March Madness

It is that time of year again when we dust off the TV and pretend that we know what is going on in college basketball. The girls can't seem to understand that Mommy and Daddy are watching TV. They also don't understand why Elmo doesn't appear since he plays endlessly in the van.

Not so long ago, Savannah sported a Duke cheerleader outfit for Halloween. Looks like it might be a good fit for Miss Grace this year. She loved wearing the dress and had to have the hair bow dangling from her not so sturdy ponytail. "Go Duke" echoed throughout the house for a short while but soon nap time was upon us. Yes, she slept in the outfit and fought me when I took it off for dinner.

Some of us don't let basketball define this time year. Savannah is a bit more into the egg theme and was very pleased to drag out my Easter decorations and spread them throughout the house. Notice the itch for spring as shown by her choice of dresses

Bliss

In-Laws in town

Alex at a conference in Chicago

Cheap airfare

No overly important events scheduled at home



Put it all together and it equals BLISS. For the first time since the twins were born, Alex and I are "getting away." I flew into Chicago yesterday to enjoy a 48 hour vacation from my life. Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate my life. Due to the fact that we NEVER have anyone babysit all three kids, Alex and I are well overdue for some R&R.

Times have certainly changed. Before children or when we just had Savannah, I would have felt pressured to take in all that Chicago has to offer. And, yes, Chicago does have an extensive list. Now that I am stay at home mom of three young children, often times without a husband, all I want to do is stay in this wonderful hotel room. Luckily, Hitachi sprung for quite the posh pad.

After arriving yesterday, Alex and I took the train to the hotel and I was able to see the enormity of Chicago which was reminiscent of Philly in places. Later, we headed out to Michigan Ave., the "5th ave." of Chicago. We found ourselves in Lego Land and other children stores and never in a store for adults. A sign of the times. We followed up our stroll with a nice, quite and delicious dinner. The grand finale was coming back to the hotel around 9:00 p.m. and watching American Idol, random shows on HBO and finally a late movie until 2:00 a.m. I realize this is not out of this world for most but I haven't seen American Idol in years and mostly likely watched more TV last night than I have watched all year. Being able to lay in bed and watch TV with nothing to clean, no one to attend to and sleep as long as I want is an amazing change of pace.

Today marks the first 24 hours away from the girls and I definitely miss them. Time away allows you to look at your life and take in all of the blessings. Alex and I found our conversations often going back to how lucky we are. The twins baffle me. I am in awe at how lucky we are. I could give a long list of blogs that I follow of preemies, all born bigger and some later than Adeline. Most of them have profound, life altering disabilities. We, from the outside looking in, look like a typical family. Three vibrant and sweet girls who fill us with joy and love are more than I could ask for. We are blessed to have a job, a home that is not in foreclosure and community of friends who we completely adore.

This time away, although very brief, has been priceless. I am madly in love with my life!!

Dance Dance Dance

The video below is a bit long but worth watching if you get a kick out of kids spinning themselves dizzy. Lila and Adeline seem to spin more than "dance" when out on the dance floor. This is clip of Lila showing off her spinning moves. I have her pause to look at me every now and then which demonstrates her state of dizziness. Towards the end she tries to break out in song. The spinning baffles me as I can only go around twice at the most without loosing my lunch.

Working on a Smile

It is about time for the girls to perfect their smile on command face. Adeline is pretty much there but Lila, even when willing to try, closes her eyes. Somehow the smile and closed eyes go hand in hand. Today we practiced on smiling with her eyes open. She tried so hard that her cute little face would contort. After 10 seconds of trying she would say, "Yeah" and give me a high five.

Looks like we have some more practicing to do.

2.5

Yep, the twins are 2.5 years old. I can't believe it. Actually, I am hitting a state of depression over the age of my girls. Why can't I stop time!!! Help me, they are growing up too fast.

We were going to take pictures - something more formal - to mark the milestone but the girls ended up being cranky and I ended up being too sad. We did end up taking this picture though. There are two versions. Lila with her binki, and Lila Grace screaming because I took her binki.

Where did my babies go?

Our Little Pianist

Alex took this video while I was out. I am pretty impressed that she is picking out notes. Please ignore the rather loud conversation going on in the background.

That Time of Year Again

I can't believe that this will be our third March for Babies walk with the girls. How can it possibly be? I remember our first walk when Adeline was hooked up to the O's and admitted to the hospital the next day due to respiratory distress. Our second year was much more relaxing. Watching Lila take a few steps along the way was a remarkable reminder of how lucky we are.

I always hesitate to post the March for Babies Widget and bring attention to the walk. I HATE asking people for money. I am always weary of giving money to very large organizations because I walk away wondering how the money was used and if it was used effectively. I wish there was a more personal way to touch the lives of preemies but I have yet to find it. Regardless, I can't deny the fact that the March of Dimes saved my girls' lives. Without surfactant , I wouldn't be a mother of three; especially since my girls were delivered in the absence of steroids(the research regarding surfactant and its use in the treatment of Respriratory Distress Syndrome was funded by the March of Dimes). I just recently reviewed the contributions of the March of Dimes and it is pretty remarkable. So. . . I guess I am going to happily send my donations away and have faith that the money will contribute in a very small way to the next March of Dimes Milestone.

If you feel inclined to support our family in our efforts to raise awareness of the prematurity epidemic and ways that the March of Dimes is trying to help, you can do so a number of ways. March for Babies is in numerous neighborhoods across the country. Please, sign up for our team and walk locally. You will be immersed in miracles as you pass many babies just like our girls. Second, you can donate money (my guess is that you already knew that). Third, you can hold us in your thoughts and prayers as we hit the pavement on April 25th.

Here is a video I made for the walk last year.