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!

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!

A Time of Transition

Yes indeed, this is one of my favorite times of the year - I adore the fall decorations and festive Halloween treats, not to mention the crisp cool air sweeping in - a natural time of transition really...but I am not sure that I am in love with the fact that my favorite time of year is saddled right in the middle of a hugely tangible transition for us.

We have steadily been working towards a move to Raleigh since earlier this year, and would have loved for it to have happened last spring, or even last summer, rather than right now, but God does not make any mistakes, and his timing is perfect regardless...therefore I continue to look for His provision in all that surrounds us - especially those things that are beyond my control!

Not only am I super excited about my Stampin'Up! business, fresh off of the annual Salt Lake City convention and ready to craft for the upcoming seasons and for the NC Moms of Multiples convention this weekend, but I am also excited that my daughter just had a birthday, and things are finally lining up and we are taking stride with the twins...but it is not meant to be for very long...we have closed on our house in Greensboro after 5 closing dates were set and then re-scheduled, but again - God's timing is perfect.

Thus we are thrown into transition - apartment living is, well, apartment living - not sure it is meant to be in the long run for a family of 5 with small children, but I am extremely excited that the kids have their daddy home every night, and that I have some help again as the days come to a close, and that we have a warm, safe place to live in the interium. It's been since May that he took on his new role, and he really loves his new job, so perhaps things are lining up as they should in God's time. The last piece of actual transition, God willing, will come to fruition at the end of November as we close on a house in Wake Forest, and finalize most of the components of this wild ride we have been on for 8 months now!

So here is the real kicker, just when we thought we had hit our stride, we have been thrown for a loop, twins will be joining our family again in April - I continually remind myself that God's timing is perfect, and for whatever reason - it is His plan and not mine - and He does not make mistakes. Yes folks, I am expecting another set of twins on or before April 21st - not really sure who this happens to, but it is indeed our story! I am really thankful that I have this blog to pour out on, for I am not sure my Facebook Friends are quite ready for this story!! So, our time of transition, well, in retrospect, may be the entirety of our lives, not sure what the norm is anymore, or who keeps up with it, but I am positive that there is never a dull moment in the Dozier household and that God's timing is always and forever perfect!

Another FREEBIE...

Just had to share...remember all those posts I put up after the Stampin'Up! convention about my classes, etc...well...I was picked to win a FREE stamp set just for sharing on my social media sites!!! I am so excited! I picked the Notable Alphabet stamp set (pg 144 in our Annual Catalog) which came today- ANOTHER FREE stamp set from my 2012 I Am Convention experience! Thank you Stampin'Up! and Emily Montoya!!

That makes 12 FREE stamp sets!! I am so overwhelmed with ideas about how to use my new stamp sets! I can't wait to share picks of my projects! Stay tuned!!

Stampin'Up! "I Am" Convention 2012

So, for those of you who are keeping up ... I joined Stampin'Up! last October as an independent demonstrator. I love to create and to give handmade gifts and cards, and wanted to get a great discount on quality products!

I just spent 5 days in Salt Lake City, Utah at our 2012 I Am Convention. It was fabulous! I had several classes that made a huge impact on me, and my business as I continue to share it with all of you! Here is a sample of what I did while I was there...

I loved the class - I am earning an incentive trip - that's right! I want to go on a free vacation paid for by Stampin'Up! Karen Hauley, Jill Hillard, Meg Holland, and Cynthia Millan were fantastic presenters who have encouraged me to build my business and to make it happen!

The Stampin'Up! Convention 2012 class "I am Savvy" was so great! I got lots of ideas using tons of products!! Donna Griffith, Meg Wheeler, Dawn Griffith, and Laura Milligan had super projects!

Saturday's classes really topped the week off - like a cherry on top - Stampin'Up! 2012 I am Convention class titled "I am starting out" with Emily Montoya was super helpful in understanding the basics of the career plan and how to hit the sweet spot for earning rewards!

Last, Shannon West did a fabulous presentation at Convention 2012 called "I am having fun"! I have lots of new, fun, and wow ideas for my workshops, private classes, and parties!! I can't wait to showcase them!!! So many possibilities!! Get ready to have fun!!!

Check out all the details and all the goodies on my website at http://courtneydozier.stampinup.net.

He Stands!

He Stands! He Stands! He Stands!

Nicholas pulled himself to standing all by himself yesterday at school! His teachers were so proud and cheering him all the way up! This is a huge milestone for him, he is putting weight on his legs, which means the next major milestone will be cruising while holding on, and then walking! At first with support from a walker, but eventually without a walker! Way to go Nicholas! So proud of you! As Lauren would say "Yeah Babu!" for "Yeah Brother!" We are all doing the happy dance at the Dozier household! Join us!!

Quick disclaimer - it takes almost the whole minute to capture it - and at the end Nicholas gets a big smile on his face and then holds up two fingers - as if to say "Peace Out", and then sits back down - what a show off! Love this little boy!

Embrace an Opportunity

At a mom's group recently we ventured into the topic of how to teach your pre-schooler to embrace other children with special needs. I want to expand on this in my blog - to say - how to teach everyone to embrace families and their children with special needs. This topic was poignant for me because I have recently had serveral experiences where the  people (strangers) around me were uncomfortable with the fact that I had a child with special needs. And while I encourage everyone to seek their pediatrician's advice, or the counsel of the NC Childhood Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) if they suspect their own child has a developing disability, I want to talk specifically about teaching your children, and learning a few lessons along the way from your children, about how to embrace a situation and individuals who are uniquely different.

As many of you know, my 2 year old son, Nicholas has Down Syndrome, and there are a several ways that everyone can be involved and embrace an opportunity...

First - There are many things in my list of what not to say, including the pitiful face and expression "I'm sorry" -but I want to focus on "What to say" - which would be - "How can I help?" Whether your friend has just learned of the diagnosis for their child, or you have a new friend with a diagnosis - you can never go wrong with "Is there anything I can do to help you in this situation, or during this time?"  Or if you see a family at the store, a restaurant, etc. - do you need help carrying your tray? Can I help you with that bag, etc. - step out of your comfort zone slightly and your gesture will most likely be met with thankfulness and gratitude.

Second - pray that you will be a blessing to an individual, child or adult, or family with a situation involving special needs or developmental delays. Pray that you will show courage, strength, and wisdom when approaching a situation where you are not aware of all of the attributing factors, and that you will somehow be a light for them at that moment.  

Third - get involved - talk to your children about how God made us all uniquely important, and different for that matter. Be open to introducing your pre-school children to other children with delays - go out of your way to introduce yourself and your child at the play date, museum, etc. You will set the example for your child, and they will so often follow our cues. When your child asks "Why does that boy have braces on his feet" or "Why does she have a walker" - it is not hard to say - "That sweet boy needs help to walk, just like you and I do everyday - he needs help to do those things, and his braces help him walk". Anytime our oldest daughter starts to inquire about the services or equipment that we have in place for Nicholas, I always tell her - "Nicholas needs help to do this, but if we are patient with him and encourage him, he will be able to do all of the same things you can do, it just might take him a little longer to do it".  Children have such a sweet innocence about them, and I am certainly not going to crush that with an ill-faded remark that will begin to jade their spirit and attitude towards someone who develops differently than they do.

 Here are a few Triad local and national resources:

1. Spread the Word to end the Word - take the pledge to end the use of the "R" word - www.spreadtheword.org; Ida mentioned this - it is not acceptable any longer to use this word to describe yourself or another individual in any circumstance. This word is hurtful and has a very negative connotation. If you hear someone use the word, take the opportunity to share the pledge and encourage them to find another way to express themselves or their situation.

2. Down Syndrome Network Annual Buddy Walk - held every year in October, all are welcome - local chapters sponsor each walk - local chapter - DSN of Greater Greensboro - www.team-up.org; funds raised go to support local families with financial hardships due to medical procedures or conditions, in addition to sponsoring families for services needed such as speech therapy, physical therapy, etc. and awareness and support

3. Special Olympics of North Carolina - get involved as a sponsor, mentor, coach, fan, and  in many other ways - www.sonc.net

4. Peacehaven Community Farm - volunteer workdays every Saturday spring through fall for families regardless of ability and age.  Peacehaven is a non-profit that serves people with intellectual disabilities, and volunteer workdays are a great way to interact and get to know the farmers who tend the crops there - www.peacehavenfarm.org

5. Arc Barks - special treats made by special hands - dog treats are made by bakers who have intellectual and developing disabilities. Stop by their store front Mon-Friday from 9am-2pm to participate in the baking, and to meet the volunteers  - 2823-C Spring Garden St - G'boro. I took the kids here a few weeks ago and we had a blast - everyone was so nice and the kids loved it - a great way to open up a conversation with your little ones about special needs and embracing others with differences - www.arcbarks.com

I hope this helps - thank you for taking the time to read and for your continued prayers and support!