12 Weeks Already?

And here we are ... already 12 weeks old!!

And wow - time has just FLOWN by around here. I can't believe I really have to think about going back to work soon but reality sets in as my funds go down while the formula is still flowing and the dirty diapers continue to pile up (about 400 hundred a month ... yep, I said FOUR HUNDRED).

Anyway, enough depressing news!

Let me tell you what's new with these little guys!

At their last doctor's appointment, Matthew weighed 10lbs 11oz and Aria weighed 9lbs 10oz (although truth be told, Matthew feels like he weighs at least 5lbs more!).

They both respond to voices and follow objects and sounds with they eyes and head now. They either complain about things that bother them or smile when they hear something that makes them happy. Aria has found her fist and puts it in her mouth any chance she gets (or when she realizes that it's there again).

Matthew is very laid back but takes after his dad's hunger pangs. Think Snicker's commercial slogan "You're not yourself when you're hungry". How TRUE that is!!! He is already cutting a tooth (yikes!). We may start him on a little cereal at four months (with our doctor's ok).

Aria is a little more particular ... about everything. I suppose she takes after me there but I say that there is nothing wrong with having high standards!

We had a month of "Firsts" in January. We all took our first solo trip out.

Check out his little vest ...

Aria is a lot more excited than Matthew.

And where did we go on this monumental trip?

Where else but ...

Might I add that it was rainy and probably not the best day to make that trip out with two babies alone but I had such cabin fever, I honestly didn't care.

And I also made a deposit at the bank, mailed some letters and got a coffee.

What do all those places have in common?

Drive thrus, my friend.

Us moms seriously need a lot more drive thrus. Especially moms of multiples. Think this through ... I could order my things online at Target and then just drive thru to pick them up. That equals a little bit of retail heaven! :)

I finally also made it to my first Queen City Mothers of Twins Club event. It was a mom's night out event at a place called You're Fired in Bedford, NH. It was a great time. I decided to make two owl banks. They came out so cute!

And while I've been busy taking care of the babies, Ken has been busy taking care of me.

White roses for me "Just Because"

He surprised me one Saturday afternoon "Just Because". I was so overwhelmed and surprised! Those little things still count and are SO important to keep US recharged and going strong. What's life without a little romance? 

Yeah. It exists in a marriage ;)

Sorry this post has been so long overdue! I've been remiss in my motherly duties of taking milestone pictures and videos but I've been trying to be more cognizant of it.

Until next time, Matthew and Aria say good night to you all!

Happy Holidays!!

The end of 2011 culminates the close of a very blessed year for us.

After many struggles, we finally welcomed two very precious healthy bundles safely into our lives. We're settling into our home in NH and adjusting to different work schedules.

I can't think of any pearls of wisdom or witty sayings at the moment. My ears are listening to my babies napping noises, my mind is slightly sleepy and my body is healing from nine months of growth.

We just want to say thank you to so many people. What a tremendous help it has been for people to drop by with ready made meals, treats for our sweet tooths (guilty!) and baby things. We didn't know or realize we would need it before but we're so thankful for all of these things now.

We hope you enjoyed the birth announcements and our holiday cards are on the way!

In case you missed it or are not on Facebook, click below to view our Christmas card and photos:

Counted Blessings:Peppermint Christmas Cards
Check out our collection of Christmas cards and holiday cards.

Wishing all of you out there a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
May it be filled with laughter, love and many unexpected joys.

Hugs to all,
Ken, Naria, Emma, Matthew & Aria

First Photo Shoot

Things at the Hamilton household are quite hectic these days. Juggling the feedings, explosive diapers (yes, folks - infants can have those too) and household chores consume most of my waking (and sleeping) hours.

Amidst all the loving chaos, we did manage to have a good friend come by for a visit and for the babies' first photo shoot! We took several in their Christmas best as well as some candid no clothes shots.

Here are some of my favorites:

Aria



Matthew



Aria in her stocking



Matthew in his stocking



Holding hands ...



Aria with big sister, Emma



Matthew with his big sister



The End of their First Photo Shoot.



They are Here!!!

So this is a little late but I've been busy changing diapers and feeding mouths around here!
I'm happy to announce that we welcomed two additions to our home on November 18, 2011.

Matthew Douglas Hamilton was born at 9:45am. He was 7 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long. He is our little monkey baby with a head full of dark hair and plenty of body hair to match!

Aria Yong Hamilton was born at 9:46am. She was 5 pounds 11 ounces and 18 inches long. She is our dainty angel with a little halo of fuzz on her head.

Every task is doubled and now that Ken has returned to work, I have all the night time feedings and diaper changes. That transition hasn't been easy while also trying to recover from my c-section.

Regardless of the lack of sleep and any discomfort, they are my miracle babies. They were born full term at great birth weights. Neither of them needed to go into the NICU as many twins do and were able to come home when I was discharged from the hospital.

Since we've been home, they've been eating great, gaining weight and have been such good babies. They've brought us such peace and a wholeness to our lives.

We were lucky enough to bring them home a few days before Thanksgiving ...



... and we are thankful for our blessings.

(btw, in case you're wondering:

Matthew's shirt says "Mommy's little turkey" and Aria's shirt says "Thankful for daddy".)

We gave them their first baths this past Monday. I can tell you that they weren't as excited as we were.

Matthew's "BEFORE" photo = Content

During...

...and Matthew's "AFTER" photo = NOT content

Aria's "BEFORE" photo seconds before water ...

...And here come the waterworks!

...and drying off ... and camera shy.

Even though the babies weren't as excited about their bath as Ken and I were, it simply illustrates why parents become parents. Reliving every experience through their eyes makes even the most mundane seem like an adventure.

Check back often for updates and our latest adventures!

At last!

Cliches like "Better late than never" and "Some things are worth waiting for" come to mind as I upload these photos but honestly, thanks for being patient because these photos really should have been posted weeks ago!

So without further ado, our finished nursery ... Only days before their arrival!

Far wall room view

Far right room view

Matthew's Space

Aria's Space

Changing Table

Matthew's mobile (Little green monsters if you couldn't tell :)

Aria's mobile (a little more fancy)

Bamboo Hardwood Floor & Rug

Nursery Light (that also glows in the dark!)

Growth Charts

New picture window

Much needed swing and left side of closet

Left side of closet and middle anchor

Right side of closet

Bouncer

Located outside of nursery door ... Self-explanatory, right?

So I apologize for the grainy photos. I took them with my iPod instead of the camera because it was easier for me to upload but I'm sure you get the general idea.

The stripes details on the nursery walls aren't as easy to see and Ken will tell you now that they look good but don't let him fool you into thinking he was excited about the idea of painting stripes from the get-go. After all the renovations we've been through together, you would think he would leave the details up to me but it is usually still an ongoing "discussion".

Hope you enjoyed the photos. The next ones we post will be the babies living in this room!

Countdown has officially begun as we are now less than two days away!!