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...