Monday, August 26, 2013

The big move...

Bye Stonewall Road...


Well, it finally happened...we moved back to Fayetteville! This journey has been long and at times it seemed like we were "moving back to Fayetteville" for years. There were many moments where Matt and I thought God was moving us...but oh...he wanted us to wait...and wait...then wait a bit more...but now we are here, trusting fully that this is where we are to be. 

Matt and I met in Fayetteville after college. We have precious memories here and always talked about moving back. BUT then we found ourselves more and more settled in Little Rock. We had a beautiful home, wonderful neighborhood, and friendships that were becoming deeper and closer. As the reality set in that we truly were moving, there were tears...many tears. 

I am excited about the newness...yet scared at the same time. I tend to lean towards being introverted, and already have moments of craving sitting and talking with someone familiar. Matt and I have both prayed deeply for these years ahead and for new, deep friendships. 

Like any move it wasn't easy...the moving truck broke down on the way and didn't get here until 8:00 at night. Matt and I found ourselves at our limits, then add 2 babies, and 2 dogs...it just wasn't simple. Thankfully, we are feeling more and more settled in. Kate and Maddie haven't skipped a beat and thankfully have been sleeping great despite the change of places. Our poor dog Bula has had the hardest time. She was the LAST one I worried about!

 I guess it will just take us ALL a little while for what feels like coming "home" to be "home" again...

Monday, August 12, 2013

Happy 10 Months!

Happy 10 Months!




My favorite age so far! Oh my, they are two fun babies! There are tough moments having twins, but right now I often think "one baby would be kind of boring!" haha Kate and Maddie's interactions are precious to watch. They laugh, talk, play, and sometimes already fight. I'm pretty sure Maddie pushed Kate down out of frustration the other day! ;) They interact with us and it seems everyday they do something new!


Kate:

-Weight: hopefully 16lbs...you still look SO tiny!
-6-9 month clothes more for length. Pajamas that fit you right are hard to find.
-SEVEN teeth! The 8th one is starting to show this week!
-You are on the go...up, down, crawling, starting to cruise and stand on your own some.
-Love your bumpers! I find you lounging on them most of the time I come to get you!
-Your favorite thing to do is crawl, jump into your carseat (they are in the living room to carry in/out), stand up, and rock back-n-forth. 
-Say "bo" for book, "Hi, da-da," and many other babblings...you say mama some, but not to me
-You love to wave...but are often a little delayed! haha You have just started signing "all done"
-You race for the curtains...when I tell you "no," you smile...then crawl away laughing into the curtains...I see much of this in our future! ;)
-Love the Llama Llama series books and "I Love You Through and Through"


Maddie:

-Weight: Hopefully around 16-17lbs
-6-9 month clothing, moved you to size 3 diapers even though they are a little big. Too many size 2 disasters
-Six teeth
-On the go just like Kate...up, down, crawling fast!, cruising a little, and working on standing alone
-As soon as you wake up, you crawl over towards Kate's bed, stand on the bumper, and try to peak over...
-You are funny about stuffed animals...We can't tell if you are afraid or think they are real. We recently pulled out a larger stuffed dolphin...you "talk" to us all about it, crawl away from it, and hesitantly touch it...It is pretty funny to watch!
-Everything is "da-da" or "ga-ga." You say it with such meaning and facial expressions! :) 
-Love to clap and then you say "da" which translated means "Mom, do Patty-Cake." If it don't start Patty-Cake you repeat clap...then "da" until I start! :)
-I have to watch you closely because you try to eat everything...fuzz, dirt, strings, hair...anything that is on the ground or your hand. 
-Your favorite book is called "Baby Ba-Ba." We can just say the title and you smile. You LOVE any books with animals or real pictures of people. 


Sleep:

-Bedtime is between 7:15-7:30...and wake still between 6:30-7:00. At home they laugh or talk when waking early. Lately, whoever wakes first is often squealing or talking loudly towards the other.
-Kate loves her bed...she did NOT sleep well while in Fayetteville for several days. She would also SCREAM every time I laid her down for sleep. The first night we were back I laid her down for the night, she grinned at me, and just laid down! haha
-Two naps still...about 1hr-1 1/2 each. Morning nap is still the best...and on the RARE occasion one baby will take a longer afternoon nap. It's hard to nap longer when your best friend wants to wake you up and talk!


Eating:
-4 bottles/day...still just around 20-25oz/day
-3 solid meals. I can tell in the past few weeks how much their appetite and interest in finger foods has grown!
-Maddie has the hang of a sippy cup, Kate still likes to chew on it more!
-Maddie's favorites: banana, cheese, quinoa, green beans, avocado
-Kate's favorites: cheese, eggs, Dempsey bread, rice noodles, avacado, squash, blueberries
-Matt and I decided to keep Kate and Maddie gluten free until at least 1 year,then we may or may not test it out a bit. With my history and the fact that we eat/shop/cook gluten free at home it makes more sense. 


This was your last monthly picture in Little Rock! :( Headed to NWA next week, and before we know it you both will be turning 1!