3 Months Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, we'll be 3 months old.

Bumbo: What a Great Invention!

Although the Bumbo was designed for use by BABIES, Ben and Maggie just love the thing!
Maggie crawls around with it stuck to her tushy, looking somewhat like a turtle, and they both love to wear it on their heads! They also enjoy sitting in it. I wish they made Bumbos in adult sizes becasue I think it seems like it would be really comfortable too.

first recognition of each other

I was just putting the girls down for a nap when Betsy turned and looked at Bree and gave her a big smile. This is the first time that one of them has actually seemed to recognize the other. I was so excited that I ran to get the camera, and when I appeared above them, they both looked at me and smiled!

First Day of Pre-School

Today was Maggie's first day of pre-school at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was SO excited! They do curb-side drop-off, and she hopped right out of the car and never looked back. Just marched herself right into the school without even waiting for someone to tell her where to go. As we all know, there is NO TELLING Maggie where to go! When I picked her up, she couldn't remember much of what she had done in the past four hours. Just a quick report about her lunch. Then, she asked when she could go back. I guess it was a success!

Twins' Baptism

Baptism at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
September 5, 2010

Fr. Brendan Mbagwu & Deacon Bill Reed

Rachel holds Bree for a blessing by Fr. Brendan.

Getting ready for the big moment...

Elizabeth Dillhoff Martin was baptized first.
(Look at Ben's adorable expression!)

Brigid Bateman Martin was baptized second.

(Someone recently pointed out to me how cool it is that the babies open their arms toward heaven when they are baptized.)

I have no idea which baby Brian is holding here.

Maggie peeks around Mommy for a better view.

Grandpa Hank & Grandma Linda,
Uncle Dan & Aunt Sue, godparents of Elizabeth

Grandpa Mike & Grandma Karen

Uncle Jim & Cousin Rachel, godparents of Brigid

10 Weeks Old

(Betsy on the left, Bree on the right)

The girls turned 10 weeks old yesterday. They change SO fast!

It's so easy to get a smile out of them now. Happy all the time.

(Maggie put her baby in the mix this morning. All three of them did some "tummy time" together!)

And So It Begins

After a 7-year break, Brian has finally started coaching soccer again. This time, he's coaching Ben's first team with Carmel Dads Club. (Ben is #2 in this picture.) We assume this is the beginning of MANY years on the fields with our kids!

Ben and Nolan have found that Silly Bandz and shin guards are some of the most imporant aspects of Saturday morning gatherings. Can't loose sight of priorities!

Maggie enjoys the popcorn, hanging out with her buddies, and acting as Brian's "assistant coach" on the field. Sometimes, her baby assists her as well.

Ben does plenty of goofing off on the field. Really, isn't that what it's all about anyway?
Occasionally, he focuses on the game and participates!

Eight Weeks

The girls are eight weeks old today!

Silly Bandz for Bree

Ben showed Bree all of his Silly Bandz this morning (one by one...). Then, my generous boy gave her one-each of all of his pirates bands and jungle bands. He loves his little sister!

One Up, One Down

Betsy looks so happy, and Bree looks so sad here.

I wonder if this is a sign of things to come. It almost looks like Betsy is being naughty. Maggie DID pick Betsy as her favorite. Might be a personality thing.

First Day of School

Ben was looking a little shy at the bus stop this morning.

He wouldn't stand next to his buddies & neighbors.
(and the girls look like such sweethearts!)

Our girls made a sleepy appearance. Brian had to drag Maggie out of bed to make it to the annual First Day of School Breakfast down the street. Teresa and Lori were happy to take the twins so Brian and I could snap some pictures of Ben.

Ben FINALLY allowed us to take some pictures as he was stepping onto the bus. Silly bus had tinted windows, so I couldn't see him once he hopped up the steps. I think he was in a seat with two of the girls that he wouldn't talk to earlier. They'll have to stick together in their nervousness.

We fully expected Maggie to be sobbing as her big brother rode away, but she was just fine. Mommy was fine too. No tears. I think it's because I'm too exhausted to cry! Maggie and the babies seem to be getting along great without Big Brother. He'll be home again before we know it! Hope you have a great first day at kindergarten, Ben!

Rock Stars

Put your hands in the air like you just don't care!

Betsy and Bree know how to party like rock stars.

Bree was sacked out after the photo shoot.

a Rare Moment

Ahhh, a very rare moment when both girls have been fed / burped / pooped / changed / swaddled / and asleep at the same time. Thank God for small favors!

(Betsy on the left, Bree on the right.)

Their First Friend

The twins got to meet their first friend today. Brooke Latterell was born just nine days after they were. They're sure to be good friends as Ben and Maggie are the best of buddies with Brooke's older brother and sister. After looking at my tiny, fair-skinned girls for 3 weeks, it was a real shock to meet beautiful Brooke whose Korean mom gave her darker coloring and black hair (plus, tons of it!). Brooke, we're so glad you're here! Can't wait for all the years of fun to follow!

Tiny Feet

Velcro Monkey

Brian and I call this look the "Velcro Monkey" because the girls seem to cling to us like little monkey attached with velcro. I LOVE how babies keep their knees tucked up to their chests for a short time after their birth, and it makes me really sad when they outgrow this stage.

(This is Rachel holding Bree in this picture.)

If it weren't for the blankets...

If it weren't for these blankets with the girls' names embroidered on them, we would be mixing them up much more often. We try to keep each girl with her respective blanket at bedtime, so when Brian and I are too exhausted to tell them apart in the middle of the night, we just look at the blanket wrapped around each one!