In celebration of...

A lot has happened this past week. Liam and Finn turned 9 months old and my littlest sista Taylour had her 16th birthday. And prom. Which was her first date. Ever. Pretty neat, huh? 

Side Note: I am very proud of this here woman. She found a dress she loved. Mama ordered it online for a better price. It came 2 days before Prom. It didn't fit. She was stuck wearing W's old dress. And she still pulled it off beautifully. Sometimes hard things happen and we are sad and bummed out. But then we dust ourselves off and move forward. And that's what she did. 

We can do hard things.

She got to go with a good childhood friend, which made it even better. 

Last night we celebrated T and her birthday with a family dinner, balloon wishes, and sharing scriptures that remind of us of her. G & G Shaw joined us as well.

*****

Oh Liam and Finn. You are 9 months. 9 MONTHS.

How did you get this big? How did time go this fast? 

Even when the days seem to creep along so slowly?

Finn, Ahem.

(Finn with Uncle Joey.)

You are crazy busy. You are full of life. You are going to be mobile soon and I don't know how I feel about that. I am bracing myself. Seriously, I am. You are already into things. You are already working at hyper-speed. You are already making me tired with your endless amount of energy. What is a mama to do? I guess just enjoy her little man that is so curious about the world around him. 

We took you and brother swimming at the Rec Center for the first time and you LOVED it. You watch kids around you run and play and you want so desperately to run and play with them. 

You are a "go and doer". And I love that about you. Even if it wears me out.

And then my little Liam.

(Liam with Grandma Shaw)

The truth is, you're not so little. But when we put you next to Finn, it seems that way. You are growing and learning so fast. You have figured out how to clap your hands and it is just the cutest. You also give "high fives". You also kill us with your cheesy smile. You are very sensitive and you love to be loved. You would be just fine if someone was holding you all the time. Especially Mama. You love me so much and I love you right back. You also love your brother. And he is learning to love you right back. ;) I have a feeling you two will be best buddies. As long as he isn't stealing your snacks or pulling or poking your arm, bib, helmet, or eyes, you adore him.

My baby sons, I love you. It's been an interesting month for you and I. Each stage is a learning process and we have to be patient. You two have started to acknowledge and play with each other. You have started "talking" to each other. Well, more like playful screaming, but it's still precious to watch. You both LOVE attention from Mama and Daddy. And have two teeth coming in on top. And have tried bananas, rice, bread, vienna sausages, and ice cream. And are now drinking juice out of sippy cups. And are almost too big for you car seats. And, and, and....

We think you are the best.

Happy 9 months babies.

(Did you see the newest detail on their helmets? Pretty cool, huh?)

Having children DOES enrich our lives.

Have you seen this video? Oh my goodness, I love it so much! 

The babes are napping and I happened to click Mormon Channel to see what's new. 

I found this and was uplifted. Please watch!
*There's a part in here that sounds very familiar... ;)

Sinktime

This is the first post I've ever done from my phone. Technology-oooo...aaaahhh.

Liam wanted to debut tonight's "sinktime". It's just like bathtime, except in a sink and it's a lot quicker and a lot easier and mama loves it and so do babies. :)    

Do you ever bathe your babes in the sink?
Your back will love you.

It's Friday night, and we're...

I remember when Friday meant hot night on the town with the man I married. I remember when getting "dolled up" didn't require so much energy. I remember when the weekend involved sleeping in because we could do anything we wanted without a curfew of 9:00 pm. Yes, I remember that.

But see those little critters in the background? They have changed our lives in so many ways and that includes date nights. Today, I got dolled up in hopes that during a night of grocery shopping, returning items we don't need, and maybe MAYBE a little treat to reward ourselves for making it through another week alive, my husband will look at me and remember that I am not just a tired, frumpy mama. ;)

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Let's get real.

Twins are hard. Twins under 1 are hard. And I know your response to that is "Duh, Megan." I don't know why I continue to be shocked how I can feel more confident, strong, and on top of this whole "mom of twins" thing and the next minute I can be so overwhelmed, stressed, and...crying. Lots of crying. This week. And I'm getting real here- twins are hard.

Sometimes, I lay in bed at the end of the day and I think about what life would be like if I only had 1 baby. What would be different? Baths. Feedings. Laundry. Going out ANYWHERE. Playtime (believe it or not). Two hands and two arms are perfect for one baby. One crying baby is easy to hold and comfort, rock or read a book. One poopy, blow-out baby is only 15-20 minutes or less of cleaning, changing, and/or bathing. One sick baby is one snotty nose to wipe and one set of tears and one restless body to soothe in the middle of the night. One baby makes for a happier budget. One crib, carseat, high chair, bouncer, and expensive piece of "head gear"and no multiplying the formula, food, clothes, diapers and wipes by 2. One cranky baby in church is only one parent out in the hallway at a time. One baby in the grocery store is half the people stopping you to look and chat.

Let's get real- I have had at least one meltdown every day this week. Almost every day this week, I have offered a desperate prayer (on the couch, middle of the family room floor, nursery, and bathroom) for an explanation from the Lord why He thought it was a good idea to send me 2 at once. I have questioned my worth and abilities as a mother and wife multiple times each day this week. I have cried, cried, and cried some more. Let's get real- I have seriously considered hiding under the bed with ear plugs. My trips to the bathroom are a few minutes longer than it takes to do my business. And I have actually tried subliminal messaging "Sleeeeep, sleeeeeep, sleeeeeep." with an out-loud "Pleeeeaaase!!!"  to my children while they lay in their beds crying.  I have also eaten too much Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter than is good for me.

Yet, amongst all this chaos and crying, I have found small, real moments that take my breath away. Yesterday, I watched my husband play with the boys on our bed. I watched their little faces fill with joy and laughter and my heart burst. I remember that my favorite part of the day is not necessarily when I lay my babies down to bed, but when I come into their room in the morning and they start kicking their legs and flinging their arms all about in happiness that I am still here and I have come for them once again. They love to be loved...by me. I am their world right now. And they are mine.

One baby is wonderful, joyous, and beautiful. But two babies? It's only fair that if the work be multiplied exponentially, that joy, fulfillment, and happiness is as well. When B and I vent to each other, the question always seems to be asked "Yeah, but really, who would we send back?" and the answer is always a firm "Neither." And we are content once again.

People tell me it gets easier. And, believe me, I hold on to that with everything I've got. I also recognize that there are mamas out there, including good friends, who have three children under 3. Four children under 5. And I know things could always get more complicated and there could always be more work. My mother-in-law had her second baby when B was a little less than 2 years old. Sometimes that seems like it would be harder than having two at the same time. Maybe.

Twins are hard. But let's get real- they are wonderful too. Two sets of eyes looking up at you adoringly, four little feet to kiss and munch on all day, and if they can cry in unison, they can jabber and laugh in unison...which is music to my ears. And next week is another week. Just hoping for less crying...from all of us. :)

8 months is flying by!

I am late on this post. Every time I sit down to write, something comes up and I am pulled from my seat once again. Liam and Finn are 8 months old. Well, they're actually about 8 1/2 months old now. They are noisy, chunky, and full of life. Our home is craziness, which is kind of the way I like it...most of the time. :)

If I could see different personalities before, they are definitely in "full bloom" now! Liam has become a little shy around strangers and loves his mama. He could be held and snuggled all day and be perfectly content. He loves to laugh. He will laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh for whatever amount of time we decide to tickle and tease him. He has come up with this cheesy, toothy, squinty-eye smile that is hilarious. He loves to watch and look and listen and study things around him. And talk about it. He can sit and play peacefully until he sees me walk into the room...then he wants to be held. I cherish our snuggle time.

Finn could really care less about being held or tickled or teased, because there's too much to do, see, and explore! Holy cow, he is my busy, busy boy. I am holding my breath for a little more time before he starts crawling and becoming "mobile". He already loves to roll around on the floor and get into things. He can't sit in one place very long or he gets annoyed. He loves seeing new people. I attended a viewing for one of B's relatives and Finn would watch as people came in the door and just smile, move his hands up and down, and jabber.  I adore this busy little "social bug".

With Finn's big blue eyes and Liam's little cheesy smile, people can't resist them.  Sometimes they drive me crazy. Sometimes they make me cry (mostly happy). Sometimes they make me laugh so hard. Mostly, they bring me so much joy. They are in every prayer. They are in the majority of my thoughts throughout the day. They are my life.

My favorite little buddies, I love you so much! A belated Happy 8 Months!

Love,
Mama

Easter Sunday 2013