At Long Last an Update

For the few of you who actually read this blog, or used to and stopped, since I hardly ever update anymore, here is the update you've been waiting for....drumroll........not much new going on in the Gulley household. Jeremy is loving his job at Kennesaw State University and thankfully does not have late-night classes this semester. Sarah finally tells me that she has fun at school, and I am SO grateful to her teachers for providing her with a safe place to learn and socialize several days a week so that she does not a) get bored to tears at home with me all day or b) drive me crazy with her constant need to go-go-go interspersed with her emotional "outbursts" (which I have chalked up to the fact that she no longer takes a nap---I'm thinking of reinstating the nap/rest time tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes). Sarah is really so much fun to be around and it's nice to occasionally get to sit down and play with just her or watch her play which is just as entertaining. She comes up with some pretty elaborate pretend play themes!

Daniel and Lauren are growing, growing, growing. They had their "4 month" check-up early last week although they are actually 5 months. Aside from each having ear infections and Daniel having a pesky cough that won't go away, they are healthy and strong. The doctor called Daniel "big head" and says Lauren is one of the strongest babies she's seen, but overall, they are right about average on the growth charts, with Daniel being slightly larger and Lauren slightly smaller. Daniel's new skill is playing with his feet, and I find him doing just that anytime his feet are exposed. It's so cute, but I have yet to get a picture. Lauren's trick is still doing her "crunches" and trying to sit straight up and stand straight up. I think she could hold herself up standing at the crib if I worked with her a bit on it. She is a girl on the move and does not like to be still, stop, or sleep. She is too worried she'll miss out on something important, I guess. We have been loving this warm weather lately and taking lots of walks outside in the stroller. Unfortunately, Daniel for some reason stays pretty cranky in the stroller, but Lauren will not make a peep the whole time we're out--she LOVES being outside!

Two weeks ago, we had a local photographer come to the house to take some baby pictures of Daniel and Lauren. I am posting a few of my favorites here. She's going to come back three more times during their first year and then put together some keepsake frames of their first year. Hopefully we can sneak Sarah into some shots next time for some spring/Easter pictures ;-)

Although Jeremy and I continue to feel sleep deprived, things are getting better day by day. I've found several ways to "get out of the house" which is also helping keep me sane and always having something to look forward to (it's so weird not working and now my only "deadlines" involve cleaning the house paying bills, and doctor appointments). We have been visiting at Kennesaw United Methodist Church and so far we love it there. I've started going to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meetings there, which is a great time for me to take a "break" with other moms while the babies are well-cared for in the nursery. We've also been going to a playgroup there twice a month. There, Daniel and Lauren are the youngest babies (Sarah is in school when we go) and it's fun to see the "older" babies/toddlers and how obsessed they are with the little babies.

Enjoy the pictures and hopefully I'll start updating more regularly!