Jeff & Shelly... It just keeps getting better

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T20:05:00.001-06:00

Girls,

You really LOVED Christmas. The music, the lights, Santa... Whenever we would get in the car, you usually wanted to listen to Christmas music. Lucy, you always asked, "What's dis one about?" And Jane, you usually answered her, "It's CHWISSMASY music!" You're obsessed with Nativity sets, especially baby Jesus. Incidentally, you have one real baby Jesus (from an actual nativity set) and one fake baby Jesus (he's dressed all in pink and is actually the baby that belongs to the dollhouse set). But you don't discriminate.

As we were waiting in line for Santa at the luminary walk early December, we explained that when we got to Santa, you were supposed to tell him what you wanted for Christmas. When it was our turn, you both stood just within his hearing range and shouted, "I wanna Barbie!". Then, as we were leaving, his elf gave you each a packet of fruit snacks. You're thoroughly confused now because your understanding of fruit snacks is that they're Halloween treats. (YES, we're still trick or treating at our house. Pretty much daily, you decide you're ready for a fruit snack pack, so you get your Halloween bags, go to the kitchen door, gently knock and tell me "twick o tweat").

You loved decorating our tree, taking the time to play with all the ornaments. What's dat one? is a favorite question. You were particularly interested in the wicked witch on her bicycle, the kittens in the basket, sylvester the cat, and winnie the pooh. Tinkerbell's wings didn't fare too well this Christmas. Once there were presents under the tree, you reached a whole new level of interest, and Jane, you picked up one box at least daily to ask me about it. But you were both so good about not trying to unwrap anything and knowing that you needed to wait for Santa to bring your presents Christmas morning. Now that Christmas decorations have come down, you're definitely missing them. Lucy, you just recently asked in a bewildered tone where dat Santa went and I told you he got packed up with the other decorations. You looked so forlorn when you told me, "dat makes me berry sad".

We've been living with Nana and Pops since mid-December (Saturday, December 10th in case you're wondering) because we sold our house and don't close on the new one until the end of January. You girls have handled the transition so well. Luce, you cried several times, saying that you wanted to go home. Broke my heart. We had been telling you for several weeks that someone else was going to live in our house, we were moving in with Nana, then we're getting a new house. Your beautiful minds seem to have grasped these concepts, but I still cried a little the last time I took you through our almost empty house - the home you lived in these first two years of your lives, the home we brought you to when you finally got to check out of the NICU, the home where you've played and laughed and learned and become little girls. We'll miss Leo and runs around the block, and you'll probably miss hearing so many helicoptors. We walked through the house and you both said goodbye to your bedroom, your bathtub (so much splashing went on there!), the backyard... We took you to go through the new house recently, and you seemed to love exploring. Can hardly wait until the end of January when we actually get to live in it.

Funny things you've said and done recently:

Wead me 'bout da crackernut. (Nutcracker) - Jane
Any time I call you by a term of endearment or a nickname (such as meatball, monkey, sweetpea...), Lucy, you tell me, "I'm Hilda or Lucy Sessner". If I call Jane those same names, you tell me, "It's Hilda or Janey Sessner". I love that you think everyone's first name is Hilda.
I also love that you think everything is spelled L-U-C-Y. You know that's how to spell your name, and I overheard you reading the stockings, pointing to each letter. L-U-C-Y "Janey!"; L-U-C-Y "Mommy!"; L-U-C-Y "Daddy!"

I love you more than I can understand. Happy 2012!

Mama

We love Fall!

2011-11-01T15:51:00.001-05:00

Jane and Lucy,

So much has happened! You're two years old. Holy cow. I have two-year-olds. It seems like you get smarter and funnier and more amazing every day. Sometimes every hour. You've both been announcing, "I have a burfday comin' up" to anyone who will listen.

We went to San Diego. You visited the Ocean. Every morning Jane, you got up and said, "I needuh go-to-duh OCEAN!" Seagulls stole your snacks. You saw Shamu, and Lucy, you fell in love with a shark.

You love to jump in bouncy houses.

You went to the pumpkin patch. Twice. We have about 700 pumpkins now on our front porch. And under the bed. And in the backyard. And the drawer in the kitchen...

You are enamored with your ballerina outfits. "I wear my TUTU now!"

You love to brush your teeth. Especially with Daddy's toothbrush.

You run around the block. Sometimes multiple times. It still terrifies me.

You are pretty sure you're faster than Maximus the horse and like to race around the house to show me. Sometimes, well, most times, you two have a head-on collision.

You both love to sing. I adore hearing you belting out the ABCs - "next time won't you sing wiff MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE", the eensy weensy spider, twinkle, twinkle, let's go fly a kite...

You like your new responsibilities of feeding the fish and the cats. So do the fish and the cats since you're pretty liberal with portion sizes.

Luce, you phrase what you want as suggestions. "Maybe I go to Nana's", "Maybe I have some raisins"...

You both are sweet, sweet sisters. When your sis is crying, you always quickly head over to crouch down, give her a hug, and ask, "Are you okay?"

You love taking trips to Costco. I'm really not sure what this is about since you've only had samples there once. "I go to Costco, now!"

Having Daddy working closer to home is great - you ladies now get to enjoy mornings with him. I love watching you run to the door to wave goodbye as he drives away.

You love your gymnastics class. I don't know how we're going to break it to you when this month-long intro class that we bought for a steal is over. You have amazed us with the change from your first class to your third class (fourth and final class is still coming up). You listen to instructions and are willing to try everything. Your body control has improved and you especially love to bounce down the bounce track (aka long trampoline). You practice all your moves at home and make me laugh all the time.

You are both so amazing. You're beautiful and funny and so very smart. I'm having the time of my life watching you grow.

All my love,
Mama

2011-08-02T14:29:00.009-05:00

Lucy Stroessner! You are hilarious. Recently I got a wild hare and decided you two should try some beets. Well, being the less-than-adventurous-eater you are, I wasn't sure how well that would go over. So I put your dinner plate in front of you and watched. You stabbed a beet with your fork, popped it in your mouth and chewed for about half a second before spitting it out and getting a disgusted look on your face. You said, "LUCY! Don't taste that!"

Your vocabularies are exploding and I am amazed, amused, and always impressed by your words and even sentences. You both know your last name, so when we ask, what's your name, you each reply: Jane Sesser. Lucy Sesser. You like to call your daddy by his first name, but you know that something isn't quite right about that, so you get a mischevious look on your face when you say, Jeff... Jane, you've been running around the house half saying, half singing, "Mother knows best" because you girls LOVE the movie Tangled, and maybe also because I love to sing to you that mother knows best... Luce, a few of your favorite sentences right now are: "I can do it!" and "That's a hard one" whenever something you're trying to do is difficult.

You love to play hide and seek, love being outside (even when it's 100 + degrees), and love eating pizza. Especially if said pizza is covered in black olives.

We took a long weekend to go to Chicago and you got to meet some new friends. We stayed with Grace, and we had told you in advance that Grace has a dog named Starly. When we got in late Thursday night and went into the bedroom, Lucy, you clasped your hands together and got a great big grin on your face when you saw a stuffed animal puppy. "STARLY!", you giggled, and then hugged her for a good two minutes. You loved Katy's cat, Zorak, crawling all over Katy's bed and loving Zorak a little too much. You both still refer to him as tiny Zorak, even though, well, he's definitely not tiny. You got to meet and play with Madelyn, Abigail, and Amelia, my college roommate Deb's four-year-old triplets. And we went to Navy Pier, Garfield Observatory, and Shedd Aquarium. Oh, and you had your first oatmeal shakes from Irazu. Yum!

You girls are the best. Even when you insist on drinking your cereal.

Love,
Mama

No way, Jose!

2011-07-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

I love summer. Heat, long days, fresh produce, and chlorine-soaked toddlers. I think you girls love it, too. The other night we went to the Fairway pool. It was your first visit to the public pool and my first visit in about a hundred years. And it was great fun. You were both in your swim diapers and little rashguard swimsuits. We started out in the toddler pool and you were both a little nervous. Didn't even want to walk around on your own at first. You were more comfortable when we moved to the big pool and you swam with us. It's fun to watch you kick those little legs. And Luce, you insisted that you wanted to go down the slide the entire time. Or, at least until we distracted you with drinking out of the water fountain. Don't worry - we did not let you go down the slide. Janey, you put your face in the water several times, and although you'd always look surprised when you came back up, you didn't fuss at all.

We've been having people over for dinner occasionally the past couple of weeks. It has been nice to be sociable and normal, but I've also been inviting people because I want it to be normal for you ladies for us to have company. After warming up, you've enjoyed playing with everyone so far. You like to run around in the backyard and take flowers to our guests, and if they're lucky, you show them the broccoli. Ah, you love that broccoli. You've been watching it grow for weeks, and now, when we're playing outside and you decide you need a little snack, you go over and pick off a piece and pop it in your mouth. I'm not even making this up. You girls love to eat fresh, raw broccoli grown in our very own backyard. What more could a mama ask?

Luce, apparently I've taught you to say "No way, Jose!" And now you say it ALL THE TIME. In response to everything. Before it was just a simple No. Now it's NO WAY, JOSE! Your other favorite thing to say right now is "Move it!". To me, to your sister, to the cat... You also like to request very specific foods that you'd like to eat. Pizza! Roll-up! Mac 'n cheese! Ganola! When I tell you that you already had a fruit roll up today, would you like something else, you say, Something else!

Jane, your favorite thing to talk about right now is TALL PUPPET MAN. That's right. We took you ladies to a kid's film Friday or something like that (we only made it through the concert and puppet time - the movie didn't start until after 9:00, and if I know anything about my ladies, it's that you like to be in bed well before 9). Anywho, there were lots of puppet-like things on long sticks that kids were playing with, and at first you were both absolutely terrified of TALL PUPPET MAN. In hindsight, it was probably a bit much for me to think we could just walk up to something over 6 feet tall with a billowing dress, all these kids dancing around it while it bobbed around. But after burying your face in my neck and recovering, you were curious, and eventually we made it over to TALL PUPPET MAN, and you started waving at him and even touched his tall puppet man hand. Now it's all you want to talk about. TALL PUPPET MAN this and TALL PUPPET MAN that.

I can hardly believe how grown you two seem at only 20 months. I love you two meatballs so much.

Mama

Melting my heart

2011-06-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

Ladies. Last night after I put you in bed, a helicopter flew over the house and since your window was open, you both came undone (neither of you are loving loud noises right now and you both startle pretty easily). By the time I made it back up the stairs, you were both standing in your cribs sobbing. So I picked you up (yes, that's right - both of you) and sat down with you in the rocker. You each had a shoulder and nestled your sweet little sweaty bodies into me, facing each other. We rocked and sang for a bit, and then you both reached out and started holding hands and then began to softly giggle. I had to quit singing because of the lump in my throat. I love you little meatballs. I love watching you enjoy each other and become friends. And I love your sweaty little sleepy toddler bodies. I am so fortunate to be your mama.

2011-06-14T10:44:00.026-05:00

Meatballs,

You girls crack me up. The phrases and words you say, and even more, the way you say them. Lucy, you say "come on" with an emphasis on the "on", and you always say it very forcefully. Like, get a move on, already! Also, you pretend to be a southerner and give it about two and a half syllables. "Come aowwwn". You call grasshoppers "hoppers", love saying "honeybee", and instead of hamburger, you say, "hangabur".

Janey, you are a climbing machine. Your favorite thing to climb right now is your highchair, which is pulled directly up to the kitchen table. No more trays, no more booster seats. I think you both feel like big kids when you sit at the table. Now, if only I could convince you that it's not fun to dump your milk, orange juice, and water all over the tablecloth... You love to sing and carry your baby around everywhere you go. Sometimes she sits on your lap while you sit on the toilet.

You girls had your first camping trip. Loved sleeping in our big tent. The rest of the weekend required me to drink a bottle of ready made margaritas. You ladies love to explore, which I adore and totally understand - I mean, you're one and a half. You want to check out the world. This meant that your daddy and I spent the weekend chasing you around trying to keep you out of the poison ivy, road, firepit, stream, and fish feeding pond things. I'll tell you right now that I would have had a full-blown nervous breakdown if not for your Uncle Todd and Aunt Emily who took over Saturday afternoon for ice cream, walks to feed the fish, and a nice long nap. I wouldn't change having the two of you for a bazillion dollars, but sometimes I'm envious of the relaxing that takes place with people who just have one kiddo.

You girls have moved into a different classroom at daycare, and you have taken the change must better than I anticipated. Your new room has cubbies for each of the kids with an 8 x 11 photo of you taped to the inside of it. Well, Lucy, Ms. Hattie noticed that you had your head inside your sister's cubbie and went over to investigate. You were kissing Jane's picture. You scream and yell and forcefully tell Jane to "move it" when she's touching you, on top of you, or even generally in your space. But apparently you do love your sister...

Jane, you love to jump all over the house. Both feet come off the ground now :) Last night, you also spent a good deal of time spinning in circles until you'd get dizzy, then you'd fall hard on your bum and laugh and laugh. Repeat. And both of you have a special monster walk that's pretty funny. You bend way over or squat down and lumber around while making faces.

You love to chase squirrels at the park. I never thought I'd get such a kick out of something that seems so... you know, hillbilly. Luce, you see one off in the distance, scream "get it", then both you and Jane take off running. You squeal the whole way, and neither of you give up until you're actually under the tree, looking up, squinting with your whole faces, as you watch that squirrel scramble for his life.

It's such a joy to get to watch the two of you love life. Thanks for making me smile, cry, laugh, and want to get up early in the morning to use our juicer so you can have fresh oj.

All my love,
Mama

Mother's Day #2

2011-05-08T10:29:00.020-05:00

Girls! Happy Mother's Day to you, the little ladies who have made me a mama. It was a gorgeous Sunday. We went for coffee and bagels (Jane, you like cinnamon raisin but are not interested in blueberry; Lucy, you like them both) and a trip to the park. We got there early enough that the playground was empty and that suited the two of you just fine. Jane, you were so giddy that you ran laps screaming, while you Luce, ran straight for the slide. You rode in your wagon, picked some flowers, saw some geese, and met a poodle. Jeff, thank you for the lovely Mother's Day. And thank you for your role in making me a mama :) Can you even believe we have daughters? We went to Nana and Pops' house for lunch and you guys got to run and play some more. AND, you almost sat still long enough for some pictures with me, your Nana and your Mimi. Four generations, Ladies.

So, Mother's Day is past, but while I'm writing there are a few things that I want to mention. Lucy, you woke up the other morning when I was already in your room. Truth be told, I had gone in there wanting to wake you both up as gently as possible, which means I open the curtains and make a little noise. It's less that I make noise and more that I don't try to be quiet. Anyway, you suddenly sat straight up in your bed, wild-eyed, wild-haired, and shouted, "Hippos!". I think you must have been dreaming about them. They were the most memorable part of your trip to the zoo with your dad the week before. When I asked if you dreamt of hippos, you announced, "Hippos. Drinking".

Jane, you are a reminder to me that I must say "Oh my" a lot around you girls. Because you say it a lot. And it's so contextually appropriate that it makes me laugh. The other day you got into a cabinet that I don't normally let you in, and you had a little time to explore and discover before I realized what you were doing. But I could hear you saying, "Oh. Oh my. Oh". It was the funniest thing. Also, you hum yourself to sleep in the car. You'll be jabbering and singing and then as soon as you start to hum, I know you're about to fall asleep, annnnnnnd, you're out.

You ladies love trains, airplanes, and helicopters - both the kind that fly in the sky, and the ones that come off of trees. Jane, when we walk, you like to collect things - most recently sticks. Lucy, you like to collect flowers. And you like the flowers so much that you often have a pollen mustache. It makes me want to gobble you up.

All my love,
Mama

Hand, foot, who?

2011-05-04T08:19:00.005-05:00

You know what is really NOT cool? Hand, foot, and mouth disease. Your first clue should be that this virus is actually called DISEASE. Which is awesome in it's ability to completely freak a parent out. Your second clue should be that one of the symptoms is blister-like eruptions, that's right, ERUPTIONS, in the mouth.

Girls. I am so sorry. I'm sorry for your dad and me because aye caramba, batman, you ladies are not feeling well. And in case you need reminding, there are TWO of you not feeling well. And really, I'm pretty sure that the ideal ratio is 3.5 well adults per 1 18 month old with HFMD. This means that I also feel sorry for your Nana, who watched you both yesterday All By Herself. But mostly, I feel sorry for you Jane and Lucy, because you have been miserable. Your fevers have been dreadful and have come with the chills. In the bath the other night, Jane, you started to turn purple. Your teeth were chattering, and I took you out and you sobbed until I got your warmest jammies on. I cuddled you with your favorite blanket and you just shivered and cried. Lucy, when you woke up the first night with your fever, you couldn't be consoled, so your dad brought you into our room with an armload of books and we read to you until you were more concerned about hungry Mr. Bear than your throat eruptions. The next day, all you wanted was to be read to. If there's anything to be happy about in this, it's that you love books. I just hope you don't associate them with being sick.

By now (posting time), you're both feeling better, but I'm posting this anyway just so you ladies don't get the idea someday when you go through and read these that life is always rosy. Sometimes it's full of disease and throat eruptions.

A year and a half!

2011-04-27T10:30:00.003-05:00

Still getting cuter. Girls, although you both speak pretty clearly, every now and then you'll have a word I don't understand. And so I start guessing. So maybe the word Jane says is "munchkin" but it sounds like muusomethingorother and I start in on the guessing. Monkey? Lucy, even though Jane was the one that said it, you're the one to let me know I'm wrong. NO. Money? NO. Music? NO. You're very patient with me, but by this point you're shaking your head fairly violently, and after the third guess, both of you are finished with me. Lucky for me, we have a big bottle of bubbles handy, so you generally still have faith that I'm a decent mama.

Luce, one of my favorite things you're doing these days is asking about being quiet. If Jane is sleeping, you touch your little index finger to your nose and say, "quiet?" I know that you've seen me put my index finger to my mouth and say, "shhh", and I love that your version of that is the nose touch. Also, you're walking all over the place now! I'm so proud of you, Meatball. We spent Easter with the Stroessners and I can't tell you how much I loved watching you and Jane run and play. Your ability to walk seems to have really increased your confidence and your willingness and excitement to explore.

Janey, your dad mentioned last night that you're the most free-spirited little kid he's ever seen. He's right. You're fearless and loving and sweet and always discovering and living to the fullest. On the not so great side, this seems to mean that we are completely unable to get you from throwing your food, your plate, your milk all over the place. It is completely mind-boggling to me that I can be supervising dinner time (or breakfast or lunch) the best that I can, but it only takes you a millisecond to hurl everything on the floor. Short of you being spoonfed for the rest of your life (which currently makes you scream), I don't know how to keep this from happening. I am hoping that this is a short-lived phase because frankly, I can't keep up with the ants that find your mess. On the great side, this means that you are one of the most delightful little people ever. I love that you race around, that you share with your sister, that you stand on your tiptoes to see the world that is just out of your flatfooted reach. I also love that you refer to yourself as Janey.

Girls, today you are 18 months old. You are still my babies, but you are so much more. You are my sweet, precious, funny, smart, loveable, sticky little meatballs. Happy year and a half.

Love,
Mama

Special thanks to Andrew Lloyd Weber

2011-04-09T16:27:00.016-05:00

I am not a crazy musical loving person; I'm just a standard musical loving person. Meaning, I haven't seen a lot of them and frankly, I have no interest in some of them, but I do enjoy Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A lot. So, I occasionally break out into the theme song. Go, go, go Joseph...

And here's how that goes in our house:

Go, go, go Lucy, you know what they - and this is where I pause and Lucy screams "SAY!"
Go, go, go Janey, you'll make it some - another pause from me and Lucy screams "DAY!"
Sha, la, la Lucy, you're doing - and this is where Jane gets into it - "FINE!"
You and your dreams are ahead of their - both ladies now - "TIME!"

Donnie Osmond, I believe you have met your match. I mean matches.

Other things going on in your worlds:

Luce goose, you love to help wash your sister's hair. I get her lathered up, and you get a determined look on your face and start scrubbing her head earnestly. I haven't decided who I think is sweeter - you for wanting to wash Jane's hair, or Jane for putting up with it.

Janey bear, I couldn't have been more pleased and proud than today at lunch when all you wanted was roasted broccoli. Thank you sweetheart.

The two of you LOVE the park. As soon as you realize where we are, one or both of you start chattering about the slide, slide, SLIDE or the SWINGS! or the duck, duck, goose. It's adorable to put you at the top of one of the slides and watch that huge grin as you whoosh down. It's fun to watch you walk around the playground. It must be such an overload. Neither of you can decide if you want to try to play with another kid or climb something, or go straight for the sand pit. And, speaking of the sand pit, I do believe you ladies have achieved some kind of status in the kid world, because you were both recently asked by a little boy if you'd like to help dig a hole. You weren't interested. Turns out you were more interested in filling in said hole...

Couldn't love you more,
Mama

Janey and the bees

2011-03-16T15:26:00.007-05:00

First, I'll go ahead and admit that bees have absolutely nothing to do with this post. But I like the sound of Janey and the bees. It's like a band waiting to happen.

It's finally warm enough to spend a little time outside, and wow, does that make you ladies happy. Jane, you run around in such a manner that I am starting to understand parents who have their kids on leashes. Yesterday after I got you guys home, we were out front playing and running and touching puppies and runnning and I think you get the running theme. It was funny to hear you panting. I made you hold my hand while you ran, both because I'm still a little concerned about the possibility of you knocking a couple of teeth out with a sidewalk faceplant and because I'd prefer you not run into the street. You did not want to hold my hand. At all. Not even a little bit. Ah, my sweet little independent Janey.

Getting to the main story. The crocuses are finally up! And open! And beautiful in all their purple glory! And you and Lucy were both pretty worked up about the FLOWERS! Flower! Flower! You like to squat down and touch them, and when I told you to smell them, you did. You shoved your little face down into that patch of flowers and maybe because they didn't actually smell, you kept shoving your face down closer and closer, until finally you lost your balance and ended up with your face in the dirt. But you didn't mind! You just jumped up, took off (with me chasing you), and started hollaring about the next thing...

Lucy goosey

2011-03-09T16:09:00.003-06:00

Luce, Here's one that cracks me up. One evening over the weekend, the four of us were upstairs playing in your bedroom. I left you and Janey with your daddy so I could get something on plates for you two to eat. Well, apparently you did NOT appreciate me leaving. I was already down the stairs when I heard you say, "Mom". I didn't reply. "Mama." Still didn't reply. "MOM". Finally, I incredulously listened to you shout "Shelly. SHELLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE". That is some funny stuff, Kid.

La-la-la-la-ladies

2011-01-28T16:22:00.024-06:00

Oh Girls.

Where do I even begin? How about with our car ride the other morning when you were both singing with me?! Jane, you started to get fussy (as you are wont to do anytime you're in your carseat for longer than .75 seconds)so I quickly turned off NPR and turned it to one of your fun kid cds (your daddy thinks it's less fun, but that's a different story altogether). And you two got down to business. The business of singing along. You're pretty funny and particular when it comes to music. You certainly have preferences and we have to skip some songs because they make you hollar. Like the Muffin Man song. You guys are NOT fans of the Muffin Man. But the rest of the time, Lucy, you just sit back there sweetly and croon along, getting especially into it when there are any "la-las". And I'm pretty sure that sometimes you're both less than impressed with my singing along, so that's when you start to really belt it out. Who knew that my 15 month old kids would already be drowning me out? When we're in the house listening to music, you girls like to dance. Luce, you get this big smile on your whole face - eyes light up, eyebrows lift, and you start to wiggle. Janey, you've been known to shake your cute little bum or do your fake jump (this is when you're convinced you're jumping - squat down, push up fast, but the feet don't leave floor - well, occasionally the heels come up...).

We've recently had mountains of snow, and our neighbors built a giant snowman, complete with lei, crazy leaf hair, and button nose. The two of you have been SO intrigued by Mr. Snowman. We went over to take a close-up look the day he was built, and since then, the front door is one of your favorite stops as you pull back the curtain and yell, "snowman! snowman!". When he started to melt the other day (hurray for non-freezing temps!), you two seemed confused, sad, and then decided you needed a snack. Thank goodness for short attention spans.

Jane, you're such a sweet girl. And, I'm just going to say it. That surprises me. Because it seems contrary to your nature. You're a speed-demon, an adrenalin junky, a bulldozer. And you're a sweetheart. You plow right through, over, into your sister, and the next second, you bring her a cracker. Or her favorite frog. You race around the house, bare feet slapping the floor at a frantic pace, and you swing by me for a quick kiss.

Lucy, you have oodles of words, but you still won't say your name. Or at least not "Lucy". You have apparently decided to call yourself "Lulu". I hesitate to write that here because I'm definitely not committed to the idea of Lulu being your nickname so I don't want to encourage anyone else to call you that. Let's give it 6 months or so and see if that's what you're still calling yourself. In the meantime, it sure is sweet when I tell you to say Lucy, and you smile at me and announce Lulu.

Ladies, you love your body parts and naming them. Luce, you're most fascinated with your knees and your "baila". I always think you're wanting to dance when you first say that, which must mean that Sra. Schultz really did a good job of frightening the Spanish into me way back in high school, but then I quickly remember that you don't speak Spanish (that I know of), and you're actually talking about your belly. Jane, you recently called it your baby button, but the absolute funniest thing you've done to date was the other morning when you pressed that outie all the way in, smiled at me, and proudly announced "OFF!". You can turn lights on and off, why wouldn't you be able to do the same with your baby button? Good thinking, kiddo.

If it's possible (I write "if" because I'm honestly not certain), you two are becoming more fun, more yourselves, more lovely by the day. And each evening, when I check in on you before I go to bed, my heart does a double beat, and I think, no, there's no way you can get any better. And then you do!

All my love,
Mama

January 2011

2011-01-07T15:17:00.018-06:00

Things Jeff and I are learning:

*Lucy, you really like to be naked from the waist down. You have been known to strip off your socks, pants, and diaper in record time when you're supposed to be napping. So far, no dirties...

*Outie belly buttons should be gently finagled inside out more often than once every 14 months to clean out debris. Jane, I don't know what you were storing in there, but seriously. Seriously.

*Our girls have minds of their own. This is a good thing, sure, but I'm surprised by how quickly it has happened. Por ejemplo, if I had a say in it, they would both be delighted to see (and eat) the next homemade (and delicious and relatively healthy) thing we put on their plates. As it turns out, that is actually not at all what happens. Generally, there is a decent amount of wailing and gnashing of teeth (or gums in Lucy's case), and more often than not, the kitchen ends up looking like a small junior high food fight took place. My other example is about books. We have some really lovely little kid books. Funny ones even. With great pictures. What does Jane want to read? What does Jane pitch a fit about if you try to take it from her? What does Jane cart around with her while she's wandering from room to room upstairs? Tony Robbins. Don't tell me it's a coincidence that this kid's book of choice is "Awaken the Giant Within".

*Sometimes, a little distance between cribs is necessary to prevent one sister from trying to bite off another sister's finger.

*It's hard not to cheer a little when there are stair races going on.

*It doesn't matter how many times we vacuum, sweep, or pick up. We will forever be cruching cheerios under our feet.

AND, my most recent life lesson: I'm going to try really hard to stop judging parents from Johnson County whose kids wear Uggs. Perhaps their grandparents gave them to the kids for Christmas. Perhaps it makes the kids really happy to wear them when they fight their mom about putting on any other pair of shoes. Perhaps they're deliciously warm and cozy and look crazy cute.

Toddlerhood

2010-12-29T15:21:00.015-06:00

14 months! It's official. You ladies are toddlers. And I'm reminded of that every moment we spend together, whether Jane, you're walking laps around the house - and it's still that super cute stumbly, drunk woman walk - or whether Lucy, you're playing pretend something or other. When did you figure out how to play make-believe? There's so much about you two that I get to learn. And that you get to teach me. Earlier this week, while you were eating lunch, Jane, you said something that sounded just like "cupcake". And I said, "Cupcake?! There's no cupcake!" (Yes, a lot of my comments to you end in exclamation points, because I'm sooo excited to talk to you.) And you looked at me like, whatever, mom. And Lucy, you pointed to your bib (you were both wearing your birthday bibs that have cupcakes on them). So, I stood corrected. When did the two of you become smarter than me?

We had a delightful Christmas. This year was with the Hartman side of the family, which actually turns out to be more Reiff than Hartman. You two were the hits of the holiday. You both got spoiled rotten - from the ridiculously cute Ugg boots that that you're proudly sporting, to the riding tractor and pull-behind trailor. Luce, you sat in the tractor seat and beamed. Seriously, that grin nearly killed me. Jane, you're not a big fan of the tractor or the trailer yet. I'm cool with that. No rush on the growing up thing. We caught up with the Stroessner side of the family on New Year's. You guys got to play with your cousins and got a lot more great presents. Your little cousin Hannah was asleep in her swing when we got there and neither of you noticed it for a little while. But then Jane, as you were toddling around, you caught sight of her and did your Frankenstein walk/run straight to her side where you stood there rocking her and pulling on her swing toys. It was pretty cute. You both played with your older cousin Eva and her new Potato Head family. I'm so glad you have cousins your age to grow up with. We also got to celebrate Grandma's birthday with a yummy ice cream cake. I believe you each had a substantial piece all to your selves. Good thing we're still trying to fatten you up.

You guys like your ABC book, your shape and color cards, your new dolls (which, quite frankly, are a little scary to me), and chasing the cat. You both like to crawl/race up the stairs, and it never fails to make my heart skip a beat when I walk around the corner and one or both of you are already several stairs up. Jane, you're an expert at coming back down them and recently you decided that you were ready to walk down them. You're not. Lucy, you're a bit more cautious about coming down and start your back up to the stairs a good three feet away. But then as soon as you get to the first one, you go into hyper speed and it's all I can do to keep two steps in front of you.

You're both talking up a storm, and I love to listen, especially when you're talking to each other like you're doing right now in your cribs. It's not just one word things anymore, you two are carrying on conversations (minus the understandable words part), and look at us like you expect us to respond.

I love you little meatballs! I'm excited to see what 2011 holds for our family!

One year already?!

2010-11-17T15:08:00.050-06:00

Oh my goodness, I've missed your birthday. Not your actual birthday, but the part where I write about it and you and all the amazing things we're up to. So here goes.

Happy belated birthday Lucy! Happy belated birthday Jane!

You two have been with us now for a whole year, and I can hardly believe that you haven't been with me for my entire life. What did I do without you? Oh right - sleep and eat and run errands with careless abandon. Just joking around. I mean, it's all true, but as it turns out, you're both worth all the sleep deprivation, the eating hot meals cold and cold meals hot, and the packing up of the world to make a "quick" trip to the grocery store.

Speaking of the grocery store, you both were there, but I'm not sure you realized that I got chastised at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago for trying to take one of the kid carts outside. "Those have to stay in the store, ma'am." "Um, I got this one from the parking lot. So it was out of the store. And I can't get both of my kids back out to the car without pushing them in this cart." "Well, it has to stay in the store." And so on... And speaking of kid carts, you both love the grocery store and especially get a kick out of the cart where you each get a steering wheel. Jane, you were a little tired last time, and you leaned your head on Lucy's shoulder at first, but then you got in the spirit of things and started steering. Both wheels. Yours wasn't enough. You needed your sister's wheel, too.

We've been able to watch you two grow and change over this past year, and I have to tell you, it has been like an observation in nature vs. nurture. We treat you the same, but you are DEFINITELY not the same. I hope that helps as you continue to grow and become. I worry already about the twin thing and making sure that people treat you as individuals rather than "the twins".

Some highlights of our year (in no particular order):

Bringing you home from the NICU. I hadn't prepared myself for the possibility that we'd be going home from the hospital without you. Your dad and I cried ourselves silly on that drive home. We were with you every day. I held you and fed you and read magazines to you and changed diapers and sang to you and finally, after twelve very long days, the doctor said that you, my little feeder-growers, were eating well enough on your own to be released. And you were still soooo tiny. Ay caramba. I look at pictures of you now from back then and think it's amazing that we didn't break you. Your little legs were like pipe cleaners and your pacifier took up most of your face.

So many diapers! Your Uncle Eric started stocking up on diapers for us before you were born, and thank goodness he did! Anytime your Nana and Pops came over to visit, they'd bring a big box of diapers. I'm pretty sure that I'm a favorite customer of diapers.com where, get this folks, your order is delivered the next day! And, if you deliver to an address in KS (thanks Shawna and Amanda!), no tax! This is just an approximation, but I believe we've gone through about 18 millions diapers this year. No pressure or anything, but if you want to be early potty-trainers, I'm all for it.

We took your first long road trip when you were only five months old so you could meet your great-grandma, great aunt and uncle, and many cousins in South Dakota. I can't decide if your daddy and I were brave or crazy or a little of both, but you did better than we ever expected, and you even got to see the Corn Palace.

Food. Sometimes you love something, sometimes you hate it, but it's always an adventure. Things you've loved: peaches, quiche (spoiled little Room 39 quiche eaters!), yogurt, smoothie pops, oranges, pasta with pesto sauce, cheerios, pineapple, macaroni and cheese, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal. Things you haven't loved so much: hummus, quinou, green beans. I completely understand why gerber and those nasty looking gerber graduates meals exist. Because sometimes little people don't care that mama or daddy just made them some amazingly delicious, homemade, good-for-you food and choose to spit it out or throw it at the cat or stuff it in their little ears.If we have to go through a phase where all you eat is white or chicken nuggets or something equally disturbing, I think a part of my soul will shrivel up and die. Right now, since one of you (Lucy) is at the 7th percentile for weight, and the other of you (Jane) is at the 10th percentile, you're getting ice cream after dinner, pudding for snack, and all the pumpkin bread you can eat. I feel like we're fattening up the Christmas goose or something.

Peekaboo, That's Not My Monkey, and our morning wrestling match. You both love peekaboo, especially when you play with your dad. It involves hiding under a blanket and flapping around with glee both while you're under there and when it gets pulled off and we scream "PEEKABOO" at you. Watching you sit in the middle of the living room floor with a blanket thrown over you while you wiggle and squirm and wave those little arms is adorable. We have read, re-read, and re-re-read That's Not My Monkey and other favorites so many times now, but there are a handful that are still your favorites, so how can we say no more monkey book? We can't. Now that it's getting cold, you have to wear coats when we leave the house. It doesn't matter how early I try to start the getting ready to go process, it always takes us right up until 5 minutes after I wanted to leave. That may be because I have to chase you two little rugrats all over the place trying to put socks on and then your coats, ah, your coats. Lucy, you scream like the world is coming to an end when I try to put shoes on you. And Jane, you become a WWF woman (minus the greasy body and weird costume) when you see me coming at you with your coat. If you don't believe me, know that it took three grown women to hold you down when you had to have blood drawn for your 1 year appointment. I am impressed with myself every morning when I get the three of us out of the house dressed and more or less ready for the rest of the day.

Snuggles, hugs, and more baby love. I can't tell you how much I love the hugs you girls give. Or when you rest your little head right into that crook of my neck. Or when I'm working in the kitchen, and Jane, you crawl up behind, stand up, grab the back of my legs and hang on. I don't think I'll ever care how dirty you've just gotten my work pants. That's how much I love it.

Words. Things you said when you were born: WAAAAAA. Things one or both of you say now: yellow, more, wa-wa, poop, windmill, ball, light, block, cookie, amy, pops, pa-pop, nana (both for grandma and banana), mama, dad, knee, bath, yo-yo, watch, hippo, car, truck, and more every day! And your animal noises! oh my! you know what a cow says (moo), what a rooster says (cock-a-doo), what a tiger says (roaar), what a kitty says (meeow), what a monkey says (ooh-ooh-ahh-ahh), what a sheep says (baa), what a doggy says (woof), what an owl says (whoo-hoo). I can't wait until I get to ask you how your day was and you tell me!

Girls, I love you so much. You are two of my very best people in the whole world. Thanks for being my babies

The tenth month

2010-09-17T14:06:00.024-05:00

.

Things we've done, experienced, and eaten:

Road trip to Colorado! We took a long Labor Day weekend and stayed with an old high school friend of mine, Heather, and her family in Fort Collins. Lucy and Jane were so much easier in the car than either of us expected. Of course, it probably helped that we stopped about 134 times on the way there and back. There were planned rest stops for breakfast, lunch, and bottles; there were multiple unplanned diaper change stops (the "uh-oh, that smell cannot be a good sign" stop); and there were a few freakout "why are there bees in the car; GET THE BEES OUT OF THE CAR!" stops.

Jane and Lucy had their first tastes of Ethiopian food - both are fans. They had their first tastes of Mediterranean food - Lucy likes falafel; Jane does NOT like falafel. They both are crazy for peaches. We've learned about the BRAT diet. That's what they're on right now because of a yucky virus. Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. It's definitely not as adventurous or as tasty as they prefer, but if it takes care of the diarrhea, well, who am I to argue?

Our girls are crazy fast crawlers. Safety gates are installed and are being used as monkey bars by one Jane Stroessner. Lucy just watches like she's waiting for Jane to crack her head open. Which is a real concern. They like to chase their daddy, Mark the cat, and toys that roll. Jane finally figured out how to sit back down when she's tired of standing, but apparently she doesn't have that mastered yet at daycare. Miss Hattie said that she was fussing and fussing the other day when she was standing at the toy cube and Miss Hattie finally figured out that she just wanted to sit!

The girls have been trying to mimic words and sounds for a little while now, but it has gotten painfully cute recently. Jane says "cock-a-doooooo" after we tell her that's what a rooster says, and Lucy answers "mooooo" when asked what a cow says.

I cannot believe these little ladies are now eleven months old. They aren't babies anymore! We are having the best time loving our girls. Can hardly wait to see what the next month has in store...

Ten months

2010-08-23T14:32:00.014-05:00

When did this happen?! How is it that you have been living with us for ten months now? You girls are such a joy. Lucy, this month you have started to crawl. And I can't put into words how ridiculously cute it is to watch you cautiously maneuver around. But, at the same time, you're like a tonka truck, climbing over anything (or anyone - watch out Jane!) in your path. Jane, you continue to show us you're excited by stiffening your legs, flapping your arms, and making a big O with your mouth. It's adorable. And, not to be outdone, you've also begun crawling, just a week after your sister.

You ladies started daycare this month. So now your schedules are completely jacked up! You still spend Mondays with me, two days with Nana and two days now at daycare. The first day I dropped you off, Lucy, you cried and cried when Miss Linda took you from me. Jane, you were pretty happy playing on the floor with some new toys. As much as I wanted to take you back Luce, and make it all better, I knew that the best thing for both of you was for me to hightail it out of that room. And I did. And then I cried my eyes out in the hallway. However, your daddy and I are so excited about this place we've found for you. You are going to grow and learn so much over this next year with your new friends and Miss Carla and Miss Hattie.

Lucy, you've just started clapping your hands together. I can even get you to give the occasional high five. The funny part to me is that you actually clap at appropriate times. If you're proud of yourself, you clap. If we say, "good job, Luce", you clap. You're a freakin' genius. Jane, just the other day, you were watching Lucy do this and decided to get with the program. Only, you can't figure out how to clap your palms together and instead you hit your fists together and then seem confused about why your knuckles don't make the same noise Lucy's claps make.

It's funny to see some of your differences. Like eating. Lucy, you're the neatest little baby eater I've ever seen. I can put macaroni covered in pesto sauce on your tray, and you pluck up one piece between your thumb and finger and pop it into your mouth. Repeat. Jane, you pick up a similar piece of pesto macaroni and first it gets rubbed in your hair. Then you see if it will fit in your ear. Next, you check the smushability factor by squishing it in your little baby fist. Finally, any remnants are pushed into your mouth. I'm pretty sure your favorite part of mealtime is getting your hands as dirty and sticky as possible and then waiting for Maggie to walk by your high chair so you can pet her and collect a handful of dog hair. This has made you squeal with delight on more than one occasion. It has made me squeal with something a little less than delight.

There's so much about you two that I just want to hold onto forever. The way you crawl and climb all over your daddy. Your sweet baby hands grabbing my neck (even though that really hurts!). The way we can be in the car or going for a walk, and Lucy, you'll start in on your humming, and I'll join in, and then Jane will join us. Your daddy seems to think this is the three of us "droning", but I love it. The way you grab food from your sister's tray, even though you have the exact same thing on your own. Your soft breath at night when we go in to whisper good night and make sure you're covered.

How did I get so lucky?

All my love and then some,
Mama

These are a few of our favorite things...

2010-07-16T14:49:00.040-05:00

What baby doesn't love these?

ALL NATURAL, GOURMET SNOW CONES The syrups are made from all natural ingredients without ANY artificial colors/flavors. Yummy! I'm convinced Jane & Lucy remember their mama slurping these things down all last summer, and now they love 'em. Closest thing to a mojito these babies are going to get for a while.

Christmas present from Grandma and Grandpa Stroessner. They love to knock over anything Daddy builds.

One of our best books

I know; it's kind of a surprise to all of us.

These are my favorite things.

Happy 1st summer!

2010-07-12T10:58:00.008-05:00

Jane & Lucy,

Here's the thing. I feel so blessed, fortunate, lucky. To borrow (and alter) an idea from Lewis Carroll, you two are full of muchness. I'm sitting here typing at the kitchen table, while you, Lucy are chillin' in your high chair, eating cheerios and talking to me. Jane is upstairs napping. Sometimes, simple things like this make me feel so full from the "muchness" of it. You're sitting there, patting your little hand on your tray, sunlight hitting your sweet head, kicking your feet, and you're being such a sweet, precious, beautiful, normal but so beyond normal baby that I'm overcome with momminess. I did not know about this feeling before I had you two. Sure, your dad and I wanted kids, and we thought it would be fun and fulfilling and all that good stuff, but you girls are so much more. Thus the muchness.

I adore everything about you two. Lucy, your hair is a hilarious faux-hawk, and I refuse to tame it or flatten it or try to make it anything other than what it wants to be. But don't worry - we're not trying to make a baby hipster of you. I love that you pat my legs while you're sitting on the floor playing and that you turn around to make sure I'm still watching you and that you hate to be talked over so your voice gets louder and louder until you're screeching, but you're not angry, you're just making sure you're heard. I love your belly laugh. Jane, I'm pretty sure you give the best hugs an eight month old can give. You are a book, toy and cheerio stealer. If your sister has something you want, you take it. At some point, this will not be okay (like maybe next month when we start to tell you no), but right now, it's funny and cute. You flap your arms at everything. You want another bite? You flap your arms. You want to be picked up? You flap your arms. You're excited? You flap your arms. You have a high humor standard, refusing to laugh at our silly antics. It's not that you're unhappy - very much the opposite. You're almost always smiling. But we have to work to amuse you. And then it's almost as if you laugh (your half cough/half laugh) just to humor us. But you love to make Lucy giggle and that is maybe the cutest thing in the world to watch.

Happy first summer ladies. I find myself looking forward to all the fun things we're going to get to do together in future summers while also wanting this one to never end.

Love,
Mama

The Seventh Month

2010-06-15T15:38:00.009-05:00

How did this happen that our girls are 8 months old today? Jane and Lucy are ridiculous. They're ridiculously beautiful and fun and funny and smart and strong. I often say their cuteness isn't fair to all the other babies. This has been my favorite month so far. They've had their first sno-cones, their first trip to the zoo, their first ear infections. They've gone swimming, been to the farmer's market, and learned the polka at Kindermusik (rather, I learned the polka at kindermusik, and they got to dance with me). Jane, Jeff and I survived Jane's first diaper rash. We all got through Lucy's bout with the ear infection that wouldn't go away. They have a high chair! They sit up by themselves; they fall over by themselves. They love reading with Daddy. They are my favorite little people in the whole world.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T19:29:00.003-05:00

Lucy & Jane,

Thank you for making me a momma! Last year at this time, I was pregnant with you two, so I felt like that was my first official mother's day, but I can tell you now that growing you inside of me is a LOT different than growing you outside of me. So, once again, I'm claiming this as my first real mother's day.

These past six months have been the most poop-filled, sleep-deprived, bottle-making, diaper changing, bouncing, soothing, walking, rocking, making up songs on the fly months of my life. They have also been the most love-filled months of my life. I can't help but regularly watch the two of you in amazement and wonder and awe as you discover and grow and continue to become. You are my babies. My daughters. Pieces of me and your daddy. I could not love you more. Thank you for being here.

Love,
Mama

Road Trip!

2010-04-13T14:52:00.005-05:00

Lucy and Jane have survived their first real road trip (I'm not going to count the relatively quick drive to see Grandma and Grandpa in Jeff City)! We went to South Dakota for a long weekend so the Hartmans could meet these little cuties.

They were soooo good! Here are some highlights:

They got to see the world's only corn palace! Notice I didn't say world famous...

More corn palace fun:

Then they got to meet their great-grandma Hartman. She's where we got Jane's first name Sophia (interestingly, Grandma doesn't go by Sophia either - she's a Gertie).

And yes, that's the girls in matching pjs! Unfortunately, they have a little bit of stranger anxiety going on, so they didn't let Grandma hold them for too long before they'd start the waterworks.

They also got to meet and play with their great-uncle and aunt - Ted and Charlene, their cousins (really they're third cousins or first cousins twice removed or something like that, but it's just easier to say cousins) Bill and Lynette, Todd and Tarin and their kiddos, and Mark and Raylee, whose name I may have just mispelled.

Jane celebrated our return home by rolling over for the first time! It's amazing how quickly they're changing and developing into little people with distinct personalities and senses of humor and smiles that will just about kill you...

It's Spring! (almost...)

2010-03-18T13:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday after work it was warm enough (and still light out thanks to Daylight Savings) to take the girls and Maggie for a stroll around the neighborhood. It was the first time both girls were awake for a walk. Jane made "mmm" noises for every bump (so a lot of noises), and Lucy practiced being cute.

2010-03-03T09:59:00.002-06:00

This is the seat we bought Lucy & Jane over the weekend, and they LOVE it. In fact, I think we're only a short time away from them fighting over who gets to sit in it. Jane has been practicing her sitting skills longer than Lucy, and now she likes to grab the bee and play with the little donut ring things under the bee. By the way, she's going to be a lefty!
Lucy got tired of staring at the monkey on the activity mat this morning, so I put her in the Super Seat (that's really what it's called), and she bobbled around for a good 10 minutes. She got the hiccups and every time she hiccuped, her head would loll backwards, and you could tell that it took all her concentration and neck strength to pull it back upright. Our cute little bobblehead...

4 months!

2010-02-28T13:04:00.004-06:00

The video below was taken a few days ago. Lucy makes her most recent noise while Jane is fascinated with her own hand.

Party girls

2010-01-17T20:15:00.007-06:00

Lucy and Jane got to go to their first birthday party today! Our friends Mike and Jen have a little boy, Finn, who turned one, and we got to join in for the festivities. It's hard to believe that in less than a year, our girls will be that big and maybe even running around. Anyway, they got to wear their party dresses, and if I do say so myself, they are beautiful in them. Thanks for the dresses Grace!

I can hardly believe they're already almost 12 weeks old. In some ways, it seems like we've had them forever, and in other ways, well, time has flown by. I was packing up clothes that don't fit them anymore and almost shed a few tears as I put those tiny little newborn onesies away. Okay, maybe there's no "almost" about it. My babies are going to be three months old in no time!

There's nothing cuter than a nearly naked baby, right?

Things I love about Lucy (in no particular order):

1. This girl has some wild hair.
2. She smiles with her whole face. Sometimes with her entire body.
3. When she's sobbing inconsolably, I can cradle her up against my body, rock her a few times, and she calms down quickly.
4. She snorts. I know. That's kind of sad because she's having trouble breathing, but seriously, it's so cute.
5. She has the most expressive eyebrows I've ever seen on a baby.

Things I love about Jane (again, in no particular order):
1. She has some serious chipmunk cheeks.
2. Her sneezes. Achoo, achoo, huh-ahhhhhhhhhh.
3. When you put her up on your shoulder, she snuggles, almost melts, right into you.
4. She's so observant. Sometimes when she and Lucy are in their crib together and Lucy starts crying, Jane just watches her.
5. She loves to coo and carries on quite the baby conversation.

A typical day

2010-01-05T16:08:00.005-06:00

Here's Jane (Thing 2), fascinated with the mobile.

And Lucy hanging out on her activity mat.

In case you were wondering, here's a snapshot of a typical day at the Stroessner house. Eat, burp, change diapers, nap, kick it on our activity mat or under the ocean wonders mobile, repeat. Sometimes we still can't believe we have two of these! It may be a lot of work, but it's worth it!

Santa's here, Santa's here!!!

2009-12-26T17:38:00.009-06:00

Yes, it's that time of year. Christmas. And what better way to share Christmas than with the three latest, beautiful, additions to the Stroessner clan?

Christmas this year was spent in Jefferson City, with the Grandparents, and we were very happy that all of us kids, and grandkids, could be there. It was a full house... but we all managed to get along and have a fun Christmas.

And when we returned to KC, we were greated with this. 8" of snow, and still snowing!

So, we settled in by the tree.

And as vision of sugar plumbs dance in there heads, a Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

December 2

2009-12-02T09:58:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it's December! When did that happen? So here's the quick and dirty rundown.

Jeff has the flu. Not the swine flu (thank God!). Just the regular miserable flu. Both Jeff and I are going to the pediatrician today to get the H1N1 vaccine. I think it's funny that two adults without kids (we're leaving the girls with my mom) are going to be sitting in the waiting room at the peds office, waiting to be called back...

Lucy and Jane had their first visit to Loose Park Sunday. It was a beautiful day and they not only enjoyed a walk (by the way, that loop is MUCH longer when you're pushing twins), but they also had a lovely photo shoot courtesy of Jan and my mom. Get excited for the Christmas cards!

I never thought I would be so excited about poop. We cheer around here when the girls go number 2. From the looks of relief on their faces, I think they're cheering on the inside. And here's the funny poo story of the day. Most of you know we have a fairly friendly rivalry in this house. Jayhawks vs Tigers. And the border war was Saturday. I thought it would be a good time for Lucy to get to try on her KU onesie (thanks again Lacy!) and Jeff was surprisingly cooperative. Well, this was one of those times when Lucy hadn't pooped in a day or so and seemed pretty uncomfortable. So shortly after the game (which KU unfortunately lost), Lucy started grunting and Jeff excitedly changed her diaper and let out a cheer which quickly turned to a less cheerful sound when Lucy kept going. And going. And going. Like the Energizer Bunny but less fuzzy. And no drum. She dirtied at least two additional diapers, a handful of wipes, and got poo all over her KU onesie. I fear this one is going to be a Mizzou girl...

Okay, almost time for Jeff and I to head to the pediatrician's office.

Their cuteness is killing me!

2009-11-20T11:45:00.003-06:00

No words are necessary. Which is good because I'm too tired to type them.

Only the cutest video.... EVER

2009-11-17T19:58:00.002-06:00

And wait, there's more. Jane takes her first ride... I think I'm gonna throw up...

Meet the Stroessners

2009-11-14T13:44:00.009-06:00

Our little ladies had the pleasure of meeting the Stroessner clan last night. All three cousins were there, and all of the aunts and uncles minus one... we missed ya, Todd, but we didn't forget you.

And for you grandparents out there, Lucy and Jane were looking very cute this morning...

Also, it's official, they're on the grid.

The NICU Experience

2009-11-12T19:26:00.002-06:00

Actually, I'm writing this for anyone who may be surfing the net and may have to go through the NICU experience, or is just interested. First off, I have to say that although our experience was tiring and seemed to last forever, we were very fortunate. As the doctor put it, our babies were not unhealthy, they were just small and needed to grow up a bit. After the first couple nights, they were what are called Feeder Growers, which is the last stage before going home. They spent almost two weeks at Shawnee Mission Medical, under the care of a very professional and loving staff. We thank the world for their help.

So, fortunately, we cannot speak for those of you whose babies were very early, or have/had difficulties. We cannot imagine your worry and frustration. But we do know how much you love your babies, and how you just want them to be safe and home.

Our first recommendation; get to know your nurses. They are your 24-7 update line. They are serious, and can be intense, but they know their stuff and really are amazing. Plus, they usually have some good stories.

Second, don't be afraid to hold your babies if you can. Step in there and help with feedings. Change their diapers. Talk to them. Tell them stories. Sing to them. Let them know that their parents love them.

Third, and this one is extremely difficult, don't pay too much attention to the monitors all of the time. Have the nurses inform you on what they mean, and when you should be concerned. In our case, our babies would fall into deep sleep and they would almost stop breathing so we would have to wake them up. It didn't take long before I found myself staring at the monitors. About four days, that was the amount of time it took for me to realize that the nurses are not going to let anything happen to my little girls. Eventually, you learn to quickly asses the numbers and beeps, look at the baby to make sure they are fine, and go back to doing whatever you were doing. But, I won't lie. You won't forget the beeps after you leave.

Fourth, take breaks. Get your rest. Be there when you can, but be healthy so you can enjoy them when the big day comes.

Ok, that's enough for now. I'm posting a video of our experience. Like I said, our babies were healthy, but I hope our experience can help you in some way.

And we're back.

2009-11-12T18:08:00.010-06:00

So, since last time, we have had some fun and exciting new developments. Here they are in chronological order. The abridged version.

Friday, November 6th.
Yeah!!!!, Tubes are out!!!! They look so different. Doctor says they may be coming home soon. Cross your fingers, count your chickens.

Saturday. Looks like tomorrow is the big day. The hospital is boarding us for the night, and we get to share the room with our little ladies. The nurses at Shawnee Mission NICU have been great. Thank you so much for taking care of our two beautiful girls. A special very grateful thank you to Jennifer and Loretta.

Sunday. Wow, not a lot of sleep last night, but they're home!!! We'll update tomorrow.

Monday.
One night down, and we have to say that we are soooooooo happy the girls are home. The pets spent a couple hours just staring at them. One of our cats, Mark, watched them for a while, then went over to a corner and stared at the wall. Way to go, Mark. But all is great, and we are very happy. This is so much less stressful now that they are home. AND, we got to give them their first baths at home tonight. I think they loved it. Not one whimper.

Tuesday. Had the first visit to Dr. Slaymaker this morning. The girls are doing great. They have grown by over an inch in the last two weeks!! We figure they should be about 3' 8" by this time next year. Grandpa and Grandma Hartman came over to visit. At the least, we would describe them as understandably excited. Congratulations!!

Wednesday. Ahhhhh, don't eat our babies!!!! Eva, Lucy and Jane's 6 month old cousin, came over to visit tonight. We will have to post this photo as soon as we get a copy. Let's just say, our only point of reference for the past few weeks has been our little angels. To us they just look cute, but sitting next to a 6 month old, they just look like bait. I'm fairly sure demon Jane will protect Lucy.

Grandma and Grandpa Stroessner and Hartman got to spend some time with Lucy and Jane. We still can't get any of the Grandpas to get even close to a diaper changing table. One of these days Gramps, one of these days.

Today. Three words, Awesome!! Lucy and Jane have officially been on their first walk. It was so nice to get outside and enjoy fall. It was just around the block, but we had a good time. Well, Shelly and I had a good time, Lucy and Jane slept.

So that is the update for now. We have settled into our routine. We get up every three hours, day and night, and make sure the girls are fed. We hold them when they cry, and take them on field trips around the house. We sing to them, and tell them about how goofy life will be. They are happy, and we are happy.

P.S.

What's new pussycat, whooooooooa whoooooa whooooa ooh!!

2009-11-12T18:04:00.004-06:00

So, it's been a few days since the last post, and we've been getting some flack for not updating. So here is the latest... oops hold on, our new twins are crying and we need to take a quick break. Later.

November 6

2009-11-06T13:21:00.006-06:00

Remember the story yesterday about Jeff not learning his lesson? Right, well, apparently the lesson to be learned is to wear an apron and possibly a face mask because Jane is a projectile pooper. That diaper comes off and you pull her legs up out of the way and watch out! This time the hospital staff gets to do the laundry.

This is the face Jane makes when she's pooping.

UPDATE

The girls are doing really well with their oral feedings. They even gained weight yesterday! It still tends to wear them out a little, so probably about a quarter of their feedings are still being done by tube.

Lucy after eating:

November 5

2009-11-05T19:43:00.003-06:00

NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH

My daughter, my very own flesh and blood, shat all over the place when I was trying to change her diaper. Her already very dirty diaper. Today was the first day Jeff and I had the girls wear those little footy pajama things that actually belong to us. Up until now, they've been wearing hospital garb. Which, incidentally, is much nicer than the gown they put me in. Well, we learned our lesson. Back to the hospital provided clothing. I pulled Lucy's diaper off, cleaned her adorable little bum, and then watched, dumbfounded, as mustard yellow poo started flowing, almost geisering, out of her little bumhole (like how I cleaned that up for the grandmas?) and all over her new, freshly laundered footy pajama thing.

You would think that Jeff would have learned from my mistake, but you would be wrong. After we finally got Lucy cleaned up (yes, it took both of us), and I was almost finished feeding her, Jeff started getting Jane ready. This involved a diaper change. A diaper change that turned out JUST LIKE LUCY's. Got that diaper off and poo started pouring out. Lesson learned: this twin bond that our daughters have apparently extends to their pooping habits.

November 4

2009-11-04T20:07:00.004-06:00

CUTE STORIES FOR THE DAY

When I put Lucy back in the crib next to Jane, I put her down a few inches away, facing Jane. I looked in on them 30 minutes later and they had squirmed together until their foreheads were touching. The nurse told me when she came in this morning, Lucy was sucking on Jane's head, apparently searching for her pacifier.

Jeff and I were changing their diapers this evening and getting ready to feed both of them. They were hungry! Shoving anything they could find into their mouths. When Lucy's hand flew in front of Jane's face, Jane seized the opportunity and started sucking in earnest on Lucy's fingers.

UPDATE

Both girls gained a little weight - Jane is now at 5lbs 3.5oz and Lucy is at 5lbs 5oz. Just a reminder - Lucy's birthweight was 5lbs 7oz and Jane's birthweight was 5lbs 4.3oz.

And they both took bottles really well today! We'll see if all that work wore them out when they weigh them again tonight.