Easter 2013

This year's Easter was a little different than years past.  We came home with the twins on Saturday and my parents were still in town to help out with the kids and  to celebrate Easter with us.  Thanks goodness they were here, or there may not have been any sugar cookies, dyed eggs, or Easter dinner for us this year. 

The Easter Bunny did find us and filled baskets for all four of the kids.  When I realized that the boys would be here before Easter, Derek picked up some small baskets from the store and I ordered a few things for their baskets online so that they would have something.  Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!  Addy and Carter had a blast checking out their baskets and hunting eggs outside in the backyard.  Mom and Dad took care of making a delicious Easter dinner.  Derek and I focused on keeping the babies happy and trying not to appear too much like zombies.  Even though it was a low key and not the most organized Easter we've had, we got to celebrate it as a family of six at home, which was truly priceless.

The big kids with their baskets

After a soggy hunt outside

Wyatt Cottontail

Our First Easter

Our FOUR Kiddos 

Family Pic

Posing with Grandma and Grandpa

Mommy snd her sleepy heads

Hugs for Holden

Introducing....Wyatt Joseph and Holden Jacob

And then there were SIX.....



Holden and Wyatt

On Monday March 25th I was feeling lots of pressure and decided to head to labor and delivery to be monitored.  When I got there we found out that I had actually dilated to a point where the doctor wasn't comfortable sending me home, especially since both babies were breech and if I were to go into active labor, things would be very rushed.  My doctor was out of town on spring break, so I was under the care of another excellent doctor that did a great job.  Since he didn't feel comfortable sending me home, I was admitted to the hospital and had no idea just exactly how long I would be there.  The babies were looking very happy on the monitors and I wasn't having a whole lot of contractions through Tuesday.  Derek brought the kids in to visit me on both Monday and Tuesday evening and Derek's mom watched after the kids during the day. 

The doctor checked me again on Tuesday morning and I had progressed a bit more.  At this point I was getting very uncomfortable and the hospital bed wasn't really helping matters.  The babies continued to look good and very always very active.  During these two days my doctor was carefully weighing all of the possibilities and was determining just how long he thought I could keep these babies inside me before going into full blown labor.  At this point it was evident that I would have to have a c-section since both boys were breech and he was deciding how much longer we could hold off.  Tuesday evening he come into my room and let me know that since I would be 35 weeks the next day, he would like to schedule the c-section for then, and at 7:15 a.m. none the less!!  I did get a bit nervous when he told me his plans.  I was apprehensive about having them via c-section and very worried about the boys being born at 35 weeks.

 After a night of tossing and turning and a whole lot of praying, the clock showed 5 a.m. and it was time to begin prep for surgery.  The whole thing seemed so surreal...like I was dreaming.  My parents left their house very early in the morning (2 a.m.!!) and made it just in time to see me go to down to the operating room at 7:15.

Derek felt very "official" in his scrubs.  It didn't help matters that the nursing stu dents who were observing thought he was a doctor!

Wyatt after the delivery

Holden after the delivery

Wyatt Joseph and Holden Jacob joined our family on March 27th at 7:33 and 7:34 a.m.  Wyatt weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 18.5 inches long.   Holden weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and measured 19 inches long.  After their birth, they were taken to the nursery for observation.  They both scored very well on the APGAR but were having minor issues breathing, which is very common for late preterm babies.   I didn't get to hold the boys until later Wednesday evening which was very hard, but I was so excited when I finally had my little guys in my arms.   They stayed in the nursery on monitors and in warmers until about 5:30 the next day.  It was very hard not to have my babies with me, but I knew that they were getting great care and it was necessary to make sure they were healthy.  I did make several trips to the nursery to see and nurse them. 

Holding Holden for the first time

Daddy holding Wyatt for the first time

We spent three nights in the hospital after the boys were born and were realeased on Saturday morning.  We were so excited that the boys were realeased in the normal amount of time.  Before their birth the doctors and nurses were prepping us for the possibility of them having to stay longer due to the fact that they were late pre-term babies born at 35 weeks.  We are so thankful for all of  the thoughts and prayers sent out by family and friends for our precious boys. Our prayers were answered and our little guys are happy and healthy babies! 

 

Big brother and big sister meeting Holden

 

One proud Dad

 

Grandma and Grandpa with all  FOUR of their grandkids

 

Kim with her hands full

Superdad--feeding both babies at once

 

All ready to go home

Baby Update and Bedrest

Being behind on the blog has kept me from posting updates on the blog, so here is a brief "catch-up" on our baby boys.
Through the months of January and February my pregnancy was smooth sailing. We had several sonograms and each one showed both babies measuring big and ahead of schedule. At the end of February I was getting more and more uncomfortable and was quickly running out of clothes that actually fit but things were going great and my doctor was very happy with how the pregnancy was progressing. We worked around Derek's work schedule and used the time we had to make preparations for the boys. We purchased the extra baby items and equipment we needed, traded in Derek's car for a new Minivan (yes, we took the plunge), unpacked and washed all of our baby boy clothes in storage, arranged the boys' room so everything fit, and focused on sending lots of time with Adalyn and Carter. We had a productive two months.

On March 6th I went to bi-weekly my doctor's appointment and was surprised to learn that I had dilated. My doctor put me on home bed rest and that is where I still I am today. I began bed rest at 32 weeks and today I am 34 weeks and 2 days. I know that bed rest is a very common occurrence with twins and early dilation is common among women who have previously been pregnant, but part of me is still disappointed that I couldn't avoid bed rest longer. Thankfully Derek's mom graciously agreed to come up to help and has been so wonderful. She takes care of transporting Addy to and from preschool, takes care of Carter all day, keeps us caught up on laundry and all of the other cleaning tasks around the house. We are so thankful to have her up here and the kids are really enjoying being soiled by their Grandma. I just hope that they don't drive her too crazy:)

Since being on bed rest my pregnancy just continues to get more interesting. I had a sonogram at 32 weeks and 2 days and the babies were measuring 5 lbs 7 oz. and 4 lbs. 7 oz. Sonograms can be off plus or minus a pound or so, but either way, we know they are big boys for twins! At my 33 week appointment I had dilated one more cm so Dr. Dutta sent me to the hospital to be monitored. Not many contractions registered on the monitor but I did get the two doses of steroid shots to mature the boys' lungs in case they decided to make an early debut. Then the following Saturday I went into labor and delivery because I was feeling pressure and a whole lot of irritability. After being on the monitors for a few hours, I was given medicine to stop labor and sent home. I wasn't anymore dilated at my 34 week appointment this past Wednesday and had a Non Stress Test done that showed that the babies were as happy as larks and I had no real contractions. Yesterday evening I started feeling lots of pressure and irritability and headed to L&D...again! The monitors showed lots of irritability so I was given another dose of meds to stop labor.

So, it has certainly been an interesting few weeks and I have collected my fair share of hospital bracelets from all of my visits, non stress tests, and injections. If the boys were to come at this point, they would most likely be OK but we would definitely like them to bake a little longer if possible. I'm not quite sure what the next few weeks (or days or hours) has in store for us, but we are doing everything we can to make sure that these little guys come out healthy! So far bed rest has been bearable. I have been able to watch a ton of basketball with the conference and NCAA tournaments happening, but I definitely get stir crazy every now and then. I'm not usually one to stay home or sit in one place too often, and I feel bad about not being able to do certain things with Adalyn and Carter, but if it means that these guys get some extra days to bake, I'll do it! We certainly appreciate all of the prayers and offers to help that we have received from friends and family. Your gestures, thoughts, and prayers mean more to us than you'll ever know. These two little boys have no idea how much the are already loved!  

I don't really enjoy posting pregnant pictures of myself, but I thought I'd make an exception just this once.

34 WEEKS!

Addy had to jump in the picture.  She loves all three of her little brothers!

Happy Fifth Birthday Adalyn!

This year Adalyn's birthday fell on a Saturday.  We started her "Birthday Palooza" weekend on Friday when Addy took her birthday treats to school.  She choose to take mini ice cream cone cupcakes that she helped me make the day before.  She was very excited about celebrating her birthday at school and proudly wore the birthday crown she got from her teacher all weekend.  Friday afternoon our family arrived for the exciting weekend.  Mom and Dad drove up and brought Ashley and her boyfriend, Ben and Grandma Freihaut also came up in the afternoon.  That evening we ate dinner and spent time hanging out.  Addy and Carter really enjoyed playing with Ben mostly because he is a big kid himself. 

On Saturday we had a small family birthday party at the house for Addy.  Uncle Cory, Cameron, and Kerrigan made the trip from Terre Haute and Kim also came to celebrate with us.  Addy chose to have walking tacos for lunch, which is the same thing she asked for last year.  She also chose to have an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and even designed it all by herself.  She had her heart set on a Lego Friends birthday but there aren't a whole lot of favors and decorations for that theme, so we improvised and added some of her real Loge pieces to the top of her cake. 

Addy worked with the Dairy Queen lady to design her cake all by herself.

Family Picture

The kids' table

Cake Time!

POsing with Grandma and Grandpa Schum

Cousins!  At least the girls were happy!

Posing with Ashley and Ben

Kim and Addy

Addy received many wonderful gifts from everyone and loved being the center of attention on her special day.  Later Saturday evening, the girls went to the mall so that Addy could pick out new earrings and jewelry at Clarie's and to eat at Panera.  The boys went to Famous Dave's (a BBQ restaurant) and then hurried home to watch the Indiana basketball game.  Addy was so excited to have some girls time with both of her grandmas, Aunt, and Mom. 

My family left late on Sunday morning, but "Birthday Palooza" wasn't quite finished for the Freihauts.  Later that afternoon Addy had her class birthday party with her classmates at a local Gymnastics Academy.  She had thirteen friends attend her party and was so exited to celebrate with all of them.  The party began with an hour of play time on the gym's floor.  The kids loved swinging on the rope, jumping in the bouncy house, diving into the foam pits, bouncing on the trampolines and laying on all the other fun gymnastics equipment.  After playtime the kids had cupcakes and then all gathered around Addy to watch her open gifts.  Addy had been asking to have a birthday party at the gymnastics party since she went to a friend's party last May and she had a wonderful time.  It was a lot of fun watching all of the kids let out energy on the equipment and celebrate with Addy.  She is a very lucky to have so many great friends!

Addy and Ella

"Swimming" through the foam pit

Group Picture

Opening gifts

So, Addy's birthday celebration spanned three days this year and consisted of two parties, three birthday treats, lots of friends and family, and endless smiles from our little girl.  We were exhausted on Sunday night (especially this preggo mama!) but it was all worth it because our little girl had the perfect fifth birthday.

Proud to be FIVE!

We can't believe that Adalyn is already five years old.  It seems like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital on a snowy Saturday.  Looking at her now, we are amazed at the little girl she has become.  She is definitely head strong and will let you know what she thinks she is right.  She is sassy and sweet, loves her little brother, is always willing to help out anyone, and is wise beyond her years.  I look at her everyday and am amazed at how grown up she is.  Even though I always say that time can slow down anytime now, I am also excited to watch Addy grow and experience new things.  Happy Birthday Adalyn Grace!  Mommy, Daddy, Carter, and the babies love you VERY much!

An Interview with a FIVE Year Old

 

I interviewed Adalyn on her birthday about some of her favorite things.  I started "birthday interviews" with her last year and plan to use the same questions each year.  It is interesting to see how her interests and favorites change from year to year. 

 

Happy Fifth Birthday ADALYN GRACE!

1. What is your favorite color? purple and pink

2. What is your favorite toy?  My dolls, Saige and Lucy

3. What is your favorite fruit? strawberries and apples

4. What is your favorite TV show?  Wow Wow Wubzy

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? macaroni and cheese and hot dogs

6. What is your favorite outfit?  My sparkly peacock shirt with jeans

7. What is your favorite game? Busytown and Don't Wake Daddy

8. What is your favorite snack? Gogurt and Popsicles

9. What is your favorite animal?  Dolphins

10. What is your favorite song?  The songs that I make up and the "gymnastics song" (Home by Phillip Phillips)

11. What is your favorite book? Friends Lego Chapter Book

12. Who is your best friend?  Ella

13. What is your favorite cereal?  Cinnamon Toast Crunch

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride my scooter

15. What is your favorite drink?  Chocolate Milk

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?   Lucy and Saige

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes

19. If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?   Disneyland

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher and a mommy

A Fast and Furious February

I'm not quite sure where the month of February went, but I am glad that it has passed.  January and February aren't exactly my favorite months of the year because it is Derek's crazy busy work season where he works many late nights and goes into the office for at least one full day on the weekends.  It is a chaotic time for us and  This year it was extra challenging because I was pregnant with the boys.  Amongst the craziness we did manage to have some fun family nights and the kids and I filled our days with fun indoor projects and trips to our favorite places around town.  At the end of the month I was SO happy to turn the February page on the calender.

Here are few pictures from our crazy month:

All ready to watch the Super Bowl

Valentine fun in Addy's classroom

Checking out Addy's Valentines

Playing games at the party

Addy and her friend, Ella

Two of my Valentines and the treat Derek got for us....so much better than flowers, especially when you are VERY pregnant!

An intense game of Angry Birds

Look at that concentration!

Carter loves to dress up as Handy Manny and pretend to fix things around the house.

 

Being Silly

 

 

Carter's 30 month Well Check Appointment

Carter had his 30 month well check appointment on January 17.  Carter interacted a ton with the nurse and the doctor. During previous appointments he has been a bit standoffish and shy, but he was so chatty during this appointment that I'm not even sure I had to be there.  Carter answered all of their questions, even the ones that were directed at me.  When Doctor Boe asked me if he was potty trained Carter piped in and said, "yes, I go on the potty."  He also told the doctor that I had two baby boys in my belly.  Dr. Boe looked up from Carter's chart with his brows raised looking to me for confirmation and I let him know that Carter was correct and the Freihauts were keeping him in business.  Carter had a great appointment and was quite the character throughout the entire visit.  He measured 37.75 inches (85th percentile) and 35.5 lbs. (90th percentile).  Our little boy is growing like a weed!