With Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T20:47:00.005-05:00

This year had a rather low-key Valentine's celebration. Having been on virtual house arrest for the past few weeks meant that I was unable to buy valentines, any valentine treats, or plan any fun activities. And today was a bit of a tricky day with all 5 kids at home, so needless to say, the love could have been felt just a little more. But we did do a few fun things, though I didn't take any pictures. The babies wore their "I <3 Mommy" outfits, and I made Charlie and Liv a special Valentine's Day lunch...heart shaped cheese and PB&J sandwiches. I also tried this fun idea I saw on Pinterest. The milk cube turns the milk pink as it melts.

We also attempted a heart shaped cake with a marbleized look made with red food coloring. Unfortunately, when I wasn't looking Charlie decided we needed more food coloring and dumped in about 1/4 of the bottle. I gave it a shot anyway, but once it had cooled it simply fell apart.

Gammy came over in the evening to watch the babies while Eli and I took Charlie and Liv to Cici's pizza for a special Valentine's date night. After eating, we played a racing game in the arcade there. It really was a lot of fun! I just love my family so much.

Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. This was the post for Valetine's Day last year. Little did we know. :)

The Past Three Weeks

2012-02-10T15:17:00.004-05:00

The past three weeks have been trying for our family. Today is the first day in those three weeks when EVERYONE has been healthy. It started with Charlie. He came down with a fever, a horrible cough, and other cold symptoms. He then gave that to Liv, who gave it to Luke, who gave it to Jack, who gave it to Wendy. And while the babies were still recovering, Liv came home from the babysitter's on Monday and threw up all over herself and their car. Then yesterday it was my turn.

I hesitate to even say this, for fear that I might jinx things, but we might finally be over this. I sure hope so. I like our little house, but I can't stand being here for one more moment! I haven't been to church for the past three Sundays, and while I'm feeling the spiritual drain there, I am also feeling the physical drain of all these sleepless nights. And sadly, we now have a completely messed up schedule for the babies, who think that waking up between 5:30 and 6:30 for their first feeding, and then screaming and waking up the twins is acceptable. They also think that it is no longer necessary to take their naps at the same time. Even when I put them down together things don't go smoothly. We never really had any sleeping problems with Charlie and Liv, so this is wearing on me a bit.

But I am hopeful. Maybe now that this is over we can get back to normal. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to release the breath I've been holding...

Mail Call!

2012-02-05T20:58:00.004-05:00

In Primary, the children periodically received "mail" from a little mailbox in the room. This week, Charlie received his first assignment in Primary.
Next week, he's giving the opening prayer.
He is such a big kid. :)

Arrrrgh!

2012-02-03T11:56:00.001-05:00

Charlie is sick again today, but feeling pretty good. I sent Liv to the sitter's and kept Charlie home, so he decided to forgo the regular clothes and spend the day as Pirate Charles instead. We've watched "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and now we're on to "Hook". Not a bad way to spend a sick day. :)

A special thanks goes to Aunt Emmy who sent the totally awesome pirate sword. It hasn't left his hand since it arrived!

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Children's Poetry by Eli Bowman

2012-01-28T16:24:00.005-05:00

I would just like to take a minute to direct your attention to my list of blogs on the left side of my blog. I have added a very special blog written by my very talented husband! Children's Poetry by Eli Bowman. He's been writing these great children's poems for a few years now, but has recently decided to share them with people outside of his family. So check out elibowmanpoetry.blogspot.com and find some great poetry to share with your kids!

This-and-That Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:36:00.005-05:00

1. Last Friday, Eli and I took the triplets to Children's Hospital to finally have Jack and Luke circumcised. They didn't do it in the hospital because there were a few issues with Jack maintaining a good body temperature, and so we chose to take the babies home with us rather than do the circumcision a few days after my release. But that meant we had to wait until they were four months old to have it done at Children's. Apparently, the waiting list there is incredible. Luke was NOT happy about the whole thing, but after he calmed down later that day, he's been fine. So has Jack, thank goodness. They are back to normal now, and completely unbothered by the procedure. Wendy especially. :) Lucky girl.

2. On Saturday, our friends Abbey and Nic Niebel came over to give us their wonderful baby gift...they painted the awful paneling in our living room! We went with an off-white color with white trim and it looks soooooo much better. Now I just have to find/make some colorful things for the walls. :)

3. Also on Saturday, Jack succumbed to the discomfort and pain of some major constipation. 5 days without a significant BM, poor little guy. He screamed and didn't sleep, and kept his siblings awake all day. Needless to say, we were all pretty miserable. He was up for an hour that night, and after some prune juice on Sunday, he finally had some relief. But he wasn't back to his normal, smiley self until Monday. I stayed home with the babes on Sunday so that they could catch up on some much needed sleep.

4. Today, Charlie is sick. He had a pretty nasty cough and fever last night, but seems to be doing better this afternoon. Fever is gone and the cough hasn't been too bad.

5. Amid Jack's trouble sleeping this weekend, he seems to have rejected the pacifier when going to sleep. He has been a non-stop paci fan since birth, but I guess, at four months, he's decided he's to big for that! Instead, he cries for about a minute or two and then drifts off to sleep. No complaints here!

6. Luke is transitioning out of the swaddle. We always have at least one arm out, and during nap I'll sometimes do two.

7. Due to all of these sleeping changes, we now have a much better and more scheduled napping and sleeping schedule for the babies. It's wonderful. This is the first of a zillion transitions, but it'll be nice while it lasts. :)

ps.
8. Liv is sick now too. *sigh*

Happy New Year from our Sunbeams!

2012-01-02T10:42:00.004-05:00

The first day of the 2012 fell on a Sunday. And so on that day, Charlie and Olivia had their first day of Primary! In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, children ages 3 thru 11 attend Primary during the last two hours of church. The 3 year old class is called Sunbeams, named from the song "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam."

I have to admit, I was a little nervous for this first experience in organized education. Surely, mine would be the children dancing around the room while everyone else sat quietly and listened attentively. ;) But they did a fantastic job! No tears. Just laughter, fun, and reverence. The highlights for them? Fruit snacks and crowns. :) The crowns say, "I am a child of God." They are truly royalty.

What a wonderful way to start our year.
Happy New Year!

According to Garth...

2011-12-30T17:43:00.006-05:00

"The thunder rolls." And so does Jack!

(The first video is filmed sideways. It usually flips automatically, but not this time. The second video is long overdue. It's of Luke rolling.)

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

In other news, the babies started sleeping through the night! And I mean, 10-12 hours! We have some amazing sleepers...thank goodness! Eli and I are finally starting to catch up on some much needed sleep. Ahhhhhhhh.

Merry Christmas! With Love, The Bowmans

2011-12-25T13:35:00.001-05:00

A Letter From Elf

2011-12-24T10:26:00.005-05:00

This year has been our first year with our very own Elf on the Shelf. Charlie and Liv decided, very creatively, to name him Elf. :) Well, we have had so much fun with Elf this Christmas season, and today, being Christmas Eve, is his last day with us until Thanksgiving next year. Every night, Elf travels back to the North Pole to give a report to Santa on the children's behavior that day. Then when he arrives back at our house the next morning, he is somewhere different in our home. Charlie and Liv have enjoyed finding him every morning, and seeing some of the mischievous and kind things he does. Here are a few of those things...

Today, Elf wrote the children a special letter and left a few goodies to enjoy today, along with a couple presents they can open this evening. Here is what Elf wrote:

Dear Olivia, Charlie, Jack, Luke, and Wendy,

This has been the BEST Christmas I have ever had. I have loved every minute of being with you in your home. You are all so very loving and kind. The babies are still so young, but I’ve been able to tell Santa that they are some of the best babies I’ve ever seen! Crying is rare and they are just so happy. I can’t wait to see how they will have grown when I arrive on Thanksgiving next year.

Olivia, you are so much fun! You are silly and oh so loving. I have seen you with your baby brothers and sister, and I can tell how much you love them. I can also tell how much you love Charlie and your Mommy and Daddy. I have also seen how quick you are to help your parents when you can. You can be sure that I have told Santa about every kind and helpful thing you have done. He is so proud of you, and so are your parents and I.

Charlie, you are so smart and funny! You have learned how to dress yourself while I’ve been here, and when I see you do that in the morning without making a fuss, it makes me feel so good. It is so helpful for your Mommy and Daddy. I also know how much you love the babies, Olivia, and your parents. There are times when you are so tender and gentle, and I have shared these moments with Santa.

I can promise you that Santa is very pleased with the choices all of you have made this year to be loving and helpful. It’s not always easy to do, but you are certainly doing your best, and that is what counts. I love you all so much, and I will miss you terribly while I am up at the North Pole this year. I can’t wait for next Thanksgiving when I can return to your home and see how you have grown! While I am away, remember that Santa is always watching. Remember that, even more importantly, Jesus and Heavenly Father are watching too. They know all that you do, and they want you to make good choices. Listen to your parents and treat each other with love and gentleness.

Here are a few goodies for you to enjoy through the day. Use them wisely! There is no need to eat them all at once! Also, your parents and I have a couple presents that you can open tonight when it is time to get ready for bed. I hope you like them!

Love,

Elf

We will miss you this year Elf, but we have loved having you in our home. We can't wait for your return Christmas!

Rollin' on the River...er...Floor

2011-12-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

We have a couple new rollers at our house! Luke first rolled over when he was only two weeks old, but there was a long lag between that first accidental roll and the next. Last week, he rolled over again...and again...and again. He did it a total of 10 times! Smart little guy.

Then yesterday, Wendy decided to show off to my Visiting Teacher, Kelly, and rolled over for the first time. These kiddos are just getting so big!

Jack hasn't rolled over yet, but he doesn't seem to want to. For him, tummy time = nap time. :)

Elf Yourself

2011-12-15T20:23:00.003-05:00

Hi there! Elf here. That is, Elf on the Shelf. The Bowman family invited me into their home this Christmas season, and I've really been enjoying myself. Boy, have we been up to some fun things together! I think there may be a post coming up about that very soon. But for now, I just wanted to tell Charlie, Olivia, Jack, Luke and Wendy what wonderful kids they are. I have been able to tell Santa so many great things about all of you. And to show you my thanks for making my stay with you so wonderful, and for all the great things you do for each other, I made this little video. So you can all be elves right along with me!

Love,

Elf

Charlie and Liv's 3 Year Letters

2011-12-12T17:33:00.008-05:00

Dear Olivia,

This has been such a big year for you and Charlie. There have been so many changes, and then many more changes after that! Your life looks very different today than it did this time last year. But you have been absolutely amazing through everything. My bed rest and hospitalization, and now being a big sister...you just adapted so very well to all of it. You are so loving and careful with your new baby siblings. When they are crying, you will either give them a pacifier or let me know they need my attention if you can't do anything about it yourself. It is so sweet to watch you with them. :)

Another big change that came about this year was potty-training! We tried it last February, but even though you were interested, you just weren't physically ready to do it. So we put that on hold and once I was finally able to help out, it didn't take you too long to get it down. There were accidents to be sure, but it was a much easier process once we could put you in underwear instead of pull-ups and you were a little older. We still do pull-ups at nap and at night, but I'm alright with that. It is so helpful during the day to have you using the potty. Everyone is so proud of you for that!

You are just beginning to have an interest in dressing yourself, which would be absolutely fantastic! We have some work to do there, but you will get it soon enough.

It has been so fun to watch you start to play in an imaginative way. You love to dress up in your princess costumes and build castles with Charlie (who was "Karlay" forever, but is now "Chooly"). You love to celebrate birthdays by making a cake, so Daddy and I bought you a play birthday cake for your birthday this year. You have had so much fun baking, decorating and cutting it up. Charlie has really enjoyed this as well, and it's so neat to watch you two work together on this project. The two of you also like to play pirates and go fishing together.

You have also developed a great love of Church. You ask me all the time if we are going to church today, and while you are there, you really enjoy yourself. I have to thank your wonderful Nursery leaders for that. They do a wonderful job, and their's is such an important calling. I am so grateful that they have provided this wonderful foundation for you and Charlie. But at the beginning of the year, you will move up to Primary. You will be a Sunbeam! I can't even believe it. That just feels so very grown up to me. You also love to pray, and some of your prayers have been so sweet lately. But when you get stuck and aren't sure what to say, you have an old standby. "Thank you for the food. Thank you for the food. Thank you for the food." This is especially hilarious when there isn't any food to bless!

In every letter I make mention of your more dramatic side. It can't be helped, it is such a big part of who you are. For one thing, you are LOUD. You really can't help it. Your normal voice is just big. Should you ever do theater, you will have no problem projecting! Over the summer you were constantly practicing different emotions or actions. You would whip out your angry face, then your sad face, then your surprised or happy face. Sometimes you would just "fall asleep" right in the middle of whatever you were doing! MooMoo was here during that phase, and she played right along with you. It was so sweet to watch you two together. She just got the biggest kick out of you and truly enjoyed who you are.

Physically, you are just beautiful. And you are starting to look like a little gymnast or a dancer. We'll have to get you into something like that soon. I think you would really enjoy it. You are always dancing around and you've taught yourself to do a somersault. One day, you came home from Miss Jen's (your new babysitter) and you just did one. Quite impressive.! :)

You love to give hugs and kisses, and it's practically impossible to get out of your room at night because you always want just one more "BIIIIIG hug and kiss." But I have to say, I'm alright with that. Snuggling with you is such a wonderful thing to do. When I'm tucking you in, I'll lay down next to you for a minute and just listen to what you have to say. You've started to caress my face while you are talking to me, and I kinda like it. :) It's our little quiet time together at the end of our crazy, loud days.

Having you as a daughter is more than I could have ever hoped for. You are funny, expressive, outgoing, loving, kind, and so many other amazing things. Watching you grow is a joy, and being in your company is wonderful. Thank you for all you bring to our family Livy. I love you. Mwah!

Dear Charlie,

I can't believe I am writing your 3 year letter. 3 just sounds so old to me! Especially in comparison to your new brothers and sister. Luke looks so much like you, that I almost feel as though I'm caring for your 3 month old and 3 year old self at the same time. But I'm not. You are 3 years old. And what a 3rd year this has been. You and Liv have been through a lot for such young people. The biggest change is the addition of the triplets. But you have been an amazing big brother. You always want to give the babies hugs and kisses before bed at night, and like Liv, you will give them a pacy when they cry. You both also love "helping" me change diapers and get the babies dressed. You are just as caring with Olivia and tend to exhibit behavior that is typical for a big brother. Very protective and loving.

My bed rest and hospitalization were a little rough for you, though. At least when it came to potty training. You were successfully potty trained in February, but once I went on bed rest, you regressed. It was a difficult summer in that respect, but shortly before I came home you got a handle on it again and it hasn't been a problem since. Still, we use pull-ups for bedtimes, but that will come with time.

I feel like you have changed a lot this year. The boy in you is really beginning to show. You naturally gravitate toward cars, trains, balls and other typically boyish toys. The newest addition to this boyish behavior is the use of potty words. Oh wow. I kinda can't wait for this phase to pass! And Daddy is especially bothered by it at the dinner table, which seems to be the time you like to use them most. :)

Since Halloween, you have also been enthralled with all things scary, especially monsters. You like to turn the lights off in our hallway and in your room and look for the monster. What's interesting is that you do have a small but genuine fear of the dark and these monsters, but you just can't get enough of them. You make up stories about them. It seems that you are conquering those fears through play. As much as you have a cautious personality, you are equally as brave at facing your fears. For the longest time, you were frightened of the gift shop attached to Der Dutchman because of a Buckeye mannequin you saw once. But this year you overcame that fear by continuing to visit the store and confront it. Now you enjoy the "Buckeye Store" and ask to go frequently.

This year has also brought about a lot of self-help skills. You can now dress yourself on your own. Little by little you have worked on this skill and just a few days ago you dressed yourself from head to toe without help. There are still plenty of occassions when you do need a little assistance, but I can pretty much ask you to go get dressed and you can do it. Note that I said you CAN do it. We still have to work on doing it EVERY time I ask. :) And when you do need a little extra help, you get very frustrated with the fact that you can't do it by yourself. In addition to dressing yourself, you have learned how to use the controller for the TV, which is nice sometimes and not so nice at other times! And you also like to brush your teeth on your own. I have to do a "once over", but you do fairly well. We've also began having family clean up after dinner. You and Liv put your dishes in the sink and throw away your napkins. Then I hand you each a wipe and you clean your chairs and help wipe the table. Though both of you enjoy this, you are more meticulous about getting everything clean...I wonder where you got that from? ;)

We have to be careful to give you warnings before an activity change because you HAVE to finish what you are doing before moving on to something else. This can result in a few tantrums, but you are getting better at transitioning and so are Daddy and I. You just need your time, and that's okay. When you are playing, it's especially difficult to get you to switch gears. You get so engrossed in playing pirates, fishing, building castles, cutting birthday cake, or any variety of things. This morning you woke up and immediately went to cut pieces of our pretend birthday cake. I couldn't get you to the bathroom until you had cut a slice for everyone!

You still enjoy your books and we now read one to each of you at bed time because our opportunities to read during the day are diminished since the triplets arrived. At nap time, I let you pick two books to take with you to bed and that usually helps calm you down and put you to sleep.

Like I mentioned in Olivia's letter, you also have a love for church. Again, your experience in Nursery has been a wonderful one and I am sure that you will be ready for Primary in a couple weeks. Though you don't usually like to say the prayer yourself, you have gotten fairly good at sitting quietly...most of the time. And when you do offer a prayer it is always very sweet. How wonderful it is to have an insight into the things you are thankful for and care about.

Charlie, you are such a pleasure to be with. You are so smart. Sometimes the things you say surprise us. You know things we had no idea you could know. You are sensitive, loving, gentle and caring. I love to listen to the stories you make up at bed time. I may not always understand the plots, but you do! And I love when you are able to calm down and give me a giant hug and kiss before I leave the room. You are able to give Daddy and I so much simply by being the wonderful person that you are. You are a fabulous little man and I love you dearly.

To both of you:

The two of you are each other's best friend. You have such a close relationship. Having this twin bond is such a special blessing that both of you have. As most siblings do, you get into many arguments throughout a day, but for the most part, you play well together. Even after an altercation (yes, there is hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, pinching and generally yelling at each other) there is an attempt to make the other feel better with a hug and an apology. And then, just like nothing had happened, you're back to playing. The two of you are such wonderful people and your Daddy and I are so blessed to have you in our family.

You have both been wonderful this year, when it would have been perfectly understandable for you not to be. A part of me always wants to apologize for having left you this summer. I missed being there with you every day. But I can tell you this. As difficult as this year may have been for our family, we have been richly blessed with the opportunity to have Jack, Luke and Wendy. I know that as you all grow up together, you will form bonds and relationships that will be invaluable to you. You will love each other, support each other, and laugh with each other. It is something that I did not get to experience in my life, and though I am quite alright with that, I am excited for all of you. Daddy and I can never express just how much we love you. It is eternal. As is our family. And for that, I am grateful.

Love,

Mommy

To Charlie and Olivia,

Daddy here. I just wanted to say a quick word about what happened this Summer. When Mommy went into the hospital for a few months something very special happened; I got to be a stay at home Dad for the Summer. This was a TREMENDOUS blessing because I got to wake up every morning and be with you guys. Moo Moo helped out more than words can say as well.

During this time the three of us became very close to each other. We played old games and made up new ones. We went on many fun adventures and did lots of new things. We ate new foods and saw new places together. It was so special and I could tell that you guys were enjoying yourselves. Another thing that I learned was that our Heavenly Father sent your Mother and I some very VERY special children. I wish I could explain to you in words that you could plainly understand how much I cherished every minute of the time we had together during those few months. The responsibility of caring for you is something that has been divinely given to your Mother and I...and we strive hard every day to be worthy of having you.

I want to tell you that I love you. I would do anything to protect you and keep you safe from the world and it's buffetings...but what is more...you protect me from it too. You both teach me lessons that I can't teach myself. You bring me closer to Christ every time you look into my eyes. When I see you smile at me I begin to understand a little bit what Heaven might feel like. And nothing opens up my heart more than when I hear you say "I love you, Daddy." So you see, Charlie and Olivia...this Summer wasn't so much about me taking care of you, but you taking care of Daddy's heart while Mommy couldn't. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Love,

Daddy

Twins' 3rd Birthday Party

2011-12-09T14:42:00.002-05:00

We had the twins' birthday party a little earlier than usual this year because we chose to go on location for the event rather than have everyone over to our house. So we picked a place called The Little Gym at Polaris and it turned out to be a wonderful idea. We invited a few of Charlie and Liv's friends, picked up the cake and ice cream and just had to show up. Everyone had a fun time playing on all of the gymnastics equipment, but the highlight for everyone was when they inflated the jumper. The kids bounced and bounced and bounced. After that we had some cake and opened a few gifts. The best part for me was not having to worry about the clean up. We just packed up the gifts, hopped in the car and headed home with a couple very worn out kids. I think they had a fantastic time! What a great celebration!

Jack, Luke and Wendy's 3 Month Letters

2011-12-06T21:24:00.008-05:00

Dear Jack,

These past three months have just flown by, but at the same time, it seems like our first few days in the hospital were an eternity ago. You have done a LOT of growing these past few weeks. I'm quite sure you are in the 10 lb range, if not a little more. Luke surpassed you in weight for awhile, but you seem to have caught back up. You fill out your 0-3 month clothes quite nicely. :) I love having a chubbier baby on my hands. Not too much chub, but just the right amount! While your siblings all seem to look alike, you have your own look about you. We aren't exactly sure who you favor yet, but you seem to be a wonderful combination of both of our families. Sometimes we see a little of your Grandpa Don in you, which is extra special being that you would be the only grandchild of his that does. :) Your hair is blond and your eyes are blue, as all babies eyes are at this point in life, and you are much fairer skinned than any of your siblings.

You are an excellent nurser, which is saying something given that neither of your siblings will. And Charlie and Liv didn't last that long either, but you will make it through the year, I am positive. Unfortunately, you being the only nurser means that you also have to wait to be fed almost every single time. It breaks my heart, but I have to get Wendy and Luke set up with their bottles before I can sit down with you. And though it's hard to hear you cry while you are waiting, I'm loving being able to hold just one baby while I feed. This is new for me! :) It's so nice to have some special bonding time with you. And then, after every feeding, you really like to have your pacifier to suck on for awhile. You just love that thing! It's going to be tricky getting rid of it, I can tell, but it's helpful to be able to calm you down so easily.

Right now, you are a great sleeper. We are starting to get all of you on a more standard sleeping schedule during the day, but at night we've gone down to one feeding a night...for the last two nights at least. Daddy and I are hoping that this continues. But not for long...we're going for sleeping through the WHOLE night! :)

Jack, you have earned yourself quite a few nicknames. Jack lends itself to those. Jack-Jack, Jackie, Jack Sprat, Jack-o-lantern, etc. You get the idea. But the one that might just stick is Jackie Bean, which is short for Little Jackie Stinkbean. Yes, I know. Not very complimentary. But you've really earned that title. You have an amazing ability to fill your diaper every. single. time. I've never seen anything like it! At least we know things are working as they should. :) And if it weren't for the fact that I just wrote this down for all to read, no one would know the original derivation of Jackie Bean. Oh well. Secret's out.

On November 13 you gave me your first smile and now you give them freely. You have such a cute, wide-mouthed grin. It just lights up your face. You are beginning to try to reach for the toys hanging from your Gymini, and you can easily get your hands to your mouth. When a pacifier isn't there, your hands are...and sometimes your thumb. Actually, you found it while you were still in the hospital if you can believe that! And you never seemed to forget where it was. Sitting up is another skill you are working on. The Bumbo really helps you with that, but when you are sitting in my lap I can really feel just how strong you are getting. Now it's time to start cooperating with tummy time. You just don't like to do it for that long. I make you though because it's good for your developement. Sorry about that buddy. Welcome to the world!

Daddy and I are enjoying having you in our family so much. Everything you do makes us smile...ok...not everything. But most things. Because you are breast-fed, Daddy gets the least amount of time with you, so he really cherishes the moments he has to hold you and be with you. We just love you so much Jackie Bean!

Dear Luke,

The first thing that we noticed about you was how much you look like your older brother. WOW. When Dr. Palmer held you up for us to take our first peek at you, it was like deja vu. It will be interesting to see just how closely you and Charlie resemble each other as you get older. That means that you will also look like your Grandpa David. But no matter what, there is no denying that you are a handsome little guy. You are long and slender. The longest of all of my babies. In fact, we have some Christmas pajamas that are size 3-6 months, and though they are extremely baggy, the length fits you just right! At birth, you were a full inch and a half longer than your siblings. So perhaps you have inherited the height from your Daddy's side of the family. Your hands and feet are also much larger than Jack and Wendy, and when I finally put shoes on you, they were too small! Your hair is still blond, but a much darker shade, and your skin is slightly olive-toned.

Nursing and pacifiers hold no appeal for you. I had to stop nursing you all together after about 5 weeks because you just wouldn't eat. We would struggle for about 10 minutes and then I'd finally have to resort to a bottle anyway. So bottle fed you are. And the only time you will even consider using a pacifier is in your car seat. But I've never seen you keep it in your mouth for more than a minute or two.

Thankfully, this does not affect your ability to fall asleep. We swaddle you, put you in the crib and you are out in a matter of minutes. At the most, you will let out a cry of protest at being taken away from whatever fun activity you were engaged in, but the crying never lasts very long. Waking up is another story however. You will often let out the scariest cries. They are sharp and piercing and sound as if you have woken from a nightmare. When this happens, it's not that easy getting you back to sleep. A quick hug is usually the best tactic, but even that doesn't always work. This doesn't seem to be much of a problem though because you sleep so well.

Unlike Jack who digests things rather quickly, you have a slower system which causes you discomfort from time to time. But other than that, there isn't much you complain about. You are content to bat at the toys on your Gymini, and you really enjoy and excel at tummy time. You rolled from tummy to back at 2 weeks and have done it one other time since, and you are forever doing mini-push-ups. In fact, you are so strong that your upper arms are incredibly defined. Big guns, Luke, big guns. :) And finally, you also enjoy sitting in the Bumbo and playing with your toys. It's getting so that if you aren't tired when I put you in it, you can sit for a good 10 minutes before your body starts to lean to the side.

You were the first to smile, and I was the lucky recipient of that. The first smile was quickly followed by two more and now you smile all the time. You find it especially amusing when I tap on your chin...so I do it a lot! Your smiles always make my day brighter and help pull me through when I'm tired and worn out. Which I am quite a lot these days. You also have this cute little habit of holding your hands up under your chin. It makes you look so sweet, which of course, you are.

Your Daddy and I love you so very much, Lukie. (That's your only nickname for now. I'm sure you will acquire more as time goes by.) It has been a pleasure having you in our family and we can't wait to watch you grow into the wonderful person I'm sure you will become.

Dear Wendy,

What a beautiful little baby you are. Definitely favoring your big sister, but with your own little twist on the look, you are just gorgeous...and incredibly feminine looking. I have a feeling that even if we dressed you in blue (yeah right, like we have anything but pink clothes for you right now) people would still know you are a girl. You are just so dainty. Your hands, feet and facial features are so tiny. While your brothers are firmly in 0-3 month clothes, you are just starting to move out of newborn. It is quite possible that I will have three babies in three different sizes of clothing if Luke continues to grow in length. Your hair color is somewhere between the blonds of your brothers and your skin has a more olive tone.

You spent the first couple of months in the same crib as Jack and Luke, but you are now in your very own crib. I have to say, it looks a little strange to me to see such a small baby all alone in a crib! I've never had that before! But you were all growing so fast that we had to separate you earlier than we'd thought.

Just like Luke, you have also refused to nurse. And similarly, you don't really care much for your pacifier either, though you will take it in the car and occasionally when you need a little extra help getting to sleep. But for the most part, we have to let you work yourself to sleep through crying. You never cry long, but I guess you just need to let out a few yells to relax yourself. Hey. Whatever works for you girl!

You have a very easy going personality, Wen. The only times you get very upset are when you are hungry and sometimes when you spit up...which is a lot. You don't hold a candle to Charlie, but if we hadn't experienced his spitting up, we'd probably think you were a HUGE spitter.

Of the triplets, you take the longest to "wake up." While Luke, and then Jack began to have longer awake periods during the day, you continued to snooze. That has changed over the past few weeks, but consequently, you don't try to grab at toys quite like your brothers. But that will come with time. You still enjoy laying with them on the baby gym, and every now and then you'll take a swipe at something. However, you do well with tummy time and you enjoy looking at yourself in the little mirror on the gym. Such a girl! And you are doing very well sitting in the Bumbo too. In fact, I was holding you in my lap when I decided that you might be strong enough to give the Bumbo a try. And sure enough, you were!

It is a precious thing when we get to see one of your smiles. You aren't as free with them as your brothers, but they are just as sweet and beautiful. And though you may not smile as much, you are always looking at people's faces and studying them. You seem to be taking in every little detail. It will be interesting to see what you end up doing with all of the information you are collecting. :)

It is a joy watching you grow and having you in our family Wendy Lady. Olivia loves having a little sister, and I hope that your relationship with her will be a good one. Your Daddy and I cherish you and love you dearly. Thank you for coming into our lives.

To the three of you:

I honestly cherish every moment of this time we have together. I know now how quickly these baby days go by, and this is my last opportunity to enjoy it, so I am doing my best to do so. With the three of you and your older siblings, my time and attention is stretched thin, but I always try to make special snuggle time with each of you. Being your mother and being able to stay home with you is the greatest blessing in my life. I know I am where I need to be and doing what I need to do. And though I know that my presence will benefit all of you, I often feel that I am the one getting the most out of it. Motherhood is refining me and bringing to light my weaknesses. I am far from perfect, but please know that I am trying. All that I do for you, I do with love and with your best interest at heart. I try to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and I pray for you daily.

Our family feels complete, now that the three of you are here. You just fit right in to our family. You are adored and loved by Charlie and Olivia, and by your Daddy and I. I look forward to watching your personalities develop and our relationships grow.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Yes, We're Still Here!

2011-11-30T16:38:00.012-05:00

Blog posts have been few and far between lately. So has my picture taking actually. Jack, Luke and Wendy are definitely suffering from "second baby" picture syndrome. They just don't have that many...at least in comparison to their older siblings. My days are so jam-packed, and I just move from one chore or child need to another. By the time all the kids are in bed and sleeping, I am exhausted. Blogging just isn't a priority. However, it's important to me to keep a record of the memories, so here are just a few things we've been doing lately.

Aunt Emmy sent the babies these cute little Buckeye hats.
LOVE!

Luke can definitely sit in the Bumbo as well, he just missed out on the photo session.

Charlie and Liv helped Gammy make the green bean casserole, and Wendy got a special snuggle.
:)

The weekend after Thanksgiving, the triplets met their Aunt Mary, Uncle Joe, Aunt Shirlene, and played with a LOT of their cousins.

Charlie and Liv told their Nursery Leaders what they were thankful for...

I call your attention to Liv's response.
Thaaaat's right. Mommy got top billing. ;)

So that's the update. Things are going along nicely. In the next couple of weeks I have to write three 3 month letters and two 3 year letters. That should fill you in on all the little details this post lacks...let's just hope I can get those done!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2011-11-11T17:17:00.002-05:00

Eli told the kids they were cute and Charlie says "You think WE'RE cute...how about YOU'RE cute!" Then Liv said "Very VERY cute!"

*****************************************************************
It was raining hard.

Liv: It is very, very raining.
*****************************************************************

Mom took the twins to an indoor playground today. suddenly, Olivia looked at her with displeasure and said, "gammy? what are YOU doing here?" and mom said, "what do you mean what am i doing here? i brought you and charlie!" and she said, "well, thank you. but sit down." (i thought being embarrassed by your parents/grandparents didn't start till they were teenagers!)

*****************************************************************
Eli bought Charlie a night-light that projects an image of the solar system on the ceiling. Suddenly, Charlie says, "That's the Sun and that's the center of the Earth." Eli and I looked at each other, knowing that neither of us have talked with him about these things. Eli held Charlie up to the image and he correctly identified the Sun and the Earth. Hmmmm.
*****************************************************************
Charlie was having a difficult time going to sleep. Eli went in to his room to help him and Charlie said, "I just want to slow my body down." So self-aware!
*****************************************************************
Charlie wanted some ketchup for his meatloaf at dinner. As I was squirting the ketchup he said, "Thaaaaaat's right Mommy. Thaaat's right!"
*****************************************************************

mom said to charlie, "charlie, you're 2," and charlie said, "i don't wanna be 2," and mom said, "well, you ARE.......you're 2," and he said, "I DON'T WANNA BE 2!," and mom said, "well, what DO you wanna be," and he said, "i wanna be a pumpkin for halloween!"

*****************************************************************
We bought Charlie a firefighter hat because he's been enjoying the show Fireman Sam. He put it on and said, "Come on Livy! Let's go firetruckin'!"

Pumpkins, Witches and Candy

2011-11-01T20:58:00.009-04:00

While I was still in the hospital, I asked Charlie and Liv what they wanted to be for Halloween. (I figured I would need a head start on costumes this year!) This is the first year that I have given them the opportunity to choose their costumes for themselves. And to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure they would understand what I was asking. So imagine my surprise when Charlie immediately said, "A pumpkin!" And Livy said, "A dress!" Well...I was fairly sure I could make that happen, and because Liv didn't really care what kind of dress she wore, I decided to go for the witch costume to complement Charlie's pumpkin costume. They were so excited about their costumes and about Trick-or-Treating that they've been pretending to trick-or-treat since I got home from the hospital! Once their costumes arrived, they wanted to wear them almost every day. And they did make a cute little witch and pumpkin if I do say so myself. :)

The triplets didn't have costumes per se, but we did inherit a few little Halloween items that they wore.

The Friday before Halloween, our church ward had its Halloween party and Trunk-or-Treat. We went last year, but the the kids were a little too young. This time they enjoyed the games, food and friends. After much anticipation for Trunk-or-Treat, Charlie decided he didn't want to go, so he sat in the car while I passed out candy. By that time he was tired, and my little guy needs some quiet time every now and then. Then on Halloween, we carved the pumpkin and Charlie and Liv went Trick-or-Treating around our neighborhood with Daddy. They came back with a decent little stash of candy in their pumpkin buckets...candy that they now want to eat 24/7. The celebration this year was simple, but we had a lot of fun. Can't wait for next year!

(when I collage this, for some reason the pumpkin isn't edited correctly in a few of the pics!
I don't know how to fix it.)

Happy Due Date! (It's All in the Numbers)

2011-10-13T20:39:00.002-04:00

Photos and announcement by Leslie Sleesman.

20 fingers, 20 toes.
That's all you get with ONE of those.
But if you have 5, in multiple style, here's how the numbers add up!

50 toes to tickle
50 fingers to touch
10 kidneys to...um...do what kidneys do. But darn that's a lot of kidneys!
10 legs to walk and jump
10 feet to hold them up
10 arms to reach out to others
10 hands to hold
10 eyes to see
10 ears to hear
5 mouths to speak the truth
5 hearts to serve and love

The Math:
8 weeks + 11 weeks = 19 weeks/almost 5 months in the hospital
10 weeks + 18 weeks = 28 weeks/7 months of bed rest
1 set of twins + 1 set of triplets= 5 children in 2.5 years
3 boys + 2 girls = a full house
3 babies + 2 toddlers + 2 frazzled parents = 1 loving family of 7

Baby Blessings and Big Kid Adventures

2011-10-10T13:46:00.015-04:00

The events of the past couple days are tugging at my heart strings. Yesterday Eli blessed our three newest additions to the family at church. Surrounded by faithful priesthood holders of family and friends, he named our children and blessed them with the things Heavenly Father desires them to have in this life. Our friend Abbey made the beautiful white outfits they wore, and our family and friends filled up three pews in the chapel. As this was the babies' first time at church, they were quite popular and the members "oo"ed and "ah"ed over them. :) Our triple stroller was also quite a hit, as strollers aren't typically found inside the church building! We were, as always, a spectacle!

I was able to write down the main portions of the blessings. Heavenly Father blessed them with the following:

Jackson Eliot Bowman
* you are a special son of Heavenly Father.
*you have been sent to partake of trials, lessons and blessings of this life.
*the things in this world will work to affect you negatively, but if you are faithful and keep the commandments, you will have protection and strength.
*you have a wonderful family to serve and love you.
*you will love your family and love service.
*you will be blessed to find a mate and marry in the temple.
*you will be blessed to serve a mission.

Luke Wilson Bowman
*you will understand the importance of the gospel and being obedient.
*you are a special son of Heavenly Father.
*you have many talents that you will use to serve the Lord and the Church.
*you will be blessed to serve a mission.
*you will be blessed to find a mate and marry in the temple.
*you are blessed with an eternal family.
*your family will serve and help you.
*you will have a special love for the siblings you were born with and you will be close to them, and they will buoy you up.

Wendy Jane Bowman
*you will enjoy serving the Lord.
*you will come close to the Savior.
*you are loved by the Savior and your Heavenly Father.
*If you remain faithful, you will receive the blessings Heavenly Father desires for you.
*you will have an eternal family and be blessed to marry in the temple.
*you will teach your children the gospel, obedience, and faith.
*you have a special, sweet spirit and you will be blessed by it.

Yesterday was wonderful, but today I am sitting in a quiet house. It's just me and the babies. My MIL is on her way back to California after having served our family for five months. Eli is back at work, and Charlie and Liv are spending their first day with the baby-sitter. I miss my family. I miss my kids. It is necessary at this time for my big kiddos to be with a baby-sitter a few days a week so that all of the needs of my children can be met, but mostly I feel like someone else is doing my job. And though I know they will be fine and have a lot of fun, there's still an element of guilt. I'm grieving also for the time that both my MIL and Eli have had to spend with Charlie and Liv. Such wonderful relationships have been built, and we have all been blessed by the opportunity for them to grow closer together. There have been so many changes in our lives and our family this year, but we are finally returning to our new normal. It will just take a little getting used to.

First Baths :)

2011-09-30T21:57:00.010-04:00

Adventures at the Polaris Mall

2011-09-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Jack, Luke, and Wendy turned 2 weeks old. They're ancient, I know. :) Eli and I decided to meet up with MooMoo, Aunt Duck, and Grandma Wendy at the play place in Polaris Mall. We grabbed a bite to eat at the food court and then headed down to the climbing area to let Charlie and Liv have some fun. It turned out to be quite eventful.

First, we met another set of triplets and four other sets of twins! It must have been multiples day at the mall. :) Everyone came over to introduce themselves and see the babies. They were quite the spectacle. After visiting with these families, I got involved in feeding a changing the babies. It was at this point that Eli asks me if I've seen Liv. Um. No. I hadn't. And neither had anyone else!

I have come to learn something about myself. When things get stressful and scary, I am at my best. My heart was pounding as I ran around trying to find my little girl, but I never lost my cool. Eli went one way, MooMoo went another, and I totally disregarded doctor's orders and ran my little rear end up the stairs and all the way to the information desk to find a security guard. All the while I prayed and prayed that we would find Olivia safe and sound. When the security guard finally arrived, he informed me that Olivia had been found...hiding in the storage area underneath the triplet stroller...drinking Eli's Coke. Sigh. Even with a one to one ratio, the girl outsmarted us. And got a nice caffeine buzz in the process. And we all got the scare of our lives. I think this officially makes me a mom. :/ But. We got some cute pictures!

MooMoo pretty much attached herself to Livy after we found her.
Thanks MooMoo!

Welcome to the World Jack, Luke and Wendy!

2011-09-14T14:20:00.016-04:00

Wow. We have been caught up in a whirlwind of babyhood! Life has done a complete 180, but we have found out an amazing thing. Life is pretty great on this side too. :) There is so much to share about the birth and consequent life after the birth of these triplets. I'm sure to leave something out, but I'd like to document the events and thoughts that have really stuck out to me. So, let's start at the very beginning shall we? I hear it's a very good place to start. :)

The morning of my scheduled c-section (September 6th), Mom picked me up and took me to Dr. Melillo's to have my cerclage removed in preparation for the surgery that was supposed to start at 3:30 that afternoon. The plan had been for us to come back to the house so I could finish packing and say bye to Charlie and Liv before Eli and I had to leave to go to the hospital. But as things typically go with my pregnancies, this was bound to change. My blood pressure was a little high, and my feet were a lovely sausage shape, so Melillo sent me over to Riverside right away to have some blood drawn. Should the tests have come back showing that I had Preeclampsia, an IV of magnesium would need to be started before the surgery. Thankfully, it was just a case of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. In an effort to keep it from turning into Preeclampsia, they pushed the section up to 2:30 and Eli was able to make it with about 40 minutes to spare.

In the meantime, I sat there contracting every 3 to 7 minutes, and feeling them a bit. Definitely can't claim to have felt TRUE labor pain, but at least I was able to have a small taste of it. After all, I have 5 children now! I should be able to say I experienced something. :)

The c-section went well, and the whole event might have even been a dream. It was so surreal. And so "been there, done that" for such a major surgery. The partition between Eli and me and the surgical plane was much lower than at OSU, so Eli was able to see a LOT more than last time. One very neat thing about this delivery was that Dr. Melillo coached and aided another Resident through the surgery. As it turned out, that Resident was Dr. Brian Palmer...a friend of ours from the Hilliard Ward! He was the one who actual brought Luke, Jack and Wendy into the world. It was so neat to have people you care about involved in such a special event.

So the stats. (Because that's really what everyone cares about!)

The babies did SO well! They were able to come with me to recovery, and Luke and I had some special skin-to-skin time as he was making little grunting noises that indicated he might need a little extra help breathing. Initially, all babies were sent to the Well Baby Nursery, but it was later determined that Luke should go to NICU for some help from the CPAP. He was there the first night, a day and a night and then rejoined his siblings in Well Baby. The time in the hospital was so priceless for me. Without it, I wouldn't have had such a wonderful bonding experience with my youngest children. Eli brought the kids to hospital to meet their new siblings...

But the next day Eli came down with a stomach virus and they weren't able to visit for the last couple days. I missed them terribly, but it gave me the opportunity to bond with the babies and get a feeding schedule started. Jack was our all-star breast feeder, picking it up right away. Wendy and Luke still have times when things don't go so smoothly, but for the most part, they are doing a wonderful job too. Especially considering that Luke was a day behind the other two in getting started.

As was my hope from the beginning, all of my babies came home with me from the hospital! The transition could not have gone better. We kept them on the schedule I established in the hospital, and so far they eat and then immediately fall asleep until we wake them up to eat again. Not too tricky really.

We took J,L &W to the pediatrician on Monday and they are looking great. Luke has actually gained weight since he was born, and Wendy and Luke are looking good too. Dr. Patty gave us the go ahead to let the babies sleep at night, making sure to feed them at least once. So far, we've awakened them before they've awakened us. That makes for happy parents! :)

As I write this, the triplets are sound asleep for designated "nap time" in the crib, and the twins are having a picnic snack and watching Wipe Out with their Dad. (High quality programming right there.) I suppose we're making this work as a family. :) Charlie and Liv are so loving and tender with their new siblings. They are always checking on them and kissing them. They touch them so gently. Charlie, being the independent, capable guy that he is, needs to be reminded that even though he's strong enough to pick the babies up, it's something that only adults can do right now. :) Our family feels complete and filled with love. It's wonderful to be in my own home with my own "little" family. It's been a long road, but we've arrived!

Finally, at around 8:30 the night before I was discharged from Riverside, I walked down to the cafeteria by myself (sans phone), and ate some pizza, a salad with blue cheese dressing, and two whole cups of caffeinated soda! :) I sat there and finally had a moment to feel the significance of the last few days and months. I wish I could put that feeling into words, but I simply can't. I just hope that I will remember it in the future, when things are hectic and stressful, and life just feels too fast. I sat there pondering for a while, then I went up to the 4th floor to say good-bye to the nurses that were working that night. It was the first time in my life that I actually walked down that hallway ...... and into my new life. :)

(a bit of business! If you would like to visit the triplets, make a meal, or schedule a play date with Charlie and Liv, I have set up a calendar at CareCalendar.org to help schedule these things. Simply go to the website and enter these codes to gain access to the calendar. CALENDAR ID : 86903 SECURITY CODE : 6046 Then sign up for the date and time that works for you! If you are interested in signing up for a play date, email me at abbybowman@yahoo.com for the special code to use. )

Bed Rest: Day 120

2011-09-03T15:23:00.003-04:00

As it turns out, bed rest hasn't really ended for me like I thought it would. I'm home now, but still on bed rest. Let me just say that bed rest at home at this point is physically brutal! I huff and puff my way to the bathroom. There's no chair in the shower here, so I've been taking baths...and getting myself out of the tub is quite a feat! I've also decided that we have WAY too much furniture, as I have stubbed the little toe on my left foot 5 times since I've been home! My belly is just too big for me to see my feet and the surrounding furniture. But all in all, I am so glad to be back with my family.

The other thing that changed is that we decided not to have the c-section on September 2nd. Which is rather obvious, as this is the 3rd and I am still pregnant. Melillo thought things were going well, so we all thought it best to give the triplets as much time baking as possible. But we finally have a definite due date. Jack, Luke, and Wendy will arrive on Tuesday, September 6th. We have reached one of my initial goals for this pregnancy, which was to carry these babies longer than Charlie and Liv. Now I am just hoping and praying that they will weigh more too. And if the ultrasounds are accurate, they probably will.

So now we are just playing the waiting game and enjoying our family. :)

Bed Rest: Day 114 (Last Full Day of Bed Rest)

2011-08-28T21:05:00.006-04:00

Today is my last full day of bed rest. Tomorrow I will go home to my family of four for a few days before returning to the hospital again to deliver these babies. So many things are coming to end. The biggest thing is that this is going to be my last pregnancy. It's hard to believe that we are done so soon, but we've prayed about it, and this is what seems right for our family. Even through all of the "difficulty" I have with my pregnancies, it is a time in life that I absolutely adore. To me, it is fascinating to watch the process of creating a new life...or two or three as the case is with us. :) And it can be such a spiritual experience, being pregnant. I grow in my testimony and am made more aware of spiritual things. I gain a greater understanding of the importance of family, and of my family in particular. I gain a greater appreciation for parenthood...and motherhood. How blessed I feel to have been able to experience all of this. It saddens me a bit to think that this is it.

I also will miss the friends I have made here at Riverside. I love the nurses so very much, and I will truly miss their companionship. But I am so grateful for the physical, emotional and spiritual care they have given me.

So here I am, for the second time in my life, feeling the totality of the past and future colliding. It may not ever happen again, but THIS is what eternity feels like. And it is incredible.

Bed Rest: Day 110

2011-08-24T18:37:00.001-04:00

The c-section is officially scheduled for 3:30 on September 2nd! Let the countdown begin!

Bed Rest: Day 109 (Quake!)

2011-08-23T17:41:00.003-04:00

Today I laid down for a nap. And suddenly, my bed was shaking. Then, my tray table was shaking. And then I heard the cabinet next to my bed hitting the wall. And suddenly I thought, "Earthquake!" I called Eli, and he hadn't felt it, so I called the nurses. A few of them confirmed that I wasn't going crazy, so I flipped on the news. Sure enough, there was a 5.9 quake 80 some miles south of our nation's capital. It was felt up and down the east coast.

I'm sure that my family living on the west coast has been laughing at all of the Facebook posts about this quake. But for me, like most people who've spent their lives in the east, this was the first time I've ever experienced an earthquake. It made me dizzy, and the feeling lasted for a while. It wasn't until much later that I realized just how out of luck I would have been if the quake had been a dangerous one. By the time I'd even gotten out of bed to get to a safer place, the quake would have been over. You just can't move 4 people at the same time very quickly!

Bed Rest: Day 107 (I Will Teach You)

2011-08-21T09:52:00.008-04:00

Having a lot of time sitting in my hospital bed, I have enjoyed looking back through our blog and seeing how our lives have changed in the past few years. As I was searching through the posts, I came across this poem that Eli had written before the twins were born. He never posted it. Not sure why. But with his permission, I am posting it now. This shows exactly who he is as a father, and just how much he loves his children, and the ones that will be arriving shortly. Our family is blessed to have him.

I Will Teach You

I cannot teach you how to invest
how to sew
or how to dress.
I cannot teach you racquetball
i cannot teach you
much at all.
But this I can and will teach you
to say your prayers
like your mother and I do.
I'll teach you how to find the best
in everyone
and forget the rest.
I promise you'll learn how to read
the books of God
and how to lead.
I'll teach you to think of virtuous things
and care not for
the temporal things.
I'll share with you the love of Christ
and a hundred kisses
where one would have sufficed.
But most of all I'll live for you
and die for you
if I had to.
And when I'm old and have become forgetful
remember this
that I was grateful.
To be your Dad, pillow, and friend
now remember all
you were taught, til' the end.

~E.S.Bowman
8/21/08

PS. I just noticed the date Eli wrote this. It was exactly 3 years ago today. How appropriate!

Bed Rest: Day 105

2011-08-18T11:42:00.011-04:00

First, I saw this quote by Joseph Smith to his wife Emma on Facebook yesterday and thought he was FOR SURE talking to me. How fitting. How true.

"I wanted to say something to you to comfort you in your peculiar trial & present affliction. I hope God will give you strength that you may not faint. I pray God to soften the hearts of those around you to be kind to you & take the burden off your shoulders as much as possible & not afflict you. I feel for you, for I know your state & that others do not, but you must comfort yourself knowing that God is your friend in heaven & that you have one true & living friend on earth, your husband."

And now, it's time for an update on this bed rest/babies thing. For the most part, this pregnancy has just been a whole lot of sitting, laying down, getting stuck with needles occasionally and WAITING. So updates have been quite infrequent. But the countdown to baby time is beginning!

Here's what has been going on this past week. Most importantly, I am now 32 weeks!!! This has been the goal for this pregnancy and we've reached it! Secretly, my personal goal has been to carry these babies longer than Charlie and Liv (34 weeks, 1 day), and for all three babies to weigh more than the twins did (4lb 4oz and 4lb 9oz.)

Besides that great news, my blood pressure has elevated from what it has been most of the time I've been here. However, my blood pressure has been lower than what it is typically. Soooo...my blood pressure is now back to normal or just slightly higher than normal. This is typical for someone carrying triplets, so I haven't worried about it. To cover our bases though, Dr. M ordered a couple blood tests and urine tests on Wednesday night. Everything came back normal. So we had a brief "scare" (and by scare I really mean a very, very slim possibility) that I would deliver the babies within the next two days if the test results came back that I had Preeclampsia. But I don't, and so the babies are still snug inside.

I also had an ultrasound yesterday to check my cervical length. Result? 14mm! No weights for the babies, but we did get another 3-D pic for Luke and Wendy. I think Jack is going to keep his little mug a surprise! Which is fine with us. :)

Luke.

Everybody knows it's Wennndy.

Given all of the above information, this is what the next couple of weeks are looking like for our family. Dr. Melillo said that he would be fine sending me home next Wednesday, but he is going to be out of town for a few days immediately after that, so I don't feel comfortable going home if something should happen once I get there. So instead, I will be released on the 29th after he's returned from his trip. I will be able to go home and spend a few days there with my family before the triplets arrive. And of course, a nesting mother who hasn't been able to nest has a few other items on her TO DO list! :) Technically, I will no longer be on bed rest, but this body of mine has deteriorated quite a bit, and as I'll still be carrying this large load in front of me, my contribution to the basic functioning of our home will be limited.

For now, there isn't a set time and day for the c-section. Dr. M is looking into that. But it will be either September 1, 2 or 6. Unless I actually go into labor myself! Amazing that I might come out of this having 5 children and not having experienced actual labor. I actually had to ask Melillo what I should do if labor does start! Haha! Jack, Luke and Wendy are in our near future. After months of focusing on NOT having them, it's strange to think that we actually WILL have them. Time to put all of those great organizational ideas I've collected on Pinterest during these last few months to good use! :) We're in the home stretch baby! I mean...babies. :)

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2011-08-17T12:01:00.001-04:00

On a recent visit to the hospital, Olivia decided she did NOT want to put her shoes back on when it was time to leave. So, in true toddler fashion, she threw a tantrum like no other. Charlie stood there watching with a look of fear on his face. As Moo Moo wrestled with Liv, I asked Charlie to come to me.

Me: Charlie, does it bother you when Livy acts like that?

Charlie: Yeah. It's scary.

Me: She's safe though Charlie. She's just angry and doesn't know how to tell us with her words. But she will be okay. Listen, be helpful for Moo Moo when you leave. Stay close to her, okay?

Charlie: Okay.

Moo Moo picks up a screaming Liv and everyone heads for the door. As Moo Moo turns to close the door behind her, Charlie runs to the Nurses' Station, spreads his arms and yells,

"Run! Run!"

...and takes off down the hallway.

He's learning quickly. :)

******************************************************

Charlie and Liv took turns letting Daddy wrap them up in the curtain in my hospital room. After Charlie had gone twice, and Livy once, Eli told them that Liv had one more turn and then they were done. He wrapped Liv in the curtain and she laughed and laughed. When she was done, of course, Charlie wanted another turn.

Eli: Charlie, you both had two turns. We're done now.

Charlie: But, I just want a turn after we hang Livy!
******************************************************
Olivia: Daddy, I like Taylor Swift.

Does she know who Taylor Swift is?

******************************************************
Olivia: Daddy, I just want to hold you.
******************************************************
Olivia: Charlie, you have issues.

Charlie was holding a box of tissues. :)

*****************************************************

Charlie was playing underneath a wooden shelf.

Moo Moo: Charlie, watch your head!

Charlie: I CAN'T watch my head Moo Moo.

What a perceptive little guy.

****************************************************

While sitting on the potty...

Oivia: MooMoo, baby, you need to think BIG!
***************************************************

Eli asked Charlie to smile so he could check for any pieces of food that might be caught in his teeth.

Charlie: Daddy, why smile? You don't have a camera.

Bed Rest: Day 100!!!!!!

2011-08-14T10:37:00.004-04:00

100 things I am thankful for/that...

1. Hospital towels. It's post-shower exfoliation!
2. The wonderful nurses here at Riverside. They're not just nurses, they're friends.
3. My MIL and the amazing love she has for her children and grandchildren. She made such a sacrifice to help our family during this challenging time.
4. My own mom, for her care, love and service to our family...and of course, her laundering skills!
5. Dr. Jason Melillo. A Dr. who goes above and beyond the call of duty; and who is cool enough to come to my room and hang out for an hour to laugh with me and the nurses.
6. My Husband. Eli stepped up to the plate and did what was required. He's never complained about the stress and significant work increase that has come with living as a single parent. In fact, he has only expressed how much he cherishes this time with Charlie and Liv. What an exceptional father he is!
7. The sisters at church who bring my family two meals a weak to help ease the work load.
8. The sisters at church who have rotated weeks and taken Charlie and Liv out for play dates.
9. The family and friends who have donated clothing, equipment, diapers and formula.
10. All of the visitors I've had here at the hospital.
11. All of the visitors who also brought me meals and snacks!
12. Hospital ice and orange juice!!
13. The High Risk Support group here at Riverside.
14. Wheelchair rides outside.
15. Missing the record breaking high temperatures this summer!
16. Barely any swelling.
17. Bath and Body body washes. :)
18. Netflix online streaming.
19. Hulu.
20. Cable.
21. Good books.
22. Hospital beds that conform to your body.
23. Pillows. Especially my gray body pillow Eli has affectionately named "The Iron Curtain".
24. Make-up, good hair dryers, and toenail polish.
25. The time and ability to THINK, CONTEMPLATE AND FEEL.
26. The spiritual knowledge and growth that come from the time to do the above.
27. The view out of my window. At first glance it's just the side of a building with some windows, but when you find out that all of the other rooms have a view of a brick wall and giant fan, you find the beauty in those windows.
28. Charlie and Olivia. Their energy and love makes this whole thing so much easier for me. I look forward to their 3 weekly visits more than anything.
29. Frequent ultrasounds that allow me a brief glimpse of the triplets once every week or two.
30. My ability to SLEEP. Oh my. I have no problem sleeping at night! It helps that Dr. Melillo gave the order to stay out of my room during the night shift. Oh yeah!
31. TED hose that I wear to give my bruised and welted legs a break from all the heparin shots.
32. Heparin shots, that keep me from wearing those ugly TED hose! :)
33. Terrible service from the Dietary department. It has given me a cause to work for. I'm gonna make some changes here!
34. Blogs, email, Pinterest, Facebook and Google +.
35. My family was not at home when lightning hit the tree in our front yard and the largest branch fell into our driveway...where our van would have been parked.
36. Feeling these babies move. I just can't get enough of that feeling.
37. Clean sheets everyday.
38. Never having to clean my room.
39. Showers.
40. The calm and peace that I feel.
41. Pandora
42. TLC
43. Having everything within reach.
44. Gray, cozy days.
45. Bright, sunny days.
46. The giant humidifier that is now residing in my previously dry room.
47. Loaded baked potatoes and taco salad that they added to our menu selections.
48. Afternoon naps.
49. The wrist brace for the carpal tunnel in my left hand.
50. Sundays in the hospital, and how they force me to make conscious choices to focus on the Savior.
51. My laptop.
52. The "Words With Friends" app on my phone.
53. My ability to connect with the babies that are on the way.
54. That I don't have to worry about household chores for a while. :)
55. The reflection of the sky in the windows across from my room.
56. Having the scriptures on my phone.
57. Pepcid and Maalox!
58. Skype!
59. Blogger, which allows me to keep a record of this time in our lives.
60. Eli's T-shirts...because that's about all that fits me now.
61. Having someone to clean my room everyday.
62. The little personal pizzas you can order from the cafeteria.
63. Pictures and videos of what Charlie and Liv have been doing this summer.
64. How the kids get excited when they see my face pop up on the computer screen.
65. Eli being able to take his FMLA time a little early. It's done wonders for everyone to have him home with the Charlie and Olivia before the babies arrive.
66. I can still reach my toes to paint them!!
67. Strong fingernails that grow at the speed of light.
68. I'm still pregnant. :)
69. Jackson, Luke, and Wendy are growing well and are healthy.
70. The multitude of prayers being offered up daily for our family...even by those we've never met.
72. Laughter.
73. Benadryl Gel. It FINALLY relieved the constant itching of my stretching skin.
74. The triplets are gaining such a great amount of weight!
75. 3-D ultrasounds.
76. Hospital ice packs.
77. My new, space age hospital bed! It helps me get in and out of bed, and roll from side to side. And it turns into a chair! Sooooo cool!
78. The opportunity to help bring 5 precious spirits into the world.
79. The amazing gift that is pregnancy and motherhood.
80. Uplifting music.
81. The special time that is babyhood, however fleeting it may be.
82. The possibilities of the future.
83. Memories of the past.
84. Sitting right here in the present and savoring all that it is.
85. Access to the hospital cafeteria menu in addition of the regular patient menu. Variety! Thank goodness for the meeting another mother and I had with the dietary department!
86. Water. Normally not something I choose to drink, but when I'm pregnant, I can't get enough.
87. The prayers.
88. I haven't had to have an IV for this hospital stay.
89. All of the blogging I have done these past three years. I love to look back at pictures of Charlie and Liv, who will soon be the BIG brother and sister. My heart is breaking just a bit.
90. I haven't been as uncomfortable as I thought I would be.
91. DELICIOUS chocolate covered strawberries sent to me by a friend of my Dad's, whom I've never met.
92. Cards from members of my Grandparents' church congregation wishing us blessings, and promising prayers.
93. This pregnancy has gone so fast! (But on the flip side, it makes me a bit sad knowing this will be my last pregnancy.)
94. The $$ Laura "sneaks" me so that I can order out occasionally.
95. The plant my Grandparents brought me when I first entered the hospital. It doesn't get much water, but it's still lookin' good!
96. An outdoor lunch with my Husband and children.
97. My children's fascination with, and curiosity in, every sound and sight.
98. Friends who have called and visited and generally made this experience enjoyable for me.
99. Pregnancy brings me so close to the veil. There are incredible sacred and special experiences there.
100. My amazing family here on earth, those who have passed on, and those who are waiting to arrive. And most of all, my Father in Heaven. For these are only 100 of the infinite blessings he has bestowed upon me.

July Catch Up

2011-08-12T11:05:00.001-04:00

Here comes the collage madness and I try to catch up on what Charlie, Liv and Eli have been up to this month. They've been BUSY!

Bed Rest: Day 94 (Weigh In)

2011-08-08T19:28:00.004-04:00

Mondays are weigh-in days. Today is Monday. For the first time in my life, I weigh over 200lbs. 204lbs actually. And you know what? I kinda think that makes me pretty cool! :)

Bed Rest: Day 91

2011-08-05T20:53:00.007-04:00

Today we had an ultrasound to measure the weights of the babies and generally check that all is well. Eli was able to make it to the appointment, so it was nice for him to be able to see the babies. I am holding steady at 7mm, and the triplets are growing like crazy!! Their weight results are...

That's 10lb 11oz of baby!

The ultrasound tech gave us a wonderful surprise by using the 3D ultrasound. No one thought we'd be able to get shots of the babes that were decent enough to break out this newer technology, but we got lucky today. If you've seen 3D ultrasound pictures before, you will notice that ours are a little harder to see than others. That's simply because there are various limbs and body parts surrounding their faces. It really gave us a greater appreciation for just how smooshed together there kiddos are. Jackson was the only one whose face we were not able to see, but we did get some cute shots of his piggies!

Luke's cute little face.

Wendy's profile.

Jack's little piggies! We weren't sure whose they were at first,
but after further analysis, it's likely they are Jack's.

Had to include a picture of Jack's TOENAIL.
The 3D ultrasounds are pretty amazing!

We had some great news today at our ultrasound and we are feeling so good about how things are going. All of the prayers are working! We are blessed.

Bed Rest: Day 90

2011-08-04T20:43:00.002-04:00

Today I'm 30 weeks! We are definitely taking these babies home! Ultrasound tomorrow at 2:00, so I'll have some weights and hopefully some pictures to share.

Thank you. That is all.

Bed Rest: Day 84

2011-07-27T15:44:00.013-04:00

84 days in the hospital and 42 days of bed rest at home. It's actually hard to believe that I've been here that long. It's also hard to believe that I ever did bed rest at home! Time is so strange.

Since I've been in the hospital, Charlie and Olivia have gotten even better at talking, they are doing so many big kid things, and they are really, truly playing together. Thank goodness for modern technology that allows me little glimpses of their development. Pictures, videos, and Skype are my best friends right now. :)

Today, Eli took the twins to their first movie at a movie theater! They went to see Winnie the Pooh at Easton.

I guess they only saw about 11 minutes of it before the kids were done and they had to leave. As much as they love to watch movies at home, the big screen just didn't thrill them. They preferred to watch the fountain and walk around.

You know what? I will TOTALLY take that. Two year olds who'd rather explore the world than watch a movie? Yes please! But it's still a big "first" in this world of technology, so it's worth documenting.

Also in recent events, the front of our house now looks like this...

Thanks to the lightning bolt that has now provided us enough firewood for the winter. The Lord was watching over my family that day. Eli had happened to take them for a little drive last Sunday and when they got home he found our tree in our driveway. If he had just stayed home, that tree would have fallen on our van; quite possibly with the family in it. Now we just have a little clean up to do. And by "we" I mean Eli. (Thanks hon!) The large branch also didn't make contact with any part of our house. Another major blessing.

I also want to make sure I mention that Eli took the kids to Young's Dairy Farm a couple weeks ago. We had family in town from Tennessee, so they took the quick trip out there to visit with their cousins, have some ice cream and enjoy some of the fun things Young's has to offer.

These kids have been so busy!

Bed Rest: Day 77

2011-07-22T14:49:00.003-04:00

Bed Rest: Day 72 (Our 7th Wedding Anniversary)

2011-07-17T12:09:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Eli and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. It feels like 7 years is both too short and too long for all the changes in our lives. But we both agree that life is even better than when we were sealed in the Columbus, Ohio temple. We both agree that the blessings and challenges the Lord has given us over these 7 years are something we could have only done TOGETHER. I can't imagine having someone else by my side. Eli is the most wonderful husband and father. His love for our family and for me is abundant. And he shows it. I am grateful that he is a faithful priesthood holder and for how much he loves our Savior.

To celebrate, we ordered take out from Bravo. I had forgotten just how delicious their house salad is. Mmmm. We both had their Pasta Bravo and of course, some yummy bread. It was fantastic, and for the first time since being in the hospital, I ate nearly the entire meal simply because it was so tasty. We watched a movie, and then watched Master Chef. Because Gordon Ramsey is just as much a part of our relationship as we are. :) The nurses and Dr. M made a special effort to make our evening enjoyable. They are so sweet. It was a wonderful anniversary celebration. We probably won't have another like it.

Happy Anniversary My Love!

Bed Rest: Day 65

2011-07-10T18:12:00.006-04:00

On Friday I had a full ultrasound of the triplets. Everything is looking wonderful! It's been awhile since I've posted some pictures of them, so I thought I'd post a few from that ultrasound now that I can get them on CD. The bigger these babies get, the harder it is to get good pics of them, so I've just picked out a few of the best ones.

First up, Baby A...Jackson. He weighed in at a whopping 2lb 3oz! I am 26 weeks along, but he's measuring 27 weeks. Go Jackson!

Profile

Jack waving.

Second, Baby B...Luke. He weighed in at 1lb 15oz, which is right on track for a singleton. Nice work Luke!

Luke's face was pressed up against the placenta
making it tricky to get a good profile pic.
This is the best we got.

And third, Baby C...Wendy. She is keeping pace with her brothers as she too weighs 1lb 15oz. You show 'em girl!

Wendy face on. Check out that chubby cheek!

While the triplets are busy sharing the food supply (like good babies should), I am also moving in the right direction. My cervix is back up to 14mm from the 7mm it was when I entered the hospital. So things seem to be working.

The babies are now holding a very rowdy party in there almost 24/7, and my tummy often looks like the waves on the ocean. I love feeling all that movement. It's such a special experience. I took a picture of my belly yesterday to post, but it will have to wait. When I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror, I realized that my belly had grown quite a lot during the night. :) So I'll have to retake the pic to get a more accurate portrayal of the torpedo that is my stomach. This seems to be the way this pregnancy has gone though. Every couple of weeks or so, I have a day that is just horribly uncomfortable. Then the next day I wake up looking significantly bigger than the day before. Thankfully that discomfort only lasts for the day and then I feel good again. I'm not yet to the point where I am incredibly uncomfortable. These babes are doing their best to keep me feeling good, and I truly appreciate their effort! Let's just hope they are this accommodating when they finally arrive. :)

However, with this ever increasing size I am running into difficulty with my clothes. Before I came to the hospital, I had already outgrown the summer maternity clothes I had from last time. So I ordered a few more things from Old Navy, getting a size bigger than I really thought I needed to allow for tummy growth. Nice try Abby. I'm quickly outgrowing those things. Soon I'll be stuck with Eli's T-shirts, and then...HOSPITAL GOWNS!!! Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuun! When it comes to that, I am requesting the pink ones they reserve for labor and delivery. Pink is a much better color on me than the standard teal gown. :)

If that's my greatest complaint, I'll take it. After all, there are always sheets to spare. Toga, toga, toga!

Bed Rest: Day 63 (The Letter)

2011-07-08T15:48:00.006-04:00

There are many reasons why I love my husband, and many more reasons why I married him. But ranking right up at the very top is his sense of humor...some might call it silly. Yesterday I received this email from him in response to my recent boredom. I have fought it off for almost 9 weeks, but a few days ago it caught me.

My Dear and fairest Wife,

It’s saddening to hear how bored you are. My soul yearns to heal your broken spirit. Oh, how I would have you smile again! To think, you were doing so well fending off boredom for so long. I wonder what has changed. What has allowed boredom to overtake you, my love? Maybe it is that you’ve been in that sick and disgusting pit for a few unspeakable weeks now, and Boredom’s incessant fervor for maliciousness has finally granted it the victory over you that it has so tirelessly fought for. Boredom’s zeal for your malcontent has finally bore fruit. I pray that you may ever meet it in battle. Fight this Boredom. Fight with books. Fight with motion picture revelry. Wield the pen and write, for pity’s sake! Fight against Boredom’s armies with such valor as to be worthy of such a victory. Fight honorably and your triumph shall not elude you, dearest love.

Thankfully yours through eternity’s unyielding years,

~

I guess I married another Shakespeare. Lucky me! :)

Bed Rest: Day 62

2011-07-06T11:43:00.003-04:00

I was watching The Price Is Right this morning and saw this commercial.

Who knew?! I qualify for a niffty little scooter. In fact, I can answer "yes" to every question except the one about falling. I say it's time to put these Scooter Store people to the test. Can they really do what they say they can? Let's find out. :)

*It has been brought to my attention that I actually did "fall" while I was here. More of slip with an injury, really, but it counts.

Bed Rest: Day 60 (4th of July 2011)

2011-07-04T16:16:00.005-04:00

Eli and the kids came to visit me today, which is always my favorite part of the week. But today was an extra visit thanks to our Founding Fathers. :) They gave me a free country in which to live, and an extra day with my family. As Eli didn't make it into any our photos, I thought I'd throw this video in here. Charlie and Liv really can't get enough of that curtain!

After my visit with them, I headed downstairs to post-partum to see our friends' new little baby. No pics of that unfortunately, but it was so nice to hold that little guy and visit for a while! And in typical Mom fashion, mine stopped by with a 4th of July surprise. A tasty burger and fries from Johnny Rockets! Served on a very festive red, white and blue plate from Target...of course.

For my more patriotic and sentimental posts about this special holiday, see my previous three posts.

:)

God Bless America!

The Signing of the Declaration of Independence

2011-07-04T09:41:00.002-04:00

Here's the last, and most important scene I'd like to share with you. This might be one of the most moving scenes for me. Not just in this show, but in any show. This is the moment our country was born. These men were putting their lives and their families at risk by signing the Declaration of Independence. But because they did, we live in a free country. A country where my views might differ from yours, but we are allowed to believe as we wish. To live and worship as we wish. We will not reach perfection, but the possibility is there.

To the men and women who have fought for these freedoms, this country, and these people, I offer my sincere gratitude. I am grateful for the Founding Fathers and their wives, who also sacrificed much for this country. And I am thankful to my Heavenly Father who set these events in motion. There is nowhere I would rather live and raise my children.

Happy Independence Day!!

John Adams' Vision of America

2011-07-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

Although this isn't in the correct chronological order, I felt that it was a good scene to share today. On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to ratify the Declaration of Independence. But the road to that moment was a long one. John Adams' was incredibly frustrated with his fellow congressmen who were holding up the process, particularly over the issue of slavery. (I guess not much has changed!) This scene shows his frustration with his colleagues and speaks to the vision he had of American Independence. What is most important to note here, is that the songs in this musical were largely taken from actual letters written between John Adams and his wife Abigail. This is one of those songs. When you hear him speak of seeing "fireworks, pageants and pomp and parade," remember that John actually wrote those things. He truly understood that what they were attempting to do would mean so much to so many in the future.

What Happened on July 2nd 1776

2011-07-02T20:14:00.003-04:00

Because I am unable to participate in the traditional festivities of the 4th of July celebration this year, I have decided to use these next three days to take a look at WHY we celebrated this holiday. The fireworks, the food, the friends and family. All of these things are enjoyable, but this clip reminds us of what happened on July 2, 1776. Their day looked just a little bit different than ours. :)

And of course, being me, it's gotta be a musical! I love the show 1776 for many reasons, and one of them is for it's historical accuracy. No singing in this clip, but don't worry, it will come. :)

Bed Rest: Day 54

2011-06-28T13:03:00.009-04:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged, but that's because I've actually been pretty busy! For sitting around all day that is. I've had a lot of visitors, which I absolutely love! Charlie and Liv are always the highlights of my week. Being on this side of town also means that I am closer to friends and family I don't usually see as much. When my door opens and I see a friendly face I haven't seen in a while, it just makes my day. When they have real food in tow, it makes my week! I am SO done with hospital food. The same seven menus just rotate each week, so after that first week it gets harder to find something you want to eat. For instance, this is a picture of the hamburger here.

Gordon Ramsey would die if he had to stay in the hospital for an extended time! He'd wheel himself down to the kitchen and rip them apart. I'm sure of it. "You call this a hamburger?!" he'd yell. "It's slop! It's RAW! Get out of the kitchen!" But alas, I am not Gordon Ramsey. If I tried that, they'd move me to the Psych Unit instead of the High Risk Maternity Unit. So I'm stuck with what I've got. Time to do more in-depth research on the world of take out and delivery. :)

There isn't much news in the baby department, thank goodness. Things are pretty much staying the same. I don't think I will have another ultrasound to measure the babies for a couple more weeks, but I am hoping that they are continuing to grow as well as they have been. So far, they have been a little larger than average for my gestation which is wonderful when you are looking at delivering early. I'm feeling good and very confident that things are going to turn out well.

Bed Rest: Day 47 (Sickness, Visits, and Baby Names!)

2011-06-21T11:36:00.010-04:00

My stay here at Riverside has been fairly uneventful, which is a good thing. Until today. I slept horribly last night and then woke up around 6:00am and had to book it to the bathroom. It seems that I have a lovely stomach virus. Eww. Thankfully, I felt much better after that and was able to get some more rest for a couple hours.

Now I'm feeling pretty good, except for the fact that I pulled a muscle. It must be the room, because this happened last time too. On my way to the bathroom I slipped and caught myself with these very toned legs of mine...NOT. And needless to say, I could feel that groin muscle give a bit. When I finally got out of bed after some rest and a small breakfast to take a shower, I realized there was no way I was doing that today. It took my about 5 minutes to get out of bed, get my clothes and walk to the bathroom. All I can say is thank goodness for those sock warmers!

In other news, Eli brought Charlie and Liv to visit me this past Saturday. We were both a bit nervous about what they would find interesting in my room. I figured they'd make a break for all the medical equipment, but instead, they went for the simple things. My little refrigerator was fascinating to them. Just their size!

And oh the curtain! They hid behind it, put it over their heads, twisted themselves up in it and watched it twirl as they let it go. Finally, they just can't resist a few good rides on the hospital bed. Up and down we went, and then again and again and again. This particular activity is special to me for another reason. My Grandpa Legge had a lot of health issues and he had a hospital bed in his room at home. In fact, I only have one memory of him out of bed, and even then he was in a wheelchair, sitting on the porch with me. BUT. That bed was oh-so-fun! He used to give my cousin Josh and me rides on that bed. It was about the coolest thing ever! And now my own kids are getting to experience this thrill. :)

Last, but definitely not least, we have finally decided on the names of these babies. We will be having a Wendy Jane, Jackson (Jack) Eliot, and a Luke Wilson. Yes. I know. Luke Wilson is an actor. And no. We did not name our baby after him. It just sort of worked out like that. In fact, we've been discussing the name Luke for a long time, but I just couldn't commit. Part of it was the whole actor thing, but I just needed that moment of confirmation. I finally had it on Father's Day, much to Eli's delight. :)

And that's the update. Stay tuned for more!

Bed Rest: 45 (Father's Day)

2011-06-19T19:59:00.002-04:00

The family wasn't able to make it to the hospital today, so these are actually pictures from yesterday. Charlie, Olivia, and these little babies have a most amazing Dad. I am so blessed to have been able to marry Eli, and in turn, our children are blessed to call him Daddy.

Often, people tell me how they can't imagine how I do this bed rest thing. They tell me how sorry they are for me. It's all about me. But really, if it weren't for Eli I would never be able to even do this bed rest. He works so hard, and he loves our children so much. He gives his all to this family, and I am so thankful for him. So even though this Father's Day was a little different, I hope he realizes just how special he is to our family. We love you Daddy!

Bed Rest: Day 44 (New Room)

2011-06-18T10:18:00.006-04:00

Yesterday morning, I was told that they were going to move me to a larger room that had just become available. I knew immediately what that meant, I was going back to the room I was in with the twins.

As I packed my things, I wondered how I was going to feel when I walked in. As they wheeled me down the hall, I kept thinking that the last time I was in this room, I was in a hysterical rush to leave...not sure I would ever see my Dad alive again. As they wheeled me into the room, I thought about that night, but I felt love. Love for the twins that I got to know so well here, even before they were born. For the Drs. and nurses who helped bring my precious children into this world safely. Love for my Dad who sat on the couch right next to my bed and visited me when I was here last time. And love for these triplets, who will be blessed to receive all of the love and expertise of all of the people who loved and helped their older brother and sister. It's all come full circle, and I'm glad to be here.

Today, Eli is bringing Charlie and Livy here to visit me for the first time. And I will tell them that this is the room I was in while I waited for them to come into our lives, just like we are waiting for their brothers and sister.

Bed Rest: Day 42 (Riverside Hotel)

2011-06-16T09:56:00.004-04:00

It has happened. We knew it would, we just didn't know when. But here I am at Riverside Hospital, hanging out until these three little babies arrive. At my high risk Dr. appointment yesterday, my cervix was measuring 10mm again. So I was sent to Riverside for my extended stay.

I was able to go home first to pack and say bye to Charlie and Liv. Honestly, I was feeling fine about going to the hospital until I got home and had to tell my babies that I was leaving for a little while. They will come and visit me frequently, of course, but I miss them just the same. Just being able to hear their little voices (even during a tantrum) was comforting to me when I was at home. Charlie especially seemed to understand that something momentous was happening. He just wanted hugs and kisses galore, and when I finally walked to the door, his little face said it all. Liv followed me to the door, but he hung back with a "blank" kind of stare that said, "I don't think I like what's going on here." MooMoo, who stayed a little late so that Eli could take me to the hospital and get me settled, said that Livy and Charlie wanted to say prayers on Mommy's bed, even though I wasn't there. And they did. Thank you MooMoo for granting that request! :) It is comforting that I am leaving my children in kind, loving hands.

For the duration of this pregnancy, I have been imagining being back here at Riverside. I wondered which room I would have (it's not the one I had before), if the nurses were still the same, if they would remember me, if the food would be as disastrous as the last time. The verdict on the food is still out as I've only had breakfast that I didn't order myself. It's when I ask for special things (which I do every meal!) that things get sticky. However, I almost feel like I've come home here. I have only had one nurse so far that I haven't met before. She was a night nurse too, so I didn't see her much.

When I got here, Audrey 1, as Eli and I call her, got me settled and checked me into this lovely hotel. :) Then I had the new nurse, but in the morning when she woke me up to take a quick listen to the babes' heartbeats, another nurse followed her in. I couldn't see her at first, but I recognized that voice! It was Audrey 2. It took her a few minutes but she finally realized why I looked familiar to her. And finally, I had prayed that my day nurse would be Beth. I enjoyed her so much last time, and when I left the hospital so abruptly, we never got to say good-bye. Dr. Melillo said that she cried the next morning when she heard why I had been transferred to OSU. She knew me before she walked in the door this morning. :) So we get to "hang out" today. And by "hang out" I mean I laugh at her funny comments while she sticks me with various needles. :) BUT! Here is the major difference between OSU and Riverside (knowing the nurses here helps too.) When I took a shower this morning, I came out and Beth had given me fresh bedding, including an extra blanket because she said she remembered that I liked to have two. AND she brought me fresh ice (I LOVE hospital ice!) in a cup with a couple things of apple juice. Without my having to ask. Seriously?! I was at OSU for 3 days and my sheets weren't changed once, much less every day.

So. As much as being in the hospital can be a bummer, I'm fairly sure I couldn't have a better experience ahead of me as I do this time. What happens with the babies is out of my control at this point. I know I am doing all that I can and that there are a multitude of prayers being sent heavenward for our family. So I will "enjoy" my time here as much as I possibly can, and keep relying on the feeling that everything is going to work out. These babies are gonna make it, I really feel that to be true. We just have to travel this bumpy path to get them here. But we're walking it with family and friends we know and love. How blessed are we?

Bed Rest: Day 38

2011-06-12T15:10:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I've written a bed rest update. The reason for that is that there hasn't been much to report. Things are going smoothly and I am feeling good. A bit large, but good. It's to the point where I have a lot of trouble moving...flipping over, sitting up, walking. At night it feels like my legs are hanging onto my body by a tiny thread and could fall off any minute. Needless to say, it's a strange sensation. But all of these things come along with pregnancy, I'm just experiencing them a little earlier than most.

Taking pictures of Charlie and Liv isn't easy when I'm not around them all day...and I can't chase after them! So I have to rely on the pictures others take. Above a few pics from May. They are having fun, and you can see some of Olivia's "faces" in these. Too funny!

Meanwhile, I've become addicted to Pinterest. So that has been taking up a lot of my time. Finding and collecting ideas for crafts, food, parties, and organization. The last being my favorite. I'm a bit of an organizational freak, so sitting here in bed and not being able to do any actual organizing is a real struggle. I can't wait to put all of these great tips into practice once I'm up and about. Eli told me that I will have to get used to things being disorganized and a bit chaotic once the triplets arrive. "There's not really anything we can do about it," he said. My response? "Watch me."

I have to give Eli, Debbie (my MIL), my Mom and the sisters at church another shout out for all of the things they are doing around here. Poor Eli works at Chase all day, only to come home and jump right in with the kids' bedtime routine, and then spend most of the night cleaning up and doing things around the house. On the weekends he is a true "Mr. Mom." Grocery shopping, taking the kids for a much needed outing, buying them lunch (which has become a Saturday tradition for them), and generally taking care of other household chores. Thankfully, this is where my Mom comes in. She comes over around noon every Saturday while Eli is out with the kids and picks up the house and puts things back in order. Things can really get flipped upside down in a week! Luckily, Mom is a great right-side-upper. :) Wonder where I got that organizational thing from. Hmmmm. She also watches the kids so Eli can do things like mow the lawn, take care of things that require leaving the house, and sometimes have a little time for himself. Thank you Mom! We all need that time.

During the week, Debbie is the glue that keeps this family running right now. She is so lovely and wonderful about making sure that I'm still the main Mama, even though I can only parent from the bed or the couch. She makes sure to bring Charlie and Liv in to visit me throughout the day, and I can tell that they are just loving being with her. MooMoo has been in and out during the first two years of their lives as she lives in California (though much more in than one might suspect), so this is a precious time for them to really bond and get to know each other.

And last but not least, the sisters from church have been bringing so many meals, and they have offered to take Charlie and Liv for a bit each week to give them a play date and give Debbie some time to study...for her PhD. Seriously, someone needs to brag about that!

That is pretty much how things have been going around here. The babies are almost always having a dance party in there, and they seem to be doing well. Next Dr. appointment is on Wednesday, so keep praying that things are safe and looking good!

Charlie's Facts in Five

2011-06-10T17:25:00.001-04:00

1. We have made a discovery about Charlie's love/hate relationship with water. He is all about playing in it if it is contained and calm. If it's moving, he doesn't want to get anywhere near it. Pools and bath tub, yes please. Sprinkler and fountains, no thanks! Hose? Only if he's the one holding it. I guess he likes to be in control of his surroundings!

2. Recently, he has become a lot more snuggly with me. Instead of jumping on me all of the time, he's more content to lay with me and snuggle a bit. I am SO loving this!

3. Proper pronunciation of words is a big thing for Charlie. He just has to say things correctly. No "pasghetti" for this boy. It's "spaghetti"...first shot.

4. Charles is our sensitive little guy. And he's starting to really show that sensitivity toward others. He'll go get things for Livy without being asked, and he's just so sweet with her...for a two year old. :)

5. As mentioned briefly in fact #1, Charlie likes to feel in control and he is very independent. He can't stand it when he needs help with something he feels he should be able to do on his own. And you'll get a lot farther with him if you ask him to "help" clean up the toys, or do you a favor. Just call him Mr. Independent. :)

Olivia's Facts in Five...er...Six

2011-06-09T16:10:00.005-04:00

1. Liv has started potty training again! We aren't going with an approach that I am used to because of the strangeness of our situation right now. It will probably take a lot longer this time, because we decided to use pull-ups so MooMoo isn't having to clean things up all the time. :) It's slow going, but Livy is getting the hang of it.

2. Liv is fearless. There is nothing she's afraid to do. Just what you want as a parent! :/

3. Her language skills have really grown recently. She's using words more to express her thoughts.

4. Thank goodness the summer is finally here, because water is Liv's favorite thing. Hose, sprinkler, pool, bathtub. It just doesn't matter to her, she loves it all. She'll stay in until her lips turn blue!

5. Lately, Olivia has been learning how to swing by herself. We'd tried a few times in the past, and she just couldn't get the hang of it, but now she loves to use the big kid swing.

6. This girl can not get through this life without some time on the stage! Lately, she has been practicing her "faces." Happy, sad, scared, surprised, angry. And she has also been practicing sleeping and snoring, and the "shiver", for her future role as an explorer in Antarctica. :)

Bed Rest: Day 30

2011-06-05T18:28:00.003-04:00

Yes, I am allowed to throw on a bathing suit
and do some of my bed rest outside by the (baby) pool. :)

Bed Rest: Day 26

2011-06-01T16:51:00.001-04:00

Exactly what I'm doing. :)

Bed Rest: Days 21-23 (OSU Hospital Stay)

2011-05-29T11:04:00.004-04:00

Update: The surgery went well. I am home now and feeling fine. The babies are also doing well, so now we're back to waiting. My bed rest is more strict as I can no longer eat at the table, and the kids can't visit me in the room unattended. But it's good to be back here with my family.

As for my hospital stay, here are my discoveries this time around...

* the OSU patient gowns are not my best color.

* thank goodness for Skype.

* sharing a room hasn't been as awful as it sounds. I'm not about to throw a party in my room, but there's more privacy than I thought there would be.

* having said that, I hope I don't have to do the room sharing thing again.

* when they say you are going to have an emergency cerclage put in, that really means you'll be sitting and waiting for your emergency surgery for about 24 hours. (i.e. don't have an emergency anything.)

* big, tall buildings only make a good view if you are in New York City.

* simply moving out of your "comfort space" changes much more than where you are. I had a great little routine going on, and now I can't seem to remember how I filled my time.

* the day I was admitted to the hospital, the babies started kicking enough to feel it by touching my belly. I've been enjoying that feeling as I hang out here.

* as surgeries go, having a cerclage put in might be the most humbling.

* having a spinal is one of the most bizarre experiences of my life. Watching your legs move (and even moving them yourself) without feeling a thing is akin to an out of body experience.

* this is the way to leave the hospital.

Bed Rest: Day 21 (Here We Go Again)

2011-05-27T09:00:00.005-04:00

*Possible Pregnancy TMI Alert.*

This should have been a post for yesterday, but I was just too tired and too much had happened. I am writing this post from The Ohio State University Hospital. Yesterday I went for a routine ultrasound and check-up, only to find that my cervix was way too short. 10-13mm. Not good. So Dr. Melillo sent me over to my High Risk Dr. at OSU to have a consult. They did another ultrasound and got only slightly better measurements. 16-18mm. The Dr. there ordered a cerclage, or stitch in my cervix.

So they sent me over to OSU Hospital. I got admitted and after a fairly decent night of hospital sleep, I am waiting to find out when I will have the procedure. It will be some time today, but I'm not exactly sure when. Meanwhile, no food or drink for me. Torture for a pregnant lady. :) Thankfully, I expect to be back home by tomorrow or the next day. This doesn't seem to be a long term hospital stay. That will be coming shortly though.

But I am feeling much better and more hopeful this morning. I am only 20 weeks, so to have these babies any time soon would mean loosing them. Give it a few more weeks and we are talking severe brain damage and disabilities. The goal is to make it to 32 weeks, and I'm feeling confident that we can do that...or more.

Our family is no stranger to these situations. That's just how pregnancy is for us. Go big or go home! However, Charlie and Liv add something new to the mix this time around. It was heartbreaking to pack a bag and leave them, not knowing if I was going to be coming home soon. I tried to explain things to them in a way they would understand, but Livy was crying and Charlie stood at the door and watched as Mom and I pulled out of the driveway. To be a mother and feel like you are choosing between your children is a difficult position to be in. Of course, the babies need me more right now. We have to get them into this world. But I just love my Charlie and Liv so very much. I miss them. Even if a lot of our time together is spent trying to get them to stop jumping on my bed. :)

For now, I'm just loving them from my hospital bed and envisioning life with these guys...

With different names, of course. :)

Picture via my friend Abbey on Pinterest.

Bed Rest: Day 20

2011-05-25T15:35:00.005-04:00

Things I've learned since beginning bed rest (in no particular order)...

1. Mom's on bed rest still "nest."

2. I am much more productive when I have weeks to sit and think about things I want to do around the house...now to just find someone to do it. :)

3. Documentaries are cool. Really.

4. I forgot how much I truly missed reading.

5. Children are better appreciated when you can step back from the everyday duties of life. What a joy it has been to sit back and observe their wonderfulness without having to worry about the laundry, dishes, and dusting.

6. Cooking is super appealing when you can't do it.

7. Independence and capability are often mistaken for the drudgery of every day life.

8. Being home is SO much better than being in the hospital.

9. Decorating your home really should be a priority. If you love your space, you don't mind being in it...all day...everyday.

10. I love my family. A LOT.

11. Keeping the windows open, even if it's a bit warmer than is comfortable, is the difference between prison and a vacation.

12. You can never have enough pillows.

13. The bin under my nightstand is perfect for storing that box of chocolate chip cookies my neighbor brought over. ;)

14. Good friends are everywhere...you just might not know it yet.

15. Watching others enjoy life is as good as enjoying it yourself.

And that's just in 20 days. :)

Bed Rest: Day 17

2011-05-22T10:59:00.004-04:00

The first week with my MIL caring for Charlie and Liv is under our belts. I was fighting a sinus infection the first two days of the week and was therefore, not as available to answer questions as I had hoped to be. But MooMoo took the reigns and ran with it. According to her recent post, she doesn't want anyone telling her what a wonderful thing she is doing. So I won't tell her that I think that she is doing a wonderful thing for our family and my children. :) But I will say, that my kids have her running in a million different directions (not unusual for them), and she has kept up with them. If she's exhausted at the end of the day, she doesn't say so and you can't tell. She even stepped right up and offered to do away with the giant spider I found in our bathroom. It was hiding under the scale. "Perhaps trying to weigh itself?" she asked.

Meanwhile, Charlie has been waking up every morning with BM strewn throughout the room. It's gross. Laundry has been done a million times this week. BUT. Eli finally told me that he hasn't been going before bedtime, which is a new development that I'd missed because I'm stuck in my bed/ on the couch. So. I think we've solved the problem. Eli went in after Charlie had been in bed awhile and took him to the bathroom. Charlie went without problem or protestation. This morning...clean room. Oh thank goodness! No one will be happier than MooMoo if this really solves the problem. :)

Liv had a great week, but on Friday night we discovered she had a low-grade fever. Then she woke up...to throw up. Poor Eli was up almost every 20 minutes until about 3am. He "slept" on the couch so as not to disturb me. Isn't he the greatest husband ever? And guess what?! I didn't hear a thing. It's almost like my "mommy radar" has shut off. Eli hears the kids before I do now. It's so strange. I've not gotten used to it yet. Anyway, Liv's illness meant that they couldn't go anywhere this weekend. Eli had big plans for them, but that will have to wait.

Livy seems to be doing much better now, which is a good thing because tomorrow our friend Jake is coming to redo our hall bathroom. Oh yes. There will be pictures. If you've seen this hideous monstrosity that we call a bathroom, you are jumping up and down and cheering at the news. I'd jump too, if I could. But for now, I'll just bounce lightly on the bed and cheer. :) And let me just tell you this...the first person using that new tub will me moi!

Bed Rest: Day 9

2011-05-15T13:18:00.002-04:00

It's official. I'm entering the uncomfortable stage of this pregnancy. So far, things aren't so bad, but in the evenings, my back is sore and I just can't seem to get comfortable. And the breathing. Well...I can't. Not very well anyway. Eli tells me it's because I've just been lying around doing nothing...yeah...I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with the THREE babies I'm carrying around and who are fighting for space...with my lungs. But such is par for the course. I know more discomfort is on the way, but for now I'm just thankful it's minimal.

This last week has been truly crazy. My wonderful friend Leslie, who pretty much moved herself and her son down here from Michigan to watch my kids throughout my bed rest had a surprise of her own. At 8 weeks pregnant, she had some complications of her own. We are all praying that she and her baby will be fine. But in the meantime, we needed to come up with an alternate plan for Charlie and Liv. After many phone calls, my mom saved the day, along with a friend from church and Eli's Aunt Duck watched the kids on Friday. Even more amazingly, with one simple request, the women in our Relief Society at church volunteered to watch Charlie and Liv for the rest of the month. Talk about willingness to serve! However, we won't be needing them now, as Eli's mom is flying out today to spend the summer with us. She will be taking Leslie's place. I can not express how overwhelming it is to be the recipients of so much love, service and time. Just knowing that all of these people are so willing to come to the rescue has made this whole experience so much less stressful. There are blessings waiting for all of them. :)

Charlie and Liv still seem to be doing alright with this new situation and so many different people in and out, but it might be starting to wear on them just a little bit. I am hoping that once we can fall into a regular rhythm with Moo Moo, things will feel more stable for them. How this is affecting them is a constant worry of mine. So much change for such little children. I keep reminding myself that Eli and I are not the only parents they have. There is a loving Father in Heaven who works with us to make sure our children will be alright. One more thing to be grateful for.

We've overcome the first stone in our path. Let's just hope the next one isn't a boulder! :)

You've Been Asking...

2011-05-11T20:01:00.002-04:00

That's how big. :)

Bed Rest: Day 4 (& Mother's Day)

2011-05-09T21:30:00.004-04:00

Today is the 4th day of bed rest this time around. Day 1 went really well. Charlie and Liv loved having their friend Henry around to play all day, and the novelty of someone else being "in charge" put them on their best behavior. :) I really enjoyed having my friend Leslie around too! It's so wonderful to have an adult to talk to. Especially when there isn't a whole lot I can do. She is such an amazing friend, and I will never be able to repay her for this incredible service she is providing our family. The hard part for me came at bed time when Charlie cried for "Mommy" and all I could do was sit there and listen. It broke my heart. But it's been much better each night since.

Eli did a great job over the weekend, though there will definitely be an adjustment period. Just like that, Eli is a single parent of three, as he's also waiting on me. He is the most wonderful husband and father. I am grateful to have him, and I'm glad our children will have an opportunity to draw closer to him through this experience. (Tonight was the first night that Livy woke up and called for Daddy instead of Mommy. :) This actually makes me happy, as it shows that she is adjusting well.) Thankfully, I have an equally wonderful Mom who came over to relieve Eli a bit on Saturday evening. Thank you Mom!

On Sunday, we celebrated Mother's Day. This is the first one where I was literally waited on hand and foot. :) Eli made a little breakfast in bed for me and then he and the kids gave me my gifts. It's become a tradition that my gifts come from Deseret Book, which carries church books, movies, cds, and other items. I absolutely LOVE this tradition. It's always such an uplifting gift. This year, Charlie and the boys gave me a CD of the men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (I love all male choirs!), Liv and Wendy gave me a wonderful book written by one of President Hinckley's daughters, Eli bought a little 3D puzzle of the Salt Lake temple to give me something to do on bed rest, and from the whole family I received an FHE board. It has exactly 7 assignments. Perfect for our family!

Though I missed my first Sunday at Church, it was nice to sit and contemplate in the quiet house while they were gone. Then later in the evening my mom and grandparents brought dinner over for a little Mom's Day celebration. It wasn't until that third night, after everyone left, that I began to feel a twinge of boredom.

And today, I really felt the affects of laying around all day. Getting up to go to the bathroom leaves me panting like I've just run around the block. Already, I feel like a lethargic blob. But I'm trying to get showered, dressed, and put on make-up each morning to keep myself feeling a part of the world. Having Leslie, Eli and the kids around is a tremendous help. I am hoping and praying that I will be able to stay out of the hospital for as long as possible as human contact is the key to warding off depression in this situation. So far, so good! I am feeling optimistic and trying to enjoy this precious time I have to rest, relax, and enjoy some things I love that I don't often get a chance to do...like reading...and blogging. :)

And that's pretty much that. I'll keep updating as we go!

Charlie and Liv's Bedroom Makeovers

2011-05-09T21:12:00.004-04:00

I finished Charlie and Olivia's new rooms about a week ago and wanted to post the results. I think they turned out great!

The nursery is a work (no longer) in progress. :) We were able to get cribs up and furniture moved around, and I washed and put away so many tiny little clothes! But that's about all we could do before bed rest began, so there will be a few things left once the babies arrive, but our house has had a mini-makeover, and I love it!

Surprise!

2011-04-28T15:12:00.003-04:00

I had an ultrasound scheduled for today. When I got there, the ultrasound tech told me she might be able to see the sexes today. We were NOT expecting to find out today...but we did!
As per usual, our children just aren't shy about sharing this important information.

Baby A is a...

Boy!

Baby B is a...

Boy!

Baby C is a...

Girl!

We are so excited to have a mix. And it always makes the whole experience more real. We enjoy finding out, and now I have a week to shop for some fun boy and girl things for the nursery before I go on bed rest. Woohoo!

Our boys.

Our girl. She's the only one with a name.
Meet Wendy Jane.

'Twas the Night Before Easter...

2011-04-26T16:44:00.002-04:00

...and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a...

("Mooooooommy! Moooooooommy!)

Wait. That is definitely not a mouse.

("Daaaaaaaddy! Daaaaaaaddy!)

Um. Okay. So Charlie was stirring. What time was it? 3:30 am. But unfortunately, this was not the first time we had heard this. In fact, every 20 minutes since Charlie went to bed at 7:00, he yelled for us. Connected the dots yet? Thaaaaat's right. Charlie didn't fall asleep until 3:30 in the stinking morning! And after he finally DID fall asleep, he woke up every hour until 6:30. Not the way you want to start any day, much less Easter. We are pretty sure he was feeling nervous about sleeping in his bed. The night before he had a very high fever and started to shiver. He thought the shivers were going to make him fall out of bed! Poor guy.

Needless to day, he did not go to church the next morning. Eli was kind enough to let me take Olivia since I don't have many Sundays left before bedrest. So we dressed Livy up in her Easter dress,

opened a couple Easter baskets, and headed to church.

When we came home, it was nap time. Thank goodness for that! Charlie slept for four hours. We were all feeling a little better after the rest, so we decided to color eggs. We hadn't planned any Easter festivities of our own as we had planned to go to Tutu's that day. With Charlie being sick, I ran out Saturday night to get a few things, and my Grandparents sent over leftovers from the Easter dinner we missed with them on Saturday.

So we colored our eggs in these handy-dandy egg coloring no-spill bowls I found. LOVE them!

And enjoyed a nice little Easter dinner. Even if it was re-heated in the micro. :) I made deviled eggs for the first time to complete the meal. They tasted wonderful, but the shells just didn't peel off well. It's a good thing I was only making them for my immediate family. I would have been embarrassed to show these things to anyone else! They gave the term "deviled" a whole new meaning!

BUT. It was still Easter. And what a wonderful day it is. It is the day that changed LIFE. For me, for you, and for Him. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude for all that my Savior has done for me. I guess I'll just say, "Thanks."

Our Mini-Vacation

2011-04-19T17:05:00.007-04:00

Two weekends ago, Tutu (aka Laura, my step-mom) took Charlie and Liv for the weekend so Eli and I could have a much needed weekend "get-away." Eli and I discussed various options for our weekend. We'd saved some money for our annual vacation to Torch Lake in Michigan, and as we won't be going this year (I'll be in the hospital), we figured we could use the funds for our weekend. But after much thought and consideration, I felt uncomfortable going too far away from my Dr. So we decided to rent a room at the Hilton at Easton on Friday night, and spend our vacation fund on food and whatever else we wanted at Easton on Saturday. So that's what we did!

We dropped the kids off on Friday evening and headed to dinner and then to the CMOTC (Columbus Mother's of Twins Club) sale. Not what we had intended that for our Friday evening, but it was productive nonetheless. We scored a like-new rocking chair and ottoman, baby gate, 3 booster seats, a crib bumper, clothes for Charlie and Liv and a few toys for $105. Not too shabby! After that we were pretty tired, so we headed to the Hilton, ordered room service (my pregnancy eating schedule required this), swam in the pool and relaxed. I slept like a rock! Best night's sleep in a looooooong time. It was wonderful.

Saturday morning arrived, and we decided to take advantage of what the breakfast buffet had to offer. Let me tell you. The Hilton has an excellent buffet. They have made to order omlettes that were to-die-for. I'm not even a big omlette fan, but yuuuuummmmmm. After stuffing ourselves to the brim with food, we bought tickets to an 11:45 showing of The King's Speech. But by that point, I had to rest my pregnant body. We went back to the hotel for a rest before the movie. Poor Eli was such a good sport about all my needs. I know he would have rather been shopping or something, but he never complained. After the movie, we spent the rest of the day eating, eating, eating, watching another movie (because I was tired again), and doing a little shopping. I am amazed just how drained I was even after all the resting and sitting.

The best part of the weekend was the lack of stress. No schedules to keep, no food to prepare, no cleaning to do, and though we missed our kiddos a lot, we didn't have to constantly worry about them and their needs. And let me tell you...we didn't have to worry at all. Charlie and Liv had their own mini-vacation at Tutu's. They played with their cousins Jalen, Jaden ("Tookie") and Grey, and generally had a blast...I have photographic evidence. :) As things go with Grandmas, it was a bit of a transition when they came back home! But we are so glad they were able to have fun and let loose. That's what being a kid is all about!

And now, the aforementioned evidence...

On the first day, there was Grandpa David's mud pit...

The next day, Liv and Tookie decided that last night's bath wasn't enough. Into Tutu's fish pond! (It was too cold for fish though. Thank goodness.)

And Liv, being the considerate girl she is, decided that Bunny couldn't be left out of the fun...

Meanwhile, they ate...doughnuts (not pictured), pizza...

Chicken fingers...

and Panera.

Oh yeah. And ice cream...

Just a typical weekend with a grandparent. :)

Little Bits of Randomness

2011-04-04T15:45:00.004-04:00

Ok. It's been a little while since I've blogged. My kids were sick with the croup and I've been sick with...well...pregnancy. Headaches, fatigue, and nausea have plagued me. Thankfully, the pregnancy nausea is subsiding, but I now have nausea related to allergies. Post nasal drip if you will. TMI? :)

Today, however, I am feeling pretty good. I thought I'd take this opportunity to write down a few random things from the past few days.

*I love winter. Having said that, I am so sick of the cold weather!

*Today is much warmer and it's storming. This I LOVE! Totally enjoying the sounds of the thunder outside, while my kiddos are cozy on a blanket watching Aladdin.

*In order to give my babies the best possible chance of having a decent birth weight, I have been trying desperately to follow a diet recommended by Dr. Barbara Luke in the book When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads. This is NOT for the faint of heart. I eat a regular or small meal every 2 hours, and I have to tell you. By dinner, I just DON'T want to put one more bite into my mouth. Ugh. But it seems to be working...at least for MY weight gain. :)

*I am both dreading and looking forward to bedrest. Dreading it for the obvious reasons, but I know my stress level will decrease immensely. It's hard doing the daily things when you are also growing three little humans. The fatigue of this pregnancy doesn't come close to the fatigue with the twins.

*For the first time in my life, dirty dishes collecting in the sink is a daily occurrence. Oh well.

*Liv has officially moved into her new room (the former guest room). She is also now the proud occupant of the queen bed that is in that room. Can you say "lap of luxury?"

*We will be getting Charlie a new bed this week and we will then be able to set up the nursery. How's that for the 12th week of pregnancy? :)

*Last pregnancy related item. I went from having no belly, to a rather obvious one in a few days. I literally sat there one day last week and watched my belly grow. (Ok. Not really. But it did happen in one day.)

*General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was this weekend. 4 two hour sessions throughout the week for all the members of the church. It always comes at just the right time for me. I needed to hear the prophetic and wise counsel of the leaders of our church. The Spirit was so present in our home, and I just drank it in. I am so thankful for these conferences every 6 months. They are such a spiritual boost!

Olivia's Facts in Five

2011-03-21T09:34:00.003-04:00

1. Olivia LOVES her "Bunny". When she was born, she was given one of those blankie/snuggly/stuffed animal head things. I don't really know what they are called. But she loves hers. Whenever she is in the house, she's holding onto Bunny.

2. She has memorized and can perform (to the best of her physical abilities), the choreography to several of the songs from the musical "Peter Pan" with Kathy Rigby.

3. She doesn't like eating utensils. She will hold her spoon or her fork in one hand, and use her other hand to shove food in her mouth. Mealtime is a highly sensory-oriented time for her. :)

4. If you are holding Liv and go to put her down, there's only a 25% chance that she will land on her feet. She'll hold her feet in the air forever if you let her.

5. Livy is now 27 months old and has FINALLY cut all of her teeth! She's a bit of slow grower, and today I finally saw that last tooth peaking through.

First Trimester Oddities

2011-03-17T16:51:00.005-04:00

When you are pregnant, the question people ask you most is, "How are you feeling?" It's especially exciting when you are talking to another woman who is pregnant, because after you answer, you now have to ask. :) And really, don't most women who have been pregnant know the drill? Sure, you might have more nausea, and you might be more tired, but we all have kinda been there. So as for me, I battle some nausea that comes and goes and I am definitely tired...a lot.

But here's the thing that I don't hear a lot of women say. I have aversions. Food aversions? Yes. Smell aversions? Yes. I know this is not uncommon. But it goes far beyond food and smells for me. It was the same when I was pregnant with the twins. Last time, my biggest aversion was blog backgrounds!! I know right? BIZARRE. I would search, and search, and search for a blog background that didn't make me gag. No offense to all of you who had offending backgrounds. I'm fine with them now.

This time around, its something similar. Every day I get a different part of a digital scrapbooking kit. (PS. I don't do digital scrapbooking. I use them for another purpose.) Every morning when I see the email alerting me that I can now download the new thing, I get a little sick to my stomach. I keep downloading them, knowing that eventually I won't feel this way, but for now...yuck!

Am I weird? Anybody else have this kind of aversion when pregnant? It's very, very strange.

The Count

2011-03-11T15:44:00.007-05:00

Today Eli and I went for our second ultrasound. It was the second because I had to go in 2 weeks ago for some bleeding. So we've known for a couple weeks how many babies we are expecting, but because of the threat of miscarriage, we held off telling everyone the count. The ultrasound today showed that all is well...so. The final count is 3. We are having triplets!

To say that we were shocked when we found out would be an understatement. I'm pretty sure our emotions have run the gamut these past weeks. But we were happy to know that all of the babies are safe and sound. We just hope that it stays that way. My Dr. is taking a lot of precautions and there will be a lot of bedrest. I will be put on bedrest at home around week 17 (which gives me 8 weeks to get everything in order. Not gonna happen.) Then around week 24 I will go into the hospital for the remainder of the pregnancy. Dr. Melillo told me that if we make it to 32 weeks I will hear him breathe, if we make it to 33 he will be happy. Anything after that is icing on the cake. There will be more NICU time than the last time around, and of course, the risks to the babies' health goes up the earlier they arrive. So your prayers are needed and appreciated.

This is all a very scary, happy, CRAZY time for our family. I guess we don't do childbearing normally around here. And once the babies have arrived, we will have 5 children under the age of 3. Woohoo! It's gonna be a circus around here. :) We have already had the most generous and amazing offers to help. We could not have asked for more. Things will be tricky and difficult for awhile, but we did this once before, we'll do it again. I really feel that all will be well. And I know I have a few Fathers up there in Heaven who will be doing all they can to assure these little ones arrive safely. :) And a mountain of friends and family on this side who will be doing the same.

Here's a pic of the trips. There's not much to see yet, but you can tell I'm not lying about 3. :)

Before I go. There's one more thing. Please, please, please take a minute to scan this article. Next week, the progesterone shot that helps prevent preterm labor (a shot I will need) is drastically increasing in price. Right now a vial of this costs $10 to $20. Next week, a vial will cost $1500! You use a vial every week from week 17 to week 32 of a pregnancy! This price hike is simply because a drug company decided to make this drug (that has been around for years), a commercial drug. Everyone was behind the commercialization of the drug, but the company failed to let anyone know of the price hike. They had no research or development fees that justify this hike. This is a drug that can mean the difference between life or death or an infant. At this point, it is brand new news. I don't know exactly who to contact, but stay tuned. There needs to be a public backlash, or we will end up making up the difference for insurance companies and medicaid. Not to mention that (with great insurance), the cost to the patient of one vial will now be almost half of the cost for the whole pregnancy with the lower rate. I have been blessed to order this drug this week, so I will not personally be affected by the new price. But many more families will. This company will have a monopoly on this drug for the next 7 years! No generics will be available. So I still feel strongly that we must take action with this. Once again, I am stepping off the soap box. :)

Trick Shot Quarterback

2011-03-05T23:54:00.005-05:00

Greetings faithful readers. Eli here. I just wanted to share that this guy is my new hero. It seems too bad that a guy with this kind of accuracy is wasting his time in such a sorry NCAA Football conference like the Big East.

Since both Charlie and Liv will start for the Buckeyes someday in some regard and in some sport, I thought this was family blog appropriate...anyway, enjoy.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2011-03-03T12:15:00.002-05:00

1. The other morning, I was lying in bed and heard Charlie at his bedroom door announcing that "I wake up!" So I got out of bed to let him out of his room. Eli was already up and getting ready, so when Charlie heard our bedroom door open, he proudly pronounced, "That's Mommy! Not Daddy...I fink." Eli and I had both been heading toward his room when we heard this and we busted out laughing. (This may definitely be a you-had-to-be-there story, but we thought it was so cute I just wanted to write it down for remembrance sake.)

2. Today, Olivia asked to get her Elmo bucket out. I retrieved it from it's hiding spot and she then told me that she wanted to put "peoples" in it. We have a bin of Little People, so I reminded her of that and she went right over to fill her bucket. The bin also holds our Little People Nativity, so when she began to pull people out I heard this... "Jesus! Mary! Joseph!" Hahahahaha! It cracked me up.

I just love all the wonderful things these kids say. It makes my day.

3 Day Potty Training...

2011-02-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

didn't work for us. After 3 days the twins made a LOT of progress, but they definitely aren't potty trained. As long as I continue to give them extra fluids, there are still a few accidents a day. But Charlie has told us that he needs to go a couple times, and has done so successfully. Basically, at this point, I have to keep a really close eye on them to see the signs that they need to go. Then I tell them to run to the potty and try. They'll usually be successful if I catch them. But in reality, I can't live life like that. Watching them every second. I have to make meals, clean, do laundry...blog. :) So I continued with the method for one extra day.

Today I have stopped giving them extra fluids, but I am continuing to remind them to tell me when they need to go (though not nearly as frequently.) Liv has a ton of extra pants, so she's wearing pants today. Charlie would be too, but he doesn't have many to spare. So far, no accidents, but they also haven't gone on the potty. I really believe that it will all click soon, so we aren't going back to diapers. We're in this to win this. And I've been very impressed with Liv and Charlie. They are doing great.

Now. Having said all of that. I would be giving a slightly rose-colored version of how the last 4 days have been. I knew going into this, that the 3 day method was going to be intensive. Let's just say this. If I ever find myself in solitary confinement, I will end up in a mental hospital. For 4 days all I did was watch my kids like a hawk and say, "Tell me when you need to go potty!" or, "Do you have dry underwear?" over, and over, and over, and over, and over...and over, and over, and over again. Eli and I followed them around the house, never letting them leave our sight. We did not shower regularly. We did not leave the house. We ran back and forth to the bathroom, cleaned up accidents galore, and generally lost our minds. Real life took a vacation for a while, and it was rough emotionally and physically. Thankfully, the kids thought it was totally cool to have their parents around non-stop, and the potty thing was pretty fun too. (With the exception of day 2, when both Eli and Charlie were sick.)

But it was worth it. Even if the process wasn't complete in 3 days. We're getting there. And wow. My kids are big. :)

Tumble Tots and Potty Pots

2011-02-18T14:43:00.003-05:00

Today was the last day of Tumble Tots for this session. The kids received a progress report of all the things have learned how to do by themselves and what they still need help with. Poor Charlie had a LOT of "needs more help" check marks. This has little to do with his ability to perform the actions (I've seen him do them at home), but more with his simply not participating in the class. The past two classes he really started to get into it though. Liv and Charlie also received a ribbon for having completed the session. So cute.

Or it would have been if the class itself had not gone horribly. Listening (or even mere safety) was just not important to my kiddos today. It made for a very tricky class, and unfortunately, I had to end up canceling a lunch date with another child in the class. They just couldn't pull it together, so I made the call to go home instead of out for a treat.

As difficult as a day like this is in general, today was NOT the day to have this happen. Why? Because tomorrow, our family begins a potty training in 3 days method. I'm already a wreck over considering what lies ahead, but this day just put more fear in me. So at this point, rather than being excited, I am merely praying that 1) our family won't spend the next 3 days in tears, and 2) that any pregnancy related nausea will hold off until the potty training is complete. Because, let's be honest, cleaning up any of these accidents while nauseated isn't exactly going to work. :)

Tonight we will go pick out underwear and hopefully get everyone excited about this big time in our lives. I will, of course, blog about what happens, but I might be MIA for the next few days. So wish us luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T17:01:00.001-05:00

Charlie's Facts in Five

2011-02-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

1. Charlie is that kid who becomes extremely nervous in new situations and needs to be reassured constantly. His new thing is wanting to hold someone's hand while eating and riding in the car. Neither of these is easy or safe (ironic isn't it?). Poor guy.

2. Look at the picture to the right. What is that you see around Charlie's neck? If you guessed a tie, you would be right about 50% of the time. The other 50% of the time, you would be surprised to know, it's Charlie's shadow. Yep. Too much Peter Pan.

3. Charlie is now a master at putting on his own boots. Shoes are still a little complicated as there isn't much to hold on to, but he can definitely work the boots. Yesterday, he put them on all by himself when I told him we were going to the store. I heart self-help. :)

4. When I was a child, my parents would do a "5 minute check" at night. Essentially, that meant that they would tuck me in and then come back in 5 minutes to check on me. We have started this with Charlie. It seems that he needs to see us one more time before he can fall asleep at night. (See #! about that reassurance thing). Last night was the first night we tried it, and it worked perfectly. He stayed in bed, but was sure to call out, "Mommy! Where are you?!" at around the 5 minute mark. Haha!

5. After that 5 minute check last night, I was leaving the room when Charlie said, "Mommy. Give me kiss." Melted my heart. It's the first time he's ever asked me for one. :)

Kyla's Baby Blessing

2011-02-07T13:18:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, we went to church in a different ward. Our friends The Browns blessed their new baby girl, Kyla. We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends in our lives, and we are so happy to have been able to share this special day with them.

RIP Whale and Akeem

2011-02-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

Well, Whale and Akeem didn't make it. The stress must have been too much for them, because this morning Eli found them floating at the top of the bowl. :( Makes me a bit queasy, I have to say. Poor things.

Guess it's back to the pet store for a couple more fishies...

The Exciting Adventures of Whale and Akeem

2011-02-04T12:57:00.002-05:00

Today, Whale and Akeem made a jump for it. (Assisted by Charlie.) Their bowl shattered, and they flopped around. I screamed, cried, and called Eli. I wish that I could tell you that I kept my cool, and handled the situation with grace, but I just didn't. It's quite possible that I would have reacted better if one of my children had broken their arm.

When I was a kid, I brought home a goldfish. Probably from the fair, though I don't really remember. As Dad was helping me transfer my new friend to the bowl, the fish sort of slipped down our kitchen sink drain. I had to reach in and grab it because my Dad's hands were too big. I can still feel that slimy, squirmy fish. Ewww! Ever since then, fish sort of give me the heebie-jeebies. Out of water fish, that is.

So there were Whale and Akeem, flopping around on our carpet, and all I could think was,"I can't touch them! I don't know what to do!" Thankfully, Eli helped me remember that we had the fish net, and I was able to get them into a new, though temporary, home. It took about 30 minutes to clean up the mess. I had to lock the kids in Charlie's room while I cleaned up the rocks and small chards of glass.

I have checked on the fish about 70 times in the last hour, and my heart is still racing, but they seems to be fine. No one was hurt, but I've been traumatized. Someone else is in charge of cleaning the fish bowl now.
I'm done.

Liv's Language Decoder

2011-02-03T15:35:00.002-05:00

Liv says words in some very cute ways, but it can often be difficult to understand. It's one of those phases that we'll quickly forget, but I wanted to write down a few of her cute phrases so we can look back and remember.

fah wash = car wash
fah one = other one
fee much = very much
(as in "I Love you very much.)
Karlay = Charlie
Weeweeah = Olivia
weena = Turtleina
(her purple turtle that wears a tutu.)
wader song = elder song
(her term for "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission," a Primary song from church.)
wahya doon? = What are you doing?
cahyah = color
geen = green
poopuh =purple
boo = blue
wed = red
onge = orange
tehws = tales (Veggie Tales)
Wah Pan = Peter Pan
moovic = music
Daydoo = dreidel
(Yes, we own one. Our home teacher made it for the kids. Liv LOVES it, and likes to carry it around the house. She definitely enjoys her Jewish heritage!)
tank oo = thank you
wahpas = scriptures

She also likes to add "y" to the end of various words such as juicey, milky, sandy (when talking about sand.)

There are more, but these are the ones we hear most often. She makes me smile every day with her words. It won't last long. Soon she'll fix these little sounds and speak the words "perfectly". But for now, I am enjoying the wonderful things that she says. Gotta love the Livy girl. Fee much!

Veggie Soup Recipe

2011-01-31T08:49:00.001-05:00

While I'm on the recipes...in November I did a post about the kids making Veggie Soup with their Grammy. A few of you asked for the recipe...but I'm lame, so I never posted it. Better late than never though right? :)

serves 8-10.
1 can (14.5 oz.) cut green beans
1 can (14.5 oz.) cut wax beans
1 can (14.5 oz.) whole new potatoes, cut into cubes
1 can (15.25 oz.) corn
1 can (8.25 oz.) sliced carrots
1 can (14.5 oz.) zucchini with italian style tomato sauce
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
3 cans (14 oz. each) chicken or beef broth
drain liquid from all vegetables except zucchini and tomatoes.

Combine all ingredients in a 5-qt. pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes (or longer, if desired, but don't let it get mushy.)

This soup may not be the Pasta e Fagioli, but it's yummy. And it's so easy and cost effective. Your kids can help you make it, and you can easily buy multiples of all the canned goods to have them on hand for a last minute meal. Great for food storage too. :) Enjoy!

Holy Moly, Pasta e Fagioli!

2011-01-29T14:14:00.003-05:00

My friend Liz has a this great blog called TidBits. It's so much fun. Every day (mostly) she posts something new. It might be something crafty, a fun idea to do with kids, or...my favorite...recipes! A couple weeks ago she posted this recipe by Rachel Ray for Pasta e Fagioli. She said it was delicious. (Go here for her recap of the ingredients and other need-to-knows.)

A couple days later my other friend Leslie, who had read this post, told me that she had made the soup and it was in her top two meals of all time. THAT GOOD! So of course, now I had to make it.

I packed up the kids and headed to the store. We had the soup a couple nights ago. I really can't emphasize this enough. You ~~gotta~~ must make this soup!! MUST! If you are making it for yourself or are worried that it might take too long or be too much work, get those thoughts right out of your head. Go to the store, buy the delicious ingredients, and make. this. soup.

Are you still reading this?! GO! You should be halfway to the grocery by now! Treat yourself tonight with this yummy soup. Thank me...and Leslie...and Liz...and Rachel Ray in the morning.

Charlie's "What Not to Wear"

2011-01-27T13:56:00.002-05:00

Charlie has been all about learning how to ~~dress~~ undress himself lately. The other day, I went into his room after nap and found this...

He started out in pajamas. Apparently his torso was hot and his feet were cold. (Notice the top of a sock peaking out of his left slipper.)

Oh yeah. And I guess he wasn't all that sleepy either. :)

When the Internet Stops Working...

2011-01-25T14:59:00.002-05:00

You have a very productive day!

I vacuumed the house with my wonderful new Dyson D24 (I'm in love).

We finally got around to our colored snowflake activity that we got ready the day of the Winter Activity Fai l. If you'll recall, we made snowflake shaped ice cubes and used food coloring to color each flake. Today we filled a tub with warm water and watched them melt. It was so pretty! And the kids had a blast. The only thing that didn't go as I would have liked was that the water was too warm. The flakes melted so fast there was hardly any time to talk about what was happening. But it was still a great activity.

For lunch, I was still in a creative go-get-'em kind of mood, so I asked the kids what they wanted to eat. Charlie didn't answer, he was too interested in what was wrong with my pants. (Nothing was wrong with them by the way. They were made with a small cut at the hem. He thought they were broken.) But Liv chirped right up with "Mac, Roni, Cheese"! Usually I don't make the same thing twice in a row, and as we'd had that yesterday I decided to do a little twist on the stuff. I made Shells and Cheese and then mixed in seasoned black beans and topped it with salsa. Um...so good!

THEN. If that weren't enough, when the kids went down for nap I broke out my Deceptively Delicious cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld and whipped up her Italian Meatloaf (with carrots), including the carrot puree it calls for. I worked for almost 2 hours.

Now the internet is up and running. After I post this blog, I expect my afternoon won't be nearly as exciting or productive.

But you never know! ;)

Adventures in Primary

2011-01-23T15:25:00.005-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I am the Primary Chorister at my church. That means that I am with the children in our ward for the last two hours of church and I sing songs with them. Truly, the best calling I've ever had. So much fun! But every now and then something happens that is especially noteworthy. Today was one of those days.

It was nearing the end of church, and our Primary President was ending her lesson on searching, pondering, and praying as we read the scriptures. She did a fantastic job. Just was she was about to close her lesson, one boy in the front row (who is incredibly funny) said, "I'm pondering right now." Our Primary President responded, "That's great! It's such a good thing to do!" To which the boy said,dead pan, "No. I'm pondering when I'm going to get out of here and go home." There wasn't a primary worker in the place that wasn't practically rolling on the ground laughing.

Irreverent?

Yes.

Hysterical?

You betcha!

Winter Activity Fail

2011-01-20T16:31:00.006-05:00

My kids have been glued to the TV lately. As you know if you read my blog, this is NOT okay with me. Yes, we pick and choose the shows they watch so that they are the most educational and wholesome shows possible. But it's still TV. They should be exploring the world and learning through play! Peter Pan is awesome (especially that whole flying thing), but all day, every day? No. And that's all they want. "Peter Man, Peter Man, PETER MAN!!" When I turned it off for nap today, Charlie threw a fit like none I've seen. He lost total control and could not be calmed for a good hour until he wore himself out and fell asleep. Only to wake up 40 minutes later to continue the tantrum. Then he fell back asleep for another 30 minutes...only to wake up still tantruming!

This afternoon I decided to do something about it. So we pulled out our snowflake cupcake mold to make colored snowflakes. We filled them with water and added the food coloring. Then we popped them in the freezer. Tomorrow we'll take them out and melt them in a bucket of warm water and watch the magic happen. But this activity didn't take up much time...

Thinking quickly on my feet, I grabbed a couple tupperware containers and ran outside to grab some snow. The twins have been at eachother's throats lately, so I thought having separate containers might work better. I brought them into the kitchen and laid them on the floor. When I came back one second later with the camera, I found this...

After cleaning the mess, I found Charlie working hard on trying to put his slippers on. (He's been really trying to put his own shoes on lately.) But he was a bit frustrated...

So I did the only thing a mother can do in times like these...

At least it isn't Peter Pan.

It's a Gray Day

2011-01-12T12:14:00.002-05:00

It really is. I love gray days. And this is a snowy gray day, so that's even better.

BUT.

This is not the gray I'm talking about. The gray I'm talking about is on my head. That's right. You heard it here first. I've got gray hairs. Just thought it was worth commemorating.

A Dress Up Extravaganza

2011-01-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

Today was a dress-up day.
Charlie and Liv got a little creative with it.

Tumble Tots!

2011-01-07T11:45:00.003-05:00

Today I loaded up the twins in the van and took them to their very first "class." Now that they are 2 years old, there are some community classes out there that we can register for. And by "classes", I mean "class." :) Tumble Tots to be exact.

So I loaded up the troops and drove over to Tumble Tots. About 5 other kids are in their class, and this made Charlie a little nervous. As per usual with him, he hung back and refused to do any of the movements Miss Jenny was asking them to do. Liv joined right in though, and really enjoyed it. She ran, jumped, crawled, and was very impressive in her abilities to walk like a dog and jump like a frog.

After about 10 minutes, Charlie finally found the thing he loves about Tumble Tots. The preschool beam! Oh what fun to walk down the beam and...that's right...JUMP off the end! Then, the hardest thing became keeping him off the beam as other children were taking their turns on the beam.

I will say this. Tumble Tots (hopefully) will help Charlie and Liv listen to direction more. Because they MUST listen to Miss Jenny. She's not mean, and fairly appropriate, but they have to do what she asks when she asks. This is something that my lovely children struggle with. And of course they would, they've just turned 2. But Mamma would love a little listening and doing going on at home. :) So I hope this will translate to our home situation.

I think the kids ended up having a fun time, and they are excited to go back next week!

My Little Picasos

2011-01-06T20:03:00.003-05:00

Today we painted.

It was fun.

:)

Sisterhood of Secrets

2011-01-06T14:20:00.003-05:00

So there's a crafting blog I follow (she does the cutest things), and today she posted about a new blog she is following. It has nothing to do with crafting. It's called Sisterhood of Secrets. So I went to check it out, and I thought it was neat enough to share with all of my friends out there in the Blogosphere.

Sisterhood of Secrets is a blog where people email their secrets (some trying and difficult, and others funny and sweet) and the secrets are then posted on the blog. I love this! A lot of us are stay-at-home moms who don't have many people to talk to throughout the day. But MAYBE. Just maybe, we can find someone who is going through similar trials by merely clicking a button. Or maybe we can find a pick-me-up on a bad day. It's definitely worth it to check it out. :) Enjoy!

ps. I was not asked or paid to endorse this website. :) I just like it!

Good-Bye 2010, Hello 2011

2010-12-31T15:28:00.004-05:00

I should write a post about the new year. I've started several. I don't know what to say.

Our celebration this year won't amount to much. Our family is in the middle of a 12 hour flu that's going around. It picks off the members of your family one by one, and so far Liv, Charlie and now Eli have been taken hostage. Guess that means I'm next! There's something awfully foreboding about ringing in the New Year with an illness.

There are many thoughts and emotions that I could share if I had a moment to even think them through... and come up with a complete thought. I guess that's what life is like when you are caring for a family with young children. And if that is what 2011 will bring...just more of the same...I'm good with it. The Lord has blessed our family immensely this year, in a multitude of ways. My children are healthy (most of the time!), and our family is strong in our love and our faith. Eli's resolution this year involves his new gym membership, and mine is to develop and cultivate a greater level of patience. Believe me, I need it! Hopefully Charlie and Liv have resolutions too...to continuing developing into the wonderful people they are proving to be.

Let's see what 2011 brings.

Happy New Year!

Cures for the Big Kid Bed Blues

2010-12-30T15:11:00.003-05:00

1. Have Grammy put you down for a nap, and you'll sleep!

2. Have Daddy put you down for a nap, and you'll sleep!

3. Have a very loud Christmas party at nap time, and you'll sleep!

4. Stay up late and go, go, go until you are so exhausted that you pass out on your bed, and you'll sleep!

5. Repeat for a week, and you'll sleep...every time!

6. DON'T have Mommy put you down for a nap after these 5 days...because you WON'T sleep.

ps. It actually wasn't so bad. Charlie got out of bed once, but then went down without a problem. We're getting there. Baby steps. :)

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-29T09:13:00.007-05:00

It came and went in a flash this year. I'm not quite ready for it to be over, so I'm still listening to Christmas music in the car. And I've watched a Christmas movie or two. Having 2 year old twins seemed to really rush the Christmas season, BUT. It made it just about the best Christmas ever. They were so excited! Eli and I stayed up until after 2:00am assembling the big ticket items from Grammy and Tutu. But it was a fun time. :) Most of the day was spent at our home. Mom made Christmas dinner in a bunch of crockpots...including the ham! It was a lazy, enjoyable day with an evening spent at Mimi's for dinner.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Our new fish. Names? Whale and Akeem (how Liv says ice cream) of course.

Grammy bought this kitchen. They L.O.V.E. it!

Charlie checking out Santa's contribution to the gifts. He brought Charlie a vacuum. That guy really knows what these kids like. ;)

Tutu bought a trampoline! Finally, an outlet for the desire to jump that ISN'T a bed. :)

There were lots of goodies in the stockings.

Ornaments for Charlie and Liv this year were a pair of ballet shoes and a football with a helmet respectively.

Mom and I gave Grandpa and GG a book of Mom's blog. They loved it!

It was a wonderful Christmas.

Merry Christmas From the Bowmans!

2010-12-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Card and pictures by Leslie Sleesman...because she does everything for me.

BTW Les, I have some laundry that needs to get done. :)

It's Christmas Eve, and I am so excited for this evening and tomorrow. The C&O express are finally "getting" what Christmas is. We have really tried to emphasize that it is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but there's been a healthy dose of Santa Claus thrown in too. :)

So far we have been laying around the house watching Christmas movies. The kids are still in their jammies, and even though I did shower, I might as well be in pajamas. :) Eli has to work today, but he will be home early, so we are looking forward to having him here with us.

Tonight, we will have my mom and Eli's mom over for pizza and a few festive party foods. We will probably watch Mr. Kreuger's Christmas, which features the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and makes me cry every time I watch it. I'm guessing we will watch A Charlie Brown Christmas too, because really, "that's what Christmas is all about!" Then after the kids are asleep, it's assembly time. This year we have A LOT to assemble. Hopefully we won't be up all night long.

Then tomorrow we will wake up and see the magic happen. I usually keep the presents under the tree all season long, but this year I didn't want to risk having to wrap everything three times because of the twins' curiosity. So that means that when Charlie and Liv wake up, they will see a tree full of presents. I can't wait to see what they do this year.

Anyway, we wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that your Christmas is filled, not just with presents, but with love. Especially the love of Christ.

2nd Birthday Party

2010-12-23T14:23:00.014-05:00

Charlie and Olivia had their 2nd birthday party on Saturday, December 11. We invited all of their friends and (great)grandparents.

This year we had a double themed party. Charlie's 2nd Birthday Ballgame and Olivia's 2nd Birthday Ballet.
My friend Leslie made the invites, and a lot of the great decorations. Thanks Les!

We had a concession stand...

A stage for the ballet performance...

tutus (there were a few extra!)...

A jumbo tron...

and of course, presents! Liv was especially excited with each new gift. :)

The kids loved all of their presents. Grandpa Rankin and Gigi gave Charlie and Livy brand new bikes! They have only two wheels, but no pedals. They are supposed to help children learn how to ride a two wheeler without the use of training wheels. So neat!

Though this picture doesn't really show it, Charlie loved his new Bob the Tomato. Bob now has the coveted spot on Charlie's bed. And of course, the football is great too!

The party was great fun, and the next day (the twins' acutal birthday) we ate some cupcakes, blew out candles, and sang "Happy Birthday" to them. It was a wonderful celebration. :)

Big Kid Bed Update

2010-12-20T15:44:00.003-05:00

Olivia = good to go (for now.)

Charlie = ugh.

For the past few days, Charlie has been in his room for over two hours until he goes to sleep.. He finally falls asleep, and takes a decent nap, but not until almost 3:30. I usually put the kids down at 1:00. Today, however, it is 3:50, and the boy is still not sleeping, but he's oh-so-tired.

Suggestions? I contemplated putting him in the pack-n-play, but I think he'd like that too much. And I want this guy to use his bed. We've definitely had a few talks about it, but it's just too tempting to get out and play with all of the toys...oh wait. I removed them all. I guess the carpet is fun to look at...in the dark. I know this won't last, but in the meantime I have a tired, cranky kiddo on my hands. Help!

The Snowy Day

2010-12-19T14:43:00.001-05:00

No. Not the book by Ezra Jack Keats, (though Charlie likes that book a lot) but a real one. A snowy day that requires bundling up and going outside to play. And we had one this past week. This is the first time the twins have been big enough to actually play in the snow. So we invested in some snowsuits and boots...but mommy forgot the waterproof mittens, hence the plastic baggies on their hands. Oops! We weren't able to stay out too long, but it was long enough to enjoy the snow!

The Longest Sentence Ever

2010-12-16T20:12:00.001-05:00

It seems that because the twins are now 2 years old, they are doing things that require blog posts at every turn. I know it must be hard to keep up. But this being the sole way in which I record these memories, I just don't want to miss a thing!

Last night as I was making dinner, Charlie climbed up onto the bench at our kitchen table and said, "Pray?"

Me: "It's not time to eat yet. Do you still want to pray?"

Charlie: "Yes."

Me: "Okay. Fold your arms."

Charlie: folds his arms. "Dear Heavenly Father, bless this day in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Me: ?!?!?!?!?!

And thus we have Charlie's first prayer, and by FAR the longest phrase he has ever uttered. Be still my heart. :)

Liv Gets a Bed

2010-12-15T19:47:00.004-05:00

Livy's turn! She's sleeping in her big girl bed tonight. So far, so good. I am truly amazed at how well they seem to have made this transition. And there I was agonizing over this for weeks now. Anyhow, here's the happy girl in her new bed. :)