Alright, Alright...

I'm very delinquent in posting anything about the Hardeman Bunch. Here's a brief synopsis.

We're busy....

Okay, I'll expound.

The kids are doing well. Macey is our little momma. She enforces the rules. She'll even tell me when I need to get back in the kitchen with my drink. She also alerts me when one of the others is doing something he/she shouldn't be. "Momma, come here...." She still is my little people person; always concerned about other people and what they are doing. Her favorite color is purple and she loves to wear dresses. In fact I can't get her to wear anything but dresses. She also tells me how she wants her hair when I fix it. She's my little pack rat as well. She'll pack away a bunch of toys and it drives me insane! I think she knows it too. I am one of those "all the pieces of the toy need to be put back with that toy" cleaners. Forget that with Macey as she has stashed random pieces of toys in bags, shelves, in her room, under her bed, in her closet, in another toy. I let it slide and then I go on "toy piece" finding mission and get it back in order. Only to have it back in disorder in less than 30 seconds. Oh well. She's having fun!

Miles is all boy. He thinks he's a little funny dude too. He's always been one to crack up easily. I remember when he was just a baby (around 8 months or younger) and I would read a book and make the animal noises he would just crack up laughing. He likes to try to goat his sisters into his silly games, and he's usually pretty successful. He's definitely got a kind soul though. He's given up his special treat (food allergies) to his sister because she was having a fit over not getting any. He generally will share his things easily with others. Makes me proud to be his momma. He LOVES basketball. He's left handed and a strong little dude. He makes me play with him every day. He still sucks 2 fingers on his left hand, Lord help us as it's going to be fun to break him of that habit.

Camryn is my over the top drama/emotional/high energy kiddo. She is a screamer....loud screamer, ear piercing screamer. I think I see acting in her future! She keeps me on my toes. She is constantly getting into something. Lotion/soaps, spices and lipstick are her favorite things to get into. But generally if it's within reach or even out of reach, she will get into it. And child locks are fodder for her. She's figured those out. She's even opened the "child proof" medicine tops and took a swig out of the infant motrin (poison control was called, she was fine). But on the flip side she can be the sweetest, cuddliest kid; giving the sweetest kisses and hugs.

Mackinley is growing too fast. She thinks she's a big as her siblings. She takes the "abuse" her siblings give her in stride. I think sometimes she likes it when they hold her upright and make her walk. They have wrestled with her, pushed her down, stepped on her, fell on her, dragged her by her feet and arms, picked her up by her arms. Wow, no one call CPS. She's not been injured by any of this (well we'll ignore any mental harm for now...lol). Luckily we catch them before any harm is done and they are generally gentle with her. She's cruising all over the place now and standing alone (at 9 months old). I'm hoping I don't see any first steps until closer to her 1st birthday (or even after). She's suppose to the baby much longer than she's allowing! She gives me a big smile when I get home, followed by crying if I don't pick her up fast enough. She's given us the most trouble with eating. She refused to take a bottle for the longest time. She was doing well for a while, but now she's back to only taking a little bit while I'm away. I guess she's a little stubborn. Or just knows what she wants....either way, she's made her point. She may be small...

Sean and I hit the 5 year mark in our marriage this year. 5 crazy, hectic years. I wouldn't trade any of it!

Random bits of info

It's been a while, what can I say, we're a busy bunch.

Hmm, how to catch up on all that's going on???...

Mackinley Drew was born August 10, 2010. She stayed with the trend and weighed less than 7lbs, coming in at 6lbs 13oz. I guess I don't grow 'em big, but I sure do incubate well (40 weeks, 3 days with Macey, 38 weeks with Miles & Camryn, 39 weeks 1 day with Mackinley, and who knows how long I really would've gone with the last 2 pregnancies since those were scheduled C-sections). Mackinley's been a joy to have. Everyone loves her. Miles has to give her kisses on the head at least 20 times a day. He tells me "momma, unna (I wanna) kiss baby". He'll hold her, but in typical boy fashion he's announces he's done after only a few seconds of holding her. Macey loves to help with everything. She's helped me change a diaper and give her baths. She loves for me to lay her on her chest and hold her. Camryn gives Mackinley the sweetest kisses. She wants to hold her and doesn't want her turn to ever end (even when Mackinley is screaming). It's hard to find time for floor time for Mackinley since the other 3 can get a bit rough when they are playing. And when I do lay her down Miles usually lays on one side and Camryn on the other. Both of them usually get right in her face, so Mackinley get frustrated. They all call her Kinley. I think Macey started that trend and Miles and Camryn just followed suit.

I can see a definite friendship between the older 3. They watch out for one another and take up for one another. Macey made her first trip to Nana and Pawpaw's without us right after Mackinley was born. Miles and Camryn both asked about her while she was gone and Macey was ready to see her siblings by the time she got back home. Hopefully they'll continue to be close.

We made a trip to Sea World this summer before Mackinley was born. It was the first trip for the kids. They thoroughly enjoyed it. They were mesmerized by the animals. Macey was talking about it for days and wanted to go back the next day. I'm glad we made that trip before having Mackinley. I think I enjoyed watching the kids faces more than they enjoyed the experience.

Miles still refers to Camryn as "sister". He will call her Camryn, but I guess sister is his name for her. When Camryn says "Macey" she says it with an "f" at the front.

Each of them have a personality all their own. Miles is still my funny guy with a sensitive side. His laugh is contagious. Camryn is still my dramatic, sweet talking girl. Watch out for that sweet voice, she'll turn on you in an instant. And Macey is still my mothering people person. We'll see what Mackinley brings to the table.

4 kids 3 and under....4 kids in just over 3 years...4 kids in 3 pregnancies. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll miss these days when they are older. When I brought Mackinley home it hit me how big my kids are getting. I have a preschooler and 2 toddlers, not a toddler and 2 infants....when did that happen???

What a week...

What have we been up to? Hmm, this week hasn't been the best week. Miles started running a fever last Saturday evening. He really only had a fever, until Monday when he developed a cough. We took him in on Tuesday and they tested for and ruled out pneumonia. He was prescribed an oral steroid and we were told to increase his inhaler usage. Back up a few months, Miles was having a hard time breathing, no fever, just wheezing and shortness of breath. I took him to his allergist and he gave him an inhaler. I suspect we are going down the road to asthma, but they typically do not diagnose this early, or at least his allergist doesn't. I think given his track record he'll be more susceptible for viruses to settle into his lungs. Miles's fever finally broke today. However, Macey and Camryn both started running a fever early Wednesday and continue to run a fever. They don't have any other symptoms yet and hopefully they won't develop any congestion in their lungs!

Miles got retested for his food allergies last Friday (he'll be tested annually to see if any of them are falling off the allergy spectrum). We got the results today and he still has the same allergies and the levels have actually elevated from last year's test. So not falling off, instead they are going the other way. I hope this isn't an indication that he won't grow out of these, but if it is we'll keep dealing with it.

Baby #4 seems to be doing well. I'm 30+ weeks along, it's going by fast. I forget how much the tiredness sets back in the 3rd trimester. As uncomfortable and draining it was to carry twins, one thing that was good about it was that there wasn't much room for them to do as many ninja-type kicks. This baby has reminded me just how much room there is to thrash around in. But I think the twins pregnancy was much more painful than either of the singletons.

Happy 3rd Birthday Macey!!!!!!

Macey,

We are very proud of the wonderful little girl you've become. You are very helpful and love to take care of your babies. You help me clean up and help me with Miles and Camryn. And sometimes you do this without being asked. :-) You love to make sure that your babies are well taken care of. You give them plenty of blankets, read to them, rock them, feed them, change their diapers, bathe them and give them books to read when you put them to bed. Sometimes you might forget to get them out of the car and daddy leaves with them still in the car. You get very upset once you realize that they are in the car that daddy took, but once we talk to daddy and daddy says he'll take care of them, you are ok. You are my little people person. You remember everyone's name and ask about them often. And you even want to know everyone's name when we are out and about. You ask who someone is in the grocery store, in the car next to us, at the gym, etc. I think you got the charming/politic-ing from your daddy. ;-)

Some of your favorite things:

1. Gum!!!
2. Ice cream cones
3. Spinach
4. Swimming or just generally being in water
5. Chasing Miles and Camryn
6. Helping me or daddy cook
7. Stuffing your "purses" with toys and taking them with us wherever we go
8. Playing with all the little people, animals, cars, and baby dolls.
9. Getting and Icee and a muffin when we go to Target
10. Helping put food in the grocery basket when we shop

We are so glad to have you as a part of our family!

We love you,
Momma and Daddy

3rd birthday (well technically taken 6/5/10)

6/6/09

6/6/08

6/6/07

What's it like raising twins plus one?

It is a very rewarding job. Hard at times, but worth it. As any parent would say about raising any child. However, juggling two toddlers and a preschooler is a task. Sometimes you do feel like a cattle herder, just trying to get them to go through the gate. This age has been the most demanding so far...and I say so far with an emphasis as we haven't even hit the demands of teenage years. But compared to when Miles and Camryn weren't so mobile (running, climbing, throwing, dancing, etc.) this is a challenging time. And I truly do think they plan their attacks. It's as if Miles tells Camryn, "I'll dump out the cereal while you go over there and get the batteries out of the remote." Or "I'll start screaming banana and you throw a fit over wanting some juice." I guess it's no different than when they were newborns and would be crying at the same time. Well, maybe a little different because now they can hold onto your legs as you try to get them what they want or follow you around screaming for that banana or juice. And my legs have become a source of entertainment. Miles and Camryn have some sort of game they play as one stands on one side of my legs and the other stands on the other and they stick their heads through the gap as I'm cooking or washing dishes, lots of laughter from them. Makes moving around a little hard. Going places where their freedom is allowed (where they aren't confined to a stroller or shopping cart) is a challenge. At home we've created a mostly toddler-proof, safe zone in every room. When we go somewhere that this hasn't occurred, it's not enjoyable for me. Life as a singleton mother is a breeze at this age as following one toddler around in a non-toddler-proof zone is not such a burden. Following two toddlers the same age in a non-toddler-proof zone is stressful. One adult chasing two running, hiding, climbing, prodding, toddlers in other environments is not ideal. I've now learned that I should bring my own toddler proofing kit wherever we go so as to eliminate some of the "danger". So if we visit and I put safety plugs over your electrical plugs, rubber bands on your cabinet knobs and put your curtains in knots, please don't take offense. I'm only trying to make my visit a little less stressful and more enjoyable and to keep your belongings safe from destruction (that's if I remember to pack everything). And for those of you that have scoffed at people who put their children on leashes, remember to never judge a book by its cover. I've never used a leash with any of my children. However, I can understand why some people would choose that type of confinement. Sometimes at this age they just want to walk around and strollers don't allow that. So walking+leash=happy child, happy parents. At least the child that is on the leash is getting exercise while her stroller confined peers are not. Again, I've never used a leash for my children, but I do not pass judgement on those that chose to do so as I can see how it is less stressful and less of a fight to put them on a leash and walk the mall. I don't think I could give up the confinement of a stroller for two kids the same age since I'd be having to watch what each one is getting into. Nonetheless, it is a choice that has a reason behind it.



Do they already have a close relationship? Definitely. As different as they are, you can see the bond they have with each other. Camryn may act independent, but she loves her brother. Miles points to Camryn every morning and says "titter" excitedly. Camryn is the last one to settle down at night and as I peek in to check on them she can be found right next to Miles, or laying on top of Miles with her feet in his face, or laying her chest on his legs and looking up at him trying to talk to him even though he's already asleep. They've been together since the beginning of their life. That's something us non-twin-types will never fully understand. They've shared a lot of tender moments before and after entering this world and also had their fair share of sibling fights, in womb and out.



When will I separate them? They still share a crib and until it becomes a problem I don't intend to separate them. Once they are big enough to move to a bigger bed I'll provide two beds for them, but I don't intend to split them into separate rooms unless they desperately request such a thing. Of course I recognize them as individuals and am not trying to make them be one. I feel that I'm being respectful of their special bond, one I will never fully understand. But I can imagine that it would be hard to be forced to be separated from someone that has been with you since you can remember and you weren't ready for that separation. So I will wait until it is a problem for them or they tell me they need to be separated.



How does Macey interact with them? Most of the time she has a blast with them. Chasing, laughing, wrestling, singing, dancing...she loves her brother and sister. Obviously there are times when it is annoying to have a brother or sister or both trying to play with the toy you picked out to play with. So, Sean and I provide a space for Macey to place her things so that Miles and Camryn cannot get to them. She definitely loves them and misses them when they aren't around. I hope they continue to be close and that Macey will not ever feel left out or like the third wheel. I know I'm going to make every effort to make sure that doesn't happen.



How are they different? Oh, this is easy. Miles is my little funny man. Prankster, funny little guy. He laughs so easily. He finds humor in so much. He always has. He loves to play games with you. He's also all boy. Throwing everything. He loves to throw things down the stairs, out of the bathtub, out of the door, into the trash, etc. And he mainly uses his left hand when throwing. Even when eating he puts his spoon in his left hand...so maybe we have a lefty. He's also cautious in new environments. He needs a little time to adjust with new people or new places. Once he finds his groove, he's good to go. He's kept up with being very vocal. He will be the first to let you know that he is hungry ("eat, eat") or that he's done eating ("un down") or what he wants to do. I'm just amazed at the conversations I can have with him at this age. Camryn is my very emotional, independent little diva. She wants to do it her way on her time. And if you interupt her time, big tears and loud protesting. She also doles out the sweetest kisses. Saying "mmuah" with each kiss as she tenderly pecks you on the cheek. She is also the most fearless kid I've known. Some of her feats include climbing into our bar height chairs and sitting as if she's grown. And climbing on top of the sofa table and standing very proudly. I truly believe that she thinks she can do it all. And strangers, what is that? She thinks every new place is a place that was anticipating her arrival and she makes her presence known. Two distinct personalities who happened to be born on the same day.



Lessons learned from having twins:

1. Never give one of them something different to eat or drink when they are young. They are perceptive to these things very early on. If they feel like the other one has gotten something "more enjoyable" a fight or fit will ensue. Miles still has food allergies, so you guess it, Camryn mostly only eats what Miles can eat. If you want to give Camryn something Miles can't have, you better do it out of sight of Miles. And if you give one juice and not the other, they know, they can tell what is in a cup. Boycotting their cup has occurred as well as stealing the other ones cup. I'm guessing that they'll grow out of this and want very distinctive things, but for now we try to keep it equitable to avoid meltdowns.
2. Always bring booster seats with you when having to eat out of the house. This is because many places don't have lots of highchairs or the likelihood of two of them that work (i.e. snap) being available may be slim. Being prepared for this is crucial. Even traveling to other houses. Feeding two 17 month olds at the same time, forget it if you can't confine them.
3. Don't be stunned when your son requests a hair bow be put in his hair because he just witnessed his sister get one put in her hair. We've not made it in public with it in his hair, but he's definitely had a few put in his hair before leaving the house.
4. Never underestimate the brain power of two toddlers. They've been found standing on top of a turned over large mixing bowl trying to open the bathroom door. I'm not looking forward to the day when they figure out that one can hoist the other one up to get something out of reach.
5. If you think you child proofed your house for a previous child, think again. Child proofing take on a whole new meaning when there's two to chase and keep safe.
6. There are many lessons we've learned and will continue to learn. Hopefully we don't make too many mistakes along the way.

We are glad we have each one of the children we have and raising twins plus one has been a fun and exciting (sometimes exhausting) ride. And I'm sure raising twins, plus two will be even better...I guess we'll find out in August!

Daily moments

Some sweet/funny moments around here lately.

As I'm dishing out food onto Miles' tray, Camryn gives him some peas from her tray. I guess she thought he needed a few more. And it could go the other way, they do steal food from each other, even though they eat the same thing. Grass is greener I guess.

As soon as I get Miles out of his chair, Camryn pulls it to her so that she can grab all the leftovers from his seat.

Camryn walking around holding her shorts, who knows what this kid is thinking. I wish we could find our camera charger to catch this one.

Macey doing some serious bird chasing expeditions. Our neighborhood walk is now all about locating birds so that Macey can chase/try to catch them. She's serious about this, it's no laughing matter to her.

Miles copying everything you say. One of my favorites is him holding up something and looking at me and saying "Dis" (asking what is this). To which I tell him what it is he's holding, then him trying to say what I told him it was. Another one is when he's done eating and I ask if he is full and if he wants to get up. To which he replies "up", holding his arms up to me. Yet another one is when I ask if he's poo pooed (when he has) and he looks at me with a sheepish grin and says "poo poo". That boy.

Camryn throwing her professional/diva style fits. I know, not so funny in years to come, but I can't help but laugh at her go crazy over the smallest things (i.e. when I take an unpeeled orange away from her to peel it so she can eat it, that was the end of the world to her, and there are LOTS more). Oh, and NEVER put her down first when putting them down for nap/bedtime. Diva style fit surely will ensure if you do. This girl has more attitude than any of the other Hardeman kids...Lord give me strength!

Camryn sucking her thumb and twirling/pulling her hair. When I hold her and she starts sucking her thumb she will twirl my hair. One bad thing about the hair twirling is that it's hard to keep her hair up. She's a pro at the hair twirl/pulling while sucking her thumb and she has no use for your hairstyle you did for her. Oh well, at least one of my girls allowed me to keep pretty bows in her hair.

Macey and Miles wrestling. They get pretty rough and Miles just laughs the entire time.

The conversations about her day I have with Macey as she's going to bed. Her telling me about Harley licking her on her hand, chasing birds, playing.

Macey with her babydolls. She rocks them, pretends they are crying, tells them not to cry, takes them on strolls, covers them with blankets, gives them baths, asks if they are okay.

Miles and Camryn walking around with whistles in their mouths and blowing them. Yes, can get a little loud, but the funniest thing.

The kid-cart derby that goes on in the kitchen everyday. Miles and Camryn pushing their push toys and Macey riding her cart. Enter if you are brave, they will run you over.

Getting on Macey's cart with her and having to hold Miles and Camryn and go for a few spins around the kitchen.

Macey helping me cook. She's a great stir-er and helps me measure and dump ingredients.

Macey telling us to leave the bathroom (usually only when she's got to go poo). Who knew privacy would start this early.

Miles and Camryn singing into the kid microphone (it really works). I think I recorded this one but can't download since the battery is down.

These are the moments...

A few birthday pictures

They are in reverse order. I didn't load them like this, but this is how they posted (and I'm not taking the time to move them around). Enjoy!

Went in two different directions

Started out together

I think she liked it.

Yummmm!

Savoring the flavor

This is F-U-N!

"Really, all of this is MINE!"

See what I mean, daring! She tried a few times to touch the flame!

"This is different"

Birthday Ride