Pictures

I love pictures! Are you wondering where they are on my blog? Me, too. Not, really. It's called Dial up. I need to try uploading a picture every night while I sleep, that will be my new experiment. But well, truthfully my brain does a warp late at night, ok, really late afternoon, and I no longer function fully....it just sort of shuts off and down....until, I must crawl into bed and recharge.
So.....my lame excuse for no pictures. Yes, my kids are as cute as ever (I know, aren't all we parents biased - it's a lovely plan of God's, so we'll love them unconditionally and so we'll get through hard days).
Today (at least in our neck of the woods), it's cooling down. Fall feels like it's on it's way. Did I get enough swimming in, no, not really, but future summers I'm sure will hold swim days, for now 3 boys  by the water is fun and a handful (life jackets a must for us). It's hard to let go of fun summer days that make you feel so young and healthy. Days that make you remember your childhood as you watch your children live theirs. It's like having fun all over again as I take my kids to do some of the same things my parents did with me.
We had so much fun in TX with lots of family and lots of fun and sun. We had an exciting (and transisitional for me alone) move to the country. We've had our ups and downs on potty training (2 out of 3 love it, so were are taking a break on one for now.....). Let's just say I cried a few days, I grew up, and I'm learning to be grateful for little things in life. Our garden is still (really starting to go) full blown on the squash.....yep, that's what's for dinner every night. I save so much not going to the store every week for veggies and fruits this summer. We've been without cable (or DLS) and have survived. Acutally, I think our marriage is better for it. Late summer nights on the patio (once the kids are in bed) w/ a drink and a nice long evening chat. Making new memories....for ourselves as a couple and our kids. Learning what my Mom did for us to live in the country - THANK YOU! Stacked 3 cords of wood already, here comes the woodstove and long cozy days by it with our ABC's and our 123's.
Colby is doing well developmentally, though I do feel at times I need more tools. His passion for music and everything related - rhythm especially is consistent. His love for books and learning is always present.....I feel he'd be happy if I just read all day long to him. I feel a bit bad that he's a people pleaser/perfectionist like his father and I combined. A true oldest....sorry, Son, I guess that's what happens when you put 2 oldests together.
Kyle is the most bold of the bunch, and daring.....jumping, climbing, swinging.....he is sweet, easy (most days)....and a wonderful little man. His eye contact will draw you in.....and his spirit is so sweet!  I believe there is a depth to him from the stress of his birth, something so valuable....He is great. It's funny to say most daring and also most easy going, but he is!
Ryan is my (whiner - somethign we are working on....talking would be way better) people pleasing, Daddy's boy, cheese ball. Daring in most things like Kyle, they are a force together. When my aunt said she sensed "Sons of Thunder", I'd have to agree. It felt true in my Spirit when they were in the womb, and now I get to see it in action! Thankful each day for the amazing individuality and the special bond they have (don't you want to be a twin, too...I do).
All my boys are gifted to 'talk'....not sure if they got that from my side (just kidding....if you know me and my family, boys included, we can talk). And Cuddle.....that is a talent they have to, together or w/ Adam and I. They love to cuddle. Ryan w/his ears tucked in....and Kyle w/one of his special blankies and Colby in the middle of it all.
Well, life is blessed, it can be hard....but thankful it's mine and all who are in it!
How was your summer?

Everything changes once you have twins (and more)....

Below is an interesting multiples blog I read and a item I would never have dreamed of using....my thoughts follow below.....




                                                How do you feel about child harnesses?

The child harness... (or "leash" as some call it,) is a hotly debated topic among moms. As parents of multiples, our safety concerns just might make them a little more acceptable. What do you think?

This week's Question of the Week is:

How do you feel about child harnesses?

• Do you use them? Why or why not?
• How do your kids react to them?
• Do you think they are an example of laziness, or simply concern over your child's safety?
• If you are against them, do you think it's more acceptable for a parent of multiples to use them?
• Do you think negatively of other parents that use them?

This is a touchy subject I've found personally {I'll tell more in a bit}. Once I was in the place of being a Mom of a 20 month old and twin baby boys....well, I began to think of the things that could make my life and my children's lives better. 
I started to realize as my children made it from crawling to walking (@ 10 & 11 months) and I had their older brother who was 30 months (whatever that is in years, I'm not good at math). I began to see I still had a lot of teaching, guiding and training to do. I wasn't able to go on walks alone, unless I had a stroller and/or back back for my little ones. I began to think of the future, what it would hold for me. I am an active, social person, though having 3 kids has changed that a lot. So, I began to look online and found a double harness/leash that would work for my 2 boys (it does have the option to buy more, but I was hoping my oldest son would listen to me). The first time we tried it out (all camo....to hide dirt, but you can get them in different colors and patterns) we made it from our front door to the lawn. Yes, I know....not very far, but I quickly realized this tool I had would need to be partnered w/training. It was not  as easy as a stroller where they are safely contained (and enjoying the ride). I realized that this tool would help me be more independent and mobile with my boys, but first I would have to make sure they were a bit more sure on their feet and teach them how we go for a walk. {By the way, even w/ a leash, if we are in the street I make them hold my hands, and yes, I have figured out how to walk w/ 3 toddlers holding my hands, the leash is just a back up for one who forgets to hold on, or lets go = SAFETY}. So with all the different opinions, I found once a Mom of 3 boys all mobile, that I wanted them all to live!
To answer the questions of this wonderful site..... above,
I may have thought they were lazy or the parent didn't have  the proper control over their child (I have learned a lot having 3 boys...and my views have changed). Yes, I may have even viewed them as cruel, even the ones that have the cute back pack stuffed animal w/a leash on it.
My kids did well w/them, they never fought them, and now are use to them. I've used them to walk to our mail box, go to the library and hopefully more places in the future. I would suggest practicing w/them in the house or in a fenced yard first to get the child used to them and obeying your voice, so that your outings are more enjoyable and your child knows what the harness is there for.
I think they are a great tool, and am thankful for them. When I see multiples wearing them, I just smile to myself, knowing. Yes, what a great tool!
Side note.....I do have family memebers that think they are cruel, that I'm hurting my child, and they don't 'believe' in them. But I think that once you've had either a very active child and/or multiples, your concern for their saftey is at the top of your list....and so we use the doube harness. {Our 3 year old listens well, and mostly holds our hands....of course, there are those times, I think I should have one more harness = SAFETY}. I don't have any pictures since I usually use it when my husband is at work. But I'll try to get one to show later.....

Thankfulness

I know we are all more aware of being thankful this month, some of it is the fact that Thanksgiving is upon us, and I believe, also, that though most are affected by our slow economy, there is more gratefulness for the things that are important and the 'things' we do have.
I know my heart is stirred up at many things. Just last night, Adam and I were watching a show on twins, twins that are attached physically. I became thankful and grateful that both our boys were born healthy.
I may have chatted bout this previously. But I want to give voice to my thoughts that are rumbling inside my head. I just had this 'feeling' while I was pregnant that something was up w/Kyle, I don't know what, but to this day i feel God did something while he was still in my womb. One of my aunts prayed and said she 'heard' = Sons of Thunder! From that day on I had a peace that replaced feelings of something unknown. And for sure she was right on in hearing God's voice.....they are that! I am eager to see all of who they will be.
I am so thankful for my family, my parents, my hubby and kids, my home for my family, food always on the table (I get to make it usually, but Adam did last night, and yummy), heat for our home, clean laundry, a sandbox full of sand, and so much more!
What are you thankful for today? This month? This year?

3 toddlers = How many strollers?

You can never have too many strollers, contrary to popular opinions in my home (um, Adam, my husband, who is a clean and organized person and thinks they clutter our garage). I have found you need many for each and every different kind of outing. I'm sure my cousin, Faith will attest to this necessity, too.
I am a mom who enjoys babywearing, but sometimes there are days, the stroller is in high demand.
I've noted before some of my baby wearing combos I've attempted....(I think it's under babywearing)...and am still playing around with.
Back to strollers, Adam likes a clean garage, let me preface, and right now, no, it doesn't look like that.
I have gotten rid of a single stroller that worked with a infant car seat, no longer in need of a single. I only have 4 strollers now.
My single umbrella, my double umbrella (minus the umbrellas), my triple long Peg Prego (which was a gift second hand to me, and has now lost 2 of the 3 sunshades - lots of Vit. D in our family), and my most favorite all around, the Valco Tri Mode single....and more on all of these.
The single umbrella - a good go to, quick errand with Colby only (Colby is my oldest going on a whole whopping 3 years).
The double umbrella - a good go to for a quick in and out of the car (which I really try to refrain from every even needing to do this), I can put both twins in and Colby 'helps' push {he is really holding on for safety}, or a twin and Colby in the stroller and then putting a twin in a baby carrier of some type, usually my Ergo.

My triple long, good for the Fair, though terrible turning ability. I've used it for walks around my neighborhood when I want to go more than 1 mph. Meaning all 3 kids are in it. But it's very big for storage, takes about 5 mins to put together and 5 mins to take apart. I loved it when they were little....though I really needed something for 2 infants and 1 toddler, my choice, just stay home (for that phase). I think I'll be craigslisting it soon to go to my upgrade a stroller fund...

The Valco....a few of my friends turned me onto this, and though pricey, was a gift at Colby's baby shower. I loved the fact that I could attach the infant seat (with an attachment that I of course bought), later it became my everywhere stroller (didn't have an umbrella stroller, yet, when Colby was little)....a bit heavy and big to lift and load, but great for all terrains. I have a Honda Pilot that I load up everything in my large back area (second line of seats are down). I'm short enough {if I was a runner} that Valco would work as a jogger for me. But off-road hikes and trails were possible with this baby {baby and stroller}. When I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd baby {really 3rd pregnancy} (we didn't know until 5 1/2 months we were having twin boys)...I proceeded to get ready to pack away my rain cover, my sun insect cover and get ready to buy the twin seat that attaches to it. So it's a double 'long', though it's not long at all. I love being able to turn it with one hand....especially when I've got Colby in tow, walking or 'helping' me push. It has a great sunshade built in for both the regular seat and one you can purchase for the toddler seat, which both my twins can use....easily. The sunshade (I broke, I guess I didn't open it properly and bent the mental repeatedly....until, it broke, but still functions)......has a net in back, and that can work (I've found) as a good head support for the one who passes out in front. I usually either put both twins in or Colby and a twin, and wear the other baby.

Now, onto....my next pick. The The Valco double tri mode with a toddler seat. I know there are a lot out there for moms of 2 or maybe more...but it's hard to really find one for me. I found a few on an Australian website that looked great for 3-4 kids! I wish they were closer or I lived there, ha, ha. I guess not as many moms of multiples or children close in age go out? Well, I love to be on the go, I do admit it's slowed down due to so many nap times, but I like to be able to get out when I can.
We were at the air show, juggling our kids around with the Valco and the Ergo.....and I ran into a fellow mom of twin boys, who had a big brother the same age as Colby...and little did I know the Vaclo came out with  a double side by side, with a toddler seat on the front, that you can buy a sun shade for....! As you can probably tell I am really excited! I have since then looked around for them....I'm gonna watch Craigslist for one...I did see a good deal, but didn't jump on it. I think since then they've also come out with some upgrades on this new model!
For me, and my kids, who are close in age....I'm hoping to start finding a good deal...and then hopefully sell (some) of the ones I have. Did I mention the new one at Valco...also has a step for the back, so you could actually have 4! Gotta be prepared....right.

Things that people say...

I know we all ponder and wonder at the things people say. I know, I for one, have not always thought before I spoke.....(still current at times and find my foot in my mouth).

But...these are the things I hear when I go out with my boys, and even with one of my sisters to help.

#1: "Wow, You've got your hands full." - I hear this the most, and just smile and say "Yes, and I'm blessed", or something like this...but after literally saying this 10 times even on the same aisle at the grocer store (that is, when one of my wonderful sisters or parents aren't watching them so I have some alone time at the store). I begin to wonder what I should say....so I'm practicing on whoever is listening.....I'm also wondering what you say or would say to respond?

I've thought I could say: "My heart is full, too." Or...."Yes, and I'm so blessed", or "Actually, I don't have enough hands, do you want to come over and help".

I have to admit I must look like a funny show to some, as I maneuver my kids, in strollers and back packs and carts.....to peruse (a word I for sure picked up from Adam) the aisle in search of my food and other items.

I have found some people shocked at me, others tell me what a wonderful job I'm doing, and even the same person will tell others through the store how amazing I am. That's nice to hear.

I now...can't remember really any others for the moment, I guess this one I hear so much, and wonder how people come up with this stuff.....I don't think I'd ever even think to say that to someone.

Ok, now I remember...."What a beautiful family you have," "I was a twin," "All boys?" - I always respond truthfully to this one, "I'm hoping for a few girls, next". Others say "You must have a lot of fun" - which is so very true!

I know growing up....people were not always kind. They were rude, to my Mom, in front of us....even (especially) Christians, so odd. I don't know what is so bad or sad to 'people' about a large family. I was so blessed and loved growing up. I hope God blesses me with many children. I am so glad my heart agrees with Him, Children are a blessing, a reward (paraphrased)....I can't imagine my life any other way.

For those who may not know me...I grew up in a wonderful family. I am the oldest of 13 kids. We also were blessed to have a few cousins and friends live with us from time to time. I felt so loved, spoiled and surrounded at all times with wonderful relationships (I still am). We always had our 'needs' met and then some. So, yes, I know my 3 boys are blessed to have one another, besides all of their uncles, aunties, cousins, Tita/Grandmas, Pappas, and more....

I may sometime talk more about this.....and let you know how I do in really saying what I think, since so many others seem to have that freedom already.

{And while writing this post, it got very quiet in the living room....we all know what too quiet means! Yes, my twins somehow had the fortune of find the bathroom door open, as well as, the toilet seat up! Their first time...and wish I could say the last to make toilet soup. Colby came and told me and found them just in time before the toy giraffe became soup, too.}

The boys - September update

Update on my babies, they are now toddling into toddler-hood.

Twins (1 year, 2 months -I had to use my fingers to count):
Kyle (the older by seconds)- serious - independant for the most part, when he knows I'm there.

Ryan (the younger of the family)- clingy, socialite, and recent development= doesn't like strangers. I know it doesn't make sense how he could be so social and now all of the sudden such a mommy's boy.

Kyle/Ryan- obsessed with throwing away their diapers in the trash can for me and so proud as they do it (I only give them the damp ones, not the stinky ones, and sometimes they try to grab a clean one to toss, gonna have to watch what goes in the trash now. Once my sister {Laura} threw out my Dad's paycheck).

Kyle and Ryan don't share a crib, but do share a room. They shared a crib till about (trying to remember) 6 monthes or so.....but they only play together in them now.

They are using bowls and spoons, with pride....so cute (and messy).

Eating: kyle loves fruit and not too fond of cheese, Ryan loves most things

self feeding, pretty much every thing, so you can imagine the clean up

When I call the 'babies' this means run and laugh and hide, till I have to get up and find you....

Kyle = silk blankies, all of the sudden they're his favorite and won't get out of bed without, and I have to pry out of his hands at breakfast, but luckily forgets about until nap time.

Cuddles = all 3 at once jumping in/on my lap....so much love.

I recently got them a leash...for the twins, but it's a process to train them to both walk the same way, next to me....a lot of teaching going on, with a back up of security for me, if we are in the street. I think we'll try it when they are a bit older, as they fall a lot and it's hard to make it 10 feet as a group.

Baby wearing = so this is a new term to me as of the twins. I used a sleepwrap for them as new borns, they both fit in this big piece of material. Then I proceeded to use the wrap for the front for one, and the Ergo as a back carrier for the other twin. Now I tried a sling and the Ergo, but find you can't do both....so I'm looking into buying another one called a Mei Tei or something....so that I can tie that on the front with the Ergo on back....I really must take more pictures. I've had so many questions for other moms of twins, one being on how to 'wear' your babies. Wish I could have run into more twin moms sooner, but when you're so busy you don't have time to come up for air. Now, I have time, but don't know many moms of twins around my boys age or just beyond. I love having my 'babies' close to me. I realize they aren't babies much anymore, but they are the youngest of my kids, so they remain babies to me.

The favorite new thing is to all pile in my lap to read stories....usually it's the twins, Kyle and Ryan = my lap w/Cobly to the side of me. They love to read as much a I do!

They also love to all be in one crib, including Colby, at once. So this is my new routine, since I don't usually plan my shower till the end of the day....before Adam gets home. I put them all in the Twins room....and then either all in one crib (I'm afraid of it breaking w/3) or 2 in one and 1 in the other crib. Sometimes when we are in their room, they just beg to go in their cribs together.....funny, and a good way to vacuum when they are in there.

Colby will belt out in singing, jumping, running in any order at any time. He likes to serenade us all day, it's either reading or singing. And now I think with enough coaxing, he's beginning to beg to play outside more....yeah for activity. He always is asking us "you" want this...that...which means "I" want.....the cookie, etc....I've been working with him, and he's beginning to understand. It's always weird when he says "he" wants it....etc....but someday we'll get it.

Um, don't get me started on strollers for 3 kids, I've been searching, found the one I like, but will have to wait till I find a second job (and being that I have 3 kids, that won't be anytime soon).

Well, my jumbled thoughts should end soon....as I need to pick up so we can begin fresh fun tomorrow. I get my hair cut/styled for the first time in months.....and I always love the time and miss my kids more, too.

Good Night!

Sunday mornings with out Adam

Days that start with Adam heading off to work, mean I usually treat the day about the same, but still had to do some Sunday morning baking, even if it means I'll be eating the hot cinnamon rolls alone.

Adam left early and I was in bed cuddling my early riser, Colby. Then, of course, he's hungry, early! So, we got up and made some yummy oatmeal pancakes with coconut milk. We had a our bonding time, and his breakfast. Colby ate quite a few and went back for more. I decided since my kitchen was now a mess (well, dinner didn't get clean since I hadn't seen Adam all day), to bake some cinnamon rolls my sister Michele suggested.

I enjoyed my cool morning, with yummy smells (still waiting on the last rising of my rolls, before baking them), and now my twins, Kyle and Ryan, are finally up. Sleepyheads, love it!

I think we'll go for a cool walk today, then they'll want to play outside before my twins go down for a nap. Later we'll head to town so I can finish buying my fabrics for a project I'm beginning tomorrow night with our girls sewing class. I've got spaghetti on the menu for dinner, easy and good.

Well, now my baby boys (1 year now and 1 1/2 months) are done and it's time to get some walking shoes on. I may try out my new leash system for our walk, instead of the stroller.

Enjoying this day that the Lord has made.

The days of September

So, since summer is coming to a close, I took the kids 'camping'. I did it without Adam, since anything other than home with the kids can make him feel overwhelmed. I joined my parents at our family friends' cabin, The Millers. It was wonderful. Just being out in nature, no cells, no internet, just family and the stars above you. Ok, so when I say camping....I mean we were in the cabin, but the boys all did get really dirty outside. I wasn't sure if I was crazy for trying this alone, and almost gave up a few times just in the packing phase. But upon arrival I was so glad I did it. My family helped me with the kids, but I still had to break out the large fenced area for play time. We sat overlooking the river....and a deck with no rails.....so it was man on man (no zone here) or the 'cage'. It takes almost as long to do all the things I do, even with help, and even camping. But once the kids were in bed, and asleep, I got to join the adults....so fun! Drinks and campfire and catching up. Wonderful old memories and new ones, now, too. I think for me it means even more, since the past year I've given up doing a lot of things, because it's just not feasible or would be really crazy. So my heart is grateful to have gone for a day (and night). I loved that in the morning....the coffee grinder and Jim were up and louder than Colby. (Colby and Jim both wake at 6 am). So I joined them for coffee (Colby drank water) and we waited as we woke up the rest of our gang. The rest of the morning, while the twins slept, I took Colby hiking, crossed the river to a swim beach and then swam back across with him on my back, wow, didn't know I could do that still.

Packing, unpacking, re-packing....I do tire from it, but it's the only way to get out and take my kids to make memories outside our home. I realize they are a bit young for remembering besides all the pictures I take, but I look at them as practice runs and sanity for me.

Now, I am ready for a family 'camping' trip back to the cabin.

Kyle and Ryan's Birth Story

This is my first time blogging on an official blog site. Wow...I wanted to share with my family and friends all that life entails. So, I'll start first with a momentous time about 4 weeks ago...
It all started in anticipation of 'when' would these twin boys arrive? We all had bets and guesses that it was this week.....every week for about 3 weeks. I, along with my family and friends were very surprised as I neared my actual due date (twins usually arrive about 3 weeks early at a rate of 50%). I began after about 2 weeks away from my due date (who really knows when babies arrive but God...it's all guess work with estimates truly) hiking, swimming and walking....almost everyday in an effort to encourage these babies to come. My mom joined me at times...and coached me to keep swimming....not just lay in the pool (both are great). I had given up my favorite time of summer....of swimming and playing...to rest and make sure these babies didn't come early...and now I was nearing their arrival and wanting them out. Each day was..."Is it today?"....marked by a new stretch mark and the effort to keep putting food in me (don't worry I am beyond the average statistic...I could still cram in a good meal and desert).
So the evening of the 24th...I made great enchiladas, rice, and bean dish and ate a lot! 3 enchiladas at least...besides ice cream to top it off...(see I was going strong on the food side of things...though it seemed to go mainly to my babes). I noticed a bit of pressure on my trips to the bathroom (*very frequent...should have invested in toilet paper stock)...and at about 12 am on the 25th....I had to run to the bathroom 2 x in 10 mins....wow...then I realized something unusal (and not right) was happening...an umbilical cord slipped from inside and was hanging out. When things get intense I grow calm (sometimes). I told Adam to come to me in the bathroom and to call my mom right away. I just stood there not sure what to do...no 'sense' of what was going on...was this bad, good...I didn't feel I knew what to expect....and so just prayed. I couldn't feel a heart beat in the cord....and so grabbed a towel to (possible catch a baby?) sit on in the car. As we entered the car, I just prayed to God over my babies and hoped to bring them both home. Adam got Colby (our 20 month old) and we called my mom and 911 on the way to the highway. They told us to stay at the intersection and wait....2 fire trucks, a police truck, many, many men...all wanting to verify that what I said was true...finally about 20 mins later the ambulance arrived...took down my info (for the 4th time)....every time someone arrived they took down my name, etc....and check to see the baby's umbilical cord. I could have told the it was true and let's just 'go'. Finally they loaded me up....(I was wondering all this time was there something I should be doing ...a position best to be in, but 911 and the medical teams didn't say or suggest anything when we asked)....just said don't sit on it, daaaa. (I looked it up later and on all 4's is best...so now that I know for that 1% chance of this happening at all). I made jokes with the emt and said if he'd deliver one I'd get the other. I wasn't really every in labor...maybe 2 pains...right before arriving at the hospital (all good in this case to not be in labor). They raced me into the surgery room, of course not knowing what was truly 'wrong' I asked did I need a c-section. As they prepped me, they assured me yes, so I signed the paper work....not knowing still what was happening. I never thought I'd have a c-section. It was scary and all I did was pray and be in shock. The drugged me and hooked up new iv's. (I have had one baby natural with no pain medication, but this was scary to me and I just had to 'rest' in God). The drugs weren't taking....and as they rolled me on my back (this created the crunch time of pressure on the umbilical cord and time to get the babies out) I heard ...lets put her under...I'm thinking I have to do this, but I don't want to be out of it, and who will tell the dr.s when the boys are born what to do...my preferences for no shots, just to be with my family...my mom and husband, since I realized I'd be of no use for a while. Then I guess it all kicked in....and they began the process. I was on the table at 1:11 and the boys were both born at 1:32 a.m. Adam couldn't come in because they thought they were putting me under and in all the rush he didn't have time. But I'm not sure he'd have enjoyed the process...I was alone, but it was a situation that only needed God. They rushed out Kyle...and I heard smal cryes...more like a mouse or something....he'd lost a lot of nutrients in the process and was in shock (my mom knows more on this since I was out of it and just told if he didn't get better soon they'd send him away to UC davis). I got to see Ryan all pink and crying loudly. I was able to ask them to not do certain things to the babies....and that I wanted my family with them at all times. So my mom and Adam stayed with them, my mom oversaw from a window - Kyle or Ryan (still don't know all details- drugs and having to recover before I could see them.) And Adam was with the other.
Finally as I was recovering...they brought in my mom, dad, Colby and Adam.....soon after I was in a bed....and holding Ryan close. I couldn't sleep though = the drugs and not seeing or knowing what was happening with my son, Kyle who I hadn't met yet. The hospital did give me pictures of him in ICU so I could see what he looked like. My mom was a good pushy and got to go to Kyle and hold him 2 times for a few hours...I wanted to meet him, too, but they said they said he couldn't come to me and I couldn't go to him....so sad! My mom got to go into him, when the hospital realized she was Grandma (tita to my kids), yeah for good hospital policies. Later the next morning ( I think) after my dr had ok's a visit, they put me in a wheel chair and we headed to the nursery and ICU. I puked on the way there and back! I was so out of it and Kyle was flailing so much I couldn't really try to nurse him and was having a hard time bonding....I was with him for a while...but felt so bad I couldn't bond with him as I was so out of it (drugs and sick). I was blessed to bond with Ryan right away...but felt torn as a mother to also bond with my son who I had to wait to meet. My mom, thank God for moms! pushed (nicely) to have Kyle brought to me....so finally a nice nurse let him come in oxygen and all to my room so I could hold him ......so much better. Besides the fact my mom had spent some good time with him holding him, and praying over him.....he was a different baby when i met him the 2nd time. Way more calm and less stressed.....and I was able to just bond with him since I wasn't fighting the urge to pass out or puke. A lot of the time is a blurr...I remember I was so glad my husband and mom were there...and we kept the babies with us as much as we could...only to let the hospital do there hourly tests on them and then get them back. My mom was great and would go check on them if they didn't come back in a timely manner. I would have in a normal circumstance stayed with them at all times....even for the test times. Ryan was doing great and Kyle was improving...I knew in my heart he'd be fine. But I also know that God had so many people praying for us and Kyle and Ryan and their birth....I feel in my heart there is more that God did to intervene, especially in Kyle's behalf, than I'll know for now.
So....I enjoyed my boys....Kyle was 6.13 and 19 1/2 in. and Ryan (the younger of the two) weighed in at 6.11 and was 18 3/4 in. They were born 2 days early at a great weights!
We had mainly just family and a few close friends come to visit. We were in Yuba City...and everyone there was so helpful and wonderful. I know God had the ambulance driver take us there instead of GV hospital. We had so much love and prayers and enjoyed our small visits (well....ok my family isn't small, but intimate visits with those closest us). My mom was a trooper along with Adam and I and stayed up so we could keep the babies with us at all times.
Kyle kept getting better and I was ready to go home on the min day they let you out for a c-section. (3 days for this hospital) I was longing for healthy food...I couldn't live on sugar and fake eggs for long. My bestest girl friend, Ms. Powers....came to the rescue with yummy snacks and a bottle of champagne to celebrate. (She'd done the same for our first birth with Colby). Such great memoires of that yummy food and a wonderful, loving friend.
This may seem blurry as I remember from a state of very little sleep (but no more drugs).....our first visitor was my sister, Laura, she raced down from Redding to be there. What a joy, to have her come and see us all. It was sad when she had to return home again that evening. Adam's family and mine came at different times (I think the same night).....and my sister Amber came from Redding, too, along with S. Powers....( just love to call my friend Sarah by her last name). My brother Eddie, came from a job he was doing and joined the rest of my clan. Adam's mom brought us stuff from home...we didn't have time to grab anything! And some yummy snacks, too. (You can see I like to eat...time to eat again for me right now). Oh..on that note...we loved Sarah's mom's cookies...wow! the best!
My mom headed home....the last night we were there (I think ...again it's all fuzzy) and we were excited to get to go home the next morning....They checked us out...and we realized the outfits that were packed in a diaper bag to take them home in were back in GV with Colby...hmmmm....so we found them some big donated clothes and got their car seats all set up for them.
Going back to the first day...I remember the nurses kept asking my pain level from 0-10....and I would answer 0....and didn't know why they kept asking, until at 6:30 pm on the 25th...I realized I'd been on drugs still...and wham...this was more painful than natural child birth. I must say to those who say it's 'easy' or a simple 'surgery'- no way! It's so difficult to recover from...so much better to go through pain before you get your baby and then once they arrive it's all a past memory (the current recovery on a natural birth is so much easier in my experience). I was all bruised up...and not wanting to take pain meds because I'd be nursing...but had to...to survive. It just got worse and worse. I would advise to never have a c-section unless you have to. ouch! I was bruised inside and out...and hurt sooooo bad. I am amazed at women who would opt for this when they don't need it, they are picking the harder route even if it can be scheduled for some.
So....back to the last day...we got all packed up and headed home with our new boys! Colby came home to us, too....that was hard because with a hospital birth the family is so broken up....he missed us as we missed him. And we began to settle into adjusting to two newborn boys. My mom and Adam's mom were there to help, as well as, my sisters and many close family friends...there wasn't a day I was alone for the first 2 weeks of arriving home, and even some nights our moms were there with us. What a blessing! I've had a lovely girlfriend arranging meals to be brought weekly and others who have come to hold babies and arrived with food so we haven't had to cook much. This is the first time I could break away from my kids and get this blog out. I hope to upload pictures, too.
Well...I'm signing off and going to figure out how to add pics...fun, fun.
We are now at week 4 of our boys....growing and sleeping (lots...well every 2 hours...eating and then sleeping again). Someday we'll sleep again, but for now our lives are completely changed and we are pushing through to a day we can say....ahhh, they are sleeping through the night. But for now...we are trying to enjoy all the crying and dirty diapers....ahhhh.
Until I have another spare moment.....(wow...life with one is easy...but 3 is life changing and I know I'll be a stronger person - thanks God- because of these blessings).