Kind of Weird Around Here...

So far we are 1 week into Summer Break. Well, I guess it's really only a break for the twins, since M and my lives haven't changed much at all.

Before the end of the year I looked into all sort of summer care options for the twins and I was left with one discovery. There was no way I could pay for any of it. My budget is beyond tight and right now there just isn't any give. I started to panic...like freak out panic...and then my mom came to the rescue. This summer, the twins will be cared for by her. This is a wonderful result and deep down I am very grateful for the offer but one thing totally sucks. My parents live 45 minutes away. I now drive them Sunday night, and pick them up Friday evening. So this summer I will barely see my babies! Of course, they did great this week, I don't even think missing me at all. We will get through it and I just need to focus on what a horrible mess I would be in if this option wasn't available to me.

With the twins gone, of course M is attached at the hip to me. A few people have said with the twins gone..."the house will be so quiet"..."you'll have more time for school"..."you'll have so much time on your hands"...yah right. The twins were M's best friends. He played with them, slept with them, bugged them and went outside with them. Without them...it's me. I do enjoy the extra bonding time at times and it's been great to go out for a bit with one child, but life at home is much more difficult with just M vs all three.

I am trying very hard to get myself a social life of some sort. Be my own person instead of just being a 'mom' and a 'nurse'. It's been months since I did anything for me. Due to several reasons I have dropped out of every social group I belonged to and as a result I haven't left this house for something other than work or kid related activities in over half a year. That needs to change. So, this past week, also called Week One, I went out to a book club dinner and then another night went to a friends house for dinner. Now, I still had M both times, so it's not entirely 'me' time, but its a good step in the right direction. I also made some initial steps in another area of my life, which at this time I'm not going to get into ;o) Let's just see where it goes for now...

March 2013

March was a pretty quiet month. The twins ended up getting sick again and were out of school a week in addition to the week they had for Spring break. Our house, which is usually pretty healthy had a very tough winter and the twins missed a lot of school. I even got a call from the school social workers wanting to know what was up. Luckily, after the pneumonia/pink eye event, they finally seemed to be healthy again.

Here is a picture from Easter Morning

February 2013

Of course the big event in February is the twins birthday! S and K turned 7 this February!!  The day of their birthday stunk :0( S had a horrible ear infection with high fever and K had an ear infection which caused her ear drum to perforate. They were both pretty miserable but perked up for a bit for a little party at home. Luckily they felt much better by the time their big party came. They had a party at a bounce house with all their friends from school.

 All the medications the twins (and M had something too) needed to take for two weeks. It was a nightmare keeping up with all of it!

On their birthday. They both look a little ill, but they're troopers!

January 2013

January was a very busy month for our household. There were many changes, most of them good for all of us.

First, I officially took a full time position at work. I had actually put in my notice because I was needing to go full time, and being a floor nurse with 12h hours shifts wasn't going to cut it. When I told my boss of my plans, a position was created for me! I am mostly in administration/leadership now helping with scheduling, compliance, quality, payroll and finance. It keeps me busy and I do occasionally function as the unit charge nurse to keep me at the bedside.

Second, my time had come to move N out of my home. This was a perfect time since I was going full time and really couldn't provide the supervision she needed. After 7 years of her being in my home I was beyond ready to have her gone. Yes...I know that sounds horrible, but until you've been in my shoes, I don't want to hear your thoughts ;0) She moved out and in with my mom. This move alone has made many things so much easier on me,

Third, because I was now full time a nanny wasn't really cost efficient anymore, so the kids moved to a daycare setting. M started full time daycare. I was really worried but it has been such a GREAT thing for him. His speech has improved, he's learning so much and his social skills are coming along great. The twins are watched by a classmates mom in the afternoon. This has worked well since she does homework with all of them when they get home...which leaves me off the hook.

The twins started some after school activities. S wanted to play basketball and K wanted to cheer. The school offered both programs and they both really enjoyed themselves.

December 2012

December always brings lots of fun and activities. Of course the biggest event in December is the Mook's birthday! I couldn't believe that my little baby turned three! He had a lot of fun and it was his first birthday where he had a pretty good idea of what was going on. He had his birthday at Chik-fil-A with several of his friends with a Spongebob theme.

Christmas was also exciting for the kids. This year instead of many smaller gifts, I went with one bigger gift for all of them. I was VERY tired of fighting for control of my iPhone and iPad so each of them received a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I would like to say that the gifts kept them from my devices, but sadly, it didn't :0(

November 2012

Time to pose for Christmas Card photos!

October 2012

HALLOWEEN!

 

I know. I usually get really into Halloween with the match super cool costumes. I couldn't get excited this year so the kids just picked their own. Around this time was kind of the start of my introversion. I had a hard time getting excited about things, I felt tired all the time and I just didn't feel like doing anything social. More on that in a later post.

September 2012

Normally we have our trip to the cabin every July, but this year it had to be postponed until Labor Day. Here are some pics of the kids enjoying themselves at Grandpa and Pop-Pop'

s cabin.

August 2012

Big exciting event for August...first day of First Grade!!

Some Candid Shots

I was going through the computer looking for some recent pictures and to my dismay I have SUCKED at taking pics. I have no decent picture of M since Christmas!! So while the kids were playing today I took some pics :) Enjoy!

6 Year Stats

The twins had their 6 year check up today. They are both healthy and doing well. No identified problems and hopefully no reasons to go back for another year.

S:
50 pounds (73rd %) and 48.5" (93rd%)

K:
40 pounds (21st%) and 45.5" (55th%)

Both still skinny - thank goodness!

Happy Birthday!!!.....Part 3...or maybe even 4

Today was two special days. I celebrated my 30 something birthday and we had the twins birthday party!

The day started with my parents coming over with lunch and cake. We casually ate at home and really just hung out for a few hours - honestly a perfect way to spend the afternoon. In the evening it was time to celebrate S and K's 6th birthday with all our friends! I rented out a local roller rink and ordered pizza for dinner. About 30 kids were invited and about 28 were supposed to come.
Well, mother nature decided to be a pain in the ass. All winter we have had mild and above average temperatures. Yesterday, infact, it was warm enough to go out in short sleeves and play outside without feeling even a little cold. Today, it was 30 some degrees and by 5pm (the start of the party) heavy sleet was coming down. Unfortunately, some kids didn't come because of this. We still had a good showing, but it was very frustrating that the one day I had something really important plan...winter decides to show up :0/

Anyway, the party was very nice. One friend made some really cute birthday shirts and another one made an amazing cake. The kids all seemed to have fun and they got some cute gifts.

And I'll include and picture of our 'storm'. And just because Mother Nature needed to screw with me a little more...it was 60 degrees today and all the snow is gone. Grrrrrrr

Happy Birthday!!

Today my first babies turn six. I am in disbelief. I am in denial.

When they woke up each got hugs and kisses. I told them both Happy Birthday to my BIG kids and K responded with "I am the same size I was yesterday" They went off to school very excited that they could share their day with their friends. I went back to the school at 12:30p to help celebrate a little with pudding cups and drinks.
When they got home, two more presents had been left at the door from a special friend. S got a Kinex Dinosaur and K got a cotton candy maker. She has been asking for one for over a year (I couldn't find one last year for her birthday). We had just enough time to open these, and some clothes from mom - I know...boring! - before heading to dinner. They chose their favorite place to eat and after dinner we spurlged and went to Cold Stone for dessert.
It was a good day. Not too much activity, but a nice time spent together doing special family things.

Par-tay Number One

My parents came over today to celebrate the twins birthday. They just arrived home yesterday from Mexico - if your keeping track they were there 3 weeks!

The kids were not only excited to celebrate their birthday, but they had missed their grandma and pop-pop very much and couldn't wait to see them. Me...I was most excited about giving them their dog back ;0)
S received more Lego sets and some clothes. I have spent a lot of time impressing upon him the importance of keeping up with the Lego. They are not cheap and I have made it clear to S that he needs to start caring for his toys. I am hoping he 'listened' and I will see a change in him. I really think Lego is perfect for him, but I will not be wasting money on it.
K received some clothes and some My Little Pony stuff. The best gift?? A little girls bra. You should have seen the smile on her face when she opened the gift. At first, she saw Dora the Explorer on it and tossed it to the side. When my mom explained what it was, she was smitten. She has worn it all day, and has said she wants to wear it every day. Not sure what I'm going to do with that girl.

Let the Festivities Begin!

This weekend kicked off the week of Birthday/Valentines Celebrations. While I will make sure the twins don't expect this every year, it does seem like so far their birthday events seem to span more than just their special day. :0)

On Friday their school had a Valentine's Dance. It was held as a Fundraiser but was a cute idea. Parents had to stay and the dance was divided into two times. Earlier time for the younger students and a little later for the older ones. K was BEYOND excited to go to the dance. I'm not sure what she thought would happen but she was beside herself all week. Unfortunately that day the twins good friend misbehaved and couldn't come with us, but that only seemed to dampen the mood for a moment.

At first the twins were very quiet and shy, sticking mostly to the side walls of the gymnasium. Once a few other students from their classroom showed up, they really go into the fun. There wasn't so much dancing, but alot of running, spinning and conga lines. They really did have a good time and it was so cute to watch them.
This morning on the front porch was S and K's birthday gifts from our Texas family. K received a lip gloss kit and S received a Dinosaur Lego Set. It was a great thing to wake up to since the sick hit me hard and all I did today was sit in the chair. Wonderful timing for sure!

Such a Sweet Boy

I know I've said it before, but my S is such a sweet little man. He is caring and nurturing. He always wants everyone around him to be happy and if anyone is ever hurt or crying, he immediately tends to them. I have been told by many of his teachers what a kind and caring heart he has. This heart is shown to me every day with his interaction with M. He has fully embraced his role as a big brother and genuinely loves his time with M.

This past weekend, we were watching a movie. While watching a scene that was sad (a boy was loosing his beloved pet dog) I looked over at S and there were tears streaming down his face. It's funny because as soon as I saw that, I started to cry. He saw me and then burst into a full cry saying he was so sad for that little boy.

Now, of course, I don't ever want to see my kids crying, but it was so sweet to see him emotionally connect to this story. A true sign of empathy. In a time when so many people don't seem to have any care or concern for people around them, I am relieved to see that my young man has that sensitivity for others.

I can definitely see him growing into an amazing little boy.

Just Momma and the Boys

If I haven't shared it here, S is obsessed with Dinosaurs. And, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that anything S is obsessed with, M likes too. Recently a Dinosaur exhibit came to the area and I knew it was something S would LOVE.

I told S that I was going to take just him to see the Dinosaurs and that it was going to be a special 'Mom & S' event, but being the awesome big brother that he is, he wanted to bring M. As a bonus, his good friend T from school was also going, so we met up with them and enjoyed the event together. This is the same friend who has a little brother who is the same age as M, so it works out nicely when we get together.
At the end of the day, on the way home in the car, S said "Mom, this was the best day ever"

And, while it was difficult to convince her, K stayed home with my sister J, and was able to get her hair and makeup done. She was actually fine not going until she found out that T was going. T has been her on-again, off-again boyfriend and she wasn't as keen staying home when he was going. Ultimately though, she stayed home and I think had a good time.

Time for Pictures

Today was our yearly Christmas Photos. This is a very stressful time for me. It always is. I worry so much about outfits, picture quality and children cooperation. I really don't know why I put myself through so much. I either need to stop getting professional pictures and just take some candids, or I need to learn to let go and realize that they will turn out the way they will turn out.

Picture I took on the way out the door :) I love the way S is sitting.

I tried a new photographer who I wasn't really impressed with. I have seen some of her work which was really good, but in retrospect it was always with one child. Not three. She seemed to be lost with three subjects and didn't seem to know what to do with M's energy. I still haven't seen them, so I hope I have a few good ones in the batch.

Because I wasn't overly confident in her getting a good shot, I took some when we got home too. They started okay, but by the end we were all stressed out and done. Thank god these are done for another year.

Yep M, that's how we all feel

My Kindergarteners

Baby Stats

I stole this from another blog. I thought it was cute :0)


1.Age? 5

2. Name? S-amuel K-eegan

3. Birthday? Feb 14th 2006

4. Time of birth? 1:01p

5. How long did labor last? Scheduled Section

6. Who was in the room when baby was born? Doctors & Mom

7. How long did you push? No pushing!

8. Weight? 6lbs 8oz

9. Length? 19"

10. Any hair? Dark Brown/Black Hair

11. Who does baby look like? My guess would be me

12. Be honest…how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? Lost 60 pounds

13. Was baby early or late? Born at 36w4d

14. Who drove you home from hospital? I drove myself home

15. How many baby showers did you have? two

16. When did baby start sleeping through the night? Um...4yo maybe?

17. Did you breastfeed? Wouldn't latch :( I pumped for 3 months

18. If not, what kind of formula? Enfamil

19. Who keeps your baby the most? Mom at first, but Nanny Q

20. When do you wanna have another? I liked the idea of another right away but didn't seriously consider it until around 2yo.

21. How did you pick the name? Always loved the name. Middle is after a child I loved who died from SIDS.

22. How did you know when it was time to go to hospital? I was admitted a week before the birth due to illness.

23. What was your pain management? Spinal

24. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital? Home

25. Anyone spend the night with you first night home? Mom, Me, twins


1.Age? 5

2. Name? K-aidyn A-shlyn

3. Birthday? Feb 14th 2006

4. Time of birth? 1:03p

5. How long did labor last? Scheduled Section

6. Who was in the room when baby was born? Doctors & Mom

7. How long did you push? No pushing!

8. Weight? 5lbs 8oz

9. Length? 18"

10. Any hair? Barely any hair - reddish blond

11. Who does baby look like? Who knows!

12. Be honest…how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? Lost 60 pounds

13. Was baby early or late? Born at 36w4d

14. Who drove you home from hospital? I drove myself home

15. How many baby showers did you have? two

16. When did baby start sleeping through the night? Um...4yo maybe?

17. Did you breastfeed? Wouldn't latch :( I pumped for 3 months

18. If not, what kind of formula? Enfamil

19. Who keeps your baby the most? Mom at first, but Nanny Q

20. When do you wanna have another? I liked the idea of another right away but didn't seriously consider it until around 2yo.

21. How did you pick the name? Just loved the names

22. How did you know when it was time to go to hospital? I was admitted a week before the birth due to illness.

23. What was your pain management? Spinal

24. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital? Home

25. Anyone spend the night with you first night home? Mom, Me, twins



1. Age? 1

2. Name? M-ax G-rayson

3. Birthday? December 10th 2009

4. Time of birth? 3:14a

5. How long did labor last? 9 hours

6. Who was in the room when baby was born? Doctors & Mom

7. How long did you push? About 5 minutes

8. Weight? 8 pounds

9. Length? 20.25"

10. Any hair? Dark Brown/Black Hair

11. Who does baby look like? Me

12. Be honest…how much weight did you gain during pregnancy? About 30pounds

13. Was baby early or late? Born at 38w6d

14. Who drove you home from hospital? Dad

15. How many baby showers did you have? two

16. When did baby start sleeping through the night? He sleeps through the night if I am with him. Started around 18 months.

17. Did you breastfeed? Still breastfeeding

18. If not, what kind of formula? None

19. Who keeps your baby the most? Nanny Q

20. When do you wanna have another? I wanted another one right away. Still do :0(

21. How did you pick the name? This name would have been K's name if she was a boy

22. How did you know when it was time to go to hospital? I was told to go for an induction.

23. What was your pain management? Staydol.

24. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital? Home

25. Anyone spend the night with you first night home? Dad, Mom, Twins