It is hard to believe it is already the first week of April.  I am glad winter is over. The twins and I really need to get outside.  We have spent a few days exploring the yard over the past month but literally no more than four.  The weather has been crazy.  One day it will be warm enough to go out and play and the next it is raining or just to cold to go out.  I can't wait till we can spend more of out time swinging and going for walks!  It is hard to find enough stuff to keep them busy inside all day every day!

 

The twins have also been fighting a cold and both ended up on antibiotics.  Roman for an ear infection and Renley for a strep throat.  Needless to say there has been a lot of Mommy cuddles and reading books and watching Frozen numerous times.  Then this past week I had surgery to repair an umbilical hernia and diastasis recti from my pregnancy with the twins.  The recovery from this has been long and painful. Much, much, much worse than I ever expected or was prepared to handle. I am still not able to take care of them alone and they will be going to grandma's house tomorrow.  They love playing with Sadie, my mom's dog, as well as feeding the chicken.  Grandma is really good with the twins and they have the best time with her.  The last time they stayed at her house I arrived to find them having a tea party complete with cookies and a miniature china set!  She is definitely making lots of memories with these two.  I think that is one thing that I admire about my mom watching the twins.  Her goal is to enjoy them.  She definitely makes them mind when needed but she doesn't act like it is her duty to correct all of their wrongs or try to make them act like she thinks they should.  She respects my guidelines for raising them and them just enjoys the moments, making each one so special! 
My niece has also committed to watching the twins one day a week for me so that I can have a guaranteed day to work.  She has a little boy who is almost three and cares for a six month old infant.  I think being around other children will be good for the twins.  It has proven to be a great situation over the past three weeks and I really appreciate her patience and kindness and mothering of the twins while I am away from them.  It is evident that they are being treated well because they get very excited when I tell them we are going to Finn and Bonnie's house.  When I pick them up they are always in a good mood, which tells me they have had a great day!  Words can't express how happy it makes this mom's heart to know she has someone like this to take care of my precious babies when I am not with them! 
Staying at home for the past two years has given me a new perspective on parenting.  I love being a stay at home mom.  (Yes, I do work in the  office at our business one or two days a week, depending on how much I have to get done, but I still consider myself a stay at home mom!) When I committed to staying home with the twins I wasn't sure how I would handle the isolation from the world I once new.  But, honestly, I don't miss it one bit. I absolutely love being with my two little people and working with my husband a few hours a week gives me a little time away and makes me appreciate the time I am home with the twins.  I am not judging others for their decision to be a stay at home mom or working mom, I think that it is each persons own choice, all I am saying is that for me, this was the right choice - no regrets!! However, being at home for the past two years I feel I have put taking care of myself on the "back burner," as they say. One afternoon while reading a blog online I came across a blog sight that I have really enjoyed called, Get Your Pretty On (www.getyourprettyon.com).  The author was promoting her"Style Me Pretty" spring challenge and I decided to check it out.  Basically for ten dollars you are given a spring shopping list and then outfit ideas for twenty-one days  of different outfits. Of course, I jumped on the chance to have someone else help me style my clothing!  I was so excited to get my shopping list on April 4. The group members have ten days to gather the items for the outfits.  I was even more excited to find that almost all the items were already hanging in my closet or in my dresser.  I only purchased a few items totaling  less than one hundred dollars.  I am anxiously awaiting the next stage, which will be styling our outfits!  Hopefully this will get me out of the yoga pants, sweatshirt and ponytail rut I am in at the moment! 

The past week has been a long one to say the least.  Larry has been gone for almost a week and half.  He was home for one night and then off again for a work project.  I didn't realize how much I depend on him for mental support until he is gone.  I am so ready for him to be home. 
The twins have been sick but I really shouldn't complain since this is the first time this winter that they have really been down and out due to not feeling well. It is just so hard when they both want Momma.  Roman has really become a Momma's boy...he want me by his side for everything from watching tv to reading a book to taking a nap.  While I like being needed it makes it difficult to get things done or even go to the restroom let alone poor Renley need my attention as well so we are working on  taking turns helping Mom do things.
They are growing so much and talking more and more every day.  They love to "read" books to me and talk about all the things we see. They can't wait for the weather to get warmer....As most of the people I know.  It is so hard coming up with activities to do with them that will keep them busy for a while.
This past week they have had their first experience going to a babysitter's home.  My mom has always come to my house or the girls watch them or Carrie comes and stays with them when we go out or on vacation.  I realize what a blessing that has been and how glad I am that I don't have to get everyone around every morning in a mad rush!  Bonnie, my niece is taking care of the twins once a week while I work in Springfield and my mom will come to the house once a week.  The kids love FInn, Bonnie's son, and they adore Bonnie.  She is so good with the twins.  I can't imagine leaving them with anyone else!  When we were leaving Renley turns to FInn and says, "Bye, you!"  It was so sweet!! 

WInter Months

What a day it has been!  You know those days where you look back and are just thankful they are over.  Yep!  That was today.  Not that it was disastrous but more like it was just plain and simple a rough day!
It began with a play date we had to cancel due to Renley having a fever and being a little cranky. Then one of the girls left their back pack at home and another needed me to get her some paperwork left home to school.  So I dressed two babies and preceded to put them in the car only to find that the car seats had been removed after church and no one put them back.  I put the twins in the back seat and preceded to strap the seats in, which by the way is not the easiest thing to do for those of you who have not installed a car seat in some time.  It takes using both hands a knee and you teeth to get the straps through without it tightening.  All the while the twins are climbing over the seat and me and at the same time  taking everything out of the diaper bag while I a preoccupied and hands full installing the seats.  Once the seats were done we headed to town.
One thing that makes running errands difficult is getting the twins in and out of the seats. That seems to be one of the hardest things about having twins is getting them in and out of public places.  They are too small to really allow them to walk in by themselves and too big for me to carry both of them at the same time.  So that leaves me to try to hold their hands and coerce them into following my directions.  Renley is very compliant for the most part and follows directions consistently but Roman hasn't quite mastered the task of listening to Mom and following directions.  He seems to have good intentions but gets side tracked a few minutes into the task.  He will spot something he wants to check out such as the wheels on the nearby truck and then I am stuck trying to keep hold of Renley's hand while she is determined to follow the original directions of going into the store.  ALl in all it is pretty eventful trip which I choose to do as infrequently as possible.  Fortunately  Jessi was in town this time so she joined us so that I didn't have to take the twins into the school to drop off the needed items or to the grocery store to get the ten items on my list. 
We are really tired of winter in this house!  I am sure everyone else is, also.  One can only watch so much Little Bear and Bubble Guppies.  Coming up with new activities that keep both of these two entertained is proving difficult.  They both have such different personalities. Renley loves to draw and play with any type of manipulative or activity that involves fine motor skills.  Roman on the other hand is so interested in his Choo-choo that he rarely plays with anything else.  The ironic thing is that he doesn't really play with it in the way one would thing but he moves it around the house and fills the cars with animals and then comes and gets anyone who will take his hand so that he can show you his train.  He will do this as many times a day as he can. 
We spend a lot of time playing in the bath tub or sink.  They love water and it is the one activity that engages both of them.  We also read a lot.  But like everyone else I am so anxious to spend some time outside.

Last week we attended our first MOPS group. It was a success.  I was worried the twins wouldn't do well.  This was the first time they have ever spent anytime with children their age and the first time they weren't at home, grandma's house, or the church nursery.  I have to say I was impressed.  They didn't cry when I left them which was bitter sweet because I was certain they would "need" me.  When I picked them up was able to witness them playing with others and it made this Momma's heart puff up with pride. Needless to say I am anxious to for our next meeting. 
Off to take care of some pretty awesome little people in my life!  Hope winter ends soon!

My Punkins" love the Pumpkins

Pumpkins, hay ride of sorts, climbing on hay bales,  apple pie, colorful leaves, and cool autumn breezes! These all the things that the babies have experienced this past week.

 It has been so exciting to watch the twins experience fall this year.  They are old enough to be able to really enjoy the things that make fall so exciting.  They loved the "hayride" at the pumpkin patch and were mesmerized by all the pumpkins in the field.  Although Roman enjoyed running in the mud more than the picking the pumpkins. Renley had to pick the perfect pumpkin.  One that was just the right size so that she could carry "myself."  She would find one and the another but finally found one!  And we were blessed with the words "Mine"  at that point!  Watching Larry interact with the twins and run with Roman through the hay maze as well as the corn maze was one of the best things about our day.  He is such a good Daddy!! 

We have spent a lot of time outside the past week or so because all too soon the weather will be to cool to allow much time outside.  We try to spend at least an hour outside in the morning and an hour or two in the afternoon after nap time.  Renley will ask to go "outside"  from the moment she gets up until we are finally ready to head out.  The trampoline has been a big hit and they love chasing each other in it!  I am just glad the make the net sides on them now.  I can't imagine how my older kids survived without it! 

Taking the twins places has definitely gotten easier.  We actually ate out yesterday after lunch Larry and I were able to eat and enjoy our meal while the twins ate their food.  Going grocery shopping is definitely easier as well.  They like to help me load items in the cart and I am working on counting the items as we put them in or talking about the food or colors. Anything to keep them interested in what we are doing.  A shopping trip still has to be a limited thirty minute inside the store trip so any major shopping is done minus the twins. 

Three out of four days last week they decided they didn't need to sleep but would rather run around their beds talking to each other and throwing every item out of their bed into the other twins and back again.  It was so cute for the first fifteen minutes.  They were yawning and ready to go to bed when I put them in their crib.   I even resorted to moving their cribs and putting up a visual barrier so that they couldn't entertain each other.  WORKED!!  They finally fell asleep.  I am bound and determined they will take a nap everyday for at least the next year even if that means I have to wake them earlier in the morning.  This mommy needs a little time to clean and get a few things done like take a shower!! Plus, I really want them to be in a good mood in the evening when the rest of the family is home and if they don't get their nap then they are very cranky!   Today is a good nap day!! I put them down at 12:15 and by 12:25 they were asleep. 

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Twins at 23 months old

Okay....so I took a little hiatus....or maybe it was a big hiatus.....was very busy taking care of to cutie pies!
The past year has been a whirlwind of fun!!  Raising twins really is a grand adventure.  I decided to get back to this blog because as the second birthday of Roman and Renley quickly approaches I am reminded all to quickly of how fast the time has gone by and more importantly how much we think we will remember but don't.  So, having said that, I am going to attempt to blog again more for keeping track of this adventure and our daily activities so that one day those little munchkins that bring joy to each and every day of my life with just a smile will have something to help them know about their growing up years.
To bring things up to pace:
Renley is very talkative and can say just about anything you ask her to repeat.  What is more amazing is her ability to carry on somewhat of a conversation as well as tell you what she wants to do or ask you a question.  Her favorite phrase at the moment:  "It's disgusting!"  (used for anything she doesn't like from mud to food), she also will tell me "It's messy" when there is a mess with food, toys or her hands are dirty.  Another thing she like to say is "Can I touch it?" when she wants to touch something that she is not sure she should such as the pumpkins on the table or my coffee cup.  Every day she asks to "Go outside?" I am not sure what we will do when the weather is too cold!  Alas- she also tellls me "Need my pacy (pacifier) now!"  We are working on getting rid of it and at this moment we have told her that she is big girl.  I showed her picture of baby Renley and showed her pictures of herself now and explained to her that she is a big girl and that big girls only get their pacys at night an at nap time.  She is pretty good with this explanation once we get the pacifier from her in the morning.  That is our real challenge.  But as we all know toddlers are strong willed so I just wait till I can distract her so her mind will be on something else before taking it.
Renley loves to draw and paint and will spend at least fifteen minutes at a time engaged in that activity.  She loves her baby and will rock her  and feed her a "bottle" and put her to bed.
Reading books is also a favorite past time.  Her favorite is Baby's first picture book, Silly Sally, and The Little Blue Truck.
Roman is talking but not nearly as much.  His favorite words are "oh NO!" used for when something has happened that is not good..such as dropping something he shouldn't or when something has scared him.  He also can ask for milk, and can name tractor, motorcycle, truck, airplane....basically anything with wheels or a motor.  Funny how boys really tune into that stuff. 
Roman loves to roll trucks around the house and chase his sister.  He will put his hands up to his chin and wiggle his fingers like he is going to tickle her.  She runs of giggling and her runs after her.  It has to be the cutest thing ever!!
He has very little interest in drawing and probably has spent no more than 2 seconds engaged in this activity. 
He does, however, love to read.  His favorite books are Baby's first picture Book, Red Truck and The Curious George.
Bedtime has changed to 7:30 and they wake up around 6:45 to 7:00.  Nap time has changed to 12:30 and they sleep 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
I have to say they are the sweetest little people ever!!
I look forward to sharing more adventures and documenting their life so that one day I can share this with them!

Where did this year go??

I haven't written much in a long time.  It seems life has been extremely busy around here but I decided that all the things I thin I won't forget will be forgotten if I don't record them and this blog is just that-a way to document and share the events of life that I hope to remember forever but know that as life happens they will be pushed to the back of my mind.

Last blog I recorded was Roman crawling and now he is a master at not only walking but climbing as well!!  Renly hasn't really shown a lot of interest in the walking yet but give her time and I am sure she will be chasing her brother around the house on those two cute little feet of hers. 

These two spend the majority of their day climbing on anything that is over three inches high.  Since it is Christmas and I ordered ninety percent of my gifts on line, we have a lot of boxes of various shapes and sizes and they have provided the twins with a much enjoyed indoor playground.  They laugh, they clap, they turn around to see if anyone noticed how successful they were at climbing that last "hill" and they throughly enjoy the boxes.  A few nights ago I was in the bathroom getting ready to give the twins a bath and Roman stepped up onto the scale.  He looked at me and started clapping, like he had just accomplished somethin so amazing.  I have to say these two littles hold me in awe of life itself.  Just every little milestone and every things we do I try to think about how they are seeing things for the first time. 

They love to read, Renly much more than Roman.  Renley will sit and listen to you read book after book while Roman has patience for one possibly two books before he is off to discover some hidden toy.  Renley loves to just sit and look at books, also.  Her favorite is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."  If you start reciting the book, yes, I do have it memorized, she will go to the book case and get the book for you. 

Our days are filled with fun and laughter as well as a few tears but this is what life is about-family!!

A little bit of life......

Roman and Renley love to play in the water!!

Well, the time is almost here!!! Time to head back to work....its only two days a week but it hard to think about leaving the twins twice a week.  I love filling my day with their smiles and being the first to see their new milestones!! 

This week has I have witnessed Roman standing for long periods of time and he is climbing on anything he can hike his little legs upon.  I think this little boy is going to keep his momma busy for quite some time!!

Renley has a very different personality than Roman.  She love the details of things. She can spend long period of time looking at the leaves blowing or playing with a toy that moves.  She is fascinated by how she can make the toys make sounds or move.  This was her week for firsts! While we were eating at Maggie Mae's Tea Room with Mom she learned to blink!  It was so cute and she was so proud of herself!  She also learned to wave bye...sort of!  She is intrigued by the movement of her thumb and has sat for long periods of time watching her thumb bend at the knuckle.  When my mom and dad were here Sunday, Grandma was trying to get her to wave bye and she started moving her thumb like she does and them moved her hand a long with it to say bye to Grandma and Papa!! 
I am also glad to report that nap time and bed time are back on track for the most part.  Roman loves his two to three hour afternoon nap and gets up in a great mood.  He usually takes a short morning nap as well.  Renley isn't much of a napper but I think it is because Roman is so much more active that her and he wears himself out playing.  She usually takes an hour morning nap and then another hour afternoon nap.  They both usually wake up between seven and eight and go to sleep at night between eight and eight-thirty.  I am happy with this schedule.  Renley goes to bed before Roman giving us some one on one time and Roman sleeps at nap time longer than Renley so I get one on one time with her, also.  

A few of the girls and I ventured to Sam's Club and Wal Mart to stock up on much needed supplies and enjoyed a day out.  The girls decided it was time for Roman and Renley to expirence the rides at Wal Mart.  If you take a look at the pictured you will see they enjoyed these rides way more than the ones at Silver Dollar City last weekend! 

It really is fun having older children as well as the babies. The older ones enjoy seeing the babies do things for the first time and really play with them a lot. Needless to say I am sure we will all feel the pain of not having them home once school begins!

I am so excited to be able to say that I am finally to my pre-pregnancy weight!! Nine months to gain it and nine months to loose it!! I still haven't gotten that pre-pregnancy tummy back but I think it will get there. It is really nice to be able to fit into all my clothes once again!!!