recent adventures + a whole lotta photos

This man. This amazing man. What a dedicated hard-worker I've married. Bob has had some unscheduled time off from work recently, by no fault of is own, and instead of lazying about (which isn't really in his nature but would probably be my first choice in that situation) he's been working day and night for our family, to build us a more simple and sustainable life. Seriously? What a guy.

The list of projects that have been done in and around this home in his shortly-over-a-week-off include: putting the finishing touches on rabbit hutches (now we just need some rabbits!), building the chicken's a nesting box from scraps, cleaning and organizing the shed (as well as both of our favorite activity - purging! - said shed), cleaning out the car (a big, dirty job) and turning around Ayara's car seat for the first time, starting and distributing compost tea over the entire garden, fishing for - and preparing for dinner - fresh Bass from the Great Lakes (thanks Dad for taking Bobby with!), and much much more. 

Along with ALL THAT there has even been some time for fun! We took an evening stroll in and around Elk Rapids recently, stopping for pizza and a great park date. Then we took the scenic route (as if anything else exists in beautiful Leelanau County) to Leland and saw Maple City, Cedar + Good Harbor along the way. Stopping in Suttons Bay, my old stompin' grounds and High School city, for pizza + another park night. This time off has been renewing for all of our souls. Yesterday afternoon while all three tots napped we were even able to sneak in a midday movie, doze on-and-off, and wake in time to hear the film's banter before Ayara woke up for the night. Another park date + a family movie night ensued. I mean, seriously? I feel like I'm living a dream. (See photo above for appropriate dream-like image). 

As for personal time, I've even had a bit of that! Today Bob's big heart took him to his mom's to do work, and my heart took me to the beach with a girlfriend and five kids between us, the youngest of whom just turned one-month-old! Be still my heart. Much, much more of this, please! Like the picture above gestures, it's just another day in paradise. God is good.

 bump at the beach^^

 Elk Rapids, MI ^^

 photo by Bobby ^^ 

 squirrel... nuts. yeah. ^^

 family portrait? ^^

 loverssss ^^

 superhero twinkies ^^

 photo by Dayr ^^ 

 preggo crack ^^

swinging the bump, below 

Bob!

I have the husband that dreams are dreamt about.

 

He's SMOKIN' hot - we don't go anywhere without turning heads

 

He's an AMAZING dad - we're talking diaper changes, toy sorting, discipline -- the works!

 

He doesn't look a day over 25 - even I'm not that young!

 

He's PHENOMENAL in the kitchen. And many other places if you know what I mean... sorry, mom!

 

Not to mention he's: level-headed, forgiving, open-minded, fun, thoughtful (SO thoughtful!) and honest.

 

And I forgot one more thing... today is his BIRTHDAY! Out of respect I won't tell you how old he actually is. In summary please know that I am one amazingly fortunate lady to have him by my side and if I ever forget it, I'll just re-read what I've written here for you!

 

Happy Birthday Babe! I love you!
 

Give credit where credit is due.

 

The award for Daddy of the Year is hands-down going to my husband, Bobby. He is unbelievably amazing with our twin boys. I don't even know where to start. 

Even from the very first hours with Taylen he was incredible. He was up all night checking for breath and life while I slept trying to regain strength for baby number two to come. In the hospital after a c-section he was the primary care provider for newborn Taylen, and ran back and forth between him and Dayr in the NICU. He checked on the babies in the night and even ran to the store for me to have some (non-alcoholic) beer to try to get milk flowing (without success).

As soon as we were all home he was gung-ho for changing diapers, making bottles, giving baths! WOW!

Bob's first picture with Taylen!

Taylen's first bath

Now things have started to settle down a bit. We're getting into a little more of a routine, and again I have Bob to thank for that. 

Snuggling Taylen

Helping mom out with three-month-old pictures



Dayr finally home from the Hospital


Here's an example of a typical night where I'm gone working, and Bob’s home taking (amazing) care of the boys:

I leave between 4:00 and 6:00 most nights. Bob is busy making a bottle for the boys as soon as I'm gone. He somehow manages to feed both boys simultaneously AND keep them happy, whereas I have yet to master the feat. After they're fed he finds time for some play, dancing or exercise (for the boys or for all three of them by going for a walk). When they get back home it’s time for some SOLID FOODS! Whenever I try to feed the boys they scream and cry, but luckily when Bob jumps in they're happy and quiet-- humph!? He even goes so far as to peel the egg in front of them, take a bite, and then offer them some... How creative. Not to mention, they love it! Mom’s approach is much simpler and boring: spoon, egg, mouth. Hmmm? You hate it? No wonder!

Double duty on a walk

Hanging out down by the river

Baby-wearing in the park

After dinner it’s upstairs for a bath. They get scrubbed, they laugh, they even have tummy-time here! He manages to get both boys out safely and quickly, too!

Since reading some research about bedtime sleep routines (we're having a heck of a time getting the boys to sleep longer than two hours at night) Bob agreed to try some massage after the bath, followed by quiet time, a final bottle, and bed. Could I ask for a better partner in the adventure that is raising twins? I don't think so!

They just love to look at him!

On top of everything else, he's up with me in the middle of the night and offers to make coffee, stay up and let me go back to sleep in the morning. Wow again. I could say that I don't mean to brag... but I'd be lying! I am one lucky mama :)

The first 6 months with these twins has been rough. Coffee and spit-up have been abundant, and sleep has not. Thankfully we've made it this far and I know that paired as the dynamic duo that we are, we're somehow going to survive this (even if at some point EVERY day we just don't think we will).