What a fall we've had...

In my attempt to keep up (somewhat) with this blog, I guess I will lump together as many events as I can in one post.  What beautiful weather we have had over the past few months!  We enjoyed a great day a the zoo, pumpkin patch time and lots of afternoons at the park.  The boys are doing well and adjusting to the little ones... Both are great helpers, Reese has really come around and is now embracing his new big brother role more so than before ;).  Drew continues to be the eager one to assist me with diaper and binkie runs.  Grant and Vivi are growing like weeds, at their 2 month check up, Grant was about 2 lbs bigger than little Miss Vivian.  She is a petite thing and so sweet and mellow.  Grant, although very sweet and adorable, definitely speaks his mind... He will fuss with just the slightest adjustment of us holding him and has his crying fits early evening.  I think Grant is more typical and Vivi is just a very mellow and good-natured little baby.  Both babies are great sleepers, so we certainly are not complaining at all.  They have been wonderful to us, no feeding or reflux problems (yet) to speak of... However they are only 3 months today as I write this ~ I'm sure we will have our moments!!  All in all, things are good and we take it day by day.  

I will most likely be writing about the holidays in the next post... All are looking forward to Christmas festivities.... The boys are so thrilled to have Ben, our elf here now.  We picked out our tree on Sunday and enjoyed the usual events that Mulhalls has to offer every year at this time.  Santa, ball pit, cocoa, cookies, crafts, live reindeer... etc...  I will try and capture some of those memories on here very soon.  

And... Gabe celebrated turning the big 4-0 on November 12th.  We had a fun night celebrating with family and friends... : ) 

wonderful Sept afternoon at the zoo, riding the skyfari

Drew in front of the sea lion pool

Vivi and Grant, around 2 months (Oct 18th to be exact)

Our 'Compton double feature' taken Oct 24th 

Reese and Chase, high 5 halloween party

Drew (minus his pants, "too hot" he said) at his preschool party

trick or treating in the hood, the neighbors like to turn on xmas light every year on halloween... a tradition I guess

My attempt at capturing the first halloween for the twins, us moms try so hard to document these things... Doesn't always go as planned : )  They are little veggies by the way.  A friend gave us those cute little hats.

Happy 40, Dad!

My mom thought it would be fun to take my picture while I fed both babies at the same time (thanks, mom ;).  This doesn't happen often, only when both are frantic to eat and crying.  

Drew starts preschool!!

Amidst the craziness of having two new babies in our lives, the boys started preschool the week after labor day.  Drew, growing up so fast, started his first year of preschool!! He was so excited and went on in without a worry.  So proud of him... He did so well on his first day and continues to love it.  Reese started a high 5 program to prepare for kindergarten.  Being our tender-hearted one, he was weepy the first day at drop off, but loved it and continues to enjoy it very much.  Hoping this will be a good transition for him to start Kindergarten next fall.    

Drew insisted on the angry birds t-shirt... Still a favorite and wants to wear it daily. 

I'm thinking how did these boys grow up so fast... And now 2 more babies, yikes! ;)

So excited to be there

After preschool treat

Grant and Vivian are here!

We are so happy to announce the birth of Grant Michael and Vivian Nicole, born August 26th, 2012!!  After going into labor late Saturday night, little Grant and Vivi made their entrance into the world at 6:31 am and 6:44 am Sunday morning.  It was a smooth delivery (I managed to escape a c-section) and the babies were born healthy and well.  Being born one day short of the 36 week mark, they were directly admitted into the NICU (a new protocol at our hospital).  This turned out to be okay as the babies were watched very closely and I got some much-needed rest before bringing these little bundles of love home with me.  I must say it was very positive experience after so much fear and anticipation of what delivering twins would be like.  I felt so good afterwards, I was just so happy to have them here and healthy.  They are so sweet and such "easy" babies so far, as I write this they are close to 6 weeks old... We are taking things day by day : ).  I still look at them and feel blessed and still a slightly shocked that our family of four is now a family of six!  Reese and Drew have been wonderful little helpers, Drew is quite the nurturing big brother... Always lending a hand and cuddling the babies whenever he gets a chance.  Reese loves the babies, but at this point, he has more important things to do.  Being a big brother is old news to him : )  He will take the opportunity to hold one of them (usually Grant as he prefers "the boy"), but it is short-lived and then moves on to the next activity.  Drew (new to the big brother role) just loves the babies and prefers to hold both at the same time...  Overall, they have adjusted well and are enjoying their new brother and sister.  In the meantime, we pray for healthy babies and sleep... and more sleep ;).  

last picture taken a few days before I delivered

Grant was born first 

Vivian 13 minutes later

First picture of them together : )

Getting spoiled with lots of treats and toys from Grandma Ellen and a fun lunch outing with Grandma Pat

All smiles after first bath

Nice and relaxed after first bath

Snuggling babies

Going home! 

First family picture, it's as good as it gets

Hot days of summer

Well this summer has been mostly spent at the pool or inside where it's cool and tolerable.  Given the weather and pregnancy, we haven't been able to venture out to the zoo or any other more adventurous outings.  It is finally starting to cool off a bit, we are enjoying the cooler mornings and evenings to spend outside at least for a while.  Here are a few pictures of the boys and their favorite pool activity, jumping off the board... Constantly.  : )  They both made some big strides with their swimming skills this summer as they can both jump and then swim to the ladder with out help now... Which makes things a little easier for dad.  We just get to sit and watch.  

The last two pictures are a little pregnancy update.  My dear friend, Molly, was so nice to organize a girls night out and a little diaper "sprinkle" for the upcoming arrival of the babies.  It was so fun to get together with a few friends and laugh...  I haven't laughed that hard in awhile, it was sure a fun night out!  I was 33 weeks and 2 days in the pictures... Getting closer!  Can't wait to meet these little babies!  

Happy 4th of July!

This is one 4th of July we will never forget.... Expecting twins, a move across town, and 100+ degree temperatures.  Really... Could it get any more complicated?  We managed to get through it all with a huge thanks to our many helpers!  We could not have done it without our family and friends!!  The actually holiday of the 4th was very special this year since we were able to spend it with Tyson and Lindsay... Tyson will be deployed in the fall so this was our last time seeing him until he returns.  I have some amazing pictures of him and the boys, I just need to get them from my phone to here... I will do that soon!!  All in all, the boys are really loving this new house and the space it provides... Gabe and I selfishly miss our old neighborhood friends and midtown way of living.  "West O" is really like a different town, but we are adjusting and feel grateful for more room as we await the arrival of the babies.  I am approaching week 31 with the pregnancy and feel much more relaxed getting past that scary period as I was showing a few signs of preterm labor.  But thankfully things have settled down and the babies are quiet and staying put for now.   

The move begins

Enjoying the  big tub at the new house

June 28th, about 28 weeks pregnant here

Parade down in Morton meadows neighborhood on the 4th

Doing a few fireworks at the new house

Drew makes the leap!

Drew has become quite the swimmer lately and last night he decided he would make his first jump off the diving board!  He loves jumping off the side of the pool and this was a big deal to move up to the board... Drew has that long, lanky build so we're hoping he continues his love of swimming becomes another Micheal Phelps. ;)  Way to go, Drew!!

Adjusting the goggles as he gets ready to jump!

Our little graduate!

We celebrated Reese's preschool graduation last Wednesday and it was just the cutest thing ever.  The kids wore their dad's button shirts backwards for their gowns.... They all looked so darn sweet!  They sang 10 songs and were presented with their diplomas.  I certainly don't remember having a preschool graduation when I was a kid, but it sure is fun to watch.  : )