Showing posts with label appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appreciation. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Dinner Time Signing

The boys have been working on their signing with their babysitter.  (She's doing amazing with them).  I try to keep up with it when we get home, but I tend to forget.  Anyways, it's super fun to communicate with them in any way we can.




As you can see they are super good at TOUCHDOWN!!!

Gotta love it.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

10 Months (and a 1/2)

These boys are so silly and goofy.  It's beyond entertaining.  Being a working mom, I try my hardest to cherish every moment with them.  Even if that means leaving their dinner stuck to their high chair trays like I did tonight. 

The boys are crawling like bulldogs, pushing things to walk and strolling along the couch.  They're attempting to mimic what Mark and I say and even starting to get clingy.  I thought we were gonna skip that phase completely.  I was wrong.  Cannon and Cooper go to just about anyone.  But recently have been noticing when Mark or me leave the room, and it's NOT pretty.  Not cute either.  But I'm sure it could be worse. 

Since the boys were 5-6 months is when I went back to work full time and the boys stayed with a nanny, child care provider, whatever you want to call her.  But what I call her is amazing.  Being able to go to work confident that the boys are in GREAT hands means a lot to me.  You would think that's an obvious, why wouldn't you leave them with someone you feel comfortable with, right?  But there is such a level of comfort, I just don't know what I would do without her.  The boys, I think, are even learning from her son.  They're starting to wave.





I even think they're funny when they're cranky.  I mean, they are seriously.  Cooper yells at people.  I know, I know, I think this is foreshadowing bad things for the future.  They both bite (but I know this is because they're teething.)  They both tense up and yell out of frustration (pretty sure that was me when I was younger.)  My Grandma had a video of me trying to drive a little firetruck and I couldn't get it going, let's just say I freaked out on it and threw my body around like a fish out of water, then proceeded to put my head on the steering wheel and pout.  I have a feeling both boys will have my temper.  Not a good thing to have.  Hopefully Mark and I will be able to teach them the right way to communicate as they get older.  But for now, clinching down on our arms, legs, hair and anything else they can get their hands, and or teeth, and or feet on will have to do.

Mark started a new job and is loving it.  He's really happy and really confident that he will succeed.  I love his confidence and I love knowing that together him and I will always make things happen.  The two of us are definitely doers and I think that's a trait too many people lack nowadays.

 Yes, I made him take off his sunglasses. 

Finding Mark and starting our family has been the highlight of my life so far.  This adventure is so much fun and words cannot describe how in love I am with my life.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Girl's Weekend - My First Trip Away as a MOM



Life is rough...

This year girl's weekend was combined with my Bachelorette party.  A big group of girl's get together every year to take a small break from the day-to-day stuff and enjoy the sun, good company, and yummy cocktails!  I look forward to this weekend EVERY year.  But this year was a little different.  It would be my first time leaving the boys overnight (3 nights actually) and I wasn't sure how I was going to do.  Well actually that's a lie.  I knew how I was going to do.  I was going to miss them like crazy and before I even got to the river I was looking forward to getting home to them on Sunday.  But I knew I would have no problem leaving them.  Not one tear was shed when leaving them.  The boys were with Mark and I couldn't have been anymore comfortable.  I knew me taking a break would make me that much better when I came home.

Off to the weekend we go... Left Thursday day in my mom's RV.  Came home Sunday in the RV.  :)




  DUH! Everything else in between is TOP secret and if I told you I wouldn't be invited back.  I will say this though... I'm very grateful to have people in my life like Kathy and Korina who opened their home and weekend to me and made it about me instead of the normal weekend.  Korina made fun shirts for everyone and someone I had never met in my life baked me a cake (I won't say what kind of cake).  Like who does that?  An extremely unselfish person that's for sure.  Thanks Holli!  So glad I got to meet you.  My mom who let a whole bunch of people stay in her RV and drive us out there.  Not to mention she knows how to have a good time.  My sister hooked everyone up with nice little goody bags.  They were cute.  A seven hour river float allowed me to learn things about people I didn't know and hear some very interesting and even touching life stories.  You can learn a lot about someone by listening to them tell a story about themselves.  I enjoyed listening and laughing with a bunch of fun and entertaining women.


My weekend was fun, but as I floated away from the sandbar I watched a group of young 20 something year old females dancing on a boat with a bunch of 20 something year old guys and I remembered how that used to be me.  I looked at them in their two pieces and EXTRA care free and looked at myself in my tankini thinking I should probably drink a water cause I don't want to be hungover and giggled inside.  I loved that part of my life...But I love this part more...

Until next year girl's weekend...we shall meet again...

Monday, July 4, 2011

MAD props to the single moms

The flu has been going around my family and yesterday it was Mark's turn. I spent all day taking care of two needy babies.  They're in a very NEEDY phase right now.  According to the book I reference The Wonder Weeks they are learning depth perception.  Basically if I'm more than three feet away from them, they're not happy campers.  The day took every single last ounce of patience that I had.  

Yesterday made me think about single moms.  How in the F do they do it?  Mothers with significant others barely get breaks, but if I need 30 minutes to myself all I have to do is ask Mark and he says sure.  (which I asked for just to write this post.)  Single moms don't have that option; don't have a partner to say, "your turn."  Part of me wants to feel bad and sorry for them cause they don't have what I have but a bigger part of me wants to acknowledge what awesome and strong people they are.  There is no way I could do this by myself for 24 hours a day. 

While playing with the boys on the floor or trying to get them to go down for naps I thought about the Saturdays and Sundays I used to spend watching movies ALL day.  Taking a day to myself and doing NOTHING.  I daydreamed about doing that yesterday.  I even tried to watch a movie while watching the boys.  It must have taken me 4 hours to get through a 2 hour movie.  It just wasn't the same.  Even now as I sit here taking my 30 minutes I'm feeling guilty that Mark is taking care of the boys so I'm not really even 'relaxing'.  I guess this is me getting some things off my chest. 

Everyone told me life would change and I knew it would but this is an experience everyone has to go through and experience for themselves.  My sister told me about this day.  That was yesterday.  The day it really hits you.  That you are a mother the rest of your life. 

I am so grateful that I do not have to go through this alone.  I have a great partner in life and have an AMAZING support group.  Where I do not feel all single mothers go through motherhood "alone", I must give you mad props for all your hard work.  I hope you get your "30 minutes" every once and a while. 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Our trip to Sac-Town

My younger sister just had her second baby (in March-playing catch up with my posts) and me and my older sister went up with all four of our kids to see her.

The drive up was better then I expected.  The boys slept most of the drive and we stopped to feed 2-3 times and only had to pull off for one freak out cry session. (thanks Cannon)

I'm glad I got to see my sister and her family and it was a nice little break from being in the house all the time.

This is Logan...

Need I say more?



 My older sister Devon, her two kids, and cranky Cooper.

Little sister Darcy with Cassie in the moby wrap. (The only picture I have of Cassie NOT on her boob.)



Cannon LOVES Garet
Sister helping out with Cooper

It was a fun mini-trip.  I wish my sister lived closer, I know we'd benefit from one another.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Million Times Blessed

Staying home with the boys means (besides talking to 3 month olds) that I have a lot of time to think to myself.  Where Mark thinks this is a bad thing (cause I call him each time I remember about something that needs to be done) it gives me time to sit back and appreciate everything that I have.

I don't remember how I started thinking about it the another night but I know Mark and I were talking about faith and love, my brain tends to branch and this is where the convo led...

Growing up, my parents never made me get a job, they allowed me to play sports full time and supported every decision that I made.  My parents both worked full time (my mom even working nights so she could make my games).  What I'm trying to say is, I was given everything.  I spent many teen AND young adult years wanting so many things (material and not) and dwelling on the things I did not have.

Now, I still want things, I still see myself as a selfish person but I'm trying to concentrate on the things I DO have...and when I do; I really have a lot.  Here comes the corny talk...my life is so full of good it's insane.  So full of everything!  I have material items many cannot afford, so many luxury items, cable, YES it's a luxury item!  I have great loyal friends I know I can call anytime.  I have amazing parents and siblings who I'm very close to.  I have soon to be great in-laws that are also very close and amazing people with nothing but love.  Dude! I have two beautiful babies that are healthy and thriving. AND I have this man in my life who makes me want to be better everyday.

So many people want so many and things and forget that all you need is often right in front of you.  Simple concept that is said often but very rarely taken into consideration.  I LOVE everything that I have.  I'm grateful, appreciative and a million times blessed.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sunny Sunny Thursday

It was beautiful outside today.  The boys and I got out for a walk.  I love the way they stare at me...




He loves to stick his tongue out. I stick mine out back at him.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

We are thankful for...

The boys would like to take a moment to share their appreciation for all the help and visitors they've had.  They feel very blessed.

First and foremost:

Our dad.  He is the most amazing dad in the entire world.  Our dad gets up every morning and goes to work for his family.  We know that we are his number one and we know he loves our crazy mom too.  He checks on us throughout the day and sometimes even comes home early when we're too much for mom to handle.  When he gets home he takes no time for himself and gets right into taking care of us.  He even gets up with us at night.  We can see in his face how much he loves us.  We really see how selfless he is and appreciate all of his hard work.  We can't wait to get advice from him as we grow and learn.  We love you daddy.

Dad feeding Cannon in the NICU
Grammy and Papa James:

She came and stayed with us for a few days.  She didn't stop the whole time she was here. Always taking care of us or cleaning or organizing or cooking.  It let mom relax and feel like she was able to enjoy us and not have to worry about all that day-to-day not fun stuff.  She still comes over often and just starts doing laundry or cleaning and we can tell mom loves the help. (Even though she wouldn't mind if she just sat and held one of us either.)  She also let us stay at her house so she could help mom out with the night feedings and let her sleep.  Mom LOVED it.  We love our Grammy James.  We love Papa too.  One time, Papa was keeping an eye on us while mom and dad were trying to get ready for a brunch and we both decided to get real fussy and cry at the same time and Papa didn't know what to do so he laughed.  :)

Grammy and Papa - visiting us at home
Grandma Tonette and Papa Frank:

Wow, Grandma Tonette is the food lady!  She has brought mom and dad soooo many dinners they can just put in the freezer and thaw out.  She stops by on her way home from work sometimes and hangs out with mom and holds us.  She makes those late afternoons that drag go by a lot faster and keeps mom from calling dad and bugging him about what time he'll be home.  Papa Frank has also stopped by to come hang out with us.  We love them like crazy. We enjoying hanging at their place on the weekends with all of our family.

Papa Frank

Grandma Tonette
Erin & Patti:

Our second cousins are nurses! Erin is a L&D nurse and Patti is a NICU nurse.  Mom loves this.  They have come over many times and mom feels at ease knowing we are in good hands.  Thank you cousins!

Cousins!
More Family Visitors:

Auntie Devon is now coming over on Mondays to hang with us.  It frees mommy up to work or take care of any errands or housework that needs to be done.  (She usually brings us over a yummy dinner too!)  She loves to cuddle us.

Auntie Devon

uncle Drake & Shannon

Auntie Darcy & Uncle Lincoln

Auntie Candace

Auntie Jess and Great Grandma GG

The Gurrs - they brought us dinner!!!
Cousin Jeff

MORE Visitors and helpers:

Alexis comes on Thursdays so mom can go into work.  She is TOO MUCH....  ;)

Alexis
Keri is mom's best friend.  She stayed the whole time mom was in labor with us and rubbed her back when we were giving her pain.  She comes down to see us whenever she can.  Last time she even brought mom some food, the cake was amazing!  She visited us in the NICU too.  Mom has known her since high school and wishes she lived closer to us. Keri's mom Diane also came to visit and brought three dinners over!! She's sorry she forgot to take a picture.

KERI!!

Kellie- she brought us dinner too!
(We do not like her sweatshirt though...shhh don't tell)

Kimberly has offered mom to come over to help out too.  Mom thinks she is the baby whisperer.  Must be those years of nanny experience.  She's gonna be an awesome mom one day.

Kimberly

Andilene

JuJu
JuJu

Wendy and Christine
Wendy and Christine


Jenny and Sue

Minh!
As you can see we are loved by many! For the sake of not letting this post get crazy long, mom will not post more pictures.  Many people have gone above and beyond to help out our family and show us the love.  We are truly blessed and grateful for all the people in our life.

Thank you everyone for your love and support!

Cannon and Cooper