Weekend News

Saturday was the painting party. Jason brought breakfast and then it was go time. Avery took Caleb outside to play in this beautiful weather. They likely stepped in every land mine of dog poop in our yard, but it's worth the sunshine. 

Jason, Josh, and Nana went upstairs and got to it. After a short time my sister in law, Carrie, came to help me. She snuggled babies, while I got a few things done and then took a 40 minute nap. I got up to feed babies and eat lunch, provided by Jess (Aunt Boogie). She made lasagne without mushrooms and black olives, just for me:) 

After lunch I gave baths to Mollie and Will while Carrie was available to snuggle the opposite one. I hate the idea of giving a bath to one while the other fusses. There's no stopping an infant bath. 

After baths I put Caleb down for a late nap. Then my cousin Denise and Uncle Dennis came to meet the babies. I haven't seen them since the beginning of December. The painters finished and left by 4:30pm, with Dennis and Denise leaving shortly after. 

We hung out as the 5 of us for a bit, and then Josh went to Menards and Lowes to get the supplies to install the banister at the top of the stairs. I feel I 'be started to get a good rhythm with Mollie and William, but adding a busy toddler to the mix left me VERY ready for Josh to come home! It didn't help that there were feedings while he was gone, and those were times Caleb wanted help with something. I think we'll be fine with some more prep and practice, I'm glad Caleb continues to go to Daycare for the time being. 

Josh and I were both tired Saturday night from a big day, but the twins had slept in people's arms most of the time, so they were awake and fussy till about midnight. 

Witching hour from 10-midnight?!

We had a nice Sunday morning. Babies were peaceful so I kicked Josh to the couch with them and took Caleb from his bed for snuggles with me. Cartoons with Caleb in my bed.

Nana came late morning to help while Josh started putting up the banister at the top of the stairs. She gave both Caleb and Josh haircuts and helped with laundry. 

So you know the Charter commercial about the guy dancing and it ends with the father - daughter dance? Caleb saw it while we were playing with blocks on the floor. The commercial ended and he wordless pulled my hands up so I would stand with him. I stood, holding his hands, and he started to dance with me, rocking side to side and slowly in a circle. I let him lead for a bit, then I swooped him up and we twirled. A moment I will treasure all my days!!

After Ruthan left everyone took a Sunday afternoon nap. 

We told Caleb that after his nap we'd go on a walk outside. He woke remembering our words and eagerly jumped around as we got ourselves and the babies ready. This was Mollie and Will's first walk. We walked the trail by our home to the Rasmussen Woods bridge then went back via the park. Caleb was thrilled. He was so happy and he did NOT want to leave. A very unhappy boy was seen being strolled away. 

It was quite evening at home. I love days like this! 

Daddy

I get a lot of credit. I'm the food supply that doesn't sleep. 

However, I need to give credit where credit is due! My husband — Josh Miller.

Josh is working full time, drops off and picks up Caleb from daycare, comes home and figures out supper, holds fussing babies to give me a break after he has a long day at work, usually does Caleb's bedtime, does the midnight bottle feeding so I can sleep 2.5-3 hours in a bed, does all errands - usually with a toddler in tow, is finishing up the upstairs remodel, just did a deer head mount for his taxidermy side job, and tells me I'm beautiful and amazing - my biggest cheerleader! 

Josh has always needed his sleep, and is not morning person. So him managing all the things listed above, and more, really shows me his dedication and love for our family. It's the day to day things that keep a marriage strong. We could easily be stressed and crumble, but instead we are showing our strength. Do we still need help and support? Absolutely! But the core of our family is strong and it allows our energy to go to our children. I'm so grateful! I love you, Josh Miller! 

Friday night Daddy time:)

Due date

How bizarre to hold my 5 week old daughter and son on their due date. My premies are chunking up and becoming more alert each day. William's cheeks are über kissable and his skin is so soft. Mollie's little nose begs to be kissed! Her hands are dainty and lady-like. I hope she has better nails than me:)

It was a bit of a long day. A lot of holding gassy, growing babies. Lucky for them my heart exploded with love 5 weeks ago and isn't making a recovery. They are stuck with my kisses, my songs, and my calming whispers. 

And Caleb is enjoying the nursing pillow for the iPad :) Good day in the Miller household! 

Approaching due date

Monday:

After Josh and Caleb left for the day, I slept on the couch for a good nap until the 9:00 AM Feeding. My mom, Oma, came at that time to help. She helped with the feeding, and then I was able to take a nap. At noon I did side lying nursing and then pumped. Pumping is getting a little old. I look forward to dropping that slowly, starting in a month or so. 

 

Then a friend and church member, Jackie, dropped off an easy lunch and ready to eat snacks for this busy mama. Jackie is also the mother of a student, Noah. He came in with her for the quick visit. He got to see the babies and said, "There are going to be some really jealous people because I got to see the babies." You could tell he was happy about being able to see the babies.

I had a late Lunch of leftovers with Oma and Grandpa Gene. They had held Mollie and Will while I finally showered. 

Oma and Grandpa left and I got a nap on the couch. I woke when Caleb and Josh came home. A good hour!

Papa and Nana came to visit. Papa is leaving for work and will be gone for over a week. He needed his Mollie & Will fix. 

Caleb had fun building robots with Duplos. It is wonderful to see his play become more intentional and specific. He is really an individual. So fun to witness his development. 

Tuesday

Caleb dressed in a sleepy, snuggly state. I enjoy the mornings it works for me to wake him . As I open the door he sings, "Hi Mom!" And I chime, "Hi Caleb," back. It's our thing. 

Alyssa, a babysitter on spring break,  came to snuggle babies. I also had a Home Health appointment. Home health nurse, Gloria, also has twins, 1 boy and 1 girl. Also a son three years older. We had lots to think about. We weighed the babes. 

William 7lbs 5 oz, up 9 ounces from Friday at Dr Benson's office. 

Mollie 7 pounds even, up 10 ounces.

Cousin Josie came to snuggle babies this afternoon. We each had a babe on a couch. I got a 20 min snooze on the couch, nursed, and then we had bath time. Josie left me with sleeping babies so I took care of bills, some email, sorted mail, and a load of laundry started. I had a taste of the old normal life.

Josh and Caleb came home. Caleb brought home a painting and told me all the colors.

Caleb then wanted some snuggles. "Sit with you mommy?! My bruder? So cute!" Each time he comes up to the babies he gently strokes their head and says in a 'baby voice', "So cute..." Adorable!

Josh not feeling the best. He needs more sleep. 

WEDNESDAY

Oma came again so I could get some good sleep. Thank goodness for Spring Break!! 

Josie came again at noon to snuggle with Mollie this time. 

Aunt Carrie, Josie's mom, came with lunch for us. Then I was able to shower! 

My friend Heather brought us a meal. I love egg bake! It makes me think of Easter at Bernadotte. 

Aunt Boogie stopped after work bearing gifts. Here are some pictures she took.

Josh says William looks like a Tibetan monk; a Dali Lama in training. :)

Tonight Caleb wore Captain America pajamas, which made it easy to go to bed. We "flew" to bed and just like that he was in bed and tucked in with prayers and kisses. 

William and Mollie had a rough evening of fussiness. Our patience tested. We held out and made it sanely through the night. 

So long, Farewell,...

Sunday: 

The five Millers snuggled on the couch this morning. Babies fed and burped, Caleb snuggled and fed breakfast. We slowly woke, all in the same room. Britta came in the door about 9am with an agenda of things to get done and babies to kiss. She would be leaving by 1:00, so time suddenly felt extremely quick and sneaky. 

Britta did a thorough cleaning of the stove top and counter next to it. Love a clean kitchen! Then we took some great pictures of the kids.

About noon I made Britta a little lunch and then it was time for hugs goodbye. Caleb of course made it a game of tickles and tackling instead of a sweet hug.  

I drove her back to Land to Air depot. The next time we hug in person will likely be our sister Greta's wedding in September. Until then it will be Skype. I'm so grateful she came and she got this time with our children.  

My Aunt Bev, Gene's sister, came to visit this afternoon. She had cute gifts and arms ready to hold babies. She got Mollie and Will a gift to grow in to, jackets inspired from the yearly Rendezvous in Albert Lea. So cute! It was sweet of her to come and so good to see her! 

The rest of the day Mollie and Will wanted to be held. It's like they knew help had left, Caleb wanted to play, and Josh as in the basement working on a taxidermy deadline. But they are too cute to get upset. It just meant limited naps. Josh did come up every couple hours to help and give me a break.

Finally it was night and everyone slept quite well. 

Saturday News

SATURDAY

**Side note, this all happened with the NCAA basketball tournament on in the background:)

Uroma and Great Grandpa Harjes came to visit at 9am. Caleb loves Great Grandpa Bill. They played PlayDough together for awhile. When it was time to go, without prompting ran up to give Great Grandpa a hug. It was very sweet! 

After they left, I got an hour nap. Meanwhile Britta dusted our china buffet. Wonderful!! When I woke it was pointed out to me that I must time travel, or at least pump in the future. See the one that doesn't belong?:) Need another nap?!

Aunt Greta came about 1:00 bearing gifts. She brought a bear and whale stuffed animals for Mollie and William. She also brought me a Mommy Organizer book. 

A little later Uncle Garrett and Aunt Kayla arrived and brought lunch. They had sloppy joes, a veggie tray, chips, beans, and Rice Krispie bars. They stayed for an afternoon visit, loving every minute of baby time.  

After nursing Mollie  this afternoon I used my new camera phone to make use of the great light coming through the window. I'm loving this picture.0

Britta made a delicious spaghetti sauce for supper with plenty to spare for our freezer. Yum! Lauren joined us for supper. From there she went to visit Great Grandpa Alms in the hospital. He was admitted today with a compression fracture in his back. He will be fine, but being restricted is not easy for this 91 year old grandpa. 

Caleb had a lot of energy due to a late nap. Thank goodness Britta was up for some play time! It of course coincided with nursing. This will be harder when we don't have as much help. Here's William snuggled after nursing. 

Today I mentioned to Britta what is covered in the article below. I just happened to see it posted on a friend's Facebook page today. We are blessed with many family and friends nearby, which many offer to help. Sometimes it's hard to ask for help and sometimes it's hard to think about what would be easy enough or helpful to help with at the time of the offer. My brain confuses left and right at the present time!:) I really liked this list (Miller family modified), and hope to pay it forward soon. 

****

After the Birth, what a family needs

Posted on October 28, 2008 by gloria

http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/?p=34

Modified list: 

1. Buy us toilet paper, milk and beautiful whole grain bread.

2. Buy us a new garbage can with a swing top lid.

3. Make us a big supper salad with feta cheese, toasted almonds, organic green crispy things and a nice homemade dressing on the side. Drop it off and leave right away. Or, buy us frozen lasagna, garlic bread, a bag of salad, a big jug of juice, and maybe some cookies to have for dessert. Drop it off and leave right away.

4. Come over about 2 in the afternoon, hold the baby while I have a hot shower, put me to bed with the baby and then fold all the piles of laundry that have been dumped on the couch, beds or in the room corners. If there’s no laundry to fold yet, do some.

5. Come over at l0 a.m., make me eggs, toast and an orange. Clean my fridge and throw out everything you are in doubt about. Don’t ask me about anything; just use your best judgment.

6. Put a sign on my door saying “Babies sleeping. Please knock. Or arrange a time to visit."

7. Come over in your work clothes and vacuum and dust my house and then leave quietly. It’s tiring for me to chat and have tea with visitors but it will renew my soul to get some rest knowing I will wake up to clean, organized space.

8. Take my older kid(s) for a really fun-filled afternoon to a park, zoo or Science World and feed them healthy food.

9. Come over and give my husband a two hour break so he can go to a coffee shop, pub, hockey rink or some other r & r that will delight him. Fold more laundry.

10. Make me a giant pot of vegetable soup and clean the kitchen completely afterwards. Take a big garbage bag and empty every trash basket in the house and reline with fresh bags.

These are the kindnesses that new families remember and appreciate forever. It’s easy to spend money on gifts but the things that really make a difference are the services for the body and soul described above. Most of your friends and family members don’t know what they can do that won’t be an intrusion. They also can’t devote 40 hours to supporting you but they would be thrilled to devote 4 hours. If you let 10 people help you out for 4 hours, you will have the 40 hours of rested, adult support you really need with a newborn in the house. There’s magic in the little prayer “I need help.”

****

Break from the Doctor

Friday, March 21, 2014

This morning we had a visit from my cooperating teacher and friend, Sue Zarn. She came with some adorable girl clothes and cookies:) She got some quality time holding William and it was so good to connect with her! I love when babies get people together! 

Then as she was leaving, Barb Overlie stopped briefly to drop off a big box of diapers and adore Mollie and William. 

The rest of the morning and early afternoon flew by with a brief nap and trying to organize clothes. I find there are boy clothes, girl clothes, and neutral/matching clothes. I'm not sure how to organize this all...hmmm.

At 3:15pm we had a another Dr Benson appointment. Mollie and William are doing so well now, Dr Benson said he doesn't need to see them again until they are two months old. They have great weight gains this week. We are all so proud of them!

On the way home we stopped by Verizon. Josh and I were due for new phones:) I now have an iPhone5, which means a better camera:-)

Britta and I came home with the babies while Josh did the long process of switching to the new phones. Caleb had been picked up and was with Nana and Papa. Oma was here when we got home. She had vacuumed and done laundry while waiting. She was rewarded with baby snuggles:) She couldn't stay too long just then, but would come back later. Aunt Lauren and her friend Ellen also stopped by for a brief visit. 

Britta made a Roasted Butterbut Squash Curry Soup while my colleague and friend, Peggy visited. She brought her daughter and granddaughter with her. Apparently her granddaughter, Ada, can't stop talking about Mollie and William and has been begging to see them. She was so cute with them. Constantly wishing to hold them and touch them. 

After Peggy's crew left, about 2 minutes later, Oma came back. She spent the evening ganging out and getting some time with Britta. She and Genecaee leaving tomorrow for the weekend. 

The soup was finally done and it was delicious! I will definitely need to make this for our family again. 

Josh and Caleb came home at 8pm. It took almost 3 hours at the cell phone store from beginning to end. But it's done and Josh is a trooper! 

Tonight Britta stayed and did the 11:30pm feeding, meaning Josh and I could BOTH go to bed. WeI slept in the bed at the same time without babies in the room with us. We just got to snuggle and sleep well. What a gift!!