Levi has been Doug's little "mini me" from the beginning. Even the ultrasounds showed just how alike they were. Everyone that knows Doug and sees Levi immediately notices the similarities and comments on them.
But when it comes to William most people question who he gets his looks from. Even I couldn't see it for the longest time. But in the last couple of weeks I have been noticing some of his features that are similar to me and yet I still didn't see me in him. When he smiles really big his eyes will almost close. The eyes become a downturned crescent moon shape which mine do the same thing. He has fine lips like mine and Levi has the big full lips like his Papa.
A few days ago my Mom and I were talking and we realized that William has the same smile as her father. It's a little bit lopsided. One side of the mouth pulls back toward the cheek and the other side opens more with the upper lip pulled up a bit more. It creates somewhat of a triangular effect making it seem lopsided. I love this smile and it makes it even more special to me to know that he gets it from his Great Grandpa. Now I can see a bit of my Grandpa each time I look at William.
Today we were again talking about Williams features and my Mom said she had been looking at him and said she had seen that face before. So she pulled out an old family portrait taken when I was about three months old. In the center were my Grandparents and sure enough there was my Grandpa's smile. That was William for sure. Then I looked at me. I have seen this picture a thousand times whenever I went to my Grandparents house but I realize I never would really look at myself but study the faces and clothes of the rest of the family. Anyway, when I looked at my face, the eyes, the mouth and just the expression I realized at that moment just how much he looked like me. We are so amazingly the same.
I have never felt bad that the boys didn't look like me or that most people couldn't see me in either one. It just was what it was. I don't think I ever really thought much about it. But once I saw that picture and saw that William really was my little "mini me" it made me feel really good. I don't know why but it did. But more than that it felt really good to know that he has my Grandpa's smile. I hope that his smile doesn't fade with time. I want him to always have that lopsided grin so that I am always reminded of my wonderful Grandpa. William will never have the chance to meet him but a part of Grandpa will always be with him.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
We love our Grandparents!
Papa, William, Great G'pa Lang, Levi, G'pa Doug
Sleepy William
Lookin' Levi
William, G'pa Joseph, G'ma Deborah, Levi
G'ma Wanda holding William, G'ma Deborah holding Levi
Great G'ma Phyllis and William
G'ma Heidi and the sleepy boys.
Visitors!
As I said before we had some special guests. Grandma Deborah and Grandpa Joseph came from Washington. It was so nice seeing them with the boys. Grandpa Joseph is an avid cyclist. In fact he is doing a 75 mile trek today. Thank goodness he lives in a better climate than Michigan. While they were here we watched some of la Tour de France and he educated us on the strategy the cyclists use. I noticed there were a set of brothers riding. The Schleck brothers. Maybe someday my boys will want to be in la Tour. The Lang brothers!
We didn't go out much while they were visiting because the weather has been so horribly hot and humid. I am so thankful for the air conditioning right now. These 90 degree days have gone on too long. I did take Deborah out to the farm where I get my milk.
On the last evening they were here they took Doug and I out for dinner. We went to San Chez Tapas Bistro. That was my first time there and man-o-man I think this is my new favorite restaurant. I can't wait till the boys can eat solids and we can introduce all kinds of yumminess to them. This is definitely one place we will bring them to introduce new flavours to their palate. I hope one of the boys decides to be a chef. I should be so spoiled.
The same weekend that they visited we found out that Grandpa Doug and Grandma Heidi's house burned down. So tragic. Thankfully no one was home when it happened but nothing can replace the loss of a home. Prayers for them please.
So two weeks ago I was sitting in the recliner with Levi in one arm and my phone in the other hand. I was checking my e-mail when a little hand reached up and one lone finger pressed the delete button. There went the e-mail I was in the middle of reading. I guess Levi wanted to say that he thought he was a little more important than the e-mail. Guess I need to pay more attention to him.
They have both have been using their hands more and more. Each day seems like they have more dexterity than before. William is still using his legs more than ever. He loves to stretch out and make himself as long as possible. He is so strong. Levi loves to stay bunched up in a ball. I call him my brick-house because he is just so solid. They are both such wonderful little snugglers.
Last night we all got to sleep through the night. Levi got up at 6:30 and William got up at 7. Yay! I could get used to this. So far today Levi has peed on my bed and William has spit up on my bed. I just washed those sheets last night too.
So here is hoping for another full night of rest and a happy productive day tomorrow!
We didn't go out much while they were visiting because the weather has been so horribly hot and humid. I am so thankful for the air conditioning right now. These 90 degree days have gone on too long. I did take Deborah out to the farm where I get my milk.
On the last evening they were here they took Doug and I out for dinner. We went to San Chez Tapas Bistro. That was my first time there and man-o-man I think this is my new favorite restaurant. I can't wait till the boys can eat solids and we can introduce all kinds of yumminess to them. This is definitely one place we will bring them to introduce new flavours to their palate. I hope one of the boys decides to be a chef. I should be so spoiled.
The same weekend that they visited we found out that Grandpa Doug and Grandma Heidi's house burned down. So tragic. Thankfully no one was home when it happened but nothing can replace the loss of a home. Prayers for them please.
So two weeks ago I was sitting in the recliner with Levi in one arm and my phone in the other hand. I was checking my e-mail when a little hand reached up and one lone finger pressed the delete button. There went the e-mail I was in the middle of reading. I guess Levi wanted to say that he thought he was a little more important than the e-mail. Guess I need to pay more attention to him.
They have both have been using their hands more and more. Each day seems like they have more dexterity than before. William is still using his legs more than ever. He loves to stretch out and make himself as long as possible. He is so strong. Levi loves to stay bunched up in a ball. I call him my brick-house because he is just so solid. They are both such wonderful little snugglers.
Last night we all got to sleep through the night. Levi got up at 6:30 and William got up at 7. Yay! I could get used to this. So far today Levi has peed on my bed and William has spit up on my bed. I just washed those sheets last night too.
So here is hoping for another full night of rest and a happy productive day tomorrow!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
2 months and counting
We are having some fun this weekend because Grandma Deborah and Grandpa Joseph are in town visiting. The boys are getting and giving all kinds of loving. Today we went to the Fulton Street farmers market and picked up some amazing fruits and veggies. Yum yum yummy in my tum tum tummy.
Wednesday was their two month check at the doctors office. William weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz. He is 22.5 inches long. Levi weighed in at 11 lbs and is 22 inches long. The doctor gave Mama and Papa an A+ on caring for these boys. They go back in two months.
They had to get some shots that day. I was leaning over William as he laid on the table and then the nurse walked in. She asked me if I was nervous. I said no but I can imagine there are a lot of parents who get anxious about the shots. I was thinking after all we went through with Arawynn this would be cake. I pinned their arms down while she gave the shots and Papa got to soothe them afterwards. I don't think I will forget the look on their faces when they got their first poke. Silence, surprise and then wailing. Poor babes.
Levi is becoming more aware of his hands. He grabs for the bottle and tries to pull it to his mouth. Today I put the pacifier in his hand and he pulled it to his mouth and almost got it in by himself. I was amazed by how well he is doing. His motor skills are farther along than William but William has him beat on strength. William can practically stand up by himself. He stands up on my lap and stiffens up real tight and I hold him loosely but enough that he doesn't tip over. I love these boys.
Wednesday was their two month check at the doctors office. William weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz. He is 22.5 inches long. Levi weighed in at 11 lbs and is 22 inches long. The doctor gave Mama and Papa an A+ on caring for these boys. They go back in two months.
They had to get some shots that day. I was leaning over William as he laid on the table and then the nurse walked in. She asked me if I was nervous. I said no but I can imagine there are a lot of parents who get anxious about the shots. I was thinking after all we went through with Arawynn this would be cake. I pinned their arms down while she gave the shots and Papa got to soothe them afterwards. I don't think I will forget the look on their faces when they got their first poke. Silence, surprise and then wailing. Poor babes.
Levi is becoming more aware of his hands. He grabs for the bottle and tries to pull it to his mouth. Today I put the pacifier in his hand and he pulled it to his mouth and almost got it in by himself. I was amazed by how well he is doing. His motor skills are farther along than William but William has him beat on strength. William can practically stand up by himself. He stands up on my lap and stiffens up real tight and I hold him loosely but enough that he doesn't tip over. I love these boys.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Fountain of William
I'm standing over the crib waiting for the boys to fall asleep. The moment we put them in the crib their eyes popped open and decided it was their awake time. I'm tired and would like a decent rest but instead I'm watching them. They are both thoroughly entertained by the mobile and it brings many smiles and laughs from them. William is getting so excited he can't seem to stop squirming all over the place. Then he squirms a little to much and he urps up with such force that it shoots straight up and splats down on his face and chest. I'm laughing so hard that I'm about to pee my pants. As I wipe him off he is still giggles and smiles. Oh my silly little boy, I love it when you are so happy. I just wish it happened more during the day and you did a little more sleeping at night. Levi is starting to drift now. I hope William, you will not be very far behind him. I love you my sweet, sweet boys.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence Day!
What a busy weekend it's been. I'm glad tomorrow is back to "normal" but so thankful for the wonderful time we have had over the last few days.
Friday the boys and I went to visit the Lang family near Flint. It was about a two hour drive and I admit I was a little nervous about making that trek. Doug was on the last day of his trip and so we planned that he would fly into the Flint airport and I would pick him up there which then meant I was driving with the boys by myself. It is so hard to drive when you can't see your child and know whether they are awake or asleep. I get anxious that the car seat straps will cut their necks or hurt them in some way. I can't reach around to touch and reassure them if they start crying. I hate it that the seats have to be rear facing. But, you do what you have to and we made it all in one piece to our destination.
Grandma Heidi couldn't wait to get her hands on the boys when I drove up to the house. She even stayed up that night to watch the boys and I went to bed early and slept great. She can be the night shift anytime. :)
Saturday we took the boys over to their Great Grandparents and much of the aunts, uncles and cousins came to see the new addition to the family before heading back home. It was a wonderful time seeing everyone. They will be having a party in August and so the boys will be making another trip out there to see their family.
Sunday we took the boys to a pool party to visit with a bunch of our friends. I feel like it had been ages since I had seen all of them. It was really a great afternoon. And just in case you are wondering, no, I did not put the boys in the pool. We stayed in the shade for a little while and then spent most of the day in the house keeping cool.
And this afternoon we went to a park in the afternoon to meet some old friends that we haven't seen in several years. It was great to reconnect with them and meet their beautiful daughters. They were sweet girls and the oldest just adored the boys. She couldn't get enough of holding them. And a side note here, the boys are two months old today! Gosh, they grow so fast.
So, after such a busy weekend we are ready for some rest time. We have to get rested because this coming weekend will be filled with more excitement since Grandma Deborah is coming out to see the boys. She will be blown away by how much they are growing.
Our boys have been so celebrated by family and friends. It makes everything feel right when I see the happiness on everyones faces when they see the boys. I love all of you for your love and encouragement you have shown to us.
Friday the boys and I went to visit the Lang family near Flint. It was about a two hour drive and I admit I was a little nervous about making that trek. Doug was on the last day of his trip and so we planned that he would fly into the Flint airport and I would pick him up there which then meant I was driving with the boys by myself. It is so hard to drive when you can't see your child and know whether they are awake or asleep. I get anxious that the car seat straps will cut their necks or hurt them in some way. I can't reach around to touch and reassure them if they start crying. I hate it that the seats have to be rear facing. But, you do what you have to and we made it all in one piece to our destination.
Grandma Heidi couldn't wait to get her hands on the boys when I drove up to the house. She even stayed up that night to watch the boys and I went to bed early and slept great. She can be the night shift anytime. :)
Saturday we took the boys over to their Great Grandparents and much of the aunts, uncles and cousins came to see the new addition to the family before heading back home. It was a wonderful time seeing everyone. They will be having a party in August and so the boys will be making another trip out there to see their family.
Sunday we took the boys to a pool party to visit with a bunch of our friends. I feel like it had been ages since I had seen all of them. It was really a great afternoon. And just in case you are wondering, no, I did not put the boys in the pool. We stayed in the shade for a little while and then spent most of the day in the house keeping cool.
And this afternoon we went to a park in the afternoon to meet some old friends that we haven't seen in several years. It was great to reconnect with them and meet their beautiful daughters. They were sweet girls and the oldest just adored the boys. She couldn't get enough of holding them. And a side note here, the boys are two months old today! Gosh, they grow so fast.
So, after such a busy weekend we are ready for some rest time. We have to get rested because this coming weekend will be filled with more excitement since Grandma Deborah is coming out to see the boys. She will be blown away by how much they are growing.
Our boys have been so celebrated by family and friends. It makes everything feel right when I see the happiness on everyones faces when they see the boys. I love all of you for your love and encouragement you have shown to us.
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