The Armstrongs: December 2010

Thursday, December 16, 2010

First Ear Infection

I thought it wouldn't happen. I thought to myself, "They aren't going to daycare so they won't get ear infections or get sick as much as other babies that do go to daycare." WRONG! Agghhh, the journey of parenthood. Just when you think things are going good, or in our case "normal", God throws a curve ball. That is perfectly fine. I'll take all the humps in the rode just as long as I get to have my babies with me.

I took Olivia to the doctor this morning to check on her ear. She hasn't had any fever, no congestion, nothing out of the ordinary. A few days ago she was pushing her ear to her shoulder as if she had to constantly scratch it. Enough was enough. I was concerned this morning when she was very fussy. That is not like Olivia in the mornings. Morning time is her favorite time. So, I threw a diaper bag together, put her in some clothes, hunted for my keys (which I couldn't find because Justin accidentally took them this morning) and headed out (once I got the extra set.) After waiting for an hour, the NP came in and diagnosed Olivia with an ear infection in the left ear and the right one irritated and red. Oh, I forgot to mention that they weighed her. Wait for it................this chunk weighed in at 18.9LBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy cow batman! What can I say, the girl loves to eat and the holidays are here. We all put on a pound or twelve during the holidays. The NP wrote us an RX and we got outta there. She is at home and doing fine. Pray that my other precious angel does not get sick.

An update on Allie-gator (love that little nickname). I don't want to jinks it, but she is sleeping through the night and growing awesome. She loves her sweet potatoes, buddy. And oh boy does she love her daddy. She knows when he gets home. If I'm holding her and he comes in and hears him, she will contort her body just so she can lay her beautiful blue eyes on him. I love her smile, too. When she smiles she scrunches up her nose and her entire face smiles. It will melt your heart.

One last thing. I love being a mommy.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sitting Up

That's right! Both of the girls are sitting up. They have not completely mastered it, but are doing an awesome job of it. They can stay sitting for a good amount of time before they tumble. When they do tumble over they have learned to catch their heads and prepare themselves for the fall. Time goes by so fast. I have caught myself saying that a lot the past few days. It is really hard to believe that Christmas is here and it's our first Christmas as a Mommy and a Daddy. These little miracles are my life. I couldn't imagine life without them now. This picture was taken last Saturday morning after breakfast (it was taken with my phone so the picture is not the best). Daddy decided to get back in the bed and we all lounged around that morning.

Here are a few stats of what's going on:

Olivia LOVES to blow bubbles and blow her lips together.
Allie is trying this but it frustrates her so bad.
Both are sitting up very well.
They love the Christmas tree.
They both LOVE the dogs.
The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a top priority in this household. The girls are obsessed with it. They know that after their morning bottle, it's time for the MMC. Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggity Dog! Anyone who understands that, knows that it will get stuck in your head ALL day.
Allie loves to be tickled on her tummy. Especially by her daddy.
Olivia loves to stand and step forward. She is starting to army crawl. Not very good at it yet, but buddy does she try hard!
They LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE sweet potatoes and squash.
They are not to excited about green beans but they tolerate them.
They will NOT eat peas. We have not started fruits yet. I think we'll wait till 6-7 months to start those.
Allie's reflux is still in full swing. I am so ready for that to fix itself. It doesn't seem to bother her, though.
Olivia is our slobber bucket.
The girls are both teething. YAY for us! (Sarcasm is highly noted)
Olivia is holding her arms out when you clap for her to come to you.
Allie is trying to do this, also.

The girls are prefect in every way and we are super excited about our first Christmas and starting our family tradition together. I have dreamed about this since I knew I wanted children. Merry Christmas.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Visit from Gandy

My Dad came this weekend and we had a great time. I hate when family leaves after a visit. Though I love spending quality time with the girls and Justin, it's nice to be with our families that we miss so much.

Olivia coming home from Church after lunch. They didn't get their "normal" afternoon nap.

Allie was pooped after lunch. She grabbed a doggie bag and lights out.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Playing Nice

People all the time ask me if the girls are aware of each other or do I think they know they are sisters. Well, I can honestly say YES to both questions. They are always looking at each other as if they know there are two of them. Twins are awesome and I couldn't imagine only having one child. This past week Olivia decided to put her toys on hold and focus on Allie. Olivia is obsessed with Allie and wants to play so bad. Here are a few pictures of Olivia trying to play with Allie. I'm not so sure that Allie was in the mood, LOL.

O-Left and A-right. Before lunch. they love their new bibs.

After breakfast. Olivia loves this block and Allie loves her lion.

I swapped their toys and neither on them liked that idea.

Especially Olivia.

OPEN WIDE!!!!

I love you, sissy.

I wish this shot came out better. You can't see Allie's smile here. Allie was laughing at Olivia.

The girls love playing in the kitchen while I cook.

Allie was trying to get out of eating her peas.

Olivia and her natural curious self.

Allie watching Olivia.

Allie laughing at Justin.

Thats' right! Olivia has found Ava and is obsessed with her!

Allie was not happy about this. HEHEHE

After her bottle at night, Allie doesn't hang around to watch t.v.. She is out. As a matter of fact, she falls asleep while eating. I have to wake her up so that she will finish.

I was chatting with a coworker the other day and she has a baby boy exactly one month younger than our girls. She was asking how twins are (time wise, money wise, etc.). Some how we only covered the topic of formula. I told her that we go through 2 48 oz cans of formula a week and she about passed out. I don't know any different so of course I didn't think and still don't think that is a lot. Anyway, here is a picture of what I do every night in addition to laundry, washing bottles, cleaning toys, sweeping, eating dinner, cooking, bathing, and feeding everyone. It's the hardest job in the world, but I LOVE every tiring moment and wouldn't change one thing.

I would be lost without my blender. We have to use this every night. We make 64 oz every night and let it settle over night and fill 10-11 bottles the next morning for the day.

Second batch.

After the girls go to bed, Justin and I finish our nightly chores and crash on the sofa to watch a show and do laundry together. Here is my view from the couch while doing laundry. A Christmas tree brings a smile to my heart.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Life Does NOT Slow Down

I don't know where to begin. We have had such a BUSY week (that is an understatement) and weekend. Here is a little taste of what went on in the Armstrong household starting Sunday Night.

Sunday (November 21)
My Dad came to visit and stay with us. We had a great time playing and visiting with each other!

Monday (November22)

Dad and I woke up around 5:00 am to go to the hospital and check in. For those of you that I didn't tell or didn't know, I had surgery Monday to remove my Gall Bladder. After surgery (I was released at 1:00) I went home to try and rest but couldn't. I ended up staying awake and playing with the girls. At 3:30 the girls had their 4 month check up and shots with Dr. Adams. YES, I went. I was not going to stay at home and let my babies get shot without being there. Justin met my Dad and me there.

Olivia before the dreaded shots! She was in a great mood after her bottle. Too bad we had to ruin it. She was a trooper, though. Olivia is 16 lbs 4 oz, 26 inches long, and her head is 42 cm. She's becoming our little pig.

Allie before her shots. She savors every last drop of her bottle. She may eat slow but she enjoys every last little drop. She did an awesome job with the shots, also! Allie is 15 lbs 15 oz, 25 1/4 inches long, and her head is 41 cm. I think she's going to be tall.

After the appointment we went home to relax for a bit. I did not want to cook and we owed Maryann for doing so much for us, so we (Dad, me, Justin, Maryann, and the girls) went out to dinner. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't sit still. We came home and I crashed. I got my tummy full, babies to bed, and passed out. It was nice.

Tuesday (November 23)

Dad left later in the after noon after he and I ran some errands and Justin got home. He helped me out so much by being at the house and driving me places.

Mom came that night with Dennis after the girls went down.

Wednesday (November 24)

A full day of shopping for last minute supplies for Turkey Day with Mom and Dennis.

Thursday (November 25)
TURKEY DAY!!!! Tons of food, laughing, cooking, cleaning, babies, playing, and pictures!

Friday (November 26)
I am not a Black Friday shopper. I never have been. Though, I like a good bargain, I cannot bring myself to give up the little sleep that I get at night to go and shop. Just not gonna do it. However, I did get out of the house this day. I told Justin to watch the girls for an hour or so and we went to run some errands. I was able to buy a new camera and get the girls some stuff. Can I just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my new camera. See if you can tell a difference in my old camera to my new one.

Later Mom, Dennis, Justin, Aunt D, me, and the girls watched the Auburn v. Alabama game. What a game. We had some friends come over and we had a great time.

Saturday (November 27)
Mom, Dennis, Aunt D, Justin, me, and the girls went to breakfast. They all left afterwards. We had a great time. Later that day Justin's parents came in to town. I made dinner and aunt Mal came over. The Armstrong's got to play with the girls and we loved them being there. They also helped us with the Christmas tree.

Sunday (November 28)
I made breakfast for all of us plus Aunt Mal and Timmy came over. We had a very pleasant morning and enjoyed everyone's company. I wish we had family closer! It's so nice to be around family and we take it for granted.

I told you it was one heck of a week, but a good one.

Hope you had a wonderful Turkey Week and a good start to the Christmas Holidays!!! Merry Christmas!

Dennis with Allie