Our Girls

Our sweet girls finally arrived, and we are so so so happy to have them here! I had a scheduled C-section but 3 days earlier I felt really weird (read: in pain). Carlos convinced me to go to the hospital, even though I was scared we would be sent home. We strolled (waddled) in a little after 11 a.m. When they checked me around 12:30 I was at a 6 and Baby A's water was about ready to rupture. Both babies were still breech, so a C-section was required. They got us into the OR pretty soon after that, and before 1:30 our girls were here! 

We were surprised that they look nothing alike. They are so beautiful we can't stop admiring them. I still can't believe there are TWO! They have been really good babies; they only cry when they're hungry or really need to be changed. They've grown so much in the last couple of weeks, they hardly look like newborns anymore.

These pictures are from when they were 6 days old.

This is Baby B, a miniature of Mini-Carlos. Instead of calling her Mini-Mini-Carlos (or M.M.C.), we'll call her "Dolly." She was 5 lbs. 8 oz. and 17.5 inches. She's gorgeous.

 Beautiful blankets made by Carlos' Mom

Meet Baby A. 7lbs. 3oz. and 19 inches of pure adorableness. Even though she was the bigger of the two, she had to be in the NICU--but only for a couple of hours. (We are so grateful they're healthy!) I'm still trying to decide on a pseudonym for her. Sometimes she's Andy, sometimes she's Violet. She looks just like my family's baby pictures.

*cheese cloth and sensitive skin don't go well together.

Vintage 1950s bed (it was my Grandparents')

 Bows made by their cousin, Maddie

And let's not forget about our sweet, though feeling displaced, 2-year-old big brother. This sums up how he felt about pictures.

It wasn't all bad. We did catch a few smiles.

We are exhausted but having so much fun. We feel so blessed and so happy. 

I'm a rock star

*No, the girls are not here yet, in case you were wondering. They were supposed to come on 10-12-14, but apparently they're not as into number patterns as I am. Oh well.

Seeing an expectant mother in Utah County isn't exactly strange. Face it, they're everywhere. A couple weeks ago, when walking into Walmart 4 of the 6 women walking in the door were very obviously pregnant. That's 2/3, or 67%. Who knows about the other two. (That was my very scientific experiment for the week). People around here are pretty used to seeing pregnant women. So it takes a certain pizazz to stop people (or suburbans full of people) in their tracks so they can get a better look at you. (Was it really necessary to roll down your windows so I could see you were all staring at me?). Dropped jaws, deer in the headlight eyes, staring, and heads turning are all a part of my everyday now. I've officially reached rock star status (I prefer that over freak show). Yup, I am THAT big. I stop traffic now so people can get a better look. I'm not sure what they're waiting for--my water to suddenly break? Me to yell out "It's HAPPENING!!!!" (That one is tempting). Honestly, I don't even care anymore. I used to feel obligated to tell people it was twins. At this point, meh, it doesn't matter.

Side note: If you do tell people you're having twins, they will want to know everything. When is your due date? What are their genders? Are they identical? Are they natural? (Never ask someone that). Do you have names picked out? Suddenly everyone within 15 feet of you is your best friend and is entitled to know very personal information. So if you don't have time to talk to Jerilynn at Walgreens for several minutes, maybe don't mention it's twins.

Overall, I've been impressed with how kind and concerned people are. I've swapped a few pregnancy stories with 70+ year old women, and I love that. "You poor dear, you're doing so great. How are you feeling? You look amazing! Don't you just hate those women who say they never felt better than when they were pregnant? For me it was awful, but you, you look great!" The looks on their husbands faces tell a very different story. But really, people have been very sweet to me.

Funny comments to date:
1) After a friend had her 20 week u/s: "I was SOOOOOO relieved it wasn't twins. Can you imagine anything worse?" (I decided that wasn't the time to tell her I was expecting twins, and actually quite excited about it). Later, when she knew..."I'd kill myself if I was having twins. No really, I'd rather DIE!" (cue horrified faces from everyone else in the room, and a chuckle from me)
2) "Wow, twins. You're going to cry. A lot. Maybe sometimes from joy, but you're just going to cry all the time." (man at church)
3) "My colleagues and I decided that the worst possible combination for twins would be two girls." (from the nurse who I had just told we were having two girls)
4) "So THAT'S why you're so big! I'd been wondering." (friend)
5) "Can I take you...somewhere?" (from a total stranger) (Like the hospital? Umm, no.) -at 26 weeks.
6) "Hang in there!" (as I walked by a Costco employee. I was 18 weeks)
7) "I know, my stomach is huge." -Me "No, it's amazing!" -Carlos (at least he was being positive)
8) "I've heard it gets easier once they turn four." (from another twin mom)

Observations:
1) I've accepted the fact that my size is a huge ego boost to the girls in my ward who are due within a few weeks of me. You're welcome.
2) Three girls should never be inside one body. That is WAY too many emotions and hormones.
3) "Two for one" is not an accurate description for a twin pregnancy. "Two for two, at the same time" is.
4) Progression of the last few weeks of a twin pregnancy: Awkward, Uncomfortable, Discomfort, Pain, Misery, Torture. I think the next step is where your body finally splits open and the babies fall out (along with the rest of your organs). We're somewhere between pain and misery, though looking at my stomach, you'd think it would have split open by now.

Please, don't get me wrong. I know this is my Wendy Whiner coming out, but we are so grateful the girls will be big, full term, and hopefully very healthy. We are so blessed. We're just ready to meet our girls. I want to hold them and see what they look like. And I'd also like to be able to roll over in bed without ripping any muscles or ligaments. So girls, it's time. Seriously. Now would be good.

Our current status and throw back Thursday

-As of last week I was measuring 39 weeks (but I'm pretty sure it should have been closer to 45, had it not been first thing in the morning, and I was recovering from the flu--that totally makes a difference, right?).

-This week the girls weighed in at 5 lbs each. That's 10 lbs of baby, and I still have WEEKS to go. WEEKS people!

-These girls are both breech. They had been breech/transverse, switching back and forth, and I was hopeful they'd eventually turn head down. No such luck, so a C-section seems to be in my near future. I'll be honest, that terrifies me.

-We officially have less than one month to go before we meet our little girls! We are both excited and overwhelmed. I have no idea how we're going to handle two infants, but I can't wait to hold them! Will they also look like miniature versions of Carlos? Probably.

Oh, he was so stinking cute! I miss having him so small.

In non-baby news...

-Carlos qualified for the Boston Marathon. He's wicked excited, and I'm very proud of him.

-My nephew gets home from his mission next week. He's not leaving, he's coming HOME. We have two more nephews out in the field, and a niece leaving in January. I feel old.

-M.C.'s vocabulary has become much more colorful this week. Apparently, I say the word "shoot" a lot? And apparently, M.C. can't quite say the "oo" vowel. Hmmm. Maybe he'll be more like me than I thought. :) Or maybe I should watch my phraseology.

Growing up too fast

Favorite food: Grandma's lentils

My baby boy is two! That's just crazy, people! Crazy! We finally transferred him out of his crib to a "big boy bed" (or a twin mattress on the floor). We have jimmy rigged his crib for the last several months to postpone the inevitable. Sleep sacks are very helpful (it keeps them from climbing). He soon figured out how to unzip it, so then we had to do it inside out, and finally inside out and backwards. So, it was time. The transition went much better than I expected. He sleeps all night in his bed, but nap time is a different story.

Chance to play daddy's violin: priceless (until he breaks it)

Current fascinations: He still loves his teddy bear, and is getting more attached to it. He used to just sleep with it, now he carries it everywhere. He loves all bears, and laughs whenever he sees one (teddy bears, or real ones in a picture). Cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, boats--all things transportation. He loves pretending to drive the car. If your car door is open, he will climb inside, and gets very upset if he has to get out. He also loves balls. I hid all of the harder plastic ones--those hurt to get hit with, and this boy has an arm! He gets most excited about cleaning supplies: feather duster, broom, mop, but especially the vacuum! We hide everything from him, but let him "help" us when they're out. Giddy would be an understatement when that happens. Music. This boy loves to dance whenever music is on, and he loves to play instruments. Everything is an instrument to him. He's banging and clanging everything. "More cowbell please!" He is still fascinated with all electronic things--especially anything you can plug in. His favorite part of the day is going on a run with daddy (even if it's 10+ miles on a hot day).

This is MINE, all mine!!!

Every morning he parts the blinds to see what's going on outside

Developmentally: He's getting better at pretend play--mostly with cooking and his transportation toys. Anything that has wheels says "beep beep!" He likes to "feed" Teddy, and loves when we tuck Teddy in bed. Physically, this kid is amazing. He can run, jump, kick, and climb anywhere. He is strong too. Fine motor--he's becoming more right hand dominant, he feeds himself great (when he wants to eat), and his little fingers can pry open almost anything. He undresses himself (including his diaper if it's not taped on--NOT my favorite thing right now). He's still off the charts for height and about 70th %ile for weight. People ask me about my "4-year-old" because he's so big! His language is improving bit by bit. He definitely knows how to express himself, we just have to remind him to use his words. When he signs it melts my heart.

Texting while driving

Temper, temper. He's obviously the cutest boy in the world, but he can throw a tantrum (especially when he hasn't napped). He throws things when he's mad, and inevitably ends up in timeout for this. (We're still working on the concept of timeout). He's getting to be a pickier eater, which is challenging; and he's having issues with dairy--that's no fun since his favorite thing is ice cream. Poor boy.

Reading books and watching BYU football with Grandpa...living the dream

Besides his dad, his favorite people in the world are his "bumpas." (Grandpas). He asks for them constantly, and when they are around--he's following/sitting/climbing on them. They're both so patient and wonderful with him. He knows his grandpas love him, and boy does he love them!

Playing ball with daddy up the canyon

Despite our best efforts, he found the stream (and Carlos fell in too) :)

I'm pretty sure his genes are 95% from Carlos, and 5% from me. He has Carlos' everything--physical features, mannerisms, energy, even his dance moves. The only time I see me in him is in his round cheeks or when he scowls. We debate over where he got his stubborn nature from (obviously from Carlos).

We make him pull his own stroller. Preparing for the youth trek of 2026.

Grandma threw him a real party with an amazing cake, decorations, and presents galore. (spoiled, but still cute) 

Practicing being reverent for church. We try.

Family pic on his birthday

Prepping for daddy's marathon

At Squaw Peak, loving on dad

We love you little man. You bring us more joy than anything in the world, and we are so grateful to be your parents. Happy birthday M.C.!

Did I say that?

Things I've caught myself saying this week, i.e. our week in review:

-"We don't put chopsticks in our ears!" "We don't put straws in our ears!"

-"Don't climb on the piano!"

-"No dancing on the table."

-"Time to change your pants. I'll let you hold the duct tape." (his newest fascination)

-"Let's not put on mommy's eye liner."

-"Deodorant doesn't go on your face."

-"Did you just climb out of your crib???"

-"Do you NEED to be tickled?"

-"Are you excited to have TWO babies in our house?" M.C.: mad face

-"Do you know that you're the cutest boy in the world and I love you?" M.C.: "Yeah!"

When we pray, Carlos and I hold hands. M.C. won't fold his arms but now insists that we hold his hand too, so he puts his hand in ours. It's adorable. I love our little boy.

Names Names Names

For Hazel, who really is my favorite future niece-in-law.

I love names. I love discussing names and hearing others' ideas for names. I know a lot of people don't want to reveal their names or surprise everyone when the baby is born. That is NOT how my family is. My family loves to talk about names, fight over names, give recommendations (or warnings)--you name it. (that was a horrible pun, sorry) But we are all very involved in the name picking, and I've always loved that. I've helped my sisters pick out names for their kids (darling ones, I might add), and always felt closer to them in the process. And it's fun to refer to the baby by its name before birth, instead of just calling it, it. So it makes me sad when people won't even discuss it, but I've come to respect that. (as long as they don't steal my names). :) Actually, I think it's fun to share names, as long as you don't have the same last name. I have a cousin with my name, and I always thought that was so cool. So steal away.

You'd think naming twin girls would be a dream come true, but I've actually found it very stressful. Siblings names need to flow together, but twins' names will almost always be said together--so they really do need to go together, but not match too much. I've been having more fun coming up with twin names that I'd never actually consider together:
Elizabeth and Darcy
Meg and Jo
Remy and Juliette
Brooklyn and London
Holly and Ivy
Kennedy and Reagan
Minnie and Daisy

Okay, I'll stop. I realize everyone has their own naming style. Some poor kid in my ward is named Xyz....something with at least 12 more letters, and if I remember right, includes California in it? For a girl. I'll give them points for creativity. I prefer more formal, old fashioned names. That might be boring to some, but they're respectable, and mostly easy to spell and pronounce. Here is a list of names that either have been or are currently on my list. Hopefully Carlos can find at least two he likes. :) He hasn't seen this list yet--surprise, honey! I like too many girls' names, perhaps we'll give each of them 3 or 4.

Adele
Adrianna
Amelie
Annie
Aubrey/Audrey
Celeste
Charlotte
Elizabeth
Emy (that was before I was married, it would never work with our last name)
Eve
Felicity/Joy
Kate
Liesel
Mercy (I loved her character in The Witch from Blackbird Pond all growing up)
Phoebe
Ruby (only because I loved how Elder Haight always talked about "my Ruby," this one's already been vetoed though)
Ruth (I've never met a Ruthie I didn't like, and they always had rosy cheeks)
Savannah/Susannah

I'm open to other names too, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. What would you name twin daughters? What are other pairs of names that should never go together?

If they're not both girls, we're in big trouble. We can't agree on any boys' names, so let's just hope they really are both girls.

The rumors are true, it's TWINS!!!

It's high time I announced this on here, as it hasn't exactly been a secret for a while. Carlos and I are expecting TWINS this fall, and we are so very excited (and nervous, and scared). Yesterday we had to speak in Sacrament Meeting, and when I announced we were having twins (I really thought most people knew already) there was an audible gasp throughout the audience. Hilarious. I watched one lady on the back row whose jaw dropped. Maybe these people know more than we do and we should be more nervous? Don't get me wrong, we've had our fair share of denial and anxiety for the last few months. But, I've decided to stop being so nervous and to embrace the excitement. So, making their debut (hopefully not until October) will be two more of the cutest babies anyone has ever seen! At the last u/s it looked like two girls!!! But it was still pretty early to see, so we'll find out officially in a couple weeks.

This is the only picture I have of me from the last several months. (I've looked like death, trust me). Even though you can't see my belly, I had one (probably since about 8 weeks, or even earlier--awesome!). This was back in April when we braved going to see the tulips at Temple Square. (I was so worn out afterward we didn't leave the house again for another week). Hooray to be (mostly) done with morning sickness! We are half way there people--booyah!!!