Swimming

We had the chance to take the kids to a real pool this weekend. Our friends Kim and Stu have a beautiful pool and invited us over with the kids. They are expecting twin boys in just a few months so it was fun to talk "twin talk" with them. The babies loved it and Skylar got a huge kick out of their dog who gave him lots of kisses. I think we need to get the kids going on swim lessons as they love the water!

We are ready for the pool!



"That dog is hilarious!"

In the pool

My how they have grown!

So last night I was unpacking some pictures and of course I get sidetracked looking at all the ones of the twins. I was feeling guilty because it looked like so many of my pictures were of them in their bouncy seats but then I realized this helped me see how much they have grown. They are almost at the point where they can't sit in them anymore...what will I do?!?


January 2008 - First time in the bouncy seat (1 1/2 months old). Just home from Dallas this was one of the first things we put together. Elaina really didn't fit, can you tell?!

March 17, 2008 - St. Patrick's Day 3 1/2 months

Late June 2008 - In our new house 6 1/2 months, almost too big for them!

First time swimming

Well I guess you can call it swimming as they were in their bathing suits and in a kiddie pool. Of course, I forgot my camera and my mom's was out of batteries so no pictures this time! It has been so hot that we haven't been able to be outside walking much. I was dying for something new when my mom called to say she bought the twins a pool. Both were apprehensive at first and then Elaina really warmed up to it. She especially liked laying across my legs like she was floating and splashing the water. Skylar wasn't quite as sure about it. We'll have to take them to a regular pool to see how they like that. Pictures to follow after our next pool adventure I promise!

A few things I have learned from my twins (so far!)

Being a mom of twins is so much fun...but it is unbelievably challenging at the same time! Here are some things my sweet babies have taught me...

-Forget about quick, easy trips anywhere! A trip to Target for a mom with one baby might be something she thinks nothing of...I have done it with just one baby and it is very possible and actually enjoyable. But just try to go anywhere with two! Fitting two car seats in a cart is near impossible. So if I do go, I just put them in their stroller but then, how to push a cart? I don't...I just carry what I can buy....or stick it next to the babies in their seat:) Don't forget that I have to make sure that both babies are fed, not too tired, etc. Oh, it is just not worth it!

-Very few people have a good understanding of basic biology! More times than I can count, I have been asked if my twins are identical (usually after I say they are boy/girl so there is no confusion there). I usually reply no, one is a boy and one is a girl to which most people immediately realize what they said and laugh. No problem. But unbelievable to me are those that still don't get it, or worse want to argue that it is possible for a boy/girl set of twins to be identical. I try to be nice but have finally say, "My son has a p**** and my daughter does not! They obviously can't be identical!!!"

- Being a mom is 1o times harder and a million times more wonderful than I ever thought it could be! It is amazing how these babies will exhaust me to no end, where I can't wait for them to fall asleep so I can just breath, and then as soon as they are asleep I can't wait for them to wake back up. I love looking at life through their eyes. The boundless energy Elaina possesses inspires me to not sit still. Skylar's ability to look at EVERYTHING with the widest,most inquisitive eyes is so fun to observe. And then to hear him giggle at what seems to be nothing makes me take a closer look at life. To watch Elaina really look into my eyes, touch my face, and then smile is amazing. She teaches me to trust others more as it is obvious she does. I could go on and on but now that they are asleep I probably should be too so I am ready for another day that will surely take off going 0 to 60 in an instant. I love each day with my little twinnies!

Can't we get some sleep around here!?!?

So it has not been a good week for sleep in the Pedersen house. Elaina is SOOOO active at night and rolls and rolls and wakes up. She did better in the tiny pack n play! That child never seems tired though! She used to nap for long periods of time but I fear this one will be down to one nap sooner than I want her to be! Skylar FINALLY rolled over earlier this week! We thought he would be walking before he did as he has been able to stand with support for extended periods of time for awhile. Well, I woke this morning to him screaming because now he has figured out he can roll all over his bed. At first I think it scared him, but then he was so excited and laughing as he kept doing it. So not too much sleep for me as they have had me up earlier and earlier. And to top it off, our power went out for about an hour last night right as I was going to bed! With totally clear skies who would have thought? A little creepy in the new house all alone with two babies since Jon was working. Luckily it came back on....I was having flash backs to a few summers ago when our power was out for a week!! I think Mommy needs a nap!

They love their new toy!

Jon had to step in to put it together after my mom and I struggled. Reading the directions helps I learned!


Skylar was willing to help Daddy.


Elaina loves to move around the toy.


So happy as she moved towards me.....


And now she has had enough!


Skylar loves the toys on his toy.


And when he gets tired of the toys there is always his hands!

4th of July weekend

We have had a fun filled weekend with the 4th though we saw no fireworks!! It started on Thursday when we had the chance to see John Mayer at Riverport. Awesome seats and the show was so much fun! A great night out for Jon and me.

He had to work on Friday the 4th so we had family time during the day. There is a great park near our house that has a small playground, horses, a great trail, and a small lake to feed the fish. We strapped the babies in their carriers and hiked with them. They are getting heavy so it is a good workout! Jon had to work that night so I was solo with the babies. They were long asleep by the time fireworks started.

Saturday we had my mom and Tim and Erika over to BBQ. It is exciting to know that their baby is due in a few months and the twins will have their first Murray cousin! Also, the twins turned 7 months old today. Hard to believe!

Sunday was pretty uneventful except that Elaina, at 7 months, finally is in her own crib. They shared a crib until about 3 months and then it seemed silly to buy a new one for her since we were moving. Plus their old room wasn't big enough. So she has been in the pack and play. Jon put hers together and I was all excited to have her sleep in it. Well, she scared me half to death when I checked on her before i went to bed. She has been rolling for some time and does it constantly when on the floor. But never in bed. I walked in to her laying on her tummy, arms out. I immediately grabbed her and turned her over to make sure she was breathing....and she was fine. Looks like I might have a belly sleeper!

Hope everyone had a nice holiday!

We love our new stroller!!

Ok so let me preface this by saying I am NOT a jogger! But I do love to walk and honestly it is what keeps me sane with two babies these days. We usually go for two walks a day and their tandem stroller is great for popping in the car seats or going shopping. But it is not easy to push. On the recommendation of my good friend Liz who also has twins I looked into the Baby Jogger stroller. I am such a bargain shopper (and now being a stay at home mom watching every penny!) that I couldn't justify the price despite all the glowing reviews I read. Well, I was bound and determined to get it and found it much cheaper, brand new, online! Yippee for being a good shopper. Here are some pictures of the first day in it. I think it is the best thing I have bought for the babies because it is so easy to push. I just might become a jogger with this stroller!!!!