My First NST appointment

(31 weeks 3 days pregnant) (the smaller pic is when I was 32 weeks preggo with Barrett)

Today I had my first NST appointment. This is a non-stress test to monitor the babies heart tones and uterine activity. I passed with flying colors. The babies hearts both sound great and there was no uterine activity (which is what you want). I had to sit in a room with all these monitors all over my belly for about 20 minutes. The only sound was of the babies heart beats...it made me so drowsy! :) I have these NST appointments twice a week. Once a week this is followed by an ultrasound and an appointment with my doctor. It's busy, but like I told my doctor...if I'm still going to appointments then it means the babies are still staying in me. I saw a few very small babies at the hospital yesterday and I really don't want my babies to be born just yet. It would be so scary. An update on Elizabeth, also, I guess several test they performed came back negative (a spinal tap, CAT scan, etc.). This is a good thing. Last I heard they were still waiting on the EEG, which checks the brain. Unforunately she was still in the NICU, though. It looks as though things are looking up though, which is excellent news.

Barrett has a new cousin!

Amanda and Pat had their baby!! They had a baby girl named Elizabeth Grace. She was born at 9:06 am and weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. I was lucky enough (even though Del insisted he push me everywhere in the hospital in a wheelchair!) to tag along with Sue and Del to the hospital to await the news. It was all so exciting waiting in the waiting room for Pat to come around the corner to make the announcement. Once he arrived we were able to go see Amanda in the recovery room, but unfortunately the nursing staff had to take Elizabeth to the nursery to get some fluid out of her lungs. Later we found out that her sugar levels dropped very low, too. After eating lunch, Amanda was admitted into a private room and we waited by the nursery to meet Elizabeth. We were eventually allowed to enter the nursery one at a time with Pat. She is so adorable! After that we decided we better head for home so that Amanda and Pat could rest. A few hours later I got a call from Sue saying that visitors will not be allowed further tonight, because Elizabeth had a seizure and had to got to intensive care. :( Very scary! Needless to say, Amanda and Pat called Father Denis and he arrived to baptize Elizabeth. The doctors do not know why Elizabeth had a seizure, but please keep them in your prayers for this a very scary time for the family.

Barrett's New Room

Barrett's big biy bed and toy storage area.

His bed, again. Uncle Rex's drawing on the wall.

This dresser is from the Spitzley family. Ben worked many hours stripping the old paint off and repainting it again and again. The diapers and wipes will go in one of the top drawers. Maybe we won't need them for long, though. (wishful thinking...I know).

Barrett in his new room!

This is Barrett's new room! We finally got is all finished. Yet, now that I am not supposed to do much around the house, I have decided to not use the changing area in this room because it is slightly higher than his old one. Other than that, all of Barrett's things are now in this room. Barrett even slept in his "big boy" bed for the first time last night. He slept the whole night without a sound! When Ben got up around 6 am though, Barrett heard him and was at his bedroom door ready to come out. He didn't cry or get scared though, he just sort of rattled the door. :) Hopefully all nights go this well! :)

Okay...I'm back again!!!!

Well, I finally got my computer back (...again), so I can finally update on the blog. The computer decided to not start one day and so it had to go back to the shop. They said there was nothing wrong with it...go figure...that's just my luck these days. So, some money, later we have our computer back.

On the pregnancy front, I had my doctor's appointment a few days ago with an ultrasound. The pictures from the ultrasound are more difficult to see these days due to the babies' sizes, so I'm not going to post them. Baby A weighs about 3 lbs. 2 oz. and Baby B weighs about 3 lbs. 5 oz. They are both doing very well. My body on the other hand is beginning to say enough os enough (and it is way too early for it to be doing that!), so the doctor ordered me off work immediately. The doctor never called it bedrest, but I guess some would call it "modified" bedrest. The doctor told me to go home and be a couch potato. I'm not allowed to do much, but just stay and home and rest. The day of my appointment the doctor sent me to the hospital to get the first round of steroid shots to help the babies' lungs develop quicker. The next day I had to go back to the doctor to get the second round of shots. The doctor recommended the shots just in case I deliver early (which is pretty much inevitable considering this is a multiple pregancy). We all want the babies to be healthy and well. So needless to say I am now at home, enjoying my time with Barrett and hoping that these babies will stay in me for a few more months. I'm anxious to meet them, but I can definitely wait.


I took this picture today (29 weeks 5 days pregnant) after a few shots of the bare belly kind and decided that I just couldn't bare showing my bare belly any more. The stretch marks are just getting too bad. They are 100 times worse than with my first pregnancy. Crazy to think what the belly will look like in a month or so...do I even want to think it in the first place. It's worth it though, right?!?

As far as other things go, Ben is currently coaching wrestling and won't be done until the end of March. That keeps him pretty busy on top of his already busy work pile, too. He's getting pretty stressed, but hanging in there. Now with me being home and not able to do much, he has a lot of responsibility at home, too. Yet, I know he can do it. We all can. Last weekend, we also rearranged our living room to make more space and we love it! We also finished Barrett's new bedroom. I will post pictures of these rooms soon.

Well, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and I hope that every one is doing well!!!

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?!?