Stocking Stuffers

Merry Christmas!

Traditions

We all grow up with traditions, whether intended or not, big or small, they are a part of our memories.  One of the best parts about being a parent is the joy of carrying on old traditions and creating new ones.  The holidays seem to naturally be full of opportunities to do that very thing. 

Reflecting back, I remember the years that Santa left ash boot prints on the hearth.  One year in particular I was lucky enough to hear the jingle of sleigh bells and reindeer stomping on the roof overhead (seriously).  The images of our handmade stockings (my mama is crafty) and our decked out tree are still sharp in my mind today.

Since I don't own a sewing machine and I refuse to let Aaron on the roof in December, we will have to rely on other creative ways to make memories during the holiday season.  I can't wait to experience things with our two little guys and I know that no matter what we do, our time together as a family and WITH family is the most important.

Some of the little traditions that have made it into our routine this year...

-My Tradition-

Planting amaryllis bulbs around Thanksgiving 

so they bloom in time for Christmas.

 -Our Tradition-

Buying an ornament that symbolizes 

something special to remember for the year.

-Old Tradition-
Decking the halls with quilts and stockings
(my mama is still crafty).

-Shared Childhood Tradition-

Watching this classic movie at least twice 

(usually on Christmas eve and Christmas day). 

 

-New Tradition-

Taking these two to visit Santa.

Brothers

We hope that one day these two will be the best of buddies...

 Alexander

William

Reason No. 5

Today he made me laugh until I cried at least twice.  The amazing part is that he can say something hilarious one moment, something insightful the next, and then pick up one of the boys and connect with them in a completely tender way.  Yet another reason why I love him...

Reason No. 5
He melts our hearts.

A Busy Two Weeks

My-oh-my how time flies when you are having fun.  We have been on the move nearly every day for the past two weeks.  Besides making trips to the doctor, grocery store and Christmas shopping in general, we have been visiting friends and family.  The boys and I have loved every minute of the fun.  Everywhere we went, we were spoiled with love, hugs, lively conversation and endless gifts.  It was so wonderful to share our boys with those people that we cherish and spend so much of our lives with.  We cannot thank everyone enough for your thoughtful gestures and generous efforts.  We truly feel like royalty with all of the fuss.

Thanks again for celebrating these two critters with us!

Santa

We bundled up the boys yesterday and ventured out to visit Santa...

William was the "blue bear" and Alex was the "polar bear"

Santa didn't know what to do with two sleepy bears

 

  No tears this year! 

 

 

Big Boys

The boys had their two month check-up on Friday. They impressed the doctor once again with their ability to gain weight. William was 22 inches long and weighed 10 pounds 2 ounces. Alexander was 22 1/4 inches long and weighed 11 pounds 2 ounces. We are now allowed to let them feed on demand rather than every 3 hours. It is strange to loosen up the schedule, especially since we have been on it around the clock for over two months now.  I am so very proud of my two big boys...

They each had 3 shots and bled more than I expected

2 Months

On Saturday the boys and I celebrated my birthday and their 8 week milestone. Where has all of the time gone?  These past few weeks have been full of dirty diapers and sleepless nights as well as laughter and an abundance of love for our little guys.  They truly have our hearts in their little hands.

The wee little newborn diapers are officially too small and several 3 month onesies are fitting like a glove. I have been enjoying their eyelashes and glimpses of little smiles. Tummy time is leading to stronger head muscles and quality eye contact with brother.

William...

William is our sleepy, patient little one. He loves to snuggle and has just started testing out his grip.  Last night he grabbed my lower lip and held tight for a good 3 minutes.  When he's not grabbing things he tends to look towards bright lights.  He and his brother still whimper like coyotes from time to time. One of these days I hope to catch it on video.

Alexander...

Alexander is often more wide awake, although they both tend to be wakeful between their 9am and noon feedings.  He likes to throw his head back to stare at faces and loves watching ceiling fans.  If he is able to, he will grab at things and guide them towards his mouth.  The other night I noticed that he had somehow grabbed his pacifier by its end and had it in a firm hold while he slept.

Firsts

There is always a first time for everything (especially when your little)...

 First tummy time session

First quilt from Gramma Kat

First one to reveal their belly button

(Alexander)

 First walk

First babysitting adventure with Grandpa and Grandma

 First ride in REAL car seats

 First Thanksgiving

 Stay tuned for many more "firsts" to come!

Reason No. 37

When I came home from the hospital I discovered that Aaron had stocked the frig with blue cheese (one of my favorite foods besides sushi that was off limits while I was pregnant). Yet another reason why I love him.

Reason No. 37

He bought me the very best blue cheese.

Home Sweet Home

After sixteen days in the NICU the boys were finally able to come home.  Unfortunately, they were still too little to ride in car seats so we had to have each of our cars fitted with a special preemie car bed.  Alexander braved the drive with me and William rode home with Aaron.

 Alexander and William sleeping in their cribs for the first time

 Alexander

William

Alexander immediately tested out the waterproof mattress cover

William was grateful that the doctors insisted on separate cribs

Reason No. 1,984

Kangaroo care seeks to provide restored closeness of the newborn with mother or father by placing the infant in direct skin-to-skin contact with one of them. This ensures physiological and psychological warmth and bonding.

Reason No. 1,984

He was the Prince King of Kangaroo Care.

Catch-up Mustard

I thought that I would share some pictures from the NICU days...

 5 Days Old

 Alexander bunking with his brother

Alexander


8 Days Old

 William and Alexander

William

Alexander

Reason No. 802

Since we have become "official" parents, I am constantly discovering reasons to fall in love with my husband all over again. 

Simply put- he is an incredible partner, friend and father.  

Reason No. 802

He changed the first diaper (and many more after that).

Seven Weeks Ago...

  One big emergency plan led to...


twenty perfect little fingers...

 

twenty perfect little toes...

 

two perfect little boys...

 and one set of perfectly fuzzy brothers.

Happy Birthday

Alexander and William celebrated their official due date today.