Manning Memoirs

Quirks and other stuff

2008-11-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

The babies have taken to carrying pieces of my clothing around with them, Lily sniffs them. Don't worry they're clean!! I use a body oil after I shower and its fragrance lingers a little. Well, I guess it just doesn't wash out. It's cute and a little odd. They have a few favorites. Lily pulled my jammie pants down the other day trying to get a hold of them, and Tess teases her by taking things away. If I don't put away clean laundry right away...I find it has been dragged all over the house. Silly things.

Tess can climb on most of the furniture, and is constantly having to be rescued from the tops of things. She just discovered the silverware drawer, climbing up on her walker. Lily is too busy laying on my shirt!!

Lily says "tickle, tickle!" and is always tickling everyone...it is the cutest thing, and oddly enough her first word....love it.

I've been alternately letting Jack do more stuff, and then not, simply because he is 11 and not quite ready to do a lot of the things he wants to. Our adjustment to middle school has been a little rough. Not socially, but we are needing a little guidance keeping up with classwork and homework, perhaps a little less chatting during class would help!! I am sooooo happy that he is having fun and has lots of friends, but his grades are really suffering...what to do...how much emphasis do we put on grades??? I really just want him to try, put a little effort in!! He was thinking I suppose, that if he got all A's on his tests that his homework didn't matter. He was wrong. So we are pushing effort, not achievement at this point.

Alexa started gymnastics. She's so good!! She already ruined her leotard by putting it through laundry with some goo stuff she made at school, so she was thrilled to get a new one, not from Target....

And Travis. Well, he is still giving me a hard time about switching him to AM kindergarten. He is the sweetest most charming and adorable child one minute, and the most hateful, screaming, kicking, hitting terror the next. He is 5 1/2. I sort of remember Jack and Alexa being a little this way at this age as well, but I think I blocked it out. I spend most of my evenings watching him sleep, and basking in his sweet face.

Luke is beginning to really settle into his new job....now that the initial shock of how different it is than his last job has worn off. I am so proud of him...

And me, well, I had a new obsession for a while, but I've had to put it on hold, so I hope to pay a little more attention to my poor blog...it has been sooooo neglected!! Is it too weird to change the dates on my posts so they stay in some sort of order as I try to catch up???

I've weaned the twins...a bittersweet reminder that I will not/cannot have anymore babies...they of course were barely phased, I was a wreck. I'm just amazed I made it for so long....when they were 3 months old, I would have said there was NO WAY I would even make it to a year...well I did it!! 17 months.

Bella

2008-11-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Bella Llewellyn, passed away early last Saturday morning, November 8 from a cerebral aneurysm. She was seven years old. We are all so sad, and the kids are so confused. We will miss her beauty and sweetness always. Our hearts are heavy with love and concern for her parents Gwen and Ian, and her big sister Mikayla. We love you guys.

15 months

2008-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Tess and Lily had their 15 month checkup yesterday... Tess weighs a whopping 18lbs, and Lily tips the scale at 18 lbs 10 oz. Totally fine just petite. I don't know how they can be so tiny, the are constantly eating, or crying to eat. And how can it be that after 3 days of following me around crying, they get a leg full of shots and become cheerful little monkeys again??

They have a new hangout....it makes it hard for me to fold laundry, but gives me a great excuse not to!!!

Random stuff...and a couple of milestones

2008-10-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

I've been a little off lately...totally uninspired. I am blaming my upcoming birthday, but there are probably a few other factors.

The babies are walking and into everything. They're so cute, but man, the minute I go near the computer they are right here pushing buttons, banging keys, dumping out my drawers....it's never ending!! The good thing is, that they follow me everywhere, for now, so I always know where they are. BUT, they seem to be crying a lot as they follow me, I can never figure out why, and the minute I shut the door to the bathroom all #$%&* breaks loose. Although this morning I went to get my haircut, and Husband said they were pounding on the bathroom door looking for me and that he had to keep showing them that I wasn't in there....so funny. Just shows how often I go anywhere without them.

Travis spent the entire first week of school teaching himself to ride a two wheeler...yesterday I caught him with his feet up on the crossbar(I think that's what it's called) racing past our house, and then riding side-saddle.....our little XGamer. SCARY!!! Of course he won't let me take any photos of him, and I don't want to make him fall so I don't take them without permission. This morning he screamed at me for 20 minutes because his glass of milk wasn't full enough. I'm hoping for a zoom lens for my birthday....so I can sneak the photos.

Alexa is great...she was in another musical One Magic Moment. So cute. She was with older kids this time, so it was more challenging and she rocked!! Now she is madly rehearsing Little Red Riding hood at school.

Lily, where's your nose?

Tess has a new skill...

And the latest pastime...learning to flip.

I Can't Help Myself

2008-09-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Jocasta, at Princess and the Peas posted today about a blog called Cake Wrecks. I've spent the last several minutes/hours cracking up at the cakes, and I can't help but share a couple of them. This one, and this one made me laugh out loud, but there are oh so many more to enjoy.

Thanks Jocasta!! I just spent my entire Bank Holiday Monday reading Cake Wrecks!! Although it is sort of appropriate for Labor Day huh?? That was awesome! It inspired me to start trying to decorate cakes again!!

My 100th Post

2008-08-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

I've so enjoyed the other 100 Random Things post from other blogs, that I thought I'd do one for my 100th post...it was really hard!!!! Here I go.

1. My due date was my grandfathers birthday, October 18th, I was going to be a boy and named Thomas Edward after him. I was a day late, and a girl, and so named Constance Catharine.
2. I'm the middle child of three girls.
3. My older sister will still say she resents me being born, it took all of the attention away from her...
4. My family moved 5 times in 6 years, we moved to California just after my 6th birthday.
5. My mom gave me and my older sister the choice of whether or not we wanted to start kindergarten at the age of four, we both have late fall birthdays, and we went. I think my mom always regretted letting us go.
6. I loved my little sister Meg, I always wanted a baby in the house and was thrilled to have her.
7. I always wanted an older brother.
8. When I was 3 1/2 I had an imaginary friend named Romin Bells. Her mother was pregnant and her baby died. I dragged my Auntie Freid all over our St.Louis suburb looking for their house while my mom was at the hospital after having Meg. No one told her Romin Bells was imaginary.
9. I had to wear a note pinned to my shirt in that same suburb because I would go to all the neighbors houses visiting, and they would give me treats. the note said, "Please don't feed me." I used to ruin my appetite.
10. I didn't go to preschool because I was such an easy child for my mom, she didn't feel the need to send me.
11. When I was 4 I refused to take a bath for weeks, and I finally did because my grandparents were coming from California.
12. I also ran away because my mom wouldn't let me have a sleepover at the neighbors. She waved goodbye, thinking I would come back but I never did. Those people raised me...just kidding. They let me stay for dinner, and then I had to go home. I'm not seeming like such an easy kid anymore am I?
13. My best friend in NJ was the boy across the street. He and I would have peeing contests in his backyard. He always won.
14. We taught ourselves to ride 2 wheelers.
15. When we moved to California I was in the first grade. They had late birds and early birds. I couldn't read, so I was an early bird. I hated that, so I would dawdle on the way to school and show up with the late birds.
16. I remember learning to read. It was almost overnight, it just clicked for me.
17. In second grade I refused to wear, eat or drink anything that wasn't orange for several months.
18. Orange has always been my favorite color. I wanted an orange Corvette throughout my entire childhood.
19. I am a people pleaser, I will sacrifice my feelings to make others happy, or like me.
20. I played soccer for 10 years, and haven't played since I was 17.
21. My maiden name was Bacon. It invited all sorts of teasing. Especially when Sizzlean became popular. Remember, "Move over Bacon, here comes something meatier!"?
22. This also is where my favorite tease was from. One of my friends asked me, "When you have kids will they be called Bacon-Bits?". Hence my screen name on monoamniotic.org, and many other sites.
23. My hair feathers really well.
24. I played the flute from age 9 to age 14.
25. I started smoking cigarettes at age 14, and quit when I was 27.
26. I failed my driver's license test on my 16th birthday.
27. I backed my dad's car into a tree the very first time I got to take it out at night.
28. I got my first job because I had to pay him back. I was a counter girl at Sizzler.
29. As a senior in high school I worked full time as a night manager for a shop called 'San Francisco Sour Dog'. It was a hot dog shop that had patented a burner that made a hole and toasted inside a sourdough roll to put a hot dog in.
30. I designed my own senior ball gown.
31. I was kind of a naughty teenager. I didn't realize until I was older and had kids and would joke with other parents about "the things we did" and none of them had done the stuff I had. I was shocked!!
32. I had a serious boyfriend from the age of 19 until I was 23. He wanted to get married but I insisted that I couldn't get married until I had been to Europe. He moved on.
33. When I was 21 I packed up my RX-7 and moved to Seattle. I LOVED it there!
34. While in Seattle I took a job in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, in the resort. I was a steward on a boat that did day trips to the glaciers.
35. After Alaska, I moved back to California to go back to college.
36. Longevity runs in my family. Both of my great grandmothers lived into their
100's, and my moms mother did as well.
37. I was accepted into UC San Diego's Psychology department to gain a BS in Psychology.
38. I took a semester off before I transferred to go to Europe.
39. I was due to return to the States on December 23, and called my mom THAT DAY to tell her I had decided to stay and be a housekeeper in the youth hostel where I was staying.
40. I never finished my college degree. I have always wanted to.
41. I dreamed of running a halfway house for teenage girls, taking in foster kids and being a social worker. There's still time!!
42. I love to have painted toenails.
43. I'm not good at being in cliques. They make me nervous.
44. I don't believe in Standardized testing, yet I am sooooo proud of my kids when the test "advanced in all categories".
45. I am the spitting image of my dad's mother. But she was blond and blue eyed.
46. I got my first gray hair when I was 19.
47. I designed my own wedding dress.
48. Before having kids I secretly hoped I would have all daughters...but I am having so much fun with my boys as well as my girls!!
49. I love being a mom.
50. I also love being Husbands wife....
51. I've been coloring my hair since I was 23. It's pretty darn gray now.
52. Jewelry, especially rings, makes me itch.
53. When I live in England I get really bad eczema, but not in California.
54. I am always dreaming about moving. I am constantly researching different places to live.
55. I would love to raise my kids in a rural area.
56. My hair looks terrible long...it is really fine and has a frizzy texture.
57. As a child I had nearly black eye color, and when I was 14 it changed to hazel.
58. I have always wanted a tattoo.
59. Having all of my kids makes me forgetful. I have to write everything down these days.
60. I still remember my first friend in California's telephone number.
61. I feel guilty about a lot of things that I shouldn't feel guilty about.
62. I'm always attracted to people that are open with their feelings and are very affectionate.
63. I think my in-laws are AWESOME!!
64. I was always naturally slim until I had my first child, and I gained a lot of wait while I was pregnant with him. Now I have to WORK to lose weight, and I have NO discipline!!
65. I begged an eye doctor to prescribe glasses for me when I was 15. I thought I looked good in them. He laughed in my face!!
66. I then talked my dentist into giving me braces...interesting huh??
67. I love margaritas.
68. The year I was born.
69. I love Autumn. The leaves changing, the crisp air....the bright low sun...
70. I am OBSESSED with metallic sandals. I buy several pair a year, and then end up giving them to my friend Maureen for various reasons.
71. I love ....
72. I overuse exclamation points!!!!
73. I'm not very computer savvy.
74. I have a great sense of direction.
75. I worked on a strawberry farm in England as a fruit picker...it sucked.
76. I met Luke on that same farm. That didn't suck.
77. I used to be a really good correspondent but I'm not anymore.
78. I'm kind of shy.
79. I talk a LOT.
80. I loved being pregnant. There is no more amazing thing to experience.
81. I love to cook.
82. My fingernails are paper thin.
83. I am a terrible typist. I once took a test for a job and had a negative score!!
84. I once drank 7 kamikazes in one night. I've never had another one.
85. We went to the beach every year for vacation when I was growing up. I LOOOOOOVE the beach.
86. I trip a lot.
87. I'm not a very good housekeeper.
88. I am easily distracted. This can be good and bad.
89. I am a generally cheery person.
90. I am known to have a bad temper at times.
92. I am a Libra.
93. I like balance.
94. I like blogging much more than I thought I would.
95. I am super protective of people I love.
96. I can be very stubborn.
97. I love to do yoga.
98. I used to sprint really fast.
99. I can be very opinionated.
100. I can be hesitant about my ability to complete some things, so I will put them off for so long that it's too late to do them, and then beat myself up about it. But this? It's done early!!

Oh and another one...

2008-08-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Wordful Wednesday that is...

The first day of school in these here parts. I hate to admit it, but I have been looking forward to(really dying for) this day for a few weeks now. It's been a long HOT summer. We made it...with 6 different drop off/pick up times, and even a milkshake thrown in. I forced the kids to take photos.

She did her own hair...whose child is this????? Cute huh?

Then the hard one. My baby, my firstborn. Off to middle school. This was soooo much harder than kindergarten for some reason. He looked so small and young(the haircut). I just don't feel ready for this little boy to become an independent young man. My little sweet cheeks. I wonder how long I can sneak that one in. As long as I keep blogging I suppose.

And the monkey. Kindergarten at last!! He was so excited all morning, and marched right in the door without a second look back and came out grinning like a wild man(not unusual-the wild man bit)with a new best friend. My kids are so awesome!! They had a great day. Alexa even got the "Best Worker of the Day" award, well acknowledgement anyway, today. How can they grow up so fast?????

Wordful Wednesday

2008-08-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

One of my original blog inspirations Angie at Seven Clown Circus started Wordful Wednesday, and this Wednesday I have lots of words so I thought I'd join in.

Dad
August 27, 1939-November 16, 2007

Things I learned from you...
Always greet people with a smile.
Everyone deserves to be respected.
Don't judge, there is always more than one side to every story.
Live with grace.

Love a party, firewood makes a great baton, when you feel so moved by the music.

The birthday song sounds soooo much better through a kazoo.

Dad died of respiratory failure 2 days after being diagnosed with ALS. We think he had gone undiagnosed for about 5 years. He fought so hard to stay healthy, as he got weaker and weaker, he worked harder and harder to get stronger. It was always a losing battle, he just never knew. I felt so proud of him, he was so determined to get well, and because of that he never went into a wheelchair, and lived on his own until his last hospitalization the week before he died. He must have been so afraid and confused by how bad he felt, and never said a word to me or my sisters because he didn't want to upset us.
He loved my kids and knew them so well. The dresses he bought Alexa she would wear almost everyday they were clean, and he always got the boys the best 'boy things' bows and arrows, rubber band guns, water guns...They miss him all the time. He used to live on our street, and when Travis noticed someone had moved into his place he said,'That's Poppa John's house...those people aren't allowed in there.' It will always be Poppa Johns place.

Love you Dad....I miss you every day.

England~~part two...

2008-08-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely barbeque with Ben, Claire, Leo and Matthew. The weather was gorgeous while we were there, we were very lucky...it has rained tons since we've been back.

I'm pretty sure Travis lived on bread and butter for most of the trip.

Molly the dog
And Grandpa Martian demonstrating something...I can't remember already...it looks like a bunny hopping...

Beware!!! Photo overload!!

2008-08-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a little more in depth about our trip to England...it could be several years before we go again, and it was so special for us to be there...I need it to be chronicled a little bit!! Although I'd be happy to just take a million photos, and post them...that will be another blog! So here goes.

Our trip was planned with only one weeks notice, and Luke's parents were in France on holiday, so we got to spend a little quality time with Uncle Matthew and Uncle Ben before they returned home on the Saturday after we arrived, well, took over the house is more like it. Uncle Matthew had a request from his dad to have mow the lawn, so he sweetly let Travis ride along, and Jack have a go driving the mower. Of course we didn't take any photos of Jack in action, because well, he was driving a lawn mower. And he doesn't like his photo taken...so we were avoiding catastrophe.

Travis and Uncle Matthew hard at work.

And then on Sunday, we went to the Somerset Steam Spectacular. Tractor pulls, more tractors than you could ever imagine...but all we needed was the bumper cars.

This was the boys first experience riding them and the absolutely LOVED them. I personally, can't stand them all that jarring my head around and inability to stop laughing...too much for me.

Poor Lily and Tess seemed to live in their stroller for the whole trip!!

And I tricked Jack...he's so handsome and takes such beautiful photos!! It's turned into a hideous control thing now....sometimes I think he let's me trick him.

2008-08-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Brothers.

Luke, Matthew,

And Ben.

A neat scene...I loved all the flags from different countries flying together, and the skies in England are fabulous!!

And a bouncy slide.

2008-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

They just had so much fun!! It can be hard with the biggish age gap between them, but when they can connect, it's really so magical! Alexa stayed with Grandma Purple and Grandpa, so that's why she's MIA.

The view from where we parked the car...the beautiful Somerset landscape.

I couldn't resist....another entry.

2008-08-13T11:48:00.001-07:00

I had to enter another photo in the Summer Fun Photo Contest on 5 Minutes for Mom. I am already wanted to keep adding them....luckily I just don't have time!!!

Summer Fun....A Contest!!

2008-08-13T11:14:00.001-07:00

My photo for the Summer Fun Photo Contest.
Five Minutes for Mom is hosting a Summer Fun Photo Contest sponsored by Skinny Cow. You could win $500 if your Summer Fun themed photo wins the contest! I don’t know about you, but I can always use $500!

I know I posted it before...but its my favorite right now...although I'm already having second thoughts...now I know why I never enter these contests!! Breathe.....

Go Husband!!

2008-08-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Luke has stepped out of his comfort zone, and began looking for a new job in commercial construction this spring. He has done well in residential construction, but had really made his way to the top rung on the ladder, and well a contact came through, and then another, and here he is with a great job, a BIG job with a great new company. A construction management firm that is working on a huge project at the hospital where I was inpatient a year ago...ironically, he got the job offer on the twins first birthday....kinda creepy. Anyway...he is really excited because he can eat in the hospital cafeteria for lunch!!! I know you momo mommies are dying right now...I giggle every time he mentions it with so much glee. That's what boarding school does to a person. Makes them crave institutional food.Here he is leaving for his first day of the new job on Monday. We had to get him a new car(for us anyway)...we were laughing because we have both bought 'grown-up' cars this year. I have a minivan, and he bought this sedan...no more bright red monster truck for him. We are getting there!!!
Thanks for working so hard for us Husband...we love you and are all so proud of you!

We're Back!!

2008-08-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

We survived our adventure, and it was definitely an adventure, across the pond to visit Husbands family in England. It was wonderful to be there, and be with the family...everyone is delightful, and we got to meet our first nephew, Leo. The weather couldn't have been better, only 2 days of rain I think and we actually returned to California MORE tan than when we set off for the UK...Fancy that! These are only a few of my favorite photos of the hundreds that I took before my battery died in my camera only halfway through my trip. Whah!! I'm a dork...anyway, that is a whole different post.

Uncle Matthew mowing the lawn with a monkeyish helper.

We went to the 'Somerset Steam Spectacular', where the boys had a fabulous time riding bumper care and sliding down and inflatable slide...and we saw about a million tractors.....and I got a great photo of Jack!! A major feat in itself.

And finished the day with a barbecue with Uncle Ben, Auntie Claire, and Cousin Leo.

Daddy and Lily.

2008-08-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

We spent an afternoon in Weymouth...

The water was so shallow and perfectly calm,

even Tess,

and Lily got to frolic in the surf!!

2008-08-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

Grandpa 'Martian' enjoying a lovely evening.

And the monkey on the Double-Decker bus in London.

2008-08-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Grandma "Purple", and Grandpa "Martian" , not the most flattering, but well, remember my battery died??? It was so great to be with everyone there... our trip was way too short. I hope we can go back again before another 7 years goes by!!!

A warm evening...and LOTS of photos.

2008-07-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid this is only a fraction of what I actually took....it's enough to make it's own book!!!

Alexa unearthed this shopping basket and cleaned it up to give her sisters rides in. Lily took an extra long nap this day, so Tess got the undivided attention of her big sister.

Travis' favorite pastime...

This brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.

And a cute 'Tess' face.

2008-07-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

And Miss Lily woke up.

Tess decided to take a 'crawl'.

And Lily got a few cuddles from Lex.

And her turn for a ride!!

The Best Little Theater in Town

2008-07-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

Alexa did a summer conservatory(drama camp) with the theater group where she takes ballet and had a blast!! She has always loved to perform, and I think it's great experience for kids. It really boosts their confidence, and it's fun. In this show she was a member of the theater gang, and a lawyer/banker.

Her big duet.

And the grand finale.

2008-07-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here she is with the curls we spent hours doing....not really my forte, but I thought they turned out pretty well! It was such a cute production the kids were all between 4 and 12, so that makes it fun, and I got to see it twice, so I could take lots of photos...these are just a few.....I have some organizing to do.

AAAARRRGGGHHHH

2008-07-10T00:48:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind...I have all of these things that have happened and I want to post about...and I haven't had time!! Why??? Because on Monday we decided to go to England to see Husbands family, next Wednesday. So in the last 2 days I've been gathering tickets, rental car reservaations, all the documents I need to get PASSPORTS on Monday morning(keep your fingers crossed)and I have so many other things I need/want to do....sigh. I'm so tired. And THRILLED. I have the best in-laws, and love going to England and can't wait to show off my beautiful family to all of these people that love them and have never met them...and hopefully hook up with some old friends and some momo mommies perhaps. I hope to at least post about Lukes birthday, and the babies birthday!!! I am sooooooooooo lame. How will I get my house clean before I go?

Happy Birthday Husband!!

2008-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

It was June 21st. Poor husband always gets jipped(sp?) for his birthday, between Father's Day, having babies, being inpatient, being broke...all the usual stuff. So this year I wanted to make it nicer for him. He was served a proper 'Roast Up', chicken, roast potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and gravy. The cake was a Safeway special, Tiramisu flavored. I use that term loosely. But it was fun.

The kids insisted he was desperate for Guitar Hero, so now it sits in the corner gathering dust--although I have to admit it was totally up my alley, and Pat Benatar ROCKS!!! Am I dating myself????

We went to Rip-off Central, oops I mean Discovery Kingdom, and had a wonderful time riding rides. Jack, Alexa, Travis and I did anyway. The animals are pretty few and far between, and sort of a disappointment, and then Luke doesn't like the rides so he ended up hanging out with Tess and Lily.

But Travis went on his first big kids ride and LOVED it. After the shock of that first BIG spin wore off.

2008-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Then we couldn't stop him.

And Luke, in the look of the day, and this was right before we went home, so he looks extra pleased. But he was great letting us go on all the rides, we all had a lot of fun!! Apparently I didn't take a single photo of the babes, but they get to take center stage in the photo department a lot of the time, so I think I'll get away with this slip up.

Swimming

2008-07-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

We had our first venture into Grandma's pool last week. Tess and Lily loved it! I know we think of California as having hot weather all the time, but here in Northern California, it can be pretty unpredictable. We can have hot days with really cool nights(perfect), and then a lot of wind in the afternoon. So we haven't been swimming too too much this year. My mom keeps her pool pretty cool so if the wind is up no one wants to go in. So we had a hot day, and the pool was warm enough for all the swimmers...most of whom would not allow a photo.

Tess. She doesn't look so happy huh? That's her latest face...it always get a smile, so she does it a LOT.

I am not so confident taking them swimming alone yet, so Grandma was helping.

Miss Lily. She enjoyed it this time, but when she went in the next time, and the pool was cooler, and man was she mad!! She absolutely did not like that cold pool.

Perfection

2008-06-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of neat things...

2008-06-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Alexa

When I was picking the kids up the day of Back to School night, a boy came up to Alexa and said, "Alexa, I dedicated my book to you." And when her teacher asked him why, he said,"Because Alexa is always nice to me. And when I was worried because my mom wasn't here after drama class, she sat with me and made me feel better until my mom came." He was so sweet. He's not in her class, so that evening we made a stop to see the book and sure enough it said, "This book is dedicated to my parents and ALEXA." It brought tears to my eyes. She is really amazing, wise and sensitive. Only eight, and able to make such an impression on people.

A few days later, her teacher stopped me to tell me that while they were preparing for a class party, she made a comment about too much sugar making the kids go wild, and Alexa came up to her later and said," You know Ms.Lightfoot, I never get wild." Her teacher was cracking up, she was so sincere, and worried that her teacher believed she would be wild.

Travis

At the bank yesterday, and as we were walking in Travis held the door for me pushing the stroller, something he always does, and as usual we were stopped and asked about the babies by a couple of women in the waiting area. They commented on what a good helper he was and how old he was, and then we went to get in line. As we finished, one of the women came up to Travis and told him that since he was 5 and such a good helper for mommy, she wanted to give him something special, a five dollar bill!! I wish I had my camera with me....but it was so nice of her to acknowledge him. So often the other kids are overlooked because of the twins, and to have someone go out of their way to make him feel special, especially a stranger. It was really nice.

Teefies!!

2008-06-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Lily showing off her three new teeth. It has been a rough stretch. But we have a proud little girl!!

Twins

2008-06-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get a good photo of them together!!!

Movin' On

2008-06-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Jack was 'promoted' out of 5th grade on Friday, June 13. It was a cute ceremony. The sang a bunch of songs, and each child had a quote to say throughout.

The entire 5th grade class.

Jack receiving his certificate from his teacher, Ms. Montzingo. You can't see in this photo, but she is absolutely stunning, and she's like 23. I asked him if the boys all have crushes on her and he was so horrified, I took it as a yes.

Looking pretty proud.

And passing me as quickly as possible in hopes of making the photo come out blurry. I love how he is passing Grandma(sitting), and doesn't even notice her. And she didn't see him either. I held it together pretty well...mostly because I could hardly hear what anyone was saying with Travis and the babies crawling all over me, although I did get a little teary when they sang "Lean on Me' at the end of the ceremony.

Great job Jack!! Off to Middle School next year...it will be another awesome adventure!!!

The Ballet Performance

2008-06-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun! The theme for the showcase was Broadway, which is a little hard for ballet, but Alexa's class performed to 'Let's go fly a kite!", from Mary Poppins, and it was really sweet.

I obviously haven't begun to trust the flash on my camera...and we couldn't photograph or film the performance, so I had to buy a DVD...they are great to have, but I'll never figure out how to get them onto my blog!!

Something Funny I forgot

2008-06-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

I forgot that crawling babies run into sliding glass doors all the time!!! It's really cute, but poor Lily has a headache I think.

My Day...

2008-06-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Travis had is last day of preschool on Wednesday. He was so cute. They have celebration called 'My Day', just in case some of the kids are hanging out for another year. It can make the term 'graduation' inappropriate. So we had a picnic prepared for us. It was peanut butter and jelly for me, turkey and mayo for Daddy and Travis. We also had Cheetos(YUM!), and fruit salad. The kids also provided a little entertainment.

Here's Travis trying not to have his photo taken.

And here he's decided it's not so bad after all...I even got a little wave!

They sang "What a Wonderful World" all the way through with hand gestures and everything...it's amazing what they can pull off...it's actually a really long song.

And they received their book. A collection of stories and illustrations from throughout the year...there were about 5 in his...some kids had like 50. It also had his 'interview'. A series of questions about him. His favorite food-pineapple. His favorite thing to do at Pied Piper-swing and ride bikes. His friends-Julien and Jimmy. What he wants to be when he grows up- A Police Officer. It was a really sweet celebration, and I can't believe he's off to Kindergarten. Way to go Monkey!!! I love you!!

Something fun...

2008-06-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm procrastinating...I am so behind posting...we've had so much going on...maybe I'll have time next week since school is out Bwah ha ha ha ha ......

Anyway. Do you know the number one song of the day you were born??? It's definitely good to know. Mine was 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles.

Our Performer

2008-06-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Alexa was in the school 2/3 grade musical on Tuesday night. 'The Weather Show'. She was a wind sister. It was a really cute program, the woman that runs it does a great job. Alexa was great!! She LOVES to be on stage, and loves the applause...she has a very natural presennce, and it's really fun to watch her.

Here she is...

All of the wind sisters...she is in blue.

our little Diva.

They lost

2008-06-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, they're out of the playoffs. It was a rough night,there were some pretty sad Blue Jays around the baseball diamond last night. Jack handled it really well...He said he just had a lot of fun playing Little League. I lost my photos somehow in the other post, so I used them again here.

A big girl

2008-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Luke and Alexa had their first 'official' father daughter outing on Saturday.

She has changed and grown up so much lately.

She got her ears pierced!!!

And some new pink shoes....life is complete

Oh baseball.

2008-06-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's been keeping us pretty busy. Jacks team has done very well, upsetting the number one team, and heading into the playoffs.

He's been playing third base and loves it...a huge improvement over left field.

And he had the only hit of this game bringing in three RBIs, the only runs for his team for the night, and tying the game. They lost, but it was exciting for him to be the star of the offense.

Lily

Alexa and Tess

2008-06-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

The most important part of the night. For the monkey that is. Starburst

Girlies

2008-06-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Rag curlers work so well!! She looked like Shirley Temple this morning. She was mortified and wouldn't let me take a photo. Good thing she planned to wear a ponytail.

Little drummer girl. I was wondering where my spoons were!

And a new picture face, I guess it was just a matter of time.

I caved.

2008-06-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

And man, do I have some happy kids.

A birthday party

2008-06-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Some photos from the party with my family...we are having a party at The Jungle for Travis and his friends this afternoon.

Opening presents with Alexa, Daddy, and Will

Jack and Lily...if you look at the photo on the table you can see Travis looking very similar to the babies at about the same age.

Tess with Grandma

Blowing out 5 candles

2008-06-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

The cake was a custom creation by Mommy...as promised, pineapple cake with blueberry frosting...not such a huge hit around here, but Travis really wanted pineapple cake for his fourth birthday, and I was in the hospital, so Grandma made a pineapple upside-down cake...which has never been forgiven, so when his birthday came around again he still wanted that pinaeapple cake. He said next year he thinks he wants vanilla.

My 5 year old

2008-05-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Travis
May 23, 2003 ~~I'm sorry I'm late!!

You were born in a hurry, and haven't slowed down yet...

always keeping me on my toes, with your habit of running everywhere you go.

Your little old man expressions that you had even as an infant.

Your ability to find balance in our crazy household, trying to keep up with your older siblings.

And the beauty you see in the world

2008-05-31T07:35:00.002-07:00

I love your orneriness.

And your sweetness.

Your enthusiasm.

And how you always love to help.

2008-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Your pride and the joy you find in your babies.

Your silliness.

Your adventerous spirit.

Happy Birthday my Monkey. I love you.

My Controllers

2008-05-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Travis had his Legos put up high last night for refusing to clean them up, and let me just say, it has been a loooong day, essentially spent by him trying to talk me into getting them down for him. So he disappeared for a while into his room and when he came out he had resolved the problem. He found his controllers for me.

The first makes me get his legos down.

The second makes me get him a special treat

Next gets me to not send him to his room

Then a trip to Burger King

And the last one makes me do all of the above.

When I asked if I could take a picure of him using the controllers on me he said, "Well, they don't actually work."
And I said, "Well, one did, because you're out of your room."

It's been a really long day.

Keeping the hat on...

2008-05-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

As much as she tries!!

The chin straps are a must...I went out and impulsively bought hats without them, and cannot keep them on the girls...but they can't get these off...although Tess hates hers, and cries the entire time it's on...probably doesn't help that I snapped her chin the first time I put it on...poor thing.

Of course she doesn't cry when I take the photo...this camera is a great way to get the kids to make a happy face for some reason!

The hats are at Children's Place for $5ish...I think one was a little more because it's linen.

a sunny day, and a new hat

2008-05-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

2008-05-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

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Someone doesn't like her dinner

2008-05-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

It started out as butternut squash puree, usually the favorite. But not anymore.

So first we added some cereal...usually the cure of all evil purees...no dice.

So we added vanilla yogurt for more sweetness, more because butternut squash is really very sweet. Nope.

And then cinnamon....a last resort, because we can't mix EVERYTHING with cinnamon so she'll eat it....

And finally the camera got her attention, but couldn't get her to eat.

Of Late

2008-05-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

We've been super busy lately...not anything in particular going on, just busy. Lily, Tess and I spent most of yesterday in the car, or waiting for someone, and it made all three of us grumpy. I am uninspired with my blogging...well, procrastinating...I know I have to continue my twin story, but I don't have time to type. I suck at typing. And when I do have time....I don't want to. Mostly because I am a dead tired mommy by that point. And I'm trying not to fill my blog with grumpiness.

Help!! We've been deserted!!

Tess has started to pull up the bumper in her crib when she's crying at bedtime so she can see us, or we can see her........all for dramatic effect....and sometimes it even works!!!

Alexa is performing in a ballet showcase at the local theater....she got to try on her costume for "as many pictures as your mom wants, and then we have to put it away until dress rehearsal"

And Lily dutifully wearing her hat...although she wouldn't stay still so we could get a clear shot...

More Birthday Photos

2008-04-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Cousin Will, Alexa and Travis singing from the tree house

Tess always loves a party!!

So does Lily!!!

Will and Dana playing with Lily

2008-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Tess getting a cuddle from Daddy

Auntie Steffie

Grandma

A good day

A Preteen

2008-04-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well my sweet Jack, my firstborn, you turned 11 today. I'll never forget the day I discovered I was expecting you, and the fear, and joy I experienced in the months that led to your birth. You started me on a path that I never expected to take, you changed me forever into a mother. I will always feel a special link to you as my first child.

I have loved watching you change and grow...your spirit, and your sparkle . You have become a kind, thoughtful, and dynamic young man and I am so proud of you.

I always think of the day Barbra told me she knew she was "gonna read about you in the paper one day"..that you were going to be something special...and she couldn't wait to see what it was. I look forward to you finding what the future holds for you.

The last year has brought many hard things, but also 2 wonderful things(your sisters!). You have weathered them all with humor and grace and I thank you for that.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Pea.

Movie Night!!!

2008-04-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was movie night. We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. The kids LOVED the movie even Jack who said it was the funniest movie he had seen in a long time and "that is a lot, I NEVER think movies are funny".

So we had lots of junk food...the candy had a tropical theme this time...I don't really recommend Tropical Mike and Ike's OR Tropical Dots, but the kids like them, so that's really what counts. The Sour Chewy Jolly Ranchers were delicious, and without giving my age away too much, Jolly Ranchers came out when I was maybe in middle school or early high school. AT least that's when I discovered them, and I have the most fond memories of them. And now my kids love them too...although I prefer the classic flavors, they like to be adventurous with their choices. You'd think that would keep me from eating them, but it doesn't. Anyway, the movie was cute, I also remember having a Chipmunks album as a kid...so it was fun...an enjoyable family centered evening. As we enter the world of preteens I'm afraid we may find these times harder to come by. I hope not.

Thanks Laura, it worked!!!!

2008-04-21T13:03:00.001-07:00

Rewards.....

2008-04-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I've never been big on rewarding the kids with food, but I caved... Jack and Alexa have had a tough year. They handled my hospital stay, with all of the upheaval and change of routine with amazing ease. At the last minute we changed schools this year. For the last 5 years they've been attending an amazing school in the woods, a Montessori and Waldorf based curriculum, basically an active learning, very hands on, program.

We loved the school. It's beautiful setting, and small size of 65 kids, kindergarten through 8th grade. Multi-grade classrooms, and truly amazing creative and caring teachers.

But it was a 1/2 hour drive each way, and it's small size, although wonderful academically, created a very small social circle, and these things combined helped us decide that the kids, were ready for a change, and I needed to not be driving for upwards of 2 hours a day to get the kids to school and back with newborn twins.

So the decision was made, and they have done great!!! A little adjustment had to be made as far as styles of teaching, and they are having a great time getting to know some more local kids...

I am so proud of them, and so when they started bringing home, such good scores on tests...I took them out for a treat...

2008-04-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

It may seem like a bribe...but we had a great time, and they felt really special, so it was worth it! And it was YUMMY!!!

Rejected....

2008-04-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

So...zucchini was not a big hit for Lily. Funnily...whenever I tried to get a photo of her, she would stop crying and swallow.

So I took a LOT of photos of her, in order to get her to eat...

And then finally got one of her crying...this is funny because she normally eats anything, and Tess clamps her mouth shut. No crying, nothing. Just closes her mouth and sometimes turns her head away. But she liked the zucchini...and so I got to play with my camera!!

Plum Tuckered Out

2008-04-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

We all are. We have been so busy this week with baseball...two games two days in a row, plus a practice, and another game Saturday.

A few nights ago, I was feeding Lily and Tess dinner, and they were so grumpy I decided to clean them up and put them to bed. I went to get a washcloth wet and when I returned, this is what I found.

They just went to sleep! I honestly went to the sink maybe six feet away, for about 15 seconds. Poor things! They slept for about 20 minutes, and then woke up and ate their dinner.

Jack running to first base...

And the crowd....I think we make up about half of the spectators....along with my Mom and Bill we are 8, there were only a few people in the bleachers. It seems like most people don't watch the kids play, or one parent goes to the game while the other stays home. I like to drag everyone out to the game...we don't stay the whole 3 HOURS but it's nice see him play.

Hmmmm...interesting

2008-04-16T10:51:00.001-07:00

I had my spring conference today with Travis' preschool teacher. We were talking about ways to discipline, and she told me that at the California Preschool Conference she took a class that suggested that instead of a 'time-out' mat, or spot, to have a 'cozy-spot'. A place that is comforting to the child. Because usually when they are in need of a time-out they need comfort. So make it comfy, with a blankets, pillow, stuffed animals, and even books, and they have an area that they feel safe, and can learn to soothe themselves. So not to even address the bad behavior, but to acknowledge that they need time to reflect, or rest. I thought this was a great idea! I've always found that when meltdowns, or other misbehavior occurs, it stems from a need for attention, and so to teach the kids how to sort themselves out, and redirect them at the same time is a really neat concept...because it's essentially what a timeout is, but in a positive style...I am going to try it with Travis...he is on the old side, but occasionally needs a 'moment'. Then I will have a plan when the girls are ready....

Stuff

2008-04-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

We had unseasonably hot weather this weekend...91 degrees on Sunday!! Unbelievable. Well, not really, but we have to complain...in July we'll wish it was 91, instead of the 113 degrees we had 2 summers ago. I was inpatient or at the hospital during our hot spell last summer, so I don't even remember. I guess my mind was elsewhere.

I happened upon some summer outfits for the babes, and couldn't resist.

I LOVE playing with the tuning and effects on picasa...here I played with everything highlights, color, tone, and then went and made it black and white....

Bath time...our new favorite thing...after all these months of screaming anytime they got near the water.

And a highlighted, cropped, warmified, shadowed, silly monkey.

Big Sister

2008-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight Alexa was playing with Tess and told me,
"The very first time a baby laughs, a fairy is created."

First Game

2008-04-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

We decided to play Little League this year. Jack decided two years ago that baseball was his game, and so last year we played Multi-League. Multi-League is a less competitive league in our city. Coach pitched, boys and girls, no keeping score. You get the picture. Jack was one of the stars of the team, it was a ton of fun, but not competitive enough for him. For ME it was perfect. One practice a week, one game a week, the sweetest coach in the world, and my son could do no wrong. I 've also heard horror stories about the parents of little league players, and how some kids never get to play, it's so competitive, and so I had concerns. So we lucked out...Jack's coach is great. He emphasizes having fun, while teaching them a TON about baseball, something we sort of missed in the other league...so in the end he was a little behind in the actual playing skills area, even though he has quite a bit of natural ability. He's learning so much and loving it, so I'm really glad we made the switch, but wow....it it soooo much more demanding. Monday night was his first game with the Blue Jays. It was a tie 3-3.

I tried to sneak a photo...but he was too far away...uh oh....I may have to upgrade, and buy a new lens for my camera...darn!!!

Just a cool photo, the first I tried to take of him, and just liked the way it turned out.

And Husband...the light was so beautiful, and he looks so content.

Lunchtime!!!

2008-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've always made the baby food around here...and with Jack had a lot of luck...he would eat anything I made with glee, and I followed a great book, Mommy Made, to the letter, and he did great. With Alexa and Travis it was more hit and miss. Like hit the pears apples and banana, and miss anything resembling a vegetable. I never mixed anything for the older kids...just gave them their fruit/veg, a grain, and then a protein. But along came these twins, and being a little shorter on time, I make them things, and if they don't like then, they get slop. Meaning I mix things they don't really like with something else they don't really like, and voila!!! A new favorite.

So today, for lunch they had 3 cubes of pears and2 cubes of carrots all mixed up with multi-grain cereal, and half of a Yobaby vanilla yogurt..they don't like vanilla yogurt...and about a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.,

They scarfed it up, and were so happy!!!

Some other favorites are zucchini and apple, or carrots and yams, this is good with some yogurt and cinnamon as well. Alexa thinks it smells like pumpkin pie. Peas have to be mixed with something, anything. And now I've discovered this website...perhaps thru Arizona, Wholesome Babyfood that gives all of these great, and some kind of scary, combos as well!!!!

Don't Fence Me In

2008-04-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I broke down, and bought a cage for the babes. Husband calls it 'the pit'. Don't ask me why. He thinks it's funny. My mom has always tried to get me to use a playpen, and I've never really wanted to, or felt like I need to, but here we are. It wasn't so much to keep them in.

It was to keep the monkeys out,

and their hazardous toys. They are everywhere!!! No matter how much I pick them up. But the cage is a big pain in my behind...to open, and to negotiate...so I barely use it. But I am trying to get better about it. And also trying to find a cuter one. For some reason, it seems as though it will be less prisonlike.

The Zoo

2008-04-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at the Oakland Zoo on Friday. The weather was good, the kids in good spirits. I haven't been in a while I guess. The Children's Zoo has been completeley renovated, and is wonderful. We do struggle a bit now with the age gap and finding things to entertain the span of ages in our family, but the zoo is pretty good in that respect. It's better than The Jungle anyway. For me that is. And the babies. The older kids asked for it, but I denied them. I'm so mean.

Jack planning his escape.

2008-04-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

There are lots of creatures to climb on.

And people to watch.

Great Grandma loves Elephants, this was for her.

Oddly, I met this woman with twins, she had an amazing double bassinet carraige type stroller. It was stunning. I was talking to her about the twins, and she said they were identical, and she knew because they had an early ultrasound that showed....and she mumbled something, but that the twins had Twin to Twin Transfer Syndrome. I told her that my girls were monoamniotic, and she freaked out. Apparently this was what she was mumbling, but didn't bother because no one ever knows what she's talking about. She was misdiagnosed....and her membrane was found at 11 weeks. I have to say it was pretty neat to run into a random person that knew what Momos are.

So much FUN!!!!

2008-04-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am loving the new camera!!! I am having a little trouble avoiding the shake, hence the blurry photos....I even like those! I'll just have to keep practicing! I LOVE that I can put it on the 'sport' setting, and take about a zillion photos a second,

without getting caught.

Or get LOTS of photos, when the kids are feeling like indulging me.

My Dilemma

2008-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

My monkey wants a style change. A mohawk. I'm struggling with this decision. I'm not sure why...I suppose it's a stigma thing, and that irritates me as well. I have always let the kids express themselves stylewise, Jack had long hair, Alexa dressed in dress-up clothes for two years...but a mohawk? I took him to get his hairs cut, and got a fauxhawk, but it isn't satisfactory. Not spiky enough, or bald enough. Oh, what to do. Part of my issue is that he has a little bit if a 'rep' at school. He can be a little impulsive(hits), and very energetic. He has grown up and improved so much I am afraid a mohawk would be the final straw in a kind of tender situation. I am lobbying to wait until school is out...Husband wants to go ahead, but he went to boarding school from the age of seven and loves to let the kids make these "creative calls" since he was never allowed to. I have to think this one out. And maybe remove my feelings from the mix, and let Monkey make his choice.

The current look

Jack's long hair...looking a LOT like Shaun Cassidy

Alexa's Diva Ballerina stage

My new camera is up and running!!!

2008-03-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am super excited!!! These are my favorites so far. Well some of them. It's so hard for me to decide which ones to post, I take so many, but these are good for now.

I don't think he realized it was working, now he runs when he sees that camera.

I got them all!!! Hopefully the trend continues. If not I may have to start borrowing other people's children....

On with the Tale

2008-03-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

So we had been enjoying the week after finding out about having twins, waiting for our routine appointment for the high level ultrasound. I dreamt of being the super earth mom that delivered my twins naturally...We played the all the name games, I still was convinced the babies were both girls, and we decided on one name, Lily. I liked Kate, or Catharine for the other one, and Luke liked Isabel, or Izzy. The kids were lobbying to see who got the babies in their rooms. And planning showers, since I had gotten rid of all of our baby stuff after having Travis. My family was still processing the idea of twins, and Luke's was thrilled.

On March 27, 2007, the day of our appointment, I dropped Travis off at school, and went for coffee with some friends. I met Luke at home and we went to the perinatologist's office...so excited to see the babies and know that they were girls.

With our other babies these appointments have been pretty jolly, we are excited, and the tech is chatty, but this time the tech was very quiet, and turned the screen so I couldn't see it. Luke was a little quiet as well. As the appointment went on I, of course was talking a lot and the tech warmed up. He mentioned that this was his third set of twins that day, and it was harder to take the babies measurements because the twins were mono-mono, and that made it harder to keep track of them. When we asked what mono-mono meant, he told us that they shared an amniotic sac, I thought,"don't all twins???" I never knew that much about them to be honest...and he said it wasn't really a problem till later in the pregnancy because they had a high risk of cord compression. Hmmmm. Doesn't sound so bad does it?

So we had a break...and I said, "So I'm right they have to both be girls, because if they share a sac they must be identical." And Luke says..."I was checking really carefully to see if they were conjoined." Ha, I thought. He is so dramatic...and La-di-da...we went back to finish the scan. I was right!!! They are both girls!!!

At the end, these two people come in and Ali, the tech, moves to the side. The man stars talking..."I'm Dr.Traynor, and this is my partner Dr. Won. I guess the first question we have to ask is that if one or both of these babies has down syndrome do you plan to terminate this pregnancy?". Who is this person and what the $%#@ is he talking about? He start drawing this picture showing me how twins develop, and how fraternal twins are different from identical twins, and how an embryo splits after the amniotic sac formed. So rare...only a day or two later and the babies would have been conjoined. This is a dangerous situation he tells us...there is a 50% chance I would lose one or both babies to a cord accident, and the best way to prevent this happening is to be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 monitoring by 27 weeks, and have the babies early, by 34 weeks, delivered via c-section. Because there are two things that could happen. One, the babies could catch each other up trying to be delivered and get stuck, and the biggie again. Cord compression. Practically all in one breath.

So I burst in to tears and he exclaims, "But look on the bright side!! You have two healthy babies in there!!!".....and I am bawling and wail..."I just found out I was having twins a week ago!!". At this point Dr.Won finally speaks and says, " This is a lot to process and I would be worried if you weren't upset." Love her. This calms me immediately. A little bit anyway. So it's decided we will be released by my OB, and I will be the patient of the high risk variety. A new experience for me.

What do I do now??? I go home and just sit there...I still don't remember where Travis was at time, or how he got home...and man did I dread that phone ringing. And holy CRAP!!! Now I have to call my mom again.

We now enter a world of many doctors appointments...glucose testing...arrangements making. I only have seven weeks until I go in the hospital, and there is soooo much to do.

She looks a little like the Terminator doesn't she?

And a little alien...how cute they are!

So annoying....

2008-03-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

My new camera came yesterday...I got it all charged up, got Travis and the babies all posed and ready, had a great photo shoot...and went to check out the photos and got a message. "No CF card" JERKS! They don't include it with the camera...the instructions said it was "optional". I'm really bugged...it couldn't just come with a cheapy one to get you started? NOOOOOO. Could the salesperson have told me to buy since I obviously had no idea what I needed? NOOOOOOO. Now that I have the camera at home I realized he knew about the same as me. He told me it wouldn't need a flash, and didn't come with one...and it did! And it DOES!!! Turkey....I am irritated...just think how much better these photos would have been.....I'm sure I'll get more chances...they were taken out of the window because the monkey won't let us take his photo without the babies right now...

getting ready...

and lift off!!!

I guess we have to invest in some body armor....

Happy Easter....

2008-03-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely Easter...a little egg hunt in the morning, Jack and I made homemade cinnamon buns, they were SOOOO worth it. Yummy!!! We are both still dreaming of them...I, of course, forgot to take ANY photos of our day, so well...we just may have to make the buns again. I also made a super complicated cake, Lemon, Ginger and Pistachio, although I left out the pistachios, and the white chocolate shavings, that probably wasn't worth the time the recipe took, but the flavors were really lovely together, so may use them with an easier recipe again. Like a box. I really tried to do too much baking for the allotted time...of course allotted is the key word here...I could have started a few days earlier, but didn't. So we messed up the bun recipe by putting 3 times the butter than called for into the dough...From my perspective this was not a tragedy....it probably made them a lot yummier than they would have been originally...who is it that said you can never use too much butter...Paula Deen or The Barefoot Contessa....

We are having gorgeous weather here. The kids even braved Grandma's pool, yesterday and Saturday. It is FREEZING, but they couldn't resist. Better get that pool bag ready...it will be swim season before we know it!!!

A picnic on a sunny day....you can see I got caught snapping the photo...

Shhhh! I bought a new camera!!! A Canon Rebel SLR...I am soooo excited, and scared. It is very complicated...and has more features than my car...why no fabulous photos you ask??? They didn't have it in stock!!!! Whah. I had to have it shipped.....so we wait.

And reading Shannon's blog I was reminded of something exciting!!! Husband and I became Auntie Connie and Uncle Luke for the first time on March 13!!!! Leo Alexander Bickley Manning was born to Luke's brother Ben and his partner Claire. Unfortunately we don't get to meet little Leo until October when we venture across the pond. We are really excited. For them of course, but we didn't realize how excited we'd be for us!!! We're kooks that way. I guess we just want everyone to know the joy that we know from being parents.

Tess has started sleeping on her side...

Miss Lily's rosy cheeks....

I know you wonder when I'll continue my tale of our twin journey....it will come! I am frantically trying to uncover some things I wanted to add to my post...they are somewhere in here.....

Or here...

The reason I am posting these absolutely FRIGHTENING and horribly EMBARRASSING photos of my, yes MY bedroom, is that I hope it will force me to do something about NEVER letting it get like this again. I blame it on the twins. Mostly because a lot of the stuff is their stuff I am supposed to be getting rid of, and because I never have time to sort through it all, but it's really my fault because I am a terrible procrastinator!!!

It doesn't help that I've spent several hours typing this post either.

Well...

2008-03-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Part of the reason I was so overwhelmed at telling my Mom, or the rest of my family, about the twins was that I hadn't told them I was pregnant yet...I was so sure there was something wrong. Plus, we've struggled a lot financially, and I know my mom especially feels a lot of concern for us. So not only did I have to tell them I was pregnant, I had to tell them I was 19 weeks pregnant and it was twins. Yikes!!! My dad said,"Oh." Long silence. "Congratulations!!!". My sister...pretty much the same. My mom? "Well you'd better get a job!!!" I knew it was a knee- jerk reaction, and now looking back it is a really funny way to respond, but at the time? Not so funny.

So I went merrily along. The news was out. And I was getting excited. The next Tuesday I was going to have my suspicions confirmed at our big ultrasound. I knew the babies were both girls. My maternal instinct has always been spot-on there.

The kids were thrilled. Husband was pleased, although since I had become a high-risk pregnancy, and was farther along than we thought, we had to cancel our trip to England to see his family. People began dropping off cribs, clothes, my living room began to fill with the things, I had gotten rid of years before when I was finished having babies. I had only known about the twins for a few days!!

A year ago today....

2008-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

I had my first doctor appointment after discovering I was pregnant at the end of January 2007... the weeks after this discovery were so strange...I was so exhausted, mad at myself because we aren't going to have anymore children, excited for our "surprise" , I have always loved being pregnant and being a mom. I was really, really nervous, because I had this strange feeling that something wasn't 'right', and I was tempting fate a little bit. I had already had three easy pregnancies and births, and this one was just different somehow. But I was excited to figure out my due date, and have an ultrasound.

So Husband came home early, and off I went to my appointment. All routine stuff, and then we started the ultrasound. The OB starts the measurements, and says, "How far along did you say you are?", and I say, "11 weeks...". I though he was going to give me a hard time about waiting to come in and he says"Girl you dropped the ball on this one...you're measuring 18 weeks 5 days!!!" Oh well. Not the end of the world right?

On we go with the scan...and he goes to measure the head again, and strangely, I see a shape the looks suspiciously like exactly the same shape as the head right next to it, and I just held my breath. Then I heard..."Is that another head?" and "It IS!!!". and then I promptly burst into tears. Both heartbeats were strong and because of my AMA,advanced maternal age, carrying twins I am given a referral to the Perinatologist. In retrospect, I remember a note in the corner of the page stating "possible momo" . I, of course, completely ignored this, and in a weepy fog stumbled out to my car and sat there.

I was so thrown...I had been planning on going back to work, and getting us on track to buy a house. How could I do that with twins? FIVE KIDS?!?! Crap. I couldn't call Husband. How could I tell him? He was totally happy about the pregnancy. We were both positive it was a girl up to this point...

My cell phone rings and it's him...."Why haven't you called me?" He says.

"I just finished."

"It took along time. How did it go?"
"It was fine. I'm going to get something for dinner, and I'll get Jack."
He hesitates and says,"There's more than one isn't there."

WHAT!!!!!!

I burst into tears. "How did you know?"
"I've just had a feeling for a while."
"And you couldn't TELL me????"

What is wrong with him?

So I call my cousin Katy and say, "I'm 18 weeks, 5 days."
She laughs.
"There's more, " I say. "It's twins."
She immediately says, " Can I name one?"

The next morning I see my friend Maureen.
"I'm 18 weeks 5 days.
She laughs.
"There's more. It's twins."
And she says, "Can I have one?"

She is 8 months pregnant at this point.

So I am relieved. All that is wrong with my pregnancy is that there is more than one baby. We tell the kids, and Alexa announces it to her class immediately the next morning. Most people are shocked and horrified that I am going to have so many kids...and now I have to tell my mother.

St. Paddy's Day

2008-03-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

A fun busy day...I co-oped at Travis' preschool, so Tess and Lily got to have a babysitter. They definitely kept her busy. Cheeky little things. Co-oping is neat. It is great to see the kids all change so much, and they have so much fun together. The school celebrated St. Patrick's Day on Friday, because Easter is so early this year we had to get on with grass planting and bunny bag making. Grandma and Bill came over for corned beef and cabbage and it was a good time!! The babies stayed happy all night...the first time they've really made it through an evening get-together without running us all ragged trying to keep them from crying.

My kids love to dress up for all holiday's...although the Leprechauns forgot(I can't believe it!!!) to visit our house. HOW RUDE!!!!
I may have to write them a note. They live in my neighbors garden.

Travis wouldn't let me take a photo of him...oh well. All of the kids have gone through this very annoying stage and I'm not sure why...unless perhaps they can sense my obsession with picture faces!!!

Jack just looks sooooo old in this photo. He's only 10! Well, almost 11. Lily is very close to sitting unassisted! And Tess has started rolling!!! So cute but I am frightened! I am off to get a cage(superyard) tomorrow!!! I am nervous of all of the 'twinadoes' stories I read! I have a super small house, so it is fairly easy to keep track of the little kids, but with two? We'll see.

2008-03-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm in a little funk this week...I have been thinking a lot about the twins and the last year. It is amazing what we've been through...at this time last year I hadn't been to the doctor for my pregnancy because we had to sort out some maternity insurance. I was really worried about this pregnancy, it just didn't feel right and I was sure something was wrong. It was just a feeling.

There was a post on monoamniotic.org yesterday from a woman in England that lost her momo twins at 32 weeks. The day before she was to deliver them. In England hospitalization is not common pratice with momo twins. I can't stop thinking about her, and how different her outcome could have been. How fragile all of our situations are and were throughout this type of pregnancy. I am heartbroken for her, she is so devastated, and no one can ease her pain.

So I will post more about my momo journey another time.

My bad...

2008-03-07T17:15:00.001-08:00

First, thank you for all of your nice comments about my grandmother, Gogo. She was a wonderful person, and I did learn so many things from her. I only hope I can be as positive a presence for future generations of our family as she was.

On that note. Today was a minimum day...one of what seems like a million since we changed schools this year. I FORGOT. So I get this phone call at 12:40 from Jack, and thought," where does he want to go today?", and he says, "Mom, you were supposed to pick us up." HOLY CRAP!!!!!! Of course I have two naked babies in front of me, Travis has a friend over yada yada yada, and he says,"we'll just walk home", and I thought I was okay with it and then I wasn't. It's about a 20 minute walk, and they have to cross a freeway entrance, and a really busy intersection. So I went to go get them. I took the route that gave me the best opportunity to catch up with them, but didn't find them until I was a block away from home. Hmmmm. They were absolutely fine and so pleased . I had 3 messages when I got home from people that had seen them walking and wanted to make sure I knew, so I know they are being looked out for, but I'm not ready for them to be so independent. Husband isn't either, and doesn't want to let them do it again. Oh well. I was liking the idea, I usually have the wake sleeping babies to fetch the kids. Oh well...perhaps we'll practice a few more times and see if we can get him to change his mind.

Gogo

2008-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ursula Rountree Harris
3/5/1906 - 11/21/2007

Things I learned from my grandmother....

Never deprive yourself. Eat well. Drink well.
You do NOT need to exercise if you want to live to be 100.
Treasure people, not things.
Be generous, money does you no good when you're dead.
You can smoke cigarettes and still live to 100.
Let go of things, grudges don't help anything.
Stress is not worth the trouble it causes.
Love life and enjoy every minute of it.
Martinis are good for your soul.

I love you and miss you every day.

Our Miss Lily

2008-03-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

We began callng her this because Alexa and I love the Angelina Ballerina stories, and Angelina's ballet teacher is named Miss Lilly. It just sort of stuck. She is such a Lillte Miss...when she and Tess shared a crib she would scoot over to be closer to her sister, and then later turn herself sideways and kick her in the face.

She can turn more red and completely out scream her sister. Have I mentioned we have a tendency towards intensity around here?

And she is so active that for the longest time all of her photos came out blurry.

2008-03-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

But then she perfected her picture face...I'm beginning to feel obsessed by this....

All the while showing glimpses of her out going nature,

And the twinkle in her eye.

Our Little Miss.

Bribery Shot....

2008-03-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

Gotta keep a few around. I should have saved it for my first Wordless Wednesday!!!

2008-03-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

So we had a little photo shoot today...practicing Husband's 'picture face', I think we're making some progress...actually a lot of progress...with a lot of coaching from the peanut gallery. Obviously Travis has mastered his...

2008-03-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

Alexa has as well...we had such beautiful weather this last week... it has cooled off today, but I had the house wide open on Thursday, and Husband was down to just two t-shirts, from the usual 3 or 4.

So we spent yesterday afternoon outside in the wagon, and taking photos...the monkey had to be tricked....

Then I had to fool around with the photos on Picasa. Soooo much fun, but Husband hates what I've done to the photos of Lily and Tess.

I though it was kind of neat, but he says they don't look natural, and I suppose they don't do the baby blues justice...but they'll have their eyes for their entire lives right??? Hopefully anyway.

So I may order prints both ways, and see how they turn out...I think they are definitely frame worthy...but I am a little prejudiced....anyway Jack was off at baseball practice, so he missed out...I KNOW he was heartbroken since he LOVES having his photo taken SOOOO much. I'll have to trick him.

Tess

2008-02-27T09:51:00.001-08:00

The babies are so hard to do a little profile on!!! Tess is strong and sweet, always, well almost always, has a smile for everyone but

the camera....

2008-02-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Every week she has a new facial expression...

And she definitley has a flair for the dramatic...

And always appears to have something on her mind.

People often tell me she will be a handful for me...because Tess is a big name, and she has to have the personality to carry it...and we thought she got it because in one of our name books it meant "4th child"...She is spunky and beautiful, and we love having her.

Yesterday...

2008-02-24T10:19:00.001-08:00

I had such a fun day!!! On impulse we ran to Old Navy to get Luke an Anniversary Dinner outfit, and of course, St. Paddy's Day shirts for the kids. We had Jamba Juice, and did a drive by to Trader Joe's so I could get home to clean for the Momo mommies coming over. My photos came out backwards so I'll address them the way they are. Luke and I had a great dinner. Good food, yummy cocktails for me, beer for him, dessert, and no kids!!!! We had a babysitter for the first time since the babes were born, and it went GREAT!! Alexa took this photo when we got home.

We've decided Husband needs to work on a 'picture face'. I have one...I always look the same in photos because I make the same 'picture face'. All those years of modeling. HAH!! Anyway aren't we cute? His shirt matches his eyes....

And here are the mommies and momos....

From left: Me holding Matthew, Grace's older son and Lily, Lucy, who contacted me through monoamniotic.org, and it turns out we're practically neighbors, her sons are 2 weeks and 3 days old and still in the NICU, she is holding Tess, Grace holding her survivng momo Timmy, Aimee, hiding behind her mom Tina holding her twins Katie and Kristi.

We had so much fun, it was like seeing old friends. I look forward to doing it again regularly and watching our miracle babies grow up. Thanks for coming ladies!!!

Today's the Day!!

2008-02-23T09:03:00.000-08:00

12 years ago I married Luke, aka Husband. We have had many great times some very hard times, and always make it through stronger than ever. He is such a very special person.

I had plans to post a loving tribute to our marriage, and our story, but the Momo mommies are coming today!!!! And I have to get ready for them...and Husband and I are going on a DATE tonight!!! Our first since well before the twins were born....so exciting.

I will definitley add more on both topics later....

2008-02-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today we were in Target and as usual there were tons of people with their babies all over the store. Travis looked up and said.."lots of people have babies, but they aren't as lucky as us because we have TWO babies!!!" If he only knew.

2008-02-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

We were inspired by a stretch of warm sunny weather, and a clearance price, to buy a new BBQ. Because we were being cheap, Husband had to put it together.

It took a couple of hours with assistance.

Monkey assistance that is....

But it is gorgeous and shiny!!! We have taken to watching "Wheel of Fortune" before the kids go to bed, and the kids are very inspired by Vanna White. Travis thinks she is 'magic' because she can make the letters appear from nowhere. here is their best Vanna impression.

And here they became Ninjas.

2008-02-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

It drove poor Husband to drink. My teasing probably didn't help. But we had big ol' steaks for dinner! And today it rained.

Monkeys

2008-02-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

Four year old boys are sooo much fun!! Unpredictable, sweet, charming, hateful, wonderful...all in the span of 5 minutes. And can they ever run fast!!

Travis is my monkey. He keeps me running. Mind and body. Of the three oldest kids he articulates his needs,and feelings the best and by far the most. I couldn't decide which photos to post so picasa did it again...I love the collages!! These show him in his splendor...
-with Daddy looking sooo handsome!
-holding Tess...so proud.
-articulating his feelings, so furiously.
-looking sweet in great morning light.
-just being cute.
-holding the babies in his santa hat...he lived in it throughout the season.
-the girls are getting harder for him to hold!!
-snuggling
-getting ready for Christmas!!

And something 4 year old boy will do, that a 10 year-old boy probably won't do is scooter down the street screaming "I LOVE YOU MOM!!!"

He is so....Travis.

Good times with Lex...

2008-02-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

Alexa was eight in January, and all girl. After being the only girl in the middle of 2 boys, she was ecstatic to find out the she was to have two, count 'em TWO baby sisters and has never looked back. She is the mommys helper, baby nurse and play mate, and just soo happy. If only we would allow her to have them share her room, that would be the icing on the cake! Someday...we are working on keeping her room clean enough to walk INTO, much less get two cribs and all the YOU KNOW WHAT that goes with a baby or two. Aside from the fact that I have never met a bigger slob, Alexa is always creating, so she needs her space to spread out and do her thing, whether drawing, designing fashion, writing songs or poems, dancing.....We'll see. I think she may change her mind when the twins start moving around. On their own that is.

Alexa and I have had some fun in the last couple of weeks. We started out with the Hannah Montana movie. How cute it was, and Miley Cyrus amazes me that she is only 15 and has the confidence to perform and write these songs in front of thousands of people...I am in awe. I was a liitle shocked at the maybe 10 year old girls screaming at the hunky Jonas brother...I mean, even I thought he was cute, but they were SOOOO young!!! I must've been a late bloomer...

And then Alexa thought it'd be fun to have a few friends over for a tea party this weekend, so we invited three of her friends, and had a delightful time....here she is with the table, yes it's in her bedroom, and Lily.

I'd love to include her friends in some photos, they were so sweet, but well with privacy issues......

We have had the most beautiful weather this last week, so we have been scootering like crazy, and trying to spend as much time outside as we can before it rains again...that is NOT my car by the way...

Thank you Debra!!

2008-02-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

I am still sooooo slow at creating my posts...but I wanted to make sure to thank Debra for my award...you are a great person...Thanks!!! I will post more about it later!!

An award!!

2008-02-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

I did it...here it is!

I got my first award!! Debra a fellow mom of 5 with a set of twins gave me this award. We love our BIG families!!

Her blogs are always the first I read, she does amazing things with coupons...things that make my head spin!! She really inspired me to start blogging. Thank you Debra!!!