Day 17-So grateful for another sister in law (this makes four on the Creighton side alone and six in all). Matt's brother Jackson got married on Saturday and I inherited a fabulous new sister in law, Kalli. I met Kalli at Tom and Kristi's wedding on one of my first trips home to the farm. Gage ADORES her and when she's not at the farm his visit just isn't the same. He was thrilled when he realized that Kalli will now be at the farm every time we go! I know she will be a most wonderful aunt to our children, wife for Jackson, and sister for me!
Day 18-Thankful for a husband that encourages me to get my rest. Saturday night after the wedding I got sick :( Maybe I got whatever little bug Gracie had because thankfully, it didn't last long. I didn't sleep well and when we got home Matt encouraged me to just sleep until I felt better. There were a million things I should have been doing instead-like unpacking, tending to the kids, and cleaning house. However, Matt kept encouraging me to lay down and rest as he took care of things. Today I woke up feeling refreshed and I'm so glad he encouraged me to just take it easy.
Day 19-Thankful for old friends......today I met my friend Tami and her son, Gabriel, at the park. Tami and I taught next to each other at Hoover High School, which I know realize was eight years ago. There was a door joining our classrooms and was I ever grateful for such a fabulous neighbor for those two years. I haven't seen Tami in over a year but when we get together it's always wonderful and conversation picks up right where it left off. Tami has the most warm and gentle spirit. Our lives don't have all that much in common anymore but I would never want to lose touch with her because she is such an amazing and inspiring person. I'm grateful that we still have a friendship as years pass.......
Love
Monday, November 19, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 16
Today I'm thankful for Gage....
Gage can sometimes be very frustrating for me.......lately he's going through a phase again that he goes through periodically. It's a phase where he places his thoughts and ideas pretty high on the priority list and forgets to just follow directions........
"Gage, take those shorts off before you put your pants on."-Me
"Oh mom-these pants fit over these shorts so I think it's okay."-Gage
or
"Roll the window up"-Me
"Gracie stopped crying when I rolled it down so I think she might start crying again if I roll it up"-Gage
When it's bad it literally feels like every time I give him a direction-he's got something to say back about it. The good news is it's usually a phase and after a few times getting his mouth washed out he regains perspective and we can move on.
Though he's in the midst of this phase there are so many things about him to be grateful for.......
Earlier this week he used his own money to buy marbles at the grocery store and without even being prompted he asked the clerk, "Are you still taking donations for Children's Hospital? I want to give one of my dollars."
Yesterday he started a prescription, though he told me that it tasted terrible, he'll take the rest of it without another complaint. It's never been challenging to give him medicine or have him try a new food. Ever.
When it's time to go to bed, he's always just gone. He might come out once for a drink but it's pretty rare and I'm glad to say that bedtime has NEVER been a battle in our house.
Like his mother, he loves books. He always asks me to read to him and I'm grateful that we share this love.
He's never been really shy or fearful. Even as an infant I could pass him to anyone and he wouldn't think twice about it. Now that he's older it's things like going to a new dentist-no fears, going to a new friend's house-no fears.
He is affectionate, would give anyone a hug without hesitation. Sometimes I see he's growing out of this one a little bit. It's fine because I know that he's watching the guys and taking note of how the men behave. It used to be that when we left a party he would give everyone a hug......now it's hugs for the ladies and handshakes or high fives for the gents. When it comes to family, it's still a hug for everyone.
He loves Gracie and the twins....I've shared plenty of stories about Gracie but he also talks to the twins and gives them a hug and kiss every night.
He still loves to cuddle with me. We got up early this morning to meet Matt's co-worker who gave him a ride to work. We stopped, of course, at Uncle Harry's for an iced tea and some bagels. When we got home Gage got a blanket and curled up next to me on the couch. He put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel the babies move. I know this is one that will only last so long so I certainly can't forget to be thankful.
Today he has a performance at school and I know he's going to say the poems and sing the songs loud and proud. I love him beyond measure......
Love
Gage can sometimes be very frustrating for me.......lately he's going through a phase again that he goes through periodically. It's a phase where he places his thoughts and ideas pretty high on the priority list and forgets to just follow directions........
"Gage, take those shorts off before you put your pants on."-Me
"Oh mom-these pants fit over these shorts so I think it's okay."-Gage
or
"Roll the window up"-Me
"Gracie stopped crying when I rolled it down so I think she might start crying again if I roll it up"-Gage
When it's bad it literally feels like every time I give him a direction-he's got something to say back about it. The good news is it's usually a phase and after a few times getting his mouth washed out he regains perspective and we can move on.
Though he's in the midst of this phase there are so many things about him to be grateful for.......
Earlier this week he used his own money to buy marbles at the grocery store and without even being prompted he asked the clerk, "Are you still taking donations for Children's Hospital? I want to give one of my dollars."
Yesterday he started a prescription, though he told me that it tasted terrible, he'll take the rest of it without another complaint. It's never been challenging to give him medicine or have him try a new food. Ever.
When it's time to go to bed, he's always just gone. He might come out once for a drink but it's pretty rare and I'm glad to say that bedtime has NEVER been a battle in our house.
Like his mother, he loves books. He always asks me to read to him and I'm grateful that we share this love.
He's never been really shy or fearful. Even as an infant I could pass him to anyone and he wouldn't think twice about it. Now that he's older it's things like going to a new dentist-no fears, going to a new friend's house-no fears.
He is affectionate, would give anyone a hug without hesitation. Sometimes I see he's growing out of this one a little bit. It's fine because I know that he's watching the guys and taking note of how the men behave. It used to be that when we left a party he would give everyone a hug......now it's hugs for the ladies and handshakes or high fives for the gents. When it comes to family, it's still a hug for everyone.
He loves Gracie and the twins....I've shared plenty of stories about Gracie but he also talks to the twins and gives them a hug and kiss every night.
He still loves to cuddle with me. We got up early this morning to meet Matt's co-worker who gave him a ride to work. We stopped, of course, at Uncle Harry's for an iced tea and some bagels. When we got home Gage got a blanket and curled up next to me on the couch. He put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel the babies move. I know this is one that will only last so long so I certainly can't forget to be thankful.
Today he has a performance at school and I know he's going to say the poems and sing the songs loud and proud. I love him beyond measure......
Love
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Day 15......
Today hasn't been a good day.......
First thing this morning Gracie threw up in the car. All over her clothes and car seat. Then we had a nanny/housekeeper starting today and she informed me that she decided not to take the position.......an hour before the time she was expected to come clean the house. Then while Gracie napped I spent my time getting yelled at on the phone and trying to put an end to issue that I fear will never get resolved. Then it was time to take Gage to school so I went in at the last minute to wake Gracie and found her with oatmeal puke........in her crib, on her quilt, on the bumper, on her blankies, down the back of the crib, in her hair, and stuck to her cheek. It was awesome. Gage was only 5 minutes late. Then-we leave for Jackson's rehearsal dinner and wedding tomorrow. Gracie's supposed to be in a room with two babysitters and four other children.......now we'll face what to do with her if she's still puking. Should be an amazing four hours in the car and 2 nights in a hotel room.
BUT.....there is always something to be thankful for. Today I'm thankful for the blog.......it gives me a chance to unwind from the day and have a moment to myself. It reminds me to be grateful, look at the bright side, keep my priorities in line, and be myself. Hopefully down the road, when I've forgotten everything from this time in my life, it will give me a chance to share with the kids what our life was like.
Today might be the pits, but life most certainly isn't.......
Love.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 14
Today I'm so thankful for the minds of children.......
Yesterday I took Gage to the dentist and he has a ton of work that needs to be done. It could be that he just genetically inherited bad teeth (perhaps), could be his brushing habits (I think for the most part he does a good job), could be a high-sugar diet (nope), could be a lack of calcium in his diet (there's the culprit-he hates milk) or a combination.
Anyway, he has to have 2 crowns and the insurance will only pay for a stainless steel (that's right-silver). If we want tooth-colored the whole thing is considered cosmetic and it's going to cost a pretty penny on top of everything else he needs done. Our back neighbor's little boy, Alec, has a silver tooth. His mom explained to me how she was so upset when his dad took him to the dentist and he came back with that. We always laugh about it.
Gage hears me discussing the options and costs with the receptionist at the dentist office. We get in the car and he explains to me that he knows what he wants........a silver tooth-just like Alec's.
The irony......here I am thinking about how terrible the silver is......and as I mull over the decision he's practically begging me for the silver tooth......
Love.
Yesterday I took Gage to the dentist and he has a ton of work that needs to be done. It could be that he just genetically inherited bad teeth (perhaps), could be his brushing habits (I think for the most part he does a good job), could be a high-sugar diet (nope), could be a lack of calcium in his diet (there's the culprit-he hates milk) or a combination.
Anyway, he has to have 2 crowns and the insurance will only pay for a stainless steel (that's right-silver). If we want tooth-colored the whole thing is considered cosmetic and it's going to cost a pretty penny on top of everything else he needs done. Our back neighbor's little boy, Alec, has a silver tooth. His mom explained to me how she was so upset when his dad took him to the dentist and he came back with that. We always laugh about it.
Gage hears me discussing the options and costs with the receptionist at the dentist office. We get in the car and he explains to me that he knows what he wants........a silver tooth-just like Alec's.
The irony......here I am thinking about how terrible the silver is......and as I mull over the decision he's practically begging me for the silver tooth......
Love.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 13
Today I'm thankful for my health......
I'm so glad that when I go in to a new physician's office and I begin filling out my health history.......I just get to check "no" all the way down.
Even with pregnancy I've never had any concerns.......nausea that only came with the twins and subsided by the second trimester and some discomfort in my hips that kept me from being very active this pregnancy. That's it. Nothing else to think about. My weight gain has always been appropriate and the loss after has never been too challenging. Every time I see Dr. Swanson he tells me that everything is perfect......I'm perfect, babies are perfect, and he has no concerns.
I do take care of myself but eating healthy in comparison to the average person and working out regularly (with the exception of this pregnancy). Still, a lot of it is just plain luck.....and I'm thankful......
Love.
I'm so glad that when I go in to a new physician's office and I begin filling out my health history.......I just get to check "no" all the way down.
Even with pregnancy I've never had any concerns.......nausea that only came with the twins and subsided by the second trimester and some discomfort in my hips that kept me from being very active this pregnancy. That's it. Nothing else to think about. My weight gain has always been appropriate and the loss after has never been too challenging. Every time I see Dr. Swanson he tells me that everything is perfect......I'm perfect, babies are perfect, and he has no concerns.
I do take care of myself but eating healthy in comparison to the average person and working out regularly (with the exception of this pregnancy). Still, a lot of it is just plain luck.....and I'm thankful......
Love.
Thanksgiving Days 10, 11, and 12
I'm thankful for iced tea. Sometimes I think I would never get hydrated if it wasn't for the goodness of iced tea. Uncle Harry's iced tea.....unsweetened.....so good.
Which brings me to the next one......I am grateful for those who currently serve and have served in our military and their families. I can't imagine, in addition to missing the presence of your family member, constantly worrying about their safety. Many thanks to the men and women of our military that have fought for the freedoms we enjoy and made many sacrifices to do so. Just as many thanks to their families.
Love.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thanksgiving Days 8 and 9
I am thankful for a new car.....it's not here yet, but it should be in 3-5 weeks. I don't really get excited about things like cars. I've had a lot of cars and it's just not something I really care about. As long as it gets me from one place to another without a problem I really don't care. However, with twins on the way, I'm excited to know that I'll have plenty of room for the whole family. Suburban. I promise not to put the stick figure family stickers on the back.......
I'm also grateful for our nieces and nephews. We don't live in the same place as any of them :( so we don't get to see them as often as we'd like. Today I was getting the Christmas shopping list and thinking of each one of them. Nick was the first one, when he was born I was in high school.....now he's almost the age I was when he was born........
Baby Nick.....
Nick now......(left)
It's crazy.......your own children that you see every day grow up fast.....but the ones you don't see every day-they grow even faster.
I love them dearly and wish I could see them all more often.........
Love
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 6 and 7
I am thankful that the twins have reached the point of viability.......
When you're having twins you're monitored much more closely than a single pregnancy. In the beginning, I found it a little annoying. I thought of my great-grandmother and her twin sister......I mean, if my great-great grandmother could deliver two healthy girls over 100 years ago-it's no problem-I've got this.
Then.....I started going online to look up information about having twins. When your pregnant with a single baby there are all kinds of sites that tell you how big your baby is, how much weight you should have gained, how ready you are for maternity clothes and so on. There are no great sites on the "norms" for twins, so I just started searching on boards. Then I really got to see the risks with having twins.....so many stories of one twin lost by vanishing twin syndrome in the early months....then the stories of miscarrying one twin and attempting to save the other.....then the stories of deliveries in the early months. It was scary.
I had that little scare in the beginning where I went in to be monitored and luckily it was just that-a scare. Since then I really have tried to take it easy-at least for me. I still have trouble just sitting down and relaxing but I'm not hitting the gym or anything.
Now we have passed the 23 week mark (I'm almost 25 weeks) and the twins have reached viability. They COULD survive outside the womb. Don't get me wrong-I'm still trying to keep them in there till the 37 week mark but it does bring some comfort to have reached this point and I'm grateful for that.
And for Day 7-today I am grateful that my mother taught me that if I don't have anything nice to say, I should say anything at all. As I got up this morning and read all the negative posts on Facebook regarding the election, that lesson came to mind, "If you don't have anything nice to say-don't say anything at all" and so I won't........I will move on to the positive things in my life and continue to share what I have to be grateful for every day. Thanks Mom for teaching me not to be negative-nobody likes that......
Love.
When you're having twins you're monitored much more closely than a single pregnancy. In the beginning, I found it a little annoying. I thought of my great-grandmother and her twin sister......I mean, if my great-great grandmother could deliver two healthy girls over 100 years ago-it's no problem-I've got this.
Then.....I started going online to look up information about having twins. When your pregnant with a single baby there are all kinds of sites that tell you how big your baby is, how much weight you should have gained, how ready you are for maternity clothes and so on. There are no great sites on the "norms" for twins, so I just started searching on boards. Then I really got to see the risks with having twins.....so many stories of one twin lost by vanishing twin syndrome in the early months....then the stories of miscarrying one twin and attempting to save the other.....then the stories of deliveries in the early months. It was scary.
I had that little scare in the beginning where I went in to be monitored and luckily it was just that-a scare. Since then I really have tried to take it easy-at least for me. I still have trouble just sitting down and relaxing but I'm not hitting the gym or anything.
Now we have passed the 23 week mark (I'm almost 25 weeks) and the twins have reached viability. They COULD survive outside the womb. Don't get me wrong-I'm still trying to keep them in there till the 37 week mark but it does bring some comfort to have reached this point and I'm grateful for that.
And for Day 7-today I am grateful that my mother taught me that if I don't have anything nice to say, I should say anything at all. As I got up this morning and read all the negative posts on Facebook regarding the election, that lesson came to mind, "If you don't have anything nice to say-don't say anything at all" and so I won't........I will move on to the positive things in my life and continue to share what I have to be grateful for every day. Thanks Mom for teaching me not to be negative-nobody likes that......
Love.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 5
Today I share thanks for the twins that will join our family early next year. We've yet to meet them but they have already brought so much to our family. They started out by surprising us.....we certainly were not expecting to have twins. They bring us joy in knowing that we will experience something not every family gets to enjoy. They have continued to grow the love that I share with Matt. We have more to prepare and plan for, more to worry about, and more concerns but this has just made us grow our love for one another......
We look forward to meeting these two....
We look forward to meeting these two....
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thanksgiving-Days 2, 3, and 4
It's been a busy last few days so I'm catching up on my thanks.......
Day 2-Thankful for the change in weather. I don't really like cold; I'd take warm weather over cold any day. BUT-cooking two babies makes me feel like an oven even on cooler days so I was ready for a little change. It's great to let Gracie stay in her pajamas all day and have an excuse to stay in and cuddle.
Day 3-I'm so grateful that my family is close enough for a day trip. I took the kids to my nephew Nick's football game Friday night and the kids stayed the night at my mom's. We're so fortunate to have them close enough to do that.
Day 4-This morning I wake up grateful for the time I get to spend at home with my children. Yesterday I caught up with a friend that is struggling with returning to work after having a baby. I'm definitely not the attachment parent-I have no problem leaving my kids with someone else. BUT-I do remember how hard it was to return to teaching the first year after staying home with Gage. Being a stay-at-home mom and being a working mom both have their challenges-I know, I've done both. For me, I'd rather be home.
It's not that I prefer to be home because I'm the attachment parent that never wants to leave my kids.....but it IS because I love being with them. We keep busy around here but staying at home also leaves time to take things slow. When I was teaching I had to drop Gage off at daycare by 6:30am to get to work on time. This meant waking him up, getting him dressed, and dropping him off with a packed breakfast all within a 15 minutes. Now that we're home we have time to make breakfast together and time to come up with our new ideas for breakfast like peanut butter, banana, and Nutella sandwiches on wheat-lightly toasted. When Gage and I sit down to read or work on sight words-we're not rushed. I can let Gracie feed herself....with reckless abandon-because I have time to clean it all up when she's done.
Never does a day go by that I forget how fortunate I am to stay home with my precious babies......
Love
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thanksgiving, Day 1
Today I am so grateful for the health and spirit of my children.
Gage is always loving Gracie......helping her, showing her, playing with her, making her laugh, and looking out for her. He has such a warm spirit. This morning he handed me a bag full of Almond Joy candy bars. I feel like you either love coconut or hate it-I love coconut and Almond Joy candy bars. He said, "Mom, I pulled all of these out from my trick-or-treating bucket for you-I know you love them." I know that he doesn't like them, wouldn't eat them, and they would have stayed in the bottom of his trick-or-treat basket forever. Nonetheless, instead of just avoiding eating them, he thought to package them up and give them to me. Then he remembered that he should grab a few out for Grandma Stacey cause he'll be seeing her this weekend and she loves them too (Mom, if you're reading-act surprised).
And look at sweet Gracie......
She was the cutest little pig I've ever seen. I couldn't coax a smile but she happily kept that costume on all evening. Gracie doesn't say much but she just laughs when she figures something out and it's so sweet. She has learned to give kisses and Gage, Matt and I all just love it! She is so much like her mom and dad-her two favorite things are books and being outside.
Most of all I'm SO grateful for their health.
Love
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