Preparation

Brian and Bralee: this is our TIME OUT chair and yes they spent the better part of the day here. Lately, whatever mischief Brian gets into, Bralee is only a half step behind.

Yes, it seems that we are training Brian to do my job as housekeeper while I will be down after the surgery. Truth be known, he loves vacuum, sweep, and do laundry. It is nothing unusual for him to search out a broom when we are out visiting.

Yeah, I think he would love a bunk bed, but be daring enough to jump out!

When it is Quiet

For the most part we stayed at home this holiday weekend! We did visit Shane's family church for homecoming, the kids were WORN OUT! We also started seriously potty training with Brian. He enjoys using the big potty and his reward is easy enough, FLUSHING the TOILET. All was going great, every 30 minutes the timer would go off and he knew it was time to do business, until they went to bed for the night. Shane went in to check on them because they were being TOOOO quiet and their it began, Brian was completely naked. We took care of the situation with no loving so he knew we meant BUSINESS. The next night, on a whelm, I went in to check on them, Brian was just sitting their loving on his pillows, when Bralee popped up holding a diaper... it was Brian's he had taken the diaper off and redressed himself. One the other end of the spectrum, Bralee is a complete COPY CAT, we should nickname her MOCKINGBIRD, she imitates every facial and body gesture, she can carry on a real candid conversation with her hands.

By all means it takes patients to go through the daily life with multiples, but Brian takes a special kind of patience that is hard to come by.

Confirmation

Today, I had a doctor appointment at 10:30 the kids had one at 11:00.... Guess what - WE MADE THEM BOTH.

Today I got the confirmation of my date for surgery June 23rd. I having a complete hysterectomy. Shane asked how I felt about it, I said "I'm not really sure." It is funny, it is going to be at the same hospital that I had the babies at, I will be recovering on the same floor and all. Most of all as before, I will walk out without a baby. I often beat myself up for not carrying them longer than what I did, for numerous reasons. I wish I could remember more vividly about the movements inside me. I wish I could have experienced more Laboring, and most of all left the hospital with baby in possession. Although, all things work out for the best, I was able to recuperate and get more prepared for them.

My mom, luckily works for the school system and will be off this summer and able to assist us with the kids. I now have to prepare myself and them for a temporary change.

Chaos

We have had a rough couple of days. Brian started all this with his matted eyes over a week ago. His nose has never really quit running, actually none of their noses have stopped in about 5 days.

Well after several nights of my husband and I being up and down all night, I made a bold move; we all went to the doctor. I got them ready, put on their harnesses, and hit the road. I try to refrain from taking them by myself, because if anything important is expressed I am usually to pre occupied to hear nor comprehend. Turns out Joseph has his first ear infection since last year, Brian has it in both ears, he also had one last month, and Bralee has her second one this year.

We also had our visit with a local childcare facility today, I did it alone as well. I am mighty proud of myself. It does not bother me to do stuff by myself, actually I am a pro at shopping with them alone, but since Brian has become such an escape artist, it is scary.

Outside

We have started our journey of outdoor play daily. I am not very good at letting the kids be kids and get dirty, but Shane is great at doing clean up before it comes in the house. Unfortunately, Brian is battling severe allergies and Bralee has started vomting again. Hopefully they will all be in best of health for the weekend wedding! CLICK on the PHOTO of JOSEPH to the LEFT and watch our eventful day!

Photo

This was taken yesterday of Bralee and I!

Happy Mother's Day

To all the mothers out their, bless you and Happy Mother's Day.

Yesterday the kids and I went to Nana's. It was great, we went with her to the airport to pick up her sister, Aunt Karen. Aunt Karen was wonderful when the boys were home from the NICU, she devoted 2 full weeks of her time to us (Joseph). Bralee was not home at the time, so she took care of Joseph and I took care of Brian. This time frame was a very hard time for all of us, due to our family was still separated with one still in the hospital. Joseph was no picnic to care for (really bad reflux; greatest enemy FOOD), so when Aunt Karen came to help with patience and love of an angel we were truly blessed. Yesterday was the first time she had seen them since that visit. I would not have missed it for the world. She will be visiting later this week and we will meet back up for my brother's wedding this coming weekend.

I have come to realize that no matter if you are a mother of 1 or 10, singleton or multiples, every mother goes through trials and tribulations. I know myself and entire family are truly blessed and thankful for our blessed reward. The children, as well as my husband and I have been through very rocky patches, but with the grace of God we have paved them over. While out in public and observing other mothers, I have realized that each child brings forth a hurdle for that mother to overcome in its caring. I uplift every mother for your love and dedication to the greatest gift in life.

Kissing Game

Here are a couple photos I got of the kids loving on one another. Joseph was in a very loving playful mood all day today. At evening snack time they went around the table giving kisses to each other.

My brother graduates UT Law School tomorrow: WOOOHOOO Go Uncle Terry

Weekend in Review

Joseph and Uncle Sheldon
Brian and Joseph with Granny

Bralee with Granny

OHHH, Friday, Shane gave me a long needed morning break. He got the kids fed, dressed, and out the door for a day of visiting. He and the kids went to visit his mother and numerous other family members and friends that are shut in. I on the other hand went shopping for the kids some shoes to wear to my brothers wedding and got my hair cut.

Friday evening, I took the kids to my brother and sister's house for a couple of hours. The kids had a BLAST. They got to play with 3 of their cousins. The BEST part is, they took them to Ci Ci's Pizza and they all ate a great supper. Joseph has NEVER ate pizza before and has not since (he is toooo weird).

Saturday, Joseph starting spiking a fever, but we still went and visited Nana. While their, Bralee started spiking a fever. Brian, well, Brian will be Brian, he is fine, just had a minor run in with the front porch.

Sunday, for the safety of our kids and fellow nursery kids, we stayed home. I did venture out for the evening service, but that was it.

Monday morning, we are all fine, no more fevers or anything. A true BLESSING at how fast littles ones bounce back.