Sunday, February 12
The Rest of the Yumminess
many kudos go to more than words photography by tammi. she did such an excellent job photographing our newborn babies. let the printing of all things photo begin!
Thursday, February 2
A Secure Mom Raising Secure Girls
I really love my husband for multiple reasons, but lately my love for him has deepened. I'll tell you why.
I wouldn't call myself a reader, but these days I have a little more time (like during three am feedings) to read articles and blogs that I would otherwise skim over. Mom sites, baby sites, parenting sites...you get the idea. And honestly, those articles along with all the inappropriate super bowl ads we'll be seeing this weekend, has got me thinking.
Why am I such a secure woman?
Don't get me wrong. I struggle with all the normal things women with mirrors in their homes struggle with...weight (especially six weeks postpartum), hair color, hair length, hair style, my complexion, crooked teeth...you name it, I probably don't really like it or could think of a way to improve it.
When we were dating, Matt was like any other doting boyfriend. He'd take me out to fun restaurants, plan surprise dates and compliment my looks. But he never remarked positively or negatively on things I had control over. Let me explain.
Matt loved (loves) my eyes. Honestly, to me, they're nothing special. I've never really liked my droopy, squinty, (boringly colored) hazel eyes. I used to never leave the house without eye liner and mascara on top and bottom. But to him they were beautiful without all that make up...and he told me often.
He didn't compliment me on the dyed color of my hair...but told me he liked my hair dark, which (disappointingly at the time) is my natural color. But blonde highlights are so in!
When I would complain about my weight (ha! I can't believe I thought I was fat then. I'd kill to be that size again.) he'd also say he liked a girl with some meat on her bones, something to hold. Guys like that are rare.
He didn't care what kind of clothes I wore. In fact, the day he fell in love with me (because it was love at first site, you know!) I was wearing a ball cap, no make up and my very best sweats. Attractive.
Needless to say, I sunk my hook in him and held on for dear life. We were married in 2004 and in the seven years that we've been married, he's never changed his tune.
Do you know how secure that makes a woman feel? Not just secure...but beautiful even? And do you know the power of a secure mama to her girls?
I can't give my husband all the credit. My security in who I am physically extends beyond my adult years and began when I was a young girl. My relationship with my dad was strong - and is to this day. He always affirmed me (not just physically) as a little girl growing into a young woman. He also loved my mom unconditionally and that made her a secure woman.
You see the cycle here? Affirming men beget secure wives who in turn beget secure daughters who seek out affirming men.
And the foundation to it all: Christ. Big turn here, but if you know Him, you'll transition easily.
My dad loves the Lord. His love for the Lord fuels his love for my mom. My parents love for the Lord fueled their love and affirmation for me. Finding the true source of love as a young teenage girl caused me to seek out a man who also knew Christ. And this affirming, loving cycle continues as we raise our girls.
Is the cycle perfect? No. There are many Christ-loving women who did not come from Christ-loving, affirming homes (and vice versa). Praise God!
I guess the point of this post is to...
1) Praise the Creator for His unending affirmation and love for me.
2) Thank my parents for living out true love and affirmation in their marriage...and encouraging it in me, even as a young girl.
3) Speak highly of my husband and the way that he continues his godly affirmation of me and my girls, so they can (God-willing) continue the cycle of feeling loved and secure.
4) Encourage you and your families to consider these principles in your own homes.
Raising boys? Teach them to love the things about women that God loves. Show them that the world's standard of beauty is so much less fulfilling and temporary than God's standard.
I wouldn't call myself a reader, but these days I have a little more time (like during three am feedings) to read articles and blogs that I would otherwise skim over. Mom sites, baby sites, parenting sites...you get the idea. And honestly, those articles along with all the inappropriate super bowl ads we'll be seeing this weekend, has got me thinking.
Why am I such a secure woman?
Don't get me wrong. I struggle with all the normal things women with mirrors in their homes struggle with...weight (especially six weeks postpartum), hair color, hair length, hair style, my complexion, crooked teeth...you name it, I probably don't really like it or could think of a way to improve it.
When we were dating, Matt was like any other doting boyfriend. He'd take me out to fun restaurants, plan surprise dates and compliment my looks. But he never remarked positively or negatively on things I had control over. Let me explain.
Matt loved (loves) my eyes. Honestly, to me, they're nothing special. I've never really liked my droopy, squinty, (boringly colored) hazel eyes. I used to never leave the house without eye liner and mascara on top and bottom. But to him they were beautiful without all that make up...and he told me often.
He didn't compliment me on the dyed color of my hair...but told me he liked my hair dark, which (disappointingly at the time) is my natural color. But blonde highlights are so in!
When I would complain about my weight (ha! I can't believe I thought I was fat then. I'd kill to be that size again.) he'd also say he liked a girl with some meat on her bones, something to hold. Guys like that are rare.
He didn't care what kind of clothes I wore. In fact, the day he fell in love with me (because it was love at first site, you know!) I was wearing a ball cap, no make up and my very best sweats. Attractive.
Needless to say, I sunk my hook in him and held on for dear life. We were married in 2004 and in the seven years that we've been married, he's never changed his tune.
Do you know how secure that makes a woman feel? Not just secure...but beautiful even? And do you know the power of a secure mama to her girls?
I can't give my husband all the credit. My security in who I am physically extends beyond my adult years and began when I was a young girl. My relationship with my dad was strong - and is to this day. He always affirmed me (not just physically) as a little girl growing into a young woman. He also loved my mom unconditionally and that made her a secure woman.
You see the cycle here? Affirming men beget secure wives who in turn beget secure daughters who seek out affirming men.
And the foundation to it all: Christ. Big turn here, but if you know Him, you'll transition easily.
My dad loves the Lord. His love for the Lord fuels his love for my mom. My parents love for the Lord fueled their love and affirmation for me. Finding the true source of love as a young teenage girl caused me to seek out a man who also knew Christ. And this affirming, loving cycle continues as we raise our girls.
Is the cycle perfect? No. There are many Christ-loving women who did not come from Christ-loving, affirming homes (and vice versa). Praise God!
I guess the point of this post is to...
1) Praise the Creator for His unending affirmation and love for me.
2) Thank my parents for living out true love and affirmation in their marriage...and encouraging it in me, even as a young girl.
3) Speak highly of my husband and the way that he continues his godly affirmation of me and my girls, so they can (God-willing) continue the cycle of feeling loved and secure.
4) Encourage you and your families to consider these principles in your own homes.
Raising boys? Teach them to love the things about women that God loves. Show them that the world's standard of beauty is so much less fulfilling and temporary than God's standard.
Wednesday, February 1
7 weeks...Oh the terror
My boys are seven weeks old. Today, as I was nursing Abram, I decided to turn on the boob tube (no pun intended). There's really not much on at 3:00 worth watching. But an episode of Dr. Phil caught my eye and I decided to watch a few moments, which turned into the whole hour, which left me full of terror.
Identical twin boys, age 16, so out of control that their parents were throwing in the towel. Wow. How do you get to that point? I guess pot smoking, alcoholic, full of hatred and anger twin boys might push me to that edge too. Honestly, my biblical viewpoint on parenting forces me to hold the parents responsible first for their sons' behavior (and I was glad to hear Dr. Phil affirm that)...but I'm also forced to recognize that they are responsible for their own sinful actions. I'm sure those parents felt like they had failed. And in many ways, they had. How sad. Very, very sad.
And then a friend of mine posted this incredibly eye-opening post on her blog that made me even more fearful for my young men. Its not that this is news to me...the world we live in is a very scary and wicked place. That's why scripture affirms us over and over to cling to Christ, turn our faces towards him and to flee sin. But I'm a woman. I've only ever mothered women. Ask me about all the struggles my girls will face with sexuality, body image, the desire to be loved and accepted by men - and I could write a book. But I'm new to this "mothering a male" thing...and yes, even now at seven weeks old, its much different. I feel a greater sense of protection over my boys. I guess I understand that special bond a daddy has with his daughters now. I feel that same sense of protection for my boys.
My sweet, sweet boys. Full of sin even now, but so ignorant of what lies ahead. My heart is weighty at all that you'll have to flee from in your life. And my prayer is that you do just that, flee. Cling to Christ and be fully aware that the temptress will try her hardest to lure you in. Fight, my sons.
Identical twin boys, age 16, so out of control that their parents were throwing in the towel. Wow. How do you get to that point? I guess pot smoking, alcoholic, full of hatred and anger twin boys might push me to that edge too. Honestly, my biblical viewpoint on parenting forces me to hold the parents responsible first for their sons' behavior (and I was glad to hear Dr. Phil affirm that)...but I'm also forced to recognize that they are responsible for their own sinful actions. I'm sure those parents felt like they had failed. And in many ways, they had. How sad. Very, very sad.
And then a friend of mine posted this incredibly eye-opening post on her blog that made me even more fearful for my young men. Its not that this is news to me...the world we live in is a very scary and wicked place. That's why scripture affirms us over and over to cling to Christ, turn our faces towards him and to flee sin. But I'm a woman. I've only ever mothered women. Ask me about all the struggles my girls will face with sexuality, body image, the desire to be loved and accepted by men - and I could write a book. But I'm new to this "mothering a male" thing...and yes, even now at seven weeks old, its much different. I feel a greater sense of protection over my boys. I guess I understand that special bond a daddy has with his daughters now. I feel that same sense of protection for my boys.
My sweet, sweet boys. Full of sin even now, but so ignorant of what lies ahead. My heart is weighty at all that you'll have to flee from in your life. And my prayer is that you do just that, flee. Cling to Christ and be fully aware that the temptress will try her hardest to lure you in. Fight, my sons.
Monday, January 23
Tidbits
- I don't have time to be blogging right now...but I am.
- My house is in total disarray. I wish I could say this was an exception, but for those of you that are rolling your eyes, saying her house is never messy - I dare you to stop by. I cannot guarantee you will find your way out.Messy trashed has become the rule around here and I'm not sure I can stop this snowball from rolling. One day I'll get ahead.
- We're coming off a total week of celebrating Annelise' birthday and admittedly it hasn't been good for her four year old head. Its grown, quite large. As much as I love to gush over my children and make birthdays special...I'm ready to move on. Anne, its been a great four years. We love you. Time to stop eating cake now. Buh-bye.
- The boys are growing rapidly and giving us so much joy. We're slowly leaving the honeymoon stage of preemie wonderfulness and entering newborn, scream for no reason-ness. Which naturally gives mommy less time to get things accomplished. Not being a preemie anymore = less sleeping, more eating (breastfeeding twins in time consuming!), not much napping, but lots of open eyes. So we'll take the bad with the good.
- I'll say it...I used to be one of those judgmental moms who couldn't understand why it was so hard for other moms to do the small things...you know, like take a shower and straighten up their homes? Ha! I'd like to kick myself in the pants for that. Forgive me. I am now one of those moms. Sweatpants aren't just comfy...they've slowly morphed into stylish, STYLISH in my mind. I know I'm dazed and confused...but really, aren't yoga pants (with the knees stretched out and the butt hanging to the floor) the new black for stay at home moms? I think yes!
- My sister is visiting from West Virginia with her daughter Avery. She is beautiful and we are enjoying them both very much. They'll be here in an hour and I'm still in pj's with my hair in a ponytail (if you can call it that) trying to decide which task I need to accomplish before they arrive (get dressed, brush my teeth, straighten up the house). Oh the decisions...they're just too great...
I think I'll just finish eating my ramen noodles (the one meal I'll get today) and apologize for the rest when they get here.
Happy Monday!
- My house is in total disarray. I wish I could say this was an exception, but for those of you that are rolling your eyes, saying her house is never messy - I dare you to stop by. I cannot guarantee you will find your way out.
- We're coming off a total week of celebrating Annelise' birthday and admittedly it hasn't been good for her four year old head. Its grown, quite large. As much as I love to gush over my children and make birthdays special...I'm ready to move on. Anne, its been a great four years. We love you. Time to stop eating cake now. Buh-bye.
- The boys are growing rapidly and giving us so much joy. We're slowly leaving the honeymoon stage of preemie wonderfulness and entering newborn, scream for no reason-ness. Which naturally gives mommy less time to get things accomplished. Not being a preemie anymore = less sleeping, more eating (breastfeeding twins in time consuming!), not much napping, but lots of open eyes. So we'll take the bad with the good.
- I'll say it...I used to be one of those judgmental moms who couldn't understand why it was so hard for other moms to do the small things...you know, like take a shower and straighten up their homes? Ha! I'd like to kick myself in the pants for that. Forgive me. I am now one of those moms. Sweatpants aren't just comfy...they've slowly morphed into stylish, STYLISH in my mind. I know I'm dazed and confused...but really, aren't yoga pants (with the knees stretched out and the butt hanging to the floor) the new black for stay at home moms? I think yes!
- My sister is visiting from West Virginia with her daughter Avery. She is beautiful and we are enjoying them both very much. They'll be here in an hour and I'm still in pj's with my hair in a ponytail (if you can call it that) trying to decide which task I need to accomplish before they arrive (get dressed, brush my teeth, straighten up the house). Oh the decisions...they're just too great...
I think I'll just finish eating my ramen noodles (the one meal I'll get today) and apologize for the rest when they get here.
Happy Monday!
Friday, January 13
2012? Weird.
I remember thinking that my graduation year of 2000 was so weird. We were the class of '00 - how lame is that? And now that I'm much more mature older, I realize that was just the beginning. Had someone told me I would be a mother of four (two being twins!) in 2012...I would have laughed. 2012? Weird.
But, you probably stopped by my blog to hear less about the year we're in and more to see our new additions, right? I'm pretty faithful at updating Facebook, but I remember some of you don't have Facebook (silly you!) so here is the update you deserve.
These fellows turned one month on Wednesday...their original due date. I can't imagine being pregnant for four weeks longer than I was. Ick!
The boys had their one month check up and received a clean bill of health...such a surprise for being premature. Abram gained 17 ounces (he's 6#6) and Titus gained a pound (he's 6#12). I'm exclusively breastfeeding, which means I'm never really sure how much milk they're getting when they eat. I was very relieved to hear that they are gaining a good amount of weight. The doctor was so pleased, he won't have to see them for another month. Yahoo!
By the way, I took them to the doctor all by myself...yup! The older two went to a friend's house, so I can't say I juggled all four little ones at the doctor's office. Two in infant seats were enough. It was a little crazy, but I felt very accomplished when we arrived home, in one piece...nevermind the screaming, starving babies.
Which brings me to this...why is it that no matter when you've last fed the baby (or babies in our case), they always need to eat AT the destination you arrive at? It never fails, my kids are always screaming, starving hungry when we get to the doctor, church, you name it. They must know its the most inconvenient time to feed them...and people always look at you like "Well, why didn't you feed them before you came." Um, I did. But it took us two hours to get out of the house in one piece with all of our necessities...so its time to eat again.
Speaking of...the one pictured above is screaming to eat. Gotta run!
But, you probably stopped by my blog to hear less about the year we're in and more to see our new additions, right? I'm pretty faithful at updating Facebook, but I remember some of you don't have Facebook (silly you!) so here is the update you deserve.
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| Abram and Titus |
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| Elli loves to hold them...and kiss them. Their heads are often sticky on top! |
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| Linking arms...and forces maybe? They look up to something. |
The boys had their one month check up and received a clean bill of health...such a surprise for being premature. Abram gained 17 ounces (he's 6#6) and Titus gained a pound (he's 6#12). I'm exclusively breastfeeding, which means I'm never really sure how much milk they're getting when they eat. I was very relieved to hear that they are gaining a good amount of weight. The doctor was so pleased, he won't have to see them for another month. Yahoo!
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| I love to watch them sleep...just wish they would do more of it at night! |
Which brings me to this...why is it that no matter when you've last fed the baby (or babies in our case), they always need to eat AT the destination you arrive at? It never fails, my kids are always screaming, starving hungry when we get to the doctor, church, you name it. They must know its the most inconvenient time to feed them...and people always look at you like "Well, why didn't you feed them before you came." Um, I did. But it took us two hours to get out of the house in one piece with all of our necessities...so its time to eat again.
Speaking of...the one pictured above is screaming to eat. Gotta run!
Saturday, January 7
Wednesday, January 4
My Goals for 2012
I've never been one to make resolutions. I know, its one of those things I should do but why set myself up for failure, right?
In the wake of a twin pregnancy, delivery and recovery, I'm even less motivated to set goals for this year. Come on people...I've got 4 kids under the age of 4 (for the next 14 days). So, I've resolved to set this goal...
In 2012 we will strive to be a family of six that loves God, pursues Him and not just survives, but thrives in the midst of it all.
Our life may look chaotic from the outside (and even the inside), but its our life...and we love it.
In the wake of a twin pregnancy, delivery and recovery, I'm even less motivated to set goals for this year. Come on people...I've got 4 kids under the age of 4 (for the next 14 days). So, I've resolved to set this goal...
In 2012 we will strive to be a family of six that loves God, pursues Him and not just survives, but thrives in the midst of it all.
Our life may look chaotic from the outside (and even the inside), but its our life...and we love it.
Thursday, December 22
Eat Your Heart Out
Kudos to more than words photography {by tammi} for the picture above. And more to come.
Tammi does an incredible job photographing newborns...especially twins! And I didn't have to lift a finger. She plopped me down on a comfy arm chair, handed me a bottled water and two magazines and told me to relax. Which I did, while I watched her transform my squirmy little newborns into balls of deliciousness in each other's arms. I mean seriously, who gets babies to post like that for more than two seconds?
After two and a half hours (that seemed to fly by), I left her home feeling like my heart would explode. I can't wait to see (and show off) the other poses she captured. She is uber talented and we are so blessed to have these pictures for years to come.
Thanks Tammi!
Tuesday, December 20
Thursday, December 15
Our Baby Brothers
The baby brothers are here!
I'll try to make a very long story short...
I went in for my 36 weeks growth scan and appointment on Wednesday.
They found that the boys were quite a bit different in size...enough to justify taking them out. I went straight from the doctor's office to the hospital.
Within two hours, I was in surgery. The boys were not so much different in size...Abram James was born at 2:31 pm and weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Titus Matthew was born at 2:32 pm and weighed in at 5 pounds 11 ounces and 19.5 inches long.
So, did we make a mistake in taking them out early? Nope - and God knew! As my doctor was performing the c-section, she noticed that the wall of my uterus was so thin, had I continued to contract over the next few days I probably would have suffered an abruption (which is life threatening to both mom and babies). Praise God the doctor felt we needed to take the babies out, whatever the reason!
We are so enjoying our sweet boys. They are doing very well...learning to eat and breathing perfectly on their own. We hope to go home on Saturday. And now you can enjoy some pictures...what you were really hoping for!
*You can find many more pictures on our Facebook pages until we're able to upload more to our computer.
I'll try to make a very long story short...
I went in for my 36 weeks growth scan and appointment on Wednesday.
They found that the boys were quite a bit different in size...enough to justify taking them out. I went straight from the doctor's office to the hospital.
Within two hours, I was in surgery. The boys were not so much different in size...Abram James was born at 2:31 pm and weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Titus Matthew was born at 2:32 pm and weighed in at 5 pounds 11 ounces and 19.5 inches long.
So, did we make a mistake in taking them out early? Nope - and God knew! As my doctor was performing the c-section, she noticed that the wall of my uterus was so thin, had I continued to contract over the next few days I probably would have suffered an abruption (which is life threatening to both mom and babies). Praise God the doctor felt we needed to take the babies out, whatever the reason!
We are so enjoying our sweet boys. They are doing very well...learning to eat and breathing perfectly on their own. We hope to go home on Saturday. And now you can enjoy some pictures...what you were really hoping for!
*You can find many more pictures on our Facebook pages until we're able to upload more to our computer.
Monday, December 12
Baby Update
(Reposting this from Facebook)
Well, after a looooong 36 hours on strict bed rest I saw my doctor today. Here's the update:
1. She is putting me on a drug (Procardia) to stop contractions.
2. This drug will also allow me to come off strict bed rest (PTL!), but I still have to be on home rest...which is basically the same thing, except I'm allowed to be out of bed and take care of the minor needs of my kids. I'll still need a lot of help doing the things we moms take for granted: bending down to pick toys up, doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms...I never knew it took so much energy to do all these things.
3. I'm 36 weeks on Wednesday, so she wants to see me back then. I'll have an ultrasound and growth scan for the boys and then a follow-up appointment with her. At that point we'll decide what the next steps are. If everything looks good, then I will keep cooking the babies until the 28th.
4. She thinks the boys are between 5.5-6 pounds each right now...WHAT?! That's a whopping 11-12 pounds of baby, not to mention all the other stuff. No wonder I feel so uncomfortable!
Thank you to everyone who has been praying! We've really made it so far in this pregnancy without any complications and I can't complain. Being uncomfortable is a small price to pay for the health of my babies. Regardless of what happens, we're looking forward to the new year as a family of 6!
Well, after a looooong 36 hours on strict bed rest I saw my doctor today. Here's the update:
1. She is putting me on a drug (Procardia) to stop contractions.
2. This drug will also allow me to come off strict bed rest (PTL!), but I still have to be on home rest...which is basically the same thing, except I'm allowed to be out of bed and take care of the minor needs of my kids. I'll still need a lot of help doing the things we moms take for granted: bending down to pick toys up, doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms...I never knew it took so much energy to do all these things.
3. I'm 36 weeks on Wednesday, so she wants to see me back then. I'll have an ultrasound and growth scan for the boys and then a follow-up appointment with her. At that point we'll decide what the next steps are. If everything looks good, then I will keep cooking the babies until the 28th.
4. She thinks the boys are between 5.5-6 pounds each right now...WHAT?! That's a whopping 11-12 pounds of baby, not to mention all the other stuff. No wonder I feel so uncomfortable!
Thank you to everyone who has been praying! We've really made it so far in this pregnancy without any complications and I can't complain. Being uncomfortable is a small price to pay for the health of my babies. Regardless of what happens, we're looking forward to the new year as a family of 6!
Sunday, December 11
December 11 already? Sorry for the delay in blogging. As you can imagine, things have been quite busy around here with the scurry to get ready for two little boys. But, everything came to an abrupt halt last night.
I've been having contractions for days (well weeks really, but consistently for days). Nothing painful, just uncomfortable and annoying. Yesterday they got more intense and after a few hours of painful contractions and pressure, we decided to go to the hospital. I knew full well they would send me home, but I didn't want to risk anything with this pregnancy. Twins are just too touchy.
After a few hours of monitoring and getting fluids through an IV, they determined that my hemoglobin was dangerously low, my blood pressure was high and the contractions I was experiencing were real. Thankfully, they were able to stop the contractions, get my blood pressure to a normal level and sent me home...on strict bed rest. Ouch!
Bed rest and Type A - OCD don't mix. However, I promised my husband I've obey doctor's orders and lay low. I see the doc tomorrow to determine next steps. I'm a hair shy of 36 weeks and so thankful I've made it this far. More to come...
I've been having contractions for days (well weeks really, but consistently for days). Nothing painful, just uncomfortable and annoying. Yesterday they got more intense and after a few hours of painful contractions and pressure, we decided to go to the hospital. I knew full well they would send me home, but I didn't want to risk anything with this pregnancy. Twins are just too touchy.
After a few hours of monitoring and getting fluids through an IV, they determined that my hemoglobin was dangerously low, my blood pressure was high and the contractions I was experiencing were real. Thankfully, they were able to stop the contractions, get my blood pressure to a normal level and sent me home...on strict bed rest. Ouch!
Bed rest and Type A - OCD don't mix. However, I promised my husband I've obey doctor's orders and lay low. I see the doc tomorrow to determine next steps. I'm a hair shy of 36 weeks and so thankful I've made it this far. More to come...
Thursday, December 1
December...I've Been Waiting For You
I don't know if I've longed for a month's arrival this badly...ever.
December, you are welcomed with great anticipation. I wish it had more to do with you, but really its only because you happen to house the due date of my sweet baby boys. And I want them out.
So, if they won't come early, could you please make the 28th come faster? I know, we're talking about flying right past the biggest holiday of the year. I have every intention of celebrating it. My tree is trimmed, presents have been purchased and wrapped and we've even located the whereabouts of the stockings. So we're ready.
Did I also mention we're ready for our boys? The nursery has been set-up for months, diaper pail is stocked and we even had new carpet put in. Its ready. And we're ready.
So, let's get this show on the road. Mommy is tired...the family is anxious...and quite frankly, if they don't come out soon I'm afraid I might split a gut. Literally.
Sincerely,
34 weeks pregnant with twin boys...nuf said.
December, you are welcomed with great anticipation. I wish it had more to do with you, but really its only because you happen to house the due date of my sweet baby boys. And I want them out.
So, if they won't come early, could you please make the 28th come faster? I know, we're talking about flying right past the biggest holiday of the year. I have every intention of celebrating it. My tree is trimmed, presents have been purchased and wrapped and we've even located the whereabouts of the stockings. So we're ready.
Did I also mention we're ready for our boys? The nursery has been set-up for months, diaper pail is stocked and we even had new carpet put in. Its ready. And we're ready.
So, let's get this show on the road. Mommy is tired...the family is anxious...and quite frankly, if they don't come out soon I'm afraid I might split a gut. Literally.
Sincerely,
34 weeks pregnant with twin boys...nuf said.
Friday, November 11
Standing My Ground
I think the fact that stores insist on selling Christmas merchandise earlier and earlier each year is just a commentary on our thankless culture. Apparently in America when consumerism and gratitude go head-to-head, consumerism wins. Just another reminder that we are selfish, bloated people with way too many needs wants and not enough thanks. So, I'm standing my ground. No Christmas celebrating until we given proper THANKS for all the many blessings we have.
In other news, I'm 31 weeks with the boys and the doctor says everything is great. My blood pressure is spot on normal, I only gained one pound in the last week (bringing me to a total of 14) and the boys are growing away. It appears carrying twin boys suits my body well. It does not, however, suit my wardrobe well. I've surpassed most of the maternity clothes that I was able to wear to the end of my other pregnancies and am not down to a few pairs of pants and an even fewer shirts. Right now, dresses and leggings are my best friend. Did you know Motherhood sells full panel maternity leggings? Oh my, they are heavenly. Never in my life have I enjoyed pulling my pants up to my boobs so much. Sorry for the visual.
My sweet girls are so ready for the arrival of their brothers. The room is finished and they love to go in there and read books on the rug or play blocks. I like to think they are daydreaming about their brothers being in the crib. But that's probably just a mommy thing.
Well, I haven't uploaded pictures here in a while. Pregnant brain causes to me forget if I've posted them on the blog or just facebook. So if any of these are duplicates...well double the pleasure I guess. Enjoy!
In other news, I'm 31 weeks with the boys and the doctor says everything is great. My blood pressure is spot on normal, I only gained one pound in the last week (bringing me to a total of 14) and the boys are growing away. It appears carrying twin boys suits my body well. It does not, however, suit my wardrobe well. I've surpassed most of the maternity clothes that I was able to wear to the end of my other pregnancies and am not down to a few pairs of pants and an even fewer shirts. Right now, dresses and leggings are my best friend. Did you know Motherhood sells full panel maternity leggings? Oh my, they are heavenly. Never in my life have I enjoyed pulling my pants up to my boobs so much. Sorry for the visual.
My sweet girls are so ready for the arrival of their brothers. The room is finished and they love to go in there and read books on the rug or play blocks. I like to think they are daydreaming about their brothers being in the crib. But that's probably just a mommy thing.
Well, I haven't uploaded pictures here in a while. Pregnant brain causes to me forget if I've posted them on the blog or just facebook. So if any of these are duplicates...well double the pleasure I guess. Enjoy!
Friday, November 4
Monday, October 31
There's No Place Like Home
Monday, October 17
The Unexpected
Funny when you realize your life is less normal and more unnormal (I know that's not a word, but it fits in my sentence). You know, like most days we're dealing with the unexpected...unplanned for...spontaneous things in life. Little things like pink eye, a run to Walgreens for the prescription, etc. You know, nothing that should be normal, yet oh so normal with kids. I think instead of waking up with a plan, I'll try something new. Like, wake up with no plan, no agenda and then we'll see what happens. That'll probably last a day, but eh, why not try it? No one will be disappointed or surprised right?
Friday, October 14
27 Weeks
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| Baby Boys: 27 Weeks - measuring 34 weeks |
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| Annelise: 34 weeks |
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| Elliora: 34 weeks |
I feel accomplished. Months ago I thought once I reached this point, I would be on bedrest, huge and in a lot of pain. Instead, I'm still working, able to do most things around the house (minus cleaning the tub and picking up heavy objects) and feeling great.
I passed my glucose test, which was a shocker. I've only gained 10.3 pounds and my blood pressure is perfect. The only complaint I have is the strain on my back. There are some days that I feel like my back muscles are shredding. I guess that's expected when you're carrying twins.
The boys are very healthy. Both measure about 2 pounds and 14 inches (that's 28 inches of baby inside me!). Baby B flipped a few weeks ago, so they are both head down. Too bad I'm not having a natural birth - they'd be all set to go.
We see lots of movement outside the belly...and my girls love it. Baby B is much more active. I'd say he's the instigator and Baby A responds to his jabs. Sometimes I feel like a leg is going to come straight out of my belly. I'm thankful for that - its much better than getting stabbed in the ribs, which I remember being painful.
Honestly, I'm loving being pregnant with twins. Its amazing to think that there's not one, but two little bodies growing inside of me. We're often overwhelmed at the thought of having to change 20-30 diapers a day once they arrive, but we focus on the joy of having two sweet little brothers for our girls to love.
So, the hope is that we make it eleven more weeks. I'm scheduled for a c-section on December 28. I think that's the perfect, snuggly time to welcome two little babies into our home.
P.S. Send diapers!
Monday, October 10
Pumpkin Obsession
I'm really obsessed with pumpkin this time of year. And I think pregnancy (and all of its cravings) is only making it worse.
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin lattes
Pumpkin dump cake
Pumpkin pie
Did you know that our local ice cream shop makes pumpkin pie flurries? I haven't had one yet, but that craving is sitting in the back of my mind (where all the other ones stayed for a mere hours before they were acted upon).
So I'm wondering, what are your favorite pumpkin recipes? Obviously all of mine involve the dessert portion of a meal...but I'm open to appetizers, entrees and more!
There has to be some nutritional value to pumpkin, right?
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin lattes
Pumpkin dump cake
Pumpkin pie
Did you know that our local ice cream shop makes pumpkin pie flurries? I haven't had one yet, but that craving is sitting in the back of my mind (where all the other ones stayed for a mere hours before they were acted upon).
So I'm wondering, what are your favorite pumpkin recipes? Obviously all of mine involve the dessert portion of a meal...but I'm open to appetizers, entrees and more!
There has to be some nutritional value to pumpkin, right?
Sunday, October 2
Elli is Two
Happy Birthday to our sweet, little Elli!
Two years ago, at this moment, I was laying in an operating room, anxiously awaiting the arrival of my second daughter. She entered our world shortly after 8 and has kept us on our toes ever since.
Now she is a spunky little two year old. Where did the last two years go?
Things I'd like to remember about Elli at this age:
We love you Elli Grace...Happy Birthday!
Two years ago, at this moment, I was laying in an operating room, anxiously awaiting the arrival of my second daughter. She entered our world shortly after 8 and has kept us on our toes ever since.
Now she is a spunky little two year old. Where did the last two years go?
Things I'd like to remember about Elli at this age:
- She is extremely generous. Her birthday card from great-grandma contained 2 one dollar bills. She immediately handed one to Annelise. I love that she want to share and I hope the instinct stays with her forever.
- She is spunky. She walks (runs) with confidence.
- No one is a stranger to her. She says hi and waves to anyone and everyone. I love that friendliness comes so easy to her.
- Taking a "sassy" (pacifier) doesn't stop her from talking up a storm. She is saying full sentences and most of them relate to tattling or bossing big sister around.
- She loves to look around a room and name all of the people she sees. Its like a quiz she gives herself. Of course, everyone gets a hug as she names them off.
- When she accomplishes a task, like putting a set of blocks together or fitting two puzzle pieces in place, she screams "I did it!" and immediately sticks her hand up and size "Five?" I always laugh - and I always give her high five. Where did she get that from?
- My dad calls her the terrorist of the family. And its true. She's sweet and spicy all wrapped up into one. She antagonizes her siblings and cousins...but is the first to jump in the middle of a fight and break it up.
- Growing has never been a challenge for her. She's wearing size 2t clothes very easily and I just had to go buy her a new pair of size 6 shoes, because all of her other ones were "No fit." Pretty soon, she and sissy will be sharing clothes, which will be quite convenient for mommy.
- When she sits on Matt's lap at the end of the day, she loves to stroke his face in her hands. I'm sure he's in a world full of daddy dreams at that moment and I never interrupt. Its special.
- "Giki" (blanket) is her right hand man. We go nowhere without it - and it was do we suffer grave consequences. If you're in her club, she'll share the tag with you. And if she really likes you, she'll rub the tag on your face. Weird, but endearing all at the same time.
We love you Elli Grace...Happy Birthday!
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