Santa, Snow...and Sleepless Mommy!

Hello!
This week we waited and waited and waited in line to see Santa. He is a special guy, but I'm not so sure the 2.5 hours in line was worth it. Whew. Actually, Paisley loved him. In fact, when we were about 2 kids away, she tried numerous times to dash under the rope and just hop right on to Santa's lap! She had waited long enough! :) She told Santa she wanted an Elmo for Christmas, she said "Ho Ho Ho" to him, and also told him that her Birthday is on Christmas. She gave him a big squeeze at the end of the visit, it was adorable!!

With the temps a bit warmer, Paisley got to play in the snow for the first time this season. She also loved this! I was freezing and kept asking if she was ready to go in...and nope, I'm pretty sure she would have stayed out all day if I would have let her! She scooped, stomped and threw the snow. I even caught her tasting it. How do kids just know to do that???

Just had to throw in a picture of our Mr. Oscar Miller. Poor guy is suffering with severe allergies, and we can't give him any meds until after his allergy testing in Jan. Either way, he's so dang cute...and is such a mama's boy when I'm pregnant! (if I'm not pregnant, he only wants Craig!)

And Craig and Paisley have been making some awesome forts lately. They use the flashlight and play in the fort....cute.

Well.... our little girl is going to be turning 2 in just a few days. I cannot believe it. She has grown so much in just the last couple of weeks, and I know she's going to look so much bigger when the boys get here. Here she is putting her shoes on. This is an accomplishment. No, not because she can put on her own shoes, she's been doing that for a while.....it's because they are shoes and not boots!!! This week she finally caved and wore shoes. Actually...she wore jeans too!! I hate to say it out loud but I think our clothing battles are gone!

I'd like to say Congratulations to Brent, Jodee and big sister, Taya as they welcomed Layla Mae last Sunday night! She is adorable...you can check out her picture on the Life and Style blog listed to the right.

Twin Update: 31 weeks

This week we have an appointment and ultra sound. I'm really looking forward to seeing how big they are and how they are positioned. They are moving ALL of the time--so much that it's sometimes painful! Sleeping is so hard lately. My stomach is so big that it hurts to lay on my side...I can't lay on my back...or on my stomach obviously. That leaves.....a lot of tossing and turning, moaning and groaning (because it takes me about 20 seconds to sit up), and sleepless nights. UGH. You know on the beginning of Jon and Kate Plus 8, when they show Kate's belly wrapped in plastic and she rolls over........yah, I'm pretty sure that's what I look like...and I know that's what I feel like!! I know...I don't have 6 in there...but it feels like it. :)

So, I've been getting lots of questions lately...so I figured I'd just answer them on here.....

What are their names? Umm, we aren't sharing. We learned our lesson with Paisley. Although I can say that we have it narrowed down to 3 names, we aren't 100% set on which 2 yet.

Will they be "twin" names? Nope. They won't start with the same letter or rhyme. We didn't necessarily plan it that way, it's just that the 3 names we like the most all start with different letters.

Will you have a c-section? Well, I hope not. I want to deliver naturally. Wait a minute...I mean vaginally. I'm all about the epidural. We won't know until I am closer to delivery how the babies are positioned, or if there are any risks that would indicate I need a c-section. So far, I don't.

Will they take the babies early? Thus far, there is no reason that they will, based on them and me. However, 60% of twin mom's deliver at or before 36 weeks. So, basically it's just how much longer this body of mine can carry the boys.

Will you go back to work? Yes, I plan on taking 10 weeks off, and then returning to FRC. I like my job...we have good day care...so back I will go. However, I will be taking all of the spring semester off of school and returning in the summer.

Are you ready? Technically speaking, yes. We have clothes, diapers, bottles, cribs, car seats, the stupid van, and a stroller. However, can anyone really be ready to parent a 2 year old and new twins?? Thankfully I have a background in child development and lots of experience with kids...although that doesn't mean I'm not scared!! Which brings me to the last question...

What are you most scared of? Honestly, a lot of things. I am scared that Paisley will wonder where I am and feel sad. I haven't been away for very long, and I already feel sad thinking that she might be sad. I am scared of the boys having health issues and I am scared of one coming home before the other. I am scared that I will be a milk machine and won't be doing anything else besides nursing and pumping. Hello Milk Mama. I am really scared that the boys will cry non-stop like our little Miss P did!!

Next week we will have SO much to share!! Christmas, Birthday, Ultra Sound....wow. Until then, I sure hope you have a wonderful Christmas--and remember the true meaning. I know we are looking forward to spending time with our family and friends!!

Love,

Brook & Fam
(Oh, and this is a Saturday post because I will be spending ALL of Sunday writing a paper, due Sunday at midnight. Yah...haven't started it (sorry Lis)...and it's the longest, biggest paper I've ever had to write....the good news...next week, you won't hear me complain about grad school because I will be done!!)