. I am starting to think Z will crawl before he rolls. You can see how close our boys are to getting mobile. That is a frightening thought. Check out the video and listen carefully near the end.

6 months old

Happy boys, happy daddy!

We are halfway to Zevon and Guthrie's 1st birthday. Where has the time gone? Where has my mind gone?

The boys had their 6 mo check up on the 14th and they passed with flying colors. Here are their stats:

Zevon: weight 19 lbs 3oz (75-90%), 27 1/4 in (75-90%) long, head 18 in (90%)
Guthrie: weight 17 lbs 7.5 oz (50%), 25 3/4 in long (25-50%), head 17 1/4 in (50%)

We had some concern over Guthrie's cold that won't go away, and the doctor told us to keep on eye on it (but it might be a long winter). Since then, his chest isn't as full and he seems to be feeling better. There was also some concern over Zevon's large head. It is a joke in our family that several of us have big heads (literally). For example, I wear the same hat size as Will. Grandpa Hanson used to say, "you can't keep your brains in a teacup!" But Zevon's head size jumped a little more than the doctor felt comfortable, so she ordered an ultrasound of his head to check. Thankfully, the scan showed nothing of concern. Turns out our little guy just has a massive heed.

In other development news, the boys continue to show us new tricks. Guthrie, on the day before we left Minnesota rolled over from back to belly. It was met with loud cheers from all of us, which then made Gus and his brother cry. He did it once more about an hour later, and has not done it since! Zevon continues to be more laid back and is taking his time with rolling over. But, Z is working on his verbal ability, moving from simple coos to "da da da" and "ga ga ga". He is also a fan of the raspberry. Guthrie is vocal, too. Of course, he is louder and it is more of a squeal/scream than sweet baby sounds.

Both boys are moving closer to sitting up on their own. Zevon is so close! I could probably just call it and say he is sitting, but it is more likely his baby chub is acting as scaffolding more than his own muscles doing the work. I can pull both boys to a stand and they will stay up with me only holding their hands.

The twins are also giving us a hard time in the sleep department. They can, and will, sleep through the night. But lately they have been refusing to go back to sleep when they wake up at 2 am. Because there are two of them, both Will and I don't get much sleep as a result. To make matters worse, their napping has been nonexistent. The whole "crying it out" technique meant the boys would scream for an hour, leaving everyone frazzled. Together, this makes for some cranky parents, not to mention cranky kids (Evie included). After hitting a crisis point, I bought a book that promised to help twins sleep. We'll let you know how it turns out. Currently they are in the middle of a decent morning nap, and I'm really hoping it is a sign of things to come.

What does it take to get a picture of 4 generations?

Twins and a preschooler complicate any photo. Here's what it takes:

Help Great-grandma get settled in the center and help Evie up (making sure she doesn't step on Zevon)

Get the twins settled and Evie calmed down

Make sure sweaters are buttoned and shirts out of mouths

Smile!

Evie's 4th birthday!

Our little princess

Evie got to celebrate her 4th birthday at the farm. It turned out to be an intimate affair, since a blizzard was due that evening. But for those of us that were there, it was a birthday fit for a princess! Pink cupcakes, tutus, sparkly jewelry, and princesses ruled the night. (I'm enjoying the frills and sparkles, because something tells me I won't get that with the twins.) I can't believe how fast Evie has grown up! It seems like not too long ago she was wiggling on the floor like her brothers. Recently, I was looking at old video clips from when she was almost 2. I thought she was such a big girl then! Now, she is running and jumping, full of imagination, and generally giving us a run for our money. Some days she is 4 going on 14, and other days she is as goofy as a clown. But one thing hasn't changed: she is our beautiful little girl.

Mmm...cupcakes!

Opening her gifts so ladylike

Evie modeling her latest fashion

When the weather outside is frightful

Evie and Guthrie all curled up with Grandma Bev

What do you do when it is freezing outside (and by freezing, I mean Minnesota freezing, not Pacific NW "freezing")? You hang out with family! Here's what we were up to while staying warm and cozy during the sub-zero temps and while the blizzard was raging outdoors.

Zevon snuggling with Aunt Megan

Zevon and Guthrie wiggling on the floor with Grandpa Wayne

Grandma Bev and Kaitlin doing an impossible puzzle

Guthrie chatting with his daddy and Grandma Rhonda

Zevon picking out wedding dresses with Kaitlin and Grandma Bev

Zevon playing peek-a-boo with Grandma Bev

Evie coloring with Grandma Rhonda

Evie playing Princess Yatzee with Daddy, Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris. It was pretty funny hearing Chris say, "I only need two more Jasmines to win!"

Guthrie checking email with Grandpa Wayne

Bathtime with Grandma Bev (I don't know what was so funny...and I'm pretty sure Mom doesn't know either.)

Bedtime story with Great-grandma. We were so lucky to have Great-grandma stay with us at the farm for most of the week!

Grandpa Wayne rocking Zevon to sleep. As wonderful as the week at home was, the boys' sleeping was terrible. They woke up for midnight feedings and refused to go to sleep easily at night or for naps. Thankfully we had lots of helpful hands to hold babies!

Minnesota snow

All bundled up and excited for snow

The first thing Evie asked Grandma Bev when we got off the plane was, "Do you have a box full of snow for me to play in at your house?" Evidently Evie was thinking of her sandbox, and knowing that there was snow in Minnesota, got the two mixed up. Evie was super excited for snow, but this kid has had limited experience with it. Luckily, she got her fill. The weather did not disappoint with below zero temperatures and a blizzard around new years. Evie was not swayed by the cold weather. She bundled up and played in the snow with whoever would brave the cold with her. She went sledding with Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris, built a fort with her dad, and went skiing with Aunt Kaitlin.

Evie and Will showing off their snow fort

Mush, Daddy, Mush!

Aunt Kaitlin and Evie

Wearing the cross-country skis her mommy and aunts learned to ski on

Look at her go!

Evie got a little help from Aunt Kaitlin and Grandpa Wayne coming back from the yard

Of course, the boys didn't take a run in the snow. But, they had their snowsuits waiting for them in Minnesota to brave the cold runs from house to car.

Zevon and Guthrie all cozy

More twins holding twins

Sondra (left) holding Zevon and Shirley (right) holding Guthrie

In case you are wondering, there are twins in my family. Actually, the only set of twins I know of are my dad's twin sisters. Sondra and Shirley are identical (as far as I can tell) and we all have heard stories of their amazing twin-ness (unknowingly buying the same outfits for their sons, giving each other the same Christmas gift, etc). So, of course when you have twins together in the same room, you need to take a picture. Zevon wasn't in such a great mood, and Shirley kept on blaming Sondra. They both got the giggles watching the flurry of picture taking from the rest of the family (see the picture below to know what I mean). I guess everyone gets excited about twins!

The family paparazzi

Guthrie and Zevon, Children of God

Zevon and Guthrie, partners in crime

On December 26, Zevon and Guthrie were baptized at the church where I was baptized and confirmed and where Will and I were married. It was a little overwhelming to walk into the church and be greeted by so many people, but it was very special, too. We were surrounded by love from the whole church! Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris were sponsors and Megan also did the 'dunking'. They boys were so calm during the service...up until the baptism. Either they wanted all to know that they were filled with the Spirit or the water was a little cold. After the service, we enjoyed ham and potatoes in the church basement with the whole family (thanks to Mom and Dad and everyone else who got the meal ready and cleaned up!).

Zevon

Guthrie

Godparents Chris and Megan holding Zevon and Guthrie

We were so lucky to have lots of family around us. Many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were in town for Christmas, and Grandma Rhonda was able to make the trip from Montana.

Christmas!

Members of Santa's good list

We have a huge number of posts to share! Let's start at Christmas...
Actually, let's start at December 23. The Norwegians call it "Lille Julaften" or "Little Christmas" and Kaitlin and I decided to start our Christmas a little early, too. We had Kaitlin and Johny over for Swedish meatballs and sugar cookies and to open presents. Then, we wouldn't have to cart presents to Minnesota just to cart them back. We also worked out a deal with Santa to come on Christmas eve morning since we were leaving for Minnesota early on Christmas Day. Something tells me that pastor's kids have to get used to a flexible Christmas celebration. Evie set out the cookies we made for Santa and a few carrots for the reindeer. She was super excited for the ladybug pillow pet Santa brought here the next morning.

The kids and I went to the early family service on Christmas eve. The Christmas story is read and kids are asked to come up and play a part. Evie, like every little girl in the congregation, wanted to be an angel. She was happy to find a preschool classmate in the angel throng and they had a little angel chat up there. Unlike last year's excitement, there were no cows fighting behind the pulpit but the shepherds looked like they could cause some trouble with their staffs. This year was more mellow.

After getting the children all snug in their beds on Christmas eve, it was my job to finish the packing and take down the tree before we left the next morning. I think I'm starting to understand why my mom always looked so tired on Christmas eve. There is a lot of doing and undoing that happens around that time of year. It is a lot of work to get 3 kids all dressed up! But they looked super cute...just look!

Evie in her Christmas best

Zevon with visions of sugar plums

Guthrie listening for reindeer hooves