2 months and a trip to El Dorado

It is so hard to believe that Griffin and Bailey are two months old! Some days it feels like it has flown by, and other times it seems like I've had them forever. I would define the past two months as two of the most emotional, overwhelming, stressful, wonderful, amazing, worrisome, blessed, etc. months of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but good grief, it can sure be hard! :) I have learned that I am more than likely going to worry and stress for the next 20 years about their safety, their well being, and just all about them in general!

Both Griffin and Bailey are doing great! They have both started to develop little personalities, so that makes it so much fun! Bailey has the most gorgeous, long eye lashes and we think that she is just beautiful. It's amazing how much she looks like a girl and Griffin looks like a little boy. Griffin made my day this weekend when I was talking to him and he looked right at me and grinned the sweetest grin I've ever seen...I will admit that it made me tear up. I am just so blessed by these beautiful babies. Sleep is getting a little better, but we still have our rough nights. Yesterday we went for their two month doctor appointments. She said that they both look great and she was amazed how much they had grown. At our last appointment, they were both in the 5th percentile, but this time we were in the 50th!!!! Grow, babies grow! :) Griffin now weighs 11 lb. 1 oz. and Bailey weighs 10 lb. 8 oz. Griffin looks like he is going to be tall and thin and Bailey is more petite. They also had to get their shots yesterday, which is hard on this mama! Jacob has to go with me to their appointments for now because it is just too much for me to handle by myself. I am so thankful for how healthy they are and how they are continuing to grow and grow! I'm trying really hard not to wish any stage away, although I must admit that it's getting easier now that they're a little bigger.

This weekend, we made a trip to El Dorado to visit my parents and to have a little shower that was hosted by some of my mom's friends. We were so blessed with many gifts, as well as many well wishes. Everyone there has prayed so much for us through this journey, so they were all so excited to get to meet them. It's nice to go visit because we get to spend time with my family, which I enjoy getting to do as often as possible. My grandparents and great aunt and uncle also came over to visit Griffin and Bailey...I am so blessed with such a loving family! I don't have many pictures from the shower, but pictures were taken by other people, so I hope to get a copy of those at some point!

Bebe with both of her grandbabies! :)

I've been told that I don't blog as much as I did before (haha), and I can't imagine why....but my goal is going to be at least once a week. I'm not promising that, but I'm really going to try!

This is what a weekend of fun in El Dorado will do to you....

Babies first trip to Tennessee

This weekend, Jacob was in his friend, Seth's, wedding. They have been friends forever and he was excited to get to be part of his big day. I was a little apprehensive about the trip because it was 5 hours and we eat about every 2 and a half to 3 hours...combined with reflux equals one nervous mama. We fed Bailey and Griffin, burped them, and headed on our way. They really did great going and coming back home with one stop for changing, feeding, and burping. I sat in the back seat with them the whole trip in case they choked or got upset...the middle seat of our Camry is not made for comfort....but it was totally worth it and I love looking at my sweet babies!

It was tax free weekend in Tennessee, so of course I wanted to go shopping for a few baby clothes...I've realized it is MUCH more fun shopping for them than it is for me! One of my best friends from college, Kristin, also lives in Nashville and Jacob was more than willing to sacrifice and let her go shopping with me in his place. It was great to catch up and get some good deals! I forgot to get a picture of us, but here is one of Kristin and her soon-to-be hubby, Parker, with Bailey and Griffin. I love Parker and Kristin together and am so excited that the next time I see them will be their wedding day!!!!!!!!!

The soon-to-be newlyweds! :)

That night, Jacob and I went to the rehearsal dinner minus babies....his parents were more than willing to keep them for us! :) We had a great time, but I did find myself really missing being away from them. While it is tiring and it is SO nice to have some time away, I do miss the sweet little things when I'm not with them!

Before heading out...yes, Jacob has a "summer haircut"...he said that with temps getting to 117 last week that it was time for shorter hair...I have no sympathy! ha

Saturday, Jacob and his family went to the wedding while I stayed home with Bailey and Griffin. I did not want to be "that person" with the crying babies in the wedding  video...not to mention it was hot and rainy. We had a good nap while everyone else was away. That night, Jacob's mom threw a little get together for their friends to meet our sweet babies. It was a lot of fun and was great catching up with everyone! It was also great getting to see Jessie and David, Jacob's sister and her husband. They live about 12 hours away, so we have to take advantage of our time with them.

Jacob and Griffin watching a little Shark Week

Before the night started

Pretty table of yummy food

Party favors...too cute!

Some of ours guests

Uncle David and Aunt Jessie before we left on Sunday

I must include this picture...our sweet dog, Cooper, has been living with Jacob's parents since the babies were born. We miss him, but I must admit it's nice not having to worry about another "little person." I was a little worried about how he would do with them, but he was great...he never bothered them at all! Here is our first official family photo with all five of us...not fancy, about to get in the car to drive 5 hours!

Cooper gets to be in a family photo...he'll have so much fun with them one day!

It was a great weekend, and now we are excited for Jacob's youngest sister, Jenna, to come home from her summer abroad so Bailey and Griffin can finally meet their other aunt! They have so much family on both sides who love them so much!

We are one month old!

I'm a week behind in doing this post, we are actually 5 weeks today! :) However, the pictures are from their one month birthday, so that's all that matters! Bailey and Griffin are both doing great...we had our month appointment last week and everything looks good. It was really funny because I had been telling Jacob that I thought Griffin must be having a growth spurt because he hadn't been sleeping as good, and boy did he! At our previous appointment, Bailey had been 6 pounds 2 ounces and Griffin was 5 pounds 9 ounces...NOT ANYMORE! My little chunky monkeys are now both 7 pounds 12 ounces. I guess that Griffin got tired of everyone telling him that he was the little skinny one. He is longer and thinner, and Bailey is more petite and filled out. They are both PRECIOUS! This was our first time to actually meet our pediatrician because she had been on a three week vacation! I LOVED her! She walked in and asked to hold the babies so that she could bond with them and just went on and on about how precious they are...I'm sure she does this with everyone, but as their mama it made me feel good! :) She said they have already made catch up weight gain, but they are still in the 5th percentile...we are tiny little things, but so proud of the weight that they are! She was also great about answering all of my questions, no matter how silly she may have thought that they were. In other catch up news, they are both sleeping better...by better, I mean that we get up every 3-3 1/2 hours, which isn't terrible. It makes up for it when I get to wake up to those sweet faces! It amazes me every day how much I am in love with these sweet babies of mine...I can't imagine only having one! :) I'm getting braver about taking them out by myself and getting daily things accomplished with two babies in the house...I have not made the Wal-Mart trip with them though and more than likely, won't anytime soon! Can't believe they're a month old already!

Griffin is one month!

After multiple attempts, this was the best I could get...little rollie pollie! :)

Sweet babies!

Headed to our one month appointment...we LOVE riding in the car!

We also made our first quick road trip to visit my parents for the weekend! We weren't there long, but they both did great! I'm so grateful that they enjoy the car and sleep while riding (just like their mommy likes to do). It's funny how when the grandparents are around, I don't have to do much between them and proud aunts and uncles! :) 

Happy one month birthday, Bailey and Griffin!!

Our Weekend and First Sunday at Church

I am still having a hard time keeping track of what day and time it is, but it is getting better! :) At the end of last week, my Nana and two other family members made the trip to come visit and meet the babies. It was so sweet seeing her reaction to them and seeing her and her sister argue over who got the hold them. She has always been the greatest grandmother and I have the best memories of making homemade play dough, baking pies, playing SkipBo and many other things. I can't wait for Bailey and Griffin to go visit all of my grandparents and make lots of memories!

Nana and Bailey

Griffin and Nana

This picture cracks me up because Nana and her sister are SO much alike and after taking the picture, I realized they are making the exact same face! So sweet!

Thursday was mine and Jacob's 4th anniversary...amazing how things have changed in the past four years!! :) Mom, Dad, and Hannah babysat while we went out to Bonefish Grill and Cold Stone Creamery to celebrate. It was nice to get dressed, put makeup on, and go out! We had a great time and we were so thankful that they kept them for us...not to mention that they kept them during the night so I could get a full nights sleep! I felt like a new person the next morning! 

Before heading out on our anniversary date!

Today was the first Sunday that the babies went to church! I was a little nervous about how they would do, but they did great. We have been so blessed to have such a loving church family that has done so much for us throughout this whole process, so it was great to be able to share Bailey and Griffin with everyone. Everyone was so sweet and was so excited to finally see them!

Before our first Sunday of church

All dressed up and ready to go!

Sweet little girl

My handsome little boy! This picture is so funny to me because he always has his hands up. I don't know why, but he always manages to get them up, even with his swaddle blanket on...my little Houdini! :)

I wouldn't normally put a picture like this of me on here, but this is what a Sunday at church with little sleep the night before did to Bailey and I. Griffin was content in his swing to nap, but Bailey needed a little cuddle time. Thanks for the picture, Jacob! haha :)

It's so hard to believe that Bailey and Griffin will be a month old tomorrow! They are already growing so much! We have our month appointment later in the week, so I will do their one month post after that so I will know their current measurements! This will be my first whole week with them by myself all day, so say a little prayer for me...I feel like the Little Engine that Could...I think I can, I think I can... :)

Where has the past week gone??

I can't believe I went a week without posting! This past week has been a blur and has flown by. Last weekend, my mom went home for a "vacation" and she and dad were able to celebrate her birthday. While she was gone, we had Jacob's mom and aunt come to take a shift and it was wonderful to have them here. They live 5 and 10 hours away, so it was great to get to spend time with them and it was so sweet of them to make the journey here! They were a great help with Griffin and Bailey and it was great for us to get to see them.

On Monday, they left and my mom came back for another shift! :) We took the babies to a photographer in Little Rock and had their newborn pictures made and I can't wait to see them! I know they are going to be beautiful! Jacob was able to meet us there, so I was excited to get some family pictures taken. Bailey and Griffin both are fantastic car riders (so far), so that made the little trip so much easier. However, both babies (especially Bailey) have a little reflux and it scares me to death when they do it! We have our first medicine and it has helped so much! Just a reminder that they are preemies and the doctor said it is almost always to be expected with early babies. I'm just so grateful that this is the biggest of our problems that we're dealing with. The doctor did tell us though that they need to sleep sitting up, so we have been sleeping in our car seats, which they love!

Tuesday afternoon, a sweet girl from church came and took more pictures of the babies! Can you tell that I love pictures?!?! Not to mention that I think that I have two pretty cute models! :) The pictures that she took turned out SO cute, even though they were a little more difficult for her...they were surprisingly awake for the majority of the time, which is not normal at this point! I'm going to love having her to take pictures frequently of Bailey and Griffin and it was so sweet of her to come to our house to take them!

I feel like Bailey is saying "Mom, stop with the pictures!!!!"

Our big news for Thursday is that Jacob is officially off of crutches!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH! I can't begin to explain how happy, excited, relieved, etc that I am that we have reached this point! Luckily, we have had help because it was not very convenient having two babies and a husband on crutches...not to mention, he was very frustrated with the situation! The doctor said that his knee looks fantastic and he is doing a great job of working it at physical therapy and at home. Jacob is pretty determined when it comes to recovering as quickly as possible. SO SO SO SO SO glad that we are done with these things!!!!!

My mom left Saturday and let's just say that it was NOT pretty! She has been such an amazing help with Griffin and Bailey...and for me! She helped me so much while I was recovering from the labor experience...I don't think I could have survived without her. After she left, I just saw in our rocking chair, holding Griffin, and BAWLED...for at least a good hour! I think the reality of "okay, it's time to do this myself" hit hard, not to mention that it has been wonderful having her here just to spend so much time with her. My parents are coming back this weekend so that Jacob and I can go celebrate our 4th anniversary (which is Thursday). I'm really looking forward to them coming back, as well as going out with Jacob! I told him that I am just excited to get dressed up and make myself look presentable! :)

Yesterday, Jacob put together the stroller while we watched the Womens World Cup Finals! I LOVE soccer and played from when I was 5 until I graduated high school. The game made me so sad, so we won't discuss that matter. However, I am excited about this little monster...

Our new ride!

Today is my first full day with Griffin and Bailey here by myself. It has gone pretty good so far, and they are sleeping now. My saving grace are these little beauties....

Griffin loving his Boppy Lounger

Bailey "lounging"

I had the regular Boppy for feeding time, but I couldn't prop them up in it because they're so small that they fall through. With these, they can lay there for a little while, not to mention that I can feed them both at the same time..which I had to do today! Another mom of twins told my mom that she loved these, so we got one, then quickly got another! :) Babies are stirring, gotta go!!!

Cuddle time this morning

An Update On Our New Life

It is amazing how much our life has changed in the past two weeks. Being a mom is the greatest feeling in the world! There are times that I am talking to the babies and I will say something about "Mommy loves you" and every time I say it, I get chill bumps and tears in my eyes. I have wanted to be a mom for so long and it is amazing to know that Griffin and Bailey are my sweet babies. A couple of nights ago, when I was exhausted, I took each one into the room by themselves, fed them, and prayed with them. I sat there looking at them and was bawling thinking about how blessed I am to have them here and healthy. I did also have a pep talk with them about our sleeping routine! :) Although it is EXTREMELY tiring, I would not trade it for the world! We have now been home a week and two days and it's crazy to think that they are already almost two weeks old. The first two nights were VERY, VERY hard and I didn't know how I would survive, but it has gotten much better. My mom has been here since they were born and has been my lifesaver. She has been there with me when they were awake and screaming, when I was crying, when I needed to go for a walk, when teaching me how to bathe them correctly, and when I needed help with just some of the basics of being a mother. Like I said, the first two nights were AWFUL and we got about an hour of sleep each night. However, we have been able to get into somewhat of a routine and the past four nights they have only gotten up three times for 30 minutes each time. I am hoping that we can continue this routine!!

Bailey and Griffin both love bath time! They don't realize it when it first starts, but by the end of it, they are calm and ready to eat. Here are pictures of our first bath.

Griffin's first bath

Bailey relaxing after her first bath

We have gone to their first doctors appointments and we are having to go weekly for weight checks. Bailey and Griffin both LOVE their car seats and riding in the car. They have done great at their appointments and look so cute in the process! :) The doctor has told us to put them in the sun to make sure their jaundice doesn't act up again, so the car is a great place to get some sun!

Griffin headed to the doctor and getting some sun...now weighing 5 lb. 6 oz.

Bailey getting her tan...now weighing 5 lb. 9 oz.

We have also celebrated some different things since the babies have been here! The first one is one that I forgot to mention earlier...my sister, Hannah, got a niece and a nephew on her birthday. She now shares a birthday with them and has been so excited about it. She has been staying with us and has been such a huge help by getting up with them at night, changing diapers, feeding, rocking...you name it, she's done it! She is a beautiful girl and I am so proud of the girl that she has grown up to be!!!! 

Happy 17th Birthday Aunt Hannah!

We also celebrated the 4th of July, and let me just say, it's a good thing that these babies can sleep through anything right now. I was very patient about the fireworks going off like a war around us, but when midnight hit and they were still going off, it made it a little more difficult to be excited about the holiday. We did take time to take pictures in their sweet outfits though! I had said for awhile that they had to be born before the 4th because I already had outfits...I am so glad they listened to me! :)

Bailey and Griffin

My sweet family

My mom's birthday was Thursday and we were able to celebrate at my house! I have always known how blessed I am to have her as my mother, but words can not express how much she has meant to me and done for me this summer, especially during the past two weeks. She teaches kindergarten and it has worked out perfectly that she has been able to be here with me. She has taught me so much about being a mother already and has encouraged me when I have been unsure about something that I was doing. I have had many tears in the past two weeks, happy and stressful tears, and she has been there to rub my back and reassure me that it is normal and that I'm doing a great job...so even if I'm not, she makes me think I am! :) Happy Birthday Mom and thank you so much for everything!

Her favorite birthday gifts!! :)

We have had so many people offer to help us and we are so very appreciate of the offers! However, we are lucky to have family that loves to be here and they are here right now. I know that there will be many times in the future that we will take advantage of  the offers! My mom has gone home for the weekend and we have Jacob's mom and aunt here with us for the weekend! These babies are extremely loved and that means so much to us! Time to begin our nightly routine...here are a few more pictures! 

My sweet, sweet babies!