Monday oh, Monday

Wow...what a weekend! Andy is going on his 7th night in a row. I'm so thankful that he works so hard and doesn't mind providing for his family. I truly do have the most amazing and loving husband in the world!

It has been just the ladies and myself though these last 7 days, and buddy I think we are all sick of each other! I'm pretty sure they conspire together up in their cribs during nap time to tag-team mom. Especially when they know it's just going to be the three of us! Needless to say they've been quite the handful this weekend. Whining, fighting, and oh so needy. I can honestly say I can't wait to go back to work tomorrow!! I love them, but I don't have to like them right now:)

Thank the Lord for my awesome mom who is going to take them tomorrow and Wed. Andy decided to take off Tuesday night so we can celebrate our anniversary. It will be a much needed night alone.

So I'm struggling with discipline right now. The girls are old enough to recognize when I tell them "NO". But it's the consequence part I'm having a hard time dealing with. My biggest frustration is changing diapers. They immediately begin flailing and screaming when I lay them down. Unless they have a very fascinating toy to distract them it is mayhem until the deed is done! I've been slapping hands when they start to fight and pinch each other, but is that doing any good or teaching them that since mommy slaps I can slap? Anybody have any suggestions?

Spring

I cannot believe it is already Spring!! More than that I cannot believe I have 2 toddlers and have been married for 2 years!! It's amazing how fast life changes. I try to soak up every minute, but they seem to escape through the cracks called "life". Abbie and Ella are doing so well. They are crawling around and getting into EVERYTHING! It's so amazing to watch their little personalities becoming more dominate. Their likes and dislikes are becoming very well known as well. Little Ella is going to be our prissy fire cracker. She knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it. Any other way than her way is NOT OK in her book. She is learning not so quickly that mommy's way is the bottom line. Abbie on the other hand could care less about most things. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to read. Any book will do. Her favorites are dog books and anything with animals. She prefers to play by herself and explore. She does however get a kick out of annoying her sister (because its so hard to do...). She is our cuddle bug. Loves to give kisses and love on you. Ella likes to be snuggled if she's sleep, but if she is mostly awake, she has got to much exploring to do to sit and snuggle. Ella is still working with her WONDERFUL physical therapist, Jonelle. She has made so many improvements and she masters each new exercise in a week. She has almost caught up with Abbie. I suspect they'll both be walking in the next two months, however I am in NO hurry. Once they start walking my life shifts into hyperdrive. I'll hang onto my slower pace as long as possible! I've been back at work for the last 6 months and it is going well. I love my job and I'm extremely blessed to be working for such a great company. I work 20-30 hours a week usually. Andy and mom keeps the girls for the most part when I'm at the office, but I'm the one who gets to spend the majority of the time with them:) Andy is such a good dad. He needs no help at all when he's there by himself. It's a very equal parent-ship. Especially so now that the girls aren't nursing! Hallelujah! We have a busy Year ahead. The girls and I will be headed to Florida memorial day weekend for my Uncle Steve's retirement from the air force. It's a HUGE deal and I'm so glad we're able to go. Andy isn't able to get off work so he'll miss it unfortunately. In July we head back to Wisconsin for Danielle's wedding. It'll be a beautiful time of year to go back. I know Grandma and Grandpa will be very glad to see their twinies. This will be the first year I will be able to hunt since I was pregnant with the girls. Andy and I have several hunts planned and I am very hopeful we fill all our tags with yummy organic Elk! As i reflect on this Easter season I am so thankful for the sacrifice our Savior made on the cross. It means so much more to me now that I'm a mother. It seems so much more real than it ever did. I strive to lead a Godly example for my girls to follow so that one day they will come to know Jesus and His love and sacrifice for them. I think about the responsibility I have to raise them up in Christ and the consequences if I fail. I am reassured however that Jesus promises to never abandon me and to give me guidance in this life-long quest. I hope you all find joy and peace this Easter season and fill this time with praise to the Father and love to your families.