Merry Christmas

Since about December First, I've been telling myself I just want the Baby Jesus version of Christmas. So much has been going on around here, between work, selling our house and moving, the sadness of so many civil wars around the world, the depressing news about so many police officers around here being shot. . . it just all seems to busy and chaotic. All I want this year is peace. Peace for you, peace for my family.

I pray you all get to experience the Baby Jesus version of Christmas too, regardless of your beliefs. Christ came way before Santa, and when I think of that tiny little infant born in a manger so many years ago, it makes me stop and quiet, feeling humbled and blessed that I have a chance to be somebody good--to show others who Christ is. To try to make this world better. Perhaps it's because of my own two miracles that I feel especially drawn to the Baby this year--I want this world to be so perfect for them. For their innocense to stay strong--for them to never know pain. How elated Mary and Joseph must have been with their miracle. This year I just pause to think of the Baby--how that Baby changes everything, if only we believe.

Liam and Grace get to put Baby Jesus in the manger tonight at our church's Christmas Eve service. Not that they'll remember, but I'll tell them about it. I pray to Jesus that we're able, as parents, to show the peace of Baby Jesus to our children and others through their whole lives. That they'll grow up with the same hope and faith that we have. That someday, they'll be able to tell about and show others the peaceful Baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas.

Grace Eats Cereal

I've been waiting and waiting to feed these kids! How fun! And they totally LOVE sitting in their new "big" chairs. Grace is still figuring out how to make her tongue work, but she's coming along. . .

Grace Bath Time

Liam Bath Time

I actually got some bath footage. On a quiet night, nonetheless, but bath time all the same.

Twins Class Reunion

Forgot to post this a while
ago. On October 11th, we got together with our multiples parenting class we took at Swedish Hospital. Only seven out of the twelve couples were able to make it, unfortunately. All of these babies were born within about a month-and-a-half of each other. Liam and Grace actually got to be roommates in the nursery for a couple of weeks with another set born 22 hours later--we still get together with their parents. Thought it'd be fun for the kids to stay friends.

Totally fun and chaotic. Interestingly enough, out of the seven sets of twins there--all were boy/girl sets except one twin girl and one twin boy set.

Halloween Photos

Some lady friends of mine, Sandra and Jean, were kind enough to get the kids Halloween costumes this year. (I wasn't going to bother, as I knew they wouldn't really be thrilled with the idea--thought I could save a little money. They weren't so fond of the idea of NO costumes, though.) Although they only lasted about ten minutes--enough for the pictures--at least we can say they had some. And whilst a little big--they did look pretty stinkin' cute.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/Halloween?feat=directlink

Happy Half-Birthday, my loves!

It's so very hard for me to believe that six months ago today, I became a mother at 4:30 am. There are times when it seems these two have been around forever, and other times where I suddenly feel sad for the time going so quickly.

I WAS born to be a mother. I just never knew how rewarding or life changing it would be. When faced with that obstacle of "Will it ever happen?"--well, there was nothing more depressing to me. When we were told that twins were on the way, my heart skipped a beat and changed. I still look at these two and have to cry; tears of happiness. Words cannot express how blessed I feel when I look at these little miracle babies. I usually think of myself as a good writer, but when it comes to describing my thoughts towards Liam and Grace, I find myself stumbling and somewhat speechless. Sean and I have both agreed--that it really doesn't matter what happens to us--where we live, what jobs we have, etc.--now that we have these two, life is complete. Period.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/SixMonthsOld?feat=directlink

Bath Time

Just a couple of cute little pictures. I took videos, too, but some "private parts" were exposed. Not sure about posting that on the internet? I'll try again later.
Either way, these kids are CUTE!

(The flash must not have been working, thus they're a little fuzzy. Sorry.)

Babies' First Ferry Ride

( Grace on top; Liam on bottom. Yes, that's a seagull about to enter his ear. . .)

Took the kids out for a lazy Sunday drive this past weekend, more to test their limits in their car seats than anything else. Drove down to Tacoma, up the narrows bridge, then took the Southworth Ferry back to Fauntleroy. They did great! Liam is a great sleeper in the car--just not at night. Grace likes to "talk" in the car--hardly ever sleeps--but sleeps great at night. Too bad we couldn't get them to do the same thing at the same time. Oh well--makes for some very entertaining moments.

Banana Bread

Kind of been craving it lately. Not sure why. Need to make some soon, I'm afraid. Here's the recipe I always use--comes from my mom, of course. LOVE IT! Turns out so moist and delicious. . .I've actually known people to fight over it before.


Makes 3 loaves (freezes well, but also makes a great gift!).

3 c. sour cream
4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. butter, softened
3 c. sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
5 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp. salt
5 c. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three nine-inch loaf pans well and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix sour cream and baking soda, then set aside. (Don't try to cheat the bowl size--the mix needs room to expand; will almost double in size.)

Meanwhile, cream butter, sugar, and eggs together. Add vanilla and bananas and mix well again. Add sour cream mixture to banana mix, and stir well. Then, incorporate flour and salt until no lumps remain, but try not to over mix.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. (Start testing at 50 minutes, but it may take longer. Test about every four minutes afterwards until done.)

Let finished loaves rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to baking rack to cool completely before storing.

* I've made regular loaves, mini loaves, and muffins out of this mix. Just need to adjust baking times. Can also add toasted walnuts, chocolate chips, etc. It's all good.

Saint Joseph, SELL OUR HOUSE!

So, the house has been on the market for a little over a month now, and no offers. For those of you who've been over, everyone who's toured says they love the house, but can't deal with the noise from the highway. Ugh.

I was complaining to my (Catholic) friend Lyndsay about it, and she told me I need to bury a statue of St. Joseph in my yard. Huh? She even called the local Catholic book store to see if they had "the St. Joseph statue that helps sell your house." Yes, they replied--they had five different models.

We went to pick it up today, and I'm thrilled to hury up and get home to bury it. We have a tour tonight at 6:30pm, and another Saturday morning so far. We also just dropped the price yesterday, so something's got to work in our favor! I'll let you know how it goes. . . .

Instructions:

1. Ask St. Joseph to intercede for you before the Lord for your requests, including the selling of your home.

2. Bury or place Saint Joseph's statue on the property.

3. Bury the statue upside down with the feet pointing heavenwards. Some face it toward the home; others face it away, towards the new home. The location varies also: near the "For Sale" sign, in the back yard, in one corner, or in a flower pot for condo owners. (I'm leaning towards planting it in the garden, facing towards our house.)

4. When your house sells, make sure to bring the statue with you to your new home and place it in a place of honor as a reminder to thank God.

"Dear St. Joseph, God the Father chose you from all men to be the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. You cared thoughtfully and wholeheartedly for them while on Earth. It was through you that Jesus first learned of His Heavenly Father's gentleness, compassion, protection, and provision. So close were you that He was known simply as the Carpenter's son.

We now ask your help in these our requests. Please intercede before our Heavenly Father for His protection, provision and peace. Help us sell our home and find a new one, suitable for our needs.

Grant us harmony and grace in our home, and may we be ever hospitable to family, friends and neighbors.

Finally, when our life on this earth is over, bring us safely to our heavenly home, where at last we shall enjoy eternal joy with you and all the family of God. Amen.

May you be blessed! Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. Saint Joseph, Patron of a Happy Home and Safeguard of Families, pray for us."

NOW GO DO YOUR THING!!!!

Was I really THAT pregnant?!

My friend Jen just sent me this picture that we took on a quick jaunt up to see the flowers in Skagit Valley this past April. I was just lamenting at how I couldn't quite remember what it felt like, or what I looked like. This photo certainly reminded me. How I couldn't bend over. I couldn't turn while sitting. How swollen I was. . .how much I loved carrying my two little lovelies. How glad I am to see them smile and laugh at me in the mornings now. . . .

September Trip to Idaho

We were originally going to drive to Idaho, but seeming how our dear little Grace has made it pretty apparent that she's not a fan of being in her car seat for any length of time, combined with some frequent flier miles--flying seemed like a much more logical choice. Every one kept saying, "Oh, it'll be so easy. They sleep the whole way. Blah, blah, blah." Well, it wasn't horrible. But my children don't sleep the whole way of anything. Especially the girl. WAY too much to see and do. Oh well--I'd give them a three out of five for traveling skills so far. We'll keep working on it.

It was a great trip--Ashley's (my sister--the oldest) family was there as well, so that was fun. They live in Bloomington, IN, and since kids are everywhere now--real visits have come few and far between. And Todd's (middle child) family lives in Boise, so we got to spend time with them, too.

One of the most important things while we were there, was that my (maternal) grandfather--the twins' great-grandfather, a retired minister, was able to perform their baby dedication and baptism ceremony at my folks' church. The only way I can describe these kids is--they are a total gift from God. We wanted children--even one--so badly, and after all the sadness we went through to get this far, and how blessed we feel now--it only feels right to "give" them right back to the One we were blessed by. Liam wore Sean's Grandpa Joe's baptism gown, and Grace wore my mom's gown that my great-grandmother made for her. I'm such a sentimental sap--I can't even describe how awesome this was to me.

It was hard not to cry, of course. Well, at least I tried to hold it back. Liam and Grace both let it out when Grandpa touched their heads with water. Made for a lot of laughing. It was especially moving that so many of our extended family members were there to support us, too. My cousin Joy and her family, including her little guy born three days before ours, were even there. (They live in Minnesota.)

As we had just listed the house for sale the day before we left, I extended mine and the twins' trip to two weeks there. Sean went back home after a week--had to return to work. So, while he got five nights of uninterrupted sleep, I can say I managed two babies. My awesome mom had to get up a couple times at night to help, but I really did do it on my own a few times.

(There is a mom in our multiples class that is "alone" to raise her twin boys--bless her. I have absolutely no idea how she can do it. On that note, I'm still waiting for Sean to realize just how lucky he was for those five nights, and come doting on me with jewelry, spa days, etc. But then I keep having to be appreciative for the countless nights he gets up with me to feed babies--there are a lot of men who don't see that as their responsibility. . . love my man!)

Any way, the trip was full of lots of visiting with countless friends and family, and I enjoyed it all. Was great to see my old friends Tami and Cindy (and their families) that I grew up with. The Vehlows have always been like second parents, etc., etc.

We got my mom a quick turnaround plane ticket to help me get home, and all ended well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/IdahoTrip?feat=directlink

Random Fall Photos

It's amazing how productive one can be on her lunch hour. Even more photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/RandomFallPhotos?feat=directlink

Five months and counting.

I took them in for a weight check, and Liam weighed 14 lbs. 15 oz. Grace was 11 lbs. 12 oz. The difference is very, very real once you hold them both.

So, for this photo session, my dear friend Kathryn had come over to help with the kids for the day. I told her I needed some help with taking their five month pictures--she was in. She suggested stuffing them inside hollowed out pumpkins, and I figured--hey--why not? So, after a mad dash to the store to find appropriate sized pumpkins and hollow them out, we cut leg holes surely big enough to fit small babies inside.

We took extra precaution to wrap their thighs in saran wrap to prevent any sticking, I lined the pumpkins with towels to help protect against the cold, and we stuck their legs through 4-gallon-sized trash bags that we could pull up around them to keep them dry.

It didn't matter. At the first "dip" of Grace into the pumpkin, she emitted very loud wailing noises. I thought, well, before we put the "screamer" in, I should cut both pumpkins' leg holes a little bigger. It didn't matter. Liam was also just as angry. Probably more so.

So, after much consoling, hollowing one pumpkin out entirely, removing potentially harmful bags (of which Liam certainly did try to insert into his mouth), and dressing children in festive fall clothing, the following photo session did occur. We didn't even bother trying to put Grace into a pumpkin on round two. . .she's so sensitive. . .such a baby. . . .

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/FiveMonthsOld?feat=directlink

Four Month Old Photos

Yes, yes, they're a little late. Better late than never. I did take these on their four-months birthday, though. (Friday, Sept. 4th)

I cannot believe how unbelievably stinking cute my children are. Holy cow.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/FourMonthsOld?feat=directlink

Seriously--three months?

Wow, I knew the blog was outdated, but I didn't realize how much until looking this morning. Not even sure who reads this or how often, but sorry for the delay.

I returned to work part time on October 6th, and it's been a "different" adjustment. We found a nanny to watch the kids at home--bless her--and they both seem to respond really well to her. What a relief--with all the flu bugs and such going around, I would be extremely paranoid if my kids were in daycare. We were warned when they were both in the hospital, that due to their prematurity and Liam's underdeveloped lungs, that they'd be more prone to catching RSV, flu, colds, etc.

I am really liking getting up to take a shower every morning and dress in real clothes, other than my standard uniform of the summer--sweats and t-shirts. I do believe Sean likes the change too. ;0)

I still need to get better at getting myself together every morning, but this month has allowed me to really figure it out before I return full time in November. I thought I was doing okay today, then had a bad commute. Draw bridge, train, and a broken down UPS truck on the viaduct. Hmmmm. . . .I guess there'll be those days.

Lucky for me, I get my monthly massage tonight. Hope I don't fall asleep. Or hope I do?

Liam's First Encounter with Cheez-Its

Oh, Sean. . . .

Coconut Cream Pie

I was so excited with how this turned out, I just had to share! Definitely a pie worth making, in our opinion.

http://www.recipezaar.com/triple-threat-coconut-cream-pie-381396

Grace is Smiling and "Talking"!

She's right on track, as we knew. My prediction is, based on her rate of development, she'll be walking by nine or ten months. She's already a mover!

Mad Babies

Baby Baby

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/TwoMonthsOld?authkey=Gv1sRgCPjjoYb8it2ifw&feat=directlink

Mockingbird

Sean's decided that the old nursery song, Papa's Gonna' Buy You a Mockingbird, is too girly for Liam. Sure, he'll sing it to Grace any time, but he's working on a new and improved "boy" version.

Hush little baby, don't get upset
Papa's gonna' buy you a big Lego set.

If that Lego set has no rocket,
Papa's gonna' buy you a quarter-inch socket.

If that quarter-inch socket is broken,
Papa's gonna' buy you a golden token.

If that golden token won't pay off,
Papa will make fun of David Hasselhoff.

. . . . to be continued. Good start, though. We're currently looking for any suggestions to finish.

Two Month Check-Up

Today was our two month check-up. Photo above is of the two squirts on the exam table. While Liam was four ounces behind Grace at birth, you'd never know it now!

Liam is now 21.25" long, and weighs in at 9lb 12oz.
Grace is 20.50" long, and weighs 8lb 11oz.

Developmentally, we've always been told we have to rank them on their gestational age--not their actual age. However, the doctor gave us a list of things 2-4 m/o's should be doing right now, and we're pretty much right on track!

• Makes babbling, cooing sounds -- Just starting
• Eyes follow moving objects; focuses closely on faces -- check
• Head bobs when held sitting -- Liam definitely, Grace is starting to
• Reaches for objects, may hold rattle briefly -- not yet
• Rolls side to side -- check
• Smiles; responds and enjoys people -- check, but still needs more progress
  

Formula got adjusted--so far they're much happier eating. No spit up to report. They each got two shots and one oral vaccine. Cried hard for a minute, then they were done.

Whew. The biggest relief is that they sleep well at night. We're only getting up once late night, then again early morning. Wouldn't be surprised if they start sleeping through the night within a couple more months, if they keep it up. Niiiiiiiccccceeee.

Missing Dottie

Just missing my old friend, Dottie, a little today. She was a donor of mine at The Salvation Army. A lonely old lady with whom I struck a unique friendship. We shared a lot of woes together, and she never failed to surprise me with her insight on men. This, being a woman who never married, but knew a lot about the other sex.

Dottie died just before Christmas this past year. Her sister, who lived across the street, died almost exactly two years earlier. When I was helping Dottie clean out Elenore's house, she cut off some rose starts from outside the house--she knew she was dying of cancer, and couldn't bare the thought of the houses being sold without any one she knew caring for the roses. I was skeptical at first, but today when I looked outside my front window, I see the first blossom of two growing. I know she'd be so proud. And I'm so happy I'm able to carry on with a little part of her.

Hope you see 'em, Dottie. You'd be impressed with my green thumb, for sure!

Silly cat.

No Jackson, we did not get the bird feeder for you!

Happy Father's Day.

My whole life growing up, I knew I had a special dad. He was kind, gentle, a quiet but strong protector--always meant and still does mean the world to me. In the awkward adolescence stage, we went on "dates," which always made me feel on top of the world. He taught me things--most trying was probably learning the stick-shift. Even thought I know I made him crazy numerous times, he gritted his teeth and muscled through it. I'm fairly certain--at least don't remember--my dad ever raising his voice to me, and yet I always respected him. I've cherished each and every moment, then and now.

As I got older and started dating, I compared every guy to my dad. Most fell very short. If they didn't mirror a lot of my dad's qualities--they were made to hit the road. Most did fairly shortly--I kind of feel sorry for them now. They didn't even stand a chance! One final sticking point my dad--the all-knowing handy man--always pointed out to my sister and I was that, "If we can't marry someone who can fix everything like he can, we'd better marry someone who could afford to pay someone else to fix everything like he could." I listened!

Not only can Sean fix everything like my dad, but he works hard to provide for his family. He's conscientious and kind, and loved by many. He's always treated me with respect, and is quick to complement. (What woman doesn't need that?!)

But what's making me fall in love all over again with him is watching him now as a dad. He's SSSSSSOOOOOOO loving with both kids, and I can tell already he has that extremely important father-daughter bond with Grace that I so hoped would be there. I do believe it's critical for how well-grounded women turn out to be--that relationship with their father growing up. Grace is set! Sean worries when they're feeling bad or fussy, and he spends extra time to make sure their every need is met. He holds them "just because," isn't afraid to change poopy diapers, and races home from work each day just so he can help and hold. He's proud to show them off in public, and quick to stress when deciphering each little cry.

Happy Father's Day, to my dad and the dad I married. I couldn't be a luckier gal.

Two Little Darlings

Cool Little Liam.

Happy Little Grace.

Snuggle Bugs.

Just a quick word about their personalities. Grace? She's mellow, bright-eyed, and is a total Daddy's girl. She only figured out how to cry at about a month old, and the first time she did--it scared her and broke our hearts. Now, she's learning quickly how to use her little voice when she wants to be held. The only way we know she's hungry is when we hear/see her sucking on her fist. She's a real beauty, though a little flat-headed still from being wedged in my ribs for so long. Very calm, and very simple. Sean calls her his little squash--she curls up so tight on his chest. Definitely a little princess. . .


And then there's Liam. Liam is an Irish name, that actually means "strong willed warrior." We couldn't have picked a more fitting name for him. Not only was he a fighter in the NICU, surpassing everyone's expectations for oxygen needs, etc.--but he has such a strong personality already now! Goes from calm to on fire in about five seconds flat when he wakes up and decides he's hungry. Yeah, he gives notice. For about a millisecond--then you're in trouble. His hair is RED, too! Follows after his Grammy Gigi. (Sean's mom.) He's got the personality of a strong Irish boy, although he really softens up for mommy. He's our little pipsqueak--always making cute little squeaky noises awake and asleep, and has a raspy little grunt when he's hungry.

How to Feed a Baby

You know, I'm beginning to wonder when breastfeeding became such a public forum of discussion. Why everyone seems to think they have the right to know how I'm feeding my children. I've thought long and hard about this--finally figured I needed to vent. Granted, it's a bit personal--but if everyone seems to think it's okay to ask about such a personal matter--then I'd rather settle things once and for all. I've been trying to figure out if people ask because they're wondering how it goes with twins, or they're simply really too nosey?

My milk never came in. There--I said it. We can sum it up to a million different possibilities as to why, but it simply just isn't there. The few people that have asked, and I light-heartedly try to tell them. . .well, some simply act mortified that I wouldn't do everything I could do to continue giving them my milk. People--it wasn't a choice! I tried every remedy I could, natural and pharmaceutical, and I couldn't produce enough to feed even one. The heartbreak I felt going through this was intense and very agonizing. But then I had to snap out of it and make some smart decisions, because two babies were going to need a strong, competent mom, and they weren't going to wait for me to dilly-dally. I couldn't mope about because things didn't go as I had planned. And especially with twins--there's no time for moping!

So, I made a choice. Yes, I'm using formula. But no, it doesn't mean I'm less of a person. I thought for a while it did, but then I see how well the kiddos are growing, and how lucky I am that they're healthy. And they love me for just taking care of them. That's what counts!

When our parents or even grandparents were having babies, it was often considered taboo to breastfeed. A woman was abnormal for wanting to try. Some women even took shots to make their milk dry up faster. So, now that things have changed, gals in our era act like the world is ending if you can't feed your baby. I was one of them. Not only do I have a newfound sympathy for other mothers who go through this, but need to tell other people to think twice before you ask. Is it really your business? If a mom tells you no, or that she had problems, are you prepared to still be positive in return? And please--don't try to compare your breastfeeding stories to bottle feeding. No one wants to hear it, trust me. Just a word to the wise.

And let me tell you, I have an amazing husband. As we're not entirely reliant on me now for feeding, he gets up every night with one child (usually Grace--she's enamored with him) and feeds and nurtures them. The twins are having an unusually early opportunity to bond with their dad, for which I am grateful. Also grateful for the added moments of sleep this has allowed me.

First Sunday in Church

The day I found out we were having a boy and girl, I told Sean I had to go shopping! I bought two outfits that I swore would be worn their first Sunday in church. Low and behold, conditions finally worked out to be able to take them this past week (June 14th). I believe they got a very warm welcome.

This is Tea and Carl from church.
Liam matched Carl--was too cute.
Had to take picture. Ah, kids.

It's Business Time

You try feeding two newborns at once. Challenging to say the least. I believe I've found a solution.

Shout Out to Pledge Fabric Sweepers!

No, this isn't really baby related. Or maybe it is. But for anyone with indoor pets, you have got to give this a try!

Being home all day with a periodic chance to watch t.v., I fell prey to a commercial for the sweeper with promises to collect all the pet hair in your house with a couple of easy swipes. Sean laughed when I brought it home, but GUESS WHAT! It works like a charm!

They retail for about five bucks give or take, and are disposable--but I'd spend $20 for the ease and effectiveness. Seriously--I haven't found anything better to collect T-Bone's hair. . .that she likes to leave everywhere. Those tape rolls don't measure up at all.

Get one. You'll be very pleased.

http://www.pledge.com/fabric-sweeper/

Gestationally speaking. . .

They're here! Friday, June 12th was our official due date. We "celebrated" by a trip to the doctor for a check up.

Liam is now 20" long and 7lbs.10oz. Grace is 19" long and 7lbs. 2.5oz. As soon as we got them home, they started packing on the weight. I'd have to say that while obviously--hospitals know how to take care of babies, and we're so glad they took such good care of ours--they're doing so much better at home!

Dr. Scott even said that developmentally, they're tracking at their real age, not the corrected gestational age. I'm convinced we're raising two little geniuses.

Here's a photo of them I snapped at the doctor's office. Happy Gestational Birthday, babies! You are amazing!

They've Arrived.

Little Grace at birth.


Little Liam at birth. This is still how he likes to "pose" for diaper changes. Really fun.

In case you didn't know, Liam and Grace are already almost seven weeks old. A friend of mine who I hadn't been able to keep in touch with emailed about a week ago, and was like, "Hey--you haven't updated your blog lately. What's up?"

Well, friends, my life changed dramatically. On Friday, May 1st, I went to see Dr. Levine in the afternoon, as my legs were so swollen and painful I couldn't hardly take it any more. He'd been telling me all along that yeah, it's part of pregnancy. And the more baby you carry, the more swollen you get. Well, I could barely bend my legs at that point! He did some blood work, called me back a bit later to tell me my kidney function was a bit off, but he didn't think it was a big deal. He wanted me to come into the hospital that following Sunday (he would be there on call), to do a bit more blood work. And oh yeah--bring a suitcase just in case, because if the numbers were too wacky, he'd deliver the twins--we were at that point. He also mentioned that b/c of the lack of change in my body, he still thought I'd get to week 37 without much hassle.

He also said that due to my discomfort, he'd like to "disable" me, so I could quit working (and basically moving), and live like the queen I was destined to be. I had only planned on working one more week anyway, so it was no biggie. So Sean and I go home, I take roost in my recliner, and start making LONG lists of things he had to do--as I medically no longer could not. :0)

We sat around for most of the evening, neither one feeling like making dinner or going to get anything. Finally, around 9:30 that night, we decided we were hungry. Went for a quick run to Taco Bell, and ate in the car on the way home. At 10:15, I declared I was going up to bed. Of course every pregnant woman has to pee before that happens. I did, and when I stood up to wash my hands, I felt a quick weird cramp then something starting to gush.

WAS I PEEING MY PANTS?!?! I had just peed--weird. I sat back down, and went between trickling and gushing. Sean was still downstairs--I didn't want to alarm him, so I waited. After about fifteen minutes, when it wouldn't quit, I yelled a timid "Honey?!" To which he came running. I told him I thought my water might have broken, but wasn't sure, so he sits on the edge of the tub and starts googling the subject. (Thank goodness for I-Phones!) It should be clear, it should smell sweet. Sean wanted me to smell it. WHAT?! I told him too--he declined. After another twenty minutes, we finally decided to call the doctor. She said the only way to know was to come in so they could test the fluid.

Luckily, my bag was packed, but I needed to feed the cats and brush my teeth. Sean couldn't understand why I'd want to brush my teeth when I had an emergency--but who knows how long it'd take before I could do it again? We finally go out of there, and when they tested the fluid--there was no doubt I was having some babies. We sat for a long time in disbelief waiting for the motions to happen at the hospital. Neither one of us had prepared for that moment yet, and I certainly didn't imagine it would happen that way.

The doctor had to deliver three other babies before she could take mine. I had to have a c-section (they were both in weird breech positions), so all the regular births got to go first. We waited in a birthing room for a couple of hours, then I picked myself up, walked into the operating room, and the rest is history.

On Saturday, May 2nd at 4:28am, we welcomed Liam Robert, 4lbs 10.2 oz. & 17 3/4" long. At 4:29am, we welcomed Gratiana "Grace" Ruth, 4lbs. 14.8oz. & 17 3/4" long.

As they were early--I had just made it to 34 weeks--Liam's lungs weren't quite developed yet, and both needed to learn to control their body temperatures and learn to eat well. They were in the NICU for five days, then moved into the "grower nursery" (ISCU) for the rest of the time. They came home together on Friday, May 22nd.

We've never been more tired, or more happy.

33 Weeks and Counting. . .

(Horrible picture of me--I know. But it was the last belly photo before they were born!)

Well, as a lot of you know from my Facebook activity, I got my fat feet shoes yesterday and let me just say--what a marked improvement! My feet are actually breathing again.

It was a good day yesterday--had another full ultrasound. Took nearly two hours, as neither baby wanted to cooperate with the tech. Should have only lasted about twenty minutes--I was MORE than ready to get out of there!

Liam is currently "frank breech," meaning he's sitting directly (and boy can I feel it!) on my cervix, head in the middle of my abdomen with his toes near his eyes. Grace is still "transverse"--which she has been most of the time. Luckily, she's gotten big enough she's only partially wedged in my ribs now--she's dropped her head to be down right next to Liam's. They're so close now--pretty cute. Anyway, her head is still towards my left, and her body drapes down my whole right side. Her feet look like they're resting on my hip bone. A little peculiar, but as long as she's comfy. . . .

Based on their measurements, Grace has slightly edged out Liam now. She's 4 lbs. 15 oz. (72nd %ile), and Liam is 4 lbs. 14oz. (69th %ile). Another couple of days and they'll hit the five pound marker! They don't even attempt to get length with multiples, I guess, because of their positions. But we're getting to good sizes--officially out of the premie stage, which is a big relief! I had to look again at their bottoms, too, because I still can't believe how lucky we are to be getting one of each, but yes, it's true. Yesterday's views made it very apparent. Unfortunately,
neither would pose properly, so I didn't even get one ultrasound picture, but I can't complain.

We're about done getting the house ready. The cats are trying to find their places with all the chaos, too. I had to laugh at this one, because we've had the bassinets set up for nearly two weeks, but I hadn't "made" them yet. The day after I put sheets on and set a couple of "pillows" inside, Jackson decides he's found a new bed. Little bugger. . .

Week 31. Ooof.

Sean keeps telling me I don't look any bigger--but all I can say is I FEEL GI-NORMOUS! The doctor told me at my last appointment he could easily induce at week 37 instead of 38, based on their rapid growth. I say "take 'em out now!," but I know they still need a little time to incubate.

On March 19th, at my last ultrasound, they were both over three pounds. Dr. L told me then they were growing at about a half-pound per week. Well, that makes them 4 1/2 each now, and boy howdy are they taking up a lot of room. He said they'd continue at that rate until about the end of April, then they'd start to slow down. Oooof again.

Lastnight we went swimming at our local community pool, and it felt as if the weight of the world (or at least two babies) was temporarily lifted. I'm going to make Sean take me a lot in the next month. Oh, and I'm starting to waddle, I'm afraid. And getting out of bed at night to pee now takes me longer for the out/in debacle than the actually peeing. I'm snoring so much Sean's sleeping in the guest bed. My cankles are officially here to stay--they go down quite a bit at night, but otherwise--I'm trying to adjust to the constant tightness. (And yes, the doctor's seen them and says it's fine--to be expected as long as my blood pressure is okay, which it is.)

Anyhoo, things are progressing marvelously, and we're still feeling blessed! The clothes are washed and put away, we've got the bouncy seats and bassinets assembled, one crib down with one more to go. The car seats are ready to be installed, the double snap-n-go is assembled--now we wait.

Took a picture this morning of what I see when I look down at my desk at work. Put a pen in there for comparison. Sorry for the sideways view, but you get the (LARGE) point.

The Twins

A few photos of the little ones. This by any means isn't all of them, but gives you a pretty good idea about where they're at now.

At my last ultrasound on March 19th, Liam was measuring 3lb.1oz, and Grace was 3 lbs. even. He's head down (as he should be), and she's nestled nicely inside my rib cage, with her head on my left side, facing my back. I'm definitely not the most comfortable, but as long as she is. . .

At their current rate, the doctor projected they're gaining about 1/2 pound a week. And said he expects me to carry them until he has to induce. So basically, no small babies here! I hope they slow down, because at that rate. . .that's two 8-lb. babies before he's ready to induce--that's too much!

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsbattle1/TheTwins?feat=directlink

Our Babymoon To Hawaii

Lots of you have asked about our trip to Hawaii. We tried posting on a different website, but it didn't work well. So, try this link to our Hawaii album. Hopefully it'll work this time?!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QmbrncZeR8Q9DFuO9Fyy_A?feat=directlink

Hello!

In an effort to keep folks updated on our rapidly changing world, we've decided to start a blog. Can hardly believe it--and hope we can keep up with it--but thought we'd give it a whirl.

As many of you know, we've been waiting and anticipating the arrival of our twins on May 28th, 2009. It seems like it's taken forever to get to this point, yet--we're only about nine weeks away! There's currently a little over six pounds of baby in Angie already, and it's hard to imagine how crazy it'll all be (big) before we're done!

Both babies are strong and healthy, and right on target for good growth. Growing so well it's getting harder and harder for mama to get around, sleep, etc. But these miracles are worth it!