An Official Introduction

Seeing Double Birth Announcement

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Happy Birthday!

The twins are here and doing well!  Addison Lynn Jolly arrived on July 15, 2011 at 7:57 AM.  She weighed in at 5 pounds 14 ounces and 20 inches in length.  Carter Logan Jolly arrived on July 15, 2011 at 7:58 AM. He weighed in at 5 pounds 9 ounces and 20 inches in length.  We are so blessed!

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

If all goes well, the twins should be here tomorrow morning as my C-section is scheduled for 7:30 AM. Since I'm supposed to be in the hospital for four days, I tried to spend some quality time with Parker and Hudson today.  Below are some pictures we took for fun.

"Hudsonisms"

Like many three-year-olds, Hudson is becoming more independent each day.  Unfortunately, his independent nature often presents itself in rebellious behavior which can be extremely frustrating for me.  I am thankful, however, that he still has a few "-isms" (i.e. unique words/phrases) that remind me that he's still a sweet and loving little boy with lots to learn.

my = "mine"
something = "someping"
handcuffs = "handcups"

Chick-fil-A = "Chick-a-Flay"

Buffalo Wild Wings = "Buffalo Hallowings"

Yesterday, he attended cooking class at Riverhill's Summer Camp.  He was a bit hesitant when I first told him that he would be going, so I "bribed" him by explaining that his friend, Ann Currin Mitchener, would be there.  He was so excited by this information that his face lit up and he immediately started talking about his buddy.  He even asked if she could "come home and sleep with" him after camp.  I couldn't help but giggle even though it was a completely innocent request in regards to nap time.

Parker's Fluttery Friend

While on an "adventure" at the hunting club, Parker found a new friend.  Despite his best efforts to put the creature on a nearby flower, the butterfly continually made its way back to Parker.

Twin Update: Week 35

At my last appointment (June 24th), the twins received another glowing report.  Their heartbeats were strong and both had gained weight - Addison was weighing in just under five pounds, while Carter was estimated to weigh a few ounces over five pounds.  Unfortunately, they are still breech, so I am currently scheduled for a cesarean section on Friday, July 15th.  Please join me in praying for a safe delivery, healthy babies, a speedy recovery, and a smooth transition for the entire family.

A New Hairdo

I've been growing out my hair for the past year and a half with the goal of donating it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  This organization uses donated hair to make real hair wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.  The wigs are then distributed for free through select American Cancer Society wig banks across the country.  What a wonderful blessing for those in need! 

I finally got my hair cut yesterday (July 2nd).  Here are the before and after pictures.

A Much-Needed Visit from Mom

Praise God for a mother's intuition.  My mom, who obviously sensed my anticipation about the coming of the twins, called about three weeks ago and told me she was flying down to visit.  By the end of the day, she had booked a ticket for June 23rd-June 27th.  During her stay, she was able to successfully juggle her time between the boys (via games, picnics, a trip to the movies, slip 'n slide fun, ice cream outings, etc.) and me, the "slave driver."  She worked diligently to help me hang curtains throughout the house, beautify the living the room, and decorate the nursery.  We finished the nursery just in time - these pictures were taken at 11:15 the night before Mom left.

 (This is Carter's side of the room.)

 (This is Addison's side of the room.)

I hated to see Mom leave the next morning.  In fact, I seriously considered kidnapping her and keeping her here in Florence.  I decided against it this time, but she may not be so lucky the next go-around.  

 

(Thank you, Mom.  I love you bunches!)

33 Weeks and Counting

Here's an updated belly picture for my friends and loved ones who live far away.

The Tooth Fairy Frequents Our Home

While attempting to eat corn on the cob on Memorial Day (May 30th), Parker realized that he had a loose tooth.  He was so excited about the prospect of losing his first tooth that he wiggled, pulled, and twisted it throughout the remainder of lunch.  After playing with the tooth for about ten minutes, he successfully twisted it out.  The tooth fairy left Parker ten dollars that night.  He/She must have been very impressed with the fact that Parker pulled his own tooth.

Parker, who was thrilled with the whole experience, became obsessed with losing more teeth and began wiggling a new tooth.  On June 8th, he tried to eat a hotdog at lunch and his gum started bleeding.  He refused to eat until the tooth was out, so the next 30 minutes were spent twisting yet another tooth.  Fortunately, it finally came out. 

The tooth fairy only left five dollars this time, but Parker was still delighted.  His newly acquired funds also motivated him to count his money.  After doing so, he used his coins to leave me a sweet message.

(Isn't he precious?)

Baseball Season Highlights

Parker thoroughly enjoyed the 2011 baseball season.  He was focused and determined both offensively and defensively.  Although he usually played third base, he also had the opportunity to play shortstop, first base, and pitcher.  On May 7th, Parker won the game ball for a job well-done on third base and strong hits while at bat.  I, however, would argue that his best game was played on June 2nd when he hit two homeruns, one of which was a grand slam.  Needless to say, I was so proud of him.

Riverhill Baby Shower

My family and I are so blessed to be part of the Riverhill community.  The school provides my children with opportunities for academic excellence, devoted teachers, and good friends.  I, too, enjoy being surrounded by the loving faculty and families of Riverhill.  On May 19th, the students and staff helped celebrate the upcoming arrival of the twins with a school-wide baby shower as planned by the Fields family.

Parker and Hudson helped me open the abundance of gifts that were presented to me at the shower.

As seen below, I received sweet cards and numerous presents.  In addition, I was given several gift cards and monetary gifts.  I am truly thankful for the kindness and generosity of my Riverhill family.

(We shouldn't have to buy diapers or wipes for quite some time.  What a blessing!)





Baseball Season is in Full Swing

This year, Parker is playing coach-pitch baseball.  He is proud to wear number 6 and enjoys playing third base for the Rays.  So far, Parker has done an excellent job hitting and has even been credited with a few outs.  Way to go, Buddy! 

  

(If you look closely, you'll see the ball flying over Coach Black's left shoulder.)

A Weekend with Grams

We were so fortunate that Grams came to visit us on Thursday, April 21st for a long weekend.  She was a huge help to me (since Lee was scheduled to be out of town for two weeks), and the boys loved having her here.  Needless to say, we were all spoiled by the time she left on Sunday.

On Friday, Grams went to school with us.  In addition to helping me in the library, she hid plastic eggs for egg hunts and attended the boys' Easter parties.

Saturday was loaded with fun!  We started the day with Parker's first baseball game.

Then we went shopping for Parker's belated birthday gift from Grams and Granddaddy.  He picked out a Lego police boat which he and Grams put together that afternoon.

After the boat was built, it was time to dye Easter eggs.  We had a blast using our new egg spinners which created some beautiful works of art.

Just to be sure that our day was completely fun-filled, Grams took us to the movies to see Rio.  What a treat!

Parker woke us up at the crack of dawn on Sunday because he was so anxious to see what the Easter bunny had left.  I was able to hold him off for about thirty minutes so that Hudson could sleep a bit longer.  Upon entering the living room, the boys found candy and fruit snacks in their Easter baskets along with a new bouncy ball, Toy Story 3 Lego toy, and the movie Bambi.  After some quick pictures, they headed outside to find Easter eggs.  Parker was thrilled to find the prize egg, and Hudson was proud to show off the tomato that he picked while hunting eggs.     

After examining their loot (the candy and coins that the Easter bunny left in their eggs), the boys splatter-painted a few canvases for the twins' room.  What messy fun!  I suggested a quick shower to wash off the paint, but the boys begged for a bath in the "big tub" so they could play with Parker's new police boat.  Guess who won that argument.

Grams helped the boys put together their new Toy Story 3 Lego toy after a picnic at the park.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.  We were sad to see Grams go on Sunday afternoon, but were so thankful for the time that she was able to spend with us.