3rd & 4th Month Favorites

These past couple months I've noticed that we have been going to and using the same items over and over again. The main difference between month 3 and 4 is that now, heading into their fourth month, the girls are actually excelling at the use of some of these favorites. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

1. Sassy Spin Shine Rattle.  My girls love anything that make noise these days, so we go for toys and rattles that provide some kind of visual stimulus and motor development.  This rattle has color, mirror, and pattern allowing the girls to identify each as she watches the moving parts and listens for the sound.  It is small and lightweight- just enough for them to grasp hold without dropping it within 2 seconds.
2. Baby Einstein Busy Bellies - Cow.  LOVE this little guy.  Jolie especially enjoys this vibrating toy and over the past week she has finally figured out that she can pull on the cord and make it vibrate and shake the mini beads for sound.  Talk about sensory development with the feel of vibration and the colors of the mirrored cow's belly. It is the first thing P&J reach for when we lay them on the activity mat. 
3. Baby Leg Warmers.  Leg warmers have made our life so easy!  I love them not only for their adorable look, but for the ease of changing diapers.  No fussing with pants and fitting them around chunky monkey bellies.. just slide down the warmers and unsnap the onesie:)  I have bought from BabyLegs, but also have seen them all over esty.  I found a shop called Knotty Baby Wear that sells in bulk.  I ended up buying a group of 10 warmers for a pretty decent price.  When you are buying two of most everything buying in bulk is the way to go! 
4. Bumbo Seat.  Parker almost always wants to be in eyes view.  She gets bored pretty quick, but sitting in the Bumbo where she is able to see and observe the goings on about her really hold her interest pretty well.  Not to mention produces great head control.  We like to use the Bumbo for Jolie's head and neck strength, but will only use it for short times with her. She'll start to slouch and tilt her neck when she gets tired.  When it is time for me to make dinner I sit them on the counter with me and they are totally enthused by my chopping or mixing for prep of dinner.  It is an easy way to spend time with them while getting things done. 

**I never ever walk away from them while they are in the Bumbo.** 

5. Lamaze Junior Feel Me Fish Sensory Plush. Crinkle, crinkle!  Another great sensory development toy.  It is soft like a teddy but great for feeling and playing with the different sounds it makes.  Parker and Jolie spent forever sitting in the laps of myself, Aunt Beeki, and BB while they played with toys similar to this.. we don't actually have this particular toy, but after seeing them play long and hard with the one their Great Aunt Beeki had, I plan to get one just like it. 
6. Sophie the Giraffe She's loud and obnoxious and my twin babies love her.  My girls aren't teething just yet, but find and put anything they can in their mouths. Thats why we like Sophie.  She is soft and pliable- easy for their little slobbery hands to grasp ahold of and put in their mouths.  I also like the fact that the long legs on Sophie can reach back to their little gums where molars might be breaking through sometime soon.  They also like that she makes noise when they squeeze her.  You can squeeze that giraffe anywhere and she'll squeek.  $20 is steep for a teether toy, but worth it in my book.  Every baby needs one.   
7. Luv U Zoo Deluxe Musical Mobile Gym.  Hands down, the most used favorite of the month(s).  Jolie can lay under this activity mat for hours!  Parker, if she will lay still for 2.7 seconds, likes it as well and will actually play and shout at the hanging toys for at least 20 minutes- a record for her, no doubt.  We borrowed this activity mat from our sweet friends after their little boy grew out of it, and after seeing how much both girls love it we went out and bought another one exactly to match.  The gym plays music and lights up as well as has a moving mobile feature.  My only complaint is that the gym either lights up or the mobile moves, not both at once.. I kinda wish for both of them to move, but it maybe the rhyme or reason would be so that the focus is drawn to one thing rather than the babies attempting to focus on the lights or the moving hanging toys. 
8. Pampers Swaddlers Size 1 Diapers.  We love the Pampers Swaddlers!  We have yet to have a real accident/blowout while using this particular diaper.  Actually, I take that back.. Parker pooped on daddy once- but it was right before we transitioned her out of the NB diapers and it was definitely time to make that move.  While most babies heading into their fourth month would be in larger diapers, we are still fitting perfectly into the size 1.  We have begun to purchase these in bulk at Sam's Club, but for a similar price Diapers.com offers an automatic renewal and delivery of diapers based on your need.  We are close to setting ourselves up with that- we are going to Sam's almost weekly.  Going through over 200 diapers/week.  #notkidding #Icanchangeadiaperwithonehand  
9. Cloud B Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light.  Since moving the girls into their nursery at night we have been using this little guy.  My girls are somewhat timid of the dark and through this transition into their own cribs rather than the boucey seat or pack and play in our room they have been waking up at night unsure of where they are.  This night light shoots stars and a moon shapes all over the ceiling and provides 'entertainment' while they are drifting off to sleep.  It has an automatic timer on it and goes off within so much time, so you aren't burning batteries for 8+ hours during the night.  Can I get an AMEN?  Batteries.  I can't stand you.  #buyingbatteriesinbulkannoysme

As for momma, my number one favorite would have to be my Medela Pump-in-Style breast pump.  I carry that thing everywhere these days..or so it feels like!  Since going back to work at the beginning of month 3, I use it often and LOVE it.  Let me make something clear.. I LOVE my pump.. I HATE the actual act of pumping.  I wish I could set myself up to nap or something while I do it.  Your pump will come with one set of pump accessories, but I would suggest to get a second set (membranes, valves, shields, and 5-ounce bottles with lids).  I have six (5oz) Medela bottles that I pump into and occasionally use as storage in the fridge- I would highly recommend getting 6-8 of the pumping bottles. I go crazy when I pump and have to immediately wash the bottles so I have them for use next pump session. Now that I'm back at work and pumping multiple times a day, I've found that the larger 8oz Medela storage bottles are helpful.  I typically pump about 30 ounces while I'm at work, and its easy to store my milk in three larger bottles rather than 6 smaller! For the most part, what I do express the girls gobble up pretty quickly, so I don't have a whole lot of extra to store at one time, but I do have a stash of these Medela Storage Bags in case I come to need them.  They are kind of expensive and so unless I'm putting milk in the freezer, I stick with the Medela bottles.  
For quick clean up while I'm at work I use the Medela Quick Clean Wipes.  Really easy and convenient for cleaning up post-pump session while I'm at work.  I don't think my boss or co-workers would really appreciate a pump-supply drying rack in the kitchen, so these are amazing and quick to use.  Lastly- don't forget the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags for sterilizing once/day!  You can use these 20 times before you have to toss it:)

There you have it.  A combo of our favorites for months 3 and 4! 

Easter 2013

Parker and Jolie's first Easter and first road trip happened in the same weekend.. and I am happy to say that they were SO good at this whole travel thing. 

Friday morning Jordan and I loaded the girls up (along with practically our entire house.. traveling with twins is a whole other post.) and headed down to Belton (about and hour from Waco) where some of Jordan's family lives.  The 2.5 hour drive was a piece of cake- P&J didn't make a peep!  Even when we stopped for gas and to grab a bite to eat, they slept soundly.  #thankfulmomma

The weekend was filled with family and fun for these babies!  They were always entertained.  They love their Aunt Veeca and BB and had a great time playing with a serious collection of toys Veeca had.

 Jolie chatting it up with her BB

These past couple weeks the girls have hit some serious milestones (I'll talk more about these in their 4 month post!). Jolie has come to life with her smiles and coos and baby jabber.  She always has something to say and wants to tell you ALL about it.

This is especially true when she's getting her diaper changed.  That girl loves her a dry diaper!

More milestones.. actual play and interaction with sensory toys and rattles.  Parker and Jolie were totally into this particular toy and I nearly stuffed it in my bag to bring home with me:)

Jolie, again, telling her daddy all about it.

Parker is such a good sport.  She really is so laid back.  From the moment we arrived to Belton everyone was all over her and in her face to play.  While her sister was a little more timid, this baby didn't mind one single bit!  She smiled and hammed it up while she had everyone's attention.

I was snuggling with Jolie on the porch when I looked over and saw her Poppa putting her on the Barbie car.  I had to snap a picture:)

Isn't she so pretty? 

This year I bought the girls' Easter dresses really early- back on February when Carter's had a Buy One Get On Free offer on the entire store.  (They make my life so easy with all their sales.  Serious.)  I fell in love with this little dress.. and the color- Hello? Yes, please. I'm so into the corals and bright pinks. 

When we finally decided that we were going out of town for the holiday weekend, I opted to return the dresses since they wouldn't get a real wear out of them.  I returned them and happened to get 6 little outfits for what I paid for 2 dresses.. so it was worth the exchange if you ask me.  With summer right around the corner I couldn't help myself but to load up on all those cutsie rompers and sundresses.  I am SO excited for this warmer Spring weather on the way. 

While we were at the NDMOT Spring Sale I came across these 'Baby's 1st Easter' onesies.  Not totally my style to put these girls in something like that.. but they were $2 and worked for the occasion. 

A little big at a size of 3 months- hence the shoulder-pad look that Parker and Jolie are sportin' in some of these pictures- but they looked so cute!  The chevron print headbands were made by another twin mommy friend that I've gotten to know through the amazing world of social media. 

I snapped about 80 pictures in attempt to get a "decent" Easter 2013 photo of my silly babies.  These are the best of the best.

#lifewithtwins #Joliealwayshassomethingtosay #parkerinconstantwindmillmotion

Happy Easter to you and yours.  I hope it was a blessed weekend!  I know we have SO much to be thankful for this year.  We are BEYOND blessed and loved on by my Savior. 

Linking up with Tori over at My Thrify Chic for her Anything & Everything Blog Hop

WIWW: With Spring Comes Showers

I got a pretty little package in the mail last week.  I love getting snail mail.  It is my most favorite ever.  This particular peice of snail mail was extra special, and came just in time!  I was contemplating on attire to wear to one of just about a bajillion baby showers I have on my calendar and it was like the fashion lords from above came down to solve my outfit confusion.

Ok. A little extreme?   Well.. I'm a little excited.

eShakti was so kind and allowed me to pick any item from their sweet site to review. I had never heard of them before, but when I got to their site it was really impressed with all that they had to offer. Being someone that is sort of a brand snob (hence my entire wardrobe being from Loft and a few other places in between) I was excited to find that a lot of their clothing was something I would wear on the regular.

 

Now.. I know my size and I know how things from certain places  (cough**Loft**cough) fit me, so I am completely comfortable ordering something online without trying it on.  I almost prefer online shopping these days.  Half the time I wont try something on in the store out of pure laziness.  I LOVE shopping, but really dispise trying on... plus why shop in public when I can do so with my dirty hair in a top knot, sans makeup, and sweat pants. 

True story. 

But- ording from an online shop that I've never shopped with before? Not so sure about this one.  Alas, another plus to this online clothing shop.  Their website offers regular sizing, as well as customization for women size 0 through 36. You can customize anything, through their easy 3-step design and fit page. 

So, thats just what I did, and it was SO easy:) My biggest problem is finding something that fits me well everywhere, not just some places.  Sometimes it is too big in the neck..other times the arms are too tight or too lose.. and length- the most annoying at all.  I have made mention that I really love my maternity tops (still!) because of their longer length..  

..and pants.. that's a whole other rant to be told.   

I chose this gorgeous shift dress to review.  I love the neck tie details and the multi colors- these colors scream Spring time, and what better time to wear it than now with the approach of warmer weather.

Excuse Daphnee's bootie in the background.  Jordan had just given her a chew bone and she was a little excited and all up in my business. 

Thank you eShakti for introducing me to your brand.  I'll for sure be making another browse through for purchase soon!   

Hmm.. this dress would be a great dress paired with these shoes.. or these shoes..actually, I really need these shoes. I'll throw it with this cardigan. 

I do believe I'm all set for Easter Sunday. 

Linking up with Tucker Up, Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, and Rolled Up Pretty, Stylelixir

Tuesday Ramblings

This weekend was much needed.  I needed these last 4 days at home, for sure.

Friday was so lazy and I was so thankful.  I actually rescheduled that hair appointment that I was stressing about last week.  I couldn't bring myself to be leaving my girls at home while I was out spending time on 'me'.  I missed them too terribly much.  Mehh.. my hair is good enough for the time being.  Friday night Jordan and I went to dinner and then on to the Spring Twice As Nice Sale.  We hit it big with a new (used) activity mat (we for sure need two of these..the girls both really love them and we like to lay them on their boppy so they can reach and bat at the hanging toys..). 

We also got a steal of a deal on a 'like-new' Fisherprice Jumperoo bouncer and about a boat load of gently used clothes.  Shopping at a resale of kid items hosted by a Mothers of Twins group gives great benefit when you have a slight obsession with dressing them alike. 

I am all about this sale!  I can't wait for the fall when apparently it is the 'better' sale to go and shop at.

Saturday morning me and the twinsies headed out for Jenna's baby shower thrown by the Massey side of the family.  I've gotten to see this baby bump three weekends in a row!  Parker and Jolie got to meet their new cousin of the same size, Mr. Tate.  Parker checked him out and decided he's alright.  And we couldn't leave without a picture of Meme with her three littles.   

How is it that Jolie always gets the shaft of being squished?  Poor girl.  

**Excuse the helmet hair.. it was nasty humid and raining outside

Lets play a game.. look everywhere else but at Momma.  I took this same pose 75 times.  The best I got.  But look how cute they are?!  I came home on Friday night to our kitchen bar lined with headbows.  BB got busy while she babysat these babies.

I originally bought these headbows in a preemie/NB size for them to wear when they were extra tiny with extra tiny heads.  Well, now those bows are way too tight for their noggin, so Bree took it upon herself to re-purpose these sweet little bows for new ones! Ok..I actually forced her into it- but that woman has a talent for making them. Keep em' coming, BB!

 My Sunday was spent looking at this sweet cupcake..

..and snuggling with this tiny bunny.  After a really busy Friday and Saturday, Jolie was so sleepy/cranky/whiney/clingy.  We spent all day like this.  I was so thankful for Parker's easy-going demeanor to allow me to spend extra time with Little Miss Jolie. 

 

Just for fun.. and your viewing pleasure..
Bottles have taken over our kitchen.  I am so thankful for my excessive counter space.  These bottles are used for when I'm at work.  The girls get three bottles each during the day..and the bottle rack looks like this!  I can't imagine if we were feeding them 7-8 times a day exclusively from bottles.  That day may come and I'm okay with that, but right now I'm glad for just three times a day.

This little bit has become quite vocal and expressive.  Parker was still eating, but Jolie was finished and ready to play!  She actually acknowledged her name when I said it.. twice! She is recognizing her name and getting big.   

This video makes my heart so happy.  She loves her momma. Just sayin.

Parker Jane.  She talks.  And growls.  Mostly she growls.

This is her growling face.

Give. Me. Food. Momma.  Grrrrrr..

Linking up with Tori over at My Thrify Chic for her new Tuesday Blog Hop

A Few Things On Tuesday

1. This week is my regular week to have Friday and Monday off.  My 4-day weekends keep me in a delightfully good mood for the Monday-Thursday leading up to it.  So, if you are wondering what I'm whistling about, there ya go. 
2. This weekend has lots of fun things packed into it.  Friday starts the North Dallas Mothers of Twins Club Twice as Nice Sale. Jordan is volunteering as Security Dad on Saturday morning, so we get the privilege of shopping early on Friday evening.  We have a list of things we thing we want/need for the girls benefit- and whats better than getting them at a great price!?
3. I have a long-overdue hair appointment on Friday morning.  Nothing like a fresh cut and color to make a woman feel good. 
4. I am having serious anxiety over the aforementioned hair appointment.  Jordan is doing some part-time work on Friday morning, so I'm leaving the girls with their BB for a couple hours while I'm out. I am feeling mommy-guilt for not spending part my day 'off' with the girls and instead going and spending time on myself.  Kind of a damper on the excitement I usually have leading up to getting my hair done.
5. Saturday is a full day- Jenna's final baby shower before Kendall's arrival mid-April is that morning and Supper Club, hosted by my sweet Ashley, is that evening.  I can't wait to see everyone! Sunday will be wonderful.. nothing is planned.  Jordan is at the fire station and so I foresee the girls and me to be lazy all day.  PJ's, please. 
6. When Monday rolls around I'll be less than excited due to the fact that I have to return to work on Tuesday.. BUT- lunch with Meredith and her twin babies will bring sunshine to this day.  Not to mention the fact that I only have to work 3 days before I'm off again for Good Friday. 
7. Being a working-mom is hard.  Even just at 32-hours a week it is still really hard for me.  I miss my girls terribly throughout the entire work day and then feel so limited in time spent with them after I get home.  I don't even get home late- 4:30pm everyday, but the evening dissapears at light speed.  I have gained a whole new respect for women that work a full-time and still wear the mom-hat so well.
8. I am so thankful for my husband that is willing to take on the cooking duty a couple times a week so that my evenings are spent with the girls instead of in the kitchen cooking for us.
9. When I do cook it comes out like this... (on Chocolate Broccoli today!)

..and I have the cutest tiny cooking assistants to coo and direct me through my chopping ways..

(**Side Note: Look at my Jolie girl holding her head up so well!  She is getting so strong!)    

10. Come summer time (June, I think) GFC will no longer be, so make sure you follow me on Bloglovin'!  I've transfered all the blogs I read on the regular over to the Bloglovin reader and LOVE it so far. They have a super awesome iPhone app that makes it SO easy to scroll through my favorites and catch up each day (It has become my routine during my morning pump sesh.. I know- you really wanted to know that, didn't you?)  With Blogger/Google I would keep the site pulled up on my phone so that I could read that way.  I like using this app much better.
11.  Getting up at 4am is so much easier when I have this sweet baby face to make me smile.

I am so thankful for happy babies.  Their morning stretches are so precious, and even more so when they finally open their eyes to see their momma standing over them, posing the biggest sleepy grin on the planet.  Joy. Pure joy, people. 

How's your Tuesday shaping up?

Linking up with Tori over at My Thrify Chic for her new Tuesday Blog Hop

Insta-Dump & Weekend Recap

I've been failing lately on my Insta-Wraps every Friday.  To be truthfull it's been tough to remember what day it is, and before I know it the week is gone and it is Friday agian. 

It is a wonder I can get anything done..

Here are a few favorites from my Instagram feed (masseya) over the past couple weeks plus a little breakdown of our weekend for ya.

Oh, Jolie Polie, girl.  I love your hugs.  

Snuggles with this girl make my evenings so worth the wait while I'm at work. She looks like a baby doll!  Love you, lil'miss.

Jolie decided that the activity mat's lights were exhausting.  Either that or it was the bath they had right before play time.  Baths seem to wear these girls out beyond all means.  We gave them a bath yesterday and they slept for 2.5 hours before they were awake and ready to eat and play again! 

 Watching a little Chicken Little on Disney with Daddy.  I love this picture!

Parker and Mommy

Parker giving me her cutest face for the camera.  She loves her some picture taking.  She's pretty cute if you ask me!

Over the weekend we celebrated my sister in law, Miss Jenna Bree, and her baby girl on the way, Kendall Bree. Her and that cutie bump of hers looked so beautiful.

Yes, you probably recognize that girl in the green as the Bachelor's sister.  Shay helped her momma and a couple other ladies close to Jordan's mom throw the sweetest shower.  Shay and Jordan were bath tub babies making them friends for life and I have since grown to love and adore Shay and her precious family, as well as the whole Lowe crew.  The Massey's and the Lowe's have been super close friends for almost 30 years.

Best part about the entire day?  The food. I. Love. Shower. Food.
And Jenna was pretty special, too.

Saturday evening we headed to church with my baby girls, and Jolie was just as sweet as she could be.  I am pretty positive that this wont be the last time I get these puppy dog eyes..

Little Parker- my Sunshine on Sunday morning.  Sunday was low-key after a busy weekend.  The girls were wiped out after 2 full days on Friday and Saturday and started Sunday off right and slept in until 8am (that is 9 hours, people!).  The day consisted of lots of snuggles and naps.

And, can I say that she makes bald so, so beautiful!

Hope your weekend was fabulous!

Linking up with Sami @ Sami's Shenanigans and Meg for Monday Mingle

Parker & Jolie - 3 Months

The girls are in there 14th week of life.. 14 weeks old today.  FOURTEEN.  It seems that I simply blink and another week has gone by.  Momma feels like she is chasing her tail, but always has time for my sweet babies.

Jolie has totally filled out- her cheeks are pinchable and her little thighs are gettin' some rolls!  Parker.. well, her thunder thighs are out of control. They are both in Size 1 diapers, although, my girl Parker fills them out much better than petite Jolie.  We actually fold Jolie's over before we strap it.  It covers up half of her little belly if we don't!  They are still in newborn size clothes- I am pulling off tags and washing as we go.  With the warmer weather we can finally get into the stack of short-sleeved onesies we have piled high in their closet.  I  have attempted to put them in Gap and Gymboree 0-3 months and Carter's 3 months clothes and the clothes swallow them.  So, for now, Carter's NB fits them the very best.     

Jolie @ 3 months: 
Weight: 9lbs 8 oz (Birth: 4 lbs 8 oz; 1 month: 6 lbs; 2 months: 7lbs 13 oz) 
Height:  21 in (Birth: 18 in; 1 month: 19.3 in)
Head: ** in (Birth: 12 in; 1 month: 13.5 in) 

Parker @ 3 months:
Weight: 10lbs 5oz (Birth: 5 lbs 14 oz; 1 month: 7 lbs 9 oz; 2 months: 9lbs 6oz)
Height:  ** in (Birth: 18 in; 1 month: 20.7 in)
Head: ** in (Birth: 13.2 in; 1 month: 14 in)

PLAY
I've added this 'section' to this month's post because I've seen such advancements in these two girl since month 2.  They actually recognize, interact, and acknowledge Jordan and me, babble and coo, smile, and reach for toys.  We spend a lot of time on the activity mat- they will bat and reach for the hanging toys and are completely infatuated with the light up animals.  Parker and Jolie will have full on converstaions with those lit up little guys.  The Boppy pillows have come in great use for tummy time- Parker, that girl could do Tummy Time all day!  It is shocking how strong she is.

With weekly physical therapy and regular stretching in between appointments, Jolie is getting so much stronger at holding her head up.  Before this month she was unable to hold her head well enough to sit in the Bumbo like her sister.  But, now, she is so much stronger.  It is amazing her progress in just one month of treatment.

Aside from their interaction with us, we witnessed their first time seeing one another this week, and caught it on camera!  

EAT
I am still exclusively breastfeeding the girls every 3-3.5 hours.  We have even allowed them to go to 4 hours if they are both asleep, but when one wakes up the other is woken as well.  Tandem feeding hasn't gotten too difficult just yet, so feeding them both at the same time is the best and easiest way for me.  I know there will come a time when I have to do one at a time, but for now this still works.  During feeding time the girls constantly have their hands touching one another while they eat and it is so precious.  It is amazing how different the girls' feeding 'styles' are.  Jolie is wide awake and alert, observing everything around her.  She will often times lock eyes with me and it is the sweetest moment between the two of us.  Usually she'll un-latch and smile at me, and hello.. I'm mush.  Parker, on the other hand, has her eyes closed the entire time and has started to hold her hands over her face while she eats, rubbing back and forth- almost like a soothing action with her hands.  It's okay for momma, but when her little nails are sharp as knifes, my boobs get scratched up like crazy.  I actually put socks over her hands the other night.  If she is drinking a bottle she'll occasionally entertain us with her 'jumping jack' motions.  Food gets her oh-so-excited.   

During my work week, I feed them at 4am, 5pm, and then before bed at 8:30pm. They take bottles for three feedings while I'm at work.   At the begining of the month we advanced Parker from the 4 ounce bottles and she is now drinking 5 ounces and it wont be long before we advance this to 5.25 or 5.5 ounces.  She can down a bottle in about 5 minutes.  She don't play. Jolie is still in the 4 ounce bottles, but barely.  She drinks 125mL (4.2 oz) and we are about to start her at 5 ounces soon. 

While at work I'm pumping 3 times a day and expressing close to 30 ounces.  I now need at least this much to keep up with what they are given on my days at work, and I'm thankful I've been able to pump more than enough for both of them.  Last Thursday I did my usual pump session first thing in the morning and then proceeded to get through my patients for that morning.  By 10am I had a low grade fever and was feeling pretty terrible.  I had been fighting allergies all week and assumed that this was the reason behind my fever and chills.  I decided it was a good day to take a half day and left at lunch.  By the time I got home my temp had elevated to 102.4 and I had a migraine that would make the devil cry.  I felt like I was dying.  Literally.  I thought for sure I had developed the flu or something like that..but what I couldn't figure out was why in the world did my chest feel as if there was an elephant sitting on it.  My boobs hurt so terribly, I could hardly wear a bra.  Again.. I felt like I was dying.  Over the next couple hours it went from bad to worse and I had three medical professionals tell me to go to the ER as my temp approached 103.  Of course I didn't go..and continued to request an in-home remedy.  Finally my doctor called me in a breast-feeding approved antibiotic and instructed me to take Tylenol to help with fever reduction. I couldn't help but wonder what all this meant and why I was feeling so poorly and how it came on so quickly, and WHY did my boobs hurt so bad?  Thanks to Google, I was a text book case of mastitis.  Even though my girls are breast feeding rock stars, I still developed this painful infection.  Why?  There could be a couple reasons, but one I can guarantee was from breast injury.  I pumped too hard/too long and ended up causing serious inflammation of my breast tissue.  NOT fun. Be careful with that pump, ladies.  

I am still on anitbiotics and feel pretty okay now, but this past weekend and into Monday was a slow and easy-going one.  By Thursday night my fever had come down to a non-scary number, but I was still getting spikes in fever through Saturday, and that terrible migraine lingered into Sunday.  Whew.  Hopefully that is my only experience with mastitis.         

SLEEP

Sleep is good for both babies and momma:)  They take about an hour to an hour and a half naps between feedings during the day.  We've started naps in their cribs during the day to prepare them for the move out of our room.  It still hasn't happened yet, but we are hoping by the time I write their 4 month post they will be sleeping in the nursery.  Last week they started sleeping 8 hours through the night (**angels singing**).  I still feed them for the last time between 8:30-9pm, then swaddle them up and they'll sleep until about 7am.  That has changed my/our life.  We put them down awake and it doesn't take long before they are out.  I am so thankful for their ease into bed time.  No fighting, no fussing, no crying, just swaddle, kisses, and down they go.

During my work week I wake them at 4am to nurse, and they go right back to sleep until 8:30am or 9am.  It is kind of a reverse dream feed if you will.  It allows me to nurse them and by the time I get to work at 7am, I'm full enough to pump a good 10 ounces or so.  

And now for the letters to my baby girls..

Little Miss Parker Jane-

Your Favorites: CARTOONS- well, television in general, your monkey Wubanub, Sleep Sheep, Raspberry kissed on your cheeks, Tummy Time, Music, babbling and smiling, activity mat, sleep, afternoon walks

Your Not-So-Favorites: Sitting alone, loud noises, fighting sleep, Mommy waking you up too early in the morning, bathtime, diaper changes, and lotion after bath (you really hate that!).

Parker girl, you make momma smile.   I tell you every single day that I think you are funny and you just giggle at me as if you know you are absolutely hilarious.  This month you have truly come into your own.  You are so very laid back, but when you want something- especially food (hello-chunky little thighs!) you will for sure let us know.  You love to be held and will whine and cry if we are within eye's view and don't come over and pick you up.  You can work up some tears to justify your case for being held, and the moment momma picks you up, the tears and fussing is over in an instant.  You are so smart and intrigued by the television.  Bright lights and sounds hold your attention for long period of time, making you my perfect couch potato partner.  You LOVE to sleep.  I've even had to wake you up a time or two in the morning to eat, and you've looked at me, given me a sweet little grin, then buried your head into the pad, closing your eyes tight to go back to sleep.  Funny girl.  You are a mover and a shaker- bouncing your little bootie around as you kick your legs about.  You've found your hands and have them in your mouth 99% of the time.  If they aren't in your mouth they are in front of your face with balled fists.  You are so vocal and will screech with excitement at the lights on the activity mat.  My favorite time with you has to be a toss up between your baby naps on my chest and the sweet little conversations we have in between.  You make all kinds of noises and the newest is 'growling' when you are excited.

I cannot get enough of you.  Even at 4 in the morning, you still make my heart go flip-flop as I study your sweet baby eyelashes and fair (pink) skin.  I could trace your baby nose and chubby cheeks all night.  So proud of you this month, big girl.

Momma loves you with all her heart.  

My Jolie Polie

Your Favorites: Disney channel, your giraffe Wubanub, ALL pacis, conversations with momma and daddy, Music/singing (You Are My Sunshine), Sleep Sheep, Playing Patti Cake (Your FAVORITE), Talking & Giggling, laying on the changing pad, clean diapers, bathtime, afternoon walks.

Your Not-So-Favorites: Neck stretches and physical therapy, bring patient waiting to eat, Tummy time, fighting sleep, loud noises, losing your paci/Wubanub

How do I love you.. I can't even begin to count the ways. You have such a special place in my heart, little bit.  This month you have changed so much- I can hardly see my little 4 pound baby in there anymore.  The moment we started you in physical therapy was the moment sassy little Jolie Polie came to the surface, and I LOVE it.  You smile at the simple sound of someone saying your name- especially when you recognize it to be momma or daddy.  And, oh my goodness, your smile is the SWEETest.  I cannot get enough. Your daddy and I fight over who gets to change your diaper because we know that, for whatever reason, the changing table brings out your soft spoken voice and coos.  Like you are so excited to get a clean/dry diaper and you are telling us all about it.  So amazing.  My favorite thing in the whole world to do with you is play Patty Cake.  You get so tickled when we 'Roll the Dough' and 'Mark it with a P' (for Polie, duh!) that I can't help but laugh out loud when we play.   

 You have really started to fill out and can hold your own against your bigger little sister. You eat like a champ and even when you find nursing to be the perfect opportunity to hold a sweet little chat with momma you still make sure to finish your 'meal' after you're done talking.  you love to be patted and sung to- and can be calmed by the sound of your daddy's off-tune rendition of You Are My Sunshine.  We are so proud of you, little girl.  You are doing so amazing with PT, tummy time, and neck stretches.  Even though you don't like them all so much, you are such a good sport.  I am always excited to take you to therapy so you can show them how well you've done in just a week's time since they have seen you last.  And my they love you so much.  Every one does.  I mean, how can they not? I am excited to see how much you advance this next month. 

My love, my heart.  I adore you.  Love you so, so much.

Happy 3 months, my sweet angels.