Today was such a fun day. We started with breakfast with Santa followed by Christmas shopping and lunch with Daddy.

He informed Santa that he wanted an orange monster truck and a Mack truck with a blue car (which happens to be one of his gifts that he found in the garage and hasn't stopped talking about it since). We don't really talk about Santa much around here, but the breakfast was a fun outing.

Of course, I couldn't get all 4 kids in one pic.

Hampton was such a happy boy and so obedient. We made our first trip into the mall without the stroller. I intended to go into one store, purchase a gift and leave. Of course, the first 3 stores didn't have the gift we were looking to purchase. We covered some ground in that mall hand-in-hand. Hampton obeyed so well and was eager to hold my hand. As a reward for his obedience, he got to ride one of those rip off toys at the exit. He loved it and was so proud of himself for being "such good boy." We enjoyed Qdoba with Daddy and then headed to this store:
As I was unloading Hampton, the following conversation took place: H - My wan go in that 'pankin' store.
M - What?
H - My go into that 'pankin' store.
M - That's not a spanking store. What are you talking about?
H - Yes it is, see?
M - Do you want a spanking in the store?
H - No, my good boy. My not want 'pankin'.

I tried to remember the last time we went to REI and if he had indeed been disciplined inside. We hadn't been there in probably a year and I could not remember any discipline. As we approached he said, "See dat SadMan."
Do you see it?
The door handles are ores, which strongly resemble SadMan. Sweet boy!

Last weekend, my mom and dad and Uncle Bill came to visit. Mom and Dad were here for an engagement party and Uncle Bill was passing through on his way from LA to Tennessee. We had a fun weekend that lead to really swollen ankles...well worth it. Dad and Uncle Bill helped Ben install a closet system in the twins room in efforts to help with the storage issues in this house. The nursery has 2 cribs and a changing table in it which leaves no room for anything else. We needed some drawers! They were a huge help and we are very grateful!!!

Hampton enjoyed Uncle Bill and has talked about him several times since he left. Ben's story was in the Watermark News on Sunday which ended up being perfect timing for some neat conversation with Uncle Bill. It was really good to see him! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

Hampton is very into imaginative play and LOVES playing with these plush farm animals as well as his giant wild animals.

More Baby Info

We had yet another sonogram today and the babies looked great. They are both head down which is great for delivery purposes, but not so comfortable :). I was a little off with my weight info last week. She weighed 2lbs 7oz last week and gain almost a pound this week. Today she showed to weigh 3lbs 4oz. He weighed 3lbs 1oz last week and gain to 3lbs 9oz this week. I was glad that there is less than 1/2lb difference between them. If there is ever more than 1lb difference, there is reason for concern. I have been feeling weird the past week...light headed, heavy arms and legs, faint at times, but...My bp today was 112/60 which is amazing compared to this stage with Hampton. We had a pretty busy weekend which resulted in quite a bit of swelling, but that seems to be getting better as I rest today...I can get my wedding ring back on tonight :). I still have pretty bad indigestion/reflux, but they gave me some perscription samples today. I am hopeful that this medicine will help. It is the worst at night, which makes it hard to sleep. After our appt. today I am feeling much more peace. The several things I was concerned about seemed to be of no concern to the drs. We only have a few more weeks!!! SCARY.

Baby Brother Is On The Move

That's right...our sonogram today (29.5 weeks) showed that Baby Brother is now head down! That is great news for avoiding a c-section when the time comes. There is still time and room for both of them to move, but we're hopeful that they will both remain head down or vertex. I am measuring 33 weeks, which is right on track (they told me early on that I should measure 3-6 weeks bigger than a single pregnancy). and the babies are growing well. Baby Sister weighs about 2 3/4 lbs and Baby Brother is just about 3 lbs. My doctor is in Israel right now, so I saw another doctor in his practice. Hampton and I got there at 1:45 and didn't leave until 3:15. I think it would be a stretch to say that we saw the doctor for 2 full minutes. We did however get an unexpected "big" sonogram. We usually see the sonographer every 4 weeks, but we got to see her again today. The best part about the sonogram was getting to see both babies profiles. Baby Sister aparently doesn't like to have her picture taken, because she usually turns to bury her face so that we can't see her profile...not today. We got to see both of them very clearly and they are very much their own little people. They look very different. Seeing their sweet faces makes me even more excited to meet them. Hampton did great! He played well in the waiting room and ate his late lunch while we waited in the exam room. We sang songs, played with a school bus and talked about Baby Jesus and his birthday. I am so thankful for my sweet little boy and his tender heart. He is going to be an extra special big brother.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving, but it was pretty quiet. My doctor was not comfortable with me traveling this far along with twins (29 weeks), so we stayed home. Somewhat last minute, we decided to celebrate with another family who also didn't travel, the Saugier's. We really enjoyed having them over for Thanksgiving dinner and tackled several new things :). Ben and I prepared wassail, the turkey and gravy, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, mashed potatos and green beans. The Saugie's brought yummy spiced pears, corn casserole, and all the desserts. I had high hopes for my first turkey, but it cooked much faster than it was supposed to and ended up being done over an hour early. It wasn't perfect, but I must admit, pretty tasty considering. The sides were by far my favorite part, but they always are. I just eat the turkey, because that's what you are supposed to do :). Hampton and Carsen played well and enjoyed each other while Ben and I enjoyed some adult interaction. We haven't had many friends over lately for some reason. The Saugier's were too generous and kind to bring us "hostess" gifts. They gave Hampton a play-doh fun pack and brought us the super fun game Times Up...an absolute must in our game library. Hampton said he was thankful for Gran and Poppy, cars, the babies, Sweetie and Pops, and his cousins.

Preparing the turkey with Daddy...he was so excited to watch and help. Of course, I didn't get after pictures of any of the food...bummer.

On Wednesday, we had Caleb, Makaylee and Carsen over to make turkey shirts. They turned out really cute, but it was not my best appearance as a mommy. I got frustrated when Hampton tried to make a fist with a hand full of paint. Without reason, it turned out really cute.

Today, I got up early and went Christmas shopping. I didn't open the stores by any means, but got everything I set out to get and more and was home by 9:30...only to find Ben and Hampton still in bed :). Hampton and I made waffles for breakfast and took our time getting ready. Around noon, we headed to Bass Pro Shop. Hampton LOVED it. He was facinated by all the animals, putting green and guns in the arcade. After BPS, we enjoyed a great lunch at Cracker Barrel and headed home for naps. Ben and I said several times throughout the day, "This is so much fun."

We had a great day!!!

Random, I know...I just like to remember what things looked like :).

Tomorrow, Ben and Hampton are going to Abilene to watch an ACU football game. They are undefeated and playing extremely well...scored 93 points in a playoff game last weekend. I get to stay home and enjoy a day all by myself. I LOVE my boys, but I must admit, I'm really excited!

28 weeks

I am now 28 weeks...big milestone. How's this for exciting and SCARY...My goal of 36 weeks is only EIGHT weeks away :). My how our lives will be blessed and DIFFERENT.

We had a sonogram on Monday. Everything looks great. I gained 5 lbs in the last month and each baby gain right at 1 lb. He weighs 2lb 4oz and she weighs 2lb 2 oz. The sonographer told me I'm a "twin makin' momma"...whatever that means.

My goal is to catch up on my blog over the next few days. Since I'm posting it, maybe I'll actually get it done ;)

Family Pictures

A generous and talented friend of ours took family pictures for us last weekend. He did a great job! Hampton was thankful that his friend Aubren was there to play between pictures. I was so proud of him. He was such a happy boy and flashed his picture smile at every command. I was 26.5 weeks pregnant when these were taken. Trey took hundreds of pics and narrowed it down to a mere 75. Here are a few of my favorites...

Baby Sister

This afternoon when Hampton got up from his nap, we were snuggling on the couch when I told him that his baby sister was kicking me. I put his hand on my tummy and sure enough, she kicked. A huge grin spread across his face and he said, "My baby sister got my hand." How precious he is to me!!!

Baby Update

I had yet another sonogram yesterday to check the growth of the babies. It's always fun to see the babies. They look very different from eachother and from their big brother. I am almost 25 weeks and have entered into the "every 2 week" stage. I will have a "growth sonogram" every 4 weeks and probably a quick sonogram on the off appointments. These will be well photographed babies even before they arrive. Here are the high points from the appointment.

*He weighs 1lb 5 oz and she weighs 1lb 3 oz

*They are both ahead of schedule and say they are due Feb. 8 instead of 11

*Her head is down and really low. Her body wraps around the left side of my tummy and her feet are up high. That's what I feel in my xiphoid process.

*His head is up...digging constantly into my right ribcage. I love it! His body wraps around the right side of my tummy and his feet and bottom are in his sisters face :).

*They both have lots of healthy looking fluid surrounding them. Yippee!

*No cleft lips.

*They are both very wiggly...most of the time...all the time.

*The tightness I feel is actually contractions (which are not "productive" ie not getting me any closer to labor, which is good right now!!!). Dr. H said he wouldn't be surprised if I was having 8-10 per day.

*I gained an overwhelming 10 POUNDS in the last 4 weeks. Dr. H told me last time that I would probably gain "a substantial amount of weight" between 20 and 24 weeks, but 10 lbs, really? He wasn't at all concerned and said it was all fluid weight. I am still under a total gain of 15 lbs.

*Baths are great and would be his first suggestion to relax a contracting uterus. Thank goodness, baths have become a nightly sanctuary :)...so relaxing. With our new master bathroom came an extra deep soaker tub. I can be almost completely under water. It's amazing how good it feels to be almost weightless :)

*New prenatals...not so expensive.

*Glucose test in 2 weeks.

*Got a note to freeze my gym membership. That will help the pocket book.

I think that pretty much covers it. Maybe I'll be brave and post a pic of myself. Everyone comments on how small I am to be 6 months with twins...I may look small, but I feel very pregnant. Thanks for the compliment :)

Big Boy

My sweet baby boy started sleeping in his big boy bed last night. I was away on a girls scrapbooking night out when Ben put him down in his new room. We have been talking about moving him for awhile. He even started asking to sleep in his big boy room. Ben said he did great. I know it seems silly, but it makes me a little sad to think that he is getting so big...although he is still very much little. I love this boy so much!!!

More Big News

Meet our babies...

If you ask Hampton what kind of babies are in Mommy's tummy, he will tell you, "One broder and one sister!" He is going to be a great big brother!

Baby A is our little girl...eating her hand :)

Baby B is our second little boy.

According to our doctor, as far as they can tell both babies are healthy. We still haven't decided on any names. I have a boy name I really like, but it may take me a little while to convince Ben :).

We are thankful and excited!!!

Right Foot In

Hampton just correctly idendified his right and left feet.
I have never, ever even mentioned right and left. I thought he was singing the Hokey Pokey and asked him, " Which one is your right foot?" He held it up. I asked, "What is this one called?" and pointed to his left foot. He said, "Dat my wef foot." Impressive little man, impressive. BTW, he said he learned right and left at church?

First Day of School

Hampton started MDO today. He was excited, but also had no idea what he was getting into. When I dropped him off, he went straight in...without hesitation. As I was signing him in, his teacher asked if he had a lunch and instructed me that I should send it in with him. As I turned to hand her his lunch bag, she OPENED the door. Keep in mind that she is standing behind a half door with no need to open it to get his lunch. Hampton saw the open door and bolted, latching onto my leg in tears. I encouraged him to go play and stood in the hall until he stopped crying (only a few seconds). I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed my time alone, but wondered about him all day long.

When I picked him up, he was having a blast, but was so excited to see Mommy. When I peeked into the room go call him, I was shocked...he looked so big, not at all like my little boy :(. He jabbered the whole way home about his day and said more than once, "My have so much fun, Mommy." When I asked him if he wanted to go back he quickly said, "Ummm, nope." I laughed and said, "Not today, but how about next week?" "Dad be fun. My go next week, see my teachers."

Oh, I love this boy!!!

Much to my pleasure, he didn't nap at school. His teacher said he "just wasn't happy during rest time." Apparently he kept asking for Mommy and didn't want to rest. I had a little part in his lack of success. I didn't send him with a binky or a silky...2 requirements for napping even at home. Hey, I got another 2 hours out of the deal :)

Could he be any cuter?

It's Football Season

Guessing Game

Well, the time is approaching.  I scheduled the appointment for my big sonogram at the end of the month.  I would love to hear your guesses on the gender of the babies.  Here are a few stats from so far in the pregnancy:

*I have been nauseated daily since at 6 weeks (I haven't taken my meds in a few days, so we may be turning a corner).

*I have been extremely tired, but have been able to travel quite a bit.

*I have "gotten sick" only 8-12 times.

*I really enjoy carbs and never feel like eating veggies, but sugar makes me sick.

*I have only gained 3 pounds at 16.5 weeks.

*One baby has a heart rate of around 145 and the other is about 155.

*My skin is continually broken out.

*I can feel the negative effects of not drinking enough water.

*I get winded climbing stairs, but not too bad walking or lifting weights.

*If I don't eat protein for breakfast I am shaky and weak by around 11:30.

That's all I can think of that might be relevant but if you have questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

We are pretty confident we have chosen 2 girls' names, but have NO boys names.  We are open to your legit suggestions (in fact, I would love to hear them)!  Keep in mind that we aren't fans of super common names and they should sound good with Hampton.