just wanted to share some thoughts...

I just finished reading this book German gave me for Mother's day. It's not an amazing life-altering book, but it helped me meditate and feel God's love. For the first time, I was reading a book as a mother of two girls. I felt the weight of my great responsibility to teach them how much God loves and values them no matter what. That their worth is infinite and not based on how they look or how thin they are or what they do or don't accomplish in this life. I don't want them to hear me stress over my body image, which could lead them to someday worry about their own. I think German bought me the book because I've been wanting to shed this extra 20 pounds of baby weight I've been carrying around. In reading this book, I've been asking myself "Why is that SO important to me? Will I be more beautiful or happier with myself if I lose the weight? Will my husband and others love or value me more? Why am I being so hard on myself sometimes?"

I have honestly never been happier in my entire life...I absolutely love being a mother! I feel blessed in so many ways. I want to cherish and enjoy every moment with my husband and girls. How can I let Satan creep in and try to bring me down by leading me to believe that I can't be happy until I lose those 20 pounds? Don't get me wrong, I know it is important to eat healthy foods and exercise. But I want to do it for the right reasons. I want to take care of this gift of a mortal body that God has given me. Not just so I will lose weight and look better in my clothes.

In the end of the book she quotes President Hinckley which reads,

"I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to acheive. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."

Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you beautiful girls (and guys) out there! My goal is to follow President Hinckley's advice and just try to be a little better. I'll start with eating a little less chocolate! I'd love to be able to run a marathon, but for right now I am going to do what I can do the best way I know. And who knows maybe someday running a marathon will be within my capacity to acheive. Thanks, German, for getting me this book and for being so loving and encouraging.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Lucy's turn to start getting teeth. I can't get my pictures to upload, so I'll have to post the pic of her tooth later. I think Audrey is getting more teeth because they are both a bit cranky! Gotta love two fussy, cranky, needy, beautiful babies. It's not too bad, at least they are still sleeping through the night. *Here's Lu showing off her tooth and Ree with her two bottom teeth!

Random question...Anyone have some advice, info or weblinks about food storage. How much is needed for however many people in your family and organizing it and such. Thanks!

I lost all my bloggy friends

I forgot that when I changed the layout, I'd lose all my bloggy friend links (duh). As I try to remember everyone and make the list again, it'd be great if you could all help me out by posting a quick comment. That way I'll have a link to your blog...thanks!

NEVERMIND, I found most of you again. But there are still a few invited only blogs that are still missing, you know who you are. Email me!

Tuesday twin tidbit

I have to write a little tidbit about Mother's day. Over the past few years Mother's day kinda just sucked for me. I'd feel sorry for myself, wallow on my pity pot and wonder if I'd ever be a mother. Looking back it seems so silly because I am grateful for all I've learned about myself and God's plan for me. I love our girls so much! Who knew something so tiny could produce such a wide range of wonderful and scary emotions. On Sunday I broke out into tears at least three times. German made some delicious french toast with fresh whip cream and strawberries. He even cut a few strawberries in the shape of hearts to go on top. He's so sweet! We went to pick lilacs and planned on taking a few photos, but Lucy fell asleep in the car, so I only got this pic with Audrey. In the evening my sister planned this great dinner get together and had these amazing bundt cakes. OH MY GOODNESS...so scrumptious! I want more soon! My mom gave me a beautiful plant and a sweet first Mother's day card. I love my mom & my sister & my girls! I hope you all had a wonderful day!

6 month checkup

I predicted the girls would weigh close to 20 pounds and that Lucy would weigh about two pounds more than Audrey. Well I was off, but not by a whole lot.

Audrey weighed 17lbs 12oz, 26.5 in long
Lucy weighed 18lbs 12 oz, 26.5 in long

Sooo, pretty similar except for that one pound more Lucy is carrying in both sets of cheeks and in her muscley thighs! I also wanted to post a picture of Audrey with her Abuela Betty who came to visit last month.

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls are six months old today--here's a video of pics from 3-6 months.

Little Lucy

So Audrey was having a hard time falling asleep tonight. As Sara tried for the third time to get her to fall asleep, I decided to check on Lulu and noticed she was fast asleep on her belly. While Audrey remained resilient and even let out a few defiant yelps, I suddenly noticed Lulu pick her head straight up and look right at me, her eyes wide open. It was an annoyed look, as if to say, "What's with the noise? I'm trying to sleep here!" As I stood there in amazement, she plopped her head back down, shut her eyes, and resumed her sleep. Here she is looking over at Audrey before a nap...I love seeing how animated they're becoming, each with a distinct personality that is already evident. I love my girls.

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls started baby cereal last weekend. They are still trying to figure it out, but we think they are really enjoying it. They especially love sitting up and playing in their high chairs.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Here's a video of Audrey rolling over, Lucy just started rolling over last week, but I haven't caught her on video yet. These other pics were taken Saturday, it was finally a fairly warm day outside, so we dressed the girls in these sailboat rompers dad picked out for them last summer. Cute little sailing beauties!

Audrey's showing off her first tooth...

Our youngest sweetie was smiling big when I noticed a little white slit on her bottom gums. I knew something was bothering her yesterday because she was a bit fussy, she's such a good baby!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Our sincere apologies to all you faithful "Tuesday Twin Tidbit" readers. I was left in charge of today's tidbit and so it was put off till the last minute, of course...

Since our move, my commute has been stretched by about 10 minutes each way. The extra time on the road makes me miss the girlies even more. I love coming home and finding them in the living room, playing with mom. When I call out to them it's great to see their heads turn in the direction of the sound, looking for the familiar voice. Not that I'm anything special but the wide grins on their faces the moment they recognize me brings a feeling I can never forget. I love my sweet girls, and mommy too!

Tuesday twin tidbit

These are just a couple favorite pictures we took of the girls on Sunday. I love these pics because they really fit their blossoming personalities. Audrey is much more serious than Lucy and seems to have a little bit of an attitude. Lucy is super talkative and smiles at everything...we think she's the sensitive type. I can't tell you how much we freakin' love these two girls!

Robyn & Apollo visit

My mission companion, Robyn, came to visit from California last week with her handsome little boy Apollo. She has been such a great friend these past seven years. We were only comps for one month and I still remember the day we found out she was getting transferred--It was such a shock for both of us, we just looked at each other and cried. She was married a few months after me and has also struggled to have children. We've been able to talk alot and really understand each other over the years. I know God made us companions for a reason and I guess He knew one month was all we needed to be friends forever. This is a pic taken just a few months before we both were prego. Love ya Robyn--It was great hanging out as mommies together!

Her little Apollo is also an invitro baby and was born just three weeks before the girls. He was having fun checking them out...we think he finally decided on Lucy!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Audrey is a pro at rolling over from her back to front now. Yesterday, she did it 5-6 times, all while Lucy was grabbing and exploring her toes. I don't have a picture of it yet, but since my mom loves pictures, here's some others of the girls. Lucy napping w/ her blankie (when I walked in, it was actually over her face). And Audrey after a bath in her robe.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Yesterday after a nap, I heard them awake in their cribs and walked in to find them both looking back at the door. I guess they've figured out that mom and dad come from that direction.

And they've just started using the little blankies I've had in their cribs since they were born. I recieved them as shower gifts and think they are so cute. Lucy went from sucking her thumb to sucking her forearm to now sucking on her blankie. It is always in her hand or over her head or in her mouth--she loves it! Audrey plays with hers sometimes, but not nearly as much as Lucy.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day and my birthday. I wasn't too excited about turning 30, so I kind of tried to avoid my phone all day. This is how my day progressed full of reminders that I really was starting my third decade of life...pics of Ree & Abuelo and Lu & Nana Gail.

6:30am German made me breakfast

8:00am phone call from my mom singing Happy Birthday

8:09am phone call from my brother singing Happy Birthday

10:00am opened email from MTC buddy Elliot w/ birthday wishes
12:13pm phone call from German's cousin David w/ birthday wishes

12:48pm phone call from German's brother Stephen w/ birthday wishes

3:00pm phone call from friends Kiersta & Randalyn singing Happy Birthday

4:45pm my mom and my sister show up w/ balloons and coconut cream pie

5:30pm German comes home from work w/ flowers

6:00pm German and I go to dinner while my sister and mom stay with the girls (thanks mom & Ames)
6:26pm phone call from my cousin Julie w/ birthday wishes

8:30pm opened Hallmark email card from friend Ally

9:30pm text message from German's mom w/ birthday wishes

12:12am text message from friend Lauren w/ birthday wishes

Thanks to everyone for remembering the day I arrived into the world. It truly was the most memorable because it was the first birthday I was able to spend with my baby girls. OHH, and my tidbit is that Audrey rolled over for the first time yesterday!

Sorry about Tuesday...

We are all doing well in our new apartment. But we are still in the process of setting up our internet service, so I may miss next Tuesday as well. It was one year ago today that we saw the first picture of our girls, some of you have seen it, but I thought I'd share it again. These are the embryos after 5 days of cell division; we are so happy they both kept growing!

Hey, where have I seen this face before?

I just took this pic of Audrey and as I was looking at it, I realized it kinda reminded me of a facial expression I'd seen lately on baby Graham Rasband. click here

I can't post one baby and not the other

Lucy has German's little curled out ear and I love her Elvis hairdo...

ABC Tagged by my sister & Liz

The blog world is a funny place...my sister tagged me with this ABC tag on Tuesday and then Liz tagged me yesterday. Although the letter V was different....hmmm. Has that ever happened to anyone else?

A- Attached or Single? Attached
B- Best Friend? mi amor, Germansito
C- Cake or pie? Coconut Cream Pie-yum
D- Day of choice? Saturdays are play days
E- Essential Item? Camera
F- Favorite Color? It used to be yellow, but I think now it's pink or maybe brown or both
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? both, I love everything gummy
H- Hometown? good ol' Orem, Utah
I- Indulgence? pedicures
J- January or July? July-wintertime sucks
K- Kids? Two twin girls
L- Life isn't complete without? smiles from my girls
M- Marriage date? 02/02/02 (we really like Groundhog day)
N- Number of brothers and sisters? 1 older brother-Tyler, 1 older sister-Amy
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P- Phobia and fears? Losing German or a child and heights
Q- Quote? "If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves." --Joseph Smith
R-Reason to smile? My girls calling me mommy someday
S- Season of choice? Spring cause of all the flowers and it means summer is on its way
T- Tag three people? Karen B, Kiersta B & Julie B (I like B today)
U- Unknown fact about me? umm, I've hiked Mt. Timp four times and one time it only took us 3 1/2 hours to get to the top. Although, now I think I'd take 6 hours and probably fall over and die when I was done.
V- Vegetable? fresh corn on the cob
V - Very favorite Store? Gymboree (for girls) & Maurices (for me)
W- Worst habit? giving in to my sweet tooth
X-Ray or Ultrasound? I loved getting my monthly ultrasounds when I was prego
Y- Your favorite food? German's empanadas (I'm hungry!)
Z- Zodiac sign? Pisces

Tuesday twin tidbit

Sorry, I'm posting this so late. This morning the girls had their 4 month checkup and then we drove up to Salt Lake to see our new apartment. Lucy is the heavyweight champion weighing in at 15lbs 13oz. Audrey weighs 15 lbs 3oz and is still a half inch longer at 25 1/2 inches. The doctor recommended more tummy time and standing them on their legs a little more, but other than that they are doing fabulous.

Here are some pics we took a couple weeks ago, I love playing dress up.

Goodbye Utah county...

So, we're moving in 9 days. I won't go into details, but the owners need to sell. My family moved to Orem when I was ten years old. I've lived in Utah county for almost 20 years of my life, minus three years (mission & living in San Diego post-mission). We're not going far, but I hear Salt Lake county is a whole other world. We are really looking forward to the change and especially excited to move into a duplex right next door to our BYU friends Ryan & Kiersta. Kiersta is such an amazing friend and mom and German can't wait to watch soccer games with Ryan. It will be nice having a backyard and living on ground level (w/o people above or below us). Anyone know where we can get alot of boxes fast?

Here's the view I get of the girls after nursing, they are always happiest with a full tummy.

Tuesday twin tidbit (much more than a tidbit today)

I love nursing! It's been a four month struggle, but so worth it. Here's my long tale...I always wanted to breastfeed, but I'd heard of its difficulties and if I couldn't, I couldn't. Although, I was determined to try my darndest! I read everything I could find, took a breastfeeding class, and purchased this twin nursing pillow. Then the girls were born. The lactation nurse visited me just hours after, advised me to use the hospital pump at least three times a day and assured me I'd be able to nurse my twins. I was exhausted, but did as I was told. I rejoiced after a successful feeding and cried when the girls were having a hard time latching on.

After four days the girls had lost over 10% of their birthweight, so the doctor recommended supplementing formula. I was discouraged, but kept pumping. We rented a hospital pump for month and I pumped after every feeding. I couldn't get them both to latch at the same time, so I'd just nurse one baby, then the other, then pump. With diaper changing, this process usually took about an hour and a half, so I was getting maybe an hour of sleep before the next cycle. After a couple weeks I was still supplementing formula and was only producing 1 or 2 ounces total of breastmilk (newborns need about 2-3 ounces each per feeding). I wanted to give up, but kept trying. I called the lactation consultant every other day, sometimes pumped before and after each feeding, purchased a liquid herbal fenugreek mix called 'more milk plus' (tasted very disgusting bytheway) and still not enough.

It came time to return the rented hospital pump and I thought of giving up again, but the girls were finally latching on so well. I decided to purchase my own double electric pump and by six weeks I was a walking zombie. I needed more sleep! I gave them whatever breastmilk I had pumped in a bottle along with formula and only nursed once or twice a day. I got the girls on the same schedule and I was sleeping 4-5 hours at night. Luckily, the girls were still latching on and by eight weeks I could finally use my twin nursing pillow and nurse them at the same time for a couple feedings per day. My milk supply had increased, but so had their appetite. I was producing about 15-20 ounces per day, but they were consuming about 50-60 ounces total per day.

Finally, around 12 weeks the girls were sleeping 9-10 hours at night and I was starting to feel normal again. I began tandem nursing at every feeding, offering a bottle and then I would pump. Slowly, I noticed they were consuming less and less formula per day. I now only supplement about 10-15 ounces of formula per day, although sometimes I think they don't really need it. I offer it more out of worry because I want to make sure they are full.

So, that's my long tale. Some might ask if it was worth it and for me I have to emphatically say YES! I enjoy nursing for so many reasons. First of all, having my hands free to read a book or use the computer or talk on the phone makes the time fly by. But mostly I enjoy the closeness the three of us are able to experience. I love to play with their hair or have them grab onto my finger. Sometimes, I'll look down to see one or both staring up at me; they'll flash me a goofy grin, then get back to business. And I love when they are just staring at each other. Lately, Lucy will pat or grab onto Audrey's hand for awhile. It's so cute. That is why I heart nursing!

Anyone out there ever use a nursing necklace? Audrey's been getting more and more distracted and pinching me a bit. I really like this one, but I want to know if they've worked for anyone else before I buy one. Thanks for all your comments...isn't blogging fun?

Tagged by Kiersta

What's fun...
1-Right now I love trying to get my girls to smile, babble or laugh!
2-Going on a nature drive and/or hike with German
4-Watching Everybody Loves Raymond with German
5-Pretty much anything with German
5-Cooking and eating FRENCH TOAST--yum yum
6-Talking on the phone with friends
7-Bloggin'
8-Reading a REALLY good unpredictable book (hate when I can figure out what will happen next)
9-Going out to eat
10-Getting my hair done or a pedicure
11-Taking pictures
12-Finding a great deal on something
13-Scrapbooking
...and that's all I can think of right now, but it doesn't take a whole lot for me to have fun!

Tuesday twin tidbit

I haven't posted since the girls were born, so I told Sara I'd write something this Tuesday. The girls have been talking up a storm lately. Yesterday we noticed that they're much more likely to loosen up the tongue if they're right next to each other. It's as if they feed off one another. Lucy gathers up energy and starts cooing and Audrey follows shortly thereafter with her "gurgling." They can go up to ten minutes at times all while Sara and I watch them, laughing at times, trying to keep them going. They're a joy to watch! Here they are chatting it up in Audrey's crib.

We Love Raymond

Just been watching Everybody Loves Raymond episodes lately (German and I have all 9 seasons) and it's just sooo stinkin' funny. We watch them over and over again and still laugh hysterically. Anyone else out there fans? If so, what's your favorite clip? Here's a funny one for you to enjoy...

Tuesday twin tidbit

German's grandpa (Abuelo) and aunt Norma came over to visit us on Sunday. Abuelo is holding Lucy & Tia Norma has Audrey. Tia brought over some of her yummy empanadas and gnocchis. We love her cooking! We chatted and baby watched for a few hours. It was great to see Abuelo talking & playing with the girls. We hope he sticks around awhile longer, at least until the girls get old enough to have memories of him. He's 88 years old and has a prosthetic leg; I know just walking around is painful and very difficult for him. Yet, he still wanted to get down on the floor and play with the girls. He is such a sweet old man! Here are some pics of the girls with their great grandpa...te amamos visabuelo Oscar!

Daily Routine

*this is my typical daily routine, but most days it varies--plus or minus 30 mins or so.

7:00am feed girls, change diapers, then some playtime
8:30am down for naptime, mommy eats breakfast, checks email & blog, etc...
10:00am feed girls, then some playtime
12:00pm change diapers, down for naptime, mommy eats lunch, takes shower
1:00pm feed girls, then some playtime
2:30pm down for naptime, mommy prepares dinner, household chores or maybe takes a nap :)
4:30pm feed girls, change diapers
5:30pm daddy comes home! playtime w/ dad or bathtime
6:30pm mommy & daddy eat dinner
7:00pm girls last feeding
8:00pm change diapers, hugs & kisses, bedtime for girls...mommy & daddy hangout, chat about the day whatever
10:00pm pray, read & lights out

I was wondering what kind of routine everyone has, since I'm new at this and all. So, here's my schedule and I tag Lori Q, Hannah C, Jenny M, Ashley L, Justina S, Brittany F, Shaunna L, Darlene R, Wendy F, Karen B, Lindsey P...well actually I'm interested in anyone who wants to share. Also, does anyone have more playtime activity ideas for newborns? We read books, do tummytime, play w/ mobiles & toys or just chitchat. Let me know what you enjoy doing! THANKS...

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls are three months old this week and we can't believe how much they've grown. We love staying home and cuddling with our precious little LuLu & ReeRee. Happy Three Months!

Happy Anniversary

Saturday we celebrated our 6th year anniversary by going out to lunch and having a blast at the U23D IMAX film. German said it was "Even Better than the Real Thing." Thanks again to aunt Amy, uncle Spencer and cousins Dayton and Ellie for watching the girls. Lucy and Audrey told us they enjoyed every minute of it.

Here a few new pics I took yesterday. Lucy's eyes always seem to make her look sleepy while Audrey has big bright eyes.

"Rock On Everyone"

Audrey & Lucy

new layout...

Soo, I'm trying to give our blog some personality. I searched and searched for a layout that wasn't too girly for German's sake, but I couldn't resist this cupcake one. German is the brown one with absolutely no pink. I'm the one with the strawberry on top and the girls are next to mom and dad. I guess we'll have to have another kid to be the one with red sprinkles. Oh, and I have to add all our bloggy friends again one by one. Some of you may be listed under an alias (just for fun). Tah Tah for now!

Tuesday Twin Tidbit

Instead of just pictures, I really want to make this more of a journal. Every Tuesday I'm going to post something about life with our twin girls, something I want to remember about the past week. And I've chosen Tuesday because the girls were born on a Tuesday. Last night I put the girls down at 8pm and both were quiet for awhile, so I assumed they were asleep, but then around 8:30 I heard some noises from their room. I peeked in and Audrey was sleeping, but Lucy was wide awake cooing and babbling to herself very loudly. German came in also and we both stood there together for a few minutes watching and listening to her goo and gaa. She's getting more and more social, always trying to get my attention and always rewarding me with her big toothless grin. Audrey on the other hand seems to be more of an observer. She listens intently to everything I say, but tries to avoid eye contact. Although, once in awhile she'll just randomly look at me and laugh. I love it!

Trying to change layout...

FYI: Temporarily Under Construction

My girls finally love to sleep

I have to give a shout out to Babywise, I started it just before Christmas and it took four days to get them both to sleep from 11pm-5am at seven weeks. Although, I don't agree with every aspect of the book, it really helped me get the girls on the same feeding and wake/nap schedule. I just dropped their 10pm feeding on Monday night. I fed them at 7pm, put them down at 8:30pm and they slept until 5am! I still woke up every few hours thinking they were going to wake up any second fightin' mad with hunger. I thought it was just a lucky break--ya know just a one night thing, but last night I bathed them, fed them at 7:30pm and put them down at 9pm. I slept a little better than the night before, but still woke up on my own at 4am this morning. They weren't awake yet, but I couldn't go back to sleep. I started cleaning and waiting for them to wake up hungry. German gets up around 6am to change diapers and help me with the girls, then he gets ready for work. But this morning he was shocked to find out that the girls were still sleeping (usually he wakes up to them crying). Finally, at 7am I heard Lucy stirring a little bit, so I got her out of her crib and then had to wake up poor Audrey to eat. I knew it was possible, but I didn't know how exciting it would be for me! 9-10 hours! Two nights in a row! I hope they keep it up, now I just need to reteach myself how to sleep through the night again.

Nothing sweeter than smiles from babies!

Today was a smiley day!

Baby blessings & two month check-up

I can't believe our two little bundles are already 9 weeks old. Their blessing day was beautiful and it was great to get together with family and friends. The girls are growing so fast and we found out today at aproximately the same rate. We thought Lucy would weigh more than Audrey (because of her cheeks and also because she eats more), but Audrey weighed in at 12.7 lbs and Lucy at 12.6 lbs. The 90th percentile isn't bad for premature twins, but we weren't too surprised--big babies run in both our families. German was 9.2 lbs and I was 10.8 lbs at birth.

They had their first round of shots and the girls were so brave, they only cried (screamed) a little bit. I hope they sleep well tonight, Oh and guess how many hours I slept last night---7 HOURS!!! I am one happier mommy :o)

playtime w/ music