Johnson Party of Five

Where did the year go?

2011-08-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

I think life with 3 children makes time fly by so fast. Since the last posting all three kids have had tubes put in ears and Lilly has had her tonsils out. The winter did seem to be better...no ear infections, or tonsilitis. (Knock on wood!)

I told myself that I need to do better at blogging. I really want this to be something that I can keep for our family and something for our children to look at as they grow up.

Anyways, many things have happened in this year. Lilly finished Preschool and can not wait to go to Kindergarten next week. We went to visit her teacher, Mrs. Winter, at Feelhaver today. We had a great time checking out her classroom, finding her spot at the table, looking in her locker, and visiting with Mrs. Winter. She is so nice and will do a great job with Lilly. I want time to s-l-o-w down...I know how fast school years go. She loves to read books, sing songs (some she has made up), do "activities" (she creates anything trying to use every bit of craft supplies we may have), play outside, help around the house, keep her brother and sister entertained, etc. She is an absolute joy, most of the time. She definitely has a mind of her own, she knows what she wants and can express that very clearly. I love watching her grow up. She is becoming more and more independent every day. In some ways it is nice but in other ways it makes me sad. I can not wait to see the progress she is going to make as a Kindergartener.

Ella is the "typical" 2 year old! She is SO cute and I think she knows it...haha! She can also be VERY sneaky...when she is quiet we know we better see what she is up to. She is our little monkey that is a risk taker. She does not seem to be afraid of anything. She tries to climb up, over, on top of anything! She makes us very nervous. She is talking so much now. I love that she is able to express her feelings instead of being "velociraptor". She loves to count to 10 (most of the time it is to 7, 8, 9, back to 7). She also loves to sing songs, her favorite is "Jesus mommy this I know" (Jesus Loves Me This I Know...) Her favorite toys are babies, babies, and more babies. Now we are awaiting her to give up her "paci" at bedtime, stay in her own big girl bed, and get potty trained.

Eli is a sweet, curious 2 year old! He loves to learn new things. He watches and absorbs everything Lilly says and does. He looks up to his big sister...it is so sweet! He is more of an observer...he likes to step back and watch his older sister and twin sister touch bugs, pet goats, hold toads, etc. (like his mommy)! The other day he wanted to watch Brainsurge (a kid game show on Nickelodeon). I didn't know that he knew what that was. His favorite toys are Buzz Lightyear, cars, trucks, Woody, and balls. Eli gave up his "paci" on his own by throwing in the garbage, by choice. He is learning to use the "potty" and he sleeps very well in his big boy bed!

Well...there was a quick update. I will post some recent pictures as well. My goal is to stay on top of the JOHNSON PARTY OF FIVE HAPPENINGS! :)

Funny Kiddos

2010-09-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

I know that these aew old

Ella and Eli turned ONE!!!

2010-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-01-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

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.

It has been a while...

2009-10-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

since I have written on here...I thought life was busy before- now it is busier than ever. Being a working mother of 3 is crazy...I am so grateful that I do not have to get the kids ready in the morning. Chris does a great job with the kids and we are blessed to each have our own time with our children.

Lilly started fall storytime (yes, Chris takes all three to the library once a week at 10 am) and she loves to tell me the story they read that day. She also started Sunday school a few weeks ago and loves it. Chris and I are so worried about what she is going to do or say. The first class she told us she was naughty because she sang too loud?!? This past Sunday I went to get her because I wanted to ask the teacher if she is good...well when I walked in the room she was the only one up on the "stage" and the other kids were sitting down coloring. I asked the teacher if she listens and she said that "she is full of personality". So you can decide what that means :). The teacher then said she got hurt so she let her do what she wanted because she was really upset. (I knew that was a bad choice because Lilly will try to do what she wants everytime...we'll see tomorrow.) Chris and I have been talking to her about listening and taking turns because she loves to entertain and to talk! So, yes, I agree she is full of personality but she needs to learn to listen! Anyway...

Lilly is the best big sister ever. Eli cries and will not calm down when he is hungry- tonight as I am making his bottle Lilly stands in front of him and says "it's okay E. calm down, calm down" in a very calming way (so cute!) and then she dances around trying to get him to laugh or smile. Now that Eli and Ella are watching every move she makes she will perform! She absolutely adores her "little babies" (as she calls them).

Ella and Eli are 6 months old today! I can NOT believe it...half a year old. Where does the time go? I am always asking myself that- one minute I look at the clock and it's lunch time, the next time I look it is supper time, then baths, books, and bed! And that is on the weekend!! Now imagine what it's like during the work week...I know you know what it is like! :)

At 6 months, Ella loves to hang on to our fingers and stand up. She stands up so proud and looks all around. She will make a loud screaming/growling noise...it is so funny! She tries to suck her thumb at night when I put her in her crib, but I quickly replace it with her paci.

Eli, at 6 months, is rolling all over the place. If he can't get to something by rolling he will try to scoot. Whatever he gets a hold of goes straight to his mouth. He talks up a storm and makes gurgling noises all the time, with a very serious look on his face...it is the cutest little face ever!

Eli and Ella tried baby food last weekend. Their first veggie was peas. At first they did not know what to think...but the next day they liked them. The next veggie they tried was carrots. Ella loved them from the very first bite that she kept her mouth open wide while I gave Eli his bite. Eli wasn't sure at first, but again like the peas started to enjoy the carrots. I can't wait to try the fruits with them!

Like Lilly, the babes love music...so we all sing all the time and we enjoy the time we get to have with one another!! We are truly blessed and grateful for our family!

Photos of our 3 Kids...

2009-08-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Reality...

2009-08-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well... I am back to work. It hasn't been too difficult because I have had a flexible schedule getting my classrooom all situated and I have been able to eat lunch at home and see the kiddos...it is a good way to ease into work. On Wednesday school officially starts so I won't be able to go home for lunch...so we'll see how it goes.

Ella and Eli are 4 months old already and it seems that life with twins seems to be getting easier, of course when I have to go back to work...we'll see how life as a working mom of 3 goes. We put Ella and Eli in their own cribs which was hard for me, I don't know why...maybe I felt like I was taking away some of their security. They have done very well...they also share their room with Lilly, which she loves by the way. We are so lucky and very blessed to have children that sleep really well.

Look for pictures soon!

Baptism of Ella and Eli

2009-07-14T20:57:00.001-07:00

Ella and Eli were baptized on Sunday, July 12, 2009. Lilly was so honored to help with the baptism of her brother and sister. We had our families over for brunch and conversation.

4th of July

2009-07-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Lilly was so excited for the 4th of July! She was ready to stay up late and watch the fireworks! I wondered if she would make it...and she did!! It is so fun to experience holidays with children, it brings back so many memories of when I was a child. I think that feeling gets lost somehow as you grow up, but now with children I get just as excited as they do!

Father's Day

2009-07-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Proud Daddy

Lilly posing on Father's Day!

Eli posing on Father's Day.

Ella posing on Father's Day! :)

Photo Fun!

2009-07-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

We were trying to take pictures of the kiddos for some thank you cards I wanted to make. It was so fun watching Lilly pose...she was trying to make "scary" faces, I thought they were adorable "scary" faces. Ella kept sticking her tongue out and Eli was trying to figure out what I was laughing about.

Lilly has been enjoying fun activities at the library on Tuesday mornings and story time on Thursday mornings. She has also been on a few picnics and played at the splash pad at Oleson Park.

Ella smiles ALL the time and she giggled for the first time this week.

Eli smiles too, but he talks ALL the time. His face will look real serious and it is like he is telling us a serious story.

I am trying to enjoy every moment of this summer. I know it will continue to fly by.

Lilly is 3!

2009-06-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it...Lilly is 3 years old. Where does the time go?? It seems like yesterday when we were so thrilled to be expecting our first child...she was well worth the wait of 4 years!!

Lilly is most the amazing little girl!

Lilly loves to talk, talk , talk!! She also loves to play outside, dance, sing, read books, kiss her brother and sister, cook with mom, wash dishes, take baths and showers, paint, color, cut, paste, problem solve, play instruments, shop, and many other things. She pretty much likes to do anything.

Lilly understands and does things that keep us thinking she is a genius! :) She speaks clearly and uses complete sentences. She recites parts of movies, books, and songs. She can recognize all the uppercase letters except Q, she knows her colors, shapes, counting, and can recognize a few numbers. Tonight we learned that she knows what a question mark is...she made one with her spaghetti noodle.

Lilly gets frustrated easily but is getting better at managing her frustration. She uses great manners like please, thank you, your welcome, excuse me (although she says it over and over when interrupting conversation...so funny.)

Lilly is so excited to attend her first "storytime" at the public library, play in her sandbox, do Little Nemos swimming lessons, swim in the backyard, blow bubbles, ride her bike, and run through her sprinkler this summer.

I just can't imagine all the things she will be doing in another year...we are so proud of our little girl!

7 weeks old!!

2009-05-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog Ella and Eli were 7 weeks old, now they will be 8 weeks old this coming Friday...where does the time go??

Our lil twinnies are starting to smile and stay awake for longer periods of time. I just love their sweet little smiles.

Last week Eli slept for a nine hour period- it was really nice, but he hasn't done it since. They both eat/sleep for a period of 4-6 hours, mostly the 4! We are truly blessed to have such good babies!

Tomorrow, May 27th, Lilly is going to be 3!! It is so hard to believe that she has been a part of our life for 3 years! She, too, is a true blessing. I am not going to say angel though- she is definitely a busy bee...she keeps us hopping and listening. She TALKS all the time, and tries to make sense of everything we say or things around her. Yesterday we walked to the park with Jill, Bryce, JayLee (cousins), and Jeff (uncle) and Lilly was the slowest thing ever! She was being so observant and talking to Jeff about everything, she would stop to pick a dandelion so she could blow and make a wish! She loved the attention that Jeff was giving her.

Well...I will post 3rd birthday pictures soon!

1 Month Old!

2009-05-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Ella and Eli are already a month old? Time flies when you are having fun! Chris and I are so excited that they both slept for a five hour stretch last night, not that it will happen tonight, but you never know!

We have been trying to enjoy the nice weather. We went to the park as a family of five and Lilly thought it was so funny that "the baby twins were going to the park"- she was so excited to "show them everything at the lion park". While we were at the park we had a nice little picnic.

Ella and Eli are growing, they are both starting to move their head around a lot, they try to focus in on faces and respond to our voices, especially Lilly's!

Eli has the biggest eyes, and when he is awake he tries to look all over the place. He loves to turn his head toward the lights in the living room.

Ella loves being held, especially while lying on the chest, she has also been smiling (I don't think it is gas either!). She is still a lil peanut but she moves around a lot!

We have tried putting them in the swing and bouncy chair and they LOVE them both!

This past week Jamie was here everyday helping out, which was GREAT, we miss her already. She also spent the night a couple nights. Ella became her little buddy!

2009-04-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Lilly, Ella, and Eli were hanging out yesterday. Lilly thought her baby twins would enjoy a Thomas movie so she put in the DVD and they all "watched" TV! When we were getting the babies ready for bed Lilly decided she wanted to try out the crib and get a picture! The last photos are of Easter. Ella and Eli looked so cute in their "dress-up" outfits. Lilly looked adorable in her Easter dress too.

We had a 2 week check up yesterday and both babies are growing and doing very well. Ella now weighs 5 lbs. 2 oz., so she can be in a "real" car seat...we had to take her home in a car bed (I will put a picture of it on here next time). Eli weighs 7 lbs. 2 oz. They are really good babies and I think we are adjusting well to having 3 kids...we are trying really hard to feed Ella and Eli at the same time other wise it feels like all you do is feed and change diapers.

Those of you who heard I was readmitted to the hospital this week should know that I am doing good and my blood pressure is staying normal instead of jumping all over the place. Today I actually felt like I had energy and could do more stuff...but I also need to not over do it (as Chris keeps saying). I go back to see the dr. on Tuesday.

Newest Additions to Our Family

2009-04-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would try out blogging.

Ella Jean and Eli Christopher were born on Friday, April 3, 2009. We were all able to come home on Monday, April 6, 2009. I think it is so amazing and a definite miracle that they are finally here and doing so well...Those of you that I have talked to within the last week know that Chris and I are running on very little sleep. Although on Easter Sunday my parents did the late night feedings...which was WONDERFUL, Chris, Lilly, and I slept in the basement like 3 angels!! Chris and I are very confident that it will get better...it actually as gotten better since we have discovered these swaddler blankets (thanks to Amy and Ann- Chris says we owe you BIG time) Ever since we started putting the "swaddlers" on them at night they have been sleeping much better at night...

Big Sister Lilly is fighting a bad cold right now but she is loving the time we all get to spend at home with each other...she is in love with her new little siblings but is very anxious for them to play. Every once in a while she will stop whatever she is doing and say "I need to check on my baby twins!"