3 Months

The babies continue to grow and grow and grow.

There will probably be a day in the future that Addison hates me for this picture, as its not a great angle and she looks a little chubbier than she actually is. No addison, that outfit does NOT make you look fat.

I am a big boy!!

We look like little people!

Just for comparison purposes, I've put together the following collage to chart their growth. Its nothing fancy or worthy of framing, but its kinda cool to look at. (You can click on the photo to open it in a new tab/window)

Happy Halloween

We had a busy Halloween. We all came back from our first trip out of town as a family (down to Pawleys Island for Dad's work). Smith and Addison had a nice trip, mom got to relax a little bit, and Dad got to work!

We got home around 4:00 PM and after feeding some screaming babies, we dressed 'em up!

Ms Addison flirts with the camera.

Mr. Smith REALLY flirts with the camera!

Finally, it was the year of the pumpkins. From left to right, Sienna, Addison,Carter, a VERY happy Smith, and Macy. (look at Macy trying to comfort Smith - she was patting his little leg. Later on she sang to him. Very sweet.)

Finally, our friends Carissa and Craig get extra points for their costumes for their twins Ellie and Turner. You must check it out. You two have certainly set the bar high for next year, but we can beat it. I know we can (we've got at least one more year where WE can pick out the costumes, so we're planning on making the most of it!)

Today is Smith and Addison's 3 month birthday, so pictures of that will be forthcoming. As will the next Q&A. Sorry its taken me so long, but I've gotten some really good and juicy questions (some off the record by anonymous senders - its okay if you want to ask that way too!), so I'll need to set aside some time to really answer those.

Get in on the questions

We're preparing another installment of "Ask the parents..." Get all you questions in now.

Anything that inquiring minds want to know....

Fall is in the air, every where I look around

Before we get to the photos of our visit to the pumpkin patch, here's one of my favorite new pictures:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of them, locked arm in arm. It just makes me smile!

"mom put is in these hats and they're impossible to stay on but she insists."

Smith: " I want that pumpkin over there."
Addison: "And I want that pumpkin over THERE."

Dad...seriously, could you not hold us like that? Ouchie.

Hey there!

Both Smith and Addison are super aware these days. They're both alert and interested in EVERYTHING (and for Ms. Can't Be Bothered, this is big news.)

As such, we've been picture snapping fools again, and have gotten some great shots. Krissee's been having "Photo shoot" time each day. God bless our children. Seriously. This is just a collection of pictures that we love. They're growing so fast.

Next- our friends Brittany and Ashley stopped by on Saturday. They were both naturals, and Smith and Addison tolerated them, even though they were decked out in Orange! Little Miss Addison looks like she may have a crush the way she is checking Ashley out.

Finally - Smith and Addison and Carter have been hanging out a good bit. While Carter at one point looked like he might be the big boy of the gang, Smith is rapidly catching up (Especially considering that Carter is two months older!):

Baptism

We've been incredibly slack bloggers lately! Sorry for that. Babies continue to be happy and healthy Both are become much more alert just in the past few days, and one of their favorite pastimes is smiling at mom and dad. (They also enjoy pooping when you're changing them and waking you up in the middle of the night still, but we're going to focus on the positive here!)

Last Sunday, we had the twins baptized. Many family and friends joined us at the church for the service and at our home for a luncheon afterwards. The luncheon was such a whirlwind that we didn't really take any pictures of it. Sorry!

Here if our happy family - godparents to both children Scott and Amber Rankin and Adam and Haley Dougherty.

The godparents.

Scott and Amber

Adam and Haley (There are three babies here - Smith, Addison, and you can't see Adam and Haley's little girl because Haley is pregnant with her and she is trying to cover up her bump with Addison but its not going to work.)

Sick Update

Just a quick update to let everyone know how the Daybies are doing:

They're both back on formula, and seem to be doing ok. Not everything is necessarily back to normal (without getting too much into poop consistency, its not very), but they're not spitting up and liquid butt seems to have dissipated.

Happy ten week birthday babies.

Sick Babies

Smith and Addison are sick. I called the nurse at the doctors office and she said it sounded like a stomach bug. There has been a large amount of spitting up and very frequent diaper changes. They are on Pedialyte for 24 hours and then a half Pedialyte half formula diet the next 24 hours. So that is what is going on in our house these days. We had a great weekend and the babies were christened on Sunday, it was a truly wonderful day and there will be more on that later. First we have to get these babies well and back to normal.

Two Months

We had the big two month birthday and two month checkup on the same day. Lots of information to distribute, so.....

Mr. Smith weighed in at 11 lbs 8 oz (birth weight of 5lbs 9 oz), 22 1/2 inches long (at birth - 19.5) His Height is in the 75% percentile, weight is in the 50th, and head circumference is 25%!!! He did not inherit his father's big ole watermelon head, and I'm very thankful for that!

Ms. Addison was 11 lbs 2 oz. (Birth weight of 5lbs 11 oz), and 21.5 inches long (19.5 birth). Everything of her's is in the 50th percentile. I'd wager to say that her lack of weight gain can be attributed to the fact that she can't be bothered to wake up for anything. Ever (You'll see in the below photos). Unless she wants it. Yep, we're gonna have an AWESOME time in 13 years or so.

Its all about the twos

Today, we have:

• Two Babies
• Two Months Old
• Two Parents
  
• Two Doggies
• Two Nights of sleeping through the night.

That's right. While we may have some future setbacks, for the past two nights, both Smith and Addison have slept through the night.

Mom and Dad are thrilled, and babies are content (for now, they'll be getting their shots around 11 AM).

We'll be back later today with all the other stuff...but just had to share our big news!

Ohhh, we're halfway there...

ohhh, livin' on a prayer...

Yep. Mr Smith slept through the night last night. Now, its just one night. And he was HORRIBLY upset all day at the world and all who dwell in it. But he went to sleep quickly after his final feeding and I had to WAKE HIM UP this morning. (Granted, he woke up first around 6:30, which actually prompted me out of bed. But he fell back asleep and I waited until 7 to wake he and sister and begin feeding).

Tonight will tell the tale, to see if it was a fluke or a new behavior. Regardless, I'm thrilled. And as happy as I am, I STILL had to get up at 4:30 to feed Ms. Addison. While I think most experiences wiht twins are pretty much par for the course for those with a single baby, this is an experience that really so few folks have. Normally, you're children either sleep through the night, or they don't!

They'll be two months Wednesday, so expect the requisite pictures. We've also go their two month checkup that day, so we'll have lots of official sounding statistics and percentiles to throw your way.

Dad is VERY happy. Mom had yesterday off to, of all things, go to a football game with the girls. (This is not a lie. Its amazing the stories the ladies will concoct to leave the kids with the fellas.) Smith, Addison, and I went to Scott and Carter's to watch the game on PPV. Smith proceeded to act the fool AGAIN (as he did a few weeks ago when scott and carter came over to watch football at our house).

Lets hope we get a sleep through the night night tonight (wow, that looks like I just wanted to repeat the word night 3 times, but it actually does make sense) without the day-craziness of yesterday.

Welcome Baby Georgia

Congratulations to Julie and Russell on you precious little girl Georgia born this morning at 7:56AM. She weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces and measures 19.5 inches long. Smith and Addison can't wait to meet their new friend.

Just some pictures

We've been really bad bloggers lately, especialyl with the pictures. Honestly, we just haven't taken as many pictures in the past few weeks, partly because I think when we HAVE some time that we actually could do so, we're ready to just sit down and relax.

But, just to keep everyone updated, here are some pictures from the past few weeks.



Mom had a little photo shoot. This is post feeding, so they must be happy.

Mom and the Daybies, and Amber and Carter ventured out one day last week. This required some maneuring by Amber to get Carter's carseat in Krissee's car. They sure do look snug. (I love this picture, taken in the mirror on the headrest.)

Finally, we went to visit Krissee's family to celebrate a number of birthdays. Pictured here is our nephew Rollings, who picked out his own outfit that day, holding Addison. Rollings is 4 is a little man. He's going to make such a good big cousin and I can't wait to see him playing with Smith and Addison. He's got one heck of an imagination too, and I hope that family trait is passed onto our little ones.

Our Nightly Routine

With the twins almost seven weeks old, we're approaching the time when they should be able to sleep for an eight hour chunk each night without waking. According to "On Becoming Babywise," which we've modeled our feeding schedule after, most babies master this by 8 weeks, and those that don't by then do by 12 weeks. (If you hate that philosophy, shut up. We're feeding and loving our babies.)

Any way you look at it, we're on the downhill slope. Pretty much from the night we got home, we've only been getting up once a night with them, so its not been as bad as we've heard from other parents. But still - we'd both love a full night of sleep. We're alternating who gets up each night so that at least one of us gets an uninterrupted night of sleep each night.

So, in our efforts to coax our children into night sleeping, we've instituted the following nighttime routine.

• The "final" feeding is at 7 PM.
• After this feeding, we bathe them.
• They then get "spa time," in which they are massaged with some night time baby lotion (I am not making this up. I made fun of Krissee at first, but it really does help them to calm down.)
• They're swaddled and placed in the crib
• Dad reads them a story.
• The lights are turned off, the mobile is turned on for 5 minutes, and the door is shut.

This has been working great. For the most part, they're asleep (or at least settled down) by the time the mobile finishes its 5 minute cycle.

We awaken them around 10-11 for their final feeding of the day, which is kept quiet and strictly business - feeding and a diaper change. No playing.

After that, we go to bed.

And each night, even if its the other's night, we truly hope that tonight is the night.

When its not your night, you can't wait to wake in the morning and ask the other "How did it go?" and "When did they wake up?"

We'll get it. Its still crazy early. But rest assured, once we're getting full nights of sleep? That is going to be like an extra cherry on top of a bowlful of cherries that tops the most decadent chocolate and ice cream concoction known to man.

Yep - THAT good.

Getting Current

So one of Dad's favorite things to do is to comment on Aunt Heather's blog whenever she's gone a week or more without posting. The comment usually consists of the three simple words "nice current blog." Its usually enough motivation to get her to post within the next few days.

If you can dish it out, you've got to be willing to take it, so thanks Heather, for "Nice current blog"-ing me.:)

Who knew that once we left the children for one night, it'd go so much easier? We haven't spent more than a few waking hours at home as we've decided to resume our rock star lifestyles. Parties every night, dinners out. Babysitters do complicate the equation somewhat, but we're managing.

PSYCHE. Honestly, mom's been sick. Dad is sick. Dad was out of town for a few days. Mom had Cookie come stay and help. Babies are growing and they are six weeks old today.

Had a big visit from Ellie and Turner (and their mom Carissa and friend Ashley) on Saturday. Ellie and Turner are 6 1/2 months older than Smith and Addison, so there wasn't a whole lot of interaction going on. If anything, it reinforced the fact that we need to cuddle and hold our sweet babies as long as possible. Its been a very neat experience to watch them grow up. Carissa gave birth the week we discovered we were having twins. She's been a great resource all along the way and more than anything, she's reminded us that they'll be ok no matter what we do, so its best to be able to laugh along the way.

That is our big updates. NO new milestones, other than the six week mark. I think we'll all be close to 100% this weekend.

Mom and Dad's Crazy Night Out

Last night, Krissee and I talked our friends Heath and Jessa into babysitting the daybies and we headed out for date night, Sept. 2008 edition!

During the pregnancy, we discussed many times how important we thought it would be for us to be able to have some time that didn't involve the kids. We decided that we'd try to plan a once a month date night, so that we'd be able to have conversations that didn't necerssarily revolve around how many ounces they drank or who had what diaper when.We've had many people tell us about how hard it would be to leave them.

Well, I hate to say it like this, but it wasn't that hard. Maybe they knew it was coming, so from 4 until about 6:00, Smith and Addison screamed and cried. It was FIERCE. At six, we fed 'em, and they promptly fell asleep. Heath and Jessa arrived at 6:30 and we were off.

We got home just in time to see kickoff for the Gamecock game at 8:30. All in all, it was a successful evening out. We had a few beverages, ate some food, and chatted. Some chatter was regarding teh children, but we also talked about other stuff. In fact, it was just as we received our appetizer that we remarked "We haven't talked about the kids yet."

When we got home...the babies were cuddled up and it was obvious they had been in good hands. Thanks Heath and Jessa!

Unfortunately, all this occurred without a single photo being snapped. Maybe for the October edition!

Busy Weekend

We had a busy Labor Day weekend, lots of visits and visitors!

Some of our closest friends, Adam and Haley, and our godson Jack stopped by to visit. They were some of our first visitors in the hospital, and we're all super glad that they're headed back to Columbia!

Now, being the overprotective father that I already am, especially in all manners concerning my daughter's dating future, I'm wary of any male child spending too much time around her. But Jack is a special kid, and you can already tell he's going to be super sweet, just like his godfather Daniel. I know some other friends think that Jack is betrothed to their daughter Emmie, but I checked with the family and they indicated that there was no dowery, so all bets were off.

Jack checking out Ms. Addison.

This wasn't perfect camera speed, but their first kiss was right around this time!

On Monday, we headed for our first big day trip with the babies, to Nanny and Papas. It was a combination Labor Day/Nanny Birthday visit, so we knew we'd have fun.

The cooler packing is a little different these days, but the essentials for all are still there!

My sister hosted an exchange student from Germany many years ago, Barbara. She and her boyfriend Johannes are spending the week with my parents this week. Here they are checking out Smith and Addison.

Super Sweet One Month

The twins turned one month old yesterday! Its hard to believe that its already been a month, but in the same way, it seems that they've been with us forever too!

Our friends Ellie and Turner/Carissa and Craig have been doing this tradition of taking pictures each month with a sign in the background. We're shamelessly stealing that idea!

One of our neighbors made the stuffed animals that you see in the pictures. We figured it would be a good way to measure their size alone the way too!

Life with babies

Dad avoided a potential devastating start to his day just a few moments ago.

We've moved on to making bottles on demand (expect some great advice on that later this week). As such, the canister of formula sits on our kitchen counter. Right next to the coffee maker.

I'm making another cup this morning, and without thinking, instead of picking up the cream, I pick up the formula canister.

I quickly realized the error I was getting ready to make and put the formula down and picked up the cream. Luckily this was my 3rd cup instead of my first. I have a feeling that at some point in the future, I'll be having formulafee. (thats my name for the formula/coffee mixture).

Smith and Addison just told me to tell everyone Happy Labor Day.

Its also their one month birthday today! We're heading out to Nanny's and Papa's for a Labor Day cookout/Nanny birthday feast, so its a very big day up in our house. We'll be doing the one month photo shoot tonight when we get home, so expect a great week of entries!

Go gamecocks

Last night was the first Carolina game of the season. As such, Smith and Addison had to help mom and dad cheer on the team from the comfort of our own home!

Addison proved that she is her mother's child by not being interested in football...at all.

Smith, however, really seemed to get into it, although he did tucker out pretty early on.

Smith showing his gamecock pride. Notice the BOOTS.

See...Addison could not care less about the team and its goings on.

I don't know why, but this picture just looks like I caught them at a tailgate bender. They're screaming, dancing, having a large time. Maybe its because there are a few pictures of Mom and Dad flo

Smith sure did get stressed out watching the game. So did Dad. I think Smith handled it better by passing out than his dad did by yelling and screaming at the TV.

Still alive

We're here and we are still alive.

Daniel had his first trip out of town on Monday - Wednesday. Krissee's friend Ashley came down to assist mom in the well-being of the Daybies (and Mom, via some great meals from Trader Joes. We need one of those in Columbia!)

Here's Ms. Ashley conquering the double feed!

Weekend - Do what you want to do!

I think EVERYONE got the choices of who likes the children with socks and hats and who likes them more natural! Yes, Krissee is the proponent of the coverings, and I prefer to let them run around like crazy redneck children with no socks or hats!

This entry has no theme or funny, just wanted to show some pictures of the Daybies!

Here is Dad getting some much needed snuggle time with 'em!

The last photo shoot in this chair was such a success, we of course had to do it again!

And finally, what do you do when its 8 PM, your babies have been fussy for hours, and there is no end in sight? Take 'em for a walk in your nifty Zooper Tango stroller!

Vice presidents ain't got nothin' on us

Everyone check out the below post of the twin's first visit from Carter. While I had the time, energy, and idea, I wanted to go ahead and post this entry as well. See....a dry spell for a few days, and then presto, two entries in one day. You never know what you're going to get here at the Smith and Addison Day show. Consider this entry a very special episode!

First off, an incredibly sweet picture of my baby girl. I include it only because I had one extra picture of Smith in this entry and we want to make things as fair as possible (at least now!)



There is a big debate raging currently in the Day household, and the only way to settle it is to pose it to the masses,

Which is cuter...socks and hats or no socks and hats (we mean in general terms, not these pictures specifically). Bonus points if you can identify the correct parent with their opinion.

(he looks like such a little gangster in this picture.)

A visit from Carter and Mom

Some of our closest friends have a son just two months prior to Smith and Addison's birth. Carter's mom Amber got to come by today finally after battling a cold last week with Carter to hang out with the twins and Mom.

(And yes, Carter is in the upper percentiles for his age, and Smith and Addison are a good two months younger than he is).

Its been a long standing joke that Carter and Addison would be star-crossed soul mates. Addison looks to be getting an early start by rubbing up on Carter's legs. Smith seems unconcerned with his sister's reputation and is catching some must needed rest.

Come back soon Amber and Carter (and Scott if you're letting him out of the house these days).! We can't wait to watch our children grow up together and be perfect little angels for the next eighteen years.