My cousin's wife (cousin-in-law?) has chronicled their son's life week by week on her blog. I was so impressed when I visited recently that I decided to give it a try with the twins. Of course, I am a few days late, but if I don't do it now, it may never happen!
Saturday was their 38th week. They were born at 38 weeks, and now they are 38 weeks old. That translates to almost 9 months. I will try to tell you a little about what is going on with the twins.
Let's see, Daniel (Baby B) was the first to sit up and first to crawl (at just before 7 months). Dennis (Baby A) was the first to clap his hands and get teeth. Dennis has both bottom teeth and the top two mostly in. Daniel has only the bottom two so far. Daniel is pulling himself up to standing all the time and tries to take steps. He doesn't always wait till he has something to hold on to when taking the next step either. Dennis has just in the last few days figured out how to sit up from a tummy position and yesterday started the "army crawl". He seems incredibly determined to 'catch up' all of the sudden.
They both are champion eaters. Neither care much for peas or carrots plain, but will even tolerate those foods if they must. I haven't tried spinach yet, but they have eaten nearly everything else we have given them - home made and store bought. Both are doing fairly well trying to drink with sippy cups. I think I may get the kind with straws. They enjoy their water so much.
They are so much fun. I love to watch their similarities and their differences. I LOVE having two babies at the same time. We find it very interesting how much Dennis is like Kynzie and Daniel has similarities to Max. Maybe I will post about that ... someday.
They both love to be tickled, to laugh and to smile. Dennis loves to look at your face and touch your nose, lips, eyse, cheeks, etc. but prefers to face outward if you are holding him (same as Kynzie). He likes to see where he is going, I guess. He doesn't want to miss out. Daniel will cuddle when you hold him and lay his head on your shoulder (same as Max). He will just relax and trust you to take him where he needs to go. Unless he can get there himself, then he prefers that mode.
Dennis has a little bit more stranger anxiety than Daniel at this point. Dennis knows faces. And if yours isn't one he "knows", he has to warm up to you a bit. Daniel doesn't mind other people and may not even notice who you are for awhile if he is busy playing. And he is busy playing often, but don't be deceived by his contented playtime. He needs his cuddle time, too. Dennis seems to need more interactive play but not necessarily as much cuddle time. (He gets as much cuddle time as he will allow us all to give him, though!)
I think that is one reason why Kynzie gets along so well with Dennis at this stage... she needed (and still does) more one on one play and interaction. Max can play by himself or look at books or whatever for long periods of time. But he too needs to have cuddle time. He still seeks out a good cuddle from time to time throughout the day. Max enjoys playing side by side with Daniel.
So, Kynzie and Dennis maybe get their love tanks filled with quality time. We used to say Kynzie would spell love T-I-M-E. And, maybe Max and Daniel's tanks are filled with physical contact. (You know, from the Five Love Languages. What's yours? My highest are quality time and receiving gifts. Scott's are acts of service and physical contact. We are so opposite.)
Okay, anyway, this was supposed to be an update on the twins. It is late and I am rambling. I will try to get the picture of the twins from Saturday up tomorrow. I waited up a bit late because I thought the babies would wake to nurse pretty early tonight since their last nursing was earlier than usual. But they didn't. I need to go get some water, some vitamin C, some garlic, and some rest so I can fight off this sudden and strange beginning of mastitis... 'Night.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Tiny-mo or Dynamo
Here is Daniel doing push ups at 6 months old. (They are 7 months old now.) He has a great deal of strength in his little baby body. I am not sure which is more amazing - how far up he can push himself or that he hasn't stood up yet...
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Daddy used to call him Tiny-mo and Dennis, Dynamo because Dennis was a pound larger. They are both about the same size now, but Daniel definitely needs a new nickname. How about Mighty-mo?
Here is a picture of Dennis and me, and a picture of Dennis smiling at Daddy.
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Daddy used to call him Tiny-mo and Dennis, Dynamo because Dennis was a pound larger. They are both about the same size now, but Daniel definitely needs a new nickname. How about Mighty-mo?
Here is a picture of Dennis and me, and a picture of Dennis smiling at Daddy.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
behind in my blogging
I am behind in what I would like to blog. I have at least a dozen posts that I have started but not finished. And, now, the letter 'p' and the '.' keys are sticking on my computer. That is so annoying when you are trying to type quickly.
Anyway, I would like to give a weekend update or two... but it will actually just be updating items of interest randomly, and I am not making any promises as to how far along I'll get.
My mom and her twin sister (Aunt Karen) were known for their singing before they were married and were asked to sing at various local events and hotspots, you know, church, the local opry, the town's pioneer days, and the like.
Well, the act only got a little bigger when they got married. My dad and my uncle Tom joined in the fun and they continued to get a few gigs, and apparently they still do... they were asked to sing a little ditty about Jack and Diane, no just kidding. They were asked to sing a song, though, at a family reunion for my mom's mom's side of the family a couple weeks ago. (Got that?)
[Side bar: My dad played the drums for that same local opry for many years and eventually became a comedian as well. Buckshot. That became his stage name. I have some great memories of watching my dad on stage. They even had their own spot on the local TV station. So, if we didn't go to the opry we could sometimes watch him on TV! How cool is that when you're five? Or 35?]
On with the show. Mom and Karen sang, and Dad played guitar. Tom would've played guitar as well, but he had to be out of town and couldn't join us. But they did decide to have the grandkids sing with them. Six of Mom and Dad's 11 grandchildren sang - the twins just weren't up to singing in public yet, and Tacy & Clayson didn't make it this year. Karen & Tom didn't have any grandkids yet... their first is due any minute... literally, any minute or maybe he's already here! I haven't heard yet. But I am so happy for my Aunt Karen, and TJ & Laura, too. Can't forget them.
Anyway, I would like to give a weekend update or two... but it will actually just be updating items of interest randomly, and I am not making any promises as to how far along I'll get.
My mom and her twin sister (Aunt Karen) were known for their singing before they were married and were asked to sing at various local events and hotspots, you know, church, the local opry, the town's pioneer days, and the like.
Well, the act only got a little bigger when they got married. My dad and my uncle Tom joined in the fun and they continued to get a few gigs, and apparently they still do... they were asked to sing a little ditty about Jack and Diane, no just kidding. They were asked to sing a song, though, at a family reunion for my mom's mom's side of the family a couple weeks ago. (Got that?)
[Side bar: My dad played the drums for that same local opry for many years and eventually became a comedian as well. Buckshot. That became his stage name. I have some great memories of watching my dad on stage. They even had their own spot on the local TV station. So, if we didn't go to the opry we could sometimes watch him on TV! How cool is that when you're five? Or 35?]
On with the show. Mom and Karen sang, and Dad played guitar. Tom would've played guitar as well, but he had to be out of town and couldn't join us. But they did decide to have the grandkids sing with them. Six of Mom and Dad's 11 grandchildren sang - the twins just weren't up to singing in public yet, and Tacy & Clayson didn't make it this year. Karen & Tom didn't have any grandkids yet... their first is due any minute... literally, any minute or maybe he's already here! I haven't heard yet. But I am so happy for my Aunt Karen, and TJ & Laura, too. Can't forget them.
My Dad & Mom-in-law gave us a swing set they don't use anymore (they probably never did, really. It was probably mostly the kids that used it. Ha! I'm on a roll tonight!). My kids are so thrilled. You would think we have World's of Fun or something in our backyard now. I am thrilled, too. I am so glad they have something to do in our own backyard.
On the fourth of July, we went to my parents for dinner. Mom made her famous brisket that is sooo yummy. There was corn on the cob, mmmm, and delicious desserts, or belicious as Max says. We shot off our own fireworks - our kids and Troy's. Then we all watched the display put on by the city. This year is the first year Kynzie stayed outside the whole time, and she didn't even cover her ears/eyes the whole time. Max stayed glued to my lap the entire time, thumb in mouth, cloth in hand. It was past his bedtime, but he didn't care much for the noise anyway.
Tonight, we went to a potluck dinner at a local church where Kynzie has been attending Vacation Bible School all week. This is the first time she has done something like that. She loved 'Bible school' and was disappointed that today was the last day. The church had a dinner, and the kids sang some songs they had worked on all week. Kynzie, my social butterfly, was more interested in all the people than whether she had the right hand motions going at the right time. It was super cute since she's only four.
Delainey had a brief tennis lesson this week and a photography lesson of sorts at the library. So, now she is trying to take some photos to enter in the photo contest. I wish our camera would work out better for her, but she's trying. I'll try to post some of her photos later this week.
Speaking of photos, I will post some in this post later. The SD card is in the other room where the twins are sleeping and I don't want to go rummaging right now. So, maybe check back again a little later if you want to see some pics.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Tuesday's Top Ten Things to do with Two-Month-Old Twins
1) Type one-handed while nursing (how do you think I have time to post!)
2) Have a goal for (the babies') sleeping, eating and wake-time and slowly work toward it. My goal is eat/wake/sleep in a three-hour rotation. It may sound familiar to those of you who have read Babywise or Along the Infant Way. Lots of controversy surrounds some of the ideas within, but as with anything, take from it what will best benefit you, your babies, and your family. And, we have found it benefits us in many ways... maybe another post another time there.
3) Keep them in the same crib... at least in our experience it is easier, and as of two plus months of age, they don't wake each other when crying.
4) Make the individual time you have with each count, but also do as many things as you can two at a time! Nursing is the biggest and best two-at-a-time-task for me! But, you may not want to go that route. Maybe you would rather enjoy bonding with one at a time. Then you could double up at bath time maybe...
5) Keep a "While I Am Thinking About It" Notebook. This can be a little, spiral notepad or a more elaborate 3-ring binder with various subjects (home life, school, calendar, to do, menu/grocery, etc.) divided with tabs. But have it handy, that is the key. I think of things constantly, and then promptly forget them.
6) Make sure you give your husband opportunities to bond with the babies, too! My terrific husband has always enjoyed having a hand, or two, in the children's care. This time is no different. He does the bathing of the babies. He also talks with them, holds them, changes them, burps them, and more when he is home.
7) Give the babies toys or colorful objects on which to focus and to practice coordinating muscle movement and hand-eye coordination. Dennis is much better at grabbing something he sees. (But Daniel can roll!) It is so sweet to see them growing and changing.
8) Talk to them face to face. Watch them try to 'talk' back to you.
9) My husband said I should add that you should work hard to keep them awake in the evening. Try to not let them nap past six o'clock or so. It is often much easier said than done, but it is good to have goals.
10) Make sure you are allowing them to fall asleep in the crib. I think this is about the time (2-3 months) that they become more aware of sleep aids, which means they can easily become more used to them. Sleep aids such as rocking them to sleep and then carefully and gently putting baby down in the crib, hoping not to wake the angel. It becomes even more important with two babies, I think, than with one... it may seem like a sacrifice at first, but it will pay off for you and your sleep!
2) Have a goal for (the babies') sleeping, eating and wake-time and slowly work toward it. My goal is eat/wake/sleep in a three-hour rotation. It may sound familiar to those of you who have read Babywise or Along the Infant Way. Lots of controversy surrounds some of the ideas within, but as with anything, take from it what will best benefit you, your babies, and your family. And, we have found it benefits us in many ways... maybe another post another time there.
3) Keep them in the same crib... at least in our experience it is easier, and as of two plus months of age, they don't wake each other when crying.
4) Make the individual time you have with each count, but also do as many things as you can two at a time! Nursing is the biggest and best two-at-a-time-task for me! But, you may not want to go that route. Maybe you would rather enjoy bonding with one at a time. Then you could double up at bath time maybe...
5) Keep a "While I Am Thinking About It" Notebook. This can be a little, spiral notepad or a more elaborate 3-ring binder with various subjects (home life, school, calendar, to do, menu/grocery, etc.) divided with tabs. But have it handy, that is the key. I think of things constantly, and then promptly forget them.
6) Make sure you give your husband opportunities to bond with the babies, too! My terrific husband has always enjoyed having a hand, or two, in the children's care. This time is no different. He does the bathing of the babies. He also talks with them, holds them, changes them, burps them, and more when he is home.
7) Give the babies toys or colorful objects on which to focus and to practice coordinating muscle movement and hand-eye coordination. Dennis is much better at grabbing something he sees. (But Daniel can roll!) It is so sweet to see them growing and changing.
8) Talk to them face to face. Watch them try to 'talk' back to you.
9) My husband said I should add that you should work hard to keep them awake in the evening. Try to not let them nap past six o'clock or so. It is often much easier said than done, but it is good to have goals.
10) Make sure you are allowing them to fall asleep in the crib. I think this is about the time (2-3 months) that they become more aware of sleep aids, which means they can easily become more used to them. Sleep aids such as rocking them to sleep and then carefully and gently putting baby down in the crib, hoping not to wake the angel. It becomes even more important with two babies, I think, than with one... it may seem like a sacrifice at first, but it will pay off for you and your sleep!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Tuesday's Top Ten Twin Stuff List... Especially for a Small Living Space
I don't think you should buy two of everything right away. I will say that we used two bouncy seats from week one... well, maybe week two, I can't remember.
I really like the bouncy seats we have, but if I had thought about it a little more, I might have chosen a more portable style. Or at least something that folds up and stores out of the way.
1) Take Along Swings - maybe just one to start. You never know whether both babies will like swing time or not, and you may not need to have both in a swing at the same time. I have found that both of mine enjoy swinging, and I enjoy having them both in the swing at the same time.
2) Nursing pillow - I would like to have the inflatable pillow as well for travel. I discussed the nursing pillow in a previous post.
3) Bouncy seats - fold up if you can find them. I had a couple of older bouncy seats with my older children that folded for storage and for portability. These are two wonderful qualities (easy storage and easy portability) to find in any baby equipment for twins.
4) floor gym - collapsible. These are helpful, but not completely necessary. They do take up a lot of space if you don't find the kind that folds on itself and stays closed with snaps or Velcro.
5) Double stroller of some sort. We have a Graco Duoglider, and I love the feature that allows you to snap the carseats in and out. I have also seen the stroller that is just the frame for holding the carseats.
6) Port-a-crib or pack-n-play (somewhere to put them, especially if you have other small children)
7) Good breast pump - high quality and portability (can you plug an adaptor into the car? Believe me, it comes in handy!)
8) Portable changing table/station or several stations throughout the house - I have created a portable changing station on a cart. Maybe I will take pics of it and add them later.
9) A back pack diaper bag - I love mine, but it isn't as big as some others. You may want something a little roomier? Also, think about how easy it will be to clean and whether it will stand up on its own.
10) An incredible setup for nursing - including Hands-free phone/books/computer whatever you need to make nursing work for the long-haul. Read this for more info on Nursing Set-up (and other useful twin information from a real mom of twins).
I really like the bouncy seats we have, but if I had thought about it a little more, I might have chosen a more portable style. Or at least something that folds up and stores out of the way.
1) Take Along Swings - maybe just one to start. You never know whether both babies will like swing time or not, and you may not need to have both in a swing at the same time. I have found that both of mine enjoy swinging, and I enjoy having them both in the swing at the same time.
2) Nursing pillow - I would like to have the inflatable pillow as well for travel. I discussed the nursing pillow in a previous post.
3) Bouncy seats - fold up if you can find them. I had a couple of older bouncy seats with my older children that folded for storage and for portability. These are two wonderful qualities (easy storage and easy portability) to find in any baby equipment for twins.
4) floor gym - collapsible. These are helpful, but not completely necessary. They do take up a lot of space if you don't find the kind that folds on itself and stays closed with snaps or Velcro.
5) Double stroller of some sort. We have a Graco Duoglider, and I love the feature that allows you to snap the carseats in and out. I have also seen the stroller that is just the frame for holding the carseats.
6) Port-a-crib or pack-n-play (somewhere to put them, especially if you have other small children)
7) Good breast pump - high quality and portability (can you plug an adaptor into the car? Believe me, it comes in handy!)
8) Portable changing table/station or several stations throughout the house - I have created a portable changing station on a cart. Maybe I will take pics of it and add them later.
9) A back pack diaper bag - I love mine, but it isn't as big as some others. You may want something a little roomier? Also, think about how easy it will be to clean and whether it will stand up on its own.
10) An incredible setup for nursing - including Hands-free phone/books/computer whatever you need to make nursing work for the long-haul. Read this for more info on Nursing Set-up (and other useful twin information from a real mom of twins).
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Before and After the Hair Cut
I wish I had taken good 'before' pictures of Delainey's hair. She had her locks loped off last Friday night. I didn't go with her; Scott and Max went along to get their hairs cut as well. Scott called me when she was getting her hair cut, and I thought I was going to cry just hearing about it. I don't know whether I could have handled watching it. I know that is silly, and I didn't even know I felt that way until Scott called me.
Anyway, when I saw it I couldn't believe how much different she looked! She donated her hair to Locks of Love, and one of the ladies at the salon said there should be enough for two wigs from her hair. Wow! I don't know about that, but I do know she had a whole bunch of hair chopped!
Her haircut is so cute. And, it really looks great on her. It makes me think maybe I want a hairstyle like hers. But she begged me not to get mother-daughter 'do's, so I guess I'll wait at least till hers grows out a bit.
Here is the link to her Christmas photo. That is the best one I have of her long hair. She seems to always have it in a ponytail or something in all the other photos I have... so here is a pic of her with a ponytail at a recent family gathering.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday's Top Ten Twin Items of Interest
1) Dennis was ready to go to 3 hour feedings before Daniel which presented a little bit of a dining dilema unitl Daniel caught up a bit in the last day or two... it is easier on mom nursing every 3 hours instead of every 2
2) Tomorrow is their two-month check-up. It will be a bit of a logistical challenge because this doctor's patient rooms do not hold all of us at once...
3) They both are enjoying face-to-face interaction, which is fun
4) They are starting to have more awake time that isn't cry-time
5) Smiles are becoming much more common, which is so rewarding!
6) I have decided that I enjoy dressing them in matching outfits, especially since they are fraternal, and I can tell them apart.
7) Kynzie told me yesterday that she can't tell them apart when I dress them in matching outfits
8) Max calls them both "Dennis 'n' Daniel", I think
9) Scott thinks Daniel might be longer than Dennis now; I think he may have caught up weight-wise
10) Another twin mom told us that we would have to pad our schdeule with extra time for any trip we make to account for all the attention twins generate. We have found this to be true for the most part. Usually, it is fun and enjoyable talking to people about our experiences, and often, hearing from others about their twins.
2) Tomorrow is their two-month check-up. It will be a bit of a logistical challenge because this doctor's patient rooms do not hold all of us at once...
3) They both are enjoying face-to-face interaction, which is fun
4) They are starting to have more awake time that isn't cry-time
5) Smiles are becoming much more common, which is so rewarding!
6) I have decided that I enjoy dressing them in matching outfits, especially since they are fraternal, and I can tell them apart.
7) Kynzie told me yesterday that she can't tell them apart when I dress them in matching outfits
8) Max calls them both "Dennis 'n' Daniel", I think
9) Scott thinks Daniel might be longer than Dennis now; I think he may have caught up weight-wise
10) Another twin mom told us that we would have to pad our schdeule with extra time for any trip we make to account for all the attention twins generate. We have found this to be true for the most part. Usually, it is fun and enjoyable talking to people about our experiences, and often, hearing from others about their twins.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Micah Trey is Here!
My sister and her husband had their baby boy on April 17th (I think)... three weeks early again. He weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz and measured 19 in. I haven't seen him yet, but I am planning a visit tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't forget the camera. Everything went well and I am sooo happy for the whole family!
Friday, June 20, 2008
One of Our Budding Artists
Kynzie has many gifts and talents... holding a writing utensil is not one of them just yet. But she loves to draw on her "arbie-doodle", and it seems to be great practice for her. One evening she came into the living room from playing quietly in her room. She was quite pleased with herself, and this is why:
And, just in case we couldn't be sure about what she'd drawn, she brought her 'model' out for us as well. This is a portrait of Strawberry Shortcake (or Strawberry Cortcake, as Kynzie calls her). You can see the likeness, right? The hat on her head?
The short story behind this is that when she was littler, Scott could entertain her for long stretches of time by drawing things on the Magna-doodle for her. She would pick various characters from her toy collection to bring to him for caricaturization. It was magical to her to watch Daddy replicate Woody or Cinderella with this drawing medium.
And now she has finally decided maybe she can do it too. That is what is super-sweet about it. She never would try it herself until now. I love watching our kids grow and learn new skills. It is a little bittersweet because it does go by so fast, but I wouldn't miss a moment like this for anything this world has to offer.
And, just in case we couldn't be sure about what she'd drawn, she brought her 'model' out for us as well. This is a portrait of Strawberry Shortcake (or Strawberry Cortcake, as Kynzie calls her). You can see the likeness, right? The hat on her head?
The short story behind this is that when she was littler, Scott could entertain her for long stretches of time by drawing things on the Magna-doodle for her. She would pick various characters from her toy collection to bring to him for caricaturization. It was magical to her to watch Daddy replicate Woody or Cinderella with this drawing medium.
And now she has finally decided maybe she can do it too. That is what is super-sweet about it. She never would try it herself until now. I love watching our kids grow and learn new skills. It is a little bittersweet because it does go by so fast, but I wouldn't miss a moment like this for anything this world has to offer.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
How do you keep your Daughter safe?
So, I got a Facebook account so I could check it out before I decided whether Delainey could get one or not. I just don't get it. What is the point? It seems like a bit of a waste of time to me. Can someone help me understand?
I can't let her go anywhere alone. Not because I don't trust her, but because I can't trust some other people. Last night we went to a mall to check out a store my husband heard about. While we were there, Delainey had to use the facilities, hmm, hmm, you know. So Scott explained how to get to the nearest one and off she went only to return in short order accompanied by a strange fellow.
Some guy had started to follow her, weaving to the other side of the walkway when she weaved, stopping to show interest in some store front suddenly, when she stopped. Delainey wisely and quickly found the first store with more than one person in it and hung a left inside.
She approached the two men behind the counter and announced that she believed she was being followed. One of the gents asked if she would like him to call security. She said no, but could he please walk her back to the store in which her parents were shopping... and he did. Thank you to that store employee and to everyone else who helps out in a situation like that!
This man asked Delainey to point out the perpetrator, and when she did, he said security had already been called on that guy for picking a fight that night.
Now, one might say she could just be paranoid... but I have actually watched this happen twice before in other stores. Once, in Price Chopper, I followed a man because I thought he was following Delainey (who was, once again, going to the bathroom). And she knew he was back there, because she would back-track and stop and go and all that stuff you would do to see whether someone was following you.
So, I watched for a bit, then I made myself more visible so she could see me and head back to me. He went to the front of the store and sat there.
It causes Delainey to feel quite shook up, and it takes me a minute or two to let the anger settle after these situations. Anger at these men who have no regard for anyone other than themselves. I don't understand how someone could be this way. I don't understand how a grown, and sometimes married, man can't keep his eyes off my young daughter's backside when she walks by. She doesn't wear "hey, look at me clothes." But then I try to remember to pray for them... at a safe distance, though.
Delainey is a beautiful girl. She is friendly and not afraid to interact with people. She doesn't walk with her head down or with the countenance of a victim. Does this sort of thing happen to all girls? Or is it just her? And, you know, so many times she has one or both of the little kids with her. Although, in both of the above instances she did not have any kids with her.
Maybe it is the part of town in which we live (and visit when we go the mall). I don't know. I just need to keep training my daughter to be cautious and wise. And continue to cover her in prayer. I thank God continually for allowing me to take care of His precious daughter. I want to do the job well.
Maybe it's time to get a cell phone...
I can't let her go anywhere alone. Not because I don't trust her, but because I can't trust some other people. Last night we went to a mall to check out a store my husband heard about. While we were there, Delainey had to use the facilities, hmm, hmm, you know. So Scott explained how to get to the nearest one and off she went only to return in short order accompanied by a strange fellow.
Some guy had started to follow her, weaving to the other side of the walkway when she weaved, stopping to show interest in some store front suddenly, when she stopped. Delainey wisely and quickly found the first store with more than one person in it and hung a left inside.
She approached the two men behind the counter and announced that she believed she was being followed. One of the gents asked if she would like him to call security. She said no, but could he please walk her back to the store in which her parents were shopping... and he did. Thank you to that store employee and to everyone else who helps out in a situation like that!
This man asked Delainey to point out the perpetrator, and when she did, he said security had already been called on that guy for picking a fight that night.
Now, one might say she could just be paranoid... but I have actually watched this happen twice before in other stores. Once, in Price Chopper, I followed a man because I thought he was following Delainey (who was, once again, going to the bathroom). And she knew he was back there, because she would back-track and stop and go and all that stuff you would do to see whether someone was following you.
So, I watched for a bit, then I made myself more visible so she could see me and head back to me. He went to the front of the store and sat there.
It causes Delainey to feel quite shook up, and it takes me a minute or two to let the anger settle after these situations. Anger at these men who have no regard for anyone other than themselves. I don't understand how someone could be this way. I don't understand how a grown, and sometimes married, man can't keep his eyes off my young daughter's backside when she walks by. She doesn't wear "hey, look at me clothes." But then I try to remember to pray for them... at a safe distance, though.
Delainey is a beautiful girl. She is friendly and not afraid to interact with people. She doesn't walk with her head down or with the countenance of a victim. Does this sort of thing happen to all girls? Or is it just her? And, you know, so many times she has one or both of the little kids with her. Although, in both of the above instances she did not have any kids with her.
Maybe it is the part of town in which we live (and visit when we go the mall). I don't know. I just need to keep training my daughter to be cautious and wise. And continue to cover her in prayer. I thank God continually for allowing me to take care of His precious daughter. I want to do the job well.
Maybe it's time to get a cell phone...
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to my Dad and to Scott's Dad and most of all to my husband. This man is a great father. I am blessed to have a man who desires to be so helpful with our children. He looks forward to building bonds with each of his children. He loves me, and he loves them.
He willingly is in charge of bath time. He willingly takes over most evenings after dinner so I can have as much of a break as a momma of twin infants can have. He enjoys feeding each baby as they become old enough to eat solid foods. And I bet you're wondering about diapers. Well, I will tell you that he changed more diapers than I did in the first two weeks of the twins lives.
He has never shied away from a dirty diaper. Although, I did tease him because before we had any babies he said he would only change dirty diapers if he had latex gloves to protect his hands. The gloves never happened, and he has always changed diapers.
To borrow some lyrics from a song I don't even know... what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man (and mighty handsome, too, even holding Dumbo).
He willingly is in charge of bath time. He willingly takes over most evenings after dinner so I can have as much of a break as a momma of twin infants can have. He enjoys feeding each baby as they become old enough to eat solid foods. And I bet you're wondering about diapers. Well, I will tell you that he changed more diapers than I did in the first two weeks of the twins lives.
He has never shied away from a dirty diaper. Although, I did tease him because before we had any babies he said he would only change dirty diapers if he had latex gloves to protect his hands. The gloves never happened, and he has always changed diapers.
To borrow some lyrics from a song I don't even know... what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man (and mighty handsome, too, even holding Dumbo).
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Forgotten Bug Party
I think I already 'blogged' about the Bug Party at the library to which I fogot to take the kids. Kynzie still sadly recalls the day we forgot to go the the Bug Party. Friday evening we went to my mom & dad's to celebrate Kynzie's birthday and give my sister a mini, family baby shower.
We had the bug theme going for Kynzie's part of the evening.
My mom had the kids search their large yard for various bugs and see who had the most at the end of the time allotted. Kynzie paired up with uncle Clayson, and they came out winners in the end. Kynzie kept saying she just couldn't believe she won the bug game on her birthday.
Kynzie had to try four times before she blew out her one (non-trick) candle. I didn't get real elaborate on the cake. Kynzie liked the grass from a previous cake I made, so we just decided bugs on grass would be perfect.
Kynzie put on her ladybug costume, and Max put on his bumblebee costume for the present part of the party.
Kynzie was so delighted with all of her gifts, but here she is after opening up her Baby Alive. She thanked Scott and I over and over for that doll. It was just what she wanted, she said. She didn't even seem to mind that we decided not to get the one that 'poops', thanks to a heads up from my sister-in-law, Kerry. Thanks, Kerry. (Kerry asked me if I really needed another messy diaper to change. Good point.)
She also received an Aquadoodle mat, a Play Wonder frog toss set, a doorway puppet theater, as well as a few other odds and ends. Not that the gifts were odd...
Below is the quilt Mom made for Clayson and Tacy's new baby. It is a spinoff of the Noah's Ark theme she made for their first son, Elijah. Mom also made Tacy's 'shower' cake. We all loved it! All the little plastic shower favor babies on it and sprinkles, too. It was so 'Mom"! Good job, Mom.
We had the bug theme going for Kynzie's part of the evening.
My mom had the kids search their large yard for various bugs and see who had the most at the end of the time allotted. Kynzie paired up with uncle Clayson, and they came out winners in the end. Kynzie kept saying she just couldn't believe she won the bug game on her birthday.
Kynzie had to try four times before she blew out her one (non-trick) candle. I didn't get real elaborate on the cake. Kynzie liked the grass from a previous cake I made, so we just decided bugs on grass would be perfect.
Kynzie put on her ladybug costume, and Max put on his bumblebee costume for the present part of the party.
Kynzie was so delighted with all of her gifts, but here she is after opening up her Baby Alive. She thanked Scott and I over and over for that doll. It was just what she wanted, she said. She didn't even seem to mind that we decided not to get the one that 'poops', thanks to a heads up from my sister-in-law, Kerry. Thanks, Kerry. (Kerry asked me if I really needed another messy diaper to change. Good point.)
She also received an Aquadoodle mat, a Play Wonder frog toss set, a doorway puppet theater, as well as a few other odds and ends. Not that the gifts were odd...
Below is the quilt Mom made for Clayson and Tacy's new baby. It is a spinoff of the Noah's Ark theme she made for their first son, Elijah. Mom also made Tacy's 'shower' cake. We all loved it! All the little plastic shower favor babies on it and sprinkles, too. It was so 'Mom"! Good job, Mom.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Update on the O's
I will try to keep updating the bog with more photos of the kids and the growing twins. Last Saturday, the babies were 6 weeks. I weighed the babies in their diapers. Dennis weighed 11.5 lbs and Daniel weighed 10.5 lbs. That is a full pound each since the previous Friday! I always hope they are getting enough to eat. Scott says they are.
We haven't been taking many photos lately. Our camera is wonderful because it was a free gift. But it isn't so wonderful because it runs out of batteries VERY quickly. It takes forever for the camera to take a photo, so, of course, you miss the photo you meant to get. Someday, I will have a better camera. I used to use 35mm SLR cameras, and in some ways, I miss those. But I love digital! With 5 kids, a better camera seems like a worthwhile investment, right?
Anyway, I sent some photos online to Wal-Mart to be printed. When I went in to pick them up, I had to sign a copyright release saying that I was the owner of one of the photos and that it was okay for Wal-Mart to print the photo. I told them I guess I should be flattered, but I was a little annoyed as well since I was pressed for time.
It was a photo I had taken right in our own living room. I did use my brother's super cool digital SLR camera, but it was way too dark to be from a studio.
I think the twins like the swing; so much so that I am considering purchasing a second swing.
Scott bought me a small deep freeze. I already bought a bunch of different meat on sale and started loading it up. Very exciting! He also bought an Equalizer Heating and A/C Register Booster for one of the living room vents. I have wanted one of these for awhile.
The little kids have spent lots of time outside. They love outside! Kynzie enjoys taking care of her garden. My mom bought her a couple tomato plants, pepper plants and a lemon basil plant for her own garden. She is in green thumb heaven. Here are pics of Kynz when she received her gardening equipment and then her plants, too.
Max loves his sports equipment, and they both thoroughly enjoy riding the various ride-on toys. There is Max's motorcycle (his is blue), the little red scooter, the red push-around buggy, the tricycle, and, the newest edition, Kynzie's new bicycle (I couldn't find that one online).
We haven't been taking many photos lately. Our camera is wonderful because it was a free gift. But it isn't so wonderful because it runs out of batteries VERY quickly. It takes forever for the camera to take a photo, so, of course, you miss the photo you meant to get. Someday, I will have a better camera. I used to use 35mm SLR cameras, and in some ways, I miss those. But I love digital! With 5 kids, a better camera seems like a worthwhile investment, right?
Anyway, I sent some photos online to Wal-Mart to be printed. When I went in to pick them up, I had to sign a copyright release saying that I was the owner of one of the photos and that it was okay for Wal-Mart to print the photo. I told them I guess I should be flattered, but I was a little annoyed as well since I was pressed for time.
It was a photo I had taken right in our own living room. I did use my brother's super cool digital SLR camera, but it was way too dark to be from a studio.
I think the twins like the swing; so much so that I am considering purchasing a second swing.
Scott bought me a small deep freeze. I already bought a bunch of different meat on sale and started loading it up. Very exciting! He also bought an Equalizer Heating and A/C Register Booster for one of the living room vents. I have wanted one of these for awhile.
The little kids have spent lots of time outside. They love outside! Kynzie enjoys taking care of her garden. My mom bought her a couple tomato plants, pepper plants and a lemon basil plant for her own garden. She is in green thumb heaven. Here are pics of Kynz when she received her gardening equipment and then her plants, too.
Max loves his sports equipment, and they both thoroughly enjoy riding the various ride-on toys. There is Max's motorcycle (his is blue), the little red scooter, the red push-around buggy, the tricycle, and, the newest edition, Kynzie's new bicycle (I couldn't find that one online).
The babies are quickly growing out of their porta-crib, but Max is not out of his crib yet. He really likes his crib. He has never even tried to climb out of it. He has taken naps a couple of times in his big boy toddler bed, but he doesn't nap as long. And he is a little different than Kynzie; she knew to stay in bed till we came to get her. Him - not so much.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
So much wonder in a four-year-old
Kynzie turned four years old! We spent the evening at Chuck E Cheese. She was so excited. And as a last minute treat, Papa Dan and Grandma Pam and Aunt Kelsie met us there. We didn't tell Kynzie, so she was quite surprised. I forgot to take my camera. Not that it would have worked if I had remembered it anyway... but that is a different story for a different blog post.
Kynzie is so much fun to watch in situations like this. She is so genuinely happy, and she lights up with such delight at each new event. It is refreshing. I love to experience things through my daughter's eyes, and all her senses really. She expresses such wonder, and her curiosity takes her on great learning adventures.
Papa and Grandma gave her a super cool bicycle complete with training wheels and pink tassels on the handlebars after Chuck E Cheese. She still gets these huge eyes and matching grin when she asks if she can go ride her new bike. It is so cute!
Her most recent learning adventures have been about what happens to our pee pee when we flush it, why God made the trees for us (as opposed to the trees just being for birds to build nests), and the life cycle of a butterfly. Growing a garden is always on her mind. She asked me today why I haven't put anything in our garden to grow yet. She said "we (her and Delainey and Max) have been taking care of it for you," as though to say we are waiting on you to plant something.
The best is hearing her say "now we are going to be able to drink my pee pee" after she flushes the toilet every time now. And this is somehow exciting to her! Not the refreshment of drinking water necessarily, but the knowledge she has gained about the water treatment plant process.
Kynzie is so much fun to watch in situations like this. She is so genuinely happy, and she lights up with such delight at each new event. It is refreshing. I love to experience things through my daughter's eyes, and all her senses really. She expresses such wonder, and her curiosity takes her on great learning adventures.
Papa and Grandma gave her a super cool bicycle complete with training wheels and pink tassels on the handlebars after Chuck E Cheese. She still gets these huge eyes and matching grin when she asks if she can go ride her new bike. It is so cute!
Her most recent learning adventures have been about what happens to our pee pee when we flush it, why God made the trees for us (as opposed to the trees just being for birds to build nests), and the life cycle of a butterfly. Growing a garden is always on her mind. She asked me today why I haven't put anything in our garden to grow yet. She said "we (her and Delainey and Max) have been taking care of it for you," as though to say we are waiting on you to plant something.
The best is hearing her say "now we are going to be able to drink my pee pee" after she flushes the toilet every time now. And this is somehow exciting to her! Not the refreshment of drinking water necessarily, but the knowledge she has gained about the water treatment plant process.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mother's Day - Max's Birthday
I had a great Mother's Day this year. I had two more children to mother for starters! How awesome! My husband and the kids made me breakfast in bed. They also gave me a wonderful gift - an ipod shuffle and beautiful cards (the home made ones are the best!). It was the first Sunday back at church since the birth of the twins. It was like we were celebrities. Well, actually not us, just the babies. All that was missing was the flash of a hundred cameras. It was so much fun!
I received a lovely rose corsage and the day brought special prayers for mothers. After church we spent some time talking with friends, and I was able to share my birth story with some who were interested. How fun! We finally left church and headed to my mom's house. But not so we could take her to lunch or something traditional like that...
My mom made lunch for me! It was a very yummy treat and greatly appreciated. My mom is an awesome cook. Her family get-together meals are the best. (My sister-in-law made my mom's brisket recipe and it was super delicious. I am a little jealous that she can cook so well!) My brother and his wife (the good cook II) came over with their kids and we sang happy birthday to Max.
He received some cool gifts this year. I think he got most of his favorite things - an airport set complete with airplane and helicopter, a construction site play set, small toy tool kit, "baseball game", addition to Thomas train set, motorcycles, clothes, as well as some other fun things.
There is a picture of Max and my twin nursing pillow. He said it was his turn to nurse the babies, so he got himself ready and asked me to hand him the babies! 
The picture of Max and Daniel depicts how his genuine desire to show love and tenderness for the babies is sometimes outweighed by his curiosity about their body parts.
Speaking of which, when he was helping Daddy change one of the babies recently, he noticed what was under the diaper and proclaimed "Just like me! Just like me!"
Max really does love the babies, and he does try to be gentle and soft with the babies. It is so sweet. But he just doesn't have any concept of spatial relationship or how much he weighs compared to the little boys. (By the way, I didn't try to take a photo of Max poking Daniel in the eye; it just happened that he decided to poke his eye as my slow camera finally shuttered.)
I also wanted to include a photo of my Grandma on Mother's Day. My brother was the good grandchild and went to visit our grandparents - so this photo is courtesy of him. The little girl with Grandma is his daughter, Aubrey. My daughter Kynzie shares the same birthday as my Grandma.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Twin pictures
Here are a few pictures of the twins.
The first picture, top picture on the left, is Poppa (or Papa) Dan (Scott's Dad) holding Daniel Justus.
The top picture on the right is a picture of me holding both twins - so sweet and peaceful.
The third is the twins holding the twins. That is my Aunt Karen and Mom (identical twins) holding Dennis and Daniel.
Then there is Scott holding Max who suddenly became excited about the babies when we brought them home. He didn't think much of them while we were at the hospital. And Kynzie somehow finds her way into every photo she can, so there she is, too.
The next photo is of Kynzie's first glimpse of the babies at the hospital. She was so excited to get them here and then to finally see and hold them. She did not want to be without a baby on her lap the whole time she visited. At one point she looked up at me and said, "Thank you for the babies, Mommy." She was smiling and so very content as long as she was holding a baby. When Daddy started to take the baby from her, she hunched over the baby and held her arms over the top of the baby. Very possessive of "her" babies.
Second to last is a pic of Grandpa Denny, aka Boppa, aka Papa, depending on which grandchild you are talking to... Here Dennis (my dad) is holding his namesake Dennis Aaron.
The last photo here is of the boys in their little port-a-crib in our room. When next to each other, Daniel often rolls toward his 24-minute older brother, Dennis.
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