In the clearing stands a boxer...

Here's Ian, ready for any sucka' who is willing to Bring It. [That probably would've been more threatening if he wasn't wearing his 'got milk?' outfit]

It appears that we are raising a couple of aspiring thugs.

Travelling Space and Time

So, the boys are now starting to sleep with their eyes open (a source of much laughter and rejoicing). However, this is not to be confused with just plain 'spacing out', which they do plenty of as well.

Here is a pic of Marcus working on his time travelling abilities. I especially like how he has fashioned his burp cloth to resemble a nun's habit. It might make a good musical, The Time Travelling Man-Nun of Orem.

We all have dreams, even if they happen while our eyes are open.

Another stinking blog

Hey all,
I have recently begun another blog with a friend from my Film program at UEA that is devoted to film, culture, and the arts. That way I can indulge my sickness and you don't necessarily have to wade through it just to see pictures of Heidi and the boys. Of course we'd love to have you visit both sites (and comment), but now there are Options.

The name is Boast. Right now it's still getting sorted, but there you have it.

[Note that the address is iboast, not iboats... for obvious reasons]

Smiley Attentive Guy

Things are going well for us here as the little guys are now sleeping between 5 and 7 hours at night. They also now seem to understand that we are for real and therefore sometimes pay attention to us while we hover above them making all sorts of unnatural noises and faces. This is a shot of Ian.

Ride On!

 

Hands, touching hands - reaching out...

 

Let them have punch

Mommy spiked the punch... mmm, spiked punch.

**Edit- sorry about the rubbish mobile picture

More, a short film by Mark Osborne

Watching Alive in Joburg reminded me of a short stop-motion animation that Josh and I fell in love with a few years ago when we lived at The Place. More is about as brilliant and thought provoking as short films get, so I want all of you to take a moment, snuggle in with some popcorn and your favorite squeeze, and watch this film. It lasts about 6 minutes.
(it might take a minute to load if you have a slow connection, but stick with it anyway)

A related rant (optional):
Unfortunately, More is only available in an Apple Quicktime format. Because I haven't sold my soul for Quicktime Pro, I cannot post the actual video here - a prime example of the type of corporate slickery that Apple seems bent on promoting. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Alive in Joburg, a short film

Here is a pretty sweet short film by Neill Blomkamp that depicts a fictional world where extraterrestrials have become refugees in South Africa. Brilliant use of subject and narrative elements, CGI, hand-held photography, editing, and what appears to be some very convincing stock footage with matted overlays.

Brutha's Gonna Work it Out

Marcus is already bustin' tha gang signs.
Dag yo!

Spa Time at Chez Smith

What's better than soaking in a warm bath while women sponge you down...? Keep your answers to yourself because we don't want Ian to find out; this is his fantasy moment.

Going Home

This week we were able to bring the little guys home from the NICU. *thunderous sounds of applause* This helps to explain Ian's party attire and accompanying bewilderment. And yes, Mike picked out their 'going home outfits' because chicks dig the hat (thanks Kelsie). Other than the chronic sleep deprivation, things have been going well.

Because the babies are still quite small (6 lbs!) and sickness is so big and bad, the doctor in the NICU advised us to not have any visitors (especially children) for a couple of months and, since Mike has already gone 180 rounds with the season's cold/flu champion, we feel pretty strongly about this. Since they have already had respiratory problems, even a minor cold could make life miserable, and the last thing we want is to have to spend more time back in the NICU. We appreciate all of the concern and support that our family and friends have given us and we'll let you know when the Visiting Hours are open.

Cheers!

'In the Mood for Love' plays Provo

This coming week (Jan 17th - 21st) at the BYU International Cinema (in my opinion, the best thing that Utah Valley has to offer in regards to the arts), Wong Kar-Wai's film, In the Mood for Love (2000), is showing. Despite the fact that you probably already own the brilliant Criterion version, this is an excellent chance to see it on the big screen (and count the number of uncultured BYU students who shake their heads and walk out). If you haven't even seen this film then you need to have your partner give you 50 lashings with a sturdy leather belt, and then go see it.
All shows are free!
-m

Mommy Time!

 
Ian enjoys some Mommy Time after drinking himself into a euphoric state. 

You know you're in Utah when...

Maple syrup. Vermont, maple syrup.
I'm familiar with niche marketing but this seems more like exploitation.

Gettin' a handle on things

Together again at last!

 
Things continue to progress as the little guys are now able to share the same tray. This new arrangement seemed to go over better with Marcus (who was crying at the time) than with Ian (who was sleeping at the time). Nothing like moving in next to a noisy neighbor.
 

Twins' Week in Review

Marcus and Ian are progressing well.  Marcus came out screaming like a champ, followed shortly by Ian who was trying to scream like his brother but was having some trouble.  They were sent to the newborn ICU to help them maintain their blood pressure and recover from a bit of infection that the pros say may have encouraged some of the rough breathing they were having.  They are both now off of all the tubes and wires except the ‘food tube’ which, unfortunately, goes up their little noses and down into their tummies.  The other day Marcus was having some problems digesting the food, so they had to pump the stuff out of his stomach and wait a bit for his system to get going.  All of this is normally expected for babies born around the 36th week.  They are both doing very well now and are gaining weight and learning how to eat.  

Heidi is doing well and each day seems to move just a little bit better.  Mike is also doing well and can’t wait to get the little guys home to indoctrinate them with some Italian Neo-realism and French New Wave cinema.  For now we just read them excerpts from Guns, Germs, and Steel.  What a life.

Ian Bradley

This nose tube is the hip new thing.

Marcus Lee

Bright light, bright light