The Flower Fields

I'e been wanting to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields with my girls this season, and was reminded of them when I went to a friend's baby shower down the street from them this past weekend. The fields close on Mother's Day this coming weekend, so Mom and I took advantage of her day off 

(and her anniversary today! Happy anniversary Mom and Steve!!)

to take the girls today!

I took some pictures of the girls, which are mostly side profiles since it's set up so you cant get in front of them unless they face away from the flowers (and come on, they're one. They wanna touch the flowers. Don't tell the flower people we touched them!). But I of course with my completely unbiased opinion ;) think they are so cute, so I'll share them with you too. Just because it's fun and I can!

Thanks, Grandma, for joining us! And thanks, Grammy, for the adorable outfits!

This girl was miss independent!

Maddie: there's a man sitting on that bench...

...I don't want that man to sit on that bench by me!

my precious Rachel Claire

typical photo attempt these days!

Pointing at the airplane

my precious Madelyn Joy

Rachel: let me show you, sissy. You just pull the petals off like this. No it's ok, that's what we're supposed to do.

I'll have this headband off in three, two, one!

'I wanna walk!!' This girl is non-stop these days, walking about 50% of the time. (!!)

typical life with two busy one year olds!

kissing the bird from afar

watching the doves (or some variety of birds!)

I Will Declare Your Greatness

Tonight, as I was reading, I came across this passage:

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,

and I will declare your greatness.

They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness

and shall sing aloud of your righteousness."

{Psalm 145:5-7}

And I began to wonder how much I actually declare His greatness.

I sat and began thinking about how God has shown me His greatness in huge ways, just today.

My husband went out for a late dinner with a good friend. Thankful for friendship.

I have an amazing family who brings me Starbucks, picks up prescriptions for me, helps me put my babies to bed when daddy can't, snuggles my babies and hangs out with me. {among other things.}

My daughters are the cutest little girls I've ever seen {not that I'm biased...} and have the sweetest little hearts. I love love love watching them grow and learn, play and laugh.

I have great friends who I can text/email/call at any time. And who do the same with me.

My babies are sleeping soundly right now in their beds. They are perfect little sleepers. Today was a good sleeping day for them, which is a huge success for us all!

And in a thousand little ways.

Sprouts in our little garden.

Clean happy puppies after late night baths.

Sprinkler sessions at 1830 and 1900, signaling bath time.

Being able to print two photos on one paper on my amazing little photo printer.

Two baby books almost caught up.

Coffee with cinnamon vanilla creamer and vanilla ice cream.

Birthday cake pops with mom.

Pharmacists who can find your prescription.

Rachel's laughter.

Maddie's scrunched nose when she grins.

Luigi's sweet little whistle echoing any and every beep in the house.

Emma and Baker's excitement.

J's face when he sees his girls when he gets home from work.

Vacuumed carpets and air conditioning.

But even if today was a terrible day, 

God would still be Great.

Today and every day,

God is Majestic.

He is Awesome.

His deeds are Wondrous.

God is Great.

God is Good.

God is Righteous.

Lord, may I always remember to declare your greatness.

The Hospital

I still can't believe our little ones stayed in my tummy until 38 weeks!

We had a c-section at 38+0 to welcome our babies into the world. 

Good thing we did because they were very cozy in there
and who knows when they would have made their entrance! :)

It was kind of surreal to get ready in the morning to come to the hospital to have a baby.

And so exciting!

I loved J's OR get-up. Such an amazing morning!

Mom and Carly were there early to give hugs before we went back!

My incredible NICU friend made the day amazing for me.
Maddie and Rachel even had name tags in the operating room!

Maddie's weight!

Rachel's weight!

My friends welcoming my babies into the world.
NICU nurses are the best. Especially these Advanced Life Support nurses.

first family photo!

Maddie is baby A on the right. Rachel is baby B on the left.

Grandparents and Auntie meet Maddie and Rachel

Great Grandma Carol came too!

and my best friend, Auntie Ali

We got some beautiful flower arrangements, oh, and these strawberries.
Best strawberries I've ever had. Thank you Mom!

our first field trip down the hall to our discharge class :)

Our family of four is going home!