Well, here I go again, spacing blogs out.  My heart is journaling all the time, its just been really hard to get it all together in writing.  In fact, today, I am sitting in a coffee shop with a Skinny Mocha just so I can do this before I go back to work.  So many firsts have occurred since I wrote last. Chloe had her first cold and ear infection, they attended their first funeral (my cousin, Justin Averette - very sad) and their first wedding (Mason Corwin & April Robinson).  They went to church for the first time, had their first vacation (to Destin, FL - they did great by the way!).  They had their first Easter, first restaurant, and their first taste of sweet tea (I dipped their pacifiers in it). The babies are sleeping in their cribs now.  No more pack n' plays in the living room.  (they have been replaced with Swings, Bumbo's, and Car Seats since we are on the go a lot more now).  Tommy and I learned on vacation that we don't have to do shift work anymore.  They started sleeping 6 hours or so at night, so instead of someone staying up with them all the time, we can both lay down together, use the baby monitor, and just get up when they stir around.  This would seem like the logical plan to a mom of one baby, but with two, it was easier to stay up with them.  At least it was with us.  When they were waking to eat every three hours, it was constant change, feed, burp, repeat.  That can be exhausting.  I would say that we are definitely getting into a better groove.  It feels good.  I feel good.  It's getting even funner.  Now when we take them out, we get so much attention.  So many people stop and ask questions about them.  The first question is "are they twins?"  I should probably wear a t-shirt.  But I love it.  I don't mind stopping and hearing about how they had twins, or how they wanted twins, how their aunt has twins, or that their grandmother was a twin.  It doesn't get boring or annoying.  It's lovely.  We took them to the Strawberry Festival and we enjoyed all the looks and smiles.  Even the classic "you have your hands full.  Bless your heart."  :)  I always kinda resented people telling me when I was pregnant that I would have my hands full, but the other day, when I had both babies on the couch, with a bottle in each hand, I fully understood what they meant.  Tommy always tells people that we have "Full Time Fun!" 

 

I am enjoying motherhood so much now.  Even as I sit here and type - enjoying the solace - I miss them.  I will be going back to work in 2 weeks.  I am gearing up for that by letting Joleen & April (who is wonderful with them) keep them today.  I need to get used to being apart from them some.  I think that working can be a good thing for us - and in this economy, I am very grateful to have a good job.  We need the insurance and retirement, so, I will go back.  I'll be off on Wednesdays.  That will be a nice mid-week treat.  I am so thankful my employer is allowing me to do that!

 

About having another baby right now.  Nope.  I am not in the market for another baby.  And, if in a little while I even suggest that I have the baby itch, please put some cortisone cream on it!  :)  (Have to love Doug Davis and his funny sayings).  Seriously though, babies are a lot of work.  Many moms who will read this already know that.  Tommy and I have washed an enormous about of baby clothes and bottles … since love came.  And, we are not complaining, only observing, that we have a lot less 'free time.'  But as Mother's Day approaches, and I think of the many Mother's Days' I longed for a baby, or grieved over the 2 I lost, I will be nothing but grateful for my precious gifts!  But, I am still putting away the maternity clothes.  At least for now.  :)

 

I was so blessed with 2 months of meals from my friends.  What a blessing that was!  I am extremely grateful for all of you who gave to us!  We had some yummy stuff during that time.  Half of which I could never make myself.  We are lucky to have such great friends.

 

I will say that I have a rekindled love for mocha frappachinos.  I think Mochas were made for Moms!  It's amazing how much more I love coffee now.  But they aren't an extremely healthy drink option. In fact, know what my supper was last night?  At 7pm, I baked banana nut bread and drank a cup of coffee.  So weird.  

 

Tommy turned 30 on April 4th.  I will turn 32 in 3 days.  We have both started a calorie count.  It's hilarious b/c we have went over our calorie budget almost everyday since we started counting.  So, there has been no real change, but at least we are keeping up with it.  I guess.  ha.  

 

The babies are enjoying tummy time now.  They like it for the first little bit, then their grunts turn into more frustrated grunts.  This reminds me of while we were on vacation in Destin. Josh, Tiff, and Braelyn were at the beach with us, and several times when the babies would cry, Braelyn would point out that the babies were 'frustrated.'  Such a descriptive word for a smart little girl.  :)  She loved tickling the babies, and the babies offered up a lot of smiles when she was around.  

 

I guess many of the twins' milestones will be bittersweet.  Chloe doesn't "sing" at every feeding and while she sleeps much anymore.  They have grown out of both their preemie clothes and their newborn clothes.  Carters feet are starting to hang off the edge of his bouncy seat.  --- But, in exchange, they are also smiling more. Following us with their eyes.  Enjoying their mobiles.  Supported Sitters.  More alert.  And better sleepers!  So, with the sadness, comes the joy of 'the next stage.'  I need to also document the love affair that the babies have with the living room ceiling fan.  They can't keep their eyes off of it!  

 

I bought both of them a large keepsake box.  Chloe's has lots of pretty flowers on it, since her name means 'vibrant & blooming.' And Carters was a more masculine version. I am filling it with their hospital wristlets, a few memorable outfits, height/weight charts from pediatrician visits, immunization info, blah blah blah.  I expect it to be bursting at the seams soon, even though its a large box.  

 

Both babies are eating 6 oz every 3 or 4 hours now.  They are definitely chunking up nicely.  Chloe has to have a constant supply of prune juice to keep things moving, and Carter still does a better job of going on his own.  I was sad today when I took out the last bag of breastmilk I had reserved for Carter.  I know I did my best with the whole breastfeeding thing, but looking back its easier to say "I could have probably done it longer."  In the thick of exhaustion and infection though, I felt like it was best to give it up.  I was able to provide for Carter for 2 and 1/2 months.  Chloe got one month of breastmilk before they changed her over to Enfamil A.R. for her reflux problems.  Since then, I have seen a marked improvement in her spit up.  She still spits up, but we have learned tricks to help her keep it down.  

 

Well, I guess I'll wrap this blog.  Time to run a few errands.  I love documenting life.  Life is Good because God is Good.  We have been surrounded by friends and family - Nana's, Papa's, Aunts, and Cousins - who love these babies.  I love that my babies are loved.  That means the world to me.  And, Happy Mother's Day to my mom - the Best - who I believe is helping me be a better mom.  I read a quote the other day that there is no way to be a perfect mom.  But there are a million ways to be a good one.  I'm trying to be a good mom … one day at a time.

Before I was a Mom:
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not the room was 'too cool'.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom:
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom:
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.
I never carried around hand sanitizer.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom this much.
Before I was a Mom:
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom:
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never used so much stain remover on clothes.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
 

We took the babies for their one month checkup yesterday. I was so pleased with their weight gain, and the Pediatrician was too. Carter was weighing in at 6 pounds 15 oz and Chloe was 6 pounds 5 oz. I think every time they have been weighed together, the last digit of their ounces has been the same. It makes it easier for me to remember, and it's cool that its worked out that way. Chloe was picked up in the air and she held her feet and arms straight out. Dr. McDonough said that they both looked great and that Chloe got an A+ b/c she was so feisty and had a lot of spunk. That is true, she's a spitfire. Carter peed through his diaper and I was told that he was getting too big for his britches. At almost 7 lbs, he would no longer be in preemie diapers … he has graduated to a newborn size. Kinda makes momma sad, but I am thrilled that they are thriving! Chloe will finish off the last bag of preemies, and I'll be moving her up too. Same goes with clothes. I think they are both about to move up to newborn size. Sniff Sniff.

I had a whole list of questions, and Dr McDonough actually took the list from me and answered them one by one. With twice the babies, I had twice the questions. I had them categorized on my list: general questions applying to them both, Chloe specific questions, and Carter specific questions. Mom must be organized, even if the list is made at 3 am. Mr. Carter has a pretty bad diaper rash. Although breastmilk is agreeing with him just fine, since he goes poopy after every feeding, his bottom is irritated. We are going to introduce some formula which will keep him 'less regular' instead of feeding him breastmilk exclusively for a few days. Sounds like a good plan. Chloe has the opposite problem. She stays kinda stopped up with her formula, so they suggested I add some breastmilk to her bottles. Well, we tried it and she spit up a ridiculous amount – even for hours after she was fed. I can't do that to the poor baby anymore. It just doesn't work for her. So, we are learning. Learning what works and doesn't work. But, I am getting more comfortable and so is Tommy. It's getting easier and I am really enjoying being a mom.

Carter is a gassy baby. He would probably not like me telling the world that. But, it is true. When you are naming your children, you try to think of any possible nickname they may be called. Well, Tommy is just now thinking of the nickname Carter McFarter. Ok, not funny. Yes, it is funny. But, I will not think it is funny if you call my child Carter McFarter. That should be reserved for me and his Dad. And possibly Chloe one day. :) We will attempt to get this under control before he gets older by using the “GentleEase” Enfamil formula. Let's cross our fingers folks. I must say, though, that if it does work, that I will miss all the living room chuckles as Carter breaks wind randomly. And I will also miss the leg pumps that result in fart after fart after fart. :) But, I do want to give my little man some relief. And, we can't have him growing up like his dad, Tommy McFarter. :)

 

Well, so much for picking back up with my blog from last time. I got a little busy. :)

Today is Feb 25^th, and our babies are ONE MONTH OLD TODAY!! Yay!! It's going by fast - just like everyone said it would, so I am trying to journal as much as possible.

To continue my last entry …

The first night at home didn't go as Tommy and I had imagined it would. We pulled the pack and play into the bedroom. We fed them and laid them down together, side by side. They started whimpering, grunting, and fussing. Chloe kept spitting up. We thought the babies would magically self-soothe and go to sleep … and their clueless parents would get more sleep than they ever dreamed possible. Ha. That makes me laugh out loud now. We used flashlights to see what was up with them, and sat up in bed at every grunt. Finally, I took Chloe out to the living room and held her in my arms. That began the living room shift work. Since the first night neither of us got any sleep, we knew that we could not keep that up long term. And, the babies have slept in the living room ever since. Our living room does not resemble its former self. It now has 2 pack n plays, a clothes hamper, a diaper dekor, a wipes warmer, cases of formula elevating Chloe's pack n play, and bottles of hand sanitizer strategically located throughout. It's comical really.

We were home one week by ourselves – well with help during the day (and Tiffany pulled one night shift with me thankfully). During that week, Chloe's umbilical cord fell off. She was first to shed it, as big sister should, and then Carters fell off 2 days later. And then on that next Monday, Feb 15^th, Chloe was readmitted to Springhill Hospital. Because of her low body temperature, slow weight gain, spitting problems, and lack of poopy diapers, they put her in for monitoring and for an barium swallow test. The test showed that she did have acid reflux and so the pediatrician put her on a formula made by Enfamil – Enfamil A.R. Lipil. It is thickened with rice cereal so it is supposed to stay in her stomach better. She was also prescribed Axid for her acidy stomach, and the combination has helped. She still spits up, but she is doing better. My 3 night hospital stay alone was not ideal. I was separated from Tommy and Carter and the hospital room was cramped and a little dirty. Housekeeping had not cleaned from previous tenants and there was a bag of soiled laundry in the bathroom the first 2 days. I didn't have a lazyboy recliner in the room (dang) and so it meant holding and cuddling Chloe was uncomfortable for both of us. After our long hospital stay previously, I was just tired of hospitals, period. I had already ordered everything possible off the room service menu, and was not hugely impressed. Chloe had a massive IV in her little bitty arm and they had put in a catheter, and taken blood. My baby was sweet but pitiful looking. We were told on the second day (that we thought we would be discharged) that Chloe had a urinary tract infection and so they started antibiotics in her IV. The second culture showed that she didn't have one, so there was quite possibly a contaminant that made the false reading. I was frustrated that we may have stayed in the hospital another night for no reason, but was relieved that she wouldn't have to take antibiotics when we got home. We were released from the hospital on Thursday the 18^th. I was so glad to be home again. I kept humming the Jack Johnson song - “it's always better when we're together.”

I remember the day we were discharged from the hospital the first time … to take our babies home, I had a revelation of God's love. I remember realizing that the babies were not one bit worried or concerned that we would not take good care of them. And, in the same way, I should not be worried/concerned that God would not take good care of us. It was a powerful thought to me in that moment.

Since we've been home, we've gotten into somewhat of a groove. A sleepy groove, but a groove nonetheless. The babies have gotten their first 2 baths by Grandma Pierce, who is known to love giving them. And, Aunt Elaine even gave them one when she visited. Tommy and I have also tried our hand at it, and things are going smooth. The babies scream and cry during it, but afterwards really seem to enjoy the calming effect. They are always bright eyed and observant after a warm bath. At Chloe's first bath at home, I discovered her birthmarks. It's sad, but while she was in special care nursery, I never got to see her back really (which is where the biggest one is), so I was really surprised to see it while she was getting her first at-home bath. Chloe has 4 birthmarks – a large one in the center of her back, a tiny one on her index finger, one on her outer thigh, and both her AND Carter have stork bites on the back of their neck. I think its cool that they have one in the same spot. Chloe's back and thigh birthmarks have raised and gotten darker. I think they are actually strawberries and so it would be good if they fade over time. I am sure that she would like them to, even though her Dad and I would like to see her wear one piece bathing suits as a teenager to cover it up. :)

Keegan came over to take pictures on last Friday night. The babies were 3 weeks and 4 days. I think we got some really cute ones, but the babies were peeing and pooping everywhere! She had a suitcase that we put the babies in, and we put Carter sitting up in his brown chair (until he pooped in it) and then we sat Chloe up in the pink rocking chair until she pooped in it. It was grossly hilarious and we had fun, with a bunch of “oh, crap, not again” mixed in. :) I can't wait to see those pictures. Chloe was extra dramatic that day … so I hope every picture of her is not with a sad face.

The Olympics have been on during this newborn season of our lives. I'm pretty tired of hearing about Vancouver this, and Canada that. You should also know that the games that are on at 3am are not the most interesting sports. Curling for example is a very boring sport to watch and does not do wonders for the ability to stay awake during feedings. This has been a memorable year for the twins though. History will tell that in the year they were born, Mobile had a snow (Friday, Feb 19^th), the New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl (Sunday, Feb 7^th – the day they came home), and Alabama won the National Championship Game in Pasadena, California (Thursday, Jan 7^th).

Tommy went back to work this past Monday, the 22^nd, and so we are adjusting accordingly. He had taken 4 weeks off with us, so it was obvious that he needed to go back. On that Tuesday, I was by myself and we had a small meltdown at the 4pm feeding. Both babies were screaming for food at the same time, and mommy could only do so much. Tommy called on the way home asking what I wanted for supper, and I was using louder tones when I said firmly - “Anything, just PLEASE COME HOME!” I vowed not to be so frustrated (if I can help it) when he walks in the door. I don't want to be the wife still in pjs, no makeup, and fussing about the days incidents. But, he was very understanding, came to our rescue, and I was just so happy when he was home.

My blood pressure has been better the last few times I have went to see Dr Busbee. He's slowly backing me off the blood pressure medicine, and I'm happy about that.

Here are some interesting facts about the twins at one month old:  Chloe seems to like her pacy a little more than Carter.  Carter will stay awake a little more than Chloe.  Sometimes I will find him looking all around when I think he is sleeping in his newborn napper.  I hope its not because of the coffee I sneak every now and again.  :)  Carter's milk pretty much contains what mommy eats and drinks, so I am trying to be careful.  We've still been swaddling the little burritos and they don't seem to mind it.  But ... everyone seems to have an opinion about whether they should be swaddled, and whether they like it or not.  :)  They are about to grow out of preemie diapers and preemie clothes.  They are getting too long for them, and I know its good for them to be able to stretch their little legs.  That makes me sad.  :(  But, at least they have cute newborn clothes to grow into.  :)  Tommy, who was always grossed out by the bulb syringe has been doing most of the booger sucking.  He's also become quite the expert at saline drops in their noses to loosen up the boogers first.  Hilarious to me that this is part of my blog.  But since babies are such nose breathers, it is important to keep those 4 nostrils free and clear.  :) 

Tommy also has the cutest songs he sings to the babies.  I can't sing it in a blog but the words are simple ... "That's my son."  "That's my girl." and to Daisy ... "That's my dog."  Its actually an original tune ... and catchy.  I sing it all the time now too.  lol.  Several of the swaddlers we use are a "kiddapotamus" brand.  Tommy also sings "I want a kiddapotamus for Christmas ... only a kiddapotamus will do."  We have fun.  Babies are fun. 

We go back to the Pediatrician tomorrow and I can not wait to see what the babies weigh now. They are both drinking about 3 ½ oz at their feedings and both of them – especially Carter is chunking up. Carter is even beginning to sport a double chin. It's cute. They are two cute! :)

It is really awesome to have two babies, both boy and girl. When Carter fusses, its a grunt and when Chloe fusses, its a girly squeal. I get to experience the wonder of a girl and the wonder of a boy all at the same time. My only wish is that I am able to slow down and enjoy it. I don't want this time to be a blur, so I am trying to strategically stop and record and take pictures and revel in it as often as I can.

Papa Pete has been doing a great job feeding the babies and holding them too. Dad is a fix-it kinda fellow and so when he sees that Chloe, for instance, needs her bed elevated, he is all about finding a solution. It cracks me and Tommy up, because he definitely has his own ideas about how we should do things, but he is active in their lives and he loves them very very much. That means so much to me!! Dad comes over most evenings, but what has been the coolest thing to me is when he comes over at 6:00 am during the weekdays before work. He usually stays until 6:30 and will sometimes bring me an egg sandwich or some coffee. Since my shift starts at around 2 or 3 am, its nice to see someone when the sun is coming up.

Martha has also been available to us and has really stepped up as Grandma. She's been willing to come over and sit with me and Tommy and help with feedings, grocery store runs, and/or laundry. It's been very helpful.

I also look forward to Grandma coming by at around 9 am on some mornings. She has been sick for a little over a week now, and has been staying away, so I miss that.

These babies are certainly loved, and people have blessed us so much. I have had 3 weeks of meals so far and they have been yummy, convenient, and appreciated. It takes away the brainwork of dinner – it just arrives and we get to scarf it down and then return to feeding and snuggling babies. I've also been thankful for the people who have come to sit with me. That has been comforting and reassuring when I've felt like I couldn't do this alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so who knows what all it takes to raise twins. I guess we will find out. :)

Well, it's Valentine's Day.  And as tired as I am, I was convinced to blog about my last few weeks.  As Tommy already sweetly wrote in his Dad's Journal (which made me cry), we have TWINS now!!  They are outside of my belly and in my living room, where I can kiss them, cuddle them, and admire the miracle that they are.  My heart is so full these days.  It's my 'shift' and Tommy and I just made the 'shift exchange.'  Since it's Valentines Day, we have spent lots of time telling each other how incredible this really is.  We reflected on how 2 Valentine's Day ago, we were not able to hear our Baby's heartbeat on ultrasound.  Our first major disappointment on the way to what was to be.  God always delivers.  We don't understand why things happen the way they do, but somehow we ALWAYS find that God restores, and fills our lives with joy.  With Tommy and with these babies now, I never realized how much capacity to love we really have.  I feel like my heart has been stretched in a million ways.  Making room to love these babies .. MY family ... so much more.  My life feels so rich and full.  I hope this blog is screaming that.  How awesome this VDay is for me.  Even though we didn't go to a fancy restaurant.  And even though we didn't exchange pricey gifts, we are overwhelmed with satisfaction.  Now, don't get me wrong.  It will be nice to have a date night in the near future ... so babysitting offers will gladly be taken. :)  But for now, in the fog of tiredness and busy-ness, we realize the miracle that this truly is.  And we are so very thankful!
 
So, to back track a little.  Here is how our lives have been.
I went to the routine Dr's visit on Monday, Jan 25th.  I had been feeling rough, but had no clue it was THE day.  I even stopped in to pick up the nursery curtain from the seamstress on the way to the appt.  Long story short, my blood pressure was out of control and my Doctor (who I really love) admited me for monitoring.  I was the only patient in Labor and Delivery that night, so I got a lot of attention.  After strapping on 3 belly monitors - one for contractions, and one for each baby, my doctor kept coming in to check on me.  He really stuck with me that night.  At about 8 p.m.'ish, he said, "Your blood pressure is getting dangerously high, so we are getting these babies tonight."  He gave us an hour to prepare.  Well, the Doctors, nurses, and Pediatricians sprung into action and I got progressively more nervous and nauseated.  It was nerves I am sure, but I got really sick nonetheless. I begged my nurse Marcy to give me something to relax me.  She lead me on a little while but then finally said that she couldn't give my anything until after the procedure was over.  OH MY GOODNESS.  This was NOT what I had learned about it my childbirth classes.  I felt a little jipped at that point.  But I guess it was b/c it was an emergency situation.  Anyway, I quickly chose my cousin Julie to go in the delivery room with us, so Tommy called her and she took off headed to the hospital.  Her and Tommy scrubbed up right away, and I was wheeled into the operating room.  Bright lights blaring.  Fortunately we were able to remember to get our camera to the hospital and Tommy touched base with Keegan who was also in route.  I was so thankful that everyone came to the hospital on such late notice.  The waiting room was full.  :)
In the operating room I was sort of acting a fool.  I was trembling like a mad woman, and when the anesthesiologist asked me to sit Indian style for the spinal block, I looked at him like he was crazy.  There was no way these swollen legs were crossing.  So I ended up having to kinda kick one leg out.  Which made me nervous considering the fact that they were going into my spine!!  I couldn't really pull it together and I was practically shaking off the table.  Anyway before I knew it my body was numb and my chest was heavy -- since I was having twins they had to numb me all the way to my lungs.  The anesthesiologist stayed at my head and kept giving me medicine to help with nausea.  Tommy said it looked like a little cocktail bar and he kept trying different things on me.  Dr Busbee and Dr Gallaspy Jr. started working right away.
We had Chloe Brooke at 9:13 pm and Carter Thomas at 9:14 pm.  They both weighed 4 lbs 12 oz (which the nurses say is odd).  Chloe was 18.5 inches long and Carter was 18 inches.  I didn't get to hold them in that moment... and it turned out that I didn't even get to hold them that day.  Carter was brought to me the next day for just a quick moment - per the Pediatrician's request.  Chloe was never able to come to my room.  I stayed an extra day in Labor & Delivery.  They were still working with my blood pressure and I was getting Magnesium something through an IV.  That junk also made me sick, so they knocked me out with Fenegren.  (note:  it's not fun to throw up with a fresh belly incision).  When I was finally moved to a different room on Wednesday Jan 27th, they wheeled me into the nursery to see Chloe, my baby girl, for the first time.  She was under an oxygen tent for a while.  They both had IV's.  She rec'd an antibiotic.  She was under the jaundice lamp for a little bit.  And they both needed to gain weight and maintain their body temp.  At one point, Chloe dropped down to 4lbs and 6 oz.  All of that was very emotional to me.  Granted I was too sick to really think a lot about it ... but everyone else was seeing my babies but me!!  Tommy brought me pictures of them, but it wasn't the same.
From there, I was a patient until Wed, Jan 3rd.  That was nearly 10 days.  I don't think that is usually the case, even with a C-Section, but I ended up having to have 3 pints of blood, and it took them a while to get my blood pressure back in normal range.  Dr Busbee was really great to me during that time.  I had lots of gifts, flowers, and visitors.  I felt the love from all my friends and family.
The babies stayed a few days longer than we did, but the hospital let us 'board' there for free.  It was a nice deal.  No more free meals, and Tommy had to go get my medicines from a pharmacy, but I could go and see them at every feeding, and I could get daily updates from the Dr's and Pediatrician.
The babies were released to come home on Sunday Feb 7th - it was Super Bowl Sunday (the Saints won their first).  They stayed in the hospital for 13 nights.  We came home on a cold day, and their nurse Allison, with her cool English accent, gave us our discharge instructions and walked us to the car.  Dad had loaded up the car with all the stuff we had accumulated in our 'one bedroom apartment' (we called it) and we quickly put them in the car, snapped a few photos, and were were headed home.  That was the coolest, happiest feeling.  Our babies were healthy and so were we!  Their take home baby weights were as follows ...
Carter was 4 lbs 14 oz and Chloe was 4 lbs 9 oz.  We were talking about how cool it was that they had never seen sunshine before, had never felt wind on their faces, never been in a car seat before, and had never been to their first address.  We were living in a world of firsts ... :)  The babies were super quiet on the way home.  Not a peep until Tommy put on the brakes for the first time.  They were both startled at the 'stopping sensation' - again, their first.  ;)
Grandma came over with some homemade soup when we got home.  YUMMY!  Dad and Lil came over later that night with a pizza and we watched the game.  Tommy and I felt pretty relaxed ... well, I was more anxious than Tommy.  But, heck Tommy is rarely anything other than relaxed!  Which has proven to be a great thing in our marriage.  That first night was pretty comical.  I'll write more about it when I am done with this feeding.  Daddy is asleep and so I have to feed them both this go round ... gotta change them and get bottles ready ...
I'll save this entry and then write more in a bit.  :)
 

 

Well, I have certainly been a slacker. It's been over a month since I wrote a blog, but I am 32 1/2 weeks and things are going great. At my last visit, one week ago, we had an ultrasound and we were pleased to hear that the babies are both 4lbs and 11 oz each. Both Paula and Dr. Busbee were pleased. I was 31 weeks then, but I was measuring 34 weeks. I was told that they would possibly be 'take home babies' at this point, which was very comforting. The babies are moving all the time. The movements are stronger and visible from the outside. They also have hiccups all the time. Chloe's are low and more frequent, but they both have them several times a day. Paula says they are learning to swallow and so as they drink in the amniotic fluid, the hiccuping begins. Cassie and Tommy were at this ultrasound. We saw that Chloe had 'muscular' legs, but ironically it was Carter Thomas that was kicking his sister. Yet again. :) I guess her muscles are growing to prepare for their out-of-the womb encounters. Paula says that Chloe seems to have more hair than Carter. We saw their feet again and perfect beating hearts. Paula also pointed out their very full bladders, which was amazing to see. Who would have thought their bladders get full too! I may have one more ultrasound before they are born. My next ultrasound will be in about 3 weeks. Today has been a pretty rough day for me. Well, the nausea actually started last night. I've been uncomfortable for weeks and my swelling is really out of control. It's moving up into my knees and thighs which makes it nearly impossible to bend, stand, … be. I will take the bad with the good of being pregnant. Feeling the babies and the anticipation of holding/seeing/kissing/dressing/singing to them soon makes it all worthwhile!! But, I must say that the uncomfortableness is definetly getting worse as the weeks click by. Anyway, back to today. I woke up feeling nauseated and with body aches all over. I laid around allllll day with no energy. I had so many things I wanted to do today, so hopefully I will feel better tmrw. Fortunately this is a 3 day weekend. So, Monday will have to be my Saturday. The nursery is almost done. Tommy put up some vinyl stickers with their names above their cribs. I think it added a nice touch. I have some more organizing and washing to do, but I feel better about the nursery 'status.' Funny how serious moms can be about things being DONE before the babies arrive. It's instinct I guess. I am working on a curtain for the double window. I went to get the fabric and I am trying to get the center piece monogrammed before it is sewn. Fingers crossed that it will work out pretty. Tiffany was a huge help to me in getting the nursery organized. She came over after my big family shower last weekend and worked hard to get it 'user friendly'. I've even started getting my hospital list checked off and my bags packed. You never know what could happen … :) That is a cool place to be … near the end. It's also sad in some ways. What people say about pregnancy flying by is so true! Back to my family shower. It was incredible. Better than I could have imagined. So many people came and helped make it very special. I felt very loved and came home with LOTS of beautiful things. See the Family Shower folder on the home page. It has a longer description and 60 photos! :) Big thanks again, to Julie (my Ju-Ju) for following it through from beginning to end. Tommy and I have been talking about the future a lot lately. And even when there are moments of silence around the house, or driving down the road, I think we both know where our minds are. We talk baby talk to the babies, talk about what life will look like in about a month, and what our 'parenting techniques' will be like. ha. He's been talking to clients and wholesalers and business partners about being a dad and he's been getting their perspective. I think we both know it will be tiring and scary but also fun and rewarding. One other cool event that occurred a few weeks ago was a nice dinner planned by mf Cassie. (mf = my friend). From the beginning of pregnancy, she'd been saying we'd celebrate at week 30 with a nice dinner. So, I agreed to go … but only if it was dutch. Well, we went to Ruth's Chris (a treat for both of us) and she paid. She made some arrangement with the waiter to not bring me a bill. Unbelievable kindness displayed. I was not loving her breaking our 'deal' but I was loving the person that she is - generous, and kind, and caring. She also did something that no one else would likely ever do for me. She gave me a journal full of writings from the time I got pregnant until week 30. It was full of prayers she had prayed over us, dr. appointment recaps, and she documented my good days, bad days, when the swelling started, and even text messages that I had sent to her. What a gift I will have an treasure for many years to come!! Tommy and I enjoyed a great Christmas this year. We knew that this one would be our last without tots, so it gave it an added sweetness. He helped get all the decorations packed up and back in the attic which was a huge sigh of relief! I got home from work one day and it was done! Niiice. :) Our New Years Eve was a little more low key than previous years. We had a great dinner and watched a movie with Gary & Stacey, but we were home before midnight and watched the Ball drop from the comfort of our recliners. As I type, Chloe has hiccups again. Sweet. :) I've been trying to nail down my doctor on a time that he would schedule a C-Section. Chloe is still breech, so there's a good chance that will be our birthing plan. But, he won't tell me a time frame and keeps saying that he will push me 'to the bitter end.' Great description. ;) I understand his approach though. We do want them to be totally healthy and well developed before they 'head out'. And I want Dr. Busbee to deliver them no matter what. He's been a great doctor!! I was reading his biography and it said that he has delivered more babies at Springhill than any other Doctor in Mobile. I feel like I am in good hands! Oh, and ROLL TIDE!! Alabama won the National Championship! :)