We're trying cereal this week!

Yes, you read correctly. The babes are on their way to being big boys and girls, while this mommy hides in a corner and cries at how fast this is going! Jules is doing better than Josh, believe it or not. Its been quite a messy and fun experience as well!

One of the best days of my life

How did this day pass me by? On May 20th, 2009, I took a test. A great test. A test that I usually failed, month, after month, after month. This time it was positive. What a year it has been. I remember everything about that day. The day before (Tuesday the 19th) I literally felt what was implantation. I knew something was going on, and I was right! The next morning I took a positive pregnancy test. I was supposed to meet Jake later to hit some golf balls (I had just taken up the sport, and needless to say I haven't played much since then). When I got into Jake's car, I told him we were pregnant. I was going to do something sweet or funny to surprise him, but just was too excited. I think he was a bit dumbfounded as well, because we never really thought it would happen. It was a very much up-and-down pregnancy, with lots of bumps along the way (Ha! besides the baby bump). But it was all so worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy, and made it all the way to my induction date of January 8th, 2010, which I never thought I would make.

I went from this at 10 weeks:

To this mammoth belly at 36 weeks!

Dear Josh and Jules,

One year ago, on May 20th, I had the best news I have ever had. I was pregnant with you precious miracles. I say miracles because we had hoped and prayed for you for a very long time. We had tried just about everything, and was close to giving up hope that we would have a baby to hold in our arms. Imagine our joy that we now have two precious miracles instead of one. Our family is now complete. I could not have asked more more special babies. You both are so sweet and your personalities have shown through since I first met you. (even in the womb!)

Jules, you are my little spit fire. You love nothing more than your swing, to kick, to be held, and to hear Mommy sing. You could care less about being fed, and would rather being awake in the action than to ever sleep. You will be one to "never miss a party". You cannot stand to not know what is going on around you, even at a very young age. We always joke that Josh will only get to play with whatever toys you are not playing with at that moment, because you will control them all. You were a kicker from the very beginning in the womb and poor Josh never moved much at all, but I really don't think he could, because you were always EVERYWHERE. Literally, you would be in a completely different position every time we got an ultrasound, and Josh was always in the same place. I just don't think you let him move very much. You are already a very headstrong and confident little girl. I remember when we were at the hospital, Jake's cousin (who worked in the NICU) had you both for the night in the nursery so we could get some sleep. When you were brought back to us the next morning, Josh had a soothies pacifier in his mouth. You were crying and very fussy and so upset,and we couldn't figure out why. Then it dawned on us. You were furious that Josh had a pacifier and you didn't! Jake got up and got dressed and went and purchased one as soon as the store opened. He brought it back and yep! That was it - you were such a happy camper after that. This will forever be one of my favorite memories because it was the first time your personality showed.

You were SO HAPPY and just sucked and sucked on this thing, even though it way waaay too big for her face. Teh sucking sounds you were making were hysterical, because the paci was so big in your mouth, but you didn't care in the least, because you finally got one.

Josh, you are my little snuggle bunny. You love nothing more than to snuggle, and to eat. You a are such a little chunky monkey, and as long as you have a bottle, you are good as gold. You don't take a pacifier like Jules, but have really never needed it. You are as cool as a cucumber. On our first trip to Knoxville, we were in the car for three hours, and it was our first road trip. You both slept for the first hour and a half. After that, you both were awake. You proceeded to look and play with your hands for the next hour and half, while Jules decided to scream the rest of the way. When we take you to both to restaurants, I always have Jules sit by me because I know she will need constant "looking after" (as I said before, she never misses a party). But you will just sit there and be as content as can be or will sleep. You are such a laid back boy. You were always the best sleeper and never had a problem falling asleep on your own. You love being carried in the Bjorn carrier, and really, its just because you love being close to someone. You are so smart and always want to challenge yourself. You rolled over at 6 weeks, smiled first, ate more and have always been the first to try anything. You try to stand up so much now we think you are going to walk any day, LOL! If we start or try something new with you kids, we always start with you first, because you are such a big boy.

I love you both so much and thank God every day that he brought you into our lives.

Love,

Mommy

18 Weeks - Update on the Babes

18 Weeks Old!

Ooooooooooppppppssss! I completely spazzed and forgot to write a 16 week post! What were all the milestones and moments I forgot to document???? AAAHH! Five things have to happen this month: Consistently sleep throughout the night with no waking, wean the swaddle, move to a 3.5-4 hour schedule, and start cereal. Yikes!

Feedings: These are big babies, and now my bb's are just trying to keep up. Well, honestly they aren't BIG babies, but all of a sudden they are taking in lots more food. Josh is now drinking 6 oz and Jules is taking 4.5-5 oz! Its completely crazy. I am able to still pump well, but have been resorting to thawing out one of my frozen packets per day, which I HATE doing. but, I am very proud of myself that I have been able to keep up with them this long. So, I decided to start taking some Fenugreek, which is a natural herb to help stimulate more milk. So, hopefully that will work! I also tried to re-enter dairy into my diet last weekend. Jake and I took the babes to eat pizza and I loved every bite, LOL. Josh however, has had a rough few days with it,and I feel terrible. he was spitting up like a crazy man. So, no more dairy again :(

Waketime/Napping: We are still doing good here, I guess. Last week we had a god of 45 minute naps, which was driving everyone crazy. So, we decided to lengthen their waketimes to about an hour and a half, so that seems to work better. They are now napping an hour and a half which is MUCH better for babies, and MUCH better for mommy. We are still wishy-washy on that 4th nap. We haven't officially dropped it, but some days we don't take it. If they do, they sleep for maybe 20-30 minutes, but they still really need that. if they don't I usually take them for walk and they snooze anyway.

Nightime: We have finally had success here, it only took 18 weeks! Poor Josh has been ready to STTN (sleep through the night) forever it seems, but that pesky Jules just wasn't having any of it. This past weekend, we had to WAKE THEM up one time at 8am, and the other days they slept until 7, and 7:30. Woohoo! Then once Monday started, Josh got fussy one night, then the next night was Jules, etc. I still haven't given them a night feeding since 14 weeks, so we will just go in and pop their paci back in. I have just decided to not worry so much about it. I know they are sometime not making my "wanna-be" waketime of 7:30, which would be sleeping for 12 hours with a 10pm dreamfeed. But, they usually always sleep 9-10, so I guess I shouldn't be complaining so much. Now is on to the "dropping of the dreamfeed"...Stay Tuned

Our Schedule: Still the same. That is another thing on my agenda this month. "moving to a 4-hour schedule". Can it be done??? One can only wish. Stay Tuned

Outing/Events: Wow, I think we have had many! We had our first foray to the mall. That was an experience. I tried to maneuver the stupid snap-n-go around, but that stroller is just so bulky and hard to push. But it was a nice afternoon. People kept stopping us telling me how cute the babies were and how well behaved they were being. (of course!) I also went to Hill Center will them and walked and shopped there as well. (note to self, forget the snap-n-go!) I think the next times I am just going to take my lovely Maclaren. I keep taking the snap-n-go because they fall asleep in their carseats and its easier to just move the carseats. but, man, that thing is so hard to turn in and out of aisles. We have also been out to dinner with them numerous times. The only thing we haven't done yet is church, and we have GOT to do that. Soon.

Diet: Doing better here as well. I think getting on a better eating schedule is doing wonders for me. (Ha! I am such a schedule advocate for the babies. Its funny how its working for me too!) I am now only maybe a couple of pounds away from my pre-prego weight! Woohoo! I am still exercising as well. if I can make it to the gym I will go, but it usually just walking the babies with the stroller outside, which is good for me, and good for them too.

Milestones: We now think that eating our hands is the greatest thing in the world EVER. If we can put one fist in, why not try two? We will sure try our best! Its so funny. They are both happy, happy babies. if you laugh at Jules, she will usually laugh back. She thinks laughing is so funny. They love, love to hear me sing. It really just mesmerizes them, which of course, melts my heart. I usually stick to children music, but sometimes Tone Loc makes them happy too. Josh is still wearing a bib and loves standing up. Jules (my superstar, for the first time!!) has learned to roll from her back to tummy! She is usually not the one to try things first, so this was MAJOR. (She finally mastered rolling from tummy to back at 15 weeks, but forgot to post that)My nanny also said that Jules said "Boo" the other day after Sherri said it to her. I'm not going to count that as a first word, but its still so cute. They love, LOVE bathtime. They will kick and play forever. They have always loved baths, but now that we took out the sling and they have room, they just go to town. They are starting to like toys now. Their favorite is those little squishy books that make a cracking noise. They also like to watch TV, and love some of the baby Einsteins. Some they don't. If its more "cartoony" the better. They love sitting in their Bumpos for a short time. But after too long and they try to get out. They both can now get in the Jumperoo. Josh has it figured out and knows how to bounce himself, but Jules still can't touch the floor. She still likes it though!

4-month Doctor appt

See? We have big noodles!

I have little babies, but they are so chunky! They are my little chunky monkeys. Even though the scales say otherwise. Let's break it down:

Jules

Weight: 10lb, 2oz (not even on the charts *sigh* below the 3rd percentile)

Height: 23.5 inches (25th percentile)

Head Circ: 15.75 inches (25th)

Basically she is skinny minny tall thing. You all know my constant fear of having a tall girl and short boy. (I am 5'1", Jake is 6'1") I wouldn't mind them both being tall though, but please let poor little Josh grow, grow grow! I don't want my stupid genes to stunt his poor height!

Josh

Weight: 11lb, 3.5oz (not even on the charts as well, the 3rd percentile is 12lbs, so he's close!!)

Height: 24 inches (17th percentile)

Head Cir: 15.95 inches (10th percentile)

I honestly don't know what to make of this. Josh has serious rolls, I mean, serious, chunky, "wanna eat them up" rolls. And a huge noggin! Oh well, we do what we can. They are both growning fantasically though, and have both doubled their birth weight, so all I can ask for is happy healthy babies, which I have!

We're four months old!!

How are my babes already FOUR MONTHS OLD??? I love you sweet Josh and Jules!

Ta Da!!

Have you ever seen a more precious girl in your life?

Cutie pie Josh!

Uh Oh, here we go...Poor Josh


And then we have a swift kick in the face. Nice.

15-16 Week Slideshow

This one is much better! Whew! Mommy is back to being the picture-taking fool that she is.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there, soon-to-be mothers, and those future mothers still struggling to become mommies.


When I got home from work on Friday, my sweet, sweet nanny had a surprise for me. She had made artwork with the babies for me for Mother's Day. I was told to wait in the kitchen with my eyes closed, and then she told me to come in the living room. I found my sweet babies in their Bumpos with their fabulous pictures. Josh's picture has his footprints in a heart, and Jules's picture has a footprint flower. SO SWEET! I am so blessed!

Yoohoo! Over here!

Josh would rather play with his


What is this that I can play with?

Never mind. I'll just throw it at mommy

Bad Mom Slideshow Weeks 13-14

Well, it has happened. I knew that when I had become a "working mother" I would still have time for all kinds of fun things: like picture taking and blogging. Well, I have, sadly, suffered in both. I have been a complete slacker when it comes to blogging and an even bigger one when it comes to photo-taking. That's why I haven't yet posted a slideshow. I only have pictures from one day in two weeks. ONE DAY! I only took pictures of my sweet babies on one day that my mother and my Aunt Clara came to visit. how sad is that? Now, in realizing this, I have taken a gazillion since then, so not to worry. But, I still feel terrible. Poor neglected babies, LOL.



So, here is our measly slideshow from weeks 13-14

Nashville flooding

This past weekend my beautiful city flooded. Many landmarks were under water: Opryland Hotel, Grand Ole Opry, Schemerhorn Symphony, the Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field (where the TN Titans play), and the Bridgestone Arena. It is very sad and very surreal. Thankfully, my family is dry and safe. Our old neighborhood where we used to live was not so lucky. All of the homes in that subdivision were underwater. Its crazy! I could not imagine what I would have done with two infants, two cats, a husband and nothing else. Yes, I know its all just stuff. But with babies, its important stuff. Nowhere to sleep, nothing to wear, no diapers, etc etc etc. I could not imagine. These poor poor people. I really wish I could volunteer to do something, but what two babies and working, how can I? I can donate money, and of course that is needed, but I wish I could do more. Maybe I can find someone to sit with them this weekend. I hate feeling helpless...Anyway, I wanted to share with you all how awful it really is. Again, sometimes I feel so blessed!! My babies will always remember that on the year they were born Nashville experienced something for the record books!

Sad week for the Baby Stribs

This was a sad but eventful week for our sweet babes. As in all twins lives, a day must come when they will no longer sleep side by side. That day was Wednesday, April 28th. On that day our nanny decided they should probably be separated so they could sleep a bit easier. So Josh slept all by his lonesome is his crib, and Jules was moved over to hers. They looked so small and lonely all there by themselves. But ya know what? She was probably right. They have slept better. They aren't keeping each other up. In fact, they probably like it. But mama doesn't :(