The twins and more :)

Had a good weekend, we went to Kim's house and had a cookout for no other reason then to have one.  Alex had mentioned it being about time for one...not that we need a reason to get us all together :)  I got more pics of the babies, I can't believe how big they are!  Josh is 22lbs, Austin is 19lbs.  Josh is nearly walking, Austin's well on his way to crawling everywhere.  Everyone's doing good, tho...Kim's definitely got her hands full..lol!

We stayed Sunday (nice relaxing day), few appts Monday, then home since then.  Brandon's been battling this mega growth spurt...LOL!  I think we're past it (just in time for another one!), tho.

Off for more appts tomorrow, Friday is payday (ha ha honey), then perhaps getting Alex's daughter this weekend (waiting to hear from his ex..as usual).  I also want us to find some time to start clearing out this house...we're packratting again!  Don't need the added hassle later on, for sure. 

Guess that's about it for now...toodles :)

The doctor...is out.

Well, we went to my 6 week post op appt today with our OB...it was quick and painless (everything healed perfect again, thank God).  The doctors' office is always jammed, but he took the time to say how happy he was at the outcome...shook our hands, and posed for the above pic with Brandon.  Just looking at it makes me tear up.  It's kind of hard to explain the closeness that we feel with this man.  Even Alex cares for him (we had an appt Monday, and when the doc got called out, we rescheduled so that Alex could definitely be there).  I mentioned this vaguely to my friend, Kim (twin-mommy)...she said even tho she didn't transfer to his care until she was 5 months pregnant, it was hard on her, too.  He's such a warm, caring person...genuine.  He was there for the worst day of our lives...and one of the greatest...and all the time in between.  He worried like we worried, he cared like we cared...  This all sounds so corny, I know...but it just leaves such an empty feeling.  I told Alex that should we get pregnant again ever, I'll have to have him as my doc..no matter what...he said he wished he was my general physician so we'd see him still.  Thank you, Dr. Marquette...for fighting for our son's life as we do...for knowing what to say, and when to say it...for making a 5 minute appt a meaningful experience, same as a 30 minute appt...for knowing our names, our history, and doing your best to understand "us", when you truly didn't have to. 

I know he won't read this...but it makes me feel a bit better.  Brandon is having some mild congestion that I had at first attributed to allergies (doc had given me the antihistimine and asthma inhaler)...I'm getting a little more concerned now, might try to get him in the doc's office tomorrow.  Otherwise, he's doing wonderfully :)  Nursing more and more, as he's hit his 6 week growth spurt!  He was twice the size of a 4 week old at the doc's today..and she weighed more at birth!  LOL!

Kaitlynne spent the night with mom last night...gave mom a bit of the attitude she's been sharing with Alex and I.  I told my mom that maybe NOW she'll be a bit more empathetic to Alex and I.  She (Kaitlynne) was good for me, tho....we went to Walmart to get groceries, thenhome and I made lasagna. 

We were supposed to get Katie this Sunday, but plans have been rearranged do to car problems with his ex.  She had said it might just be her husband bringing Katie, but she'll try hard to be there since it would be awkward...Alex told her he didn't care.  I told him that it's HER that makes it awkward with everyone, no one else...be better if she didn't come.

I don't know if my friend, Carolyn, reads this...but I wanted to send her big hugs and many prayers.  I'm so sorry, I don't know what to say...and I'm not sure I'm the one to talk to you about any of it anyway. 

And to Shawnee and Andi...congrats gals!!!!  2 more March babies from March mommies!  Y'all got to get better cable in June *grin*!!!  LOL!  Happy and Healthy pregnancies wished to you both!

Alice-you look great, and so does your little belly boy!  I love the name you've (almost) chosen!  

I miss Jennifer (she's visiting inlaws in Washington) and Gretchen (she's working hard and spending more time with her kiddos). 

Thanks to Amber for finding the poem that was erased from Marissa's site...I can't wait to get it back up there!  I was so upset when it disappeared!  *hugs*

Hugs and lovins to Pammie...she knows why :)

I think I covered the masses...if I missed ya, I'm tired...sorry!  LOL!

Have camera will travel :)

About the song I'm listening to...kind of a slower rap song, the video is powerful.  Perhaps because I come from a "broken home"-it really touched me, considering I spent many days *waiting* for a dad who never came.  I talk to him now, but there's an undeniable tension/distance that can't be repaired...

Anywho (not to depress), get a little update going here.  We had our first storm of the hurricane season this past Monday/Tuesday.  I'll admit-I was scared (considering where we live and all), but we made it out just fine.  Plenty of rain (much needed) and wind, but no damage.  Had to reschedule a few appts, but no biggie.  Had an appt today, or so I thought.  I rushed to get there only to find out I had the wrong date and it was this past Tuesday...so, back again next Tuesday...blah.  I went with Kim (and her 4 kiddos) to the mall tonight.  I was just going to wander around, she was looking for a gift for her husband for Father's day (which she didn't find).  I already got Alex's gifts (won't post them here, tho I don't think he'll be reading this before he gets them)...I'm hoping he likes them, tho.

I got Kaitlynne's FCAT scores.  I had had her take it to find out where she's at and to give the school an idea of where she needs some extra help from them (and me) when she goes back next year.  I didn't want her to pass it, because I want her to repeat 3rd grade for many reasons.  Well, she didn't pass...BUT, she was SO close to it!  Her math scores were VERY low (not surprising...part of it she's not good in math, and part of it was the school not accomodating during testing), but her reading scores were JUST below where she needed to test...not bad for being at home for the school year!  I was pretty proud, actually :)  She's excited to go back to school, too...I know I made the right decision keeping her with me, and now it's time for her to return back-make some friends, etc...  She does so well with Brandon (she's having her normal tirades that she was having before him), but you can tell she adores him.

Speaking of littlest man, he's doing fantastic!  He's getting so big already, I can't believe it!  Even Kim saidhe's pretty big for not even being 6 weeks yet...he really just packed on the weight/length (wtgrow little man...and yeah to mama's milk!).  The cloth diapering is a BLAST!  I love shopping for them, and they don't leak!  Breastfeeding gets a bit sore at times, but so obviously worth it...I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I'm proud of myself!  Proud of Brandon!  Proud of Alex and Kaitlynne for supporting me! 

I included a few pics above that I took recently...enjoy and take care :)

Uncle Scott & Aunt Petey :)

Ok Pammie, here's your update with pictures!  I've been a busy (and bad) mommy not taking many, but I've stuck my camera in my diaper bag now so I'll be better!

We've been doing pretty well here :)  Brandon wasn't feeling well the day before yesterday so I took him to the ped again.  He had been wheezing some at night, little bit of congestion, and then threw up an entire feeding (and God bless his sweet self, he never cried!  He's so mellow).  So the doc gave me an inhaler to use if needed and an antihistamine (says he thinks Brandon might have a little residual gunk in his lungs from birth).  He also gave me a script for Nystatin (not sure if he has thrush or not...but giving it to him anyway..and he hates it..lol).  I've been giving him eyedrops for a couple weeks now, and he thinks he has a clogged tear duct that will be fine soon enough.  The best part of the visit (for me anyway) was hearing Brandon's weight...he's up to 9lbs 9oz!!  He put on 1lb 11oz in 2 weeks, thanks to Mommy's milk!  It was exciting to hear it's working (tho I knew he was getting bigger, he's finally out of his preemie clothes).  He's exclusively cloth diapered (has been for a couple of weeks now), and that's going great, too.  I'm sure it's more comfie on him, but he doesn't leak at all!  We only do laundry every other day, and we're saving a ton of money! 

I'm healing up great...I get a little tired when out running errands still, and occasionally get a throbbing pain at my epi site, but doing great nonetheless.  Had some nip issues, but took care of those so I'm good.  I have my 6 week checkup in a week, and I'm actually sad that we won't be seeing Dr. Marquette for awhile.  He's been such a big part of our lives for nearly 2 years now...he was there for the worst day of our lives, and one of the best days.  He definitely holds a special place in our hearts...wonderful man.

Alex has been working a horrid schedule, but is about to be back on his other one soon.  It was nice at first, him having 5 days off at a time, but then working 7am until 11pm twice...that's really hard on someone.

I guess that's about it, as far as I can think of...oh, as you can see from the pics, my brother FINALLY opted to come meet his nephew *sigh*.  All crap aside, it was nice to see them, and they adored Brandon :)  Scott shaved his head (I mean BIC'd it), but he can pull it off...looks good on him (but I was shocked at first...lol).  Also pics of one of the wild peacocks out here...it kept coming up to the car, chasing the tire (Kaitlynne was laughing so hard).

Take care y'all :)

"Church" and the "Mouse"

We went to Chuck E Cheese with Kim, Donald, and their crew on Thursday.  Kaitlynne got to be with her *man* (Danny...lol), and Kim finally got to hold Brandon.  Alex was out in the car when we got there playing with his cellphone and said he'd bring the baby in in a minute.  He came in like 1/2 hour later, I thought Kim was going to strangle him!  She grabbed ahold of him and I didn't see him again until we left...lol!  When I got inside I told Donald I had to hold Joshie, and WOWSERS what a GIANT difference when holding him than holding Brandon!  Her boys have gotten SO big!  Joshie is crawling everywhere, Austin is inch-worming along (but has figured out the cabinets on the fish tank...lol), both have teeth and both reach for Mommy/Daddy now.  They're just so cute!

Kim and I were talking about more kids, and she (of course holding Brandon and loving how tiny he is) said, "Oh we'll have to wait a couple of years then both go off our BC together so we can get pregnant around the same time again."  I just looked at her with a smile on my face and she stopped and said, "NOOOOOO wait, I don't want anymore kids!"  It was so funny, she had gotten completely wrapped-up in the little baby moment!  I'm still undecided about any more (physically I could handle it, tho it'd be another highrisk pregnancy)...the emotional strain on Alex and I (and friends) is really hard, tho.  Nothing need be decided now, anyway.  I know Alex says no more, but in a couple of years we both might be gung-ho about it *shrug*.  Quite happy enjoying the one's I have now, tho.

We went with mom to the church office yesterday so the gals could see Brandon.  Most everyone was gone, but a couple of them were all over him!  He was just wide-eyed and loving it and all of the sudden BAM, he threw up all over a gal!  She didn't care in the least, and I told her the perk was it was breastmilk which didn't stain!  Got him all cleaned up, tho, and made an appt for Alex and I to meet with the associate minister (who did Marissa's funeral) so we can get Brandon baptised.  Alex is a non-practicing Catholic, but I figure we're getting him baptised Christian...that's all I want.  I'd love to go to church again, but the treck there from here is SO far!  Might look around to see what's in our area, tho...

Kept calling to harass my brother until he finally answered his phone last night.  He said he was just about to call me (*eyeroll*  I invented that line...lol).  I guess they're working alot now, trying to get back on track from being really short on work in April (with their bills-I'd be scared).  I asked what they did for Memorial weekend since they're working so much.  Answer:  Took last Friday off and drove to Springfield to spend time with Pete's family, yet again.  Am I surprised?  No.  Does it sting a little that my brother hasn't found time to see his new nephew at all?  Yeah, it does.  Oh well, tho.

Still trying to get Kaitlynne's FCAT scores...the woman at the schoolboard in charge of homeschooling never called me back and I'm not sure if she's there now...I can't wait for Kaitlynne to go back to school.  Not because I want her away from me (tho she's going thru a really mouthy stage, I miss her when she's not here), but because I think she'll feel so much better getting back around other kids.  I know I did the right thing keeping her home this year academically, but hoping it was the right thing, socially, too.  I just noticed when I was feeding Brandon last night, that she had taken her two little McDonald's bears that she loved and tied them to his mobile in his bassinette.  I thought that was really cute, she does love to dote on him.

Not much else going on right now.  We're going to get Alex's Katie (who turned 9 yesterday...Happy Birthday!) in a couple of weeks.  I pray for a good visit this time...last 2 have been a little rough on everyone. 

That's it for now, I guess...take care :)