Cousins-in-laws

This picture is old, especially considering Heidi had her sweet baby girl two weeks ago, but I wanted to post this picture of new life. How special to all be pregnant together. This picture doesn't even include Jocelyn who had her little Paisley May almost two months ago. Lots of babies and lots of prayers for all these babies. Next up is Sheila...although I might beat her since I am scheduled at 38 weeks. :)

Sisters

Soooo, this doesn't seem very fair. Amy is about 5-6 weeks behind me this time. I would say there is a pretty big difference in our sizes. Hopefully we can get one more picture together before I deliver...and she will actually look pregnant!

Our offspring....

Girls belong to Amy,

Boys belong to Elaine.

I know I am bigger this time, but I never realize how big until I see a picture of myself. Yikes! I hope I will go back to "normal" after this....whatever "normal" is at this age. :)

Pregnancy update...

....I'm HUGE!

I have now reached the 26 week mark. Both of our little guys are doing well according to the ultrasounds and measurements. The doctor believes they are mono-di twins (shared placenta and chorion, separate amnions). Even though this is my sixth pregnancy, I feel new to this. I have learned so much more this time around than all the other pregnancies combined! And besides being bigger than usual, I am a bit more uncomfortable too. :)

At times I am nervous about caring for two newborns. BJ and I know what to expect with a new little one....2 sleepless months, a healing incision, wacky hormones, etc.....but with two at once we are a little unsure. In my heart I know God will give us the strength and patience. I need to remember to accept life being a little crazy for a while. I will say, I am thankful they will be born during the summer and not during the school year. I am hoping to have this figured out somewhat by mid-September, ready to tackle the boys' school. :) Your prayers are always appreciated.

How organic of me

One of my goals for 2011 was to research and use at least two new herbs this year. Can you believe it is only March and I have already tried one? Sure it is only tea, but you've gotta start somewhere! I had read that red raspberry leaf tea is good for the uterus and female reproductive system. In an article from Above Rubies, a woman having had 9 c-sections recommended this tea because of its uterus strengthening properties. I thought it couldn't hurt to try. A bonus is that this iced tea is delicious...with a little bit of not-so-organic sugar added. :)

Double the Fun!

Our family is pleased to announce that baby #6 is on the way....

...and baby #7!

Before Thanksgiving we found out we had a little surprise on the way. Around 13-14 weeks I finally found a doctor and scheduled an appointment. I was really thankful BJ was with me for this first ultrasound/appointment! Our technician had taken measurements as usual for about ten minutes before she said, "oh, that is why I was having trouble with these measurements. You are having twins!" She deleted all her data and started over, this time working on Baby A first. BJ looked over at me and said, "you can buy a better double stroller." He couldn't stop laughing, I was in total shock. To top this all off, they are both boys. God has such a sense of humor!

We are both so excited and nervous all at the same time. Our boys are beyond thrilled and couldn't wait to pick out matching shirts for Baby A and Baby B. :) Please pray for the health and development of our little blessings. We have a lot of preparations to make in the next five months. A 12 passenger van is definitely in our near future.....