A Mother's Touch

Why is it that when your child is sick, they only want you, the mother? The grandma and grandpa they usually adore just won't cut it. Even daddy... not gonna happen.

I think the answer is because a mother's touch is like no one else's. You created these little bundles of joy (or hell raisers). They love you. They worship you. They adore you. You are their world. They are helpless without you.

I think I am writing this post mainly for myself. I need to hear it, and read it over and over again. Sometimes I think I may take my kids for granted. I have found myself thinking why me? Why did I have to have twins? Why do I have this three year old boy who doesn't listen to me? What did I do to deserve this? Why did my husband start his own company and has to work 60+ hours a week right when we had the twins? Why did we have to get the house we yearned for right when we had twins AND started our own company (meaning our house is STILL undecorated and partly unfurnished, and I can't stand it)? Why does life work out this way?

But then I see these faces...


And I get teary eyed even knowing that these thoughts go through my head. But the truth is they do. And I think I'm normal. I don't know many other people who have multiples, but maybe I should. Maybe it's time I join a mother's of multiples group. I think I need it. I need the help, the advice and tips of these mothers who are going through the same thing I am.

Back to A Mother's Touch. James has been cranky today. I know he is sick. He slept almost 4 hours this afternoon and woke up with a temperature of 103.2! Poor little man. The Motrin helped it subside, but all he wanted to do was have me hold him. Very unlike James... so not the cuddler. He didn't want gramma Sue or grandpa Dave. Just me.

Then there was someone else who also only wanted me. Jillian has had the worst diarrhea for 2 days now. With that came the worst diaper rash I have seen. She screams when her diaper gets changed. She only wants me. I have two babies who are crawling all over me and I can't give both the attention they need. Then there is Derek. What's wrong with him? ...I have no idea. Probably jealous of the time the babies take from me. So he tested my limits today. He got spanked and sent to his room by Jason, and then again by me. And now I feel awful. He just wants attention and love. When he asked to come out of his room, he wasn't mad at me. Even though I yelled like I shouldn't have yelled and dragged him to his room, he still loves me unconditionally. I'm his mom.

I wish there were more of me to go around. I can't do it all right now. It's hard. It's not getting easier. I'm not sure when it does. But for now I need to re-learn my patience I had just a few weeks ago. I need to stop and take a breath before I lose my cool.

I'm these kids' mother. They have only one. They love me no matter what. I need to remember that.

And a random picture I adore!

Two brothers going on a bike ride with their dad. Derek loves to look after James, and James really looks up to Derek already.

Woo Hoo!

I got a call from my good friend Jennifer this morning. She opened her email to find she got tickets to Dancing With The Stars next week. She got to choose tickets for either Monday or Tuesday night. Well, by the time she got the email Monday's tickets were already taken... so we're going Tuesday. Which I prefer because that's the day they have a performance by someone famous. I can't wait.

My mom will help with the kids. I just need to make a call to my mother-in-law now to see if she could help out, as well.

Now... what to wear? Men have to wear slacks, a dress shirt and jacket. Women have to wear something formal. How fun. I think it may be shopping time.

Little Jillie's Ears

OK...

I was going to take Jillian to get her ears pierced yesterday. I feel so bad, though. Why do I feel so bad? I think it hurts. Of course it's only for a few seconds, but I feel awful. I know everyone does it, but I'm having a hard time.

So yesterday I was ready to go. But then Jason asked me why I felt she needed her ears pierced right now. He doesn't want her to have them pierced until she's ready.

Then my mom came over and said she couldn't bare to come with me. She thinks I should wait until Jill is around 2 or 3 and asks to get her ears pierced. She also thinks if Jillian was the only baby, it would be ok. But James is constantly tugging on her hair and always pulls her bows out, so he would probably do that to her earrings. Once she told me that, I realized that would most definitely happen. These two can't keep their hands to themselves. But I LOVE the look of a cute little girl with her ears pierced. I know to most people this isn't a big deal at all. And I really don't think it is either... it's just a hard decision for me mostly because of James picking on her. What to do, what to do?

So the ear piercing is going to wait... for now anyway. My mother-in-law says she'll take her. Which is totally ok with me. Maybe I just don't want to be there.

Tell me your thoughts....

Mickey's Trick or Treat Party: Year 2

On Thursday night we took Derek to Disneyland for Mickey's Trick or Treat Party. The babies had a sleepover at Gramma & Grandpa Enlow's... thank you mom & dad! The trick or treat party is held in California Adventure, which I really don't care for, but Derek loves. Disney doesn't disappoint: lots of candy stations (although last year they were more generous with their candy), lots of extravagant Halloween decorations, and kids dressed up everywhere! Derek loved it even more than last year, just as we expected he would.

On the way there... Woody holding Woody on his shoulders... he was so excited. Just as I remember being when I was a child going to Disneyland. He seriously could hardly contain himself.


When we walked in he saw a girl dressed as Jessie, and he wanted to befriend her so bad. Here is the cute little couple:




Not even out of the parking lot yet:

Pictures Don't Lie

A total ladies man (the shirt doesn't lie). I may drool a lot, but my mom always has a change of clothes for me. I only have 4 1/2 teeth, but how can you resist this happy face? My personality and charm is even better than my looks. I love to cuddle, and I'm an excellent sleeper. Who wouldn't love me?

Enough pictures, please mom!


Don't forget about me!

I'm just as cute, and look! My hair is growing... I can finally wear a bow without the headband! I'm a lot more mature than my twin brother... I have 6 1/2 teeth! I don't need as much sleep as him either, I don't like to miss out on life! I also like to cuddle, but only when I'm getting sleepy. And I can say 'mama'... my brother only thinks he's talking, but really he just mumbles a lot. How could you not love this face?

One of those days

My family room has looked like this since yesterday:


I'm so tired. When does having a 3 year old and 2 infants get easy? I think the answer is... it doesn't.

Do you know what I would give for a "Patsy"? Let me explain...

Who watches Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood?

I heart this show! I love Tori Spelling, not for her acting, but for her awesome hair and fashion sense... and for her normality. She is a mother of 2 and she really is so normal, and I love her for it. I think we would be great friends... seriously. Anyway, she has a live-in nanny/house keeper/friend/mother's helper. Her name is Patsy. I love her. I always tell Jason how I wish I had a 'Patsy'. She goes to doctor appointments with Tori, cooks dinner, cleans, does laundry. But they do it together. It's not like Patsy is just their nanny/maid. She's a part of their family. I love that... and I'm jealous.

I have 3 laundry baskets full of dirty clothes... I have a dishwasher that needs to be emptied... and I SO need to dust. But I think I have finally learned that all of this stuff can wait. Until we are walking around naked because we have no clean clothes....

So anyway, I cleaned up the family room tonight, went to rent a movie, and picked up a pizza at BJ's. They have curbside service to-go now. I've never used this service before. How convenient! You just order online, go to the marked parking spot, call them to say you're there, and they bring your food right to your car. How very lazy I felt, but how nice if I had the kids with me.

All 3 kids were in bed at 6:45 tonight. Jason and I enjoyed dinner together and now we're going to watch The Proposal. Jason hasn't seen it yet and I LOVE it!

Happy Friday night everyone!

Ain't That The Truth!

I got this in an email today and thought I'd share...

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, 'I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed'.

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk, wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse.


Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.

Dad called out, 'I thought you were going to bed.'

'I'm on my way,' she said.

She put some water into the dog's dish then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.

She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm ; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. 'I'm going to bed'

And he did. without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer?

Cause we are made for the long haul....(and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!)

He is going to be one tough little guy!

Here are our stairs:


Here is the poor defenseless little boy:
(Yes, he is eating rice off my parents floor, yesterday... and he is happy!)


Do you see where I am going with this?

It's 5:00 pm.
The kids and I are upstairs in the bonus room.
The doorbell rings.
I go to answer the door.
It's some neighbor and her kids collecting canned goods for a food drive.
I don't know that Derek has tried to climb over the gate that has the babies locked in the bonus room.
As he did this the gate was knocked down.
James sees his escape.
And goes for it... down the hall towards the stairs.
He falls down 7 steps.
I don't even know this is happening yet.
I hear nothing amongst my talking with this lady at the door.
I give her a few cans and shut the door.
I look up to see James tumble down the last step.
And then crying.
It actually took me a minute to realize it was James because he and Derek wore the same shirt today.
I made a beeline up the stairs.
And just held him and started to cry myself.
He only cried a few minutes... I couldn't believe it.
I sent Derek to his room after a LOT of reprimanding for what he did.
James didn't have a bump, bruise or any evidence of the fall.
I'm shocked... and relieved.

Does Derek have a death sentence for his little brother?

Poor James.

He is going to be one tough guy.

Needless to say when my dad arrived he installed the gate at the top of the stairs for us.


We've had it for weeks and haven't installed it. I didn't think we needed it since whenever we are upstairs we're in the bonus room, which has a tension gate. Now I know that isn't good enough when I have a wild 3 year old around.

9 Months Old

Yeah! We've reached the 9 month mark. Most parents say it flew by and how sad they are to see their babies grow up. Well you already know what I'm going to say. It didn't fly by, the nine months felt like nine months, or maybe even longer. Only 3 more months until they're one! Can't wait.

* These two fight like no other! They fight over one anther's bottle, they fight over toys, they fight over food... everything!

* James is getting his 5th tooth now. Jill is getting her 7th! She's always been ahead of her twin in the that department. They eat anything BUT baby food. Which makes it difficult to figure out what to feed them right now. They'll take a few bites of baby food, as long as it's fruit. But then they want real food. So they eat toast, pancakes, waffles, or eggs for breakfast. Lunch is usually pasta, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, applesauce, or mashed bananas. Dinner is the same as lunch... and soup, they love soup. I try to mix it up, but it's so hard to think of soft foods they won't choke on. Derek ate baby food for a long time, and loved it. I guess I'm saving money on baby food though... that's a plus.



(Jill's hair is finally starting to grow, but only on top, as you can see!)

* They both pull themselves up onto anything they can and walk along the walls and furniture. They can stand unassisted for a few seconds. I'm hoping they'll both be walking by Christmas... we'll see.


They also can't sleep in the same room anymore. This definitely irritates me. We have a four bedroom house.. our room, Derek's room, the twins' room, and an office. I wish Jason didn't need an office, because these babies really need their own rooms. If they are in the same room, they don't sleep well. One wakes up the other and so on. It just doesn't work. James always sleeps in his crib in their room. Jillian always sleeps in the pack-n-play in the bonus room. Usually this is ok, but we have to try to be quiet so we don't wake her up. Sometimes I move the pack-n-play in our room, but it's such a hassle to move it back and forth. So right now I'm thinking I need to make a room divider and create a 'make shift' room, or little area, just for Jillian in the bonus room. I'll put some type of white noise (like a fan) in with her so that distracts from our noise downstairs.

One thing they do that I LOVE is that they hold their own bottles. I usually put them down for their naps with a bottle and they drink it and go right to sleep. I think they know how much it helps me out!

I've also had plans to get Jillian's ears pierced the past 2 Saturdays now, but she hasn't felt good. I just feel awful adding to her discomfort. I know I'll cry if she cries, and I hate that. I'm such a baby when I see my children in pain, even if it is only for a few seconds. Maybe I'll take her this week. I'll keep you posted.

I wish I had more pictures to post for their 9 month post, but I don't... Sorry grandparents! I'll try to take more this week.

Football

I haven't taken pictures of the kids in a few days. Everyone has been sick, including myself, and... well, we aren't looking so hot.

These were from 2 weekends ago. We had Jason's nephews and his parents over to watch the niner game and they played some football during halftime. Derek is really starting to love sports, playing and watching.



Such a little poser...


Football time means Fall weather... we had some last week. I loved it.


Now it's Monday. I hate Mondays. Although today has started off pretty good. Jason isn't leaving for work until 1:30; so we went for a walk... babies are now asleep. I'm off to run errands with Derek. Then hopefully I'll get a nap when the babies nap this afternoon.

My throat hurts. My head is congested. Being a sick mom isn't fun. Why is it that we don't ever get to rest? If Jason was sick, he would be resting. Ughhhhh! I think I want to be a dad instead of a mom.

I've Been Ghosted!

It's 7:30, all 3 kids are in bed and the doorbell rings. The dog barks. Ugggh! Who would be at the door right now? I hate unexpected visitors during the bedtime hours. I look out the peep hole and no one is there. Being such a paranoid person, I didn't open the door fearing that someone was kneeling down so I couldn't see them through the peep hole and once I opened the door they would either stab me or hold me down as they forced entry into my house to kidnap my kids or rob me. Yes, I'm being serious, I thought this. (Do I watch too many movies?)... I waited about 5 minutes as I kept looking out the peep hole and through the window. When I decided to open the door, I found a nice surprise!


I was ghosted!


This bag was full of goodies: a pumpkin candles, a ball made of eyeballs, pencils, a pad of cute Halloween paper, a cookie cutter with cookie mix, gummy eyeballs, bubbles, and Hershey's kisses.

The note reads: (right click to enlarge)


So they left this ghost on my front door that I leave on so no one 'ghosts' us again. Although it would be fun to get 'ghosted' twice. hehe


What a nice neighborhood we moved in to! Looks like I need to make a run to Target to ghost 2 other houses in our neighborhood! Fun! I love stuff like this... it made my night. Not to mention Derek will be so excited when he wakes up in the morning to find a bag of goodies.

Lookie, Lookie...

I got me a laptop! Well, my very sweet husband got me a laptop this weekend. I'm so excited! Now I can blog anywhere! We've had our PC since before we were married. I would say it's about 8 years old. And I hate that thing! It's slow, it freezes, the CD thingie won't open... I've been wanting a laptop for a few months now, and Jason finally delivered. WOOOHOOO! Maybe I'll blog more now, or actually edit and make my pictures prettier.... we'll see.

More Pics

A few more pictures from our photo session..

Brace Yourselves....

I got the CD back from our photo shoot with Anna (annalittlephotography.com). I love the pictures! She took hundreds of great pictures, and I don't know how I'm going to choose which ones to post on here, let alone which ones to frame. So here it goes... in no particular order, and no captions... sorry.