The Aaron Family, Spring and Summer, 2009

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Babies Progress

For the past few weeks, I've thought that Lila's large motor skills were probably better than Gage's. Lila began holding her head up and turning over before Gage. She also began sitting alone ahead of him. That may have been due to the fact that he was a large boy. She also seemed to have better fine motor skills, too. She uses just one little finger to explore her treasures.

However, Gage has come on and now he is sitting up, moving effortlessly from the sitting to crawling position and back. He pulls up and even contemplates taking steps. He carefully uses several fingers to inspect whatever he is fixated on at the time. He feeds himself with his hands (not a spoon yet) and the badabing of all is that . . . he has sprouted a tooth! Yes, it's the first of many more to come. Then, he can really chomp his food.

That is not to say that Lila is lacking in any of her motor skills, because she's not. I'm simply pointing out that she is not ahead of him any longer. He has rapidly caught up and he scored a bonus--the first tooth.

Lila and Gage's First Dove Festival Parade

Hey, hey, Gage, turn around. Look at Gigi. She is taking our picture.

They call me Lila Curious. "What is that anyway?"

I am not so sure about this parade idea. I'm sleepy.

I just love my Gigi's neckis!

C'mon Gage, watch the parade.

When this is over, it's nap time for me.

This parade business just wore us out.

Long time

Well, it's been a long time since I posted anything. I thought I should at least tell you that I'm still kicking. I will have a much longer post ready in a day or two.

On the one hand, a lot has happened since my last post in June; yet on the other hand, not many remarkable events have taken place.

I've mainly just been "healing" both body, mind, and spirit this summer. I've spent a lot of time with my family and that has been such a blessing. When circumstances occur that allow for shared memories, we ought to taken advantage of them. I have and I've been so rewarded as a result.

Stay tuned.

Blue Eyes

Before Lila and Gage were born, I used to tease Brit and J. P. that their little babies could be blue-eyed blondes. I was blonde as a small child. I have hazel eyes that go from blue to green. My daddy had clear blue eyes. Kenneth's daddy had blue eyes, too. Their Paw on J. P.'s side (Ricky) also was a blonde with hazel eyes. Even with three of their four great grandfathers being blue-eyed, I still really could not fathom that there was a chance at all that those little babies would look like anything other than like their gorgeous parents, I'd still have to pick at them.

When they were first born, the pediatrician commented on their beautiful complexion and brown eyes. Of course, both parents have great skin and beautiful dark hair along with dark eyes (although J. P.'s are really more golden than brown). Lila looked just like Brit's baby pictures and Gage was a mini clone of J. P.

Here it is six months later and what do you know? Those little darlings have lost all that dark hair. New hair is coming in blonde to light brown. Both have bright blue eyes. Lila's eyes are crystal blue while Gage's are grayish blue. Nevertheless, they are right now blue-eyed blondes.

The pediatrician at the check-up on Friday said that if they are blue now, they'll stay that way. He weighed the little bundles. Lila weighed 15 pounds 2 ounces. I don't remember how long Lila was, but she's shorter than Gage. She is in the 30th%-ile for height and 20%-ile for weight. Gage weighed in at 18 pounds 15 ounces. He is 25 1/2 inches long. He is in the 75%-ile in both length and weight.

They both are thriving and are really fun now. They are learning so fast. I love watching them interact with each other. They hold hands a lot. They know what kisses are all about. Not only do they happily accept kisses and getting neck sugar, they are very willing to share their slobbery kisses with others.

It won't be long before they will be crawling everywhere. They can already get to wherever they want now, but only after a lot of frustration on their part.

Among their favorite activities are going jogging with Mom in the early, cool morning. They ride shotgun in the stroller watching for anything that might amuse them right up until they nod off. Another favorite activity is going with Daddy out to the garden in the evenings. They don't really care much about all the vegetables, they just like to be with Daddy outside. Usually while they are outside with Dad, they get to swing on the swingset. They love that. No matter what's going on in their world, swinging outside makes it all better.

I think that they have little internal clocks. Every evening about the same time, they get ready for their baths, their night time feeding, and off to bed. They seem like they actually look forward to it. It amazes me. They go down for naps with little or no fussing either. Hmmm... why didn't their mother do that for me?

Anyway, the two little blue-eyed bundles of joy have captured our hearts. They respond with big wide grins whenever any one of us speaks to them. Ahhh...Grandbabies are the best!

Old men

When I was a little girl of five or six growing up near Lamkin, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother ‘s house. She lived on the main street in Lamkin proper right next to the postoffice/grocery store. Whenever I would walk with my grandmother to the post office/grocery store, we’d be greeted by three or four very elderly gentlemen well past their productive years who were sitting on an old wooden bench on the porch outside the store. Their skin was leathery and they had old, crooked smiles. One wore overalls and the others wore khakis. All of them donned worn, stained hats. These same old men played dominoes every day in a little room attached to the back of my grandmother’s garage. It was known to the locals as the Domino Hall. Because they knew my grandmother well and had known my mother all her life, they felt at ease picking at me. At that age, I wasn’t very shy. I had not yet learned that there were mean people out there. I thought that the whole world was safe and comfortable just like Lamkin.

The old gentlemen had kind eyes and soft, gravelly voices and would engage me in some interesting conversations. Typically, we spoke about my cute little rompers or my newest jumping tricks. I would bask in all of their compliments on my hair and my eyes. They’d chuckle at some of my answers to their off-the-cuff questions. That made me happy because I knew that I had entertained them a little. Before my grandmother and I would go inside the post office/grocery store, the old gentlemen would reach their wrinkly brown hands into their pockets and retrieve whatever change they had. Generally, each one would give me a nickel. Having acquired three or more nickels, I would rush inside to spend them. I’ve never been one to let money rest. It has always seemed to burn a hole in my pocket.

Once inside, I’d rush to the coke box to make my pick. I’d peer through the glass into the candy counter to marvel at the numerous selections. I don’t know why I would agonize over my selections. I always ended up with the same thing. I’d buy a soda, a candy bar, and an ice cream sandwich. Every now and then, I’d opt for gum or wax soda bottles or pixie sticks instead, but not often. Sometimes, there would be more old men on the bench outside and I’d have even more nickels to spend. That’s when I had a field day in the little old store. Always going against my grandmother’s suggestions, I’d spend all of the nickels. She would try to coerce me into saving some of it. What she couldn’t discern was that I didn’t know where I could possibly hide it so that my brothers wouldn’t find it. I would have just died if I’d put my money away where I thought it was safe and those two boys found it and took it. Brothers are like that, yeah they are. So, it’s their fault that I became a spendthrift at an early age. At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The Andersons

During a person's lifetime, there are a few friendships that stand out. Usually we don't know exactly why we are drawn to those people, but we become fast friends and the relationships endure time and distance.

Such is our friendship with the Andersons. In the late 1950's, Johnny, Betty, Bobby, and Peggy lived just north of Lamkin on the Barefoot Ranch. Mom and Dad quickly became best friends with them. Their family and my family bonded. We children were much like siblings. We had lots of fun together. We ate together often and visited almost daily. (Please refer to an earlier posting on 04/08/08 about Peggy. Just look on the right side and click on 2008 and follow from there.)

On Wednesday, Rick called and said that he had an opportunity to visit with our very dear, longtime friends, the Andersons in San Angelo. During their visit, Bobby asked for copies of some old pictures that we might have of the two families together. I have posted a few below.

In this first picture, we apparently are at my Stephens' grandparents house for dinner. From the far left and going clockwise are Momo Lila, Papa Johnie (partially hidden), Rick, Peggy, Johnny, Bobby, Gayland, Momo Johnnie, Daddy, me, and Mother. I'm supposing that Betty was taking the picture. I recognize the big white bowl in the center of the table as being the milk glass bowl that always held fruit salad.




In the picture to the right, the families are swimming at our favorite swimming hole, Fairview, on Resley creek. From front to back, there's me, Bobby, Peggy in Betty's arms, Gayland's feet, and Rick. We'd take snacks and swim all afternoon. Mother wouldn't get in the water, so she was our designated camera person and kid watcher.







To the left is a picture of me in a chair holding Peggy. I believe that it may have been taken at the Hall Ranch in Eden.






To the right is a picture taken in the driveway at our house on Willow Creek near the Leon River. From the left are Brenda, Bobby, our dog Prince, and Rick. It looks like Bobby might be holding a cat. That's curious because Mother wouldn't let us have cats.









Mom and Betty pose for a quick pic while standing at the refrigerator door in our remodeled kitchen at the Big House (the two story house).












Brit pulls Ryan in the wagon in front of Peggy's house on North Van Buren. Ryan is in the picture just below and both Ryan and Britney are in the other picture.




















Finally, here is a picture of Mom with Marion and Betty on their front porch on Milton Street. We love you, Andersons, even though we don't see you nearly often enough.

Command Modules

We have a friend who refers to his recliner as his "command module". For him, it really is. He has his comfy recliner turned toward the TV. To his right, he has a side table where he places the remote control to the TV/satellite, the house phone, his cell phone, his spit cup, and his iced tea glass. Beside the table lamp are his stacks of "man magazines". Over the back of his recliner, he has a "man throw" to cover up with lest he get a chill. So, in essence, he has all that he needs at his fingertips.

My little grandbabies have "command modules" all their own. They have their comfy Boppy pillows on a soft pallet turned toward the TV. To their right, they have their Roo rags (burp cloths), their Bippies (pacifiers), and their blankies to cover up with lest they get a chill. Nearby, there are diapers, wipes, and bottles. In essence, they have all that they need at their Mom and Dad's fingertips.

Ahhh...such is the life!

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King and Queen of Hearts

I just couldn't resist!

Yesterday, Gage and Lila went to the pediatrician's office for immunizations. It didn't go well. Gage just got mad at those old nurses who stuck him. Then, he got over it after a little while. Lila just couldn't believe that they would do her that way. Her little heart was broken. She just cried and cried and would start up again after she thought about it for a minute or two.

Gage weighed in at 11 pounds 13 ounces and was 23 inches long. Lila had gained to 9 pounds 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. They are growing and developing so quickly.

Gage has laughed out loud, turned over by himself, and slept all night long. Lila is catching up, but she's still really small. She doesn't like being a baby. She wants to stand and walk. Once she does take off, Katy bar the door.

Two months today

It's so hard to believe that Lila and Gage were born two months ago today. My, how our world has changed. More accurately, though, Brit and J. P.'s world has been impacted more. Click on the link on the right to visit her blog and read all the things she's learned in the past two months.

I thought I'd post a couple of more pictures. They are just so cute!

Mini Me's

Take a look! Brit and J. P. have mini-me's. They love their car seat/stroller combo. Brit takes them for strolls and they are completely content as evidenced by the pictures above.

Trying to focus

It's hard for some of us to focus on the tasks at hand. I know that I get busy with my job and my health issues and I focus on those details. I forget to take time to step back and look at the big picture. Like Lila's picture I get kind of unfocused at times. Weary from the hectic pace of the manic flurry of spring activities in a 2A Texas high school, I begin to lose sight of myself and the people I love. Instead, I seem focused on the school events. Although they are very important to me, I have to make myself disconnect from school whenever I exit the building.

I do my best to keep my personal life and my school life separate. That way whenever I leave, I can "free-wheel". That's a term I use to describe letting my mind rest and my body unwind. I try to relax like Gage. The weekends help me to rejuvenate and get geared up for the next week.

Staying focused on school at school and focused on my family away from school is not as easy as it might seem, but it's the only way right now to keep me sane.

I'm saying to myself, "Come on June."

Family is great

Brit and J. P. are very fortunate to have his family. Last Friday afternoon, J. P.'s mother went with Brit, Lila and Gage to the pediatrician's appointment. Lila weighed in at 7 pounds 7 ounces and Gage weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces. They really filling out and growing already.

Later, his sister, Marla, came to help Hunny keep the babies. They told Brit and J. P. to have a night out. So they decided to go to the movies.

Hunny and Aunt Marla were happy to bathe the babies and get them ready for bed. They kept them all night so that Brit and J. P. could get a good night's rest. Brit said she slept for nine hours. She felt like a new woman.

Today, Hunny came back to keep the babies while Brit went to her doctor for her six-week checkup. What a comfort it is to know that the babies are loved and cared for by the best.

Exhausted

Because of the Synagis shot taking seven days to take effect, I had been unable to see the twins all week. It is amazing just how much they have changed this week. They have really filled out and their eyelashes have come in. They are really long lashes, like their dad's.

Brit called late Saturday night and asked if I could come over on Sunday so they could get some rest. They are exhausted from lack of sleep. Of course, she had to twist my arm just about a nanosecond. I shot this picture of J. P. as he napped while holding Lila.

I took them household supplies and groceries. I cooked some meals for them to have this week. I made chicken spaghetti and a roast. They'll be set for a few days anyway. They didn't have much laundry, but it's also caught up now, too.








As you might expect, I took a few more pictures. Look closely and you can see Lila's long eyelashes (or as her mother used to call them lielashes). Also there are pictures of Lila's little hand. Since I had pictures of Gage's hands, I had to have pictures of hers as well. Gage's picture show just how much he has grown. J. P. says he thinks he's a 10-pounder now. All I know is that he is a very handsome young fellow. He looks so much like his dad. Enjoy these new pictures.

The twins' Honey and Pa (Ricky and Elizabeth--J. P.'s mom and dad) will be visiting them today (Monday). I know that they are anxious to see and hold those little blessings. Honey intends to bring baby pictures from J. P.'s side of the family to compare. Without even seeing the pictures, my vote is that Gage resembles Cade. Once they are able to compare, we'll see what everyone else thinks.

Have a great day!

Gigi

Friends who have become grandparents before me say that it is the very best thing on earth. Of course, since I have not had the experience myself, I could not relate. Most said it is actually indescribable, but that there is a love there that only being a grandparent can provide.

I’d have to agree with them now. Our two little miracles are wonderful. Whenever I hold each of Brit and J. P.’s little babies in my arms, I marvel at how perfect God has made each one. I experience awe and amazement that these little beings are genetically part of my child and, therefore, of me. The wonder of these newborns evokes a joy and bliss that I have only known when my own two children were born, however, this is somehow still a little bit different. I feel like the elation and adoration for them has to be shared. Whenever I had my own children, I didn’t feel like I could boast about them, but now, with these grandbabies, I feel compelled to shout from the highest mountain that they are the most remarkable infants since the first Christmas.

When I give them their bottles, they make sweet gulping noises. As I cuddle them on my shoulder, I close my eyes and listen to them sigh. Their soft breath falls delicately on my neck. Little grunts emanate from them as they sleep. While holding them in my arms, I just gaze at them and drink in their splendor. The little noises and expressions they make amuse me. With each small movement, I surrender to a deeper bond. Needless to say, they have charmed me and captivated my heart. Every little motion and gesture exhilarates me. . . like it’s never been done before by any other baby. . . which is silly, of course, but still I am mesmerized by them.

Lila and Gage are two unique little babies. Because they are twins, they share many likenesses, but in many, many ways, they are very unlike each other. The Lord has blessed Brit and J. P. with two perfect little souls to nurture and protect. With the role of grandmother comes special privileges. I can share with Lila and Gage that unconditional love without reservation. I can boast of their accomplishments no matter how minute. I am justified in being impractical and biased where they are concerned. Others will have to overlook my gaffes because, after all, I belong to them now. I am their Gigi.

Two hands are better than one

Brit has her hands full with her twins, but as you can see, she already has perfected her techniques for comforting both at the same time. She's such a good mommy.

Priceless pictures

I think that babies' fingers and toes are so precious so I just had to take snapshots of Gage's. He was sitting in Lila's bouncy seat, thus the pink, but nevertheless, they are his hands and feet.

Lila sleeps with her little hands in front of her face a lot of the time so I took her picture as she slept.

Brit and J. P. dressed them as little Christmas presents on Christmas day. There was a little gift tag on them. Those pictures are below.

Of course, there are more pictures to follow. Stay tuned.

What a way to spend a Christmas

It's been one of the sweetest Christmases ever. The twins are home and thriving. Each has a personality all their own. Let it suffice to say that they are precious. I'll share more thoughts as time goes along, but right now, I'm answering the deluge of requests for more pictures. So here goes. . .



That little seahorse is a life saver. When all else fails, the soft lullabies that it plays puts them asleep.










Gage loves the swing. He's just as happy as he can be when he's just a swingin'.




Lila, on the other hand, prefers her bouncy seat. She loves the way it vibrates and plays music.

They are pretty happy campers as long as they are dry and fed. But, I guess, aren't we all?

Babies

Little bundles that bring such joy!