Four Incredible Months

It is amazing how things can change in four short months.  The girls have changed our lives in countless wonderful ways....and now, with the smiles and chuckles, it just deepens the joy and wonder that we're feeling.  I remember feeling like I truly didn't want the girls to grow out of the teeny tiny baby stage.  But, had I known how amazing it would be to experience your baby looking at you and smiling and laughing, I would have been begging for a Fast Forward button (not too fast, though).

Last night, we went to the pond for the first time with the girls.  It is such a packing adventure when you go somewhere like that!  Charles is great at the loading of stuff...never complains...and makes it happen.  I pack it up, sit it by the door and he takes it from there.  The big thing that needed loading was our double stroller, which I love, but it is so big that I feel like it needs to be insured like our other vehicles!  I pushed the girls around in the stroller while Charles fished.  He had done baby duty a lot for me the previous 48 hours and I told him, "Tonight, you can fish like a single man."....meaning, I'll take care of the babies.

It was great to be outside (except for the buggies) and for the girls to have a much different view than our four walls.  It was nap time when we got there, so, Molly went to sleep in the stroller, but Macy was ready to stay up for a while.  That was great with me because it is rare that I get some one on one play time with them.  So, I took Macy in my lap...layed her on my propped knees and we (I) sang songs.  She really liked that and then I started doing "This Little Piggy".  OH MERCY, she started chuckling and laughing and I couldn't get enough of it.  I wish I could post the video that Charles took with his phone.  It was a sustained wonderful 20 minutes or so of her being so very happy and laughing repeatedly.  I loved that we had that time together outside away from allt he things that I let distract me all the time.  Once the others got there (Daddy, Mary, Michael, Donna, Wyatt), Macy decided instead of laughing, she would let the critters in the woods know she was there.  The woods that are 10 miles away are included in her vocal range.  Of course, they all didn't get to see her laughing and being so very happy....except on Charles' phone.  Molly woke up by then and sat happily in Charles' lap, even though he was supposed to be a single man that night.

More big things happened this past week.  Yesterday, Macy rolled over for the first time!  Charles and I were both lucky enough to be there and watching when it happened!  The girls were doing "tummy time" to strengthen their arms and necks.  Macy has recently been lifting her head WAY up and yesterday, she found the strength to roll from her tummy to her back!  Woo hoo! 
 

Both Macy and Molly - just yesterday - started grabbing a certain toy and pulling it to their mouths!  Thanks to Amy Germano for these because they are perfect for the girls since they don't have good control of how hard they whack themselves with things.

 

Okay, something that isn't new, but is interesting to me, is that the girls both look at this very very boring spot on their swing and just smile and smile.  We got our swing at a consignment sale and the mobile didn't make it very long...so, we have a toy taped to one side of it for them to look at....but the other side is just plain.  THAT's the side they look at, and they have a great time.  It is very funny to me.  Sometimes, I'll catch Molly, especially, looking at it and then looking away really quickly like she's bashful...and doesn't want the swing to catch her looking at it.  Here 'tis:

A few more pictures from our week.  Thanks for reading our blog....especially if you read this far into the post!  I am enjoying knowing that there are folks who read this and also that there's a new (to me) process where you can print your blog into a book.  I look forward to giving the girls this record of their first year.  My posts are about to slow down, though, so you can all breathe a sigh of relief :).  When I go back to school in a week and a half, my time will be used much differently!  Molly's waking up....gotta go!  :)

I love their cute little feet.  In the car or the stroller, sometimes, it is all I can see of them and it makes me smile.

"A SEAGUL Invasion" (direct quote - Janice Mahoney)

Recently, a gaggle (also Janice's great word) of dear friends swooped down and payed us a very fun visit!

These ladies have all played a big part in shaping me as a teacher and a person.  I know they probably think I'm so crazy when I get emotional around them these days, but, I truly reflect on our experiences together and just get taken aback by the part they've played in my life and by seeing them enjoy and 'love on' Macy and Molly so much.


The visit was so fun and was over too quickly.  There's some serious brain power and creative energy when they're in the room together.  It is fun to hear them tell about their Grandchildren that they love so much.

Janice, Lynelle, Sylvia, Tootie, Linda - I love you for many reasons that I'd love to post specifically here but am not because I'm already too big of a sap!  Thanks for coming and for all your kind words.  You mean a whole lot to me.

Tip Me Over and Pour Me Out!

This week, the girls went to see Dr. DuBose for their 4 month visit.  It was eventful!

Weighing came first and my little butterballs are lighter than I had thought!  I really thought they were at the 14 pound point...but.....

Macy weighed 12 pounds 13.5 ounces  --- and 24 inches long
Molly weighed 12 pounds 6 ounces --- and 24 inches long

Dr. DuBose is so great...kind...good listener.  He started out by asking if we had any concerns or questions.  Let me set the scene for you.  Charles is sitting to my left...holding Macy, who is doing well...sitting quietly and happily.  I'm holding Molly, who is smiling at Dr. DuBose.

I asked if he would look at Macy's gums to see if she has teeth coming in because it seemed as though she did.  He took the tongue depressor and looked.  OH MERCY, you would have thought she had been attacked by 20 hornets....all stinging her simultaneously.  She shrieked so loudly, I think it took Dr. DuBose by surprise.  "I've never heard a cry like that."  My eyes got HUGE and without my normal 'filtering', I looked at the doctor and said, "You've never heard a cry like that?!?!?!"  I was thinking, oh my goodness, what is wrong with Macy...if she's making a sound that the pediatrician has never heard before.  Charles said, "Angela, I said that, not the doctor."  Ha!  All was well.  So, as Macy continued to scream, I focused on Dr. DuBose and Charles continued trying to sooth her.  He did a masterful job of checking on the girls and listening to my questions despite the background noise.

After his exam, he said they were both "perfect".  I love it when he says that!

When he left the room, I asked Charles to let me take a turn.  I stood over Macy who was laying on the exam table and started singing, "I'm a Little Teapot", and being VERY animated...big big smiles.  She stopped crying and gave one of her trademark, fast and big smiles.  The kind you can fall in!  Charles was standing behind me and cheered in the same exact way he does when one of his Fantasy Football players scores a touchdown!  He was so excited to see her happy! 

Then, came the shots.

A sweet lady came in with too many needles.  She said, "Which one do you think should go first?"  Ha ha.

I asked her if she gave shots to kids all day long.  She does.  Can you imagine?

Surprisingly, the girls do really well recovering quickly from their cries about the shots.  Even so, they get lots of hugs and love from us and I bet the nurses are out there thinking that they wish we'd hurry up and vacate the room for the next patients.  Mommy and Daddy are pretty hurt by the whole experience.  Especially when they're smiling up at you and then they feel the pain of the injection.  Charles said to Molly, (he was holding her), "I love you baby.  I'm sorry.  This is a federal law."

A New Adventure Begins

We have been blessed in so many ways.  Mrs. Tanjalee is one of our recent blessings.  She will be taking care of Macy and Molly when I go back to work on October 4.  When I put my feelers out to see if we could find someone to come to our house to watch the girls, she responded.  I loved what she said, "I've been praying that y'all would find the right person....and then I started thinking that I might like to do it."  How wonderful.  I remember reading her email and getting excited about the possibility. 

I had the privilege of teaching two of Mrs. Tanja's daughters when they were each in the 5th grade.  They are wonderful girls, Amber and Olivia, and I have very fond memories of them.  Big smiles, great manners, smart, and kind.  So, when Mrs. Tanja was kind enough to provide references, I told her that her best references were her two girls because of the great job she and her husband had done raising them.

We've had two afternoons together sitting and playing with Molly and Macy...talking about their routines....feeding them bottles....and laying them down for naps.  Those of you who know me well, know that I'm a nerd and an overplanner....and you'd smile pretty big if you could be a fly on the wall as I typed up the biggest sub plans of my life and put them in a Molly and Macy Notebook for Mrs. Tanja.  This very experienced, mother of four, gracefully lets me tell her teeny little details that I want to share about Macy and Molly's routine. 

Today, Mrs. Tanja came over and stayed with the girls for a few hours and when I left, I had no hesitation! She loves them, I can tell.  She cuddles them and kisses them and plays on the floor with them. Having no hesitation doesn't mean that my arms didn't get tingly as I drove away.  I teared up thinking about the transition we're about to make.  As much as I would absolutely love to stay home with my girls, it just isn't an option right now.  So, I am more than thankful that Mrs. Tanja responded to my appeal and has become such an important person in our family's life. 

PS - You KNOW you've found the right person when they take pictures of your babies while you're gone.  Sleeping soundly :).

Four Happy Members of Riverbanks Zoo

This past weekend, we took our first trip to the Zoo.   Charles and I have talked and talked about it and so, it was very exciting to finally make this trip!  We are now proud members of the Riverbanks Zoo!  I remember seeing a member sticker on a friend's parent's car when I was little and thinking how neat that was that people could join the zoo....and for some reason, I thought it was only for certain, special types of people.  But now, look at me, I'm a member.  :) 

Even though the girls couldn't really understand or care (!) about the animals or the exhibits, I know it is so good for them to get out of the house!  Seeing the same four walls all the time can make you cuckoo! It was so nice to meet up with Dusty and Lindsay Clark and their two sweet boys.  This is a special and fun family that we're glad to be friends with!  I love this picture of them looking at the girls when we first connected at the zoo that day.  Lindsay's facial expression is so fun and sweet.

Macy was wearing her giraffe outfit for this special occasion.  She was so happy!

Molly is wearing her monkey suit that was cousin Jeremy's.  She's in deep thought here about the exhibits

After much thinking, she's laughing and happy because we ended our trip to the zoo at the monkey island.  This had been a long outing for the girls and kind of hot, too.  I'm amazed at her great attitude!

Oh.My.Goodness!

Macy sits in the Bumbo Seat for the first time!

I can't believe how much the girls are changing.   Sometimes it seems like when I see them first thing in the morning, they've changed overnight! 

I happened to try Molly in the Bumbo Seat this week, and never expected her to be able to do it.....and as you can see, they're ready for it!  I thought we were still months away from that.  MERCY!

"That sure is one cool clock, Mommy."

 

 

Charles was tickling her cute little feet!

Such a sweet smile that warms your heart!

Charles said, "You're not getting me in the pictures, are you?"

 

 

 

 

Headline:  "Giant Babies visit 6 pound Lydia Mae."

Our first neighborhood walk!

 

 

 

Football Season is here!  We dressed up for Daddy's draft.

Macy's smile is outta this world!

This face sums up the way we all feel!  So delighted!

Molly really "SAW" Macy!

On Tuesday, August 31, Molly turned her head and with big eyes, really LOOKED at Macy!  It was unmistakable that she was actually noticing another person and not just staring into space.  I couldn't believe it and wanted to call the News to let them know what their lead story should be.

I stood there trying to decide if I should risk missing anything by going to get the camera....so, I stayed put for a bit, and then made a dash for the camera.  It was the video camera and so it'll take me some time to get a picture or clip from it, but, I got it...and so, Charles was able to see it when he got home. 

To my surprise, Molly continued to look away and turn and turn back to take long looks at Macy.  It was wonderful.  Meanwhile, Macy was sucking on her fist and Molly was just-a watching.

Later, when I moved them to the play mat on the living room floor, Macy seemed as though she looked at Molly.  But tonight, I know that she saw Molly for sure.

It is going to be the most beautiful, unfolding of a relationship.  I can't believe I get to watch it from the front lines.  My heart is bursting....everyday.   Friends continue to show support in many ways and I continue to feel like I can't adequately express my thanks.  I put clothes on the girls and think about the people who gave them to us.  Today, Macy's wearing the ice cream outfit that Amy gave us.....thank you Amy!  Charles said she looks, "Creamy".  :)  Akin to "Dreamy"?

I love all of you.  Watch out if you get close!  I just might kiss you!

Thank you for reading our blog.

**Insert Hallelujah Chorus Here!!!!***

It happened! 
It happened!

The girls have started sleeping through the night! 
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Granted, my next blog post might be titled, "Eating My Words"....but for over a week now, Molly and Macy have slept from 9:00ish to 4:30ish, which, when I go back to work will be just about perfect timing.  Night before last....on a day that will go down in history - August 25 - they slept for 8 and 1/2 hours!  From 9:30 until 6:00!

I'm so thankful and I realize we'll go through good and bad sleep stages.....but, this gives us a chance to try to catch up on some much needed sleep after (literally) thousands of feedings and diaper changes. 

This smiling and cooing phase is so fun.  We are so thankful for these girls!

Here's Macy

and Molly

Here's a few more pictures from this week....

We've Hit the BIG Time - 3 Months

Our little girls turned 3 months old this week!    We're having so much fun watching them do new things. 

Their biggest new skill is smiling and laughing.  Macy is the one who laughs the most....and mostly it is in her sleep. It is adorable....she looks so cute...toothless...all gums.  Precious.  Molly smiles a lot when she's awake, and sometimes in her sleep as well.  These are some SWEET baby girls.  It is so fun to watch them become 'little people'. 

Thanks to Allison for the picture in the middle....the girls were at a park in Prosperity...we were visiting Michael and Heather along with Cory, Allison, Doug, Brooke, Kevin and Amy.  This was Macy and Molly's first visit to a park.  It was fun!

And now, it is time for reflection!  

Macy and Molly have really started paying attention to the things around them.  Charles hung this butterfly above their changing table and it makes them SO happy!  It makes me look forward to diaper change time because it cracks me up that they are so tickled by the sight of the 'pretty blue butterfly'.  To see them smile at it makes me feel so happy! 

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"I Just Want to Rip Your Head Off and Take it to Work with Me"

Those were Charles' words to Molly one morning this week.  He had walked over to where we were sitting on the couch.  He spoke to her and she turned her head, and smiled.  It is a WONDERFUL smile.  Both Macy and Molly have started smiling more lately and it is more than precious.  So, Charles was wishing he could take that smile with him to work. 

"It's not acid."  That was what Charles said to me about the girls formula one morning after I watched him measure it to make their bottles.  He wasn't (exactly) following the directions, but coming close.  I called it to his attention and he said, "It's not ACID."  I hear that in my head almost every time I make the bottles and am trying to measure it just right.

Macy laughs in her sleep sometimes!  It is adorable!  Wonder what she's dreaming about?