E-V-A-N --------Evan!

I. Am. Exhausted. No, I don’t think it’s from my day with Evan, but from recovery from go-go-go day with Jaden! Evan is our ‘cuddler.’ He and I both spoiled each other as we got to snuggle in the rocker before and after naptime. With two - there is rarely an opportunity for rocking! 

Since Evan is more reserved in the pool, I wanted to take him there by himself to give him a chance to swim. He was his usual calm self at first, but did kick around more in the end and splashed the water over and over with his hands. He loves to ‘jump’ in and out of the water.

We did get to spend a little time with brother Jaden and friend Mason. It was fun for me to see the three of them ‘play’ together. Of course their favorite game was ‘take each other’s pacifier!’ Interesting at an early age they want what the other person has……..

Evan also had some play time in the exer-saucer. Fun to see his face light up at all the characters, sounds, and lights.

We also enjoyed some one-on-one time rolling and Evan shared some of his precious giggles with me. Makes me really appreciate him and his brother so so much. 

Me and My Pal, Jaden!

To start the summer, I have scheduled a full day together with just Jaden and with just Evan. I have never had a day with just one of them at home.

Jaden and I got to hang out yesterday. We had a full day of adventures. Let me start by saying---he is not any more patient when he is an only child!! But that’s okay—that is Jaden. He was very good in the morning as we ran errands and he helped me out in my office. He actually sat in my chair for at least 20 minutes (that’s a long time in baby-time) and let me hold him for a while longer as I organized some papers. Once he started to eat the papers, I knew it was time to go.

He loved his cart ride in Target. But kept me on pace as he didn’t want to stop too long in an aisle. I am unsure if that is his Type A trying to keep on a schedule, or just an impatient boy?!

While we were in Uptown Normal, we took a break and actually got to be those people who sit in the grass in the center of the round-about and watch the world go by!

We also enjoyed some frozen yogurt at Chill Out (courtesy of a Summer Session coupon- thanks, Mardell!) I must note that this is the only size of bowl they have at Chill Out! I didn’t share as well as Jaden would have liked.

Aside from Jaden not wanting to take a nap, and then being mad when he woke up from naptime (I have a feeling these transition times may not get easier) we had a great time together. One of the best parts of the day was after we picked up Evan from Day Care. Nathan and I both carried in a boy. When they saw each other, Jaden’s face lit up with excitement and Evan reached his arms out to hug and kiss Jaden. One of those moments I wish I had on video. I am often asked if they are aware of the other and if they interact…….this moment definitely answered ‘yes’ to that question. Although I had a fun day, I think Jaden truly missed his brother!

Spring into Summer!

The Spring semester is over and summer has begun for us in the Schumacher household! The weather has been perfect to be outside with the boys……and yes, Grandpa Al, they wear their sunscreen!! Nathan and I both love to be outside, so it’s natural for us to bring Evan and Jaden along with us as we teach them to swim, hike, and run……while they teach us to sit and relax! 

Nathan ‘lets’ the boys sit in his lawn (backyard only!) and they are learning to balance while sitting by themselves.  Jaden is scooting and tries to crawl on his hands and knees before his arms give out. 

Sunday we had a picnic lunch at Comlara Park-Lake Evergreen – and then we broke out the baby carriers and hiked around. (Just a little bit so I ease into carrying them). They boys obviously loved being carried around. We hadn’t been to that park in a couple years, and I look forward to going back!

We are definitely putting the miles on the BOB. Whether it’s an evening walk with me or a run with Nathan, they boys instantly relax when the ride takes off. We hope to use it lots this weekend hiking around some parks in MN!

I often walk the boys to a park to swing in the evenings. 

It is fun to watch their faces smile when the swing starts moving!

Pool time!! Yes, the neighborhood pool is open…..and we have gone several times already! Jaden of course does not stop kicking in the pool! Evan takes a little while to cautiously assess the situation, realize that it’s okay, and then will kick and splash. Their personalities are so fun.

Looking forward to much fun this summer. It will be the perfect 50/50 mix of daycare/work and time at home with Evan & Jaden!

Miss Lauren's Adventures with Evan & Jaden

Since Nathan and Julie are two of our best friends, I was excited to watch their baby from before Julie was even pregnant.  It just so happened that when she told me she was pregnant with TWINS she was only 5 weeks behind me on my pregnancy with baby #3.  I figured I could handle two babies…three would definitely be interesting unless I somehow grew another arm! 

 Nathan brought me the BEST baby gift in the hospital.  Julie was supposed to be on bedrest, but he smuggled her in.  This is 1 day old Mason squishing his new best friends still in Julie’s tummy for one more week! 

 Evan & Jaden (3 weeks) snoozing with buddy Mason (4 weeks). 

Every time I leave the house with all 3 babies, I am asked if they are triplets.  Of course they aren’t, but sometimes it sure seems like they are!  I can’t even imagine not having Jaden and Evan as a part of our daily lives.  I have always believed that every baby is different, but it amazes me how much that can be true with twins! 

I knew from day one of watching the boys that having a schedule and realistic expectations would be crucial to my sanity.  I like to call the 11:15am – 12:15pm timeframe “screaming hour”.  Everyone is hungry, everyone is tired, and everyone needs a diaper change.  Aside from the feedings, changings, and nap times we do manage to fit in quite a bit of fun!  

 Evan would be happy just sitting outside all day! 

 

 Jaden says I better give him some attention!

 Evan LOVES music time and reading time!  He is the little snuggler of the group and will sit in my lap as long as I will let him.  He is definitely the relaxed looker and observer of the two! 

 Jaden is the mover and shaker!  He is CONSTANTLY kicking, squirming, and wanting attention.  He loves to throw things and knock towers down.  Jaden loves sensory time because he gets to touch all sorts of cool stuff!  Although now that he has entered the “everything in the mouth stage” we have starting using his feet and that just isn’t quite as much fun! 

We definitely have our days that seem like they might never end or that Julie offers to bring me an alcoholic beverage, but for the most part we have a great routine and our days go smoothly.  I love watching them grow up and can’t wait to see all the trouble they get into!  Nathan and Julie are awesome parents and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of their boys’ early years.   

Best buddies Mason, Evan, and Jaden at 8 months!  

8 Months!

I always thought these monthly pictures would get easier to take with Evan and Jaden being more cooperative…….not the case!! Evan wanted to lie down on the chair while Jaden would not sit still. But here are the pictures we got……..

Evan & Jaden

Evan

Jaden

 Looking intensely at Mickey Mouse who is supposed to be helping him smile:)

This past month Jaden has been rolling - both directions. He can go from one end of the room to the other, but often gets detoured under the coffee table---I don’t know what it is about being under things that is so fascinating. Evan still loves to be entertained by ceiling fans while on his back. He giggles – especially when the hand is coming to tickle him. They have started eating pureed meats. And of course beef was the first meat they tried! They are both good eaters, and they are slowly learning how the sippy cup works.

I am glad the weather is finally getting nicer as we enjoy walking with them in the evenings. I look forward to spending more time with them this summer. Just one more week in the semester!