You knew I couldn't stay away

Today Elizabeth said, "Daaddddeeee!"

My mom is here

My parents are here with me in Texas! Since they are the reason I blog. I will wish you a fond farewell and Merry Christmas until the New Year!

An open letter...

An open letter to the college girls at Target.
Dear College Girls,
First off wow, you get younger and younger every year. While I think it's great that a store has enough neat things that can appeal to me a 30 something, and you a young young young young 20, I must admit that I noticed a few new things while shopping with my daughter tonight.
First, please do not curse in front of my daughter. She does look up to you- she notices everything you do. Especially the pink bling. Keep it clean in public places, please.
Secondly, do not wear hoochie momma clothes in public. Whether my daughter is with me or not- No one wants to see it. PERIOD.
You may occasionally walk in the center of the aisle, everyone does. But keep in mind- OCCASIONALLY. Try not to roll your eyes at me when my shopping car full of two infants, a almost 3 year old and all my stuff is not able to get out of YOUR way.
Additionally, please understand when said shopping cart is full and a bit difficult to navigate out of your way.
Please refrain from pushing my daughter out of your way. She likes to walk beside me sometimes- it makes her feel big and important like you. I know we are all stars of our own reality show, but try not to be so engrossed in yourself that you become rude. It's just not nice.
I know I must look like a old fuddy duddy to you, but in my mind I still am a bit hip. So give me a little slack when I shop in the shoe section and actually might want the same shoes as you do.
Thank you college girls for living in the same town as me. I might not have a Target if not for you. Thanks for showing my fashions that I can decide never to wear without trying them on (tee-shirt aTm dresses). But thanks to you for those moments when you do take the time to smile at my kids, pause to open the door, or just try to be nice. Keep that stuff up and I'll try not to yell at you about texting while driving....today.

7 Months...a little late!

Sweet babies- you are a joy. Special moments often become shared ones with a sister. Your smiles are many and your joy is catching. You both are working on sitting up. Anything you can grab goes directly in your mouths. Strangers are not your favorite people now, but you delight in your sister and when your daddy comes home.
Cosette you now like the exersaucer. And are a good stander. You are willing to smile and laugh easily.
Elizabeth you LOVE the exersaucer, you study things before you smile and you enjoy eating.

How is mommy doing?
T-I-R-E-D. But still loving all the joys, all the trials and all the PINK!

Season

Traditions. Memories. And reasons to look back and smile.
That's what John and I want to do. Create those traditions that mean something.
We were encouraged by our Sunday school mentors. They shared with us how they read the Bible with their kids every morning. Their kids are teens and preteens. What struck us about this was that they didn't just start one day to read together- they kept trying different things until they found what worked for them. And the fact that the KEPT TRYING.
So this year we are trying to bring meaning to the season of Advent.
We started this year doing a Jesse Tree. What's neat about this is that you tell the stories of God's faithfulness throughout the old testament in anticipation of the coming of Jesus. We've been summarizing each story and making it relevant for a almost 3 year old. And each story comes with an ornament to visually help Gianna link to the story we talked about that day.
We draw some pictures, use what we have for others, and plan to get more ornaments each year, but you can also print these.
So that's our ideas. What do you do to make Christmas relevant for you and your kids?

So easy a child can do it

Gianna has quite the photogenic eye. She plays with my phone and is able to figure out how to take pictures with it. I came across her shots and thought I would share her artistic ability with you all:

December

December we welcome thee. Thank you for being December and being cold. Thank you for being my birthday month. Thank you for twinkle lights, cookie exchanges, and the joy on children's faces.

Thank you Charissa for more pictures uploaded to our pictures link.

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

thanks⋅giv⋅ing–noun

1.	the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, esp. to God.

2.	an expression of thanks, esp. to God.

3.	a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.

4.	a day set apart for giving thanks to God.

5.	(initial capital letter) Thanksgiving Day.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come round right.

by Elder Joseph

A thankful heart I strive to have...

The Queen on her Throne

We are in the stage of life that most people we know are, recently potty trained or are in the midst of it themselves.
I was thinking about you all and actually praying for you when I realized that I just might the unofficial "Queen of the Potty."
I have potty trained more than 35 kids in my life. (I used to say I got my BS in bs. Then I got my masters and now I am a well educated bottom wiper! )
I taught kids who had limited physical abilities and kids who had VERY limited mental abilities how to be independent toileters. Poo stories-- I've got a million.
Now you might be saying to yourself:
Why is this important?
Or if you are my dad- getting hives just thinking about what I might say next.
If you fall into the second- just skip to the end where there's a picture.

If you are still with me.. take heart fellow warrior!
Things I've learned over the years:
Sometimes it's not whether the child is ready- it's if you are. A very motivated Momma is the #1 key to success. Why? Because you will stick with it. It's important to you. And you want to do it. If you try it and it's just not right. Don't sweat it. Either try again later or stick with it. But be all in if you stick with it.
When you are in it- it seems SOOOOOOO much longer that it really is. Think about it. How long did it take for your child to be a clean eater? They're not already? But they've been eating from a spoon since they were 6 months old! They really should be good that it by now, right? I know I still need an occasional napkin and I've been eating for a LONG time too. Tell yourself this as you are cleaning off poo from the walls, sheets, toilet and hosing your child off in the shower.
Think of potty training as a new skill to learn like a using spoon or writing your name- NOT a will of obedience. MOST kids just need help making the connection between what is happening in their body and how to act. It is rare that peeing on the carpet for the tenth time in a row is disobedience. As hard as that is to remember when you are cleaning it up for the 10th time in an hour! (But if this is you- let me know I WILL pray for you!) :)

Some helpful hints I use are:
Don't ask if they need to go. Say it's time to go.
If there is an accident- have a catch phrase like," Uh oh. Pee pee goes in the potty." And then take them there. (and as a side note: having children clean up their own accidents is not something I recommend. Think about the eating/spoon thing again. Reinforce when they go on the potty not just focus on the times they missed.)
Set a timer for you to remember to take your child. But once they have been doing it for a few days back off. Let them take the lead and go by themselves. Remember that is your ultimate goal. EVEN IF YOU MAY HAVE A FEW MORE ACCIDENTS!
Make the potty a wonderful place to be. Potty parties and potty songs make kids feel good.
Have lots of changes of clothes, travel with lots of changes of clothes and get used to doing laundry. Most kids are not fully potty trained (all night) until the age of 6!
But one of the number one practical ways I suggest is to pray. Pray specifically and earnestly (this is done usually while cleaning up the carpet) that your child will learn this new and useful skill.
It's OK if it's hard. Somethings are. Some kids don't fit a perfect plan. Most will use a combination of a few plans.
You are not better than anyone if it was easy for your child to potty train. It's usually the kid that did it. :)
You are not a bad parent if this is a hard time for you. You probably had a "easy baby" and now it's evened out. :)

There are tons of ways and personal stories on the internet of how to do it the "right" way. Do it in a day, use rewards, get a doll. But just like everything else you've learned with your child in the last 2 years- they are unique and special. And sometimes potty training queens aren't in your shoes and don't live at your house.
You can do it. You can do it. You can do it! Think of how hard labor was- this is easy! Or how the millions and billions of women who have potty trained their children without the use of Elmo potty time videos. It can be done. You too can get your BS in bs- just be a momma!

1 Corinthians 15:51

⁵¹Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

From the mouths of Babes:

Mommy I need a cotton ball.
You need it?
Yes. A cotton ball.
Um Ok Let's go get one.
Mom starts to go to the bathroom where cotton balls are kept.
Gianna goes to the pantry. A sudden light comes on for momma.
Mom stops and says, "Do you mean a marshmallow?"
Yes. A marfmallalalalalalalaooooow.

Well what could I do? I gave her the marfmallalalalalalalaooooow.

From Daddy:
G- It's not time yet (to go to bed)
D- It is time.
G- No it's not time yet.
D- Well, what time is it Gianna?
G- It's 3 o'clock so we can stay up

Mom can I tickle your bottom?
No Gianna.
Can I tickle your neck?
Yes, yes you can tickle my neck.




What kind of feet do YOU have?

This Day...

This day shall not be looked back on fondly. It will ever be known as Poo FEST 2009.


Gianna's new decoration color choices have been noted and denied.



It's best there are no pictures.

A Story

When I was a kid our church had "Harvest Festivals" or they had "Noah's Ark Parties." This was to be able to celebrate the "fun" of dressing up with out the scary costumes. (I like "quotations" today. Yea punctuation!!!!!!)

So one year I dressed up a beautiful Queen Esther. Oh, how I loved that costume. It basically consisted of an old velvet evening gown of my mothers and EVERY piece of costume jewelry I owned. I mean I was decked out. Layers and layers of pop beads. Colors and colors of Marti Gras beads (although I didn't know that's what they were- I just enjoyed the pretty colored beads.) Every cast off mismatched piece of jewelry that my mother let me wear. Oh I was beautiful. I had so much jewelry because of course that's what queens did- wear lots of jewelry.

I have no idea where she gets it from


I also learned a powerful lesson from those days of dressing up. NEVER have props for your costume. Well I should say my mom did. Because one year I was Rebekah. And how do you dress up as Rebekah? You wear a bathrobe, a scarf on your head, and have two babies. Sooooo different from the Mary costume. Call one Jacob and one Esau and hold them the the whole night. Well not the whole night- you have to give them to your momma to hold because you can't do any of the fun games if you are holding them. I guess I learned another lesson that night- Holding twins is hard work!

Want to help hold my dolls Momma?

Right HERE Momma!

Gianna likes to dip things. Pretty typical of most toddlers that I know. I don't have a problem with it most days.
Dipping = eating
Mostly.
But a "fun" new "discussion" we've been having is PLACEMENT of the said dip. Amount does not seem to be and issue (yet). Just where it is placed is a battle. Who knew that placing something right where it was pointed to go in the spot would cause wails and gnashing of teeth? Not me. Did you know that ketchup runs when put on the side of a plate? And thus can cause a particular two year old I know to loose her Christian witness? (Well, not really hers, but mine to her!) Did you know that a microscopic millimeter makes a difference?
I didn't before but I do now.

Just a new trench in the warfare we call parenting. But this particular battle I'm ok with loosing a few inches. Because if the spot I see isn't the spot she sees, and tears result- I just take a deep breath and remind myself that this is her way of having order in a large and unpredictable world. And that what is important to her does not mean it is less important because it is not important to me.

So I smile and try to teach problem solving. "Move it with your fork to where you want it." And smile again.


Even if I'm gritting my teeth and white knuckling the bottle of ketchup.

Two Purple Princesses and One Pink princess

Going to the Zoo!

In honor of the beautiful weather we've been having, John took Wednesday off and took us to the Houston Zoo.
We set off all prepared and stuff. It does take a fair amount of planning to get five people out the door with everything you need for a day of fun.
Extra clothes for the babies. Check
Extra skirt for Gianna. Check
Snacks. Check
Water. Check
Spoons for baby food. (they're on solids now- extra stuff to remember!) Check
Houston Zoo iphone app. Check!
So we were set. All prepared and ready. We drive down got stuck in traffic for 45 minutes! Gianna was READY to be out of the car and got so worked up that she made herself throw up. YUCK. John and I look at each other and laugh. We had too. What else could you do, while stuck in traffic and then are presented with throw-up? WE pulled over into a Sam's parking lot and asses the damage.
Car Seat Nasty
I packed and extra skirt but not an extra top so John and Gianna went into Sam's to buy another outfit! WE decided that Gianna was not sick- just worked up. And pushed forward!
We loved the zoo. It was nice and not too crowded. We saw some of the animals that we've been reading about in our family devotion book so Gianna was excited. She also was VERY interested in the PINK flamingos. I think they were her favorite!
WE didn't see everything, but left enough to do on another trip. We'll try not to start out with such a "fun" beginning next time!

Solid

Solid food. That's what we've started feeding the girls. It's just one more reminder that they are growing up. Now I am never one to early feed my children solid foods. Why? Well, it's M-E-S-S-Y. Have you seen these pictures?!??!?!?! And then it's one more thing to have to do.You know- besides taking care of their every need- bathing, burping, changing, holding, nursing, clothing, entertaining , teaching, talking to, and much much more. Phew! I'm tired just writing it down!
With Gianna I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Until that child DEMANDED that I feed her from a spoon. She would watch the spoon go from the bowl to the lips and watch and lean in and try to get it while the person holding her was eating. My mom was here for a visit when all this leaning and lip moving was happening and so she fed her her first food- ICE CREAM. I kid you not. My MOTHER fed my first born baby ice cream! Wow, was I upset. Gone were my hopes and dreams of an all organic diet for my baby. Gone were my hopes and dreams of reforming my diet before her knowing such a food as ice cream exists. So I broke down and actually started to feed Gianna solid food. I did give my mom the "you are crazy" lecture, but she recovered because well, she is a Granny, and Granny's can feed their grandkids ice cream. At least that's what she told me.
Anyway, Elizabeth and Cosette got cleared from the doctor to eat solid food. So I bit the bullet and did it. No Granny here this time. So poor Elizabeth and Cosette had to eat plain rice cereal. And their faces show how much they liked it:

Why we have Kids

You will see something new
Two things. And I call them
Thing One and Thing Two.

"These Things are good Things."
Said the Cat in the Hat.

"They are tame. Oh, so tame!
They have come here to play.
They will give you some fun
on this cold cold cold October Day."

6 months

We made it half way through a year! Happy Half Birthday to Elizabeth and Cosette! We went for the 6 month check up today and got cleared for solids. More on that later.
Now the stats:
E
10 lbs 9 oz
24 3/4 inches

C
10 lbs 5 oz
24 1/2 inches

They are super models again with height being in the 70th percentile but weight not on the charts. Typical for preemies and twins the doctor said. They will continue to grow at a rapid pace while typical babies begin to slow their growth during the next 3-10 months.
See the band aids from the shots, but they were troopers and did a great job for me. I took them by myself for the first time. The girls woke up extra early today and made our normal routine different besides fitting a doctors visit in. It was a challenge getting them in the car, out of the car, in the stroller, up the elevator, in the waiting room, entertaining them while waiting for the doctor, getting them undressed, getting them dressed, entertaining them while waiting for the nurse to give the shots, comforting them (and me) while they got the shots, out the door, down the elevator, back in the car, and back home. ALL BY MYSELF! I'm tired from just typing all that! :)

Pumpkin Patch

Elvis in the Pumpkins

Elizabeth makes a brake for it

Sweet friends

We visited our local Pumpkin patch as a family Sunday. We had a friend see us and stop and offer to take our pictures. Of course we said yes! And bonus- She's a professional photographer.

And it took all her professional skills to get all three girls to look at her at the same time.

Smiling- that's a different story!

Wrestle Mania

Pinned Ya Again


I'll eat you up I love you so


Look at me when I'm wrestling you!

Punch you in the MOUTH!

Grandpa's Trip

My dad got to come for a visit last week. This was a great treat. My parents live in Alaska and usually we only get to see them once a year. So for him to get to come for a visit was great. AND it was on business so his company paid for it!
My dad split his time between us and my brother in Dallas. Sadly, daddy caught a bug on the plane and wasn't feeling well on the second half of his trip. Thankfully, we had him on the first half and we didn't get sick!
So my dad flew from Fairbanks Alaska, saw my brother in Dallas, drove to see me in College Station, then I loaded up all the girls and we then DROVE down to Galveston. My Dad likes a good road trip!
John had to work and couldn't join us, but my dad and the girls had a great time. We visited his house (open to all if you need a fun cheap place to stay in Galveston), saw the ocean, and ate at Bennos. mmmmmmmmmm.
I didn't have any bottles for the babies, which meant I had to nurse them on this trip. My dad has a phobia of all things girl. And especially anything that has to do with feeding, diapering or changing. I was occupied with Elizabeth and Cosette (in a feeding kind of way) so Dad was checking out another part of the house (paint on the wall). Gianna HAD to go potty. This being a different house and all she needed some help with things. Daddy paced back and forth. Wanting her to wait for me. ME knowing that it was now or get a rag encouraged him to help her. Beads of sweat formed on his brow. Mumbling about waiting and holding it, I talked him down and through the steps. And in the end, he overcame his phobia and helped Gianna go potty- and wipe. With a few nervous laughter's thrown in.
Fast forward to the next dad when my dad had to head back up to Dallas for business. Gianna was with John in the potty and needed help wiping. John said, All done.
She said-

GRANDPA's turn!!!!!!!!


I guess that was the highlight of his trip for her.

Just in case...

Just in case you very wondering, our town is VERY SMALL!

How is it that the cries of your own child can send you over the edge like nothing else? Gianna has been having well let's just call it "issues" lately. Like my failure to read her mind. Or let her put her feet in her sisters faces. Or the one time I asked her to go potty. Or wanted some privacy while I went potty. Or that I offered my help in something. When I didn't offer help. Or when I was cruel and wanted her to walk instead of ride in the stroller. Or when I wanted her to ride when she wanted to walk. Or because it was a Wednesday...
So today was a whiney day. And my ears HURT from all of the loud shrill noises coming from my child. They babies were kinda fussy too, but they are babies and they get a little more leeway.
So we go to the library and I explain: You get to walk today. I'm putting the babies in the stroller today.
Not. Having. Any. Of. It.
Patience tapped from morning of listening to previous whining, and bottom spanked. No warning. NO second chance. Put in car to try to muffle screams.

And to witness my fail was another mom from Sunday School. (Hi Lori!)
Thanks Lord for keeping me humble.


And when we left- a random Mom (who I don't think saw our circus on the way in) said, "You make it look so easy. Mine are 4 years apart and it's hard."
Nervous laughter from me.





Don't call CPS 'k?

Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version)

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Overall They're Cute!

It was Overall Day for the youngest Ludlows. And I have to admit... I love my girls. John and I kept being amazed by them. I cannot beleive that they are almost 6 months old!

Sweet Cosette

All Smiles Elizabeth

I love love LOVE these girls. John and I keep being excited by all of our girls. We are surprised by all we have survived in just a few short months. We are getting into routines. They are sleeping through the night, and life is good. I just love those toothless grins. Love and joy and baby squeals!

Just so you know...

I was going to write a great post with pictures and everything. But 2 out of my three children are screaming.

Well now it's 3.


I'll go get them now.

What's up with that?

What's up with the lack of posting lately?
Well, three kids tend to wear out my brain cells. I've found that they are taking my creative cells first. Then the ones that find joy in the little things, and then my patience cells. (Nope, those are the first to go!) Really survival has been key. Pictures take a BIG back burner.

What's up with the ads on your site?
Some of you know that John works for himself as an internet marketer. Part of what he does is finds good deals and then offers them up on websites. Another part is that if I need something and I buy it from one of his ads- he gets money from it. So I usually ask him for one of these if I'm planning on making a purchase. It's sort of like a coupon for me. They are really just on the blog for me, but if you want to make a purchase John gets a little bit of the commission for sending you there. But in no way is this blog going to turn into a money making blog.

What's up with those babies?
A LOT. They have taken to being on a schedule! And for the past 4 nights.............They have slept through the night!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, a party has taken place. Now we just need to get me to sleep and everyone will be happy. E rolls everywhere and is putting everything in her mouth. C just likes her fingers to go into her mouth and will put them there over eating! 5 and a half months- can you believe it?!?!?!

What's up with Gianna?
She is a walking talking amazing little person. She has conversations, and is starting to make up stories. She tells the babies stories all the time and says, "Was that a good story?" She LOVES her mothers day out (school) and will tell me stories about what happened there. She is a good helper and loves to entertain her sisters (they love watching her!)

What's up with John?
He is enjoying being his own boss. Sometimes owning your own business is draining- not to mention having twins is hard, but a year into it and he says he'll never go back to corporate America. It's also hard being the best husband and father ever. We are so glad that he's ours!

What's up with you?
I've actually been enjoying crafting a little lately. Some bows and finishing Gianna's room (pics to come). We joined a couples bible study this fall and are really enjoying it. Getting all three girls ready and out the door keeps me busy most days. I get to sit down on Tuesdays and Thursdays while Gianna is at MDO and the babies take a morning nap.

What's up with you?

On Tuesday

I have been cleaning out our house for a garage sale this weekend. (Twin Mom's Sale- there is something for everyone. If you live in town- Come by and BUY!!!!). I let her look at a photo album. Gianna found this picture of herself in a swim suit. We had been talking how when she was little she did this and that. She really enjoyed looking at the pictures of herself.
So a few days later we had this conversation:
She said: On Tuesday When I get little I'm going to wear the mermaid swim suit.
Mommy: But you can't get little- you only get bigger.
G: Oh. When I get bigger I want the mermaid swimsuit.
Mommy: You won't be able to fit into it.
G: Oh. I NEED the mermaid swim suit.
M: You need it?
G" I NEEEEEEEEEDDDD it.
M: I'm sorry but you can't fit into it. Maybe next year we can get a new mermaid swim suit.
G: A new one?
M: A new one
G: Oh OK Mommy.

Who wants to bet that they see Gianna in a mermaid swim suit this summer?

A walk to remember

Last week John and I had been motivated by the nice weather and our need to reduce our midsections to go for a family walk. That is something we used to do everyday in our prebaby world. I really don't remember much about that world. Just that I slept in sometimes and I used to go on walks.
So we started off. Nice weather. Cool breeze. Cloud cover. Perfect.
Cosette and Elizabeth are still too young for sunscreen so we like to take them out when it's cloudy. We enjoy the walk. I thought to myself- The clouds look dark, but they always fool you. The day before we had gone to feed the ducks so we were out of bread. So we were only going to go to the playground. Not because John wanted to but because of "Playground playground playyyyyyyyyy grounnnnnnnnnnnnnddddddd" Gianna "asked".
Yes we can do it we said. Play happened. Then John felt a drop on his head. Hmmm


We said-times up, and started on our way back home. A mile away. We got two houses past the park when the light rain started. Three houses before the downpour You know a Texas kind of rain. A kind family invited us to wait it our on their porch. Gianna wanted none of this waiting stuff and decided to dance in the rain. We waited until it lightened up just a bit, but it still was raining. So John carried Gianna and I ran with the girls in the stroller in the rain.
We laughed and ran. Ran and laughed. Ran in the rain. Elizabeth and Cosette were content as could be. The didn't know why water was falling on them, but they didn't seem to mind it that much. They had fingers to chew so that was fine by them!


Wet girls after we got home! We all were totally soaked!

John and I will file that memory under fun times with girls. And thankfully the file keeps expanding!

A Prayer

Lord,
Give me a heart for laundry. Or a least the will to do it.
Amen

At the Hop!

This week we had a sock hop with our Sunday School. I had a good time making the girls' poodle skirts (sans poodle) Gianna had a blast dancing chasing balloons!