I'm sorry, but I don't have new pics on this computer to share right now, but I thought I'd write an update regardless.
The babies' first Thanksgiving was great. This year has been plentiful, to say the least, and Kreg & I have a lot to be thankful for. We had dinner at my parent's house with my brother and his family. It was a full house and there were plenty of cousins to help with the babies (thanks Sarah, Elise & Shannon!) Each baby had turkey, stuffing, and all sorts of tasty tidbits and were tucked right up to the table alongside of the family in their high chairs; an unusual event since they are typically fed in their "line-up" in our kitchen.
On another note - Kreg & I are busy preparing our home for sale. It's a daunting task, but I figure that no time will be a good time to sell, so we're just going for it. More to come on that....
Much love to everyone. Now let the Holidays begin!!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Soundtrack of Our Days
(this entry's for you Amy)
Each day I try to establish a "routine" for the sake of the babies, but often find myself changing things up to keep my own sanity. This may not always be for the best, which I'm learning as I navigate through the first year of our babies' lives, BUT I've found that we've established a consistent soundtrack to our days. Some day I'll look back on our first year and remember the below albums & songs with fondness. Here is the "Soundtrack of Our First Year" so far.
"Parent's" Lullabies for Babies
- Our "go-to" CD from the beginning as it relates to SLEEP (a powerful thing). I've referenced this CD in a previous post since I accidentally left it behind at a hotel and had them ship it to me (whew!). We press play on the nursery CD player at the beginning of every nap and bedtime and it plays through until the last track of simple heartbeats. I used to personally enjoy more of it when the babies were much tinier and we were doing more midnight feedings. I can't find it online to reference my favorite songs...there is one that features an oboe that I love and Kumbaya is also so calming.
The Best of Laurie Berkner
- YEAH! The "Happy CD" as we call it. We listen and play to Laurie when the babies wake up from their first nap and have such a blast. Just recently, I enjoy hitting play and watching all the babies as they stand up in their cribs, smiling and waiting for mommy to lift them out. Favorites are "Victor Vito", "Fast and Slow", and my two besties "Moon, Moon, Moon", and "Five Days Old". The beginning of "Five Days Old" is especially pretty and I pick up each baby and sing along to them quietly in their ear (re-playing the beginning of the track for the next).
Eat, Pray, Love Soundtrack
- Our neighbors let us borrow this soundtrack and somehow it became our "mealtime music". The babies will often find mommy or daddy dancing by them in the kitchen, making complete fools of themselves in the name of baby entertainment. What's not to love about a compilation consisting of (a lifetime fave of mine) Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, Gilberto, plus a killer operatic that I can't remember the name of. All good meals should be accompanied by good music, right?
Baby Mozart Music CD
- We take roadtrips which, of course, require roadtrip music, DUH. Though this would not be my first choice if I were driving across the country with my husband or best girlfriends, it sure comes in handy when running and errand with three babies in tow ...especially if someone starts to cry. All I can say is that I love it when the wacky, bubbly electronified Mozart xylophone kicks in and all goes quiet in the back of our mini van. I never thought I'd be saying that!
Each day I try to establish a "routine" for the sake of the babies, but often find myself changing things up to keep my own sanity. This may not always be for the best, which I'm learning as I navigate through the first year of our babies' lives, BUT I've found that we've established a consistent soundtrack to our days. Some day I'll look back on our first year and remember the below albums & songs with fondness. Here is the "Soundtrack of Our First Year" so far.
"Parent's" Lullabies for Babies
- Our "go-to" CD from the beginning as it relates to SLEEP (a powerful thing). I've referenced this CD in a previous post since I accidentally left it behind at a hotel and had them ship it to me (whew!). We press play on the nursery CD player at the beginning of every nap and bedtime and it plays through until the last track of simple heartbeats. I used to personally enjoy more of it when the babies were much tinier and we were doing more midnight feedings. I can't find it online to reference my favorite songs...there is one that features an oboe that I love and Kumbaya is also so calming.
The Best of Laurie Berkner
- YEAH! The "Happy CD" as we call it. We listen and play to Laurie when the babies wake up from their first nap and have such a blast. Just recently, I enjoy hitting play and watching all the babies as they stand up in their cribs, smiling and waiting for mommy to lift them out. Favorites are "Victor Vito", "Fast and Slow", and my two besties "Moon, Moon, Moon", and "Five Days Old". The beginning of "Five Days Old" is especially pretty and I pick up each baby and sing along to them quietly in their ear (re-playing the beginning of the track for the next).
Eat, Pray, Love Soundtrack
- Our neighbors let us borrow this soundtrack and somehow it became our "mealtime music". The babies will often find mommy or daddy dancing by them in the kitchen, making complete fools of themselves in the name of baby entertainment. What's not to love about a compilation consisting of (a lifetime fave of mine) Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, Gilberto, plus a killer operatic that I can't remember the name of. All good meals should be accompanied by good music, right?
Baby Mozart Music CD
- We take roadtrips which, of course, require roadtrip music, DUH. Though this would not be my first choice if I were driving across the country with my husband or best girlfriends, it sure comes in handy when running and errand with three babies in tow ...especially if someone starts to cry. All I can say is that I love it when the wacky, bubbly electronified Mozart xylophone kicks in and all goes quiet in the back of our mini van. I never thought I'd be saying that!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Helmet Buddies
As you know, Charlotte and Alton have been wearing helmets for quite some time now. So far, the process has been painless and both babies have adjusted very well to their new accessory. The helmets are to be worn 23 of the 24 hour day and so far we've been rather diligent about that. It's often difficult for me to see the difference in their head shapes since I see them every day, but I've been told that we are seeing progress for sure.
Here are a few shots of Charlotte's pink cammo and Alton's carbon head pieces.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Curls
It's official...we've got curls. At this point, Baxter is the only one to take after his momma in the hair department. Alton and Charlotte seem to have Kreg's beautiful straight hair (which I've always admired), but I must admit that I'm pleased to see a curl or two!!!
Autumn Feast
We took the babies to a favorite stompy grounds of ours - Tabora Farm and Orchards. Well, typically the cookies and other amazing baked goods inside are what people come for, BUT our trips found the hay outside to be simply delish. It was such a nice day for the whole family to get out and about together and enjoy (my favorite season) the FALL. Aaaah, the cool air paired with the crisp straw was a delight.
Speech Therapy = Mommy Therapy
At our 9 month check-up, it was suggested that Charlotte take some speech therapy. Our doctor is very proactive and tries to stay ahead of potential concerns, especially since Charlotte was growth restricted and 2 months premature. Though speech therapy may not be needed, Charlotte is not really expressing herself with her vowels or consonants just yet since she loves to "squeal". Most of our session today was focused on understanding the building blocks of communication and the therapist reassured us of how VERY interested and active Charlotte is (loves those toys, toys, toys).
There was a special moment when the therapist was focusing on Charlotte and the "give and take" of communication when I realized that this was more for ME than for our baby girl. Charlotte was fully engaged and totally enjoying going back and forth with her "ahhhhs" with Sue. I suddenly started to cry....tried to pull myself together but could not hold back some tears. I explained, "I'm sorry, I just get so worried about the babies". I was facing the struggle of a mother of multiples. On one hand, I'm a new mom who does not know what to do and wants the ability to focus on one baby...while on the other hand, I have three babies who need me and all the other "stuff" that comes along with living. I know I'm doing really well, but I also recognize that there's always room for improvement.
It's not like I don't talk with the babies...but sometimes it's hard to determine who needs me when. There's a learning curve for everyone...including mommy.
There was a special moment when the therapist was focusing on Charlotte and the "give and take" of communication when I realized that this was more for ME than for our baby girl. Charlotte was fully engaged and totally enjoying going back and forth with her "ahhhhs" with Sue. I suddenly started to cry....tried to pull myself together but could not hold back some tears. I explained, "I'm sorry, I just get so worried about the babies". I was facing the struggle of a mother of multiples. On one hand, I'm a new mom who does not know what to do and wants the ability to focus on one baby...while on the other hand, I have three babies who need me and all the other "stuff" that comes along with living. I know I'm doing really well, but I also recognize that there's always room for improvement.
It's not like I don't talk with the babies...but sometimes it's hard to determine who needs me when. There's a learning curve for everyone...including mommy.
Whoa, Cosmic!
Baxter is in serious "explorer mode"...I suppose that happens with mobility. Here's a shot of him discovering Twilight Turtle for the first time. WHOOOAA, so much to explore out there!!
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