theALFORDFive

Summer Catch Up.....Again Part 1

2011-11-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am, again, trying to update you all on our busy summer, and now, fall! So negligent! I'm gonna attempt to portray the juiciest bites of our wonderful life;)

So, on June 17th, my cousin "Aunt Lori" gave birth to her beautiful twin daughters Quinn(baby A), and Addison(baby b). Van and PK are tickled to be around them, especially PK. He asks if he can pet them, and talks jibberish to them in their ears very quietly. So cute!

Catch Up!

2011-07-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Life is busy! We SURE didn't know how busy we could be! I mean, it's July! Ron and I were just reminiscing this morning, how on any given Saturday, him and I would head to Green Lake for a run, get Starbucks, go to Qdoba, and then a movie, before we had the boys. What a wonderful awakening! That was great! And this is greater!!
Van and PK are so fortunate to spend time with family and so many adoring people all the time. I've never seen my parents and brother act this way! There is mutual exclamations of joy when they see the boys. VPK get to spend time with my Grandpa Ben about once a week(upper right), and my Paca & Bepa(Bepa lower left)about the same.

Mowing with daddy is coveted. The boys got these mowers for their first birthday, and to think I almost returned one of them! Sometimes, I find the boys in the garage just looking @ Rons lawn mower.

Vanny and Paxton have found their wonderland in my parents yard. Sometimes the first words out of their mouth in the morning are "go to grandma's house" or "ride honda with boompa"(what they call my dad).

This is our 3rd Easter together. We went to Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club, where Ron and I were married 10 years ago! It was a rainy day and the boys weren't too sure about the Easter bunny, but boy did they love their eggs and pancakes!

Uncle GoGo cuts the boys hair and does a better job than the barber in town. Both V & P like to do their own hair with this gel I got for them. Van's hair is so thick and voluminous, and goes forward no matter what. PK has finer hair with a little curl, that is so weighted down by products. He's my little surfer boy.

Sitting in Boompa's chair

Chainsaws, yes. Again, WONDERLAND. My dad, brother and Ron all chainsaw and chop the wood with axes in my parents woods. They fill the trailer of my dad's 4-wheeler "honda", and haul it wherever. The boys, of course, have their own chainsaws that sound real. The boys make that ruuummmm ruumm noise along with it too.

About a week ago, Ron suggested I take VPK to the logging show in our neighboring town of Buckley. It was a nice day and the boys loved it. My mom went with us and VPK had roasted corn, scones, and kettle corn. Loggers from all over the Northwest were there competing in logging events. Pure bliss for 2 little boys. These guys were racing climbing trees, running on a tree over water to grab a chainsaw and cut a chunk of the log, and chopping logs that they were standing on, between their legs, to see who could get thru the fastest. It was very entertaining! Next year, all the men want to come too! Later that night before dinner, VPK were running w/their chainsaws and pretending to race like the loggers-too cute.
PK LOVES the honda! Van can take it or leave it, he "stays w/grandma". Van is my cautious child. Most times when we go to my parents house for dinner, which is often, PK goes to Boompa and asks to ride the honda.

One of our outdoor activities of late, has been racing cars down the driveway. The boys chase them and think it's pretty cool. They have nicknames for all their trucks. One is "jamaica mon"(ron) and there is "cement truck" and "shark truck" etc.

When VPK go to Grandmas, they are outdoors if it's pretty dry. They are really good helpers. They help prune and pick up weeds, whatever you assign them. They just HAVE to get their energy out, and outside there's so much more to explore.

Aunt Lori, my cousin, just had girl twins, Quinn and Addison. They are almost 3 weeks old and so cute! Here are the boys @ a dog park in Mercer Island with Aunt Lori and her dog Indy.

My dad is so fun to watch with VPK. He is a funny guy, but pretty shy unless you know him. Here he is, racing the boys around @ the Supermall, doing brodies and them loving it! I even saw him go down their little slide one day with them, I had to do a double-take!

One of Ron's students, Chanel, generously sent VPK and I BIOLA shirts. She is currently a student there and it's where I graduated from.

My big boys! They often ask to sit @ their big boy table instead of their highchairs. We're almost there.

PK is kind of potty-training himself. One day, I heard him calling me from the toilet room in our master bath. I found the door closed, him standing naked, diaper on the floor, and a big poop in the toilet! I couldn't believe it! They get a chocolate if they use the toilet, and this is a big motivator! I can only dream, of no diapers! Van is kind of onboard, though still reluctant. It's quite a situation when they both have to go @ once!

Happy 2nd Birthday Van & PK!

2011-04-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

So VPK turned two on April 9th. These are all the decent pictures that our camera captured. Hopefully I can get some more from my dad and brother and update the blog. We kept the party small: Boompa & Grandma, Paca & Bepa, Grandpa Ben, Aunt Lori, Uncle GoGo, and the stars of the show, Van and PK. They loved all the attention from the people that they know best! We had 2 cakes, flavors chosen by the boys. PK chose chocolate-of course, since he loves chocolate! Grandma made that cake and it was topped with "Muck" from Bob the Builder, one of their favorite toys. Vanny wanted raspberry, so he had a raspberry-filled vanilla cake with little sharks on the top. Sharks are still a popular topic in our home.

The boys loved banging the huge balloons together and opening their presents, ripping all the paper. Van and Pax are very physical boys! The boys loved everyone singing "happy birthday" to them and blowing out their candles.

Hawaii or Bust! 23 Months

2011-04-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

The boys had some adoring women visitors. Five of Ron's team came down to visit and VPK loved them!

So, my mom decided that she'd had enough of this rain, and since the boys were close to the age limit for flying free(2), we decided to take them to Hawaii. The flight there was great. The boys were perfect and people around us complimented them on how well behaved they were!

The weather was less than perfect, though just being outside, barefoot, warm, with lots of water, was enough for the boys! This day, it was very windy and I got some good shots of the boys. VPK are all about sharks. They have seen one movie-Nemo-since then, they have loved the sharks. We saw baby hammerheads @ a hotel down the beach a couple times. VPK have little squishy plastic sharks and lizards that they tote everywhere! The above right picture is Vanny showing his "shark teeth".

These little gentlemen are SO different, but they are both blessed with a great sense of humor. We had so much fun @ the pool. The boys are very outgoing and friendly. PK really like the girls in particular-older ones. We stayed @ Ko'olina, which is a strip of hotels and condos that are situated on 3 lagoons. This was perfect for little ones, since there were no waves. PK didn't like the tide of water coming in and out in the ocean. He was more a pool-man. Van like both, and swam with my mom in the ocean.

VPK got to feed the Koi fish, and thoroughly enjoyed all the fish. All of them were one of the Finding Nemo characters. In fact, when Van woke up in the morning, he would start chattering about Dory in his bed. PK's favorite, I think, is the hammerhead sharks.

These two were so confident in the water-they absolutely love it! I was talking to another mom in the pool, me and PK on the side, and she was holding her toddler girl. All of the sudden, PK jumps into this ladies arms! She loved it-luckily;)

Our condo had one huge door window onto the patio, which when open, the whole wall was open. VPK thought they were pretty cool because they could come and go as they pleased! PK took his smoothie from grandma out on the patio to enjoy by himself.

I used this picture for their 2nd birthday invite.

I love this picture of VPK and I. It really shows the difference in their personalities! PK is a private soul. If he sees a camera or video camera he will not look in their direction. Pax has a sweet voice and the demeanor to match. His movements are gentle-though he is pure boy when it's time to be rough. He is a good audience for his brother. Van is rough almost all the time. You don't want him to comb your hair;) Van is a total ham. If he turns and sees a camera, he flashes his best smile and keeps his eye on it for another opportunity. He is great with his expressions, it's like he knows when a laugh is needed.

The airplanes were another bonus during the trip. The last couple of nights, Van was sick. He felt better on the plane ride home. He didn't really want to stay in that seat. We had horrible turbulance as well, which kept even the flight attendants down for about 90 minutes. PK got sick and Van got ornery. All in all, they were really good, considering they were on our laps.

We were fortunate to see and spend some time with Ron's grandma D from Iowa. We had a very nice brunch @ his aunt and uncles where she was staying.

As per usual, PK is flirting, and Van is entertaining. VPK are pretty social and adaptable kids. They love company, and make themselves @ home wherever we go.

Here We Come 2011-@ 21 Months!

2011-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

VPK got chainsaws for Christmas. Daddy, Grandpa, and Uncle GOGO(joe) cut some fallen trees from our latest windstorm using their real chainsaws. VPK helped of course!

The boys loved Christmas this year. We did the chocolate advent calender every day which was a big treat. They enjoyed presents, though one was all they really needed!

The boys really got a kick out of their potatoe-head accessories, namely the spectacles!

Some candid shots with my phone of my boys. The bottom right picture is of Van in Dada's hat and shoe. Vanny came to the kitchen wearing these saying "dada". They both love playing in all of Dad's stuff by the back door. Oh! And they LOVE eggs, hence the background=)

We surprised Ron's mom a couple weeks before Christmas, by showing up @ her front door in Arizona. It was a great time with family. The boys were great on the plane. We were pretty prepared with books, movies, and activities. We even received many compliments on both flights!

VPK loved going barefoot and shirtless-the less clothes, the better!

Sammy, Grammy and Poppy's golden retriever was really a good sport! He was a gift from Ron to his parents about 12 years ago.

VPK were enamoured with their cousins! We got to spend time with them every day we were there. Jace(on left) is 9mo older.

Ron's cousin Taryn came to visit and meet VPK.

VPK and I spent time with Aunt Lori @ their favorite play area in Bellevue. They were really hamming it up! We're so excited that Aunt Lori is 14 weeks pregnant with twins!

20 Months and BUSY!

2010-12-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

VPK love climbing...everything! They were the ringbearers in our good friends, the Wellons, wedding(right w/grandma).

These little men LOVE football! PK runs around our island with the football about 10 times then spikes the ball and says "ball-ball". Vanny tries to say Polamalu(my favorite player),

and when I say steelers, they say "dada". So great!

VPK love the men in their lives! Uncle "go-go"(joe) is a favorite thing to say. They talk about him all the time and frequently have pretend conversations w/him on the phone!

The boys love Mookie and all of my moms dogs. Mookie is amazing with them. Vanny walks her on the leash sometimes, such a big man!

VPK are outside boys! They have sat on our neighbors horse and we go to our friends farm to collect eggs and watch the cows, horses, etc. Grandpa is swinging the boys here during yardwork.

Van is a warrior, making scottish highlander grunts, growels, and shrieks. PK loves to say "helllllo" like uncle leo on seinfeld-he yells it!

We had so much snow! A little more than 12 inches! My mom happened to be in the ER w/amnesia and Ron was in Jamaica on his sizzler trip! My mom is fine now, thank God.

Halloween was fun! We went downtown Enumclaw where all of the stores were on the main street with candy! It was fun for them to see all of the other kids dressed up! They weren't sure about people giving them the candy.

My mom had jack-o-lanterns outside @ her house of which vpk would growl @ whenever they saw them, or any other pumpkin they saw, for that matter=) They also LOVE riding and inspecting the "HONDA", my dad's 4-wheeler.

"Boompa" is their favorite book reader. He pretends, with them, to eat things right off the pages.

VPK and Grandma, working. They are incredible workers! They can vacuum with results, hand me laundry to put in the wash, wipe down their hi-chairs, etc.

17 Months!

2010-09-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Fall has come early this year. It's been warm enough to go barefoot, though wet enough to wear a raincoat, hence... The boys have to get out of the house everyday in @ least one form. They are avid climbers and in the extremely curious/immitating stage. Today Van was walking around with part of the vacuum skimming the floor with an old ipod up to his ear like he was on the phone! I don't think I do that=) Both Van and PK are good @ bringing thigs to eachother. For example, today Vanny asked for grapes. I gave him 2 and told him to bring PK one. He ran outside(as I watched) to the patio where PK was playing and said something and handed him a grape. Then he ran right back in and repeated a few times until I cut him off! Our boys do love fruit!

VPK are ringbearers in our good friends, Eric & Ashley's wedding in a couple of weeks. This will be quite the experiment! Ron is the best man and the aisle is short, so I'm crossing my fingers. These are a couple of the outfits VPK modeled for the event. Ashley requested that Van maintain his faux-hawk too.

The boys and my dad's parents, Paca & Bepa(dutch for grandma and grandpa). I try to visit with the boys once every couple of weeks. Bepa made my hands-down, favorite cookie this week-gingersnaps. PK was asking for more like he asks for more corn, raspberries, and blackberries. These are their current must-have-now foods. They are also so much fun when you can pick them yourself!

My parents, Ron, and I, took VPK to the Childrens Museum in Seattle. It was overrated in my opinion, nonetheless, the boys enjoyed running thru the seaweed(below) and overall running around and exploring.

Growing like Crazy @ 16 Months!

2010-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

Our little men got some new hair cuts! Vanny is sporting his little faux-hawk, and PK is wearing his daddy-do. They are growing in every way! PK told me "i love you, momma" this week and Van gets various things on command. He frequently brings me his shoes and asks me to put them on! VPK both put on our flipflops and walk around-so funny. They are starting to thoroughly enjoy eachother as well. When one gets up before the other, he'll wait @ the bottom of the stairs for the other-beaming when they see eachother.

Ron's parents visited this last week and gave the boys a quad that moves 2.5mph. For now they like to climb on it and ride with Grandpa and Mookie on his big "honda". My Mom has raspberries and blueberries in her garden, of which VPK run to as soon as we get there. They love them!

Old Friends and New Experiences!

2010-07-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Great quality time with Grandpa! The boys LOVE being chased by him! He also plays mind games with them, hiding things and such, and they revel in it!

My college friend, Caraleigh, came up from La Jolla, CA to visit. We had an amazing time and VPK instantly loved her! She is 7mo pregnant with her first baby, a little boy named Esiason. We can't wait to meet him! Her husband Kevin is also a big Steelers fan, so we have someone who will appreciate some Steeler hand-me-downs=)

VPK have decided their current favorite day-outing is to Bellevue Square's Kid's Cove play area. People ask if it's worth the 45min drive, but there is no question! It is a large, enclosed area with an ultra-padded floor and padded climbing surfaces. It is actually clean too! We've been to a few, and this one takes the cake! The boys run around and have fun watching the other kids and climbing anything they want-pure independence! They still look when a little girl screams-so funny! PK's hair is so bleached by the sun and Vanny is showing his little charming side-tilt of his head!

The weather has been beautifully moderate lately-70's during the day and 50's @ night! We love it! The boys dine outside most every meal, and have lots of work to do in the yard. Sometimes they get in a "slide rotation", where they go up and down, one after the other, for a good 20 times=)

So Hot(15 Months)!

2010-07-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

So VPK do NOT like the mid-nineties degree weather as of late! They got wicked yeast-diaper rashes and heat rash on their shoulders. Today(above) was cooler, the low-eighties, and it suits them better. My mom and I have been taking them hiking in the trees, and running in the trails.

VPK love hiking in their backpacks, though they are really giving us a workout. Van is 27lb and PK is about 26lb.

We had our friends, the Malvaneys, over. Tasha went to school with me and their son Trenton was our ringbearer in our wedding. Trenton and Easton were awesome with VPK. Big boys are such entertainment for Van and PK.

This was just a cute shot of the brothers. PK said "brother" yesterday. He now has 16 teeth and very verbal! Vanny has been our dancer. Maybe you have seen him on Ron's facebook page? He is so funny. PK has been dancing too, though he is a foot-stomper.

Summer, Finally.

2010-06-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

The sun has finally come. We have had crazy rain and are so thankful for sunshine and going outdoors! VPK love to be outside & naked! They thought they were so helpful mowing the lawn with daddy. Any machine at the moment, equals an hour long inspection.
Our little men are growing rapidly! They are both about 25lbs and quite the movers! They love to be chased and be involved with whatever we are doing.

Sweet Health!

2010-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

We have had a good month of one thing after the other. We've had ear infections, teething(will it ever end?), black-eyes, goose eggs, chipped-teeth, split-lips, and hand foot & mouth disease(very painful blisters in all of these areas, causing the boys to refuse food). Thank God that we are currently drug-free. It seems as if someone is constantly on antibiotics, tylenol, or motrin. It is so great to have healthy little vibrant men once again. VPK love facing the front of the car now. They still don't love the car, but tolerate it more in this direction-up to 45 minutes!

We have had a couple of play-dates with our friends Micah and Charlotte Taylor. Charlotte is so sweet and I think, not quite sure what to think of VPK. Micah says she talks about them @ home, so I guess she likes them and their wild ways! Van and PK sort of band together when she comes over, a little awkward, it's cute. But after a while, Vanny gets restless and starts his traipsing around. We always say that his bottom never touches the ground.

Van is becoming quite the entertainer-when he is around friends, that is. He dances pretty much all day long. He has 8 teeth now-4 on top and 4 on the bottom. His vocabulary has improved too. He can say "all done", "moo", and "dog". Vanny loves to be chased and can run very fast-he's excellent on his feet.

PK is such a little water-man! He could stay in the water all day! He is walking now, more "toddling", and is very proud of himself! Pee Wee loves his books and organizing things. While Van is wandering, PK can often be found focused on some task @ hand. He's more of a details man. PK has crazy teeth! He's got 14 already! One of his new words is "bottle", and he is working on lots of others.

Happy First Birthday VPK!

2010-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy long year, and since we've hit the one year mark it has flown by! This last month we have had colds that turned into ear infections, then pink-eye. I never thought we'd be in the ER so much-especially the first year! Ron says to "get ready", based on his knack for accidents as a kid. Sufficed to say, I am trying to catch up on our family blogging.
The boys had a beautiful day for their birthday party. Ron's mom Diane was here from AZ. My mom made them individual banana cakes, which they loved. Unfortunately, PK had a double ear infection(we found out the next day), and Vanny a cold.

Had to put a picture of our daily after-breakfast activity, shower/pool time. VPK absolutely love the water, and all I have to say is "let's go swim-swim", and they both start walking back to the shower. Ron wonders how long he'll have to share his shower!

Some updates on PK. He is walking. Yes, he is a cautious walker, but he now moves around pretty well! He is so in love with "books". He says "book" all the time. He can sit and look thru his books for 30 minutes sometimes. He is really trying to talk and now says night-night, ball, book, momma, dada, hot, and all done. He is so tickelish and such a giggler. PK has 4 molars and his 8 front teeth already. Both boys can do "high-five" and wave. @ his 1 year checkup, he was 31.5 inches tall(90th %) and his weight was 23.2lb(53rd%).

Vanny is our crazy man. He wanders around looking for things to get into. He can pretty much run and is an excellent walker. He is a communicator, though often with man-sounds. He can say hot, momma, and dada. He will mimic just about anything. When Van smiles, his whole face just shines-he is such a ham! He loves sticking out his tongue @ you-thanks uncle joey! He has 7 teeth. Vanny's stats @ his checkup were 30 3/4 inches tall(75th%), and 22lb 14oz(50th%). @ one year, Ron was 32inches and 25lbs, and I was 29 inches and 19 lbs.
Also, Congrats to Daddy for running his fastest marathon yet in Eugene, OR last weekend! We are so proud!!

SW Visitors

2010-05-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to have some current book kids come down to hang with us and the boys! Thanks to Amaris, Ilene, Christine, Erica, Ana and Kyle for making the trek to Enumclaw!

The boys first photo shoot!

2010-04-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am quite behind on our life blogs, so here is a succession of what's been going on for the last month or so. We had a photographer take pictures of the boys for Daddy and grandma's birthdays. Thanks to uncle Joey for helping me that day! Our photographer Holly was amazing-thanks Holly!

Little Boys

2010-03-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little babies, whom we could barely communicate with, are now becoming little boys. They understand so much now, and are so fun to tease, cuddle, and laugh with. VPK are really having fun together too! They laugh @ eachother, and escape their play area together. They are bored with their toys unless the other is their to steal from. Van is the master stealer. Luckily PK is pretty laid back, but we're waiting for PK to start to put his foot down. Their personalities are so completely opposite that they are mirror images of eachother.

We are officially done with our little walkers the boys use. Vanny will climb out within 5 minutes, and PK is so tall that he tipped his over. Vanny walks very quickly now, and PK is showing some interest, but still no more than a few steps.

VPK absolutely love visting Grandpa @ his office. He gives them "racechair" rides in his office chair.

We have two great strollers that are so convenient, but oh no, VPK like a regular old cart better. You can see the seating arrangement above=) I don't dare attempt this alone, since Van will surely jump out. But it is fun when I have help!

Our sweet PeeWee is gentle, cuddly, comfortable around most, and a great audience for his brother. He has the best belly-giggle ever. He is very keen with his sense of touch, always thoroughly examining his food, toys and feet. He is ultra flexible. PK is long and lean, with green eyes and olive skin. His hands and feet are narrow and when he smiles, you see all his 9 teeth=)
PK is excellent with his hands, especially with balls. Balls are his favorite! He play catch with us sometimes, but mostly with himself.

Van is fiery, physical, rough, shy around strangers, a total ham around those he knows. He wants to run-fast, and always has more room in his mouth for more. He is so fair with blond hair and clear blue eyes. We call him a "bull" because he is so strong and broad-hands and feet included. His laugh is toothy and wide, and comes in a variety of loud noises with shakes of his head. Vanny is always looking up-still, and scaling the room in his imagination. He is our beloved little monkey!
There is never any question between their voices. I hope these differences will dampen comparisons between them as they grow up.

First words and such.

2010-03-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Our little boys have the greatest sense of humor! They laugh @ each other, the dogs, and us. Vanny is quite the ham and usually gets PK giggling @ him. He said his first word a couple of weeks ago. We let him hold a huge costco baked potato and told him it was hot. He got it and was saying "hot" for a long while thereafter!

PK is the super ticklish giggle man. Once he gets going, he can get real silly. This is him and grandpa on our "movie night" laughing like crazy. PK said his first word about one week ago and it was "ball". If you saw him now, this would be no surprise, since it is his favorite word and he LOVES balls. He is beginning to play catch, and can play with a ball for a good 20 minutes by himself!

We had our good friends the Hardersen's over for dinner with their kids Gwenny and Brody. Brody is 9 months older than VPK and Gwenny is the older woman!

Brody and Vanny look more alike then he and PK!

It was such a beautiful day that we took the boys to the high school parking lot to run with abandon. My parents came and Uncle Joey. The boys loved the new scene. When it's sunny, they usually have their lunch on the patio,I will go jogging with them, or we'll take them hiking. It's rare, though, that they get to run around like little madmen! And they loved it!

2010-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Oh how my men love to be outdoors! While daddy went for a 14 mile run, VPK dined on the patio in the glorious sunshine! The unanimously favorite snack is frozen blueberries and raspberries. What a mess! This warm weather has been crazy, but we're not complaining! PK's hand is healing well-hopefully one more appointment. Van's still a walking fool! It is his mission, and he is up to about 8-10 steps without falling!

Van takes his first steps!

2010-02-13T10:57:00.001-08:00

Van the man! On January 31st, on the side of the pool with Grandma, Vanny took 3 little steps! He was totally enamoured by the fountain on the side of the pool and he wanted it, so he walked to it! Van was about 9.5 months that day. Now he is much more confident and taking more steps, but not quite running around just yet!
The above picture is what i found when i went to get in the shower a couple days ago! Van absolutely adores water! He stood looking up like this for at least 5 minutes! I finally had to tear him away from it. Even when we wash his hands, he tries to splash and get his whole body in the sink! We'll see where this one goes!

PK joins the ER club

2010-02-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Our very own PK made his way to the entry-way side of our see-thru fireplace and used the glass to balance himself. He burned his right palm entirely and 3 fingers as well. The blister was soon obnoxious, so since it was a friday night @ bedtime, we took him to the ER. Grandma watched and put Vanny to bed, who was pretty upset by his brothers ongoing crying. The doctor sent us to the Harborview Hospitals burn unit in Seattle on Monday. There they removed the blister and taught me how to dress it and do his hourly exercises so that he would have total use of his hand. Without these exercises of bending his fingers backward and stretching out his palm, it would heal incorrectly and he would have surgery to correct it. Sufficed to say, we are diligent in doing them!

PK is crawling and playing like normal. We go back to Harborview in 10 days. Much baby-proofing is now our focus. These 2 little men are constantly on the go!

life with the 5.......

2010-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

We have some definite catching up to do! Even though we are getting more sleep, we seem more busy than 3 months ago! Good friends have visited, like Earl and Charlotte-the newlyweds, and our good friends the Oranens and the Hixons. Above is Earl with Vanny just before bed.

VPK with Wes Oranen. Van is just about to pull his hair-his signature move.

VPK are really taking notice of each other. They perpetually want whatever the other one has and keep tabs on each others whereabouts.
They both have a great sense of humor and love to be applauded and teased.

VPK are experts at stair-climbing, which is also a favorite spot for Mookie. She has been coming to visit more lately and is perfect with the boys! We are anxious to have her move back, once we get a fence to protect her from the road. I'm not so sure that my mom will want to give her up though!

Our dear friends the Hixsons visited recently with their 2 sons, Briley and Kellar. Thomas brought gifts for the boys, of which PK is sporting his Steeler-colored arm bands.

Tia and PK being silly.

VPK were so enamoured with the "big boys" and followed them around in their little cars.
It was pretty noisy and busy with lots of laughter!

Vanny took his first independent steps on January 31st @ 9.5 months old. He is very determined to move on his feet, many times using PK's head for support. Van now has 5 teeth and has taken a break from teething for a while. He uses lots of pretty chirping sounds to communicate and sticks out his tongue quite a bit. Vanny loves the water-like you can't drag him out! He loves to bounce and loves food. He shovels food in his mouth and will even store it in there after his meal. We've found broccoli trees in his cheek an hour later a few times! Van is almost weaned since he is fiercely independent and prefers to hold his own bottle. He is a very physical little man. He loves to bang on things and figure out how they work so he can take them apart!

PK on the other hand is pretty much the opposite of his brother. He is an accomplished crawler and can see no reason to walk when it's so easy to crawl! PK is a detail man. He will find the loose thread or zipper pull that fascinates him. He also is fond of machines. Cars and vacuums are favorites currently. He also loves music and dogs. PK doesn't usually mind when Vanny pulls his hair. He wants to talk badly and is squawking loudly lately, apparently to himself, since he's happy. Pee-Wee is cuddly and social. He enjoys watching Vans antics and frequently giggles @ his brother. He makes the most adorable sound with every swallow as he drinks. He also enjoys eating, but in a neat and precise way. I think he gets this from his dad. He likes to feel things and is as gentle as Vanny is rough. PK has 6 teeth.

Uncle Joey is the boys favorite frequent visitor. He wrestles them and they love it! He babysat for an hour this week and this is how I found them when I came home=) VPK love uncle Joey!

PK is starting to look more like Daddy.Vanny loves his zebra that bounces!

9 Months!

2010-01-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? 9 months! VPK had their check-up today. They are growing like crazy!
We'll start with Ron and I @ 9 months. Ron was 24lb and 30.5 inches. I was 18lb 10oz and 28 inches long. Vanny is 20lb 4oz(50th %) and 29.5 inches(75%). PK is 21lb 6oz(55%) and 30.5 inches(95%). We are so blessed that they are happy and healthy little men!

Catching up (again)!

2010-01-13T07:12:00.001-08:00

A huge update is with Van's kidney. He had his stint removed on New Years eve. We are so, so happy that we are through with surgeries for him! The stint is so long-pictured below. They removed it through his penis, but he had to be under general anesthesia for it. The next and hopefully last step is an ultrasound in a few months to check function. Hallelujah!
The boys love their daddy-of course! They love to wrestle and play with balls on the floor with him. PK is pulling himself up on to everything-he even climbed the stairs the other day-with dad cheering him on of course! Van gives us high-fives and claps. He is fearless and deliberate-he takes steps then crashes! PK is quiet and this makes him a sneaky roamer. I ordered some squeaky shoes just for him! VPK are often seen traveling together these days. They crawl the floor together or cruise in their walkers, taking turns at grabbing whatever it is that interests them. They smile at eachother a lot-always first thing in the morning. And, they also steal from eachother, whether it's food, a bottle, or a toy.
Pee-Wee is so content to hang out with you, not to say that he doesn't want to touch all around him in the meantime!
Vanny is our true monkey-he pulls stools over and likes to play rough. His grip is amazing!
VPK got to hang out with their cousin Jack, who is 16 mo old, @ Christmas! Jack and Vanny had on the same pjs!
Pee-Wee liked the older, skilled competition from their So Cal cousin!
My Grandpa Paca(dutch) celebrated his 90th birthday this last weekend. VPK love to fall asleep on Daddy's big chest!
PK is starting to shrug his shoulders-so cute! I guess that I did this when I was little, on command, and they called it the "duke". He does it when he wants to!
As for teeth, we can't wait til they have them all! Vanny now has 5, working on the 6th. PK has 4, working on 5 & 6! Their smiles are so cute, and man can they eat solids! Believe it or not, their favorite food right now is broccoli! They are both pretty good eaters. Van likes to feed himself by the handful. PK plays with his a little more and likes you to feed him-even hold his bottle! He's so laid back. Van insists that he do it himself! He has even weaned from breastfeeding some, because he wants to hold his bottle!
They are becoming little buddies! We went to my family's "Pizza night" a couple of weeks ago, and I brought the boys some snacks. I pulled them out and within 60 seconds, I had 4 other toddlers begging to be fed! VPK started eating faster and making sure they were in front!

Merry Christmas!

2010-01-01T10:34:00.001-08:00

We had a blessed Christmas this year! The boys here are in their Christmas pjs on Christmas eve. Ron is sporting his annual Christmas beard that he starts @ Thanksgiving. The boys and I think it's scratchy! VPK were very busy and so tired by Christmas night, that they crashed early in the festivities. Like other kids, they loved the wrappings and anything they could chew on.

DECEMBER

2009-12-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

We got an unexpected favorable report for Vanny from his surgeon this week. His kidney is ahead of schedule in getting back to normal! He gets his stint removed this month, in fact! We thought it would be 6-12 months from now! Praise God! He should feel better yet, after that's removed-if that's possible! He's such a happy child!
Teething is still the source of agitation in our household ! Oh well, it's a stage=)

Photo Catch-Up!

2009-11-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

We've been swimming lately, since our outdoor activities like hiking have been rained out. The YMCA that we go to is so warm and the boys are starting to get used to the idea of swimming. PK takes the relaxed approach, floating and enjoying himself. Vanny does not want to be on his back, as usual, but loves to splash and kick.

PK is fascinated with cars, people, and animals. He studies everything intently and has a wonderful sense of humor. Yesterday I heard him giggling, and turned around to find him playing with Van's kicking feet in the high chair. PK was on the ground grabbing @ them, laughing away! Tonight the boys were playing on the floor w/daddy and Vanny was kicking his feet on PK's tummy. Again, PK was giggling like crazy! PK is a companion-child, loving just to be with you, doing whatever you're doing. He loves to be teased.Van is a crazy little man. He absolutely does not like to be on his back, and half the time doesn't want to sit. He straightens his little legs and wants to walk. He is a mover. He rolls all over while we change his diapers and has quick little hands grabbing everything. He is amazingly strong, and pulls parts off toys, then banging the toy with its part! He likes to see himself in the mirror-always smiling when his eyes meet=) Vanny smiles almost always, unless he is over-stimulated or tired, then it's a game to get him to look @ you. Vanny is very motivated and focused. He'll see a toy across the room and relentlessly figure out how to get it.
How blessed are we, to have these two little boys. We are more thankful every day.

Teeth Count!

2009-11-27T18:19:00.001-08:00

There has been a lot of teething going on in this house for the last long while! PK has 6 and is cutting a couple more! Vanny has his bottom 2 teeth, and is working on the rest. Everything in the mouth=)

7.5 months!

2009-11-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

PK is gonna have a full mouth of teeth soon! He has 6 showing and is working on a couple more! He bit Daddy's nose with his new beaver teeth-loving to explore and practice using them! PK is getting more laid back as he gets older. He walks/runs in his little walker-following me around-he's so fast! He still loves to cuddle and takes a while in waking. He's very social and loves being joked with. Grandpa gets him to look up, then tickles him under his neck. He giggles and thinks it's so funny. He's been playing with Vanny's hair lately and loves to steal any toy he has!
Vanny and his Moose A. Moose toy that he got from his Aunt Donna. He loves him. Vanny is the happiest baby ever-almost always smiling. He is stubborn though, and purses his little lips if he doesn't want something. He is so active-we can't even change his diaper without him rolling away. He is excellent w/his hands, and is task-focused. In fact, he gets peopled-out after a while, refusing to look anyone in the face. He loves to smile @ his brother, and everyone else.
VPK love to sing and are finding their loud voices. They both love to swim and Van is a splasher.
They are both enamored with their father. When he comes home from a trip, they are giddy.

4 Teeth for PK!

2009-11-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Just shy of 7 months, Pee-Wee has 4 teeth! He is quite proud of these, flashing lots of smiles around. He is such a big, active and affectionate little man. He has an amazing sense of humor and giggles often. Daddy loves to mess w/him, but he knows it's coming and loves it!

Vanny Comes Home!

2009-11-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Oh what a journey! Words cannot describe the helplessness a parent feels when their child is hurting. Van's surgery went well. As the doc thought, he had a major obstruction in his left kidney/ureter. They couldn't find a vein to start his IV, taking 5 different nurses and 45 minutes(luckily he was asleep, though he looked like a pin cushion when we got to see him). When they moved us from recovery to our room, his catheter broke off and 4 nurses discussed how this never happened and how they would get a new one in. By this time, Vanny was pretty awake, unfortunately. So many tubes and wires coming from him. Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Joey and PK came to visit. Daddy had an adventurous night with PK and I stayed with Van. All in all, Van was tired of getting messed with.
We left for home the day after surgery. Vanny was so glad to get home and instantly wanted to inspect his exersaucer. Most of his pain is isolated to the first 36 hours, and he is doing fine on regular tylenol. VPK were glad to see eachother-talking in coos. Having our family home together again was a perfect way to spend our 8th wedding anniversary. My mom made us a great dinner and we retired early. Van has to have periodic ultrasounds to make sure that his kidney is functioning properly. He also has a stint in that will have to be removed when he is older in an out-patient procedure. Thank God for our family together again.

Vanny goes for Surgery

2009-11-02T10:08:00.001-08:00

Van has surgery tomorrow. He has been so happy for the last few weeks. He is in God's strong arms and just like I sing to VPK(badly) 'we are weak, but He is strong'.

Catching up!

2009-11-02T09:29:00.001-08:00

We have been very busy in the last few weeks, so here is a quick run-thru! Aunt Lori just returned from Friesland(north Holland) and Italy. She bought the boys these shirts in Haarlem-so cute.
We went to the Pumpkin Patch and had a great time with all the pumpkins and farm animals. VPK wanted to put their mouths on the pumpkins.
VPK, Uncle Joey and I went to the Seattle Banquet for SW. VPK got to meet many of the CA and WA groups.
Debbie has been so special and invaluable to us! We love Debbie!
Rons mom and grandma came to visit. This was the first time the boys met their great grandma D from Iowa.
VPK are starting to notice eachother. They are smiling @ each other and stealing toys from each other! Overall, they are noticing the world around them. I have to nurse them in a dimly lit room, since they get distracted so easily. Vanny is particularly taken with a little character on the NICK Jr network named Moose A. Moose. Whenever he comes on, Van giggles and gets silly-he loves him! PK is just as smitten with Mookie and the other dogs. Everything stops when they are around-he reaches for them.
Aunt Lori came to help while Daddy was gone in LA. We had a great time!
Ashley also came to help! She shared PK's bedroom and was a tremendous help! She is trying to indoctrinate our boys into Browns fans, but as Ron says, 'they're too smart for that'!

Make that 2!

2009-11-02T09:25:00.001-08:00

Our sweet man PK got tooth #2 two days after his first! He's working on the top two as well! He is so cute when he smiles! We can't believe that teeth came this fast!

Big Day for VPK!

2009-10-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

October 17th was a big day in our house! Van got up on his knees and elbows for the first time. He is definitely trying to perfect this latest challenge. He really concentrates on every task that he is focused on. We joke that Van is hard @ work=)
On this same day PK cut his first tooth! He has been pretty silent thus far while he's teething. So the fact that he cut the first tooth was a surprise. Now, time is really flying!
We took the boys to the pool for our first family swim outing. The boys loved it-Van especially. The older crowd that were standing around waiting for the walking in the water class loved us being there even more! Poor Ron felt ambushed by little ladies=)

Vanny Update

2009-10-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

We visited Grandpa @ his new office after Van's doctors appointment. Van is scheduled for surgery on November 3rd. Ron, PK and I will be staying on hospital grounds in an apartment for families of patients-hopefully for just one night. We have been concerned about Van's kidney for a year now, so we are looking forward to getting it over with. Please pray for God'd hand on Vanny.

Old Friends

2009-10-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ron's longtime friend, the famous Bunge, and his new wife Katherine visited us last week. It was a great time of catching up and getting to know Katherine. VPK had a great time playing-they are both naturals with kids and will be great parents. The boys loved them!

6 Months & Happy Little Men!

2009-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well, VPK had their 6 month check up today, thank goodness those shots are through for a few months! Lately, we have begun thinking that our boys are growing pretty big. They have already grown out of their infant car seats and are eating like crazy. It turns out that in 2 months they have both grown 3 inches in length alone. Ron was 19lb 1oz-28.5 inches and I was 17lb 8oz-26.5 inches long @ 6months So here are the stats for posterity:

PK @ 4 months was 16lb 3oz-25.5 inches 75% for both

@ 6 months is 18lb 9oz-28.5 inches 90% for height 60% for weight

Van @ 4 months was 15lb 8oz-24.5 inches 60% for both

@ 6 months is 17lb 8oz-27.75 inches 80% for height 50% for weight

Cute Picture Update!

2009-09-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Took some darling pictures of our days last week for Grandma, whose been in Vegas. She missed the boys dearly, even being away for 4 days! We are lucky to see her so often. First thing she did when she got home was bring the boys their presents and give them their nightly baths! They loved it!

The Beginning of Fall

2009-09-24T20:05:00.001-07:00

Knock on wood. Last time I blogged that the boys were sleeping better, they stopped. So, here goes again. Since the first day of Autumn, the boys have been up 0-2 times a piece! We love it! They are enjoying rice cereal, sweet potatoes and bananas. Maybe this is a factor? Any how, we'll take it!

"we all walk the long road...."

2009-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ron and I went to the Pearl Jam concert @ Key arena in Seattle Monday night. It was weird leaving the boys nighttime routine to someone else to do. They actually did great, though. The concert was amazing and it was so great to see Ron enjoy his favorite band so much.

Oh how they grow!(24 weeks)

2009-09-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

As Fall approaches, VPK and I have been staying very active. We go hiking with Grandma, walking w/Hardersens, and on walks with visiting friends.
Van is intent on walking before crawling. He takes steps-like across the room-while we hold his hands. In the exersaucers, he walks around and around. PK, since he has abs of steel like dad, loves sitting up and almost has it mastered. Peewee also loves to sing along to Jesus loves me.
Both boys love to play with Daddy. They are now used to him sneaking up on them and scaring them-quite funny. They are both ticklish under their chins and are constantly belly-laughing.

5 Months Old & A Steelers Victory!

2009-09-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

The boys first Steelers game was a success as they won the season opener against Tennessee! Both Van and PK are teething hardcore, and we hope to see some teeth soon! VPK and I went on our first unassisted walk with the BOB. We went with good friends Sara, Gwenny and Brody Hardersen. The boys really enjoyed it, and it was a beautiful last day of summer.

Update on Van(almost 5 months!)

2009-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Finding Van's new doctor is a HUGE success! Ron and I feel much more @ ease with him. Vanny is scheduled to have surgery on 11.3. The doctor says, though, that there is 40% chance that once they can view the obstruction thru a scope, that it will be something that he can grow out of and he will not do the surgery. He also told us that Van could stop taking his antibiotics-which he has been on since he was born! This is awesome, though Vanny misses his "bubble gum", I think. VPK and I will be in the hospital for 1-2 nights. Hopefully Van starts eating after surgery, apparently this can be a problem. We really feel that he is in good hands with this man though, and that ultimately God is in control.

Chelan Success!

2009-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Off we went! After some prodding, we decided to take our first road trip with VPK. We drove 3.5 hours to Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington. We stayed @ this awesome condo called the Lakehouse with Uncle Joey and my parents. The boys loved all the special attention!

VPK slept magnificently in Chelan! They were pulling 7-8 hour stretches at best! PK slept with Grandma and Grandpa in their room and Vanny slept in our room. The boys cuddled with Uncle Joe in the morning and loved watching the activity outside on the veranda! We also started solids this trip-crazy right? The boys love their rice cereal and this maybe responsible for their longer naps and better nights! Either way, this is another fantastic success!

My mom bought these Kelty packs to carry the boys, and boy are they easier on the back than the bjorns! My mom and I have been on multiple hour+ hikes with VPK and they love it! In Chelan, the men had the honor=)

We went on one big hike that had amazing views of the valley! The weather was simply perfect. PK loves his new shades. In fact, soon after we put them on, he drifts off to sleep! He loves the dark! Van holds his nicey-nice and is so observant!

VPK went swimming in the pool for the first time! It was great! Van saw daddy playing pool basketball and thought it was the funniest thing ever! We heard some belly-laughs from him like never before!

All in all, this trip went better than I expected! The drive home was a little more fussy, but Ron and I sang "Jesus loves me" and played lullaby CD's that helped some! Thank you G&G for such a fabulous trip! We all certainly enjoyed it! Ron and I even had a dinner alone!! Life is Tremendous!

The Marathon of Twins(20 weeks)

2009-08-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Life with 2 babies is very busy, but as I often tell others, we don't know any different! When Ron is out of town, the boys and I dine "up on the hill" @ my parents. The boys are so active and restless during this precarious time so close to the end of their day, that we rarely eat together. It really is pretty comical, now that I write about it as they sleep. Usually, in fact, one of us eats @ a time and I usually end up taking one home before I finish mine! The seat that Vanny is in has a mirror ball above him that rotates around. We attach rings with a toy on the end of it to the moving part and he anticipates the rings as they come around until he grabs it. He pulls so hard that we've been sure many times that he has finally broken the thing=) They are fascinated by all that is around them, from dogs to my grandpa's glasses. PK loves the johnny jump up that hangs in the outside doorway. He loves to watch the dogs come and go beneath him.

My mom has begun their education of scents. She lets them smell spices and herbs, I think that vanilla and coffee are the favorites so far-go figure=) My dad is the grounds tour guide, taking the fussiest boy on a nature walk and pointing out key landmarks along the way. I, of course, am the last resort. When no one else can soothe, then I'm it. This is all the same when Ronnie is around, by the way, but he is one more set of skilled hands. Daddy can get the boys to settle with the gentle, precise hands of a surgeon. These precious little men are truly becoming so pleasurable. They are really becoming Van and PK.

Update on Van

2009-08-15T12:07:00.001-07:00

Well, our surgeon @ Swedish wants to do surgery in October. She said that he would be in the hospital for at least one night. She said that I would need to be on hand as well, to nurse him and since I have PK, he would come too. We meet with the other surgeon in a couple weeks. We have heard such praise about this man that our expectations are great! It's all in the Lord's hands anyway.

4 Months(18 weeks) Old!

2009-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the boys are growing like crazy! We had their 4 month check-up this week and here are their stats:

Van-15lb 8oz-24.5 inches 60% for both
PK-16lb 3oz-25.5 inches 75% for both

They both had a reaction to their vaccinations-fever and general fussiness. Poor little men! Vanny has been trying out his voice and has developed a finely tuned "squawk/screech" that he drags out as long as possible! It was cute at first, but now... He is definitely teething, and if anything remotely passes by his face, he grabs it and pulls it in his mouth. Van is excellent with his hands, his grip is so strong he has nearly broke one of grandma's toys=)Van had his first real laugh tonight, such a charmer!
PK has really begun to show us his personality. He belly-laughs when you tickle him and smiles frequently showing off his cute little dimple. He is rather selective, though. With those who he doesn't know well, he only offers his customary "PK scowl". PK has the strongest abs and is always doing crunches. He desperately wants to stand and has mastered rolling over and on his side. He is our little cuddler, while Van-boy wants to wiggle!
Both boys have really taken great interest in Ron. When they hear his voice, they pause or turn their heads in his direction. It's been great that he has been home so much this summer!
For all you out there praying, please pray for Van's kidney. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow. A glimmer of hope, though, is that the #1 surgeon in the country for pediatric nephrology happens to be in Puyallup. He is really hard to see, but we have an appointment 8/31 with him for a 2nd opinion. We have heard amazing things about this doc, so we are thankful for this option.

Back @ the Trails!

2009-08-08T16:13:00.001-07:00

We love, love, love the dirt bike trails that we used to run at. It's a group of about 30 miles of zig-zagging trails that cross little bridges and make you jump over logs. Before we had the boys, we could spend an hour or two there a few times a week! Well, we have made a comeback! This time, though, we are not running....yet. The boys, and Mookie loved it! I got to run a mile or so, while my mom took PK, but we had a great time hiking about!

Cool Men!

2009-08-08T14:34:00.001-07:00

PK borrowed his good friend Wesley Oranen's sunglasses and looked oh so cool @ the lake!
Only Daddy is smiling! PK is way too cool=)
Van has begun teething and his little hands are his favorite soother!

Beating the Heat(16 Weeks)!

2009-08-02T12:18:00.001-07:00

This record-breaking heat as of late has been crazy! With the temp in the low 100's outside, it has been 90+ degrees in the living room, so we have sought shelter @ the lake, the supermall, and the bedrooms=) Thanks to Aunt Penny and Shona for all their help and hospitality @ their air-conditioned lake house! Ron and I, along with my mom, have just gotten over a horrible flu! Glad the boys have my antibodies!

Bath Time!

2009-07-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

The boys had their first tub-bath tonight! They were both a little unsure @ first, but relaxed since mom was in there with them. Van has had a rough couple of days. He was in the emergency room 2 days ago to make sure that he didn't have a UTI. Yesterday I took him to Swedish to have an ultrasound to check on the status of his kidney. He has been vomiting and more fussy than normal for the last 5 days or so, and the concern was that his enlarged kidney was pushing on his stomach and causing him to throw up. We found out today that there is no change in his kidney. Unfortunately, he hasn't been sleeping well either. It seems I celebrated too soon! Van, in spite of his occasional fussiness, is quite happy as usual-giggling, smiling,talking, and wiggling like crazy! PK, meanwhile, got to hang out with grandma and has changed immensely in the last week! He is intent on standing-which he can on his own when his back is supported. He is also smiling and laughing and eager to watch his brother. Both boys love "flying" over our heads and when dad puts the "bonnet" on their head or buffs out their "shiny" foreheads=) My mom has accidentally coined the term "nicey-nice" for their blankies. They are all smiles when someone refers to them and/or tickles their upper lip with the satin. We are so in love with VPK!

Chapter 2!

2009-07-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! We have officially turned a corner! Van slept a continuous 13 hour stretch last night! Everyone told us it would happen, but we would look @ eachother and say with our eyes "probably not for another month or so", so we didn't get our hopes up! Big PK also had a monumental night, sleeping 8 hours straight, and then 5! Today, coincidentally, is my first day back @ work! I'm so excited! I'm just working a half day a week, but it will give me perspective and balance! I miss the boys so much when I'm away from them, and return refreshed. With two babies, it's very easy to feel trapped in the game of rushing every single thing! Even when they're nursing, quite often, there is someone else on deck=) Ronnie comes home from his largest Sunday meeting ever-120 kids! Like the old days, I'll be more rested than him! I love being a mom!

Silly Boys!

2009-07-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

The boys are all smiles(most of the time!)and their personalities are really becoming evident! They are becoming aware of eachother-like today PK just stared @ Van for 10 minutes, but V was too interested in looking up=) They both love the morning, and think it's real funny to get their diaper changed, except when they wake up hungry.

Ron headed off to Nashville and NY today. The boys and I made our first trip to the airport! It went smoothly until we were 20 minutes from home, and PK decided he was ready to get out. It gets tricky trying to anticipate feeding/sleeping both when we have to leave for an extended time in the near future.

Afer 3.5 months though, Ron and I both feel pretty seasoned! I met a girl @ starbucks with her 1.5 week old twin boys. She looked more tired than me and wondered if it gets better? I wonder that all the time=) Seeing her in my near past though, helped me feel accomplishment and joy @ how well we know our little boys now. We started IVF a year ago this month, just praying for God's will. We hoped we could have a baby, and he thought two would be much better=)We truly are blessed.

3 MONTHS(13 wks) OLD!

2009-07-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

We can't believe we made it! It hasn't gone fast, but we feel like we've come a long way. The boys are grinning, chubby gigglers now, that we know soooo much better=) And again, thanks to all of our support! This last month including: Jen Morales, Tia Hixson, Amy Magley, Aunt Faith and Wendy, Rachel Burklund, and of course Debbie Porter(who faithfully comes twice a week).
A HUGE thanks to my mom and dad who have been there to help every single day since I've been pregnant! The boys love being with their grandma and grandpa! Thanks most recently for our "date night" this week! Ron and I went to dinner-it was so great to have a smooth, rolling conversation!

The Boys meet cousin Jack!

2009-07-09T16:50:00.001-07:00

My cousin JB and his wife Lynne visited from CA so JB could run the Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle. Jack, their son, loved the "babies" and VPK were very curious about him. It was great to get together with them! Christmas with these 3 little boys will be crazy! By then, VPK will be enamoured with big boy Jack!

PK Rolls Over!

2009-07-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

PK accidentally decides to roll over 2 days ago! PK is very laid-back and pretty contented to look around. Van worked on his flip for weeks-his intention clear! PK did seem proud once he saw the ceiling, though!
Some good news in our household is that Van has been sleeping 5.5 hours at a time! PK is in a fussy phase that wakens him every 2-4 hours. We're trying to keep PK up a little more during the day, hopefully this will work!

11 weeks-Oh Sweet Summer!

2009-06-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

We braved an outing that united the entire Alford5-that means Mookie-and it went amazingly well! Friends Eric & Ashley were visiting and we went for a walk and spent time chatting @ Starbucks. The Mook & the Boys were really content. Mookie treats the boys like they are her brothers, just hanging out and enjoying the people-watching! We hope to get a fence soon, so Mook can return home. The road is just too dangerous and she is too oblivious=)
VPK have begun to sleep @ night in larger increments-thank the Lord! Now, it's just getting them to do it @ the same time! Progress is progress.
Ron is crazy busy with his book "kids" selling in NY, CA, & WA. Thanks again to all those who have helped my mom and I while he is away-most recently: Amy Magley, Pat Magley, Tia Hixson(stayed 2 nights!), Aunt Faith, Wendy Schaafsma, Jen Morales, Rachel Burklund, and of course Debbie Porter-our weekly wonder=)
The boys are fantastic. They are both smiling, laughing, and talking quite a bit! Van is wild-constantly dancing with arms and legs going crazy. He sometimes hits himself in the eye, hopefully he has more control soon! PK is so cuddly and vocal! He goes from cooing so sweetly to erupting with a raucous "man grunt" in the next breath! We joke that we can never take our boys to a wedding or funeral, since they are so loud!

Ronnie's First Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T15:45:00.001-07:00

We spent Fathers Day @ my Aunts house and brought the boys to our first big family event. They did exceptionally well. Van demonstrated his rolling over trick and PK showed off his verbal skills.

It's great to get together with all my cousins and their kids. So far, the Schaafsma cousins have born 7 boys and 1 girl. Maybe Joey will have a few daughters=) In the meantime, Christmas will be crazy for the next few years!

2 Months Old!

2009-06-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

Since this blog is my only documentation at this point, here are the growth stats on the boys:
Van

Birth 6lb 10oz 19 inches long
1 week old 6lb 8oz 20 inches long
3 weeks old 7lb 11oz 21 1/4 inches long
8 weeks old 12lb 10oz 23 1/4inches long(95%)

PK

Birth 7lb 20 inches long
1 week old 6lb 12oz 20 3/4 inches long
3 weeks old 7lb 14oz 22 inches long
8 weeks old 12lb 12oz 23 3/4inches long(95%)

Van Flips!

2009-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Van rolls over yesterday, just shy of his 2 month birthday! He's done it again a few times since-now that he has a new trick!

Our first B.O.B. outing

2009-06-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well this stroller rocks, to say the least. Van fell asleep instantly and PK screamed his head off! The unusually hot weather(90 degrees) got us out on our first family walk!

6.5 Weeks-bath time!

2009-05-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

PK above, and Van below. The boys love their bath time! Ron is off to Nashville for his first Sales School of the year and we are getting the boys handsome to meet all of our help while he's gone! We are so thankful to have help when I'm alone-whether it's bringing dinners or helping with the boys! Pat Magley, Amy Magley, Patti Poe, Jenny Binetti, Aunt Penny, and Auntie Lori. Ashley Petti, and Aunt Faith and Auntie Lori are lined up for this next week! Thanks to all! This is a crazy big job to take care of these 2 darling boys! But we love it!

It seems that Van will have to have surgery on his kidney blockage @ 3 months. There is a 10% chance that he won't, which will be be confirmed in a few weeks when we meet with the surgeon. We're praying that he won't!

Hiking with the Boys

2009-05-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Boys were completely tuckered out after our hike up Mount Si. It was a beautiful day-78 degrees!

5 1/2 Weeks old!

2009-05-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Our great friends, Erin, Andy, and Wesley visited us. It was so great to see them!

Van had a renogram @ Childrens hospital on the 15th. We get the results on the 19th, and will find out if he needs surgery for the obstruction in his kidney. It was a long day, but Van was a good boy and didn't like the IV in his foot, but slept thru the renogram.

Ron and PK slept in-a rare treat to be in the big bed.

Little STEELER Fans!

2009-05-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Boys are just about 4 weeks old! We are getting to know our boys rapidly. Van is a quieter, tolerant little man. Even his crying takes a while to ramp up. He gives you a sort-of grace period! PK is a talker, grunter, cooer, and very talkative in general. He talks in his sleep and Van doesn't seem to mind. PK throws "gang signs" as he explores his hands-very active. They are both so sweet. They are sleeping 3-5 hours @ a time, though the feeding "cycle" can take from 1-2.5hrs. Hence, sometimes as soon as you finish one cycle, someone is hungry soon after. They are both a little over 8lbs now, so hopefully as they gain weight, they'll start sleeping longer!
Ron's parents are still here visiting and have been a huge help-especially @ night. Mookie is still @ my parents-the weiner dog wonderland! She is fascinated with birds and has to be brought in @ night when it gets dark, since she is so obsessed. She crashes hard then, and goes to bed on her own.

The Morales' Family Visits

2009-04-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

Jerry, Jen & Jacob Morales brought a wonderful dinner for us when they visited last weekend. It was so great to see them and gain wisdom from parents who are ahead of us on the journey.

Dutch Grandma & Grandpa Meet the Boys!

2009-04-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

My grandparents met the boys for the first time.

2 Weeks Old!

2009-04-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Van's nickname, per Ron, has become "superman", since he's always raising his arms like this.

Bath Time for the Boys! My mom helped with their first bath, and they actually seemed to enjoy it! Van on the left and PK on the right.

Ron makes sure the boys get their "tummy time" every day.

The Boys Are One Week Old!

2009-04-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

We have been living in little snap t-shirts and diapers, but I will put them in some cute outfits soon. The first pic is of Van, and PK is below! They are so cuddly! Life is Tremendous!

Van & PK Come Home!

2009-04-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

The boys finally are here! I was scheduled to be induced the morning of April 9th, but my water broke @ 1:30am on April 8th! Van was born @ 1:27am on April 9th and PK was 10 minutes later! Van weighed 6lb 10oz/19in long & PK was 7lb/20in long. We are so blessed!
Van was in the NICU for a few days because of a "dusky" spell, and PK stayed with me. The 4 of us drove home on Easter day! Mookie is staying with my parents for a time, while we get a routine going. She is really sweet with the boys and very confused by them.
Life is totally different and we are learning how to be parents! Thanks to all for your support and prayers, we are so blessed by all the texts, emails, and messages.

37.4 Bump

2009-04-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Dr's appt again today! We are inducing on Thursday morning-that's the plan! Can't wait to meet our little boys!

Happy 35th Ronnie!

2009-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, here we are again, and still pregnant! We thought for sure that the boys would want to share their birthday with their dad, but clearly we were wrong! Here is my 36.2 week bump before the DR appt. My DR is almost giddy that I'm doing so well! We're now talking about inducing, believe it or not! He doesn't want me to go past 38 weeks with twins. The boys are probably about 7lbs each right now. Ron had just run 19 miles in prep for his marathon in Big Sur coming up.

We celebrated Ron's birthday with my parents. Ron chose a filet mignon dinner with a lemon meringue pie for his birthday meal! It snowed 6 inches while we were there! One of the gifts for Ron was a "korean hoe" for him to use around our yard! It was quite a hit!

35.2 Weeks-How Far Can We Go?

2009-03-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking that each bump picture will be my last, but somehow, the boys are stayin' in! Had another DR appt yesterday. All looks great! The boys are still big-they're both 6.11lb! 36 Weeks(March 26th) is Full Term for twins, and my DR said he will let me go to 38 weeks(April 9th), but then would induce since my uterus has a high chance of rupturing. I am off my anti-contraction drugs and OFFICIALLY off bedrest. It's so weird! Can't wait to go to the grocery store today!
Ron is in San Diego-ON CALL-at GRS2. He's very ready to meet his sons. We'll see when that is!

34.4 and the countdown is on!

2009-03-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

We made it another week and this one was big! After 34 weeks, the boys lungs are developed enough that we're in the clear. I'm now allowed to be up for three one-hour intervals a day! Ron loves this(and so do I)! I'm making dinner for the first time in 2 months tonight=)

We've been having crazy weather lately-more snow! Mookie loves it, and Ron chases her around the field-great fun!

2009-03-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still on bedrest, though thankfully @ home again. I was admitted to the hospital on 2-19 for monitoring, since my cervix had shortened some. We thought that I would stay for a night or two, but ended up staying for 8 nights! Needless to say, I am SO happy to be home. The boys are growing big-Van is 5.5lb and PK is 6lb-and I seem to be stable. Ron and I met with a specialist about Van's kidney, basically all will be determined after he's born. We're praying that gravity will correct the problem.
Here's my 33 week bump shot-Ron calls it my torpedo=)

Ron and my mom have been busy completing our registries and putting together cribs etc.

I'm so thankful for all the help! My boss and coworkers have brought over meals for us-which is so awesome! Ron has been amazing with all the hats he's wearing! He does dinner, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and so much more, in addition to this being a busy time of year for his job and training for the Big Sur Marathon coming up @ the end of April! My mom has also been so selfless. She is my caregiver when Ron is gone and Mookie's daycare, along with groceries, laundry, and anything else that is needed!
Also, here are some new pictures of Mookie.

29/30 Week bump update

2009-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well we had great news from the Dr. yesterday. My bedrest is working and the boys are getting big! Van is 3.9lb and little PK has jumped ahead for the first time weighing in @ 3.11lb! No wonder I'm feeling so large! Ron's mom, Diane, was able to fly in for the appt. and also came to my first shower last night! It was great to have her with us for a couple of quick nights. She even gave Ron a night off cooking dinner-he loved that! Here is little Mookie, growing up!

Bump History

2009-02-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here we are @ 16 Weeks!

Again @ 18 Weeks!

These are @ 24 weeks.

And for any who don't know, we've decided to name our boys Van and PK(for Paxton Klive).

introductions

2009-02-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

My brother Joey and Mookie

After some gentle prodding, we decided to join the world of bloggers. First off, here are some intros to our newest addition and progress on our soon-to-be additions. In January Mookie became part of our family! She is a puppy from my mom's Maggie. We named her Mookie in honor of Pearl Jam's original band name of "Mookie Blaylock". She is a mini-Dachshund, 3.5 months old, and 8lbs. We truly love her(especially ron).