Tonight I had the energy to really clean the kitchen after dinner. I'm honest, this doesn't happen every night much to my regret in the morning. But tonight, I put on gloves and went to town. Wouldn't it be nice if we could bottle energy? Or should I say motivation. Anyone have any ideas on how to go about that? I have a lot to catch up on tonight...since my last post a lot has happened!

1. OLD FASHIONED TENT MEETING. Our church rented a tent and held daily worship services in a public area in Mannford for a week. We managed to make it out Thursday evening. There is just something about worship outside. Actually, we had our Sunday service in the tent so we made it twice. Being outside I was immediately taken back to those hot evenings on mission trips in Central America several years ago. I enjoyed the experience as it was the most connected I've felt in a long time at church.

2. I'm 30. Well it wasn't as scary as I thought. I told Blake all I really wanted for my birthday was an endless amount of sleep. (Must mean I'm getting older huh?) My birthday celebration started on Thursday, I went to lunch with the girls from work and my friends Tasha and Holly. Thank you for the lunch, the sweet cards, and chocolate girls!
Friday I left work early at 3. Blake arranged for mom and dad to watch the babies for the evening. Blake surprised me and took me to a restaurant called The Local Table on Brookside. An upscale restaurant that orders all of it's food locally. So you get a fresher, healthier meal I suppose. He said it would appeal to "my natural side." Actually, that was the hint he gave so I had already figured it out before we got to the restaurant. Our meals were good and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. Afterwards we met Chris and Jenn for coffee and dessert on Cherry Street. Jenn was sweet and brought me a bottle of wine. We had fun. Blake got me a gift certificate to Dwelling Spaces, one of my favorite stores, he tried shopping with both babies and finally gave in to the gc - just as well by me!! I almost forgot the beautiful orange roses and matching card, doesn't he have good taste! I also got some very nice phone calls, cards, and gifts (including an ipod - yes, finally). Thanks everyone!



Of course, I felt the need for reflection, it being a big birthday and all. What have I gained? Resolutions? Birthday wishes? Well of course I have so much to be thankful for so I definitely felt good about that. Change? Well, I'd like to be more like my husband. As Blake says, I overthink and he underthinks! Really, he always accuses me of worrying too much, of stressing over problems that aren't even here yet. He says only 5% of what people worry about is worth worrying about. I'm sure he read that somewhere on his MSN homepage, but probably true. For me to really be able to let go and not overthink I really need to be able to trust God. What a big and easy thing to say, I want to work on making this more of a reality in my everyday life, not just saying it. Easier said than done.

3. Family Reunion. Check out Jenny's blog (Lusty Family) for our group pic and a great commentary! I checked in on papa tonight and he is doing a ton better!


4. Oh Sister. When we took Gwyn to get her picture made two weeks ago she could barely sit up. Now, for the last week she has been sitting tall, crawling, and pulling up. Crazy! She is making some major transitions right now as well with her daddy and I. She likes constant attention and as we all know that is not always possible. Especially with a toddler. Today I was reading on another mom's blog about her feelings after a second baby. She felt sad that she couldn't give the second one the undivided attention she gave the first. This is just an unfortunate, fact of life I suppose! It's a fact but it's really hard. As a mom I want to give equal love and attention to both of my babies. It will get easier the older they get but Lord have mercy in the meantime!


5. Happy Father's Day to all the dad's in my life!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

was the theme for our weekend. Blake and I had some time together on Saturday for our anniversary. I don't feel like we're done celebrating yet though. I claim June as my favorite month of the year...I celebrate our anniversary and my birthday all month long! (anyone else have a birthday month?). Anyway, Blake's parents kept the babies for the afternoon so we went to lunch at Los Cabos at the Riverwalk. I wanted to sit outside and imagine we were somewhere else. It was nice. I was in a picture taking mood. Blake kept making fun of me because we were acting like tourists in our home town. Well after lunch we went to the bookstore and got some coffee and hung out for a little bit. We're hoping to take a weekend trip before school starts. We've been wanting to go to IKEA in Dallas for a LONG time. Perhaps to buy a new couch and other fun little things. We've been saving our extra change for about 3 years now. We decided we would cash it in every 5 years for vacation or fun money. I'm exctied to see how much we have, we're cashing it in this week.

And sweet brother is now a married man. I left my camera at my parents house for the rehearsal dinner so didn't have it on Sunday. I stole a couple of the disposable cameras that were supposed to be left on the tables (sorry Amanda, I'll make doubles) to at least have something - so pics coming. Amy (Lemasters blog) took some great ones: http://www.thenewlywedlemasters.blogspot.com/ I felt kinda sad that I have been too busy with my own life to really be more involved with the wedding. I felt like I just kinda put on a dress and showed up, it all came too fast. It wasn't until half way through the reception that the reality of what was happening sunk in. I had a nice dance with my brother. He has really grown up in the last year and I'm proud of him. And it was just cool to have all of our family together, I think all the time what an awesome family I have. It was just a good party, everyone had fun, including my husband. Oh yes, he did show his stuff in a dance off. When they called his name along with my brother Terry and some other of Dennis's groomsmen I wasnt sure if he'd go for it. It took him a little while to get the nerve but he totally let loose. Yes, tears of laughter, good times. I hope I got a picture, did anyone else?

I have lots more to write about but sleepiness is taking over. Looking forward to two days at home with Blake and the babies.
More soon.

Goodnight!

JUST A FEW REASONS WHY I COULD USE A GOOD BOTTLE OF WINE.

1. PICTURE DAY. Need I say more. It's intense, no matter what. A little humor though...We finally make it to the mall, as we're trying to get the kids clothes changed the lady behind the desk is entering our info into the computer. She asks Blake for Gwyneth's date of birth. "November," he says. I look at him like he's crazy and confidently say, "no, it's September." So she changes it to September. Then he looks at me and quietly says Gwyneth was born in October. "Yeah, she was born in October." We did get some good phots that I can't wait to share.

2. BIG BOY BED. As I'm typing this I think Wilder may have fallen asleep in his new bed by himself for the first time. Shh, we'll see how long he makes it. After one night of trying and not very much sleep for anyone last Sunday we decided to put him back in his crib. We quickly learned that cold turkey wasn't the way to go. So now he has both beds in this room so he can make the transition himself. Thank you Jessica for letting us borrow your crib for Gwyneth in the meantime. A lesson that it seems like I'm learning a lot lately - You can't force kids to do everything (although I did make wilder brush his teeth tonignt). I was on a big potty training kick but soon realized it was more for me than for Wilder. So I guess I'll wait until he's ready.

3. POOP. Cloth diapers have been ok. I've been willing to do the extra laundry. Now that Gwyn is pretty consistently on solids well you know what that means for the diapers. No more just throwing them into the wash and it all rinsing out. Before Gwyn was born I obsessed about getting this sprayer that attaches to my toilet just for this occasion (solid poop). Easy, you just spray into the toilet and flush. The stupid sprayer totally leaks and soaks my bathroom floor when I use it. So, now I've been going to the front yard and using the waterhose. It actually works really well but sometimes I splash myself in the face. I actually just sprayed one before sitting down to write this and I think I got a little in my mouth.

In other news...
1. INTERVIEW AT RIVERFIELD. Well I think it went pretty good. I know I am being considered, I just don't know how many applicants I'm up against. I am really excited about this school and I hope things work out. If not, that's ok too. I'll go on about the details if I get it!

2. My baby brother is getting married Sunday! Should be a good time! And I have a new dress and haircut for the occasion. Blake and I are also celebrating our 5 Year wedding anniversary this Saturday.

Time for a crib?
Don't worry, we got Wilder his big boy mattress today so Gwyn will have his crib this week :)

I know what I want for Christmas already. Someone remind me in December that I want a coffee pot with a timer on it. Now that would be a luxury huh? To wake up to already made coffee. Guess that would mean I'd have to remember to make it the night before though, yikes.

Today and yesterday have been good days. I've felt a little more like myself. I've just been overall fighting anxiety and just negativity in general, it's been hard to shake. According to my dad anxiety runs in the family to some degree so it's good to be aware of that. Anyway, yesterday we went to spend some time with my grandmother Bernice and today for the second day in a row, both babies are sleeping at the same time...pure heaven! Also, yesterday, on the way to grandmother's house I stopped randomly by a school I'm interested in to pick up an application and learned of a part time art position that is opening up. I'm not going to go in to detail, don't want to jinx it, sounds too good, I'll keep you posted. Could have been on of those instances where I was in the right place at the right time. It was encouraging because I've been wrestling with what to do in the fall, some days I don't feel ready to start teaching, at least not until the babies are in school. But this opening is part time which could be a nice fit. And today I took the both babies for a walk in the neighborhood, we haven't done that in a while. Wilder is usually not too excited to get in the stroller these days, he'd rather walk. But, today, he got in easily and rode the whole time. I wore Gwyn in the carrier and she was happy and fell asleep. The fresh air, breeze, and sun were all too good. I LOVE SPRING/SUMMER, when it comes around I wonder how I survived the winter, somehow I do every year. And to top that, I still have to watch last night's Idol tonight, yay...I taped it. (yes, i said taped it, we are still living in the world of VCR not DVR) Although I'm not as excited once I heard Archuletta (elf as we call him) ruled over David Cook (of whom I've seen in person-he applied for a job at Urban Tulsa...closes I've ever been to a famous person). And thank you mom for coming over last night and bringing us dinner!

And...some simple pleasures [as a mother] I'd like to share.
1. Second only to hearing your baby laugh is the sound of your toddler singing "mommy." I love it.
2. When Wilder eats vegetables. Yesterday he ate a whole bowl of carrots. I was so happy I let him have chocolate chip cookies and ice cream in the same day.
3. Waking up to see your baby girl's grinning face first thing in the morning. Somehow when I see it I forget the crying in the night and the kicking. (yes, it's time for a crib but that's a whole other post).
4. Kisses on the lips.
5. Wearing my girl.

I'm working on a belated mother's day pick. I need to post a picture of me with my babies.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, [by worry, failure, tiredness]
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:22-23

This verse has brought me much comfort. Seemed like a simple thing to share this evening.

Our weekend was a fun one. Our good friends Houston and Kristin came up from Oklahoma City. (Houton and Blake have been best friends since high school...we got married at their house). Anyway, I called Houston this week for a surprise visit. I decided Blake needed a break so Houston and Kristen showed up at our house at 8am and off he and Blake went for an adventure. They went to Talequah to float the river, I just wanted Blake to be outside, having a good time, and not working! Houston and I had originally planned for them to kayak the river but we didn't think about how freezing it would be, still preseason....so they took a raft. Kristin and I enjoyed the day together. We went to Target to get Wilder some shoes then to Woodward park for a picnic. The weather was beautiful and Wilder and Kristin hit it off! Here he is with his new buddy. This was Wilder's first time to ride a big swing all by himself. He's getting so big! The boys made it back early so we met them downtown to eat Mexican food - A perfect end to a perfect day for Blake. (I added Houston and Kristen's blog to my list).

Too sleepy to post much tonight, just pictures!

This pic was taken after he finally bit the dust riding his trike down our very steep driveway.



Isn't she sugary sweet!

These are a few books I want to share with all my friends and family who are moms.

First, thank you Debra Waterhouse! Debra wrote "Outsmarting the Female Fat Cell - After Pregnancy." Basically, she writes about why postpartum weight is difficult to lose because women's fat cells are programed during and after pregnancy to retain fat. So, we have to outsmart these fat cells. She writes about diet and exercise but also about what our attitudes towards our bodies should be, helps us to be realistic about progress in regards to what our bodies have accomplished, and about how most information available to women about postpartum weight lost is inaccurate. One thing (she encourages small meals often - of ALL kinds of foods) she says postpartum dieting can actually make you hold onto the fat longer because your cells think they need to protect what the fat they have! And she says the myth about breastfeeding and fat "melting away" is a myth - at least not until after 6 months. We need the fat to breastfeed! Whew, long description, anyway the book has been uplifting and motivating for me.

The second book I want to tell all you about is "The Vaccine Book", by Sears. I wish I would have had this book before Wilder was born. We all know that there is a lot of debate and controversy about vaccinating babies/children these days. When I tried to figure it out I felt lost and confused with all of the info and opinions. This book takes an UNBIASED (hard to find) look at the vaccines and helps parents make an informed decision. A lot of parents these days are still choosing to vaccinate but maybe on different schedules or are refusing certain vaccines. It is an easy to read informative book. I plan on referring to it so that I can make informed decisions about the remaining vaccines that Wilder and especially Gwyneth still lack.

Dear Nutella, why didn't anyone tell me you were so incredibly yummy? I'm glad our paths have finally crossed. Finally, I don' t have to feel guilty or wierd about having chocolate in the morning.

Spring is in the air! Yay for artwork! This is the cover of special issue we recently produced at work. It felt really good to be able to indulge myself in some creative play. I had fun finding, cutting, and arranging all the paper to make this cover. Thought it would be fun to share.

I've stayed up entirely too late but I had a second wind. Maybe because Blake and I went for a long walk in the neighborhood tonight. I pushed Gwyneth in the stroller for the first time (usually I carry her in the body carrier). So we had two strollers, I said to Blake, "it feels like we have lots of babies when we push two strollers"...guess you had to be there.

Anyway, a few pics from Easter then the zoo. Wilder had fun at the zoo, he was definitely interested in the animals. I think his favorite were the elephants or maybe the little girl who was also looking at them calling them cows. I can't wait to take him back. Yes, that is a pic of an elephant painting!

I had to put Gwyn in these green vintage shorts. I promise she has an abundance of pink things but here she is in green shorts and in Wilder's crib surrounded by blue. I am amazed at how much personality this little girl has already. She's going to be a spirited littel girl! She rolled off the bed (onto the pillows she kicked off that were supposed to keep her in) and onto the floor today for the first time. No harm done just made her really mad. Anyway, my joy this week has been watching Gwyn and Wilder together. She adores him already. She can watch him forever and I love how he can make her bellylaugh. She's also big enough now that she can roll around a little with him, they both love it.




Notice I put some links to other blogs on my blog finally!
Also, does anyone have any good book recommendations? What are you reading? I'd like to hear. I have the desire to read something good, I think it would help with my sanity! A good fiction, even books on parenting or for moms.

Pics coming soon, I promise! I have Easter pics and some from our trip to the zoo this week. The zoo...what an undertaking, I think I'm still recovering.

Yes, this is an early morning post! Last night we had a miserable night with Wilder. He cried a lot so we kept getting up with him. We thought maybe his stomach was hurting or maybe he was getting a new tooth. So it's 6:30 and I wake up to him crying, Blake is trying to get ready for work so I get up to be with him. As soon as I set his feet on the floor, he stops. Was all this a big fake? It's 6:30, I don't have to go to work today and Gwyneth is still asleep - I could be too!! He immediately walks to his bookshelf and starts bringing books over to read which is his favorite thing to do right now (he points at everything and says "Da"). He's happy as a lark. Ok, I guess you're fine...so the day begins...early.

I'm feeling better today and yesterday. Sorry to be so negative. My attitude is better. I know that as difficult as some things are right now our life is equally as sweet because of these two babies. It always helps to count your blessings. Today I'm thankful for:
1. My coffee pot and the coffe that comes out of it.
2. The fact that it's going to be almost 80 degrees and we can be outside.
3. My family. I am well loved.

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES AND GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

are what I had for dinner. I don't know which comes first...I'm feeling bad so I eat bad or I eat bad which makes me feel bad. Well whichever the case I fell off the wagon this weekend for my goal of swimsuit friendly body by June. We were out of grocery money this weekend so we used a Fudruckers gift card from Christmas Friday night followed by cookies on Saturday brought by our friends, grandma's chocolate zuchinni cake, donuts for breakfast on the way to church and last but not least those darn Girlscout cookies. Wow right.

Whew, what a weekend. Grumpy, very grumpy. I don't know why but it seems that about every two weeks or so I go through about 2 or 3 days where I'm just mad. MAD. On edge, hormonal, whatever you want to call it. I guess I just get weary I suppose. I could ramble on about the weekend but it all comes down to one thing - PARENTING IS HARD and i don't really feel like I'm doing a very good job lately, like I'm not really cut out for it sometimes. I feel like it's OK to admit that because I know everyone struggles. And also, being poor sucks. I'm ready to fuss about that too. I've held the motto "livin' on love" close for a couple of years now and most of the time it works and I'm ok with not ever having anything new...but love only goes so far people! As Blake has started saying "I don't want love, I want money!" I'm tired of being tolerant, looking at the same sheets we've had since we've been married, not being able to pick up a prescription because we don't have $10,...you get the picture. A little bit of breathing room would be nice...c'mon teaching job. It will be OK, we've got good plans for this year, if we can just stick it out a little longer next year will be easier because we will have some debts payed off. Also I'm in that gross place where praying is hard. The longer I don't pray about anything the harder it is to start praying. I feel sorta like a disappointment to God I suppose for not making my faith a working faith, I know that's silly but it's true. I don't remember the last time I really got something out of church. Ok, it could be the distraction of babies, but I'm not doing anything to supplement at home that's for sure. So I guess all of this combined with still not the best sleep at night equals a not very happy momma sometimes.

Sorry to be so negative tonight. I'll probably regret this post in the morning. Off to bed...spring forward :(

My new favorite website is ETSY! I love it so much I felt the need to share. I go there and dream about all the things I want to buy...or make. It's a site for all things handmade, check it out - www.etsy.com



Wilder wanted to make sure Gwyneth had enough toys.

I stayed home from work today to be with the babies. Blake's parents have been in California for what seems to be FOREVER. Blake stayed home two days, his sister came from OKC Friday, and I took off today to cover the time they've been gone. We really need to find a daycare or babysitter that accepts drop-ins for occasions like this. It's something we always say we need to do but never make ourselves do it. It's especially hard right now with Gwyneth being so young.

We drove to Ada on Saturday for Blake's aunt's 80th birthday party. I was not really wanting to make a roadtrip on Saturday because of the week we'd had (me sick and normal busyness) but once Sat. morning rolled around I was ready. It's hard to pass up an opportunity to have Juanita's cooking (Blake's grandma). We also stopped to see Blake's other grandparents Toby (Wilder Sr.) and Evelyn. When we stopped at their house Toby was putting together a paint sprayer, Blake was helping him and Wilder insisted on helping - as you can see with his screwdriver in this pic. He is getting so big...and smart! He is climbing out of his crib now so watch out world!





Gwyn is growing into quite the vivacious little girl herself! more like her brother every day. She is a really good baby, she always has a smile for you. I think it's funny that she will laugh even when you're trying to be serious...I was trying to get her to go to sleep in this pic.





I went for my interview last Thursday at Booker T. Washington. I think it went pretty good. After being there I was even more interested in the position (teaching art). I don't know how many interviews the principal was planning on doing so I may not know anything for a while. I'm still keeping my eye on Owasso and Sand Springs, hopefully something will work out!

I've been tagged by Jessica! I don't know how to link either so here's her blog: http://www.247mom-jessica.blogspot.com/
Thanks for making me sit down to blog Jessica, this was nice. Ok, I think I'll list my "top 5 places on my "want to see or want to see again" list. I know I said I wanted to start blogging about some of my favorite things, what a good way to get started! These aren't in any particular order.

1. The villiages in Honduras and Guatemala I visited during mission trips two college summers for a month at a time (traveled to in a converted school bus). These were life changing trips and the memories I have are very vivid. These places and things...the ocean, the streets, the orphanages, the children's faces, my team, the rainforest, the border, the cold, the hot, the churches, the food, the singing, the dump, the canoes, the praying...I cherish it all.

2. St. Francis and St. John Hospital the day both my babies were born.


3. Nice, France. (pictured) This time I want to go to the Henri Matisse museum. It was there I discovered my love for this artist. Matisse lived in Nice.

4. Generically the ocean. It's crazy how much I love it. How about Pompano Beach where Blake and I spent our honeymoon, or for a "want to see", how about Hawaii for a Jack Johnson concert, mmm dreamy.



5. And in the spirit of Valentines Day, the farmhouse on our wedding day. The sunset, the lights, the colors, my dress, the rain, the trees, my friends and family, the look on Blake's face.

6. I'm breaking the rules and adding one that I just thought of. Dinosaur Point, Grand Lake. (dinosaur point is a cove). This is my very favorite childhood memory. My grandmother Bernice and late grandpa Loyd used to own a trailor at Grand lake. My family went to the lake often growing up. If I could relive one day there it would be something like this...to be woken up early to go waterskiing before everyone else gets up by my grandpa or mom. from there I would make it to the porch to grab my still-wet-from-the-day-before swimsuit from the clothes line, put on my cold bathing suit and start my walk down the hill to the doc. i would be too lazy to put shoes on so I would take a dreadfully long time getting to the doc because i'd have to tip toe down the boat ramp to avoid stepping on rocks. I'd finally be in the boat - me, my mom, and my grandpa. the sun is just coming up and the water is perfectly still and quiet, there's drops of dew on all the seats in the boat. we make it past the dinasaur (it's not called dino. point for nothing) and on past the buoy's to the main part of the lake. my mom and i fuss to see who's going to go first - it's early and the water is cold. that first jump in the water is painful but once you're out of the water and on your skii's it's all worth it. the water is smooth and you have the whole lake to yourself. finally, after skiing my hardest i let go because i just can't hold on anymore and sail smoothly into what is now warm bathlike water. i watch my mom ski, and think maybe someday i'll be able to ski like her. my grandpa drives the boat, he doesn't say much but you know there's no place he'd rather be. we head back to the doc, make our way up the hill, tired. back at the trailor we're greeted by the smell of breakfast. grandma is cooking sausage. of course food always tastes better at the lake especially after being in the water. we have a big breakfast complete with sliced cantaloupe... i think that's a good memory to go to sleep on tonight friends!

I tag Saundra, http://waltandsaundra.blogspot.com/...everyone else I would tag to has already been tagged. I need more blog friends!

The Rules: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog. or Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list. or Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old. Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.

I wish I could always get everything I wanted to get on the blog...on the blog. I want to expand it a little more than updates on the kiddos. I don't know why it's been this week particularly but I've been feeling a little stressed or maybe just like I'm losing myself a little bit...and overwhelemed by the daily upkeep of the house. (sidenote: probably because we haven't had a dryer for almost a week now, the massive piles of clothes are fun, really.) I've had some Chrismas money burning a whole in my pocket so I went shopping on my lunch hour Monday. I bought a bird. A random little bird, from a store called Dwelling Spaces in downtown Tulsa. A very fun store that has a lot of unique furniture, gifts, and accessories. They also have a lot of items from local artists. Has anyone seen the "I heart Tulsa" shirts, or the "Don't hate the 918", or "I''m down with T-Town" t-shirts? Well they're sold there. Anyway, I went there wanting to buy something unique, a piece of jewelry or a tshirt or something. I ended up buying a handsewn wallet/pouch for my bag and this handmade bird. I had to buy it for Gwynny. All this to say it was refreshing to see so much creativity and made me long to be more creative or at least enjoy more art in my daily life. So I spent too much money on these two little items but they will serve as reminders to like I just read on my cousin's blog "stop and smell the roses" and do something fun. Plus I supported two artists and have one-of-a kind items! Something I want to do this year - LEARN TO USE MY SEWING MACHINE that is currently sitting at my mom's house. Could someone hold me accountable? There is so much I could do if I could use it and wasn't afraid of it.

New topic: My friend Saundra had her baby recently. Truly a miracle baby and birth. If anyone is curious and wants to read her birth story and the amazing way God was with her in all the details the link is: http://www.waltandsaundra.blogspot.com

As a way to write more I am going to start an ongoing-in no particular order- list of "my favorite things" and expand on them from time to time. I think this will be fun and help me to get more on the blog. With that said number one would have to be the internet. I don't have an ipod, I'm not interested in playing the Wii (althought watching Blake and my sister-in-law box at Christmas was hilarious), don't use half of my cell phone's features, but I do appreciate the internet and it's FREE ability to connect me with the outside world and stay in touch with people....isn't it satisfying to know and be known.

#2. (to be expanded upon). Bernice and Ila.

Ok, I'm cutting this short for now I've got to spend some time with my sweet hubby before I go to bed!

Happy New Year everyone. I have been slacking for sure on keeping my blog updated. I appreciate everyone else though for the updates...I check blogs alot, especially at work. It's pretty sad, when I finally have the opportunity to do anything on the computer it's after the babies go to bed and I'm too tired. Yeah, I'm usually in bed by 8:30. Sleep is gooood, and I take it when I can get it! Anyway, my friend from work came to our house last Sunday and took some photos for us. She used to do it professionally so she has all the fancy lights and camera (if anyone is interested). I realized that a photo of all of us smiling at the camera and looking decent is IMPOSSIBLE!...maybe when the kids are alot older. Oh well, it was still fun. I thought this one was kinda funny and captured the moment. I did get some really good shots of Gwyneth her being the only immobile one.

If you can read this make me a sandwich.

I've been spoiled the last few days having Blake home, we had a great time during the Thanksgiving holiday. Blake was off starting on Wednesday. We enjoyed the holiday and got some good things done around the house including a new Pergo (laminate) floor in Gwyneth's room and the living room, no more yucky carpet! I took Wilder and Gwyneth with the help of Jud & Lynda (nana and pappy) to the doctor yesterday. I haven't ventured out of the house with both babies yet, just for a walk so far. I was pleased that both are doing well, Wilder was off the charts in his height and 28% in his weight -definitely his daddy's body. And Gwyneth is already 10.5 pounds! The nurse said it was obvious the breastmilk was working out for her. I must say that I am so thankful that breastfeeding is going so well this time...yet another answered prayer and blessing. Today was back to being home with the two. It is getting easier each day...except when I'm really tired. Wilder has been in a better mood this week and has shown some interest in Gwyneth and likes to kiss her now. We spent about an hour in the backyard today. I had Gwyn in my front body carrier and Wilder was content with his usual rock collecting and feeding the neighbors dog sticks through the fence. I managed to make the most of the time and did some excercises...probably looked a little silly but multitasking is a must!

I'm planning on returning to work part time on December 10th, less than two weeks. At this time I am not looking forward to it but it's necessary for us right now. I'm a little worried about how Gwyneth will do, and me too actually. So keep us in your prayers.

The pic below we took at grandmother's house on Thanksgiving. 4 generations of women! (plus Wilder) I think that's pretty amazing.

And Blake is turning 30 on December 5th. If feels so wierd! I keep teasing him about being so much wiser than me now and how I'm reminded of things we did when we were in our 20's! Wow how time flies.

Roy really never is excited about bathtime so this just topped it off adding Wilder. Good dog....

Yep, my baby got his first haircut last Wednesday. He did so good! I had a hard time letting go of the curls but I do think he looks really handsome all cleaned up!...and

Isn't fall the best.

Instead of taking Wilder door knocking (he still wouldn't understand) we let him pass out candy on Halloween. We were surprised at how coorperative he was in his costume. It's like he knew he looked cute and he was super hyper that evening...could have been all the chocolate. The baby in the chili pepper costume is Jonas, son of our good friends Chris and Jen Holbert. He is only 2 months old. Some day these boys will love us for this one!



And just another photo of Wilder. I know it's because there is a newborn in our house but he is definitely growing fast and is more fun everyday! (and a challenge at times but the good outweighs the difficult!)

Isn't it amazing how one day can change your life completely? When we were driving home from the hospital it was bizarre to think just the day before we were on our way and now we were driving home with a new family member. I specifically remember everything seeming a little prettier that evening, like something had changed. The sunset was pretty, giving everything a special glow. Maybe I was just more observant that evening.

A few photos I wanted to share. This is my doctor, Dr. Larson. I am thankful her and her practice. I appreciate that she goes the extra mile to give women the opportunity to have the type of labors they desire. She is one of the few doctors in the state that chooses to carry the type of insurance allowing her to perform VBAC's. (Vaginal Birth after Csection). I love this photo. There aren't words to describe how awesome this moment was when Gwyneth was finally born. I got to hold her in all this goo! It was amazing.







Gwyneth has been an excellent baby. I am definitely getting more sleep than I did Wilder so far. The hardest thing has been Wilder and I adjusting to there being a new baby. It's been emotional at times but he is doing better and I am learning and realizing what life is going to have to look like in order to take care of both of them.

Gwyneth Ann Collins

I at least wanted to get a photo up for everyone to see. This is the photo from the web nursery on St. John's website. I have a lot more to share eventually! We are doing fine and still celebrating a successfull delivery and a healthy baby girl! More to come!