Lucas is just talking up a storm these days! His pediatrician seemed slightly concerned when at his 2 year well-visit, he wasn't really speaking in 2-3 word phrases. He would say phrases that he repeated after us - "Mama, where are you?" "baby night-night", etc. but he wasn't putting together phrases (verb and noun, or adjective and noun) on his own. She said we should give it two to three months and if we didn't see an improvement, we should consider speech therapy. Eric and I took this very seriously and immediately began changing the way we spoke to Lucas. Instead of asking questions that encouraged one-word answers, we began speaking to him and narrating in phrases. We also said that if we didn't see honest improvement within several weeks to one month, we would take the pediatrician's recommenation early so he didn't fall behind. And wouldn't you know - in true Lucas fashion - within 3 weeks he is truly creating his own phrases almost every time he speaks (which is basically all.the time.)! He has been learning many new verbs and adjectives lately, so we attribute some of his improvement to that. Today alone, some of the things he has told me - "Mailman gone" (after the mailman drove away), "Claire awake", "Light on", "Light off". One of the best "sentences" he stated a couple of days ago was, "Mimi take picture" while pointing to Grandma Connie's camera. He has also started to point out objects using their name plus a descriptive term - "yellow pepper", "pink flower", "two birds", etc. He amazes us every day!
Speaking of amazement - Lucas counted to 10 all by himself on Monday, 2/11!
And he now knows every letter of the alphabet by sight - both when you ask him, "what letter is this?" and "where is there an A, B, C, etc?" He also can tell you words that start with a certain letter. He knows that C is for Claire, P is for Pipal, L is for Lucas (he will sometimes say "my letter" when he sees an L too!). He has some funny associations with some letters too - if he sees an R, he'll tell you it's an R and then say "ring - Irene" (he must remember that my mom wears rings on her fingers). Lucas will also tell us the quanity of letters if he sees a sign or a book cover - one "L", two "A" (as long as the quantity doesn't go above 3!)
We could not be more proud of Lucas and his accomplishments with his speech, numbers, and letters! At this rate, he'll be reading at 3 years old, like his Daddy!!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Claire Rolls...again!
We have another belly to back roller! Claire newest develoment started on Tuesday, 2/12, just 10 days after she rolled from back to belly! She may have taken longer to perform her first roll than her brothers - David was 14 weeks, Lucas was 16 weeks, and Claire was 17 weeks, but she had the shortest span between the two types of rolls, by far! Go, baby girl! (but don't go too quickly because I'm not sure how we will handle 3 mobile children when the time comes!!)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Miss Claire Rolls!
This footage was taken yesterday, though, Claire has been rolling for almost a week now! She rolled for the first time on February 2 at 17 weeks, 1 day.
The first video begins mid-roll, but Lucas cheering and saying "good girl" is too cute not to share!
The first video begins mid-roll, but Lucas cheering and saying "good girl" is too cute not to share!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
David is 4 months old!
We have two 4 month old babies over here! How is time moving so quickly!?
Milestone alert! David and Claire bookended this month with some rolling! David started rolling back to belly at 14 weeks and Claire began a few weeks later at 17 weeks. They are rolling machines, and almost immediately perform their newest trick the minute they are placed on their back.
Sleep has been our biggest challenge this month - more below in David's individual update (can you guess who the trouble-maker is?!). Claire and David are up for the day at 7am, nap at 9 and 12:30, catnap at 4, bedtime at 7/7:30. One tandem nursing session around 4am.
We stopped swaddling about three-quarters into the month when both babies were breaking out and waking themselves. We transitioned slowly starting with one arm, then two, and now they are in sleep sacks with just their legs in the SwaddleMes.
We still nurse for almost all feedings, but we started half formula, half breast milk in their bedtime bottles about a week ago. I was having a hard time keeping up with pumping 15 oz total for this feeding (8 oz for D and 7 oz for C). Boy these kids want to eat a lot!!
David. Little Mister learned how to roll from his back to his belly at 13 weeks, 5 days old. He does it all the time now! The kicker, though, is that he still hates tummy time, so once he rolls and is on his belly for a bit, he gets pretty upset! David has also pulled up to a sit (while sitting on the floor between my legs with his back toward me) and stayed unassisted for several seconds. He also loves to bear weight on his legs. He is such a strong little guy!!
David can grasp toys with both hands and get them to his mouth now. He LOVES to hold our hands, and has also started to grab at Claire's hands too.
This cutie loves to smile and giggle. He will also throw in a little belly laugh if you tickle his belly or bounce him on your knee/leg. But don't let his smiles and laughs fool you - the little bugger can get quite whiney...and often! Right now, he pretty much hates all positions except for sitting. And since he can't really sit, that leaves the Bumbo, which he also doesn't like for long! Therefore, the only position that really makes him happy is being held or sitting in someone's lap - kind of hard to accommodate that request at all times!
David's wonderful sleep pattern at night has fallen apart and we are a very tired household! He will fall asleep just fine at bedtime, but has been waking several hours later. Some nights it takes 2-3 hours of paci replacing, soothing and rocking to get him back down! ugh! We are starting to try a few things, including earlier bedtime and formula in bedtime bottle, so hopefully at 5 months, we will see some improvement. (I think we *may* be turning a corner, but I don't want to jinx it!). Hoping this is just the '4 month wakeful' and will pass. But, in case it's the start of David becoming a terrible sleeper, I am also going to reread Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child which was my go-to book with Lucas, and one of the reasons I believe he is and always has been such an excellent sleeper. When he does sleep, David sleeps on his side or his back.
Moving on to the superficial. David weighs 13 lbs, 13 oz (15% - strange since he seems like a little chunk to us!) and is 26.25" tall (88th%). He fills out his 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers, but he will not be in either for much longer, David has basically lost all of the blue in his eyes. They are a dark grey right now. Still wondering if they will end up brown or, maybe, hazel like his mama and dada. Also, new hair is coming in and his cheeks are as big and delicious as ever! He is just an adorable guy all around!
These two babies are just so darn adorable, cute, and sweet! Even with the tough, sleepless nights, we never take for granted what a joy it is to raise David and Claire. Being a parent to one baby is incredible, as we know with Lucas. But, raising twins is unlike any other parenting experience! And, though, raising two babies at the same time has its challenges, watching David and Claire grow together and interact with one another is fascinating. It is just awesome! Plain and simple.
Milestone alert! David and Claire bookended this month with some rolling! David started rolling back to belly at 14 weeks and Claire began a few weeks later at 17 weeks. They are rolling machines, and almost immediately perform their newest trick the minute they are placed on their back.
Sleep has been our biggest challenge this month - more below in David's individual update (can you guess who the trouble-maker is?!). Claire and David are up for the day at 7am, nap at 9 and 12:30, catnap at 4, bedtime at 7/7:30. One tandem nursing session around 4am.
We stopped swaddling about three-quarters into the month when both babies were breaking out and waking themselves. We transitioned slowly starting with one arm, then two, and now they are in sleep sacks with just their legs in the SwaddleMes.
We still nurse for almost all feedings, but we started half formula, half breast milk in their bedtime bottles about a week ago. I was having a hard time keeping up with pumping 15 oz total for this feeding (8 oz for D and 7 oz for C). Boy these kids want to eat a lot!!
David. Little Mister learned how to roll from his back to his belly at 13 weeks, 5 days old. He does it all the time now! The kicker, though, is that he still hates tummy time, so once he rolls and is on his belly for a bit, he gets pretty upset! David has also pulled up to a sit (while sitting on the floor between my legs with his back toward me) and stayed unassisted for several seconds. He also loves to bear weight on his legs. He is such a strong little guy!!
David can grasp toys with both hands and get them to his mouth now. He LOVES to hold our hands, and has also started to grab at Claire's hands too.
This cutie loves to smile and giggle. He will also throw in a little belly laugh if you tickle his belly or bounce him on your knee/leg. But don't let his smiles and laughs fool you - the little bugger can get quite whiney...and often! Right now, he pretty much hates all positions except for sitting. And since he can't really sit, that leaves the Bumbo, which he also doesn't like for long! Therefore, the only position that really makes him happy is being held or sitting in someone's lap - kind of hard to accommodate that request at all times!
David's wonderful sleep pattern at night has fallen apart and we are a very tired household! He will fall asleep just fine at bedtime, but has been waking several hours later. Some nights it takes 2-3 hours of paci replacing, soothing and rocking to get him back down! ugh! We are starting to try a few things, including earlier bedtime and formula in bedtime bottle, so hopefully at 5 months, we will see some improvement. (I think we *may* be turning a corner, but I don't want to jinx it!). Hoping this is just the '4 month wakeful' and will pass. But, in case it's the start of David becoming a terrible sleeper, I am also going to reread Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child which was my go-to book with Lucas, and one of the reasons I believe he is and always has been such an excellent sleeper. When he does sleep, David sleeps on his side or his back.
Moving on to the superficial. David weighs 13 lbs, 13 oz (15% - strange since he seems like a little chunk to us!) and is 26.25" tall (88th%). He fills out his 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers, but he will not be in either for much longer, David has basically lost all of the blue in his eyes. They are a dark grey right now. Still wondering if they will end up brown or, maybe, hazel like his mama and dada. Also, new hair is coming in and his cheeks are as big and delicious as ever! He is just an adorable guy all around!
These two babies are just so darn adorable, cute, and sweet! Even with the tough, sleepless nights, we never take for granted what a joy it is to raise David and Claire. Being a parent to one baby is incredible, as we know with Lucas. But, raising twins is unlike any other parenting experience! And, though, raising two babies at the same time has its challenges, watching David and Claire grow together and interact with one another is fascinating. It is just awesome! Plain and simple.
Claire is 4 months old!
We have two 4 month old babies over here! How is time moving so quickly!?
Milestone alert! David and Claire bookended this month with some rolling! David started rolling back to belly at 14 weeks and Claire began a few weeks later at 17 weeks. They are rolling machines, and almost immediately perform their newest trick the minute they are placed on their back.
Sleep has been our biggest challenge this month - more below in David's individual update (can you guess who the trouble-maker is?!). Claire and David are up for the day at 7am, nap at 9 and 12:30, catnap at 4, bedtime at 7/7:30. One tandem nursing session around 4am.
We stopped swaddling about three-quarters into the month when both babies were breaking out and waking themselves. We transitioned slowly starting with one arm, then two, and now they are in sleep sacks with just their legs in the SwaddleMes.
We still nurse for almost all feedings, but we started half formula, half breast milk in their bedtime bottles about a week ago. I was having a hard time keeping up with pumping 15 oz total for this feeding (8 oz for D and 7 oz for C). Boy these kids want to eat a lot!!
Claire. Little Miss also rolled for the first time at 17 weeks and 1 day, just a few days before she turned 4 months. She is working on perfecting her new skill and rolls more and more each day.
Claire can spend long periods of time on the playmat or bouncy chair just babbling away and playing with the hanging toys. She's not quite as mouthy as David, but many times she will fall asleep with a ring in her hand or holding on to the little birdie on her chair.
Claire is our little social butterfly. She LOVES to be talked to and given attention. If she becomes fussy, as long as she isn't hungry, she can be quieted down with a little eye contact, a smile and some chatting! She will beam right back with her adorable, infectious smile and sweet coos.
Claire usually sleeps through all of David's nighttime shenanigans. Bless her heart. (And, in all fairness, he can sleep through hers on the rare occasion).
Claire is a great sleeper as long as she has her beloved paci. She has even been spotted putting her paci back in her mouth with the back of her hand. Claire is a back sleeper, but now that she can roll, all bets are off!
Superficially, Claire is continuing to plump up and fill out beautifully. She is long and lean, weighing 12 lbs 3 oz (11%) and 25.25" (85th%) tall. She's in 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. Her hair growth is taking off and she has the cutest wispy hairs atop her head. She continues to become more and more beautiful!
These two babies are just so darn adorable, cute, and sweet! Even with the tough, sleepless nights, we never take for granted what a joy it is to raise David and Claire. Being a parent to one baby is incredible, as we know with Lucas. But, raising twins is unlike any other parenting experience! And, though, raising two babies at the same time has its challenges, watching David and Claire grow together and interact with one another is fascinating. It is just awesome! Plain and simple.
Milestone alert! David and Claire bookended this month with some rolling! David started rolling back to belly at 14 weeks and Claire began a few weeks later at 17 weeks. They are rolling machines, and almost immediately perform their newest trick the minute they are placed on their back.
Sleep has been our biggest challenge this month - more below in David's individual update (can you guess who the trouble-maker is?!). Claire and David are up for the day at 7am, nap at 9 and 12:30, catnap at 4, bedtime at 7/7:30. One tandem nursing session around 4am.
We stopped swaddling about three-quarters into the month when both babies were breaking out and waking themselves. We transitioned slowly starting with one arm, then two, and now they are in sleep sacks with just their legs in the SwaddleMes.
We still nurse for almost all feedings, but we started half formula, half breast milk in their bedtime bottles about a week ago. I was having a hard time keeping up with pumping 15 oz total for this feeding (8 oz for D and 7 oz for C). Boy these kids want to eat a lot!!
Claire. Little Miss also rolled for the first time at 17 weeks and 1 day, just a few days before she turned 4 months. She is working on perfecting her new skill and rolls more and more each day.
Claire can spend long periods of time on the playmat or bouncy chair just babbling away and playing with the hanging toys. She's not quite as mouthy as David, but many times she will fall asleep with a ring in her hand or holding on to the little birdie on her chair.
Claire is our little social butterfly. She LOVES to be talked to and given attention. If she becomes fussy, as long as she isn't hungry, she can be quieted down with a little eye contact, a smile and some chatting! She will beam right back with her adorable, infectious smile and sweet coos.
Claire usually sleeps through all of David's nighttime shenanigans. Bless her heart. (And, in all fairness, he can sleep through hers on the rare occasion).
Claire is a great sleeper as long as she has her beloved paci. She has even been spotted putting her paci back in her mouth with the back of her hand. Claire is a back sleeper, but now that she can roll, all bets are off!
Superficially, Claire is continuing to plump up and fill out beautifully. She is long and lean, weighing 12 lbs 3 oz (11%) and 25.25" (85th%) tall. She's in 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. Her hair growth is taking off and she has the cutest wispy hairs atop her head. She continues to become more and more beautiful!
These two babies are just so darn adorable, cute, and sweet! Even with the tough, sleepless nights, we never take for granted what a joy it is to raise David and Claire. Being a parent to one baby is incredible, as we know with Lucas. But, raising twins is unlike any other parenting experience! And, though, raising two babies at the same time has its challenges, watching David and Claire grow together and interact with one another is fascinating. It is just awesome! Plain and simple.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Pipal Trio
We have finally captured some great pictures of all three of our children together! It was always a challenge attempting to get a toddler to sit with two wobbly-headed infants, so I am so grateful for these shots.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)