And, their names were Jadyn and Liana. Did you hear about them on the news?
Surprising, if not. They ripped, tore and shredded that beach, that sand, that water -- and that room to pieces.
The Da! and I were groveling in their wake the entire time -- sleepily, too, since the Hurricanes decided they didn't like the room the first night and took THREE (as in 3, as in 1-2-3) hours to settle in and finally go to sleep. Maybe not a big deal to you, but we arrived at MIDNIGHT.
So, we finally got some sleep between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. because we can't have normal babies who might actually SLEEP IN after a night of late-night partying. Nope. Up at the crack, and ready to go.
"Wawa. Wawa."
I feel like all I said all weekend was, "Liana, quit playing with that door," and "Jadyn, don't jump on the bed."
And, here you all thought I was going to get some much-needed rest. Here you all thought that we were going to relax a little.
I tell you one thing. There was not one -- well, there was one -- restful moment during this trip. I'll tell you about that ONE moment in Part Two.
But, was it worth it? Was it worth two 4-hour car rides? Was it worth diapers sagging down so low that the sand practically looked worn out? Was it worth seeing their precious faces as each of those fluffy, foaming waves came crashing down near their feet? Was it worth seeing my daughters leave their footprints along the same sand-crusted, ice cream-smeared boards of the boardwalk that I did as a child?
You bet it was. And, I'm ready to do it again.
Just not for a long, long time. 
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Hurricanes hit an East Coast beach PART ONE
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Buh-bye, babies
Hello Toddlers!
Here's a glimpse at what the end of babyhood offered Jadyn and Liana, and Mama and Dada. They turned 18 months old yesterday.
Last summer, they looked like this:
This summer:
And then we had to prove once and for all that elephants do need water.
And, more water for elephants ...
Ah, sweetness:
And, then, there was the girl who fell in love with a yellow squash.
Or, the girl who can really get an outfit together:
Finally, for the next great non-fiction title, Slides for Elephants:
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
You gotta check this out
I've been hoping to someday actually start making the girls' scrapbooks. I have collected everything, saved every scrap of paper, taken thousands of pictures, literally. I have everything I need, but the time, I guess. I've heard about digital scrapbooking, but didn't know much about it ... until now. You've gotta check this out if you haven't already.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Part frog?
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Shawn
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2:58 AM
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Labels: precious photos, Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Like the womb, but roomier
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Shawn
at
3:00 AM
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Girls just wanna have fun
Because girls need to accessorize and dogs need watered now and then. For more Wordless Wednesday entries go here.

Posted by
Shawn
at
3:30 AM
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Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Wordless Wednesday (cute baby pictures)
I'm happy to be able to cross off yet another thing on my Mama's Summer Vacation to-do list. You girls love your baby pool! It's going to be a great summer. Check out other Wordless Wednesday photos.
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Shawn
at
3:11 AM
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Labels: motherhood, precious photos, Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wordless Wednesday
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Shawn
at
3:17 AM
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Friday, May 25, 2007
Girl fight!
Yes, dear readers, my precious little girls fight. Here is living proof of that, and some team work as well. This is a video entry into the Multiple Mom Movie Madness contest going on over at The Twinkies.
I hope this works!
Happy Anniversary!

Yes, girls, today your father and I will celebrate our fourth anniversary. It will not be anything fancy. Money is tight around here since we became a one-income family. Perhaps you sense the tension. I know we try to keep it light, and simple.
Today will be just another day, but more like a Saturday because the Da! has taken some days off of work. It's nice having him around to play with isn't it?
It's hard to believe that four years ago we were standing in front of that beautiful, flowing river saying our vows. It was the best day of my life up to that point.
Da! you couldn't be a better friend, father or husband. I'm a lucky, lucky girl. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with you today, and the rest of the weekend.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Captionless Photo
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Wordless Wednesday

Though, if you know me, it's hard to keep quiet, period -- let alone when it comes to this photo, which by the way was taken by one cracking up Mama. Just one more shot, J, then I'll help you down! Really
This is my first time participating in Wordless Wednesday. Be sure to check out more photos of my beauties in my new Flickr flash badge to the right.
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Shawn
at
10:37 AM
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Sunday, April 22, 2007
An apple a day ...
Apples started as something to carry around and roll on the floor, but you quickly realized how good they tasted and we couldn't get them out of your hands -- or mouths. Enjoy!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
How to photograph twin toddlers
Lucky for me, I have a set of gorgeous babies to take pictures of every day. Lucky for me, I am home to do it all day. Because, let me tell you, girlies, getting either one of you to stay still long enough for a photograph these days is pretty difficult.
Getting BOTH of you to stay still long enough in the same frame -- nearly impossible.
Alas, my tips for getting some memorable, photos of twin toddlers:
1. Patience is key. You must have the camera ready at all times for those perfect moments that arise when you least expect them. Plan all you want and you know how that will turn out: crabby, fussy, crying babies. Best times are just after a meal or when out and about.
2. Try and find one object they both like and will focus on long enough while you can take a few shots. Place that object on the floor between them. Colorful objects are best so that they look OK in the picture.
3. While they are finally sitting or standing in a decent frame, make as many silly noises as possible. Have something -- a favorite stuffed animal or toy -- to hold up so you can get them to look at you now and then.
4. Stand very close. As close as possible. This is hard with two quick-moving tots so you have to be ready to change position. When they break up, take that opportunity to take individual shots.
5. Use props like wagons, toddler chairs, steps and stoops to keep them contained.
6. Ask them questions that they are bound to answer: where is your tongue, for instance? Those can make great, fun photographs for the scrapbooks or albums.
For more great photo tips, check out the blog In the Trenches of Motherhood. She offers some great insight to photographs, in general.
Posted by
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at
5:37 PM
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Labels: life with twins, precious photos, toddler activites
Soaking up the sunshine
For the first time, I took the two of you to a quiet space beside our home -- one that doesn't get as much direct sun. It's a great space for playing with dirt. You painted with water with some old paint brushes. We played some ball. Mostly, you wanted to chew on some slate pieces I have been saving for a Rainy Day project.
Stop to smell the flowers
Baby girl, you were amazed by all the beautiful flowers in the park today. Your innocence is inspiring.
A day in the park
Lady Bug, you run so quick out of each frame I can barely get a picture of you these days. Slow down ... nah, just kidding. Run like the wind, busy girl.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Why us? Why me? Why this week?
Dear Lady Bug,
What is it about Fridays? What is going on? I am lost. Our schedule is lost. Our normalcy, gone. I don't know which way is up.
I don't know why you have a fever running high now in its fourth day. I don't know why you cry so much, so long, so hard. Why won't you eat like you normally do?
My sweet Baby, so sick. So sick.
The doctors have checked, rechecked, and triple checked. You have no identifiable infection. Poor girl, all you have gone through and you didn't even throw up like you normally do during an exam. What a strong girl you are, the doctor said. (Of course, he said this as you pulled his fingers away from your swollen glands.)
I am lost. My heart breaks. Please let this pass tonight. Let's wake tomorrow, all four of us, and dance and smile and act crazy like we usually do.
Please. God. Let this week be over. Soon.
























