Anything for Grandma

Here are the matching hair girls!

My dad decided to take Abigail to Honk’s $1 store where it's "Always an Adventure" for some bonding time. He told her she could get one thing and when they got there, she quickly decided on this paint set and carried it around the store as they continued down the other isles. He tried to interest her in other things, but when her mind is made up, that's it; she was getting the paints. When they got to the isle with the mugs, she thought of Grandma, got excited, and really wanted to get her one. Grandpa reminded her her she could only get one thing. I can imagine the dilemma as she looked at her beloved paint set and then the mugs and then, finally, decided to put the paints back as she said to Grandpa, “Anything for Grandma!” Grandpa got teary at how sincere she was (he’s getting emotional in his old age)- she hadn't even considered asking for both; she just decided she would rather give something to someone than get something for herself. Of course, he quickly broke down and said she could get 2 things so she get the paints as well as the rooster and sunflower mug she picked out for Grandma. When they got home, Abigail was so excited to give Grandma her mug. Her excitement was precious. Just when you think you've failed as a parent, your child goes and does something like this. She really is amazing (and, for the record, so are my parents).

A Big Day

All week, we have been talking about Friday as being a "big day" and it did not disappoint. First, the whole family came with me to my ultrasound; neither Paul nor Abby have been able to come since the 20 week one. The babies are getting so big and guess what? They are both vertex now (I knew I felt that little boy do a complete flip a couple of weeks ago) so I am all set for the delivery I want (not a c-section) unless they flip again- which is entirely possible- but we've had talks (the babies and I that is) and I think we are all on the same page. They looked great and were estimated at 2.2 and 2.6 lbs. give or take 5 oz. They are getting too big for good ultrasound photos, but I did get one catching the two of them putting their heads together, conspiring against their poor mummy; no doubt thinking up ways to make me even more uncomfortable. I also had a bunch of blood tests done and *SURPRISE* they couldn't find any veins in my arm so they had to stick and dig around on the tops of my hands until they found "a good one". Next time, they are getting ONE try. That's it! My next appt. is in 3 weeks (no ultrasound) and then every 2 weeks after that with Non-Stress Tests at the hospital which is where we are all hooked up to monitors that record each baby's heartbeat and measures the frequency of my contractions if there are any.

The other WAY major thing that happened was that we finally got Abby's hair cut. As you can tell by the photo, she was a little past due because I have been growing her bangs out all summer. We went to a place in Draper called "Cookie Cutters" which is a place just for kids. We really wanted her to have a good experience and she was so worried about cutting her long hair. Well, she LOVED it! They have themed chairs and they get to watch a video of their choice while the stylist cuts the hair. Abby told the girl, "I want my hair to look like Grandma's." I explained that meant a little bob that will grow out well... that was preferably not colored gray. I needed something fairly short as her hair was so thin and all different lengths from her baby mullet days.

Then, because her hair was so long, we were able to donate 7 1/2 inches of hair to Locks of Love and Abby was really excited about being able to give hair to a child who needed it. She was horrified that there were children who didn't have hair because they were so sick. (You can click the icon to learn more about it). She really surprises me with her understanding and compassion for others sometimes.
The end result was darling and we were both really happy with it.

When we got home, we found some strange people lurking in our darkened hall... it turns out, they were my parents!!! They TOTALLY surprised us and it was so awesome! My mother, of course, has been doing the laundry and the dishes and whatever else she could to help. Grandpa has been busy keeping Abby busy. That night, we all went to a nice dinner. I was so glad that they could feel the babies move and see how well Abby is reading in person. They're leaving Sunday in the late afternoon and I am already sad. What an unexpectedly fantastic ending to our BIG day.

27 Weeks

This week has definitely had it's share of ups and downs. The downs first- this week I started feeling this pain around and just above and below my belly button. It was really sharp in places at times, worse at night and when the babies were moving, but it was mainly my skin- it felt like the worst sunburn I ever had only to look, you wouldn't be able to tell anything was up, but even the softest clothing felt abrasive. I went to the doctor and was told that it was nerve damage from my skin being stretched too far, too fast (did I mention I weighed in at 150 lbs?). Okay, so it can't hurt the babies and they're heartbeats were good, but get this... there is NOTHING I can do about it... and it will get worse... and it can last until well AFTER delivery! What? That's not what I wanted to hear! I've been walking around here like a teenage hoochy with my belly sticking out. I guess it will have to be my new look.

On to better news- my friend Jenny mentioned how funky my feet looked because my ninnies were starting to resemble these "ghettoes" sooooooo, she fixed and painted and scrubbed them and they look great. I admire them every time I put my feet up (obviously, I can't admire them too much when I'm standing or I might just fall over- TTTTIIIMMMMMBBBERRRR!)
This morning, Abby wanted to surprise me by making our bed (making beds is her new favorite pasttime... we'll enjoy it while it lasts). She was so proud and she really did a great job! We did not help her.

So now, I'm 27 weeks along. As I was searching through some old photos, I found one of me when I was 27 weeks along with Abby. I put on the same shirt- which I could BARELY fit over my belly and decided to take a comparison picture. There's a little bit of a size difference there. Oh, and I haven't fit into those pants in a few months.

Coming up this week- Monday begins my friend's craft give away on her blog, Vanilla Joy and all you have to do is leave a comment to enter. She's giving away some fantastic stuff so check it out. Also, Friday, I have a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes (standard- don't worry), a blood test to check for this particular antibody I've been having in my blood, and another growth ultrasound. Can't wait to see those babies again!

Weekend with Dawn

This weekend (well, technically Thurs - Mon), my friend Dawn came to visit (read: catch up and take care of me). We have known each other for 22 years and have been there for each other through our many phases in life. Here we are at about 19 years old when we worked at Wal*Mart together (way back when you still put the * in Walmart)

She has a beautiful family with 2 darling little girls who were kind enough to make due without their mama for the weekend. We were able to get so much done thanks to her. My mobility is decreasing as fast as my weight is increasing, and my coordination (what little I had to begin with) is deteriorating as quickly as my girth is expanding. She cleaned and we went through baby clothes, washed and organized, stayed up past 2:00 am every night talking and had some nice meals (and a little shopping). She brought some things to do with Abby (who now cannot stop talking about her) including making me the cutest t-shirt... check it out in the photos. Oh! And she put our new toy box together. It really was a lovely, refreshing weekend and despite me having to get over the embarrassment of not being able to do much, it made me feel better than I have in a long time to have so much done. I also have to give a big "shout out" to Paul for giving us time to do fun things and have time alone... he is so wonderful. THANK YOU DAWN FOR EVERYTHING!

More Lessons from a 4 Year Old

We are constantly amazed at how much Abigail is able to understand and how much she actually teaches us. This week, there were a couple of major lessons learned from her that stand out.

1. She has an aunt that is having the same problems conceiving a child that Paul and I went through. I understand how frustrating and heartbreaking it is. Well, I was telling Abby that we needed to pray for her aunt to help her have a baby. She said, "We will have to pray a LOT!" I agreed and said something like, "Well, she is lucky to have you praying for her because your prayers count extra, I think." She looked at me like an adult would and said, very gently (so that I would truly understand), "Mummy, Heavenly Father listens to everyone's prayers because he loves everyone." (Silly, me... she's right, of course).

2. I was having a really rough day physically on Sunday. Every time I stood up to do anything, those dumb, Braxton Hicks "practice" contractions would start and let me tell you, they can be painful... plus I had pulled a few ligaments and the babies were working together to try to stretch me out and make things as uncomfortable as possible. The last straw came when I started making sandwiches for lunch. The contractions started, so I pulled up a stool to sit as I prepared them. Well, that didn't work at all and after making 2 measly sandwiches, I couldn't do any more so I fell back in my chair and started to cry... I mean, if I can't make sandwiches for my family, I really am of no REAL usefulness and things are not going to get easier for months! I was trying to hold back for Abby's sake, and said, "Don't worry, I just need a drink of water and to lie down for a little while." I wasn't paying much attention, but she immediately jumped down from the table, went and got her "Cars" cup and filled it with water, brought it to me and said, "Here's some water, Mummy. Will this make you feel better?" Well, I really lost it then. I gave her a huge hug and told her how much I loved her and quickly went to my bed before she could see anymore. What a sweet girl. How did I ever get so amazingly lucky in the family department?