Still Surviving

Well, we have survived the first week! Tristan is acting just as I though he would. He is sad and always asking for daddy. He is being more defiant and rebellious. Eliana is acting out in smaller ways, yet more dramatic because she is my drama queen! We were reading a book and she was answering all the questions before Tristan could even open his mouth so I asked her to let Tristan do it and not to say anything. She got So upset and said "That's it" and stormed upstairs to her room. Lately both my kids have been having a difficult time expressing themselves and when they get angry or upset they act out by hitting, yelling or crying. I have been trying to tell them that using their words and communicating with each other is better. But explaining that to a 3 and 4 year old doesn't really sink in. I really have to watch how I behave and what I say to them. I have also been quick to anger and they imitate many of my actions. It isn't easy always keeping my cool under stress. Over all we are working through this transition period. I am hoping to slip into a rhythm with balancing the kids, babies, house and managing life.

The good news is that I am being watched out for and blessed in so many ways. Heavenly Father knows that I need help at times and he has come through with flying colors. Wednesday I packed up the kids to go swimming at our community pool. Thankfully my neighbor Christie and her kids were there. We had a great time swimming and splashing. The chaos started when we got home and I had two screaming babies and kids in the bathtub while trying to figure out dinner. Just then Bro. and Sis. Sparks showed up at my door. They offered there help any time. I said thanks and how kind of them and sent them on there way. After I closed the door I thought to myself..."what am I doing? I could really use the help NOW." I ran outside to catch them and they graciously stayed to help. What great and inspired timing. Then yesterday I went shopping at walmart with the twins while Eli and Tristan played at a friends house. I had two car seats in the cart and managed to stuff $160 worth of groceries in as well. Soren started to fuss so I managed to feed him a bottle and push the heavy cart with one hand. By the time he was done I was about to check out. He spit a fountain of formula all over himself and the seat. Just then Bro. Blackwell came up behind me and offered to help. He helped all the way out to the truck. I am grateful for these moments of service that have been a pleasant surprise. I will have to remember them on the hard days when I am telling myself over and over to keep my cool.

Thank you for being great friends and checking in on me. It is comforting to know that I am thought of and loved. I will try to keep posting but time is limited these days.

Bad Timing

Chris is deploying Saturday. Yes, in two days! I don't know why we try to fit in a million things before he leaves. We do it every time. We feel like we have to get everything done and we wait until the last possible moment. I don't have much time to sit here so I will list the crazy things going on right now.

-We leveled out the back yard with a massive load of dirt then purchased 4 pallets of sod. Thankfully the missionaries and Jess helped with all the back breaking work. It looks great.

-Chris is tackling the never ending chore of cleaning the garage. He is storing his truck in Jess's garage and all the motorcycles will be in our garage.

-ALL 4 of my kids are sick. We thought something was seriously wrong with Barrett because he was vomiting after every feed and had a loss of appetite, but then realized it was just a bug when Soren came down with a fever. Tristan followed with the symptoms today and Eliana is acting extra whiny so she is probably feeling bad too. I really hope Chris or I don't get it!

-Chris has a long list of things to do and I am hoping we can squeeze in some family fun before Sat night.

-I must be tired when I can't even remember what else is going on.

All I know is I just want to crawl in bed and sleep for many, many hours. But with 4 sick ones I know I will be up all night long. I hate that this sickness has struck right before Chris is leaving. It is such terrible timing.

Disney Vacation (WOW you have your hands full!)

We got home from our Disney vacation and took a long, deep breath and crawled into bed. We had a good time watching the kids enjoy the wonder and awe of the Magic Kingdom. Eliana's favorite ride was Dumbo the flying Elephant. She is getting to be vary brave and eager to try new things. Tristan's favorite ride was the speedway. He is a pretty good driver. Together they enjoyed "It's a small world" It is a boat ride through a world of diversity, singing dolls in all the countries of the world. It was very stimulating to the eye and a laid back boat ride. Our favorite in the MK is Splash mountain! Eliana loved seeing all the singing puppets tell the story of the Briar Rabbit who left the briar patch and was chased by the bad wolf and bear. Then the exhilarating drop down splash mountain left us soaking wet and refreshed.

We spent two days at Disney and the third day at Sea World. I think the highlight for the kids was the monorail. They would have been happy to ride the monorail half the day. So on to explaining my title...we bought a new B.O.B. jogging stroller in Orlando and it made life SO much easier. It moves like it is on air. The babies laid in the seats while the kids sat on the front. So it held all 4 kids easily. We must have been stopped every 20 minutes by people saying "Awe, they must be twins...wow, you have your hands full." I swear it sounded the exact same out of every ones mouth. I don't know how my friends with triplets handle all the public attention they must get because having 4 kids age 4 and under is hard enough! Then I had to handle the stares from strangers as Tristan threw several ALL OUT Tantrums. I mean kicking and screaming on the filthy ground. At one point I think I was the insane mom that was yelling at her child in public. I was at my breaking point with this boy! I had tried being patient and used every method of coercion I could think of to get him to cooperate. So in my haste I grabbed him by the shoulders and used my firm mean voice and told him to knock it off. Poor kid had a bitter sweet vacation. He loved the excitement of being there, the rides he could go on and the bunk bed he slept in. But it was hard on him not being able to go on the rides Eli could because he was just a few inches too short. He was left behind too many times with me and the babies while Eli got to go have fun. We have decided not to go back to Disney until all our kids are 4 and up.

Sea World was a little more laid back. The kids loved the pets ahoy show and enjoyed watching shamu. Tristan especially loved eating at shark encounter where we sat right next to the huge shark tank and watched the fish swim while we ate. The best part of Sea World for the kids was the water park. We practically had to rip them away.

All in all, glad to have the memories together as a family before Chris deploys. I wish I had the time to elaborate more and share all the fun details of our adventure but It is already way past my bedtime and I don't know if what I have typed so far has made any sense. Gotta love what sleep deprivation does to ya.

OK, it is the next morning and I am adding pictures to my post. After looking at the pictures I realized that I left out some things. Eli and Tristan were still afraid of most the Disney characters. After riding the really fun Buzz Lightyear ride where they had guns to shoot the aliens we came running out with excitement to do it again. But wait...Buzz himself was out in front greeting all the little ones. Eli said she wanted to meet him but as the line got shorter and shorter she grew weary. She approached him slowly then after getting 3 feet away she bolted away as fast as she could! SO funny.

After all the kiddie rides Dad and I wanted to go on Space Mountain. Eliana tried to stand on her tippie toes to make the height requirement but she was just too short for that ride. It took a good 10 minutes just for Chris to get into line because Eli was crying so hard. She wouldn't let go of his hand and kept trying to sneak in with him. It was a LONG wait while daddy was on that ride. I got the parent swap pass and we did a different ride before I went back for my turn.

The babies behaved very well. If they were any older it might have been more of a challenge. Whenever I had to feed a baby I would strap them to my front and serve a bottle while walking. They really enjoyed our new stroller. Here are a few pics of mom and babies.
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As I said before the kids FAV. part of Sea world was the water park. The pics show how much fun they had. Eli was running around in her shirt and panties so I could save her dry pants for when she was done. Tristan laughed so much running around that he did his typical gag and throw up. He came over to tell me so I had the joy of cleaning it up so the other kids wouldn't step in the nastiness. I wonder if this kid will ever grow out of his gag reflex?? You will notice Tristan is RUNNING in most of the pictures. He's a wild one.

Great to be a MOM

Being a mother has made me appreciate my Mother and Mother-in-law a great deal. Being a mother is a never ending job...even after the kids have left the nest, mothers are still needed. I want to send out a HUGE thanks and I love you to the two moms in my life that have never failed me. You are always there to answer my questions and hear my concerns. You always lift my spirits and give me words of encouragement. Your never ending support and affection does not go without recognition. I truly am blessed to have a mother who accepts me for my strengths and overlooks my faults. A mother-in-law who loves me and treats me as her own. I couldn't have married into a better family. I know I am always calling on you for advice on my many adventures in motherhood. Without fail you are both always there to help save the day.

I hope on this mothers day there will be no doubt in your mind as to your success in being a mother. You are the BEST! Thank you Mom and Elaine. I am sending all my love in virtual hugs and kisses.:)

NOW....The best part of my life is being a MOTHER to my incredible 4 children and my over sized 5th child (Chris). I wouldn't want to live my life any other way. I have had many ups and downs and I realize that all of my experiences are necessary for growth, to be a better wife, mother, teacher and companion. Wish me luck in my pursuit in being the best mom there ever was!!

Catching Up

This has been a busy week! The easiest way for me to share life's happenings is to list them. Since I am not the greatest writer.

1. Barrett laughed for the first time this week. He is a very smiley baby and he has a great little cackle to go along with it. I was able to run and grab the video camera so I caught the tail end of it.

2. Weaning is HORRIBLE! I am completely miserable. I have had mastitis and have been living with cabbage leaves on my breasts. (it is supposed to help dry me up) I am hoping life becomes barable before tomorrow when we leave for Disney or I might consider nursing again just to relieve myself and wean more gradually after the trip.

3. Tristan has mastered the art of Temper Tantrums. Thankfully he hasn't pulled one in public...yet. Maybe he is sensing that his daddy is leaving soon so he is acting out but he has regressed back to his defiant stage where he acts like he doesn't hear me and most of the time doesn't seem to care about the consequence. He is just rotten. (But still adorable)

4. Poor Soren had to battle constipation for several days due to the formula he was on. Little guy tried pushing for 3 days then finally relieved himself yesterday. I guess mommy's milk is best.

5. We have been running around the house trying to get everything ready for our trip and for Chris' departure. He has to be all packed by today so they can send over his stuff.

6. I go through the large tin of formula in 3 days! Thankfully I buy walmart brand which is $15 instead of $25 for name brand. Whew, these babies are expensive!

7. Eliana's dance recital is the 16th, the day after we get back. I video recorded the teacher during rehearsal so Eli could practice at home. She just LOVES to dance. I can't stop laughing every time Tristan stand right next to her and joins in. He would make a great ballet dancer but I think he is more built for football! Right DAD?

Well, I guess there wasn't as much going on as it felt like around here. My life just seems to be non-stop. Especially now that I wash bottles 3 times a day. Some days i fell like all I do is hold babies, feed babies, run after Tristan, Tell Eliana to stop screaming. (I swear that child has the loudest voice box I have ever heard!) and let the dogs in and out all day. Nothing seems to get done. I certainly need to learn how to manage my time better.

Weaning

Yes, I am weaning the babies. It has been an emotional few days. After the babies Dr visit I tried feeding Soren On-Demand instead of the 3 hour schedule they have been on. It really messed things up. Now I know why all moms of multiples say you have to be on a schedule. I had crying babies every hour acting hungry. I don't know if timing was coincidental but it seemed that I wasn't producing enough milk to meet their growing appetite. It has been a sad yet exciting feeling. I am sad that I can't nurse them as long as I hoped but I am SO looking forward to the freedoms of bottle feeding. Trust me when I say I know and believe in ALL the benefits of breast feeding. However, I feel a huge relief to not be tied down. Not to be the only one who can fill that need.

I feel like a brand new mother. I have never bottle fed before. It may seem silly to say that I am a little nervous to get it right. Which formula is the best? What bottles are the best. What nipples (flow) do my babies need? How many ounces should they be taking in? IT is all new to me. Breastfeeding was easy in the sense that I didn't have to think that much about it.

I am hoping that I can have them completely weaned before next Monday the 12th when we leave for Disney World. This is my idea: Today I have been alternating breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Tomorrow and Tuesday I am going to nurse every third feeding. Then on Wed. every 4th feeding. I am really hoping I don't get any clogged ducts or mastitis. If you have any advice on a better way to wean please post and let me know.

Wish me luck as I welcome stinkier diapers, smellier spit-ups and bottles out the wazoo to clean. As if I don't clean a million sippy cups every day!!

SURPRISE happy early birthday Mommy!!

Have I ever mentioned that I have the greatest hubby ever?! Last night he walked in the door with a birthday cake and the kids singing happy birthday. What a great surprise. My birthday isn't until June 24th! He wanted to give me my present before he deployed in a few weeks. So the kids helped me cover my eyes while he brought in my present.

WOW!!! Just what I've always wanted!! Chris is always the one in our family buying high priced things. He blames it on his passion for great things and having the best. He was excited to hear me mention several weeks ago that I would love to have this camera. I never gave it a second thought after I mentioned it but he ran with the idea...and not a moment too soon. I have a couple weeks to learn how to use it before we head off to Disney World. Thankfully I have a good friend Lisa who has a similar camera and will give me the low down.

Last night the kids refused to eat the rest of their dinner and only wanted cake. I can't blame them. I got a jump start on reading about mt camera then decided I had to go to bed since my babies were sleeping.

Thank You babe, I LOVE you!

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.