Back to the to-do list!!! As I posted previously, Noah's Ark became the theme for the nursery. And with a nursery comes FURNITURE!!! It so happened that a nice Amish family owned a baby nursery furniture store in Palmyra. They were more than happy to help us especially since we weren't looking at just one crib but TWO!! And man alive, for choices!!! From mobiles to mattresses to comforter sets to stuffed animals, we knew the store inside and out.
After a few trips to the store, we finally made out decision. Two cribs, one dresser, one changing table/dresser, one blue comforter set and one green comforter set. KA-CHING!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Journal of Twinhood-Morning Sickness!!!!
With all the duties of moving into a new house, morning sickness moved in too!! I was about 8 weeks pregos, when I found myself running to visit the porcelain potty often. Anything would set me off....a smell, looking at food, watching people eat on TV......brushing my teeth!!! At 9 weeks, I couldn't even keep water down. A call to my OB was in order!!! My doctor wanted to see me and run some tests. He concluded that I was dehydrated and since I couldn't keep anything down, home IV intervention was scheduled.
Barry and I arrived home and upon walking into the house, the new house smell and the just newly developed line of plug-ins with country garden scent, hit me. Bear was trying to help me get my winter coat off and I was trying to get the bathroom door open cuz we both knew that the outcome was not going to be good!!! As I sat by my new best friend, porcelain potty, I cried. Gawd, I felt horrible. Made my way up to my bed and crashed. The home care team arrived that evening to get me all hooked up. I was restricted to my bed and bathroom. No going up and down the stairs with this contraption!!!
The nurses visited daily and I became very good at changing my IV bag making sure there were no air bubbles in the line. At each visit, the nurses would listen to my stomach for a heartbeat and also for bowel sounds.....I know....ick!! Finally, on night two, the nurse said, "I am getting good bowel sounds....YIPEE!!! And a faint heartbeat!!!" Really???? On the night on day three, they came and removed my IV. The first thing I asked for was a Stromboli from Brothers Pizza. I ate the whole thing. And kept it DOWN!!!
I learned quickly that sour helps reverse the gagging!! So every morning after gagging my way through brushing my teeth, a brightly, unwrapped JOLLY RANCHER waited for me. My dentist would have shook his finger at me but HEY, it worked. I always had JOLLY RANCHERS with me....they became my next, new best friend. I will admit....I still have a hard time popping one into my mouth.
Barry and I arrived home and upon walking into the house, the new house smell and the just newly developed line of plug-ins with country garden scent, hit me. Bear was trying to help me get my winter coat off and I was trying to get the bathroom door open cuz we both knew that the outcome was not going to be good!!! As I sat by my new best friend, porcelain potty, I cried. Gawd, I felt horrible. Made my way up to my bed and crashed. The home care team arrived that evening to get me all hooked up. I was restricted to my bed and bathroom. No going up and down the stairs with this contraption!!!
The nurses visited daily and I became very good at changing my IV bag making sure there were no air bubbles in the line. At each visit, the nurses would listen to my stomach for a heartbeat and also for bowel sounds.....I know....ick!! Finally, on night two, the nurse said, "I am getting good bowel sounds....YIPEE!!! And a faint heartbeat!!!" Really???? On the night on day three, they came and removed my IV. The first thing I asked for was a Stromboli from Brothers Pizza. I ate the whole thing. And kept it DOWN!!!
I learned quickly that sour helps reverse the gagging!! So every morning after gagging my way through brushing my teeth, a brightly, unwrapped JOLLY RANCHER waited for me. My dentist would have shook his finger at me but HEY, it worked. I always had JOLLY RANCHERS with me....they became my next, new best friend. I will admit....I still have a hard time popping one into my mouth.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Not Me!! Monday
I so enjoyed doing the NOT ME post that I have decided to add it to my BLOG. I have been following this blog and check it several times a day. I just love MckMama's story-telling and her kiddos are just so precious!!!
I did not eat a WHOLE chocolate egg with a caramel and crunchy center this afternoon!!!
I did not go to a movie and eat a small popcorn, a bag of peanut m&m's and drink a regular diet coke. I think the diet coke canceled out the m&m's!!
I did not take any naps this weekend!!
I did not buy ANY diet coke with lime at QT and I most certainly did not inhale a custard filled chocolate frosted Krispy Kreme doughnut either!!
I did not eat a WHOLE chocolate egg with a caramel and crunchy center this afternoon!!!
I did not go to a movie and eat a small popcorn, a bag of peanut m&m's and drink a regular diet coke. I think the diet coke canceled out the m&m's!!
I did not take any naps this weekend!!
I did not buy ANY diet coke with lime at QT and I most certainly did not inhale a custard filled chocolate frosted Krispy Kreme doughnut either!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
4 Years Today!!
Well, we have been here officially now for FOUR years!!
Ah...yes!! Needless to say, the boys were so excited to finally have their bikes and gear, that moving into a new house wouldn't be complete without finding the nearest HOSPITAL for a broken arm!!! From what I was told, see I wasn't there when it happened, Spencer and Ebo were riding their bikes while Sawyer was hitting hockey pucks at them or in their general area, when CRASH!!! Bear said you would have thought Ebo was the one with the broken arm from all his carrying on. All I can say is when I pulled up to the driveway, there sat Spencer in a lawn chair in the middle of the driveway with Bear, Sawyer and Ebo huddled around him. Three days later, Spencer and I made our way to Fort Worth to Cook's Children Hospital. Three broken arms in 10 years.......Memories.......PRICELESS!!!!
*****Sidebar****
Three days later....What kind of mom am I? I know you are thinking that. Spencer was able to move his arm. We iced it, elevated it, and took motrin. But on day two after the collison, I noticed when he was riding his bike, he wasn't using it. He just held it up to his side. So, day three, we went to the doctor. Doctor was concerned since it was in the elbow area that it may or may not be fractured somewhere, that we should treat it as broken. The doctor's office made an appointment for us at Cook's Children in FW. Great.....downtown FW....I was just beginning to know my way just around locally yet downtown FW. I googled Cook's and off we went. They xrayed his left arm and the xray showed a fracture on the area that when you turn your hand over, needed mending. A nice, red, full arm cast was applied and we were sent on our way home. Four weeks later, we made our way again down to Cook's. A nice nurse sawed thru the plastered, beat up and autographed, red cast. It revealed a very skinny, dried and smelly arm. We added the red cast to his collection of casts from previous accidents. They are each in their own ZIPLOC bag!!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Positive Result!!
I am backing up here on the journey of TWINHOOD......the beginning, you know, where the little dot appears in the positive window of the home pregnancy test!!! Should have known something was up when the test turned positive way before the timer chimed. In fact, it GLOWED!!!
We were scheduled to move out of the townhouse and into our newly built home when the offical word came from Omega Labs. I had given Bear a package of "I LOVE MY DADDY" bibs, to share with him the good news, a few days earlier. "Are you sure?" he said. "Yes, here is the test and here are the instructions." POSITIVE, it is!!! He suggested, just to be really sure, to have a blood test done. It happened that the lab was right across the parking lot from where I worked. I went and visited Nancy at the lab. I knew the staff there since they participated in our Health Fair Day that the chiropractor, Penny, who I worked for, held. "We will call you with the results in a day or two."
Well, wouldn't you know it, a blizzard hit!!! Everything closed and we were packing the Uhaul to move. BBRRRR!!! Thanks to good friends, a blizzard didn't stop us. After making our final walk thru in the townhouse, we were on our way to our new dwelling.
Bear asked if I had heard from the lab. They were suppose to call with the results. Well, lets see.....blizzard, no phones, some without power.....I doubt they are open. Call and see!! So, riding in our car, I call the lab from our mounted car phone to see if anyone would answer. One ringy dingy.....two ringy dingy...."Omega Labs." "Hey, Nancy. I am calling for my results. Oh, yes, please hold." Elevator music played. "Ah, yes....your blood work came back POSITIVE. Congrats!!!"
I hung up and stared out the front window at the white carpet that blanketed the city. OMG....new house and now, new baby!! What a DAY!!!
We were scheduled to move out of the townhouse and into our newly built home when the offical word came from Omega Labs. I had given Bear a package of "I LOVE MY DADDY" bibs, to share with him the good news, a few days earlier. "Are you sure?" he said. "Yes, here is the test and here are the instructions." POSITIVE, it is!!! He suggested, just to be really sure, to have a blood test done. It happened that the lab was right across the parking lot from where I worked. I went and visited Nancy at the lab. I knew the staff there since they participated in our Health Fair Day that the chiropractor, Penny, who I worked for, held. "We will call you with the results in a day or two."
Well, wouldn't you know it, a blizzard hit!!! Everything closed and we were packing the Uhaul to move. BBRRRR!!! Thanks to good friends, a blizzard didn't stop us. After making our final walk thru in the townhouse, we were on our way to our new dwelling.
Bear asked if I had heard from the lab. They were suppose to call with the results. Well, lets see.....blizzard, no phones, some without power.....I doubt they are open. Call and see!! So, riding in our car, I call the lab from our mounted car phone to see if anyone would answer. One ringy dingy.....two ringy dingy...."Omega Labs." "Hey, Nancy. I am calling for my results. Oh, yes, please hold." Elevator music played. "Ah, yes....your blood work came back POSITIVE. Congrats!!!"
I hung up and stared out the front window at the white carpet that blanketed the city. OMG....new house and now, new baby!! What a DAY!!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Learning About Beans........
You guessed it!!! It's the "BEAN" chapter in Science. And I have to say, it is a good refresher for me. Now, Ebo needs to transplant it and wait for the first blooms to appear. I suggested that we need to try growing one too. He said that it would be good to take 5 beans in 5 different cups and see which one grows best with the bean in the dirt getting only a certain amount of water!!! PHEW!! Guess this weekend we will be getting some potting soil and digging through the pantry to find the bag of beans. Or maybe we should find the "Toss Across" and cut a beanbag open and use that!! WHAT? They don't use beans in "those bags" anymore.....geez...where are the good ole days?!!!
My Little Artist!!!
UPDATE*******
Can ya find the ghost in the picture?
Ebo created this drawing in school in his ART class. This will be framed and hung on my "WALL OF FAME" in my workroom. Great Job, EBO!!!
Can ya find the ghost in the picture?
Ebo created this drawing in school in his ART class. This will be framed and hung on my "WALL OF FAME" in my workroom. Great Job, EBO!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I CAN'T Get Enough Of......FLOWERS!!!!
I LOVE Purple Cone flowers....what can I SAY!!! My first taste for them was in Georgia. When we landscaped our backyard there, the designer had them drawn in a couple of areas!!! The area by the deck was great!! The area on one of the outer edges of a bed, NOT SO!!! For some reason, Dakota and Shadow, loved to eat them. I was forever YELLING at them to STOP IT!!! So, this spring/summer, while at Lowe's, what did my cart run into but PURPLE CONE FLOWERS!!! I bought three just to see. I was smart this time. I planted them in the top bed in the front yard where the dogs cannot go!! I have been waiting patiently, not a strong suit for me, for them to bloom. I finally convinced myself that since it was the first year, they probably won't bloom. But, low and behold, I spotted PURPLE the other day. I was ecstatic!!! YAY!!! For me!!! And no dogs to snack, their little hearts out, on these babies!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
What did we do B4 the internet?
I am an Internet addict!! Emails, browsing, IMing..... I didn't realize my addiction til Wednesday night!!!
It was 8:45 pm. I was watching a movie and thought check email. I clicked my Internet globe icon, my laptop hummed and the little green lights flashed. My screen read, "Cannot connect to Internet. Check connection."
Ok, this happens two or three times a week. For the last three years, when that dreadful message appears, I walk myself into my closet, open the data box, which is a tangled mess of cables, a modem and a router, unplug the ac adapter to the router and the modem resets itself. I also have to count to thirty to allow the router to reset. 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi.....yeah, yeah, it's a quick thirty seconds when I am thinking of what wonderful emails have just made their way to my inbox. Great, now I have lost count...plug adapter back in.
All the green lights on the modem are lit. Ebo is blow drying his hair in my bathroom. On, off, on, off....."STOP!" I say. "You will blow a fuse!!!"
Return to my laptop in the living room. Click the globe, the dreadful message appears AGAIN!! Back to the closet....only this time, all three of the green lights on the modem aren't lit. Unplug the router. Count AGAIN!!! Geez!!!
Plug adapter back in router. NOTHING.....no green light, no yellow light, not even a red light!!! So, I start unplugging and replugging....still nothing!! Call Bear in San Antonio. He asks if I have done the usual routine of unplugging and counting. "YES! Like three times." "Well, call AT&T" he said. Great!!
Now, being angry and knowing that I'll be on hold with AT&T for hours, I decided to finish my movie and deal with it later.
So, at 10 pm, I am on hold with AT&T. I finally get thru and Dillon is ready to help. Altho, I couldn't really understand Dillon. He had to repeat himself several times. He asked me to locate the reset button on the modem. It should be on the back panel. I swear to you, there is NO DERN RESET BUTTON on this thing. Dillon laughed!! There should be a pin sized reset button.....NO THERE ISN'T!! I am now frustrated and thinking I need to eat more carrots or have my eyes checked!! I have now grabbed the modem and taken it to my bedroom and plugged the thing into another outlet to see if it will power up. NOPE!!!
Dillon informed me that since the modem is three to four years old and of course, NOT UNDER WARRANTY anymore, gave me a number to call to order a new MODEM. WONDERFUL!!! I asked him if there was anyway to connect at all to the Internet....I just know that I have received many fun emails and need to read them like NOW. "I am sorry, Miss Barry (think he got the first and last name mixed up), there is no way to connect. You need new modem." HELLS BELLS!!!
I thanked Dillon for his wonderful guidance and patience and hung up. I immediately texted Bear and told him the news!!! "OMG!! Modem is dead. Need new one!!"
I couldn't wait to go to sleep and get up and get to work so I could check my emails!!!
So, this evening, Bear made his way to BEST BUY and purchased a NEW MODEM!! It sure is a pretty one and now, my newest, best friend.
I know!! I need to get a life but I am techy and LOVE my somewhat geeky ability to be on the Internet to email, blog, IM, or browse (I can do all at one time. It's called MULTI-TASKING!!!)
It was 8:45 pm. I was watching a movie and thought check email. I clicked my Internet globe icon, my laptop hummed and the little green lights flashed. My screen read, "Cannot connect to Internet. Check connection."
Ok, this happens two or three times a week. For the last three years, when that dreadful message appears, I walk myself into my closet, open the data box, which is a tangled mess of cables, a modem and a router, unplug the ac adapter to the router and the modem resets itself. I also have to count to thirty to allow the router to reset. 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi.....yeah, yeah, it's a quick thirty seconds when I am thinking of what wonderful emails have just made their way to my inbox. Great, now I have lost count...plug adapter back in.
All the green lights on the modem are lit. Ebo is blow drying his hair in my bathroom. On, off, on, off....."STOP!" I say. "You will blow a fuse!!!"
Return to my laptop in the living room. Click the globe, the dreadful message appears AGAIN!! Back to the closet....only this time, all three of the green lights on the modem aren't lit. Unplug the router. Count AGAIN!!! Geez!!!
Plug adapter back in router. NOTHING.....no green light, no yellow light, not even a red light!!! So, I start unplugging and replugging....still nothing!! Call Bear in San Antonio. He asks if I have done the usual routine of unplugging and counting. "YES! Like three times." "Well, call AT&T" he said. Great!!
Now, being angry and knowing that I'll be on hold with AT&T for hours, I decided to finish my movie and deal with it later.
So, at 10 pm, I am on hold with AT&T. I finally get thru and Dillon is ready to help. Altho, I couldn't really understand Dillon. He had to repeat himself several times. He asked me to locate the reset button on the modem. It should be on the back panel. I swear to you, there is NO DERN RESET BUTTON on this thing. Dillon laughed!! There should be a pin sized reset button.....NO THERE ISN'T!! I am now frustrated and thinking I need to eat more carrots or have my eyes checked!! I have now grabbed the modem and taken it to my bedroom and plugged the thing into another outlet to see if it will power up. NOPE!!!
Dillon informed me that since the modem is three to four years old and of course, NOT UNDER WARRANTY anymore, gave me a number to call to order a new MODEM. WONDERFUL!!! I asked him if there was anyway to connect at all to the Internet....I just know that I have received many fun emails and need to read them like NOW. "I am sorry, Miss Barry (think he got the first and last name mixed up), there is no way to connect. You need new modem." HELLS BELLS!!!
I thanked Dillon for his wonderful guidance and patience and hung up. I immediately texted Bear and told him the news!!! "OMG!! Modem is dead. Need new one!!"
I couldn't wait to go to sleep and get up and get to work so I could check my emails!!!
So, this evening, Bear made his way to BEST BUY and purchased a NEW MODEM!! It sure is a pretty one and now, my newest, best friend.
I know!! I need to get a life but I am techy and LOVE my somewhat geeky ability to be on the Internet to email, blog, IM, or browse (I can do all at one time. It's called MULTI-TASKING!!!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
EBO
Now that a week has past and I still haven't posted this, I will NOW!!! It is midnite and I just have to post this.
Yes, Ebo is most certainly growing up. All I can do is just SMILE and think of all the long weekends I'll have to me-self while the crew is out for the kill......better make room in the freezer!!!
Yes, Ebo is most certainly growing up. All I can do is just SMILE and think of all the long weekends I'll have to me-self while the crew is out for the kill......better make room in the freezer!!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I Did Not!!!
I did not take a nap after work Monday.
I did not wish a big rain cloud would roll on in a half hour before the parade was about to start.
I did not eat 6 tootsie rolls, a bowl of cereal or a bag of popcorn for dinner Monday nite.
I did not stay up til 12:30 watching "FRINGE" online and drink two beers!!
I did not snooze three times Tuesday morning.
I did not drop my kids off at the football game and then go browse the library...No, I did not!!!!
I did not share with everyone in my office that Ebo was elected to STUDENT COUNCIL!! (YAY! EBO!)
I did not text my two funny gal friends today. No way, I am at work!!!
I did not get a call from Sawyer that his ears are plugged and he thinks he has an ear infection.
I did not watch Sarah Connor Chronicles on-line Tuesday.
And I certainly, did not tape "FRINGE" so I could watch Sarah Connor online. Not me!!!
I did not roll my eyes today or flare my nostrils!!!
I did not wish I was the one at the National Meeting in San Antonio. Hotel, pillows, meetings, FOOD and DRINK....no, I did not!!!
More "I DID NOT'S" to come!!!
I did not wish a big rain cloud would roll on in a half hour before the parade was about to start.
I did not eat 6 tootsie rolls, a bowl of cereal or a bag of popcorn for dinner Monday nite.
I did not stay up til 12:30 watching "FRINGE" online and drink two beers!!
I did not snooze three times Tuesday morning.
I did not drop my kids off at the football game and then go browse the library...No, I did not!!!!
I did not share with everyone in my office that Ebo was elected to STUDENT COUNCIL!! (YAY! EBO!)
I did not text my two funny gal friends today. No way, I am at work!!!
I did not get a call from Sawyer that his ears are plugged and he thinks he has an ear infection.
I did not watch Sarah Connor Chronicles on-line Tuesday.
And I certainly, did not tape "FRINGE" so I could watch Sarah Connor online. Not me!!!
I did not roll my eyes today or flare my nostrils!!!
I did not wish I was the one at the National Meeting in San Antonio. Hotel, pillows, meetings, FOOD and DRINK....no, I did not!!!
More "I DID NOT'S" to come!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
IT'S HERE.....THE GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!!!
WOW!!! I will continue more on the months and days up to Sawyer and Spencer's grand entrance but thought I would post cuz today is the day 14 years ago that TWO little dudes entered the world.
Born 7 weeks early, Sawyer arrived first at 9:04 p.m. weighing in at 4 lbs. 8.7 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. Spencer arrived 12 minutes later at 9:16 p.m. weighing in at 4 lbs. 8.7 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long. Doctor said good distribution on the weight!! Whatever!!! So, combined, it was like having a 9 pounder!!! HELLO!!
Spencer and Sawyer
Spencer and Sawyer
Sawyer and Spencer
Born 7 weeks early, Sawyer arrived first at 9:04 p.m. weighing in at 4 lbs. 8.7 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. Spencer arrived 12 minutes later at 9:16 p.m. weighing in at 4 lbs. 8.7 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long. Doctor said good distribution on the weight!! Whatever!!! So, combined, it was like having a 9 pounder!!! HELLO!!
Spencer and Sawyer
Spencer and Sawyer
Sawyer and Spencer
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
How To Pick A Baby's Name, Let Alone TWO!!!
Now that we have had a few days to absorb the fact that instead of leaving the hospital in November (my actual due date was November 1, 1994) with one baby, I would be discharged riding in a wheelchair with two little bundles of joy to take home.
I pictured our GRAND EXIT, me holding in each arm, a bundle smelling of fresh baby powder and something squirming in a newly knitted blue blankie. Aww...me grinning from ear to ear, Barry bringing the car around and opening the back door of our blue Bonneville that has two carseats in the back, locked in place and ready to be loaded with our new family. Barry taking Baby A and.....wait a minute....Baby A?? No, no....the babies need a name. End of dream!!!
So, the name game started!!! Lists were started!! Talking to myself and answering back on if the name sounded good. Did it rhyme with another word that kids would use to tease them? How would it look typed on letterhead or a business card? Would the name fit that little being?
Driving home one night, Barry and I were discussing names. He said, "What you think of Sawyer?" Hhmm...."Sawyer." Kinda liked it!!! "What about Baby B?" I said. "Well, since we don't know for sure if it is a boy or girl, we'll have to think of each." Shelby for a girl, maybe?" Barry said. Kinda like that, too!!! I thought.
Looking through baby name books that I checked out from the library, came upon the name Sterling. Hhmm...Sawyer and Sterling!!! WOW!! Now that sounds so CEO like.
A few weeks had passed and it was time for us to go back to ND for a visit and to announce to all that TWO would be joining the family in November. We boarded the plane and looked for our seats. It so happened that once at our assigned seats, me being in Seat A by the window and Barry in Seat C by the isle, that a little boy sat in Seat B. He was gazing out the window at all the other planes and seeing luggage being boarded into the belly of the plane. I asked him if he would like to sit by the window and he immediately unbuckled and jumped into the window seat. He was beaming!!! Barry and I got ourselves all settled in and I started a conversation with the little fellow. First, asking what his name was? "Sterling, like sterling silver." HUH?!! Really now!!! Isn't that interesting!!! I thought. Here not but a few days ago, were discussing naming Baby B Sterling!!! Barry and I both looked at each other. Was it a sign? Or was it what Baby B would have to say everytime he said his name, Sterling, like sterling silver. Hhmmmmm........need to really think about that name now.
Needless to say, Sterling was crossed off the list and Spencer took its place. Don't really know how Spencer came about but just know that it was a name that started with the letter "S".
Now onto the middle name!! This was the easy part. My dad is Robert and Barry's dad is Robert. End of story!! How easy was that??!!! Don't ask us which one is named after which grandpa. It is also Ethan's middle name.
We arrived in ND greeted by friends and family. My mom had planned a "get together" for both sides of the family. Everyone gathered for laughs, food and good times. After we had eaten supper, Barry and I asked that everyone join us in my parents living room. Everyone piled in...some on the couches, some on the floor, some on the cushion of the front bay window. Barry announced or repeated that we indeed were having a baby. But not just one baby, but TWO!!! The room exploded with cheers and tears!!! There were plenty of hugs and congrats!! It was a good day!!!
The picture below was taken the night that the word TWIN would be forever part of our families vocabulary!!! Pictured are my grandparents (my dad's step-dad and mom) and Barry and I. Grandma Verna died shortly after the twins were born. That is when it really hits hard that being so far away from family really bites!! I had to say "Goodbye" to my grandma over the phone. I wasn't able to make it to her funeral and it still bothers me to this day. Grandpa Irvin died a couple years ago. He was able to see the boys grow up and give them rides on the four wheeler every summer when we visited him on the farm that he was born and raised on.
I pictured our GRAND EXIT, me holding in each arm, a bundle smelling of fresh baby powder and something squirming in a newly knitted blue blankie. Aww...me grinning from ear to ear, Barry bringing the car around and opening the back door of our blue Bonneville that has two carseats in the back, locked in place and ready to be loaded with our new family. Barry taking Baby A and.....wait a minute....Baby A?? No, no....the babies need a name. End of dream!!!
So, the name game started!!! Lists were started!! Talking to myself and answering back on if the name sounded good. Did it rhyme with another word that kids would use to tease them? How would it look typed on letterhead or a business card? Would the name fit that little being?
Driving home one night, Barry and I were discussing names. He said, "What you think of Sawyer?" Hhmm...."Sawyer." Kinda liked it!!! "What about Baby B?" I said. "Well, since we don't know for sure if it is a boy or girl, we'll have to think of each." Shelby for a girl, maybe?" Barry said. Kinda like that, too!!! I thought.
Looking through baby name books that I checked out from the library, came upon the name Sterling. Hhmm...Sawyer and Sterling!!! WOW!! Now that sounds so CEO like.
A few weeks had passed and it was time for us to go back to ND for a visit and to announce to all that TWO would be joining the family in November. We boarded the plane and looked for our seats. It so happened that once at our assigned seats, me being in Seat A by the window and Barry in Seat C by the isle, that a little boy sat in Seat B. He was gazing out the window at all the other planes and seeing luggage being boarded into the belly of the plane. I asked him if he would like to sit by the window and he immediately unbuckled and jumped into the window seat. He was beaming!!! Barry and I got ourselves all settled in and I started a conversation with the little fellow. First, asking what his name was? "Sterling, like sterling silver." HUH?!! Really now!!! Isn't that interesting!!! I thought. Here not but a few days ago, were discussing naming Baby B Sterling!!! Barry and I both looked at each other. Was it a sign? Or was it what Baby B would have to say everytime he said his name, Sterling, like sterling silver. Hhmmmmm........need to really think about that name now.
Needless to say, Sterling was crossed off the list and Spencer took its place. Don't really know how Spencer came about but just know that it was a name that started with the letter "S".
Now onto the middle name!! This was the easy part. My dad is Robert and Barry's dad is Robert. End of story!! How easy was that??!!! Don't ask us which one is named after which grandpa. It is also Ethan's middle name.
We arrived in ND greeted by friends and family. My mom had planned a "get together" for both sides of the family. Everyone gathered for laughs, food and good times. After we had eaten supper, Barry and I asked that everyone join us in my parents living room. Everyone piled in...some on the couches, some on the floor, some on the cushion of the front bay window. Barry announced or repeated that we indeed were having a baby. But not just one baby, but TWO!!! The room exploded with cheers and tears!!! There were plenty of hugs and congrats!! It was a good day!!!
The picture below was taken the night that the word TWIN would be forever part of our families vocabulary!!! Pictured are my grandparents (my dad's step-dad and mom) and Barry and I. Grandma Verna died shortly after the twins were born. That is when it really hits hard that being so far away from family really bites!! I had to say "Goodbye" to my grandma over the phone. I wasn't able to make it to her funeral and it still bothers me to this day. Grandpa Irvin died a couple years ago. He was able to see the boys grow up and give them rides on the four wheeler every summer when we visited him on the farm that he was born and raised on.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
HOW FAST 14 YEARS HAVE GONE BY!!!
I sit here wondering where have the last 14 years gone. In 10 days, the twins will turn 14!!
It was June 17, 1994 in Uniontown, PA, that Barry and I sat waiting for our ultrasound appointment. We had no idea what we were about to learn. All I knew is that I really had to pee!!! My doctor wanted to have an ultrasound done since I was measuring BIGGER than what I should be at 4 months. He said we probably just calculated wrong or you are just having a linebacker. Ouch! I thought, how am I going to get a watermelon out something the size of a lemon? So, sitting there, bladder full, wearing a lovely gown that tied in the back, listening to the tick tock of the clock, waiting for my name to be called, thought do I want to find out if it is a boy or a girl.
The tech came out of her dark, little room and asked us to come on in. I took my spot on the somewhat soft table/bed. A little nervous and wishing that this procedure would go by quickly so I could go pee!! It didn't help that it was a little chilly in that dark, little room.
The tech, I can't remember her name, started asking questions. "How old are you? How many weeks? Why are you here today? Gee, I don't know....maybe something to do with this bulging belly that looks like an alien could pop out of it at any moment."
"This is going to be a little cold," as she squeezed gel onto my belly. Barry was to my left and the tech, who was using her magic taser thingy to spread the gel around, was to my right. I could see the monitor and as she moved the thingy around this is what I SAW......
I DOUBLE blinked to focus again because I couldn't believe what I had just seen!!! The tech says, "Ah, let me zoom out." And did she zoom out!!! On the monitor were two, TWO little beings dancing around. One was kicking the other. In the picture, Baby B's (Spencer) head has a foot resting on it. Cross your eyes and you probably can see it. The tech said, "Oh, there are two membranes in here. Did you know that?" HELLO!!! The word TWO, two babies....OMG, I have to get two watermelons out!!! The tears started!!! Happiness, shock, anxiety, needing to pee like a race horse, LABOR, OMG, LABOR!!! I turn and look at Barry, who has this deer in headlight look, is swaying back and forth mumbling, "Double stroller, two car seats, two highchairs, dollar signs in his eyes.
The tech hands me a box of tissues and said, "I'll give you a few minutes. I need to go tell my supervisor that this will take a bit longer since I have to measure two instead of one baby!! Oh, great!! There goes any chance of going pee anytime soon!!!
So, Barry and I were just speechless. I lie there looking at Barry and he looking at me. Then we started laughing. TWINS!! Who knew!!!
The tech returns and starts her process of measuring and taking shots of Baby A. She would take the taser thingy and press it into my belly and bladder. She finally finished with Baby A.
"Can I please go pee just a little?" I pleaded!! She said, "Just a little bit." Thank you, thank you!!!
I returned and she started on Baby B (Spencer). "Do you want to know the sex of the babies?" I looked at Barry and we agreed that knowing the sex wouldn't be any more of a surprise than finding out that we were having twins!!!!
"Baby A is definitely a BOY!!! Baby B is being a bit shy but from this angle, she is now pressing on my bladder, looks to be a BOY as well. But on your next ultrasound, we will check again." WHAT? Next ultrasound!!! This took two hours and the whole time all I could think about is peeing!!! And the babies will be bigger and it will take longer to measure....OMG!! I will explode!!!
As she was printing out the shots of the boys, I waddled into the bathroom and never, never in my life, been so happy to perch myself upon the john!!!
I dressed, grabbed the pictures, scheduled my next ultrasound and headed for the car. Barry and I looked at each other, took a deep breath and just sat there. It was starting to sink in!!! TWINS!!! TWO of everything!!! Diapers, bottles, onesies, burp clothes, blankets, CRIBS!!!
By the time we got home, it had set in and we were on CLOUD NINE!! We couldn't wait to tell friends and family. OMG, family!! Ok, we are going home in a few weeks, we'll break the news then. But all our friends and neighbors in PA were so excited for us and just couldn't believe it!!!
It was June 17, 1994 in Uniontown, PA, that Barry and I sat waiting for our ultrasound appointment. We had no idea what we were about to learn. All I knew is that I really had to pee!!! My doctor wanted to have an ultrasound done since I was measuring BIGGER than what I should be at 4 months. He said we probably just calculated wrong or you are just having a linebacker. Ouch! I thought, how am I going to get a watermelon out something the size of a lemon? So, sitting there, bladder full, wearing a lovely gown that tied in the back, listening to the tick tock of the clock, waiting for my name to be called, thought do I want to find out if it is a boy or a girl.
The tech came out of her dark, little room and asked us to come on in. I took my spot on the somewhat soft table/bed. A little nervous and wishing that this procedure would go by quickly so I could go pee!! It didn't help that it was a little chilly in that dark, little room.
The tech, I can't remember her name, started asking questions. "How old are you? How many weeks? Why are you here today? Gee, I don't know....maybe something to do with this bulging belly that looks like an alien could pop out of it at any moment."
"This is going to be a little cold," as she squeezed gel onto my belly. Barry was to my left and the tech, who was using her magic taser thingy to spread the gel around, was to my right. I could see the monitor and as she moved the thingy around this is what I SAW......
I DOUBLE blinked to focus again because I couldn't believe what I had just seen!!! The tech says, "Ah, let me zoom out." And did she zoom out!!! On the monitor were two, TWO little beings dancing around. One was kicking the other. In the picture, Baby B's (Spencer) head has a foot resting on it. Cross your eyes and you probably can see it. The tech said, "Oh, there are two membranes in here. Did you know that?" HELLO!!! The word TWO, two babies....OMG, I have to get two watermelons out!!! The tears started!!! Happiness, shock, anxiety, needing to pee like a race horse, LABOR, OMG, LABOR!!! I turn and look at Barry, who has this deer in headlight look, is swaying back and forth mumbling, "Double stroller, two car seats, two highchairs, dollar signs in his eyes.
The tech hands me a box of tissues and said, "I'll give you a few minutes. I need to go tell my supervisor that this will take a bit longer since I have to measure two instead of one baby!! Oh, great!! There goes any chance of going pee anytime soon!!!
So, Barry and I were just speechless. I lie there looking at Barry and he looking at me. Then we started laughing. TWINS!! Who knew!!!
The tech returns and starts her process of measuring and taking shots of Baby A. She would take the taser thingy and press it into my belly and bladder. She finally finished with Baby A.
"Can I please go pee just a little?" I pleaded!! She said, "Just a little bit." Thank you, thank you!!!
I returned and she started on Baby B (Spencer). "Do you want to know the sex of the babies?" I looked at Barry and we agreed that knowing the sex wouldn't be any more of a surprise than finding out that we were having twins!!!!
"Baby A is definitely a BOY!!! Baby B is being a bit shy but from this angle, she is now pressing on my bladder, looks to be a BOY as well. But on your next ultrasound, we will check again." WHAT? Next ultrasound!!! This took two hours and the whole time all I could think about is peeing!!! And the babies will be bigger and it will take longer to measure....OMG!! I will explode!!!
As she was printing out the shots of the boys, I waddled into the bathroom and never, never in my life, been so happy to perch myself upon the john!!!
I dressed, grabbed the pictures, scheduled my next ultrasound and headed for the car. Barry and I looked at each other, took a deep breath and just sat there. It was starting to sink in!!! TWINS!!! TWO of everything!!! Diapers, bottles, onesies, burp clothes, blankets, CRIBS!!!
By the time we got home, it had set in and we were on CLOUD NINE!! We couldn't wait to tell friends and family. OMG, family!! Ok, we are going home in a few weeks, we'll break the news then. But all our friends and neighbors in PA were so excited for us and just couldn't believe it!!!
Monday, September 01, 2008
First Day of A New School Year
Monday, August 25th was the first day of school for the boys. Sawyer and Spencer are big 8th graders this year. Where have the years gone? Seems like yesterday, I was taking them to all day PRE-K in GA!!
Ethan is a big 5th grader. New school, locker, three teachers, riding the bus and responsibility!!! Bear and I are quite pleased with how he has adjusted to the schedule. It has only been one week so.....
Ethan is a big 5th grader. New school, locker, three teachers, riding the bus and responsibility!!! Bear and I are quite pleased with how he has adjusted to the schedule. It has only been one week so.....
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