Merry Christmas!

This poor blog is so neglected. So much for my thankful posts...oh well life happens and you get behind.

And then...you have a gallbladder attack and end up in the ER on Thanksgiving. And your babies are sick...doctor Friday (Andy), Saturday (Caroline), closed Sunday or we would have been there, back on Monday (Andy), back on Tuesday for re-check (Andy and Caroline).
Exhausting.

My gallbladder is coming out this Friday. Prayers for a complication free surgery would be appreciated...having a little anxiety after that c-section/hemmorage debaucle (dang still need to post on that).

So...knowing me...I won't be back here until after Christmas...so Merry Christmas...I hope you enjoy every moment celebrating the birth of Our Savior with family and friends.

So excited to celebrate with these three little ones!

Andy ~


Parker ~

Caroline~

Our Christmas card this year...

Thankful~30 Ways

I have seen a few friends on FB that have said they are going to post 1 thing they are thankful for each day. I think it is a great idea and I am going to attempt to post here and on FB everyday in November. Please join in if you like!

Nov. 1st - I am thankful for my sweet little family.


This pic was taken last night at my parents' house. Our costumes consisted of Miss Caroline as a UGA cheerleader, Parker Boy as a UGA football player (silver britches and all), and Andy Boy as the football of course! Goooo Dawgs!

Caroline and Parker were happier hanging out in the yard than walking around trick-or-treating...so we called it early and just stayed at the house to pass out candy.

Hope you had a Happy Halloween and I hope you will join me for Thankful~30 ways!

Pumpkin Patch Pics

Parker and his Tootie...


Tootie and Andy...

Caroline and her gourds...

The Family of Five...

...hard to believe this time last year I was oblivious to the fact that another baby was in our near future. Incredibly busy. Incredibly blessed.

Boob Thong?

First...

Let me say thank you to all who responded to my pump/nursing tank post. I really appreciate the feedback from people in the know...and that is not something I really want to post on FB...as many times I do get good info on there...but I am also friends with people that I don't want thinking about my boobs. Ha! (Especially former students!)

So...

I did go buy a nursing tank from Target (on sale this week too!)...and I thought...oh this is going to be great...and then gravity proved yet again to be a little witch. I suppose the weight of the girls (especially when it was time to nurse) pulled the top layer down just enough so that you could see the "nursing layer" peeking out from underneath. And as Nick put it...

"It looks like you have a boob thong."

Nice. Just the look I was going for.

So needless to say I will not be wearing this tank to the first day back on the (part-time...YAY!) job Monday. I will however be wearing this tank at home...every chance I get. It was overall very comfy and convenient. I will have to try a few other suggestions and will hopefully find a winner.

I will also continue to use the pump my friend generously let me borrow. I just have to find a good spot at work to get the job done quickly...and without any high school students walking in on me! I will hopefully only need to pump once since I live so close to the school and will be gone from around 9:30am -2:30pm...and this pump session will hopefully provide enough milk to cover the feeding for the next day. Fingers crossed all goes well!

I can't believe tomorrow is my last day of maternity leave...man it goes fast. Of course nothing on my mental to-do list got done...but who cares.

I got to spend lots and lots of time with three pretty incredible kids...

...and loved every minute of it.

There's No Crying in Baseball...

...but there is crying when you drop your babies off at Mother's Morning Out!

Parker and Caroline had their first day of MMO yesterday (and yes we are braving it again tomorrow) and let me tell you...it was rough. Those poor babies did not want me to leave them and I sure as heck didn't want to leave them once they began to have that look of panic in their eyes!

One of the teachers asked me if they would stop crying. My response? I hope so.

I'm not really sure they did.

When I got there to pick them up they were not actively crying but did have tears in the ol' peepers. Of course, my children were monopolizing all 3 teachers while the other kids were hanging out in the background. Ms. Irene was holding Parker, Ms. Janet was holding Caroline, and Ms. Betty was wiping Caroline's nose.

My poor babies.

Here's hoping it goes more smoothly tomorrow.
(Nick and I both get to drop them off tomorrow. Nick's grandpa sadly passed away early Tuesday morning and the funeral is tomorrow.)


Here are a few pics of the day. I plan to get some more tomorrow b/c it was rainy and yucky Tuesday so we were stuck inside for pics.


The Backpacks...




Playing before we left and practicing opening our sippy cups...




Parker Man...I was lucky to get him to be semi-still for this shot!







Sweet Caroline...

Checking it out from the safety of the car...

No Surprise...

I changed my mind. I think I do want to pump...at work. Gasp.

So here are two questions I have for you pumping/breastfeeding mommies...

1. Did you share a pump with a friend?
(I have a friend who has generously given me hers to borrow, but the lactation nurses at the hospital made me feel as though this was a big no-no. I just don't see how any of the milk could get into that machine. I have all of my own parts...tubing, etc.)

2. Where did you find good nursing tanks?
(I need something that keeps my tummy covered b/c I am going to have to give up wearing these maternity shorts eventually...darn it. I will also be layering the tanks under other shirts. Please let me know if you have any good recs.)

Thanks!

Gators Wear Jean Shorts

OMG.

I cannot believe I did this...let me explain...

As a University of Georgia graduate and being the Dawg fans we are...there is a running joke in our house (and pretty much the entire Bulldog Nation) about the Florida Gators. You see the thing is that...well...

Gators wear jean shorts.

And it all got started because of this little guy and a YouTube clip that went viral...




Ok...but what's the big deal?

I did a little shopping/exchanging yesterday at G.ymboree and was telling Nick about my purchases last night as we were getting ready to go to bed.

(Which means folding the 5,000 towels and mounds of clothes sitting on top of our bed. Oh...and changing the sheets just so we wouldn't have to fold them. Pathetic we are...huh?)

Conversation went something like this:
"Cute shirt # 1, cute shirt #2, and I also got Parker some jean shorts."
When I said that last little phrase it was though I was looking down on myself listening to the craziness coming out of my mouth.

OMG. I bought Parker jean shorts.

Now...they are really really cute jean shorts. But luckily (for Nick and for our Bulldog "cred") they don't fit very well.
(Which darn it for being in that "in between sizes" phase...kinda annoying.)

So the jean shorts are going back.

Go Dawgs.

(and sorry if I hurt your feelings because 1. you wear jean shorts, 2. are a Gator fan, or both)

What (NOT) to Feed Em Friday - Late Night Sunday Edition

Ok. I got called out.

I admit...I haven't exactly followed through on my whole "What to Feed Em" idea. I have many many ideas...not exactly great on the follow through part. I am lazy in the kitchen...lazy I tell ya. I really want to be good, really I do...so going to work on that and thought I would start with something I have never made, but will be making for Nick's bday later this month.

I got the recipe (and the picture) from a friend off of F.acebook. You can say hi (and thanks) here if you would like. Thanks Becca! I cannot wait to try this.


Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ OreoFudge Brownie Bar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos
1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix
1/4 cup hot fudge topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly incorporate into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish that’s been lined with wax paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Top with a layer of Oreos. Mix together brownie mix, adding an optional 1/4 cup of hot fudge topping to the mix. Pour the brownie batter over the cookie dough and Oreos. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes.To half this recipe for an 8×8 brownie mix, just half the chocolate chip cookie dough ingredients. Enjoy!

Now then...that's better. I have contributed.

Now to convince my South African friend to make it for me....hmmmm. ;-)

She's Crafty....

Gotta love me some Beastie Boys.

Ok...need some crafting inspiration. I am ready to get the basement cleared out and set up a crafting area. (you know with all my spare time)

Need some crafty blogs to follow. Suggestions?

Is that a...hickey???

I wasn't even sure how to spell hickey...but...

I woke up this morning (not the 5 am feeding but the 8am-ish wake up) to a bruise on Andy's right forearm. Weird. I am pretty sure that it wasn't there when we went to bed, but maybe Parker or Caroline got to him and I didn't see. However...it was big-ish and purple-ish...so what does any mother do?

Google..."unexplained bruising in infants"

The results were devastating. Either the cops were coming in 2.5 seconds to arrest me or Andy could have any number of illnesses...I went with the latter...and therefore...was in tears. I just couldn't explain this bruise. So...next thing any mother would do? Call mom.

After talking with her I decided the best course of action would be to just watch it and if it got worse or more bruising occurred...I would take him to the doctor asap. If not, I would mention it at his 2 month appointment. Decided to hang-up with her b/c Andy was apparently ready to nurse...he was attacking that little hand of his and making the loudest possible slurp/sucking sound.

And then the light bulb turned on...

This (cute) boy had given himself an arm hickey at some point during the night.

A huge sense of relief flooded my body and then...

I laughed. It felt good.

I called my mom right back and she agreed. And she laughed.

So...the arm hickey is already fading...goodness may this be the LAST time I ever have to deal with my kids and hickeys (how do you make this word plural?). Hickeys are Grrrross.

Other general updates on the newest Baby Boy...

It really has been a smooth transition adding Baby Andy into the mix...almost like he has always been here. Parker and Caroline love him...most of the time. They kiss and love on him...sometimes a little too much. Caroline will bring burp cloths and the pillow when it is time for me to nurse him...she is so motherly to be only (almost) 16 months old. Don't get me wrong...it has been a smooth transition...but hard hard work. I told a friend it is hard work and late hours...but worth every single minute.

Andy was slow to gain weight in his first 2 weeks...only gained 2 ounces from the first pediatrician visit...9.10 to 9.12...and they wanted him back to birth weight (10 lbs) by the 2 week mark. So I was referred to an outpatient lactation appointment (waste of time) and was told to constantly feed him over the weekend...and it worked. He was at 10.1...it could also be the 2 oz of milk I gave him right before we left!

These cheeks tell a different story I think!

I really wanted to try to nurse again this time...with the twins my milk supply never came in...especially compared to this go round. I must say it has been nice to be able to provide for him in this special way, but I am not going to be the next president of my local La Leche League. It is hard to nurse and chase toddlers. Period. It is even harder to pump and chase toddlers. I had hoped to start building a supply of milk for when I return to work, but I really haven't had the time. I have two sad little bags of frozen milk in the freezer. But, whatever. No biggie...I have (I think) decided to give up the pump when I go back to work, supplement with formula while I am at work, and nurse when I am at home. Don't know how that will work out...but that is the plan.

Andy's 1 month visit went great...we saw Dr. B this time and she said he's "just perfect".

I think so too.

His stats:

H: 22 inches - 75% (which this is what he was at birth...just think it is a difference in who is measuring)
W: 10 lbs 10 oz - 75%
HC: 40.5cm - 95% (yes...I have big-headed babies)

Andy loves to be held. Loves it.

He loves to snuggle in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Loves it. (I NEVER would have allowed this with Parker and Caroline...it is funny how you do relax a little the second time around. Although...I do not allow him to sleep with us...only snuggle.)

Look at that little smirk on his face...he is so rotten!

Andy is making great eye contact and has even given me a few grins. I love it.

It really is amazing how your heart just grows and how much love it can hold.

Andy has been the perfect addition to our little family...we are so incredibly blessed.

A Hot (but Sweet) Mess

Poor Baby Girl. It has been one thing after another with her lately. We have been to the doctor 3 out of 5 weeks in the past month or so for this little munchkin...and I am hopeful we are finally on the road to recovery. Goes a little something like this...

15 month check-up...shots. Ouch.
Little eczema flare-up on back with some other topical dermititis...no biggie. Cream. Goes away.
Runny nose.
Clingy baby.
Crusty nose.
Clingy baby.
Runny and crusty nose at the same time...still clingy baby.
(Finally goes away on its own...we all had it.)

Blister on back of foot from a new pair of shoes.
Boo-boo on knee from falling on driveway.
5 bajillion mosquito bites from going outside unprotected (now we have gallons of bug spray).
Eczema flare-up again this time on legs and some on arm.
Go back to doc. More cream. Add topical antibiotic to prevent a staph infection in case she scratches. Dose of oral steroid for inflammation.

Eczema not getting better....getting worse. Covers good portion or legs and arms. And add the diaper rash from HELL. Screaming and shaking when we try to change her diaper. Back to doc.

See Dr. H because Dr. B was already booked up for the day and she HAD to be seen. Dr. H gets nurse to get Dr. B to come look. Both doctors agree that her diaper rash is caused by a strep infection (perianal strep...how lovely) and the secondary rash is a by-product of the strep infection...but it is SO incredibly rare and uncommon that they "wish a med student was here because it was such a teachable moment." Great...just what I wanted to hear.

They both agreed the secondary rash was ______. Something really long and crazy and dammit why don't I ask them to write these things down so I can google it to confirm that yes indeed I am going to have to invest in that bubble after all. (I will get the name...promise.)

So...antibiotic and oral steroid...and I think we are on the road to recovery...but I will be back in that office on Monday if she isn't (almost) 100%. I hate it when my babies are sick. Hate it.

Love this girl...she is so sweet...even though she has been a hot mess lately.

Finally...Andy's Blog Debut!

Here he is...Anderson "Andy" Edward!

He arrived Friday, June 24 at 7:33am...

Weighing in at a whopping 10 pounds!

I'm sorry I have been so slow to blog about his arrival...I had some major complications (which I am still processing all the emotions tied to that ordeal but promise to share the details asap) and the past two days were really the first time I have felt like a functioning human being.

Anyway...here are some pics...hope you enjoy!

Daddy had to go buy me some hats that would fit...

Daddy, Mommy, and Andy...

Chub-a-Lub...finally going home!

Our first "all THREE kiddos" pic...

Parker had to reminisce...

The new car seat arrangement...Caroline is thrilled...

Bye Bye Belly Baby!

Hello World!

Baby Andy will be making his debut in just a few short hours. Of course, I am not sleepy and I am waiting for a load of laundry to finish before I "pretend" to go to sleep. I am also consuming my last glass of water before the midnight cut-off.

So weird (and a little emotional) that tonight is the last night we will be a family of 4 and tomorrow a family of 5! It was as if Caroline and Parker knew something was up...they were a little more clingy and lovey towards me (and Nick too) tonight as we did our usual bedtime routine. Every night Nick and I sit with them in their room and read books and cuddle...it has always been such a special time after a long day. Not that any of that has to change...but it will be different for sure. We have been so blessed with such wonderful little humans in Parker and Caroline...and I'm sure Andy will be no different.

So...here is the last belly shot...39 weeks. I feel as though I am as big as I was with the twins...but here's to hoping I'll be a skinny-minny in record time with 1 year old twins and a newborn!

Prayers for a healthy baby and a easy delivery would be greatly appreciated! I cannot believe it is here!

Father's Day Pics

Whew...what a weekend! We celebrated my 30ish birthday yesterday with BBQ take-out (yummo) and today Nick played golf with his family in the traditional "Father's Day Golf Tournament." Rumor has it that he may have even won this year! Go Daddy!


We are now in the final countdown to Andy's arrival...this was our last weekend as a family of 4...next weekend we will be a family of 5! Just hoping to make it...which sometimes I wonder as crazy pregnant as I feel...but lots to do this week! (OB tomorrow, hair color (most important Tuesday), Thursday iron infusion, Friday...deliver a baby!)


Wanted to share a few pics I snapped today...goodness these three make me so happy. Can't imagine how much more love Baby Andy will add to the mix!


Father's Day 2010 ~





Father's Day 2011 - So BIG!





Daddy's Little Girl~

Parker Man~

Sweet Caroline ~ But don't let that face fool you...I'm a biter!

It's a...VIRUS?

I'm almost convinced that when you take your baby (ok...toddler) to the doctor and they really don't know what the heck is wrong with him they diagnose it as a virus. Gee thanks.

Parker Man had not been 100% for a few days...but then high fever...so off to the doctor since this very pregnant momma wanted to make sure no nasty germs were floating around this house just in case (yeah right) Baby Andy decided to make an appearance before his scheduled date. So...diagnoses was throat infection caused by a virus (strep test negative) and treat with T.ylenol.

Few days later...fever gone...mystery rash appears on Parker's torso...then spreads...and it freaks this very pregnant momma out. So...back to the doctor on Saturday. (I LOVE LOVE LOVE that our office is open on Saturdays for sick appts.) Hmm...it's a...virus. Really? No particular virus was named...she could have just said he has cooties and I think I would have been satisfied...but apparently she has seen quite a few fever/rash viruses in late Spring into early Summer. Whatevs.

However...when your kid doesn't feel good and is pitiful and puny...you want to do whatever you can to get him to eat or feel better. So apparently my comfort food of choice is cheese...and perhaps I gave him a little too much...or perhaps it was just his illness (yeah...that's it)..but this little boy was constipated! Like...days on end type of constipated.

So...I checked with Dr. Google and pulled out the arsenal of "P" foods...prunes, peas, pear juice, and peaches...and finally...he needed to go but couldn't. It was awful. During my "medical research" I read somewhere that a bathtub full of warm water might help...and help it did. I think it just relaxed him enough that he was able to pass that (eww gross) giant man-sized turd that had been backing him up for days. Poor thing and poor Nick...he has been on bath "duty" (like the pun?) for some time now since my belly is majorly in the way.

I only share these glorious details in case any of you (if there are any readers left anyway) who have this same...ahem...problem with your kiddos. So to get "P" feed the "P" foods...and warm bath to relax and go. Seemed to work this time!

In other news...

• Last OB appt (more than likely) tomorrow before delivery next week! (Hallelujah!) The words 10 lb baby came out of the doctor's mouth at the last visit...whoa.




• Refinance/appraisal is looking VERY good...this will help me to work part-time next year!




• Part-time job for next year isn't confirmed but as of now I am only scheduled to teach two classes in the middle of the day (10-2pm) all year long!




• Andy's room is pretty much finished...a few finishing touches and I will post pics.




• Another close friend told me she was expecting...so now all of my "best" friends are due starting with me in June, another in September, another in November, and now in January! Fun times! (But dang...there goes the Fall tennis season!)




• Two of my "IVF friends" are both also expecting...one with a surprise baby just like Baby Andy. It is so amazing to me that for so long we all ached for children...and boy...we have gotten what we prayed for! We all feel so blessed...and maybe a little overwhelmed...but just as we supported each other through infertility...we will support each other through this wonderful time!

I feel so grateful for all of the blessings that I have in my life.

(Yes...I am a little hormonal and weepy and sentimental...but aren't all 37 almost 38 weeks pregnant women?)

More to come soon...promise.

Holy Belly Batman!

As of today I am 36weeks and 3 days. I delivered the twins at 36 weeks and 1 day. I am really beginning to think that my body might not be made to go much past 36 weeks...especially in this heat. Whew!

Anyway...Nick and I thought we would document the day with a belly shot of (close to) the same mark for comparison. OMG...I know my belly is big...but dang...it is as big as it was with two babies! Geesh!

Delivery Day with the Twins ~ 36weeks 1 day

Just a Day waiting on Baby Andy ~ 36 weeks 3 days

Excuse the lovely outfit...my favorite "stretchy" items, hair that needed to be brushed, etc. Plus I look at it and think...push-ups...just do some. Whoa.

My c-section isn't scheduled for another 3 weeks. Whoa again.

I went to the doctor Friday and apparently I have not made any progress at all. Which I suppose with a c-section you don't need to make progress, but come on...just a little something would be nice. Still measuring 2 weeks ahead.

I also had my 2nd iron infusion on Friday and let me tell you...I think those things really help. It is very sad to sit amongst the chemo patients...but it also makes me very thankful for my health...and the strength I see in these people really amazes me. Helps me to keep things in perspective...sometimes it seems really easy to complain...but man...I have it pretty good.

Hopefully this week the all of the loose ends will be tied up and we will be prepared for Baby Andy's arrival. Everything is washed...picking up a crib mattress this week and waiting for a replacement part to come in for the new bed that will be in Andy's room as well. Nick and I picked up a new twin mattress today (we have to have something for Tootie to sleep on) and were able to use the remainder of P.ottery Barn giftcards to get the bedding...score. I will try to post pics when it is all finished.

It was nice to spend the day (even running errands) with the hubs one on one...we even were able to have a lunch date. Fancy.

Ok...post more soon. I am also going to try to get back on the "What to Feed Em" bandwagon...haven't been so good there. Oops.

I Heart Iron

I am seriously getting a t-shirt made. I had my first iron infusion today and let me tell you...I feel better already! Wahoo!

It was a process today...for sure.

My day went something like this...

Arrive 10 minutes early. Wait.
Wait.
Wait.
Ask front desk if I needed to do anything else.
Wait.
Called back for vitals.
Vitals good.
Wait.
Call back for IV placement.
Go to chemotherapy/infusion room. (My hematologist is at a cancer treatment center.)
Wait.
Was told by my nurse that my insurance is still pending but they are working on getting it approved asap.
Wait.
Check Facebook.
Wait.
Was told by nurse that I would have to come back next week. Insurance is still pending.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????
Ask if the insurance company knows I am sitting here with an IV in my arm...WAITING!
IV comes out.
Walk to front desk.
Ask for office manager...start to complain.
Nurse flags me down...insurance just approved it as a STAT order.
Walk back to infusion lab.
IV #2 goes into arm.
Bag of fluids.
Bag of iron.
Finally...getting this show on the road!

He said your body adjusts to the low iron levels over time, but if his levels dropped to where mine were he said he would more than likely pass out. Nice to know...because I have been feeling like I could pass out for some time now!

I asked the nurse how long it typically takes to feel the effects of the iron. He said usually after 3 treatments, but with my hemoglobin levels as low as they were, I might even feel better today!

And guess what? I do! So thankful!

Not out of the clear yet, but I definitely feel as though this is going to do the trick and I will start to feel and function like a normal human being that is 35 weeks pregnant.

Hopefully this will give me a little burst of energy to get Baby Andy's room finished...clothes washed, etc. and have some play time with the twins. Nice that it will be a 3 day weekend!

Happy Memorial Day!

Bang...Yep It's Bullets

I have so much I want to get down...yet I don't have the time or energy for a coherent post...so bulleted list it is. I will at least try to catergorize.


Parker and Caroline:

• These two just might win the cutest/sweetest/most lovable award if there is such a thing. They continue to amaze not only me, but Daddy, Tootie, Poppie, you name it...every single day.


• Parker: loves playing "kick"...he will kick any sort of ball across the floor and say "kick, kick" while doing it. When he scores a "goal" by kicking into the baby gate or other makeshift goal, we make a big deal about it and he loves to clap for himself too.


• Other words from Parker: Momma, Dada, up, no, ball, Elmo, more. He will also sign more and all done.


• Caroline: loves to bite...me. But (thankfully?) she has started to show her vampire skills off to Dada too...so at least it isn't just me anymore. But (awww) I'm her favorite.


• Words from Caroline: Momma, Dada, up, ball, Elmo, Gracie...I think she has made the name association with the dog...so we will go with it.


• Dancing: They both LOVE it. They especially love the Elmo Slide or any other Sesame Street song. It really is too cute watching them flap their tiny little arms when Elmos tells them too. I have a video...will post...soon.


• Books: Getting more and more interested in books and willl even let us read a few pages at a time. Still trying to convince Caroline that books are for reading and not eating.


• Swings: They love going outside to swing on the swingset Daddy built for them. Love it. Cry when they have to come in.

Baby Andy:

• Is still measuring 2 weeks ahead. This baby feels like a monster...and his movements are something else. Very strong movements that I feel like everyone can see...from a mile away.


• My friends C and K hosted a drop-in shower for Andy and we got lots of good stuff...and by good stuff I particularly mean diapers and wipes....which is fantastic! Pics to come.


• Andy's room is still "under construction"...but progress was made last weekend and I am hoping to really finish up a few things this weekend. We are going with an airplane theme...I think it will be really cute once we have it all together.

Me:

• Saw the hematologist and I have been diagnosed with PROFOUND ANEMIA. Seems a lot worse when you put it in all caps huh? Anyway...despite taking the dreaded iron pill, my iron levels continued to drop...so I will have my first IV iron infusion this Friday. I have a little anxiety about it, but I am so desperate to have a little more energy and not feel like I am barely able to function. (Fatigue and shortness of breath somehow don't add up to parenting twins and being 35 weeks pregnant. It sucks.)


• School is winding down...last official day with students is tomorrow and my last official day is June 1st. I will be so happy to be able to spend some time with P and C before the baby comes...and to be able to take naps when they do. Naps really are little miracle workers when you don't sleep well (95 million bathroom trips) at night.


• Still hoping for a part-time teaching gig next year...I have hopes that it will happen.


• Overall...I couldn't ask for much more...I feel so incredibly blessed in so many ways...especially every time I look and Parker and Caroline and feel Baby Andy give me a little kick.

So...bang...lots of bullets. Ouch.

32 Weeks (but who's counting?)

I will be 32 weeks tomorrow! Wowwee...time sure does fly.

I had a dr. appt on Monday at 31w4d and was told I was measuring 34 weeks. This baby is a giant. I seriously might make the evening news on delivery day.

I inquired again about a VBAC mainly b/c I am worried about the not being able to lift the twins part of recovery. But, after some discussion I am back on board with the planned c-section. My doctor said that I will not be able to lift (from a standing position) the big babies for 4 weeks! What?

I also had an appt with a hematologist to try to figure out why my iron levels aren't increasing even with being on a supplement. Blood work and go back in 2 weeks. He mentioned something about a blood transfusion before delivery or an iron infusion after delivery...but we will talk more at the next appt. Geesh. (Oh and as a bonus I was asked if I was having triplets while waiting. Did I mention this is going to be a big baby?)

Little Andy is super active...and his kicks/punches are much stronger than the movements I felt with the twins. I am guessing there is just plenty of room in there for him to stretch out!

I am having a lot of trouble sleeping at night between bathroom visits, leg cramps, side cramps, inner thigh pain (I had this with the twins too), and don't forget just being plain ol' hot. It was at 32 weeks that I went on half-day bedrest with the twins...and I am SO wishing I had that choice with this little one. But alas...only 3 more weeks of school...I suppose I will survive.

I have been really lucky up until this point because I have had an awesome student teacher and I was able to just sit and observe while he did the teaching. Sadly...his last day is Friday and I have already taken back all of my classes full-time. Not to mention...my A/C in my room at school is on the fritz...and I (along with the students) are so dang hot that you don't even want to move...and when I get really hot I start to dry heave...not a pretty sight.

I must say 39 weeks and 1 day (scheduled c-section date) seems so far off. I want this baby to be as healthy as possible, but I admit I have been daydreaming about my water breaking. We are by no means "ready" for this baby to be here...that's my goal for the weekend (to pull out/wash the tiny baby things)...but man...to hold this little one in my arms instead of on top of my bladder...a girl can dream huh?

It really is hard to believe that in 2 months time...we will have another baby join our family.

Hey...wait...less than 2 months...but who's counting...right?

1st Birthday Pics

...captions and thoughts to follow. It seems as though I have been too busy or too tired (thank you anemia) to sit down and devote proper time to come up with a post that doesn't look like it was written by a 3rd grader...or who are we kidding...one of my high school seniors.

So...wanted to share some of my favorite pics out of the 200+ my wonderful cousin Tim sent me!

I did a "fancy" collage...but of course want to post the larger images too.

We had a blast...and I think my cousin did a wonderful job of capturing the day! Enjoy!

So this is how it feels...

...to just "be pregnant."

It is no surprise that Baby #3 is a surprise. I don't ever think the feelings and pain of infertility ever leave you...but it is amazing that time...a successful IVF...and a surprise pregnancy will help those wounds heal and the scars fade.

And you are left just being happy.

Don't get me wrong...it's not all rainbows and sunshine all the time...but at the end of everyday my heart is content...and happy.

And now I get to be happy (and pregnant) with some of my closest and dearest friends. I have found out this week that one of my friends is having a girl (Baby #2), another is having her surprise #3, and I just know this will be "the month" that the "homework works" for another friend for her Baby #2. I am also having dinner this week with another friend/old colleague that is due with her Baby #2 in May.

And I am happy. I am no longer an outsider looking in...happy for them, but so desperately wanting what they had. I get to be happy...genuinely happy...for them...and I suppose for me too.

And for a moment...I forget that I am an infertile posing as just a normal old pregnant girl and I think "so this is how it feels." It feels good. Never in a million years would I change one thing that brought me to P and C...but happiness without heartache is nice for a change.

Happy 1st Birthday!

My my...How time flies when you are having fun huh?
It is amazing that 1 whole year has passed since Parker and Caroline have entered this world. Oh how we prayed and wished and hoped for them. Oh how others prayed and wished and hoped for us. And now...our little miracles are a whole year old.

We had a (little bit psycho) birthday party for them over the weekend. I promise to devote a whole post to it...but I shall wait until my cousin (who so graciously agreed to photograph the event) gets back from a business trip to Vegas so I can have some pics to go with.

Today (their actual birthday) began with a breakfast cooked by dad, a trip to C.ostco, and a trip to the doctor for the 1 year check-up and shots (o-u-c-h!).
We ended the day with a small family dinner (Tootie, Poppie, KaKa, Madison, and Granny came over)...and played some in the backyard.

Here are a few pics...I promise to devote more time...later...but I couldn't NOT post on their birthday.

My how we have grown!

Good News...Bad News

Good news...I passed the 1 hour glucose screen! Yay for no gestational diabetes!

Bad news...I am still extremely anemic. Boo.

So...bad news means continue on the iron and add iron rich foods to my diet. I suppose the doctor telling you to eat a steak isn't really all that bad of news. I suppose I will also stock up on some spinach and some iron fortified cereal.

Did you have any iron-rich favorites?

Other than the anemia (which today after I talked to the nurse seemed to make me feel even more lethargic...maybe it isn't just in my head after all) this pregnancy is going really well. It is hard to believe 28 weeks have gone by already...how fast time flies. I actually lost a pound this week, but I am measuring a week ahead...which makes me think of the line from the movie K.nocked Up...

"You must be angry at the baby whenever it steals your food, huh. Ohh that's mine, not yours. But, you know, because you're family you gotta share. "

Something tells me this is going to be a really big baby...we shall see.

So...now I am off to the OB every 2 weeks. Craziness.

C-section is scheduled for June 24th...day before our anniversary. (I wonder if the hospital will serve us a special "anniversary" dinner...yum.)

I am a little anxious about actually going into labor before then...never did that with P and C...I mean what if my water breaks? Aughhhhh!

I also am very eager to make breastfeeding work this time around...come on milk supply! Again...we shall see.

Party planning mode is in full swing...I may skip the Friday post due to party prep...but I will be sure to post plenty of photos from P and C's 1st Birthday Party!

What to Feed 'Em Fridays

So I went 2.5 out of 3 in the cooking new things department. Not too bad. The half comes from the fact that I have purchased ingredients for crockpot chicken tacos, but they have been bumped to Saturday. So...the results. I tried "Anytime Quiche"...very very easy. However, next time I will not use any salt. I don't know if it was the combo of salt with the cheese I had in the fridge...but man...so salty that I didn't even give any to the babies. But, I will give it another go and I think they will really like it. My friend Kory said she tried it (with success) with her picky eater and even loaded it with spinach...which I will do too next time. Oh...and she said she had to call it egg pie...but hey...whatever works right? Here is the finished (too salty and veggie-less) quiche. I also decided to try Tara's Zucchini and Yellow Squash soup. It was easy too...except for damn I hate getting out the blender (no food processor or immersion blender)...I always make a mess. However, the kids (and mom) love zucchini and since we were having some for dinner anyway I just chopped up a little extra. I also had a lonely Mini Babybel cheese hanging out in the fridge...so there you go. Finished product (and yes I am using my Zaxby's cup to prop it up to get better light...they have the best ice. "Sexy ice" as a friend of mine at work calls it.) Anyway...kids haven't tried this either...but I thought it tasted pretty good! I'll update next week with the approval rating of the almost-one-year-olds. (Eeek!) And finally...my new recipe I will be preparing this week. I don't think it meets any of the criteria I set last week (easy, cheap, healthy) but I am planning on serving it at the babies birthday party and I need a practice run. Plus...yum...cheese. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches My sister-in-law has made this particular recipe before and yummo. How did things go for you? (Why can I not get this to format like I want...ughhhhhhhh!)

What to Feed 'Em Fridays

Ok folks...here we go. I have decided that this week (and most likely every week) that I will choose recipes based on 3 criteria:

1. Very easy/not time consuming
2. Cheap (either items on hand or on sale)
3. Healthy (or at least not horrible for you)

So I thought I would go with a breakfast and a dinner recipe. One I have tried and one I have not. But first a little story...

Once upon a time, there was a lovely group of high-school turned college-friends who managed to make it to the beach whenever they could. Now this group of friends was very fond of a game called "Catchphrase," as it was very entertaining (especially after a few beverages) and cheap. In this one particular game, one of our friends...let's call him Mr. T...was giving the oddest series of clues. These clues consisted of things like "va-j-j", "hoo-hoo", etc. all of which led us to believe that he was describing a part of the female anatomy. Needless to say his team (the boys) did not guess the correct catchphrase. The girls tried to steal, but to no avail. When we asked Mr. T what the catchphrase was he replied in exasperation..."Coochie".

"There is no way," replied the girls..."let us see the game." When we read the term...it simply said "quiche".

Way to go Mr. T. You are a genius. But goodness, you make us laugh.

So...in honor of Mr. T...and in honor of the fact that I have all the ingredients here at the house...I will be making "anytime coochie" no forgive me..."anytime quiche."

Click here to link to the recipe I am going to try.

I also plan to cook chicken tacos this week...minus the added kick so that the babes can partake as well. This recipe was passed to me from my sweet friend Rachel via The Pioneer Woman.

I usually make up a few bags of this (the recipe makes a ton) and throw it in the freezer. Super easy to just dump into the crock pot and let it go.

The recipe calls for pork, but I use chicken. I also buy the pre-chopped onions in the freezer section...didn't I say easy? I also prefer flour tortillas.

Here is the link -

Slow Cooker Green Chili Pork Tacos
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/slow-cooker-green-chili-pork-tacos/comment-page-5/#cr

My friend Tara has also joined in the fun...so I may try her soup this week too. Yummy.

Join us next week if you want!

First Edition: What to Feed 'Em Fridays

I have been wanting to do this for awhile, but as I rummaged through the cabinets just now trying to figure out what to feed P and C for dinner I decided to sit down and post this while the pasta (again?) water boils.

What the heck do you feed these kids?

This is my biggest parenting dilemma of the moment. I need something more than cheese toast, grilled cheese, etc. I need to branch out. I need to (cue the dramatic music)...C-O-O-K.

Nothing fancy you know...but just something that works for a few days and is healthy and is kid-friendly. So. My (ahem) goal is to post (and try that week) a new recipe every Friday.

Let me know if you have any I can try.

11 Months

Just wanted to get a few things down about what Parker and Caroline have been up to before the Big Day post arrives! They are getting more and more fun every single day.

Yesterday was P and C's "11 Month Birthday" and we celebrated with a party! Not our party, but our friend Henson's 2nd birthday. His mom chose a Cookie Monster theme and it was too cute! I will be copying some of her ideas next year for sure. (How psychotic is it that birthday #2 is already being planned when #1 isn't even here? Geesh.)

Other fun things (ahem...bullets) about the twins at 11 months:

• Parker is officially a walker. Not a great walker, but a walker. (I will post video soon.)
• Caroline is a pointer and a waver. She is so good at both. The wave is more of a "queen's wave"...I'll have to post video of that too.
• Teeth: In addition to the bottom two that they have both had for awhile...Parker has 1 fang tooth (it's snazzy) on the top and 3 more are trying to break through as well. Caroline's top two teeth are peeking through.
• Sleeping: Naptime is fabulous. They go down (pretty much) on their own and in their cribs twice a day. Bedtime is getting better too. We have started to just kiss them goodnight and pull the door to...after a little protesting it is off to sleepytown. They like getting up early (6:00am which we try to stretch to 6:30am), but we don't really mind.
• Favorite toys: You name it, they will play with it. They have really started to figure out how things work and make connections of "if I push this...it will do this." Kinda neat to watch their little minds at work. They are super into books too (about time) and will sit and "read" for a good bit. I say "read" because sometimes "read" = "chew". Parker has also adopted a small Elmo and a small Grover (Elmo's stand in when he is in the wash) that he likes to tote around.
• Food: We have been experimenting with new foods, but it is hard to think of what to give them. I feel like I am stuck in the "some form of bread with cheese zone". Boring.

That's it for now...I'll add more as I think of it. They are so fun! Looking forward to 1 year!

Peekaboo and Teeth

Not by the Hair on MY Chinny-Chin-Chin!

Yes! I went to the local nail salon yesterday (of course nothing fancy...it is wedged in between a Mexican restaurant and Publix) but I got a pedicure and a wax! What-what!

I had mentioned in my previous post that I needed an eyebrow wax (I didn't mention the lip wax too b/c come on...no one wants to admit that they have to get their lip waxed), but apparently I needed more than just eyebrows/lip because before I knew it there was wax on almost every part of my face! But...now there is no hair...anywhere!

Anyway...freshly painted toes and sculpted brows must cause me to put off a good energy vibe because let me tell you...Parker Man went to sleep last night...in his crib...all by himself!
(Read that last part in the same way as the nerdy guy from the movie Road Trip talking with his buddies about his conquests.)

Now...can't vouch for tonight because the twins are having a "spend the night party" at Tootie's...which is a ritual we are going to try to keep up so that Tootie doesn't have to come over to our house bright and early on Monday mornings.
(And hey...I can't say she had to twist my arm to get me to agree.)

So just had to share some positive energy after poo-poo-ping on other mommy-blogs. I just needed to release some pent up "realism". After all...I have been home all week on Winter Break and couldn't spout it at my teenage students.

And I promise...I am not a make-your-own baby-food-hater. I'm more like a make-your-own-baby-food-wannabe.
Promise.

An Ounce of Pretension...

...is worth a pound of manure.

Remember that line from Steel Magnolias?

As I was suffering from a little insomnia last night I did a little catching up on some of the mommy-blogs that I read/stalk. You know the ones that you link to from another blog you linked to from a blog you follow? Yeah...those are the ones. And that line from Steel Magnolias kept resonating in my head.

I suppose we all do it...I mean there is nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward. Nothing at all. But come on...please tell me that your life is not-THAT-perfect or not-THAT-amazing all of the time. Please tell me you are just putting your best foot forward...even if it is in a pair of "red-bottomed" high-heels. (The only red bottomed shoes you might find around here must have come from stepping in red paint....or even worse...Georgia red clay.)

So...after I finally went to sleep and then woke back up (to be fair Nick did too) to a 4:27am cry-fest, change fest, bottle fest, play fest...and then rock Caroline back to sleep fest while Daddy and Parker went to the big bed...I started thinking about those mommy-blogs again and thought I needed to share about the unglamourous and unpretensious (well most of the time) life I lead.

Some things you may have never wanted to know...but hey...you are still reading...

- I desperately need to get my eyebrows waxed. Desperately.
- I may even need to take a shower...desperately.
- My last new underwear purchase did not come from a swanky sexy underwear store...it came from Costco.
- I don't carry a designer purse (oh and how I used to love purses). I carry a diaper bag...two of them. And not even my cute one. I use the black ones they gave to us at the hospital.
- My clothes purchases recently have consisted of Target, Old Navy, and (watch out for this one) on occasion Gap.
- My "sexiest bra" (i.e. "my only bra") is a nursing bra...and I wear it...all the time...and I am not nursing.
- I need new socks...particularly ankle socks...too many holes in the heels.
- I could use a new pair of running shoes...but hey...who are we kidding...no running will take place around these parts until at least...at least...August.
- I live in a tiny (but wonderful) old house. Not old like historic old, but old as in one of those "plain old brick ranches". I really do love it. Nick and I were the youngest (by far) in our neighborhood until the twins came along...and man...they just wrecked the curve.
- I drive a mini-van...and not even a fancy one.
- I hate dog hair...and we have a lot of it. I suppose I should sweep more...errr....sweep period.
- My vacuum cleaner smells like a dead animal carcass is rotting away inside...and I refuse to use it because it 1. makes me gag and 2. makes the house smells like a dead animal carcass. Nick gave it a good cleaning and changed out every filter...but I am still a little reluctant to turn that bad boy on.
- My dog is very cute...and very annoying at the same time. We (mainly Nick) have to wipe her butt every time she poops...she does not like anything left on her backside and will scoot on the carpet if we don't clean her off.
- My sister said to me "your hair sure looks blond." Blond = gray. But...I refuse to go back to the salon until Spring Break...one more month. Yikes.
- I do go to a somewhat pretentious hair salon...but I counter it with the fact that I usually book my appointment the night before to get a 25% discount.
- I don't use fancy shampoo...I get what is on sale at Target.
- I also don't make my own baby food. I get what is on sale (try to go organic) at Target or Publix. (And I don't only feed them baby food...they get real food too...baby food is just SO easy...I wonder if they would be laughed at if they took jarred food with them to first grade?)

These are just a few of the things that I thought of this morning while rocking sweet baby girl back to sleep. So fancy I know.

I was also thinking that I need a "thing"...and began to brainstorm things that could be my "thing". I'll save that for another post.

Baby #3 is a...

BOY!

At least that's what they are telling us. We had to try to get him to move a little so we could get a better look, but the u/s tech confirmed boy.

Nick's response (besides a huge grin): Are you sure?

She said she was sure...so I guess we will go with it! We are super excited! We have had a boy name picked out since we found out we were having twins and I was convinced it would be two boys...but Caroline had other plans!

So...(at least as of today)...Anderson Edward..."Andy"...will be here in June!
(Anderson is a family name on Nick's side and Edward is my dad's middle name.)

It really is amazing every time you see that little baby moving around on the screen. Madison (my little sister) and Caroline went with us today too. Madison seemed pretty amazed. Caroline was not as impressed.

We thought it was the cutest that we could see little Andy sucking his little thumb.

I'll post some pics from the ultrasound very soon. I am fighting a cold...and can barely keep my eyes open.

We still feel incredibly blessed (and still a little shocked) that we have another little baby on the way. Can't wait to meet him!

10 Months

I know I just updated everyone on the 9 month...but a few things to add that have taken place recently.

The babies turned 10 months old this past weekend and we celebrated Molly Moo turning one! I really think P and C enjoyed party time and playing with other friends. :)

Parker has taken a few more steps...cannot believe it!

Caroline has begun to throw/drop items on the floor and say "uh-oh." It sometimes just comes out as "uh" without the "oh", but you get the picture.

Parker has figured out the "no" word and uses it so emphatically sometimes.

Both babies are waving "bye-bye" and it is just so darn cute.

They really do just melt my heart.

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day!
(Gender report...if Baby #3 cooperates...tomorrow!)

9 Months

Again...how did this happen? Where did time go? Sometimes I will just sit and look through the 1000 pictures of their first week of life with tears just streaming down my face. They were so little and tiny and helpless and cute and mine.

Oh...I just love them so, so, so much.

Ok...so before time moves on to 10 months, 11 months, and (gasp) 12 months thought I should give a general "what's going on in Caroline and Parker world" kinda update.

Caroline

H:
W:

Diapers - Size 3

Clothing - 6-12 months...and everything in between.

Master of the "army crawl", but will go up on hands and knees occasionally.

Still a great sleeper...will typically put yourself to sleep (thank you for that).

Two bottom teeth...upper teeth on the way (maybe that is why you are a little cranky lately).

Loves Momma, loves Daddy, but really loves her Tootie.

Talks to us..."mama" "dada"...beginning to also assign meaning to those words (I think).

Will give kisses...but it usually comes out as a razz on our cheek or chest or any bare skin she can find.

Loves to self-feed...cheerios, bananas, pasta, cheese toast, peas, carrots, avocado...you name it. A really good eater...doesn't turn down much of anything!

Loves to play patty-cake, peekaboo, and "find Aunt Madison under the blanket".

Likes to watch Momma sign and sing the alphabet...and sometimes you will move your hand in (what I think) is an attempt to sign your letters too!

Has entered the "stranger-danger" phase.

Is finally getting (just a little bit of) hair.

Will copy the "ah" sound back to Mommy.

Loves to dance with Daddy.

Is a fan of Train's "Soul Sister" and will start dancing when it is played.

Parker

H:

W:
Diapers - Size 3
Clothing - 6-12 months and everything in between...even a few 3-6 months still work!
Has mastered crawling...he is so quick!
He pulls up on everything.
Took his first steps! (3 of them...and as excited as Daddy and Mommy were...we probably scared you into not walking again for a few months!)
Getting better at sleeping all night in your crib...although if you had your choice you would be between Mommy and Daddy every night!
Two bottom teeth and one just broke through on the top! More are right behind them.
Has become interested in biting...especially your sister. Uh-oh.
Not as interested in trying new foods as your sister...new textures seem to freak you out.
Is still a Momma's boy...but Daddy and Poppie are pretty cool too.
Likes to clap, fake laugh, fake cough...anything to get applause or laughter from the crowd.
Talks to us...mama, dada, and a new one is "ne-ne"...which just might be Caroline...but the verdict is still out.
Doesn't like strangers either.
Had a (secret) hair trim...not an official haircut...just a few stray pieces needed to go.
Also a fan of "Soul Sister" by Train...loves to dance to it!


I am sure there is so much more to write...so much changes from day to day...you are smart, energetic little babies...and you keep us busy...and pooped out!

We have started planning your 1st birthday party...which is already getting a little out of hand...but you both are worth every second!