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TWO BY TWO Jackson Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper |
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Stories December 1, 2007 Hello December... where did the year go? It's crazy how time passes so quickly when you have children. I look at Brady and Cooper each day and try to cherish them being newborns because I know it's going to be our last. Brad started the morning off by rounding on several patients. He's on call 7am to 7pm. After rounds, he brought us breakfast home. I had a hair appointment at 1pm. On my way out the door Brad get's called into work. I wanted to cry. I hate missing a hair appointment. I called several friends but it was just too late of notice for a sitter. At one last try I called Jamie and she rushed over to save the day. I had to be back by 3pm so she could make it to work on time. She works at Boulder Creek (a local restaurant) as a server. I made it back by 2:45pm with a fresh cut and hilights. I feel so much better. Jamie would not accept a penny... such a sweet friend. Jackson had a birthday party to go to at 3pm. We rushed out the door (I had to take all the children because Brad still wasn't back) and made it to Jacob's party only 15 mins late. Jacob is my friend Heather's son. (see pic page) He turned 5 years old. Brad met us at the party around 4pm. We all had a good time. Tonight was a great evening! Our church offered "Parent's Night Out" from 6pm to 9:30pm. They provided dinner and a movie for the kids for only $3/per child. What a deal! We dropped off the kidos and went to dinner at Boulder Creek. Since Jamie wouldn't take babysitting money we hooked her up with a nice tip! She ended up treating us though with a hefty discount. No kids, great food, great service and a bargain? You can't beat that. I had pesto crusted salmon with asparagus and Brad had beef medalions and shrimp. Delish! When we dropped the kids off I told them that Brady gets rice cereal in his bottle and Cooper does not. Well, when we came to pick the children up I asked Vicky (a church friend) how the babies were? She said "They were great but you forgot to give us one small detail." I had forgoten to tell them who was who with Brady and Cooper!!! Oops, not everyone can tell them apart yet. Heidi usually gets it right but even she got them confused tonight. Cooper ended up with the cereal bottle and Brady the regular bottle. Cooper was very full and loving it! Vicky's husband, Dennis, said, "Hey, for $3 a kid what do you expect?" It was pretty funny. Either way, they got lots of love and that's what really matters.
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November 29, 2007 The boys slept last night from midnight to 6:15am... thank you, Jesus! After having 2 nights sleep in a row I feel like I can take on the world. I hope they keep up this habit. Last night at the supper table Jackson took one bite of chicken turned his head to me and said, "I HATE this!" I sent him straight up to his room and then tears filled my eyes. It hurt my feelings so bad. I think I was just tired because I wouldn't normally let my 3 year old hurt my feelings. Brad spoke to him and Jackson apologized with a flood of tears. I told him that Mommy works hard to put good healthy food on the table that will make him strong and when he says mean things like that it really makes Mommy sad. So we made it through that battle but it really made me think ahead to when they are going to be smartmouth teenagers. I hope they are nice to me! haha
I'm going to try and put some video on the website so check it out a little later.
November 28, 2007 Lisa came over, in her pj's, at 10pm last night. She took over baby duties until 6am this morning and I actually slept the entire night through without one interuption. Thanks so much Lisa... you are hired! We had to go run errands today. I had to go to fedex kinkos to make one copy. Of course I had to unload all the kids to "run in." The guy that helped me said "No Charge." I'm going to start asking for donations when I get these pitiful looks from people who feel sorry for me! haha GG sent birthday money for Gabrielle and Connor. So I asked them if they wanted to go to lunch today. They chose pizza so off we went to Donatos. We had a good lunch and then came home for great naps (my favorite part of the day). I woke in time to watch Oprah. Today was a big weight loss show. The funny thing is I had just sat down on the couch and opened a bag of cookies when I saw the intro for the show. I quietly closed the bag and put them back in the pantry. I really can't complain about my stretched out "spare tire" if I'm not trying to lose it. So I've decided to just take "baby steps" as one guest said. Everytime I go all out and start a crash diet I fail. I'll start slow and see how it goes. Geez, I really want a candy bar right now!!! haha
November 26, 2007 Just had to add this little tidbit! I went to Meijer instead of WalMart and I caught a glimpse of myself in the full length mirror. The flouresent lights didn't help but the image I saw in return was hideous... I actually scared myself. I had on Brad's navy sweatshirt (HUGE), my black yoga pants (I don't do yoga), my 3 year olds socks (I don't have small feet) and blue crocs (It was raining outside). Add to it my greasy hair (I actually teased the top before pulling it back to make it not look sooo greasy) and it's offical... I've lost my sense of style. If you find it will you please return it to the pitiful Mother of 5 in Indiana, she's in desperate need of having it back.
November 26, 2007 What was it I said about a bonus blessing? Today was more like a big fat curse! haha My children do not need a mother, they need an all out referee. All I've said today is "Stop that... don't touch her/him... leave your hands to yourself... NO NO NO... Do you want a spanking?... I've about had it... quit screaming... is it nap time?... don't push..., quit picking your nose... who's poopy...is it bed time?" Brady and Cooper were great. At least someone was cooperating. I'm exhausted and STILL fighting my headaches. What is the deal with these? I'm going to have to call the doctor, I guess. Tomorrow the older kids have Mother's Morning out. Thank goodness for Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm hosting Mom to Mom again in the am and I just realized I have no coffee. There is liable to be a massive meltdown if they show up and all I can offer is juice boxes! Guess I'm off to the store. It sounds pathetic but I'm excited to go to WalMart. What a great adventure to go ALONE! Even if it is 10pm. P.S. Happy Birthday Gabrielle and Connor... 2 years ago today I was sitting in the hospital trying to imagine what life was going to be like from that day forward. Little did I know it could be so hectic, so much work and so much reward at the same time. I love you babies. I'm so glad that God sent you two by two.
November 24, 2007 Today was the big birthday party. I've posted LOTS of new pics so be sure and check them out. We all had a blast. It couldn't have gone any smoother. The ladybug and frog theme was cute as a button. Gabrielle and Connor had fun. They are still not old enough to "get it." But they enjoyed opening all their gifts. Gabrielle would open one and then say, "I want mo' Mommy." so we would open mo (more). They had a ton of the sweetest gifts. Mommy, Daddy, Jackson, Brady and Cooper got them big wheels. They were a huge it! Another big hit was the aqua doodle pad from Aunt Susan, Uncle Dennis, Grant and Ryan. Miss Lissa got Gabrielle a dress up set with 4 princess costumes and GG got her a princess dress up outfit, too. She loves them. We had to try on all the costumes after the party. She would say, "I pity, Mommy." Yes, she was very pretty as you can see in the pics. Connor played with his trucks pushing them all over the house. We didn't even get the doctor set from Miss Rachel, the Little People nativity set from Mrs. Lisa, or the barbie car out of the boxes yet. So much to play with and so little time. After we got everyone in bed, Brad and I collapsed on the couch. After talking about how tired we were Brad said, "I LOVE having 5 kids, it was like a bonus gift... a super duper bonus blessing!" I couldn't have said it better.
November 22, 2007 Happy Thanksgiving!!! We just ate our fill of turkey and all the fixins' and now it's nap time. My friend, Lisa, had to work today so her husband Julio and their son, Dorian, came over to eat with us, too. I went pretty low key this year on our meal. I did a turkey breast in the crock pot, green bean casserole, sweet potato souffle, dressing, glazed carrots, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce and cresent rolls. My dressing didn't turn out right. I was in a hurry and I think I put too much broth in it. It tasted good but the consistancy wasn't right. Oh well, we ate it anyway! Connor did the grossest thing ever! I caught him in the bathroom with the splash guard from the potty seat in his hand scooping up toliet water and having a little drinky. I thought I was going to gag. I washed his hands and face and besides that, what can you do? I told him no, no and how icky but who knows if it got through to him. I said, "What are you doing?" and he just looked at me so innocent like "Is this not okay, Mommy?" When he becomes a brain surgeon, I can't wait to tell him how far he's come in life... at least I hope he outgrows it! haha Jackson was being naughty the other day and not listening. I took him aside and decided to give him a very good talking to. I said, "Jackson, you need to pray and ask Jesus to make you a better listener. Jesus tells us to OBEY our Mommy and Daddy. Do you know what obey means?" Jackson replied with great big eyes, "Yes Momma, it means GOD!" I laughed so hard. I was dressing Gabrielle for school Tuesday and said, "Okay Sissy, let's go fix your pretty hair." She ran to the bathroom, opened the drawer and picked out a huge pink bow. She said, "I wanna wear pink bow, I ike pink, Momma." She's so prissy but at the same time she can tackle her brothers to the floor with one arm behind her back. I love it! When she's tired she knows just the right buttons to push. She'll get on the couch and say, "I restin' Momma, I want my bankies." (blankies) I said, "Well, go get them from up in your room." She replies, "Jackin' will get them." And just like that Jackson jumps up and says, "Sure Sissy, I'll get them for you." She knows there is something special about her being the only girl and the boys know it, too. Jackson is such a big helper. But not only that, he enjoys helping. If I'm feeding the babies or busy with something he looks after them like a father. He helps them eat and he'll get the Little Dirt Devil sweep vac and clean up their crumbs. He throws away diapers and tells them no no when they are up to no good. He will get them in their car seats and buckled. I don't know how I could do anything without him. I sometimes forget that he is just 3 years old. He'll come sit beside me, cross his legs and say, "Let's talk about something Momma. How was your day?" Oh my goodness... my heart just melts to mush right then and there. Cooper and Brady are doing great. Cooper is getting soooooo big. He's just as plump as can be. Brady is really doing better too. He's growing but he's still a little runt. Words can't explain how precious these two are. We have much to be thankful for this year!
November 20, 2007 My in-laws (Doc and Nancy) made it in town last Friday afternoon. We've had a really good time together. We went to dinner Friday night and then Brad and his Dad went hunting Saturday morning. Doc took a 10 point buck and Brad a doe. They had a great hunt. Nancy, the kids and I stayed at home and never got out of our pj's all day Saturday. It was a very full day for us. Sunday was church and lunch out to Applebees. Sunday night we had our Thanksgiving Feast at church. It was a great turnout and I was glad our family was there to celebrate with us. This morning I hosted Mom to Mom. We had coffee and breakfast along with some good conversation. My friend Heidi read an excerpt out of a book called "Men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti." We all laughed so hard. I love having our mom's group. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
November 15, 2007 Happy Birthday, Mom! GG turned a beautiful 51 years old today. She would probably not like me stating that BUT it's my website... haha... and I'm very proud of how old she is. She looks AMAZING and I can only hope for the same when I hit 50. Jackson, Gabrielle and Connor had school today. Brad, the babies and myself went and had lunch with them, too. It was a Thanksgiving "feast" and parents were invited. We had a good time. The rest of the day was spent taking a nap. I'm still trying to get over this headache. It's been a week and I still have it. It's got to be from having interupted sleep. I'm sure of it. I can't get relief from Tylenol, Motrin or even prescription pain pills. Tonight I went to Ladies Bible Study and my friend Billy Jo gave me a head/neck/scalp massage (she's a hair dresser) and she also did a little reflexology with my hands and pressure points. It felt good, but my head still hurts. Uggghhh! Brad's parents are heading up here tomorrow for a visit. They will be here all week and through Thanksgiving. This will be Grandpa's first visit with Brady and Cooper. They are very excited to meet each other. I'm excited to have extra hands around.
November 14, 2007 The test showed that Brady has Laryngomalacia. It is softening of the cartlidge of the airway. It's at a medium severity and won't require any surgery. He should be okay with just taking frequent breaks during feedings allowing him to not "choke" and demanding he take a breath. So great news. The doctor said that by 6 mos he should be better and by 12-18 mos it should be healed on its own. It's the outcome we've prayed for. Brady did really well through the whole procedure and had no side effects.
November 14, 2007 Happy Birthday, Chad! My little nephew is 17 years old today... well, not so little anymore. He's a big tough football player who loves trucks and people with a passion. He is so sweet and has the biggest heart... just like his Dad (my brother). Right now I am at Riley Children's Hospital. I am waiting on Brady to be compelted with his bronchoscopy. Poor thing hasn't been able to eat since 3:30am. He's starving but he's being quite a trooper. I'm so proud of him. This procedure will tell us how his lungs look. They will put a small tube through is nose that has a camera on it and it lets us see why he's having the breathing and noisy problems when he eats. We are all enjoying our time together while Brad is off work. Yesterday the kids had preschool and I hosted "Mom to Mom" at my house. Brad went and had coffee with our pastor and friend. The rest of the day I spent shopping at Sam's club. Buying diapers, formula, bread, juice, snacks and a few other things cost us over $300. Big families=Big money! Oh my, what will I do when I have 4 teenage boys and their friends coming over wanting to eat us out of house and home? I'm sure we'll come up with something. I can't wait either!
November 11, 2007 Our weekend has been pretty uneventful. On Saturday, Gabrielle and I went downtown to the mall to do some shopping. Nordstrom was having a sale I wanted to hit, I got a pair of great jeans. I picked up a couple sweaters from Gap Kids for Jackson and Connor, and two cable knit sleepers for Brady and Cooper. I got a sweater for myself, too. We stayed home from church today. Gabrielle and Connor have icky green noses and coughs. I hate to put them in the nursery like that. I've been feeling bad, too. I've had a headache for several days now. I'm sure it's just from lack of sleep. Brad took the middle of the night feedings last night so I could sleep. It was very nice. But I'm still battling the headaches. We are having our family pictures taken Monday evening. My friend Heidi is taking them. She'll come to our house complete with lights and backdrop. It's great not to have to leave the comfort of our own home! Tomorrow we are going to take the kids to "Jump N Play." We've never been before but I've always wanted to take them there. I hope it's as much fun as I think it will be. We will also go to lunch somewhere. I love Brad being on vacation. It's so great to have him home and have no agenda for the week. I don't think I mentioned how Brady's pulmonology appointment went. They want to do a Bronchoscopy where they put a small tube with a camera down his nose and check out his lungs. We are having that done on the 14th.
November 9, 2007 Today we took our first trip to the grocery store together. It went so smooth I came out praising God for his mercies. It was very interesting to see all the people gawk at us though. Some people had a look like "Oh my, are those ALL yours?" Another lady said, "Did I see you in the newspaper?" And of course there are those creative people who say, "You have your hands full!" I pushed Brady and Cooper in the stroller and pulled the grocery buggy with Gabrielle and Connor in it and Jackson walked along side. They were so good and I was so grateful. So I made it through my first week taking care of all the kids. Thanks for all your prayers. The anticipation of the week was worse than the actual caregiving. To top it all off, Cooper had a 12am feeding and slept until 5am last night. Brady slept until 6:30am. Oh, I hope this is the start of something wonderful!!! When Brad gets home I think I am going to get out of the house. I want to go to a movie and do some shopping. I'm ready for a change of scenery!
November 8, 2007 Thanks for the suggestions on potty training... I am going to try the cold turkey method that most of you used. I've got the training pants and since Brad is on vacation next week we'll do it then. That way I'll have some help. I'm not sure if I'll work with Connor or not. I don't know if he is quite ready. Who knows, I'll give him a shot and see. He might surprise me. We ended up not leaving the house today. The kids slept until 10am and by the time we had breakfast and got moving I wasn't in the mood to go anywhere. So we just hung out at the house and the kids played ALL day. I love how Jackson plays with his siblings. He's very good with them. I heard them playing upstairs today. Jackson said, "Who wants to go to the store?" and they both said "Meeeee!" So they all got in the play tent and Jackson said, "I'm the driver bepuz I'm the biggest and ya'll don't know how to drive yet!" Too cute! That was good enough for Gabrielle and Connor.
November 7, 2007 Let's see... what's happened today? We started off the day with breakfast and Gabrielle and Connor helped me give Brady and Cooper a bath. The older twins were just as wet as the babies when it was over. They love to help bathe them. Around lunch, we went to run errands. We went to the scrapbook store to buy cardstock and ribbon for birthday invites. Then I ran through the McDonald's drive thru for a quick lunch. We had a picnic in the car. After that we went to the bakery to order a birthday cake. By the time all that was done we came home and were all exhausted so we took naps. I cooked chili and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. Jackson and I went to the store to get diapers and winter hats/gloves while Brad stayed home with the others. It's freezing cold here and I love it. I'll miss the fall and winter in Indy when we leave. My next big agenda is to get Gabrielle and Connor OUT of diapers. Any good suggestions on how? Jackson was pretty easy... I trained him like a puppy, taking him potty every 20 mins. It took months though to get him there. I need something quick! Gabrielle will say "I poopy, Mommy." But she tells me too late. Or she'll tell me "Pee-Pee, Mommy" and I take her but she won't sit long enough to go. We try songs, books, etc... then she'll get off the potty and pee her diaper. Ughhhh! All I know is 4 in diapers is expensive and for the older ones, it's getting gross. Changing them from a BM is like changing an adult... ick! Tomorrow we'll go looking for stickers for their invites and if I get the triple stroller put together we'll go to the mall for a while. Hope everyone has a good day!
November 6, 2007 Believe it or not but things in our house seem pretty normal. Besides hearing babies cry upon occasion and not sleeping, nothing much has changed. I've made it 2 days in a row with the children and I still have all my hair. It's getting gray really fast BUT at least all the strands are still in tact! We got up this morning, dressed, had breakfast and I chugged 2 cups of coffee on the way to get the kids to Mother's Morning Out. I wouldn't miss that for the world! I had the older kids there by 9:10am (slightly late) and then the baby boys and I went to Mom's Group. It was wonderful to sit and chat with my friends and laugh a little. I missed being a part of the group the last couple months. Once I got the kids home from school we all took a nap and then Jackson and I played pirate. I had a pistol and he had a sword... he chased me around the den and I pretended to play dead at least 1,000 times. Gabrielle and Connor tried to keep up but mostly they stared at their crazy Momma making a fool of herself. I did hit a great milestone today... I was able to put my wedding rings back on! Yippee... and as if that wasn't good enough I wore a pair of my pre-pregnancy jeans, too. Granted, they used to be my "fat day jeans" but I was still happy as can be. Now I can switch between wearing the same 2 pairs of jeans everyday. I'm trying to plan Gabrielle and Connor's 2 year birthday party. I am thinking of themes... what do ya'll think about lady bugs and frogs? It's really hard to come up with boy/girl themes. Just another challenge that will get harder as the years pass. I'm sure one day I'll have to do seperate parties for all 4 twins. But I can understand why they would want it that way. I think that is the hardest part of having a big family... giving each one individual attention. We do pay very special attention to that issue making sure we've spent equal time with each of them. So far the jealousy issues are few and far between. Well, it's feeding time and Brady is ready!
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