TGIF!

Yay-- it's Friday-- woo hoo! I finished my first week back at work and L&D are wiped out from their first week at the sitter. But we are excited to have a visit from Pops (my dad) and Cousin William this weekend. They are leaving Louisiana to avoid a possible hurricane on Monday or Tuesday. I'm just hoping and praying that the gulf coast does not get hit too hard since they have yet to recover from Katrina 3 years ago. Darrell and I talked to our families and most are leaving to seek higher ground. Only time will tell what Gustav will decide to do...

I was so busy this week that I didn't get a chance to post a cute moment we had this week. After a nice dinner Wednesday night, L, D, and I were playing in the living room waiting for Daddy to come home. Libby came over to me, made the sign for "Dad" and said, "Da?" I was amazed by this, mostly because I've used this sign a few times, but neither L nor D has ever used it themselves. I replied, "Daddy's not home." Drew looked up when he heard me, signed, and said, "Da-da bye-bye" (with cute little wave and all). Can you believe it? I need to call Harvard next week to ask for an early-admission application! ;)

Everyone's Tired Tonight

Today was my first day back at work from summer break and we are all exhausted. L&D did quite well being woken up early and dressed. D dropped them off at the sitter and said that Drew went right to her, but Libby was a little unsure. She fussed for a few seconds, but not too badly. I think they remembered their sitters and figured they'd be back to her routine in no time flat.

Meanwhile at work, I had trouble concentrating-- wondering what they were doing and watching the clock. I was right b/c it was harder to drop them off this year than it was last year. I made a card with all of the signs they are using so that the sitters would know why Libby is tapping her head or elbow all day! Work was hectic-- my office was moved, so all of my things were in boxes on top of a new desk in a new room. But then I was told I might be moved again, so to stay packed. Then I found out it was my turn to be team leader this year. So, it was hectic handing out the files, calling parents, and finding answers to ?'s I didn't know! But I know it will get better.

When I got to the sitters this afternoon, Drew was there to greet me. He kept saying, "Bye, bye," since he was ready to go home. But despite rubbing his eyes, he was still full of smiles and ready for hugs. That took away about 4 hours of my tension from the day. When Libby was brought up next, she looked at me like I hadn't seen her in 10 years and had abandoned her. She got that shaky chin and just reached for me. Poor Dibba missed her mama. When I took her, she just kept staring at my face and playing with my hair. I guess she wondered if she was dreaming! This took away the other 4 hours of my tension. The sitter said Drew had a great day-- ate, slept, and played well. Libby didn't eat or sleep at all and cried a lot. Her cheek was red from rubbing it on the crib sheet so much while crying. :( Nothing a little Eucerin couldn't fix, though.

When we got home, I took in a deep breath b/c I remembered that the cleaning crew came today. Nothing is better than coming home to a clean-smelling house with nice fluffy carpet and clean kitchen floors. I took in an extra deep breath, though, b/c we may have to cancel our cleaning service since the sitter's rates are increasing. I am really sad. :(

We had spaghetti for dinner and L&D were really good eaters. I just treasured every second with them and didn't mind so much when they threw those sippy's and goldfish all over the floor this time. They had a nice short bath, read only 1 book (as their eyes were droopy) and had several huge hugs and kisses before going "night night". They haven't made a peep since.

Next day will be better and the next even better and by Friday, everyone will be back in the swing of things. Now, Mama's tired at 9:30 PM and will be hitting the sack earlier than her usual night owl bedtime of 12:00 or later. Ooo--I just realized I have clean sheets, too! It will be a good night's sleep for all of us...

The Hibachi Grill

Tonight we got a wild hair and decided to go out for dinner. We went to a Japanese Steak House/Hibachi Grill down the street and had a great time. It was L&D's first visit to a hibachi grill and their eyes were wide open the whole time, especially during the big flames of fire! I got a picture of their reaction: After all of that entertainment, it turned out that they didn't like the chicken or steak! Just the fried rice and some milk. Add some goldfish, saltines, puffs, and graham crackers and you've got a meal for L&D. Yeah, mother of the year with nutrition here!

The only problem about these types of restaurants is that you often sit next to strangers at the large U-shaped table. I just wasn't in the mood for all of the "twin" questions tonight, but they were there in full force. I was asked: 1) if they were identical (hello?), 2)how old they were, 3)how many minutes apart they were born, 4)how much weight I gained!!! 5)if I carried them full-term. I mean, come on already! Sorry-- just a little venting there. I understand that multiples are unique and people are curious about them. I love to show them off to anyone that asks. But I just don't get why these inappropriate personal questions are often asked. Some people...

Anyway, here's a video of L&D watching our chef prepare dinner. Notice that Libby is asking for "cracker" (by signing) at the end. She loves her some crackers!!

Flashback Friday

For those of you who don't already know, Darrell snores (and loudly, too)! I came across this video of L&D at 6 weeks old. Even though most people say Libby takes after me, I think she got something else from her daddy...

Teeth Bite!

Drew has always been a drooler, but is pouring out buckets the past few days. That, along with fussiness and a low-grade fever, tell me that teeth are the likely culprit yet again. But this time, he's getting the worst ones-- those canines on top and bottom. Motrin and mommy cuddling has helped, but it's hard seeing them in pain, especially when they don't understand what's happening.

Libby took a 3 1/2 hour nap along with Drew today, which is quite unusual. Of course, they are still trying to get back to our regular routine since being home. When I picked her up out of her crib, she was warm and shoving her fist in her mouth. GREAT!

Neither wanted to eat b'fast or lunch and I knew something was wrong when Libby didn't use the sign for "cracker" at all (she usually uses it a zillion times a day). They just wanted milk and to lay ON me. They are quite heavy now and usually fight for Mommy's lap, but didn't mind sharing it today. A paci for Libby and a thumb for Drew along with Teletubbies and Oswold for all made up our afternoon. Libby just layed on my left arm staring up into my eyes. It was the best feeling, especially b/c she eventually fell asleep right in my arms. I treasure each second they cuddle with me, though, since they are growing so fast right before my eyes. Plus, I am starting work again on Monday, so I won't be able to be with my babies all day like I have been this summer. I am sad...

Dismissed!

Today the PT officially dismissed Libby from services since she has made so much progress. This is great news! She is taking more and more steps independently, is cruising all over, standing independently for up to 10 seconds, and is even pulling the walkers/push toys. The PT is really pleased with her skills and says that Libby has all the precursors for walking. She figures she will be walking all over independently in a few weeks. I agree! The PT also gave us some good strategies, such as having her wear dresses more (they get caught up in their legs when crawling which gives her more incentive to walk instead), put furniture in her path to encourage her to pull up rather than crawl, put toys and objects up on furniture instead of on the floor, and allow her to walk with us all the time while holding onto our pants' legs. We have been picking her up too much and Libby depends on it, so we're gonna have to get tough!

Our Trip to Atlanta

We're back after a great trip to see Aunt Gretchen (my sister), Uncle Patrick (her husband), and cousins Joseph, Ella, and Jude Patrick in Atlanta. Nana (my mom) and Uncle Jeff (my brother) flew in from LA, too, so it was great to have a mini family reunion this weekend. Our drive down there was pretty much horrible! It is supposed to be about a 10-hour drive, but it took us over 13. We hit a lot of construction and rush hour traffic along the way, but Libby cried for about 9 1/2 hours along the way. And I mean, cried, and cried... she was just miserable. We tried all sorts of things-- DVD, music, quiet, rear-facing carseat, forward-facing, me sitting back there, then D, food, no food, milk, blah blah blah. Our ride home, however, was really good. L&D were in much better moods and were content watching several DVD's. What a relief! When we got home at 9PM, they were smiling when we put them in their own cribs and haven't made one peep since. They are both definitely creatures of habit (and schedules)!

But our trip was so much fun, even if it was a short one. We went to the Botanical Gardens (pretty, even if it was rainy), the Atlanta Zoo (first zoo trip for L&D and they liked it), and the Fernbank Science Museum (cool dinosaur bones). Joseph decided not to go to the American Idol concert, so I was able to go with Gretchen and Ella. We had so much fun and can't wait to visit again!

"The files are IN the computer?" (Zoolander reference)

Today during snack, I wanted to let L&D try out their "snack grabbers", which are basically little plastic containers that allow you to put your hands inside to get the snack with minimal spillage. These are going to be critical during our 10-hour or so drive down to Atlanta on Friday, so I wanted them to get used to them. We are going to visit the Hileys (my sister Gretchen, brother-in-law Patrick, and children Joseph, Ella, Jude Patrick) and can't wait to see Nana and Uncle Jeff there, too! Anyway, take a look at my little thinkers:

Tardiffs take Gold and Silver!

Since the Olympics are now underway, we decided to have some sporting events here at our house...

Laughing Libby

Having fun with her daddy this Sunday afternoon...

Flashback Friday

Well, actually it's Saturday now since it's 12:14AM. I'm posting late because we just watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics tonight. It was a spectacular show on TV, so I can only imagine what it was like for those in the audience. Amazing! But, back to my post...

I was going through some photos the other day and chuckled at this one. Here L&D are being fed at the same time by their Nana. She came to stay with us when I was on bedrest and taught me all kinds of things when the babies arrived. Thank you, Nana!

Searching for the Perfect Hat

I think Libby and Drew were bored with the 700 toys they already own. So, today I let them out of the play yard and into the kitchen. They had so much fun! But now I have to clean it all up. ;(
P.S. Daddy-- you need to start those child-proof cabinet door locks tonight!

They don't make bubblegum like they used to

As a mother, I have learned to pull tricks out of absolutely nowhere in order to entertain and soothe my children. One day while stuck in traffic, I started to blow bubbles to them in the backseat to keep them from fussing. It worked like magic. They were so amazed! I tried to show Darrell this back at home, but the other bubblegum I had just wasn't cooperating. It was a new piece, so I think it needed some more chewing on my part. But I wanted to post this video anyway to show you Drew's new word for the week: "bubble". Gotta get some better bubblegum to keep practicing, though...

Get Inspired

My blogger buddy and fellow SLP, Ashley, is not only a brilliant writer and photographer, but she also had the neatest post today that I completely stole! It was a lovely poem written about her baby girl Dylan that was made into art by a neat website called Wordle. I tried it out just now and made my own. Click it to enlarge it and try one yourself.

16 months and 1 freckle

Today the babies are 16 months old!!! I have said this a million times already, but I still cannot believe how fast time is flying. Before we know it, we'll be enrolling them in preschool. Ay, yi, yi...

I've been meaning to post pictures of some cute things I discovered on Libby and Drew. A few weeks ago, I noticed that a piece of dirt wouldn't wipe off of Drew's arm. I took a closer look and realized it was his first freckle! It's a cute little one right on the back of his arm near his elbow. Then, this past weekend, I looked at Libby and realized she has a really tiny one on her leg. No other freckles anywhere else on either of them. So, you know I just had to take some photos (click image to enlarge)!

The Best Birthday Presents

Saturday was my 35th birthday and it was such a special day for me. We had yummy cake in the afternoon and then played a while in the nursery. We decided to film a little and Libby started taking more steps! Later that day, she kept trying over and over again and really liked that we praised her each time. So much that she took a step, sat down, and clapped for herself. Drew was so jealous. He tried to take a few steps himself and started clapping, too. Of course, we praised him a lot, too! Here we are playing and I laugh at how many different sides of Libby you'll see:


I got some sweet birthday cards, a Sephora gift certificate, and some pretty earrings from Maw Maw (I'm wearing them in the photos). That night, Auntie Shan came over to babysit while Darrell and I went to dinner (Austin Grill) and a movie (The Dark Knight). We wondered if we were going to go since as soon as we were about to leave, we had a really bad thunderstorm with hail and winds. It was a little scary for about an hour. Luckily it cleared up and we were on our way. Dinner and the movie were both really good and we were so thankful that Shannon offered to babysit, especially until so late (the movie was 2.5 hours long)! This was a very special birthday for me!

The Tooth Stays!

We went to another oral surgeon today and got a much better feeling from him. We talked a little bit and then took a close look inside her mouth and at her x-ray. He told us that there was no reason to do anything to the tooth or to the frenum. He said this extra tooth is not impacting any other from coming out and that as her jaw grows, the frenum should recede somewhat. He said that this tooth is just an extra one and that no one would notice it, plus it would fall out in a few years with the rest of her baby teeth. So, no surgery for Libby, which is a relief! I just can't believe we almost paid A LOT of money to the dentist or that other oral surgeon. Yikes!