Blessings from God

1 Year ago today....

2010-01-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

... I became a mom of twins. This year has flown by. It feels like yesterday we were racing to the hospital (barely in time). Now my precious boys are cruising ( I expect them to take steps any day now), eating cake, babbling and growing so big. (Sigh) They are now toddlers. What happened to my babies????

It has definitely been a challenging year (they STILL don't sleep through the night :/, but I wouldn't trade being their sleep deprived mom for anything. I love how they giggle and crawl over toward the door when they hear someone come in; how they giggle at each other and their big brothers and sister; how Luke gives Nana big kisses on the cheek (not me, but Nana!) and how Caleb nuzzles up against us when he's tired.

They are so cute and we really are doubly blessed to have them!

A Day in the LIfe

2009-11-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Actually, just 10 minutes. These were the "interesting" comments that could be heard just a little bit ago.

1) "I can't go out to the table to eat because my leg hurts too bad. I may have to sleep here on the couch." -Now, it WAS a big scrape, but seriously?

2)"I'm going out to milk the cow." - Hmmmmm.

3) "You're ruining my life!" -Wow! Thought I had a few more yrs before I would hear this one.

The funny thing is, these three statements were made within a 10 minute time span. Random and interesting thoughts.

Now, any guesses on who said what? (Mom, you can't guess cuz I told you :)

Zac-isms

2009-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Zac's been saying some cute stuff lately....

-In the van the other day he asked Daddy to "beep the corn".

- This morning instead of asking for a chocolate MUFFIN he asked for a chocolate

NOTHING.

- One of my favorite things he says is " I want to hold you" when he wants me to hold him.

He's growing up so fast. I can't believe he'll be 3 in 2 months!

Some Summer Fun

2009-09-22T17:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Belated Birthday Mom!!!!

2009-09-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

So, I forgot to post this because we were on vacation, but my Mom also just had a birthday. I am so thankful for our relationship. She has become one of my very best friends. We talk every day (usually twice a day) and she always knows when I'm a little down and need some encouragement. She has also has been using almost all of her vacation time this year to come stay with us for long weekends. She comes up to help so we can have a monthly date night or to help watch the kiddos for doctors appointments or just to be with us. I love watching her be a "Granny" to my children. She absolutely adores them (and everyone around her knows it-just ask her co-workers :)

Mom (Granny) we love you very much and we thank God that you are in our lives!

T.J. says....

2009-08-14T04:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my little reader (TJ), caught a glimpse of my Respectable Sins book on the table. He saw the word sins, and asked me why I was reading a book to help me sin more. After a good chuckle, i explained to him the real purpose for the book. Too funny!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!

2009-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so blessed to have you as my dad. You have always been so supportive, loving and a wonderful, godly example.

I'm so happy that my children also benefit from your love and guidance. We all hope you have a wonderful day. We love you!!!!

tj funny

2009-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

TJ got a "sir"-tificate from the library for summer reading. Lainey got one too, and he wants to know if hers is a "miss"-tificate since she's a girl. He wasn't kidding either :)

Father's Day Tribute

2009-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

As we are about to dedicate two more sons to the Lord at our church on Father's Day, I am prompted to reflect on the "fathers" in my life. I am blessed to have several who are near and dear to my heart.

The first is, of course, my Dad (Gary). He has been a constant spiritual and emotional strength in my life. My dad, as many know, often shows love and care through acts of service. He will stop whatever he is doing to help a neighbor with a car repair or any other household problem. He has brought many people to our church, and I don't just mean invited them, but he picks them up and drives them to church. When I was younger, his love manifested itself in working several jobs to pay tuition for private school and in him switching his schedule to be at all of my basketball games. He was always at school events, which is why my former classmates still recognize him when they see him. Now my Dad, who still has three young children at home, takes the time to make sure we have wood to burn in the winter to help save our heating cost. He calls and checks up on me and Donny, to make sure we're doing OK physically and spiritually. And I KNOW he prays for us faithfully. There's so much more I could say about you, Dad, so much in my heart, but I'll just focus on this one aspect of your love this time :)

Then there is my "Step dad", Greg. (I can't believe someone hasn't come up with a better term yet.) He has been in my life since I was 6. I have never felt like anything less than his daughter. Greg has always shown me love and support. I know that he too prays for us and supports us as we seek to raise our children in a way that honors the Lord. I am so blessed by how he brings my mom up to see us anywhere from one to three times a month, regardless of gas prices or how tired he is. Thank you.

My grandfather, "Pop", always has been and always will be a very important part of my life. Even though he is no longer with me physically, he will always be "with" me. He was so much more than a grandfather. I spent over a quarter of my life living with him and my grandmother, so he also helped support me emotionally and financially. Pop NEVER missed an important moment in my life. Whether it was preschool graduation, a basketball award dinner or even the chance to take pictures of me before prom. Pop was always there. One of my greatest joys was seeing him with my oldest child, T.J. Gram and I always wonder what he would say now, looking at me with FIVE children. (He would have no room to talk, though, since he and Gram had EIGHT :) He was a wonderful man and I am so thankful for all of the time I had with him.

And last, but certainly not least, the father of my children, Donny. Before we were married, I pictured him as a wonderful husband and I knew that he was good with kids, but I never imagined what a great dad he would be. Our children ADORE him. There are many projects around the house that he would like to do, or days when he would rather just rest, but those things will have to wait because he knows that his children need him more and he would rather show them care and attention. The kids demonstrate all day long how highly they think of him. They ask me numerous times, "When is Daddy coming home?"; they think about him and pray for him throughout the day; they greet him enthusiastically as soon as he walks through the door. Why? Because he is a loving, caring, fun and all around excellent daddy. He's not just fun, but he seeks to instill godly wisdom into their lives. It is not unusual for them to have a deep discussion about God or heaven before bed. Oh, and bedtime is a VERY special time with Daddy. He puts the older three children to bed every night (unless he has a meeting). They start by singing "Jesus Loves Me", then they each take turns praying, then Daddy tells them some elaborate story involving Mario or Dora or Batman, depending on who the kids pick that night. I often look at our gang and say, "Wow. Four Boys. What was God thinking?". But I know what He was thinking. He was thinking that Donny would be a wonderful example for them to emulate and so, the more the merrier :) I also have no fears about his relationship with our daughter. Having been so close to my dad, I, of course, want the same for them. I have no doubt that he will continue to show her the love and attention he does now. She is definitely "Daddy's little girl". Donny, thank you for being such a wonderful husband and father and for exceeding my expectations. I love you more and more each day.

I am also blessed to have a wonderful father-in-law, brothers-in-law and uncles who are a very special part of our lives. I truly am grateful for all of these men and I am so thankful that our sons have such godly, humble and loving men to look up to.

Happy Birthday Grandma K !!!

2009-06-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

We love you very much and we pray God's blessing on you this year. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!!!!!

2009-06-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Why we love Nana:

TJ says, "Because she plays with us and she cleans up downstairs for us (toys) so we don't need to. And because she had green hair (St. Patrick's day). And because she helps with the babies and she plays games with us. And because she is our BEST Nana."

Elaina says, "Because I just do (love her). She brings Easter stuff and she paints my nails and she brings me nail polish."

Zac says, "Nana plays in the dirt. She brings me pink gum. She reads me books." (Ok, so the first he said on his own and I helped him remember the other two :)

We love you so much and we are so thankful to have you in our lives. You are so special to us and we love spending time with you. We pray that God will continue to bless you throughout this year. Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!

Love, Timothy, Elaina, Zac, Caleb and Luke

The "Big Kids"

2009-06-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Pictures of our 5 month old babies!!!!

2009-06-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

4 months: Where has the time gone?????

2009-05-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, long time, no post. It's been a LITTLE busy around here. Adjusting to having TWO babies has been a bit... interesting.

They are both doing well and growing, though. Caleb only wore the heart rate monitor for a couple of weeks AND we were able to switch him to the cheaper formula. Praise God!

Their stats as of the 4 month check-up are (drum roll please:)

-Caleb : 16.4 lbs and 25 inches

- Luke: 17 lbs and 26 inches

They are smiling, cooing and they have each rolled over once. Luke from back to front and Caleb from front to back. (They gotta keep it balanced, I guess:)

This week, we will probably start baby cereal. Oh boy! It will be a whole new degree of craziness at feeding time. (But I'm sure it will be fun:) We're still waiting for them to sleep more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. In the meantime, coffee is my best friend :)

Nana comes over to help us almost every day that Donny works and she is a HUGE blessing. Without her, I think we would NEVER have clean clothes to wear.

The "big kids", as we refer to them, are doing well. TJ will be graduating from Kindergarten at our church school next week. I am so thankful for all he has learned there. He can read!!!! It's so exciting. ( It also marks the end of an era as Donny and I can no longer spell words we don't want them to hear. Oh, well. Time for Donny to learn sign language or for us to brush up on our Spanish. ) I will be home schooling TJ for first grade. We are excited, but I'm also a little nervous. I know God's grace will be there.

Elaina continues to be a good helper with the babies and she is becoming more "girly" every day. This year, she took dance classes (tap and ballet). She loved it and we all enjoyed watching her dance like a princess in her recital. The highlight, was when all the girls in her class danced on stage with their daddys. Sooooo precious. (Donny did great and had to restrain himself so as not to steal his daughter's thunder :)

Zac is growing up before my very eyes. He is talking so much now, and in sentences. He is quite, what's the word, ACTIVE. He definitely keeps us on our toes. He is full of energy and always exploring. He loves to pretend spatulas are guitars and any stick and flat surface becomes a drum.

Phew. I'm tired just recounting all these fun facts about my kiddos. I'm going to try to upload some pics too, so everyone can see how much they've grown.

Happy 4th Birthday Elaina!

2009-02-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my sweet girl is 4 today. We were so surprised when she was born (we didn't find out what she was, but were both convinced she was a boy). For some reason, I really had it in my mind that I was going to have all boys. Well, almost. Anyway, Elaina has been our special little "princess" as Granny calls her.

Elaina is finally interested in "girlie" things, which makes me happy. (I was afraid she was going to be a tomboy like me.) She loves princesses and ponies and going to dance class. She's a little more shy than her big brother and it usually takes her a little while to warm up to people, but once she does, watch out. She likes to talk and play and sing and dance.

She is LOVING being a big sister to the twins. She's been a great helper, bringing me diapers, wipes, etc... I'm sure she's only going to get better at this.

Happy birthday sweet girl. We love you!

Reunion

2009-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

We are all under the same roof for the first time and loving it. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. For now, we are so excited (and maybe a little nervous).

It will be hard for me not to call my friends in the NICU for support (although i'm sure they wouldn't mind).

It's time to get used to "Double Time" :)

Still Waiting

2009-01-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Caleb's sleep study went well. It actually didn't show reflux. However, in the past two days he has had 6 heart rate drops. So, now we are waiting again. It looks like he will have to come home on a monitor, so he won't have to go 6 days without any episodes, but he does have to have a few days with fewer and less drastic episodes. We are doing OK with this, but it is obviously disappointing. We are trying to focus on the fact that, overall, he is healthy and he will eventually grow out of this.

We really are thankful for all of the people God has been using to bless us. It has been wonderful not to have to worry about dinners. I can't imagine what we would be eating the evenings I've been trekking down to the hospital. Thank you to all who have been making us meals and especially to Bri for taking on the task of organizing this. We definitely feel God's love and care for us. Thank you to our family and friends for being God's vessels of care for us.

Sleep Study

2009-01-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

They just inserted the tube in Caleb's esophagus for his sleep study. It's supposed to last about 12 hrs. This test should determine if the heart rate drops are from prematurity or reflux. Hopefully, we will know the results by tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday.

We are really enjoying Luke and I will try to post pictures soon. (I'm too busy cuddling him to stop to take a picture:)

Caleb

2009-01-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

We are again battling discouragement. After 3 days without any heart rate drops, Caleb had a significant one this morning. We were really thinking he would be home by Monday, but now he has to go another 5-7 days without one before he could possible come home. The doctor now thinks it could be my milk causing the problem, so he will only be doing the Alimentum formula for the next couple of days. If he does this, then he will stick to just formula, which saddens me, but I want to do whatever it takes for him to come home. If doing only formula doesn't stop the heart rate drops, then they will do a sleep study, which is not comfortable for him.

So, while we are thoroughly enjoying having Luke home with us, we also long to have Caleb home. Please pray that the doctors can solve the problem soon and then we will find comfort from the Lord as we wait.

Luke's Home!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'll have to post more later, but Luke is home and we are so happy!!!! The kids are loving their new little brother. Zac keeps looking at him and laughing. He also keeps saying "I want to hold it". Elaina has been at Luke's side since we walked through the door. She can't wait to hold him. TJ is the proud big brother and happy to have Luke home. I'll post pictures later. For now we are enjoying having one of our precious babies home. (Hopefully, Caleb will be joining us soon too.)

Update and good news

2009-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

It looks like Luke is coming home tomorrow!!!!!!!! Please pray that he has no episodes between now and then and, more importantly, that he is strong enough and ready to come home.

Caleb is now completely off of tube feedings. He is still having 1-2 heart rate drops a day, but they now believe that they are related to reflux. They have switched his formula today (to the Really expensive stuff) and if that doesn't help after a couple of days, they will try him on reflux medicine. The good news is that he SHOULD be able to come home once they get this figured out. They told me today that the 6 day rule without heart rate drops doesn't necessarily apply to reflux issues. So please pray that they figure it out quickly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TJ!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my "baby" boy is 5 today! He has grown up so much in the last 5 years, but some things have not changed... his absolute ADORATION of his daddy (he LOVES to do anything and everything with him); his affinity for any and all superheroes (but especially spiderman and batman); his love for people (he loves "company" as he refers to visitors :).

A few things have changed though. He is in school, and, for the most part, loving it. He's starting to read and add. Along with superheroes, he is now a fan of video games. (Yes, he is Donny's "mini me".) He is a big brother to 1 sister and 3 brothers (although he hasn't even met two of them yet.)

Timothy is such a sweetheart and very loved by our family. We are so blessed by his tender heart for others and we look forward to seeing God work in his heart even more.

Please Pray

2009-01-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we're really fighting discouragement right now. It was looking like Luke was going to come home this weekend, and then he had another heart rate drop today, which means an automatic extra 6 days. Caleb is not even close to coming home yet. It's looking like they could be in there all the way up to my due date, which was February 7th. It's just getting hard because I feel like I'm missing out on so much precious time with them. So, please pray for us emotionally and pray that the boys would get better and come home.

More pictures of Caleb

2009-01-12T06:39:00.001-08:00

More pictures of Luke

2009-01-12T06:17:00.001-08:00

Praises and Prayer Requests

2009-01-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

God has been doing a lot this week. First I'll list the praises.

1) Both boys are off of their IVs, jaundice lights and oxygen. We can actually see their sweet little faces and they are wearing cute little outfits now instead of just diapers :)

2) The boys are also both taking bottles, which has been fun to help with when we are there.

3) Luke's second echo cardiogram came back normal!

4) Luke did NOT been require his feeding tube at all today.

Prayer requests:

1) That Luke would continue to improve. He has made great strides but the doctor said it's not uncommon to take a few steps forward and then a step back. Pray that he takes no steps back.

2) Caleb is still having episodes of bradychardia(sp?), which is a drop in his heart rate. He is also still having some apnea. He has to have no episodes of either for at least a week before he can come home.

3) Caleb also has not been finishing his bottles, which means he needs to have some of his feeds through the feeding tube. He needs to consistently get nourishment only from the bottle.

4) Please pray that both boys would start to gain weight. They have both lost quite a bit, which is to be expected, but now they need to be consistently gaining.

So, as you can see, God has been good to us and the boys have made a LOT of progress and they will only be a week old tomorrow! Thank you for your prayers and support :)

Luke Nathaniel

2009-01-08T06:03:00.001-08:00

Caleb Isaac

2009-01-08T05:46:00.000-08:00

Cuddle time

2009-01-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Donny and I both got to hold BOTH boys today. It was our first time holding Luke, and it just made my day. I was also able to nurse Caleb, although he really didn't do much, it was still an opportunity to get him used to it. We really got to hold them each for quite a while.

They both still seem to be improving, however Caleb had a few breathing "episodes" today. It is just a lot for preemies to eat, maintain body temperature and breathe. These episodes reset the clock, so to speak, for Caleb, meaning he has to go a week from today without any before they would consider sending him home. Luke is still on the nasal cannula, so the one week rule hasn't even started for him yet.

So, it looks like it's still going to be a little while. Please continue to pray for our sweet boys and for us. Pray also that God would give us wisdom in how to organize our family life. It is a challenge to schedule time with the boys and yet to not neglect our 3 kiddos here at home. Also, we are realty hoping and praying that when the time comes for the boys to come home, it can happen on the same day. It would be really hard logistically to visit one in the hospital with one at home.

Again we thank you for all of your encouragement and prayer.

Update

2009-01-05T04:07:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me that there is ALREADY good news. As of yesterday afternoon, Caleb was no longer requiring oxygen. He was breathing on his own and doing well. I was able to change him and hold him again. I finally saw his little eyes too, which was great! (Both boys are under lights for jaundice, so they wear eye masks most of the time right now.)

Luke is also showing improvement. He had another lung x-ray yesterday which showed that his lungs are looking better than they were. He was able to come out of the oxygen bubble that was over his head yesterday and he was also requiring less oxygen for part of they day. I still haven't gotten to hold him, but I was able to touch him more and even change his diaper yesterday.

These are very exciting improvements, but we also know that things can go up and down for a little while, so please continue to pray that they will make progress and be able to come home soon. I am going home today, which will be challenging. I'm very excited to see my kiddos at home (I do miss them!), but it will be hard to leave Luke and Caleb. I'm hoping to come down once a day until they come home, but it will be tricky to work out all of the scheduling details. I know they are in good hands (not just the staff here, but ultimately in God's hands) but it is still going to be hard to leave them.

Thank you all for your encouraging words and prayers. Donny and I have been so blessed by the comments left on the blog and by e-mails from everyone. I would love to answer them all personally, but that may take some time. For now, just know that we appreciate you all and thank God for you.

(Also, I will ATTEMPT to post pictures later today. I'm not very techno savy .)

God in the Details

2009-01-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

Looking at the events of the past few days, it can be every tempting to focus on what did NOT go as I would have liked or planned. There sure are quite a few things that would fit into that category. However, I know that is not what God would have me do. Instead, he has been gracious to reveal to me a few details that he orchestrated to bless us and to make things go more smoothly. So, here are a few of the "blessings from above":

1) I went into labor around midnight, which meant NO TRAFFIC on the way to the hospital. Living 30 minutes away and knowing my history of quick labors, this had been and area of concern for us, but God took care of it.

2) Since it was so late, Donny was home, which saved us time. This had been another prayer request of ours and it was answered :)

3) The babies turned just a couple of weeks ago and I was able to deliver them without a c-section. I can't even imagine recovering from surgery right now. It has been a blessing to be able to focus on the boys and to go to see them several times a day without having to worry about my own recovery.

4) I had really hoped to go into labor over a weekend, which I did. My reason for this was twofold: First, so Donny wouldn't have to take as much time off of work (he doesn't have a whole lot of vacation available right now). Since he didn't have to take several days, he should now be able to take time off when the boys come home, which will be great.

The second reason I was hoping for a weekend was because of TJ and school. We have lots of friends and family who will be helping out with rides to and from school, but I knew it would be easier if we didn't have to make arrangements on the spot if I went into labor on a school day. (By the way, thank you Ab and Katrine for helping out with rides this week:)

So, God's timing is perfect. He is caring for us in ways we don't even see yet. I'm sure I will have more details to add to this list as the days go on :)

"But I trust in you. O Lord; I say, 'You are my God. My times are in your hands;' "...

Psalm 31: 14-15a

They're Here!!!!!!!

2009-01-04T02:20:00.000-08:00

On January 3rd, the boys decided to arrive. They did not give much warning and seemed quite anxious to be with us. My water broke just before midnight and not long after contractions started. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was already dilated to 9 cm and in A LOT of pain. I begged for an epidural, which they tried numerous times to give me, but the anesthesiologist just could not get it in the correct spot. Finally, I realized Caleb wanted OUT. He was born at 2:44 am (less than 3 hrs after my water had broken). I got to rest for a few minutes, then they attempted the epidural again, due in part to not knowing if Luke was going to cooperate and get into position, in which case I would have needed c-section. After numerous more failed attempts (i felt like a pin cushion) the contractions started again, as did the feeling that Luke was ready to be born. Finally, he got the epidural in and told me it would take about 15 minutes to work. I knew I didn't have that long. As soon as I laid down, Luke's water broke and a minute or two later he came FLYING out (3:24 AM). (The epidural did help with the pain AFTER they were born :)

Caleb weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Luke weighed 5 lbs 10 oz. and is 19 1/4 inches long. Big babies for being born at 35 weeks.

Right away, the doctors began giving Luke extra attention. It was obvious he was having difficulties with his breathing. Caleb, however, seemed to be doing fine and we were able to hold him for a while.

Luke was whisked away to NICU and we have not been able to hold him yet. His breathing is very labored and his lungs are quite premature. He does not respond well to sound, light or touch, so our visits with him are very brief. They have him on a nose canule (sp?) as well as in an oxygen bubble. Currently, they are also giving him IV fluids. He has also shown some cardiac issues which I don't completely understand. It seems that along with a murmur, there are some vessels that should be closed but are open, due to his prematurity. There are also some places where there is bidirectional flow and he has pulmonary hypertension. This information all came after an echocardiogram and they said they will do another in 2-3 days. They did say his heart looks better that they had originally thought and that most if not all of these issues should correct themselves as he grows and matures.

As I said before, Caleb was allowed to stay with us for a while. We were able to hold him for a bit, until the nurse noticed he was struggling a bit to breathe. They took him to the regular nursery to be monitored. After a couple of hours, they decided he would do better in the NICU as well. HIs breathing issues are much milder than Luke's. He also has an IV and a nasal canule, but is receiving less oxygen than Luke. I was finally able to hold him again around 1 this morning, which was nice.

The doctors say the soonest either baby will come home is in about a week, but either could be here up until there due date, which is in 5 weeks. It is very difficult to not be able to hold and feed them right now, but we are crying out to the Lord in our time of need.

Please pray that the boys would gain strength and maturity in their lungs quickly and that Luke's cardiac issues would clear up. Please also pray that we would be able to touch and bond with Luke soon, as it is not possible to do so yet. Lastly, please pray that we would be open to learning what God would want to do in us and through us during this time. We want to be a light to the NICU staff and other parents and we want to hear from the Lord.

I will update as they give us more information. Thank you for your prayers.

Downward march

2008-12-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

Another ultrasound today and an answer to prayer: the boys are BOTH head down!!!!!! They are also growing big. Approx. 4lbs 15 oz and 5 lbs 4 oz. WOW!!!!! Sure explains the pain and discomfort. I've reached the point now where they wouldn't try to stop labor if it started. Kinda scary and exciting :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Zac!!!!!!!

2008-12-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today we were blessed with our sweet Zachary David. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. He has learned so much (good and bad ;) from his big brother and sister. He loves cars, trucks, trains, balls and tools. (A real man's man.) His daddy and I love his sweet little laugh and the way he says "love you too" and "bless you" (whether you sneeze or cough). Donny pointed out to me today that Zac is very in tune to my needs. If i sigh or moan in pain he says "What's wrong?". Today I was experiencing some morning sickness and Zac heard me (from another level in the house) and brought me a container and said "Here, spit." (We call it spitting up, not throwing up.) I know, gross, but so sweet and thoughtful.

Anyway, we are thankful to God for our sweet little boy and look forward to seeing him grow and mature into a little man of God.

A TJ Funny

2008-12-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

So, the last part of TJ's memory verse this week talks about overlooking an ofFENSE. We were reading through the verse tonight and and he said "Mommy, tell me when we get to the part about the gate, cuz I know that part." I laughed till I cried.

Almost 30 weeks!

2008-11-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I'll be 30 weeks on Saturday and we had another ultrasound today. The boys are doing great, weighing in at approximately 3lbs 11 oz. and 3 lbs 9 oz. Unfortunately, neither of them are head down. Baby A is breech and Baby B is transverse, with his feet over by Baby A's head. Soooo, please pray that they would both turn. The chances of this decrease with each passing week, but we can still pray cuz God can do it! I can't believe I am already carrying around over 7lbs of baby :)

They're growing

2008-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we had another ultrasound this week. the boys are both growing nicely. One weighs 1 lb 12 oz. and the other is 1 lb 10 oz. The Dr. says everything looks great and we are doing great. We're all getting really excited and looking forward to meeting these little guys.

Almost forgot. During the ultrasound, one of the boys kicked the other in the head. Oh dear. Fighting already ;)

It's been a while...

2008-10-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted anything. Lots of things have changed...

We are now living in our new house. God provided a home larger enough for our growing family and it is right around the corner from our church/TJ's school, which is such a blessing.

TJ is doing well in Kindergarten. (Although, his homework makes me thankful that I'm not teaching him to read. I am so NOT a good primary teacher.) He loves school and I think one of the coolest things is hearing him recite the Bible verses they learn.

Elaina has adjusted to the idea that 2 more boys will be joining our clan. I think she's actually excited about being Mommy's helper. She just started taking dance classes and LOVES them.

Zac is talking up a storm. It seems like he adds new words/phrases every day. Some of our favorites are "No way" and "How are you?".

Life is definitely busy. I'm trying not to overdo it because I get tired and sore very easily.

We have another sonogram next Wednesday and I'm looking forward to seeing these little guys again.

...And it's only going to get busier!

2008-09-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

Well, we just received the shock of a lifetime. We're having TWINS!!! And, since it is the Chesapeake way, they are both boys :) I know, poor Elaina, but we are trying to accentuate the positive. I told her she will be Mommy's special helper when the babies come.

We went to the ultrasound today (I am 19 1/2 weeks) and were definitely not prepared for this. I cried and Donny laughed. Everyone thinks we're joking when we tell them (even TJ) and I am just worn out thinking about it all.

Children are a gift from the Lord and, ultimately, we are thankful. Ready? no. Overwhelmed? yes. And very, very thankful.

Life is BUSY

2008-09-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

Well, thanks to a "friendly" reminder from a friend, I realized it has been ages since I updated my blog. We just got back from a fun and tiring vacation at the beach. The kids had an absolute blast. While they enjoyed the beach, they seemed to prefer the pool. Zac wouldn't even touch the sand but he had no qualms about jumping into the pool.

Today, TJ started Kindergarten at our church school. He was very excited when we left the house today, but not so much when I picked him up. I think it will take time for him to get used to the structure of the day and to the idea that he doesn't know everything. Like me, my son needs to grow in being teachable.

Settlement on both houses should be the end of September. We have less than 3 weeks to pack, so I'm a bit overwhelmed about that.

I am now 18 weeks and a couple of days pregnant. I have another midwife appointment tomorrow and the sonogram is set for Sept. 17th. We are not planning on finding out the gender of the baby. I have to try to remember to tell the tech that right away when we get there.

So, life is crazy right now and I know that I need to press into the Lord more than usual. PLease pray that I do that.

God is good!!!!

2008-08-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Lots of blessings to report. It looks like the sale of our house is moving forward. We had the home inspection yesterday and they didn't find anything major. We're just praying that the buyer doesn't try to nickel and dime us with repairs or money for repairs. He is supposed to give us his requests by tomorrow.

And.... we put in an offer on a house in Joppa and it was accepted! We are very excited as the house is only a few minuted from our church and the school TJ will be attending. The house will be a major blessing as it has 4 bedrooms plus an office, which could be used as a bedroom. There will be plenty of room to practice hospitality and guest rooms for people to stay in. It also has a very nice, fenced-in, back yard. We are humbled and blessed by God's goodness to us. We offered significantly below the asking price and asked for some of the closing costs. We are cautiously excited, aware that it's not a "done deal" until settlement. So, please keep praying that things will progress smoothly :)

Happy 7th Anniversary to My Wonderful Husband!

2008-08-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Warning: This post will be long and somewhat mushy;)

Donny and I met about 15 years ago at our church. He had just graduated from high school and I had just finished 9th grade. (Yup, he's older :) Anyway, he was the funny, friendly and fun -loving guy that everyone got along with. He was like a big brother to many of us girls. He was also a favorite with a lot of the dads. (Apparently, he was a favorite with my dad too, which I didn't find out until much later.) Anyway, he was a great guy and I believe it was God's grace that I didn't develop feelings for him sooner. I truly saw him as a friend and not a potential romance, which not only protected my heart but gave us a good foundation of friendship. (It probably helped that he was in NO WAY interested in me either ;)

Fast forward to my second year of college. Donny was asked to lead a singles care group and I was asked to be his assistant. We were both excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve in that way. (Side note: I think Jimmy was playing cupid. Just ask Chris and Em.)

Anyway, I remember when we started serving together, being very afraid that I would develop feelings for him. I cried out to God that He would protect me from that because I was afraid it would get in the way of our ministry. Well, thankfully, God did answer that prayer. At least for that first year.

The next year (the summer after my 3rd year of college) we worked together at Beachmont Christian Camp. (Yet another matchmaking place ;) During that summer we saw each other every day at camp and we were still serving in a care group together. That's when trouble began. My eyes were opened to him in a new way and boy did the feelings come. To my surprise, apparently they did for him too. Our friendship was changing into something more. However, he wasn't sure if the timing was right. He talked to my dad and he prayed, but he felt like he had "jumped the gun". So, we tried to put our emotions on hold.

That next year, my 4th of college, was very challenging. Due to certain situations, it became apparent to me that Donny and I weren't meant to be. It seemed as if God had totally closed the door. I was crushed. My emotions ranged from sadness to anger to , eventually, acceptance. Sadly, it affected our friendship too.

Fast forward to fall of 2000. Donny asked my dad if I could go to a wedding with him for a co-worker. My dad and I both wondered why he would ask me. I mean, we weren't as close friends as we had been a year or two before. I was busy and couldn't go to the wedding. That didn't stop my dad from asking Donny about his motives. (My dad is so perceptive. Or persistent. Or both.) Anyway, Donny admitted that he was wondering if God may still bring us together. I was not so sure. I thought I had been given my answer the year before. Well, my dad encouraged me to pray and be open. As soon as I started praying about it, all those old emotions came back like a flood. On September 10, 2000, we entered into a courtship and we were married on August 11, 2001. (On our wedding day, my dad informed me that he had known for years, even before I liked Donny, that he was God's choice for me.)

S0, here we are. 7 years later. Expecting baby number 4. Donny is again leading a care group and every day feels like a camp here with 3 little ones. (It's funny how things come back around again.) I can honestly say that I am married to my best friend. He is caring, loving, funny and a wonderful provider. He is an amazing father to our children. (Just ask them. They absolutely adore him.) I am so thankful to God for the 7 happy and blessed years of marriage we have had and I look forward to many more.

I LOVE YOU HONEY!

The Sale is Back On... we think?

2008-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Well, the roller coaster just keeps going. After talking to our realtor (that is helping us buy a house) and our lender, we have decided to move forward with this offer. We are trusting that God is on control and He will take care of us. We were advised by both real estate specialists to put a few contingencies of our own in the contract. So, we have and we are signing it tonight. As of now, the settlement date is set for September 30th, but the buyer says he can move it up if necessary.

The next prayer request is that everything would work out for us on the buying end. We are VERY interested in a bank owned property nearby. It has EVERYTHING we want and just needs a little TLC. We are awaiting word from our realtor as to the status of the house and how long the whole process could take.

No Sale

2008-07-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we're not accepting the offer. It's not as horrible as the other offer, but we are unsure of the stability of the buyer. We were afraid the contract would end up being broken later on. Soooo, please keep praying for a buyer :)

Please Pray

2008-07-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to sell the house this summer. We've had A LOT of people look, but so far only 1 offer and it wasn't a very good one, so we didn't take it. Well, we are supposed to be getting another offer next week. Please pray that it will be close enough to our asking price that we can accept it. Thanks!

Miscommunications

2008-07-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight Elaina had a blanket draped across her head and shoulders and said she was Mary . I asked her if she was talking about Jesus' mommy and she said yes. She walked over to TJ, declared she was Mary, and kissed him on the forehead. His response: "You're not married to me!"

10 Weeks today

2008-07-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

Week 10: Fetal Development: Growing Bones

Your baby's growth is fast and furious now. He or she is nearly an inch and a half long and the size of a prune, but not nearly as shriveled (even with all the time it spends in water). In fact, your baby is really taking a human shape now. Bones and cartilage are forming, and small indentations on the legs are developing into knees and ankles. The arms (complete with elbows) can flex already, but don't run to the store for a baseball bat just yet. Though your baby's arms are taking shape and getting stronger, each one is only about the size of this number 1.

The tooth bud fairy is making her appearance this week, heralding the arrival of your baby's little choppers, which are forming under the gums. (Those pearly whites won't break through the gums until your baby is close to six months old). Other systems are go, too. Your baby's stomach is producing digestive juices, the kidneys are producing larger quantities of urine, and, if your baby's a boy, he's already producing testosterone (yikes!).

Heartbeat

2008-07-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

I heard the heartbeat today!!!! I was so surprised b/c I'm only 9 weeks and 3 days. I think that's the earliest I've ever heard it. I recorded it on my cell phone so Donny and everyone else could hear.

So Proud of my Big Boy!

2008-07-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Not a big deal to some, but to moms of little ones, you'll understand.

While the kids were home with Nana tonight, our mortgage guy came to the door with some papers for us. (Nana was upstairs at the time.) TJ looked out the window, didn't recognize the man, LOCKED THE DOOR, and ran up to Nana to tell her a stranger was at the door. (This has come after a year of telling him the dangers of opening the door to strangers.)

We're so proud of him and so thankful that he has actually learned a valuable lesson.

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!

2008-07-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

As we dress in our flag shirts, eat our red, white and blue cheese danish, and spend time with family, we are going to somehow try to explain the concept of July 4th to the kids. I'm not really sure how to do it, but I really want them to understand that today is a special day.

Side note: Zac has been picking up more words. He now says... snack, milk, "POW!", Dada, Mama, Nana, up, ball, car and maybe a couple more. So cute!!!

House showings and nausea

2008-06-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for our third house showing this week. It's challenging, to say the least, to keep the house ready to be shown at the drop of a hat. (Thanks God for Nana. She helps me clean and helps watch the kids during the showing.)

Nausea, fatigue, more nausea.... yep, we're PREGNANT!! I haven't officially posted anything about the baby yet, but we are due February 7th. We are very excited because we always said we wanted four. The kids are very excited. TJ insists that it's a boy and, of course, Elaina says it's a girl. The other day, we were looking at a picture of a baby at 7 weeks on the internet. Tj said, "Look, Mom, it's a boy." I told him that he was looking at the umbilical cord :)

Elaina said...

2008-06-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

The other day she told a little guy with a big afro "You have BEAUUUUTIFUL hair".

Yesterday, we were driving around in the parking lot while Nana ran into a store. She asked me to stop because it was making her "bizzy".

I'm impressed

2008-06-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

May not be a big deal, but I was impressed. This morning TJ said that the basement was "EXTREMELY" cold. I'm pretty sure I didn't know that word at 4.

I must be crazy!!!!!!

2008-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm doing this, but here goes: my first "BLOG". I'm not much of a writer, but my kids are growing up so fast and I want some format to record memories about them. Right now, TJ is 4, Elaina is 3 and Zac is 18 months.

The biggest news is that TJ will be attending our church school in the fall, which is probably why I'm feeling so sentimental. He seems to be growing up before my eyes, yet there is still a special innocence about him. Today he asked me if we could go to "White Marshmallow", which is White Marsh Mall.

Lanie is FINALLY getting interested in "girly" things, like dresses and princesses. And for a child who was a late talker, well, now it's difficult to get her to stop.

And Zachy...such a sweet and pleasant baby. Although, I guess he's really a toddler now. He has been such a joy to everyone and he tries to do EVERYTHING his big brother and sister do.

Well, I guess that's enough for now.