I Fell in LOVE All Over Again...

We have been busy, busy, busy gushing over our new little addition!! EJ decided to surprise us 3 weeks early on Halloween night!

Now, our lil' man is already 3 weeks old and I want to STOP time!! One of my good friends and I had a discussion the other day about the difference between the arrival of first and second children...or in my case third. The first time around we both felt we focused too hard on milestones and when our baby(ies) would reach the next step in life. First time mommies are constantly worrying about these milestones and whether or not they are doing the right things. Is my baby eating enough? Is my baby developing on the right track? Why isn't he/she rolling over? All of these things seemed to get in the way the first time around. I remember reading baby books and hoping to perfect the twins eating/sleeping/playing patterns....by the way... this isn't possible!! Yeah, those books helped a little bit, but really every mom just has to find what works for them.

This time around is SO different. I just want to soak in every single second with my baby!! My pregnancy was so different than with LJ and LK. I was constantly on the go and really didn't have time to think about the fact that a child was growing inside of me. I definitely didn't feel as close to my baby throughout the pregnancy as I did with the twins. Then I met him....and I FELL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN!! It is amazing that you can instantly love something as much as the children that you've been loving for over 3 years. The moment I laid eyes on him he fit into our family perfectly; he was meant to be ours! I almost hope he takes his time reaching milestones because that means I can cherish his "babyness" longer. We are fairly certain this will be the last child for us...so it is all a little bittersweet.

LJ and LK are doing so great with EJ. They have shown no signs of jealousy whatsoever. They constantly want to give him kisses on the head. LJ says to me at least 5 times a day "Mommy, I love him; he is my best brother". It melts my heart. LJ also says "he's smelly"...I think he likes the baby smell...but I'm not sure. LK really wishes he could just play with her already! She is always talking about how he sleeps and eats, sleeps and eats, sleeps and eats. Having 2 sisters, part of me is just the slightest bit sad that LK will not have a sister...but either way I would have been sad for one of them. Luckily, she has a girl cousin that is only 1 year older.

So, we are adjusting to our family of FIVE in our tiny little house...and I couldn't be HAPPIER!!! I am so very grateful for all that we have been blessed with...it is NEVER taken for granted!

Fall...what's that?

Those of us that live in MI are feeling slighted by mother nature (and the economy)...we really didn't get much of a summer and then had to bust out the winter coats in early OCTOBER! Luckily, we managed to fit a few fall festivities in here and there between the cold spurts. Above is a picture of the sun burning frost off our fence. When I first glanced out the window I thought the fence was on fire! I'll be posting about our fall outings in the next few posts.

One of my students helps his family run a local petting farm and we stopped by in September. LJ was on cloud nine since he got to sit in all the tractors...even the combine!!! Unfortunately, they were not John Deere tractors...but he was still SO EXCITED! The kids held baby chicks and bunnies. They also fed the goats and petted baby pigs and baby goats. They also had their first horse ride...so brave!

Stay tuned for more fall festivities...

SIDE NOTE: As most of the readers know, we will be adding to the family in a month or so. I am trying to decide what to do with the blog since I will no longer be JUST the momof twinz....either re-name or start a whole new one...that is the question?

An Accomplishment

As I glanced through the mail yesterday I knew exactly what I would find inside the white CMU envelope!! I am not sure I have ever been so proud of myself...I mean my Bachelor's was a piece of cake compared to this thing! This time around I wouldn't settle for anything but my best effort; which is most likely how I atttained the 3.97 g.p.a.!!! If only I would have applied myself like that the first time around...oh wait...I was having far too much fun!!! It's amazing what a piece of paper can symbolize...

Three Years Ago Today....

...I met my two beautiful babies for the first time! I will never forget the very first moment I looked into their eyes (of course they were screaming their heads off...but it was still great)! So much worry and anticipation had went into their birth after being hospitalized 26 weeks into my pregnancy. Day by day our hopes went up that they would be born healthy, and what a surprise it was when they didn't need one single day in the NICU!!

As I woke my kiddos up this morning singing Happy Birthday to each one I had to hold back tears. It is truly amazing how fast they grow up...and I know that sounds so cliche...but it sure is the truth!! This morning as LJ was going potty I said "can you believe that you're 3 years old today?!!" and he replied "can I drive your car now, Mommy?". He wasn't very happy to hear that he has another 13 yrs. to go! Once again, I had to return to work on their birthday and was missing them the entire day. On our way home today we stopped for some birthday slurpees and LnL spent the evening riding their new birthday gifts (2 battery-powered four wheelers).

We celebrated with family and friends last Sunday and the kids had a blast! They had been looking forward to their cakes for the past two weeks so they were super excited to see them. LK had Disney Princesses and LJ had a golf theme on his cake. Everyone had fun making candy necklaces, decorating tiaras and visors, and just enjoying the day! LK was hilarious while we sang her Happy Birthday ( will post video later in week) and LJ was SO funny when we brought out his big gift!

Here is a slideshow of my precious ones in the last year! Too catch up from birth check out last year's slideshow.

The cottage on the lake...

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend on beautiful Lake Huron a week ago. The weather was not the greatest, but we made due. Most importantly, we made some great memories. We rented a 3 bedroom, 2 bath cottage and participants included my mom, dad, sisters, and 5 kids. Hubby and my bro-in-law squeezed out of work for a day to join us as well.

Luckily, the place also came with a hot tub...which the kids put to good use the first day and a half of bad weather. We spent each night around a campfire eating s'mores followed by some hot games of Yahtzee!! Our first full day it was rainy and cold... we ended up fishing in the rain at a local catch and release pond. Our second full day was gorgeous...we enjoyed the sun, the beach, and the lake for the entire day! I was nervous about the beach and the lake...but everything turned out to be perfect for the kids! The sand was perfect for castles and the lake was so clear; the clearest I have ever seen Lake Huron.

Just to name a few of the memorable events from this trip...fishing in the rain, glow necklace exploding all over Z-man, hunting for petoskey stones (we found a bunch!), sandcastles, running out of marshmallows on the last night and attempting to roast mini-marshmallows, playing Yahtzee on the Time books (circa 1970), playing Battleship, Elly "bathing" on the beach, the kids playing ladder ball, wonderful meals with the family, and sand-sand-sand EVERYWHERE.

Below is one of my favorite pics' from our vacay'. If you know my nephew, Z-man, at all you will not be surprised by this photo. He is one wild and crazy kid! Hopefully, our summer lake vacations will become a yearly tradition!

Celebrating Summer!

Well the summer is in full swing and we are busy, busy, busy! I am finishing my Master's program which takes up most of my free time...free time only happens when the kids are asleep! Needless to say, I can't wait for August 6th when I can officially become a master's graduate!! We have been doing tons of fun stuff the past few weeks and are extremely thankful to have the Kennedy clan visiting from SC!! Mostly we are just enjoying the little things that make summer extra special like ice cream cones, playgrounds, beaches, and backyard fun! Here are some pictures from the last month!!

Belated Birthday Shout-Outs

The Birthday BOYS!

Zachary - 7 Years Old

Two weeks ago today my spunky little nephew, Zach turned SEVEN! You seriously cannot speak to this child without laughing because he says the funniest things. One of the most energetic kids in the universe I believe! We celebrated his special day with a trip to the local children's zoo. Love you Zach!!!

Looking back at my Zach-Man!


Matt- 10 Years Old

Today my oldest nephew Matthew...hits the double digits!!! It really does seem like just yesterday that he was born! Each year I seem to see less and less of him as he tends to get really involved with his sports and friends....I guess this is what happens when you turn TEN!!! We celebrated his day today with a trip to the local children's museum. As you can tell from the middle picture, he gets alot of his crazy, goofy skills from me :-)! Hey...at least we know how to have fun! Love you Matt!!


Looking back at Matt!!

LK and LJ absolutely ADORE their cousins!

Dear Daddy...

Thank you for...

• reading tons and tons of books every single day
• showing me how to swing a golf club and baseball bat
• getting my snack and juice ready for me every afternoon
• giving me horsy-back rides
• playing legos, blocks, Mr. Potato Head, princesses, Candy Land castle, Memory, Bingo, dress-up, every ball game in the universe, etc.
• letting me eat pancakes with syrup smothered all over them even though it drives you nuts
• letting me watch cartoons in the morning even though you would much rather watch Mike & Mike in the Morning.
• giving me sips of your pop even though Mommy doesn't usually approve
• bringing me Timbits in the morning after you worked nights
• giving me a bath with lots of bath foam
• wrestling on the floor with me for hours
• letting me kick, hit, throw soft balls in the house
• introducing me to Hank Sr., Hank Jr., Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, and so many more old time country and blues artists.
• taking care of mommy and giving her lots of hugs, kisses, slurpees, Tim Horton's coffees, candy, etc.
• drawing lots of awesome pictures for me with my crayons, markers, and sidewalk chalk
• buying me surprises everytime you go to the grocery store
• loving me with all your heart!

We love you,

Logan & Lauren
XOXOXOXOXO

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Catching up.. What they're into right now!

Wow! So much to catch up on with my blog. I am probably going to have to post about 5 times in the next week just to catch up!!

I know it's been awhile so here's to catching up on LJ and LK!
LJ

Movie: Elmo: The Bookaneers
Show: Little Bear, Golf, Baseball
Foods: Spaghetti, Puffed Corn (Does not like ice cream or chocolate...basically not a fan of sweets...can't believe he is my child;)
Stuffed Animal: Takes his baseball and golf ball to bed with him
Toy: Golf clubs, baseball, basically any ball sport
Book: John Deere book or My Baseball book
Outdoor Activities: Playin' ball
Word/Phrase: Don't say that to me! (It's hard not to laugh when he gets really mad and says this)
Song: Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker, They're both fans of the Curious George soundtrack
Learning: Count to 20, How to hit his new driver.
Accomplishments: His vocabulary has grown so much in the past few months; always speaks in full sentences. Can hit a thrown ball with his bat. Hits his golf balls pretty far!
Favorite Funny of the Month: Last week in the bathtub he said " Mommy-you're in TIME OUT!" I was washing his hair...it was interrupting his play and making him mad.

LK

Movie: Sleeping Beauty

Show: Sesame Street, Curious George, Max & Ruby

Foods: Fruit, Lucky Charms, anything sweet!

Stuffed Animal: No particulars right now...just her blanket.

Toy: Loves all arts and crafts, dollhouse, princess dolls, tea party set

Book: Cinderella

Outdoor Activities: Sidewalk Chalk, Sandbox, Water table

Word/Phrase: "Is it waking time, Mommy?"

Song: I know you...(Sleeping Beauty), Curious George soundtrack, Jambalaya

Learning: everything...she is constantly absorbing information!

Accomplishments: In the past month she has matured SO month. She is basically potty trained except for naps/night!! Counts to 20. Starting to get dressed by herself...can do shoes and pants. Really starting to pretend play well. Can recognizes most all the letters in the alphabet.

Favorite Funny of the Month: The other morning a song came on the TV and LK said "C'mon Mommy, dance to the rythm of the music!!!"

School's OUT!

Well another school year has officially ended!!!! I can't believe I just finished my 7th year!! Unfortunately, I will be spending the majority of the summer working my butt off to finish my Master's degree. I will officially be done August 6th and have already planned a family weekend getaway to celebrate!

The summer calendar of kid-friendly events is already in the works. I have decided that the only way to keep my sanity with two almost-3 year olds is to get out of the house at least once a day. They are at this stage of non-listening which is SO frustrating!!!! Plus, we are going to be hitting the potty training extremely hard along with the dreaded task of getting rid of their beloved paci's (Any tips on that last one will be greatly appreciated)!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the video!

Wordless Wednesday

So much to update...but it's the end of the school year and I am SWAMPED! Here are a few

"cell" pics to get ya by till next time...

Blog...my long lost friend.

Well, I must admit I haven't been motivated to post lately at all. To all my readers...sorry for the absence. I must blame pure exhaustion. Lately, I get the kids to bed and am ready for bed myself! Alot has been going on in the last month since I have posted. We enjoyed an great Easter which was followed with a horrible two weeks of stomach flu. This was followed by pink-eye. All I can do is hope and pray that next year is better in terms of the health of this family. Looking back, we were basically sick for an entire 2 months!




The highlight of Easter this year for the kids was most definitely Easter Egg hunts. Every year we have a huge egg hunt at my mom and dad's which consists of about 250 eggs for four children. I know...it's actually pretty ridiculous. The eggs are filled with money, small toys, stickers, snacks, and of course CANDY. LnL also enjoyed an egg hunt all to themselves at Pa and Grandma Lynn's house. The highlight of that visit for LK was decorating cupcakes. She LOVES cupcakes and will tell you so on a daily basis. This is my child who wakes up and the first thing she says in the morning is "Can I have a jellybean?". I posted some pics of all the Easter craziness.

Hubby and I managed to sneak away this last weekend for some much needed relaxation and together time! Thanks SO much to grandma for keeping the terrible trying twosome while we were away. We managed to play 36 holes of golf, enjoy some excellent dinners, and even gamble a bit. Oh...how could I forget? I also pampered myself to a facial and pedicure. It was a REALLY nice getaway! I must have really needed a getaway because I forgot my camera on this trip - sorry no pics.

On a final note...today is my dear niece's (ZoZo) 7th birthday. As always, I must give a blog birthday shoutout! I can hardly believe how fast she is growing up. We think of her and the rest of our SC family on a daily basis. Everytime I get to see Zo I am just astounded by how absolutely smart she is. We love you so much Zo and hope your day is EXTRA special!!

Spring Break '09

Well, we survived our second annual drive to South Carolina. The drive there was less than fun. The kids did great, but it just seemed to take FOREVER!! 15 hrs. is a very long drive with 2-year old twins. Once agiain, it was worth it!

This year we took a little detour to Myrtle Beach, SC for a couple days. There we met our in-laws who had so many fun things in store for us. LnL's first trip to the ocean was SO ecxiting. My awesome SIL had bags ready for the kids filled with beach balls, pails, bubble wands, candy, nets for catching crabs, flashlights for catching crabs, rockin' t-shirts, and so many more goodies. We really enjoyed our stay! I found a sweet deal on a 3 BR, 3 BATH, condo right on the ocean. Luckily, the place had a heated indoor pool because it was too chilly to swim outside during our stay. The first time the kids saw the ocean was just amazing. Their faces were priceless. LJ was afraid. It was dark when we got there and the wind and waves were really going...he didn't like it at all. The next morning he seemed to warm up to the massive ocean...then he fell in the waves with his clothes on-scared to death-but the cutest thing ever! (He still says everyday..." I went to the beach!!!!! It scared me"). He really did enjoy himself... I have pictures to prove it. Of course, my fearless LK didn't blink an eye at how huge the ocean, beach, and waves were. We would run up on the waves together and then run away so they couldn't catch us...so much fun. She was more fascinated with the beach than anything. She could just sit on the beach and play with the sand for hours and hours and hours. Even if the kids don't remember this trip...I will never ever ever forget their first trip to the ocean! (I should also note this is where injury #1 of the trip took place---Logan fell out of bed in the middle of the night and conked the wall. I was a bit of a stress ball about it. Stay tuned for more injuries)

Next, we headed back towards Rock Hill (the in-laws hometown). On the way back, we stopped at our favorite zoo. We were able to visit it last year as well. LnL couldn't wait to see the elephants! They have been obsessed with 2 movies lately. The Jungle Book and Sleeping Beauty(they actually like that MEAN witch). Jungle Book = love for elephants.

After a long day, we finally made it to Rock Hill where we settled in for 3 nights. Injury #2 took place shortly after arriving at the house where LJ's foot (in sandal) was run over by a battery powered jeep. The next day we headed to a playground where injury #3 took place. LJ was running so fast (and also watching his feet) that he tripped and conked his head on one of those plastic rock climbing walls...It was IMMEDIATE goose egg right between the eyes. He still has somewhat of a black eye from this injury. Yet, within 5 minutes he was climbing right back on the playground. We finished up and had some lunch at McD's with an outdoor playland. My kids really had never played on one before. I'm always afraid they're going to get lost up there and I'll have to go in after them. Plus...I'm a bit of a germophobe. They had a blast with their big cuz
"C-bug" helping them along. (Injury #4 - LJ's hand was stepped on by LK) Also, my darling son picked up some sort of nasty leftover candy piece from the picnic table and put it in his mouth....I think I threw up a little in my mouth. By the way...we really were HAVING FUN!

In the last days of our stay, we were able to watch C-bug and Zo-Zo play some baseball. We also visited downtown Charlotte which was probably LJ's favorite part of the trip. The reason he enjoyed this so much was because we rode the Charlotte light-rail into downtown. LJ is obsessed with tractors, trains, four-wheelers, etc. So...the whole ride he just had the biggest grin on his face. It was absolutely precious!! Meanwhile, my daughter was coming down with strep throat and spiking a temp. By the end of the night, Daddy ended up carrying her about 4 blocks back to the light-rail where she rode clinging to him... just a little lifeless sick girl :-(. Broke my heart. In Charlotte, we visited ImaginOn which is this AWESOME library and childrens theatre. We also grabbed some dinner at a local restaurant. I was SO bummed that the childrens museum we visited last year had closed.

We had so much fun on our trip and even though it is stressful...it is definitely worth it. Mostly, because we get to see our dearly missed family. I couldn't believe how big little Coop is getting. My dear nieces are growing up WAY too fast. I was also reminded how much fun I have playing cards with my SIL, BIL, and Hubby.

After a fun, event-filled vacation is was time to drive the dreaded 12 hr. trip home...where LK and I both were treated for strep. Of course, LJ followed a few days later. We also managed to sneak in a weekend trip to the ER due to a head injury. Please tell me 3-yr. olds are a little less accident-prone!?!?

Party like it's 2009!!!

YOU ARE INVITED!!

Some of you may remember from last year the awesome blogland BASH that was held in March. Well, the girls over at 5 Minutes for Mom are the ultimate hosts to this party and it has become an annual event! The party is already hopping...in fact I think the cops may show up soon to break it up; hopefully not! Basically, this is a great way to get to know other bloggers and other moms! Also, there are TONS of great prizes. So, c'mon and join in on the fun. Just click on the blog party banner above! Just try not to get TOO rowdy!

I suppose I should introduce myself. I am a 30-year old mother to boy/girl twins. They will turn 3 in September. My blogging addiction started a little over a year ago. Basically, I use it as a tool to keep in touch with family and friends. Also, I love the fact that I can chronicle what is happening in the lives of my children!! Oh..and who can forget the prizes! Blog prizes ROCK!

Some of the prizes I am interested in are:

1.Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer (Prize#58)
2. Ergo Baby Carrier (Prize #7)
3.Simply Precious Photo Tile Necklace (Prize # 41)
4. $50 Target Giftcard (#19,21,22)

I know I haven't posted in about a week so here's a pic of our trip to the local Center for the Arts from yesterday...we had a blast!

House of Germs

Last week at daycare we were warned that a stomach bug was passing thru some of the other children. Saturday morning we met the wrath of this stomach flu. LJ woke up with intense vomiting that carried on throughout the day. Along with the vomiting came the diarheaa...like NON-STOP. LK seemed to be okay, but was experiencing the diarheaa as well. On to day 2, where LJ carried a temp of 103 for about twenty-four hours. Neither Motrin or Tylenol could cut the fever. Day 3, diarheaa both kids; one of which happened with underwear on. What was I thinking???! Day 4, today, LK woke up vomiting. Vomiting some more...then vomiting some more. More diarheaa from both kids. I truly don't want to disgust you be reading this post, but I do feel it is necessary for all of you childless readers out there to truly understand what happens when kids get sick! Now, as a mother of twins, I have dealt with a LOT of poop at one time. Yet, these past few days is by far the worst. To make matters worse, neither Hubby or myself are feeling up to par.



So instead of enjoying 3 days off, which I have been looking forward to since September; I will be staying home with my kids because (as we all know) when you're sick Mommies and Daddies are the best. So today I will be dreaming of Spring and the ocean; both of which we should meet in about 3 weeks!! Can't wait!

CarlyBug is growing up...

Our dear lil' niece, "bug", turned 5 just one day ago. I know her mother had an emotional time watching her baby boy,(Carlybug's lil bro), turn one just last week. Yet, I'm having a real difficult time with the idea that "bug" is now a 5 YEAR OLD! What a milestone...she'll be starting Kindergarten and the next thing you know she's all grown up! I have so much fun spoiling "bug" and especially love getting all the snuggles I still get when I see her. Hopefully, she'll still be up for snuggles even though she is a mighty five-year old now! Happy Birithday Carlybug!! We LOVE you SO much!!!
"bug" as the doctorpirateprincessbagladymaryhad alittlelamb.

"bug" as the magician

"bug" as Hannah Montana

sweet "bug"

Reminding myself to be thankful...

So last week as layoffs were being announced at GM, I became extremely grateful for the fact that I have a job. Also last week I was listening to a St. Jude's special being aired on a local radio station; I became SO extremely grateful for the health of my children. I also remembered my wonderful MIL on her birthday and became so thankful to have known her and to have been touched by her greatness. I found myself thinking...why do I have to be reminded to be grateful??? Of course, each day I am grateful for my family and friends...yet isn't it the truth that you never really cherish each moment until something "bad" happens.

Today the something "bad" happened. We were so very excited to attend our lil' Elly's baptism! I bundled up the kids and we were on our way. Hubby was home since he had worked all night. Things were all fine...the kids were jammin' to their Laurie Berkner and I was just about ready to snack on a granola bar. Then we hit the patch of ice. I was on a ramp merging from one expressway onto another. It was seriously like the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" (except I didn't throw my hands up in the air). Anyhow, we were fishtailing and bouncing off the guardrails. So many things were running thru my mind. Mostly, I was just totally FREAKED for my kids. I kept thinking "No, No, NO this is not happening". Also, there was a tow truck on the ramp w/another suv that had done exactly the same thing so I was trying not to hit them! We did a couple 180's and I thought for sure we were going over the guardrails and plummeting over. Somehow, and I don't know how, I managed to slow down and pull over. The tow truck driver ran up to us and asked us if we were okay. He called to get some salt on that ramp (which didn't happen for another hour). Hubby came and we eventually got off the "death ramp" and waited for the next 2 hours for a police officer to come fill out the report. By the way, another car did the same exact thing AFTER us. So, we missed lil' Elly's baptism which absolutely broke my heart. Luckily, the vehicle is still drive-able and we did make it to brunch with the fam'. Now I am determined to be greatest Godparent of all Godparents to Elly...I'm not sure how much money or time this will involve but it has to be done!

In conclusion, I sure am thankful for my life today. Mostly, I sure am thankful for my children. I am not sure anyone can truly understand the terror that I felt today until they have been with their children in a life threatening situation....which I hope never happens to you. Whatever you're doing right now...stop and be thankful................................................Good job.