Feels good to update everyone to 2015...
My word this year has been Brave...be brave in my decisions, be brave in my faith, be brave in every aspect of my life.
So, how's it going you ask? Great, actually! I have been brave, yes indeed, I have been brave. My kids have been brave, and my family is moving forward with being brave this year...and still another 4 months to go! Last year we focused on peace and contentment, and this year we are going to take a step out on faith and bravely go where we haven't been before (metaphorically mostly), but really, just tired of living scared of changes and want to make the most of everyday. Now that we have been at peace, and have focused on being content, let's be brave and trust and love without fear.
I will catch you up on the specifics of our 'brave' year in the next few posts...
Lots of Love,
Courtney
Friday, July 31, 2015
So, yeah, its been over a year
For the 2+ followers we have out there...thanks for not giving up on us! It has been at least a year (more actually), I have seriously neglected the blog...but then again I do have 5 very mobile kids, ages 2 years old to 7 years old now...and, well, just haven't made it a priority. So I will do my best to bring you up to speed...
2014
It was a good year celebrating birthdays, anniversaries....
Visited Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC with the extended family...my 7 year old was the bravest of us all on the water slides!
Had a reunion with a volleyball team I played with 25 years ago in Hendersonville, NC at Rugby Junior High School...so fun to reconnect with these fabulous ladies.
Tried to soak up every moment of having a 1st grader, 2 preschoolers, and 2 toddlers.
I had two posts that I was going to publish in 2014 apparently...
And the 2nd post...
Where do you begin when you begin a new year with so many little ones? Or what to do when you have so much to do? The past few years have encompassed a lot of changes for us- our move in 2012 from Greensboro back to Raleigh, and the birth of our second set of twins in 2013 - it has been a lot of change in what feels like a very short amount of time in retrospect.
So in an effort to keep it real I have resolved that this year (2014) - we will continue to change - but it will be a year of change through peace and contentment - more simply said - we need a break from all the MAJOR life changes and MAJOR stressors. The only major life change I want this year is through a time of peace, prayer, and reflection. That is my word this year - Peace - my prayer every day that peace and contentment will be at the forefront of all my thoughts and decisions.
I also want to make an effort this year to pray for each one of my children specifically - specifically for their needs, their wants, their present, and their future. And for my ability to guide them, inspire them, and encourage them.
Not too bad, I think I did that for the most part in 2014...but that about sums it up...now loading my 2015 updates!
Lots of Love,
Courtney
2014
It was a good year celebrating birthdays, anniversaries....
Visited Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC with the extended family...my 7 year old was the bravest of us all on the water slides!
Had a reunion with a volleyball team I played with 25 years ago in Hendersonville, NC at Rugby Junior High School...so fun to reconnect with these fabulous ladies.
 |
| Halloween was a lot of fun! |
I had two posts that I was going to publish in 2014 apparently...
'Mid Year Review'
I was able to type one sentence in that post and gave up or got distracted most likely.
And the 2nd post...
'Where to begin and what to do'
Where do you begin when you begin a new year with so many little ones? Or what to do when you have so much to do? The past few years have encompassed a lot of changes for us- our move in 2012 from Greensboro back to Raleigh, and the birth of our second set of twins in 2013 - it has been a lot of change in what feels like a very short amount of time in retrospect.
So in an effort to keep it real I have resolved that this year (2014) - we will continue to change - but it will be a year of change through peace and contentment - more simply said - we need a break from all the MAJOR life changes and MAJOR stressors. The only major life change I want this year is through a time of peace, prayer, and reflection. That is my word this year - Peace - my prayer every day that peace and contentment will be at the forefront of all my thoughts and decisions.
I also want to make an effort this year to pray for each one of my children specifically - specifically for their needs, their wants, their present, and their future. And for my ability to guide them, inspire them, and encourage them.
Not too bad, I think I did that for the most part in 2014...but that about sums it up...now loading my 2015 updates!
Lots of Love,
Courtney
Monday, December 9, 2013
2013 - Year In Review
It is Christmas time, and we are busy at the Dozier household - well, surviving - with a few candy canes and an advent tree mixed in. But I started thinking about our year in review - and other than the obvious 'Twins Again' - here is where I ended up...
1. Lauren's favorite accessory is a purple sequined princess crown headband - and I don't just mean favorite - think eat, sleep, wake, play, laugh, cry, with a bike helmet, in carpool, walk in classroom, go to church, go to grocery store, wear ALL day EVERY day ANY where and EVERY where doesn't leave her sight favorite accessory.
2. Implementing the laundry schedule is a great way to discover that your child is only wearing one pair of underwear per week - because you failed to notice otherwise.
3. Nicholas is known to have quite a few street smarts...he refused to eat PB&J every day for lunch after about two weeks - put his head down, crossed his arms, and shook his head 'no' at his teacher when she opened his lunchbox and he saw it in there - again. We had to make a few adjustments to his lunch box after that.
4. Placing the kids' names in alphabetical order will result in an entire segment of the alphabet carved out for us - especially helpful when I get older and can't remember their names - visual - as I holler up the stairs at 8am - "J, K, L, M, N - time for school - let's go - we're gonna be late"
5. It is not so uncommon to have two sets of twins if you get pregnant within the first three years of the first set of twins - 1 in 12 to be specific. Would have been nice to know...
6. One set of twins just barely missed the naming rights to "Uh oh Spaghetti-oh" and "Oopsy-Daisy"
7. It's not super heroes and super powers at our house - oh no, we are full on princess dresses, Barbie songs, and any movie with a bad witch mommy.
8. A summer schedule will allow time for Water Wednesday and matching Dora bathing suits.
9. I have said more than once to more than one child this year - "It's not a good idea to chew on the cord to the lamp - it's just not safe".
10. A breakfast schedule that includes cheesy sausage balls once a week will result in a hilarious back and forth game of who gets to eat the extras between my husband and my daughter. He recorded a video message for her on my phone the night before cheesy sausage ball breakfast for me to play for her the next morning warning her that she shouldn't eat them all and to save some for him - we go a little crazy over cheesy sausage balls! Too bad I couldn't get it to load...
11. If everyone who said "you have your hands full" was also kind enough to also give me a dollar, I would have enough money to send each child to college - tomorrow.
12. Five in tow is not so bad - with three exceptions - first, the cirque de so lei act you perform into the backseat of the minivan multiple times a day; second, the pediatrician's office - enough said; and third - the logistics of getting in and out of an establishment (i.e. parking near a ramp, using the sidewalk, staying in the car - KIDS, STAY IN THE CAR!!) But I have a work around for each - stay limber; bring books, IPAD, snacks, or anything to entertain - also, milkshake bribes are OK; and use drive up/drive through/to go services - I have a feeling they WANT me to stay in the car with this crowd.
Thanks for letting me share and reflect on our year - oh what a year - I am encouraged and reminded that this controlled chaos we call life, does bring about an abundance of blessings, funny moments, and happy memories!
P.S. Note the purple princess crown again
1. Lauren's favorite accessory is a purple sequined princess crown headband - and I don't just mean favorite - think eat, sleep, wake, play, laugh, cry, with a bike helmet, in carpool, walk in classroom, go to church, go to grocery store, wear ALL day EVERY day ANY where and EVERY where doesn't leave her sight favorite accessory.
2. Implementing the laundry schedule is a great way to discover that your child is only wearing one pair of underwear per week - because you failed to notice otherwise.
3. Nicholas is known to have quite a few street smarts...he refused to eat PB&J every day for lunch after about two weeks - put his head down, crossed his arms, and shook his head 'no' at his teacher when she opened his lunchbox and he saw it in there - again. We had to make a few adjustments to his lunch box after that.
4. Placing the kids' names in alphabetical order will result in an entire segment of the alphabet carved out for us - especially helpful when I get older and can't remember their names - visual - as I holler up the stairs at 8am - "J, K, L, M, N - time for school - let's go - we're gonna be late"
5. It is not so uncommon to have two sets of twins if you get pregnant within the first three years of the first set of twins - 1 in 12 to be specific. Would have been nice to know...
6. One set of twins just barely missed the naming rights to "Uh oh Spaghetti-oh" and "Oopsy-Daisy"
7. It's not super heroes and super powers at our house - oh no, we are full on princess dresses, Barbie songs, and any movie with a bad witch mommy.
8. A summer schedule will allow time for Water Wednesday and matching Dora bathing suits.
9. I have said more than once to more than one child this year - "It's not a good idea to chew on the cord to the lamp - it's just not safe".
10. A breakfast schedule that includes cheesy sausage balls once a week will result in a hilarious back and forth game of who gets to eat the extras between my husband and my daughter. He recorded a video message for her on my phone the night before cheesy sausage ball breakfast for me to play for her the next morning warning her that she shouldn't eat them all and to save some for him - we go a little crazy over cheesy sausage balls! Too bad I couldn't get it to load...
 |
12. Five in tow is not so bad - with three exceptions - first, the cirque de so lei act you perform into the backseat of the minivan multiple times a day; second, the pediatrician's office - enough said; and third - the logistics of getting in and out of an establishment (i.e. parking near a ramp, using the sidewalk, staying in the car - KIDS, STAY IN THE CAR!!) But I have a work around for each - stay limber; bring books, IPAD, snacks, or anything to entertain - also, milkshake bribes are OK; and use drive up/drive through/to go services - I have a feeling they WANT me to stay in the car with this crowd.
Thanks for letting me share and reflect on our year - oh what a year - I am encouraged and reminded that this controlled chaos we call life, does bring about an abundance of blessings, funny moments, and happy memories!
P.S. Note the purple princess crown again
Monday, September 16, 2013
THE Laundry Schedule
I have lots to catch you up on...but for now we need to get down to business...the business of tackling laundry! THE Laundry Schedule has saved us - I implemented it in May 2013 because I HAD to get organized in the business of running my life before it ran me into the ground. So, I did a little research, talked to my mom who has had experience in this area, and came up with this...A laundry schedule that would keep us on track even when we were super busy - and save us time- after all, I am the Chief Organizing Officer of the Dozier household...here's how it works -
1. Each person in our family has an assigned laundry day Monday through Friday - some share a laundry day because I despise doing laundry on the weekends, and as you know we have more than 5 now! I would much rather spend the time with my family on weekends than folding laundry. Even I have a laundry day, and my husband has his assigned laundry day. And this schedule is printed out, laminated, and hanging above our washing machine - makes it so much easier to remember when we can see it. And I have assigned symbols to each family member to make labeling a few other things around the house quick and easy. My family has LOVED this - in the beginning it was talked about at breakfast, lunch, and dinner - "Whose laundry day is it today? Whose day is tomorrow, and the next day" - they had a lot of enthusiasm for the process, which really tickled us - who knew a laundry schedule could be so popular! Our family is goofy like that though!
2. At the beginning of each day before we head out to school or work, we each are responsible for getting our own laundry basket (that is labeled with our name on it) to the laundry room (our laundry includes our own towels, sheets, and a week worth of clothes) - our 5 year old and 3 year olds are expected to do this - and don't get paid for it with their weekly commissions:-). Sometimes they help load it, but it always helps if we get the load going first thing in the morning before we leave the house for school or work. Then, when I get back to the house from our school route or errands, I can throw it in the dryer. I do not sort between darks and lights - this adds another load and more sorting, and I honestly haven't had any bleeding issues between darks and lights - so we roll with it all together for one person. That's the key - ONE PERSON's laundry at a time.
3. Homemade Laundry detergent - cutting down on costs and trying to stick to a budget will steer you in this direction - plus it makes a whole heap of detergent that will probably last us 6 months, and is gentle on our skin. You can google for a recipe - I grabbed mine from www.moneysavingmom.com. All of the ingredients are right next to each other on the shelf at Wal-mart, and it only took about 30 minutes to make. I printed a label from one of my templates in My Digital Studio by Stampin'Up!, and used a giant pretzel container we had finished up from Sam's Club. I use 1 tbsp per load and it works great!
4. Off to the dryer when I get a chance - kids help if they are home to stuff it in and love to put in a dryer sheet - not sure why but that is a highlight for them - and pushing the button to turn it on. My thought is - the more I involve them in the process - the more invested they are in their CLEAN laundry - and we are developing a routine that will go with them as they grow up.
5. When it is dry, they help me pull it out - then I fold it. Yes, this is reserved JUST FOR ME :-), not because I love it, but if you have ever let your children help fold, you know that you end up doing it in the end anyway. Sometimes I let them help, but I expect that I will probably have to re-do what ever they fold.
6. Still in the same day - we take it to their rooms - before they go to bed, they are expected to put their laundry in their baskets, drawers, hang it up, etc. This process is sometimes painful, but I look at it as training them, and remind myself to stay patient. And over the past few months, they have actually gotten much better with it. The best part though, when they put everything away, we are D-O-N-E with laundry!
So...take aways from this -
No sorting makes laundry go much faster - I will say it again - No sorting makes laundry go much faster - this was a time KILLER for me before May, now I don't have to look at the tag to tell who is wearing it by size - I automatically know because of the day - especially important if you have the same sex children close in age like I do. I don't make a trip to every child's room either to put away their three pieces that were washed - its all in the basket.
No laundry on the weekends - GLORY GLORY!!
Kids help with the process where and how it is age appropriate - start training them NOW!
My laundry room is one of the cleanest rooms in the house - which is awesome because we walk through it to get to the garage, so I don't have to cringe when I am leaving or coming home and am greeted by 2 weeks worth, or 7 people worth of laundry that equals a LOAD bigger than Mount Mitchell.
We are all happier because we can expect to have clean laundry EVERY week. No kidding, before we weren't really sure when we would get it done. My husband always has a pair of clean socks to put on before work, my daughter gets to wear her favorite shirt EVERY week, I always have at least one pair of clean shorts or pants to wear, and we have a fresh new towel and sheets every week.
Give it a try for a month, and see if you can tell the difference. Give yourself a chance to get organized and you won't regret it - one load at a time!
1. Each person in our family has an assigned laundry day Monday through Friday - some share a laundry day because I despise doing laundry on the weekends, and as you know we have more than 5 now! I would much rather spend the time with my family on weekends than folding laundry. Even I have a laundry day, and my husband has his assigned laundry day. And this schedule is printed out, laminated, and hanging above our washing machine - makes it so much easier to remember when we can see it. And I have assigned symbols to each family member to make labeling a few other things around the house quick and easy. My family has LOVED this - in the beginning it was talked about at breakfast, lunch, and dinner - "Whose laundry day is it today? Whose day is tomorrow, and the next day" - they had a lot of enthusiasm for the process, which really tickled us - who knew a laundry schedule could be so popular! Our family is goofy like that though!
2. At the beginning of each day before we head out to school or work, we each are responsible for getting our own laundry basket (that is labeled with our name on it) to the laundry room (our laundry includes our own towels, sheets, and a week worth of clothes) - our 5 year old and 3 year olds are expected to do this - and don't get paid for it with their weekly commissions:-). Sometimes they help load it, but it always helps if we get the load going first thing in the morning before we leave the house for school or work. Then, when I get back to the house from our school route or errands, I can throw it in the dryer. I do not sort between darks and lights - this adds another load and more sorting, and I honestly haven't had any bleeding issues between darks and lights - so we roll with it all together for one person. That's the key - ONE PERSON's laundry at a time.
3. Homemade Laundry detergent - cutting down on costs and trying to stick to a budget will steer you in this direction - plus it makes a whole heap of detergent that will probably last us 6 months, and is gentle on our skin. You can google for a recipe - I grabbed mine from www.moneysavingmom.com. All of the ingredients are right next to each other on the shelf at Wal-mart, and it only took about 30 minutes to make. I printed a label from one of my templates in My Digital Studio by Stampin'Up!, and used a giant pretzel container we had finished up from Sam's Club. I use 1 tbsp per load and it works great!
4. Off to the dryer when I get a chance - kids help if they are home to stuff it in and love to put in a dryer sheet - not sure why but that is a highlight for them - and pushing the button to turn it on. My thought is - the more I involve them in the process - the more invested they are in their CLEAN laundry - and we are developing a routine that will go with them as they grow up.
5. When it is dry, they help me pull it out - then I fold it. Yes, this is reserved JUST FOR ME :-), not because I love it, but if you have ever let your children help fold, you know that you end up doing it in the end anyway. Sometimes I let them help, but I expect that I will probably have to re-do what ever they fold.
6. Still in the same day - we take it to their rooms - before they go to bed, they are expected to put their laundry in their baskets, drawers, hang it up, etc. This process is sometimes painful, but I look at it as training them, and remind myself to stay patient. And over the past few months, they have actually gotten much better with it. The best part though, when they put everything away, we are D-O-N-E with laundry!
So...take aways from this -
No sorting makes laundry go much faster - I will say it again - No sorting makes laundry go much faster - this was a time KILLER for me before May, now I don't have to look at the tag to tell who is wearing it by size - I automatically know because of the day - especially important if you have the same sex children close in age like I do. I don't make a trip to every child's room either to put away their three pieces that were washed - its all in the basket.
No laundry on the weekends - GLORY GLORY!!
Kids help with the process where and how it is age appropriate - start training them NOW!
My laundry room is one of the cleanest rooms in the house - which is awesome because we walk through it to get to the garage, so I don't have to cringe when I am leaving or coming home and am greeted by 2 weeks worth, or 7 people worth of laundry that equals a LOAD bigger than Mount Mitchell.
We are all happier because we can expect to have clean laundry EVERY week. No kidding, before we weren't really sure when we would get it done. My husband always has a pair of clean socks to put on before work, my daughter gets to wear her favorite shirt EVERY week, I always have at least one pair of clean shorts or pants to wear, and we have a fresh new towel and sheets every week.
Give it a try for a month, and see if you can tell the difference. Give yourself a chance to get organized and you won't regret it - one load at a time!
Friday, March 22, 2013
35 weeks...
And counting! Wow, what a week it has been!! Nicholas started his pre-k classroom on Monday, and is doing great! He has an awesome teacher and the T.A.'s are rock stars too! I am so happy for him, and while we miss having him home, we are excited that he is learning new things and making new friends!
Both Nicholas and Lauren had their annual check-ups this week, which went very well! Thank goodness that there were no immunizations at this visit, that really saved me from having to restrain a child and endure the drama of shots!!
Kyndra is getting very excited about Easter, but was the most excited about my mom, "Mama" coming to visit! She arrived on Tuesday, and threw herself in without hesitation! What an awesome breath of fresh air this week for sure! I have needed the break, and the kids have enjoyed spending time with her. Nick has enjoyed having a clean house! Mama is running circles around me, and probably thinks "what a mess", which is mostly true, but she has been amazing at helping us get ready for our new additions while keeping up with our daily routines!
For me, well, most of my days have been spent lying down at this point and wondering where all of my energy has gone and if the babies are ready yet. The doctor doesn't think I will make it to 38 weeks. Not enough to send panic waves, but enough to let us know that the time is drawing near. Both heartbeats look good, and fetal activity is good too. My money is on April 1st, which may seem to some not a great date, but to me, it seems to make perfect sense. A nice little bow on top of this package that we have been waiting almost 9 months to unwrap!
A few funnies from this week...Nicholas loves to sit on the couch with me and run his cars over my huge belly, it makes the perfect hill for anything on wheels!
Mama gave the girls a "good girl snack" this week - a special snack for listening and behaving - What was it? Cupcakes, of course - what else! I am secretly relieved that it wasn't chocolate cake for breakfast Bill Cosby.
At my check-up this week, my doctor said I had an irritable uterus. I've been having wave like contractions at the top of my uterus, which, are not necessarily painful, just very uncomfortable. In other words, my uterus has pretty much stretched as far as it wants to go and is saying - enough already. Well, when I told Nick this, we both had a good laugh over what we have dubbed - IUS (irritable uterus syndrome) - to which I reassured him that I knew he was thinking that my uterus wasn't the only thing irritable these days :)
Thank you again for your continued support and prayers! If you are curious about how you can help, please read my post from March 13th...for those of you who have signed up to bring a meal, sent gift cards, offered to help with the kids, and prayed for us - thank you soooo much! I can't tell you what a difference it has made in the last week. The meals have been fabulous, the gift cards are so helpful, and your prayers have been felt and have carried us through each day.
Both Nicholas and Lauren had their annual check-ups this week, which went very well! Thank goodness that there were no immunizations at this visit, that really saved me from having to restrain a child and endure the drama of shots!!
Kyndra is getting very excited about Easter, but was the most excited about my mom, "Mama" coming to visit! She arrived on Tuesday, and threw herself in without hesitation! What an awesome breath of fresh air this week for sure! I have needed the break, and the kids have enjoyed spending time with her. Nick has enjoyed having a clean house! Mama is running circles around me, and probably thinks "what a mess", which is mostly true, but she has been amazing at helping us get ready for our new additions while keeping up with our daily routines!
For me, well, most of my days have been spent lying down at this point and wondering where all of my energy has gone and if the babies are ready yet. The doctor doesn't think I will make it to 38 weeks. Not enough to send panic waves, but enough to let us know that the time is drawing near. Both heartbeats look good, and fetal activity is good too. My money is on April 1st, which may seem to some not a great date, but to me, it seems to make perfect sense. A nice little bow on top of this package that we have been waiting almost 9 months to unwrap!
A few funnies from this week...Nicholas loves to sit on the couch with me and run his cars over my huge belly, it makes the perfect hill for anything on wheels!
Mama gave the girls a "good girl snack" this week - a special snack for listening and behaving - What was it? Cupcakes, of course - what else! I am secretly relieved that it wasn't chocolate cake for breakfast Bill Cosby.
At my check-up this week, my doctor said I had an irritable uterus. I've been having wave like contractions at the top of my uterus, which, are not necessarily painful, just very uncomfortable. In other words, my uterus has pretty much stretched as far as it wants to go and is saying - enough already. Well, when I told Nick this, we both had a good laugh over what we have dubbed - IUS (irritable uterus syndrome) - to which I reassured him that I knew he was thinking that my uterus wasn't the only thing irritable these days :)
Thank you again for your continued support and prayers! If you are curious about how you can help, please read my post from March 13th...for those of you who have signed up to bring a meal, sent gift cards, offered to help with the kids, and prayed for us - thank you soooo much! I can't tell you what a difference it has made in the last week. The meals have been fabulous, the gift cards are so helpful, and your prayers have been felt and have carried us through each day.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
34 weeks and counting!
That's right, time has flown by for most, for me, the countdown has begun!
We are at 34 weeks, babies are both head down and growing great! Baby Boy
Dozier is estimated at 5.1 lbs and Baby Girl Dozier is estimated at 5.7 lbs,
which equals A WHOLE LOT OF BABY in this belly! Our target due date is between
34 and 38 weeks. For comparison purposes...Nicholas and Lauren were born at 37
weeks and 2 days, weighing 6.14 lbs and 7.14 lbs, so add three more weeks to
this pregnancy and we may very well be at 7 lb babies again! A huge blessing
for sure! For me, that means a snails pace from this point forward! Can't do
too much standing, walking, or even sitting. It's mostly lying on my side, at
every opportunity, to make sure our new additions arrive safely and timely! No
official bed rest, but mine as well be - can't really get much of anything done
with 10+ pounds of baby in your belly!!
Nick has been awesome, just like the last time we took this ride together, he has stepped right up to accomplish the things that normally take the two of us - almost all of the house chores - including cooking, cleaning, and errands - in addition to keeping the kids on schedule for meals, baths, and bedtimes - and oh yeah - his full time job that pays the bills. I am really one lucky gal to have such an awesome partner on this journey. Not sure it has hit the kids yet, but they do often ask - "who is coming over to help us today mommy?" So I think they are enjoying meeting mommy's friends and anticipating what type of fun comes with each new person at the house! I continue to remain grateful to all of my friends who have generously offered to help during this challenging time!
I have had lots of questions about what we need, how to help, etc...so I thought I would include it here...we are actually in pretty good shape for baby cribs, mattress, gear, etc. - with many thanks to our friends at Guilford College UMC in Greensboro. What a blessing you have been to us during the past few years, and even though we are miles apart, we are eternally grateful for your continued support and prayers! Other areas of need:
1. There is a meal train set up for us by the wonderful people at St.James United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Anyone can participate, simply paste the link on your browser and log in to sign up for a date and a meal - http://www.mealtrain.com/?id=mltumw6jm9dt.
2. If meals aren't your thing, and you would rather give a gift, diapers (sizes 1 or 2), wipes, or gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Sam's are very much appreciated.
3. If meals or gifts aren't your thing, and you have time to spare, we could use some help around the house! This includes watching the kids while I am at the doctor, carpooling, or even taking the kids out to play or for a walk one afternoon. Simple things that I am having trouble with at the moment, but huge things when it comes to making a fun day for the kids!
4. Last, but most importantly, your prayers. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we venture into this journey, which we know a little bit about, but could in no way ever really be prepared for again! Pray that the babies arrive safely, that the right people will be available and in our path at exactly the right time (doctors, nurses, caretakers, friends, family), and that our (or rather MY) anxieties will cease about how to get all of the details worked out in a situation that I have no control over, but that God is in complete control of.
Stay tuned...we are no where near the end of this story!
Nick has been awesome, just like the last time we took this ride together, he has stepped right up to accomplish the things that normally take the two of us - almost all of the house chores - including cooking, cleaning, and errands - in addition to keeping the kids on schedule for meals, baths, and bedtimes - and oh yeah - his full time job that pays the bills. I am really one lucky gal to have such an awesome partner on this journey. Not sure it has hit the kids yet, but they do often ask - "who is coming over to help us today mommy?" So I think they are enjoying meeting mommy's friends and anticipating what type of fun comes with each new person at the house! I continue to remain grateful to all of my friends who have generously offered to help during this challenging time!
I have had lots of questions about what we need, how to help, etc...so I thought I would include it here...we are actually in pretty good shape for baby cribs, mattress, gear, etc. - with many thanks to our friends at Guilford College UMC in Greensboro. What a blessing you have been to us during the past few years, and even though we are miles apart, we are eternally grateful for your continued support and prayers! Other areas of need:
1. There is a meal train set up for us by the wonderful people at St.James United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Anyone can participate, simply paste the link on your browser and log in to sign up for a date and a meal - http://www.mealtrain.com/?id=mltumw6jm9dt.
2. If meals aren't your thing, and you would rather give a gift, diapers (sizes 1 or 2), wipes, or gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Sam's are very much appreciated.
3. If meals or gifts aren't your thing, and you have time to spare, we could use some help around the house! This includes watching the kids while I am at the doctor, carpooling, or even taking the kids out to play or for a walk one afternoon. Simple things that I am having trouble with at the moment, but huge things when it comes to making a fun day for the kids!
4. Last, but most importantly, your prayers. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we venture into this journey, which we know a little bit about, but could in no way ever really be prepared for again! Pray that the babies arrive safely, that the right people will be available and in our path at exactly the right time (doctors, nurses, caretakers, friends, family), and that our (or rather MY) anxieties will cease about how to get all of the details worked out in a situation that I have no control over, but that God is in complete control of.
Stay tuned...we are no where near the end of this story!
Friday, February 15, 2013
2013 rolls on in...
Where to begin now...the moving transition is for the most part over with, thank goodness! We have settled into our new home nicely and it seems to welcome us every day! We have no idea however, how to handle adding two more munchkins in the mix! Hoping the small details, like where to put the cribs, how to arrange the car seats, feeding schedules, etc. will all fall into place exactly when we need them to! And that's not to say we haven't had any transition pains, if you will. Finding new pediatricians, dentists, ENTs, therapists, pre-schools, address changes, etc. have played into the last few months for sure.
Currently though, I am 30 weeks, and the pregnancy has been overall healthy, with no major complications. Boy/Girl twins will be a theme in our family, and we are honestly very excited to be welcoming them sometime between March 15th and April 15th.
Nicholas is beginning his transition to pre-school services through the county public school system, and I think our experience so far has been typical. Not everything about it has been pleasent, but then again, any transition as we have come to learn isn't without its challenges. I am sad to see him leave the infant/toddler programs, where we have had very good therapists, coordinators, and advice thus far. Our prayer continues to be that God will put the right people in place at exactly the right time so that he has every opportunity to reach his full potential - and selfishly I would love to see him start school at the same time as Lauren. I have always had this vision of the two walking to school together, underneath the awning, holding hands, and anticipating their day at school.
Lauren is contining to grow into her precious, stubborn little self!! So sweet, but so stubborn!! She loves to play with her "Gigi" (her sister) and wants to do everything that she does. I am excited about what the next year will bring for her as she turns 3 and begins to form even more independence in this family!
Kyndra is also doing well, she has learned to write, and most recently wrote all of her classmates names on their Valentine's cards. It is so much fun to watch her learn, and to see how excited she gets and how proud she is of herself. She is also taking tap/ballet for the first time. Which, at first was a little scary, a bit like me at aerobics, couldn't quite keep up and was immensly confused and off key. But, she has picked it up quickly and we are excited about her recital in June. Dance lessons are helping her socially as well, she was starting to retreat from adult conversations and becoming very shy, but recently we have noticed her talking to others with a new freedom and enthusiasm.
We thank you for your continued prayers and support, we know that God's provision is at work daily in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for, and continue to seek His will for our lives. It is a little scary to think through the coming details of life, but we are at peace that He has brought us here for a reason, and has no plans to leave us!
Currently though, I am 30 weeks, and the pregnancy has been overall healthy, with no major complications. Boy/Girl twins will be a theme in our family, and we are honestly very excited to be welcoming them sometime between March 15th and April 15th.
Nicholas is beginning his transition to pre-school services through the county public school system, and I think our experience so far has been typical. Not everything about it has been pleasent, but then again, any transition as we have come to learn isn't without its challenges. I am sad to see him leave the infant/toddler programs, where we have had very good therapists, coordinators, and advice thus far. Our prayer continues to be that God will put the right people in place at exactly the right time so that he has every opportunity to reach his full potential - and selfishly I would love to see him start school at the same time as Lauren. I have always had this vision of the two walking to school together, underneath the awning, holding hands, and anticipating their day at school.
Lauren is contining to grow into her precious, stubborn little self!! So sweet, but so stubborn!! She loves to play with her "Gigi" (her sister) and wants to do everything that she does. I am excited about what the next year will bring for her as she turns 3 and begins to form even more independence in this family!
Kyndra is also doing well, she has learned to write, and most recently wrote all of her classmates names on their Valentine's cards. It is so much fun to watch her learn, and to see how excited she gets and how proud she is of herself. She is also taking tap/ballet for the first time. Which, at first was a little scary, a bit like me at aerobics, couldn't quite keep up and was immensly confused and off key. But, she has picked it up quickly and we are excited about her recital in June. Dance lessons are helping her socially as well, she was starting to retreat from adult conversations and becoming very shy, but recently we have noticed her talking to others with a new freedom and enthusiasm.
We thank you for your continued prayers and support, we know that God's provision is at work daily in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for, and continue to seek His will for our lives. It is a little scary to think through the coming details of life, but we are at peace that He has brought us here for a reason, and has no plans to leave us!
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