12.4 Belly Shot

I have never liked pictures of me, especially as I have gained more and more weight over the years.   It is a very popular thing to take belly pictures of an expanding belly when mom is pregnant.  This is something that I have never allowed to be done.  This pregnancy is so different and everyone is so curious about twins that I decided I would take a week by week shot.  I have pulled some from before I knew I was expecting, some just after the positive test, and then since that doctors appointment I have taken a shot every few days.  I have still been way too prideful to post these shots.  I didn't save them anywhere else but in that folder.  Much to my surprise, as I went to add this weeks shot, I made a grisly discovery.  The folder is gone.  I must have erased it the other day as I was organizing pictures.   So I guess I will go ahead and post this one right away so I don't loose it again. 

The good news is that the babies are growing.  I feel huge already.  We go to the doctor next week with a 15 minute ultrasound check up on their growth and to check their placenta.  If they do share one placenta their weight gain will be closely monitored to make sure one twin is taking all the nutrients from the other.  If the sexes can be determined at 13 weeks we will find out.  I have lost 6 pounds since learning I was pregnant.  J says I am loosing fat from around the back end and the belly is taking it all.  I am not trying to loose just eating better so I look forward to seeing two growing babies.

I am feeling a little more energy this week.  I say a little more but actually I feel like it is night and day difference.  I still need to rest during the day but it isn't an all day long nap.  As I end the first trimester I am getting over the shock of it all.  I had gone so long thinking no more babies, then I was pregnant, and then it was with twins.   I have given up all my cokes and coffees for plain water with one decaf every few days.  This was hard at first but not anymore.  I have tried to make it a point to move more, walk a little farther and not just sit all the time.  This is getting better as I get more and more energy back.  I see twins everywhere now.  I notice how the moms dress them, how they act and just how different it will be with two.   I am most thankful that God is trusting J and I with the formation, care and joy of two more souls.   I long to hold them and kiss them and I pray that is His Will.  We will update you all after the appointment next week. 

Santa Came

Santa is always way too good to us. 

The anticipation is just too much sometimes for Jumba, who kept trying to peek around the corner before dad would let everyone down.

Waiting is the hardest part.

Santa came and wrote us a note back.

Dad's favorite job is to pass out the gifts on Christmas morning.  First he must stretch and antagonize the kids for as long as I can stand it. 

 After the gifts are open we eat our Cinnamon rolls and then nap or play the rest of the day.

The day ends with singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  We are so happy that He shares with us all the joy of His birthday.

Christmas Eve and the Traditions

In our home Christmas Eve is the big part of the Holiday.  When we lived closer to family we invited everyone over to our home for Christmas Eve and then spent the next day a little more relaxed.  If we visited grandmas that was fine but we had already had our big celebration.  We have continued that the past 10 years since moving to Houston.  Everyone picks out a few of their favorite appetizers that we make after Mass.  We have a little bit of every one's favorite foods.  We eat all night and at some point open the gifts that were sent from aunts and uncles and grandparents.  We also open our gifts to each other.  This year we had the joyous addition of Mr. T with Kat and T-Man.  (They were really missing Linda this year and we were thrilled to have them join us.)

 Lots of junk food makes lots of happy T's.   yummy yummy.

In the end I have to say my favorite gift was this bag of Newborn diapers from the kiddos to mom and dad.  Seeing those little itty bitty diapers makes me feel like all the naps and cravings I am fighting will be for a great cause.  We are all celebrating the twins as they continue to grow.  None of us can wait until next Christmas when we hope to be chasing two little ones around.  Even little T-man said he can't wait until he has two new special friends next Christmas.  God sent us all the best Christmas gifts ever, Friends and Family to share it all with.

The Formal Christmas Pictures

Every Christmas we try to get some nice pictures of the group of each of the kiddos by themselves.  I love these annual family photos.  They really have become my favorite ones.  I am so blessed with a beautiful family - INSIDE and OUT. 

Mom and dad just can't figure out where all those good looking kids come from.

I love this picture!  God has given me the best gift ever with my husband and children.

Pooker is a remarkable young woman.  She has grown up way too fast.  Her father and I are so proud of her and love her so much. 

Moogie is a very happy and loving person.  Her eyes say it all.   

Bear has become a young man that enjoys life and can be a real role model for younger siblings. 

Sugar has a joy about her that is contagious. 

Possible has matured into a young woman this year.  She is growing tall and so active in everything she does. 

Pickle has discovered the world of sports.  His dad is enjoying his sudden desire to play catch all the time with the football or a baseball and gloves.  I love that he still gives mom some cuddles when I need them.

Princess is a energy filled young woman and loves her unique red colored hair and has become incredibly funny.

 

Bagel is such a strong willed young woman.  It might be hard to get her to smile but once you do she lights up the room.

Jumba is our precious honey bunny.  He is smart and fun to be around.  I think he is very loving but still is all boy.

My house is full of beautiful young women and I am one lucky mom!

The boys are all so fun to be around.  They have me laughing and crying at the same time.

So from our home to yours:  Merry Christmas!