Did You Say Five Blantons?!?

Gabriel, Kendall and Ethan, Oh My!

2009-09-09T09:48:00.021-04:00

Well - it's been a fun-filled three weeks (almost)... here are a few more of our favorite moments:
Gabriel's First Day of School (and his new movies - thanks for the inspiration Cousin Bryce)

Kendall Thinking Baths May Be Okay

Ethan Thinking He Never Needs Another Bath

Gabriel Stealing Daddy's Heart (he hit the ball eight times that night!)

Gabriel - Future DAWGS Star (too bad he wasn't old enough to play last Saturday)

Adjusting to New Life at Home

Cool New Slippers, Big Buzz and Big Woody (from Toy Story)

One Week Old

2009-08-28T10:44:00.007-04:00

A little belated, but Happy One Week Birthday to Kendall Ellen and Ethan Weston born August 20. Both were born over 6 pounds, 19-20 inches long, happy, healthy and no NICU. Recovery from an emergency c-section has been a bit more than anticipated, but we have had a lot of fantastic help from friends and family.

Gabriel has been a fantastic older brother. He is always asking about his babies and makes sure to give them good night kisses. The other morning when only Kendall was in the pack-n-play, he said,"Where is my other baby?"

Granny and Papaw

Meema and Popee

Seems our family of five is complete... now the fun begins...

Babies Update

2009-08-19T08:18:00.002-04:00

This will be quite short - babies are still doing great. At my 37 week appointment on Monday I was measuring 45... and the miserable itchies have started - you know, the kind where you want to claw your skin off and nothing stops it. As of today, I've carried these two around longer than Gabriel. Ready for relief and a healthy delivery - prayers it will be soon.

Babies Are Loving It Here...

2009-08-13T21:17:00.002-04:00

Shocking update - babies are still doing fantastic and loving it in here. No labor progress yet agian. Monday will be 37 weeks - am in a stupor that I may carry these twins longer than I did Gabriel. Although - yea for 37 weeks... means good things for the babies and their lung development.

Happy Babies... Tired Mom

2009-08-11T11:41:00.003-04:00

Well, no babies here. They seem to like it cozy, on the inside. I actually looked better at yesterday's doctor visit than I did last week. Have not progressed at all, nope, not even a little bit. And, thanks to all of this past weekend's trusty resting, the contractions have calmed way down. I only cried all the way home telling Wes I couldn't do this one more day. Turns out, apparently I can. Never been more miserable and praying for a healthy end to this experience soon. Monday will be 37 weeks - that is when Gabriel is born. Never thought these two would make it that far. When it is time to be hindsight, I know that it is blessing, but in the middle of this it feels a bit more like a nightmare.

Baby Update

2009-08-08T11:36:00.002-04:00

At our Thursday appointment (35 weeks, 3 days), babies continued to do great - 10/10 on biophysical and passed NST again. I was 2 cm dialated, 50% effaced and having contractions every 6 minutes. Revised goal is to lay down resting all weekend to make it to Monday (36 weeks) appointment. Currently delivery would be a c-section as baby B (Kendall) is transverse again. Monday may be the day - just waiting and watching.

Babies at 35 Weeks - Mom at... Let's Not Talk About It

2009-08-04T08:40:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was our 35-week visit and the babies looked great. Another successful NST. Alas, Still no name for YTBN. At this point, my doctor said he would not stop labor should my body decide to go into labor. Lucky me, it seems depite many contractions, labor is still alluding me. Just 1 cm dialated, I still seem to be good to go. There are no words to describe the physical end of it other than to say this has been and continues to be the biggest physical and mental challenge that I have faced.

Update again on Thursday after our next appointment. Long walks will start Monday (36 weeks) in hopes to get things going!

Babies at 34 Weeks + 3 Days - Mom at 42

2009-07-31T06:48:00.003-04:00

Babies continue to do well - both scored 10/10 on their biophysicals and did great on their NSTs... even though mom had 6 contractions in that half hour. Doctor and I discussed sending me downstairs to Labor and Delivery (L&D) to stop the contractions with medicines. But, the contractions are still not causing any dialation/progression of labor, so he sent me home to hydrate and lay down to see if we could get them under control. That seemed to work - I still have contractions this a.m., but not quite so many. I am to go to L&D if they get back up to every 10 minutes. Doctor said as of Monday 35 weeks, depending on the babies, he would probably not stop labor. He said the goal is to get me to next week - hoping to avoid the process of having to stop labor before then. Of course, he also said it could be another week or two before these two make their appearance.

One change is that the babies are both head down now (for the first time I can remember) - which could mean no c-section. Not sure how I feel about that, so I'm not going to think about it until we go into labor and see what position they are in at that time. Kendall flips around all of the time and could easily be back to breech or transverse.

I'm pretty miserable. My stomach stretched from measuring 41 on Monday to 42 yesterday. It feels like it is burning - according to the NST nurses it looks "mad and angry." Sleep is certainly a thing of the past... one too many baby bones poking around to get comfortable. And now, I'm supposed to spend most of my time laying around and resting, while drinking lots of water. Life is limited to cat napping, reading, t.v, drinking and going to the bathroom. Definitely looking forward to the next phase in this journey!

Also, please pray for this family. The husband is a member of the Twins forum that I follow. His wife had their twins at 24.5 weeks while he was in Iraq. The military got him home, but their family can use the prayers and well wishes.

Babies at 34 Weeks - Mommy at 41 Weeks

2009-07-27T14:02:00.002-04:00

Kendall and YTBN both continue to do well - passed NST with flying colors once again. They move a lot and seem to be happy where they are. In fact, even though mom has quite a few contractions (and has been officially taken off work - yea!), we are showing no signs of dialation/going into labor. Doctor said he would like to make it at least two more weeks (36 weeks). He delivered his most recent set of twins last week at 35 weeks and 6 days... one was 6 pounds + and the other was 7 pounds +... kudos to that mom!!!

Since I'm measuring 41 weeks pregnant, we'll just leave what that feels like to your imagination. So, until they arrive, we are resting at home. Watch for another update on Thursday.

Babies at 33 Weeks + 3 Days

2009-07-23T18:11:00.002-04:00

YTBN (Yet to be named) and Kendall Ellen are both doing well. We have successfully reached 10 pounds of baby... yep, that's 10 actual pounds of baby plus two of everything else in mom's belly. YTBN weighs right on target at 4 pounds 8 ounces, and his measurements are 3-4 days ahead. Kendall Ellen is weighing in at 5 pounds 10 ounces, and her measurements are 1.5 WEEKS ahead. Seems "little" Kendall takes after her big brother Gabriel on measuring ahead. Even the doctor had a little chuckle that she is in the 69% for size for singleton babies. This visit is the last time weight will be checked until 37 weeks + 3 days... so if the babies get here earlier than that, we'll have their real life info!!!

Both babies passed their second NST with flying colors, as well as their biophysical u/s. Looks like we are good to go. One to three weeks from Monday, they should be here. Not looking forward to the utter sleep deprivation, but ABSOLUTELY looking forward to the end of twin pregnancy.

No wonder this belly is so big, and I am completely out of energy!!!

Stick a Fork In Me... Vampire Bites and All!

2009-07-20T16:33:00.005-04:00

Stick a fork in me, I am done! At least my stomach thinks I am. At today's 33-week visit, I officially measured what I would at 40 weeks with a single baby. What does that look like? Something like this:

A giant belly never lies; the twins seem to be doing great. They passed their first non-stress test (NST) with flying colors. We go back on Thursday for biophysical check and to get their official weights again. They seem to have tolerated the vampire (okay, I think the official diagnosis in my chart was spider) bites without issue.

I don't think I ever posted this story, as it was in the midst of poor Josie being sick. A little over two weeks ago I got what appeared to be two mosquito bites near my left knee... no big deal until a week later when they were swollen and black in the center. After a week on antiobiotic cream they look better, although very much like what my nurse thought a vampire bite would resemble. I didn't take pictures of the ugly phase, but here the bites are now:

Doctor deemed them to be healing, albeit slowly. Should only leave two, small scars. My heart never had much fondness for spiders, but I am now a self-proclaimed arachnaphobe.

Gabriel is still doing well. He enjoyed a quick visit from Granny and Papaw who brought by much baby stuff we had in their van (thank you!!!). Their surprise of the "Ice Age" video has been a big hit... a bit reminiscent of the Frosty phenomenon we experienced in December 2007. He also went to his very first baseball game (Augusta Greenjackets) with daddy this weekend... and caught his very first foul ball (with a little help from dad)! He was so excited - even getting home around 11 p.m., he couldn't wait to come in and show me the ball. Wes was pretty excited, too... apparently it was also his first foul ball catch!

Well, I think that's about it for this Blanton family update. Hopefully we'll have BIG news in two to four weeks!

All Dogs Go to Heaven

2009-07-13T11:09:00.005-04:00

In Memory of Miss Josie
"There Never Was a Sweeter Dog"
Joined our Family: February 2001 (Age 5)
Joined all Dogs in Heaven: July 13, 2009 (Age 13)

Gabriel said it well this morning:
"Goodbye, Miss Josie. We love you!"

Sad Day for Miss Josie

2009-07-10T18:24:00.002-04:00

This is a sad day for us and Miss Josie. The vet gently encouraged us that it may be time to put her to sleep. Wes has gone to pick up some stuff so that I can keep her snuggled as close to me as possible this weekend. This weekend we'll need to make our final decision and tell Gabriel. :(

Babies at 31 Weeks + 3 Days

2009-07-09T18:53:00.001-04:00

Yep - time for another update on these "little" ones. Today was just a quick u/s check for heartbeats and amniotic fluid levels - which looked great for both babies. Doctor liked how everything looked and said we are good to go for another week. Baby A is head down and Baby B is still breech... meaning a c-section if they stay this way until labor.

We go back next Thursday for a visit like today - quick u/s and doctor visit. Starting the next week (33 weeks) we go twice a week - we'll have another big growth ultrasound (complete with weights and measurements) and start our fetal non-stress tests. What are those? I'm not quite sure, something about some very long ultra-sounds/montioring everytime I go in. I can anticipate 1-1.5 hrs with each ultra-sound plus time for doctor visit. Better get to the bookstore before those start...

Also - I looked a little shocked when I learned that no c-section will be scheduled before 39 weeks (Aug. 31) unless I go into labor. Definitely want healthy babies - but 39 weeks??? Sheeesh!!! Since Gabriel was fine at 37 weeks (Aug. 17) that will stay my unofficial hope for labor to start! Plus, my doctor has a conference my 38th week (Aug. 24), and I don't want to do this with a doctor I don't know. Statistically twins arrive between weeks 35 and 37 - I guess time will tell.

Best moments of every day are Gabriel saying good morning and good night to the babies and when he gives them a hug (hugs my stomach) when I drop him off at Mrs. Lynne's. Such a good big brother!

As for how big I'm getting:
I was driving our petite, 16-year old babysiter (Miss A) and Gabriel home from the pool. Gabriel said, "Miss A - you are a great person" to which Miss A replied, "Thank you, Gabe."

Then Gabriel looked at me and said, "Mommy - you are a great BIG person." That about sums it up for this great big person. Hope your week is going well.

Not Me! Monday - July 6

2009-07-06T18:08:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama.

Well, it's Not Me! Monday again - I certainly don't love how these happen every seven days... giving me a place to put my sarcasm to constructive use (and stay out of trouble). Please don't not miss the picture of mr. fearless jumping off the diving board on the fourth - scroll down to see it in the post below. He certainly did not crack me up by jumping several times at the end of the board trying to jump higher like the big kids.

This week has certainly not been one of our quieter weeks. With between 7 and 8 pounds of baby (or 30+ inches of baby), I have not become even slower - nope, not possible. I'm still trucking right along without whining or complaining... just ask Wes or Greg (who has an office right next to mine)... they'll tell you it's true.

With Mrs. Lynne's being closed for vacation the week of the Fourth, Gabriel did not get to thoroughly enjoy some special one-on-one time with his sitter. There was no extra running around, jumping in the pool, going crazy, snacking, etc. with the babysitter - we all know babysitters enforce strict discipline and stick to schedules... I know I did when I was a teenage sitter.

And, on a side note, I was not careless enough to open my car door into the side of said babysitter's car... on the first day she drove it. Yep - she just got her permit/license (whatever it is in the great state of SC) and was proud to have driven to our house (just down the road) as her first trip. It wasn't hard for me at all to put a "dent" in her joy by telling her about the car door not hitting her car. Luckily she and her parents are not alarmists, so we were able to not stress out about resolving things.

Wes and I also did not have a good time taking Gabriel to see Ice Age at the big movie theater this past week. It was no fun to see Gabriel sitting in daddy's lap enjoying a special drink and a special show.

Just like it was no excitement at all to take Gabriel to his first fireworks. He absolutely did not LOVE all of the colors and spectacle of it all.

And, Gabriel did not get so excited to see his diving board picture on the blog that he kept asking me to leave it on the computer; and I was not throughly impressed with how cute he was!!!

As for Sunday, I was not thoroughly shocked and amazed when Wes (FINALLY) tested out the three carseats in the back of the Camry - nor was I so relieved when the two SafeSeats and one Radian all fit... with room to spare. Nope - no need to be relieved when I would have never bought seats without knowing they would fit first. I was also not thrilled that we will not have to invest in two more Radians until these two little ones are closer to one year old... when a carseat upgrade is inevitable.

To end the week, I will not confess that I let Gabriel curl up next to me on the couch last night and fall asleep laying on my side. As a dedicated mother, I always make sure Gabriel sleeps in his big boy bed at all times. After all, whose heart would melt when a fantastic three-year old snuggles up next to you and asks for some of your "covers" (blanket we keep on the couch)? Certainly not this mom who has missed extra time with her son for the last 8 months... nope, not me...

Fearless on the Fourth!

2009-07-05T12:06:00.000-04:00

Yep - our three-year old is truly fearless and LOVES the water. That's a shot of him jumping off the big boy diving board at our pool's Fourth of July party yesterday... we were there for three hours, and except for a 1/2 hour break for hot dogs, that's all he did... jump off the board, swim to the side, climb out and repeat. Daddy and Gabriel were both so proud...

We also took Gabriel to his first fireworks show last night (at a nearby church). He did great and loved every second. I had fears he may take after Aunt Amy (ears plugged and lots of tears when we were little), but not this kid. He had a blast.

Not Me! Monday - June 29/30

2009-06-30T08:05:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama.

I can't believe we almost missed Not Me! Monday. I would never think of posting it a day late just because it is a happy, little break from the monotony of twin pregnancy. Nope, I'm too type A to post a Not Me! Monday on Tuesday... just ask Wes...

"A Pop Tart Father's Day"
Okay, so we all know that these two babies have slowed life down a good bit. Yet, I knew Father's Day was coming. Gabriel and I made sure to get our cards early and had decided to take daddy to breakfast before church. Perfect... right? As it turns out, daddy took Gabriel shopping the night before and made a special purchase unbeknownst to an overly emotional, pregnant mom. The sun wakes up and it's Father's Day - I go to get Gabriel so he can tell daddy "Surprise - we're going to breakfast." I was greeted (in only the way a 3-year old can greet you) with a, "Daddy said I could have chocolate pop tarts." (By the way, are chocolate pop tarts even a breakfast food?) The cries and whines of protest only grew louder and louder as I attempted (albeit briefly) to help my toddler remember today was a special day for daddy. Through the sobs and tears and screams ("I want my chocolate pop tart... I want my chocolate pop tart... daddy said I could have my chocolate pop tart"), this overly tired mom did not decide fine - here, my dear son, are your chocolate pop tarts. Not me - I would never give in to the pitiful cries when we had special Father's Day plans. And, I certainly would not open a second pack of chocolate pop tarts and serve them to daddy with a "Happy Father's Day." Never...

Going on, apologies that this Not Me! Monday has a theme of one overly tired, complaining, woman pregnant with twins. Last week, I did not send Gabriel to Mrs. Lynne's in dirty socks and, yes, underwear, when I realized I would have to go back up both flights of stairs to get to his clean ones. That would be completely gross and it can't possibly be that tiring to go back up a few stairs.

We also had a really good trip to the pool with daddy this weekend (ah - weightlessness) - Gabriel loves the water. He puts his hands over his head and "dives" in... deep and shallow ends. He loves the shallow end where he can just barely touch - climbing out of the water by himself, jumping in, practicing swimming, holding his breath, blowing bubbles, letting daddy throw him (far!!!!)... he is tireless. When we were headed home, daddy was helping Gabriel change into dry underwear by the car. When I heard a "I need to go potty," I did not look the other way knowing my dear husband was going to let Gabriel pee in the swimming pool parking lot. Boys peeing in public places when restrooms are nearby has always been one of my pet peeves, so I would never knowingly let my son relieve himself with the pool restrooms were just back inside the pool gates. Not even if we were exhausted... absolutely not. We would quickly walk him back inside, no questions asked...

That's about it for this Not Me! Tuesday... I mean Monday. Hope everyone has a good week!

Babies at 29 Weeks

2009-06-23T21:05:00.000-04:00

The babies and I had our 29-week check up today. True to their big baby genes, both Baby A and Baby B weigh in at 3 pounds... which makes six pounds of baby. Measurement wise they are 3-4 days ahead of the average for singleton at this age. My doctor said, "You know, Lori, twins typically slow down in growth." Me... full of hope, "Really -will this be soon?" Doctor, "Typically they would have already slowed down by 29 weeks; looks like you have big, beautiful babies."

So let's hear a "Yea" for big, healthy twins and one quick "Ugh!" for mommy's body. Currently my stomach measures 35 weeks of a woman expecting one child and exhibits the trauma of being stretched to capacity - Gabriel was so kind as to point out the "boo boos on mommy's tummy" when I took a bath this morning. He was quick to assure me that if I leave my boo boos alone that they will go away soon. Hmmmm....

That's about it for the Great Baby Update. We go back in 2 weeks (July 9) for our 31-week visit. Then visits will be weekly... around 33 or 34 weeks, we'll go twice a week.

Check back in later for a little story we like to call "A Pop Tart Father's Day..."

Not Me! Monday - Not Today

2009-06-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama.

In keeping with thoughts of MckMama's son Stellan who has really started struggling with his SVT again and instead of reading another "Not Me! Monday" post today, I'm hoping we can just stop and say a prayer for Stellan, his family and his doctors. You can read updates on him by clicking HERE.

Many good thoughts for Stellan and a return to Not Me! Mondays next week!!

"Swallowing Two Monkeys and One Banana"

2009-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

According to one of my online, twin-mom friends, that is exactly what being pregnant with twins feels like... swallowing two monkeys and only one banana.

Of course, there are a lot of things besides the constant motion that are part of being pregnant with twins and several times I've heard the question, "What is it like to pregnant with twins?" or heard someone wonder how different it is than being pregnant with one baby. Believe me, I'm a skeptic by nature (not a shocking revelation to those of you who know me well). If I hadn't been pregnant with twins myself, I would probably be one of those people that didn't believe it wasn't that much different... basically, the kind of person that would drive me crazy right about now.

So just for kicks, I thought it was time for a "What is it REALLY like" post courtesy of my friends at twinstuff.com. That phrase was actually going to be the title of this post... until I heard the Monkey and Banana comment.

Here is some of what the ladies who are or have been pregnant with twins had to say:
"... it's more SCARY - all the normal fears you have to experience times two."

"... physically, you get more worn out, sooner and easier than with a singleton...and that terrible uncomfortable just want this to be over feeling you get with a singleton at 38 weeks...yeah, you feel that by about 32 weeks with twins (if not earlier!!!)... but in general, I think the biggest difference is psychological..."

"I also feel like everything falls on the floor just b/c I can't pick it up."

"I've been pregnant with one, and I've been pregnant with two, and there's NO comparison... Just eating, breathing, and moving about the house takes work. With my singleton pregnancy, I brisk-walked an hour a day until I delivered her at 41 weeks. This time, walking from one part of the house to another is workout enough. Gestation IS my exercise now, and I can feel it in every cell."

"... it drives me nuts that i can't do anything for more than 20 minutes at a time before becoming exhausted and being bed and couch ridden does horrors to your mental state and well being."

"...the comments. Seriously. No two is NOT considered a litter thank you and I don't know how many would be considered a litter nor do I care."

"Also guilt: guilt for not being able to keep up your end of the family bargain in being a mom and a wife and a housecleaner and laundry doer etc... guilt for asking for help or feeling overwhelmed because there is no one to ask for help."

"I'm not sure there are words to describe what it's like."

"I couldn't sleep at night because I was being kicked and punched in at least 8 different areas at one time. Which is cute when it's a light fluttery feeling, but towards the end it got REALLY annoying."

"I couldn't eat much because all my intestines, stomach, you name it was shoved only God knows where. I was kicked in every conceivable organ until I felt that I was going to bleed internally... not to mention ribs, and I swear one got a good kick to my tailbone a time or two."

"At my 28 week appt, I already had almost 6 lbs of just baby, that's how much many women end with and I still hopefully have a ways to go."

"... now that I've been through the pregnancy and the first year, I can say definitively that the pregnancy part was 10 times easier than taking care of two newborns."

"Comments I received... (around 28+ weeks) stranger: "wow! you must be due any day now!" - me: "actually, i've got about 10 weeks to go - i'm expecting twins." -stranger: "really? you don't look big enough for twins..." make up your mind; either i'm huge, or i'm not."

"When ever a woman pregnant with one complained, I just wanted to smack them... well not really, but that's what I felt that they had no room to complain when I was measuring 52 weeks pregnant."

"I'm twice as tired and twice as miserable than I was with my singleton to sum it all up."

"At least the outcome is double the joy!"

That about sums up what the joys of twin pregnancy can be like (in addition to all of the givens including stretch marks, pre-term labor scares, trips to Labor and Delivery, TTS, increased risk of GD and pre-eclampsia, etc.).

All in all, I'm trying to focus on that "double the joy" outcome as my two little monkeys continue to fight it out. Of course, if there was any room left in there, I would probably just swallow another banana!

Not Me! Monday - June 15

2009-06-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over her blog at www.mycharmingkids.net to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Okay, I think it is these Not Me! Mondays that keep me honest in updating our blog. Here goes:

I was not graceless enough to fall in the parking lot of my work building today. Nope not me. And I sure didn't fall forward so that we would all have to stress about the two startled babies in this ever-expanding belly. I also did not begin freaking out, tears and all - I'm always calm and collected under stress (and when I'm 7 mths pregnant).
(NOTE FOR ANY WORRIERS: I did manage to use my left knee and hand to break most of the fall. Just to be sure, we visited the doctor, had an ultra-sound and all is well with Baby A and Baby B. We just won't talk about my rather colorful and swollen knee... of course the doctor said I can use Tylonel to soothe the pain - and we all know what a big help Tylonel is as a pain killer...)

I did not secretly sneak two peanut M&Ms out of Gabriel's "Yea, I went pee pee/poopie in the potty and get an M&M" container this morning. Really, what kind of mother would take candy from their own child? Not this one.

I did not have a fantastic baby shower this weekend with some of my family and best friends in the Upstate. Thanks and gratitude absolutely do not go to my sister Amy who did not handle a lot of the details and Lisa who did not co-host. And, it certainly did not make me cry that I didn't want to leave all of these fantastic ladies and the Upstate when I thought about going back to Aiken. Did I mention I love Aiken?

And, I am not going to end this blog entry early to give my chewed-up hands a rest. Nope, not me. We all know that would be pointless since the Tylonel is doing such an excellent job killing the pain...

Can't wait to find out what you are not doing!

Not Me! Monday - June 8

2009-06-08T19:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over her blog at www.mycharmingkids.net to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Here it is for this week - all of the the things I have not done this week...

After a rough 27th week of twin pregnancy, I have not taken 5-6 baths per day because it is about the only thing that makes me feel better. Not me - that would be a waste of hot water and time... I'm far too busy resting my tired rear end on the couch for something like that.

And, I certainly did not just mail my sister-in-law's birthday card even though her birthday was last week (Happy Birthday, Janet!). Nope, it must just be a really slow USPS delivery - you know how they are...

And, in my over-emotional pregnancy state, I did not start to cry in the vet's office this morning when I had to leave Josie over night for antibiotics and fluids. We all know that Hartman girls aren't criers... not us! (On a good note, the vet just called and said Josie is doing great - even ate some dinner. Looks like it may have just been some minor infections... we'll know more in the morning.)

For lunch yesterday, we ventured out to Firehouse Subs with dear sweet and newly potty-trained Gabriel. I did not get embarassed at all when he returned from the bathroom and said at the top of his lungs, "I did a STINKY POOPIE, mommy." Nope - why would an exclamation about stinky poopie bother a mom of a three-year old? Although, I did remember to quietly tell him what a good, big boy he was... and promise him the requisite two M&Ms for his accomplishment when we got home.

I think that's it for this Not Me! Monday. Don't forget to share what you're not doing. :)

Car Seat Craziness

2009-06-04T19:04:00.000-04:00

Okay - ever since we found out we were expecting twins, I realized a bit too late that buying a car in October was going to pose a three-car seat challenge. Finally deciding we really don't need to commit to taking a loss selling the Camry we bought or a much higher payment on a minivan, we have gone car seat crazy.

Who knew a couple of babies would mean needing to rethink your entire vehicle situation???

I vaguely remember my sister Amy mention something about Radian car seats and just seriously researched Radian80 car seats. They have excellent safety ratings -AND- will fit three across in a mid-size car. Our initial hope is that we can buy one Radian80 for Gabriel that will fit with the two carrier car seats we bought for the babies... if not it looks like we will invest in three Radian80s. Granted they are pretty expensive, but not as expensive as buying and selling cars (much to Wes' happiness).

Whoo hoo - looks like we are getting the few final details in place in plenty of time for Baby A and Baby B!

Not Me! Monday - June 1

2009-06-01T17:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over her blog at www.mycharmingkids.net to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Okay, so I've been following MckMama's "Not Me Mondays" since her son Stellan has been much improved with SVT (see link to her blog above). It's a fun way to share things that I would NEVER do - not me. Here goes:
1. As a loving wife pregnant with twins, I would never pile all of the dirty dishes in the sink knowing that my husband would relent and take care of them. Nope, not me - I would never take advantage of my husband's good nature.
2. When Gabriel wanted chocolate milk last week while Wes was in St. Louis, I did not tell him that Daddy took the chocolate milk on his work trip and we would be drinking regular milk. I would never tell a toddler something like that to avoid hearing "Why Not?" repeatedly.
3. I did not throw away a pair of Gabriel's new big boy underwear the other week (he had a poopie accident in them) because I was too tired to clean them out. That would have been a complete waste of a pair of underwear/$.
4. I did not try to convince my son to eat at McDonald's last week when Wes was out of town so that I didn't have to cook and clean up. And, when he asked for carrots and broccoli instead, I did not wonder in my head how he could possibly be my child. Nope, because I ALWAYS prefer my vegetables over junk food.

Well, I think that's it for my first Not Me Monday. You should try it - it's fun to share things that you would never do!

Babies at 25 Weeks

2009-05-31T10:58:00.001-04:00

Here is the first official baby update. We had our 25 week appointment early last week. Baby A (the boy) was 1 lb 13 oz, and Baby B (girl) was 1 lb 14 oz. It's hard to believe there is already almost 4 lbs of baby in there. I'm measuring 6 weeks ahead (31 weeks) of where I would if it was one baby in there.

Although he weighs slightly less, the boy's measurements were ahead of the girl's. Both were on size (or better) and better than average on weight for 25 weeks. Something about Hartman genes seems to ensure good-size babies. And, I passed my glucose test!!!! Yea - I think having to give up carbs on GD diet right now may have pushed me over the edge... assuming I'm not already over it ;).

That's all we have - other than the babies keep moving and flipping - no rib is safe from four little feet! Our next appointment is June 9 - we'll update again.

Check below for the post that got us blogging again...

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2009-05-30T19:15:00.000-04:00

Wow - last year we would have never thought our journey would have brought us here! With twins on the way, we thought it would be good to bring it back so we can share the last couple months of pregnancy and early life with Gabriel, Baby A and Baby B.

I can't promise photos like my sister who is great about updating her blog with pictures regularly, but i can definitely do some typing (thanks for that journalism degree, mom and dad!).

Let's see... since last year:

Gabriel got his big boy bed and loved it! He sleeps in it every night... complete with Cars, Thomas the Tank or Spiderman sheets.
When not working, we spent last summer at the pool and/or the zoo. Gabriel loves everything about both places. Water, animals, trains, carousels... perfect for a two year old.
Gabriel was dedicated at church (since we finally found one we both wanted to join). FBC Aiken is fantastic - the pastor, Dr. Andrea, even sang Happy Birthday on our answering machine for Gabriel's second birthday.
The fall was a hot one here in South Carolina, but we managed to enjoy pumpkin picking and trick or treating. Gabriel picked Nemo for his Halloween costume - even made his debut in the local newspaper in costume.
Melissa and I relived our middle school days and went to a New Kids on the Block concert in October (continue laughing... we went again this past March).
My sister Amy and I took dad to New York for his 75th birthday to see the New York Philharmonic (with pianist Lang Lang) at Lincoln Center. We also got to see Hairspray on Broadway and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Unforgettable!
I made my first Thanksgiving dinner for our happy, complete family of three - only to have my son sit at the table, say he wasn't hungry... and could he go lay down... he slept on the couch for several hours.
We took Gabriel to his first two movies (Madagascar 2 and Bolt). He had a blast.
December rolls around and we visited Santa several times.
Gabriel and I visited Auny Amy, Uncle Michael and Bryce around Christmas time - visited a very cool live nativity (complete with camels and a village with activities).
Santa got it right - on Christmas he left Gabriel a train table and Thomas trains under the tree.
Wes and I enjoyed one of our favorite Christmas Eve services ever - at our new church in Aiken... the evening ending singing Christmas hymns/carols on the front steps by candlelight. Gabriel was back at the house with family. After service, we celebrated with finger foods and family. A beautiful holiday!
For New Year's Eve, Wes surprised me with a night on the town in Atlanta. I surprised him with the news we were expecting a baby (yep, no part of me anticipated any more than one baby...).
January rolled around and the EXTREME nausea began... about the time Wes and Gabriel visited me on work trip to Reno/Tahoe. Gabriel had a blast sledding - if you want to ask Wes about the sledding "incident" and giant goose egg, I'm sure he'll share.
January-March for me were spent trying not to be ill and trying to keep the food down. Much time was spent lying in bed with my eyes closed while Gabriel spent more time at Mrs. Lynne's, and Wes took over almost everything at home... harder than it sounds when you can't cook anything for lunch or dinner that remotely has a smell to it... even harder when your pregnant wife thinks everything in the house smells, including the house itself.
During this time, Wes also took Gabriel bowling for the first time. He did well (even if they did have the bumpers out!). I was sorry to have missed it.
SURPRISE - it's twins! Yep, that's what we learned early this year. Immediately after we had our "a ha" moment about why there was such extreme nausea.
SURPRISE again - it's a boy and a girl (yes, finally a girl in the family) on the way.
Over the past year, we've also managed to get this house more in order: finished renovating the 1/2 bathroom downstairs (YES, IT IS DONE!!!!!!), put hardwoods in kitchen/foyer/dining room, put tile in the pantry, new counters/paint/backsplash in kitchen, turned the dining room into a playroom, replaced all of the carpet, etc.
Gabriel turned three this month, and he is a fantastic son (even in spite of those three-year old moments that creep up). He is potty trained (and very proud - he'll show you his big boy underwear at any given moment), is excited that "his babies" are on the way (he is going to "show them my movie"), has good friends at Mrs. Lynne's, is excited about starting school (3K) in the fall, has developed some strange fear of monkeys (from his thug friend at Mrs. Lynne's)... except for Curious George (who he loves), eats almost anything (even turned down McDonald's the other day because he wanted carrots and broccoli... raw - bad mommy who was being lazy relented and fixed the veggies), loves to help mommy and daddy, and so many more things that would take too long to write here (like enjoys riding his tricycle/bike/giant inchworm, playing/kicking ball, riding the lawnmower with daddy, going to the beach, spending time with grandparents... and on and on...)
We celebrated the birth of Dawson, a nephew for Wes and I and cousin for Gabriel. He is doing fantastic - born in late March.
Had a fantastic baby shower in Aiken thrown by my friends from work. Both my sisters and my parents were able to come over.
Looking forward to a lunch shower (thanks, amy and lisa) with my friends in Spartanburg in June.
Have almost finished getting everything ready for the twins... will be putting up the crib tomorrow.
And, a quick list of Gabriel's favorites: movies (Cars, Madagascar, Toy Story, Incredibles, Curious George), food (raw carrots and broccoli with dip, pizza, hot dogs/corn dogs), toys (Woody/Buzz, trains, balls, everything), books (Thomas Breaks a Promise, Are You My Mother, The Jungle, Green Eggs and Ham and many, many, many more).

Well, that's it for this marathon post. My new goal is to update at least weekly (with or without photos)... who knows... if there is any bedrest in the future, I may keep pace with Amy... or not! :)

Big Boy Beds

2008-05-30T08:26:00.000-04:00

Mommy and daddy took me to look at big boys' beds this past weekend - something to do with my climbing on the crib. I had a blast bouncing on all of the beds at the stores - my favorite was the top of a bunk bed... although we didn't get to order that one. Guess what - we bought a different one!!!! It comes on Monday, so watch here early next week for pictures. :)

The Day for an Update

2008-05-24T14:18:00.000-04:00

Today was the day mommy decided to download the photos from her camera, so it was a perfect day for an update. Let's go backwards from here... Did I mention that I just turned TWO YEARS OLD!!!! Mommy and daddy gave me a Wiggles party at the park. Even though there was a thunderstorm at 6:30 a.m., it was sunny by party time (10:00 a.m.). Granny, Papaw, Aunt Julie, Meema, Popee, Uncle Ben, Cousin Jonathan, Grandma, Grandpa, Mrs. Julea and Cullen were all able to come and play (poor Aunt Amy and Cousin Bryce both got sick and had to stay in Atlanta - it's good to know they are both better now!). Papaw walked me up to the pavilion.

After that, Jonathan taught me to blow bubbles... well, kind of. I think swinging the wand around is much more fun. I had to show Granny how much fun it was.

I also got to open presents. I loved everything, but the balls Aunt Julie gave me were a big hit!

And, unlike last year, I LOVED my cake!

Time with Family

2008-05-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Daddy and I read my favorite night-time book (Green Eggs and Ham). I also really like What's Wrong Little Pookie and Goodnight Moon (daddy and I count the stars in this book).Coal and I love to play ball in the yard.

I love to play on the orange slide Aunt Amy found for me and give Big Dog hugs.

Cousin Jonathan had a birthday party in April at a park in Boiling Springs. Meema pushed me on a swing, and the twisty slide was a big hit.

We went to church on Easter - we've been visiting for a while and like it a lot - and I got to wear the new outfit Granny found for me. I also got to play with my tricycle from Meema and Popee.

I can't forget my special trip with mommy and daddy to Discovery Place in Charlotte - it was daddy's surprise for mommy and me. We got to play in the water in the Toddler Area, and I showed off that infamous Hartman tongue.

The Bests and Firsts

2008-05-06T15:13:00.000-04:00

Okay, let's be honest, my mommy may be a great lady, but she is running low on time these days. With work, three dogs and her favorite men (me and daddy), she has yet to get a blog up and running. After seeing Aunt Amy's cool blog on Bryce, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Plus, I just now have all of the words I need to make my posts interesting to read. Since I'm about two years behind, I thought a good couple of first posts would be "The Bests and Firsts" to hit the highlights.

As for the title of this blog ("Our World in Motion") - I think the one thing I've taught my mommy and daddy (besides a love like no other) is that we are here to live our lives - getting in as much fun and as many experiences as we possibly can. From rolling around as a baby to climbing on jungle gyms to running at the playground to splashing in the ocean, I love being on the go. You can sleep when you're old!

2008-05-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

Day Trip to Charleston
Always on the go, mommy and daddy take me to Charleston for the day. Who needs history when you can climb, crawl and run at the park?!

2008-05-05T16:47:00.000-04:00

It's Snowing!!!!!!!!!!
Mommy takes the day off and drives us to Meema and Popee's house where I see my first snow late that night (they wake me up at about 10 p.m.!). I love it!!! And yes, I'm wearing socks on my hands since mommy forgot my gloves in the rush to get out of town. One more shot of that famous Hartman tongue!

2008-05-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

Horses in Aiken!

I knew my hometown was famous for something - I take my first horse ride early in 2008.

2008-05-05T16:41:00.000-04:00

The Zoo and Monkey Joe's
I love everything about the zoo - especially the Carousel (yes, that's me sticking out my tongue just like Papaw and Mommy) and feeding the giraffes. And Monkey Joe's is perfect for a rainy day (even if Mommy and Daddy are running around with their tongues dragging the floor).

2008-05-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

Christmas Number Two
This year Santa comes to see me at my house! By the way, although not pictured here, this is when I first watch and fall in love with Frosty. To date (May 2008), mommy and daddy have probably seen frosty close to 75 times.

2008-05-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

Close to One Year
I'm almost walking (mommy will have to find that picture so I can upload it). Here are a couple of shots from March (left) and April (Easter).

2008-05-05T16:25:00.000-04:00

Caching and Eating

Mommy, her friend Lisa and I go caching (I help pick what to leave in the cache); then Josie cheers me on as I eat my first spaghetti (and drop some on the floor).

2008-05-05T16:19:00.000-04:00

Bears, Duckies and Crawling, Oh My!
I ring in the start of 2007 in my bear chair (it used to be my daddy's). It turns out, I also love taking baths, crawling through the house and eating out.

2008-05-05T16:14:00.000-04:00

It Turns Even Colder
With the chill in the air, I spend time with family, go to my first Dickens of Christmas in Spartanburg (with Uncle Ben, Aunt Becky, Jonathan and David) and celebrate my first Christmas!

2008-05-05T16:08:00.000-04:00

My First Fall
Cooler weather (relatively speaking... I live in SC!) brought my first fire, pumpkin picking, bundling up for the fair and Halloween!

2008-05-05T16:03:00.000-04:00

Some More Firsts
Me with my dinosaurs (made by Granny), in my Bumbo Seat and at the aquarium with Aunt Amy (the Beluga Whales were fun to watch).

2008-05-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

My First Carousel Horse Ride With Papaw
Papaw carved a horse for my mommy, and he took me on my first ride!

First Cereal Not so keen on the rice cereal, but oatmeal went right down... and mommy and daddy got to get some sleep!

2008-05-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

My First Bathrobe

It came complete with turtles, which I now love even more. Did you know that Finding Nemo has a turtle... Dude!

2008-05-05T15:36:00.000-04:00

My First Professional Photos

Mommy's friend Mark took these snazzy shots when I was eight-weeks old. I still look a bit shocked (I'm over that now...).

2008-05-05T15:24:00.000-04:00

First Nap With Daddy
Daddy and I nap at the hospital - I was just born the day before!

First Trip to Meet Great-Papaw

We went to visit my Great-Papaw not long after I was born... AND, I got to stay in my very first hotel and see my first mountains!