15 Months and Counting

Oh, my how the time flies! Eli and Ellie are 15 months old today. I think back to this time last year and they were between 8 and 9 pounds, I had just gotten Ellie back to the breast after having to pump for her for 2.5 months, and the babies had been switched to cloth diapers.

 Oh, how things have changed! They are now between 17-19 pounds, no longer nursing although they enjoyed 12 months of momma's best, and they are still cloth diapered.

We have gone from itty bitty babies who needed momma most and a lot of the time to little independent toddlers, whom I still refer to as my babies. I think they will forever be my babies. That I suppose is the right of the youngest child or children in our case and maybe one they don't appreciate as time goes on.

I often get to witness their growing social skills which demonstrate love, empathy, and independence. Eli is so boy and is often caught wondering the house with one of many toy tools Kehan has recieved over the years. Ellie can be seen trying to put on her shoes any time she finds them. Really, she has the girl-shoe thing down already! Slowly words are popping out of their little mouths and the great joy of discovery in their eyes when they realize that mom turns and says "What?" when the word "Mommy?" is uttered. As soon as Daddy leaves the house in the morning and the door closes often "Dadda." is heard as they wonder where he has gone.

Some of the sweetest moments and one of the great joys and priveldges of being a mom to twins is witness the bond they share. Just this morning I was able to watch Eli walk over to Ellie, put his arms around her, and then give her a kiss, in which he kept his lips pressed to her head until she pushed him away. It was so innocent that is brought a couple tears to my eyes.

I n looking back at the journey of bringing Eli and Ellie into this world which, began almost 2 years ago, I feel so completely blessed that our surprise baby turned out to be two babies. I wouldn't change a minute of it and I cannot wait to watch what God has in store for them and our family!

The Privilege and Blessing of Being a Parent

Today was just another day in the life of being a mom. For the last six days my children have been struggling with sickness. It all began with Kehan on Thursday, by Sunday the other four were not feeling well either. So, today being the sixth day Kehan has been running a fever over and around 102 degrees I decided a trip to the doctor was in order. Prognosis is Strep Throat and a cold along for the ride. Poor child no wonder he has been so terrible crabby!

So my trip into town today consisted of a stop at the clinic, post office, and grocery store with four children. The favorite quote of the day when others happen to glance upon and count the number of children with me was "You have your hands full, don't you?" or some varient of the sort. I find this is said from two different perspectives most often and it is dependent on the age of the commentor. If, the comment is of the younger generation it is usually said out of disbelief or a "better you than me" perspective. Especially when they find out that yes there is one more child to make a total of five children. On the other hand if you are of a grander generation it is said from a joyous perspective often followed by, "You are so blessed" or another phrase of the same meaning. I find I am inclined to enjoy the comments from the grander generations more because yes I am very blessed.

The Lord has blessed my family greatly and we are forever indebted to Him!  

So the post was inspired by this quote that was posted on Facebook.

Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation. -C. Everet Koop, M.D.

So my goal is to ensure my children will look upon a young mother with many children and tell her how blessed she is because at the moment she may be feeling very overwhelmed and need a little reminder of how great a privilege God has bestowed upon her!

Better yet I hope my children are the ones with many children!



Mother of a Sale

O.K. I know that I have been MIA for the last couple of months but I think I am back on track to do some more posting! During these past months I have been writing guest posts for a couple of different blogs but I know that should not be an excuse! So I thought I would start by sharing with you one of my favorite "Deal" sites online.

Mother of a Sale is a great place to find a lot of good deals. You can sign up there for emails for their "Mother of a Daily Deal". You can also look through all the old daily deals and combine shipping between the two areas. I found a lot of Christmas gifts this year on that site. Right at this moment the Daily Deal is a Scratch and Dent FuziBunz cloth diaper sale! $9.99 for a mis labled diaper that says large but is between a medium and a large, 15-30 lbs. Last I checked there was only a couple colors left! MOAS also often has Agoo leggings for babies and children as well as Agoo appearl. I really like the Agoo brand items I have recieved from MOAS.

So here is one of the place I go to save money when I am in need of gifts and other items. You never know what you will find for 50% or more!