Cuddle Buddies!

There's something about Mommy's bed that is very popular right now.  Somehow watching Dora the Explorer is more fun when we all pile into Mommy's bed.

Part Monkey??

I know I have mentioned before that the girls are part monkey.  After a recent trip to a new park, Terry changed his mind and said he thinks Addison may be part mountain goat instead.  Seriously no fear this one!!!  The scary thing was she was up so high that neither of us could get her down.  We had to wait until she was ready to come down herself, which scared the begeeezus out of me.

Melt my heart....

95% of the the time the girls get along beautifully.  And then there is the other 5% of the time that resembles a WWF match, complete with biting, hair pulling and body slamming.  Regardless of how they get along, it always warms my heart to know that they are growing up with their best friend.

How Many???

How many bandaids does it take to cover a microscopic little scratch???

Apparantley four if you ask Alexis.

Mother's Day Weekend 2012

We had a great Mother's Day weekend here in Indy this year.  As with any holiday, it's always an emotional time for me as we reflect on how far we have come.  Mother's Day is always a hard one for me, as it was my first holiday with kids and we spent it in the NICU. 

Saturday morning I loaded up the girls and met a friend and her daughter (a fellow 28 week preemie) at the zoo.  We always have a good time when we have play dates with other kiddos, but it's always interesting to hang out with other preemies.  There's nothing like the bond that two preemie mom's share.  No one other than a preemie Mommy can or will ever understand it. 

The zoo had a great little Mother's Day set up and we attempted a photo op. 

Sadly, the girls were already in melt down mode so we had to take a silly picture to get them to look at the camera.

Not the best picture but at least they are cooperating.

And of course, you can't go to the zoo without riding the merry-go-round.

We spend Sunday just hanging out as a family.  The girls brought me breakfast in bed.  We went to the park and then out to dinner for Mexican food.  I'm fairly certain I was smothering with over 1000 kisses and hugs throughout the day.  Those were the best presents ever!!!



Party Post/Pictures...Part two

Here are the remainder of the photos from the girl's party......

The girl's princess cake.

Addison enjoying some pizza with her cousins.

This girl seriously loves pizza.  She was in heaven.

The birthday girls sitting in the big chair.

After the party we went home and the girls got to ride their new tricycles from Grandma and Grandpa.  They seriously wore those party crowns around our house for the next few weeks.

Opening presents at home.  We ran out of time at BounceU to open presents.

Alexis modeling her princess crown and earrings that Aunt Paula got for her. 

(photo courtesy of Aunt Sandy's cell phone)

Alexis also modeling her new cooking apron and chef hat.  Also from Aunt Paula.

Addison hiding out in the cabinet with her new bumblebee flash light.  She needed some place dark to try out the light.

And one of my favs from the birthday weekend.  Cousin Luke with Addison and Alexis.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us at the party.  We are very fortunate to have a great group of family and friends!!

Party Post/Pictures....Part One

Due to the large number of pictures that I'm weeding through for this post, I'm going to break it into two parts.

We decided to have the girls birthday party at a local bounce house this year.....one of the best ideas I've ever had!  Terry and I decided that until the girls are ready for sleepover parties we will never host another birthday party at our house.  This was by far the easiest and least stressful party to date.  All I had to do was send out the Evite, order and pick up the cake, give them my credit card, and send thank you notes.  Bounce University took care of the rest!  I think everyone had a great time and the best part.....NO cleanup! 

We had 27 people show up for the girls party. 

We are so thankful for everyone who helped us celebrate another year!

Here is part one of the party pics....

An attempt to get a photo before the party.

Don't you just wanna squeeze them?

Lately this is the only way that I can get both of them to look at the camera at the same time.  I love these little goof balls to pieces!!

Welcome party people!!

My friend Nicole's daughter Bella giving Addison five.  Bella is also a fellow 28 week preemie miracle. 

Cousin Amelia, Aunt Gretchen, Alexis and Cousin Greta.

Everyone watching the safety video prior to entering the bouncy house.

Cousin Luke in time out.  He looks really sad about it doesn't he?  Love him!!

Aunt Sandy and Aunt Paula going down the big slide.  Love the look on their faces!

Alexis getting some lovin' from Auntie Paula.

Aunt Sandy and my little Peanut.

The big slide was a huge hit with everyone no matter how young or old!!

Grandpa and Aunt Sandy apparently having some kind of dispute??

I believe that's a TKO!

This big climber thing was also a big hit.

Aunt Sandy climbing.

Grandpa.

No fear these kids.  My girls will seriously climb anything!

Future Boxer???

STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO......

The lessons I've learned....

Since becoming a parent a lot my OCD issues have gone by the wayside.  I'm definitely not saying that I don't still have my moments.......Yes, I still wish and dream of having a clean house, but that never happens.  Things are always out of place or the carpet needs to be vacuumed, or the dishes need to be done.  I've learned to deal, or more so, cope with my OCD ways.  So, last night when we took the girls for a treat and I agreed to let them have "Blues Clues" ice cream, Terry was shocked!

Parenting Lesson 19835.....Life's too short too worry about always being clean!  My kids are washable and letting them eat blue ice cream on occasion won't hurt them.  I won't lie and say that I didn't cringe the whole time they were eating it, but those smiles were worth every ounce of anxiety I experienced.

Easter 2012....Warning: Lots of Pictures!!

I was finally able to upload my pictures last night.  I'm hoping that by the end of the week, my blog will finally be up to date.  I hate getting so far behind.

We had a great Easter this year.  Just like with every holiday, it is so fun to watch the girls finally understand what it's all about.  A week or so before Easter, I had an impromptu day off work in the middle of the week.  I decided to try and take the girls to the mall to visit the Easter Bunny.  You seriously would of thought that someone was trying to kill my kids by their screams when it was our turn.  They wanted no part of taking a picture with the bunny.  I was a little sad that I didn't get to capture that photo op, but oh well!  We had a great lunch at the food court and played in the play land. 

The Saturday prior to Easter weekend we decided to attempt dying eggs with the kiddos.  I boiled 24 eggs.  We ended up with 17 dyed eggs when it was all said and done.  Both girls initially picked up an egg and slammed it into the table, as if they were cracking them.  I guess this is because the only thing they have ever witnessed is me cracking eggs to make them breakfast.  Once we got them to understand that we weren't cracking the eggs, we all had a great time.

Next Up:  Our subdivision Easter Egg Hunt!

When I tried to explain to the girls that we were going to an Easter egg hunt, I wasn't completely convinced that they actually understood what I was talking about.  When we got to the common area in our neighborhood, the girls wouldn't leave my side.  I'm not sure if this was because they were scared of the commotion going on or if it was because it was still early and a little cold.  Who knows?  But once they blew the whistle, both girls took off!  If Alexis hadn't fallen down and spilled her eggs, she would of won the prize for most eggs. 

After the egg hunt, they had an Easter Bunny pinata'.  The girls were excited to hit the bunny, until one of the larger kids actually busted it open and its head when flying across the courtyard. Alexis started screaming...."big kid hurt bunny".  I can understand how this was a little traumatic!

Alexis totally into hitting the pinata'.

Addison a little less enthused.

There was also a "guess how many jelly beans are in the jar" game.  Addison guessed 17 and Alexis guessed 23.  So when we turned in their guesses I just added an extra "1" making it 117 & 123.  Addison actually won, with the correct number being 112.  She won a large Easter basket with a bunch of goodies in it.  You can see it in the above picture.

On Easter Day we enjoyed a delicious brunch with Terry's family at a local hotel.  The girls had a great time hanging out with their cousins, the ballon artist and yes......the Easter Bunny!  I was really excited.  When we first got there both girls spotted the Easter Bunny and started to freak out.  But once they saw Daddy and their cousins talking to the Bunny they were totally fine with him.  Go figure!  I was just happy to finally get my picture!

At first, Addison would only give him a high five.

After a little convincing, he turned into a "nice bunny".

Addison with her balloon.... and everyone elses as well.

After brunch we went back to Terry's parents house for another Easter Egg hunt.  The girls were fired up because now they fully understood the concept.  They couldn't wait to get there.  We had to stall a little driving there because the Easter Bunny needed to make sure everything was in place. (meaning, he didn't want to leave chocolate outside in the sun during brunch)

And wouldn't you know it..... Even with all the new toys and candy they got.  Guess what Addison liked playing with best???

The holidays are so much fun with the girls. 

 I love watching their little minds work as they start to figure things out. 

Stay tuned:  That is if you are still with me.....Birthday party post will be up within the next few days!