Showered with double the love

Back in September the gals in my family threw a shower for me and the babies.  It was really fun. We played games (that I did poorly at, but enjoyed anyhow), ate a yummy rich chocolate dessert, and of course admired the babies.  Owl and Otter got some fun new clothes and things, which I am really excited about! 

The outfits that they are wearing were a gift from our wonderful neighbor, Sharon.  They are one of my favorite sets : )

My sister Melinda gave the babies darling Halloween costumes, which we had fun trying out on them : )  you'll see more of them when I get caught up and can post Halloween pictures!

I didn't get a picture of my Mom or my sister Judy, but here's everyone else...

Owl smiling at cousin Emily. 
Emily was a bit of a baby hog,
but it's ok because she's expecting a baby of her own
and needed a bit of baby time : ) 
Plus they matched.

Otter with cousin Katie

Otter with Aunt Marlene

Otter with Aunt Melinda

Owl with Aunt Laura

Thanks for the love and support, everyone!

I forget that I'm so short.
All pictured here except for Melinda

Twins: the good, bad, and in between

I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, but haven't had a chance.

But this morning I found out that my SIL Katie is expecting TWINS!  I'm so excited for her!!!  So I thought that it was the perfect day to write this post.

My favorite thing about having twins: when they are hungry they suck on each other.  Seriously it makes me giggle EVERY TIME.  Here's a little video, not the best, but the only one that I have.  And I love saying, "Don't eat your sister!"



My least favorite thing about having twins: equality.  favoritism.  If they aren't dressed alike (which is most of the time, since I only have a few matchy-matchy outfits), then who gets the outfit that I think is cuter?  They're both crying, who do I pick up if it can't be both?  etc.  There are a lot of these little questions that crop up throughout the day, and it drives me crazy that I have to analyze whether I'm showing favoritism (which would just be superficial, since I don't have a favorite child at all).
 

What I'm undecided about: being a celebrity wherever I go.  Seriously, EVERYONE is interested in twin babies.  Sometimes I like the attention.  It also helps restore my faith in people-- like when some grumpy-looking man comes over and is in awe of them and is cooing.  That's pretty neat.  But sometimes I just want to buy my groceries and get out of the store, rather than chatting with strangers.

They were pretty interested in the camera...Owl (R) is always especially captivated by it.
And since I mentioned Owl specifically, I need to also say that Otter went CRAZY for my sister's cat (as did I...it's an especially awesome cat). 

ME as a mama of twins: if I'm out and about with just one of the babies, and someone is admiring her, I almost always feel the need to say that she is a twin.  Somehow it's not ok to let her be admired just for their own cuteness, but also for the fact that there's another cute one at home.  (4 more cute ones, actually, but not all babies).
Now that I've written that, I realize that it is wrong to not let that baby shine by herself for a moment...so I'll try to stop doing it.

And as far as baby updates go:  they've grown out of the small newborn clothes that they've been wearing, and are into 0-3 month clothes now.  I'll find out weights next week.  They are smiling and cooing a lot more, and like to look around and stand (assisted of course) and try to do sit-ups.  They sleep pretty well--sometimes Owl sleeps through the night, but most of the time they each wake up once in the night.

New Scholastic Endeavors

Chick started Kindergarten!  Aside from getting lost on the first morning (why wasn't there someone to help the kindergarteners get from the bus to the classroom? I called and only felt more frustrated by the "we should have someone out there by next week" answer...seriously, I think she'll know her way by then.  It was the first day that mattered!). . . Anyhow, aside from that, all went well.  She seems to like it and be learning new things.  Her reading has really taken off lately, and her teacher puts a lot of emphasis on proper penmanship.  She's made new friends, and her favorite part of school is recess (but really, isn't that always the favorite?)

She takes the bus to school, and it was a major stress as I realized that the bus stop was around the corner.  Which meant that I'd have to take all five kids to the bus stop at 8:20 every morning...and on rainy bad mornings I'd probably need to drive there to keep the babies warm and dry.  I'd chosen to stick with our assigned school (which is probably the worst around) because I knew that I couldn't get drive her to school this year with the new babies.  So to have to drive to the bus stop seemed to nullify any benefits of bussing.  But long story short, there's a neighbor boy and his mom who volunteered to walk her down for me.  So every morning Landon comes and knocks on the door, and Chick opens it, and Landon says, "Hi, are you ready to go?"  (sometimes it gives me visions of when she starts dating) and then they run off down the road with their backpacks bouncing.  cute stuff.  Anyhow, that has been a HUGE help, and she only missed the bus once (pre-Landon).

Monkey started Preschool!  She goes to our friend Jill's preschool, where Chick went for two years.  Monkey LOVES preschool.  She loves playing outside, and singing songs, and reading stories, and playing with her new friends, and painting.  So far there isn't anything that she doesn't like.  I love that she has something all to herself. 

In lieu of paying tuition, I make random stuff for Jill.  One thing was composition books for the students (using Lia's tutorial again...thanks, Lia!). 

In addition to preschool twice a week, Monkey and Moose go to my Aunt's apartment about twice a week while Chick is at school.  Part of the time is spent doing preschool-type stuff, so Monkey is working on her letters and doing art projects there (Moose usually does them too, but they aren't geared toward him).

On the days when both Chick and Monkey are at school:  Moose doesn't know what to do with himself.  Hopefully he'll get over that soon. 

At any rate, it's been very exciting to see everyone learning new things and loving their new school experiences.

***
The story of the chalkboard: 

I saw someone else's cute chalkboard online and got all covetous.  So I bought a fancy board at the craft store.  Driving home I had buyers remorse.  $5 (after coupon) for a piece of wood that I plan to use once a year?! I decided to take it back.  The next day I'd swung back the other way-- I really wanted a school day sign, and of course could use it for other days too, and what's $5 anyhow?

So I mentioned to Mr. Fox that I couldn't decide about keeping the board.  He said, "there's tons of wood in the backyard, use some of that."
I responded with some comment about wanting it to be pretty, and he said that it could be cut into any shape. 

So I picked out a board from the back yard, drew a shape onto it, and he cut it for me.  I already had chalkboard paint, so we were able to make the cute chalkboard sign for FREE.  I like free.  And my sign is cuter than the one that I'd gotten from the craft store : )  Plus I did a little bit towards decluttering the back yard (ok, very little, but something).

My husband is awesome (and a penny pincher).
True story.

Muddling through

A woman that I correspond with for work wrote in an email (in response to seeing our most recent family picture):

"You must be VERY busy all the time.  I don't know how you do it...."

I responded, "I rarely feel like I'm "keeping up"... but I try to remind myself that it doesn't matter. Happy kids do, but a messy house doesn't. It's pretty hard when I have layout--I was up until 3 last night working-- but a couple of friends came and helped with kids and cleaning today while I got a nap : ) I guess that's really the only way that I muddle through...with lots of help."

And it's true.  Thank you Becky R. and Shannon. 

And thank you to all of the other helpers.  (this is not an exhaustive list...please don't be sad if you are not mentioned specifically.  I DO still appreciate you!)

Thank you to our neighbor Landon and his Mama who walk Chick to the bus stop in the morning so that I don't have to pack everyone out at 8:20 a.m.  and thank you to all of our other great neighbors (especially Sharon) for being understanding and kind with my children.

Thank you to Aunt Diana and Mom for taking the kids as much as you do (they love the time with you!).

Thank you Heidi and Judy for email support (and occasional phone calls) when I need to vent.

Thank you Becky J. for pinning hilarious stuff on pinterest, because often your pins give me a much needed laugh at the end of a potentially hard day.

Thank you Maria K, Shannon, Becky R, Kira, for continuing to come help (and helping me to feel ok about it.  I wish I was able to keep up with my life by now, but thanks for not making me feel bad that I'm not).

And thank you to my visiting teachers, who have given me great perspective:

Becky R-- "You look fantastic!  Your body has had five babies in just over five years!" (I hadn't thought of it like that, and now I remind myself of it when I start to feel discouraged.  That is a pretty awesome accomplishment)

Heidi-- "I think you're doing great if you get out of the house with a bra on most of the time."  (Finally, a set of requirements that I can actually live up to! Hooray for success!)

Moose's 2 year Photoshoot Date

Moose must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.  We got a late start, because he was busy throwing a tantrum about what shirt to wear, among other things.

We went to a nearby park and looked at the water, played in the woods, climbed on the curvy tree trunk, and explored.  By the end of that, Moose was in a better mood and I had a COUPLE of good pictures (but admittedly it's much easier the older they get...two year olds aren't an easy shot!).

Moose LOVES his backpack!

These pictures have crummy lines on them (which has something to do with how the light was hitting the camera, I guess...it's happened before).  I'm sad, because I like both of them.  Any tips on how to fix it?

After the pictures we went to "Ice Cream" but really we went to Skinny Dip frozen yogurt...which I had never had and which I LOVED and am already thinking of reasons to go again.

The older girls were both at school.  A special THANK YOU to Aunt Diana who babysat the babies!

This is my fave...but I don't know why--his face isn't even showing.

 

 

Playing Catch-Up

The problem with not blogging for a while is that I get so behind that when I do blog again I feel like I only can gloss over things.  Much of the random day-to-day things (that I want to remember later) get lost in the paring down. 

 

So here is a sad, little, glossed-over catch up post of things that have happened in the past month or so.

At the start of August we had several family reunions and family visits with the "Fox" side of the family.  It was so fun to see family that don't live nearby...and it had me wishing that they DID live nearby.  I loved seeing all of the cousins playing together!

Fox's sister Katie and her family stayed with us (visiting from Hong Kong).
Here are the four big girls watching a show on a laptop.

My kids soaked up all of the Grandma and Grandpa time.  I'm pretty lucky to have good in-law family.

 

 

Story time with Uncle Mike.

 



Grandma got her workout...Moose is no light fellow.

 



 

After all of the visiting and commotion ended, and the bulk of service from church friends was done, I was met with the reality that my home is all-crazy, all-the-time.  I became the tired, grumpy mama that I always am after having a baby.  I thought I'd get by without being like that this time...but all of the extra help had given me a false sense of my own competency.  Oh well, at least my kids are used to it!  (I'm very grateful for all of that help in the beginning, and I do still have some help...which honestly is the only way that I'm able to get through some days!)

 

The older three kids spent a couple of days up visiting Grandma and Grandpa N, which was very relaxing and quiet for me.  Mr. Fox and I even went out to dinner for an anniversary date...about two months late (because the babies were born on our anniversary).

 

At the start of this month I resumed doing my layout work...which kicked up the level of crazy to a new high.  But we made it through, and I think it'll get easier from here on out.  I've been very blessed to have a job that I enjoy, that helps me to continually learn new things and develope talents, and that I can do from home and while being a mom to five kids.  Sometimes it's a real juggling act though.

We also started school, but I'll do a separate post for that.

 

Sometimes you need to be fancy.
And have fancy stuffed animals.

 

I love it when my kids play together nicely! 
Costumes are a bonus happiness.

The Otter Baby (pun intended)

Ok, no Emu.  In fact, check out the great post that my friend Annalia put on her blog: HERE.

Instead I'm going with Otter.  Owl and Otter.  Here's why:

Otters are cute and playful.  Like my baby E.
They like the water.  Like baby E.
They have cute little faces, and my baby E sometimes has a little otter face, but even when she doesn't it's still a cute little face.

That's all that I know of Otters, so that's all the similarities that I can find.  But it's good enough for me.

Keeping Up with the Streadbecks

I have a friend (Mrs. Streadbeck) who is always captivating all in her social circle.  She has the most amazing stories of crazy things that her kids do.   Half of the thrill of the stories is the wonderful way that she tells them...she's destined to be the next Erma Bombeck (if her kids give her enough peaceful time to write a book, that is).  But of course, the kids do provide the fodder for the stories.

Anyhow, lately I feel like my kids are giving the Streadbeck kids a run for their money.  It's something to aspire to, at least.

Last night Monkey cut her hair.  And we're not talking about a little snip here or cutting bangs...she butchered it.  She cut all around, so that no area could be left alone. (unless I gave her a full-on mullett).

Fox said to just leave it like this and not cut it.  men. seriously.

I tried to leave it fairly long, but had to keep using a shorter guard on the clippers in an effort to disguise the butcher marks...but I went down to 1/2" and had to call it good enough...so she still has shorter hash marks on the back of her head.

The upside is that if anyone had to get an impromptu buzz cut then I'm glad it was Monkey.  She has a great head shape, and a pixie face.  She actually looks good with short hair.  In fact, the hair in the back was a pretty color and had natural soft curls...but she had some crazy cowlicks that made it hard to style...most of the time it tended to just be a crazy mess.

The downside is that Chick and Mr. Fox have BOTH accidentally called her Moose...and Mr. Fox seems quite taken with the similarity between Monkey and Moose.  "They're like twins! Stand back to back, kids!"

Anyhow, if this was Chick, I would think that the rash of haircutting-makeuping-shenanegans that Monkey has done was all on purpose.  Because Chick calculates.  She does things to get certain outcomes...she thinks ahead.  But Monkey isn't like that.  (Those two girls are opposites in so many ways!) Monkey doesn't think what the outcome will be--she is curious and impulsive.  She find scissors and thinks, "what is nearby for me to cut?"  I don't think there was any deeper motive than that.  She's an artist, too, so she has always been most prone to do body art and to cut things.

So I need to figure out how to supervise better...even while breastfeeding two babies at once.  It's kind of a tall order, but what about having five young kids ISN'T?

In the meantime, I'm glad that I've made a few new headbands...we'll be putting them to good use, I guess.

In the Trenches

Naming:
D will be Owl.  Because: she's a night owl.  And because when I told her that she was being a night owl she looked at me with eyes wide open, and I had to admit: she even LOOKED like an owl (but not always).  So Owl she shall be.

 

E will most likely be Emu.  I'm testing it out.  I wanted something that started with E, just to make it easier for everyone to remember who is who.  Also we love the Emu Books (Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu).  And it goes well with Owl.  And it's shorter to type than Elephant.  It still might change, since it really has nothing to do with little Miss E herself, and I like having something personal about it.  But it is a cute little name, and she's a cute little lass...so maybe that's enough.

HH, my handsome handyman, is getting a name that will fit better with the rest of the family.  From now on he is Mr. Fox.  Or just Fox when I'm lazy.  Fantastic Mr. Fox when I'm feeling really plucky.  I've never cared for how HH looks typed.  Besides, he's a clever fellow.

Monkey:
Will she ever learn?  This week she hid under my bed (in the company of her older sister, who did not participate), and put on make-up.  "You got into my make-up?!"  "no, it was my makeup."  "What makeup do you have?  show me."

sparkly fuschia nail polish eyebrows.
.
Moose-isms:
Moose is growing up before my eyes.  All I can say to that is "STOP IT!"  But anyhow, I wanted to write down some of his cute verbalizations before they're a thing of the past.

"Alla."  Alla has been how Moose says water for a long time...until recently when Mr Fox actually TAUGHT the boy ON PURPOSE to say water.  BOO.  I was so sad when Moose came to me and was telling me something about Chick's "water bottle."  Thankfully he still slips back into old habits and says Alla sometimes.

"Either."  Moose adds "either" to the end of most everything that he says.  "I don't want to either, Mama." Sometimes it makes sense, and sometimes it doesn't.  Often it's said semi-belligerently, because that's how he says a lot of what he says.  unfortunately.

"Ah-la-lee" is his youngest sister's name : )

"Uh-wuh-wuh" is underwear, which he is starting to wear now.  By the way, after having two girls, I find it very hard to remember to call them underwear instead of panties...anyone else have that problem?

"No nakes" is no thanks.

His new phrases are: "I note know" "I don't want to (either, Mama)" and "I love you" (I can't think how he pronounces it right now, but he says it to the babies most of all).

Today I heard him say, "Numemmind, Daddy" for the first time.  Two-year-olds are so cute!

He's starting to string words together in longer sentences (which seemed to happen overnight)...

It's always sad to see them growing up, but at the same time it's thrilling to see them learn new things.  I'm happy for Moose's new linguistic skills.  Now if we can get the tantrums to lessen, and the uh-wuh-wuh to stay dry....

Update on Owl and Emu:
At their 8 week checkup this week the stats were--

Owl weighed 7#6 oz (about 10th percentile)
and was 20.5 inches long (about 5th percentile for height).

Emu weighed 7 pounds even (5th percentile) and her length was the same as Owl's.

They are doing fine, but are a bit delayed on things like smiling, neck strength, and eye focus.  They are more like two week olds rather than two month olds...but in a perfect world they WOULD be two weeks old, so it's not a big deal.

Emu has been pretty raspy for the past couple of days, and I'll be very relieved when she gets past that.

l-r: Emu, Owl.  back row: me.

 

My favorite way to carry them is both of them tucked in the sling.  They like being squished together.  I also put them in the same swing sometimes.

People have said that they'll sleep through anything because of my older three kids, but I think they'll sleep through anything by virtue of being a twin.  Honestly, one can be screaming her head off, and the other is sleeping peacefully right next to her in the cradle. 

Emu loves to take baths...her little mouth goes into an O, and she puts her head back in the water.  She must take after her mother.   : )

Me:
During feedings I've been watching a lot of Monk episodes (currently watching season 8).  Consequently I say things like "here's the thing."

I've also read quite a few books.  Mostly dystopian YA books-- Matched, Divergent, Shatter Me, Birthmarked, sequels to those....

Oh, and I totally LOVE the Applegate Farms commercials.  My favorite is THIS ONE. My second favorite is THIS ONE.

I'm working hard to establish a "one load a day" habit for laundry.  I've also decluttered a lot-- on Monday I did 100 items, and I've done 10-20 items almost every day since then.  I'm hoping that it will make it easier for me to keep the house clean if we have less to mess up.....

I also try to find a couple of minutes each day for crafty stuff.  Currently I've been making hair bows and accessories for the girls.  Have you seen the nylon headbands?  So quick and easy and cute (tutorial HERE)!  I'm also working on a spectacular menu planner (that keeps getting more involved, which is why it's still a work in progress).  And I'm making a Family Home Evening chart, which has been a long time coming, but I did make a step forward this week.

I still am the beneficiary of wonderful volunteers who take my kids for a few hours, or who come over to let me take a nap, or who bring an occasional meal.  I don't know how I'd manage without their help, honestly.

And on the days that I'm on my own: there's always  Nutella.  Actually, there isn't anymore, and based on the velocity with which it disappeared, I will not be allowing myself to buy any more!  Plus the babies spit up a lot more by the end of the Nutella days...so for their sake I should refrain as well.

My Poor Boy

Evidently Moose is allergic to mosquito bites.
We need to remember to start spraying him before he plays outside, or he's going to look like we beat him every summer.

This picture was taken in June.

Picture taken this morning.
He looks like a cartoon character. 
He also has a good sized goose-egg on his forehead, but you can't see it in this picture.

When I walked into the kitchen this morning everyone was eating breakfast.  Moose's back was to me, and he was at the table with his sisters.  HH was standing nearby.  The FIRST thing I saw when I walked into the room was the poor boy's huge red monstrosity of an ear...but no one else had even noticed it!