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!

What to do?

I have been a fan of the Jenny Bee Designs calendars since I found them a couple of years ago. I look forward to the 1st of the month so I can put out that month's new card. I went to their website today to find out that they won't be putting out a new calendar until 2010! I'll have to find a replacement this year. What's a girl to do?

Here's a cute one from Magnolia Grace on etsy.

Or I could opt for animals from Story by Mia.

This Tara Hogan letterpress one is pretty cool.

Paper Source has this one that I like a lot.

Or I could go the thrifty route and use the little paper one that our realtor friend sends us, but somehow it just doesn't do it for me. Decisions, decisions.

Happy Halloween!

I couldn't resist sharing a few pictures of my little pea pods. Have a fun Halloween!

Obviously Maddy is a little more excited about her costume than Libby.

Who knew peas liked pacifiers??

Have I told you lately?

Does getting pooped on by your oldest daughter mean she's trying to tell you that she loves you? She did smile at me afterward ... I guess that counts for something.

Strollin'

After no outdoor time since Thursday, we finally made it out of the house this afternoon. Hubby came home sick Thursday afternoon, it hit me on Saturday night, so Hubby and I have been doing some serious single-parenting over the past few days, trying to keep the girls out of harms way. So far, so good. It has been a blur of sickness, washing everything in sight, eating the BRAT diet, and using an obscene amount of anti-bacterial everything. Why does getting sick always rekindle my love of applesauce?

I think Maddy and Libby were as ready to go for a walk as we were. They were bundled up with their little hats, blankets up to their chins, and at one point all you could see on Libby were two eyes and a pacifier. Note to self - start bringing cameras on walks. After our walk, they both ate and immediately fell asleep. Ahhhh, babies sleeping, dogs snoring, and Hubby watching football. Not a bad Monday night.

Gifts!

I took a chance and entered a contest over at the Gifting Gumshoe and I won! Whoo-hoo! The Gifting Gumshoe always posts about great gift ideas, so if you need a little inspiration for upcoming birthdays, baby showers, or the holidays, be sure to check her out.

My great gift is a monogrammed chair cover from Sewgirlie. It will really dress up my outdoor chair for the next time we go to a Sunday Music in the Park. This might also be good for those parties where your chair always seems to be taken by someone else. Hmmmm ... there won't be any denying whose chair this is! Sewgirlie was so prompt with the order and they have tons of personalized products on their site. Lots of great gift ideas.

I was also nominated by the Gifting Gumshoe for the Kreativ Blogger award, so as part of that I should list 6 things that make me happy. I am also supposed to tag six others, but I am always horrible at that, so please consider yourself tagged and if you were having trouble finding blog fodder today, here you go.

6 things that make me happy are ...

1. Crisp fall days where the sun is shining, but it's cool enough for a long sleeved shirt or jeans. It's the perfect day to be in the yard or take a walk and it feels great to feel the sun on your face.

2. My family - Hubby, the babies, the dogs. They all do their part to make me smile and laugh every day and it really doesn't get much better than that. It doesn't matter if it's seeing smiles from the girls, or watching Hubby read to the girls, or the way that the pups wag their big ol tails so excitedly.

3. Good music. This has always done it for me. It doesn't really matter on the genre, but a good song always seems to lighten my mood and make me sing out loud. Yeah, you probably don't want to be in the car with me when this happens, but it still makes me happy.

4. Bringing in the Christmas tree. I love the smell of it and the excitement and anticipation of the season.

5. The feeling after a good long run. I love the way you feel when you're running and you just feel really strong and light in your steps. You're tired and sweaty when you're done and maybe that's the part that feels so good. You are finally finished and just feel so accomplished. Oh, and that long drink of cold water has never tasted so good when you are done!

6. House parties. I love sitting down with good friends and catching up in the warmth of someone's home. This is of course made better with good food and wine, but I love it when the conversation just flows. It's just fun and easy.

Dinner and shots

Not those kind of shots, but Synagis for RSV. The girls were approved to receive this shot and while I wasn't excited about the idea of adding a monthly shot for several months, if it will keep them from getting sick during flu season, then I'm all for it. They were little troopers and cried just for a bit and then both fell soundly asleep in their car seats while we sat and patiently waited for 20 minutes to make sure they didn't have a reaction. No reaction ... thank goodness. We did find it interesting that our insurance didn't approve them on the basis that they are twins, or were born prematurely, or their small birth weight, but because I have asthma and we have a wood burning fireplace. That we never use, but shhhhhh, don't tell.

The dinner part of my post is the goulash that I made last night. The change in temperature here has made me looking up recipes for comfort food. On my list has been goulash, brownies, shepherd's pie, chili, etc. Anyway, I forgot to take photos of my dinner making in progress, but if you are looking for a good and easy recipe that will make enough for 3 hungry adults with plenty of leftovers, you can find it here. It is great with crusty bread and salad. Oh, and red wine, but sadly I settled for water last night.

Do you find yourself changing your menu when the weather changes? What is your favorite comfort food?

Four months ago

Hubby was driving really fast to the hospital and we were just hours away from meeting our babies for the first time.

It's hard to believe that four months has flown by in what feels like the blink of an eye. Here are a few photos from earlier today.

Libby

Maddy

Maddy - Libby

Giggles from Maddy

Smiles from Libby

Crib gymnastics

I wish I would have had pictures to show this, but Libby turned a full 360 degrees in her crib last night. I still don't know how she does this without waking herself up. Hubby had checked on them around 5am and she was 180 degrees from where we put her to bed. By 7:30, she was all the way back where she started. Go figure.

I think I'm glad we opted not to use the cute bumper pads for their crib, because with the way she's moving, I think we would have been removing them sooner than later.

I kind of feel like the student cramming for final exams, except that I'm just gearing up for their 4 month appointment with our Pediatrician and working on the items she had mentioned. "More tummy time, girls!"

One thing that I've had a hard time with is putting the girls to sleep on different sides of their heads. Apparently with preemies, their heads are more oblong, so they tend to lay on their sides and not the back of their head. Most babies will get a flat spot on the back of their head, but we have the opposite problem, where they will continue to flatten out the sides and get more oblong. Our Dr. mentioned that we should try to alternate sides as well as to also place them to sleep on the back of their head. Well, Libby really seems to favor her left side and even with toys all on the right, she will still look to the left at the boring crib slats and wall. It seems that no matter which way we place her, she'll turn to have her head to the left. (I think this is also how I sleep, so maybe she's just taking after me!)

Does anyone have any recommendations on crib toys that your children really loved and would gravitate towards, or head positioners that help keep them in check?