Category Archives: Living

Siblings

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Every year around this time, I always find it hard not to reflect on my relationship with my younger sister. As she turns another year older, I think back of how lucky I was to have a sister growing up. I always have admired her positive outlook on life and year-round Coppertone tan skin (I got the burn/freckles skin…yay). But even more than that, I have someone to share life with. To share memories with. Who knows who I am no matter what is going on.

And I hope that my babies have that same relationship because I really do think it’s important.

Thanks B for being such a huge part of my life. Love you!



Twins: Four Months Old

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The girls are growing up! Four months old and so much fun.

Brooklyn…

  • is SO strong. She loves for us to hold her so she can use her legs and stand up.
  • makes us laugh. Her smile is contagious! Whether she’s waking or spitting up, she still is sporting that grin.
  • weighs close to 13 lbs. at our last doctor’s visit so she may weigh even more now!

Bryn…

  • is perfecting rolling over. She’s the one to watch these days!
  • has such a gentle demeanor.
  • was at 69th percentile for her age in height. She’s going to be a tall one.

They are both now sleeping in their room, together. Each in their own crib and almost through the night. They love being around each other and holding hands or talking. They can’t get enough of their loving brother Blake who lets everyone know that those are HIS sisters and to be gentle with them. Everyday is such a fun ride of busy.

Happy Four Months, Girls!

Happy 4th of July!

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It’s been awhile since I posted anything because we’ve been busy. A lot of good busy and a little bit of bad, with a quick stay in the hospital for Brooklyn. Thankfully, she’s back to her happy, chatty self. What better way to relax than a holiday like Fourth of July.

At 10am, the water slides went up in the middle of the street and music started to play. Blake had a blast playing with the Smith boys and Brookie and Bryn were excited to hang out with their newest cousin, Madilyn (solo pic of her below in her cute little dress). When the day ended, we had finished 18 hot dogs and three large pizzas (really?!), tried on one Baby Bjorn, encountered a few meltdowns, and played with every water gun on the street. This holiday is becoming one of my favorites!










Mother’s Day

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Today was a great day. The beach was perfectly crowded. My skin is now a pale shade of pink thanks to the Southern California sun. Mike spoiled me. I enjoyed sipping on wine while chatting with my mom and sis. Blake made new friends. And, most importantly, I spent the day realizing how lucky I am to be a mom of three healthy babies.

Not too long ago, my father-in-law stopped by to help me watch the kids. As I sat in the kitchen, I said something like, “I’m sorry I look like such a mess.” I didn’t have any makeup on. I probably hadn’t brushed my teeth. There’s a good chance I was wearing a tank top from the day before. Definitely no deodorant. And, his reply was something like, “The moms that look all pulled together, with their makeup and hair done just right, are probably not the best moms to their kids. It shows you put your kids needs above your own.” Thank you Nello for making me feel like the best mom in the world that day.

Here’s a few little snapshots of my lovely Mother’s Day!






First T-Ball Game: Rays vs. Angels

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These past few weeks, we have had a lot of family over (so very nice!). And, on Friday, my sister and I got to spend some special quality time together–sitting on the couch, each holding one baby girl, chatting about growing up and how we want to be as moms. I had such a nice time, Jamie. Love you!

That same night, it kinda hit me that Saturday was Blake’s first real t-ball game. The other weeks were just practices. I had to go! I felt fine. The girls would probably love to get some fresh air. And I just couldn’t miss being there for my big guy, and seeing Mike being a great Dad. The more time goes by, I’m SO aware of how important it is to be there for my family. To be what my sis and I chatted about–To be a good mom and wife.

As usual, Mike and Blake had a blast! We were lucky enough to have Mike’s Dad, Auntie Amory and Uncle Jay there to cheer everybody on. Blake’s favorite part: wearing the helmet and hitting the ball. Let’s go RAYS!






Two Weeks Old & a Big Brother

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It seems like we just got home from the hospital…

Brooklyn:

  • Is the most mellow person I have met in a long time. I swear I don’t even know what her cry sounds like.
  • Makes the best faces when she sleeps. Cracks me up.

Bryn:

  • Loves to be held. When she cries (I do know what that sounds like) all she wants is to be in your arms.
  • Might have a blocked tear duct (like I did as a baby). She’s still gorgeous.

We’ve been busy getting adjusted to having three kids and a new schedule. A few days ago, we went to the park which was nice and a complete reality check as I held Brooklyn and tried to get Blake off of a rock wall. Today ended with some Mommy and Blakey time. We played basketball, baseball, and read books. Now that I’ve been cleared to kinda get back to normal (I’ve never been so sick of my bed!) and feel somewhat normal (so excited that I’ve already lost 20 lbs.), I think more Blakey time is in my future. I can’t wait!




 

The Twins Have Arrived!

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Finally, after 37 weeks and 6 days, our two adorable girls arrived on March 22nd at 7:51 a.m. and 7:52 a.m. Brooklyn weighed in at 5 lbs. 8 ounces while Bryn was 6 lbs. even.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was excited and a little nervous. Were the babies going to be ok? I wonder what we are having!? What if something happened to me during the c-section? Was I really going to be THAT sore? I made the mistake of looking up c-section info a few nights before I was supposed to deliver. What a mistake. This was easier than having a regular delivery (and I thought having Blake was a piece of cake!).

I hope in the coming days to write more about my experiences of the delivery, recovery, having twins, etc. But, for now, I leave you with a lot of pictures. Thank you to our friends and families for all the love this past week. We are so very lucky!















Nesting

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For Blake’s pregnancy, I definitely wanted the nursery to look perfect. Jamie, remember painting the stripes in his room? I loved how everything turned out.

For the twins, we wanted to do something simple and neutral since we don’t know what we are having. And once I hit 33 weeks this past Friday, I was in official nesting mode. The crib and changing table were delivered just in time for me to get my fix! We’ve decided to put one crib in our room for them to share for awhile (below) and one crib in the nursery.

Here’s a few shots including one of our big boy helping out too. He dusted, cleaned the mirrors with Mike, vacuumed, and even helped me pack my bag for the hospital (more on that later)! I think we are all a little anxious and excited for the new babes to get here.


My Rustic Owl-Themed Baby Shower

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Last weekend, my loving sister, cousin, and mom threw we an intimate baby shower for the twins. At first, I was planning on having something after the babies were born (since we aren’t finding out the sexes) but after some convincing, a shower was planned to take care of the necessary stuff (and so much more). Since it was just going to be my family, I envisioned it as a: let’s grab some sammies, kick up our feet, chat about girl stuff, maybe watch a movie, really relaxed baby shower. Then I walked in.

I’m warning you now, I posted way too many pictures. But the DETAILS. And the love and energy that went into making it such a memorable day: from the cute “When is the water going to break?” plastic baby-in-an-ice cube-game, to the delicious sit down lunch, to the table decor, to the adorable invitations. My family is an amazing one.

Thank you Jamie, Crystal, and Mom. I love you.

P.S. Check out Crystal’s blog for even more inspiration if you are planning a baby shower with an owl theme. She shares about how they did everything, where they bought most of the goodies, the cute games we played, etc.