Lookout World, Here We Come!

Today we had our first grand adventure out of the house, as we saw the pediatrician for the first time. The girls were dressed adorably in their little outfits, which Sophia promptly spit up on. But Mommy anticipated this and brought several replacement outfits. Everything went great at the doctor's office, we are healthy and growing. Sophia weighs 7 lb 1 oz, Alexis weighs 6 lb 13 oz. We lost a few ounces our first few days in the hospital, but we were assured this is normal.

Shortly into the office visit, I realized that I had been so focused on getting the girls' things together, I never thought to bring my breast pump. I had planned on bottle feeding the girls so we wouldn't have to spend an hour or more in awkwardness, since we don't quite have the breastfeeding down to a science just yet. Yes, note to self: pack breast pump and extra clothes for myself as well! Soaked through several layers of clothing.

After seeing the doctor, Mommy needed to eat and get a few things, so we also ventured out to Target. Everyone cooed over us, especially when they realized there were two of us! In the middle of the store, Mommy heard Alexis grumbling tummy, indicating a dirty diaper. When we got out to the car, I laid her in the back of the van to change her. I have already learned to have everything ready, and to switch diapers quickly, since my girls have the unique knack of peeing as soon as the diaper is pulled out from under them. However, this changing was an experience I wasn't quite expecting. I no sooner pulled the diaper down and reached for the wipe when a loud "pppppttttttt" sounds erupted from Alexis' bottom side and out came squirts of diarrhea like a cannon. She has quite the power and aim, as she shot it all over me, the van, blankets, pillows she was laying on, EVERYTHING!! I couldn't really do anything but laugh, as a woman walking by said "I remember those days." I began wiping up the mess, but every few seconds she would toot and more would come shooting out. After half a container of wipes, we finally got a clean diaper on (but don't worry, that only lasted a few minutes). Let the laundry begin and thank God for bleach. :) Thankfully, this was at the end of our excursion and not the beginning. I also had a cami underneath my regular shirt, so I was able to take the shirt off and add to the growing bag of laundry to do.

I am so incredibly blessed by these two bundles of joy, and I am enjoying every moment - yes even the poop filled ones! I'm thankful that my sweet hubby works so hard to go to school and work to support his family, allowing me to be a stay at home mom. This has always been my dream, and I'm thankful for each precious memory. While we are still healing and getting the hang of things, I am cherishing each cuddle and experience, and looking forward to being able to help daddy a little more around the house. Life may not be perfect, but it's our wonderful life and I love it!

From Waddle To Swaddle

Pregnancy certainly was not what I had expected and dreamed. However, each complication and step along the way brought me closer to the Lord and my dear husband, who was the most supportive, loving man. I also learned many lessons, including patience, giving up control, allowing others to help me, and so much more. Every moment was training for this great adventure called motherhood! Now we are on the other side of pregnancy, in those first few precious days with our double blessings - so sweet, cuddly and beautiful. They are so precious, beyond any words I could ever use to try to describe them. I am amazed at the special bond I have already formed with each one. I love them more than I could have imagined, equally, yet in completely different ways. Sophia seems to have a gentle, sensitive spirit. Even as she cries, it is generally soft and sweet, and she is so patient in waiting if I am tending to her sister and can't get to her right away. Alexis is more the life of the party, surprisingly alert and responsive. She has the sweetest smile that can light up your heart in a nanosecond. Every struggle along the way has been worth just a few moments with my miracle babies!

It has been so neat to see our family and friends enjoy these two special treasures as well. My nephew, who is 2 1/2 years old, is curious but a bit hesitant. When asked if he wanted to kiss the babies, he said "Why?" But he now loves giving kisses and patting them on the back. He keeps peeking at them and pointing out his observations, including that they have eyes and lips, as well as his little running commentary, "Awwww, cute, beautiful, babies..." With Grandpa holding one baby, and his mom picking up the other, he lifted up the blanket in the pack-n-play and said "Babies? What happened?" He was apparently looking for more babies, convinced that we are a baby making factory. :) LOL! There will be many pictures and memories. It's a good thing we live in an age of digital cameras, otherwise we'd be spending a fortune in film development! We'll be sharing these precious moments along the way with you. So join us as we take off the most exciting journey of our lives!