Mompreneurs...

Here's a shout out to my first friend to move from Business woman into motherhood and then combine the 2 to become a MOMPRENEUER. I say first, because something tells me she won't be the last. Michelle Dumas, a friend for almost 10 years, has, for as long as I've known her, known how to throw a good party. From college events, to personal showers, her own wedding and assisting with friends' events, she's always been a great hostess. For years, people have said, "You really should go into business". She would always graciously accept the compliments, but I'm not sure she really believed them. Then Jacob came along...

Children have a funny way of putting life in perspective and he made her wonder if it was possible to have it all? Could she be a GREAT mom and a GREAT event planner? I think so! Recently, she made it official and I'm happy to help promote BEYOND PLANNING. So, whether you live in Indy or beyond (she travels), whether you are planning a huge wedding or a simple shower--she can help. Check out her blog for past events, rates, etc.

Speaking of Michelle, I've had this picture for over a month now, but haven't posted because it was on a separate computer, so here are from left to right, Lilly, Jacob Dumas, Addy and Jack Watko, just hanging out...I think Addy's getting a little fresh with Jacob's butt...

Predictions...

The girls are busy little things, with a lot to say and a lot to do! Addy officially rolls from one end of the room to the other with very little interference. Lilly, still isn't rolling, but she is sitting on her own for long periods of time. They are both eating pretty well. We went to church this morning and both were making friends with smiles and squeaks and squeals.

Everyone enjoys making predictions about them. A few weeks back, after Grandma & Grandpa Ash babysat for a couple hours, Dave decided that he had gotten them all figured out. He said that Lilly was going to be Student Body President and Validictorian and Addy, well, Addy was going to drive a Harley. Jeremy has recently predicted that Addy might be our athlete--golf, swimming, gymnastics, softball, soccer, he isn't really sure which, but she'll be definately be athletic. As for Lilly, she's already got him wrapped around her finger, so she'll be one who can manipulate anyone or any situation to get her way. He's already worried about "believing" every word that comes out of her mouth.

What does mom think? I think they are going to be smart and I can already tell they are going to be beautiful girls. But their personalities are dramatically different. Addy will probably be hyperactive, but when she crashes, she crashes hard. She was rolling all over the house Saturday morning, but went down for a nap and slept for 4 hours! Lilly has gotten smart to the fact that the earlier she wakes up the more one-on-one time she has with mom & dad, so she might be our early riser down the road. She's also pretty dramatic, so theater might be in her future.

So, why the Beatles shirts--well the Ash side of the family are die hard fans and picked the shirts up in Vegas a few weeks ago and my parents are in England this week, so consider it a hometown tribute...

6 Month Milestone

So, I've figured it out. The most beautiful part of motherhood is that every "phase" they go through is the very best phase there is. Then, as soon as they are out of it and on to the next phase, you think that's the best. I also have to admit that we've had some friends come to us in the last week or so to announce they are expecting (twins, believe it or not!--Congrats Lauren & Chad) and here's another trick--I've ALMOST forgotten the hell that it took to get these beautiful babies into our lives. Seriously, when I try and think back to the morning sickness, the food aversions, the swelling, the high blood pressure, the constant trips to my OB, the nutrition regimen, the c-section, the NICU--it takes me a while to recollect my memories. THIS IS HOW WOMEN CONVINCE THEMSELVES TO HAVE ANOTHER BABY! Don't worry--it's not happening, atleast not anytime soon. I do have to be honest and say that this 6 month milestone has come with nostalgia as I can't believe my babies are growing up so fast. Lilly has cut her first tooth and Addy is as squirmy as ever. They laugh and react and are getting pretty "verbal". I come home from work and they squeak and squack as if they are telling me all about their day. Jeremy and I look at each other all the time and wonder how it is we created such wonderful, beautiful, smart, healthy babies--do these thoughts end?? Am I still going to be wondering this on such a regular basis when they are in high school?? Seriously, I need to know...

I began to make my own baby food...I know, I know, those of you who know me best are thinking that I'm not very good in the kitchen, so what's wrong with Gerber?? Well, I thought it was worth a try, they say it is "greener", healthier, cheaper, etc. So, I bought a book called "So Easy: Baby Food, Make it Natural Make it Fresh". So far, so good, we've mastered sweet potatoes. And when I say we, I actually mean that I mastered making them, the girls still aren't actually eating anything I put on the spoon, but we try nonetheless. It's kind of a Dummies guide to introducing solids and we need all the help we can get.

This week brought our 6 month check up to the doctor. She continues to be impressed with their development and their growth. Addy came in at 16 pounds, 10 ounces and is in the 63% of weight, she's 25 inches long and still in the highest percentile for head circumfrance (93%). Lilly is still rapidly gaining weight and is a healthy 18 pounds, 8 ounces, which is the 89th percentile!! She's 26 inches long and also has a pretty big head (77th percentile). Not, that it's a contest, because I'm certainly not advocating that, but I did smack talk for a while about Megan having a "big baby", being overcooked at birth and growing like a weed, but now 6 months later, Ms. Lilly has passed up her girlfriend, Mallory, in the weight department. Serves me right--karma's a b*&%$.

This milestone had to be recognized with another series of pictures, so here is the newest round...

Lilly in the green stripes, Addy in the flowers. Daddy said we should have had a haircut before the photo shoot, but I thought the wisps showed her male-patterned baldness.

The photographer did a great job of capturing their expressions--Addy does this face atleast 20 times a day, she looks in wonder as she explores things for the very first time.

Lilly and her mischevious tongue, she is eating and sucking on anything she can get into her mouth right now, so this look was priceless.

I certainly didn't go expecting to have my picture taken, but they were getting restless and seemed to calm, atleast for a while, in my lap.

With the DG sorority theme being sailing and such, I got a couple sailor dresses at showers, these came from Jamie Bell and were adorable for their pictures!

Again, a classic expression--this is Lilly wondering what the hell is going on.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

Eating....

I promise the thrill of these videos will wear off, but I found out this week that my great-Aunt in England has not only managed to access them, she's managed to get them onto her phone! So, from family in the UK to visitors from all over the country, this blog has really connected us and allowed us to stay in touch with so many dear friends and family.

With that said, here we are sharing feeding time. A great illustration of how different twins can be! Addy wants nothing to do with eating from a spoon, while Lilly is crying in the background because it can't come fast enough. Jeremy and I are both cracking up from Lilly's expressions.

Spoon Feeding

Well, we were warned by our pediatrician not to start "solid food" until the 6 month mark. She said that with their preemie status, they would probably refuse it as their tongues would still have the thrust reflux. We decided to do it anyway AMA (Against Medical Advice) and guess what, they still have the thrust reflux, but we are still going and they'll get it eventually. The pictures are funny regardless of the fact that they never actually swallowed.

Here they are, ready for Valentine's Day! I think this is the first picture that we managed to get them both to smile at the same time. Obviously, not at the camera, but we are probably asking too much out of them there.

And now, Addy's movie debut. Notice how my girls seem to be their happiest when they don't have any clothes on...hopefully, again, not a sign of what is to come. Addy also definatlely recognizes when the camera is on her and gets a little shy, but it is adorable nonetheless.

They are both such happy babies and our weekends and full of such joy as we laugh most of the day with them. They are observant and love making new friends. We went to the home show in Indy this weekend and they were smiling and laughing at anyone that would talk to them. Addy is rolling both ways now, although each time she does it, she seems to surprise herself. Lilly shows no interest in her sister's newfound mobility, but we are sure she'll do it in her own time.