Month #9

Nine months...... It is weird to think that Keaton and Bronwyn have been in this world for a longer period of time than I was pregnant with them. I don't remember being pregnant really; the enormous belly is a vague memory (thankfully). But I do remember them moving, kicking, rolling, and hiccuping inside me. That, I do miss very much because there is nothing like it. Looking back to that time we already knew the personalities of these two sweet kids of ours. Baby A (Keaton) didn't move much. He was our calm mellow baby, EXACTLY like he is today. Baby B (Bronwyn) was the active one, who never stopped moving from the beginning. She was a firecracker then, and still is to this day.

This month has, yet again, been full of new experiences. Keaton started off the month by finding a new sound that he could make. The only way I can describe it is the sound of an asthmatic person laughing. He would do this repeatedly, and Bronwyn would stare at him wondering "what in the world is he doing?", while everyone else laughed. He likes to pull blankets over his face and play peek-a-boo. When he pulls the blanket down, he has a huge smile on his face every time. He loves toys that spin. Instead of playing with his firetruck, he turns it over and plays with the wheels because they spin. He also likes to bang on things. So Grandma and Grandpa got him some bongo's for Valentine's day to play with. I am sure you are all wondering if this mellow, sweet child has started crawling yet... Nope. While on his tummy he can turn 360 degrees around. He is showing more interest, and likes standing much more than being on his tummy. He will stand in his crib while holding on to the sides, but just enjoys playing on the blanket as Brawny disappears somewhere. I am thankful that Keaton hasn't started crawling just yet, because that gives me a little more time to get used to just one baby being mobile. After all, I can't be in two places at the same time.

Now on to Brawny. On February 11th I went in to get her up from her nap. As I opened the door, there she was STANDING in her crib, looking at me with a huge grin on her face. At that very moment, I knew that our lives had changed, yet again. She is crawling everywhere, into everything, and now pulling herself up on anything she possibly can. She found the dog's water bowl, as well as the dog door. She is surrounded by toys, and yet wants whatever she isn't supposed to have. She is a binki hoarder. She steals Keaton's right out of his mouth, and switches off between hers and his. While playing, she will bulldoze over Keaton to get to wherever and whatever she wants. Grandma and Grandpa got her a picnic basket for Valentine's day. The two of them will sit and have a picnic together, but it only lasts for about 7 seconds. It's still really cute to see them actually play together. She is our little spit fire, and we love her.

Grammy got them new bath seats so they can take baths together now. They love splashing and playing with all the toys in the water together. It is much easier on us to bathe them at the same time too. Both love to pull on the basketball net, which Daddy loves that they show an interest in that. Keaton found a special toy this month in the bath that he can take everywhere because it is attached to him. How convenient!

I introduced sippee cups this month. They have a hard time tipping them into their mouths because the cups are pretty heavy, but they're getting the hang of it. They like to sit on their blanket some afternoons and have Puff Parties. Brawny has gotten the hang of picking the puff up and getting it to her mouth. Keaton would rather play with the puff than eat it, but he makes it to his mouth sometimes.

They both have shown much more of an interest in books this month. They love to sit and listen to anyone read to them, and even like some books better than others. This got me excited to think of the days where I can teach them at home and do fun art projects with them. I'm still a teacher at heart, and how rewarding to get to do it with my own children every day! They are much more interested in the camera also. Bronwyn will crawl right up into my lap and Keaton will lean in for a close up. The pictures are pretty comical.

One of the cutest things that we witnessed this month was one day when Keaton cried, Bronwyn looked at him and started crying. Keaton rarely cries, so when he did Brawny looked at him and just started crying too. They are so aware of each other now, and it is so much fun to see them interact with one another. I absolutely love having twins. It's funny because I almost feel bad for babies who are an only child, because I look at Keaton and Bronwyn and know that they will always have a playmate. Twins have a bond unlike any other. We are so fortunate to have the two of them and are able to experience all that they have to offer!

We went over to a friends Marnie and Aaron's new house for dinner this month and Keaton and Bronwyn got to play with their big buddy Bryson. They loved playing in Bryson's tunnel play house. Brawny crawled all over the place, and I'm sure Keaton would've too if he wanted to. He sat inside and played with the balls, while Brawny crawled in and out of the tunnels. I will be putting one of those on their birthday wish list for sure!

This month Nate and I realized just how incredibly lucky we are. I did a lot of reminiscing as they got closer and closer to 3/4 of a year old. Our babies came one month early. They were with us once I was in recovery, and haven't left our sides since. Though they were tiny, both were healthy, happy babies. I've sat wondering "How could we be so lucky?" I guess the answer to that is a few things: 1)God. He has blessed us with this life. 2) My husband. He made sure that I took care of myself while carrying these two miracles. 3) Our families and friends. Their help throughout the past 9 months has been amazing... They have no idea how thankful we are. So, I like to think that most people get to experience such gifts in their lifetime, and then I realize that we are probably an exception. I try not to take one minute for granted in this perfect life of mine. I am enjoying every minute of it.

So until next month... Enjoy the pictures and thanks for checking up on us. We love you all!


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