Baby Blues

Looks like these two brown eyed parents
have a gorgeous blue eyed baby!

Wyatt's eyes never changed. Actually, I take
that back, they just got more blue as the
months continued. Hmmmmmm.


One day the girls will be falling
all over this kid.

Lord, please help me....

Bean Counter

Could it be?...
That we will have a bean counter in the family?

6 Months and counting...

We have survived six glorious months!
Did we think it was possible? We had our doubts.

It's been an incredible time of exploration, discovery and new found milestones.
Wyatt and Evelyn are both sitting on their own - started around 5 1/2 months. They are eating three meals a day of real food and they LOVE it.

Some pictures:

Papa and Yia Yia
(don't you just love the curious look by Wyatt?)


Wyatt weighs 20 pounds, 29 inches and is in the 97 percentile


Evi weighs 18 pounds 11 ouces, 28.5 inches and is in the 95 percentile

Wetness Cured

Most of you know that Wyatt is quite the drooler.
He has impeccable timing on when to saturate that new outfit or when to let the floodgates open when you're holding him high above you in an airplane fashion.

This morning as I'm rushing around the house getting my lunch packed to head out the door for work, Jason mentioned that Wyatt had soaked through his bib and his shirt was drenched in spit. Of course, my first thought is...."well go change him".

(Most of you may think to let the poor chap sit in a wet collared onesie, however Wyatt struggles with chin rash from how much he drools...it's no joking matter this drool!)

Jason's first thought is tad different from that of mine...

Jason takes it from a 'which is easiest' point of view. Is it easier to change said soaked outfit or is it easier to dry the spit soaked shirt. One would think changing the outfit is easier, right? I mean, how would you dry the drenched outfit while the child is still wearing it?

My husband, the ever 'outside the box' thinker, took a hairdryer to my son.

Shirt dry, problem solved.

I said "NO"

Evelyn has started to say "NO"...
at least that's what it looks like.

I can only imagine what our house will
sound like when this child learns words.

Sassy!

Pool Days Summer Fun

Before the pool closed for the year, we ventured out with W&E for some sunshine and splashes. They are getting so big! 5 months have flashed before our eyes. Summer has whipped by and before we know it the air will be crisp, the leaves turning their vibrant colors. I haven't posted much over the last couple weeks. Our house has been hectic with Nana coming to town, working a busy end to summer in the shop and frankly any down time Jason and I have we are soaking up some quiet time and connecting.

As I cleaned out WE's closet with clothes that actually fit, I realized the clothes I was refurbishing the closet with was for 9 month olds. Is that possible? Indeed my friends. Our 5 month old cherubs are currently in 9 month old clothes....{{sigh}}.

Enjoy some pictures from summer!

Morning Snack

Of course W&E are at the stage where EVERYTHING
is shoved into the mouth...

the fist
the burp cloth
the keys
the toy
the wash cloth
mommy's hair
daddy's hand


...sisters arm
(dad caught the morning snack on his camera phone)

Notice the blurred leg action on both babes.
They do not sit still...EVER

95 Percent

That's right...

W&E are in the 95th percentile for height and weight. A quick turn around from their 2 week check up at 10th percentile. They are tanks people. Eating, pooping, cooing, smiling tanks.

Our retirement plan is well under way

FOUR!

Four Months, that is...
I know I know, but it MUST be said,
Can you believe how fast it has gone!?



Adaption
(A must for any parent)

In the last 4 months things have not gotten 'easier'
we have just learned to adapt which fools you into thinking things are easier.

We have adapted to the following:

The adjustment of sleep

Tuning out a screaming child

Carrying on a phone conversation while said child is screaming in the background
(this is funny to me because before parenthood I could never understand why when I asked 'do you want me to let you go' my friends would always ask back 'why?')

For that matter, getting use to hearing your child cry
...yes, they do cry and IT'S ALL RIGHT!

A tidy house now cluttered with baby gear
(for my mild OCD this is a huge adaption)

Our house smelling like crap
(it's mid-80's and humid, you get the idea)

If we're eating dinner by 7:15 we're in good shape

Quickies anyone?

Vomit covering your arm and shoulder

Still feeling attractive with said vomit still on your shirt

45 minutes and that's just to
get to a point to walk out the door
(I'm always on time...at least I used to be)

BUT...

We've learned more than
just lessons on how to adapt

No matter the day we have had
we can look at Wyatt and Evelyn
and know nothing else matters

They All Rolled Over

Wyatt Rolls Over!
(Just shy of 4 months old)

It's as easy as....


ONE



TWO



THREE!

Lucky Me Lucky W&E

There is something to be said
about a man who loves his family...
...deeply loves his family.

It pours from him through
words, actions and unnoticed touches.
I know when he walks through the door
his undivided attention is on family.

His first words EVERY day when he
walks through the door....

"What's the situation; What can I do to help"

The little moments;
The little gestures that remind me.



It's knowing which coffee cup I'm going to grab in the morning and placing a simple message for me to find and start my day with a smile.

Lucky Me
Lucky W&E

Welcome Cooper!

Proud first-time parents Matt and Emily welcomed



Cooper Jonathan

3 weeks early, I might add.

He was anxious to get here and he
sure is a handsome little man!

Weighing in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces
and a fantastic 21 inches long
(he's going to be tall just like his mommy and daddy!)

We've been excited for this new addition to arrive, so
Evi and Wyatt came with us to the hospital last
night to meet their new buddy.


Look at that head of hair!


Mommy and Cooper are healthy and doing great!

Welcome Home Cooper!

Anyone...Anyone?

You would be amazed at the number of times we get asked the following questions:

Are they twins?
...to which another twin mom I know responds
'no they're clones'

Are they identical?
People! Did you not pay attention in Biology Class?

Boys = XY
Girls = XX

Lone Button

Last night was a rough night.
W&E usually sleep from 8:30 to 5:30.
...I know, great, right?

Call it a growth spurt,
call it waking with ravenous hunger,
call it breaking out of the iron clad swaddle,

waking at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 6:00
leaves two VERY tired parents.

This morning as I'm holding Miss E, I notice her buttons
on the back of her sleeper are all askew. Jason had to
change sleepers at the 3:30 wake because she
decided to completely soak the one she was wearing with spit-up.



"Honey?"
"Ya?"
"I think you missed a few buttons on Evi's sleeper last night"
"Oh"

.....boys.

Who's that?

Bath time last night was so cool.

We have started holding the kids in sitting positions during their baths so they can experience it from a different point of view and last night something new happened...

Wyatt and Evelyn just starred and starred at each other;
Then we got little smiles stretching across their faces;
Then they started talking to each other.

Jason and I just sat there holding them, not wanting to make any sudden movements and intrude on this new awareness of each other. Sure, they saw each other before, but here they were actually interacting coo-ing, smiling as if saying "Hello sister....Hello brother".

Pretty soon we'll be hearing chatter between cribs!

Day with Daddy

So...Jason sends me this picture while I'm at work
and tells me they just finished their morning walk.

I'll turn a blind eye that our children are still
wearing their pajama's at 11 o'clock in the morning
and be grateful I have a husband enjoying his time with the kids.


....then he sends me this picture.
Melts a mothers/wife's heart thinking
of the day they've had with daddy.

Bubbles

We're fortunate to have kids
who LOVE their bath time.

The more bubbles
the merrier!

So long...Think Tank

I don't know about you, but I do my best thinking in the shower. (Sorry Jodi, this post in NOT about my effort to go more green and shower less and I may disappoint you a bit with what I'm about to say...)

I look forward to my morning showers. There is something about starting the day with white noise and the fact no one can demand anything of me. It's ME time, so I try and stay in as long as possible. I've conjured up some great ideas in the shower and I worry about the hot water supply when I have to share said supply when company is in town. So, it's obvious I treasure the alone time I have and never want to rush the process.

This all changed with two babies in the house.

Today, W&E went down for their morning nap around 930. I had my sights on fitting in a shower in the hopes they would remain asleep. (lately they have been going through a growth spurt so their naps range anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, but they are napping about 4 to 5 hours a day thanks to some sleep training).

I put Wyatt down last, just 10 minutes behind his sister. I stood for a brief moment hovering over their cribs, watching for any eye movement or wiggle. Nothing. I bolted downstairs to grab the monitor. Ran back upstairs and quietly hovered into the nursery again to see if they were still sleeping. Still sleeping, small little "yes" peeps out of my mouth. I get the monitor plugged in, grab a fresh towel. I think to myself, 'I should check one more time'....I head across the hall to the nursery and they are still sleeping, a small hand gesture and another "yes". I head into the bathroom, and run the water....the monitor clicks on....I head to the nursery....still asleep, must have been the fan triggering the monitor. Think to myself, 'I better make this quick'.

I hop in the shower, no time to waste. I quickly run down the routine, but no lingering this time. In and Out (and I'm not talking about the burger joint). I check the monitor, still quiet. I head across the hall, still sleeping.

Victorious yet defeated, I finish getting ready a little mournful of my days of long relaxing showers and great moments of thoughtfulness.

Independence

Our first Independence Day was filled
with Corn Dogs, Cheese Curds and (of course)
Mini Donuts.

We managed to escape the parade and fireworks,
much too late for these little nuggets.

They were dressed in their patriotic sailor outfits,
to which their daddy thought was too girly
for Wyatt. Nonetheless we captured this photo before
he was able to save Wyatt and his 'manhood'.

Jason has taken on a new role in the house...

Mr. Mom

The shop has not escaped the effects of the economy
so I am saving payroll and heading back to work full-time.
It's not an easy task, heading back to work 5 to 6 days
a week when all you want to do is nest as a family.
But I didn't have a choice.

This means Jason will be watching
the kids three days a week

alone.

Today was his first day...he took a nap when I got home.

No pity party here! It's a difficult decision to make,
but we made it as a family and having Jason's
support at home makes it so much easier. He
of course heads to work 4 days a week and that's
when Yia Yia steps in for care with WE.

We've got our rally hats on!

First Friend

12 weeks have passed since the arrival of WE
(Wyatt & Evelyn).

I will never get used to how quickly
each day seems to fly by.
We're enjoying their new found surroundings. They have started to notice each other and often take turns as to who is crying. They have such distinct personalities...
total opposites.

We have also been practicing their hand coordination and they are almost to the point of actually grabbing with intent! It's so fun to watch and experience everything new through their eyes.



Evi has found her first official friend and it comes in the form of the Cookie Monster. It is her first rattle and no matter what she is doing or mood, she will smile and coo with delight if she sees it placed in front of her. (And yes, when we went to OPH for breakfast this morning cookie monster saves us from a possible meltdown).


Almost there!
Grabbing things is just around the corner for these two. They will grab ahold of things if it placed in their hands and they will certainly reach for everything interesting and swipe at it.



It's hard work being this cute


Chubby wrist and fingers of our E

Precious Memories

The morning of Wyatt and Evelyn's birth I had written a note to my parents. I wanted them to know that if I could be half the parent to my children they were to me I'd be in good shape. I wanted them to know I felt I had pretty big shoes to fill. They made it look easy (and still do).

I wanted them to know I was looking forward to seeing them in their role as grandparents just as I was sure they were anxious to see me in my new role as a mother.

My dad, Pa Pa, is a gentle giant who melts around these two kids. The older my dad gets the more he looks like his dad, Grandpa Jack. Grandpa Jack is no longer with us, but I have many fond memories of him. He was a wonderful grandpa who took the time to carry on silly conversations with us kids, show us how to tell the fruits and veggies in the garden were ripe and had the best hugs and wet kisses. I still remember his grandpa smell and the sound of his voice. Whether it was at the dinner table or sitting in the living room, he always sat quietly watching his family fill the house with stories and laughter. I miss him and wish he could have met his great grandchildren...better yet, see his only son flourish as a grandpa himself. My dad is that kind of grandpa and I'm so excited our kids will soon build memories of their own to carry around with them.


Pa Pa and Evi taking a nap on a lazy afternoon. She was pretty comfortable I must say. If you ask Pa Pa if he enjoyed his nap he would tell you he wasn't sleeping. The long restful sounds of snoring would tell us otherwise.

Assistance Please?

With a little help from their little red chairs Wyatt and Evelyn enjoyed sitting up and seeing the world from a new point of view. They enjoyed their new version of 'tummy time' and exercise to strengthen their back and neck so they can eventually sit solo!

Baby steps, right?...
I am counting the milestones until they can sit on their own and BETTER YET hold their own bottle!


Wyatt smiled most of his time in 'the chair'


Evi was all over the place wanting to look around


Wyatt was very happy after his diaper change and I just had to snap a quick picture

Generations

We had a wonderful week chalk full of our Washington and Oregon family visiting the babies. My 84 year old grandmother doted on the new family additions and of course posed for a 4 generation photograph. A treasure in my eyes.


This photo makes me smile:
Wyatt has his hands up to face...a usual sight.
Evi is staring at Jason...of course.
Great Grandma is looking NOT at the camera.
and me?...I'm just trying to convince Great Uncle Ed to hurry up and take the picture!


Family is a true gift and I value all the memories from the past, present and I'm looking forward to those we have yet to create.

Drooler

Changing an outfit of Wyatt's from
spit-up is a thing of the past.
We still change outfits multiple times
a day for another reason

....Drool



I can't imagine what is in store for us
when he actually hits teething!

Kiss It To Feel Better

A trip to the pediatricians office was our adventure of the day. It was Evelyn and Wyatt's 2 month checkup.

Wyatt weighs 12 pounds on the dot! A 75 for percentile
(up from 25% at week 2)
Evi weighs 11 1/2 pounds! A 75 for percentile
(up from 10% at week 2)
They have both grown 3 whole inches! That puts Wyatt in the 90 percentile and Evi in the 75 percentile for height. In other words, these kids are right on track and healthy!

Today was also the day to begin their vaccinations. We had some lengthy discussions about this topic long before their arrival. We wanted to be educated in our decision and understand what was "expected" of us as parents to vaccinate. We were recommended by a friend to read/review a book: The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Robert W. Sears.

It was enlightening, jaw dropping, and ultimately a great reference for us. Dr. Sears covers every vaccine from an informative point of view. He does not steer parents in one direction or the other. He states the fact about diseases (is it common, is it serious, is it treatable). He then goes in to detail how the vaccine is made and what incredients are used to create them. He also covers if any of the ingredients are controversial and why as well as possible side effects from the vaccine. He discusses reasons to get the vaccine and reasons people choose not to get the vaccine. Included in some of his research are options for vaccines such as vaccines made without aluminum or mercury as an alternative, etc.

In his book, he provides three vaccination schedules to consider. One is the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule which is a bombardment of shots and vaccines all at once (and the one pediatricians follow). Second is a Selective Vaccination Schedule which vaccinates for only the serious and life threatening diseases. The Third option is a Alternative Vaccine Schedule. Here vaccines start at 2 months and proceed through 13 years old (as opposed to completion by 12 years). Vaccines are spread out, only two at a time, over the course of these months, especially during the infant stage. It allows for a smaller production of vaccines hitting the immune system at once.

We have selected the Third option for our children along with confirmation no vaccines with mercury or aluminum will be used. We feel confident in our decision, but know this is a personal decision for every family. I recommend the book highly to get better educated on what your options are and how you can request your pediatrician to follow/respect your requests on vaccinations. You have to stay on them though...I had to remind the pediatrician twice today we were requesting an alternate schedule for their shots.



So...today our angels experienced their first shot.


On another "medical" note, gas drops are THE greatest invention in my opinion. Wyatt gets chalk full of gas and air bubbles and his poor little tummy just gives him the hardest time until he passes the air.

These are the BEST!
Once he gets this in his tummy, his toots are like a machine gun. It's so hilarious and yet such a relief knowing he's getting the help he needs to feel better.

Strange Chatter

Evi and Wyatt have both been enamored by the wooden blinds above their changing table. It started with long gazes and has turned into a haven of serenity especially for Evi. If she is in a funk and nothing seems to calm her, we trot upstairs and place her on the changing table which is then following by blissful silence. It is that easy. The fussiness immediately stops as she studies the blinds in detail. At times I'll bend down to her eye level and observe what she sees...trying to understand what it is that intrigues her so much. It doesn't take long for her chatter to begin. She will talk for an hour if we let her. Her conversations with these blinds can be very animated. Arms and legs will fly about as she squeals and coo's. We just stand there and hold watch so she doesn't roll off. She enjoys her moment with her invisible friend she has found within the blinds.

Wyatt on the other hand, while he does enjoy staring at the blinds on occasion, has found a friend while sitting in the comfort of his boppy pillow in the crib. He quickly realized he was being watched by some furry friends and could not take his eyes off the tall lingering Giraffe that seemed to be holding guard over his domain. After a long stare down, Wyatt decided it was safe to begin a conversation with said Giraffe. It was completely one sided of course, but Wyatt somehow carried on a lengthy dialogue with his new friends.
(Please, no poking fun at his less than fashionable hairstyle these days)

Family Post

Here we are in our new blog home!

Our old blog was filled with stories of infertility and gratefully
followed by our pregnancy with multiples journey.

It has been an amazing year!
It's hard to believe a year ago we were staring at a
kitchen counter full of IVF drugs and needles and thinking
'what have we gotten ourselves in to?'.

It's hard to believe a year ago our heads were swimming
with IVF protocol and excitement
THIS MAY ACTUALLY WORK!

A year ago we were told we had 4 embryo's
that survived fertilization.

This is what we transfered into my womb almost a year ago.


This was their first photograph....




Looking at those two embryos it's hard to believe I was looking at this.


And so...after a year from when this all began and now stepping foot into the new uncharted territory of parenthood we felt it was time to close a chapter of my personal blog and begin a new chapter in the land of blogging.

Our FAMILY Blog.

It is the Harsh Family exposed.


You may be wondering after doing the math,
'What about the other two embryos?'
...they are on ice, for now....