Sneek Peek

we just had our family pictures taken and this is the sneek peek our wonderful photographer sent us!  so excited!

Not feeling well.

My boys rarely get sick. (Maybe once a year) so when Dallas started tossing and turning this yesterday morning I knew it wasn't going to be a good day. Right after he woke up and could see his little tummy having spasms. And before I could react he was throwing up. Nothing major but still not fun. All he wanted to do was sleep

That lasted through out the day. He did however find enough strength to try some yogurt. Not that it stayed down for long. And late in the day he finally played with his trucks

(if you know anything about Dallas it is that he ALWAYS has a truck, train, or car on him at all times (or just about)). So that was progress, after that he was asleep and I couldn't blame him he just looked miserable.

My heart always aches for my boys when they are sick.  But today he's back to his usual truck toting self. And his appetite is back too.

Sometimes life gets away from you.

A few years ago while I was still pregnant with Dallas I had one of those crazy pregnancy dreams.   Only I kept having this dream over and over. So I looked into some of the aspects of said dream and decided to do something about it.   I prayed daily for answers to my questions, I prepared myself physical, mental and emotionally for what might come to pass. When that was said and done and I had my prayers answered repeatedly I decided it was time to get my husband on board. I think it took some time for him to be comfortable and understanding but he got there. That's when the real work began. Filling out an application. Blood tests, medical clearance and most importantly finding the right couple to work with.   And we did it. After 14 weeks of daily pills and nightly shots

and 2 very successful embryos transferred into my "oven"

 I was pregnant with twins as a Gestational Surrogate for the most amazing couple I could have hoped to work with. 

I know many of my friends and family had questions they wanted to ask and I feel I was pretty open about most aspects  of the process.  But through it all 

My biggest supporter was my son Nicholas. The very first question he asked after I explained what was going on was "Even though the babies aren't my brother and sister, can I still sing lullabies to them".  (My heart melted!)  my boys have been aware of each step of the process. And have been very understanding (more so then most adults)  after the embryos were transferred Nicholas sang to the babies and hugged them. He prayed for them daily!  He is our good luck charm!   

In ways this twin pregnancy was much like my other pregnancies. But in other ways it is completely different especially during the ultrasounds

when I felt almost like the third wheel in the room knowing that I need to be there since these babies are in me. But also thinking "what am I doing here these babies aren't mine."

It is the strange feeling.  By over all things were great.

No issues the entire pregnancy I kept waiting for something to make a twin pregnancy different/ harder but it wasn't I felt great the entire time I even worked up until the end (I took a few days off before the scheduled induction just to "rest up" for labor.

That brings us to last Tuesday.

Babies head down ready to go I checked into the hospital got all hooked up. start the pitocin and waited for labor to start. Although I was having contractions I felt nothing!!!!!!! May one or 2 tight pinches but nothing more. The parents showed up soon after and we were ready. They were going to hold their babies! Finally!

And then little Baby B (the boy) decided he didn't want to come out just yet. He turned completely around and moved up and over his sister. (Baby A who from the very beginning was in the right spot head down the entire time!)  Baby B was always doing things his own way so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.  So after talking through the options and risks to the baby  we l decided to do a

c-section.   The parents were constantly apologizing for it coming to that option but I was fine I called my sister for a more "what should I really expect" talk and she was very helpful.  The actual surgery went well and it felt somewhat like an outer body experience. But as I laid there strapped to a table with my insides being moved and removed and rearranged my thoughts were on the parents. I couldn't wait for them to finally see, hold and touch their babies. I will never forget the look in their eyes as they pulled each baby from my Womb and we're finally placed in their arms. Pure bliss!  So at 38 weeks gestation on Tuesday August 23 Baby A was born at 6:27 pm  weighing 7lbs 9 oz.   and Baby B was born at 6:28  weighing 7lbs 6 oz.   Both competently healthy and adorable!  

LIFE IS GOOD!  

Six Years Old

This little Dude turned 6 today!  He's been begging me for a ninja turtle cake and I had one of my awesome talented and beautiful girls from young women's make it for me. 

She did not disappoint. (Thank you Jessie)    Nicholas has been such a great helper to me this year and even more so I think he is now really enjoying being a big brother. Happy birthday buddy!

Beach Day!

We took a little trip down to Rhode Island and spent some family time at the beach.  It was the first time Dallas has been to the beach so I was really excited to capture his reaction to the sand, waves, breeze, etc. For the most part he loved it. I took him down to the water and he loved putting his toes in until a big wave came and knocked him over from then on he refused to go in. He would follow me all the way to the water and then shake his head no. I'm sure his next visit will be better. If not at least we know he can go 4 hours straight of playing in the sand! 

 

isn't he just the cutest little beach baby EVER!

 Brock and Nicholas loved the beach (they always have)  jumping in and out of the waves practicing their surfing stance, building sand castles and motes, filling buckets, Nicholas even helped me gather our traditional beach shells/ rock collection.  can''t wait for another day visit this week!

Love our beach days!

Bday Brock

 

Where has the time gone?  

And how did he grow up so fast?

happy 7th birthday minecraft loving buddy!

Planes! 5-14-2015