One crazy weekend

We are home!

After a fun filled, action packed weekend at the grandparent's (Tom's parents)... 4 total hours in the car with screaming children... we are home.

And we are buying a portable DVD player... even if it means we watch hour after hour of Caillou. Books work some times... but when we go on our vacation this Fall there is no way we will attempt 6-7 hours in a car without one!

I had three photo sessions this weekend and did two because one got rained out. It was a fun weekend though even if it was busy. The kids seemed to enjoy it as much as the grandparents and Abby loved playing with her cousin. She included him in everything from her prayers to her teeth brushing moments. The two were practically inseparable. As we pulled away from their farm Abby was very concerned that we were leaving... even as we explained that we had to go home. She did much better on the way home driving then she did going there! Church was typical... we survived until the sermon and then left with screaming babies. Just as Abby has started sitting better in church... the babies have gotten worse. Perhaps some day I'll be able to listen to a sermon again! For now we get to know the other parents in nursery.

Kiley and Kara have grown VERY attached to me and love to crawl and climb over my lap as I sit on the floor. There were several times where they just were fussy until I held them. (silly babies) I love snuggling with them too I guess :o) Kiley has been very good about sleeping lately but Kara seems to make up for it. Kiley will get up once at night and Kara will be up 3,4,5,6 ore more times. Ugh. She also seems to like to get up around 7am or earlier too! I put her in the nursery tonight... hoping that works.

Abby loves to say her prayers at night. It is so cute because she giggles through them. Currently God blesses: Mommy, Daddy, Abby, Kiley, Kara, her cousin, Grandmas and Grandpas. Sometimes it changes to include  my sister (her aunt), Feebee our dog or Elmo. One night as I was doing her prayers I automatically said "God Bless: Mommy, Daddy, Brianna..." Yeah... I used to pray that when I was a little girl with my mom. :o) Abby was like... who is Brianna? (Not literally... I could just tell)

Well I'm exhausted and the girls will be up any moment I'm sure. Night!

Goals

As the girls approach their seventh month... I got to thinking about the numerous stages we have accomplished.

Abby accomplished putting herself to sleep in her bed, with bedtime prayers, brushing teeth and a little snuggling. Hand in hand with this was leaving the bottle behind, she is now a full fledged sippy cup fanatic. Though I have a feeling regular cups aren't far behind. She will drink out of them but the sippy cups are safer for ME. (No puddles to mop up) The babies can now roll around the floor with no worry about Abby coming after them. They love their big sister and even if they are bawling and screaming their heads off they will laugh at Abby... now if only I could get Abby to perform more! We moved Abby to the back seat with the twins in the side seats. This works perfectly because the twins can watch Abby and be entertained and Abby can be entertained by making them laugh. Yep I love hearing them laugh when I drive (better than crying!)

Baby gates are being used for babies only now. I no longer need a baby gate in front of the nursery. Abby leaves most of the clothes alone though occasionally I need to remind her that she is not allowed to dress Elmo in all of the babies' pj's. Oops Kara just pulled out the power cord. Abby still loves clothes but doesn't undo everything like she used to lol. She can pull herself up onto the 'big kid' swings and will sit there yelling for us to push her. I'm trying to teach her how to pump her legs :o)

I'm not sure how soon potty training will come but we are ready! I have Elmo Abby little girl underpants. If we both feel ambitious some day perhaps we'll give it a shot. Right now I'm not ready but those little Elmo undies are cute! They were a little more expensive but if they get her excited about potty training then they are worth every cent!

I'm still waiting to hear back from my nursing group to see if I will get accepted back into the program this Fall. If I'm not accepted then I'm not sure what I will do. But can't worry about that now. I filled out my Fafsa forms and it made me laugh when the form told me that  my number of children in the last year had increased dramatically and that I should recheck it. Yes... my number of children HAS increased.

Tom took the van to work today, I guess the brake pads in his jeep are going bad. Awesome. But it means we are stuck home for the day. Hopefully I will get some things done then! We are going to replace the floor in our living, dining, kitchen stairs and hallway. We decided on a laminate wood floor that is higher quality. I'm excited to do it. It will make our house look so nice. The carpet in the living room is actually starting to come up all on its own. I decided I would rather enjoy the floor than install it before we sell. And who knows when we will be able to sell again! If we do it ourselves we will save 2 grand. So my parents and Tom's parents are going to help us with this massive project! I'm excited though. I'll try to take some pictures to show it off :o)

Kiley is back on Prevacid. She has not stopped throwing up the baby food every time she eats and they want to check and see if it is reflux first. Hopefully the Prevacid will help. Tom got a squash flavored puke last night. Baby spit up is nasty... baby puke tinted with squash or green beans or pears is even worse. So we are going to try a two week trial on the Prevacid and go in to see the GI doctor for a visit. She's starting to not like eating and that is almost more of a concern than the puking. So we'll see what happens.  It was so funny yesterday Kiley and Kara took these really long morning naps. I went in around 1:30 to check on Kiley and she was sitting in her crib watching the mobile (that she had turned on) She got so excited when she saw me that she tipped over.

Well I think I've written enough for now! I'll try to be better about writing. Our power keeps going off at 11pm and thats usually when I write. Perhaps I'll have to get on earlier. 

Oh and I think I'm going to start a meal goal... stay tuned for more info ;)

P.S I love you

The weather was a little cooler today. Completely opposite than yesterday. Abby and I planted three more flowers in the backyard landscaping. We are slowly getting it glitzed up. :o) Her favorite part is watering the plants because they are thirsty. She would water them all day if she could!

Kiley and Kara have been a little cranky but I think I can finally feel a tooth or two coming in. I sure hope this doesn't last long! My friend came up from college and is staying with us for a few days. Abby loves to drag her around and play with her. It's pretty cute. We went out to eat and Abby did really well though didn't eat much. It was more of a juggling act with the other two. They wanted to help us with our plates and whatever else was in arms reach. Our waiter was a tad absent minded and forgot us until he heard the babies crying... sometimes their screaming attracts the right type of attention!

We went to a park afterwards and actually met another couple with 19 month old boy/girl twins so they came and talked to us for a bit. Abby loved playing on all of the slides and swings and etc. I took a picture of the girls sitting in the swing with Tom's phone... gasp.... yes I forgot my camera AND my phone! Too many things to try and organize.

Abby wanted to help push the girls too. They love to play with her. She was so sad when we had to go though. She told them goodbye with little tears running down her face. Tom made the statement that it is good he is a younger dad.... he can fit through more slides and tunnels that way. It was fun to watch them run around on the equipment. Kiley and Kara just liked watching the bunches of other kids run around. The park was busy it was so nice out. 

Kara is still army crawling around the house. I've had to pull her out from under the table a few times and away from the fridge or banisters. She's also crawled herself into our bedroom, the bathroom and the nursery. Usually the more angry she is the further she goes. Kiley would rather just sit and cry until someone comes to pick her up. She tends to migrate backwards until she can't go any further and Kara tends to migrate forward until she gets stuck. 

Well since the kids are asleep... so time to go!

(P.S girls.... I love you)

Shots and things

Just incredibly busy around here lately! Kiley and Kara had their 6 month check up and are doing well. Kiley is 15lb 9 oz and Kara is 15lb 10 oz... though they kept mixing up who is bigger so at this point I'm not sure. They are both around 15lbs though.

The shots were painful... for me too. I think I need to vary the appointments, and now that I think about it... they didn't tell me when to come back. Awesome. But really it is just so hard to have two babies that need you like that. They want to be held and comforted and you can't seem to do well enough for either of them. It made for a long long long night. 

Kara is funny. The other day she was upset and crawled to the bedroom, crawled out, then crawled back all while crying. I'm not sure if she was looking for me or if she was just so upset she didn't know what to do. They really pick on each other right now too. Kara will pinch Kiley's face or Kiley will pull Kara's ears and they make the other one cry. It can be a little frustrating because they will be playing so nice until that point. 

Off to bed though.. so... tired.

What we have been up to...

Abby loves the baby puppies. She wants to hold them all of the time. 

And swimming...

and having a picnik...

Things have been a little wild around here but we are enjoying every moment. We had a picnic in the gardens, watched baby ducks and played in a field. There has been a lot of swimming and the babies tried on their suits for the first time. They loved the water more than I thought. Kiley loved it longer and was actually upset when I made her get out because she was getting chilly. Kara did not like it as long and would rather 'sunbathe' Abby snuck out of the house this morning, lost her pj's... and was headed towards the pool at 9am. Yeah... she loves swimming too much. I try to keep the doors locked now. She loves to ride her bike and has pretty much mastered peddling. She also has learned to make excuses to prevent going down for naps or bed. These are her excuses as to date: "Ice in Sippy? Watch Caillou? Watch Barney? Want to eat? Change diaper? Want Mommy (or daddy or anyone else within sight who might 'save her' from her nap. Now I remember my brothers doing this and I'm SURE I did this... what I didn't realize is that it could start so early. At TWO? At first I didn't realize what she was doing... the third 'sleep time' I noticed that is exactly what she was doing. 

What a clever little cookie. 

My parents have been gone on vacation and Abby has noticed. Every time we get into the car she asks to go see them. It's hard to explain to a two year old that we can't just get in the car and go see them right now. I also miss my parents terribly. It's funny that when I was little I remember vividily when my parents went to Florida. Whether this was because of how much I missed them or some combination of the fact that they got me a hot pink plastic minnie mouse canteen... but it makes me smile that in some small way I'm still that little girl and I still miss my parents and want them to come home... as much as I've grown up and become a mom. I'll still always be their daughter.

I hope my girls feel that same way some day too... 

(The story behind this is...)

We were walking on a path and we see a squirrel. Abby is facinated with this when suddenly it runs up into a tree. "OH NO! Mouse! Mouse scaaaaaaaaaaared! Mouse!"

We couldn't convince her it was a squirrel ... and that they live in trees. 

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday

 (Kiley)

They always tell you that "they grow up so fast..." and in the midst of late night feedings, multiple blowouts and baby food smeared on every surface you sometimes forget that. Or putting your two year old in time out because she managed to dump a whole can of rice on the floor just because she knew you told her not to.... and then you turn around and suddenly... they aren't sweet little newborns any more! Some how right before your eyes they are changing and growing and learning new things.

Especially with Abby... I can't believe how grown up she is getting. 

A few things she is enjoying right now:

• Riding her 'bike' (Tricycle)
• Elmo & Abby Cadabby & Cookie Monster & Ernie & Big Bird & Grover
• Holding the baby puppies that my sister brought over to stay with us for a few days (such cute pudgie things!)
• Cereal.. the girl who NEVER eats breakfast wants like three bowls a day! Something about Trix I guess
• Splashing in the pool... or really anything involved with water
• Making cookies (the fake wooden type)
• Changing her baby's diapers or putting different clothes on them. 

Kara and Kiley have added another food to their small diets... bananas. I think they liked the sweet potatoes better. I'm sure they will catch on to them fast though. Wow are they little munchers. I managed to get in TWO feedings with them today. What a lot of work. Kara is especially hard to feed because she likes to get her fist and hands involved which usually contributes to baby food being everywhere. If you can hold onto the spoon while feeding her than it is a success. I guess she just really gets excited about her food! I think they really love being able to try new things. Abby loves to help when I let her... sometimes it's just too hard to have that many hands involved!

The girls have really dropped their formula intake. Apparantly I'm still able to keep up with them... perhaps it's the increase in other calories but I haven't felt the need to supplement. My other question for you seasoned mommies out there. Kiley has on 3 separate occasions puked baby food back up after eating? With different foods. Is this normal? Kara doesn't do it and I don't remember Abby doing it when she was little.... It's not a lot but enough to stain my carpet.... lol

Let me know if you have any ideas! 

Night!

Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes

... that is what the girls are into now. Kiley will eat both, the sweet potatoes with a little more fervor than the green beans. Kara on the other hand gags when I give her the green beans. So far I've only been able to feed them baby food once a day. I probably should increase this but I guess we are just starting out so perhaps it isn't too bad.

(Kara)

(Kiley)

The girls are all recovering from our crazy weekend. Abs had her two year check up yesterday. She got one shot which she was less than thrilled about. Otherwise she did well. My pediatrician.... I know I've complained about him before... and maybe I just need to bite the bullet and switch but good grief I swear he doesn't listen to a thing I say..

I told him that when she was bit/stung by a bug she had a reaction to it... I asked him what could have caused that type of reaction (aka type of bug... bee? ant? other?)... his response. "A bug probably bit or stung her." um... yes... I just said that. Perhaps I should clarify more. Bee or ant allergies can have more severe 2nd reactions... I wanted to know if he thought it could be possible she had a reaction to one of them... but yes,... a bug got her.... why didn't I know that.


Doctor "So she's drinking plenty of water and milk?" No... she doesn't drink milk. This is like our 30th visit (exaggerating) ... I've told you she's intolerant to the milk protein, it upsets her stomach. Doctor: "Oh she has a milk intolerance? Ok..." Then he starts going through the developmental things like potty training etc. Doctor "You can drop her intake of whole milk to 1% or 2% milk" Seriously?! I just told you she doesn't drink milk. 

I stopped talking at all to him at that point and let him finish his routine. I seriously don't want to take the girls in for their 6 month check ups next week. He does... not... listen. Not to anything I say. Ok rant done. I should just change doctors eh?

(Kiley)

Otherwise Abby is doing very well.  On the smaller size for her age as far as weight but with how much that girl runs who is surprised!

Kiley and Kara can sit up mostly unassisted right now, a few tip overs are to be expected. Kara is really army crawling around. Today she was chasing me as I was vacuuming at my Mom and Dad's house. Kiley is just starting to 'womp' as we call it on her hands and knees. I'm sure she'll be right behind Kara soon... or going in the opposite direction as she loves to do. I think in a way Kiley is more apt to cry until we pick her up... balancing on her stomach and flailing her hands and feet. Kara is more gung ho and will come after us if she wants us. The more upset she is the better she crawls... wow they can scream when they are mad. Sounds like angry little bob cats... sometimes it's a little funny how much they sound like baby cats.

(kiley)

The twins are sleeping so-so right now. Better than lately but not as well as before. Hoping for a good night tonight... my head hurts I'm so tired. And THAT is my cue to go.

P.S If there is an overload of Kiley photos... it is because the other two have not been as interested in 'playing' with me and my camera habits lol. Hopefully more soon!

A wedding, A zoo... and some cake!

Wow what a busy weekend! We had a bunch of Tom's family come up for a wedding and to celebrate Abby's birthday. It was a whirlwind but I think we all had a lot of fun.

It was a little crazy going to a wedding with two 6 month old babies and two 2 year olds. Yep it was a lot of work to keep all of them semi-quiet! There were quite a few other kids and babies at the wedding so I didn't feel too bad but I really didn't want Abby's "Duckies!!!!" To show up on their wedding video. Thankfully we survived and after a supper at the reception hall we called it quits. The wedding started pretty late (6pm) so by the time we got out of there it was almost 9:30. The kids were exhausted.

Yesterday we went to the zoo to celebrate Abby's birthday. She also got a few fun other toys from her Grandma and Grandpa and her aunts and uncles. She got a little tea cart with all these little dishes and then some play food to go along with that from McDonalds lol. She got a little stroller for outside and a set of outdoor tools and a bubble gun. Of course a few outfits to go along with that too and some Abby pj's.

The zoo was a lot of fun but HOT and HUMID. Strange how the weather can flip from 40's and windy to 80's and humid... and windy. Tom's family came along with my grandma and a friend of mine. We were quite a crew! Sadly Africa was closed off so we couldn't go back and see the elephants and other animals like that... but I think we were all hot and tired and needed some AC. I'm so thankful for everyone that came out to play with us. I'm sure we will have to go again sometime with just our little family. Thankfully we didn't have the winds yesterday at least. I think the whole week has a chance of storms. We went out to eat at Olive Garden after the zoo... that was a zoo in itself! I think we were all a little sad that the $6 soup salad and breadstick deal isn't around anymore. hmmmm :(

I made a cake for Abby's birthday... yes a homemade cake with homemade icing and decorating and everything. The cake pan that I used was less than wonderful however and took off the top layer of the cake... which I had to scrape out of the pan with the help of Tom's mom. I had to draw the Abby Cadabby completely free hand with icing... and it was my first attempt at even decorating a cake like this so I didn't quite get everything I needed for the icing bags and ended up having to duck tape the tips to the plastic bags. In the end I was quiet impressed it turned out as well as it did. If you are a cake goddess please don't judge my amateur abilities!!! lol In the end it was for Abby so that is all that matters... but Abby? If you are still into Sesame street in a year... we are doing Elmo!

Abby is still sleeping, I think she is completely worn out. She has her 2 year check up today... hoping she doesn't need to get shots or she will be cranky! But we will see. Kara is really 'womping' now and is rocking back and forth on her knees and hands. Won't be long till she is really crawling now! Time for some coffee and cleaning!

Graduated

It's hard to write when you are listening to The Land Down Under music video playing in the background. Seriously makes me laugh every time I listen to it. So funny! I love the stuffed koala :o)

So today...

Abby and I played outside quite a bit again but it was slightly more windy and so less desirable. Still beautiful out though! We did some vacuuming and she enjoyed me chasing her around the living room with it. She did find it scary when she accidentally turned it on once. It might have just startled her a bit.

Kiley and Kara had their doctors appointment with the GI specialist today. Wow did they ever get a lot of attention! So many of my co-workers commented on how much they look like Abby did when she was little. They also loved the flower headbands I had on them... and my stroller Hawk. Many people call it the "Caddilac of strollers" which makes me laugh. I do love that stroller!!  But Kiley is 15lbs now and Kara is 14lb 11oz. Both growing like weeds! He said they were both doing wonderfully and don't need to come back any more. They are graduated! Yay!

On to solid foods!

But that is the big news for now :o)

And the winner is...

Those who picked Kiley....

Because she is the one wearing the purple flower

Are they starting to look more alike?