Happy Holidays!

Who would have guessed 3 years ago, that today I would be up at 4am drinking coffee, cleaning the house, and staring at my three beautiful children! Dennis and I have truly been blessed in so many ways!

Well, other than the updates on the boys, Dennis and I only have 1 big announcement...WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! Well, we are in the process... Tuesday of last week, Dennis and I went with our realtor for one last look before the holidays. We asked to see a house that we had been eyeballing for a while now. We loved it, put a bid in that night, and by 9am Wednesday morning they accepted!! The house is in a nice neighborhood in Glens Falls, which is exactly where we wanted to be! Now we just have to do our inspections and wait until March 2nd to close!!! Here is a picture of the house:
Now that we are only a few days away from Christmas, I realized how behind I am!! I am sorry to everyone, but we weren't able to get cards out this year, but look for a little something in the mail this spring :) I also didn't do any baking, but I don't feel bad about that. I am heading out this morning to get some supplies to put together little goodie jars for the family. Dennis and I are going to wrap all the presents today and tomorrow, plus we have to go out and get a couple more things for family members. I am starting to give myself a few brakes however. I am not feeling so guilty about everything that I wasn't able to do...heck I was pregnant with twins...and now I am a mother of 3!!

Freddy jumps from being wonderful to being a little devil. Lately he has been throwing his toys, quite violently, at people (including his brothers). So Dennis and I are struggling with how to get him to stop that. It's hard because he is still so young...how do you discipline a 17 month old? On his good days, he is great. We have been able to do a lot with him...including tubing down Mim and Pips hill! He absolutely loved the snow (except when he had a face full!) and tubing. I am excited to see how Freddy is on Christmas. It should be fun!

Freddy showing Rory all the lights and teaching him how to use the swing!

Freddy now showing Liam how to use the bouncer!

Chilling in the Adirondack Chair!

Liam and Rory are both doing well. We had a bit of a struggle because they both have had "belly issues." Not nearly as bad as Freddy...they are not colicky, but they do get really gassy and at times really constipated. However, we went to the doctor and they wanted to give it some time before they switched formula again. Since then we have been giving them Gripe water (liquid GOLD I swear!!) and it has helped a lot. They still get fussy, but nothing that we can't handle! Liam seems to be my early riser. He is up with me at 4, but Rory sleeps a LOT! It's funny because Liam was the one who gave me (and the nurses) all the trouble with his moving around, and he is the more "active" one! Dennis and I had to cut their hospital tags off the other day. I can tell them apart 90% of the time, but to be sure we wrote an 'L' and 'R' on the bottom of their feet! Lets hope we don't mess them up! We could scar them for life!!!

Over the weekend, I brought them all to Mim and Pip's to see Santa ride around the neighborhood on the firetrucks (courtesy of the Malta Ridge Fire Department). This was when Mom and I took Freddy tubing. We brought the twins out to get some fresh air, but they got too cold after about 15 minutes. It was still nice to have them outside for a bit. The best part about the day was that Dad had secretly volunteered to be Santa this year! So there we are waving at Santa, only to find out that it was Santa-Pip!! It was a great surprise, and you could tell that Dad was having the time of his life!

Freddy LOVES tubing!

Liam and Rory don't like the winter as much as their big brother!! (Liam)

(Rory)

Mom with Liam, Melissa with RJ, and Me with Freddy...Oh and Santa-Pip on top of the Firetruck!

I hope that you all have a wonderful and safe holiday! I know that we will!!!

One BIG happy family!

Well, as I am sure that you all know by now, the twins are here! If you recall in my last post, I was heading to the doctors. My levels and blood pressure weren't stabilizing, so they sent me to the hospital. The next morning, December 4th, 2008 at 9:59 and 10:00 am, Liam Patrick and Rory Jacob were born, respectively!

Everything went extremely well. Liam did have to wear an oxygen mask for a minute or two due to some fluid in their lungs. And just for a precaution, they spent their first night in the special care nursery (except for feedings). But, we now have two beautiful additions to our family!

We came home on Monday, and things have been hectic here (surprise surprise!), but we are managing. Dennis is off form both jobs this week. Next week he has to go back to the paper, but he is home from YAP (his full-time job) through the holidays. Right now, we are just trying to figure out how to make it work with three!!

Freddy is a wonderful big brother. He is very curious about them and is constantly checking their mouths for teeth! He is taking a keen interest in their pacifiers, which is not helpful, but all in all, he is great with them.. He even gives them hugs! Or his form of a hug, which is to rest his forehead against the other persons.

Here is a few pictures from the past few days. I don't know how much I am going to be able to write in the coming days/weeks, but I will try for at least weekly updates!

I haven't been on the computer much, and therefore haven't written in a while. Let me start out by saying, 'yes, I am still pregnant.'

The past two weeks were just a blur of hospital and doctor visits. I have still been going twice a week for non-stress tests, which have been going great. That basically means that the babies hearts are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I also had my last ultrasound in Latham. Dr Bennett gave me the thumbs up, and said that she didn't foresee any problems with the boys. By the way, they were each almost 7 pounds!! That was a week ago.

Last Friday I had an office visit, and found that my blood pressure was up really high. They sent me to the hospital (for the 4th time that week...I had fallen down earlier in the week and had to go and get checked out as well). Everyone started out by saying that more than likely we would be having the babies! But, alas...my BP came down and my blood work came back OK. Instead of having the babies, I was sent home with a TON more doctor's appointments and on bed rest. Great.

Monday, I went to the office to follow up, and found out that no, my labs weren't all that great. I almost had pre-eclampsia and my platelets are low. Nice.... Dr Snyder decided that I would stay on bed rest, and repeat all my lab work on Wednesday (today). Depending on the results they would decide if I need to deliver before Monday the 8th. I think that I am going to strongly suggest that they deliver sooner. Bed rest is not fun, and I don't like that my blood work isn't coming back that well. So, I have about an hour before I go to the doctors...

However, Thanksgiving was great!! lol Mom, Dad, Lissa, Mom and Dad Linehan, Kathy, Meredith, and Maureen were all here. Freddy had a great time running all around with everyone. Needless to say that he wouldn't set aside his pickiness for some turkey, but he LOVED the rolls!! Jimmy even got him a cookies with a turkey frosted on it from the bakery...and BOY did he love that!! haha Before we gave him the cookie, we tried to get a family picture, but Freddy didn't really want to have his picture taken. We did manage to get one pretty decent one.

Well I will leave you with some pictures and the curiosity of when I am going to have these babies!!

This is us, Thanksgiving LAST year:

My, how we have grown:

This is the infamous turkey cookie:

Like I said, he LOVED it!!

I'm freakin huge!!

This afternoon/evening, Dennis, Freddy, and I went to visit Mary, Pat, Brandon, and Cassie. It was a really good time, and of course Freddy had a blast. However, while we were there Mary asked if she could take a picture of my belly. I said she could, but I wasn't going to show her any skin!! lol I guess since I have the pictures, I might as well share them with you. I have one disclaimer however, DON'T LAUGH!!!

When you look at me from the front, I actually don't look THAT bad. But then I turn to the side, and WATCH OUT! lol I am impressed that I have only gained 18 lbs. For those of you that are keeping track, yes that means that I lost two pounds in the last week.

Since Freddy is SO much cuter than me, I will throw this one in there too. He was mesmerized watching Brandon and Isaiah playing catch!

Now, Freddy is fast asleep after his adventure-filled day, and I am about to follow! Night!

Wow...what a week!!!

I know that everyone keeps telling me to rest, but how can I with so much going on??? lol Last week alone, I had four doctors appointment! All of which went wonderfully. As I stated in my previous post, the twins are growing so well. No matter my complaining, I am so thrilled at the size of my twins. They are going to be such healthy little boys, and I couldn't be happier about it. Good news...Dr Ted set up my C-Section date for Monday December 8th. So, there is an end in sight!! lol At the very most, I will see Liam and RJ in 3 weeks and 3 days!!

Saturday was the shower. Mom (and everyone who helped her) did such a great job! It was so nice and relaxed. Food, friends, family, and presents...who could ask for more? lol Freddy had a great time being the host and playing with his buddy Ethan and his cousin Shayden. He also loved being doted on by Cassie. Dennis and I were once again reminded how blessed we are. Everyone was so wonderful to get us such nice things. The only thing that Dennis and I still need to get are the rest of our cloth diapers. But we wont need to spend as much as we thought because Nana and my in-laws got us some! Also, I found this great women who makes and sells them on etsy for $8-10! I ordered two for Freddy to be sure of the quality, but then I will place a large order!

On Sunday, Dennis and I went to look at a house in South Glens Falls that we really really liked. We ended up making a bid on the house, but it didn't work out. As much as we would have loved that house, we are not all that upset that it didn't work. When the right one comes along, it will work out!

Monday I had another NST and Ultrasound which went wonderfully. Tuesday Mom and Dad came up for the afternoon. Dennis had the day off for Veterans Day, so we had a really good day. Yesterday I was at Mom and Dad's house. We went to Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa where we have a display for the holiday season of our jewelry and woodwork. It is a great little place with a lot a wonderful crafts. Stacy, her mom, and her girls delivered my weekly meal and visited for a while which was really nice. For the past month, Stacy has been making Dennis and I dinner once a week! It is such a nice thing for her to do for us...especially considering Maya is only 8 weeks old (I think that its 8 weeks)!!

Today I had my last NST of the week. The boys are doing great. Their heart rates are perfect, they move around plenty, my blood pressure is great, no swelling, no signs of labor...I couldn't ask for more!!!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I am making new jewelry. I am trying to work for at least an hour each day. Freddy is great in the mornings and allows me to sit at my desk and get some done! Mainly I am working on my Vintaj pieces. Speaking of which, I entered a contest. If you would like to vote, please visit this website. http://vintaj.com/wpblog/?p=813 Mine is number 5. The photo quality isn't that great, but I think that my piece is pretty good. But check it out for yourselves!

Well, that is when has been going on in my life. There is more, but that is it in a nutshell!

33 Week ultrasound

The twins are doing great. They are developing wonderfully, and the doctor couldn't be more happy with their progress. I must say that they are each 5 pounds...actually one of them is 5 pounds 1 ounce.

I have a dumbbell in my stomach.

I have nothing more to say.

Where has the time gone?

I am sure that everyone feels the same way at the beginning of a month. "I can't believe that it is _____ already!" For me especially though, I am wondering where the time went.

Two years ago (November 2006), I was working at a great job with one of my very good friends doing what I love. I had just gotten married and settled into our new house that we were renting from family. And unknowingly to me (because of false negative tests) I was pregnant with Freddy.

18 months ago (May 2007), I was well into my pregnancy with Freddy. Dennis and I were packing because in one month we were moving again. I was still working at the VA with Michele. I was also starting to take the Jewelry Business more seriously.

One year ago (November 2007), I was putting in my notice at the VA. Freddy was sleeping through the night and getting bigger everyday! We became permanent vendors At The Warehouse, and our storefront was looking GREAT! Dennis and I bought a new car because we both had really small cars. We traded in his two-door for a small SUV (which is mine hehe). We were getting ready for our first holiday season with Freddy, and couldn't be more excited.

6 months ago (May 2008) I was pregnant again...with triplets...then twins. Life stopped for Dennis and I for about a week, and then it has been going at ludicrous speed (which for those of you that haven't seen Spaceballs, is quite a bit faster than warp speed, which is where our lives are usually run at!). Freddy was 10 months old and everyday was a new adventure for him.

Now here it is November 2008. I could have the babies any day (though we are hoping that they stay cooking for at least another 2 weeks). Freddy is amazing. Dennis and I are looking at houses...to buy this time! We have made some great new friends and trying very hard to hold onto our best friends. And what I want to know is...when did I grow up?

I can't pinpoint the day when I changed into the person that I am today. A person that I never saw in my cards, and yet here I am. There are days when I just want to hide under the covers and cry, hoping to wake up in high school, or college, or the day before my wedding...those are usually the days when we have to pay rent, or make a car payment, or go grocery shopping! My house is a mess (except for my bathroom which I scrubbed top to bottom on Saturday), I haven't cooked a good meal in forever, I have NO idea how Dennis and I are going to get Christmas presents for anyone let alone for Freddy and the twins....and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

This is not the life that I had imagined I would have...even two years ago. But it is the life that I was given, and I have been blessed with a great one.

"Dress Rehersal" for Halloween

Thursday was a very important day for Freddy. Besides the fact that he was able to spend the day with Mim and Pip (who came up to watch him so that I could go to the doctor), he practiced how to "Trick or Treat!!"

Thursday evening downtown Glens Falls Businesses had Trick or Treating for kids! Dennis wanted to bring Freddy down, and I asked my parents if they wanted to come since they wont be able to see Freddy on Halloween. Well, we got Freddy dressed as a dinosaur, went to visit Kelly and Jeremy, and then headed downtown!!

We were all so impressed at how well Freddy did! He wasn't nervous of all the people or scared of any of the costumes. After a few places he was able to pick out his own candy and then drop it in his bag! He was an excellent Trick or Treater! Freddy even met Macy, the dog of "The Dog Ate My Homework," a great bookstore.

Mom and I were very impressed with some of the stores that we went into. They have some great specialty shops with some really unique gift ideas for Christmas...or any other occasion. We are making plans to go back when we can actually shop!!

We were out for about an hour, hour and a half. By then he (and more importantly, I) had enough. We were all hungry, tired, and someone needed a diaper change! Mom and Dad headed home, and Dennis and I got Freddy a treat of chicken nuggets (since we were going to get all his candy!!).

Freddy did GREAT at his first time Trick or Treating! I can't wait to see how he does on Halloween!!!

Twin Update...again

Once again, Dennis and I had a scare. I ended up in the ER on Monday. OF COURSE it was Dennis's first full day of in months...so I felt horrible that he spent it at the hospital! But, I digress...

Lately I have had trouble catching my breath. Really though, are you surprised with how bit I am?? There is no room in there to breathe! Usually when I walk upstairs or something like that, it takes me a while before I can breath normally again. However, a few times it happened when I was just resting. On Monday, I was just siting on the couch when it happened. I moved to the recliner to see if that would help, but it just got worse and I ended up passing out. It was only for a second, but it scared the crap our of me!

Dennis took me to the ER where they did a bunch of tests. Long story short..I ended up having two more episodes in the hospital, but the last time they had me immediately lay on my left side. I felt much better!! Apparently these two babies are taking up so much room that my lung capacity is a fraction of what it should be. Also, depending on how I am sitting of laying, the babies are cutting off my blood supply through the main artery and vein...and therefore making me lightheaded and pass out. Thanks boys... lol

I followed up with Dr Ted on Tuesday. He told me that he didn't want me carrying Freddy on the stairs or for long distances. He also doesn't want me to be alone while taking care of him in case something happens. He isn't overly worried that it will, he just said that I really can't do it all anymore. He doesn't want me on bed rest because he still wants me moving around some, but minimal. It was news that I was expecting... So I have made plans to have help for the next couple of weeks.

I also had an ultrasound Tuesday afternoon!! The twins are doing GREAT!! They are growing beautifully with no complications. The bottom baby rotated, but now he is breach...still no help to me. The top baby is still transverse, so I am definitely going to have a C-Section. The boys are each 3 lbs 5 oz!! I am so happy that they are bog...it kills me, but they are going to be healthy little boys! Also...THEY HAVE HAIR!!!! Poor Freddy....his little brothers are going to be born with more hair than he has now! lol Like mom said, at least one of them needs to look like me!!

Here are some pictures from the ultrasound:

This one is of twin A who is the bottom baby and breach. he is looking straight on with his hand just to the left and below his face. The quality isn't that great since I took a picture of the picture to upload it!

This one here is of the twins with their heads together. I think that they are conspiring against me already!!

This one here is of twin A. It is the back of his head. There is a "halo" around his head...that is his HAIR!!

This is twin B and his hair! You can really see the wispy hair in this one!

Dennis and I were again so happy to hear that the twins are doing so well. I will take all the problems that they give me, as long as they are healthy and stay in there until it is safe. Dr Ted will schedule the section for my 37th week. However once we hit 35 weeks, it is safe! So we are only 5 weeks away from the safe zone!! We are getting really excited to meet our new additions to the family!

Apple Festival

Mom and Nana were there selling our Jewelry at the Goolds orchard Apple Festival this past weekend (which I was told I could ONLY visit, NOT work! lol). We went last year, and were very pleased with the venue. Freddy was with me, but he was only a couple of months old and wasn't able to enjoy everything. So Dennis and I decided that we would go on Saturday and visit with Mom and Nana, pick some apples and pumpkins, and enjoy the afternoon.

It was a beautiful day. The drive was really nice (takes Dennis and I a little over an hour), and Freddy was able to take a nap on the way out. When we got there Freddy was still sleepy and just kind of sat there in his stroller. We went to see Mom and Nana first. We were in the same tent as last year, but I liked the spot better this year. The set-up that they did was great...I am just mad that I forgot to take pictures of the display!! Freddy was still out of it, so Dennis and I decided that we would get something to eat and then take him to the pumpkin patch. Freddy didn't like walking in the pumpkin patch all that much because the plants and brush were almost as tall as him!! but he did like picking at the pumpkin stems! I took a TON of pictures, but he didn't smile, let alone look at the camera once!

Freddy picking at the stems

Showing off his abs!

Playing with Mommy

Dennis took Freddy to the apple orchard and let him run around. He also put him in a tree!! Freddy was a little skeptical of this, but he started to smile a little bit.

Freddy and Daddy walking in the apple trees

Freddy running on his own

Freddy climbing the apple tree...with a little help from Daddy

We went shopping in the craft tents and bought some yummy cider donuts. After about 2 hours of being there I was done. I am struggling these days with the twins, and walking around going up and down hills was a bit much. Mom walked us out because she got Freddy a "winter" present (would be a Christmas present, but he will need them before Christmas). There was a women selling fleece hats, and she made toddler hats with the velcro under the chin. SO cute!!

Freddy is in the pumpkin!

Now he is the worm in the apple!

Freddy was tired and just layed on the ground at Mim and Nana's feet!

Once we got back home, Dennis and I took Freddy to the park (where I just sat on the bench!) and then we went to visit his family. We were all VERY tired that night. But it was worth it for the great day that we had!

OH MY GOODNESS...FREDDY SMILED!!

Proud Moment for Freddy!

Today, I took Freddy for his first playgroup! My Mom's club set up play date for this morning at the Library. I was a little nervous bringing Freddy. He hasn't had too much experience playing with other kids. Plus, a library!! OMG, Freddy can be a terror! I was imagining him knocking over shelves, eating books, and throwing the toys at all the other kids!

He surprised and impressed me however. He was very happy to be around other kids, which I knew he would be from the small amounts of interaction that he has had. It was very crowded at first, so I kept him away from the large group (another playgroup that was getting ready to leave). Once there were fewer kids in the play area, I brought Freddy over. By that time there were two other Moms from my group with their little ones. Freddy was great. He did throw toys, but only at open areas to then chase after them. He played very well for about a half hour, and then wanted his milk. I had him sit with me to drink so that the other kids didn't get upset seeing another with a snack. After he was done drinking, it was back to playing.

Now there were more kids there, older kids (about 3-4) too. One of the boys just loved Freddy! He played with Freddy for a bit, and even gave him a hug! Freddy was all smiles and happy babble! Freddy and I were there about an hour and twenty minutes! I was so impressed by this. I figured we would be there a half our 45 minutes tops!

I think that Freddy and I are really looking forward to the next get together with our group!

Gold star for Freddy J!!!!

I feel pretty...

Last night was the first time in a long time that I felt pretty...HUGE belly and all!! Dennis and I went to his cousin's wedding last night. I had found this great shirt at Target (and some pants, but they are just boring black pants) that was perfect! Plus is was big enough (in size and the style) to fit over the twins!

As Dennis and I were getting ready, I felt like I had a little jump in my step. I went all out...curlers AND make-up! I even tweezed...a little. My parents were coming over to watch Freddy for us so that we could enjoy an adult evening. Before they got here, I went to see Kelly. "This is what I look like when I actually try!!" I think that I shocked her...she usually only sees me looking like a blob!

On top of all that, Mom let me borrow a bracelet that she made for her new line "Salvaged Style" (shameless plug). It is a beautiful piece combining vintage jewels with classic pearls!

OK...enough about me...we were going to a wedding!! And boy was it beautiful! Megan and Scott couldn't have asked for nicer weather. They had it at a resort in Lake George. It was nice enough that we enjoyed our cocktails outside on the patio! The ceremony was outside, with the beautiful trees and lake in the background. It was perfect. Scott's (and Megan's!) three children were in the ceremony. The youngest boy gave Megan away (so cute that I was tearing up!), the oldest boy was the best man, and the girl was the maid of honor! Forgive me for not remembering their names. It was a great ceremony. Megan was either laughing or crying...sound familiar!!

Afterwords, the reception was very nice. Megan gave a wonderful toast thanking everyone for coming and celebrating with them. But instead of toasting to the bride and groom, we gave the toast to Scott's father, and Megan's Grandfather (Putt LaMay) who have both passed away.

Dennis and I sat with his parents, Bruce and Marie, and Joe and Pam. Of course we had a good time!! After dinner there was dancing, which OF COURSE the twins and I took part in! Only for two dances...but I still danced! Dennis enjoyed catching up with his cousins Dan and Kevin. Plus we got to see Dan and Kelly's new addition Justin! He is such a little peanut!!

It was a great night! But I was glad to come home and put my feet up (even though I was wearing my sneakers!!). Freddy had a great time with his Mim and Pip too...he went to the park, Home Depot, and Walmart. They got him the cutest Halloween shirt too...Mickey Mouse of course! I think that we all have a good time!

Twin Update

Well, yesterday I had another doctor's appointment with Dr. Ted. Overall the appointment went very well. Both heartbeats are strong; 152 and 148. I have only gained 14.5 lbs so far (which is very good especially since I have twins!!). Also my blood pressure is still really good. I got the results back from my second gestational diabetes test, and it was negative! I can't wait to tell the doctor in Albany...shame on her for being rude and scaring me.

I told Dr Ted that it was getting really hard to get around...a lot of discomfort (OBVIOUSLY!). He told me that he really wants me to be careful when I am moving around; he is afraid that I may fall. Continue to take it easy, and take help whenever I can. He also told me that starting Oct 20th, I need to go to the hospital for bi-weekly non-stress-tests (that is where they monitor the heart rates and uterine activity for an hour) and weekly fluid checks (ultrasound to check the level of amniotic fluid). I will also see him again that week, and then see him weekly or bi-weekly depending on how I am doing. Basically I am just going to move into the doctor's office!! We didn't set a date yet for the c-section. He wants to wait until I am about 32-33 weeks along before putting me on the schedule.

Like I said, overall I am doing really good...and the twins look like they are staying put!

Oh, did I forget to mention that my belly is HUGE! They have been measuring my belly (actually my uterus) to see how far along I am. by date, I am 28.5 weeks. By the size of my uterus I am 41 weeks!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Below is a picture of me at 26.5 weeks that Mary took during the balloon festival.

Hopefully I have some more cute pictures of Dennis and I (we haven't had our pictures taken in a long time). We are going to his cousins Wedding tonight. Should be a lot of fun!

Two Wonderful Years

Today Dennis and I are celebrating our second anniversary. It is hard to believe that two years ago right now we were getting married in front of our family and friends on a beautiful beach. Not only that, but I can't believe how much our lives have changed in these two years. We have a beautiful son, two more on the way, and two years of great memories.

The above pictures are from my driveway. Kelly decorated our driveway with sidewalk chalk to wish us a Happy Anniversary!

Backyard playtime

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Freddy and I had a good day, and I was even able to take him on two walks...even though each was only once around the block. As soon as Dennis came home, he said "I am going to take Freddy out back to play that way you can rest."

That thrilled me! I have been telling Dennis for a while that I would love it if when he got home he would play with Freddy outside, since I can't really chase him right now. And the fact that I could lay down for 15-20 minutes in the evening...when I really need it!

Well, of course I didn't rest...I needed to take pictures! Like I said it was beautiful out! Freddy and Dennis were running around out back, and then Kelly and Jeremy came out to play! Well, Jeremy couldn't really play since he hurt his back.

Freddy had a great time running around, knocking over Kelly's candles, teasing Nora and Charlie (their cats), running from Daddy, and rolling around in the grass.

It was a perfect way to end the day!