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Stories January 9, 2008 Okay so it's not just going to be one bad day or even two... the whole week is just going to stink! Today was no better than Monday or Tuesday. The morning started out bad because Brady and Cooper decided they both were starving at the exact same moment. I didn't have time to empty my bladder not to mention my eyes were still stuck together. I fixed 2 bottles and sat in the middle of the couch with one little infant head on each thigh and stuck the bottle in their mouths. They looked like conjoined twins at the head sucking away. After that meltdown (and answering natures call) I decided to take the kids to lunch (compliments of Uncle Steven and family). Lunch actually went well so I said "Let's go to Barnes and Noble and Target." Whoa... that was too much! I realized that we MUST put the triple stroller together if I want to go anywhere that doesn't have a grocery cart. Gabrielle and Connor were running wild. It was like they had been let out of their little cages. Books were flying all over the place as they all 3 ran in different directions. That's when it hit me... they so know that they outnumber me! We left the bookstore and headed to Target. We were only their for 5 minutes when I said "Enough, we are going home." I did purchase pack of batteries. I paid for them with tears filling my eyes. The poor cashier... I think she wanted to come home with me. Everyone took nice long naps except for Jackson who took the worlds shortest nap. I dozed off for a while but not nearly long enough. Brad got home somewhere around 7:30pm... after I had already done baths. I think he plans it that way (giggle). Random thought... maybe I could run them through the dishwasher one at a time! haha I bathe so many people in this house I can't remember if I was one of them or not. Better shower tonight to be sure. I did run back to Target when Brad got home... I felt like a zombie walking the aisles. I still am not sure what I bought... I hope it was something edible because our fridge is empty. Brad's Dad came through surgery without any complications. He's doing well despite some nausea and pain. Continue to pray for his recovery. He comes home tomorrow.
January 8, 2008 This weather is so strange. It's like 70 and so humid. We've had rain all day today. We did venture out this morning despite the yucky conditions. Mom's group met at Chick Fil A. There was no preschool today so we decided to meet there and the older kids could play while we chat. It was good to get out. I thought the kids would be worn out from playing so hard and I could get a nap today. I quickly fed both babies (as fast as you can feed two infants) and laid on the couch. Jackson would not go to sleep. EVERY single time I would drift off he would get up and say "I'm just not tired. My tummy hurts that's why I can't sleep. I need water." Finally, I gave up. I put him in front of a movie and thought "If I fall asleep right now I may still get 45 mins." Then Gabrielle woke up. She insisted on going to bed with panties instead of a diaper so I figured she had wet the bed. Turns out she was dry. So I comforted her and laid her back down. Sure enough I barely laid down and she started screaming; she wet the bed! I was so sleepy I wanted to cry! Don't you just hate when you have to press on when all you want to do is fall out? Tomorrow is a big day for my father in law, Richard (aka Doc). He is having knee replacement in the morning. Please be in prayer for him during his surgery and recovery. Most of you know that Nancy has MS. She's in a wheel chair and it will be difficult for her to be a caregiver. Aaron is going to stay after work all week to help. Brad got home tonight at 7pm. He's on call tonight. It's 10:30pm and he is headed back to work. Someone just had to break their jaw tonight... why couldn't they do that during normal business hours! (giggle) I'll be so glad when we can put residency hours behind us for good.
January 7, 2008 What a day! It wasn't the kids so much as it was ME. I just felt so out of sorts and flustered. I spent the first part of the day literally dripping in sweat. My hormones are still out of whack. How long can I use that as an excuse? I say the entire first year it's still a good excuse! Then we had to go to the grocery store. I called Susan on the way home and cried my eyes out. She talked me off the "cliff." Once I got everyone down for naps I was able to take about 30 mins myself. I felt much better. The kids all got early baths and I had Gabrielle and Connor in bed at 7:30pm. Is 5pm too early for tomorrow night? Giggle Giggle!
January 6, 2008 Well, Daddy left today. I think Papa left running! The kids gave him quite a workout. I took advantage of my last night having help and went to bed at 7:30pm. I fell asleep the minute my head hit the pillow. I honestly thought I would just rest a few minutes and then get up. I woke up at 6am ready to go! It was wonderful. On Saturday, Gabrielle and I went to a baby shower. My friend, Jen, is having twin girls. She's due in 7 weeks. So glad it's someone else this time. Anyway, Gabrielle and I had a great time. It's wonderful having a little girl. I never really felt like I just HAD to have a girl. I thought all boys would be just fine. I'm so grateful to God for giving us one little princess. But ONE princess is plenty! When we got home from the "shower" Jackson said, "Mommy, did you and Sissy have a good bath?" It was hilarious! My cousin, Anna, is back from Africa. I can't wait to hear her stories. Thanks to those of you who lifted her up in prayer. She writes:
"i am home safe and sound! i cannot wait to tell you all about what the Lord taught me and allowed me to experience while i was in Africa! :) i have some wonderful stories and pictures...but still it is so hard to put into words. The Lord is good!"
January 4, 2008 Brady and Cooper, Happy (3 month) Birthday! It's shocking to think that 3 months has come and gone since I gave birth to Brady and Cooper. They are honestly the best babies. They give me very little trouble. They are GREAT sleepers (10pm-8am) and still nap most of the day. They are good eaters. Cooper is a little bit more demanding but still nothing like Gabrielle was and Brady is just very laid back and content. 3 months ago, today, I was thinking "Oh my word, how am I ever going to do this?" But God has provided, as always, and we are "doing it" day by day. Thank you, Jesus for your mercies... Amen! Last night my friend, Lisa, and I went out for "girls night." We went to dinner and hit Old Navy. We got some great deals on clearance items. She has a 3 year old son, Dorian. Jackson and Dorian have a great time together. After shopping we had ice cream at Cold Stone. We have so much fun when we are together. She makes me laugh. We were excited to get out and not listen to anyone whine, spill a drink or poop thier pants. Actually, I did whine once but she called me on it! Hey, being around kids all day eventually starts to rubb off! Daddy was leaving today and so I knew I had to take advantage and go run some errands before he left. The last couple days I've taken Jackson and Gabrielle seperatley for some one on one time. We just went grocery shopping and simple stuff like that. But what a great joy to have just them and I with no other distractions. Today was Connor's turn. He and I went to Old Navy to make a return. We picked up a new pair of shoes for him clearanced... gotta love a deal! Then we walked around the Metropolis mall and did some shopping. If I wasn't taking his hand to hold then he was grabbing for mine saying, "I want 'cha Mommy!" We held hands, hugged and talked for 3 hours just the two of us. After shopping we went to get lunch. I don't think he stopped smiling the whole time we were together. Out of all the kids, he appreciated the one on one time the most. It was so very precious to me and something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. He's such a lover (I call him "Lovie"). I made a promise to myself that Brad and I will always make time for one on one dates with the kids. It's important to us, with a family our size, nobody gets left out. Well, I batted my eyes and sweet talked Papa into staying a while longer. Gabrielle refused a nap today. She sat in her crib for 2 hours just talking and singing.... very happy and very awake! So by 7pm she was beside herself because she wanted to wear makeup and put on princess clothes. She was crying so hard she didn't even know what she wanted. So I wiped 30 layers of Hello Kitty Lip Gloss off her face and put her to bed. She was very glad to go. Brad got home in time to kiss and hold her a minute. Poor Brad, he does the best he can but his hours stink right now. Anyway, Daddy offered for us to go out to dinner. Brad, Jackson, Connor and myself went to Red Robin. We had a great time. When we left the restraunt Brad said, "Wow, you can do ANYTHING with just two kids!" It's so funny how perspectives change. We used to complain about how hard life was with one child. Little did we know...
January 2, 2008 Happy New Year! We rang in the new year by nodding off in our chairs trying our darndest to stay awake and watch some fool jump the length of a football field on a motorcycle. We all agreed that it would be worth staying up to see him "kill himself." Turns out he made the jump quite successfully. I remember as a young girl I used to watch all the folks in NYC and all over the country celebrate and be all dressed up having a ball. I thought, "When I grow up I'm going out EVERY new year's eve." Yeah... now I know better. It was torture trying to stay up and the thought of a party just exhausted me. I have a hard enough time trying to figure out what jogging pants to wear everyday much less finding a party dress that fits! I went to the doctor today about my headaches. She says they are classic migranes. I'm on a new preventative medication that I'll start taking daily. Hopefully that will help. Please pray it does. After the doctor I went to Broadripple (an Indy district) and met my girlfriend, Kate, for lunch. She's expecting her second child, a boy, in the spring. She looked adorable with her little belly poped out. Yeah... I so don't ever want to be pregnant again. I'll just enjoy watching others! We had a great lunch and some really good girltalk. Daddy watched all the kids while I went to the doc and lunch. He handled it well (as always). We've been working on potty training for Gabrielle and Connor. Daddy's tactic was let's go cold turkey. So for two days (minus nap/bedtime) they have been in underwear. Who knew such little darlings could pee and poop so much! Ughhh, what a mess. We are on day two and still no success. I'll keep this up as long as I have him here to help me clean them up. If they are not showing progress by Friday then I'm going to give it a little more time. I'm going to Georgia to visit my best friend, Susan. I leave Friday the 11th and come back Sunday the 13th. Brad's vacation starts the 12th. I have a sitter (thank you Lissa) until Brad gets home Friday night. Then Dr. Harris will be in charge the rest of the weekend. (that should be a great story to tell when I return) Susan's husband, Dennis, called me a couple weeks before Christmas and said he wanted to fly me to GA for the weekend to surprise Susan. He wanted us to spend some girltime out and about and he would take care of her two boys, Grant and Ryan. I still swear that secretly this is a gift for ME but if I'm what Susan wants for Christmas then I'll be more than happy to ablidge. I'm leaving my kids and husband and going 650 miles away for a peaceful weekend JUST for her. (giggle) I'm so excited I can't stand it. Grant will celebrate his 4th birthday party the weekend I'm there. I am so glad I'll be there to party with him. I can't wait to have some one on one time with her family. For those of you who don't remember, Susan sacraficed 5 days to come take care of my family when I was on bedrest and days from delivery. I owe her big time. She's the greatest friend in the entire world. I love you, Susan!!!! Dennis gave her an envelope on Christmas morning that had an invitation to "spend the weekend with your best friend." She was totally shocked that all the details had been planned. Isn't he thoughtful?
December 30, 2007 Brad was off work yesterday and I got to sleep in. It was wonderful! When I woke up and came downstairs he said, "How would you like to go out to dinner and a movie tonight?" I almost passed out! When I asked who was babysitting he said, "Your Daddy! He's on his way... surprise." I was so excited. What a great and welcome surprise. Yesterday afternoon my girlfriend Melanie and I went shopping together. She also has 5 children. Rarely do we get together because the natives might revolt and 10-2 she and I would lose! haha We wanted to check out a couple places for new cookware. I had Christmas money from my Mom and Brad's parents to spend. We decided on a 14pc Stainless Steel Emerilware Cookware. It's beautiful! We were so giddy over this set. It came with a bonus gift and I chose the cast iron grill pan. After we got our cookware we decided we needed to go to the grocery store and get some yummy things to cook in our new pots and pans. We got the stuff for meatloaf, mashed potaotes, roasted asparagus, fresh brussell sprouts, black bean soup and pasta salad. I made the soup today and it was FABULOUS! I got the recipe from Rachel Ray and I made grilled panini's on my grill pan. Daddy and Brad loved it. Tomorrow we'll have our meatloaf/potatoes/asparagus and Brownie Trifle. YUMMY! Brad and I did go out on our date. We went to Longhorn Steakhouse (our favorite) and then to a movie. We had a nice dinner and really took our time eating. Brad said, "How nice is it to go through an entire dinner and not have to say Who's Poopy?" (giggle) I love having time with my hubby all to myself. The kids take a lot of our time but we really try to remember that our relationship comes first... then the kids. It would be a huge injustice to our children for it to be any other way.
December 27, 2007 It really can not be only days away from 2008. It's just not possible. Where did the year go? For 4 long years I've been praying June '08 would arrive quickly and now it's almost upon us. Brad will graduate June 28, 2008 from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency. It's been a very long and hard traveled road but we're almost done. We moved to Indy when Jackson was only 3 mos old. We thought we might have one more little one when we left to head back to GA but never in a million years did we think we'd head back south with 5 kids! Everything is on course for Brad's new job. For those of you who don't know, he signed with Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates last summer. He'll be working 3 days a week in Blue Ridge, GA and 2 days a week in Woodstock, GA. The kids and I will be moving back to GA the end of May and Brad will follow about 4 weeks later. Only 5 short months and I'll be a Georgia Girl once again living only an hour max from my parents, inlaws and best friend, Susan. My excitement is bittersweet though. Thinking of leaving my precious friends that I've made here in Indy breaks my heart. My church family has become as much of a true family as I've ever known. Okay... enough of this talk. There's plenty of time for tears later. Let's see... what have the kids been up to? I caught Gabrielle and Connor unrolling the toliet paper into a huge pile in the floor yesterday. They had so much fun doing it that they decided to do it again today. This morning I went to get Gabrielle out of bed and she had taken her diaper off. When I asked why she did that, she replied, "my-puz, it was wet." Duhhh, I guess that's reason enough. Now if she can take it off because (my-puz) it's wet then she can use the potty! Today I caught Gabrielle and Connor with chairs pulled up to the kitchen sink immersed in bubbles from their armpits down. They were "wassin me hands." Well, at least they smelled good! They still love toliet water. I caught them the other day dipping water out with a tea cup set and drinking it. Gag a maggot... that's so gross. They said they were "dinking coffee!" We had the discussion once again about how the water is nasty and icky. As if that's not enough chaos we went grocery shopping yesterday to Meijer. Yes, I take ALL of them grocery shopping. I had Gabrielle and Connor in the grocery buggy and Brady and Cooper in the double stroller. Jackson holds "rides" on the side of the buggy or walks. I push the stroller and pull the buggy. That's how it gets done. Poor Connor always ends up lost under a pile of can goods. Anyway, the minute we walk into the store we were attacked by bystanders. I think I'll wear a T shirt that says "No I'm not babysitting. Yes they are all mine. Yes, my hands are full. Yes, twins run in my family. No, I don't have full time help. And yes, I know how to prevent this from happening again." I understand that people are interested in twins... especially 2 sets and especially seeing 5 kids 3 years old and under. But my goodness, it adds at least 15 mins to my shopping time. Some people don't stop to talk to us they just stare. They stare really hard and for a really long time. Some of them smile and others gawk with their jaws hanging. It's kind of funny, actually it's hilarious! For being a good boy, Jackson got a bag of mini powdered donuts. When we got in the car I buckled everyone and gave them one donut a piece. I said, "Only one each and maybe you can have more after dinner." I put the bag in the cargo area behind Jackson with the other groceries. The short ride home was quiet and I called Brad's Mom to chat. When we got into the neighborhood I heard a funny noise. I looked in the rearview mirror only to see Connor's face white as a ghost... not from powder but from no oxygen. I jerked the car over and did a million finger sweeps in his mouth which was followed by lots of vomit. Finally we had an airway and he was screaming. I look over at Jackson and he's holding the donut bag! He decided to help himself to more donuts and disperse them to his brother and sisiter. He said he gave Connor 3 and so in true Connor form he put all 3 in his mouth. I still have no idea how Jackson got that bag from the back? I was preoccupied on the phone and he knew it. Needless to say Jackson didn't have a very pleasant afternoon, Connor survived and none of them wanted dinner that night.
December 25, 2007 Merry Christmas!!! Brad made it home by 5pm yesterday afternoon and praise God he didn't get called back. After the kids went to bed Brad and I exchanged our gifts with each other. I got a gift certificate for a one hour massage and a pedicure. Along with a $30 gift card to Starbucks. Guilty pleasures are in high demand with me. It was the perfect gift. My stocking had a huge bag of Twizzlers and Sourpatch kids inside. Thanks, honey! He made it very clear that I was not to buy for him this year. But I just couldn't stand the thought of it. So I went to Blockbuster and bought him a couple of previously viewed DVD's. They were inexpensive and he really liked it. He loves movies but rarely gets to see them. He said he loved it. We also cleaned out the toy box and got rid of some old toys that were not being used. We organized the remainder and put them in new homes to make room for the new toys Santa would bring. We had a wonderful day today. It began with the kids coming downstairs to see all that Santa had left for them. Jackson was adorable. This is the first year that he "gets" the whole Santa thing. He was so excited and whooped and hollered over every gift. Santa brought all the kids some really good stuff. Daddy was very impressed. Connor thought it was fun to play with everything BUT Miss Gabrielle was very unimpressed. She didn't pick up one gift and when I handed her Ragedy Ann doll to her she pushed it away. I said, "okay, she doesn't like the doll." However, to expect her to act any other way would be wrong on my part. It's not that she's rude or mean. She's just VERY reserved. By the end of the night, when she had time to adjust and really inspect her new things, she was playing with them and having fun. She doesn't jump into anything feet first. She has to test the water and make sure she wants to get involved. I admire that about her and pray she takes those qualities along with her the rest of her life. The two things she really liked was her blanket, a new princess sippie cup and some Hello Kitty Lip Balm (she calls it make-up). You'll see in the pictures that all the kids got new blankets. This was not from Santa. Mrs Sally Schubert, a sweet lady from our church, made these for my kids. They are huge, beautiful, soft and cuddly blankets. My kids are HUGE blanket babies. They all have their soft blankets they sleep with and carry around... 2 each and they go everywhere with them in the house and car. Blankies are not allowed out of the car for fear of losing them. Nobody would sleep a wink without blankies. Jackson's are solid blue, Gabrielle's are pink, Connor has one yellow and one green, Brady's is ecru and Cooper is blue and white. They are all satin on one side and provide so much comfort to them. After gifts we let the kids play and make a huge mess as they went from toy to toy. When naptime came they cleaned up their mess and we sat down for Christmas lunch. I made turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and dinner rolls. Everyone enjoyed it and it made the idea of naps sound even better. Brad treated me to a nap while he took care of Brady and Cooper. I slept for 3 hours!!! It was wonderful. Then I woke up only to battle a migrane. What a terrible end to a great day. It's begining to settle down now. I have awful vision problems when my migranes hit. Sometimes I don't even have a headache... just vision problems (spots, flashes, floaters). It's horrible. I had my vision tested last week to see if that was the culprit of my headaches but turns out my eyes are great. I'm going to have to break down and see a doctor. Ughhh! A very merry christmas to my sweet cousin, Anna Burgess. She's in Africa on a mission trip. This is her first Christmas away from home and I'm sure she's a little lonely. Please pray for her safe return and that God would use her in a mighty way to reach the lost. I love you, Anna.
December 24, 2007 Merry Christmas Eve! It really just feels like an ordinary Monday to me. Brad had to work 1/2 a day and he is on call. He had a surgery case scheduled after lunch that will go 4 hours or so. And who knows if he'll make it home tonight or not. (wanting to cry but I'm not) He does have tomorrow off. I'm glad of that. Brad's family left yesterday. We had a good time together and the kids got lots of presents. My gift was the completion of my fine china! I was short on accent plates and stemware. I couldn't believe it when I opened the boxes and they were full of my china and crystal. I've posted pictures. I actually cried when I saw it. They know that when we return to GA I'll be doing a lot of entertaining. I couldn't have gotten anything I'd of loved better. The only thing I need now to make the set completed are some serving pieces. We also got dinner and a movie (giftcards) from Aaron. The kids got tons of toys... trains, dolls and accessories, clothes, trucks, games, pj's and an easel with all the accessories. They loved everything. Jackson got a Buzz Lightyear dress up and a Doctor dress up. It's all so cute. Doc, Nanie and Aaron...Thanks for a great christmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp7OrviMylU I'm trying out some new ways to insert videos to my website. Let me know what you think of using the YOU TUBE link. This is not a very interesting video... it's just a trial run! But if it's easy to use and uploads quick I'll start adding more video. Send me your feedback!!!!
December 20, 2007 Oh how I love the holidays! They bring about such great things such as good food, shopping and EXTRA HANDS!!! Brad's parents came in town yesterday afternoon. I couldn't wait to get them here so I could get away... I mean visit with them. haha (giggle) They watched the kids yesterday afternoon for a couple hours while I went to the church to help with dinner. They also watched them this morning while I went to get my eyes examined. Today we took the kids to see Santa. He was all well from his accident last week. Jackson just loved talking to him and couldn't get over how Santa knew everything he wanted. They all 5 got their picture taken with Santa. I was surprised at how Gabrielle just took right to him. She wasn't scared at all. Connor did not want to get too close. He liked him but only from a safe distance. The babies just slept through it all. After Santa we came home for the kids naps. We decided to eat out tonight and Brad really wanted to go back to Bucca. So that's where we went. The kids were WILD and I don't remember eating but I know I did. It was one of those dinners that I poured sweat the whole way through. I was rocking Brady in his car seat with one foot, patting Cooper's back while he laid across my lap, helping feed Gabrielle & yelling at Jackson to get up off the floor... all at the same time. All I was missing was a pole with plates spinning on top and someone might have given me a tip. They were all just moving around like they had ants in their pants. At one point, Connor looked behind him where a curtain hung and just started to cry/make that scream! He was scared to death and kept looking at it while clinched to his Daddy's chest. He must have thought he saw something. Kind of weird but we just went with it! After we inahled our food we came home and put the zoo to bed. 12 more hours and we start all over again... help me Jesus! Aaron (Brad's baby brother) comes in town tomorrow. We are going to put the Jump N Play up for the kids to exert some energy. We will do that for a couple hours before naptime... that's my stradegy and I'm sticking to it! We are going to have our Christmas together on Saturday. The in-laws leave Sunday... way too soon in my opinion!
December 17, 2007 All in all today was a good day. No major meltdowns, no injuries, minimal crying and the house isn't a wreck. I'd say that's a great day! It's way too cold to get out so I had to make all kinds of fun games up for the kids to keep them occupied. We played "doctor like Daddy" all afternoon. Jackson had a pager and cell phone and would come in the door and say "Daddy's home! I missed you guys!" Then he would say, "Oh I got paged, someones hurt and I have to help them. I'll miss you, bye!" It was so funny and so right on target. We also played Santa Claus. Jackson ran around the house with a gift bag taking toys to all the boys and girls. Then we watched a tow truck take a van from across the street. After that they all sat by the window to watch Mommy bundle up and trek out in the snow to get to the mailbox. I almost fell at least 3 times due to the ice. Of course they all thought that was hilarious! Then I came up with a FABULOUS new game. This was MY personal favorite. I put all 3 older kids in the pack-n-play that is set up in the den for the babies. They loved it. They stayed in it for at least 30 mins pretending to be "baby" and giggling their heads off. Hey, it worked for me! Being in Indiana in the winter is tough when you have chidren. I'm not sure how many "games" I can come up with to last us until March. I may be bringing out the Jump N Slide a lot more than I first thought.
December 16, 2007 GG and Larry were here for the weekend. We had a great time just hanging out with the kids. They are plenty of entertainment for us all. However, Friday night they did treat Brad and I to a date night. Brad scored Pacers Tickets so we headed off to Conseco Fieldhouse for a basketball game. They played Toronto Raptors and lost... bummer! After the game we went to an Italian joint downtown called Bucca di Beppo. We had salad and pizza. By the end of our date we were about to collapse. Actually at the beginning of our date we wanted to collapse. We were almost too tired to enjoy ourselves. But having a nice quiet night with just us two was too good to pass up. GG and Larry were about to pull their hair out when we got home. It seems that Brady and Cooper gave them a run for their money. Saturday morning was incredible, too. Brad and I slept in while GG and Larry took over kiddie duties. Not only did we sleep until 10am BUT we also got breakfast in bed!!!! Jackson came upstairs to our room with a bag full of McDonald's biscuits, sausage, eggs, hash browns and hotcakes. It was awesome and something I will cherish for a long time to come. Saturday morning the snow came in with a vengance. I was so glad that they were able to see snow fall while they were here. We ended up with about 7" over two days. It was beautiful. At one point we were outside and looked over to see GG's BMW rolling down the driveway. Larry jumped in and caught it before it hit a van parked behind it! Saturday afternoon we decided to track out in the snow and see Santa. We got there, unloaded the kids only to find out that Santa had some sort of "accident" and wasn't able to make it. Oh my sweet Jackson was so disappointed. We all were. We came home put the kids down for naps and put up the Jump N Play bounce house. That was ONE of their gifts from GG and Larry. During this time Larry and Brad went outside to make a snowman. My surgeon husband was "sculpting" the face! Then he decided it needed a little something so he gave it a "hat". Guess what he used? A PLUNGER!!! My Mom and I laughed until we lost bladder control and couldn't breath. He seriously thought that was a great idea and didn't realize it looked like a plunger on top of a snowman... priceless. When the kids woke from their nap they came downstairs to see the Jump n Play right in the middle of my family room. It was a treat for them to do something so fun in the house. They jumped for two days before we put it away. I told them to "say Bye Bye see you next spring!" Saturday night GG and Larry treated us to dinner at Boulder Creek. My friend, Jamie, was our server and we had an awesome meal. Then we came home and opened presents. The kids got a portable DVD player. Jackson got a soccer goal, new clothes and a movie. Gabrielle got an Elmo chair and pj's. Connor got a new set of sports balls and pj's. Brady and Cooper got diapers... just what they asked for. Brad and I got money! And I got a pair of Vera Bradley pj bottoms. They sure know how to shop for us! GG and Larry... we had so much fun with ya'll. Thanks for making the 650 mile trip to see us for such a short weekend. Now get some rest because I KNOW we wore you out. We love you!
December 12, 2007 Today will be short but sweet... Jackson and I were talking about Christmas (again) and I told him we were going to make a birthday cake for Jesus sometime next week. He stopped in his tracks, looked at me so serious and said, "How will we get it to heaven?" Tomorrow at school the kids have a Christmas program. We are supposed to bring a dozen cookies with the recipe for a cookie swap. Today was sooo busy for me and I'm exhausted. It's 10pm and I was thinking, there is no way I'm making cookies tonight. I came up with a quick and easy recipe so I wanted to share it with you. Recipe for: BUSY MOM'S SUGAR COOKIES INGREDIENTS: 1 pkg sugar cookie dough DIRECTIONS: Break and Bake...Enjoy! I put those babies on a plate, wrapped them up, and placed my "recipe" on a notecard. I hope the child who gets my pitiful cookies has a sense of humor (giggle)!
December 11, 2007 It's rainy and foggy today here in Indy. The fog is terrible. Visibility is like 100 yards. Jackson wanted to know "How can Santa see with all the fog? Do he wear glasses?" I told him that Rudolph had that bright red nose and there would be plenty of light. These questions get really difficult to answer. He's so excited and this is the first year he REALLY get's the whole Santa and Christmas thing. I was telling him the other night about the manger and baby Jesus. He listened so intently and then said, "Now tell me about Santa's reindeer!" It's very cute. Gabrielle runs around singing, "Oh Kiss-mas Tee oh Kiss-mas Tee," and Connor tries to sing "Et e NO" otherwise known as Let It Snow! Too Too Too cute... I love all the excitment they bring into the holidays. I had my follow up OB appointment today and all is well. I can't believe the boys are 9 weeks old. CRAZY! They are still sleeping through the night waking occasionaly to be adjusted or needing a passy. Life is much better in the Harris house now that Momma is getting 6 hours of sleep a night. Brady is smiling. (I'll put some new pics up later) It will just melt you! Cooper will sort of grin but he's still not too sure what's worth smiling about... haha! ALL of the children are down for naps and I'm going to tidy the house and do some laundry... I got the mountain folded and now I have a small hill to wash! Does anybody have a recipe for creamed spinach? I want to have it with our Christmas dinner this weekend. I'm thinking of how good Ruth's Chris Steakhouse creamed spinach is but I've never made it before. My Mom and her husband are coming this weekend. We are having an early Christmas with them. Christina Baker... Please send me your email address! brad_dacia@sbcglobal.net
December 8, 2007 Some type of stomach "bug" has found its way back to our house. Connor has had diarrhea all day today. He woke up this morning with it from his chest to his toes. Poor thing was pitiful. Jackson had it all week, too. He seems to be better today. Although, he still tries to say he's sick because he wants to sleep with us. It hasn't worked! It was cold and rainy here today. We spent the morning messing around the house. I actually slept in and Brad took over am duties. That was fantastic! We had a late lunch at Red Lobster, compliments of Carol Weaver. She's a friend from church that Brad gave a deer to. She gave us a $25 gift card for picking it up at the deer processor. So sweet! After lunch we came home and put the kids down for naps and I left for the spa. Nancy gave me a gift certificate when the boys were born. I decided today was the day to cash it in. I had a great hour massage. Oh, I wish I lived at the spa! When I got home we headed off to church. We had a dinner theatre tonight. It was a good time. Jackson said, "Thanks Mommy for taking me, I had so much fun." I think he was just trying to butter me up. He's been getting in trouble for teaching his sister how to say "Poopy Head!" So now it's her favorite thing to say. How lady like? I better get off the computer. I have a mountain of laundry (literally) waiting to be folded. Laundry for 7 is NOT easy. Once I get behind, it's a lost cause. I have got to try and do better. I'm tempted to give away all our clothes except like 3 outfits just so I don't have to wash so much! Just kidding, but it does sound like a good idea!
December 5, 2007 Getting to the doctor was harder than the visit itself. We ended up with 3" of snow. It made for terrible traffic which I don't understand. It's not like we are not used to driving in the snow. There were wrecks everywhere. The first snow of the year must have thrown everyone off. We made it through the doctor's visit and I didn't even sweat! For those of you who know me well, know that when I get nervous or anxious I sweat like the dickens... we are talking dripping! It's very attractive. haha Here are their stats from the well check... percentiles are in ( )'s: Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper Weight 32lbs (90th) 31lbs (75th) 11 lbs 3 oz (50th) 12 lbs 3 oz (75th) Height 37" (95th) 37" (95th) 22" (10th) 22" (10th)
Yes, Brady and Cooper fell very low on the charts in the 10th percentile. But when you adjust their age for being premies they fall right in the 50th percentile. So they are doing just great and there isn't anything to worry about. After the appointment, Kristen and I treated ourselves to lunch at On the Border. Then I took her home, picked up Jackson and headed home for naps. We were all exhausted. Brady and Cooper had to get 3 shots and a oral vaccination. Gabrielle and Connor had to get flu shots. They were all troopers and did great. Thank you Jesus for healthy children!
December 5, 2007 Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! It's 6:15am on Wednesday morning and we have a beautiful blanket of snow outside. I'd guess we've got 2" and it's still falling. I LOVE IT! I can't wait until the kids wake up and look outside. They are going to be so excited. I'm especially anxious to see Gabrielle and Connor's reaction. I'll send pics as soon as I can.
December 4, 2007 Jackson is feeling much better and the rest of the house is still well. I hope that he's the only one who catches the virus. Only time will tell. Tomorrow I have to take Gabrielle, Connor, Brady and Cooper for their well checks. (2 yr and 2 mos) This should be lots of fun considering they all get shots. Whoppie! Don't you wish you were me? A girlfriend of mine, Diane, is lending me her daughter, Kristen. She's 13 and homeschooled so she's available. At least she can help me get everyone undressed/dressed and console them after their shots. Diane will keep Jackson with her so he can play with her other 5 kids. Yes, I said 5... she has 6 total. The oldest is 15 and the youngest 3. Well, time for a feeding (9pm) and I'm exhausted... is there another word that means more than exhausted? If there is, then that's what I am!
December 3, 2007 Oh what a terrible end to our glorious weekend. Jackson woke Sunday morning at 2:30am throwing up. We had to change the sheets and get him all cleaned up. Needless to say, we stayed home from church. At Noon he threw up again and then two more times before 6pm. By 11pm last night he was hungry and able to eat some oatmeal. That has stayed down all morning. So I am sure that Gabrielle, Connor and myself are working on getting it, too. It always works that way. Please Lord, don't let my little baby boys get this virus. :(
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