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!















We Made a Wish Today

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Early this morning, while snuggled in bed, I found an eyelash on Blake’s cheek. I told him, “Eyelashes are special and when you find one you get to make a wish.” He didn’t fully understand but we agreed that our wish was for healthy brothers or sisters. So, I took it from his cheek, we said our wish out loud, and blew the eyelash off of my finger. Funny how he really loves little moments like that. A minute later, he was asking if I could find another eyelash. :)

I recently read a blog post about bringing another child (or children) into this world when you just have one. And that God has chosen THIS child to be an older sibling. To teach the younger one(s). To be able to handle maybe a little less attention than before. To be a good role model. It’s making me feel better that Blake is taking on this special big brother role… in just a few days. He’s going to be great!

Blog_WeMadeaWish

T-Ball Time!

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It’s been a rough couple of weeks trying to get through these contractions, going to way too many doctor appointments, and just being big and awkward. But, tonight I thought: I can’t skip over these milestones that Blake is hitting just because I might be a little tired. This online diary of our lives is something I’m already looking back on.

This past Saturday, March 16, 2013, was B’s first t-ball practice and he did great! For an hour, they got to rotate to different stations: catching, hitting, throwing, and running the bases. All decked out in his Cubs Spring Training shirt with his lefty glove in hand, he had so much fun throwing the ball towards the cones (pics below). Then, they moved to hitting (watch video) and so on. Running the bases was a little tricky because his competitiveness came out and he kept throwing his arms to the side so none of the kids could get to the base first. He’s learning.

I also met a really nice mom who was pregnant too. I can already see us being friends. Her son and Blake even hugged goodbye. Let’s hope they are on the same team!


My Maternity Shoot

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After A LOT of convincing, I decided to get a few pictures taken of my pregnant body carrying these twins. Originally, I wanted to include Blake and surprise Mike with the pictures. But, of course the day came and all Blakey wanted to do was play outside with his friends. Then, trying to get past a husband who never really sees you dolled up anymore… Long story short–questions were asked, I broke down and told Mike I was off to get pictures done, and Blakey had a wonderful afternoon riding around on his bike with his buddies on the block.

This post is mostly to share what a complete talent our go-to photographer (CHARD photographer) is. He not only made me feel comfortable but the pictures look flawless (and I’m definitely not). If you are getting married, need family portraits done, are having a child or two… I would definitely recommend him.

Here’s to some conceitedness! Just a few of my favorites: