Grass stained knees

3 months old

Three whole months...how did we get here already?

I am so pleased to say that at three months we have definitely found our new normal. The rhythm of our days finally feels somewhat predictable and dare I say comfortable.

Lets all pause for a collective sigh....phew, that feels good doesn't it?

It appears that a nap schedule is finally starting to materialize. Hallelujah for that!

They are both coming alive with smiles, cooing and laughter. Not surprisingly, they are especially excited by the presence their big brothers, who are relishing every minute of their role as helpers and cuddlers.

Finn

Oliver

They are beautiful, happy, healthy and strong.

We are blessed beyond words.

There he goes...

We spent a fantastic sunny Saturday a few weeks back soaking up some unseasonably warm weather with a picnic in the grass. And of course, I'm only NOW telling you about it because that's how we roll these days, always a teensy bit late and just a pinch disorganized.

It just so happens that this turned out to be the day that our first born received his final lesson in riding a two-wheeler. While we started on this journey almost a year ago, his progress has been delayed by several factors, most notably, one long pregnancy, a fierce affinity for his big wheel, and a healthy dose of anxiety.

I'm not sure what happened to finally change his perspective, whether it was the warm air, a giant boost of confidence, the alignment of the stars or maybe just the fact that he finally decided to put his mind to it but it didn't take more than 15 minutes this time and that was it, he was off.

It was a spectacular moment, watching his courage, determination and ultimate success. My heart filled with pride while my throat caught a lump. How could this be my boy, so grown up? It made me wonder if this was how a mother bird feels watching her hatchlings find their wings?

The babes and I shared the blanket in the shade and watched the big brothers ride around and around. They were all pretty happy to be out in the fresh air. I was REALLY happy to be out in the fresh air. Sitting with my family in the warm breeze felt like a sneak peak of our life returning to normal. I was beginning to doubt that there would ever be more to our days than sitting on my bed with a Boppy in my lap, endlessly nursing babies. 

Every free minute since that afternoon, this is where he can be found. Sitting tall and pedaling fast. He's got things to see, places to go...

And just in time too, take a peek at the back wheel of his beloved big wheel. Completely shredded. Who knew that a solid plastic wheel was capable of a blow-out?

Cat Naps and Rain

See that peaceful baby, sleeping away...

While this is what we are striving for here during the day, the reality looks quite different.

Both babies drift off to sleep easily enough. In the sling, In the swing, In your arms, while nursing, even while the big brothers climb all over and around them with great volumes of noise.
Here's what happens next... mama quietly tiptoes them to the nursery and gently lays them down in the crib with the hope that they will have a wonderful spell of restful sleep while she is able to accomplish something, anything.

And the quiet lasts for oh, 10 minutes or so... Just long enough to start making lunch or loading the washer or log into email and then the monitor, which I am convinced takes great joy in mocking me, starts yelling....

And then I'm off running, not walking briskly, but sprinting as fast as I can up the stairs to pop the pacifier back in the mouth it has fallen out of before his roommate is awakened by the howling. And then, all is quiet again. At least until I get back down the stairs and pick up where I left off. And just when I think to myself alright, Now I am going to get this finished... there it goes again. 

No kidding, I think I have run up and down our stairwell about 150 times today and it is only 2:00.

I know this is a stage. I know I could just let them sleep where they fall. Except that the sleep book which I happen to swear by, considers sleep in swings, car seats etc. "junk sleep". Pretty much any sleep not happening in the crib is considered non-quality rest, which leads to over tired babies who refuse to sleep anywhere...and who wants that???

I just need a nap attendant, a special someone who would be willing to sit in the rocking chair in the nursery, standing guard, poised and ready to re-insert pacifiers that have fallen out of sweet little lips before the babies realize and stir from their slumbers.

I guess the positive is the fact that all these trips up and down the stairs is good exercise. Maybe it's natures way of helping me work off these last pounds of baby weight that isn't melting away quite as quickly this time around....hmmm or maybe that's all the chocolate cake I keep baking. A recipe that I promise to share with you soon because it is G.O.O.D, I mean seriously yummy. You will thank me for it I promise!

And here is where Samuel has parked himself this afternoon. With my permission of course, because it has been raining here for 4 days straight and I have plum given up.  We have finished school work already and as soon as I finish posting this I plan to gather everyone up on the sofa in the other room for some serious chapter book reading but for now, he is rotting his brain out in front of the tube. Sometimes...God Bless Noggin.

And now if you will excuse me, I need to run up the stairs again....but I feel better after this rant. Thanks for listening!

In like a Lion...

Look what blew in on March 1st here in the south.

It was a really cold and rainy Sunday and sometime in the early evening, just after dark the rain turned over to snow.

It fell hard and fast, accumulating quickly.

At 8:00 the boys were all dressed in PJ's, ready for bed, and then there were rumblings about wanting to go out to play....realizing that these opportunities are few and far between, hats and gloves were found and out the door they went with Papa, in the dark to play in the snow. 

I think he finally dragged them in, kicking and screaming around 10:00 pm.

The next morning we awoke to a winter wonderland.

They were back out there by 7:00.

 Southern children know not to waste a single minute of snow time.

 

I managed to sneak out with the camera while the babies took their morning naps.

It was a nice escape from the land of all things new baby.

Fresh air, bright sun, blue sky.

The big brothers and I even managed to escape for a little sledding adventure, just the three of us.

Sorry, no pictures though. Sometimes it is important to just be in the moment and keep the memories in your heart. We sure did laugh.

 

And here is a glimpse of baby goodness, just because...

They are growing fast...

They had their two month check-up today. Both are 12 lbs!!! They have more than doubled their birth-weights in 9 weeks time. Isn't that incredible??