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!

12 weeks old

Sutter and Cora were 12 weeks old on Friday, August 9. We celebrated by taking photos, getting out the blocks to acknowledge their age, and having them endure a little extended tummy time. At 12 weeks old, they are becoming more alert of their surroundings. I've noticed that when I walk in the room and start talking they will turn their heads towards me in recognition of my voice. Cora has begun smiling back at us, and we've even heard her laughing in her sleep. Sutter is trying to talk to us. His arms go straight by his side as he focuses on us. Then he begins to talk. His bottom lip may quiver a bit and he lets out a few grunts and a smirk or two. It's great to see their progress as they engage us. We feel that they are hitting their milestones for being 12 weeks old. But most of all, it feels so good to have them recognize us.

Cora & Sutter are 12 weeks old today.

Sutter often smiles at objects that are interesting - corner of the room, the contrasting artwork on the wall, and the blinds that cover the front window. Actually, both kids like those things.

Sutter puts his arms straight down getting ready to talk. 

Tiny feet

At 12 weeks old, his hands are as big as half of my pointer finger. 

It's not always the best time to take photos, Mom. 

Oh, wait...you mean you want to take pictures of me? OK!

Cora, still loving to smile all the time, moves her arms involuntarily. It often looks like she is raising her hand to ask a question. I have a voice that I use to say, "excuse me, I have a question..." and proceed to address what I think would be on her mind. It's all part of my non-stop chatter at the kids.

Round 2 of photos, post-nap and afternoon snack, Sutter and Cora were talking to me during this shoot.

Sometimes I get the crazy looks from the kids, perhaps with my incessant talking. 

12 week tummy time, except Cora who was laying on her back that moment.

My phone is in the foreground. It's playing the Lullabytes app, which has 12 classical pieces for kids. There is a timer on it, that allows you to keep track of how long it takes for the babies to fall asleep. I'm not convinced that my kids are able to fall asleep to music, yet, but they do enjoy it. You'll also notice that Sutter is attempting to roll over onto Cora. His gaze is fixed on the artwork in the room that is both of their favorite thing to look at. 

10 weeks old

The babes have grown a bit more. They are out of their newborn diapers. They are in size 1. They are also in 3 month sized clothes. When you hold them, you can feel how strong they are getting. They will kick your stomach with their feet and try to stand up. They also like to hold their head up as long as possible, before it rolls down into your shoulder. They are both quite the talkers during tummy time. With a combination of gee's, goo's, and huh-huh-huh (which sounds almost like a laugh).

Sutter

Cora...just a lil' spit up.

Avery's visit

Avery came to town to meet her cousins for the first time in person. Prior to her visit, we would Skype with Avery every couple of days. On Skype, Avery would watch us feed, burp and play with the babes. We would talk about what she wanted to do with them when she finally got to meet them. The babes heard her voice, so they were familiar with her when she arrived.

The moment that Avery walked into the house, she immediately washed her hands in the kitchen sink, without being asked. Within moments, she was holding Cora in her arms. She was able to spend the next few days with the babes. She learned how to feed them, burp them, change their clothes, change their diapers, put them to sleep and give them a bath. The fun part of playing with them during tummy time was a bonus.

It was really fun to have her here. Come back soon!