good morning, friends

We had a nice Christmas, did you?

I’ve been out of commission ‘round these parts (and let me tell ya, these parts are round). It’s hard to do anything from the laying-on-your-side-position. I have found a way to crochet with the pillows stacked just right, so little blankets have become part of my routine (along with books, and an assortment of the food network, hg tv, tlc, and discovery health). I am trying to keep a happy heart, but my mom (who is visiting) did have to send me to my room the other day for being grumpy with the children. This body doesn’t really like to carry babies, but I have made it to 31 weeks nonetheless. *pat, pat, pat*

To answer your questions, we were out of power for an entire week. Thankfully some lovely friends let us use an extra generator which provided running water, power to the fridge and a furnace to keep us warm. We survived. (We didn’t make popcorn on the wood stove like Kara imagined, but we did make toast, grilled cheese, fish sticks from the freezer and warm up stew among other things upon it’s lovely hot surface.) My beautiful man of the house has turned out to be a super hero. Keeping everything running, working full time, being the Bishop and virtually a single parent, and somehow making it to the hospital to hold my hand and show me love every time I’ve ended up there. He even thinks his only Christmas present from me is great: babies.

At any rate it is hard to update here. It may be easier when I have two infants, I’ll have to let you know which one I prefer—pregnancy or twins:)

xo
B

On Behalf

Brittany is currently experiencing a lack of power. And when I say 'lack', what I really mean is that she hasn't had power since Thursday of last week and she doesn't know when it is coming back! Since I am posting this from the comfort of my house on the west coast, I'd like to say that the weather on the east coast sucks! Rain that turns into ice without a single flake of snow? What a gip!

Anyways, since being on bed rest she happened upon a rather brutal virus that left her sick and very dehydrated. She ended up in the hospital and after 3 bags of fluids, baby A and baby B plumped back up and everyone was happy. She is doing much better now and is back at home resting in bed. The rest of her family snuggles in front of the big stove, with blankets and beanies, they pop popcorn in an oiled pan and sing songs together in an effort to ward off the cold. (At least, that's how I envision it!) A family that survives a power outage together, stays together.

I won't make this last any longer because most of you don't know me and probably didn't come to my sister's blog only to have to read my lame commentary. Next time I'll have her call me and I'll write her own words!

Happy Holidays!
Kara

nesting

I'm on a bird kick. I don't know why, it could be hormonal--the whole idea of being a mother bird and feathering my nest, but whatever it is, I have been attracted to the little birdies. I never realized before that they came and ate my rosehips and berries from the garden. Part of me wondered what happened to all my little red things that I had so carefully planted with the idea of "winter interest" in mind. I was a little annoyed at thier disappearance over the winter. Well, now I know where they're going and it makes me happier to find that they are filling the tummies of little birds. (It would have been obvious if I had taken the time to think about it, but maybe that's one benefit of growing my own little birds and having to quiet myself to do it.)





I haven't had time to finish the girls' nursery, but somehow it will get done, I'm sure. But again, with the birds in mind, here is the start...




To see Lisa Occihipinti's work click here





Our Christmas tree (which isn't done either, but that's okay) this year is bird friendly. When Christmas is over, it will feed the birds...

Speaking of birds, we are not saints when it comes to family scripture study. It’s something that I keep feeling guilty about, because it’s not happening as often as it should. (Raised as a good Mormon girl, remember?) But yesterday I decided to try again. When we do read scriptures as a family, I tend to ask the kids questions to make sure they are following (it’s like another language sometimes). Where we were reading, the people were getting ready for a long journey across the ocean. They set snares for the fowls of the air and brought all kinds of stuff with them (even swarms of bees!). I asked, “What are ‘fowls of the air’?” and my 9 year old said, “umm…bad smells?” All I could do was laugh and Jake said, “well, if that’s what they are, then I doubt they’d want to set snares for them and take them with them on their journey.”

Here I thought it would be hard, but I’ve been laughing all day about all our jokes regarding “fouls” of the air that came from reading together. That'll teach me:)

I've been having a hard time keeping up with everyone, but know that I'm thinking of you and grateful that you're in my life! Happy nesting to you. xx

bed rest

Well, I am in bed. My body held out as long as it could, but with the combination of contractions and my blood pressure rising, I have been ordered to take a load off.

My sweet husband has been taking good care of me and so have friends and family. Before he left for work, he ran the laundry and the dishwasher. I have a computer on my lap, my ipod, the phone and the clickers within reach. I have a bag full of yarn for making little tiny whatever-I-wants, I have a stack of books that I may or may not read, and a fridge full of good food to eat. The sun is shining through my window making such pleasant light on the sheer curtains. My children come and climb into bed with me in the morning and evening and I have two babies growing in my belly all safe and sound. There is a lot to be thankful for.

My family making a bed rest rescue calendar
The missionaries coming to rake the leaves and stack the wood
My parents paying for Carolyn to come clean 2 hours every week
Dinners from friends
Jake’s mom coming every time I call at the drop of a hat
RN Connie telling me like it is

stats

Weeks pregnant: 27.5
Pounds gained: 40 yikes!
Number of people growing inside me: 2
Weeks to go until scheduled C-section: 9.5
Average time I go to bed: 8:00 pm
Number of names on my list: 34 (constantly being edited and rotated, and no, I won’t share them at this time.)
Last time I shaved my legs: 6-8 weeks ago
Contractions: almost constant
Projected date to go on bed rest: unknown (a common question I get asked)
Chance of girls being fraternal: high
Recommended daily caloric intake: 3,000 holy cow!
Recommended weight gain: 40-60 lbs heaven help me.
Preemie jammies I have so far: 3 for each baby (twin mom advice here?)

Number of cribs set up in the nursery: 0 (1 is leaning against the wall, missing all its hardware)

Car choices that will fit a family of seven: yet to be determined
Pains per day: too many to count
Reasons to be thankful: too many to count