We're 9 months old!!!

Hadley and Hailey were 9 months old on June 4th (32 weeks adjusted)! I cannot believe how fast they have grown. They are quite the little squirmers and love to chat. They have started being able to tell who people are and definitely have their stranger danger screams down. They both say dada, baba, yaya, and now they have started saying mama! Even though it's not for me yet it's still the best sound I have ever heard.

Hadley (left) and Hailey (right)

This month Hadley and Hailey are:
- wearing size 3 diapers and 3-6 month clothes and some 6-9 month clothes

- eating 4 oz bottles roughly 3 times a day, and eating solids 3x a day (4oz at breakfast; 6oz at lunch; and 6oz at dinner)

- they love feeding themselves. They eat cheese puffs, strawberry puffs, diced fruit and veggies and have even had a hot dog, mac and cheese, lasagna and spaghetti!

- we are still working on drinking water from a sippy cup.

- They are still sleeping well in their own room in their own cribs from about 8:00pm-6:00am; every once in a while they still will wake up, but it is still usually just if they aren't feeling well.

- They take 2-3, 1-2hr naps during the day

- They are able to sit without any support

- They are squirming all over the floor trying to crawl, and are able to get around by turning in circles, rolling and going backwards

- They both have gotten up on all fours and rocked back and forth, but no real crawling yet

- They still love to talk and play, and will interact with each other, us and even strangers on occasion. They love to be imitated and imitate us.

- They are beginning to learn what 'no' means as they are getting into everything and pulling each others hair

- They will look when their name is called and have great sound localization

- They love looking at things and Hailey has even used one finger to point to the fish in daddy's fish tank. 

Hadley: 16lbs 8.5oz and 27inches long

Hailey: 16lbs and 13.5oz and 27.25 inches long

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great weekend here in Houston visiting with friends and spending some rare family time together.

We had a quiet Friday night at home. Paul had gotten his ukelele in the mail on Thursday so he got to tinker with it and we just hung out and relaxed. Hadley and Hailey are terrified of Paul playing the guitar so we were nervous how they would react to his ukelele, but thankfully they both loved it. Maybe one day they will like the guitar too.

Paul and his hula girls

On Saturday our friends Dave and Phebey were in town for a visit. It was a relaxing visit hanging out at our house with the girls. We went to Ben and Jerry's for ice cream and Hadley and Hailey enjoyed some mango sorbet. Then we grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs to celebrate memorial day! We were excited they came to visit and that we got to see them one more time before their trip to India. We will definitely miss them when they are gone, but are excited for their journey.  

Hailey and Phebey eating ice cream and mango sorbet

Dave and Hadley having ice cream

On Sunday we went to church, did some shopping and finally got to try out the girls splash pad I had bought for them about a month earlier. Hailey was a little skeptical at first, but Hadley thought it was the best thing ever. Hailey eventually warmed up to it and loved it too. Looks like we are going to have a great summer splashing in the back yard.

Playing in the splash pad

Hadley loved it!

Hailey had fun too

Monday was a day for visiting. We went to visit Paul's good friend from med school, Jose and his wife and their new little girl Christina. It was weird to see how much the girls had grown since we first brought them home. They are so big now, and I feel like it was so long ago that they were that small. After, we were done there we went to Texas Children's to visit a friend and then on to the galleria for more shopping and to grab lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Paul and I have been wanting to try all of their cheesecakes. In college we attempted to try every sno cone flavor from our favorite sno cone stand, and now our grown up version is cheesecakes.

Too little for cheesecake

I am looking forward to many more relaxing holiday weekends with my three favorite people in the years to come.

4 year anniversary

I can't believe it's been four years.  I could never have dreamed that Paul and I would be where we are today four years ago. We are beyond blessed with two beautiful little girls. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for our little family.

This year Paul and I just hung out at home. Paul made a nice steak dinner and we enjoyed it together (we don't usually get to eat dinner together anymore) after the girls went to bed. In fact, we were very relaxed this year. I got Paul a ukelele for his gift, but had to tell him about it early since he's picky with instruments and I knew he would want to pick it out himself. For my gift Paul follows the traditional gift schedule and year four is linen. I have been wanting a new comforter set for a while now so I told Paul that would be the perfect gift! I lucked out and found a good deal on one that matched our decorations a few days before our anniversary. As we're getting older I find our anniversary surprises are less exciting, but I suppose that's on purpose since the girls keep us on our toes anyway.

I am so blessed to have married Paul and grateful that he puts up with all my craziness. I couldn't ask for someone better to share this life with, and am excited to continue on this amazing journey together. 

We're 8 months old!!

Hadley and Hailey were 8 months old on May 4th (28 weeks adjusted)! They are getting so big and are a lot more active this month. They are talking up a storm and are into everything! I love all the new noises they are making, and how they love to interact with us and each other.

Hadley (left) and Hailey (right)

This month Hadley and Hailey are:
- wearing size 3 diapers and 3-6 month clothes

- eating 4-6 oz roughly every 3-4 times a day, and eating solids 3x a day (3oz at breakfast; 4oz at lunch; and 6oz at dinner)

- they love eating cheese puffs and feeding themselves. 

- we are still attempting to drink water from a sippy cup. They think its more for banging on their tray than for drinking.

- They are still sleeping well in their own room in their own cribs from about 8:00pm-6:00am; every once in a while they will wake up, but usually just if they aren't feeling well.

- They are able to sit without any support

- They are squirming all over the floor trying to crawl, but not getting anywhere

- They still love to talk and play, and will interact with each other now and us.

- They are able to grasp objects and toys and can switch items from hand to hand

- They will look for things that they have dropped and then look back to me to get it.

- They love being sung to and read to and have even started "singing" with us
- They are still doing well at daycare and making tons of friends

Hadley: 15lbs 12oz and 25 1/2 inches

Hailey: 16lbs and 25 1/2 inches

Feeding themselves

 

Eating cheese puffs

 

sitting up so good and sharing toys

Mother's Day

Mother's Day sure was interesting this year.  We were still in OK and scheduled to drive back home late that morning since Paul and I both had work the following Monday. I was happy to at least be able to start the day with my mom, and even though it would be spent in the car I still got to spend the day with my two beautiful little girls! However, Paul had other ideas. He ended up catching an awful 48 hour bug. I have never seen him so sick and I felt awful for him. He didn't leave the bathroom all day. My mom and I ended up spending the day together taking care of my sick husband and trying to prevent the girls from catching whatever he had.  I am very grateful my mom was there to help me. She's an amazing mom and always there when I need her. I just wish the day could have been more special rather than filled with laundry, cleaning and rocking crying babies.

Paul finally felt "better" that evening around 5:00pm and we decided to go ahead and head back to Houston so that I could at least go to work on Monday and if he did just have a 24 hour bug he could go to work too. I was nervous to drive the van for the first time on such a long journey and through the middle of both Dallas and Houston. Luckily, since it was so late at night when we were driving traffic was not a concern. The girls did great on the drive and Paul was able to rest the whole way home. We arrived shortly after 1:00am and Paul had put out my Mother's Day presents before we left so they would be waiting for me when we returned.

My gifts from Paul and the girls

The two best gifts ever!! and with their presents to me.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day because not only did I get to spend it with my mom, but I also got to experience the joy of being a mother and spend the day with my own daughters. No matter the circumstances if I am with them I am blessed and full of joy!

The reasons I get to celebrate Mother's Day!!

Uncle Brett's Graduation!!

My little brother Brett graduated from pharmacy school on May 11th. I took off that Friday from work and Paul was able to take a day off as well. Over Easter we made a big decision that at first I was not completely thrilled about, but now cannot imagine life if we hadn't decided to purchase my grandparent's van. My grandparents have been wanting to get a smaller crossover/SUV instead of their van since they don't travel that much and no longer feel like they need all the space the van has to offer. I am grateful to Paul and my grandpa for realizing that we needed more space when I didn't. My grandpa didn't want to trade in his van so he sold it to us instead! We decided to fly to Brett's graduation and then drive the van home after graduation!

We left early Friday morning for the airport and the girls 1st flight!! I was very nervous, as I am not a huge fan of flying and checking in/waiting at security/boarding is all very hard to predict without infants let alone with two unpredictable little girls as well. Luckily we made it through security and checking in just as the last passengers were getting on the plane. We missed our spot in line and family boarding, but were still able to get a row to ourselves and since the plane wasn't full we had an extra seat between Paul and I for the girls to play in before take off. The girls are amazing!! Have I mentioned what great travelers they are? Hadley enjoyed looking out the window while we waited for take off and her and Hailey both had a great time playing in the seat. When we finally prepared for take off, Paul and I picked the girls up, put them in our lap and they both fell right asleep before the wheels left the ground. It's a short flight to OKC and the girls slept the whole way. They woke up from the jolt of the landing.

Hailey (left) and Hadley (right) playing on the plane

Daddy and Hailey waiting for takeoff

Mommy and Hailey waiting for takeoff

Hadley looking out the window

My mom and grandpa picked us up from the airport in our new van and Paul was thrilled. As we were driving home from the airport, Paul was pushing all the buttons and raving about how amazing the van was. I have to admit it was a lot nicer than I imagined it would be and the girls can see out the windows too!

Me with our new van

Once we got to Minco we took care of paperwork for the van and visisted with my grandma, before getting ready for my little brother's hooding ceremony that evening. Paul and my youngest brother Steven stayed home and babysat the girls while my mom, grandparents and I attended the hooding ceremony. We met my brother's girlfriend Kayla there and were all very proud of Brett's accomplishments. He is the first Doctor in our family and it's nice having a pharmacist around to help guide you to what medicine works best for what ails you.

Brett getting his hood

Brett with my grandparents and mom

Uncle Steven and Hailey

The next morning we all woke up, got ready and headed off to Southwestern Oklahoma State University for graduation. It was sunny and a little warm so I spent most of graduation in the shade with the girls, and surprise surprise they slept through most of it, but did wake up just in time to cheer for Uncle Brett as he walked across the stage. I am so proud of my little brother and can't wait to see what the future holds for him.

Brett getting his diploma

Hadley and Hailey with Brett

Brett with his cake

Baby Dedication

April 28th was going to be a huge day for us. It was going to be our first March of Dimes experience. I have always wanted to get involved with March of Dimes even before becoming pregnant and having the girls prematurely. It is a great organization that does amazing things for the health of all women and babies during pregnancy and birth. I highly recommend you checking out all the ways the March of Dimes changes the lives of so many around us and probably even you too when you get a chance.

Anyway, we were supposed to go on the walk that morning, but a huge thunderstorm came in the night before and completely flooded the area and it was canceled :( I was so sad that we couldn't join in this event this year, but so grateful to those that donated to our fund and the money we raised for such an amazing cause.

The girls butterflies that would have been in the butterfly garden. They are green because they were born prematurely

It ended up working out in our favor anyway since it was also the night of the girls' baby dedication at our church. I can't believe we almost missed it. I didn't find out until two weeks before when dedication was and at our church they only do it every 6 months so the girls would be over a year old at the next one. Unfortunately, our families couldn't make it into town due to other commitments and unexpected events occuring. However, my best friend's parents, Kent and Carma Altendorf, and Paul's friend from medical school Jose were able to join us on this special day. We are so blessed that they chose to share in our joy and witness our dedication of the girls to God as we covered them in prayer for their futures.

They slept through dediation

The screen

Thanks so much Jose for coming...wish I had gotten a picture with Kent and Carma too.

I can never thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me, and can assure you I am completely undeserving of them all. I am eternally grateful and in awe of his generosity and blessings in my life. And I am even more amazed that he has entrusted the lives of the two most precious girls to me and Paul and I pray that we will continue to lean on Him, trust Him and follow His guidance as we bring up the girls in His name.

With our beautiful blessings

Take me Out to the Ball Game

Paul loves the Texas Rangers and I love my best friend Beth so we all loaded up and headed to Dallas for a weekend of baseball and hanging out with Beth towards the end of April. We arrived in Dallas late Friday evening after I got off work, and spent the evening catching up with Beth. The next morning we all headed out to a yummy brunch and to meet Beth's new guy. Luckily for him he passed the first test ;). Once we were all fed we headed out on a hunt for new Ranger's gear and strollers for the game that evening. It took a few stores, but finally everyone had the appropriate attire and gear for the game.

Hadley and Hailey all dressed and ready for the game

Paul was so excited to take the girls to their first baseball game. We made a sign that says "We drove from Houston for our First Ranger Game!" and Paul was certain the girls would win fan of the game. When we arrived at Ranger stadium we took a few pictures before going in and met up with our friends Dave and Phebey. We were especially glad to see Dave and Phebey as they will be moving all the way to India in June! If you would like to read more about their upcoming journey and how to support them you can check them out at www.daveandphebey.com. Dave was the best man at our wedding and a friend to both Paul and I throughout our years at OSU.

Daddy and his Ranger girls with their sign

Once we got into the stadium things all went downhill. Hailey has a fear of large crowds and freaked out at the sight of a sold out stadium (and it was close to her bedtime...I told paul this might be a problem). We eventually got her calmed down, and Hadley of course thought everyone was there to see her and not the game. I  think a few people around  us moved because the girls were crying and we kept having to bounce them and such, but overall once everyone calmed down it was a good game and we made if all the way through inning 9! I found out at the end of the game that is was Phebey's first baseball game to attend as well! All in all for only being 7 1/2 months old and it being past their bedtime I think the girls did great at their first baseball game and we look forward to bringing them to another game.

Paul with Hailey

Mommy and Hadley

We left Sunday afternoon after going to church with Beth and it happened to be children's Sunday so that was a lot of fun, and we got to have lunch with the new boy and he passed the second round as well! We look forward to our next trip to Dallas!

Me and Beth

We're 7 Months Old!!

The girls turned 7 months old on April 4th! (24 weeks adjusted). We had so much fun taking their 7 month pictures. They are beginning to sit up on their own with some assistance still and kept toppling into each other. Each month just gets more and more fun as they learn and grow. This month they seemed to really start interacting with eachother and Paul and I more on purpose than accident. I love their laughter and cannot express the joy they bring to our lives.

Hadley left and Hailey right

Hadley - apparently I forgot to take weight and height this month :(

Hailey

This month Hailey and Hadley are:
- wearing size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes

- eating 6 oz roughly every 4-5 hours, and eating solids 1-2x a day (3oz at breakfast; 4oz at dinner)

- attempting to drink water from a sippy cup

- They are still sleeping well in their own room in their own cribs from about 8:00pm-6:00am; every once in a while they will wake up once in the night to eat and go right back to sleep

- They both roll over from back to belly and from belly to back
- They are able to sit with minimal support

- They still love to talk and play, and are beginning to interact more with each other now

- They are better at grasping objects and toys and can switch items from hand to hand

- They will look for things that they have dropped.
- They are starting to move their legs and arms when on their bellies to get ready for crawling.

-They both still love the jumper and fight for time in it, but Hadley really loves it.

- They love being sung to and read to

- They are still doing well at daycare and making tons of friends

Hailey checking out the bluebonnets

Hadley

Hadley on left and Hailey on right

family photo

Easter and our tour of Oklahoma

We headed to Oklahoma for Easter this year. We drove straight to Minco that Thursday evening after I got off work and arrived early that Friday morning. The girls did amazing as always. We are so blessed to have such good travelers. They even went right back to sleep after we arrived in Minco and having a little play time while the car was unloaded and their crib was set up.

Hailey has all the toys

Hadley is enjoying her Easter bunny

That Friday we hung out with my grandparents and had an early Easter dinner. Mark and Mallory had driven up from San Antonio too and we all had a good time eating yummy food and hanging out before heading to Tulsa that night to see my older brother and his family.

Once again we arrived late Friday night and the girls did amazing and went right back to sleep after their crib was set up. I had never been to my older brother's house so it was nice to spend some time there with his family. My mom and 4 younger brothers all traveled with us as well.

We were supposed to go to my niece and nephews soccer games on Saturday morning and afternon, but the rain kept us from doing that so we enjoyed pizza for lunch, some outdoor basketball and just in general hanging out around the house. We also got to visit my little brother Brett and his girlfriend Kayla's place. They have a nice little apartment in Tulsa where Brett is finishing up his rotations for pharmacy school and Kayla is going to law school. All in all it was a fun mini trip to Tulsa.

Hadley and Addelynn playing

watching a movie with cousin Addelynn

Hailey swinging in Trevor's swing. She loved it!

Hadley swinging

Brett and Tyler dying Easter eggs

We left fairly early on Easter Sunday so that we could make it home at a decent hour and have time to stop in Ada to see Paul's grandma on his dad's side. She hadn't had a chance to meet the girls yet so it was fun surprising her with our visit and catching up with some of Paul's Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Playing with cousins Tate and Reid

Hadley with Melody and Reid

Meeting Mimi for the first time

We sure were busy, but we had a great trip traveling all over and visiting all of our family in OK. I think the girls had a great first Easter and I look forward to enjoying many Easters to come with them. I can't wait until they can dye eggs. My brothers and I have dyed eggs every year together since I can remember except for this past year which makes me a little sad; although I did catch Brett and Tyler dying eggs and Addelynn too.

Hadley with her Easter basket

Hailey with her Easter basket

Happy Easter!!