MN Zoo

On Sunday we decided since it was going to be nice that we hit the MN Zoo.
This was the first time for both Madison and Avery and has been a LONG time since TJ and I have both went! So we were all excited, packed up the stroller, camera, snacks, sun block and off we went! I was way excited because Madison is now becoming so aware of things and her vocabulary is crazy and LOVES animals. Sure, we could have went to the Como Zoo (its closer and free) but we wanted to experience the BIG Zoo!
It was a BLAST. It was fun to see all the animals. Madison loved the monkeys and the tigers. She did not care for the reptiles...she would get scared! It started to get VERY HOT towards the end of our adventure. Next time I will bring Maddi's swim suit so she can go in the water part to cool off...looked so fun and refreshing!! On our way out we HAD to stop at the over priced gift shop and get something for the girls because it was the first time at the zoo. They each got a cute over priced cup! We got a few good photos and a GREAT family picture! All in all it was a great time at the zoo and maybe next year we can get the season pass so we can go when we want and not pay an arm and a leg each time.
Here are a few pictures of our family adventure

Turtles


The monkeys


Daddy and Maddi


Looking for Nemo


We went to the farm section of the Zoo and TJ took Madison to the petting part of the animals and Madison wasn't too sure about it!


Ready to climb the tractor...she has no fears!


Madison driving the BIG tractor


Madison saying cheese and ACTUALLY smiling at the same time


Our new great family picture...this was at the end of our adventure...it was HOT!!


Leaving the Zoo...Madison drinking water from her new cup and the zoo in the background...great day!

Simply Adorable

What more can I say??!!??

Saturday Swimming

Mommy and Maddi


Madison getting her duckies and ready to hit the water


This is what Avery did the WHOLE time!


She wanted to jump in...she is a dare devil


Maddi getting ready with the new floaty things that Aunt Jill got


Maddi floating with the new cat floaties!!


Jill had a whole bucket of toys and of course what does Maddi choose...a Cool Whip container and a cup...why do we buy toys :)


Maddi and Jill Swimming


Just hanging out watching Maddi swim, talk to Grams and drinking my coffee at noon


We went to meet Aunt Jill at Grams and Gramps pool on Saturday. Its her second lesson...or so making Madison get used to the water more. Jill is doing such a great job with her and we greatly appreciate her doing it for Madison! Madison just loves the water. We got there at 11:30 and I had to say its time to go at 1pm (it was way past nap time)!!! Thanks Grams and Gramps for letting us come...TJ can't wait till next time because he can't wait to go swimming :)

Sunday Funday

Hope everyone had a good weekend!?! TJ and I had the weekend alone...first time in 8 or more weeks. The Kvilhaug's watched both Avery and Madison the whole weekend...can't THANK YOU ENOUGH!!! I missed them dearly but I know they had a blast! TJ had a softball tourney on Saturday. They lost big time but it was fun to watch them play and catch up with Tanya! We picked the girls up and went home and just hung out all weekend...it was nice! Here are a few pictures of us all just lounging around!

Madison being silly!


Madison just getting done dancing to YO GABBA GABBA...her favorite!


Madison reading her book to herself





Me burping Avery


Me and Avery hanging...she looks like a little old man...haha!


Avery not too happy!

Family Picture

On Saturday we went to Aunt Jill's house for Jake's 22nd birthday! It was a blast and had great food!! Here is a picture of us on the steps! As you can tell Madison was NOT excited about having her picture taken!
Thanks Grams and Gramps for sending the picture our way and way to go on learning how to email your pictures :)

Mommy and Avery

Here is Avery and I last night before bed time! I will MISS being with her everyday but it will be nice to interact with some adults and get back in to a routine again! Love you Avery and please be good :)

Bath Time

We are now giving both girls a bath at the same time...WAY easier! Madison loves filling Avery's tub up with water...haha! Avery LOVES her bath. So when she is REALLY crabby in the evenings...bath time here we come!

Hanging out at Nama's and Papa's

Sunday we went to hang out with all the Kvilhaug's! Madison had a blast playing with her cousins. Avery did a good job and wasn't too crabby :)
Madison LOVED doing horsey on Auntie Sam's legs...as you can tell from her HUGE smile!

Last Day Home With Avery

Today is a sad yet happy day! It is my last day home with Avery as I go back to work on Monday! On one hand I am excited to go back to work to see everyone and my clients. On the other side I will miss seeing miss Avery's sweet face everyday.
On our last day home alone together we went to visit Nana at work and shopped at Baby's R Us. It was a good day!

Dear Sweet Avery...or as your sister calls you "Arey",
Hi my sweet bean pole!
The first six weeks (well technically 5 weeks and 4 days old) has gone by so fast. I wish I could stay home with you more to watch you grow and see your feisty personality develop...but Momma has gotta make money for you and your sister to enjoy life! But will enjoy every second we are home at nights and weekends. I am happy that your grandma's will watch you for a while before we set you in to the world of daycare.

In the last six weeks we had our good days and rough ones.
I am not going to lie...you give your daddy and I our run for our money. You started in my belly and showed me you are in control. We had to force you out because you didn't want to come out (thanks for that!). We had to re-learn newborn when you were born. I see your sister in your personality but you sure have a spunk of your own. You MAKE sure you are heard if you are not happy. So I have to act FAST with making bottles, changing diapers, finding a pacifier or picking you up! You do not like the car ride as much as I would like! U have a NASTY case of thrush, you have reflux and breastfeeding didn't go well for you and I. You make me very tired because you don't sleep too long at night or take very long naps. So yes, I do get frustrated because sometimes I don't know how to make you happy...

BUT

You are one of the cutest babies out there (I am partial...but your daddy and I make cute kids)! You know what you want and when you want it...independent like your sister. You love taking baths. You have the biggest blue eyes (thanks to me) and prettiest smile and the cutest button nose (thanks to your daddy's side). You have big dimples like your sister. You love when Daddy sings to you. You love when your big sissy gives you kisses (for now at least). I can tell you two will be the best of friends (I am hoping)! You don't get mad at me when I dress you up in cute clothes (most of the time). So all those negative things we have gone through together the first 6 weeks are nothing compared to as to how much I (and your daddy) love you. We are blessed to have a sweet, lovable, big eyed, long skinny little girl like yourself! Your daddy and I hope the best for you (and your sister). He wants you to go to St. Olaf...we can talk about that later :) Can't wait to watch you grow!
I love you honey
Your Momma

New Layout/Style of Blog

In case anyone wanted to know, I have changed the blog layout and style slightly. Before it was Madison telling everyone what she was doing. Well now I have decided to use this as a journal/blog of whats going on in our lives. Its easier now because there are two little ones! Just thought I would explain! Have a great day! Lots of Love

Avery Update

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday. I can tell you all that I am slightly relieved!!!

I decided to take Avery back to the doctor because:
1. Get her Thrush checked out because there isn't much improvement at all. She has had thrush badly now going on 6 days (or more).
2. Check her breathing...sometimes it sounds as though its gurgley
3. Check for possible Reflux

Well
1. Her Thrush is still bad according to the doctor and now she will have a new medication that I will put on twice a day...its actually Monistat...yes Monistat but I guess it works great fast! Hopefully we will see some results soon!! Until then I will continue to sterilize her bottles and nuks EVERYDAY...bllllahhhhh...Thrush is NO fun!!!

2. and 3.Her breathing is normal and there is nothing in her lungs and the doctor is not too concerned about the breathing. She says that the gurgling is in her throat. I also explained her issues (spitting up after each bottle; crying before, during and after feedings; arching of the back while eating, hiccups ALL the time, crying after burps and hiccups). She said that sounds exactly like REFLUX. She also said that Avery sounds horsey and gurgley which has to do with her Reflux. So now Avery is on Reflux medication. The doctor said Avery will eventually outgrow it and its just a matter of time before their bodies figure things out!

I am so glad and hopeful that Avery will get some relief (and me...haha) fast and can enjoy growing up and not be upset all the time.

4th of July Festivities

Can't believe its already July! I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!!!
Well we took the adventure with a month old baby and a 22 month old toddler and went up north! We got to stay at Pam and Scott's place. We had our own "little house" above the garage that was AMAZING and thank you Pam for allowing us to stay there!!! It was an adventure for sure!
Madison I know had a good time, playing in the sand, water, running around, playing with Aiden and Isaiah, walking in the parade and of course all the love and interaction with all the family! Avery was okay. I found out she had thrush on Friday morning and called the doctors and they faxed a prescription up to Crosby MN...thankfully! She was on the crabby side and I don't blame her. TJ and I had a blast too...we went on the jet ski, hung out and ate really good food. I was VERY tired but we survived and had a good time. I was bummed that Madison didn't make it to see the fireworks...she was SO tired by 6:30 and was asking to go to bed. She also woke up during the beginning of the fireworks and started to cry...so maybe next year she can enjoy them!!!
Thanks again Pam for the FUN TIMES and all the great FOOD and GIFTS!!!
Here a BUNCH of pictures of our weekend!!!

Mommy's beauty getting ready!


Our Family!


Madison all decked out in her Twin's gear and ready to go to the parade!


All the Kiddo's in the Twin's Float...Good Job Guys...you rocked!


Sisterly Love on the 4th of July


Me and Avery...and her spit up :)


Miss Pam ready to go


Dad :)


Mom, Me and Avery...all ready to go!!


Awww Grandma Dee Dee all decked out for the parade :)


Everyone getting ready to go to the parade and adding the finishing touches to the float!


The BEST float in the kiddie parade...GO TWINS!!! Way to go everyone!


Daddy and Maddi handing out Flags at the parade...she did SO good!


Me and Avery walking in the Kiddie Parade...pretty sure she was the youngest participant in the parade :) She was GREAT!!!


Avery didn't want anything to do with the picture!


Madison and Avery on 4th of July in there cute outfits!!! They both were VERY tired and ready for bed at this point!


Pushing her car that she got from Pam...she had fun playing with it!!


Daddy showing Madison how to hold the sparkler...Madison kept saying Birthday...she thought it was a candle :)


Madison enjoying her HUGE sparkler from her auntie Sam...before she burned herself ;)


This is what I did a lot...rocked a crabby baby...haha...the life of a mommy!!