Smiles

All I want for Christmas...

...is nothing. Really. This year, I have all I've ever wanted. It was just last Christmas, though it seems like so long ago now, that this dream seemed so out of reach...

When we got married, (almost 5 years now!) we had every intention of waiting several years before starting our family. We wanted to have fun, travel, get to know each other. It was just three months to the day of our wedding, however, that sweet baby Isaac was born to our dear friends Bill and Vicki. We decided maybe we didn't want to wait so long, and maybe we would just see what happened.

We waited and waited...saw a doctor, who said to wait some more...no luck. After 3 years of this, I decided to make an infertility appointment with a new doctor. He seemed so optimistic, and said that we had every chance of getting pregnant...we were young and healthy, and he started me on infertility drugs. Three months went by, and nothing. Up the dosage. Three more months, nothing. Up the dosage again. At this point Dr. Smith suggested that I might have endometriosis, and scheduled a surgery to look for/take care of the problem. So last December 7, I had the surgery. I didn't have endometriosis, but he did find another problem- I was born with both of my tubes closed. The doctor was so sweet about it, saying that he hoped he was wrong, but in all his years of doing this surgery he hadn't been wrong yet.

So we spent last Christmas researching other options, trying to come to terms with the fact that although we could still have children, it wouldn't happen the conventional way. I cried for days, weeks really. We moved on. Stopped the drugs. Made an appointment with a specialist in Spokane. Made an appointment for one last test to make sure the tubes were really blocked.

It was at this appointment that a miracle occurred! We watched the screen as the test showed the dye reaching the first tube: blocked. The second tube: blocked. Then all of a sudden, one broke free! It came unblocked! The next month I was pregnant. I got to cancel my appointment in Spokane, and the day before that appointment would have been, we found out that we were having twins. Two babies. Two miracles!

So this year, I have everything I have ever wanted: A faithful and loving God, who knew the deepest desire of my heart and gave it to me, times two. Two sweet babies, who remind me every day that miracles do happen. A Savior who came into this world as a baby Himself.

And really, how could I ever want more?

Pictures with Santa!

We got Emily and Luke's picture taken with Santa a few weekends ago...it turned out so cute! Can't wait for next year to see if anyone cries...bet it's Luke!

10 weeks!

The babies are 10 weeks old today! I can't believe it. Time really flies...last week they had their two month well check with Dr. Everett. They are doing great! Emily weighs 8 lbs, 14 oz, and is 21 3/4 inches long! She's in the 10th percentile for weight, but the 26th for length! Luke weighs 10 lbs!!!! What a chunky monkey! He is 22 inches long. He's in the 15th percentile for weight and almost the 20th for length. Their percentiles don't seem very high, but considering they were twins and 3 weeks early, and not being measured on the preemie scale, they are doing quite well. We just love these little miracles so much, and cannot believe how much joy they have brought into our lives...they are smiling on a regular basis now, and are starting to babble! They love laying on the floor playing on their little "gyms," and Luke especially loves his swing. They also love looking at the lights on the Christmas tree! They have changed so much in these 10 weeks, and we can't wait to see what else is in store!

We love sweater vests!

Don't my babies look so cute in these sweet little sweater vests? They were handmade by the Queen, can you believe it? Oh, to be so talented...She is having a sweet baby boy very soon, and I can't wait to see all the duds she knits up for him!

For Angela

Angela gave Luke and Emily these sweet little soft loveys...and recently Luke has really taken to his! He loves snuggling it, and it usually puts him right to sleep. I love the way he buries his little hands in it and rubs it on his cheek...

Thanks twin! We all love and miss you guys!

Congratulations Natascha!!!!

A few weeks ago my dear friend Natascha came all the way from San Francisco to visit us and meet Luke and Emily! It was a wonderful visit; we had so much fun visiting, laughing, and of course eating :) But the best news came the next week when we found out Natascha passed the California BAR exam!!!!! Congratulations to the newest hot shot attorney in the Bay Area, we are SO proud of you!!!!!!

Wonderful Wedding Weekend

Last weekend (hmmm...I guess it was two weekends ago now) we were able to travel to Portland to see one of my very, very dearest friends get married. How were we able to do it? My mom. She came with us. And fed babies. And got up in the night. And watched them while we were at the wedding, dancing away. It was wonderful. She is wonderful. Anyway, we had a fabulous time. I was able to spend a lot of time with Angela--at the rehearsal dinner, in the morning while she was getting hair and make-up done, at the wedding...it was an amazing wedding celebrating two of the most beautiful people I know. And I am SO glad we were able to be a part of it. (For the record, the babies did great in the car. Although I don't think we will be attempting a weekend-long road trip for awhile :) )

All the girls at the reception...the traditional AXO picture :)

Emily Jane holding Emily Jane

Scott and Luke in their dress-up wedding clothes :)

The beautiful bride!

For the record, I tried to put these pictures up in reverse order. Three times I tried. Apparently, blogger doesn't realize that I have two babies that need attention.

Sweet Babies

My mom caught them holding hands in their sleep...awwww!!! So cute. I love that my job is to look at and hold them all day long. We've been busy (can you be anything other than busy at this point?) and I'm trying to be better at updating...I'm sure I'll get the hang of this eventually!

Sick

Sorry I've been so bad about updating lately...things have been so busy around here! You wouldn't think two people who are so tiny could add so much extra work, but they sure do! To top it off, I got a nasty case of Mastitis...resulting in an ER visit and a VERY tired mom who is doing her best just to keep her head above water! I'm definitely on the mend, and we have lots of pictures, so I will try to be better about putting them up! Here's a little something just to keep you coming back for more :)

Before and After

Before... On my birthday, just 5 days before the babies were born!

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...and after!!!

Just one week later! I can't believe they ever fit in me!

Emily left, and Luke right

Two miracles in two minutes!

Emily (left) and Luke (right)

Our babies are finally here! They arrived Friday, October 10th.

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Emily Jane

7:59 am

5 lbs, 12.5 oz

17.5 inches long

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Luke Allen

8:00 am

5 lbs, 13 oz

18 inches long

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We are completely exhausted but are so in love with our little babies! It has been a crazy but wonderful week. Many more updates and pictures to follow!

Friday it is!!!

We had our appointment Monday, and the C-section is scheduled for this Friday, October 10, at 7:30 am!!!! We are very excited, and busy getting all the last minute things done around the house. I think we're pretty much set!

Update

We had an appointment with Dr. Smith yesterday, and things are looking good! We're moving right along. The NST went well...as far as the babies go, they still have good, strong, reactive heart rates. I don't know what it is with me and the NST, but there is always something! This time they tried to enter Megan's information onto my forms...sigh. Only a little while left, right? Everything looks good with the babies, and our plan is to have a BPP on Thursday with Dr. Kates, and if everything still looks good we will stick to our next appointment on Monday and schedule a date for a C-section! Things are getting exciting!

Cravings :)

Yesterday Scott and I had a free afternoon, and I decided we should go to Costco! I needed stamps for my thank you notes, and Scott said we didn't need to go that far for stamps. I confessed that I really wanted to go because I wanted a hot dog :) So off to Costco we went! As we were checking out, Scott looked at what we were buying: muffins, spinach dip, and broccoli. He said, "I thought we were getting stamps?!?" I laughed and told him don't worry, I won't be pregnant for much longer! But I have had a great day today, with a muffin for breakfast and spinach dip for lunch! And I got my hot dog yesterday. Life is good!

35 weeks today!

35 weeks today, and I am huge! I am pretty sure I get bigger every day, I should really start measuring around my waist. I think I haven't yet because I'm scared to see the result!! We had an ultrasound this morning, and the babies are getting bigger! Baby A weighs 5 lbs 3 oz and Baby B weighs 5 lbs 5 oz! I can't believe I have 10 1/2 lbs of baby in me! Actually, I can :) Most likely just a few more weeks and we will finally get to meet these little ones! Next appointment is on Monday, with Dr. Smith, so we will know more then about when they are coming, etc. They are still in the breech/transverse positions, and now Baby B is bigger than Baby A, so we are 90% sure it will be a C-section. Like I said, we'll know more on Monday.

33 week pictures

So I know that today is actually 34 weeks, but I never posted these last week so I'll do them today and then add the 34 week ones tomorrow. A pretty normal week, including the now-routine THREE nurses to get TWO heartbeats on the NST...yes Julianne they have had to use the buzzer but she doesn't respond to it! I think she's stubborn :) I have another appointment tomorrow, so hopefully I'll have some updates! And my goal is to post slide shows of the baby showers...I now have three to do!

Someday our house will be finished and there will be no more baby stuff in boxes in the living room...sigh. Although I guess the baby stuff will still be everywhere :)

Watching my brother open presents on his 18th birthday...and yes, I am as tired as I look here...times about a million!!!

A new-found talent :)

10 things about my morning...

1. I had an appointment with Dr. Kates.
2. Scott was running behind so I had to go by myself...at least for awhile.
3. Scott went to the wrong doctor's office...
4. It took a LONG time to get the bio-physical profile done (usually only takes about 10-15 min.)
4. The babies weren't moving very much (or at all for Baby A) so I had to drink lots of Tang.
5. Tang is yucky.
6. I still had to roll from side to side to get her to move.
7. Dr. Kates was concerned so he sent me to the hospital for a non-stress test.
8. You get to lay in a real bed that is comfortable and has a pillow when you have a non-stress test at the hospital!
9. The nurse at the hospital is WAY better at finding heart beats than the nurse at the doctor's office.
10. It took almost an hour to get enough movement from Baby A to make the nurse happy...Baby B was jumping all over the place by this point :) However, she was impressed that I wasn't have ANY contractions at all...apparently by this time usually twin patients are contracting more than I am. And she didn't make me drink any Tang. I'll take it ;)

No worries, though...babies are fine, I am fine...Scott didn't get to work until lunchtime, so I'm sure he's fine-although probably a little stressed :) I get to spend my afternoon napping, so I think I'm definitely in for a great rest of my day! Maybe one of these days I'll get to have an appointment that is uneventful :)

32 weeks!

Whew! I feel like I'm getting bigger by the minute! 32 weeks is a big milestone, at least according to Dr. Smith...if the babies were born now, they would have to spend some time in the NICU but would definitely be okay! We're hoping to make it 4 more weeks to 36 and get nice, chubby 6 pound babies! All the appointments this week went well--Baby B's varix hasn't grown and there is no sign of a clot, so that is good news. No signs of pre-term labor, and that's great news! Both babies are transverse (laying sideways), for the second week in a row...it's looking more and more like it will have to be a C-section. As long as they're healthy, we don't care!

Here you can see some progress--two car seats and less baby stuff in the living room! Yay!

Non-stress? Not really!

Today was my first non-stress test. A pretty simple 20 minute test where they put a contraction monitor on your belly, as well as heart rate monitors for each of the babies. I was supposed to press a button when I felt the babies move, and it records their heart rates at that time or something like that. That's how it's supposed to go. What really happened is this:

They were about half an hour late calling me back--I'm used to waiting when I go to the doctor's office, so I wasn't concerned--but when the nurse came and got me she apologized for the wait and explained that they had just had a set of twins that weren't cooperating with the test so it took a little longer. I think it was a sign! Today was not a good day for twins and non-stress tests!

I got in the chair and they laid me back and strapped the contraction monitor on. Right on top of Baby B, actually, but I figure they know what they are doing so I don't say anything. The cute little nurse then proceeds to try to find Baby A's heart beat. She can't. She moves it around and around and is now trying to find ANY heart beat. She can't. I'm not worried, seeing as how the babies are moving and all...she asks me how they are positioned and I tell her exactly where they are. 10 more minutes, still no heart beats. She leaves to go find another nurse. Nurse #2 walks in and takes the monitor...she moves it around and around, still no heart beats. Lots of comments on how much the babies must be moving and how I'm just not far enough along for this to be easy, it should get better the next few weeks, etc. She FINALLY finds Baby A's heart beat, way down low, by pressing the monitor in really REALLY HARD. I'm supposed to hold it there because we lose the heart beat if it isn't pressed in so far. She then starts pressing really hard and moving the second monitor all over to try to get Baby B's heart beat. She finally finds it way over on the left side, and kind of down in the middle.

Let me stop here and explain that there are no babies on the left side of my belly. Baby B is really high and laying sideways, and Baby A is breech, sitting and leaning to the right. So there are no babies over on the left side. But I digress.

They watch these heart beats for a few minutes, and I'm thinking that they must be monitoring Baby A twice, because they sound exactly the same, and the second reading (supposedly Baby B) is really light, and they keep losing it. Lots more comments about how he is just moving too much to find a steady reading. Finally the first nurse decides she is going to take the readout to Dr. Smith and see what he has to say. (Note: I am not supposed to see Dr. Smith today.) She comes back, and sure enough, it's the same heart beat twice. I ask if I can get up for a minute, because I am about to faint from laying on my back so long and having them dig into my stomach. I lay back down, and we start over. Baby A, right away. Baby B, not so much. I AGAIN tell the nurse exactly how high Baby B is...and again, she can't find a heart beat because she is looking low and to the left. After about 10 minutes of this, they decide to go GET Dr. Smith, and have him bring in the ultrasound. It takes him approximately 32 seconds to come in with the machine, find the baby on the ultrasound, and put the heart rate monitor EXACTLY WHERE I HAD BEEN POINTING. He says we have lots of good readings for Baby A, so we can take that monitor off (yay!) and just watch B for 20 minutes. Nurse #2 leaves.

We finally got all the readings, and once they found Baby B's heart beat, it was good and strong and he was doing lots of moving. Dr. Smith came back in a few minutes later just to make sure everything was going okay, so we ended up seeing him I think 3 times when we weren't supposed to see him at all. No wonder the doctors there are always so busy! We also got to talk to the original nurse, who was now the only one in there with us. It was really neat to get to talk with her--she has been through lots of the same infertility problems that we have, and she actually has boy-girl twins herself! They were adopted, and they got them at 10 weeks old. She also has an older son whom they were able to adopt right after he was born--they took him home from the hospital! Her family even attended the same church that we do a few years ago. It was nice and refreshing to realize that the people that work there are real people too. Plus we got lots of good twin tips!

So all in all, everything turned out okay--the babies are healthy, and that's all that really matters. Hopefully next week our 20-minute test won't take 2 1/2 hours!!!

Updates...finally!!!

I'm back! We have been so crazy here lately...the basement is almost done, the nursery is almost done, the babies are almost here...it seems like time is flying and there is definitely not enough of it! We've been keeping busy with doctor's appointments and house projects...I'll try to be better about updating more frequently!

This is what I looked like at 30 weeks. This week we had our regular appointment and our ultrasound, and on the ultrasound they found out that Baby B has an umbilical vein varix. This is basically a varicose vein of the umbilical cord--it's herniated a little bit where his cord enters his tummy. It's nothing to be too worried about, but it needs to be watched closely--since the vein is wider there, blood could pool and cause a clot. If this happens, the babies have to be born relatively quickly so the clot doesn't travel into the baby. Dr. Kates told us blood clots are rare--but so is the varix in the first place. We've been moved up to weekly ultrasounds to monitor the progress. This week they measured the babies and Baby A weighs 3 lbs, 6 oz and Baby B weighs 3 lbs, 2 oz! That's 6 1/2 lbs of baby and lots of weeks to go still!

This was yesterday, at 31 weeks! Look how much bigger I've gotten in just one week! These babies are really growing fast! We had our usual lineup of appointments...Dr. Smith said everything looks great, I don't have any signs of preterm labor or anything so I should hopefully be okay for a few more weeks! He wants to start giving me non-stress tests, so next Tuesday will be my first one. I'm not quite sure how they work, but I'll let you know on Tuesday! He says with the babies being monitored by the NST (non-stress test) at the beginning of the week and ultrasound at the end of the week, we should be able to keep them in there for as long as possible. We went to Dr. Kates in the afternoon, and the varix hasn't gotten any bigger nor has it developed a clot. Yay! It was a day of good news! Next week we start having THREE appointments a week! Whew!

Last Friday we painted the nursery! You can't really see the border, but it has blue, pink, and yellow Hawaiian flowers with little green leaves. The crib sheets are Hawaiian and are bright colors as well, so it should look really cute!

Here is Scott starting to assemble the cribs...it took awhile! Luckily, the second one went much faster than the first! I tried to be helpful but mostly laid on the floor and watched :)

Here are the cribs, all put together! I will post more pictures when the rest of the room gets done. This weekend we have to find a dresser to go in the closet, and then I can get everything washed and put away! I can't wait to have it finished and ready for the babies, whenever they decide to come!

I also have pictures from my baby shower a few weeks ago--as soon as I can figure out how to make a slide show I will put them up. I received the most lovely things and can't wait to use them!!!

Guardian Angel

I have an angel! My sweet angel and her two adorable and oh-so-lovable angel babies made a casserole for us last night and brought it over. It could not have come at a better time--it sure is getting harder for me to get up and do things, and I certainly haven't been making many meals lately!

Lately I've had to get used to others doing for me what I usually do for myself (and others). While I appreciate all the help, I sometimes feel useless. And while it's getting easier to accept the help, it's very difficult for me to ask for it. I didn't expect pregnancy to be so difficult. Not being able to do the simple things, like laundry and cleaning the bathtub, has been a very humbling experience.

Scott has been working really hard on finishing the basement...it's getting close! We have been very lucky with all the help we have been getting--yesterday my dad, Scott's brother Kevin and Scott's dad came over and helped. I spend all of my time upstairs, which gets lonely. The TV and computer don't really talk back :) It was so nice to have my friend stop by, even if it was just for a few minutes.

Thank you, Vicki, for everything. The dinner was DELICIOUS--we gobbled it right up! And it couldn't have come at a better time. I appreciate you so much!

Tagged by Julianne!

Answer the following using the first word that pops into your head (and remember, use just ONE word!)
1. Where is your cell phone? couch

2. Your significant other? amazing

3. Your hair? up

4. Your mother? bubbly

5. Your father? quiet

6. Your favorite thing? Scott

7. Your dream last night? none

8. Your favorite drink? slurpee :)

9. Your dream/goal? babies!

10. The room you’re in? living

11. Your hobby? sewing

12. Your fear? snakes

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

14. What you’re not? sarcastic

15. Muffins? blueberry

16. One of your wish list items? nursery

17. Where you grew up? Kennewick

18. The last thing you did? ate

19. What are you wearing? jammies

20. Favorite gadget? microwave

21. Your pets? none

22. Your computer? nice

23. Your mood? cheerful

24. Missing someone? yes

25. Your car? Cadillac

26. Something you’re not wearing? shoes

27. Favorite store? fabric

28. Like someone? husband

29. Your favorite color? pink

30. When is the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? yesterday

I tag Vicki, Megan, and Heidi!

Baby Brunch!!!!

We had a great time in Portland last weekend! It was nice and relaxing--we had lunch with Adam and Staci, Angela made us dinner, and of course we had the baby brunch!! It was just lovely--lots of good friends and lots of good food! Always the best combination for a perfect party :) We didn't do much else, just a little shopping--although it's hard to shop when you're not supposed to be on your feet for more than 30 minutes at a time. We managed it though! Here are some pictures from our wonderful brunch. I'll put them up, although I want everyone to know that I am NOT as fat as these pictures make me look :(

Thank you Angela for such a fantastic weekend!!! I love you!!!

Cute baby balloon

Adam and Staci

Dave, Sara (hidden :) ) and Scott

Lovely gifts

Ben and Angela, world's best hosts and the cutest engaged people I know :)

Opening presents

Sara and Dave

yay for cute baby dresses!

Angela, Sara and I

Another lakehouse weekend!

We spent this past weekend at the lake with Duane and Gayla, Scott's parents. It was a wonderful weekend, full of the best kinds of lake house things--relaxing, card playing, and eating! We had a card tournament with the neighbors, and Scott and I won! It was really fun, and kind of a fluke that we even got to be partners, because we drew numbers to see who would be playing with whom. What a fun night! The neighbors up there are the best, we all just laughed until our bellies hurt! Scott did some more fishing, and he caught 5 bass! I got a picture of the first one, it was pretty big! but Scott informed me that the other 4 were just "teenagers" and he threw them back before I could take a picture. It was a great weekend, and we can't wait to get back up there!

Scott and his fish --"I caught you this delicious bass"

Scott being...well, just being Scott :)

100 days to go!!!

Wow, I can't believe I only have 100 days to go! And if they come early, it won't even be that many! I'll be 26 weeks on Thursday, and I figured it was time to get some updated belly shots on here. This weekend we are going to Portland, and my dear Angela is having a baby brunch for us and several friends! I am very excited, and will post pictures as soon as we get back next week! Then maybe you can see one or two with me, my belly, AND my face!

This is 23 weeks...

And this is 25 weeks! They are getting bigger!!!!

Babies

Our ultrasound went pretty well on Thursday, except we didn't get any good pictures of the babies! It takes SO long for them to do these ultrasounds (almost an hour and a half), and they spend most of the time measuring everything and making sure stuff looks good. Well, everything looks good, but we didn't even get to see their faces! They can do the 3-D ultrasounds with this machine, so I was hoping for some good pictures to put up. The babies were just moving around too much, and it took him a really long time to get all the necessary stuff done so we didn't get to play around in 3-D. Oh well, maybe next time.

The babies are doing really well! Baby A (she's the girl) is on the bottom and she weighs 1 lb, 2 ounces! She's head down, which is good since she's been breech up until this ultrasound. She moves ALL the time. I can tell she's gonna be a feisty one!

Baby B (he's the boy) is on the top, laying sideways. He's very mellow...I can feel him move, but he doesn't move NEARLY as much as Baby A does. Hopefully I'll have at least one easy baby! He weighs 1 lb, 1 ounce, and the doctor is amazed at how close they are staying to each other (growth wise). Apparently fraternal twins can grow at different rates...it's kind of like having 2 pregnancies, except they are happening at the same time! So Dr. Kates is surprised that they continue to be so close together (last time they were only 6 grams apart!).

For more exciting news, we got a bunch of baby stuff! This weekend we went hog wild and bought 2 cribs, a changing table, a travel system (stroller/car seat combo) and a pack n play! I'll post pictures when I take some. All of the bedding has come now, and we're expecting a big box from Carter's to come today! I'm starting to get really excited...now if only our basement was done!

Scott's big fish

We spent last weekend at the lake with our friends the McClains. We had a great weekend...even though it wasn't very sunny, it was still warm and we got to do all the fun lake things--play in the lake, play cards, roast marshmallows and make s'mores, and eat lots of yummy food! The highlight of the weekend (well, for Scott at least!) was the HUGE bass he caught on Friday night! We measured this guy at over 21 inches, and although we didn't get to weigh it, it was gigantic! Scott let it go...reluctantly :) Here are some pictures from our weekend!

Scott and his big catch!

This sucker was HUGE!

Scott and Maddy roasting marshmallows

Sarah and Natalie eating s'mores! Natalie doesn't seem so sure about this! :)

Sarah and I getting ready to go. I think one of the guys must have said something funny!

I have another big ultrasound appointment tomorrow, so hopefully we'll get some good pictures and I'll be able to post them! We'll let you know how it goes!

Home Sweet Home!

It's so nice to be home! We were in Orlando last week for 9 days...Scott attended Microsoft TechEd, and I spent the week relaxing! It was a great week, but I'm glad to be home. Traveling when you're pregnant is just not the same as traveling when you're not. However, Scott had a great time at his conference, he learned a lot, and I had a great week shopping and laying by the pool! Being in the pool was SO wonderful! I am trying to convince Scott that we need one now :) We got some great baby shopping done--I picked out my baby bags (actually, Scott picked them out--who knew?) and we got lots of great stuff at the Carter's outlet. And we ordered the crib bedding! We don't have cribs yet, but that's another story :) I'll post pictures of all the great stuff when it gets here. This week I'm working on relaxing and doing laundry, and then we are going to the lake this weekend with some friends. Should be a nice, relaxing time that doesn't involve airplanes, rental cars, or work!

We didn't spend ALL our time working--here we are at the Magic Kingdom!

And finally, the much requested and anticipated belly shot. It's getting quite big, no? 20 weeks-half way there! I'm betting it's going to get much bigger than this! (gotta love the Bella Band!)