St. Simon's Island

We are spending Memorial Day weekend at the fabulous King and Prince on St Simons Island, GA (thanks uncle Micajah!). Papaw, Mimi, GG, Micajah, and Uncle Bobby and Aunt Gay Gay are here! And we are soooo glad - there is no way Bruce and I could handle Silas and Avery alone at the beach. ha!  

The trip started with Silas and Avery's first airplane ride. Note to self: plan to leave house 45 minutes before the "normal" time to leave for the airport next time instead of 15 minutes. We, thankfully, arrived at the Jackson airport an hour and 15 minutes before our flight... but happened to arrive at the gate 15 minutes before we were to board. After a battle (ok, more like a heated discussion) with the Delta lady regarding our 'overbooked' flight that Bruce (and Silas) was bumped off of and Avery and I had a seat for, we made it on the plane. Ah. vacation. 

The twins did wonderfully on both flights (layover in ATL). Silas still just relaxes back in the stroller while Avery sits up leaning out the front waving to everyone that walks past. She is convinced that she is in a parade and everyone is there to see her! It's really hilarious. 

"Don't worry friends, we'll be here all week..."

The next try at the beach has been a little more successful. The sand here on the east coast is packed down and not white, fluffy and hot like Florida. Avery was crawling ALL over the place - the sand and in the water! Silas still didn't really like the sand, but he was content in the baby pool.

I'm so excited.. and I just can't hide it!!

Thanks for my boats Aunt Gay Gay!

Gay Gay is here!!!!

Silas and Avery LOVED the pool this afternoon:

All tuckered out with Papaw. So sweet.

The second try was a little better. 

3 of us... Silas was playing with GG in the pool! 

Conversations lately:

Avery:  dadada  dadada  dadada

Meredith:  mamama  mamama mama

Avery:  dada dada

Meredith:  mmaaaaammmmaaa mama

Avery:  dada dada

Oh well. 

Silas:   ahhhhhh  aaaaahhhh

Meredith:  I love you too little buddy.

Baby Dolls and Bicycles

We met some friends for supper at Soulshine Pizza recently... and Avery was introduced to her first baby doll. Take a look at the video:

Needless to say... Aunt GG bought her one of her very own! She loves it. I had no idea she was old enough to really like a baby doll... but she does!

Having brunch with her baby in Sandestin.  Cheeeeessssse!!

I attended a continuing education course in Sandestin, Florida last week... and Bruce, Silas, Avery, and Grace came with me!!  We're so glad GG came... don't think Bruce and I could have handled the dynamic duo (especially since I had class all day!). So while I learned from Dr. Andrews and his crew about injuries in football, Bruce, GG, Silas and Avery played at the pool, shopped, napped, you name it. We decided to try the beach the first night... um, well... we had about 5 seconds of uncertainty... then somebody decided he did NOT like the sand.  (I'm told his mom didn't either when she was 8 months old. ha)

hmmm...not so sure. 

He was D.O.N.E. with the sand and waves after about 5 seconds.

Of course, as soon as Daddy picked them up, all was hunky-dory. 

Here are some other snapshots of the week:

The 2nd try was a little better:-)

Some of my favorites:

Avery is always ready to GO!

The last afternoon, we rode bikes around the resort... Silas rode on Bruce's bike and Avery was on mine... and Aunt GG was on her own bike. Avery LOVED riding and waving and smiling to everyone as we breezed past... but Silas hated it. Poor thing was just scared to death. He was gripping the little handlebars in

front of his seat with white knuckles. He started crying and Bruce had to return the bike early. When we got back to the bike store, he and Bruce were sitting on the deck smiling and laughing. Oh well, we'll have to try again sometime soon.

 

My little bicycle buddy!



I'll end with this cutie pie.

Update: Avery has now mastered the forward creeping! (on hands and knees and crawling forward) Silas still "commando crawls" everywhere he wants to go... and I mean EVERYWHERE! Keep a close eye on these little people! We always know where Avery is... she usually lets her presence be known:-)... but Silas turns on his "stealth" and slithers across the room in what seems like nanoseconds.
Oh, and yay!! Silas and Avery both have started to embrace the idea of a sippy cup. They each love their little cup of apple juice in the afternoons. I guess the next step is to try a bottle in the sippy cup... here we go!

On the Move!

Oh boy, we are on the move!  I never would have guessed it, but Silas beat Avery in the forward crawling! He army commando crawls anywhere he wants to go. I think Avery sees him and gets mad that she can only go backwards...I'm sure she'll be traveling forward soon! Here's a peek into our day:


Silas and Avery have just started a new phase called Let's Cry When Mom (or Dad) Leaves the Room.... uh oh. (and  I secretly love it - oh, to be loved:-) And they are very cautious with new friends now... it takes a few minutes for them to size the new friend up, but they'll warm up, smile and play.

Last Thursday, we traveled up to Grenada to be with Mom as she was honored as the Junior Auxilliary Woman of Distinction for this year. What an honor!  Of course, we can think of no one more deserving... she's truly an amazing person.  Pop, Mop, and Gay Gay came to visit!!

She's quite the poser! 

Silas loves his Aunt GayGay!

Two of a kind. Avery tilts her head for a picture now. It's hilarious.

Ok, Ok... Here they are! Pictures from Easter!  We've been so busy, I'm just now getting a chance to share them. We were smart and laid out clothes, bow, shoes, everything we needed Sunday morning so we wouldn't be rushed (like we usually are)... got up a little earlier, you know the drill.  I get dressed after babies have breakfast (lesson learned the hard way), and we get their adorable outfits on them. And of course, on cue, about 10 minutes before we walk out the door... we have a meltdown. Simultaneously. HA. I just had to laugh. So... there went our picture before church!  They finally piped down about halfway there. But must I say, they looked adorable!! Tears or not.

After a great worship service, we went straight to Grenada to see Mimi and Papaw!  What a beautiful day. Finally... we had a chance for our photo shoot!  And - by the way - I think we were a shoo-in for the annual, all prestigious, coveted, secret award judged by moms on Easter Sunday "my kid is cuter than yours".  HA!  Really... just kidding. 

Avery is a little confused with Mimi's dancing moves.  Silas thinks she's hilarious.

The family. First Easter!

Avery is again distracted by Mimi. If snapshots only had sound.

Just a swingin'
with their the best Mimi in the whole wide world!!!

As we remember and celebrate this Easter ALL that Jesus has done for us.... I was reading last night in Genesis 20-21 about Abraham, Sarah and the birth of Isaac. Sarah was married to a patriarch, a princess, described as absolutely beautiful... but was barren until she was in her 90s, and Isaac was born. All children are such gifts...but how much more did Sarah understand this! When she held her son Isaac, I imagine she closed her eyes in overwhelming joy and thankfulness at the miracle of birth...God's grace poured out on their family... and fulfillment of God's promises to make Abraham the father of a great nation.  Reminders that even when we are faith-less, He is faithful.

How true are the words of the 2nd verse of Because He Lives (written by the Gaithers):

How sweet to hold a newborn baby

And feel the pride and joy he gives

But greater still the calm assurance

This child can face uncertain days

Because He Lives!!

Thank you, Jesus... for your undeserved blessings.  Hope really does change everything.

Vacation and Kings

When I asked someone with 17 year-old twins for "advice" last August... he said, "plan a vacation when they're 8 months old"...  he was right. Oh, how hard it was to leave them for 5 nights... but Bruce and I had an absolutely wonderful vacation to Park City, Utah!  My sweet Mom, Mop, and GayGay kept them for a few days, then Mom had them until we got back last Tuesday. Silas and Avery had the biggest time!  

Thank you Moppy and GayGay:-)  and Mimi!!

What a fun crew!  13 wonderful friends!  

Silas and Avery have quickly outgrown the "infant" bathtub... I found Ducky at Wal-Mart and they LOVE baths sitting up!  They are hilarious.

We started sippy cups last week... they loved the new "toy"... still trying to figure out how to drink the juice though. hmmmm.... will they both be lefties?  

                             

 

Every night, they eat supper about 6. And oh, how they love to eat. I've figured out it is easier to feed them first... then they are content in the high chairs while I finish our dinner. Bruce and I can eat right there at the counter while they keep themselves company. They don't quite talk like the YouTube twins on Good Morning America yet... but I bet those days will be here sooner rather than later!!!

We MUST begin baby-proofing the house soon. Silas and Avery both are in a race to see who'll start crawling first. Avery sees something she wants, tries so hard to get there... scoots backwards... gets mad and frustrated that she's moving away from her "target"! ha. Keep trying girl. Silas spins around on his tummy like a merry-go-round... and just grabs whatever he can to drag himself a few inches.  I wonder how much longer we'll be able to snap both of them in one candid shot?!

What do you get when you leave these cutie pies with Mimi, Moppy, and GayGay???  Blues Brothers.

7 months!!!

I mustn't leave out the big event in Grenada March 26. Each year, the Junior Auxillary crowns a King and Queen of their Charity Ball to honor a young woman and successful man's life of service in his career and to the community.  This year, my Dad was crowned King. We all had a great time and danced to the fun band at the party... and of course, curtsied to the king.  There is no one more deserving in my book. Christ Follower, Leader, Teacher, Motivator, Thing Fixer, Supporter, Thinker, Cook, Problem-solver, Writer, Rock, Humble Servant... Daddy.  Dad, you remind me often why you're still my hero. And best buddy.

A New Perspective: Vertical Life

Yep. You got it. We are officially sitters. Avery has been getting the hang of it for a few weeks now, but in the last 5 days, Silas figured it out.  Life from the Y-axis: A whole new perspective... :-)  In fact, Avery will be on the M.O.V.E soon... she scoots backwards across the room now, but hasn't caught on to the forward crawl quite yet... she'll get on her hands and knees and rock, so we know it'll be any day now! I'm going to try to give a quick update of the last three weeks. Look at these cuties:

A few weeks ago, when I was with the youth choir in Nashville for our choir tour/mission trip, the Warfs flew down to help Bruce with Silas and Avery.  So glad they could come and spend some good time with the twins (and Bruce!). I know everybody had a blast!

Mimi gave Silas and Avery precious monogrammed bubbles for Valentine's Day:-)  We tried to have a photo shoot after church Sunday...

(I think Avery is going to look back at all her pictures one day and wonder why her mouth is ALWAYS open... )

I guess Silas doesn't like the collar?

 But somebody always has a good time! 

And when you think things can't get any more exciting...

Oh yes, she finds another gear!

Happy girl!  

Oh, and look!  Avery is showing off her new TWO pearly whites!

Can you see my teeth?!

Silas has one tooth on the bottom, but I think he likes his tongue better;)

Silas makes this hilarious face all the time. I have no idea what he is trying to say...  I promise we're not feeding him lemons! ha.  You're right Sara Rose, I think we've all seen this face a time or two from Papaw Jay before! haha.

You're gonna do what?! I thought we've been through this before. Cameras are for girls.

Silas makes another funny face all the time... with his tooth and another coming in (I think), he bites his bottom lip.  Either it feels good, or he is trying to be goofy. hmm. Maybe he'll tell us in about 6 months.

Here you silly women go with your cameras again. Smile? You want a smile?  Here. 

A few weeks ago, Bruce caught one of their conversations on camera!  They definitely know each other and smile and talk all the time. Hilarious!  See the video below... just ignore the basketball game going on in the background. March Madness has overtaken the Warf household... and I guess since my bracket is no good anymore, we'll have to cheer on Kentucky... if anyone wants a Kentucky Wildcat T-shirt to wear during the game, I know somebody who has no less than 15 in his drawer. One for every day of the week (even if I don't get around to laundry for 2 weeks!);o)

What a fun stage!  We can't believe they'll be 7 months old next week!  

And after the sixth month...

we rested.

Slept. all. night.

Yay.

Wings at 2am?

Operation Sleep, Avery update:  She slept through one of the last four nights - yay! Of course, the conversation in our bedroom that night went a little like this:

1:30am

Meredith:  Where is the video monitor?  Are they ok?  Can you see them both breathing?

Bruce:  Yes. For the 100th time, they are fine! Stop waking me up.

Meredith:  I just feel like I need to check on them.

Bruce:  Go to sleep.

2 hours later...

Bruce:  I can't believe they're still asleep.

Meredith:  shhhhh. I'm trying to sleep.

Bruce:  I'm just waiting for Avery to wake up.

Meredith:   Go to sleep.

2 hours later... (5:30am)

Meredith:  oh holy moly. they did it!!

BUT, the past 2 nights, she seems to love (or hate) the hours of 2am to 4am.  She screams her ever-lovely head off for 2 hours. The most impressive thing is that Silas sleeps through it all. Kudos, buddy!  

I have determined these long hours of heart-wrenching cries to be my time to pray for Silas and Avery. If I can't get up to get them, and I'm out of Kleenex for myself, the next best thing is to pray for them, (right?)... in awe of the many, many, undeserved blessings He has provided... there are so many people in this world who just wish they could hear their children or be up with them in the middle of the night. I pray for their hearts, their future spouses, their health, their future decisions, their self-esteems, their dreams... and how it humbles me to think God has trusted His perfect gifts to Bruce and me to somehow guide or point them in the right direction... to teach them to love Christ, to treasure Him.  wow. 

Yesterday, we had the privilege of playing with Mark Harris, the singer/songwriter, while he led worship for FBCJackson.  One of the songs he sang was his hit from a few years ago, Find Your Wings. I knew the song then, but of course, what new meaning it has now that we have children of our own!  Here are the lyrics:  

FIND YOUR WINGS

by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold 

The plans that heaven has for you 

Will all too soon unfold 

So many different prayers I'll pray 

For all that you might do 

But most of all I'll want to know 

You're walking in the truth 

And If I never told you 

I want you to know 

As I watch you grow 

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams 

And that faith gives you the courage 

To dare to do great things 

I'm here for you whatever this life brings 

So let my love give you roots 

And help you find your wings 

May passion be the wind 

That leads you through your days 

And may conviction keep you strong 

Guide you on your way 

May there be many moments 

That make your life so sweet 

Oh, but more than memories 

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams 

And that faith gives you the courage 

To dare to do great things 

I'm here for you whatever this life brings 

So let my love give you roots 

And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky 

I'll have tears as you take off 

But I'll cheer as you fly 

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams 

And that faith gives you the courage 

To dare to do great things 

I'm here for you whatever this life brings 

So let my love give you roots 

And help you find your wings

You know Silas and Avery, you can just stop growing up now. Ok, kidding. Oh what fun times we have to come.  Thank you, Jesus, for Your blessings.

Half Birthday!

6 months old today!  Wow.  Silas and Avery did great at their checkup!  They both got 3 shots each... the same ones they got at 8 weeks and at 4 months. Good news is:  no more shots until 1 year:-)  They both got a glowing bill of health.  Here are their stats:  (keep in mind they were less than 5th percentile at birth...)

Silas

18 lbs, 9 oz  (75th percentile)

26 1/2 inches (60th percentile)

44.5 cm head circumference (75th percentile)

Avery

17 lbs  (75th percentile)

25 3/4 inches (60th percentile)

43 cm head circumference (75th percentile)

Dr Chevalier says Avery is big enough to sleep through the night...so it begins:  Operation Sleep, Avery.  Materials needed: children's ibuprofen, oragel (yes, we have a TOOTH!), and earplugs...and kleenex, for Bruce and me.  Oh gosh, don't know if I can do this!!

Dr. says Avery should be sleeping more in 24 hours (more like 15 hours instead of the 10 (which is stretching it!) she is getting now)... But she is a happy girl when she's not sleepy!  Here are some cute pics we snapped the other morning:

5 months... first "cold". Poor Avery didn't feel good that day. 

6 months!!

We just could not be more blessed!!