Hanging at Home

We spent today just hanging out at home. Caroline didn't have school, and the weather was very finicky, making venturing out with two babies and a toddler an iffy decision at best. The babies enjoyed lots of face (and picture) time with Mommy and Caroline enjoyed lots of play time with her toys. And just to make sure Caroline didn't get too stir crazy being inside all day, I sent her out for a quick trip to the library with "Cyare" and then made sure she had time to run some "races" outside before coming in for the evening.


Here are some pictures from our day...

Being silly (Margaret/Julia)

Margaret loves munching on her knuckles...

...and Julia loves sucking on her fingers.

Love this picture. Julia looking at Margaret.

Caroline tries to get Margaret to play the drums.

Not quite sure what to do, but at least she held onto the sticks!

Fresh out of the tub and ready for bed in my Halloween jammies!

Tutu Cute

Caroline was very excited to see the "back"age man today because she knew that he would be bringing a new ballet leotard and slippers to her doorstep. She'll be taking a "Fairy Tale" ballet class starting in about two weeks and although I don't think she knows the first thing about ballet, she sure is excited to find out.
Of course, we had to open the packages right away and try everything on, and then (of course) Caroline had to add her own special wardrobe selections. Not satisfied with just the leotard and slippers, Caroline thought an orange tutu, some bracelets, and a guitar would round out the perfect ballet outfit.

So excited!!

Twirling

Julia waits patiently for Mommy to stop taking pictures and finish putting her pjs on.

Margaret found her feet this week and is OBSESSED with them. She paid no attention to all the ballet hoopla going on around her.

A Fond Farwell

It's a bittersweet time in the Hepper household this week as Thursday will be Miss Linda's last day of being our night nurse. While we absolutely adore Miss Linda and are so thankful for all the sleep her help has allowed us, it's time for us to go solo. After 14 weeks of having Miss Linda to handle the night feedings, I'm definitely nervous about how things will go from now on, but I also feel like the girls are ready to sleep longer without being fed. In fact, Margaret slept for a 7 hour stretch last night and Julia is working on up to 5 hours at a time. Hopefully, we'll all be sleeping through the night soon! Fingers crossed and wish us good luck!!!

Current sleep champion, Margaret.

Here are some pictures of the girls from this week...

If we put our heads together, this might be easier!

Determined Margaret

This is hard work, Mom!

Caroline feeding Julia a doughnut. Bibs and a  tutu were the required attire for this snack time.

Margaret gets some chocolate cake.

After snack entertainment: a hula hoop show!

A Special Weekend

 We had a wonderful and memorable few days with our family this past weekend. The twins got baptized at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, and they also turned 3 months old. We were lucky to have many family members travel  into town to be a part of this special weekend, but we know that the ones who weren't able to make it were there in spirit.
Paul and I are so proud of all three of our little ladies for making it through all the family meals, outings, play sessions, and of course the baptism with happiness and energy and just a very small amount of tears. We feel very blessed to have such wonderful family members who are incredibly generous with their time, talent, and treasure and who make our girls feel special and loved, not just on this big occasion, but every day.

I took SO many pictures this weekend that it's hard to choose even a moderate amount to share, but here they are. Although I am slightly embarrassed that Uncle Tate flew in from Las Vegas and I didn't manage to get even one picture of him. Sorry Tate!!

Hip Hip Hooray! We're three months old today!

Margaret

Julia

Caroline's favorite picture pose: Cheeeeeeze!

Stroller brigade at the botanical gardens.

Mommy enjoyed spending a little one on one time with Caroline this weekend.

Caroline was fully clothed when we arrived at the botanical gardens (see above). But then she got wet in the sprinklers and decided that bloomers and sandals were an acceptable wardrobe option...

In another bold fashion move, Caroline chose red socks to accompany her pjs.

Pics from the big day...

Julia and Margaret

Big sister C

My beautiful little girls

Handful of Heppers

Godfather Michael and Margaret

Godmother Erin and Julia

Proud parents

Marmee and Grampy with the girls

Grandma and Grandpa with the girls

First Day of School!

Whew! After such an eventful weekend, I nearly forgot that today was Caroline's first day of school! Thankfully, Caroline reminded me ("Ready for school, Mommy!") the minute she woke up, and I managed to shower and dress myself along with all three ladies and load everyone into the car in time to arrive at school at 9am sharp. I spent my semi-free time stocking up at Target, getting gas, and starting some laundry. Such a glamorous life, I know. :)
Unfortunately, I did forget one thing regarding school today: that pick up is at 11:45, NOT 12. So I was totally that Mom today; the one whose kid is the lone child waiting inside the classroom looking abandoned and forlorn while the teachers are wearing forced grins and looking at their watches. Ok, it wasn't that bad, but I still felt horrible. I apologized profusely, promised never to be late again, and whisked Caroline out of the room before they could complain. Caroline had a great first day regardless and is already jazzed about heading back on Wednesday.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed...ready for school!

Do you think we have enough snack, Mom?

Can't wait to get to her classroom!

Best first day of school ever!!!

What!!???

How is it possible that it's September 8th?? I swear the summer went by in the blink of an eye (hmmm, I wonder why?!), and now it's time for school, cooler temperatures, Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer (hallelujah!), and much to Paul's delight (but my disappointment), football. I mourn the loss of my husband to college football every September, and I can't help but be downright gleeful when the season is over.
We kicked off the approaching change in seasons this morning with a visit to Caroline's preschool for her "Meet the Teacher" time. This is a big year for Caroline; she'll be going to school three days a week vs. going one day a week last year. She absolutely loves school though, so I know she'll make the transition easily.
The classroom visit was a success. Caroline's teachers, Miss Ann and Miss Melanie are wonderful, and Caroline was very excited to see some familiar faces from last year in her new classroom. We can't wait for the official start of school on Monday morning!!

Off to school we go!!

So excited to check out the toys in her new classroom!

I'm pretty sure she played with everything in the room during our 30 minute visit.

If her tongue is out, you know she's having a good time.

Check back later this weekend...the twins are getting baptized on Sunday!!

Labors of Love

Check out my little labors of love....

Sweet Caroline

Keep your hands off my Barbie!

Tea party with Julia

One of many, I'm sure.

Julia loves Daddy!

Snoozing Margaret.

Caroline "reading"

Look how big we are!

Happy girls

Happy Labor Day!