Summer Lovin'

Today was my last day of my maternity leave. I keep humming the tune from Grease, "summer nights" as the day has rolled along. I met a boy. I met a girl. While not all the lyrics apply, there are a few lines that stick out for me...

"met a boy, cute as can be...
...met a girl, crazy for me"

Well, those really are the only lines that apply. But the sentiment that I found some new loves in my life this summer is right. The babes will be four months old on Tuesday, September 17.

This summer did not fly by, as many people have claimed it would. I suppose when you are up nearly every three hours feeding two little humans, time goes by slowly. I really felt every moment. I do look back and marvel at how much they have grown since the day that they were born. And we helped them grow.

These first few months (and I suppose for years to come) were only possible because we had such amazing help from family, friends and our new discovery - nannies! My mom, aka Granny, Dad and Sister were there on that first day. While it was pretty hazy, it's so special that they were there for me. My mom, who is retired, was able to stay along with us during those first two weeks that the babes were in the NICU. She helped me to get back and forth from the hospital, stayed up with me when I was pumping, and provided such amazing support for both of us those first two weeks. Frank and I were so lucky she was able to help us during those weeks, and for many weeks to come. It was so great for her and I to bond over the summer with the kids. I am so lucky to have been able to spend such quality time with my mom during the babes first few months of their lives.

Here we are at 12 weeks old with Granny!

We also loved our nannies this summer. Vikki was a tremendous help for us overnight for our first few months at home. She arrived at 9:45 and left at 5:45. She watched over the babes, gave us great advice and support during those first few months, and provided great conversation in the middle of the night. We were sad to see Vikki leave, but there are other families that will benefit from her love and care.

One of the hardest decisions I had to make this summer was hiring a nanny for the babes so I could go back to work. It took nearly 5 weeks to find the right person. But we did it. Melanie started with us in the middle of August. In hindsight, I'm glad she started so early so I could get really understand how she interacts with the babes. Since she was here, working along side of me, I could take the time to get out of the house. I braved the world without the kids a few times over the last few weeks. It was hard the first time, but I did it.

We took two trips this summer to meet lots of family and see some friends. I'll post on those trips next. We have so many photos from those visits. What a delight!

Here are a few highlights of the babes this summer! Some photos you've seen, and some will be new.

Do you REALLY have to go back to work, Mom?

It's hard to just pick a few...but at least I'll have something to look at when I'm at work this week.

xo

Bacon Boost

The babes were 16 weeks old on Friday, September 6. Look how much they've grown since they originally took a photo with their bacon buddy.

In 10 weeks, they've grown a few more inches. They are alert to voices and sounds. They both have started laughing. They enjoy talking. Sutter says "ooh-ooh-ooh" in a boy voice. Cora likes to "coo-coo-ooo" in a soft, girly voice. When they lay on the ground on their backs, they like to kick and flail their arms, as if they are either swimming or biking. They are able to "stand" on us when we hold them, and even jump on us too. When we hold them in the sitting position, they are able to better use their necks to look around. Of course, there is still a good amount of bobbleheadedness. But they're getting it. Just last week, they started sleeping longer at night, going nearly 6 hours between feeds. It's so fun to have them become more interactive, literally overnight.

Here are a two other photos from Friday's photo session. We want to give a special thanks to Adam and Gina (who are newly engaged) for giving the babes the throwback onesies!