Let it snow!

It has been snowing off and on all week and we are loving every minute of it. We have been sledding, having lots of snowball fights, and building snowmen with Grandpa. Payton and Tate are awesome on the sled. Tate has no problem dragging the sled up the stairs and going down the hill without any help. He doesn't even seem to be phased by the cold. Jared built a jump and Payton was getting pretty good air off it. Today he was standing on the sled riding it down like a snowboard and was staying up for a good amount of time. I really hope it stays for Christmas. Last year we were lucky enough to have a white Christmas, I hope this year we are equally as lucky.

The Chosen One. 2008

For the past 3 year we go up the road about a mile to the tree farm to find "the chosen one". It was pretty cold on Friday so I suited up the babies extra snug. Tessa's coat thing was way too big for her. I had to unzip it a little so she could breath. She look just like the kid in Christmas story but in all pink. I put her in the back pack and had to tuck her arms in. We checked on her every few minutes to make sure she was alive. Cohen didn't seem to have any problem. Maybe since he is 3-4 pounds bigger then his sister.

Jared must have been inspired because he walked straight to the tree we chose. We are usually there AT LEAST an hour but this time in was MAYBE 5 minutes. There is nothing like the smell of a freshly cut tree in your home at Christmas time. We considered a fake, but can't part with the amazing smell of a fresh tree. The big boys then enjoyed their usual candy cane and hot chocolate by the fire while they wrapped the tree for us.

Tessa B.

I had to add these pictures that I took today because I can't stop laughing at them. I know I am bias, but she is a pretty cute kid...normally. These pictures make her look like a chubby old woman trapped in a babies body. She is actually pretty small but with her hat falling off and her shirt too big clearly aren't doing her any favors. Her picture on the left my blog shows her more delicate side.

Cottonwood Beach

Last Saturday we decided to go for a hike but I chickened out and decided to go to the beach down the road just encase the babies didn't want to cooperate. It was so quiet and peaceful. The boys had a great time digging in the sand. This beach is along the Columbia River so there are beautiful trees covered in moss. Payton pretended he was Bear from the Discovery Channel. He mad a shelter and pretended to eat the moss off the trees. We even came across a huge nasty dead Salmon that he wanted to "eat". We stuck a stick in it instead :o).

Twilight, Twilight, Twilight.

I don't know what it is about this story that makes it so irresistible to me but it is kind of annoying. I went to see the anticipate movie on Friday and went with low expectations. I should have gone with lower. I thought it was poorly done. The casting was off and I wasn't feeling Bella at all. I did like Alice and Edward. The movie seemed to me like a made for TV movie. The special effect were HORRIBLE and the make up on the vampires was very obvious. It was great to see all the familiar sceaniery from this area. (It was filmed in this area for those who didn't know). All that said, I can't stop thinking about it and I think I would see it again. WHAT'S THE DEAL!!! I will see all four (if they make them) and I am pretty sure I'll see Twilight again. I don't know why, I can't figure it out but I LOVE this series and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

Halloween 2008!

We had a great Halloween this year. Tate was a skunk, Payton was Iron Man, Cohen was a frog and Tess was a bunny. We have WAY too much candy around the house. I had to put it in the garage so I wouldn't eat so much of it. I still was able to polish off a COSTCO bag of mini's myself. I left the 3 musketeers and dark milkyway for the others. I'm not totally selfish :o)

Cohen & Tessa's Blessing

Pumpkin Patch '08

Our star player

I have to brag about my child for a moment. Payton scored 6 goals at his last soccer game. He is a scoring dribbling machine. He weaves in and out of people like it is his job. I am very proud of him until he starts crying like a little baby when he doesn't score (not everytime, but even once is too much for me). I guess I can't have a tough kid and an athlete at the same time. Hopefully that will come later.

New on Face Book

So, I don't quite understand FB. Is it kind of like instant messaging? What is all the different hugs and treats all about. I don't quite understand why people do it. Not to say I have an opinion about them but I just don't understand why you would Care Bear hug someone or send them a candy that they can't actually eat. How do you follow conversations too? I am so clueless it hurts. I need to be enlighten on all these new cyber lands. I feel like a stalker too which is actually kind of fun but I am too scared to contact people because I feel creepy doing it. Is there such thing as FB and blogging etiquette? Who do you not contact? What are your thoughts?

Mama's Little Helpers

Payton and Tate are doing such a great job helping. Tate is very willing to share his special filthy blanket and Payon will let them cuddle his lion, Caesar. Payton does a great job holding them and even changed Tess's dirty diaper all by himself. Tate is my alarm too if someone is crying he says, in his broken English, "ohhh, b.b." and runs to try to consul whomever it is. I definitely have to watch Tate to make sure he doesn't shove binky's down any one's throat's.

Cohen is definitely packing on the pounds. He is a total chunk and only wakes to eat or let you know he needs a change. Tessa is gaining too and is one that I want to have in church during a diaper filling. She is the nosiest pooper. It is somewhat shocking. I remember sitting in church next to my best friend at a really mature stage in my life (18) and a baby next to us let it rip and we could not hold ourselves together. We were convulsing trying not to make a scene. Tessa would be that baby. I am quite proud.

$62,395.41...

Is our total bill SO FAR. Thank goodness for health insurance. I don't know how anyone can afford to have twins or any type of complication with pregnancy. The week I was on bed rest was over $23,000. CRAZY!!! It makes our $5,000 portion look like pocket change. You would think the beds were made of gold and they served 5 course meals to you with that price. It is amazing how much they think they can charge. I think it is a little over priced what about you?!? I completely understand neonatal cost being expensive but the other stuff, YIKES!

Pool time

I love this picture of Payon. We got this pool in July and it was great. Unfortunately it doesn't get hot enough here for it to warm up for the kids to enjoy but it was great for my back while pregnant. The kids were only able to last 20 minutes MAX before they turned purple.

We just had to drain it this week. It wasn't making the most attractive pond. Hopefully next year it will get great use like this year.

Tessa awake?!?

"Oh, Ma!"

I'm an embarrassment to my kids, I know, but it all in good fun. I had to post their nudie pics. They are both doing great. It seems they are starting to wake up more each day so I am learning how to juggle a little more. Tomorrow will be the first day without help so it will be a big test. But it is only for a day.

I am having trouble with this whole nursing situation. I have been pumping this whole time because up until a week ago the doc's said I shouldn't due to their size and the energy they spend trying to nurse. So, when they gave me the O.K. I thought I would start right away but it wasn't that easy. I can't seem to get a groove or have the desire to work real hard at it. I really dislike nursing so I don't have the motivation. I just don't like throwing my bosom's at something and have it chase them. Pumping has been doable for now while I have someone hear to watch the crew while I take 10 to "milk" (as Payton calls it) 8 times a day. What do I do? Do I give the nursing a real go? Or keep pumping? Or take the easy way and give up (which sounds nice)? Any advice, pointers...anyone??? I don't think I am ready to bag the benefits that nursing has with weight loss and eating like a pig though so if I could do both that would be great. So, I do have to say that life it not too shabby if this is my biggest complaint right now. But I do need help with it so if anyone has any ideas my ears are open.

Cohen's 1st bath

Tessa's 1st bath

Two peas in a pod

Cohen making sure his binky stays put

Tessa & Cohen (3 day's old)

Tessa's 1st Fake-n-bake session

Announcing.....

Sorry it has taken so long to update but we have been a little busy having babies. That is right, on August 26th, 2008 ( Tate's 2nd Birthday) Cohen Jared and Tessa Brylee were born. Cohen came first at 9:16 am weighing 6 pounds 11 oz. and Tessa at 9:51 am was 5 pounds 6 oz. Tessa was having a hard time keeping her blood sugars up so she had to be in the NICU for 2 days then to return to the NICU for another 2 days for severe jaundice and low weight. Everyone is home now and doing great. They just sleep all the time and barely wake to eat so it is a good transitional period. I am learning how to juggle both. Luckily, for now, one will wait for the other to finish. Since they were premature I can't nurse just yet so I have to pump & bottle feed. Next week I will have to start teaching them to nurse (not looking forward to that so much).

So the birth story goes as follows...
All day on Monday the 25th I was feeling strange and really worn. I was having some signs but I was really hesitant to call the doc because I knew what she would tell me, "you need to come in and be checked". I was right, I called and sure enough I was headed to the hospital at 10:30 PM. When I got there they hooked me up to all kinds of monitors, like usual, and checked to see how dilated I was. At that point I was an 8-9 cm. My contractions were the same as they had been so I didn't really know what to think. With my history of fast labors they gave me the epidural and started IV's. Around 8:30-8:45 am my doc came in and ruptured my water and my contractions took off. I was shipped to the OR and put on this flat uncomfortable table. The doc's and nurses were awesome, there was music playing, everyone was laughing and it was really layed back. It made it really nice. I pushed twice, I think, and out came Cohen. Tessa was being rotated while I push Cohen because she was breach. Her delivery was more work because she didn't want to come down and my contractions faded. The doc was up to her elbow, literally, turning her and pushing placentas out of the way to make room for her. Her heart rate started to drop so the had to whip out the vacuum and pull with all their might to get her to come. Her coming out face up was definitely a factor in why she wouldn't come out so easily. She had/has a huge bruise and swelling on her forehead. It is getting better now. I can't tell you how relieved I am that I opted for the epidural. I would have literally died with what they were doing. I have it on video to remind me how rough it got.

I have recovered really fast and am doing great. There are all kinds of amazing people bring in meals for us. A huge THANK YOU to everyone for their love, support, loving phone calls, gifts, and most important prayers on our behalf.

I'm goin' home!!!

I had an ultrasound today and everything is ready to go but the babies, which is good. The doc's seem to not know what to do with me but I think my doc really knows how eager I am to go home. Soooo, Friday sometime I get to go home. I am very excited! I just need the prayers to make sure I make it to the hospital in time. Thinking about that makes me nervous and excited all at once.

Ambien is good!

Last night was another rough one. They usually monitor my contractions and the babies for a half hour before I go to sleep. Last night my contractions were every 1.5 minutes for 6 hours. They checked me twice and nothing but still decided to put another IV in. I don't like those things. I'm afraid I am going to catch it on something and dragging the poll thing around with you when you have to pee every 10 minutes isn't fun. At 3 am they gave me an Ambien and I was out like a light. My nurse even come in and did stuff with my IV and I didn't even know it.

My doc came in today and said I was going to have an ultrasound by the MFM doc's to measure the length of my cervix, measure the babies, check fluid, and see if I am in active labor. She is thinking I may be able to go home even though I may come right back. I am not getting my hopes up just yet. I just really want to be home for Tate's 2nd Birthday on the 26th. That is why I chose the 27th as D-Day!

Thanks for voting. I can't believe it is pretty much here. It has seemed like I have been pregnant FOR-E-VER (if you've seen Sandlot). Istill technically have 5 more weeks but I think I'd die! I have been trying to add pictures to the post page but it isn't letting me, so sorry for just the blabbing.

Moving Day

I had some excitement today! I was moved to a new room, ye-ha! I have a lovely view of the generators and traffic. It is more private and the internet works MUCH better now. So I am very happy!

I don't really have any baby update. I guess going home on Friday isn't a definite. I may have to wait until mid next week and they may rupture my water but it is up to the Maternal Fetal Doc's. I am still having lots of contractions (which I have had for months) but I guess the hang up's are that I am dilated to 6 cm, 90% effaced, -1 station, and I live 30+ minutes away. I think I am going to start a poll to see when people guess the date they will come. Let's see if I can figure this out!

So far, so good!

Ok, so this isn't a death sentance. Sure I am board to tears, literally, but I do get to read the final book of the Twilight series, breaking dawn. I should be done with it by now but ironically enough I don't feel like reading all day long. I know there are some of you that would be a dream come true, but I am not much of a reader. I am half way. I have The Host to read too.

I have been frustrated because I haven't been able to log on for the past two days. The hospitals wireless wasn't connecting. But I gave it one last shot tonight. I had to put it is a really weird place by the window. Now I will have something else to do...hopefully. Jared brings by the boy's each night. I miss them all. I look at pictures on the computer during the day to help.

My progress report is not too much different. I have to stay until Friday or Saturday for sure then they will go from there. I was up all night contracting, but only the really annoying ones that didn't go anywhere, they just kept me awake. The nurse checked me and no progression-which is a good thing. I hope to cook them until mid next week (35.5 weeks). Great thing is that I am off the IV and can be in normal clothes :o) I can go for one wheelchair ride a day (whooo).

Shoot Me Now!!!

I went to the doc on Thursday to have my Group Beta Strep test and the exam and while the doctor examined me she looked at me and said "Honey you are 4-5cm dilated". I started sweating and was shocked like so many other times with this pregnancy. She sent me to the hospital to be monitored for an hour and a half. While I was being monitored they gave me a shot to calm my contractions but it didn't work and I progressed to a 6 so they said I would spend the night. I got an ultrasound, IV, and a chat from the anesthesiologist. I even had all my jewelry off. I sent the kids to my friends house for the night and started to slightly panic. I didn't feel ready, I worried about the babies being too early and them telling me they would definitely need to spend time in the NICU for a little while didn't help either. BUT as you can see, it is now Saturday evening and no babies. I AM ON BED REST IN THE HOSPITAL UNTIL THEY COME!!! This is horrible. I am so antsy and hate the fact that I have to depend fully on other people. I feel so guilty. BUT when I really think about it I would much rather the babies have a week or whatever longer to develop and me sit on my butt then have them out and in the incubator hooked up to everything.

Another plan I had that has to be changed is my birthing plan. I really wanted to deliver them without any meds, like Tate, but was open to the fact that many twin births deliver via C-section but really didn't want that since I have the 2 boys to go home to let alone taking care of twins. But, while talking to the doc and the position of baby "B" I would have to sit pretty while the doc "reaches her hand inside and grabs baby "B's" head and guides it down". I don't really want to feel that. There are about 10 other scenarios that could happen so I am opting for the drugs. I am disappointed because my recovery with Tate was so easy and the epidural slowed down my delivery tons. OH WELL, Right? Really, the more and more I think about it I know it is the better choice. I will be able to concentrate on them verses staying in my zone.

Another selfish and vain plan that was changed WAS MY HAIR APPOINTMENT! I scheduled a hair appointment immediately after Jared called me a granny (in complete sarcasm) when he saw all my gray roots. I wanted to make sure I got one in before I had the babies. No such luck. I will have to be The Granny that gave birth to twins. I was wishing the hospital had a salon or traveling hair lady for such a situation. I haven't had the nerve to ask yet.

The other plan that was changed was the family birthday party for the boys we were supposed to have on Sunday. Luckily I wasn't going all out and didn't have much ready for it yet but I had to call everyone and cancel. Hopefully we will be able to have one later for them and be able to include the babies too.

I apologize for all the whining and complaining. I have it so good and I better keep my mouth shut or I will be shown some true hard times. I am feeling sorry for myself but I am one of the most blessed people in the whole world. I have amazing friends and family. Speaking of which, I really want to thank my brother and sister-in-law and Mindy for watching the boys. It was really hard for me to do but I know they would do it again for us in a heartbeat. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Also, my mother-in-law for staying a month and a half to help.

Let me know if any of you have any good ideas as to what to do to keep my sanity while sitting on my booty.

Ultrasound

The ultrasound went pretty well. They are getting too big to be able to see anything. Baby "A" is head down and ready to go. "He" was too low to see his face. Baby "B" is breech and was facing away so we were not able to see it either. "B" was sitting on "A's" face and "A's" feet were in "B's" face. I don't have any pictures to put on that are worth seeing. They are growing well, they are both estimated to be at 5.1 pounds. It was really cute to watch their chests move as they mimicked breathing.

I have a doctor's appointment today and they will do the good old examination to see if anything is going on. It is very strange to be getting ready for them this early in the game. I feel bad wanting them to come in two weeks, they'll only be 36 weeks, I guess no matter what I hope or think I am not in control. I need to work on trusting in the Lord and leaving it up to him. I have been worried more this pregnancy then others, there are so many unknowns with twins that I have nothing to keep my mind at ease. It is all up in the air, nothing is extremely common or usual, it is all different for everyone. I just need to have more faith and let Him take care of things since there is nothing I can do. I KNOW that all the prayers from my family and friends have made this pregnancy as successful as it has been. Thank you all for your support and love for our family and these two miracles that are about to join us. Please don't stop praying for us, we will need them more in the months to come!!!

Not for weak stomachs

Sorry to scare you with "The Nasty", but I have been told it should be documented.

I am getting more stretchmarks and my belly button sticks out further and further every day. I feel like I can polish my shoes with it. Hopefully the end is in sight!

33 Weeks