Recap of 4 month appointment

Riley and Colter had their 4 month appointment on the 18th. We thought Daddy was going to get to go this time, but he had a last minute meeting he couldn't miss. So, Gram came to the rescue. Jeff talked to her literally 20 minutes before the appointment and she made it there to help us. Thank goodness. They got the regular 4 month shots and recovered pretty quickly. Dr. Gorvy said we could start solids anytime now, but that we can wait until 6 months if we want. We're waiting for now.
Colter is now 25 inches long and weighs 14 pounds 13 ounces.
Riley is 23 1/2 inches long and weighs 13 pounds 2 ounces.
We knew they were feeling heavy!
While it's easier to hold them at the same time because they are holding their heads up by themselves, it doesn't take long before my arms are tired.
Here's Daddy with his babies.


Jeff and I got to go to a movie this week. That was a huge treat. Gram and Papa Jim came over to babysit and put the twins to bed.
Jeff and I are enjoying all the chatter around here. Riley and Colter are both babbling up a storm. They love to have conversations with anybody who'll listen. It's great in the morning, because they'll entertain themselves by "talking" for almost 30 minutes before they start to fuss. It does make eating take a little longer, though. These two especially love to talk at mealtime!

Napping at Gram and Papa Jim's

Gram is usually coming over to our house to babysit, but today we dropped the twins off at Gram and Papa Jim's. Jeff and I had an appointment to get our wills signed (finally!) While our lawyer had said it wasn't a big deal to bring the babies, we decided it would be kind of difficult to concentrate with Riley and Colter there. (We don't think he knew what it would be like with 2 infants there!) Plus, they were going to be due for a nap.

They got to snuggle up on a really soft blanket instead of being cramped in the pack-n-play.

Don't they look comfortable??

We keep practicing tummy time. They'd rather be lying on their backs kicking at their toys, but they are definitely getting stronger.

Happy Birthday, Gram!!

Today is Gram's actual birthday - Happy Birthday, Gram! Before Papa Jim took her out for lunch and a movie, she came over to watch Riley and Colter for a couple hours so I could go to the gym and run some errands. Wasn't it nice of her to spend her birthday morning helping us?

Here she is "visiting" with Riley. Those two could talk for hours. The topics of conversation are quite varied: shoe shopping, tea parties, etc. While Riley isn't actually using words, she does lock eyes and goo and coo for a long time. It's actually quite funny. Colter has just started the cutest habit. He loves to cling to are shirts when we're holding him. He's also giggling more often, including in the car when Riley is crying. I'm telling myself he's not aware enough to be laughing at her yet. It must be the monkey mirror that's so amusing.
I've gotten so I really love the mornings. Both babies are so happy and excited to be up and playing, that there's lots of smiling and cooing from each of them.

Riley's in on the rolling

Riley couldn't let her brother have all the fun, so she decided it was time to show off her own rolling skills. We actually caught it on video. Check it out!

Gram came over to play with the twins this afternoon. She comes over at least twice a week to take care of them. I know Riley and Colter love to see her and I REALLY appreciate having a break to look forward to. This is the first week I've actually left the house instead of just taking a nap.

I didn't do anything too exciting. Wait, that's not true. I returned the breast pump we rented from the hospital - finally! I had it for almost three months and relied heavily on it for nine weeks. Our "team" wouldn't have made it if I hadn't been able to pump. I was so thankful to be able to return it, though.

This was the typical set up for the past months.

We have put the bottles away for the most part (except when I want to leave the house for an extended period of time) and are finally at the point where nursing the twins is going well. I am able to nurse them together with a special pillow designed for twins. Oh, the time we have gained! Thank you to all the friends and family who supported us, cheered me on, and let me know it was OK if the nursing thing didn't work out. While I was at the hospital returning the pump, I ran into the nurse who worked with me during two outpatient lactation consultations. I was so glad to be able to give her the update.

Big day

Today was a busy day for us.

We met our friends Suzanna and Caroline this afternoon to go walking/shopping and enjoy the nice weather. Caroline is only 10 days older than Riley and Colter. All the babies slept for most of the time, but I'm sure the play dates will get more exciting in the future. I definitely enjoyed catching up with Suzanna.

We got home just in time to see Jeff pulling in the driveway. Jeff and I were excited because Jeff's parents and their family friend, June, were coming over to babysit Riley and Colter. They had also offered to babysit Amy and Michael's son, Bryce, so we could go on a double date. It had been a long time since the four of us had been out together, so we were really grateful.

June gave us the most adorable socks when the babies were born. Here's Riley with her Mary Janes on and Colter with his cowboy boots on.

When our babysitters arrived, Papa Jim had a surprise for Riley and Colter - a little red wagon! It's just like the one my brother, Matt, had when we were growing up. Bryce was kind enough to test it out and make sure it was safe for his younger friends. Thanks, Bryce!

Bryce went to sleep before we left for dinner, but I think Riley and Colter got to snuggle with June and Gram for most of the evening.

We had a great time on our date!

We got home in time to change the babies into their pajamas (these are Jeff's favorites) and put them to bed.