Living My Dream Life

Labor Day Saturday

2010-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

UofL and UK played today. The girls had to show off their Cardinal Spirit!!!!!

What a beautiful day it was today. We took the girls out to play around in the front yard. Just thought I would share some pics from today!!!! I'm back to work and the girls are going to a babysitter 3 times a week. We couldn't be more lucky to have found her. She is wonderful with my babies and they love her, WE LOVE HER!!! They also still get to go to AJ's once a week. Which is a great thing as well!!!! All is going great around here, just wishing there was a way I could be the one to get to stay with them during the day. But since it is not a possibility and I've had a pretty good year so far. Just trying to stay caught up with everything and not fall behind and not have to bring to much home with me.

Anyway, here are the pictures, Just wanted to share a little of what was going on around here. Hope you enjoy them!!!!

Please help my school out!!!!

2010-08-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

1 year old already!!!

2010-07-28T21:40:00.001-07:00

So we had quite a week last week!!! Jozie and Kealie turned 1 on Wednesday, the 21st. Of course, Daddy took the day off, and went and got the girls a great breakfast. They enjoyed Pancakes from McDonald's!!!

We then went to the Louisville Science Center. We had thought about going to the zoo, but it was just too hot, PLUS the science center has a Sesame Street exhibit right now, so I was excited for the girls to get to see that.

When we got back home, we did presents and cake! It was so much fun and the girls loved the cake!! It was a nice day, and fun to celebrate with just the four of us before the big party on Saturday!!!

Saturday we threw the girls a party at our house. I don't know that I was as stressed about planning my wedding as I was this party!! It was worth it though, it turned out to be a wonderful party!

The girls went their year check up on Friday. They are doing so well! The doctor was pretty excited to hear that they were both walking all over the place. They are looking great. Here are their weight and lengths
Jozie born at 5 lbs 6 ozs 18 inches long:

Jozie now is 21 lbs 4 ozs and 28 inches long:

Kealie was born at 4 lbs 2 ozs, 17 & 1/2 inches long:

Kealie now weighs 19 lbs 6 ozs and is 28 and 1/2 inches.

I still can't believe that my girls are already 1 year old. At this time last year my girls were still in the NICU. It's amazing how fast the year has gone by, but it's been a wonderful amazing year. The BEST EVER!!!!

I told you it was going to be any day now!!!!

2010-06-18T07:37:00.001-07:00

So my last post I was saying how I thought the girls would be walking any day now. Well, I was right, at least for Kealie. The day after I made the post, here is what happened: Now we'll just have to see how long it takes Jozie to start walking. It won't be long for her either. She's standing forever on her own. Some days I just think she chooses not to walk, because crawling is easier!!! Hopefully she'll be right next to her sister soon!!!

Here I am!!!!!!!

2010-06-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Probably my most favorite picture of the girls together. You just see the bond they have already. They were 6 and 1/2 months old here

It's been so long!!!!!!! There have been a couple of times when I've started posts, but just decided they were too long or stupid to even post!!! I don't even know where to begin. Jozie and Kealie are doing wonderful!!! They will be 11months a week from Monday. Crazy isn't it?!?!?! They are wearing helmets to round out their heads. They got those on at the beginning or middle of May and the docs say at least 3 months. I was very worried how they would handle wearing them all day every day, but they are doing really well. They don't even bother their own. I have seen a time or two one of the girls grab the other or slap at each others. But they just laugh about it! It's actually kind of nice them having them as they are walking along everything and even becoming brave and letting go of stuff every now and then. So the helmets are providing a little extra cushion for their falls. I guess once they come off it's going to be very nerve racking as they won't realize how bad those falls will hurt.

Jozie

Kealie

Like I said they are both walking while holding on to whatever they can. They are even standing on their own for sometimes up to 30 seconds. Any day now they are going to take their first steps. I just know it!!! Kealie has her two bottom teeth, which she's had for like 3 months now. Jozie still has nothing. We thought they were coming in as there was some swelling and bad nights a few weeks back, and I thought I was feeling some teeth right under the skin, but that seems to have gone away. I guess she will get them whenever they are ready to pop out.

I LOVE MY BABY GIRLS!!! How can they not make me smile?!?!?!?

Of course, I'm on summer vacation now. I have so enjoyed my first week with the girls. We actually moved Memorial Day Weekend. I will get some pictures of our NEW HOUSE and post them soon. The girls and I have just been hanging around home this week. Like I said, I'm loving every second of it and just can't get enough of them. They are so fun and funny! No matter what kind of day I'm having they can put a smile on my face!!!

The most precious girls EVER!

Anyway, that's about all I can think of right now. Just thought I'd write a quick update! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying your summer so far!!!!

Crazy how fast they are growing up!!!

2010-03-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

I know I say this everytime I post, but I just can't believe my girls will be 8 months old in 1 week and 2 days!!! It just seems impossible that it has been that long!!!

Anyway, just wanted to post with a few updates!!
- Kealie has been taken down to one breathing treatment a day!!! Actually she has been since a week after the doc put her on it four times a day. She sounded great when we went back, so he said we could choose to continue giving it once a day or not at all. He said it's been proven that babies with wheezing and coughing that are given the treatments once a day for 6 months to a year, have fewer asthma effects later in life. Well, we decided to see what happened when we took her off of it completely, and the cough was back in 3 days. So we went back to once a day and she is doing GREAT!!!!!

- Jozie loves laying on top of her sister. They had been sleeping in our room in the pack-n-play since our house got broken into. We decided it was time to get them back in their seperate cribs again when one night Kealie started crying and when I got up to check on her, Jozie was on top of her, ASLEEP!!!!! They've gone back to their cribs with no problems. But Jozie still finds time to lay on top, and crawl/scoot over her sister thoughout the day!!!

- Jozie actually stood up on her own Saturday morning. It was so unexpected! The girls had woken up, and I went in to say good morning. I was talking to Kealie, and Jozie hollered out. It was a nice yell, like hey mom look at me!!! When I turned around, she put one arm up on the rail and pulled herself up to her knees. I, shocked and amazed that my little baby was able to do this, ran and woke Josh up to get in and see her on her knees. When I went back in the room, she grabbed the rail with her other hand and pulled up to her feet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was just out of nowhere!! But I'm so glad that both Josh and I were home and here to experience and see her do it!!!

- Jozie has not yet "officially" crawled, but she sure has one mean army crawl and she's FAST!!!!!!!!!

- Kealie is officially crawling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She had been scooting all over the place for a while now. But earlier this week, she took her first real crawl and hasn't stopped. It's the cutest thing ever. Before she takes off, we like to say she is "starting her engine" because she shakes her little butt and then goes for it!!!

- Kealie it really trying to figure out how to stand up. But she's not trying to grab on to anything. She just pushes up on her arms and feet and stays there, making an arc with her body. She will then pick one hand up off the ground and think about it, and then go back to her stomach, think and try again!! One of these days, she's just going to stand up all on her own :)

- While both girls can sit on their own, it's not very often it happens. And they are no where near a place where I would just let them sit without me or someone else right next to them. Most of the time though, when we try to sit them on the floor, they will stretch out and tense their body up so that it's impossible to get them in the sitting position!!!

- They are doing great with their eating. Kealie loves her veggies, fruits and cereal. And she is so very neat about it. Jozie doesn't mind the food, she just isn't as into it as Kealie is, and this girl can make a mess!!! We've given them some cheerios here and there, and potatos, and other things of that nature, but nothing to big on the "real" foods yet. I don't know why, I'm just kind of nervous about all that.

- No teeth yet either, but their hair is actually beginning to come in nicely!!!!

I guess that's all the updates I can think of right now. I know there is so much more, but I really have to go get some work done for tomorrow!!! I hope everyone is well!!!

A quick post

2010-02-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! It's been a while. I'm at home enjoying our 5th snow day of the year... I love being home with the girls, but seriously I want a summer vacation!!!! Things are good here. Just wanted to post with the latest. Don't have many pictures cause I can't get them downloaded onto the computer cause I don't have any of the wires/cables to fit the AWESOME camera my mom gave me after mine was stolen. Hopefully we'll fine some that will fit soon.

The girls went to their 6 month well check last Friday. They are a little behind since they'll be 7 months on Sunday, due to the ear infections they had right before their 4 month check up. The girls are growing like crazy. Jozie weighs 16'8 and Kealie is catching up to her big sis at 15'1. It's the closest they've been in weight since they were born. Jozie is 26 inches and Kealie is 25 and 1/2. Everything is looking great developmentally. They are hitting all their milestones right on target. Kealie had a cough and some wheezing so the doc checked her for RSV and that came back negative so he gave her a breathing treatment. That helped a lot with the wheezing, so we are now giving her breathing treatments at home 4 times a day. I'll tell you, sometimes that girl goes with the flow and other times it's like she's going through a torture chamber. I feel so bad when she does that. But they seem to be working really well, so that is a good thing.
I have to take Kealie back on Monday for the doc to check how she sounds and also to get her shots. Jozie got hers and she did fine with it.

I really believe that these girls are going to be crawling any day. They are getting so close. And they can get anywhere they want to be by scooting and rocking and all that stuff. It's crazy these girls are already old enough to be crawling. Seems like yesterday we were bringing them home as tiny as could be.

Other than that not much is going on. Just been enjoying the days off of work. Josh was off Saturday so we took the girls to my parents house and headed out for a "Date." I had gotten Josh a gift certificate for a tattoo for Christmas because he had mentioned he wanted one. So we headed to Tattoo Charlie's and then went and had a nice dinner at Tumbleweed!!! It was very nice to get out for a while together. I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day.

Here is a pic of what Josh's tattoo is. It's pretty awesome and makes me want to get one for the girls... Only problem is I got the tattoo I have about 10 years ago and still remember the pain, and just thinking about it makes me cringe... There is the problem that I don't know where I would get it either, but I'll be thinking about it... Anyway, the tattoo:

Catching up!!!

2010-01-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had happy and wonderful holidays!!! Our first Christmas with the girls was of course awesome. We had such a great time with the girls on Christmas morning at home, and then with both sides of the family throughout the day!!!

We spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with Jen and her family. We had some fun. And the girls were awake at midnight to celebrate their first New Year's Day! They had gone to sleep at their normal time, but around quarter til 12 they woke up. They were not about to miss out on any of the fun and excitement!!!

The girls are doing wonderful. Growing like crazy. They will be 6 months old on Thursday. It blows my mind that a half year ago they were just so small. They are doing all that they should be doing, scooting, grabbing, holding their toys. They love the bouncy that Grammy and Papaw got them for Christmas. They also love their veggies!!

Because of the ear infections they had around Thanksgiving and having to postpone their 4 month well-check, we won't go for the 6 month well-check until the middle of February. I'm going to go crazy waiting to see how much they've grown over the past 2 months.

Things have been pretty good around here. Of course I loved being out for the two-week break with my girls. I actually cried at work the first day back, which is something I didn't do when I returned from maternity leave. Although I did cry every day for the week before I returned then. But I wasn't expecting it. I was sad of course to have to leave the girls and not get to be around them all day, but I didn't expect to cry. A couple co-workers asked me how I was doing and I just got choked up. I really do like my job, but I hate working, I would so much rather be home with Jozie and Kealie everyday all day! But I guess if I gotta work, it's a good thing that I like what I do all day.

The day I went back to work, I returned home with the girls to find our back door kicked in half. It was pretty crazy. The thieves got our xbox, wii, games, video camera and camera. I think they knew exactly what they were coming in for. Nothing had been gone through, and there were several other things sitting around that I can't believe they didn't touch. But it's ok, the thing that hurts the most is that the video of the girls first Christmas was still in the video camera. That's a memory that we'll never get back. Luckily I had downloaded all the pictures onto the computer already. So while they got the memory card, I still have all those pictures. So because of this we are in search of a new house to rent, as well as a big dog. Zander is a wonderful dog, he's just small. They had locked him in the bathroom. Poor baby. We've also reverted the girls back to our room for now. They are sleeping in the pack n' play. I can't keep them in their own room for right now. But we are all safe, and no one was home or hurt and we are very thankful for that.

Other than that things are great. I'm planning on throwing a little 1/2 birthday party for the girls Thursday evening. You know just with the girls and me and Josh. Just maybe get them a small little gift, lots of pictures and try a new fruit or something for dinner!!! Anyway, I'll share again when I have time! For now, here are some pics from over the holidays!! Hope you all have a great week and are getting to enjoy a long weekend due to the holiday.

A post of pics to catch up!!!

2009-12-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! Where does the time go?!?!?! It's been almost 2 months since I've made an entry. So much has happened since the last entry. Jozie and Kealie's first Halloween, the first roll over, the first taste of real food (mashed potatos on Thanksgiving) and the first giggle!!!

The girls turned 4 months on the 21st of November, but we had to reschedule their 4 month well-check up as they both had ear infections and were on antibiotics. We are taking them for their check up on the 11th. But we do know that Jozie was weighing in at 13'13 and Kealie is up to 11'10!!! They are both such big girls!

Since it has been such a long time since I have posted I am going to post some pictures of the girls over the past two months to show what's been going on around here!

At the pumpkin patch to pick out their first pumpkins!!!

With Daddy choosing pumpkins

Getting excited for their first Halloween

Having a chat with their Poppy

All set and ready to go trick or treating

Kealie was a zebra

Jozie was a giraffe

Showing the neighbors just how cute we really are!!

They are looking WAY to grown up in this picture!!

Kealie trying to suck her thumb, she has just about mastered it these days!

Jozie sad about something... Probably because a commercial came on the tv!!

My little Lollipops!!

So precious and sweet- One of my favorite pictures

Excited because momma is dancing and singing!! They love to dance and sing with me!

Helping me with all the laundry I had gotten backed up on! As you can see, Kealie isn't thrilled about it

My Little Angels!!!!!!!!!

Ready to cheer on their CARDS!!!!!

First Thanksgiving!!

Jozie loved trying out the bouncy chair

Kealie enjoyed it too!!

The girls with their Grammy

Jozie sleeping with her Papaw

Jozie lounging/napping with her arms behind her head!! TOO CUTE!!

Kealie fell asleep in her chair. She was OUT!!!!!!!

It's been a while...

2009-10-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted for 2 weeks. I knew I would be busy getting back to work and then coming home to the girls, but I really never imagined how busy!!!

I am doing ok being back at work. It really helps that I was able to switch classes. I don't know if I would have made it with my class from last year. They are giving the guy a hell of a time. One ran away from him at the park the other day, one keeps licking him as he has been acting like a dog a lot again, and the other is just his old self with his bad attitude. I'm not saying that I don't miss those boys, I do, I just don't think I could have gone back to working in that kind of classroom. Once again I have to say that I have the best boss ever.

My class is awesome. I am teaching physically disabled students. They are the sweetest kids ever. They work and try so hard. And are always just so happy. It is stressful though, but in a different way. I have 2 students who have frequent seizures. One of them had one on Monday while sitting on the floor listening to a story and fell and bumped his head hard. He had a knot. Then on Friday he had another one and he fell out of his chair and hit the back of his head. No knot that time. The other child has several a day. Anywhere between 5 and 15 a day. Poor guy. Mom doesn't think it's anything to worry about, because she says that he never has them like that at home. It's so sad, she has even led me to believe she thinks he is faking them to get out of stuff. That's crazy. One, would you want to fall out of your chair or fall down when standing up 15 times a day on purpose. Second, once they are over he goes right back to work and completes everything. But like I said they are very sweet kids and always concerned for one another and doing anything they can do to help. The older students even get the younger ones out of the area for us and will start some kind of activity like a game or telling them a story. It's amazing the things adults can learn from kids!!!

The girls are doing great with my sisters. They seem to enjoy themselves throughout the day, and then sleep all evening when I get them home. That is really the worst part. I am ok during the day cause I'm so busy, but those nights that they end up sleeping when I get home with them makes me cry cause I feel as though I'm not spending enough time with them. But they are so sweet. Most mornings I either have to wake them up to feed them or when I go in their room they are just laying in there checking things out. They are of course, smiling like crazy. They are just so fun! I believe there will be giggles very soon in our household, Jozie is getting really really close to getting it to come out!

Jozie and Kealie will be 3 months old on Wednesday. I can't believe it!! Where did the time go? They are a quarter of a year old!!! Time is flying by and I really really need it to slow down just a bit. I'm enjoying my baby girls way too much for it all to go so fast.

With getting back to work, we have really just been hanging out around home in the evenings. We did however make it to Huber's, a pumpkin patch, last Saturday. We had a great time, until that evening, when Jozie seemed to be having trouble breathing. To make a long story short, We took her to the emergency room, and waited for 5 hours to be told that our baby was probably in breathing distress at the time, but she was breathing fine then and that we could leave now. All I'm going to say is that I will not be returning to that hospital's emergency room, but it's a long story and I may have to share it with you in another post at another time.

That's really about all for now. Getting excited for Halloween, although we really don't have any plans as of right now, and still don't have costumes for the girls. We've got several ideas in mind, it's just about getting to the store and seeing what they have at this point.
Of course I was going to leave you all with some pictures, but there keeps being errors in the downloading process, so I will get them posted next time. Have a great week!!!

So sad

2009-10-04T14:31:00.001-07:00

Just so sad right now. Want to stop thinking about leaving Jozie and Kealie tomorrow and returning to work and just enjoy the evening, but I can't. I hate this... I wish I could stay home. Nothing in my body or mind wants to go back to work and not be with my girls for 8-9 hours of the day. That's just too long. It's the whole day. I just can't imagine this ever being easier. That's all I have for today

A whole weeks worth (warning: It's a long one!!)

2009-10-02T06:31:00.001-07:00

Wow, I just don't know how this week got away from me... It went by so fast, which makes me very very very sad, because I have to go back to work on Monday :( Let's just say I've cried at least once every day this week thinking about Monday morning. I so do not want to go. I wish there was a way for me to get to stay home with Jozie and Kealie everyday. Every time I think about it I just get a lump in my throat. The only thing that makes it a bit, no a speck, easier is that my sisters will be watching them throughout the week, so I don't have to leave them at a daycare with people I don't know!

I'm sure this is going to be a long post but when do I do a short post??? :)

Last Friday was the girls 2 month check up... Can you believe they are already 2 months? I can't believe it. The girls are doing great, Doc said they look great. Jozie is up to 10 lbs 13 ozs (25-50%), and Kealie is 8 lbs 10 ozs (5-10%). Meaning that they have both doubled in size since they were born. Jozie is now 20 and 1/2 inches(3%) and Kealie is 20 inches long(below 3%). The one thing we are working on is getting the girls to look and lay on their left side of their head. They both have a tendency to lay on their right side. While both have started doing better on their own moving their heads to the other side, we are still having to work it for them. Sometimes this consists of just turning their heads and holding it with our hand, and other times when they are sitting or laying down, we put a blanket rolled up so that they have to lay on that side. If it doesn't get better in a month I am to have the girls see doc again and we will start thinking about physical therapy. But the girls have made progress in that from 1-2 months and I've already seen them doing better turning their heads to that side on their own over the past week, so we will just have to watch and see how it goes!

Friday night, my mom took me shopping for some new pants for work!!! THANKS MOM!!! It was fun. My dad, and sister Erika and her family came along too. We had a good evening at the mall!!!

Saturday we headed out to a cabin with Josh's parents and his sister and her family. I have to admit I wasn't feeling very up to it. It had rained the whole week before and they were calling for lots of rain that Saturday. But we got packed up and headed out. AND it didn't rain at all until about 9:30 that night. That was a bit of a bummer though cause there no smore's:( or campfire. But it was beautiful again Sunday. So it turned out to be a great weekend. And the cabin we stayed in was BEAUTIFUL!! Oh and Jozie and Kealie started smiling at me!!! It was so great and such an awesome feeling. And they haven't stopped since!!! It makes my heart melt everytime I see those smiles!!! It's the greatest feeling.

Sunday when we got home, the Steeler's lost their second game in a row. This time they lost to the Bengals... It was not cool. Our boys need to get it together and fast, they are now 1-2 for the season. And then the Amazing Race came on!!! I'm so glad it's back already. I love that show, I want to be on that show so bad!!! How awesome would it be to get to go on a trip around the world and have a chance to win a million dollars??? One of these days!!!

The rest of the week the girls and me just hung out at the house. I just really wanted to enjoy my time with the girls and at home. And I have to say I did, I always enjoy being at home with them. I never want it to end. I'm just so so sad about it. Ok, I know I've already said that, but I can't help it.

On Tuesday night I got a call from my boss, the principal. Well let me give you a quick catch up for those of you who are new to my blog...
I am the Learning Disabled Self Contained teacher at my school. This is my sixth year teaching and I have been teaching in the same class since I started. The first several years were good. I actually had students with learning disabilities. Maybe one a year that had some behavioral issues as well. Well as time has gone by, it seems as though my class is becoming a behavioral disorder classroom instead. Last year out of the 8 boys I had, three of them were behavior issues, but had never been labeled that. Anyway, after 5 years and the year I had last year, I had talked with my boss, saying that I think it was time for me to move to a resource position. She whole heartedly agreed that this would be best for me as I would now have two babies to go home to and the stress that she knew I would bring home wouldn't be fair to me or my family. With both of our resource teachers putting in for transfers we figured that it was a done deal.

Well come to find out neither of the resource teachers got their transfers so I would be returning from my maternity leave to the self-contained room. I finally made peace with this idea, and had been working on getting ready to return to my classroom. SO far this year, one of the students has been suspended for peeing on someone, one was in a hospital for throwing a knife at his mother, and another was suspended for throwing something at and spitting on the counselor. In other words, I would be walking into the same type of classroom if not worse than I was in last year.

So back to the phone call from my boss. She said she had a suggestion for me to think about. The suggestion was to move me to the PDOHI (physically disabled other health imparied) classroom. She said she just knows what it is like to be a new mom of one child and wanting to be able to come home from work and leave the work behind. She said she could only imagine having two babies and doing the same. She said she just knows how physically, mentally and emotionally drained that the ld class can and has made me over the past several years. And that it wouldn't be fair to me, Josh or my babies to have me in that classroom. She told me to think about it for a day or two and discuss it with Josh and let her know by Thursday. After talking to Josh about it, I knew it was the best thing for me and our family. Josh agreed, I think he agreed with Pennix before I did. He has been the one that sees me after a days work. The only thing that I was having a hard time is those other students in the class whom I absolutely love. But after thinking about it I have decided to move to the PDOHI room. The teacher from that room will be moving to mine. It is a male, which I also believe will help the boys in my class. This will give them a positive male role model that so many of them don't have at home.

So I will be going into a whole new class upon my return. Luckily Monday is a Gold day, where we do pd and meetings all day and kids are not there, and Tuesday is parent/teacher conferences which will give me an opportunity to meet the parents of these students. I know most of the kids fairly well already from previous years and working close with the other self-contained classrooms. It's nice to have a chance to go in and get things ready and talk to my 3 assistants and the teacher I am switching with to share notes and get things organized before the kids are there.

Tuesday night we also transitioned the girls from the pack-n-play in our room to their own cribs in their room to see how they would do with the different sleeping arrangments and get them used to it before I had to go back to work in case they had any problems. Jozie and Kealie have been sleeping through the night for about 3 weeks now, and the change did not change that. They have done excellent in their beds all week long!!!

Last night, Thursday Tyler had a cross country meet. So I got the girls all bundled up (it's been chilly here this week) in their sweatsuits
and went and had lunch with Jen and back to her house to hang out. I'm going to miss our weekly (or sometimes more) afternoons together as well! We then headed to the cross country meet where Tyler came in 6th!!!!! I'm so proud of that boy!!! Then we went and had dinner at Applebee's. Then I headed home and watched Project Runway and went to bed. The girls seemed to love being outdoors. Kealie especially was just wide awake and enjoying the breeze!

That's it for now, I know so long, I've got to start posting more often so they aren't so long. But you know, I'm just loving being a momma!!! And I'd rather be playing and cuddling with the girls!!!

An Up and Down kind of week

2009-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, we headed to Lexington to celebrate Kate's birthday! Josh even got off early enough for us to pick him up from work on the way!!!! The drive was pretty good, until we entered Lexington and it started pouring rain. I mean raining so hard that we couldn't see in front of us. Of course at 5:30 the traffic was kind of heavy too. It was a bit stressful for a couple minutes, but when we got off at our exit, the rain let up and traffic seemed to a bit as well! The girls did great. That was their first road trip! They just slept the whole way up there. My girls do great in the car, it puts them to sleep pretty quickly, so it is nice to know that they are comfortable when we are out driving around and things!

We went to a Mellow Mushroom, a pizza place for dinner. It was pretty good pizza, but I like just about any pizza I eat so I'm not sure I'm the one to ask!! Josh said it was great too! After we got done eating we went back to Kate's and hung out for a while.

Arleta and Kealie

Kate and Jozie

My buddy Chloe!!!

We hung out until about 11, and then had to head home because, well it was Monday night and everyone but myself had to work the next morning. So we packed the girls back up and headed back to Louisville. As soon as we hit the expressway Josh was asleep. I can't blame him, he had worked all day... BUT I have driven that drive many many many times, and on Monday night it was the worst I have ever had. Not only did it seem like it took forever to get home, I was so tired. I didn't know if I were going to make it home or not. I don't know if it was because Josh was in the car and I was listening to him snore that was making me sleepy, or if it's the fact that my baby girls wear me out, and I am going to soon be one of those people that have to go to bed at 10 in order to make it through the day. Anyway we made it home fine, Josh woke up to help me feed the girls before they went down for the night, and then we both hit the sack. We really did have a great night, but it would just be so much easier if they moved here!!!! I did suggest it to Kate again because she has more reason to move here. Her sister lives here, I live here, and our friend Andy lives here. Plus as a teacher, she would get paid more in Louisville, I'm going to keep fighting for it to happen. Arleta would be a bit harder, her family is in Lexington, so me and Andy just isn't enough reason for her to come. Plus she works for her family's company, so she would have to find a whole new job. BUT maybe if I can persuade Kate, then we could all work together to get Arleta here!! Here's a few fun pictures of us from Kate's Birthday last year, just cause I love my girlfriends!!!

On to Tuesday...
Since I picked Josh up from work on Monday and we headed to Lexington and he was sleeping on our way home, me and the girls had to get up and take Josh to work on Tuesday morning. Not a big deal, I really need to be getting up and staying up anyway so I can get used to getting up and lasting throughout the day. Anyway, Josh and I fed them around 5 when they woke up, and Josh and I actually had a breakfast together. Sure it was just cereal, but it was nice to sit that early in the morning and talk with him. We also realized that our cat Rudy was doing really bad that morning. She had been losing weight for a couple of weeks, and was starting to have trouble walking. That morning she was just lying on the floor in the laundry room, struggling just to move her head when we walked in. When we got home from taking Josh to work the girls were still sleeping, so I let them go until they woke up. I got Rudy up on the desk in the laundry room so that she was a little more comfortable.

Then it started and here it goes
- Jozie woke up screaming as if she hadn't eaten for 6 hours (it had only been 3, the amount she always goes). I started feeding her and about 3 minutes later Kealie begins screaming as loud, if not louder as Jozie had been. At this point, I continue feeding Jozie and get Kealies bottle ready and start warming it up so that it is ready to go when Jozie is done.

- After Jozie is done, I go to change her diaper. I get the diaper off and she begins peeing, as well as kicking her legs all over the place so that she not only pees all over herself but everything on the changing table and myself!! When she stops peeing she immediately starts pooping. It was just lovely. When I got her all cleaned up and changed and myself cleaned up I set her in the crib and went and fed Kealie.

- Kealie ate, and burped very quickly. And then came the spit up, all over herself! So it was on to changing her clothes and her diaper, that was completely filled with poop!!! Then I laid her down in the crib next to Jozie

-As I was winding the mobile Kealie once again spit up, all over her outfit that I had just changed her into. So we changed into her third outfit of the day and laid her back down.

- I came in the living room and was checking my facebook, and I heard Jozie cough. I went in to check on them and Jozie had spit up all over herself AND Kealie. So it was now Jozie's 3rd outfit for the day and Kealie's 4th. I decided that these girls were out to get momma today, so I dressed them in the same onsie... Here it is:
After I changed them into their daddy's little angel's outfit they settled down.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was uneventful. The girls slept, played on the floor and did their tummy time. Oh and I finally got a decent picture of me and each of the girls:

I went to get my hair done that night. It needed it so bad, I have so much grey, and apparently much more than I thought after Julie (hair dresser) was combing it. I just went back as natural as possible. And it looks so great. I feel better now to that it looks so good.

When I got home we made dinner and I was in bed at 10:30. The day had drained me. But I woke up at 6:30 ready to Wednesday morning and got so much done around the house. Today has just been a lazy day for all of us. Tomorrow is the 2-month check up and I am getting a little nervous about the shots that have to get. I'm hoping it won't affect them to bad, cause we are going to a cabin in some park with Josh's parents and sister on Saturday and Sunday. I don't want them to be feeling all crappy and horrible the whole time. We will have to wait and see I suppose.

I wanted to leave this til the end cause Rudy was very special to me. She passed away Tuesday around 4pm.

I was very sad but know that she is no longer in pain or suffering anymore. It was a very weird thing. A couple of months ago she began chewing on her legs to where she had chewed all the hair off of both back legs. With vets being so expensive I looked online to see what could be causing it. The information I got online said that it was more than likely an allergy or stress causing her to do this. She eventually chewed the hair off of her stomach as well. But she never seemed to be in pain or sick. She was her normal social self up until a couple weeks ago. She all of a sudden began losing weight. She was eating because when I fed them she would be right there with her sister (Nelly). As the end came, she was have trouble walking. It all happened so fast, and we knew that if we took her to the vet, they would either say there was nothing they could do or the treatment she would need would be to expensive for us.
Throughout the day I checked on Rudy and she was still just lying on the desk. She wasn't trying to get up anymore, and she would only move her eyes to try and look at me. I went and checked on her around 3:50 and she was still breathing. I stood with her and pet her for a couple minutes. Then came back in with the girls. Kealie got hungry and when I went to fix her bottle, I checked on Rudy and she was gone

I miss my girl Rudy. My mom gave her and Nelly to me on Valentine's 2003. I had just moved to my first apartment and so mom gave me the cute little kittens. From the beginning Rudy loved being held and petted. She did some crazy things in her life, like get in the refrigerator and stay there all night long as I didn't realize she had snuck in there. She loved pestering Zander (the dog). Acting as if she hated him, yet when Josh and I would walk into the room you would find those two all cuddled up together. She was an awesome cat. She loved people, which you don't find to often. She loved people so much that when anyone entered the house, she would be right there next to them putting her paw up to them trying to get their attention. She was a great cat and will always be remembered.

Wonderful Weekend!!

2009-09-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well we had a great week last week. We pretty much just hung around home and played!! Wednesday we did get out and go have lunch at the mall with AJ. Me and the girls met her there. We had not used the stroller yet and Josh put it together and figured out how everything worked. I'm not sure if he told me how to use it and I just wasn't really paying attention to him or not. But I got the huge thing in the back of the truck and then realized I wasn't even sure how it opened up or closed or the seats snapped in. But instead of pulling it out of the truck I decided I would just figure it out when I got to the mall. I gave Jen a call to let her know we were on her way and she may get a call to come out and help me figure out the stroller.

We made it to the mall and getting it opened was easy. I made in the mall with both girls all by myself. I have to say I was one proud momma!!! We had lunch and then were off to our next destination. Jen came out to give me a hand getting the girls back in the jeep and it's a good thing, cause I had NO idea how to close the stroller back up. So, Jen and I stood there for a couple minutes just staring at it, pulling on parts of it every once in a while and it wouldn't budge. So I gave in and called Josh at work. He laughed and laughed and laughed at us. Actually he was still laughing when he got home saying he could just picture us out in the mall parking lot trying to figure it out! But once he explained it to me we got it packed back in the car. We met at Garden Ridge and I made it there before jen and I got the stroller out again all by myself and the girls all strapped in and inside before she arrived. After we left there, I decided to visit work and see how my boys were doing. And this time I got them into the stroller and back in when we left and folded it up all by myself!!! I'm a pro now!!! The stoller is great. While it's a bit heavy to put in the truck, it works great. It really is huge, but it's not hard to deal with once you figure it out, and it drives great. I'll have to get a picture of it to post on here. It really is great to have!!!!! Thanks Richard and Charlotte!!!!

The rest of the week was just kind of lazy. And then Saturday daddy took his 3 girls to the mall and we actually went shopping!!! I got some new shirts which I really needed. I got a few other things too! It was a great trip. The girls did great. Actually Jozie slept the WHOLE time at the mall. Kealie was awake the whole time, but she was very content. We might just have a little shopper on our hands already!!

Sunday dad had to work, so the girls and me were heading to "Walk to Remember" my nephew and their cousin, Owen John. When I woke up it was pouring outside. But we waited it out hoping that the skies would clear so we could join my sister at the walk. It didn't :( It looked like it was going to about an hour and half before the walk started so i gave it a couple minutes to see and it started thundering right as I was thinking maybe we could make it. It's a good thing too, cause they said right as they announced for the walk to begin it started pouring again. I'm sad that we had to miss it. But we went to my parents after they all got back and me and the girls hung out with the family all night. We had a great visit!!!

We are getting ready for another fun evening. Not only is it the girls 2 month birthday today, but it is also one of my best friends 30th birthday. We are driving up to Lexington to enjoy her birthday dinner. I am so excited to get to see her and my other friends up there. I think they all just need to move to Louisville. I've been trying to get them to move for about 8 years now and it hasn't happened yet. I don't think it's going to :( But at least it's only an hour drive, it could be worse I suppose...

The rest of the week is pretty much open. SO don't know what we will be getting ourselves into yet. Friday is 2-month checkup. I can't wait to see how much the girls are weighing now and how much they've grown (height wise).

Well that's about all for now. Will try and post tomorrow or later this week about our birthday celebration!
Just a comparison of the girls at a little over 1 month and now at 2 months... It's not a great comparison... They are on opposite sides in the pictures and this picture I really don't see a huge size difference, unlike some of the others that we have taken. But it's the only two i have of them in the bassinet together...

25 Firsts

2009-09-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

A survey cause you know how much I love them!!!!
I stole from Sara at http://lifegoeson-mylife.blogspot.com/. I seriously have no idea how to do a link with just the name... Someone teach me please!!

1. Who was your first prom date? That would be Don and he went to my "junior" prom with me. Coincidently he ended up marrying my friend Dawn, and I just found out that they are now going through a divorce :(

2. Do you still talk to your first love? We are friends on facebook, and leave comments occasionally

3. What was your first alcoholic drink? I guess that would be some kind of wine cooler, but the first alcoholic drink that I got drunk off of was Whiskey... Enough said

4. What was your first job? I babysat three children from our church for like 3 or 4 summers. Then I worked at Long John Silvers

5. What was your first car? A Purple Cavalier

6. Who was the first person to text you today? My sub at work

7. Who was the first person you thought of this morning? Kealie cause she woke me up hungry and crying

8. Who was your first grade teacher? Mrs. Girth

9. Where did you go on your first flight in a plane? Fort Myers Florida my junior year spring break!

10. Who was your first best friend and do you still talk? Besides my sister (and yes I still talk to her) it would be Devon and nope, don't talk to her, haven't for probably close to 15 years now

11. Where was your first sleepover? Wow I HAVE NO CLUE... Probably Devon's but it may have been my sister's friend Dana

12. Who was the first person you talked to today? Kealie while I was feeding her. My husband talked to me before he left for work, but I have no clue what he said

13. Whose wedding were you in for the first time? Beth K's

14. What was the first thing you did this morning? Changed Kealie's diaper

15. What was the first concert you went to? Aerosmith!!!!!!!!!!

16. First tattoo? A sun on my back

17. First piercing? My ears.

18. First foreign country you went to? Still waiting to determine this first...

19. First movie you remember seeing? I don't really remember seeing a "first" movie, but I love ET and have always loved that movie

20. What state did you first live in? Kentucky forever

21. Who was your first room mate? Besides my sisters and brother, that would be Karesa and we roomed together for two years in college. We were very different but got along well. She is now in Japan...

22. When was your first detention? My senior year in high school... It's sad.. I got it for "Cutting Homeroom" but the truth is we were just lazy. We got to have our Study Hall in the cafeteria senior year, and mine was the last period of the day. So one day we had a prayer service before dismissal and instead of going all the way to the third floor, we just went straight to the gym because we would usually meet them as we were going up the stairs and the rest of the class was coming down... And they said we cut homeroom... So goofy!!!

23. :(

24. What is one thing you would learn, given the chance? I would love to learn sign language

25. Who will be the next person to post this? Going to have to say Jen!!!

Nice, Lazy Weekend

2009-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would give an update on our weekend. We had lots to do, but actually ended up not doing much of anything but hang out at home. It was very nice. Saturday there was a twin sale in town which I really wanted to go to. It started at 10, so I wanted to get there at 10 because I figured if we didn't get there at the start all the good stuff would be gone. Well we got up and fed the girls about 7 and just ended up sitting around. Before I knew it it was 9, and we hadn't gotten ready at all. So we decided to pass on the sale and head to Tyler and Rachel (my nephew and niece's) cross country meet which started 12. Yeah, we didn't make that either. Which I'm pretty upset with myself about, because both of them had wonderful races. Tyler came in 9th out of 229 runners! First time he came in the top 10 and I wasn't there to celebrate with him. But I am so very proud of him and told him he will just have to do again next time I'm there.

We did head out Saturday evening to go grocery shopping. We went to Walmart cause we had some other things to get as well. It wasn't to bad. Only one lady actually tried to touch the one of the girls and Josh did a good job just happening to move the cart as she was going in!! Sunday Josh had to work and so the girls and I just hung out. They are in some phase right now where they don't like to nap. They will fall asleep for a couple minutes and then wake up. Poor babies... I can tell how sleepy they are. Their little eyes are red but they just don't like to be asleep. It must be that their momma lives such an exciting life and they don't want to miss any part of it... HAHAHAHAH... That's me being sarcastic! But they are sleeping through the night. They are both going at least 6 hours. We have been getting them into bed about 11 and they don't wake up until at earliest 5:30... Well I guess I should go ahead and knock on wood now or else they will be up tonight!! It's nice to have them sleeping through the night though. If there is one thing Josh and I have learned about each other and ourselves from these babies so far is that I AM AN EVIL PERSON WHEN I DON'T GET MY SLEEP!!! I mean I knew I liked sleep, but didn't think it was that big of a deal for me. But waking up with the girls I was just so mean to Josh. So we are glad that that is done for now!!

The girls are starting to smile now. They don't do it a whole lot, but every once in a while I'll get a big smile when I'm talking and playing with them. I love it!!! I LOVE MY GIRLS!!!!

Here of course are some pictures:

Giving their doll babies kisses

They love their baby dolls

Morning Stretches

They love sleeping close to one another

Kealie trying to taste some sweet tea!!

Writer's Workshop

2009-09-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

OK, so my sister Jen does this Writer's Workshop that one of her blogger friends gives prompts for other's to write about. Go to Jen's blog http://yoursnmineisours.blogspot.com to find the link for Mama Kat's blog if you are interested cause I'm not really sure how to do links...

Anyway, I am choosing to write the same prompt as Jen chose
Prompt #5.
Transcribe a recent entertaining conversation you recently had with someone.

Tonight when Josh got home from work I was finishing up the dishes. He got the girls out of their crib and had them laying in the bed with him. When I finished up I went in and sat on the bed with them...

Me: I can't believe how big they are already getting. It's just crazy cause I want them to start doing more, but I just want them to stay little forever...

Josh: Yeah, I know.. I can't believe they will be two months on Tuesday.

Me: No they won't, they will be 2 months a week from Tuesday

Josh: NO... you told the lady at Walmart last night that they would be 2 months on Tuesday.

Me: No honey, they will be 8 weeks this Tuesday.

Josh: Exactly, 8 weeks is the same as two months.

Me: Josh, they are not going to be 2 months, it's only the 15th.

Josh: But they are 8 weeks, and 8 weeks is the same as two months

Me: Are you serious? A month is not exactly 4 weeks, it can be 4 and 1/2 weeks. If they were exactly 4 weeks, then there would only be 28 days in every month...

Josh: (Laughing Hysterically)

Me: (Thinking he is laughing cause he's realized how he has made a mistake) What are you laughing about? Because you're stupid...

Josh: (Still laughing hysterically) You said a month is 4 and 1/2 weeks... that's ridiculous

Me: (Starting to laugh hysterically as well) Josh, are you kidding me? Are you really still laughing at me? (In tears laughing so hard) There are 30 or 31 days in each month except February, that's over 4 weeks...

Josh: You are being ridiculous... A month is not 4 and 1/2 weeks. I am going to have a cigarette...

Me: (Still laughing uncontrollably and trying to figure out if he is serious or just goofing around) While you are out there, I really want you to think about what you are saying, and realize that what you are saying is impossible... If a month were 4 weeks every date of each month would fall on the same day of the week every month...

Josh: (Walks out of the room and is still laughing and saying under his breath "4 and 1/2 weeks, what the hell...")

Me: (To Jozie and Kealie) Girls, Your father is stupid... I'm so sorry

I don't know, it was just one of those conversations that I have continued to laugh about since it happened at like 5:30 this evening and it is now 10. I don't know how funny it will be to read it, but if you know Josh and I personally you can imagine us going back and forth...

A little irked....

2009-09-10T13:09:00.001-07:00

To My Readers (one in particular),

I started this blog when I found out I was pregnant last December. I had been wanting to do a blog for a while but didn't think I had enough interesting stuff to write about so when I found out I was pregnant I knew that it was time to start the blog. I was writing for several reasons. They were to keep family informed on what was going on, to meet people going through the same things and having same interests as me. The biggest reason, though, was to keep a journal for myself and my babies throughout my pregnancy as well as after they were born and be able to share with them what my thoughts were at the time later in their life. Of course, if you have been reading my blog, you know I stray away from the girls now and then, writing about work and other happenings going on in my life. Again, just me journaling how I feel, what's going on, etc...

The one thing that this blog HAS NEVER BEEN meant for was to eventually be published, or a perfectly written entry. It's simply here for me to get my thoughts down and share with a few people... That being said...

As I write these posts I usually am thinking of other things I want to add as I'm typing my last thought. So forgive me if I make typos, or spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Sure I hit spell check right before I publish my posts but as we all know, spell check doesn't catch everything. And honestly I'm not so worried about it to go back and check and make sure that I have spelled every word right, used the correct spelling for a certain word (ie. Their, there, they're), or the right word for that matter (idea/ideal). TRUST ME, I know the difference. I have a college degree, actually if you didn't know, or don't remember, I have two, a Bachelor's and Masters. I am also an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER, therefore I know the basics of the english language and all those annoying grammar rules. I am again just not that worried about it when I write a post. I am not writing a paper for a class, I am not writing a paper or piece for my students to go through and read as an example of a stellar piece of writing. And again I am certainly not writing to have this blog published later on in my life. I AM WRITING FOR ME!!!!

I am writing to be able to look back years down the road and remember how I was feeling throughout my first pregnancy and as my baby girls grow up. I am writing to get things off my chest, whether they are things that have completely pissed me off, made me cry, irritated me, or even made me laugh or made me happy.

Therefore, If you have a problem with my blog because it has mistakes in it, I suggest that you either learn to accept them and ignore them, or just not read it anymore. And if you have any further problems, you can let me know about them instead of having someone else let me know how you feel.

Thank you for listening to my rant, and I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!!

Michelle

Already September...

2009-09-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is ALREADY September... Time just seems to fly by these days. It seems like only yesterday it was December 15th and I was getting the phone call from the doctor's office saying that yes, indeed, I was pregnant. And now my baby girls are 6 weeks and 3 days old. I know I just keep saying it but, I can't believe how fast these 6 weeks have gone by.

We've been really just hanging out at home. The girls are up a lot during the day now! Everyday they seem to be more and more alert and aware of their surroundings. I was talking to Josh on the phone the other day and I put it on speaker phone. When Jozie heard it, she started looking around, like where is he... Where is my daddy???? It was very cute. Kealie is very "talkative" with her arms. When I hold her she will just look at me and move her arms around for minutes at a time like she is telling me a story.
They are also sleeping so much better at night. This Sunday night, Jozie slept for 6 hours straight... Problem was she fell asleep at 9 and woke up at 3 in the morning!!! But hey it's 6 hours, and guess what, I didn't get any sleep anyway. I was waiting for her to wake up and eat, and she never did, so even though I laid down on the couch to get some sleep while I was waiting, I think I got up about every 15 minutes to check on her!!! The next night Kealie went for 5 and 1/2 to 6 hours straight. Again, just a bit worried, but it was nice to know they could make it longer... Now just to get them to sleep the same night for that long. Well on Tuesday night we got them to bed around midnight, and they woke up at 5:30. Hey it was very nice. I can live with 5 and 1/2 hours of sleep!!!!

I was supposed to go to the doctors Wednesday for my post-partum appointment but had to reschedule it for next week, so we went and hung out with AJ, or Aunt Jen. It was a good day, just to get out of the house for a while and hang out with an adult!!! Josh was off Thursday, so we the four of us hung out together all day. It was a very nice day. I love when daddy gets to be home with us and we just get to have a day where we just hang out all together.

So my maternity leave was officially over on the second, meaning I should have gone back to work on Thursday... I can't even imagine already leaving them to go back to work. My plan was to be off until November, but with them being a month early, we had decided that going back in October would have to do. I have lots of sick days saved up so I was thinking I would get paid to be out, but then when I talked to the district they said I could use my sick days for my maternity leave only and then have to take a leave of absence through FMLA without pay. This was right after the girls were born. Josh and I decided that it would be doable if we really stuck to a budget and were careful with spending and stuff. Heck, like I said there was no way I could have left them and gone back to work this week. So I filled out the papers to have my LOA from September 2nd through October 2nd. Got them filled out by doctor's office and turned them in. I got a paper in the mail saying that the month was given to me and that it would be unpaid. Well, yesterday I recieved a phone call from the board saying that the doctor had said I was to be off until October 2nd, so I could use my sick days if I wanted to... I was so happy, that means that now I get the extra month off, but also get paid, which while we knew we could do without, it makes everything much easier now and we won't have to worry about any money. The only thing about that is if I would have known that at the time I filled out the papers, I could have put through October as well and used sick days. But it's ok, the way I'm looking at it is I had said I would go back in November, and with the girls coming a month early, I am still getting to stay home with them for as long as I had originally planned. Don't get me wrong, if there was a way to get to stay home for longer I would. I could take my leave of absence for the month of October, but that would mean going without pay way to close to Christmas time.

So that is all for now. I will once again leave you all with some pictures:

More about the GIRLS!!!

2009-08-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

Well the girls had their month check up on Tuesday this week. Everything is going great!!

Jozie is now weighing 8'1, which puts her in the 10-25 percentile (Not sure why there is such a huge range here) She is now 19 and 1/2 inches which means she's grown a whole inch since birth. Her head is still rather big. Let's just say she's in the 75th percentile in head size!!! Not that we didn't know that, from the first
ultrasound to the last, we were told that "Baby A" had a big noggin!!!!

Kealie is now 6'10. She is still inthe 3rd percentile for weight. She is 19 inches long. And we can't leave Kealie out of the whole big head issue. She falls into the 25th percentile. I'm just gonna say we have big headed babies!!!

But they are precious! They continue to sleep better through the night, ranging from 4 to 5 and 1/2 hours at a time. During the day they are both up a lot longer than even my last post. We are working on Tummy Time a lot as well. They are both doing well, even though I have to believe they HATE it since they scream the whole time. But at least they are lifting their heads and moving their legs while they are screaming!!!

They also continue to wake one another up! I can tell when one of them is getting ready to wake up because it's time to eat. So I will go get the bottles ready, and by that time One of them will be crying, and the other will then be awoken and follow suit. Therefore, I am getting quite good at feeding BOTH Kealie and Jozie at the same time!

I know it might sound kind of long to wait, but I have to admit I was very nervous to give the girls a "real" bath. I had just continued to wipe them down with a wet washcloth. Well Monday night I finally decided that they needed a real bath as they were going to the doctors, and so I left my fears behind. It really wasn't too bad with either of the girls. They didn't seem to mind too much!

The girls both have a little bit of a head cold. A little cough, stuffy nose. Nothing to worry about doc said. He said if was not in their chest, so we just get to clean noses!

That's really all that's going on. My mom, or Grammy, is keeping the girls tomorrow. This will give Josh and I some time to get to the grocery, as well as some of the other things done around the house, AND possibly get a little extra sleep!!!

1 month old ALREADY!!!!!!!!

2009-08-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

Jozie and Kealie turned 1 month old on Friday... I can't believe it's already been a month. Time has flown by! And the funny thing is, my original due date was August 22nd.

We are still just hanging out and enjoying our girls around here. They are both growing so much. Jen and I weighed them at her house the other day and Jozie was up to 8'4 and Kealie was up to 7'. It's crazy how big they are getting! But that is because they are both eating great. They are also becoming more alert and aware of things around them. They both like to sit in their chairs or swings and just look around!!! They are also staying up longer. It's fun to get to sit with them and talk to them and have them actually be awake. Jozie has even made it for 6 hours straight without a nap. She is perfectly content to sit in her chair or lay in her bassinet and just hang out with momma!!
Kealie is also staying awake longer, but not as long. She loves her swing!!!

The girls and I normally just hang out at home during the week, but we've been out a couple times over the last several weeks. We went and visited Grammy at her work. We went to my school and let the girls meet all of my co-workers! It was good to see everyone as well as my boys (Students). My boys were so excited to see me, yet didn't have much to do with the girls. They just kept telling me they wanted me to come back soon. As much as I miss them, I'm SOOOOOOO not anywhere close to being ready to go back to work and leave my girls. I don't even want to think about that time... Then Jen watched the girls last week while I ran some errands that I seriously needed to get done.

I'm just loving my girls so much. That's really about all that's going on. I got a Wii and Wii Fit for my birthday, so I've been doing a little workout each day!!!! And with that I will just leave you some more pics of the girls:

Happy Birthday

2009-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Myspace Layouts

Today is Jen's birthday! I hope you have a great day relaxing Jen!!! I love you and thanks for being the most awesome friend ever!!!! And Sister!!

Pictures of the girls... FINALLY!!!!

2009-08-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

So it's been 2 weeks since my last post. I can't believe that!

Just an update... The girls are both home now!!! Jozie got to come home on Thursday, July 30th!!! After we stayed at the hospital that night, the doctor told us Kealie still wasn't eating well enough and needed to stay longer. He said that Jozie was ready to come home though. We asked if she could stay with her sister, and the doctor said he could for one more night, but after that the insurance would start getting suspicious. So we were able to keep them together one more night.

I thought leaving both of the girls at the hospital was the hardest thing to do, and it was very very hard... But on Thursday when we were getting Jozie ready to leave, it was very emotional... It was such a happy thing for Jozie, yet Kealie would now be in there all by herself. It was even harder to leave Kealie there all on her own while her sister got to come home and be at her home.

The next day, Friday the 31st, was my 30th birthday. I kept telling everyone how awesome of a birthday it would be when Kealie got to come home! But nope, when I got to the hospital to visit, doc said she just wasn't eating enough yet. So, it wasn't going to be the best ever... I stayed at the hospital for a couple hours and then came home so Josh could visit baby girl. Jozie and I hung out together and when Josh got home we headed to my parents for lasagna!!! We had a great time, but not having Kealie there you could really feel and absence.

On Saturday morning, August 1st, after 11 days in the hospital, we finally got the call from the doctor saying Kealie was now ready to come home!!! It was the best phone call I could have gotten of course! We finally got to bring out baby girl home!!!!! And We would finally be all together at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So now we have all been home for a week and a couple days. Things are going great. The girls are eating like crazy, and putting on the weight like crazy. At the pediatrician's visit last Wednesday Jozie, born at 5'6 was up to 6'4!! And Kealie, born at 4'2 had finally hit the 5' mark!!!!!! She was 5lbs even!!!

Things are going really well at home. Sure there is a bit of exhaustion for both Josh and I, but it is worth it. I am enjoying the whole mother thing, despite a few times when the cries wouldn't stop no matter what Josh or I did for them. It's definitely hard, but the love I have for my baby girls is way more than I need to get me through those times.

Jozie and kealie seem to be more aware of each other here in the past couple days. They hear one another, and look at each other! It's really awesome! Last night it seemed as though they have already started playing games on mom and dad. One would cry, and we would get her calmed down and seconds later the other would start. They did this for quite a while! It's only just beginning!!!

Ok that's all for now, except for some pictures of my beautiful girls! Hope you enjoy!!!

Jozie Reed
July 21, 2009
9:39am

Kealie Jean
July 21, 2009
9:46am

My precious little baby girls

Their 2 week birthday!!!!

Daddy and his 2 little princess... My family and my whole life!!!

At the hospital

2009-07-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here at the hospital at 1:30 in the morning listening to my baby girls moving around and stirring in their crib and Josh snoring in the uncomfortable fold out couch next to me.

It's been a crazy, emotional week for me. My baby girls are now a week old, and have yet to get to come home with us. I guess the easiest way to do this post is a "week long summary" of how things have been...

But before I do that, I just noticed on my dashboard that it said I had 100 posts... but I thought it should be 101, because if you remember I did my special 100th post a couple days before the girls were born. Well this is what happened, I had started a special 100th post a while back, and decided to do something different. So when I did my 100th post, I went back and erased the one I had finished, not realizing that they were counting that as one of my posts. SO my point is... my 100th post was actually my post welcoming Kealie and Jozie into the world. It's kind of funny because I had said I was thinking about holding out to post 100th blog until they were born... Well I did it, it just wasn't the most awesome and fun blog, it was just a quick summary of the day's event and when Jozie and Kealie entered the world...

Ok, anyway; here is what my week has been:

Tuesday, July 21st: Baby girls born, first visit to the NICU to visit them that night, Jozie on oxygen

Wednesday, July 22nd: Visited girls several times in the NICU, got to hold them for first time (besides the few seconds after delivery), Jozie off oxygen, Jozie given feeding tube due to not yet able to get the "suck, swallow, breath" method down

Thursday, July 23rd: I was discharged from the hospital early that morning, but allowed to stay as late as midnight to be close to the girls, so I did. Josh and I were able to feed our baby girls for the first time. With pacing, Jozie was able to eat from a bottle... Kealie never had a problem, she sucked down her bottle quickly at every feeding. Went to visit and feed girls one last time around 9:00 and feeding tube was out of Jozie, because she pulled it out herself!!! She also at the same time pulled her IV out of her hand. Unfortunately she had to have the IV replaced and put in her other hand, but the feeding tube stayed out!!! Left the hospital around 11:00 without my beautiful babies, and it was one of the hardest things to do.

Friday, July 24th: Woke up to my phone ringing at 8:00am. It was the NICU doctor. My heart stopped beating as I thought something was wrong. He was just giving an update on the girls and letting me know how things were and how great they looked. Very nice to get the phone call, but thought it would have been even nicer if someone would have let me know to expect the call from him. He always came and talked to us around noon when I was in the hospital...
Went to hospital and hung out with Jozie and Kealie as much as possible. Things looking great, started hearing that Monday or Tuesday the girls should get to come home if everything stayed as good as it were.

Saturday, July 25th: Girls still in NICU but continued to make great progress. They were maintaining their weight, if not gaining. They were eating very well. Kealie was starting to slow down, but still meeting her requirements at each feeding. Jozie was eating like a champ!
I started getting a headache sometime on Saturday. It was a pretty bad one, and my Motrin that the doc prescribed me wouldn't help it at all. We left hospital at 9:00, and I was in bed by 9:30.

Sunday, July 26th: Woke up and headache was barely there. Got to hospital early to find out they were moving out of NICU down to the Critical Care Nursery 3... An Upgrade because they were doing so well!!! Fed the girls around 2:30... Headache started coming back... Moved girls down to CCN 3 at 3:00. Headache becoming painful... Got girls ready for photos at 3:30, Got Jozie's individual shots, and one of Kealie before she had a horrible spit up. Had to stop the photo shoot and plan to have photographer come back next day. Headache had become excruciating. Grammy (my mom visits) we feed girls, my head is pounding. Tell her I am going to let Josh come sit with her. When I find Josh, I tell him I am having horrible headache. Decide that it is best for me to come home and rest for a bit to see if that will help headache go away.
Leave Grammy with the girls, and head home. Take Excedrin Migraine, a nap and it doesn't help at all. Decide to try Tylenol Allergy a while later, and it finally goes away. So for two days I suffered from an allergy headache, who would have figured!!! Head back to hospital around 7:00, and Shannon visits since she has been on vacation and hasn't had a chance to visit yet. Jen and Tyler also come. Tyler not being old enough to visit in nursery, is given the chance to see Kealie for the first time in person because of our awesome nurse!!! She opens door and allows Tyler to get a good look at one of his new cousins. He would have gotten to see Jozie as well, but he and Josh apparently got locked out of the hospital while Jen and I were visiting the girls... When he finally got up to the nursery we had already put Jozie back in the crib.
Leave hospital again without my babies... But still hearing Tuesday should be the day the girls get to come home as long as they maintain their weight or gain, and pass their car seat tests.

Monday, July 27th: Phone call from doctor, lets us know Kealie had trouble eating and did not meet her requirement through the night feedings. Also from the ultrasound of the brain that they had, they found a cyst on Kealie's brain. Told that there was nothing to worry about and that lot's of people have them that never know about them. And that it is very common in premature babies. Get to hospital and find out we will be moving that afternoon once again. Back up to the 6th floor but in the CCN 1 room. We get Kealie's individual pics done and their pics together done. I must say they are the best pics ever! SO CUTE!!!
Head back upstairs with girls around 3. Hang out with them for the day, and hear many, many many times that these girls will be going home tomorrow because they are doing so well. Stay with the girls until around 10:00 and as leaving nurses are telling us that we should get to bring girls home tomorrow!! We are also told we would probably be discharged in afternoon as the girls were doing so great that they were the last babies in the NICU/CCN that doc checked out.
We get home and hang out for a bit. Josh had to be the cutest. At one point thought he might have an anxiety attack when discussing having girls home and on our own tomorrow!!! But we were both so excited and ready for it! Can't wait to get up on Tuesday morning and prepare to bring out beautiful baby girls home. It will be their 1 week birthday!!!

Tuesday, July 28th: Woke up to phone ringing at 9:00 am... IT's the Doc!!! First thought.. "We are going to get them home really early!!!" Only to be disappointed by doc letting me know that Kealie again struggled to eat and wasn't making her required eatings. So he was going to keep them over night again and that there would be no homecoming today but we would be able to stay in a special room with them overnight. Well as long as I got to stay with my babies it made it a bit better. The phone call was only made worse when he told me that the nurse and he had heard a heart murmur in Jozie... WHAT??? Again we were told that these were fairly normal in premature babies and there was really nothing to worry about. Well guess what? I was worried, worried sick. After the disappointment in the phone call, and the emotions that we both went through after hearing the news and calling the grandparents, we were sitting and discussing getting ready when I fell asleep. Josh too took a nap and then we got up about 1/2 hour later and began gathering our clothes for our overnight stay with our baby girls. We have been here ever since around 1:00. The girls are doing so-so on the feedings. We have been in our "semi-private" room since around 8:00. The nurses are leaving us alone. They haven't checked on us since around 10 or so. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Josh is sleeping and the girls have been sleeping as well. We are supposed to wake the girls up every three hours to feed them... It is now 2:30. Kealie was due to eat at 2:00, but I don't understand why I should wake her up if she is sleeping so well. Shouldn't we let her sleep and wake up on her own? Then she might just eat what she needs to eat. Jozie is due for her next feeding at 3:00. I don't know what to do... I mean these nurses and doctors obviously know what they are talking about, and I should do what they tell me to do, but I as a mother, don't believe it is best to wake them up if they are sleeping so well.

I'm going to go and see if Kealie is at least starting to wake up at this time. All of the pictures of the girls are on the computer at home. I don't have any on my laptop which I'm using right now of course. I promise to post pictures as soon as we all get home and have at least a little down time. OHHHH Kealie is waking up!!! Gotta go get her!!!
We would really appreciate just a quick prayer or thought for us that we get to take our baby girls home tomorrow. Josh has to go back to work either Sunday or Monday and I know I and he would really love some time with the girls at home before he has to go back. My birthday is Friday and the only gift I want is for my girls to be home with me, preferably before Friday, preferably tomorrow!!!

The Girls are here!!!

2009-07-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you all know that on Monday at the specialist, due to some findings, they went ahead and admitted me into the hospital to have these baby girls. They began inducing me at 8 pm MOnday night... At 9:39 am Tuesday July 21st, Jozie Reed was born, and Kealie Jean followed right behind her at 9:46. Jozie is weighing 5 pounds, 6 ozs and Kealie was 4 pounds 2 ounces. They are both staying in the NICU. We are not sure how long they will be there, but they have made progress all day long!!! We even were able to go up and hold them about 12 midnight Tuesday night/Wednesday morning!!! I am totally in love with my girls. I can't wait to have them with me forever. Please say a quick prayer that they get to come home very very soon. I will write more later and post pictures soon. Right now I am going to get some muchneeded sleep!!!

Here it is.... MY 100th POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

So I have been thinking about my 100th post for quite a while now as I continued to get closer and closer to it and what I could do to make it a special post. The thought even crossed my mine how cool it would be if my 100th post was to announce the baby girls were here.... But I just couldn't hold out that long!!!

The next thing I did was try to be creative in some way, you know think about how to make this special and awesome, but nothing is coming to me. Maybe it's because I'm 2 weeks away from having twin girls and I just have other things on my mind than to be really creative for my blog (Maybe I'll be able to do that at 200!!!) So I did only the next natural thing to do... I googled 100th blog post ideas, and everything I found was pretty much the same. People giving 100 little facts about themselves that you may or may not know about them. So I'm stealing their idea!!

Here are my "100 little facts about me"
* Friends and Family
1. My husband Josh is my very very best friend and the best thing that has ever happened to me in my whole life. I am what I am today because of him!!!

2. Josh spoils me way too much

3. I met Josh in a bar after I bungee jumped. He was walking out and I was walking in. I grabbed him and said I just bungee jumped... He decided to stay, and the rest is history!!!!

4. I love my family more than I can ever let them know... It's beyond words how much each and every single one of them have influenced me to be who I am today

5. I am SOOOOOOO ready for my baby girls to be here, and can't believe that in only 2 weeks I will be holding them in my arms

6. I'm scared to death about putting my babies in a day care.

7. My big sister Jennifer, is also my best friend... She is always there to listen and turn to when I need someone.

8. While Erika is my younger sister, I look up to her for all she does as a mom. She is one of the best I know, and I hope that I am as good of a mom as she is!!

9. My brother Wes is the best brother anyone could have and you should all be jealous of me!!! He would do ANYTHING at ANYTIME for me and he has proven that over and over!!!

10. My parents are my role models. They got married and raised 4 children at very young ages, and did such a great job!!! And they have been married going on 33 years and are still in love and you can see the love they have. I hope that my marriage and parenting are as good as theirs has been and continues to be!!!

11. I wish my best friends from college lived closer to me (2 are in Lexington and one is in Boston)

12. My best friend from college, Kate and I, weren't really friends until I left Transylvania and moved back to Louisville... We hardly even spoke when I was there, now she is one of the best friends I've ever had and our friendship continues to grow more and more throughout the years!

* Pets
13. I have two cats, Nelly and Rudy, that were a Valentine's Present from my mom when I moved to my first apartment 7 years ago.

14. Josh hates my cats cause one of the first times we just hung out at my house and ordered pizza, the cats jumped on the stove and knocked the whole pizza onto the floor before we got any of it.

15. Poor Rudy was locked in the refrigerator over night as a kitten... I found her in there the next morning when I got up... Yet she still likes to jump in the refrigerator to this day.

16. Zander is our 5 year old Jack Russell

17. He is so spoiled, he will not lie on the floor if there is not a pillow or blanket for him, He will sit or stand staring at us until we get him one.

18. Zander decided to jump the fence for the first time in almost three years when we were on our Honeymoon last summer and my brother was at our house. He had never done it before and has never done it again. It really is very strange that he did that.

* Blogging
19. I started my blog in December 2008 a couple weeks after I found out I was pregnant after months of thinking I would start one, but with the new news I knew I would finally have something interesting to talk about!!

20. I love blogging, not only because it lets me journal and I can look back and remember what was going on during certain times but because of the people I have connected with through blogging!

21. I have met a couple of people, Antonia and Jess, through my blog and consider them friends, even though we live 100's and 1000's of miles from each other!!!

*School
22. I joined a sorority at Transylvania after being offered an open bid, and then left the school 2 months later...

23. My favorite subject in school is writing... It's what I love to do, and I love teaching it

24. My least favorite subject to teach is Social Studies... I am not good with History or Geography

25. The best thing about my job are the people I work with. I miss talking to them all during the summer vacation.

26. I love teaching, but wish that I could be a stay-at-home mom for at least the next several years while my girls are young.

*About Me
27. I will be turning 30 in exactly 13 days

28. My favorite city that I have been to is New Orleans... I've been twice.

29. If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to Greece

30. I have parasailed twice, both times I was with Jen

31. I played field hockey in high school for 3 years and in college for 2 years.

32. My hair is naturally curly

33. I have grey hair, and have had grey hair for about 5 years now... ever since I began teaching!!! It's not a lot but there's enough for me to have to dye my hair

34. I am 5'7" or 5'8" not for sure which one...

35. I have hazel eyes... Depending on my mood and the weather at times they look really bright green and others they are really dark brown

36. I have been told my best quality is friendliness to everyone and excepting all and making everyone feel comfortable around me.

37. My worst quality would be my shyness

38. I am a Leo, but do not share many of the characteristics that go along with that sign.

39. While I am the second of 4 children, I definitely have the characteristics of a middle child

40. I hate cleaning and if you saw my house you would be able to tell!

41. The worst chore is by far washing dishes... especially silverware!!!

42. My favorite chore is organizing.. as in organizing books and cds and movies... I'm pretty sure that my mom would agree I get this from my father!

43. I never make the bed

44. I enjoy baking, but don't do it often because I'm not very good at it

* Random Facts
45. If I could be anything, I would be a Broadway star!!

46. If I could live the life of a famous person it would be Judy Garland

47. I am a night owl... I can be sleepy all day, but once the clock hits 11 or 12, I get my second wind

48. I hate being woke up in the morning. Whether it be by an alarm or a person... Just ask Josh and my mom!!!!

49. I hate having to call companies or stores for any reason... That is why there are about 7 bags of clothes for charity still on my front porch that have been there for several weeks now

50. I am a very quiet and shy person when you first meet me

51. People who have known me for a long time and know me well probably wish I would just shut up sometimes!!!

52. I have a tattoo on my back of the sun

53. I have my ears pierced twice and my left ear cartilage pierced

54. I used to have my belly button pierced... when I was skinny of course!!

55. I love Wal-Mart... What's not to love, they have absolutely everything you could possibly need!!!!

56. When I was younger and played Nintendo, I used to be really mean to my brother who watched me when I would die or mess up.

57. The first time my parents heard me say a cuss word was when I was playing Mario Brothers

58. I want to write a novel and publish it one day... It has been a goal of mine since high school... I just don't know where or how to start

59. I've broken my right arm three different times

60. I love music and singing, even though I am horrible at it.

*Food and Drinks
61. I could eat pizza 7 days a week and don't think I would ever get tired of it.

62. I am disgusted by all condiments, except hot sauce. I will not touch something if it has ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise or any other kind of sauce on it. It will make me gag

63. I hate onions, and if I accidentally bite into one that has been placed on to my food by accident, you better hope there is a napkin for me to spit it in, or else you will have to listen to me gag and possibly throw up!!!

64. My favorite alcoholic beverage is a Grasshopper

65. The only things I drink besides an occasional alcoholic beverage(when I'm not pregnant of course) is water and Coke or Pepsi

*Entertainment
66. I am addicted to Reality TV

67. My favorites are Amazing Race and Big Brother

68. If I could go on any reality show it would be Amazing Race

69. I would suck on Big Brother...

70. I laugh so hard at the show Wipeout every week, that it physically hurts and I just want them to go to a commercial at times so that I can catch my breath!

71. I am addicted to facebook... I'm on for several hours a day throughout the day

72. I am addicted to the computer in general... I'm on it for way too many hours during the summer. I should really get out and do something, or at least get up and clean my house!!!

73. My favorite song is Shoop by Salt-n-Pepa

74. I love playing video games

75. I love reading and watching about Celebrity Gossip stuff...

76. I cried while watching Michael Jackson's memorial service

77. I also cried when Chris Farley died... he was my favorite

78. I Love Tom Petty and wish I could go see him in concert

*Random Favorites
79. My favorite sport to play is Volleyball

80. My favorite sport to watch is College Basketball

81. My favorite book of all time is The Outsiders

82. I love the show iCarley

83. My favorite music is Oldies

84. My favorite band is The Beatles

85. My favorite color is purple

*Religion
86. I was raised Catholic

87. I went to Catholic school from Kindergarten to 12th grade

88. The grade school and High School that I attended are now closed

89. I believe in God with all my heart, soul and mind.

90. I do not believe you have to go to church to be a good Christian

91. I believe you should be allowed to believe what you believe and not be hassled or pressured to join a religion or belong to a church in order for God to hear and be there for you

*Pet Peeves
92. I can't stand it when people wear a hat for one team and a t-shirt for another team... For example: a Steelers shirt and a Colts hat... If it were a college team and a pro team it's not as bad, but seriously I think you should match your sportswear with the same team!!!

93. My biggest pet peeve is when someone is wearing two different socks... Don't know why I just can't deal with it!!!

94. It drives me crazy when people ask you a question and then keep on talking or don't listen to your answer

*Marriage
95. The hardest thing about marriage that I've experienced is having to share holiday's with both sides of the family... I know it sounds horrible but I hate it!

96. The best thing about marriage that I've experienced is how much our love grows each and every day. I can honestly say that I love Josh more and more each day that we are together.

*To end with...
97. I am very proud of the goals I have accomplished in my life... Graduating from college, becoming a teacher, finding the love of my life, getting married, and having a family...

98. I am so happy with my life right now... I don't think there is a time I have been happier and honestly believe that it will only continue to get better with each year that we live

99. I can not believe how long this has taken me to complete, but I am happy I did, because it's been a nice reflection time

100. I AM DEFINITELY LIVING MY DREAM LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well there you have it... You probably know way more than you wanted to know about me, but I appreciate you taking the time to read it!!! I really enjoyed taking the time to sit back and think about these things!

Hope you all have a great week!!!

6 and 1/2 hour doctors appointment....

2009-07-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

yep... that's how long I was there today... It was crazy, so let me just get started!!!

So my appointment was scheduled for 8 this morning... SO EARLY... but hey, my thought was I wouldn't have to wait long to see my babies and I wouldn't be there all day... I was mistaken!!!

First I go and check in, and have a seat. Now I'm the only patient there in the waiting room, and can hear all the nurses and stuff coming in and talking about their days off and how they have headaches, etc, etc, etc... I was just watching the news and realized I must have been there for a while, so I look at my phone, and yes, I have been sitting there waiting for 35 minutes. So I'm like, I wonder what's going on.. maybe someone is running late, but it would be nice if they would let me know. So when the clock hit 8:45 I decided it was time to figure it out myself. So I go to the window, and no one was even there, so I ring the bell. A different lady comes up then had checked me in and asks for my name... I say I'm Michelle, I've been waiting since 8... My appointment was scheduled for 8, is the doctor running late? What's going on?
The response is... Oh my gosh, I saw you sitting there, I figured you were waiting for someone... (yeah, the doctor!!!).. Let me go see what's going on.
And I immediately get called back by the "head" nurse who apologizes profusely and that there computers had gone down.. (my thought, well someone checked me in, what's her excuse) But anyway, I let it go cause I got to see my babies, and that's enough to make me smile and be happy.

So we get the ultrasound, and the girls are moving like crazy, Baby B of course being a handful once again by not sitting still as they try to get the measurements... But they eventually got what they needed, and well, it wasn't what I expected. Last month when I went they were 3lbs 14ozs and 3lbs 6ozs... Today their estimated weights were only 4lbs 12ozs, and 4lbs 3ozs... They had not even gained a pound in a month. The nurse leaves to go put the data in the computer and talk with the doctor. Then they both come back a while late, take more measurements together, Being generous with them...

Doctor explains that while they are growing, just hadn't grown as much as expected,so they leave to go put the new measurements in. A couple minutes later they come back and tell me they are going to check something out...

Oh yeah, did I mention that I was there by myself today? Josh had to work and with it being such an early appointment I didn't want anyone else to have to get up so early. It figures...

So I get in the room and am told by the doctor that their percentage of growth has dropped dramatically. WHile baby a has been in at least the top 50% throughout the pregnancy is now only in the top 15... Well, you know from reading this, that I am not one to keep my emotions on the inside, and the tears came. The doctor was like don't cry, you are 34 weeks pregnant with twins, you look great, your babies are active, everything looks healthy and they are practicing that breathing like they are good to go at any time, and if they need to come now they will be fine. I must admit I had never seen this doctor the previous times I've been to the Maternal Fetal Specialists, but I really liked her. She had a very good way of calming me down and letting me know everything was fine. She went on to tell me baby b was now only in the 8th percentile. But that this is because I'm trying to nourish two babies and it's just hard for one person to do at this point in the pregnancy. They just need more than I can give them.

So they hook me up to watch their heart rates for a while. I'd say I was there for about an hour, by this time it was 11:30. The doctor came in and said they are just sleeping and I need to see more activity, so she tried stimulting them and told me to stay hooked up for 15 minutes. If nothing changed, she would let me go to lunch and then come back to see if that helped.

So about 20 minutes later, I am on my way to lunch to get some food for us. I called Josh and filled him in and of course pretty much freaked him out. After I got him to be ok with the fact I was going back and to believe me that everything was ok, he went back to work, not before telling me he was going to call and have someone come and take over his run so he could get to me. I talked him out of it and told him that I would call him and let him no if he needed to do that after I got back in and all hooked up.

So about an hour later I am back at the office, and hooked up again. I stay hooked up for another hour or so, and the heartbeats were much higher this time and the rate was moving much more. Doctor came in and said, yep, that's exactly what they needed... some sugar. She loved what she saw and told me I would not be having the babies tonight after all!!! Wouldn't that have been the craziest!!!!

During the appointment she had asked me what my regular doc and I had discussed about delivering, and I told her about the c-section we had scheduled but that we were just sort of watching it and if they stayed head down we were going to wait it out. She said no... She said that at this point with twins that if they needed to come they would be perfectly healthy, just small. And that for sure 2 weeks is as long as they need to stay in there. She said we will give them two more weeks to try and gain more weight and get them up to 5 pounds, but we weren't waiting any longer. I am and have been doing all I can do for these two babies, that they are healthy and that I as one person, am just not able to give them the nourishment they need anymore. So she called my doctor and filled him in. She let me know he said it's sounds good to him and he knows exactly what's going on.

SOOOOO, NOW my babies will be here within 2 weeks, or so.. I will be going back to the specialist next Monday and Thursday, and the week after that to keep a close eye on them. I also go to my doc's next Friday which is when we will choose a new date for the inducement. Two weeks from today is the 30th. That is the day before my birthday. I honestly don't want them to have to share a birthday with anyone else, as they already have to share with one another... Plus with it being at the end of the week, I am thinking (but we know I'm usually wrong about these things) that he won't induce me on a Friday anyway. I think we will probably wait until August 3rd... I guess we will have to wait and see for sure.

TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm very excited, but at the same time shocked. It was such a crazy day, just not what I expected AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Lot's to do in 2 weeks around the house as well as get everything ready for the beginning of the year since I will for sure not be making it there for that!!! I think I'm going to get up and fill the boss in since she is already back in the office and see exactly what kind of plans I need to have for the time I'm out. Plus, I will be recruiting EVERYONE (sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces) to come and help me move all my stuff to my new classroom and help me put it all together!!!

It will all work out and get done... it always does I know. Just lots to think about over the next two weeks, but to stay calm and cool and relaxed at the same time!!!

KEALIE and JOZIE... I'm SO HAPPY AND READY FOR YOU TO BE HERE!!!! I can not wait to see your beautiful precious amazing faces!!! You girls eat up as much as you can so you can put those ounces on!!! I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE THAN YOU WILL KNOW!!!!!!!!

What's going on around here

2009-07-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just sitting around waiting for Josh to get home from work and trying to decide if I want to go take a nap, even though it's already 20 minutes to 7. I know I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep tonight if I did, but I feel so tired right now. And Big Brother comes on at 9 tonight, so can't fall asleep before that comes on... Oh what to do, what to do????

I decided to write a little post. Not to much to say. We started our two day training on community building today, so I was there from 8:30 to 3 today. Then I went and grabbed some things I needed from Michael's craft store and stopped by Skyline to visit Shannon and have a "snack"... Even thought I ate what I always eat when I go there, it was still just a snack!!!! Tomorrow I have training from the same time again, and then we are going to meet with a pediatrician at 7:30. Thursday is Specialist Doc appt, so I'm looking forward to that, even though it's at 8 in the morning... And I thought having to be at my training at 8:30 was bad... The good thing is that I will be able to come home and take a nap after the doctor's appointment!! LOL

I found out last night while chatting with a co-worker on Facebook that we have another training to go to next Thursday and Friday from 8:30-3:30 both days... Not that I was excited about it, but not a big deal. Then this morning it hit me I have a doc appt next Friday at 10:30... But I just look on our Professional Development website and they have another of the same training on Monday and Tuesday next week, so I just switched what days I am going. I like the fact that I am going Monday and Tuesday and getting it over with, I just won't know anyone there while I'm there. They are all going to the Thursday and Friday session... Why would you choose a Thursday and Friday???? Anyway, I think it works out best for me!

The girls are still moving around like crazy... I can not wait to see how big they've gotten. I feel like it's been 3 months since the last ultrasound, but it's only been a month! I'm still feeling good... and this month is flying by so far. But with all these trainings and the stuff I have to do for school, as well as around the house before they get here, I don't think it's going to slow down any. Which I believe is a good thing for me... I have heard the last month can be SOOOO long and miserable. Hopefully it will just keep going quickly!!!

Well that's about it. I will post again sometime after my appointment... Take care and hope everyone is having and keeps having a good week!!!!

Another week down...

2009-07-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well it's been another whole week since I have updated!!! Don't really know where the time went... This week just sort of flew by without me realizing it!!!!

Nothing much going on around here. Josh and I got a whole lot of the nursery done!!! It's looking so good... Every time I walk in the room I just smile!!! We are really just about done, just getting border hung and then other decorations around the room and a bit of organization of baby necessities and where we will be storing and keeping things...

So HOPEFULLY by this time next weekend it will all be ready for the girls to enjoy!!!

We went out yesterday and got some things to help organize the rest of the house. We got a new lawn mower FINALLY since ours broke and our grass has not been cut for like 3 weeks... hahaha. We got a cabinet shelf thingy for the kitchen to put formula and bottles and all the baby stuff in! And we got the car seat bases for Josh's car, and another plastic dresser thingy for all of Josh's t-shirt... Have I mentioned this? We went through all of our clothes and have like 9 bags to donate to DAV or somewhere like that, and still have space issues because of all the clothes that Josh has!! It really is a bit ridiculous!!!

We went to the doctor Friday and heartbeats are great! Everything is very good, besides me being anemic, but not much can be done with that since I am already on Iron pills. I have been trying to eat more vegetables though to see if that will help any. No ultrasound... It's driving me crazy, I haven't had one since my last visit to the specialist which will be 4 weeks ago Wednesday!!! But I go back to them on Thursday so I can't wait for that. The girls are going crazy, kicking around and moving like wild! Last night Josh and I just watched them move around my stomach for like 5 minutes straight. While it's a bit freaky, it is also just amazing and exciting!!!! They both seem to still be head down, which led me to ask doc if he would induce me on the 11th if I was able to deliver vaginally at that time seeing how I had the c-section scheduled already. His reply was no, cause he doesn't do "scheduled" inducements on Tuesdays, and that we would discuss that later.
Which leads me to believe, the more I think about it, that he is going to let me go into labor naturally. Which at this time I'm feeling isn't going to be any time soon! Or even before the 11th for that matter. But I guess when we see how big the girls are on Thursday we will have a better idea of how much longer they will have room in there.

I'm really feeling good physically, emotionally and mentally at this time. I've been out doing stuff, and the getting things done around the house helps me out mentally and emotionally!!! Just knowing that we are now at a point where the girls will have a place to sleep makes me feel so much better. I just get tired really quickly. But at this point, time isn't dragging on. Like I said at the beginning of the post, this week just sort of flew by. I can't believe we are already almost to the middle of July!!!!

This week coming is going to be pretty busy! Tomorrow I plan on taking a bit easy.. getting some easy stuff done around the house. Then Tuesday and Wednesday I have a training for work, and Wednesday night we are going to meet the 4th out of 5 pediatricians. Thursday I have my appointment and Jen and her crew get back from Florida!!! YEAH, I can't wait to see them!!!!

After next week it will be getting all my plans and stuff ready for the beginning of the school year. I'm also going to have to figure out a way to move all of my stuff from my old classroom to my new room. As of now it looks like I will be teaching my self contained class again this year. But I have a great sub who my kids know and she is really excited to work with them so that is good news!!!

Josh was asked to go to Brooklyn for a week to help train some of the guys up there. We thought he would be going this coming up week, but they are apparently short at his branch with guys on vacation. So I'm Really hoping that it is next week that he will be going cause anything after that is just REALLY REALLY too close, and anything can happen. I know I wouldn't be the happiest if he happened to be out of town when I went in to labor, but I also think it's a great opportunity to go to Brooklyn, even if I am a bit jealous!! Not to mention that he would be devastated if he missed the girls getting here while he was away. So just say a little prayer or give a little hope that he goes next week!

That's about all I have for now. I may have a bit more to write about this week with training and all, so who knows, I may not wait a whole week to do my next post, but no promises here!!! Have a great week!!!

Preparing for my babies!!!

2009-07-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well it's been quite a few days since I've posted anything so I thought I would do a quick write up about what I've been up to!

Josh and I are working really hard to get the girls' room ready and the house cleaned up before they get here. We've made great progress in the room! The cribs are up as well as the dresser. They are so beautiful and after having one crib and the dresser up we thought we were going to have some space issues... but once we got the second crib up everything fit perfectly!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!

We went shopping yesterday morning for crib sets and decorations for the room! It was a blast. We got so much stuff that we needed. Now comes the fun part of actually decorating the room!! We also got the pack-n-play and 2 swings. We were only going to get one swing but Babies-R-Us was having a sale on Graco items and it was buy three products and get $100 off, so we went for the 2nd swing since it was like we were getting it for free!! Who can pass a deal up like that?!?!?!?!?

We now have all necessities for these girls! They can come anytime they like and we are ready! The biggest things we have left to get are the car seat bases for Josh's car. They were out of stock when we went shopping so we will just have to make another trip to the store! Actually they were out of quite a few things. Maybe their delivery is Monday, cause another thing we were going to get was border for the room and they were out of that as well as like two other borders for other bed room sets...

Other than that, I've been taking it pretty easy. Just hanging out at home doing little things throughout the day, and taking lots of naps. It's funny, cause when i do stuff I get so exhausted so easily, but if I don't do anything, I end up seeming just as exhausted!!!

We celebrated my nephew's second birthday yesterday as well!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDEN!!! I got him a blue beta (fish) and took it over to him on Friday!! He was too cute to watch watching the little fish. Oh and it was also very cute when he tried to catch it as well!!! His actual birthday was the 2nd! So it was his GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!!!

After we left the party yesterday we came home and chilled out. Josh had to make a run for work. When he got home we made a quick and easy dinner and watched James Bond. No fireworks this year for us... It was a great day!!! Much better than last fourth of July. We spent the day driving home from Florida (our Honeymoon) in the rain. (It rained again all day this year too) When we got home we entered to a very sick doggy... That's another story for another time. But of course you all know Zander is fine and healthy now!!!

Plans for this week are to just keep getting everything ready and together for the girls! Actually right now I think I am going to go get some stuff done now! Next doctor's appointment is Friday morning. I will hopefully post before then!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July and long weekend! Have a great week!!

Baby Update

2009-06-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Josh and I went to see doc Friday for our regular appointment. Things are still looking great at 32 weeks. Just had a check of the heartbeats and questions answered. Babies are wonderful with heartbeats right where they should be. I am a bit anemic, but doc said he's not to worried since I am already on the iron pills as well as taking my vitamins. My mom told me to eat more vegetables!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had had 2 very minor and short back spasms last weekend one after we got to Indy and the other when we got home. I pretty much put it off to sitting in the car for 2 hours each way, but Josh thought it would be good to mention it to doc. Doc said well, you are carrying around a lot of extra weight, and look how big that belly is, so he said it was normal. He also said the swelling of my ankles was nothing to worry about as it is normal due to the weight gain. And to just get up and walk around after sitting for a while, and vice versa. I gained 3 pounds from the last visit which was 3 weeks ago, so I did really well, and right on target for weight gain at this time of the pregnancy. Kealie and Jozie both seem to still be in the head down position so that means we will just be playing it from appointment to appointment if we will have to go ahead with the c-section or get to try to deliver them vaginally. We will keep the c-section scheduled for the 11th of August, so I am pretty much assuming that they will be here on that day if not before! It's getting closer and closer!!!...

Mom, Erika and me went shopping yesterday, and my mom was awesome. We got a lot of stuff still needed for the girls! It was a nice day out with them, and I enjoyed myself very much!!! I had a great time, and just want to tell my mom thanks again!!!

Then I got home, Josh and I had dinner. Well, then things kind of went from a really great day to a pregnant woman having a breakdown that I couldn't keep from coming to couldn't stop for anything!!! I know it's just one of those things that happen but man, it wasn't fun... Here's how it went:

First of all, when our heater went out this winter, our landlords replaced the heater and let us know that since they had to get a whole new heating system that they were going to go ahead and get Central Air while they were at it... Well this was so exciting, as we have window units and on very hot days, the one in the living room is just not strong enough to cool down that room. And with me going to be very pregnant during the summer months I was just happy to hear about it! So after putting in the new heater, bringing the CA piece that goes outside, the landlord says that they will hook up that part sometime in the spring or early summer. Well needless to say at this point, we still have no Central Air!!!!!! It is ridiculously hot in our house, besides the bedroom. And well, who wants to sit lay in bed all day, especially when there are good movies on the movie channels and we don't get those in the bedroom.

Josh and I had discussed moving the window unit that was in the kitchen into the living room since we don't use the one in the kitchen and so that we can take the one in living room and put it in the girls room. It should be able to cool off the smaller room a bit better, at least get air circulating around.

With Josh getting off rather early, he was home by the time I got home from my parents yesterday which was around 6, I figured he could go ahead and move them around. So I mention this to him while we are sitting in the bedroom and he says ok, and then falls asleep!!!! When he wakes up I figure he will go ahead and do it, but instead after we eat, he ends up watching the movie Horton Hears a Who... We watch it in the living room, and I got through it only with the fan about 6 inches from my face, since that is the only way to feel the air blowing around.

After the movie was over, I let Josh know I can't deal with the heat anymore and that I am going to go in the bedroom. He decides to follow me and begin watching another movie in the room. Well as I lay there I realize that I am just not cooling off and the bedroom is rather warm, even with the AC and ceiling fan running. At which point comes the break down. I kept it quiet. Just cried. Josh rubbed my back and continued watching the movie. I guess it was after about 5 minutes and he realized my tears weren't going to dry up anytime soon that he turned the tv off and asked what was going on.

I told him first of all I was hot, still sweating and tired of it. He checked the unit, and yes it had frozen over from the constant running. So he turned the ceiling fan up higher and kept the unit running and it helped a bit, but didn't help the melt-down. This is about the time, that I let it all out... All of the stuff we need to do around the house and how we are running out of time QUICKLY!!! The room still has to be finished painting, and after looking at it last night, the walls are going to need a second coat... As I continue to get bigger the house becomes small because of the baby things that we are receiving and getting and have no where else to put them right now except the living room and kitchen until the room is done. As of right now we have a crib and dresser sitting in the kitchen in their boxes. 2 car seats, a stroller, a baby bath, diaper genie and many many bags of baby items sitting in the living room. And our bedroom has clothes and dressers full of clothes that we have to go through to make room for the pack-n-play where the babies will sleep in the beginning... With all this stuff lieing around it's very hard for me to squeeze from the living room to the kitchen and squeeze through there when I need to get through.

Here is the issue I have... Josh works alot, I mean a whole lot, most of the days he is working 10-12 hours, and even on his days off he normally has to go out on several calls. And TRUST ME... I know how he feels when he does get a day off, he just wants to relax, sit around and watch tv. And that is fine, except for the things we need to get done I cannot do by myself. I think that is part of the problem... Not being able to do it myself. I never thought of myself as a "controlling person" (for lack of a better way to put it right now) and have to do things myself, but the longer I have been pregnant, I think I might be. And maybe it's because I am here all day by myself with nothing else to do and so much to get done.

Well, as I continued my break-down, and told Josh how I was feeling, and apologized over and over to him cause I know how he feels, Josh was the most awesome and amazing man, the one I that I fell in love with and know is there. He never once got mad at what I was saying and only reassured me that everything was going to be ok, even letting me know that everything will be done by the end of this week, and no matter what he has to do, or how he feels, he will work throughout the week to make sure it gets done. He even sat down and made a schedule of what he would get done each day this week when he got home from work. He then told me to type it up today and make it official!!! He then got up and switched the AC window unit out of the living room and moved the one from the kitchen to the living room and put up a sheet to block off the kitchen so that the unit wouldn't be trying to cool off such a big space.

So this morning, I am sitting in a nice cool living room, while the bedroom unit defrosts and am enjoying my Sunday morning. With a huge hope that things will be done throughout the week, and I will be able to accomplish the regular cleaning and tidying up easily instead of having to squeeze through small spaces throughout my house, or just not doing it at all!!! At this point in the day I am very hopeful and believe Josh now "gets" it, even if it take a "BREAK-DOWN" to get my thoughts and feelings across to him!!!

A quick post...

2009-06-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

as a tribute to Michael Jackson. I had heard earlier that he was found not breathing in his house, and when Josh got home he told me he had died. It is very sad. I love his music. Everything from Jackson-5 to all the hits since then. I actually even broke my arm when I was 5 dancing to his Thriller Record on top of a sit-n-spin when I was in all actuality supposed to be cleaning the room!!!! How can you not dance to Michael!!!!!

Another reason for the quick post:

Congrats to the two University of Louisville Players who were in the NBA Draft tonight!!!!
Terrence Williams, or T-Will, was chosen 11th to play for the New Jersey Nets!!!

Earl Clark, or E-5, was chosen 14th to play for the Phoenix Suns!!!!

Congratulations boys! You will be missed, but I look forward to hearing about your NBA days!!!!!

Our First Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-21T19:07:00.001-07:00

Today is my first wedding anniversary!!! I can't believe that a year ago today I was getting married. Actually at this time, we were probably getting our things together after the reception heading to the hotel...It was such a wonderful day and the best day of my life so far...

So since Josh had to work today, but was off on Friday and Saturday, he surprised me with a trip to Indianapolis!!! We had some errands and things to get done Friday morning/afternoon so we headed off towards Indy around 5. Here are some of the pics from our awesome First Anniversary Celebration!!!!

Our "view" of Downtown Indianapolis from our Hotel Room

The hotel room:

The other side of the hotel room, and me taking a quick rest before dinner:

Hard Rock Cafe, where we had dinner: it stormed the whole time we were eating, but let up enough for us to walk back to our hotel, then started storming again!!!

The Indiana War Memorial right outside of our Hotel:

Josh and me posing for a picture!!

Josh Chilling in the hotel room:

The Colt's Stadium, Saturday Afternoon...

Josh IS NOT giving the Number 1, he is flipping off the Colts!!! Oh yeah, and he wore Steelers Shirts all weekend long!!!

The Capitol Building:

Me resting on the steps of the War Memorial after walking around for a while. It was very hot, and of course I chose to wear a black shirt, which did not help at all!!!!

Josh and I posing for a quick shot together on the War Memorial

As we headed back for home I spotted this restaurant from the highway:

We turned around at the next exit and went and had lunch there. We had to!!! This is our song! We sang this song Karoke style together the first night we met, and this is the song our wedding party and we walked into our reception to!!! It was the perfect ending of a perfect trip!!!

Tonight when Josh got home from work, we continued our celebration with the top of our cake. We weren't sure how it would be a year later...

But it still looked just as pretty and really tasted great!!!

So needless to say it has been a wonderful weekend!!! And don't think I have forgotten...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU DADS OUT THERE!!!!

I went and had dinner with my daddy and family this afternoon/evening. What a great day!!!

I love you dad, and thank you for being the absolutely best dad anybody could have!!! I just got lucky enough to get you!! Thank you for everything you do for us, and for always being there!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!

2009-06-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

mommy graphics

I can't get over this giddy feeling. I'm going to be a true mom in less than two months!!!! It just makes me smile and I can't stop! I'm truly just excited at this time. Sure there are things to get done before they get here, but I want my girls here so bad. I just want to see their precious faces and hold them, cuddle them, love on them!!! 55 days til my scheduled c-section. It sounds so short, yet so long at the same time!!! Oh the anticipation is going to drive me crazy!!!!

Ok, so doctor appoint was great today. My sissy, Erika, came with me for this one! We went to the specialist so it was a full out ultrasound measuring and checking on EVERYTHING!!! We measured head, stomach, leg, arm, checked kidneys, heart and heartbeats, bladder, and even the umbilical cord blood flow. And everything was great.

When the tech did her ultrasound, she came up with the estimated weights of 3lbs 14 ounces and 3 lbs 1 ounce. Which is the reason we were back at the specialist in the first place, their size differences. I asked why they would be like that and she came up with the usual: A is eating more, getting more food, B is just going to be smaller, or there could be something with the umbilical cord. Well this made me a bit nervous. So that is when she checked the umbilical cords for both of them and after B was being her stubborn self, and blocking the cord with her feet and hands the tech finally got a good read of it and said it looked great. WHEW, there was a sigh of relief!!! She then said she was going to take the measurements she got and put them in the more "updated" computer in the other room and the weights may change a bit. My thought of this, why wouldn't they have the "updated" computers in the rooms they actually do ultrasounds in???? Oh well...

The doctor came in next and did quick measurements for herself, and she too left to put her measurements in the other computer. When she came back she said everything is looking wonderful and that the newer computer shows their weights being 3lbs 14ozs and 3lbs 6ozs!!!! So that is wonderful news!!! They said that there is no need for concern with that size difference. She also said that both look extremely healthy as everything is developing perfectly and they are moving around like crazy. And they are!!! Just going to town in my belly, but I love it when I feel them. It gives me that sense of relief that everything is good and they are doing well!!!

Oh and another thing that we got to hear, was them practicing their breathing!!! Isn't that wonderful???? Just to hear them taking those breaths, just shows even more that they are going to be here in just a little bit!!!!!!!

The last news about the appointment that I have to share, is that BABY GIRL B is no longer breech at this time. The tech asked me which one was breech and before I could answer she said, well whichever it was, she's not anymore, and then showed us both of their heads right next to each other!!! So what does this mean exactly??? Well if she's made a complete flip within two weeks since the last appointment, I'm pretty sure there's a possiblity that she has the ability to flip back up again. We will just have to wait and see as time progresses if she will stay down or decide to flip back over again.

What's funny about this is that over the past couple days Baby B, on the right, has been sticking out. My stomach was lopsided for a couple days. So much so that Josh even noticed it without me saying anything. I thought to myself, that there was a possiblity that she was flipping over, but apparently didn't mention this to anyone. But I guess I was right!!

So things are going great here, and just wanting them to be here now! I know there isn't much longer to go, but man I am totally just ready to see those beautiful face of our girls!!!

I go back to my regular doctor next Friday. Then he said that I would start my 2 week appointments, and I go back to the specialist in a month. Other than that, there isn't much going on around here. I am just going to be relaxing tomorrow!! So I'm pretty excited about that!!! Then waiting to see what things Josh has planned for the weekend. Hmmm, I guess I need to decide what to get him for anniversary/father's day... Any suggestions?????

mommy graphics

Just an update...

2009-06-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

So here I am on this dreary Monday evening. I haven't really been up to too much this weekend. It was pretty uneventful.
Thursday Tyler and I went to see Land of the Lost. It was pretty good. Then Josh, Tyler and I met Jen and the other kids at Wick's pizza and had dinner. Then we just sort of hung out at home the rest of the night.
Saturday was a VERY LAZY day. We didn't get out of bed until 11. Then just sat around. I went and took a nap at some point and Josh painted the second coat of primer in the girls' room. It's coming along, slowly but surely.
Sunday hung out at home screwing around on the computer, then went to funeral home and dinner with mom, dad, Erika and her crew and Wes. Then hung out at the 'rents house for a while.
This morning I went to the "mandatory" training for the new math program our school is adopting for about an hour. Then went to the funeral. Came home and sat around and then Josh and I went to dinner. Now trying to decide if I want to go to bed at 9:30 or sit up and watch some tv with Josh for a while. I have to get up and go back to the math training again tomorrow. It's from 9 to 4.

I got a text from Jen today that said they made it safely to Florida, so I was glad to hear that.

So like I said not to much happening. Wednesday I go to see the Maternal Fetal Specialist to check on their weight differences. After that I am done for a while.
This weekend will hopefully be a great one. Josh's and my first anniversary is Sunday!!!! I can not believe it's been a year, but it has been a great one! Josh will have to work on Sunday, but is off on Friday and Saturday and told me not to make any plans, that he will take care of that. So I'm looking forward to see what he has in store for us!!!

I will update again on Wednesday when I get home from the doctor's to let all know how things are. I'm feeling good. Lots of activity going on in my belly!!!

Hope everyone is having and continues to have a good week.

Life is short....

2009-06-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

(I'm sorry if the post is kind of jumping around and stuff, just can't seem to keep all my thoughts straight).

On Wednesday night I was on facebook just screwing around and doing the usual. I noticed one of my friends status was that he was on his way home to see his dad, and didn't know for sure what was going on.

Kevin, is younger than me, probably around 24 or 25. He is living in North Carolina now I believe. The way we know each other is that our families belonged to the same church growing up and we went to the same grade school. Our parents were very good friends, and worked together at the Church Picnic each year. They were the people in charge of the picnic. Both of our families were always around, and our parents were always working together at these church events in some type of way. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though I had not actually seen Kevin, or his parents or brother for a long while, probably since last years picnic, his status had me say a few prayers that his father, Paul would be good.

Yesterday morning I woke up to have an email from my dad and a message on facebook from my mom letting me know that Paul had passed away. He passed away from a massive heart attack. It really hit me hard. This is a man that helped so many because he wanted to. Years after his children had graduated from our grade school, he was still there giving his time to help out the church. As well as just being funny old Paul. He was a good man, and this is just devestating.

He was young. I'm going to say around 50 or so, maybe give a couple or take a couple of years. It's just not fair. Not fair to his kids and his wife. Not fair to the community to lose such a nice man.

I am praying for Lisa, Kevin and Matt and their whole family at this time. As well as for everyone who has ever met Paul, as he has definitely left a lasting impression on everyone's life.

I am also realizing that life is sooooooo short and you never know when someone will be gone. So I want to take this time to tell everyone in my life that I LOVE YOU ALL!!! I know I should say it all the time, and not just during a time like this. It's a shame that times like this is what it takes us to see how precious and wonderful life is. With our busy work schedules and running here and there, we don't take the time to tell the ones that mean so much to us exactly what we need to say to them.

I thank each and every one of you for being a part of my life, helping me through the hard times and laughing with me through the funny times, and rejoicing with me in the great times. I could not and would not be the woman I am today without each and every single one of you. Again I love you all, and I will make sure to say it more often.

Overnight guest!!!

2009-06-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

He looks just like his mother in this picture!!!

So tonight we have my nephew Tyler over, FINALLY!!!!!! It's been forever since we've had him over, and with him and his family heading to Florida for a month on Sunday it was now or not anytime in the near future!!

Jen brought him over around 5 and hung out for bit then was on her way. We waited around for Josh just discussing the newest video games and things. When Josh got home we headed for Gattiland where we all pretty much stuffed ourselves full and played some games!! It's always a fun dinner!!

After that it was time to come home and do what they love to do best!!

Video Games!!!!! And that's where we are at now at 11:30 at night still playing video games

Doesn't Zander seem to be enjoying his company!!!!

My Babies Shower!!!!!

2009-06-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

This afternoon my mom and sister through me the most awesome baby shower for Kealie and Jozie. It was a wonderful day full of family, friends and lots of food. What exactly was on the menu??? Chick-fil-a nuggets, Chick-fil-a chicken salad sandwiches, meatballs, cheese dip and SOOOOOO much more.

And the cutest cake,
and my personal favorite dessert a cookie cake.

And I took advantage of all that food!! It was so delicious!

Then there were the fun games:
My aunt Mary and MIL Lois!!

My "aunt" (really dad's cousin) Peggy, friends Arleta and Kate, and in the back my Grandma G.

My nieces Rachel and Mallory and friend Becky

And then of course came the gifts:

Just some of the wonderful gifts I received. Everything was so awesome! I am so overwhelmed with it all in a good way of course. Just goes to show how awesome my friends and family really are and how lucky and blessed I am to have each and every single one of them in my life!!!!

A pic of my best college friends, Arleta and Kate who came in from Lexington. Thanks for making the trip. Becky too who also came in from Lexington!!!

It was a wonderful, awesome day!!! I loved everything about it! I could not have asked for anything better!!!! THANKS MOM AND JEN for all you did to make today a very special day for me!! And THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CAME AND CELEBRATED WITH ME!!!

Anniversary Wishes

2009-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to do a quick post here for two very special friends.
I am so glad that I began blogging, not just because it helps me journal my events, and allows me to get things off my chest that I need to get out, but mostly because I have met and made some INCREDIBLE friends through here!!!!

Jess and Antonia are wonderful friends that while we have only known each other for a short while and through a blog, and now facebook, and that live 100's and even 1000's miles away I truly see them as great friends! Ladies, it has been so awesome getting to know you and developing a friendship with both of you girls!

Jess and Antonia both had little boys over the past couple months. And with my upcoming girls, that is how we found each others blogs! Not only do we have that in common, but we were all married last year in June!!

And one year ago today they were both married!!! So as they celebrate their First Wedding Anniversary I wanted to give them a little something:

Jess, I hope you and your husband have a wonderful day together remembering your special day! I hope you have a great celebration of your love together no matter what you do!!

Antonia, While you and your husband can not be together on your first anniversary, I hope you enjoy your very special phone call!!! Enjoy your day remembering how special a year ago today was, and that you will be together soon!

And my love and thoughts that 50 years from now the love you share for one another is stronger and better than it was a year ago, and today!!

I love you girls!!! Have a wonderful day!!!!

A quick post...

2009-06-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

because it's 10 minutes to 1 in the morning and we are going to a "Marvelous Multiples" class at the hospital tomorrow from 8-5...

Went to the doctor's for our 7 month check up this morning, here are the key things:
- Got my RH factor shot
- I have GAINED 50 pounds ALREADY!!!
-Baby A seems to be much bigger again with the measurements that the US tech got today.
-baby a: 3 lbs 2 oz
- baby b: 2 lbs 10 oz
which means we will be making another visit to the maternal fetal specialist in about two weeks. I missed their call today because I was at work, so I will call Monday to set up the date.
Doc said not we are just being safe, but everything looks great on them: heartbeats, the way they were both moving around, etc...
- Baby B is breech at the moment, therefore doc had us go ahead and schedule a C-Section!!! Our babies will be here August 11th, if not earlier!!!!

And that was about it! Today was the OFFICIAL last day of work!!! Well, for a week anyway. Then we are all going to a training for the new math program we have adopted for next school year. This will be the 15 and 16th of June, I think from 8 to 3. Then we have another training we will be going to in July.

So like I said a quick update, and I'm leaving you with two pictures. One from December and one from last week. The picture is from Christmas day, I was about a month pregnant. Compare the two pics and let me know if it looks like 50 lbs have been added to me or not. I just couldn't believe it when he told me that!!!

Me in December:

Me last week:

I don't really think these are great comparison pics, but it's the best I can find right now. Anyway, I'm off to bed. Busy weekend, class tomorrow, then dinner with friends coming in town for one of their birthdays, then my shower Sunday!! Looking forward to a great weekend, and a relaxing week next week. I get to check in on General Hospital to see what's been going on!!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!

We made it!!!!

2009-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well today was the last day of school for the students!!! And after the BAD start to the week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were actually really awesome days!!!! It was exactly what I was hoping for to end the year. With a few surprises during the day today!

First, I only had 5 there today. 3 were out. I knew one wouldn't be there. He hasn't come to school on the last day since I started teaching him which this was the third year with him. Don't really understand why, but that's cool! Yesterday there was a really sweet note from his mom telling me how wonderful I am and that she hopes I am back as his teacher next and wishing me luck with the pregnancy during the summer!! It was very sweet.

Today I had the grandfather of one of the students that was not there come by to let me know he was running a fever and couldn't come in. And he thanked me for everything I do for Jerry and how far I have helped Jerry progress through the year. He also mentioned me being his teacher next year and how they hoped I would be since Jerry is in love with school ever since I became his teacher. He also handed me a card before leaving. The card was very very sweet, and talked about me being a special person in their lives.

Next one of the 5th graders who's sister was in my class several years ago, came in with a baby gift. With the cutest onsies! I'll have to get a picture of them and post them up.

My favorite student of all time, that I've ever had and ever will have handed me his agenda and there was a very long note. The note once again stated how great of a teacher I am and how much I mean to him. Also that if I don't call mom when the girls are born she will be very very upset with me. It also asked when I would be back next year. Then mom actually showed up around 3 today, just to say good bye, and let me know she was serious about me letting them know when the babies are here.

My oldest student also mentioned how his mom was thinking about transferring him to another school since they moved and the school closer has "his" kind of classroom at it. But she doesn't know if she wants to do that cause in his words, "my mom thinks you are the best teacher ever and she doesn't want me to have another teacher."

Ok, so it might sound like I'm bragging at this point, but I'm not. I'm just in awe and feel really happy right now. Actually it's a mix of emotion I'm feeling, because as you know I asked to move to LD resource next year. Still don't know if I'm going to get to since the resource teachers at work now haven't heard about their transfer requests. Don't really know when I'll find out either. But after today and all the love and comments made, it really made me teary eyed. I mean I have taught all of these boys for at least 2 years now, some for 3 and 4 years. While I know the decision to move to the resource postion is best for me, my baby girls and my sanity :) it still makes me feel sad that today may have been my last day with them. And to know how sad these parents will be if I do end up moving... just makes me want to say nevermind, I'm staying until this group is gone.
But then I say when will be a good time. There will always be these students that I absolutely fall in love with and think of as so much a part of me and a special family to me. Ugghh, it's so hard, but like I said, I think I am making the right decision for me and that's what I need to do. And if the other teachers transfers don't go through, well it won't be so bad to still have my boys next year!!!

ok, on to today, and how awesome they were. I mentioned in my tirade Monday night about how I have to move classrooms next year regardless of what I am teaching and that I had to box and get all of my stuff together in an area of the room so that when we figure out what classroom I am going to we can just grab and go. I didn't know how the boys would do with this, so I took in a couple of movies for them to watch. BUT they were so helpful!!! They did everything for me!!! They took the books from the shelf making sure to keep them in order and put the in boxes and pushed boxes and boxes from one side of the classroom to the other. They picked up garbage, they cleaned blackboards, they pulled down papers, they packed, and packed and packed. Not once complaining that it was too hard. Whatever I asked them to do they did! It was so awesome. I honestly sat in my chair looking through stuff, while they waited for me to fill boxes and tell them where to move what and what to move next. We even got done with getting everything cleared out much earlier than I expected and were able to watch the Incredibles and enjoy our pizza together!!!

Then at the end of the day the principal came in to tell the boys good bye for the summer. Right before she came in, I had done the most strenuous thing I had done all day. I had pulled a pack of construction paper down from a very high shelf. When she walked in she said to me, "Are you moving stuff? Why are you moving stuff?" I said no, that I had just grabbed some paper. To which all four boys that were left at the time, decided it would be fun to get their teacher in trouble. All of them told her that I had been moving stuff all day long!!!! She of course looks at me with her I can't believe you look. I insist that I had not moved anything and how great of a help that my boys were today and how hard they worked. They on the other hand, insisted harder, that I had been moving all the stuff all day long. They went on and on. At which point I said, why are guys trying to get me in trouble, and they began laughing. I'm still not sure my boss believes that I wasn't doing it myself, but I swear they did it all for me and I am so thankful!!! I guess they just decided it was time to get their teacher!!!! A good end of the year prank on me!

So as I said, it was a great day! A great end of the year. I still go to work tomorrow and Friday (after doc appointment) but the hard part is over!!!! Very excited for summer and all that is to come throughout it, but also feeling a little sad that this may have been my last day teaching my boys!! As much as I complain on here about them, and whine about my job. I LOVE IT. I love my boys, and I am going to miss them a whole lot this summer!!!!

Not much to say

2009-06-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just writing cause I'm bored, and nothing else to do!!!

Today was a Monday if I've ever had one. I went into work thinking "We have 3 days left!! We are going to enjoy the last week of school no matter what!"
My optimism lasted maybe all of 20 minutes. I was going over the schedule when one of my students, normally pretty good, but has his days, decided to begin making noises and do anything and everything he could to distract me. After ignoring him for several minutes I couldn't take it any longer. I called him to the back of the room to discuss why he was doing what he was doing. His explanation was that it was the last day of school. I explained to him that it was not the last day, and that on Wednesday if he had a great week, we would have a pizza party and game/movie day. He again told me that he just didn't feel like being good anymore. So I told him that was fine but if he continued he would have the consequences that reflect his actions.

When he got back to his seat, and the class continued with the discussion of the week, he again became distracting to all. At this point the 2 students that normally give me problems decided that if one was going to get my attention then they would do all they could do to get mine as well. SO now I had three students being rude and disrespectful. And this was all before 9:30 when school doesn't start until 9!!!!

I talked with all three of them again separately and it seemed to help one of them. The other two continued to tell me they didn't care, so I gave them 30 sentences to copy. They at least sat and did these while the others and I did an activity. After lunch we go outside for our recess or "exercise time". Now since the beginning of the year we have been going on the track and they all know they are to stay on the track and run or walk. I even told them that if they did well on the track that tomorrow we would go to the other area and get to take the balls and jump ropes out. You think they would be excited and work hard for this reward. WRONG!!! They were in the middle of the track playing tag I guess because they had their hands all over one another. After 3 warnings I had enough and told them it was time to go in. This was about 3 minutes after we had gotten outside. Now I had one of the students go totally off and begin screaming and yelling at me telling me how stupid I was and mean and when I told him to calm down I was told by him, a 3rd grader, to shut my mouth!!!! Can you even imagine telling an adult, much less your teacher to shut their mouth? Well this brought on a referral. Which caused him to begin screaming and yelling more disrespectful stuff to me at the top of his lungs.

The secretary came to remove him from my room, and he even got very rude with her. You would think this would call for mandatory all day detention, or even a suspension, since he has been pulling this crap all FREAKING year long... but no, after 30 minutes he was back in my classroom. The counselor sent him back, you know the one that gave him a bag of popcorn during field day after I sent him out of my room for the third time...

So I have come to the conclusion, that even though EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE OFFICE, including the principal and counselor talk about how "scary" and dangerous he is for me to have in my room in my condition that they really don't give a FUCK (Sorry excuse me for my language, as I'm typing I'm getting even more angry) and that they are going to make me deal with him these last two days whatever happens.

So once again I'm thinking what to do? Just let him get away with this stuff? Oh my gosh, I am so glad there is only 2 days left.

Other than that, I found out whether I get the resource job or stay self-contained I am going to have to move rooms, AGAIN!!!!! This will be the 4th time I move rooms in 5 years of teaching. And it's all fine and good, except we were told to rearrange our rooms and get them ready for next year last week. So I worked really hard to get organized and everything nice and looking great, and I was feeling really good about it, only to find out even if I don't get to move to resource then I would have to switch my room. And I'm not the only one switching rooms, we are going to have a lot of moving going on around the school, so again WHY DID SHE MAKE US GET EVERYTHING READY FOR NEXT YEAR????????

And then the last thing, I was starving today after school. Don't really know why. Ate as good as a lunch as I always do, but felt like I hadn't eaten at all. Josh had text me letting me know that he wasn't going to be home until 8 at the earliest. SO I decided to grab a cheeseburger and fries from McDonalds to hold me over (Hey I'm pregnant with twins and if I need a whole other meal to "hold me over" then by god, I will!!!) Our McDonald's is really good and I really don't think that we have any problems with our food before Saturday (when my sausage biscuit had a huge onion on it.... but that was really just a mistake) so I didn't check anything. I get home and open the burger only to find ketchup, onions, mustard and pickles as well as the cheese. UGHHHHH when is it ever going to end? Anyway my fries were good at least, and did a good enough job of holding me over.

After that I have just been on the computer playing games, and have calmed down a bit. And then I read my blog friend, Antonia's blog for the day, and it was all about having bad days, and when you have a bad day, "TO FIND THE JOY" no matter what is going on. So I took the time to sit back and think about it. And I was able to find the joy. First there are only 2 days left with these kids for at least a couple of months. Second my babies have been moving around like crazy since I got home, and I love feeling them!! They are healthy and its getting closer and closer to them being here. And that is about all I need to make me smile!!! I am going to take her advice and find the joy throughout the next 2 days no matter how bad it gets. Because whether it's 2 or 3 of the kids that decide to be rude and disrespectful I have 5 other students who are the sweetest most caring kids I know. And I am going to enjoy my last two days of the school year with them!!!!!!!!

Once again, not meaning to write much, and I go on and on!!! Have a great week everyone!!!

Why are short weeks always "longer" than regular weeks?

2009-05-29T15:42:00.001-07:00

Still waiting for Josh to get home from work!!!

So I thought I would just give a weekly wrap up here! It's been a long one. I guess that is to be expected thought when it's so close to the end of the year, yet still out of reach! Plus I don't feel like I ever stopped this week. Tuesday was a regular day. When Josh finally got home from work at like 7:30, we went to pick up our crib and dresser from Babies R Us. Only to realize the crib was too big to fit in the back of the jeep. But it was ok.

On Wednesday at work the day just dragged on. The two students that cause hell in the classroom are back at it again, and they had been doing so well. It's just not the way I want to end the year with the class. Especially if I do get to go to Resource, I want to have fun and enjoy it and laugh and be silly! Anyway, so just not a good day at work, then I went to meet dad at my uncles to pick up the bed and dad had to work over. I totally understood, but it I guess, in my hormonal state was the "icing on the cake." Somehow this led to me breaking down and Josh and I arguing and pure just chaos broke out. It really was ridiculous and after a couple hours things were better. THANKS WES!!!!!! And THANKS CHRIS for getting the cribs to us. And THANKS DAD for helping us out even if it didn't work out. And THANKS MOM for calling and making sure I was ok. We really do appreciate everybody that helped us out. I now have a quite clear understanding of Hormonal Women during pregnancy, and hope we don't have to deal with it again!!! But knowing me and my emotional side, there may be another glimpse of it or two or three or 10!!!!!!

Thursday was a long day at work. We were supposed to have a committee meeting at 8 so I got to work about 7:30 to get up my new bulletin board. Only to find out the meeting was cancelled. Oh well, got my bulletin board and more done. We had kindergarten graduation which my class was asked to pass out popcorn and cotton candy during since it was a Circus Theme graduation. It was very fun!!! Then we had a "New Student" orientation as we are becoming the Mill Creek Leadership Academy (magnet program) next year. It was fun, but I didn't get home until about 8. And imagine this, Josh was not home, nor did he get home from work until after 9. So we ordered pizza and I finished the last little bit of paper work that I had to get done.

Friday went to work early and was given a baby shower full of presents and homemade breakfast!!!!!!! It was delicious food and I am just pretty much overwhelmed with the kindness and love of my coworkers. I will post pictures of all the awesome gifts later on cause Josh is going to "open" them when he gets home!!! We had field day today. Not a bad day either. Just the one kid who decided to be disrespectful once again, and even after going to ICE (in-school detention) twice still was just doing things to drive me crazy. So I called the counselor and told her I couldn't and wouldn't deal with it the rest of the day. Only to see him 20 minutes later sitting next to her with a bag of popcorn. Great punishment for his behavior right? That's going to teach him. So I went ahead and told her after school today that I wasn't dealing with it for the last three days of school and she just said ok. I'm pretty much serious though, it's not fair to the other kids.
Oh here is a pic I do have to share right now. The theme of field day was "Super Heros." So my students made t-shirts in art class, and then we made masks to go along with them. All I used was these foam rectangles. They worked so well! And I can post this picture since their faces are hidden!!!

How cute are they???? It really was a fun day (besides the attitude).
Then as I mentioned in my other post tonight we all met in the gym and celebrated a 5th graders graduation. She is receiving a new kidney probably as we speak. Please say a quick prayer for her.
Then the day was over. I got to turn in all the end of the year stuff and my work is done!!!!!! Well besides the clearing off of my desk and the kids desks. Which lets face it would be useless for me to do with 3 days left to teach as if I had done that today it would have to be done again on Wednesday anyway!!!
Now am at home and waiting for Josh. Just text him and he text back saying he would be home soon. I really just want to go out and get the stuff out of the car and look at it all again myself!!!! But I am being patient and going to wait for him I guess!!!!
Not really any big plans for the weekend. Maybe Josh doing some painting and possibly putting cribs together. We'll see how that goes. All I do know is that I WILL NOT be doing any WORK!!!!!!! School work that is!!! It's all done for at least a couple of months, and that is an awesome feeling!!!

So I am going to enjoy my weekend!! And I hope you all do the same!!!!!!!!

Survey Time!!!!

2009-05-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

O.k., so I am obsessed with these little survey things but they are fun, and pass the time while you are waiting for your husband to get home and see all the awesome stuff you got from your baby shower at work!!!!

I actually recently did this one on facebook, but my sis posted it on her blog, so I figured I would to!!!!

Here it goes:
1. First thing you wash in the shower? Hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? It's a dark grey with gold (It's Steelers)
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Over and over and over and over again!!!
4. Do you plan outfits? I try to, but then the stuff I planned out is usually dirty so I end up wearing something else!
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Just HAPPY, happy it's Friday, Happy I work with Awesome people, Happy there are only 3 days of work with students left, Happy I'm having 2 baby girls and they are healthy, like I said, just happy!!!
6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? Josh's hat
7. What was the last dream you remember having? The last one I remember is the twins being in their crib at a couple days old, climbing out of the cribs already. (That was a while back, haven't had any good ones lately)
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Not today, not yet anyway
9. What are you craving right now? Now that you ask, Fazoli's Baked Spaghetti sounds really good
10. Do you floss? not as much as i should :(
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? cole slaw: Work at Long John Silvers for a while and have to make it and mix in the mayonnaise and this is what you will think of as well, and it's been like 12 years since I worked there
12. Are you emotional? Do you know me? Of course I am!!!
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? yeah, when I was younger I used to just because it was something to do! I've moved on to these surveys, so no more counting to 1000 for me!
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? lick it, but not really, cause I eat ice cream in a bowl with a spoon, and don't really lick the spoon...
15. Do you like your hair? Sometimes, It's curly and pretty, but it's also grey and frizzy...
16. Do you like yourself? More and more each day
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I would like to eat with any president, it would be neat to say you met with him, although he wouldn't be my first choice of presidents to eat with.
18. What are you listening to right now? The air conditioner and me typing this and the cats running around being crazy
19. Are your parents strict? Not now, and really weren't TOO strict growing up, but they set the limits and stuck with them
20. Would you go sky diving? Absolutely, but only with an expert attached to me
21. Do you like cottage cheese? NO!!!!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? I always have difficulty answering this question, because I want to say no, but something inside me says I have, but I'm thinking that it is probably just the "local" celebrities like UofL basketball players that I have met
23. Do you rent movies often? On-Demand
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room in which you are? my rings, watch, caffeine free Pepsi can, and the 1970's stapler here on the desk (yeah it's still a little sparkly)
25. What countries have you visited? none just states in the USA and that would only be 12 (13 if you count the state I live in) out of 50
26. Have you made a prank phone call? One of my favorite ways to pass time as a child, too bad kids these days can't enjoy it thanks to caller id!!!
27. Ever been on a train? I would say no, but my dad did this quiz on facebook and said that he went on a field trip with me on a train, so I'm going to say yes now
28. Brown or white eggs? white, never had a brown egg... at least that I know of
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Samsung galaxy
31. Do you use chapstick? when my lips are chapped
32. Do you own a gun? No but Joshua does
33. Can you use chopsticks? nope, no reason to, I HATE CHINESE FOOD
34. Who are you going to be with tonight? Joshua, as soon as he gets home from work
35. Are you too forgiving? Probably, but then again, maybe not
36. Ever been in love? Yes and will be for the rest of my life!
37. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? She'll be in Cali,(Lucky B!@#$), Not sure what she is doing tomorrow but running a marathon on Sunday GO JEN AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
38. Ever have cream puffs? nope, not even sure what they are
39. Last time you cried? Today at school, one of our 5th graders who had Kidney Failure and has been on dialysis this school year is having a kidney transplant tonight!!!!! So we did a graduation for her since she won't be there Wednesday for the real one and it was very emotional and sweet and just keep her in your thoughts and prayers please!!!
40. What was the last question you asked? What time will you be home tonight?
41. Favorite time of the year? Summer: NO WORK, MY ANNIVERSARY, MY BIRTHDAY and MY BABIES BIRTHDAYS!!!!
42. Do you have any tattoos? one on the small of my back... A tramp stamp, but I promise they weren't called this when I got it, at least I had never heard it called that before. Plus it's the sun, and how trampy is the sun... Really?
43. Are you sarcastic? I try to be, usually just gets taken as bitchiness
44. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? I watched about 30 to 45 minutes of it the other day from the middle and it was just weird. I couldn't figure it out, I need to watch it from the beginning and see if it is any better
45. Ever walked into a wall? Absolutely
46. Favorite color? Purple
47. Have you ever slapped someone? Not to be mean, except maybe Josh
48. Is your hair curly? Very
49. What was the last CD you bought? Either Danity Kane's cd, or Britney Spears cd, the Britney was for Jen for Christmas, but I wouldn't mind having it either
50. Do looks matter? A little
51. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I have no idea, probably not for a really really long time, and I don't think I could go on in a relationship with them, but hopefully won't ever have to deal with that
52. Is your phone bill sky high? No, not since Josh finally added texting to the account
53. Do you like your life right now? More than ever!!!!!!!!!!!!
54. Do you sleep with the TV on? I fall asleep with the tv on and the sleep set
55. Can you handle the truth? I'm guessing I can
56. Do you have good vision? Not without my glasses
57. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Sadly, yes, there are just some people that it is so hard for me to like, and even more sad is that there really isn't a reason
58. How often do you talk on the phone? not a lot, I'll stick to texting!!
59. The last person you held hands with? One of my students who decided to start acting like a dog during field day today and the only way to get him up and walking was to take his hand (I LOVE MY JOB!!!!)
60. What are you wearing? Khakis and a t-shirt that says I got the 2 for 1 special!!!
61. What is your favorite animal? Monkeys, or dogs
62. Where was your profile picture taken? On blogger its at St. Francis School on my wedding day, on Facebook it's at my aunts house during my cousin's graduation party
63. Can you hula hoop? Not at the moment, but it might be funny to try!
64. Do you have a job? yeah, for exactly 7 more days (only 5 working days) THEN I'M ON VACATION!!!!! (yes, I will still have a job but I won't be at it for a couple months!!!!!)
65. What was the most recent thing you bought? Popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade for my kiddos during field day!
66. Have you ever crawled through a window? maybe a car window (I'm stealing Jen's cause it's a good answer, and who hasn't ever crawled through a car window?)

Don't have anything to blog about today? Then...TAG! You're it!

Hope everyone has a

2009-05-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Myspace Layouts

I hope everyone is enjoying their LONG weekend!!!!

I have been very busy all weekend, but have gotten lots accomplished. So it's been a good one.

Saturday Jen came over and helped me, or I guess I helped her as best I could, finish cleaning the babies room and emptying it out! So the room is now all ready for Josh to paint! We got all the stuff that was being stored in that room into bins and other locations in the house. Now Josh just has to get the bins to the shed and where ever else they will fit!!! :)
It looks great in there, and I can only imagine once Josh finds a time to get it painted, I'm so excited, It's finally coming along!!!! And all because I have the MOST AWESOME WONDERFUL SISTER AND BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! She is the best, who else has a sister that would come over on her Saturday morning and clean their house for them?!?!?!?!?! Thanks Jen for everything, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it and that it means to me!!!!

After Jen left, I went with my friend Shannon to the Derby City Roller Girls match! I had never been to one before, and it was quite fun. It was interesting, but lots of fun. If you have a Roller Team in your city you should really check them out. Those girls are tough!!! Maybe I'll try out for it once I have these babies and get into shape. Oh wait a second, you have to be able to Roller skate... Hey maybe that will be my new exercise program!!!

When I got home I was pretty much exhausted so didn't do much. Josh had just gotten home from work, so we watched a little t.v. then I went to bed.

Yesterday, Sunday, I worked all day. I got all of my data sheets caught up for my student's IEP's (special ed. paper work, it's loads of fun!!!) And I got my gradebook all done except for behavior grades, which just takes me getting their agendas Monday and plugging in their daily grades! And then all I will have left to do is transfer grades onto report cards and I will be done with paper work for the year!!!! And it's not due until FRIDAY!!! GO ME!!!!!!!!!!
Josh was technically off yesterday from work, but ended up having to go and hook up compusafes for like 8 stores so he was gone from about 1 to 8:30. So he didn't get any painting done :(, but when he got home we went to Walmart and got the paint for the room. He said he is getting it done today, or at least started, but I'm not so sure he will.

We are supposed to be heading to his parents farm for a cook out and for him to help his dad out around there a little bit. I'm really not sure what is going on with that though, he said we were getting there about 10, I didn't get up until 10:30, and it is now 11:15 and he just started watching a movie. So I am just waiting around for the, "You ready to go?" that I normally get from him!

I guess I shall go get ready so that we can get out of here before it gets to late!

Have a great week!!!!

Pictures of the girls!!!

2009-05-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

Top: Feet!!
Middle: A hand holding a foot!!!
Bottom: Baby A profile (ADORABLE)

Top: Baby B profile (PRECIOUS)
Middle: Baby A Face shot (Check out how huge the head really is!!!)
Bottom: Baby B Face Shot (Now compare her head with her sisters! It's tiny)

Just wanted to show off my girls a little...
Had a pretty good day today. First of all, the day started and I had 5 out of 8 kids there. Very weird for that to happen. And the three that were out were the three that can make some of my days Very interesting to put it nicely (not that I have had to many bad days lately, knock on wood)...
Well at lunch another one ended up getting sick. Where you ask? In the water foutain, even though the garbage cans are lined up right next to it. Sorry Mr. William!!!
So that put me at 4 kids for the rest of the day. I have to say it was a quiet relaxing day. Almost too relaxing. I was so tired by 1:30. But we made it through the rest of the day, and I came home and took a nap. Then went to the retirement dinner for the teacher that is retiring at the end of the year. It was good times, good food.

Now I'm back at home and again exhausted. I guess it's a good thing that the end of the year is coming up in 2 weeks, because I have literally been exhausted everyday this week. And I have been going to bed very early every night. But it's a long weekend after tomorrow!!! I'm so excited about that!! Even though today would have been the last day of school with students had it not been for that windstorm and ice storm. I keep saying I'm just not thinking about it, but I keep finding myself saying if only... Again I tell myself, it was nice at the time!

Anyway, have a great night and a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!!

Another appointment down...

2009-05-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

My visit today to the doctor's office went very well. So well, that I didn't even have to see the doc! Just got to have an extra ultrasound. Baby B seems to be catching up to Baby A!!!! Baby A is now 2 lbs 4 oz and Baby B is 2 lbs 2 oz. Putting them in the 57th and 41st percentile respectively which is much better than having one in the 90th and one in the 40th percentile! Baby A still has a HUGE head, but the rest of the body is catching up to her now!!! They were very active during the ultrasound, moving around, playing with their hands and feet!!! Heartbeats are good and strong! So I'm glad to report everything is great. It amazes me how much they have grown in 2 weeks. Especially Baby B, gaining 8 oz in 2 weeks!!! Baby A gained 6 oz! It is a relief that they are both growing well and doing so great!!!!

I will post the pics tomorrow. They are in the car and I honestly don't feel like going out and getting them. Sorry, being lazy, but I get to be, right?!?!?!

CONGRATULATIONS JESS on your new baby boy!!! Aaron is adorable!! Here is a gift for you:

graphics for moms

To my cousin Emily and her husband: I'm so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I do not have the words to make you feel better at this time, so please just know that I am keeping you all with me in my thoughts and that I love you!

My Weekend

2009-05-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update of my weekend. Yesterday was very productive. Jen came over early and we got a lot done in the babies room. She completely emptied the closet in there and we got all that stuff put other places. Josh even helped and moved all of our wedding stuff that had been in the room in the tubs to the shed along with the treadmill. All of the school stuff I had managed to bring home and not taken back to school is in a tub ready to go back to work, so our room is looking pretty good. At least it is now open. This week Josh and I will be going through all of our clothes and and getting rid of a lot to get rid of some of our dressers we have. Then we have some more boxes and a coffee table that need to be taken to the shed. After we do that, it will be looking really good in there. Which is good, because after the cleaning yesterday Josh, my mom and me headed to Babies R Us, where we picked out our cribs. It worked out well because my sister had an extra crib that they never used, so we got one to match hers. We also picked out a dresser! THANKS MOM!!!!!!! Then we registered for lots of fun and cute stuff!!! We then went back to my mom and dads house where we watched the Preakness (second horse race of the Triple Crown...) GO RACHEL ALEXANDER the only filly running!!!! After that I came home and took a power nap. I then folded all the clean laundry we had, played on the computer for a while, and then went to sleep for the night.

Today two of my cousins had their high school graduation parties. CONGRATS PAM AND KEVIN!!!! So that is what I have been doing. Hanging out with family and eating lots of food. I also got a nice little tan as today has been a gorgeous day here. Now I am home finishing up the few loads of laundry we have left. I'm getting ready to do my lesson plans for the week. Then I believe I will be heading to bed. I'm very sleepy!!! And my ankles have been swollen all weekend. Woke up Saturday morning and they were swollen. I will talk to doc about this Wednesday.

So that's all, another good weekend. Hope everyone had a great weekend as well!!

And tomorrow my blog friend, Jess, at http://aaydensmommy.blogspot.com is going to be giving birth to her second son!!! I'm so excited for her!!!! Good Luck Jess, and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Can't wait to hear all about him and see the little guy!!!!

Oh My Gosh!!!!

2009-05-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Myspace Layouts

I just noticed that I am under the 100 day mark until my babies are due!!!!!! How exciting is that!!!!!!! And how quickly the time has passed. People keep telling me now the time will start to drag on! I believe the next 3 weeks will pass by pretty quickly due to so much end of the year stuff. I'm sure though once school is over, time will drag on just a bit slower!!!!!!

Another blog with lots of random stuff!!!!!

2009-05-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

So Friday is finally here. It really wasn't that bad of a week, not as I expected it to be with testing and all that was to be done, but it's always nice to see Friday come no matter what the weeks is like!!!

I did get a lot accomplished this week. I got finished checking all the portfolios this morning before school. I'm so glad they are out of my classroom!!!! And I got the "Classroom Library" done. And that wasn't even supposed to be done until Wednesday!!! How awesome that I actually got something done EARLY!!!!!! I was going to stay and do my lesson plans for next week, but it's so hard to stay on a Friday afternoon. So I just brought my stuff home and will probably do them Sunday night like normal! They shouldn't be too hard though. I mentioned the Invention Convention or science fair that will be happening. I actually thought that it was in two weeks, but come to find out it is NEXT Thursday!!! So we will be working on our class project for that most of the day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Actually, I hope I can find a fun, easy project to do with them, because Monday we have our last test in the morning so that time is out. Then Wednesday morning I won't be there!!! Anyone have any suggestions?

This weekend will be a good but busy one it seems. Tomorrow morning Jen is supposed to be coming over (I need to give her a call) after her morning run (She's training for a Marathon in San Diego at the end of this month for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training)to get started cleaning the babies' room. Then I am going out shopping with my momma for some baby stuff!!
Sunday I have two graduation parties to go to. Both are cousins graduating from high school! I can't believe how old they are! Congrats to you both Pam and Kevin!!!!

I got some exciting news from Josh through a text this morning. He is off of work on Sunday and Monday of memorial week!!!! And I'm off too!! That never happens that we get two days off together! When I read it I told him we should take a short road trip somewhere just cause we never have the chance. Then the more I thought about it we could get a whole lot accomplished those two days preparing for babies. We are to discuss it this evening when he gets home!

Ok, so this is totally just something I have been meaning to post about but haven't had a chance! I'm just really proud of it so now is as good of time as any to show you all!!!

Last week was Teacher Appreciation week. In honor of the week, we teachers were spoiled with lots of treats throughout the week. One day all of the administration and office staff made deserts for us. There were SO MANY goodies. Cakes, cookies, brownies, etc... We were given lunch from Mark's Feed Store on Wednesday and Friday there was a BBQ for lunch! So much better than normal school lunches!!! But the best part of the week was Thursday. After school we had our 2nd annual "Cubbie" Awards. This is just a time for teacher's to be recognized for their hard work. We start out having some appetizers. This year we had meatballs, shrimp, eggrolls (too bad I don't like any of that!!!) but there was also cheese and crackers, and chips and other munchies not to mention more deserts!
After we eat and chat for a while and introduce any family members that have joined us (nobody was there this year with me. Josh had to work, and I honestly didn't think about asking anyone else until the day before and decided it was just too late of notice!) our wonderful principal gets up and talks about the year and presents the awards to teachers. Yes, everyone gets an award, but it really is special to be recognized. Last year I got the Over and Above Award, due to always going above and beyond to help my co-workers out!

This year the awards were based on our Character Education traits: Responsibility, Hard-Work, Confidence, Friendship, problem-solving, Health and Fitness (mentally was included in this!!), and many others!!! Each month of the year we have taught and done activities with our class based on these traits. So the set-up of the "Award Show" was that Principal started in August, discussed what things were happening in school during that time, and then end with the awards for that month's trait! It was really fun, and she had some pretty good jokes.

Anyway, I was presented with:

The Friendship Award!!!!

As she announced my name, she discussed how you rarely see me without a smile on my face. I am always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone that asks. She has never heard me, or heard of anyone else say that I was complaining about others or what is to be done. And that she can not name one person that has ever had anything negative to say about me, but only nice and positive stories and comments about me!!! She also mentioned that she really realized how many friendships I had around the school, when I was announcing my pregnancy, and everyone knew before the end of that day and it was the talk of the school for that week and still is for that matter!!!!!!

WOW!!! Not to toot my own horn, and I'm pretty sure there are a couple of people that have comments that are not nice about me, but it just made me feel so good!!! And I still feel really good about it. Sure the other awards are great, but there's something about the "Friendship" award that is special to me.

I guess I will be done rambling on now!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!

And to leave you, a picture of my teacher awards from last year and this year!

End of the School Year: Exciting, yet exhausting!!!!

2009-05-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hey out there. I feel as though I have not posted in days, but it's only been 2!! Actually not even cause I posted on Monday! I guess it's because I have been at work til 7 both yesterday and today. With the year winding down, there is so much to do.

First I am going through every students portfolio to make sure they are complete. Every student, Kindergarten through 5th grade. That would be about 500 portfolios to go through and check. You wouldn't think it would take that long, but I also have to go through and check what years they have their portfolios as well. Yes, the teachers had to do this too, but you wouldn't believe the amount I have made changes to. I guess they didn't believe I would really take the time to make sure they did what they were supposed to. I have completed all but 5th grade and special ed. classes the past two days. Hopefully I can get to work early tomorrow so I am not there so late again.

We also have to go through our classroom libraries. Our principal wants us to sort every book we have into genres and then list title, and author for each and every book. And throw out any old books or books that are falling apart. It's a great idea, just very time consuming. I will say that I have gone through my books, discarded the old/falling apart ones, separated into genre and began typing up my list. Hopefully I can get this done by Friday afternoon as well.

We are in the middle of the big testing right now. This will last until next Tuesday. We only test in the morning, and then sort of take it easy the rest of the day. Don't want to stress the kids out to much! My kiddos are doing really well with the change of schedules and routines. I'm very happy about this, and hope that it continues for the rest of testing.

And these are just the major things I'm working on at the moment. Not to mention all of the end of year paper work, report cards, cleaning of the room, etc... that is to come. Not to mention the fact that I may be changing jobs (not schools, but jobs) and that would mean switching classrooms AGAIN!!! We will have to wait on that one though. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

14 days and counting with kids until summer is upon me! 16 days of work until summer officially begins. (These numbers are days of work, doesn't count the weekends or Memorial day which we will be off for.) Doesn't sound too bad, until I think about if we hadn't had the freak wind storm in September and the ice storm in January which caused a week of no school for both,our last day would be next Friday... But it was nice to have the days off at the time, so I am trying not to think about that too much!!

With the end of the year also comes lots of crazy and hectic days for us teachers. First there is a field trip on the 26th, then field day that same week. Then we have invention convention (science fair), Mill Creek Idol (talent show), Celebration Assembly, and I'm sure there will be more fun to be had! I believe by the end of the next three weeks I will be completely and utterly exhausted. I already am!! But I keep telling myself, 3 weeks and I will get to rest and relax all I want to.

As for update about the last post and the babies. I will be going in next Wednesday morning for another ultrasound. Doc says that 2 weeks will show significant growth and how they are doing where as if I came any earlier it may not be enough difference since last Tuesdays U/S. So I guess it is good that I am able to keep myself busy at this time. With so much to do for work, I am not constantly filling my head with bad thoughts or stressing myself to much over it. Although I will admit that I did have a minor breakdown yesterday when I got home. I really needed it, and just getting those concerns off my chest and hearing Josh agree, but also be able to comfort me and put me at a bit of ease, helped a lot. And that is why I love this man with all my heart and soul!!!!!!

So that's about all I know. Sorry to bore you with my schedule!!! Have a wonderful rest of the week!!!

Not sure what to think...

2009-05-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

So I've got some AWESOME news, and then some not sure what to think news (hence the title of this blog!!!)

First of course I'm sharing the AWESOME news!!! It is a surprise that I didn't get on here and post last night when it happened, as I could not fall asleep for anything last night. I think that has a lot to do with all the naps I took on Saturday and Sunday!!!

So I've been feeling the babies quite a lot here for the past month or so. They are most active during the day while I'm at work, or while I'm sitting at home waiting for Josh to come home. By the time Josh gets home they have apparently worn themselves out as he has not been able to feel them yet. He will rub my stomach and talk to them in hopes of feeling something with no luck.

Last night we had laid down to go to bed. Josh being the type that is so lucky to fall asleep practically as soon as his head hits the pillow, was half asleep, when one of the girls started kicking me. I grabbed his hand, and put it on my stomach. He was like, what's wrong, what? I said just wait a second! And there it was!!! A kick!!!!!! And he felt it!!! It was SO AWESOME and AMAZING. His reaction, his emotions, everything about it!! And it didn't stop there. He started talking to them and she just kept on kicking. Every time she kicked his hand, he would jump and be like that is so awesome!!! It really was!! I have to say I became a bit emotional too!!! I love feeling them move around throughout the day, but something about having Josh feel it too was just even more amazing! I just can not describe how I felt! His reactions and that emotion was just what I needed and I think it was what he needed too!!! So it was really an awesome night despite not being able to fall asleep until I came to the living room and laid on the love seat and watched a little tv...

On to the other news...
While on my potty break before lunch I could hear my phone vibrating from where I had sat my purse down. I didn't recognize the number, but they had left a message. I decided to go eat lunch and then see who it was. When I got to the stage, another teacher said that the office was calling me. I called the office and they said my Doc had just called. The message he left was to call him back but it was not an emergency. I figured that it had something to do with my blood sugar test that I had last Tuesday and the results from that. After I ate my lunch, I went to call back Doc. Of course, they couldn't just transfer me straight to him, they had to call him and have him return my call. Well some how I of course missed his call again even though my phone was in my pocket so that there was no way I would miss it. Heck, I figured if I could hear my phone vibrating from across the restroom I would feel it in my pocket, but nope, I didn't.

So as we go outside after lunch, I returned his call, which was like 10 minutes after he had called me and they said he was gone, but would be back. Great, now I had to wait even longer to find out what was going on...

So I left my phone on my desk the rest of the day even though we are not supposed to have them out, but some things are just too important to miss over and over again. Luckily Doc called back on my planning. Again, I was thinking that it had to do with the blood sugar test, so when he started talking about the ultrasound that I had, things got a little scary. He said he was just surprised by the difference in their sizes. He said that everything does look really healthy on both of them, but we should really get another ultrasound. I think he could hear a little panic in my voice. Because he kept telling me that everything was probably fine, we just needed to check out why one was in the 90th percentile and the other in the 40th. He said that it could just be an error in the readings, and that we don't have to worry about one getting more food than the other due to them being fraternal.

So, he told me I need to come in next week for another ultrasound, because a month is too long to wait. He said that two weeks would show growth and we could see any changes that have taken place since last week.

I of course missed the call from the office to set the appointment up, but will just have to call tomorrow sometime.

I texted Josh before I had talked to Doc and he told me that I needed to let him know as soon as I talked to him. So when I did, he kind of freaked out a little. I totally understand, and so I did my best over text messages to calm him down.

Even though I'm a little freaked out as well. I keep telling myself that it's not like the little one is too small. She's pretty average size at this time. The other one is just really big. I think this is what's helping me to stay calm. But I am glad Doc is having me come in to make sure everything is alright instead of waiting for 3 more weeks to go back.

So I just don't know what to think. It's going to be a pretty long week waiting to get there and make sure my girls are doing alright. But I'm staying postive and I have felt them all day today moving around again so that helps too!

Hmm, I guess that's it. Just needed to get it off my chest! Have a great week everyone!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of my family and Blog Friends!!!
I hope you had a wonderful day!!!!
I got purple roses from my awesome husband, along magazines and some yummy chocolatey snacks!!!

Have a great week!

8 Things

2009-05-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks Antonia for tagging me!! I love these little surveys!!!

8 Things

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. My First Year Wedding Anniversary, one month and 13 days from today!
2. Summerime! I can't wait to be out for the summer!!!
3. Kealie and Jozie to be here to love on and cuddle!!!
4. Going to bed tonight! I am very sleepy!
5. Tomorrow cause Josh is off work and its a chance to get lots of stuff done.
6. My birthday (July 31)
7. Finding out if I get to switch to resource teacher next year
8. Going to Register for cute baby girl stuff!!!

Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Worked
2. Went to the 2nd Annual "Cubbie" Awards (More on that tomorrow)
3. Laughed so hard at my boss I cried
4. Went to Bearno's for dinner with Josh
5. Watched Grey's Anatomy: I LOVE ALEX!!!!!!!!
6. Played Bingo on Facebook!
7. Played Bingo Lottery tickets
8. Went to bed EARLY (11:00)

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Have my baby girls with me right now!
2. Sleep through the night without having to get up and pee!
3. Buy a new couch
4. Be on a beach somewhere. Don't care where, just on a nice beautiful beach
5. Win the lottery!
6. Move into a bigger house
7. Get Josh to stop acting like we have a lot of time before the babies get here
8. Be a Stay At Home Mom

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Amazing Race
2. Big Brother
3. America's Next Top Model
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. 48 Hours
6. NCIS (Forced to watch this one, but it's starting to really grow on me!)
7. Making the Band
8. How I Met Your Mother

And now I will tag Jen and Evelyn, and Jess (even though Antonia already tagged you) to complete this!!!

Cute Baby Stuff

2009-05-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my 6 month check up!!! I got to drink the juice stuff for my blood glucose test. It was fruit punch flavored, really not near as bad as people had made me think it was going to be!!!

Then for the check in with doc... Everything is looking great. My weight is on par, my blood pressure is great and the babies heartbeats were right where they should be as well!!!

Then it was on to the ultrasound. That's one of the benefits of having twins, well besides getting two precious babies at once. But I get an ultrasound every month so they can make sure they are still both growing well. Oh, and let me tell you, my babies are GROWING WONDERFULLY!!!!!!!!!!

One is 1 lb and 14 oz!!!!!! She is huge! In the 90th percentile at this time! I don't think a twin is often seen in the 90th percentile. The other is 1 lb 9 oz. She is in the 40th percentile. The US tech said that the difference is nothing to worry about, and that they look really really good. It was so fun to watch them moving around yesterday. And so good to know they are growing so well.

Here are the ultrasound pics from yesterday:

The top is Baby B, who is 1 lb 9 oz. The bottom is our big girl!!! 1 lb 14 oz.

These are both of them together. No the top picture is not the head and belly of one!!! It is the profile of one and the top of the head of the other! How Sweet!!! The bottom is (I think) the head of one and legs of another.

So another AWESOME appointment!!!

Just thought I would share some of the awesome, cute gifts we have received so far! Just because they are so fun and, again I say, CUTE!!!!!

The first outfits the girls ever had!! Jen brought these back from their trip to Gatlinburg over Spring Break!!

These and the following are presents from my Mom!! She got the girls Easter gifts! How awesome is my MOM!!!!!!

I love these blankets. They are too sweet! They are my favorite!!

Some more outfits and how PRECIOUS are the little barrettes!!!

Ok, so I bought these, but I couldn't resist when I saw them. Their daddy is going to spoil them so bad, they won't be able to do anything but LOVE him, just like their mommy does!!

And finally I leave you with a comparison of my 6 month belly and 5 month belly. Do you think I've gotten any bigger in the last month?

Then:5 months pregnant

Now: 6 months pregnant

Well I think this month's picture is a little closer up to my belly. But I think you can tell there is a difference.

Anyway, Have a wonderful rest of the week and a great weekend if I don't check in before then!!!!!

Derby Day in Pictures (mostly!!!)

2009-05-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Annual Derby Day Kickball Game

Mr. T ready to kick!!

I don't think I've seen Josh run, or move for that matter, like this in 6 years!!!

My Dad making a run for first

Hanging out after the big game

My cousins discussing who knows what!!!

Family together in one place is always a great way to spend the day!!!

One of the many Drawings for horses in the Derby

My mom playing Dutch Shuffleboard, another annual tournament held on Derby Day

Daddy's Turn

I made it to the third round of the tournament this year.. But was beat by the Champion, my cousin-in-law Kevin

Josh got ahold of my camera, and what did he take pictures of... Himself!!!

A nice profile pic of Joshua

Oh and he decides to take a picture of me stuffing my face with a cookie. It was a good cookie though!!!

The Met Life Blimp even made it into town for the Derby!

One of my famous television shots of the Kentucky Derby... Pretty blurry but you can tell those are horses running, right???

A shot of my winning. I pulled the last place horse in a $2 pot!!!

Notice how my name is spelled second from the bottom... Hey uncle Mark, I know I'm only 29, but I think that's long enough to know my name has two l's in it!!! LOL

My dad bought all his grandkids a horse in one of the $5 pots!! Kealie and Jozie won!!! Thanks dad or should I say Thanks Papaw!!!!!!!

Derby Day is one of the best days of the year. It is the one day out of the year that the entire family gets together. In some cases it's the only day out of the year that I see some of my cousins. Plus the food is great and the tournaments and betting make it all the better! It really is a great day with everyone in high hopes and high spirits!!! Hope you enjoyed my summary!

I'll be back tomorrow or Wednesday with how my 6 month check up goes tomorrow morning!!! Have a great night!!!

SAS: 1 Artist... 1 Song... 14 Questions...

2009-05-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

I copied this little survey thing from Facebook, and completed it with my favorite song ever!!! SHOOP!!!!! (Who doesn't love this song????) I also found pictures for the questions that I could relate pics for!!

Anyway, it's fun to do and I hope everyone completes it and shares their's with me!!

Using only one song from ONE artist, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 10 people and include me. Try not to repeat a song lyric.

Pick your artist: Salt n Pepa

Are you male or female: Girls,

Describe yourself: Bright as the sun, I wanna have some fun

How do you feel about yourself: chillin', chillin', mindin' my business

Describe where you currently live: Here I go, here I go, here I go again

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: take a ride in my coupe

Your best friend is: A ho? No

Your favorite color is: Chocolate chip, honey dip, can I get a scoop?

You know that: Straight up, wait up, hold up, Mr. Lover
Like Prince said you're a sexy mutha-

What’s the weather like: Make you get hot, make you work up a sweat

If your life was a tv show what would it be called: Felt it in my hips so I dipped back to my bag of tricks

What is life to you: Yo, Salt, I looked around, and I couldn't believe this

What is the best advice you have to give: Shoop shoop a-doobie like Scoobie Doobie Doo

Your favorite food: Can I get some fries with that shake-shake boobie?

And by the way,

HAPPY KENTUCKY DERBY DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANGEL, ANGEL, ANGEL...

2009-04-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

So today was the BIG day at work!!! Not only was it our derby parade to the nursing home and back (which I did not go on) but we also had a visit from Angel McCaughtry, who I have mentioned before played for the UofL women's basketball team and was the Number 1 Draft pick for the WNBA!!!!

Our whole school was very excited. We even got to wear UofL or red shirts today... I had to go with a red shirt, as all of my UofL shirts are just a bit snug at this time!!! Anyway, We began getting called to the gym/cafeteria at 11:30, as Angel was supposed to be there there at 12. She was only speaking for about 10 minutes, and then selected students from each class got to ask her a question...

So she was supposed to be there at 12... but didn't get there until 1!!!! So the whole school sat in the cafeteria for over an hour waiting for her chanting her name over and over... I have to say my kids did really great waiting. Even the few that have a hard time with loud noises after a long period of time didn't get to upset or fussy!!!

So she finally showed up, just after the boss was giving a speech to the kids about being leaders and showing responsibility... Kind of funny... Anyway here is a picture of her talking. I'm kind of mad cause all of the close ups I took with my camera came out really dark, I even changed the settings and flash settings several times but they all ended up dark...

Here is one of my students asking his question to Angel. He did such a good job!!! I could see him getting more and more nervous about having to stand up in front of everyone as the minutes passed by! But I am so proud of him!!!

After Angel left the parade started. Again, I wasn't about to go walking about a mile again and be in pain and have to walk back so I got some of the assistants of another class to go with my kids. One of my students didn't get his permission slip signed so we were in the room, when I looked out of my window and saw Angel playing with the preschool and headstart kids!!!

So J and I went out and we got a picture of her and J together. I've cropped out J so it's a picture of Angel, with the top of his head!

I also got her autograph for me!!!!

Then the parade came back... This is a teacher who is retiring this year. She was the grand marshall

And last, a shot of some of my kiddos from behind as they were getting ready to race!!!

It really was a good day!! Now I'm just waiting for Josh to get home so we can go get dinner!!! Tomorrow is our last day of school for the week. Again, gotta love working in Louisville during Derby week!!!! We are out Friday due to the Kentucky Oaks. This is another horse race, but all female, or fillies, run in this race. They have actually called for rain all week here, but today has turned out to be a BEAUTIFUL day!! I hope that this rain either comes and goes before Saturday or holds off until Sunday! My parents throw a Derby Party, and lots of fun, games and food is to be had!!!

Feeling better...

2009-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

So I am feeling better today than my last post. I just laid in bed all day Sunday as the doctors/nurses told me to do. And all I can is I really HOPE I do not have to go on bed rest for any long amount of time before these babies come. It WAS SO BORING... It's funny how when you are feeling good, and maybe just running and running that all you wish for is a day where you can do nothing but lie in bed. But then when you are made to do so it sucks!!! Maybe it would have been better if Josh were home but he ended up working a really long day for a Sunday. He had to leave at 8 and didn't get back until almost 9 that night. There was nothing good on t.v. during the day. Anyway. I got through it and lieing around I had no pain.

Then I decided to get up and sit at the computer when Josh came home to talk to him for a bit. I think I sat here for maybe 30 minutes and when I got up the pain was back. So I went back to bed and slept through the night.

On Monday morning I was feeling pretty good. Got ready for work, drove to work, made my copies. I was fine. Then... kids came and it was about 20 minutes before I was feeling horrible. I was in a lot of pain, so much that I texted my sister about 1 and asked her to go pick a pregnancy belt for me and bring it to me. We decided against her doing that since I didn't know if I would need to try it on and all that stuff. So by alternating standing and sitting in several minute intervals it helped me get through the rest of the day.

I headed to get our check for FINALLY junking that Focus!! She is now gone!!!! She was a good car, but I was tired of seeing her broken down and useless. (Sorry, random) Then I headed to the medical store to get my belt. I had looked them up online just to see what they were and how they helped, and all the reviews said it would be instant relief. I was quite intrigued and was very excited to see if it really was. And I can honestly say, there was immediate relief. Not complete relief, but I felt much better. So having trying it on, I didn't even take it off, and just paid for it and wore it out of the store. When I got home I did some more adjusting and it felt even better. Josh and I even made a trip to Walmart for some things I needed for my students and for the Derby party. I was not in a bit of pain the whole time we were there!!!

And today at work again, it worked really well. By the end of the day it was a little irritating and wasn't quite right, but it just needed to be readjusted. I'll just have to make sure I readjust tomorrow during my planning or something.

But I can happily say that I am feeling much better, and there is a way that I will get through the next 5 weeks. It's funny though how much bigger I look with this belt on cause it's lifting my stomach all up. People kept being like "Whoa, where did that belly come from today?" It was kind of funny. Anyway, like I was saying I only have 5 more weeks of work until the summer. If I can get through those five weeks I will be happy. I would just hate to lose time that I have saved up before they were born which would mean that I wouldn't have as much time with them when they are here.

So, next doc appointment is a week from today. That is 24 weeks, or 6 months!!! Can you believe it????

A good morning, then an Evening Scare

2009-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

So this morning started great. I had been pretty tired from the busy week I had and was feeling kind of sore Friday night but nothing that bothered or worried me. I went to Erika's house to visit her, baby K, A and her husband and hung out there for a little while. Wes, my brother was there as well, and I dropped him off at his house before I was heading home. I told him I would be out cheering for him during the mini-marathon this morning, unless I woke up and was feeling sore or anything.

Well, I woke up quite easily at 6:30 this morning... And I felt great!!! So I got ready, grabbed my camera and headed down to the end of the street to watch the runners. This marathon and mini-marathon are part of the Derby Festivals that I mentioned last Saturday. Anyway, I asked the traffic lady at the end of our street, which is probably about a 1/4th of a mile, if the runners did run down that certain street and she said yes. I sat down on the curb and waited for the runners to start coming by. About 10-15 minutes later, the traffic lady came and told me that they did not run down that particular street.

So I made the decision to walk down to the other entrance of the park where I knew that they would be running out of which was probably about 1/2 a mile away from the end of my street. Now I'm not sure about these distances, it could have been shorter and it could have been longer. But there was a very nice cool breeze blowing and the walk was very nice and easy. I made my way to the entrance of the park, found a shady place as it was getting a bit warmer. Ok, it was like 7:30 am and the weather was already like 70-75 degrees, but the breeze was still there. Here is a picture down a little bit from where I was standing. I'm pretty sure it was the starting line...

It was cool to be there watching all those runners. I like to think that if I weren't 5 and 1/2 months pregnant I would have been one of those runners (it doesn't matter that I've lived here my whole life and have never even thought about going to watch it, much less run it!!!!!!!) Anyway, I stood waiting, and watching all the runners and trying to find Wes, Jen, Chris and Kevin, but it was really hard to concentrate.

I don't know how I saw him, but just as I turned my head, I saw Wes passing me by, I did manage to get a good picture of him!

A little while later, I am just standing again, eyes going through the 100's of people passing me, and I see a hand in my face and hear a hey!! It was Chris, my brother in law. Sorry Chris I didn't get a picture of you. It really was hard to concentrate and look for several people at a time. I apparently missed Kevin all together. I never saw him...

Then a bit later, I again am searching through the tons of people, and here comes Jen... Waving at me!!!! Ha.. Ok so next year if I'm not running, I will make sure to know what everyone is wearing that day. It might make it a little easier to find them!!! Anyway here's the pic of Jen...

Jen took a short break and said hi and had her power gel, or whatever it was! So that was fun. I'm really glad I got up and was able to see them running. I am very proud of them all!!! Way to go you guys. You all did AWESOME!!!!

Then I headed home. Now I'm not for sure if it was because I had stopped for several minutes at the end of my street on the way to the race, or because it had warmed up and the breeze wasn't quite as strong, but the walk back home was not near as easy as it was there. By the time I got to my street, I was thinking to myself, I should really call Josh and see if he's left for work yet, or if he has time to drive up here and get me. But I chose just to walk. I made it home, and really still felt fine.

I drove to McDonald's for some breakfast, Hey it was 9:30, and I had just walked a about 2 miles so I deserved it, right?!?!?! Got on the computer for a while and played some games, checked the mail, etc... Josh came home about 11, he only had to go in for some kind of training this morning. He said he was going to get him some lunch and then call the junk yards to pick up the car. I told him I was going to take a nap. I was feeling pretty exhausted and my lower abdomen had a little pain.

So here's where it gets interesting...
I came in and went to sleep for an hour or two. When I got up, Josh said let's go to Lowe's, for a weed eater. I told him I wasn't feeling that great. The pain was actually worse than before I had laid down. I decided that I would go with him though, since I couldn't really help around the yard much, the least I could do was go shopping with him. Well, we got down to the end of the street and the tears came, and wouldn't stop. Just the thought of walking around made the pain come. No, it was only there when I was walking. I was fine when I was sitting and laying down.

Josh and I decided it was best if we just grabbed me some lunch and dropped me back off home. So that's what we did. Josh came in, made the bed all nice and comfy for me, and he was off to Lowe's. I ate my lunch, got on my laptop, and then fell asleep once again. I woke up when Josh got home, and laid there for a while. Then I went out to check how he was doing in with the yard work and sat on the porch for a few minutes. When I stood up to come back in the house, the pain was even worse this time. And it seemed as though it was now not only in my lower abdomen but also my lower back. I could hardly walk through the house to get back in bed. When Josh was done, we discussed it and decided it was best to go ahead and call Doc and let him know about the pain.

My doc called me back after I left the message (very quickly I might add)and I explained the pain I was in and how I could hardly walk. He said it was more than likely stretching of muscles and ligaments but to go ahead and go to the triage center to make sure. So we headed to the hospital. After no problems whatsoever throughout my pregnancy, it was our first scare. Yeah we were scared something was wrong, but I think Josh and I both did a good job staying calm and keeping our composure. Then they told Josh he had to wait in the waiting room and couldn't come back with me. He wasn't happy, and the look of worry really hit him at this time. I felt so bad for him, having to sit out there not knowing what was going on. At least I was able to know as soon as the nurse came in and hooked me up that I was NOT having contractions, and I got to hear the babies heart beats. They were both strong and healthy!!! And with the other check, the cervix was good and the babies were high, so my baby girls are doing great and there is no need to worry. Josh came in as the nurse left. I filled him in on what I knew and I could see the tension leave him, so that was nice to see as well.

So what to do about the pain and not being able to walk? After about a 1/2 hour of sitting there, the nurse came back in and said it was just the babies getting bigger and my muscles and such stretching. Her and my doctor agreed I would be fine to go home. I should stay in bed tomorrow and rest and get a pregnancy belt soon to help with the pain.

So that is what I plan on doing. I have my laptop in bed with me now. My school work next to the bed, and just about everything else I will need. I will be laying in my bed all day tomorrow, watching tv, getting the rest of the school work done and relaxing. And NO MORE LONG WALKS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!! I've learned my lesson. So that means, that I will not be going on our school's Derby Parade Wednesday. Hopefully I can find some generous enough people to take my kids along with their classes. I know I will be able to.

I'm just going to take it easy this week. Go to work and come home, not stay as busy as I was this week... Although I had a lovely week: junked title, new baby niece, mom's birthday, dinner with friend, visiting new baby niece, cheering on brother and sister at their run. It was a good week, just exhausting and well all too much for me I guess. It's time to start taking it easy!!!

And that is exactly what I am going to do!!!

I am OBSESSED with Exclamation Marks!!!!!!

2009-04-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is just a random post. But I'm wondering if anyone else has ever noticed how often I use exclamation marks? I put them everywhere. It doesn't matter where, just as long as it's good news. And I can't just put one. There always has to be at least 3.

I was on facebook about a week ago when this obsession came as a realization. I was chatting with a couple of people, writing messages and posting wall notes, and I realized that everything I wrote ended with exclamation marks!!! Then today we had our office administration/secretary appreciation, and I was typing up short little notes for each of them, and when I went back and read them I had ended every sentence with several exclamation marks. Then I was signing agendas and writing a note to let a parent know how well the child did today and also ended that with like 5 exclamation marks. Got home and had a message on facebook from a high school friend who I have not seen or talked to in like 10 years and her message showed the same!

I don't know why I felt the need to write a post about this, it's just funny!! I guess I'm just a very happy person with lots of exciting news to share with all! I'm going to have to go read my old posts and see if I am as crazy with exclamation marks on here as I seem to be everywhere else!

Anyway one other thing that DOES NOT GET ANY EXCLAMATION MARKS. I woke up last night with the WORST charly horse cramp in my calf that I have ever had in my whole life. It was so painful. Usually I am able to stop them by flexing my foot, but not last night. The pain wouldn't stop. Then my foot would get tired, so I would relax it, and the pain would become even more excrutiating. I was almost in tears it hurt so bad. Josh woke up and tried to calm me down, but it hurt so bad, that all I could get out was charly horse. With this bit of information he began massaging my leg, but it was the wrong one. When he was finally able to figure out it was the wrong leg, he began massaging my thigh, which I let him know, in what I am sure was not very nice terms, that he needed to get off of me. I was finally able to get up and walk to the bathroom as I had to go really bad, and the cramping finally stopped. But my calf is VERY VERY SORE today. I've had many charly horses in my days, but nothing ever like this. And the worst part is, to wake up in that pain, oh it was horrible!!! (ok, couldn't make it without any)

Alright, as I said before this was just a random post, so I will stop blabbing. I am off to the hospital to see my mom and everyone else! Have a great night!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

cute birthday comments

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day today!!! What better gift could you get than your first granddaughter the day before!!!!!!

Here are some words I would like to leave you with these quotes, as they say it best:

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln

My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon

Exciting Day, Busy Week!!!

2009-04-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

graphics for moms

AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sister gave birth to a baby girl this morning!!! She is beautiful! I can't wait to get back to the hospital tomorrow to see her again!!! Baby and momma are doing great! She was born early this morning as I received a call from my mom before 9 this morning telling me she was here and everyone was doing great!!! So the day seemed to be a bit longer than normal (it was a pretty good one) but just waiting for it to be over, and the fact that our principal called a faculty meeting as a whole group instead of just with our teams as they have been for the past couple of months... I had already told my team I would be cutting out early to see baby K... Oh well, I got there and had plenty of time to sit and hold her and visit with sis and all that was there!!!

My week has already been very busy!! Sunday I worked on paper work and grades all day. But I am pretty much caught up.

Yesterday, Monday was just crazy!! The day of school went well, and then I was off to my parents house to get the title to my car that I needed to junk... Yeah I posted about how I had to get a copy of it because I had lost it, and my mom called and told me it was at there house. So that was much easier than having to wait for the copy to get here! I got the title and was off to the DMV or county clerk's office, where ever it was that I had to go. I got there about 6, and they close at 6:30, but... the ticket number that I got was 06, they were on number 55!!! So it seemed as though I would be there forever. Some how though when the clock hit 6:30, they were magically able to speed the process for everyone up and I was out by 7 with my junked title!!! Now just to get someone to come and get the car out of the driveway...

After I left there, I decided to go to the mall and get me some new clothes. I had bought a couple maternity outfits early on, but they were all long sleeved and I felt as though I was wearing the same thing over and over and over again. So I called Josh and he told me to come by and pick him up and he would come along. So I got some awesome new clothes, then we grabbed some dinner, then went to Walmart for some essentials (dog food, cat food, etc...). Anyway, I didn't enter my house until 11:00 at night. I was exhausted.

Today we made it home a little earlier. I was home by 10:15 tonight. Tomorrow will be back to hospital to visit baby K again and my mom! It's her birthday, so that's always fun and good times.

Thursday is dinner with Shannon!!! Then hopefully Friday I'll have the will to finish up that paper work so that I can enjoy the weekend. Saturday Jen, my brother Wes, brother in law and cousin in law are all running in the mini-marathon. As they run past the end of my street, I believe I will be getting up early and going to cheer them on as they run past.

Next week seems to be a bit calmer after work, but during work its going to be a crazy week. It's DERBY WEEK!!!! Wednesday and Thursday we have all kinds of fun activities planned to celebrate. Including a visit from Angel McCaughtry who was the star of the UofL women's basketball team and #1 WNBA draft pick. I'm really excited about this visit. It will be cool to listen to her and get to meet her!

Well, I am off to bed at a somewhat decent hour tonight. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!!!

By the way, I hope this makes sense, I was chatting with Tyler, my nephew, on facebook and he said I wasn't making any sense... I hope this makes a little bit of sense to you all!!!!

Share a Smile: Louisville, KY edition

2009-04-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

So today marks 2 weeks until the Kentucky Derby. As this is "the fastest 2 minutes in sports" and a very popular horse race said to be known not only country wide but world wide, our city LIVES it up!!!!

For the next two weeks, Louisville will have many festivities to celebrate the upcoming horse race! There's a hot air balloon race, Marathon, Parade, Steamboat Race, bed races, and SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!!!

Today is the Opening of these festivities, with Thunder Over Louisville. There is an air show throughout the day, and pretty much anywhere you are in the city you hear "thunder" all through the day with jets and planes flying overhead. This evening the event is ended with a spectacular Firework Show. Used to be the biggest in the country, not sure if that still stands or not!

Anyway for this week's Share a Smile Saturday I thought I would post clips of previous Thunders:

One part of the air show:

Clip of the Firework show:

Those were just little pieces of what is in store for today in Louisville. It is going to be a beautiful day too!!! The are calling for 70-75 degree weather and the rain is supposed to hold off until after midnight, so I hope it does for the sake of everyone going downtown to watch the show!!

What will I be doing? WORK!!! The 5th of 6 grading periods is over (ONLY 1 MORE TO GO:)!!!) so it's a day of organizing grade book, getting data in order and filling out progress reports! Plus I really don't think I would be comfortable sitting and standing all day long outside. Not to mention the fact that I am using the restroom A LOT lately, and the news just had a little segment of where people use the restroom when they are down there. And the answer was 1 of the 525 port-a-potties that are set up! NO THANK YOU!! I'll stay in my house and use my clean toilet and catch the show on tv while getting work done! I am going to go out once the planes start and see if I can catch any flying over the house with my camera. If I do, I will post them later on!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Dreams and a funny story

2009-04-16T19:43:00.001-07:00

So I have two things to share with you tonight!!!

The first is about some dreams that I have had over the past couple of weeks.

The first dream was during the week of spring break. I didn't think much of it, besides the fact that it was just weird. I didn't even share it with anyone until last Sunday when my sister Erika mentioned somthing and it reminded me of the dream. So here it is...

It started with me in the hospital having my babies... which of course was very, very early because it was like real time, and so I was only 5 months. The crazy thing is instead of twins I had quads. There were four tiny, tiny babies. And the hospital let me bring them home. I thought this was very odd, since the 4 babies didn't have their eyes open and wouldn't eat. The doctors and nurses said they would be fine that in a couple of days they would start to open their eyes and begin to eat. Until then just be very careful with them and love them. Then next thing was we were at home and had people over visiting us and holding the tiny babies.

Then I woke up... Like I said just strange. And it was just so unrealistic even when I woke up that I never even mentioned the dream to Josh. When I was telling the family on Sunday about that dream, Erika made a comment that it was like they were kittens or something. And that was so true.

So this morning I wake up and am a little freaked out...

This time I'm in the hospital and I am further along, you know a healthy further along in the pregnancy. And I was delivering my babies once again. And AGAIN I deliver QUADS!!!!!! What is going on?

That is really all I can remember of this dream, but it was enough to freak me out and get up and tell Josh about it. Letting him know that I once again dreamed of having four babies instead of two. He just laughed and said, well... maybe there are two hiding behind the baby girls!!! I think he could just see the panic on my face when I was telling him because was pretty much laughing at me. Oh I really hope these dreams are not holding any truth or trying to tell me something... I am pretty settled on having twins at this point in the pregnacy :)

Now the funny story...

I came home from work this afternoon hung out on the computer for a while, ate some leftovers as I was starving and Josh had called to let me know he would probably be late tonight. He actually got home around 7 which wasn't too bad. By the time he got home though, I was just tired. He must have been able to tell, because he told me that I should lie down on the couch, put my feet up and take a little nap. I had no objections, as I knew Grey's Anatomy was a rerun and there was nothing else on that I was in the mood to watch tonight. So I laid down expecting to take a short nap at around 7:30 and did not wake up until 10:30. All was fine, I got up, Josh was playing his game. I made myself a glass of water and decided to check the email. As I was checking the email I went to erase some that I didn't need anymore and accidently checked the all delete button. In a panic to get some that I was saving I found the evite from Jen for a party that she is throwing on Friday (tomorrow) night. At this time my brain and myself begin to panic again with my brain telling me it is Friday night and that I should be at Jen's house RIGHT NOW!!! I grabbed my phone, noticed there was a missed call, and without even checking who it was from because I'm sure it was Jennifer, I called her house. She answers the phone, and here is the conversation...

Me: "I am so sorry"
Jen: "Why, What's wrong?"
Me: "I am supposed to be there... You're party. It's Friday.. I am so sorry"
Jen: "No it's not..."
Me: "What"
Jen: "It's Thursday Michelle"
Me: "Oh, oh yeah, that's right"
Jen: "Did you fall asleep?"
Me: "Yeah at like 7:30, and just woke up... That really sucks that it's only Thursday"
Jen: laughing "Yeah, now you have to go back to bed and go to work tomorrow..."

Ok, so I have to admit now it is funny. Besides the fact that it really is only Thursday and I really do have to go to work tomorrow morning and now being 11 and having slept for 3 hours, just don't know if I am going to be able to go back to sleep anytime soon. Weird how my brain played that funny trick on me when I saw that email because as I was getting my water I even thought about it being Thursday... But that email just hit something and I was sure it was Friday until Jennifer told me otherwise!

So there are my crazy dreams and the funny story. Hope it was as entertaining to you all as it has been to me. Although I hope you all find a little more humor in them than I have at the time that they have happened... And just a quick question... Is this what I am going to be going through for the next several months?

Our decision is FINAL!!!!

2009-04-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

So our decision has been made!!! It's funny to think of how much planning names goes into it all!!! First there was choosing just one name, and then we found out there would be two!!! I was so positive that they were boys that when Josh and I did discuss names, it always centered around boy names! We had not really had a big discussion about girl names at all. Of course I had a few that I've liked forever and would throw out "just in case!!!" So when we realized that we would be naming two girls, it was time to get to business about discussing what we both liked.

It honestly didn't take as long and it wasn't very stressful at all. And I couldn't be in love with our babies names more!!! I love everything about them! And so without putting it off any longer, I would like to give you the names that we have chosen for our first born baby girls!!!!!!

Glitter Word Generator

Glitter Word Generator

Glitter Word Generator

Are they not the most precious names ever!!! I think so anyway!!!

Just a background on where we got the names:
19 years ago, my aunt and uncle had a baby girl and gave her the middle name Keely. From the time I heard that I said that it would be the name of a daughter of mine!!! Of course, we have changed the spelling, but it will be pronounced the same way. I had several other names that I liked as well, and as Josh and I began the discussion that always ended up coming out of my mouth. We had several other names picked out that we really liked. This past weekend, I told Josh to sleep on it, but that I really loved the name and had for 19 years, and I think I would always feel like sad if we didn't give this to one of our daughters!! The next morning he said that the name would be Kealie!!!
The middle name was a much easier choice. Jean is my mom's middle name, and I have always known that I would use Jean for the middle name as well!!! I don't care how much my mom doesn't like it, I love it and it brings a very special meaning!!!!

As for Jozie, it was not one that Josh or I had thought of. One day last week I left work and checked my phone and had 15 missed text messages!!! Jen had sent me lists and lists of names. Jozie was sent by itself so it stood out. When Josh got home from work, I gave him my phone and told him to read the texts. He said, I really like Jozie!!! I agreed and therefore it was settled. It was the first name we had both agreed on at first thought! We actually picked this name before the final decision was made for the second!
The middle name again was predetermined. Reed is Josh's mom's maiden name. I really think it sounds beautiful and again a very special meaning!!

So there you go!! How do you like them? I am so excited to share the names with everyone! And I am even more excited that I can call my girls by names. We will be waiting until they are born to see which is Kealie and which is Jozie, but as I mentioned before... These are FINAL!!!!!!!!!!!!

37 days left...

2009-04-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

So I don't have much to write. But one thing I am happy to say is that there is only 37 more days of work left!!!!!! WOO HOO!! Doesn't sound too bad. And there's lots going on in those 37 days: We have the 1st of May off due to the Kentucky Derby being the next day. Yeah, it's one of the perks of living in Louisville!!!

Then there are two weeks of testing, then it will just be two weeks to get things cleaned up, lots of field days and other activities and ready to go for next year.

So honestly if I can make it through April, I'm good to go!!!

I don't know why I felt it necessary to count it up today, it was actually a really good Monday! But I'm just about done. It happens every year, it's nothing new. These last two months are probably the hardest. And the thing is, we have those extra 2 weeks that we have to make up, but I'm trying not to think about how if we hadn't missed those days that we would be done in about 27 days!! I just keep telling myself how nice the random weeks off were.

I really don't know how much of a summer I really will have though. I will probably be at school quite a bit setting up plans and getting lessons together for the time I will be out with my baby girls. But it will be well worth it just to get it all done and not have to worry about it once I do it! It would probably be smart to start all that planning now, but I guess I need to be caught up on everything else for this year before I start planning for next year!! :)

I did have my last IEP this afternoon for the school year. That's always exciting to know that that is one thing I can cross off my list. And Friday is the end of the 5th grading period, so we can officially say that we are 5/6 of the way done with the school year.

I'm pretty exhausted. It's funny because I feel like I haven't stopped since spring break started. I did get some extra sleep in that week but I also got a lot of other stuff done as well. And then last week Josh and I went every day after work last week with something we had to do or even if it was just getting out for a dinner with friends. Then this weekend, while it was wonderful to be around family both days, we again did not stop.

Saturday we went to Josh's family farm for his dad's birthday and to celebrate Easter and from there we went straight to my sisters for a poker tournament. I ended up staying out there that night cause Josh had to leave to make a call for work. Then Sunday we went to my parents and had a lovely Easter day with dinner and fun Wii Games! When we got home I had to get my taxes done because yes, I had still not done those things! But I got them done. And this week doesn't seem like it will be letting up any. We had an appointment right after work today, then I came home and straightened up the kitchen and living room. (It's still looking very nice by the way!!) Tomorrow is late day at school, and then Wednesday or Thursday I have to go get a new title for my car so we can get this thing junked and out of the driveway. Josh tried to do it for me today, but couldn't cause they needed me there.... So aggravating!!!

But again, I only have 37 days of work left for quite a while!!!!!!!! So I'm gonna keep telling myself that, and only a few more months and my babies will be here!!!

Oh by the way... We have chosen our names, I'm gonna save that for next post though!! Is that mean?

Have a great week!!!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Easter MySpace Comments

I hope everyone has a wonderful and beautiful Easter day!

Work and Doc's

2009-04-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

mommy graphics

I just found this quote at mysunwillshine.com. They have the cutest comments and glitter. Check it out if you have time!!!

Anyway, today was great day!!!

It was another early start as we had to go pick up Josh's rental at 7:30... Just imagine going from getting up between 9 and 11 for a week to having to get up at 6 or 6:30 for 3 straight days!!!! Today was better as I fell asleep at like 9:30 last night watching Women's Basketball Championship game. UofL played but they lost. It's ok though, they were in the "ship" for the first time ever and UCONN was just a better team. I didn't see the second half. I fell asleep at halftime and then woke up about 11 when Josh got home from making two runs for work. I woke up starving which was funny because we had gone to Tumbleweed and I ate a lot. Anyway I had a piece of his pie and then went back to bed. So I got the much needed sleep. I got to work about 8 to show off the ultrasounds. I would share them here, but two are just of their "girly parts." We also got a profile of Miss B's face and I believe Miss A's feet as Miss A was being very difficult and would not let US tech get a pic of her face!!!! When I get those two scanned I will post them!

Back to work went well. Most of the boys seemed happy to see me, and MOST of them did great for the subs they had Monday and Tuesday. Then at 2:50 I had to leave to go see Doc. We heard the heartbeats, and they are still doing great. Doc said my weight gain has improved since last month and everything else looks great. Josh's blood type is O positive and as mine is O negative looks like I will be getting at shot at 28 weeks. Whatever is needed to keep my precious girls and me healthy is fine with me! My BP and everything else is looking great too.

So, until next month... when I will be doing the blood sugar test! and having another ultrasound to make sure babies are still staying around the same weight and measurements. It was up to me to choose if I wanted to continue to go to the High-risk Doctor or just see my regular doctor. I chose just to see Doc. First of all that would be two days in one week every month that I would be late to work or leaving work early. Second, as long as they continue to grow well and look healthy it's not really necessary and Doc's office can do all those measurements there.

I asked him about classes, and he said it was up to me. Just to give the hospital a call and see what kind of classes they were offering and choose what I was interested in. So I will have to give them a call or look online and see what they have.

I also asked him about my due date. He told me we were just going to leave it the same at August 22nd, because a week's difference isn't enought to make a change. He then said I just had two big healthy babies. I also asked how much earlier he expected me to go than that, and he said it just depends. If the growth continues of course I will have to go earlier, but with twins he says he aims for 37 to 38 weeks as the percentage of chance of going to the NICU before then is pretty high. He said at 35 weeks there is a 50 percent chance, 36 weeks a 33% chance, and then if you make it to 37 weeks the chance falls to 10% and stays there. So that's what we are going to be hoping for to make it to 37 weeks! He also added that it is very common to deliver before 37 weeks with twins but that many of them are ok.

Last month Doc seemed to be really on the C-Section wagon, but this week, without me even discussing it he said that the only way we would do that is if both were not in the correct position. He did stress that both had to be though. If one were breech then we would have to have C-section.

He also gave me some of his recommendations for pediatricians and told me it would probably be a good idea to start thinking about, discussing and talking with several different doctors. I think I will get recommendations from my sisters and others as well.

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So all continues to be great news!!! Let's hope that it continues!

CONGRATS ANTONIA ON YOUR SWEET BABY BOY!!!!!!!!

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Welcome Pregnancy Brain!!!!!

2009-04-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

So today I had a writing session instead of being at school. It's crazy not to have been back yet from spring break. I'm wondering if my boys are missing me yet. We'll find out tomorrow!!!!

Anyway, we put Josh's car in the shop yesterday to have it fixed from where someone had hit him a while back. So my morning was even earlier than a usual day as I had to get Josh to work by 8:00 this morning to get myself to my meeting by 8:30. The day wasn't too bad, kind of long and drawn out and at about 1:30 I was doing everything I could to keep my eyes open. It was just a lot of discussion that she was giving us an hour to do with the people at our table and my table was finishing up pretty quickly. One of the people at my table was my 4th grade teacher!!! I have seen her at some of the other meetings we have had, but not really gotten a chance to talk with her. So it was fun to talk with her and see how she and her family were doing. I went to a catholic grade school and my mom babysat her son, so we know each other's families pretty well. So that was really cool to get to work with her as a colleague and not see her so much as my 4th grade teacher!!! They ordered lunch sandwiches from a deli. This is fine, but why do these places assume everyone likes everything on their sandwiches. Every single type they had had either mustard or mayonnaise or some other kind of sauce on it. I did my best to wipe the mayonnaise off but it just wasn't very good. plus the bread was all special and the turkey sandwich was on Whole Wheat walnut bread. So after picking out the walnuts, taking off the lettuce, tomatos, bacon, and wiping the mayonnaise off the turkey and cheese as best I could, there wasn't much of a sandwich left (Have I ever mentioned how picky I was????) We had chips and a cookie to go with it, but honestly it just wasn't enough.

Anyway, I made it through snacking on chek Mix and chocolate they had provided for us as well. We were supposed to get out at 3:30, but the lady decided to read us a picture book that lasted until about 20 to 4. As soon as she dismissed us I got my coat on and got out of there. Like I said, I was very sleepy and hungry.

I got about a mile away from my house and decided I would stop for a little bite of something to hold me over until Josh got home. That is when I realized I didn't have my purse. I then realized that in my rush to get out of there I had not gotten it from the back of my chair. So I make the next turn to get onto the expressway. And what do I do... get on the wrong way!!!!!!! Sheesh... I just wanted to get something to eat and get home. Oh well, I finally made it back to the meeting site, and there sat my purse right where I had left it.

So now I am finally home and thinking about a nap. But I also have to go pick Josh up whenever he calls and I don't want to fall asleep and not hear my phone. SO I'm just going to go lie down on the couch and watch some tv and hope I don't fall to asleep to where I won't hear my phone!!!

That's all that's going on around here. Tomorrow I return to work. It will be good to see my boys again.

Oh yeah, please say a quick prayer for my Blogger friend Antonia!! She went in this morning to have a baby boy!!!!!

And the sexes are....

2009-04-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

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So there it is!!! We are having two girls!!! I'm not sure if I had mentioned this on my blog before, but I was about 95% sure that we were having 2 boys. I was so sure the week before we went in for 3 month checkup that it was a boy, then we found out it was twins at that checkup. I was FOR SURE we were having at least one boy, so you can only guess my surprise when the US tech said two girls!!! But it was a good surprise. Josh and I are both extremely happy!!

Now we can start planning out how we will decorate and thinking about and deciding on names.

The appointment was GREAT!! Both babies have strong heartbeats. Kidneys, stomach and brain are all developing on target and look healthy. Fluids are good. And both babies weighed in at about 13 ounces!!! So both the US tech and doctor I saw today said I am probably a week further along then we had expected! The girls were being stubborn though. Every time she tried to get a look at their face, they would flip over!!! Ahhh, already stubborn like daddy!!! He would probably say like their mother!! Our families would probably say like both of us!!!

We are so happy to get the news we got today!! We couldn't be happier that we have 2 healthy baby girls on their way.

Here is a picture of my 20-21 week stomach. Wow!! It looks even bigger in the picture than I thought it was!!!

Half way there!!!!!

2009-04-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

20 Weeks Pregnant

So we reached the half way mark yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Very tired today. I think I overdid the cleaning the past two days. Josh was off yesterday so we got our bedroom cleaned up and the bathroom. I have to give Awesome props to Josh cause he did the bathroom pretty much on his own. It looks great!!

Jen and Tyler came over around 7:30 last night, and we just hung out for a bit. Jen and I looked at my wedding pics while the boys of course played video games!!!! Then we went and had dinner at Chili's. It was really good.

As much as I'd like to say that today I am going to get the living room cleaned, I don't know if I can make myself do it. Plus I have to do my lesson plans for the upcoming week, as well as sub plans for Monday and Tuesday and like I said I'm incredibly tired.

Josh woke me up this morning at 9 and had gotten breakfast for me. I apparently didn't hear him because he woke me up again at 10:00 and asked if I wanted it. I got up and started crying?!?!?!?!? What's up with that? I have no idea what I was crying about. I just couldn't help it! Is this the whole hormonal thing they talk about? I'm a cryer that's for sure, but never for no reason. It was just weird and I'm still kind of wondering what it was all about. Let me know if I'm crazy or if this is normal.. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's now noon and I feel like I'm going to fall asleep in this chair, so I think I'm going to go lay down for a while longer and see if I can get out of this funk that I have been in this morning. I will update later, for sure tomorrow... It's doctor time!!! We go to the high-risk specialist tomorrow, and I'm praying everything is good and well and that we find out sexes!!!

Hope everyone has a great Sunday!!!

This is what you get...

2009-04-03T14:38:00.001-07:00

when you marry someone who hates cleaning as much as you do (or maybe more)!!!!

I have to say that I am quite embarrassed to show everyone the "before" pictures, but I am more proud to show the "after" pictures of our kitchen that I spent today cleaning, and I mean cleaning. Scrubbing walls, scrubbing the floor. It wasn't fun, but I feel very accomplished and HOPEFULLY I can keep it as clean as it is now!!!

Here are the "before" shots:

This is a shot of the kitchen from the living room entrance.. disgusting isn't it!

The sink and stove full of dishes... Just how many dishes you ask?

Our cabinets were completely empty... That's how many!!!

The desk full of crap that we had no where else to put, and it became the "catch all" for anything and everything!

And now for the "after" pics!!!!!!!!!!

From the living room entrance... Quite a difference isn't it?!?!

Why yes we do have dishes, and quite a few, see how full the cabinets get? You can only imagine having to do all those dishes!!!

We really do have a sink, a small counter and a stove!!!!

A shot from the laundry room entrance. The bad thing about the kitchen is that there is NO counter space, so appliances end up making a home on the table. But hey at least you can tell there is a table now!

Here's one of the laundry room with the new washer and dryer!!! It is a very small room, so I couldn't get that great of a picture. But you can see I decided to use that desk to put the cats food on rather than what we had been using! It really worked out well!!!

And so that is what I have been working on all day!! Like I said, I am very proud of myself!!! Now I am going to take a short nap and relax for a bit before I begin the...

LIVING ROOM!!!!!!!!

It's really not as bad as it looks. Most of the stuff sitting around was moved in there from the kitchen so it's just the going through and organizing. Then dusting and all that stuff. It should not take long. Hopefully I can get it done before Josh gets home (he's working late tonight) and REALLY surprise him!!!!!!

Week in Review!

2009-04-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't posted forever but it's only been like 3 days. I figured I'd fill you in on my week...

Here is the list I posted of what I would be doing this week on spring break with updates of how each went:

1.) Celebrate Josh's birthday (Which is Sunday): We did and it was a good one, you've probably seen my post
2.) Taxes: Hmmmm, somehow everyday I forget about this until about 9 or 10 at night and not something I want to start that late. But I will get them done some time this weekend... HOPEFULLY
3.) Clean: I cleaned the laundry room very nicely. It's a small room, but I wiped walls down and scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees so I was pretty proud of it. Plus we got our new washer and dryer and they are so AWESOME!!
4.) Watch UofL basketball: I watched them last Sunday and it was a sad, sad day. They didn't play well and lost so their season is over BUT the UofL women's team made it to the final four so I will be checking them out this weekend. It's the first time they have ever made it to the final four, so it's pretty cool!
5.) Clean: I got the dishes watched!!!
6.) Make important phone calls that can only be made during work hours that I never seem to be able to do at work: I did do this, I am now able to get to my bank account online again seeing how I had forgot my password and locked myself out, talked with a credit card company, talked to my doctor's office to figure out where I have to go Monday, and cancelled an order for something that I was supposed to get for free yet they continued to send them to me and charged me every time I got one after the first... Oh and I AM getting refunded for those I returned
7.) Clean: Bought a file cabinet and organized all of our papers and stuff!!!
8.) Go Couch shopping: We may go Saturday to look, but any purchases will have to wait until tax check comes in which should be motivating me to get those done!!
9.) Sleep a lot: YES I DID!!!!!!!
10.) Clean, Clean, Clean!!!!!!!!!!! Not as much cleaning is done yet, but tomorrow is another day and my plans are the rest of the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. It will get done!!!

Other things I did this week worth mentioning:
- Tuesday night I went and had dinner with an old friend of mine. We found each other on Myspace and Facebook, and have been chatting and catching up through there, and finally met up for dinner. It was a good dinner and so good to really sit down and talk with her!

- Wednesday I didn't do much except play on the computer. I get so easily addicted to those yahoo downloadable games. I just do the free download and play until it expires. It's a very bad addiction!!!!!
This is also the day I got the dishes done. And when I say dishes I mean there were a whole lot of dishes. I was once again holding out until Josh got tired of not having any clean plates and silver ware. But I realized this wasn't going to be an issue for him when he bought plastic silverware at Walmart the other day and when we got home he said he wished he would have gotten some paper plates. What can I say MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another reason I finally did them was because our landlords were supposed to be coming over to get their washer, but they didn't make it cause the guy needed help getting it in the truck and Josh ended up having to work late. Oh well, at least it made me finally get up and do them!!!!

- Thursday (today) I dyed my hair which was very much needed!! I gave up on the friend who told me she was going to check her schedule and let me know when she could do it for me like 2 and 1/2 weeks ago... I just went and got me a home kit and I must say I did a very good job!! No more grey for me, for now anyway!!!
Went to the pet store where my brother works to get flea medicine for the pets so that we don't get infested. About 30 seconds away it began to pour down rain. After waiting in my car in the parking lot for it to let up, I decided to just make a run for it. When I got inside, I played with the cute little puppies for a minute as my brother was with a customer, when the electricity decided to go out!!! It was out for about 5 minutes then came back on so it was alright.
Josh got home and we decided to go get burgers at WW Cousins an awesome Hamburger place in town. I'm not for sure if they are all over the place or not, but if you have one around you you should really visit the place cause it's some of the best burgers I've ever had! Before we went, we ran past the pet store again to drop something off to my brother and invited him to meet us for dinner. He had about 1/2 hour of work left so we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond while we waited for him. We got a few things, nothing important but I always like looking around that store at the things I wish I could have!!!!!!!! Dinner was delicious and very fun. We actually ended up seeing my Aunt and Uncle there so that was cool too!!

So it's been a great week so far, but coming to an end quickly. I can't believe tomorrow is already Friday! Nothing planned as of yet for the rest of the week, besides that cleaning I mentioned for tomorrow. I hope you all are having a great week as well! And I hope you all have a wonderful upcoming weekend!!!

A new award

2009-03-31T08:01:00.001-07:00

Thanks Jess for my award!!!! http://aaydensmommy.blogspot.com
Jess is about 7 weeks away from delivery!!! Check out her blog!!

Here are the rules: List seven things that you love, and then list seven other bloggy friends to pass this award on to.

Here goes...

Seven Things I Love:

1) My Husband
2) Being Pregnant
3) SPRING TIME!!!!!
4) My family
5) New and Old friends no matter how often I get to see them!
6) Sleeping in and napping
7) MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now to pass this award on...I'm only posting two bloggers today!!!

1) Antonia @ http://countdowntobaby2009.blogspot.com
2) Jen @ http://yoursnmineisours.blogspot.com

Antonia is about a week away from having her baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Send her good thoughts and hopes that she can get some rest and sleep over the next few days

Jen is my big sister and best friend. They are in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for Spring Break right now. Check out her blog to see the AWESOME cabin they are staying at!

Almost half way there!!!

2009-03-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

19 Weeks Pregnant

In about 4 days I will be halfway through my pregnancy. That blows my mind. It seems like yesterday I was getting the phone call from the doctors office about being 2-3 weeks pregnant. Time has flown by. And I know... People keep telling me just wait until the last couple of months, it will be the longest of your life. Well, I guess we will see when we get there.

I have just been thinking about how lucky I have been through this pregnancy. Not one day of morning sickness. My headaches have been relieved apparently from the iron pills. The heartburn that I experience is no worse than it was before I became pregnant. Maybe more frequent, but nothing I haven't dealt with before. It has just been such a smooth run from the second I found out up to now. So I know that I have been very fortunate and lucky, especially with twins!

I just can't wait for them to be here. Sure there are SO MANY things that have to get done, but it will all work it self out. I know things are going to change for Josh and I. But I am good with that, we are going to be parents in about 4 months (or sooner) and we are just so ready mentally. I have been ready for so long. This is my dream come true.

I guess I'm just reflecting about this time, as I have spent so many years imagining about how it would be when I finally got to this point in my life. Wondering if I ever would get here. And now it's all a reality, and it's the best feeling in the world!