May 19-23

It was a busy week! 

My mother in law was able to babysit the babies for me Tuesday morning so I could treat a friend to coffee at the new bakery in town. Heather has been an amazing and generous friend during my pregnancy, hospital stay, and the transition to home through visits and meals. The least I could do is thank her with a morning coffee date. It had also recently been her birthday. Tuesday was also exciting because my sister Krista has moved back to MN!! We're so glad to have Auntie Krista back in our lives more regularly! 

This afternoon my dear friend Eda also met the twins for the first time. Will especially loved sitting in her lap and looking at her! 

Mollie and William are 3 months old today, Tuesday, May 20. At times I can't believe we're already at 3 months, and other times it seems we've earned each day it took to get here. Both Mollie and William are smiling and cooing. They are great at gaining weight and growing. 

This month we added the stuffed giraffe and elephant from Aunt Britta and Uncle Ryan. 

Wednesday morning I took Mollie and William to church for Muffins and Moms. The last time I went was a weekend because I was a working mom but today I was there with stay at home moms, moms on maternity leave, and work from home/part time working moms. It was packed! The nursery coordinator, Michelle, helped feed and hold Mollie, and I also used the bouncy seat there to manage M & W. I met some great women and came home exhausted:) Luckily my niece Josie came after school to snuggle babies for a bit. Then for the evening my mom and Krista hung out. 

May 21, 1957 Oma was born!! It is her golden year! We celebrated tonight! We had Papa Murphy's and DQ cake. Lauen came for supper too.

During dinner I asked everyone to share a favorite Mom/Oma moment or memory. Krista talked about how every single one of her friends loves M. If she tells her friends she's doing something with Mom, they all say they are jealous and to say hi from them. Josh talked about going to the MN Twins game 3.5 years ago with my mom. It was at the Target Field. We treated her to seats behind home plate and Mom, a huge Twins fan, was in awe of the seats. She had never been that close before. It really touched Josh's heart to share that with her.

I said I remember the late 90s to early 2000s being a time when you could drive a vehicle after Mom had and yours have to turn the CD way down! She loved to blast Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael w Smith, DC Talk, and a bunch of Christian artists. 

I asked Caleb then what he liked to do with Oma. He said, "Play trains!" I repeated, "You like to play trains with Oma at Oma's house." He then whined, "Oma's house!" He wanted to go right then. Totally melted my heart. I'm glad he has an Oma he loves to play with! 

Thursday

Today Auntie Krista hung out with us for parts of the day. One part in the morning meant we went to Sam's Club. In the afternoon she was with us again and we picked up pictures from Elite Portrait Design. This way she could stay with the babies and I could pick out pictures. 

I'm so grateful for a generous and servant hearted sister. She is so willing to help others and doesn't wait until she is asked, but rather shows up and offers. Thank you Krista!

Then we came home, did a little cleaning, and had a visitor. Lisa, our favorite nurse came to visit! We went for a walk and caught up. It was wonderful to see her! Time flew by and soon Caleb and Josh were home, babies needed fed, and we needed to think about dinner. So Lisa left, but hopefully we'll see her again soon.

Friday 

This afternoon was Bridges All School Musical. The babies and I went to see my class and my nephew Eli. Luckily Aunt Boogie (Jess) a and Nana were there to help hold a baby. 

At 4:00 there was a Staff party at Peggy's, my partner teacher, in honor of all those who will not be returning to Bridges in the fall. I brought Mollie and William and they were passed around and tolerated it well. 

At 5:30 we left for Oma and Grandpa Gene's to celebrate Oma's golden year birthday. We had brats on the grill! Summer is here! Caleb got to play trains with Auntie Krista before supper and get a 4 wheeler ride with Grandpa after supper! Then it was time for a bonfire, the first of the summer.

Then it was a bath and a drive home.

Easter celebrations - 2 months!

Easter is such a special holiday. As Christians we celebrate it year round. because Jesus is risen, we can live saved life. A life without fear of death.

Unfortunately that seems to be abstract for Caleb yet. He isn't candy crazy, but he loves 'the hunt' for eggs. He says his prayers and loves to sing 'Jesus Loves Me' with his daddy. 

Easter Saturday: 

My Grandpa and Oma, Caleb's Great Grandpa and Uroma, host Easter each year at their home in Green Isle. My cousin Heather and her husband Christian were there from New York. My Great Aunt Bitti, Great Aunt Holly, and Great Uncle Roger got to meet the babies for the first time too. The Harjes side was also gracious enough to celebrate Caleb's birthday with us again. We had dirt cake for everyone and Caleb opened presents.

Easter Sunday:

We did it! We got to church, before the opening song even, for the early service! Nursing and pumping conflicted with some of my morning routine to get ready, but make up is overrated!
We all sat in the church for the whole service. I don't know that I caught the entire message, but the Spirit filled me! We were at the service with Josh's older brother, Jason and his family.  After the service we took our first nice family picture.

2 months old!

I can't believe Mollie and William are 2 months old! After church we sat them on the couch for their 2 month picture in their Easter outfits. They are now able to sit with little propping. We're still eating every three hours and at times clustering, but we're doing well. I do think that William has a dairy sensitivity. Apparently it is common for babies to have difficulty breaking down the protein in dairy. This causes gastrointestinal discomfort. The only way to help William is by my diet changing. Therefore, I will be going dairy-free. It has nothing to do with lactose, so looking for labels that say lactose-free doesn't help. And actually dairy is hidden in many products so there will be a lot of label reading and education for Josh and me. 

Caleb's Birthday Party Day - April 18

Caleb was happy to get up this morning. He knew it was time to celebrate!

http://youtu.be/RTdNfo0Q1Ok 

He has been obsessed with birthdays so we're relieved it's finally his! He loves the excitement, the opening of presents, and CAKE! He likes treats but is really a grapes, carrots, and broccoli kind of kid. However, cake is his weakness. He's been asking for birthday cake this last week, knowing it is coming:)

Caleb took the dirt cake to daycare and they all loved it. They actually sent me a video saying thank you. Amy, our provider, is awesome. While Caleb was away at daycare, I frantically got things ready. We had to go to Plan B and my mom came for an hour before having a lunch with family in town, so I could run to the store to get the frosting from HyVee bakery for the cake. She did a few things for me while I was gone and I returned as quickly as possible. Of course right after she left, both babies woke. So I switched them every 15 minutes for awhile. One was in the bouncy seat and one was in the carrier. William really likes the carrier. It was probably quite the scene with me frosting a cake in front of myself with a baby between me in the cake. The angle was awkward but the Construction Cake was made.

My sister Krista drove in to town for Easter weekend from Colorado. She and our 2nd cousin, Katie drove together. They had lunch with my mom and Katie's parents and then they all came over to see Mollie and William. I put on a hat and cleaned for 10 minutes before they came. Luckily my mom gave me the 15 minute text warning:)

My sister Krista is the last aunt to meet these little ones. She was so excited to meet them. She had seen them only on Skype before this. Krista is a wonderful aunt to Caleb, so I know she will be wonderful with Mollie and William too.

Then due to people's own errands and schedules I had on and off help for the rest of the afternoon. My niece Josie came after a clinical session even and helped chop veggies and fruit. She also made my 4-H Fruit Dip recipe. Josh took a half day off work last minute so that he could help with the grocery shopping of fruit and vegetables. Then at 3:00 he went to pick up Caleb for his 3 year check up.

Caleb did great! He's about 40" tall and 41lbs. He had his blood pressure taken (a Bear Hug), his hearing (birds tweeting in the headphones) and vision (shapes on a wall) checked, and best of all No Shots! He's a healthy and impressive little guy. He was super cooperative with all the tests and Josh was a wonderful daddy guiding and encouraging him through it all.

Caleb came home and told me about the Bear Hug, the birds tweeting, and the doctor looking in his mouth. It was quite exciting. After he was home for a bit, Krista walked in the door. He stopped, registered who it was, and ran to her saying "Kista! Kista!" I cried. He jumped into her arms and snuggled into her. It was so sweet.

The party:
The food was ready and delicious. The menu was pigs in a blanket, fruits & veggies, spinach and strawberry salad, popcorn, Cheetos, and pop/milk/water. All Caleb's favorites.

We sang happy birthday to Caleb and he grinned through the whole thing.

After eating and cake it was time for presents. It was Good Friday so some guests needed to leave for church. Caleb opened each gift, hugging the givers, and loving the whole process. He was great! The last gift was a Big Wheel from Mommy and Daddy. He loves it.

Thank you everyone for your help, love, and gifts. It was a wonderful day and celebration of this little man. We are so grateful he was put in our charge. We learn and love every day!

April 14-17

Monday April 14th

Kayla Koble did a night shift again! Josh stayed up though and continued working on upstairs. He really wants to get that checked off his list!

Tuesday April 15th

This afternoon I took Mollie and Will to meet my students. 

This evening our daycare provider, Amy D, brought a former child care girl, Alayna, and  babysat our three kids. She's gifting us two date nights for our birthdays. How sweet! It was great too because we had no problem leaving. We trust Amy so much and she was well staffed and Caleb was happy to have Alayna and Amy at his house! 

Multiple Blessings dropped off supper - Tater tot hotdish. I enjoyed it as a late supper snack (I'm nursing)! Yum!

Josh and I Had our date at Bonfire, a newer restaurant we had not yet been to.  We had a delicious meal and enjoyed having time to talk! We laughed and truly had a great 'break.'

Wednesday April 16th

Ruthan, Nana, came and I got a nap this morning. Yay! Afterward we followed her to work to show off the babies. 

This evening Oma & Lauren came to help. I had to get some things done for school and next year's order of books. While I did that, these ladies gave 3 baths. For whatever reason I am not a fan of bath time, so this was a huge gift. Plus they were all occupied and I could work at the computer pretty easily. I did nurse while on the computer though:) 

Thursday April 17th

Southern MN Children's Museum did a photography fundraiser in which a professional photographer did 15 minute sessions for $15 with a free 8x10. We decided to take advantage of this to get a family photo. Caleb wanted to go in the studio right away but we had to wait our turn. He did pretty well waiting but it took a lot of coaching. During pictures he did well for an almost 3 year old too. I love that his, "say cheese" smile isn't too bad:) We'll see the pictures in a month and hopefully they look good:)

Supper was dropped off from Multiple Blessings for the last time. I will miss these delicious meals being provided.

Tonight I needed to bake Caleb's birthday cake so that I could freeze for the layering and frosting part. So after he was in bed and before I laid down, I worked in the kitchen. 

I also made Dirt cake for daycare kids. I ate it for the first time at Beth Johnson's childhood birthday party and I've loved it since, but have never made it. I'm excited to make it for Caleb and his friends. It's a cake he can help make in the future, just time was a factor.

Weekends fly by...

I really enjoy the weekends because Caleb and Josh are home. We get some family time Saturday morning that I really treasure! 

Oma picked up Caleb so that Josh could work upstairs all day, use the saw without worry of nap time, and get the floor done! 

Uncle Tom, Cheryl, and Amy brought lunch and hungry arms for babies:) I got a full belly and a nap! We also gave Mollie and William baths before they left. A lot was accomplished in three hours! Josh kept working upstairs. He was installing the floor.

Josie and Eli came over in the evening to help with holding babies while Josh kept working. We didn't so our normal shifts tonight so he could hammer through and get it done! 

The bathroom and main bedroom floors are installed!

Sunday:

Caleb came home this morning. 

I somehow tweaked my back. Side lying has not been friendly lately. I like it but I most hold a muscle that gets angry later.

Mollie and Will had a needy afternoon. 

So we went to Supper at Oma and Grandpa's. On the way Caleb was hungry so I found a baggy of popcorn in the diaper bag. I told him I was going to throw it to him. He said, "Ok! Ready!" I threw it to him and he said shouted, "I did it! Thanks Mom!" I wish his expression and intonation could be shared with you. It adds to the sweetness of the memory.

Caleb was thrilled to play with Grandpa and Zach, while Greta, Mom, and I handled babies. Greta ate one handed all of supper while she held and kept Will content in the other arm. 

April 7-11

April 7

I was tired Monday morning. Thank goodness Ur Oma came! She worked hard at holding babies to give me a nap:) So very appreciated!

Ur Oma was able to stay until 11:00. Like when she was there, the rest of the day felt like a relay or tag team between Mollie and William. It was a 'busy' day.

Monday night was such a gift! My friend, Kayla, came after my evening nursing at about 8:45. She then stayed with babies so Josh and I could both go to bed. WONDERFUL! Per usual this time of night, they had a bit of fussiness but she handled it. 

April 8

Tuesday morning I finished a feeding about the same time as Caleb woke up, so I got him ready. I put his PJs away as Caleb ran out of his room and into the living room. Then I heard him run into the kitchen and call out, "Will?" Then Caleb ran back in to his bedroom. 

Caleb was obviously concerned about Will. "Where's Will?!" He exclaimed. I said, "He's in the bouncy seat." 

"Huh?"

I walked him out to the living room. See usually both babies are in the pack n play or in my arms in the morning. I showed him Will in the bouncy seat. He looked relieved and said, "Oh cute!" He's such a great big brother.

I had a 9am doctor's appointment, so I packed babies up after a quick early feeding and arrived on time. Key words: on time. I was proud of myself:) Greta, my sister, met me at the clinic to help in case babies needed assistance during the exam. Dr T was his joyful and energetic self. Afterwards I stopped by to see Sue D, our fertility specialist, too. I thanked her for helping us get them here. She was excited to see them. She teared up. Mollie & Will slept through it all. I decided to take advantage of their sleepiness so I went to the bank's drive thru to deposit a check. They were still sleeping so I carried their car seats in to Liv Aveda for an eye brow wax. Everyone stopped and said they were cute:) I felt like super woman carrying two car seats through the salon:) I got home and nursed two hungry babies after a big morning! 

Today we also went to School, my work. Many of the staff had yet to meet Mollie and Will, so we went to them, especially to see Marcia. In another week or two I will take them to meet the students, but I' slowly taking them out and introducing them to people/germs:)

The afternoon flew by. Then we were blessed with supper provided by Tricia from Multiple Blessings. Multiple Blessings is a group of moms with multiples. It's great to have support! 

This evening Mollie and William had one more excursion, Book Club! I even read the book, Wishing on Willows. It was great to go out, talk about something other than babies, but still enjoy them. There were happy holders too:)

Wednesday 9th

Nana came to help this morning. Always grateful for any assistance! Caleb receives speech services through the school district, so we had a meeting this morning as we approach his third birthday. Caleb is doing exceedingly well, and such a cooperative and hard worker. We're very proud of the progress he has made.

Early this afternoon, the home health nurse Gloria came to do a weight check. 

William is 9lbs 2.5oz, up 12.5 oz from last week.

Mollie is 8lbs 5 oz, up 8 oz.  Both had great gains!

After Gloria left we had a feeding and then head to Oma's work. Boy was that office happy to hold cute and healthy little babies. We were there for about an hour going office to office. 

Margerithe, a woman from church, pulled in the driveway after us as we got home. She brought us supper and gifted very cute burp clothes. She made jello jugglers that spelled Mollie, William, Caleb, Mom, and Dad. So very sweet and delicious! Caleb loved eating a majority of them!! 

Oma was here for the evening as well helping with things and holding babies as Josh worked upstairs. 

Thursday 

Today we had a Lactation appointment at 11:00 with Sue S. We did a tandem nursing and measured how much was transferred. They did well, but not as much as we give when we bottle them. I wanted to check. However the more we tandem nurse, the better they will get it. 

Afterwards we met with our nurse, Lisa, in the waiting room. She was happy to see both Molly and William, and get the chance to hold Will. He really has chunked up since we left the hospital! 

Next we did our first Target run. We ran into a fellow mother of multiples I have met through Mankato's Multiple Blessings group. We were also stopped to talk about my twins by two completely random people. Something I've been told to get used to:) 

On the way out another mom was pushing a stroller with a young baby girl. I asked her how old her daughter was and we found out our babies were born one day apart, both in Mankato. We joked we will find each other again in ECFE and kindergarten. 

We got home and they were hungry. I figured I would settle Mollie since she was content, and quick feed Will since he was being vocal about being hungry. Well Mollie wasn't so quickly laid down. I picked her up and found Poop! 

We went for a family walk down the trail and to the park tonight. 

Hungry William tonight! These babies are growing!

Friday, April 11

Michelle, our church's nursery director stopped this morning to hold babies while I took a deluxe shower. One where I had time to shave my legs, shampoo AND condition my hair! Woohoo:) I'm so grateful for these acts of kindness!

Grandpa and Oma stopped for an hour before going out to eat, and got snuggles in. 

Sunday

Sunday morning I took Mollie and William to my friend Kayla's for pictures. Mollie had a tutu on for the first time. I loved it more than I thought I would! I'm adjusting to this whole 'little girl' world.

My cousins Kevin, Diana, and Laura came to visit. They brought us lunch and tie blankets for Mollie and William. It was great to catch up. It seems too far between our visits. My mom, Oma, and Garrett came while our cousins were here. Caleb gave Garrett a running hug as a great. Just take Caleb to the park and he'll love you forever! It was one of the best hugs. We all visited and hung out for awhile.

Then Caleb and Josh went swimming. Caleb was SO excited. He kept telling everyone over and over again that he was going swimming. Shortly after those two left, everyone else left too to give me a nap. 

My boys came home, Caleb took a nap, and then I took all 3 kids to my parents for Family Supper. Josh said I was brave and that's why he loved me. Josh stayed home to get some uninterrupted work done.

Family supper went well. It was fun to rejoin the tradition. Garrett and Kayla were there too. After supper we did baby baths. Meanwhile caleb played outside with Grandpa.

On the way home I told Caleb that it was bed time when we would get home. He was so good. He walked in, took of his coat, and said,  "Night night Daddy."  He's such a cool little man!