Tutu and the Parhams

We had a great weekend with Tutu. She flew into town on Friday morning and we hung out for a while. Mainly we were waiting on the sprinkler guy because Thursday night, a sprinkler valve popped off in our yard and we had to turn our water off. Not a good thing when you have two babies in the house who need clean bottles!!!  Luckily the dishes were being washed before all this went down. 

We waited as long as we could and finally left. We had to get out of the house!  This momma was going stir crazy. We packed everyone up and headed to Northpark Mall. 

We did a little shopping with the boys. I was on the hunt for something for Nick for his birthday and I found nothing. Absolutely nothing. My mom, on the other hand, got him some really cool stuff from 'The Art of Shaving' that I think he will really like. 

Our go to restaurant with the boys is Matt's Ranchero. It's a really loud and busy Mexican restaurant that if the boys are being a little fussy, no one gets too bothered by it. It's very family friendly and the food is pretty yummy too. 

When we pulled up there was an ambulance. I didn't really think twice about it but when we walked in it was clear who it was for.  We had to wait for a table and laying down on the waiting bench was a woman probably in her 50's, completely passed out and talking to herself. She had clearly over indulged during happy hour. I overheard one of the waiters tell the cops that she had been there with her husband and he had left her!!! Rude!!! It made me a little nauseous watching her be assisted to the ambulance by the police. I'm sure she was charged with a PI (Public intoxication) and I was embarrassed and mad at her husband for her. If he didn't want to drive her home, he could have at least gotten her a cab. Some people are just so mean. 

Anyway, the boys were in rare form at dinner. It was their bedtime and they needed to go home. I hurried up and ate so I could take a baby, while Nick was able to scarf some of his food down too. Mom got her meal boxed up and we packed up and headed home. 

The fam bam at dinner. 

Knoxer boxer gave mom a hickey on her nose! Poor thing is teething like crazy. 

The boys went down and tutu and I chit chatted while Nick was outside with the sprinkler guys. They had not capped off the sprinkler correctly and had to come back out to fix it. They even had to make an almost 9 pm Home Depot run!  Luckily they fixed it correctly this time and we have running water again. Hallelujah!!!

P had a rough night. He was snotty and I had to nose Frieda him a few times which he hates! He was up a lot and this momma was sleepy! 

Saturday morning we got up and ready and headed to Grapevine to look at houses. Lauryn and Landon also met up with us and we all went to Esparza's for an early dinner. I loved seeing them and catching up. Plus it was my moms first time to see Lauryn and her sweet little baby bump! 

We headed back to Dallas and got the boys in bed. Knox was a little tough to put down but Tutu finally managed. Good job Tutu!

Mom watched the babies so that Nick and I could meet up with Brent and Aubrey and our friends Lauren and Steven at the car show. We had a good time and closed the place down. We then grabbed a cocktail at the Omni and then headed home. We were tired and wanted to get back to mom and the boys. 

Lauren, me and Aubs

Sunday morning mom had to fly out. We got up and at em. I made some more lactation cookies - this time with banana muffin mix and chocolate chips. They turned out pretty good! I also made the boys some organic sweet peas to try. The boys loved them!!!

Peas please!

Knox ❤️'s Peas!

So does P man!!!

I took mom to the airport and then ran to target sans kiddos. It was nice to get out for a minute. I hurried home to help Nick. 

We laid around most of the day and napped and played. Around 4:30 we decided to go to Lowes to get some stuff to plant. Everyone starred at us at Lowes and we for stopped a few times. My favorite question, "are they twins??" Really? No I just have two babies the same size...  

The LPs first trip to Lowes

We came home and planted a few things before it was time to get the LPs ready for bed. We did our nightly routine and tucked them in. 

Knox had a really rough night. He was super snotty and woke up every hour like he was struggling to breath. Poor guy. When he woke up, there was snot all over his face! 

Monday we went to the chiropractor and we all got adjusted. We then braved the grocery store again and on the way home, both boys fell asleep. I brought them inside and they slept for another 45 minutes. Mommy toting them along wears them out!

I attempted to take them outside to finish the gardening but there were too many mosquitoes so it was short lived. I got one pot planted. Better than nothing!

We played and ate and napped and played all day. And my sweet boys got their first dose of Benadryl last night in hopes of them breathing better. It worked!!! They slept great and today (Tuesday) Lena said they are a little snotty but doing well. 

My glimpse of P before I left for work. 

My glimpse of K before going to work. 

Five on Friday

Well I'm posting this a day late but better late than never right?!?  

Here are my 5 things I'm loving this week!

1.  Young Living Essential oils. I ordered my starter kit last weekend and it came this week!!! I have been using lavender and coconut oil on the babies feet at night and have been diffusing everything but really loving Peace and Calm. I became a wholesale seller and it's a great deal! I'm looking forward to figuring out what all YL has to offer!

2.  Rompers! I am kind of obsessed and wish I had one in every color. 

3.  Vera Bradley. I order a new diaper bag for the boys and one of the pulls on the zipper was off. I took it by the store to see if they carried any extra that I could purchase and they completely replaced my diaper bag and secured all of the zippers on the new one so hopefully it won't happen again. Talk about customer service!!! 

4. Jo Malone lotion. My mom bought me some lotion in Necterine Blossom and Honey and I am loving it!!! It's a soft scent but it stays on and is delicious smelling. Pricey but stays on and besides, it's what Pricess Kate wears ;)

5. These Tory Burch flip flops! Perfect for summer. They dress up a simple look!

These are my things I'm loving! What are you loving? I would love to know!!!!

6 month checkup

Wednesday was the LPs 6 month checkup with Dr. Agrawal. The boys did awesome as usual and they are growing like weeds! In fact, K-man is on Pmeisters heels!!!

Pierce Alexander Job

Height - 24.5 inches 

Head circumference - 45.5 inches

Weight- 12# 1.5 oz

Knox Collier Job

Height- 24.25 inches

Head circumference - 42.5 inches

Weight- 11# 13.5 oz

Unbelievable huh? Such a far cry from the 4 pounds we brought them home at. I'm so proud of how far they've come and that they are meeting their milestones despite being born 5 weeks early. They are little rock stars!!!!!

Pierce and Knox

Daddy and his boys

We talked about table food with Dr. Agrawal and she was on board with what we've been doing. We then had her look at their heads to see if she had seen any improvements, especially with P. (She was never worried about K). She was super impressed with how good he looked and said that neither of them needed helmets!!! This made our day!!!

The boys are little troopers. Unfortunately they also had to get shots today. Usually they bring two people in to do it at once but today it was just one MA. Knox was first and the poor thing cried and cried.  Pierce was next and he cried but literally for only 30 seconds.  They both did fantastic and I am so proud of them. 

Next we had another appointment at Star Cranial for Pierce's head. He had improvement again but they pretty much told us that it's up to us if we want him in a helmet or not. His head is not flat but he does have what they call "towering". Basically he has a long head. But he's growing into it and it's not getting longer. So that is the good part. 

The machine we had to put P in to scan his head. 

Mommy and P selfie

After a lot of discussion and a lot of research and A LOT of prayer, we have decided against a helmet. There is no scientific research that proves that a helmet helps shape the head and there is not any research about what it does to brain development. The way that it was presented to us felt like a sales pitch and it seemed like they were out to get our money over truly caring about our child. Nick and I feel confident in our decision

and Pierce will be and look just like God created him - one handsome little man!

Busy manic Monday.

We had a busy day!!! The boys slept in until 7:30 and then we were up and ready to go!!!

Bananas were served with meal #2 and then we headed to Cafe of Life to get adjusted by Dr. Autumn and Dr. Tom. The boys did awesome and we met my friend Kat who had picked up a jumper and another exercaucer for the boys. I am so excited about these two items! We were in need of another exercaucer!!! 

I then decided that since we were out, I would try and brave the grocery store. It wasn't too bad. I had our good stroller with us and my beloved mommy hook. I hooked two grocery bags to it and off we went. The boys did great and looked around, mesmerized by everything surrounding them. It was so sweet to watch them take everything in. I love seeing things through their eyes. It's all so fresh and so new to them. 

The boys fell asleep in the car.  I brought them in and let them continue to nap in their car seats while I put the groceries away and had a snack. Knox woke up and we played for a few minutes before Pierce woke up. 

After meal #3, I busted out the stroller again and off we went for a walk. Both babies were asleep before I had even walked a block!!! We walked for about 30 minutes and then the boys woke up and we headed in. 

Meal #4 was served and then we waited for daddy to come home. We had some guys coming over to give us a quote on some landscaping for our front and back yards. The boys loved being outside. I'm so happy the weather is finally getting more spring like. I'm looking forward to being able to do more with the boys. Although I am not looking forward to the hot summer days ahead of us. 

Before we knew it, it was bedtime. The boys were a little fussy going down and we let them cry it out. Thankfully they only cried for about 6-7 minutes before both of them fell asleep. Yes- I timed it. I hate hearing them cry like that.

I was exhausted and had a terrible headache. All I wanted to do was go to bed. Sweet Nick told me to pump while we ate dinner and he would take care of the bottles. At 9, I fell asleep on the couch. At 9:45, my teeth were brushed and my booty was in bed fast asleep. I woke up at 2 and there was no Nick beside me. I wondered into the spare room and there he was, fast asleep, monitor in hand. I wanted so badly to wake him but the lights were still on and I figured he had just passed out. I went back to bed and he joined me at about 4:15. Best husband ever. Thank you babe. It was just what I needed. 

Today I worked and missed my sweet LPs like crazy!!!! Luckily, they were doing good and Nick kept them up so I could see them and we could put them down together. 

Tonight they went down without a problem, and I'm so glad I got to see them. Thank you Nick. And I may have held onto them a little longer than usual....

Tutu and Papa

Thursday evening, tutu and papa came to visit. They relieved Lena while Nick and I were at work and got the boys down for us. 

Hanging with Tutu

Mom made a really good chicken meal in one of my Pampered Chef dishes I forgot I even had! Oops! That's the problem with this house. We have stuff crammed everywhere - to the point we don't even know what we have. I am so looking forward to moving!!!

Friday I was on call and of course I got called in.  It was tough because Knox had had a particularly off night and was up A LOT. Poor guy.  Luckily I was able to leave and didn't have to stay all day. Also,  I was needed. Nothing drives me more crazy than to get called in and not really feel like I need to be there. Anyway, I made some extra furniture money for our new house!

Pierce and Papa

What Knox thought about mommy getting called in!

My bestie Heidi was in town and came over to see the boys Friday. We also had a surprise visitor! My sweet friend Bethany came over to meet the boys and drop off the sweetest little presents for them. She was so sweet to have done that. 

Bethany and the babies!

Friday night, Tutu, Papa and Nick stayed home with the LPs and let mommy go to dinner with Heidi and two of our friends, Kathryn and Stephanie. It was so much fun catching up with everyone. It turns out that we are all headed towards Fort Worth! Kathryn's moving to a little town called Godley and Steph is moving to Ft Worth. I am so excited that they'll be out that way too. Now we just need Heidi to move back from Houston!!!!

Speaking of new house, Saturday Tutu and Papa watched the boys so Nick and I could do some more house shopping. We have narrowed our search which is promising. We are between a house in Bridgewood ( Keller) and a house in Lake Pointe (Grapevine)

We have been doing a pros and cons list and so far, Lake Pointe is the big winner. It has awesome schools, it's close to many highways, it's a shorter commute for me, we would be right by Main Street in downtown Grapevine, there are soccer and baseball fields near by, the lake is close by, there is 6 miles of trails out the back door, the taxes are lower.... I could keep going but I think you catch my drift. We like the home in Bridgewood better but everything else isn't there. It's out in the country and takes at least 10 minutes to get to only one highway, the schools are good but the high school is one big HS that all the other schools feed into, It's not near any athletic fields or trails, the taxes are higher, and it seems to be  a community filled with people headed towards retirement. Lake Pointe just seems like the better fit at this point. 

We are thankful mom and papa were here because we were really able to talk to the sales people and not be interrupted with the need to feed and play with babies.  The boys are always so

good when we go house hunting, but not having them with us is a huge help. Thank you Tutu and Papa!!!! We appreciate you!

We were home in time to play with the boys Saturday night and help put them to bed. Mom cooked again and we talked houses all night. 

Playing our pianos!

It was another rough night with the LPs. Knox woke up around 1:30. I did everything I could think of to get him back to sleep and eventually made him a bottle and he was out. About and hour later Pman woke up screaming. I skipped right to the chase and made him a bottle. He was out after that. They both ended up sleeping in until 8 Sunday morning. My parents and I were all up at 7. I am in a state of pure exhaustion. 

Tutu and Papa had to hit the road Sunday morning and Nick and I fed the boys banana and their bottles and then all of us took a much needed hour long nap! After playing with the boys some more, we fed them, packed them up and headed out the door. We wanted to look at the house at Lake Pointe one more time. 

Sneaky daddy. I found this on my phone

There is a house a few doors down from the one we were thinking we wanted that we actually like a lot more. This one has the amenities that we wanted that were missing in the other house. There is wood flooring in the study, wood on the stairs, a backyard with a gorgeous tree, and the media room actually looks like a media room as opposed to a big open space like the other home. There is granite in all the bathrooms which I love. Only thing I don't care for are some of the light fixtures which can easily be changed and the builder will do it for me as long as I purchase them before we move in!!!   I am hoping and praying that this is it! This is THE ONE!!! Nick and I both like it a lot. We drove around looking at everything that's near by and that helped solidify our choice even more. 

So please pray for us. That we are making the right choice and that we are able to buy this house. Please pray that we get our current home sold quickly and that we aren't homeless during this process!!! This is an exciting time but also very scary. Please pray for guidance and wisdom at this time and that we have a positive experience!

Too hysterical !!!

Tuesday I worked and didn't get to see the LPs so Wednesday, we were ready to play!!!

Hilda came to clean so I wanted to get out of her hair. I pumped while I fed them their bottles and sweet potatoes. They are still screaming for more and I think it's too funny. I wish I had enough hands to record it. 

We went to Target and the car wash to get away. The boys loved the car wash. Their eyes got so big and they kept looking around in amazement. At Target, I pushed the stroller with the boys in it and attached my bag to my mommy hook! Genius!!! We got the few things we needed, checked out and headed home. 

We played for a while and then they went down for a nap - in their cribs. This is a big deal folks! I'm working on it. Normally they nap in their momma Roos but I'm trying to transition them to their cribs. It will be a process that's for sure. Their morning nap didn't go as well. But the afternoon was a success!!!!

Before bed I was working hard to keep them awake. We had bath time and then we were doing some tummy time, followed by playing on the playmat. I was laying next to the boys when I watched Pierce reach over to Knox and pull his pacifier straight out of his mouth. Knox was NOT happy. He screamed and screamed. I gave Knox his paci back and what happened? Pierce reached over and took it out again!!! What's any good mom supposed to do? Take a picture of course!

Look at what's in P's hand. 

I couldn't help myself. I couldn't stop laughing. Poor Knox. It's already happening. Love these boys and our time together. 

6 Months Old!!!

Yep. You read that right. The LPs are 6 months old. I seriously don't know where the time has gone!!!

Pierce, big boy, you are growing like a weed and as always, you LOVE to eat!!!  We started you and Knox on bananas and sweet potatoes and you are in heaven. You love to watch mommy and daddy eat. You are glued to us and I can tell you're trying to figure it all out.  You love to wave your hands around and you hate waiting for your bottle. This is the hardest thing for mommy when she's home alone with you. She has to get K ready too and you haven't quite figured out that there is someone else you have to wait on ( and vice versa)!  You are still quite opinionated and let me know when you aren't happy. You love to talk and sometimes let out little screams that mommy is still trying to figure out. That being said, you are a very happy boy. You are full of smiles and I love making you giggle. You love "the claw" and you like when mommy and daddy smile and make faces at you. You still love to put your hands in your mouth and mess with your capes (aka bibs).  You have even figured out how to take them off!!! I love how super smiley you are and I hope you're always as happy as you are now. We can't wait to find out how much you weigh but I'm thinking somewhere around 13 pounds!!! Your energy is contagious and mommy cherishes the moments that you decide you want to cuddle because they are few and far between.  Fierce Pierce, you are so very loved and I cannot imagine my life without you. 

Waving your hands around. 

Mommy couldn't get you to smile today for your pictures

Knox, baby boy, you are slowly getting bigger and stronger every day. You're lifting your head up and looking around more and more. You both still despise tummy time but occasionally, you figure out how to roll over and you're so happy when you do! You're doing a great job sitting up in your bumbo and exercaucer. You love to eat food!! Bananas - you weren't too sure about those at first but now you love them. And sweet potatoes??? Oh my!!! We can't get them to you fast enough!!! You've found your voice (especially while eating) and you love to babble. You will let out an occasional squeal here and there when you get going. Mommy and daddy like to kiss your belly when changing your diaper because it sends you into a fit of giggles. This warms our hearts. We love how happy you and your brother are. You've mastered the art of taking your paci out and mommy is trying to teach you how to put it back in. You are beginning to drool quite a bit and love to have anything and everything in your mouth. From your hands, to your toys, to the hands of anyone who will let you. You're gumming everything like crazy. You are a little more serious than your brother and you like to take things in. You're a great sleeper for the most part and usually only cry out for your paci. You will lie there with your eyes open waiting for mommy and daddy to come get you. Knoxer boxer, we love you so much and we cannot imagine life without you. 

Kicky kicky is what mommy calls you. You're always kicking your legs. 

You were all smiles!  

It's hard to remember what life was like before you came along. You two have filled our lives with so much joy and happiness. We occasionally have a rough day just like everyone does, but most days are filled with so much love and laughter mommy sometimes can't help but cry because she is so thankful and greatful for her blessings. You two have such bright futures ahead of you and there is no doubt in mommy or daddy's mind that you two are going to be successful, happy people. As much as mommy wants time to slow down because you're growing so fast, she and daddy look forward to what the future holds. Pierce and Knox, never forget that you are loved deeper than the ocean and higher than the sky. 

Kicks and waves 

Hands in the mouth 

And more hands in the mouth 

Two sweetest boys in the world. 

Crankmeisters

The boys slept in until 8:20 Monday morning! Great job boys!!! I guess a later bedtime calls for sleeping in ...

The boys were a little cranky after their first feed and didn't really nap. When I say they slept for about 7 minutes, I'm pretty spot on they then cried and cried. No amount of holding or shhhhing would suffice. They were tired and fighting it. 

He wasn't really asleep :/

Fussy fighting Knoxer Boxer

They ate sweet potatoes again and Knox screamed for more while Pierce didn't really care either way. They then had their bottle and we packed it up and headed for Cafe of Life to get adjusted. The boys did great and were a little fussy while we were there but manageable. Autumn did tell me that every time I come in, I am in dire need of an adjustment. I'm always out of whack! I guess that's what bending over, taking care of two babies will do to you!

Cat nap after SP!

We stopped and got gas and P cried the whole time my car was idle. I attempted

to go get a car wash but the line was wrapped around the building. Apparently everyone else thought it was a good idea too. So I turned around and headed home. Of course the boys fell asleep so I drove for about 10 minutes before P woke up. 

I cancelled our plans to go for a walk with baby Jackson and Kelly and also with my friend Whitney because the boys lost it. They both started crying in unison and there was nothing I could do to comfort them. I was frustrated and it was clear that they were too. 

The boys were fed and we played while I finished pumping and then I decided to get them out in the fresh air anyway. I packed them up and headed to Starbucks. It's probably a good 3/4-1 mile away and boy was it a bumpy ride. By the time we made it there and were headed back, I had two sleeping babies. They had worn themselves out. 

Happy boys after our walk!

At home, I stood in the driveway with them until they woke up. Knox awoke first and I got him inside and then Pierce woke up. I broke down the stroller and put it back in the car and then it was diaper changing time and bottle #4. 

After that was bath time! We are officially too big to be washes by the sink in the kitchen and far too active for mommy to feel like we are safe there anymore. So I bathed them in the spare bathroom. They did fairly well and got some bumbo time while waiting for each other :) 

Daddy got home and we all played before it was time to slow it down and get ready for bed. They had both had it and were out as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Sweet angels. 

Personally I think they may be teething and the fussiness is normal and will probably only get worse. Here we go!!!!

Weekends go too fast

Saturday morning sweet P was up and at em at 6:30. Daddy was sweet and took bottle duty so I could sleep again after my 5:30 pump session. Luckily, P fell back asleep and the whole fan bam slept in until 8:45! That's right, 8:45!!!!!  

Knox ate and we added an ounce to each bottle to catch him up for the day. 

The boys enjoyed their second day of sweet potatoes. Pierce still doesn't know what to think of them. He doesn't hate them- I think he just prefers bananas. Knox on the other hand- he can't get enough! That boy goes nuts!!!! He screams for more and his mouth is open and waiting for the next spoonful. It's hysterical. 

Waiting for sweet potatoes

P isn't too sure....

Give it to me!!!!! - K

Nick spent the morning working and I played with the LPs and got ready. Around 2, we headed to Grapevine to checkout a new subdivision Nick had found. 

The subdivision was awesome. It's a new build with 64 lots. They are closing out and are "very motivated" to sell. This is good for us and we even found one that's our style and will be ready in April. I'm hoping and praying this may be it!!! I love that it's in close proximity to the lake, downtown Grapevine, wineries, shopping centers, the taxes are less, but most importantly, the schools are great!!!  The LPs would be getting an excellent education which is our top priority. 

When we finished, we stopped by Landon and Lauryn's. Lauryn was at a bachelorette party and Landon was holding down the fort. We fed the babies and visited for a while. 

Daddy and Uncle Landon with the LPs. 

We were pretty off of our routine and P had a tough night. Which led to Sunday  morning....

All 3 men asleep for an hour!

We headed house hunting again around 1:45 and drove through some of the places we were interested in doing the pros and cons. Location, accessibility, schools, cost, etc. you name it, we were discussing it. 

Around 3:30 we stopped by L2 house again and Matt Ballard and Landon watched the boys for us so we could do a little more house hunting solo. They are both so good with the boys and Nick and I had an open house we wanted to swing by. 

The open house was a bust and the realator was super aggressive which is so not my style. Nick and I were overwhelmed by her and could not wait to get out of the house! The house was not even close to what we are looking for either. Aye ye ye!!!!

We drove around some more stating our pros and cons and finally came to the conclusion that we want a new build and we are leaning towards the Grapevine area. Everything out there that's for sale needs a lot of work. Why put the extra money into the house when with the extra money you'd put in, you can buy a brand new house?  It just doesn't make sense. So at least we've settled on one thing. Now I am praying no one comes and buys the house I adore before we do. Please say some prayers. This process has been nothing short of exhausting - especially for Nick. The boys have been troopers but I think we are all ready to find "the home" and I'm thinking that maybe we did!!!

Here's a sneak peek of the possible home!

Open living room

Kitchen ( love all the cabinets!)

Hallway from front door to living room/kitchen 

Dining room

Study

Game room

Media room

Master bedroom

Master bath with his/her closets!

It's 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car garage. I'm hoping and praying we found it!!! Time will tell!!! 

We grabbed pizza and salad as a thank you for watching the boys and had dinner with Ballard, Sarah (his awesome girlfriend), and L2 (Lauryn was home)!!! They did a great job with the boys and we got a little off schedule again. Didn't get home until 7:30 ish and attempted to put them down. We laid them both down a little after 8, awake. Knox fussed a little and P pretty much hit the sack. I then ran to the grocery store to get our necessities for the week. Sweet Nick did bottle duty and folded our laundry. Super hubby to the rescue. Thanks honey. You are the best!!!

Praying next weekend, we are buying a house!!!!