Long John's Here We Come!!

Yesterday we decided to have some play time outside. It was finally warm enough to enjoy some snow, so we got Barrett dressed in his long johns. We couldn't resist how cute he looked and had to take some pics.

Williams had their baby!!!

Kyle and Melissa welcomed their baby girl yesterday early morning!!! Her name is Tatym Ann. We are so very excited to meet her and introduce Barrett to her, too. We hope the new family is doing well.

Thurday night I got a text message saying that they just got the epidural and that Melissa was 7 cm dilated. After that I didn't hear anything. The next morning at work, I quickly emailed my sister to find out if she knew anything (I was dying with excitement). She emailed me right back with all the news. It was so exciting. Soon after that I got another text from the Williams with a picture of Tatym Ann. Oh, she is so beautiful. It was such an exciting day. Congrats, again, to the new family. :)

Barrett vs. Spagetti

Barrett was lovin' his spagetti the other night. Although he was given a fork to use he opted to use his hands. This provided us with quite the dinner entertainment! :)

(Sorry about the video being cut-off...I don't know how to fix it, though)

Ultrasound at 25 weeks 2 days

The top pic is of baby A (the one head down and closest to the cervix) and the bottom pic is of baby B (this baby is breech).

FINALLY...I'm back!

Okay, okay, so I know it has been awhile since I have last posted. It is honestly not my fault. Shortly after I last posted I shut down my computer like always, then the next day I went to turn it on and it crashed...bad. It wouldn't start in any mode I tried, so I had to take it in. First I took it to a guy in Portland who told me that he couldn't save anything. I cried and cried. All of Barrett's pictures from his first year were gone. So my brother told me to go get a second opinion. I took it to a place in Lansing and after about 3 weeks, they saved everything and now I have my computer back. The computer had to get a new operating system, which means that it is back to how it was when we bought the computer. Needless to say, it is a big mess. Luckily though everything was saved!

On to other things, I had my last doctor's appointment last Monday and everything looks great. The doctor just kept saying how perfect everything is. The babies both weigh about 2 lbs, so that explains why my belly is just getting so big so fast. I do have to wear a pregnancy cradle now when I am at work. It helps so much because of how much I am on my feet. At this point I am working on a month-to-month basis. I go back to the doctor the second week of February. The babies are now moving all the time. One baby is head down and the other baby is lying more sideways. Their feet are in almost the same place, so when they get going they can really get going. You can see the kicks, too. They can be very busy babies!!! Sometimes it's even a little painful.

With all this baby talk, I want to send my best out to the Williams who are expecting their little girl any day now. I can't wait!!!

Barrett's been okay recently. Last week he got really sick so I had to take him to the doctor. It ended up that he had a double ear infection (again). I also think he got a bit of the stomach flu that I had earlier in the week, too. We couldn't keep anything down. Poor little guy. Then last weekend Ben got the same stomach bug. We have all been pretty sick recently, but I think we may be turing the corner...hopefully.

Below are some pictures from Christmas and pregnancy and so on:

Barrett Christmas Eve morning at Papa and Grandma's

On our way to Great Grandpa and Great Grandma's big Chrsitmas dinner

Barrett wearing mommy's new winter hat

Here I am at 23 weeks

Here I am today at 25 weeks 5 days

Barrett loves his new dairy farm sweatshirt!

Barrett is getting ready to go outside...hat snowpants, and boots!! Where's his coat?!?

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.