Then You Might Be A Mommy

As Aiden approaches SEVEN months, I started to write another "Lessons Learned" post, like the one from August.  However, to make this one a bit different, it will be worded like Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might Be A Redneck If..."  So here it is, what nearly seven months as a new mommy has taught me...

YOU MIGHT BE A NEW MOMMY IF...

* You have reinstated the 3 second rule in the household.

* You have considered eating baby food in the pantry because there's nothing else to eat in the house.

* You've gotten busted at work for singing the theme song to "Wonder Pets" without realizing it.

* You've actually had a full conversation wondering why Dora always screams everything she says. 

* You've caught yourself whistling or humming "We Just Got A Letter" from Blue's Clues while bringing in the mail.

* You seem to be better at rocking yourself to sleep than the kid.

*  Your reflexes are suddenly better than a cat's - especially at catching spit up. 

* You almost type as fast one-handed as you do with two hands. 

* You spend more time picking your child's nose than your own.

* The baby has more places to sit and play in the house than you do.

* Your feet almost completely function as a third arm.

* You find yourself whispering in rooms where the baby isn't asleep.

* Even though the two turtle doves have a new partridge in the pear tree, you feel more like the maid a-milkin'.

* You have more pictures posted on facebook of your child than you.

* When up late or in the middle of night, you turn on Nick Jr because it's the best option on tv.

*  When on the go you're more likely to have a nasal aspirator, diaper cream, or small toy handy than a pen to sign the receipt with.

* You now run the washing machine more than the dishwasher.

* You consider it completely normal to have a discussion over lunch with girlfriends about your child's bowel movements (sorry Whit).

* In the mall you are now better at locating the elevators, family restrooms, and toy stores than your own clothing stores.

* While you used to consider clothes "dirty" because you had worn them for more than 3 hours, now your clothes only make it to the dirty clothes hamper when they have spit up on them.

* Your DVR has more kids' shows on it than your own tv shows.

* You find yourself talking TO your spouse THROUGH your child.  ("Aiden, tell mommy she needs to do laundry tonight.")

* You can't remember the last time you ate a meal without having a kid in your lap.

* You can't seem to lose the "baby weight" because you're too busy eating all the words you said before the baby came.

* Batteries are now a regular item on the shopping list.

* There is a sense of accomplishment if you are actually able to start AND finish an entire conversation with a friend.

* The child's nursery is the cleanest room in the house, with every other room looking like a tornado just came through. 

* You could sleep through a freight train plowing through your living room, but are wide awake at the sound of a child spitting up.

* You consider 8:00 am to be "sleeping in."

* Going to the bathroom is the only time you're alone - if you're lucky. 

Motherly Advice

It is official!  I have earned a new title - AUNT Leslie!  My precious niece was born on Saturday, November 26!

In honor of my sister becoming a new mommy, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my (limited) wisdom from my own first six months as a mommy. I thought I would share a top ten list of things that have made life easier with a baby.  Now there are of course the essentials - crib, bottles, pacifier, pajamas, etc.  But the things I want to share are not the essentials - they are not items you will find on the baby registry at the store or even items that are necessary for caring for a baby.  These are 10 items that have made life a little easier on all of us.  (in no particular order!)

ONE



SLEEP SACK

As cold weather rolled around I had a lot of hesitations about putting a blanket on Aiden.  The thin blankets would no longer do and I was worried about a thicker blanket covering his face.  He always seems to kick quite a bit right when I put him down and then again before he wakes up.  Blankets just made me nervous, but he needed something!  This was perfect!  He wears his pjs and we put him in this right before he goes to bed.  It is snuggly and keeps him warm and I don't have to worry about him kicking it over his face! 

TWO

GAS DROPS

At first I was very hesitant to give Aiden any sort of medicine.  But the fact of the matter is that his little digestive system was still adjusting and sometimes just needed some help!  Matt and I made it through several weeks of cries and wiggles before breaking down and giving Aiden gas drops.  What a difference it made! 

THREE



EXERCISE BALL

We had one of these around the house and I initially started using it when I was pregnant.  It was often tough to sit for long, causing tremendous pain on my back.  Sitting on the exercise ball was the most comfortable way to sit, especially when eating dinner.  Once Aiden came, I found so many other uses for it!  Along with being a great chair, it also became our rocker.  There was a mix-up with our glider, so we went quite a while without a rocker to use to put Aiden to sleep.  This did the trick!  I was able to hold Aiden while softly bouncing and was a pro at getting him to sleep.  He loved the slow, rhythmic bounces and I loved that it also helped me tone at nap time!

FOUR


PACIFIER STRAP

We initially had to get one of the for Aiden for dayschool,but it has been well worth it! It was very helpful, especially around the house.  It has also been helpful when we are out and about.  I always try to keep an extra strap in his bag and use it to attach his toy to him or his car seat.  This way he doesn't throw the toy on the floor and get it dirty or throw it out of the seat and lose it.

FIVE



SPACE HEATER

We had one of these, but never thought to bring it out for a baby - especially in the summer.  Aiden squealed through his first two baths once we came home from the hospital.  It was not until we went to his newborn photo shoot and the photographer used a heater to keep him warn and he LOVED it!  It has definitely been the key to our bath times!  He now LOVES bath time and it has been a great way to calm him and almost put him to sleep during the bath.  Just be sure to be careful with the heater around the water and not get it too close :)

 

SIX



SOUND MACHINE

This is the actual sound machine that we have by Homedics and we love it.  In fact, when Aiden moves out, Matt and I decided we might need one in our room for ourselves!  It has several sounds from mom's heartbeat to ocean, rainforest, and rain.  This has been great for giving Aiden that white noise during naps and overnight.  It has even been helpful in the mornings to drown out the sounds of Matt and me getting ready for work.  Let me NOT recommend the sound machine by First Years.  Someone gave us that one as a gift and we tried it first - the sounds were TERRIBLE!  Matt even asked if one of the sounds was Satan talking.  Seriously, it was that bad!  We love this one though!

 

SEVEN

 

DVR

Now, I can't even remember what I did without DVR before a baby came, but now I REALLY can't imagine what I would do!  Now I don't love putting my child in front of the tv, but sometimes there is no other way to cook dinner or get ready for work.  I don't let Aiden watch more than a half hour of tv a day, but I can tell you that there are several episode's of Blue's Clues handy for when Aiden wakes up and unexpected half hour early or mom needs to cook dinner and Aiden won't play on his mat or in the exersaucer in the kitchen.  Blue's Clues is about the only show he will watch, but never fear!  With the DVR, Blue's Clues comes on any moment of the day!

EIGHT



FISHER PRICE ROCKER

Now, I am not sure what the technical name is, but we call it the hammock in our house.  Two of my high school friends gave me this the week before I was due and it has been wonderful!  I have used this more than a bouncy seat.  It was especially helpful when we got home from the hospital in the weeks after having the c-section.  I did not have to bend down so far to pick Aiden up, which was a huge help!  I have also liked having Aiden higher off the floor, especially when I have had Aiden in the bathroom while I get ready and the kitchen while I cook.  It also rocks when Aiden cries or while he is playing and throwing his arms around!

NINE

  

PORTABLE DIAPER PAD

Oh the many places I have used this!  This is a little pad that folds up smaller than a placemat and stores diapers and wipes inside.  It has been great when we are on the go and we keep it in the diaper bag at all times. I love that this is something I can use one-handed.  I can unfold it and fold it up again while I have Aiden in my arms.  It has been so helpful in changing Aiden - especially in the places where there is no "family" bathroom or changing station.  (Even where there is, I put this on top of it)  I have used this to change Aiden's diaper in the stroller, in the car, and when we are over at friend's houses and they don't have babies. 

TEN



BABY PAPER

My sister gave Aiden one of these and it has been his favorite toy so far!  It is a small square of fabric (Aiden's is black and white striped) and inside is some type of paper that crinkles when Aiden plays with it in his hands.  Aiden still loves this toy, but he would not put it down around 3-4 months when he was discovering his hands.  The best part?  I can put it in the wash!  It was also a big help at our photo shoot when Matt and I were in the pictures with Aiden and could not help him smile.  Our photographer was able to hold it and the camera at the same time so Aiden would look at her rather than us.  Definitely a must-have toy!!!

You Be The Jury

My sister and I were on the phone this evening sharing stories of being a new mommy (as I am now an aunt!!!).  One of the things my sister said she is excited to see in the future is her little girl growing into herself.  Of course her little girl likes like a baby now, but she said she was eager to gradually see "a glimpse of what she would look like as an adult" as she gets older. 

Aiden is certainly growing into being Aiden.  My sister's comment tonight made me look back at my sweet boy and compare what we brought home from the hospital just six short months ago....

to the little man I laugh and play with now...

It has been fun to see Matt and me "come out" in Aiden.  Aiden certainly has his dad's hairline!  Aiden's left ear also has a wrinkle at the top, just likehis dad's right ear.  Several times Aiden has raised one eyebrow, which he certainly gets from his mommy.  I cannot wait to see what other features, mannerisms, and characteristics he gets from each of us as he grows up!

I always enjoy people's reactions when they first see Aiden or see him after a long absence.  According to my family, Aiden does not look like either of us.  According to Matt's family, he looks just like Matt.  According to my friends, he looks like me.  According to Matt's friends, he looks just like Matt.  I can't help but laugh when I hear each opinion!  So....you decide!

Here is a picture of Matt as close to Aiden's age as I could find...

Here is a picture of me as close to Aiden's age as I could find...

 
So who do Matt and I think he looks like?  Strangely enough, neither of us!  However, we do agree that he looks like someone we know and my sister has even agreed.  Who?  This guy...

We have agreed that if we had to pick someone he looks like, that it would be my dad!  (Which we agree is funny because I don't look like my dad!  My sister has always been the one we feel like looks more like my dad than I do!) 

With so much change in just a few months, I can't imagine what he will look like on his first birthday!  I can't wait to see what other surprises little Aiden has for us in the future!

Giving Thanks

Since it is a day to give thanks, I want to take a moment before heading to bed to do just that.  Here is a brief top 5 list of the things I am most thankful for.  Of course everything I am thankful for won't fit in this list, but here is the abbreviated version.

ONE

I am so thankful for a heavenly Father who is forgiving, patient, and sent His only son to die so that I may live.  In the past few months I have learned what an amazing sacrafice that is!

TWO 

I am thankful for a wonderful husband that God created just for me.  We have come a long way and certainly still have miles to go!  Having a baby has truly tested our marriage, but I am so thankful for a loving husband who supports me and all the things I try to take on!

THREE

I am thankful for my sweet Aiden!  I have such an amazing little boy who is so sweet and snuggly!  I have been so blessed to have such a healthy, good-natured little man to call my own.  I have loved getting to watch him learn so many new things in such a short time and he has made me so excited for the holidays to come!

  FOUR

I am thankful for my sister and brother-in-law.  I cannot wait until they have their own little one to hold and love on!  I think Hunter would take Aiden home if he could!  I probably would have laughed in my mom's face when I was little if she told me that one day my sister and I would be such good friends.  I have loved getting to walk through pregnancy with her every step of the way!  I cannot wait until Haleigh makes her arrival this week and she and Aiden can grow up together!  I told Lauren our class field trip to the McWane Center a few weeks ago made me so excited to take our kids out together to all sorts of fun places! 
 

FIVE

I am thankful for my family.  Matt and I were talking this week about how lucky we have it to have two parents who are still married (this coming the day after my own parents' 37 anniversary!) and how rare that is these days.  We know that example has impacted us and our attitude towards marriage.  I know how lucky I am to have two living grandmothers and the relationship I have with them.  I can only hope someday to have the same relationship with my own grandkids.  I am thankful for ALL our family!  We are truly blessed!   


Matt and I were talking tonight about how being a parent really changes the way you look at EVERYTHING now.  You don't watch tv, read a book, drive a car, plan a meal, schedule a vacation in the same way anymore!  Looking at my sweet little boy each day reminds me that while I am stressed, I am also very blessed!

The Life Long Field Trip Called Parenthood

Kids LOVE field trips. Why? Because you get to leave the four walls of the classroom, you're completely off schedule for a day, there's less structure, and teachers don't have as much control. Teachers HATE field trips. Why? The exact same reasons - you leave the four walls of the classroom, you're completely off schedule for a day, there's less structure, and the teachers don't have as much control. While a field trip is not any more physically challenging than a regular school day, the teacher comes home exhausted. Why? The day was much more of an emotional and mental challenge - keeping track of kids, watching the clock, keeping track of kids, passing out lunches, meds, and tickets, keeping track of kids, answering chaperone questions, keeping track of kids, trying to enjoy the day, and keeping track of kids, looking for restrooms, keeping track of kids, problem solving when those fun surprises pop up, and keeping track of kids. Oh, did I mention keeping track of kids? I have found motherhood to be much like a lifelong, 24-hour field trip. I was prepared for the physical challenges of being a mom. I knew I would lose personal time. I knew my sleep would be cut in half. I knew I would have to learn to scarf down every meal I eat in half the time. I knew I would be spending countless hours feeding, burping, rocking, soothing, washing, and cleaning. I have kept many babies over the years and thought I was prepared as I could be for the changes and sacrifices a baby brings. I was not, however, prepared for the emotional and mental challenges. Since the day Aiden was born, my mind has not stopped going 200 miles an hour planning and worrying. When did he last eat? Has he had his vitamin drops? Was that a congested cough? Is he getting sick? Is it bath night? Do I have enough time to cook dinner? Is that a tired cry or a hungry cry? Will he forget me when I leave him for 8 hours a day to go to work? Will he have gained enough weight at the next check up? Am I holding him too much? Is he cold? Did I pack enough diapers and an extra outfit? How much longer will he let me snuggle him? I never anticipated how in love with him I would be before I ever saw his face. I never anticipated how much my heart would hurt to hear him cry in a pain I can't make better, but would take from him if I could. I never anticipated the hurt and immense guilt I would feel to go back to work and have to leave him at day care each day - and that comes from someone who LOVES her job and knows that is exactly why God put me on this earth. I can easily say that these past three or four months have been some of the hardest of my life.

I felt confident going back to work. I can't say I was ready and would have loved more time with sweet Aiden, but I felt we were in as good of a place as we could be. What was I thinking? But if I am being honest, it was not just returning to work that really shook the Tanner house, although it was most of it. Let's take the last week of August for example: Aiden had an ingrown toe nail, Open Hoouse at school, mommy got the stomach bug, sister, Lauren, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, surprise midnight trips to the E.R. for dad, and then mom and dad stopped by later in the week to tell us dad's doctor found cancer and he would be having surgery in October. There have been many mental and emotional hurdles like these: Aiden's cold, sinus infections, coaching during football season, trying to be the best teacher I can be while cutting my prep time in half, and several other things I won't go into. And every time I feel like we have overcome the obstacle, something else comes up and our world is rocked again - Aiden's weight is low and the doctor wants to change his feeding schedule, a week-long cold, or daylight savings time. I would say it is only in the past two weeks that I feel like I am getting control of things - teaching, cooking, feeding, cleaning, etc. And then as I type, Aiden is on antibiotics for a double ear infection and I am in the middle of a bout with pink eye. Then who knows what this week holds...

The greatest challenge has been the new allergy I have developed - Aiden. Yep, that's right. I'm allergic to my child. About two weeks after Aiden was born I started having trouble with my lips. They swell up, turn bright pink, and burn. It looks like I found the perfect shade of pink the 80s had to offer and then had a three year-old put it on me in the dark. After a few days of this, the swelling subsides, but then my lips peel and continue to peel until the next flare up. It makes it incredibly painful to eat, drink, and talk. I have to keep a thick layer of Vasaline on my lips, which just seems to draw motre attention to the problem than help. Since I am still feeding the doctor tells me there is no medicine she can give me because it will affect my milk. "Hopefully you will eventually develop an immunity to it" was her response. The doctor believes my lips are allergic to the oils in Aiden's skin, so she suggested not kissing him, to which I laughed and told her I would just have to look like Bobo the Clown forever. However, Matt and I have found that I have fewer flare ups the more we bathe him. While I am getting used to this being the way things are, it still has been a struggle in itself. It has been hard to see some of my kids at school make fun of it during my flare ups. Middle schoolers will be middle schoolers, but I am a girl and it is still hard to see or hear someone make fun of you about something you are so self-conscious about, no matter how young and/or immature they are. It has also been hard because Aiden and I have very few pictures together because I have not wanted my picture taken like this. However, here is one from last week after our family photo shoot...

All in all, I think we are getting back on track. Aiden is falling into a new routine of feedings and naps, and predictability is what I have missed most! I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my little niece, Haleigh. Sharing pregnancy with my sister has been fun and something I am so grateful was in God's plan for us. In a strange way I feel like I have gotten to be pregnant longer from sharing it with her. (Well, minus the heartburn, throwing up, and frequent trips to the restroom) Most of my pregnancy symptoms have disappeared. My carpal tunnel finally disappeared a few weeks after we started school and I was able to write and hold things in both hands without any pain. The coloration spots on both my cheeks have cleared up. The heartburn and reflux are gone. What do I miss? I miss taking Aiden with me everywhere I go. I loved knowing he was with me everywhere - teaching at school, singing in the car, everywhere! I miss feeling him kick. Although it was uncomfortable, it was never painful, and I miss feeling his movements and hiccups. And then finally, I miss maternity clothes! I am still waiting for someone to explain to me why ALL pants aren't made with an elastic waistband...

Well, onto the fun stuff! Let me tell you about my little man named Aiden!

God has blessed us with such a sweet, flexible, amazing little boy. Last Friday when we returned home from our family pictures I noticed Aiden's head was very warm when I took him out of the car seat. I told Johanna, the photographer, that morning he just wasn't himself because he would not smile. I took his temperature - 103.1! We immediately started infant Tylenol and by Sunday morning the fever still had not subsided. Matt and I decided it was time to take him in to see a doctor. We shared with the doctor the things that also puzzled us - he was sleeping on schedule, eating normally, and not been fussy AT ALL. He just had a fever we couldn't shake. The doctor took one look in his ears and said he was shocked at what he saw - an ear infection! He said he had never seen a baby so happy with such a terrible ear infection. He did caution us that having a baby with such a high pain tolerance was a blessing (since we had not been listening to a screaming baby for hours on end), but we had to be very watchful because if he went too long, his eardrum could burst. What a trooper!

Aiden laughs all the time and has recently started a loud laugh, which melts my heart!

He loves Blue's Clues - he will not watch anything else on the tv (with the exception of a little football with daddy). He only watches one Blue's Clues a day, but it is very helpful when mommy needs to cook dinner!  His favorite toy is a small, square black and white striped blanket Lauren got for him.

The blanket crinkles when you move it and he LOVES it! (It was a life saver at the photo shoot! Johanna was able to use it to make noise so Aiden would look when we were all in the picture) Aiden has just started rice cereal and applesauce in the past few weeks and is gaining weight! (At his four month check up he was in the 99th percentile for head size and only the 3rd percentile for his weight. We call him the lollipop) Aiden hates to be cold and loves bathtime because we pull in the space heater. He doesn't mind car rides as long as someone is in the back to sit with him. He somehow always knows when mommy is sitting down to eat and I tend to eat most of my meals with him sitting in my lap. Aiden has learned how to use his hands and is becoming better each day at putting his pacifier back in his mouth, grabbing the toys, and reaching for mommy's cup while mommy is holding him. Aiden has also started "talking" over the past few weeks. It is mostly just loud jibberish and shouts, but it is SO funny to listen to!

Currently we are working on sitting up, which has been a challenge because he has also learned where his feet are. When he sees those feet, it is all over and he melts to the floor like the Wicked Witch of the West. Here are a few shots of the little guy sitting up with the help of his boppie...

He is such a sweet little boy and I am quick each day to thank God for entrusting me with this little sweetheart!

Aiden has also had a lot of "firsts" since the last blog post. Many I did not catch on camera, but here are a few I did...

Aiden's first trip to Ttown for an Alabama game...

Aiden's first lovie...

Aiden's first Halloween in his skeleton costume...

This is his weekly picture for the week of Halloween...

Aiden's first trick-or-treating with his buddies in the neighborhood, Grafton and Ethan...

Aiden's first "tummy time"...

All in all, parenthood has been an adventure! As much as I can try and plan and schedule, I have learned that most of the time things

don't

go

as planned.

 In just five and a half short months there are already so many things I regret and feel like a failure for. First that comes to mind is his baby book, which I am sad to say I have not kept updated. The second is finishing his room by now. Just two of the things that have become pushed aside as life got in the way. Before this turns into a pity party, there are a few things I am proud of. First comes to mind is the feeding. Aiden's bottle still comes from me, which includes taking care of "mommy responsibilities" at work. NO EASY TASK! There are many times I have wanted to stop because it is VERY time consuming and really really interferes with the day on so many levels, but I have stuck with it ONLY for the reason that I know it is what is best for Aiden. I have also been very diligent about taking Aiden's photograph EVERY week (mostly on Saturdays since I have gone back to work). I try to use things to measure Aiden's growth by - his green chair, his rocker, etc and making sure he is in a different outfit each week. Here are a few of the most recent...

There is still a lot I have to learn and a lot I probably need to thank and apologize to my own mom for. Right now, it is just a day at a time. But looking at this face each day makes it all worth it, don't you think?

Baby Steps...For Mommy

The past two weeks or so have been tough ones in the Tanner house, for MANY reasons, none of which I am going to go into on this post. Tonight is all about digesting today. While what Matt and I probably needed was a calm, relaxing day at home, we decided to venture out for a family outing. Although I am SO tired, I decided to make tonight's posting a priority to take it all in.

Our outing today took us to Tuscaloosa. The first stop was the alpha chi omega house for Alabama's bid day. One of the girls I taught several years ago pledged alpha chi and I could not wait to go down and see her in scarlet and green and the letters axo on her jersey! Shea is so special to me and I have waited for quite a while to be able to see her pledge, knowing alpha chi would be the perfect fit for her! Being at the house brought back so many memories of bid day for me (over a decade ago - yikes!) and the friends I made on my college journey. Talking with Shea this week as she went through rush almost made me feel like I was back in college again and it has certainly made the week special!



Our next stop in Tuscaloosa was at Pam's house - the woman who would be the new mommy for my 2 turtles, Shelly and Shelldon. Shelly and Shelldon have been with me for so long, but I knew this day would come. Matt and I agreed when we found out we were expecting Aiden that we could no longer care for the turtles the way they needed to be cared for, didn't have the room for them anymore now that they are getting much larger, and could not run the risk of them getting Aiden sick. (Although it is rare, turtles can carry salmonella and can be more dangerous to kids, who touch the turtles and then put their hands in their mouths. Although it is very rare with indoor turtles like ours, Matt and I agreed we could never live with ourselves if something ever happened to Aiden and we knew a potential risk was possible) So in November we began pursuing other arrangements for them. The Birmingham Zoo was not taking animals at the time. The Botanical Gardens were not taking any more turtles for their pond. We felt we were stuck until after winter. In June, after Aiden was born, Matt began actively looking for a new home for them, since his parents had been keeping them through our move. One day on a whim Matt looked on Craig's List and found a woman who was looking to add another turtle to her habitat in the backyard. Matt contacted her and she was interested in taking BOTH of our turtles. Well, of course when Matt brought it up to me, I cried like a baby. I didn't want to give them up! When he giggled at my silly mommy reaction, I was quick to tell him I had had the turtles longer than I had had him! :) Over the next few weeks I looked into options - possibly building a place of their own in the backyard. The only problem was that this would take away from the already small space Aiden will have in the backyard and that it would be a VERY expensive project to make it worth the effort. After exhausting all possibilities, I told Matt it looked like that was our only answer.

We stopped off today at Pam's house, who happens to be a professor at the U of A. She was SO kind and truly has a passion for turtles! (She even showed us her pictures of her recent trip with her husband to Africa - where they went to see and pet other kinds of turtles!) Her backyard was AMAZING! She has turned the entire area into a beautiful garden and habitat for her fish and for her turtles! She already had 2 land turtles in the enclosure, Winnie and Pooh, as well as 3 red ear sliders (same as Shelly and Shelldon) - in the pond, Tori, Baby, and Chicken (who, I think, is really names Fred, but earned the name Chicken because he is so shy). Pam took the time to listen to me tell her all about my 2 - their names, their physical differences, and their personalities. I could tell very quickly she would love them as much as I do. After showing me where they would live, she told me I could even be the one to put them in their new home and said it might help me to see them swim and play with their new friends. Although it was hot, Matt and Aiden let Mommy watch her other 2 babies explore their new home. I thought it would be SO much harder to let them go, but I know deep down that they will be happier where they are now than if they were here with us. The best part? She told us we could come visit them anytime! I told Matt that I feel like we have an open adoption! She encouraged us to come by when we come down for game days. She even talked about Aiden getting to hold them one day when he is older! I told her I would really take her up on it and she encouraged me to! Here are a few pictures of my sweethearts in their new home...

My last picture with my babies! When I got them, they were only the size of a quarter!

Mommy letting them go in their new pond. This one is Shelly - Shelldon went first. He dove in, went straight under the bushes, and stayed there!

Shelly is exploring her new home and loved it! I never would have thought she would be the more adventurous one today and Shelldon would be so shy and timid! It seemed that as I moved around the pool, Shelly would follow. She was eager to see her new place, but seemed to stay closer to me as I moved around the pond!