The Thomas Family

Halloween 2011

2011-11-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

The girls had a great Halloween and got WAY too much candy, in my opinion :) This is the first year they were really able to get into it and it was fun to watch. They always made sure they both got candy, which a lot of times meant they both got double the amount of candy. We start out in the morning going to where I used to work, before they were born. It was good to see everyone and visit with some friends I haven't talked to in awhile. For that particular trick or treating trip Brooklyn was a little pirate and Emmalyn was a cow girl!

Later that afternoon the girls and I went to Jeff's work and enjoyed another round of trick or treating. At one cubicle the guy offered the girls either an apple or a piece of candy. At first the girls both chose an apple, but then decided they also wanted a piece of candy, but then they munched on the apple the rest of the time we were walking around. The girls decided to switch costumes so this time Emmalyn was the pirate and Brooklyn was the cowgirl.

That evening we went to our wards trunk or treat, that was a lot of fun, and I "borrowed" some of the girls candy from earlier to pass out to the other kids in the ward/neighborhood. I didn't get any pictures there because I was busy handing out candy. We ran our of candy a lot sooner than we thought, so we decided to take the girls out to their grandma's house to show off their cuteness :) We took them to a few houses in Jeff's mom's neighborhood, but the girls tired out quickly. When we got back to their grandma's house they realized what was happening when other kids were coming to the door and thought it was the best thing ever. They LOVED handing out candy to the other kids that came. They would wait at the door and get so excited when kids started walking up the driveway. It was really cute to watch!

Catching up!

2011-10-26T09:16:00.000-06:00

Yes, it has been awhile since I've blogged, I stay pretty busy with the girls and everything that has been going on. I'll start with some pictures of things we've done.

For Labor Day we headed down to Caliente, NV (my hometown) and had a great weekend with my parents and my brother Cory, his wife Melissa, and their adorable, fun kids! We enjoyed a trip to a local reservoir and ate some hamburgers and hot dogs, we watched two parades (a night parade and a day parade), and just enjoyed the calmness of the small town! Unfortunately I kept forgetting to take pictures so I only have a couple.

We stopped at a Burger King on the way down for lunch...our two Burger "Queens"!

This was actually taken after we got home, but that is corn that my parents gave us to bring home...the girls LOVE corn on the cob!

The rest of these are just really random. This first picture was taken after a very busy day with lots of kids running through a very small space! At one point in time we had 5 adults and 7 kids all crammed in our little house, it was a good day and it was great to see some family we hadn't seen for awhile!

One day Emmalyn seemed to be having a particularly rough day, and it didn't help that Brooklyn seemed to want to pester her more than usual! At one point Jeff took her upstairs with him for a little while, he put on one of her favorite shows on his computer and put his head phones on her. She thought it was the coolest thing ever!

One Sunday we went to my cousin and her husbands house for dinner. They have a park close by that has a lot of ducks, so we took some bread down and let the girls feed the ducks. Brooklyn was really hesitant at first, but she eventually warmed up to the idea...as long as someone was holding her hand and the ducks didn't get too close!

Emmalyn

Brooklyn and Joanna

Emmalyn wearing Joanna's shoes!

The first weekend of October (and April) the LDS church does a world wide broadcast (General Conference) and we get to listen to our prophet and his counselors and many other church leaders talk and give counsel. Thanks so Netflix, we were able to keep the girls occupied during one of the sessions so we could listen to the talks!

One night while Jeff and I were cooking dinner we turned around to see this...

Emmalyn pulled out her chair and climbed up, buckled herself in, and got comfy to watch us make dinner!

One Friday we decided to take a break from the Zoo and went to the Ogden Nature Center with our friends Allison and her kiddos. The highlight for the kids were the little black, fuzzy caterpillars that were all over on the trail. Brooklyn's favorite part was all the sticks she was able to collect and carry...I thought that was only a boy thing!!

This was just taken yesterday. The girls discovered their front pockets in their little hoodies they were wearing, I thought they looked so cute!

B-left, E-right

Some other things that have happened lately. Jeff got a job with Kelly IT services working as a documentation analyst a a company called Ceridian. It's a contract position that will go till the end of January.

A couple of months ago Emmalyn figured how to crawl into Brooklyn's crib, and shortly after out of it and into hers so we started the hunt for regular beds. We decided to skip toddler beds and go straight to twins. It took a few nights for them to get used to them, but they do fairly well in them now. Emmalyn is really starting to explore her independence and pushing every boundary she possibly can. She's very smart and quick to pick things up and surprises me day after day of things she says and does!

Brooklyn is very observant and quiet. She is very curious about everything and how things work. She's very good at taking things apart and will play for quite a long time with things that she trying to figure out. This past weekend she ended up getting croup. I ended up taking her in InstaCare and they gave her some steroids and a cold-air breathing treatment. She actually got over the croup rather quickly, but still has a cold with a normal cough (so does Emmalyn).

As for me, not a whole lot it new. I still watch our friends little girl that is two months younger than B and E Mon-Thurs. I've gotten a little brave and taken the three girls to the park for a play group some of the ladies in our ward do. As much as a love the cool weather and the holidays, I'm not looking forward to having the girls cooped up in the house! They get worse cabin fever than I do :)

So that is what our lives have been like the last couple of months, in a nutshell!

The Zoo!

2011-10-26T08:38:00.001-06:00

What's better than having a year-long pass to the zoo that gets you and your kids and a few friends in as often as you want? A zoo pass that also lets you ride their train and carousel as many times as you want!

The past few months we have frequented the Hogle Zoo here in SLC. We've been with a few different groups of friends, but the girls and I have been quite often with a lady is our ward that also has a set of twins (who's names also start with E and B!!). The kids have a lot of fun and it's nice to be around another adult to talk to! Our trips to the zoo developed a particular pattern. First thing when we get there we ride the train! Then we go around to look at some of the animals. We make a stop at the carousel for a ride or two, look at a few more animals, stop and eat lunch, stop back at the carousel for another ride or two (or three or four), once back at the entrance we'd ride the train again! Depending on the kids' moods we'd let them play with a ball that sits on water and spins around that's right at the opening. We always have a great time and love hanging out with Allison, Brooks and Eva!!

Here are a few pictures of our trips to the zoo...these were not all taken on the same day!

Emmalyn

Brooklyn (with Allison and her kiddos behind her)

The girls LOVE water and always have to stop to look at the fountain in front of the Zoo

The four kiddos looking at the elephants, one of Emmalyn's favorites.

I thought was such a funny/cute way that Brooklyn was riding on the carousel, she's on an elephant

Emmalyn.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-09-12T11:56:00.000-06:00

I finally got these to upload!

A few weeks ago our good friend Angela (owner of IvoryLime Photography) met up with us and did some family pictures for us. We had a lot of fun, and it helped that the girls were familiar with the photographer! Here are some of our favorites! Emmalyn is in the pink outfit, Brooklyn is in the orange outfit.

Two 2yo's

2011-08-11T16:06:00.000-06:00

I know I'm a couple weeks late on this, but better late than never!!

Emmalyn and Brooklyn have turned 2. I can't believe it's already been two years since these angels joined our family. It has been a wonderful learning experience and they have taught me so much! This year was still kind of uneventful, the girls didn't really get it, which was quite obvious when walked into their room the morning of their birthday singing to them and they just looked at us like we were crazy! But we still had fun! This is what the girls came downstairs to.

Here are a few pictures from their party.

Enjoying some hamburgers and hot dogs!

Opening presents!

Brooklyn showing off her new dress!

Emmalyn mutilating...I mean opening...a card.

Emmalyn playing peekaboo with a gift bag

A Broom!

MELMO!!

Cake time!! I forgot to take a picture of the cake, but oh well. Brooklyn freaked out while the candle was lit, but once we blew it out and she realized it was cake she was fine!

Nothing ends a party like BUBBLES!! The girls love bubbles and they know right where Grandma keeps them in her garage. So of course we had to bring them out and indulge the girls.

Emmalyn chasing the bubbles

Brooklyn blowing her own bubbles, she's actually quite good at it!

Although the girls are identical in the genetic/medical world, they are total opposites in personality, temperament, expression, etc.

Emmalyn is spunky and bossy! She extremely expressive and very talkative. She likes to think she's queen bee around here (and everywhere) and never hesitates to tell you what you're suppose to do or not do. She is very sweet, loving, and friendly to pretty much anyone she sees.

Brooklyn is our strong, silent type of girl. She loves to play "rough" and pounce/lay on her sister all the time. She's very curious about everything and is very good at taking things apart (she took a pen apart that she was drawing with and by the time we caught her is was in about 5 pieces). She loves to help us do anything that we'll let her help with, and is always quick to give cuddles.

Both girls love animals and being outside, especially if water is involved (unless it's rain or snow). The love to go to the park to swing and go down slides.

Happy Birthday Emmalyn and Brooklyn, we love you so much!!

Summer Fun!

2011-07-10T15:47:00.000-06:00

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged, but we've been having a lot of fun this summer...now that it's finally warm! At the beginning of June we got together with Jeff's family for a reunion in Richfield, UT. I kept forgetting to pull out my camera, so I only have the one picture of the girls on a wagon with some of their cousins at Cove Fort. We had a great time seeing everyone and catching up.

We have a zoo pass again this year and we've made frequent trips up there already. The girls LOVE the animals and we love going up there with friends. We usually pack a lunch and go enjoy a few hours up there. Here are the girls on the carousel. Brooklyn prefers to sit on the bench seats, but Emmalyn loves the ones that go up and down.

Another nice thing about the zoo is that it wears the girls out and they generally end up falling asleep on the way home, so when we get home I usually just let them sleep on the couch.

Some of our good friends have a pass to "This is the Place" monument park. We went up there with them one day and had fun riding the trains, looking at the animals, and running around. There's a part of the park that has a petting zoo. The girls paid little attention to the animals and were more intrigued by the water that was running through the place. They love water!

One July 4th we went to our friends' house for a hot dog roast! They were puppy sitting for a little while and the girls LOVED the puppy. Here's the only picture I could catch with them all running around and having a blast!

One evening the girls were begging to go slide and swing, so we took them to a park nearby our house and let them play for a little while. They love being outside, playing, and running around. They are crazy girls, but oh so fun. Here are some pictures from the park. Emmalyn is in the pink, Brooklyn is in the purple.

As I mentioned before the girls LOVE playing in water, so we got them a little wading pool to go on our back patio. They love it and are now always wanting to go out to play in the water! Emmalyn - pink, Brooklyn - blue.

Planting Flowers

2011-07-10T15:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday (7/9/11) the girls and I went over to their grandma's house to help her run a few errands and plant some flowers. The girls were all too happy to "help" with the watering part of it. Here are a few pictures that I got. Emmalyn is in the pink shirt, Brooklyn in the orange shirt.

Putting more water in Grandma's bucket

Filling up the buckets with water

Needless to say both girls got rather wet, but they kept up with it for a good hour or more. They love being outside and running around.

Wheeler Farm

2011-05-15T20:54:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we had some really pretty days, but we hadn't gotten our new passes to the zoo, so I took the girls to Wheeler Farm. It's a family farm here in the middle of the city and people can just go and see the animals, have picnics, etc and it's all free. There are hay rides and classes/workshops but those you have to pay for. Anyway, I love going in the Spring because that's when all the new baby animals are there. I guess it's still a little early in the Spring for too many, but there were a few and I'm gonna be sure to go back because we saw a few VERY pregnant momma animals there.

Emmalyn loved the animals and being able to go right up to their cages and see them, which is unusual for her...she usually shies away/gets scared of them. Not this time though!

Pointing at one of the goats

Looking at one of the adorable lambs!

Brooklyn, on the other hand, preferred to stay in the stroller. Not necessarily because she was afraid of the animals, but more because she LOVES our "new" stroller. I found a Sit'N'Stand stroller on KSL for $50 and Brooklyn would probably sleep in it if I let her, okay that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. She knows that we keep the stroller in the back of the van, and EVERY time we go anywhere she goes straight to the back of the van, pounds on the back door of the van and asks to get the "oller" out. She'll even throw a fit when we tell her not this time. So here's where she spent the time at Wheeler Farm...

...until we got to the duck/geese pond. A lady gave us a loaf of bread and the girls thought it was awesome to throw the bread and watch the ducks come and eat it.

Easter 2011 - Caliente, NV

2011-05-09T20:08:00.007-06:00

As mentioned in the last post, I took the girls down to Caliente the few days before Easter. Thanks to some good friends Jeff was able to join us late Friday night, just in time for all the fun Easter festivisties! They started out Saturday morning with egg coloring. Cory, Melissa, and their boys came over to join us. This is the first year the girls were really able to participate. They were a little leary about it at first, but after they realized what we were doing they had a lot of fun.

Emmalyn's first egg

Brooklyn's first egg

Emmalyn has this thing were she likes to "hide" things and ask where it went. Well putting the eggs in the darker colors was no exception! Whenever we'd put an egg in color she'd put her hands up an say "Go?!" Jeff was able to get this cute picture of her doing that.

Next was the Easter Egg Hunt, put on by the Caliente Rotary Club. They section off the park and put the kids in age groups. Once again the girls didn't really seem to care what was going on at first, but once they realized that they could run out and pick up the eggs they were hard to slow down.

Emmalyn

Brooklyn

Of course, I let the Easter Bunny know we were gonna be in Caliente, so the girls were able to get some goodies in their baskets!

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Smith

2011-05-09T19:41:00.004-06:00

The week before Easter was my mom's spring break, so the girls and I went down for the last half of the week. The girls did fairly well on the trip and we had a wonderful visit with my parents, my brother Cory, his wife Melissa, and their 3 boys. The girls LOVED having some boys to rough and tumble with and spent as much time as I would let them outside. Anytime Grandpa was home they were his little shadows, and they loved to snuggle with Grandma and go for walks.

On the way down we made a pit stop at my sister Marie's house. Her kids were all too willing to play with the girls and let them get their wiggles out after being in the car for a few hours! Santa was very nice to them this past Christmas and got them a trampoline, and the girls decided to give it a try. At first Emmalyn was a little scared and overwhelmed (of course it didn't help that there were a lot of bigger kids on there with her) but I put her on again when there was only one or two other kids on it and she LOVED it. She would get so excited that instead of bouncing she would just wave arms like she was trying to fly, it was so cute! Here are a couple of pictures...

Of course trampolines make AWESOME hair-dos.

Brooklyn with her cousin Veronica.

After a couple hours of playing with their cousins in Cedar City we headed to Caliente. Here are some pictures from our adventures there.

Singing on the swing set.

Brooklyn found Grandma's lipstick in her purse...beautiful!

Grandpa's little helpers!

Walking up by the Depot

Grandpa took them for a ride in his Rhino, they LOVED it and didn't want to get out!

My parents don't have a dishwasher so doing dishes the "old fashion" way was a favorite with the girls. They always wanted to help whoever was doing the dishes.

Thanks again Mom and Dad for little us come and stay with you for those few days and for letting the girls tear apart your house! :)

Good News!

2011-04-10T20:28:00.004-06:00

Jeff got a job!! He actually started a week and a half ago, but I just haven't had time to sit and blog. There were some reservations about it in the beginning (still a few there, like no benefits) but it's turning out to be really good for him. He's learning new skills and getting more experience to add to his resume, and he's enjoying the work as well. The girls have adjusted fairly well. The first few days he was gone they'd yell up the stairs for him (which was normal) and I'd have to tell them he wasn't up there. They'd be a little sad but then go on. They're definitely excited to see him when he comes home and generally don't want much to do with me in the evenings.

The girls are doing really well and learning new words every day. It just amazes me what they pick up on and learn. It seems like they say a new word about every other day, if not every day. We finally signed up for a trial thing of Netflix and one day the girls were being particularly cranky so I was looking for a show for them to watch and saw Blues Clues. I put it on for them and they were hooked immediately. They already know some of the actions of the songs and can occasionally point out a clue. We've been working on shapes lately, but when you first show/draw a shape they always say circle, so whenever the guy is drawing the clues they'll shout out "Circle!" They're also interacting and playing with each other a LOT more, which some days is good and others not so much. I try not to "categorize" or label the girls and their personalities, but Emmalyn tends to be the more bossy/authoritative one. It's kind of funny to watch as she tries to boss Brooklyn around, or even other people, like today in church when someone was standing up she looked right at them and said "Sit down!" rather loudly. Brooklyn also is very strong, but she's the more passive one, unless you REALLY get in her way. You know when she's had enough and has no problem tackling Emmalyn to the floor. They both love to "help" whether it's cleaning, putting things away, or anything that I will actually let them help with, and what I won't let them directly help with they'll mimic what I do. They're both generally just very happy and fun girls. I'm so blessed to have such amazing daughters.

As for myself there's really not much to report. Right after Jeff started his job I actually got offered a job, but after a lot of praying and discussing things with Jeff we decided it would be best for me to still stay home with the girls full time. I've had quite a bit of cabin lately, and the moodiness of the weather has not been helping. I watch the weather closely and anticipate the warm days and always try to plan outings with the girls. We've been the zoo a few times, and I'm currently in the process of trying to clean out the patio area we have in the back of our town home and making it more kid friendly and ready for some summer days playing out there. As you can see in the first picture below...the girls were great helpers!

Another thing the girls have started doing is trying to dress themselves. It's really cute what they end up with some times. Here's an example...

Those are actually shirts that Emmalyn apparently thought worked better as a skirt and whatever they may be around her feet.

A much needed weekend!

2011-03-15T20:54:00.002-06:00

The first weekend of March I got together with my mom, sisters(in-law) and oldest niece in the beautiful, green Davis, CA. My sister Vera owns a funeral home there and was nice enough to host our annual girls weekend there this year. And yes, her home is ABOVE the funeral home...don't worry, her clients stayed nice and quiet for us :). We all traveled (some by plane, some by car) Thursday and arrived that evening.

Friday we rode the Amtrak to San Fransisco and enjoyed shopping, eating, visiting, touring, eating, and sight-seeing. We started at Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf, then went on a downtown San Fran tour which of course included a stop at China Town. We ate some delicious food and saw some amazing sights...including a sunset tour over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Saturday we went the Davis Farmers Market. We sampled fresh local fruits, veggies, nuts, desserts. etc. After the Farmers Market we walked around and looked around a few shops in Davis. I have fallen in love with that place and the fact that it's very quaint, small, and walkable! That afternoon we had a baby shower for my SIL Melissa, she's due with her first girl (after three adorable, rambunctious boys) in May. After that we went to Trader Joe's and World Market and I got my favorite treat ever...Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (basically an Oreo with candy cane bits in the filling). That night we went out for Thai food (YUM) and then spent the evening visiting and relaxing.

Sunday we all went home. It was such a wonderful weekend and I had a great time. It was definitely a much needed break for me. Here are a few of the pictures that I got.

Waiting at the Amtrak station

My sister Marie and I on the Amtrak

All of us the double-decker tour bus

I loved these...just had to take a picture of them :)

Playing games at the baby shower.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-03-15T20:36:00.002-06:00

That word is what best describes life for us right now. Two little 19 month old munchkins running around everywhere really makes life BUSY.

Brooklyn is finally walking...she's still a little slow and wobbly, but she's getting better and better every day. Emmalyn is a little smarty pants and just amazed me with what she says and does every day, and of course anything she does Brooklyn has to at least try to do too (and she usually succeeds too). Both girls love to "help" with everything that we will let them help with, i.e. laundry, vacuuming, throwing away diapers, putting (some) things away, etc. They're both very talkative and expressive and are so fun to watch when they play together. Here are some pictures for ya...

"Helping" me vacuum.

Reading in the chair in their room together.

Our little monkeys!

They love to do "big girl" things...like eating their lunch in the big chairs, not the high chairs.

This was actually just taken tonight...I thought it's be fun to put bubbles in their bath, Emmalyn didn't agree. She screamed the entire time. Needless to say this was one of her shortest baths ever!

"Because I have been given much...

2011-02-06T22:05:00.002-07:00

I too must give." (Hymn 219)

We sang this song at church today...twice. Well I sang it twice (once in Sacrament meeting and once in Relief Society) and it made me want to burst into tears both times. I have, in fact, been "given MUCH" and at times (like right now) I feel like I don't have much to give back. I always want to try to serve and help people, but with two (sometimes three) 18-month-olds, a rather small house, and few resources I feel like I'm not much help to anyone. It's not very easy for me to go to service projects because I usually have to bring the girls and then I spend more time chasing them around (and probably adding to the chaos) than I do actually being able to serve. I would love to be able to help people out more and watch there kids, but our house is so small that we really don't have much room for more than us. When people need help moving or doing home projects I feel like I just add to their burdens because, once again, I come with two little ones that are very curious, mischievous and get into everything. So there are days when I feel so useless when it comes to helping and serving others.

In one visit with my visiting teachers a few months ago we were actually talking about this very thing. One of the ladies has a very similar situation to mine; the other is a little older, has older kids, more experience, etc. She told me that right now I am serving my family and that it was I am called to do. When I do have chances that I actually can go and serve others than to embrace them and do them, but not to feel guilty when I feel like I can't. Because in all reality I'm serving in the most important place that I can be right now and that's inside my home, serving my kids, and serving my husband.

Sometimes I feel guilty that there is so much that I have been given and a lot of things I take for granted. The Lord has blessed me immensely. I have amazing parents who raised me and taught me very well, siblings that are great examples and are always there to give me advice and support me, a wonderful husband who loves me regardless of all my craziness, and two beautiful girls that bring so much love and joy into my life. I have "My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, my roof safe shelter over head" and so much more. This day came at the perfect time, when I needed this reminder of how much I DO have...not what I don't have, and I have two people to thank for all of this. They are my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I wouldn't have the family that I have, the life lessons, the strong testimony, the ability to make it from day to day if it wasn't for these two amazingly wonderful Heavenly Beings.

Between today and earlier this week (see previous post) I have been truly humbled. I have been touched by His spirit and I know that I am truly blessed and being watched over, especially in this difficult and trying time. It was made even more clear to me when we came home from my in-laws house to two boxes of diapers sitting on our back patio. We have so many angels in our lives, especially now as we are struggling, getting discouraged, and trying to lift each other up as we go day in and day out. I know angels are always around us, we just don't always recognize them. I don't know who left us diapers (twice now), gave us gift cards, or gave us money so we could give our girls a good Christmas, but I want the world to know how truly and eternally grateful I am to those that have done these things for us. I cannot wait for the day when I am in the position to be able to do these types of things for others. I cannot wait until I have the chance to "Pay it Forward". But I know that for now I must continue to humble myself and count my blessings and be grateful for what I do have and serve and give wherever I possibly can.

"Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed."
(Hymn # 219)

A truly humbling experience

2011-02-01T21:34:00.004-07:00

After a rough start to the week Jeff and I were able to go attend the temple, thanks to his mom and sister for watching the girls. We got to the temple and realized that the session we were about to join was an ASL (American Sign Language) session. Even while just sitting in the chapel it was amazing and fascinating to watch those that were deaf and their family/friends and the temple workers communicate with each other. They told us that the session would still have audio so that we could still go into that session if we wanted to. We decided to go for it.

Throughout the session all I could think of was how lucky I am to have the things that I have, and that I really need to stop and count my blessings. This was very humbling because I've kind of been having a bit of a pity party and been feeling down all day. It was amazing to watch all the efforts people took to make sure everyone was able to participate. It made me, once again, realize that the Lord provides for us no matter what our needs are. He will not give us anything that we can't handle and always provides a way to help us make it through.

This experience also opened my eyes to the fact that the Lord truly loves and cares for each of his children individually. The fact that just because someone is deaf, it doesn't mean they can't participate in and receive the ordinances of the temple. The Lord has provided a way for them to be able to receive the same blessings as the rest of us. There was older man in the session that had a real impression on me. He was not only deaf, he was blind too, but yet there he was participating in and receiving those wonderful blessings and being able to be in the Lord's presence.

I am truly humbled and touched from this experience. Just because we're going through a bit of a rough time right now, it's only temporary and the Lord is watching over us, taking care of us, and most definitely has NOT forsaken us.

A little catching up.

2011-01-26T21:46:00.003-07:00

Things have been so crazy and busy around here. A few weeks ago I started watching two other kids (a 2-yr-old and a 4 month old) but it turned out to be a little more than I could handle, but at least I tried I guess. I also survived another birthday. It was a fun weekend, Jeff's brother and his wife and daughter (who is just two months older than our girls) came up for the weekend and we had a great time spending some time with them.

Jeff has been having lots of interviews and continues to submit multiple applications and resumes every day. He had a very promising second interview today and we're hoping for the best. It's been kind of nice having him home to help out with the girls. It's gonna be quite the adjustment when he's gone again, especially for the girls!

The girls have been learning in leaps and bounds! Emmalyn is a walking maniac and loves the fact that she can take toys from her sister and run away. Brooklyn is finally starting to show some interest in walking and will take 5-6 steps at a time, so Emmalyn better watch out! Both girls do a few signs (please, more, all done, food, etc.) and seem to be learning more and more words every day. Just yesterday Emmalyn (with my help and prompting) counted to 4, took me by total surprise! They continue to be very friendly to people, especially when out shopping. They love to wave and say hi and blow kisses. They are quite the little charmers. We're so excited for them to start going to nursery on Sundays :)

Well that's about all that's going on in our lives right now. The girls have their 18-month check up on Friday so I'll have to add in their currents stats then.

Beautiful girls

2011-01-26T21:24:00.002-07:00

Our good friend Angela (IvoryLime Photography) was kind enough to take some cute pictures of the girls in their Christmas dresses. Emmalyn is in the red and Brooklyn is in the green. Thanks again Angela!!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-26T21:07:00.002-07:00

This year we spent Christmas here in the Salt Lake are with Jeff's family. We went over Christmas Eve and helped his Grandma make Carmel creams...so yummy!! It's kind of a tradition for them and Jeff loves to help make (and eat) them.

Jeff and his mom pulling the Carmel's (his grandma is in the background)

Brooklyn getting into mischief in the kitchen...both girls love magnets!

Christmas morning was a little rough in the beginning. The girls woke up at 4:30 am and wouldn't go back to sleep. I stayed up with them for a couple of hours and then Jeff came and took over so I could go get some sleep. I got up just in time for a delicious big breakfast. Then we started opening presents...

The girls opening presents together.

Emmalyn loving on a the bear from Grandma.

The girls "big" present this year. They LOVE them :)

I know I'm a month late on this, but I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday and is having a great New Year so far...I can't believe it's already almost February!!

A little catching up...

2010-12-19T21:35:00.002-07:00

So I know I have a LOT of catching up to do. While doing that blog challenge I neglected doing actual updates. We've been rather busy the last couple of months. The beginning of November my wonderful mom turned 60, so my whole family got together here in SLC, without my mom's knowledge, and surprised her. It was great. My dad rented a house that we were all able to fit in and the weather was fabulous. We had a great time.

Thanksgiving was great also. We traveled down to my parents house in Nevada and spent the weekend there. Our trip was cut a day short by a huge snow storm that moved in, but the time we had there was great. The only ones that couldn't make it for Thanksgiving was my sister Brenda and her family in Idaho because of another snow storm. We missed having them there. One of my brothers-in-law brought some guns and skeets and most of us went out and took turns shooting. I managed to hit 3 :)!! The dinner was delicious, as always, and our group got so big that we ended up eating at the church. That night we had a trip down memory lane when one of my nephews pulled out an old mattress and got a lot of the nieces and nephews to mattress surf down my parents stairs. We even took the girls down a couple of times and they loved it. Brooklyn got very upset whenever we made her get off the mattress.

The last couple of weeks have been a little rough with all of us taking turns being sick. It started with Emmalyn, then me, then Brooklyn, and is finishing up with Jeff. We ended up going through quite the ordeal with Emmalyn. Hers first started out as a cough and runny nose but then she started sounding very "rattly" and wheezy while she breathed. So I took her into the pediatrician. They did a chest x-ray on her and said they couldn't "see anything for certain" and "guessed" that it was either an early stage of pneumonia or she had swallowed something that got stuck in her throat. So we took her up to Primary Children's Hospital to do some more extensive x-rays and testing. They confirmed that neither of the previous guesses were right and said she had Reactive Airway Disease, which basically means her throat was reacting to a virus and was inflamed. So we've had to give her some breathing treatments but she seems to be much better now. Of course now Brooklyn is starting to do what Emmalyn did, so it'll be interesting to see how things play out with her.

Anyway, that's about all that's been going on around here, including continuing on in the job search and getting ready for Christmas. Sorry there are no pictures by I have to get some from my family since I've gotten really bad at taking my camera out when we're doing stuff! Hope everyone is having and continues to have a wonderful Christmas season.

BC Day 30 - My Favorite Song

2010-12-13T11:06:00.002-07:00

My favorite song changes on a somewhat daily basis. However with it being Christmas season I will choose my favorite song of the season. It is Carol of the Bells. My favorite versions of this song are by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

BC Day 29 - In this Past Month, What Have I Learned

2010-12-12T22:27:00.003-07:00

I have learned quite a bit this month.

-I have learned that it's hard to do a daily blog post...especially when I have two (sometimes three) little 1-year-olds to look after!
-I have learned that perseverance and faithfulness is key in overcoming obstacles.
-I have learned that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
-I have learned that when going through hard times, family and true friends are always their and the best people to lean on.
-I have learned just how random acts of kindness can bless your life.
-I have learned that you can't just give up, you have to keep pushing, keep trying, and keep praying.
-I have learned that I have a ton of pictures of my girls over the past 16 months, and not so many of hardly anyone else :)
-I have learned that no matter how poor you are monetarily, as long as you can stick together as a family you will NEVER be poor emotionally or spiritually.

BC Day 28 - A Picture of Me from Last Year and Now, How Have I Changed Since Then?

2010-12-10T20:43:00.004-07:00

When I think of last year I mainly think of being pregnant...probably because I was for just over half of the year! So I only thought it appropriate that I post of picture of my pregnant. This is actually one of the last picture taken of me pregnant. It was taken almost a week before I had the girls.

And my picture from this year is from just over a month ago. When all of my family was in town for my mom's birthday a bunch of us went to the zoo. My sister Vera got this cute picture of our cute little family of four.
I have changed in many ways over the year. First off I've become a mother...of twins :). I have learned a lot about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses. I've learned what it takes to become a mother, both the good and the not so good. Everyday is a day of change and growth with a few set backs here and there. I love that I am ever changing, and as long as I keep changing for the better than that's all I can ask for.

BC Day 27 - Why am I Doing this 30 Day Challenge

2010-12-09T15:31:00.002-07:00

I started doing this 30 day challenge because I thought it would be fun to let others know more about me. I was hoping other people would start doing the challenge as well, but as far as I know no one else has started after I did. It's been fun, it's made me think of things and relive some good times and good people. I urge any and all of you to do this challenge...

BC Day 26 - What do I Think About My Friends

2010-12-08T12:15:00.002-07:00

I think very highly of my friends. They are great people that I love to be around...otherwise they wouldn't be my friends :) There are many of my friends that I don't see often but I still hold them very dear to my heart.

BC Day 25 - What You Would Find in My Bag

2010-12-07T12:15:00.002-07:00

Well I have the typical "mommy" bag. You'll find diapers, wipes, toys, sippies, snacks, a change of clothes for the girls (when I remember), and of course my wallet, chapstick, gum/mints, etc.

I try to clean out my bag quite often because stuff tends to build up in there and I hate it, but ya. Nothing really exciting!

BC Day 24 - A Letter to My Parents

2010-12-06T19:51:00.002-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

I love you both so dearly. You have always been there when I've needed it. You are such amazing examples to me and what I want to be like in the future. I learned so much from you and can't thank you enough for all that you have taught me. I never really knew how hard it was to be a parent, but I love that I can call anytime I have questions, concerns, joys to share, etc. You have loved me and supported me unconditionally and I couldn't have asked for more.

I love you both so much!

Love always,
Jeanette

BC Day 23 - Something I Crave For a Lot

2010-12-06T13:38:00.003-07:00

I don't know if this is referring to food or what, so I'll list a food and something else.

I crave popcorn a lot, it's a big comfort food of mine, plus I just love salty crunchy stuff.
I crave peace and quiet :) I'm sure all you mother's out there would agree!

Well those are the only two things I can think of right now...

BC Day 22 - What Makes Me Different from Everyone Else

2010-12-04T14:49:00.004-07:00

What makes me different from everyone else is that I am me and everyone is, well, their own individual selves. Some of us similar some in some ways and some of are similar in other ways, but we are each our own individuals with our own personal knowledge, experiences, challenges, joys, etc.

BC Day 21 - A Picture of Something that Makes Me Happy

2010-12-02T13:28:00.002-07:00

Of course there are many things that make me happy but I think that this place encompasses all of the big main things that make me happy. First of all my family makes me the most happy and the temple is a symbol of the eternal aspect of my family and how we're all together forever. The gospel of Jesus Christ also makes me very happy and the temple is a huge symbol of the church and all the wonderful things that can happen because of the gospel. And finally the closeness to the Lord that I can have inside the temple is amazing and can make the worst situations seem small and very bearable.

BC Day 20 - Someone I See Myself Marrying or Being with in the Future

2010-12-01T21:24:00.002-07:00

Well seems as I'm already married, and I'm VERY happily married I will have to say that I can see myself being married to Jeff for the rest of my life. He is an amazing man who makes me a better person. He's shown me strengths I never knew I had and is always there for me.

BC Day 19 - Nicknames I have and Why I Have Them

2010-11-30T13:57:00.003-07:00

Nette - Many only my family calls me this one. It started when my oldest niece started calling me that since she couldn't pronounce my full name.

Nettie - A few friends started calling me that after they heard my family calling me Nette.

Jeanettie Spaghetti - Got this nickname in 4th grade. Our teacher had us give everyone nicknames and our classmates got to choose each others...and some how that's what I got.

Jean - There's actually only ever been one person to call me this on a regular basis, that's my cousin Ty.

Smitty - I all of my siblings have had this nickname at one point or another...oh it's because my maiden name is Smith.

Hon - that's just what Jeff usually calls me.

Jenatowski - I few friends in high school used to call me this...not really sure why or where they come up with it though.

Those are all the ones I can think of right now.

BC Day 18 - Plans/dreams/goals I have

2010-11-30T13:47:00.004-07:00

Wow this could be quite the extensive post, but I'll try not to make it too long :)

-I plan to be able to travel with Jeff one day.
-I dream to be able to build/design my own house some day (the layout and the cosmetic stuff).
-My goal is to have healthy happy children who are strong and faithful.
-I plan to make the best of my situations and to learn all that I can from them.
-I dream that one day we will be comfortable financially...not necessarily rich, but comfortable.
-My goal is to go to as many temples as I can.

BC Day 17 - Someone I Would Want to Switch Lives with for One Day and Why

2010-11-28T14:04:00.003-07:00

There are lots of people I would love to switch lives with for one day, some just for the sake of seeing what it's like to be them others for the sake of them seeing what I do every day! But someone I would really love to switch lives with for one day is one of my twins. I would love to know what they are thinking, learning and processing every day. I'd love to see the world through their pure and innocent eyes. If I could them maybe I could get a better understanding of what they're trying to communicate to me every day!

BC Day 16 - Another Picture of Myself

2010-11-28T13:58:00.004-07:00

This picture was just taken a couple of days ago. We went down to my home town, Caliente, NV for Thanksgiving to be with my family. One of my favorite past times is "mattress surfing" down my parents stairs. Of course we weren't allowed to do it all that often, but now that it's grand kids doing it it's a different story (just kidding Mom and Dad!). Anyway, as I was watching all my nieces and nephews do it Emmalyn and Brooklyn were getting anxious and looking like they wanted to try. So up the stairs we went and down we came on the mattress...oh GOOD times!!

BC Day 15 - Put My iPod on Shuffle: First 10 Songs that Play

2010-11-26T22:33:00.003-07:00

This is going to be a rather boring blog post...I don't have an ipod, mp3 player or anything of the sort. I wish I did, but at the moment I really don't have a serious need for one. I guess for music sake I'll list the ring tones I have on my phone:

Take it Off - Kesha
California Girls - Katy Perry
1, 2, 3, 4 - Plain White T's
Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
You're My Best Friend - Queen
We are family - ??

And that's all I have right now.

BC Day 14 - A Picture of Me and My Family

2010-11-25T11:14:00.001-07:00

This is actually the most recent picture taken of our family.

BC Day 13 - A Letter to Someone Who has Hurt Me Recently

2010-11-24T21:47:00.002-07:00

Dear _____,

I do not know if you are aware of the things you have done or said or the effect that they had on me, but just know that I forgive you.

Love,
Jeanette

I'm being totally serious about this letter. There has been a lot that has happened lately that could have left me bitter, angry, and hurt. But I am learning that harboring these feelings does no good and that I just need to forgive, learn, and forget.

BC Day 12 - How I Found Out About Blogger and Why I Have One

2010-11-23T22:12:00.003-07:00

I found out about blogger from my sisters and sister-in-law. They all had blogs and I had fun reading them. The once Jeff and I got married I thought it would be a good way to keep people updated on what was going on in our lives. Plus it was a good easy way to "journal" our experiences.

BC Day 11 - Another Picture of Me and My Friends

2010-11-22T21:04:00.003-07:00

What better friend to put a picture on here of than one of me and my BEST friend! I couldn't have asked the Lord for a better friend/husband. He's there when I need him to be, he strengthens me, and loves me regardless of all my faults and craziness. I love Jeff so much and am so grateful that I get to spend all of time and all eternity with my best friend :)

BC Day 10 - Songs I Listen to when I'm Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

2010-11-21T20:16:00.003-07:00

Music is awesome, whether I'm dancing to it, singing it, or just listening to it, I love it. There are songs or types of music that can brighten even the darkest of days. I really don't have any specific songs that I listen to at any given moment.

When I'm happy I can listen to any type of music.
When I'm sad I like uplifting music or really upbeat music.
When I'm bored I love music that has a really good beat, basically anything I can start dancing to.
When I'm hyped I like to listen to upbeat fun music, I usually end up singing along and/or dancing to it.
When I'm mad it's usually some type of rock music, once again something with a good beat.

Basically I can listen to music anytime no matter what mood I'm in. Mostly as long as it has a good beat to it then I can listen to it anytime. Music can make my sad, bored, and mad days turn into happy, hyped days. And music can make my happy and hyped days even better!

BC Day 9 - Something I'm Proud of in the Last Few Days

2010-11-20T09:23:00.003-07:00

I have been very proud of Jeff, not only in the last few days but in the last few weeks. Being laid off is very disheartening and difficult to deal with, but Jeff has been strong and driven. Sure he's had his days where he's more discouraged than others, but for the most part he's been more motivated and driven. He has a real, true, strong desire to find a new and better job so that he can provide for our family. I'm so grateful to be eternally sealed to him. Even on days when I'm feeling discouraged he's been there to help lift me up and stay hopeful. He has been so strong and spiritual about everything. I love you Honeybabe!

BC Day 8 - Short Term Goals for this Month and Why

2010-11-19T14:15:00.004-07:00

1. Start a workout group. I just can't get the motivation to do it all myself, so I'm hoping to get some ladies together and we can all help push and inspire each other.

2. Clean out all our closets and do a major "dejunking" and hopefully sell some fo the stuff. So that we can make more room and maybe have a little extra money for Christmas

3. Loose 5-10 lbs (I'm down 3-4 lbs!) trying to get down to pre-pregnancy weight, and then keep going down once I hit that :)

4. Find some good but inexpensive Christmas presents for the girls and Jeff. So we can still have somewhat of a good Christmas even with Jeff being out of work.

Those are a few of my main goals that I have right now.

BC Day 7 - A Picture of Someone/Something That has has the Biggest Impact on Me.

2010-11-18T13:49:00.003-07:00

There are many people in this world who have been big influences in my life and have made a huge impact on me - my parents, siblings, teachers, etc - but the one person in my life who has made the biggest and continues to have the biggest impact on me is my savior Jesus Christ. He has helped me and taught me so much and I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Him. He has guided me, directed me, and let me lead when he knew I was strong enough. He has given me strength, comfort, peace, and calmness numerous amounts of time. I could not be more grateful for His influence in my life and for all that he has blessed me with. If it wasn't for Him I wouldn't have the parents, siblings, friends, husband, children, etc. that I do.

BC Day 6 - My favorite Super Hero and Why

2010-11-17T12:15:00.003-07:00

To be honest I really don't have a favorite super hero, at least not a fictional one anyway. I have my own personal super hero's that are real people, many my family. But I guess if I had to pick a fictional super hero I would say Superman. I choose him because he's really just a regular guy but still goes out and saves the world. I know that seems like a lame answer but that's really all I got. I've never been really big on super hero stuff. I prefer to look up to real people in my life :)

BC Day 5 - A Picture of Somewhere I've Been

2010-11-16T12:09:00.003-07:00

As I mentioned on the first day of this challenge I love to travel, and especially love to go on cruises. So the picture I chose for today is one from our honeymoon. We took a Mexican Riviera Cruise and our first stop was Puerto Vallarta. This place had some beautiful churches and statues along the beach. Apparently they were also having a sand sculpting competition and there were some great ones! Anyway, here is my picture for the day.

BC Day 4 - A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

2010-11-15T08:59:00.002-07:00

I have many bad habits that I wish I didn't have. There are two main ones effect my every day life, so for today you get a two-fer :)

The first habit I wish I didn't have is the way I always doubt myself and diminish myself. I have a really hard time making big decisions because I'm always so doubtful and worried about making the wrong decision or hurting other people in my decisions. In saying this, I'm so grateful that I have a Heavenly Father who knows this weakness of mine and is almost always willing to help me in making decisions. I've gained a strong testimony in Him and his knowledge and awareness of us and our abilities, strengths and weaknesses. I'd be lost in this world if it wasn't for Him.

The second habit I wish I didn't have, and also one that Jeff really wishes I didn't have, it picking at and biting my lips. This drives Jeff crazy and can be rather painful for me sometimes. I usually only pick when I'm stressed, upset, or worried about something, which lately has been happening a lot. Jeff is good about pointing out when I'm picking and telling me to stop.

So there you have it, two of my worst habits that I wish I didn't have.

BC Day 3 - A picture of me and my friends

2010-11-14T13:30:00.002-07:00

I have many friends that are dear to me, but there is a certain group of "friends" that are very special to me and they always will be, I like to refer to that group as my family. I love my family, they are the people who raised me and taught me how to be the person I am today. When we were all younger we didn't always get along, but now that we're all older we all get along great. I love that I have so many people that I can call and ask for advice or just to vent to if I need to. And the greatest thing about family is that it never stops growing. So here is my photo of me and my friends:

I chose this picture because it's the day that Jeff's family also officially became my family and I love them all just as much as the family I grew up with. Family is the greatest gift there is and when you're lucky enough to be able to consider your entire family your friends then I think that's even more special. Of course there's also those few friends that you become so close to that they basically are family. I love you all!!

BC Day 2 - The Meaning of our Blog Name

2010-11-13T11:01:00.003-07:00

The meaning behind our blog name is:

See
How
Much
I
Love
You
Jeff/Jeanette

I actually have that listed on the right side of the blog. If you wanna read the story were I found SHMILY you can here. And then we added the 'J' at the end because both of our names start with that letter.

BC Day 1 - 15 Interesting Facts About Myself

2010-11-12T09:52:00.003-07:00

15 interesting facts about myself

1 - I have a set of identical twin girls. I was originally pregnant with triplets (my identical girls and a fraternal baby), but I miscarried the triplet at 13 weeks.

2 - I get cabin fever a lot. I hate being cooped up inside all the time and love to get out and about.

3 - I grew up in a small town of about 1200 people.

4 - I went to a high school of less than 200 kids.

5 - My favorite color is orange.

6 - I love to read, and when I read I put myself into the story and try to imagine the things that are going on in the story.

7 - I love to dance, particularly ballroom dancing.

8 - My favorite animal is a polar bear...no real particular reason I just love how beautiful and white they are.

9 - I hate teeth, they are just gross to me. I could never do anything in the dental field. I don't even want to have to pull my own kids teeth, I'm hoping to leave that up to their dad.

10 - 90% of the time I prefer snacks that are salty and crunchy rather than chocolaty and sweet.

11 - My comfort food is popcorn and Orange Julius.

12 - I wish I was more crafty and creative. I have my moments when I can be, but they are usually short lived :(

13 - I love to quilt. I gained that love from watching my Grandma Smith make baby quilt after baby quilt for people she didn't always know. I still have a "quillo" (quilt that can fold into a pillow) that she made me YEARS ago.

14 - I would love to go to school and get a degree in Interior Design. I love to decorate and coordinate rooms, unfortunately we have a very limited budget and a rather small space so I can't do much of this in our current home.

15 - I love to travel, particularly on cruises. I've been on two cruises already in my life and hope/plan to go on many, many more. I also hope that one day Jeff and I can travel abroad and see the world together.

Blog Challenge

2010-11-11T22:18:00.004-07:00

One of my cousins started doing this on her blog and I thought it would be fun and interesting to do also. I always like to learn new things about people so for those that want to learn new things about me here is your chance :) I hope you call enjoy this as much as I do. Day 1 will be tomorrow (Nov 12).

Day 1- List 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 2- The meaning behind your blog name
Day 3- A picture of you and your friends
Day 4- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 5- A picture of somewhere you've been to
Day 6- Favorite super hero and why
Day 7- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 8- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 9- Something you're proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about blogger and why you have one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put you ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have and why you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What do you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T11:35:00.004-06:00

This year for Halloween the girls were little ballerinas. I wanted to do something cute and inexpensive, so I looked online and got instructions to make their tutus and head-bows. Luckily Joann's was having a sale on the material for them one weekend. I was so happy about how they turned out. Our friend Angela is a photographer (Ivory Lime Photography) and was nice enough to take a few pictures of our beautiful girls. Here are a few of my favorites. Brooklyn is in the purple tutu and Emmalyn is in the pink tutu.

As far as trick-or-treating, we took the girls into my old workplace and "trick-or-treated" around the cubicles. It was fun to catch up with my friends from there. We were going to Trick-or-treat a little Saturday night, but it was raining the majority of the evening and Emmalyn blew out of her diaper pretty badly, so we gave the girls a bath and just let them hang out in their jammies for the rest of the evening.

Friday afternoon we had their 15-month check up...dang they're growing up so fast!! Here are their stats:

Emmalyn - 20.1 lbs, 29.5 in

Brooklyn - 20.9 lbs, 30 in

They're in the 10th percentile for weight and about the 30th percentile for height. Emmalyn gets more and more brave about walking around and taking more steps. Brooklyn is starting to stand on her own more but still hasn't taken any steps. Both of the girls can go up and down the stairs and love to do so any chance they get! Each girl says a few words, Emmalyn's favorite is "uh-oh", Brooklyn's is "see" which she usually says while she's pointing at what she wants. They both say hi and Brooklyn says Kitty. They LOVE reading books and climbing on things and playing with each other (although sometimes that results in fighting). They are both pretty sociable and love to be out and about. We just love them so much and love to watch them grow and learn new things every day.

Double the mischief, double the fun!

2010-10-19T20:13:00.006-06:00

Well it appers that we are all finally healthy again...at least for now! The girls and I went through another round of colds last week, but we all seem to be over them. Of course now we're moving on with more teething, growth spurts, and learning new things. One of the new things is a new love for books. They've always loved books but it was more to chew on them than read them, now they actually love to read them...a LOT. They're constantly crawling over with books in their hands wanting you to read it and usually whichever one didn't bring the book over will crawl in your lap to be read to also. The girls have also discovered the dishwasher, washing machine, and drier and any chance they have they'll go and "help" us with them. They've also learned that they can climb...on LOTS of things, and if they can't climb up on to it they'll try to push something else up to it give them a boost. And the best (and probably also the scariest) of all is standing/walking!! Emmalyn has pretty much mastered standing, she's even taken a few steps on her own. The most she's taken at one time is 5. Brooklyn is just now starting to try and stand on her own, so I know that she's only gonna be a couple of weeks behind Emmalyn. Anyway, here are some pictures of two of the cutest girls ever!!

Emmalyn

Reading "on the pot" (as Jeff says)

She found her way into the pantry/under-stairs closet.

Toilet paper and flip flops - what more could a girl need?

Standing on her own!!

Brooklyn

She loves to crawl into the toy basket

Helping with the dishes at Grandma's house

Yes, she discovered the art of picking her nose!

She got in there all by herself...such a poser!

Best friends!

Looking out the back door

Reading books together

GO UTES!!

A serious case of the sickies :(

2010-09-30T21:29:00.003-06:00

The last few weeks have been rather rough. We've gone from sickness to sickness and I am once again a very firm believer in the phrase "When it rains it pours"! Everything actually started in August when I took the girls in for their 1-year check-up. Emmalyn had an ear infection that ended up lasting the entire month of August. We went through two oral antibiotics (which she hates) and in the end had to do Rocephin shots. Those were brutal, I had to take her in three days in a row and get a shot each day...needless to say by the third day she was NOT happy about going into the doctor's office again since she knew what was coming. Poor thing! Luckily the shots worked at her ear FINALLY cleared up.

About a week later we took a trip down to Richfield, UT for Jeff's Great Aunt Mary's 80th birthday party. When we left that morning everything was just fine, but an hour or too after we got to Richfield I noticed Emmalyn had a lot of goobers in her right eye. At first I just wrote it off as allergies acting up in a different place, but by the time we left the park (and after cleaning her eye out every 10 minutes or so) her eye started to swell and turn red - as you can see in the pic below:

When we got to our hotel I called my mom and she told me it sounded like pink eye...great! So Jeff went to Walmart just down the street and talked to the pharmacist there and confirmed that it was probably pink eye but said he couldn't give us anything without a doctors prescription. Long story short, Jeff got a hold of a local eye doctor in Richfield, explained the symptoms and the doctor was nice enough to talk to the pharmacist to get us an antibiotic for Emmalyn. We are so grateful for that gracious doctor and him saving us a $200 ER bill!!

That next Monday Jeff and I both woke up with colds and of course it passed on to the girls. So we all had headaches and coughing and sniffling all over the place. I tried so hard to keep things clean and sanitized. I thought I was doing pretty good since Brooklyn didn't seem to catch the pink eye...that is until Friday, Sept. 17, that's when all hell broke loose. Jeff got a phone call from his boss and HR that morning informing him that he was being RIFed (reduced in force, aka laid off), his last day is tomorrow (Oct 1). Needless to say Jeff didn't feel much like working the rest of the day so we headed out to his mom's house. While I was out running some errands with Jeff's mom and sister we noticed Brooklyn had some goobers in her eye...ugh! I called the pediatrician right away and got her in that afternoon. Luckily the doctor checked Emmalyn out while we were there as well and she found yet another ear infection. We decided to take Emmalyn to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Specialist and see what he thought about putting tubes in her ears. Luckily they were able to squeeze us in (since we'll be loosing our insurance) that next Tuesday and did the surgery on Wednesday. Here are some cute pictures...

Pre-op

I don't think anybody could make a hospital gown look so adorable!!

Resting on my lap in Post-op

Unfortunately on Tuesday night (the night before the surgery...which we had to be at the hospital at 6:00 AM for) both girls came down with the flu. They each threw up at least 6 or 7 times, if not more. So off to the insta-care we went...they just told us it was a stomach virus and to try and keep them hydrated. Emmalyn was doing okay Wednesday morning so they went ahead with the surgery, since it's such a simple one and she handled it like a champ! Of course I wasn't feeling very well all day Wednesday and being really tired from a late night/early morning it was a bit rough. That evening Jeff started feeling queasy and ended up throwing up a couple of times that night. So for 4-5 days we all basically lived off of toast, applesauce, crackers, Gatorade/Sprite (for Jeff and I), Pedialyte (for the girls), and the occasional banana.

Luckily it has all passed, as far as we can tell, and I'm PRAYING that we are done for awhile!!

Too close to home

2010-09-02T13:04:00.004-06:00

You know those things that you hear about that happen to people, both good and bad, and you always think "Oh that will never happen to me or anyone I know." Well one of those things has happened to some one I know, someone I'm close to, someone who's been a really good friend to me and last night as I walked into her hospital room in the ICU and I had a huge reality check.

Last Saturday (8/28), while her husband, Dustin, was at the store and her son, Ryker (1), was napping in his bed, my dear friend Christy fell down her stairs and hit her head really hard. So hard, in fact, that she fractured her skull and has had a lot of bruising, bleeding and swelling in her brain. After three surgeries and 12+ CT Scans she in stable but still in very critical condition. Just yesterday they tried to take her breathing tube out but there was so much swelling and mucus that she was having a very difficult time breathing on her own and her windpipe started to collapse. So they had to sedate her again and re-insert a new, smaller breathing tube. Her ICP (internal cranial pressure) has gotten better, but still fluctuates up and down. She is responsive to her husband and others through head nods/shakes and hand squeezes. She even squeezed my hand as I held it and talked to her for a minute.

It was very hard to see her like that. Words cannot express the grief and remorse that spread over me. I don't know what I had expected to see, but that was just a major reality check as to just how bad of shape she's really in. She's currently in a stable but still very critical condition and it's still in the fluctuating state.

I pray for her every day, multiple times a day. Please pray for her and her family to be able to make it through this rough time.

Here is a blog on Christy's status.
http://prayersforchristy.wordpress.com/

Please help with a donation to the Ericksen's in this time of trial.

Thank you

Emmalyn and Brooklyn are ONE!!

2010-08-06T22:18:00.006-06:00

I know I'm a week and a half over due for this, but things have been rather crazy and busy around here lately with two (at times three) little crawlers getting into things!! What has made it even worse is now both of my girls can pull themselves up on furniture and they're starting to cruise along the furniture too. YIKES!! :) Anyway, last week the girls had their first birthday. I can't believe time has gone by so fast!! Last Saturday we had a little party for them and they got lots of fun gifts. Today was their 1-year check-up and here are their stats:

Emmalyn - 19 lbs 3 oz, 29"
Brooklyn - 19 lbs 4 oz, 29"

They're really starting to catch up to other babies their age, and for being premies that's pretty awesome, they're doctor is very impressed! Anyway, here are some picture from their birthday and party. Enjoy!

Their birthday onsies my mom and I made them.

Gotta have ruffles :)

Opening presents!!

Enjoying all their new fun toys and clothes

Brooklyn

Emmalyn

The cake (compliments of Matti Smith)

The girls' "smash cakes"

(again compliments of Matti, I did help though)

Oh, pretty! (Brooklyn)

You want me to do what? (Emmalyn)

Mmm frosting! (Brooklyn)

All done (Emmalyn)

Happy Birthday girls, WE LOVE YOU!!!

(Pictures are compliments of Angela Stewart)

Stairs!!

2010-08-06T22:00:00.003-06:00

Within the last couple of weeks the girls have discovered the stairs and started trying to climb them right away. They now can both climb all the way up to the top of our stairs by themselves. We're working on teaching them how to go down, but it's a work-in-progress. For now we just have to keep a gate at the bottom of the stairs during the day, otherwise they would spend ALL their time on them and I'd really get nothing done!! here a few pictures we've taken of them.

Brooklyn

Emmalyn

Littlewood Reunion

2010-08-06T21:33:00.004-06:00

The weekend of July 24th all of Jeff's side of the family came to Salt Lake for a reunion. We had lots of fun hanging out all of them and catching up on each others lives. It's been quite awhile since we've all been together. Here are a few pictures:

The girls on a frog at the Living Plant Aquarium.

Waiting to go see the animals at the zoo

Eating some lunch while at the zoo.

At the Day of 47 Rodeo

On July 24th we had a bbq with more of the extended family. Jeff's mom put us in charge of dessert so we got an early birthday cake for the girls. We went ahead and gave them each a piece of cake and here are the results:

Brooklyn

Emmalyn

Thanks again every one, we had a great time!!

Kershaw

2010-07-21T12:42:00.003-06:00

Last week while we were in Caliente (see next post) we took an afternoon and went to Kershaw Ryan State Park and had a picnic with Cory, Melissa, their boys, and our nephew Tyler. Brooklyn happened to come down with a fever just before we left so she stayed home and rested with Grandma, but the boys and Emmalyn all had a blast playing in the little "pool" they have their and us adults had fun chatting and relaxing. Here are some pictures..

Relaxing in the shade, getting ready to eat

Emmalyn kickin back and relaxing

Emmalyn and Tyler

She LOVES the water and playing in it

Caliente!!

2010-07-21T11:53:00.006-06:00

Last week the girls and I were able to go down to my hometown, Caliente, NV, and help my parents out after my mom had knee surgery. We had a great time visiting with them and Cory, Melissa and their boys. It was great to have Emmalyn and Brooklyn be able to spend some good quality time with their Grandma and Grandpa Smith, since we don't really get to see them all that often. Anyway, here are some pictures of the girls and some of their adventures down there. They're in no particular order, but enjoy :)

Emmalyn playing her cousin Samantha's piano

Emmalyn playing with her cereal bowl...good thing she was due for a bath that night anyway!!

Emmalyn chillin in the high chair...doesn't look comfortable to be, but to each their own!!

Emmalyn got herself stuck under the rocking chair

Emmalyn riding with Grandma, she actually figured out how to get it to move

She already knows how to make "forts" :)

One night when my dad came home from work both girls wanted nothing to do with my mom or me, all they wanted was their Grandpa!!

Enjoying a carrot

They loved reading books with Grandma

The girls with their cousins Hudson and Sawyer

Believe or not Sawyer (the one in white) is only 6 months old!

Brooklyn playing with Grandma's "Get Well" balloon from aunt Vera.

Emmalyn playing with Grandma's walker

Brooklyn playing with Hudson

Once again, it was a great week and the girls had lots of fun. Thank you Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa) for letting us come down and stay with you!!

Double Trouble

2010-07-08T21:01:00.006-06:00

People often ask me if twins are harder and then, after realizing they're our first, make comments like "Well I guess you wouldn't know the difference, would you?" Well I have news for you!! I can definitely "tell a difference" between having one baby and having two. Here are a few examples:

With one baby when he/she is sick you can focus on that one baby and take care of him/her - when you have twins you still have another baby to take care of and try to prevent from getting sick.

With one baby once that baby is asleep you can sit and relax, take a nap, etc. - when you have twins you still have another baby to try and get to go to sleep before the other one wakes up.

With one baby you only have two hands to keep from getting into things - with twins you have four.

I could go on, but I think those can give you a pretty good idea on things, but even with all of that I wouldn't trade my beautiful little girls for anything. Yes they can drive me crazy at times (especially with their latest favorite noise, a VERY high pitched squeal) but all they have to do is flash me their irresistible, adorable smiles and my heart melts every time. Here's a list of all the good stuff about having twins:

Double the cuteness
Double the love
Double the learning
Double the fun

With both girls being fully mobile now the baby proofing has gone into high gear. It seems like they learn something new every day and also something new to get in to. Here are some pictures to show their new "talents"

Brooklyn's new favorite thing to do - "climb" over things...including her sister

Oh yeah, they cleaned out that shelf in a matter of seconds

They love to take the covers off of the nightlights

Emmalyn got all tuckered out after swimming

One nice thing they've learned - holding their own bottles.
The third little girl, Emersyn, gets to come play with us in the mornings :)

BROOKLYN

This pillow used to block the diapers and wipes from the girls' hands, that is until Brooklyn found out she could climb up over the pillow!

I still don't know how she managed this one, but she got her head stuck under the couch, and yes I was a "mean mom" and took a picture before rescuing her :)

She loves to crawl into the bottom of the exersaucer and play/lounge

But when all is said and done, she loves to snuggle and have naps with Mom and/or Dad.

EMMALYN

She LOVES to walk as you hold her hands, as you can tell by that big grin on her face!

Practicing standing up...she's sooo close.

Her hair is finally long enough to do some cute little pigtails!

And this is the cuteness that follows a day of pigtails and then sleeping.

We just can't get enough of these adorable little girls. They are usually very happy and content babies and melt the hearts of everyone around them. They are very social and love to get out of the house with us to run errands, go for walks, etc.

This and That

2010-06-17T16:27:00.004-06:00

It's been awhile since I've had the time to sit and post some pictures...and I've got quite a few, so I hope you enjoy. They're split into three different posts (including this one). The girls are keeping me extremely busy, as well as just every day life. It's so crazy to think that Emmalyn and Brooklyn are going to be a year old in just over a month!! Time has gone by so fast and they have grown so much. Anyway here are some cute pictures of the girls-

They loved to turn the exer-saucer around

Brooklyn woke up from her nap like this on morning...apparently she used her hands as a pillow!

Emmalyn was too tired to wait for her bottle...so she fell asleep on the changing mat.

Oh yeah, I'm cool!!

(Emmalyn with our cousin's sunglasses on)

I do this at least once a day!

This is what Brooklyn does when we put her up in air...so cute!

St. George

2010-06-17T16:01:00.005-06:00

During Memorial Day weekend we were able to take a trip down to St. George to visit Jeff's brother and his family and also to help them celebrate their little girls 1-year birthday. We had a lot of fun down there and it was so nice to get out of town! I can't wait until the three girls are older and the best of friends :) Here are some pics from the weekend -

Rub-a-dub-dub three girls in a tub

How many guys does it take to figure out which button a 1-year old pushed to

make the sound not work on the sound system?

While down there were able to take the girls swimming. It took them a few minutes to get used to it, but once they realized it was basically just like a really big bath tub they had a blast. They lounged in their floaties and splashed and played while we were holding them. They absolutely LOVED it :)

Thanks again John and Heather for a wonderful weekend!!

Mischievous and Mobile

2010-06-17T15:23:00.005-06:00

Well it's official, our girls are mobile, and I mean VERY mobile. Emmalyn still sticks to rolling (although just in the last couple of days she likes to walk while we hold her hands). Brooklyn is full-on army crawling and getting into EVERYTHING!! Here's some proof:

Brooklyn-

Learning couponing early

Trying to get to the power cord...

Trying to the computer cord from the other side of the coffee table

Lets try for that cord again!

Playing with Daddy's bag

Emmalyn-
Who wants to play on top of the exer-saucer?

Lookin' for crumbs

Toy box? I want whats on the table!

I don't know how she managed this one, yes she's under the couch.

Where did everybody go?

Path of destruction

2010-05-23T14:55:00.002-06:00

It's official...our girls are quickly becoming mobile, and leaving paths of destruction in their wake. Emmalyn mainly sticks to rolling, but she's starting to try and scoot forward a bit. Brooklyn also does a lot of rolling, but she has discovered how to scoot herself forward. She only scoots when she wants something though, if she's just trying to get somewhere then she'll roll. But it's not long before she discovers that she can get anywhere/anything she wants by scooting, then we're really in trouble!! Here are a few pictures that I've taken when catching them red-handed...incidentally they all happen to be of Emmalyn, but Brooklyn also does her fair share of destruction.

Emptying out the diaper sack and playing with the diapers

In case you can't tell, it's one of those things that you put the rings around the peg in order of size. She'd be sitting and playing very quietly and I checked on her to see that she had gotten the peg apart from the base...

Then proceeded to chew on it :)

Speaking of chewing, I forgot the mention that as of today Emmalyn has her two bottom teeth and Brooklyn has one of her bottom teeth, with the second soon to follow.

Peas in a pod

2010-05-23T14:36:00.003-06:00

One fun thing (among many others) about having twins is they always have someone to play with, and boy do these girls love to play together. I definitely think that they can communicate with one other in their own special way. My favorite is when they'll both be sitting or laying on the floor together and will be "talking" and laughing away with each other. I just hope that as they grow up they will continue to be the best of friends. Here are some cute pictures of our beautiful girls together.

9 months old!!

2010-05-10T15:39:00.003-06:00

Yes, you read that right...Emmalyn and Brooklyn are 9 months old!! I can hardly believe that in just 3 short months they'll be a year old. They had their check up last week and here are their stats:

Emmalyn - 16 lbs 11 oz, 26 1/2 in

Brooklyn - 16 lbs 9 oz, 26 1/2 in

The girls are growing up so fast and learning new things all the time. They're both great at sitting up now and are starting to scoot around a little. They still don't have any teeth, but they're getting very close. Emmalyn's newest trick is clapping and Brooklyn's is clicking her tongue. Very cute to watch both tricks.

Anyway, here are some pictures to document their 9 month "birthday"

I left Brooklyn on the changing mat to go throw away her diaper and this is what I came back to.

Emmalyn's action shot of her clapping.

The other night we put the girls in the bath together for the first time..they LOVED it, and lets just say I got soaked!!

Brooklyn chillin in our bed one morning. That's one big bed for such a small girl.

The girls' hair has been getting really long, so this morning I decided to try and put their hair in pony tails...this was the result. I think it's rather cute :)

Rain, Rain Go Away...and take the snow with you!!

2010-04-29T21:15:00.006-06:00

The last couple weeks we have had a lot of rain, snow, wind, and cold weather which makes for lots of time inside, which makes for three very restless ladies couped up in one house. At least it's made for a lot of cute pictures. Here's a few of them.

Brooklyn - yes that's a hanger around her leg and a tube of butt cream in her mouth :)

Emmalyn on my shoulders having a great time pulling my hair and hitting my head.

Jeff made a little "blanket hut" around Brooklyn and then put Emmalyn on top of it.

They love playing together and laughing with each other and it's adorable to watch!!

Waiting to go to Grandma's, chewing on hangers (why do we even bother buying toys??)

Emmalyn - this is what happens to your hair when you play with a fuzzy blanket!!

Brooklyn helping me mop the floor.

Emmalyn was tired.

Brooklyn throwing a tantrum.

Playing before bath and bedtime = Brooklyn left, Emmalyn right.

There are a couple posts after this with a few more pictures. Here's to hoping for sunshine and warmer days!!

Photo Shoot

2010-04-29T20:56:00.004-06:00

A friend of mine from back home was wanting to take some pictures so I gladly offered our girls :) Here are a few of our favorites. Emmalyn has the polka dots, Brooklyn has the flowers on her shirt.

The Zoo!!

2010-04-29T20:35:00.003-06:00

A couple of weeks ago the girls and I met up with a good friend of mine (whom I haven't seen in awhile) and her little boy and we all went to the zoo. It was such a beautiful day out and the fresh air was awesome, for all of us :) And it was such an awesome extra bonus to be able to get caught up with an old friend.

Here are some pictures to capture the event :)

We're ready to go Mom! (Brooklyn left, Emmalyn right)

The elephant was trying to hard to get the hay basket above...she even shook it really good a few times. The baby elephant is behind her.

The tigers were all out and playing around, it was awesome!

If you look really close you can see the Lynx that had wedged itself between the two roofs.

The girls getting a quick drink...yes they're finally learning to hold their own bottles!!

We're getting pretty use to being somewhat of a "spectacle" (for lack of a better word) whenever we take the girls anywhere...apparently twins are something to look at, comment on, and even sometimes touch at your own free will :( At the zoo - it was no different. And here I was thinking "oh there are plenty of cool animals to look at, point at, oh and ah at no one will notice us!" Well I was wrong...yes we even had a moment when we were in a crowd looking at all the cute smaller monkey's when I girl (I'd guess about 5-6 years old) turned around, saw the girls, pointed her finger straight at them and shouted "OOH". It was funny!

Catching up

2010-04-14T17:08:00.004-06:00

I know it's been a long time...we've had some crazy weeks and have been rather busy lately. It all started about a 6 weeks ago when both of the girls AND Jeff all got sick. It ended up just being a little cold, but it was still a miserable week filled with coughing, running noses, and loads of whining...from all three parties :) haha. Actually Jeff did rather well and was still pretty good about helping out with the girls. His cold has actually turned into sinusitis and he's still trying to fully recover from it.

The last weekend of March Jeff and the girls spent the weekend at his mom's house while I went and spent the weekend with my sisters, sisters-in-law, mom, and oldest niece (well minus one). We went to Elko, NV (yes Elko - because it's a middle point for all of us) and spent a couple of days visiting, eating, playing games, snacking, reading, eating, relaxing, snacking, and even got in a little shopping in too. It was great to get away for a couple of days but I was also glad to come home and see Jeff and the girls again. In fact, whenever we're at Jeff's mom's house the girls get a little antsy whenever I'm not in the room.

Other than those two main things we've stayed busy with every day things. The girls are rolling and playing and constantly busy. Emmalyn now sits up on her own like a pro and Brooklyn is quite the little jabber-box. I still babysit another little girl, just two months younger than Emmalyn and Brooklyn, in the mornings Monday thru Friday.

I'm so excited that the weather is finally getting warmer. It was really warm one day last week so Jeff's sister, Jen, and I took the girls to the zoo. I remembered to put the camera in the diaper bag but then ended up leaving the diaper bag in the van. Oh well, we're sharing a season pass with my brother and sister-in-law so I'm sure we'll be going there plenty. In fact, there's another visit in the works for this weekend :)

Well that's whats been going on around here lately, so here's what you're really wanting...some cute pictures of the girls!!

Playing "train" with daddy. (Brooklyn left, Emmalyn right)

Brooklyn - notice her sock she's holding on to and had been chewing on

The girls in their new Spring dresses (Emmalyn left, Brooklyn right

Chillin on our bed one morning

Emmalyn - she doesn't use that bumbo chair anymore, but this was such a cute picture.

She would always grab her foot like that and most the time her toes went in her mouth.

Sunny Days, Chasing the Clouds Away...!!

2010-03-02T14:49:00.003-07:00

We've been having a lot of warm weather lately (by warm I mean we're reaching the 50's) and its been giving me a serious case of Cabin Fever. So, for the sake of all our sanity Jeff and I decided to take the girls to Wheeler Farm - it's free and it's outside!! It was sunny, warm with a slight breeze, and fresh air. In some ways it gave me a little taste of home, the farm smell :). The girls did great and seemed to LOVE being outside. Emmalyn didn't like the bright sun, hence the squinting in all the pictures, but she just kicked back in the stroller and enjoyed the ride. Brooklyn was ecstatic, talking, laughing, kicking, and just enjoying everything. Of course we had to get some picture of the event...

Brooklyn - left, Emmalyn - right

It was a great couple of hours outside and it has made me even more anxious for spring and summer so that I can take the girls out and about more often.

Meanwhile, since we're stuck inside a lot, the girls seem to be learning something new everyday. Both girls now make the sounds of "mama" and "dada" but I doubt that they actually associate the sounds with Jeff and I, it's still fun to hear though. I work with them everyday on their sitting up, they both will sit for a good 10-15 seconds on their own and get better and better everyday. Their separation anxiety is starting set in and that can be a challenge at times. I can't even go to the kitchen without one of them starting to cry a lot of times. Their new trick is cuter to show with a picture instead of explaining words...

They've always been perfectly content to just lay on the floor and play. Now they prefer it even more since they have their very own, built-in, go-wherever-they-go "toys". They love to grab their feet and chew on them. I just love when I look at them and see this...

...two little bums!! And more often than not, that's what I see nowadays. Of course with them doing this and rolling onto their sides more, they're getting that much closer to rolling from their backs to their tummies.

From day to day they learn and grow so much, it's just so crazy to me. On Sunday they turned 7 months old and I just can't believe time has gone by so quickly. Here are a couple of individual pictures to finish with.

Emmalyn - tired and ready for bed

Brooklyn - I went to get her from her crib one morning and she had this nasty scrape on her nose!

Oh how they've grown.

2010-02-18T20:07:00.007-07:00

This post is in honor of Brooklyn and Emmalyn's 6-month "birthday". Yes I know I'm nearly a month late, but hey...I'm a busy woman!! Anyway their pediatrician was very impressed with their growth at their check up. Here were their stats:

Emmalyn - 13 lbs 7 oz, 25 in
Brooklyn - 14 lbs 1 oz, 25 in
They are in the 25th percentile measuring with other 6 month olds and the 75th percentile with other 4 month olds, their gestational age.

To show how much these girls have grown we "recreated" some of the pictures that we took of them while they were in the NICU right after they were born.

Theirs hands on Jeff's finger(s)

The girls on Jeff's lap

Me holding Emmalyn

Emmalyn has gotten over her ear infection and is back to her normal self, and then some!! Her appetite has sky-rocketed and has finally taken to rice cereal. Both girls are getting rice cereal and fruits/veggies twice a day along with some juice or water.

Both girls have rolled from their stomachs to their backs and will do it randomly. They're getting really close to rolling the other way but still haven't quite gotten the hang of it. They're starting to sit up on their own, but still have quite a ways to go with that one. They continue to love to just lay on the floor with a few toys to chew on and jabber away. Here are a few more pictures...

Brooklyn and I with my brother Neal, just hours before he went in the MTC

The girls playing/snuggling with Daddy

Brooklyn trying to eat Emmalyn's fingers

Brooklyn

Emmalyn

A rough, trying week

2010-02-09T11:11:00.005-07:00

It's been a bit of a rough week here in our house. Last Wednesday (2/3) we took the girls in for their 6-month check up (stats coming soon). Emmalyn had had a little fever the night before but it had gone back down and was going just fine. So they went ahead and gave her the regular shots, along with the two flu shots (seasonal and swine). The rest of that day was rough, which was expected. Both girls had slight fevers and were cranky with sore legs.

Thursday Brooklyn was mostly back to normal, though a little sleepy, but Emmalyn was running a rather high fever (constantly in the 101-102 range). I gave her Tylenol, let her soak in a bath, let her sleep, etc. But to no avail, she continued to run a fever and was unusually cranky and wanting to be held constantly. I called the doctors office and they said that it was just the normal side effects from the shots. So we just did what we could to keep her comfortable and content.

Friday, after a rather rough night, Emmalyn was still running a fever that was staying more in the 102 range and getting higher. Tylenol was not working and all she wanted was to be held (which is extremely uncharacteristic of both girls). Luckily Jeff's mom came to the rescue and snuggled and held her while I took care of Brooklyn and Emersyn (the girls I babysit). At around 2:00 pm I took Emmalyn's temperature, for about the 100th time or so it seemed, and it was above 103. I knew that something just wasn't right, that it had to be more than "shot side effects". So I called the doctor's office again and they told me to bring her in. After being checked it was concluded that Emmalyn had the beginnings of an ear infection. We received a prescription for some antibiotics.

The first time taking the medicine ended up in Emmalyn and Jeff covered in baby throw up followed by a shower for both. But she has done pretty well with it ever since. She still hates the medicine and fusses the whole time we're trying to give it to her, but it seems to be working. She's regaining her energy slowly but surely and finally getting her appetite back as well. The evenings are still a bit rough, but last night she slept through the night without too much moaning in her sleep.

Emmalyn's "I'm tired/pouty" look.

Emmalyn's preferred sleeping position the past few days.

We're hoping to have her fully back to her normal, smiley, happy self soon. Needless to say I think we've survived our first major sickness fairly well.

One busy woman!!

2010-01-25T12:43:00.002-07:00

As I've mentioned before I babysit another little girl during the day, Mon-Fri. On most days it's not too bad...yes I feel like I'm constantly making bottles, changing diapers, and feeding babies but when I get them on a good rotation it all can go pretty smoothly. Then there are days when one or two or all three babies just feel like being little pills. Just recently all three of them were going through growth spurts...that was an interesting couple of days. I had three seemingly-constant hungry babies and all three cranky. Not to mention that my girls were once again waking up anywhere between 3:30 and 4:30 in the morning wanting MORE food. Luckily those days have passed, for now...until the next growth spurt or sickness hits. As I said before though, most days go relatively smoothly. On one of those not-so-smooth days I had all three babies hungry and wanting food all at once (which surprisingly doesn't really happen all that often...as I said, it's all about the rotation I can get them on). So Jeff came down the stairs to this...

Needless to say, I passed limits that I never though I'd be able to. Granted it's not something I want to do extremely often, or even at all. But when it has to be done, it has to be done. If nothing else I'm getting a glimpse at what it would've been like if I hadn't miscarried the triplet we had. I think the Lord knew my limits of sanity!!

People ask me all the time how many bottles I go through in a day. Well for those inquiring minds here you are...

That's just on a normal day...I've had days when there are more and very few days that are less. But every night this is what the top rack of my dishwasher looks like...relatively anyway.

I know people say that I shouldn't wish for the girls to grow up too fast, but there is one thing that I'm rather anxious for them to learn...
...holding their own bottles. They've done it a few times, but not on purpose. My brother Neal was staying with us for a few days and Emmalyn decided she wanted to hold/support her own bottle, so I took a quick picture!!

It was so great to have Neal here with us for a few days. He's leaving for his mission to Brazil the first part of February so it was really nice to spend some extra time with him before he goes. Plus he was a huge help to me with the three girls during the day and gave us an excuse to cook some food that we don't cook on a normal basis!! Here is a fun picture of Emmalyn and Neal...Emmalyn was very tired but fighting the sleep, so she sat like this...

...just staring at Neal for a good 10-15 minutes. It was so cute. She'd never smile or anything she just sat and stared at him!!

Thanks again Neal for coming and playing with us!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T22:34:00.005-07:00

We spent Christmas this year down in Caliente, NV (my home town). Jeff and I went down the night of the 23rd. My sister Vera was already there with my parents and my little brother Neal. Everyone else came down on the 26th. Yes all 27 (plus one that was just born a few days ago, and one more still on the way) of us were together. It's always such a crazy and hectic but fun time when we're all together.

We got some great stuff for Christmas and the girls got a little spoiled. From us they got some 3-6 months clothing because they didn't have hardly any at all!! They also got lots of toys, books, etc. We actually purchased a laptop as our big family gift, but Jeff got me some sweats, gloves, and a box of chocolates. I got him a game that he's been wanting for some time. Here are some picture from our Christmas of 2009!!

I can rip my own wrapping paper, thank you!!

Each girl got an adorable onsie from their aunt Vera.

They're a bit big but they'll grow into them just in time to wear short sleeves again :)

Playing with the aunt Vera.

Playing with their uncle Neal.
(The girls had been in matching outfits, but Brooklyn had a blowout!)

The girls were a HUGE with a lot of their cousins. We were constantly being asked if they could hold the babies. Most of them even knew that they had to wash their hands first. It was really cute to watch!!

Their oldest cousin Veronica

I can't tell which of Marie's twins that is, but she's holding Emmalyn.

And that's the other one holding Brooklyn.

Brenda's little boy Deker, just over a year old, was obsessed with the girls. Anytime he was in the room with them he wanted to be holding on of them. It was so cute!! Hopefully he'll still feel that way when Brenda has her baby.

Hafen and Hudson adored them as well, Hafen especially. He was even really good at telling the girls apart. Every time they came over to the house the first thing Hafen would do is ask where the girls were or, if they were already in the room, if he could hold one.

We had a great down there in Caliente and the girls actually did pretty well with the traveling and stuff. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family and for the bond that we all have. Thanks everyone for a great time!!

So many things, so little time...

2010-01-07T21:43:00.005-07:00

Yes it has been awhile since I've been on here, but I've been one busy woman. So I decided I'm just gonna do one quick post with some random updates of whats been going on. They won't be in chronological order because I'm just too tired to care right now :)

Last week I decided to try giving the girls some rice cereal -

The results:

Brooklyn took right to it and eats more and more every time!

Emmalyn's not a fan. She'll open up the first couple of times I put the spoon to her mouth, but once she realizes what it is she spits it out and won't open up for it at all!!

We spent Thanksgiving here in SLC with Jeff's mom, sister, and grandma. It was a nice relaxing day with TONS of food! Here is just a cute picture of Jeff playing with Emmalyn. She's always been really good about holding up her head. When she was just a few days old Jeff was holding her up on his chest and she lifted her head up and moved it to the other side. Brooklyn is getting there, she can hold her head up, but it always leans to the one side so we're trying to work with her on strengthening the other side.

One great thing that has happened is I was able to quit my job at the State Office of Education and stay home with the girls. In doing that I now get a glimpse, Monday - Friday, of what it would've been like if I wouldn't have miscarried the triplet we had. I babysit the little girl of some friends of ours. She's exactly 2 months and 1 day younger than our girls (her mom was due 5 days after me). Some days I wonder what I was thinking, but I manage and I look forward do the days when they're best friends and all play together!!

Jeff's mom found and bought these adorable Christmas dresses for the girls. I must proudly point out their bows...I made them!! (not the headbands, just the bows)

In the last couple of weeks, Brooklyn and Emmalyn have become very aware of each other. It is so cute to watch!! They'll look at each other and smile. They'll even occasionally "talk" to each other. I love watching them interact with each other. Here's a cute picture we got of them holding hands one day...I know it wasn't on purpose, but it's still cute nonetheless!!

Back in the beginning of December our ward had a Christmas party that, of course, involved Santa and Mrs. Clause. The girls were actually still being pretty good (it was past their bed time) so we took them on up to get a picture!

Anyway, there's just a few random updates on whats been going on around here. Jeff is still working for Convergys and has been really busy with a new implementation that was recently done with the software that he supports. He's been averaging at least one 5-6 hour phone call almost every day.

Another bit of news is that we have listed our town home for sale. We've had a couple of lookers but that's it. We have looked at a few houses for us, but have decided to kind of hold off on that until we start getting a little more action on our house. But we are hoping that we'll be able to sell soon, I can only imagine how much smaller this place is going to seem with I have two little rug rats crawling/walking around!!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years...I can't believe it's already 2010!!

The best toffee ever...

2009-12-13T16:14:00.003-07:00

To those out there that have someone on their Christmas list that you just don't know what to get them.

To those that need a yummy treat for company that is coming for Christmas.

To those that just love a really good toffee go check out:

BellaToffee

I can tell you from personal experience - it is yummy, chocolately, and the best toffee I have ever had!!

For the man himself...

2009-12-11T22:31:00.005-07:00

This extremely late, and I feel like a terrible wife for waiting this long, but I still wanted to write a post in honor of Jeff and his recent birthday (Dec 1).

Jeff is an amazing husband. He puts up with my picky-ness and craziness and always knows how to make me laugh. When I was put on bedrest he never complained once about having to everything for me and around the house. In fact he would get mad at me when I would try to do stuff!! He has taught me how to be strong and stand up for myself better. He is honestly and truly my better half.

Jeff is a fantastic father, I couldn't ask for a better one to help me raise our beautiful girls. He's always been so willing to get up in the night with me to help feed them and care for them. He takes great care of them, especially while I've had to back at work for a few weeks. They love their daddy so much and they light up whenever they see him.

Thank you Jeff for being the wonderful man that you are. I couldn't ask for a better husband nor a better father to our children. I looking forward to spending all of eternity with you and seeing what adventures come our way.

I LOVE YOU HONEYBABE!!!

Snow babies

2009-12-11T22:03:00.002-07:00

I know this is a bit belated, but the girls went in for their 4-month check up last week and both checked out wonderfully. Their stats were
Emmalyn - 11 lbs 6 oz, 22 1/2 in
Brooklyn - 11 lbs 3 oz, 22 3/4 in
This is the first time that Emmalyn has weighed more than Brooklyn, so we were pretty surprise. Their doctor is very pleased with them and how they're growing. Measuring up against full-term 4-month-olds they're in the 5th percentile, but measured up with 2 1/2 month old (what they would be if they had gone full term) they're in the 50th percentile. So they are doing great. They did get another set of shots which made for a bit of a cranky night that night and the next day, but other than that they bounced back pretty quick.

Emmalyn smiling for Daddy

Brooklyn and her "praying hands"...they learn so fast :)

A couple of nights ago Jeff and I both wanted to get out of the house so we decided to go do some Christmas shopping...no I wasn't even close to being finished!! We pulled out these little snow suits that I had found on clearance back in April for $15 a piece!! They're still REALLY big on the girls, but we figure they have plenty of room to grow into them and they'll last them all winter :) Anyway here are some cute pictures. Also, the hats they have on were made by a co-worker of mine.

Emmalyn ready to go.

Brooklyn is ready too!!

This was after we got back home. I didn't think we'd get one of them smiling, seems as they were both extremely hungry and tired, but they love their daddy!!

St. George!!

2009-12-11T21:36:00.002-07:00

Last weekend (December 5,6) we had the wonderful opportunity to go down to St. George and be a part of the sealing and blessing and Jeff's brother's little girl. It was a wonderful sealing and beautiful blessing. It was our first time witnessing a live sealing of a child to their parents and it was so special.

This trip also marked the girls' first trip out of the Salt Lake valley. They did remarkably well, sleeping pretty much the whole way up AND back!! We had a great time visiting with family and sharing this momentous occasion with John, Heather, and Zaycia. I can't wait for our girls and Zaycia to get older...Zaycia is only 2 months older than our girls and they'll all be such great friends!!

Anyway, here are some pictures that were taken over that weekend.

Jeff and Emmalyn watching some tv

Twins holding twins :)

We stopped in Cedar on our way down to visit my sister Marie and her family. Brenna and Braelyn (the other set of twins in my family) LOVED holding, playing with, and helping feed the girls!!

Because our tub has the sliding doors I have yet to bathe the girls in the big tub, we still give them baths in an infant tub in the sink. Anyway, down in St. George we stayed with Jeff's Aunt Mary and she had a regular tub with just a curtain so the girls were able to experience their first bath in a big tub. Consensus?...They LOVED it. Emmalyn loved it kick and splash, Brooklyn enjoyed it but was extremely tired so wasn't as enthusiastic. Anyway...here are some pics to document this '1st' of theirs.

(PS - Yes both girls were purposefully covered with the rags!!)

Emmalyn

Brooklyn

Just before leaving St. George we let the girls just lay on the floor and kick for a bit...get the wiggles out before they were put in their carseats for the long drive home.

Emmalyn is in the pink top, Brooklyn in the purple top.

4 Months old!!

2009-11-29T16:44:00.005-07:00

Wow! I cannot believe it has been 4 months since the girls were born!! They have grown so much and continue to grow more and more everyday. They've become really attentive to their surroundings and people that are around them. They love to give smiles and are really starting to "talk" more and more, of course it's mostly just cooing sounds, but extremely cute nonetheless. They continue to look more and more alike all the time. We haven't gone in for their 4-month appointment yet (it's this Wednesday) but we're guessing they're at least 11 lbs. Anyway here are some pictures I took in honor of their 4-month "birthday" ENJOY!!

Oh...Emmalyn is in the pink, Brooklyn is in the purple.

The girls with their buddy Ryker...can you believe he's about a

month and a half YOUNGER than the girls??

All smiles!!

Photo Shoot

2009-11-29T16:39:00.002-07:00

Okay so this was quite awhile ago, but oh well. A couple of weeks after the girls came home from the hospital a good friend of ours came and we attempted a newborn photo shoot with the girls. Unfortunately the girls were extremely cranky, but our friend was able to still get some really cute shots!! Here are a few of our favorites.

By the way, if you like Jon's work and wanna see more here's is website:
Jon Woodbury Photography

This made me laugh...

2009-11-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Busy, busy times in the Thomas household!!

2009-11-08T15:39:00.006-07:00

Once again, I know it's been awhile, but I think I have two or three very good excuses!! Anyway, there's been a lot that's been happening around here in the past month, and in the midst of it all I've had to go back to work to compensate for insurance reasons...that's NOT been fun. But thanks to Jeff's sister, Jen, her boyfriend, and Jeff's mom we've been making it through rather smoothly, with only a few meltdowns on my part :)

Okay on to the good stuff...the things you REALLY want - adorable pictures!!

SMILES!!
The girls have learned to smile and LOVE to do it, as long as they're not hungry and too tired anyway. One day the girls both happened to be tolerating their bouncy chairs, and doing so with smiles on their faces. So what do I do?...what any other proud mother would do - grab the camera and go CRAZY!! Here are some of the better shots I got...

Emmalyn is on the left in pink pants, Brooklyn on the right with purple pants

Emmalyn

Brooklyn

HALLOWEEN!!

Yes folk we dressed the girls for Halloween and even went trick-or-treating a couple of times. The first was Friday afternoon - my (Jeanette's) work does a HUGE Halloween fest throughout our building every year. Complete with costume contests, pumpkin carving contests, treats, and of course trick-or-treating. The girls slept right through it all (well after a minor meltdown from Brooklyn). But I had fun showing off the girls and I seem to be a novelty throughout the entire building...known as the "twin lady".

Our second round of trick-or-treating was just around to a few houses in the neighborhood where Jeff grew up. It was fun and the girls were, once again, a HUGE hit. What where there costumes, you might ask...MONKEYS (Jeff made the final decision). And what cute little monkeys they were. I was going to carry around a blanket and pillow and say we were "Two Little Money's Jumping on the Bed"...pretty clever I thought!! Anyway here are some pictures of our two little monkeys!!

I just love when they sleep like this...and the tails just made it even cuter!!

Great thing about twins - you can show the front AND back of the costumes at the same time :)

BLESSING!!

Another very exciting event that happened this month was the Naming and Blessing of the girls. All of Jeff's family and most of my family came the weekend of Oct 11th and shared the wonderful occasion with us. We had a great time visiting with everyone. It was the first time all year for the Thomas/Littlewood (Jeff's mom's side) family to be all together and it was great!! The girls were extremely worn out when all was said and done. They slept good and long Sunday night and ALL day Monday...I tried to keep them awake for at least a little bit for fear of no sleep that night, but they wouldn't have any of it AND they even slept good and long Monday night as well. They were pretty well recovered by Tuesday though. Here are some pictures from that weekend.

The girls with their Uncle Neal who leave for an LDS mission to Brazil in Feb.

Emmalyn making one of her classic faces!

Our beautiful angels
(Brooklyn left with orange, Emmalyn right with purple)

With their Grandma Smith
She made their blessing dresses

With their twin cousins...yes two sets of twins in our family
Brenna holding Brooklyn on the left and Braelynn holding Emmalyn on the right
(I'm pretty sure I got those right...Brenna and Braelynn I mean)

We had to get Bella in with them all too!!

So that's the most exciting stuff that has been going on around here. The girls are growing like crazy and are getting more and more alert. Just this morning I had a good "conversation" with Brooklyn...she cooed and grunted at me for a good 20 minutes, it was so fun. It's times like those that I wish I had a video camera, but oh well. The past few days the girls have been sleeping 8-9 hours at night, which is AMAZING!! I honestly didn't think I'd get that much sleep for a LONG time. I've been told it won't last, but I'm definitely going to enjoy it while I can!! Anyway here are some more random pictures, just to show off :)

Brooklyn, smiling and happy

Emmalyn sleeping on Daddy

Brooklyn (left) and Emmalyn (right) propped up on some pillows on our bed.

Playing catch up...

2009-10-15T11:57:00.002-06:00

Yes it has been awhile since I've had time to sit down and update the blog, but Jeff is gone into the office and both girls are sleeping, so here I am!!

Two and a half weeks ago we had the girls' 2-month appointment...I know, I can't believe they're that old already either!! Here are their stats -

Emmalyn - 7 lbs 13 oz, 20 in long (as big as I was when I was born)
Brooklyn - 8 lbs 5 oz, 21 in long

Both girls are in the 50th percentile for height, weight, etc. and that's on a full term baby measuring!! Their doctor was very impressed. I'm assuming that by now they're closer to 8 1/2 - 9 lbs!! They're doing fabulous and eating great. Every day is an adventure and they just get cuter and cuter. They're getting really good at holding their heads up and becoming really strong in their legs and backs. It's so amazing to see them grow, develop, and progress over time.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks...Enjoy!!

Jeff had to go into the office one day and this is what he came home to!! (And yes I'm still in my pj's/sweats...it was only 1 pm!!)

The girls with their Grandma Thomas.

Brooklyn doing the "Heisman Pose" (so Jeff says)

Doing what us girls do best...NAP!!

The girls' blessing was this past weekend, but my camera wasn't doing so well, so I'm waiting for some family members (you know who you are!!) to send me the pictures so I can post them. Once I have them they'll be up!!

Free Giveaway!!

2009-10-02T00:01:00.002-06:00

Yes you read that right!! The recipe blog that the wonderful ladies of my family do i shaving a fabulous giveaway. To check out the goods and enter yourself go to

Smithalicious

While you're there look at some recipes and go crazy!!

Randomness

2009-09-19T15:48:00.003-06:00

Here are just some random photo's we have taken of the girls...enjoy :)

Copy Cats!! (Emmalyn left, Brooklyn right)
Stick 'em up!! (Emmalyn left, Brooklyn right)

One of my favorite faces that both girls do...I call them kissy faces. (Emmalyn)

Brooklyn sleeping on mommy!

Tummy Sleepers!!

2009-09-19T15:37:00.002-06:00

Well it's official, ours girls LOVE to sleep on their tummies. I thought I would give them some tummy time one day since they both seemed to be wide awake after eating. So I put them both on their tummies and within 10 minutes they were both fast asleep!! At first I just figured they weren't as awake as I'd thought so I turned them over to wrap them up and put them in their crib, and they woke up, and stayed awake until I put them back on their tummies!! Too bad you're not suppose to let them sleep on their stomachs all night...Here are some pictures I took. (Brooklyn is in the purple, Emmalyn is in the pink)

I love when they pull their knees up and tuck them under themselves so their little bums are in the air!! They are such a blessing in our lives and it's so fun to watch them grow and develop.

Big Bed - Two Tiny girls

2009-09-19T15:26:00.005-06:00

One morning I was getting some stuff done in the girls' room so we had left them on our bed to sleep after they ate. I thought they looked so tiny and cute I had to take some pictures!! Brooklyn is on the left Emmalyn is on the right :)

Silly Sleepers

2009-09-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

The other day I had the girls downstairs in their bouncers (one of the very few times Brooklyn tolerated it) while I was cleaning up. As I was passing by I noticed how they were each sleeping. It's actually a normal position for them, no matter how many times we try to reposition them (especially their heads) they always go right back to this...

Emmalyn

Brooklyn

If you notice their outfits, mostly in Emmalyn's picture, those are newborn sized outfits...still rather big!! But now the few pre-mi outfits we have are getting too small. So it looks like we've hit our first "in-between sizes" stage!! They have moved up to newborn size diapers though!!

We did take them to the pediatrician again yesterday. Both girls are still doing great and growing like crazy!! Emmalyn is now 6 lbs 3 oz and Brooklyn is now 6lbs 9 oz.

And here is one last picture I took this morning. They were both in our bed waiting for their food to be ready. Emmalyn is in the blue (they didn't have any girl colors the day those were bought!). I had them both cuddled, but I'm not a very pretty sight first thing in the morning...so I slid out to take the picture :)

1 month old!

2009-08-28T13:01:00.002-06:00

Well I can't believe our girls are already a month old!! There's not much new to post, but I still wanted to put up a few pictures that we've taken over the past few days.

We took the girls to the pediatrician on Thursday and Emmalyn now weight 5 lbs 11 oz, and Brooklyn weighs 6 lbs 1 oz!! They're growing like weeds. Granted they still don't quite fit into newborn clothing very well (hence why sleeves are rolled up on both of their outfits!). Anyway, enjoy the pictures!!

Chillin with Daddy
We just thought this was too cute

They were both awake and looking around!!

Chillin with Mommy

Homecoming!!

2009-08-25T13:09:00.002-06:00

Well it's finally happened...our girls are HOME!! When we left the hospital Sunday night they were telling us Tuesday maybe Wednesday. But then I get to the hospital Monday (August 24) and they tell me we can take them home because they're doing so well!! We are so excited to finally have them home and be able to really feel like parents now :) Here are a few pictures to document the blessed event...

Brooklyn, ready in her car seat.

Emmalyn ready in hers too!

Daddy carrying the girls

Together again at last!!

Our sweet angels!

The first night actually went rather smoothly, still a severe lack of sleep, but smooth. The girls eat about every four hours and usually wake up within about 15-20 minutes of each other. We have to feed them certain ways, so it's impossible for one of us to feed them both at the same time. So Jeff would takes one and I'd take the other. It worked out rather well.

Babies' First Bath!!

2009-08-22T10:52:00.002-06:00

The girls got their first bath and it was so fun! They both were so cute and never made a single squawk! They LOVED every minute of it...oh except being taken out and dressed again :) Here are some pictures of our beautiful angels...can you still tell which on is which??

As for an update, both girls were introduced to bottles this week and have been rock stars with them! There's pretty much a 99% chance that they'll be home sometime this week. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they continue to do well and don't tucker out. They are so fun and develop more personality every day. They're starting to look more and more a like every day as well. It'll be so nice to finally get them home, I'm definitely not going to miss the hospital!!

2 weeks old!

2009-08-12T21:08:00.004-06:00

Well, our girls are officially 2 weeks old...man time flies, but yet it seems so long ago that they were born! It's been an interesting but good couple of weeks. It's been amazing to watch them grow, develop, and improve over the days.

They've both had brief bouts with jaundice, but have overcome them quickly and gracefully. They've both surpassed their birth weight and continue to grow more and more every day. And once again they're both finally in open-cribs and maintaining their body temperatures. They're both strictly on breast milk and off IV fluids all together. They still have feeding tubes, but we're working on teaching them to eat on their own and both have been making some great progress in just the past couple of days!! Which is so nice because I was beginning to lose my gumption and drive to want to continue to try and nurse them. Anyway, here are some recent pictures of both girls...

Brooklyn, as of today (8/12), is 4 lbs 9 oz and 17 1/2 in long.

Emmalyn, as of today (8/12), is 4 lbs 8 oz and 17 1/2 in long.

The biggest hurdle for the girls right now is learning to eat on their own...as I said before, they've both made significant progress in just the past two days. It's quite the feat for someone so small-sucking, swallowing, and breathing all at once! We're hoping that once they get this concept down we'll be able to bring them home (crossing fingers). These girls are such a blessing to us already, I can only imagine how much more of a blessing they will be and the spirit they will bring to our home when they're here!

Some pictures of our little angels!

2009-08-03T08:22:00.005-06:00

They look more and more alike each day!

Holding Daddy's finger

Profiles

left-Emmalyn, right-Brooklyn

What cuties!!

The Thomas family!

Emmalyn's preferred position

Brooklyn basking in her jaundice lights

Brooklyn

Our first Family photo :)

Emmalyn posing

Brooklyn's classic hand position

Emmalyn Ivy Thomas - 3 lbs 15 oz, 16 1/4 in
Brooklyn Ardyth Thomas - 4 lbs 2 oz, 17 1/2 in

Both girls are doing fabulous! They are both off of the lights for jaundice and continue to improve and increase their food volumes everyday. We're up at the hospital as much as possible and love holding them and helping with their care.

We are proud to present...

2009-07-30T17:32:00.002-06:00

Emmalyn Ivy Thomas (left) and Brooklyn Ardyth Thomas (right)

More pictures and info to come later!!

God, Guns, Guts and Pick-up Trucks

2009-07-20T07:54:00.004-06:00

http://www.breitbart.tv/missouri-auto-dealer-offers-free-ak-47-with-any-truck-purchase/

This guy is giving AK-47 voucher's to people who buy a pick-up truck.

I tried posting the video here but it may not work, so there is a link to it.

Our latest "adventure"

2009-07-10T20:35:00.005-06:00

Well the past couple of days have been quite the interesting ones. We went in Wednesday afternoon for our 30 week ultra sound and doctor visit. Pretty routine, had Bunco that night and plans for the weekend...well that all changed in a matter of minutes!!

The ultra sound went well. The girls are getting so big, they're each measuring at about 3.5 lbs each, growing fabulously, and have great heart rhythms and everything. We then went into the doctor and he decided to check my cervix and see how things were going. Well I am dialated to a 1 and my cervix is extremely thin...for those that don't know, for only being at 30 weeks that's not so good!! So the doctor sent us to the OB observation area to monitor the babies for at least a couple of hours. Well, a couple of hours turned into almost 48 hours!!

When they first hooked the babies' and I up to the machine I was having mild contractions every 40 second to a minute...they were so mild that I wasn't even feeling them, but they were very much there!! So within about 15-20 minutes I got a shot in the hip with some steroids (betamethazone sp?) to help the babies lungs develop faster and I was admitted into Labor and Delivery. I was poked, prodded, and hooked up to all types of monitors. I spent the rest of the night having each of the babies' heart beats being monitored, my contractions being monitored, and my blood pressure taken at least every 30 minutes, and of course the multiple visits from nurses and doctors checking on this, monitoring that, giving me meds and asking whatever questions they had. Needless to say it was a rough night.

Thursday morning, the contractions had slowed significantly and nothing had changed with my cervix, so they sent me over to a more comfortable area, but where they could still keep an eye on the babies' and me. Things went smoothly all Thursday and I got my second steroid shot that evening and was told they still wanted to observe me overnight. So we settled in again. That night went MUCH better, still not the greatest, but then again what night in a hospital is ever that great??

This morning (Friday) they took me over for a non-stress test (NST) and I had no contractions and both babies' heartbeats were fabulous!! After a few more hours we were told that we were clear to leave. However, I am now on a strict bed rest. I am to be sitting/laying down the majority of the time. I can get up and go to the bathroom and shower and to the kitchen to get food...all the basic stuff, but other than that I am to be off my feet and resting.

We're hoping and praying for AT LEAST 4 more weeks if not more!! Please keep us in your thoughts and prays and for those that live in the area feel free to stop by and visit me :) Just call first to make sure I'm awake!!

Playing catch up

2009-07-02T20:08:00.003-06:00

Yes it has been awhile, but please bear with me...there's only 3 new posts :)

It's so hard for me to believe that June and come and gone already!! Time just flies by when you're having fun...or super busy, whichever the case may be!!

I'm going to keep this one short. We've been to the doctor twice this month, and we're now going every other week...at least until July 22, then we start going every week. From what I can tell from our doctor he's expecting the girls to come in August. They're growing in leaps and bounds and develop more and more every time we do an ultra sound.

I'm still doing pretty good. Lots of aches and pains and always, ALWAYS tired. Now that the heat has set in the swelling of my ankles can be pretty bad at times too. Anyway, here's a picture of me at 29 weeks :) We go back to the doctor again this Wednesday, so we'll have a better update then.

June 2009

2009-07-02T19:43:00.004-06:00

I can't believe a whole month has gone by...I've had a crazy month at work (Summer Conferences-one with 750 people, the other with 150 people) and have seemed to keep busy no matter how hard I tried not to with everything else.

It started off with a trip down to Caliente for my little brother's graduation. I can't believe he's old enough to be graduated from high school!!
On the way home from that we stopped in Richfield, UT to see our new niece on Jeff's side. Sorry no picture of her, but she is adorable!!

That Sunday we headed up to Heber, UT for a reunion with my whole family! 25 people all together (plus two on the way of course!) Thanks to me parents, we stayed in a HUGE house that had plenty of room for all of us. We did a wide variety of activities...well everyone else did...I kinda watched from the sideline most of them, but oh well.
First we all took a nice walk after the long (for most people) drive.

Monday some people split off and did other things, but eventually we all met up and went down the Alpine Slide. It looked like a lot of fun...I was down at the bottom with nephews Deker and Oliver.
Monday night, after putting kids to bed, the boys were kicked out and my mom, sisters, and sisters-in-law gave me a baby shower :) It was great..Thank you again for doing that for me!!
Tuesday was rafting day. There were two different groups that went. Jeff went along with Alma, Matti & Bella, and Cory, Melissa, Hafen, and Hudson. I stayed back at the house with Oliver.
Wednesday was the Heber Valley Railroad...also known as the Heber Creeper. We did the shower 1 1/2 hour ride. There was a beautiful scenery and just a fun time to visit and watch the kids as they saw and did different things.
This is just a random picture of Jeff doing his favorite form of cooking...GRILLING!! We did dinner one night and we did hot dogs and hamburgers. I great time was had by all and it was so nice to get away and enjoy some time together as a family.
The Friday after all that was Jeff's sister's graduation from High School. It was quite interesting to experience the stark differences between Neal's "small town/school" graduation and Jen's "big city/school" graduation...they were only a week apart.