SHOPPING CARTS

Look who's finally big enough to sit in HyVee's DOUBLE shopping carts?


This means I can actually buy a whole cartful of groceries rather than just what I can fit underneath the double stroller! ALLELUIA!

They LOVE sitting in the carts. I was worried they'd be trying to climb out, but they do such a great job. They just sit there and take it all in!

Thank you HyVee for having these awesome carts with room for two babies with two separate straps and slots to put their legs through! Now if I could only find other stores who have such wonderful shopping carts.

This photo shows how we used to shop. Anything I could fit underneath the stroller (which actually was quite more than you'd think) was what I could buy. You can tell it's a decent size compartment under there! Although, in this photo we have a cart there too because Nick and I were shopping together with the twins. One of us had the stroller and one had the cart.


This is how we shopped only a couple times with the babies. (This photo was taken in October when the babies were 1 month old.) We realized very quickly that when you have 2 babies in carseats in a shopping cart, there is NO room for items that you want to buy!


Since selling the infant car seats with the stroller they hooked into, this is how we have to shop at Target. (This photo isn't taken in Target, obviously!) But this is our new side-by-side double umbrella stroller. We had to purchase this smaller stroller because our side-by-side double jogging stroller won't fit through the door! You know you shop at Target a lot when you decide to buy a stroller based on the fact if it can fit through Target's doors or not! (If we had a Super Target this wouldn't be an issue. But don't even get me started on that topic!)



This stroller is nice, but unfortunately it doesn't have belts that go across their shoulders to hold them back. So, now I push this through Target with two babies practically falling out trying to pull each and every thing they can get their hands onto off the racks and shelves! That stroller is so wide they can both reach items in opposite directions off parallel shelves at the same time as I push the stroller down an aisle. It's actually more funny than frustrating to me. We'll see how long that lasts though!

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Here they are on the morning of their first Independence Day!


We had a nice Fourth of July. We went to a nearby town's parade and met up with some friends. Poor Will about lost it when he heard the firetruck sirens. They are so loud. Poor little guy. He's never liked loud noises. But Eli did just fine. Then we went to another fiend's for a BBQ and campfire.

Happy Birthday America!



Here are Eli and Will at 10:30pm. They decided they didn't want to miss the fireworks and woke up to watch them at 10pm. Okay, actually it was more like the loud fireworks from the nearby fairgrounds woke them up. So we brought them outside to watch it since we'd have to wake them up bring them back to our house soon after anyway. Lucky little guys!

SPLISH, SPLASH

Splish, splash they were taking a bath...



Eli and Will LOVE baths!


Now that they both can sit up well, Eli and Will started taking baths together this month. They LOVE it. And so do mommy and daddy as it's a lot easier and faster to do both at once! Plus it's fun to watch the boys interact together. Double win!

They are hilarious to watch while splashing all around and chewing on toys. I think bath time is going to be a big hit for many years to come!


Will exclaims, "Yum, yum, yum....this ducky tastes good!"


Will wails, "Waahhh, why did you take my rubber ducky?"


Will says "Okay, I'm better now."


Eli ponders, "I wonder how they make these things?"


Eli says, "Well hello there!"


Eli exclaims, "I just love this rubber ducky!"


"What? I can take a bath whenever I get dirty? Woo hoo, I have some ideas now!"

9 MONTH CHECK-UP

We took the boys in for their 9 month check-up to the pediatrician this morning. No shots this time! Doctor's results are in: Elijah and Will are as happy and as healthy as can be. Well, we already knew that. :) Praise God!

Elijah - 19 pounds 4 ounces - 29.5 inches - 18 in head circumference
Will - 19 pounds 15 ounces - 29 inches - 17.25 in head circumference

That puts Eli in the 25 percentile for weight, 84 percent for length, and 68 percent for head circumference. And Will is in the 37 percentile for weight, 69 percent for length, and 14 percent for head circumference.

When we were walking out of the clinic a man asked, "Twins?" We said "yes". He asked again, "Your first?" We said "yes." He then replied, "I wouldn't wish that upon anyone!"

Oh my, some people say the funniest things!

Here is Eli doing what we refer to as his "Cheesy Grin."


Our laughing Will.

FOR SALE!

Don't worry, we're not selling the boys. :) But we are selling two double strollers, two infant car seats, and four car seat bases. You can get all of these awesome items in great, clean condition for one amazing price of $200.



Pass the info on if you know anyone who may be interested and please send them my way. We need some cash to stock up on diapers! HA!

People have asked why we are selling all this because we should keep it for our next set of twins. I told them to "zip it." :) We would like to experience a singleton! Although now I am starting to tell people that we've got twins mastered, so we're aiming for triplets next!

Check out our posting on Craig's List:
http://rmn.craigslist.org/bab/2455058747.html







Great items for twins!

One "Eddie Bauer" brand double stroller with 2 matching infant car seats and 4 car seat bases. Four bases are great to put into separate vehicles so you can easily transfer the babies from car to car. Infant car seats expire in December 2012. The double stroller's second seat can be reversed easily so two babies/children can face each other, if you wish. The two infant car seats easily hook onto the stroller. All are brown in color, great for boys or girls. See photos for different set ups of the stroller with/without car seats, etc.

and

One Baby Trend Double Snap N Go Stroller. The stroller allows you to place two infant car seats on carriage frame without removing child. It's a convenient alternative to a conventional carriage or stroller because it fits most major brand car seats, folds compactly for storage or travel with one hand fold and features and extra large storage basket. Also has "parent" cup holder and compartment. Great for "on the go" as it is VERY lightweight and folds VERY easily into a vehicle. I LOVED having this with my infant twins. We took it everywhere we went while they were in their infant car seats. Great for shopping trips as you can fit a lot into the bottom storage area. Was a lifesaver with two babies!

All items are used but in great and clean condition. All items are sold together for one great low price -$200!

HAPPY 1st FATHER'S DAY

I'd like to wish a very happy FIRST Father's Day to my wonderful husband, Nick. I always knew he would be an amazing father, but seeing him as a daddy has gone far beyond my expectations. So here's to you, Nick, you've waited a long time to celebrate this special holiday. And now you have two beautiful sons to celebrate it with! Enjoy it!

Words cannot truly describe how much I love seeing you in the "father role." It's far better than I even imagined. Thank you for taking care of our family. Thank you for loving us and always putting us first. You are so loving, caring, and giving. You never hesitate to lend a hand and are involved in each and every aspect of your boys' lives. Thank you for being so supportive, faithful, and encouraging. Remember one or both of us falling asleep, with bottle and baby in hand, at 3am during yet another night feeding? Not many dads would be up at each and every middle of the night feedings. But you never questioned it. Remember the major "poopsplosions" in the middle of the night and the complete, frantic, chaos? Wow, we've been through a lot in these 9 months of parenthood, but we are seasoned veterans now and can dish out great advice as good as the rest of 'em. We are a great team and parenthood has made us closer and stronger.

Seeing you interact with the babies puts a smile on my face and in my heart. It is etched there forever! I can see and feel the pride in your heart when you look at Elijah and Will. It shows in everything you do, from changing their diapers, to blending up their homemade baby food, to reading to them. I adore watching you cuddle them, kiss them, tickle them, hold them, read to them, bathe them, feed them, sing to them, oh I could go on and on. I truly love it all!

Thank you for being the rock of our family. You provide for us, protect us, and love us. You carried us through years of heartache while trying for a baby. Your gentle strength and unwavering faith keep us moving forward and looking upward. I am so proud of you and the man you are. You are an amazing husband, friend, doctor, and father. Be proud and hold your head high. Elijah and Will have a perfect role model in you. I'm so in love with you and praise God for all that you are. I LOVE YOU!

Here is Nick with the boys on Father's Day. It was their first time at a golf course, seeing Daddy finish in his golf tournament with Papa at Okoboji View Golf Course in Okoboji, Iowa. They better get used to being on the golf course as they aren't technically a "Vincelli" unless they are golfers. :)

9 MONTHS OLD

That's right. Eli and Will are 9 months old! I can barely believe it myself! The days go by so slowly, but oh my the months are passing right on by. Funny how that works. The days sure are getting more and more exciting. I love being able to experience and watch how much they learn and change every day!

Eli says, "Did you hear mommy say that we're nine months old today?"
Will replies, "You have got to be kidding me!"



Eli now weighs 19 pounds 4 ounces and Will weighs 19 pounds 13 ounces. So you can imagine that it is becoming more and more difficult to carry them around in their infant car seats. My muscles can handle it (oh yes, I am buff! HA!), but I'm afraid my back cannot. (Hard to believe I used to be able to both boys each in their car seats at the same time, one in each hand!) Since the boys can only be in the infant seats until 22 pounds and we recently purchased their next car seats while they were on sale, we decided to give the convertible car seats a try! The first time we put them in the new seats in the van, they cried. We tried it again yesterday and they cried less. I'm hoping the crying will stop during the next try to two.

I had a "mommy moment" as I went to move the infant car seats out of the corner in the dining room where we keep them stacked on top of each other for easy access to strap the boys in. I was so excited to get more clutter out of the way and to get rid of those. (Hopefully we can sell them. Anyone out there interested in purchasing 2 infant car seats, 4 bases, and 2 double strollers? If so, let me know!)

When I went to move them, I just stood there and stared at them. I couldn't move them. And they are still sitting there as I type this. I later was telling Nick about it and started crying. I still don't know why that pulled at my heartstrings so! I haven't had that feeling putting away their tiny clothes or other items they've outgrown. So...why the carseats? I may never know. But all I know for now is that I'm leaving them there. Perhaps they'll still be there sitting in the corner for everyone to see at the high school graduation open house!

Here they are trying out the seats in the house. We thought this might help them get a little more used to it before putting them in the van.



Another fun first:
Eli & Will had their first bath together last night. Oh my they had a blast. I can see that bathroom is going to be a fun time in the Vincelli house!

MINNESOTA TWINS

We took Elijah and Will to their first Minnesota Twins game today! They did awesome. Such good little boys! Although Nick and I didn't get to watch much of the game (apparently holding babies on your lap wanting to play and eat keeps you busy!), it was a good one, and they won 8 to 1 against the Texas Rangers. I think the Vincelli twins were good luck. :)

We love the Minnesota Twins!


We met up with Barry, Jesse, Ava, Cora, and Emma! (It was Emma's first game too, although she slept through some of it. Must have been boring for her. HA!)


Will says, "This is Twins Territory!"


Eli is in love with "Angie's Kettle Corn". Too bad he can't eat any of it!


Here's a photo of Nick and I from a TWINS game in August last summer. I was 7 months pregnant with the twins. (Unfortunately, no, Bert didn't circle us!)

GARAGE SALEING

I hit the jackpot garage saleing today. A special thank you to my mom for tag teaming the babies with me while we jumped from sale to sale!

This is all from ONE garage sale! Can you believe I spent a grand total of $52 on all of these clothes!!? Oh my, I was in heaven!



Some even are brand new with the tags still on! A few are 12 and 18 month clothes, but most are 2T and 3T. And all are brand name: Carters, Oshkosh, Children's place, etc. Not that I'm counting, okay, I did - it was 4 onesies, 2 sweatshirts, 9 hooded sweatshirts, 15 pairs of pants, 5 shorts, 4 pajama top/bottom sets, 10 polo shirts, 12 long sleeve shirts, 13 short sleeve shirts, 2 coats, 7 jumpers/rompers, 1 jogging suit, and 1 swimsuit.

They are all in awesome condition, barely even look used. I HEART bargain shopping!

JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER

I wanted to share a wonderful book with you, in case you haven't heard of it. JUST IN CASE YOU EVER WONDER by Max Lucado. I recommend it to everyone! We received it as baby shower gift from my sister, Jesse. I have never made it through this book without crying, not once. I read it aloud to the babies and by the end, the tears are flowing. Sometimes sobbing, sometimes gentle. Oh my how this book just tears at my heartstrings.

Online, the description says, "This book says everything you want to say to your children about how much you love them, how special they are, how you'll always be there for them, and how special they are to God. It wraps your children in it's warm message of love, comfort and protection. It also shows children that as they grow and change, some things will always stay the same. In his remarkably simple, yet eloquent style, Max Lucado offers hope and encouragement for parents and children alike."


Dear Elijah & Will,
I love you with all my heart and I always will...just in case you ever wonder...
Love,
Your mommy




The text of the book is as follows:

Long, long ago God made a decision - a very important decision. One that I'm really glad He made. He made the decision to make you. The same hands that made the stars made you. The same hands that made the canyons made you. The same hands that made the trees and the moon and the sun made you. That's why you are so special. God made you. He made you in a very special way. He made your eyes so they would twinkle. He made your mouth so you could smile. He made your laugh so you could giggle. God made you like no one else. If you looked all over the world - in every city in every house - there would be no one else like you. No one with your eyes, no one with your mouth, no one with your laugh. You are very, very special. And since you are so special, God wanted to put you in just the right home. Where you would be warm when it's cold, where you'd be safe when you're afraid, where you'd have fun and learn about heaven. So, after lots of looking for just the right family, God sent you to me. And I'm so glad he did. I'll never forget the first time I saw you. Your eyes were closed, your fingers were curled in two little fists, your cheeks were puffy and round. I knew if my heart God had sent someone very wonderful for me to take care of. Your first night with me I heard every sound you made: I heard you gurgle, I heard you sniff, I heard your little lips smack. I heard you cry when you wanted to eat, and I fed you. You're bigger now and do more things. You can walk and run. You can play and talk. You can eat and sing and look at books. You're not a little baby any more. But as you grow and change, some things will stay the same. I'll always love you. I'll always hug you. I'll always be on your side. And I want you to know that. just in case you ever wonder. Remember I'm here for you. On dark nights when you hear noises in your closet, call me. When you see monsters in the shadows, call me. On hard days when kids are mean and don't treat you like they should, come to me. If your grades are bad and your teacher is mad, come to me. 'cause I love you. And I always will, just in case you ever wonder. Most of all, I'll be here to teach you about God. He loves you. He protects you. He and His angels are always watching over you. And God wants me to make sure you know about heaven. It's a wonderful place. There are no tears there. No monsters. No mean people. You never have to say "goodbye" or "good night" or "I'm hungry". You never get cold or sick or afraid. In heaven you are so close to God that He will hug you, just like I hug you. It's going to be wonderful. I will be there too, I promise. We will be there together, forever. Remember that. just in case you ever wonder.

FORMULA

Here's a photo of our formula stockpile in the basement. And no, I'm not a hoarder!



Yes, we go through a lot of formula with two hungry baby boys. :)

What you see here are 22 refill boxes (of 2 containers each) and 6 separate reusable containers. It's hard to see but the back row contains 14 boxes. This total amount lasts us approximately 6 months.

As you can clearly see, we use Enfamil formula. About a week after the babies were born last fall, Similac formula was recalled and taken off the shelves because beetles were found in the production area of one of their manufacturing facilities. And it was recommended by our pediatrician to use a name brand. So that was an easy decision for us, since we couldn't get Similac, Enfamil it was. We had actually received free samples of Similac from the hospital while we were there, but we later checked out the lot number and those were ones that were recalled!

Thank goodness for coupons and rebate checks. A special thank you to everyone who has so graciously helped us out with those coupons/checks.

And the countdown to their one year birthday when we can use cows milk begins...(Actually it began the day we started using formula.)

FEELING ASHAMED

I’m feeling very defeated today. Being a mother of multiples wasn’t supposed to be THIS hard. But then again neither was being a mother in general. Becoming a mom has changed me. And unfortunately, today I mostly feel like it’s changed me for the worse. Perhaps I’m just having a pity party. Well…whatever…it is what it is. I feel like I’m not fun anymore. I feel like I am neglecting my friends and family. I feel like people have forgotten about me. I feel like I never get a break. I feel like I can never keep up. I feel unhealthy. I feel envious of others. I feel like no one understands me. I feel exhausted. I feel left out. I feel like I’ve lost my freedom.

But most of all, I feel ashamed for feeling all of these things because I am so very blessed. I have two beautiful, happy, healthy babies. I have a wonderful family and a loving husband. I have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. Ultimately I should have nothing to complain about, but still I do.

After hearing about and seeing photos/videos of the recent devastation that all the tornadoes and storms have left throughout the Midwest, I ache inside. Hundreds have died and the devastation is unimaginable. People have lost all of their possessions and homes, and even lost their dearest loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache and trials. And I was complaining tonight about doing more dishes. Then I thought about how all of those people would love to have their dishes to wash. It really puts my petty problems into perspective. My heart and prayers truly go out to everyone affected.

So tonight, after a pity party afternoon, I am giving thanks for another day. I'm hugging my babies a little tighter, thanking Nick for his love, and praising God more than ever.

Dear God, please help me to stop looking inward and to focus outward. Help me be grateful and to give thanks in each and every situation. Please give me patience and guidance with my babies. Please forgive me for these selfish feelings I’ve felt today and help me to always view motherhood as a blessing and never a burden. Please be with everyone affected by the tornadoes. Heal their hearts and minds as they rebuild their lives. Help them know that everything happens for a reason and that you never leave their side. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for another precious day in this beautiful life. What a true gift everyday is! In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Will


Elijah

FIRST TIME TO THE PARK!

We took a walk on this beautiful day to the park by the fairgrounds for Eli and Will's first time at the playground. They went swinging in the baby swings and loved it. Lots of smiles and giggles! It was also their first "real" time in the sun without being protected by the shade. Therefore, it was their first time wearing sunscreen. What a big day full of firsts!

SWEET LOVE

How long I prayed for these miracles. And my first Mother's Day was worth the wait!

I love you Elijah and Will, you are my little angels. I'm so honored and privileged to call you mine. Thank you for picking me to be your mommy!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

There are many women out there that I look up to. And to all of you (if I listed all your names this post would be far too long!)- thank you for showing me the kind of mother I want and hope to be! I am so blessed to have so many amazing mothers, mothers-to-be, and women in my life. Thank you for all you are!

Happy Mother's Day! A day to honor ALL women in our lives...mother or not. To all the amazing women - mothers, non-mothers, mother-in-laws, pregnant moms-to-be, women who so desperately want to be moms, foster moms, step moms, adoptive moms, surrogate moms, mothers of babies and children in heaven, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, Mr. mom's, daycare moms, & all the other kinds of moms there are!

A big shout out to my momma on Mother's Day. Dear Mom, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me how to give. Thank you for teaching me the importance of taking care of your family. Thank you for coming to each and every one of my band and sporting events. Thank you for teaching me the importance of pride, hard work, and honesty. Thank you for praying with me. Thank you for raising me to know Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for your kind notes, gifts, and gestures always showing me how you care. Thank you for always cheering me on. Thank you for all the values you have instilled in me. Thank you for coming to my rescue and basically living with us after the twins were born and helping me make it through those first hard months. I know I wouldn't have survived those first months of motherhood without you. (For real - I'm not kidding one bit!) Thank you for always putting other people before yourself and teaching me what it truly is to be a mother. Thank you for all the joy you bring to my life!

Oh, but you never did teach me how to cook and that has made me suffer a little.(But thank goodness Nick knows how to and likes to cook!) Although on the plus side, that also means that you always made our meals and didn't make your daughters cook them. So I guess that makes you a good mom.

Happy Mother's Day to a beautiful woman, inside and out. I LOVE YOU more and more as each day passes.

Then...


And now...