It has been so long since I blogged about the girls. I'm embarrassed. But, I have been journaling about their development and discoveries.
The twincesses are officially toddlers! It breaks my heart but, at 18 months, they aren't babies anymore. They have personalities, opinions and tantrums! They have their 18 month check up next week. I'm guessing they are around 25 lbs. Some 12 month clothing still fits, some 18 month clothing is still too big.
The bo peeps eat big people food and let me know when they want a "nack" (snack). What is it about Goldfish crackers? The like to carry their nacks in their denim purses they painted with Grammie. Neither girls are fans of cheese (are they really my children?) but love all fruits and veggies. Berries don't stand a change in our house - they go by pints at a time. Ari eats tomatoes like apples.
The twinadoes are very active. The love their Saturday morning "Birds" class at The Little Gym. They play with bells and balls, walk on the balance beam, hang on the parallel bars, do somersaults on the mats and play their drums to the bye-bye song. The class has really been great for both of them. Jensen is much more out going and freely goes to Miss Leah's to display the skill of the week to the rest of the class. Both are very independent and wander off to other sides of the gym to do their own thing. We've been going to the park weekly and they love the slide. Jensen has taken off on her own. Why do all kids want to climb back up the slide? We have been going to Waterloo for dinner on Friday nights because they have a playground outside - Bryan and I can have a cocktail and the girls can go crazy.
The dancing queens love to dance! It is adorable to watch them dance along with the Hot Dog Dance (Mickey's Playhouse) and Imagination Movers theme song. We have dance party Friday nights and mommy teaches them the only moves she knows (circa 1990s - live on running man!).
The chatterboxes are starting to talk. Ari says "pow pow" (powder) and "pop k" (popsickle); Jensen says "le-yow" (yellow) and "go dog go". They both say "star", "no no no" (while wagging their finger at Randall), bark, growl, meow and quack.
What can I say - we have a blast!
Showing posts with label Archive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archive. Show all posts
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Year End Review - November 10, 2009
Now that Jensen and Ariana are a year old, I’m looking back on the first year of their lives and reflecting on our experiences. I very vividly remember the day we welcomed them into the world. I remember seeing a red fox cross our path on Brushy Creek Road on the way to the hospital. I remember a whammy of a contraction while sitting at the light on Parmer & 1431 and I remember the pain in my shoulder during my c-section.
The girls are both 20 lbs so I can barely remember how tiny they were when we brought them home. When I see newborns or even newborn clothing I think “we’re they ever that small?” The first 6 weeks were tough. We had no idea what we were doing! The next 6 were a little easier. The next 6 even easier. It is so amazing to watch them explore and discover the world around them. Both girls have mouths full of teeth, are good little eaters (they LOVE bagels and bananas!), have started walking with the help of their stroller, kiss each other and laugh, high five (or, what we call “wonder twin powers activate”).
Bryan and I have the great fortune of having my mom live less than 10 minutes away and she offers us date night occasionally. We admit we must get better at going on dates. We run out to dinner or go to a movie but are always home within a couple hours.
Being a mom is amazing and I couldn’t be happier. This year has been crazy fun! WHAT. A. RIDE.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
One Year Happier - October 21, 2009
Jensen and Ariana turned 1 year old on Oct. 12th. The week preceeding their birthdays we spent aboard Carnival Conquest. We set sail out of Galveston, TX and enjoyed Montego Bay, Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
The girls absolutely loved playing among the pillows on the king-sized bed. Their smiles were so big and bright every time they'd pop their heads up from under a pillow. So cute. In Jamaica, the girls spent the day with Grandma and Papa on board while Bryan and I went horseback riding in the hills and ocean. It was a fantastic date day for mommy & daddy:) The girls never missed us.
In Grand Cayman, we spent the day at Seven Mile Beach. The girls are water babies and love playing in the surf and (eating) sand. In Cozumel, we shopped around. We didn't spend a lot of time off the ship that day for fear of the girls getting too much sun. We resolved to go back soon!
We arrived home on the 11th and made mad preparations for the birthday. The girls opened their first gift: a 6 ft. tunnel. Both loved ripping the wrapping paper. It was so adorable. When Grammie arrived to nanny for the day, she brought a huge bag of prizes and the girls enjoyed pulling one treat after another out of the bag. It was an emotional day for me. I relived the night they were born (tried to tell them the story but they were more interested in trying to climb onto the window sill!).
We took the girls out for dinner to Waterloo, they shared their first hot dog and the waitstaff sang to them. Dinner was followed by a shopping spree to Toys R Us where they got new clothes and a Radio Flyer wagon.
Saturday, the 17th, we had the birthday party. Grandparents, Aunt Sarah & Cousin Morgan, along with friends Adrian, Liam, Jack and their parents celebrated with the girls :) Ari tore into the cupcake; Jensen was a little apprehensive. Both eventually got into it and both ended up breaking out from the dye in the frosting (hopefully it was the dye and not that my offspring are allergic to cake!).
It was a wonderful day!
The girls absolutely loved playing among the pillows on the king-sized bed. Their smiles were so big and bright every time they'd pop their heads up from under a pillow. So cute. In Jamaica, the girls spent the day with Grandma and Papa on board while Bryan and I went horseback riding in the hills and ocean. It was a fantastic date day for mommy & daddy:) The girls never missed us.
In Grand Cayman, we spent the day at Seven Mile Beach. The girls are water babies and love playing in the surf and (eating) sand. In Cozumel, we shopped around. We didn't spend a lot of time off the ship that day for fear of the girls getting too much sun. We resolved to go back soon!
We arrived home on the 11th and made mad preparations for the birthday. The girls opened their first gift: a 6 ft. tunnel. Both loved ripping the wrapping paper. It was so adorable. When Grammie arrived to nanny for the day, she brought a huge bag of prizes and the girls enjoyed pulling one treat after another out of the bag. It was an emotional day for me. I relived the night they were born (tried to tell them the story but they were more interested in trying to climb onto the window sill!).
We took the girls out for dinner to Waterloo, they shared their first hot dog and the waitstaff sang to them. Dinner was followed by a shopping spree to Toys R Us where they got new clothes and a Radio Flyer wagon.
Saturday, the 17th, we had the birthday party. Grandparents, Aunt Sarah & Cousin Morgan, along with friends Adrian, Liam, Jack and their parents celebrated with the girls :) Ari tore into the cupcake; Jensen was a little apprehensive. Both eventually got into it and both ended up breaking out from the dye in the frosting (hopefully it was the dye and not that my offspring are allergic to cake!).
It was a wonderful day!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sept. 21, 2009 - First First Day of Fall
The girls’ first day of fall! Major milestone over the weekend – the girls tried whole milk. They loved it! Milk is a quarter of the price of formula. Now maybe we'll be able to afford to send them both to college :) The girls also had their first duo bath in the big kid tub. Ari slid around and bonked her head twice. I freaked – she didn’t. Grammie called me twice today to tell me that A) Ari said “Hi” and B) Jensen patted her belly and growled. Too cute. Can’t wait for vacation!
Friday, September 4, 2009
September 4, 2009 - Missing
September 4, 2009 – It has been far too long since I’ve shared the life & times of the Tower Twins. I’m happy to say, though, that I’ve been so caught up in the wonder & amazement and just lived in the moment rather than chronicling it. Jensen & Ariana seem less and less like babies and more and more like toddlers. They are both cruising while hanging onto the couch and are climbing up on everything.
Last week we had a terrible scare! Jensen was missing! I thought she was playing in the living room with Bryan, he thought she was cooking in the kitchen with me. When we realized neither of us knew where she was we frantically searched the 1st floor of the house. The baby gate on the stairs was partially open – we always left it open so that Randall could sit on his perch in the game room window – but the girls had never shown interest in the stairs. After opening closed doors, looking behind furniture and curtains – to no avail – I finally raced upstairs and found Little Miss Curious sitting in the corner between the game room and their bedroom playing with the cord of the humidifier. I cried, I laughed, I wanted to throw up!!! I was so scared. I still cannot believe that she trucked up the stairs without getting tired and just kept going.
The girls have a wooden lion hanging on their wall. Ari has always stared at it and Bryan has always roared when she looked at it. Jensen picked up on the roar and she now roars when she crawls. It is absolutely adorable!!! It will probably be embarrassing in the future when we overhear people we don’t know say “did that little girl just roar at me?”
Babies First Labor Day weekend – we have some shopping on the schedule and a visit to the water fountains in the park across the street. They haven’t been able to enjoy the water for most of the summer since it’s been 100+ degrees outside!
We leave for our Caribbean cruise on Sunday, Oct. 4th. We can’t wait to share this experience with the girls! First birthdays coming up on Oct. 12th. Mama’s gotta plan a party!!!
Last week we had a terrible scare! Jensen was missing! I thought she was playing in the living room with Bryan, he thought she was cooking in the kitchen with me. When we realized neither of us knew where she was we frantically searched the 1st floor of the house. The baby gate on the stairs was partially open – we always left it open so that Randall could sit on his perch in the game room window – but the girls had never shown interest in the stairs. After opening closed doors, looking behind furniture and curtains – to no avail – I finally raced upstairs and found Little Miss Curious sitting in the corner between the game room and their bedroom playing with the cord of the humidifier. I cried, I laughed, I wanted to throw up!!! I was so scared. I still cannot believe that she trucked up the stairs without getting tired and just kept going.
The girls have a wooden lion hanging on their wall. Ari has always stared at it and Bryan has always roared when she looked at it. Jensen picked up on the roar and she now roars when she crawls. It is absolutely adorable!!! It will probably be embarrassing in the future when we overhear people we don’t know say “did that little girl just roar at me?”
Babies First Labor Day weekend – we have some shopping on the schedule and a visit to the water fountains in the park across the street. They haven’t been able to enjoy the water for most of the summer since it’s been 100+ degrees outside!
We leave for our Caribbean cruise on Sunday, Oct. 4th. We can’t wait to share this experience with the girls! First birthdays coming up on Oct. 12th. Mama’s gotta plan a party!!!
August 9, 2009 - Teeth
It is so amazing to watch little ones develop! This weekend Ariana started sitting up from a crawl and Jensen is crawling more on her knees than the creep-crawl they both have perfected. They both get more and more curious every day and it is such a joy to watch them discover new things. We recently added teeth brushing to our daily activities; it is so adorable. It appears as though Ari is cutting a top tooth. For having only 5 teeth between them, the girls are incredibly good eaters. At a BBQ yesterday they ate chicken, potatoes & peaches (and Grandma snuck them some lemon meringue pie).
Friday, July 17, 2009
July 17, 2009 - Poison Control
It has been far too long since I’ve blogged about the girls. Jensen & Ariana are absolutely amazing! Every day they discover something new and it is a blast! Nine months old on July 12th. Today we went to the pediatrician for the 9th month well-check & development assessment. Of course, they both aced their tests because they are PER-FECT! Both girls are 27.5 inches tall; Jensen weighs 18 lbs 5 oz (45th percentile) and Ariana weighs 18 lbs 15 oz (50th percentile). Both girls are scooting, crawling & cruising, saying “da-da, ma-ma, la-la”, laughing and pulling up on everything.
Ari especially loves to play with Randall. Her bedtime ritual, once in her crib, includes putting her hand through the slats to pet Randall. Once she touches him, she slips her had back into the crib, buries her face in her sheet, pops her hand back out to pet Randall. She does this 3-4 times before she starts to drift off. Randall is such a good sport.
Both girls really love getting into Randall’s food & water. Last weekend, Bryan took Ari down to the kitchen with him to make coffee. He put her on the floor and she promptly put something in her mouth. He assumed it was a piece of kibble. Nope, Randall’s heartworm/flea medicine!!! I quickly called the nurse line; the nurse laughed at me at first and told me the “dog food is non-toxic” – I assured her that I wasn’t concerned much about the dog food as the medicine and she quickly dialed poison control. Poison Control suggested giving Ari milk but they weren’t concerned about the ingredients of the medicine. We were surprisingly calm about the whole thing. A couple hours later there was a voicemail for Ariana “Hello, this is Poison Control calling for Ariana Tower”. I love that it was her first call!!!
Ari especially loves to play with Randall. Her bedtime ritual, once in her crib, includes putting her hand through the slats to pet Randall. Once she touches him, she slips her had back into the crib, buries her face in her sheet, pops her hand back out to pet Randall. She does this 3-4 times before she starts to drift off. Randall is such a good sport.
Both girls really love getting into Randall’s food & water. Last weekend, Bryan took Ari down to the kitchen with him to make coffee. He put her on the floor and she promptly put something in her mouth. He assumed it was a piece of kibble. Nope, Randall’s heartworm/flea medicine!!! I quickly called the nurse line; the nurse laughed at me at first and told me the “dog food is non-toxic” – I assured her that I wasn’t concerned much about the dog food as the medicine and she quickly dialed poison control. Poison Control suggested giving Ari milk but they weren’t concerned about the ingredients of the medicine. We were surprisingly calm about the whole thing. A couple hours later there was a voicemail for Ariana “Hello, this is Poison Control calling for Ariana Tower”. I love that it was her first call!!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
FUN! - June 4, 2009
Oh my gosh, these girls are amazing! Are all little ones as precious & perfect or is it just our babies? Jensen & Ariana will be 8 months old on June 12th. I can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. They are getting so big and are so much fun to watch!
Last week, we took the girls to dinner for the 3rd time (baby steps). They slept through the first half of the meal – Bryan & I have become accustomed to cold food. Once they woke up and found themselves in new surroundings, they wanted out of their car seats ASAP. They both tried refried beans and guacamole – we’re happy to announce that they are both true Texans. This week they have tried bananas, honeydew & cantaloupe. (Jensen spit the cantaloupe back into Bryan’s hand.) Oh, and they’ve also tried popsicles.
Sunday we took the girls to Brushy Creek Lake Park’s children’s water park. Jensen was decked out in her purplicious bathing suit, Ari in her pinkalicious suit. Both sporting sun hats. Oh, so adorable! They LOVED playing in the water. One would put her hand over the stream and spray her sister in the face, then vice versa. Afterwards, we laid out a blanket and let the girls play to their hearts’ content. It was so much fun!
I look forward to every moment of every day with the dynamic duo!
Last week, we took the girls to dinner for the 3rd time (baby steps). They slept through the first half of the meal – Bryan & I have become accustomed to cold food. Once they woke up and found themselves in new surroundings, they wanted out of their car seats ASAP. They both tried refried beans and guacamole – we’re happy to announce that they are both true Texans. This week they have tried bananas, honeydew & cantaloupe. (Jensen spit the cantaloupe back into Bryan’s hand.) Oh, and they’ve also tried popsicles.
Sunday we took the girls to Brushy Creek Lake Park’s children’s water park. Jensen was decked out in her purplicious bathing suit, Ari in her pinkalicious suit. Both sporting sun hats. Oh, so adorable! They LOVED playing in the water. One would put her hand over the stream and spray her sister in the face, then vice versa. Afterwards, we laid out a blanket and let the girls play to their hearts’ content. It was so much fun!
I look forward to every moment of every day with the dynamic duo!
Monday, May 11, 2009
First Mother's Day - May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 2nd Ari got her second tooth, Tuesday, May 5th Jensen scooted, Wednesday, May 6th Jensen scoot-crawled & got her first tooth. Ari quickly started scoot-crawling & Jensen’s second tooth broke through on Mother’s Day.
My first Mother’s Day was beautiful! The girls got me pinkalicious & purplicious flowers and made me cards with Miss Alison. They also got me a Mother’s ring with their opal birthstones. Bryan indulged me with chocolate covered strawberries. We spent the afternoon in Gruene. When we got home we all laid on the floor and the girls climbed all over us. Jensen actually started to put my toe in her mouth…new toy! It was the best day ever!!!
My first Mother’s Day was beautiful! The girls got me pinkalicious & purplicious flowers and made me cards with Miss Alison. They also got me a Mother’s ring with their opal birthstones. Bryan indulged me with chocolate covered strawberries. We spent the afternoon in Gruene. When we got home we all laid on the floor and the girls climbed all over us. Jensen actually started to put my toe in her mouth…new toy! It was the best day ever!!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009 - Firsts
Last week Bryan and I left the nest and headed north to Indiana for 3.5 days. Grandma & Pawpaw stayed with the girls Thursday morning through Friday evening, Grammie Teresa was on duty Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. It was almost painful to kiss the girls good-bye on Thursday morning.
While we were gone, Ari cut her first tooth! It is so adorable. Both girls now reach for you when you pick them up. They are so active and interactive. I just want to freeze time!
They both love their “big” girl food. So far, they haven’t been crazy about Ham but neither am I. We’ll try it again soon. They love all their veggies & fruits. It is so much fun to feed them. It is so much fun to play with them. It is so much fun to cuddle them. Really, is there anything at all better in the world?!
First Mother's Day coming up next week. Wonder what the girls will do to celebrate ;)
While we were gone, Ari cut her first tooth! It is so adorable. Both girls now reach for you when you pick them up. They are so active and interactive. I just want to freeze time!
They both love their “big” girl food. So far, they haven’t been crazy about Ham but neither am I. We’ll try it again soon. They love all their veggies & fruits. It is so much fun to feed them. It is so much fun to play with them. It is so much fun to cuddle them. Really, is there anything at all better in the world?!
First Mother's Day coming up next week. Wonder what the girls will do to celebrate ;)
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009 - Growing Girls
We took Jensen & Ari for their 6 month well-check today. Jensen weighs 15 lbs, 9 oz (she has gained 1 lb, 9 0z since last week's Dr visit when she had a stomach bug); Ari weighs 16 lbs, 3 oz. Both girls are 25.5 inches long. They love veggies - they've had green beans, peas, carrots & sweet potatoes so far. This weekend we'll try meats. Pureed meat, yuck! Before anyone asks, yes, I will feed my children beef even though I don't eat it!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hippity Hoppity Easter - April 10, 2009
I can't believe we will celebrate the girls' 6 month birthday this weekend (Sunday)! Time has positively flown!
Miss Jensen has had a tummy bug for the last week; she is in great spirits, no fever. She just hasn't eaten much. She went from 30 oz of milk daily and a bowl of cereal to 10 oz (on a good day) of milk & a bowl of cereal. She is slowly making a comeback and is about 85%.
Last Saturday we took the girls to Houston to meet up with my jr. high pal, Jenny, and her family. We had a day of firsts: first road trip; first visit to the zoo; first dinner in a restaurant! They were both angels all day.
Miss Jensen has had a tummy bug for the last week; she is in great spirits, no fever. She just hasn't eaten much. She went from 30 oz of milk daily and a bowl of cereal to 10 oz (on a good day) of milk & a bowl of cereal. She is slowly making a comeback and is about 85%.
Last Saturday we took the girls to Houston to meet up with my jr. high pal, Jenny, and her family. We had a day of firsts: first road trip; first visit to the zoo; first dinner in a restaurant! They were both angels all day.
Friday, March 27, 2009
March 27, 2009 - Long Time
It's been a month since I last blogged about the dynamic duo - Jensen & Ariana. I was basking in the experience! Both girls are so amazing! They are beautiful, alert, active and fun!
The girls have started eating rice cereal every night. The first few times was hit & miss - one night Jensen would be curious and try it and Ari would scream when the spoon came close. Now, both girls are gobbling up every bite and asking for more. They both love to grab at the cereal with their hands then, when their mouths are full, put their fingers in their mouths too. It is so stinky cute!
Both girls are also starting to sit up on their own. They both can sit upright for about 3 seconds before leaning all the way forward into what is a very challenging yoga move for adults.
Jensen & Ari have brought such joy to our lives...and the lives of Grandma & Papa & Grammie T. I will post pictures soon.
The girls have started eating rice cereal every night. The first few times was hit & miss - one night Jensen would be curious and try it and Ari would scream when the spoon came close. Now, both girls are gobbling up every bite and asking for more. They both love to grab at the cereal with their hands then, when their mouths are full, put their fingers in their mouths too. It is so stinky cute!
Both girls are also starting to sit up on their own. They both can sit upright for about 3 seconds before leaning all the way forward into what is a very challenging yoga move for adults.
Jensen & Ari have brought such joy to our lives...and the lives of Grandma & Papa & Grammie T. I will post pictures soon.
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 27, 2009 - Razz
Both girls are razzing and blowing bubbles – LOUDLY! It is so darned cute! While we haven’t yet achieved a routine, the girls are sleeping through the night more often. They have very busy schedules of awaking at leisure (with smiles, of course), breakfast with Mommy & Daddy, watch a little Olivia the Pig/Dora on Nickelodeon (they are intrigued by the colors and movements) then off to Nanny Alison’s for a day of playing. Daddy or Grammie picks them up and either takes them for a walk or takes them home. Dinner/bath time/playtime/cuddle time with Mommy & Daddy then off to sleep. Ahhh, the life of a baby.
The pediatrician told us to start giving the girls 1-2 oz of water each day – when we introduced them to water, Jensen slurped hers down; Ari was a bit more apprehensive. Unfortunately, we haven’t made the time to give them water since! Bad parents! In a couple weeks we will introduce rice cereal.
Yesterday I booked a cruise – we will be heading to Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel in October, 1 week before the girls’ first birthdays. We’re spoiling them! I didn’t travel outside the country until I was 20! I’m sure it’ll be a challenge to travel with little ones – the packing alone will be interesting.
The pediatrician told us to start giving the girls 1-2 oz of water each day – when we introduced them to water, Jensen slurped hers down; Ari was a bit more apprehensive. Unfortunately, we haven’t made the time to give them water since! Bad parents! In a couple weeks we will introduce rice cereal.
Yesterday I booked a cruise – we will be heading to Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel in October, 1 week before the girls’ first birthdays. We’re spoiling them! I didn’t travel outside the country until I was 20! I’m sure it’ll be a challenge to travel with little ones – the packing alone will be interesting.
Friday, February 13, 2009
4 Months! - February 13, 2009
We made an agreement with the girls that they will stop growing now. This is such a great age! Both girls are so alert and interactive. They smile, coo and laugh – if someone could figure out how to bottle the sound of a baby’s laughter, I’m convinced we could achieve peace on earth. It’s just impossible to be angry, upset, mean, etc. when you hear this wonderful sound!
Today the girls visited the pediatrician – they are 12.5 lbs and now in the 25th percentile (at their last visit, they were in the 5-10th percentile). They were both rock stars when they got their shots – cried for seconds then went back to smiling, cooing, laughing.
With the help of Nanny Alison, Jensen & Ariana made Mommy & Daddy their first Valentines. Oh so cute! Of course, I cried.
Bryan is going to have to start traveling even more in the next couple of months so we’ll be out shopping for webcams this weekend. If anyone has one and would like to communicate with us via video, let us know!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all!
Today the girls visited the pediatrician – they are 12.5 lbs and now in the 25th percentile (at their last visit, they were in the 5-10th percentile). They were both rock stars when they got their shots – cried for seconds then went back to smiling, cooing, laughing.
With the help of Nanny Alison, Jensen & Ariana made Mommy & Daddy their first Valentines. Oh so cute! Of course, I cried.
Bryan is going to have to start traveling even more in the next couple of months so we’ll be out shopping for webcams this weekend. If anyone has one and would like to communicate with us via video, let us know!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Jan. 23, 2009 - Roly Poly
Jensen rolled over yesterday!!! I haven't witnessed it myself yet but Nanny Alison has.
The girls are so wonderful! Jensen is more squirmy and scoochy and chews on her little fist more than Ari but Ari is much more vocal, cooing and "talking".
We had their 3 month photos taken last weekend and go Sunday to preview them. Of course, they will be adorable and we will spend money money. They wore their pretty Christmas dresses and cutesy denim jumpers. I think they are more Sporty Spice than Posh Spice but they were darn cute in their velvet & lace dresses.
The girls are so wonderful! Jensen is more squirmy and scoochy and chews on her little fist more than Ari but Ari is much more vocal, cooing and "talking".
We had their 3 month photos taken last weekend and go Sunday to preview them. Of course, they will be adorable and we will spend money money. They wore their pretty Christmas dresses and cutesy denim jumpers. I think they are more Sporty Spice than Posh Spice but they were darn cute in their velvet & lace dresses.
Friday, January 16, 2009
1/16/09 - Returning to Work
Happy New Year, Friends! January has been busy so I haven’t had a chance to blog recently. I returned to work on January 5th after 3 months of maternity leave. It was bittersweet; I cried when I left the girls at Nanny Alison’s. Saying good-bye to them that first morning would have been even harder had we taken them to a day care center where we didn’t know the care providers. Alison is a good friend with many years of experience teaching pre-school. She texted me photos of the girls each day around noon so that I had a baby fix to get me through the rest of the day.
Since Grammie Teresa is local now, she picks the girls up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that she can have grandma time with them – it helps us a ton because we get to go to the gym. (It is so hard for me not to rush right home after work to see the girls but I keep telling myself that working out is important so that I can spend a long, active life with them.)
The girls are growing so big, grabbing for rattles, focusing on animated animals (of the fabric and stuffing kind, not Randall), following us around the room with their eyes. Miss Alison tells us that Ari is grabbing with her left hand and Jensen favors her right. Is left-handedness innate or learned?
The most difficult part of returning to work is that the sweet little things fall asleep so early. They are good eaters, eating 6 oz at almost every feeding. They zonk out between 6-7 and we get home from work around 6:15. They are sleeping through the night several nights a week; YAY SLEEP FOR MOMMY!
All in all, we are all adjusting to being back to work and are very close to finding our groove. In time, it’ll only get easier.
Since Grammie Teresa is local now, she picks the girls up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that she can have grandma time with them – it helps us a ton because we get to go to the gym. (It is so hard for me not to rush right home after work to see the girls but I keep telling myself that working out is important so that I can spend a long, active life with them.)
The girls are growing so big, grabbing for rattles, focusing on animated animals (of the fabric and stuffing kind, not Randall), following us around the room with their eyes. Miss Alison tells us that Ari is grabbing with her left hand and Jensen favors her right. Is left-handedness innate or learned?
The most difficult part of returning to work is that the sweet little things fall asleep so early. They are good eaters, eating 6 oz at almost every feeding. They zonk out between 6-7 and we get home from work around 6:15. They are sleeping through the night several nights a week; YAY SLEEP FOR MOMMY!
All in all, we are all adjusting to being back to work and are very close to finding our groove. In time, it’ll only get easier.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Dec. 30, 2008 - Year End Review
Wow, 2008 has come to a close. Is it just me or did this year FLY by? Late February 2008, we learned we were expecting twins. We were so shocked! Up until Oct. 12th, the day the girls were born, we still couldn't believe we were going to be entrusted with 2 PEOPLE! Talk about responsibility!
Jensen & Ariana are amazing! The week of Christmas brought about several firsts: the first time they noticed each other; the first time they laughed; the first time they slept in their own cribs (I cried! Bryan said "it's not like they are moving out of the house" and I seriously sobbed "no, but they're one step closer to it!"); and the first time they slept through the night.
Every sweet little movement they make moves me to tears. Ey-yi-yi, I am just a blubbering mess these days!
Thanks a bunch for keeping up with us via this blog - stay tuned in 2009 for many more firsts. Wishing y'all a wonderful new year!!!
Jensen & Ariana are amazing! The week of Christmas brought about several firsts: the first time they noticed each other; the first time they laughed; the first time they slept in their own cribs (I cried! Bryan said "it's not like they are moving out of the house" and I seriously sobbed "no, but they're one step closer to it!"); and the first time they slept through the night.
Every sweet little movement they make moves me to tears. Ey-yi-yi, I am just a blubbering mess these days!
Thanks a bunch for keeping up with us via this blog - stay tuned in 2009 for many more firsts. Wishing y'all a wonderful new year!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dec. 18, 2008 - Joy to the World
The joy Jensen & Ari bring never ceases to amaze me! It is like the world got brighter when they arrived. This week – Tuesday to be exact (12/15) – both girls started smiling. I mean, real, voluntary, responding to the sound of my voice, smiles. It melted my heart the first time I saw it and every smile since. I cry every time I see them!
Don’t get me wrong. Parenting twins (or even a singleton, I imagine) is not all pink elephants and lemonade. It is hard, hard work! It is harder than anything I’ve ever done. Today, after returning from "playgroup" where the girls made new friends with other babies in the neighborhood, Jensen was fussy all afternoon. Finally, at 4:30 I’d had enough and had to escape for 15 minutes to Walgreens. Walgreens, of all places! When we envision our lives with babies, we never quite imagine the awake-every-hour-from-midnight-to-6am-hold-my-eyes-open-with-toothpicks-walk-into-walls-speak-incomplete-sentences-argue-with-spouse-due-to-lack-of-sleep complexities.
That said, I don’t think we ever really grasp, pre-baby, how incredibly wonderful being a parent is. And, not until we have children, do we really appreciate our parents fully. I am a crier – everyone knows that – but I cry even more now when I look at my precious baby girls, think of the friends they will make, the experiences they will have, the new USA they live in (where they, as minorities, will never know a time when minorities couldn’t achieve the highest position in the land).
I return to work in 2 weeks. I really don’t think I could stay home full-time. I don’t think I would be a good Shay (and, therefore, a good mom) if I did. We found out yesterday that Bryan has to travel to CA the week that I return to work. It is going to be a very emotional and physically draining week and definitely not the best time for him to be in another time zone. Thankfully, my mom is local now and will be spending the week with me.
If I don’t get another chance to blog before Christmas, and let’s face it, I won’t…a very merry Christmas to all. I am thankful for you!
Don’t get me wrong. Parenting twins (or even a singleton, I imagine) is not all pink elephants and lemonade. It is hard, hard work! It is harder than anything I’ve ever done. Today, after returning from "playgroup" where the girls made new friends with other babies in the neighborhood, Jensen was fussy all afternoon. Finally, at 4:30 I’d had enough and had to escape for 15 minutes to Walgreens. Walgreens, of all places! When we envision our lives with babies, we never quite imagine the awake-every-hour-from-midnight-to-6am-hold-my-eyes-open-with-toothpicks-walk-into-walls-speak-incomplete-sentences-argue-with-spouse-due-to-lack-of-sleep complexities.
That said, I don’t think we ever really grasp, pre-baby, how incredibly wonderful being a parent is. And, not until we have children, do we really appreciate our parents fully. I am a crier – everyone knows that – but I cry even more now when I look at my precious baby girls, think of the friends they will make, the experiences they will have, the new USA they live in (where they, as minorities, will never know a time when minorities couldn’t achieve the highest position in the land).
I return to work in 2 weeks. I really don’t think I could stay home full-time. I don’t think I would be a good Shay (and, therefore, a good mom) if I did. We found out yesterday that Bryan has to travel to CA the week that I return to work. It is going to be a very emotional and physically draining week and definitely not the best time for him to be in another time zone. Thankfully, my mom is local now and will be spending the week with me.
If I don’t get another chance to blog before Christmas, and let’s face it, I won’t…a very merry Christmas to all. I am thankful for you!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Dec. 9, 2008 - Livin' Life in 3 Hour Time
There’s a Jimmy Buffet song called “Livin’ Life in Three Quarter Time”; I am living life in 3 hour increments. Jensen and Ari eat every three hours so my internal clock is set to that. Since the girls are eating every 3 hours, nighttime sleep still eludes me. My mom is going to start helping out a few times a week so that I can either sleep, relax or run errands. It’ll help a ton!
Yesterday we went to the Pediatrician for the girls' 8 week check-up and shots. They are both growing like mad! Jensen is now 8 lbs 9 oz and Ari is 8 lbs 13 oz – both have almost doubled their “coming home” weight. WOO HOO! Today they have both been a little fussier than usual as a result of the shots. They both finally closed their eyes for the first time in 4 hours!
We continue to be amazed by these little people. Neither Bryan nor I had any clue we could love anyone so much. Jensen & Ari are so perfect; my heart swells every time I look at their little faces. Unfortunately, Bryan has had to travel to CA these last 2 weeks so he’s missed the girls’ first coos. He’s convinced they have grown exponentially since he left.
The Tower Family “competed” in its first 5K on Saturday. The girls came in first place in their age group:) They were photographed and told their pics might be in an upcoming publication – life as celebrities – bring on the paparazzi!
Yesterday we went to the Pediatrician for the girls' 8 week check-up and shots. They are both growing like mad! Jensen is now 8 lbs 9 oz and Ari is 8 lbs 13 oz – both have almost doubled their “coming home” weight. WOO HOO! Today they have both been a little fussier than usual as a result of the shots. They both finally closed their eyes for the first time in 4 hours!
We continue to be amazed by these little people. Neither Bryan nor I had any clue we could love anyone so much. Jensen & Ari are so perfect; my heart swells every time I look at their little faces. Unfortunately, Bryan has had to travel to CA these last 2 weeks so he’s missed the girls’ first coos. He’s convinced they have grown exponentially since he left.
The Tower Family “competed” in its first 5K on Saturday. The girls came in first place in their age group:) They were photographed and told their pics might be in an upcoming publication – life as celebrities – bring on the paparazzi!
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