Breakfast with Santa

I had purchased tickets to a Breakfast with Santa at Davis Kidd Booksellers in Green Hills. So off we went at 8 am this morning, with a Papaw in tow. This event was terrible at best. Davis Kidd was so disorganized, children were literally melting at their parents feet. The Santa, well...he looked like he had a few Christmas cocktails last night. And when he finally made his way to our table, during the lousy breakfast, he quickly said "Ok, Santa has got to go sit down." WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!! I am pretty sure I paid $15 per adult, and $9 for each kiddo to have Breakfast with Santa...not watch him sit in a chair.

As I regain my Christmas spirit and take a deep breath :-)...I will post some pics. This is EXACTLY what I thought this picture would look like. Pax all smiles, and Kel staring at a beard trying to figure the whole thing out! Better luck next year, at least I know where we will NOT be!!!! HO HO HO!!!!

The boys and their Papaw!

Presents...and Boxes!

The UPS delivery man has become a dear friend this week. Boxes have been arriving sometimes twice a day. And while the bugs love the presents, they really love the boxes!!!!!!!!!!

Paxton is in awe of the peanuts!

My shy bug is not quite as sure!

They played drums on Aunt Stephanie's delivery for 10 minutes!


Gosh, babies are so easy to please. Im sure it will be just the same when they are 10 years old...or NOT!!!!

"Open this GATE, Mommy!"

Have your babies pulled your tree/ornaments down yet?????

I Heart Twins...and their MOMS!

Yesterday, the kiddos and I spent a great day in Murfreesboro, with lunch at Demo's and a day of play at the Discovery Center. Now, before I get to all of deets from our day I must say I LOVE OTHER TWIN MOMS!!!

After 45 minutes of waiting at Demo's, sitting with two adults at a table for 10 because of our strollers, having other diners get out of their chairs so we could sandwich them to the table, Brandi says to me "I am so sorry." I think she forgot for a second I had a set of twins too! Which she quickly added, "Oh yeah, you are probably the only other person that would not be totally embarrassed by this whole situation." And she is right. Other twin moms just get it, and we dont get embarassed. Twins definitely experience what I refer to as 'twinism', every twin mom knows what I am talkng about!! People, rather they realize it or not, act like we should just stay home. For example, restaurants. I wish you could have seen the look on the hostess' face and other diners when Brandi and I walked in with our two strollers. I guess we took up too much room. So sorry.

And all twin moms have those friends that rather just come to our house to visit than ever dare to go out to lunch with the twins in tow. Gosh, what a hassle it must be for them...because twin moms always ask other moms to take care of our babies while out in public...can you hear my sarcasm??! Or our friends that act like they are saving us from all the hassle of an outing, when really it is they that dont want to be bothered.

And no, twin moms do not want to talk to every single stranger in a public place about so-and-so's uncle had a set of twins, and oh, I am a twin, and I have a granddaughter about their age, and on and on and on. And, no we dont want you to ask us if our twins are natural? What the heck does that mean? Yes, they were sent from Mars and we just love them like any other alien!

Even with all the crazy, twins are the funnest thing since Disney. And I wouldnt trade it for the moon.

But I digress.

Pictures from a day of play at the Discovery Center. They had a room just for kiddos age 0-2. It was so much fun for twins and their mommys!

Steps & Pull-Ups

Kellen is now pulling up on everything. He could get to his knees for the longest time, but is now strong enough to pull himself to his feet. What a cutie pie! And Paxton, he took his first steps this weekend. He cannot go far, but we can hold our hands out to him and he will walk two or three steps. Yesterday, he started standing without having to hold onto anything. He would just stand frozen, the look on his face was mix between 'oh no' and 'what now, mom'!!!!

Having twins, I could not be more ready for one of them to walk. However, that little Kel bug...I hope he stays a baby forever.

Larry Loftis & Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

One of my husband's best friends, Matt Loftis, lost his father last week to pancreatic cancer. This is a picture of him dancing at our wedding two and half years ago, he fought a courageous battle against cancer for the last 13 months. I urge you to go to the website below to learn a bit more about this incredible father, husband and friend...and if you are so compelled donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.


http://www.firstgiving.com/larryloftis

Stinkin' Eczema

This is what my sweet Paxton looked like over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was pitiful. He was covered head to toe, his feet bleed, and I could tell he was in pain.



I decided to make an appointment with a pediatric dermatoligist. We had been prescribed a 2.5% Hydrocortisone ointment by the peditrician but it was not working. The dermatologist (nurse practioner) prescribed Desonide Lotion .05% and this medication cleared up most of the Eczema over the first night. We have not completely figured out what triggers an outbreak, but we are narrowing the list. In the meantime, many changes have been made. We cover him in Eucerin at each diaper changing. Our clothes are now washed in Dreft or TideFree as well. No candles. No dryer sheets. No perfume or cologne. All cotten pajamas, no fleece or flannel. No footed pjs. A humidifier during all naps and at night. And babies with Eczema tend to be hot natured so it was suggested we put a fan on him at night.

The nurse practioner told us Eczema would probably be a part of Paxton's life until age 8 or 9. Having Eczema puts him at a higher risk for allergies and asthma, so we will watch that as he ages. If, however, overly dry skin is the only health issue we have in his lifetime I will take it!

And as you can see he doesnt seem to be much bothered by the situation...this is Pax waiting to see the doctor.

Hair

When did my babies grow all of this HAIR?! Our boys are 11 months old today, and I just dont have the words. Definition of bitter sweet: your baby crawls to you one day as a toddler.



We had a lovely Thanksgiving, first with my family and then with Aaron's. Unfortuntately, all the pictures were taken with cousins/aunts cameras. So PLEASE send me pics if you get a chance! Hope everyone had a lovely holiday, our house is decorated and Christmas music is playing almost 24/7 around here!! Aaron just loves it...kidding ofcourse!!!

Who needs some Pictures & Video?

Happy Friday ALL! We are nearly 100% again. I am told by the peditrician that it takes 7-10 days for these colds to clear in babies...I think it took us 8. But I am glad to have cold #3 gone and cant wait for cold number 4-10!!! Geeezzz! So who needs some new pictures of the boys?!! I have been taking more video this week than pictures because I think the boys have played and laughed harder at each other this week than ever before. Twins really are cool! I wish I had one! I forgot to post some pics of the boys swinging for the first time a couple of weeks ago! They loved it and we loved watching!

Paxton walking...well, sorta!!


And another...
Well, I have the cutest video of P&K laughing at each other but it wont upload. I will try later...

Off to the Doctor we go...

Today I took the little men to the peditrician. Yes, another cold. We were due for our second dose of the flu vaccine last week and our peditirician had run out. So they sent us to Public Health. After two hours of waiting with people that sounded and looked like they had to have either the flu or H1NI we got the flu shot...and the four of us are now sick...AGAIN. And yes I am very ANGRY and yes our peditrician DID get an ear full at today's appointment. After a weekend of watching Kel tug at his ear I made an appointment. No ear infection, no major conjestion just a cold. But the doctor did drop a bomb on me...kiddos this age will get 6-10 colds a year. WHAT?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!! Aaron and I will have to get HazMat suits because we can not handle catching a cold from them 6-10 times a year. But we did do a weight check! I was super excited because this was the first time Kellen was in the same pound mark as Paxton! He finally caught up after his late start...

Kellen: 22lbs3oz
Paxton: 22lb13oz

Who needs to lift weights when they have quarter pounders for kids?!!!!

And sorry no pictures were taken this weekend. Aaron and I felt so bad we were good just to get them fed this weekend!!!

Honest Blog Award!

1) Must thank the person who gave the award and list their blog and link it.
2) Share "10 Honest Things" about yourself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.
4) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

Thank you very much, Courtni! Her blog is www.http://jacksonfamily-pink-cj.blogspot.com. Her boys are seriously freaking cute. I love her blog because she is brutally honest, no sugar coating, and I appreciate honesty.

10 Honest Things About Me
1. I am a Taurus, and I make my sign proud. I am one of the most stubborn people I know. Sometimes can be a good thing, but most times not.
2. I completed an MBA in finance when I was pregnant and wonder if I will ever use it OR was that just a huge waste of my Tuesday and Thursday nights between the hours of 7pm-10...for three years.
3. I have diminished ovarian reserve. Which means, Im 30 but I have the egg supply of a 40 year old woman...totally unexplained.
4. I long to get naturally pregnant and surprise my husband with the pregnancy...instead of him giving me shots in my bum for 10 weeks!
5. I would love to write a book about all things funny about infertility. Now, before anyone gets upset...infertility is awful, sad, often lonely. But if we all thought about the light side, for example, some of the ridiculous things we have done to get pregnant we could at the least have a laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.
6. People think Im tough, Im not.
7. I want a little girl to shop with, get my hair done with and do all things girlie with.
8. I have become a neat freak in my old age. Specifically avoiding certain foods for the boys because it will create a mess. I know, I know...Im working on it:-)
9. I have to fall asleep with the TV on, Im a Letterman not Leno gal.
10. My favorite food is Italian, my favorite color is green, my favorite piece of clothing are my jeans and you can always find me in a colorful flat with a big handbag!

And the Honest Blog Award goes to...
1. Machelle at http://machellearrison.blogspot.com. She has twin girls five months older than the boys. She has been so encouraging and HELPFUL. She has given me wonderful tips to help with the boys since she is just ahead of me in this twin journey.

2. Cecila at http://lexiandlyla.blogspot.com. She found me through blog land, but we know each other in real life. We went to high school together. Amazing we both ended up with twins so close in age. I love her blog too bc Lexi and Lyla are just ahead of P&K in age and I love getting tips. And she is brave, her girls get pancakes with SYRUP. Like I said, I am working on the neat freak thing!!!

3.Catherine at http://clinkscalesfamily.blogspot.com. She is also an IRL friend, my neighbor. Her son, born one month after the boys, was born with half a heart. Her family's journey is inspirational and I encourage you to take a look.

4. Tiffany at http://napasnooks.blogspot.com. She just started her twin journey, and ended the road of infertility (for now). Her boys are adorable. When Aaron's mother was looking for a 'grandma' name Tiffany provided the winner, Grammy. So she will always stick out to me!

5.Kimberly at http://batesbabies.blogspot.com. This mom has a set of twins and a newborn. She is an amazing mother, and I strive to have as much energy as she.

6. Stacie at http://itsacornylife.blogspot.com. I cannot say enough about this mommy. I have followed her journey through infertility, to conceiving twins, to losing a baby girl, through the birth of beautiful Abigail, and now a natural pregnancy. I love her honesty through it all, she is deserving.

7. And to another IRL friend, Scarlett. Her blog is private, but she has been a wonderful friend through IVF, my pregnancy, and now life with twins. SHe has a five month old named Ethan who is adorable. We have brutally honest conversations about the difficulties of being mothers, wives, having careers and hosting dinner parties!!

These are the BEST days of my life...

Ive been reflecting lately on my young(ish) 30 years, not sure why, maybe that is natural as we age. I have realized at the age of 30 my life can be put into several categories...childhood, high school, college, my twenties, and now married with two kids. Each period of my life has been peppered with ups and downs. Every dark moment has been followed with heavenly sunlight. I think I became an adult in my childhood, I survived high school with some shred of self esteem (what more can we ask for from high school:-)), college was fabulous in a I-get-to-sleep-until-noon-and-have-no-responsibility kinda way, my twenties were grand finding a career and my love, but now, this moment with these children and Aaron...these are the best days of my life.

In the depths of infertility, given a 1% chance of naturally conceiving our own children, I would tell myself...maybe this is happening for a reason, maybe I wasnt meant to me a mother, maybe my life was meant for something else, maybe just maybe this whole mom thing isnt what it is cracked up to be. Well, thank God (literally) I was given the title of mommy. I relish it, I roll around in it, I thank God everyday for it, and when I look into those sweet eyes everyday all I can think is these are the best days of my life.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

We had absolutely beautiful weather today in Nashville, 73 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We decided to take the kiddos to Cheekwood. I had never been, 55,000 acres of beauty. I cant wait to go back in the Spring. No tears from the peanut section so I think P & K enjoyed it too! At a botanical gardens you would think there would be amazing places to take pics of the kids. Well, there were...BUT not one picture was taken with two smiling babies. And trust me I tried. So here is my amateur attempt at photography and at least one smiling baby in each shot!!!!

Tigger and Pooh!!

Oh, how I love me some babies!!





Even Tiggers get tired...

Product Review: Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat DO NOT BUY!

This past weekend Aaron and I set out to buy convertible car seats as the boys have met the height maximum on our infant car seats. We were intrigued by the new Safety 1st Air Protect technology. The Air Protect is on either side of the head and aids in side impact crashes.


Babies R Us is the only retailer for this product, and when we arrived were thrilled the car seat was marked down $30. So with the discount, the 10% twin discount, a 15% off coupon, and $10 dollars off coupon we thought we had gotten quite a deal!

We were wrong. Upon arriving home, Aaron immediately began to install. There were problems instantly with the latch system and the shoulder belt system was worse. We watched the installation video online and were told to roll towels to place under the base to hold in the correct position. After rolling two beach towels together Aaron was finally able to install the seat where it didnt move more than an inch in any direction. However, this car seat must be reclined back so far (in a rear facing position) that I couldnt fit into the front seat of our Tahoe.

For all twin moms out there, there would be no way to put a baby on either side of your backseat. I like to have one on each side, easier to buckle in and get in and out.

Three hours later we were headed back to Babies R Us to exchange this headache. We bought two Britax Boulevard car seats. This was the only seat that didnt require a rolled up towel to hold in the correct rear facing position. I dont know about you guys, if I am paying $200-300+ dollars for an item specifically for my children's safety I dont want to depend on a towel for positioning.


The boys have been in it once, and love it. Lots of room and so soft. Aaron and I, however, will be eating Ramen Noodles this month to be pay for the darn things!!!! Just kidding, but it makes me sad for families that cannot afford the best when it comes to children's safety.

I hope this saves someone some time and energy. The new technology that Safety 1st has developed is worthwhile, but the product is not practical, as of yet, in a rear facing position.

The Nash Times!

BREAKING NEWS: Mr. Kellen decided to crawl on October 24th, WHOOOHOOOO!!! Because of his Pyloric Stenosis and constant throwing up in the beginning not much time was spent on the tummy. So he was a bit behind in this department. But he is crawling and sitting himself up and couldnt be more pleased with himself. Say a prayer for me that P & K always decide to crawl in the same direction, after the same electrical cord, after the same dangerous object, at the same time. This way I will never have to chose who needs saving first!!! WHAT? Too much to ask for???!!!!! I dont have a pic yet of him crawling so I will just show you that sweet face one more time!


ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: This past Friday I took my sister-in-law and one of her friends to see the comedian Heather McDonald from Chelsea Lately on the E! network. Aunt Shannon just celebrated her 24th birthday, and the tickets were Aaron and my gift for her bday. For those of you who do not watch the show, I highly recommend it. Chelsea Handler is hysterical and Heather McDonald was sooo funny, we laughed all night. Here we are with Heather, she was super friendly.


TWIN NEWS: My heart melted last week when we had a playdate with a set of girl twins named Marley and Addie. They are 11 days younger than the boys. Seriously, there was super cuteness going on in my living room floor. Paxton and Marley are now dating, Kellen and Addie are as well. I am so fortunate to know my daughter-in-laws at such a young age!!!!!




SPORTS NEWS: On Saturday we spent the day with family. I would introduce them as my crazy Uncle Larry and his very sane wife Judy. And I mean crazy in the most warm and loving way!!!!! To say they are ALABAMA fans is an understatement! We had so much fun watching the UT v Bama game with them. Especially since UT almost rolled their hide...errr, i mean tide!! We came so close. Here is my Uncle watching his dreams for a National Championship almost go up in flames as UT is about to kick a field goal to win!! It was blocked and the tide won, but we had a blast anyway.


MISC NEWS: Grammy, Grandaddy, and Aunt Shannon babysat while we watched the UT v Bama game. They had an exciting day away from mommy and daddy, and were in the best moods when we picked them up. The main event for the day was pumpkin carving with Grandaddy.


WEATHER: Rainy and cold, hope there is sunshine on your spot of the map. :-)

Sick and Tired...Tired and Sick...

Happy 9-Month Old Babies!

P & K were 9 months old last Wednesday. I can hardly believe it.

Kellen: Ht 28.5 in (72%), Wt 19lb10oz (46%), HC 44.3 cm (30%)

Paxton: Ht 29.0 in (84%), Wt 20lb12oz (65%), HC 45.2 (57%)


Aaron and I could literally eat them and then lick the bowl they are so cute!!!

Pickin' Pumpkins with Paxton & Kellen...and Daddy ofcourse!

Saturday was the most gorgeous day, I love when the cool air begins to set in and the leaves begin to change colors. We had plans to go to Gentry Farms in Franklin and it could not have turned out any better. We spent two hours going through the farm's activities. The boys had a blast and were just so stinkin' cute!

The bugs and that cute daddy of theirs!

Mom and the boys...with a new haircut (6 inches shorter)!!

I have about 30 pics of this shot. This is the best one I got!

And all other 29 look like this!!!!! Those boys loved them some hay!!!

And they played with dirt in a teepee!!

Daddy pushed the bugs through a corn maize, while I took pictures behind them!

Just because I liked how it looked...

And I walked up to the HUGE pumpkin patch to get some photos. I snapped this picture without realizing I taken the perfect picture of mommy pumpkin and her adorable twin pumpkins!!!


What a fun day! Doesnt making memories just warm your heart?!!

A Day in the Life...

Oh, to be my dog for one day...curled up asleep ALL day!!


And Daddy is soo funny, the boys love when he comes home for lunch!


I threw away the boys' first pacis this week. I would definitely put myself in the 'thrower-outer' category when it comes to stuff. But I am having a hard time letting go of baby items. But I took one final picture and tossed them away. They just grow up tooo darn fast!


ANd we have big boy high chairs now! They love them...thank heavens!!


Have a great weekend everyone! It has rained here, let's see...13 days straight. So here's hoping for a little sunshine your way and ours!!!