"life as we know it"

Hannahs First Day of Gymnastics

2010-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Today was Hannah's first day of "bymnakstiks." She has been talking about wanting to do this for a while. Chad and I decided to let her try it and see how she likes it. When they finally call the kiddos back to start their session, Hannah Grace has a little "big" meltdown. Who could blame her, right? She didn't know a single soul there and gets super shy. Finally with much bribing of gum, sprite, and icecream....she participated while mommy slipped away to watch in the waiting room with Madi and Kinley. They did great until about the last 15 min. I let them sit by me so they could see Hannah through the window. By this time, it is getting crowded because there is another session right after Hannah's class for the bigger kids. Suddenly I feel something warm on my leg and smell something rank...and then realize McKinley is puking....a lot......I was mortified. Couldn't clean up the puke because K is still puking, now Madi is screaming....it is total chaos until right now. With much more puking. I was laughing to keep from crying because Hannah was so excited when she got out. She wanted to tell all about her first day but I couldn't concentrate for the stinch coming from me and Mckinley and oh yeah, the puke running down my leg. This is by far the grossest day of my life thus far. All that to say, Hannah did great and will be going back. Without sisters.

Love the weather!

2010-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have been taking advantage of the nice weather in the mornings. We went to the train station here in Corsicana that is now the visitors center and also went to a neat little alley park in between two buildings in historic downtown Corsicana. I snapped a few pics to update the blog....if anyone follows it anymore.....it has been almost a year! Enjoy!

Corsicana

2010-08-24T06:56:00.001-07:00

Hello friends and fam! Just wanted to update everyone! We are officially in Corsicana! The tennis season has officially started and I am full time stay at home mommy again! Corsicana has been great so far. We are much closer to family.....I am able to spend more time with my mom and dad during the week. Jason, Nat, and Eli are just across the railroad tracks (lots of rr tracks in Corsicana). Uncle Jason has done lots of neice sitting already....you rock Uncle J! Our house is on the way in for my brother, Callie, and Connor. Connor gets to come over for a cousin sleepover this weekend...Hannah is just so excited! We have been able to reconnect with old friends and already made some new ones. We truley miss our friends in Temple....and Chick fila!!!!! Can't wait to come for a visit! Here are a few new pics!

Madi, Hannah, and Kinley on their way to the aquarium in Dallas for an all day daddy date!

On our way to the only splash pad in Corsicana!

The girls and Connor at Nina and Pawpaw's.

Hannah and Connor

Losing my mind!

2010-08-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Okay so it has been a long time since I have even checked my blog.....so, I was working on changing things and updating my blog and I can't seem to figure out how to change the font color? I have clicked on everything I can remember.....am I missing something? Thankful for any help!

Halloween pictures

2009-11-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

On Friday we went to the "Fall Vestibal" (as Hannah calls it) at our church with our three little halloween ballerinas. Then on Saturday we went trick or treating in our neighborhood. This was Hannah's first year to actually go trick or treating because she is soooooo shy and gets so scared. The twins did great playing in the wagon and clapping at each other. Here are some pics of our little ballerinas....

Fall Festival

Trick or Treat

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here are our pics from the pumpkin patch on Saturday:

A smile please....anyone...a smile....

Seriously Kinley....please give me a little smile

I can always count on Madison for that big smile!

Mommy's girls!

Well, their not all smiling but at least their looking at the camera!

Daddy's girl

Pumpkin Pictures

2009-10-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

All the girls kind of matched today and I tried to get some good pics.....and a pic of the girls in the sink and one shot of Madison trying to crawl.

Short update

2009-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know it has been like 4 months since I have updated my blog. I will save the novel and just start where we are now. Obviously things have been crazy the last 4 months, but we are survivng. Now if we can just get through the flu season!!!!

Hannah Grace

Let's start with my Hannah Grace....she will be 2 1/2 this month! She has been a great big sister (this week) helping me change diapers and telling them stories and reading to them. She loves to dance and make the girls laugh. She loves to whisper secrets to you and is getting so independent....she loves to dress herself, go to the potty by herself, wash her hands, brush her teeth, etc. We have succeded with no paci at all since July and she is in her big girl bed with her big girl decor. We are almost completely potty trained. Even though I feel like I have been working with her for centuries on this....Oh she poops in the potty just fine, it is the peeing she often forgets about! And I do mean often! Oh how I do love that girl! We got her hair CUT a couple a weeks ago. 3 inches!

Hannah and mommy last year at the pumpkin patch

Hannah cheesing for the camera before her haircut

Madison
Madison is doing much better these days. She sleeps like a rock! She likes to lay on her belly, loves to eat baby food...doesn't matter what....she gobbles it up! I can't seem to get it in her mouth fast enough. She sits up great. Her new thing this past week is sitting up from the lying position. I went into her room yesterday and found her sitting up and her paci was on the floor....and so it begins! She is trying so hard to crawl. She gets up on all fours and then lunges forward, only to fall flat on her belly again. She has the most adorable laugh and the biggest dimples when she smiles. She is really coming into her personality. Oh and did I mention....she is a mommy's girl!

McKinley
McKinley is still just as sweet as ever. She still loves to kick those legs. She is sitting up well also, but she is not ready to crawl yet. She just swims when she is on her belly....absolutely no interest at all in getting up on those hands and legs. She is a very laid back kind of kiddo. She plays well by herself, she stays pretty content unless she is hungry or tired. She doesn't really enjoy baby food like Madi, she would rather have her bottle, a mum-mum, or cereal. She too has an adorable laugh and a smile that is just too sweet. Kinley is pretty much anybody's gal, she doesn't really seem to have a preference to me or Chad. She will play shy sometimes and bury her face into my chest...which I will always love and find so precious.

We had our friend from Corsicana come down for a visit recently. Her little girls name is Hannah and she is 3 years old. Her and Hannah Grace had a blast together and it was good getting to catch up with my old friend (I totally wasn't referring to your age Linda :]) As I say with all my friends and family that come for a visit at this crazy house with twins and a two year old.....I hope they come back!

Anyway, that is about all that is going on.....just living by the moment. We are in the middle of tennis season and I have been roughing it on my own with the girls. Family comes in from time to time and we now have some friends that take the girls on Monday for a few hours so I can go run errands or sit and just listen to the silence.....so nice.....! Thank you AJ and Laura! I have recently made a dress and I know Bankhead will laugh at me, but I am so proud of myself. My friend Shannon is one of the craftiest gals I know and I just wanna be like her. She too has girls and starting making pillowcase dresses that I think are adorable! So, with all my free time :] I thought I might try to make one also. After wasting a few yards of material, I have a finished product and I have to say...not bad. So now I can officially make bows and a simple dress for my girls....which is good...because I have sooo many girls. I am also doing a bible study on Thursday mornings which has been awesome. Not only because I get to drop my girls off at 8:30 am and have some adult conversations (I really do love my babies), but we are doing an awesome study on the book of Colossians. I just love the in depth study and a chance to get back into the Word. I have to say it has been a struggle of getting in the Word since the twins...when I did have time...honestly I would have rathered sleep or stared at the wall or take a shower. Crazy, but thank you Kim for the long, endless questions.

Didn't I say I was going to make this post short......

Love never fails

2009-06-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Five years ago on June 12, I married my best friend. I still can't believe how quick 5 years has gone by! I am so thankful to have such a loving husband, who still to this day loves to suprise me on our anniversary. That is just one of the million things I love about my husband!

So many things have changed in our lives over the past five years. Our first year we found our church home at Temple Bible Church. We made many life long friends there who we are so thankful to call our church family. We also bought our first house that year in Temple. It has been fun decorating and painting (which I am still doing) and giving our dogs, Ace and Abby, a place to run around.

Our second year of marriage we found out we were pregnant with little Hannah Grace and welcomed her into our family on April 27, 2007.

Our third year of marriage was filled with tons of firsts. First time parents, first time we fell in love with a little girl named Hannah Grace, first mother and fathers day, firsts many sleepless nights, first boo boos, etc....I don't have enough room to elaborate! I got to be a stay at home mom and take care of our Hannah Grace that year. I did a little work on the side at the church and a little bit of home health too later in the year. It was definitely a fun year!

Then, our fourth year we decided to take a family vacation. Our first one as a little family. We went to Corpus Christi around the fourth of July weekend. We had so much fun on the beach and sight seeing, although Hannah hated the sand and the ocean. I kind of felt sick by the second day and couldn't shake it. I joked with Chad that... what if I was pregnant! Hee Hee! We went back to San Antonio a day early because of the rain and stayed with his parents the rest of the weekend. By that time, the sickness only got worse....... Sooooooo, of course we took a test or three when we got back to make sure it was nothing. Because you see, at this time, Hannah had just turned about 14 months old. Sure enough, we were pregnant! Very pregnant! I think I spent the first 3 1/2 months of that pregnancy in bed, very sick! And this could have been why......

TWINS!! Madison Hope and McKinley Faith joined our little family February 13, 2009! So the rest of the fourth year was a blur. Hannah started sleeping in a toddler bed because my belly got so big I couldn't get her out of the crib! And this year, so far it has been a blur too. My world has totally revolved around my girls....from potty training, to burping, changing diapers, rocking babies, feeding babies, playing with babies, tantrums, playing with Hannah, and everything else that comes with motherhood, there isn't time for much else! How little we knew we would be the parents of three kids some day!

So, my sweet husband decided to suprise me with a little trip to Austin for our anniversary on Friday. He arranged for our sweet friends Meredith and Grant to keep the kiddos (overnight!) while we had a day and night to ourselves! Thank you to Sarah Nass too for helping out on Friday afternoon. That is true friendship let me tell ya, I'm not so sure they will do it again....but I hope they know how much we appreciated it! It was nice to slow down and spend some quality time together. He even suprised me with a beautiful anniversary band that he promised me 5 years ago...it matches my wedding band! I just love my husband! Not just for the ring and the weekend getaway, but for just wanting to spend time with me! I love him for being a man of God and the way he is with our kids.....God couldn't have chosen a better daddy of 3 girls!

Okay so that is it in a nutshell! I better stop before this turns into a Francine Rivers novel.

3 Months Old

2009-05-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

How fast time flies when you are having......when you have three girls! Just kidding, we are having fun too! I just wish they would all look at the camera at the same time! I just can't believe that the twins are 3 months old! I just love being a mom ya know. There are times I don't have a minute to go and pee, but I just love my girls. Madison started laughing on Sunday.....that first little laugh is always so precious! So here are some snapshots of the girls today.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day out there to all my friends and family! We dedicated the twins to the church today and attempted a few family pics.......Chad and Hannah snuck away yesterday and got me the sweetest present for me for Mother's Day. At Christmas time I told Chad I wanted a necklace with all three of my girls names on it. Chad, being the sneaky, loving suprises kind of guy he is....suprised me with it this morning. Of course he told me he and Hannah were going to watch some of his kids play tennis in Georgetown yesterday! Such a sneak! Thanks honey, I love you!

I loved Bro. Gary's message today about being a Godly momma! With all the challenges that have been going on for the last 3 months, I pray my little girl sees Jesus in me! I know it has been tough on Hannah watching her mommy with these two new babies and my reactions haven't always been right, but I am learning. I want all of them to see me as a Godly mother and a Godly wife to my husband. Today was just a reminder that my actions and words say everything about who I am to my girls. I just love Proverbs and it was just so encouraging and convicting for me today. Just thought I would share!

A special thank you to my mom and Chad's mom for being the best! Thank you for sacrificing to help me with Hannah and the twins! I really could not do it without you girls! You are both the best grandmothers in the world! Thank you for being such posititve role models in our lives, we love you both so much! And thanks for putting up with me!

I forgot this one!

2009-05-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Kissing cousins! This is our nephew Connor and Hannah is just loving all over him! She just loved her visit with Connor and even tried to teach him to walk! Too cute!

My first haircut

2009-05-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

We finally decided to get Hannah a little haircut to even up the ends and get rid of the point growing down the front of her head. She did really good as long as she got to sit in mommy's lap. So, that is why all the pics are realllllly close up!

More pictures

2009-05-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

Me and my girls

Hannah and her sisters

Madison

So sweet!

Big sister

McKinley

Madison

Princess Mommy

Madi and Kinley

Kinley

Hanging out with our girls!

2009-05-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Daddy with Madi and Kinley

Kinley and Madi

Princess Hannah serving Elmo tea

Another attempt for a pic with all three girls!

Madison and McKinley are definitley changing.....they are smiling more and laughing. They are able to play more on their own! We are on a schedule now and guess what????????? They are sleeping through the night....Praise the Lord!!!!! Well, by through the night, I mean like 4, 5, or 6! Last night they went down around 8 and Madi slept until 6:30 and Kinley slept until 5! Sleep is wonderful!!!!! Now if we can just get them sleeping in their cribs. They are still sleeping soundly in their bouncey chairs. They are such sweet girls with such different personalities. Madison is okay playing by herself and McKinley loves to talk to you and she wants your undivided attention! Here are some recent pics of them.

More birthday pictures!

2009-05-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little princess

Tea anyone?

Where is your hair Uncle Jason?

Cousin Eli

Tati Natalie

Hannah Turns Two

2009-05-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

We decided to do it small this year for Hannah's birthday party and just have family there! I think I might have stressed a little doing anything too big! Maybe next year when the twins are walking! We had a great time with family and Hannah loved being able to play with her cousin Connor and Eli! We ended up doing an Elmo birthday....which of course I would have loved something a little more girlie, but Hannah totally digs Elmo. Once again Hannah cried when we sang Happy Birthday to her and mommy had to blow out the candles.....she loves attention but not when we are giving it to her all at the same time. Thanks to all our family who were able to come and celebrate Hannah with us! We appreciate all the clothes and toys! Hannah loves to play dress up and have her tea parties with Elmo and Mickey! She also loves playing with her new "stuffed" dog Chloe and oh how she loves her new doll house! I just love this new stage of make believe! She loves to tell you stories and loves to take care of her babies.....I think she has like 3 sets of twins! Thanks Tati!

Hannah with her new dress up shoes

Hannah with her Elmo birthday cake

Connor

Hannah sitting in pawpaw's lap

Hannah rocking a set of twin babies!

Easter 2009

2009-05-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

We practiced hunting Easter eggs this year in the front yard because this would be Hannah's first time to actually Easter egg hunt. We took her to the Easter egg hunt at UMHB and she had no trouble catching on...her basket was overflowing and we couldn't get her to stop picking up eggs! The twins came to and hung out in the stroller without too much fussing! They love to be outdoors! We were able to go to the Easter service at the Expo center! It was great! Meredith and Grant were there to help feed and burp babies and we actually got to enjoy the service. Thanks Mer-Mer and Grant! Here are a few pics from Easter. We didn't get too many of the twins, either one is sleeping and the other is smiling or crying.....and don't even talk about getting the three girls together for a picture!

2 months old

2009-05-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am really behind! Madi and Kinley are now almost 3 months old but I haven't had time to post the stats of their 2 month check-up....so here it is: Madi 9 lbs 8 ounces, 21.75 inches long and Kinley 8 lbs 9 ounces, 20.75 inches long! Kinley's head turned out to be bigger than Madi's this time though! They have adjusted to formula well and their personalities are blossoming!

Almost 2 months!

2009-04-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would give everyone a quick update on the White family! We are all making it! We are in the process of weaning the girls and starting them on formula! I can't wait to sleep a whole night! It is a long and painful process for both me and the girls.....I know you gals know what I am talking about! Since spring break we have been trying to get out and about with all three girls. Just testing our limits with the girls and seeing what we can handle. So far, it hasn't been all that bad. We even got to church for SS one Sunday....it only took like 2 1/2 hours to get everyone ready and all bags packed.....but we made it! I think it has been good to get out and get going again. This experience with twins has been so different (obviously) than with Hannah. I was so laid back with everything with Hannah. The sleep deprivation didn't bother me, nursing her wasn't any trouble, she didn't really cry that much, sleeping through the night was a cinch...blah, blah, blah......and then there was Madi and Kinley. I mean this in the nicest way girls, but ya'll have been anything but routine babies! They change everyday, how they like to be consoled, where they like to sleep, it is just crazy! All that being said, we just love them to pieces and we know this time will pass before we know it. I heard a song on the other morning (when I left Chad at home for a brief 20 minutes with all 3 girls after a hard night with the girls and a rough morning with Hannah) and it just talked about how these moments, though they seem rough at the time, won't last for long. Before we know it, they will be going to kindergarten, going to their first prom, going off to college, getting married.....etc, etc. Of course I started crying and sped back home and just held onto my girls. No matter how hard it is now or may be down the road, I still want to cherish these time with my girls. They want always need me like they do now. Anyway, you can tell I haven't had much sleep....I get pretty cheesy emotional these days. Sleep is coming on soon though! Here are some pics of the girls! We go for their 2 month check-ups on the 15th. I am so anxious to see how much they have grown!

My sweet girls!

2009-04-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hannah Grace

McKinley Faith

Madison and McKinley

Madison Hope

Hannah

My little squirt McKinley

Hannah and Nina

McKinley

Madison

1 month old

2009-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Has it been a month already! Time seems to go by a little faster with 2 screaming infants and sleep deprivation! The girls are growing so fast and we are anxious to see how much they weigh now! Of course, they are looking different every day to me. It is so funny with these girls, they change like the wind. One night Madison will sleep well and McKinley will scream, and the next night it will be the other way around. Some nights it has been both of them screaming....gas is not fun with two infants! We have had a bit of a night and day mix up I believe, so we are trying to get the girls to stay awake a little more during the day. I also have developed mastitis......ouch! I am still trying to nurse both girls, which works out well when they are on the same schedule, but I have to admit it is very exhausting. We are debating on whether to formula feed. I haven't had a full night sleep or more than 3 hours of sleep since they were born. They both keep their eyes open a little more and of course are at the stage when they try to focus on something their eyes cross. Totally freaks me out and makes me laugh at the same time. They both love their bath time and hate having their diaper changed. They don't really care to sleep in their crib, which we try every day....instead, they like to sleep in their bouncy chairs. Hey, whatever works right now! They love to ride in the car, until we stop. They both love it outdoors, especially Madison. We were able to go to the tennis courts and drop big sister off one day a couple of weeks ago. I am excited about the weather clearing up, I think we will be outside a lot! This week we are trying to wing the twins with no moms and so far it has been okay. The first night went well, they slept through the night only waking up to eat! Whoo-hoo! That is a first! Anyway, just a little update on the girls.

Big sister is doing well. She has her moments. I can't believe how much she has grown and the sentences she makes. It just blows me away! This past weekend was my mother-in-law's birthday and we celebrated here at the house. Jason and Nat got to come down with little Eli. Sometimes I am not sure what Hannah is thinking about her new sisters. Overall...she is pretty sweet to them. She loves to take care of her babies like mommy takes care of her sisters. She feeds, dresses, burps them and they even go to time out!

Our girls are such sweet blessings. We are so thankful for their health and just to be blessed as a family. It has been rough with the twins this first month, but I just know it will get better. I have to keep telling myself and letting the Lord just take control of this situation and persevere. This is truley been a test of patience for Chad and I both. Keep us in your prayers, especially the twins. They are healthy but they are having such a hard time letting us soothe them. Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and encouragement!

I have to do these postings in segments, so I will post pictures soon!

Little Blessings

2009-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our two new sweet little blessings! I can't believe they are actually here! I was even more suprised at how much they weighed! Madison Hope weighed 6lbs and was 17 inches long and McKinley Faith weighed 5lbs 9 oz and was 17 inches long! I still don't know how they both fit in my belly! The c-section went really well and recovery has gone better than expected. It was actually somewhat comical. Dr. Fothergill and staff were just awesome in the OR. I am sure the meds helped out too! We also found out in the OR that I have one ovary and twisted fallopian tubes! How great is our God and how comforted I feel knowing that He is in control and won't give us more than we can handle. Jeremiah 29:11 Well, I am still sore and very exhausted juggling two infants and a toddler, but I am so thankful to have help! I could not do this without my mom and mother-in-law, who have been up with me every night and helping out with Hannah Grace and all the housework. Thanks so much mom and Vickie! Just wanted to tell everyone thank you so much for all your prayers and all the help that has been given and offered! We appreciate it so much! Big sister is adjusting. Every day is a different day and some days are good and some days aren't so good. I think we may be going through some terrible twos at the same time as adjusting to not being the center of attention. I know it will get better as time goes though, she just needs time to adjust. Well this is much of an update as I can give for now. The twins are still sleeping momentarily and I need to get some things done before they wake up to eat! And yes I am nursing them still! The last doctor appointment Madi weighed 6lbs 10 oz, 19.5 inches long and Kinley weighed 5 lbs 11oz, 19 inches long! So they gained their birth weight back and then some! Enjoy the pics! Proud daddy holding his new baby girls while mommy is bing stitched up!

My sweet Madison (left) and McKinley (right)!

Big sister holding one of her new baby sisters (McKinley)

McKinley (left) and Madison (right)
They look completely different!

Madison (left) and McKinley (right)

1st day home from the hospital

3 more days!

2009-02-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am dilated to a 3 now and sleep is pretty much every couple of days! Which I know things are about to get crazy and sleep may still be every couple of days, but at least I will be able to turn in the bed without waking myself up because I groan so loud! It literally takes my breath away to turn in the bed! Anyway, no complaining! My c-section is still on for Friday around 8:30 am. I am still a little anxious, but I know God has put us in good hands! We can't wait to see what these little munchkins look like! I will keep you updated at some point in the next couple of weeks, but I am sure you will all understand if I don't post anything for a bit! Next time we talk I will be a mommy of three....who knew!!!!

9 more days!

2009-02-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we will be a family of 5 in just 9 days! We are very excited and I am very ready! I just wanted to say thank you to my mom and mom-in-law for taking care of me for the past 4 weeks! What a sacrifice! They have cooked, cleaned, taken care of Hannah, ran errands, and so much more! I am so thankful to have them around! Here are a few shots of them hanging out with Hannah....she is a handful and I just thank them both for being so patient with her!

Belly love

2009-02-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am only posting this for the girls ya know! And to remind them how large my belly was when I was pregnant with them. In these pictures I am 36 weeks and 3 days prego! Hannah has been pretty sweet hugging and kissing my belly! She is going to be a great big sister! So here it is, the belly shot!

Eli Samuel White

2009-02-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my new little nephew! He was born January 12, 2009 to Jason (Chad's brother) and Natalie White. He is so precious and I just can't wait to meet him in person! Just wanted to share some pictures with ya'll and say thank you again for all your prayers for Jason and Nat!

MD appointment

2009-01-23T13:14:00.001-08:00

Well, it looks like we will have the girls anytime now! The doctor says that he is proud that we have made it to the 35 week mark! We had an ultrasound today and Madison and McKinley are doing great. Maddie weighs about 4 lb 7 oz and Kinley weighs about 4 lbs 6 oz and still both have very strong heartbeats. They are both head up right now, but Maddie is the one we were counting on to be head down. So...since there is no room in there for them to really flip around, we went ahead and scheduled a c-section for Friday, Feb. 13. This will be the first surgery I have ever had, which freaks me out a bit, but I am praying God will give me peace about it. I know everyone may not feel this way, but I truly loved giving birth to Hannah. I felt like a champion, it was such wonderful feeling for me! So I am kind of sad in a way. But whatever it takes to get my girls here safely I am capable of handling. God has His hand in it all and I know there is a reason why, even though I may not understand at the time. So that is about it for now. Thanks again for all your prayers and support! I will keep you all posted!

Madison and McKinley's room

2009-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would snap a couple of pictures of the twins room. Depending on Chad's job situation and where the Lord leads our family, we decided to wait to paint. The colors are quite bright but they have really grown on me. My mom helped me with the window covering and I covered the lamp shade and the M deco. I was so proud of myself! We decided just to put one crib up for now and see how they do for a few months and then maybe we will put up the second one. Hope ya like!

2009-01-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

Okay, so it has been like a month since I have posted anything....I know. We have been a wee bit busy and honestly I have been just lazy with the computer. I have hit the point in my pregnancy where I am miserable, hungry, and sleepy. I am definitely feeling the effects of carrying twins! Madison is still tucked down low on my bladder and McKinley feels like she is living in my rib cage. But I am not complaining! I am truley thankful for these girls. The doc says I have done well carrying twins...no problems with my sugar or blood pressure, etc. And the girls are growing well and are very healthy. I am so grateful for that! I just want to say thank you to all my girlfriends who have been so sweet and supportive and helpful. From calling to check on me, taking my Hannah to play, putting away my dishes, fixing me lunch, words of encouragement, baby showers, diapers.....that is just a glimpse of the ways ya'll have helped me. Words can't express my gratitude! It has been hard (possibly because I am a wee bit stubborn) to ask for help or to accept help when offered, but thank you! It is definitely humbling. I hope I can help you all like you have helped me during this time! This is really bad when I don't blog for a while cause I end up writing a novel! My best friend put together a shower for me and the girls this month! Thanks so much Laura for organizing everything! I love you like a sister! Thanks again for all the sweet gals who helped out with and came to my baby shower! We have everything we need and more! We are so blessed, thank you sooooo much! Here a few snapshots from the shower. I forgot to have someone take pictures...pregnancy brain! So there are only a couple. It was super cute...the theme was two peas in a pod! How appropriate!

The food! My cake was two peas on a pod!

Morgan and Madelyn dressed alike in honor of the twins! What a cute idea! My friends are so creative!

Hannah's first trip to the ER

About 3 days after Christmas, we experienced our first trip to the ER with Hannah. It always seems so much worse when you are in the moment, but I certainly don't want to do that again. We got a plastic slide for Christmas from our friends and really good neighbors across the street, Chris and Mike. Mike set it up in the living room for us by the Christmas tree for Hannah so it would be a suprise when we got back from San Antonio. Hannah just loves to slide and she was so excited when we got home. The next day we went to church and when we got home, we let Hannah play on her slide. She slid down at one point and bounced forward and her head hit the ottoman. Well, I told her she was okay because I thought she hit the cushioned part, not thinking about the edge of ottoman. Until blood started spewing from her forward! I set her on the counter to get a better look at and realized it was pretty open and was probably going to need stitches. So of course we jumped into the car and rushed to the ER like Hannah was dying. She cried all the way to the ER and then was just dandy after that. She let the docs come in and look at her forehead without clinging to us or crying. The only time she cried after that was when they were finishing up putting the liquid stitches in her wound. We were so proud of how tough she was, but we just felt awful. The scar is right between her eyes. So needless to say the slide was thrown into the backyard and she has been severly supervised with her sliding! Well, we have gotten a little better. So here is the only picture she would let us take of her boo boo after we got home. It kind of looked like a bloody unicorn horn at first but now it looks more like a little Harry Potter scar...poor baby....

1st day after our trip to the ER

Hannah holding her twin babies, feeding them their bottles and rocking them. From a distance you can't really see her scar. She is going to be a great big sister!

Hannah's 2nd Christmas

The first part of our Christmas vacation we spent with my family in Streetman, Texas and Christmas eve and day we spent with Chad's family in San Antonio. Hannah really got into it this year opening presents. A bit on the OCD side she would tear a piece off and put it in the trash....it was hilarious! Her personality came out this year, she sang and danced a lot! We got lots of great video and pictures. She got to spend time with her cousin Connor and lots of great aunts and uncles and grandparents and other family that is really good at spoiling! Here are a few snapshots!

Hannah running from her great grandmother who is on all fours behind her chasing her!

Hannah with her Uncle Chad and cousin Connor.

Pregnant shot!

My nephew Connor. He has the cutest smile!

Christmas morning!

Cooking something for Elmo!

Chad and I after Christmas dinner!

Hannah loving on her Tati Natalie and Uncle Jason!

Hannah with her Grandma and 2nd cousin Johnathon.

This kid loves shoes, especially the ones that don't fit!

So in a nutshell that is what has been going on for the last month. The twins are due at any time now. The doc says he won't let me go past Valentine's day. We can't wait to meet them! Thanks to everyone for all their support and prayers. One last praise before I sign off. Chad's brother Jason and sister-in-law Natalie have their first baby! He was born on Jan 12 weighing 7 lbs and 19 1/2 inches long. All things are official with the adoption and he is home and Jason and Nat are doing well. They named him Eli Samuel! I have only seen pictures of my new nephew but hope to see him soon. We aren't suppose to do any traveling so I missed the birth of my little nephew but we are so anxious to meet him! I will post pictures when I get some! Thank you all for your prayers for Jason and Natalie....we are so happy for them! They are going to be great parents! How great is our God!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! Just thought I would give you a quick update and some cutie pictures! First, the twins are well. My last ultrasound they estimated one weighing 2 lbs 8 oz and the other at 2 lbs 6 oz. Wow, how the time is flying by! I can't believe we are getting so close! We can't wait to meet them! Second, Hannah is doing well. Just changing every week, saying more words and trying to put together sentences. She has been loads of fun this Christmas season! We will be out of town this weekend to visit my family in Streetman for an early Christmas and then we will travel to San Antonio to spend Christmas with Chad's family. After that, I think I will be done traveling far distances for a while. Madison legs must be stuck in my ribs. I find it more comfortable being stretched completely out (but not too far back, due to the reflux! Ugh!) and leaned a bit to the left. Not fun in the car for long periods of time. And then there is McKinley sitting on my bladder I do believe! Where are all my organs gonna go when they get bigger!?! Just kidding, but insane to think about! So if you see me walking crooked with my legs crossed....you will know why! Okay, enough of that.....enjoy the pics!

Hannah loves to pucker up for a kiss!

And yes, she has pigtails!

Loves to show her tongue!

Pigtails again! Can you believe it!

Chilling with Santa! Couldn't get her to smile!

Between keeping Hannah focused and Maddie sitting upright, this is about as good as these girls can do for a picture! At least Hannah is crying this time!

Me, Hannah, Maddie, and Laura hanging out at the mall!

Cute picture, I love this one!

Hannah and daddy!

An attempt for a family Christmas picture. Didn't make the Christmas card!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-02T12:08:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! We went to my parents home in east Texas. We got to visit with my grandmother from Louisiana. We hadn't seen her since Easter! It was nice relaxing with the fam and eating and eating and eating!!!! Hannah and I were a little under the weather with a cold. Hannah had tons of fun hanging out with her cousin Connor, Nina and Papaw, Uncle Chad (my brother) and Aunt Callie, Mamaw Avant, and of course my mom's dog Lucy.....or as Hannah says, "Ucy!" Thanks for all the good food mom and thanks mamaw for getting in the floor and playing with Hannah! Here are a few snapshots of Thanksgiving!

Who says I am too big to sit in my mamaw's lap?

Hannah and Nina

(Hannah of course is giving us her most famous pose)

Cousin Connor Vail

Hannah and Mamaw Avant

Hannah dancing with "Ucy"

Uncle Chad and nephew Connor

Cousin Connor, Hannah, and me

Twin Update

2008-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the girls are doing great! Their heartbeats are great and they are growing for sure! Just the normal measurements and weight check! I tell ya, these girls are very active. They were kicking that doppler like a boxing bag! I go for another big ultrasound the second week in December and my 2 week appointments start in January! Hello co-pays! Oh yeah, and don't pass out all my obssesive friends and fam that check their blogs and e-mails like every other hour, yes I am blogging for the 2nd time this week!

My last day

2008-11-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finished seeing patients as of today! I have a little paperwork and equipment to turn into the office, but I am done seeing patients! It feels good so far! Now I can concentrate on resting, spending more time with my sweet girl, and getting ready for two more little girls! I just wanted to say thank you again to all my sweet girlfriends and family for being so understanding and helpful through some rough weeks. We are so blessed to have such support. I just can't thank you enough! And thank you to our Sunday School class for all the diapers!!!!!! I know you all know how much that helps out, so thank you so much! I am going to be a diaper changing queen!!!! Anywho, I wanted to show ya'll a few snapshots of Hannah with pointy pigtails. She screamed like I was pulling her hair out and I had to do it fast, so they turned out frumpy in the back but cute in the front. Well except the small patch of hair in the front, but we worked with what we had. Oh, and the other pictures are from my big girl brushing AT her teeth. I just love those footie (is that right) pajamas. I loved her in them when she was a baby and I still just love them on her!

Sarah Miller

2008-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Okay Sarah Miller, I am a computer dummy and can't seem to find your blog. I keep telling Chad when he talks to Andrew to get your e-mail address or something so you know we are thinking about you guys too! So hopefully you will read this and send me some info!

Update

2008-11-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am totally ridiculous! Blogging and e-mailing may not be for me! I just can't seem to keep up with myself! Well, here are a few snapshots of Hannah's 2nd Halloween. (I also can't seem to get my pictures in order) So the first set is from the fall festival and the second is from her playgroup Halloween party. Hannah had an ear infection, sinus infection, and is getting four molars all at the same time.....so she didn't give us too many smiles or much excitement this Halloween. She wouldn't take pictures with Madelyn Bersoza for the life of me! Maybe next year! She was a cute little ladybug though!

So starting backwards......this is Hannah with her little buddy Hunter at the fall festival

Mommy and Hannah

(don't mistake this for a smile, I think she wanted her paci)
Daddy and Hannah

This is at her playgroup Halloween party

She liked playing with the toys more than taking pictures

or eating!

All the mommies were trying to take pictures of all the kids...

which worked out real well as you can see

One of several attempts to have Hannah take a picture

with little Maddie.

Before we left for the party.....the only little smile I got!

Well, I hope to get some more pictures posted soon. Since Halloween, both my mom and Chad's mom have been down to help us out with little Hannah while I worked and rested! What a blessing they both are! I love them so much! Hannah has recovered from her ear infection and sinus infection and now we are just battling the molars! I am currently 24 weeks and 3 days prego with the twins! I think some names have stuck on us...Madison Hope and McKinley Faith. I make no promises that is what they will be by Feb, but they sure are cute. And that is what I have been calling them. Next week should be my last week of work. Chad and I have decided to have me stop work a little sooner than we anticipated. Carrying twins is harder and more worrisome than I imagined. Also notice that I haven't posted pictures of my big round belly, which I am still debating whether I should or not. Let's just say, somebody the other day at the store said, "Wow, somebody is about to have a baby!" So, needless to say I am growing fast! I am excited to spend that extra time with my little girl with the extra time off before the twins come. She just changes every week. Her vocabulary has expanded so much and her personality is just so sweet! Her new phrase is "Come on mama," but she says it kind of hick and I think it is so hilarious! Well that is all I can type for now. I see the doc on Nov. 19 for a check up! Hopefully I will have some pictures posted by then!

My little pumpkin

2008-10-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

We have been out of town quite a bit lately visiting grandparents! It has been nice relaxing and watching Hannah get spoiled to pieces! She just loves those grandparents! We went to my parents in Streetman and then a couple weeks later we went to Chad's parents in San Antonio. We love you all and thanks for having us over!

Here is a picture of some of the kiddos that were at the pumpkin patch on Monday. So cute!

Here are a few snapshots of Hannah and friends at the pumpkin patch in Temple on Monday. Hannah wasn't in the most lovely mood (we are going down to one nap a day) but we got a few cute shots.
Madelyn Bersoza
Asa Thomas
Maddie and Laura
Mommy and Hannah

2008-09-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is the only way I think I am able to get anything that resembles a ponytail from this child! She is so tender headed and, well, she doesn't really have a lot of hair on the top of her head! So I guess bows will have to do for now! At least strangers no longer say, "He is so cute!"

Washing the car with daddy!

Well, if Chad isn't going to have a little boy to help out with washing the car, then Hannah will have to do!

I think she liked getting wet and playing with the bubbles the most!

Twin ????

2008-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

If you didn't get an e-mail from me, we are having twin girls!! Very shocking, I just knew there would be a boy in there. They are very healthy girls and growing! At least we will have plenty of baby girl clothes for the first year....hand me downs are great!!!! Although we are thankful they are healthy, we can't help but think of the future...you know, things like....periods, boys, clothes, college, weddings, etc. And all of this at the same time.... times three! Hannah will be just shy of 22 months when they are born! And just to let you know, this is it. We will not be trying for a boy. I think 3 pretty much more than completes our family! Thanks again for your prayers for healthy babies!

My baby girl

2008-09-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

This past week things have really slowed down at work, so Hannah and I got to spend a little more time together. I am really going to miss it being just my little Hannah. Of course we are excited about the twins, but it will be forever different. I just can't imagine three! Wow! Anyway, we have been chilling at home playing babies, dancing to silly music, attempting to color, she loves to watch me cook, going to the park, going to daddy's work and tennis matches, and her newest thing....pushing her baby stroller with her twin babies! Of course her twin babies are never in there at the same time, but she pushes them in a circle forever! It is so cute to watch! Here are some snapshots of her over the past week...she loves to brush her teeth...or play with the toothbrush! Enjoy! Oh, and yes I know I forgot to turn one picture around...for all my OCD friends! Love ya!

Twin Update

2008-09-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

My appointment on Wed went well. The twins are still growing! The doc tried to see if he could figure out what they were but they weren't exactly cooperating. He thinks baby B could be a boy, but he said we would have to see for sure on the 26th of this month. We are so excited to know what they will be! And yes, we will let ya know what they are. I am sleeping better since he told me I can take tylenol pm and my headaches are better now that I am having a little caffeine a day. Now for a little 1 year old trivia! Wow, I think we might be hitting the terrible twos early! Hannah knows the word "no!" very well now. She likes to throw herself on the floor, hit you when she is mad, and even hit herself when she gets in trouble. I am open to suggestions...we are about to go through the Shepherding your child's heart small group, I am thankful for that. I know most kids go through this, but I think it kind of throws you off guard when it actually happens.....especially in public!

Help me out here!

2008-09-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

I know this is totally dumb on my part and I admit it, but how do I get my words first and then the pictures? Is it the template I am using. I have tried several different ways without success. Any suggestions? I would also like to have links to ya'lls blogs but can't figure out how to get those to show up either. Advice would be much appreciated!

Back on Track!

2008-09-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a month since I have blogged anything! So far, I might be the world's worst blogger! I actually feel like being sociable now that I am feeling better. So sorry gals for not keeping in touch. I feel like I have had a great excuse though...you know....twins and all! I go back to the doctor on Wed. Sept 10 for a check up. I can't wait to hear their little heartbeats! I have been so anxious to see them and make sure they are doing okay. I still haven't felt them kick yet. Everyone has been so gracious on making extra items available since we will be having 2 this time! Thanks! We already have a donated crib and car seat! My mother-in-law got us an extra high chair and I have tons of girl clothes! So I am hoping at least one is another girl! Anyway, enough twin talk! Hannah is definitley growing up! It is amazing how much she changes and learns every week! She loves to play with her baby dolls and swaddles them and rocks them. I hope she is just as sweet to the twins. She got a new pair of sneakers over the weekend. I didn't realize she had never really worn a real pair of supportive shoes since she has learned to walk. It has been flip-flops all summer! So it was pretty funny watching her walk in them. We have had lots of family in and out for the past month and a half. I am still working a couple days a week and my mom and mother-in-law have both been pitching in to help us out. A.J Herring is so graciously watching her now on the days that I work. Hannah absolutely loves it! So that is about all that has been going on. Tennis is back in full swing, so Chad is pretty busy now. He is such a great daddy though! It is so sweet when he comes home and spends his daddy and Hannah time with her. They play and dance.....she loves the evenings when he gets home. The bond between them is so special. Well, here are a few pictures of Hannah and grandmas and oh yeah one of my prego belly. Sorry for the whiteness, I haven't exactly been in the sun lately. I am 15 weeks prego today!

TWINS!!

2008-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you heard me right! We are going to parents of twins in February! Yes, you could say we were in shock and the news is still sinking in! We are overjoyed and overwhelmed! Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to be parents of twins and a toddler! I plan on working as long as I can a couple of days a week until I am so enourmous I can't move! The babies seem to be doing well. They were growing well and moving around when I had my ultrasound on Thursday! I go back next thursday the 14th for a check-up with the doctor. Well, I think that is enough news for this blog!

The Lake

2008-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

This was Hannah's first time out on the boat on Lake Belton. We went with our good friends Mitch and Vicki (they own the therapy company I work for). She didn't really know what to think at first. She didn't seem scared....she was just very still. It probably didn't help that the life vest doesn't allow her to move very well. We even took her on the tube and she didn't even cry....that is until the end when we moved the wrong way and started to sink. I started screaming and then of course so did she. We had a blast though! After a couple of hours she was starting to fall asleep while we were all skiing! It was great!

My 1st nephew

2008-07-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am a little slow and backwards with this blogging stuff. Yeah, I am just now posting my new little nephew. He was born June 5, 2008. He is my little brothers new baby! Hannah just loved him and was so gentle with him. His name is Connor. We are having a family day next weekend and it will be the first time we have seen him since he was born. We are so excited!

Vacation in Port A

2008-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

What a busy summer it has been! We did find some time to get away to the beach! This was Hannah's first time in the sand....she did not like getting her hands and feet dirty! Such a girl! I think it was just all new to her and she didn't know what to think. We had fun though relaxing at the beach, hanging out at the pool, and eating some good food! Oh and did I mention it rained off and on almost the whole time!