Happy 1/2 Birthday!!!

Today the twins are 6 months old! I seriously can't believe it. These past six months have brought me so much joy (along with some struggles and challenges). It amazes me how fast they are growing and developing. Here's some pictures of what we have been up to the last month.

Playing at GG's house.

 Snow!!

#reallife

Driving lessons

First time going to church at Stonebridge

 Great Aunt Toni came to visit!!

 Ann Marie loves to give kisses.

At Piedmont Park watching Uncle Yaya play softball.

 Sweet twin snuggles

 We love each other.

Auntie Christin (and baby Huggins) came to visit!!! 

 Getting ready to try rice cereal for the first time.

Saturday morning breakfast crew

First dinner outside

My precious Ann Marie: 
-You are not only rolling over all the time but now you have started to scoot to get the toys you want. 
-You definitely have mommy's personally, you get frustrated when you don't get your way (the toy is too far to reach or if you can't quite get your paci)
-You smile at everyone (except sometimes Big Daddy and Gpop startle you)
-You are sleeping on your belly and for around 10 hours at night
-You enjoy rice cereal more than your brother 

My Strong Colton: 
-You are rolling over so much more now
-You have started sleeping on your belly and some nights you still fight sleep and keep me up throughout the night
-Your laugh and smile light up everyone around you
-You love the exercauser and your toes! 
-You do not care for rice cereal but you like sweet potatoes a little more

You both LOVE each other soo much! :)

we celebrated your half birthday by starting sweet potatoes and playing outside! ;) 

I am amazed each month with what you can do! Excited to see what's in store for the next few months!!

5 Months

The 5th Month has brought lots of fun new adventures. 

Ann Marie is constantly flipping over to her belly and has actually started sleeping on her belly. She has also been pushing up on her arms. When I walk in the room she absolutely lights up, she is a mama's girl!

 Colton has been playing with his feet a lot lately. He also will lay on his side and roll over sometimes. His hands are constantly in his mouth! He loves the Sophie toy, any rattle, and of course the exersaucer.

 Both kids have really started to notice one another. They will laugh at each other and when laying next to each other they will kick each other, try to eat the other's hand, etc.

 We had our first snow fall on February 23rd. 

Before heading into work we had a little photo session outside on the back deck. 

Love my snow babies!!

4 Months Old

The twins are now 4 1/2 months old. It is truly amazing how time is flying by. Each day seems to bring new adventures. Here's what has been happening lately:

 Ann Marie: 

weight: 13lbs 6oz (27th%)

height: 25.5 (90th%)

You will give kisses when I pick you up!

(GG told me this is a bad habit to start because basically you just put your open mouth on my cheek).

 Colton: 

weight: 12lbs (below 5th%)

height: 25.2 (50th%)

You have started to snuggle up on my shoulder when you are picked up from nap. 

Makes me so happy each time!!

 You both are finding each other more. You are constantly holding hands or eating each others hands. Colton likes to hold Ann Marie's hair. Ann Marie likes to hit Colton when they lay next to each other. 

 Ann Marie is rolling all the time now! 

If you lay her on her back in a matter of seconds she will roll over to her tummy.

 Colton just likes to relax and smile. :)

 Colton is also loving Sophie the teething toy!

 Ann Maire's first lunch out with GG and Mommy

 (not quite ready for the high chair but we tried anyway).

 We went shopping for Stephanie's wedding dress! She said "yes to the dress!" 

This is one excited flower girl!

 One of my favorite pictures of them lately. They look like little robbers but I love it!! 

This was taken one morning before heading out to my moms.

This is Colton's "I didn't take a nap and I am so tired face." 

My mom sent me this while I was at work and I found it so funny.

They are both laughing so much now. It just melts my heart each time they giggle.

I am still working in the office three days a week. I read this awesome article for working moms: http://jessicasatterfield.blogspot.com/2015/01/dear-working-mama.html. This article made me cry because it was so perfectly written. I encourage working moms to read it! The days are long and tiring but I am thankful for a job I enjoy and that my mom can love on them when I am not there.

Here's a normal day for us (if there is a normal because no two days are exactly alike):
On Sunday/Monday/Friday/Saturday: 
6-6:30am: Wake and feed
Play either in their room or downstairs. Read stories/sing songs/play mat.
8-8:30am: Put down for first nap on a good day they will sleep til 9:30-10am
10-10:30am: Feed again and play down stairs
12:00pm: Nap again if it is a good day sleep until 1-1:30pm
2:00pm: Feed and play
4:00pm: Nap
5:00pm: Dinner feed
6-7pm: Play and try to keep entertained until bath time, maybe a little cat nap :)
7:30pm: Bath time
7:45-8pm: Last feeding
8:15-8:30pm: Put down to sleep

I am so beyond thankful for two healthy babies. Excited to see what the next few weeks/months have in store.

Life With Twins

It’s been a while since I have blogged. The twins are here now and approaching 4 months old. I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. I am so grateful I had a full 12 weeks maternity leave to spend with them. I would love to blog about the delivery and each month that has gone by… but that’s just not real life right now. I am even writing this on my lunch break at work..

I wanted to blog again to look back and remember what life is like right now. As a part time working mom I have learned a lot over the last month. I have a HUGE respect for full time working moms (and part time working moms as well). Only a working mom can truly understand the craziness of the evenings after work. Somehow managing to get some food in you and your husband, play with the kids for a few quick seconds before bath time and feeding is just the beginning. After we quietly lay them down the real fun begins, bottle washing, laundry, cleaning the kitchen, packing your lunch, picking out work clothes…ohh and then one baby wakes up…then back at it before pumping one last time so you have enough bottles for the next day and you can finally sleep (until one decides to wake up again). The mornings are just as crazy. I wake up at 5:30 leave the house at 7:15 only to finally get to work at 8:50 (no wonder I am already ready for lunch when I get here). Pumping at work is an adventure to say the least but I am so grateful to have an office with a locking door and a friend who has a mini frig in her office. The days are long and exhausting. Yet I get the joy of seeing the other side of the coin as well. I get to stay home Friday-Monday. Let me tell you this can be just as exhausting. Monday I was soo tired I said, “Man I can’t wait to get to work tomorrow so I can rest a little bit.” Full time stay at home moms are always busy and rarely have a free second to do much of anything. I know plenty of stay at home moms that give their whole self to their kids each and every day. I bet some feel the same way I do. For when I woke up on Tuesday I had a new energy and desire to spend the day with my children. I truly think this love and energy comes from the Lord. It reminds me of how He loves us. There are long days and maybe even LONG seasons and I know he must get tired of what I am doing. Yet I feel like each morning His desire to spend the day with me grows. The verses in Lamentations 3 have a new meaning “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (verses 22-23).

I love the giggles the twins make now. I love their smiles when I walk in the room. I love their coo’s and sounds. My heart longs to hug and kiss them and keep them safe always. Who knew love like this could exist. I know I am going to miss this phase of my life. It’s by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I am blessed to have support from family and friends on a daily basis. I couldn’t do it without the help of those close to me or the kind words of those far away. I am excited to see what is store for our little family of four. 

38 Weeks.. Come On Twins!

Technically I am now 38 1/2 weeks. I apologize in advance for all the details in this post-it's kind of a long read..

Last week I had a doctors appointment on Thursday. I had to drive to the other clinic since my regular OBGYN office is moving and the new one wasn't ready. My mom was sweet to drive me there. On the way to the appointment the front desk lady called and said they wanted to do an ultrasound before the doctor visit (which is what I was trying to schedule all week and they told me there wasn't an appointment). So we arrived and went straight back for the ultrasound. The babies are now so big it's really hard for the ultrasound tech to see which one is which and tell their positions. It was confirmed that Colton is still breech and Ann Marie though head down seems a little sideways. They checked their heart rates and they were both normal. The doctor came in and after introducing herself and checking the ultrasound screen, she told me the only option we have is to have a c-section. Though this is not my first choice, I have a peace about it. The doctor asked when the last time I had anything to eat.. I ate chick-fil-a on the way there.. she said we could of done the c-section that night but that we would schedule for Monday.

Well the doctors office didn't call Friday morning so I called them around 1:30, and the nurse said they were waiting to hear back from the surgical coordinator. At 3:30 I still hadn't heard anything so I called the office and just scheduled the non-stress test for Monday at 2:30.

Anxious, frustrated, excited, nervous, worried, are just a few emotions I felt Friday. Friday night my parents brought over pizza and a movie and it was a perfect chill night.

On Saturday I pretty much stayed on the couch all day watching football and movies. Then Clay took me to PF Changs for our last date night before the twins come.

Today has been much of the same, relaxing, watching movies, doing laundry and straightening up around the house. Tonight is a family dinner at my parents house.

I am praying that tomorrow morning when I call to confirm my doctors appointment they will give me some more information about scheduling the c-section. OR I pray that after my doctor visit they will want to admit me into the hospital.

The cool thing about having the twins born on September 15th is that is my great-great-grandmother's birthday. She was also a twin (she had a twin brother).

Here are some pictures:

37 Weeks

Lunch Date with Ryan- Hope the twins are close like Ryan and I are one day.

 Blue toes and pink nails- I think we are ready :)

 38 Weeks:

 38 weeks pregnant heading out for our last date night for a little while

How far along: 38 Weeks
Total weight gain: they didn't weight me at the doctor's office Thursday but based on my home scale I gained another pound or two so I would say around 37
Maternity clothes: same as last week- comfy clothes (lots of pjs and Clay's t-shirts)
Stretch marks: still don't see any.. thanks for the good genes Mom :)

Sleep: I wake up every hour between 11-3am and then usually I can sleep until 6 or 7am

Best moment of this week: spending time with Clay and enjoying our last date night
Miss anything: a lot of things.. just having energy, moving around easier, swelling feet, etc

Movement: still feeling Colton on the right, and Ann Marie towards the left bottom side
Food cravings: none in particular this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: I did feel very nauseous last Thursday morning but can't pinpoint why

Have you started to show yet: now more then ever I look like I am about to burst
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks and some back pain 
Belly button in or out: sticking way out
Wedding rings on or off: I don't really wear much jewelry in general now.. 
Happy or moody most of the time: as stated above.. lots of emotions now..
Looking forward to: hopefully having these babies soon!!!

Verse for the week: (though this one is not directly related to children, it was perfect for me this morning- especially the last two sentences)

Matthew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?  "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

Maybe next time I blog it will be about the twin's birth!! :) 

36 and the start of 37 weeks

Not much happened last week. Over the weekend I took it easy because I was very tired and overall didn't feel well.

Here's my picture for 36 weeks:

How far along: 36 Weeks
Total weight gain: I am guessing around 32/33 pounds still
Maternity clothes: continuing to wear long maxi skirts/dresses
Stretch marks: still none
Sleep: having a hard time sleeping, waking up often

Best moment of this week: just hanging out at home with Clay
Miss anything: sleep, moving around, and feet not swelling

Movement: continue to have lots of movement
Food cravings: nothing in particular this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: still fighting the cold

Have you started to show yet: This question should be "are people looking at you funny when you are out?" Yes they are!
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: I have pretty much given up on my wedding ring
Happy or moody most of the time: feeling moody and emotional
Looking forward to: Finishing up work and what next week's appointment will show

This week's verse: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

 

Week 37: 

 

I can't believe we made it to 37 weeks! I am so excited to reach my goal!! This week brings my last day at work (until after maternity leave), one week closer to seeing the twins, and some fun birthdays! :) 

I had an ultrasound, stress test and visit with the midwife on Wednesday. The ultrasound showed that Colton is now sideways (still considered breech). For the most part their measurements were still good. Their weights are estimated at 6 pounds 9oz for Colton and 6 pounds 5oz for Ann Marie. The blood flow and fluid is still measuring good. My cervix is still measuring long and the midwife does not see me going into natural labor on my own due to the way Colton is laying. 

Here's some pictures from yesterday: 

 Bags are packed and ready to go just in case something changes!!

Stress test monitoring all three heart beats! :) 

Though my prayer from the beginning as been for a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies to stay in as long as they can, I was really thinking they would be here by now. I am beyond blessed to make it to 37 weeks and to be in good health. God has His hands on these babies and will continue to throughout their lives. 

On Tuesday, it was really hard to work a full day. Between the swelling of my feet, not being able to drink a lot of water (due to talking to all the patients, and just the constant up and down all day long. Wednesday was my last day for now. I worked the afternoon after my doctor appointment. I truly love what I do and I am excited to be able to continue working later on. However, I know it's important for me to rest before the twins come. The hour commute to and from work is really what was getting me to as well. 

I haven't taken my 37 week picture yet, but here are the questions: 

 

How far along: 37 Weeks
Total weight gain: 35 pounds- I gained 3 pounds since last week (which was good because I hadn't gained any the previous week) Belly Measuring between 42/43 weeks (I think this is because Colton is more towards the right side)
Maternity clothes: now that I am home it's all about the comfort :)
Stretch marks: the midwife was amazed I didn't have any stretch marks yesterday

Sleep: some nights it's every hour, some nights it's every 2-3 hours that I wake up

Best moment of this week: finishing up at work for the next 12-13 weeks :)
Miss anything: sleep, moving around, and feet not swelling (Yep true for this week too)

Movement: there is a lot of movement in the middle of my stomach now
Food cravings: Japanese food- we are going for Ryan's birthday celebration on Friday!

Anything making you queasy or sick: last night Clay cooked a pizza and I couldn't stand the smell of the oven!

Have you started to show yet: yes I look like I am about to pop
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: I have pretty much given up on my wedding ring
Happy or moody most of the time: pretty emotional.. nervous/excited/scared/etc :)
Looking forward to: Celebrating Ryan's birthday with the family- And celebrating from a distance two of my best friends son's birthday (9/5) and Lane's birthday (9/9) :)

This week's verse: 

“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord,
the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.”  (Isaiah 44:24)