Happy Monday!

We had a fun, relaxing end of the week and weekend. Whew. It's so nice to have a days with no real 'plans' and to kind of go whichever speed we choose. Jordan took July 5 off, and we ventured to the YMCA. I took a break from the treadmill and played with Lilly in the kids area.

 

Jordan fixed our flower toy!! It hasn't had new batteries for a while because we couldn't find the right screw driver. Mac still played with the flowers, and it was kind of pitiful. Thank goodness Jordan fixed it on his day off! 

 

I have shared before that Paisley has an aggressive side. She has a darling side too, which I know is visible in her sweet smiles for the camera. Paisley has no preference who she tackles.

 Okay, I'm speechless about this picture...

Now in the bath. Paisley practices clapping and Mac is watching Lilly Scott.

I've got to get back to cooking dinner! Wild salmon, squash casserole (home grown squash my dad brought us from his Aunt Judy's farm, although I'm the only one who will eat squash), and quinoa. Yumm!

 This week, I'm ordering a crib rail cover and party planning!

as always,

ashley

Sayonara, 26

Today we played and ran errands. Mac is too interested in his surroundings so he doesn't nap when we are out and about. Plus his seat in the stroller has great views whereas Paisley's seat is kind of hidden underneath. 

Here are pictures from our last hospital visit for labs (hopefully the last time, poor babies), this weekend, and today :o)

 Mac was eyeing the phlebotomist... not a fan    Paisley wasn't so sure either

 This is my view during meals... P is concerned with Mac. (She was eating peas)

 peek a boo, I love you!

 

 

 We did it!! Mac and Paisley went to the church nursery Sunday, and they. did. great!!We got a report card on their temperament, diapers, and other neat info that only parents appreciate :o)

 Mac is too cool in his new shades.

 I have a feeling I'll be battling this all summer... oh, P.

Tomorrow is my birthday so I'm signing off for the last time as a 26 year old. What a special number this year has been. Bring on 27! 

-ashley

#hellothere

I have given into the peer pressure and signed up for a Twitter account. My twitter name is "ashleymckallen" if you want to follow. This is a way for me to keep up with the local news and of course the Kardashian klan. Yes, I watch their shows. I'm not sure where I have time to spare...

During church yesterday I realized that it's time for M and P to go to the nursery. I have been holding out because the pediatrician asked me to wait until April when RSV season is over. We've waited, and now it's time. Mac talked during a majority of the message, and Paisley pendulum swung between fussing (because she was tired) and flirting with any eyes she made contact with.

Here they are in their church clothes...

After church we went to lunch with our small group. Then we came home and slipped into something more comfortable... Nana got them these shirts, and they say "Twins are Twice as Nice". Totally true.

I came across their first pic together... my, how fast they grow! It's bittersweet.

Paisley is SUCH a daddy's girl, and it is absolutely adorable.

 We play before bath each night, and Jordan took a video of their sweet laughter.

Happy Monday! Only 4 days left of this week! :o/

-ashley

Finally Friday!

TGIF! Thank goodness it's Friday! Did anyone watch the "TGIF" programming years ago? It had Boy Meets World, Hangin With Mr. Cooper, Family Matters, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch... to name a few. Cuddling on the couch with my mom watching those shows followed by 20/20 with Hugh Downs and Barbara Walters is one of my fondest memories. :o)

We stayed around the house today so my legs could recover from running hills yesterday. I left M and P with a babysitter (for the first time!), and it was great to have some me time. I even got to go to a consignment sale and lunch with some friends!

Here are some pics from today. I planned on going out, but it just never happened. Oh well. We'll "hit the streets" tomorrow while Jordan is at work. 

Tonight I made some delicious broccoli! I baked and broiled it, and it was awesome! I'll share the concocted recipe later. 

Bath time is really relaxing for Paisley because we've had "emergency evacuations" the past two nights. She keeps pooping in the bath! Jordan's comment "I'm not cleaning that up. Poop is disgusting." Apparently such a chore is the highlight of my day, haha! :o\

Hope you have a fun Friday! 

-ashley

Monday, Monday

We had a laid back Monday. The weather was off and on (always a good reason to 'chill') so we had lots of time to relax and enjoy each other at home. Mac is becoming a champ at taking naps since he always rolls onto his belly to sleep. Have I mentioned this is another trait he "inherited" from his dad?

I think Paisley is getting a tooth so she was out of sorts and fussy. She was content being held and loved on, but as soon as I put her down to tend to Mac, she lost it. :o( She also had a rough night last night. What the hay, we all had a rough night because P was up every couple of hours. She didn't eat, she just wanted some form of nurturing. I can't help it- I don't think of myself as overly nurturing at 3 am...

So Mac is proud of his new trick of rolling over because he rolls over and looks for the audience. Of course he's praised for this milestone... maybe that's why he embraces the attention.

Here are some fun pics from today... enjoy!!

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen???

Hey, buddy!!

Can't roll that way, brother!

:o)

Paisley and her new "trick"

-ashley

PS- We will be sharing some exciting news this week! So keep following!

We Heart Pajama Days

The weather today was pretty yuck. It rained off and on, and the loud thunder and bright lightening disrupted Mac and Paisley's catnap this afternoon. I figured since they sleep so much during the day, and clearly we were staying in, we may as well have a pajama day! I'm relieved we didn't have any unexpected visitors, haha! You never know what you're going to get when you come to our door. 

I'll do better tomorrow... I'll wash my hair. Isn't it good to give  your hair a 'wash break'?? :o)

Here are some of pics from today's lazy day...

Apparently Mac thought I was hilarious while Paisley was intense.

Looks like we have a thumb sucker on our hands! She just started this today. 

On a side note, yesterday we visited our friend Emory. We love our playdates with Emory and his momma, Mary. It's been so fun to share this journey with Mary. Since neither of us have family in Chattanooga, we are each others family. We have walked through ovulation predictor kit results, then pregnancy, and now motherhood (breastfeeding, napping, baby milestones, etc) together. I am blessed by this friendship. We love our Hubbards!

Jailbirds!! 

-ashley

Ahhh, Saturday...

Does anyone else agree that the 5:2 ratio of workdays to weekends is just not right?? We love having Jordan home! Our day was filled with grocery shopping, football, quality time with M and P, cooking fabulous quesadillas, and now more football. And I can't forget that Jordan surprised me with breakfast this morning!! He made pancakes :o)

I want to share some of our videos and pics from this week. Can you believe Mac and Paisley will be 5 months old next week?!?! Boy does time fly! It flies so fast... I was talking with a friend about when they "grow up," and would you believe I had tears running down my cheeks?? This age- every age thus far- has been my favorite. All the new things they are accomplishing and different ways they touch my heart. Pinch me, please!

 

This was in December- I promise our Christmas decor is put away :o)

We're figuring out our hands. Bouncing is fun in the mean time.

Take 1...

Take 2...

Take 3...

Annnnnd take 4... 

I plan to write about our routine, cloth diapering, and more of our activities of daily living this week! Stay tuned...

And please help spread the word about our blog! I LOVE hearing that you're enjoy our blog- it is very encouraging. Thank you!!

-ashley