EJ and Liesel literally hang on to the edge of her crib for balance while Mom watches them so Dad can install the new car seats.
Let's take a closer look.
Hmm, looks like a Pugsley and Wednesday photo.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Hangin' Out in Sis's Crib
EJ and Liesel literally hang on to the edge of her crib for balance while Mom watches them so Dad can install the new car seats.
Let's take a closer look.
Hmm, looks like a Pugsley and Wednesday photo.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Guys Hangin' Out
FRIDAY night on the couch, Dad and EJ wait for the girls to join them for the evening's entertainment.
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| ♪ Just hangin' out, me and my Buddy. ♫ |
Friday, February 22, 2013
A Man's Place is...
...in the kitchen.
He was fascinated with his reflection in the trash can. Having gotten down on the floor with the Twins, Dad saw how disgustingly dirty it actually was and commenced cleaning, trying to stay ahead of the crawlers.
EJ marveled at the low friction between his sleeper and the floor. He could pull himself along easily with just his hands.
Having been there, done that, Liesel hung out in the doorway content to watch the guys clean the floor, Dad with cleaning supplies, EJ with his sleeper.
Her new Thudguard has worked well for her having saved her from two face plants and one head banging so far.
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| EJ explores the kitchen. What is he looking at just now? |
EJ marveled at the low friction between his sleeper and the floor. He could pull himself along easily with just his hands.
Having been there, done that, Liesel hung out in the doorway content to watch the guys clean the floor, Dad with cleaning supplies, EJ with his sleeper.
Her new Thudguard has worked well for her having saved her from two face plants and one head banging so far.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
No. Next Question
WHILE composing the blog post immediately below, Dad visited the FP website and stumbled upon this question and related article:
Should I step in when my baby is struggling with a new task?
Dad believes that failure is a normal and healthy part of learning. He has had ample experience with it. However, coupled with tenacity, he has also enjoyed failure's polar opposite: success. Why would he deny that to his own kids?
Moreover, why would it even be an issue worthy of an article? He thinks that it may have to do with parenting differences between men and women, or at least the perceived differences.
Are moms, generally speaking, more likely to intervene when their kids struggle with a task, or is the article premised on false stereotype?
Free Advice
IT is worth what you pay for it, but anyway here is some free advice to toy-makers. If you want the New Family to buy your toys or accept them as gifts, make sure it has an on/off switch.
Dad's tolerance for all of the sounds the Twin's toys make waxes and wanes and sometimes he considers just throwing some of the darn things away.
Thus, thank you and congratulations to Fisher-Price. Not only are your toys entertaining to the Twins, and the sounds they make are generally pleasant, but there are volume controls and on/off switches. This later feature is especially appreciated when Dad has heard the same cutesy song about shapes and colors for the dozenth time today.
Dad's tolerance for all of the sounds the Twin's toys make waxes and wanes and sometimes he considers just throwing some of the darn things away.
Thus, thank you and congratulations to Fisher-Price. Not only are your toys entertaining to the Twins, and the sounds they make are generally pleasant, but there are volume controls and on/off switches. This later feature is especially appreciated when Dad has heard the same cutesy song about shapes and colors for the dozenth time today.
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| The setting "O" stands for relief. |
The Buddy Box
The Twins formula arrived in a big, sturdy, box. Dad recalled all of the fun he had with boxes as a kid and thought throwing it away was a waste. So he taped up the sharp edges (would not want paper cuts you know) and let the kids have at it.
Mom noted that it was filthy on the outside.
When they are old enough, Dad will encourage them to make boxes into clubhouses, cars, planes, and spaceships by painting, coloring, and cutting out windows.
Mom noted that it was filthy on the outside.
When they are old enough, Dad will encourage them to make boxes into clubhouses, cars, planes, and spaceships by painting, coloring, and cutting out windows.
Caught!
"WHO made this mess in here?" Dad asks.
"Who dragged out all of these toys? EJ?"
Well no in fact. This time Liesel was the culprit.
"Who dragged out all of these toys? EJ?"
Well no in fact. This time Liesel was the culprit.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
An Explorer Needs the Right Equipment
BUGGY is now pushing back the frontiers of her world. As such, she needs the right equipment to help her expand her empire.
The helmet is a Thudguard. It was bought used because the price for new is a bit steep at $42 over at the Big River.
Interestingly, from reading the comments, head strikes seem to be a female phenomena. Dad noted the ratio of girls to boys, of the customer reviewers that mention the sex of their child, is 7:1. Dad observes too that when Buddy falls, he tucks his head in and is less likely to need one once he becomes mobile.
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| Good shoes increase traction on slippery surfaces. |
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| The crash helmet protects the noggin. |
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| Off to explore. Ooh, a box! |
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| Buggy freestyles |
Interestingly, from reading the comments, head strikes seem to be a female phenomena. Dad noted the ratio of girls to boys, of the customer reviewers that mention the sex of their child, is 7:1. Dad observes too that when Buddy falls, he tucks his head in and is less likely to need one once he becomes mobile.
Buggy Surveys Her World
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| "Don't bother me now Dad. I am exploring!" |
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| "Interesting. I'll keep that in mind next time I am over there." |
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| "Yeah. I could reach that. Nothing is too high." |
EJ's New Bouncer
GONE is the humiliation of jumping around in his sister's pink Exer-Saucer. He now has a bouncer of his own, though he assures Dad that Liesel can use it too.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Enjoying the New Play Area
MOM has been collecting toys from various sources: twin club resales, Craigslist posts, friends and resale stores since before the Twins were born - all in anticipation of watching them entertain and occupy themselves.
Dad added them to the new play area.
They were temporarily kept in a laundry basket. Once the play area was ready and the basket plopped in there, the Twins took little time in finding them.
Buddy was the most curious.
As if there weren't enough toys already out for play and exploration, Buddy headed for the mother lode.
Buggy, no slouch herself, caught up quickly and helped her brother unload the toys, methodically reaching for and plucking them out one by one until the basket was emptied and they all were ready to be...
Ignored.
Shiny new things aren't as interesting as the fun Mom and Dad provide.
Dad added them to the new play area.
They were temporarily kept in a laundry basket. Once the play area was ready and the basket plopped in there, the Twins took little time in finding them.
Buddy was the most curious.
As if there weren't enough toys already out for play and exploration, Buddy headed for the mother lode.
Buggy, no slouch herself, caught up quickly and helped her brother unload the toys, methodically reaching for and plucking them out one by one until the basket was emptied and they all were ready to be...
Ignored.
Shiny new things aren't as interesting as the fun Mom and Dad provide.
Buggy's Civil Rights Demands
LOOKY what Dad found when he recently responded to Buggy's call signalling that she was done with her nap!
So what caused the the crib riot? She wanted huggy lovey. And a bottle.
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| "Attica! Attica! Attica! Attica! Down with the man!" |
So what caused the the crib riot? She wanted huggy lovey. And a bottle.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Update: The New Play Area
Buggy and Buddy went down for a nap together. Meanwhile Mom and Dad assembled the new play space for them. Buggy was the first one up and so the first to try it out.
The yoga mats will provide her head with the necessary cushioning she needs when she tumbles over, until the helmet arrives.
Update: a grammarian schools Dad. " 'Alright' is not a word. I think you mean all right." She's right. Dad relies on an HTML text editor to catch his spelling errors. If it does not, he may not.
All right, Dad is not happy that he has to put a helmet on his kid's head to protect her. He is one of those that fondly derided other parents for over-protecting their children, as in "We didn't have that when we were children! Who needed it? Parents these days are too protective."
Having one or two of your own changes one's mind. Buggy, unlike Buddy, doesn't protect her head when she falls. He will tuck and roll when he goes down absorbing most of the energy throughout his body. She goes down head first. It'll strike whatever is around, the floor, sharp edges, etc. The helmet is the best solution to avoid an unwanted ER visit.
His opinion now is risk benefit assessment. She is high risk and so gets the skull nerfing. Buddy, low risk, may not ever need it.
And you can deride his over protectiveness.
The yoga mats will provide her head with the necessary cushioning she needs when she tumbles over, until the helmet arrives.
Update: a grammarian schools Dad. " 'Alright' is not a word. I think you mean all right." She's right. Dad relies on an HTML text editor to catch his spelling errors. If it does not, he may not.
All right, Dad is not happy that he has to put a helmet on his kid's head to protect her. He is one of those that fondly derided other parents for over-protecting their children, as in "We didn't have that when we were children! Who needed it? Parents these days are too protective."
Having one or two of your own changes one's mind. Buggy, unlike Buddy, doesn't protect her head when she falls. He will tuck and roll when he goes down absorbing most of the energy throughout his body. She goes down head first. It'll strike whatever is around, the floor, sharp edges, etc. The helmet is the best solution to avoid an unwanted ER visit.
His opinion now is risk benefit assessment. She is high risk and so gets the skull nerfing. Buddy, low risk, may not ever need it.
And you can deride his over protectiveness.
Buggy Sleeps
The New Family Dad finds this absolutely adorable. Buggy's butt is straight up in the air! How can she find this restful (especially with Dad flashing a bright bulb in her face)?
Dad remembers some funny and awkward sleeping positions he found himself in as a child between the ages of 4 and 8. He awoke late one night to find himself in a similar position, though with his knees tucked under his belly. Above, Buggy clearly has a void (cf. her hand) under hers. He has no idea how he got that way since he fell asleep in a normal position.
He recalls too a sleepover at Grandma's friend Charlie and his three boy's place. The four of them shared a bed. Dad awoke to arms and legs strewn all over him. Extricating himself without disturbing the others was similar to a game of Pick-Up Sticks.
Dad remembers some funny and awkward sleeping positions he found himself in as a child between the ages of 4 and 8. He awoke late one night to find himself in a similar position, though with his knees tucked under his belly. Above, Buggy clearly has a void (cf. her hand) under hers. He has no idea how he got that way since he fell asleep in a normal position.
He recalls too a sleepover at Grandma's friend Charlie and his three boy's place. The four of them shared a bed. Dad awoke to arms and legs strewn all over him. Extricating himself without disturbing the others was similar to a game of Pick-Up Sticks.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Buggy Standing
SORRY to those of you who might think this topic is a little overdone. But Dad is just amazed his little girl is standing up!
And falling down too! She does not like that. But she'll learn not to do that soon enough.
And falling down too! She does not like that. But she'll learn not to do that soon enough.
Buggy and Buddy Play Together
OBSERVING the Twins play, Dad notes that they seek each other out to play with increasing frequency (when they are not seeking to be near Dad).
Above, Buggy tires to crawl over Buddy.
Buddy's face lights up with delight and he squeals joy with when he is the first to complete a nap and return to the play area and Dad subsequently brings her in.
Above, Buggy tires to crawl over Buddy.
Buddy's face lights up with delight and he squeals joy with when he is the first to complete a nap and return to the play area and Dad subsequently brings her in.
Independance Training
THE New Family Twins do a little learnin' on how to feed themselves.
As usual, Buggy does not like this at all. She turns her head away from the nipple and can't figure out how to get back on.
As long as her head stays up, she can do it. But the moment she gets distracted, she turns her head and the tears begin to fall.
Buddy took to it very well.
It is important that the Twins learn to do for themselves quickly. Life is short and there is much to accomplish.
As usual, Buggy does not like this at all. She turns her head away from the nipple and can't figure out how to get back on.
As long as her head stays up, she can do it. But the moment she gets distracted, she turns her head and the tears begin to fall.
Buddy took to it very well.
It is important that the Twins learn to do for themselves quickly. Life is short and there is much to accomplish.
Bugaboo Standing
Bugaboo, the New Family Parent's cute name for Liesel, decided she can stand unaided by a Parent.
Good job Buggy!
She is on yoga mats until her balance improves enough to where she is no longer in danger of banging her head on the floor.
Buddy will get there. He is already getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth.
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| Bonus. A pose and a smile! |
Good job Buggy!
She is on yoga mats until her balance improves enough to where she is no longer in danger of banging her head on the floor.
Buddy will get there. He is already getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Buddy's First Tooth
BUDDY has his first tooth. Dad noticed it when the boy viciously attacked his knuckle and Dad felt something sharp.
Mom said something about not putting his dirty hands into her son's mouth. Like Dad had a choice. He was attacked by the finger and toe zombie.
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| EJ's first tooth at arrow tip. |
Little Miss Acrobat
BUGGY discovered she can kneel today.
She pulled herself up to the kneeling position pictured above and was able maintain this position without falling over. She was like this for a good 10 ~ 12 seconds. She swayed a bit but did not lose her balance.
She smiled, but oh yeah, it faded as soon as the auto focus laser came on.
She is also not thumping her head on the hard wood floor as often anymore, which is good because the Parents need her brain intact and all of that.
How's Buddy's crawling progress? Well, he has been up on all fours and rocked back and forth a time or two. But mostly he still rolls to where he wants to go.
He might be counting on his good looks to get him through the tough stuff in life. "Buddy," counsels Dad, "looks might might open a door, but skills and experience are necessary to get the job."
She pulled herself up to the kneeling position pictured above and was able maintain this position without falling over. She was like this for a good 10 ~ 12 seconds. She swayed a bit but did not lose her balance.
She smiled, but oh yeah, it faded as soon as the auto focus laser came on.
She is also not thumping her head on the hard wood floor as often anymore, which is good because the Parents need her brain intact and all of that.
How's Buddy's crawling progress? Well, he has been up on all fours and rocked back and forth a time or two. But mostly he still rolls to where he wants to go.
He might be counting on his good looks to get him through the tough stuff in life. "Buddy," counsels Dad, "looks might might open a door, but skills and experience are necessary to get the job."
Kid Corral
RECENTLY, Dad had to corral the kids in another part of the house so Mom could could use the space they normally play in.
With none of their usual toys available, and not wanting to make multiple trips back and forth dragging stuff to and fro, Dad decided to let them freely explore the master bedroom. That was good for about ten minutes. There are lots of dangers in there.
And they want to find all of them.
Dad claims they have an innate radar that leads them directly to the worst danger. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, just find the uncovered electrical outlet and stick your moistened finger right into that slot.
Mom eventually checked in and let Dad have a chance to visit the washroom. While minding them, she got creative. Why not put a baby in a basket? Good idea, was Dad's first thought.
Liesel thought it was great fun. She used the edge to pull herself to a standing upright position, and then promptly learned that her center of gravity was higher than the top of the basket, and began to tumble forward. Fixed upright, Buggy with basket rotated in unison toward the floor where her face and the carpet were about to have an unwelcome meeting. Dad, nonchalant as ever, sitting nearby in a mid morning's post caffeinated lethargy, anticipated the fall. He reached out to grab the upright edge and act as counter balance. Buggy and basket were both saved from eminent doom. Dad barely mustered a "Hmm" and thought, "Not safe."
The less active of the two, Buddy was content to play with his cloth book without testing the dangers of gravity. Good. Buddy knows G, i.e. objects near Earth's surface accelerate toward it's center at 9.8 m/s² and so he chooses to stay low. Or he may just be lazy, but Dad likes to think the former.
The dangers posed to kids are many. Life is a hazard. A sharp Parent anticipates and then mitigates them. And a physics class taught nearly 20 years ago by Adenuga Atewologun helps foresee them.
With none of their usual toys available, and not wanting to make multiple trips back and forth dragging stuff to and fro, Dad decided to let them freely explore the master bedroom. That was good for about ten minutes. There are lots of dangers in there.
And they want to find all of them.
Dad claims they have an innate radar that leads them directly to the worst danger. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, just find the uncovered electrical outlet and stick your moistened finger right into that slot.
Mom eventually checked in and let Dad have a chance to visit the washroom. While minding them, she got creative. Why not put a baby in a basket? Good idea, was Dad's first thought.
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| A Buggy in a basket. |
The less active of the two, Buddy was content to play with his cloth book without testing the dangers of gravity. Good. Buddy knows G, i.e. objects near Earth's surface accelerate toward it's center at 9.8 m/s² and so he chooses to stay low. Or he may just be lazy, but Dad likes to think the former.
The dangers posed to kids are many. Life is a hazard. A sharp Parent anticipates and then mitigates them. And a physics class taught nearly 20 years ago by Adenuga Atewologun helps foresee them.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Liesel Stories
EJ and Liesel were in the crib together temporarily while Dad prepared the other one for the Twins much needed afternoon nap. She was fine but he was crying and she was concerned. Liesel, having become proficient in removing and reinserting her binky, removed it from her mouth, reached over and above him, took careful aim, and plunged it straight into his mouth.
If only that was all it took to comfort Buddy.
...
She now crawls forward. She is not ordinarily allowed in the kitchen. But the baby gate has yet to be installed (why the passive construction? because it is the author's responsibility to install it. Notice that as of this writing it is still not installed). While Dad was in there unloading and reloading the dishwasher, she came chugging around the corner at full steam, and right over to Dad where she stopped and sat down to play.
She just wanted to be by Daddy.
If only that was all it took to comfort Buddy.
...
She now crawls forward. She is not ordinarily allowed in the kitchen. But the baby gate has yet to be installed (why the passive construction? because it is the author's responsibility to install it. Notice that as of this writing it is still not installed). While Dad was in there unloading and reloading the dishwasher, she came chugging around the corner at full steam, and right over to Dad where she stopped and sat down to play.
She just wanted to be by Daddy.
Friday, February 8, 2013
How Long is the New Family New?
DAD selected this blog's name as a descriptor of the family's status way back, about 9 months ago. Now he wonders how long he can describe his family as new.
The family is not, in fact, new. He and Mom were married in 2003. The addition of the Twins were actually just that, an addition, not a creation of a new family.
So, is it still New Family ?
He'll keep the name for now, but is open to suggestions for a new one.
Any thoughts?
The family is not, in fact, new. He and Mom were married in 2003. The addition of the Twins were actually just that, an addition, not a creation of a new family.
So, is it still New Family ?
He'll keep the name for now, but is open to suggestions for a new one.
Any thoughts?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Double Update: Another Food Post
THIS time Dad is making baby food.
Mom and Dad have decided to make their own baby food. Pre-made baby food gets expensive quickly and homemade food doesn't take too much effort and time. Pictured above is pureed edamame. After a ten minute boil in four cups of water, the soy beans went into the blender with about half of the remaining liquid and blended until smooth.
Dad, who taste-tests almost all of the solid food the Twins have, thought it was going to be bland, a little pungent, and mushy. He was pleasantly surprised. Though mild in flavor it was definitely not the restaurant-salad-bar-tasteless soybeans he has had before. The texture was anything but bean like, and not too unlike mashed cauliflower.
So far Mom and Dad have made sweet potatoes (a hit), butternut squash (a miss the first time, and one in which Dad was overheard saying, "Yep. Don't need a paternity test to know they're mine," while rolling his eyes. Update: Mom adds, "Although they loved it in pre-made variety."), and broccoli-flower (a well received combination of broccoli and cauliflower). Mom adds: "Mashed bananas and mashed avocados are enjoyed as well as long as they are mashed to appropriate consistency to avoid choking."
The New Family Parents intend to try peas, string beans, legumes, and various fruits and animal proteins (Mom again: the pre-made jarred meat... YUCK!). Mom also wants to try tofu but Dad is not so sure yet. Update: Dad has a serious bias against tofu. Tofu was invented to emasculate men.
Double Update: Dad made and fed them quinoa. It was not well received even when mixed with veg or fruit. They also did not like the plain chicken breast. They ate the stinky jarred stuff, but they both rejected his chicken. Their favorite homemade dish so far is apple cinnamon and oats. And why not? It smells and tastes like apple pie.
Dad can gauge how well something is liked by how wide and how readily they open their mouths. Fruits (to no one's surprise) are the most favored, followed by veg. EJ in will "attack" the incoming spoon when he is fed something he likes and he gets impatient when Liesel takes too long for her bite (Dad feeds them simultaneously). Liesel will not open her mouth without smelling a new item first. And if she doesn't like the way it smells, she refuses to open.
Mom and Dad have decided to make their own baby food. Pre-made baby food gets expensive quickly and homemade food doesn't take too much effort and time. Pictured above is pureed edamame. After a ten minute boil in four cups of water, the soy beans went into the blender with about half of the remaining liquid and blended until smooth.
Dad, who taste-tests almost all of the solid food the Twins have, thought it was going to be bland, a little pungent, and mushy. He was pleasantly surprised. Though mild in flavor it was definitely not the restaurant-salad-bar-tasteless soybeans he has had before. The texture was anything but bean like, and not too unlike mashed cauliflower.
So far Mom and Dad have made sweet potatoes (a hit), butternut squash (a miss the first time, and one in which Dad was overheard saying, "Yep. Don't need a paternity test to know they're mine," while rolling his eyes. Update: Mom adds, "Although they loved it in pre-made variety."), and broccoli-flower (a well received combination of broccoli and cauliflower). Mom adds: "Mashed bananas and mashed avocados are enjoyed as well as long as they are mashed to appropriate consistency to avoid choking."
The New Family Parents intend to try peas, string beans, legumes, and various fruits and animal proteins (Mom again: the pre-made jarred meat... YUCK!). Mom also wants to try tofu but Dad is not so sure yet. Update: Dad has a serious bias against tofu. Tofu was invented to emasculate men.
Double Update: Dad made and fed them quinoa. It was not well received even when mixed with veg or fruit. They also did not like the plain chicken breast. They ate the stinky jarred stuff, but they both rejected his chicken. Their favorite homemade dish so far is apple cinnamon and oats. And why not? It smells and tastes like apple pie.
Dad can gauge how well something is liked by how wide and how readily they open their mouths. Fruits (to no one's surprise) are the most favored, followed by veg. EJ in will "attack" the incoming spoon when he is fed something he likes and he gets impatient when Liesel takes too long for her bite (Dad feeds them simultaneously). Liesel will not open her mouth without smelling a new item first. And if she doesn't like the way it smells, she refuses to open.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Update: Theme Redux
RESEMBLANCE?
Update: below is the photo Mom wants to use for comparison.
This was the photo previously posted in the first position:
The New Family Mom believes EJ and the above pictured fabric softener brand icon resemble each other.
Dad ponders the similarities and differences. The eyes? Yes. The smile? Yes. The ears? No. Skin tone? Yes. Shoulders? Maybe. The fragrance? Well...
Update: below is the photo Mom wants to use for comparison.
This was the photo previously posted in the first position:
The New Family Mom believes EJ and the above pictured fabric softener brand icon resemble each other.
Dad ponders the similarities and differences. The eyes? Yes. The smile? Yes. The ears? No. Skin tone? Yes. Shoulders? Maybe. The fragrance? Well...
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Bah, bah, bah
BUDDY and Buggy are both now repeating single syllables over and over, most often the one that sounds like "bah." The New Family Mom will not be happy if either of their first words is Dada. "Bah" better morph into "Ma" before it becomes "Da."
Both have had "conversations" with both Mom and Dad and each other. These are vocalizations usually originate from a child prompting a response from a Parent similar to, "Is that right? Fascinating!" And as soon as the Parent has finished, the child will vocalize again. It makes Dad wonder if they have learned the rules of conversation, you talk, Dad listens, Dad talks, you listen. They seem to follow these rules with each other too.
If so then they are more mature than the talking heads on the Sunday morning talk shows.
They have changed in other ways too.
They are sleeping less during the day taking fewer naps and staying up longer (without crabbiness) between them. Any single nap session still lasts little as 30 minutes, or as long as 2 plus hours. Afternoon naps seem to be the longer ones while morning naps are short. Once awake from a short nap, EJ is not always ready to get up and is not good at soothing himself back to sleep. He indicates then when Mom or Dad will change, feed, and try to soothe him, but to no success. They seem to sleep well at night, going to bed as early as 6:30 or as late as 8:30. They wake as early as 4:30 and sleep as late as 8:30. Their down time is a poor predictor of their up time. Early down times are met with early up times and late up times with about the same frequency. Late down times are the same.
Buddy has been up on all fours, but only very briefly. As strong as he is in most of his body, he seems weak in that position. His primary means of locomotion is still rolling over. And, he is fast. Move him several feet away from his object of desire, and he is on top of it again within seconds. This makes changing a diaper on the floor a real challenge. Let go of him for a moment and he will be three rollovers away before you can nab him. And he squeals with delight when Dad rolls him back to the original place. Dad doesn't exactly delight in it.
Buggy now crawls forward as much as she crawls backward. Just today she figured out that she can get out from underneath the Exer-Saucer as well as get in there. Though she'll still cry for Dad if she doesn't egress quickly enough.
She is more determined to reach a self set goal than he. Just now Dad observed him contemplating entry under the Exer-saucer. The lip is a four inch high barrier to entry. He quickly gave up when the effort required exceeded his interest in getting in. She, comparatively, will not quit until her goal is met.
They no longer favor their left hands. They currently seem ambidextrous. Dad'll see how that goes. He thinks they might yet be right handed.
Solid food is such a large portion of their diet that the Parents may have only five bottles to wash on any given day. They have begun to make baby food for the Twins. That is labor intensive, and Dad can see the value in buying the stuff from Gerber. When you have more money than time, you buy convenience. When the opposite is true, you make your own.
Most of their diet is pureed veg, fruit, oats, and, still, formula. They have had some pureed meat, but that has not been popular. From the way it smells, Dad is highly sympathetic.
He has offered them a few flavored rice puffs. They will keenly observe Dad putting food into his mouth and imitate him. They will pick the puffs up, move them to their mouths, but neither has actually gotten one in there. Dad tends to interfere by inserting it for them. Their reaction to it, at first, was comic. "What's this? Something I cannot immediately swallow? I have to gum it into bits and then swallow?" Their old pros at it now, though she choked on one on two different occasions.
Click here to return to the blog.
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| "Bah, bah" |
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| "Bah, bah, bah!" |
Both have had "conversations" with both Mom and Dad and each other. These are vocalizations usually originate from a child prompting a response from a Parent similar to, "Is that right? Fascinating!" And as soon as the Parent has finished, the child will vocalize again. It makes Dad wonder if they have learned the rules of conversation, you talk, Dad listens, Dad talks, you listen. They seem to follow these rules with each other too.
If so then they are more mature than the talking heads on the Sunday morning talk shows.
They have changed in other ways too.
They are sleeping less during the day taking fewer naps and staying up longer (without crabbiness) between them. Any single nap session still lasts little as 30 minutes, or as long as 2 plus hours. Afternoon naps seem to be the longer ones while morning naps are short. Once awake from a short nap, EJ is not always ready to get up and is not good at soothing himself back to sleep. He indicates then when Mom or Dad will change, feed, and try to soothe him, but to no success. They seem to sleep well at night, going to bed as early as 6:30 or as late as 8:30. They wake as early as 4:30 and sleep as late as 8:30. Their down time is a poor predictor of their up time. Early down times are met with early up times and late up times with about the same frequency. Late down times are the same.
Buddy has been up on all fours, but only very briefly. As strong as he is in most of his body, he seems weak in that position. His primary means of locomotion is still rolling over. And, he is fast. Move him several feet away from his object of desire, and he is on top of it again within seconds. This makes changing a diaper on the floor a real challenge. Let go of him for a moment and he will be three rollovers away before you can nab him. And he squeals with delight when Dad rolls him back to the original place. Dad doesn't exactly delight in it.
Buggy now crawls forward as much as she crawls backward. Just today she figured out that she can get out from underneath the Exer-Saucer as well as get in there. Though she'll still cry for Dad if she doesn't egress quickly enough.
She is more determined to reach a self set goal than he. Just now Dad observed him contemplating entry under the Exer-saucer. The lip is a four inch high barrier to entry. He quickly gave up when the effort required exceeded his interest in getting in. She, comparatively, will not quit until her goal is met.
They no longer favor their left hands. They currently seem ambidextrous. Dad'll see how that goes. He thinks they might yet be right handed.
Solid food is such a large portion of their diet that the Parents may have only five bottles to wash on any given day. They have begun to make baby food for the Twins. That is labor intensive, and Dad can see the value in buying the stuff from Gerber. When you have more money than time, you buy convenience. When the opposite is true, you make your own.
Most of their diet is pureed veg, fruit, oats, and, still, formula. They have had some pureed meat, but that has not been popular. From the way it smells, Dad is highly sympathetic.
He has offered them a few flavored rice puffs. They will keenly observe Dad putting food into his mouth and imitate him. They will pick the puffs up, move them to their mouths, but neither has actually gotten one in there. Dad tends to interfere by inserting it for them. Their reaction to it, at first, was comic. "What's this? Something I cannot immediately swallow? I have to gum it into bits and then swallow?" Their old pros at it now, though she choked on one on two different occasions.
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