1st Time EVER

 . .  . getting a family picture with everyone looking at the camera AND smiling! Yay! We had pictures done with our family photographer, Amanda Joy Photography. Remember she is the one that we won the photo contest with at the beginning of the year, Best of 2010.  It was time to have some pictures taken as we were celebrating many special occasions: Bradley turning 5, Cameron turning 1, Baby Davis' pregnancy, our 10th wedding anniversary, and Austin is 2.5! That is a lot of stuff to pack into one photo session, but I think she did it. Here is our sneak peak. Check out her blog or scroll down and see the few pictures. We highly recommend her for your photography needs; she is awesome!

Take 10,379 and couting . . .

It seems like it takes that many pictures to get a decent one- and by decent I mean I may be fortunate, at the end of an at-home photo session, to have ONE where all 3 kids are looking. I can't imagine what it's going to be like with FOUR children, 5 and under. I'm thinking I may have to starting taking pictures of just 2 at a time. . . . we shall see. By now, I know that you can NOT try to plan anything with children because they can be soooo unpredictable.
So, I was just going to give you a glimpse into what it takes to get one cute picture. I was home alone with the kids, getting ready for swim lessons on the last day. They were very excited and running around with their bathing suits on- that yes, coordinated. Hey, if I have to buy clothes then I may as well buy them stuff that matches- makes it easier to keep up with them when we're off too- because I know exactly what colors to look for if someone tries to run off and I'm constantly going down the alphabet making sure everyone is accountable for- just the mommy in me! :-)

Take 1- Gave A the sunglasses to make him happy, put the bow in C's hair, and told Bradley to hold her . . . it's a NO GO. Let's try again. . .

Told the boys to pay attention,  told B not to hold C this time,  put her beside B, and grabbed the camera. Then, look who decides to lie down- no go again folks. Again?

Finally the boys are smiling and looking- so cute, but what is C looking at?

We have success- everyone is looking! But can I get one where everyone is smiling?

Almost! Where is C's bow though?!?!? The boys are saying, "cheese". Good news, A has started to improve a lot with pictures just in time for C to go through  a bad picture phase. She does well if it's just her, and I can focus on only her. And, realize I actually took about 20 pictures on this day- this is just a glimpse for you into the chaos. It's fun though. And, we were all ready early. Loaded up in the car and off we went to swim lessons. More to come on that later!

L & D Trip

Yesterday, I was having some issues. Some pressure down low, frequent urination (but no burning like a uti- the pressure was causing it), was fine when I laid down for the most part, but when I stood for more than a few minutes I'd have this sharp sensation that would cause me to double over because it felt like I was going to pee on myself. Davis wasn't moving as much as usual. He was breach a couple of weeks ago and my other babies have never been in that position this late. So, for a couple of weeks now I haven't felt like I was emptying my bladder, getting up several times a night to go "potty", and having frequent kicks to the bladder  . . . and while I've become to grow accustomed to that it was very different yesterday.  It felt like the baby was kicking or hitting this nerve that was directly attached to my bladder and it was quite uncomfortable- he seemed lower too. So, after fighting it all day I called the on call doctor which turned out to be the OB that delivered the triplets. She advised me to go to Richland, get on the monitor, and get everything checked out due to my history. So, we made our way up there - all the while trying NOT to be sick to our stomachs as the possibility that I may not be going back home with this sweet baby still in my tummy but all along thinking SURELY after this many children and pregnancies I'd know if something were really long- and just the thought of that place and our history there it's surprising that we are able to not empty everything in our stomachs when entering those halls. I'd hoped that after a good delivery with Cameron and it being 2.5 years since we were there living in what we thought was pure hell that things would be improved. W.R.O.N.G. Turns out post-traumatic stress disorder, which is the only way to really describe our emotions at Palmetto Health Richland, never truly goes away- just goes silent until you have to go through the motions of what caused it in the 1st place.
I was monitored, prodded, and cathed- AND after 4 long hours sent back home. Everything looked great. They aren't really sure what was causing the issues- could be his position or could be scar tissue from past c-sections pulling as my uterus grows. It has been better today- still there but some improvement thankfully. I was scheduled to go to the doctor this week anyway for an Ob appointment and another ultrasound, so I'll still do that.  I don't have anymore restrictions and am free to do whatever I was doing before. Praying I have another few more weeks of pregnancy before I end up there again. Everyone loves a full term baby, but Chris and I just say we'll be happy to get past 32 weeks- which is a little over a week from now- you don't have to worry about eye and ear issues and things are just overall much, much better than what we went through with Austin. Less than 6 weeks to go until Davis is full term. Yay! So thankful everything looked good, and we're still going strong!
On a fun note, a sweet friend is giving me a shower next week and I'm sooo excited and blessed by my wonderful friends. I was so blown away, after having so many children, that anyone would even think to give me one.  She sweetly told me that everyone can use diapers and wipes and since Davis is being born in a totally different season than my other children he'll need some clothes and other things that may be worn out or you can't pass down. So, after yesterday there is no reason to think that I won't still be "truckin' along" and can enjoy it.  Hope everyone can make it! And, thank you, thank you, thank you Michelle for continuing to be such a blessing in my life!
That's all folks!

Poem

Found this poem. We have another poem written by this father of quads, Jolly Old St NICU, given to us on Austin's first Christmas by my brother and sister-in-law. It was right after we'd lost our 2 youngest children and Austin was in the NICU for what we knew would be a long time after already being there for over a month. We were all too familiar with the NICU at that point and the poem hit so close to home.
So, the other day I found this poem written by this same man. Like I said he is the father of quads, but only 3 remain on Earth.  He wrote this poem for his daughter, Emily, that went to be with God around the age of 1 month old.  It speaks volumes for mine and Chris' emotions. They still continue to be all over the place, some good days and some bad days. We struggle with do we just be happy that our children are safe in Heaven or is it ok to wish that they were here with us? 
Christopher Brayden and Alexis Faith, not a day goes by that Daddy and Mama don't think of you several times a day. We have faith in our Lord that we will see you again and be with our Heavenly Father and you for all of eternity. We strive daily to live right while continuing to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us so that we may have everlasting life. As your oldest brother says, "We have Jesus in our heart."  I don't think there is any other way to make it past this journey than to have full trust in God's plan. We believe in His awesome grace and strength, seeing that He will carry us through anything- the things we do or don't want to believe that we could make it through. That being said, we are humans and not fully able to understand why we were placed on Earth to go through something like this- what we believe has to be the hardest thing that any human ever has to go through.
I recently spoke to a fellow mother of a micro preemie. Her son is 5 now, but has celebrated every birthday with Jesus. She said she has the same feelings- you learn to cope with the loss, but still miss them as desperately as you did the day they passed if not more. I believe I miss them more now than I did then, because as time passes it has been that much longer since I held my children in my arms. Can you fathom not being able to hold your child in your arms for almost 2.5 years? Another mother, I know, lost her infant son 20-something years ago. She said not one day goes by that she doesn't think of him and miss all the memories that she was never able to make. She isn't sure that ever gets any easier.  This poem, that I'm sharing, depicts our emotions so well. While we are grateful that our children are safe with our Lord, and continue to live life enjoying all of our many blessings- we still continue to feel as though something is missing as the minutes, hours, days, and weeks go by.


Even if you’re dancing with King David
And even if you touch the Savior’s Face
And even if you walk right next to Abraham
In a world that’s marked by joy and peace and grace….


And even though our lives are filled with laughter
And even though we celebrate each day
And even though we can’t believe how good things are
In this life that’s oh so rich in every way…


And even if our longing makes no sense to you
And even if you know no death or pain
And even if you’re happy every moment
In a place where all life’s problems leave no stain…


And even though we’ve had some time to catch our breath
And even though death’s sting does start to leave
And even though the future seems so bright to us
In this dwelling where it seems so odd to grieve…


And even if you’re smiling down upon us now
And even if you wait with open arms
And even if the thought of time seems foolish
In that realm that’s free from all our cares and harms…


Oh, even though we speak of you with fondness
And even though we proudly say your name
And even though we send your kisses skyward
One heartfelt thought still lingers all the same…


We just miss holding you

–written by Daddy, 12/31/06, after one full calendar year of missing our little girl

Precious Boy!

How can anyone not look at a baby and think about how wonderful and gracious God is? What a a miracle a new life is? How every child is brought here by God for a purpose? And, all in His will?
Well, that is what all I think when I see my precious new one's face. I had a 3D ultrasound at my appointment on Monday, and it was by far the best one yet. Such a clear picture. . .however, he didn't want to uncover his face and only gave us a small peak at his mouth and nose. He favors 2 people in our family of 5, and I'm so excited about it.

Everything looked good with Davis. MCA velocity is still in the 'C' range and cervix looked great. I go back in 2 weeks to recheck all of that. They didn't measure him this time, but they did measure the amniotic fluid which looked good as well. We saw him practice breathing too. My OB is actually leaving and moving away, so I was able to see him one more time. I'm sad to see him go, because he took over my care at about 20 weeks with the triplets and has been my OB ever since. He has definitely been a God send, but I'm in good hands with the other high-risk OB who is also an MFM (maternal fetal specialist). These 2 are the only ones in town, so it's great that I'll just be able to be transferred from one to the other. I'll still be able to contact my current OB if I have any questions, so that is very comforting. He was a huge support to Chris and I after we delivered the triplets, is always so positive and encouraging, and I'm just so thankful that God placed him in our life. He is excited to see how well I'm doing this time. We spoke about my not having diabetes yet, and he said that the next few weeks will show whether or not I'm going to have it this time. The hormone that causes gestational diabetes spikes again in the next few weeks, so if I make it past 32 weeks with no problem then I'm in the clear!!! YAY! How amazing is that?!?! People might be tired of me talking about it  . . . but, I just never ever dreamed, when I felt God telling me it was time to have another baby (when I felt I wasn't quite ready yet due to already having 2 pregnancies back to back and this would make the 3rd pregnancies in 3 years) and that he'd take care of any worries that I had, that he'd do something about my diabetes. Not only has he taken away my bigger fears of a micro-preemie and other issues I've had in the past, kept this antibody thing quiet and not causes issues yet, but he has seemingly cured me of diabetes this time. WOW! It's just so amazing and continues to amaze the doctors. No one ever questioned it- it was just a given that I'd have diabetes, be on insulin, but we knew after dealing with it 3 prior times that it'd be ok and just cause some inconveniences. I'm still going to have weekly biophysical profiles (ultrasounds that rate several things from 1-10), non stress test, and OB appointments due to my history and the antibody issue, but that is fine with us- we'd rather be safe than sorry and ensure this little guy is doing well. Those will start in the next few weeks.
Sounds great to say nine weeks and some days left to go until we meet this little boy face-to-face!

Maniac May

Mother's Day Luncheon at Preschool

Bradley made me a picture, corsage, and planted some herbs for me that were added to our herb pot on the deck.  He did great performing. And, he knew the songs so well and was always ahead of everyone else.

Family fun- everyone in the clothes basket!

Look at the beautiful blue eyes! I know I'm a little partial, but we think that we have been blessed with the 2 most gorgeous girls ever! Cameron finally got her 1st top tooth this week at 14 months old. I was beginning to wonder if she had top teeth. And, she only has 3 bottom teeth. It's better to get them later, but the teething thing is getting a little old. :-)

Austin hates for his picture to be taken (perhaps bc I took so many in the NICU or the bright lights remind him of the NICU???.) However, on this day I managed to capture his fun loving, silly personality when he was rocking in Cameron's rocker.  He was saying, "rock, rock" which in the last week he has begun to say short sentences. He often says, " I love chocolate" or " I want apple" (he calls all fresh produce apple) or " I need a bottle". We're so excited about his expanding speech and vocabulary. Another favorite word is "Michael" which is Austin's and Chris' middle names, but he hears it most often with his uncle/my brother. He even tells people that is his name, he'll say, " no, I Miii chaeel" if someone asks if his name is Austin with the cutest little southern drawl.

Look at those 2 having fun!

And, I had to post this picture to show how cute Cameron is holding on for the ride.

Big Brother Bradley had to get in on the fun too!

LOVE having a "big" family as people describe us- seems to be the bigger the family the closer they are!

They played with this clothes basket for a long time.

We have bigger ones too, but they shared so well.

And, since I haven't taken the time to scan in an ultrasound picture of the newest addition I figured I'd post a picture of my belly. 28 weeks! Yay. I go Monday for my next ultrasound, and I'm hoping they will do another 3D ultrasound. The last one he was looking like Bradley and Cameron, so I'm excited to see who he will favor. And, I continue to be so amazed of God's miracles- no diabetes! It continues to blow all the doctor's minds. They say it may still come, but when I spot check my sugar it is actually improving. Wow- when I felt God telling me to give it to Him about whether or not we should have another baby I NEVER dreamed he'd take care of my diabetes!

Austin said, "No, Daddy" when I pointed the camera at him and pointed to Chris to take his picture instead.



Bradley said, "take my picture Mama!"

Less than a week till our big boy graduates from preschool.

And, then he'll have the whole summer off. Yay!

May has been a very busy month for us. Parties, showers, birthday parties, a BBQ, a dedication, a cookout, and the month still isn't over yet. It has been fun hanging out with our friends so much. We're very blessed with our many friends that offer so much love and support! They just continue to go above and beyond, and we're so grateful for God giving us these brothers and sisters in Christ. Next week we have 2 therapy appointments for Austin, my OB appointment, Bradley and I are going to the dentist, Bradley's graduation, our 10 year anniversary, Bradley's last day of school, and we're having family pictures taken too. Chris is off, a couple of days, for our anniversary and to make up for him working the holiday weekend. Then, on Memorial Day we're planning to enjoy some fun in the sun!

A few fun ideas to share to everyone that is local . . .

Rita's Ice
There is one on Harbison Boulevard and one at Sandhills. And, actually this is a chain, so they are throughout SC and the United States.  Very yummy, special treat for our family. Italian Ice and Custard are among their specialties. Chris and Austin enjoyed chocolate custard, which is a lot like soft serve ice cream, but more tasty. Bradley had cherry ice. And, I had a Blendini. They have different ice flavors everyday, and a lot of them are fruit flavored and such a nice light treat. The Blendini mixes ice, custard, and a mix-in. So, I had Smores Ice, Chocolate Custard with Health mixed in - and everyone in our family enjoyed it.

Town of Lexington Farmer's Market

This is something new that will run the 2nd and 4th Saturday from June through October. They're having a kick-off tomorrow, Saturday May 21st. You can view more information at the link above or search for it on Facebook. We're looking forward to checking out the local produce as well as the other things they will offer such as plants and crafts. It will be from 9am-1pm on Main Street, in the vacant lot where Sessions used to be.  It should be something fun for the family, and we're hoping everyone will support the local farms. I bet the produce will be very yummy.

Yumi-licious

The grand opening, for the one in Lexington, is this Tuesday May 24th. It's a self serve yogurt bar. They have all different flavors of yogurt and toppings, everything from brownies to nuts and ceral to cookie dough, and you can mix and match everything of your choice. It's across from Target in the same area as Travinia's.  Yum Yum!



Another Week, Another Appointment

I had another OB appointment today with an ultrasound.  Baby Davis looks great. I'm 26 weeks, 4 days, and he measured almost 28 weeks at 2.5lbs and almost the 70th percent. So, a little big but that is nothing unusual with our babies. I'm still measuring 4 weeks ahead by fundal height.  My cervix measurement was good- yay! And, the MCA velocity is in the C range- almost a D- which is awesome. Fluid was good. Everything was awesome with the baby.
Everything looked good with me as well. Weight gain is good and blood pressure is perfect.  I'm always very blessed with hanging out between 90-100/ 60 -50. Yay! Great appointment, and I go back in less than 2 weeks.
On another note, Chris and I have to figure something out with the cars. We can't fit all 3 kids in his car, so I had to drive 15-20 minutes out of the way to switch out cars on my way to my appointment. I had to have the van this morning to take Bradley to school this am, and Chris had to have to van to pick Bradley up from school. I had convinced Chris that there was no need to have 2 cars to fit the entire family, but I'm not so sure about that decision now. What does everyone else do? And, then we'll have one more child in a few months. We also run into problems with childcare during the weekday. We don't have the option of daycare, so I guess that is why these are issues. I want someone who is around the kids a lot and is comfortable with them and they're comfortable with- and everyone knows everyone well. In the next month I'll start going to the doctor weekly, and we won't be able to work around Chris' off days.  And, today Chris was at the extended care longer than normal- it was a little hectic to say the least. It's all over now though for today. We'll see how things go with my next appointment.