today i am::

:: drinking this tea 

:: letting my babies sleep for as long as they want in their car seats (going on over an hour for the first time EVER) praise Jesus!

:: admiring single parents out there. the hubs has been gone for three days & i am officially tired

:: also feeling liberated by the fact that i can survive parenting these two beauties by myself

:: itching to write and take good pictures and blog.  i just need to learn to use our camer(thinking i'm gonna have to bite the bullet and actually read the manual), i need to start keeping a notebook with me on some good topics to write about (& not be afraid to hit publish) and take the time each day now that the girls are napping consistently for about 45 minutes a time ...and write.

:: making my to-do list for when my mr. returns:  clean bathrooms (& house), grocery shop, write thank you's, etc, etc, etc

:: doing what i can to not drown in my first case of Spring fever and enjoy this gorgeous snow that exists right outside my windows

:: trying to figure out why i allow certain people to consistently steal my joy and have so much power over my emotions -- i need to own my inner self again

:: grateful that i am a mom, and get to stay home, talk all day, watch them grow, play and squeal with delight as they get excited to read books, learn new things and smile all the time.  i am so over the moon in love with my little darlings.

how can i not be? look at them!! ::

*Svea*

 *Maelyn*

*Svea (left) & Maelyn (right)*

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10 weeks flying by . . .

silly svea

sweety pie maelyn

:: today they are 10 weeks old. 10 weeks! i cannot believe how fast time goes. 

:: they are sleeping 6 hours at a time at night. bedtime begins at 9:30 and they wake at 3:38, always. Hooray! 

:: they are both like clock work when it comes to breastfeeding. i am able to tandem them & haven't had to supplement just yet.  2 hours on the dot though from when they begin eating to their next feed. this leaves me home-bound most days, but i don't care, i'll take it. i am just so thankful they are healthy.

:: they are getting more smiley and silly.  after every feeding they need to be stimulated & we are having so much fun!  they love this book the most. 

:: their individual personalities are coming alive and it has been so amazing getting to know them: 

**Maelyn -- tender spirit, curious and filled with awe.  your eyebrows raise and furrow as you try to take in the world around you and learn all things new. you absolutely love snuggling into my neck and being close, and desperately need others to talk to you all of the time.  you are easy to put down for a nap or bed. you love your sleep.  you grunt when you talk and always have something to say. you continually make those around you laugh out loud when you do so. your timing couldn't be planned more perfectly. your tummy is sensitive and we had to put you on acid reflux medicine for a time being...but, it has done you wonders and you are able to keep your food down. praise God! you are bright eyed and observant, smart and kind already. you are my beautiful girl and i am so thankful you were born into my life. xo

**Svea -- gentle heart, social and filled with enthusiasm for life.  your face lights up, your mouth wide open and your eyes grow big with excitement as you discover the world around you.  you love colors and shapes and silly discussions with anyone willing to talk to you.  you will warm the heart of others just with your smile.  you coo and squeak with glee & frustration when you can't get a 'bubble' (gas) out, but make everyone laugh with your sweet sounds.  you also have a sensitive tummy and mommy cannot eat an ounce of cheese or dairy, for you will suffer. you are so aware and curious and just want to know everything that is happening and going on, that sleeping is one of your least favorite things. you are tender hearted, kind and friendly to everyone already.  you are my beautiful girl and i am forever thankful you were born into my life. xo