Laundry tactics

When the clean laundry pile is far too overwhelming for you, do the following:

1. Empty most of the clothes onto the floor. Then climb into the basket.




2. Finally, just have a seat.

I think it's brilliant. And not just because she's my daughter...

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Colorado and sleeping in

If you live on the East Coast, those two things really do go hand in hand! Since we've been back from our trip out west, Kate has been a champion at sleeping in! The first day back, she slept until 10:30 and today she snoozed until 9:15! Morning nap is out the window at that point! Needless to say, we are still adjusting to our time zone.

Our trip was phenomenal. We are so thankful that Mom and Dad provided the opportunity for us to go visit with family and for Jon to meet them for the first time. This particular family is rather dear to my heart, and it was so special for my husband and my kids to meet them- and for them to know my family. We took in the sights as much as we could, for a family scooting around town with 2 little ones. Read: We took the long route to the Air Force Academy and then it was experienced from the back seat of the car, rather than getting out (Kate's 1 hr. morning nap), Garden of the Gods- again from the back seat, except for Jon with the camera and ferocious love of nature (Kate's 1 hr. afternoon nap).
Everything we did was leisurely; we simply enjoyed where we were. One day it meant a two hour breakfast in the hotel lobby while catching up with and meeting extended family. Another day it meant a slow morning and a dip in the pool. One of the best things about the weekend (aside from sweet Cousin Shannon's wedding) was meeting more family. I guess it's not really my family (my aunt's sisters and their kids), but they sure did feel like it by the end of our long weekend! The three musketeers (picture below) snatched Drew up as quickly as they could, and proceeded to snuggle with and love on him the entire weekend. I think I only held him when he needed to eat. Really. They quietly passed him around, from arms to arms. I think they had a "holding schedule," and they took turns and waited patiently. Precious, precious girls. I wish I could have taken them home with me. And not just because they gave my arms a break! We also got to meet my cousin's fiancee. What a treat! And we are so excited that she will be part of our family next summer! When the three musketeers weren't kidnapping Drew, Grethel cuddled with him! And when Drew was otherwise occupied, sweet Grethel played with Kate. That's the way to this mama's heart- love on my children.

It was often hectic in the airport, kids' schedules were all off, but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. With the help of my parents and sister, of course!

Shortly after landing in CO. Her body thinks it's almost 11 pm!

Focus on the Family- touching the computer screen changes the colors on the pictures!


Nap time!

Pool time!


Pool time!


Beautiful bride and her dad


So victorious!! I love this one!


Cousins: Minus the bride, Daniel, and sweet Tim


After about 6 tries...


Grethel and Drew


The three musketeers


Uncle Charlie, Aunt Kathy, and almost all of us!


Pikes Peak in the background- a more typical family picture, with Kate trying to get down!

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Better late than never!

Our sweet little Drew is 8 weeks old today! Where did time go? I've had a hard time with the reality of his age because I was recovering for so long. Therefore, I feel like time really started once I was able to be Mom again. He seems so young to me! His 2 month appointment is scheduled for next week and I haven't even updated on his 1 month stats! Here are some stats and what our little man is up to these days!

Weight at 5 days: 7 lb. 8 oz.
Weight at 1 month: 10 lb.

Height at 5 days: 19 3/4 in
Height at 1 month: 21 1/2 in.

He lines up in the 50th percentile for everything, but his actions seem to indicate otherwise! He has been trying to hold up his head since the first week we were home, and it's only gotten stronger! His arms are super strong too, and he practically does push ups! He pushes up with his legs and they are strong enough to hurt your gut when he's in your lap! Drew is a mover. His legs are constantly kicking and moving around when he's awake, and I can now see what it was that he was doing in my belly! His moves haven't changed much! He is super alert and loves to smile. He is frequently plagued by hiccups, which drive him mad! He has huge blue eyes, just like his big sister and he is pretty accustomed to her abuse love at this point. Bath time is a huge hit, which is good and necessary after we have our quality time together outside. After Kate goes down for her afternoon nap, Drew and I often stand on the front porch and listen to the outdoor noises together. Then he's ready to snuggle down for his afternoon nap! In general, Drew is just a really sweet boy. He loves to cuddle and he is certainly not hungering for attention!

A few more recent pics of my little man:

Chillin' with Gram while Kate plays in the play area



Relaxin' pool side

At Cousin Shannon's wedding reception in Colorado

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I thought the Rockies would be rockier...

We made it!! Our flight to Colorado and we are so glad to be here, 6000 feet above sea level! Kate and Drew were GREAT on the plane... A friend had warned me that two babies can't sit on laps in the same row, so we had to divide and conquer! Aunt Gretchen sat with Kate in the row in front of us on the way to Atlanta, and kept her busy the entire time! (One girl kept the other busy... you guess which girl was which...) We could hear Kate talking on her phone that she brought with her and giving kisses to pictures of her family in books and photo albums. And she only whacked her seat neighbor a few times in the head. Reading is an aerobic sport and VERY exciting in our family!! Drew was supposed to nurse on take off, and finished before we were even cleared to head down the runway! How in the world are you supposed to know when you'll be cleared?! Fortunately, he fell asleep and slept for pretty much the whole flight to Atlanta. Not. A. Peep.

Quick layover in Atlanta: scarf down dinner and climb on the next plane... This time Kate sat with Daddy and Drew chilled with Gretchen and me. Again, Drew slept. Didn't even bother trying to nurse that man! And Daddy kept Kate busy for almost 3 hours on the flight to Colorado Springs. Amazing man, I tell you! A sippy cup, paci, and dropper for ear drops could all be found on the floor (out of arm's reach) before we were cleared for take off. But, they were champs together! Kate fussed some because she had not napped the entire day. The ENTIRE day. But don't worry. She fell asleep as we were taxiing to the gate. In Colorado. Oh yes!! She has great timing...

Today has been a full day (napless, of course) of visiting with precious family, driving around the Air Force Academy, and playing in the huge kids' area at Focus on the Family. We'll head down to dinner with the family in just a bit and can't wait to see my cousin get married tomorrow afternoon!

A 2 hour time change is a little confusing to small bodies, but we're hanging in there. It makes for tough nights, early mornings, and napless days- but it's definitely worth it. And we can't beat 80 degree weather, no humidity, gentle breezes, and a view of the Rockies no matter where we are. God sure is good!!

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Flying across the country

I need YOUR advice! We are leaving next week to hop on a plane to Colorado with. two. babies. We have a quick layover in Atlanta, then will be on our way to Colorado Springs and in the air for several hours to follow. I've been brainstorming a bunch of things (this is what happens when you're stuck in a recliner for 3 weeks!) but I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Here's what our set up is: Drew will be in the sling with me and Kate will be on a lap. Jon's? Gretchen's? What are your tips for traveling with a 13 month old and a 7 week old?


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