June 14th, The Army's Birthday, Flag Day, and Last But Not Least...Matt's Birthday!

Sunday, June 14, has a lot of meanings attached to it. My favorite is that it is my honey's birthday. He likes it because his birthday is on Flag Day....and it was cool while he deployed to share a birthday with the Army as well. I don't know many other deployed soldiers that can boast of having cake and ice cream as well as a party on the birthday's...sponsored by the Army!
This year his birthday fell on a Sunday, so no fancy meals out, and he had meetings. Still, he was able to keep his meetings short, and we got to have him home by lunch. We had his favorite "cheesy chips" (nachos) for lunch, and after he partook of the luxury of taking a Sunday nap. Something he hasn't been able to do for some time now. While dad was taking his birthday nap, the girls and I made dad his birthday cake. Matt's favorite cake is yellow cake with chocolate frosting. He loves when I layer it, and cut each layer in half so there is extra frosting. This year I decided to not be lazy, and we made the cake from scratch. The girls had a blast as they helped mix the ingredients together. At the end Hannah exclaimed" Mom, it DOES look like batter". Too funny!

I even cooked Matt a meal he hasn't had in a long time (since he lived at home), mainly because I don't eat seafood. Matt requested shrimp quiche for dinner. I thought it turned out beautifully, but the taste was a little off...not really my fault. We had acquired the ingredient list on the fly in the grocery store from a phone call with his mom. So there was a misunderstanding about one of the ingredients...something I have promised to rectify this weekend when I make it again for him. This time using all the RIGHT ingredients!

After dinner, eating cake and ice cream (which was red, white and blue...a nice touch I thought), we opened presents. The kids were worried that Matt would be disappointed he was only getting three presents (one of which Hannah proudly wrapped all by herself), but I assured them that he wouldn't care or be disappointed. I was right. Matt loved his gifts...but most of all he loved being home to celebrate his birthday with his girls.

Disney, Beaches, and Anniversaries

This past week, I think we completed our most ambitious vacation experience yet. Matt's sister and her family came out for a visit, and we decided to go as two families to Disneyland and the beach. Come to find out, June in California is not ideal beach weather...but the kids didn't mind and we had some great beach moments; including some "great" beach burns. All the kids, big and small, enjoyed getting into the sand and surf. The beach (both days we went) was hardly busy at all, so it made keeping track of the kids a lot easier. It was a blast! Especially for those who had not been to the beach before.

We also spent three days in Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park. Now that was an awesome experience. Everyone had a great time going on the rides, shopping and exploring all Disney has to offer. We stayed in a great hotel that was basically across the parking lot from Disney. They gave us three, two room suites for the price of a standard room. So we had beds for everyone! I think we hit all the major highlights of Disneyland. I didn't go on many rides myself, being prego., but that worked out well too. We had many children under age/height for some rides, and others that refused to go on certain rides. At one point I was sitting on a bench with 6 little kids, holding a baby, while being pregnant. I got some "double-take" shots for sure. I really didn't mind being with the kiddos, especially since my family had just been to Disney last December. The best moment was fitting our group of 17 in for our photo with Mickey. The staff did an amazing job, and Mickey was very patient...allotting time for hugs to everyone who wanted one. I think it was a truly magical experience for all.

While in Disney, Matt and I noticed that June 2 came. This is the one year anniversary date of Matt coming home from Afghanistan. I can't believe it has been a year already...yet it seems like so much longer. Who would have thought that a year from that point we would be settled in California, enjoying sights, and expecting twin boys. I am so glad to have him home with me and the girls. Even though we have opposite views and opinions (quite often), we still make it work and enjoy being with each other. He's my love, and I can't imagine being without him. I still can't believe I did it for 15 months. So he has been home a year...but he still hasn't been home as long as he was deployed. That is a mind bender!

The Belly Chronicles: edition 3

I admit that I am slightly tardy with my Belly Chronicle Editions. I hope this one makes up for it! I am now a healthy 19 weeks along in this pregnancy and about half way done! I am so excited about that part! I have filled out nicely as you can see from the belly shot below. When I went in for my 14 week check up, Dr. W measured my belly and told me that I measured like I was 20 weeks along...Yikes. Now I am much bigger then that, and look like I am maybe 6 or 7 months along, when really I am only 4 1/2 months. I already have people asking me when I am due...how depressing, at least I have the excuse it is two, right?!

Here is the Belly. This shot was taken on Monday, Memorial day, when I was 18 1/2 weeks along.

We were able to squeeze in an ultra sound at 18 weeks. This was the "big" ultrasound, so I was nervous and excited. They go over all the babies anatomy and make sure everything looks good. They even check things like the bladder, diaphragm, kidneys and so on. I was amazed at the things the Tech could find. We were a little worried about being seen. Even though I scheduled the ultrasound when Dr.W told me too, the Tech thought it was too early. He said even though I am 18 weeks, because I am having twins they would measure smaller...so he was doubtful he would get all the shots he needed. I suppose he took pity on me, because he decided to have a look see and see what he could find. He looked for the babies sex first, and zoomed in on Baby A...right away he could tell that Baby A is a BOY! He said he had no doubts about his declaration. I am of the mind that nothing is 100% until birth...but for now we think Baby A is a little boy.

Here is Baby A...no privacy!

Baby B gave us a little more trouble. The Tech. could tell it was another BOY...yes, the prediction is 2 BOYS, but Baby B did not want to hold still with both legs open so we could get a good photo opp. He would squirm all over and twist and turn. Finally, towards the end we got a passable shot. It is not as good or clear as Baby A's, but still it certainly looks like a boy. We have never seen anything like that between the legs with our girls!!!

Baby B, we really had to work for this shot, and it is still not the greatest!

So, for now we are calling them both baby boys. I will have another ultra sound in a few weeks at my regular Doctor appointment, and we may have Dr.W check again...just to see if his conclusion is the same as the Ultra sound Tech., But the pictures kind of speak for themselves I think. The Tech. was able to find all the anatomy he needed, and everything was in it's place measuring normal. The Tech. and Dr.W both thought they found a sac barrier. It is just real hard to see because everything is so squished. So we "think" the babies are in separate sacs. However, the Tech. was only able to find one placenta...which means the babies are most likely identical. Of course, he wouldn't tell us with 100% certainty, but to be fraternal twins there must be two placentas....and since I only have one, well we draw our own conclusions! Both babies look perfect and healthy! We really can't ask for more. Baby B gave us more trouble then Baby A, he kept twisting and turning...disrupting the photo's the tech. wanted to take. All in all my ultra sound lasted almost 2 hours! It was fun to see the babies though, and to know that at this point everything looks great. I have started to feel them move around. It is not too consistent yet, and I am just now starting to be able to tell "who is who" when the babies move. I feel them at least once a day though...usually more. Well, stay tuned for the next edition, where I am sure I will be much rounder!

Cora's Birthday Celebrations

Please pardon the tardiness of this post. It seems like I keep playing catch up lately, not enough time for all I need or want to do. I am grateful though, hoping fall comes very quickly!

Cora's birthday was on May 17th. Holding with tradition, she got to pick what she wanted for dinner...and picked Chuck E Cheese. Because her birthday fell on a Sunday this year, we went to Chuck's on Saturday. Cora got a three day long celebration! The girls had a blast, like always, and Mom and Dad were ready to leave when it was time! On Sunday was Cora's actual birthday. She wanted a chocolate princess cake from the store (she was adamant that it be chocolate all over, and from the store), and Macaroni & Cheese for dinner. So it was a very easy birthday for Mom, for which I am grateful. We had fun eating cake, ice cream, opening presents and we watched "Wall-e". On Monday she had some friends come over for a little pool party. She was so excited, this was her first ever "friend" party. It went well, except it started to sprinkle during the cake eating. The kids all dashed inside like they were going to melt from the rain. True to desert living...the rain lasted minutes and the kids were back outside. I think she had a great 4th Birthday!

Cora's Birthday!

Corinne Cate, aka Cora, was born on May 17, 2005 at 12:40pm. My labor with her went so fast, and mostly without complications. She was born slick as a wick, the doctor said. She is our "little" peanut. Even though she is big by some standards, she is our smallest baby. She weighed in at 8 pounds 3 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. We thought she was as cute as a button. She has always been the sweetest baby and kid...always loving and worried about others. She loved to cuddle, give kisses and hugs and just be loved on. When she was about 9 or 10 months old she started smiling whenever we got the camera out. We called it her "cheesy" smile because she looked so cheesy. It was the cutest thing. half her face would kind of squint, while the other half smiled. It looked like some contorted wink, but she did it on cue whenever the camera came out. She thought she was so pretty...and she is. We love having her in our family...and have always felt she is our little angel.

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day. Matt and the girls really go all out of their way to make me feel special. Matt came home Friday with a bouquet of Roses for me ( what a rock star...that's the second bouquet he has gotten me in the last two weeks). He also got me some way comfy, non-restrictive lounge wear for evenings and bed. Oh how I needed them. All my previous lounge pants were digging into me and getting way too tight. I should be able to wear these new ones all through the rest of my pregnancy since they are XXL...perfect, they don't dig in anywhere! I was also surprised with breakfast in bed on Mother's day. The girls love doing this for me...but haven't been able to the past couple of years. So with Matt home, the kids joyfully jumped back into the tradition. There was even a rose on the tray in a vase! The girls all made me beautiful pictures and cards, and Matt bought me some delicious chocolate. Later on in the day I came home after Sacrament meeting because my Grandpa came out to visit me, and my brother (who is out here doing some training) came over to visit too. It was a great afternoon, with great visiting, and we had a lovely dinner together. Matt even cleaned up and did all the dishes for me afterwards. It was a wonderful Day. Thanks Matt and girls for making me feel so loved and special. I sure love you guys!!

Legoland!!

Back in February we had bought discount tickets to Legoland in San Diego. These tickets included a second day free, but we didn't use it at that time. We had 90 days to use the second day before it expired. Well on this past Friday we realized that our free second day expired this week (today actually!). We just couldn't pass up a free day at Legoland, the kids have such a blast there. So what did we do? We took a day trip down to San Diego,CA just to go to Legoland. We are insane! But oh so much fun! We had already been through the whole park, so we got to spend time doing our favorites. Anya went on her beloved Dragon roller coaster 3 times! We spent some more time exploring Lego Mini land, where they have built replicas of famous cities like New York City, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Washington D.C. . Cora was old enough to drive a car this time, and oh her looks of concentration. She passed, and got her driver's license. She was so proud, coming of the ride yelling "look mom, I did it all myself!". It was also warm enough this time to spend time in the water area. It was just too cold when we came in February. Legoland has a pretty expansive water area called "Pirates Shores". There is a huge Pirate ship replica that shoots and spills water everywhere, with several kid water slides attached. The "little" ones can play and a much more subdued splash area, which is where Hannah and Cora hung out mostly. There is also a mini log ride and this pirate ship splash ride where you are in the ship and control water guns. You can squirt people on shore...but people on shore have access to squirt guns too and can squirt you. It was pretty fun, and the kids were excited to finally explore it! All in all It was a fun day with lots of good food involved. I think the insanity was worth it!