Neglectful

Poor, poor blog. You are being so neglected. Don't worry, I will update you soon. I just haven't felt up to it lately. Maybe tomorrow???

The Belly Chronicles; edition 5

So this is the 5th installment of "The Belly Chronicles". So sorry there aren't any pictures to post. Our desktop computer is acting up, and won't connect to the Internet. Unfortunately, most of my pictures and the scanner are hooked up to it, so that means no pictures for this posting. I am sure we can make up for it later. We got a really cute profile picture of the boys this last ultrasound visit, so I will post it as soon as I can.

This past week we had a couple of doctor appointments with good and not so good results. The babies are doing great, but it seems my body is starting to protest the "two babies" thing. First off we saw the specialist in Apple Valley. They were great and we were finally able to determine for sure that the babies are in separate sacs. We even got a picture of the separating membrane. Very good news! That drops the risk level down considerably. We also learned that the babies are still boys, and they are both growing at the same rate. Good news also. They are 1 pound 7 ounces, and 1 pound 6 ounces.
A few days later we saw my regular doctor and found out that I am not doing the greatest. My blood pressure just keeps creeping up. Unfortunately, we are not even close to a point where it is safe to deliver the babies...so it is a watch, monitor and see kind of situation. I feel OK, except for the constant headaches, and have put myself on semi-bed rest. We don't have and direct orders from the doctor yet, but they did do a bunch of tests for pre-eclampsia last week. I am sure we will here more at my next appointment next week. For now I am just resting and praying that I make it another 9 1/2 weeks, which seems impossibly far away right now. So your prayers in our behalf will be much welcome :)

I am now in my third trimester coming up on 27 weeks this week, and am now realizing that the last trimester with twins (or multiples) is packed with doctor appointments. I will be visiting a specialist (the same one I went to last week) every two weeks, and on the alternating weeks I will be visiting my regular doctor. On top of that I will be going to the hospital twice a week for fetal non-stress tests. So it looks like I will be a busy women who is supposed to be taking it easy? Still the boys seem to be doing great. They are moving around a lot, and it is pure joy to feel them. I am excited to meet them, cuddle them and love on them...but I can wait a while yet. They still need some more time in the oven!

The 4th of July

This year for the 4th of July we decided to take a "mini" vacation. Since it will most likely be the last big trip we take before the babies come, Matt took a week off work and we took advantage.

Weds. we drove down to Las Vegas and spent the night there. We went and saw a Cirque de Soliel show called "Mystere". It was really amazing and the girls loved it. After that we walked the strip (always interesting with kids at night), and stopped in M&M World. The kids are addicted to M&Ms and loved this store that was all about M&M's. They got to fill their own bag M&M's of all choices. I think this was a highlight for them. They have always wanted to stay in the "castle" hotel, so that night we stayed in the Excalibur. It was a fun night. The next day, Thursday, we continued on to Utah, stopping along the way to do some outlet shopping. Friday we spent hanging out with family and friends. Matt and I were able to do a session in the MT. Timp. Temple, while Aunt Trudy took the girls to the movie "UP". Saturday, July 4th, dawned bright and early as we all gathered for the parade.

Here are the girls waiting for the parade to start.

Dad, Hannah, and Anya watching the parade.

Aunt Trudy with Cora and Cari. We blame Aunt Trudy for Cora's addiction to Doritos. She would eat the whole bag if we let her...she just loves them!

After the parade we assembled at the Family compound (since Matt and I's parents live next door to each other) and started some rip, roaring BBQ's. Matt , I and the girls hopped back and forth between the two, but mostly spent time at the Jeppson side. Afterall that is where all the cousins are. It was great to see everyone and enjoy some good food and fun fireworks.

We left Tuesday morning, but what trip isn't a trip home without spending some fun times with cousins. All the cousins got together on Monday for a pool part at Grandma Jeppson's, and they loved it. Matt was able to get a round of golf in with his brother and nephews, and I was able to have a family dinner with ALL of my siblings. There are only four of us, but it seems like it is hard to get us all together in the same state. Especially since two of us live out of state. This was a really special dinner too, since both of my brothers are deploying soon. So we won't be together at least for another year. It was great seeing them, if only briefly, and the girls eat up the attention their Aunt and uncles give them.

Tuesday we headed home, only after stopping in Vegas again for and extended lunch. We were able to meet up with one of Matt's good friends from Fort Hood, TX and Afghanistan. It was great getting caught up with the Penny's, and it was even greater only having a two hour drive to get home after lunch! Thanks to everyone who made our trip so special. We enjoyed visiting with all of you that we could! Happy 4th of July!