It Tis What It Tis

I wish everyone could realize the power in your own mindset. After watching "The Secret" last year, I was overcome by the power of thinking something into fruition. Now, I think most of "The Secret" is nuts, but I also think that there is something to be said about being positive and visualizing.

I think about negative people. They are always complaining and wishing things were different for themselves. But negative begets negative, people! I will never forget my sissy, Katie, asking me if I thought she was an Eeyore.  I didn't quite understand at first. She explained that an Eeyore is one who is always complaining and feeling sorry for themselves. These are the people that usually, pardon my French, have SUCKY lives due to their own pity parties. They are people who are so caught up in negativity that they cannot see the blessings and beauty that God has put right in front of their eyes.

You may wonder why I chose to write this now. Well, after careful Facebook observation (during grad class- Ahhhhh, I miss the days of playing Snood instead of listening at Franciscan) I have seen that negative people are all around and their disease is contagious. I get that we have to vent about our misfortunes, but PUBLICLY? Come on, peeps! We are better than that.

I must say, to the outsider, my life looks like a steaming pile of rancid you-know-what. BUT I AM HAPPY.... I am not only satisfied but I think I have the best husband, best kids, best job, best sisters and brothers, best parents, best nieces and nephews, best EVERYTHING! My life is chaotic (not the Britney version) but there is beauty in the breakdown (Ahhh, Garden State). BE PRESENT in your own life. My sister bought me a thankful journal back when I found out I was preggo with Kolbe (my darkest time, thus far) and Matthew and I religiously fill out a couple things we are grateful for. We never go more than a couple weeks without being thankful (usually every other day) and it is on the counter for frequent use.

This is not to say that I don't have days where I should stay in bed all day so I don't infect others with negativity. Believe you me, there are times when I hide in the bathroom/closet/room/behind the couch. The only difference between myself and an Eeyore is that I chose not to write about it on Facebook (unless it is a funny story) and I even chose not to tell my family about it.

Car repairs, home repairs, losing things, kids doing dumb things, spouses being STUPID (never mine, lol), siblings being mean, etc. WILL HAPPEN. I chose to move past that stuff rather quickly. I chose to not wallow in my own self pity. I chose to move on to the amazing things that God wants me to focus on so I don't lose focus of Him as number one. I think of a sweet friend from college, Shelly, who has a child that has significant struggles and she seems so positive. Or another friend from college, Lindsey, who just had MAJOR complications during childbirth and is EXTREMELY positive.

It is no surprise that when I miss mass (yes, I admit occasionally I make excuses to not go because toddlers are just SO wonderful in mass) or when I need to wash my soul clean of mortal or venial sins through confesh, I am cranky. I am a lesser wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, teacher. When I am not praying the way I should, not living out my vocation of love the way I should, or not remembering that a thankful heart is a happy heart (Thanks, VeggieTales) I am broken and need to quick tune up.

Moral of the story: Choose your own adventure (Just don't open the door or you will fall to your imminent death----- that is a 80's/90's reference to the book series in case you didn't get it) Write positive things on your facebook/blog DAILY. Get over bad things quick and revel in good things for longer periods of time. Watch TED talks and start writing in a Thankful Journal (Thanks, Katie).

Lots of Love, Home Slicies! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

The week before I go back to work, I would like to review the reasons why I love being a working mom (or, maybe this is to make myself feel better).

1. I know my husband is home with the kids and we are blessed enough not to need daycare (saves us over $2,000 a month). He teaches my children responsibility, respect, integrity, how to have fun, cleanliness, and most important: how to enjoy family.

2. I have a job that allows some flexibility. Since I am a teacher, I go to school at 7 and I can be home by 3, if needed. Now, most days I stay until 4ish, but I can come home. This comes in handy when training my tatas to feed 5 times a day instead of 7. By the end of the day, I will be swollen and walking like a zombie (all who have breastfed ought to know this feeling). I do have to work at night grading, planning, etc. but this is after my children go to sleep so I am not giving up what precious weekday time I have with them.

3. I love teaching children to be lovers of knowledge. Nothing is better than having a child who could care less about school, start to care. When the stars align and this happens, you are on top of the world. It is all worth it when a child who struggles shows you his work with a giant smile on his face.

4. If it wasn't me, it would be someone else. If I was not in the classroom, someone else,who may not be as scheduled, organized, and loving, might be. This is a scary thought and happens all too often. Some go into teaching to reap the benefits (time off, short hours-obviously you are doing something wrong if there are short hours! lol). And these people might be in your child's classroom teaching them how to be inquisitive and creative, or really teaching them to just "get by".

5. I very rarely take for granted my children. Because I am away for most of their waking hours, I am SO excited to see them in the evenings. They greet me with a smile, scream "Mommy", and come running to the door. This makes it better. On days that I don't work, I, all too often, spend too much time in front of screens or doing chores and I wind up ignoring my kiddos.

6. It helps to keep us on a schedule and this makes for order in a home. Some ask, "How do you do it with four kids under three"? My reply is easy. I do not do anything extra. I may not participate in the church bake sale, or offer to watch my nieces and nephews (sorry, Katie), but this is what we need to do to get by. I do not over promise because I want to enjoy my time with my kids and not rush my life away with obligations that aren't necessary.

7. Absence makes the house look cleaner. The old adage is changed to fit my lifestyle. After being off work and actually seeing my husband during the week, I realize the traditional adage is flawed for us, so I changed it. The more I see him, the more I want to see him. I get mad when he wants to do chores or fix things around the house because that takes him away from me. Although I hate being away from my hubster, when I am, I get more done. When we are together, we just want to watch entire series on Netflix and pig out.

Overall, I am excited to start back to work and get our family back on schedule. I am excited to see my little love muffins (students). I am extremely sad to be away from my silly Rocky, sweet Kolbe, cuddly Zoe, and precious Molly, but here's to counting down the days till Spring Break! Aren't they presh?

To Shop or Not to Shop?

Alright. I am a creature of habit. My best habit of all... SHOPPING. Since we are getting our debt down, I am currently only in the market for window shopping, but shopping none the less. I am obsessed. I get nervous if I only have an hour. Let's just be honest here, I get nervous if I only have three hours. So going to the mall is a must while on maternity leave.

When Kolbe was born, I went to the mall 1 week post-partum with him in the Bjorn and Rocky in his stroller. Success!

But, now I have four little munchee-chees and I am a bit nervous. Not only for the actual excursion but for the preparation. You see, when you look young and have many children, people look at you and think, "OMG, she needs to STOP having babies" or "Poor, little girl. All those kids". When in reality, I am stoked to have my pretty young thangs in tote! I also must make them look beautiful and matched and primped to the nines because those same people are the ones who see Rocky's long and luxurious locks and say, "Wow, she doesn't even comb her kids hair". Why, yes ma'am, I do comb my boy's hair, it is just so beautiful and I am not such a woman as Delilah.

When Matthew and I went on our first outing with all four kiddos, I was in sweats and felt all eyes on us. Maybe that was just my insecurity but I felt as if people were judging me. I immediately came home and cut Kolbe's outlandishly, curly locks to make him look more "presentable".

I guess I just have to get over it but it definitely seems as if our society values the cover rather than the book. I care too much about what people think and I know that. I just wish people realized that my kids are well behaved, have manners, and will one day be your kids' bosses... THANK YOU VERY MUCH! hee hee hee ;)

My wonderful friend Shelly gave me the courage to try going by myself with all the chili beans! So, here goes nothing. I will letcha know how it goes.

Dual Nursing

Alrighty, this post is a long time coming (almost three weeks to be more exact). I decided that I would nurse the twins as long as was manageable. Nursing Rocky was awful. I frequently pumped pink milk (TMI) and I would cry when Matthew would bring him to me to feed. Needless to say, this did not encourage a strong mother-son bond between he and I. If it weren't for "breastfeeding bullies", I might have had a stronger bond with Rock a lot earlier. Not to say that I didn't love him, but it was hard when I was in pain whenever he nursed. He was a puker. He would throw up after every feeding.

I decided to give it another go with Kolbe. This time, he latched perfectly. But, after two weeks, he started projectile vomiting. I tried getting rid of dairy and soy but nothing worked. I continued to nurse for 6 months (along with some supplementing during school-teachers cannot pump and come home at a decent hour to their families). This time was a dream come true. I loved nursing him and cried when I stopped.

 

Now comes the twins. I nursed them individually for the first week to make sure that their latch was correct and to get them used to nursing. Then I started tandem nursing. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it came to me. They latched better because they had to work a little harder for it. I also found that they usually burped right during feeding! This was an amazing discovery since I HATE burping but for my pukers it is quite necessary and even the difference between a clean feed and a messy, need-a-new-shirt feed. The only weird thing is that Molly needs less than Zoe. It makes sense because of how active Zoe is compared to Molly but it still surprised me. I wish I could post a video but I find it quite inappropriate considering my occupation (I can just see it... "Mrs. Reynolds, I saw your boobs online"... No, thank you!). But if anyone is curious or interested, come visit around 3, 6, 9, or 12... It is something of a miracle. After all, we are given two... Lol. I have always produced massive amounts of milk. I think God was preparing me. This fact, thanks to my good Nurse friend from college, might be the reason I have pukers. I may be giving them too much! We shall see!

 

Wish me good luck and keep those prayers coming. Matthew starts twilight shift soon so he can be with me at night and I start back to work in a month. Matthew is still working third shift and it helps my mindset when I know I am in charge of everything. I organize things so feedings go smoothly. I am hoping Matthew and I do not kill each other when he switches. Co-parenting is a lot harder. When I am by myself, I get a lot more done and I know I HAVE to do everything. Sharing responsibilities is just not an option. We still won't see each other (I will get home from school at 4 and he will go immediately out the door to work until 11), but I will have my hubby by my side at night and in the morning to help with getting the kids situated with breakfast, diaper changes, and brushing teeth.

 

I love my bigger family. I love that I have given my children the gift of built-in best friends and shoulders to cry on. I am blessed beyond measure... just don't ask me to hang out for two or three years! ;)

 

 

12 Takes for 2012

1. This year I was able to accept others kindness and love with an open heart. I was able to accept help and gifts from generous people without thinking their help and gifts were because I "needed" it.

 

2. My husband is amazing. Whether he was planning/implementing my Baby Moon, taking over with the boys and the house, he did it with love and this showed me that he knows how hard it was for me to let some of these things go and let him take over. It helps that he knows my love language of acts of service! ;)

 

3. My boys are becoming best friends who choose to hang out with each other. Sure they fight, but usually they show really care for one another.

 

4. Zoe Darlene

 

 

5. Molly Maria

 

 

6. My wonderful siblings who are So caring. It is so good to have such a big family so that when you are mad at one of them, you have others to lean on.

 

7. My sister, Katie, who has taken on the role of mentor for me. She has helped me let go and realize that accepting others' kindness is allowing them to act on behalf of the Lord. My sister, Mary, for her constant support. We are VERY similar (with home/financial/marriage/children). This helps us to encourage one another and be a sound board for complaints and compliments. My sister, Annie. She is such a bright light of joy. Her caring and understanding personality makes her accepting of all and helps teach me to do the same.

 

8. My parents for their help this year. They helped us to buy our new van because of the generosity. They will never know how much I need them (even though I don't show it) or love them. I am amazed by their life together and they help me to make positive decisions in regards to my marriage and family.

 

9. My in-laws. They have done so much to make sure our transition to twins was positive and easy. They made sure that we did not have to worry about the unimportant things in order that we focus on what truly matters most... our family.

 

10. My job. I have a true family in the school I work at. They are amazing. They even cared enough to set up a "diaper fund" for us because we have 4 under three and they are all in diapers! Not to mention my awesome 4th grade teammates who have taken the reigns while I baked the twins. I did not EVER have to worry about school while I was off work.

 

11. My church. For encouraging me to make hard decisions because they are right. To always allow me to make my own decisions but reminds me to NEVER make excuses to justify making the wrong decisions. I have a church that has withstood the test of time. I have a church that I am in love with and that makes COMPLETE sense. It doesn't change with the times and it is not popular. Anything worth doing is probably going to be difficult.

 

12. Dave Ramsey. He has made an impact on my family's mentality of money and debt. He has made me a financially responsible person who is prepared for things to not go as planned (i.e. pregnant with twins!). Now it is difficult to walk into Target knowing that I cannot even buy the top on sale for $5.98, but it is good to know I have control over knowing what is truly a need and what is most definitely a want.

 

Happy New Year!

The TMI Labor Post...

Well, it has officially been 6 days since the birth of my little miracles. Zoe Darlene was born first at 1:36 pm weighing in at 5lbs. 7 oz. and 18 in. long. Molly Maria was born second at 1:51 pm. She was the exact same weight and length as her sister.

I got my epidural early (Oh, yeah!). At around 1:15 my midwife (Nancy Shirey=amazing) told me I was 100% effaced and 7 cm. dialated. She said she would come back in a bit after she made arrangements for her appointments and did a couple of things. Two minutes after she left the room, I turned to my mother-in-law and asked her to get Nancy because they were coming... and VERY fast!

Nancy came back in and we started to the operating room. I had to give birth in the OR because of the potential to have a c-section (something that might break me with a two year old and one year old at home). We got in the room and I started to get prepped to push. My amazing husband stood by my side calming me and telling me how amazing I was. My epidural was allowing me to feel. This made pushing a bit easier because I could feel more of what I was doing. I pushed little Zoe out after she got stuck for what seemed like an awfully painful eternity. Then came Molly. She had turned breech while Zoe made her way out. My midwife knew that I did not want a c-section if I could help it because of the recovery I would face. She called in another doctor (Barry Campbell) who does breech extractions. He was about to go into another surgery but popped in to save my LIFE! He used the ultrasound machine to grab Molly by the feet and pull her out. This one was scary and could have been bad, but, thank God, things went well. The AMAZING news is that I did not need an episiotomy so my healing was insanely different. Although I had immense contractions after the birth (my uterus shrinking to its once small size) this only lasted two more days after we were released. God is good and knew that I could only handle so much. Throughout this whole pregnancy, even with everyone telling me how insane we were for having 4 under three, I knew God would provide. I have such faith in my God and I know he will provide, if I do my best and pray for guidance.

Matthew and I took advantage of the nurseryso that we could enjoy going home and be comletely well rested and ready to make Christmas memories. We came home and the boys reactions were priceless. My mom and mother-in-law were there and I couldn't have been happier.

These past three days at home have been a blessing. The ease at which we made this transition is unbelieveable. My husband is the best swaddler is the world and participates 100% because he WANTS to be involved and share this gift of crazy responsibility. I am overcome and my cup runneth over. He is, in SO many ways, like St. Joseph. Providing for the Blessed Mother and Jesus without any regard to himself.

Reflections On What It Is To Have Twins

1. Being able to buy your children things does not guarantee they will be good people. This is hard for many to understand. In our society, people think if you don't pay for college for your children, you are not a good parent. Being a parent means nurturing and loving your child. Teaching them how to be loving and encouraging to ALL. Teaching them to never judge others and to instill in them patience. Putting food on the table and clothes on their backs is a must but going out to eat all the time and eating brand name food is not.

2. Cooking two is WAY different than cooking one. It is VERY painful toward the end. I am complaining more (which I have been very diligent about not doing this pregnancy). I can barely walk. When I do feel only a little pain, I tend to be too active (which I pay for the next day). I have terrible restless leg during the night and can rarely sleep.

3. It is VERY humbling. I have had to accept a lot of help that I normally would rather die than accept. I am a firm believer in taking care of things on your own and only asking for help when you absolutely NEED it. Asking my husband to get the roll that has fallen at my feet because I am in too much pain to bend down is humbling to say the least. Not being able to go anywhere with the boys (walks, the mall, over to their cousins' to play, etc.) is terrible. Having to deal with a messy house or laundry piling up is not fun either. It makes it easier when your kind hearted mother-in-law or sister come over to bring a meal and a conversation.

4. If you have a GREAT husband, it is easier. Luckily, I was blessed with an amazing man. One who consistently talks about how wonderful I am (even though I am crazy). One who chooses to drive our family van instead of our car because he likes it. A man who gets upset at me when he thinks I do too much. Someone who does his best to take on ALL of the household responsibilities because I am worthless. And a guy, who chooses to fore go his activities (watching football, making music, hanging out with friends) because he genuinely likes his family best and wants to be with us.

5. I have the most AMAZING sons. They keep themselves entertained while Mama relaxes (or tries to) on the couch. They keep fighting to a minimum because they know Mama is not doing well. They comfort me by asking "You okay, Mama" and scratching my back while I am bent over a toilet. They offer me water when I am sad and then ask "You feel better, Mama". My sons comfort me when I am whining about how sore I am or what pain I am in.

6. I cannot wait to have these twins so that I can get sleep (sounds crazy but from cramping to restless leg, I get almost none) and be able to walk in the land of the living and not stay couped up in our house during gloomy and dark winter months!

7 Quick Takes at 34 Weeks

1.

We went to the doctor yesterday because the previous night I was having HORRIBLE cramping. Everything looks A-Okay... Good for the girls but sad for me! I also found out that I passed the 20 lbs mark for weight gain... always a fun experience.The girls are head down! This means that my chance of a c-section is smaller! I am so happy because giving birth is interesting and awesome.

2.

I am so thankful to my family. I can count on them for ANYTHING! My sister and mother-in-law have been taking turns making meals for our family. This has been unreal and extremely helpful considering my control freak, perfectionist atiitude and the fact that I need to be resting on the couch ALL DAY.

3.

This brings me to my husband. He has had to take over with the boys, house, and taking care of me, as well. This is not an easy task. It is especially hard when he knows what a control freak I am and that I am thinking about how much faster I could do things or how much more efficient I could be. This is sometimes the case (because, again, I am a control freak, perfectionist, ungrateful person soemtimes) but, mostly, it is NOT TRUE AT ALL. I cannot believe all he has done for us.

4.

I love that my child wears the dinosaur hat that his cousin let him borrow ALL DAY long. He looks so sweet!

5.

I need to get more prayer in during this Advent season. I notice that I am more judgemental and irritable when I am not praying the way I should (also, I am 3985 weeks pregnant and EXTREMELY uncomfortable). Time to crack down and get some Jesus in my life! lol.

6.

I am embarassed at how much I play the Facebook game "Bubble Witch".

7.

I hate the Kroger giftcard commercials SO MUCH because I cannot get it out of my head and this contributes to my insomnia.

33 Weeks

Dear Babies,

This month has, by far, been the hardest. You are running out of room quickly because Mama is so short. Your brothers are starting to get really excited! Although Kolbe doesn't really understand, Rocky is excited to hold his "sistahs".

You are probably weighing in at about 4-5 lbs. I am hoping 5 because I want you chubby and healthy and able to leave the hospital with you! I am a bit nervous for that. If you come too early, you will be hooked up to machines and need to stay longer than Mommy and Daddy. This is just unacceptable!

Your hiccups come and go but you both are getting so big that Mama is in A LOT of pain and can rarely sleep because her legs feel like they have a mind of their own!

Grammy and Grammy Sherry are hard atwork making your nursery something special. All of your Bell County relatives wanted to do something special for you so they are planning some fun and practical things for your room (including PINK CRIBS!).

You both scared Daddy this week when you moved. His hand was on my belly and you moved and he jumped up out of his seat! It was hilarious!

Your lungs are finishing developing so you should be able to breathe on your own if you come next week or after!

I love you both and pray for you faith in God. NEVER WORRY! It is like paying interest on a loan you have not taken out yet. Thank you for coming into our lives when you did because I needed you!

The Start of Week 32

It has been a while and a whirlwind of events. Since it is Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate to focus on my thankfuls.

Being a parent is so difficult... But, not really, if your mantra becomes, "There is no me, only you". When we became young parents, we made the decision to live life a certain way. We chose to live out God's Plan for our family and we know what that means. It means that we will not ever be rich but we will be financially responsible. Afterall, NO ONE on their deathbed talks about how much money they wish they had, but they wish for more family and more time with their family. We will always be busy and sometimes have to leave things undone. We will always be overwhelmed so it would be easier to smile and laugh about misfortune and NEVER make it anyone else's problem. We knew people would judge us and have rude comments to say about the size of our awesome family behind our backs and to our faces. We also know that our kids are the ones people are going to want running things in the future because of how we raise them. And we know that at the end of our lives, they will be there along with their kids giving us a glimpse at our legacies.

I am thankful to my girls. This is the first pregnancy that I have accepted with open arms. The first pregnancy that I have not been scared. The first one where I am completely and totally on God's side. It feels good.

I am thankful to my boys for making me chill out and stop being such a control freak. Showing me the joys of wrestling and that cuddles from your sons are monumental experiences.

I am thankful to my husband for literally ALL that he is.

Pregnancy Update: The girls hiccup constantly and Zoe's bottom is on Molly's head. I can barely walk because I am so sore. I stopped working last week because I knew that I was trying to "make it through" the day and my students deserved more. Good thing I stopped working because my boys and I had TERRIBLE colds all week and are just now getting over them. Three more weeks and we should be good to pop these babies out safely.

Picture to come later!

7 Quick Takes at 26 Weeks

1. I think it is hilarious that my family spends most of their lives in pajamas. I think being pregnant for three years has made us welcome comfort and home!

2. Political (Skip if you must): After watching the VP debates last night, I think it is illogical to oppose abortion except in cases of incest and rape. If you think it is a life, then if someone takes it, it is murder. Murder is NEVER okay.

3. My husband is a saint for dealing with my crazy exhaustion. He lets me sleep in, cleans the house, cooks for the boys, etc. There is no one better than him and he is why our marriage is amazing and the best in the world.

4. I love my sisters. They are beautiful, insightful, and encourage me to be a better person in EVERY way... that is why having big families is a must, if you can. I learn what qualities I want in myself and, very araely, the ones I do not want. ;)

5. I am so blessed to have God control my life. He has made it so that we are having kids when we have extreme energy. He made it so that they are going to be close in age, which will be easier on us in the future. Hard work when we have the energy, and then we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor (i.e. have indentured servants until they are 18! lol).

6. Sometimes, I still find myself judging other families because I think mine is the best. I understand that this is wrong and definitely not true, but it is hard when we love each other SO much and have incredible amounts of fun. ( I just reread this and it sounds so egotistical, but isn't that what blogs are, anyway?)

7. My belly is so incredibly big that I have a VERY hard time breathing. It is funny, but, on days like today, I remember that even though I am SO happy to be having 4 kids in 3 years, it is a difficult feat that sometimes I need to acknowledge.


*Sorry if this post is pretentious, I am feeling VERY blessed and love my family!

The Boys

This isn't a "Dear Babies" post. Though I love writing to my girls, I need to acknowledge my boys.

Rocky,
 I love that you bow your head and pray at meals and before bed. I love that you brush your teeth better than most. I love that you say, "Hmmmmmm, pray for _______" after our evening prayer. You always add in an inanimate object like the elmo balloon or Madusa monster truck but you always remember either Mama, Daddy, Brubber, or Sistahs. I love that you watch over you little brother by making sure that he has toys if he is sad and trying to ask "You Okay?" in order to make sure nothing is seriously wrong. I love that you are always wanting to cook with Mama. I love that you ask Mama to sleep with you at night by whispering "Yay down, Mama". I love that you squeal when I walk through the door after being at work. I love that you throw your dishes in the sink when you are done with a meal and close doors that are left open. Overall, I love the little things that make you one of the best children ever.

Kolbe,
 My sweet cuddler. I love that you are always giving Daddy giant kisses and hugs (although, I would rather you give them to me). I love that you follow your older brother around like he is already your best friend. I love that you freak out if you cannot find your favorite book. I love that you walk around with a blanket over your head making monster noises to scare us. I love that you cover your mouth when you laugh. I love that you watch college football with such interest and focus. I love your sleepy eyes in the morning. I love that you have full on happy conversations with yourself when you first wake up in the morning. I love that you climb on everything in sight. I love that you dance with more rhythm than your father. I love that you attack your brother with kisses goodnight. I love the way you smile at me like we share a secret. You are very special. The kind of person that everyone wants to know. You are my Kolbe boy and I love you!

Week 24

Dear Girls,

What an eventful couple of weeks! I am so blessed to be able to feel you move! This past week we bought a family van. Mama has always wanted a van so I was pumped!

I just got back from your ultrasound. I found out that you are not identical and Mama is excited! I was a bit leary of having identical twins. Your 3D ultrasounds showed us your faces. My heart melted! Zoe, you were a little gymnast with you foot by your face and you reminded me of Kolbe. Molly, you were calm as ever and you remind me of Rocky!

Zoe, We asked Uncle Aaron and Aunt Paulette to be your godparents. Molly, we asked Uncle Bri Bri and Auntie Mar Mar to be yours. I am so thankful that I can rely on them to teach you the ways of our passion, God!

I pray for you daily (and so do your brothers during night prayer). I cannot wait to meet you! Be happy and healthy!

Love,
Mommy

Week 21

Wow! Keeping up with a blog is the last thing I have time for! My graduate school class is a bit demanding and I am POOPED! Here goes...

Dear Babies.... I mean, Dear GIRLS!

Yes, that is right! I said, girls! I am so excited to be able to share my world with some twincesses! Daddy and I found out last Wednesday. At Kolbe's 1st birthday party, we shared the news wiht friends and family. Mama made cupcakes with the letters A and B. Each guest received one. All the A's took a bite and inside was PINK frosting. Then, all the B's took a bite and inside was PINK frosting, again! Auntie Kay Kay and Grammy brought you over some CUTE outfits and I was so excited!

Mama has been exhausted and sick the past couple weeks. The thing that keeps me working so hard in 4th grade and grad school is... YOU! And your brothers, of course. I think I am so tired because you both are growing like weeds! You are both about 11 ounces each and about 10 inches long! Your kicks make me smile. Daddy started to feel them this week, too.

I pray for your safety, happiness, and sanctity everyday and your brothers do, too. Rocky says his prayers every night and prays especially for his "Sistuhs"! I love you both....

Mama

Week 18

Dear Babies,

No picture this week! A little busy with the first full week of school. Mommy and Daddy are so excited for you to get here and a bit apprehensive. You both are about the size of a bell pepper. Your little fingerprints are starting to develop! Oh, I cannot wait to cuddle you both at the same time! Not many people get this opportunity and I am so thankful. The doctor said that we are going to find out your genders in TWO weeks! Yay!

Daddy picked up some Chinese food (wonton soup and crab rangoon...mmm) which I have been thinking a lot about. Mommy has been in a bit of pain recently. I think you should consider being a bit nicer on her... just a thought!

17 Weeks

Dear Babies,

This week brings some pretty exciting things in our family's lives. I had my first day of school today! Mommy loves teaching so much! I am blessed to have found my vocation so early on in life and even more blessed to work at a wonderful school with wonderful friends!

This week also marks your brothers' patron saints' feast days! St. Roch's is August 16th and St. Maximilian Kolbe's is August 14th. Such a big week for us all!

You have been moving around like crazy in there and I am so excited to feel you even more in the coming weeks. You will double your size in the next two weeks and I don't know where you will go!

Daddy is a trooper, running Daddy Daycare and working his job. You are lucky to have such a great example of hard work and sacrifice that you have in your Daddy. You are also lucky to have such wonderful brothers; they are the ones who are making all those car noises all the time.

I love you both with my whole heart. My prayer for you this week is that you find out early on what God wants for you and are always willing to follow HIS will and not your own.

Week 16

Dear Babies,

You are the siz of avacados this week! I love comparing you to fruit because you are so darn sweet! You both have started growing toenails, as well.

Mommy is still always sick and tired. I am trying to keep up a good spirit. Daddy's corny humor and jokes make me smile enough to set me back on track if I get too pitiful.

You guys went on vacation this week to Michigan for Har Har's surprise 60th birthday party. He loves you both so much. He now has 22 grandkids and counting! You are his legacy and he will always protect and take care of you. You also got a new cousin, Keegan. He has been a part of our family for a while but Auntie Kay Kay and Uncle Shawn made it official by adopting him. I hope you learn from their selflessness and unconditional love.

We purchased your car seats and cribs this week. Mommy is such an over organized control freak that we should be ready for you guys next week! lol.

On a personal note, I am so happy with God's plan for our little family... well, not little anymore... Who knew that we would grow at such a rapid rate! I think it is so funny when people ask about Daddy and my having so many kids. But I want you to know the real reason... the love that Daddy and Mommy share wasn't small enough to fit in a small family. We needed to share our love four fold.

Week 15

Dear Babies,

Mommy went to the doctor and they disappointed me by telling me that I had to wait until September for my ultrasound to find out your genders... I am dying! Mama is so excited to find out if your brothers will have more wrestling partners or if is I will have some pretty pink princesses! Ahhh!

This week, you both are the size of an apple! The doctor said that my tummy is measuring 16-18 weeks because you both are SO BIG! Lenny's pulse rate was 145 bpm and Ralph's was 144 bpm. This week, you are beginning to see light. I am told that if Mama shines a light on my belly, you will swim away!

I am praying for your health and sanctity, everyday. Daddy and Mommy are also in the process of looking for a van (we are going to be a six pack as of December). We all love you!

Week 14

Wow, the twins are making me crazy. So much sickness, exhaustion. I realize that I am cooking for two but... WHOA, Nelly! This is insane. I have started feeling Ralph and Lenny (what Matthew affectionately calls them because of them being on the right and left sides :)) move around.

I feel very blessed to have been able to have my nieces and nephews over to my house last night. We made a tarp slip and slide and made sure to use dish soap to increase speed! We had such a great time. I cooked chicken, mac n cheese, and green beans. Cooking for seven kids wasn't all that bad so I am sure that cooking for four will be just fine and dandy... until one of them decides they do not like what I made.

Matthew is, once again, setting the bar extremely high with husbanding... lol. He is trying so hard to deal with my double the hormones. I appreciate him so much. I am starting to get a bit apprehensive about our schedule with the twins. We are already single parents during the week, so I think we will need to really try hard to get in some good 15 minute dates so I don't go crazy. If I wasn't this obsessed with him, I wouldn't care so much! haha.

Anyways, back to the twins. My tummy growing has tapered off. I think I am losing some poundage (because of healthier and smaller meals) in other areas while the babies gain. Ahhhh! I feel so happy to have the twins and be able to burture two children inside of me already! I hate pregnancy so much that this "mother of four under three" should be a cake walk... YEAH RIGHT!

Week 13

At the end of week 13 and it has been a crazy one. With both of my boys I never experiences the crazy cravings that are proverbial of prenatal ventures. Well, it has come two fold (pun definitely intended) with my twins. I made myself a tortilla with honey mustard, cream cheese, bologna, shredded cheese, tomatoes, a pickle and onions. I capped it off with some flamin' hot cheetos and cotton candy. Yikes!

I am a bit less exhausted than I have been. I am thankful for that because I cannot wait to get ready for the new school year. A teacher's favorite time of year is when the center aisle is coated with notebook and crayon displays! My husband has been exceptional recently. Dealing with my complaining and letting my nagging and insults (this pregnancy has made me mean, as well) to the point of sainthood.

The emotional aspect of this week is interesting. This pregnancy has increased my craziness. Like previously stated, I have been a bit of a monster to my husband. I am manic. Extreme happiness and extreme depression. With the boys, I was nicer to him. But he takes it all with a grain of salt and encourages me by singing, "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing, gonna be alright"... only when he senses that I won't shoot him a mean look for daring to look optimistically at my craziness. In all reality, I am not that bad, I just am not used to this type of mood swing. I am used to fast paced (my family affectionately calls me "Zero to Sixty") emotional roller coasters, not long and drawn out rides!

I was recently able to see just how blessed we were when talking to a friend. We were discussing the addition of the twins and she told me that when she first heard she could not believe we were already pregnant, much less with twins. She then added, but I see you on facebook all the time and you and Matthew seem like awesome parents. It made me so happy to hear someone with no kids who is probably scared to death about having kids close together say that they thought I was doing a good job.

A note to my twins: I am so excited for you to meet your Daddy. He is a different kind of man. He is goofy, loving, encouraging, and the best partner. Not to mention he is SO VERY handsome. If either of you are boys, I could want nothing more than for you to turn out like Daddy. And if either of you are girls, you couldn't dream up a better husband. I love you and look forward to feeling you move more frequently.