Signs&Distractions

Summer is coming to an end. There are signs all over! The sun is setting early and the air is feeling cooler, fresher even.

I'm excited for fall but at the same time will miss the early afternoon swims with the gremlins.  I never thought they would take so well to getting down and dirty in the water and mud. But they are girls after my own heart. 

With the cooler months on their way it's become a stressful thought as to how to keep the twins occupied when we aren't able to go outside as much.(Don't even get me started on the warmer clothes shopping!)  

Currently we are up by 8am.  Breakfast (after a rush to the restroom) is finished within 20 minutes. We spend a good 20-30 minutes reading books...the same books..over and over again. :)  Then they like to cuddle and watch a couple blue's clues or Go Diego Go before mid morning snack break. They then promptly insist on going out side to play on their slides and with their water tubs or even swim.   Before we know it it's lunch time.

Lately though K has insisted on going inside early. Even though the weather is wonderful. We aren't sure why she does this?

This in turn means more time inside and more time they end up becoming bored.  They even prefer to ride their bikes inside rather than out. 

I've been searching Pinterest (yes I  too am drawn to the addiction that is Pinterest) frantically for ideas of toddler games and activities.

That's when I came across this blog: Simple Little Home with 40 Ways to distract a toddler. 

Many of these we already do but the majority of these I never even thought of!  

For example ZipLock bag painting! What a great idea that keeps the mess off the kids (most importantly your house).  It has  sensory feeling and is a way to bring out their creative side.

I really need to pick up on the mommy awesome and schedule a good hour of crafting/painting/creating etc.  before their nap time. 

Do YOU have any great ideas to keep a toddler from throwing herself to the lions in a fit of rage? ;)

They grow up...

Most will agree..it's way too fast.  

I was going through pictures the other day of when they were new born's to 6 months. 

They were so cute, little, and pudgy! You just wanted to squeeze the guts out of the chub rolls, they were so adorable. (Yes, I'm biased)  

Now..  They are two 2 year old's ready to take on the world. Can you believe that? 8 week early preemies who now look and act like perfect, healthy, little angels. Not to mention I am proud to say that they are a good 90% potty trained at the age of 2! (the other 10% percent being the obstacle of the frightening public restrooms they refuse to enter) As long as we are only out and about an hour and a half or at some one else's home. We're golden!!  Boy is it nice to have no diapers in the house! 

People ask daily if it's hard to tell them apart. To be honest most the time yes.  That's because I know their personalities, how they hold themselves up, etc. But, I wont lie..there are plenty of times that I mistake one for the other, and to be honest as they have grown up, thinned out, and so on, it gets slightly harder to say right away: "oh yea, that's O." 

It's perfectly obvious how much they absolutely adore one another. I never thought I would get to experience such a close sisterly bond. Obviously they know no better, but it's still so beautiful to watch them learn with one another. To also teach each other new things, if one figures it out before the other. All children are miracles in my eyes but watching multiples grow up so close is a whole new experience that I wish everyone could enjoy.  

They take turns with each other, they give one another hugs if the other is hurt in any way. 

O will especially make sure "sissy" has a bear or stuffy before herself. She's such the mothering type it's amazes me.  How soft her heart is and how greatly she likes to take care of others just makes you melt.  She is also our dramatic of the two. Small things are made into large climactic events. The terrible two's should be spelled with her name in it! Fits are her cup of tea as her sister sits back with a look of "woman...chillllll!"  

K on the other hand is quiet, daring, loving, but most of all my ball of energy. Ironically enough mostly when she is tired. It's as though a switch is flipped and she will start asking you questions you could have never thought anyone would be interested in.  Her smiles lights up your life whenever she is proud or excited about something new. My parents always told me I had it coming. I would get a daughter who was just like me. Well, parents are always right people. Because sure enough Little Miss K is exactly like her mother. Leap before you think kind of a girl. After my own heart. <3

(had to get a shot of Aussie's skills!)

As you can imagine they love to play with "oussie" and "kona". Most the time walking around telling them what to do. But, also while outside throwing the ball, or chasing them around. Aussie is a perfect older brother. Letting them roll around on him or hold on to his back fur as he drags them around the house.  He more than loves the attention.

To say it lightly it's been an emotional couple of years. From a girl who never wanted to get married, not to mention have kids! To getting blessed with two amazing little girls. My heart is so full of love when I'm around them. 

I'll be starting school again tomorrow and being away from them during their bedtime stories is going to be another one of those silly hardest things of my life. It's a great thing to hear "Mommy, BOOOK!" as I get them ready to snuggle in bed. Or, "hug mommy, lub jew" just as they lay down to sleep. 

This last year especially has just been a busy whirl wind of crazy. I missed their birthday post..our vacation post..a post of potty training progress.  And in reality so much more. I suppose that should be my highest goal:

Time Management!

Wish me luck ;)

Scenes from the Weekend

   I've said it before, I'm going to say it again. I LOVE the weekends! We get to have to much more fun now that the twins are almost 2.  They love exploring and constantly asking "Wha's dis"? Adorable and exciting all bundled into two packages! 
   Most of Saturday was spent at Yuba Lake.  Just an hour or so South of us. It was sunny with a chilly wind, but that didn't stop us from having so much fun. The girls spent most of their time playing with their cousin Tyson and running around with the dogs.  We took a walk down to the lake and of course they had to play in it. Obviously everyone got a bit wet. 
   The view was so amazing from the camp site. Overlooking the lake and the valley below.  Watching the kids play in the water and all around made me so excited for our camp outs and road trips this summer.  
                         PS. Yes, K is showing crack. :) Couldn't help but giggle she couldn't keep her pants on.

{Happy Monday!❤}

What they're up to

   This coming month will count the 2 year mark these two have been in our lives.  Can you believe it?  TWO years! I sure can't.  Pretty sure we have fallen more and more in love with these gremlins as the months go on.  

    Oakley is still a little bigger than her sister.  But not by much.  We are guessing they weigh about 25lbs now.  They both have most of their teeth in.  Those vampires are just finishing.  

They still sleep in cribs and have yet to try and climb out. We are in shock really at the fact they have yet to attempt to do so.  Naps are still a regular thing.  Generally every day from 1:30-4:30.  I don't know what I'll do when they refuse to do so.  It's my time to get things done I need.  

We thought they would never talk, but now it seems we can't get them to be quiet. ;)  
They copy and say almost everything we do.
If you never believed that twins had their own language. Come spend a few hours with these ones.  The use complete sentences, usually only to each other.  Most the time we can't make sense of it but most the time it's the best part of our days.  
Aussie Bear has become their best friend.  He lets them hold on to his fur and drags them around the house.  They often use him as a pillow or to sit by and read to him.  
Books are still their favorite thing to occupy their time.  They love to be read to, but are definitely OK with just sitting together and reading by themselves.  


Kenzington has shown us she is the adventurous one of the two.  She will jump off the couch first, climb as high as she can first, and try out new things first.  I imagine most mothers would be worried or nervous to have a kid so willing to take risks.  In all honesty it makes me so excited to get her going on bikes, motorcycles, snowboarding and more!  


Oakley isn't against being out there but she will sit back and watch to make sure "sissy" doesn't end up hurt. Even then she often just takes a leap of faith, ha!  She has shown us how motherly she is towards others.  Making sure to gives hugs and kisses if anyone is upset or crying.  Even just on the drive by she'll stop to give a hug and smile.  It's something that pulls on those little heart strings.  


             Call us crazy, but we started potty training about a month ago.  K was showing all the signs of being ready.  She would hide in the corner, get mad when her diaper was wet or messy or even just tell us she went potty.  We went for the Naked Butt potty training.  Keeping them naked from the waist down for a solid three days and consistently putting them on the potty.  They still run around in just undies or nothing at all if we are at home to keep it easy for them to run to and from the potties.  
One thing I do want to address is that ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!  We have been told so many times even after having just one accident, that we should give up.  That doesn't make sense to me.  They love running around in their undies now that it's warmer.  They also love telling us and showing us they can use the potty themselves.  So why on earth would we put them back in diapers just because they couldn't run to the bathroom in time once and a while?  It's a work in progress, Dr's and books even say that depending on the kid it could happen over night or it could take years of training.  
To us it's about being positive.  Letting them know "Pee Pee goes in the potty", if they do make a mistake.  But positively reinforcing them when they are successful. We are down to 0-1 accidents a day and have yet to have any accidents while out on the town.  They do wear diapers or pull ups at night or nap time.  Even then their diapers have been getting drier and drier at night as the weeks go on.  

I can't even express how proud and happy they make me.  They have been through some amazing things in their short 2 years.  I can only imagine the ones they have ahead.  Every day they show us something new and simple things we should all sit back and enjoy!  
I'm lucky enough I get to spend most my day with them before heading off to class at night. It's hard to leave at dinner and not come home till they are fast asleep.  But in the long run it is what is best for our little family.  I am just so thankful that from 8am-5:30pm I get to share all the new things they are experiencing each day.  I get to hear those adorable voices as I go to wake them saying "mommy! Momma!".  That's something I don't think even words can describe.  

How Preemies Choose Their Mothers

So someone I'ver recently gotten to know, Jennifer Burgess, who just herself gave birth to 31 week old twin boys.  They are currently in the NICU and doing well.  She posted this to her Facebook, it just made me tear up and I just had to steal it from her to share. :)

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation.

As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew.

Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia.

Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles."Give her a preemie."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God?She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God."Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel."

"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect She has just the right amount of selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.

She will never take for granted a spoken word.

She will never consider a step ordinary.

When her child says momma for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it.

I will permit her to see clearly the things I see--ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--and allow her to rise above them.

She will never be alone.

I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice.".

Anyway, I see this apply to so many more out there.  We are all chosen to take care of these little ones put in our lap and it takes a strong person to do so.  It takes, love, happiness, heart, soul, and most of all knowing your limit and making mistakes along the way, learning from them and growing up with your miracle.    

Sorry if that was a bit much, haha.  

My posts have been a little mushy lately I know, maybe it's because of hitting 1 year and it's just made me realize all the changes that are happening. Who knows? Hehe.  

I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend!  

{Be safe and have fun!}

Lists and Loves

So this is what the twins see every day...poor them, haha.

But, this is what I get to see every day!

 (Gotta love her chubs!)

Makes you wonder if they think that mom is just a robot from outer space that has a lens attached to her face. Probably. 

Either way I can't help but love to capture as many moments with them as I can!  Looking at the pictures from nearly a year ago (a year? not possible) I was overcome with dread at how quickly those little moments pass us by and sometimes they are hard to remember without a good picture to back them up.

Happiness is all that I feel when I'm around them and excitement for what adventures we are going to have this summer.  The gift of now is something we are so lucky to have and should really hold on to.  

Those moments I was so tired from trying to rock my little ones to sleep and frustrated that I wasn't sleeping, I can never take back.  As I look at them now I wish so much that they still cuddled like that but I also long for those moments where they will say "Mommy, I love you".  

So I am going to give you a challenge, during this coming weekend capture some of your favorite moments! 10 years from now you'll be so happy you did. 

Anyway, this is what I did last night-

That's right, I too make lists.  It's a must when I'm going on a vacation or a getaway.  Otherwise, I forget and even when I do make a list I sometimes forget.  I also made a little daily schedule to hand off to the rents per their request.  We know they got it down pat but it always makes you feel a little more comfortable to see what the gremlins are used to for their daily routine.  

What does it all mean, Basil?  

Well, what it means is tomorrow night we are leaving and are in the final preparations for the trip.  I was asked today if I was excited to get away, just the two of us.  My honest reply was, No, even though I totally should be.  Maybe it's the ever looming fear of leaving the twins for 7 days?  

Everything will be fine and I know that someone has a watch over my gremlins.  Also, I'm sure once we have everything settled away and are out on our own it will feel a little better and I'll be able to settle into the relaxation of our trip. 

It's going to be exciting, it's our Anniversary, Mother's Day, Birthday trip all packed into one! It's gotta be good, right?!  

YES!

I know our resort wont have internet so unfortunately (or if you're a glass half full type a lad, fortunately) I will not be updating with pics, news, or adventures till I get back!  I may be twittering here and there though so please do Follow, we loves follow friends. 

On that note I'll leave you with this-

{Have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend and week!}❤

Hospital Packing for Multiples (and singles)

As I was blog stalking over at Multiples and More I came upon a great post about what you should bring to the hospital for your stay and when you should be packed and ready to go. HERE.  Not only is her list perfect for multiples but it's great for singleton mums as well and to think about packing early.  In the NICU we saw 2 sets of multiples..ours and then a boy/girl set.  All the other 40+ kids in the NICU were singletons, so don't be frightened but be aware premature babies happen often.  

If only I would have taken all those articles, forum posts, and blog posts seriously I would have been packed and ready to go for our stay.  Alas I wasn't, but that's OK.  

Although, we were lucky enough to be in the hospital for 3 days before the twins were born, so it gave the dude plenty of time to run home and grab a list of items I wrote down for him.  Many of those items are on this list, but a lot weren't.  In our 7-8 day stay he ended up having to head home or to the local store for things I needed.  

The ones that really stuck out for me on this list were:

#18)  Nursing bras if breastfeeding.  If not a couple of good sturdy support bras.

#19)  A postpartum binder.

With #18 I ended up using a sports bra because I hadn't gone nursing bra shopping before hand.  I expected to have a few more weeks to get that taken care of.  It made things a little more complicated in the end.  So if you plan on nursing make sure you have a good bra picked out for your stay. 

As for #19, I did buy a Belly Bandit but I bought it 2 weeks after I was home from the hospital and thinking back it would have been great to have that support during our stay right from the beginning.  You can usually find great deals on these types of things and I strongly suggest reading the reviews and seeing which will best suit you. I liked the Belly Bandits brand because they were very breathable, had different designs and patterns if I cared, and also seemed to fit flush with the flesh better than other brands.  I generally wore it when I was up and moving around during the day and then through the night.  

Something I also suggest, but this is because I hate feeling nasty and wish I would have prepared a little better.  Anyway, get pampered while you're prego, get your hair done, nails, done what have you and do it often! This is your time to explain to your husband that you deserve to pamper yourself a little, because come time you wont have as much of that time to spend on yourself.   I look back on pictures of our stay in the hospital and wish I would have looked a little better.  Yes yes, I went through a heck of a lot and had a right to look horrible but if I would have packed my toiletries and heck had my hair done (as in colored and cut often) I would have had the means to make my self feel a little better.  Because deny it if you must but you know you feel 100 x's better if you've showered with your favorites and done yourself up a little.  Even if you're wearing your most comfiest clothes. 

Hopefully her post and my slightly words of wisdom help some of you expectings or hoping to some day expect moms. 

{Happy Sunday Everyone!}

I am off to do our first attempt at a fondant cake!  ❤

Easter Sunday with a kitty

Easter Sunday started out with some pretty awesome eats for breakfast.  The girls had their first try of fresh strawberries, bananas, and some french toast.  It was amazing at how entertained us "grown ups" were with watching them eat.   The faces they made, the giggles  from how proud of themselves they were.  

Ms. O ate up everything on her plate, while Ms. K ate most of everything, eventually all the bananas got very mushy and so she was having a bit of a time trying to get em in her mouth.

Instead of us getting the girls baskets their g-p's got them a couple of toys, new dresses and some bubbles.

Oh, and a kitty..

A little history about the whole kitty thing.  My cat lives with my parents and every time we go there the girls freak out with joy, squealing and wiggling like crazy when Soda (the cat) comes around.  We call her the weird dog, or tiny dog, etc.  So, my parents thought it would be great to get them their own kitty. It was a hit! It walks, purrs, and everything!  As I sit here typing the kitty is sitting up on one of our chairs and every now and then Oakley catches it with her eye and just screams like crazy. Too cute. 

Most the afternoon we spent sleeping, playing Wii and rolling around on the ground trying to get the girls to crawl.  Yes..3/4 of us were on our hands and knees demonstrating what to do.  It was a sight.

It was somewhat of a success since we got them on their knees and they stayed on their knees for a bit..but hey it's a work in progress.  Before we left to have Easter dinner with the dude's family we put on their new dresses and got out the bubbles.  They hadn't seen them before so I was excited to see their reactions.  Well, their reactions were pretty much confusion.  They didn't really understand where they were coming from and where they went.  They would try to reach and grab then kind of just sit there and stare when they popped. Haha, not really any giggles..but in time I'm sure it will change. 

Easter dinner at the in-laws was fun.  They had gotten some booster seats for the girls so we were able to give them some steamed carrots, potatoes, apple sauce, and bits of roll.  They really loved sitting at the table with everyone and watching us all eat and eat with us.  Oakley really liked it and was gabbing here and there to people around her.  

We had some good eats and laughs.  Talked a bit about my last game of the season that the dudes dad and sister were able to make it to.  

They got to see me score a try and then get taken out by someone throwing me onto my shoulder.  Don't worry, that wasn't bad compared to the 2 (illegal) body checks in a row I got later on in the game by some ginormous girl..the 2nd took me out of the game.  Still it was a way fun game and I can't wait for next season!

Anyway, dinner and playing around with the kids after was a lot of fun, we checked out the g-p's new rolling cabin and sat around chatting.  

I do miss coloring and searching for eggs.  But I know next year we are going to have so much fun hiding the eggs and coloring them with the girls.  

I hope everyones weekend was fun and spent with loved ones!

What did everyone else do for Easter?

{Happy Monday!}