Sun in the Summertime - Finally!

Summer has been full of all kinds of fun. We've spent time with friends in Buffalo, gone to the Cape and even managed an impromptu playdate with the extended Union family of honorary cousins, Aunts and Uncles. Fortunately, despite all the rain in June, we've managed to get a little sun and be outside.

Austin has quite a few words (no, shoe, juice, bear, pool, more, mama, dada, banana), where Chase is determined to speak in phrases. He can babble through an entire meal and still manage to finish his food. We aren't sure what he's saying but he talks with his hands and seems quite intent on getting his point across. They are still using their sign language but less and less with more verbal expression coming into daily requests.

The boys have a little car and I'm thinking an ant farm is in their future given their fascination with these creatures. Maybe next summer, but not in our house! Sorry Aunti Lys - I know this must horrify you! Finally, we are able to enjoy some of the local playgrounds. It has taken a while to make a trip to these fun spots worth it. The boys love slides, Chase could swing for hours and any suspended bridge gets lots of attention. We're thinking Story Land is in our fall plans? Anyone want to come with? I hear there is a fun water area there so maybe September?

August is hopefully going to be low key. The boys will get to see both of their great grandmothers and all their Union friends. Almost 20 of us with kids in tow for a whole weekend - should be a blast!

Here are some shots of our latest escapades. Enjoy and keep doing the sun dance - it's working lately!

Happy Father's Day Papa!

June has brought a great spring/summer mix of weather until recently when the sun decided to play a fierce game of hide'n seek. Eventually, we'll find out where it's hiding! Luckily, we have a deck for the boys to play on and a fun climbing apparatus/slide to keep them busy, courtesy of their friend Hunter who has since outgrown the toy. The Step 2 climber comes inside easily and has been a savior lately when outdoor play just isn't an option.

We celebrated Father's Day with a special meal, get this, prepared by Dan. His choice! He made fantastic potato salad, sliders and coleslaw, courtesy of Tyler Florence. Being a Food Network junkie, this is what made Dan happy so we let it happen. After all, it was his special day.

Austin and Chase are 19 months old now and are doing great. They are running all over the place and we are finally learning what twin-speak is. They crack each other up and giggle so hard that sometimes, we feel a little left out. It is so fun to watch them explore the world around them with more maturity and truly enjoy each other's company. Their favorite toys are still books. They can "meow" like a cat and "cluck" like a chicken but as for talking...they're holding out on that for a little longer. Hopefully, this isn't a sign that procrastination will be in in their future. Austin is having his adenoids taken out and ear tubes put in on Wednesday, June 24th. We're hoping this kicks his chronic ear infections and gives him a little more room in his throat.

The boys are still loving their daycare arrangement with a local mom who has a dog, cat and lots of toys. Here backyard is like going to a park and sometimes I think they want to stay there when I pick them up at night. We are greatful for Lori!

We recently attended an ICN reunion and heard many stories like our own. It's amazing how common prematurity is but it was great to see all of these kids running around together. We met some nice families and hope to bring the boys back for years to come, giving current families hope for their own children to lead normal lives.

The summer is packed full of fun activites. We're heading to Buffalo for the 4th of July and then the Cape for the rest of the week. We have a few other weekend trips planned and lots of house projects. However, getting those projects done is extremely difficult. Thank goodness for the afternoon nap or else this place would be a royal mess all the time!

Here they are, our baby boys all grown up. We cannot believe they are toddlers already. They look to the sky when an airplane buzzes by and chase ants around on the deck. They throw full out tantrums and swipe toys from each other but just when we've had enough, they give us the sweetest kisses in the world! Does it get any better?

Spring has sprung!

Finally, An Update!

Yay - we're one!

It's noon somewhere...

Peekaboo!

Austin is checking the nutritionals before daddy starts Saturday morning pancakes.

Ok, so I haven't posted for a while. I have one simple explanation - I was searching for a job and have subsequently gone back to work full time. And I thought I was busy before...

The boys are walking (started around Christmas) and trying really hard to talk. They have lots to say but it comes out in a language we don't quite understand yet. While Austin and Chase continue to differentiate themselves personality wise, they are still trending similar in size, 21 lbs. and 31" tall. They are average for their age and that alone is impressive.

We're still on two naps a day and eating everything in sight. We officially haven't found anything they won't eat, well, except birthday cake. They do not take after their mother with that trait as I've never met a baked good I didn't like :) Formula is a thing of the past and bottles are slowly being replaced by sippy cups at all meals.

We bought the boys a picnic table to do crafts on, eat snacks and play, but they've discovered it's far more fun to stand on the table. They are one step away from proclaiming "king of the mountain" and beating their chests when they reach their destination - unbelievable the instincts these kids come with.

Chase is still looking so much like his daddy. Brown eyes and we did have to get him a hair cut. His shag in the back was getting long so he is all cleaned up now. Austin, everyone says, looks like mommy. Blue eyes and dark hair. The boys are extremely happy and best of all, most amused with each other. They chase and taunt and seem to really love each other. Bath time is by far the most fun event in our house everyday. Austin dips his nose and mouth into the water and then erupts in the best belly laugh you've ever heard. And monkey see, monkey do, Chase tries to copy but with a little less finesse. He just dunks his whole head and we'll just say is getting his fair share of water intake everyday. Dehydration is not a concern with him.

The boys love music and dance whenever a tune is played. We do lots of singing, reading and chasing each other around. All in all, this is a pretty decent age and we couldn't be happier. Not to say they aren't a lot of work, but it comes with the territory, right?

Here is the "wee Rhi" as we call my sister's daughter (almost 8 months old). This is how Dan gets his "girl" fix. So cute!

Austin and Chase with their friend Hannah. She's a good sport for putting up with the two of them on play dates.