Finding Sanity

The little boys are 3 months old (14 weeks, to be exact). They are getting chunky! I love their cheeks and chins and squishy thighs. They are smiling and cooing and we've even heard a laugh or two. It's getting really good over here. Sure, I could use more sleep... but they are spacing out feedings closer to 4 hours at night *most* nights, so I'm getting around 2.5 hour chunks of sleep. Maybe I should just say I nap a lot, because saying 'sleep' doesn't feel like it does it much justice. SOMEDAY, I will sleep again. And it will be glorious.

Anyway, the smiles and laughs are making all things much better. I have also figured out that swaddling them tight and putting them in their swings works wonders... this week, at least. I have been able to get a bit more done around here. Every little bit helps. I wish I would have thought to do the swaddle/swing thing earlier. We are making it work, though!

As usual, where ever we go, we have a following of people who crane their necks to see the boys, have 20 questions, etc. I can't really go anywhere without being stopped by someone. But those of you that know me, you know I don't mind it. I kind of feel like I was put on this planet to experience things and share them, in hopes of helping someone in the same situation. I met a girl today at the grocery store that is pregnant with identical twins, and is going to the same specialists I went to. (She also has a toddler.) I gave her my number in case she has any questions. I hope to keep in touch with her. She has the same type of twins I had (one placenta, two sacs) so she is very likely to have to go on bed rest. I want to be able to help out any women out there that have to go through it. While I have a hard time remembering what it was like to sit in once place for an extended period of time these days, I also know that I want to take whatever I learned from it and help others in any way I can. I still want to volunteer at the hospital in the antepartem unit someday, or be a part of the parents of multiples panel through the hospital... just reach out and try to encourage people who may be in the same situation. I feel like it's sort of a responsibility of mine to try to help.

Anyway, things are going well. This is Keaton's last week of regular school before summer camp, so it's Spirit Week. Casey has been busy with work, so I've managed to take Keaton to school the past two mornings. That's not to say that I've been the most pleasant Mommy as I am not the most cheerful person before 7 a.m....okay maybe 10 a.m.... but whatever. Keaton is diaper-free as of three weeks ago, and he had a great streak last week where he went 4-5 days without an accident! Tuesday morning, however, he woke up before 6 and had peed the bed. We had to change his clothes, his bed sheets, etc., and by that point we were both awake enough that going back to sleep wasn't an option. I was a grumpy bear of a Mommy that morning. I put myself in check this morning, though, and although he woke up early (no accident this time) he attempted to go back to sleep in our bed but the babies woke up and wanted to eat, so we were not so lucky. I tried to be more patient today. I really need to work on that. But today was successful, I think.

Yesterday was Crazy Hair Day for Spirit Week. Keaton opted for the Einstein look. Today was Favorite color day, but his purple KSU shirt is officially too small. He wore his Superman shirt because he informed me that today red is his favorite color. The shirt is blue. You do the math. I have learned that toddler logic is something all its own, and I try not to question it. He knows what he wants, and unless it's going to hurt him, I usually comply! He's getting to be such a big boy. He has grown so much in the last month or so! He is completely into 3T clothes now, and almost in size 8 shoes. That seemed to happen overnight. Tomorrow is Sports Day, and he's very excited to wear his Jayhawk outfit. I'll try to take pictures.

Casey and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary last Friday! We went out Saturday to The Melting Pot for a delicious dinner. Ten years. Time flies! He got me a beautiful necklace and set of earrings. I proudly wore them on our date Saturday. It was nice to dress up, even if we turned back around after 3 hours, came home, and put on pajamas like nothing had happened. It was fast, but fun, and definitely worth it. My friend Michelle and her boyfriend Ryan babysat the boys. It was our first time away from them, but technically we were right down the street... still, it was good to get away for a short time and spend quality time together! We don't get that very often around here. Understandable, right? It's craziness with three little boys. But oh, so much fun!

Casey has been super busy with work. He traveled to Boston last week (MIT) and had a lot of fun collaborating with them. He may be going overseas in early July, so we are hoping to get some extended time with our family while he's gone. It's so nice not to have to take off work for things like that. I am ready to be in Kansas... ready for the boys to see their family... ready to change things up a little bit. Now that we are getting out and about, I'm not anxious about putting the kids in the van and getting out. I've even done it with all three of them, which sometimes feels insane... but Keaton has been really good anytime we are out. He likes to hold onto the stroller while we walk. He is an excellent big brother, and I am so glad these little boys have such a neat guy to grow up with!

I guess there isn't much more to tell right now. I'll try to update more often, but I keep saying I'll do that and I never end up doing it! So here's to trying. I'm not even sure if anyone is still reading!! But if you are... thanks!! :)

-Ash & the boys

Rowan

Swaddle & Swing!

Pouty Ro

Crazy Hair Day

Smiley Babies!

Flirty Nik

Nik relaxing with Daddy