A New Normal

First of all, a big thanks to Danielle for posting for us once the babies arrived. Thanks, chica. You are so good to me.

We went in for a scheduled c-section on October 16. Thankfully, the babies waited for their Aunt Leah to arrive from out of town prior to making their appearance; both my ObGyn and Perinatologist didn't think the babies would hold off until the 16th. Of course, being a planner and my kids, they waited! Woohoo! I was 37 weeks and 3 days when the babies were delivered and am thankful that my body held up and that the babies didn't have any problems whatsoever at birth.

Here's a rundown of the babies' birth story:

We got to the hospital about 5:30 AM and were admitted. An IV was started and all our paperwork was filled out by 6:00 AM. From there, it was a whirlwind.... the anesthesiologist came in and told us what to expect with the spinal. He confirmed Allen and Aunt Leah could both be in the delivery room. The doctor came in next, and we all headed to the delivery room about 7:25 AM. After the spinal, things happened quickly, but my memories of the actual delivery are pretty blurry. I remember that my heartrate skyrocketed; Allen and Leah had to wait to come into the room until I settled down a bit. I remember the doctors asking if I felt the "test cut." I remember the doctors saying I was the smallest person they had ever seen that was pregnant with twins. They also told me my abdominal muscles were extremely tight and they were envious of them. Scary! I've never worked out a day in my life, so I got a good laugh out of that comment. Thanks for the great genes, Mom.

I remember Allen coming in and holding my hand while Leah took pictures and some video of the babies after they were delivered. Baby A came out screaming, which was music to my ears. The nurses said it was the loudest scream they had ever heard from a baby. HA! Baby B was delivered a minute later, and although he came out crying, his was nothing like his brother's cry. The doctor told Allen he could go look at the babies; he told her he couldn't leave because I had a death grip on his hand. The doc forced me to let go of his hand so he could go see and be with the boys.

"Baby A," or as Danielle called him, "Thing 1," Mason Atticus, was born at 7:50 AM, weighed 5 pounds and 13 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long. He has proven to be a hands-on little guy who LOVES to be held and rocked. He is also more verbal than his brother and keeps his eyes closed more than his brother as well. We think this guy will be the instigator of the two boys.

"Baby B," a.k.a. "Thing 2," Brody Harrison, was born at 7:51 AM, weighed 4 pounds and 14 ounces, and was 18 inches long. He makes the best faces and is a very easy-going little guy. He only cries when he is really hungry or has a dirty diaper and is content just looking around and taking in his surroundings. Brody will be the easy-going dude that thinks things through and is very inquisitive.

Although my pregnancy was easy, I can say that I didn't expect my recovery to take as long as it has. While in the hospital recovering, my legs looked like they had a terrible sunburn, felt warm to the touch and swelled up so big I could hardly get out of bed. In fact, my legs were more painful than my actual c-section. The doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologist were all called in to see if they could figure out why my legs were swelling. We finally discovered I was allergic to the Oxy.co.done in Per.co.cet. ICK! Once my pain meds were switched, I started feeling much better. We left the hospital on Sunday, October 18; I was thrilled to be going home to my own bed despite the boys being down a few ounces from their original birth weight. If I remember correctly, Mason was 5 pounds and 7 ounces and Brody was 4 pounds and 4 ounces when we left the hospital- both within the normal range of weight for babies to lose post-delivery but terrifying nonetheless. They seemed so small and helpless.

Since I have been home, I have had minor complications with bleeding and my uterus not contracting and shrinking the way it was supposed to after birth, partially because my uterus was so large from carrying the boys. Although I had a reaction to the medication the doctor gave me to help with this, I can now say I am feeling much better. I also tried to wean off my pain meds less than a week after the babies arrived, which was a very stupid idea, and I ended up having to take them again much to my chagrin. I guess we all learn....


I recently developed Mastitis as well. I am currently on antibiotics to help get rid of the infection and hope to feel better very soon.

My family and friends have been amazing! I haven't felt like being on my own with the babies yet except for an hour here and there, so someone has been here helping during the days while Allen helps me at night. Family and friends have brought meals, stayed with me and the babies during the day, cleaned our house, done laundry, and changed, held, and rocked the boys (that's the hardest chore ever. HA!) We've made adjustments to feeding and sleeping schedules, and sleep is few and far between around our house at the moment. Our new normal is three to five hours of sleep (on a good night). For someone who requires a lot of sleep, this has been the biggest challenge for me, along with trying to rest and heal because I'm not one to sit still. EVER. Poor Allen is working during the day, so this has been hard for him as well. He's doing such an amazing job of taking care of the babies AND me, which I know has been a HUGE job! I just adore him and wouldn't have been able to do it without all his help. He is amazing with the boys and is proving to be more hands-on than I ever imagined he would be. He is already a great dad, acting like a seasoned pro after only four short weeks of their life. I love you, Babe!

Three weeks and five days post surgery/delivery, I only have fourteen pounds to lose to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It is unlikely my body will ever look the same again, but I surely don't care because I have two beautiful boys as a reward! I will also admit I usually spend my days in my pajamas and often don't even get a shower until the late afternoons or evenings. Most times I don't even wear makeup. I'd rather exert my energy on the babies than myself right now.

I have only been out of the house without the babies twice. Once was to run to Target for more diapers; we are going through 140 m- 160 diapers a week. Can you believe that? And the other time was to run to another store to grab a few more things for the babies as well. It's hard for me to leave them, but I know it is good for me to get out and get some fresh air too.
I have very little time to do anything other than things that are baby-related. For those that know me and my love for work and technology, you would be shocked to know I check email about once and week and haven't responded to any emails in almost two weeks. THAT'S how busy I am! If you have emailed me, I promise to get back to you some day; I just have no idea when that will be. It's not that I don't care or want to- I just literally don't have the time and sometimes don't have the energy. I know this will all improve as I learn how to manage and juggle being a new mom a bit better. The same applies to me returning phone calls. Be patient, friends; I'm learning. Baby steps....

My memory and train on thought stink right now too. I attribute it to lack of sleep and hormones, but my sister-in-law calls it the "placenta theory." She says that a part of your brain is lost with every placenta. Since I lost two in one delivery, I guess I'm super brainwashed at the moment. HA!

My sense of time is also insane. Time flies. Three hours can pass in the blink of eye. No wonder I can't seem to get anything done around here. Between feedings and diaper changes, there is little time to do much else.

The boys sleep in a crib together right now. They are adorable, often migrate toward each other no matter how far apart we place them, and their cries do not usually wake the other one.


Brody had really bad diaper rash for a while, and we tried all kinds of diaper rash cream. What we found worked best was Vaseline; it cleared him up better than anything else we tried. Both boys currently have some congestion that tends to really flare up at night. The poor guys sound like pigs snorting when we feed them at night but neither has a fever. Mason also has a clogged tear duct that we are cleaning, massaging, and applying antibiotic topical ointment to until it is better. I hate seeing the poor little guys sick, but they are improving.

I know many of you don't care about all of these details and have likely stopped reading at this point, but I wanted to document as much about the birth experience as I could while my memory is somewhat intact.


Without further ado, I'll go ahead and leave you with some pictures, which I know is the real reason you are skimming this post..... Enjoy!

Nightie night. Sleep tight.

Chief Brody

Mister Mason

The babies and Aunt Leah

Sweet sleepers.

Allen and his boys

Can you say precious?

Sheer exhaustion

Cuddle bugs

Watch dogs

Look! We found our hands!

Mason and Moxie

Too sweet for words.

Someone feels neglected as my mom feeds a baby...

Tucker Bug found a friend!

A moment of peace with pacifiers.

Hiya!

Wouldn't you love to know what I am thinking?

Ashley and tiny Brody

Mommy and Mason

YES! I'M A MOM!!!!! My dreams have come true!

Wide awake

A family of four

Mason in his first "outfit"

Brody in his first "outfit"

Cutie patootie

What are YOU looking at?

* I know some of you may have questions I didn't address in this novel, so feel free to leave a comment and ask. I'll do my best to post again very soon and answer any questions I receive, hopefully in less than four weeks this time. (Chuckle) Adios until next time, friends!

The babies are here!!!

Hi everyone! It's Ashley's friend and blog designer Danielle. I wanted to let you know that the boys arrived this morning and that everyone is doing very well.

We'll call this little cutie "Thing 1."
He weighed in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. and is 19.5 inches tall.

On to this adorable little guy. Yes, you guessed it...I'm going to call him "Thing 2."
He weighed in at 4 lbs. 14 oz. and is 18 inches tall.

Aren't they just the cutest little things you've ever seen? {I couldn't resist!}

They do have names, by the way. Really cute names. But I am going to wait and let Ashley post them. So until then, you can ponder what they may be.

Welcome to the world, boys! And a big congrats Ashley & Allen, the proud parents of two precious little boys!!

36 weeks and 2 days!

YEAH! I am so thrilled that we have come this far! Yippee!



I am up a total of 44 pounds, and I am measuring 42 centimeters. Yowsers! I'm a big girl now and even wear big girl panties! HA!


I'm craving caffeine like crazy. In my opinion, it is because I am so darn tired. Sleep comes in spurts throughout the night, and I have nights where getting an hour or two at one time is wonderful. I suppose my body and brain are preparing for when we have the babies home with us!



My feet and "cankles" are even larger now; I'll spare you the pictures this time. My carpal tunnel is also much worse because my hands are swelling so much more now too.

I have a few stretch marks around my belly button. They aren't terrible, and they are pretty light in color. I know these sweet baby boys will be worth it all though!


We had to start our non-stress tests last week. If you have never heard of this test, basically, both babies and their heart rates have to be measured for at least twenty minutes. The doctors want to ensure the heart rates are going up and down, depending on the movement of the babies. They want to see fluctuations in their heartbeats. The first non-stress test we took was at my regular ObGyn's office, and it was a nightmare! Two nurses worked two and a half hours to find the babies' heartbeats. They could only find one heartbeat no matter how or what they tried. Obviously, I was completely geeking after all this, and then major contractions started from all the stress. The doctor finally ordered an ultrasound. It was the longest wait ever and my mind went to one of those dark, scary places where you wonder if your world is about to come to a screeching halt. Needless to say, once the ultrasound technician arrived, she found both heartbeats immediately and apologized for our horrendous experience. We literally were at the doctor's office from 2:30 until 7:30, and I was an emotional wreck by the time we left. I'm just happy to report that all is well with both babies, even though they sure gave us a scare.




We have since had two more non-stress tests at our perinatologist's office, which has been a complete blessing. The tests have lasted less than thirty minutes each and have all been great. Whew! I'm so glad the perinatologist's office offered to do the non-stress tests for us because they seem to have soooo much more experience and empathy.

I've also been feeling nauseous. The doctor thinks it is all related to the fluctuations in my hormones, but it kinda stinks. One day I feel okay, and then the nausea hits me and I can't eat but feel like I really need to for the sake of the babies. This too shall pass.....

The perinatologist estimated that the babies weighed five pounds and three ounces and five pounds seven ounces on October 1st. Hallelujah! We are so dang happy with this! Baby A is also fully "engaged" and very low in the birth canal, so the doctor said I am essentially walking around his head. No wonder I have a waddle. Poor buddy boy!

Still working full time. My brain is half there and half in LaLa Land. Oh well; what can I say? I have babies on the brain.

I don't sleep much these days either, which likely contributes to my lack of a brain at work. I sleep an hour or two at night. I either wake up choking on acid from having heartburn so badly or because I am really sore and achy. I know- gross. But I just want to document every last thing because I feel so fortunate to be in this position. I can't tell you how elated I am, despite the not-so-fun-things about pregnancy. And I've had an amazing pregnancy. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Every time I feel these little babies kick, I am thankful. I am thankful to have the opportunity to be a mom and be doubly blessed!

Well, that's probably enough blabbering for now. I'm getting teary-eyed.

But I will leave you with some pics.....

Final nursery pictures.....









Pics of Allen and me.....






And the pups.....

Favorite Time of Year!

I apologize for not posting more regularly; life has been very busy and hectic preparing for these little guys that are nearly here! This is my absolute favorite time of the year because the seasons are changing, the weather is getting cooler, and holidays are quickly approaching. To top it all off, the babies are going to be born during my favorite season. I'm so excited!

Here are some updates:

• I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant now, but the picture below was taken when I was exactly 34 weeks pregnant. Although my belly is obviously stretched to the max, thankfully I do not (yet) have any stretch marks.
  

• I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands about six weeks ago, but it is worse in my right hand. I wear a brace at night to help control the tingling sensations, but my hands constantly feel like they are asleep. I have a hard time cutting food and grasping onto things now, so most things I pick up end up on the floor. Blow drying my hair, putting on makeup, and writing have become difficult tasks. My doctor said this occurs because of swelling in the hands and will resolve itself about 8 - 12 weeks after I deliver.
• As of a week ago, I was up forty pounds.
• As of two weeks ago, the babies were measuring very well, in my opinion- 3 pounds 12 ounces and 4 pounds and 2 ounces.
  
• My ankles are pretty gross. Swelling becomes painful by the end of the day and is now consistent no matter how much I sit or stand. I pretty much wear flip flops every day because they are most comfortable. Once I get home from work, I go barefoot or wear house shoes.
  

• I am still working full time, but my body and I are slowing down. Most days I have to come home and take an hour nap because I am so worn out from the day's activities.
  
• My back pain has actually decreased. I'm not sure if someone has been praying for that or not, but if you are- keep on! Because of my scoliosis, I am amazed I am not in excruciating pain at this point. Woohoo!
• My doctor is going to deliver the babies in mid-October, and she has told me we have a 50/50 chance of making it until then. That's not too far off, so I'm hoping my body will continue to hold out for the three of us!
• I am out of breath all the time and feel like I am gasping for air, especially if I walk even a short distance. Everyone notices it and asks me if I am okay, but it is just my regular breathing at this point.
• I have to pee anywhere from 1-3 times an hour during the day and wake up about every two hours throughout the night to go potty. Thank goodness people take pity on pregnant women because there have been a few emergency situations where I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. HA!
  
• We found a pediatrician we are going to use. He came highly recommended. Allen thought he was a bit fruity when we interviewed him, but I reminded him that he works with kids all day long. When we went to our consultation appointment with him, he had a huge skeleton with sunglasses on sitting in a chair in his office. I thought it was hilarious and can see why he will be very good with the boys.
• I had three baby showers, and they were all magnificent! We received an outpouring of love from friends and family. Honestly, we were both shocked at how many gifts we received and are so thankful for every single warm thought and gift. I have spent several moments in the nursery, rocking in the recliner, crying, and thanking God for the miracles in my belly and the support we have been shown; we are so grateful. We have been blessed beyond measure and are completely aware of how amazing our friends and family are and will continue to be once the boys arrive. Below are a few pictures from the showers-

• We also have the nursery finished. Yippee! The babies will sleep in our room for several months, but we do have the cribs and nursery ready.... I posted several pictures throughout the organization process so you can see what a task it was. Also, Allen painted the orange monkey pictures at the bottom, which I absolutely love. They are the perfect "dad" touch to the room and definitely tie it all together. My hubby is so talented!

• Danielle made the invitations for one of my showers, and I absolutely loved them. That girl is so talented and good to me. Thanks, friend!

• I think at this point the only thing we have left to do is pack the hospital bag. For the past three weekends, I have planned to do it but then keep putting it off. I feel like if I pack the bags, the babies will see that as an invitation to arrive early. So, I'm not packing yet, despite the doctor's orders.
• I see my regular ObGyn once a week now; she is keeping tabs on my weight and dilation so I don't go into preterm labor. Although at this point, the specialist has told us if the babies arrive now, they will still do very well. They will have to stay in the NICU for a bit, but they will do just fine. What a gigantic relief- not that I want them to come yet, but just knowing they would still be okay takes a great deal of pressure off and lowers my stress tremendously.
  
• I have to say that I think my body is holding out so well! I never thought I would make it this far without being on bed rest and have had major concerns about the babies arriving too early. I guess it just goes to show that my body can do more than I thought it would and will power and attitude can move mountains, or in this case, carry the weight of two mountains. Hee hee.

Thanks to those of you that have checked in on us. We're fine and hoping to keep on keepin' on for another few weeks. Hopefully I can update more after our doctor's appointment later this week.

26 weeks and 1 day

I am officially 6 1/ 2 months pregnant. So amazing! I'm going to post in bullet points because it is late (9:30 P.M.), and I want to head to bed:

• My belly is a-growin'! I'm measuring 31 1/ 2inches as of last Monday (one day shy of 25 weeks). This equates to being 31 1/ 2 weeks pregnant with a singleton, but it does not really convert to a twin pregnancy. I don't have any stretch marks yet but know they may appear any second because my stomach is getting so large.
  
• I have gained 25 pounds thus far, and my doctor would like me to continue gaining because weight gain for the mom falls off in the last trimester. Babies take up so much space that there is very little room for the stomach to expand. However, our perinatologist said the babies are measuring right on track for weight so not to be too worried about my personal weight gain.
• The babies are super active, although I cannot tell which one is moving or what body parts are moving yet. I can see movement on the outside of my belly as well, which is super exciting. Feeling and seeing the babies move is the neatest thing I have ever experienced in my life. I LOVE it!
• My appointments with my regular ObGyn are now every two weeks.
• I failed my first glucose tolerance test; the nurse forgot to tell me to fast, and I ate a cheeseburger and fries prior to the test. HA! My repeat test was perfect. Go figure!
• I am slightly anemic, which is normal in twin pregnancies. The babies are taking every single bit of nutrition from me. I am supposed to supplement with over-the-counter iron pills once daily and will be monitored closely to ensure my anemia does not get too out of hand.
• I am out of breath pretty and take deep breaths often. I don't even realize I am breathing deeply or sighing/taking deep breaths and have been asked on several occasions if I am okay. Someone even told me that I shouldn't breathe like that because it makes other people nervous and concerned I might be going into labor. HA! Poor Allen wears himself out asking if I am alright when I breathe this way too.
• I have to go to the bathroom about once an hour (if not more) and am up throughout the night not only to go to the bathroom but also because the babies tend to be most active in the late evenings.
• My back still bothers me; the pain is becoming a nuisance. When I think about carrying these two little babies though, I can't help but smile and be thankful.
• My ankles have begun to swell a tiny bit but do not cause me any pain right now. They start swelling about 10 A.M. and just tend to stay that way the rest of the day.

• I am usually super tired after work and come home to take a thirty-minute nap a few times a week. I also think this might partially be related to the anemia, but I need to ask my doctor about that.
• I am constantly thirsty! Super. Thirsty.
  
• We were extremely productive this weekend while my best friend, "Peah," was in town from Houston. We picked out and purchased the cribs and mattresses (which take about six weeks to come in), we planned the family & friend baby shower, we found everything we needed to register for (plan to actually register this weekend), found a recliner/rocker for the nursery (Grandma Lucy paid for it), and we picked out new carpet in case we stay in our current house.
• My mom and my Aunt Sharri (my mom's best friend) willingly drove to Tulsa today to get the rest of our baby bedding for us, and we now have all the bedding ordered. How sweet are they to help us with this task?
• We also found out that we may get an offer on our house in the next day or two. Yikes! I was so not prepared for this and had resigned myself to staying in our current house until the babies were six months old, but I guess we'll see how it all works out in the end. Allen is dying to move, but I'm ready to nest. Our house officially goes off the market this Sunday at midnight. I just keep telling myself that if it is meant to be, it will be.
• My belly is the largest thing on me right now, but I feel like I have started to gain a bit of weight and swelling in my face, rear end, and ankles. I know this is all normal; I just want it documented more than anything.
  
• Other than that, things have been going well. Work is keeping me really busy right now, but it sure makes the days pass quickly. I'm thankful to have a job though!
• I also have a great husband who helps so much around the house! He has been amazing and tells me my main job right now is to grow these babies. Since I tend to be a control freak, it is hard for me to surrender, but my body is happy that I do.
• Allen tells me I move "at the speed of death." I do all tasks pretty slowly and feel like my "high speed" switch is currently broken. It's okay though; I'm growing babies. Remember? HA!
  
• I apologize if I haven't updated as much as you (or I) would have liked. I've been doing an awful job about commenting on blogs too. I am often reading and sometimes just don't have the time or energy to comment. I am sorry and hope I can improve on this.
  
• I'll leave you with a few parting belly shots and a few pictures from our anniversary trip to Eureka Springs as well.
  

More than halfway there!

Man, this pregnancy is flying by, y'all! I cannot believe that I am more than halfway through it. Considering most twins arrive at about 33 weeks, I need to get my butt in gear!

I wanted to start off with some things I have been experiencing and feeling for my own journaling purposes:

• I have been feeling great overall! I can honestly say I have been enjoying pregnancy! And the bigger-bellied I get, the nicer people are to me. Not to mention the bigger my belly gets, the bigger the babies are, and I want healthy twins!
  
• The babies are moving like crazy. I can feel them on the inside and outside now; it feels like popcorn popping in my belly. The babies are the most active early in the mornings and then later in the evenings from about 7 - 11 PM. I love it!
  
• I went to the specialist about a week and a half ago (20 weeks, 6 days). I see the specialist in addition to my regular ObGyn so both can monitor the progress of the babies and to ensure I don't go into preterm labor. Both babies looked great and are gaining weight. One weighed 14 ounces and the other weighed 15 ounces. Here are a few pictures:

• Both babies are still boys. HA! Sorry to anyone who was still hanging on to the hope of a girl.
• We are still working on names but have decided not to reveal the names once we know what they are for sure. We're keeping them a secret for several reasons: 1) we don't want others' opinions about liking/disliking them, 2) we want to surprise everyone once the babies are here, 3) it's one of the things we can keep secret, 4) we know it drives everyone crazy!
  
• I asked the doctor how my (severe) scoliosis would affect the remainder of the pregnancy as well as labor and delivery, an answer I wanted to know but was too scared to ask. He said I would likely have more back pain than a normal pregnancy, which would also be exacerbated by the fact that I was carrying multiples. In addition, it would likely be more safe to deliver via c-section (which my ObGyn and I had already discussed). It might also be difficult for the anesthesiologist to find the right spot in my back for my epidural, and if that was the case, I might have to be completely knocked out for the birth. Definitely not what I want, but I'm glad I asked now instead of being surprised later.
  
• Allen felt the babies for the first time the other night, and I thought he was going to pass out. He raced around the room screaming about how creepy it was! I'm not sure he can believe all this is happening and feeling them kick makes it all the more real, not to mention my ever-expanding belly. Here's me on Tuesday of this week at 22 weeks:
• I'm still not craving sweets, although I will eat them on occasion. Fruit has been at the top of my craving list as well as pasta/carbs.
• I have times when my heart races and feels very fluttery, but all the books say this is normal since pregnant women have twice the amount of blood racing through their bodies.
• My back has started to hurt if I stand too long or sit too long, and I know this will get significantly worse the bigger I get.
• Walking has slowed to a snail's pace. Allen makes fun of me because he says my normal speed is "high gear" and my new speed is "turtle gear." I suppose all the extra weight has really slowed me down, but I think that may actually be a good thing.
• I was never graceful, but my clumsiness is amplified. I trip over my own feet and sometimes just start leaning to one side and have to regain my center of gravity. Again, I think it is due to the belly weight and is totally normal.
• I am beyond absentminded. I can't remember things to save my life right now, so I have things written on notes and then forget about the notes. For those of you that know me, you know this is totally out of character and is driving me crazy. I'm a Type A personality gone astray!
  
• My near-perfect eyesight is off these days too. My eyes get really blurry and occasionally have a very difficult time seeing. This may also contribute to my clumsiness.
• Peeing has become like breathing; I do it almost as frequently.
  
• Last but not least, I seem to be out of breath all the time. I sigh ALL the time, and Allen asks me nearly every single time what is wrong.
• *None of these things are complaints at all; they are more a documentation of my symptoms so I'll remember these fun times later. Allen and I are both thankful and blessed these babies are on the way and can't wait to hold two, healthy sons in our arms!
  

Allen has been awesome! He worries about me constantly, although I like to think I'm still somewhat self-sufficient. He is taking such good care of me, asking about my every sigh, moan, and move. I adore him. No wonder Sunday the 5th we will celebrate our seven-year anniversary. Happy early anniversary, honey!

I had a great weekend with my college girlfriends. We met in Southlake, TX (near Dallas) for a weekend getaway that was just amazing! Three of us are pregnant, and my best friend Leah, the only non-pregnant one, was such a good sport about it all. It was hotter than hot; we kept the room temperature at 61 degrees. HA! Poor Leah about froze her tush off!

Leah & Ashley



The four of us: Ashley, Leah, April, Amy


Amy (27 weeks pregnant), April (due in about five weeks), Ashley (due November 3rd)

Thanks for a great weekend, friends! I love you and am glad we make it a point to see each other at least once a year!

___________________________________________________________________

My good friend Danielle (the one I love and adore) and also the one that happens to be the best blog designer ever is hosting a giveaway that you should totally check out and take advantage of right now. She is giving away one pre-made blog template a week during the month of July. Go read all about it and take advantage of winning a new blog design. If you still want a blog makeover and don't feel you are the lucky type, she is having a great sale on pre-made templates through July 7th. You should check out this special offer too. Or, if you aren't interested in a new blog design, she has lots of other talents too: stationery, buttons for your blog, custom logo designs, and a whole shebang of other things. She is truly THAT amazing and creative, not to mention that she is always doing some kind of crazy sale or giveaway! In fact, if you are not a follower of her blog, you should be so you can take part in all of her fabulous and crazy special offers! I mean, HELLO, she redid my blog AGAIN, and I think it is absolutely adorable! She is so
good to me and does the most awesome blog designs ever! You'll have to leave a comment about her newest blog design for me so she knows how much her work is loved and adored.

I am really behind in life right now (emails, laundry, mail, ironing, baby registry) and blogging has taken a back seat. I'll try to do better about reading and commenting soon, I promise.


Well, I think I have posted plenty this time, but I hope you at least enjoyed the pictures if nothing else. Allen and I are off to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to celebrate our seven-year anniversary and have one last "hoorah" before these babies join us. We'll be safe, and you can bet your bottom dollar I'll have pictures when I return.

Random

My belly button looks like a pig's nose, and it is NOT attractive. Weird. Ick. Hmmmmmm.......

Oink, oink!