Tuesday twin tidbit

How big will she be??? I had a doctor's appt today and mom and baby are doing fine (thanks Liz for watching the girls). I am growing like crazy and I am starting to get worried about the size of this baby girl. I am planning on doing a VBAC, but I am scared to deliver a 10 pounder. I weighed 10.8 lbs at birth and German was 9.4 lbs. Also our siblings were all above 8 pounds and one of German's brothers weighed 11 pounds. My sister's baby was 8.6 lbs, another cousin's was 9.2 lbs and my cousin's wife delivered a 10.7 lbs baby in Feb (wow Lisa!!!).

(My little neice Maddie moo)

So, it's almost a guarantee that this baby will be at least 8 pounds, but I pray she'll be under 10. What do you all think? Any of you come from families with big babies, but still happen to deliver smaller babies??? I've put a poll on our blog for fun.

(our 'big' girls)

Anyone want to help a mom out???

(Audrey giving me Mother's day flowers)

I know many, actually most of you don't live close by, but I've decided this is the best way to get the word out. I need some help in July. I've been trying to think of who to call, but I think asking this way won't put people on the spot and make them feel obligated to say yes. And it's a good excuse for me to see friends before we move. German will be driving our stuff to Texas and then he will be flying back to get us, so we can all fly together. I will be alone in our empty duplex with the three kiddos for about 5-6 days.

Sooo, I was wondering if during those 5-6 days while German is gone, anyone would be able to come over here to care for and entertain the girls during the day while I'm with our 1-2 week old baby trying to recover/rest. Since I won't have a car or carseats I won't be able to bring them anywhere, but we do have a nice fenced backyard and I will provide snacks.

My mom and my sister are going to help me as much as they can, but my mom has some health and back problems and my sister has her own newborn to care for. I will do fine at night and breakfast time, I mostly need help with the girls from 8am-12pm (playtime, diapers, preparing lunch and getting them down for their nap). And again after their two hour nap from 3pm-7pm (more playtime, dinner and bedtime routine).

I thought it might be easy to do two hour shifts because after two hours someone may feel the need to strangle one of my crazy girls. If any of you can help me from 8am-10am, 10am-12pm, 3pm-5pm or 5pm-7pm just email me and let me know. The tentative days will be from Wednesday, July 22nd to Monday, July 27th.

I know it may be too early for alot of you to plan, but I'm kind of a freak in the planning ahead department, so I decided to post this now. If you think you might be able to help just email me or comment. Hopefully, I'll get some responses and then next month when I know the exact days, I'll email out a calendar with the times I still need some help.

Here's a video of the girls playing in the backyard. Aren't they so cute??? Don't you want to change their poopy diapers while they kick and scream??? It is so much fun...

Also, we need to find someone who can lend us toddler carseats, so we can drive to the airport. We will be packing ours in the moving truck. I already have two infant seats and one is staying with me for the baby to use and one is going in the moving truck, so we just need two toddler seats for the girls. I thought of flying with ours, but they are just too big and bulky. If you have one we could use for a day, please email me. I'll make sure they get back to you. We haven't purchased our plane tickets yet, but we would need the carseats on either Monday, July 27th or Tuesday, July 28th.

Thanks in advance!!! I will love you forever!!! (Even if you can't help, I still love you...)

P.S. We found a great duplex to rent and just signed the lease today! Yahoo for checking things off the list. The one next door is also available, anyone want to move in and be our neighbors??? Anyone??? ANYONE???

Tuesday twin tidbit

So, I've been wanting to download pictures and videos all day of the girls running through the water in their swimming suits. And I haven't had a chance yet, so I am going to post a little something before the day ends again. I clearly remember being 36 weeks pregnant with the twins and having a total breakdown, I told German I wasn't going to last another day. Well, luckily I only had to survive one more week. But lately, I have a feeling that I may have a breakdown alot earlier with this pregnancy. The girls are def testing my limits and it is getting sooo hot! Note to self--plan to have the next baby in the winter! Then trying to find a place in Texas and plan for this move is proving to be almost too much. Anyway, I'll survive...I just can't wait until September when we are finally settled. I'll post pics and videos sometime soon, hopefully.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Sorry I missed posting yesterday. I did think about it during the day, but never got around to actually doing it. My time at the computer has been spent searching for a place to live in Texas. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions about moving with kids. Planning this move is quite overwhelming. We thought about me going with the girls a few weeks earlier before the baby comes, but it just isn't going to work. And taking a 2-3 week old baby on a plane doesn't sound like a good idea either. So, the plan for now is for all five of us to drive together and have someone else drive the moving truck for us. It will take ALOT longer, but we'll just call it 'quality family time' since dad will be very busy soon and hardly ever home.

Anyway, the girls are starting to fight more. Pushing and hitting and squealing have been more abundant. Which leads me to say 'stop it', 'no' and 'give it back' much more often as well. I think the squeals are the worst part though...good thing I love these little monsters! This poor little baby is in for quite an adventure.

The next three months are going to be spent visiting family and friends and saying goodbye to Utah. There are alot of things I'll miss about Utah, especially the mountains, but I am really looking forward to having a winter with no snow. I've dealt with it for almost 20 years and I need a break!

Last weekend we went out to dinner with our friends from BYU that we haven't seen in awhile at this great middleastern restaurant called Mazza. It was delicious food and so great to see them. They opened a gelato cafe a couple of years ago in Provo called Maestro's and I sooo wish we lived closer because I LOVE LOVE LOVE gelato! They make it homemade and have so many great flavors. If you haven't tried it--you should go, it's right next to Los Hermanos. Lilla is due with their first baby about three weeks after me and she looks so cute! She doesn't want to find out the sex, so it is going to be a fun surprise for them. We are definitely going to get together again before we move!

(me at 29 weeks and Lilla at 26 weeks)

Tuesday twin tidbit

Last year my mission companion friend, Robyn came to visit me with her son Apollo and yesterday she came again with her new addition, Annie born in February. She and I are leading almost parallel lives, she had her baby boy through the invitro process and when he was only 10 months old she found out they had gotten pregnant on their own. At least the girls were a little older when we found out. Last year Apollo had fun checking out the girls for the first time, click here to see pics, we decided he liked Lucy best. Well yesterday, their relationship blossomed even more.

(cute baby Annie)

Fun at Southtowne Mall children's play area

Dad gets his upper and lower body workout!
He is SOOO much fun!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Today is a picture fest post. Daddy was out of town for a couple of days, so mommy decided to take alot of pictures to capture what he missed.

The girls have been bottle free for a few weeks now and their nighttime routine includes their leche, their blankies and a 20-30 minute show or movie. (I love this time of day!)

We went to visit my cousin Julie and her cute little boy Evan in Springville. Jules is like a sister to me, so he's cousin Evan to us. The weather was so nice!

They even got to take a bath together!

Here are the happy girls this morning waiting at the airport, so excited for daddy to come home.

We went to The Gateway for some free Ben & Jerry's ice cream--only to find out that free scoops are only offered from 12pm-8pm. It was only 10:30 and I was so sad...(and mad)!

The girls LOVED the 'agua'!

New summer outfits!

Handsome daddy with his girls! We are soooo glad he's home!


On the left is me today at 27 weeks and on the right is me with the girls at 24 weeks. I couldn't find a picture of me at 27 weeks with the twins, but at only 24 weeks I was 2 inches bigger around and 15 more pounds than I am now.

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls went to nursery for the first time this Easter Sunday and did pretty well. Audrey did great, but after the first class I went to peek through the window and saw Lucy having a breakdown, so I took her out for a bit to calm her down. It was probably harder for me than it was for them. I missed seeing them in their cute new dresses--that is until we were chasing them around during sacrament meeting. I was exhausted by the time we got home!

We didn't do any traditional Easter things with the girls. We enjoyed the tulips outside and took some pictures in their new dresses. Oh, and I did let them eat some jelly beans, but that's about it. German tried to tell them a little bit about Christ's death and resurrection. I hope someday they will truly comprehend the significance of why we celebrate Easter and what a blessing it is to know Christ lives!

They are getting so big and I love their kisses! I've been talking to the the girls about the "peanut" in my belly for a awhile now and if I say "give peanut a kiss" they'll come lift my shirt and kiss my belly and say "muah." Although, they also like to kiss dad's and nana's peanut as well. ;)

Audrey's new favorite word is "yeAAAAH!" Anything she is excited about gets a "yeAAAAAH!" Audrey do you want a snack? "yeAAAAH!" or do you want to go outside? "yeAAAAH!" Or if she gets the shape in the box or finds her blankie or opens a drawer by herself she'll shout out "yeAAAAH!" She kind of has a low voice and it always makes me laugh.

Lucy likes to mock mom's "no." It's her favorite word to say. I'm not sure she knows exactly what it means because she only says it after I've said it. She also likes to imitate mom after I do a grunt/growl thing. It's what I do when I'm frustrated to keep from yelling, it's wierd. I didn't realize I did it so much until Lucy started doing it. Sometimes she'll even growl before I get a chance to when I've caught her being naughty. Isn't she just so funny?

I sure love our girls!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Before bed...

Tuesday twin tidbit

German turned 30 on Saturday! He wanted me to make him milanesa for his birthday dinner and the same carrot pumpkin cake that I made for the girl's birthday. It was yummy! We invited German's cousin David and his wife Julie over to celebrate. He also got to watch Argentina play a World Cup qualifying match and they won 4-0. He was pretty happy. And he didn't catch any of the sickness us girls have had the last couple of weeks. Lucky guy--poor little Lucy had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin and broke out in a bad rash for a couple of days. I still have a stuffy nose, but we are all doing much better.

We sure love dad!

Here are some pics of the birthday boy before and after his half marathon last week.

I also wanted to post this pic of our good ol' Wyview friends the Couch's who came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. We got to meet their cute little four month old Colin. Thanks for coming over!

Tuesday twin tidbit

My hubby never ceases to amaze me. German ran the Moab Half Marathon on Saturday and I am so proud of him. The weather was beautiful and I wish we could have stayed longer. As I was waiting at the finish line I started tearing up a little wishing I was running it as well (a combination of hormones and the fact that I feel fat and miss running). German finished 421 overall out of almost 3300 runners with a time of 1:44:38. I can't wait until we can run some more races together. He's the coolest! I still miss having him home all day, especially now that I am sick, but we are surviving. The house is a mess and the girls and I usually stay in our PJ's all day, but we are surviving. The girls did okay on the trip, but they were sick and I was starting to get sick, so we were all a little miserable. Thankfully my mom drove from Grand Junction to help me out while German ran. Thanks mom!

I'll post some pics as soon as I find the cable for my camera--why do those things always get lost!?!?!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Today is my birthday! This morning the girls let me sleep in until 8am and last night German bought me some beautiful sunflowers and this morning left me a sweet card. Have I mentioned before how much I love him??? My birthday wish is for someone to come completely clean and organize every room of my house. Oh well...I'll settle for some cuddles from my girlies. I sure love their smiles and the way they smell.

Audrey took another little tumble out of her crib, so on Saturday we converted her bed and she has been doing well the last three nights. At first she liked getting in and out, but now she stays in during naps and only got up the first morning at 6:15am to play with her toys. Luckily, I put her back in her bed and she went back to sleep and hasn't done it again. The girls also dropped their morning nap and now sleep two hours in the afternoon. I actually get to take a good long nap now and I love it!
This picture is from Sunday. These are Audrey's first ponytails, I tried to do some on Lucy, but her hair is too curly and she was too squirmy. They look so grown up and I think they look so stinkin' cute! I sure love these two monkeys!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Today we went Imagination Place for a free music and singing class for kids ages 0-5. It was so much fun, a bit exhausting, but fun. There are a bunch of free activities and classes going on all month because apparently March is National Sing With Your Child Month! It was really interesting to see how shy and observant Audrey was in such a big group. She would not leave my side and wanted to be on my lap. But Lucy was running around the whole time dancing and exploring everything, she barely even noticed if I was around.

Here's Lucy dancing in the middle of the circle with the egg shakers.


And Audrey right by my side...

More pics of our little monkeys...

The Climber

Audrey has climbed out of her crib a couple times after her nap during the day, but she really doesn't do it much. This morning I heard her crying a little at 6:15am. I went in and was shocked to see her standing outside her crib reaching in. I put her back in and she feel back asleep for another hour or so. I went back to bed too, but I couldn't sleep. It was still dark in her room--what if she had fallen and broken a bone or worse. The pedia said if she does it continually then I should convert the crib to a toddler bed. She's not even 16 months, I am not ready to put her in a big girl bed yet...so sad. I'm considering one of those crib tents. Any advice?

Tuesday twin tidbit

I'm an auntie!!! My sister Amy had beautiful Madeline Paris yesterday at 8:34am. She weighed 8 lbs 6 oz and measured 21 inches long, which incidentally is the same as my sister's birth stats. It was so much fun to see and hold a little newborn again. I can't believe the girls used to be that small! Because of some health risks my poor sister was unable to get an epidural, so she found out a few hours before that she would have to go through it all natural. She said it was insanely painful, but she did it and Maddie is so cute! The girls are excited to have their new cousin and were blowing her kisses and calling her "bee" for baby.

Auntie Sara with Maddie

I love those cheeks!

The happy cousins can't wait until Maddie can play with them outside!

Bring on more pink!

Yep, it's another girl. German is ecstatic! I think he likes the idea of being surrounded by worshipping girls and having no other male around to compete with his good looks (I think it's the macho Latino blood in him--haha). I was so happy to find out about our two girls, but I have to be honest--this time I really wanted a boy. Hopefully, this is common and of course I'll get over it soon. I've always said I'd much prefer all girls over all boys. But I was looking forward to a little momma's boy and I was hoping to not have to pick out another girl name, we promised German's grandpa we'd name a boy after him a long time ago. I guess this means we'll just have to try again. Any girl name suggestions? I am very anti-trendy names, meaning I don't want many others to have the same name.

Soooo, I know I really shouldn't feel this way and I am grateful for another healthy baby on the way. Especially after wanting and trying to have children for so long and being blessed with this pregnancy. I do feel a bit guilty, but hey this is my blog and I have to be honest. Am I the only one out there who has felt this way? (???Jenny A, Brittany F, Kim B, Lindsey P, Darlene R, Wendy F???) Maybe I am, but like I said I'll get over it. I adore our beautiful girls and PINK! I look forward to playing princesses and talking about boys and getting pedicures all together someday. I think I am already getting over it!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Today I met with my friend Erin at Murray Park. It was the first time going without German's help. And it was so great to see Erin, but I don't think I can do that again until the girls get older....I am exhausted. They were running everywhere and of course in opposite directions. I kept trying to keep an eye on them both and chase them around because they aren't quite big enough to go off and play on their own. Thankfully, Erin was able to help me out, but I wish we could have just sat down and chatted more.

They love going down the slides, but they can't climb up to them by themselves, so I'd lift them to the top of the slide and let them go down--after 5-6 times I was done. They also like trying to climb up the slides from the bottom. Poor Lucy was trying to climb up one and all of a sudden a big kid comes flying down. Erin and I grabbed her away just in time, but he still nicked her in the face a little with his foot and she screamed. It's scary to think about because it could've been a lot worse, it was a steep slide and he was coming fast--mean big kids!

Then we walked around with the kids in strollers, but the girls are pretty heavy and I was getting so out of breath, I'm a wimp! Lastly, we headed to the swings, but while Lucy was in the swing Audrey kept running away and I'd chase after her and have to carry her back. She definitely has no separation or stranger anxiety. She just wants to get away on her own--I bet she'll want to move out when she's twelve. Then when I took Lucy out of the swing, Audrey ran off again, so I went to chase her and Lucy just had to follow me. I tried to get them both to walk back, but nooooo, they both had to fall to the ground dragging their feet. I ended up picking them up (all 53 pounds) and carrying them back like footballs because they were both kicking and screaming and trying to get down. We were only there for about an hour, but it was enough for me--my back was killing me!!! Oh, and it was real fun trying to get them in their car seats while arching their backs and screaming. They did go right to sleep when we got home, but Audrey is cutting both her canine teeth and woke up crying after only 45 minutes. Oh well, no nap for me.

(happy Lu on the swing)

Thank you Erin for helping me out so much! It was great to see you and your beautiful girls. Next time we'll have to go somewhere that keeps my little animals corralled. I don't think I'll attempt that again by myself until they are older. It will be so nice when they can get out of the car by themselves because they are getting way too heavy for me to lift. (I actually went to the chiropractor when German got home from work today because something was out of whack and I couldn't breathe without pain.)

(Can you tell how much Audrey loves having to sit on my lap?)

(Audrey was running away, I love how Soraya says "Hey look--there she goes!")

Tuesday twin tidbit

The girls had their 15 month checkup yesterday and they are in the 90th percentile for weight and height. Lucy is 32.5 inches tall and weighs 26 lbs 12 oz and Audrey is 33 inches tall and 26 lbs 7 oz. Yesterday was actually warm and sunny, so we headed to the park. This was the first time the girls were able to climb around and go down the slides all by themselves. They loved it and took an awesome nap afterwards (so did mom). I seriously cannot wait for warmer weather, these girls love to go outside. All we have to say is afuera (outside) and they run to grab their shoes and get so giddy.

Audrey has been experimenting a lot lately. She loves throwing objects up into the air over and over and over again--blocks, blankies, toothpaste boxes, bathtub toys, etc. And Lucy loves coming to find us when we run and hide somewhere. The astonishing thing is that they NEVER seem to get tired of it. Oh, I also felt the baby fluttering this week and that is always fun. We are getting anxious to find out the sex of this baby...I want to give it a name already!

Tuesday twin tidbit

Some of you already know this, but German lost his job back in October. Thankfully, we had food storage, low rent and some savings, so we have been surviving just fine. Today, he was just offered a great job and will start next week. I know I should be happier (and I am glad), but I am going to miss him TERRIBLY! This time together as a family has been so sacred and so wonderful and probably will never happen again. It really has been such a blessing. He has been able to spend tons of time at home with the girls and has helped me out immensely. With me being sick, I seriously would not have survived without him. I think the girls and I will be in mourning for the first few days and then we'll just have to get used to it. We all love daddy so much.

Lucy got a double ear infection over the weekend, but she is now doing much better with antibiotics. It really is amazing how deeply I love my girls and how I would easily give my life for their well-being. It is more powerful than anything I have ever felt before. I am such a lucky mom to have them. I am feeling much better, but I still get waves of blahness now and again. I can't wait until that all goes away and I'm just big and uncomfortable. At this same point in my pregnancy with the twins, I was three inches bigger around my waist and had gained 11 more pounds than I have so far with this one. Sorry no pics of the girls today, unfortunately, German and I have not taken any new pictures for awhile, but I plan to get a video of Audrey's climbing skills and Lucy's speaking skills soon. I will post a couple of pics of the food I have been craving and wishing I could eat, lately.

(Bariloche, Argentina-- November 2006)

German and I visited Argentina back in 2006 and we stayed in beautiful Bariloche for four days of our month long vacation. We found this restaurant called El Boliche de Alberto and it was AMAZING! Luckily, we found it our first day there and we went back everyday because it was soooo dang good. It was homemade Italian/Argentine food. We got ravioli, gnocchis, lasagna and other yummy stuff. But the best part of all was this dessert called La Copa Alberto (Alberto's cup). It has a bottom layer of homemade amazing whip cream, then a layer of deliciously rich dulce de leche (milk caramel), then another layer of whip cream and topped with sweetened juicy raspberries. Oh man, I would do anything to be able to eat that dessert right now!

(lasagna and raviloi dishes)

(LA COPA ALBERTO in all its wondrous glory)

(and me in heaven)

Tuesday twin tidbit--Happiest 7 years!!!

The girls hair is getting so long, but they won't sit still very well, so I have a hard time doing anything with it. Most of the time it's just in their eyes because when I do try to do something they usually yank out what ever I put in--I love their hair though. The girls are also learning new words. Lucy has learned to say hot, dadee, bye, and no. Which must mean I say 'no' way too often. Audrey also likes to say hot, bye bye, and hi. They make a bunch of other crazy sounds, too, but I can't figure out what they are trying to say. They also are learning to give kisses and it is so cute.

Yesterday German and I celebrated our seven year anniversary! I sure love him a whole bunch. Last week my mom stayed with the girls while we went to get couple massages and it was AWESOME! I highly recommend it and it's def something we want to do again soon. Then last night we had a gift certificate to Macaroni Grill and enjoyed a dinner out alone. We talked about our plans to visit Italy and Greece someday, oh and also go on Mediterranean cruise. Who knows when that will be possible, but it sure is fun to talk about. I look forward to another 50+ years of marital bliss.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Well, since I've been sick the girls have been watching more TV than I'd like to admit. German found this show on PBS and the girls LOVE it. All we have to do when they are acting cranky is say 'SUPERWHY' and their faces light up and then they run to the TV. They love dancing to this theme song and are completely content and quiet for 30 whole minutes.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Last week I missed posting because I was throwing up everyday and feeling yuck all day long. I have not felt like doing anything, but I think I am finally starting to get over this. Yesterday I actually cleaned and cooked a little bit.

The girls are napping and I am sitting here now listening to President Obama's inaugural speech. I must admit, I can't help but be charmed by this man. I honestly look forward to seeing him prove himself in office and I have hope in his abilities and character. It may seem silly, but I tend to focus alot on the personal life of our political leaders--at least on what I read and how their personal lives appear. Most importantly, I tend to scrutinize the wife because we all know that every great man must have an even greater wife! My all time favorite first ladies are Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush. I do really like Laura Bush, as well, and I am already in love with Michelle Obama. She seems to be a caring mother and devoted wife, not to mention her intelligence, strength and beauty. I look forward to witnessing what the future unfolds.

Anyway, the girls are really getting good at riding their zebra horsey Christmas present from my sister. Lucy really likes to do the "bucking bronco" style, while Audrey is still pretty mellow. She likes to give her giant stuffed animal friends a ride, although I think she just uses them as padding for when she falls off. Here they are in action.

Tuesday twin tidbit

Sorry I missed last Tuesday, but I have not been feeling well and figured Monday's post was good enough. Poor Audrey has been sick this past week, but today she is feeling much better demonstrated by her playfulness. It started with a low fever on New Year's Eve, but on Friday her temperature got up to 102, so we took her to the pediatrician's office. The nurse practitioner found nothing wrong with her and after way too much poking and prodding told us she "thought that maybe" it was an ear infection just starting, but she wasn't sure. She ended up prescribing amoxicillin and we left the office quite frustrated not knowing exactly what was wrong. Finally, her fever went away on Sunday and we thought she was all better, but then yesterday afternoon she broke out in a rash/hives all over her neck, chest and back. German took her to the Urgent Care last night and told the doctor everything that had happened. He checked her ears and said they were fine and to stop the amoxicillin, he diagnosed it as roseola. It was comforting to finally know what she had and today she seems completely better. We're so glad she is no longer sick, but I am going to miss how lovey and cuddly she was with German and me. She constantly wanted to be held (mostly by dad) and would snuggle up on our lap or she'd just walk up and hug our legs. And it was soo cute to see Lucy's concerned face when her little sister cried. She is such a great big sister and is always bringing Audrey her blankie or sharing toys with her. Audrey does not share as well and really doesn't seem to give Lucy the time of day.

(sick girls love to cuddle)

Another cute tidbit about Lucy this week was I had to run into the bathroom to empty the contents of my stomach and I didn't have time to close the bathroom door all the way. Poor Lucy pushed the door open and saw her sick mommy on her knees. I looked over quickly and saw the fear and shock in her eyes, she looked so worried. It was cute and sad at the same time. In between heaves I tried to reassure her by telling her I was ok and to go play (and to stay away from me). Hopefully, she wasn't too traumatized--I've got to make sure I close the door all the way next time.

Earlier last week we got to see our awesome friends the Shelleys who are home visiting family for the holidays and I got to snug on their cute little almost 6 month old Porter. He is just too cute (and so is Liz)! Babies are so much fun...