So many changes

The kids are changing a lot lately. They both are almost sitting up on their own. Michael is blowing raspberries. Malia is grabbing for everything. They both are eating much better. Michael is still spitting up. We can't wait for that to stop. Neither one has any teeth yet, but both kids are chewing on their hands and slobbering a lot. No attempts at words yet. Michael moves so much it's hard to get a clear picture without using the flash. The flash makes everything too bright, so I try not to use it. Malia is rolling over in both directions and can scoot around on her back. They both grab for toys. Malia will steal the toy Michael has if she can reach it. She's already showing signs of being the dominate one of the two.

Easter Picture

I think we are going to start this tradition. Every year take an Easter picture since everyone will be all dressed up. Here are all the grandkids. Olive, Eli, Malia, and Michael.

Here is our family looking pretty good.

Together Time

We try to give each kid some cuddle time alone with each parent. Most pictures are taken during together time. Malia and Michael have become more aware of each other and actually smile at each other sometimes. I love it!

Pool Party!

The kids had their first pool experience over Easter weekend. Aunt Jami helped me with the twins first swim.

Michael was okay with the experience, but Malia did not enjoy it.

Aunt Kris and Uncle Tom dried off the kids after they got out of the pool.

Pop-pop and Aunt Kris cuddled with them once they were dressed again. It was a bit overwhelming for the kids, even though it was 10 minutes in the pool.

I'm sure our next pool party will be more warmly accepted because the kids will be over. We are going to visit Maw-maw and Paw-paw down in Florida when the kids are 9 months old! :)

Hoppy Easter!

Happy Easter from the Duffy's!

Bloopers!

sweet potatoes

peas

Easter Eggs

Tummy time is getting to be fun!

We dyed easter eggs this past weekend. I traced Michael and Malia's hands on their eggs since they can't dye the eggs themselves just yet. Next year will be much different.

trying an avocado

Sunshines of my life

We put Michael and Malia on opposite sides of the crib at night. This morning I woke up and saw that Michael had traveled to be next to his sister. Adorable!

On the nice days, we go outside and soak up the sun.

Chewy enjoys the company.

4 month stats

just got back from the doc. here are the stats:

Malia

24" long

10lbs 6.5 ounces

doing great!

Michael

24" long

11lbs 3 ounces

doing great!

michael tummy time

malia rolling

Disposable Diaper Experiment

I had a couple disposable diapers left so I performed an experiment.

Here is a pampers stay dry diaper cut in half. very thin.

Here is the same style of diaper filled with water and then cut in half.

The absorbent beads are huge now that they are filled with water.

The diapers took in 20 ounces of water before it stopped absorbing.

after the first solid meal

michael rice cereal

malia rice cereal

We are starting rice cereal with the kids. I'm excited to start making baby food and teaching them how to eat solids. 18 weeks old today.

On this episode of Cribs.....

This first of the two cribs is finished and in the nursery. Boy was it worth the wait! It is breathtakingly beautiful. Pop-pop is an excellent craftsman.

Here are the kids sound asleep after a busy day.

Thanks to Meg for the matching crib bumper and skirt.

4 months old

We go to the pediatrician on Tuesday so i'll update this post with the stats then.

And now for the out-takes.

First Spring Pictures

I don't think I'm doing enough tummy time with the kids because they don't do a push up very well. So I'm starting to do that more. Michael falls asleep during it and Malia will cry. Here's a shot of her not crying (yet).

Michael gets a bottle after every feeding now. Sometimes he eats in the bouncy seat, but since he spits up a lot, we have to have burp clothes surrounding him. Here is a classic Michael face.

I tried to get an easter/spring picture with the kids. I wish we could have gone outside in the grass but it is cold and wet out there. Maybe in a couple weeks it will be better.

Thanks for the bunnies Grandma Theus!

Malia laughing

bathtime laughs

April Fool's

Something's just not right here....

April Fool's

Now that's better!

good news

Michael had his official weigh in today and he gained 12 ounces since last week. The doctor was very pleased and we don't have to go back to the doctor until their next routine visit. He also sent me home with a ton of pre-mixed formula. This is nice because I don't want to buy formula and I don't even know if we could afford to buy formula. We can get more at the next visit if we need it.

Our pediatrician is so wonderful. I feel like he's my therapist too. He reminded me that I'm doing a great job and I'm breastfeeding two babies. I'm so glad it's Friday because then Jason is home to help out. Also, my brother-in-law Chris came over yesterday, even though it was his birthday, and made dinner and took care of the kids so I could take a break (and nap). Wonderful!

I'll post some pictures and/or video this weekend so you all can see the beefed up Michael. :)

Rough Times

So, I just have to let this out. I love my babies to death but right now they are really putting me through a challenging time. Michael wasn't gaining weight, in fact he lost an ounce over 2 months. The pediatrician said to supplement after each nursing session. So I have been, but it's difficult.

I'm pumping multiple times a day and at night in order to increase my supply and to have milk available for supplementing. I feel like I'm back in the newborn days where I was nursing all the time and not getting sleep.

I think Malia is getting enough, so honestly it shouldn't be a supply issue. But then I have to think - is she getting enough?

I know there is an end in sight. I know this won't last forever. But right now it feels like it will last forever and it doesn't make me feel very good.

Malia having fun!

Michael when he's 2 (maybe)

I was checking out a website for my friend's photographer and I found this kid. I think this is what Michael is going to look like in 2 years. Maybe he won't, but let me know what you think? The lips, the nose, the eyes! I think they are identical.

Laughs

Malia bouncing

Trying to make Michael laugh

St. Patty's Day

Our new niece, Olive!

Gigi with 3 of her 4 grandchildren.

Olive napping. She's very happy.

March Madness!

Michael and Malia hanging out.

Getting all bundled up for a stroll in the hood.

(matching jackets courtesy of Grandma T.)

Michael snuggling with Dad.

Hello Michael!

Hi Malia!

Catnap in mom and dad's bed.

"This hat is too small for me!"

"This hat helps me get in touch with my inner gangsta."

malia three months

michael three months

3 months old

Malia and Michael are now three months old. We don't have all the stats, because we don't see the doctor until four months. We did weigh them yesterday. Michael is 9lbs and Malia is 9lbs 15.5oz (so almost 10lbs).

These kids are smaller than most of the other kids we know. Most kids outgrow clothes before the tag time range. Our kids are still wearing some 0-3 and 3 month clothing. They outgrow the footy pajamas quickly though, because they are so tall. For the baptism, Michael wore an outfit that Eli wore when Eli was one month old. Micheal wore it a 3 months old and still had room to spare. It will be interesting to see how Olive grows. They might have to share clothing if they are the same size. :)