Will & Isaac's Blog

2008-03-24T11:39:00.001-07:00

(this is a cross-post from my reglular blog, where I will be publishing pictures and videos of the boys in the future. You can also check their mother's blog.

While shoveling, Isaac and Will would often exclaim: "Bompa, GoGo be SOOO HAPPY!"
(because they were shoveling their driveway or sidewalk).

And just for the record (mom and dad) I did try to "shovel" all their helpful efforts back into the snow banks once they were inside.

This video documents one of the last good shoveling expeditions of the year (for this I am not sad).

And also triggered the lyrics of one of Will's favorite songs in his bulldozing video.

2008-02-01T19:41:00.001-08:00

Some fun recent conversations with the boys...

(Isaac and Mom looking at a picture of trees on a beach)
Isaac: "What is that?" (pointing to the picure)
Mom: " There are some trees and some leaves and some sand."
Isaac: "Bulldozers pick up sand..."
Mom: "Really?"
Isaac: "and dirt and stones..."
Mom: "You are right."
Isaac: "and rice..."
Mom: "Rice?"
Isaac: (shaking head very dramatically) "...and oatmeal."

(Will at the dinner table spreading cheese sauce all over his hands and the table)
Mom: "Will, what are you doing?"
Will: "I making art." (pronounced 'ot')
Mom: "Wow, buddy. Good job."
Will: "Mom, this pretty." (pronounced 'pity')
Mom: "I know. I love it."
Will: "Mom, this beautiful." (I have no idea where he learned this word!)
Mom: "You are right."
Will: "Mom, this beautiful and I cute...
(long dramatic pause)
Will: ...and I have a haircut!" (At this point, he laughs at himself because he knows how hysterical he just was.)

2007-12-14T10:31:00.001-08:00

Remember this day? I was at work last week, and one of the nurses told me a visitor was asking to see me. I walked into the room and the visitor was the boys' birth mom. I have not seen her since the boys were born. A flood of emotions came over me. Tears instantly came to my eyes. I cannot even begin to describe the amount of grattitude and respect I have for this brave girl. She has brought so much joy to my life. She gave me the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

Seeing her brought back so many memories of this amazing day. Seeing them for the first time... holding them and telling them how much they were loved...giving them their first bath...every moment with them was a miracle.

I continue to be amazed by them, even when they dump their whole bowl of cheerios and milk over their head at the breakfast table. Now that the mess is cleaned up, it is easier to laugh about. They thought it was hilarious!

2007-12-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm Learning to be a Better Listener

I miss the cabin, and this was a fun trip.
In the mornings, i would warn isaac and will that the dock was slippery, and that it would be dangerous to walk on it until the sun came out and dried up the rain.

I remember being really confused about why Isaac wanted to tell me that there weren't any ducks sleeping on the dock...

...until today when I watched this video and understood perfectly what he was really trying to say.

"We wouldn't want to wake up any ducks"

...nice one dad

2007-11-19T13:18:00.001-08:00

Day At The Zoo
photos by Tony Petty

Tony and Tara invited the Rudd Boys and the Corbin Three for a day at the John Ball Zoo.

The big cats were more active than I have *ever* seen big cats. The monkeys were fantastic. The llamas were feisty. The penguins were undignified. The Old-Man-Fish was unforgettable. Our hosts were generous, and a fantastic time was had by all.

ps. I highly recommend the john ball zoo this time of year. less traffic, lots to see. I think I want to go back again this winter

As if the day could be improved, Tony and Tara led our entourage back to their Jenison home, where they had secured a shark tent and a zebra tent for the boys to nap in, fantastic art projects were provided for Willow and Ginger, followed by a brilliant dinner.

i'll be posting a couple of tony's videos on my blog.

2007-11-03T05:45:00.001-07:00

Eency Weency Halloween Spiders
(guest appearances by ashley, gage, and jax)

2007-10-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

this just in:

a voicemail from will

via. nonnie (grandma sue)

2007-10-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Chasing Squirrels.

2007-10-05T09:25:00.001-07:00

I took the boys to Olivet this weekend for a fun-filled weekend including a special night at Auntie Em's house, Olivet High School's homecoming football game, and Jessie Smith's wedding.

Highlights of the weekend were definitely staying on the Sowles' alpaca farm. They also have 4 dogs, which the boys loved playing fetch with. They had many fun tractor rides with Papa Tom (Aimee's dad), and they even fell asleep on one of the rides.

They were enthralled by the marching band at the football game and kept yelling "more drum", "come back" whenever the band would stop playing music. The half-time show was moderate at best, but Isaac and Will thought it was the greatest thing ever. They stood there with their mouths half open, and they were in complete awe.

The wedding was beautiful and we saw a lot of old friends. The boys were definitely a hit...everyone loved them and could not believe how cute and social they were. The pictures above

2007-10-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

"A Cow Jumping Over the... MOOOOOON"

Story Time is the most important part of the winding-down-for-bed rituals.

Sometimes that objective gets derailed during "The Little Red Caboose".

A couple nights ago something flipped Isaac's hilarious switch, Will quickly followed suite, and it was impossible for me not to play along.

(the camera was close by, so now you can be too)

2007-09-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

you may not recognize all the lyrics
but the tune is definitely there.

Will, my little Star.
(thanks to andrea for capturing this on my voicemail)

haven't posted pictures for a while.
so here are some from our slummer sledding adventure.

2007-07-24T04:05:00.001-07:00

you may have noticed an influx of motorcycles last weekend.
Somehow the boys caught word.
Consequently we took a total of four trips downtown.
cruising lakeshore drive... yelling, pointing, squealing, staring...

The adventure culminated in a ride on the Trolley (it takes a bout an hour to do the whole route, and the boys loved every minute).

I told them we had just been to Disney Land. That should save some money down the road.

2007-06-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

"hit"

2007-06-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

"Swing"

2007-05-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

more video later...

2007-03-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

Took the Boys to the Circus Yesterday

You may sense Will's excitement about the "Flying Motorcycle" act as he bids them goodbye, blows them kisses, and then uses a combination of utterances and pantomime to share his interpretation of the event.

Isaac was a big fan of the camels.

2006-12-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our 2006 Christams Letter can be found here:

www.ruddchristmasupdate.blogspot.com

2006-12-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Remember this video?

2006-12-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

Fall pics

2006-12-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

Fun in the Snow

2006-11-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2006-09-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

9 months of gestation in 20 seconds - New Version!

The first national broadcast of my music!!

Currently #2 on youtube.com, featured on NBC and CBS,

Music by Stock20.com

2006-09-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

2006-09-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Our first visit to the zoo

They were so proud of themselves for being able to do what all the big kids were doing.

They were fascinated by all the animals. But I think at times they actually enjoyed watching the other kids at the zoo more than they liked watching the animals.

Daniel writes:
The petting zoo might have been their favorite part. Isaac even found a goat that was his size .

Will saw how much fun he was having and started waddling over, laughing as he went.
It was a crowded high traffic area, but all Will could see was Isaac and the goat.

So when a full grown sheep lurched into his narrow field of vision, staring him down, looking for a treat, Will was instantly and horrifically terrified.

of course mom was there for some stability (as I was busy documenting the chain of events for historical purposes). Will seemed to enjoy the zoo later on, but I think he was always looking over his shoulder for that massive sheep who could undoubtably materialzie out of thin air at any moment.

2006-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

2006-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

2006-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

At the Beach with the Cousins

2006-07-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

We traded Isaac in for a completely different little boy.

well, that may be an overstatement.... but, he had his first haircut, and we can't get over how cute/different he looks.

2006-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

we know Tara is a good babysitter.
We're not sure about Tony

2006-06-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Language Skills:
The boys are learning new ways to communicate.

They're mastering the essentials of sign language "more" "please" "eat" "cup"

They are beginning to verbalize many things.

Isaac is unable to say, "outside"
He can only shriek it (with exuberant delight).
But it is clearly the word "outside", accompanied by a race toward the door and wild pointing.

Will now shrieks too, not as recognizably, but we get it.

When Isaac sees a dog he points and says "doug"
When Isaac sees anything moving on the grass he points and says "doug"

Will likes to say Mama or derivatives beginning with M and ending with Mahh or Meee.

But what ever Will lacks in linguistics, he makes up for in passion and delivery.

He has all the non-verbals right.

He shrugs his shoulders and raises his open hands.
He nods his head to emphasize an authoritative syllable (this non-verbal will be hereafter represented by this symbol: ^).

Sometimes, in utter frustration, he drops his hands to the ground and lets out a huge sigh, synchronized with slightly rolling eyes. [I have had an UBELIEVABLY long day!]

****

Isaac loves to say "Hot."

I originally explained that he could not have my coffee because it was "hot." I put a little extra sizzle on the word "hot". I wanted "hot" to be clearly dangerous. As if the word itself might burn him.

Isaac loves danger. ...and so he loves to say "hot" --with sizzle.

Every morning he comes to the couch where I (and/or Andrea) have parked with my coffee.

He points to the coffee and says. "Haaaaaaaa ot!"

Daniel: "Hot Coffee"

Isaac: "Hot daw ee"

Will: (waddling over with outstretched pointer finger)

"Ma.. Mammeeee!"

Daniel: "Hot Coffee" (with a little more emphatic enunciation)

Will: "Ma.. MAAMEE!" (with corresponding escalation)

Daniel: "Good job will, try again: 'Hot Coffee'

Will [with some serious passion, and forceful pointing]:

"MAAA! MAAAMEEE!"
^ ^^ ^ ^^

He'll argue with me until lunch if I let him.

****

At lunch a few days ago, I came up from my office to find Andrea working with Isaac on "apple sauce."

Andrea: "Apple Sauce"

Isaac: "daawwwce"

Andrea: "APPLE ...sauce"

Isaac: "ANdle daawwce"

Will [clearly annoyed with Isaac's ineptitude, and punctuating each sylabil with a severe and rhythmic tilting of his forehead.] :
"maaaw MAHHH!"
^ ^

2006-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

We thought we would give professional pictures a try. We hauled the boys all the way to Marshall for these pics by Dennis Craft, who is known around the country for his work with photgraphing children. (To see the other pictures that were taken, go to www.craftphotography.photosite.com)
Look for our group of pictures named "Daniel Rudd" (about half-way down the page on the right-hand side). The password is 49442. Let us know what your favorites are because we are having a difficult time deciding which ones to purchase.

2006-05-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

A Day at the Cottage (photos by Aimee)

2006-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Isaac the Tiger & Willasaurus Rex:

It started about a month ago when will Started growling while wearing his dinosaur pjs.

The game evolved (as did the depth of Will's roar) to:

Mom or Dad: Oh No! It's a Willasaurus!
Will: Roar!
Mom Or Dad: Ahhh! {with frantic movement} SO SCARY!!!

Now Will Roars the moment he hears: "Oh NO, Oh, Scary, Scare, Saurus, etc..."

Isaac decided to get in on the game a couple weeks ago.

His roar isn't as advanced as Will's but it's coming along. We call him Isaac the Tiger.

Tony Petty captured this well and put it on his photoblog (see below)

Willasaurus REX

and here's a good picture of Isaac
(although not roaring, he is wearing stripes)

2006-05-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

From Isaac and Will:

Mom, do you remember when we were this small?

We really needed a lot of time and attention. But you were always happy to hold us and take care fo us.

last year we made you cards...

but this year we wanted to do something special around the house.

So we went to home depot.

Will: I drove the cart.

Isaac: But I picked the materials!
Will: Just cause you had the list...

Luckily they had a self-serve checkout...

...'cause we had to use your credit card.

We don't have any money.

So we finished the TV shelf for you and everything, becasue you are the best mom ever and we love you so much.

Will & Isaac

2006-05-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of our favorite people.

We love you, Bampa!

2006-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

click here for a photo-show (surprise at the end!)
if the pictures don't advance automatically, you can use the "down" arrow

2006-04-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Will and Isaac!

The amazing caterpillar cake was the hit of the party. Aunt Marianne worked so hard on it, and it was delicious! The boys especially loved the chance to have some processed sugars added to their diet. They both loved eating their cake.

They opened an absurd amount of presents and were very excited about all their new toys and clothes. They also thought being the center of attention was very fun!

More birthday pics to come soon...

2006-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Will,

One year ago today, you took us by surprise.
Nothing will ever be the same again.
You've taught us how to love,
and we'll never stop.

-mom and dad

we spent the day hanging out with the birthday boys;
ending the celebration with a stroll down memory lane.
you might enjoy the walk:
Isaac and Will's first blog/story

2006-03-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Andrea and I don't really get into March Madness, but for those of you who do, here is a photo-essay documenting one little spartan's tragic experience last week:

pregame

half-time

one minute left

and the buzzer...

(photo essay by andrea rudd)

2006-03-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

New pictures of the boys

This is Will attempting to get Isaac in trouble. He puts his fingers in Isaac's mouth...and of course, Isaac usually bites him. Will cries, Isaac is reprimanded, and Will promptly puts his fingers back in Isaac's mouth.

The boys are in awe of Aunt Angie's violin.

They both love to watch out the window and see the people and cars going by.

Brushing teeth is so much fun! Isaac likes it so much that he thinks he needs two toothbrushes. Will does not think it is very funny when Isaac steals his toothbrush.

2006-03-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Isaac has a drinking problem. Both boys love their sippy cups and drinking out of regular glasses. Isaac likes to swallow about 50% and send the rest back. With two bibs, everyone's happy.

This is classic "your watching me right?" Will

2006-03-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

This is what I missed so much while I was gone...

2006-03-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

New Film:

How Big Are You?

it's actually a few weeks old, but never before released

(about 6mb)

2006-03-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

but mom...

*please* can we go with you?

2006-02-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

The many tricks of Will and Isaac

This is what Will does when something goes wrong...he and Isaac both think it's hilarious to respond to "Uh oh" or "Oh no" with seizing their head in their hands with great exasperation.

This is what we call Isaac's "troll face". He does it to be funny and loves to make people laugh at him.

Peek-a-boo Will!

Isaac and Will are "soooo big"!

Isaac plays peek-a-boo too!

2006-02-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Will's new toy. They both get so excited while they walk or run behind it. We have already had a few accidental falls, but they continue to be fearless.

Will loves to pull Isaac's hair any chance he gets.

Reading is one of their favorite things, and one of our favorite things to do with the boys. They are already so smart! Will and Isaac love their Grandpa Bruce and Uncle Nick.

2006-02-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

2 new films for your viewing enjoyment:

"Splash" (starring Samuel William)

and

"Catch" (starring Isaac Bruce)

and if you just couldn't get enough of Isaac's prodigious athletic ability you can view:

"Catch: The Extended Version"
(it's the same movie, but it includes the entire game of catch--an extra minute or so)

For this debut, Isaac and Will wanted to distance themselves from "plot-based" entertainment and focus more on raw-cuteness, shocking frivolity, and amazing motor skills. As you can see, we've been working on the "soooo big" thing that all babies must learn.

That film ("Sooo Big") will be released later this week, as well as the long-awaited "Bi-Ped Training Tapes"-a documentary on the evolution of upright transportational techniques.
-Daniel

2006-02-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

This is what I found when I went to wake the boys up this morning...

2006-02-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Finally, more video clips:

If you liked Andrea's soup story/picture, you'll love the motion picture version. Shortly after, we were able to capture will in one of his "dramatic moments."

"Souper-boy"

"The Many Faces of Will"

-Daniel

If you can't stream them, you might try "right click > save target as" *download them to your hard drive, then find the file and play it.

2006-02-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

The buddies are 10 months old today!

2006-01-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

The boys are expanding their experience with food.
Of course it's fun to watch them respond to different flavors and textures.

Will makes noises you might here in an adult movie when he really likes something.

Of course if he doesn't like it, he has several tricks.

Originally, he just locked his mouth shut--like Fort Knox.
You could make him laugh, but he'd do it with his mouth shut (very cute).
He might be frustrated to the point of crying, which remarkably, he can do with his mouth shut.

Next he started flailing his arms to drive the spoon away.
Isaac would "motorboat" for a while when he didn't like a taste (sending it all over everything).

There both doing pretty good about eating now.
No spitting, flailing, or mouth-fortressing

But Will figured out that we won't give him food if he doesn't have his bib on.

So when he decides he is done, or when he doesn't like the food, he violently rips it off and throws it to the floor.
And like everything Will does, he does it with zest.

*****
these pictures don't have anything to do with this story. Consider them a consolation prize for those of you who didn't like the story.

PS. I have some great video footage. I'm going to start editing it soon. I mean it!

2006-01-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

Will and Isaac's favorite new Christmas sweatshirts from Aunt Marianne and Uncle David (and cousins Emma and Liam).

They were a little nervous when they saw eachother in their hoods.

2006-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Musical geniuses at 9 months old!

I really do not want to be known as one of those moms who brag about their kids all the time, but really... have you ever seen two 9 month olds as interested in musical instruments as these? I am convinced that they are prodigies already. We have decided that Isaac will be an excellent drummer someday soon - he has such great rhythm. Will has that perfect pitch and is going to have a beautiful lead-singer's voice, along with his keyboard skills. Daniel is already talking about the band he is going to have with his boys someday. I am so lucky to have such talented boys!

2006-01-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Will's favorite new toy...

I used to be able to fold laundry while they played once in a while, but now that they are moving everywhere - it is almost impossible. They are either trying to crawl inside the basket or knocking over the piles of clothes and playing with them. I have recently found that nap time is the best time to catch up on laundry.

-Andrea
(posted by Andrea via-Daniel's account)

2005-12-26T01:26:00.000-08:00

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS

The boys first Christmas was a complete success. They loved opening presents and they especially loved all the attention they got from everyone. They were definitely the stars of the show and they always love it when people give them attention. They loved watching their big cousins run around and play, and they really enjoyed it when their big cousins would play with them. They think peek-a-boo and reading books with their cousins is so much fun.

Isaac literally crawled through all the wrapping paper to get to where he was going and was so proud of himself. Will put all of his effort into pulling off the wrapping paper piece by piece and then trying to get it into his mouth before we could take it away from him.

The holidays are always a time to think of the many things you are thankful for. Having a holiday with my two babies made Christmas so much more special. It is so amazing how these sweet boys have changed our lives so much!

2005-12-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

Important:

www.chadandmichella.blogspot.com

Send this to your friends. Post this on your blog:
I never ask people to do this, but this is important.

2005-12-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Getting cuter everyday...

...photos courtesy of favorite uncle Eric

2005-12-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

This Isn't Cute at all!

Of course, if you want to find some aspect of my boys that is not adorable, you have to use an otoscope to do it.

But this is what they found at the medicenter.
Isaac's got a double ear infection. Only one of Will's ears are infected, but he had to have a breathing treatment.

They're both on antibiotics now.

Special thanks to grandma glo and honorary grandma debbie for the diagnosis help.

This on the other hand...
Is very Cute!

Uncle Andy took this picture of thanksgiving. It's a great picture of the real Will. And there aren't very man of them. It's very difficult to "capture" Will on any kind of medium. If the camera comes out he stops doing whatever it is you wanted to document.

Isaac is also very sensitive to the camera. But he just turns the cute up a couple notches when you get out the camera.

That's why we have more pictures and video of Isaac's antics. Some have suggested an imbalance. This is a correct observation, but we're really trying...

So here's just a picture of Will.

ps. some great video is in the works... stay tuned.

2005-11-26T06:18:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo

The boys seem to be only mildly impressed by the phenonmenon of snow, although they are both happy for the chance to look devastatingly adorable in their snow hats.

Isaac's newest film ("Peekaboo" co-staring grandma wagenmaker) has just been released.

Will is working on his next solo project, a little piece titled "ah!"

See "Peekaboo" here.
Special Thanks to Eric's ShinyCam. Specail apologies to dialup users--file is 20mb

2005-11-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

It was so good to come home to these faces after being gone for the weekend. I missed my boys so much. I did get to talk to each of them on the phone several times. Isaac and Will both responded to me on the phone, and it made me even more lonesome for them. When I finally arrived home, they would not let go of me. They both kept squeezing and snuggling me - it was such a great feeling to know that they really didn't forget me while I was gone. It was so hard to put them to bed that night. I didn't want to let go of them either.

2005-11-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Vacuum Sucks

...And it blows too.

As it sucks in the air, and blows out the air, filters are supposed to catch the dust and dirt. But they don't catch the noise.

The noise comes howling out, unrestrained, like a herd of wild horses. The twins are generally good sports who enjoy a bit of a startle. But they don't like this.

They were happily bouncing in their jumpers down the hall when I spilled a half cup of un-cooked rice all over the counter and the floor.

I salvaged what I could and grabbed the vacuum to suck up what remained.

Within seconds of releasing the wild horses Will & Isaac broke into simultaneous (stereo) hysterics. They were terrified. I had to rock Isaac for ten minutes to get him to stop sniffling.

Just to be sure that I hadn't missed something, I waited half an hour, took the vacuum two rooms away and ran it for two seconds. I returned to find both of the boys crying and waving their arms for me to pick them up.

It's definitely the vacuum. The vacuum sucks.

2005-11-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

Lions and Bunnies and Bears... oh my

our northside friends gathered at our house for a "pre-all hallowed's eve photo-op".

fur and paws sponsored by: Wagenmaker Greenhouses.

Will's date is noticeably bored with his jokes.

2005-10-31T03:03:00.000-08:00

Isaac has always had a tremendous capacity for laughter (ironic if you know the meaning of "Isaac").

I took this video about 6 weeks ago.

"The Snake"

If you have trouble with the videos try saving them to your hard drive. Right click on the link > select "save target as" > and then choose your location. Once it has downloaed, find the file, and double click on it.

2005-10-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Fall pictures... almost 7 months

2005-10-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

the best thing that's ever happened in the world.

Will is calling my name. dadda, daddy... I have witnesses. He looks for me and says my name. Then when I come, he reaches up his little arms for me to hold him. He's said it to me at least five times today.

Granted: I've been drilling this into his head for almost seven months.

I take his little hands (Isaac too). I put them on his head and say his name. Then I put them on my head and say my name. Every now and then I dedicate a few fleeting seconds too "mama" instruction.

And it's all paid off. You simply cannot understand how incredible it is.

In fairness: Isaac's doing amazing things too... Like solid bowell movements. He's very proud. No seriously. He is developing a hilarious personality. He belly laughs on demand (which sets the world right no matter what).

Soon I will post some really great videos of my laughing boy. Then you'll have an idea of how much I love my life... but just an idea.

2005-10-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Will has a new face. It started out as his pouty face. Then when everyone started laughing at his pouty face, he started doing it all the time. It is very cute. When he finishes making this pouty face, he always smiles and thinks he is so funny!

2005-10-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Will, your mommy loves you so much!

2005-10-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is, as promised:

The new best video ever!

Isaac has uncovered the secrets of non-verbal communication and cause/effect relationships. (while his dad has not yet learned how to spell). Enjoy!

Who's Got My Leg?

Production Notes:
Will and Isaac have been learning (and remembering) the little games that we play with them. For a few weeks they have held their hands in front of our mouths inviting us to "eat" thier arms.

The boys love it when I do situps or pushups in front of thier jumpers (and it probably doesn't hurt for me to get a little excercise either). Well yesterday Isaac decided to put his hand on my leg. When he gave me that mischievious smile, I knew that he was inventing a new game.

After he did it five times I sneakily set up the camera on a tripod down the hall (once they see the camera, they forget everything).

PS. Hey, when's ma going to post again? It's been two weeks!

2005-10-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Different, like Every Other Day

This morning I got up, made bottles, set up a place for feeding/playing/reading in front of the fireplace, turned on some Nora Jones, and went to get my buddies.

I always wait for them to make noises. They know the ritual. They talk to each other for a while. Then they call for me. Sometimes they even say "dadadada". They greet me with big smiles and flailing limbs. I go back and forth to each crib to say "good morning" three times before I actually reach in and pick one of them up. This builds the excitement to the appropriate level.

Then I pick one of them up. (It alternates every monrning) I am sure to get a good cuddle all the way to the feeding couch.

I secure my first buddy while I go get my second buddy. After the bottles we change diapers, read two books, and then play.

This is a sacred hour. Since Andrea works at nights, the morning hours are almost always mine to savor alone (I like it when Andrea's with us too--but this is special and important in a different way).

This morning was perfect, in most ways no different from the last 180 mornings like it--but in a legal sense this morning was different. The boys are fully and irevocably ours.

It didn't feel different. Probably because we have been fully and irrevocably *theirs* for more than six months.

We celebrate the finalization of the adoption. But the beautiful/terrible nature of love dictates that nothing worthwile can ever be truly final or perfectly safe. We don't know how many days we will have to teach Isaac and Will what it means to be loved unconditionally. It's the kind of job you can never finish and you never want to.

2005-10-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Props to Kim for the great product tipoff:

You put a piece of apple or carrot in it.
They can suck, they can chew, but they can't choke.

Isaac thought he was in heaven. He pretty much ate the apple right through the screen. He is his own food processor.

Will on the other hand, does not seem to be an early adopter of new taste sensations. I wonder if he just has more sensitive tastebuds. Every new taste makes him shudder like he's just bitten into a lemon.

ps. you can usually click on the pictures to see a big clear version. (might give you a better look at Will's "shudder face".

2005-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

GOOD Re-Run

Remember the "Surprise Ending Video" ?

Surprise Ending Video

you can catch all the other videos at the old "archival" site:

http://isaacandwill.orchardviewchurch.org

-Daniel

PS. Can't wait to post some new video. Coming soon.

2005-10-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sub-Marginal Portraits

We tried to take the boys' 6 month portraits yesterday. Lake Michigan was a little overwhelming for them (as it should be). Will seems to be especially sensitive to the bright light. So... it didn't go well. But stay tuned. Next week we'll try again in the pumpkin patch...

Here's the best we got... (not touched up or anything)

Us Rudds are in the midst of a lot of changes -life-vocation-technology-gettingteeth-etc... That's part of the reason why I haven't posted much. Things should be settling down soon, and when I get my video editing capabilities back, I am going to post two of the best Isaac&Will videos EVER.

I know I keep saying it, but seriously, they just keep getting better.

Thanks for your patience

-Daniel

2005-10-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

Every day is a new adventure with Isaac and Will. One of my favorite times with them is in the mornings. This morning I heard them wake up about 7:30 and they just were laughing and playing and talking back and forth to each other. I woke up, made bottles, and then couldn't wait to go see them.

Will's crib is the closest crib to the door, so I usually see him first. He has usually rolled over on his back and is just waiting for someone to come pick him up. He is always very excited to see you and just kicks and kicks his legs and has the biggest smile on his face. As soon as you pick him up, he just snuggles right into your shoulder and makes his cooing noise. This makes my day. He gives me several hugs like this a day.

Then I see Isaac who is pushed up on his belly or sometimes his hands and knees (he is getting pretty ready to crawl). Isaac is a very shy boy in the mornings. The instant you acknowledge him, he will give you the sweetest smile and then proceed to bury his head in his sheets (as if he is embarrassed). It is the cutest thing. His legs start going and he looks for you again. The routine starts over, and we both think this is a very fun morning game. When you pick him up, he continues to kick his legs and will laugh at any antic you are willing to perform for him. My day is complete after our "wake-up ritual".

How did I get so lucky?

2005-09-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

The boys are doing new cute things all the time. One of their favorite new tricks is hopping in their johnny jumpers. We have two of them and they face eachother in the hallway. The boys both get so excited to see eachother jumping - they squeal and laugh and jump higher than before. They are both going to be basketball stars if they continue jumping like this.

They are both starting to copy our actions too. They both love to copy us when we cough. They think this is just hilarious, and we cannot help but give them a big reaction when they cough. Lately we have noticed them coughing whenever they want some extra attention, and we are wondering if maybe we should stop this game...

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