Homemade applesauce

Homemade applesauce is so easy to make for your baby, or babies. Plus, it makes a good amount and is easily frozen. Oh, and did I mention that it's really easy to do? It tastes really good ... I would eat this as is. It's plain, sweet, and yummy.

I started with six organic Red Delicious apples.

Peel the apples.

Next, core the apples. One of these apple corers really does help save time.


Chop the apples and place them in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add two tablespoons water or unsweetened apple juice. I opted for the water. Cover and heat on low, for about 6-10 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
Puree until all of the apples are blended and no chunks are left. I use a Cuisinart stick hand blender. Spoon the applesauce into ice cube trays for freezing. I let these freeze for about 24 hours, then pop the cubes out and store in a freezer bag. Or if you have a hungry baby, spoon a little into a bowl for immediate serving!

happy heart day!

smooches!

Comin' to you from the geriatric ward

I am *thrilled* to have a great new accessory to wear at night. I think it will complement by retainer very nicely.

Meet the carpal tunnel syndrome hand/wrist brace. Isn't she lovely?

For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing pain in my right wrist and hand. It's gone from mild to making me shout "ouch" out loud when I grab something. I've noticed it when washing bottles, driving, picking up the girls, even adjusting my pillow before I go to sleep. I called my Dr., and he suggested trying this brace out for 2 weeks at night to see if it helps.

$20 and no office visit? Sure, I'll try it. I just hope it works and I don't have to go to 24/7 with this thing.

Hair goodness

** Edited to add ... here is the company. It's called Davines.

I finally had a much needed haircut yesterday. Next week is color. I know everyone is glad so they can quit counting grey hairs. Or maybe that was just me. I had to stop plucking them because I was worried about a bald spot!

My salon has a new product line that I had tried the last time I was there, but broke down yesterday and bought some to try at home. It was a bit of a splurge ... I've already warned Hubby not to touch it ... but it makes your hair feel and smell amazing. I rationalized this, because let's face it ... working from home + 2 babies = not washing my hair every day.

The things I like best about it are that it's all natural products that are good for your hair, it comes in great glass packaging, and it really does make my hair feel soft and look shiny. Plus, it smells great. Oh, and did I mention that it's made in Italy so I can label the glass bottle "fragile" and go around saying "fra-gil-ay."

Easily distracted

Working from home has definitely been a new adventure for me. There are always plenty of distractions, but most don't seem to bother me.

Sure, I do try to tune in to Martha Stewart at 11AM, but I usually end up only halfway listening/watching. A new magazine may come in the mail that I really want to read, but I can usually get by with flipping through a few pages, and of course there is always something to clean. It is much harder to not straighten and clean all day when you are in your own home spotting dust bunnies or marveling at your clutter. Facebook is my big time killer ... I have use restraint not to log on while I'm working.

But my true distraction ... this great weather that we've been having. I'm not complaining. There is no need to stay holed up inside if you can be outdoors, especially since I'm sure this weather will turn cold again. On these days in the 70's (Hello, February!) I don't miss working in an office one bit. No free candy from the office candy jar beats taking a walk at 3PM to enjoy the sunshine.

Mistaken identity

Last night, we were getting the M&L ready for bedtime and Hubby was taking the girls upstairs while I was getting bottles warmed.

I came upstairs and commented on how much Maddy really looked like Libby. Then I questioned Hubby if it was indeed Maddy. (He had placed each girl in their crib while he was waiting on me with the bottles.) He confirmed that yes, it was Maddy ... but then we had to look a little closer and realize that he had switched them. All I can say is if we are getting confused now, there's no telling what they'll be doing to us when they are 5!

And I leave you with preparation for Valentine's Day. We'll be wearing these sweaters every day this week!

sweet 'taters and bananas

Maddy, who may become our little social butterfly prefers dinner conversation to the actual dinner.

Libby, on the other hand, wants to make sure that she receives her fair share. Here's to hoping that a little bit did end up in her mouth.

snotty

Maddy and I are both snotty. The good thing is that I don't have to have that big ol' bulb-syringe inserted into my nose! I am declaring yet another PJ day.

Hemangiomas

L. has had three hemangiomas since she was just a couple of weeks old. They all appeared while she was still in the NICU. They are located on her hand, upper back, and on her back hip, right where the diaper lays across her back. We are very lucky that they aren't on any areas that would impare her vision or eating.

We have been keeping an eye on them and our Pediatrician checks them out at every visit. The one on her hip is starting to get a little weakened in the middle, so she referred us to a plastic surgeon for further evaluation.

Our appointment was earlier this week, so we had someone watch M. while Hubby and I made the trek for the appointment. It was the first time since leaving the NICU that they've been separated! Both did fine, but we made the dumb mistake of not taking a stroller and of course we didn't park in the right spot, so Hubby ended up carrying L., who was still sleeping when we arrived, in her car seat all across a big ol' hospital. Next time, we'll park in the right spot AND take the stroller!

So, we found out that she'll have to have surgery to remove these, since the one is getting weaker and they don't want to risk it ulcerating and opening up. As you can imagine, you don't want to run the risk of this thing opening up + coming in contact with any, um "diaper related" contents.

So, my sweet girl will have to be put under with anesthesia and they will go ahead and remove all three at one time. I know that she's a trooper, but I just hate to think that she'll have to be go through this at such a young age. It probably is better, because she won't remember it ... plus, we won't have to wait up to 5+ years for the hemangiomas to go away on their own. This practice specializes in pediatric plastic surgery, so I know they know what they are doing, but still. I guess part of becoming a Mom is learning how to worry like one!

The Honest Scrap

I received a fun award today…the Honest Scrap Award from Natalie at Old Southern House. Here are the rules: A.) First list 10 Honest Things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep. B.) Pass the award on to seven bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

1. I have identical twin daughters. Fraternal twins run in my family, but we somehow beat the odds and had identical. They are by far, one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

2. Their birth/delivery was not at all as I imagined. I envisioned a natural birth (or at least putting off drugs as long as possible), practicing yoga poses while laboring, walking the halls, eating ice chips, etc. None of this happened. I had a short stay in the hospital on bed rest, more bed rest at home, my water breaking at home, going to the hospital without names picked out, no shower, and feeling really unprepared, and then having an emergency c-section. But, they are here ... beautiful and healthy, so if I had to do it all over again, I would.

3. I am not a math person. I love working on budgets or balancing a checkbook, but give me Algebra or Geometry and I feel like you are speaking a foreign language. I really don't see how I made it through some of these classes in High School and College. A big thank you to those teachers who somehow got me through!

4. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love the way that running makes me feel, love the feel after a good run, and I love participating in a race. Somehow, I can beat myself up prior to a run about everything ... are my clothes right, where am I running, is it going to be cold, is my knee going to hurt, can I do this, will my ass jiggle? If I just get out there and do it, I'm fine, but the getting there part is hard for me.

5. My best friends are scattered across the US and I miss them all the time. I think now that I'm on Facebook it makes it even harder, because I read about their daily lives, but it makes me sad because I'm not a part of them.

6. I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband who is kind, funny, a great dad, handsome, positive, and loving. I do tease him that sometimes his positiveness is too much to handle ...(come on, are you really this happy at 6AM?), but I can't imagine him any other way.

7. I grew up in a very middle class family, but my parents and Grandmother always somehow were able to provide us with more opportunities that we would have normally had: private school, nice clothes, gifts, etc. I now realize how thrifty my Mom is and how they were probably able to squeeze budgets and make everything work.

8. I have a weird memory ... I can often remember clothes that were worn or music that was played for several events in my life. And not necessarily "big" events ... ones like one summer, I was with CC in college on the way to dinner, and we were driving in her car and Devil's Haircut by Beck was on and I will always remember associate that song with her and that moment. But, I often feel like I still have Mommy brain and can't remember day to day events or who I spoke with on the phone!

9. I never knew my maternal Grandfather and one of my aunts passed away when I was 3. I really wish that I would have known these two people as they were so important to my Mom and Grandmother. I just feel like there are untold stories and experiences that are lost forever.

10. I started using email when I was in college, and I distinctly remember thinking that email would never replace writing letters to people and that I would probably only use it just for school/work. Let's fast-forward 14 years and I am probably addicted to email more than my daily coffee. I do still believe in using real stationery and writing letters, but now I do it several times a year compared to several times a month!

I tag, Mad About Plaid Girl, The Seven Spot, Goddess in Progress, Life with OG, Mistah B, Runner Susan, and Chloe. Have fun!

I've decided

That nothing kills a good running stride like having Pachabel's Canon in D come up on your iPod when it's in Shuffle mode and nothing makes you run any faster than passing what appears to be a scary homeless guy walking past you as you enter back into your neighborhood.

Running Dork

I think I may just try to strap a headlamp on when I run next week, because I really "need" one more item to carry.

For last night's run, I carried/wore ...

* My iPod, a necessity and full of songs to keep me moving.
* Hubby's "clicker" so my ADD self could keep track of how many laps I had done on the track. I'm not good at counting "one" in my head the whole lap.
* My knee strap, since my left knee has been bugging me since Saturday. Old+not running in almost 2 years=my body asking me WTF?
* Water bottle. Well, I did leave this on the bench while I ran. However, it does have a handle on it if I decided to carry it.
* Gloves and ear muff thingy. Again, a necessity when it's 40 degrees.
* Car key
* Watch / heart rate monitor combo. To keep track of my time and to keep track of calories burned, heart rate, etc.

I just laugh at myself, because you always hear how running is the best sport ever because you can just grab your shoes and go. Maybe it's just me, but I seem to keep accumulating stuff with every run.

Trouble?

I sent out a few pictures of M & L yesterday and one of my friends commented that "the one in the blue looks like trouble." Hmmmm ... wonder if we're in for it.

Oh sweet coffee

I missed you yesterday.

Yesterday was a blur of feeling like I had a vice crushing my head, watching our 44th Presidential Inauguration, taking my temperature, trying to help Hubby with the girls, looking at our teeny amount of snow outside, sleeping, and more sleeping. It must have been some kind of 24-hour bug, because I feel better today. So, no coffee yesterday and I'm not sure if I really ever ate yesterday. Yuck.

So, I am glad to be up today and not feeling like I want to crawl under a blanket. I hope to work on cleaning up our den that looks like an explosion has taken place, get some work done, mop the floor where I spilt 7UP yesterday, and grab some kisses from my girls ... that may be the hardest part of being sick ... no kisses from Hubby and no giving them to the girls.

I leave you with this ... we did manage a photo opp of M & L yesterday while they were "watching" the Inauguration. And to the makers of the Bumbo chair, I realize you aren't supposed to put these on an unstable surface, but I promise that Hubby was just out of the camera shot ... waiting to grab a baby with cat-like reflexes!

Jan. 20, 2009 - an important day in history when we were almost 7 months old.

We marked the day by having a PJ Day!

Just wondering

For you tea drinkers out there, will teas that contain Matcha make you feel like you are craaaazee?

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

I don't think Maddy is one bit pleased at Libby's latest trick ... rolling over, then pinning her down in wrestler-like moves. It does give Maddy a good opportunity to stick her thumb in Libby's mouth, or her finger in her ear, or for easy pacifier stealing.

Can't you feel the love?

Baby Food Making, Attempt One

Well, I guess it's really my 2nd time ... I baked and pureed a sweet potato for the girls last week. Today, was butternut squash. I know I've never bought a butternut squash and I may have tried one, but I think it was in a ravioli?

The one I bought looked like a gourd and I wasn't sure if to use the stem part, so I didn't. It smelled and felt like a pumpkin when scooping out the seeds. I just used the round part and I was surprised that I didn't end up with more "meat." Maybe I should have used the stem. I cut it in quarters and baked it for 45 minutes, then scooped out the meat, and gave it a blend with our hand-held food processor thing.

Sorry for the blurry photo ... aren't the pink ice cube trays so cute?

Anyway, here it is pureed and in the cute little silicone ice cube trays, ready for the freezer. I saved a portion to use for dinner later on today. I guess to get 9 servings out of one squash is still very cost-effective. The squash cost $3.00, so about 33 cents a serving. The organic squash baby food was $1.49 a container, which is 2 servings, so about 75 cents a serving. I'm not trying this out solely for cost savings, but also that it seems pretty easy to do, plus it's fresher and not sitting on a shelf for two years.


Now, don't get me wrong ... I still consume plenty of processed and packaged foods and I'm sure the girls will later on in life as well. Which we really shouldn't eat the crap, but I guess I would rather start the girls out with as fresh and healthy of foods as possible. If they turn out like me, I'm sure they will discover Wheat Thins and Hot Tamales all on their own!

Chili Day

Just like in elementary school ... well, I wish! I can remember back in Elementary School when it was the day that they were serving Chili for the school lunch, they would also serve a cinnamon roll for dessert. Yum! I think that was about the only day that I would eat the school lunch.

I've been wanting to make chili lately, but haven't wanted to make the time to find a good recipe and let it simmer for 6+ hours. I lucked out yesterday when I went to my favorite place for when we need something good for dinner, but again have no time to cook, which is often lately. Best chicken pot pies, ever! Anyway, I found out that Saturdays are "Buy one, get one 1/2 off" soups and entrees! I bought two types of chili - regular and southwest and plan to have the regular later today.

Do you eat in plain or with toppings? I think it's great with cheese, Frito scoops, and maybe a little sour cream or jalapenos on top.

Growing up

I just packed up a box of 4-ounce bottles, since they were taking up cabinet space and we haven't used them in months. Sigh. It's so hard for me to believe that 6 months has flown by this quickly! Some days, it seems like only yesterday we were making daily trips to the NICU and Maddy and Libby were eating out of the little NICU bottles that look like baby doll bottles. I think they may hold 2 ounces, plus they were taking about 22 ml, which isn't even an ounce and they normally would end up finishing those bottles via their feeding tubes.

It just seems so long away now and it's hard to remember them being this small. I'm sure it will be even harder to remember when they turn 13 and are wearing their generations version of Maddona t-shirts, and I will look back at these pictures and smile. Or maybe cry. Or both!

Mix it up

I recently found this mixing pitcher, made by Dr. Brown's. We have always used their bottles and have loved them. This may be my new fave, plus it's BPA free.

It holds up to 40 ounces and has a mixing wheel inside of the pitcher to easily mix formula. It really worked well - no clumps and it has a spout so you can easily pour the formula into bottles.

It's nice to have a large batch of formula made, so no more making up small increments of formula whenever it's time to eat. It definitely is a time saver and when you have a hungry baby or babies on your hands, that time is precious.

Amazon has them listed around $40, but last week, I found it for around $25.

teething

Could Zoe, the nearly five year old lab be teething? She has managed to destroy two new teething toys that obviously (to every one but her) belonged to someone else. Luckily, I caught her with the 3rd toy before she started chewing. Of course she picks the new toys from Christmas and not the hand me down toys!

I really need to find a way to attach the leashes to the stroller so I can walk everyone at once. I know they are in need of more exercise and attention ... we're just having a hard time giving it to them.

I did it

Just had to put this out there, if nothing else but for me and my own documentation.

I signed up for a 5K running program, since it's been oh, I don't know, about 18 months since I've ran or jogged. We were supposed to start last night, but due to heavy rains we are starting on Thursday night. I'm looking forward to getting back into it ... the program is women only and you are given a personalized training program that will culminate with a 5K race in March.

Since I still thought I should get in some kind of workout, I ended up going to the gym and did the elliptical, then ran and walked on the treadmill. Not for long, but it felt good to run again. Well, it finally did when I got used to the way my hips, boobs, and other body parts jiggled and shook to the beat. Once I got used to that again, then I was fine.

I think that feeling is the worst part of running, at least for me. That feeling that your hips are swaying back and forth and may actually become a big ol' swinging pendulum of their own.

Oh well ... I did it and I'm looking forward to more. I also discovered that the Katy Perry Hot N Cold song is a good running song. A bit cheesy, but good to add to your running mixes.

Day One

I feel like it's Day One of my "new" job. This is the first day that I've worked without parents or Hubby around since I started, so it's up to me to work, take care of the girlies, and play on Facebook, I mean work really hard today. Here's to hoping that I can get some work accomplished today, and all of the girls (myself included) out of their PJ's and into real clothes!

All I can say is Thank God for email. I've been emailing and working since around 7AM. I could never do that if I had to be on the phone.

So far, so good. Libby is awake and downstairs with me. She's currently entertaining herself with a toy in each hand and trying her hardest to insert the largest toy, in it's entirety in her mouth. Maddy is sleeping and I'm tuning in via baby monitor.

So, here's hoping to a good first day and for all of you who are back in the office after a two-week break, I'm going to get myself a second cup of coffee ... how about you?

Down the drain ... or more literally, in the landfill

How is it that I have been to Target exactly three times since December 29 and really don't have anything to show for it? Besides a few cute mercury glass candle holders and a new pair of yoga pants? And, how is it that the two cans of formula that were purchased there are G-O-N-E and we had to make the late night run to the grocery store last night to purchase two more? I also want to know how that for the measly amount of things that I bought today, how was my total $124.58? Humph.

Over Christmas, one of our relatives was asking us how many diapers, cans of formula, etc. we used in a week and I don't think we have really ever added it up, but I can tell you it's scary.

2 babies x 6 to 8 diapers a day = 12 to 16 per day x 7 days a week = 84 to 112 per week. Wow!

Formula ... I don't have a great calculation to use here. M & L both drink about 6 1/2 ounces of formula and breast milk, usually 5 times a day, so 2 babies x 32.5 ounces = 65 ounces per day x 7 days = 455 ounces per week. The amount of formula depends on how well "Bessie" has been making the milk that day. Sometimes I've noticed that Bessie's left side gets a little lazy, and that Bessie likes to get into the wine at night, so that gets thrown out. Let's just say that formula goes quick around here.

What else is in high demand these days? Bibs, pacifiers, burp cloths, lovies, and M & L's towel dolls, oh and we can't forget OxiClean. Never enough!

Happy New Year!

I still can't believe that 2009 is here. 2008 flew by, especially the last six months for obvious reasons.

I would rather look toward the future, but I can't help remember that last year on New Year's Eve, Hubby and I ended up at the hospital for a little scare early in my pregnancy. Nothing was wrong, but I will say that it was the craziest place I had ever spent a New Year's Eve. Women who I think were trying to get a tax deduction would walk the halls to only be sent home. We met another woman who was there to "find out what was going on." She knew she was pregnant, but hadn't been to an OB yet. (!) Plus, I was pregnant and hungry and trying to survive on vending machine snacks.

I am really looking forward to 2009 ... it's amazing to me to think that by the end of the year, Maddy and Libby will have celebrated their 1st birthdays, be full-fledged toddlers ... eating, chatting, and walking! I am so excited for new phases, but I also want to savor each stage of their lives.

Once again, I have a new job that is fulfilling to me, plus it has so many good perks. Let's just hope that Karma is good to me this year and I can keep it. 3 layoffs in one person's career is about as much as I can handle!

I hope to spend more time with Hubby, family, and friends this year. We are lucky to have good health and happiness. Perhaps a little less sleep than before, but so worth it.

Happy New Year!

Paper chaining

My mom and I started this little craft project yesterday and I hope to finish it up today. I'm going to hang it over Maddy & Libby's cribs and changing table in their room. We originally saw it in a Land of Nod catalog and decided to make one ourselves. I feel like I've stepped back into the 3rd grade making this, but it's so much fun.

All you need is construction paper in colors of your choice, (I used orange, yellow, blue, pink and green) scissors, pencil, ruler, and glue or a stapler. We are using the stapler because it's quicker. Cut evenly sized strips of paper (around 1"-1 1/2" wide), decide if you want them random colors or in a pattern, and make some rings. The stapler makes this job go very fast.

Can't wait to get it hung and show the final project.

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to share our 1st family photo with all 6 of us. Photographing two babies is hard, but to add the dogs was quite an accomplishment!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the D family.

gowns

My parents are here visiting, and Mom and I decided to take a few more photos of Maddy and Libby in their christening gowns ... since they won't likely be putting them on again anytime soon. They have teeny tiny little buttons that are nearly impossible to button, so the entire act of getting them dressed is quite a production in itself. These dresses were from my Great Aunt Lucy's family (who Libby is named after), so it was really special that they are still in good enough condition to wear. I really hope that we can continue to use them for years to come.

We set up shop on top of our duvet cover and took almost 200 shots. I think we were all exhausted when it was over! Here are a few of my favorites for your viewing pleasure.

in my inbox

Is somebody trying to tell me something? The email said something like "have you entered yet?" Ummm, yeah ... I need to do something more than thinking about running and maybe we'll see.

pros and cons

Working from home has several pros and cons. One pro that I have noticed the most is you can literally work in your pajamas. Today, I wore my favorite Pine Cone Hill PJ's while talking on the phone, working on my computer, attending a webinar, but is it a con that at 5:15 PM, I'm still wearing them?

I guess you could say that I was just prepared early for bedtime, but you also might say that my neighbors may look at me funny when I stepped outside around 2PM to check the mail.

Hmmm, this could be really dangerous. PJ's 24/7?

Still here

It's just been a blur the past couple of weeks and I don't even know what I've done that worth mentioning! I started back to work two weeks ago and I'm loving it. There have been days that I literally worked in my pajamas. I probably shouldn't admit that, but it's wonderful! I'm still learning the ropes, but so far, so good.

We also had Maddy and Libby's christenings yesterday ... they were perfect during the service. We had no idea what they would think about the new sounds and experiences, but they were great. We had to sit up front, so they were entralled with the children's choir and the row of 8 -10 year old girls who sat in front of us. We are Methodist, but our Ministers believe in using a lot of water on the head for the christening, so they were both dripping a little, but it didn't seem to phase them. I was lucky to have 5 family dresses to choose from for the big day, so they were both in dresses that are at least 100 years old. We wish we knew the stories behind the gowns, but they have been lost over the years. They fit them well and they looked so sweet. They also loved to grab handfuls of the dresses and chew on them. Hey, a toy and dress in one!

After the church service, we hosted about 30 people for lunch. Mom and I had been busy this week ... we made 4 pans of lasagna, 2 pans of brownies, a red velvet birthday cake ... all made with love. My Mom doesn't claim to be a cook, so we had our share of mishaps along the way, but everything turned out great. We won't talk about the cheesecake that had to be thrown out ... that's another story! The day was a blur, but it was a great day of celebration ... we used my holiday china for the first time, along with my Grandmother's china, so that was special. A lot of dishes to hand wash, but nice that they were used.

Hubby also turned the big 38 yesterday, so it was fun to have family and friends around to help him celebrate.

So now it really feels like Christmas is right around the corner ... the stockings are hung, cards are mailed, some presents are purchased, wrapped, and under the tree. 10 days to go ... where did the time go??

Monkey time

Monkey's here!

To Do list

I typically feel better when I write down my to-do list. Otherwise, I just feel like all of these things are swimming around in my brain and that begins to make me feel like I'm a bit off my rocker. So here goes ...

1. Do some work. I started my new job on Monday and while it's part-time, I'm still getting the hang of truly working during the day. Things are still kind of "loose", so I've been able to just dig around on my own and look for events, see what's been done before,etc. I pulled out my old business contacts, started making a few calls, and it feels pretty good to be back in the saddle.

2. Have some fun with Monkey! He arrived yesterday afternoon, so I'm hoping to get him out and about while he's here.

3. Get some things done around the house since my parents are here - - hang a mirror, couple of pictures, put up wall monograms for Maddy and Libby, paint our cell phone cubby, etc.

4. Bring in the Christmas tree off our patio, trim it, decorate the house, hang the wreaths, etc.

5. Get ready for M&L's christenings on the 14th and also the luncheon that follows for about 30 people! Ack ... we are crazy for planning it right now, but the date worked at church so we went for it. Oh, and that also means making sure the house is clean including all of our catch all rooms that are typically ignored. Ugh.

6. Shop for Christmas ... Hubby and I are done with our gift for each other, but hardly anyone else on our list is done.

7. Get a mani/pedi. My nails look awful and are driving me crazy. I was a horrible nail "picker" when I was younger and I finally kicked that habit several years ago. Having my nails look like this makes me want to start all over again.

Now that I'm rereading that list, it doesn't seem so bad. But for some reason, it's never as easy as it looks.

Lessons learned

We had our first overnight trip with two five-month-olds for Thanksgiving and I think everything went pretty well. We did learn a few things from the trip ...

1) Don't expect two five-month-olds or any baby for that matter to not cry when brought into a loud and very busy house for the first time. We had a little bout of crying when we first arrived from what I will call "too many people in my face all at one time ... back the hell up." Luckily, they ate and then were happy to meet about 20 "strangers" who all wanted to ooh and aah over them.

2) Two babies in two pack n' plays in one bedroom makes for a sleepless night for the parents. At home, Maddy and Libby have slept in their nursery from day one and for us to all sleep in one room, we could hear every little sound they make. It was more than distracting and we woke up almost every hour. Would it be awful if the pack n' plays went in the living room for Christmas?

3) Girl cousins love babies. They looked so disappointed when I told them the girls were napping and couldn't be disturbed. Later, I found 3 of the cousins peeking in the window to see if they could see if they were really sleeping.

4) Dresses and cardigan sweaters, while so adorable are a big pain for babies to wear. The dresses just get bunched up and just seemed to get in the way. But, oh how cute are matching little dresses with white cable knit sweaters?

Edited to add photos ... for you, Leesie! My friend Lindsday took these for me last week ... I realized that I never took a photo on Thanksgiving Day (horrible Mom I know), but I'm trying to track some down from the inlaws! These are the dresses they wore, so you'll get the idea!

The list is growing ...

We're getting ready for our 1st overnight trip to the Grandparents for Thanksgiving, so I'm starting to try to pack up everything we'll need. Or at least everything we can pack in advance. We're only staying one night, so we won't need much more than our last trip, but a lot of "just in case" items. Extra "extra" clothes, Tylenol, Mylicon gas drops, more bottles, more of everything really. Oh, and I love this one that Hubby wrote down ... ALL parts to the breast pump. Honestly, every time we go over to a friends' house, I leave something behind that goes to it. Uhmm, not fun and I would definitely be in trouble for an overnight visit that lands on a holiday.

Ok, TMI I know. I claim hunger pains and having a cold since Monday and now it's causing me to just write anything that comes to mind. Off to pack!

5 month photos 11.21.08

Happy 5 month birthday girls! They love their shirts from "Aunt" Mad About Plaid Girl!

Gainfully employed (almost)

I had my interview yesterday. It went well and really didn't feel like an interview at all. First, we talked about my children and oohed and aahed over pictures. They came bearing gifts from the company, which was a very thoughtful and appreciated gesture. We met at a restaurant and enjoyed a nice meal and dessert, while they described more of what the job entails and more about the company.

So, they never asked for a resume and basically left it with "We'd love for you to join our team." Really, that's it? It's that easy? What's the catch? I heard about this job from a friend who has partnered with them in the past, so I'm assuming her recommendation may have sealed the deal. So, I asked a few questions via email last night, but I'm ready to say yes. The job will be part-time and I can work from home. It will involve a little travel, but all in North Carolina, and no more than what I had done before. So, after it's all official, we need to figure out some sort of childcare. I may try to do some work while the girls are napping, but I'd like to find someone who can come in and help with them for a few hours each week, so I can knock out uninterrupted work.

I'm excited to have found something that is so flexible and that I can do from home and still get to spend the majority of my time with M&L. So, cross your fingers and let's hope that it all works out ... the pessimist in me is still waiting for them to say, "oh, yeah we forgot to mention that this job entails you weaving tiny baskets in our damp warehouse and selling them on the corner." Let's hope not.

The parents are coming, the parents are coming ...

Their EDT was 5AM CST today. Oh, that should put them here anywhere between 2PM EST and 6PM EST. Let's just say that my parents may be one of the last couples on earth who don't have a mobile phone and drive the speed limit. Oh, and stop at every rest stop for breaks. So, I wait all day and never really know when they'll arrive. The standard 8 hour drive can take anywhere from 8 hours to close to 12.

I'm looking forward to seeing them and let's face it, more importantly for them to see the girls. We looked back to see how much Maddy and Libby weighed when they left and they have doubled their weight since then. I'm sure they are going to look like little porkers to my parents.

So, on our agenda while they're here? Thanksgiving, a photo session for Christmas cards, hopefully a Christening for Maddy and Libby, planting peonies, and hopefully getting a few pictures hung around the house.

Mom is also bringing a collection of Hallmark ornaments that she's decided she no longer wants, so she thought I would be the perfect one to put them on Ebay for her. I can hardly wait for that one, but I think I'll be reminded that Hubby and I have built in babysitters of the free variety, so how can we say no. If you are looking for a particular ornament, send me a comment and we can talk, because she may have it. She was a little obsessed with them to say the least.

So, Hubby's not drinking yet, we don't know how long they are staying, but I'm sure there should be some interesting stories along the way.

My day of "cooking"

One of the hardest things for us to figure out since the girls arrived on the scene is what to eat for dinner. When my parents were here after the girls came home, Mom had dinner on the table by 5:30 PM sharp. I don't think we've eaten that early since we were kids. It was wonderful to say the least, but they've been gone and we've burned through all the meals that were brought to us by friends. (Thank you - they were yummy.) I would try to cook something before Hubby gets home, but the timing is usually off and I'm feeding the girls, or um, playing on Facebook. So, we often find ourselves looking at each other at 7PM, asking the dreaded question, "What's for dinner?"

So, we decided to make a trip back to Let's Dish and this time we are being extremely lazy and choosing the "dish and dash" option. That means someone else even prepares the food for you. For an extra $10 and when I'm on limited time when I'm out sans children, it makes sense. So, later today, I'll be picking up chicken breasts with cranberry chutney, mini mozzarella stuffed meatloaves, a pork tenderloin, and a beef roast. We have the portions divided, so we typically can get 2-3 meals out of one dish. We've had the meals before and have found them all to be very good.

So, that is my cooking for today. One day, I really do hope to cook again on a regular basis. I mean, I do watch Martha for new recipes and subscribe to three food related magazines ... doesn't that count for something?

In amazement

Last night, I attended a Celebration of Life service for my good friend's mom whose battle with cancer ended earlier this week. While I didn't have the chance to know this woman, her daughter showed such amazing strength, dignity, and grace. It was such a sweet service, full of laughter and joy, and far few less tears. This woman fought cancer for 8-9 years and did an amazing job. From what her family shared, she never got angry, mad, or sad ... she just accepted it and knew that God was in charge.

Usually events like these always make me sad, but I left last night feeling inspired. From listening to my friend and from hearing about her mom's positive outlook on life. So, I think I will try to laugh a little louder, be more kind and giving, and take time to enjoy the little things.

This may not be 100% appropriate, but it reminds me a little of the quote from Ferris Bueller. "Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Preparation

I have a job interview on Tuesday. I've known about it for a couple of weeks and now I can't believe that's it's almost here. So that means I have a little preparing to do this weekend - print my resume, brush up on my interview skills, read a little more about the company, oh and pray that I can find a suitable outfit to wear. I'm hoping that I can find an Ann Taylor top that I wore early in my pregnancy that let's just say, is forgiving where I need it. Oh, and heels - I don't think I've had on heels since Spring of last year!? It's kind of exciting ... my feet won't know what to think!

If my clothes don't work, I'll be doing a whirlwind shopping trip on Saturday. Not my favorite kind of shopping and that's when I usually can't find anything that works.

So, not to jinx myself about this job, but I still think it sounds too good to be true. It would be part-time, I can work from home, and they are very family friendly. I've talked to two other women who do what I would be doing and all have had nothing but good things to say about the company and their jobs. We're talking the company paying for nannies for them at the annual company retreat. So, we'll see ... my stay at home gig may be coming to an end.

I've really enjoyed my time home with the girls. They are amazing and I hope that if everything works out, then I can have someone come in to help with them a few days a week, then I won't have to feel like I'm missing out on their day to day activities. I mean, I can handle life without poop and spit-up, but those smiles. I would have to get my daily allotment of smiles.

11.12.05

It's hard to believe that three years ago, I was walking down an aisle surrounded by friends and family waiting to get a glimpse of that familiar smile.

Happy 3rd Anniversary, C! I love you! My, a lot has changed since this time last year!

Photo by Kellie Kano.

Nature walk

It's been gorgeous here the past couple of days, so I decided to take along my camera on a little nature walk to try to capture some of the pretty fall colors in our neighborhood. I don't know how much "nature" we saw on the walk ... there were several squirrels, a couple of kids, a Labrador retriever, and several Volvos ... but I will say that the fall foliage is beautiful.

Ready to go. On the walking path in our neighborhood.

Libby stayed awake for most of the walk.

Orange

Red

Yellow

Love all the trees.

Our street.

We're on the charts!

At our 4 month appointment today, we were excited to hear that Maddy and Libby made it on the growth charts. Maddy is up to 10 lbs, 8.5 ounces and 22 3/4 inches long and Libby is 11 lbs, 8.5 ounces and 23 1/4 inches long. This put Maddy in about the 5th percentile for height and weight and Libby in the 7th for weight and 10th for height. Whoo-hoo! At their 2 month check up, they didn't even show up on the charts. Our Pediatrician was very pleased with their continued growth and development. We had another round of shots (glad that's over) and they are both still snoozing after a good bout of crying.

We left with the go ahead to try rice cereal, vegetables, and fruits if we would like. I think we may try a little rice cereal this weekend and see how that goes first. Does anyone out there make their own baby food? I think I may attempt to try - my biggest problem is that we aren't the best about eating vegetables ourselves ... especially ones liked cooked carrots, squash, and peas - some of the veggies that are on the list to try. This may just force us into cooking (and eating) more veggies ... not a bad thing at all. I think it would be better for them if we make the food and also more cost effective. I know I saw a cookbook in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue ... does anyone have any good recommendations for baby food cookbooks or websites, otherwise all I'll end up making are sweet potatoes!

So a good appointment, and we left with 2 cans of our NeoSure formula. Always excited for samples, especially ones that retail for almost $20 a can and seem to be scarce on the shelves lately.

Things that make 'em cry

For the longest time, well the past 4 months, nothing has seemed to shake the girls and upset them - vacuum, TV noise, daddy's loud voice, phone ringing, doors shutting, etc. We've purposely tried not to keep the house extremely quiet, but also don't blare the TV either. We want them to be used to noise and learn how to sleep through some noises. We do have dogs that bark and I do like to vacuum our house. Well, maybe I don't really like it, but a necessary evil.

We have noticed recently that loud sneezes (like Hubby's or Zeus') will start the lower lip quivering and will result in crying. Yesterday we found a few more.

We made it to church for the first time with the girls. We were on time and I was actually wearing make-up and a skirt. Complete with just a small amount of spit-up on the bottom that I didn't notice until we were in the car. The girls were fed and looking pretty dreamy, so we opted to just carry them into church in their car seats. All was going well until the organ played. Both looked up startled and poor Maddy's lip went down immediately. Luckily, it didn't last long and they were fine for the rest of the service.

We decided that lunch would be good - we were prepared and the place we chose wasn't busy, so we rolled the train AKA double stroller right in by our table. We all had a chance to eat and I took Libby to the restroom to change her diaper. They had one of those changing tables in the stall and everything was fine until I stood to close to the automatic flusher on the toilet and it flushed. Loudly. A look of fear was on Libby's face, then she started to cry. Poor girl. I got the diaper changed and grabbed her, luckily not "flushing" the toilet again. Whew.

Lucky for us, we aren't around church organs or standing around in bathrooms that often!