Friday, January 29, 2010

January 29th, 2010

Our girls are so much fun! There is never a dull moment in our house! They are both sick right now, but they still have great attitudes (most of the time.) Stella's left ear is draining, and we are using ear drops. I talked to our ENT yesterday, and they said that if the drainage doesn't clear up in a week they will have to clean out her tubes. Hopefully, the drops clear it up. Emerson woke up with respiratory problems yesterday. We are doing breathing treatments, and we are hoping she won't need antibiotics. They are both cutting their molars, which is probably the cause of all of the sickness.
I got out the camera this morning because Emerson was counting, and I knew that James would want to see it. As soon as I started recording her, she stopped! She had been yelling, "2-3-5-6!" I did manage to get video of both of the girls counting, but it wasn't nearly as good. The other video is their rock show. They got the keyboard and the guitar for their birthday, and they are just now figuring out that they can play music together. Enjoy!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

January 24th, 2010

I am sorry for the lack of posts over the last few weeks. James has been busy with basketball, and the girls and I have just been busy. Here is a quick recap: James' team is playing really well despite all of the illness and injuries they have been dealing with. I had a follow up appointment from my eye surgery from last spring, and I have 20/15 vision! We also had a visit from James' brother, sister in law and niece and my Uncle Al and cousin Jeremy. We celebrated Mamaw Ruth's birthday, and our fish, Kevin, died.

Finally, I have interviewed for several jobs with different agencies over the last few months. Thankfully, we are in a place financially where I have been able to be picky about finding a job that would be perfect for all of us. Until last week, I had turned down every job I interviewed for because they just didn't seem like they would be a good fit for our family. The more I learned about other agencies, the more I realized how much I missed my job at Crider Center. A part time Mental Health Specialist position opened up at Crider a few weeks ago, and I interviewed for the position last week. On Friday, I found out that I got the position! I am so excited to be going back to work for Crider!

The girls are still enjoying playing with each other, and Emerson still tells Stella "I want to walk!" Which means that she wants her sister to hold her hand while they walk through the house. It is precious. I have also caught them sitting in the same chair reading together (pictures below.)

Stella Louise decided that she is tired of wet diapers last week. We have been working on potty training for several months, but we have tried to make it a positive experience and haven't forced it on them. I have read several books that emphasize the importance of the right timing, and the child being ready for potty training. Last week, Stella finally decided that she was ready! She started using the potty on her own, and we decided she was ready for big girls panties. She has worn big girl panties all week (except for bedtime) and has done great! We are so proud of her!

Emerson Ann is also very interested in wearing big girls panties, but she hasn't quite figured out the part about going potty on the toilet! She is able to stay dry for a few hours at at time now, so we think she will get the hang of it pretty soon. Emerson is talking like crazy, and is also testing our limits constantly. She is definitely giving us a run for our money, but we know that her behavior is typical for toddlers. She can also be extremely patient, sweet, and loving. We adore both of our girls!

The girls left the living room and were being too quiet. I was concerned about what they were getting into, but this is how I found them. These are the moments when being a parent truly feels like a gift!

They continued to sit together so I could get pictures. Sitting together in the basement. They each needed to hold 2 basketballs! So cute!
I am working on our March for Babies team. Stay tuned for more info!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

January 10th, 2010

Two year olds are so complex and wonderful! Sometimes they are the most precious, sweet girls we have ever met, and other days they are stubborn and continually test our patience. We are having so much fun with them!

Stella has such a big heart! She is truly a giver, and loves to help her sister out. If Emerson is upset, she will give Emerson the toy she is playing with just to make her happy. Stella is also excelling at potty training! Her favorite phrase right now is, "What did Sissy do?" She loves to use that phrase when she has done something wrong and wants to blame her sister!

Emerson has some of her daddy's strong personality traits and some of her mommy's! At times, she has her daddy's temper, and she can be stubborn like her mommy! She can also be extremely patient, and she loves to cuddle. Emerson is extremely social, and loves interacting with other kids. Emerson's favorite phrase right now is, "I want to dance!" She loves dancing and singing.

Even though the girls are twins, they are very different people. They are both a wonderful mix of their parents, and their personalities seem to compliment each other most of the time! We are so fortunate to have two little girls that are so full of life!

This morning, they decided to walk through the house holding hands. It was one of the most precious things I have ever seen! When Stella would let go of Emerson's hand, Emerson would yell, "I want to walk!" or "I want your hand!" I love my kids!

To make it even better, they posed for pictures!

How cute are these kids?!

"I want your hand!"
"I want to walk!"
Having a twin sister can be difficult, but they really do love each other!
I am willing to bet $10.00 that Mamaw Ruth will cry when she sees these pictures!

I also want to point out that both girls seem to have inherited their mommy's nappy hair!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

January 2nd, 2010 part 2

Mamaw Ruth & Papaw Marty brought Ruthi back from Colorado with them last week. We have all had a lot of fun spending time with her. After church, we took all three girls to visit with Nanny, Aunt Chris, Uncle Rick, Brian & Melissa.

Stella and Nanny

Uncle Rick and Ruthi playing with their new puppy, Gracie
Stella wearing her new outfit from Auntie Tina
Mommy cuddling with Max and Stella
Nanny and Mamaw Ruth with Stella and Emerson
Nanny and Ruthi
Emerson showing off her new outfit with Daddy
Stella with Uncle Rick
Nanny, Gracie & Emerson

Thanks for the adorable new outfits, Auntie Tina!

January 2nd, 2010 part 1

Here are the rest of the pictures from the last few weeks:

Baby Will (Buddy) opening his gifts

Emerson helping Buddy Stella and Papaw helping Buddy Above: Emerson being silly on Christmas Eve!
Below: Emerson and Stella playing at Aunt Alene's house Stella playing with her baby doll from Nanny Christmas morning! Stella opening presents! Emerson opening gifts! Nothing says "Merry Christmas!" quite like a breathing treatment... Our fabulous steak dinner (thanks Mamaw Ruth & Papaw Marty!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

December 29th, 2009

My camera battery died while I was uploading pictures from the last few weeks. These pictures are from the weekend, but I do have older ones to put on here when my battery charges.

We went to Bloomington on Saturday so we could spend time with James' family. We had Benson family Christmas on Sunday at Aunt Karen and Uncle Larry's house. We had so much fun! We stayed with James' Aunt Karen and Uncle Larry and the girls love spending time with them. They also love spending extra time with Great Grandpa Bob and Great Grandma MaryAnn. On the way to Bloomington Emerson kept yelling, "I want Bob!" It was precious!
Grandpa Bob, James, Emerson, Emily, Stella & Grandma MaryAnn

Aunt Karen & Uncle Larry with the girls. At the end of our visit, the girls started calling Aunt Karen "Mamaw." It was so sweet. Thanks Aunt Karen & Uncle Larry for the great food, drinks & hospitality! Stella, Emerson & Mister. Mister is Aunt Karen & Uncle Larry's dog. He is great with the girls. The girls call him "Bubby" instead of Mister. Brianne & Jim came by to visit us this morning on their way back to Wyoming. We don't get to see them very often, but the girls always seem to remember Bri. Brianne & Brittni spent a lot of time helping me with the girls after they came home from the hospital. Emerson was so tired from the weekend that she kept falling asleep on Bri's lap.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

December 16th, 2009

We went in to St. Louis to visit with Nanny last week. The girls were so excited to see Max (Aunt Chris and Uncle Rick's dog) and they also got to meet their new puppy, Gracie. Nanny actually let the dogs in her house so the girls wouldn't have to go outside to visit with them. Nanny hates dogs, so I pretty sure that hell froze over!
Emerson cuddling with Nanny
Mamaw and Papaw got to go visit Aunt Brandi, Uncle Eric & Cousin Ruthi in Colorado last week. Aunt Brandi made us cupcakes, and Mamaw & Papaw carried them on to the plane with them. Our family goes to great lengths for a good dessert!
Cousin Ruthi also sent the girls Nalgene sippy cups. They are fantastic! Thanks Eric, Bran & Ruthi! We miss you!