Closing in on a year!

We have officially started the one year birthday count down - just 8 days away! The reflecting has already started, which brings me to today's topic. It was a year ago today when we got some difficult news. Jennifer's pregnancy had it's ups and downs, but we were not expecting her to get hospitalized. The day before (Friday the 6th) we had a routine visit and her BP was fine but had a little protein in her urine. The Dr. did not seem too concerned, but as we were checking out he mentioned he was on call that weekend and he wanted us to come to the hospital to get another BP check. No problem - right? All we had planned that day was just a baby shower - all of our closest friends were coming into town. Jennifer was very proactive with planning the baby showers early. We knew that we would not go full term with the pregnancy so we were having showers at weeks 26, 27, and 28. I guess we did not plan early enough. We both made it to the first one, I made it to the second one and she gave birth about an hour before the third one started - needless to say we both missed that one!
My memory of that morning is crystal clear. We got to the hospital around 10am and expected to run right in get a BP check and run right out. This proved to be the first wrong thought of the day. I was very confused and frustrated. Why were we stuck in the registration room going through an extensive Q&A session? I told the poor lady (that I was definitely rude too) that this was not necessary - just check her BP so we can leave. We finally finished that process and was put into an exam room. They checked her BP - a little high - of course we were both ready to scream - we had been there for over an hour. If they had checked mine, we both would have been admitted. They then told us that she would have to stay for a couple hours. They wanted to monitor her BP and see how the babies were doing. They attempted for several minutes to get the babies' heart beats but it was difficult since we had a little rock band in her belly. A couple hours pass and her BP was not improving - getting worse. They then informed us that they were probably going to keep her overnight and moved us to another room - a overnight room. I called our friends to let them know the details and that I would be home as soon as I can. Jennifer's Mom and Dad came down and I went home. When I got to my house I was surprised by some of our friends (the Lindlers and the Smiths). Daniel Smith was in the back yard entertaining his sons (Calvin and Colin) and the Lindler kids (Orie, Bradley, and Lou). Elizabeth Smith was upstairs cleaning some baby toys they had brought for us to borrow and Kevin and Ashley Lindler were in the nursery putting together two matching cribs that they were letting us borrow. I can't thank them enough for all their help. I got a quick shower and then it was off to see the rest of our friends. It was great getting to spend time with friends, but I could not fully enjoy it knowing Jennifer was in the hospital and not knowing really why. Here are some pictures of me opening some gifts. Can't you just hear the oohs and ahhs!

Yes - I'm holding up breast cream!

I sure wish Jennifer was here!

While I was gone they told Jennifer she was going to stay a couple nights or at least until they could get her blood pressure under control. They also came in and gave her a steroid shot. The shot was to help strengthen the babies lungs. Her dad asked the nurse if she was having the babies tonight and she told him this was just in case they would be born prematurely. I left the baby shower, ran home, and packed a couple things. I did not even consider her being hospitalized for more than a couple nights. By the time I got back to the hospital, Jennifer was in pretty good shape. She was a little worried but was not as bad as when I left her. We both got comfortable and prepared ourselves for a night in the hospital. Here's a picture of the pregnant mother in her new room.



The good news is that the women's center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center was new and had only been open for a few months. The room was nice it had a bed for me and Jennifer still has nightmares about how uncomfortable her bed was. They even brought her a blow-up waffle mattress but it did not help. She did receive some comfort from our first night nurse. Her name is Cindy (we nick named her Cindy Lou Who - but she never knew it). She and Jennifer went to church together when they were growing up. She was the best and a God sent. I brought most of the clothes that we got at the shower with me to the hospital so she could see them. It really cheered her up.
The day ended so much different than it started.

Standing Tall

What a sight - seeing all three stand up on their own. Charlotte has taken a odd step back. She was the first to crawl and was standing not long after that, but here recently she has preferred to kneel instead of stand. Ellie has gone from barely crawling (Christmas time) to pulling herself up on anything she can get her hands on. Evan is more careful with his standing but his calculated moves pay off and he usually flashes a big grin to announce his accomplishment. Ellie and Evan are in competition to see who will walk first. They both will navigate around whatever they are standing against with little side steps. I have caught Ellie letting go but usually only for a second or two. Here are some more pictures of the babies standing for attention.


Remember the "construction zone" they were getting into in the last post? I still have not finished the project and look what I get - two more tattle tails. Thanks for getting me in trouble Ellie and Charlotte!

What does "NO" mean to a baby?

Since being in our home they heard us constantly telling Zona (our problem child/dog) No!!! We were certain that "No Zona" would be their first words. Well, since going on the move, they are hearing NO more often. They are into everything. Most of the things they attempt to get into are things we would like for them to stay away from. I still have not completely baby proofed the house and I think they know it. Last night Evan learned what "NO" means and the result was interesting. Evan attempted several times to enter into a "construction zone" (I have built some doors for a built-in to keep the babies out and have not finished.) We would call "Evan - NO" he would stop turn to us and laugh and change direction. A little later he was off to attempt it again. Once again we would say "Evan - NO" he would stop, turn, and grin. This went on for about 4 attempts and then he was just too overcome with curiosity. He got to the NO NO area and I told him NO and pulled him away. What happened next will be documented in his baby book as the "1st fit he ever pitched". He rolled to his back, kicked, cried, and looked like a 2 year old in a toy store. The good news is it only lasted a couple minutes. Charlotte has gotten some "NOs" when attempting to crawl out of the room. She will usually stop at the sound of her name and turn back - no fits yet. Ellie has went from crawling to standing up at every chance she can get. We have given her some "NOs" when trying to stop her from pulling up on things that she could fall and get hurt on. We are trying our best to use more encouraging words and less "NOs" - that's what we learned from watching Super Nanny. But, NO will be used and hopefully understood with limited Fits Pitched.

Here's some pictures of them getting into trouble.

JENN IS NOT TRYING TO TEACH THEM TO PUT UP THE DISHES - THEY ARE TRYING TO LEARN FOR THEMSELVES. - NO NO = LAUGH LAUGH

WHERE YOU GOING EVAN?

BUSTED!!!

BUT HOW CAN YOU GET MAD AT BABIES THAT ARE THIS CUTE!

11 months old

The count down is on - less than a month until they are one! Where has the time gone? They are all doing great. The challenge of mobile babies has not gotten out of hand - yet. We have enjoyed their ability to find their own entertainment. It is still confusing for us to judge their development - are they 11 months old or are they 8 months old? They have some accomplishments that are right on track and some that are not. Like - where are their teeth? I check every night for that first tooth to show, but I have not seen anything yet. I guess they will come with time. They have changed some eating habits. Evan has become the hardest to feed - real fussy. Ellie has no issues and Charlotte has gotten a little easier. We reported last month that the attempted puff tasting was not very successful. Now they love them. Ellie and Evan have learned to take them from our hands and feed themselves. Charlotte just wants to play with it while we put one in her mouth. We have also introduced "4th meal". They get a snack around 8 pm and they love it. It has helped Charlotte sleep better at night. They enjoy pulling up and exploring things. The news report last night said we would have good weather today and Granddaddy said he would come take the babies for a choo choo ride. He made good on his promise and here's a picture from today.

We have experienced one new challenge with mobile babies - taking pictures. Here's an example of several attempts to produce the usual monthly tracking picture on the couch.

We always take several pictures but usually they produce several good options. I guess we will have to either learn to photo shop or just be satisfied with a not-so-perfect picture.

Ellie on the move!!!

As anticipated, Ellie is crawling! She is tired of seeing Charlotte move around and getting all the good toys. She still likes to take some breaks on her journey, but she has gotten the hang of getting around the room. Today Charlotte and Ellie teamed up on Evan. He interfered in a little party they were having and the girls made him pay for it. He was pinned down, poked, pulled and I think I saw a little eye gouging. That will teach him to get in the middle of the girls play time. I'm sure this will not be the last time they attack him. Now that all three are on the move we are waiting to see who walks first. I would put money on Evan. He is by far the most active in the walker. Only Time will Tell - enjoy the footage of Ellie on the move.