Funny Kiddos

Eli chasing Ella at Oleson Park in Fort Dodge.


Eli with his "permanent" bump on his head.

Ella saying "cheese".


The three best friends


I thought I should post some more recent photos of our children. They are growing so fast. Lilly is 4 and is in preschool 5 days a week at Butler Elementary and is trying to figure out how to read and spell words. Ella is about 18 months old and is talking up a storm, she is our sneaky little one...always trying to get into something especially when we say no. Eli is about 18 months old and is talking up a storm as well, he loves to climb on anything and he is a pretty good listener even when we say no! I feel safe to say that we are thinking things in a household of 5 are getting "easier" (to me the laundry and dishes are the biggest challenge). We are so glad that we are done with making 2 bottles every 4-6 hours, the 2 diapers at each changing are even a little less, and Ella and Eli are able to walk and that makes it "easier" to transport to the car or into the store. I use the term "easier" fairly light because as you may know that walking can present other challenges like wanting to run away or trying to sneak up or down the stairs and with two toddlers that can be quite interesting.

LILLY'S IN PRESCHOOL

Lilly started preschool on August 30, 2010. She goes to Butler Elementary School and is in Ms. Gretchen's class. She loves it so much that she is sad on the weekends because she wants to be at school. The best part of her being at Butler is that we get to ride together everyday. She talks the whole way to school and I give her reminders to be a good listener and to follow all the rules that they have in preschool. Chris and I are so proud of how well she is doing. She had 2 time outs the first week. They both occurred on the playground and she was able to explain what not to do before she started playing. :) She has had no time outs since then. YAY Lilly!

The top picture is of her on her first field trip. Chris met her at the Apple Orchard and he said she had a blast and was a very good girl.

Pictures from Twins 1st Bday

I know that these aew old

Ella and Eli turned ONE!!!

Chris and I feel a sense of accomplishment...making it through the first year with twins. Everyone I knew that has twins said that the first year flies by and it is the most difficult. As of now I would have to agree...some things are about the same as dealing with one baby, you just do it twice (two bottles to make, two babies to feed, two diapers to change, two baths to give, etc.). Adding our lovely three-year old to the mix is a challenge as well. I must say though that Lilly has handled life as a big sister to twins very well. She often says "I love my brother and sister", "they are so cute", "they are watching me", "here let me calm them down"... Other things can be challenging as well, like going somewhere really does take twice, or three times as long- it takes planning and organization. I would not change anything about how my life has turned out. We are truly blessed...some days trying but definitely blessed.

Later I will post, with pics, about Eli and Ella's growth and all the fun things they are doing now...I need to go to bed. Night!

Oh my goodness...

it has been way too long since I have posted. We are crazy busy!! Everyone always said you are going to be so busy and you will barely remember the first year with twins. Chris and I thought "Oh it can't be that much more difficult!" Well...guess what- we are eating our own words because life is difficult but very rewarding and fulfilling at the same time. We have been so blessed with the most amazing children and love the new things they learn and do everyday. The past few months have been so busy and stressful that I think new things have been happening without me being able to reflect on and take it all in with excitement.

Those of you that I haven't spoken with in a while, or rely on this blog to read about the Johnson Party of Five news, may not know that IT all started the day before Thanksgiving. (The IT is flu, ear infections, allergic reaction to medicine, more ear infections, pneumoina, hospital stay, bronchitis, more ear infections, high blood platelet count.) I am hoping that our family, especially the kids, are over the hump of the yucky, blucky sicknesses. We really appreciate all the kind words and thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way to get through this tiring time. I realize that other people have gone through or are going through more difficult and serious things so we are truly blessed that in the grand scheme of things that we are a "healthy" family.

So here is a quick lowdown of what our kiddos are doing...like the last post I am hoping to post more recent pictures on here soon!!

Lilly- is talking about preschool everyday. She can NOT wait to go in the fall. She has been practicing listening better, cleaning up after herself, going into the bathroom on her own, and many more "preschool" type things. She amazes us everyday with the creative ideas and stories she comes up with. We still think she is our little "genius." She is so interested in learning, doing projects, reading, and writing. She still loves to sing, dance, and perform.

Ella- is babbling up a storm, we even think she said "daddy" the other day. She loves to make a loud yelling noise so we don't forget she is in the room. She just learned how to sit up from lying down (and is so proud when she does it), she is working so hard at crawling, she pulls herself up on her knees while in her crib. Lately, she has been falling asleep in her crib while sitting up. :) She loves to eat baby food and some finger foods that we have been bravely trying. She loves to dance and listen to music. She is still our little peanut weighing in at 14 pounds.

Eli- is a little boy on a mission. He loves to crawl everywhere. He loves to chew on everything. We are thankful that one of the twins is a go-getter, otherwise I think we would be more exhausted! He too, loves food (although the bottle is his favorite form of eating.) He enjoys watching, playing, and following big sis Lilly all around. He likes to give hugs in the morning when he first gets up. When he is hungry, tired, or not feeling well you will definitely know. He has been saying "hi dad", "mama", "o-duh" (All done), "mo" (more). He tries to copy anything we do with our hands or face...he is so funny and has the biggest smile with dimples on each cheek! Eli is weighing in at 19 pounds!

I hope this blog finds all of our friends and family healthy and happy! Hopefully it won't take me so long to check in!!

Till next time- enjoy the pictures I will post in a few days.