Twin Ultrasound #5 - I think

Monday we had another full ultrasound. Every month, they check all the measurements and look at the organs and check fluids and anything else they think of along the way, I think. We checked out as doing really well. Baby A is estimated to weigh 4 lbs, 13 oz and Baby B is estimated at 4 lbs 7 oz. Baby A is head down again! This is really good news! Baby B is head up, but that is okay.

Scott and the kids went with me this time. It was a little bit more difficult to see the babies as well because they are starting to get cramped and crowded in there. Kynzie was fascinated to hear the heartbeats and see what she could on the 'TV'.

We also found out the babies both have hair. I didn't know you could see that on an ultrasound.

How are your numbers, Mommy?

I am not sure whether this is a good thing to tell the world about, but I am going to share anyway. I have had to monitor my blood sugar over the last few weeks (starting while my husband was away in Germany), and I haven't really hidden the process from my kids.

Today, my three-year-old-going-on-35 daughter pretended to take her blood sugar. She found random things around the house that she could pretend were her equipment. She used a pair of earbuds for the lancet (the piece you would insert into the ipod was the lancet). She had to first figure out which finger was next, and then even which side of that finger to use. Too funny. She pays way too much attention!

She then squeezed her finger like Mommy. She decided the SD card in Delainey's computer would make a nice "checker". She touched her finger to it and then inserted the SD card back into the slot and "waited" for her reading.

Hilarious! I loved to watch that. She loves to watch me test and gets bummed out if I don't tell her when I am going to test. She usually turns her head for the actual stick part, but I always assure her it doesn't hurt Mommy. (And, so far, it really doesn't, thankfully.) And she always asks me how my numbers are each time.

By the way, my numbers have been so great lately without taking any medication; I am so thankful. I only have God to thank at this point. Whether I was dealing with gestational diabetes or cholestasis, either way my body seems to rebounding quite well. I am so glad... I really want these babies to have the best chance at a long stay at the Maternity Inn to make sure they have the time they need to develop and grow well enough to meet the challenge of birth.

Gifts for the twins

We have already recieved a few gifts for the new babies. How exciting! The first gift was a pair of adorable sleepers at Christmas from my husband's brother and sister-in-law. Then, about a month ago my mom called to tell me she picked up their first snowsuits. (I know she is making baby quilts for them as well, but I haven't actually seen them yet.)

And just a week or two ago, Mom brought over a gift from a dear lady where she works, a woman I don't even know, by the way. This dear woman hand knitted two pairs of tiny blue & white baby booties and two matching hats for our boys. They are so precious. These people my mom works with must really like her; all of my kids have received gifts from people there. They are so sweet.

Now, there is talk of a shower given by friends from church! They are such dear, sincere friends. We are so blessed to have known them all the last few years. We have grown in so many ways because we have been part of this life group, and we have loved serving and being served within this special group of people.

He's Almost Home!

In as little as three short hours my husband will be home from his two week business trip to Germany! I am sooo glad! I don't even know words to express the way I feel about his return. I will be glad to be his help meet again in person and not over the phone in brief sessions or via email updates. I have been so emotional without my husband. I don't think I realized just how much of a stabilizing force he is in my life. I know I am pregnant, and I am sure the emotions are exaggerated, but I know things would not have hit me so hard emotionally had he been here with me. I don't know how military wives do it. My hat's off to you, ladies!

The Sweetest Thing - Your child asking Jesus to live in her heart!

Two weeks ago on Sunday on the way home from church Kynzie asked some questions, some very poignant questions about life and death and what happens at the end. We explained each answer to her which brought another question. She was very earnest. She wanted Jesus to live in her heart.

This isn't the first time these things have come up; we talk about Jesus being our Lord and our Saviour. We talk about Jesus' love for us and how that led him to death on the cross and what His resurrection means for us in eternity. It is part of our daily lives to talk about these things in casual conversation. We read the Bible with her. We have children's Bible videos even.

This time she had an agenda, though, and we were all too eager to follow along with her. This is one of those moments we pray will happen sooner than later in our children's' lives. She wanted to pray to ask Jesus to live in her heart! How thrilling! I was all choked up and saying Hallelujah!

I know she will understand this in new ways as she grows in understanding and maturity. But this was definitely a genuine desire on her part. This is the sweetest thing. To know that your child will be with you when you see Jesus! Glory to God!

Decluttering 101 - Clear Out the Clutter in the 8 step CONVERT process

I haven't taken the time to blog much lately. I have been busy trying to get our house to "The House That Cleans Itself" stage. Our new favorite household motto is "Change the house to fit the behavior." And, if you can't change the house to fit the behavior, then work on changing the behavior.

Another favorite eye-opener for me from this book is how to decide to get rid of an item or keep it. This is the most difficult thing for me - the process of decluttering and deciding to purge something from our home.

So many of the experts (in books and on websites and on television help shows) say to pick up each item in your home and ask yourself questions like these: "Have I used this in a year?" "Does this item bring a smile to my face?" "Do I love this item?" "Do I really need this item?"

None of this has helped me. Not having used it in a year doesn't mean I won't need it soon. Bringing a smile to my face and loving an item are both relative to what the item is, what its purpose is, and may change from day to day. Needing an item is also relative and changes periodically. The need to hang on to stuff just in case is greater than whether I need it right now.

I already know I need to declutter. I have known it for a long time. But that knowledge hasn't made the task any easier. I have learned that it really stresses my husband out to come home to it. (We have found ways to circumvent this problem on a daily basis, but the undertow is still there.) I feel like I can't accomplish things sufficiently that I desire to accomplish. I feel it affects our day-to-day life. One of my desires is to have my home be a safe-haven for my husband when he comes home from work, and for my children every day as well as for others that need it from time to time. I feel that this is greatly hindered by too much stuff. And, above all, I feel like it limits how free we can be to do the things God would have us do. In the end it is such a bondage.

But there are three things that have helped me tremendously in this decluttering decision-making process over the last several months. First, going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes brought so many good results for us. Scott and I agreeing on our finances, agreeing to be accountable to one another, and being on a budget has limited, if not eliminated, the bringing in of more stuff we don't need. That is critical to the decluttering process.

Second, a phrase author Mindy Starns Clark uses in the book - do I need to waste any more time of energy on this item (paraphrased) - has given me a new way to think through the process. Granted, I probably still haven't gotten rid of as much as I need to yet; it is a slow process for me. But, I even got rid of a whole couch using this line of thinking!

Our main piece of furniture in the living room was at one time a wonderful hand-me-down sleeper sofa that has served us well for a few years. It needed a couch cover, and the couch cover needed adjusting EVERY day, maybe even several times a day to look neat. As soon as I read this section in the book, I knew it was time to say good-bye to what had become an eye-sore and a pain in our behind (especially Delainey's since it was her job to fix the couch cover... I think she was the happiest to see it go.)

It wasn't worth one more ounce of energy - the energy it took to straighten the cover, the energy it took to move the couch out so the cover could be straightened, the energy it took to fret about how it looked or whether it was neat when someone stopped by... you get the idea. When I looked around and considered our seating options and realized that we really didn't NEED that sofa, it was so freeing. I felt like a bird that could fly out of the nest for the first time.

But the last help is probably the most important. Don't I trust God enough to provide for us when we need it? He always does. Now, I am not saying that we are going to give away all our possessions just yet, but we are bringing two more human beings into this home. And we need to make room for them. I don't think saving junk for the sake of saving junk is being a good steward of our home or our resources.

Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Now, I don't think I really thought of all my stuff as 'treasure', but that is how I treat it, isn't it? I give it a significant place in our home. I tell everyone to be careful around it. I get it out from time to time and look at and clean it. It is too precious to give away (but I doubt I could really sell any of it). Well, where is my heart then? (This also goes back to the energy thing as well.)

Let me quote Matthew 6:19-20 (NASB) here: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal...

I decided I needed to reevaluate where my treasure is stored up. And, even if I was going to store up treasure here on earth, is the stuff I have really what I want to claim as my treasure? I don't think so. It just helps add a little different perspective for me - something beyond myself.

Since this epiphany, I have sent several lawn and garden size trash bags to the donation center. As soon as a box or bag is filled, it is out the door so I don't have time for second thoughts! I have only really made it completely through two zones in my house, but I feel so much better already. I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I know there is light at the end of this tunnel.

Little updates on us...

It has been quite awhile since I last posted. I guess we've been busy...

Not much new going on here. I haven't taken many, if any, new pictures.

Max enjoys his jammies. He would rather wear them all day if I would let him. I am not sure why. He loves that his jammies zip. And some nights, when it is time to put jammies on, he gets so excited. He also likes to walk around the house with a cloth on his head like a hat. He calls it "duck, duck, goose" and pats his head and laughs. (His cloth is like his security blanket.)

Kynzie still calls the treadmill "treasure mill". It is really cute. That is the way she first started to say it when she was old enough to know that Daddy ran on the treasure mill every day. We have told her the actual name, and she can pronounce it, but she seems to prefer her name for it.

I am doing pretty well. I am still working hard at the healthy, well-balanced diet (mostly still sticking to the Brewer Diet) and getting in adequate exercise. And, I am still working my way through the house using 'The House That Cleans Itself' method. I love this book by the way. I started a post about this book and hope to go back and finish it later. But let me just say that this is by far the best decluttering/housecleaning book I have read... and I have read many, many, many. I even removed myself from FlyLady's mailing list!

Delainey injured, mildly, her ankle and it is nice and swollen now as well as a little purple. I don't think it's anything to be too concerned about, but it is enough to get her out of running for a day or two!

Time with Sis

Here is Delainey being a good big sister again. She is letting the little kids watch some Ratatouille with her before their betime. Delainey usually watches movies or listens to music while she runs on the treadmill.

Just Like Daddy

Here is Max sitting the way Daddy does while watching this TV. Max worked very hard to get this little chair over to just the right spot. He would move it, then test it to see if his feet could reach and then get out and adjust it again. He was so pleased with himself when he finally accomplished his goal.

Say, say, O playmate, Come out & Play with me...

And bring your dollies three

Climb up my apple tree

Holler down my rain barrel

Slide down my cellar door

And we'll be jolly friends forever more, forever more.

It was a rainy day

She couldn't come out to play

With tearful eyes she breathed a sigh

And this is what I heard her say

Say, say O playmate

I can't come play with you

My dolly's got the flu

boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo

Ain't got no rain barrel

Ain't got no cellar door

But we'll be jolly friends

Forever more, forever more

Do you remember this one? I used to beg my mom to sing that little ditty to me. I still like it. I think it's cute. And still love to hear my mom sing it to my kids. Maybe I'll take time to share some of my other childhood favorites sometime. Like The Little Red Caboose, that other train song I can't remember the name of (train whistle blowing, what is it Mom?), A Little Dream House, Two Little Orphans, and I Am a Pretty Little Dutch Girl. They probably aren't politically correct for this day and age, but I can even remember my grandmother singing some of them to me.

Anyway, here are the two little kids watching Delainey go outside and hang out with the neighbors. Aren't they pitiful? So, I went outside and took pictures of them looking pitiful - because they were so darn cute.

You Vacuum, and I'll Be the Runner

Vacuuming (and other loud household noises) makes Kynzie and Max a little nervous. Kynzie found the best way to deal with her fear of the vacuum was to make a game out of it. She says to whomever is vacuuming, "you vacuum and I'll be the runner." So she runs back and forth in front of the vacuum, at a fairly safe distance, giggling all the while. It can be a challenge for the vacuum-er, but it is really cute and can be fun for all.

Max has found a couple of ways to conquer his fear. One, go somewhere that the vacuum is not and stay there till the sound stops. Then, slowly emerge and ask "all done?" Or, run as fast as he can to the vacuum-er, hoping he is noticed quickly, saying "hold you, hold you" as urgently as possible. He likes to watch the vacuuming process from this vantage point and sometimes even "helps" hold the handle.

Delainey is very good at playing Kynzie's game and is adding holding Max to the mix now as well. She has added her own flavor to the pot by sharing her ipod tunes with Max.

I'm a big kid now!

We rearranged some things in the living room to temporarily put Delainey's school desk upstairs while I am working on cleaning out and rearranging the basement. (And, it is warmer upstairs, too!) It was like a new toy for the little kids. Delainey snapped these photos before church last Sunday. They both want to sit at her desk and do "math" as Kynzie calls all school work right now.

Bedtime Routines... Jammies, Story, Sing & Pray

The little kids don't fit on my lap very well anymore, especially not both of them at once. (Delainey doesn't fit at all, in case you were wondering.) Kynzie has adjusted to this quite well, probably because she has a better understanding of why my lap is disappearing. And Max is really good at following her lead in certain situations. Here, I am reading a Magic Schoolbus book to them. Kynzie really likes these books (and the videos when we get them from the library), even though I am pretty sure she is not grasping all the scientific information in them. But, I am more than happy to start her early if she enjoys it!

Max just likes books. I think we could read the phone book or a dictionary to him and he would sit and listen intently. Scott is reading one of their favorites in these pictures - "Are You My Mother?"

By the way, Delainey usually comes in and prays with us as well. She doens't get left out... We talk and pray with her... I guess I could ask her if she would like us to sing to her as well.

May the Force Be With You

Here is Max's introduction to light sabers... He looks pretty intense in a couple of the photos, like he means business. These are Delainey's light sabers, by the way. She has one more now as well. She has a couple of other friends her age that enjoy a good saber battle from time to time. She also gets a good padawan training session with her dad. Max even makes the sound effects he has heard Dad and Delainey make.

Getting closer to baby time!

I only have 14 weeks left in this pregnancy (till my "due date")! It seems like you have all the time in the world to get ready for a new baby, or two new babies. I mean, nine months is a long time. But last night when I realized 14 weeks, give or take, is all I have, I first became very excited, then I almost panicked thinking about what still needs to be done!

I know 14 weeks is still a long time to be big and pregnant and uncomfortable. I have been enjoying this pregnancy, though. I have enjoyed every little kick and twist and turn. I have taken great pleasure in knowing that I have the privilege of caring for two little babies at the same time in my womb. I have been able to pray special prayers and blessings for them that are just a little different than what I prayed for my singletons. And I have really been blessed by all I have been learning and changing in my life during this pregnancy.

Anyway, we are not anxious about the babies coming whenever they do. God will provide for our needs as he always does. We have wonderful family and friends around us to support us in prayer and in practicality, both of which we appreciate immensely. I can't wait to meet these two new family members God has chosen for us!

Singing in the Kitchen... banging on the pots & pans

That title comes from a song I used to listen to as a kid. It seems like there is always singing going on here, and banging on somethng.

Max loves to play piano and guitar. Drums are good, too. And he loves a good sing-a-song (microphone). He will hold a little guitar we have, only about 5 or 6 inches, and sing into one of the dresser drawer knobs in his bedroom. It is so adorable. He found another sing-a-song in Kynzie's scooter. He stands at the handle bar and croons away into it. Mostly, we have no idea what he is singing, but he is very passionate about it. He does sing "halelujah" quite a bit, but that is about he only word we can understand so far.

He also makes a piano out of anything and everything. Somehow he saw a piano in the open dishwasher.

Kynzie loves to pretend. She likes to play scenes from books (David & Goliath) or videos (soldiers from Easter Promise), or make up her own games like Trashman & Turtle. Lately, she has finally taken an interest in playing with her dolls, kitchen set, and other ready made pretend items. It has been so much fun watching her care for them and care for her "house".

In this picture of Kynzie, she is pretending to be an angel singing "Glory to God in the highest", she said.

Verses to relax by...

I am putting together some favorite scriptures pertaining to peace, comfort, and grace for relaxation purposes during birth. I have some favorites, but I am interested in what others find comforting. Here are some of the first ones that have come to mind.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corin 12:8-10

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have
compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. - Isaiah 30:18

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed {be} the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corin 1:2-4

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

I know it may be difficult for some of you to imagine that I will be able to relax as Scott's soothing voice oozes out these verses during moments of moderate to intense pain. But I will say that I don't know what would have happened to me, and most importantly Max, had I not had Scott's voice right next to me to focus and concentrate on during that birth.

This time, I figured I might as well give him something scripted to say! Just kidding... God put us together to work as a team, and Scott did his part very well.

I am also preparing a CD of favorite songs, mostly praise songs. (It will be a CD so Scott won't have to sing them to me!) Maybe I'll list those next time. Feel free to offere suggestions.

No Cavities! No New Corvette...

Yesterday, we had our 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings. We have been going to the same dentist for so long... my parents tooks me to this dentist, and I've been going since. Most of the office staff gals have been there that long, and a few of the dental hygenists have been there long enough to watch my kids grow up.

Kynzie had her second check up today. They don't start cleanings, etc. until they're at least three. She does really great! She has always done great at the doctor so this wasn't a huge stretch.

Max, on the other hand, is a very different child. He didn't even want anyone to look at him until the end. He sat in his stroller and watched as my teeth were cleaned. He would frown and hide his face when someone would talk to him. Kynzie was a little shy at his age too, but she would at least smile and hide her face. He is such a sweet boy. I really enjoy learning about his personality. By the time they were done with my teeth, he was a little more comfortable. And by the time we left, he had warmed up enough to tell them thank you for his new toothbrush and wave good-bye.

Delainey was cavity-free once again. Way to go, Delainey! She has had her picture on their no cavity board for 10 years (since she didn't start check ups till she was 3). Yay, Delainey!

Kynzie got her picture up on the board as well. And, in case you were wondering, I didn't have any cavities either. Our dentist joked that he wouldn't be able to get that new corvette from our family. That's just the way I like it.

Where are we going to put two more babies?

Our house is not as small as some houses. Our house isn't as big as other houses. And, I am not even sure it is the size of the house that matters so much. I think, for me, it is the amount of stuff in the house.

I am admittedly a clutter-aholic; a plain, ole pack rat. I cannot seem to part with my stuff. I have pried myself away from enough stuff to have two garage sales and countless little trips to thrift stores for donations. But there is just still too much stuff! And I am not even talking about the kids' things - toys, clothes, books, etc.

I think I have curbed the intake dramatically in the last couple years. I just need to oust some things. It is difficult for me. All of the things I sort through (time and time again) are good, useful items. I am sure I can give you a different "reason" as to why I need to keep each particular piece of priceless treasure if you were to sit with me as I sort through the endless boxes and buckets in the garage, basement and every closet throughout the house.

I have tried selling on eBay (successful but too time-consuming for me), giving away on FreeCycle (good motivation, but how many strangers do I really want to invite to my home), garage sales (talk about time-consuming), and anything else that I thought would be beneficial to ridding my home of clutter.

One thing that has helped tremendously is FlyLady. She has really branched out into many others areas to help us all become the best domestic divas we can be, but the simple message of de-cluttering is the one I needed. I definitely had C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). My whole family suffered. Marla Cilley, FlyLady, explains that you cannot organize, let alone clean, clutter. It is like an albatross around your neck, and you take your family down with you.

I know this battle is between my ears more than anywhere else. This is an area of my life I must conquer for my family's sake. And, I believe the only way I am going to conquer it is through Jesus Christ. I know that may sound silly. But I have tried everything I can think of in my own strength. What Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12 comes to mind... "there was a thorn given me in my side... to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"

His grace is enough for me. I am sooo thankful for that truth over and over!

So, while I am feeling my best right now in pregnancy, I have been trying to dedicate time to this task. It is a formidible task, especially considering the other things that need to take time in my days, such as home education, training toddlers, regular housework, and concentrating on my health for my twins. I can't forget to add potty-training to this list. I am putting it off, but I think Max is ready. But His grace is sufficient for me!

Here are a couple of photos of Max in a baby doll bed. It was near the door to be ushered out of the house, and he decided it was just his size.

Ready for the races!

Here are Kynzie & Max with their helmets and new rides from Christmas. Max wasn't quite tall enough to move the motorcycle at first, but I think his legs have stretched out a little since then. Both kids enjoy both the scooter and the motorcycle, and they are really good about sharing with each other. I am sure they will have so much more fun when they can actually get their toys outside, but it has been nice for them to take advantage of them in the house while it has been so cold!