Cocktail Hour Stroller

So we bought this fancy BOB stroller because it’s super lightweight and made for jogging. I think we’ve only been jogging once officially.

We do use it every evening for a walk around the neighborhood. Since that walk usually falls during cocktail hour we have a new accessory for the stroller. It has two cup-holders and although I think they’re meant for water bottles when you go jogging, they work great for wine or beer too.

Just another Mommy tip for you!

New Trick: Chloe Sits Up

We went away for a long weekend and when we got home, Chloe was doing something new. She can now sit up on her own.

She’s really working hard at trying to crawl, but so far it’s more like lunging forward. When she's on her tummy, she gets her knees up under her, but she can’t get the crawl motion right just yet and simply falls forward. I think she’ll actually crawl any day now.

Her new amazing trick, however, is sitting up. Sometimes as she’s trying to crawl, she’ll flip one of her legs around and sits right up. I’ve come into the babies’ room in the morning and she’ll be sitting up waiting for us. The only challenge is after sitting up for a little while she gets a little tired and tends to just fall over, so we have to be careful she doesn’t hit her head or anything.

Carl’s Review of the iPad

So after spending some quality time with my new iPad, including what turned into a 5 hour plane trip to San Francisco last Friday, I've come to a few preliminary conclusions about the device. There's been a lot of positive hype and criticism out there around the product and some of it is deserved and some not on both counts.

First off, the iPad is not a laptop killer, which for some reason many people thought it was trying to be. I don't think Apple ever envisioned it as replacing a laptop for hardcore business users. What it is, is a fantastically designed infotainment vacuum. In other words, this thing makes it more fun to suck up content than using a Dyson to clean your floors. Not the regular Dyson, the one with the pivot ball thingy that costs more than an iPad. 

The crisp, hi-res display makes all things visual a pleasure to view. Whether it be reading a book or watching your favorite episode of the new season of Dr. Who. This in combination with the touch interface make the iPad truly niche in this market. These two factors (great image quality and touch capability) really shine when you dig into some of the apps that are coming out specifically for the iPad. So far I've mainly indulged in gaming with Pinball HD and Flight Control HD (ridiculously addictive).

However, you can easily see how other apps will open up new possibilities for learning and creativity, especially for Connor and Chloe. There's a growing stable of "education" apps that I'm checking out from time to time that will make learning so fun all children will suddenly become geniuses...look out we're in trouble now. The only caveat to this is that in order for the kids to learn they have to pry the iPad out of my hands for more than 5 minutes. Good luck with that!!!

Battery life is also very impressive. We managed to get almost 8 hours of continuous use out of it on our San Fran trip before it finally gave out. This included reading, gaming, watching videos and using it for navigation to find our way from SFO to our hotel in Napa. It did all of those things admirably by the way.

On the flip side there are a couple of downsides to the iPad. I suspect most of these will be addressed or minimized in subsequent iterations of the device. The biggest drawback currently is price. It's still fairly pricey for something that really amounts to a toy, albeit a very cool toy. Entry level is $499 and goes up to $869 for the totally pimped out 64GB 3G model. A lot to spend, but that's the price you pay to be an early adopter.

Another issue is the weight of the iPad. It weighs in a 1.5 lbs, which doesn't sound like much on paper (or on screen in this case). Still that 1.5 lbs can start to feel much heavier if you're holding the iPad for an extended period of time. Of course there are two fairly simple solutions to this problem, 1) bulk up those biceps or 2) set it on your lap (my favorite).

That bright, glossy screen also turns out to be a haven for fingerprints. These will be much in evidence when the iPad is off. However, unless you've been chowing down on Fritos before using the iPad most fingerprints will disappear once the screen is turned on. It's plenty bright enough to easily mask almost all prints.

Bottom line is I really dig my new iPad and highly recommend it for those looking for something to unify multiple devices they may be using today.

Oh and don't forget to get a case like the one available directly from Apple. It not only protects the iPad, but acts as a stand so you can optimize your viewing angle. Critical piece of gear for maximizing the iPad experience.

iPad In Action

When we traveled last weekend, we used Carl's new iPad a ton. We looked up wineries, used it to navigate in Napa and on the plane watched shows and played games. It was great to have with us and now I’m a little jealous and trying to figure out if I need an iPad of my own. (I know, too excessive, but it’s fun to think about.)

True to his word, Carl is also using the iPad as a parenting tool. Babies are mesmerized by it. Here Carl and Chloe are watching Thomas & Friends: Heros of the Rails!

In tomorrow's post Carl will review the iPad.

Weekend In Wine Country

This past weekend Carl and I took a quick trip to Sonoma. My best friend from high school, Kim, is celebrating her 40^th birthday this month and her husband Sean went all out.

The first weekend in May, Sean hosted a surprise party at his home. Their backyard is gorgeous, perfect for entertaining and we had a chance to catch up with a bunch of girls from drill team, DHS class of ‘88 whoo-hoo!

But that was just the amuse bouche, because last week and weekend Sean hosted a group of friends in Sonoma at Villa Sobre. This picture of Kim is taken from the front porch of the villa with the amazing view behind her. I’ve included a link if you want to check out the villa for yourself just in case you need to plan a surprise 40^th birthday sometime soon.

Carl and I only made it for the weekend part but had a completely amazing time. One of the highlights was a visit to J Vineyards & Winery where we enjoyed a tasting menu paring in the Bubble Room. Needless to say we got a bit louder as each course was severed but luckily never asked to leave. I’ve included a picture of Kim and Sean in the Bubble Room.

We had a fabulous time and were totally worn out when we got home. We owe Leslie, Brian, Jamie, Karen (twice) and Mom a Big Thank You for taking care of the twins while we traveled. It takes a village and we thank you village!

First Popsicle

Chloe was very interested when her Daddy was enjoying a Popsicle, so Carl thought he’d let her try a little taste. It probably felt good on her gums since she’s teething, but I love her expression as she analyzes this new Popsicle experience.

Don’t worry, I know they have a ton of sugar so we won’t let her get hooked on Popsicle.

It Has Arrived!

Carl’s iPad.

I ordered it last Monday 5/3 but we didn’t get notice that it shipped until this Monday. Carl has been tracking it online everyday. It was shipping from China so it wasn’t expected to arrive until Saturday and since I had it shipped to my office that meant Carl wouldn’t have it in his hands until Monday. Except…it arrived today. Cue angels singing as a shaft of golden sunlight illuminates Carl's new iPad.

He is beyond excited. I found this article written by a Dad who was happy he bought an iPad so he could consume content with his kids. Carl agrees and plans to use his as a parenting tool. 

However, I’m a little worried he’ll be so absorbed in his new toy he’ll forget we have children or that anyone else even exists.

Night Fever

Night before last Connor woke up at 1 a.m. crying. He was really upset and when we tried to swaddle him he seemed really hot. Carl changed his diaper just to make sure that wasn’t making him uncomfortable and I pulled out the baby Tylenol. His temperature read 101. After some rocking, Carl was able to get him to settle down a little bit to lay back down in his crib.

Last week Chloe ran a fever for a day and then was congested and had a runny nose for a few following days. While she was sick, she slept more than usual. She was fussy, but slept good and long once we got her to bed.

Connor woke up again at 3 a.m. and was inconsolable. We used to take turns, each one of us getting up with the babies when they woke up every other night. Since lately both babies have been sleeping through the night, I wasn’t really paying attention to the "turn" schedule. Carl said it was his turn and kept getting up for Connor, but when he wails like he did we both wake up and worry.

However, at 6:30 a.m. when we were getting ready for work and checked in on Connor, he was a happy morning baby again and his fever was gone. We’ll see if he gets the congestion now too or if it was a one-night thing.

Shocked Chloe

I don't know if she's surprised we're taking a picture or what, but this was just too cute not to share.

5/12 Connor Band Update

Connor is doing great with his DOC band. At our visit today we learned his head has grown 22mm and is growing so fast we'll continue to have weekly appointments to check his progress. 

When the technician took off his band you could really start to see the difference his head shape. You also notice that his hair has grown quite a bit and he's getting a full head of blonde hair.

When I Was Pregnant

I few nights ago I had dinner with my Mom, just the two of us and the conversation came around to being Moms and being pregnant. She said when she was 36 (I was 16 and Brian was 11) there were a couple of days she thought she was pregnant again. She didn’t tell anyone but started planning how she would handle the pregnancy. She thought, “I’m going to have to slow things down and take it easy, I’m going to have the rest of the family help out more, I have to take care of myself.” The reason she was concerned was at 36 she would be a little older and it just wouldn’t be as easy as the other pregnancies. As it turned out she wasn’t pregnant after all, but it got me thinking about my own pregnancy and I realized how really hard it was.

Carl and I had already been on an emotional roller coaster just trying to get pregnant. It took three years for me to get pregnant. At the office I continued to work hard, but also push hard to get promoted. All the while I knew I was trying to have a baby, but I didn’t want that to hold me back at work. It was a very stressful time leading up to the pregnancy, but it intensified once I learned I was pregnant.

I had been pregnant for two months when I was promoted. I remember at Easter announcing to my family I made principal and I was having twins. Now that I’d finally been promoted I felt a ton of pressure to prove I deserved it and not seem like I was slacking because I was pregnant. Since I would use my vacation and sick days for maternity leave, I couldn’t take off any time while I was pregnant. I worked every single day and I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder.

In addition, I had a high-risk pregnancy since I was of "advanced reproductive age," at 38, compounded by the fact I was having twins. Near the end of my pregnancy I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This caused even more pressure and strain in an already stressful situation since I had to carefully plan meals and snacks for carb count and take my blood sugar throughout the day.

I plugged along and did whatever had to be done.

In the conversation with Mom the other night I just realized what an incredibly challenging pregnancy it was. I was so lucky everything went well, but I really put too much pressure on myself to do too much. I didn’t like being pregnant, but I do like having the twins and often I can’t believe how incredibly lucky I am to have Carl, Connor, and Chloe in my life.

Let's Chat

I’ve mentioned that Connor is a bit of a talker. One evening when we were at dinner I got this video of Connor having a little conversation. I’m not sure if he’s mimicking the buzz of the conversations around him or having his own little discussion, but he has a lot to say.

Additionally, obviously Chloe isn’t the only Swan twin who can put their foot in their mouth.

How Things Change

You know when you have babies your life will change forever. We’ve been adapting as well as we can, but recently I’ve noticed some funny little things that change around the household.

Nightstand accessories now include a baby monitor in addition to any books or magazines you no longer have time to read.

If you once thought you had a contemporary look to your home, all the random baby toys do not contribute to the cool, modern, design aesthetic.

You’ve really crossed over into parenthood when you use the wine rack as a baby bib drying rack.

Evening Walks

Since the weather has been so lovely lately, we've been taking a walk every evening with the babies and the puppies. We usually try to do this when they start to get a little fussy, later in the evening, but before it's time for their last bottle

They really seem to love going on walks, but recently they've started falling asleep before we get back home.

The babies aren't the only ones who get worn out from the walks. Max and Leo get really excited when we start strapping the twins into the stroller because they know they get to go too. We don't even get half way around the block and Leo's tongue starts hanging out. By the time we get back up to the house the puppies are dragging in and both tails are drooping.


Overall all of the Swans are enjoying our evening walks. I don't know what we'll do when the Texas summer kicks in. Maybe we can buy a fan accessory for the fancy stroller.

Miss Manners

We’ve gotten a lot more comfortable taking the babies out to dinner with us. Although we go to La Duni so frequently now we may get a nameplate on our very own table.

The twins hang out in their stroller through most of the meal and are pretty entertained by all of the activity around us, but if someone starts to get a little fussy we let them sit in our lap.

I guess we’re going to have to work on etiquette with Chloe. Rule 1: no feet on the table, it’s just not polite no matter how cute those little feet are.

Connor’s DOC Band Update

The first week of Connor’s band has been a little challenging. At first the band was rubbing in a few places on his head and made a part of his check red and raw. We ended up having to take him back in twice after the initial fitting to finally get the band shaved down a little.

In addition, Connor had to get use to wearing it. He sometimes pulls on the Velcro strap and at first it seemed like he was having a little trouble getting to sleep with it on.

Now that it’s been a few days, we have the size right and he seems to barely notice he’s wearing it.

Carl took Connor in for his weekly visit this morning and we’ve learned there’s been good progress overall:

• 3mm of growth in the last week 
• Rounding has started at the back of the head 
• Forehead is holding steady

I appreciate everyone checking in on our progress, we’ll keep you posted as we learn more.

Lap Time

Max and Leo are our first babies, but they recognize that it takes the whole family to help raise twins.

Both puppies have been very sweet around the babies and Max in particular will lay down in the babies room with us when we’re feeding them and rocking them to sleep.

Connor is very interested in the puppies lately and wants to touch them. He’s not very good at petting gently and ends up grabbing at fur sometimes. Leo will get close to him but knows Connor might pull his ears or grab his fur so he doesn’t get too close. But then sometimes Leo gets close enough to lick Connor in the face and then run off. Connor loves it!

When the babies take a nap or go to sleep at night the puppies know it’s now their lap and nap time.

Sweet Baby Morning Angel

Sleep is a good thing for everyone. Just like me, the twins get really cranky if they don’t have enough sleep or miss a nap. However, when they do get their sleep they are so happy when they wake up.

I snapped this shot of Chloe when she woke up from a nap the other day. I just love how happy they are to see us when they wake up.

Everyone Loves Jumpy

Things change so fast.

The twin’s favorite pastime was hanging out in the rainbow rainforest. They'd lie on their backs and look up at the satin butterflies, the twinkling lights and bat at the monkey or elephant. Now they just roll right out of it and keep on rolling.

To contain them a little better and keep them entertained they've been hanging out in their jumpies. Each jumpy has a keyboard they can play music on, a mirror, and tons of toys all around. You can move the hanging toys to different locations. 

The other day I came home and Maria had a dog toy hanging from one of the links. This makes it really hard for me to teach the dogs not to play with the babies’ toys when the babies are playing with puppy toys. 

Here’s a video of fun in the jumper.

Tools for Teething

Both Connor and Chloe are teething, but it’s been really rough for Chloe lately.  Later in the day, early evening, she's tired and worn out and her teeth seem to bother her more. She doesn’t usually cry very much at all, so you know she’s really uncomfortable when she does.

Per his usual operating procedure, Carl did some research on the best teethers out there and found Sophie the giraffe teether. We have one for each twin and we’ve learned that our cousin Andrew Swan loves his Sophie giraffe too.

Hopefully we’ll work through teething soon. It’s so frustrating to know the babies are uncomfortable or in pain and there really isn’t much you can do to help.