Super Siblings

It's hard to believe, but the twins are almost 6 years old.  I feel like this past year has been one of such change for them.  They are readers and writers now.  They have friends that they like to spend time with more than their parents (at least sometimes.)  They make up stories and are often really funny.

Perhaps the greatest thing is watching how the twins interact with and love Iver.  The other day, A said to me: "I didn't realize how great it is to have a little brother.  If I knew I would have told you to have one a long time ago."

The two of them are truly fantastic older siblings.  We never worry about Iver not having enough stimulation.  Whenever they are around, the twins want to play with him, read to him, or just make him laugh.  They might not always listen to us or each other, but I know they are always looking out for their little brother. He's really a lucky kid, and we are very lucky parents.

My Four Front Teeth

A few weeks ago, we noticed a couple of little white protrusions coming out of Iver's bottom gum.  We figured this explained the extra wakings at night and occasional crankiness.  Before we knew it, however, those two bottom teeth had found a couple of friends on top.  That's right, our little baby is freaking me out by growing four teeth.

Every time I try to take a picture of said teeth, he moves his tongue over them.  When I try to move his tongue, well, let's just say it's not very productive as far as getting a photo.  Sometimes you can see a couple of them at least when he laughs -- or just looks a little quizzical -- so here's proof that Iver is getting to be a very big boy.

Godspeed, Ruth

The twins and Iver lost a grandmother this morning.  KLC was able to be with her and it was peaceful. For someone with as gentle a soul as Ruth, that makes me very glad.  I am firm believer that we are reunited with those that we love on the other side.  So while we will miss her very much, we look forward to seeing you again one day, Ruth.  Meanwhile, the kids as well as KLC and I will try to live life the way you wanted us to.

Life's Down Side

People get sick.  And people die.  That's part of life and every adult knows this -- even if we don't always want to face it.  Sometimes it just seems like some people are just taken far too early, no matter how much time we've had with them.

KLC's mom is in her final stages of her battle with breast cancer.  I don't use the word 'battle' lightly.  She has done everything she can to fight this terrible disease and be there for everyone, especially her kids and grandkids.  I can't imagine anyone being any braver than she has been, while maintaining her dignity and humor every step of the way.

It's hard because the twins know and love her so much, and Iver is just getting a chance to do the same. Thankfully, we were able to get down to PDX for a quick visit last weekend and it was great.  KLC's mom was able to see them swim at the hotel and watch them run around the park.  I try to be grateful for what we have had, but I just wish that the twins and Iver (and everyone else in her life) would have more time with her.

As things run their course in the upcoming days and weeks, I just want to say that we love you, Ruth.  We are sending you many, many love waves.

Here's a video of Ruth and Iver at Grant Park in Portland last month before we all set out for a few days on the Oregon coast: http://youtu.be/PtZwuL4wUKI

Sitting Up Update

I didn't realize the last post was so long ago, so I wanted to provide an update on Iver's sitting situation. This baby has really started to get the whole sitting up without assistance thing.  He will still topple over from time to time (hence, the fixed radius of pillows and stuffed animals while in his sister's room), but he can independently sit for minutes at a time.  Next up, crawling toward what he wants in front of him?

Iver at the Library

I swear this wasn't even a staged picture to make it look like our 7.5-month-old baby is reading.  He likes to hold books.  He also likes to chew on books.  And, if he has his ultimate way, he really likes to drool and suck on books.  Can't do that with an iPad ...

Sitting Up 10 Seconds (Or Less) At A Time

Iver is still working on being able to sit up on his own unassisted.  He's getting the hang of it, but I'm beginning to think he likes the falling as much as he likes the sitting ...