Growing Like Weeds

Mike and I took the babies to their 5 week checkup yesterday. Have I mentioned that Max and Ella are celebrities? EVERYWHERE we go people are enamored with them. Obviously we think they are the cutest babies ever, but the attention we get is unbelievable. We walked into the pediatrician's office and the front desk receptionist jumps up, "Max and Ella are here!" She whispers to us, "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but your twins are the doctor's favorite patients." At only 5 weeks. Unbelievable.

(Yes, I'm already a bragging Mom. But wouldn't you?)



Max and Ella then...

And Now...
Maxwell
7 pounds, 5 ounces
21 inches long

Ella
6 pounds, 4 ounces
20 inches long

(Please pretend I'm not talking in an obnoxious baby talk voice)

Babes

This is what we get to wake up to everyday...

I love how Ella always falls into Maxwell and he looks like he is barely tolerating her.

Family Visit

Wonderful hospitality and wine tasting at Chateau Margene

Babies entertained on the patio by Grandma and cousins- thank you!

Deano and Maxwell

Max and Ella's first night out to dinner

Maxwell and big cousin Lauren

Auntie and Mom

Maxwell and Ella brought us our family from Seattle. The Benvenistes spent part of their spring break meeting the babies and spoiling us with their company. I felt like a grown up again with adult company- going out to a yummy dinner and even an afternoon wine tasting. We had such a great time and can't wait until this summer when we get to spend more time together and see the rest of our Washington family...we miss you all and think about you lots.

Max and Ella, Weeks One~Three

I can't believe Max and Ella have been with us for three weeks. They are changing every day. I am changing every day. Maxwell is our patient, curious boy. He is constantly making different expressions and seems to always be listening to everything around him. He already cooes and smiles to himself. Sweet Ella is a bundle of personality. She let's us know what she wants and when she wants it...NOW. She is tiny like a doll but strong and independent. Yet when she gets herself worked up, she loves to be held close and cuddled. As I write this I am overwhelmed that I am writing about my children. I am the Mom. I am their Mom. I am falling in love with Mike in an even deeper way as I watch him with our babies. Michael and Maegann love them and all of the sudden- our family of four is now a family of six. We are blessed.

At Last

Maxwell

Maxwell

Ella

Ella~signature kissy face

I have so much I want to say...and no time to say it. Although our lives are incredibly blessed, it seems I only have time for feeding. feeding. and feeding. Max and Ella are perfect. I can't even believe how much we love them. Please be patient with me as I am slow to return phone calls but know that your congratulations are much appreciated. I hope to write their birth story soon. At 36 weeks we are thrilled that they were healthy enough to come home with us. In the meantime, welcome Maxwell and Ella. I plan to post more pictures soon~These pictures courtesy of Uncle Louie, Reflections Photography.

March 4, 2009

Maxwell Daniel
5 lbs. 10 oz. 18 1/4
2:40 a.m.

Ella Vita
4 lbs. 14 oz. 17 1/2
3:01 a.m.

35 Weeks Pregnant

I spent all of last week in the hospital on magnesium sulfate trying to stop pre-term labor. It felt like a very long week, but the mag slowed the contractions and we kept the babies growing and healthy. They were also given a steroid to help their lungs develop. I am home from the hospital now and it feels SO GOOD to sleep in my own bed and breath fresh air. Since I've been home I've had a chance to properly pack my bags feel prepared. Now...we wait. The doctors are confident that if the babies were to come now they would be healthy and ready to come home with us. I feel big, uncomfortable, and a mix of tired and restless. My contractions have not stopped, but they are mild and I'm not about to go back to the hospital until I really think it's time.

I don't think I have officially shared the babies names yet. Below I have posted pictures of their room. May I present...Maxwell and Ella's nursery.

I can't wait for you to be here babies~

Happy Motherhood to Me

I bought myself an overpriced diaper bag. And I couldn't be happier. I figure it's my purse for the next couple years, so really- I should be talking about it as a most fantastic investment!

Watch Me Grow

A trip down memory lane with the old belly o' mine.

Four weeks (but clearly must have been sucking in)



8 weeks

14 weeks

18 weeks

18 weeks

27 weeks (coincidentally rocking the same undies as 4 weeks. Hmmm...maybe time to go shopping?)

32 weeks...and growing :)

Showered Again

Last weekend my friend's Claudette and Kim threw me yet another beautiful baby shower. It was a great morning filled with eating, visiting and, well...getting spoiled (thanks to everyone who brought yummy salads). These babies have all that they need. We are officially set! Kim and Claudette thought of everything from chocolate (my favorite) to beautiful flower arrangements. Thank you friends~ I love you.

I am just starting to find bed rest a little emotional. Up until now I have been distracted with all that's going on, but I am becoming uncomfortable and anxious to meet our little ones. I am just about 33 weeks along so the time will be here before we know it. We had a doctor's appointment this week and were told that they are both healthy and every thing's going fine. The doctor said we would be OK if they came at 36 weeks...that's only three more weeks! When I start to get discouraged because I feel uncomfortable, I remind myself of that and realize this time will fly. Thank you for all the prayers and gracious gifts. It won't be long now...

My Brother David

To My Brother~

Intelligent

Kind

Creative

Thoughtful

Loving you and thinking of you on your Birthday today.

Celebrate well!