Well baby check-up

The little guys are almost 4 months old and I finally got them in for their 2 month check up and shots. They are doing great other than their size. The Dr. was a little concerned for Soren. He is almost a lb. smaller than Barret. Barret-10lbs. 15 oz. 23 inches long. Soren 10 lbs. 1 oz. 23 inches long. He talked about supplementing Soren and I said I didn't want to start supplementing him because I would be able to stop after starting. So I am changing my feeding style. I had them on a pretty strict 3 hour schedule. Moms with multiples have to schedule to be able to go anywhere outside the house. I am going to keep Barret on that schedule and start feeding Soren on demand to fatten him up a bit. I hope it works. These babies are still not even on the growth chart. Yep, not even in the 1 percentile. They are SO small for being 4 months since Tristan was 9 lbs at birth. I am perfectly fine with it. Holding little babies just warms my heart.

Survivng Walmart

OK, I have been SO spoiled by my friend Kayleen who almost always offers to watch my kids while I go to walmart. Today I drudged all 4 little ones and myself to walmart for some pre-Disney World shopping. Yes, that's right...we are going to Disney May 12-15. Wahoooo!! The kids needed new shoes and goodies for the trip. I am incredible lucky that the babies are still sleeping most of the time. Eli and Tristan get the famous pep talk while we are walking into walmart...stay close to mom, don't touch anything, no screaming, you can't have everything that you see and don't put things in the cart without asking mom. Just covering the bases. So I am a sight pushing a double stroller and pulling a cart with the kids (helping). I only get as far as the toothpaste before I start threatening Tristan. He runs down an isle, grabs Diego band aids and Diego toothpaste. "Mom, I NEED this!" So up they go into the cart for better damage control. Then came the begging. "Mommy, I will be GOOD. Please let me down, PLEASE!" OK, I gave in. We were looking at sunglasses for the kids and they saw kids watches. They were RELENTLESS! Oh mom! I really want this watch." "No kids, you are getting other goodies today." "But MOOOOM" you know how it goes from there. I didn't want to fight that battle so it was worth giving in so we could make it out of walmart that same day. After yelling at Tristan to stop pushing the cart like it was a race car we were ready to check out. Now, I draw the line when it comes to begging for candy. They know who is the boss and I don't give in every time. I was so proud that I held my own and conquered the begging toddler while keeping my cool. Then we ran into a church friend who offered to push my FULL cart out to the truck for me. What an angel! I managed to get home just in time to feed my crying babies. Whew, I survived another trip to walmart. As the twins get bigger I will only get to go to the stores while Eli and Tristan are in school. How do my friends with Triplets do it!!

Livin' Large in the Lotus

Our good friend lets us barrow her Lotus a couple times a month. It is SO small, fast and fun. Chris took the kids on a little ride around the neighborhood yesterday. I think it suits them well, dont you!

CRASH!!

OK I knew this time had to come sooner or later. When my whole world seems to cave in on me and I can no longer put on a strong face. Today is that day. Being me just isn't peachie right now. Maybe the lack of sleep is catching up to me or it could be that I have had NO time to myself in who knows how long. OR it could be all the stress I am facing in my life right now. How about a combination of all the above! I can't go into details of why my life is so burdened right now...other than the obvious...hubby deploying to Iraq in a matter of weeks, twins and kids constantly needing me, keeping home and family in order and other rigors of life. I can say that my crying only lasted an hour or so and now is the process of putting back on my smiley face. Thank goodness for a loving husband who offers blessings whenever I am in need. Who picks up the screaming baby when I am at my whits end and puts his loving arms around me and tells me I am the best. After I have moments like today I just have to pick myself up and remind myself of all the great and wonderful blessings in my life. It is the only way I can survive! I am sure everyone on this earth at one point in their lives has asked the question "Why ME?" I quickly reply to myself "Because I am still learning, growing and molding into the individual that I am aspiring to become and without the burdens of 'why me' I could not achieve my fullest potential." So...I am putting back on my smiley face and braving another day of my life, a step at a time.

Thank you to all my friends that light up my life. My biggest thanks goes to my forever guiding light, my Savior Jesus Christ. A close and equal second is my forever companion, Chris. I love you babe!

My kids are my life and my joy! It amazes me how quickly they learn and grow. Despite my faults and shortcomings as a parent, my children prove to be sweet, polite, loving and considerate children. What more could a mom ask for?

REFLECTIONS

If you visit the following website, you'll be able to watch a breathtakingly beautiful photographic exhibit about Christ entitled "Reflections of Christ." The main website for the exhibit is actually here - but the previous link was for the slide show.

The creators of the exhibit are traveling around the country showing a live exhibit, but if you have a soldier who is currently serving in Iraq they have a special message and offer for you (well, us). Just follow this link. I know there are several of you that have loved ones in Iraq. let's inundate them with requests!

I absolutely love these images that were captured. Seeing them ignited a spark in my heart to help renew my testimony of our Living Christ. What a blessing it is to have this faith that guides me everyday. I love the peace and comfort I receive from having this personal relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope that you too will feel the love Christ has for you. Never doubt your self-worth.

I am SPEED!

Tristan had his #3 birthday party today. He wanted to do Lightening McQueen AGAIN! I had fun making the cake. It was actually a lot easier than Eliana's princess castle. We played it low key this year. He invited two friends over plus the new missionaries in our ward. Oh, how could I forget Jess and Robyn were in attendance too. WE chowed on meatballs and dips. Tristan loved his presents and went to bed a happy little boy.

Chris and I are wiped out. We picked up Chris and Jess at the airport this morning from their red-eye flight. They had been in WA state for the week. Then we worked all day getting things done. We got a new patio door that has a dogie door in it. WE also got a skeeter-vac set up in the backyard. I am hoping it holds to its claim of eliminating the bugs. The sand gnats are killer out here. Well, I am off to bed...hopefully.

The "I LOVE YOU" finger suck

Soren prefers to suck on his fingers than the pacifier. I keep trying to pull them out and stick the passy back in but he is going to win this battle. Isn't he cute!!

Animal Frenzie

Monday we met up with CPOM (Coastal Parents of Multiples) at the petting farm out in Midway GA. A local church runs the farm and what sweet suthern ladies they are! Everyone had a great time. There was play equipment, swings and a huge sand box. I am glad they recommended to bring a change of clothes and shoes with us!! After a group photo we were off to meet the animals. Just that morning a miniature horse was born. They named him C-POM after our group. The cutest little horse ever...he looked like a stuffed animal. SOOO small for a horse. The kids were able to play with llamas, ostriches, pigs, a variety of horses and ponies, goats, lambs, birds, camels, buffalo, guinie pigs, emu's, and Eliana's favorite...Bunnies! Aside from stepping in poop everywhere we went and the muddy ground from the previous rain, it was great fun had by all. We followed with a picnic lunch and social fun. I am sure the kids and i will plan a trip back sometime soon. Oh....how could I forget the tractor train ride and the horse back ride. What a fun place.

We had a great time at the beach. Eli has been asking to go back about 10 times a day. Lisa took so many great pics it is hard to decide which ones are best. Here are a couple. If you want to look at the web album here is the link.

Fam photos beach 08

Gorgeous day at the BEACH!

Our dear friend Lisa took our family pictures todat at Tybee beach. We only decided last night that today would be a good day with the weather so I didn't have much time to get outfits together. So the poor babies didn't have the cutest outfits on. BUT they still managed to look adorable. Eliana and Tristan did very well and posed where we wanted them to. Tristan didn't like having to hold one of the babies when she took pics of just the kids. I am hoping one of those shots turned out well. I have yet to see any of the pics from the photo shoot. I am sure they are great...Lisa does a wonderful job. Check out her photo blog @ http://thatbrowngirlphotography.blogspot.com/ It was torture getting the kids to leave the beach and I was ill prepared so we couldn't stay long. It is challenging preparring a family of 6 to go to the beach and have everything we need. The real challenge was getting the kids sprayed off. The shower at the end of the pier was a pain to use. I had to hold the knob for water pressure and aim the spout at the kids...leaving me NO hands to keep the kids from running off. I need to stop rambling!!!! Just tell me to S__t-up and get on with it.

The weather was great and it was a perfect day. Eli kept asking when we are going back. It will have to be soon because I am not venturing out to the beach with all 4 kids by myself. I will post a family picture when I get them. loves to all.

Happy Easter

We had a good afternoon at JF Gregory Park. The City of Richmond Hill put on an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. IT was packed! Kids everywhere! I have never seen so many eggs in my entire life then see them disapear faster than you can blink. AFter the hunting they offered free hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone. The kids loved jumping on the inflatable castles. All in all a great day.

I haven't posted in a while because all of my kids have been sick with RSV. Tristan was first. High fever and coughing. vomitting from the high fever and being just plain miserable. Eli caught it a few days after him then Barrett then Soren. I didn't know the big kids had RSV until I had to take the babies to the ER because Barrett was retracting and couldn't breathe. They took cheast x-rays and did and RSV test. Barrett recieved a breathing treatment that helped a great deal. So...I am very lucky my mom just happened to be visiting this week or I wouldn't have survived it with 4 sick ones.

"2 of a kind'

These cuties are growing..growing...growing. Everyday they look more and more different to me. Barrett just loves to smile. I guess it makes up for all the times he cries in the night.

Tristan has the flu and I am hoping no one else gets it.

We are going to a friends 30th b-day party on Friday. It will be so fun to get out of the house and socialize with our friends. If we dress up I will be sure to post pictures.

coupon frenzie

I am just starting out in the world of couponing. Two ladies from church did an Enrichment night and taught us how to coupon in the big leagues. It is a whole world I never new. I am fascinated with the savings and thrift of it all. Since I don't have the time right now to dedicate to coupon homework I signed up with www.thegrocerygame.com It does all the work for me. I get online and print up the list. It tells me what the stores have on sale, coupons from store and manufacture and the total percentage saved. Oh and also exactly where to cut the coupons from. All I have to do is cut them out and plan my shopping day. I have already stocked up on free Crystal Light from walmart and another great deal I am about to cash out on is fish oil for 97% off full price. I am hoping that my grocery bills will be cut in half. This is great seeing how in the near future I will be feeding 6 mouths and 4 of these mouths are boys.

SLEEP...whats that?

Last night was one for the books! These babies like to start their fussing at dusk and it subsides at dawn. I would LOVE it if this trend were the opposite. Last night I finally laid my head on my pillow around midnight but I didn't even get a chance to get it warm. Tristan started coughing and crying. I must have gone up there 4 times in between and during crying babies. Barrett and I both went up there to lay with him the third time. The fourth time I laid in bed with Tristan and he gagged on his cough and threw up all over his bed, wall and floor. So then I had 4 crying kids and I am SO glad Chris was here to help with clean up. He got the sheets while I took care of Tristan then the floors. Eliana was restless after that. Dad and Tristan slept together on the couch and I had both babies taking turns sleeping with me just so I could close my eyes for a short while.

Chris was supposed to be gone all week in WA for training but his flight got cancelled so he rescheduled. I would have dreaded last night if I were doing it alone. I am sure more nights like that will happen.

I have noticed that it is very hard for people to listen to babies cry when it is not their own. I have gotten used to hearing at least one baby cry because I cannot hold both at the same time safely. This is good at church or friends houses because the babies are always held or tended to. AT home, poor guys have to tough it out.

I am off to endure another sleepless night. Wish me luck and pray that I may keep my cool.

A little bit of lovin'

Tristan is finally warming up to the babies. He is going to be a great big brother!!

Smiles amidst a ruff day

I have to say that today is a contender for the worst day Tristan has given me. I don't know why but he was a BEAST today. I am seriously going to write letters to supper Nanny and Nanny 911 to see if I qualify as a parent in NEED of guidance. But amidst the tyrants escapades we managed to squeeze in a few smiles. How can anyone not love these smiles? Oh, the joys of motherhood.

Babies Blessed

Yesterday Chris blessed the babies at church. It was a wonderful event. Both Soren and Barrett were perfect while being blessed. Chris was emotional as he gave his sons very heartfelt blessings. I wish we could have taken pictures of the whole family together that day but things are always hectic around here. I have to run.

Poor Lanie

I just got off the phone with the Vet to find out what had caused her eye to pop out. She said that her eye had collapsed (all the fluid had drained out) and it had probably been punctured or bit. Poor lanie just looks terrible. I am taking her to be groomed today. She is SO dirty from getting into that dog fight.