P i c t u r e s   F i r s t !  

 Park Fun

Perfect fall day... dog park with Auntie and little Rae

You saw this right- Just a diaper and her converse

Emmy girl and her leggings

Fall weather is upon us here in KC and this past week has been nothing but divine.  I've been feeling so much more comfortable because taking the babies on walks doesn't mean I'll be sweating profusely and worried about the babies getting too warm.

F e e d i n g...

Why is it that I feel inadequate with feedings now that the babies have bridged to real, whole foods and not pureed foods?  Now that the babies are eating more regular foods, it's hard to gauge when they're getting enough, if I'm over feeding them, or if they're getting the right nutrients.  For now, I still give them 4 bottles a day (6 oz. each) and food at 2 of the feedings (one filled with fruits and cereal and one feeding with veggies, toast, etc.).  I'm curious as to when to start feeding them 3 times a day and if we could get by doing 3 bottles a day instead of 4.  We'll see after our 9 month check up next week!

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This week, we have been outdoors every day.  Our new routine involves our favorite park and we are sticking to it until it's too cold to go.  I love it because I get a great workout walking around the park and the babies love being outside and the swings.  I know it won't be long before they are running all over the park.  I'm starting to think I'm going to be deemed a regular at the park we go to and I'm okay with that.  

The babies will be 9 months tomorrow!  9 MONTHS!  We are well on our way to being a year old.  The babies are moving and moving fast.  Crawling, standing and walking (with help) all over the house.  I need to get them some better shoes with traction because the day is around the corner.  We are so excited for their first Halloween and can't wait to take them to a few houses in the neighborhood for candy (for us obviously).

Short post today... I've just been spending a lot of time with the babies and being outside.  See everyone next week with our 9 month check up update and some fun pics from this weekend.

Lauren, E&B

A Letter to my Babies

A blog post for my babies...

Dear Emmy and Bennett,

I am not a perfect Mom.  In fact, I am far from perfect.  But I want you guys to know how happy you make me.

Transitioning from being Lauren, to being married and then diving head first into motherhood has been, busy.  Felt busy.  Although most of those things are fun and have made my life way better, it's challenged me in ways I never thought I'd be challenged.  If I've ever seemed stressed out because of stupid things like a mess made or poop blow outs, please know it was not directed at you.  I was just adjusting to life with you little ones and the beautiful messes that we get to experience.

As you both have witnessed, I've cried with you quite a few times.  This goes back to the "I'm not perfect" phrase.  I think this stems from a place of love mostly, not sadness.  I'm frustrated that when you're both crying, I can't comfortably soothe you guys at the same time.  I dislike when I want to carry you both upstairs, but for safety have to choose one and come back for the other.  Know that I am not choosing favorites, I just take the kiddo who is crying more and will always come back for the second.  Being a mother of twins has been life's greatest challenge for me.

You both have made me stronger, physically and mentally.  I don't know how I do it but I'm able to hold you both if absolutely needed.  It's hard but that strength comes from somewhere.  Probably love.  You both know my weaknesses and yet you still smile at me and laugh with me (or probably at me) and love me just the same.  Seeing you grow makes me heart full but please slow down!  I'm trying to preserve the now and not wish for the future.  It will come, ferociously as ever, and before we know it, we will be sending you guys off to college.

I hope that someday when you're in high school or college you'll read this.  Please accept my apologies for my flaws and mistakes as a mama.  It's such a learning process and I'm not always the best student.  You both have brought more joy into our lives than you will ever know.  Again, I have made many mistakes in the 9 short months you've been on Earth, but I promise you this: I'm learning from each and every one.

I love you both more than you'll probably ever know, but I'll spend my whole life trying to show you.  I'm honored to be your mom.

Love,
Your Mama

PS:  What's a blog post without pictures?

One of my new favorite things: you guys looking into the oven....

Or out the front door.  It's just too cute, and has to be done together.

So, you guys LOVE the wagon.

New bath routine: Both at the same time!  Thanks to the laundry basket.

We went to visit Dad at his football game!  And you guys were so great.  

It was hot but you watched the game, ate some grass, and got used to the feeling of sitting on a hill.

So this was the first pic we got from Deanna Rose Farm.  Poor B, was not feeling the photo op.

You guys make such a cute pair.  You don't know it now, but everyone tells you that.

My loves, and I hopped in the picture this time.  

Emmy, you and Auntie make such a pair. 

Bennett and Grandma West

Mesmerized by the fish...

B, you kinda liked the chickens...

What are the odds???

I swear, you were having fun right before I took this.

B, you loved all the animals!  So did your sis.  We will definitely be taking you guys back soon!

Baby Fever

"When are you guys going to have another baby?"  "Awww, twins!  So you're done right?"  "Boy and a girl!  Perfect!  So no more babies right?"

These are the questions, comments, reactions I get every time someone sees us out and about.  And my answer always seems to shock people.  "Actually no, we want more."

Like I've said we want a big family (I'm talking 4 or 5, not 8...) and we are not shy about saying that to people.  But I do feel like that is also such a personal question to ask.  And I won't be hypocritical, I have asked that to my friends before, but never a perfect stranger.  People are so bizarre.

Alex and I both come from moderately sized immediate families.  I have one sister and he has two brothers.  But our extended families are another story.  A great one.  We have TONS of cousins, aunts and uncles on both sides.  I love the chaos of family get togethers and yearn for a christmas morning full of little laughs and tears of excitement.  I'm smiling thinking of it.

The reality of our situation is that when we get pregnant, we need to be prepared for it to be twins again.  And that is not right now.  I feel like every other person I run in to says, "I knew someone who had 3 sets of twins!"  And my reaction is the same.  Every time.  "Cool, good for them."  FYI... reminding a mother of multiples that she's very likely to have to have multiples again, does not make her feel great.  Carrying the babes to 36 weeks and then the delivery we had, was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.  I wouldn't change it but I don't want that same emotional and physical pain to come rearing it's head back into our lives.  That being said, if it's God's will we have twins again, I will of course love it and embrace it.

We know when we will have another baby.  Or two.  But that, friends, is for us to know and you to find out...  :)

Emmy and her CHEESE smile.  My mom took this when she stayed with us.  Whenever you use your flash, Emmy knows to smile and this is what you get.  Could that not be the cutest thing EVER?

Sir B.  In his fall clothes.  Such a stud.

T w i n n i n g...
We have been LOVING our baby gate/ safe area in the basement.  It's such a relief to have a space for the babies to roam, explore, play and interact without the thought of them pulling something down on top of them or hitting their head on something sharp.  I can't tell you the peace of mind I have knowing that if I have to run to the bathroom or switch out a load of laundry, they are contained... and safe.  Those two move faster than I thought babies could ever move.  Just this week, Emmy stood ON HER OWN not holding onto anything for about 20 seconds (it felt like 10 minutes) and Alex and I knew... walking is right around the corner.

My world in a picture.  They love when their Dad comes home from work.  Not that I'm not amazing, but by that time, they are ready for a new jungle gym.

How I often find them.  Standing at the gate.  Happy as can be. 

This week, we are really diving in to introducing them to new finger foods!  With some suggestions from other mama's of multiples on Facebook, we got some great ideas that we are going to try.  Last night, we gave them cooked peas (whole) and they seemed to like them!  Bennett really liked smashing them on his tray but ended up eating quite a few.  They are still crazy nuts about strawberries.  I can't help but think it has something to do with the fact that I ate them ALL THE TIME when I was pregnant with them.  Who knows.

They are still sleeping through the night {PRAISE} and are still napping 3 times a day (two longer naps and one short one).  I judge those times based mostly on their moods but they end up being morning, midday and evening naps almost always.

B, such a solid napper.  Didn't even flinch when my flash went off.

The weather in KC changed slightly over the weekend and gave us a dose of F A L L finally with some cool weather.  We even opened all our windows!  But had to shut them again as summer still reared it's ugly humid self one last time (hopefully).  I think we are almost out of this summery weather, and for that I am SO HAPPY.  Once it's full on fall weather, we are going to the park every day.  Eeek!  I love fall.  Best time of the year.

My mom bought her these ADORABLE workout pants so we can match when I workout!  They are so cute on her.

Cheeses from the 3 amigos.

My sweet Emmy Lou

Of all their toys, the babies have always loved my kitchen utensils the best.  For Christmas this year, they are getting new spatulas and measuring cups.

This weekend is another busy, yet fun, weekend!  Fridays this fall have been "me time" with the babes because Alex has varsity games.  So I get some quiet time to myself after the babies go to sleep.  And also... there's wine.  Wine is always my treat to a successful week.

See ya'll next week!  Talking about Mommy chores... oh  J O Y.

OH and PS:  Alex and I still have 4 weddings left of 2015... how crazy fun is that?  Anyone wanna babysit?

Much love,
Lauren, E&B

Fare Thee Well

O l i v i a   I s   O f f!
One of my best friends and amazing helper of the babies is setting out on an awesome adventure tomorrow.

Since having the babies, I have felt a little secluded to my house, just for ease of access to their toys, cribs for naps, comfortable air conditioning, etc.  It's often SO much easier for people to come to me than for me to come to them.  Who am I kidding, it's loads easier.  I know that makes it harder on the people coming to me.  And for that, I do apologize.

But Olivia has been someone who has not only come to hang out with me and the babies, but she has done so much for us.  From telling me she's picking up lunch to just bringing over my favorite coffee.  From letting me go on a run while she babysits to helping me take the babies to the doctor for their shots when Alex has school.  She consistently checks in on me and is always offering her time to help out our family.

She's headed to California tomorrow to start her 3 month job as a travel nurse!  We couldn't be happier for her and her new job but we are going to miss her incredibly.  Friends like this are rare and when you have them, you hold on to them.  She is definitely someone that we won't let go, just because she's miles away.  She is one of the few people that knows these babies inside and out and can jump in at any second to help with whatever is needed (feedings, diaper changes, soothing them from crying.)  That peace of mind knowing she knows what to do is what makes spending days with her so easy!  Let's just say, Skype, FaceTime and phone dates are going to be heavily in our future.

Olivia, thank you for loving my family so much.  Thank you for being such am amazing listener and for all the advice you've given me.  I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done to help me adjust to this new life I have of being a mother.  THIS IS NOT GOODBYE! :)

U p d a t e   O n   T h e   F a m...
Last weekend was Labor Day Weekend and we finally had a relaxing weekend!  We went down to the Kansas City Irish Fest and introduced the babes to part of their heritage!  I used to be an irish dancer so Irish Fest was like a national holiday for me when I was younger.  Good food, great music and awesome shopping.

I will say, navigating through the crowd at Irish Fest was a challenge, but Alex took the reigns most of the day.  It's such a different experience going there with a double stroller.  Going anywhere, really.

My parents and I.

Alex and his parents.

Daddio and sissy.  She was crowd shy that day and has been lately.  Unless she recognizes the person's face, she tend to easily get upset.  B, on the other hand, has no stranger danger.  He loved everyone and is always smiley.

Babies and their Grandmas. 

Right before leaving, aka, their bedtime.  This picture almost didn't happen.

Monday we didn't have a plan for the day so Alex and I ended up seeing a movie!  The last movie we saw together was a day before the babes arrived into the world and so seeing one again was relaxing and fun!  That night, we celebrated my Dad's birthday.  Overall, a great weekend.

Time for some recent pics..

SWEET EM!  I almost died that I got this shot.  She loves sleeping with this deer her Auntie Anna bought for her.  And I finally got a picture of her cuddling it.

This is strange.  This is Emmy Lou but she is looking JUST LIKE HER DAD!  I can't even tell you ... it's strange because I've always been told Bennett is little Alex.  This resemblance is crazy. 

SO the play gate finally came in!  This has been a life saver!!!  We've bolted the play house to the wall so they can't pull it over and removed anything unsafe for them.  I can't tell you the peice of mind I have when I play with both of them down in the basement now.  I don't have to chase after them every 2 seconds and can let them explore their new environment... Annnnnnd learn to play nicely together.  Which we are still working on.

Often, when one is playing with a toy, the other will go right up and take it away.  I kind of feel like a referee at times, who had it first and what can I distract the other with until they are done with that toy.  It can get exhausting.  From now on, there's got to be 2 of everything it seems.  But I know that won't even work.  #TWINS

Couple of babes, basking in the fallness...

Happiness is...

Playin' in the grass, Sir Bennett.
Phtot Cred: Olivia Morgan

He LOVES swinging at the park.  So content.

Babies with their Grandma!  My mom spoils these two with so much love :)

I can't put into words how happy the song Itsy Bitsy Spider makes these babies.  It's like paralyzing to them!  They love it!
Photo Cred: Heidi West

Sitting outside on one of the first "fall-like" nights!
Photo Cred: Heidi West

This girl LOVES her auntie.
Photo Cred: Heidi West

Have a great weekend everyone!  Looking forward to some fall weather here in KS.  This momma is DONE with the heat.

Lauren, E&B