Seven Months Old

Dear Daughters,

You two are wearing me out! I'm glad that you let me sleep pretty well most nights, because you keep me busy ALL day long.  You're moving all over the place.  I'm constantly trying to prevent collisions with furniture and between the two of you. Still, it's pretty incredible to see how much progress you're making physically.

I propped this big pillow up against something hard to keep you from hitting it

and you pulled it on top of yourself.  Thankfully, the hole was in just the right place for your head.

You both want to crawl sooo badly.  A few weeks ago, you started getting really frustrated because you wanted to get something and you weren't sure how to get there.  Every day, you're getting a little bit better at moving forward.  Miss L, you are an unstoppable force now.  Once you set your eyes on something, you plow forward until you reach it.  Dad actually calls it the 'snow plow' move.  You put your head down as you move forward.  Then you look up once you've stopped to see where you ended up. You just started getting into the crawling position a few days ago. You are so close!

There has been a lot of sitting practice at our house.  Miss E, you're a sitting pro.  I was blown away the other day when you sat up for over a minute by yourself.  Miss L, you are getting pretty good, too, but you usually get distracted by a toy or something, so you generally don't stay in one spot for very long.

Your toes! You are both obsessed.  You love holding and sucking on your own toes, each other's toes, and even my toes.  You sometimes get upset when I move my feet away since you don't understand that my feet are a lot less clean that yours are. I made the mistake of painting my toe nails a bright color yesterday. Now you're even more drawn to my feet. 

You have the best laughs I've ever heard.  It never gets old.  It's so fun that you're starting to get ticklish.  You also laugh when we play peek-a-boo with you, when we get silly, when you splash water in the tub, when we lift you in the air, and sometimes I have no idea why you are laughing.  The other day I was using tape to get a bunch of lint off some fabric and Miss L thought that was so funny. 

Miss L, your favorite game is hide and seek. You hide the pacifiers and Dad and I find them. You always seem to get them  in the trickiest spots. I now keep the grabber right by your crib. Dad suggested that the reason people get crib liners must be to prevent the loss of pacifiers. 

You started eating solid foods! Woohoo! You are pretty good at eating from a spoon.  You started with rice cereal and then moved on to butternut squash.  Your dad prepared a whole bunch of squash for you, so that's basically all you've been eating.  

I can't wait to see what you do next!

Lots of love,

Mom

Six Months

12 August 2016

Dear E,

You are one talkative little baby. It's kind of crazy how loud you are now.  Whether you are happy or upset, you like to be heard. I can't wait until I can understand what you are saying.

You went on your first campout this month. You did really well on the long car ride and you really enjoyed the great outdoors. I was really worried that you would be too cold at night, but it turned out just fine.

Sitting with Grandma Jones

Sleeping in the tent

You started waking up early at 5:00 in the mornings and I figured it was because the sun was waking you up. So, I ordered some light blocking curtains and Dad and Aunt Anna helped hang them in your room. The first morning they were up, I was so surprised to find that you didn't wake up early. In fact you slept in even longer than your sister, who got up on time at 7:00. It was amazing. I was ready to tell the world how the new curtains were magical or something. Then, a few hours later, your dad pointed out to me that we had somehow put you in the wrong crib the night before. So, you were really the baby who woke up on time. I couldn't tell it was you because of the crib switch and because it was still dark in the room from the curtains. Ha!

Sleeping Beauty

The curtains are helpful, but sleep has not been your strong suit this month. There have been nights when you have been so angry at bedtime. I think part of the problem is your teeth might be coming in. It's also been tricky for you to sleep because you learned how to roll and we stopped swaddling you in your Miracle Blanket. It's probably going to take a while for you to get used to falling asleep without it.

You caught a cold from your dad this past week.  He felt so bad for getting you sick.  Surprisingly, you were still a happy baby.  We had some rough nights sleeping, but you did pretty well during the day.
    

Dad went back to working for the new school year, so you are stuck with me for most of the day.  You love spending time with him, though.  He is so good at making you and L laugh.  I love seeing you get excited about things.  You get really excited when you see your bottle now.  It’s so cute.

Dad reading a book to you (en espanol)

I’m so lucky to have such an awesome daughter.  I just love you so much!

Love,

Mom

Dear L,

You love to move! Dad calls you a little “mover and a shaker.”  You rolled over from your back to your tummy! Of course, you did it for the first time while Dad and I weren't looking. You sneaky little girl. Before that you were always rotating in circles or we would find you had shifted off the blanket that we had laid you down on. For several days, you would roll to your stomach and then get frustrated because you thought you were stuck. It was like you forgot how to roll the other way onto your back. Now you are getting better at that and I have to watch you closely because you have rolled right into your sister a few times.

Rolling means that we aren't supposed to swaddle you at night anymore. I was concerned that you wouldn't sleep well. There is a small red spot on your cheek from one night when you moved your face back and forth over and over, rubbing your soft skin against the sheets while trying to get comfortable.

Although there were a few rough nights at first, you really do love sleeping on your tummy. Back when we first introduced you to ‘tummy time,’ you were not building much strength because you would just fall asleep since you were so cozy. Now you are on your tummy again and we often find you sticking your bum up in the air, as well. It's pretty cute.

Our whole family went camping this month. We only stayed one night and all went well. It helped that you and your sister were not mobile yet. You both really liked being outdoors.

Another first was your first cold. You and your sister both caught Dad's cold. You had runny noses and a cough that broke my heart every time I heard it. Even with being sick, you were still a happy little baby.

You love spending time with Dad and me.  Unfortunately, he had to start teaching again.  I’m glad that you and E are a little more independent now so that it’s easier for me to take care of you by myself.  I am so glad that I get to hang out with you all the time.  You’re one awesome baby!

Holding your bottles!

Love,

Mom

P.S. I love being a twin mom. You both love each other so much. You were 'talking' to each other recently and Grandpa Jones decided that this is what you were saying:

Month Five

This month, you each get your own letter (Mostly.  I do admit to some copying and pasting)

15 July 2016

Dear E,

I'm a few days late this month. It has been an overwhelming week. Your dad has been in London with Grandpa Cox, and he has definitely been missed. He will be coming home tonight. I don't think he will even recognize you and your sister. You've grown up so much since he left last week.

 

Hanging out with Dad before his trip

Not only are you getting big, but you are growing strong. You are a pro at holding your head up when you're on your tummy. You totally surprised us when you started rolling over from your tummy to your back. You want to be able to sit up so badly. You're always leaning forward.

 Sitting up with the help of your new chair

You went on your first plane trip this month. You flew with me, your sister, and Grandma Cox to Utah. A lot of babies cry on airplanes, but you did so well. You were happy the whole time.

Speaking of being happy, you are so fun to play with. You are always smiling and giggling when people play with you. I love it so much.  Even though you have been hard to console in the evenings lately, I'm so grateful that you're such a good baby.

All of the relatives in Utah were so glad that you were there. I hardly got to hold you because so many people were fighting over you. Besides family, you also got to spend time with the Buswells and my old roommates from BYU.

Your first time meeting Great Grandpa Cox

One of your favorite things to do in Utah was to go outside to the porch. You love being outside. It's too bad that it's so crazy hot in Arizona right now. Otherwise, I would take you outside more often.

I can hardly believe how quickly you are growing up. It's pretty amazing. I can’t wait to see what you do next. 

Love you!

Mom

Dear L,

I'm a few days late this month. It has been an overwhelming week for me. Your dad has been in London with Grandpa Cox, and he has definitely been missed. Thankfully, he will be coming home tonight. I don't think he will even recognize you and your sister. You've grown up so much since he left last week. 

It's so neat to see how your body and your brain have been developing. I made a little bar that holds up toys above you for you to look at. You figured out how to move your arms so that you can touch the toys. You are also getting better at holding things. Pretty soon you will be playing with toys like it's no big deal.

Grandma Cox and I took you on your first plane trip this month. You did really well when the plane took off, which is when most babies cry. You were pretty tired the rest of the flight, so you didn't enjoy it too much until you fell asleep in Grandma Cox’s arms.

All of the relatives in Utah were so happy you were there. I hardly got to hold you because so many people were fighting over you. Besides family, you also got to spend time with the Buswells and my old roommates from BYU.

Your cousin Carter was so excited to meet you at the airport

\

On our vacation, you slept in Carter’s pack ‘n’ play. Every night you would scoot your body around until you rotated it sideways until you were wedged snug between the two mesh walls. It was so funny.

You are such a happy baby. Everyone loves to play with you. We can't get enough of your cute smiles and your happy laughter. I love that I get to hang out with you every day. I'm looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next.

Love,

Mom 

Four Months Old!

12 June 2016

Dear Daughters,

Now that the weather has warmed up, there is less of a chance of you getting sick. This means that we have started taking you out in public more. It was an exciting day when we first took you to church. Everyone there was so thrilled to meet you.

It's so fun to dress you up for church and other outings. There was one Sunday when you wore matching dresses that showed off your bellies. I thought that was a little strange, but you still looked cute. After church, Grandma Jones came over and pointed out that I had put your dresses on backwards. Oops.

Wrong

Right

You attended your first baptism and were so well-behaved. Right before the closing prayer ended, Miss E let out a huge burp. It was so funny. We always encourage you both when you burp. Your cousin Timmy was confused because people are often discouraged from burping loudly, but we cheer you on.

You also got to visit my classroom and Dad’s classroom on the last day of school. The students were so stoked to see you. You hung around my school as I packed and cleaned up all my stuff. I was sad to think about not being a teacher next year, but being your mom is way better than any other job.

You got to meet Grandma and Grandpa Cox for the first time this weekend. They are so happy to be here with you. Since they're in town, we had your baby blessing today. It was a great day. I loved listening to the blessings you were each given. After both blessings, your cousin declared them to be the “longest prayer ever.” :)

It's a good thing there are two of you so the grandmas don't have to share.

I can't believe how big you are getting. Nobody can. We got back some pictures from a photographer that were taken about a month ago. You already look so different. You are smiling a lot now and we can't get enough of your little dimples. You're just so cute.

One Month Ago

Now

Update 6/13/16: You had your four month appointment today at the doctor’s office. You are in the 46th percentile for weight and the 69th percentile for height! Woohoo! (To put things into perspective- you were in the 6th percentile for weight at your last check up)

Love you lots!

Mom

P.S. I put together a little video of you two. Enjoy!

The End of a Chapter

I turned in the keys to my classroom yesterday.  I was really excited because I had finally finished the monumental task of cleaning out the room.  There were definitely other feelings present, though.  After nine years of teaching third grade at the same school, I no longer have a room to call my own.  I can't just let myself in the building anymore.  Of course, I'm welcome to visit.  As a visitor.  It's just so strange.

I haven't been able to teach since December due to bed rest/babies, but as I spent too many hours at the school this week, it just seemed so natural.  That's what I do. I walk up and down those halls, greeting familiar faces. I attend faculty meetings.  I hunt for worthwhile resources.  I teach a group of students all year.  We clean and pack up the room for the summer.  Repeat.  Only not this time.  My resignation letter has been submitted and another teacher is taking my place.

It's a very coveted place.  Being a part of the third grade team is where it's at. I've worked with the best group of women over the years.  They're the hardest ones to leave.  Yes, I'll miss the kids, but I just love my team.  I couldn't have asked for better people to work with.  They are amazing.

I didn't realize how much I was going to miss Meridian until I watched a video from this year's 6th grade graduation. It's not just about the boy giving the speech.  It's about all the people in the school who worked together so that he and his classmates could feel proud to call Meridian their home. So, thanks for everything, Meridian. You have taught me so much.   

And finally, two lists:

Things I'm Not Going to Miss

1) Long hours

2) Parents who aren't supportive

3) Squishies (ridiculous toys they sell at school)

4) Grading

5) Tests, tests, tests

6) Sub plans
7) Rainy Day Schedule

Things I Will Miss
1) When kids 'get it'
2) Playing tether ball at recess
3) Field trips
4) Good news/bad news sharing time
5) Lunch with other teachers
6) Gift Cards
7) Kids getting upset when I close our chapter book during read aloud time
8) Meet the Teacher night
9) Dancing like a fool in front of my class
10) Seeing how much kids can improve

It was a great teaching career.  Now, for my next chapter-teaching these cuties:

Three Months

12 May 2016

Dear Daughters,

Three months old! It's hard to believe that you're getting so big. You are both much more alert now. You love to stare at the ceiling. Nobody understands why. You are also starting to smile. It's the best! You even have little dimples now. 

We are excited that you are spitting up less. You still get us good on occasion though. This morning E spit up on Dad right before he had to leave for work. He changed his shirt and then you spit up on him again! So, he had to change one more time before going to work. I was laughing so hard.

Today your Grandma Jones brought over your beautiful baby quilts. She has been working on them for months. She worked on the hand stitching part over time while watching you as I took some short naps. And what did you do to thank her? Well, L had a diaper ‘blowout’ that got all over Grandma’s pants. She had to wear my clothes while hers dried outside. 

You are starting to sleep for longer amounts of time at night. Dad and I could not be more ecstatic about this! We love taking care of you, but we also like to sleep. :)

You two really are so amazing. I just love you so much. You are so sweet. I can't get enough of cuddling with you. I know that's something that I will miss a lot when you're older. 

Love ya!

Mom

Expectations

IMy babies' due date is today. Well, technically, it was yesterday since we are now in the 2 am hour. I had expected it to be a day of celebration and cute pictures involving matching outfits and headbands. That is not the day I had. 

Instead, it involved wishing the girls would let me nap, struggling to meet both their needs simultaneously after my mom left, and fretting over astronomical NICU bills that the insurance company says they aren't going to pay. And crying. There was definitely crying. 

When I was finally able to start thinking more clearly, I realized that everything will be okay. Things never go as I expect them to, but they always work out. I didn't expect to get pregnant with twins, but I'm so glad that these girls came together. I didn't expect them to arrive two months early, but they are here and they're healthy (and just so cute). 

So, why did I allow myself to get so worked up? One baby may have screamed her head off, but they were never hurt or in any danger. Somehow, the medical bills will be taken care of (Im really curious to see how this happens). I'll get more sleep...eventually. 

And think about all the things that did go right today. My mom was able to come and help me for two feedings. My husband came home early from work (well, early for him).  He let my get some sleep. The internet was working (it has been finicky lately). I was able to easily tell the girls apart (usually not the case when I put them in matching outfits). Someone from my school district finally called me back to answer one of my questions. I did a load of laundry.  I was able to read a few passages from the book my friend got me.  It's called Motherhood Realized and so far it has been so good. Today is actually a great example of one of the points that the writers were trying to make. I should probably start reading it a little more. 

I may not be done yet with decorating the nursery and I never arranged for a professional photo shoot and I haven't started on their baby books. However, I have fed them and changed their diapers and loved them. The rest can wait. I need to stop expecting that everything will be how it appears for other moms. Especially since most of them are dealing with half as many babies as I am. For tomorrow, my expectation is to have a nice day with my sweet baby girls.