More holiday fun...

Boo and Taylor have some playtime in Winnsboro!

Turner (Mr. Serious) and Taylor pose as leaning babies!!! Naked, of course!!

My cousin, Martha Davis, with Turner and my Aunt Susan with Taylor. (Winnsboro)

" Oh, mom, do we have to get up so early???"

The boy's cousin, Elizabeth, holds tightly to Turner, while Taylor offers emotional support. (St. Simon's)

Holiday Fun

Our holiday started by heading to St. Simon's on Monday, Dec. 22nd. We had a wonderful visit, staying with Granny and Poppy. We just love staying at their house--"our suite" is the perfect layout for having babies. The boys have their own crib and comforting living quarters and we have our own tv room! Plus, Granny and Poppy are early risers and love helping us with the boys--free labor is always a good incentive!!!

Granny and Cousin Anna help with Taylor. Taylor was distracted by the bright lights and action in the kitchen. Our boy loves to look around!!!

The Webster Cousins (Havens, Sunny and Rush) assist with the boys. As you can see, the boys have discovered the bright lights and sounds from the tv. They would not take their eyes off of it!! We love spending our days in St. Simon's at the Websters because Aunt Eliza always helps mommy and little Havens is a mommy in training! She is very attentive to the boy's needs and is always telling me what they need. ' i think he wants to go outside; he needs to be burped; he sounds hungry...." Havens herself is always needing something--she is a snacker, so she and Taylor have that in common!

Taylor and Turner pose under our tree--pitiful, i know, but we're lucky that we have room for our Charlie Brown tree! With 4 swings, 4 bouncy seats, 2 tummy time floor mats, 3 labs, you can imagine how small our house is feeling!!!

The photo above is Taylor with Nanny Dove. There is no way that she is 90! She is sharper than I am!

Christmas day, we rose at 4 am to get on the road for our traditional Nanny Dove festivities. St. Simon's to Winnsboro is straight highway, but a good 4+ hour trip PRE-BABY. We were anticipating having to stop for feedings, burpings, pacifier repostionings, snacks for mommy and daddy, etc. Thanks to Granny and Poppy who fed the boys while we loaded the car, we got on the road by 7 am. Proper planning does pay off!!! The boys did fabulous! Mommy pumped on the road--sure those truckers loved the "free show". I fed the boys and we stopped to burp them and grab a snack. (Interesting experience---I got behind some lady buying random blankets at a gas station, who paid in coins, so it took forever!!!) No need to stop for diaper changes, because the blowouts occurred in Winnsboro. Two clothes changes and we were back in businness! Good thing that the boys have so many holiday outfits!!

Christmas day is my favorite day for several reasons. My number 1 favorite reason is lunch at Nanny Doves. Nanny Dove, dad's mom, is 90 years old and lives in the same house that she was born in. She cooks a feast of king every Christmas Day and has ever since I remember. I know she must slave all week in the kitchen and i can not imagine how many trips to the store she must make! She makes the same thing every year and we look forward to her cooking all year. She makes this yummy "green" salad that is sweet and tomato aspic that is to die for--now Aunt Susan's mac n' cheese is pretty good and of course, my pound cakes rock, but nothing beats Nanny's oyster dressing and homemade biscuits. I have fond memories of cooking in the kitchen with Nanny. she used to let us shape the biscuits in odd shapes and sizes. Don't you just love your grandmas!! As Nanny, Uncle Charles and Aunt Amma worked in the kitchen with Kirk (Nanny's year around saving grace, helper and extended member of the Dove Clan), the boys were held, entertained by all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. We got to see my sister, Caroline, her hubby , John and my cutie pie 3 year old nephew, John 5. He was fun to see him play with his cousins...all boy!!

Look at those handsome boys...Taylor is smiling and Turner is wondering why mommy is taking yet another photo. The boys love being naked. And best of all, they love each other. I always find one leaning on the other, touching one another. Even yesterday, I found Turner exploring his brother's hand in his mouth!

**If you're following the BLOG, please take a look at my "Saving Grace #3 from Dec. 17th". I started it then, saved as a draft and added photos later, so it appeared before my last BLOG update. "Saving Grace #3" deserves a good reading....

Happy holidays to all!!!

Holiday Fun with Mommy's Girls

It is a bi-monthly tradition for mommy's friends to come over for dinner and a visit. We usually do either appetizers and wine/frozen virgin daiquiri's or dinner. This time we opted to do a potluck dinner. While the boys chowed down their milk, we had a feast on hummus and crackers, chicken, mac n cheese, spinach casserole, steamed broccoli and Dawn's homemade desserts. And girls, we only drank one bottle of wine among the 7 of us. Now, that is good self control we are showing to the boys! Mrs. Dawn and Turner getting in some snuggling time. As you can see, Turner has found his hands and is in love! Mrs. Dawn is expecting a little girl in March. Oh, we can hardly wait to have the new addition to our girl's night!

Miss Kim feeds Turner. Turner's latest attempt to help his mom is to feed himself. He has been known on occassion to even take the bottle out of his mouth when he is full and hold his pacifier in place.

Miss Nikki feeds Taylor. As you can see, he is very content with just relaxing while being fed. Look at those eyes, shouting out, " thank you, thank you!". Yes, we still have our Georgia pacifier near!

Aunt Sabrina (and Taylor's godmother) enjoy some much needed cuddling time!

Miss Kimmy poses with both boys--now that is talent!

* Now it must be mentioned that the BLOG only lets us post 5 photos. Missed in this BLOG are photos of Aunt Beth (Turner's godmother)...was she hiding? No, she was cooking, while this mommy pumped in the kitchen. Oh yes, girl's night is never complete without the good ole faithful pump! This time, she made two appearances!!!

** And a special thanks to our friend and photographer of the night, Steph!

Saving Grace #3

Every day, i am blessed to wake up to this great man , husband and daddy! Both Ben and i admit that the first few weeks, things were a bit rocky on the "daddy" label. The boys would scream and Ben would cringe. Now the boys cry, mommy still cringes and daddy laughs and talks to them. Whew--thank goodness for daddy should be the title to this BLOG.

Ben deserves a standing ovation for being so supportive! He has supported my insane desire to breast feed the boys--don't know why he has not knocked some sense into me yet! As I pump, he sings them songs, feeds them, does tummy time, makes bottles or whatever the current need is.

I awoke one day to a much needed nap and discovered Taylor missing from his crib. You can imagine my panic. I called for Ben and no Ben. I called for Taylor. No Taylor scream. I run downstairs in panic mode to look into the side yard to see Ben blowing the leaves with Taylor in the Baby Bijon. There is such thing as a man who can multi-task!!!

The below photos are real photo's , not staged to make Ben (aka Ralphie by me--long story!) look good. Ralphie looks good on his own!!!
Ben's love for the dogs has kept our family at peace. Poor mommy has put the hounds on the back burner, but not daddy. He walks them as much as possible and always takes a boy in the baby Bijon, so mommy can have a break!

Daddy and the boys having some "men time" during a football game. Ben was singing to them in this photo.Tummy time during commercials because the boys would pitch a fit if you made them get on their tummy's causing them to miss the game. They love tv!!!

Daddy and Turner....Turner loves his daddy and can be calmed more by Ben than me!!!

Daddy and Taylor...as you can see, Taylor has found the tv to the right of the chair and would not stop watching it to have a photo taken, even after Granny muted the volume to get his attention.

Daddy loving on Turner--he is always complimenting the boys on their good looks, good drinking, good smiling, etc. He hugs and kisses them daily. Thankfully being a teacher, he knows how important positive reinforcement is for a child's self esteem, even at this age.

We love you, daddy!!!

Holiday Photos

These adorable outfits were given to us by my Aunt Martha. As you can see, they look precious, but absolutely hated the hats! Turner pulled his off and pitched a fit, but was completely calm after it fell onto the floor. And you can see Taylor's look..his bottom lip is about to come out with the tears. Don't worry, we'll keep trying!

" Now I'm happy, momma!" (Turner--12 weeks)

" Not you again!" (Taylor-12 weeks)

Here are T & T chilling by the tree. These adorable onesies say "Sweet Pea #1 and Sweet Pea #2" and were given to them and designed/painted by my Aunt Mickie. Thanks Aunt Mickie, you can see that they are a hit!!! And plenty big so they will keep enjoying them through the winter.

BT and Liz enjoying a cocktail while the boys were home with a babysitter. Note the beautiful tree...this is at Boo and Gan's house. It was their second holiday tree--the first one flew off the back of the Lexus and was run over by a truck as they were crossing over the James Island Connector Bridge. Make note: If someone is tailing you too closely, flashing their lights and waving you down while you have a tree attached to your car, they might not just being a jerk!Pull over!!! Whoops!

Baby A: Ben Turner Slade V

Announcing Baby A: Ben Turner Slade V..............

And a special thanks to his godmother, Beth, who stuck up for her man by harrassing his mommy to get his BLOG update done. What do you think , Beth? You have anything to add?

Classic Turner Pose: "Touchdown" (Guess he has been watching too much football?) This is an earlier photo--now, he still has dark hair like his momma and brownish/green eyes and olive skin. He is still the skinny baby, but has Baby A personality! When he is mad, he is mad...wonder where he got that from? Guesses anyone? He is Mr. Independent.

Turner is the most peaceful sleeper. Funny thing is that this sweet baby gets really fuzzy right before he is about to fall asleep. He is not a huge pacifier fan, but likes it to help soothe him to sleep. If you give him a pacifier and rock him, he is out in a matter of minutes!

Turner doing "tummy time" on the sofa. He can actually lift his head completely off the ground and is starting to push up on his arms. I miss it every time because this camera is too slow. He loves to look around and check everything out! Little buddy got that from his momma...he doesn't want to miss a thing! Nosy, nosy, nosy!!

Havens (our niece) and Turner. He is the "content baby"....as laid back as his dad. He is happy sitting in the bouncy seat, swing, your lap, where ever. He glares at the tv now, Guinness or anything that he finds interesting. He is very observant and quite nosy! When i talk to him, he coos back. When i blow raspberries to him, he tries to blow them back. He can even help me hold the bottle. When he is full, he pushes the bottle away. He has started reaching at his toys and helps hold his pacifier in his mouth.

Ben Turner V, aka Turner, is his daddy's boy. They love to snuggle at night on the couch, sit together and watch Falcon's game. He usually nods off and is out ! He has been know to laugh in his sleep and toot/poop the minute you have changed a messy diaper. Turner likes to poop in a clean diaper. He is not crazy about the car seat until you get going, then is great with running errands. He usually sleeps through all errands...I will take it, a man who doesn't argue with me about shopping! Daddy calls him "our professor" because he is the more serious one...it takes something good to make him chuckle, but when he smiles, it melts your heart! Hopefully he got the smart gene from my Papa Yoshino. He certainly has the look down!

Week 12: Vacation

Boo and Mommy taking the boys on a walk..... Mrs. Van was my second mother growing up; here she is helping out with Taylor. Her daughter, Ashley, is my best friend from kindergarten. Mr. and Mrs. Van helped raise me.

Gan and Taylor reading a magazine in the "man cave" (aka: dad's new office). This room became the hang out room when i was home.

Mommy feeding Taylor in the gas station lot in Orangeburg, SC.

Boo entertaining Turner in the gas station parking lot.

Well, let me clarify. In honor of the boy's 12 week birthday, I took them to Charlotte for the week to stay with Gan and Boo. Thus, it was a vacation for daddy, but not poor Boo and Gan. Ok, if truth must be known, I selfishly wanted to see some family and friends, John V and my sister, Caroline. Ok, more truth..I knew that 6 hands would be better than my 2 while Ben worked for the week! We were sad to leave daddy but knew he would enjoy the week...junk food for dinner, no waking up at night, afternoon walks with the dogs that were unrestricted on time and lots of pooch snuggling! (The camera battery died somewhere along the trip and the charger is lost, so no pictures for now.)

Monday we left for Charlotte. Boo rode with the boys and I. I feel certain that Gan listened to country music the whole way, as it is usually forbidden if Boo is in the car. The trip was uneventful minus a quick stop at a gas station in Orangeburg to feed Taylor. It never fails, you think you have timed it right and suddenly, you are off schedule! As I fed Taylor, Boo played in the front seat with Turner. Monday night, some friends came over to see the boys. An old college friend, Jo El, had never met them and got the whole baby experence...sorry, Vernon, hopefully we didn't scare her with their fussiness! My friend, Shellie, has met them but came to see how much they have grown!

Tuesday was another typical day...it took us 4 hours to leave the house for a quick walk. We thought we could take the boys in the baby bijon's; why mess with the mini bus unless you have to. Big mistake! I totally forgot about the rolling hills in Myers Park! We shopped at Trader Joes and called it a day. Tuesday night, my second mom, Betty, brought dinner and helped me babysit for the boys when Boo and Gan went out to a party. I do love Betty's cooking...no low fat versions and good home cooked meals! We took the boys and had dinner at Caroline's house. The boys learned a few things from their cousin.... Max and Ruby are brother & sister, Noogin is a lifesaver when you're trying to eat a peacful dinner and the jump castle is the best hiding place!


Wednesday is a blur--isn't hump day always? My best friend from Charlotte as a child was a girl named Ashley Van Landingham. We did everything together from kindergarten until 12th grade and her parents were my second parents. It seemed appropriate since Ashley lives in Kansas now that I introduce my boys to her mom, Mrs. Van. Mrs. Van and my mom's best friend, Ms. B, came over to visit.... what fun girltime we had! I also vaguely recall eating take out chinese food with Nanny Yoshino at Caroline's, but that's it.


Thursday was spent with Nanny Yoshino. Nanny Y. is my mom's mom and she lives at Aldersgate Retirement Village in Charlotte. She is in amazing shape to say the least... looks great and in wonderful health! I don't even know her real age, but know she doesn't look or act over 65! Boo and i took the boys to have lunch with nanny and ended up spending the whole day. We ran into so many of Nanny's friends from her apartment to the dining hall that we almost missed lunch! Talk about a popular and well loved lady! Poor nanny was put to work feeding Taylor twice, then helping assist gathering items for the numerous diaper changes. She offered us yummy home made healthy cookies--the boys will quickly learn that Nanny's place is a good place for finding snacks!


Friday was departure day! It was the end of the work week and naturally daddy had missed us a ton, so back home we went! We figure since we were passing through, we wanted to take full advantage and stop by to see Nanny Dove. take out chinese food again...Winnsboro doesn't have too many lunch spots, so to the China Buffet take Out we went. Boo stayed behind with the boys and the two nanny's. Per Boo's report, they cried the entire time that dad and i were gone. Go figure! Nanny Dove helped feed Taylor, while Nanny Y. fed Turner or vice versa...who can keep track! After lunch, the boys and I hit the road back to Charleston solo and did great. We had to stop two times between Winnsboro and Columbia because Taylor lost his pacifier, but I consider that a "great trip".

** Hopefully the charger will be found so we can start posting pictures again soon. Until then, TaTa!

Baby B: Taylor Fitzhugh Slade

Thios BLOG report is dedicated to Taylor. The poor boys have already lost some of their identity in that everyone always refers them as the "Slade twins". I want to be sure to give them each individual love and appreciate them for their differences. They could not be more different in personality and in looks. (Tumer will have his spot in the spotlight in the near future) This is an old picture of Taylor, but one of my favorites. Early on, he was the chilled, laid back child, who loved to lay with his pacifier and sleep. Boy, things have changed! He now loves to look around and even watches to Atlanta Falcons on tv with his daddy, but only if he is in your lap or the swing, sitting upright in his BUMBO or sitting supervised in the couch. As you can see, his pacifier is his best friend, other than Turner. He seems to be more interested in Turner, looking at him, grabbing his ear at times or even looping his arm around his arm during times when he needs some comfort.



For those new to our BLOG, Taylor was baby B and named after his Gan, Fitzhugh Henry Dove III (my dad).

This picture was caught on camera last night (11 weeks). He has smiled before for me, but only with much effort on my part. His favorite activity to elicit a smile is when his mommy blows him raspberries and makes big, animated smiles. I blame his cheeks for the late arrival of the smile--poor guy had these heavy cheeks weighing him down--who could smile with having to make such an effort! When he is happy, he is happy. But when he's mad, watch out! He can be super fussy, to say it positively.

A favorite hobby is sleeping. No lie. He definitely got the love of sleep from his daddy. He loves to drink his milk like he is in a race, then take a nap. It is everything i can do to get him to play after he eats. If I am not quick, he will fall fast asleep, sleep for an hour and wake up again for his next meal. Bad thing--it's not time, little buddy! Therefore, the freak out screams begin and continue until it is time to eat again! This photo was taken after we had gotten back from a neighborhood oyster roast. I had bundled Taylor up so tight in so many layers, that he slept peacefully during the whole roast!

Taylor thinks that Guinness is the best thing in life. As Guinness comes near, Taylor's eyes get big and he stares at him. I have encouraged them to sit close as it can quiet Taylor in a heartbeat. Maybe he is scared of Guinness' big size or maybe he feels the comfort of Guinness's love for him. Guinness is very gentle around him and is very protective of his boys. Poor Guinnie does not know the yanks that are about to be directed his way.

Taylor enjoys sitting in his BUMBO seat and looking around. I put a pillow behind his head, but think his head control is getting better every day. He probably doesn't even need it actually, but I want to make sure those cheeks don't weigh his head to roll off. He loves to slouch down in the seat as you can see in this photo.

Taylor is currently styling in a medium brown buzz cut and has his baby blue eyes still. Yipee! Maybe I will have a blue eyed child! He loves to snuggle with his mommy and on Saturdays, he can be found lounging with mommy on the couch as she cheers on the Georgia Bulldogs. He loves the swing in the kitchen and is in awe with the stainless appliances--guess maybe the light reflects off of it as he swings. He loves to look around as we walk with him in the Baby Bijon around the neighborhood. His shopping days are getting better. Just last week, he made it through Walmart, without needing to be fed! He is sleeping 5-6 hours consistently through the night, getting up for one feeding only. Not bad, compared to how it was the first two months. He has been known to sleep through the night on occassion, but like his Gan, he is not missing any opportunity to have a snack!

Happy 11 week old birthday, Taylor!

Saving Grace #2

This BLOG report is dedicated to mommy's best friend and Taylor's godmother, Sabrina Margaret Thomas. Funny add in: During mommy's whole pregnancy Sabrina joked and told people there were three...2 boys and a little girl called "Sabrina Margaret". Shock, shock, wink , wink...boy's, it is only you two. Thank goodness Dr. Weinstein was right!!

Top 10 things why Sabrina is Saving Grace #2:
1. She can soothe even the fussiest Slade baby!
2. She lets mommy vent to her at weird hours.
3. She loves on the dogs too, even if they are being annoying and needy.
4. She helps mommy walk the boys and the dogs when daddy is busy.
5. She doesn't mind changing dirty poopy diapers.
6. She understands what mommy is going through and cuts her slack when she has to bail on girltime.
7. She stops by and visits us at least 2 times a week.
8. She gave mommy all of her old clothes because mommy can't fit into her own winter clothes and Sabrina is now super skinny. Go girl!!
9. She volunteers to help all of the time, even when it is known that she is so busy!
10. She loves the boys like they are her own!!

WE LOVE YOU, AUNT SABRINA!!

Aunt Sabrina, Taylor and Guinness lounge on the couch, while Jackson gets a good rubbing.

This picture is of Turner, posing as a limo driver! " Hey lady, fasten my seatbelt!"

Taylor is ready for the ride of his life...maybe he'll be an artist like Van Gogh. He certainly has the look down!! Or maybe a back up dancer to Brittney Spears...he could pass for one of her "home boys" with that hat!

Saving Grace #1

It is this time of year that we all feel fortunate for what we have and those in our lives. This BLOG report is dedicated to the " #1 saving grace" in mommy's and the boy's life.

Boo (AKA: Liz's mom)- She tirelessly arrives on her days in Charleston by 8am after Curves. No telling what time she gets up to get to Curves in James Island, exercise, then make the trek back through downtown to Mount Pleasant.

I am thankful for her presence in our morning activities. Usually the boys have been fed and are either playing or having a morning nap. I am thankful for the company. While the boy sleep, Boo and I enjoy hot tea and breakfast together---how lonely those breakfast pizzas, omelets and casseroles would be without her. After breakfast, she helps me wash bottles, clean "our messy house" and get the bottles made for the day. You would not think these tasks would take so long. But when you have to stop every minute to put a pacifier back in Taylor's mouth, turn the music back on the swing or entertain Turner with a funny face, an hour has passed and you've done close to nothing.

She never complains about "holding the fort down", while I make the milk. She can make the funniest faces to the boys, which result in smiles and giggles. She does tummy time perfectly by putting the boys on their mat and laying down with them so they don't feel alone on the floor! She helps by changing numerous dirty diapers with no complaints, even when it appears that a poop bomb has gone off in not one, but two diapers!

Thanks Boo! The only thing you can do for us is to let us take more photos of the boys...we can all tell how old this photo really is! Boo hates to be photographed and believe it or not, in 11 weeks, this is the only photo we have of Boo! Now Boo, we need more living proof of your presence for our BLOG scrapbook!!