Easter Weekend

The single best part of holidays nowadays is that I have a family of my own. Hiding eggs, putting together baskets, and being completely tired when our four-year-old pounces on me to wake us up at 6:30 a.m. are all part of what makes these days so much more special. We are the parents now. We get to be on the other side of the excitement.

Our weekend was full of fun, family, and a lot of Easter egg hunts.

Saturday, we woke up early to watch Blake play soccer. This kid is competitive. But, if a bossy girl is near, he would much rather hold her hand and follow her around than run after a ball. Some of the moms and I joked about it. Doesn’t every man love a bossy woman?

Right after, we went to a house nearby where our friends, from these soccer games, were holding an Easter egg hunt. Blake had such a great time! Later that day, we went to Papa and Grandma’s house to enjoy the pool and too much ham!



And today, Sunday, was full of more Easter egg hunts with the neighbors and then finally, in our own home. We ended the day with Blake reading books to his sisters in their pjs and, for us, a glass of red wine in bed while watching Game of Thrones. Another holiday over but so much more to look forward to.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Easter! xoxo




Twins Turn One!

I still can’t believe how fast this year has gone by! Such little things when they were born. Looking almost identical at first but now have their own distinct look and personality.

Brooklyn:

Officially took her first steps on March 8. Her first word was Da Da. Has six teeth! Loves her books–favorite one at the moment being DwellStudio’s Goodnight Owl, a gift from Auntie Peggy and Crystal before she was born. Thinks it’s funny to wear hats. Never has a problem going to bed. Plays peek-a-boo every chance she gets. Loves to eat bananas and pasta.

Bryn:

Took her first steps on March 13. Her first word was Mama. Has six teeth too (and for awhile now)! Loves to climb the stairs at home and the park. Pushes the limits and knows it (oh yeah, I can ride my brother’s tricycle, no problem). Cries when you tell her No! Has the best laugh. Hates bows in her hair. Has these gorgeous big, blue eyes that remind me of Mike’s mom. Eats her food very dainty-like.

Happy First Birthday to our baby girls! We can’t wait for the many years ahead!

As always, pic courtesy of our good friend Rich Lander at their first birthday celebration.

Twins: 7 Months Old

I’m officially scared. The girls are perfecting the “scoot” and are EVERYWHERE. One day we were saying, “Oh that’s cute. They are using their arms to move to get the ball a few inches away.” And now… Yeah, this is definitely going to be interesting. Scooting, then crawling, then walking. Yikes.

Both are so adorable though. They look completely different and I actually think of them so separately that they aren’t just twins, they are sisters. I especially enjoy Blake interacting with them more and more. If only they would sleep through the night…

Brooklyn:

-Likes to observe you when you eat. I have a feeling she’s going to be like me, open to trying new foods.
-Has a contagious grin.
-Can’t get enough of the Baby Bjorn.

Bryn:

-Loves her carrots.
-Can not only scoot but has perfected the crawl stance. She’s ready to go once her little legs get stronger.
-Is the toughest to get dressed. She’s squirmy!

Twins: Six Months Old

It’s time to eat! Today, the girls tried rice cereal for the first time. We threw down our big beach blanket, grabbed their Bumbo seat, and got started! As you will see from the pictures, one baby was all in to it and the other didn’t understand what was going on. We attempted to take videos of each girl taking their first few bites with a wild Blakey in the background. He was so excited to be a part of this momentous feeding (shoving the spoon into Bryn’s mouth) occasion. Next up–more rice cereal, veggies, and homemade biscuits!

Another month older and both are full of personality! Brookie loves to laugh and smile…if you’re laughing and smiling with her. If you just sit there and stare at her, she usually won’t budge and will give you that stare right back (it happened a few days ago to the very serious Target cashier). Bryn, although more laid back, can not get enough of her brother. He could be jumping off the couch, riding his bike or brushing his teeth and she sits there just giggling away at him. I’m excited for the day when they can all play together.

Cheers! To another month older!




Twins: Five Months

Today, the girls turn another month old and it seems like time is just slipping away. I can’t get enough of their sweetness and giggles and watching them interact with Blake. To see their faces light up when he is jumping on the bed or playing outside is such a treat. His gentleness with them surprises me everyday.

Brookie…

  • is having a horrible time teething. Her favorite things to chew on are a rattle, an Eeyore stuffed animal, a teething feeder, and my shoulder.
  • stands up like she’s a two-year-old. We are in trouble if she decides to skip crawling.
  • loves people but when she’s in a crowd where everybody is looking at her, she freezes and starts to cry. No doubt got that from me.

Brynnie…

  • is also teething but you would never know it. She chews the side of her finger and is happy as can be.
  • loves to hold her sister’s hand.
  • enjoys playing on her tummy and batting around the baby wipes.

Happy Fifth Month Baby Girls!



Twins: Four Months Old

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!

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

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!






Two Weeks Old & a Big Brother

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!

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!