Just about 29 weeks under my belt...or over it :)

On Sunday we hit 28 weeks with the boys. The last time I had a rate of growth done was about 2 wks ago and the babies were 2lbs 4oz each. Baby A was breech again so if he doesn't turn around, I will have to go with a c-section. My goal is to delivery these babies on my own but it is in God's hands. Charlie continues to talk to my belly and give each of them kisses. The other night the boys put on a show for my mom and Tim - it looked like a tidal wave.

We are working hard to get everything ready for the kiddos. I don't feel like I'm ready until my closets look like a store. With the help of my wonderful parents and Tim's mom, my sister Mary, and sis in law Faye, I have a closet full of clothes, diapers, and their baby equipment that they are done with. My sister Christina has been an awesome help getting me to doc's appointments and staying with Charlie when needed. We have also enlisted the help of an old tutoring student of mine to take Charlie to the park while I'm gone. Thank you to all of you that have taken the time to help Tim and I through our nerves etc.

28 week twins

Charlie comparing his "babies" with mine :)

Sorry about the lil bit of belly showing - not many shirts fit these days

To Blog Or Not To Blog

I have been questioning whether or not to continue blogging. My reasons for creating this blog in the first place was to keep family close to Charlie. What I have realized is that SO many people, not just family, love to watch him grow, change, and experience life through this blog. I have gotten so many WONDERFUL responses to my stories and my son that I can't imagine not sharing it with everyone.
It has become an every morning routine for Charlie and I to have our breakfast in front of the lab top looking at our blog and all of the others that are links to ours. This is how Tim and I have tried to update Charlie in what his cousins are doing along with the phone calls he receives daily. We have chosen to make the people that are most important to us, important to Charlie. Even though he isn't fortunate enough to see everyone he loves on a daily basis or even weekly, he still talks about them and enjoys looking at their pictures while we share memories with him. He has inturn created his own memories and keeps people close to his heart. As parents, I think this is one of the MOST important things that we do. People get busy with their everyday lives and "lose" track of time, BUT Charlie still knows that he is loved by all and they think of him often. I wanted to end this post with some of the things that are stored in Charlie's memory bank, some of which he experienced and others that we have shared and continue to share with him everyday.
Charlie knows...Nama loves to water flowers and calls him "Buddy", Uncle Tim and Izzy love to watch hockey together, Aunt Heather is getting married and always has a dinosaur in her purse for Charlie, Aunt Mary always makes him feel better (just like Momma can), Unlce JP likes to hunt and Cousin Karlie LOVES to dance, Uncle Gabe and Charlie always talk about their bikes and Kyra, Aunt Tina loves clothes and jewelry and Charlie likes to help her get dressed, Uncle Chris works hard everyday on BIG machines and will be home soon, Aunt Emily has a tiny baby, Cousin Claire Bear makes him laugh and likes Dora, Cousin Mak is a movie freak and will always have his back, Aunt Faye has curly hair and loves to tickle him, Papa calls him "Charles T." and gives him huge hugs and kisses and they share the same love for hats(but you can't forget the truck Papa drives :), Grandma loves to shop and paint with Charlie and always shares her lotion with him, Sophie has giant cheeks and loves to play "mommy", Uncle Terry always gives Charlie a horsey ride, Grandpa Rol loves purple grapes and Grandma Millie is always watching Wheel of Fortune when Charlie is, he remembers that Grandpa Ed was his train buddy and shared green grapes and cookies with Charlie. He knows that we pray for Cousin Amanda and her baby. He knows that "uncles" Tate and Chuck play golf with Daddy and really likes Neil's girlfriend Molly. Some of the memories that Charlie doesn't have but Tim and I cherish are those of people that we have lost. Charlie knows that his Papa Jon loved making homemade pizza and was a great swimmer, and he knows that Grandma Arlene liked her lipstick and hats and loved to buy Mommy dresses. He knows that Grandma Helen did crazy things on vacations and had "magic" fingers to put Mommy to sleep.
Tim and I will continue sharing memories with Charlie and making new ones when we can. Things are very hectic at our house these days but we have not lost focus of what and who is important to us. Charlie loves all of the phone calls, messages, mail, and emails that he receives so please continue to think of him and our little ones on the way. (If I have forgotten someone, it is because I ran out of juice :)
Charlie and I are still in Rapid City enjoying some relaxation and much needed time in the beautiful Black Hills. We are missing Dad but we will be home in a few days. Charlie is very excited to support his Dad once again at the annual golf tournament for Tim's father. Lots of pictures will be added once we are back in MN. We hope you are ALL doing well and appreciate the love and support you provide.
Love, Melissa and her boys (all 4 of them)!

4th Celebrations!

On Friday we tried out a park in Bloomington that my cousin Kristi had suggested. It was bigger and better than I could have imagined! We would love to go with Indi, Kristi, and Alex the next time we go. There was so much for Charlie to do, climb on, and slide down. Thanks for the idea Kristi!

Chutes and Ladders Park

Mom and son having a fun time

"Watch me slide VERY slowly"

Tim and I laugh because he is the most caution toddler alive!

Lil Poser

"Come on Daddy!"

Snack time

Father and Son enjoying a nice summer day together

Happy 4th of July!

Dad and Charlie planting seeds that Nama gave Charlie - THANK YOU!

"Yeah Dad, I know what to do now!"

This goofball we spotted at the parade and had to take his picture - nice umbrella!

Dad and Charlie trying to stay dry under a tree at the parade

Sisterly Love - We missed you Mary!

"I'm proud to be an American"

Best Seat in the House

'Mom why are there kids running into the street?"

Tina Time

The pickiest eater chowing down on corn on the cob for the 1st time

Where have the last 6 months gone?

We are officially 24 wks and 1 day today and feeling great. Charlie is loving the fact that he can see Mom's tummy getting bigger and feel the babies moving. He talks to them constantly, but doesn't realize that Mom doesn't want her shirt pulled up in public places. He got to hear the babies' heartbeats again today at our rate of growth ultrasound (done every 3 wks). They were both 150's again and beating each other up as usual. Baby A has finally caught up to Baby B, now both weighing in at 1 lb 7 oz (measuring at 24wks and 5 days)! My mom guessed right on target and I was WAY off. The tech also confirmed that both are boys - very well presented today. I now see the doctor every 2 weeks and ultrasound every 3 weeks. That will change in August and ultrasounds will be twice a week. So far so good. I couldn't thank the Good Lord any more for what he has given me.

24 wk twins

Charlie and Mom's baby bumps

My lovely side shot of the babes - 24 wks

What a goofball!

Charles T. talking to his brothers

In Search of The Heart of The Ocean

On Sunday we all went to the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum. Charlie's Aunt Tina was searching for her necklace, The Heart of The Ocean and she was in luck, The exhibit left you speechless and in awe of the things that have been recovered. Tim, Tina, and I are fans of Ghost Hunters (a tv show) and they were asked to investigate the exhibit at one time because people believed that the spirits of the people lost were lingering amount the items recovered. None of us were "touched" by a ghost or "heard" anything unusual but it was worth the visit.

We were unable to take any pictures of the actual Titanic exhibit but took some while we were messing around the science museum.

"I think Mom and Tina need my help"

"Faster Mom faster"

Charlie and I looking at our distorted faces in the ball

3-D is always fun

"He's going to eat you Dad"

Tina had to take a picture of this!

"Dad, I'm trying to call Mak but he's not answering"

Checking to see if our hearts are still working

Charles T. The Explorer

On Saturday Charlie had Mom and Dad all to himself. We went to the Children's Museum in the cities and had a blast. I love places where you can say as a parent "Touch whatever you want kiddo". There was so much for him to do and see that we couldn't keep up with him. The last time he went was with his cousins Karlie and Claire a YEAR ago so it was definitely time to explore as a two year old.

Pulling a cement block back and forth

Learning how to carve wood to help Papa on his next project

Had to paint the rocks with Dad (wherever there's a paintbrush, this child is in heaven)

Thinking of Nama while he takes a break in the garden

Dad and Charlie pretending to be ants in the tunnels

Praticing changing diapers so he is ready for his baby brothers

His favorite room - Water Works

Dad showing Charlie how water works (imagine that)

I loved this picture of my busy bee

In the doghouse at the Clifford exhibit

Charlie climbed all over Clifford's legs and tail

Pretending we know what we are doing in the kitchen - Thank goodness for Daddy

The last picture of the day - WAIT the stroller is suppose to go in the trunk not the toddler

BMI Annual Picnic

Friday was Charlie's 1st Bolton & Menk picnic (last year we had a schedule conflict) with Mom and Dad. We had so much fun catchin' up with Tim's coworkers and their families that we lost track of time. Charlie was a sticky, sweaty mess when we got home.

Ridin' a dino

Me and my buddy Syndey - born a few days before Charlie (we meet at the grocery store on Sundays)

"Watch me go!"

And the independance just keeps growing