On The Road Again !

I apologize for the delay in posts but we have been busy, busy, busy to say the least. The twins and I were literally on the road from June 26th to July 5th and we had so much fun! Our first adventure was to join Preston's parents at their timeshare in Helen. We enjoyed time in the pool and Preston played Golf with his dad. Preston and I were able to escape for a walk in the beautiful mountains and his parents took us out to enjoy dinner next to the river at the Troll Tavern. Gracie was unbelievable at dinner. She was turned around in her highchair during the entire meal just talking and playing with all the tourists who were giving her attention. We picked up a third child in Helen and brought home my niece Molly Kay. Gracie and Bailey are in absolute love with Molly Kay and she was a big help in keeping the twins occupied.

Enjoying a dip in the pool in Helen with Grammy and Daddy Bob watching.

Swimming sure does make us tired!
We arrived home at 9pm and the twins, Molly Kay and I all left at 9am the next morning to head to Macon for the week. I was so grateful to have Molly Kay while I was trying to unpack our bags and pack them again. We arrived in Macon and it was nonstop fun. Our first day we went to the park with our cousins and then out to eat at the Mexican restaurant. The following days were spent shopping for Grandma's new living room furniture, which we were successful in purchasing. We visited Gma and Gpa Grace and also visited our Aunt La La at her work where she showed the twins off to her entire building! While in Macon, Gracie learned how to pull up on furniture all by herself and she also began to crawl. Daddy was quite surprised to say the least when we arrived home and his sweet little girl was pulling up and crawling from room to room.
Grandma and Bailey waiting patiently for his turn on the playground.

Mommy and Gracie going down the slide.

Fun dinner with cousins at the Mexican restaurant.

Visiting our Gma and Gpa Grace.

Gracie says "I am hot stuff pulling up on this furniture"

Best Daddy Ever!

This Father's Day we celebrated Preston being able to experience his first Father's Day with his two sweet babies. We went to church and praised God for our blessings and then went to his parents house for his annual tradition of watching the US Open with his dad. We talked about how last year at this time we both watched the same tournament from my hospital room. Preston said that he never would have imagined our babies like they are today last year at this time. I thought it would be fun to get his perspective for Father's Day so here we go...

What surprises you the most about being a dad?
The way that Gracie and Bailey react when I get home from work, they really know who I am, it is the greatest feeling in the world.
What do you love about Gracie?
Her personality, it is just unbelievable! She can be so sweet or the opposite but she is just SO cute.
What do you love about Bailey?
That he is ALWAYS happy, he is just a really good baby. He always has a smile on his face and I love his chuckle.
What do you look up to the most about your dad?
He was always so involved with me when I was little. He was my baseball coach for 5 years. It meant alot that he took time out of his busy schedule to really spend time with me.

My perspective on the best daddy ever...a daddy who didn't leave us for a single day during our 7 week stay in the hospital and 6 week stay in the NICU. Preston got up every single night in the middle of the night to help with night time feedings and changings and still does if the need arises. He encourages me to go to all of my women's groups and twin meeting while he stays home to care for our little one's all by himself. I have never been to the doctor with the twins alone because he always makes them work into his schedule. He comes home from work not tired but full of excitement to greet Gracie and Bailey with hugs and kisses and offers a special playtime to give me a break. Even tonight I walked downstairs to find Gracie simply sleeping in his arms and I said "honey why don't you put her in bed" and he said "because I love to hold her when she is sleeping, look at her she is just so sweet." He is a Daddy who is over the top in love with his babies and family and I couldn't thank God for a greater blessing of a husband and daddy to our Gracie and Bailey.

In our Daddy's hands...

1 year ago today

It seems like 1 year ago was only yesterday as I can remember it so vividly like it is a recurring dream or something only it was reality for me! I year ago today I went to work just like any other day. I had a high risk appointment scheduled for 3:30, looking back I can see God's intervention in the exact timing of everything. The doctor's office actually called that day to see if I wanted to reschedule to the following week because my apt was scheduled for in the morning and the doctor was going to be out of the office but when given the opportunity to reschedule for that afternoon, I grabbed it as I didn't want to wait another week for my highly anticipated sonogram of my twins. I loved going to the apts and getting to watch my babies swim around my belly! "I often think what would have happened if I did reschedule for the following week." My day was a little stressful at work as I was training a new employee who would be my replacement while I was out "little did she know she would be starting so soon" and I was also training an intern. I was glad when 3:00 rolled around and I could scurry out of the office. That day I ate my typical unhealthy pregnant woman's lunch of chicken tenders, onion rings, and a coke frosty at about 11 am and of course numerous snacks throughout the day. Preston and I had to wait a little bit at the apt since the doc had been out. We went in and the ultrasound lady started as usual but this time she was way less chatty and she said "the doctor will be right in." I looked at Preston and said "honey I think something is wrong, he assured me everything was ok and that I was just sensitive." The doc usually took forever to come in but he was in within seconds and after a short sonogram asked me if I was feeling the contractions...I said "contractions???" He said "lets hook you up to this machine to get a better idea of your contractions." I nervously got dressed went in this little room where he attached some probes to by belly and he said "are you sure you are not feeling these?" Apparently I was contracting every two minutes. He sent us straight to the hospital with a strict "no" when I asked if we could stop by the house to grab some things. I felt like I was playing monopoly and had just gotten the card that said "go straight to jail without stopping to collect $200." He gave me the news that I would not be returning to work and that I was going to the hospital to be evaluated and that I would most likely either stay 48 hours or for the remainder of my pregnancy. I am pretty sure at that point in time my mind went with the 48 hour option and I really didn't think about the long term option because I felt great but thought I better go and get checked out anyway. "Things obviously hadn't sunk in at this point in time." Preston drove my car and I started dialing numbers on our way as we only had about a 15 minute drive. First I called my work and broke the news that I would not be returning and that I was going to get checked out and would call them back once I was back at home. I can only imagine their faces on the other end of the phone line as I was cool as a cucumber. I then called my sisters and desperately tried to get in touch with mom who was out of town in DC with my sister Mary Ellen. We got to the hospital at about 5:30 and asked the desk how to get to L&D and they gave directions and said "would you like us to wheel you up" I stupidly said "no I'm fine I am just going to get checked out, I am fine to walk." I had no clue that would be my last walk for weeks! I went up and got my gown on and they started monitoring me. Within minutes it seemed like I had the entire hospital in my room. I had been feeling wonderful but after 9 attempts to get an IV started and what seemed like a 100 shots to stop contractions I started feeling really icky. I was also ill because I was SO hungry, they would not let me eat because of the risk that they may have to do a csection "a twin pregnant woman who hasn't eaten since 11am is not a happy camper!" I think my body finally entered the shock stage along with my mind. Little did I know that the hospital was preparing to deliver my babies that night. The NICU nurses told me that they even had their beds ready and waiting for them as soon as they heard about me. I apparently was the only one not aware of this. My pivotal moment was when the head of the high risk team came in and told me that my babies had a 40% survival rate at being born and that they were weighing in at just 1 pound he then preceded to tell me that I would not be leaving the hospital until they were born. I started crying "only to myself" when everyone left the room and thought "why would he tell me this." I kept thinking...40% that is maybe one of my babies making it. We had already painted their beautiful nursery with "Gracie and Bailey at the front of their verse and I was determined to bring both babies home to this nursery." I remember that the doctor told me that each week would increase their survival rate by 10% until the 27th week and so that is when I put my game face on and thought to myself that I would show these people. I knew in my heart that my Gracie and Bailey would be ok but little did I know that it would take ALOT of patience and this is where my seven week journey began 1 year ago today!

Goodbye to Obsession!

Our final day was spent packing up our belongings and cleaning up the beach house. There were pools to be emptied, floats to be deflated, clothes to be washed and bags to be strapped to the top of the car. We were blessed that we had pretty much been spared from the oil leakage crises but tiny little bits of oil started to show up today. Until now the kids were able to play in the ocean and enjoy the beach while just down the road in Gulf Shores all of the beaches had been closed. God really watched over us and allowed us to have a wonderful vacation. We went out to eat at the marina before heading home at the twins bed time. It was much harder to drive home as Preston and I had to swap every hour to keep our eyes from closing on us. Gracie and Bailey did great and once again they didn't make a peep. I was sad for them when they awoke in the morning to no cousins to play with and no beach. It was back to our normal lives and daily routines!

Gracie peeping over her pack n play while mommy is packing

Notice my big girl is standing on her own!

This is what the oil looked like on the beach, it was sticky and icky!
Grandma and Grandpa with all of their prized possessions
Goodbye Obsession until our next visit!

Pancakes and Anniversary "Obsession Day 6 & 7"

Day 5 at the beach was pretty much spent like days 1-4, enjoying the sun, pool, ocean and bike rides. That night it was Paula and Chads turn to go out with Laura and Ken and so that meant that Mom and Dad, Mary Ellen, Preston and I all had the duty to stay home with the kids. Brian had to fly home for a quick business trip and he would return the next day. Preston grilled out for us and cooked yummy burgers and chicken. The kids were really good and ended up playing on the porch and watching a movie. Molly Kay fell asleep in my arms and it was comforting to know that when Gracie is her size that I can still have my special cuddle time!

The boys grilling on the deck

We awoke on Day 6 to find aunt "la la" as the kids call her in the kitchen with some yummy surprises for everyone.

Mom and Dad had a special day celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. After spending time on the beach they went out to lunch together and then Dad surprised her with champagne and chocolates that night. We decided that we would give the ocean a second try with the twins and so we packed everything up and headed down to the water. "This is a BIG ordeal with twins, by the time we get everything together and down to the beach it is pretty much time for their next nap!" We tried out our beach tent for the first time in hopes that Bailey may be a little less scared of the noises of the fierce ocean. He seemed to enjoy playing inside it and we were able to keep him on the beach for a little longer. We set Gracie just at the edge of the sand where the waves cam crashing in and she loved it! Until this moment I had tried to protect her from the sand but I let her dive right in and she had so much fun. She would pick it up, throw it, eat it and examine it with her sweet little eyes. She giggled as the waves came in and loved borrowing her cousins sand toys to play with. That evening I walked in the den to find the girls all dancing to Gracie and Bailey's bible song DVD. It was the cutest thing that I have ever seen and Gracie was having a blast hanging out with the big girls. I think Bailey must have been napping. In the evening the twins were able to wear their matching sailor outfits that their Grammy had given to us at a baby shower. They were not in the best moods for pictures after a long day on the beach but they were adorable to say the least!

Four sisters enjoying the sun: Mary Ellen, Paula, Laura and me!

Bailey in his beach tent

Gracie enjoying the ocean

Cousins playing in the sand

the girls dancing to their bible songs dvd

My handsome Bailey!

Gracie posing for a pic!

Mamma's little sailors

"Sand & S'mores" Obsession Day 5

We awoke much earlier then expected today because Gracie was ready to play at 4am. She was screaming and Aunt Paula came into our room to offer to help and Gracie immediately stopped crying, reached her arms out to Aunt Paula and started laughing. She obviously remembered that her cousins were here and she thought it was time to play! We decided to take Gracie and Bailey down to beach to spend time by the ocean today. Gracie seems to enjoy the water and waves a little more then Bailey. He is still kind of shy about the sounds of the waves crashing. Bailey skipped his morning nap this morning and so he played in the pool on the deck for about 3 hours. He was a great little sport and enjoyed lots of one on one time with mommy while his sister was sleeping. Gracie discovered animal crackers for the first time today and she loves them! She usually turns away from any type of solid food but today I was eating some and she grabbed one and kept wanting more and more. We enjoyed dinner in tonight as it was Laura and Ken's night to cook and they prepared a wonderful meal of summer salads with yummy s'mores for dessert. Preston made a fire on the beach and the kids and big kids had a great time by the fire.

Gracie and Bailey enjoying their little spot by the ocean.

Gracie and Bailey love their beach umbrella

I can't believe my sweet little one's can walk while holding on to mommy
So proud of my Bailey boy

Family fun in the ocean

Daddy and Gracie jumping in the waves

Mommy and Daddy enjoying the beach fire while the twins are sleeping!

"Family Pics" Obsession Day 4

We had a fun day today of playing on the beach and in the pools on the deck. Gracie waved by by for the very first time to aunt Mary. The twins are having so much fun with their cousins and I do not know what I am going to do when we get home to entertain them as they have gotten use to nonstop entertainment. Gracie woke up from her nap today to have all five of her cousins standing around her pack and play. They then took her out on the porch to enjoy the swing. Bailey missed the picture because he took an extra long nap with his granny snuggling by his side.


We love all of our hand-me down clothing and it is so much fun because so much of it is matching. Today Molly Kay and Gracie wore their matching anchor outfits. Gracie absolutely adores Molly Kay and loves hanging out with the big girls.

Cousins Andrew and Michael enjoyed their boat in the ocean.

Family picture day at the beach is always hectic to say the least. We usually try to do it on the the night that we decide to all go out to eat since everyone is getting showered and dressed already. Just to get us all outside at the same time is a big ordeal much less trying to snap a picture of 7 little ones but the pictures always seem to make the experience worthwhile.

We enjoyed going out to eat with the family at a local restaurant that we call the Marina, it is actually named Tacky Jacks but it is at a Marina. It is just about two miles from the beach house so the travel is great and it has a beautiful view of the sunset. Gracie and Bailey sat in highchairs at a restaurant for the very first time. My babies are getting so big! They looked so grown up sitting up in their highchairs. The seafood was delicious as usual.

"Zoo & Date" Obsession Day 3

We woke up today and the ocean was still which meant that it was going to be HOT and it was. We decided to skip the beach in the morning and take our cousins to one of our favorite places, the zoo. We had lots of fun looking at all of the animals and feeding the ones that we could. There was one monkey that Michael made faces at and he went a little crazy, it gave us all a good laugh. The twins were great sports even though it was extremely hot. Bailey enjoyed a snow cone with grandma to help cool him down. Bailey takes after his daddy and sweats alot! Gracie loved riding on the animals at the zoo and I think we will be hoping on a few before shopping because her smiles were priceless. We returned home and got ready for our date night. We all decided we will take turns babysitting and going on dates and tonight we joined Mary and Brian on a date at one of our favorite restaurants, The Oyster House. We met up with Laura and Ken at Lulu's after our date and enjoyed some good Jimmy Buffet style music. The twins had a good report when we returned home and enjoyed a night spent with cousins.

Bailey enjoying his snow cone at the zoo.

Mommy and Gracie checking out the grizzly bear

Gracie and Baily riding on the zebra
"there faces were priceless when daddy put 50cents in"

Gracie riding with her cousins Molly Kay

and AndrewMommy and Daddy before date night