Noah's walking - sort of. He can take one step at a time, he is up to 4 steps all by himself before he gets on the floor and crawls. He is just under 20lbs, and still way more physical than his sister. He can say DAAAAAAA, which we interpret as Daddy, MAAAAAAAAMMMMAA, which we interpret as Mommy. :-) The PT nurse swore he said "off" to Naomi when she was on the rocking horse at their last appointment. I didn't hear it, but I believe it. They are getting to the point where they no longer share inherently. We are working on that now. I have a hunch that will be something we are "working on" for the next 18 years.
Naomi's crawling confidently - the physical therapy has done wonders for her. She was more kinked up in the womb, so I think we've got that all taken care of for her now. She is no longer behind the curve developmentally. She is actually starting to shoot ahead of Noah in the language department. She can say "more" and "cookie" in sign language. She actually used the sign language for "more" when we were at the doctor's office to let me know she was hungry. It was awesome. We are teaching them both sign language, in an effort to avoid miscommunications during the terrible twos. Mommy needs to buy more books to learn more words.
Love to you all,
We've posted Thanksgiving weekend pictures on the phanfare site. Email me for the password.
Marie and the fam
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Catch up
Noah and Omi have been relatively illness free (Praise God) for the past couple of weeks. The weather has been gorgeous, so Chad and I took them for a walk yesterday. They have a new stroller I found on Craig's List for $100. It is really nice to be able to take them out and let them look around.
Omi is getting better at her core muscle strength. The Dr. was concerned because she was so weak in her tummy area that she couldn't sit up at 9 months. Now at 10 months, she is pulling up on toys a little. She sits up and scooch crawls on her belly. Part of her PT is tickling her belly daily (just as effective as baby sit-ups, but way more fun):-)
Noah and Omi have their own language when they play together. He is way more mobile than she is. He has been able to pull himself up to a standing position for weeks. I have noticed that he lets go and can stand on his own too. He isn't quite to the walking stage yet. He has been so adventurous. He goes for everything he can - without reservation. Naomi watches him try something first, then she waves her hands until he shares with her.
Ok, gotta go pack as we get ready to leave to visit Chad's family. Please keep his Dad in your prayers. His back has gotten way worse. He is in a lot of pain.
Thanks for taking the time to read how the babies are doing!
Blessings,
Marie
Omi is getting better at her core muscle strength. The Dr. was concerned because she was so weak in her tummy area that she couldn't sit up at 9 months. Now at 10 months, she is pulling up on toys a little. She sits up and scooch crawls on her belly. Part of her PT is tickling her belly daily (just as effective as baby sit-ups, but way more fun):-)
Noah and Omi have their own language when they play together. He is way more mobile than she is. He has been able to pull himself up to a standing position for weeks. I have noticed that he lets go and can stand on his own too. He isn't quite to the walking stage yet. He has been so adventurous. He goes for everything he can - without reservation. Naomi watches him try something first, then she waves her hands until he shares with her.
Ok, gotta go pack as we get ready to leave to visit Chad's family. Please keep his Dad in your prayers. His back has gotten way worse. He is in a lot of pain.
Thanks for taking the time to read how the babies are doing!
Blessings,
Marie
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On the mend
I just got a call from my Pediatrician's nurse (yay!) to give me a sanity check on the way I am taking care of the babies right now. She told me to keep doing what I am doing. She also asked me to turn off their ceiling fan and to turn on a cool mist humidifier in their room.
Noah - he is super congested. I can hear crackling when he breathes in and out of his mouth. He is still in great spirits, as always. I'm using saline drops in his nostrils along with the bulb syringe to suck out his snot. It has changed from cloudy white to cloudy light yellow. His fever is low - about 100. His bed is on an incline.
Naomi - she is congested too, but not coughing. She isn't lathargic, but she is very floppy. She only wants to cuddle, and is barely eating. She is hydrated though. I've used saline drops in her nostrils to break up her congestion. She doesn't have enough snot in her nose for me to suck out. Her congestion is more in her chest. She is running a higher fever - about 102. I give her motrin and it goes down to 100. She is also sleeping on an incline.
I'm supposed to keep on doing what I'm doing for another 24 hours or so. They've been "sick" since Friday-ish. Nurse Christine told me they are probably on the mend and not to bring them in yet because she doesn't want them to catch something from one of the other sick kids in the waiting room.
I make my own saline solution. I cup warm water and 1/2 tsp of salt plus a medicine dropper. They both hate it, but it works. :-)
Noah - he is super congested. I can hear crackling when he breathes in and out of his mouth. He is still in great spirits, as always. I'm using saline drops in his nostrils along with the bulb syringe to suck out his snot. It has changed from cloudy white to cloudy light yellow. His fever is low - about 100. His bed is on an incline.
Naomi - she is congested too, but not coughing. She isn't lathargic, but she is very floppy. She only wants to cuddle, and is barely eating. She is hydrated though. I've used saline drops in her nostrils to break up her congestion. She doesn't have enough snot in her nose for me to suck out. Her congestion is more in her chest. She is running a higher fever - about 102. I give her motrin and it goes down to 100. She is also sleeping on an incline.
I'm supposed to keep on doing what I'm doing for another 24 hours or so. They've been "sick" since Friday-ish. Nurse Christine told me they are probably on the mend and not to bring them in yet because she doesn't want them to catch something from one of the other sick kids in the waiting room.
I make my own saline solution. I cup warm water and 1/2 tsp of salt plus a medicine dropper. They both hate it, but it works. :-)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Catch up
Ok, now the babies are 9 whole months old. They celebrated that birthday on September 11 - my dear friend (and sister) Meg Miller's birthday. I celebrated my 34th on September 12. So wierd. I am a thirty-something. I love it though.
Noah and Omi are both sitting up, clapping and babbling like crazy. Naomi whispers sometimes, It is so cute! She also knows the difference between mama (me) and dada (Chad). We are teaching them signlanguage, and she actually has done the hand motions once or twice. She loves seeing us get excited when she says our names.
Noah is way more physically inclined than his sissy. He is pulling up to standing all the time now. He has fun scaring me by letting go of things and balancing for a second or two before falling on his bum. He is so adventurous - he crawls quickly and attacks whatever he can get his hands on. He growls (like the little lion he pretends to be) and grabs stuff with both hands. I especially get tickled when he bangs his head against something in an effort to open/play with it. He still has a helmet on to help shape his skull - so he thinks his head is indestructable. Oy. Chad and I have to be prepared for some serious bumps and bruises whenever we get that thing off.
I should have some new pictures on Phanfare soon. We have had a hiatus from picture taking because the camera memory was full (60G). Chad's getting it up and runninf for me.
I'll be hopping back into my college classes on October 26th. Chad will be moving to a Monday-Friday schedule soon too. Lots of changes - but that is the way it goes. :-)
Love to you all,
Marie A.
Noah and Omi are both sitting up, clapping and babbling like crazy. Naomi whispers sometimes, It is so cute! She also knows the difference between mama (me) and dada (Chad). We are teaching them signlanguage, and she actually has done the hand motions once or twice. She loves seeing us get excited when she says our names.
Noah is way more physically inclined than his sissy. He is pulling up to standing all the time now. He has fun scaring me by letting go of things and balancing for a second or two before falling on his bum. He is so adventurous - he crawls quickly and attacks whatever he can get his hands on. He growls (like the little lion he pretends to be) and grabs stuff with both hands. I especially get tickled when he bangs his head against something in an effort to open/play with it. He still has a helmet on to help shape his skull - so he thinks his head is indestructable. Oy. Chad and I have to be prepared for some serious bumps and bruises whenever we get that thing off.
I should have some new pictures on Phanfare soon. We have had a hiatus from picture taking because the camera memory was full (60G). Chad's getting it up and runninf for me.
I'll be hopping back into my college classes on October 26th. Chad will be moving to a Monday-Friday schedule soon too. Lots of changes - but that is the way it goes. :-)
Love to you all,
Marie A.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Vacation in Seattle, MBA
We are in Seattle, the babies are having a great time with their cousins, Carrie and Brooke. I have been so busy keeping up with my MBA homework, quickly growing babies, and sleep that I haven't had time to blog AT ALL this month. I should be done with my class in the middle of August - so expect more blog posting then.
In the meantime, Noah and Naomi are babbling in babytalk (I've heard MaMa a couple of times! YAY) and scooting.
I am pretty sure they have grown since we got here. On the 22nd, Naomi had her first taste of apple (she gummed mine) and coffee (I dipped my finger in the coffee and she was all about sucking it all off). Noah got to hang out in the grass for the first time ever on the 25th. He also rode in a baby swing on Carrie's backyard swingset that day too. We have it on film.
They are both doing so well. I can hardly wait to report that they've started crawling. They are scooting - sometimes on purpose - which shows they are on their way to crawling soon.
Love to you all,
Marie
P.S. please pray for wisdom for Chad and I, for health for our parents, and for us to have faith and courage. In Him, M
In the meantime, Noah and Naomi are babbling in babytalk (I've heard MaMa a couple of times! YAY) and scooting.
I am pretty sure they have grown since we got here. On the 22nd, Naomi had her first taste of apple (she gummed mine) and coffee (I dipped my finger in the coffee and she was all about sucking it all off). Noah got to hang out in the grass for the first time ever on the 25th. He also rode in a baby swing on Carrie's backyard swingset that day too. We have it on film.
They are both doing so well. I can hardly wait to report that they've started crawling. They are scooting - sometimes on purpose - which shows they are on their way to crawling soon.
Love to you all,
Marie
P.S. please pray for wisdom for Chad and I, for health for our parents, and for us to have faith and courage. In Him, M
Monday, July 20, 2009
Please pass on the word!
Did you know that the new Healthcare reform bill is going to fund abortions using our tax dollars? Also, it will support the government in firing Doctors who refuse to perform abortions.
Please help stop the madness
http://www.stoptheabortionmandate.com/
This is so important to me, I cannot help but put it on the top of every webpage I know. Please pass on the word so others can help. We live in a democracy. Our voices need to be heard.
Please help stop the madness
http://www.stoptheabortionmandate.com/
This is so important to me, I cannot help but put it on the top of every webpage I know. Please pass on the word so others can help. We live in a democracy. Our voices need to be heard.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Went to church
You know what's so cool? When the nursery workers act happy that you brought your kids to church. We went tonight and felt so welcome. The mother/daughter team working in the baby room just loved on Noah and Naomi and when we picked them up they were so happy.
It is nice to see how happy these babies make other people. I took them with me to my local Chase bank to talk about our refinance. Noah stole the show. Naomi slept through the whole thing. We were there for at least 30 minutes. He was giggling and laughing and flirting. It was so cute.
We did end up going back with Chad today to talk to their person about the refinance, but we had just missed her. This time, Chad was pushing the stroller and the people at Chase remembered the babies. Even though the person we were supposed to speak to was not there, we still ended up "hanging out" for about 20 minutes. (Sidenote: We have a fantastic banker named Angela Turner who works there. She is going to make sure we don't show up without getting with the Refinance person again).
After going to the bank this afternoon, we went to church. Noah and Naomi got lots of love from strangers today. It was so nice to see them being so sweet to everyone. Chad was so proud. He was almost as cute to watch as the babies.
I'm going to try to start taking the kiddos to friends homes on Saturdays before or after church - Instead of trying to cram visits with my entire FT office + all my friends/adopted family in Irving/Euless/Colleyville in one trip.
Next week I hope to see either Julayne and Greer or Erin her family. I just need to coordinate with them. There is time. We'll get it done. :-)
In Him,
M
It is nice to see how happy these babies make other people. I took them with me to my local Chase bank to talk about our refinance. Noah stole the show. Naomi slept through the whole thing. We were there for at least 30 minutes. He was giggling and laughing and flirting. It was so cute.
We did end up going back with Chad today to talk to their person about the refinance, but we had just missed her. This time, Chad was pushing the stroller and the people at Chase remembered the babies. Even though the person we were supposed to speak to was not there, we still ended up "hanging out" for about 20 minutes. (Sidenote: We have a fantastic banker named Angela Turner who works there. She is going to make sure we don't show up without getting with the Refinance person again).
After going to the bank this afternoon, we went to church. Noah and Naomi got lots of love from strangers today. It was so nice to see them being so sweet to everyone. Chad was so proud. He was almost as cute to watch as the babies.
I'm going to try to start taking the kiddos to friends homes on Saturdays before or after church - Instead of trying to cram visits with my entire FT office + all my friends/adopted family in Irving/Euless/Colleyville in one trip.
Next week I hope to see either Julayne and Greer or Erin her family. I just need to coordinate with them. There is time. We'll get it done. :-)
In Him,
M
Friday, June 26, 2009
Quick post
They are growing so fast. Naomi is purposefully using her hands to grab things. She examines them carefully then sticks them in her mouth. It is so cool to watch.
Noah is still a little of an Arm-Flailer. The one item he always seems to grab is his other hand - then he puts the doublefist into his mouth. He is always giggling and very easy to please.
I am sooooo tired. Our schedules have been really off kilter since going to the hotel. Our days are starting LATE (around 12-1pm) and not ending until 1-2am. I am taking a nap in the afternoon when the babies are napping - but I'm not very productive.
Chad is home today. Corinne (and Joe) are watching the babies tonight so we can do a date night.
Noah is still a little of an Arm-Flailer. The one item he always seems to grab is his other hand - then he puts the doublefist into his mouth. He is always giggling and very easy to please.
I am sooooo tired. Our schedules have been really off kilter since going to the hotel. Our days are starting LATE (around 12-1pm) and not ending until 1-2am. I am taking a nap in the afternoon when the babies are napping - but I'm not very productive.
Chad is home today. Corinne (and Joe) are watching the babies tonight so we can do a date night.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Chad's first father's day
We have been celebrating Father's day all month. We were going to go away for an overnight trip and use Marriott Rewards points, but we ended up spending those earlier in the week.
It was totally worth it.
Noah, Naomi, and I stayed in a hotel right next to Chad's work on Tuesday and Wednesday night. It was so nice because we had an extra 90 minutes with him each day and those were really hard days at Chad's work. His case load has been multiplying while this team size has remained static. I guess it's job security. Chad and his teammates are banding together to keep up.
My parents came down on Friday and Mom brought food for a Sunday potluck for Dad. Chad left right after he had lunch with us. Mom made him homemade barbeque sans vinegar. He was so giddy. I also got to present him with a digital picture frame (Thank you Joe and Corinne) with pictures of the babies on it.
We did 5 month pictures of me and the babies on Mother's day. Corinne loaded them on a memory card for Chad's Father's Day present. He loves it. It is already in his cube at work.
Noah has started growling. He has always liked to make noise waaaaay more than Naomi. She hums to communicate. Noah belts out to let us know what he is thinking. He just started growling though. Its adorable. We are calling him our little Anbusa (AHN-bisah). It means lion in Amharic.
This week I have to get their cranial appointments hammered down. Pray for me as I juggle everything along with my economics class. This is week 1 of my 8 week MBA class.
Also, Chad's Dad and My Mom are both in a lot of pain. Please join me in praying for healing for the two of them. I want Noah and Naomi to know their Papa and Ayate (ah-YA-tay). (Ayate is Grandma in Amharic)
Thank you!
M
It was totally worth it.
Noah, Naomi, and I stayed in a hotel right next to Chad's work on Tuesday and Wednesday night. It was so nice because we had an extra 90 minutes with him each day and those were really hard days at Chad's work. His case load has been multiplying while this team size has remained static. I guess it's job security. Chad and his teammates are banding together to keep up.
My parents came down on Friday and Mom brought food for a Sunday potluck for Dad. Chad left right after he had lunch with us. Mom made him homemade barbeque sans vinegar. He was so giddy. I also got to present him with a digital picture frame (Thank you Joe and Corinne) with pictures of the babies on it.
We did 5 month pictures of me and the babies on Mother's day. Corinne loaded them on a memory card for Chad's Father's Day present. He loves it. It is already in his cube at work.
Noah has started growling. He has always liked to make noise waaaaay more than Naomi. She hums to communicate. Noah belts out to let us know what he is thinking. He just started growling though. Its adorable. We are calling him our little Anbusa (AHN-bisah). It means lion in Amharic.
This week I have to get their cranial appointments hammered down. Pray for me as I juggle everything along with my economics class. This is week 1 of my 8 week MBA class.
Also, Chad's Dad and My Mom are both in a lot of pain. Please join me in praying for healing for the two of them. I want Noah and Naomi to know their Papa and Ayate (ah-YA-tay). (Ayate is Grandma in Amharic)
Thank you!
M
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Be Flexable
Ok, so I had these high hopes for coming up to the Irving area. I hoped to visit people I could introduce the babies to people who have been a part of my life long before they came onto the scene.
then reality struck -
I have been able to coordinate with 1 (one) friend and have her over to the hotel. ONE!
There is just not enough time in the day. I can barely find 2 minutes to place a text to someone - much less 10 minutes to send out 5 texts. And then there is the responding! and coordinating!
Even now - I have had to take breaks in typing b/c of taking care of the babies. I'm typing with one hand as Noah sits on my lap. I *just* put up a post I typed yesterday announcing that we were headed up here.
got to go -
Omi needs me.
M
then reality struck -
I have been able to coordinate with 1 (one) friend and have her over to the hotel. ONE!
There is just not enough time in the day. I can barely find 2 minutes to place a text to someone - much less 10 minutes to send out 5 texts. And then there is the responding! and coordinating!
Even now - I have had to take breaks in typing b/c of taking care of the babies. I'm typing with one hand as Noah sits on my lap. I *just* put up a post I typed yesterday announcing that we were headed up here.
got to go -
Omi needs me.
M
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
More travel
Heard the term "staycation"? The kids and I are going to stay at a hotel very close to Chad's work for the next couple of nights. Why?
1. Chad has been working crazy hours because they are understaffed in his group. Staying 5 minutes from Chad's work will add 1 1/2 hours to each of his days. He can choose to sleep or spend time with the babies. We are very grateful for Chad's workload though - considering positions are getting cut in other parts of the company.
2. The kids will get to meet many people that were praying for them during our pregnancy (Fellowship Technologies, Danelle, Tara, Melissa, Erin, etc..)
3. Make it easier to pick up Cori, Joe & Isaac on Thursday noon.
4. It won't cost us much to stay there - it has a full kitchen and I've already prepped food for the week - we also used Marriott rewards points to pay for the room.
5. This is a relatively low risk opportunity for me to travel with minimal assistance with the children. I am pretty confident we (God and me) can handle it. We'll see. ;-)
So, I am packing our stuff and we are off. This afternoon we are going to head up there - Prayers appreciated.
1. Chad has been working crazy hours because they are understaffed in his group. Staying 5 minutes from Chad's work will add 1 1/2 hours to each of his days. He can choose to sleep or spend time with the babies. We are very grateful for Chad's workload though - considering positions are getting cut in other parts of the company.
2. The kids will get to meet many people that were praying for them during our pregnancy (Fellowship Technologies, Danelle, Tara, Melissa, Erin, etc..)
3. Make it easier to pick up Cori, Joe & Isaac on Thursday noon.
4. It won't cost us much to stay there - it has a full kitchen and I've already prepped food for the week - we also used Marriott rewards points to pay for the room.
5. This is a relatively low risk opportunity for me to travel with minimal assistance with the children. I am pretty confident we (God and me) can handle it. We'll see. ;-)
So, I am packing our stuff and we are off. This afternoon we are going to head up there - Prayers appreciated.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Noah and Naomi are reaching for what they want more often now. They used to grab things by accident - now they reach.
This morning, Chad was taking Naomi out of her highchair and she reached for the book he took out of her hands. It was amazing to see her intentionally letting us know that was what she wanted. When Chad held the book out and asked her if she wanted it back, she just gave him a look like "PLEASE" while using all of her upper body to reach. It was so cute.
Noah is more laid back about asking. We hold something just out of his reach and ask him if he would like it. He usually looks back and fort between the object and our face with a little bit of hesitation. Then he slowly (very intentionally) reaches for the object, grabs it, and *tries* to put it in his mouth. He usually misses at first.
Once we get our second high chair the babies will be eating different babyfood each week. I hope to give them a wide enough variety to help them not be very picky. We'll see how that works.
This morning, Chad was taking Naomi out of her highchair and she reached for the book he took out of her hands. It was amazing to see her intentionally letting us know that was what she wanted. When Chad held the book out and asked her if she wanted it back, she just gave him a look like "PLEASE" while using all of her upper body to reach. It was so cute.
Noah is more laid back about asking. We hold something just out of his reach and ask him if he would like it. He usually looks back and fort between the object and our face with a little bit of hesitation. Then he slowly (very intentionally) reaches for the object, grabs it, and *tries* to put it in his mouth. He usually misses at first.
Once we get our second high chair the babies will be eating different babyfood each week. I hope to give them a wide enough variety to help them not be very picky. We'll see how that works.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
6 month appointment
This will have to be short - sorry if this sounds like a book report!
Noah is in the 10% for his height/weight (right on track since birth) 14lbs 11 oz
Naomi is in the 25% for her height/weight (also right on track) 14lbs 3oz
They are both 25 1/4 inches long and on track for development too.
The doctor wants them both to get checked out at the cranial place for headbands. Noah's plageacephaly (sp) is milder than Naomi's, but still prominant enough that he wants it checked out. There just wasn't enough room for both of them and their big heads before they were born. :-(
Off to feed them and go to bed.
Noah is in the 10% for his height/weight (right on track since birth) 14lbs 11 oz
Naomi is in the 25% for her height/weight (also right on track) 14lbs 3oz
They are both 25 1/4 inches long and on track for development too.
The doctor wants them both to get checked out at the cranial place for headbands. Noah's plageacephaly (sp) is milder than Naomi's, but still prominant enough that he wants it checked out. There just wasn't enough room for both of them and their big heads before they were born. :-(
Off to feed them and go to bed.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
San Antonio
Saba's youngest daughter, Tesava is graduating from high school this week. We really wanted to be able to go down for the graduation because Saba has not seen Noah and Naomi yet. Graduation was scheduled for 6:30pm Tuesday night. The adventure went sort of like this:
We went to Abilene on Sunday afternoon - Noah, Naomi, and I. We met up at Mom and Dad's house with Alberta and her kids. Monday we caravan-ed out to San Antonio and got a couple of hotel rooms about 10 miles from the Astrodome (where the graduation ceremony was to take place).
Sunday and Monday the babies were sort of under the weather. Their ear infections and teething were not making travel super easy. They are troopers though. As long as someone was holding them or comforting them, they were fine. They slept in separate pack-n-plays at Mom and Dads, and we used the same ones at the hotel.
Tuesday was our first opportunity to visit with Saba and her grown kids. Once Chad arrived we went to Saba's house and Caravan-ed over to the Alamodome with her and Tesava. I got as many pictures of them as I could. Naomi took right to Saba, it is so cute. Noah really only wanted to be held by Mommy or Daddy - his teething was making him a little less smiley than usual.
Both Noah and Naomi are getting to the point where they can sit up by themselves (sort of) and they can roll to their back and front with little effort. I think Noah is going to crawl first. Naomi doesn't like being on her front at all. I think she equates it with exercise, since she's had to have more tummy time than Noah.
Their dexterity is getting better too. We are trying to help them practice with grasping different objects. Noah always seems to go for new objects, whereas Naomi is more discerning. If it requires for her to flip onto her front, she doesn't usually put out the effort to get a new object. She is happy just watching.
Got to go -
San Antonio was fun. But we are glad to be home.
M
We went to Abilene on Sunday afternoon - Noah, Naomi, and I. We met up at Mom and Dad's house with Alberta and her kids. Monday we caravan-ed out to San Antonio and got a couple of hotel rooms about 10 miles from the Astrodome (where the graduation ceremony was to take place).
Sunday and Monday the babies were sort of under the weather. Their ear infections and teething were not making travel super easy. They are troopers though. As long as someone was holding them or comforting them, they were fine. They slept in separate pack-n-plays at Mom and Dads, and we used the same ones at the hotel.
Tuesday was our first opportunity to visit with Saba and her grown kids. Once Chad arrived we went to Saba's house and Caravan-ed over to the Alamodome with her and Tesava. I got as many pictures of them as I could. Naomi took right to Saba, it is so cute. Noah really only wanted to be held by Mommy or Daddy - his teething was making him a little less smiley than usual.
Both Noah and Naomi are getting to the point where they can sit up by themselves (sort of) and they can roll to their back and front with little effort. I think Noah is going to crawl first. Naomi doesn't like being on her front at all. I think she equates it with exercise, since she's had to have more tummy time than Noah.
Their dexterity is getting better too. We are trying to help them practice with grasping different objects. Noah always seems to go for new objects, whereas Naomi is more discerning. If it requires for her to flip onto her front, she doesn't usually put out the effort to get a new object. She is happy just watching.
Got to go -
San Antonio was fun. But we are glad to be home.
M
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Last week as "newborn" babies
So I read that once the babies turn 6 months old, they are put into the "toddler" catagory. I guess I understand why. They are definately getting more mobile, although neither one of them can crawl yet. I am not in a hurry to get them crawling - the house is not babyproofed yet. If we just put up gates to block them off and keep them in the living room, they may end up crawling under the sofa - which would be bad.
So, I am considering a baby fence/gate system to keep them in one area of the living room where they can play. Chad wants to see them before I buy them, but I think we can get 'em for under $100 if I find the right sales. :-)
Noah is learning how to reach for what he wants. This is totally melting my heart, because he reaches for me when I come to get him from the crib. He used to not do that, he would just smile. The reaching is amazing. He has no idea how much power he has when he does that.
Omi is dancing a lot. I love it! She bounces up and down in whatever seat we place her in - or when she is on our lap. We let her lead - since she has an ear infection - we don't want to bounce her too much.
Both babies have ear infections according to their Dr. They are on different antibiotics, and Omi has to eat yogurt to counteract the side effects of amoxicillan.
Got to go - Noah needs me.
1 more thing: Next week we are going to San Antonio! Pray for safe travel. I'm excited they get to meet their aunt saba and her other two kids.
In Him,
Marie
So, I am considering a baby fence/gate system to keep them in one area of the living room where they can play. Chad wants to see them before I buy them, but I think we can get 'em for under $100 if I find the right sales. :-)
Noah is learning how to reach for what he wants. This is totally melting my heart, because he reaches for me when I come to get him from the crib. He used to not do that, he would just smile. The reaching is amazing. He has no idea how much power he has when he does that.
Omi is dancing a lot. I love it! She bounces up and down in whatever seat we place her in - or when she is on our lap. We let her lead - since she has an ear infection - we don't want to bounce her too much.
Both babies have ear infections according to their Dr. They are on different antibiotics, and Omi has to eat yogurt to counteract the side effects of amoxicillan.
Got to go - Noah needs me.
1 more thing: Next week we are going to San Antonio! Pray for safe travel. I'm excited they get to meet their aunt saba and her other two kids.
In Him,
Marie
Friday, May 29, 2009
My Husband Rocks Friday
Today is my husband rocks Friday.
OK, lets start with Monday of last week - Chad was sick and he listened to me and called off of work and stayed home to take care of himself. He cuddled the children and slept most of the day. Tuesday, he listened to me again, and stayed home. I am glad he is actually using his sick days instead of going to work ill, and staying ill. Chad normally works Sunday - Thursday, so he was literally missing half his work week... not easy for a guy to let himself do.
Ok, so Wednesday - my husband was such a blessing. My DH sent me and our babies to my parent's house in Abilene. What makes this extraordinary is that Chad was at work when I asked him. He loves me, but he adores our babies. This was a sacrifice for him to let us go away. Instead of complaining that life gave him lemons, he made lemonade. He ended up helping out a co-worker while that guy was on vacation by going in on Thursday, so he had "extra" work to do. He caught up on cases and came to Abilene to join me on Friday night.
My mom (and dad) were elated to have the company. The babies definately helped Mom recover from procedures on Wednesday.
Another amazing Chad thingie was that we drove home on Saturday night, he went to work on Sunday, and then we went back to Abilene for Memorial Day. Mom and Dad had a bunch of people coming in from out of town for Memorial Day, so it was really important to them that we make it for the Memorial Day barbeque. Chad knew about this trip when he volunteered to travel back and forth the week before. Considering it is a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, this too was a sacrifice.
The thing is, Chad knows how important family and security are to me.
He prioritized his health (which hits on both family and security)
He prioritized my parents (which hits on family, and his support makes me feel safe)
He prioritized our family (which is so consistant for him, I am secure in our relationship)
Oh yeah, and he sent me shopping with my sister and niece when we were in Abilene. I had so much fun. My husband rocks -- I know I'm blessed.
More PT for 'Omi
We went for Naomi's PT this morning, and she passed most of the "tests" with flying colors. She doesn't roll over by swinging her arms yet. That was the only thing our PT, Julie, said we need to work on. That and getting her off of the back of her head.
Way easier said than done. Naomi may not have wanted to roll over from her back to front for Ms. Julie, but she sure does it a lot at home. Rolling over that is. She loves being on her back, and will roll onto her back every chance she gets. Unfortunately, she has two large flat spots on the back of her head, and only one of them is one she actually lies on. Therefore, we are going to have to get her a baby helmet.
Her doctor will probably prescribe one for her when we see him for her 6 month checkup in two weeks.
Noah is doing great - They are both so cute together and holding hands a lot when they play together. It is so cute.
Please keep our parents in your prayers. Also, please pray for marriages (in general). The John and Kate conversation with dear friends has brought up some deep seeded wounds. There are a lot of hurting people in painful marriages out there. Please keep praying for God's hand to give strength and wisdom where needed.
Love to you all-M
Way easier said than done. Naomi may not have wanted to roll over from her back to front for Ms. Julie, but she sure does it a lot at home. Rolling over that is. She loves being on her back, and will roll onto her back every chance she gets. Unfortunately, she has two large flat spots on the back of her head, and only one of them is one she actually lies on. Therefore, we are going to have to get her a baby helmet.
Her doctor will probably prescribe one for her when we see him for her 6 month checkup in two weeks.
Noah is doing great - They are both so cute together and holding hands a lot when they play together. It is so cute.
Please keep our parents in your prayers. Also, please pray for marriages (in general). The John and Kate conversation with dear friends has brought up some deep seeded wounds. There are a lot of hurting people in painful marriages out there. Please keep praying for God's hand to give strength and wisdom where needed.
Love to you all-M
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Summer is here
Yesterday, Noah and Naomi got their 5 month shots. We decided to base their shot schedule on their gestational age instead of their "real" age. They both took it pretty well. I did not like taking them outside to the Dr because the temperature finally hit 100 yesterday. It was 103 when I was driving to Corinne's.
Corinne was kind enough to watch them for me after the doctor's appointment so I could head to the bank and run some errands. Isaac is getting used to calling them "my cousins" instead of "my boy" and "my girl". He is so cute with them, and shows me how much he loves them by how he plays with them. I really hope they get to grow up together and play together and love eachother.
The doctor said I can start giving them rice cereal - to try doing it once a day and see how the kids like it. Naomi loves rice cereal. Noah is not interested yet. I am not pushing it.
Saba gave me some Ethiopian music to play for Naomi. When I had it on today, she was in her walker. It was soooo cute, she was dancing to the music by bobbing up and down in her walker. We are going to go down to San Antonio for Tesava's graduation (Saba's youngest daughter) so Saba can see the babies. Oddly enough, Tesava's graduation is on a Tuesday night, so Chad may take Tuesday and Wednesday off so we can spend a few days down there.
We are also going to go to Seattle to see the other half of our family in July. My beautiful neice, Brooke, will be turning 2. I miss the Armitage side of my family, and am looking forward to the trip.
Please pray for my mom and father-in-law's health. Also, I've got a real burden to pray for Jon and Kate Gosselin and their family. Please join me in lifting them up in prayer too.
Thanks - M
Corinne was kind enough to watch them for me after the doctor's appointment so I could head to the bank and run some errands. Isaac is getting used to calling them "my cousins" instead of "my boy" and "my girl". He is so cute with them, and shows me how much he loves them by how he plays with them. I really hope they get to grow up together and play together and love eachother.
The doctor said I can start giving them rice cereal - to try doing it once a day and see how the kids like it. Naomi loves rice cereal. Noah is not interested yet. I am not pushing it.
Saba gave me some Ethiopian music to play for Naomi. When I had it on today, she was in her walker. It was soooo cute, she was dancing to the music by bobbing up and down in her walker. We are going to go down to San Antonio for Tesava's graduation (Saba's youngest daughter) so Saba can see the babies. Oddly enough, Tesava's graduation is on a Tuesday night, so Chad may take Tuesday and Wednesday off so we can spend a few days down there.
We are also going to go to Seattle to see the other half of our family in July. My beautiful neice, Brooke, will be turning 2. I miss the Armitage side of my family, and am looking forward to the trip.
Please pray for my mom and father-in-law's health. Also, I've got a real burden to pray for Jon and Kate Gosselin and their family. Please join me in lifting them up in prayer too.
Thanks - M
Sunday, May 24, 2009
His indian name is "baby with stinky farts"
Noah and Naomi (and Isaac) OWN their grandparents. I mean it. I took them over to Abilene Thursday-Saturday with Isaac and Corinne, and it was soooo cute. Naomi still loves when Mom speaks Amharic to her. She is eating her hands more and becoming more limber. She has mastered eating her feet as well.
Isaac is 4, and cutely calls Noah "my boy" and loves on him. They are so cute together - the grandparents didn't have a chance. The kids have them both wrapped around their little pinky fingers.
Noah and Naomi continue to explore their voices with squeals, squeaks, and high pitched noises. It is fun to play with them by repeating their sounds back to them. Semira (my oldest niece) was with us at my parents house, and she had a fun time with the kids too.
One of my self-imposed dietary restrictions has been avoiding milk products because Noah doesn't process them very well. I let myself go a little while we were at Mom and Dad's because they had cheesecake. Well, little Noah has been paying me back for about 2 days now. His indian name has changed from "slobber of unusual size" to "baby with stinky farts". And like any self-respecting baby boy - he smiles and coos with each one.
Naomi has been sharing her talents with flatulance as well - but she seems to be working on her burping skills more than her pooting skills.
I am officially one of those parents - that talk about their children's colon activity. sorry.
In Him,
Marie A.
Isaac is 4, and cutely calls Noah "my boy" and loves on him. They are so cute together - the grandparents didn't have a chance. The kids have them both wrapped around their little pinky fingers.
Noah and Naomi continue to explore their voices with squeals, squeaks, and high pitched noises. It is fun to play with them by repeating their sounds back to them. Semira (my oldest niece) was with us at my parents house, and she had a fun time with the kids too.
One of my self-imposed dietary restrictions has been avoiding milk products because Noah doesn't process them very well. I let myself go a little while we were at Mom and Dad's because they had cheesecake. Well, little Noah has been paying me back for about 2 days now. His indian name has changed from "slobber of unusual size" to "baby with stinky farts". And like any self-respecting baby boy - he smiles and coos with each one.
Naomi has been sharing her talents with flatulance as well - but she seems to be working on her burping skills more than her pooting skills.
I am officially one of those parents - that talk about their children's colon activity. sorry.
In Him,
Marie A.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Scootin
No new teeth have shown up yet for either baby. My dear friend, Becca, let me know they can drool for up to two months before a tooth appears.
Poor Munchkins. I am learning how to distract them, and help them endure cutting teeth.
They are both scooting around, so I can't leave them on a blanket in the middle of the living room anymore. I have to keep them strapped into something, or in the pack-n-play with their play gym. They are both just starting to show more of their personalities.
Noah really is a sweet boy who seems to love everyone and everything. All things make him smile, and no matter what you are saying, he is ecstatic and giggly.
Naomi is a studier. She contemplates whether or not she is going to smile before she does it. Same thing with giggles. I've found the surest way to get her to giggle is to play peek-a-boo with her -- Although she only tolerates it for a short period of time before she is bored of it.
Love to all - Please keep Papa Dave and my mom in your prayers for health.
In Him,
Marie
Poor Munchkins. I am learning how to distract them, and help them endure cutting teeth.
They are both scooting around, so I can't leave them on a blanket in the middle of the living room anymore. I have to keep them strapped into something, or in the pack-n-play with their play gym. They are both just starting to show more of their personalities.
Noah really is a sweet boy who seems to love everyone and everything. All things make him smile, and no matter what you are saying, he is ecstatic and giggly.
Naomi is a studier. She contemplates whether or not she is going to smile before she does it. Same thing with giggles. I've found the surest way to get her to giggle is to play peek-a-boo with her -- Although she only tolerates it for a short period of time before she is bored of it.
Love to all - Please keep Papa Dave and my mom in your prayers for health.
In Him,
Marie
Friday, May 15, 2009
My Husband Rocks
My husband rocks. I had a chance to tell the lady at Olive Garden about how Chad spoiled me today, now I am sharing with you.
I am so blessed that we have been married for 5 years, and we are still head over heels for eachother. Chad watched the babies this morning and sent me to get a 2 hour massage at Massage Envy. I've been a Massage Envy member ever since I heard of them a few years ago, because the massages help me to relax - and at $40 for a 1 hour session, I don't feel as bad about going. I haven't been for 8 months, so it was niiiice.
Then, he sent me to our wonderful chiropractor. I haven't been since I gave birth, so you can imagine that my back hurt sooooo much. I adjusted pretty well, considering I had just come out of a 2 hour massage. (Did I mention that?)
I came home to Chad and the babies getting ready to go to their Super Auntie Corie's house, they got there around 1:30. Then Chad and I went to my favorito coffee shop, JJ Mocha's, and had drinks and shared a muffin. I had some coupons burning a hole in my purse, so we went to Chick-fil-a and used one for lunch. (I'm so glad he isn't embarrassed by my using coupons. He always makes me feel so good about working to stretch our dollars)
By then, I was poopsnickered - so Chad took me home and tucked me in for a nap. I didn't wake up until 7. While I was sleeping, Chad transfered the babies from Auntie Corie's to our house so Amazing Aunt Alberta could take over the twin-watch.
Chad and I took me out for dinner at Olive Garden (I had another coupon) - then came home and watched a recorded CSI. Now we are both sitting in the living room on our laptops.
Gosh, my husband rocks.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Keeping up with the kiddos
They are changing so much every day - its crazy. Both the munchkins absolutely love to be upside down and tossed in the air. They have kept pretty consistant with Noah being more vocal than Naomi - although both giggle when we play with them. Naomi is teaching Noah how to say MaaAAA. (yay!)
I found a website with the Ethiopian Feedel (alphabet) that I am reading with the babies each day. I am sure I am mispronoucing a lot of the letters - but they still love the sound of the Amharic dialect. We discovered that when my mom would speak Amharic to them and they would smile. We've decided the kids will call my mom grandma in Amharic - Ayate (ai-YAH-tay). It is so cute to watch them learn and listen to her.
This is giving me a chance to learn Amharic too - I practiced while my mom was here by repeating everything she said - even though I had no idea what I was saying. At least this is helping me get back the Amharic accent I was exposed to when I was younger. I hope Noah and Naomi get to learn enough to communicate fluently. It will make learning their Ethiopian heritage much easier.
This week I've been practicing how to say different colors and the alphabet.
Ideally, I'd like them to learn enough ASL to communicate through the terrible twos and enough Spanish to survive in Texas. I've always operated best under stretch goals - If I shoot for the stars - hopefully we'll land on the moon.
Chad is off today, and today is P and A's 15th wedding anniversary. We are watching their kiddos tonight so they can go out. Please continue to pray for my mom and Chad's dad's health. Also, for Chad and I to have wisdom. That's been my main prayer for our lives during the past few months - and I see how God is using it. Its awesome.
Blessings to you all,
Marie A.
I found a website with the Ethiopian Feedel (alphabet) that I am reading with the babies each day. I am sure I am mispronoucing a lot of the letters - but they still love the sound of the Amharic dialect. We discovered that when my mom would speak Amharic to them and they would smile. We've decided the kids will call my mom grandma in Amharic - Ayate (ai-YAH-tay). It is so cute to watch them learn and listen to her.
This is giving me a chance to learn Amharic too - I practiced while my mom was here by repeating everything she said - even though I had no idea what I was saying. At least this is helping me get back the Amharic accent I was exposed to when I was younger. I hope Noah and Naomi get to learn enough to communicate fluently. It will make learning their Ethiopian heritage much easier.
This week I've been practicing how to say different colors and the alphabet.
Ideally, I'd like them to learn enough ASL to communicate through the terrible twos and enough Spanish to survive in Texas. I've always operated best under stretch goals - If I shoot for the stars - hopefully we'll land on the moon.
Chad is off today, and today is P and A's 15th wedding anniversary. We are watching their kiddos tonight so they can go out. Please continue to pray for my mom and Chad's dad's health. Also, for Chad and I to have wisdom. That's been my main prayer for our lives during the past few months - and I see how God is using it. Its awesome.
Blessings to you all,
Marie A.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Where there's drool, there's teeth
Its official - they are both teething. Their drool is off the charts, so I started checking out their gums for teeth. Nothing yet, but lots of chewing., er, gumming on everything. Today, they both are running a lowgrade (99.2) temp. Poor babies.
Pray for us please! :-)
Pray for us please! :-)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
The week before Mother's day was awesome. I was able to spend it with one of my heroes - my own mother. On Monday, I took the babies with me and drove out to Abilene to spend two nights and Mom and Dad's home. Chad was working long hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, so it worked out really well. Mom and Dad hadn't seen the kids for about a month - and they are growing so quickly.
On Wednesday, Mom and Dad decided to come back with us to Burleson so that Mom could see all of her grandkids before Mother's day. They wanted to watch each of our kids for at least one evening so we could each go out for a date with our spouses. It was so sweet.
Thursday - Joe/Corinne and Chad and I went out to see Wolverine. It was better than I anticipated. Then we went out to Waffle House (a la our High School days) and hung out until around 11 before we started puttering out of steam. Okay, let me be real. I was the one who started puttering out. I think Corinne and Chad still had plenty of energy - but they are both late night people.
Chad wanted to do something for me for mother's day on Friday, but he had a class come up at work that required him to work on Thursday and Friday --so we decided to postpone Mother's Day for me for another week. We are going to celebrate it next Friday. However, we did decide that since Mom is here trying to help all of us have a great Mother's Day, that we should HONOR her on Sunday.
Sunday - We had Paul/Alberta, Joe/Corinne, Chad/me and all of the kids over to our house for enchiladas. Mom was in nirvana with her grandbabies. All she wants is to have us all together, in a relaxed environment. The kids were playing and laughing. Mom and Dad actually ran out of video tape (they had 3) and so did I. We took lots of pictures though. I think Corinne posted some on Phanfare.
New Naomi stuff - she loves flipping head over heals and being held up in the air over your head. it makes her giggle. She also LOVES when Mom speaks in Amharic to her - actually when she speaks amharic to anyone. She looks at Mom intently and tries to understand her - it is so cute. Mom is going to try to keep speaking to her and teaching her Amharic as she grows older.
New Noah stuff - I think he is starting to teethe! He loves being upside down. He'll lay down and pushing his head off of my lap past my knees so he can look at the world upside down. Flipping doesn't make him as happy as looking around from a different perspective. He loves having people around him - he doesn't care what language they are speaking in - but he is always interested and willing to smile if you make eye contact with him.
They both are trying to stand up - and we all think they may skip the whole crawling thing and end up both walking. I am doing exercises and stretches around their neck and shoulders. That seems to be their weakest muscle group. I learned all the exercies I am doing with them from Naomi's physical therapist.
My parents went home to Abilene today, so now the kids have to get used to only having one set of hands to hold them during the day. They are growing up so fast. Please keep praying for the health of their grandparents (especially Chad's dad, Dave and my mom, Almaz). God is healing them both, but they are both in pain everyday.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Gotta go. 'Omi is calling me.
Marie
On Wednesday, Mom and Dad decided to come back with us to Burleson so that Mom could see all of her grandkids before Mother's day. They wanted to watch each of our kids for at least one evening so we could each go out for a date with our spouses. It was so sweet.
Thursday - Joe/Corinne and Chad and I went out to see Wolverine. It was better than I anticipated. Then we went out to Waffle House (a la our High School days) and hung out until around 11 before we started puttering out of steam. Okay, let me be real. I was the one who started puttering out. I think Corinne and Chad still had plenty of energy - but they are both late night people.
Chad wanted to do something for me for mother's day on Friday, but he had a class come up at work that required him to work on Thursday and Friday --so we decided to postpone Mother's Day for me for another week. We are going to celebrate it next Friday. However, we did decide that since Mom is here trying to help all of us have a great Mother's Day, that we should HONOR her on Sunday.
Sunday - We had Paul/Alberta, Joe/Corinne, Chad/me and all of the kids over to our house for enchiladas. Mom was in nirvana with her grandbabies. All she wants is to have us all together, in a relaxed environment. The kids were playing and laughing. Mom and Dad actually ran out of video tape (they had 3) and so did I. We took lots of pictures though. I think Corinne posted some on Phanfare.
New Naomi stuff - she loves flipping head over heals and being held up in the air over your head. it makes her giggle. She also LOVES when Mom speaks in Amharic to her - actually when she speaks amharic to anyone. She looks at Mom intently and tries to understand her - it is so cute. Mom is going to try to keep speaking to her and teaching her Amharic as she grows older.
New Noah stuff - I think he is starting to teethe! He loves being upside down. He'll lay down and pushing his head off of my lap past my knees so he can look at the world upside down. Flipping doesn't make him as happy as looking around from a different perspective. He loves having people around him - he doesn't care what language they are speaking in - but he is always interested and willing to smile if you make eye contact with him.
They both are trying to stand up - and we all think they may skip the whole crawling thing and end up both walking. I am doing exercises and stretches around their neck and shoulders. That seems to be their weakest muscle group. I learned all the exercies I am doing with them from Naomi's physical therapist.
My parents went home to Abilene today, so now the kids have to get used to only having one set of hands to hold them during the day. They are growing up so fast. Please keep praying for the health of their grandparents (especially Chad's dad, Dave and my mom, Almaz). God is healing them both, but they are both in pain everyday.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Gotta go. 'Omi is calling me.
Marie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Abilene
The kids and I trekked to Abilene yesterday and are staying here until Wednesday. They are doing a great job at making Grandma and Grandpa B feel loved and happy.
We have been putting Noah and Naomi in the same pack-n-play so that they can play together when they are awake. Noah has been "teaching" Naomi how to coo and squeal. Its adorable. I need to setup Dad's tripod stand to just record them as they play. Its adorable.
Noah just woke up from his morning nap. I can hear him cooing in the next room. In the daytime, he has been sleeping in the middle of a queen size bed in one of the guest rooms. He is surrounded by thick pillows so he can't roll anywhere. Man, he is so cute sleeping. I could watch both of them sleep for hours. I have it baaad. :-)
I miss Chad. My sweet beloved wanted me to come home tonight, but I asked him if I could stay one more day so I could spend some quality time with my mom and avoid driving in the storms predicted for this afternoon. Chad obliged - Mom and Dad are elated - the kids are happy too. I just miss my husband. I am really blessed that he wants me around so much. He adores me. I am so blessed.
Gotta go get my son. Grandpa B is holding 'Omi. Noah's calling me.
Love you all,
Marie A.
We have been putting Noah and Naomi in the same pack-n-play so that they can play together when they are awake. Noah has been "teaching" Naomi how to coo and squeal. Its adorable. I need to setup Dad's tripod stand to just record them as they play. Its adorable.
Noah just woke up from his morning nap. I can hear him cooing in the next room. In the daytime, he has been sleeping in the middle of a queen size bed in one of the guest rooms. He is surrounded by thick pillows so he can't roll anywhere. Man, he is so cute sleeping. I could watch both of them sleep for hours. I have it baaad. :-)
I miss Chad. My sweet beloved wanted me to come home tonight, but I asked him if I could stay one more day so I could spend some quality time with my mom and avoid driving in the storms predicted for this afternoon. Chad obliged - Mom and Dad are elated - the kids are happy too. I just miss my husband. I am really blessed that he wants me around so much. He adores me. I am so blessed.
Gotta go get my son. Grandpa B is holding 'Omi. Noah's calling me.
Love you all,
Marie A.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Giggles and gooey fingers
My mom is convinced that the babies are teething. I hope not. They are eating their hands all the time, but from what I read, that is a normal way for them to explore their world. They don't seem to be chewing on much, just sucking and slobering. Chad tried talking to Noah about it. It was an adorable conversation.
Mom A. has been a wonderful helper. She calls it a mother's day gift, but it really is a gift that will help our entire family. She is hiring a mother's helper for me - someone to help out 4-5 hours a week with light chores and watching the kids. I am so blessed. If we like the person a lot, we may use her for our date nights too. So we don't overburden our local family with babysitting.
Corinne has been a blessing too, posting new pictures on the Phanfare account. You can see new pictures there of the babies.
Naomi is now audibly giggling. Her voice is lower than Noah's. He has been audibly giggling and talking for about a month now. Naomi has been smiling, but not audibly giggling until recently. They are both so cute. I still can't believe they are ours sometimes.
Next week I will probably take the kiddos with me to Abilene for a few days to hang out with their grandparents and catch up on sleep. Chad is wonderful - and doing all he can to learn and master 3 new technologies at work. Prayers and encouragement for him are appreciated.
Chad's Dad and my mom are both using quite a bit of painkiller since they are both having lots of pain. Please keep them in your prayers.
Oh yeah. Remember my post about trying to save $$ and how I was doing it? I don't think this blog is the appropriate place to post those things, so I am going to have another blog to share a little about furthering the process with our finances www.groceryshoppinggeek.blogspot.com.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
Marie A.
Mom A. has been a wonderful helper. She calls it a mother's day gift, but it really is a gift that will help our entire family. She is hiring a mother's helper for me - someone to help out 4-5 hours a week with light chores and watching the kids. I am so blessed. If we like the person a lot, we may use her for our date nights too. So we don't overburden our local family with babysitting.
Corinne has been a blessing too, posting new pictures on the Phanfare account. You can see new pictures there of the babies.
Naomi is now audibly giggling. Her voice is lower than Noah's. He has been audibly giggling and talking for about a month now. Naomi has been smiling, but not audibly giggling until recently. They are both so cute. I still can't believe they are ours sometimes.
Next week I will probably take the kiddos with me to Abilene for a few days to hang out with their grandparents and catch up on sleep. Chad is wonderful - and doing all he can to learn and master 3 new technologies at work. Prayers and encouragement for him are appreciated.
Chad's Dad and my mom are both using quite a bit of painkiller since they are both having lots of pain. Please keep them in your prayers.
Oh yeah. Remember my post about trying to save $$ and how I was doing it? I don't think this blog is the appropriate place to post those things, so I am going to have another blog to share a little about furthering the process with our finances www.groceryshoppinggeek.blogspot.com.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
Marie A.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Long and Ann
Noah is learning to say mmmaaammmaaa - although I know he has no idea what it means. It is so sweet to hear him cooing and talking in the morning and throughout the day. He is going to be the talker. Naomi is the thinker. She looks peaceful, but you can look in her eyes and tell she is studying everything around her. She has this amazing silent giggle that she does when she is really happy. It usually ends with some sort of audible squeek.
I know I have it bad. I am in LOVE with these babies. Yesterday I asked Chad if he noticed how cute their elbows are. He hadn't. So next time they were up, I insisted he check them out. Gosh. I know I have it bad.
OH yeah, Long and Ann. They came up for an Amway conference/meeting this past weekend and stayed with us on Sunday Night. It was cute, they both had their laptops out and were surfing at the same time when I finally called it a night and went to bed. I remember when Chad and I would do that. I got it bad for Chad too. Man I love him.
Last night the kids went with us out to dinner at a restaurant in Arlington. It wasn't bad - and the kids are so well behaved. They just sit and look. They love looking.
Thank you all for your prayers.
In Him,
Marie A.
I know I have it bad. I am in LOVE with these babies. Yesterday I asked Chad if he noticed how cute their elbows are. He hadn't. So next time they were up, I insisted he check them out. Gosh. I know I have it bad.
OH yeah, Long and Ann. They came up for an Amway conference/meeting this past weekend and stayed with us on Sunday Night. It was cute, they both had their laptops out and were surfing at the same time when I finally called it a night and went to bed. I remember when Chad and I would do that. I got it bad for Chad too. Man I love him.
Last night the kids went with us out to dinner at a restaurant in Arlington. It wasn't bad - and the kids are so well behaved. They just sit and look. They love looking.
Thank you all for your prayers.
In Him,
Marie A.
Friday, April 24, 2009
4 month checkup
Noah is 23 inches long and weighs 12lbs 5oz. Naomi is now 23 1/2 inches long and weighs 12lbs 1oz. If you haven't seen pictures of them recently, I highly recommend you click on the Baby Photo Album link and request access to the babies pictures. Corinne has uploaded some amazing little videos of Noah and Naomi from last week. I keep thinking that they are as cute as can be, then they get cuter and cuter.
Noah is talking up a storm and giggling at every person who gives him the time of day. He is such a blessing to everyone who meets him. He always manages to get them to smile. Naomi is talking way less than Noah, but she was the first one who learned to say MMMMAAAA when she needed me. Chad is working to curb that habit and get her to day DADADADA. Its really cute.
She and I played peekaboo today and I think she got it. It was adorable. Lots of giggles.
I haven't been grocery shopping in over 3 weeks and have tried to use up what we have in the pantry. It has been a great exercise in frugality and contentment. Please pray for me to learn how to be content in every circumstance - and to be an encouragement to Chad and the people God puts me in contact with.
A dear friend from college and her husband have started a website called Cha-Ching on a shoestring. Kaley and I were in YouthQuest together back at Liberty. You'll see her link on the right side of my blog. Her tips and tricks are waaaaay better then the ones I had posted in the Strategery post last week.
This week, I am returning a box of pampers wipes that I bought last month and am going to re-purchase it with a $7.00 off babies-r-us coupon and a 1.50 Manufacturer's coupon. WooHoo! saved $8.50. :-).
Love you y'all,
Marie
Noah is talking up a storm and giggling at every person who gives him the time of day. He is such a blessing to everyone who meets him. He always manages to get them to smile. Naomi is talking way less than Noah, but she was the first one who learned to say MMMMAAAA when she needed me. Chad is working to curb that habit and get her to day DADADADA. Its really cute.
She and I played peekaboo today and I think she got it. It was adorable. Lots of giggles.
I haven't been grocery shopping in over 3 weeks and have tried to use up what we have in the pantry. It has been a great exercise in frugality and contentment. Please pray for me to learn how to be content in every circumstance - and to be an encouragement to Chad and the people God puts me in contact with.
A dear friend from college and her husband have started a website called Cha-Ching on a shoestring. Kaley and I were in YouthQuest together back at Liberty. You'll see her link on the right side of my blog. Her tips and tricks are waaaaay better then the ones I had posted in the Strategery post last week.
This week, I am returning a box of pampers wipes that I bought last month and am going to re-purchase it with a $7.00 off babies-r-us coupon and a 1.50 Manufacturer's coupon. WooHoo! saved $8.50. :-).
Love you y'all,
Marie
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Stra-tee-gery
Most of you know I've been working on doing Arbonne to contribute to the economy of our household. The biggest problem I'm having with it is not having a consistant schedule. So, I've tried another common tactic to help us tread water financially - Coupons.
I have tried and epic failed more than once with couponing. I am big into learning from other people's mistakes/successes - so once I started getting into a rhythm with saving over 50% on our grocery bill I knew I needed to post and share what I've found.
Norms
1. Spend less than 15 minutes each week actually sorting/cutting coupons for shopping trips.
2. Use Internet Tools (below) to save time creating shopping lists and finding coupons.
3. Send husband with coupons/lists so he can pick up items from store on his way home from work.
SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures)
1. 5 minutes Every Sunday - Create weekly file for SmartSource, RedPlum and any other coupon packets found in Sunday Paper. If the coupons look like I'd use them, I get another 2 papers from WalMart and add more coupons to the weekly file so I can stock up when stuff goes on sale.
2. Get grocery list for whichever grocery store. Coupon Mom is nice because I can just check-off what I might get, and print out that list. I have to write out a grocery list for Albertsons.
3. Use CouponMom or Couponing101 to direct me to the specific week for each coupon I need to cut out. Go to Sunday Coupon file to cut out coupons. Paperclip coupons to list for husband.
4. If necessary, print out store coupons for Target or from MoneySavingMom or from CouponMom.
Here's the gist of the stores I frequent - and how I save money at them
1. Target - get new list each Sunday from Coupon Mom. Print out coupons from Organic Grocery Deals because the Target website only prints out a limited number of the coupons. Tip: you can also print out free coupons at Target in the customer service area - the same place where you look up a baby registry.
2. WalMart - get a new list each Sunday from Coupon Mom. They don't double or triple coupons, but WalMart will match anyone else's print ad. You can use the ad like a coupon at check-out.
3. Tom Thumb, Kroger, CVS, WalGreens - get a new list each Wednesday from Coupon Mom.
4. Albertsons (North Texas) - get a new list each Wednesday from Couponing101
I used to use www.grocerygame.com, but I hardly ever used it and it had a monthly fee. Any other tips and tricks? Please reply to this and let me know what you've found out.
Blessings,
Marie
I have tried and epic failed more than once with couponing. I am big into learning from other people's mistakes/successes - so once I started getting into a rhythm with saving over 50% on our grocery bill I knew I needed to post and share what I've found.
Norms
1. Spend less than 15 minutes each week actually sorting/cutting coupons for shopping trips.
2. Use Internet Tools (below) to save time creating shopping lists and finding coupons.
3. Send husband with coupons/lists so he can pick up items from store on his way home from work.
SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures)
1. 5 minutes Every Sunday - Create weekly file for SmartSource, RedPlum and any other coupon packets found in Sunday Paper. If the coupons look like I'd use them, I get another 2 papers from WalMart and add more coupons to the weekly file so I can stock up when stuff goes on sale.
2. Get grocery list for whichever grocery store. Coupon Mom is nice because I can just check-off what I might get, and print out that list. I have to write out a grocery list for Albertsons.
3. Use CouponMom or Couponing101 to direct me to the specific week for each coupon I need to cut out. Go to Sunday Coupon file to cut out coupons. Paperclip coupons to list for husband.
4. If necessary, print out store coupons for Target or from MoneySavingMom or from CouponMom.
Here's the gist of the stores I frequent - and how I save money at them
1. Target - get new list each Sunday from Coupon Mom. Print out coupons from Organic Grocery Deals because the Target website only prints out a limited number of the coupons. Tip: you can also print out free coupons at Target in the customer service area - the same place where you look up a baby registry.
2. WalMart - get a new list each Sunday from Coupon Mom. They don't double or triple coupons, but WalMart will match anyone else's print ad. You can use the ad like a coupon at check-out.
3. Tom Thumb, Kroger, CVS, WalGreens - get a new list each Wednesday from Coupon Mom.
4. Albertsons (North Texas) - get a new list each Wednesday from Couponing101
I used to use www.grocerygame.com, but I hardly ever used it and it had a monthly fee. Any other tips and tricks? Please reply to this and let me know what you've found out.
Blessings,
Marie
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Worship works
I think I found my healing salve for whenever I get the baby blues. Worship. If chad can fwatch the kids for a little bit, and I can get in the car and turn on worship music full blast and sing along - it helps me immensely.
Noah held his bottle all by himself while Chad was feeding him yesterday. Of course he stopped holding it once I got the camera - but it was cute while it lasted. He and Naomi have discovered their hands (sorta). They really enjoy chewing on them.
I'm going back to a prayer I used to pray regularly too. God, please help me to accomplish what YOU want me to accomplish today, and help me not be concerned about what I don't accomplish - because you didn't want me to do that anyway. Amen
Noah held his bottle all by himself while Chad was feeding him yesterday. Of course he stopped holding it once I got the camera - but it was cute while it lasted. He and Naomi have discovered their hands (sorta). They really enjoy chewing on them.
I'm going back to a prayer I used to pray regularly too. God, please help me to accomplish what YOU want me to accomplish today, and help me not be concerned about what I don't accomplish - because you didn't want me to do that anyway. Amen
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March 2009 - running the race
Noah and Naomi went in for their 3 month shots on Thursday. Noah has finally caught up to Naomi weight-wise. They are both 11 lbs 1 oz. Noah is 23 and 3/4 inches long, Naomi is 23 inches long.
I am exhausted, and this morning learning about boundries from Joyce Meyer. I used to be better at setting boundaries and only trying to get accomplished what God had for me to do each day. Now a days, I expect so much more of myself. I know I have to take care of myself - but I don't. I am too busy taking care of the babies and Chad.
Chad has tried to help me - but he has huge demands on him at work and healthwise. Personally, I prioritize both of those things before myself. I think that is what I am supposed to do (right?). Consequently, I don't ask him to help me until I am so strapped for help that that is the only option.
Well, there are other options. I could ask Alberta (who is busy with her full time job, 3 kids and church) or I could ask Corinne (who is dedicated to homeschooling her Pre-K son and learning accounting to help her husband with his own business). My parents are only 2 1/2 hours away in Abilene, but they are both taking care of many health issues since they didn't take care of themselves before retiring.
Chad's parents are coming next week. I hope that I am able to be relaxed enough around them that they enjoy their time with us. I am so wound up from pushing myself too hard. I know I need to set some realistic boundries so that I can run this as a marathon, not a sprint.
Prayers appreciated,
Sorry for not updating the blog more!
Marie
I am exhausted, and this morning learning about boundries from Joyce Meyer. I used to be better at setting boundaries and only trying to get accomplished what God had for me to do each day. Now a days, I expect so much more of myself. I know I have to take care of myself - but I don't. I am too busy taking care of the babies and Chad.
Chad has tried to help me - but he has huge demands on him at work and healthwise. Personally, I prioritize both of those things before myself. I think that is what I am supposed to do (right?). Consequently, I don't ask him to help me until I am so strapped for help that that is the only option.
Well, there are other options. I could ask Alberta (who is busy with her full time job, 3 kids and church) or I could ask Corinne (who is dedicated to homeschooling her Pre-K son and learning accounting to help her husband with his own business). My parents are only 2 1/2 hours away in Abilene, but they are both taking care of many health issues since they didn't take care of themselves before retiring.
Chad's parents are coming next week. I hope that I am able to be relaxed enough around them that they enjoy their time with us. I am so wound up from pushing myself too hard. I know I need to set some realistic boundries so that I can run this as a marathon, not a sprint.
Prayers appreciated,
Sorry for not updating the blog more!
Marie
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Pictures and updatesf
My DH had the foresight to purchase a very fancy-schmancy video camera/digital camera before the babies were born. I have since taken numerous pictures with the thing - but have had issues uploading the pictures to our Phanfare account or to my Facebook account. I have enlisted the help of my sweet sister Corinne tho -
She has been kind enough to babysit the babies a few times since their arrival - and she always brings her camera. She has uploaded new pictures on Phanfare and Facebook for me. Let me know if you have problems getting to them.
Noah and Naomi went for their 2 month checkup/shots last Thursday. Naomi is almost 10 lbs (9 pounds 15 ounces) and Noah isn't far behind at 9 pounds 6 ounces. They are both healthy. Naomi is going to have to do some Physical Therapy (PT) for her head though. Her head is mishapen from the way she was positioned in the womb - the doctor isn't worried. He said we are catching it early - and she will be fine.
Love to you all,
Marie A.
P.S. Prayers appreciated for my Mom and Chad's Dad's health. Both of them are still going through much physically. Thank you!
She has been kind enough to babysit the babies a few times since their arrival - and she always brings her camera. She has uploaded new pictures on Phanfare and Facebook for me. Let me know if you have problems getting to them.
Noah and Naomi went for their 2 month checkup/shots last Thursday. Naomi is almost 10 lbs (9 pounds 15 ounces) and Noah isn't far behind at 9 pounds 6 ounces. They are both healthy. Naomi is going to have to do some Physical Therapy (PT) for her head though. Her head is mishapen from the way she was positioned in the womb - the doctor isn't worried. He said we are catching it early - and she will be fine.
Love to you all,
Marie A.
P.S. Prayers appreciated for my Mom and Chad's Dad's health. Both of them are still going through much physically. Thank you!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Story behind their names
I've been asked questions about the kids' names - so here goes.
Story behind their names: both family heritage and new traditions were taken into play with each of the kids names.
Noah, like Chad, is a unique name in the Armitage clan. It was important to both of us that Noah has a unique first name since he will be carrying on the Armitage name.
Dawitt (Dah’-wheat) means David in Ethiopia. Marie’s mother was born and raised in Ethiopia, and Chad’s father’s name is Dave. We both liked the name and how it combines both sides of our families.
Naomi is a name Chad and I have always been fond of. Dave grew up with some cousins whose Mother (Naomi Armitage) died when they were little. She was a woman of faith.
Debre (Deb-ray) means Deborah in Ethiopia. It is also the name of Marie’s only Uncle on her mother’s side. Debre Haliemarium was a man of faith, much older Marie’s mom, who passed away in 2005.
Also, we chose their middle names and were settled on them before we realized that this would make them grow up with the same initials. This was NOT on purpose. **I will apologize at the beginning of the school year to each of their teachers.** :-)
It goes without saying that all of their names are Biblical – this was not completely on purpose, although we did decide on the biblical names Noah and Naomi before the end of the first trimester.
Story behind their names: both family heritage and new traditions were taken into play with each of the kids names.
Noah, like Chad, is a unique name in the Armitage clan. It was important to both of us that Noah has a unique first name since he will be carrying on the Armitage name.
Dawitt (Dah’-wheat) means David in Ethiopia. Marie’s mother was born and raised in Ethiopia, and Chad’s father’s name is Dave. We both liked the name and how it combines both sides of our families.
Naomi is a name Chad and I have always been fond of. Dave grew up with some cousins whose Mother (Naomi Armitage) died when they were little. She was a woman of faith.
Debre (Deb-ray) means Deborah in Ethiopia. It is also the name of Marie’s only Uncle on her mother’s side. Debre Haliemarium was a man of faith, much older Marie’s mom, who passed away in 2005.
Also, we chose their middle names and were settled on them before we realized that this would make them grow up with the same initials. This was NOT on purpose. **I will apologize at the beginning of the school year to each of their teachers.** :-)
It goes without saying that all of their names are Biblical – this was not completely on purpose, although we did decide on the biblical names Noah and Naomi before the end of the first trimester.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Time for a routine
I am tired. My DH has been covering the 3-6 am shift while on paternity leave. Now that he is back to his day job, I've taken the shift. I don't know why, but the babies get colicky between these times, and need cuddling and massage until they go poo or fart or whatever. This is not the best time for me to be awake. I'm pretty much dead-man-walking, trying to stay awake while caring for them.
Last night, Noah couldn't sleep after his 3 am feed. Naomi woke at around 5:45, so I fed them both then. This morning, at around 6:30 they went down after I found creative ways to keep their pacifiers in their mouths. They didn't wake until around noon. HOLY 5 hours of sleep Batman! They must've been as worn out as I was. Personally, I am still worn out. I'll miss having Chad to tag off with. Please pray for him as he gets ramped up in his new position @ Microsoft.
Noah is on my lap now. their next feeding is in about an hour - he's winding down. I think its time for both of us to take a nap.
Last night, Noah couldn't sleep after his 3 am feed. Naomi woke at around 5:45, so I fed them both then. This morning, at around 6:30 they went down after I found creative ways to keep their pacifiers in their mouths. They didn't wake until around noon. HOLY 5 hours of sleep Batman! They must've been as worn out as I was. Personally, I am still worn out. I'll miss having Chad to tag off with. Please pray for him as he gets ramped up in his new position @ Microsoft.
Noah is on my lap now. their next feeding is in about an hour - he's winding down. I think its time for both of us to take a nap.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Glorious Sleep
I can't believe Chad has been home for over a month helping me with the babies. He is such an involved daddy. Last night, I asked him if he could cover the kids 9pm feeding, then went to sleep around 8pm. Each time I'd wake up for the subsequent feeding (midnight, etc..) He'd let me know that we had enough stored up breastmilk and put me back to bed so he could take care of the next feeding. Long story short, he ended up doing THREE count 'em, 3 feedings in a row. I slept until we were out of stored up breastmilk, and did their feeding at 7:30am.
God bless Chad. Now he is sleeping, and I'm trying to make sure he gets to do that for as long as he needs to.
The babies are doing well. Noah and Naomi both have learned to follow objects around with their eyes, which is cool. They are also smiling and trying to mimic faces that we make at them while we are holding them. Naomi is getting better at batting things with her little hands and trying to grasp them with her fingers. Noah is content to stare at them - no reaching and grabbing yet for him.
I think Noah is lactose intollerant. I left dairy out of my diet since last Friday, and he has been sleeping better and hasn't been as fussy. I think Naomi may have issues when I eat peanut butter, so I am leaving that out of my diet this week to see if it makes a difference in her ability to sleep. All in all, they are doing well - growing and making Chad and I pinch ourselves to make sure we aren't dreaming.
Thanks for your prayers. Please keep praying for Chad's dad's and my mom's health.
God bless Chad. Now he is sleeping, and I'm trying to make sure he gets to do that for as long as he needs to.
The babies are doing well. Noah and Naomi both have learned to follow objects around with their eyes, which is cool. They are also smiling and trying to mimic faces that we make at them while we are holding them. Naomi is getting better at batting things with her little hands and trying to grasp them with her fingers. Noah is content to stare at them - no reaching and grabbing yet for him.
I think Noah is lactose intollerant. I left dairy out of my diet since last Friday, and he has been sleeping better and hasn't been as fussy. I think Naomi may have issues when I eat peanut butter, so I am leaving that out of my diet this week to see if it makes a difference in her ability to sleep. All in all, they are doing well - growing and making Chad and I pinch ourselves to make sure we aren't dreaming.
Thanks for your prayers. Please keep praying for Chad's dad's and my mom's health.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bullet Points
- N and N are now 1 month old
- Grandma and Grandpa Barrington came down for the big day and fed them a few times so Chad and I could sleep. We were only up for their 12 Noon feeding but were otherwise resting between 5am and 4pm. Yay!
- They smile on purpose now - Oy. Chad and I are so wrapped around their little pinky fingers.
- Noah is still having problems digesting (The Dr. labeled him as colic-y). We are experimenting now with me avoiding any milk products to see if he is lactose intolerant. If that doesn't work, next thing I'll cut out is soy.
- Chad and I don't think he's colic-y. He just has problems sleeping for very long, and we can tell when he is in pain from digesting stuff. He wakes up about an hour before his feedings whimpering or full on screaming. Poor guy gets distracted when we hold him, but only feels better when we massage him and he has a chance to fill up his diaper. I guess I always pictured Colic as a more non-stop cry.
Thanks for the prayers. Please keep praying for my mom's and Chad's dad's health. Both have "procedures" they are part of over the next few weeks.
Resting in Him,
Marie A.
- Grandma and Grandpa Barrington came down for the big day and fed them a few times so Chad and I could sleep. We were only up for their 12 Noon feeding but were otherwise resting between 5am and 4pm. Yay!
- They smile on purpose now - Oy. Chad and I are so wrapped around their little pinky fingers.
- Noah is still having problems digesting (The Dr. labeled him as colic-y). We are experimenting now with me avoiding any milk products to see if he is lactose intolerant. If that doesn't work, next thing I'll cut out is soy.
- Chad and I don't think he's colic-y. He just has problems sleeping for very long, and we can tell when he is in pain from digesting stuff. He wakes up about an hour before his feedings whimpering or full on screaming. Poor guy gets distracted when we hold him, but only feels better when we massage him and he has a chance to fill up his diaper. I guess I always pictured Colic as a more non-stop cry.
Thanks for the prayers. Please keep praying for my mom's and Chad's dad's health. Both have "procedures" they are part of over the next few weeks.
Resting in Him,
Marie A.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Original Birthday
Okay, today is the day that our babies would have been full term - had they been singletons. So technically, as of today, they are no longer preemies.
They are growing up. I am trying to enjoy the cuddle time with them while they are so small. Naomi is over 7 lbs, Noah is barely over 6. He looks more like a newborn then a preemie now. We've had some visitors and did or best to make sure pictures were posted on Phanfare.
The kids had their days and nights mixed up and were trying to stay awake through the night. Chad and I have worked pretty hard to get that trend reversed by making the room brighter during the day and darker at night. They are sleeping in a crib in our room so that we can get to them easier and not worry about crying since we can see them.
Another challenge has been little Noah's digestive system getting its kinks out. He needs extra burping and cuddling to get him to sleep. He is more of a preemie baby. Naomi is more of our full-term baby. We are working extra hard to be sure she doesn't get the short end of the stick with Mommy and Daddy time though.
Chad's parents were here for almost a month helping us to get acclaimated to having babies in the house. They bottle-fed the kids for 1 or 2 feedings a day so I could get some consecutive sleep. They left this morning. I already miss them. They also helped us continue moving into the house by unpacking most of the garage and helping organize the kitchen and kids rooms.
Today, we are experiencing freezing rain. This is making it predictably difficult to get up and about. My sleep schedule is completely fouled up because of the continual cat naps I take while the kids are sleeping. Speaking of this, I am going to go take a nap now. The kids just started a growth spurt, so they are eating every 2 1/2 hours instead of every 3. Since it takes about an hour to feed them and get them changed and situated, that leaves me about 90 minutes (or less) to sleep.
g'night!
Marie
They are growing up. I am trying to enjoy the cuddle time with them while they are so small. Naomi is over 7 lbs, Noah is barely over 6. He looks more like a newborn then a preemie now. We've had some visitors and did or best to make sure pictures were posted on Phanfare.
The kids had their days and nights mixed up and were trying to stay awake through the night. Chad and I have worked pretty hard to get that trend reversed by making the room brighter during the day and darker at night. They are sleeping in a crib in our room so that we can get to them easier and not worry about crying since we can see them.
Another challenge has been little Noah's digestive system getting its kinks out. He needs extra burping and cuddling to get him to sleep. He is more of a preemie baby. Naomi is more of our full-term baby. We are working extra hard to be sure she doesn't get the short end of the stick with Mommy and Daddy time though.
Chad's parents were here for almost a month helping us to get acclaimated to having babies in the house. They bottle-fed the kids for 1 or 2 feedings a day so I could get some consecutive sleep. They left this morning. I already miss them. They also helped us continue moving into the house by unpacking most of the garage and helping organize the kitchen and kids rooms.
Today, we are experiencing freezing rain. This is making it predictably difficult to get up and about. My sleep schedule is completely fouled up because of the continual cat naps I take while the kids are sleeping. Speaking of this, I am going to go take a nap now. The kids just started a growth spurt, so they are eating every 2 1/2 hours instead of every 3. Since it takes about an hour to feed them and get them changed and situated, that leaves me about 90 minutes (or less) to sleep.
g'night!
Marie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
