Babies to MB's: 5 month update

Sometime over the last month I went from having little babies to little boys.  Now, instead of two infants, I have two smiling man babies (MB's)!

(L: Babies month 2, R: Babies month 4+)

These precious guys have really matured the last month.  No words can really describe how cute I think they are!

We had a fun filled month with the babies.  Chris was off from work during this time and was able to spend plenty of time with his tots.  At some point during his vacation, we decided to drive across country with the babies, our 2 dogs and 2 cats (more on our trip in another post, certainly it deserves a post of its own!)  The boys were amazing travelers really matured during our trip.

One of the most fun things that happened this month was a clear desire for these brothers to interact.  Although this picture is blurry, you can see that Chris captured a precious moment where Brady wanted to show Brody the farmer from his book.  Things like this are happening more often and I consider it  foreshadowing to how close these guys are going to be.

Brady-

Two new nicknames for this boy have come into play this month: Honey Bager and Mighty Mouse.  At some point I started calling Brady Honey Badger (now abbreviated to 'Badge' for short) because this boy is so clearly tough as nails.  My little peanut coninues to amaze me with his strong will, clear communication skills, and overall good nature.  Though words are never used, Brady has an innate ability to fully describe and communicate what he needs.  He is strong and powerful and full of smiles.  His second new nickname, Mighty Mouse, came from me noticing that his build was similar to the cartoon superhero's.  He has a broad chest and a narrow waist and can puff out his chest and curl his arms to show how strong he is  (I am so happy to have caught this on film).

After their 4 month birthday, we broke out the Bumbo chairs and have let the boys play sitting up!  Brady loves the new perspective on life and enjoys the play stations I set up for him.

He doesn't even seem to mind that his chair is purple!  Brady is able to grasp objects and obtain toys at his own will.  Watch out if he gets frustrated though, that Honey Badge will let you know he is not happy!  

My two favorite things about this month are that Brady found his laugh.  He has the best giggle and is not afraid to use it.  For some reason, he found my dad particuarly hysterical and was quick to give him a smile and a happy laugh!  

Also, Brady rolled over!  One morning I found him sleeping on his belly, suggesting that he rolled over in his sleep.  Then, on Mother's Day nonetheless, he rolled both from front to back and back to front all in the same day!  Thanks baby for the most wonderful gift ever!

Brody-

Oh Brody Bear, what to say.  Brody is pudgy and cute and full of snuggles and love.  This month, Brody really found his smile and he was ready to have it captured by camera!

In addition to his smile, Brody has also found his feet.  This boy LOVES to try and get his toes into his mouth.  He is happiest when he has no socks on (or pants really) and is able to fold his little body in half to get to his toes.  It is actually pretty impressive given that he does not the the flattest stomach!

(Note the way he has locked in on said foot)

(going for it)

(total satisfaction)

The other new addition to Brody's list of cute activities is something we have termed the "Brody Bite". The 'Brody Bite' starts out innocent enough.  Your holding Brody in your arms, looking lovingly into his eyes, then all of a sudden he locks onto a part of your face, (usually your chin, but not always) and tries to bite your face off in what can only be described as a total love bite!  He does this to me multiple times a day and I was fortunate enough to be able to capture him doing it to my Mom!  

 

(the innocent start)

(the gaze)

(the latch)

(and the release)

It is kind of like watching an Olympic event! 

Although Brody has not rolled over yet, he has made the first signs of trying to sit up by himself.  Whenever he is in his car seat or his relaxing chair, he lifts his head up a does what seems to be a massive crunch.  Pretty soon this boy will be sitting up by himself!

The boys were around lots of family for their 4-5 month lives and it greatly enhanced their development.  The constant holding and playing was a great way for them to develop some skills that they did not have at their 4 month birthday.  This month was so much fun, I can't wait to see what next month brings!

Saturdays are for snuggling.

Family hike.  Iced coffee.  Afternoon snuggle session.  A perfect day.

Big B little B, what begins with B: 4 month update

Brady, Brody, B, B, B.

That's how the rhyme goes in our house!  At 4 months old, we officially have a big B and a little B!.  Brady, the big-little brother, weights 13.6lbs and is a peanut compared to Brody!  What Brady lacks in thigh chub though, he makes up for in smiles and personality.  He sing-songs full sentences and is an amazing communicator.  When he is upset, I swear he yells at me in full baby coo sentences.  He seems to have mastered the word "hi" or at least this is his coo of choice.  He loves to whack at his toys and kick his kick-n-play piano.   He is a snuggley guy, quick to put his head into your neck and catch a quick nap if allowed. Brady has started chewing on his fingers, and drooling a bit.  Instead of putting his whole fist in his mouth like his brother though, Brady chooses a select finger to gnaw on.  I love looking over at him and seeing a single finger rooting around in his mouth.

Like a lot of kids, Brady has a love of the bath tub.  However, his love goes beyond just splashing in the water and extends to floating.  If allowed, he will push himself backwards and recline with his head back, letting his legs dangle.  I bet he is going to be a good swimmer like his mom and dad, perhaps he will excel at the back stroke?  

It is hard to tell in pictures, but Brady's hair has actually filled in quite a bit this past month.  It looks like it is a very light blond, maybe auburn?  Only time will tell.  What this boy lacks in locks, he makes up for in lashes.  He has the most beautiful eyelashes.  When the light catches him just right, you can see how long and perfectly curled they are.

Brady started twisting and turning on the floor just the other day.  It looks to me like he is just days away from being able to roll over.  I will keep you posted on when that actually happens!

Our Brady-Bear is quite a young man. I can't wait to see how he changes and develops during month 5!  For now, he is still my little peanut! 

Brody

Ahh big B.  Brody weighs in at 16lbs  and feels like a sack of concrete when you lift him.  Well, maybe a sack of concrete covered in soft baby chub that you just want to snuggle with, that is more like it.  He is warm, personable, and loves to bury his head into my chest and nuzzle me multiple times a day.  

Brody has developed a fondness for giraffes.  He has 2 different kinds and has learned to smile and do a happy dance when he sees them coming his way.  

Brody has transitioned from a flat line grin, to a giggle and, this week, a full on belly laugh.  His laugh is so contagious that I can't help but follow his lead. His smile; however, is very hard to catch on film and I have yet to snap a picture of him smiling his true smile.  This is the closest I have gotten.  

Brody is still shoving his fists in his mouth as often as possible.  I love the little head shack and body waggle that goes along with his trying to put his whole fist in his mouth. When Brody wakes up in the morning he does not cry.  Instead he makes a series of coos and grunts in the hopes that you will hear him.  Once I look over at him, he breaks out in a full smile and shriek.  It is such a glorious way to start the day.  

It seems certain now that Brody is a red head.  At some point over the last 4 weeks, his hair started to fill in. I can't believe how a little hair can change the way his face looks.  He even has enough hair so that one morning I declared to Chris that Brody had bed head!

 Our Brody Bear is changing so fast.  I can't wait to see what new cute things he does next month!  Try not to grow too much faster ok?!

We were lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents visit this month.  They got to play with the boys and see how much they have changed since they were newborns.  It was so great to see the boys interact with their grandparents and to have all the extra hands around to hold babies.  No matter how you slice it, when I am home alone with the boys, they do not get held enough.  For 2 straight weeks though, they were barely set down and it was perfect!

Week 1: The Grand McLeans

Week 2: The Grand Sharoffs

Favorite developments this month:

-Clear indications that they enjoy or dislike certain activities

-Enjoyment of specific toys

-Understanding that I am their mom and can help.  They have even started to reach for me when they want me to pick them up

-Consistent smiles and laughs

-Grasping objects and bringing them to their mouth
-drool (ok not a favorite but it is a development)
-Being amused by songs (Brady particularly likes patty cake)
-Making noise to get our attention

Nicknames we are still using: 

Chris is still calling the boys the MBs (Man Babies). A-B the Baby and B-B the guns are still used pretty regularly here too.  I tend to call the boys Brady Bear and Brody Bear the most.  

And because there is not one picture with Dad, here is one from this month:

 

Happy 4 month birthday boys!  

Things I am loving

1.  Talking to my other mom friends during the day.  I love connecting to my mommy friends in this way.  I love the comradery that comes from being a new mom and everyone knowing how hard it is.  I love the words of encouragement that everyone gives telling you that you are doing a great job even though you feel like you are failing.  I love that they have all been through the exact same thing and tell you they can relate.  I love that tearful confessions (“I feel sleep while feeding my baby, I could have smushed him”) are answered with “We have all done that Carrie, cut yourself a break”.  My stories of how tired I am and how I feel like I am neglecting one baby when the other needs something are answered with reassuring words that both babies feel their mom’s love.  My confession that I am failing at being able to take care of my household chores, washing cloth diapers, washing bottles, taking care of twin babies and a husband and 4 animals so we hired someone to come for 12 hours a week were met with statement like “no sh*t Carrie, no one can do all that.”  Good for you for hiring someone”.  I think what I love the most are the genuine “You’re doing a great job” statements that comes out of my friends' mouths so easily.  I need to remember to say this to my friends in the future when they have a new little one.  It means so much, more than I could have imagined.

2.  Our snap n go stroller (Thanks Richie and Lois!).  This stroller is perfect for getting the babies to and from stores, as well as for going on morning walks in an effort to regain some fitness.  It is not that bulky and drives smoothly.  It folds and fits nicely in the wagon of our SUV.  Without this, I would barely be able to leave the house. (note the convent cup holder!)

3.   Moby carrier- I love this carrier for wear around the house or at friends’ houses.  Learning to wrap the fabric took only a few minutes and once you get the hang of it, it is very simple.  I love how snuggly the babies feels when you carry them in the holder.  Also, if I have to pick up the other baby at the same time, I can.  The only things I don’t like about this holder is that the tails of the material touch the floor when you wrap them around your body.  Other than that, it has been a huge help.  I look forward to using the other holds (side hold and outfacing) as the babies get older.  Do any of my friends back east use this holder?

4.Boba-  This carrier has been great for family hiking.  The number one feature of this carrier is that is has a built in sunshade, critical for Arizona outings.   The carrier is comfortable and sturdy.  I hope the babies still like it as they get bigger.

5. BumGenius math diapers- we have been cloth diapering our boys and the BunGenious brand of diapers have worked really well for us.  I love the all-in-ones because you do not have to stuff the pockets and they seem to absorb just as well.  The diapers come in cute colors.  In particular, I love these Einstein ones we have.  They have math all over them and they say "I'm a genius!"!

 

6.  Toy recognition.  It took awhile but my boys have finally started to respond to toys and they seem to have some favorites.  Brody in particular loves his wubbanub giraffe.  He likes to clench its neck and shove the legs into his mouth.  It makes me laugh when I find it positioned on his body after he falls asleep.  The other day Chris brought the giraffe into Brody and his eyes got big and his mouth parted and he did his happy dance.  It was so funny, I hope they keep these kinds of antics up for awhile. 

7.  Remembering how to use my self timer! Priceless.