The kids had a great time playing in the leaves. They have been at their new daycare for one week. These are pictures of their first day!
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Clingmans Dome
6 years ago
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
My Montage 10/10/10 at OneTrueMedia.com
Finally posted some recent pictures and video clips! We had a wonderful weekend playing outside with great friends! Miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
So busy!
For those of you who don't know, I have decided to go back to work and was fortunate to secure a teaching job in this economy. I am teaching the 5th-8th Grade Accelerated Learner Program at South Arbor Charter Academy. I will teach Science and Language Arts and am very excited for this new adventure!
This means daycare for the kids and what a stressful situation that is! A daycare has been chosen, but the kids can't start until they are 2 years and 6 months (November) so we had to figure out an alternate plan until then.
I have two amazing women that care for my kids when I need a moment. They have agreed to work together to care for John and Megan. Our sitter will come to the house in the morning so I can leave for work and she will take care of the kids until lunch time when she will drive them to daycare. This will let the kids be in their home, let them sleep in, and allow them to slowly transition into full time daycare in November. I can't imagine what I would do without them and know that my kids love them too!
I am still volunteering at St. Joseph Mercy (where the kids were born) and continue to be the Chairperson for the Family Advisory Board in the NICU. Our annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction are right around the corner and we are working hard to make this the best year ever.
This summer I continued with my canning. The kids and I are enjoying our jams, tomatoe sauces, and peaches. I am looking forward to the fall when I can make applebutter and applesauce.
The kids are amazing! Earlier in the summer they had surgery to put tubes in their ears. There have been minimal runny noses since then! They are talking up a storm and communicate in full sentences much of the time. John is riding his bike like he has been doing it his whole life, they love swimming, and are pretty excited about ice cream. Megan is still pretty tiny (about 22 pounds) and John is bulking up (nearing 27 pounds). They are both working on their two year molars which is super fun! They love going to birthday parties and singing "happy to you" to everyone who will listen. They are transitioning to full time daycare well and I hope that they continue to enjoy it! John now has curly blonde hair. It is fantastic and I hope that he keeps it. Megan has gone through a few stages of hair likes...ponytails are now acceptable again, but not everyday! She is very particular about it and we are letting her hair grow out. Unless it becomes a mullett again!
I am hoping that things calm down a little and I will be able to update everyone on my life soon.
Enjoy the rest of your summer....mine seems to have flown by!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
John and Megan Turn 2 at OneTrueMedia.com
I added pictures from the birthday party in Indiana. If you don't want to watch then entire thing again the new segment starts at 3 minutes 8 seconds.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
John and Megan are 2
It amazes me that my children are already two. They are such awesome kids and I know that I am so privileged to be their mom.
As many changes occur in our lives, I know that John and Megan will continue to thrive. They give and receive an overwhelming amount of love as well as support. They have such a connection to each other and always try to comfort the other if upset or angry (unless of course, they were the cause). It is my hope that they will always give their love, encouragement, and support freely to each other.
It has been a while since I have given a "What are the twins doing?" update, so I thought that it was time.
John is talking up a storm. He really loves to say "I don't want that" or "Stop it". He continues to be a rough and tumble boy. Right now he has two black eyes. One from running into a 2x4 and where the other one came from is a mystery. He chases and tackles Megan whenever he can and really enjoys sitting on her until she gets upset (and sometimes even after she gets upset). He has thought about sitting on the potty and has even peed 3 times, but shows no real interest, so we are not pushing him. John has shown that he is a true monkey. He climbs everything that he can and loves to play with balls and ride his bike. He is on the go all the time and when nap and bedtimes come around he is ready to sleep. He lies in his crib and covers himself up before saying "night night". So cute! At his two year check-up he weighed in at 24 lbs. The pediatrician says that he has no noticeable delays and that he has caught up with his peers, no longer being considered a preemie!
Megan is my little mommy. I am amazed at the tenderness she shows others. She is very concerned if people are crying and often dries their eyes and says "Don't cry, It's OK". She is my little helper too. She will always make sure that John has his drink or snack and then gets hers. It is pretty sweet (but we will make sure that she knows it is OK to take care of herself too). She is in love with baby dolls. She sleeps with at least one a night and is very particular about them. She got a few for her birthday that have removable clothes. She doesn't like them to stay dressed, so we have some naked babies all around the house. Megan is also VERY chatty! She is very interested in potty training. She has gone poopy in her diaper only 2 times in the past week. She will let us know she has to poop and then usually try to take her pants and diaper off then run to the potty. She like to take her time and spends 15-30 minutes working it out (often with a book or a conversation). She has NEVER peed on the potty though, which seems a bit backward to me, but I am not going to question it. She does like to take her diaper off right after she goes pee though, so maybe we are on our way. At her two year check-up she weighed in at 20 lbs 13 oz. She is still not caught up to full term babies of her age in regards to weight, but has made the height chart! The pediatrician said that she has also caught up with peers her age and is no longer considered a preemie either! He did say that she would probably continue to be tiny though.
Both John and Megan love to eat anything with ketchup as well as ice cream, but not together (as shown in the video). They are getting really good at drinking out of a cup and are finally getting rid of their pacifiers. Project pacifier disposal started this week and only allows for pacifiers at nap and bed time. Megan is struggling with it a bit more than John, but I am staying strong! Needless to say, taking them out is a bit more stressful if they get upset as there is now no silencer!
The past two years have been filled with tremendous joy and unbelievable sadness. As I continue to learn and grow from each new experience and roadblock, I know that I am becoming a better mom to the two most important people in my life. I love them more than I could have possibly imagined and will do everything in my power to make sure that they always know and feel that love.
Thank you to all the family and friends who have shown their support, love, and encouragement to John and Megan!
As many changes occur in our lives, I know that John and Megan will continue to thrive. They give and receive an overwhelming amount of love as well as support. They have such a connection to each other and always try to comfort the other if upset or angry (unless of course, they were the cause). It is my hope that they will always give their love, encouragement, and support freely to each other.
It has been a while since I have given a "What are the twins doing?" update, so I thought that it was time.
John is talking up a storm. He really loves to say "I don't want that" or "Stop it". He continues to be a rough and tumble boy. Right now he has two black eyes. One from running into a 2x4 and where the other one came from is a mystery. He chases and tackles Megan whenever he can and really enjoys sitting on her until she gets upset (and sometimes even after she gets upset). He has thought about sitting on the potty and has even peed 3 times, but shows no real interest, so we are not pushing him. John has shown that he is a true monkey. He climbs everything that he can and loves to play with balls and ride his bike. He is on the go all the time and when nap and bedtimes come around he is ready to sleep. He lies in his crib and covers himself up before saying "night night". So cute! At his two year check-up he weighed in at 24 lbs. The pediatrician says that he has no noticeable delays and that he has caught up with his peers, no longer being considered a preemie!
Megan is my little mommy. I am amazed at the tenderness she shows others. She is very concerned if people are crying and often dries their eyes and says "Don't cry, It's OK". She is my little helper too. She will always make sure that John has his drink or snack and then gets hers. It is pretty sweet (but we will make sure that she knows it is OK to take care of herself too). She is in love with baby dolls. She sleeps with at least one a night and is very particular about them. She got a few for her birthday that have removable clothes. She doesn't like them to stay dressed, so we have some naked babies all around the house. Megan is also VERY chatty! She is very interested in potty training. She has gone poopy in her diaper only 2 times in the past week. She will let us know she has to poop and then usually try to take her pants and diaper off then run to the potty. She like to take her time and spends 15-30 minutes working it out (often with a book or a conversation). She has NEVER peed on the potty though, which seems a bit backward to me, but I am not going to question it. She does like to take her diaper off right after she goes pee though, so maybe we are on our way. At her two year check-up she weighed in at 20 lbs 13 oz. She is still not caught up to full term babies of her age in regards to weight, but has made the height chart! The pediatrician said that she has also caught up with peers her age and is no longer considered a preemie either! He did say that she would probably continue to be tiny though.
Both John and Megan love to eat anything with ketchup as well as ice cream, but not together (as shown in the video). They are getting really good at drinking out of a cup and are finally getting rid of their pacifiers. Project pacifier disposal started this week and only allows for pacifiers at nap and bed time. Megan is struggling with it a bit more than John, but I am staying strong! Needless to say, taking them out is a bit more stressful if they get upset as there is now no silencer!
The past two years have been filled with tremendous joy and unbelievable sadness. As I continue to learn and grow from each new experience and roadblock, I know that I am becoming a better mom to the two most important people in my life. I love them more than I could have possibly imagined and will do everything in my power to make sure that they always know and feel that love.
Thank you to all the family and friends who have shown their support, love, and encouragement to John and Megan!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Amazing!
What a weekend this has been. I feel truly blessed to have John and Megan in my life. They are truly an inspiration and a joy. My life was not complete until they joined our family and I know that with them such amazing things are possible. I feel truly honored to be their mother.
This weekend we spent some quality time with each other. Saturday we went to a wonderful fundraiser at a petting farm. It is interesting to see the differences between the two kids. John is fearless. He went into the pens and played with the animals. While Megan had a death grip on me and refused to get down for the first hour. She eventually warmed up, but was NOT going to let any animal touch her besides a kitten. We ended our time at the farm by taking a hay ride. This is something that we have done at least twice before and the kids loved. They were not very excited about it this time (I believe that it is because the wagons were covered with tarps). We had a great time sharing this day with some wonderful friends too! The kids were so exhausted from their day of play that they were in bed and asleep by 7pm. A full hour early!
Sunday was the March for Babies walk. The forecast called for rain, but we braved the elements anyway! It was cold and windy, but there was a good showing of people walking in memory of/or to honor those children born to soon. It is a humbling experience to be part of. There is not a day that goes by that I do not take a quiet moment to thank those who helped to make sure that John and Megan were able to be part of my life.
Check out the pictures from this weekend!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter Weekend
I had a wonderful holiday weekend and hope that you all did too.
My sister and brother-in-law came to visit and Tim's dad came in for Easter Sunday.
The kids ate way to much candy and snacks and way to little food that was good for them (which we are paying for now with poops). It is so much fun to see John and Megan react to presents and treats. They are finally understanding!
I can't wait until their birthday on May 6th!
I put together a few montages of the weekend activities. Easter Egg decorating was hysterical!
I hope that you are all doing well.
My sister and brother-in-law came to visit and Tim's dad came in for Easter Sunday.
The kids ate way to much candy and snacks and way to little food that was good for them (which we are paying for now with poops). It is so much fun to see John and Megan react to presents and treats. They are finally understanding!
I can't wait until their birthday on May 6th!
I put together a few montages of the weekend activities. Easter Egg decorating was hysterical!
I hope that you are all doing well.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Such a big girl! (warning...there are poop pictures)
While John and Megan were taking their bath tonight Megan decided to let me know that she had to poop. She pointed to her bottom and said poop three times. I snagged her out of the tub and put her on the potty. She did not like it and cried. She got off. Said poop and pointed at her butt again so I put her back on the potty. She cried and then pooped! Mommy is so proud!
This is the first time either has gone potty anywhere beside their diaper or the floor! As well as the first time that there was an awareness of having to go! I wonder if it will happen again anytime soon...probably not.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Recent Happenings
My basement used to look like a dungeon. Dark paneling, swords hanging on the wall, candelabra chandeliers, all very bad!
I spent almost the whole of January working on the basement to prep it for the kids play area. Every area that could be painted was. The asbestos ceiling tiles were changed out for newer ones after the drop ceiling was painted. The vents and ducts were cleaned. Dry wall was installed and painted. New baseboards were installed. A new T.V was mounted on the wall. Three new lights were installed. The list seems to go on and on. I am still working on the bar. I have a vision of dry erase boards and magnetic boards. It is under construction, but looking good!
It is amazing how large my living room looks without all the kids clutter in it.
I am so happy with the way it turned out and so grateful for my friends and family who have helped me create my dream basement for the kids!
For those of you who have been to my house, you know what a transformation this is.
Both of the kids have started showing an interest in the potty! I bought them a toilet seat that goes on the big potty. I have let them initiate using it. We have had it for about 5 days. At least two or three times a day Megan will go into the bathroom, grab the seat and put it on the potty. They both pull their pants down and Megan actually removes her own diaper (not always fun). They sit on the potty and look at books or I will read them the potty book. So far there has been zero action, but they are getting used to it and really love it. They always reach for toilet paper when they are done and wipe themselves. So cute!
We have been pretty healthy for the past three weeks! Yeah! Hopefully it stays that way!
I hope that everyone is doing well.
Love to you all.
I spent almost the whole of January working on the basement to prep it for the kids play area. Every area that could be painted was. The asbestos ceiling tiles were changed out for newer ones after the drop ceiling was painted. The vents and ducts were cleaned. Dry wall was installed and painted. New baseboards were installed. A new T.V was mounted on the wall. Three new lights were installed. The list seems to go on and on. I am still working on the bar. I have a vision of dry erase boards and magnetic boards. It is under construction, but looking good!
It is amazing how large my living room looks without all the kids clutter in it.
I am so happy with the way it turned out and so grateful for my friends and family who have helped me create my dream basement for the kids!
For those of you who have been to my house, you know what a transformation this is.
Both of the kids have started showing an interest in the potty! I bought them a toilet seat that goes on the big potty. I have let them initiate using it. We have had it for about 5 days. At least two or three times a day Megan will go into the bathroom, grab the seat and put it on the potty. They both pull their pants down and Megan actually removes her own diaper (not always fun). They sit on the potty and look at books or I will read them the potty book. So far there has been zero action, but they are getting used to it and really love it. They always reach for toilet paper when they are done and wipe themselves. So cute!
We have been pretty healthy for the past three weeks! Yeah! Hopefully it stays that way!
I hope that everyone is doing well.
Love to you all.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Winter Fun!
Today I took the kids out to play in the snow for the first time. They loved it!
I layered them up pretty good and they stayed warm. I think that it took us longer to actually get ready to play than we played. I should have taken pictures of us getting ready to go out. First we put on socks, then jammies, then jeans and a long sleeve shirt and shoes. Coats, mittens, and hats followed. It was worth it though!
They loved being pulled in their sleds and they loved throwing themselves into the snow. They did not love coming inside. John was very angry about it!
Enjoy the pictures and video.
I layered them up pretty good and they stayed warm. I think that it took us longer to actually get ready to play than we played. I should have taken pictures of us getting ready to go out. First we put on socks, then jammies, then jeans and a long sleeve shirt and shoes. Coats, mittens, and hats followed. It was worth it though!
They loved being pulled in their sleds and they loved throwing themselves into the snow. They did not love coming inside. John was very angry about it!
Enjoy the pictures and video.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
So much fun!
While in Tennessee John showed his amazing ability to climb out of his pack and play...over and over again! Because of this, I decided to transition both kids to beds. Luckily their cribs turn into toddler beds easily. I changed them after their nap today and braced myself for an exciting evening.
Megan did fairly well, but John was not happy about his new sleeping arrangement. I sat with him for a while and rubbed his back. I left...he ran to the door...I went back in and rubbed his back...he fell asleep..I left..he ran to the door again. I gave him a few minutes and went back in. He pooped. Megan woke up...we started all over again.
Surprisingly all of this only took 45 minutes. I waited about a half an hour and then went downstairs to paint the basement. At midnight I came up to check on them and Megan was asleep on the pillows on the floor in front of her crib. I should have been able to guess that this would happen. I will probably be getting them some rails to help them stay in the bed instead of making their way onto the floor.
I am hopeful that it only takes a few days for them to feel comfortable in their new beds!
On New Years Eve, John spiked a fever of nearly 102. He was lethargic and very fussy. I could not put him down. I made the decision to take him to the ER and get him checked out. He has a severe ear infection in one ear, bronchitis, and an asthma flare. He is on antibiotics and of course his breathing treatments. The doc did a chest x-ray because of some crackling, but all was clear. They are thinking that it is the asthma. Megan also has the lovely cough...they both sound like seals barking.
Today both are fever free and playing more. Neither are back to themselves yet, but are well on the way to mending.
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