Christmas 2015

Oh truly this may have been one of my most favorite Christmases (is that even a word?) we have had. It seems so silly because truly I did only a tiny bit of what we normally do, but I think that is why it may have been my favorite. In this instance less really was more. 

I spent much of December sewing for 5 children! 2 quilts and 6 pair of jammies for the kids. I had begun this project well before we knew we were sending our Christmas to Ecuador. It was a lot of sewing, but it was worth it. I used knits for kids for the first ever. That was an experience and the seam ripper and I may have become best friends much to my displeasure. Either way I am very glad I was able to sew them their clothes. 

Anthony surprised us with Christmas Eve off. It was so nice. We enjoyed a relaxing day. It was nice for me to just breath and put my feet up. Then we went to the Christmas Eve service. The kids had a great time. Of course holding their own candles was their favorite part. We came home to a quick dinner and clean up. Then they opened their Christmas jammies. 

I have wanted to make her a nightgown for her for several years, it just never happens. Finally I did it this year. This girl and her nightgown slays me. Anthony and I just laugh when we see this. She pretty much would live in it if we let her.

Yes, my stomach is really that big!! I don't realize it until I see pictures. 

The kids were actually all asleep by 8:30 which I think is a first. Presents were all wrapped well before 9:30 and we actually were not up all night getting ready. It was really wonderful. I only had presents to wrap from family and a set of pjs for each child.

Unfortunately I slept on the couch due to  being uncomfortable and had a little girl up almost every hour trying to look at stockings etc. My child is so me. That was me as a kid. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep, but that is ok. They did stay in bed until 7:30 so I can't really complain. 

Anthony and the kids gave me the best present by helping me get the house really clean. I have been neglecting certain things and we did a really good clean and organized a few things. It felt good. It was driving me nuts, but I had no energy to fix it. It may have been the best present ever. 

Anthony and I enjoyed a wonderful date night seeing Star Wars thanks to Grandma. We relaxed the rest of the weekend and had Christmas with Anthony's family on Saturday. The kids all have colds of some sort. At this age it is so much easier to handle. I got to thinking about having a baby with a cold again and realized wait there will be 2! LOL Sunday we relaxed due to them all feeling bad. I worked on getting all the laundry done. We ended up having a movie night and enjoyed that. I even had intermission with popcorn.

It truly was the best Christmas. It was just so relaxing and we did more family than presents. Anthony and I agreed they had the perfect amount to open. There was a mess of trying to figure out where we were going to put all this stuff. The trash wasn't overflowing. There just wasn't a mess and they were not overstimulated. We pretty much decided we will probably keep it this way. We loved being able to give for Christmas to somebody else. Less really was more!

Now we are preparing for some winter weather finally. Unfortunately I don't think it is the weather that is very kind to us. We are in for an ice storm and are preparing to lose power. It is reminiscent of two years ago. Thankfully we are past the holidays instead of before. The laundry is done, dishes are done, and I think we are as prepared as we can be. Here is to hoping we keep our power and not too much damage is done. I don't think our maple can take any more falling limbs without having to be cut down. 

Finding JOY

The past couple of weeks have been very emotional for me for some reason. I have had a lot of doubts. Many days I am incapable of even keeping the house clean let alone going and doing fun things with the kids. Come 6 I feel like I don't even have the energy to finish up bed time and dinner routines. It is Christmas time and usually Anthony is trying to contain my Holiday Spirit and keep me reigned in. Not this Christmas. I feel bad, we have hardly done even an 1/8th of what we usually do for baking, decorating, Christmas books, and crafts. All this has weighed on my mind of being enough.


This week can be really hard for me too. I am away from my family. While I love Michigan and being here, I always miss home and so many traditions my mom did. I also miss my dear sisters and Grandparents. I am so thankful I do have Anthony's family. We have begun new traditions over the year and it has helped. Between the sadness of the holidays and the past couple of weeks of bad news regarding insurance obstacles I am still trying to figure out and car seat bad news I may have hit my low for the holidays. Many days I was crying and just plain discouraged.

Back story of car seats....trying to find 5 seats that fit in our car has been a bit of a nightmare. We have found seats, but of course it requires at least 3 new ones that are not cheap. They are no less than $200 a piece. Of course the twins are going to have to ride in luxury it seems. I never would dream of spending that on a car seat. I came home crying from that adventure of figuring out the seat situation. It was hard. I sat in the driveway just crying. Then I began praying and fell asleep in bed that night praying. The next day we found one seat for $45. God is good!! I had faith we would find another. Regardless I still felt like we were in an uphill battle with the hospital bills etc. I was not sleeping well, restless leg syndrome has set in. Finally 5 days ago I said enough and have spent days in prayer. Monday came and we couldn't have been blessed anymore than we were. I also have hope that insurance might be finally sorted or at least on the right track. This will save at least $4,000. (Please continue to pray for that situation) We also found another car seat that day for $70! The twins can come home since we now have the required seats for that.


As I sat here at dinner making plans with the kids for baking, the Christmas Eve Service, Christmas dinner, and the weekend I could just cry for JOY! This month has been a roller coaster. In all honesty it has been the toughest Christmas for me. I felt so inadequate as a mother. In the end I have found the JOY in  the little things and the blessings God has given us. It may not be my ideal Christmas, but it is the perfect one for this season of life. God gave us two babies for a reason. I have no idea why. Many people would give so much just for that. I know He is going to take care of our needs. I just don't know how. We talked about next year being their first Christmas and all the fun. I can't wait. It will be crazy, but wow the memories we will have.


This weekend will mark 28 weeks! At that point if they came their chance of survival is very high. I do not of course want them to come. I want them in there for at least 10 more weeks, but we have hit a milestone! Next goal is 32 weeks! I am feeling all of huge! Baby B is hanging out transverse at the top of my stomach really making me uncomfortable. She did switch today. I have hope she moved head down. If she did that will make my delivery even better. If not we hope she turns. We also are so much closer to names. I have picked out their outfits for the hospital bag. The best news I have car seats. Cravings I still have none. I have gained all of 5 lbs. at this point, but my pants are getting too big everywhere but the stomach. Sleeping is going better as long as I exercise during the day. All in all we are doing well. I am pushing through. I laugh at myself daily for how huge my stomach is, but there are 3 of us!!!

The story of Mary walking all the way to Bethlehem is especially touching to me this year. The sacrifice to bring our Dear Savior to earth was wonderful. It has made me ponder that part of the story more and realize how even more blessed I am. I at this point will not have to deliver around barnyard animals. It may not be my ideal situation, but it sure beats a stable. The King of Kings born in a stable and here I worry about the twins being born in the Hospital. I should be joyful I have a better place. Perspective and reflection is sometimes the best thing for finding the JOY.

If this holiday season is hard for you, I encourage you to find the JOY in the little things. Realize what you do have. As we send our Christmas to Ecuador to those with nothing remember you probably have more than them. You may not have the best or biggest gift, but you have food, more clothing than they do, probably a bed, and the fact that your child will more than likely survive it's first year. We are so utterly blessed even with bills and "not enough money." I have found my JOY and I can't wait to enjoy Christmas morning thinking about next year with FIVE wonderful kids around the tree and wrapping paper flying. 

December 2015 10 on 10

Yesterday I got halfway through shooting for a 10 on 10. I would have finished, but unfortunately I had to go to OB triage to make sure somethings were ok with the babies and I. Everything is great and fine so we are good. It just meant for a long day sitting at the hospital. Thankfully it went well and hopefully no more scares!!


As I was getting breakfast going this little girl was hiding and being a goon.

I had slept on the couch the night before. This blanket is mine, but this little girl is a soft blanket thief:) I can count on her to come cuddle with me every morning and curl up in my blanket. Today she curled up on the couch and watched a nature show with Eli and Ari. 

Of course our Elves have made their appearance this season. They had gotten into the cookies the night before.

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We worked on crafts during school. They kids like to decorate the windows so they cut out Christmas designs and decorated them. We hung them.

The "box" man aka UPS man could not have timed his arrival any better yesterday. As I was trying to get bags packed for kids in case we were gone through the night and make phone calls to Dr., Child care, and Anthony, Woody our box man arrived with Eli's Mine Craft Lego. Eli has been working since September to save enough money to buy this. He worked for other people and us to save money for his savings account, tithe, and then for his wants which was this. He knew it was coming on Wed. The kids sat and put it together while I got the last few things together. It was perfect.

I spent the rest of the day hanging out with these two and Anthony. Baby A is very head down and really in position. Baby B is laying across the top of my stomach. They look like a tangled mess. These pictures are from last week. They were in different positions then . Baby B was on baby A'S head so we have not gotten very good pictures of her. None of them have been great of her so it will be fun to see her when she is born. They weigh each about a pound and half. That is a lot of baby in there!! LOL Of course Ultrasound can be off some which is expected. I am definitely feeling it. Last stomach measurement I was measuring 36 weeks!! I was only 24 weeks. LOL I am so in trouble. I finally can't zip my pants, but my belly band is working. Other than that not a whole lot going on.

25.5 days today. One day I might actually use my camera to take a picture.

Click to read Shannon's 10 on 10 http://shannondoherty8.blogspot.com/2015/12/december-10-on-10.html

Christmas Magic

We finally took care of some of the "hoarder" elements of the downstairs this weekend and began decorating. When I say we I mean Anthony and the kids. I had to take it easy this weekend after doing too much all week. I am so thankful they all jumped in and did some much needed house chores I just have not had the energy to get to. The house may still look a bit like a mess, but it is improving. We found a place for the tree and put up a few decorations so that part is wonderful. I felt a lot better after that. 

Decorating this year may have been the easiest yet. The kids could be handed things and they put them where they needed to go. They loved it. Only one thing was broken and that was by dad, but that is ok. We did have a few meltdowns, but compared to past years I would say it was a lot easier and took a lot less time. Next year may be a different story with two babies:) Regardless there is something so magical about watching the tree being put up through children's eyes. They just bring out the joy and wonder of Christmas. 

I have no idea how I will fit two babies into this scene next year but I am excited for that prospect. Now if I could just keep their hands off the tree everyday. We may have to have a night of touching like I usually do and then off limits again.

Let the Christmas music play on continuous and let us enjoy lots of hot chocolate and snuggles around the tree. It really is the most magical time of year. 

Christmas For Ecuador

We just finished up a wonderful holiday weekend! Anthony took Friday off and we had such a great time as a family and visiting extended family. Anthony and I had a date night. We took the kids to a movie for something special. Needless to say it was a nice weekend. It was not very relaxing, but it was good.

Now we are approaching Christmas. I am tired and well I don't know maybe not in the Christmas spirit this year. Usually by now the house is decorated and I have done all our shopping. This year has not been the case. Granted as I previously posted the house is out of sorts with the upstairs remodel, so really that might be a part of it. I can't shop for my kids because I am being honest, they don't need a thing!! We were planning mattresses eventually, but for toys etc. they don't need a thing. They "think" they do, but they don't. I know I could make a list of things they would love. I know I could. I just have not yet or even begun thinking of shopping. I am making them each some pjs and slippers. So, they will get those things. Either way Anthony and I have been struggling with ideas that will last and worth money for Christmas for them. 

As we got older our family did the twelve days of Christmas for several other families instead of Christmas presents for us. They were the best Christmas years in my opinion. They were so much fun. The families would never know who it was and we had so much fun knowing we were helping and blessing others. I haven't had the time or resources to venture in this direction yet with my own kids. One day I know I will do this! Each year I always wish I could do something similar, it just hasn't happened until this year. 

Yesterday at church our Pastor talked of his recent visit to Ecuador. They were going to a very poor area. I cried in the service because of how awful the living conditions are. The things we take for granted make you feel beyond blessed. They met one young mom who had not even named her 5-6 week old baby because it is easier to bury a nameless child then one named. That hit home with these two precious girls in my stomach kicking away. It hurt my heart that this mom is worried about even having proper nutrition to even supply her sweet babe food, but instead worries of death. The call was made to be able to raise $87,000 to purchase land so a church can be built in the area. That is a lot of money, but I know it can be done. Then Compassion International can come in and help this area by providing the love of Jesus and much needed nutrition and things we as Americans would consider basic living essentials. 

Anthony and I immediately came home and talked to the kids. We pretty much decided that our immediate family Christmas would go to Ecuador, to this precious babe with no name in hopes it might receive one and live. To all the other families in the area living the same with little hope and fear. My call to you this Christmas is think outside the box. It is wonderful to give to family and friends. I love it. It is so much fun. We still will be giving a few gifts to others. Not everybody may hear the call as we did. Pray about it. I know for me I can in no way not send money to Ecuador this Christmas. I know Anthony feels the same. We will always have needs for a better mattress for the kids, or even better clothes, but these families don't even have that. I can give up one year for that. As our Pastor so wisely said, "It is not your birthday, it is His (Christ's)." Consider finding somebody that truly needs something this season and give to them. I guarantee you will be more blessed than any tangible gift you could receive. 

23-24 Weeks Twin Update

If you follow me on Instagram sorry the same pictures I have already posted there........

It is hard to believe this weekend I will be 24 weeks. The past month since we found out about both girls the time has flown by. I actually feel a bit panicked. I feel like I need more time. Our house has been a wreck since October since we begin to finish the upstairs. Our downstairs is cluttered with things that need to move upstairs. My room has become an overflow of baby things so I could sort and see what I needed. Lilliana's things are half in hers and half in the boys. It is a mess. We have been trying to figure out where to put the Christmas tree. It may not get put up until the middle of December which is NOT like me at all. As terrible as it sounds I honestly would be fine not decorating because the house is so disorganized right now adding decorations just makes me think it will look like a hoarder's dream. So needless to say we are desperate to get that upstairs done before January 1st. I am confident that will happen. Until then I can sort of live with the crazy. 

In that four weeks my stomach has exploded. I now have a ledge to rest things on. I can't see my feet. I still can wear my pants and button them. I actually think I am losing inches everywhere but my stomach. I was having a lot of problems with low blood sugar. There just isn't room to eat much. A hard boiled egg fills me up in one sitting. So, I now have to eat in the middle of the night. Normally I probably would not be thrilled due to weight gain. Thankfully though I have not gained more than 3 lbs. Those 3 lbs. have been this month. I will gladly take it. 

Cravings- I have not had any cravings really. I eat a lot of veggies, protein, and good carbs. I have been utilizing lots of crockpot meals and soups. I am loving soups.

Excercise- I am still walking at least 4 times a week. I also am T-tapping as much as I can even if it is 10 minutes a day.

Trim Healthy Mama-If anything I have never been more on plan. Seriously I attribute how well I feel and my normal weight gain, no swelling, energy etc. to eating this way. Any sugar instantly gives me heartburn so that is reason enough to continue to eat well. I also swell up like a balloon if I eat any "off plan foods."  Black Friday is coming and I bet they have a sale! I can't recommend it enough.  http://www.trimhealthymama.com/

I had an OB appt. last week. It went well. I don't know how anybody can spend hours at the Dr. though. It drove me crazy how late they were running. I left at 2:15 and didn't get home until 5:00. It is a 30 minute drive. I will forever always be grateful for my midwives and how prompt and on schedule they always were! I also learned a couple things...As long as one is head down I can deliver vaginally and then the second breech with all the OBs. in the practice. If both are head down I probably do not have to deliver in the operating room which is awesome! I do not have to be induced early unless of course a problem. They will let me go to 40+ weeks which makes me feel good although I am sure at 36 weeks I am going to be begging to get them out. The biggest news we discovered is they actually could be identical. The ultrasound tech was mistaken and if the egg split between 1-3 days it would give them their own sacs and placentas and they could in fact be identical. We will not know until they are born and have a blood test. I found it really neat though.
I have another ultrasound scheduled for next week and will be seeing another Dr. in the practice. I figure I may as well since I may deliver with one of them. Keep praying for insurance. It still is a mess. Hopefully we can get some answers soon. Really it just comes down to how to bill it all and then what we pay, but it is the difference between $3,000-$7,000 which is huge!! Keep praying for the lower end!! 

They are kicking up a storm and at this point I can't tell who is where. I do know I get kicked in the ribs and bladder all the time so I am guessing opposite directions. Who knows! The kids love to feel them kick and Anthony gets them going crazy when he gets home. It is fun to feel and see. At this point I am feeling as good as to be expected!! 23.5 weeks measuring 28 weeks

I look a mess. I had just finished exercising and realized how big I really was!! 

The Magic of the First Snow

This year we have been so blessed with a nice long warm fall. A week ago we were enjoying 60 degree days and the kids were outside well past dark enjoying the "warmer" weather. We were enjoying evening walks almost every night after dinner in jackets. The air almost smelled of that spring like smell when the wind blew, it was just a little damp but still warm. If you didn't know the month you would have never guessed winter was just around the corner.

Last Wednesday I began to hear whispers of snow for the weekend. Well by now if you don't know me I enjoy snow. I do. I just enjoy it from the comfort of my home under a nice quilt, some tea, maybe a book, or a movie. The point is I like the comfort of snow inside where it is warm:) I was surprised it would be 3-5 inches predicted. Anthony laughed and said I doubt it. Well I planned. I did our meal plan for the next two weeks. I made a huge grocery list. I thought ahead to the fact that the following week was black friday weekend and the time of year shopping can be a little nuts. I made a big plan to hit Sam's and Meijer in one night and conquer it all so hopefully I could avoid the store until after that weekend. I was going to sit at home and enjoy my Saturday of snow. 

I had grand plans to have the tubes aired up for the kids. I had weeks prior prepared all winter gear for this day. It was organized and ready for them to hop into. I had one twin's quilt top finished and wanted to get the other at least halfway done. I had two good books to listen to while I quilted. I had a stock pile of tea and hot chocolate for the ready. It was going to be the best first snow in a long time. 

I went to bed Friday night out of sorts. My stomach hurt, but I just chalked it up to pregnancy. I didn't sleep well and tossed and turned. We woke up to 2 kids rushing into our room at 7:30 (they slept in so Ill take it) "It's SNOWING!!!" They ripped back the curtains, "See mom!" It was snowing and it was beautiful. It was magical. It was everything the first snow should be. The power lines were beginning to be covered as were the trees. Soon the tree branches would be bowed with the weight of the snow. It looked picture perfect and oh so white and beautiful. Then it hit! I felt AWFUL. I knew at that moment my grand plans of enjoying the snow with the kids outside and having a day of quilting etc. were out. I had the stomach flu. Needless to say the enjoyed the day. It was so fun to watch their excitement. They did play outside for some time. I was in and out of it sleeping and trying to just relax. I even gave in and watched Home Alone 2. I really just wanted to watch a Christmas movie and relax. They loved it. I did end up ditching it halfway through and going to bed. I just was so uncomfortable.


Sunday Anthony took the youngest two to church and Eli and I stayed home. He has a terrible cough and I was definitely not 100% yet. The roads were not terrible, but they must not have been great. 15 minutes later Eli is wondering why Ari is outside. Anthony decided that they would never make it on time so he brought them home. 

They enjoyed the morning outside playing except Ari. He is a bit attached to his black Nike tennis shoes and would not wear his boots. He had no choice. So he sat and did  this the entire time. 

It was a beautiful first snow. I must remind myself that 4 days later now that it is getting brown and yucky.