Bailey and Griffin's first "snow day"

This past Monday, we had Bailey and Griffin's first "snow day." I hesitate to call it that because we didn't really have very much snow that actually stuck, but we were out of school because they thought it would be much worse than it actually was. Although it wasn't really necessary, we sure did enjoy our day at home!!

Having a little mid-morning snack while watching Baby Einstein 

Having fun outside for a few minutes

I love my days home with these sweet babies...can't wait for the day when they'll actually both smile at the same time in a picture! haha

SO EXCITING!

Love those sweet teeth!

"What is this stuff that's falling??"

Back inside for playtime!

We had a great, lazy day together!!!

The Best Valentines Day Ever!!!

I would have to say that Valentines Day 2012 was the best one I have ever had...for more reasons than one! First of all, Jacob and I went out Saturday night for Valentines Day because my Mom called to see if she could come spend the night with us so that we could go out...um, that would be a yes! :) Jacob and I sometimes do small gifts for each other for V-Day, but normally it's just a favorite candy and a card. For anyone who knows Jacob, you know he is EXTREMELY frugal and is very much of a saver (which I really do appreciate so much), but he surprised me with this......

WHAT?!?!??! I can't tell you how excited I was. I have really been wanting a nice camera for awhile (especially now that I have some pretty cute models), but I NEVER dreamed that he would get me this. I was so grateful for not only the camera, but the fact that he splurged on this for me! We had a great dinner out and a trip to Target, and we headed back home!

Yesterday, on the actual Valentines Day, it was also a great day. I have some pretty cute Valentines this year...I am such a lucky lady! Bailey and Griffin dressed in their red and had a little party at Mrs. Chelsea's house, then we came home and had a little Valentines dinner of our own.

My Little Valentines

Reading our Valentines cards

We Love Daddy!

 We love Mommy too, but we're tired of pictures!

Daddy and Griffin grilled steak and shrimp

The card they gave to a few friends

Trying on one of his Valentines treats from Mrs. Chelsea...one cool dude!

What are these things?!?! Get ready for the beach sister!

Jacob and I had discussed earlier what our plans were for Valentines Day for the future for Griffin and Bailey. I had gotten them a card and a cute little stuffed animal, and they had gotten a few other treats from grandparents. However, I must say that this tops them all. Jacob is quite the little poet (I know it's a surprise, haha), and although I have loved the ones that he's written for me in the past, this one just might top them all and I wanted to share it, so here it goes...

Griffin and Bailey,

It's your first Valentines Day and things will never be the same

We asked God for you for so long and you finally came.

Our lives have been changed and everything seems new,

And our prayers must have worked because God gave us two.

The joy and happiness you bring is too much to even begin to mention,

And no matter what we do you guys are always the center of our attention.

Bailey you are turning into a little lady with your bows, ribbon, and lace

And Griffin is gonna be a tough guy with the usual cut on his face.

We have changed several diapers and had some fun nights

And got dressed up for church in  your khakis and tights.

You couldn't be more adorable, with the cutest little faces

Let's hope you don't end up like your dad with glasses and braces!

We love you more than you could ever imagine

My favorite times are spent on walks in your little red wagon.

Our world is so hectic, we are always doing one thing or another

If you ever wonder how we do it, it's because you have an amazing mother.

I thank God everyday for the wonderful gifts in my life

But I thank him the most for my new family, my twins and my wife.

7 months old

Its crazy to me how fast time is flying...I feel like I was just writing the 6 month post! I am seeing mobile babies in our near future...and that overwhelms me a little bit, but I love watching them learn new things!

 "What's that you say, Bailey??"

"Ohhh, that was so funny!!"

With this abnormally warm weather, we have gone for a couple of walks in their new red wagon.

Bailey has become our little scooter, but she only goes backwards. One minute she's one place, and the next, she's backed into a wall trying to figure out where to go next. She has gone from our quiet child to a little yeller! It makes us laugh every time because she's not mad, she is just wanting to be heard. She's doing so much better with eating and has grown to love it! She is getting too big, and I think she's the most beautiful little girl! Bailey is so easygoing and just goes with the flow. That might change at some point, but I sure am enjoying it right now! We had a girls shopping day while Daddy and Griffin had a day together on Saturday...I love getting one on one time with them every now and then!

The scooting position

Griffin will sometimes scoot backwards, but he mostly rolls around. It's funny because Bailey doesn't really roll, and all Griffin does is roll. He is still loving the pacifier, which is fantastic. He's very active and it makes him SO calm when he puts it in his mouth. He has the sweetest laugh when we play peek-a-boo and when we tickle him. I can't get over how cute his teeth are! He's been fussy lately, and I figured out why...he's getting his FIFTH tooth (Bailey still only has two). I love my little boy so much and sometimes I just want to squeeze him.

My big boy! He pays very close attention to things these days, and he was watching Bailey jump here.

My little roller!

Playing a little basketball with Daddy!

Lately, I have really just been amazed by the love I feel for these two. Don't get me wrong, I knew that I would love my future children when I was thinking about having a family, but I couldn't imagine just how much I love them! Today, I was cleaning our house for our small groups/Superbowl party and they were laying on the floor watching Praise Baby, and I started crying looking at them! I am SO grateful for them, for the fact that they're healthy, for watching Jacob be an amazing Daddy, and just for my little family. I am so in love!!!

One of my favorite parts of the morning!

My other favorite part of the morning

I love that they're so happy in the morning...loving laying in our bed!

Reading a good book 

Getting tangled up!

On a different note, I had a little reminder of why I love my job the other morning. It was one of those mornings where I'm running a little late because I don't want to leave Bailey and Griffin, and I was just kind of feeling down, and I walked in my office and saw this....

It is from one of my students at school who is a bit of a "challenge" when it comes to bonding with, and we have a really special relationship. She picked the "biggest one they've ever had" and put it in her juice bottle. It really made my day so much better and was a good pick-me-up! :)