Don't go to Northpark at Christmas

Sometimes I forget how blessed I am to be a nurse. This is magnified during the holidays. I love having time off during the week to run errands and not be caught up in the hustle and bustle of weekend shoppers. 

Sunday we met some friends at PF Chang's at the mall. We had a great time and since we were there, we decided to do a little shopping. The LPs did great but it was difficult maneuvering the stroller through the large crowds. It's like we are invisible to some people. They expect me to move out of the way. I'm sorry but do you not see the two infants in this Cadillac that I am trying to push??? Jeez. People can be so rude! I was fed up and ready to go home within an hour of shopping. 

While we were getting trampled on at the mall, we ducked into Ted Baker to look around.  Much to my surprise, Nick was able to find a suit there! It looks AWESOME on him so we got it for Christmas. I am really happy for him. He's such a good looking man and I could tell he felt good in the suit. 

The LPs hanging out while daddy modeled for mommy. 

We headed home and lounged around watching football for the remainder of the day. Nick and I both had upset stomachs and were happy to kick our feet up. We are hoping and praying it's just the food from earlier and not something we pass  to the LPs. Say some prayers please!

First week down!

Thursday was spent loving on my boys. Boy oh boy did I miss them! The day was also spent trying to get my milk supply up. I've been stressing out because I was a little short on ounces Wednesday. I started taking fenugreek and am trying to pump more often to stimulate my supply. My goal is to breastfeed for at least 6 months. Ideally I would love to do it for a year but 6 months seems a little more realistic. 

The boys didn't sleep well Wednesday night and I was up feeding them every 2 hours. I think they are in the middle of a growth spurt. No doubt I was tired Thursday morning. So tired that I was doing laundry and started a load without putting the clothes in. Oops!!! If that doesn't have pure exhaustion written all over it, I don't know what does!

I survived my second day back Friday and I was flying solo! I had a delivery around 9 with the sweetest little couple. It was exactly what I needed. After her recovery, I didn't get another patient until 5:15!!!! It was a great day catching up with my coworkers, getting some good pumps in, and knowing that when I got home from work, my parents would be there :)

My parents left San Antonio super early and relieved Lena from her duties. They loved on the babies and it was so nice getting pictures of the boys from Tutu. Lena doesn't have a smart phone so I don't get any from her. I may teach her how to use my iPad because I'm dying not seeing them while at work!!!

Mom had a homade meal ready when I got home and after feeding the LPs, I was out!!!!! This mommy is exhausted! The boys slept from 1030-5:30!!! They MUST be growing! I breastfed them at 5:40 and they slept until Nick woke them up at 8:30!!! Sweet loves are getting so big!

Today we have our three month photo shoot here at the house. Unbelievable how fast time has passed. Tonight is Nick's Deloitte Christmas party. Mom and I organized the boys room and found a bunch of things that need to be returned to Buy Buy Baby. Score!

I'm excited for this afternoon and I can't wait to see the magic Katie at Red Plum Photography creates next !!!!

The boys weren't very cooperative during their pictures. They were super fussy so we are going to schedule another day but Katie posted this one. They are looking more and more alike !!!

Our fam bam !!!

It wasn't so bad...

Today was my first day back at work. And it wasn't that bad!!!  

Yesterday was pretty bad. I cried off and on all day in anticipation of the day ahead. As much as I wanted to go back, catch up with all my friends and do what I love, I didn't (and don't) want to leave my boys. But it was inevitable. I had to go back. 

This morning I decided I had two choices. To make the most out of my day or to be upset about it. I chose to make the most out of it!!!

Last night I programmed the all important coffee pot for 4:20, made all of the bottles for the day and for my clothes ready. I wanted to be as prepared as I could be. 

The boys did great. They slept from 6:20-12, we fed them while I pumped and then they didn't wake up until a little after 5!!! Good job LPs! I was up at 4:45. I rinsed off and pumped while I got ready for work. By 5:30 both boys were changed and in the table for two being fed. I had to leave at 10 after 6. 

I stopped and got a Starbucks and parked in my new parking lot. After 7 years I'm finally moving up in the world! Thanks Baylor! 

Shawna, one of our supervisors, was with me for the day. I had to get back into all of the systems, reset all of my passwords and remember everything I was supposed to do!

We got report on our patient who was supposed to be going home but ended up staying. It was advantageous for me. I got to pretty much start from scratch. My IV skills were tested again and I got her delivered before I left. She kept me busy and that's what I needed. 

I was surrounded by so much love and support which helped tremendously. I was able to pump 3 times and I'm hoping and praying that my production doesn't decrease. I'm not exactly the fastest pumper. Jill kept reminding me that I'm pumping for TWO! It was just what I needed to hear. 

I couldn't get home fast enough. I was peeling my clothes off as I walked through the door. Both boys were wide awake and in my head, they were just as happy to me as I was to see them!

Where has the time gone???

Where oh where has the time gone? I blinked and I am going back to work. Tomorrow is my first day back since the end of June. I've never felt so many mixed emotions. I'm nervous, excited, scared, nauseous, sad, etc. 

My time at home with the LPs has been more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated. I love watching them grow and change before my very eyes. I love their little coos.  The way they talk to each other makes me chuckle. I feel like they already have their own secret language. I love their cuddles and how they bury their heads into me while we snuggle. I love how they shake their heads when their paci is close to their mouths in an effort to get it in as soon as possible. I love our time spent breastfeeding and the way they fall asleep when their tummies are full and they are milk drunk. I love watching their eyes roll into the back of their head as they reach oblivion. 

Pierce is so vocal when he sleeps. He cries out for no apparent reason with his eyes closed and paci in place. Knox has a quiet cry and since he doesn't cry often, it immediately gets your attention. He sounds like a little kitten hidden under blankets. 

Just when we are getting into the swing of things with our routine, it is time to go back to work. I feel so fortunate that I am able to be part time but I am going to miss spending every minute with my boys. We worked so hard to get them here, it breaks my heart to have to leave them. I feel like they are in great hands with Lena but I like them better in mine!!!

I'm praying for a great day tomorrow with lots of grace. Grace for myself from myself and grace from those around me. I'm excited to see all of my friends and I am excited to bring new life into the world. I pray that the LPs have a great day and that God takes away my worry. 

Prayers are appreciated!

Neighbors

Sunday morning, Nick dropped mom off at the airport. We are so thankful she was able to come up and luckily, we will see her again next weekend!  

Nick grabbed my favorite breakfast from McDonalds - an egg white delight and small sugar free non fat vanilla latte! We ate breakfast, and fed the boys

Not too long ago we met our neighbors, Pat and Bob, that live caddy corner behind us. They are a couple about our parents age who have offered multiple times to watch the LPs. 

Saturday, Pat had texted asking if we wanted her to come watch the boys Sunday and run a few errands. I told her we would love to and to let me know what time worked best for her. 

Around 1 she texted and said she could come over at 1:30. I was returning some things and told her 1:45 would work for us! I hurried home and tried to get the boys fed before she got there. 

Pat helped feed Knox and I finished feeding Pierce before we took off. Originally our plan was to go get Nick and haircut and gas up his car for the week and then go get lunch. We ended up gassing up his car, getting a magazine and headed to Jblacks for lunch. We didn't even know what to do with ourselves! 

We ordered a glass of wine (which neither of us finished) and a delicious pulled Chicken pizza. We ate, watched football and talked. It was a much needed breather from our normal hustle and bustle. That being said, we were ready to get home and love on the nuggets. 

Pat has a grandson that turned a year in November. Her son and daughter in law live out of state so she doesn't get to see them as often as she would like. I could tell she was eating it up and that warmed my heart. 

The rest of the day was spent loving on the boys. It was my kind of Sunday Funday!

DU Christmas Party

My mom flew in Thursday afternoon. She is amazing. She came in to help me get organized before I return to work next week and to watch the LPs so we could go to Nick's Christmas party at DU  (Deloitte University). 

Thursday we went to Snyder Plaza and found the boys outfits for Santa. We then picked up lunch and my dry cleaning. We came back to the house and the organization ensued! We went through all of my drawers and got rid of things I haven't worn in forever or are too old and ragged that I needed to get rid of them. I then felt compelled to do Nick's.  That was an adventure; however, we are now organized and ready for action!

Nick brought home Velvet Taco and we hung out catching up. Mom and I sent Nick to the spare room so that he could get a good nights sleep and we took care of the boys. They did great! We fed them at 8 and again at 2 and they slept until 7. #winning!

Friday morning, Nick was up and at em and headed into the office. Mom and I got up and fed the boys and got ready. We were supposed to meet Jenny, Drake and Myrick to see Santa at 10:30. First we had to swing by Baby Bliss and get a different Santa hat. We didn't realize one was an x-small and the other was a medium! That's not gonna work!

Northpark was a zoo as it always is during the holidays. I thought it might be a little better since we were going on a Friday but boy was I wrong! 

Santa runs off a number system. We got #180 and were told to return around 1230 to see if we could get in. Sounds like a plan! Off to Breadwinners we went for lunch!  After lunch and strolling the mall for a little while, it was time to check back with Santa. 

Luckily we didn't have to wait too terribly long. I believe we waited about 30-45 minutes. It was enough time for mom and I to change the babies clothes and diapers as well as feed them. 

The boys did great! They stared at the lights overhead and I'm pretty sure Santa was enamored by them. He couldn't stop starring at them :). 

When it was time to take a picture with all 4 kiddos, it was a riot! Sweet MyMy had a complete breakdown while Drake just wanted to help everyone :). Best picture ever!!!

Nick had a car sent for me and I was off to DU to meet all of Nick's new coworkers. And boy are there a lot of them. I was wishing that we had name tags but that wasn't an option :(. 

I really enjoyed myself. Nick works with some great people and he is much appreciated by them all. He was talked about so highly and I couldn't be more proud!

We came home and mom had had a good night with the boys. We fed them and off to dreamland we all went!

5 on Friday

Only 19 more days to get your Christmas shopping done!!! Today, we took the boys to see Santa! Northpark Mall has the most amazing Santa and you're guaranteed to have to wait in quite the line to see him. We were #180 but we saw Santa before 1! Not too shabby!

My 5 on Friday this week is about no other than Christmas!!!!

1.  Candy cane striped outfits by Kissy Kissy.  Mom and I found them at a little boutique in Snyder Plaza called Baby Bliss. They were a little pricy but too freaking cute to pass up! 

2.  Santa hats that were also found at Baby Bliss. The boys look adorable in them and I think Santa was a little jealous ;)

Wearing the hats and outfits!

3. Did y'all get the Nordstrom catalog? I'm pretty sure I want everything in it. We are going to take a peek after pics. I'm really loving this:

I mean how cute??? Bracelet and watch bangles. Yes please!  Only problem for me is if the bracelets will fit my wrist :/

4.  And these:

I have some Burberry wellies that I adore but these would be super fun to have too!!! I love the sock accessory option. You can change up the look. I love that!

5. And this sweater- OMG

Burberry does it again. I wish I could do nothing but wear burberry. Everything is so classic. I love this look!

Anyway, there they are folks! My five favorites this week! I'm so thankful all went well with Santa. Next year may be a little more interesting :). HAPPY FRIDAY!