Playing with a Polar Bear...

Gents,

 

Sometimes, you just wanna play with a polar bear...

 

Lucky for you guys, we have are own polar bear residing right here in Nevada. His name is Cosmo and you guys think this gentle, fluffy monster is hilarious.

 

He loves to lick your toes and make you giggle. He likes to give you guys slobbery kisses and lets you ride on his back. He thinks you guys are pretty cool. He likes the way you taste too.

 

He kept you guys pretty entertained for quite some time. Braxton, you would giggle every single time he walked by. And, Boston, you would start kicking excitedly anytime he came close.

 

You guys love dogs, which is good, because your dad does too. Cosmo isn't the only dog you think is pretty funny. You liked Lacey too...

 

I love you guys!

 

Love,

Dad



Found Our Feets...

Dudes,

 

For as long as I can remember, I have found it extremely entertaining to sit and watch a new puppy try to run. It is quite humorous to watch them clumsily trip over their own paws while they attempt to figure out how to use their new body. Undoubtedly, there are trips and face plants a plenty while the feeling out process occurs. Every minute of watching this process brings a smile to my face. Few things have ever been able to top the smiles and laughs that come from those clumsy pups...until now!

 

As I have watch the two of you grow, it is incredible to see the changes in your bodies. You boys are growing so tall and strong. And, as you have grown, I have been able to watch closely as you guys have gained more and more control over your bodies. Initially, your bodies were weak. You boys couldn't control your arms or legs. They would flail around uncontrollably, and often times, you guys would hit yourselves in your faces which would undoubtedly end in a symphony of screams. It was heartbreaking but comical to watch. As you have gotten older, you have learned to control those movements that once seemed impossible. You guys use your hands and fingers to grasp objects. You guys control your arms to move your hands where you want. And, while you boys still are lacking in the depth perception department, it is improving.

 

Like the puppy, I have watched you guys struggle with your movements. I have watched you both as you clumsily flailed around. And, I have also watched as each of you has improved greatly with the control of your movements. And, a couple weeks ago...you guys found your feet. Now, you guys had been pretty aware of your feet for quite some time. As we would ride in the car, you guys could been seen looking down at your little toes as you kicked your legs. But, as you control improved, you guys began reaching for your feet...and, recently, you found them.

 

It has been a puppy watching experience all over for me again. It brings a smile to my face every single time your grab your feet.

 

You guys love to play with your feet. You guys love to grab your toes. One of my favorite things to do is to watch you guys as you lay on your backs on the living room floor and watch you guys try to grab your feet. Once you finally get hold of them, you can hold on for a while...but when you do...TIMBER! If you hold on too long, you entire body will roll to one side. Mommy and daddy will yell TIMBER or KNOCKED OVER as you guys begin to roll. You guys find it pretty funny. Boston, your face says it all...

 

You guys love your feet so much that you don't really like when they are covered. Braxton, your face says it all...

 

Now, that face might be just because your feet are in Dallas Cowboys slippers. I cry every time I put mine too. It is rough...but that is another post for another time.

 

 I love you guys very much! Hopefully, you love me as much as you love your feets! Because, ever since you found them, you have refused to let go.

 

Love,

Dad



Hiking the Tunnels...

Boys,

 

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. It was a pretty amazing sight to behold. Living in Southern Nevada, we often forget about all the history, the beauty, and the amazing sites like the bridge, the dam, and the strip that our area has to offer. One of the sites in Southern Nevada is very special to me. I have spent a great deal of time around it and it always brings back fond memories.

 

The site is the Historic Railroad Tunnels in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area. The railroad tunnels were used in the 1930's to bring supplies to the workers at the Hoover Dam. It is pretty crazy to think that trains once used to travel those mountainsides.

 

 In high school, I spent a lot of time on this trails. When I ran cross country, we often practiced on these trails and through these tunnels. I ran on Saturday mornings with Papi here too. So, it is a special place for me. It brings back a lot of memories every time I make a visit. I cannot wait to visit these tunnels with you guys often as you get bigger.

 

This was the first of many visits for our family to this location. We will hike these trails often and maybe one day, we will go for a jog around these old trails. Maybe, one day, we will even run the Turkey Trot together on a Thanksgiving morning. 

In high school, we used to have to run up this big hill to the Hacienda Hotel and Casino and overlook Lake Mead. One day, maybe, we can do that too. One day, we will be able to create all of our own special memories. Hopefully, they will be ones that you remember and cherish for a long time.

This was the first time we went to hike the trail. We started late, and it started to get cold. We had to turn around early, so we didn't even make it all the way to the first tunnel. But, in the near future, we will make it all the way to the end...together!

 

 

I love you guys!

 

Love,

Dad

 



The Messy Faces...

Dear Messy Faces,

 

Time is flying by!

 

You guys are over five months old. The time has gone by so fast. You guys are getting so big. It is unbelievable. Boston, you weigh over 19 pounds. And, Braxton, you weigh over 20 pounds. It is a far cry from the 5 and 7 pound weights that you guys were when we brought you home.

 

Formula alone will no longer do. The time has come for you guys to eat! That's right. It is time to have spoonfuls of veggies flown at your mouth like airplanes. It is time to strap on a bib and have some messy faces! It is time to have stinkier poops. It is time to take yet another step in your young lives!

 

And, you guys are pretty excited...

Usually, you guys will only eat for mommy. Braxton, you love to eat rice cereal and baby food for mommy, but you rarely will eat for me. But, you will always take a bottle from me, and you usually end up with a messy face...

  

Boston, you however, decided this weekend that you wanted to eat for me.

 

And, you ended up with a messy face that I just love.

 

A few days later, you both tried some mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Your faces say it all...

 

I cannot wait to enjoy the many more meals to come. The complaints are sure come with some of the meals, but it will be fun all the same.

 

I love you guys!

 

Love,

Dad



Bridging State Lines...

Dear boys,

As each day passes, I get a more and more excited. It is hard to believe how big the two of you are getting. It has almost been five months since the two of you were born. It is incredible. It gets more fun everyday, and everyday I love you more than I did the day before. Just when I think I couldn't love you guys any more...I do

Today was an awesome day. I love the weekends because I am able to spend a lot more time with mommy and you guys. Today, we decided to take a special trip. So, we all loaded up into the Journey with a Baby Einstein DVD and took off...

For the first time, we took the two of you across the state lines. You can check Arizona off your list. And, hopefully, before too long, we will be able to add Utah to that list too. Unfortunately, when we got to the Nevada sign, you were both asleep. And, the Arizona sign is on the bridge, so we couldn't stop and take a picture. 

After driving quickly across the bridge and into Arizona, we decided to turn around and go back into Nevada, so that we could walk across the massive bridge. It is a sight to behold. A true marvel overlooking another marvel...both of them are right in our backyard.

The bridge was recently completed after years of work. It was built to divert traffic from crossing the Hoover Dam after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The amazing structure overlooks the Hoover Dam and crosses over the Colorado River. The bridge is named the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.



The bridge is named after Mike O'Callaghan, who was a famous Las Vegas and Nevada politician. It is also named after Pat Tillman. Pat Tillman was an amazing individual. He played professional football in the NFL, but after September 11th, Pat left the game he loved and joined the Army Rangers. He served several tours in the Middle East before being killed by friendly fire in the mountains of Afghanistan. This amazing bridge is a tribute...in memory of his ultimate sacrifice.

As we walked up the switchback trail towards the bridge, I couldn't help but be grateful for all those, who like Pat Tillman, sacrificed for my freedom. The freedom that I enjoy every single day of my life. The freedom that allows me to get up on a Sunday morning and take my family to see two of man's modern marvels. It is a glorious thought. We stood on one marvel and overlooked the other marvel. It is pretty cool to do. 

It is crazy to think how high up you are and even more crazy to think about how long ago the Hoover Dam was built. It is truly one of man's greatest achievements. Unfortunately, both of you wanted to sleep when we were looking at the dam. Boston wasn't too happy when mommy uncovered his head, so we didn't even test it with Braxton. So only mommy and daddy were able to enjoy the view from high above.

We also took a picture by the dedication emblem which was pretty cool. Later on, it will be fun to come back here each year and take pictures with you guys. Maybe, you will be awake next time!

After walking the entire bridge and enjoying the view of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River from high above, we decided it was probably time to head home. As we got to the bottom of the switchbacks to the parking lot, Braxton, you started to wake up and wanted to join the party.

But, in the end, a good snuggle was really what you wanted. And, it definitely made my day! 

Boston, you slept the entire time. Even as mommy put you in the car, you slept. After everyone got loaded up, we took a drive down and across the dam. We drove across where we had just looked down just minutes earlier. It was a great day.

I love you guys and I cannot wait to go back with you!

Love,

Dad

1st Halloween...

Dear Ketchup & Mustard,

 

Today was your first Halloween!

 

Halloween is a great time of year. But, you guys weren't as excited about it as your mother was. But, I am sure that in a couple years that will change. You guys will not be able to wait for Halloween to come around. I see our share of superheroes, soldiers, and other persona's in the future.

 

This year, we went to a Trunk-or-Treat at Sunset Pizzeria with Breanna and Brooklyn. We decided to dress-up as a family.

 

I was the hot dog, mommy was the griller, Boston was the ketchup and Braxton was the mustard.

 

Man, you guys are some good looking condiments.

 

Mommy made your costumes and Nana made your beanies. You guys were the hit of the Trunk-or-Treat. And, in the end, you guys had a great time.

 

Boston, you were a party animal and came home from the party ready for more.

 

And, Brax, you had a great time, but the party wore you out.

 

Halloween was great! We all had a great time. I cannot wait until you guys

are old enough to Trick-or-Treat because we are going to have a blast.

 

Love you boys!

 

Love,

The Hot Dog



The Bottle Service...

Since I was ten years old, I have called the combination of the sandy desert, the glitz and glam, and the neon lights of the strip home. For the past 18 years, I have lived in the Las Vegas area. Las Vegas is so different from any other city in the world. It flaunts its 24 hour service, its massive casinos, and its clubbin' atmosphere. It is a place of organized chaos and partying.

Living in Las Vegas, I have heard the term "bottle service" on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, daily...I see a billboard, hear a radio spot, or see a Facebook status update regarding the term "bottle service." Now, since I am a happily married man that doesn't feel the need to go clubbin' and a Mormon who doesn't partake of alcohol to boot, the term is lost on me. For years, I haven't had a reason to have any interest in a "bottle service." But, in recent months, like Will Smith, "my life got flipped-turned upside down." My life became chaotic. I never knew when I was going to sleep or eat. And, with all the craziness, a "bottle service" seemed like it might be a good idea. It seemed like something I needed.

So, on a cool Saturday morning in October, I went out on a mission to figure out what this "bottle service" thing was all about. I jumped in the Dodge Journey, cranked up the radio, and drove off. I wasn't exactly sure where I was headed, but I know it wouldn't be long before I saw an ad for a bottle service. As I drove, I let the wind blow through my hair. After all, there is a lot up there for the wind to enjoy.

It wasn't long though before I was gripping the wheel tight. A tan Ford Taurus darted up the on ramp at Eastern and proceeded to fly across three lanes of traffic to the fast lane...only to slam on her breaks to narrowly miss the taxi cab in front of her. She turned the wheel hard and the car skidded into the middle lane then she smashed down the accelerator to narrowly avoid being rear ended. She was hell on wheels and I was afraid. Maybe this whole bottle service things wasn't worth it.

I drove behind the Taurus keeping my distance. I had no idea what type of Evil Knievel move she was going to try next. The tan death contraption continued to swerve in and out of traffic. As I peered through the back window of the car, I thought I saw the Grim Reaper. I blinked hard and rubbed my eyes. Whew...it was ONLY a woman, but I probably would have felt safer if the Reaper, himself, was driving. She was driving while putting on make-up and brushing her hair while talking on her cell phone and singing Lady Gaga. I thought of "Alejandro" and it made me quiver but not in a good way.

I breathed a long sigh of relief as the tan Ford Taurus shot suddenly across two lanes of traffic and quickly exited off Warm Springs. It left a wake of destruction in its path, but like Jeff Gordon, I can miss a 20 car pile up and stay on the lead lap without a problem. In my back on my head, I heard Pablo say "Nice job" as he high-fived Tyrone. Then, The Backyardigans theme song rattled my eardrums. It was strange, but a lot of weird things happen in my head.

As I sped down the highway towards the Las Vegas Blvd exit, I glimpsed a billboard of a young lady smiling seductively while a strand of pearls in her mouth. I felt dirty just looking at it. In the right corner of the billboard, I noticed that it was for a dentist. Even in Vegas, the billboards for your dentist are dirty. The next billboard though made me completely forget about just how sexy a root canal can be. It was a billboard for a bottle service at the Tryst nightclub at Wynn. It was perfect. It was just what I was looking for.

As I pulled up to the Wynn, I got a little overwhelmed. Could I handle this? What was this bottle service all about? I dodged tourists after tourist as I made my way towards the club. I really wasn't sure what to expect. As I approached, I noticed it was empty. The lights were dimmed. It was dark. Suddenly, cries pierced the air and a young lady looked at me strangely. I was a little embarrassed. I was clearly out of place and now the crying had begun. I couldn't help it. She told me that they were closed and wouldn't open until later. I didn't know what to do and the crying wasn't going to stop. I asked her if I could use the restroom and then made my way there. I looked high and low, but what I needed wasn't in there. How was I supposed to fix my problems?

I had driven all this way, survived the tan Ford Taurus, and now this...

Seriously?

I rushed out of the little boys room and the crying still hadn't stopped. I was about to lose it. Really...no changing tables in the bathrooms...

Come on! What was this nightclub thing all about? You are going to offer a bottle service and not have a changing table? You cannot tell me that my kids were the only ones urinating on themselves. At any rate, I would have to just find somewhere else to change the diapers. After all, Boston, Braxton, and I still had about six hours to kill before the bottle service would be available. We couldn't wait to order some of that sweet Similac Sensitive. This whole bottle service thing was going to be awesome. I just wondered when all the other dads are going to show up...

To be continued...

How Did We Get Here...

DEAR DUDES,

I AM IN SHOCK!

HOW DID WE GO FROM THIS...

TO THIS...

TO THIS...



TO THIS...



TO THIS...



 TO THIS...



SERIOUSLY?!!!

 

HOW DID WE GO FROM THIS...

TO THIS...

TO THIS...

 

TO THIS...

 

TO THIS...

SERIOUSLY?!! IT'S CRAZY!

 

HOW DID WE GO FROM THESE SWEET QUIET HEARTBEATS? 

TO THESE WILD SCREAMS...

TO THESE HAPPY GIGGLES...

 HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The past four and a half months have been the most joyous, chaotic, and loving of my entire life. I couldn't imagine it getting any better. But, in the words, of Brad Paisley..."And I said to myself, it doesn't get better than this. No, it doesn't get better than this. And, it did."

Even though I miss my sleep, I wouldn't change it. I love my long days and my late nights with my little dudes. It is hard to believe how far we have come, and I cannot wait to see how far we will go.

I love you boys!

Love,
Dad
 



Vistin' the Patch...

My Little Gremlins,

 

Fellas, today we took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was the first time, in a long time, that I have visitied a pumpkin patch. I, honestly, cannot remember the last time that I visited a pumpkin patch. So, I was super excited to visit the patch with mommy and you guys. 

 

In the future, you guys are going to love the pumpkin patch. Today, you weren't so sure. Braxton, you loved playing with the hay. And, Boston, you thought the minature ponies were pretty funny.

 

It was a great day, and I cannot wait to bring you guys back in the future.

 

 

Love you guys

Love,
Dad

Trip to The Springs Preserve...

Dear boys,

 

Today was Nevada Day! On Nevada Day, we celebrate the day that Nevada became part of the United States of America. Nevada is called "The Battleborn State" because it became a state and joined the Union during in the Civil War. And, on this special day, I didn't have to work. I was able to spend the entire day with you guys. That is always the best. I wouldn't rather spend my days with anybody else. Family time is always the greatest.

 

For our special day, we decided to take you guys to The Springs Preserve. We were pretty excited to take you guys on a special day out. It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. We watched a bird show where falcons and owls flew right over our heads. It was pretty cool. You guys were mesmerized by the birds as they flew around the room.

After the bird show, we spent our time looking at creepy crawlers and reptiles, playing games and watching short films, and watching the flash flood demonstration. We even saw Kennedy, Shane, and Aunt Riss there. Brooklyn and Bre also crashed the party and spent the day with us. All in all, it was a great day. I love you guys.

Love,
Dad

 

Giggles and Grins...

Dear Boston & Braxton,

 

"It's double the giggles and double the grins, and double the trouble if you're blessed with twins."

- Unknown

 

Just four months ago, I thought my smile couldn't get any bigger. But, as time as gone by, my smile has gotten bigger and bigger. It is amazing how quickly time has gone by. While we have had our share of long, tiring, and at times, frustrating days, we wouldn't change it for the world. While we have had our share of sleepless nights, it cannot compare to the amount of joy that you boys have brought into our lives.

 

As time has passed, we have watched you boys grow and develop. It has been incredible to see your little personalities  develop. You both are such happy, outgoing little boys. And, your handsome smiles melt my heart.

 

We cannot get you guys to stop smiling. Trust me, we have tried. But, when you are sporting some Jordan gear, it is tough to not smile.

 

It is very difficult to feed a smiling baby. The milk just dribbles out the side of your mouths. As cute as it, it makes a mess.

 

And, when little pirates make a mess, they get stripped down to their skivvies. But, even in just your skivvies, you  boys still smile.

 

And, sometimes...those smiles turn to giggles because if you cannot laugh in your underwear...then what can you laugh in?

 

And, when smiles and laughs wear you out...a nap is necessary. But, as soon as that nap is over, the big smiles return.

 

And, my favorite part of the day is when I get to see your big grins. And, lucky for me, I get too see double the grins and double the giggles. I get double the snuggles.

 

I wouldn't have it any other way. So, as the time continues to pass, I cannot wait for things to continue to get better and better.

 

I love you guys so much.

 

Love,

Dad

 

 

Speaking Gibberish...

Dear boys,

 

I am on to you guys. Seriously! You will not be able to hide your secret plots for long. I know you guys have begun to speak your secret language to one another. And, I cannot translate. I feel like I shouldn't be left out of the group, but when you don't know the language, it is difficult to complain about. I wonder if you guys are talking about and laughing at me...but, maybe I shouldn't flatter myself.

 

At any rate, I will figure out how to translate you soon enough. And, when that time comes, I will know the secret to the universe...

 

...or at least the Barrow household.

 

 

I love you guys!

 

Love,

Dad



I'll Be Back...

I have been away for a while. I will be back to blogging this week.

In the mean time, follow me on Twitter @DoDoWipingDaddy.

DoDo Wiping Daddy is the new name of my "book" series that takes a humouous look at pregnancy and parenting.

Coming Soon!

"Until the Milk Squirts" and "Been There, Wiped That"



President and Vice-President Barrow...

 Dear President and Vice-President Barrow,

 

Geez, I like the sound of that. It has a nice ring to it!

 

A few weeks back, the US Senator for the State of Nevada, Mr. Harry Reid placed his stamp of approval on your heads. It was a neat experience. But, your run-in's with political heavyweights didn't end there.

 

Nope! It was just the beginning.

 

Your mom is pretty spectacular. She is a special lady! When she sent out your birth announcements, she sent one off to the White House.

 

She included a special note on the back of the announcement to President Obama and the First Lady. The note said that you guys would be the "future President and Vice-President of the United States."

 

After she completed the note, she placed an American flag stamp on an envelope addressed to the Honorable President of the United States at the White House in Washington D.C. With that, it was sent off to the Commander and Chief.

 

Not long after it was sent, we received a "Congratulations" letter embossed at the White House with a special note welcoming your arrival to the world. What a cool thing to have! A letter with the signature of the President of the United States of America.

Thank you President Obama!

 

Boys, every year, we can send a birthday card to the White House and collect a postcard from each President.

 

I love you guys.

 

Love,

Dad