Sweet

I was very surprised to receive this special gift a few days after Mother's Day. Hubby took Maddy and Libby to paint a coffee cup for me for my 1st Mother's Day!

Isn't it cute?

It has both of their little hand prints, names, and Happy Mother's Day 2009 written on the top. I love it and I can't wait to use it each and every morning.

I just wish I could have seen a photo of Hubby and the girls making this. I also heard there was a poopy diaper and no changing table fiasco, but that is probably best saved for another post!

Sigh.

I love peonies. My Mom knew that I wanted to plant some in my yard and the last time she visited, she planted two bushes (?) of white peonies in our front yard. They are just starting to bloom and as much as I love to admire them outdoors, I couldn't help but bring one in to enjoy.

Much better

I promise that I didn't shove everything out of sight. I really did clean, throw, or put things away. I do still need to organize my basket that I use for my work stuff, but that will have to be a project for tonight or tomorrow morning. It really helps me to have a basket ... I can work in our family room, or when a sitter is here, I just grab my laptop and basket and head to our office. So now you can see:

• My laptop
• Envelopes that need to be addressed
• Gerber daisies from this weekend replaced the candle.
• Hubby's laptop was deposited on the table.
• Hubby's laptop password gadget
• My work notebook
• Kate Spade calendar
• One pen
• Entry forms that need to be mailed back to my home office.
• The two outfits that need to be returned ... now hanging on a chair, but I need to keep them out or I'll forget to do it!
• Hubby's suit jacket hanging on the other chair.
• Nearly empty bottle of water.

Now if the rest of my house would magically clean itself, I'd be all set.

What's stressing me

I am really sick of my messy desk today. This desk is also our kitchen'ish table ... it's located in our family room, just off our kitchen.

In this picture, you will notice the following:

• one laptop that is almost buried under my pile of shiot.
• My notebook that I use for all of my work notes, and at least two or three pens.
• Kate Spade calendar underneath the work notebook.
• Manila envelopes
• Calculator
• Half-full coffee cup from this morning.
• Empty Lance peanut butter crackers package. What salmonella scare?
• Paper clips
• Anti bacterial wipes
• Business cards
• Entry forms from an event this weekend, and empty zip lock bags that the entry forms were in.
• Two outfits for M&L that need to be returned.
• My work basket that I use to stash paperwork that is overflowing. I think it may be time to file.
• Two pairs of cute shoes for M&L from Mad About Plaid Girl. We heart hand-me-downs from her daughter.
• A bunch of USPS priority mail boxes for shipping eBay stuff.
• My wedding notebook that I was using to look up old addresses.
• My tendonitis hand/wrist brace that I should be wearing.
• My address book
• Envelopes
• Remote ... rocking out to 80's on cable TV.
• My candle holder thingy in the center of the table.
• A Junior League cookbook, tee shirt, and coffee mug that I got at our Annual Meeting last night.
• My 1st and probably still favorite Kate Spade purse.
• 5K race application
• Pay check
• New Blackberry cover.
• Ewwww ... my retainer sitting on top of the paycheck, because I was on the phone and realized that I was lisping, so I took it out and obviously forgot to put it back in the case. Gross.
• Lint roller. 2 labs, enough said.
• My address embosser.

I am going to clean. Will hopefully report back with an updated picture and you will no longer feel like you are playing "Where's Waldo?"

Ode to joy

I don't know if these girls will ever know how much joy they bring me. It is wonderful to celebrate Mother's Day with them and Hubby this year.

By taking naked baby photos to use for wedding rehearsal dinner slideshows in many years.


What a difference a year makes, huh?! Mother's Day 2008, with Zoe, Baby A, and Baby B.

Mother's Day 2009, with Libby and Maddy

Recycle bin

I was paying checks online this morning and balancing my check book. I always end up with a wad of receipts that I either tear up or throw in our recycle bin. I also had money that I had pulled out of my wallet to use to pay the woman who cleans for us.

When I was done, I was putting everything away and throwing away old receipts when I remembered that I wanted to put the money in the drawer so I could give it to her when she was done cleaning later today.

I looked around and ... no money. I went through my file folder, looked in my purse again, flipped through my calendar, under my laptop, in my pockets, on the floor, but I couldn't find it.

I was starting to get a little worried and could not find the money. Had Hubby taken it accidentally? Did the dogs eat it? Am I losing it??

For whatever reason, I thought to look in the recycle bin and there sat three crumpled twenties, all mixed in with my receipts. Glad I found it, but I am a little worried that I am losing it! Or just trying to do too many things at once.

Is it love?

When you get home from Chick-Fil-A with your much anticipated Ice Dream to find out it's not in the bottom of the bag, and Hubby asks if you want him to go back and pick it up?

I do think it's love ... now I'm not sure if it's more for Hubby or the Ice Dream, but that may be another post and my lifelong love of frozen dairy products.

Makes a mom proud

How did they get old enough to wear polo shirts? And have a total of five, yes five teeth? Maddy has one, Libby has two on the bottom and is cutting two on the top. Oh, and they can eat bites of shredded chicken and other "real" food, and sometimes "wave" hi or bye, but only when they are in the mood. Oh, and Libby can now pull to a standing position and Maddy has done it once. Yikes. And crawl up stairs. Bigger yikes.

Hubby said that since I have prepped them out in coordinating polo shirts and polka dot pants, that they will rebel and want to be skater punks as teenagers. Oh well, I went through that phase too, but I came around.

Hey, he has teeth too!

Daddy gets all the attention when he comes home.

Libby

Maddy

Required reading

As any new Mom and especially a Mom of twins, there are several books that make it onto your required reading list. Most of the ones that I've enjoyed dealt with topics about sleeping, development, giving each twin enough individual time, twin speak, etc.

I was happy to find out about the latest "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book, titled Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More, co-authored by Susan Heim who keeps up with fraternal twin boys herself. You can find out more about Susan here. This book takes a lighthearted look at stories of raising multiples ... the good, the bad, the ugly, and the funny. The 101 stories range from finding out "there's 2 in there", to the special bond of twins, to lessons that every parent of twins should read.

This book would be perfect for Mother's Day and with many of the stories only 3-4 pages long, even Moms of twins can find time to enjoy a few moments to read.

Do you eBay?

I'm not sure how to link to my eBay listings here and make them look good, so phooey.

My Mom and I are selling four pair of cute shoes on eBay. I listed, but she's shipping. She lacks the computer skills and I lack time to make it to the post office! If you are in the market for any cute, size 8, preppy sandals or flats this Spring, send me an email and I'll send you a link.

We have these new Kate Spade pink leather flats, size 8, with box. Never worn. So cute. I love the flower.
Gently worn Lilly Pulitzer slides, size 8, with box. Worn a couple of times with minor wear on soles. Very light pink leather with bow. "Cassy" style.
Polka dot pink and green Unisa heels with ribbon bow. These are sassy and so cute. Worn maybe once with minor wear on soles.
These fun and comfy Preen USA slides. These do show wear on the soles and inside, but are so comfortable and cute you won't care. European size 39, converts to USA size 71/2 - 8. For more information, send me an email and I will send you a direct link. My email is listed under my complete profile information. Happy looking!

A little secret

My little secret consists of 13.1 miles, several steep hills, a stranger turned running buddy, and friends & family at the finish line.

After I ran the 5K in March, I decided that I wanted to try to do another half marathon and do it before the girls turn one. I didn't really blog about it and didn't really talk about it. Basically out of fear that I wouldn't be able to do it!

Well, today was the day and I made it and also set a new PR - 2:22! I ran the NC Half Marathon, that was held in a neighboring city. I had taken my place near the back of the line because I really couldn't tell how many people were racing. It turns out that they started the race while people were still in line and in the porta potties, so I think a lot of people had a flustered start.

As they sang the National Anthem, I got a little emotional ... just thinking about all the many blessings of the past year. The next thing I know, the gun sounded and it was time to run so I turned on the iPod and was off. Right after I started a woman ran up next to me and said, "I hope you don't mind if I run with you. I thought you looked like a comparable runner and I don't want to run alone." Ummm, well, since you didn't give me a choice, I said that it was fine. Of course, I'm thinking that I don't want some lady chatting the entire time. But, after 3 miles flew by, Jill and I were old friends and I had decided that this wasn't too bad. We chatted about our families, professions, running, c-sections, music, blisters, hats, socks. You name it, we may have talked about it. We walked all the water stops, walked a few hills, and ran at a better pace than I thought I could do.

All of a sudden, we were done with 6 miles, then 8, then 9, then 11 and I was amazed that it was almost over. We had a beautiful day for running - cloudy, temps in the 60's and even a few raindrops. We made it to mile 12 and Jill wanted to try to sprint the last mile, so off she went and I enjoyed the last mile by myself. I knew I didn't have that much left in me, so I wanted to conserve energy until I was closer to the finish.

I neared the finish and could hear the crowds and realized it was pretty close, so I dug in and ran. I felt like I was flying until this guy that I had passed earlier whizzed by me. Grrrrr.

I crossed the line, received my medal, and found Hubby and the girls immediately. Hubby made a sweet sign cheering me on. Yay! We all enjoyed some post-race festivities, then came home to a much needed shower and short nap. I think pizza is now in my future.

My new running buddy, Jill.

Thank you for getting me up some of those hills and for sharing a piece of Gatorade gum!

Bending down to see Maddy and Libby. Hope I can get up!

Showing off our medals!

Me, OG Mommy Runs , and AK.

This was OG Mommy's 1st half marathon and she did great!

AK is a true stud and has a 3-month old baby!

It is also rumored that she wore heels in the delivery room.

All about photos

One more post about photos. This picture was taken back in December, right after we had Maddy and Libby's christenings. One of my favorites.

Anyway, I'm usually not one to scream "come vote for my babies", but I did want to tell you about a little contest that I entered over here. No idea what they will win, but the contest was for a) multiples and b) cute babies, so I figured why not.

So, please check it out and we'd love your vote. Voting is open until for just a few days, so don't delay. There are lots of cute photos and if you are a Mom of multiples, this blog is a great resource.

On another photo note, once I can recharge my camera's batteries, I hope to post some photos of the great party Hubby and I attended last night. It was a fundraiser for the Junior League and was truly a great time. Good food, good drinks, a great cause, a gorgeous setting, and good friends. Can't get much better than that. This party meant that I actually put on a cocktail dress, heels, make up, and left the babies with a sitter. Gasp! It really is amazing that all of the stars aligned and I left the house without sweet potatoes or spit up on my shoulder.

Lens cap = teething toy.

I may never get a good picture again.

Whirlwind

I'm still here ... I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of the past few days.

- Two 10-hour car rides.
- Two visits to Cracker Barrel and Denny's. *I swear, these places aren't on my top 10 list, but were awesome places to stop and feed the girls ... they brought us hot water for bottles and didn't care if we spilled 900 cheerios on the floor. Well, since Hubby's a good tipper, I don't think they cared.
- A 13.1 mile run for Hubby, who beat his previous time at this race.
- A 8 mile + 2.5 mile run for me. Long story ... I was supposed to run 10 miles to train for my half-marathon, but ran out of sidewalk (longer story), so I had to break it up into two runs.
- Lots of 80+ degree weather.
- Two nights away from sweet baby girls in a nice hotel, with a king bed, and fluffy pillows, without sweet baby girls, with a Starbucks in the hotel lobby. This is when I wish we had Grandparents in the same city.
- A wonderful dinner with old and new friends.
- A crazy family dinner with yummy food and lots of laughs.
- Picnic lunches, complete with bubbles for the girls by my parents. I really think this was so my Mom didn't have to continually pick up food off her floor.
- A tooth for Maddy!

Two months to cake!

Every month I take Maddy and Libby's "chair" picture, on the 21st of the month to document another month of their lives. I blatantly stole this idea from Goddess in Progress. Well, up until today, it had always gone swimmingly. Today, not so much.

We started off with some that looked like this.

That stopped working rather quickly and I became too scared to keep snapping, and decided to put them on the floor.

Well, that didn't work out and crawling ensued.

Maybe we'll try again later with straps, or duct tape! Oh, and can anyone tell me where the past 10 months have gone!?

Interesting article

Oh, I loved this article about the Comic Sans font. It just always seemed to me like this font was the one that came free with your Microsoft Word software ... it was just different enough to stand out from Times New Roman and Arial, and it always seemed that it was getting overused.

I think my personal favorite overuse of Comic Sans was one of my former coworkers who used this font as her email signature. If that doesn't scream unprofessional, then I don't know what does. I guess dress it up with some blinking pink neon and you'll be all set.

Can you tell?

Can you tell what I thought of my tendonitis diagnosis earlier today?

I have to wear this lovely 24/7, with the exception of baths. Wish I had time to take those long hour long bubble baths now. It basically holds everything "rigid" and "rested" so I won't continue to hurt my gentle little tendons. Oh, I must have small wrists, because the size small brace was too big, so this one was custom made. You would think I would have had a better selection of colors. I opted for black bands so they wouldn't show dirt. Nothing says "ewwww" like a sweet-potato stained hand/wrist brace.

Crack

Observations

On my way to the park for a run this evening, I noticed the following ...

A platinum-blond driving a Jag, wearing big ol' black sunglasses, talking with her fake french-manicured hands, while sporting leopard print fuzzy dice on the rear view mirror. I swear it looked just like Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Then, I was coming to a stoplight and I let a guy out in front of me. He waved and I waved back. Wish I would have made him wait after I saw his truck window decal of a nudie girl. Nice. Wonder what his wife thinks. Or his Mom. Do guys think that this will get them a date?
"Ooh, lookie there Martha ... that guy has a nudie girl on the back of his truck! Drive faster, I gotta check him out!"

Then on my way into the park, I noticed a sign stating that Registered Sex Offenders were not allowed inside the park. Well, great ... because is there a check-in for those registered sex offenders so they will politely be asked to leave? If so, I think I missed it. Just a little creepy, because unless this is just some sort of state law, I bet it means that they have had a problem in the past.

I guess you could say I might be reconsidering my city for a moment! Maybe I should take that Facebook quiz to see where I should be living.

Busy weekend and Happy Easter

It has been a busy weekend ... On Friday, Maddy and Libby came along to file their first taxes(they said yay for tax deductions) and took a much needed trip to the grocery. They are excited about orzo pasta, kiwi fruit and pears. On Saturday, they went on a 9-mile trail run with Dad, (I ran 8, but Hubby pushed the stroller 9 miles, up and down big hills.), then went to an Easter Egg hunt and an dinner with a few friends. Today, we went to about half of our church service, visited the nursery for the other half, checked out Easter baskets, then traveled to visit Grandparents, had another Easter Egg hunt, then traveled back home. Whew.

I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Easter with your loved ones.

Maddy visited Libby in her crib.

I hope there are some sunglasses in those baskets!

Maddy likes to shake-it, shake-it.

This egg hunting is serious business.

Wondering

Is it in bad taste when my doorbell rings at 12 noon to hug the person, kiss them, and dance around like a crazy person? I guess it would be different if I really knew this person, but it's my cleaning lady who is coming for our first "official" cleaning.

I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I have days that I feel like I should be able to keep our house as clean as I would like, but in reality ... it just isn't happening.

The fact that instead of scrubbing a toilet or mopping a floor, I can use that time to love on my girls, do a little work, talk to my husband, or actually think about making something for dinner and that makes me insanely happy. There. I said it.

I'm that girl

If you happened to be in my neighborhood this morning, that was me. Yes, I was the one huffin' and puffin' behind the orange BOB stroller, pushing nearly 40 pounds of baby + 23 pounds (the weight of the stroller.) There were times that I thought I might lose a lung, but it was OK. I ran about 3.25 miles and did walk most of the hills, but I am feeling like a real woman right now.

We survived!

Hubby and I took our first trip by ourselves this weekend. Gasp! Gone for three nights and two airplane rides away from home! I thought it was a success since we didn't drink entirely too much and make jackasses out of ourselves and we also didn't sleep away the entire weekend. There were definitely periods of imbibing and rainy, Saturday afternoon naps, but all in moderation!

It was a trip to Vermont for my work, but we were able to take families along to enjoy the weekend after our meetings were over on Friday. Since the girls are a tad too young for skiing, we decided to leave them entrusted in the care of their grandparents. All in all, it was a win-win. The girls were spoiled rotten, and the grandparents, albeit tired were able to spend uninterrupted time with their newest grand babies.

Today, I had to pick up Zeus and Zoe from their kennel and poor Zeuser broke his dew claw nail getting into my car. Ouch. Poor guy ... he wouldn't let anyone touch his paw and there doesn't seem to be much we can do about it. The kennel owner tried to wrap up his paw, but Zeus was having none of that. It's no longer bleeding, so that is good. I think he is totally milking us for extra attention.

So it really is back to reality - - emails, phone calls, dogs, laundry, meetings, peas in the hair, and sweet potatoes on my shoulder. Never a dull day.

And the winner is ...

I had a lot of fun with our little April Fool's contest and it turns out that I am going to designate two winners! The first is Meg who hinted at the fact that there may have been some baby switching ... and you were right!

In the first photo, Libby was wearing blue and Maddy was in red.

Later that same day (as if I don't have enough to do), I switched their outfits for another photo opportunity. So for the second photo, Maddy was dressed in blue and Libby was wearing red.

So, I am giving Meg the 1st place price, then chose another name at random from the other guesses and congrats go to Natalie!

Thanks for playing along and I'll be sending each of you a special surprise from two of my good friends who have recently started their own business! Check out BE Creative Goods for great paper products and jewelry. Ladies, I will be in touch for your monograms and shipping information!

April Fool's riddle for you

An April Fools riddle just for you …

Nine months ago,
on the longest day of the year
twin girls were born
both whom are very dear.
Maddy and Libby are their names,
Peek-a-Boo and Patty Cake are some of their favorite games.
We think they are very sweet
From the tops of their heads down to the bottom of their feet.
But they were feeling a bit naughty today

since it is April Fool’s Day.

They want you to see if you can guess who is who.

So, dear readers, what say you?

I have decided to make this a true contest, complete with a special giveaway! Oooooh! Ahhhhh! Ooooo! Here's the deal ... please leave your answer in the comments, and I will pick a random winner from those who answer correctly. You will have until Sunday, April 4 at 5:00 PM EST to enter and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 5. Good luck & have fun!

And a partridge in a pear tree

Today consisted of ...

18 pounds and 10 ounces (Libby)
16 pounds and 3 ounces (Maddy)
27 3/4 inches (Libby)
26 3/4 inches (Maddy)
A combined 6 shots
A few smiles for Dr. L. and a fascination with her cool belt buckle and stethoscope
A few cries for the nurse who had to give the shots
And a TOOTH for Libby! It hadn't quite broken through yesterday, but it was sharp and shining for their 9-month appointment today.

Big pimpin'

Hubby and I were talking about something work related (his work) when we were feeding the girls and getting them ready for bed. He's in outside sales and always carries a small photo album of Maddy and Libby so he can show off the latest pictures.

I think the conversation went something like this.

Hubby "Dr. So and So really liked the latest picture of the girls. She said they are really getting big."

Me "Oh, that's nice. Just as long as she's using your products, I guess you can keep pimping out M&L."

Hubby "Of course ... I have the (insert product name here) sticker on the back of the album."

Me "No you don't."

Hubby "Yes I do. That product may pay for college."

Next thing I know, they're going to be wearing little t-shirts and going along on calls with him.

Whatever works, I guess.

Maddy - Libby, 9 months old

un-friended

I may have jinxed myself.

I commented on Lisagh's post this morning about how nice it would be if life were like Facebook and you could simply "unfriend" someone. Then later, I was on Facebook and for what ever reason, I realized that I hadn't noticed any recent comments from one of my friends.

Well, I'm not his friend anymore.

Do you think he un-friended me? People just don't disappear off your friends list, do they? Should I just request to be his friend again or just sit quietly and brood about it?

This is why Facebook is often too much like high school and it gets on my nerves! All those same feelings of insecurity rear their ugly head again.

I promise that I am really NOT scary, psycho-Facebook stalker girl that this post makes me appear to me.

oh my lord

It's a lovely Lilly explosion! Click here to view the deliciousness. I think these three below are my favorite of the stationery. They also have Lilly party and wedding invitations. I am so ready for Spring. Of course, it's foggy and 54 degrees right now, but these really make me ready for warm weather.

picky, picky, picky.

Maddy has always been the picky eater of the two girls. She's always been a slower eater and my Mom finally admitted that she used to scoop up Libby first because she was easier to feed. Even with her bottle some days, she'll just press her lips together and turn her head away when she's telling you "no!" She's finally eating applesauce, cheerios, and bananas. Maybe a few bites of oatmeal, sweet potato, and carrots, but those are few and far between.

I decided to try out blueberries and yogurt for lunch today. They both gobbled up the blueberries. My only "fiasco" was when I gave Maddy a bath this evening and noticed that she had a bruise on her arm. I nearly panicked trying to figure out what had happened to her, when the "bruise" washed off. She had dropped a blueberry inside her outfit and it left several "bruises" on her arm and tummy.

Anyway, Maddy loved the yogurt. It's the full fat plain Stonyfield. It makes me pucker a little, so I didn't have high hopes. Shockingly, she ate two servings today. Whoo-hoo ... I think it will be the new item on the menu.

No mo' drama

Tonight I had an appointment to get my hair cut at 6:30. I had envisioned a leisurely evening of getting my hair cut, visiting with my hairstylist who is also a good friend & former boss, maybe even having a glass of wine. After that, I was going grocery shopping so I could buy my lemon bar ingredients, plus all the other stuff that we're out of.

So, how in the hell did my evening turn to crap?

When I was leaving the salon, I was swilling down my last few drops of wine when I went to pull out my debit card and pay. But there was no debit card. I rummaged through my purse, pulled out my other cards to see if it was in the wrong place, but still no debit card. CRAP. Luckily, I did have a credit card, because I don't think the $7 in cash was going to get me anywhere.

I called Hubby who looked around the house, but didn't see it. I came home and got online to find that luckily no strange activity had taken place. I called my bank and ordered a new card. I really think that it may be wedged somewhere in my car and I hope that it isn't floating around.

Anyway, the girls were still up so I helped feed them and tuck them in. Then, I went to the grocery.

I was checking out and thought to bring my checkbook, because again, that $7 in cash wasn't buying me squat. Well, as the clerk was scanning my last few items I realized that I had bought the wrong kind of yogurt. Typically not that big of a deal, but somehow I think it's frowned upon to give 9-month olds fat free yogurt. I ran back to the dairy, exchanged out my yogurt, then ran back to the checkout.

Of course a line has now formed behind me and I had to pay with my antiquated check. I don't think I've written a check in a grocery store since I got a debit card. Well, of course they had to call the manager over to approve it and I could feel the stares. I felt just like those Visa commercials where the guy uses a check and the entire place comes to a screeching halt.

Geez Louise. Let's just say I am glad to be home and not out causing any more drama!

lemon bars

Martha must have some sort of tracker on my craving for the day. I was thinking about lemon bars and (poof) an email appears with her best lemon recipes, including one for lemon squares. It's magic ... just like those ads on google!

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/lemon-squares?xsc=eml_edf_2009_03_24

Don't they look good? I think I may need to pick up lemons and the rest of the ingredients on my grocery store trip tonight so I can try to make them tomorrow.

Other staples in our house that we are either out of or as we say, "on alert" that we are almost out of ... coffee creamer, peanut butter, oatmeal squares cereal, whole wheat bread, bananas. I'm sure there's a dozen other things too. Hmmm, maybe it's selfish that the things always replenished are items that I always need for my own breakfast and lunch. Well, Hubby eats the peanut butter too, so I guess that counts for something.

I also want to pick up some blueberries for Maddy and Libby. They are into feeding themselves, so I'm going to try to "smoosh" the blueberries and cut into pieces to see what they think. So far, cheerios are the favorite, but they'll also eat bananas, sweet potato, and baked apples cut into tiny bits. The dogs think it's great too, because there is usually about a 70/30 ratio on what actually makes it into their mouths.

It's baaaack!

Warning: TMI.

After a sixteen month hiatus from Aunt Flo, she came back today. And with a vengeance I might add and cramps like I was 14 years old again. And guess what I had zero of in my house? Yep, you guessed it. Thank goodness there were pads leftover from the summer, because I was in no mood to make a trip to the drug store this morning.

This Mother nature thing is a biotch.

Flash forward

Seeing this picture of Maddy makes me feel like in about 13 years I'm going to listen to her say to me "Like, Mom ... you know .... all the girls are wearing polo shirts with their collars popped, Seven jeans, and boat shoes. Oh, and like don't forget a new North Face jacket. I would look like a total loser without one!"

Can anyone tell me where the past nine months have gone?? Seriously. Oh, and we have one crawling and one trying. I may never blog again!

Also, why did I agree to join a swim & tennis club yesterday? Ummm, hello bathing suit that I'll need to be wearing come Memorial Day? I saw shaded, gradual entry baby pool with a full service grill and asked "where do we sign?" Think anyone will notice if I wear yoga pants in the pool?

Is it wrong ...

That I have been eating nachos, frozen pizza, jelly beans, and vanilla wafers while my children have been eating fresh, organic sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, butternut squash, and apples?

I think it's time to reevaluate my eating habits and start eating more like my babies!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Was that a leprechaun?

Breakin' Three: The Inchworm Edition

Libby is hoping that Breakin' makes another movie and it can be all about her. We have crawling! I guess you would really call it inchworming, since she's not using her knees just yet. We have been amazed how quickly she can get across the room, or towards the steps, or to the dog bed (they aren't thrilled). Maddy is content to scoot backwards or rock on hands and knees.

Now if I can only figure out which cord I need to download these videos off our camera and post online. I'm not tech savvy when it comes to camcorders, so all of my videos are just sitting there.

Since they are now not content to just stay on a blanket, we have also added the piece de resistance of our family room ... the baby cage! I think the One Step Ahead website calls it a Play Zone or something a little more PC. It's pretty hideous, but it gives me a place to keep them safe and entertained when I can't be right there with them. For instance, when I'm blogging or on Facebook! Seriously, for going to the bathroom, doing laundry, letting the dogs out, working, etc. And ours is even bigger than this picture. It is huge. The dogs aren't impressed by it either ... one more place they can't take naps.

See, don't these kids look happy? They won't grow up with

thoughts that they were put in a cage, will they?

is it too early?

Maddy and Libby will be 9 months old next week, but lately I've been thinking of birthday plans. I know, I know ... I said I wouldn't be "one of those" parents and make a huge deal out of it. But, then again ... how can you not at least make a little fuss? I think Hubby was the first one who came up with the idea of wanting to have cupcakes. Of course, now I'm thinking about a whole cupcake themed party and seem to keep seeing ideas everywhere.

I recently saw this cupcake stand at Target.

Williams-Sonoma has a pan to make giant cupcakes. Wouldn't you love to have one all to yourself?



We already have a 1st birthday onesie and bib with cupcakes. My Mom bought this ... I told her that I don't want to hear the arguments when they look at pictures and ask why one was wearing the shirt and one was wearing the bib. Hopefully I can find another one before June.

I've seen several cute invitation options, decorations, favors, etc. Hell, there's even a Cupcake website dedicated to all things cupcake? I can just go here and have this shindig planned today!

Date day

Hubby and I had plans to run in the Beerun today. (Yes that is how they spell it.) It's a 5 mile run that starts and ends at a neat little pub in our city. We've done it several times ... it's hilly, but always a good, fun run.

Well, we were going to register today because we missed the cut off for early registration. Today has turned out to be a cold and rainy mess. I was ready to go for it when Hubby reminded me of the rule that states "If you've already registered, you run. If you haven't registered, then you aren't obligated." I guess that's so if you already have the tee shirt, it wouldn't really be fair not to run. Kinda like having the concert tee shirt without going to the show.

So anyway, we already had a sitter for this afternoon so we have decided to go ahead and do something. No real plans ... a late lunch and watch the Tar Heels play some basketball. Isn't that what rainy Saturdays are supposed to be for anyway?

Strong

How can a nearly 9 month old baby be so strong? I would have sworn that her 18 pounds is one big wiggly muscle. Hubby called me into their nursery this morning when he was trying to give Libby medicine and by the look of both of them, he was losing. They were both covered in pink medicine.

She had her first ear infection and cough/wheezy respiratory thing this week. Yuck. Apparently, she doesn't like the taste of the amoxicillian. I can't say that I blame her. It's going to be a long 7 days. Damn 10-day supply.

The hard part is keeping Maddy well. I'm trying to separate them at playtime, separate their food and spoons, but there's a part of me that wonders if the spreading the illness is inevitable. Like when Maddy decided to take Libby's pacifier from her mouth and pop it into her own. Maddy may have just sealed her deal to be in the Pediatrician's office soon. Let's hope not.

How do you ...

throw a party for someone who doesn't want it?

My parents 50th wedding anniversary is this June. That's a huge accomplishment and something that most people would want to celebrate. Except, my parents ... or more specifically, my Mom. She doesn't like the fuss or expense of things like this.

So, my brothers and I have been talking about it and trying to decide what to do. I think we have decided to do something at my brother's house, keep it casual, and somewhat small. Just invite family and close friends.

Most of the invitations and supplies out there are soooo cheesy. Gold rimmed with wine glasses? Gag. What I need is an invitation shaped like a bulldog and baseball bat (their favorite things). Hmmm, where is that one? Our next task will be trying to tell them. I'm sure that will go over well. How do you get them to just relax and enjoy a little fuss being made over them?

It's been a long time

I started running again this January ... I took part in a 5k class with a local group called Janes on the Run. It was a great way for me to get back into running, know that I wasn't going to die trying to get back into it again, and a fun way to meet some fellow runners. Well, we mostly ran at night in the cold so everyone was bundled up and just trying to get through their training plan for that evening. So, maybe I didn't meet that many people this time.

The class ended with our 5K Shamrock Run yesterday and the weather was perfect. I was even able to break out the shorts!

I had some great cheerleaders waiting for me at the end of the race. Don't you think it looks like Libby is giving me a little thumbs up?

Oh, and no, I did not push them in this race! I need to get used to pushing and running in my own neighborhood before I try to do that in front of hundreds of people!

Ugh.

I have been dreading tomorrow all day long, and not for my own selfish birthday reasons. Libby is having her surgery to have her hemangiomas lasered. While the actual surgery part doesn't make me as nervous - they use a laser that will help reduce the size, lighten the color, and toughen the skin so the hemangiomas won't open up - it's the anesthesia.

I have kept myself from googling today and looking up scary statistics about anesthesia. I know as a rational adult that we have a great Pediatric Anesthesiologist who will take care of my girl, but as a Mom I can't help but worry.

We have to be there at 6AM for her 7:15 appointment. So, I'm asking for thoughts and prayers that everything will go smoothly and we'll be back home playing before she realizes what's going on.

** Update at 9:00 AM ** We are back home and everything is fine! Thanks so much for the messages, thoughts, and prayers. Libby charmed all of the nurses and 2 even asked to take her home! It was a quick procedure and honestly, we chatted with another family in the waiting room, then received our call that everything was done and fine. I picked her up from recovery and we were back on the road. Whew!

Not your typical gift with purchase

I saw this posted to a light pole today. I thought it was a little disturbing. Ewwww.

They weren't wrong this time!

All winter our weather forecasts have ended up being very wrong. They would call for 4 inches of snow, and we would see two flurries. Last night, they hit the nail on the head and we woke up this morning to a winter wonderland.

Signs of Spring

I hated to cut them from my yard, but since it may snow here tonight they may fare better inside. I love daffodils ... we always called them buttercups growing up. To me, they are always the first sign of Spring and that my birthday is right around the corner.