A Tale of Two Babies

a lot...

2012-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

is going on around here. We move to Austin in 2 weeks so we are busy packing up! Also, we accepted an offer on our Fort Worth house!! So all good and exciting stuff. The girls are doing WONDERFUL and having so much fun everyday. They want to go " bye bye" from the moment they get up and then again after their nap so we are enjoying the zoo and park almost every day!! Keeps this momma exhausted but I love that they are getting so much fresh air and exercise. On the potty training front we are making progress...Lily is totally pee pee trained but still prefers pull-ups for the big job :) Emma has no interest in any of it!

brrrrrrrrrr...

2012-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

it's chilly outside today so we are snuggled up watching The Cat in the Hat movie giving mummy a few minutes to blog! Not too much happening these days...the house is on the market and we are waiting to sell so we can make our move to Austin!! I signed the girls up for all their classes to keep this busy while we are in limbo. I'm happy that they have continued stability...toddlers need that routine...as do I!!!

new pictures

2012-01-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday season with my sister who traveled from Seattle to celebrate with the girls! They love their Tia! We are still in limbo in terms of our big move to Austin. Austin is really expensive and it is a very competative rental market...the good ones are gone before we can even get into see them! UGGHHH We would ideally like to buy but we can't until we sell our Fort Worth house....and in this market it is going to be a challenge. So here I sit while Dave works in Austin. I'm anxious to get us all living together again but I am going to have to be patient! Not my strong point...

The verdict is in...

2011-12-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

DAVE GOT THE JOB!!! We are moving to Austin....so exciting! Now we just have to find a house, sell our house, and move...and so it begins...Happy Holidays!

another year older...

2011-11-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

and none for the wiser...ha ha. Yes I'm 41 today...We have been super busy with family visiting--Dave's daughter Kelly and her adorable son Conner. We had an awseome thanksgiving with a yunnmy meal prepared by Kelly and had some fun excursions to the zoo, the train, and Fossil Rim. We are hoping to find out this week if we will be moving to Austin...keep your fingers crossed!! Here are some new pictures...I;m having some trouble with my camera...I dropped it and now there is a hazy quality in a lot of my pictures. So Santa, if your listening...I would LOVe a Nikon 1 with the interchangable lenses...

Boo!

2011-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

The girls had so much fun for Halloween! They both had fevers and were pretty sick most of the day so we were unsure if they would be going out but they ended up feeling much better. They were so into it this year...saying trick or treat...eating lots of candy...and then handing out candy to the swarms of children! We are loving this cool fall weather and every week-end we ride the Fort Worth train. They absolutely LOVE it!!

feels like fall...

2011-10-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!! We are putting the finishing touches on the girls halloween costumes--they are adorable lady bugs this year. They both are just obsessed with bugs!

ahhhhh...Savannah....

2011-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful trip this past week to Savannah to visit my dear friends Patrick and Kim. Patrick moved to Savannah a few years ago and recently opened up a cute little cafe. I felt like I got to walk in the shoes of my former self--unencumbered by the demands of two 2 year olds. I explored the city by myself taking a Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tour--exploring ancient cemeteries, and historical masions and gardens. My most memorable moments are those spend on my friend Annie's veranda listening to Billy Holiday, sipping ice cold beers, and watching the spanish moss illuminated by the streetlights blowing gently in the soft southern breeze. Great friends...there is just nothing like it!

life with twin toddlers...

2011-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

is very, very busy! We have lots of classes during the week but our favorite time is the week-end when daddy is home and we do fun things like go to the zoo! We had a rainstorm here on Saturday and what did we do? Got naked and ran in the rain--well the babies did--not the parents!!! Although wouldn't that be so awesome!! LOL
I'm getting ready for my trip to Savannah! I'm going to go and meet my friend Kim for 4 nights and I am super excited! I'm going a couple of days early by myself so I can get some really good sleep and a day at the spa....ahhhhhhh. I've always wanted to go to Savannah...it seems like such an interesting place both historically and culturally. I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil a few years ago and can't wait to do the book tour! Life is good :)

the flu...and an owl

2011-08-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Yep...it's been quite the week-end. On Friday the cat brought me a little present in the form of a beautiful screech owl. I quickly pried it out of his mouth and saw that the bird was alive (yeah!!) and in remarkably good form. My next door neighbor is a vet so I went next door with the owl for advice. It was suggested that I keep him in a box in a room and feed him chicken giblets with a tweezer to give him some strength for a couple of days...which I did and he ate every bite! We released him Sunday night after putting the cats inside. I'm definitely going to heaven now for sure :) Meanwhile I had the flu all week-end and spend the majority of my time sleeping while Dave wrestled the twins solo! Anyway, that's my life!

sleepless in Fort Worth...

2011-08-17T01:30:00.000-07:00

So instead of tossing and turning at 3:30 am I saw this as an opportunity to blog! We are getting ready for our busy fall schedule--Monday Little Gym , Tuesday Emma has Van Grow art class with mommy, Thursday Lily has Van Grow art class with mommy, Friday Emma has TCU music, and Saturday Lily has TCU music! I'm trying to do activities with each of the girls alone so that we get that special one on one time. The girls are just thriving so much...both are really starting to expand their vocabularies. Emma has been going through a hitting, pulling hair stage and time-out doesn't seem to be getting through to her. I think she acts up because it gets her attention...even if it is negative attention and we are disciplining her--she still gets the focus on her and away from Lily. FRUSTRATING!!! So that about sums up life at Casa de Lamkin! Busy, wonderful, exhausting...

crazy week!

2011-08-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I've blogged....sorry mom :) But I'm back in the saddle so to speak!! This past week was just so crazy...Lily had the stomach flu, Emma a UTI, and mummy ended up in the ER because of a weird heart palpitation episode and on top of that we had a friend in town visiting from Santa Barbara. I'm not sure it was the trip he was hoping for!!!!!
So, the girls passed their swimming test--which involved them "falling" into the pool fully dressed and had to swim/float to the side. They did great! Hard to believe that less then 2 months ago they were crying and vomiting from the fear and now they are little fish with a deep love for the water. Infant Aquatics is a great program and we will miss our teacher very much!
Tomorrow we are looking at a Montessori pre-school for Lily. She really needs more stimilation and is ready for a couple of days a week. Emma however is not at that point yet. I'm just going to enroll her in her music class. We had our 2 year pediatrican appointments and the doctor was really pleased with how healthy they both are but did recommend speech therapy for both girls as they are delayed in this area. Lily is in the 90th percentile and Emma is in the 10th...which means that Emma will probably always be petite--she only weighs 23 lbs :) while Lily is 32 lbs.
They are so different from eachother but are both such happy babies! So full of energy and spirit!

it isn't easy...

2011-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie...things have been challenging lately. I LOVE my kids so very much but it is a really difficult job having two 2 year olds. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I think this is exasperated by the fact that Dave is gone from Monday through Friday every week working in Austin and I am here ALONE with the kids and it gets lonely for me. But I do find such joy watching my kids play and swim :) We have been having a lot of playdates which is really wonderful for me to be able to vent and get support from other mommas...thanks to Lisa, Marcia, and Laura. I feel blessed to have such wonderful friends!

dog days of summer....

2011-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

and we are melting in this heat!! I long for cool fall mornings...
We have just been going to swim class followed by lunch and a long nap! Nothing to exciting but the girls are really enjoying swim class now and are having such a fun time. Such a difference from the first week! It is so cool to watch them swim with such confidence!

more birthday pix

2011-06-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

My two are 2!!!!!

2011-06-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it! They are so big now! I am a very proud momma. Here are the pix of the big day!

Oh Seattle I love thee...

2011-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

I was able to slip away for a mini vacation to Seattle to celebrate my little brothers graduation from high school. It was also a family reunion! I had the best time!! I missed the girls but found this time away so refreshing. The New York Times Sunday edition had a whole spread about Seattle seafood restaurants the week-end before so I met my sister Kate and her best friend Carly for a really nice dinner at one they recommended called The Walrus and the Carpenter--lots of fresh oysters from local Seattle waters. Yummmy!!

2011-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

trouble posting...

2011-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

so I'll try this again....here are some cute pictures! Emma loves wearing her pink cowboy boots and mr. potatoe head's glasses--funny kid! We have just been keeping busy...toddlers need a lot of keep busy activities so I bring out a roll of toilet paper and make the girls into little mummy's!! We statred our swimming class yesterday and I have never been more emotionally drained. The approach is to sort of just make them swim underwater the first day--Lily was HYSTERICAL!! and then she threw up in the pool. The teacher had to pry her out of my arms to do the excercise again...I just couln't do it. I came home and cried for a couple of hours..not just a few tears but wailing. I know in my heart this is not the best approach for my kids...I kinda thought we would blow bubbles and play around...no. So Dave took them today and will see how it goes. I think we will most likely pull them out of this class and try to find a swim program better suited to me!! I just cannot imagine experiencing that again. Plain and simple. I'm done :)

buddha hugger

2011-06-14T08:19:00.001-07:00

a funny comic strip in todays paper...

2011-06-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

yeah we are cool...

2011-05-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

cool in the pool that is! We found this really cool water park called Bedford Splash and it is great for toddlers! The girls LOVED it! We lasted a couple of hours--smoothered in SPF 100. Summer is officially here in Texas with high temps so we will be frequent visitors to Splash this summer. Nothing really too new and exciting except that I had my very first trip away without the babies--Dave and I drove to Austin--with the top down in the convertable :) and spent 3 days having a fabulous time exploring the wonderful city, swimming, drinking cocktails and checking out neighborhoods...Dave is applying for a job there so it is a possibility that we might be moving to Austin this Fall. I could totally see us living there--it is so friggin awesome!! Dave also has an interview in Philadelphia next week so that is another possibility. I love Fort Worth but I feel that it has been a stepping stone for somwhere new...and I'm ready!!

2011-05-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

a better week...

2011-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie...last week was really rough. Dave is working out of town so I was alone with my girls who had a stomach bug, it was Jack's birthday, and so I found myself in a serious funk. I'm so grateful that I woke up yesterday feeling stronger, refreshed, and happy once again. I feel very grateful for my two little daughters who keep me in the moment and fill my heart and soul with light and love. I struggle with my grief and am learning that I definetly have wounds--although nicely scabbed over--I still grieve for my little boy. So there it is...today I plan on taking miss Emma out for lunch and shopping :) I think she needs a little extra attention these days. Jen

baby Jack...

2011-05-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today would be Jack Henry's 4th birthday...and my heart aches for my son. We miss you baby boy! Mommy and Dddy love you very much. Rest in peace...

happy days...

2011-05-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had our last day of school the week and have signed up for the summer session as the girls LOVE their music class. I also signed the girls up for swim classes. Should keep us busy through the summer. I had a really nice relaxing mothers day on Sunday--we had a pajama day and played tag and hide and seek most of the day. Dave made all the meals so it was a nice break!

happy easter...

2011-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

we are enjoying a visit with my family from Canada--my Aunties Margaret and Brenda, my mom, and Dave's daughter Kelly and her son Connor. Have been taking lots of walks and tea parties. We went to brunch today at the Omni downtown and it was so nice. The girls did awesome! We were a little worried since they are really WILD these days. But we have spent the past 5 days enjoying time with family and playing in our backyard with the girls!

Sense and sensibility...

2011-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

besides being the title of one of my favorite books it is also the reasoning behind our new car purchase this week-end. Our car has just been too small for our needs especially since we do have family in town quite often and we can never all fit in one car! So we are now proud new parents of a Honda Odyssey mini van. It seriously is awesome! I feel like I'm driving a fun car!! But is sensible enough in that it is able to fit eight people comfortably. I'm a mom now for sure!! Ha ha
The girls are having a blast playing in the new van...Lily brought out her pillow and a basket of toys and entertained herself for an hour! So that is our new and exciting life :) I can't wait to drive tomorrow

tea time...

2011-04-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

we have been enjoying this beautiful spring weather and spending pretty much all of our time outside in the back yard. The girls LOVE helping daddy in the garden...and a couple of pill bugs have been consumed...but hey...it is fun! Grandma sent a very sweet tea set so we are being very proper ladies. Life has been good...nice and quiet. The twins pretty much take up our time :) and that is perfect with us.

spring is in the air...

2011-03-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love these knit, chenille, and felt cupcakes! Life is good and we are keeping really busy with zoo and museum trips.

peas and carrots...

2011-02-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

we were shopping at Central Market and I stumbled across a very cute candy...Jelly Belly peas and carrots. I gave them to the girls in their highchairs and they were probably expecting REAL peas and carrots so they were very suprised to taste candy :) This week-end we bought a playset for our backyard and it has been so much fun for the girls...and for us...they were getting very bored around here.

just a few pictures...

2011-02-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

of the girls and their busy little lives :)

busy days...

2011-02-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

No new pix (sorry Auntie Marg) but just a quick note. Things are really good, just trying to keep the girls distracted since we are indoor most of the time due to yucky weather. I have quite a few blogs that I have followed over the years...and these tend to be blogs of families with critically ill children--I guess I connect very strongly with their struggles as we have experienced this first hand with the early birth and sad death of our son Jack Henry a few years ago. I just wanted to share one of these blogs about a little boy named Tripp who has a uncurable and fatal disease called Epidermal Bulloso. His mom shares their struggles so bravely and honestly...I don't know how she makes it through...but she could use some prayers. This is probably not a blog that is very easy to look at as the pictures are...well...frightening and the subject matter is really intense. But I just had to mention it and help bring awareness to E.B. http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com

snow days!!

2011-02-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE snow days...brings me back to my childhood in Canada. We have had quite the storm and Fort Worth has been at a standstill...woo hoo!! Dave hasn't been able to make it to Austin so we have daddy home to play in the beautful winter wonderland.

more pictures of petting zoo...

2011-01-25T13:18:00.001-08:00

Fort Worth Stock Show time..

2011-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

all the years we have lived here we have never attended the famous Stock Show but now that we have little one's...we went on Sunday and Tuesday...and will probably go again this week-end. It is so much fun!! The girls absolutly love all the animals! It is a really cool thing to check out sometime...life is pretty busy here. Dave is consulting in Austin--so he has been commuting. We don't get to see him very much :( Austin is about a 3-4 hour drive from Fort Worth.

one step at a time...

2011-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Emma is WALKING!!! We are so proud of her! And she is VERY proud of herself...she walks around giggling.

"The longest journey begins with a single step" Lao Tsu

a lttle bit of home...

2011-01-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

we had a wonderful visit from Jessie and her boyfriend Raffi who were driving through Fort Worth on their way back to school in Boston from Santa Barbara. Jessie and her parents are our neighbors back in Montecito and we adore them. We have watched this girl grow up from a first grader...I used to look out my front window and see her walking to school...then driving to high school. And through the years she has blossomed into a lovely young woman who is now a juinor at Wheaton. Such great kids!!

a visit with Grandma...

2011-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

and her new puppy "mousse". We have had a wonderful week-end just hanging out playing inside as we had a snowy cold couple of days. The girls LOVE the little puppy as you can see...

happy new year!!

2010-12-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

we made it through the holidays with our sick little girls!! It was a bit challenging but they enjoyed their presents and activities such as baking christmas cookies and eating them of course...they didn't appreciate the nebulizer treatments every 3 hours however! They were coughing so hard they would vomit...EVERYWHERE...so needless to say we are happy they are on the mend!!

RSV is in the house

2010-12-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yes....the dreaded R word to those of us who have preemies or medically fragile kiddos...yuck. We have had what we thought were colds for the past week and they kept getting worse not better...I took lily into the on call doc on Saturday with the diagnosis of ear infection and started antibiotics yet she is still really ill...the little Emma woke up very sick and we took her into see our regular pediatrician who hooked her up to a pulse 02 thingy--her o2 level was 90. She then said we have RSV. WEe got a nebulizor and we need to give the girls breathing treatments every 3 hours. Poor little girls!!!

last day of school...

2010-12-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

and we were allowed to take pictures. I have enjoyed our music class at TCU so much and will miss all the little munchkins we met. The girls absolutly adore their teachers and have enjoyed playing with all the cool instruments. Can't wait until next semester! The girls are having a great time these days--we took off all the baby gates downstairs so they have many new room to explore. They were both really bored of just the kitchen and tv room. Lily likes to dance on the living room coffee table and then leap onto the couch!! Emma is still not walking but loves to crawl after her sister!

the big 4-0

2010-12-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

yep...I'm forty. And so friggin excited about it!! I just am at such a great stage in my life--with 2 little girls who fill my life up...and my sweet husband who shares this crazy journey with me!! Life is so sweet! Dave has an interview in a place we both really, really want to live. So say a prayer for us :) Jen

please note Lily's first "owie" skinning her knees on her way to class. Poor little monkey!!

happy thanksgiving!!

2010-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

We have so much to be grateful for this year...like our wonderful family and friends and of course our beautiful daughters. Our newest thing is coloring! They LOVE to make pictures with their chunky crayons.

a visit with Kelly and Conner...

2010-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

we are having a wonderful time! We spent Saturday at the Fort Worth Zoo which was really fun!! Although the girls were more interested in running around then looking at the animals. Emma held our hand and walked most of the time. The girls LOVE their big sister Kelly. It is pretty special to have a sister who is 37 years older then you :) and their nephew Conner who is older then them...we really are a modern family!! I bough these little slippers that are monster feet as you can see from the pictures...too cute!!!

lazy Sunday...

2010-11-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

and a few minutes to blog...nothing too new and exciting! Emma is still not walking and the physical therapist can't figure out a reason why. It really just comes down to her simply not wanting too! Dave recently left his job--the job that brought us here to Fort Worth 5 years ago. He is re-evaluating what he wants to do and is enjoying having all this time with his girls. I'm happy for him as he was really stressed out all the time. So who knows where we might move :) we eventually want to return home to Santa Barbara where we still own our home. It is actually a really exciting time! I have enjoyed living here in Texas but it is too hot for this Canadian girl...

two little princesses

2010-11-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

we had a really fun Halloween as my parents came in from Seattle for the week-end. We did a lot of fun things this week-end like lunch at the Modern Museum of Art, the Botanical Gardens, playing at the park, and wagon rides!! The girls are so in love with their Grandpa!!

my girls...

2010-10-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I could never do that...

2010-10-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

is usually my internal response when people tell me what they are doing in terms of physical fitness. A few friends are runners and complete marathons, some are yogis, some amazing surfers, and long distance bike riders. I am pretty much a couch potato with 50 lbs of leftover twin pregnancy weight. I have very little energy and even have felt a bit depressed. So when a friend invited me to join her in her tennis lesson I jumped at the chance. After 1 hour of tennis drills I felt awesome...exhausted but had such a good time. I signed up for lessons for every Thursday :) I later on saw a brochure for a training program called 9 to 5--a 5k in 9 weeks and immediately called and signed up! Up for training every Saturday morning for a 6 am walk/run with a group of about 30. It was exhilarating!! I'm a runner now :) So I will be running my first 5k on November 25th for the Turkey Trot!!

oh the places you will go...

2010-09-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

like the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens...Dutch Branch Park in in Benbrook...
we have been having so much fun enjoying this BEAUTIFUL cool weather. We had a playdate today with our friend Emily and her 2 little ones where the girls had their very first swing and they absolutely loved it. Then we walked to the pond and fed the ducks! Big exciting stuff :) but I am loving exploring the world with my 2 toddler daughters who just find such joy in the little things.

rainy Sunday...

2010-09-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

and what do we do around here? We practice using our leg muscles. We found this awesome ride on thingy and they have been playing on it for hours changing out who rides and who pushes. So Emma can do it...just on her time.

I have another great book I have to mention. It's called "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. I have been reading it all day and cannot put it down. Non-fiction and utterly fascinating...I need to find a book club!!

early intervention...

2010-09-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

We saw the pediatrician this morning and she was concerned with Emma's progress--she is not walking or even trying. So the recommendation is using a occupational/physical therapist who will come to our home to evaluate her and then come up with a program. I'm a bit worried but am hoping this will solve the problem. Her muscle tone seems weak in her little legs. Wish us luck :)

my big girl...

2010-09-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

today was our neighborhood picnic and it is such a cute little event. They have been doing this for 27 years and they have a band, potluck picnic, and lots and lots of kids running around. It is really one of those old fashioned neighborhoods where people know eachother and are so warm and welcoming. Well today I had one of those mom moments where I looked up and saw Lily running around with all the kids and I couldn't believe how big she has gotten!! After years and years of heartache in watching kids running around and wanting a family soooooo bad it is a dream realized.

life is sweet...

2010-09-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

A picture of our little family :) This is also a picture of the girls and their big sister Kelly (Dave's daughter). We are busy these days with our music class at TCU and lots and lots of wagon rides...jen

our new ride....

2010-09-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

and the girls LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their new wagon. I have never heard Emma laugh like that...she was hysterical! We have been going around the neighborhood several times a day as their reaction is addicting :) Lily has a cold so she has been a bit mellowed. She has a fever, runny nose, and a cough and overall seems pretty miserable...poor little munchkin. I know when she lies on the couch watching Yo Gabba Gabba she must be feeling pretty bad as she normally is jumping off the couch and basically running around getting into trouble!

more pictures

2010-08-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

many firsts...

2010-08-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

first ice cream cone, first really bad hair day, first trip to the playground. It's been a busy month! The girls are such a joy...they are turning into little girls so quickly I jsut can't believe it. Lily is now walking and is having a wonderful time enjoying this new freedom. She is still a little wobbly but is turning into a real pro :) We also started our music class at TCU and they LOVED it!! It is fun getting out and meeting other toddlers. I don't know if any of you out there are looking for a good book to read but I just started reading a great one called "The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise". I'm on a roll with finding good book lately! I also loved "The Help" and "The Forgotten Garden". I am seriously addicted to my Kindle...it makes finding books and buying them a little too easy :)

long...hot...summer...

2010-08-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

dreaming of cool days of fall...It feels like we are living on the surface of the sun...we are exhausting ideas for indoor activities! We went to the Dallas Aquarium last week-end which was pretty cool and also the Modern Museum of Art! The girls seem to prefer hanging out at home in the air conditioning playing in boxes, a spin in the wok, and hanging out with the puppy Charlie. Jen :)

summertime fun...

2010-07-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

we are trying to stay cool here in HOT Texas! The babies LOVE their little pool. I have to admit that I can hardly wait for Fall and cooler weather. I signed the girls up for a music class at TCU with Holly and Caleigh so we are excited about that! I also want to find a swim class...Emma and Lily both LOVE swimming. My sister Kate has been living here in Fort Worth for 3 years and she just moved to Seattle this week-end...this is going to be a hard adjustment. I miss her. Jen

just hanging out...

2010-07-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

we are back to our routine again post vacation. nothing too terribly new and exciting. Since the girls turned 1 we have stopped formula and moved on to whole milk bottles. Our pediatrician wants us to stop bottles and move to sippy cups. This is not going to be an easy task...they are still so little!! they love, love, love their bottles. They are mostly eating real food now and want to feed themselves...it is so funny to watch them but cleaning up is quite a project. I put some pictures up of them enjoying dinner followed by a hosing off in the sink afterword. Lily is almost walking :) and Emma finally decided to give crawling a shot. Now she can follow her sister everywhere. they really have a very sweet relationship and it blossoms everyday. Love, Jen

Turks and Caicos...

2010-07-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

I need a vacation...

2010-07-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

from my vacation! Bringing 2 1year old babies to a tropical resort seemed like such a good idea! They loved swimming in the pool and ocean but were very crabby a lot of the time...I think it was being out of their routine plus the heat and sun. Lily who usually sleeps great was up every 2 hours at night. We did have a very special trip with lots of good memories and the Turks and Caicos are BEAUTIFUL!! I just think next time we will leave the kids with Grandma :)

happy birthday to two....

2010-06-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

my babies are 1 year old!! It was such a special day filled with family and those very special to us. I just can't believe how special these 2 girls are! It was also a day filled with a tiny bit of sadness for me as I have been thinking about Jack Henry and how we never had the chance to celebrate his birthday. Losing a child is so incredibly difficult and the grief never leaves us...
But today was a wonderful celebration. Happy birthday to my precious daughters who fill my life with such joy. I love you both so very much.

a relaxing Sunday...

2010-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

and FINALLY a chance to update my neglected blog. The girls are at a stage where they make it impossible to get anything that I want to do! They are so darn cute though so I forgive them :) These days are really fun--challenging but full of adventure. Lily should be walking here in a couple of weeks....she loves to pull herself up on something and then let go and stand on her very own. Emma is still not crawling and this makes her very frustrated as she sees her sister cruising around and she just can't figure it out. I might consult a occupational therapist to see if there are some tricks to getting her trunk stronger so she can support herself--right now when she gets up on all fours she collapses. We are busy getting ready for the girls first birthday party! I'm so excited to have family coming. It does get lonely living so far away from them. I went to the party store and got all sorts of cute decorations, party hats, and pink dresses with cupcakes on the front :) I'll post pictures after the big event! I can't believe they are turning 1!!! It sure does go by very, very quickly. I am posting some pictures and please note Emma's wild hair! She woke up from her nap with it looking like that...wecouldn't stop laughing :) Lots of love, Jen

the sickies...

2010-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

so sorry for not updating for so long but we have all been hit pretty hard with a cold/flu thing. I was in bed with a high fever for 4 days!! Dave had to take on the girls all by himself and now he has it and the girls have a mild form of it--just runny noses and coughs. We sure are going to need that upcoming vacation to the Turks and Caicos. I'm starting to get really excited :) Warm water...ahhhhhh.
So no real interesting updates...Emma and Lily are just continuing to thrive and grow. Emma is still not crawling...while Lily is super turbo crawler. They are interacting with eachother more and more. It is very sweet to watch them together especially when they make eachother giggle. They will be 1 years old on June 19th! My mom and my Auntie Margaret are coming so we will have a wonderful family celebration. I'm going to make their first cake!! Love, Jen

a christening...

2010-05-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

The girls were baptised on Sunday at All Saints Episcopol Church here in Fort Worth. It was so beautiful! The Bishop was in town and performed the ceremony so it was pretty cool. The girls were a bit wild but overall I was pretty impressed with how they behaved :) Afterwords we had a little lunch party with yummy mexican food, friends and family. It was a wonderful day!

friends...

2010-05-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when we get to catch up with old friends! my friend Liz was in Dallas visiting family so I took the girls to the Dallas Arboretum to see her. The gardens are awesome and it was the best day! They had a Peter Rabbit theme going...so cute! For those of you in the area it is worth the trip to explore the 44 acres of beautiful gardens and water features...glorious ponds and sculptures. This week-end is Mothers Day so happy m.d. day to all the mommas out there! I plan on enjoying blueberry pancakes and a long nap...ahhhhhhh. Jen

Houston...we have a crawler

2010-04-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

yep....a real crawler. Lily has discovered her freedom. Gone are the carefree days of setting her up with a couple of toys and walking away to put in a load of laundry or make bottles. I tried that today and found her escaping into the living room dismatling a shelf. Now I HAVE to babyproof...I was kind of waiting on that one. She also has 6 teeth...she looks like a little shark!! Emma is just chillin out watching her sisters new moves but has't really shown any interest in trying it herself. The babies are so much fun at this age--we are enjoying lots of adventures out in the world as a family of 4. We took them out for lunch this week-end and they both sat in highchairs QUIET the entire time :) I was so proud of them...little proper ladies! Our adventure this week-end will be the Fort Worth Zoo!

sick again...

2010-04-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Emma now has a stomach bug so Lily will be right behind. Ughhhhhh. We just finally got them healthy again and now another bout of illness. My poor munchkins! I feel so helpless. All I can do is clean up the vomit and apply cool washclothes to feverish little foreheads. I doubt we will get much sleep this week-end :( Jen

am I crazy?

2010-04-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

because I feel like I want to have another baby...just looking at the girls growing up so fast makes me want just 1 more! I know that the risks are just too great for another pregnancy which is my logical side talking...but my emotional side thinks it might work out just fine like with the girls. I remember after I had Emma and Lily and they were in the NICU one of the neonatalogists who also took care of baby Jack said that when they found out we were pregnant they all said a prayer for us...and when they found out it was with twins they all got down on their knees in prayer for us knowing that it was a very high risk situation. I know that my twin girls are a total miracle in that they made it 32 weeks and have NO health or significant developmental delays. If only I didn't have: a blot clotting disorder and a incompetant cervix--then I would have like 10 kids...but 2 (and 1 in heaven) is perfect too. Jen

international travelers..

2010-04-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

to be. I'm applying for the girls passports so that we can do some traveling this summer. It is our 10th wedding anniversary in August and we want to take a fun trip with the babies...but since they are so little a beach vacation is probably the best option. We have decided on the Turks and Caicos! It is a direct flight from DFW and is a short flight. I can picture them in their bikinis playing on the beach--under a big umbrella of course--swimming!! I bought them the cutest beach cover-ups today :) We are also taking a trip to Vancouver Canada to visit my aunties and cousins! Should be a great summer of travel...I have the travel bug lately!!

feeling better...

2010-04-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

the girls are finally better...thanks to antibiotics. It was rough for us since they had very high fevers and didn't sleep much during that 7 day period--so neither did we. Happy to report we are back to regular sleep schedules and fever free :) Today we had a photo session with Holly at the botanical gardens. The girls were not very cooperative...little divas! But hopefully Holly was aable to get a few good shots in between the crying. I've been busy with the girls and also training the puppy Charlie--he is a very sweet guy but super hyper and out of control!! I hired a trainer who comes to our house and he is already trained on the leash and to sit :) he also goes to the bathroom OUTSIDE!!! on command! My life is so exciting...ha ha. Jen

babies first virus...

2010-03-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

yep...we got a virus from little gym which I will now refer to as little GERM :(
We have 2 babies with 103 temps, rashes, and grumpy!! It has not been fun...
So no new pictures as they are not at their best. Poor little munchkins. We are taking it easy drinking pedialyte and watching Madagascar over and over again!! I hope they will feel better soon! Jen

springtime...

2010-03-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

the birds are chirping and the sun shining! I have been really busy with the munchkins so sorry for my lack of posting pictures--mom!!! Went to a wonderful luncheon today called "puttin on the pink" for breast cancer and had a great time. I rarely get out so putting on a dress and heels is a big deal for me...off to go play with the puppy in the sunshine! Jen

and the first word is...

2010-03-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

dada. Dave is so happy! I am a little bit jealous :) Emma is the first one speaking...Lily bables but no real words yet. Lily is clapping her hands though...she is so proud of herself!! They are both sitting up on their own now and so much fun to play with. The weather has been so beautiful here so we have been playing outside a lot and the girls just LOVE that.

Getting a new dog so soon was probably not my best idea...I know I was hurting from losing Hannah. But this puppy is quite a handful...he is adorable, sweet, cuddly, and overall a great mellow guy BUT he has been pooping and peeing all over the house which has just been driving me crazy--so he is now contained to the mudroom and I take him outside every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks. I hope he will learn quickly! I'm trying to find a trainer who will come to the house and help me mold him into a very well mannered dog. Cavaliers are not very smart...so wish me luck! Love, Jen

family visits

2010-03-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

we have been blessed with lots of family lately. First Dave's family came for a week which was wonderful--we had a blast with his daughter Kelly, her mom Kathy and sweet Conner Dave's grandson who is such a cutie! After they left my cousin and her friend came from Canada. We went to Billy Bobs and had a fun night out drinking...I never drink so I was hating life the next day!! I'm too old for that 'ol parting sstuff! I really prefer to be at home with my hubbie and kids. Lily didn't nap today and fell asleep while I was feeding her! Here is the picture! Jen

my new snuggle bug...

2010-02-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

I have a new fur baby :) his name is Charlie and he is 6 months old. We are all so excited!!

goodbye sweet little dog...

2010-02-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

I just had to put my dear old friend Hannah down. She was 12 1/2 and had cancer and emphesema and was clearly suffering. The vet did it at our home and it was very peaceful. I am so sad but know it was the most loving thing to do and part of the responsibilty of being a good owner/mommy. She was my bestest friend and I will miss her so very much...who is going to meet me at the back door when I come home? Sit on my lap while watching tv...be my walking partner...lick my face when I cry...share my dinner...I love you Hannah Bean. Rest in peace--no more cough or pain. Hope to see you again some day...may your days be filled with lots of dog biscuits and beach walks up there in heaven. thanks for all the unconditional love!! You will be missed terribly...love Jen

love...love...love

2010-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

we had a big storm here in fort worth...almost a foot of snow. It would have been wonderful except we lost power for 4 days...uggghhhh! We thought it might come back on so we tried to wait it out--building a fire and camping out in the den (as pictured) but the romance of this idea wore thin as we realized that it was way to cold for the girls and we fled to a hotel.

iv>I just wanted to share a blog that I have followed for a few years. Her name is Eva and she is a 25 year old Canadian woman who has Cystic Fibrosis. Her story has capitvated me and I have been so inspired by her story and her generous spirit for sharing her life with us. Eva has taught me to never take one single breath for granted and to just love...love...love.

http://65redroses.livejournal.com/

lazy sunday...

2010-02-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

so I am taking lots of pictures of the girls. My mom keeps bugging me to put new pictures up so here you go momma! Your grandaughters can't wait to see you in a few weeks! Love, Jen

I'm no Nancy Drew....

2010-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

but I think I have figured out why Lily is so cranky and isn't sleeping well...she has cut her 2 front bottom teeth! They are beautiful. I gave her some orajel and tylonel and that seems to be working. Poor munchkin. It was another really rough night interms of the girls sleeping. Emma woke up at 11:00 p.m. wanting to play. We brought her into our bed and tried to sleep with her between us but she wasn't going to have that--she kept gigling and trying to put her pacifer into our mouths--and eyes. 3 hours later...yes 3 long hours later we got her to sleep--tucked her in and tiptoed back into our room and just as our heads hit the pillow--Lily starts screaming...we just looked at eachother and started laughing hysterically! deleriously! Thank god we work so well as a team otherwise this journey would be less entertaining. Love, Jen

a rough couple of days..

2010-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

well my last post was so happy! I'm having a bad week. I'm stressed mainly because the girls are both super constipated since starting solids. They both scream when they poop and they have hard stools--sorry TMI! The doctor said to try apple juice and some pears so hopefully that will work--we backed off rice cereal too. There are other sources --I stopped taking my Zoloft since I felt like I didn't need it anymore. I started taking in when we were in the NICU with Jack Henry and I was having major panic attacks and stayed on it through my pregnancy since I was so stressed and my OB thought it was better to stay on it. So I didn't do much research and stopped taking it without properly weaning off of it and I am suffering with terrible withdrawl symtoms--headache and dizziness both very severe. So I started taking it again today as I can't funtion with these symptoms while taking care of 2 very demanding munchkins! My final stressful situation is my dog Hannah--she has numerous Mast Cell tumors and has been given a couple of months to live--well today her enourmous tumor on her side literally exploded--there was blood everywhere I have white slip covered sofas and sea grass rugs...uggghhhh--I rushed her to the vet who bandaged her up but sat me down and told me it is time to put her down as she is not going to get any better and she is probably uncomfortable. So that is my week! And it's only Monday!! And if y'all know of anyone who wants to rent our beautiful home in Santa Barbara--It's available :) love, Jen

the joys of mommahood

2010-01-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

today is a rainy, cozy day and I feel so overwhelmed with love today. Motherhood is full of such simple joys. I'm playing with the girls and finding such joy in their little giggles, their sweet silly smiles, little bare bums as I change the 10 millionth diaper today :) I just have never been happier in my life. This is everything I've ever wanted and I cannot belive my blessings with these 2 amazing kids. Love, Jen

little muchkins

2010-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Girls are great! Eating carrots is their new favorite thing to do!! Here are some new pictures. I have to brag about my weight watchers success--I lost 9 lbs so far!! Woo Hoo Love, Jen

prayers please...

2010-01-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

for my friends Holly and Eric and their baby girl Caleigh. I met them when our babies were in the NICU at Harris. We were there for 5 1/2 months and they also were there for a long time--longer in fact. Holly and I met under such extremely stressful times--having critically ill children sort of accelerates a friendship. We really have only known eacholther for a few years but she is one of my closest friends and I love her so much. When Jack died she was so amazing to me! She is such a loving momma to Caleigh! Caleigh has had a rough time lately and is back in Cook Childrens. She has been put back on TPN and I know that this is extremly difficult for Holly as it feels like moving backwards instead of forward. Holly and Eric are wonderful parents and could use a few prayers that miss Caleigh will be off tpn soon and back to feedings and HOME! Love, Jen

chow time!

2010-01-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

The girls had a pediatrician appointment today and we got the green light for starting rice cereal :) I'm so excited...not too sure if they were but I'm sure they learn to love it. This week-end we will also start sleep training. That I'm not so excited about but it really needs to be done. We need sleep and frankly so do they. This up every 2 hours is horrible. Wish us luck! Lily is now 16 1/2 lbs and Emma is 13 1/2. Little chunkers. After the doctors appt we stopped by Dr. Kaufmann our IVF doctor and showed off the girls. He is such a great man and we wanted to thank him for our babies. I lost 2 lbs on weight watchers last week :) only 38 more to go!! I love the program and feel confident that I can reach my goal by summer. Love, Jen

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

It is getting more difficult finding the time to blog. The girls are really easy babies as long as you devote 100% of your attention on them! I find focusing on them completly satisfying :) and wouldn't want to be doing anything else...okay maybe a few minutes to blog would be nice. My goal for 2010 is to try and find balance--a balance between being attentive to their needs but to put myself in the equation too. I joined weight watchers last week and am hoping to lose 40 lbs. I am going to join the gym too--so that I can get out of the house! My big outing is grocery shopping and I really need more "me" time then that. Love, Jen

a wonderful Christmas!

2009-12-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

We had the best time with the girls. Since they are so young it really wasn't about presents but more about having a wonderful time with family. We took the girls out in the snow and they loved it! We drank hot chocolate and watched lots of movies like Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Santa brought the girls high chairs!! More for mum then them...but it is so much fun to have them sit at the table with us now. We are transitioning the girls from breastmilk to formula now which has created issues with pooping...they went 1 entire week without pooping...I was a nervous wreck but the doctor tells me not to worry. But I am loving the freedom of not being chained to the pump every 3 hours. I'm looking forward to the new year and joining a Mom of Multiples group and finding some classes for the girls like Kindermusic and Little gym. They are just about to sit on their own and once that happens we can start trying solid foods :) Lots of exctiting things to look forward to. Love Jen

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas!

2009-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas y'all!! And it's snowing!!We are going to enjoy this rare and special treat. Yesterday was 75 and sunny and now freezing! The girls are trying out their snowsuits. More pix to come! Love, Jen

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

I took my little angels to see the big guy--Santa Claus. They were so good!! Lily was flirting with everyone while Emma quietly observed from the safety of mommy's shoulder--but once placed in Santa's arms they were totally cool :) I was so excited ro be taking MY kids to see Santa...I have wanted that FOREVER!! We have our tree up and it really feels like the holidays except it was 73 today. Hoping we will get some cold weather again soon. Jen

poor baby Emma...

2009-12-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

she was up most of the night crying...but it was a wierd cry--different like she was in pain. We thought maybe she was teething. Luckily we had a 8 a.m. doctors appt for shots so off we went with a very grumpy baby in tow. When we checked in I noticed she felt very hot--sure enough--she had a 101 temp. Needless to say we did not do shots but left with the diagnosis of a ear infection. My poor, sweet baby girl. She is very grumpy and in pain. Hopefully the antibotics will work quickly and we will see her smile again soon. I have posted a picture of both girls--emma has a cool washcloth on her head and Lily is in her new exercisor--she loves it!!

night out!!!

2009-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

We actually had a adult night out involving cocktails and yummy food! The occasion was the Signature Chefs event fundraising for the March of Dimes. It was so much fun. It was much needed for us!
My mom is in town visiting her grandaughters which is wonderful to watch...she is so in love with those 2 little monkey's and this extra help is priceless--I have time to actually blog :)
The girls are doing great! they are finding eachother facinating! Lots of hair pulling, sucking on eachothers hands, and staring at one another utterly facinated as if they are remembering eachother as womb mates. Ahhh sisterhood...
We are teething so the girls are drooling and kind of crabby...so that is about it! We are getting ready for thanksgiving...Dave's daughter Kelly and her son Conner who is 3 are coming from Montana so it will be nice to have company. We plan on visiting the zoo and the new chldrens museum. We are really enjoying the cool weather here! FINALLY!! I am pulling out the 'ol sweaters and ugg boots! Love, Jen

feeling sad...

2009-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

Gavin passed away and is finally at peace...but my heart aches for his family and for the pain they are feeling. A bunch of us are organizing raising money for the family. And then Caleigh got sick and is in the hospital. I visited them yesterday and she seems better. But walking through Cook Childrens yesterday was really hard...I saw little kids of all stages of illness and it just made me angry...why? Why do children have to suffer? I came home and hugged my healthy babies with tears falling on their sweet little heads.
On a happier note--we got pregnant with a little help from technology and the wonderful Dr. Kaufmann. He is the BEST doctor! I know lots of women here in Fort Worth who have gotten pregnant because of him...anyway I am hoping to take the girls to his office this week to show them off. I remember when I would be sitting in his waiting room during IVF cycles and women would come in with their babies to show him and I was thinking "I will do that one day"...well that day has come :) Love, Jen

say a little prayer today...

2009-11-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

if you could for a family who is losing their little boy. His name is Gavin and he is a very special little boy who has been battling a illness for some time. Dave and I know this first hand...and it is a very hard journey. Please keep Gaving and his parents Adam and Karen, and big sister Madison in your thoughts and prayers and they help Gavin transition into heaven. You can read his story through the link on my blog. Rest in peace little man, Jen

a beautiful day...

2009-11-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

We had such a wonderful day today going for a walk down to the Trinity River with Holly and Caleigh. The leaves are changing to a beautiful fall color palate and there is a wonderful crispness in the air. I really enjoyed exercising and catching up with Holly...and of course Caleigh is adorable!! The girls loved it too! We had our pediatrician appt this week and shots...yuck...but they are doing really well. Lily is almost 13 lbs and Emma is almost 10lbs. Hard to believe that not long ago they were 3 lbs and 4 lbs. They are too much fun these days...giggling, cooing, reaching, grabbing, and smiling like crazy :) I am just adoring my new life as a momma...it really is such a miracle! I have never felt like I was meant to do anything more then be their mommy. I feel such a sense of fufillment...love, Jen

the baby wrangler

2009-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just a day in the life!! Life here is good...the girls are thriving...grabbing objects and beginning to discover each other. We put them next to each other and Lily grabs Emma's ear!! It begins...sisterhood :) Nothing too exciting...just enjoying every single minute of these 2 miraculous girls...

2 years ago today...

2009-10-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

we lost our sweet little boy. Dave and I took the girls to the zoo yesterday and had a good talk about it. We can't believe that it has been 2 years and looking back at how difficult that time was for us both. I remember that day and it comes back to me usually at night when I can't sleep. They told us early in the day that he was terminal and that taking him off life support was the most loving option. We were instructed to go home and get our favorite outfit for him to be dressed in. We were rushing at home and I grabbed the outfit and started heading downstairs--when I slipped and fell spraining my ankle!! So I was in severe emptional and physical pain and couldn't walk...it was so awful. After Jack died we went home and sat in the dark not talking until the next morning...we were both just so traumatized. I proceeded to take 2 ambien and 2 zanex every morning and evening spending my days passed out in my bed unable to cope with the emotional pain. This lasted for 2 months until the pain got a little less intense and I was able to get out of bed. Every day got a little bit easier and I started being able to live my life again...focusing on getting pregnant again. And we did!! Focusing on our IVF cycle helped me stay healthy--no more prescription meds. Losing my baby boy has taught me so much about myself, what is important, and what life is about--life is about moving forward! Life is about making it through...we can't change what happens to us but we can chose how we can change to adapt to what happens. Love you Jack!! We never forget you and your sisters are being raised knowing they have a big brother! Love, mommy

to pump or not to pump...

2009-10-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have been pumping my breast milk for 4 months...the girls aren't really good nursers. Lily I call "jaws" because when she latches on she gets a bit too excited and thrashes from side to side..with MY NIPPLE in her mouth...ouch. They prefer the bottle as they were introduced to it so early when they were in the NICU. I know that "breast is best" but frankly I am so sick of pumping every 3 hours! As the babies get older it is getting harder to find the time since they demand more and more of my time. My dilema is that feel guilty giving up and giving them formula.

Anyway...my sister and I took the girls to the pumkin patch on Friday--it was so cute. I enclosed a few pictures. A friend from California sent us these beautiful dresses! They are like fairy princess dresses!! I can't wait to try them on the girls. Thanks Elizabeth Rodriguez!! It was so thoughtful of you. Love, Jen

changing seasons

2009-10-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air here in Fort Worth. It is such a wonderful change from the horendous heat of summer! We have been taking nice walks and enjoying fresh, cool air. The girls are doing new things--like grabbing at objects, and holding their heads up!!

Holly and Caleigh came over for a playdate today. It is always so much fun! I have attached some new pictures. Love, Jen