Happy Halloween!

Bubba with his peapods!

Moi with "crazy pea" and "chill pea"

Best buddies! The guys only made it into trick or treating about an hour. After that they called it quits and took a nap! The holidays feel different when you have babies. I can't wait for them to be older and really get it- well I can wait but ya know!

The little men are almost 6 months now and I can hardly believe it! I just am floored by how much they've changed and grown! Aubrey is taking pictures for us on Saturday and I am so excited! I can't wait for her to capture this amazing stage with them. They are so happy and goofy now.
In post pregnancy related news, it turns out I have an umbilical hernia which sucks. So I have a follow up appointment for that bad boy. I am sincerely hoping that while they're in there they can do a little tug, nip, smooth procedure! ;)

Giggling twins!

I have a blog

It wasn't till a friend e-mailed me and said she had shared my blog that I remembered, "hey I have a blog.'
I also thought about how much I hated it when I would start following someones blog and then they would dissapear! I'm sorry- I didn't mean to, things have just been very busy. I also think the change of seasons is making me extra sleepy!

The above pic is of Harrison- smiling! Harrison was our eyebrow furrower, camera avoiding, frowning little man until recently. Now he has the most addicting smile and the best giggle. Last night we had the boys giggling at the same time- it was the most incredible parenting moment yet! They're doing good eating solids. We haven't really been pushing it too crazy, they've had rice cereal, carrots, peas, bananas, avocados, apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash. They've like pretty much all of it. The eat dinner every night and soon we'll add in another serving.
Brian and I were talking tonight about how much being a parent changes you. I never realized how much love I was capable of giving until now. We were talking about how if a child needed a home we wouldn't even blink. I now have such a stronger sense towards humanity- I always wanted us to be better but now I really want us to give a damn. I find myself shaking my head more often and being dissapointed with people more than usual. Priorities have shifted as well. I was at my favorite little clothing store and I didn't buy anything, I couldn't believe myself. Yet, I don't think twice about buying the cutest, the best, the funniest, etc for the boys! This doesn't mean I don't care about myself anymore- I just enjoy shopping for them more!

Fall has always been my favorite season and this year is all the better! It's a privilege to snuggle two warm little bodies in a cozy blanket with candles flickering and apple crisp smelling up the house! Good night- sleep tight!

So big!

Here's Gram and Gramps with all their grandkids! My brother, Brad has Hayley (pink dress) it was her birthday for this pic! Than my sister Stef has Adrian (green shirt) and Ashlynn (baby in green). Then Charlie and Anna, are my brother's girlfriend's kids that will be officially joining the family next summer! Then, of course, there's Harry and Ollie.

I've been thinking of some new blog posts, wondering if you would like to hear about cloth diapering twins? We're also going to be starting solids...soonish. I'm hoping to post recipes as I go. I'm also trying to build up the guts to post a before/after belly pic. I know I have a lot of soon to be MoM readers and I know I was really curious as to what my watermelon tummy would look like after the fact...
So what else is new? Well, I'm loving this stage with the boys- they smile, giggle and interact. I've been having an awesome time at work- feels so good to create again! It's such a fun place to be. I am also the new studio manager for my best friend Aubrey's studio. Aubrey and I have a blast together, and motivate one another really well. She's the kind of friend everyone should be so lucky to have.
I'm feeling fallish, getting the itch to pull out the boots, cozy sweaters, drink apple cider, light a nutmeg candle, pile pumpkins on the steps and bake yummies with caramel! ;)

The Present

{Oliver}
Our home is now crammed! With two adorable little bodies and all of their stuff!

{Brothers}

{Harrison}

Life is good and complete! We could not ask for anything more, except maybe a bigger home and a week-end away! Oooo and a maid!

Reflecting

Four years ago at this time we got engaged. We had been talking about it for awhile. I lured Bri down to Appleton to look at rings. I found one I loved that was in our price range. The man took us outside and let us examine the loose stones in the sunlight- it was magical!
The next day Bri asked what my ring size was- very sneaky! ;)
Then about a week later he said he had to run an errand to Appleton- he is so good at secrets- yeah right!
I told him, I knew what he was doing and would love to go along for the ride. So, off we went to pick up my ring. Then as we drove back, Bri asked if he should do something special. I made some sarcastic comment. Then he stopped at the park in De Pere and walked me to a bench. He told me he always knew that I would be his wife and that he wanted to my husband. He looked forward to the dreams we would support, the family we would create and all the laughs we would share. I don't even think I said yes- I probably called him a cheeseball and put my ring on!

Three years ago at this time we were planning our wedding. We couldn't wait to be married. We had always felt married but now it would be official! Bri was finishing up college and I had started a new job as a floral designer. Life was good. We were renting a friends home on the bay. We closed most days with massages in the hot tub as the sun set. We welcomed mornings will a little puppy whining to go outside- Mabelle had just joined our family! We talked about family and I told him I was pretty sure I wanted to abandon birth control once we were married. He was not too keen on the idea.

Two years ago, we were happily married. We didn't sit still! We had just bought our home in April and spent every moment working on it. When we moved in it was beige, with ivory! Now there is no beige in sight! We worked so well together- painting cupboards, installing lights, and ripping out carpet (my favorite!). Now we had this perfect little home.

One year ago, we were settled, too settled. Brian had just started a new job, a good one. I had started a club, The Crafty Bitches. The ladies would come over and do projects, drink, eat and gab. We were so happy and so fulfilled, yet something(s) was missing. I started talking to Brian about adoption. We had not found ourselves pregnant yet so I thought it might be a good idea to start saving. August 24th, I got my period again. I remember reaching for the tampon in my purse and wondering what it would be like to not get it. Then as the end of September approached, we were getting ready for a party. I realized I hadn't had my period. I grabbed a test and peed on it. It showed two lines immediately. I ran out of the bathroom and yelled down to Bri, "I'm f!@#(*% pregnant!!!!!" He yelled back, "No way." I then said, "Oh my God" about 1,000 times and called my mom and my friend, Laura.

We went to the party and I don't even remember it. I was 15 days pregnant and ecstatic!!!! My co-worker Sandy was there, and for the last week I was telling her how my boobs hurt like crazy and in her sweet southern accent she said, "You're pregnant, I just know it, you are."

Balance

I am now an acrobat. Somedays my performances are flawless, others deserve rotten tomatoes, but at the end of the day as long as we're clean and fed, I consider it a good day. I wake up everyday with the knowledge that I may not get one non baby related thing done but most days I do.
I am so lucky to have a very capable husband that knows his way around the laundry room, kitchen and dirty diapers. Frankly I wouldn't have married any man that didn't! Together our days go splendidly and when he's not here I miss him like crazy. He's also been great about getting me out of the house. I've been able to catch movies, get my hair done, go out to dinner, etc and never worry how they boys were.

Here are some of my twin mom survival tips: (Take 'em for what they're worth!)

Shower and get dressed everyday.
Make friends with your dishwasher.
Thank the lord for the inventor of the washing machine.
Playmats are awesome.
Go for walks.
When you need a boost- take the babies out of the house- people oooooing and aahhhing over your wee ones is an instant pick me up.
Buy jeans that fit and flatter your post baby body- you deserve it.
and above all LAUGH!

These last couple of days I've been dealing with a broken car, an unexpected vet visit, teething babies, a cold or allergies, aunt flo, and an equally exhausted husband. I actually caught myself just frowning. When I make an effort to smile and laugh things are so much more enjoyable!

Door County

Bri and I woke up this morning and decided it was the perfect day to go to Door County. Ever since we've moved to Green Bay we have gone to Door County a ton every summer. We hadn't gotten there yet this summer. It was mostly sunny and in the mid 70's..perfect!

We drove up and stopped at Fish Creek. I wore Harrison in a sling and Bri wore Oliver in the Bjorn so we were able to get in and out of the stores. They all have so many stairs so this worked best. Later we went back to the car, did diaper changes, put them in the stroller and went for a walk along the water. A nice young guy offered to take a picture of the whole gang- he loved the boys hats....

Then we got brave and went to Copper Corner to eat. Of course it was on the second story so we hauled the car seats up there. A lot of people stopped to see the boys and they were charmers! Our food came and they went to sleep- it was perfect... we were able to sit back and really enjoy our meals. The restaurant was beautiful it was all open, with a covered deck and a large fountain wall...really unique.

I also got some shopping in picked up some fudge, Mik Wright coasters and some new earrings from my favorite jewelry store.

Last year we went up to Door County with my parents and I kept trying to find fudge, well it never happened, so I picked up some chocolate covered cherries. Well on the ride home I saw a sign that said fudge. With my mouth full of half chewed chocolate covered cherries I exclaimed, "FUUUUUDDDDDGGGGEEEEE"

Not my finest moment. My parents and Brian laughed till they peed their pants and I discreetly wiped chocolate drool from my chin....

1/4 YEAR Birthday!?!?

I cannot believe the little men are a 1/4 of the way to their first birthday and 1/2 way to eating solids?!?!? Where did the time go? Didn't I just have them yesterday? As a woman that was not too sure I wanted children I am amazed that I ever thought our lives would be complete without. These little human beings can be the most frustrating things in the world one second and then they smile at you or reach for your hand and it's all over- you're mush! I've come to realize that although their babies, they need constant entertainment and excitement. Walks, tummy time, playing on the floor, reading, telling stories... it's a constant juggle, and to top it off neither boy is too crazy about swings or bouncy seats... I thought all babies loved these!

The million dollar question since their birth has been if they are identical or fraternal? In utero they had separate sacs and placentas....or so we thought. Later, it was suspected that it was one placenta or two that fused, yada, yada. We haven't paid for the DNA test but I do have a call into the clinic to see if the placenta was tested. The boys do have the same blood type. So we shall see!

3 Months Old!!!!

We had a little 3 month old photo shoot yesterday that went pretty well!

Brothers

Oliver

Harrison

I have a lot more to write on my thoughts of the boys being 1/4 of a year old already but we're in a rush to get to brunch and I really wanted to share these!

I'm in labor....again

Dear lord in heaven, NO ONE tells you the agony that's involved in post postpartum periods. I'm talking excruciating, contraction like pain. My va-j-j literally feels likes it going to fall right out. Any time I stood up today I felt like I needed to cross my legs.

I was beginning to think that maybe this was one of those "just me" issues. (There are many.) But nope, I talked to mom and some ladies at work and they knew the exact pain I was speaking of! Also, for today's lesson and public service announcement- Target Brand tampons do not work, I repeat they do not work! Nothing like feeling like you're in the 6th grade again!

So there, now I told you! I'm off to vacuum and continue with the laundry. I also have to clean some yummy corn for dinner tonight! Mmmmmmmm

Wedded Bliss

Brian's sister got married this week-end! It was beautiful and very pink! The wedding was in downtown Minneapolis, such a pretty location! The day was sunny and super hot! No one passed out or melted!

Here we are, baby free! It felt pretty odd to not be worrying about schedules, feedings and diaper changes! Brian and I were really looking forward to a relaxing couple of days but were too busy to actually relax! He always nags me for never being able to just go to a wedding and enjoy, I always have to work in some capacity. He also thinks it's annoying that I always clear our table when we're at a restaurant. Old habits die hard!
I called mom a lot to check in and at first she seemed a little intimidated by the task at hand but she came around and was totally digging the twin gramma thing! My sister came over to help too and I am told that my dad really stepped up and even snarfled a boogy nose!

This guy looked soooo good in a tux! And on that note I shall bid you farewell!

Professional Pics!

Swoon worthy pics from my friend Aubrey. These were taken when the boys were 2 months old. Aubrey, aka the baby whisperer got them to sleep at the same time and was able to take these pictures.

I love this. Remember my friend MaryAnn? She made the amazing quilts that are in the crate with them. I'm pretty sure I'll be ordering a big size of this one!

Here's our little family. So complete.

I'm transitioning the boys to a new schedule and it is going fantastic! I'm using the book, The Baby Sleeps Tonight and today is there first day following the nap schedule and so far, so good! They woke and ate at 7:30 played until 9, napped till 10:30, ate at 11. Played until 1 and napped till 3. Now they will eat, play, go for a walk, etc. And if need be cat nap around 6. We were able to get so much done with them napping at the same time- it's been pure bliss!
I know a lot of singleton moms are anti-schedule but I can't imagine life without a schedule!

No Battery

So I left the camera battery up at my parents which means no pictures till we retrieve it. We're off to Bri's sister's wedding this week and the boys are staying at Gram and Gramps. So, there will be a lull in blogging. To make up for this.... I give you the precious and excruciatingly long and boring (if you're not his parents) video of Oliver in the Bath!

They're adorable!

We find ourselves commenting on how adorable the boys are pretty often because well, they are just so dang cute!

Here they are discussing plans for the day...and

just chillin' before going out...

Gramps and Ollie

Hey Gramps look I'm having a beer!

Chill man- I won't take your beer again-geesh!

So glad we made up!

The boy's baptism

Stinkin' blogger was not letting me post so this is a little late coming! The boys baptism was perfect! We were surrounded by so many great friends and family.

We both commented how surreal it was to see our babies be baptized. We really are a family of 4 now! Oliver was wearing his daddies baptism bubble- how sweet is that!?!?

Our wonderful friends Josh and Aubrey (the amazing photographer) are the boys godparents. Aubrey and I have become so close and she means so much to me, I really couldn't imagine life without her. She's the kind of friend everyone should be so lucky to have. Josh isn't so bad either! ;)
Amazingly enough, the boys did not make a peep on the 2.5hr drive up and back nor did they make a sound during the service. All that water I've been dumping on their heads paid off- I do think they were wondering where their ducky was though....

I've been...working!

I started work this week and it is going amazingly well! Everyone is so nice there, it really does feel like family.
We are off to Rhinelander this week-end to get the boys baptized!!! I have not been home since my sister had her little girl, Ashlynn at the end of January. The day I got back I was put on bedrest. Never, in my life, have been away from home for that long. I cannot wait to bring the boys to the church that prayed so hard for them.

I will post all about the week-end when we get back!

The boys first 4th!

My parents came down to spend the 4th with us at our friends Jenny and Eric's house. They have an amazing loft downtown which is perfect for watching fireworks. They also just happen to have the coolest family! This is Jenny's mom, MaryAnn holding Harrison. MaryAnn, is a twin and also has twin daughters. She is also a cancer warrior- she is battling it out right now and if you thought she was tough before watch out now! Jenny and MaryAnn were some of the first people I met when I moved to Green Bay and they immediately made it feel like home. Since then I have gotten to know the family so well and love each and every one of them!

Here's Harrison and Oliver all ready to go to the party. We keep little paci cases in their carseats so they always get the same paci- well we got smart and Oliver has the orange case- O for Oliver, which also means he has the orange rattle on his seat. Harrison has blue, B for business man which is what Bubs calls him. Ahh the simple things!

Below is grandma with Oliver. She's practicing for when she has him for 3 nights at the end of this month! eeeekkkk!

Face Lift

The boys have been napping like angels today which allowed me to do laundry, dishes, water the gardens, clean the couch and floors and spruce up my blog!

Let me know if it's too hard to read!

8 weeks old ;(

My little men are 8 weeks old today! They are so amazing and growing so much.
I can't wait for their 2 month appointment to see how much they have grown.

To celebrate we went to Puddleduck and got their baptism outfit and then to the mall. We made it through Old Navy, Gap. Bath and Body and Gymboree without any meltdowns. Bri and I will have to go to Gap because all sale and clearance is an additional 40%off.

I went to my first MoM's meeting last night and had a nice time. I'm not typically a shy person but I was feeling a little wall flowery last night. It was so nice to meet all the MoM's though. When I got home we fed the boys and they slept till 3:30, and didn't wake up again until 7:30. It was awesome!

As I was feeding the guys this afternoon, I just couldn't stop kissing them, I cannot believe they are mine. They are just so sweet and easy little guys. Their needs are so simple but what they give in return is out of this world.

The Boys

This is Harrison's tribute to Sex and the City 2. Abu Dabi here we come!

Harrison getting lazy during tummy time.

Oliver entranced by his Baby Einstein mat.

The boys have such unique personalities already. Oliver is my snuggle bug, when you pick him up he just folds into you. Harrison on the other hand, fights you. Oliver likes to be rocked to sleep, Harrison would like to be put down, with his paci. On walks, Oliver observes everything and Harrison sleeps. Harrison chugs his bottle, and then lets out one ginormous burp at the end. Oliver prefers to savor every drop and stops often to burp. Harrison attempts to pee on you at every diaper change, Oliver never has. Oliver makes sweet little facial expression, Harrison mainly furrows his eyebrows.
They are so very different, but so ours. I can see our personalities come through in each of them in totally different ways, and I love that. I cannot wait for them to discover one another!

Post Partum Check-up

I had my post partum check up today and it was pretty hard for me. I used to get so excited driving to the clinic- I couldn't wait to hear the babies heartbeats or see them on the ultrasound but this time there was nothing to look forward to.

Of course when I got there they put me next to the NST room- so all I heard was tha thump, tha thump, tha thump as some lucky woman listened to the little life inside of her. All this while I answered "No" to if we were planning on more children. It's really odd because I really don't think I want anymore but my insides feel so empty. My arms are really full- my uterus not so much!

On the upside- she give me a prescription for the stretchmarks and said the skin will tighten up in no time. As far as my abs having separated- they did but with some abdominal exercises they should go back without surgery so that's good news.

What were Bubba and the boys up to today??? Well when I left for the appt they were all watching the world cup (napping). When I returned he was reading Russel Brand's "My Booky Wook" aloud to them while playing classical music. He said the music balanced out the porno-graphical nature of the book! Nice. We need some Baby Einsteins stat! ;)

Spectacle

So those of you that really know me will be shocked by what I'm going to say but I do not like to be the center of attention! ;) I also do not like making a fool out of myself. So needless to say leaving the house with twin babies is a little daunting for me but something I need to get over. I was on friggin bedrest for 13 weeks- I NEED to get out of the house.

My biggest fear was/is what equipment to use, which stroller? wear baby? carry carseats? cart or no cart? are the doors automatic if not how do I get in with this ginormous stroller? once in will the boys throw a fuss and will we all end up leaving in tears?!?! Will people look at me and think what a bad mom?

So I started slowly, making it a goal to get out for a walk everyday. Then when my parents are visiting they make sure we get out for a dinner one night with the boys- this may be more for my dad who isn't thrilled with my vegetarian cooking, or lack of cooking overall and is completely enamored with A' bravo??? But anywho- so far so good. Then I got really ballsy one day and decided to go to the Broadway Farmers Market.

I have a love of this market- my first job in the "big city" was on Broadway- I did the first TV interview about the itty bitty market. It was my favorite night to work because everyone was so kind and I could go home for the night with fresh flowers! So, now that the market is a huge success I love going. I also knew this was a safe bet because my friend owns the bath shop down there so if there were a major meltdown, I knew where extra hands were available!

Alas, it went swimmingly, the boys did great as did their momma. I didn't even hit anyone with the stroller! I was feeling pretty confident at this point and decided to hit up Target. I got my purse on, the stroller out, diaper bag, boys clicked in and away we went. I picked up a few things and then when we were walking out, I reached for my keys, no keys. I figured I must have left them in the car. This is when I start repeating "don't panic" in my head. As I walk towards the car, I see my keys on the bumper of my unlocked car- awesome.

Since then, I have made some more little trips on here and there and am getting more and more comfortable and remembering my keys! woohoo! However I really miss little shops, I used to spend entire days stopping in all the little shops, picking up an item or two at each. That kind of day is no longer feasible but will be again some day I'm sure.

Thoughts on Being a MoM

This will probably be the never ending post as I have many thoughts on being a mother of multiples....
There is not a day that goes by where I do not wonder why I was given twins but it doesn't really matter why all that matters now is that I do a damn good job raising them!
As I type this now Oliver is in the Bjorn stuck to me snoring (we went out to trim bushes while Harrison napped- Oliver isn't really into napping unless he's on you).

Topic #1
The first few weeks suck big time. I was incredibly sleep deprived and home sick. I wanted my mommy plain and simple. I didn't eat, sleep or breathe for awhile and then Bri went back to work and I was forced to step it up and amazingly enough it all worked out.

Topic #2
Breastfeeding also sucks. Ok not really- I'm sure it's lovely but for me it was the hardest thing in the world. We also had to formula feed due to weight gain issues, so an endless round of nurse, bottle feed, pump repeat nearly drove me over the edge. I packed up my pump, cried and then felt a lot better.

Topic #3
OCD beware! I like things the way I like them- a tidy house, a stocked fridge, groomed pets (groomed me) pretty gardens, etc. I do not like laundry baskets lying around, dog hair on furniture, a sink full of dishes and produce turning itself into mush. So I have become a bit of a hermit. I have not willingly invited one person over but am grateful to those who get me and forcefully showed up. Even if my bathrobe-clad spit up laden self said differently.

Topic #4
I love cloth diapering. We made the decision to cloth diaper the boys because of environmental and economic reasons. I did not foresee that it would also be therapeutic. I love stuffing the diapers and hanging them on the line. It has also become a shopping addiction!

Topic #5
Dads are sexy. There is nothing sexier than Bubba with his boys. I am insanely attracted to this man and did not know I would be even more so when he became a father. He reads "dwell" magazine to them, entertains them during tummy time, takes them for walks and most adorably wears Oliver in the Bjorn a lot.

Topic #6
I am not so sexy. My body is a train wreck. I have stretchmarks that look like I might as well be octomom. I also have this lovely hanging tummy skin. I am told this will get better but I am not holding my breath (actually I am because this friggin girdle is so tight!) Just kidding!!

Topic #7
I think these will be our only children. I wanted one and Brian wanted two so in a way we both got what we wanted. We don't feel we need anything more to be happy- we have two healthy, happy and studly little men. If more children do make their way into our lives it will most likely be through adoption (or failed birth control).

Topic #8
Bad mom or not I am looking forward to going back to work. I start July 7th and am really excited. I know it's going to be hard but I am only doing part time and am working at the most amazing place! The team at the flower shop is like a family and I can't wait to be part of it! I always thought I wanted to be a stay at home mom but I miss adults, creativity and making my own money. Maybe when the boys are in school I'll become a stay at home! Ha! Then I can spend all day baking treats for them and ironing Brian's clothes!

Well I have to save some material for next time. So if you're still reading this- thank you for sticking with me. Naps are becoming a little more regular so I will try my best to update more often.

Love, poo and slobber to you all!

Swoon

Little man hands...

I will blog again

I swear I will blog again...soon.

I'm just starting to find my groove and once I'm more settled I intend to blog more regularly. I hate when people abandon their blogs and I am going to try my darnedest not to!

I will write a more in depth birth story but for now here goes:

I went into L&D on May 7th in the afternoon- I steadily dilated without pain to about 8-9cm. I stalled a bit at that point so I had pitocin at around 8 o'clock that night- I was wheeled to the OR and began pushing. 3 hours later Oliver (5lb 13 oz) was born followed by an easy 4 pushes for Harrison (6Lb)!
They were born just before midnight and almost didn't have the same birthday! We made it by 4 minutes!

My mom and husband were my coaches and they were amazing. We have since settled in at home and am slowly figuring everything out. They certainly have very distinct little personalities!

HAVING BABIES!!!!

At the internal this morning I am dilated to 5cm!!!!

They are sending me into L&D to have the babies!!!!!

Hoping for a quick and speedy and delivery!!!!!

Drumroll please...36 weeks!!!

I found this diagram on baby center, at that point I was 24 weeks- I clicked through and couldn't imagine getting this far! The sideshow stops at 36 weeks!!!
Every week I would go back and check my progress, well after today there is no more checking, I've reached my goal! At this point the boys are a week from full term for a singleton. Meaning it is highly unlikely that we would have any NICU time!!!!!!!

I have an appointment this afternoon- hoping I've made some progress!

MAY DAY!!!!

It's May and I am still pregnant!!! Amazing!

My belly has taken on a new shape- it's squared off on the bottom due to the two sets of shoulders jammed in there- pretty interesting.

I've been upping my activity to get things moving so I can avoid induction. Today I went to visit my friends Jenny and Eric at their shop The Red Awning and made some scent beads to have in the hospital. Lavender/Lemondrop was my mixture of choice- it's both uplifting and soothing which I'm guessing will be the perfect combo for labor! If you haven't been to The Red Awning you should go, the blending bar is so much fun you can mix up any scent you like into virtually any product- you can even recreate your favorite perfume and save tons of cash...
I then headed over to Lindsley's greenhouse and bought my goodies for this years pots and veggie garden. Once Bubba gets home from work, it's planting time!

In other news- I have not had a drop of caffeine this entire pregnancy but those McDonalds frappe commercials were killing me so I indulged and got a small one today- dear heavens the thing is absolute pure ecstasy!!! I looked up the nutrition facts and it has 6 grams of protein in it so it's virtually a health drink! ;)

I'm hoping by the end of the day my water will break and I will get to run around the house yelling "May Day!!!!!!!!"

I didn't do a 35 weeks post

...because I was too busy celebrating!!! I feel fantastic- I am so crazy excited to have made it this far! On Monday we selected our pediatrician and think he is amazing- turns out he graduated numero uno from Notre Dame!

On Wednesday, mom came down and she and Bubs and I went to my appointment. We got to see the boys, Oliver was 5lb 14oz and Harrison was 5lb 12oz. She also did an internal (not cool) but I am 80% effaced and 2 cm dilated!
She's pretty certain that I will not make it to 37 weeks and if I did I would be induced at that time (no thank you).

In other news, I have found some tummy relief. I have tried Burt's Bees Belly Butter and Balm. Every product Palmers makes, Bio Oil and Mederma and some weird hippy stuff that smelled like chocolate and made me itch more...
Turns out Vitamin E oil ($5) is amazing! My skin is so soft and the stretchmarks I do have seem to be improving everyday and I don't think they are breeding! ;)
Dr. P also gave me the above "Belli" cream and it is very soothing and keeps my tummy nice and moisturized all day!

I can't believe we will most likely be meeting these babies within a week!?!?!?!?

Gloomy

It's another blah, gloomy, rainy, icky day....

Last night would have been amazing sleeping weather if I were capable of sleeping anymore... every movement feels like my insides are going to bust apart! Usually, I'm cool with it because once I do get settled in, the boys start moving around and it's fun to poke back at them.

Yesterday, Harrison was very pushy- he just kept stretching out. I could see his little hand through my tummy and I was able to trace his fingers, it was so cool. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow, it doesn't even feel right to type that. I cannot believe we have come this far! Braxton Hicks contractions have started picking up, which can be rather annoying but is a good thing since my body is preparing itself.

A couple of days ago I went in the garage to grab something and saw the double stroller, I looked at it as if it were an alien- why in the world do we have a double stroller?!? That's right because we're having babies! Total reality check, that when this is all said and done we will be parents for the rest of our lives.

Tomorrow we're going to interview some pediatricians and then Wednesday I have an ultrasound to check the growth on the boys!

34 WEEKS!!!

Things are about to become very different around here... it will no longer be just the two of us but the 4 of us!!! We spent yesterday, running around town together doing errands, huge grocery shopping stock up and enjoying a little Sonic. We've always enjoyed doing things together and we will go out of our way for things normal people don't give a rats ass about...like pain au chocolat, a killer sunset or just somewhere something funny happened.

Last summer, my friend Aubrey was incredibly kind and took "wedding" pictures of us. We did not get a lot of photos from our real wedding, and it is one of those things that I didn't think would matter, but it did. I now cherish these pictures (not only for the flat tummy). If only I had met Aubrey a year sooner! Anywho- Bubba and I talked about the simple things like how to grocery shop with twins...we had a bit of envy as all these cute couples with ONE baby strolled past and looked at my belly like "holy smokes- what is she doing out and about?!?!"
We came to the conclusion that we will try our darndest to still do things together, get out of the house, and teach the boys how to behave in public. Even if this means double stroller, advanced planning, lots of dirty looks and a dumptruck worth of patience!

We have to believe we were given this gift for a reason, for crying out loud there is only a 3% chance and here are the common contributors according to the March of Dimes:

1. Fertility treatment- nope
2. Age over 30- nope
3. A personal family history- unknown
4. Obesity or taller than average height- nope
5. African American race- nope

Hmmmm....

The Nursery!

Adjusting...

Putting a photo into this post just seems like too much work this morning!
I was up most of the night, rolling over has become incredibly uncomfortable, I'm a million degrees and I'm crazy thirsty- but the more I drink the more I have to get up to pee! ARGH! :)

I now wake up with anxiety about having two newborns, our lives are going to change to drastically. Bri and I really are each others best friend- we love just being with each other. He was prepping the gardens this week-end and I watched from my new "bedrest nest" on the deck. I remember being in the garden with him last year and us flirting like we had just met while we spread chicken poop... I hope the passion will still be there when it's spit up, green poop and crying babies.

We're a young couple, and by the time we have sex again it will be almost a year (More like 8 1/2 months- but who's keeping track?)! I say this because if you would have told us to take a 1 year sex hiatus we would have called you crazy. Yet, here we are, terrified to do anything that could disrupt our little men. Frankly seeing your vagina on ultrasound every other week and knowing there is a wimpy 2 cm between it and your babies head is enough to make you go "uh, no thanks."

It's amazing how much your focus can shift. I hope that in time once we become a little more settled with the babies that we will once again make each other and our marriage our priority.

UPDATES:
Had my last appt with Dr. Steele and Stacy...it was bittersweet. The boys looked great! They were measuring 4lb 9oz and 4lb 12oz. They also have rather large heads which is a little intimidating! eeek... I still had 2 cm left of good cervix so I am now able to resume as much activity as I am comfortable with, which to be honest is not that much! We loved/love Dr. Steele and Stacy- we really looked forward to our appointments with them. There are people in the world that you just mesh with and they were those people. So, being released from their care was hard- I haven't really been an emotional prego lady but when we walked out of their office, I did cry (even though I told Stacy at that appt that I don't cry I just get pissed!- which is obviously a lie).
It was mainly the fact that we wouldn't be seeing two people that we genuinely admired and enjoyed and it was also closing another chapter. For 10 weeks I depended on them for the "good news" and the reinforcement of positive vibes to "keep gestating!"

33 weeks!!!!!

Bri and I woke up this morning, well not really, Mabelle woke us up this morning and we both said 33 weeks!!!
It's such an amazing feeling- 10 weeks from when I was put on bedrest. These boys will be outside in less than a month!!!! Wow!

The above picture is of my niece, Ashlynn, born days before I was put on bedrest. It was my last trip home and I remember holding her so soon after she was born and being so overwhelmed with all these different emotions. She was so perfect and tiny, tiny at nearly 7 lbs. I couldn't help but wonder how itty bitty my babies would feel...

Now, we have carseats installed, the diaper bag packed (complete with most adorable "coming home" outfits), mom's bag ready to go, bottles and pacis, sterilized. I can honestly say - we are READY!!!!