A long over due update!!

I have been awful about updating the blog about Jaelynn, the twins and just life in general! I really need to get better at this because Jaelynn has a scrapbook full of journal entries that I wrote while I was pregnant with her and these babies...well..they don't have much right now. What can I say other then I'm mostly just exhausted and lack the mind power to write anything of substance! But I'm going to try.

Last week (a week already!! Man I suck!) I had an ultrasound to check on the babies and brought my mom and MIL along with me. The day started out a little rocky but soon we were on our way to Des Moines to eat some pasta and see the babies!! Both babies are doing amazing even though their home for now is getting quite smooshed! Mommy isn't doing half bad either. Blood pressure is still normal and my weight gain is doing wonderful! My c-section has been moved up to December 3rd. About 10 weeks to go!

Baby A (girl) is weighing in at 1 pound 15 ounces and her heart rate was in the 120's. I'm assuming I put her into a carb trance with my lunch. For the most part she was very chill during the ultrasound but she did make sure to push herself around to get the good spot for pictures. She showed off to the grandma's by kissing her baby brother and patting his head. She did the classic hand on her forehead move that showed me I have another drama queen and she even moved her mouth like she was talking! To me she looks just like Jaelynn did. Round face, chubby cheeks and pug nose! She is a sweetheart that is for sure!!

Baby B (boy) is weighing in at a hefty 2 pounds even! His feet are slightly bigger then his sister and he is sitting up much higher but kind of pushed to the back. We had a hard time getting a good face shot of him because little miss was stealing the show. But he did peek at me a few times and I am even more in love with this little boy. He has a long face and a very strong prominent nose like his daddy. And the chubbiest cheeks! I can't wait to smother those cheeks in a million kisses! His heart rate was in the 140's and he was much more active then his sister. He was kicking his womb mate in the tush during the ultrasound and I nearly grounded him but then discovered why he was being mean. Little Miss's tiny feet had found their way to the bits and pieces and she was kicking away! My two little monkeys putting on a show!!

Even though I've been through a pregnancy before I'm still in awe of how well I know these little people and of what my body is capable of doing! They have such different personalities even now! I'm almost positive that I have another girly girl on my hands (which I love!) and a rough and tumble little boy who will no doubt find mischief with his sisters.

Big sister Jaelynn loves the babies right now. She talks to my belly every night before bed and sings to "her babies". She also gives the belly hugs and kisses when I'm leaving and at any other random time throughout the day. She seems to really understand what is going on and I'm so proud of how well she has adjusted so far. I'm sure in the months to come there will be moments of jealousy but I really think Kevin and I have lucked out and that she will adjust amazingly and be the best big sister!

I'll leave you with a picture. I'm still getting a lot of comments on how small I am and I'm ok with that! I know that I have 2 beautiful and perfect babies growing in there! How blessed am I!26 weeks (I'm almost 28 now so a new picture to come soon)

My Preschooler!

First day of Preschool September 2010

How is it even possible that I have a preschooler already! Three years ago this week I was just going back to work and dropping her off at daycare for the first time and now here we are. The first day of preschool. Kevin and I have been talking about this day with Jaelynn for months! We have hyped preschool up so much that I'm even thinking it would be fun! We bought new clothes, new shoes, new Princess backpack and a new Dora folder. The paper work is done, the money has been sent and we have had a tour of the school.

Today was the first day. I was worried that Jaelynn would be upset and wouldn't want me to go. I was afraid that she would cry and I would cry and we would start everyone else crying! I was so worried that I would be that parent have to peel a screaming child off of my body. I can honestly say I was worried for nothing!

Jaelynn woke up bright and early very excited to get going. When we got to the church she grabbed my hand and bravely walked up to the door. She found her backpack hook, got out her folder and headed down the hall to put it in her cubby hole. Before I knew it she was giving me a kiss good bye and walking without hesitation into her classroom. I nearly cried. Then she turned around and smiled and came back for one more hug and kiss before she embraced her new adventure.

There were a lot of wet eyes this morning and most of them were from the parents. I was able to keep myself together somehow until I got to the truck to call Kevin and let him know that all was well. While I was leaving him a message I got choked up and had to collect myself. Just writing this I'm tearing up. I should have known that I wouldn't have a thing to worry about. Jaelynn is an amazing little girl and she meets each new challenge with and open mind. She is a social little girl and will be making friends in no time at all. I should have known the only person tearing up that day would be me!

Go conquer the world little one!

Boy or Girl!!

Today was the big day!! We went in bright and early to see if we were having a boy or girl! Kevin and I were so excited we actually showed up almost 20 min early. When it was finally our turn, we went back into the room and started to get settled in. I was working on getting comfortable and in a position where I could see the screen on the wall and the tech had just got started.

Tech: "Daddy...are you sitting down?"
In my head I'm thinking YES! It is a boy!!
Tech: "You guys are having twins!"
Me: "Are you kidding me?"
Kevin: *Laughing*
Tech: "No...I'm not joking..there are two babies here."

Yes...we are now expecting twins! While the shock has started to wear off and we are very excited this is one thing we never expected. The babies look beautiful and are measuring right at 20 weeks 3 days. Everyone is healthy and happy in there. Oh...and we are having 1 boy and 1 girl!

I'm shockingly only measuring 3 weeks ahead and do not look like I'm carrying twins at all. I'm sure that will change in the coming weeks. Jaelynn is through the roof excited! Her eyes got huge when we told her mommy was having 2 babies! She looked like she had just won the lottery!

The babies are laying side by side right now and were beating each other up during the ultrasound. They likely won't change sides but they will change positions within their respective side. Besides having a lot more appointments not much more has changed. I've gained a total of 8 pounds and the docs all seem very happy with that since the babies are doing so well. I'm sure you can all tell by this post that I'm a little scatter brained right now!

We are believing that I will carry these babies full term and they will not have to spend time in the NICU! I would like you all to believe and pray the same thing with us!

A million thoughts

In 4 days we get to see our baby on the big screen! I'm so excited to see this little life growing inside of me and to put some of my anxiety at ease and see if he or she is ok! I've been thinking a lot about the gender too. My gut tells me this time that baby 2 is a boy and that seems to be where my dreams are leading too. Right before our ultrasound with Jaelynn I had a dream that we were having a boy! In my dream I was thrilled, Kevin was thrilled and our young daughter was thrilled too! That is when I realized I had been wrong and we were in fact having a girl. Last night I had 3 dreams (because I get up and pee about 1 million times during the night) that we were having a boy. No surprise 2nd little girl in the dream either. Just my sweet Jaelynn with her eyes bright falling in love with her little brother. Guess we will see soon how accurate my dreams are!

I'm starting to really think about the little things that will change. I've been worried most about how this will affect Jaelynn. She seems thrilled right now with the idea of having a sibling but how is she really going to adjust when the baby is here. We are trying to teach her to be a little more independent right now with going potty (this is also for preschool too) and playing quietly on her own. She is really great at playing on her own but there are days when she is just suction cupped to me when we get home. I don't want her to resent the baby when he/she is the one suctioned to me in the evenings.

I'm trying to think of all the ways she can be involved now and when the baby comes. Have you ever tried to explain breastfeeding to a 3 year old? My girl is smart and even I didn't want to go there with her. I'm sure she will be a great help with changing and shushing the baby (maybe too much help sometimes?).

Also, how on earth am I going to do grocery shopping?? A 3 year old, a newborn and a sleep deprived mom walk into the grocery store.... this is not the set up to some bad joke...it is going to be my life soon! Where am I going to put the groceries? Not to mention that we are not getting a bigger vehicle before #2 arrives. We will still have the truck and the Elantra. I'm going to have to go redneck on the truck and carry a tarp I think.

We haven't started remodeling the room that we will move into yet to make room for this child. I haven't started going through totes yet to see what can be used this time. No purchases have been made. Not one single diaper or wipe. I'm 18 3/4 weeks away from my due date and I'm obviously freaking out just a little here!

And then she was 3...

Today you turn 3 years old Jaelynn. Even though it has only been 3 short years it feels like you have been with us forever! I think I say this every year but how on earth is it possible that time has gone so quickly with you. You are so much fun little one. You make your daddy and I laugh every day. We are in such awe over your little personality and how incredibly smart you are. While you are challenging some days (ok...a lot of days) we know that this is all a phase and we will look back on this season and wonder why we wished the days away.

Your favorite things right now are:
-Toy Story (specifically the one with Jessie)
-Your bean animals-Doing things yourself
-Ice cream
-Cuddling with Mommy and Daddy to avoid your bedtime
-Actually doing anything at all to avoid your bedtime

The biggest change in you from 2 to 3 was potty training! We are so very proud to say that you have mastered the potty with the same gusto that you do everything in life. Accidents at night are very rare and you pride yourself on wearing big girl panties. Your vocabulary just keeps getting bigger too. You are able to always express what you are feeling or wanting at any given time. But even with you growing up so much some things stay the same. You are the most sensitive little girl, you love your cuddles, hugs and kisses, you still don't really like meat and your smile still makes my day!
We love you more and more each day Sissy! I can't wait to watch you grow and change through another year. I know that you will be the best big sister that this new baby could ever ask for and I know that you will take the change in stride!
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17 weeks!

I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going! Before we know it August will be here and we will be finding out if we are having a girl or boy! Here is a little update.

Baby's heartbeat is very strong and fast at 164! The doctor found it right away this morning and he/she is pulling stunts just like Jaelynn did with moving around lots while trying to get a reading. My blood pressure was 100/67!! I thought I heard her wrong! My swelling is totally normal. She said it is from the heat and humidity and to not worry but to just keep pushing the fluids. The best development this week by far was confirmed today though. The baby can now hear us in utero! Jaelynn has been singing and talking to the baby every night and this week when she started talking the baby would move around...so he/she is responding to big sister already! ♥

We are just feeling so blessed with this pregnancy. Around this time I started having issues with Jaelynn so to have the doctor look bored during the appointment is a nice change!

Conversation...

Daddy: Jaelynn, who is your best friend?
Jaelynn: You are and momma is and everyone!
Daddy: But mostly me right?
Jaelynn: Yes daddy!

Maybe the next one will be mine!