33 Weeks and Mack

How I spend a lot of my time, now. Mack and I are watching a movie. Notice how his slushes and cars are watching the movie, too.

I am posting in the dark, because it is now 5:48 am, and I can't sleep. I think my body is conditioning for what is to come. So, hopefully everything is spelled correctly and makes sense!

Things with the pregnancy are going well. I have not been put on bed rest and have not been given any restrictions since my last appointment, which I am so grateful for! I can still do things such as wash the dishes, crawl on the floor and get up with out too much help, and put on my own seat belt. I can even still cut my own toenails! Compared to my last pregnancy, I feel about as mobile/immobile as I did during my last weeks. The only difference is that I require a lot more rest and still have 3 to 5 weeks left. The past four weeks have flown, though, so I am thinking it won't drag on; mostly because I am so nervous for their arrival.

On my Tuesday appointment, both girls are head down, which means I don't have to have a C-Section. My doctor said, baby A is pretty much staying head down and if baby B flips, again, he'll try to turn her. If that doesn't work he'll deliver her feet first.

Also, they are each weighing in at 4lbs. 8oz. which is pretty good.

Nobody said anything about how soon they can be born. I am hoping to deliver between the 22nd and 30th of January. Chad's birthday is the 31st, so we are hoping to miss that day for delivery. Even though the majority of our family would have the same birthday, Chad pointed out that they already have to share the day, so he prefers they were born on a different day.

I now have appointments once a week at the hospital for NST's (Non-Stress Tests). They basically monitor your blood pressure, contractions, and the babies' pulse. Every other week, I will visit my doctor. It's getting sooo close!

One thing I have been reflecting on lately, is how much I am going to miss the peace and quiet I currently have. Every night around 8:30, we get Mack in his jammies and either play a game, or read a book. Then we say prayers and he goes to bed. Mack usually requests that one of us cuddle with him for a little while. After that I am free to go to bed, read a book, or cuddle with Chad while he watches his shows until I have fallen asleep.

For Christmas, Chad bought me 4 books on twins: one called Juggling Twins; two breastfeeding books; and one on how to get twins on a good sleeping schedule. I am feeling much calmer after reading some of these, even feeling a bit more excited about them coming. Mack talks about their birth almost daily and tells me he is ready for them to be born. Mostly, because he also mentions daily that "after the twins are born, we get to go to Lagoon!" I have to remind him that we can't go until all the snow has melted.

I can feel the babies moving around a lot more, but not kicking and punching as much. There really isn't a whole lot of room for that, anymore. They are also getting to the point that I can feel distinct bumps in my tummy. It is fun to guess which body part it is and move it around.

Mack is soooo proud of his new Buzz Lightyear pajamas. Notice the body position of the two following pictures... kind of funny.

Making a snow angel after the first snowfall.

Latest and Greatest

On Tuesday, I had an appointment with the perinatologist (the babies doctor while in the womb).  

• According to the ultrasound, the girls are growing very well and are one week ahead on their growth.  
  
• Addie weighs in at 3 lbs. 1 oz., and Lydia is at 3 lbs. 2 oz.  
• The doctor said, if I rest a lot then they can come home with me at 36 weeks.  That's only 7 weeks away!  
• So, that means no more shopping (Christmas?????).  Today I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items and decided I can never walk around that long during this pregnancy again.  Bring on the wheelchair!
• That also means I can't travel very far, either, because sitting too long can cause blood clots in my legs.
• They also found that Addie might have a problem with her kidneys and bladder.  Apparently the opening of the tubes that drain into the bladder are a bit big, indicating they have a difficult time draining.  They will continue to monitor the size of the opening through ultrasounds.  If they are still big by her second year, they will do surgery to insert a "straw" in each tube that will help drain the kidney.  If it isn't done, she will just be more susceptible to bladder infections.  So, it isn't really anything to stress about and the doctor said, it usually goes away on its own.  
  

Over Thanksgiving, we went to Chad's sister's house in Rigby, Idaho.   It was a fun trip, but we all got sick with a flu.  It effected only a couple people at a time and it's still running through the family.  I caught it on Friday night and ended up in the hospital Saturday morning due to contractions from lack of rest and dehydration.  I was given an IV and anti-nausea medication, which stopped the contractions and gave me the ability to sleep; FINALLY!  What a "vacation!"  

How I am Feeling

26 weeks and a new haircut.

I was planning on keeping my hair long during this pregnancy, but my skin and hair are so dry, I had to chop 6 inches off!  Every time I brushed by hair, there was breakage all over the sink that looked like I had just completed a men's haircut.  So sad, but it'll be healthy and out of the way for now.

These past couple of weeks have been interesting.  Some days I have felt great and have gotten a lot accomplished.  Other days aren't quite as lucky.  

Accomplishments:

• Organized some baby clothes.
• Bought a few gifts for Mack for Christmas.
• Made a Thanksgiving/Christmas countdown chain for Mack.
• Decided what to do for parents for Christmas and finished one of the projects.
• Made a pinewood derby car for Mack to race at the Elder's Quorum activity.
• Learned how to make pie crust (thanks to Alicia and Beckie; 2 sisters-in-law).
• Hung up my kitchen cabinet doors.
• Put together the crib.
• Cleaned Mack's room (again).
• More de-cluttering (I swear I work on something constantly!)
• Organized my crafts and shelf above the washer/dryer.

Wow, I didn't realize I've done so much lately!  That makes me happy.

Problems:

• I went to Costco and WalMart the other day to do some grocery shopping and get some Christmas ideas.  By the time I was finished, I was completely exhausted!  My legs and back hurt and I couldn't walk anymore.  Luckily, Chad got home just as I was pulling in and was able to get Mack out of the car, unload the groceries, and make dinner.  I love him!  From this experience, I realize I can no longer go shopping for longer than a 1/2 hour... :(
• Last week, I had one really busy day where I wasn't able to sit down and rest.  I wasn't paying attention to my contractions or babies' movements during the day.  So, when I finally stopped, I noticed the contractions were a little frequent.  Long story short, I called my doctor, went in for a non-stress test (basically, they strap monitors to the belly and listen to the heart beats and watch for contractions), and was sent home.  Everything was fine.  As soon as I laid in that hospital bed, the contractions stopped.  The did a few, simple tests and they all came back just fine.  It was a relief to find out that I am still doing a great job taking care of these babies.

I am feeling very blessed at this point to still be able to get around and take care of my family (most of the time).  The doctor hasn't put me on any sort of bed rest and I feel like my body is strong enough to handle the next 11 weeks.  Even though I am very sore a lot of the time, I can still do most things; I just can't push myself too hard.  All in all, I have to say that a multiple pregnancy is a lot harder than most people realize.  It's funny how typical pregnancy books and websites state that a multiple pregnancy is pretty similar to a singleton... "just add more calories to your diet and get a bit more rest."  If only they really knew what it was like.

Just for fun, here are some fun pictures.  Mack posed his Slushes and took this fantastic picture.  Baby Slush is hugging Mama Slush.

In this picture, he was eating a cupcake and decided to use the frosting to make himself look like Grandpa Gale.  He is really funny about Grandpa Gale's "pokey whiskers." 

Silly Mack

This lovely thing is the love of Mack's life.  She is a character from the Nick Jr. show, Lazy Town.  He frequently reminds me, "I have a crush on Stephanie, Mom."  The other day I asked him what a crush meant.  His reply was that it means he thinks she is really cool, nice, funny, and beautiful.  Most of the time when he calls her beautiful, he whispers it... as if he were speaking reverently.  He also LOVES that she has pink hair.  Last time I had my hair done he asked me if I would please make it pink.   

More Silliness:

• Chad made a mixture of grape juice/apple juice/medicine for Mack.  He was drinking it and I said, "Mack, you have the best daddy in the world.  He made this drink special for you."  Mack replied, "Oh Dad, you are so sweet.  I could just drink you up!  Gunk, gunk, gunk... Juicy!"
  
• While washing his hands the other day, I explained to Mack the importance of using warm water.  My nose was scrunched talking about how gross germs are.  Mack was listening so carefully and watching me so closely.  He caught me off guard when he said, "You look like a rabbit!"  I guess with my nose scrunched, teeth showing, and hair straight down at the sides, I really did resemble a rabbit!
• After that he said, "Mom, you're a little stinker!"
• I cut his hair on Friday.  After he checked it out in the mirror, he can stomping out of my room, exclaiming, "Ahhhh!  You RUINED it!  I don't like it!"  He continued to say that, until I styled it for him.  Then he liked it just fine.
• When we were looking through recent pictures of himself, he said, "Wow.  I have a big head!"  It was just because he needed a haircut so desperately.  

I just love being the mom to this little boy!  He makes me laugh SO much.  Plus he is very loving.  Every time I sit by him, he loves to hold my hand.  He also flashes "I love you" in sign language to me and kisses me often.  He also enjoys cuddling with me every night while he falls asleep and tells me, "Mom, I really like you when you cuddle with me."  I know this phase won't last forever, so I am soaking it up while I can.

Twin Update, again.

Today was another day of doctor's appointments. The twins are doing great and growing well.

Interesting Info:

• One is measuring 1lb. 7oz. and the other is at 1lb. 9oz.
• Both are sort of head down. One is actually considered head down and the other is one its way. I am very excited about this, because my chances of a C-Section are less.
• I am starting to get a small feel for their personalities. The one we call Addie is pretty still. She seems very calm and doesn't move as much.
• Lydia is a bit more active... okay a lot more active. Plus, she is sprawled out with her head in my lower right side, curving around to the left side, with a bum sticking out the left side, and feet curving back to my right under my ribs.
• Addie is very scrunched, thanks to her sister, and mostly takes up room on my right side. Her head is right next to Lydia's, just a bit higher, and her feet are curled around to my right side next to Lydia's.
• In one picture I saw today, all that could be seen was four little feet jumbled together.
• They still don't know if they are identical or fraternal. We could spend lots of money to have them genetically tested to find out, or wait until they are about 3 to 6 months old to see if they begin to look alike. I was told if other people can't tell them apart when they reach that age, then they are most likely identical.

My body:

• My stomach is big enough that I can't just get on the floor to pick stuff up. I usually slide from the bed/couch/chair to the floor, then stay on my knees until everything is picked up. In public, Mack does all the bending for me.
• I have reached a whopping 35 pound gain! I have about 5 to 15 more pounds to go before I really have to worry. But, as I am reaching my last trimester, I am not too worried. I didn't gain any weight in the 3rd trimester with Mack, and hoping it's about like that with this pregnancy.
• I can still squeeze into some of my pre-pregnancy pants.
• I am still having contractions and cramps and am very achy where the bones in my hips are starting to stretch.
• But, my cervix is VERY closed and long, so I don't have to worry about having these babies any time soon! Yeah!
• This month I have been feeling pretty well. The fatigue is beginning to subside and I can actually stay busy, with out dying in the middle of the day. But, I do die at the end of the day... :/
• My doctor told me he was very pleased with my progress and health today. Huge relief!

We had a fun halloween, starting with a fantastic ward party/chili cook off. I hardly saw Mack the whole 3 hours we were there. He was having a blast playing games and playing in the Spook Tunnel. After the party, he took off his clothes and refused to go trick-or-treating. After about 15 minutes, we began to get trick-or-treaters, so he got dressed, ate dinner, and then decided it was time to go. I drove while Chad and Mack walked door-to-door. It was quite fun.

The Train Engineer.

So, this picture has a funny story. If any of you have watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown you'll understand a bit better. Basically, Charlie Brown gets a rock at every house he tricks-or-treats at. Mack found this super amusing, so when we went to visit Chad at work on Friday to trick-or-treat, Chad gave Mack a rock (along with some candy, later). Mack thought it was the BEST thing in the world! He laughed about it for quite a while and then showed everyone his cool rock. In the picture, he is showing us his rock, but trying to be sad about it.

Lately, he can't take "normal" pictures. He always wants to be silly, so here are a couple of his latest and greatest.

Trying to put his shirt on himself... upside-down.

Long awaited...

Mack took pictures of me today, with the help of the tripod.  He insisted that I take a silly one, first, then he would take a regular picture.  So, without further ado, here are the long awaited pregnancy photos...

Almost 24 weeks.

Carving pumpkins at the Wohan's.

Such a precious face for such a silly boy!

This is how he watches TV lately.  Sitting on top of the couch, with his Slushes.   Notice the one on the right (aka Mama slush) is missing her nose...

October...

Not a whole lot has been going on around here.  Getting ready for the babies and holidays has sent me into a nesting phase, so I have been busy on little projects here and there.  Although I use up lots of energy when working, it's been worth it.  

Bathroom:  Chad still has the little things to finish that I don't know how to do.  This means there were little tools scattered everywhere.  I finally condensed them all to one pile, which now covers my entire dryer's surface.  Someday, he'll find the time to finish...  Here are some pics of the almost finished project.  It is hard to take pics of such small spaces.  Mack is super excited that he can wash his own hands, now, and can watch himself in the mirror.  He is actually washing his face, legs, and arms, too.  I'll try to get better pictures later.

My bedroom: Before we moved in, the previous tenants painted the walls (hideous colors) and then heavily smoked.  We evicted them and had to move in quickly, so we threw primer all over the walls and floor boards, since we had to replace the carpet, too.  I've always worked on other projects and saved my room till last.  I just couldn't imagine not finishing it before the twins are born, so I tackled the project, even though it took me three weeks and caused lots of contractions.  A big thanks to Aubrey and Elle for helping me!

This purple was the color of the walls before the primer.

Mack helping with the project.

His finished picture of a dog.  It sort of looks like a lion to me.

This is what happens when I have to take a nap and it becomes really quiet.  Thank goodness it got cold that week, so he couldn't wear shorts!

Shaurie and Mike were here this week and helped me clean my storage, car port, and patio.  Getting ready for winter!  Also, Mike hung my shelf in my kitchen!  I bought it a year ago, but couldn't decide which color to paint it.  At first it was black, then antique white.  In the end we ended up sanding parts of it, so the black could show through.  So cute!!!  Thanks Mike and Shaurie!

My quaint kitchen.  

Mack:  He's been a super funny boy, lately.  Everyday, he refers to me a Marina (from the Fresh Beat Band on Nickelodeon).  The other day he said, "Hey Marina!  Let's pretend you are Ruby, and I am Max!"  Max and Ruby is another show he likes.  As if we weren't already pretending!  The best, though... Yesterday we were in the car on our way to Salt Lake.  He was being very serious and asked me, "Do you have a super hero in your life?"  I didn't think I heard him right, because of the way he said it.  I laughed and said, "Only you, buddy."  He then replied, "What about Spartacus?"

He also talks to the girls daily and gives them all kinds of advice.  "Hey Babies!  When you come out of mom's tummy, you are going to have to get a flu shot and be really, really brave." or "Babies, I am really tall and really, really big and I can run really fast.  And I am brave."  or he kisses my tummy and tells them he loves them.  The other day he asked how they came out of my tummy.  I explained the best I could, without giving too much info to a three year-old.  In the end, he told the babies, "When you come out, you'll have to travel down mom's pants and come out the bottom by her feet."  That's not what I told him, but it's how he imagined it, I guess.

Also, my sweet mom-in-law broke her arm last week.  She fell getting out to the car at a fabric store.  She told Mack over the phone how she broke her arm when she fell on the pavement.  Later, Mack explained to Chad how grannie's arm fell off and it was the "penguin's" fault.  Penguin- pavement.  I guess they sound the same...

The twins and I are doing well; just pretty tired and not very mobile.  Shaurie and I went to IKEA yesterday, and she pushed me around in a wheel chair.   Sort of fun, but I got a little motion sick and it was frustrating to not be able to get around the aisles very well.  Someday, I'll add pictures of my belly.  It is just tricky to get a good picture right now, since I don't get ready everyday and sometimes you can't see the belly in the picture.  Someday...

Next doctor's appointment is Nov. 3rd.  Maybe I'll add pictures then.

Boys, Girls, or Both?

And the genders are.... GIRLS.  It took me a couple of hours to get used to the idea, since all three of us were hoping for one of each, but Shaurie was super excited, which helped me gain some excitement.  Mack and Chad are still trying to accept the loss of a possible brother for Mack.  When they found out, Mack stomped his foot and exclaimed, "DANG IT!!!"  I'm sure he'll become more excited as we get closer to their births.  Every night, I ask him if there is anything he'd like to tell the babies.  His response is always, "Hey babies!  We have baby toys here."  I think he's trying to coax them out early.

The doctor said they both look really healthy and are doing well.  Here is some fun info:

• They each weigh about 12 oz., or 3/4 of a pound.
• As of now, their heads are both up, with their feet down.  Baby A kind of curves around my right side and Baby B curves around the left.  This explains the sudden urge to pee, since they are both kicking my bladder!  
• I feel Baby B's arms punching around on my left side a lot.  She really gets excited and wiggles a lot.
• Baby A is turned, so I don't feel her arms as much.  Most of the ultrasound, she had one arm up, and the other at her chest.  But, I do feel her little feet more often.
• Both of their brains and hearts look very healthy.
• Both of them measure 2 days small, thus far, which is normal and good for twins.
• My due date was changed from the 21st of Feb. to the 19th.  I highly doubt I'll make it that long.  I'm betting they are born in the last week of January, or first week in February.

We have a couple of names picked out.  One of them (probably Baby A) will be named Addie.  We haven't picked out a middle name for her, yet, but Shaurie really likes Addie Reese.  I love it, but haven't asked Chad about it, yet.  The name I love is Lydia Anne.  Chad informed me last night that he doesn't like the name so much anymore, but I am going to fight for it.  So far, all the names we've picked are family names, and Lydia didn't have an ancestor that fit it.  But, yesterday, my mom-in-law told me that there was a Lydia Weber, who was somehow related, that held a leadership title in the military during WWII!  Tough chic!  Maybe that'll bring some pride to our family of mostly girls.

I also had a regular doctor's appointment, yesterday.  I asked him about the contractions I've been having, and he said I just have to take things really easy and not stand for a long time.  Since my cervix is completely thick and in tact, there is not need to worry too much.  

Before I forget, I have to brag about my great friends!  On Thursday, Elle was here and Aubrey W. came over.  They put my room back together (and Aubrey came over the day before to help me finish painting), cleaned the bathroom, cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes, vacuumed, scrubbed the humidifier, helped with laundry, and straightened the living room.  My house has stayed pretty clean since then!  I guess, with the exception of Mack's room.  It is a huge mess, but I haven't even wanted to start on that project, since I know I need to go through his clothes and toys and dejunk.  Plus I need to rearrange his room to get ready for baby furniture.  I'll just wait until Shaurie is here to help me out (thanks, Shaur!).

Twin Update

My last check up was a couple of weeks ago.  I got another ultra sound, because I was having contractions in Washington.  This time Mack was with me and he had a great time laughing at the twins.  Since my last appointment, one of them has flipped, so they are now head-feet, head-feet.  They were both moving around pretty good, but when the one on my right would kick, it looked like it was kicking the other one in the head.  Mack thought that was so funny.  

We assumed the contractions were from a minor UTI, but I am finished with my antibiotics and am still having them when I push myself too much.  It's kind of pathetic how much I have to rest, now.  Most of the time I feel like I am just lazy and tired, but I am so happy at the same time that it's kind of an odd combination of feelings.

New info:

• My next appointment is on Tuesday, Oct. 6th, where we will find out the genders.
• I will get an ultra sound every month from here on out (even though I have been lucky enough to experience that so far).
• Chad felt one kick his hand, again, while I was sleeping last night.  I guess it was pretty strong.
• I am really tired a lot.  Yesterday I took a 3 1/2 hour nap, still went to bed at a decent time (for the week end, anyway) and slept in this morning.  Mack wasn't here, so I was able to do that...
• Mack insists now, that we are having a boy and a girl.  A brother and a sister.  
• My heartbeat is SO strong that I can hear my pulse rubbing against the sheets when I am laying down and it makes my teeth tap together in rhythm with my heartbeat.  Sometimes, I can even hear my pulse on one side of my body, then a gushing sound, and can then hear and feel my heartbeat in another area of my body.  It is very strange!
• The other day during a nap, I had a dream about eating a sandwich with raw sliced steak, dripping with blood and I loved it.  We ate steak for dinner that night.  I felt like Bella...

I'll have more exciting news in a couple of weeks.  In the mean time, if you choose to leave a comment, please post what you think the gender(s) will be.  It is so exciting for us, we would love everyone involved in the fun!

Two more things... 1) Chad redid my bathroom while I was in Washington!  He painted the ceiling, walls, and door; replaced the fan, mirror, lights, vanity, sink, toilet, and floors; and added more outlets, so I can plug in my curling irons, without them getting in the way of the door.  What a great hubby!!!

2) I welcome all to read my blog, so feel free to share it with others.  Also, feel free to post a comment, even if I don't know you.  I love sharing and reading other's blogs.

Washington

So, I know it has been a month since my last post, but we have been super busy.  After class was over, Mack and I headed to Washington for 2 1/2 weeks to spend some time with Chad's parents and visit my family for a little while.  On the way there, we stopped at my sister-in-law, Stephanie's house in Idaho and stayed the night.  Mack had a great time with his cousin Presley.  They put goggles on and played outside with them on for a while.  He had a great time with her and talks about her often, especially whenever he hears any word even close to Idaho.

Here they are on the trampoline.

This was before breakfast the next morning.  They are just so silly together!

I picked up Chad's great-aunt, Fern, that morning and took her with me the rest of the way to Washington, so I wasn't alone.  She is a great lady and I had a fantastic time chatting with her and learning about Chad's family.  

The first couple of days at the Weber's, mom taught me how to can peaches and we ended up canning 58 quarts between the two of us.  By the end of the second day, I was beat, but mom kept going and finished our job.  We also cleaned a couple of rooms and closets.  Mom arranged a lunch with her best friends, Fern Muaroka and Lorraine Hendrickson, and her mom "Grannie Gardner."  It was so fun to have lunch with the ladies and we spent 2 hours visiting.  Also, Lorraine made two adorable baby blankets for me and gave Mack a coloring book and crayons.  Fern made some wash cloths and a kitchen scrubber for me (that my grandma Noyes used to make and I love them!).  The sweetest thing was that Fern found some toys for Mack that used to be her son, Jeff's.  He was her only child and passed away a couple of years ago, without ever getting married or having children of his own.  Since she doesn't have grandkids, she gave the toys to Mack.  I thought that was so sweet!

I was also able to do a lot of visiting.  First, I went to visit my grandma and grandpa Chlarson and we had a wonderful visit!  It was really great to see them again, and get a relationship 

re-established.  I was also able to go to church with them.  That Sunday they invited some aunts and cousins over to visit us during dinner.  LaVoy, Kylie, and Kristen (who my grandpa calls Hank, which makes her Hank Key) and later uncle Alan.  Marion was there, too, and it was fun to have "the two grandma's" (they are both named after my grandparent's mom's) there to entertain us all.  Mack was being pretty entertaining while we where there.  Here are a few memories of that visit:

• Mack was way excited to have a Grammie Boo, and she loved showing him why she's called that.
• We had a great time laughing at Mack pretending to play soccer without a ball, which landed behind Mack, thanks to LaVoy, and he took a while to find it.
• Grammie Boo gave Mack a Mickey Mouse doll, which was special to her.  He loves it and now sleeps with: his pillow; his blanket that used to be Chad's baby blanket; Mama Slush and Baby Slush (two stuffed dogs); and the Mickey Mouse.
• The candy caldron that just keeps giving, so you don't have to eat a healthy dinner (Mack's idea)
• Yummy home made stroganoff with fresh garden vegetables and rolls.

I was also able to go to lunch with Grammie and LaVoy at the park.  We ended up taking Mack swimming at the Aquatic Center, where Milo and Melanie were with their kids.

We also visited Marie Adams, who was my neighbor across the street growing up.  We had a great visit.  Her and Jay were the greatest neighbors.  They helped out our family a lot, especially us kids.  They knew things were rough for us and really tried to make things a bit easier on us.  Marie always went out of her way to take me places if I needed a ride to town.  We lived 15 miles out, so it would take her at least a half hour to run me anywhere I needed to go.  She always did it with a smile on her face, and I never felt like she felt burdened by helping me.  Jay was the same way and always teased us.

Another fantastic visit I had was with Celia, Paul, and Alyssa Hesselroth of Othello (sorry we missed Alysen).  Mack loved their house and loves telling people about the chickens, big fish, and the toy closet.  He insisted on wearing his "farmer pants" (also called under-alls) to Celia's because he knew they had chickens.  They were another great family for us to be friends with.  Shaurie, RyLee, and I did things with them more than the older boys got to, mostly because they were graduated from high school and working or on missions.  But, we spent hours at their house while mom was teaching clogging.  Paul was a great mentor to RyLee and helped him in many ways.  Us girls usually did fun stuff like dress up and go to luncheons in the Tri-Cities.  The little girls took their baby dolls with them and it was more like a real tea party.  I was in high school at the time and Alysen was my little buddy, even though she was, like, 7 at the time.  Shaurie and Alyssa were the same age and really good friends to each other.  Those were fun times and I cherish those memories, but I am so glad that time in my life is over.  Those were very difficult times for me and my family!

During my time with my dad, we were able to take a day trip to Sunnyside, where he used to live when we visited him, after my parent's divorce.  I was surprised at all the things I remembered about that place.  It has been 18 years since I was there last!  We also visited his friends, Bruce and Jeanie Ricks for a minute.  Dad and I had some really good chats on the way there and back.  When we got home, Mack rode the horses with Grandpa's help.  My favorite part about being at my dad's house was visiting with him and Mary.  Step-moms get such a bad rap, but Mary is the greatest "step-mom" of all time.  I love her so much and she is to good to my dad.  She is one of the hardest workers I've ever met and she is SO smart.  Dad told me that she catches on to things so quickly and once she learns it, she never makes a mistake. 

After being apart for two weeks, I was able to see Chad.  He flew to Washington the weekend before we headed home, so he could drive us.  Mack and I were so excited to see him, we ended up in Spokane 1 hour and 45 minutes before his flight came in.  So, we went to Riverfront Park and walked around, played on the playground, and rode the Gondola.  Apparently it was "Pig Out Fest" in the park, so there was a lot going on.  

This is above the falls on a bridge.

This is us on the gondola.

The falls from our gondola.

Mack was SOOOO excited to see Chad!  It actually made me tear up when they were reunited.

Since the previous day was our 9th anniversary, Chad and I took Mack to the Olive Garden in Spokane.  Part of our anniversary gift was that I took Chad to a condo that night in Moses Lake off the golf course (thanks, Mishelle!).  While Chad left the table to use the restroom, I was trying to get Mack to settle down by telling him that I was going to put his jammies on him, take him for a long drive, and stay in a "hotel."  Mack was SO excited and yelled as loud as he could, "We are staying in a hotel?!"  Everyone in the restaurant turned to look at us.  I tried to get him to quite down, so I told him it was a secret and we couldn't tell Chad.  Well, that got him more excited and he began yelling more.  The waitress came to check on us, and Mack proceeded to tell her our plan.  I kept trying to get him to calm down, so he wouldn't spoil the surprise.  But by the time Chad came back, Mack was still so wound up and told Chad, "Surprise Dad!  I have a secret that I am not supposed to tell you."  Then he whispered in Chad's ear, "We are staying in a hotel tonight."  Chad didn't understand what he was saying and I was trying to change the subject, but Mack was being so persistent on telling Chad that he finally realized what Mack was saying.  I ended up having to confirm Mack's excitement and told Chad what the plan was.  I found the whole situation pretty humorous.

The next day, Chad and Kyle went golfing, while I cut hair and took my nephew, Weston, to the doctor.  After the boys were done and Cody was home from school, Chad and I took the three boys swimming at the condo's pool. 

Here is Cody doing a great dive.

Since I don't have a swimming suit that fits, this is how Mack swam by himself.  He did a fantastic job!

We were also able to have dinner that night at the Golden Corral with Chad's parents, my parents, and Kyle and Mishelle's family.  I didn't realize how much a buffet can be appreciated when your pregnant.

In Quincy, we were able to spend a lot of time with Chad's grandparents, too, and were able to have a BBQ with his family the Sunday before we left.  Here are some pictures through out the week of Mack on the Weber Farm and at Grannie and Papa's.

At the farmhouse on the Weber Farm.  In the background is the house that Grandpa Weber was born and raised in.  Chad's dad was raised in that house, too.

The barn.

This one was taken at Grannie and Papa Gardner's on the old International. 

Our trip to Washington was a memorable one.  I thoroughly enjoyed all the visits, conversations, gifts, and lessons learned on this trip.  I miss everyone already and can't wait for my next visit!

School's Out (for me, anyway)!

I just finished my classes at UVU... English: a B, Psychology: an A-!!!  What a great semester, after all.  It was probably the hardest one I've had, with being tired, sick, tired, and tired.  But, I did it and am SOOO glad it's over!  For any of you who entertained Mack in the past three weeks, thank you!  I wouldn't have been able to do so well (let alone pass the class) without your help.

Check-up

Yesterday, I went to my 12 week check up.  Things I found interesting:

• I haven't gained as much weight as I thought.  Maybe 5 or 6 pounds.
• We could only hear one heart beat.
• Got to do another ultrasound, and saw both of them all nestled together.
• I thought I began feeling movement at 9 weeks, but I was wrong, because the area I was feeling movement doesn't have a baby there.
• However, I have been feeling them since 10 1/2 weeks, right in the middle of my uterus.
• Chad felt them move on Sunday night.
• There is a chance they are identical, after all.  They are right next to each other, but separated by sacks.
• Dr. Wold says they are very healthy and growing well.  

It was great to see them, again!  Even to hear one heartbeat was so cool, but when I got to watch their little hearts beating on the ultrasound screen, I was felt so excited for for them to be born!  

The doctor did advise me not to do any strenuous exercise, even prenatal programs.  I might be able to do yoga, but I have to be really careful not to strain anything.  Also, he keeps telling me that swimming is the best thing I can do, but I don't have a pool, unless I go really early in the morning or late at night to Gold's.  Still trying to figure that one out.

Interesting facts:

• My uterus is the size of my hand.  I imagine that means it's about the size of a 5 pound exercise ball.  
  
• The babies are each about 2 to 2 1/2 inches long.
• My stomach should grow noticeably this month.

My nausea is improving, but I still can't go in my kitchen.  I am so indebted to my neighbor, Aubrey, who comes over every week and scrubs my hugs pile of overdue dishes, then dries them AND puts them away!,  sweeps the week old food up off the floor, puts away food that has been left out, and wipes down all the cabinets, just so I can walk through my kitchen,  occasionally, without immediately running to the bathroom.

I am trying to finish my classes this week, so my ward has been taking turns with Mack.  Plus, I've had a lot of visitors stopping by with treats and meals for us.  I love being in this ward!

"Boys do funny things."

Mack has been very entertaining the past couple of days.  Because I have been sick, he has spent a lot of time watching t.v.  The other day while he was watching, I paused his show and told to use the restroom.  He began to cry, and even exclaimed, "It's just not fair!"  Once he got into the bathroom, he said, "Mom, my heart is broken."  I laughed pretty hard about both of his claims.  

He told Chad the other night that he wanted to eat dinner at Pizza Hut when they were out visiting in Roosevelt.  It's a pretty small community, so Chad didn't think there would be one close.  Much to his surprise, as he rounded the corner on the highway, there was a Pizza Hut.  Chad said he took him there, just because he was so impressed that Mack knew what it was and that there was one close by.  The funny thing is, he's never eaten at a Pizza Hut, so we don't know how he figured out what one was.

Mack is also getting very good at taking himself potty.  Last night, when he finished his dinner, he took himself potty, but he refused to use his potty seat.  As he was sitting there, Chad noticed he dipped his bum in the bowl.  Chad lightly scolded him, but a few seconds later, he was doing it again.  This time Chad asked Mack, "Why are you doing that buddy?"  Mack's response was, "Ha, ha!  Boys do funny things" in such a matter-of-fact tone.  I couldn't quit laughing, but I had to hide it from him.  

Tired!

2 weeks ago...

Today was a good/tiring day. My mom came to help me do the dishes and laundry. As I was sorting through clothes, I found stuff I haven't worn in a month. Isn't that disgusting? As of yesterday, I would have never admitted that publicly. But given the new circumstances, I think it's forgivable.

I need to take pictures, but I look like I am four months pregnant. I am starting to feel like I can't bend over very well, because there isn't the room to scrunch like that, which also makes it a little difficult to breathe while sitting. But, when I walk around, I am completely out of breath by the time I walk the short distance to the end of the street. Did I mention we are the second house on the block?

Last night I had a hard time sleeping. Partly because I felt a little anxious about all the work I have to get done around the house before they are born, but also because my back was hurting. It just seems so crazy to be going through this already. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when the twins are born. I'm already tired and don't know if I'll ever feel rested for the next two years.

Okay, enough complaining...

I am really excited for Mack to be a big brother! Today, we pulled some of my old dolls out of storage (they look like real babies, anatomically correct and everything). Mack was really excited about one of them and told me it was his boy (they are really both girls) named Cocoa. It is his favorite word right now. He also told me that he didn't want a dress on his baby. After we bathed the babies and got them dressed, not in dresses, Mack hauled Cocoa around for quite a while. I showed him how to hold a baby and taught him that we don't pick babies up by the head. He did pretty well with trying to pick it up around the middle, until I left him for a second and came back to a headless doll. It was a good example of why we don't pick real babies up by the head.

He got a pillow, blanket, and his slushes out for Cocoa to sleep with. Then he laid Cocoa down and "read" a story to him. He talks to the doll in a sweet, high pitched voice and is really pretty gentle to it. After a while, he informed me that the baby was tired and placed Cocoa in his crib to take a nap.

I know some of you might find it a little disturbing that I encourage this sort of play, but I really felt that I needed to get these dolls out for him to play with, so he will learn how to treat a baby. I know I'll need his help a lot. With our friend's little girl, he likes to help where he can, but doesn't really know how. Maybe this will prepare him.

Today...

I am finally getting used to the idea of the twins. I was feeling completely overwhelmed for a while. I lost a lot of sleep, because I was waking up in the middle of the night. For three nights straight I was waking at 3 a.m. and could not get back to sleep until 6 a.m. I debated whether I needed a blessing, or just let my body get used to the schedule. I decided you can never go wrong with a blessing, so Chad gave one to me. I have been able to sleep a lot better since then...

I am actually really excited about having twins. I figure, why stress about it too much? The Lord knows what he is doing and he knows I can handle this. Plus, how often am I going to experience this kind of excitement?

Crazy as this sounds, I have been feeling the babies move already! At first it was pretty faint, but this weekend I have felt them like 5 times. It's always in the same spot in my stomach, and every time I get so excited!

Mack is doing a lot better. The poor kid has been couped up in the house for weeks. I have felt some guilt, but looking on the bright side, he has learned to be more independent. He gets his own drinks, takes himself potty, plays quietly for close to 2 hours before he needs my help, and he helps fetch stuff for me when I am sick.

This weekend I am feeling better and I think the boys are both very happy about it.

I need a new title for my blog!

This morning we went to the doctor for my first appointment and found out we are having twins!  Just like that our family went from 3 to 5... WOW!  Chad and I are actually both really excited about it.  We we worried that we would be playing catch-up with our family for a while, but going from nine years of marriage and one child to nine years of marriage and three children is quite exciting for us.  

I know I'll need lots of help with Mack.  For example, on Saturday the Searings (a wonderful family in my ward) took Mack for a while for me.  It was 2 in the afternoon and I still couldn't find the energy to feed him.  The poor kid was eating saltine crackers all morning and watching t.v.  After we hit the point of 6 hours of television, I knew I needed help.  Hey, at least I bathed him AND got him dressed.

Chad has seriously been the most AMAZING husband in the world!  I am usually slightly annoyed by posts like this (I mean the bragging of husbands) but he has really worked so hard to keep things running.  He did the dishes the other day, including the silver wear!  I don't think he has EVER washed all the dishes since we've been married.  He's also been keeping up on washing laundry.  I am supposed to fold it, but haven't found the energy to do it in three weeks.  Thankfully my mom will be here tomorrow to help with that.  When she isn't around I know I have great friends and neighbors to help out (thanks, Aubrey W).  

Well, wish us luck!  

Here are some other things we have been up to.

Discovering snails...

Owlz games...

Taking lots of silly pictures...

Mack has been busy stealing the camera and taking random pictures such as this...

and this.

But the best of all is when he is bored and needs a little more attention, we find his "creating" projects with tape, like this.

This One's For You Molly!

The reason I haven't blogged in a while is because we were waiting until our family members found out through the cards I sent in the mail, but I think everyone has been informed by now.  We are due in February and found out on Mack's birthday.  What a surprise for all of us!  Chad and I are completely excited and Mack doesn't think it's real, yet, since he can't see the baby.  Or in other words that I don't look 9 months pregnant.  However, yesterday my belly was looking a bit bigger than normal and he noticed.  He asked if he could touch the baby and then proceeded to hit my stomach (not very hard at all).  The pride on his face was pretty funny!  I guess it's pretty rewarding to be able to beat on your siblings, even if they are only one inch long.

We have a couple of names that we like.  If it's a girl, her name will be Addie.  Not short for anything.  It was Chad's great-grandma's nick-name for Adaline.  Since Mack is named after my grandpa's nick-name, it's only fair.  For boys we like the names Oliver and Brig (which is another family nick-name).  We think all of those go well with Mack.  Mack wants a brother named Brig and sometimes asks me if there is a "Brig" in my tummy.

I have been a bit sick.  Nausea sets in about every other day.  On my good days I try to tackle big projects... maybe that explains the inconsistency.  As long as I eat about every half hour, I feel okay.  

Meals have been interesting.  I don't want anything, and hate the thought of most things.  I just try to eat what sounds okay and is the healthier option.  Last week, I was in love with walnuts, but now the very thought of them makes my stomach flip.  Chad had to hide them from me, so I would quit feeling so horrible when I was in the kitchen.

Anyway, we are really excited!  Thank you to all of you who prayed for our family!  And Lisa, between pregnant brain (or lack of one at all) and nausea, I am so sorry for not keeping my word.  I'll see how I feel in a couple of weeks.

What we've been up to...

At the end of April, Chad finally graduated after attending classes for 8 1/2 years!  He never attended full time, but worked full time, and decided to switch majors two years ago.  We are very blessed in the fact that he found a job in his field back in September, so we don't have to find one for him now.  I am so proud of him for enduring these past few crazy years.  He has worked so hard and it is finally over!  I love you like crazy, honey!!!

The graduation ceremony was great!  He was in the first graduating class at UVU and President Monson was the keynote speaker.  He and his lovely wife, Sister Monson, received their doctorate degrees.  I thought it was really cool that Chad was graduating with the prophet.  :)

This picture is of my dad and his wife, Mary (the most wonderful step-mom in the world!), and our little family.  

The one under that is with Chad's best friend, Devin Woolsey.  Thanks for coming Dev, Dad and Mary!  It meant the world to Chad.

Since graduation, Chad has had a bit more time to finish projects around the house.  This fence was leaning forward, because there was a huge thorn bush pushing it over from the other side.  Chad knocked down the fence and chopped down the bush.  Now, he is replacing the fence.  It will be a slow process, but we are kind of trying to just do the major repairs and leave the rest to the builders developing the empty lot behind us.  Most likely, a new fence will be put in by the builders...

Mack has been very helpful with the chores around the house, lately.  Such as helping dad with the fence...

He really thought he was helping.  All of his "tools" were scattered about the lawn and whatever Chad had, Mack had a plastic one and trying so hard to be helpful.

He also loves to help Chad mow the lawn.  If you look close enough, you'll see that the mower is actually turned off.  

Here he is feeding Tessa.  He really wanted to hold her and feed her a bottle.  This didn't last very long; only about 2 minutes. But he really enjoyed those two minutes and he actually did a great job feeding her!  He would make a wonderful big brother... Speaking of which, we are on our fifth month of Clomid and I can only do six months.  After that we have to try other fertility treatments.  Basically, if we don't get pregnant in the next two months, we won't be having another child for a long time... 
Mack is also in to taking pictures lately.  We were taking turns snapping pictures of each other.  I thought this one actually turned put pretty well!  Especially since I am not wearing make-up and my hair isn't really done.

This is his new favorite way to dress.  We were going bowling this particular evening and this is what he chose to wear.  In the car, he shed his hat, glasses and flag, but not the cape.  We had to stop at Target before we hit the bowling alley and Mack ran down the aisles with his arms stretched out and his hands in little fists, yelling, "I'm a super hero!"  People walking by were laughing and commenting things, like, "That is awesome!"  Oh, to be a child and not care what others think...

This weekend was Nationals at Lagoon.  Our team did very well, once again.  We didn't win any big titles, or anything (mostly because we won them all last year, and you can't win twice in a row) BUT, I still feel like we all did our best and it was a lot of fun!!!!  I am still beating myself that I didn't take my camera.  Oh, well!