ONE YEAR OLD!

It's hard to believe Grayson and Hallie are one year old.  I'm not sure how it happened so fast, but here we are.  Time can be such a thief, can't it?!  There are days I want to slow everything down, but honestly, if I could I wouldn't.  I love this stage, I love watching them learn and grow.  I love reminiscing about what we were doing 12, 11 and 10 months ago.  I would bet that every mom takes a trip down memory lane as their children approach their first birthday.  I remember our excitement and anxiety leading up to delivery, bed rest (how could I forget my glorious days on the couch!), being wheeled into surgery prep, hearing their sweet little cries and the relief that washed over me when I knew they were healthy.  All I wanted were two healthy babies, and our prayers were answered.
We had a perfect first birthday party the day before their birthday with our closest friends and family. The theme was an ice cream social, Two Scoops are Better than One!  Mike and Mom loaned us their new home, thanks guys!  We had hot dogs, sliders and of course, ice cream!  Karlos made their smash cakes, which were cute as can be.  They dug in, made messes and were perfectly adorable as expected.
Aaron took the day off on their birthday so we could spend family time together and Mom joined us.  We had lunch at Rainforest Cafe and then to Sea Life.  We had a blast and the babies really seemed to enjoy it.   All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday and celebration for our loves.  It was a special weekend, making memories that will be cherished forever.

Now for the good stuff.  Here is what my munchkins are up to in their twelfth month.

Grayson
25 pounds
28 inches
8 teeth
Still in helmets, but will be out next month.  HOORAY
Hair is getting long and curly in the back.  Daddy says no to cutting it for now.
Sleeping from 7pm to 6-7am.... can we get a round of applause!?
Says, "Jet" constantly.  Jet is Mom and Mike's dog.
Standing for a few seconds with no support.
Walks with push toys, loves this.
Eating pancakes, pork, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, cantaloupe.  LOVES puffs.
Loves to be outside on the patio.
Blows bubbles and mimics mommy when I make funny noises.
Thinks Daddy is the funniest person in the world.
Loves being around his grandpas.
Overall, he a silly, loving little man, who brings us joy that cannot be put into words.

Hallie
19 pounds
27 inches
3 teeth - her right eye tooth is the most recent.  Left is close behind.
Also still in helmet.
Has new pink glasses that are to be worn all day.   Also, has patching she must do for an hour.  The glasses come off often, and the patch is not her favorite, but all-in-all, she is doing well with both.
Hair is growing, a little awkward phase.  She has a little tail that hangs from her helmet and cracks me up.
Sleeping in the pack in play in our play room.  She tends to go to bed later, but sleeps well through the night.
Says, "uh-oh" all day.  It's the cutest!
Turns pages of her beloved books.  Always looking at her books.
Loves to dance to music.
Loves Mickey Mouse and grins from ear to ear when we ask her if she wants to watch it.
Walking with push toys.
Pointing.
Startling when something unexpected happens.
Eating same as Grayson, starting to like finger foods better. For both we are transitioning out of pureed foods.

They are starting to play and really interact with one another.  I watched as they played in their tree house almost as if it were hide and seek.  They were both squealing and laughing the whole time. MELT.

They are changing so fast.  Everyday I notice something new.  I am sure I am a bit bias, but it has been fascinating to watch them learn and develop.  I promised not to be the parent that thinks their child is the smartest, best looking ect, but I can certainly see how parents are completely in awe of their children, because I am.

Here are two of their one year old photos.  I have many more to upload, but will have to do that later!

Love, Nicole

11 Months!

I feel like I've barely finished last month's post and it's already time to post for the next month.  Needless to say, they are just growing up too fast!  This months post is short, but sweet.

Grayson
24lbs
8 teeth
Likes to eat broccoli, turkey, chicken, beans and a variety of other fruits and veggies.  Such a big boy!
Sleeping through the night again after some time spent sleep training.  It was easy and he's getting much needed sleep at night and during nap time.
Loves to pull things out of drawers, open cabinets and get into anything and everything.  Starting to play paddy-cake. Still loves to watch

Hallie
19lbs
2 teeth, but I think she is working on more.
Likes to eat, but isn't swallowing her food unless it's pureed.
Sleeping well, other than teething. 
Loves to chase brother, grab his toys, splash in the bath and is also into everything.
Finally saying, 'Mamma'!

10 Months!

We have had a lot going on in the Clark household as of late. Since my last post we have celebrated Father's Day, dedicated the babies at church, had our first bout of illness and I went back to work part time!  Whew!  I'm tired just typing it out.

Starting back to work was a big decision, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity I was offered.  I am 3 minutes from home, working two days a week and Mom is watching Grayson and Hallie now that she is retired. My first day back was like coming home to family, it's a perfect fit for all of us.  I miss H&G, but have to admit the break is nice for me.

Father's Day was extra special as we celebrated Aaron's first and we dedicated the babies at church with the whole family, great grandparents included.

We were hit with our first illness that took us all down.  Being sick has a whole new meaning with our sweet little angels.  Let's just say it was a rough week including; the grandmas who helped and ended up sick as well.

We had an awesome 4th of July at Big League Field of Dreams in Mansfield.  The babies saw their first concert and their first fireworks.  They did great, although didn't care for the long wait getting out of the parking lot.  They are happy in the car as long as we are MOVING.  It was a blast.

As always, Grayson and Hallie are changing every time we blink.  Here is the latest and greatest update.

Grayson
23lbs
27inces
Says 'dada', 'baba', 'daddeee' and squeals at the top of his lungs when he's not happy.
He is officially on the move!  Crawling and pulling up on everything.  He is even attempting to climb into and on things. ALL BOY.  He loves to stand and has even let go and stood for a few seconds on his own. He's strong and doesn't let much slow him down!
He loves cords, phones, remotes and just about anything that doesn't belong to him.  I was one sentence into this blog post when my screen went blank.  The little stinker unplugged my computer.
He loves to be outside, likes walk in his stroller and LOVES splashing in the bathtub.
Starting to wave (not at the right time, but a wave is a wave!) and is figuring out how to clap his hands together for paddy-cake.
Now has 8 teeth, 4 on top and 4 on the bottom.  Likes to bite, HARD.
His blonde hair may be getting a bit darker and is definitely getting longer.
Eyes are still crystal blue.  Swoon....
Still loves to eat and is now interested in finger foods.  We started with organic sweet potato puffs and are working on avocado, blueberry and eggs.  He wasn't a huge fan of the eggs.
He has regressed in the sleeping department since being sick and now likes to get in bed with us between 11 and midnight.  This wasn't something we wanted to do with two, but for now it's what works.  We can't let him wake Hallie so we roll with it.  To relax him we sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children.  He doesn't seem to mind my terrible singing voice, YET.
This month G has become a little more determined with a little more attitude.  I think he knows to hold his own with sister he will need it!  We may have a tackle football player in the family judging by the frequency in which he takes his sister down (usually with a handful of hair).  In the last few days he has eased up on the biting, but we still have to watch out for 'sugars'.  I love watching him learn and explore the world around him.

Hallie
19lbs
Says dada, baba, nana.  She still likes to squeal at the top of her longs when she is both happy and sad.
She was first to crawl by one week and loves to explore and pull up, although not as much a Grayson.
Hallie loves to be held, especially by me, and also wants everything that is not hers just like brother. Both tire of their toys easily, but give them a spatula and they are happy campers.  Both like pull up toys and toys that play music and light up.
She loves to wave bye-bye and is a pro a paddy cake. PRECIOUS.
Hallie has her FIRST and SECOND tooth!  Two little adorable bottom teef!
She has a good appetite, and loves all things sweet.  She is starting to get the hang of finger foods, like puffs.
Hair is dark brown, and long enough for clip on bows!  Her eyes seem to be turning brown, but for now I'll call them hazel.
Hallie is now sleeping better than Grayson.  It's a constant flip-flop around here.  She goes down fairly easy when she's tired and has her paci.  Both nap twice a day pretty consistently - thank goodness!
Hallie has been showing us her soft, feminine side lately with soft touches and cuddles.  She is very vocal and very social.  She continues to make us laugh with her facial expressions.  There is almost always a pucker or pout.

I can't believe I am planning their first birthday party!  Bitter sweet.

 

 Parent Dedication on Father's Day 

 July 4th!

Summer Pool Party at Nana's

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Welcome Olivia Brooke Curry!

Our hearts are so full after the birth of precious little Olivia.  Josh and Andrea are overjoyed and Grayson and Hallie are very excited to welcome their very first cousin!  She was born with a head full of auburn hair, gorgeous!

She's an angel!

 

9 Months!

I love my 9 month old babies!  We are having a ball lately.  We are constantly on the go and the babies become more dynamic each day.  They are so happy and love to laugh, talk and play.  We have had our first few pool days of the summer and they love the water, we even went to the new splash park at the Fort Worth Zoo.  It wasn't a perfect set up for two babies not crawling or walking so we may not visit again until next year, but I am always up to try something new and at least see how it goes.
We are going through some serious teething with Grayson, but so far he has been such a trooper. Hallie doesn't have any teeth just yet but, is becoming attached to Mommy lately.  She cries when she sees me during play-time and reaches for me constantly.  I love this extra bonding time as she has not always been overly affectionate. Fortunately, Grayson is a happy camper most of the time and doesn't seem to mind the extra time Hallie has needed.  As with all things twin related, we jump in and out phases so fast it takes me awhile to even realize we have left one and entered another.  I'm sure next week she will be over me and on to someone/something new!

In other news, both Grayson and Hallie have graduated from ECI therapy.  WOO HOO!  This is one less appointment for us to schedule each week.  They are age appropriate in motor and fine motor skills so we got the green light this week.
As for helmets, we are getting ready for round two.  We aren't overly excited about a second go-round, but want what is best for H&G.

Here is what we are up to in our 9th month.

GRAYSON
Weighs 20.5 lbs
Says 'dada' and 'baba'.  He has become very vocal lately and does a funny growl like noise when he is playing or having fun.
Sits up for as long as he wants and can go from a laying to sitting position with no problem.
Starting to pull up so the crib had to be lowered.  Here we go!
VERY close to crawling.   Up on all fours rocking and is ready to take off any minute.Has SEVEN teeth!  He is a trooper after getting his 4 top teeth all at once.  He was fussy, but nothing we couldn't handle and in my opinion, easy for four!
Loves to eat and is very interested in his food and everyone else's!
Likes, oatmeal, chicken, peas, squash and doesn't mind mommy's homemade food.  Not a fan of anything sour or tart like apples and pears.
Loves to play/tackle Hallie.  Even pulls her hair sometimes.  This isn't a favorite for Hallie.
Likes to bite and 'give sugars' on our arms, faces, legs or whatever is near him.
Loves bathtime.
Sleeping like a champ through the night, but it still takes a few minutes (or more) to get him to sleep.
He loves the dogs, watches them intently and try to pet/grab them whenever he is within reach.  I think he may be an animal lover.
His disposition is sweet as can be.  He is fairly easy going until he is over tired or hungry.  He is laid back and east going like his daddy.

HALLIE
Weighs 18.5 lbs
Says 'dada', 'baba' and 'nana'.  I am patiently waiting for mama!
She squeals and screams when she is happy or excited.   She let out a huge squeal out of nowhere in the car this week and scared Mom and I half to death.
Sits up and can go from laying to sitting with no problem.  She scoots wherever she needs to go.
VERY close to crawling.   Up on all fours rocking and is ready to take off any minute.
Starting to pull up so the crib had to be lowered.  Here we go!No teeth.  Maybe she plans on Grayson doing all of the chewing for her :)
She isn't as interested in food as G, but does like the pureed store bought food better than homemade. I think she prefers the texture.  Her favorites seem to be the sweeter foods, such as apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
Loves to play with her toys still, and has no problem taking toys from Grayson.  In fact, once she decides she wants something, she will most likely end up with it.  Grayson doesn't seem to mind.
Loves bathtime.
Sleeping is still hit or miss. She has been waking in the night and coming to bed with us.  She sleeps in the pack and play away from Grayson so that she doesn't wake him when she does.  We hope this is a phase and are going to try not to get her right away.  Cry it out method is a little harder with Hallie.  She gets so worked up it almost scares me she will make herself sick. So for now, we have another little body with us in bed.  It could be worse and to be honest, I kind of like it.
She waves bye-bye and claps her hands to paddy cake.  It's adorable!
This girl is all personality, she constantly makes us laugh with her drama. She lets us know when she isn't happy, but is sweet as sugar like her brother.

Spring has Sprung!

Grayson, Hallie and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect spring day to enjoy the park.  This wasn't the first trip to the park, but it was the first time we've been since they could sit up and therefore, enjoy the swing!  Big Daddy and Grammy met us.  I am not sure who had more fun!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your blessings?  Today was one of those days.  I talked with an old friend from History Maker today who raised three children of his own. I liked the advice he had for me, enjoy each and every stage regardless of its challenges, and yes, there ARE challenges with EACH stage.  So today instead of focusing on our lack of sleep, as Hallie has been having some sleep regression issues, we chose to make the most of this day!

8 Months!

Could two babies be any cute or more fun?!  Our days are spent playing and laughing with minimal crying.  This past month we have battled some tummy issues for Hallie which left her uncharacteristically fussy, but now that we have figured that out we have our happy, playful girl back in full force.  We are two weeks into the helmets and are tolerating them very well.  We have to be very cautious not to get over heated and have to wash them frequently
 We see the therapists about once a week to make adjustments as their little heads are growing. Today we were told they are making great progress and rounding nicely. We expect to be in them another 6-8 weeks. I can't wait to kiss hair instead of helmet! Grandpa Doug and Grandma Rita came in town to meet the babies.  We had a fun weekend of shopping, playing and even went to the zoo for the first time with H&G.  We had a great time and miss them already!

Here are what H&G are up to this month.

GRAYSON
21 Pounds
Sits up unassisted and plays with his toys.  BIG BOY!
Loves to interact with Hallie. 
Enjoys sweet potatoes, chicken and isn't so sure about pears, but loves to eat anytime of day.
Held his bottle for an entire feeding today!
Laughs and babbles constantly.  Has big joyful smiles.
Has TWO teeth!  So far, he hasn't fussed much at all with his incoming teeth. 
Sleeps well, but getting to bed without a fight is hit or miss. 
Naps about twice a day, usually at 10:00 and 2:00.
Starting to get up earlier and earlier... What happened to 8:00am,  G?
Rolls over from stomach to back.
Likes to snuggle and cuddle.

HALLIE
Sits up unassisted for a few minutes at a time.  She is really getting the hang of it.
Pivots on her tummy in full circles and moves her legs like she wants to start crawling.
Loves to talk and interact with Grayson and reach for him.
Enjoys sweet potatoes, chicken, but isn't so sure about pears. She is more interested in grabbing the spoon and shoving it into her mouth than eating.
No teeth just yet.
Laughs, smiles and SQUEELS often.
Talks and talks... and talks and talks!  It's just precious.
Lifts her arms up when we walk by, as if to say, 'Pick me up, please!'
Sleeps well but has been waking in the middle of the night.  I think she is wanting to roll over, but can't in her suit.  Waking up earlier, again, what happened to 8am?
Naps about twice a day, usually at 10:00 and 2:00.
She loves her toys and inspects them meticulously.
Starting to pay attention to the dogs and wants to touch and pet them.
Loves sitting in the baby carrier and taking everything around her in.


What a joy these two are.  We are overwhelmed by the love they bring to our lives and they are so blessed to be loved by so many.