Settling In

We have been in Wisconsin an entire month now. What a busy and crazy month it has been. There have been a lot of changes, both good and bad. I am adjusting to being a total stay at home mom. That was hard, but I am finding it to be extremely rewarding. Emerson and Oliver are becoming even more adorable. Oliver will smile on demand and is constantly cheesing it up. He can be in the woes of despair and if you sit and talk to him, be will immediately stop look at you and reward you with a smile. As if to say, I was lonely and you saved me. I have also learned that he is developing a curiosity for TV. This is a good and bad thing. It gives me a minute or two of peace but you know the studies about TV and babies. Emerson is a bit harder to get a smile from, but when you get one it is well worth the trouble. Both boys have developed an interesting soothing habit. Much to our dismay the pacies are becoming a thing of the past, and licking mommy and daddy's shirts seems to do the trick. So if you see us with wet shirts, you can thank our twins.
I found out another interesting thing about having twins today. When applying for social security cards for them, they get to be sent to Baltimore for special processing. The joys of twins.
Eli is pretty much doing the same. He is super helpful when he wants to be. I think the little boys are finally getting use to his way of playing (aka getting up in their faces and screaming at them playfully of course).
I am finally getting more confident in going out with all the boys by myself. I have gone to the mall, and to playgroup. Needless to say I am developing arm muscles again. The major trick is getting them all out and into the car, because of the snow and freezing temperatures this is a bit of a challenge, especially since we live on the second floor of the apartment, but I make it work.
We are adjusting well to Wisconsin life, and although the Packers didn't make it to the Superbowl, people up here are still nice. We still pine for our friends accross the country and hope all is well.

"So You can be Safe"

Parenthood is a wonderful thing. It warms the heart and brings many a smile to your face. But there are those days, (the ones we only talk about in secret) where your hair stands on its end and all you want to do is run away screaming. It is usually such days, when you are at breaking point that you precious child says the darnedest thing and makes you want to sweep them up in a huge hug and kiss them all over. Case in point:
The other day I had had a long day. The twins were a bit fussy, Eli was active, laundry was piled up, not mention that I had to go to the DMV to do the car thing. Toward the end of the day, I needed to go out to check the mail box, which involved bundling up in a heavy coat and stomping through the snow in the bitter cold. Eli of course wanted to go with me, but I wanted to have a moment peace and go alone, so I told him "no" that he needed to stay inside because of the cold. He then informed me that he could get his heavy coat and boots on. I again told him no, this time a little bit more impatiently. ( Here comes the kicker) He then says " Mom I have to come with you, so I can hold your hand so you can be safe." What do you say to that beside Yes! Of course he came with me and we had a nice few minutes of just us, and the night went better. I love my children!

Eli Turns Four!

Today we hopefully left the "horrific threes" behind. Eli turned four. He spent the day playing with his two new friends Stella and Sophie ( he is a ladies man already, we are in trouble). He was very excited about his birthday, especially his cake. When I asked him what he wanted for breakfast, lunch, and dinner he promptly replied "his birthday" (aka cake). I had fun making the cake and am learning how to use all the different decorating tips. I must say that I am going to be a pro and making the superman sign by the time I finish raising all of these boys. Anyway it was a good day for him, (although he has a bit of a sugar high, and a big crash later in the day). He received lots and lots of playdo. ( I know I am insane), puzzles, and of course my obsession, from the movie Cars the little replica toy cars they made ( I have to collect them all). Anyway here are some pictures from the day.

We are In "Consin"

TheBoys BlessingOliver Smiling

Emerson Smiling

Well we have arrived in "Consin" (as Eli loving refers to our new state as), and we are slowly getting settled in. Thanks to my parents and Isaacs parents, not to mention TONS of help from the Macombites and the Madisonites, we made the move a little over a week ago. All things considered, it went very smoothly (despite the snow/ice storm the day I drove up with the boys). After a week of living in boxes and slowly breaking them down (with my mom's help), I now have a livable apartment that we now call home.
Other momentous occurance has happened this last week: Our twins have been divided. Yes, they are in their own rooms and in their own cribs. The new cribs took a day or two of adjusting, but they are starting to sleep in 5-6 hours increments at night!!!!!! A major breakthrough. Also the first smiles have come and tonight we received the first giggle!!
Overall we are adjusting to life here in Wisconsin. Our ward here has ben very inviting. There are several women with twins and one expecting twins. And it just so happens that our neighbors are members of the church. They have a 5 year old girl and get this twin boys that are 9 months old. We are already exchanging babysitting and playdates. I am very blessed, and although we miss Macomb TERRIBLY, we know that we are suppose to be here in Madison. Isaacs job is going great (this after two days) and I am learning my way around this huge place.

Enjoy the recent pictures!!