What a weekend!

This week end we celebrated Penny and Ben's first birthday.  It was a whirlwind!  Friday was there actual birthday.  Will took the day off, and we all hung out at home trying to make it a very special day and start some birthday traditions.  I think we did a few things that will hopefully stick!

In the morning Will and I both went in to get them out of their cribs singing happy birthday.  They were very happy to see us!

We got them up and brought them into the living room where we had a few things set up for them.  They don't quite get the whole opening presents thing yet....  Maybe next year

This something that I'm sure will be a birthday tradition in our house.  Birthday cake pancakes!  They were delicious!  They recipe calls for a vanilla glaze we didn't make.  I thought that might get a bit to sticky with these two, but they were still good!  They went over well.

When they woke up from nap they got their last present.  Ben was a big fan of this present!  He has a bit of an electronic issue.

We just spent the rest of the day playing with their new toys.  It was really fun just to play with us and have Will home all day.


Unfortunately I also had to spend the rest of my day trying to move their birthday party which was the next day.  We are in a bit of a heat wave here and it was going to be 105 degrees, so our outside cook out I had planned was not going to work.  It took me a while to find another place for it, but I did.  It all turned out great!  I was in a bit of a panic, but it turned out really nice.  I had a friend there taking pictures for me so I didn't have to worry about it so once I get those back I will be sure to share some with you. 

It's Sunday night now, the babies are sleep, the visiting family is gone, and my house is clean (well cleanish).  I am exhausted, but it was a great week end!  I loved visiting with old friends and family.  And celebrated the babies first year and our survival of the first year with twins.

One year.... wow...

I can't believe is has been a year!  When I think back to that day last year it seems like a life time ago!  I labored for 14 hours until it stalled and I had my C-section.  I remember the first time is saw them, Penny was screaming and Ben was just taking it all in... not much has changed.  They were so tiny!  They were both 5 lbs 8 oz.  That is a pretty good size for twins, but they were just so tiny.  I kept their preemie diapers just to remind myself how tiny they were.  There were some minor complications.  Ben wouldn't suck and he was losing weight, we almost didn't get to take him home.  Breast feeding was so difficult for me.  Just settling into life with twins was difficult.  I remember how scared I was to give them their first bath.  The first night I was home with them I didn't sleep because I was so afraid I wouldn't wake up... little did I know they have no trouble waking me up!!  I just seems like another life.

My life has moved from feeding bottles to feeding cheerios.  From rocking and soothing to chasing and tickling.  From gentle lullabyes to disney dance parties.  Penny and Ben changed my life the day they were born and have continued change my life everyday since.

Ben, I hope you always keep your curious mind.  I love to sit and watch you figure things out.  You have a sweet natures and a gentle soul.  Your expressive face melts my heart.  You are determined and affectionate.  You do this thing wear if you love something you hold it to your head, and I love the little head bumps you give me when you crawl over to me.  I love you too big guy!

Penny, I hope always stay as passionate about life.  When you smile you smile from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, and when you are upset you are upset at the same level.  I love that about you.  I can tell right now you are going to be a mover and a shaker and a person who gets things done.  I love everyday when you hold you hands out and toddler across the room to me and give me a big kiss.  You are so funny and smart!  You figure out toys and puzzles and I can see your mind working, then when you get it you look up and smile and clap.  You are so proud of yourself, but you are nowhere near as proud as I am of you.  You make me proud and fill my life up so much.  I love you!

I'm so excited to see what this next year brings.  I can't imagine how different my life will be from today, but I know I will love every minute of it with my dynamic duo Penelope and Benjamin.  I love you more than I can every say.

Happy Birthday Babies!!!

Penny

Ben

Happy 4th of July!

It was a hot one this year!!  So we decided not to take the babies to the fireworks, but we did go to a parade.  We also enjoyed a cook out (sadly indoors) with family.  We got home and got the babies in bed, and as I write this I can hear the fireworks going on right now.  Next year they will be two and I can't imagine how much fun it will be to celebrate with them.  I love the 4th of July and I can't wait to pass on family traditions!

Getting ready for the parade!

It's hot!  We are trying to stay hydrated.

Penny loved watching the parade!

Definitely my favorite shot of the day!  What a smile!

Grocery store outing... whew!

I tell ya, some mothers of multiples make going to the store look easy.... It's not! Right now Ben and Penny aren't walking, and we live in a apartment where the parking is not right by my door. So just loading and unloading them is quite a fiasco that either involves me carrying to 25 lbs babies at once or putting up and taking down a double stroller twice. Add groceries into this and man... I'm sweating afterwards... even if it's not 100 degrees outside.

Penny all ready to go!

Taking young twins to the grocery store can be daunting.  My favorite places to go have carts that sit two right up from.  That's a life saver!  I do have a few other tips though.  Bring snacks!  This can win you a little time when they start getting cranky.  Also have a plan.  Make a list and know where you are going.  It is a mission.  Finish fast before the cranky starts.  No matter how long the trip is the check out lane is always bad for me.  Ben cries when the cart stops moving, I would love advice on that!  I hate being the lady in the check out lane with the crying baby.  Usually they look back and see I am dealing with two and I get some sympathy points.  (One of the good things about twins!)

Waiting for the check out crankies... not too bad this time.

Snacks... wins every time!

Getting out and about is a necessity, and I think it is good for the babies to get out and see the world around them, but having babies can make it difficult!  Just plan ahead.  I have always been a planner, having twins just solidified it in me.  It is getting easier though... now just to unload babies and groceries... I'll be sweating again!

Zucchini boats ~ Pinterest Party

Hello!

As we all know pinterest can be addicting!  I know I pin tons of stuff everyday.  I have decided to make a conscious effort to actually make them.  I will share with you how they go.

Tonight for dinner I made Zucchini Boats.  These were delicious!

Basically you scoop out the seeds and brush with olive oil, garlic and salt.  Then you put in the tomatoes and bake it at 350 for about 30 minutes.  Then add cheese and basil and cook until the cheese is melted.

It was so simple yet so delicious.  Will loved them!  His sister is a vegetarian and he said next time she's over we should have this for dinner.  We just ate it as a side, but if I made some pasta and these it would be totally filling.

For more details check out the site here.

Join the pinterest party in you have anything you would like to share.  Also you can follow me on pinterest by clicking on the link in the side column.

Happy Pinning!