WE'RE BACK! After a seriously long hiatus from this little blog that
surely just our moms are reading, I've decided it's a good way to
chronicle little moments shared with our crazy kiddos. I've so enjoyed
reading back at my earlier posts and reflecting on how much our lives
have changed. So, I'm determined to share some stories, if only to look
back and remember this incredibly sacred time. It seems too daunting of a
task to try and recap everything that's happened in the two years since
my last post, but here's a BRIEF synopsis:
We got the
surprise of a lifetime when we found out we were expecting twins. I'm
not sure if this is hindsight kicking in, but from the moment I took a
pregnancy test, I knew something about this was different. Obviously at
the time I would have guffawed at the idea I was having twins. My mom
even mentioned it could be possible, and I shot her a pretty sassy look,
like, yeah right mom, good one. But, lo and behold here we are with our
bouncing twin boys. I will never forget the exact moment that the
radiologist told us there were two little jellybeans in there- a moment
of pure shock and terror. Mostly terror. And shock. And oh my goodness
how are we going to do this?! It was, for lack of a better expression,
the ultimate plot twist!
After an extremely tough
pregnancy, our boys finally made it to this world at 32 weeks gestation.
They spent 30 days and nights in an intensive care unit. It's difficult
for me to find the appropriate words to describe this period. I'm full
of gratitude for modern science, as well as the relentless team of
medical professionals who kept our babies alive. However, my mommy heart
is left with many scars, and because of that I'd rather not write much
more about our time spent there (or post too pictures. I much prefer
looking at their round, fat, cherubic faces that they dawn today).
Fast forward five months, and voila! Here we are. Again, I'm at a
loss for the correct way to describe what's been happening in our little
house. The twins are thriving. We've worked very hard to keep them safe
and protected against the world. This is something I'm working through
to help remind myself that the world is not an evil, germy place. But,
remember... heart scars. Eric and I continue to revamp a good routine as
the boys grow and change. Having two at the same time is not as
difficult as one might expect. Luckily, our little peanuts are very
well-behaved! Since we had zero expectations other than a lot of
sleepless nights, we are beyond happy that these two are mellow
fellows.
Here are some pics from the last year or so.
This compilation is pretty arbitrary- just some of my favorite
milestones and little treasured moments:
I think this was taken sometime in March 2015. I was feeling absolutely terrible (morning sickness), but was determined for Pookah to have a great day outside.
The first and only 3-D pic we have of the twins. Even at 12 weeks they loved to cuddle!
Pooks
used to have to take her naps on someone (something I didn't know I
would miss so much!) Sleeping ON me was getting difficult! This pic was
taken before I had announced I was pregnant. I mean seriously, who did I
think I was kidding?!
This was the first time Scotland had to have something at the store. Her precious Anna doll.
My
group of kiddos last year were SO DANG CUTE! I took this pic because I
was, again, feeling like the crypt keeper, but they all were working so
quietly. I said, "I'm taking a picture of how amazing you all are right
now!"
This
was one of my favorite days. A little activity where each student got
to place their bets on the gender of the babies. We had a blast! They
were mostly excited that they got candy at the end.
My
last day of teaching. This was SO bittersweet for me. I've always
wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom, but also treasure my role as an
educator. I got to end the year with a great group of firsties, but miss my soul-mates terribly.
Swim time!
Dog days of Summer spent eating ice cream and chillin' with Daddy.
Sporting my awesome gear to feel slightly more comfortable (at Turnbow Reunion in Midway)
Sleeping Beauty
Putting together cribs for the boys!
I was on bed rest in this pic. I savored my tiny trips outside. This was a very, very difficult time for me!
Of course, my amazing team pulls through when I needed it the most!! Where would I be without them?!
One of my many trips to the hospital. Checking fluids and heartbeats. All was well this day.
I've
skipped over the birth of the babes- I don't have any pics of it for
one thing, and secondly I'm not even sure I can type all that happened
that night! This pic is SO sacred to me. After eleven days, I finally
got to hold my little Eddie. Pure joy doesn't even begin to cover it.
Another
mind-boggling, poignant moment for me. The first time holding both boys
at the same time. Our angel of a pediatrician along with LDS hospital made arrangements for Eddie to be transferred back to LDS
to be with his brother (he was transported to another, more intensive
care unit at a different hospital the day after he was born). It truly
made me gain faith in humanity. I didn't realize how challenging it was
for this to happen what with cost of transportation, medical crew, etc. and since there wasn't a 'medical' need for him to come back, we felt stuck. I will never forget what the nurse manager said to me when she told me they would pay for him to come back. She said, "this isn't about money, it's about family". whenever I think about it I just touch my heart and
shake my head, there are no words.
Daddy holding the boys.
HOME!!!!
This picture was taken the day she came down with 'THE COLD'. My nerves were SHOT! But, we made it through just fine.
Our Aunty Lauren. My goodness how I needed her.
Eddie Freddie!
Getting big! Yet still so tiny :)
Peacock Pookah!
Imprinted on my heart.
Elly Belly! (Elliott)
She loves being a sissy
Starting to smile!
I adore this photo. Her face says it all. "I'm not doing anything..." Yeah right!
Daddy time
All swaddled up (Elliott)
Transportation at it's finest.
First family pic of FIVE
Presents are all set out!
Scotland was a bit apprehensive to play in the snow, but then realized it's one of life's bests.
I love this pic!
Elly Belly!
Big Ed, Little Ed
Makin' Rainbows
Eddie Freddie looking so serious!
FRIENDS!! This was a huge step for me and thank goodness for Aunty Lauren. They had a BLAST!
A face a get A LOT! Man, being two is tough.
Bath time for Elliott!
Making Valentines.
As
they are getting older, they are beginning to look more and more
different! We love examining their perfect little features.
Party time, excellent!
Her stubbed toe didn't stand a chance.
Celebrating with my LOVES!!!
UH, WHAT?!?! Eric surprised me with this peridot/diamond necklace for all of my August babies. I couldn't believe it. I will cherish this forever!!!!!
Haha! We've had fun thinking of lots of captions for this photo.
One of my favorite little moments. Pookah and I spend our morning together. I sip on coffee while she eats her precious cereal while we watch the world go by. I soak it in!
Hopefully it won't be two years until my next post!
