A Visit to the Sea Life Aquarium

We were hoping to make it to the State Fair this week, but it was just too hot for the kiddos.  Instead, we  headed to the air conditioned Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America.  Owen goes crazy for the fish in the doctor's office, so we figured Sea Life would be a hit.  It was!  Both babies were mesmerized by the fish, sharks, turtles, etc. swimming around them.

Owen was happy with the small aquarium by the elevator. 

This kid is going to ask us for a fish as soon as he can talk!

This little one loved looking at the fish,  too, but was willing to look away to ham it up for the camera.

Later in the afternoon, Owen really wanted to snuggle.  Unfortunately, Maren did not. 

Seven Months Old!

Last week, Owen and Maren turned 7 months old.  At their six month check-up, our doctor told us that we would begin to see stereotypical boy/girl behaviors from the twins.  He said that, as a boy, Owen would likely explore his environment a bit more actively than Maren (in other words - start baby proofing).  We got to see these stereotypes in action recently, as both babies got their hands on a roll of toilet paper.  Maren rolled out two squares, and neatly rolled them right back.  You couldn't even tell she touched it.  Owen, on the other hand, started shredding, and it was very clear that he had touched it.  

Other than playing with toilet paper while waiting for their turn in the bathtub, here's what the twins have been up to. 

Maren

• She can roll and roll and roll to reach just about anything.  I think she will be crawling very soon. 
• She is willing to try any food, as long as it is served with a side of bananas.  Maren cries if she doesn't get bananas, and she also cries when she finishes her bananas.  Mealtimes have become a little noisier since we introduced bananas.  
• She is obsessed with different textures.  She loves to just sit and touch her many different quilts and  blankets.  She can't get enough of the different fabrics, colors and designs.  She has also been watching Project Runway with me, so maybe we have a designer on our hands.

Owen

• He is so close to sitting up on his own.  He can do it for a few seconds at a time and does really well when he is popped up.  He is happy sitting up with a stack of toys in front of him. 
• If he touches something, it becomes his.  For example, if you are drinking from a water bottle and let Owen touch it, you are not getting that bottle back without a fight.  He has an amazing grip.  
• He has turned into a little cuddle monster.  He will wrap his arms around your neck and squeeze while burying his face in your shoulder.  If he keeps this up, it could get him out of a lot of trouble when he is older.  

While we wait for construction to begin on our house, something else in our lives is already "Under Construction"....Owen's head!  Owen has mild Plagiocephaly, which is a fancy name for a flat spot on the back of his head.  We are working to correct it with physical therapy and a Cranio Cap.  It was a harder adjustment for me than it was for Owen, who wears his cap like a champ.  I didn't think it was possible, but it might actually make him cuter!

Six Month Pictures

A few weeks ago, the twins had their six month photo shoot with Jenn from Cheesebrow Photography. They look amazing! Click on the link below to check them out.

http://www.cheesebrowphotography.com/Clients/Portrait/Ide-Twins-6-months/31020667_MBfHSR#!i=2683151572&k=MwxHMGM

Our Poor House

On Tuesday, a storm left our home and neighborhood in pretty bad shape!  We should be finding out today if our house is safe to live in or if we will be relocating for awhile.  Until we know either way, the twins and I are staying with my parents while Josh works with the insurance company, a tree service, contractors. . . I'm sure this list is going to get a lot longer!

Here are some pictures of the damage.

The front of our house

 The view from our neighbor's driveway - her tree also fell on our house. 

The view from our front door

 A closer look at our beautiful Maple Tree

 Our house was very popular with local news stations.

The side of our house and damaged fence

 The view from our backyard

Click here to see what Maren thinks of the storm. I couldn't agree more!    

While we are in limbo waiting to find out if and when we will get to go home, we are tyring to keep things as normal as possible for the twins.  On Saturday, we hit up the Highland Park Pool with Aunt Annie.  

Here we are rocking our shades. 

Owen loved watching other kids play in the pool. 

Later that evening, Aunt Annie was in charge of feeding Owen, and this happened!

Giggles from Owen

I broke my foot last week, and Owen thinks my boot is hilarious.  Check out his amazing giggles here! There is no dramatic story behind the broken foot.  I just took one wrong step and am now stuck in the boot for awhile.  At least someone thinks it's funny!

Baptism

Owen and Maren were baptized last weekend in an outdoor ceremony at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.  The weather was beautiful, and we had a great time celebrating with family.  I was a little worried about how the babies would react since they are both starting to become a little leery of new people and situations.  But, they were champions!  There were no tears. . . just a little gas (Owen).

Thank you to Uncle Daniel for taking all of these pictures for us!

Owen is ready to go

Maren  being  baptized

Owen's turn

Owen hanging with Aunt Sarah during the service 

Maren with Dad and sponsors, Aunt Annie and Uncle Timothy

Maren and her sponsors

Owen and his sponsors, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Eric

A few family photos

Maren looking adorable in her dress. 

Maren and Aunt Annie

Owen living it up at the after party