Future Olympians

EJ thinks, "Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, I am coming after you! Just as soon as Mommy puts me down."

Liesel thinks, "Olympian? Yeah right, just as soon as the IOC makes being cute an Olympic sport."

Pictures courtesy of Peg S.

Milestones

HOW will the New Parents know a genuine first smile from a gas smile, they wondered frequently. They wonder no more. When Mom saw it, she knew it. She could tell. When Dad saw it, he knew it too.

EJ smiled for the first time today. A genuine smile in reaction to the New Parent's interaction with him. There was no doubt, no question, no ambiguity.

So how does it differ?

EJ recently began to notice Mom and Dad's presence. For example, during a recent bout of crying, he ceased as soon as he saw Dad's face, before dad had even offered him the bottle he brought. He remained focused on Dad for several seconds, observing and thinking. Today it happened again, but this time it was accompanied by the smile, a broad, deliberate, genuine reaction to seeing Dad. His eyes were locked on Dad. His cheeks curled his lips back as far as they would go. His tongue popped out between them.

Then, with the emotion of pride swelling in Dad, it was gone.

A gas smile is half-hearted, sometimes with only one side of the mouth retracting. The gas smile happens when baby's attention is focused on anything but the Parent's face. Or if baby is looking at Mom and Dad, their gaze is unfocused, just by happenstance is it toward the Parent. Moreover, it is not nearly as broad.

What Are They Thinking?

If Dad had to guess…

I am mad. I am really super mad! Nothing could appease me. Nothing! I am going to scream until the end of eternity! I- oh wait this comforter is really nice, so cool and so soft. But, I am mad, really mad! I am going to clench my fists and- oh the pacifier is such a nice touch, how ever did you know? Stay focused; I am mad and I am going to scream it to the world! I, I, I,… (snore).

Hey, what happened? I was totally wasted on the car ride buzz thing. Like, dude, you got anymore car ride? Just a bump? I’m good for a bump. No, really? Not even a trip around the block?

What is wrong with you people!? Everywhere I go its paparazzi! Get that camera out of my face you, or I am going to go all Bieber on you. Puh-leeze, you think you got some right to photograph me? I’ll run you over with my Fuh-R-eee!

 (Off camera: “That’s Ferrari dear.”)

Like I care? Just move.

6 Weeks Old

EJ is passed out from too much grog. Let this be a warning about the dangers of drinking while reclining.

EJ sports a message for Grandma.

Liesel is Momma's (and Daddy's) girl.

THE twins are 6 weeks old today. Not much change. They're heavier. He is colicky. She is becoming more so.They still feed frequently, between every two and three hours. She has begun to regurgitate more frequently. She needs burping every few sips from her bottle.

EJ has earned the title Pterodactyl or as the Parents like to pronounce it "Terry-dactle" because he grunts in a low growl reminiscent of a movie dinosaur when he, well, um, for the same reasons you may grunt over intestinal distress relieved by a bowel movement.

The New Family Parents have made friends with other parents of twins. They always hope to hear some good news about when the challenges may become easier. The other parent's consensus is that it doesn't become easier anytime soon, though the rewards do increase as the children grow. The Parents look forward to their smiles and increased interactions with their world.

Restoring that New Baby Smell

EJ thinks the water is a bit cool. It was 90 F.

Liesel finds it pleasant enough

Liesel dries off

EJ in the dry cycle

Fresh, clean, and in matching onesies. They've restored that new baby smell. Liesel hates the hat.

Pudgy Piggy Pugsley

SWINGING past sumo, EJ has dined himself into the next weight class, one aptly called Pugsley, as in Pugsley Addams, the son of Morticia and Gomez. 

If only we could entice Liesel to eat as much and as frequently as he. She still lags behind in gaining weight.  She is gaining weight, but not nearly as fast. 

EJ as Pugsley Gomez