Holiday Season

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It’s so hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away; where has the time gone?  Last time I posted picture of the twins was the first part of November (besides Saray’s haircut).  Man, some seasons are just super busy and this is one of those seasons.  With any spare moment I have, I’ve been wrapping gifts or trying to find the energy to bake the many different kinds of cookies that we generally bake.  I have also been spending a lot of time taking pictures of the twins, as I have far too many pictures to post on one single blog (which is why I decided to a photo album for you instead).  
The twins are changing and growing with each passing week, I can see it in their faces.  I am not sure how to capture who they are in writing as they are so full of so much.  Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of who they are just by looking at the photos. 
Saray is full of energy and control; she likes to control and she likes a chance to try things (ex: trying to vacuum with the dust buster).  She is in the business of taking every toy, or chair or anything from Joshua.  I am trying to help her with sharing and letting Joshua have his turn, but wow, it’s difficult for all of us.  She is also very loving; she gives Joshua kisses at night and sometimes will offer Joshua a blanket or an animal she currently has. 
Joshua is such a content, easy-going little boy.  He has more patience with Saray then I do.  He rarely puts up a fuss about a toy or chair being taken over by Saray.  What a kid.  He is finally starting to become a little confident on his own two legs, has started standing on his own more and more.  Walking maybe not be that far out(my guess is still 18 months…).  He is never in a hurry.   He is so easy to take places; yesterday Jer, Joshua and I (Saray got to stay with Molly and celebrate Molly’s b’day) had to make a trip to Rapid City cause Joshua had a follow up appt with Dr. Bryson (the Urologist).  We were gone all day, and he fussed maybe 5 minutes total.  He was a little Champ.  
Oh and I am sure you want to know how my pregnancy is going…all is well.  I will be 18 weeks along tomorrow (Wed).  I’ve been feeling the baby move a little every day since week 16.  We’ll have our 20 week ultrasound done the week after Christmas.  We do plan on finding out if this little one is a boy or a girl.  I am finally starting to feel better and the energy is slowing starting to return (but it’s always gone by the evening, even if I take a nap in the morning while the kids nap). 
We wish you all a Merry Christmas!   JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON…for all seasons.

Thankfulness

I have been making a list this past week of all that I am thankful for (and my list is still growing).  It's so easy to forget to be thankful and it's also easy to forget what we're thankful for, that is why it's so good to remind ourselves, not just at Thanksgiving, but all the time. 

A few things I am thankful for:

1. My Savior Jesus Christ who gave his life for me and who has a love for me that I will never fully comprehend.
2. My dear Husband, Jeremiah, who comes home after a long day at work and proceeds to help me with the kids...what a blessing he is.
3. Joshua and Saray - what joy they bring to my life.  I think the joy may be a little richer due to the long wait.
4. Baby #3 - What a sweet surprise! We're glad to have you apart of our family.
5. Our families (Culvers, Pojars & McMahans) - we're blessed to have such a LARGE, caring family.
6. Friends - thank you for loving and sharing your lives with us.  

That is just a handful of things I am thankful for...my heart truly is overflowing with blessing and thankfulness.

We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  And remember to give thanks, not just during this Thanksgiving season.  

It had to be done...

Saray had developed a bad habit (to her it's a comfort thing), she would twirl her hair (only on one side) while going down for a nap or for the night.  But instead of untwisting her hair, she'd pull it out.  After a few weeks of doing this, she started to look a little funny with a large very thin spot on left hand side of her head.  Jer and I really didn't want to have to cut her hair, but after much fighting with her habit and will, we gave in and took the clippers to her head.  I almost cried! 

She actually thought it tickled!  Silly girl!

Haircut after dinner..

She still is super cute, even if her hair is super short.   At least hair grows back.  I am just hoping that by the time it does grow back, that she'll be over the twirling and pulling habit.    What a girl....she keeps us on our toes.

12 Weeks Pregnant

I had another check up this past Wednesday (Nov 4th);  I was surprised to find out that we were having another ultrasound, but super happy since I get to take a peek at our little one. I am doing well and Baby #3 is alive and well (such a relief, especially after 3 miscarriages).  Baby was moving its little arms and legs as if showing off just for us.  It almost always bring a tear to my eye when I hear the little heartbeat (heart rate was 166bpm).  I am just amazed at the gift of life that God gives; every moment of each life truly is a blessing and we need to treasure each and every moment.

It's hard to believe that I'm already in the 12th week of this pregnancy, it almost doesn't seem possible.  In some ways I feel as though I was pregnant with Joshua and Saray just yesterday.   Part of me wonders how things will progress with this pregnancy...I am believing and praying for the best and I know God's hand truly is upon me and this little one. 

Anyway, that's it for now.

14 months old

Well, October is over and a new month has begun; this is my absolutely favorite season.  Planning and decorating will be a bit interesting this year.  How in the world do you put up a tree with a set of twins wanting to explore every inch of the glowing tree standing in the living room?   I have a little over 3 weeks to figure it out.

Saray has just taken off with the walking thing this past week; she was walking off and on for the last month but just converted from crawling to walking.  What a transition that is for her and us!  She is showing signs of independence in all areas; she wants to wear her vest that is hanging in her closet, or she wants to wear a certain hat, or a certain necklace of mine.  She is really starting to express likes in things she wears,.  She's becoming a little girl right before my eyes.  She also has a way of telling me what she wants to eat (if she can see it); she'll point at the yogurt melts and then sign please.  She also pointed at a whole apple I was washing the other day and signed apple and please.  I was a little hesitated to give her a whole apple, but she managed to eat 3/4 of the large apple for lunch.  Amazing and I believe me I was quite shocked!  

Saray just got tooth number seven and is working on number 8...

Joshua is hilarious with his signing, he studies your hands very closely and mimics very well.  His latest thing is blowing kisses, he'll blow a kiss, but instead of actually making the smacking noise by kissing his hand, he clicks his tongue to make the smacking noise.  Hilarious!   The other day a friend of mine was visiting, she was telling Joshua that she liked his sweater, and without missing a beat (or having to be told) he signed "Thank you".  Smart kid!
In the last month Joshua has become a little champ with eating solids (finally!!).  He'll eat any table food now and has pretty much given up on baby food.  He was eating some solids, but, was spitting food out at every meal (very annoying).   Having both Josh and Saray off baby food makes life just that much easier for me.  Although, I still haven't been able to sit down and eat breakfast with them.  Soon enough.  Joshua has shown no real signs up wanting to walk on his own (although he does enjoy cruising furniture and trying to keep up with Saray) but that really doesn't surprise me.  He has been a late bloomer in just about everything, from lifting his head, to sitting up, to crawling.  I am guessing that he'll be interested in walking in a few months.  My bet is 18 months (which is totally in the normal range).  I am realizing that each baby (even twins) has a different time table for EVERYTHING.  And I am learning to be okay with that, even if every book and website says "Your baby should be doing this...blah blah blah".  We are not robots.
Joshua is working on tooth 10, his second molar.  The molars are HUGE and take so much longer to come through.

Nothing new on Baby #3 (I have an appt tomorrow.).  I am currently 12 weeks along -yay!  This pregnancy has been going well and I have some energy, most days.  Morning sickness kinda comes and goes as it pleases; waves of nausea hit me most while changing the twins' stinky diapers.  I am hoping that morning sickness will soon become just a faint memory, once again.   I have developed a little bump already (no shock to me).  I still haven't taken any pictures of the developing bump, but when I do, I promise to post.
It's still pretty hard for me to imagine what life will be like with twins and an infant.  All I can say, I am super thankful that I had the twins first.  Having one baby after having two babies will seem easy (so to speak).

Saray loves cars and bikes
















Joshua and Saray jamming on the keyboard



















Joshua loves playing at Gma and Gpa Culver's house









Saray walking all over













Joshua getting a ride on the car by Daddy



















Snuggling the duck with Daddy









Saray tries to fit into everything, including tupperware

Pictures from Oct (I'll write later) Enjoy!

New Blogspot

I started a new blogspot, it's Chapeau Photography- it's a website for all the senior photos, photos of newborns, etc.  Finally putting them on their own website so they don't end up on my family flickr website.  Check it out if you like...

P.S. the twins are keeping me busy...I'll write more later.

Baby #3 is on its Way

We had our first ultrasound on the 14th of October; everything looks great and BABY (not babies, the doctor checked) is right on schedule and is due May 19th, (so that means I am 9 weeks and 2 days along)  It was very reassuring to hear a strong heart beat (170 bpm) and see some movement.  
So far I have been feeling so-so, one moment I am great and the next minute I feel as though I may just loss it, especially when I'm changing poopy diapers.  Joshua thinks it's pretty hilarious when I gag, he laughs and tries to copy me.  Great, just great...okay it's actually pretty funny. 

Anyway, that is our very exciting news!  We'll keep you posted. 

The Joys of Motherhood

Some things will never be the same, and you know what, I am okay with that.  Like the fact that I will never wear a "small or x-small" shirt again; my belly button will be a half-and-half until it changes again; I will never have a stretch mark free body again (the stretch marks are my badge of honor and the proof that I really did have kids.); my heart will never go back to it's "small" size either; from now on I will be known as so and so's Mommy.  I do so love it...when my kids crawl up to me just to have me pick them up; when I am sitting on the floor and my kids come sit in my lap; when they want me over anyone else in room; when they miss me and smile and giggle when I return; when they smile and giggle just cause I am Mommy.  Ahh, the joys of motherhood.  I sure do love it, even the silly little things.

Jer and I just returned from a short vacation to Vegas - what a wonderful break from everyday life.  We did so much during the 3 days that we were there; we went to the Shark Reef, The Lion King on Broadway, shopping, far too much walking.  The highlight of the trip was "The Lion King" show (I highly recommend it!).  But the absolute best part was getting back home and seeing our kids. 

The kids are on the fast track to growing up; they are becoming more and more independent and opinionated.  How do they change from little babies into mind-boggling toddlers so very fast?  I blink and they change.  I fear that I'll blink and they'll be going off to college.

No walking yet from the twins, although, Saray is very, very close to walking.  She walks everywhere with her car/walker, no wall or piece of furniture gets in her way.  She has taken a few steps on her own and often stands up and dances.  Joshua is still comfortable with cruising the furniture.  He is getting very fast with his crawling and can keep up with Saray these days.  It's so fun to watch them interact.

Now for some pictures:

Trip to Rapid City and Applebees

Hanging out at the campsite (just visiting Gpa and Gma)

Grandpa and Saray at the campground

Farewell party for my little sister Ana - She's in Hawaii with Youth With A Mission

Spaghetti feast!

Saray and the Great Outdoors

The latest happenings...

Joshua had surgery on Tuesday the 8th.  For what (maybe you haven't heard)?  He was born with what is called a "natural circumcision", basically half of his foreskin was missing.  He also had a hypospadia (8 -14% have this condition) - If you don't know what that is, well it just means that his hole was not where it's suppose to be.    The surgery lasted for 90 minutes and all went well.  Currently he has 30 stitches - ouch!  The first 24 hours he was in a lot of pain, but after that, he was back to his chipper, content self.  Saray went along, mostly just to keep us company as we waited for Joshua.  She was amazing; she played, giggled and enjoyed having a new place to explore.  Having her with us really did help keep our minds off the time.

There are stages that I love and there are stages that I dislike with all that is within me.  We're in a mixed season with lots of stages.  I love that Saray and Joshua are trying to use words (words from Saray: What's this?, Hi, all done...) and I love that there is a lot of expressing (good and the bad) going on.  But one thing that is driving me nuts right now is meal time.  It's not so much with Saray, but with Joshua.  No matter what kind of finger foods you give him (puffs, fruit, veggies, crackers, ANYTHING) he just chews it up and spits it out.  I have tried taking his food away for a few minutes and then trying again (If I only had one kid I may stop and just try at a later time, but trying to feed several times in a day is not something I want to do, especially with two babies and one schedule), I have tried all different types of texture, even tried going back to 3rd Gerber food (or chunkier homemade blended food), nothing is working!  I am praying with all my heart that this is just a short phase, but in all reality it's been going on for 4, no wait, 5 weeks.   This is one reason why I have not weaned him from the bottle yet, even with the bottle he doesn't ever drink more then 24 oz, so I think I'll wait on the weaning part until this food spitting habit passes.   All I know is that this stage really, really drives me bonkers!!!

In spite of all that, we have been enjoying the wonderful weather.  It sure doesn't feel like Autumn yet, but I am sure before long the switch of seasons will happen and we'll be in shock of the change.  It's still been in the 80's and low 90's for the most part.   We've been going to the park as often as we can for we know that Winter will set in, and with it cabin fever.  So here's more pictures from our park adventures along with a few random pictures. 

bath/shower in the sink - they love it!

 

He loves to swing high (for a little baby that is)

She screams when you take her out of the swing...

"Now, what did you say this is?"

"Me first....no me first..."  No said words, but their actions sure speak loud enough

"Ohhh, a big ducky!"

  

Joshua is fascinated by the fountain

Daddy and His Little Girl

Though the Days are Long, the Years are Short

Well, my little babies turned ONE on the 29th (Josh) and the 30th (Saray); it's such a bittersweet thing really.  It's sad to see the infant days slipping away, yet at the same time there's an excitement in the air with each new day; I am always wondering what Josh and Saray will learn, do or say.   They sure do grow up so very fast!

I am beginning to understand the phrase "Though the days are long, the years are short."

We celebrated Josh and Saray's birthdays on Saturday by having a party at the Evans (Rocket) Park here in Spearfish.  My family and a few of our dear friends came to celebrate the fact that we made it through the first year of parenting twins and that the twins were turning One.  The kids did amazingly well during the party considering they had a very short morning nap.  They just absorbed all the love, attention and good food.   Next year I hope the weather is a little better (in the shade it was about 63 and in the sun only about 70 degrees).

Lately it has been getting easier for me to take the twins out and about by myself.  In the last few weeks just the 3 of us have ventured out to a particular park (Brady Park to be exact), it has a fountain, lots of shade, and more than 1 baby swing. 

 

Joshua loves anything electronic: phones, stereos, toys that make music or noise of some sort.  But the phone has got to be his all time favorite, especially if someone is on the phone talking to him; he giggles and smiles the biggest smile ever when he has the phone in hand.
He is now pulling up to everything and cruising all our furniture.  He tries to climb things like Saray, but he's a few inches shorter than his little sister so that gets him hung up a little...he'll grow and before we know it he'll be climbing all over as well.


Saray loves the bath and shower (she loves all water); the moment the water is running she is right there to check things out.  She rips open the curtain and giggles as mist from the shower hits her face and hands, she watches contently from the outside of the tub.  However, today she decided that viewing was not enough; she jumped right in, over the high ledge of the bath and into the shower with Daddy. 
Saray is a such an mover and explorer; her latest thing is climbing, she climbs up on the couch,  coffee table, diaper box, anything that is a few feet off the floor.  She is learning to turn around and get down off of things feet first instead of head first.