The 5 Harrisons

Happy 13 Month Birthday, Cole!

2011-05-04T23:51:00.005-04:00

At 13 months you weighed 17 lbs 10 oz and were 28 1/4" long. You are a tiny little guy, but that's okay with me...it makes Mommy feel like I can keep my baby a baby for just a little bit longer! Just this week you started taking some steps on your own...it won't be long before you are taking off all over the place chasing your brother, sister and puppy dog! You're saying a few words - Momma, Dada, Sissy (sounds a little like "thithy"), Bubba, ball, dog. You know sign language for more, please and thank you...all very, very cute of course! You make us laugh constantly when you cut your eyes or shake your head "no" when we call your name and you are doing something you aren't supposed to be doing then immediately follow by shaking your head "yes!" Too funny. When you know you are doing something funny or you want our attention, you blow a very emphatic raspberry...which always makes me laugh. You still like your paci and you love your "taggy" blanket when it's time to go to sleep...you always like to touch something soft to help you relax.

You are definitely watching and taking in everything you see Reid and Louisa do. If they are playing and tickling each other, you like to join in! Reid and Louisa of course think this is fun too. They take great pride in trying to teach you new things to say or do...it is so precious for me to see how the 3 of you interact with each other...it truly makes me proud!

You love to hear music...often dancing and shaking your head along with the beat. At night you like to crawl up in Daddy's lap while he plays "Jessie's Song" (from Toy Story 3) on his computer...it even sounds like you are humming along with the words!

I've said it here before and I tell everyone that asks (and many that don't ask!) that you are such a SWEET, SWEET boy! You have such a gentle nature about you...it's in your eyes, it's in your soft hands, it's in the sweet little noises that you make. I love you my sweet Coley - thank you for the joy that you bring us each and every day!

Happy Easter 2011

2011-05-04T22:10:00.005-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Cole!

2011-04-04T22:52:00.017-04:00

Happy 8 Month Birthday, Baby Cole!

2010-12-04T22:35:00.005-05:00

Oh, you cute little ham!! Your personality seems to shine a little more with each passing day! You love to giggle, laugh and even snort at your brother, sister, and of course Roxy! When you smile, it's done with your whole body...you scrunch up from your head down to your toes and it is absolutely adorable!

You now have 3 teeth and at least 2 more that aren't far behind! You aren't in a full crawl yet, but you can definitely get where you want to go by rolling (very quickly!) across the room. Crawling will come soon enough...lately you've been caught up on all 4's rocking and we've even seen you make a few movements forward. I think it's time to drop the mattress in your crib too because just tonight I saw that you were very close to pulling yourself up on a chair. We were going to put our Christmas tree in the den this year, but thought that would be a little too tempting for you! You got very excited to see all of the pretty lights and decorations on our tree. Every time someone says, "Ho! Ho! Ho!" you start mimicking the sound and bouncing up and down...it's soooo cute! We're really looking forward to our first Christmas with you!

One day I'm going to count the number of times in a day that we say "you're such a sweet boy!" I know we're (a little) biased, but everyone that sees you says the same thing! You are such a sweet blessing in our lives! We ALL love you so much our sweet Coley!!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Reid & Louisa!

2010-11-16T23:21:00.011-05:00

Wow! 3 years ago tonight my whole world and life changed. That night I was so happy to see your tiny little faces and finally "meet" you. I was excited to see you. But...I was also terrified! You were so little and it was way too early for you to come. We wondered how long you would stay in the hospital, we wondered what your personalities would be like. Would you be alike, would you take after Mommy or Daddy?

Well, 3 years in...you couldn't be more different! Reid you LOVE to talk and you have sooooo much energy. You question everything and always want to know the details. You love to love! You love life, your family, your friends...you love...EVERYTHING! You have such a great energy about you in everything you do. Your smile, your laughter, your joy...all completely contagious! Thank you for sharing your love of life with us!

Louisa - Ms. Penny and Mollie told us that night you were born that you were going to be our strong willed child...a real fighter. Well they could not have been more right about you! You are timid, shy and pretty reserved and hold off until you have evaluated the situation...then once you feel comfortable, you take off and become the leader. You are passionate about pretty much everything and I love that about you. You love to be my helper in the kitchen, always watching everything I do...you're already act so much like me! You will always be my sweet angel!

I had always heard the term "pride and joy," but I never realy knew what it meant until you two were born. You truly are my pride and joy! It is an honor and a priviledge to be the ones that God chose to take care of you. Thank you for blessing my life daily just by being you. I love you more than you will ever know...you make me so proud...I love you with all of my heart.

Happy 7 Month Birthday, Cole!

2010-11-07T15:44:00.032-05:00

Oh, my sweet boy! What a big month you had! This month was filled with lots of "firsts" and also lots of fun!!

You learned to sit up all by yourself...

No pictures yet, but just this week your first tooth broke through (Bottom middle - right tooth). It won't be long and you'll be trying to eat all of our food! It's fun to see you growing and reaching all of these milestones like cutting teeth, but I'm a little sad because I know once your teeth come in you won't look like my little baby anymore!

You tried cereal for the first time! It only took a few bites for you to get used to it, then you were asking ("panting") for more!

Your first time in the Exersaucer...you love it! It was fun to see you being independent and having so much fun checking out all of the new toys!Your first time in the Jumparoo...every since we put you in the jumparoo...all you want to do is JUMP!!! You absolutely LOVE it! No more sitting still in our laps :(

It won't be too much longer before you are too big sit in the swing anymore...I wanted at least one more picture of you in it before you outgrow it! You still like the swing when you are relaxing, but you definitely prefer the exersaucer and jumparoo now!

We went to the zoo...(You slept most of the time so I snapped this picture of you with the elephants so we could remember!)

What's a trip to the zoo without a nice cool drink?? Just kidding!!!

We visited a couple of different pumpkin patches. We even found some Cole-sized pumpkins!

Of course I had to get some more pictures of you sitting up with our pumpkins at home!

You were the cutest little pumpkin for Halloween! You loved watching all of the children dressed up in their costumes! And of course you looked so cute with "Tinkerbell Sissy" and "Peter Pan Reid!" You did great for your first time Trick-or-Treating...just sat back in the stroller and relaxed and smiled at everyone!

And...we spent lots of time with our family! Everybody loves to love on Baby Cole!

Cole - you are such a precious addition to our family! You have the sweetest personality and just love to watch what everyone is doing (Especially Reid, Louisa and Roxy!). I love to hear your sweet voice when you get excited...you usually start by "whispering" but before too long you are babbling, "Da, da, da, da!" I love how you are starting to reach out for us to pick you up and no words can describe how I feel when you touch my face or hands with the soft, gentle touch of your hands. Cole, you are such a joy and we love you so much!

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Baby Cole!

2010-10-04T23:05:00.002-04:00

My Sweet Baby Cole! How could 6 months already have passed since we met you for the first time? You are always such a pleasant baby! You go right along with the flow and whatever the rest of the family is doing and you don't even skip a beat. You just keep on smiling at us! Your eyes are very engaging and quite your Momma finds them quite impossible to resist!

You have learned a lot of new tricks in the last month...you can now roll over, blow raspberries, and you are learning to play "peek-a-boo" and sit up!! It won't be long at all and you'll be sitting up on your own. It also looks like you'll be cutting your first teeth pretty soon!

You are such a delight and joy in our lives! Thank you for all of your precious, sweet smiles that you give your Momma!

2 and 3/4!!

2010-08-16T22:38:00.005-04:00

I can't believe in just 3 short months my Reid and Louisa will be 3 years old! It seems like just yesterday they were cooing and babbling like Cole! Now here they are acting like real people...not babies! While I definitely miss the time when they were babies and I could (easily) hold both of them in my arms...I wouldn't trade where they are today for anything. Each personality is so different...so precious!

My prissy little Louisa Claire! Like your brother, you have a way of melting your Mommy's heart! The way your bright blue eyes sparkle when you laugh and your sweet voice when we sing "You are my Sunshine" every night...you are so precious to me! I find myself laughing quite often at how much you are like me...picking out little details, evaluating every situation before you engage, pulling on clothes if they don't fit JUST right...there is no doubt that you are your mother's child! You love to sing and dance...you've got some sassy little moves! You love to sit and make a list (again...just like Mommy!), or just sit on the counter and "help" me cook. I love how much you always want to help!

My sweet Reid...oh, my buddy! You LOVE to talk! From the time your sister wakes you up, until the time your eyes close at night...you talk all day! Everyone comments on how well you talk because your words are so clear and the things you say definitely don't sound like a 2 year old! You are so bright and so inquisitive we are definitely in the "why?" stage! Maybe some people would say the picture above isn't the best of you, but to me...it captures you and what you love to do right now...talk!! If there is anything that you like to do more than talk, it's touch! You are my sweet little lover boy and you LOVE to LOVE! You often say, "Mommy, I just want to touch you" or "Mommy, I just want to kiss you!" What a sweet, sweet boy! You sure know how to melt your Mommy's heart!

There are so many things about you that are different, yet the bond that you share is so evident in all that you do. Always concerned about the other, proud of the other, and just LOVE the other so much. I pray that you will always remain this close to each other! I love you my sweet babies!

Happy 4 Month Birthday, Cole!

2010-08-04T23:22:00.002-04:00

End of July...

2010-07-27T21:41:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure why, but I can't seem to find time to catch up on my blogging lately! Needless to say with 2 - 2 1/2 yr olds, an almost 4 month old, a puppy (that's 5 days younger than the baby), and a full time job...we're a little busy around our house! Not too busy to be loving life and enjoying time with our precious children. They are all growing up way too fast...everyone is saying or doing something new everyday.

I realized the other day that Reid and Louisa are on the downhill slide to being 3 years old! It makes me so happy because this is such a fun time right now with them...having "real" conversations with them, teaching them new things, watching as they each become their own little person...but...it also makes me sad because as I hold Baby Cole, it makes me miss Reid and Louisa being that little. I couldn't be more proud of all the new things they are learning and doing...and all of the new things they are anxious to teach their baby brother! They love Cole so much and have been wonderful with him. The first words I hear EVERY morning before they even come down the stairs, "Hi Mommy, is Cole awake?...Oh, GREAT!!"

People ask me almost daily how "the baby" is doing...and my response is always, "He's doing GREAT! He is SUCH a good baby!" Cole hardly ever fusses or cries, and when he does, he's very easy to console. It usually only takes talking to him and he quickly calms down and flashes his sweet smile...which I'm convinced could make anyone melt! If only we could keep him this little forever!! But we can't, so...we'll just enjoy each little stage as he grows. It looks like it won't be long at all before he's rolling over!

Hopefully the picture above will hold you over until I can find the time to upload more pictures. I love the picture of the 3 of them together...Reid & Louisa were so excited for Cole to come upstairs to help tuck them in bed...they loved him being in the bed with them...one more example of how much they love their little brother. The best part is, the feeling is mutual...the look of excitement on Cole's face every time he sees Reid & Louisa makes this Momma so happy! We are so blessed every day with our 3 precious babies!

Look who's Smiling!!

2010-06-01T10:30:00.003-04:00

Oh what a sweet, sweet smile our Baby Cole has! Cole is pretty mild mannered most of the time, he just kind of goes with the flow. His smile is gentle and sweet, just like him! He's usually pretty happy after he eats and will make noises to get our attention if we're not looking at him. As soon as we look at him he flashes a big smile that could melt your heart. Here are a few of the precious faces that we love!

Reid & Louisa Lately...

2010-05-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

We've been trying to keep Reid & Louisa busy with lots of different things lately...baby strollers, cars, shaving, bubbles, a trip to Grammy and Poppy's and time with their cousins. Here are some pictures from our recent fun times...

This free picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Happy 30 Month Birthday, Reid & Louisa!

2010-05-16T23:05:00.002-04:00

Lots of summer fun going on at our house lately! Bubbles are definitely a favorite!! You get bigger, smarter, etc. with each passing day. It's always something new! It's so hard to believe you are now 2 1/2 years old! It has flown by so quickly. We love you more and more every day!

Happy 1 Month Birthday, Baby Cole!

2010-05-04T21:24:00.005-04:00

It's been one month since you were born...what a precious month it has been! You are such a sweet, pleasant baby. Quite easy going, hardly making any noise at all. At the doctor last week (you were 23 days old), you weighed 7 lb 11 oz...which was your birth weight. This only confirmed to the doctor what we already knew, which was that you are suffering quite a bit from reflux and haven't gained much weight. We got some medicine for you and hope that we will soon see results. It is awful to see you so uncomfortable!

Your umbilical cord finally came off today, so you got your first real bath. You really seemed to enjoy it and were so calm and relaxed afterwards. It feels like you have already changed so much in only a month. You are staying awake longer and turning your head to look and listen when you hear voices. Today you enjoyed laying on your jungle play mat for the first time. Reid and Louisa still like to lay "in the jungle" and listen to the animal sounds...I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as them.

What a precious Easter gift you were to us! You complete our family of 5 and have fit perfectly into our lives. We are so blessed that God chose us to be your parents and that he has trusted us with the huge responsibility of raising you. We love you Cole and can't wait to see the many ways that you will bless our lives in the months and years to come!

Introducing...William "Cole" Harrison

2010-04-16T23:35:00.001-04:00

Easter 2010 will forever hold a special place in our hearts...on this day we were blessed with our precious third child, William "Cole" Harrison at 3:46 pm. Cole weighed 7 lbs 11 oz and was 20 1/4" long. Cole was welcomed at the hospital by lots of family including Big Brother Reid and Big Sister Louisa who instantly fell in love with "Baby Cole" just as the rest of us did! Cole has been such a joy to all of us...he is a great baby...he rarely cries and is already eating on a 4 hour schedule! We are so blessed to have Cole in our lives and are excited to watch him grow and see what his personality will be like.

Here are some pictures of Cole while we were in the hospital...

Mommy and Cole

Daddy and Cole

Going home with our little Easter Bunny!

One of our most favorite people ever...Dr. Williams. We are so thankful to him for delivering our sweet baby...especially on Easter Sunday.

I've been busy taking lots of pictures since we've been home...so check back soon to see more!

Happy 29 Month Birthday, Reid & Louisa!

2010-04-16T22:27:00.007-04:00

Reid and Louisa have been very busy this month! They got Big Girl/Big Boy beds! We were unsure how the transition would go, but it went extremely well! You are both soooooo proud of your big beds...almost as proud as Mommy and Daddy are of you!

The weather finally got warm, so we've been spending a lot of time outside. You both love being outside!

We were a little busy on Easter morning/day, so we didn't end up giving you your Easter baskets until Thursday! You were both excited about all of the candy in your eggs and had a great time hunting for them in the front yard.

Baby Cole joined our family on Easter! You have both been WONDERFUL older siblings! You both love "Baby Cole" and like to help Mommy and Daddy take care of him. It has been great watching you with him this week...it's already quite obvious that you will forever be protectors of your little brother!

Happy 28 Month Birthday, Babies!

2010-03-16T22:47:00.005-04:00

28 wonderful months! Month after month, you amaze me and the last month has not been any different! Your knowledge and vocabulary seems to grow each day.

This past weekend we went to a place called Lazy 5 Ranch with all our your cousins. We all had so much fun on the wagon ride feeding the animals. We saw lots of really unique animals like Yaks, buffalo, giraffes and even kangaroos. You were both really brave (especially Louisa) feeding the animals. Here are a few pictures of the weekend...

Now since Mommy is usually behind the camera and I've had a few requests to see "Baby Brother"...here we are a few weekends ago at 34 1/2 weeks. We're all so excited to meet baby brother...only 4 more weeks! By the time I post for your 29th month, we will be a family of 5!

Happy 27 Month Birthday, Babies!

2010-02-16T23:05:00.006-05:00

Just a very small glimpse of the joy that you have brought us in your 27th month! You constantly amaze us with all of the new things that you are saying and doing...acting so grown up! The sentences you put together amaze us...you're just over 2 years old and clearly speaking in sentences! You are both learning how persuasive you can be...Reid when you bat those oh-so-long eyelashes at us and Louisa with the HUGE tears and your bottom lip turned completely down...you both definitely know how to work your Momma to get what you want! I usually start out firm, but can't help but scoop you up and steal some kisses because these moments are so, so, so precious to me...I don't want to miss a single opportunity to hold you and tell you I love you...even when you are being stinkers! Your love for each other just keeps growing and growing. Daddy and I love to watch how you each express your love for the other one. Several times lately Louisa had gone up to Reid when she was upset and said, "Hold you, Bubba!"...and so the big brother holds his little sister...and the Momma watches and cries because her heart is so full...and so proud. When one of you is in time out, the other often volunteers to go as well...just so you can be together. When one wakes up early, you so kindly wake the other up...just to start your day together. Those conversations we hear over the monitor are priceless. There's nothing in this world like hearing you say "I love you, Sissy Cwaire" or "I lub you, Bubba!"

The next few months will definitely be full of change as our family of 4 becomes a family of 5. You both already talk about how you love "baby brudder" and I truly believe you mean it. You might not really know what it means when we say baby brother is going to come live with us, but I have no doubt you will both be wonderful siblings to your baby brother. With the love and sensitivity that you show us on a daily basis...you show us your hearts and we know that you are ready to love your new brother as much as you love each other. We can't wait to see you with him when he actually arrives, but for now...I want to remember these special times when it is just the 4 of us. You are our precious first babies...and you will always be that. Coming into this world as fragile as you did, you both quickly showed us how strong you were. You have come so, so far....and we could not be more proud of you. Louisa, as I told you in the NICU and every night since then, you are my little angel, and always will be. Reid, you are your daddy's little buddy, and always will be!

We love you both and are so thankful that God chose to put you in our lives. You are such a blessing to us and everyone you are around. Momma and Daddy love you!

Happy 26 Month Birthday, Babies!

2010-01-16T23:49:00.006-05:00

Happy 2 year 1 month Birthday, Babies!

2009-12-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

It seems that turning 2 years old last month has really changed things around our house! Our house has been less than quiet for the last 2 years, but in the last month...wow! From the time Reid and Louisa wake up to the time they close their eyes, the words don't ever seem to stop! It is so fun hearing all that they are thinking. Reid is our biggest chatterbox. When he can't think of something to say, he looks around saying, "Uhm, uhm, uhm..." until he spots something that he wants to talk about! It's hilarious. This weekend Louisa woke up first (as she always does) and called to Reid until he woke up, "Bubba?! Bubba?! Boo!!" Finally, I heard him say, "I loooov ooouu, Sissy Cwaire!" It was too precious! Yes, Reid's latest name for Louisa is "Sissy Cwaire."

Louisa doesn't say near as much as Reid (she can barely get a word in!), but she definitely speaks up when she needs/wants to. When we were picking out our Christmas tree this year, we actually saw 6 real live deer playing on the edge of the lot! Louisa and Reid were so excited. As the deer ran away, Louisa kept saying, "I see more deers! I see more deers!" In the last few days, Louisa has been a big girl asking to go sit on her potty! We definitely have a long way to go, but it's a start and we're so proud of her!

Reid and Louisa are both enjoying seeing all of the Christmas decorations. They love looking at the "yights" and seeing "Ca-Cwaus." This year we got a Little People Nativity Set and are working on teaching them the real reason we celebrate Christmas. They know who all the people are, and know where they go. It's so sweet to hear them talk about "Mawy, Jo-jeff, Jejus and Ongel." What an awesome responsibility to teach our precious little ones about Jesus!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Babies!!

2009-11-16T21:25:00.013-05:00

November 16th 2007 was a day that forever changed our lives for the better. To say that the last two years have flown by would be a huge understatement. As quickly as the time has passed, it's hard to even remember what our lives were like before you were born. You have grown and changed so much in 2 years…and you make us so incredibly proud!

We haven't gone for your 2 year check up yet, but Louisa you have gone from 2 lbs 11 oz to almost 20 lbs…19 lbs 4 oz to be exact. Hopefully soon we will be able to turn your car seat around! The NICU nurses had you pegged the night you were born…they told us you were a feisty one…and they couldn't have been more right! Your spunk is cute, fun, precious, it makes us laugh, it makes you…you! You will forever be our sweet angel. One day…when you have a little girl…you will know how much we love you. Until then, there is no way that we can explain how precious you are to us.

Reid – you have gone from 4 lbs 15 oz to ~27 lbs…such a big boy! You needed a little "help" from oxygen when you were born and to this day, you prefer to have help or to be with somebody. The way that you say "Momma" as you lay your head on my shoulder absolutely melts me…every single time! I'm pretty sure you realize it too! You are definitely a "Momma's boy", but as you get bigger you are having so much fun playing with your cars with Daddy. Your heart is so big and we pray that you will always keep this sensitive side because it is so much of who you are!

We had a really fun time celebrating your birthday this weekend with your family and friends at Monkey Joe's! You learned quickly from watching your cousins how to jump and bounce and climb up the slides. We're so glad you had a good time! Here are a few pictures from our fun day…

Blowing out the candles…

Our family…

Cake face…

Opening presents…

Having fun…

Playing outside…

Today was your "real birthday" and we woke you up this morning by bringing you pancakes in bed with candles in them and singing "Happy Birthday." Pretty sure neither of you knew what to think, but we wanted you to know how special today, November 16^th is! A few pictures playing outside tonight in the leaves…

We had "pieces" (Pizza) for dinner…one of your favorites. Oh, and of course bananas! No meal goes by without you asking for your "nanas!" Then you opened your presents from us.

"Hey, Sissy…what did you get?"

"Hey, Bubba…what did you get??

Sissy and her doll…

Bubba and his "Handy Manny"…

Switch!

What a fun day…

Happy 2^nd Birthday, our sweet Reid and Louisa Claire -we love you!

Little Bit O' Hunny

2009-11-12T22:40:00.006-05:00

A few pictures of our cute little Hunny Pots on Halloween. Reid and Louisa loved wearing their Hunny Pots to our SS Party and to the church festival, but unfortunately were so busy having fun that they wouldn't stop to look at Mommy's camera!

Happy 23 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-10-16T21:13:00.014-04:00

Another amazingly fun month! Reid and Louisa, with each month your individual personalities seem to shine brighter and brighter.

Reid - you are our little ball of energy! You like to talk, run and play non-stop from the time you get up until your sparkling green eyes close to go to bed. You have gotten really good at naming every object you see...you go around the den pointing and naming everything - "Couch, twuck, ball, Ooh - ball...throw!" You love to watch "Jack's Big Music Show", you often ask for "Jack, peeease!" Blue's Clues is your other favorite.

Last weekend as we were driving to Greenville, you saw the different color leaves and you said, "Wed (red), Owange (orange), Frog (green)!" I love how you say frog instead of green!

Another recent favorite as I was putting you to bed, "Reid, do you love Momma?" You, "YESSSS!!" Thank you, Reid...you bless your Momma's heart so much!!

Louisa - you are our precious little angel! You are dainty and sweet in so many ways, but you definitely speak your mind when you want to be heard! One of our new nicknames for you is "Sugar and Spice!" You don't talk quite as much as your brother right now, but we know that isn't for lack of knowing exactly what is going on at all times! You are quiet just like your Momma until you feel completely comfortable in a situation. You let others (especially Reid) do the talking while you are quietly figuring everything out on your own. You also love to watch "Jack" and we love to watch you dance to the music. You are so cute changing the way you dance according to whether the music is fast or slow...you always find the rhythm...quite impressive for 23 months! You love to crawl up in the bed with us and get under the "ba-bankie (blanket)!"

You have both been doing the sign language for "I love you" for quite a while now. Lately though, Louisa will also say the words "I - wuff - you, Momma!" Oh, sweet girl...if you only knew how much your Momma loves you!

You both love to go to "chuch" (church) and see your "frens" (friends). You love to go play with your friends, of course all the teachers love you and you always get great reports when we pick you up.

My sweet, sweet babies! It is so hard to believe you are almost 2 years old. How incredibly lucky we are to be your parents! We love you sooooooo much! I can't wait to celebrate your 2nd birthday with you next month!

Happy 22 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-09-16T21:56:00.003-04:00

22 months!! Wow! My precious Reid and Louisa - you have grown up so much in the last month! It has really been a fun month watching you run, play, swing, slide and have fun at the pool. You love to go "side" or outside. I love to hear all of the new words you are learning and putting together.

A few days ago a conversation with Reid went like this:
"Reid, do you want to wear this shirt?"
Reid: "Coot" You know, as in Cute!

We're still working on trying to say "Reid" and "Louisa." For now, you both prefer the names "Bubba" and "Sissy"...whether we are asking you your own name, or asking the other one's names...it's Bubba and Sissy. It's absolutely precioius and I'm pretty sure these names will be with you forever!

Reid, you laugh constantly and are just full of energy. You have so much to say and you make us laugh as you babble along...it won't be long and it will all make sense to us! As much as you love to run, jump and be "gotten", you love to be held. You love to hold us and you love to hold your sister. You love to love. Your sweet kisses as you go running by, the way you rub and pat your sweet hands on our backs...please don't ever change the way you love!

Louisa, our serious little one! You spend a lot of time deep in thought, you always like to take everything in and make sure you understand what is going on. You are very inquisitive. You get concerned when somebody leaves the room or even at the mention of somebody's name who isn't there, you want to know, "Go???" You are quite the tenderheart and don't like to see your loved ones cry...whether it's your Bubba or anyone else, you get very concerned and wipe away the tears. Every since you were a tiny, tiny baby, when you smile, you do it with your whole body and those bright blue eyes light up the room.

I think I say it every month, but you make me so proud! Thank you for making me the happiest and luckiest Momma in the world! I love you more than you will ever know!

Happy 21 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-08-16T22:08:00.005-04:00

This has been such a fun month! Reid and Louisa's vocabulary is about to take off and they have both learned so many new words this month. They are even putting several words together.

Louisa came up and tapped me on the shoulder one day and said "Got choo!" then ran away giggling, waiting for me to come get her. Louisa is usually the first to rise every morning - giggling and saying "Boo" until Reid wakes up. The first thing she says when we get her out of bed is "Bubba?" She wants to make sure we're going to get him up too! Oh, how she loves her brother! Other favorites right now are the word "go", but it's used as a question when she wants to know where did something "go?" Louisa has learned to pull on our heartstrings even more by the way she holds out her tiny little hands and says, "Hold?" I'd hold you forever, sweet girl, if I could!

Reid has lots of new words, but one of his favorites is "hots." Everything we give him, everything he touches is "hots" (not sure where the extra 's' came from on the end, but it's cute for now!). Oh, and there is a cute wrinkled up face that goes along with the word "hots." Reid and Louisa have both become big fans of Blue's Clues. Reid notices when the paw print shows up and yells "a cue!" (clue). He also says "botebook" or his form of "notebook" when they get out the "handy, dandy, notebook!" At the end of any show, Reid & Louisa both wave and say "Bye!" to the characters.

Nanas are still the favorite food, but Reid and Louisa both eat most anything. Even cantelope or "lllllll-ope" as they call it!

I love the fun side that I see coming out more and more every day. Playing in "forts" that Daddy builds, playing ring-around-the-rosies, dancing to any music you hear. Laughing, playing and having so much fun together. Running by me and stopping just to pat me on the shoulder or plant a big kiss right on my lips. These are only some of the sweet moments that I wish I could bottle up and hold onto forever. You're growing up more everyday and I couldn't be more proud. I love you, my angels - you'll always be my sweet babies!

Happy 20 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-07-16T21:44:00.008-04:00

20 months old and oh sooooooo sweet!! We've had a lot of fun this month. The weather has been nice and you have really enjoyed playing outside. You both love the water and have a good time splashing around in your little pool. I think mostly you just like drinking the water or pouring it out of the pool!

You like to color, but really love "reading" your books. You have gotten so good at recognizing the animals, shapes, etc that we read about. One of your favorite books has songs in it – Daddy and I usually barely get the first word of the songs out before you recognize it and start doing the motions.

The differences between girl and boy are amazing to watch, especially knowing you have been exposed to exactly the same things at the same times. Reid loves his trucks, balls and making Momma and Daddy laugh. Your laughter is so contagious...even when we're trying to discipline you! Louisa loves her dolls and Maggie! I think you would probably be okay with Maggie sleeping in your crib with you if we allowed her to!

You are learning to be Momma's helpers...before bed, we put all of the toys "nigh-night" by putting them in the toy boxes. Louisa especially does a great job of helping and finding every.single.toy...even the ones hidden under the couch! Reid is a great helper too. There have been times when you think it's hilarious to watch the other one throw ALL of the toys back out of the box right after we put them away.

I love to watch your imaginations at work…you like to pretend to feed us pizza (this came from your favorite Big Bird video). There definitely seems to be truth to what I've always heard about twins having their own language…you two definitely understand what each other are talking about! I love listening to you over the monitor before or after you sleep. Louisa usually wakes up first, then laughs, giggles, squeals and says "Pee-a-boo" until Reid wakes up and joins in.

You both get so excited to see each other, even after you wake up from naps…you're so excited to see your best friend is there to play with. You show us how much you love each other through your kisses, hugs and concern for each other when something is wrong…if you only knew how much it means to me to see how much you love each other.

My sweet, sweet babies. Thank you for the blessings that you give me each day. The thought of coming home to you every day after work gets me through the day! I'm proud that you are my chldren and I'm proud to be your mom. I hope that one day you will have your own little angels so you will know just ho much I love you!! I love you my angels!

Pigtails for the Princess and a Haircut for the Big Boy!

2009-07-15T21:33:00.018-04:00

Seriously...

Does it get...
Much cuter......than this???
This momma sure doesn't think so!! Louisa's hair has really grown a lot lately, so one of the first things she says when she gets up is, "Bair bow?" as in, "Can I please get a hair bow to get my hair out of my eyes?!?" So, pigtails have quickly become our favorite new hairstyle.

But Louisa says...don't worry...
Even with pigtails...
I can still...
Twirl my hair...
Just like...My Momma taught me :)

Look at our Big Boy with his new haircut...

Our neighbor, Laura, gave Reid his first haircut. He was an absolute angel the whole time! I definitely think it helped that he was watching cartoons on their big screen TV :) That first haircut made such a difference...it was like with just a few snips of his hair, he went from my baby to my big boy. I miss the baby look, but it really was time for a cut. And...look how handsome he is with his new do!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T23:42:00.006-04:00

Visiting Papa and Grammie

2009-07-02T00:08:00.011-04:00

Finally catching up on the blog a little bit! In May we went to St. Mary's to visit Craig's family. We had fun staying with Grammie and Papa...I think they had fun too seeing their great-grandchildren!

I walked out to the dock one afternoon and saw Louisa and Grammie "having a chat" - I love this silhouette picture!

Papa and Craig took the babies on a ride in Papa's Club Car.
Papa reading with the babies.

Papa getting some of the sweetest sugar there is!!

Reid talking to Papa about his shirt.Aunt JJ kissing on Reid
Aunt KB had her arms full!Just having fun...

Happy 19 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2009-06-16T22:49:00.007-04:00

19 months old and oh, so sweet!! Your sweet personalities are coming out more and more each day. You have both become more confident and opinionated in the last month...definitely letting us know that you have minds of your own! You love to explore and try new things. Louisa loves to climb...especially on the couch (I left the room for a brief minute and came back to find you standing on the top of the back of the couch flipping the light switch on and off...you have no fear!). Reid loves to play with balls, trucks and all things boy! You both love animals and can make most of their sounds. You would both prefer books to toys most of the time...I love it when you back into my lap and sit down to read. You love to sing and do motions to the songs. Some of your favorites (and ours too!) are "If You're Happy and You Know It," "The Wheels on the Bus" and "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider." I love to see you do the part that says "then you're face will surely show it." You are learning new words every day. You have started saying the blessing with us at meals, you immediately put your hands together when we sit down.

It is so fun to watch you learning so much. You are at such a precious age right now where you are so curious about everything. I pray that you will continue to have tender, teachable spirits. I want so much for each of your lives and can see that you will both have the determination to accomplish whatever you choose. Look how far you've come in the last 19 months...I'm so proud of you Reid & Louisa!

Hilton Head 2009

2009-06-15T00:07:00.017-04:00

Still more beach pictures to come...these are just a few of my favorites! Other posts coming soon...Reid's first hair cut & Louisa's first piggy tails, visiting Grammie & Papa, and Summer Fun. If only I could stretch the number of hours in a day, I could get all of these pictures up faster!

Happy 18 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-05-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

Oh, my sweet babies! It won't be much longer and I won't be able to call you babies anymore (Well, I'll probably always call you my babies…even when you aren't!). Every day you are both saying and doing something new. With each new word and action, your personalities seem to come out even more. You are both very curious and inquisitive…you want to know what everything is and you ask by saying, "Dat?" or "Dis?" Sometimes you ask over, and over, and over again. And of course we answer because you're just so cute asking! You try to repeat so much of what we say…one of my favorites is hearing you say "There you go!" Just this week you learned how to call the squirrels by going to the back window and calling "Quirrels, quirrels!" and making kissing noises…so precious! Louisa you know that you are a "Good Girl" and you like to tell us so. You both really like "Cookies" and "Hot Gogs." One of our favorite things to do is to sit outside on the front steps in the evenings until Daddy comes home. When you see his car coming up the street you both get so excited and start waving at him. Your love for each other seems to grow stronger each day…you'll never know how much it blesses me to see you hugging and kissing each other or bringing a paci or toy to the other one when crying. My hope is that you will always be this close to each other. I miss you when I'm away from you, and I cherish every minute that I am with you. It's hard to believe it has been 18 months since you came into our lives. Without a doubt, those have been the best 18 months of my life. You are so precious to me…your Momma loves you more than I could ever tell you.

I'm Honored...

2009-05-13T21:33:00.019-04:00

...to be the Mother of my two precious angels.

...to be the Wife of the man that gave me the best gift ever.

...to be the Wife of the man that still makes me laugh....to be the Daughter of loving Mom.
...to be the Sister of two of the best Mom's I know.
...to be the Aunt of 3 beautiful nieces and 4 handsome nephews.

Mother's Day 2009

Having Fun Outside

2009-05-02T23:39:00.004-04:00

Cheerios...

2009-04-28T22:26:00.004-04:00

Cheerios are such a great snack for kids...

According to Louisa...

You can never have too many Cheerios...

See... So, we buy such big boxes of Cheerios for three reasons...1) To get priceless expressions like the one above 2) the kids love them AND 3) because pictures like the one below show just how tiny our Little Louisa really is...you know, as compared to a box of Cheerios :)

Belated Easter Post

2009-04-23T23:04:00.006-04:00

Reid and Louisa had so much fun this year at Easter. We went to an Easter egg hunt with our cousins Alex, Abigail and Benjamin and had a blast. I don't even think Reid and Louisa noticed that they were the smallest ones toddling around the yard! After we showed them to put the eggs in their baskets, they started doing it on their own. They even figured out that when you run out of eggs to pick up, you can always take some from your twin's basket! And, of course it's fun to play "touchdown" with the eggs (it's a good thing they were plastic, because Reid really liked throwing the eggs!) It was definitely a fun Easter but I look forward to teaching Reid and Louisa about the real reason we celebrate Easter.

I couldn't choose between all of the Easter pictures to post, so here are the rest in a slide show.

Happy 17 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2009-04-16T23:23:00.010-04:00

Talk about growing up! Wow, what a difference a month makes! Reid and Louisa amaze us daily with the new things they are saying and doing. For a long time we have referred to Reid and Louisa as "Bubby and Sissy." Well, this month they started calling each other "Bubba" and "Sissy!" The love that is in their voice when they call each other's names just absolutely makes my heart melt. We love to go on walks in the evening...R&L love riding in the wagon, waving at all the neighbors and barking at all the dogs we see ;) It has been great to get outside now that the weather is warmer...I can't wait to see you at the pool and the beach this summer. Every month when I write your updates here, I think that I can't possibly love you more and every month you prove me wrong! The best part of my day is definitely coming home and seeing 4 bright little eyes peeking up over the couch at me followed by "Momma!" and the pitter-pat of your precious little feet coming around to the gate where you know I'll come pick you up. I'm so proud to be your Momma and I am so proud of all of the new things you are learning. You are so precious to me, sweet Reid and Louisa!

Happy 16 Month Birthday, Babies!

2009-03-16T23:11:00.003-04:00

How can these two little people continue to bless our lives more and more every single day? The smiles, sweet words and expressions...absolutely priceless! Reid and Louisa may have very different personalities, but one thing they have in common is their love for each other. I love the way that they are always aware of what the other one is doing and lately have been showing sweet affection they show for each other...kissing/patting on the other one, sharing paci's and sippy cups when the other one is crying. Their love for each other truly blesses their Momma's heart!

Reid & Louisa - your Momma and Da-Da love you so much! Thank you for making us the luckiest parents in the world! We are honored that God entrusted us with your precious lives!

Louisa - Our Future Ballerina

2009-03-12T15:49:00.010-04:00

Reid & Louisa Playing at Home

2009-03-09T22:01:00.005-04:00

Oh the fun we're having lately at our house! Reid and Louisa are walking EVERYWHERE. If you look back a few posts, you'll notice Reid & Louisa in a red cube...well, I bought two of these new storage ottomans for Reid & Louisa's toys in the den and they have become a new place to play! They are definitely a favorite for R&L, and it helps that they are in front of their favorite window that they look out to see Maggie. This window also creates some of Mommy's favorite pictures...just something about seeing them look out that window that is adorable to me! More pictures to come...hopefully I'll get them posted tomorrow night. Tomorrow will hopefully be a fun day for us. Reid & Louisa are going to a follow-up NICU developmental clinic where they will evaluate their progress since their last visit. We'll also (hopefully) get to visit our NICU mommies :) YEAH!!! That will depend on how Reid is doing...he has his 3rd ear infection since Thanksgiving and is also getting 3 or 4 new teeth in right now (he isn't near as good of a teether as his tough little sister!) Anyway, we are looking forward to our visit tomorrow.

Learning to eat with spoons...

"Where's Reid???"

So big sitting on the couch! I think I was also singing one of their new favorite songs..."The Little Green Frog"

Playing in the box...

Absolutely one of my favorite dresses on Louisa. Around the bottom it says "Adorable. Work of Heart"

Oh yeah, Reid and Louisa not only like to play in the ottomans, but they also like to play on the ottomans!!

"Look Mom, no hands!!"

Sweet girl looking for her Maggie!!

Having fun

Happy 15 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2009-02-16T21:32:00.007-05:00

15 months...and so much fun!! Reid and Louisa are walking everywhere, so inquisitive, flirtatious, giggly, loving, precious...I could go on all night! Everyday they are doing or saying something new. They love each other soooooo much and it just makes my heart so happy to see them together! They smile, giggle, squeal when they see the other one and they are too sweet when they kiss each other.

Louisa Claire

Oh, my precious Louisa Claire! This tiny angel just makes me want to squeeze her and hold on tight to her...forever!! Her squeals, her bright blue eyes, her wrinkly-nose smile...just a few of the things that make Louisa Louisa...and why we love her so much. Louisa loves Maggie, "Bubby" and she loves the way the ball popper makes her hair blow. She's quite proud of herself walking and so are we!

Reid

Does this sweet boy love to laugh! He laughs at "Sissy", Maggie, his toys, himself...and everytime it makes me smile. His laughter and smiles are so contagious! And watch out for those flirty eyes...he definitely has his Mommy wrapped! Reid loves to ride on his giraffe, throw "touch downs"(with every toy...not just the football!), bananas are his favorite, and he adores his little sister! Reid listens really well and he is definitely going to have a tender heart!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2009-02-14T15:36:00.002-05:00

Augusta's Blizzard of 2009

2009-02-03T22:44:00.004-05:00

Hoping for snow...

Needless to say, Reid and Louisa were more than adequately prepared with cold weather gear for the big Blizzard of 2009!

Reid & Louisa in action

2009-02-03T22:06:00.007-05:00

Just a few pictures of the little ones having fun...

Look what came in my Gymboree box!! What a great package!

Mr. Mischief

R&L's favorite place...by the window. Okay by me...I never get tired of looking at how cute they are from behind when they are standing next to each other!

See...I told you this is their favorite spot! Another tiny hiney shot!!

I think this one qualifies as "Double Trouble!" They got caught in a spot they KNOW they aren't supposed to be in!!

Playing with their buddy, Riley at the Super Bowl party

Too precious of Louisa and friend Caroline looking at each other!

Louisa loves to feel the air from the ball popper toy blow her hair up. She's been doing this for about 20 minutes every night for the last several nights.

Louisa LOVES her new scarf!! Unfortunately, this picture doesn't capture the huge smile she had as she wore the scarf around the den last night!

Guess who's walking now...

2009-01-25T21:37:00.011-05:00

Yep, you got it...Reid!! Big man decided to pass his sister up this weekend. After watching Louisa for the last week or so, Reid decided that he would join in on the walking fun. He stood himself up in the middle of the den and just started walking. For the rest of the night if he was going somewhere, he was walking...not crawling! He looks a little like E.T. when he walks...hands above his head, belly sticking out, quick steps...it's quite cute if I do say so myself, and of course I do!! Ahhh...another bittersweet moment in parenthood. Where has the time gone?? I truly can't believe my precious babies are both walking. Louisa is definitely capable of walking more than she is, but for now, she just walks when she wants to...and that's okay with me!

Louisa is proving to be our climber...the picture below is how Craig found her one morning last week. He was in the bedroom and heard her saying, "Uh-oh! Uh-oh!" I think she wasn't sure how to get down!

Here are some other recent favorite pictures:

"If we put our heads together..."

"Kiss, Kiss!"

Reid loves to read!
Sweet girl...loves her babydoll and her bunny slippers!
Momma's babydoll...

Sweet, mischievous boy!

Happy 14 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2009-01-16T23:30:00.003-05:00

With all of the new stuff that they are doing, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to call Reid & Louisa babies!! Luckily, I think part of the priviledge of being their mom means that I will always be able to call them my babies :)

I would say the biggest update is that on Wednesday night, our Little Louisa decided that she would walk across the den...completely unprompted and unassisted!! Craig and I were quite surprised and judging by the smile on Louisa's face, she was just as proud as we were! She and Reid have both been taking 5-6 steps on their own for a few weeks. She has taken several more "long walks" but crawling his still her preferred method of getting where she is going.

I still have Christmas pictures to post...hopefully I will get those up this weekend. I love the picture above of Reid & Louisa looking at books in their room. The picture below captures the sweet smiles that Reid & Louisa often exchange when playing together. They get so excited to see the other one and just be close to each other...it absolutely melts their momma's heart! I pray that they will always remain this close!

Happy 13 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-12-17T22:47:00.008-05:00

Yep, 13 months already!! Louisa celebrated by taking 2 steps towards her Mommy!! Yeah!! She was so proud of herself and so were we! She's doing great standing on her own...she's very confident and has great balance. Reid is watching not far behind...he took a step towards me tonight (not quite as coordinated as Sissy, but he has a little more weight to carry around!).

Speaking of weight...the babies went to the doctor today for re-checks and Louisa weighed 14 lbs 4 oz!! That means she has gained 1 and 3/4 lbs in less than a month...table food is doing great for Louisa! She has also made HUGE improvements in drinking her milk. She LOVES to eat...she always cleans her plate :) and is SOOOO precious when we tell her to "chew it up" she makes little smacking noises. Reid is doing great too...he loves his Cheerios and most anything else we give him.

Reid and Louisa are loving the Christmas decorations...especially the tree. Here are a few recent photos...

New Stuff...

2008-12-08T22:09:00.004-05:00

Okay, Reid & Louisa have been learning LOTS of new things!! They both like to clap, blow kisses, give kisses...

Brush their teeth...

Reid has perfected his flirty eyes and smile...

Louisa has learned that the cow says Mmmmmm. Reid likes to dance to music (kind of a head bobble, body bouncing motion)...so cute...and Louisa claps for him :)

Saturday night we had fun going to pick out our Christmas tree...

The tree is up, but not decorated yet. Hopefully we'll get that done this week. Daddy insists on having colored lights now that we have kids...so, stay tuned to see our tree of color :) After getting our tree, we had dinner at The Pizza Joint. Which included lots of cheerios for Reid & Louisa...
Cheerios make Reid really happy...I think he is trying to say Cheerio. When I say cheerio or bring out the cheerio container, he forms a really long string of babble that ends in a long oooooooooooooooooooo!

Babies were soooo cute when we got home, so...you know I had to take lots of pictures :)

Unfortunately, Louisa has learned how to pull out her hairbows...Maggie hasn't learned to take hers out yet...

Louisa was too cute sitting at her basket of books. I think she sat there for about 30 minutes pulling out books and looking at them.

Did you notice...

2008-12-05T23:24:00.003-05:00

...I changed the ticker above??? We're now counting toward Reid & Louisa's 2nd birthday!! That is REALLY, REALLY hard to believe! Where does the time go?

Enjoying Our Presents!

2008-12-04T22:11:00.005-05:00

I promised birthday and dedication pictures, but I'm posting these instead so you can see Reid & Louisa enjoying some of their new toys they got for their birthday.

One of Reid's new favorite places to play...IN the toy basket :) Reid's new puzzle...Clearly we have some work to do on figuring out how puzzles work!

Louisa having fun with her Fridge Farm

We really like our Giraffe Rocker!!

You can tell from the pics above that we are FINALLY starting to feel better! If you haven't heard, Reid & Louisa got really sick with a HORRIBLE stomach bug right after their birthday. The stomach bug was followed by congestion/cold which led to double ear infections for Reid. It's rough being a year old! Some pics from when we didn't feel so well...

I know, I know...

2008-12-03T22:45:00.002-05:00

...I'm slacking lately on the posts!! I have a lot of great excuses like a stomach bug that lasted for over a week in our house, followed by congestion/sinus stuff that eventually led to a double ear infection for Reid :( Our poor little people have had a really rough time since they turned 1...I dont' think they have enjoyed being 1 very much so far! They are FINALLY getting better and hopefully their energy levels will be back to normal soon. This morning was the first time in 2 1/2 weeks that Reid & Louisa were actually standing up at their toy basket when I left for work. Promise to get more posts (with pics) up soon. I'm way behind...still need to post from the birthday party and R&L's dedication service at church.

Be back soon :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Babies!

2008-11-16T23:16:00.005-05:00

Wow. 1 year. 1 amazing year with our precious gifts...our precious Reid & Louisa Claire. We had a fun-filled weekend with a huge birthday party on Saturday and we celebrated their 1 year birthday tonight by dedicating Reid and Louisa at church. It was a very special evening and I can't wait to share more about the events of the weekend...but it's going to have to wait until at least tomorrow night so I can get a little sleep tonight.

Reid and Louisa, you are our precious angels. You bring your Momma and Daddy so much joy and happiness. Thank you for blessing our lives every day of the last year. You are amazing gifts from God and we love you so much!

I won't leave you without at least a few pictures from the weekend...

Can you believe...

2008-11-11T23:37:00.001-05:00

it's almost our birthday?!?

No Tricks...only Treats with these pictures!

2008-11-05T22:43:00.006-05:00

We got dressed up for Halloween and went to Gym Fest at our church. We were definitely the cutest dinosaurs there...Mommy says we were the cutest dinosaurs EVER...what do you think??

Reid: "Sissy, I'll protect you from all the monsters!"

Louisa: "Can you believe his mom dressed him in that?!!"

Reid: "Sis, there's something crazy looking on your head!"

Mommy & her sweet girl

CHEESE!!

You gotta love those googly eyes!!

Our cute little pumpkins...

Our Little Pumpkins

2008-11-03T23:23:00.007-05:00

Lots of fall pictures coming your way...

At the Pumpkin Patch...

Reid & Louisa found pumpkins their size...Louisa quietly held her pumpkin. Reid...well, he wanted to do more than just hold his pumpkin :) Reid: "Momma, where did my pumpkin go?!"

More pictures at home...just because Momma thought we were dressed so cute!
Louisa: "CHEESE!!!"

Reid standing up tall looking at Daddy and Maggie out the back window Reid watching Daddy and learning the art of cooking on the Big Green Egg

Coming soon...pictures of the cutest purple and orange dinosaurs ever!!

Our Hair Blowing in the breeze...

2008-10-22T23:10:00.001-04:00

Thought this was a sweet picture of Reid & Louisa enjoying being outside

Happy 11 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-10-16T22:50:00.004-04:00

Reid & Louisa are alway so sleepy and sweet first thing in the morning! I love that morning "Mommy Sugar!"

Reid loves Louisa's bows...just not in her hair!
So sweet together!
"Precious"
"Muffin"

I'm really hoping that the reason I couldn't get very many good pictures tonight is because the babies weren't feeling very well...especially Louisa. I'm afraid the real reason is that our babies are on the move and they don't exactly like to sit still! We'll try to get some more pictures this weekend and hopefully Louisa's cold will go away quickly.

1 more month until Reid & Louisa's big birthday!! Wow. That seems CRAZY!! This year has flown by, but it's been a blast!

New Stuff and New Pics

2008-10-12T23:17:00.005-04:00

Change, change, change...so much change going on! Here are a few of the new things Reid & Louisa are doing:

Reid has a new "Monster" voice
Louisa can now wave and clap
We need a translator if anyone speaks "Twin-ese!" Reid and Louisa have become much more vocal with each other, often going back and forth. The other night they were in their high chairs and the conversation went like this:

R: "Ma-ma" L: "Da-da" R: "Ma-ma" L: "Da-da"

They went on like this for quite some time. Too cute!

Reid & Louisa also love to "get" each other. This can be just catching the other one's eye, smiling, patting on the other one, or pulling the other one over...it's all fun to them! It is so precious to hear them squeal with excitement just to be around each other.
Time to move the crib mattresses down! It's pretty normal now to go into R&L's room and find them standing in their cribs...usually at the ends that face each other :) They always have to know where the other one is!
After almost 11 months you would think Mommy could change a diaper without letting her little guy sprinkle all over, right?!? Apparently not!! Yes, Reid went all over himself and the mantle the other night. I was in such shock because it hadn't happened in so long that I just stood there forgetting to cover "it" up. Ooops!

On the move!!

2008-10-08T00:18:00.006-04:00

Seriously, time is flying and my babies are growing up before my very eyes! 2 weeks ago Reid cut his top 2 teeth and has another top tooth almost through, last week Louisa cut 1 (the other is coming). 2 weeks ago Louisa started crawling, last week, Reid decided to join her. Over the last few days, both babies have started pulling up on EVERYTHING…the couch, their toys, the toy basket, each other (this one doesn’t usually yield the end result they were going for and somebody usually gets hurt!)

So, last night we got out the video camera because Reid and Louisa were being so cute playing together and standing up to their toy when Louisa just decided to let go and stand completely on her own for a good 15-20 seconds!! We couldn’t believe it. If that wasn’t enough for one night, a few minutes later she turned from the toy she was playing with, let go with one hand so she could reach the couch, then proceeded to “cruise” all the way down the couch!! And let me say that she was quite pleased with herself the whole way! It appears as though our babies are not going to be happy sitting on their bottoms from here on out because last night and today they have only been happy when standing. My first thought is, “My babies are growing up so fast!! Can they really be almost a year old?!?” My second thought is “How am I going to get a good picture of them now?!? They are never going to sit or stand still now!!”

As hard as I am trying to hold on to my babies and keep them that way, I am failing miserably!! So, I guess I just need to sit back and watch and enjoy them growing up…even if it is all happening WAY TOO FAST!! With each new little thing that they are doing, I am counting our blessings. We are so incredibly blessed with two healthy, happy babies. My heart is so full with all of the joy that Reid and Louisa bring daily!

By the way, October officially marks the 1 year anniversary of when I started the blog. Take a look back at how different things were a year ago! October 2007 By the way, we were TOTALLY wrong about who we thought Reid & Louisa would look like!

Louisa on her way to the kitchen (talking the whole way). Crawl a few steps...

Then rest!!
Reid loves his football!
Our sweet girl crawling
Our sweet boy crawling

Having fun togetherSo happy and so excited.

Louisa exhausted after her evening of activity!

A big week!

2008-09-27T22:53:00.005-04:00

Reid's top two teeth came through (Louisa's won't be too far behind) and Louisa started crawling! We were in the kitchen tonight and looked toward the den to see this tiny little princess peeking around the corner of the couch at us. She is so proud of herself! For the most part, Reid is still moving backwards and can get where he wants to go this way, but every once in a while, he'll go a step or two forward. He has figured out how to go from his tummy to sitting up (he kinda backs into a sitting position). This afternoon Reid was going towards Louisa and when she realized, she started squealing and trying to get away from him. It is soooooo precious to see them playing together and get so excited about being with each other. Both babies are trying to pull up on anything they can reach. I think we're getting ready to have to do some serious baby proofing in our house!

Here are a couple of silly pictures...

Reid thinks it's funny when his shirt is on his head

A girl and her puppy dog...I made two spots on the floor for the babies while I was getting their bottles ready. Reid decided he would rather play, so I moved him. When I came back Maggie had taken his spot beside Louisa!

Our House...Divided

2008-09-20T22:11:00.005-04:00

For now Craig and I have agreed that Reid will help Daddy pull for the Gamecocks and Louisa will help Mommy pull for the Tigers. Who knows what will happen when they can choose on their own!

Louisa so proud of herself standing up!

Catch a tiger by it's tail...
Reid on the move. He figured out this week how to go from tummy to sitting up!

I took these on Jan 3rd...compare the next 2 pics and look how much smaller the bears look now!!

Happy 10 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-09-16T23:11:00.004-04:00

I know, I know...I say it every month. But seriously, can you believe the babies are 10 months old today?? I can't believe in 2 short months they will turn a year old! Whoever pushed the fast forward button on the last 10 months...STEP AWAY FROM THE BUTTON!! Each new stage is so much fun and we are trying to document as much as we can with video and still pictures because I don't want to forget ANY of it! Reid and Louisa continue to bless our lives each and every day...whether it's through Reid's soft "pat-pat" on your leg or Louisa's sweet little smile and "purr"...I can't imagine life without my two angels!! You two bring Mommy and Daddy so much joy!

Okay, Mommy is once again turning to mush and it's late, so here are a few pictures for tonight and I'll try to get some more up in the next few days.

Some fun pics...

2008-08-26T22:15:00.008-04:00

Wearing our overalls with our puppy dogs in our pockets...so cute!

Don't let the word "Precious" on Louisa's paci fool you...notice the blue paci in her hand and also notice the smile behind her paci!! Stealing Reid's paci is one of Louisa's favorite games!
Look at that pretty baby in the mirror!

Enjoying our peas!!

Growing, Growing, Growing!!

2008-08-20T23:16:00.004-04:00

Reid and Louisa went for their 9 month check up today. Reid weighed 16 lbs 10 oz and was 25 3/8." Louisa weighed 12 lbs 2 oz and was 23 5/8" long...4 1/2 lbs difference between them!! The doctor thought that both were doing great and we don't have to go back until their 1 year check up! The longest we've been without going to the doctor is 6 weeks...we won't know what to do waiting until their birthday to go back! What a blessing and what a miracle that both Reid and Louisa are doing so remarkably well.

Happy 9 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-08-16T22:57:00.005-04:00

What's New with Reid & Louisa...

2008-08-06T07:55:00.007-04:00

Lots of new things going on!! Reid and Louisa are both becoming much more vocal. Reid makes a lot of sounds that sound like babababababa and my favorite...mamamamama!! Louisa wanted to make Daddy happy so she started out with more of a dadadadada sound. Both are absolutely adorable! Louisa is doing a crazy crawling/scooting type of motion...I don't really think it qualifies for crawling yet...she kind of scoots on her face/shoulder while on her toes and twisting her body sideways. So, it's not a traditional form of crawling, but it gets her where she wants to go. We definitely have to be careful where we leave her now because she will NOT be in the same spot when we come back. I think Reid knows his sister will roll/scoot and bring him toys so he's not very motivated yet!

Last weekend we went to Fort Mill for Alex's 6th Birthday party. Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

This is one of Reid's favorite silly faces...we call it the "old man"
So Happy!!!

Louisa loves her cousin Emma Catherine!
Louisa's funny face is because this is right before she started "talking." She was practicing the talking motion with her mouth, but no sound was coming out. She kept doing it over and over until she was out of breath...she finally got the sound to come out with the motion :)

Reid Louisa and Ava...everybody doing their own favorite motion
Future musician???
"Oh My!"

The Birthday Boy enjoying pizza with friends at his Pirate Pool Party.Reid enjoying floating in the pool
Aunt Malissa, Ava, Reid, Mommy and Louisa
Louisa enjoying her first pizza crust!

Happpy 8 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-07-16T16:45:00.003-04:00

Cute

2008-07-09T10:20:00.004-04:00

Some recent pictures of Reid & Louisa in the front yard. I know all of the pictures aren't perfect smiles, but I thought they were cute and I wanted to you to see the crazy faces that I capture when trying to get two babies to smile at the same time...you never know what you're going to get! Reid was "talking" and trying out his new voice which is why he has such a funny face in several of these. He also had a special hair do this day! (If you click on the picture below, it will take you to the Picasa website and will make the slideshow bigger and easier to see)

Our First Beach Trip

2008-07-05T17:26:00.021-04:00

FINALLY!! After sorting through the 600 pictures that I took (in 4 days) I finally picked some of my favorites to post...I might come back and add more later because there were too many that I wanted to share but I at least wanted to get these posted. Here you go...

Beach naps are the best...

Louisa napping with Daddy

Cousins Benjamin and Abigail enjoyed their beach nap too...

Cousin Andrew
All the cousins want to help Reid play

Not sure who is getting who?!?

Malissa and Ava

Alex

Emma Catherine

Louisa and Mommy Grammy and Poppy with Reid & Louisa
Hanging out at Harbor TownUncle Craig & Ava
The girls Grammy and Louisa
Poppy and Reid
Alex, Christina, Benjamin, Steve and Abigail Christina & Abigail
Mommy & Louisa
Louisa talking to Poppy

A few last pictures before going home...

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-04T16:40:00.003-04:00

We're celebrating the 4th at home today with two sick babies :( They are both fighting bad colds as you can probably see from their red eyes. Even though they are sick and obviously don't feel well, they still have plenty of smiles for us!

Reid & Louisa went for a weigh-in this week at the doctor's office. Reid "Big Boy" Harrison weighed 15 lbs 8 oz and Louisa was 10 lbs 12 oz...she finally hit double digits at 7 1/2 months!! They are both doing great and are doing new things all the time. Louisa is now rolling from her back to her stomach and Reid is almost there, but not quite! They are both doing great at sitting up...Reid's wider base helps him to be a little more stable than his petite sister :) Giggles and smiles are constant. They are very interested in everything around them...watching very carefully when somebody is talking or moving. Their new game is to steal the other one's paci. Louisa is doing a really cute head tilt thing when she looks at us...she was even imitating me this week when I tilted my head from one side to the other. Reid likes to get everyone's attention with his fake cough (even Louisa's). And it is too cute when one baby is in the jumparoo and one is in the exersaucer and they smile and squeal at each other.

We took a visit back to the NICU last week for a check up and developmental clinic where they were evaluated by speech and occupational therapist and a neonatologist. Reid and Louisa both received great evaluations and were even ahead of where they should be (considering they were 7 weeks early) in several areas. When we got home and put them in their cribs we both had a huge feeling of thankfulness for our 2 precious blessings. We are so blessed to have such healthy babies...especially considering how fragile they were when they were born. It was wonderful to see Reid and Louisa's "NICU mommies." I can't even begin to describe the feeling of gratefulness that I have for those precious nurses and doctors who cared for our babies. What an amazing talent and gift these nurses and doctors have and what an amazing gift they have given us! I am SOOOOOOO thankful for that precious little giggle that I hear behind me right now as I type this post.

I'm way behind on my posts. We went to Hilton Head for the first time last month and the babies had a blast. Hopefully I will get those pictures up soon...you can only imagine how cute the babies were in their bathing suits!

Happy 7 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-06-16T23:59:00.004-04:00

Louisa celebrated her 7 month birthday by cutting her 2nd tooth!! Reid celebrated quite loudly with his new inflection-filled play voice (squeal!!)!! Reid and Louisa are REALLY starting to interact with each other which is absolutely adorable to watch!! Sometimes it's just a smile when they catch the other's eye, sometimes that turns into a squeal or giggle, sometimes it's reaching out and grabbing the other one or putting fingers in their mouth (eye, nose, ears or really anywhere!). It really is so much fun to watch as they grow and as they start to notice each other.

I looked back today (like I do every month on the 16th!) at the pictures from Reid & Louisa's birthday and I am so amazed at how far they have come. They were both sooooo tiny and fragile. The last 7 months have been so great. Our babies are such a precious gift...even though my typical comment to people is that I would like to shrink wrap Reid & Louisa, I really can't wait to see what the next 7 months have in store as we see their personalities develop even more!

Lots of Firsts!!

2008-06-13T15:23:00.014-04:00

Reid and Louisa have had lots of firsts lately...first time eating cereal, first time sitting up, first time in their exersaucer and jumparoo, and Louisa got her first tooth this week!!

Both babies are doing great. They continue to amaze us with how quickly they are growing up. Each have a personality that is bigger than they are! Speaking of size, we went to the doctor a few weeks ago (the babies were 6 1/2 months old)and Reid weighed 14 lbs, was 23 3/4" He finally hit the growth curve!! Yeah!! Louisa only weighed 9 lbs 8 oz, and she was 22" long. We're adjusting Louisa's feedings so that she gets some extra calories.

Belated Mother's Day Post...

2008-05-28T15:42:00.009-04:00

We went to Carrie's parents house for Mother's Day and spent Sunday afternoon on the farm with my parents. As the pictures show, everyone had a great time...

Mommy and her babies!

Aunt Tina and the twins doing a "sandwich!"

Mommy and Grammy loving babies.

Grammy receiving gifts.

Everyone wanted a photo with Louisa and Reid!

We love you Mommy!

Both sets of twins with Alex and Aunt Tina.

Matthew getting a little sugar!

Ava and Grammy.

TROUBLE!!!

Mimi and the babies!

Mimi and PawPaw holding Reid and Louisa.

Mimi loving on Louisa.

Louisa cheesing at Mimi.

Reid thinks PawPaw is funny!

Emma Catherine and Reid.

Pretty girls!

Abigail and Reid.

Abigail worried about Louisa!

Abigail making Louisa feel better...too sweet!

Happy 6 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-05-21T14:51:00.007-04:00

I'm a few days late posting this (would you believe me if I said things are busy around our house??)...the babies turned 6 months old on Friday!! Each milestone is a reminder to me of how truly blessed we all are to have Reid and Louisa in our lives. The last 6 months have flown by...my babies are growing up WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY to fast! Each day seems to bring something new. They are rolling over and working on sitting up...they can sit up for 15-20 seconds before they wobble over so it won't be long before they are sitting up on their own! Here are some pictures taken of our cuties on their 6 month birthday...

Look at our pretty eyes...

Do these 2 look like they are up to something or what?!?

Happy GirlSo excited! Too bad you can't hear the squeal that went with this picture!
Happy Reid

Sweet Boy

This hand is my hand...This hand is your hand...

A visit to the Coast...

2008-05-07T19:07:00.012-04:00

A few weekends ago we packed the twins up and travelled to St. Marys to visit my extended family. We stayed with my Aunt KB and Uncle Gregg and had a BLAST! Even though we got in late Friday evening it did not keep us from staying up late loving on the babies.

Saturday afternoon we took the babies to my Grandparents and introduced the babies to Aunt Ethel, Aunt Ruby, Aunt Rita, Uncle Jeff and Marci. It was a really great time and we look forward to getting back.

Most importantly the photos of the visit...

Aunt Ethel and Louisa.

Grammie's "oooooh" at Louisa.

Aunt Ethel, Reid, Grammie Jean and Louisa.

Louisa enjoying her Great Grandma!

Reid and Grammie.

Papa and Reid having a good time!

Louisa and Papa having fun.

Shortie!

I believe Papa and Grammie could of stayed this way all day!

That's a proud Papa!

Good times!

One happy baby girl!

Reid and Aunt Lo.

Marci and Aunt Rita loving on the babies.

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Aunt KB and the babies.

Getting some sugar!

Blue eyes!

Louisa's best buddy, Zach.

Saturday Morning...

2008-05-05T00:06:00.003-04:00

...Craig was entertaining Reid & Louisa in our bed and of course Maggie wanted some attention too. So...I helped her up on the bed and she oh-so-carefully layed in between Reid & Louisa. Maggie then promptly rolled over and snuggled up to Reid!! Looks like they will definitely be great friends and Saturday morning cuddle buddies! Look at how Reid is rubbing Maggie's belly...

Growing, Growing, Growing!!

2008-04-24T23:02:00.006-04:00

I was quite surprised on Wednesday when Louisa weighed 9 lbs!! Reid weighed 12 lbs 6 oz, so they both gained 1 lb 5 oz in about a month. The doctor thought they both looked great...they both showed off their smiles for her :) She is a little concerned that they haven't had as much catch up growth as they like premies to have. Their growth is steady, but on the growth chart the are following along parellel to the growth curve. They would like for them to be getting closer to the curve. No plan of action yet, just to keep them both on the polycose (it adds calories). Last week we switched Reid from Zantac to Prevacid for his reflux and it has made a HUGE difference in him. We are hopeful that as he feels better he will begin to eat a little more. Unfortunately, the pink eye is still lingering : (

Pink Eye!!

2008-04-22T23:29:00.005-04:00

I don't think pink eye could ever be fun, but especially not with 5 month old twins! Yes, BOTH babies contracted pink eye! They caught it last Wednesday (it started showing on Thursday) and we have been fighting it with drops since then. So far, Craig and I have managed to avoid catching it(as well as my parents who were here this weekend). Reid has only kept it in one eye, as of tonight, Louisa now has it in both eyes. It is SOOOOOOO frustrating, not to mention it's just sad to look at their pitiful little eyes all red and gunky! We're praying that it will clear up quickly and that we can keep from passing it through the family again.

Tomorrow we take the babies for their 5 month check -up :) We are hopeful that they have both put on a good bit of weight...stay tuned!

Happy 5 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-04-17T00:05:00.011-04:00

5 months already!! We can't believe it either! Reid and Louisa are growing up so fast! They both love to giggle and are REALLY enjoying their play mat...they like to talk to the bugs that hang from the arches. It gets a little loud when they are on separate mats because they like to talk back and forth...it sounds like they are having a competition to see who can be the loudest. They really are so much fun right now as they are figuring out new things they can do. They go back to the doctor next Wednesday so we can see how big they are. You can see how big they are getting from the pictures above...I don't think they'll be able to fit in the swing together very much longer!

Out and About...at last!!!

2008-04-10T23:15:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago our doctors FINALLY said it’s okay for Reid and Louisa to get out and about…YEAH!!! Sooooooooo...here’s a little about what we’ve been up to.

The week of March 3rd, Craig was sick all week so he mostly stayed upstairs so that he didn’t get the babies (or me) sick. It made for a long week for all of us…Craig because he was sick and it was hard for him to stay away from Reid & Louisa for that long and it was long for me because I didn’t have Craig to help me with the babies which is a lot to do! That weekend Craig had to work all weekend, so I packed up the babies and went to Fort Mill to get some help with the babies and to visit my Mom & Dad (aka Grammy and Poppy), and my sister her family (Aunt “Tina”, Uncle Steve, Alex, Abigail and Benjamin). The babies did great…they slept almost the whole way there. Everyone had a great time. It was great for Reid and Louisa to finally be around their cousins. Abigail was especially interested in the babies as one of her favorite things right now is taking care of her baby dolls. Benjamin was a great helper and kept bringing us blankets to cover up the babies. I think Alex also enjoyed getting to see his cousins…he got to hold both Reid and Louisa. This was the first time that I had been out of the house since October when I got put on bed rest so it was great for me to get out and visit my family.

The weekend of March 15th we stayed home but on Saturday we had several visitors. Papa, Grammie, Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Mike came up from Saint Mary’s and Aunt Jamie came from Missouri. Grammie and Papa were able to see Reid and Louisa when they were in the NICU, but this was the first time that they were able to hold them. Reid and Louisa were of course on their best behavior and showed off their precious smiles to everyone!

Easter weekend we were back in Fort Mill…this was our first family trip with the 4 of us. This was also the first time that my whole family had been together since October…of course our group has increased by 3 since then. The adults are now outnumbered…there are 8 adults and 9 children (ages 6 and under!). It was a bit loud at times, but so much fun to see all of the cousins together. This was the first time Malissa and Brad & their crew were able to hold Reid and Louisa and it was also the first time that Craig was able to see/hold Ava. Emma Catherine, Matthew and Andrew all seemed excited to see “Weed and A-weesa!” Our first Easter with Reid and Louisa was also their first time going to church…what a special day! Grammy and Poppy (my mom & dad) were happy to have all 17 of us together at church…we managed to get a really good picture of all of us!

The next weekend we were at home but we did venture out on Saturday for a ride over to Craig’s parents house…another first for Reid & Louisa. They had some special friends visiting from Saint Mary’s – Jeff & Rosa Lee. We love for people to finally be able to meet Reid & Louisa!
This past weekend was FINALLY our first Sunday back at our church!! YEAH!! It was great to finally see all of our friends and introduce them to Reid & Louisa. We are proud parents and were so glad to finally be able to show them off! I think we may have slightly distracted the class (sorry, David!) because it was during the middle of Reid & Louisa’s awake time. Louisa wanted to smile and squeal the whole time and Reid wasn’t very happy because he wasn’t getting his normal play time. We’re going to have to figure out a way to be a little less distracting in class if we are going to be welcome there! It is exciting to us that Reid and Louisa already have so many “friends” around the same age as them because so many of our friends have had babies lately. It will be fun to see them all together as they get bigger.

4 month check up

2008-03-26T15:28:00.010-04:00

With our Easter Baskets...

4 months old!
With our Daddy...
What a cutie!!
Reid & Louisa with Cousin Ava
We took the babies for their 4 month check up Wednesday. Louisa is now up to 7 lbs 11 oz and is 20 1/4" long. Reid weighed 11 lbs 1 oz and is 22 1/2" The doctor was really pleased with Louisa for gaining a whole pound in the last month. Reid didn't grow quite as much so we are going to have to work on that a little for next month! Dr. Drake was "very impressed" with both Reid and Louisa developmentally...holding up their heads, "standing up," reaching for toys, etc. R&L both got 4 shots, a heel prick(to test their hemoglobin), and some medicine to take by mouth...this was not fun for any of us! Reid has been having some mild reflux, so he will be getting some Zantac to hopefully help with that. The medicine smells awful and by the look on Reid's face, it tastes awful too. He REALLY doesn't like it all...we're hoping that somehow he will take the medicine a little better.

Happy 4 Month Birthday, Babies!!

2008-03-16T21:37:00.006-04:00

Can you believe it?? 4 months old! When I think about how much our lives have changed in the last 4 months I am amazed. I am constantly amazed at the amount of love that I have for our two precious babies. I can't imagine loving them any more than I do...I'm not sure that it would be possible! Reid and Louisa have forever changed our lives and our hearts for the better. Looking back to the 3 1/2 weeks that they spent in the NICU, we are so extremely blessed to have our children and their health. So many other babies stay in the NICU for much, much longer and come home with different challenges. Our babies are completely healthy and besides Louisa being small, you would never know that they were born 7 weeks early. Everyone that we talk to about our babies seems to have the same comment, "You are so blessed" and they are sooooo right! With each little smile, coo and even the cries, we are constantly reminded that we are so blessed! The last 4 months have been such a blessing to watch Reid and Louisa change and grow. We are so excited to see what the next few months have in store for us! We are truly blessed each and every day to have our two beautiful children!

I thought I would share some things about each of the babies...

Reid

Likes chewing on his hands
Likes laying on Daddy's chest and putting his hand up to touch his goatee
Imitates us when we stick out our tongues...he thinks this is really fun
Has the sweetest smiles...always gentle and calm
As I'm writing this, Reid just giggled for the first time!

Louisa

Giggled for the first time yesterday! So cute and she was absolutely thrilled with herself! Louisa's voice has gotten bigger this week. She's really trying it out to see what she can say/do.
Also likes chewing on her hands
Likes to watch the lights on the TV
Might be little, but nothing she does is little! When she smiles, she does it with her whole body / face...she could make anybody smile!

Reid and Louisa have started noticing each other more. We try to sit them in front of each other often. This week they were smiling at each other :) It was so precious! Both babies have started batting at their toys and are more intrigued by them. The weekends are everybody's favorite because Mommy gets to spend 2 whole days with the babies!!

I know, all these words and no pictures. Sorry! I'll get some new pics up this week.

A couple of cuties...

2008-03-12T06:57:00.003-04:00

The Latest with Reid & Louisa

2008-03-02T21:16:00.007-05:00

Reid & Louisa got to go visit Dr. Drake this week for their check up. At 14 1/2 weeks, Reid weighed 10 lbs 4 oz and Louisa weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. Reid is almost on the growth curve for a normal term baby while Louisa is still a good bit away from reaching the curve. Soooo...we're still adding polycose to Louisa's bottles which gives her extra calories so hopefully she can catch up to her big brother. Louisa is finally outgrowing her preemie clothes and at 15 weeks old, she has graduated to newborn size! Reid has been in newborn for a while and is almost in 0-3 month size. I'm glad they are both in the same size at least for a little while so they can wear their matching outfits!

What else are Reid & Louisa up to?? Both of them give us smiles constantly! There is nothing like their sweet little smiles to brighten your day! I think Louisa is already learning how to use her smile to wrap Mommy & Daddy around her little finger! If we aren't looking at her, Louisa will coo to get our attention then as soon as we look at her she cuts her eyes and flashes a huge smile. She really is just too cute! Reid's smiles are just so sweet and gentle...he just melts my heart every time he smiles at me.

Reid and Louisa are both enjoying "playing" more. They have a play mat with lights and toys that hang over it...Reid is starting to find his "play" voice (lots of inflection and squeals) so he lets us know when he is having fun on the mat. Louisa doesn't always enjoy the play mat, but she does seem to enjoy their "Bobbin' Kickin' Bear." They lay under the toy and when they kick the ball, it makes the bear's face move/light up and music plays. Both Reid and Louisa are starting to bat at toys hanging above them and even grabbing at them.

Louisa loves to stand up tall on our legs...she looks around with her eyes open wide and starts to pant when she gets excited. Reid also likes to stand up on our legs. When Reid stands up, he likes to tap one foot...Daddy says he is keeping the beat and maybe he'll be a drummer one day!

Here are some pics...hope they brighten your day!

2008-02-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

What's In a Name??

2008-02-19T16:57:00.005-05:00

So much thought goes into naming babies. One of the books that we looked at when thinking of names for our babies had 100,000 names in it. Seriously, do you think all 100,000 of those names are actually a real person’s name? Anyway, I thought I would explain the background behind Reid and Louisa’s names and tell you a few of the nicknames they have acquired.

Kenneth “Reid” Harrison – Kenneth is Craig’s grandfather’s name, so Craig has always wanted to name his little boy after Papa. Reid just happened to be a name that we came across in the huge name book that we liked.

Louisa Claire Harrison – My grandmother’s name and my Mom’s middle name is Louise. I was extremely close to my grandmother (we shared the same birthday), so I have always wanted to name my little girl after her. I had a friend named Claire growing up and I have always loved the name.

Reid and Louisa have acquired many, many nicknames in their 3 short months of life. I thought I would list a few…

Reid
"Reid-Muffin" or "Reider Muffin" or sometimes just "Muffin"– He’s just so darn cute and huggable…you just want to eat him!
"Cuddly Bear" – Again, he’s so huggable and cuddly!
"Stinky" – Wow, is he a boy!
"Billy Goat" – Reid does a great billy goat impression with some of the noises he makes
"Brother" / "Bubby"

Louisa
"Little Bo Peep" – She likes to “peep” at you with her eyes just barely open, it seems that at night she sometimes loses her sheep and has nothing to count!
"Angel" – Because when she’s sleeping she looks like an absolute angel in complete peace
"Weesie"
"Sister" / "Sissy"
"Precious"
"Doodle" or "Doodlebug" - Because Jane calls me "Doodle" and we think it also fits Louisa!

I'm sure there will be many more nicknames to come over the years!

Now, because I think posts are always better with pictures...

Our Littlest Valentine!

One of Louisa's new silly faces...I think she was trying out a closed mouth smile
Reid deep in thought
Reid always has "Lots of Love" to share with us!

Happy 3 Month Birthday, Babies!

2008-02-16T23:41:00.006-05:00

3 months old!! The time seems to have gone so quickly, yet I can hardly remember what life was like before we had Reid and Louisa. The last 3 months have been filled with so many different experiences and emotions. I think I can speak for Craig too when I say that our hearts and our lives are truly full. For me, being Reid and Louisa's Mom is such a privilege and honor. Our days are busy and there is always a lot to do, but I absolutely love being Mommy!

More Pics

2008-02-08T00:58:00.000-05:00

Sleeping Angel...

Serious Reid
Smiling Reid
Sleepy Reid

Smiles Captured

2008-02-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

New pictures of Louisa smiling...they were all so cute that I had a hard time deciding which ones to post...

Daddy and Reid enjoying the new recliner :)

Mommy and her precious babies
Cutie Reid

Rough day at the doctor

2008-01-31T00:33:00.000-05:00

It was a rough day at the doctor's office today! Reid and Louisa each got 5 shots today. Watching Reid get shots was hard enough, then we had to do it all over again with Louisa. It was not pretty, but we made it through.

Now for the weigh-in information...Reid weighed 9 lbs 3 oz and is 20 1/2" Louisa weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and is 18 3/4" The doctor thought they looked great and are doing really well. Only about another month in quarantine until RSV season is over and we can get out a little bit with them!

Both Reid and Louisa are consistently giving us smiles and making cooing noises at us...it is too sweet and makes my day all over again every single time they do it! I managed to capture Reid's smile in the picture I'm posting today. I'll have to try again to capture Louisa's pretty smile...stay tuned!

Our Sweet, Growing Babies!

2008-01-23T04:29:00.000-05:00

I think these pictures of Reid and Louisa would melt any mother's heart! When I look at these I pray that they will always remain this close to each other sharing their special twin bond.

Reid & Louisa enjoying their swing

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Louisa Claire

Snug as a bug in a rug! Both of our babies love to be swadled

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Reid

Sweet Boy

I think Reid was tired of the photo shoot at this point!

Overdue post

2008-01-22T04:53:00.001-05:00

Wow, things seem to have gotten really busy at our house! Craig has mostly been out of the house the last few weeks working so I've been at home alone with the babies during the day, treasuring every minute with them! I have even ventured out to the doctor twice with Reid and Louisa (on my own...no help!) It is quite a lot to handle, but in a way, kind of a fun experience and I guess a sense of accomplishment that I can do it! It really made me wish that I could take them out for fun and to show them off to everyone, but both times we went straight to the doctor and straight home...no stopping to talk to anyone : ( We still have at least a month and a half before RSV season is over and we can even think about going anywhere besides the doctors office. The threat of RSV became a little more real to me yesterday when my friend told me her little girl has RSV!

As for the doctor's visits...on 1/9 Reid weighed 7 lb 14 oz and Louisa hit the 5 lb mark! We went back on 1/18 and Reid was up to 8 lb 10 oz and Louisa was 5 lb 7 oz. Both are getting so big and their appearance is really changing...especially Louisa. Her face is really filling in. It's amazing to look back at the pictures when she was born...she was so tiny and fragile. We are so blessed that both babies are growing and healthy!

I've been thinking for a few days that both babies were on the verge of smiling at me (non-gas induced smiling!) and yesterday I definitely got several smiles from Louisa. It made my day! She was so cute...each time she kind of wrinkled up her nose then had a big smile. Reid gave me a smile last night too...he is much more relaxed about it while Louisa was a little dramatic, making sure that I saw her. I pretty much think that's going to be the way it is with everything with these two! Hopefully in the next few days I can capture the smiling on video.

Last Wednesday (January 16th) was a special day for two reasons. First, it was the babies 2 month birthday! Hard to believe it's been 2 months already! It really doesn't seem like that long...I guess because the first 3 1/2 weeks are hard to count since they weren't at home with us. Anyway the 2nd reason the 16th was special is that after much anticipation of whether cousin #9 would be a girl or a boy, Miss Ava Caroline Brown was born!! Unfortunately I've only seen a picture of her since we can't go visit, but she is absolutely beautiful with a head full of dark hair. Ava weighed 7 lb 11 oz (bigger than both of our babies at 9 weeks!). I think Emma Catherine (6)is probably one of the most excited that she has a little sister. Matthew (4) told Malissa, "I wanted a boy, you Silly!" but of course he continues to be the sweet, caring older brother telling Ava, "It's okay, Matthew is here!" So sweet! I think Andrew (2) is warming up to the idea of his little sister, but I'm not sure it has hit him that he's not the baby anymore. I can't wait for Reid and Louisa to meet ALL of their cousins - Malissa's crew and Christina's crew ( (Alex (5), Abigail and Benjamin (17 months)) and get a picture of them all together! I think when they get bigger it will be neat to see Reid and Louisa with their older twin cousins.

Speaking of pictures, I have taken quite a few pictures lately and will get some posted in the next few days.

The House Divided

2008-01-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

From the time that we found out we were having twins one of our big discussions was "How do we raise our kids...as Tigers or Gamecocks?" Well, so far we have decided that Louisa will follow Mommy and cheer for the Tigers and Reid will support Daddy and pull for the Gamecocks. Who knows how long this will really last...they will probably end up either switching or deciding to cheer for a completely different team!

I'd like to pretend that Reid is just being sweet to his sister, but in reality he was just getting hungry and Louisa's head was the closest thing to his mouth!

Our sweet sleeping angels!

Weekly Weigh-In

2007-12-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

Our babies are growing up before our very eyes! No, seriously...they really are! We went to the pediatrician yesterday and Reid weighed 7 lb 2 oz...he gained 11 ounces in one week! Louisa weighed 4 lb 8 oz...she gained 8 ounces in a week! The doctor was impressed with their weight gain, thought they looked great and said to just keep up what they are doing. We'll go back again in 2 weeks for the next weigh-in. We'll keep you posted!

It's crazy to think that today I should be 39 weeks pregnant yet tomorrow the babies will be 6 weeks old! When the doctors told us that the babies were going to be delivered on November 16th all I could think was, "It's way too early, it's way too early!" Now I can't imagine the last 6 weeks without our precious Reid and Louisa! We are so blessed to have these two healthy, beautiful babies!