07.07.09
Weekend Visitors
We had some special visitors this 4th of July weekend. 
LD and her family came to visit! We were celebrating Kyla and Lucas’s due date, along with Independence Day.
They came in late Friday night and got to come see us briefly before heading to their hotel.
On Saturday they came over about 10 AM and the kids (and D) played Rock Band while N and I cooked (and LD snuggled with babies). My MIL and her sister joined us for lunch (grilled burgers, potato salad, baked beans, chips and dip), bringing with them iced tea and dessert! Also, a present for LD’s family: Rock Band II! From what I hear, they are enjoying it to the fullest! That evening we went to N’s dad’s to play pool and hang out before heading to his grandmother’s to watch fireworks.
Sunday we went to Rainforest Cafe, the twins’ first restaurant trip!
They did amazingly well, sleeping the entire time. LOL (Of course, we paid for it the next day, as they decided to be awake all night to make up for it. :p ) Afterwards we went to my MIL’s house so the kids could swim a bit before heading back home.
I, for one, am SO glad they were able to come for a visit. And we get to see them next month too before they head off on their trip to Disney! I think I must be one of the luckiest people around. 
05.27.09
Great Day!
Last night was the premier of “Rockin’ on Rockcrossing,” our entry for this year’s 24-Hour Video Race. There were 8 teams competing in our semifinal heat. Out of the 8, only 3 were chosen to advance to the finals… And we were one of those teams! The finals are on Wednesday of next week. So I guess LD will have to keep her legs crossed a bit longer. 
Today we’re heading to OK for an ultrasound. Along with seeing the babies all squished up in there, we’re hoping to find out if there have been any cervical changes as of yet. That should indicate if labor is imminent or not. N and I agree that part of us is completely ready for this stage of the worry to be over, but the other part knows that we’ve got the easy end of the deal right now and we’re not sure if we’re totally ready to take over! Good thing we don’t get a say in the matter!
Hopefully we’ll be home early enough tonight that I can update. But if not, don’t panic. I promise to update as soon as I get a chance.
05.24.09
We made it!
Not only did we turn our movie in on time (with 1.5 minutes to spare!), but the babies behaved and stayed put! Another great video race in the can. The whole day I kept thinking about the fact that this time next year our son and daughter will be nearly a year old. I wonder how they’ll feel about video race birthday parties? I am looking forward to the day they can join us in the race. Who knows, next year they could have cameos! But no, they will not be staying up with us the whole 24 hours. And they will probably be staying with a grandparent. They’ll have to duke it out over which one gets to do the honors.
Yesterday was very different for us as far as video races go. I was not in the movie at all (this has only happened one other time). I was okay with that, though. Starting on Friday I became incredibly swollen. My ankles were the size of footballs and my toes looked like sausages. It was quite painful. I was much happier behind the camera. I also had to take a break once in awhile to pump. I didn’t pump nearly as many times as I would have on a normal day, but I did manage to get in 5 before we headed to the finish line. I just hope it doesn’t throw me off too much (I wouldn’t think one day would be too big a deal). When we got home from the finish line I decided to pump before going to bed so I could sleep for a longer chunk. I fell asleep attached to the pump. Fortunately, N got a phone call before he got into bed. He noticed I’d been gone a long time (I was pumping in the babies’ room) and he came to find me. I have no idea how long I’d been sleeping. Then, N said my face looked strange (red) and that my mouth was moving funny when I talked. Not sure what that was about.
Oh! And before the race started I decided to pump in the car so I could make it through planning without needing to. We were parked in a handicap spot in the parking garage. Which, unfortunately, is next to the elevators and the security office. After the second security officer came by to check on me I just said “I’m pumping breastmilk.” The security guy put his hands up and said “‘Nuff said,” and backed away. It was pretty funny. It was a great spot for getting out quickly, but it was a bit embarrassing.
Well, I’m off to pump again! Then I think it’s time for a nap. I’m not recovered from yesterday yet…
05.22.09
Packed and ready
So in an effort to stave off the babies for at least another week, N and I finally got everything not only packed, but into the trunk of his car. We are hoping the babies do not come this weekend at all, as our annual 24 hour Video Race is starting tonight at midnight.
Yes, apparently we enjoy torturing ourselves with sleep depravation. Which I suppose makes us the perfect candidates for twin parenthood! LOL
Part of the reason we’re worried they will decide to celebrate their birthday this weekend is because they have been torturing poor LD. First, on Wednesday morning she woke up feeling great and started cleaning the shower (uh-oh! Nesting?). Then when she tried to eat lunch she started vomiting uncontrollably until there was nothing left to throw up. Which, of course, triggered contractions. So she made another visit to L&D. They gave her IV fluids, zofran, and got her back under control before sending her back home (oddly enough, they no longer have to ask her name when she arrives!). She continued to feel awful the rest of the day, but has now returned to feeling great. Well, except for the foot she’s pretty sure she broke! 
She pulled out a drawer a bit too far and it fell on her foot. She says her foot is now very blue/purple, swollen, and numb. 
So now, even if she wanted to get up off the couch, her foot is preventing that… Hmm… Maybe that’s not a bad thing.
So, we’re off to the races in just a few minutes! Wish us luck! And pray those kids of ours don’t interrupt!!!
04.26.09
Party
Last night was our Burgeoning Babies BBQ Blowout. We had invited a TON of people, but it turned out that this weekend (while the only one on which WE were available) was apparently a busy weekend for everyone else. We had about 25-30 people say they were going to try to make it, so of course we made enough food to feed twice that. N grilled beef and chicken for fajitas, as well as cooking up some of his “Mexican Hotdogs” (brats cooked in beer and salsa) and queso in the slow cooker, I whipped up some guacamole and sour cream/tomato/bacon dip, and we bought some rice and beans from a local Mexican restaurant. The spread was quite impressive. I think we’ll be able to survive on the leftovers for at least a month! I’ve put the majority into the freezer so we can have some quick meal options when the babies arrive and suck all time for things like cooking from the universe.
We ended up with about 18 adults, 6 “kids” (varying in age from 7-16), 1 toddler, and 4 babies. Man I loved it! The toddler has met me once before, but she surprised me when she came over to me and held her hands up for me to hold her. I enjoyed carrying her around a bit as well as watching N’s interactions with her (helping her to “play” the drums on Rock Band was too cute!). Then the triplets came! Oh my goodness they are adorable! They are almost 11 months old and so much fun to watch. N got them giggling up a storm, of course (he’s so good at that), which is the absolute best sound in the world. And watching their mom feed them all at once was quite the learning experience! I know I will be calling on her for advice when the going gets tough. I think playing with the various children was the highlight of the evening for me.
We also got to show off the nursery, even though it’s not quite done. Everyone seemed to like it. I know N and I are proud of how it’s turning out. I just hope we don’t stop working on it simply because the party is over and the pressure is off. I’d still like it to be done before the kids are in college. However, for today, we’ve both agreed that we need a day of rest. We’re exhausted!
03.17.09
Shower
Well, I survived the shower. And amazingly, opposing family members were quite civil. Mom even talked to Dad on Saturday and didn’t bolt at the first opportunity.
I always feel awkward when the only reason a group of people is gathered together is because they all know me. I feel like I have to spend time with everyone, yet there never seems to be enough time. Fortunately, almost everyone knew at least one other person there (sorry T!), so they were able to talk to someone familiar. I’m glad I was able to see everyone, even if it felt weird opening present after present and having all eyes on me. I guess I only like to be in the spotlight when there is a stage and acting involved…
The babies made out like bandits. I think just about everyone got them each one or two outfits (or in the case of some relatives, about 90!). We have a HUGE pile of presents sitting in the living room (still one more load of stuff at my aunts house to pick up). We don’t have room in the babies’ room right now (there’s already a pile of stuff for them in there!). My plan had been to start cleaning the sewing room today to make room for moving furniture from the babies’ room to there. Unfortunately, I haven’t quite gotten started on that yet. That’s not to say I haven’t been productive. I’ve finished all of the thank you notes and will be heading out to mail them in a few minutes (have to finish pumping). I also set up an appointment with the vet for Chili. She woke up at 3 AM and screamed in pain. When I woke up and checked on her, she would yelp any time I touched her leg. This morning she wouldn’t get up and I had to carry her outside to the grass. She seems to be favoring her left front leg and won’t take even a step. She’s been laying on the couch all morning (I put her there). I also made an appointment to take my car in for an oil change and inspection. But I may have to call and change the time. I don’t know that I gave myself enough time between appointments to come home and pump! I didn’t think about it at the time.
Tomorrow we are going to OK for our 3D/4D ultrasound. I’m excited. LD came down for the shower and I did get to feel my little boy kick a couple of times (my daughter appears to be a bit stubborn). I’m looking forward to seeing their adorable little faces tomorrow. I’ll try to post pics on Thursday.
01.25.09
I wanna see!
I am SO wishing I were in OK right now! LD called me a couple of hours ago to tell me that she saw one of the babies move! Not just felt it, but saw it! How cool is that?! For a better description, read her post on our group blog (see the link in the menu to the right).
This weekend didn’t go exactly as I’d planned. I was supposed to go to Houston to see some friends as well as my mom, sister, and nephew. But it hasn’t been all bad. Both yesterday and today my mom and I have gone “shopping” together… online! LOL. We’ve been looking at baby stuff mostly, but not just baby stuff!
Also, I got my pump and herbs and should get started on pumping in a couple of days. I kind of played with the pump today (putting it together, reading instructions, etc.) so that I won’t be completely confused on my first day to use it. It looks like it won’t be too bad. I do think I’m going to need to purchase something to hold it on so I can work on other things while I’m pumping. Otherwise, I may get behind at work!
I’ve also been working on putting together an invite list for my baby shower that my sister is wanting to throw for me. I’m not sure who to invite. If I invite everyone I want to, it would be WAY too many people. But I don’t want to exclude anyone either. LOL. I never realized I knew so many people! Plus I think N would like to be there, which means we should make it co-ed, which doubles the guest list! Hmmm… That diaper party idea is looking better and better…
It’s funny how seeing the girls look more like real people (with arms, legs, ribs, hearts, and brains!) has really helped make things seem a little more real. That and being told to go ahead with pumping. This is really and truly happening. N and I are going to be parents! I can’t wait to meet our kids! (Though I would like them to wait at least another 19 weeks!) Holy cow! We’re 17 weeks already!!!
10.26.08
Happy Birthday to me!
Today is my birthday. And I must say it’s a happy one. We haven’t done anything in particular, just hanging out together, but that’s enough. N said he couldn’t figure out how to top LD’s gift of a positive pregnancy test (or the Pregnancy book she sent with a note saying “Here’s a book to get you from your birthday to someone else’s!”). But I told him I didn’t need “stuff.” I’m perfectly happy with what I have.
I did get a wonderful surprise from N’s sister, though:
Yesterday we went to lunch and afterwards N suggested (completely surprising me) that we go to Babies R Us and look at baby stuff. We’ve both agreed that we will not be purchasing anything for the baby (or babies) until the end of the first trimester (which conveniently lands on Christmas Day!). But we strolled through both Babies R Us and Toys R Us looking at what today’s babies are being offered. And MAN things are different from when we were kids! I had to laugh as N took down a fancy-schmancy stroller so he could get a look at the pedometer and iPod jack on the handles! LOL I’m not kidding! Another laughable moment was when we walked past the potties. N started wondering if we could change our minds! The idea of potty training two at a time scared him. He came back around, though, when we looked at toys and rocking chairs.
Incidentally, while sitting in a couple of rocking chairs, a salesman came up to us and asked how many we wanted. I said “Oh, we’re just looking for now. We just found out two days ago that we’re expecting.” He said “Congratulations. Have you registered yet?” I told him “No, we figured we’d wait until the end of the first trimester before we do that.” After that he left us to browse on our own. It feels funny to say “we’re expecting” when it’s not me that is pregnant. I almost feel like I’m lying, though I know I’m not. I intentionally have said “we’re pregnant” or “we’re expecting” rather than “I’m pregnant” (since I’m not). I figure, if people want to misinterpret that’s not my fault, is it?
Today N and I had brunch and then went to the grocery store so we could get the fixin’s for his yummy spaghetti sauce! It’s cooking in the slow cooker as I type and it smells SOOO good! I can’t wait for dinner time! This afternoon we’ve played cards and just spent time together. This may be the last birthday that we get to do that, so I certainly can’t complain! It has been a good day.
Tomorrow LD will go in for another beta and we will then set up the appointment for our second u/s. I also hope to find out if I’ll be having my surgery on Wednesday. I’ve already gotten a sub lined up, so I sure hope they won’t be changing it again! 
09.07.08
Home again
We got home last night just before one AM. Needless to say, we both went to bed almost immediately (had to let the dogs out first). It was a long day, but an enjoyable one.
Shortly after my last post we got into the car and headed out. Had to stop for cash, breakfast, and coffee (three different places), but eventually were on our way. I managed to stay awake the whole trip (amazing for me) as we were talking about baby names. Now, most people know we’ve already selected both a boy name and a girl name. However, we started talking about the off chance that we ended up with twins of the same sex. What would we do then? So, we started talking names. We came up with some real silly ones, some that were okay, some we liked but didn’t really go well with our last name… We never really made any kind of decision, but it was fun throwing ideas out there. This was actually how we made our name selections the last time. This was YEARS ago, on a car trip home from my mom’s. We weren’t even ready to get started yet, but we knew what we wanted to name our kids!
Anyway, as we arrived at LD’s house I had to crack up. K and S were in the front yard and as soon as I waved to them (they didn’t recognize N’s car, since they’ve only seen mine) they immediately ran inside to tell LD. LD came out and said “Man, they’re excited you’re here!” They were shy for a little while, keeping pretty quiet or only talking to each other. But eventually they warmed up and were their usual silly selves.
For lunch we went to Hey Day, a place with Pizza and games. And just as I’d thought, N and B hit it off big time! They played games against each other, they played lazar tag on the same team (K and T were on the opposite team, while LD, S and I stayed in the arcade part and played games for tickets), and generally acted like best buds.
We went back to the house and T asked N to come into his room and play PlayStation with him. So the boys were in T’s room and K and S invited me into theirs. When LD had come with me to visit my mom we ended up giving her my flute for S to have. So S asked me if I would teach her out to play it. We sat on the floor in her room working on that for quite awhile. I’d forgotten how hard it was to play when just starting out! Slowly she got better at it and I told her to just keep practicing. She’s still got quite a bit of time before she’ll be able to take band in school. I’m sure by then she’ll be great.
Eventually we all ended up back in the living room where we talked and joked around. T really wanted to boys to go do something fun and the girls to go do something else, but no one took him up on his “great idea.”
D came home and he gave the kids a hard time, as usual. We ordered Chinese delivery for dinner, then LD and I took a short walk. The food arrived and the adults had a few minutes to eat and talk while the kids sat at the table to eat (we were in the living room). The whole evening was very comfortable and enjoyable.
I had told T a few weeks ago when he had his tonsils out that I would buy him some ice cream when I saw him. So we all hopped into the cars (B and T rode in our car) and went to Brahm’s. Everyone enjoyed their individual ice creams while we sat and talked. Once we were done we headed out. N and I were going to head on home (it was almost 10 at this point). But it was SO hard to say goodbye! We’d say goodbye, then continue to stand around and talk some more. The kids all wanted for us to either stay the night, or for them to come back to our house with us! We told them not this time, but some day they would get to come and stay with us. Finally we went our separate ways and made the 3 hour drive home (I slept through most of OK, but woke up when we were 5 miles from TX and stayed awake the rest of the way home).
It was a very full day, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m fairly certain N did too. At least, when we talked about it on the way home he had positive things to say about the kids and talked about things he’d like to do with them in the future. Overall it was a wonderful visit. But now we’re both exhausted! I think today is going to be a very lazy day for us.
08.04.08
Meeting more family
Friday LD came flew in, we had lunch with my dad and his wife, then we drove together to my sister’s (a 4 hour drive). I think the only people LD has left to meet in my family is my grandparents, my aunt/uncle/cousins who live in California, and N’s grandmother and aunt (they were on a cruise the last time she came in). This weekend she got to meet my dad and his wife, my sister, BIL, nephew, brother, and SIL. She also got to meet my college roommate. The fact that people are finally meeting her seems to be making it more real for them. They’ve been asking questions about the process and how it will all work. It’s been kind of fun educating them about the process.
We drove back to my house yesterday with an extra passenger. My nephew. W will be staying with us while my sister is at a conference. Then on Friday my sister and BIL will come here and stay the weekend so they can see the parts of the family that live up here, then they’ll head back with W in tow on Monday. I’ve only had W for one whole day and he is really going to wear me out! But that’s okay. I’ve enjoyed every minute. He’s been such a happy baby (okay, he’s 14 months) pretty much the whole time. He’s had a couple of minor melt downs, but for the most part they’ve been super easy to take care of. The biggest one was last night when I went to give him his bath. For some reason he REALLY didn’t like it. Which is odd, because typically he likes bath time. Perhaps it was the fact that I was not his dad and taking a bath in a different place must mean he’s not going home? I don’t know. At any rate, it only took a few minutes to get him calmed down and then he was splashing in the bath and having a great time.
Today LD goes back home. I’ll be driving her to the airport this afternoon. I’ve loved having her here, but I know she misses her family (and they miss her). I’m going to be sad for her to go, but at least I’ll have W as a distraction!
