Operation take back my house

Take one.

Ever since the babies arrived, we have been fighting an uphill battle with our German Shepard. She is really a very smart pup, but channels that intelligence in unfortunate activities like eating the siding off my house, taking very dirty diapers out of the trash can, or ripping up the carpet from my front stairs. That last action was more than a deviant behavior problem, it was a cry for help. Control me! Discipline me! Well, today she got her wish. After some Internet research, I came across a Swedish guy who breeds and trains german bloodline German Shepard (yes there is an American German Shepard, big difference apparently in temperament and drive. Basically they are lazier) Luckily our girl fit the German mold so we got in to see him, and double lucky for us, he lives just a few miles from our house.

In just an hours time he had me thinking completely differently. It didn't take fancy equipment or medieval methods. He taught us how to regain control of the pack. He also thought she had great nerves, temperament, and drive to learn, and that with some work she will be an ideal pet. So, we are working on power usurping from the all mighty Mia. By the time we got home she was either too tired to bother fighting with Mac, or she's finally realizing that her reign is ending. Either way, I know it will take a lot more work, but I can envision that light at the end of the tunnel.

I'll link his website once I access this site from my laptop and not my phone. The website doesn't look like its been updated since 1998, but he does good work. Or you can google Kennel Seeblick.

Six months?!?!

I cant believe that Monday these rugrats will be six months old. People tell you that time flies, and that is partially true. A friend of a friend with twins told me recently that the first three months with twins is hell, and the next three is purgatory. Truer words have never been spoken. So, with that said, we are slowly coming out of purgatory and seeing the light. I know I have a baby blog for these kinds of posts, but since six months is a great milestone, I decided to share on here. 

The boys are happy, healthy and full of spirit. They are almost sitting up, but would much rather be in their johnny jump ups all day long. It certainly makes caring for them much easier. Some days they stay in them a little too long.

We put them down in their cribs around 8:00pm and they put themselves to sleep until about 2am when we have to move them to the cradles till 7am. Almost there. This week we are exploring green beans (homemade of course, this time by BB) and next we are moving onto sweet pots. Hayes does not like the beans, and I dont blame him, they smell terrible. They are starting to babble and are into this coughing phase. They cough at each other, or just cough for attention. Its not a sick cough, just a way of communicating until they find their voice. 

Last Friday we visited the amazing Olivia for their six month pics. She did an incredible job, as always. Here is a quick preview. 

 Hayes Samuel

Graham Bailey

These pics are so formal feeling, I felt middle names should be involved. Fancy! I cant wait to see the rest and finally get some pics printed and on the walls (one of the many things I need to do). 

This weekend is a huge Burns family reunion. Part 1 is tonight at my parents house, and Part 2 is tomorrow at Oak Mountain state park (unfortunately we dont have t-shirts made, trust me, i tried). So im sure there will be a post about that. Extended family always makes for good blogging.

Happy six months Graham & Hayes!

Foodies

I'm trying really hard to eat better in order to drop these baby lbs. However, our schedule gets so crazy, it's hard to plan for healthy. Most meals are spent standing up in our kitchen, scarfing down whatever we can find before the boys decide its their turn to eat. Tuesday and Thursday are easier to make a meal bc my nanny is there when I get home and can sit with them a bit longer while I throw something together. Tonight we actually got to sit and enjoy salmon, pecan and garlic grains and pear and Gorgonzola salad with vinaigrette dressing. Delicious. Before you start thinking I'm channeling a 50's housewife (wait, you would never think that) let me tell you some tricks. First, the grains cook themselves on the stove, that just simmers the whole time. The salad came pre-packaged and happened to catch my eye at publix bc it was on sale. The salmon I cooked in my toaster oven cause we are in the process of getting a new oven. Despite the random way of cooking it, the dish was amazing. A little olive oil, garlic, capers and Greek seasoning and twenty minutes later in 350 it's done. Some friends and I are thinking of starting a cooking club and this will certainly be included. Ok I really digress. While that was cooking, I made some hard boiled eggs and boiled carrots for the boys. The eggs are part of my high protein snacking plan. Also I'm trying to recreate Starbuck's protein box which is yum but is like $6 a box. This includes a half of a raisin English muffin, two slices of sharp cheddar cheese and a hard boiled egg. The carrots will be their first foray into the world of taste and texture. Not my first choice of food but hopefully they'll like it. So after one night of prepping, lets hope i have a little less crazy of a day tomorrow. Happy eating!

Happy Thursday

Love, graham and hayes

It's like Jazzy, you know?

Thanks Kimberly, a much needed gem in the middle of the week.

Lucy is the coolest.