Sweet Big Brother

Lucy and Reid are very much at the "mine" stage of toddlerhood. They steal each others things, bicker over toys and hit/bite at the drop of a hat. Several times in the last week or so I have "caught" Hampton trying to help Lucy and Reid "work out their differences." In the sweetest voice he can find, he gently says, "Guys, my Bible verse tells us to be kind to each other." It doesn't stop the arguing, but it sure melts my heart.

My Boys

I fully realize that I am a blog-slacker! Our world is a bit crazy right now and I can't seem to find time to catch up. Here is just a story I do not want to forget.

Yesterday as we were leaving to meet Julee and Carolina for lunch I opened the garage door and let the boys walk down the driveway while I buckled Lucy. As I reminded them to stay out of the street, I saw Hampton run in front of Reid to make sure he was safe. When I got Lucy buckled, I shouted for the boys to come get in the car. They were down the sidewalk a bit and I saw Hampton take Reid by the hand (at first, then by the wrist b/c Reid wanted to walk the other way) and lead him back to the car. I heard Hampton saying, "Reid, Mommy said to get in the car. We need to obey." As we were driving, the following conversation took place:

"Hampton I am so proud of you for protecting Reid and helping him make a good choice to obey."

"I was kinda like a super hero?"

"Yes you were. You protected your little brother."

"Why did I protect Reid?"

"Because you love him."

"Yeah, I do."

Do you think she likes her brother?

Lucy thinks Hampton hung the moon. She lights up when he is around and is always throughly entertained by his silliness. I love watching their relationship. Reid tends to observe Hampton and doesn't seem as entertained. I'm sure he's learning how to be a big boy. :)

11 Weeks

I can't believe it was 11 weeks ago that Lucy and Reid joined our family. They are such a blessing and I can't imagine life without them. I have noticed that Lucy develops socially about a week before Reid, but Reid is much stronger than Lucy. They have both started smiling in response to attention. And in the past few days Reid has joined Lucy in trying to "talk." They most definitely have their own personalities already. I'm not sure I would have realized how much personality shows this early if I weren't observing two at a time. Lucy is very laid back about everything. When she gets hungry, she works her binky like crazy, but rarely cries about it. Reid on the other hand...he is like clock work. Exactly 3 hours after he eats, he usually erupts as if we have totally forgotten about him and he will never eat again. As different as they are, I am so, so thankful that they are completely their own little people. I was thinking tonight, as I watched Hampton hitting the baseball, that I want to make sure that my children know that I love them for exactly who God has created them to be. They are all very different, and they are all mine...(at least for a little while). What a responsibility the Lord has given us.

They are my joy and crown.

Thank you, Lord for my children!!!

Here are a few pictures from the last week or so...Meeting G'ma

Hangin' with Pops

Hampton absolute LOVES feeding the horses with Pops!

Reid makes this face quite frequently. The other day Hampton said, "Mommy, Reid is so worried."

Tired? Sure

Madly in love? Absolutely!!!

4 weeks

I can't believe Lucy and Reid are 4 weeks old today and I have only posted 2 times since they were born! We are doing really well adjusting to our new life and the twins are doing great. We have had a few days alone, but have had tons of help over the past 4 weeks. For the most part, the babies sleep and eat. We often laugh at Lucy because she grunts all the time. She seems to have a little but of a tummy problem...lots of gas and trouble going to the bathroom. They are both starting to nurse well, but we still "top them off" with a bottle. They usually eat between 3 and 4 ounces. Hampton loves "his babies" and tells everyone they are his buddies. Last week he told Ms Pat, his MDO teacher, that he had a buddy night with Reid and Daddy...Ben took Reid in to put Hampton to bed and say their prayers. He is such a proud big brother and loves giving kisses. He often refers to Lucy as "Wucy Wou" or "Wucy Girl". I'm sure by now you can tell that my thoughts are pretty scattered, so I'll just get to the pictures.

Sweet Lucy Girl

"Reider Rabbit"

Best Buddies

Such a proud and helpful big brother!

A look at life with 2 little ones...

Keep those germs away!

What In the World

On more than one occasion over the last several days, Hampton has said...

"I take Wucy and put her in da potty and fush it and her go bye bye and den we onwy have one baby."

It's always sweet Lucy who gets flushed...poor thing.

Well...

I kept thinking I would get around to posting the birth story pretty quickly after our return from the hospital. But let me tell you, this nursing thing has me whipped. I remember with Hampton always wondering if I was doing it right and if he was getting enough to eat, but I thought that would be better with my second (and third) child. I was wrong...it may be worse. I nursed Hampton for 11 months and had to use the shield the whole time. I am determined not to use that silly thing again. I think the babies are doing great, but I just wonder if they are eating enough. They are so tiny. Lucy latches just fine, but she doesn't eat as much as Reid and can be finished in less than 15 minutes. Reid on the other hand, pulls off about 100 times during his 45+ minute feeding. And to make the feeding even longer, he wants more as soon as he's finished, rooting like crazy. I am learning that I have to remind myself that they are two separate babies and they aren't going to do everything the same. Lucy is just going to be smaller than her brother and she may not need as much food.

Aside from those common new mommy worries, we are doing great. Recovery wise, I feel like a million bucks, but I don't think I've ever been this TIRED! Ben is such an amazing Daddy to all of us! I love him more and more as I watch him intentionally parent our children to know and love the Lord. He has offered more help than I expected him to and has not hesitated to care for the twins no matter what time of night they need him. I LOVE YOU BEN!!!

PROUD DADDY

Ben's mom has been here since the babies were born and she has been a LIFESAVER!!! She has fed bottles in the middle of the night (btw, at night I wake up and pump and then give the babies bottles...much faster than trying to nurse), gotten up and played with Hampton every morning, washed seemingly 100 loads of laundry, cooked some yummy meals and 2 fantastic pies and even sent Ben and me to lunch by ourselves. I don't think we could have made it without her! Thanks Rosie!!!

Hampton is crazy about his babies, but only gives them attention in spurts. He is very much into playing with his toys and Gran. When he got up from his nap yesterday, Reid was on the floor on a blanket. Hampton is not allowed to touch the blanket when the babies are on the floor, so he lied on his tummy and rested his little head in his hands while he talked to his little brother. He kept saying in his soft sweet talk-to-the-babies voice, "It okay, Weid. What you doin' Weid?" While chatting with Reid he heard Lucy and said, "What dat noise?" as he ran over to check on her. When he got up, Reid started fussing a little bit. With a concerned look on his face Hampton asked, "What wrong wit Weid?" " I think he misses his big brother." Hampton looked over at Reid and held up his finger and whispered, "I be wight der in just a second." Sure enough when Hampton went back, Reid focused in on Hampton and settled right down. Hampton looked up with a smile and said, "I make him happy." What a tender, precious big brother.

We are doing great and loving life as a family of 5. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and love for all who have already invested into the sweet lives of Lucy and Reid through prayer, food and company. Thank you for loving us and our children!

LUCY JAMES

REID MATTHEW

Our amazing doctor

Missing 1 proud big brother