It’s been a few more weeks.  I am definitely bigger and a little more uncomfortable.  But, still doing good and still happy as a lark.  I’ll be 27 weeks tomorrow and I have another 4D ultrasound scheduled tomorrow.  I went the Tues before Thanksgiving but the babies were not ‘fat’ enough to get a good view.  Fortunately the tech told me to put the pictures in my purse because “we haven’t seen anything” and “you need to come back in two weeks.”  Awesome, I’ll get another look!!  I’ve had a regular ultrasound since then and the babies were weighing in a 2 lbs each and about 14 inches long.  They were right on track and growing at the same speed.  We got to see Chloe kissing the back of Carters head.  She’s a sweetie.  I also found out that I did pass my sugar test.  That was a relief. 

Tommy and I registered at Target last night.  I let Tommy do all of the bar code shooting with the gun and I just point to what I “think” we will need.  And I giggle.  I giggle at things Tommy says and how he is totally grossed out by anything that is a booger grabber.  Nose aspirators, for example, totally disgust him. He practically dry heaves.  I guess that will be my duty - times two. :)

He’s been so helpful in other ways lately though.  He’s helped with painting the nursery and he’s put together cribs and changing tables and wall plates.  He even put up the mobiles, and put together the crib bedding so I could take a look.  I got to just sit back and watch.  He had the hardest time with the crib bumper ribbons.  Trying to get them tied just right, pulling the bumpers tight ... etc.  I tried to help and was equally frustrated.  It’ll just have to be less than perfect.  I guess it builds ‘character’ to the room.  And its giving me something to write about. :)

The nursery is coming together nicely.  I didn’t like the paint color at first.  I was a bit emotional about it.  Second guessing how the ‘finished product’ was going to look.  Green I’ve discovered is a hard color to go with.  There are so many different greens ranging from yellowish greens, sages, to evergreens.  Well, I guess every color has a spectrum.  Point is, it was hard to choose.  On the wall this green seemed a little too florescent.  Almost Mountain Dew’ish.  But when the cribs got put up and the bedding in place, it started growing on us.  I sought out new paint samples, but in the end I think we have decided to keep it as is.  It’s looking better all the time. :)

Tommy also pulled down the Christmas Decorations.  He out together the tree, fluffed the branches, and I did the ornament hanging.  My philosophy was ‘less is more’ this Christmas, but the more deco that he pulled out ... the more we put out.  He even put alternating ribbon around the columns (red & gold) without my asking.  He was pretty proactive and I was proud.  We are a good team.  He’s a good hubby/dad-to-be to this preggo/mom-to-be.

We had a great time at Thanksgiving with family.  We hosted the Davis Family Thanksgiving Dinner at our house on the Wed night before Thanksgiving and most everyone was able to attend.  We had a feast and enjoyed the company - family all gathered around.  I was just really pooped afterwards.  I also tried Black Friday this year.  I was not in tip-top condition at 3 am but I gave it my best.  I ended up sitting in various places throughout the mall, (like an old woman) but I enjoyed watching everyone else scurry around.  I don’t regret going at all but it was very different than years past.  Perhaps its this extra 20 pounds I am carrying around with me.  Highlights include the free breakfast I had at Sam’s.  That Jimmy Dean Sausage biscuit was delicious, despite the fact that is was microwaved and loaded with carbs.  I then fell asleep in the shoe department in Belk.  I waddled over to a chair in the corner.  Pulled my buggy close to me and leaned on the handle bar.  I was sleeping soundly until a sweet Asian child came to sit beside me and made continuous annoying sounds with her mouth.  I have to admit that the look I gave her when I lifted my head from off the buggy handle was not a ‘look of Christmas.’  I am not proud of that moment.  But I was near exhaustion. 

Alabama is having a great season.  Later that day we watched the Iron Bowl and shouted our team to victory.  It was a close game.  Close enough to keep the heartburn burning.  We watched the Alabama/Florida game at Joleen/Jimmy’s and enjoyed hanging with Tommy’s side of the family too.  They are fun and always a great host.  We caught about half of the Grand Bay Christmas parade that evening and I’ll tell you ... there was not a single item thrown at me that was worth bending down for.  At this stage ... no way.  I’m too top heavy.

At our last childbirth class Tommy strapped on the Empathy Belly.  It is about 35 pounds of fake belly and boobs.  He looked pretty hilarious.  But since that night I have honestly felt him being even more empathetic.  The bladder bag he had to attach below the belly may have done the trick. :) We took a few pictures and enjoyed the laughs.  My nurse/instructor always seems concerned about my swollen feet.  She gives me extra bean bag chairs to prop my feet on and I can see her checking them out every once in a while.  She has suggested support hose.  I think I will ask her where to get them at our class tonight.  She told Tommy that massaging my feet would help.  That night Tommy massaged them for me.  Never before in our marriage has he done this.  I am not really a foot person and neither is he.  But, that night I cried like a baby.  So much so that he asks if I’m ok.  I cry louder that “YES, it feels so good!”  That was weird to type.  Ha.  Anyway.  Then I cry telling him that ‘he won’t do it again’ and how that was upsetting me.    Ok.  This crying was both a result of pain relief and hormones but it worked and I’ve gotten a nice foot rub every night since.  Funny thing is, it REALLY helps and he notices that.  So, its been very nice.  He’s been putting on socks for me and picking things up too.  Again, I’m thankful.

My new thing is Publix.  For about a month now I’ve been couponing and saving $$ there.  I went to a coupon class at Bay Community Church and I’ve gotten some good deals on diapers and wipes along with groceries.  I’m getting my pantry stocked for when I’m not really leaving the house much.  Trying to plan ahead. 

Tommy led worship at church yesterday.  I didn’t sing with him but worshiped from afar.  I’m really encouraged that God is using him in the way that He is.  Tommy played a song that he wrote.  Not many people knew that I’m sure.  But hearing him sing words that he wrote was really inspiring.  I love it when he plays the guitar at home.  The babies are hearing it, I’m sure.  And I want worship to be a familiar sound in our home.

I was hurting this past Friday afternoon/night.  It kept hurting Saturday morning so I went in to see the Doc.  He said he thought I was having contractions but he checked me and said that I wasn’t in active labor. That’s great!!  I’m not ready to take these buns out of the oven.

So here we go ... I’m in my third trimester now and it’s downhill from here I suppose.  According to my ‘great expectations’ book, in the end the babies lungs will continue to develop, they will grow hair (maybe), add fat, and build up connections in their brain.  They can hear our voices, see light and dark, and sense taste in the womb.  Over the past 3 weeks, the swirl of amniotic fluid has molded their fingerprints, and they can now sense touch.  What a miracle in the making.  I get to be the carrier.  Thank you Lord that these babies are being knit together in my womb by you, their Creator.  They are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
 

I have SO much to cover.  I've been a slacker on writing even though a lot has been happening.  Lets see how long I can make this entry.  :)  I am 24 weeks today.  I went to the Doctor today and had only gained one pound.  Praise the Lord!!  I did however fail my sugar test.  Bummer.  I'm trying not to get worked up about it.  The Doctor didn't seem to be concerned.  He said it could be related to having two placentas ?? who knows.  He, being the encouraging Doctor that he is, bet me that I'd pass it the second time.  Lets hope so!  I'll go back to the hospital next Monday (11/23) to do the 3 hour test. The Doctor also gave me iron tablets to start taking each day in addition to my prenatal.  He said the babies were robbing me of the iron I needed as mommy.  He said that delivery will be a 'bloody event' and that I need my blood built up for when I take the twins home.  He said we were trying to avoid a transfusion.  Ok, I can deal with an iron pill.  No biggie.  :)

We've made progress on the Nursery and its looking really good.  Dad, Joe and Tommy started on it on Halloween and they got all the bead board and trim up in one day.  Now we are just waiting on paint, cribs, and the rest.  It's fun piecing it all together.  When the UPS truck arrived I felt like a kid in a candy store.  I ripped the boxes open, unpackaged, and felt everything.  I am very pleased with the stuff, and boy am I glad!  It would have been a lot of hassle to return it all by mail.  Speaking of cribs, those just got ordered too.  We went with expresso instead of white and I feel good about it.  Tiff made me feel better about my choice ... she's got good taste.  :)  (shout out to Tiff who faithfully reads my blogs).  On Veterans Day, Tommy and I went to 'Storkland' in Pensacola and spotted this crib.  We ended up coming home and finding an online retailer that would give us a twin discount, free shipping - to our front door, no taxes, and faster delivery than even the store was offering.  I do love a good deal.  So, those should arrive on Black Friday.  Lets see what gets put up first, the cribs or the Christmas Tree.  :)

Tommy and I leave for our Babymoon on Thursday.  We will be back on Sunday.  We are staying the first night at The Ross Bridge Hotel in Hoover.  I've always wanted to stay there b/c its very castle-y and it looks romantic.  Especially in the Fall.  They have a nice cozy spot in the Lobby with a great looking fireplace.  We'll then spend the next two nights in Nashville.  We plan to see the Rockettes (I loved the show in New York last year) and see all the attractions at the Opryland Hotel.  It will be all decorated for Christmas.  They also have the Charlie Brown Christmas Ice Sculptures, Hot Cocoa Corners, The Hall of Trees, and a big art/crafts show.  This whole trip was Sherri's idea.  Her and Butch were going on an anniversary trip and she was asking for tips.  It got my wheels spinning.  The more I researched for her the more I realized that that's where I wanted to go for the Babymoon instead of Gatlinburg or Atlanta like I had originally planned.  I am expecting a great weekend.  We hope to rest, relax, shop, and enjoy each other before the twins arrive to steal all our attention.

Last Saturday, my dear friend Keegan (Admoni Photography) took maternity pictures for us.  Keegan is the most talented, creative, and precious person to me.  She spent so much time with us getting lots of good shots.  She really gave it her all.  I appreciate her so much taking up most of her Saturday celebrating this baby bump with us.  :)  Can't wait to see the pictures that are coming!
On the Fri night before Tiff and I went to the Christmas Jubilee.  That was my first time to go, but it won't be my last.  I doubt I'll be bringing the double stroller in there, but hopefully it will become a girls-night-out tradition.  We bought 2 hats for Chloe, an outfit for Chloe, 2 outfits for Braelyn, and some Christmas Gifts.  It just wasn't Carters night.  :)

Ok, so a quick blurb about Heartburn.  I have it.  Every night.  I can't lay down in the bed at night to fall asleep.  I basically have to sit up straight in the bed until I am just about to drift off and then lay down really fast. I know that sounds silly.  But that's what works.

On November 10th, weak little Ida blew through Mobile.  It was nice to get a day off of work and Tommy and I decided to register at Babies R Us while the storm blew in.  It's was rainy outside and we had the store to ourselves.  We scanned all the items we thought we would want and/or need.  We are pretty clueless about what we really need, but it sure was fun.  We still want to register at Target soon. 

Julie called me tonight.  She ordered my shower invitations and she has also ordered my shower cake.  She is so on top of this shower thing.  Julie even has the shower list of names.  So organized.  Such a planner.  I am really glad I have Julie in my life.  She's truly like a sister to me.  

I am feeling these Babies move all the time.  And I absolutely LOVE IT!.  I really feel Carter moving more than Chloe.  I know that sounds odd that I know the difference.  But I really do.  And Chloe is sort of positioned behind Carter, so her kicks and movements are much sweeter and softer.  Carter is a boy, and there seems to be a big difference, even in the womb.  I have been placing Tommy's hand on my belly often to feel what I'm feeling.  I love to experience it together.  Only problem is, when one of them really starts putting on a show, I usually laugh so hard that my belly starts tensing up from the laughter.  This has been so fun.  Hard to believe that I am already 6 months in.  Only about 3 more months.  Typing that brings so much emotion.  It makes me feel both happy and sad.  Happy because soon it will be a a fulfillment of my hope.  Sad because the swollen feet will be gone.  Ha.  Just jokes.  Thats not the case for sure.  I'll be sad that I won't feel them inside me anymore.  The swollen feet can leave anytime!  :)

Just a little while ago Baby Mattox was born.  Leslie did great, Mattox is beautiful, and Matt-Matt is so proud.  They say Leslie was giggling through labor.  She was a champ & you can see already that they will be great parents.  Leslie is so nurturing.  Matt has been walking with his chest out a little further.  Just so happy that all is well.  We are a blessed family.  I have great pictures of the sweet event.  Speaking of that.  I need to add Mattox to the twin 'playmate' area of the website.  I'll have to go do that now.  :)  Mattox was a little chunk.  Cute as can be.  I am really thankful that God is giving us these precious baby gifts.  Now we must remember to give them back to Him.  To pray for them, and to train them up properly.  That seems to be the hardest, most sobering part of being a parent.  Lord help me to be the parent that pleases you.  I will draw on YOUR strength, YOUR wisdom, and YOUR peace.

I am excited about the Holidays coming up.  So much to be Thankful for.  Christmas will mean even more this year.  Just thinking about God the Father giving up His only Son.  For us.

Well, I am 21 weeks and 3 days today and I had a great party last Monday night (Oct 26th).  The girls (Wendy, Becky, Jenn, Jessica Trippe, Annah Davis, Kelly Raybon, Kati Lancaster, and Keegan) came to the Alba Club and it was so nice and cozy there.  Cassie. Clare, and Mrs. Carolyn had prepared great food.  We had chicken salad croissants, veggies, pasta salad, crackers, and yummy Grape Salad.  We had peach tea and decaf coffee (the preggo-friendly kind) with our lemon pound cake.  I felt so blessed.  The party was designed to be a Celebration of this miracle season in our lives.  I received some gifts but the greatest gift of all was sitting around laughing and crying with such a great group of friends.  I say crying b/c the girls had cards with starter sentences on them like ... "I've known Shelley wanted children since ...".  Everyone had written on their cards before they came and they read their card to me.  The tears streamed down.  It was a time to reflect God's grace during the tough times and now the Joy that is to come.  It just meant a lot to me.  I was reminded of when the Lord told me that "He always delivers."  And, He certainly does!  Cassie put the cards in a special book for me to keep.  It was a wonderful night!

Last night I went to Lowe's with Tommy and my Dad to buy the material for the nursery.  They are starting the project on Saturday.  I am planning to do wainscoting on the bottom of the wall, topped with trim, and crown molding near the ceiling.  I'll paint green above the bead board and possibly a lighter green on the ceiling.  I hope it comes together like I have it in my mind.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.  It's funny that we are starting the nursery on Halloween.  I remember trying to make a deadline when we were building our house and the guys were on top of the roof until really late nailing down the felt.  It was a dark night and the fog was rolling in.  Weird how many years apart we are working on these different projects.   Dad was so gracious to do this for us.  He's measured the room, and when we were picking out the lumber he eyed each sheet and trim piece meticulously to make sure that it wasn't warped or otherwise damaged.  He's a great Dad to me in so many ways.  He's kind and loyal and dedicated to his family.  I know when Dad is involved it will get done right!  He's def. the man for the job.  :)  I am glad he is here with me & that he is involved in the project.  I plan to take pictures of the work while its in progress this weekend.  Yay!  I'm excited to see the finished product!

I've also been looking at nursery lighting online.  Doug says he will put in a dimmer switch and install whatever light/fan I want.  There are just so many to choose from.  I think I may have my cribs picked out too.  That has been a very hard pick.  I know I want white crib that converts, but most crib manufacturers are selling the dark woods and expresso's.  There were more darker finishes that the white. 

We went to the fair on Wednesday night. I enjoyed it but these swollen feet kept me from wanting to walk all over like I would normally do.  I did score a funnel cake, and it was delicious.  I saw a lot of pregnant ladies at the fair.  And quite a few strollers too.  I was checking out the colors and the designs of the strollers.  It's funny how those things stick out now.  :)

Have I mentioned that I am feeling them all the time now??!! IT's wonderful!!  It feels like love taps or little sweet rumblings.  I never want it to stop.  It's the sweetest feeling ever. 

OK, so today I made my first big baby purchase.  A double stroller!    I’ve done months of research because a co-worker said she bought like 4 of them for her twins b/c she hated the design and maneuverability of most of them.  I clued in on that right away b/c Tommy and I love to be on the go.  I know twins will change our lives ... but, I don’t want a stroller to stand in between me and a good ‘outing.’  Does that make sense?  Does that sound dramatic?  If it does, oh well.  I want when we go somewhere for it to be a good memories. Not frustrating ones.

So, anyway, another great coworker of mine found out she was expecting baby #2.  She would now need a double stroller.  She already had a jogging stroller that she loved and was considering getting a double from the same company.  She and I started researching ... reading reviews ... watching You Tube videos of how they fold, watching them in ebay, etc.  We were stroller serious. :) Anyway, she found a great ... no, an amazing deal online.  A company from Atlanta was advertising them on Craig’s List at a low price.  We got on a two-way call and wagered even a better deal with them since we were buying two and so we got a little extra off, no sales tax, and shipping waived.  It was already marked down low, so I am so thankful to have a what I consider the best stroller at the best price. 

Now I just need $$$ to get the room painted, to buy 2 cribs, 2 mattresses, Crib Bedding, a changing table, curtain, high chair, bouncy seats, ................... on and on and on.  But I have to admit.  I am having a blast buying and researching baby products.  It’s going to be fun registering. 

Also, I had an ultrasound yesterday.  Tommy, My Grandma, My Aunt Lena, and My Aunt Judy went with me.  The babies were so active.  Paula, the ultrasound tech said they looked ‘perfect.’  A picture is worth a thousand words ... but having a tech who has done baby ultrasounds for 30 years tell you that everything looks ‘perfect’ is a wonderful feeling!  She said that the babies were still only one millimeter apart and that all of their measurements were great. 

I got to see where they were laying in my belly.  Chloe had her head on my bladder (nice) and her butt in Carters face.  Ha.  And so it begins.  Paula said Carter had big feet.  And she said that she predicted that Chloe would have strawberry blonde hair and that Carter would be blonde. :) At one point they switched it over to the 4-D image for a quick peek and Carter was scratching his head with one finger like he was really pondering something.  So sweet.  We have another regular ultrasound with Paula in 6 weeks.  I am planning to have my 4D Ultrasound at week 25, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  It will be fun to share the pictures with family during the Holidays while we “giving thanks.”  SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!

I know, I just took a big step.  I just used their names in a blog.  That’s pretty serious.  And, yes.  We do feel pretty serious at this point about the names we have chosen.  Chloe Brooke and Carter Thomas.  Chloe means vibrant/blooming which is exactly what I expect her to be.  We chose Thomas as Carters middle name because it’s Tommy’s first name and it means twin. 

I am going yard saleing with JuJu tomorrow.  I hope I find some deals.

Thanks for checking our page.  I’ll try to update regularly. :)

Wow. I'll be 20 weeks on Tuesday & it's been a while since I've written. Partially because its been October, which just so happens to be my favorite month of the year. We had wonderful weather this weekend and it really energizes me!! I want to be out and about running around town. We've been watching Alabama every weekend and we are so pleased with our team!! :) Last weekend we went to the Shrimp Festival and to the outlets. Tommy's been staying busy and so have I. He's started his new position at Sterne Agee and he resigned from Colonial Bank on Thursday. He's been moving a desk into his new office in Fairhope, setting up shop, getting the phones and computers in working order. I'm proud of him. He even rec'd his business license this week. Barko Financial Services. I believe it will be a great move for him. The roller coaster (and eventual crash) of Colonial Brokerage really propelled him into this new adventure. I, on the other hand, also moved offices this week. I am going back to Docketing at my job which will also be a very positive move for me. Hopefully it will enable me to go part time after the babies arrive. 32 hours a week will be better than 40 when our house is fuller. I enjoyed docketing before. This is such a time of transition for the Barkos. Two sweet babies and 2 job changes. These can be potential stressors, but we believe they will be blessings instead. We think it's God giving us greater peace and flexibility - preparing us for what our world will look like in a matter of months. Cuddling, Conversion, and sometimes Chaos. I haven't felt the babies move very much. I've had maybe 3 sensations. It's hard to know if I am feeling them or something else. I go see Dr. Busbee and hopefully he will let me hear or see them on ultrasound soon. I have had heartburn, nosebleeds, swelling, and leg cramps. I took a picture at my feet one day because they seemed so huge. Wasn't overjoyed in that moment. But, from my perspective these small inconveniences or discomforts are worth the reward. I've been shopping a lot for the babies. Mostly on clearance racks and consignments sales. I've been blessed with a lot of hand me downs too. We bought a dresser and I've started stocking it with stuff. Bought some pink and blue baby hangers and I've been washing like crazy! I've been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from friends and family. Clare, one sweet friend, brought to Tommy's bank a trunk full of diapers, wipes, and a huge bottle of Dreft. She had been buying it up a little at a time since she found out I was pregnant. It's been those little random acts of kindness that keep me grateful and smiling. Cassie has planned a "Celebrating the Barko Babies" Party. She is inviting all of my girlfriends to the Alba Club. On the invitation it said Why? - Because we love her. Tear. Smile. Heart is warmed. I'm really looking forward to that. Monday, October 26th. I went to my first ever Kidz Kloset sale and it was madness. Fun madness. Tommy worked the parking lot so that I could shop early and that was SO worth it. I got first dibs on all the cool stuff and bargains. Wendy met me there with a laundry basket. I had NO IDEA it was such a Black Friday'ish event!! Long lines, rushing, grabbing. I loved the thrill. Fortunately I knew the babies gender at the time of the sale. I was able to know what to buy. I bought he babies their first matching outfit yesterday. The were bubbles, seer sucker, with a cute turtle on the front. One was pink and one was blue. I was proud of those jewels. :) I had been given so much stuff and I had bought consignment clothing so I was getting concerned that they may never match. But I'm really going to try to get them some coordinating outfits.