More babe action

Well, it's been a few weeks since we have posted. As I (Jackie) was the lucky one with the twin that went to sleep first for her nap, I get to update the blog!

The twins are growing and beginning to be more interactive. They now have one awake time in the morning and one awake time in the afternoon. Favorite activities are watching big sister Erika zoom about the room, grunting, and relaxing on the playmat. (in addition to eating, sleeping, crying and pooping :-) Here Miranda looks at herself in the plastic mirror off to the side of the playmat.

Over the past few weeks, the twins have made progress in various physical movements. They can track things with their eyes, and try to control their arms. Best of all, they can smile now. Below, Cate seems to practice arm moving as she reaches for the dangling toy.

Erika is doing well too. She was the one whom Miranda smiled at first. A week ago Wednesday all four of us were at the YMCA. As we were leaving, I had to stop at the front desk. All three kids were gathered around and Erika leaned over Miranda in her car seat to talk to her. Miranda gave Erika the biggest smile. She looked so happy that her big sister was coming over to talk to her. That made Erika's day. (and gave my heart a big tug :-)

Here Erika demonstrates the zooming that the twins find fascinating. She is racing up and down the little hill in our backyard. Lately, she loves running. The two of us will race up and down the backyard. Of course, Erika wins about 75% of the time!

Finally, here I am demonstrating the dual bottle feeding technique. The twins get hungry at the same time several times a day now. Yikes!

Stevie's 4th

This past weekend we attended Stevie Hanley's 4th birthday party. Erika and Stevie have a strange relationship in that Stevie and Erika have been mingling for years now, yet they seem to only loosely interact. Perhaps they are just into different things. For example, he likes to throw, fling, shoot, or do whatever might have the scent of fun. Well, the scent of fun with a low-note of potential bodily harm. Word on the street is that he may take a break to occasionally shout "testicles!" just to mix things up. Erika, on the other hand, is not so hip to that whole projectile scene as she is rather cautious and more interested in observing others while commenting on their clothing. "Nice pants!" or "I like your shirt!" Furthermore, she is more focused on the buttocks region in her random embarrassing statements to family and strangers alike.

You'd think that the toddler world of stinky butt and testicles commentary would leave little room for romance, but it is a matter of record that Stevie has decreed that he plans to marry Erika and have twins. Erika heard rumors of this plan and already said no without hearing any deatils. Below we see Erika and Stevie's grandmother having a delightful time together at the party.

As a side conversation, Stevie's grandma asked Erika what the twins were named. Erika answered right away- "Twin A and Twin B."

Before the party, everyone (except us) attended the movie Wall-e which is about a lovable robot or whatever. We did not attend the movie since we traveled as a pack of five that day and couldn't quite figure out how to do it logistically. So, today, I thought I would take Erika to see Wall-e myself. She has never been to a movie before; just the two of us as Jackie volunteered to stay home with the twins.

We made it through the movie previews, but only got into about 5 minutes before we needed to leave. Why kids' movies have to start with protracted dystopian scenes full of startling sound effects and ominous music is a mystery to me. It was way too much for a dainty cupcake such as herself.

Remember Finding Nemo? We have that on DVD. What the heck is with that? It's all stress, conflict, and neurotic parents in the beginning and then Nemo's mom dies? Who thinks of this stuff?! That one will go in the bin for a few more years I guess.

And as much as I also want to complain about two matinee tickets plus one drink and one bag of popcorn coming to TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS, I will endeavor to let it go. At least we won't be going back until Erika can make it though opening credits without being traumatized.

Below, Jackie being slept on by the twins. They have colds right now, so sleep is a good thing.
And you can't buy antihistamines for infants anymore? I want to know whose lawsuit caused that. ...actually maybe it's best I don't know.

Full Summer Attire

Something of a paparazzi, daddy manages to get this shot of Ms. Erika on her way to the neighbor's house.
Below is the origional shot to get the full effect. Sure, it's 76F and sunny, but Erika is making a fashion statment. The statement being that she can dress herself in anything, and everything, and still look good.

Sunglasses time

Erika is a growing fan of sunglasses. She has many pairs now. Thanks to Disney and the Hello Kitty franchise, there is no conceivable end in sight. Also, her snow hat is staging a June comeback. Purple is in, but photos are not. I had to bribe here with gummi worms to get this shot.

Here's what the twins are up to. Both mouths are accessible from the chair on the left. Bottles at the ready should squawking occur.

When Erika plays quietly by herself, it's a very good thing... kind of.
Recently, when I opened our DVD cabinet I found that it had been sacked. Lincoln logs and bibs had taken over; my attempts at organization thwarted. I should just give up now before I'm completely out-numbered.

Summertime Tom-Foolery

Here our neighbors are visiting us. Erika is often quite energetic and creative when guests arrive. Here she is showing how much she knows about potty training seats. Oy Gevalt.

Miranda and Cate share a moment on the play mat. Or is it Cate and Miranda?

Now that it is *finally* summer around here, it's good to take advantage of off-season wear- like rain coats.
And now that Erika can dress herself, it's hard to keep a handle on what's coming off or going on from moment to moment.

Cupcake at the Symphony, and Napping with Twins

Since Aunt Kimi is here to help us for two weeks, Jackie and Erika had time to attend the tiny tots concert at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle just like old times.

That's a very large cupcake btw.

Aunt Kimi manages to feed and burp both twins nearly constantly and remains semi-alert as seen here.

After a hard day enduring countless re-orgs at work, daddy does not have the capability to remain conscious for long. A brief power nap is enjoyed by all.

Grandma Kathy's tour of duty completed

Aunt Kimi shows up just in time.

May 2008 completed

Sleep is important... But if you have a newborn (or two), you know that they are not concerned about other people getting any. You sleep when you can.


Unless you are a toddler, then you hate sleep. Because you might miss something.


There are lots of things to do, like smell three different scented soaps while dressed as a fairy princess playing the electric guitar.
If the Wetzel parents have any sanity a year from now, it will be a miracle.

First night at home

A lot of sleeping! Not much crying!


Yes, I already violated the saftey warnings of the baby swing, but they slept 90 minutes like this, so that's a win.

Hospital visits!

Aunty Jayne and grandma Gladdy


"uncle" Andy and "aunt grandma" Jayne


Daddy showing proper swaddle technique with thumbs being sucked.


Grandma Kathy arrives just in time to help us check out of the hospital!

Catherine Jayne and Miranda Kimberly

Can you tell the difference? Does the hat give it away? yes, or no? Explain your answer.
Twin A: 7lbs; 19.5in.
Twin B: 7lbs; 4oz 19in.

Day 1

Cross-Roads with the Hanleys plus a bonus: lizard lovin.

Today was our last trip to Cross-Roads mall in Bellevue, WA as a family of three.

Erika is certainly willing to teach her new sisters the ins and outs of mall living. First of all, why ride the mechanical horse when you can study it's inner-workings thanks to a transparent box?

Here we are with the Hanleys enjoying mall-time goodness.

And for something completely different, since we are having such nice weather, Erika and I (Jason) are spending a lot of time in the yard. After watering the herbs and checking for aphids we found some Northern Alligator Lizards! The one on the bottom has only a stump for a tail since it must have released, or autotomized, it when escaping a preditor. Ask Erika about it and she will speak on this topic enthusiastically. We'll look for a batch of baby lizards around the fall.

T minus 5 days

Preparations are underway for arrival of the twins. Erika is watering our herb garden on the side of our house.
Here we see what 12 pounds of babies in mommy looks like. Jackie is holding up very well all things considered.
It should be fun....

Enjoying a lovely beverage

This Saturday, it was a bit rainy. So we did a lot of shopping, and now that I (Jason) have a camera phone, I can capture photos whenever I want. Like, for example, when I want to document Erika's introduction to Starbucks.

No, it is not a caffeinated beverage. She is enjoying a steamed milk with whipped cream. How she can eat like she does and stay under 30lbs is beyond me, but there you have it.

Mid-April Whatnot

This weekend we were very busy. We are now less than a month until the twins appear, so there is a lot to do. A lot of shopping and a lot of organization. It does not help that we are having a bit of freakishly cold weather! it was down to the 30s!

Still, Erika's pal, Carter, celebrated his 3rd birthday today, so we had fun at his party.

Erika's other friend, Takara, is also at this party. She likes to dress in layers and is not bound by mere convention.

The Astronomy phase is still in force. We do not even watch cartoons or anything on weekend mornings. We learn about the Cosmos. Grandpa Keith was kind enough to send us a telescope, with which her stuffed cat, Molbaxter, is sharing an intimate moment, and the DVD series, The Universe, which has lots of cosmic eye-candy. Here Erika studies the rings of Saturn and announces that they may be made of chocolate. This is probably my fault for joking around. You never know what she is picking up. I almost had her believing that ovalteen is a number that comes right after 18, but then I realized that what I think is funny, she may take as fact. I'll try to be more careful!