However, it is clear that quite a bit has changed since the day I was just a wee one.  Tomorrow is my daughter’s 3-month “birthday” and as her “gift” we will be putting her in the crib for the first time.  For the past 3 months she has been less than an arms length away from me in a bassinet so needless to say I think I am more nervous about the transition then she is.  I digress though, so in preparation for moving her to the crib I have heard from countless friends/doctors to take out the bumpers (the very cute bumpers that really tie the room together if you ask me!) so that she does not suffocate.

This is where my mother comes in, and similar to other things that have changed since I was a baby she is confused and surprised that I have to take them out and instead just tells me repeatedly that I had bumpers in my crib as a baby and I survived!  Another piece of advice she is pushing is to have my daughter sleep on her stomach, which I have also been told, is a big no no, but that my mother did with all 3 of her children all the time.  And when I hear these conflicting pieces of advice I hear my mothers voice in my head saying, “it’s amazing you all survived!”  Moving forward I will continue to take the advice of my pediatrician when it comes to my daughter’s safety, however, my mother will continue to be on speed dial for all other matters of motherhood.

-Samantha 

As I pack for the trip back home to Ohio I am anticipating the worst homecoming. In the past, when I’ve left my husband home alone, there have been some unfortunate surprises upon my return. Once when I went to Chicago he set the kitchen on fire damaging the appliances and turning my white ceiling black. Who cares if he singed his hair? I’m still paying off the appliances.

Going to miss these lil’ ones!

Another time, he threw the grease fire pan out the window into the snow and stained my new patio. He tells me he hasn’t looked at my to do list since I wrote it back in February. It wasn’t really so much a “to do list” more like a “what NOT to do list.” Regardless, it should be interesting when I walk in the door after being away for two months.

Oh how my life will transition when I move back to Ohio from stroller walks with my lil’ granddaughters in New Jersey’s parks to rubber gloves & Lysol.

-Mama Bell

I write this entry with bittersweet feelings. My mom had been helping out with the twins since they were born and has now ventured back home. As I reflect on the past several weeks, I’m not sure I could have done this without her. She has been so supportive and helpful and has showered my babies with love and affection. Like me, they are so lucky to have her in their lives.

Missing her so much already

In a couple weeks, I’ll be celebrating my first Mother’s Day. I hope to be as wonderful to my babies as my mom was and is to me. As I sit here with teary eyes, I now understand the meaning of this special day and hope that every mother is celebrated.

Thanks Mom, I love you.

-Courtney has been a part of LLD since nearly the beginning, she has babysat for over 5 years with our troupe & is a new mom. Courtney is LLD founder’s sister & lives in New Jersey with her husband.

Happy One Month!

Then one day a friend was visiting and asked me, ” Are you going to be able to leave these  kids and go home?” The waterworks began again. Hopefully when that time comes I’ll be a jokester again . . . or start saving my money to purchase a mobile home for frequent trips.

Happy one month birthday Granddaughters.

Mama Bell