Have I mentioned lately how much I love one little red headed boy that lives in Cotati? Today, I was just hanging out with the family when I get a call from my sister. She promptly gives the phone to Curtis who is crying and all I hear is "I want to go to Auntie's!!" Then Brooke gets back on the phone for a second, then Curtis again and then Brooke again. Finally Brooke explains that she told Curtis they were going to go on an adventure and he got really excited because he thought they were coming to Auntie's. How sweet is this?? I miss you Curtis so much! It seems like forever since we came home with the babies. I am so excited to come and see you at Grammies and your house for Christmas. There are only 13 more wake-ups 'til then, so it won't be long.
The best part of this though was when he told his mom we can go in the car, it can drive a long way to Auntie's!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Visits with Santa
We actually got to see Santa twice on Saturday... once with the twins group and once at the pet store. I think the pet store pictures are cuter. Besides, Callie really does think she is the baby of the family.
And of course, you have to include a cute little red haired boy... Stinky, Auntie loves you and misses you so much. I can't wait to see you at Grammies for Christmas.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Random Photos
The highlight of the last few weeks, was not Lauren coming out of her colic phase, but Dave getting to go to the first game of the World Series that the Giants actually won!
Dave only had his phone camera but this is always cool to see...
Halloween outfits and playing on their play mat. They are reaching for things and love this thing because it has stuff that hangs down over them that they can pull on and make the music start.
Feeding time... these little highchairs are the best things.
We have started giving them baths in mom's tub on these sponges. They love being in the water and kicking and splashing.
You can see where Nicholas already peed on the bed, right by Lauren's leg so I figured they could have naked time... Lauren waited 'til the very end right as I was putting the clean diaper under her to pee.
Tummy time on the boppy... much easier than just on the floor.
The new and improved "happy" Lauren. Isn't she just the cutest?
Two more videos
Here is what happens when we have had just a little bit too much play time...
And, finally... when you just need some down time but aren't too ready for a nap...
So, I think this is enough posting for a bit... Have a great weekend. We love you!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Playtime
This is what we do for hours at our house at the moment. Nicholas really seems to think it's funny right now when I ask him about his diaper. He seems to understand the meaning of the word "gross". He is the cutest boy.
Halloween
Here are some pictures from Halloween. We decided to go the easy, comfy, warm route this year. Unfortunately we didn't count on such warm weather and it turns out their outfits weren't so "comfy". Have you ever seen bears cuter than these?
Nicholas and Dave
"Here's my feet"
"Do I really have to wear this?"
Our friend Nikki was the first neighbor that was home.
Halloween is fun and all... but being naked is much more fun!
And, last but not least for Uncle Andy before we put it away for another year...
Rolling over and kicks
Lauren is getting really good at what we call "practicing her kicks" and is really close (closer than this video shows) to rolling all the way over.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More pictures of cutes
Nicholas and Lauren and the 2010 See Spot Walk - notice his puppy dog jammies.
Callie likes the new van because she can get up in the front row.
Bath time
One of the most handsome boys in the whole world. I love you Davey.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Three Months
So I made the mistake of giving Brooke a hard time about not updating her blog and since then she has updated it about four times in the last week, so here we go...
Today is Lauren and Nicholas' three month birthday. It is hard to believe that they are three months old. Each day I look at them and am still amazed at how much I love them, how blessed we are to have them and how lucky we were to have someone so special to bring them into the world for us.
They are really starting to develop their personalities and I think they are very true to how they were in utero. Nicholas is very laid back, doesn't cry a lot. Lauren on the other hand is somewhat demanding and is always moving. Right now she does a lot of what we call "practicing her kicks", where she lays on the floor or the bed and just kicks her legs in any direction she can. She can now roll over onto her side but then gets stuck and then gets mad. The other night I had just changed her diaper and she was laying in between us in our bed when she noticed the ceiling fan in our room. You could see the wheels turning and she realized that the fan was not on. She started screaming. Dave turned on the fan and like magic, she was smiling and happy. She has learned early how to get what she wants and has, like any little girl should, her dad wrapped around her finger. Nicholas can kind of roll onto his side, but is not as mobile as she is. He however loves the play mat thing that they lay under with the toys that hang down. They both get a little mad when the lights and music stop. We now have six, yes, six, swings. Two for upstairs, two for downstairs and two little travel, fold up swings. Yes, they are spoiled, but they have all been purchased at garage sales. They LOVE these things and sometimes they are the only things that get them to sleep or calm them down. WE love them because they provide us with a little down time to get stuff done or get some sleep.
They are starting to sleep longer at night but are not on a real schedule. They are quite different in their sleep and eating patterns so it has been a little difficult. However, I try to take care of most of the nighttime duties as I can so Dave can get some rest for work. He has been amazing and although he sometimes doesn't hear them crying right away, he always gets right up to get a bottle or a diaper (or a swing). We changed Lauren's formula to soy about three weeks ago and it has made a tremendous/positive difference. She is much happier and less colic-y. She has the cutest smile and when she is happy all is good in the world. It was such an amazing change in her personality once we switched formulas. Nicholas on the other hand has always been quick to give the biggest grins and laughs. He is the best little snuggler and I love to watch him wake up in the morning or from a nap. He stretches and yawns, changes positions, stretches some more, opens his eyes a little, goes back to sleep and then does it all over again about three more times before finally waking up. He tends to nap longer and eat bigger portions while Lauren is more of the cat-nap and snacking type. They both have been known to "talk" to someone that we cannot see. I will often look over at one of them and they will be staring at something just smiling and completely engaged in some silent conversation. I like to think that it is their grandfather telling them stories and making faces. Not one day goes by that I don't wish he were here to see these little angels.
I never thought that this day would come, but they have forced being a morning person on me. I have realized that if I don't get up and take a shower before Dave leaves for work, I may not get one til the afternoon. However, the good thing about this is that we often talk to Grammy or Auntie in the morning via Skype before they leave for work. Skype is one of the best things in the world and makes being so far away so much easier. I love being able to call my sister and show her something or hear how Curtis' day at pre-school went. By the way, Curtis is now not only in pre-school but has his own big boy bed that he sleep in all night long. He is one awesome kid and he makes me smile every time I see him, even if he is giving me his "mad face". I love you Stinky!
So, here are a few pictures of the littles from my cellphone. I will try to be better and post more often.
Today is Lauren and Nicholas' three month birthday. It is hard to believe that they are three months old. Each day I look at them and am still amazed at how much I love them, how blessed we are to have them and how lucky we were to have someone so special to bring them into the world for us.
They are really starting to develop their personalities and I think they are very true to how they were in utero. Nicholas is very laid back, doesn't cry a lot. Lauren on the other hand is somewhat demanding and is always moving. Right now she does a lot of what we call "practicing her kicks", where she lays on the floor or the bed and just kicks her legs in any direction she can. She can now roll over onto her side but then gets stuck and then gets mad. The other night I had just changed her diaper and she was laying in between us in our bed when she noticed the ceiling fan in our room. You could see the wheels turning and she realized that the fan was not on. She started screaming. Dave turned on the fan and like magic, she was smiling and happy. She has learned early how to get what she wants and has, like any little girl should, her dad wrapped around her finger. Nicholas can kind of roll onto his side, but is not as mobile as she is. He however loves the play mat thing that they lay under with the toys that hang down. They both get a little mad when the lights and music stop. We now have six, yes, six, swings. Two for upstairs, two for downstairs and two little travel, fold up swings. Yes, they are spoiled, but they have all been purchased at garage sales. They LOVE these things and sometimes they are the only things that get them to sleep or calm them down. WE love them because they provide us with a little down time to get stuff done or get some sleep.
They are starting to sleep longer at night but are not on a real schedule. They are quite different in their sleep and eating patterns so it has been a little difficult. However, I try to take care of most of the nighttime duties as I can so Dave can get some rest for work. He has been amazing and although he sometimes doesn't hear them crying right away, he always gets right up to get a bottle or a diaper (or a swing). We changed Lauren's formula to soy about three weeks ago and it has made a tremendous/positive difference. She is much happier and less colic-y. She has the cutest smile and when she is happy all is good in the world. It was such an amazing change in her personality once we switched formulas. Nicholas on the other hand has always been quick to give the biggest grins and laughs. He is the best little snuggler and I love to watch him wake up in the morning or from a nap. He stretches and yawns, changes positions, stretches some more, opens his eyes a little, goes back to sleep and then does it all over again about three more times before finally waking up. He tends to nap longer and eat bigger portions while Lauren is more of the cat-nap and snacking type. They both have been known to "talk" to someone that we cannot see. I will often look over at one of them and they will be staring at something just smiling and completely engaged in some silent conversation. I like to think that it is their grandfather telling them stories and making faces. Not one day goes by that I don't wish he were here to see these little angels.
I never thought that this day would come, but they have forced being a morning person on me. I have realized that if I don't get up and take a shower before Dave leaves for work, I may not get one til the afternoon. However, the good thing about this is that we often talk to Grammy or Auntie in the morning via Skype before they leave for work. Skype is one of the best things in the world and makes being so far away so much easier. I love being able to call my sister and show her something or hear how Curtis' day at pre-school went. By the way, Curtis is now not only in pre-school but has his own big boy bed that he sleep in all night long. He is one awesome kid and he makes me smile every time I see him, even if he is giving me his "mad face". I love you Stinky!
So, here are a few pictures of the littles from my cellphone. I will try to be better and post more often.
Nicholas after his bottle... drunk on formula
I love my auntie and my auntie is the best onesies
A trip to the market
Happy girl in her swing
sticking her tongue out at mommy
doing some tummy time
Nicholas' Giants socks
Don't bother them if they are sleeping
practicing kicks
stretching
drinking those bottles makes a boy tired
happy boy
hanging out with mom in the bathroom... whatever works!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Welcome Lauren Brooke and Nicholas James
Dave and I would like to introduce you to our two little angels. Lauren and Nicholas were born July 22, 2010 at 1:43 and 1:44 in the afternoon. Before giving you all the details I have to express our utmost gratitude to Brooke and Andy for giving us this wonderful gift. We would not be parents without you and we are eternally grateful to you guys for doing this for us. Not only have you given us the cutest little nephew in the world but you have graciously let us be part of his life on a daily basis via video chats. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful gift you have given us and everyday when I look at these little angels I am so amazed that one, I am finally a mom and two, what a wonderful sister I have. Brooke, Andy and Curtis you are our heros and we love you all very much.
Lauren Brooke (named after her aunt) and Nicholas James (named after his dad and my dad) were born on Thursday July 22, 2010 via a scheduled c-section. Brooke amazingly went 38 and a half weeks without any complications, bed rest or complaints. She completely amazed all of us including her doctors who decided that if we didn't schedule a c-section these babies may never have come out. So, at 1:43 PM, out came Nicholas at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches. Lauren was born at 1:44 and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and 21 inches. Thankfully both babies and Brooke did well during the surgery and the babies were greeted by their Uncle Andy in the delivery room. Mom and Dad didn't get to see them until they arrived in the nursery a few minutes after they were born. We are so thankful that Andy was in the room with Brooke and although I would have loved to be in there with her, it was definitely the right thing. I love that these babies are so loved by two sets of parents. Brooke informed me the other day that Curtis now refers to us as "Auntie Mommy" and "Uncle Daddy". I think that those are appropriate names for Brooke and Andy too. These babies are so loved and are so lucky to have such amazing people in their lives. We look forward to seeing the special relationships and bonds that they will develop with Brooke and Andy and their "big cousin" Curtis over the years.
Both babies were healthy and perfect. When we were finally allowed into the nursery to see the babies, Lauren was waiting for us. She was still covered with vernix but I immediately recognized her as my little girl. She was completely familiar and what I expected... red hair, fair complexion like her mom, her profile was just like her ultrasound pictures including her chubby cheeks. She was the most beautiful thing ever and we were in love with her instantly. After a few minutes Nicholas was brought in and I have to admit that he looked nothing like either of us... I was completely blown away and honestly thought "who are you"? Regardless, we instantly fell in love with him as well and immediately memorized every little detail of his sweet round face and body. He was born with a ton of dark brownish/black hair. Both he and Lauren have blue eyes. His complexion is a little darker and his face is completely round. We continue to be amazed at how different the kids look. Nicholas is still hard to figure out, but I definitely see Dave in him at times, especially when he is asleep. Lauren looks at times like her cousin Curtis and has some of his expressions, and just yesterday I thought I saw a trace of the "Rasmussen ears" while giving her a bath. Her red hair has fallen out on the top of her head but remains on the sides and back. Nicholas' hair has thinned out a little but he still has a fair amount.
At seven and a half weeks, Nicholas weighs 12.3 pounds and Lauren is 11.5. They both have had some colic issues, Lauren much more than Nicholas. We have yet to have a full night's sleep and are grateful for those times when we get four or five hours between feedings. We hope that Lauren's colic will end soon and we will be able to get on a schedule that includes sleeping through the night. Dave and I are completely amazed at how we have been able to function on so little sleep. The best thing in our lives right now are two full size baby swings that we have in our living room. Initially we only had one. After a week or so we figured out that our lives would be so much easier if we had two... thank heaven for Craigslist. Never has $40 dollars spent on two swings been so well worth the money. The babies both love being in the swing and can sleep in them for hours. This allows me to get things done during the day or to take a nap and allows us to have some down time at night. We have gone through about three sets of D batteries so far for each swing, but it is a small price to pay for peace and happiness in our household.
We want to thank all of you for being part of our lives in one way or another. We value our friends and family above all else and your love and support has been a tremendous support to us throughout our journey to have children. We hope that we get to see those of you that have not met Lauren and Nicholas yet sometime soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Below are some pictures of the babies.
Lauren Brooke (named after her aunt) and Nicholas James (named after his dad and my dad) were born on Thursday July 22, 2010 via a scheduled c-section. Brooke amazingly went 38 and a half weeks without any complications, bed rest or complaints. She completely amazed all of us including her doctors who decided that if we didn't schedule a c-section these babies may never have come out. So, at 1:43 PM, out came Nicholas at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches. Lauren was born at 1:44 and weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and 21 inches. Thankfully both babies and Brooke did well during the surgery and the babies were greeted by their Uncle Andy in the delivery room. Mom and Dad didn't get to see them until they arrived in the nursery a few minutes after they were born. We are so thankful that Andy was in the room with Brooke and although I would have loved to be in there with her, it was definitely the right thing. I love that these babies are so loved by two sets of parents. Brooke informed me the other day that Curtis now refers to us as "Auntie Mommy" and "Uncle Daddy". I think that those are appropriate names for Brooke and Andy too. These babies are so loved and are so lucky to have such amazing people in their lives. We look forward to seeing the special relationships and bonds that they will develop with Brooke and Andy and their "big cousin" Curtis over the years.
Both babies were healthy and perfect. When we were finally allowed into the nursery to see the babies, Lauren was waiting for us. She was still covered with vernix but I immediately recognized her as my little girl. She was completely familiar and what I expected... red hair, fair complexion like her mom, her profile was just like her ultrasound pictures including her chubby cheeks. She was the most beautiful thing ever and we were in love with her instantly. After a few minutes Nicholas was brought in and I have to admit that he looked nothing like either of us... I was completely blown away and honestly thought "who are you"? Regardless, we instantly fell in love with him as well and immediately memorized every little detail of his sweet round face and body. He was born with a ton of dark brownish/black hair. Both he and Lauren have blue eyes. His complexion is a little darker and his face is completely round. We continue to be amazed at how different the kids look. Nicholas is still hard to figure out, but I definitely see Dave in him at times, especially when he is asleep. Lauren looks at times like her cousin Curtis and has some of his expressions, and just yesterday I thought I saw a trace of the "Rasmussen ears" while giving her a bath. Her red hair has fallen out on the top of her head but remains on the sides and back. Nicholas' hair has thinned out a little but he still has a fair amount.
At seven and a half weeks, Nicholas weighs 12.3 pounds and Lauren is 11.5. They both have had some colic issues, Lauren much more than Nicholas. We have yet to have a full night's sleep and are grateful for those times when we get four or five hours between feedings. We hope that Lauren's colic will end soon and we will be able to get on a schedule that includes sleeping through the night. Dave and I are completely amazed at how we have been able to function on so little sleep. The best thing in our lives right now are two full size baby swings that we have in our living room. Initially we only had one. After a week or so we figured out that our lives would be so much easier if we had two... thank heaven for Craigslist. Never has $40 dollars spent on two swings been so well worth the money. The babies both love being in the swing and can sleep in them for hours. This allows me to get things done during the day or to take a nap and allows us to have some down time at night. We have gone through about three sets of D batteries so far for each swing, but it is a small price to pay for peace and happiness in our household.
We want to thank all of you for being part of our lives in one way or another. We value our friends and family above all else and your love and support has been a tremendous support to us throughout our journey to have children. We hope that we get to see those of you that have not met Lauren and Nicholas yet sometime soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Below are some pictures of the babies.
Lauren
Nicholas
Nicholas and Lauren
Lauren and Nicholas
Lauren, Nicholas and Dad
Lauren and Nicholas in Grandpa Jim's big chair
Me, Brooke, my mom and Mio
"I might be little but I'm a huge Dodgers/Giants fan"
We love our Auntie
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