Ahhh...Christmas

Barrett helping put lights on the tree.


Mommy and Barrett (yes, that is a Chevy symbol on his hat...Ben's idea)


Barrett did not like Santa...better luck next year.

TWINS @ 20 weeks 6 days

I went to the doctor today for the mid point check up. We got the extra long ultrasound and we were able to tape it, too. The technician was very cranky though and didn't give us much time to simply watch the babies. The pictures that she gave us weren't very good either. She wasn't even willing to try to get them both in the same shot. We were really disappointed with the overall ultrasound. Maybe next time we will get the other technician (who is much nicer). As for the babies and the pregnancy, everything looks perfect and there is nothing to be worried about at this point. This is a huge relief since I have been having a lot of back pain, falso contractions (yup...the doctor did not seem concerned) and pelvic pain. I guess the uterus is still long and close, which is a good thing. The babies health looks good with nice solid heart beats at 146 and 150. They both weigh around 1 lb. right now, too, and they are measuring right on track. Due to the pain I've been having the doctor perscribed me a pregnancy cradle and compression tights. She said that with both on that I might be uncomfortable, though, so to alternate between the two. She also perscribed me more folic acid and she is checking me for anemia (I have to go give blood). I guess I can suck up the pain as long as I know the babies are doing well. I stressed myself out so much that I kept reading about preterm labor and the signs. The doctor did agree that it is awfully early to be having such pain, but she's hoping these prescriptions help a bit. Thankfully Christmas break will be here soon and I will have 2 weeks off work to rest and relax. I asked the doctor about work leave, too, and she said that we'll take it month to month. At this point there is no need to stop working. Finacially that is really good news; on the other hand I get so exhausted at work. I guess I'll have to hang in there. :)

As for other things, Ben's coworker gave us two car seat bases and an infant car seat today. Now we have enough car seats and bases for both babies!! We can finally see if three car seats fit in the vehicle, too! Ben and I also started talking about what we are going to do for Barrett's new room. We definitely agree that we need to get going on that soon after the holidays, so that we can get Barrett used to his new room before the babies get here. We don't want him to feel like the babies kicked him out of his room. That will be exciting when we actually start making some changes. I think it will really make all of this sink in even more!

Quick Post

Similar to Jocelyn's story about Gwen....

Just tonight Barrett went to the tupperware cupboard and found the plastic pitcher that we use to water plants. He pulled it out and went over to the plants and pretended to water them! It was so cute. :)

(I'll post more later...Barrett keeps grabbing for the keyboard.)

Fun-Filled Weekend

What a busy, yet very fun weekend! Friday we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert. We met my dad, Trina, Erica, Ben, and Heather for dinenr and then we went to the show after that. Sue and Del watched Barrett that night. The concert was amazing. It was filled with pyrotechnics, laser shows and crazy fake snow and smoke. It was a Christmas rock show that I think every one must see. Then Saturday, I headed to the Loft in the morning for a some Christmas shopping (they had all kinds of venders selling things). I had earlier dropped of Barrett at my dad and Trina's, because later we were heading to Greenville for a wedding. So after the shopping, I rushed home, got ready to go and headed on the road with Ben, Andrea, and Gregor. The wedding for Jen and Andy was beautiful and the reception was held in this gorgeous wintery lodge. It was a night filled with many good friends, so there was a lot of catching up on various happenings.



Sunday. we drove home through slush, ice, and rain to pick up Barrett. Trina had bought him these adorable antlers, so we couldn't resist having Barrett wear them all afternoon. We again, rushed home fed Barrett lunch and then we were back on the road to meet up with Ben's family to get a Christmas tree. The weather was less than ideal. Barrett got to play a little bit in the sled, but the rain was persistent and so alas Barrett was back in the truck trying to stay warm. We got our tree and now we just have to have it dry a little overnight and we will decorate tomorrow. Christmas time is so much fun, but oh so busy! :)

18 weeks and 3 days

Just wanted to give you and updated pregnant belly shot. I took this yesterday (well, Ben did...sorry it's blurry). My next doctor's appointment is not until December 14th. That is the big 20 week on where we get to take a tape in. I love it. I'm still waiting to feel more baby movement. Last night I felt a very faint kick on my right side, but that was it. Ugh. I want to feel them more often. :)

As for Barrett, he is doing much better. Last weekend he had an attack of the stomach flu. He wasn't keeping anything down. It made us very concerned and called the on-call doctor late Sunday night. Ben stayed home with him yesterday, but Barrett went back to his sitters today. As far as I heard, everything went fine. That's was great to hear. It's so hard seeing you baby so sick.

Ultrasound of Twins at 16 weeks 2 days

My doctor's appointment went really well today. To quote the doctor "everything is perfect". It is a relief to hear those words. I've been battling a cold for what feels like forever, I haven't felt the babies move very much yet, and I have to be on then off then back on again antibiotics. The doctor anticipates that I will feel the babies more often very soon. The way they are positioned makes feeling them more difficult (side to side) and the placentas are frontal (meaning on the front of my belly) which can absorb some of the outward feeling of the kicks. I know I may be eating my words later (as when the babies are making me uncomfortable), but I can't wait to feel the babies. Once you can feel the kicks it is constant reassurance that things are okay.

At the ultrasound today the doctor found the babies to both be about 5 oz. and 6 inches long, which I guess is right on track. We even saw one of them sucking its thumb! One of them seemed to be much more active than the other. And finally, the doctor predicted that they are both BOYS! Let's keep our fingers crossed for at least one girl (well, besides healthy babies, of course). :)

First Haircut

I gave Barrett his first haircut this weekend. I've never cut a boy's hair before, so considering I think it looks okay. :) Here's Barrett with his new haircut...drool and all! :)

Trip to Cabela's

Trip to Cabela's

This weekend was a nice relaxing one. Friday night we stayed in and watched a movie. Saturday we spent the afternoon and evening over at Ben's aunt and uncle's house. We watched MSU win and U of M lose. Ugh! I was so bummed for U of M. We played some cards, too. It was a fun night. Then today we headed to Dundee to visit the large Cabela's store. Hunting season opens on Thursday so Ben needed some new gear. This store is so big. We ended up being there for 5 hours! Yes, insane. There was so much to see. Very cool. Many exhibits and record breaking animals. Ben was in heaven! :) Needless to say, we were all exhausted by the end. We did stop by Jacob and Jocelyn's on our way home, though.

14 Months Old!

Okay, so these pictures were from 2 months ago, but they are too adorable not to share. Jocelyn took these pictures for Barrett's first birthday at the cabin. They turned out great.

Anyway, this last week was a long one. I had parent teacher conferences, so that meant some pretty long days. The plus side though is that I have today off. I've been fighting a head cold, so hopefully today I can try to get better somewhat (although Barrett's been keeping me pretty busy). Barrett and Ben have the same cold, too. Poor Barrett has such a runny nose that his skin underneath his nose is cracking and painful. I feel so bad for him. Hopefully he gets better quick! :)

Here are his stats @ 14 months:
**Last time he went to the doctor he was just over 25 lbs.
**He still sucks his thumb (which happens almost instantly when you give him his blankie)
**He's walking all over the place
**He's learning the word hot and will sort of say it when his food is too hot
**He says 'moo' all the time
**He points to every thing and wants you to tell him what it is
**He loves to play with buttons
**Love the throw any type of ball (he throws with his left hand, too)
**He thinks daddy is the coolest
**He loves being outside (probably more than I can even express in words)
**He loves animals (feeding cows, chasing Koda, etc.)
**He climbs everything, he's even starting standing on the coffee table (which always makes me nervous and I tell him to get down)
**He knows how to go backwards down stairs or to get off the couch
**He learning more and more how to express himself (mini tantrums and whines...we can't wait 'til he can talk so he doesn't wear himself out crying for something)
**He is very ticklish, especially on the thigh and side.
**He loves to wrestle around
**He giggles and smiles a lot
**Everyday is a great day and it keeps getting better!



P.S. I go to the doctor on Monday, so I will post more about the pregnancy then.

Happy Halloween

This year for Halloween Barrett was a bat. Ben's Aunt Sheryl picked it out for him and we loved it. Barrett seemed to enjoy it, too. We did some trick or treating at the grandparents' homes and the West's. It was a busy evening, but lots of fun. Barrett did seem to pick on Aunt Sandy's cat and cousin Louie a bit, though. He can get rough sometimes...he's definitely all boy. :)

The best (or worst) was Papa Rainey putting on a very scary mask and scaring the living daylights out of Barrett. Barrett jumped and then fell over. He cried, too. Ben put on the mask later and it still scared Barrett. Ah, Halloween! :)

The Highly Anticipated Belly Pics...Yea, right?!?

First, here is a picture from when I was pregnant with Barrett at 14 weeks and 2 days. Then it goes current....

Alright already....here are a few belly pics. One with it covered and the other not so much. It's quite the belly already, I think, and I know it's only going to get crazier. My sister told me to post pics just to keep all of you women informed of how a twin belly looks. Here it is at 14 weeks and 2 days. Please keep in mind that this is my second pregnancy too (be kind).

I had a stranger notice that I am pregnant, which did not happen to me until about 21 weeks with Barrett. That tells you something about this belly. Moving on....

School has been going well. Conferences are next week, so that makes for a long week. At least we get Friday off. I keep reminding myself that after conferences, there are breaks coming up (thanksgiving, chrsitmas, etc.). I just need to keep on keeping on. Feeling-wise I have still be nauseas somewhat and getting off and on again headaches. I've also been having trouble with my ears, which I think is due to Barrett having an ear infection last week. I have to go in to get another test done to see if my infection is gone, which my instincts tell me it's not. I don't know the next step after that. My next doctor's appointment is not until November 12th, so I guess I'll find out more then.



As for Barrett, he's doing much better now. Like I said he had a double ear infection a couple weeks ago and lasted up until just a few days ago. He took the medicine like a champ, though and he made it through just fine. He's back to his happy self. As you can tell he's loving being outside. He actually walked to the slider door and tried to open it to go out. He's is happiest outside. I guess when winter comes he'll just have to be all bundled up. It'll be humorous. Isn't he just the cutest?!?

Friend Wedding

Last night I went to my friend Glen's wedding. It was at the same recpetion hall that Ben and I had our recpetion at, so it was fun to revisit. I flew solo though because Ben stayed home with our sick little boy. Barrett has a double ear infection that has pread to his eyes and nose. He is pretty miserable these days, but he's finally on some medicine and things are looking much better. I had to dash out of work early on Friday to get him to the doctor. Oh, the things you do for your child. :) Anyway, last night was a very fun evening with friends. Rex, you may appreciate the above pose, since it is the one we often portray due to the picture you made for us. Last night we just seemed to chat a lot and catch up on things. There was a LITTLE dancing from me before I called it a night. When the party started getting somewhat wilder is when I decided it was time to go home. I just loved catching up with my friends and I miss them so much! We'll hopefully all be together again for the UM v. MSU game in a few weeks.

12 Weeks

Everything is going great! We went to the doctor today and they did another ultrasound to make sure everything was still going well and that the babies heartbeats were looking good. The babies are looking great, which is a huge relief now that we are past the 12 week marker. As many of you already know the risk of miscarriage now goes way down. Whew! Below is a new ultrasound picture of the babies. Twin B is on the top and twin A is on the bottom. The doctor did confirm that they are fraternal twins, so there is a possibility that we could get one of each gender. We go to the doctor again in one month and they scheduled us for another ultrasound. All of these ultrasounds are just to check on the babies' hearts, since it would be too difficult to find both early on with just the doppler thing.

As for how I've been feeling, it's been a rollercoaster. Every day I go from feeling not so good to good to not so good again. I get headaches off and on and I have been non-stop stuffed up since school started. I am also really tired, but that seems to be subsiding somewhat. I have to snack throughout the day and not do big meals, because stuffing myself makes me feel so sick (which is different from the overstuffed feeling when you're not pregnant). Overall I am feeling good and hanging in there. I do have a little baby bump already and I know some of you are anxious to see it, but I'm going to wait until I am 14 weeks. That is when I first started showing the belly last time, so I can't seem to get myself to show it any sooner than that. You're going to have to be patient! :)

Delbert's Birthday Party

Sue taking her grandsons for a wagon ride.


Barrett & Louie watching the cows and playing with feed.


Ben took Barrett for a quad ride in the sprinkling rain.


The birthday grandpa with his two favorite boys!



We just got back from spending the afternoon over at grandma and grandpa's house celebrating Delbert's 56th birthday. The idea was that there was going to be a hayride (and for some of the brave few there still was), but the rain had different plans. It was cold and wet so many people decided to stay back and just enjoy each other's company. It was a great afternoon. We ate a lot and played cards.

My next doctor's appointment is Tuesdays, so I'll post more again after that! :)

GUS 1995-2007

Well, I'm sad to let everyone know that Gus was put down yesterday evening. His liver was failing fast and there was nothing they could do. The doctor's also believed there to be a tumor. My sweet father had to be the one to take Gus in. I think he is having the hardest time out of everyone. Gus was my father's constant buddy through all the highs and very low lows these past 12 years. Gus will now join my mother and be her buddy until we all meet up again. We will miss you Gus.

He's 13 Months Old!!!

Such a boy!


He'll put his arms up like this and then slam then down (making a lot of noise in the process).


He's a walking fool now! :)


Barrett and Mommy




Barrett continues to amaze. Friday night he went to the local football game with Ben and then Saturday I took him to the MSU tailgate, then shopping, then out to lunch (and he never fussed the whole time). By the time we got home later that afternoon he slept for about 3 to 3 and a half hours to make up for the missed morning nap. What a trooper. Saturday night we decided to head up to Ben's grandma's for one last night and day (Sunday) out on the lake. We spent Sunday soaking up some last minute rays and swimming a bit. I forgot my camera, though, so sorry...no pics. It was a nice relaxing day. I kept thinking about how crazy it was to be swimming in October! The only thing that gave the season away were the trees across the lake that had various colors. It was such a busy, but nice weekend.

Barrett's stats @ 13 months:
**Has 2 naps a day
**Walking all the time (occassional crawl, but rare now)
**Says 'moo' and 'mamma' (mamma is used for both Ben and me)
**When he walks he sometimes puts his hands above his head or waves them in front of himself
**Love his walking toys
**CLIMBS EVERYTHING!!! Even his toys and the coffee table
**Knows how to get off of the couch and bed. He even knows how to back down stairs
**Wants to be outside every possible minute
**Loves to get into cupboards, especially the ones with tupperware and pans
**Probably weighs around 25 lbs., but feels heavier
**Has two molars now...that makes 10 total teeth
**Love his daddy (mommy is not so cool anymore) :(
**Smiles almost all the time, but does have some fussiness
**Continues to get cuter and funnier every day!
**

Sweet Gus

I have some sad to news to pass along. I got a call from dad and Katrina Tuesday night and they told me that they have to put Gus down sooner rather than later, according to the vet. Gus had gotten some blood work back and it looks as though his liver is failing and soon to follow will be his kidneys. Wednesday night many of us gathered at the Rainey house to hang out with Gus one last time. Dad and Katrina are not quite sure when they will take Gus in, but it will probably be soon. It was a bitter sweet night, as Gus is more than just a dog to all of us. Gus is one last link to our mother since it was she (along with me) that went and got Gus one day. Gus has had a good long life and he will be missed very much. It is hard to explain all the sadness I am feeling about the upcoming day....awe poor Gus. He's been quite a wonderful dog! I will post again with an update when I can.

We're Having TWINS!!!

Okay, so I can hardly believe it myself, but indeed we are having TWINS! Ben and I went to the doctor today and went through the normal routine. We were almost out the door and the doctor asked us if we had any last minute questions. I told her about my questioning the due date. She requested an ultrasound right then. The technician came in to do the ultrasound and Ben and I were simply excited to see "the" baby. "The" baby was measuring small, so I jokingly asked "There's only one, right?" and the technician replied "yes, but I think I saw a cyst on your ovary". The technician proceeded to find this "cyst" and then just stared at the screen. Ben and I both repeatedly said "What?" with no reply, until she said "I'm sorry I just told you that there was one, because there is actually another one". We were beyond words at this point...oh my goodness!!!! Three kids under the age of 2!!!! This is a lot to take in! Well, needless to say, our due date was pushed to April 26th, but keeping in mind that we will deliver at least 2 weeks before that date. Crazy I know! The ultrasound picture shows the two babies. The top pic actually shows the two sacs, too. The doctor said that they both look great with good, strong heartbeats!! All is well.

A "Chill" boy, a "Yelling" boy, and a "Cranky" boy...

Chillin' on the couch at home.


His new hang out...he crawls in there and then yells for attention.


We went to the MSU tailgate today...it was an early one for us.


This past week was a long one for me. It started with a long Monday because after work I had to take Barrett to the doctor's for his 12 month well baby. Anytime you go to this doctor you can plan on being there at least an hour and a half on a good day. It sucks! Then the other days this week just seemed long because of the excessive exhaustion that this pregnancy is causing. Last night we just stayed in a laid low. Ben had been gone to Canada for a few days this week, so he we all wanted family time. Today we headed in to the MSU tailgate. Our friend Gregor had built a corn hole game, so we played several games of that and ate a lot of food. It was a successful tailgate. Then everyone, but Barrett, Andrea, Destinee, Brent, and I, went off to the game. The rest of us stayed and listened to the game on the radio. State pulled out a close win. After the game people returned to tailgate some more and Andrea and I watched the first half of the U of M game on the t.v. Michigan was pulling out a nice lead. Yea...finally. :) Tomorrow we are heading over to Aunt Amanda and Uncle Pat's for cousin Louie's 1st b-day party. That will make for a long day, too. Maybe we should rest up tonight!

Barrett's 1st Birthday and Announcement!

Barrett's first birthday is officially today, but his party was last night. It went off without a hitch and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, especially Barrett. He handled all the attention great and even stayed up until 10 pm! Even that late he wasn't too cranky with anyone, which was nice. Everyone kept saying "is he always this good?". I tried to remain modest, but yes, he is always that good. I am very lucky.

Barrett got a lot of neat toys, cool looking clothes, and loved the cake! At first he kind of just poked at it, but quickly he learned that he could put his hands right in it. We knew he was finished when he started smashing the cake and cake started flying everywhere! It was funny. Thank you to every one who was able to spend the day with us to celebrate Barrett's birthday.

Barrett's stats @ 12 months:
:::Not sure how much he weighs (dr. appt. Monday), but somewhere around 25-30 lbs.
:::Blonde hair, blue eyes
:::Sucks his right thumb
:::Sleeps through the night (~9pm-7am)
:::Takes two naps a day (one in the morning from 10:30-noon and then another one in the afternoon from 3-5pm)
:::Eats people food throughout the day
:::Transitioning to cow's milk (formula with some cow's milk)
:::Drooling all the time and bad diaper rashes (molars are coming in)
:::Eight teeth
:::Crawling, cruising, and a little bit of walking
:::Beginning to wave
:::Says many sounds, but no distinguishing words, yet
:::Loves to climb everything!!!
:::Getting cuter every day!



Also at the party we announced to most people that we are expecting another baby. Barrett wore the shirt shown in the picture (I ironed on the letters) and most people were shocked, but excited. Yup, two kids under the age of 2 is going to be busy! :)

Finding out I was pregnant again was interesting, because I had taken two pregnancy tests and they both came out negative. My instincts kept telling me something was up, though. My pants felt tight, I wasn't feeling good almost every day, etc. So I waited another week and then took another test and this time it was positive. I came into the other room where Ben was and said "you're going to be a daddy again!". He just hugged me and then got super giddy. He is so excited, as am I.

So some of you now may be wondering how I've been feeling these past two months. I have been very tired and very sick. It is a daily struggle to get through the morning without rushing to the bathroom. The sick feeling also comes back to get me at bedtime. I can't wait for the 2nd trimester! Also, with going back to work, I have been even more tired than normal (plus I have a 1 yr. old who doesn't let me sleep much in the afternoon also). It should be an exhausting winter, but at least I can bundle up in comfy clothes and not worry about being enormously pregnant in the summer like I was last time. :)