36 wks Gone But Not Forgotten

We hit 36wks on Sunday with the twins still cookin'. We feel very fortunate that they have lasted this long in the womb, safe and sound. The doctor is talking about an induction date of Oct 2nd or 5th if I haven't gone on my own beforehand. So it is a wait and see game right now. Both babies got a perfect score today, A is head down and B is still breech. We count each day as a blessing and try to remember that there is a reason they are still in there. :)

Charlie and I are definitely enjoying each other's company and cherish our last days just the two of us. Everyday we do something different to pass the time and make memories. I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world right now. Tim continues to explore caves, play sand and trucks, and go for bike rides in the evenings with his FIRST son. If you ask him, he never would have guessed that he would be the father of THREE boys - it suits him extremely well! Charlie also had a great visit with his Nama on Friday and continues to make his daily phone calls. His favorite topic of conversation lately is that he wears underwear - very proud lil man!

We are very fortunate to have my hometown church praying for the babies and I each Sunday and continue to have our minister's support and prayers here in Mankato. Sorry there is no picture of my belly but this is an example of fraternal twins at 36wks.

Any Day Now...

We are now 35 wks and 1 day along. We had another ultrasound today, rate of growth and biophysical profile. The three women in the office were all suprised to see me today, thought I would have been in the hospital already. They have told me what a good idea it was to have Charlie involved with most of the ultrasounds, to help prepare him for what's to come. Baby A has a very strong heartbeat in the 140's, scored an 8 again, measuring 5lbs 2oz, and is still head down. Baby B was doing alot of exercising with a heartbeat in the 150's, scored an 8, measuring 5lbs 11oz, and is now laying across the top of my rib cage (breech). Mary and I have been joking the whole time that B is like her lil man Malaki and I won't be suprised when he is bouncing off the walls in a few years with his cousin. :)
We see the doctor again on Thursday with another ultrasound so we will see what she says then. There is no talk of induction until 38 wks. 35wks is the average for twins' delivery so it could be any day now. We are now 100% ready for these new kiddos to join our family. The last piece of the puzzle was put into place today and we couldn't be happier. For the first time in 8 months I feel at ease and ready for my babies to get here.
We will continue to keep you updated via email or blog. My tummy is a scary sight these days so I don't know if I will add any more pictures before they get here.
(Tim's guess was the 17th which is Thursday so we will see if he is right...)

Charlie's Pals

Charlie has had quite a few guests lately and he can't get enough of them. Grandma has been here for two weeks and Papa has been coming and going whenever he can (which has been about every 3 wks - amazingly dedicated to his grandchildren!). Aunt Tina joins us for playtime and dinner dates every week. Aunt Teresa and Uncle Terry came down to play on Saturday and visit with Papa. Auden's last day was Friday so I could get some rest and time with Charlie before the babies are born, but she will be missed. We are doing our best to make Charlie feel as special as we can before his world is turned upside down. We are so grateful for everyone that is helping us do this, his penpals, phone buddies, and visitors. One of Charlie's favorite things to do these days is get the mail and make phone calls. He loves talking to people and is sure to leave messages if you don't answer, requesting a call back. Thanks for all of your help making our son a priority!

Playing with Dad

Papa and Charles T. in the trucking business

Making a picture of Papa with Great Uncle Terry's help

Great Aunt Teresa and Charlie deciding on dessert

Charlie and his buddy Auden spoiling their dinner with ice cream!

Charlie's favorite place to be - in the sandbox

Charlie and Papa love making roads and racing trucks in the sand

Charlie lovin on his Grandma as she makes blankets for Max, Lincoln, and Sloane

Playing dress up with the girls

Aunt Tina and Charlie in the Thomas tunnel

Thanks Grandma for my super fun tent

Daddy, Charlie, and Grandma working on Nama's birthday gift

Seriously painful goodbye - Charlie couldn't hold it together when Papa and Grandma left today, and Papa tried everything to make him smile before he left. Charlie is so thankful that Papa sends him messages everyday or calls with Aunt Mary's help. It means the world to him!

Captain Underpants!!

With the help of his superhero cape from Aunt Faye, Charlie is getting the hang of potty training. Tim and I decided to bite the bullet and get it done before Charlie is a big brother. He loves wearing big boy underwear and feels very proud of himself. We did not use rewards at all, just praising him every step. He does his best to get to the bathroom before it's too late. We are obviously still in a pull up for naps and bedtime AND some "things" are still a bit scary about using the bathroom (anyone with kids knows what I mean). He refuses to sit down to go potty b/c that's not what Daddy's does so public restrooms has been hard. Why wouldn't they have stools for kiddos to stand on to reach the potty?! :)

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS TO THE RESCUE!

Trying to accomplish the hard part but still working on it - has to have a book to read

First Leg of the Trip

This is Christopher on the helicopter leaving his base, finally (in all of the protective gear - scariest part of his journey). His travels are about a three day adventure so he should be in Rapid City on Tuesday to greet Mary and Malaki at the airport. I only wish Tim, Charlie, and I could be there to welcome him home but we are obviously homebound for now. Charlie got a new backhoe today and kept saying "My Uncle Chris drives this BIG machine Momma!" He can't wait to talk trucks and machines with his Uncle.

Great Grandpa - 80 Years Young

We had a great day with Grandpa and the fam, every day we have with him is truely a blessing. I know I speak for many when I say that we couldn't be more thankful he is still here with us. Happy 80th Gramps, here's to 80 more! I love watching his face when he sees Charlie; there's a youth in his eyes that reminds me of the days at the cabin. Charlie had a fantastic day playing with his cousins and can't wait to play again!

Three of the cutest kids I have ever seen, and they all kinda look alike.

Nama reading a book to the kids. It was a construction book, can you tell who was intersted?

Nama and Aves, beautiful.

Kids playing.

Nama and Char, chillin. My grandma told us we had to sit on her lap until we were 20.

SUPER Big Brother!!!

Charlie's very talented, thoughtful Auntie Faye made him a super hero/big brother cape recently. She made all of the tots a cape with their initial on the back. I can't wait to get them all together again and watch the super heros run around. Charlie's cape is now part of his outfit when him and his Daddy explore caves (closets) around the house with their flashlights. He will come out of the closets and tell me about the bats, spiders, and snakes (all reasons why Momma isn't in the caves with him).

Thanks Faye for making Charlie's day. With how busy you are these days, it's amazing to me that you made the time to make these capes for Charlie, Mak, and Izzy. I will be requesting your help for Halloween costumes in the future! Thanks again Faye!

CT to the rescue

"Does this hat go with the cape?"

Flying with Daddy fuel

"This is the best homemade present EVER!"

"Thanks Aunt Faye - Love you!"

Sneaking up on the boys in the "cave"

"No Girls Allowed Momma"