I Haven't Died...Just yet

I am sure most people have long since abandoned me and my poor blog. I feel sad that I have neglected it for so long. But I have a good excuse! Or do I? Is there a good excuse for not documenting the lives of my precious babes? Let's see what I have to share...this is gonna be long!

Christmas was wonderful! We enjoyed every minute of it. I loved being able enjoy both aspects of the holiday with the girls: the blessed birth of our Savior and the magic of Santa Claus. One of my favorite things was when we were setting up the Nativity I asked Noelle if she remembered what it was about and she answered, "Um? Something about someone named Nick?"

Our first Christmas away from family was a special time. We had friends over for Christmas Eve and then Christmas day home together as a family. Our Christmas morning will always remain one of the most special memories in my heart. We (I) missed our extended family dearly, but loved the being able to do whatever we wanted whenever we wanted to. Food, naps, playing with toys.

Christmas day was when I really noticed that my tummy felt icky and just plain weird. I didn't even cook the big Christmas dinner I'd planned. The week before I felt really run down and just thought it was all the holiday hull-a-ba-loo.

Two days later we loaded the car down and headed West to California. Auntie kept her tree up (usually that baby is out the door on the 26th!!!) and we celebrated Christmas #2. By now, I was downright nauseous all the time and I knew exactly what it was. No one who has ever experienced those feelings ever forgets it! But, I could not believe it and decided to just wait.

On the 29th, my niece, Evynn and I went to do some shopping together. I did a quick stop at the Dollar Store and asked her to just wait in the car. That night when we got home I snuck off to the bathroom with my purse and took a pregnancy test. That sucker came out positive in no less than a nano-second! This was slightly strange because I thought I was barely 4 weeks along and when I took tests with the girls well into the 5th/6th week the positive line barely showed up.

I was in a predicament (I thought) because although I felt it was time to have a baby, it was strange to not necessarily want a baby. I love babies. I love being a Mommy. And I knew I wanted more children. And Aaron in no way wanted a baby. The move, his new job, being far away from family, recovering financially from what we'd been through. It was a long ways off for him. Oh, well! The Lord had other plans for us! I could not decide when to tell him. I did not want to keep it from him, but he was enjoying his vacation, I just felt so awful already and could not figure out when to tell him. Bizarre, I know, he's my husband for crying out loud! But, it's how I felt.

The 30th was Noelle's 5th birthday. She woke up to balloons, streamers, gifts, and all sorts of festivities! We went to a nature reserve with friends, out to lunch, and had a blast. 5 seems so big, I cannot believe how the time has gone. She is so dang smart, funny, outgoing, athletic, and loving. She is the joy of my heart

Finally, on New Year's day, I told Auntie I was pregnant and started crying my eyes out. One more thing to be experienced away from everyone I love so dearly. She told me in not so many words to buck up and tell my darn husband. So, I did. And cried my eyes out again. And felt so relieved because he was actually happy!

By now I was feeling sick, sick, sick and just terrified because I was barely 5 weeks! What was in store? Evynn had stayed the week with us and had come down with a terrible flu and I was feeling that coming on, too. Not fair at all!

The trip home was mis.er.able. I felt like death, coughing, gagging, throwing up, head aches, body aches, fever, you name it. Somehow we survived it.

After talking to several people here and some research I decided what OB I wanted (major shortage around here) and called for an appointment but they could not get me in until Valentine's day. I'd be 11.5 weeks, but decided it was worth it to see someone great. I could not believe that I was not going to have my Cooper. :(

This time I experienced every pregnancy symptom known to man! With the girls I was just ridiculously nauseous and could not stand any type of food. But this time smells were killing me, constant gagging, potty all the time, I felt so sick but always felt like I needed something to eat. Usually everything sounded horrible, but sometimes I would crave a certain something and that had to be it....taco bell, Cup of Noodles, KFC mashed potatoes. I wanted to die! And almost killed myself driving to the store late one night during some horrible weather. I basically ice skated in the car for that darn Cup of Noodles. :)

Finally, the 14th arrived and we were excited! Waiting in the lobby the smell of McDonald's french fries was killing me. Aaron swears he smelled nothing but I knew somewhere in that building someone was eating those things. Ick.

The nurse was exceptionally nice (a big change from Cooper's office) and Aaron told her all would be well as long as she made sure that we did not have twins like the poster that hanging on the wall. Ha!

Then the doctor came in and my heart sank again missing Cooper. There was no booming voice coming down the hall telling people, "To hell with it all!" No hugs or kisses, no Mormon jokes, no stories about movies he saw. But, again Dr. Teicher was so dang nice, easy going and took plenty of time to talk to us about everything. He is for sure no Cooper, but I'll take what I can get. Finally, it was time to hear the heart beat, it took a minute our two and there it was, loud and strong! Always such a relief. His joke was, "Well, what I am not telling you is about the second heartbeat I hear in there. Ha! Ha!" Another bummer was no ultrasound on your first visit like Facey. But when he felt my tummy and measured my uterus, it was measuring a month ahead of where I thought I was. Now, given I wasn't planning this, I just had to guess when my last cycle was because I honestly could not remember. All joking aside he said he just thought my dates were off and there were not twins, a whole month ahead was too much for twins at this stage anyway. He ran a couple doors down to the Ultrasound tech and asked if she could squeeze me in, to make sure of dates. She said no problem and told the next people she'd be 5 minutes late. She was a little more than 5 minutes late!

The second she put the transducer on my stomach there was no mistake that there were two babies. My heart began to beat out of my chest and I thought she just had the machine on the wrong setting, split screen or something. You could tell the poor lady suddenly became nervous. Then she began mumbling that she needed to get the doctor to tell us this. She went back to change the setting and thought, "See, I was right!" Finally, you could see both of them again and Aaron burst out, "That is two babies!" And she nodded her head and asked him to step out and get the doctor. I began laughing. And could not stop. The rest is kind of a blur. Dr. Teicher came in and said all looked great. Aaron had his head in his hands mumbling who-knows-what and I just kept on laughing. She had to ask me several times to relax because she could not get the measurements. It was a priceless experience!

Apparently, my guess was off because I was actually 13 weeks. Yea! I saw the perinatologist two days later for repeat ultrasound & measurements, met with the genetic counselor, and a quick visit with the doctor (Love him too! Cute, little, chubby man with a super thick Hispanic accent and you just want to put him in our pocket and take him home.) Again, really thorough and so accommodating. Sent me home with homework, reading, and a vitamin list (it's insane!) And the weight they want you to put on early in pregnancy is out of this world, too. Don't they know I've basically been on a diet since I was 12 and learned about fat grams?! It's really unfortunate because although I HAVE to eat every three hours or get sick, nothing really tastes all that great. I have a license to pig out and can't use it. :(

We are so blessed to have this experience, there is no doubt these babies were meant to come to our family. It's overwhelming at times, but immeasurable joy at the same time.

That's enough for now. What a novel! Pictures to come.

Tuesday I see Dr. Techier. Wednesday I see the Peri for a more in depth appointment and Ultrasound.

Boys? Girls? Both? What's your guess?

Zoo & River of Lights

Yesterday was a wonderful day as a family.

After a big breakfast of my awesome homemade waffles we cleaned up and the house and headed to the zoo in the afternoon.

It was great to have no schedule and no where to be.

We had yet to realized the extent of Madeleine's extreme fear of animals.

(We just thought it was the big cow that stands outside the Chick-Fil-A, but we were wrong!)

See the picture of that giraffe? He was so close!

The zoo keepers were cleaning up leaves and he was right there snacking on the leftovers.

M lost her mind over that giraffe, and the zebras, and the Rhinos, and the Lions.

Apparently, they need to be behind glass for her to enjoy them.

Then we had some bird trauma.

We were lucky enough to be there during feeding time and saw some vultures (I believe) eating rats (eeeek!), it was pretty amazing. They have these ravens that climb on their back to try and get at their food. Noelle was standing there holding onto the fence when one of the ravens came and landed right where her sweet little fingers were. Scared the daylights out of both of us!

Lastly, as we were on our way out Noelle and Daddy stopped at the potty. While we were waiting, one of the many peacocks that wonder around the zoo grounds started to approach us. I could not believe how close it was getting, then it was only inches away, then it cocked it's head to the side and nipped Madeleine's finger! I guess it was after the leftover crackers still stuck there. I had to make a fool out of myself...flailing...yelling...jumping to get the thing to scatter off.

Then we headed over to the Botanical Gardens for the annual "River of Lights."

Amazing!!! Any and every animal you could imagine was lit up. And they moved! Butterflies flew, elephants spit water, mountain lions ran across the top of fences.

The only draw back? We forgot gloves. Brrrrrr!!!

2 Years

Two years ago our sweet Madeleine Grace joined our family the day before Thanksgiving. The moment she was born our eyes met and our souls spoke to each other. When Noelle saw her, it was a blissful reunion. She knew exactly who she was and was so happy to have her back.

Madeleine has brought love and happiness beyond measure to her family. And maybe a moment or two of exasperation. ;)

Here's some things going on in Madeleine's world:

• Talking and talking and talking. Although, a translated is usually required.
• Loves to eat. And I mean EAT. She goes at each meal as if it's her last.
• I know no other child who is such a dog lover. One is in our future. Yikes.
• Loves to call people. She has a short very list: Auntie, Grandma and recently added: Auntie M. Once in a while Daddy.
• She is a skypeing fool.
• Madeleine is a favorite in nursery at church. I am told it's because she's the only one who does not cry for Mommy & Daddy. Atta girl!
• As with most siblings they have a love/hate relationship. I wish it were heavier on the love side of things.
• Madeleine has no idea she is a baby. For real. She points to children older than her and says, "Oh! A baby!" She thinks there is nothing off limits to her. As in finding a stool climbing on the counter and waving large knives around.
• Mess Maker should be her nickname. Blueberries, make-up, sprinkles, milk, lotion, cheese, clothes, toothpaste, shampoo, you name it...she's messed it.
• Loves the potty. YEA!
• Great napper, if it were not for her 2-3 hour naps, I fear I would not survive.
• Our little snuggle bug, kissy girl, high fiver, and hugger.
• Loves naming body parts, her own and others. Fingers, toes, teeth, eyes, oh my!

I love you so much Madeleine.

Thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy. Watching you learn and grow each day is my greatest joy. I am so excited to see what the future brings us.

Her birthday was a fun day spent at home recovering from Thanksgiving. We had yummy german pancakes in the morning, played during the day, and after nap time lots of friends came over for cupcakes. She loved every minute of it. Even the cake wreck Mommy made. It tasted way better than it looked.

Thanksgiving Love

We had to cancel our trip to Idaho to celebrate Thanksgiving because the weather was terrible. And I must admit I was kind of excited! As much fun as it is to go, I knew the drive would be difficult and was looking forward to spending a holiday at home relaxing.

As soon as our friends the Ehats found out we were staying home, we got to planning! We planned an amazing meal and had such a great time at their house. They are great hosts.

The kids had so much fun together playing and making some turkeys out of apples & marshmallows and the grown-ups had some fun of their own playing card games.

Talk about FAT and HAPPY!

Our little family is blessed beyond measure.

I Love My Babies...

I love their soft skin, silky hair, sweet fingers & toes, and chewable legs.

I love watching their minds work.
And their natural abilities/instincts develop.


I love watching them concentrate, learn and be creative.

I love watching them interact and build a bond only sisters can share.

I love being the one who gets to explore the world with them and the way their eyes light up when they learn.

I love seeing them forge meaningful friendships.

I love being the one who comes to school activities.

She felt so special, happy and proud that her Mommy and sister were there.

Look!

...it's a Madeleine sandwich!

Although you can't tell by this picture. She LOVED it.

Ginger Snaps & Cider

I thought I was sort of excited to have a real 'winter.'

But...maybe it's not as great as I thought.

When I get Noelle from the Bus or run to the store, I often just throw on a pair of flip flops and don't think about a coat.

But then....dang! It's c-c-c-cold!

This afternoon we warmed up after school by making ginger snaps and warm cider.

What could be better?

I just love my girl.

She is so dang fun and has a zest for life that would make anyone jealous.

Don't you love her noodle necklace?

Noelle thinks school is the best, best, best thing ever.

Oh, how I hope this continues!

I am excited when she gets off the bus to see what fun projects she brings home.

Goodness, I need a life!!!

Best Week...

Finally...after months of anticipation...it was time for REFUGIO!

After Ballet on Wednesday we hit the road and headed HOME.

Lucky for us California was in the middle of a heat wave and that meant: fan-tas-tic weather!

After check in, we worked super fast, got camp set up and headed for the water.


Noelle was in Heaven.
It did great things for my soul to watch her.

We stayed there as long as we could.

The next morning was gorgeous again and we headed back to the beach.

Madeleine is not the beach bum her sister is...she's more about the food.

Friday after showers and we climbed in the car and headed North.

We stopped along the way and hiked to a hidden waterfall.

Loved it!

Then we arrived at our real destination. YUM!

Just as we got back from Dinner Auntie & Unc were there.

Everyone loved having them.

Unc's little snuggle bug...

We had all kinds of visitors...

Noelle was so excited to see her cousin, Marissa.

She kept hugging her while saying, "I really did missed her a lot."

Auntie M and the girls had a blast...there was a lot of tickling!

The biggest hit of the campground was the Lena.

Anytime you looked at this dog, she was getting snuggled.

Madeleine chose to sit on her, though.

Noelle loved sneaking up and chasing these little stinkers.

Here's some proof that I was there. :)

Lots of friends came to visit.

We felt so loved!

Danny brought a rocket and over two days we had fun sending that thing up.

It went so high!

A time or two someone did not get their way and a few tears were shed.

What else is new!?!

Before we knew it, Monday arrived and we had to pack it all up.

Yuck!

The kids had a blast playing while the big people worked all morning.

On one of our morning beach walks this toy washed up on the beach and from that time on Noelle and Buzz were best buds.

This post does not even show a fraction of all the fun that we had.

But, I knew I had to get something posted.

Blogger is so irritating and it takes so long.

The Lorenzens were fabulous camping partners.

Card games, camp fires, amazing meals, long talks, it was the best.

A big thanks to Auntie M, The Meldrums, The Keils, The Wildes,

and Ruthie for making the trek to come visit.

Next year we're going to get a group site if it kills me!

Then we'll all be able to camp together.

Fall Walk

Last night we went down to the Bosque with the Bredhauers.

The fall colors were just so beautiful!

Brittan and Noelle had the best time running, running, and running.

Oh, and picking leaves.

And some more running.

The babies were mostly happy to be snuggled in their strollers eating candy corn.

Everyone slept great last night! ;)

Let Halloween Begin...

Baking & Decorating Cookies.

Seriously yummy.

Costume bowling party.

Seriously fun.

Noelle's school party was today,

I was sad that I could not be here to see her off

....to make sure her costume was all set,

her hair was done,

her popcorn balls were ready....

Because I was here

http://valwestoverphotography.com/

A totally awesome photography workshop.

Possibly even better than everything I learned

about my camera and what I can do with it?

I need glasses!

YEP!

I need to get my eyes checked.

ASAP!

I've never been able to figure out what people are talking

about when they refer to metering when looking through your view finder

because I never realized there were real numbers in there.

Embarrassing and pathetic.