Growing up Week by Week #2

The babies are perfect - here's J.D.'s favorite face.

Both Holly and J.D. are so content. They cry to be fed or changed, otherwise they're happy.

Liz doesn't like this next picture but I think it's perfect - she's a wonderful mother - these babies are so lucky to have her as a mommy. Jimmy is a great daddy too - changing diapers and all. What a blessing to be able to watch my boy love his little ones.

I must say this is a most beautiful girl.

I'm a happy grandma!

Uncle Matt

Matt surprised us with a quick trip home for the long weekend.

He loves Holly and J.D. and spent quality time rocking them. They'll be so much bigger when he's back in a few weeks for summer break.

Johnny

I got a new camera and have been playing with it. Johnny was a great model.

These new babies may be the most photographed ever. I guess every new gramsy feels this way. Stay tuned for Holly and J.D. in every possible setting and pose...

Thanks for letting me practice Johnny!

grandparents

Before

After

There are no words... Holly is the petite one on the right - JD on the left - her "big" brother by more than a pound.

I love them more each time I see them.

The Hoptwins!

Expecting week by week #37

Here's the last installment of expecting week by week.

We're off to the hospital. They were scheduled to induce Liz tomorrow morning but her doctor called and said they're ready for her so it's Sunday evening and we're going in. Jim is a little nervous - He said, "I was ready for tomorrow, I'm not ready right now." Ready or not here they come.

Don't they look like great parents?

I predict the next pictures you'll see on this blog will be of Holly and J.D. Hopktwins!!

To Plant

They say St. Patricks day is the time to plant a garden. That was a month ago. It's not that I don't want to plant a garden - well maybe it is. I don't enjoy the planting part but I think it's the watering that makes me crazy. Life gets busy and I forget and the plant droops and I feel terrible - like I'm killing a living thing... So I avoided buying seeds or plants thinking I would let it slide this year. There is a drought and all... Then last week Dave went to OSH and came home with these lovelies.

They've been sitting on the counter ever since. Waiting for someone to take pity on them and put them in the soil. Occasionally Dave waters them and I keep thinking I'll plant them, but so far - it hasn't happened.

One plant even has blossoms - the promise of big juicy fruit but still they sit. What did my grandma used to say? My get up and go - got up and went. I must find it, the desire to get my hands in dirt...

My Life

Outside - It's clear and beautiful, no jacket needed on this mornings run!
From the Kitchen - The after mothers day clean up will be my morning job. The guys just don't see cleaning the kitchen the way I do.
I'm thinking - about a special on Alzheimers I saw...they must find a cure before I start slipping.
From the Reading Room - I'm scattered with lots of books going, lots of stuff for work - I need a good mindless read - any suggestions?
I'm thankful for - being a mom and an almost grandma!
I'm wondering - when Holly and J.D. will come into the world.
I'm wearing - grey capris and coral t-shirt and what else - running shoes.
I'm hoping - I clean the bathrooms today.
I'm praying - that the babies will enjoy their delivery!
I'm hearing - ESPN
Around the house - beautiful roses from mothers day - and tomato plants that need planting.
My Favorite thing - talking to Steven yesterday - he sounds so good and happy. I love having a missionary in the states!!
A few plans for the week - keeping my cell phone charged and by my side just in case Liz needs me.
Here's the way we are this morning - lovely!

Expecting week by week #36

Happy Mothers day to Liz! She made it another week - full term last Tuesday at 36 weeks.

The doctor says she'll induce her next Monday the 18th. A few little contractions today. Liz is an amazing mother already - hanging in there - no complaining - beautiful and happy!

Jim says they're not going to the hospital until her water breaks....the truth - we're getting closer to meeting J.D. and Holly every day! Will there be another belly picture next week or is this the last expecting week by week??? Time will tell...

My Life

A friend of mine does this great "simple woman's daybook" entry each Monday. It's such a great idea - just a snapshot of real life. I was thinking how wonderful it would be to have a weekly note from my mother or grandmothers. Just a normal everyday account of how things are going. I've never been great at journals but the blogging thing is going well so I'm going to follow Bonnie's (http://bonsblogbydesign.blogspot.com/) (I knew how to do the hyperlink thing once but I forget...) lead and post weekly about "my life".

Outside - It's cloudy and chilly with a breeze is blowing the trees.

From the kitchen - I just realized that I left the rice cooker plugged in and on the "warm" setting all night. We were going to cook some rice for dinner yesterday but had enough frozen so we microwaved instead. This is why cleaning up the kitchen before bed is a really good idea.

I'm thinking - about the importance of thoughts. That's the topic for my WW meeting tonight. I learned some really interesting things at Daves business retreat Saturday and can't wait to share them.

From the reading room - I was reading in Psalms this morning - 139:1,2 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off."

I'm thankful for - A Father in Heaven who knows me.

I'm wondering - when the babies will arrive.

I'm wearing - my grey capri running pants and black sweatshirt and running shoes.

I'm hoping - I will be in the shower soon since it's 1:47...

I'm praying - That Liz will be able to withstand the stress of carrying and birthing babies...I know she will.

Around the house - It's quiet and there are many projects to do.

I have been procrastinating - Finishing quilting projects - they're on my mind...they've waited too long.

My favorite things - Snapdragons - there are yellow ones coming up in the front planter. They always remind me of my grandma Reece who made them talk to me when I was a little girl. I can't wait to show Holly and J.D. If you don't know how, just ask me and I'll show you. Every grandma should be able to make snapdragons talk.

A few plans for the week - HFPE on Wednesday - always fun to get together with sisterfriends. Waiting for babies. Hoping to inspire WW members. Paint the family room.

A picture of the delicious lunch we had at Daves retreat - so healthy and delicious! (the picture...a little fuzzy)

Expecting week by week #35

She's still hanging on... This Tuesday Liz will be full term for twins at 36 weeks!!

It's been a long road but Liz says it's gone fast for her.

Now we start wondering - will there be more belly pictures next week?

Only time will tell.

Very exciting times - with lots of waiting....

Happy May Day

When I was a little girl we made May Baskets, filled them with flowers and hung the little paper baskets on the doorknob of my grandmothers house. In elementary school I was chosen to dance around the may pole. It's kind of sad that we don't celebrate May day anymore but I'm thinking next year Holly and J.D. and I can make may baskets.

This video has nothing to do with that - it made me smile and I wanted to share it. I hope you have a happy May Day - Liz and I are going shopping for a rocking chair!