Tuesday, May 22, 2012

It was only the best Christmas EVER...

That explains why it's almost June and I'm just now documenting it, right?  We've been a little busy...

Christmas 2011 was the best Christmas ever...it seems so long ago and just like yesterday.  I can't believe it's already almost a half a year behind us...

I look back at the pictures and I look so tired.  I guess that's allowed when you have 2 newborns and an almost 2 year old that is adjusting to her new normal.  I can hardly remember those first few days with the babies home and what really happened...The way I remember it now is definitely a glossy version of something that probably looked more like total uncontrolled chaos to the rest of the world.  Marlin wasn't eating enough, so he cried ALL.THE.TIME.  Molly was pretty pissed about no longer being an only child, and Madeline...well, the Pixie was just taking it all in.

One good thing about Christmas babies...everyone comes to you.  And, that helps with the stress of holidays, for sure!  My aunt and uncle and cousins came sometime during the holidays :) and then we had Rob's family for Christmas Eve and my family came Christmas Day.  It was a whirl wind...but, it was by far the most magical Christmas of my life.

December in pictures....

My friend, Flo, came to take pictures for me for our Christmas card...This is basically how the day went...
Molly screaming if I wasn't 100% focused on her.. 

Marlin was probably hungry...



She did this herself...although, it was a nice, quiet few minutes :)
Watching Peter Pan...and, all is right in the world.
Snugglesauras....
spooning...
Brother needed a diaper...and Molly though Sissy needed coloring... 
Madeline's first bath... 
Marlin's first bath...

Lori, Marlin, Ian and Taylor came to visit...
"Big Marlin" and "Little Marlin"
Aunt Lori and Madeline

Cousin Ian
Tired much????

Christmas Eve....



 Christmas morning...


Marlin's loot...
Madeline's loot...
Luckily, Ann and Tom stayed for Santa so we had some extra hands to hold the babies.  Molly was able to enjoy her last Christmas as the only one interested in the toys from Santa :).  I have a feeling that next year will be a very different story for the sweet girl.

Christmas day....

tummy time!
At least Mandie and Brian were well rested! :)

 All smiles from Brooke and Emma.

The entire month was a whirlwind...what with a very pregnant and grumpy Tara to a very tired and wonderfully blessed household.  It's the greatest time of year...and even more special now with the twin's birthdays tucked nicely into the beginnning of the month.  I am and continue to be constantly amazed at our abundance of blessings.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

We belong in the zoo...

At the end of March, we took the family to the Atlanta Zoo.  I wasn't sure what Molly might think of it...or if she'd be super interested for very long.  I forgot they had a lot of kid-friendly activities, like a train, carousel, play ground and petting zoo.  We are still watching Curious George goes to the zoo and talking about it over a month later....I'd say it was a hit!  It was a great family outing and something we are looking forward to doing again very soon!
 Getting everyone loaded up...
 Madeline is ready to go!

 Out and about!
 Looking at some "ducks" (all things that fly are ducks to us...)
 Marlin just chillin :)
 The Pixie getting sleepy...
 After lunch, we ran into our cousin, Brendan, who was on a field trip!
 First train ride!
 The babies got tired of waiting on the train.

 We belong in the jungle, too!
 Molly saying, "Have it?"  She really wants a bird...I mean, duck.  I mean...one of those things that fly!
 The cutest Meer cats ever.
 Don't you want to kiss those sweet lips???
 Having a finger sandwich!
 All done...loaded up and heading back home.

And...she's out.

Monday, April 30, 2012

How did I get so lucky?

I cannot believe that my babies are almost 5 months old.  I honestly, though, am having trouble remembering life before them...or even those early days when Molly would stand in the kitchen and scream while I nursed them.  Ahh...how time flies and erases those not so cherish-able moments.  The babies are really doing great.  We've started solids and they are (now) loving them!  Today, Mom fed them breakfast, lunch and dinner solids!  Let's see if they sleep all night - ha!  I won't be holding my breath!

I keep trying to think - 5 months ago, what was I doing at this exact moment.  Honestly, probably just complaining about how tired/uncomfortable I felt.  In all actuality, I had a wonderful pregnancy and not too much to complain about.  I do remember, exactly, what I was doing the day before they were born.  Hanging with my girl, my sister and my nieces.  What a glorious day that turned out to be.

I seriously could not imagine my life without these two miracles.  It's kind of become a joke about how many times we will get commented on while we are out (in one hour at BJs with my sister we got to 10)...and I'd rather people just give us a quarter instead of telling us "how full our hands are"...we'd be close to millionaire's by now!  If they only knew how full my heart was, they'd know it doesn't matter about my hands.  Being a mom, and being a mom to these three miracles, is more than I ever dreamed of...and more than I ever deserve.  Even nights like tonight, when Molly is a total grump and it's pure chaos just trying to get some kind of dinner shoved down...and everyone has some sort of little meltdown (well, except for Pixie...because you know...the girl is pretty perfect)...I don't know how I got so lucky.

Monday, April 16, 2012

4 Months Old!!!

It's cliche, and I know it, but time does fly.  Especially, when you have little children.  I keep trying to remind myself that it isn't going to be like this long.  The sleepless nights, the swings/bumbos/boppy pillows, etc. taking over our house.  The 4:30 - 6:30 touch and go crankiness of at least one child.  Soon, my children will be in school all day and at activities at night and spending the night with friends on the weekends.  They'll be off to the movies, off to cheer, off to soccer...off to anywhere, doing anything but wanting to sleep in my arms.  Some days are purely wonderful...other days it's pure chaos and I'm certain that the three of them are plotting against me to send me on the fastest track to the looney bin.  This business of having babies takes a lot of prayer, patience and more prayer.  I find I'm a very different mother the second, err...third...I don't know...this time around.  I'm much less of a schedule drill sergeant, much more savoring each  moment (at least I try to savor them all).  I don't have nearly the rules as I did when Molly was a tiny babe.

In four short months, I've fallen in love with these two people who I can no longer remember life without.  My children are all so very different and I seem to already have such different relationships with all of them.

Marlin, you are my 2nd born.  And, true to the sayings, you are my typical middle child.  Always needing a little extra.  A little extra loving from the momma, a few extra ounces of milk, a few extra feedings at night (I really think that's just to have a few extra alone time minutes).  You melt my heart when you smile at me and your laugh could send anyone over the moon.  You have already turned over from your tummy to your back...and my poor babe, no one even saw you do it the first time.  The life of the second child, I guess.  We saw you the 2nd time, though...and the 3rd...and the 4th.  And, we have it on video for all eternity.

At 2 months, you weighed 9 lbs 4.5 ozs and were 22.5 inches long.  At 4 months, you weigh 12 lbs 15 ozs and you are 25.5 inches long.  You are a growing boy!!!  You still eat at least twice per night and we are working on solids.  So far, you hate solids and try to act like you are gagging.  You might end up being my little drama boy!  I love you to the moon, my little prince.




Madeline, you are my sweet, sweet baby girl.  You are likely, the easiest baby on earth.  You very rarely cry, so when you do, it breaks my heart.  I don't like my baby girl to be upset.  You can bet that the minute you get upset, Mommy is on her way.  You are laid back and easy going.  You wake up so happy and are always quick with a smile.  I hope you always give away your smiles for free, because it's the sweetest smile on the planet.  You make my heart sing.

You, my baby girl, are a sleeper.  You're my 12 hour rock star.  Most every night you sleep 10 - 12 hours without a peep.  I always check on you when I'm in with your brother and you are just sprawled out with your legs froggie style and your thumb in your mouth.  At 2 months you weighed 9 lbs 3 ozs and were 22 inches long.  At 4 months, girlfriend, you are 13 lbs and 3.5 ozs and 24.75 inches long!  Your first bite of applesauce made you smile and I think you will prove to be a great eater.  I love you high mountain, my angel.





Thank you, babies, for the craziest, most hectic, most fun and most loving 4 months of my life.  May God always shine his love upon you.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The tomb was empty...

Easter is kind of like New Year's for me...something about it is refreshing and just symbolizes so much of a new start.  I guess the whole eternal life factor...

Anyway, I always feel renewed spiritually on Easter.  It's my spiritual New Years, I guess.  This year was no different.  I feel renewed in my relationship with Christ and that is encouraging to face each day with patience, a positive attitude and humbly. 

Since we got pregnant with Molly, I keep thinking each holiday is better than the year before.  I really can't believe that the keep getting better!!!  Easter 2012 was one for the record books!  My family feels so complete with 3 awesome babies, 2 crazy dogs and 1 crazier husband!  It was an awesome, relaxing, wonderful day that I'm pretty sure God made just for us!

Praise God that the tomb was empty!  He is risen, indeed.
















Sleep bandit

Luckily, he stole my heart before he started stealing my sleep!