I Love Daddy!

Is someone trying to get on her dad’s good side?

Is There a Baby Crying?

Weekdays when Sam and Ben are both at MDO for the day seem to make for insane mornings.  We always try to feed the babies simultaneously with the exception of this morning feeding as you honestly can’t attend to the older boys (breakfast, getting dressed, etc) when both of your available hands are being used to feed the twins.  This morning Grace woke up first and I started feeding her.  Towards the end of the feeding, Graham starts to tune up.  I stopped feeding Grace and ran to get Graham.  Grace wasn't happy about the sudden departure of her breakfast and starts to tell the entire household all about it.  Suddenly, the house goes silent and I’m shocked.  As I walk back into the living room, I see Sam feeding Grace her bottle.  What a great helper and big brother we have!  I wonder if he’ll agree to help with night feedings too?

Sleeping Beauties

Grace

Graham

Party Animals

cc

I highly doubt the twins knew that a birthday party occurred as they took turns sleeping in different people’s arms throughout the morning.  Thanks everyone for lending a hand (or an arm or lap) so we could enjoy this special day with the birthday boy.

Party Decorations

cc

I couldn’t resist sharing a few of the decorations from Ben’s birthday party.  Ashley did an amazing job designing all of the items above.

Birthday Party Fun

Ben, Oliver & Amelia had their fishing birthday party today.  We can take zero credit for the fabulous party as The Anthony Family (pictured above) planned and implemented a truly wonderful celebration.  Ben had a great time as all of this favorite people were in attendance, he got to jump in 2 bounce houses and he could eat an unlimited amount of ice cream and homemade cupcakes.  Happy Birthday Ben! 

Go Sam!

cc

Sam had quite the fan base today at soccer.  The grandparents (including Aunt Deta) came in to watch Sam’s game and attend Ben’s birthday party.  I’ve never heard so many “Go Sam” cheers!  Sam sprained his ankle before the game began but he didn’t let that slow him down too much.  He still had a hand full of goals and enjoyed showing off his soccer skills for his family.  Go Sam!       

Ahoy Mate!

cc

The older boys got up early on Friday and headed out with the Frizzell Family to enjoy a day of boating on Lake Conroe.  This was the first time for Sam & Ben to be on a boat so we weren’t sure how the day would go.  According to Scott, Ben was a little weary of the entire situation.  But he was a trooper and hung close to Dad when he got a little overwhelmed.  Sam, of course, loved it and in no time was driving around the lake with Mr. Frizzell.  He also enjoyed jumping from the rocks that surrounded the pool at their house. Scott was in heaven too as he got to wakeboard & eat BBQ at the County Line.  What a great way to spend a Friday together!    

Sam's Show & Tell Day

cc

cc
At the beginning of school, each child in Sam’s Pre-K class was assigned a show & tell day where they get to bring their most beloved possessions from home, stand up in front of the class and talk about why each item is important to them. Their days were assigned in alphabetical order by first name so Sam was near the end (though I should point out that there are 2 Sams and 1 Samuel in his class). Each day Sam has come home and told us what his friends brought to school. You could tell that he loved hearing about his friend’s items and couldn’t wait to share his prized possessions with each of them.
cc
The teachers instructed us to allow the kids to pick out the items by themselves. So, last night before bed Sam carefully selected his items and even slept without blue dog because he thought he might forget to take him. This morning he was BEYOND excited to carry the bag into his class. When I went to pick him up, the above list was posted. His teacher, Ms. Zook, was impressed that Sam had a detailed, well thought out explanation about why he selected each item. I honestly wasn’t that surprised by this because Sam loves to talk (I mean that in a very loving way). We might have a future public speaker on our hands!

Woody...Our Third Infant

cc
cc

There’s only one “person” that likes the swing more than Woody…Grace!

Sleeping Babies

cc
cc

Graham (left) & Grace (right)

cc

The twins are growing like weeds. We’re exhausted from hanging out with them all day and night, but you just look at their adorable faces and know that it’s all worth it.

Dressing Up Is FUN To Do!

cc
cc

Sam has loved to dress-up/role play since day one…and after 2 years of begging Ben to do the same, he’s finally got him on board. This morning they each went through 3+ wardrobe changes. And Scott even played the good sport when Sam insisted he wear one of the child cowboy’s hats. Looking good boys!

Team Uruguay

cc
cc

Soccer has returned! Sam has officially graduated from YMCA soccer and is playing on Team Uruguay for the West U Under 5 League. Scott and Sam have been attending practices every Thursday night for the past month but today was their first game. Fortunately, the playing fields are within walking distance from our house. So, Scott and Sam set out around 8am for the game while the younger kiddos and I loaded up the stroller and followed shortly thereafter. It was our first official outing as a family of six and I think many friends were shocked to see us all in attendance (though I will say the only way we made it there by 8:30am was because we did A LOT of prep work the night before).

The game was already in progress when we arrived. Each team plays 3 on 3 with no goalie for 45 minutes. I was amazed at how aggressive yet team oriented Team Uruguay was in their first game. There wasn’t a lot of passing each other the ball, but if a member of their team was dribbling to the goal they didn’t try to steal it away. This is leaps and bounds from where we were when soccer ended last year. Sam scored 5 goals though I had my hands full with the little ones so I wasn’t able to capture any on film.

Overall, it was a hugely successful morning. What a great time of year!

Go Horns!

cc
cc

Sean’s dad had an extra ticket to the UT vs Rice football game this past weekend. He was nice (brave) enough to take Sam with him to the game. Sam and Sean looked festive decked out in burnt orange and we hear that Sam only cheered for Rice for part of the game. Go Longhorns!

Boppy Time = Happy Babies

cc

cc

There’s not a person in this household who doesn’t love hanging out with the new babies. As each day passes, they wake up more and more during the day. This means adjusting to where we can place them so our older boys (and dog) don’t bother them too much. Ben and Sam are still learning the ropes on how to be gentle with their tiny bodies and that they are only allowed to touch their feet and bellies so we don’t pass along our germs. But overall they are adjusting nicely and are destined to be wonderful big brothers.

Two Week Check-Up

cc
cc

Today was Grace & Graham’s two week check-up. We were pleased to see that our big eaters have put on some much needed weight.

Graham’s Measurements
Height – 19 ¼ “
Weight – 6 lbs, 8 oz
Head – 13 ¼ “

Grace’s Measurements
Height – 19”
Weight – 6 lbs, 14 oz
Head – 14”