October

September 28-October 27, 2010

These past few weeks the boys have really started to come out of their little shells when they are awake. But since I spend a majority of my time while they are awake just entertaining them with books and songs, I don't have a lot of awake pictures.

~My friend Heather, a speech pathologist, had to get credits for teaching infant massage before her certification. We were her test subjects--it was fun to sing silly songs to the boys while we massaged their teeny legs and arms.
~Porter started to "talk" a lot. Just makes little noises here.
~They discovered their hands and as long as they can suck on their entire hand--they're fine!
~Eli is talking a lot more too. More "ehs", "ahs", and "uhs". We chat a lot.
~Eli gave Porter a wet willy, albeit unknowingly, but Evan was very proud of this moment.
~I left the boys for the first time. My friend Allison who has helped me, watched them and I went to the grocery store by myself. They did great. I only called Allison 4 times and texted her 3 times. She had her phone off :)
~We made a trip to the base bizarre--the boys let us shop as we wheeled them around in the FREEZING cold. They were bundled up and cozy in their stroller.

First--some sweet sleeping babies. Morning nap on the couch together. They don't seem to mind when the other one has their hand/arm on top of them during a nap.
Tuckered out Eli after his late eveining feed.
Another morning nap on the couch. I just barricade them with pillows and try to enjoy my breakfast and get dressed. And a lot of times, I just fall asleep right next to them.
Safe right? The bouncer on the coffee table? Porter woke up after finally falling asleep. He really likes the bouncer. This nap didn't last too long, but for a little while he was all snuggled up in both baby blankets.
Eli really wants that rattle!
Having a conversation underneath our play mat. Both of them are getting stronger and stronger at holding their heads up and looking around at their surroundings.
Hi Mom.
So tired after walking around the Profumi and Sapori festival in Sacile.
Eli and me napping after the festival.
AGGIE football--we're ready to go!
Exhausted is a good word to describe this picture.
Sometimes this is the only way we can get Porter to fall asleep. Eli bundled in the corner. Look at that belly!
A lazy Saturday morning with Dad.
Getting more expressive and responsive with their facial expressions.
Today was their 4 month check-up. Eli weighed 12.6 lbs and Porter was 12.5 lbs, and they got four shots today! I had to get a picture with all their band-aids.
This was just to show that Eli still has the biggest, stretchiest yawns I have ever seen.
Ciao Italia! Howdy Texas--we're so excited!!!

Gram's 2nd Visit

September 16-September 27, 2010

Eli and Porter are getting ready for Gram to arrive! She is coming today for 2 weeks to play. They are wearing another pair of my favorite pjs--Eli has on the striped pants with puppy dog top and Porter has on the solid pants with striped monkey top.
YEAH! Gram is here! She brought the boys a Sleep Sheep. I have heard about these and seen them online and wanted one but had not purchased one yet. Mom bought it at the Cuero hospital gift shop on one of her volunteer days and she says they're selling like HOTcakes. We love our Sleep Sheep. Otherwise known as Fleece.
Eli in his room playing around in his diaper.
Gram and Eli check each other out in the mirror.
Me and my Eli.
Porter P hanging out with Evan. He likes to leave drool puddles on the people he loves most.
We helped celebrate Momo's BIRTHDAY on September 18th! Momo and Marshall live in Seabrook and we hope to meet them soon!
We wear our hats from Laura a lot. They fit us perfectly!
Mom's first trip to Cristallo for coffee. Coffee is not complete without a brioche. Yum!
Sleeping babies in carseats...
makes for a nice car ride.
The Mushroom Festival was the first weekend Mom was in town. We drove over to Budoia and walked around and of course--ate great food. We Baby Bjorned the boys and they enjoyed being carried. They were able to see when and what they wanted and sleep at any moment.
I caught this guy just as he turned his head. Seems happy right? He is tiling the pot. We watched a lot of other handy folks with their wares.
A lady and her loom.
Porter. He is just cute.
Eli contemplating. What we're not sure.
Me and my boys.
Eli and Gram were doing some stretches--Criss, Cross, Apple-sauce.
After stretches, it's time for some sugar.
Porter stretched too. Now he needs a nap with Daddy.
Porter had been fussy this particular morning. He finally fell asleep on me on our bed. I did not want to move. At all.
I eventually moved and put Porter in the crib. Must have been an active nap with losing a sock and scrunching the blanket off his legs.
Even though I'm in the same clothes, this is actually another day. Although I'm holding a sleeping Porter again.
Cute little guys in their overalls. We're getting ready for an outing.
This picture does not show Porter's true feelings about bathtime. He loves it.
This picture also does not do Eli justice and his enthusiasm during his baths.
Another pair of overalls, another outing. Leading to my favorite pics.
Porter losing his balance.
Uh-Oh! Timber!
Evan's balancing act.
Hanging out with Gram while she sings to us. This week Porter had his second heart appointment this week at Pordenone. Everything looks good and he enjoyed sitting on my lap in his diaper and spitting up on the doctor as he waved his little wand over his chest. Gram entertained Eli so Evan and I were both able to pay attention to the evaluation. Everything looks fine and his little murmur is still there but not any bigger than the week he was born.
I can't get enough of these pics. We are wearing our Pair of Pear outfits with our overalls.
Eli was the first to go this time.
Porter and Evan.
Family picture--Porter and Eli are not that into it.
We decided to take a day trip that weekend to Vittorio Veneto. We drive through it on the way to Prosecco Road and we have always wanted to walk around. It has a river running through town with lots of interesting architecture and castle-like walls.

We arrived just in time for reposo so the town was shut down except for a few cafes and restaurants. It was time to feed the boys so we took over the back room of this cafe and enjoyed a Coke and some gelato.

Porter enjoyed his lunch.
Beautiful buildings with frescoes that have faded over time.
Porter was Mr. Fussy Pants during our walk so he got some one-on-one time.
Building facade.
River running through town.
Belltower.
Mom, me, and Porter. Right after this picture a tour bus turned on the really tight corner and almost brushed our knees as it turned. Didn't slow down--I'm sure he's made that turn 1000 times. Mom and I however hugged the wall.
A little history about Vittorio Veneto. There is a long and steep trail to the top of one of the hills that Evan would love to hike. I would also like to join him--just not sure how the Baby Bjorns and our ever-growing boys would cooperate.
Porter and Gram chatting after lunch.
Eli took a little longer to finish his bottle.
Where is Eli's belly button? Yep, there it is. What a cutie in Aggie hat and pjs.
Porter in a sleep sack and Gram getting some face time.
Eli getting some one-on-one time with Gram before she leaves.
Before Gram went to the airport, she got one last picture with the boys. Eli is throwing a wave to all his adoring fans. We LOVED having Gram come and I loved having my mom around to hang out and chat and help with the dishes and laundry and dishes and laundry and all the clothes changing and diaper changes too. We hope to see her soon in Texas!
As fate would have it, the afternoon Gram left, Porter rolled over from his tummy to his back! Fun day for us and sorry Gram missed it in person.