13 months

So these cute boys are already 13 months. I haven't done a stats post in forever, and I really LOVE them because I like looking back and seeing how they've changed. I would still like to do this...oh....every 6 months if I could. But life does take over so I won't hold my breath!!!

Stetson:

- He is SO expressive. His facial expressions are amazing! They make me smile SO much. Especially when he raises his eyebrows and scrunches his forhead, looks straight at me, and says "ball". Cutest thing!

- He can always be found with a ball in his hand. Always. And then he points it towards me and says "da ball".

- He shoots baskets all day long.

- Stetson is my little stealer. He steals Reddek's toys from him all day. I am working on it. It's a process.

- When I tell Stetson to "come here", he comes running with his arms out. Big smile on his face as well.

- Says ball, dadda, momma. And ne-ne-ne....its when he wants something. He points at it and says it.

- Has 8 teeth.

- Loves to eat bananas, beans, cheese, oatmeal, corn, chicken nuggies, pancakes, cherrios, gold fish, nila wafers....just to name a few favorites.

- Been walking since Christmas. Now we are trying to run everywhere.

- Stetson is my figure-outer. He sits with a toy/phone/remote etc...and really tries to figure it out.

Reddek:

- His such a goofster. He still makes his fun cooing noise. But now he mimics ANY sound that we make. And laughs at himself.

- Reddek always seems to be laughing at us. Not WITH us AT us.

- Reddek is ALWAYS on the move. Literally running everywhere he goes.

- Loves balls.

- Reddek's favorite toy is this tractor that we have. He likes to push it around. And he loves to attack this stuffed animal dog that a friend gave us.

- He likes to dance. He bounces up and down to the beat of the music.

- Reddek is my snuggler. He loves to give kisses.

- Has 8 teeth and molars on the way.

- Loves to eat bananas, turkey, cheese, meat, oatmeal, jello, goldfish, cherrios, peas, chicken nuggies, pancakes, corn, beans, and yogurt....just to name a few.

- He is a happy kid.

- Reddek is always kneeling. Has been since he could crawl. He poses on one knee all the time. And now stands up from that position. Never used his hands to get to a standing position.

Together:

- I can finally can say that Stetson and Reddek are sleeping through the night. Finally. It took a year, but it is fabulous.

- However...6am is our waking time. NO MATTER WHAT TIME I PUT THEM TO BED!!

- Both of them love escaping into the hall. Whenever the door opens, even the slightest, they are OUT! Smiles on their faces, screaming down the hall.

- They LOVE when dad comes home. Run right over for their hugs.

- They both love the toilet paper roll. I can always tell when they have been there.....long toilet paper trails down the hall.

- They really play with each other now. When I am working around the house, I can hear laughing and squealing. Too cute.

- They enjoy their morning walk with mom in their stroller.

- They both LOVE their treat holders.

- Each morning, while taking a bottle, they sit in front of the TV and watch a show. Usually Chuggington.

- They are best buds and I love them to pieces!!!!

Stetson and Reddek turn UNO!!!!

I can't believe that my little guys turned one. I just can't believe it. This past year FLEW by....and is such a blur. All I have to say is WE MADE IT!!!

We threw an "UNO" themed party for our birthday boys. I thought it turned out really cute. I made "uno" shirts for them, a card banner, and bright colored cupcakes to match the game colors. We had our friends join us at the park for a little lunch. Last, but not least, the traditional cake eating. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Reddek SHOVED that cupcake in his mouth as fast as he could. Stetson was a little more careful.

What a fun day! Thanks to all those who came to help us celebrate. It was also great to have Grandma and Grandpa Bawden in town as well. Fun Fun!!!

7 month stats

This post is more for me to remember this than real exciting news:

Stetson:

Weight: 17 lbs

Height: 26 inches

Reddek:

Weight: 15.8 lbs

Height: 26 inches

7 Months....

(so i put these guys on the couch to take a picture of them and Stetson jumped in front of Reddek. I'm so glad that I captured it. It was hilarious!!!)









7 months! I can't believe it. Where does the time go? I love these little guys. When they smile, they melt my heart!

Stetson:
- Stetson has a very happy disposition. He has a cute way of smiling. It starts on one side and then the other side of his mouth joins in....and it ends up being a big gummy smile!
- He is sitting up. And then he bounces as he sits.
- Loves tummy time and has started to scooch forward to reach further objects. i don't think it will be long until he his army crawling.
- He LOVES looking at his brother. He has really started to watch what Reddek is doing.
- Stetson likes to arch back? He does it at the most random times.
- He loves to look at the lights in our hallway. They make him smile.
- Stetson can be found in his crib... holding his toes and smiling.
- He is eating solids.....sweet potatoes and apples are his favorite. Loves prunes as well....does NOT like peas. I've tried and tried.
- Stetson has begun to scream. He's not mad....he just talks VERY loudly. With a smile on his face, I might add!




Reddek:

- Reddek is such a goofster. He's got such a crazy little fun personality.
- He always has his tongue out. Especially when he smiles. He curls just the little pointy end of his tongue up over his top lip. LOVE it!
- He is sitting up like champ. Still a bit wobbly, but he is doing great. Catching himself more and more.
- Lately he's been doing a LOT of cooing. Sound like a pigeon. I've nicknamed him "Pidge" for the time being.
- He loves tummy time. And it quickly turns into rolling time. I leave the room and when I come back, he's rolled to a new locations.
- He turns in circles when on his tummy.
- Reddek is a JUMPER. Oh man! Stand him up on your legs in front of you and off he goes! Jumpa Jumpa Jampa. He is now trained to jump whenever we sing the little song.....dee da lee dee da lee dee.....hilarious. I'll post a video.
- Reddek loves to give kisses.
- He's eating solids now. Sweet Potatoes and Pears are his favorite. He opens his mouth so wide...so wide!
- Has started to sleeping on his tummy with his legs curled up underneath him. So very cute.
- Reddek gets REALLY frustrated with the tail of the zebra on his playmate. He HATES that it does not come off. He grunts at it until I have to move him because he gets sooooo frustrated!
- He likes to steal his brother's toys. Doesn't matter how many toys I put in front of Reddek....he goes for Stetson's!

Together:

- They are starting to look and each other and then talk. I wonder what they are saying?
- They were troopers while we were in AZ letting daddy study for boards.
- They are sitting in high chairs....with big smiles on their faces. I think they feel like big boys!
- They are very content playing on the ground by themselves for longer periods of time.

- They went swimming of the first time this month.

- They went to their first movie.....two actually.

- They have graduated to their double stroller! We go on fun walks and they like to whats going on around them.
- Still LOVE bath time. Although I am getting drenched each night. They SPLASH and SPLASH. They both pound on the tub wall with their feet as well....like they are marching. It is really cute.
- They each have their own little personality that are really starting to become apparent. So fun to watch them grow and develop.

I lOVE these boys. I feel so blessed to be their mom. They bring me so much joy!

5 Months....

Stetson and Reddek are 5 months old.






Stetson:

- Stetson is so sweet. His smile is to die for!
- He is rolling from back to belly now. In fact, I left the room the other day and he had rolled all the way under the table in our front room.
- He'll lay on his back and scooch places.
- He's been eating rice cereal and LOVES it! Can't get enough of it....and I get a kick out of his little tongue flailing about trying to find the spoon.
- Stetson loves to watch his brother.
- His favorite part of the day is when daddy comes home. He can't take his off of Chris. Just stares at him....and smiles at anything he says or does.
- Stetson is calmed by going outside. We sit out front on the steps and he just soaks it up.
- He doesn't like his shirt being pulled over his head at night when we are getting ready for bed....that seems to be the only time he doesn't like it.
- He turns 180 degrees in his crib. We'll put him in one way and find him a different way when we get him in the morning.
- Stetson is really starting to play with his rattles and small toys. He'll look them over and examine them....then straight to the mouth they go!
- When we feed him his bottles, he grabs the collar of his shirt and pulls it the whole time.

Reddek:
- Everything goes in Reddek's mouth....especially his shirt. As soon as I get him ready.....shirt enters mouth!
- He has started this LOUD talking thing. It sounds like a scream, but he's not mad....just talking. Very funny!
- He rolls from belly to back....but really doesn't care about rolling from back to belly. Haha!
- Reddek LOVES when Chris comes home. As soon as he hears his voice he starts looking of him. When he finally sees him, he starts laughing....talking....and smiling so big.
- He can always be found smiling with his tongue out! He is such a goofster!
- He flails his arms....and usually smacks Stetson in the process.
- LOVES his rice cereal. Messy...but loves it!
- Reddek loves his toes. Usually in the mouth.
- He is turning into a champ sleeper. 7pm-6:30...keep it up buddy!
- Reddek loves being outside. Sneezes 2 times every time the sun hits him for the first time.
- He is so curious. We laugh and tell him to blink because I swear he gets to pre-occupied with discovering new things around him that he forgets to blink!

Together:

- They are starting to really respond to each other. Watching each other. Smiling at each other. Laughing. They hold hands alot. The other day Reddek had Stetson's toes in his mouth. They are funny together.
- When we are in the car, if they are screaming, I turn on Jack Johnson and they are instantly calmed. It is hilarious.
- We have gone to the zoo and the beach, the arboretum, and several other places.
- They still love their baths and are kicking and splashing a lot more.
- They enjoy visiting other apartments in our building. Must be the change of scenery.

Update:
I am starting to finally feel like I can get out and about with these little guys. The thought of it doesn't seem quite as overwhelming. We've done quite a few outings together this past month. Go us!!! It is a team effort.

Sam's Graduation....

A few weeks ago, we traveled down to San Diego for memorial weekend and for my nephews graduation. Fun trip! It is always nice to see family and enjoy time laughing and playing! Way to go Sambo's on graduating :)

Beach Bums...

The other day the boys and I headed to the beach. Apparently the sun did not get the invite! It was a little chilly, but good thing mom brought the sweatshirts. I was very proud of myself for actually making it to the sand. I had the diaper bag, my beach chair, Stetson in the bjorn, and carried Reddek. Go me!!!

Mode of Transportation....

So, since the boys a have been getting bigger and more active, it has been harder to carry them both when simply visiting a neighbor, getting the mail, or going outside to enjoy the weather. Things that i don't want to put them in their car seats and stroller for.

Here's what I have been doing......

I pick one of the boys up, then bend down and try and shimmy my arm underneath #2. Quickly pick him up and turn him so that he's situated. I'm getting good at this.

Exiting the Apartment: Next, I try and grab my keys and twist the door knob to open the door. (A lot of back bending is used for this maneuver.) Once outside the apartment, I have to use my foot to try and close the door...whilst moving my body out of the way as to not hit the door as it closed. The door looses momentum and won't shut if this happens and then I have to start over. Ha!

Then to the elevator: Pushing the button on the outside of the elevator has been easy...since it's at hands level. However then I must enter the elevator and these buttons are well....more difficult. So I lean against the elevator for leverage, then left my elbow...while hoisting one of the boys up. With my elbow I would quickly jab at the button for the desired floor until it would iluminate. Sometimes a little hop is needed....depending on how the boys are situated. This is always quite comical.

Then it is off to our destitnation....where instead of knocking on my friends door....I kick! So they must know it's me by the sound of the thud. At this point I realize that I am sweating.....gross. Someone then takes a child out of arms and off we go!
......That is until the process begins all over again to go home. One difference.....I have to unlock my door. Which is a another blog post altogether! Ha!

So.....My friend Emily had an ingenious idea the other day. Wait for it......





Yep! A laundry basket. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Now we are cruzing in style. I am waiting for "pimp my ride" to call and offer to jazz up their new wheels. We took it for a spin the other day around the complex....they loved it. I figure that I am just preparing them for the rides at disneyland. So if you hear the words to "Its a Small World" in the halls....the Olson boys are out for a joy ride!!!!

The Boys' Room....

I realized that I never posted pictures of the boys' room. Here it is....

Even though the boys are identical twins, I want them to be individuals....so I wanted the saying "be an original" up on the wall. Thanks... to my darling friend Erica for helping me with all the vinyl.

I wanted to have their bedding be the same, but slightly different...so I went with same pattern different colors. Because I was SO pregnant and on bed rest, I wasn't able to make the bedding....enter mom. My cute mom stepped in and offered to sew away. Thank you mom! I LOVE how the bed skirt turned out.

I came up with this idea that I wanted to make a list of all the different definitions and sayings associated with the word "twin"...so these ones were our favorite and up on the wall they went. (again, thank you erica for the help)

The room turned out just the way I wanted it!

My (talented) friend Ashley knocked on my door before the boys were born and told me that she had a surprise for me....that she had found some fabric for quilts that she wanted to make for the boys. It was Volkswagen buses, my favorite!!! She proceeded to make two of the hippest quilts for Stetson and Reddek. Thanks so much Ash!



Here's a full view of it....

4 months

These little guys are not so little anymore....they are four months old! My hands sure are full, but I get double the smiles and giggles.

Sir Stetson:

Weighed in at 14 lbs.
Length 24 1/2 inches

- He gives coy smiles. Lots of them!
- Loves playing under his activity mat.
- Is grabbing his toes and rocking from side to side when he's on the floor.
- Blowing lots of bubbles.

- Stetson enjoys being on his stomach...he's really starting to push up now....so fun to watch.
- He can always be found with his fist in his mouth or his blanket.
- Enjoys baby Einstein's...laughs hysterically at certain parts and pumps his arms up and down in excitement.
- He's a snuggler. Loves morning snuggles in mom and dad's bed!
- Still enjoys his bath. He lounges in his bath chair....soaking it all up! (and still pees on his brother!)
- Starting to hold objects in his hand and put them in his mouth.
- He STARES at Reddek when they are laying next to each other....and reaches out to touch him. SO CUTE!
- Starting to sit in his bumbo.
- Stetson sweetly stares at you like he knows all about you!

Mr. Reddek

Weighed in at 13 lbs.
Length 23 1/2 inches

- He is a jokester. Smiles at you.....but really he's laughing at you.
- Does this who-who sound ALL DAY LONG....so cute.
- Has started sucking in his bottom lip.
- LOVES to be held above your head like an airplane.
- Enjoys baby Einstein's as well....but prefers it when his brother is next to him.
- Reddek wimpers if Stetson is having a bad time and is crying....SO SWEET.
- He LOVES his bath still....scooches all the way down until his whole body is in the water. He also loves to kick and splash.
- Can usually be found with a silly smile on his face.
- Sneezes twice WHENEVER we take him outside.
- Grabs his toes and was even found with them in his mouth the other day.
- Blowing bubbles.

- Rolled over twice the other day from belly to back.

- Mr. Reddek likes to talk....he coos all day long.

- I think he's a bit afraid of the giraffe on the activity mat. He kinda screams at him when his under him....this is a new one!
- This Mr. is a stander....wants to be walking. He bounces up and down on you when you hold him.
- Starting to sit in his bumbo!

Twin Stuff:

- They really started to be aware of each other this month. They stare at each other. They watch each other. They reach out and make contact. It has been really sweet to watch. I hope that they are best buds. I hope they grow up playing well together....that would make things nice as far as them entertaining each other.

- I have had to move them farther apart when they play on the floor....mainly because they are rolling back and forth and end up rolling into each other or kicking each other in the head. ha! In fact, I think they might have almost rolled over once or twice but couldn't because the other one was in the way!

- They are so talkative and smiley....but i have yet to capture it on camera. It seems that whenever I pull out a recording device or phone they decide to be quiet! So frustrating!!! Those little stinkers!

- I find them in the same poses a lot. Especially when they sleep. Pretty cool!

- The Dr. okayed them to start rice cereal....so we are going to start that here pretty soon. I did it once the other day but i waited a little too long into feeding time and they were screaming for their bottles. We'll attempt again later!

Twin Story:

My mom was holding Reddek and Chris was holding Stetson and I was in the middle. Reddek would make a goofy noise and I would interact with him.....then Stetson all of a sudden would start trying to get my attention so i would look and play with him. As soon as I turned to Stetson, Reddek would start again. It was hilarious!....like they were competing for my attention!!!

Picnic in the Park...

The other day, we headed to the park and had a picnic with the boys. We had pizza, sported the bjorn baby carriers, and enjoyed a fun little evening!

Birthday and Farewell Grad Party....

So I celebrated my birthday last weekend and it was a lot of fun. I LOVE birthdays because it's your day. Growing up my mom and dad always made special occasions, well....very special. They always made them fun and memorable. The little stuff was a BIG DEAL....and I love that.

So here's how I spent the day.....First off, some of the ladies took me to breakfast at the corner bakery...yum! Thanks girlies. It was DElish! Then my hubby took me to lunch with the boys. We had a nice time....sat outside and enjoyed the perfect cali weather. I opened some presents! Thank you all.....very thoughtful wonderful gifts! Then that night, we had a party for all the peps around here who are graduating. Fun Fun Par-tay!

Great day! Wouldn't have changed a thing!

What a Blessing....

The boys were blessed the last week in March. What a special day it was! Chris' parents and my parents ventured over from Arizona, and my brother and his family came up from San Diego. Thanks for coming guys....and we missed all others who live too far away....we were thinking of ya!

Chris gave the boys such sweet blessings. They were very specific to each of the boys, and then there was some twin/brother stuff in there too!

I feel so lucky to be these boys' mom. They are such sweet spirits, and I hope to be guided everyday as to how to raise them.

Love you Stetson and Reddek. Thanks for coming and joining our family!!!

Rub-a-dub-dub....

The boys LOVE their bath! It's part of our bed time routine....and when they are fussing and we step into the bathroom they settle down. It's like they know what's coming.....It's SO nice that this calms them. They are so cute when they are all suds up!!!!











This is kind of a family joke poem....so I carry on the tradition and say it to the boys while they get their bath:

There's too many kids in this tub! There's too many elbows to scrub! I just washed a behind that I'm sure isn't mine! There's too many kids in this tub!
-Shel Silverstein