I'll Never Do That!

Middle of the night.  

I awake to hear Gabriella crying.  It's been storming and she's become afraid of the sound of rain or wind.  Thus, the crying.  

I text Rick that we have a situation on our hands.  Why do I text my husband in the middle of the night, you ask.  Well, Rick's been sleeping downstairs because the twins l.o.v.e their swings.  They've been sleeping between 6 and 8 hours a night, so if they want to swing, then swing they will! 

After a 1:30am briefing, Rick and I decide our best approach is to let GG come sleep in the bed with mommy.  Off he goes to get her.

Rewind to the pre-twins era:

Me:  We cannot let GG sleep in the bed with us.

Rick:  Why?  What's the big deal?

Me:  We don't want her getting used to 

sleeping in the bed with us.  If she does it once, she'll never go back to her crib.

Back to present:

GG nestles right in beside me.  We've got a king-size bed, but the only place for her is right next to me.  I tell her we need to go to sleep and there's silence until I hear the faintest, "Mommy?"  I wait to make sure my ears aren't deceiving me.  "Mommy?"  

"Yes," I say as I await to hear what that sweet little voice has to say...I just know she's going to delve into a deep monologue of her love and devotion for me.  A sweet moment I'll remember and cherish forever.

Instead...

"Mommy, you're cuckoo!"

And so it begins...

For the next 45 minutes, Gabriella wallows around the bed singing I'm Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee,  laughing, begging me to tell stories, kissing me on my head.  Finally, I give in to her requests to watch cartoons.  Did you know at 2:30 in the morning the only cartoon you can find features a dog smoking a cigarette??!!  What's even more shocking is that for one brief moment, I contemplated letting my innocent child watch it!  I actually analyzed the harm that could be done in 10 minutes of viewing time.  Luckily, time of night doesn't weaken a mommy's intuition, so I changed the channel, but it is amazing what desperate times may cause you to consider! hehehe

After all of this, I rolled over and enjoyed about 5 minutes of quiet until my daughter broke the silence once more...

"Mommy, GG toot-toot!  GG toot-toot!"

And so it went...

I wish I could upload the night vision picture I took with my phone and sent to Rick with the caption that read, "HELP!!"  It was hilarious!

***************************************

So, Gabriella wanted a story last night. Well here's one:

Once upon a time there was a mommy who said, "I'll never do that." 

She ended up doing that.

And she was thankful that she did.

The end.

Thank you, Gabriella, for one of the most memorable nights of my life.  It was a chart-topper for sure!

Moral of the story:  Sometimes, you see God in the things you say you'd never ever do!

Love,

Mary

They're Watching

As Rick was reading his new astronomy book today, he caught my attention and whispered for me to look at Gabriella.  There she was, in the exact same pose as her father.  

Leg crossed at the knee.  

Book at an upright position.  

Thoroughly engaged.  

Just like her Daddy.

 Through the course of a day, I am constantly noticing GG and how she mimics everything we do.  And I mean everything!  Lately, she's been getting my twins nursing pillow and trying to nurse Tinker Bell.  That's something I need to get a picture of and post!  It is absolutely hilarious!  

The point is: Everything we do is fair game for repeating.

Therefore, it's important that what we do is worth repeating.  Children don't just end up being kind, polite, loving, passionate, honest, or any of the other things we hope by chance.

Gabriella, Marielle, and Genevieve will be looking to Rick and me for an example of what to do, what not to do, and how to do it.  When I think about the adults I want my children to be, I have to look at myself first.  

I can't expect the girls to be patient if I am quick to anger.

I can't expect the girls to be loving and affectionate if I don't shower them with hugs and kisses.

I can't expect the girls to be compassionate if I don't show them that I care about others.

Each thing I want to see in them, I have to see in myself.

And I don't.

 That's a pretty hefty responsibility...embodying all of the characteristics you want to see in your children.

I think it's probably impossible, but I know there's no harm in trying.

In fact, I'll probably fall short most of the time, but if serving as an example to them is always in the back of my mind, I can't help but end up a better person.

For now, I'll just continue trying to be an example for my girls because I know they're watching.

Today, I saw God in a little girl who so desperately wants to be just like her Daddy!

Love,

Mary

There's Not a Yesterday or Tomorrow That's More Imortant Than TODAY

Today.  

Rick and I took the girls to visit his Grandmother's grave for the first time.  Granny past two years ago and we had yet to visit the site.  Why?  People grieve in different ways and I guess Rick just wasn't ready.  These two years have been hard.  People say that time eases all things, but it doesn't ease loss.  I see that in my husband's eyes.

Before I continue though, I want to share that Rick wanted me to take the pictures that I posted.  I would never have taken the camera for fear of intruding on this personal time.  However, Rick brought it along and asked me to capture the moment.  

Continuing on...

When we got there, Rick walked with Gabriella and spent time with her at the marker.  Before we left, they went to the pond and followed the mommy and baby ducks.  It occurred to me while we were there how happy Granny probably was seeing us all there.  She was such a family oriented person. Nothing mattered more to her than her family.  In the time that I was fortunate enough to know her, she never let anything get in the way of spending time with the people she loved the most.  She was present in the moment...in today.

Now, I am not a perfect person and have many faults for sure.  However, one thing I'm pretty good at is cherishing each and every moment of this life...of today.  There's not a yesterday or tomorrow that's more important that this moment right now.  And now...  And now...

You get the idea.

It's easy to let things get in the way of enjoying today, though, isn't it?  For example, in a fit of vanity, I almost canceled my and Rick's date the other night because I couldn't fit into any of my clothes.  I still have 13 pounds to lose and I'm in that awkward stage where nothing fits.  As I looked in the mirror and cried at the sight of what a twin pregnancy had done to my body, I had to slap myself out of my own pity party!  Was I really going to let something as stupid as what I was going to wear rob me of my joy of celebrating the day?  I almost did.  

I know that may seem trivial, but so are many of the things that rob us of living in the moment.  I bet if you think about it, there are all kinds of things that you spend your time doing that won't matter in 10 years...or even 1 year for that matter.  The first question is: Do you even recognize the things that take you away from today?  The next, and more important question, is: Do you care enough to do something about it?

This day has a value.  This moment is significant.  One life.  That's it, folks.  That's all we get here on earth.  Why would you...why would I...let one second of it pass doing something other than being present in the moment.  Knowing the worth of today.

You know, I saw God yesterday.  And I'm sure I'll see Him tomorrow.  But what is most important to me right now is that I see him...

today.

Love,

Mary

I Can't Say I'd Rather Be Doing Anything Else

Today, we celebrated the 4 week birthday of Marielle and Genevieve!! It is hard to believe that 4 weeks have gone by when I feel like I just came home from the hospital yesterday. With so much to keep us busy, our days fly by in the blink of an eye.

To commemorate this special day, the whole family took a trip to the mall. Since making it through this 4 weeks has been no easy feat, everyone in the family got to pick out something special. A reward, so to speak...

Marielle and Genevieve each got a new puppy from Build-a-Bear. Gabriella was a fabulous big sister and helped! She kissed the heart that went inside each of her sisters' animals. When the puppies were finished, I snapped the picture of Rick. I think he looks like he's still in shock that we have TWO babies! Funny the denial that sets in after 72 hours of no sleep!

Of course, Marielle and Genevieve were involved in the entire process, as you can see...

For Gabriella, we went to the Disney Store! Gabriella has been saving her money and this was a perfect opportunity for her to spend her $15! She shopped and shopped, looking at every single toy in the store. Finally, she settled on Tinker Bell. It was so much fun watching her carry her purse to the checkout counter and figuring out how to pay for her purchase.
I must admit that each day is getting harder, though. I thought things would start to get easier, but it seems as though we were in some kind of newborn honeymoon period. The nights are longer, the crying is more frequent, the adrenaline that kept us going in those first couple of weeks is starting to wear off...

But, I can't say that I'd rather be doing anything else.

I'm a mom of THREE, now.
It comes with the territory.

I've seen God in each and every second of the last 28 days. I know He's there because if He weren't, I'd be at an insane asylum right now! ha!

Love,
Mary

My BFF

Yesterday was Marielle and Genevieve's three week birthday! :) A lot has happened in 3 weeks and when I look back at the Maldonados four weeks ago, I hardly recognize us!! We've come a long way in such a short amount of time!

First, I'm able to nurse TWO babies at ONCE! Go me! I'm super proud of this fact considering so many people told me I probably wouldn't be able to do it. Well guess what?! I am...at least for today! haha

Next, we have ventured out into the real world as a family of FIVE! It's not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. I'm in charge of holding Gabriella's hand, while Rick carries the twins in their carriers. We actually went to Target and walked around. Of course, we kept blankets over the carriers and anytime anyone showed any interest, I pushed my babies away as fast as my recovering body would let me. I mean, have you seen those crazy pertussis (sp?) commercials. I don't need any whooping cough stranger near my baby, but my sanity does require that I get out of the house at least for 20 minutes!

Finally, Rick and I had a date night! We went to Harry's while my very brave mother volunteered to watch all of the girls! She handled it wonderfully, and upon return, all children were still here! That's right...we counted! It was so nice to have adult conversation and not have to worry about our precious little ones.

Twins are tough, don't get me wrong. Somehow, the sleepless nights and inconsolable cries aren't stressing me out, though. I'm just trying to take each day as it comes and enjoy every moment...even the rough ones. When I think about the reason I'm able to stay so positive, one word comes to mind...

Rick.

Rick has been my rock for our entire marriage, but since we found out we were pregnant, he has never given so much of himself. He has been the sole cook, cleaner, diaper changer, vacuumer, laundry washer, get-up-in-the-middle-of-the-nighter, and everything else our family has needed. Sure, I've had it tough with such a difficult pregnancy and the recovery after, however, Rick's made sure that I have never felt another sense of pressure and has taken care of it all. And I do mean ALL.

You know what means the most? Not once, not even almost once, does he ever seem like he minds. In fact, when I thank him, he insists that I'm the one making the sacrifices for our family...

But, he is too.

So, if I seem like I'm not too crazy yet, it's because of my husband.
My BFF.
My #1.

Now, if we continue to be sleep deprived, I revoke everything I just said because he may be the one that is driving me crazy!! haha :)

As for now, I see God in a man who gives everything of himself to his wife and family.

Love,
Mary

In This Very Room

When Rick and I got married, I asked Maria (my SIL) to sing a song, "In This Very Room." Maria sang it beautifully and, since then, I have often looked back on that special moment and thought about the lyrics. This weekend, as I was sitting in my living room, I thought of the song again.
Here are the lyrics:

"In this very room
there's quite enough love
for all the world
and in this very room
there's quite enough joy
for all the world
and there's quite enough hope
and quite enough power
to chase away any gloom
for Jesus
is in this very room"

My living room is small. It's cramped, too! Amazing what you can fit into a space! Let's see, in addition to all the normal living room furniture, we have two swings, a pack-n-play, a cupcake kitchen, a child's desk, and plenty of books and toys that are periodically shoved into a side closet to make the room look not so cluttered.
However, I LOVE this room. I love it because it's where my family does everything! We watch TV together in this room. We eat chips on the couch and then give potato chip kisses in this room. We dance to Latin Urbana on On-Demand in this room. We have pillow fights in this room. We play hide-and-seek in this room. Lately, Rick and I take turns sleeping in this room!
It's a place for us to be together and have fun together as a family. We can't spread out into different rooms, doing different things.
In short, this room keeps us close. That's why I love it so much.

The pics I posted were all taken in our living room area. To me, each picture represents a moment in which I felt so much joy...so much hope. There is no doubt in my mind that the presence of God resides is our small space where we spend so much of our time.

I hope when you think about your own home, a place like this comes to mind. A place where there is so much joy to be had because you are spending time with the people you love...

I see God in this very room, my living room.

Love,
Mary

The DL on Twins

So, I in no way plan on being the spokesperson for people with twins, as my experience has only gotten me through this first 6 days. However, the experience I have gained in this almost-first week has been enough to know that this is way more intense than I thought it was going to be!

Here's what I've learned about being a mommy to twins:

1. If you're going to nurse, know that it takes CRAZY commitment! I am literally an on-call teat 24 hours a day! hahaha! Actually, it works like this: Feed Marielle, hand off to Rick for burping, changing, and swaddling, feed Genevieve, hand off to Rick for burping, changing and swaddling, give your poor ta-tas a rest for an hour or so, REPEAT! It's really just the repeat part that starts to become demanding... :)
2. Expect to always be doing something with one of the twins, even at night. It's Murphy's Law right? If Marielle is crying and I sing to her and rock her and eventually get her calm, as soon as I do, you already know what's going to happen. Genevieve decides that she needs singing to and rocking. It is constant care! Take today for example...
Rick took GG out for some special big sister time. I stayed with the twins. Of course, they start bouncing me back and forth between them like a ping pong ball. I think they knew exactly what they were doing and liked trying to get momma frazzled. After about an hour of this, they were both in their boppies, pacifiers in, swaddled correctly, and I actually said out loud, "screaming twin babies 0, Momma 1!" I wanted them to know who won the round!! But then...as luck would have it...Genevieve spit out that pacifier, sunk down low in her swaddle and started to cry. The ping pong match continued. Guess I need to reverse that score...
3. A sense of humor is so important! Rick and I established on our first night home that we are on the same team. We don't have time to be at each other or to miscommunicate. We need to save all of our energy to work together and to get things done on the twins front! With all that, comes laughing and finding humor in difficult situations. In the video I posted, we could not figure out what was wrong with ___________. I have a blank because I refer to our precious daughter as Marielle and Genevieve in the video. I didn't even know who Rick was holding!! It was really a situation where you could just cry out of frustration. Instead of crying, I decided to record Rick running around the room as only a father of a crying baby would. For any of you who have dealt with an inconsolable child, you know you'll do just about anything to soothe! The best part is at the end when Rick starts singing an old 90's hit Back to Life. After I stopped recording he kept singing and dancing. If it didn't hurt so much to laugh, I would have been cracking up!! These little moments are what help us keep this trying time enjoyable and fun. I don't want the joy of these first days and weeks to be ruined with frustration. So...I've got to keep my sense of humor!

Well, I think that's it for now! I've learned so much more, but I'll save such insight for another post! hehe :) I'm on pacifier duty right now, which means someone stays up and puts the pacifiers back in when Marielle and Genevieve decide we've been resting too long! Why did we ever give them those things?!?!

Guess I better get to the purpose of every post...

I see God in a father holding his daughter like a football and running laps around the bedroom trying to keep her calm.

Love,
Mary