Natural Disasters, Kisses and Fist Bumps...

17 months old
Wow…that was fast! It’s almost September which marks the half birthday of our teeny-tiny twosome Astral and Defy! The boys will be 18 months old in a couple of days! That’s a year and a half and also only 6 more short months until they are 2…

This has been quite an exciting month. We’ve had family visit from the Midwest, an earthquake and a hurricane of sorts. Astral and Defy would have slept through the earthquake if it wasn’t for daddy yelling an expletive when the house started shaking. They went right back to sleep though and had no clue what was going on. Fortunately everyone was fine and only a few things were broken from falling off of shelves, etc. I was at lunch with a colleague in Arlington, and it actually took a while before we realized it was a natural disaster rather than a man-made one. People in the DC Metro area are somewhat paranoid…talk about PANIC. When we got back to the office, the building had been evacuated and people were just beginning to roll back in.

This past weekend hurricane Irene made her debut, but didn’t really hit our area badly (yeah…no coast here), but since the media hyped it up people were running around, frantically clearing grocery store shelves, and preparing for the apocalypse. We had a lot of rain, some high winds but thankfully no power outages in our neighborhood. Tree branches were everywhere, but besides that no other sign of a hurricane.

Cafe Green - Duk Bok Gi, Jobche , Quinoa Burger, Chocolate Shake and Spicy Green Juice w/ Organic Vodka

Lucas and I have been together for almost 10 years and this month celebrated our 5^th year of marriage! We worked together when I was an undergraduate and our first date was a keg party the day after Valentine’s Day. After that one night we were inseparable! We celebrated a nice dinner out with just us for the first time since I was hospitalized for strict bed rest at 28 weeks pregnant. It was so weird not having the boys with us, since we’ve chosen to do a more attachment style of parenting. Lucas' family was in town and took care of the boys while we were out. We dined at this great 100% vegan restaurant in DC, Café Green. The food was ridiculously delicious!

Astral and Defy aren’t eating as much as usual right now. We’ve been assured that this is a normal phase that many toddlers go through. They will eat all the fruit you can put in front of them, but are pretty picky with their other usual favorites. Thankfully they still love their smoothies and green juice, so we pack them full of green veggies, legumes, seeds, flax oil and other fats like olive oil or avocado. I am still nursing, and they also drink about 20 plus ounces of enriched coconut milk a day. Star and Sunny are enjoying this phase because they get all the rejected food that Astral and Defy throw on the floor, but mommy and daddy aren’t quite as happy about it!

the tofu scrambles they took a few bites of and then fed to the pups

They are talking so much more now; they basically mimic whatever we say (if they are in the mood) in their baby talk language of course. It is so cute to hear their little vocal cords at work. They are starting to say the names of people which is totally heart melting.

They’ve recently mastered the fist bump. A few weeks ago a cousin tried to give them a fist bump instead of a high-five. No one had tried it before and ever since they’ve been fist bumping. Defy just holds his fist out to everyone he meets. It is super freaking adorable. I am sure there’ll be many secret handshakes in their future.

Astral is our stubborn boy and really won’t do anything by request right now; they’ve traded personalities yet again. He will look just look at us like, "yea right", and continue doing whatever he was doing (so like mommy). Defy will shower us with kisses, but a kiss from Astral is a rare and beautiful little treat. Defy actually kisses everything from the phone while talking to one grandma or another to illustrations in his books. Speaking of books, they are such little book worms! Sometimes when you walk into the room they will just be sitting right next to one another, each with a book on their lap. They’ll be side by side, intensely eyeing the pages like they are reading about some complicated theory, then all of a sudden they’ll switch books and continue "their studies". It’s just too much!

They also love to draw, color, throw balls, run from one end of the room to the other (sometimes high-stepping), and ride their tricycles. Their feet can almost reach the pedals on their tricycles. The packaging said they were made for 3 years and up, but I think they’re almost tall enough to get cruising on their own.

Timing is always a challenge with multiples when there is one parent on duty, but today everything ran smoothly and Lucas was able to take them to their first baby concert this morning. They love music and dancing so we thought they might enjoy it. They weren’t at all thrilled with it; Lucas enjoyed it way more than they did. They didn’t dance as expected and Astral only clapped once. Yes, just one single clap. Defy cried a bit and they hung really close to daddy the entire time. They are off and on when it comes to large crowds. They each seem to prefer their brother over any other playmate, which is normal with identical twins.

Astral had his first splinter on Sunday and we had to remove it with tweezers. It was a two person job and was just awful. Astral is also the same little guy that a couple of weeks ago took a spill down some concrete steps out in the neighborhood and scraped his little nose and upper lip area. It was so terrible! It bled a little and then looked raw for a week or so. It is healing up nicely, but is still pinkish. This happened while I was at the office, but if I was there at the time I’m sure I would have panicked and unnecessarily rushed him to the ER (another reason Lucas is a great choice for the stay at home parent). This little injury happened as a result of a new found independence. He wanted to hold the handrail on his own and walk down the steps like a big boy. It is super hard to know that letting go may equal falling down at times, but we realize that we just might have to let go in order for them to go for IT…

16 months old

1,2,3 JUMP...

16 months old

15 months old

Yes, the neglecting blog guilt has set in and I am racing the clock to get a July post done. The boys just settled off to sleep after a wilder than usual bedtime routine of dancing and jumping off of beds like the little daredevils they've come to be. Needless to say their bedtime seems to be getting later and later with the sudden burst of joyful energy that happen in the evenings. They wear us out, but we enjoy every second of life with Astral and Defy. Thankfully I have a few moments to spare to catch you up on our lives, with the hopes of more time in the next week.

So Astral and Defy are now 16 months, though in just 3 days they will be 17 months old. Since our last blog we flew out to the midwest for a visit with Lucas' side of the family, when the boys were still 15 months. It was a wonderful trip and it is always great to spend time with our loved ones that we don't get to see as often as we'd like. The flights there and back were quite awful to say the least.

Everything started out well on the way there, until we were in the air for a while and both boys started to cry hysterically at the same time for what seemed like the longest 15-20 minutes of our lives. The guy sitting next to me got up and walked to the front of the plane while rubbing his temples. Nothing worked to soothe them, holding them together or apart, snacks, toys....NOTHING! We had totally become "those people" times 2!! Then suddenly they just stopped and were happy little guys the rest of the trip.

On the way back the entire trip was horrendous. We got stuck in a longer than usual security line and DnA cried the entire time. Lucas and I were both sweating and almost in tears by the time we finally got through. They didn't fuss much on the plane, but of course the unthinkable happened upon arrival back home. THE AIRLINE LOST OUR FREAKIN' LUGGAGE. Of course we didn't know they lost it at first, we waited forever at the baggage claim and as the minutes passed Astral and Defy became more and more agitated. Who could blame them, we were all exhausted and ready to be home!!! Once I realized it was never going to come around on that damn carousel we went to make a report . Of course, they had no explanation as to why our luggage hadn't arrived and promised to have it delivered within 24 hours. That 24 hours turned out to be more like 48 hours, but oh well at least we were home. Traveling with twin babies or toddlers in no easy feat and we hope to avoid it for a while. While we planned to travel to Europe with the boys before they turn 2 to visit family, that plan has been totally scrapped for a couple of years AT LEAST! We need to keep our sanity...

Lucas assembled the boys' cribs into toddler beds a couple of weeks ago and we are transitioning them slowly but surely from co-sleeping. We are currently sleeping in their room with them while they get used to sleeping on their own. They are so cute in their big boys beds.

Astral and Defy have a new skill: JUMPING. They love to jump off of things, especially their toddler beds. It is so scary how dangerous they are, but they will stand on just about anything and jump off. While amazing to watch, with each landing bump I think I lose a year off my life.

Their communications skills are fabulous and improve every day. They can say many words new words, the newest being airplane and bunny rabbit. While we are cherishing every stage of their life, this has to be the most exciting. Being able to communicate through language will bring our fun to a whole new level!

The boys are eating everything now. If it's vegan, organic and a whole food they've probably tried it! Their most recent favorites are cherries and nectarines.

The summer is in full effect here and days have been filled with parks, pools and play dates. Some days are so hot that Lucas has to find indoor activities to keep the boys busy. They've been enjoying the library, though last week when Lucas took them to their first story-time (children's book reading) they absolutely hated it. Perhaps it was the non-vegan story about cooking eggs. You just never know with toddlers...

Happy 15 Months to Astral and Defy…

Today Astral Defiance and Defy Aster turn 15 months old. They’ve come a long way since they were born at 5lbs 13oz (D) and 6lbs 8oz (A). We have their big 15 month check up next week. We can’t wait to see how much they’ve grown in the past 3 months.

After reading my last post I started remembering things that I failed to mention about the guys, so I thought I’d do an additional quick post. Wow…I know, 2 posts in 1 week!!!!!

I stopped pumping about 2 weeks ago. I started it off with a trial run the first week to see if I could get through the day without too much pain, pressure or leaking and it all went very smoothly. I nurse the boys in the morning, right after I get home from work, at bed time and during any times they wake up in the middle of the night. Thank goodness everything seems to be working fine. I love the connection I share with Astral and Defy when nursing and I don’t intend on stopping any time soon, but I am so glad that I don’t have to carry that bulky pump around with me anymore. They also get plant milk, water and green juices throughout the day. Their favorite plant milk is fortified coconut milk and their favorite juice mix would probably be a toss up between kale/strawberry and broccoli/peach. I can’t ever imagine giving them cow’s milk or sugary processed juices.

We introduced the potty to the boys at 10 months shortly after they both started walking. After 4 months of them using the potty on and off when we put them on it, they both went to their potties at the same exact time and peed in them on their own. We were beyond thrilled, though after they stood up from their potties they both simultaneously peed on the floor. We sometimes let them run around in just a t-shirt to air out and see if they will take the initiative to use the potty. I know we still have a long way to go, but the fact that they did it on their own was stellar and brings us one step closer to not having to clean their cloth diapers…

As far as other milestones go during month 14 they perfected the art of self feeding with a spoon and learned how to get down the stairs on their own fairly safely. Climbing up the stairs was easy and mastered quite early on, but getting back down safely was a little harder. They are also getting really good at removing their own shirts and almost able to put them on as well.

We are so proud of our twin tots and all of their accomplishments. I love when people ask us if we are raising them vegan as they are living proof that vegans of all ages can be happy, healthy and vibrant...

To All a Goodnight…

5/29 14 months old

Defy Aster

Astral Defiance

14 months old

Whew…This month has flown by. I struggled all month to get a post up, but I REFUSE to let a month go by without updating this blog at least once. There are so many reasons I strive to keep the blog going, but the most important reason for this blog is to combat all the misinformation out there about veganism. Vegans can easily have healthy pregnancies, healthy children and healthy lives. Astral and Defy are proof of this. They are the best examples, times two!

There are a lot of people who read this blog from all over the world and every time I check the stats I feel an ever-growing responsibility, even with limited time. Almost every time I find a new vegan parenting, family or pregnancy blog I am disappointed with what I read and see. I just want to find consistent vegan, no-compromise messages out there, but there are few and far in between when it comes to children, pregnancy and families.

As I write my eyes are red and itchy from being outside in the 100 degree, pollen filled air at lunch. As I have said before, I hope Astral and Defy DO NOT inherit mommy’s allergies. Maybe this can be my excuse for ranting a bit. I never usually use this blog as a platform for complaints, but sometimes you just have to let it out.

Breathe out…

Our little guys are now 14 months old, though they will be turning 15 months in 3 days. Astral and Defy continue to learn new things at record speeds. The amount of objects, animals, people, etc they can identify is amazing. In addition to constantly pointing out things and explaining what is going on around them, we use flash cards and books to teach them new items. I think there is a lot to say for the no television rule. These kids are always engaged and never pacified by the magical branding machine. For 14 month olds they have a great amount of patience and are very observant. The boys are still a little shy at first with new people, but they are warming up faster and faster as time goes by.

With the scorching temperatures comes pool season! The boys have been thoroughly enjoying outdoor water play. They love playing outside, going on long stroller adventures and walking around the neighborhood with daddy. Recently walking indoors and out has morphed into very fast, reckless running which has led to various minor injuries. In one week we had a busted lip and chin. For the lip debacle I totally panicked and almost drove to the ER, but Lucas always the voice of reason calmed me down and everything turned out fine. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the bumps, bruises or scrapes…

DnA continue to eat an amazing vegan diet and have added even more new foods. I’m sure I’m forgetting something on the yummy new foods list, but here goes:
Swiss Chard
Cantaloupe
Sugar Snap Peas
Watermelon
Cucumbers
Grapes
Tahini
Black Strap Molasses
Papaya
Tamari
Canola Oil
Romaine Lettuce

We are gearing up for the second plane trip with the boys in the next couple of weeks. NOT EXCITED. This time we don’t have business class seats with the extra room. The boys were just learning to walk the last plane trip so obviously now they are way more mobile. We will be bringing lots of snacks and distractions. Wish us luck!!!

Astral and Defy are obsessed with the children’s book we read to them before bed. We both read the book out loud to them in unison in silly singsong voices. The very last page reads “Goodnight!” so now of course every time we get to the last page the boys say, "GUH-NIE". They are so adorable greeting the mornings with "hehwo wohd" and ending the nights with "guh-nie". Little things like this make all the bathroom totally drenched after bath-time, oatmeal in your hair and on your clothes right before you walk out the door to the office, random cry fest in the middle of the store moments of parenting so worth it…

Spring Bees and Scraped Knees...

Astral Defiance and Defy Aster @13 months old (nice undies daddy...)

Spring is officially upon us and the boys are enjoying the beautiful weather. Astral and Defy are leaving the stranger anxiety phase behind and for that we are totally grateful. They quickly become acclimated to their new surroundings and seem to enjoy interacting with others outside of our immediate little pack.

We are constantly running after these guys, they are attracted to anything and everything that could possibly hurt them or get them into trouble. Defy fell outside while playing and had his first scraped knee, he didn’t cry but I almost did. I know this is only the first of many scrapes. Keeping track of them is definitely a full time job! Baby proofing is a never ending when you have two toddlers.

With Spring now in full effect I hope DnA don’t inherit my pollen allergies. Thankfully Lucas doesn’t have allergies, so maybe they’ll luck out. I really just need to stop over-analyzing every sporadic sneeze. They are enjoying their time outside and all the animals and insect friends they are meeting. They watch the squirrels play in the trees and have met some big buzzing bees for the first time. Our boys have such great attention spans for 1 year olds.

Astral and Defy just love when we sing I’m a Little Teapot; they do the motions with us. Their favorite part is the “tip me over and pour me out” motion. These little sprouts catch on so quickly and their comprehension is through the roof. They are constantly learning new things and pointing to objects they find interesting. They seem to be saying “wa dat” (“what’s that”) as they point to specific things. We aren’t sure if that is what they are saying, but we act like it is and engage them. They now say their own versions of dog, girl, baby and ball as well. Again, these guys are so in sync with one another and so are their milestones.

They might not look exactly alike, but every day we are still blown away by their actions and interactions. They still fight over toys sometimes, but they love one another so much. They hug and kiss and make the other laugh uncontrollably, which totally makes up for the fighting. It must be so awesome to have a permanent partner in crime to do everything with. Whenever I see a kid playing outside alone I am reminded that twins may be double the work of a singleton, but they have a built in playmate and soul mate.

Being parents to twins is extraordinary. The approach to parenting two children at the exact same age is very strategic. We are very laid back people, but we do live by scheduled naps, feeding times and bed time routines. We find peace in our schedule and I think the boys do too. It makes the day flow easier. Lucas stays home with the boys and has established a great routine with them. He takes DnA outside to play and on walks in the morning and then again in the late afternoon. It is perfect, because they all get to release some energy (super veggie power), get a bit of exercise and some good old vitamin D. He has them on a really nice nap schedule where they sleep around 2 hours (sometimes even 2.5 hours).

Astral and Defy’s molars are really coming in and they are also getting (the same ones of course) 2 new teeth each in the bottom front. With their new teeth they will be able to eat more coarse textured foods. More organic and vegan fun feeding adventures are ahead. Recent additions to their diet have been:

Raisins

Apricots

Peanut Butter

Walnuts

Collard Greens

Garlic

Onions

Pure Maple Syrup

Nori

Lima Beans

Navy Beans

Kidney Beans

Red Chili Beans

Barley Flour

One of their biggest and messiest new skills is spoon feeding. They are able to feed themselves with their baby spoons. Everything is happening so fast!

I love writing and I feel a sense of obligation to continue documenting the healthy existence of our vegan twins. All of the disinformation out there on vegan pregnancy and raising vegan children must be combated. When I peruse other “vegan” pregnancy blogs I am astonished by the number of people that think exploiting animals during their pregnancy is okay. Vegan pregnancy isn’t hard and neither is raising vegan children. Though I was hospitalized due to a shortening cervix, my pregnancy went extremely well especially for carrying identical twins that shared a placenta. Now our babies are almost 14 months old (next week) and are vibrantly healthy, happy and eat plants…yup PLANTS! Yes people babies can survive and thrive with no animal bodies, no animal secretions or other bodily functions (and no television either)!!!

I wish I had more time to blog and expand my subjects and posts, but as you know time is limited. It won’t always be this way, but it is for now and we’re cherishing every moment of them needing us and wanting us. Hopefully in the future I can expand my blog and express all of the great ideas I have floating around in my vegan mommy brain…