33 Weeks!!!

Two weeks to go!!!  Well, at least that's what I am hoping for.  I'm scared that when I hit the 35 week mark they will still want me to be on bedrest.  I guess all we can do is wait and see.  Of course we want what is best for the girls so if that is what we have to do we will do it.  Today my mom went back to Utah.  She has been with the kids for a month now.  She has been here for two weeks and the kids were in Utah for two weeks.  I think we can officially call her a saint now!!!  I'm glad she will be able to go home and have a little break before the twins are born and she is back out here again.  I have to admit I'm a little nervous for the next couple weeks.  Here it is summer with two active kids and I can't do anything.  I need to get my creative side working and think of things for the kids to do otherwise it's going to be a long two weeks.  

Makayla and Kyle have been so good.  I know they are having a hard time understanding completely what is going on but they are trying so hard.  They have been playing together so well and helping around the house.  Makayla hasn't complained one time about loosing her room and moving in with Kyle.  I am so proud of both of them.  It has been fun seeing all our packages arrive for the twins.  It's so weird getting two of everything.  Yesterday we got our two carseats for the girls.  Also the crib bedding came.  Luckily we can use Makayla's old crib bedding for one crib so we only had to get one more.  We have had two swings set up in our family room for a while now and it is fun to see them each day and know what is coming.  Ben refinished our two cribs so now they are both white and match.  The room is coming together slowly but surely.  It is still so weird to think that in about a month we will have two babies!!!

It's been so weird being pregnant.  For 14 years I have dreamed of this happening but I really thought it never would.  It still doesn't seem real.  I know I am getting so fat and we see the babies in ultrasounds every week to two weeks.  I see my tummy moving and shaking all the time.  Little legs and arms and elbows and shoulders are constantly sticking out but it is still so unreal.  I wake up every morning thinking it is really just a dream.  I  can't believe that two babies are really in my tummy!  I have had so many years to dream about being pregnant and what it would be like.  I couldn't wait to go out shopping and have everyone see my cute little pregnant tummy.  I couldn't wait to see my friends and talk all about being pregnant and babies and getting ready for them.  I thought about making sure we went back to Utah while I was pregnant so our families could see me and be a part of it.  I couldn't wait to take a last trip with Ben and the kids knowing it was our last trip of a family of four.  Obviously things have not gone as planned.  Pretty much every dream I had of pregnancy has not come to pass.  It is hard and it makes me sad but when I really think about it I don't care.  In the end I am going to have two beautiful, healthy amazing baby girls and that is what matters.  That is what we are doing all of this for and they are totally worth it.  I can't wait to be at the hospital with my girls when for the first time Kyle and Makayla come into the room and see their sisters for the first time.  I have never experienced that before and I can't wait.  We are so blessed and I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for the amazing blessings he has given us.  My cup truly runneth over!!!    

I'm Back!!!

It has been a very long time since I have posted anything but I do have a good excuse.  I have been on bedrest for the last 7 weeks!  I haven't been able to use the desktop computer where all my pictures are so I decided to borrow Ben's computer and at least get a post up.  When I was 22 weeks pregnant we went in for a routine appointment with my perinatologist.  At that appointment we found out that my cervix was shortening and funneling.  Something that shouldn't happen until you are ready to go into labor.  She told me to take it easy.  It made Ben and I very nervous because this early the babies wouldn't live outside my tummy.  I came back in a week later and the cervix was still shortened but the funneling was a little better.   Finally I made it to 24 weeks and felt a lot better.  I went in again to be checked and at this time not only was my cervix still shortened but I was having irritable uterus which is a lot of small contractions.  She put me on medication and told me to see my OBGYN in two days.  So two days later we headed back up to Reno and the OB put me on a monitor to check my contractions.  Unfortunately I was still having a lot of small contractions so they sent me to the hospital.  Ben and I were totally not expecting this.  We thought that they'd monitor me for a little while at the hospital and then I could go home.  Luckily the kids were back in Fallon being watched by friends.  They hooked me up to all the monitors and the contractions kept getting worse instead of better.  I was given a shot to help stop them.  The shot was awful!  It made my heart race and I started shaking like crazy.  At this point I broke into tears.  The good news was that the babies were not coming the bad news was I had to stay in the hospital until the contractions stopped.  I wanted Ben to stay with me so much but he had to get back home to the kids.  I missed the kids so much and they had a hard time understanding why I wasn't coming home.  That was the beginning of a horrible night.  I had to take medication every four hours to control the contractions and in between that I couldn't sleep.  The next morning my doctor came in and told me that the contractions were under control and I could go home.  I was so happy!!!  I called Ben and told him to pick me up ASAP!  The bad news was that I was put on complete bedrest until I was at least 35 weeks.  I also still have to take my medication every four hours including through the night.  So now it has been 7 weeks since put on complete bedrest.  I am not going to lie it has been really hard on all of us.  But the good thing is that it is working.  As long as I do what I am supposed to do (which is nothing) and take my medicine I am fine.  The girls are growing and developing perfectly.  I love being able to feel them move and know exactly who it is that is doing the moving.  The kids love feeling my belly and knowing which twin they are feeling.  Makayla loves the fact that baby B gets the hiccups everyday just like she does!  Kyle loves it when my stomach pokes out in weird positions.  And Ben still gets a little freaked out when he sees my stomach moving all around and rippling.  I just passed 32 weeks so I have three more to go.  I feel absolutely huge and am pretty sure I am bigger than a full term pregnant lady with one baby now.  My mom came out three weeks ago to help with the kids.  Then after a week she took the kids back with her to Utah for two weeks.  They got to spend time with my family and also with Ben's family.  They played and had so much fun the whole time they were gone.  It has been nice to not worry about them while I do my bedrest but Ben and I miss them sooooooo much.  They are coming home today and we are so excited we can hardly stand it.  They have been such troopers through this whole ordeal.  It is hard for them to completely understand why mommy can't do anything.  I am so glad we have such wonderful family and friends to help us through this time.  Especially my mom.  She has been great.  She is bringing them back today and will stay for one more week.  Let's just pray I don't have the babies this week because I am sure she'd love to get back to her house and spend some time there kid-free.  She is planning on coming back out here when the babies are born.  So that is the story of what has been going on  the last few weeks.  It has been hard but totally worth it.  I want the babies to he happy and healthy and be able to come home when they are supposed to.  If bedrest will avoid a long NICU stay then that is what we will do.  I am hoping to post some pictures soon of the kids and also my growing stomach.  I think we have names picked out too but I don't want to post them until we are 100% sure so you will have to wait a little longer on that.  

IT'S A...

Girl!!!   and...

Another Girl!!!

We are so excited to add two baby girls to our family.  The day that we found out we went to the store and bought pink and purple binkies and two headbands.  I wrapped them up and then we had the kids open the present to find out what the babies were.  Here is a cute video of their reactions...

 

 



Let's just say Makayla's reaction was not surprising but we were pretty shocked at Kyle's reaction.  He still isn't too happy about two sisters but I know he will come around!

 

Some videos of my adorable children!!!

 

 

 

11 weeks 4 days and counting!!!

Baby A

Baby B

I am now officially done at the fertility clinic and going to a regular OBGYN.  I have to admit it is a little wierd.  I have been going to the fertility doctor for so long I really miss them but I do love my new doctor.  Yesterday I had my first appointment with her.  I was really nervous as usual but once we saw the babies on the sonogram and their heartbeats going strong both Ben and I felt a lot better.  When she found the first baby (B) it was just sitting there nice and still.  Probably taking a little nap.  Then when she went to the next baby (A) it was jumping all around like a little jumping bean.  It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.  I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.  I am so glad that Ben was there to be able to experience that moment too.  Everyone seems to be conviced by this information that it is a boy and a girl. 

 

Well, a couple more days and I will officially be in my second trimester.  I am hoping and praying that I will be like most of those women where morning sickness or in my case all day sickness will end.  I love my little babies more than anything but I would love to start feeling better.  Please little ones let that happen!!!

 

Kyle and Makayla are so excited about the babies.  We love to talk about names we can use.  I have already told them that since I am the one carrying them for nine months the names will be my decision.  They didn't like that idea very much!  Kyle loves to come and kiss my belly.  The other day he came up to me and smelled my belly.  Then he said, "The babies smell good!"  It was pretty funny.  He also loves to sing to them and talk all about what he is going to teach them when they are born.  Makayla loves to talk about how fat I am going to get.  Every time she thinks about it she starts laughing.  Not sure how to take that!!!  She and I love to talk about going shopping for them after we find out what they are.  She has informed us that she will help out with everything but diapers.  It's so amazing to be able to share this experience with my kids.  I never thought I would ever have this opportunity.  I am so blessed!!!

After 14 years of marriage Ben and I were finally able to hear those words that we have always dreamed of hearing... "Congratulations Lori, you're pregnant!"  The last couple years have been extrememely hard for us.  I can't even tell you how many failed adoptions we have gone through in the last two years.  Last February we decided to try invitro.  We were so excited but in the end it didn't work and we were devestated.  In November of last year we were coming up on our two year mark of waiting to adopt through LDS Family Services.  We felt that it was time to stop with them.  We knew we weren't done with our family but we just didn't know what to do.  One day it came to me.  We were supposed to try invitro again.  At first I was so scared because it is so emotional and expensive.  I didn't know if I could go through that again.  Ben and I talked about it and we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that that is what Heavenly Father wanted us to do.  So in November 2012 we started the process again.  I thought this time it would be easier because we had already been through it but it was actually harder.  Both Ben and I were really nervous for what would happen.  Finallly I made it to the second pregnancy test.  I went to the hospital, had my

 blood drawn, and then tried to keep myself busy while I waited for the doctor's office to call.  My phone rang and I saw that it was the office.  I was shaking so bad!!!  That is when I heard those precious words that I never thought I would ever hear in my life.  I was pregnant!  I was so excited but also a little scared.  The doctor wanted to see me at 7 weeks.  At that time we found out I was pregnant with TWINS!!!!  I have to say I was in shock.  We left the doctor's office and I couldn't

even talk.  All I could think about was twins!!!!  Now that time has passed I am so excited.  Don't get me wrong I am still scared but so excited.  Kyle and Makayla are beyond excited.  They can't believe that they are getting two babies and they don't have to worry about a birth mother changing her mind.  I can't wait for the day they get to come to the hospital and see the babies and know that they are ours.  Next step boys, girls, or one of each?  We are so excited!!!!!!!!

The Princess and the Pig - Halloween 2012

It all started on Monday night when we carved our pumpkins for family home evening.  This year we had and awesome garden that grew tons of pumpkins.  We were so excited to try some new things this year.

Makayla's favorite was the Ariel pumpkin.  It is kind of hard to see but it's the far one on the left.  Kyle's favorite was the angry bird pumpkin on the far right.  They all turned out so cute!

Next it was time for Halloween night.  The kids were so excited.  Makayla decided she wanted to be Rupunzel from Tangled this year and Kyle was the angry bird pig king.  Aren't they just the cutest kids in the whole world!!!

It was a great night.  It's so much fun to have our whole family go out trick-or-treating.  This is one of those moments that I treasure and look forward to every year.

Apple Hill California

Our family has come to love going to Apple Hill every fall.  There is tons to do and it is beautiful but the best part is all the apple foods!!!  You can't leave without having a carmel apple, apple fritter, apple pie with ice cream, or a nice big juicy apple!  The first thing we have to do each year is get faces painted.  This is one of Makayla's favorite things to do and Kyle loves to be like his big sis.  They both loved how it turned out.

There are such beautiful flowers at each of the farms.

Kyle loved the goats and this pig.  He loved picking leaves from the trees and feeding the animals. 

There are hundreds and hundreds of apple trees everywhere.

And these are my little posers.  Overall it was a wonderful trip and we can't wait to continue the tradition next year!

Lake Tahoe Salmon Run

We love to take the kids on day trips whenever we can.  We are lucky to live in an area where there are a lot of places to go that aren't too far away.  We think it is great education for the kids to learn about Nevada and nature and all that good stuff!  This year we went to the Salmon Run in Lake Tahoe.  We did this a couple years ago and it was so much fun.  It is a beautiful little hike to the salmon.

My sweeties!!!

When we got to the lake the salmon were all over.  It was beautiful.  They were all trying so hard to swim upstream to lay their eggs.  The kids were amazed and so were we.  This is such an amazing sight and we love being able to share these experiences with our kids.

As you all may know bears love salmon.  There are so many people watching the fish that we never thought we'd need to worry about them but...

WE ACTUALLY SAW A BEAR!!!  It was really cool.  We were a little nervous because it was a baby bear and we all know about mama bears but we only saw the baby.  Ben took a picture, I picked up Kyle and had Makayla right by my side, we took a look at the bear and then it ran off.  I have to admit it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen!!!  I think the kids will remember this experience their whole lives!

And them my little monkeys decided they needed a little nap after their hard day!

First Day of Preschool

A few of my friends and I decided to do a little ABC preschool with our kids this year.  Kyle was so excited to be going to school on his first day.  He loved being just like his sister.  His only problem was that he wanted to bring a lunch too just like she does.  Kyle is getting so smart!  He is learning so many things every day.  We are so blessed to have this little guy in our family.  We love you Kyle!!!

7 years old and 2nd Grade!

Makayla is now in 2nd grade and she loves it!!!  She loves her teacher (so do I!!!) and is making new friends.  This year she has a few more girls in her class so that is nice.  She loves going to school every day and I love that.  She is such a smart, sweet, and amazing girl and we love her so much.  I know I say this all the time but it just seems like yesterday she was a little baby and now she is 7 years old!!!

This year Makayla got to have a friend birthday party.  We decided on an olympic theme since both boys and girls were invited.  We split them up into teams and they competed in lots of events.  It was a little crazy since most of the kids were late because of soccer but they all had so much fun and it was a big success!

Makayla wanted a rainbow birthday cake so this is what we came up with.  I have to say the kids were totally impressed!!!

That night we celebrated her birthday with just our family.  When we watched the olympics this past summer one of Makayla's favorite events was the rythmic gymnastics.  We got her this ribbon and she loves it!  She is also really good at it.  She already has dreams of being in the olympics doing rythmic gymnastics.  She says she can do everything but the flips!

Makayla had an amazing birthday.  We love her so much and can't imagine our family without her in it.  She brings so much to our family.  She is so loving and patient with Kyle.  She is my best friend and we love having girls days out and she is still and always will be daddy's little girl.  Thank you so much Krista for doing what you did and giving us our perfect little girl.  We love you Makayla!!!

So You Think You Can Dance...Makayla

For the last couple of years Makayla has loved to watch So You Think You Can Dance with us.  She has decided that she wants to try out for the show... in 11 years when she is eligible.  I don't know if it will still be around then but it is so fun to watch her practice.  The other night we decided to record her audition.  Enjoy!!!

Kyle Turns Three!!!

I can't believe my little boy is three years old!  The time just seems to be flying by.  We love Kyle so much!  He brings so much happiness to our family.  We are so proud of him and can't wait to see what life holds for this amazing little boy.  The day started out making his cake.  I had found several birthday cakes online and let Kyle pick which one he wanted.  This is the one he picked out.  It turned out so cute and Kyle loved it!!!

Kyle got to pick out his dinner that night and he chose pizza with sprinkles.  So, we ordered pizza and he put sprinkles on his piece.  He was so excited and it was so cute! 

After that it was time for presents!!!  Kyle couldn't wait for this part.  He took each present and just ripped the paper off to see what was inside. 

His pirate costume was a hit!

Here we have all the presents.  He loved each one of them which made me feel good. He had a great day!  He also got his first bike...

SCOOTERS!!!

We decided it was time for the kids to get new scooters.  We ordered them online and the kids were SOOOO excited waiting for them to come.  It took awhile (that darn WalMart!) but finally the day came when they arrived.  We opened them up and headed outside to try them out!

Makayla was a pro!  I couldn't believe how well she did from the very beginning.  I tried hers out and it made me a little nervous but not Makayla.  She was awesome!

Kyle was so darn cute!  He was so excited to finally be a big kid like Makayla.  He loved his scooter and wants to ride it every day.

We were so excited to have Grandma visit us last month.  We always love it when she comes.  She never gets a moments rest when she is here because the kids want her attention 24/7.  They were sad to see her go.

What is spring without some beautiful spring pictures.  This is the most beautiful tree that we love to see flower every springtime.  The kids are pretty cute too if I do say so myself!

We had a really hard month in March.  A lot of things happened to Ben and I that were not fun.  The one thing that kept us going every day was these two little kids.  They are our miracles and I know that if it can happen twice it can happen again.  We love you Krista and Brooke!!!

Hoppy Easter!!!

I love easter!  It is such a beautiful time of year.  I love the flowers coming out, the grass turning green, and everything is new and fresh.  I love that we are able to teach our kids what easter is really about. Not the easter bunny, candy, and egg hunts but it is about Jesus and how he died and was resurrected.  I also love making Makayla's easter dress and Kyle's easter tie.  They are so grateful and it makes all the work worth it!

The night before - dying easter eggs.

The next morning the kids followed the easter bunny's footprints to find their baskets.  They were so excited!!!  I think Kyle ate half his basket in that one sitting!  Makayla being Makayla only ate one piece.

After church it was time for our easter egg hunt.  It was such beautiful weather we were able to have it outside this year!  Yay!!!

The kids had so much fun running around the backyard seaching for easter eggs.  Overall, it was a great easter.  We are so blessed to have two beautiful children that make our holidays so amazing and wonderful.

Sacramento, CA For Spring Break

This year we decided to take a quick trip to Sacramento for spring break.  We had a really hard month in March and needed some time away with the kiddos.  This was a perfect get-a-way. 

The first place we went was the zoo.  We saw some cool animal but I think this monkey was my favorite.  He just looked at us and stared.

The flowers and plants were beautiful!  Oh how I wish we could have California springs.  Everything was so green!

Kyle's favorite animal.

The kids were amazed by the flamingoes.  Their color was awesome but our favorite part was how they stood on one leg and slept!  Crazy!

Red panda...Ben's favorite.

We had a great time at the park.  Makayla's favorite part was when she was sitting on this rock for a picture and she found a rock in the dirt that looked like a diamond!  She was so excited!  P.S.  She really does think it is a diamond so don't tell her any differently!

Next it was off to Fairytale Town.  Ben is sitting in his rightful place...so he thinks.

The old woman that lived in the shoe.  The kids loved this slide.  Makayla thinks she is a little old to go down slides the normal way so this is what she does.

One of all of our favorites was the crooked mile.

This was after a long day and Makayla was tired and hungry and not in the mood for pictures, but we had to get a picture of this beautiful tree.

The next day it was off to the train museum.  Kyle is still totally into trains so we thought he'd love this and he did.  The surprising thing was how much Makayla was looking forward to it too!

After a few hours at the train museum it was time to go home.  It was a very relaxing trip and we had so much fun with the kids.  They are the most amazing kids ever and we are so blessed to have them in our lives.