Birthday Weekend in the Woods

For my birthday, we went to a small cabin outside of Mt. Hood. It was wonderful (aside from the Cujo moment but that’s another story). The boys were really into the cabin and all their new toys and playroom.

Ruby cracked the twins up with her frantic sand digging and darting.

Look at his awkward, beautiful expression.

Just look at that background! Dom said it looks like Luca is wearing rock shoes in this photo. Now that is all I see.

Dominic showing off his manly rock-breaking skills. 

Precious group hug

Ruby found a safe spot out of reach from poking baby fingers.

The babies loved the hot tub. Luca was so adventurous and fearless. Milo, not so much.

Tom, Dick and Harry Hike

We packed the Civic so full of the twins crap (including the high chairs).

My favorite picture with baby Milo (I am NOT naked in this photo).

Clever baby

It’s 10:18pm and I’m exhausted. Came home from work. Tried to cool off the babies in the kiddie pool. The boys weren’t interested and we ended up chasing them around the yard. Fed them for 45 long minutes. We’re stumped on what to feed them aside from the usual cheese sandwiches and eggs. Bathed them because it’s hot as hell in Portland, but more specifically our house. In return for my tiring day, this image of Milo discovering the joy of swirling a wood doughnut on his arms more than made up for it. He invented this game himself. Such a clever baby. 

I looked up and discovered Milo swirling two round stacking doughnuts on each arm (this photo just captured the one).
His precious face says it all.

Family visit

Last month, we had our Cincinnati family come out to visit. My niece Claire, who is a mother’s helper in Cincinnati, was especially helpful with the twins. She followed me around always ready to lend a hand. 

Grandma Gloria and Milo

A snack break from their first swim at Jamison Park.

Luca was in love with his cousin Hayden. It’s interesting to see spirits connect even at a young age.

Claire holding Milo. Hayden holding Luca.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Untitled from Tram Pham on Vimeo.

DIY indoor swing

R-r-r-ing! R-r-ring! Can I speak to Milo?

I don’t know how Milo knows about talking into a phone but he’s been putting his wood blocks up to his ear and talking. It’s ridiculously adorable. He also put his play phone up to his ear and yapped away. I caught these gems this morning.

Dominic calling Milo on his wood block cellphone. 

“I’m having a hard time hearing you. Let me move to a quieter spot.”

“Much better! Now what were you saying about Friday’s cookie delivery?”

Exploring beyond the nursery

Lately, Milo has been throwing little tantrums. No amount of Cherios, food, milk or toys will calm him down. As his mother, I know exactly what he wants. I know because he stomps his little legs from side to side like a little giant. Milo wants to climb the stairs. We can only do this when both parents are home and each parent is assigned one baby to follow around to prevent them from shutting the doors on their fingers, toppling over the floor lamp, dropping mommy’s house slippers in the toilet, chopping off their fingers in the window fan—you know, all the fun stuff. They love exploring our upstairs bedrooms. Luca actually does a sort of tap-dance and he giggles around the rooms. I guess that’s what happens when you’re caged up in the nursery all day.

They do the same thing each time too. Little creatures of habit. They walk into the bathroom. Drum on the lid of the toilet. Lift up the lid on the trash can. Swing the doors open and close. Walk into the yellow bedroom. Play with the alarm clock. Play with their reflection in the mirror. Walk to the lavender bedroom. Open and close the glass door on the storage shelf. Rock the floor lamp. Play with the floor cords. Repeat. Their happiness is contagious.

Luca explores while Milo naps.

I love me!