I really think having two walkers will make life easier, they were already everywhere so this does not change their mobility too much.
Showing posts with label Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jackson. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Walking 2.0
Jackson finally decided to join in the fun and surprised us all last week when he started to walk. He is still not 100% sure about it but will take off and go until he falls, at which point he goes back to his super-human crawl. He is so cute, his legs don't really bend so he has a bit of a Frankenstein look.
I really think having two walkers will make life easier, they were already everywhere so this does not change their mobility too much.
I really think having two walkers will make life easier, they were already everywhere so this does not change their mobility too much.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Praise Baby Live
I am not sure I have ever talked about it on here but my kids LOVE Praise Baby. For those of you who are not familiar with it, it is like Baby Einstein but to praise and worship instead of classical. I am not sure what it is but they can be totally freaking out and we will turn this on and they are memorized, we affectionately refer to these videos as Jesus Crack. I am not ashamed to say we have even resorted to it in the middle of the night when a certain little guy would not sleep. I love that they love this. It makes them happy and they are learning great praise songs. I feel like music is such a great way to introduce them to God at their young age.
Last night we had ENGAGE at our church-it is a monthly event we have for a time of Praise and Worship-it was great! Since Jackson and Riggs are so mobile and it was informal we mostly let them wonder around or play on the floor. There were a few times I looked over at Jackson and he was dancing which made this mommy's heart melt. I think he thought he was watching Praise Baby Live!
I was able to catch a video of him, it is a little dark but one that I think will be so special for years to come. I hope he is always this excited about worshiping our Awesome God!
During one of his other dancing moments Jackson actually took a step that Aaron and I both got to see! Won't be long before we have two walkers.
Last night we had ENGAGE at our church-it is a monthly event we have for a time of Praise and Worship-it was great! Since Jackson and Riggs are so mobile and it was informal we mostly let them wonder around or play on the floor. There were a few times I looked over at Jackson and he was dancing which made this mommy's heart melt. I think he thought he was watching Praise Baby Live!
I was able to catch a video of him, it is a little dark but one that I think will be so special for years to come. I hope he is always this excited about worshiping our Awesome God!
During one of his other dancing moments Jackson actually took a step that Aaron and I both got to see! Won't be long before we have two walkers.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
8 Little Teeth
One thing I was so excited about with having twins was that they would have a built in playmate from day one. I love watching my babies chase each other around the room and laugh-it is such a special bond between them. As with any relationships there are giggles and tears. We have entered a new phase with the twins "play" and it is one that I was not ready for and really don't know how to handle. We have BITERS! It started a few weeks ago when we found 8 perfect teeth marks on Riggs' arm. They have nipped at us before but never left marks like this, we were hoping it was a one time thing but the next day Jackson had a matching mark from his sister. Since then we have not found any more marks on Riggs but Jackson has been his sister's victim more than once.
Yesterday I came home to what seemed to be the worst offense so far. Riggs bit Jackson twice on the face. It looked like he had old lady lipstick on his cheek.
We are trying everything we know to discipline, but it is so hard. I feel like they are at an age where they really don't understand it is wrong. We try and catch them before it happens but they will be playing sweetly and then one is screaming with their arm hanging out of their sister's mouth. I feel like this is hitting earlier than with most because they are twins and they are always together, but maybe I am wrong.
So far they have not gone after anyone other than us and our Nanny Staci, but I am terrified they will bite a friend in nursery at church.
HELP! Have any of you gone through this? What did you do? How did you make them stop? I want to teach them it is wrong but not sure what to do since they are only 14 months.
Yesterday I came home to what seemed to be the worst offense so far. Riggs bit Jackson twice on the face. It looked like he had old lady lipstick on his cheek.
We are trying everything we know to discipline, but it is so hard. I feel like they are at an age where they really don't understand it is wrong. We try and catch them before it happens but they will be playing sweetly and then one is screaming with their arm hanging out of their sister's mouth. I feel like this is hitting earlier than with most because they are twins and they are always together, but maybe I am wrong.
So far they have not gone after anyone other than us and our Nanny Staci, but I am terrified they will bite a friend in nursery at church.
HELP! Have any of you gone through this? What did you do? How did you make them stop? I want to teach them it is wrong but not sure what to do since they are only 14 months.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wordless Wednesday
 |
| Someone is smarter than the outlet covers! |
 |
| Banana Hair! |
 |
| All this for a cookout with some friends! |
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Our Big One-Birthday Party!
If you go back here you will see that the twins birthday didn't go quite as planned due to a little sickness but we were able to still have a fun family party that night. Two weeks later we finally had the party I had planned for for pretty much the last year. I am going to warn you there will probably be an overload of pictures. But I am sure they can tell the story of the day better than I.
Their party was pretty much DIY for me and Staci. If I could make it or design it I did. I wanted to have such a special day and by doing this I was able to afford more.
I went with more of a color scheme and polka dots than a theme. Having boy/girl twins limits what you can do somewhat, but I loved how it all turned out.
 |
| Birthday Banner! |
 | ||||
| Cupcakes! |
 |
| Custom label water bottles! |
 |
| Fence decorations! |
 |
| Front Door Wreath! |
 |
| Cupcake Topper! |
 |
| Riggs' Birthday Book! |
 |
| Jackson's Birthday Book! |
We had lots of yummy finger food and what first birthday is not complete without smash cakes? The twins had fun making a mess and getting a rare treat of sugar!
 |
| My sweet birthday twins! |
 |
| Happy JackJack! |
 |
| Blue faced Riggs! |
 |
| I love this one of Riggs in action! |
We had lots of fun with family and friends. Our crowd ended up being a little smaller than we originally due to the change in date, but I think it was still a good time where we were able to celebrate such huge blessings in our life.
 |
| Granddaddy playing with his 4 grandkids! |
 |
| Water table fun with our cousins and our friend George! |
 |
| A few of our friends who came to celebrate! |
Monday, June 4, 2012
For MoMs By MoMs-Bringing Home Babies
Today I am linking back up with some of my favorite twin moms about bringing home those little bundles.
After becoming pregnant this is the day that you have dreamed of for so long, when you get to be wheeled out of the hospital into the real world with your little bundle of joy.
However like with everything else, with twins this is totally different-well at least it was for me. The day I was discharged was filled with tears as it was the first time I had to leave my tiny Jackson and Riggs. I think with being a MoM it is important to have realistic expectations of the challenges you might encounter so you can try and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. I was told the day we had our ultrasound that showed us two little heartbeats that with twins all of your risks are doubled. I knew throughout the entire pregnancy it was likely I would deliver early and the twins would have to stay in the NICU after I went home. While I knew all of this it was still very difficult and emotional. But I will tell you there are many MoMs that carry to full term and are able to have that magical moment of going home together.
Going home without the twins was extremely difficult, but you know it is what is best for them long term so you figure out how to manage. Looking back on this I have come to realize their NICU time was a huge blessing in the long run. When they came home they were healthy on a great schedule and this momma had had time to rest and recover from their delivery. Aaron and I had been able to ease into the every 3 hour feedings, we would get us when they were eating so I could pump. By the time they came home this was our schedule as well.
If your babies do end up in the NICU do the best you can to take some time for you. As one of my nurses told me, you are paying for some very expensive baby sitters-use them! Now don't get me wrong we were at the hospital a lot but not all the time. We decided to be there for their 9 am, 3 pm and 9 pm feedings everyday. Somedays we would be there more, but for the most part this worked well for us. The babies need to sleep and grow and being held a ton actually can hinder this since they are burning more calories and energy.
By giving ourselves sometime to adjust when we were finally able to bring them home things actually went really well. Riggs came home a day before Jackson, which once again brought on the water works. I was so sad to leave him all alone, this is the only night the two of them have ever spent apart and I felt like we were deserting him. But the next day our JackJack was discharged and our family of 4 was finally sleeping under one roof.
I think for everyone those first few days and weeks your needs are different. Since the twins had been in the NICU we did not have family here to "help". I think for me that was best. I know I am very independent person who does not need a ton of help. Actually when we had "help" it stressed me out. We had figured out our schedule that worked for our family and when others would try and enter it caused more stress for me than anything. Aaron and I are pretty laid back with the twins and life in general which is not a trait shared by our families. I know for others they want and need an army to help and that is great just not for me.
I think the biggest factor in having an easy transition was a SCHEDULE!!!!!! The twins ate every 3 hours no matter what, always at the same time. I was actually called a baby Nazi by my mom. But it worked and was how we had sanity in those first few weeks.
Bringing home multiples is fun and crazy. Everyone's experience is different but find what works for you and your family.
After becoming pregnant this is the day that you have dreamed of for so long, when you get to be wheeled out of the hospital into the real world with your little bundle of joy.
However like with everything else, with twins this is totally different-well at least it was for me. The day I was discharged was filled with tears as it was the first time I had to leave my tiny Jackson and Riggs. I think with being a MoM it is important to have realistic expectations of the challenges you might encounter so you can try and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. I was told the day we had our ultrasound that showed us two little heartbeats that with twins all of your risks are doubled. I knew throughout the entire pregnancy it was likely I would deliver early and the twins would have to stay in the NICU after I went home. While I knew all of this it was still very difficult and emotional. But I will tell you there are many MoMs that carry to full term and are able to have that magical moment of going home together.
Going home without the twins was extremely difficult, but you know it is what is best for them long term so you figure out how to manage. Looking back on this I have come to realize their NICU time was a huge blessing in the long run. When they came home they were healthy on a great schedule and this momma had had time to rest and recover from their delivery. Aaron and I had been able to ease into the every 3 hour feedings, we would get us when they were eating so I could pump. By the time they came home this was our schedule as well.
If your babies do end up in the NICU do the best you can to take some time for you. As one of my nurses told me, you are paying for some very expensive baby sitters-use them! Now don't get me wrong we were at the hospital a lot but not all the time. We decided to be there for their 9 am, 3 pm and 9 pm feedings everyday. Somedays we would be there more, but for the most part this worked well for us. The babies need to sleep and grow and being held a ton actually can hinder this since they are burning more calories and energy.
By giving ourselves sometime to adjust when we were finally able to bring them home things actually went really well. Riggs came home a day before Jackson, which once again brought on the water works. I was so sad to leave him all alone, this is the only night the two of them have ever spent apart and I felt like we were deserting him. But the next day our JackJack was discharged and our family of 4 was finally sleeping under one roof.
 |
| Riggs' homecoming! |
 |
| Jackson's homecoming. |
 |
| Home together! |
I think for everyone those first few days and weeks your needs are different. Since the twins had been in the NICU we did not have family here to "help". I think for me that was best. I know I am very independent person who does not need a ton of help. Actually when we had "help" it stressed me out. We had figured out our schedule that worked for our family and when others would try and enter it caused more stress for me than anything. Aaron and I are pretty laid back with the twins and life in general which is not a trait shared by our families. I know for others they want and need an army to help and that is great just not for me.
I think the biggest factor in having an easy transition was a SCHEDULE!!!!!! The twins ate every 3 hours no matter what, always at the same time. I was actually called a baby Nazi by my mom. But it worked and was how we had sanity in those first few weeks.
Bringing home multiples is fun and crazy. Everyone's experience is different but find what works for you and your family.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
12 Months-April 13th, 2012
I can't believe it my babies are ONE!
This last year has been the most amazing time of my life. I always knew I wanted to be a mom but never dreamed it would be this amazing. These two little people have made me such a better person.
Here are some things you have been up to over the last month as you enter into your second year of life.
Jackson:
You weigh 22 pounds 15 ounces (75th percentile), you are 31 inches tall (93rd percentile) and your head circumference is 19 inches (95th percentile). I think your weight was actually a little low at your check up since you had just gotten over hand, foot & mouth-you are much closer to 24 pounds.
You are a big boy who can melt your mommas heart with those sweet eyes! You are wearing 12-18 month clothes, size 5.5 shoes and size 4 diapers. Just before you turned a year we were able to switch you to milk from formula. We were hoping to have you completely off the bottle, we can close but with your birthday illness we digressed a bit. You are such a good eater, you can put away some food and fast. That is one of the times you become angry is when you are hungry! You LOVE goldfish and veggie straws. You are cruising around furniture but have no interest in walking any other way, if we try and hold your hands so you can walk your legs come up at a 90 degree angle. Just like every other milestone you will do it when you are ready. You love to play ball and still have the sweetest laugh in the world. You sleep through the night most of the time, but go through periods where you will get up at some point during the night. We think you have pretty bad seasonal allergies so you are taking zyrtec, we are so thankful you seem to have outgrown your reflux! You don't just give your sister her way anymore your fight back-which I think is good to give her a taste of her own medicine. You do not like the feel of grass and try and touch as little as possible when we place you in the yard. You are such a flirt with ladies of all ages-we are going to have to watch you buddy. You most common nicknames right now are booger and JackJack. You are saying a few words, clapping and starting to wave. You still are at 8 for teeth but I think your 1 year molars will be popping through any day now.
Riggs:
You weigh 21 pounds 2 ounces (70th percentile), you are 30 inches tall (79th percentile) and your head circumference is 18 inches (72nd percentile).
You are crazy! You are into everything all the time, keeping us on our toes. You have started climbing. You actually made it on the end table one day. You are smart too, you will push objects around so you can use them in your latest climbing conquest. I can't believe you are not walking yet. You cruise, walk with hands, everything is a push toy, climb stairs but just won't walk on your own. I think you could but are afraid since you try to scale the baby gate. You went to the sippy cup with no problems, but can't do milk. We have switched you back to formula for a bit and then will try again to see if you just weren't ready for the switch. I never knew how bad milk spit-up smelled. You are wearing size 12 clothes with a few 18 months mixed in for length. I think we are going to have a hard time keeping pants on your tiny booty and waist this summer-so I see lots of dresses in your future. You are wearing size 4.5 shoes and size 3 diapers. We tried to switch you up with JackJack but they were just too saggy. You had a last minute surge with teeth this month and I think the count is now at 7, but you don't like for me to look so I am not 100% sure. You decided at 10pm on your birthday eve that you needed to start clapping. So as you hung out with mommy and daddy while sick you completed this milestone. You have also started waving some. The one new thing that I am not a huge fan of is your new mommy attachment-you are so clingy and never make it through a Sunday in nursery. Also you have started having a whinny cry when you are not getting what you want. You are too young for this little miss. You most common nicknames are Potamus and Little Girl. You are a great sleeper, very seldom do you ever get up once we put you to bed. You don't really like to wear bows anymore, which breaks my heart-I am hoping for a come back soon!
You both are loved so much by your mommy and daddy! You have made this last year so amazing and we are looking forward to many many more with you both.
I was hoping to have pictures before I posted but have not been able to snap them yet so I wanted to go ahead and post and will have to update later!
This last year has been the most amazing time of my life. I always knew I wanted to be a mom but never dreamed it would be this amazing. These two little people have made me such a better person.
Here are some things you have been up to over the last month as you enter into your second year of life.
Jackson:
You weigh 22 pounds 15 ounces (75th percentile), you are 31 inches tall (93rd percentile) and your head circumference is 19 inches (95th percentile). I think your weight was actually a little low at your check up since you had just gotten over hand, foot & mouth-you are much closer to 24 pounds.
You are a big boy who can melt your mommas heart with those sweet eyes! You are wearing 12-18 month clothes, size 5.5 shoes and size 4 diapers. Just before you turned a year we were able to switch you to milk from formula. We were hoping to have you completely off the bottle, we can close but with your birthday illness we digressed a bit. You are such a good eater, you can put away some food and fast. That is one of the times you become angry is when you are hungry! You LOVE goldfish and veggie straws. You are cruising around furniture but have no interest in walking any other way, if we try and hold your hands so you can walk your legs come up at a 90 degree angle. Just like every other milestone you will do it when you are ready. You love to play ball and still have the sweetest laugh in the world. You sleep through the night most of the time, but go through periods where you will get up at some point during the night. We think you have pretty bad seasonal allergies so you are taking zyrtec, we are so thankful you seem to have outgrown your reflux! You don't just give your sister her way anymore your fight back-which I think is good to give her a taste of her own medicine. You do not like the feel of grass and try and touch as little as possible when we place you in the yard. You are such a flirt with ladies of all ages-we are going to have to watch you buddy. You most common nicknames right now are booger and JackJack. You are saying a few words, clapping and starting to wave. You still are at 8 for teeth but I think your 1 year molars will be popping through any day now.
Riggs:
You weigh 21 pounds 2 ounces (70th percentile), you are 30 inches tall (79th percentile) and your head circumference is 18 inches (72nd percentile).
You are crazy! You are into everything all the time, keeping us on our toes. You have started climbing. You actually made it on the end table one day. You are smart too, you will push objects around so you can use them in your latest climbing conquest. I can't believe you are not walking yet. You cruise, walk with hands, everything is a push toy, climb stairs but just won't walk on your own. I think you could but are afraid since you try to scale the baby gate. You went to the sippy cup with no problems, but can't do milk. We have switched you back to formula for a bit and then will try again to see if you just weren't ready for the switch. I never knew how bad milk spit-up smelled. You are wearing size 12 clothes with a few 18 months mixed in for length. I think we are going to have a hard time keeping pants on your tiny booty and waist this summer-so I see lots of dresses in your future. You are wearing size 4.5 shoes and size 3 diapers. We tried to switch you up with JackJack but they were just too saggy. You had a last minute surge with teeth this month and I think the count is now at 7, but you don't like for me to look so I am not 100% sure. You decided at 10pm on your birthday eve that you needed to start clapping. So as you hung out with mommy and daddy while sick you completed this milestone. You have also started waving some. The one new thing that I am not a huge fan of is your new mommy attachment-you are so clingy and never make it through a Sunday in nursery. Also you have started having a whinny cry when you are not getting what you want. You are too young for this little miss. You most common nicknames are Potamus and Little Girl. You are a great sleeper, very seldom do you ever get up once we put you to bed. You don't really like to wear bows anymore, which breaks my heart-I am hoping for a come back soon!
You both are loved so much by your mommy and daddy! You have made this last year so amazing and we are looking forward to many many more with you both.
I was hoping to have pictures before I posted but have not been able to snap them yet so I wanted to go ahead and post and will have to update later!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Perspective
Last night my husband was out of town for work so it was just me and the twins. Normally this would not be a big deal but JackJack decided that he wanted to be awake from 2-5 this morning. I sit at work exhausted but as I thought about this I couldn't help but realize how blessed I am. I know there are so many women who would give anything to be up with a crazy 1 year old half the night as the deal with infertility and loss. I will admit in the moment I did not have this perspective-there was crying and yelling by both Jackson and myself. I was deep in the self pity and frustrated by my longing to sleep. After 2 hours I decided to make the best of it and Jackson and I spent some time with God doing James bible study.
And finally after 3 hours of fun he finally snuggled up to momma and went back to sleep.
I try so hard to remember how greatly God has blessed me even on the sleepless nights. I don't know about you, but I would give up 3 hours of sleep every night if the alternative was not having this cute little boy.
This week my heart has been so heavy for babies. There were many emotional moments for me at the March of Dimes Walk-seeing so many families that lost their littles but fighting on in their memory. Then this week I heard about a friend of a friend whose 2 week old baby died after fighting so hard to overcome a heart defect. Today I read about a blogger who is fighting for her unborn twins after her water broke at just 18 weeks. I know God is in all of these situations and he has a great plan, but my heart aches so much for these people as they have tremendous heartache in a time that is supposed to be so happy.
I think last night God just wanted to give me a little perspective and remind me to not take anything for granted and treasure my twin blessings in the good and tiring moments.
And finally after 3 hours of fun he finally snuggled up to momma and went back to sleep.
I try so hard to remember how greatly God has blessed me even on the sleepless nights. I don't know about you, but I would give up 3 hours of sleep every night if the alternative was not having this cute little boy.
This week my heart has been so heavy for babies. There were many emotional moments for me at the March of Dimes Walk-seeing so many families that lost their littles but fighting on in their memory. Then this week I heard about a friend of a friend whose 2 week old baby died after fighting so hard to overcome a heart defect. Today I read about a blogger who is fighting for her unborn twins after her water broke at just 18 weeks. I know God is in all of these situations and he has a great plan, but my heart aches so much for these people as they have tremendous heartache in a time that is supposed to be so happy.
I think last night God just wanted to give me a little perspective and remind me to not take anything for granted and treasure my twin blessings in the good and tiring moments.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Jackson A Year in Review
 |
| One Month |
 |
| Two Months |
 |
| Three Months |
 |
| Four Months |
 |
| Five Months |
 |
| Six Months |
 |
| Seven Months |
 |
| Nine Months |
 |
| Ten/Eleven Months |
Saturday, April 28, 2012
March for Babies!
Today our family is Marching for Babies with March of Dimes. I can't believe it has been 1 year today since our sweet Riggs was discharged from the NICU with big brother Jackson following the next day. Please take a moment to consider supporting the March of Dimes and the great work they do for all babies! You can click on the button in my side bar if you would like to make a donation!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Park Pictures
Saturday morning after breakfast we headed out to a little garden in
town to try and get some pictures of the twins. Unfortunately the ground
was wet and since they are not walking we were really limited with what
we could do-however we were able to get a few good shots. I know I am
bias but I think they are so stinkin' cute, I just wish Riggs would keep
her tongue in her mouth. Enjoy!!
 |
| Those eyes make me melt! I think he will use those to get out of trouble later in life. |
 |
| Riggs taking Jackson's ball. Jackson holding on for dear life. |
 |
| Riggs practicing her new wave. |
 |
| Those eyes! |
 |
| Playing in/eating the mulch is way more fun than smiling for a picture. |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Twins Giggles
How can this not make you smile! These are the moments I dreamed about when I found out I was having twins. Happy Monday Everyone!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Happy Birthday Jackson & Riggs!!
Last Friday the twins turned ONE! I am still trying to figure out how this is possible, it does not seem like it has been a year since they were born-then yet again I can't remember what it was like without them.
As you might have read our plans were a little altered for the weekend when Riggs came down with Hand, Foot & Mouth on Thursday, then Jackson followed on Saturday. Their big birthday party was postponed but we were still able to celebrate on Friday with our families. Aaron's parents, sister and her boyfriend had come down from New Jersey and my parents and one sister were here as well.
We headed over to my sisters for a yummy flank steak dinner, presents and of course cupcakes. I think they were a little unsure as to what to do with the cupcakes-we have let them have virtually no sugar this first year. Jackson quickly figured it out and destroyed the entire thing icing and all-he was crazy the rest of the night. Riggs threw half of hers on the floor so he didn't get as much which was probably good since she was not feeling great. We were also able to celebrate Aaron and my Mom's birthday since they were Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
The twins were troopers through it all even though they were not feeling great. We had a great time with our families and are excited to have their party next weekend.
Enjoy the pictures there are a ton!
As you might have read our plans were a little altered for the weekend when Riggs came down with Hand, Foot & Mouth on Thursday, then Jackson followed on Saturday. Their big birthday party was postponed but we were still able to celebrate on Friday with our families. Aaron's parents, sister and her boyfriend had come down from New Jersey and my parents and one sister were here as well.
We headed over to my sisters for a yummy flank steak dinner, presents and of course cupcakes. I think they were a little unsure as to what to do with the cupcakes-we have let them have virtually no sugar this first year. Jackson quickly figured it out and destroyed the entire thing icing and all-he was crazy the rest of the night. Riggs threw half of hers on the floor so he didn't get as much which was probably good since she was not feeling great. We were also able to celebrate Aaron and my Mom's birthday since they were Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
The twins were troopers through it all even though they were not feeling great. We had a great time with our families and are excited to have their party next weekend.
Enjoy the pictures there are a ton!
 |
| Smash Cupcakes! |
 |
| Couldn't get a picture where they both had their hats on. |
 |
| Jackson inhaling the last bit of icing. |
 |
| JackJack was so proud of himself. Poor Potamus looks pitiful. |
 |
| Sugar High! |
 |
| Presents-check out my cool Clemson hat Riggs got me! |
 |
| Tailgate chairs for Aunt Siri Aunt Melissa, Uncle David, Cousins Luke & Grayson! |
 |
| Our first wagon ride. |
 |
| Matt, Sarah, Siri & Aaron. |
 |
| Grampy, Grammy, Granddaddy & Nana. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)