Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Lots of pictures!

Rylee and Hudson
Wyatt's self proclaimed costume!

Wyatt, Hudson, Zach and Hattie

Hattie and Hudson

Alyssa and Wyatt enjoying some ice cream

Hudson
Cousin Chase
Hattie - all day when she wears this I want to sing "Lets Get Physical"
Mema and Hudson
Zach, Hattie and Wyatt

Wyatt, Mimi and Hudson
Daddy and Wyatt playing around

Wyatt is always entertaining the babies.. here he put his hat on Hattie
Hudson playing in the exersaucer

Friday Ben, the babies and I hung out. We went into town to eat at Oscar's. It was nice to have Ben with us. My dad picked Wyatt up at school for us. It was a great feeling to have the week behind us and not feel trapped at home any more.

Saturday, Wyatt and I went to see Kung Fu Panda, which I have seen so many times at home I had trouble staying awake. Then we went to walmart in the pouring rain. I got stuff to make margaritas, which Ben and I enjoyed Saturday while we watched the game.

Sunday we went to see Grandpa Ed and Grandma Janice. They watched all the kids while we ran a couple of small errands. Then we went to Rylee's birthday party. She is now 7! The babies were both laughing out loud when watching the kids play in the garage. It is so fun to hear them. Hudson really hates the car seat... seems to have gotten worse instead of better, maybe after a break from riding in one for several days. Wow. It is rough to ride anywhere!!!

Last Thursday Hudson had trouble pooping. Actually I think it had been going on for a few days, but I had been too busy to notice that he wasn't going. Well, he had one stuck... I was panicked! Luckily mom was there and helped.. or should I say did everything to help relieve him, I don't think I could have done it! His stools have been red since then, but I have verified with the pharmacist and the doctor's office that it is just the medicine, Omnicef. Hattie is on the same stuff, but no red stools. Her side effect is a diaper rash that I have been fighting for a week now.

Both babies chew on their hands like crazy! And Hudson will soak bibs all day long. I keep checking their gums. Nothing yet, but I don't imagine it will be much longer before we start to see something getting close!

Daddy, Wyatt and Hattie went to get the "slow boat" tonight from storage. I am so excited to get out on it this summer! I am glad that it is still several weeks away though, we need a little more of a routine for the babies before I try to get them to take naps on the boat.

I had my first interview today. It went well. I won't hear anything until next week. I have mixed emotions on leaving before the end of July b/c of the severance package, but feel I should not pass up a good opportunity. So, I of course would like an offer, but would be fine either way.

Tomorrow marks the one year mark from when we found out we were having twins! Amazing it has already been a year! I remember it all very well.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Funny pictures of everyone..

Hudson had enough pictures. Wyatt just saw this picture and said Hudson's face is adorable!
Wyatt came in and told me he was a "T" - had to take a picture

Hattie being a normal girl, talking constantly.

Well, Tuesday night was worse than Monday night. I was up with Hattie until 2:30 and then Ben was up the rest of the night with her. She was miserable you could tell... she liked her stomach rubbed and wanted her pacifier.

Wednesday and Thursday my mom came over and helped me during the day. That was a nice break and I even got a 1 hour nap in on Wednesday! Wednesday night was good and last night was even better.

Last night I lost my mind and told Ben he should go golfing and watch the MU game.. i was a very busy night and I was very relieved when everyone fell asleep. I asked Wyatt several times to entertain Hattie as I was feeding Hudson. Wyatt finally told me he just wanted to play. He said I still love Hattie, but right now I just want to play. Then he told me that Hattie was hungry because he heard her stomach "grumplin". I cracked up b/c this noise was actually Hattie filling her pants.

Today Ben is staying home with us to help out.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Deann and Lesli - Saturday night
Jen and I

Ava

Hattie trying green beans!!!! Nice look!

Hudson liked the green beans much more!

Friday night Marcus and Christina (and the boys) and Nick and Jessica came over for fish. Wyatt was still at Mimi's. Everyone was tired so it was an early night. Sleep training did not go very well. Hudson laid down well and didn't cry, but then cried about an hour later for a few minutes. When I went to check on him before I went to bed, I noticed he had pooped.. after trying to decide what to do, I left him and got him up the first time he cried to change him. I think we got up twice.

Saturday the four of us went to breakfast and Wal-mart. After we got home, Kim, Ava and Deann came over for a visit. Saturday night Ben watched the babies while I went with Deann, Jen and Lesli to the lake. We went to Gap, then Chilis and then bowling. It was great to get out! I had some great laughs... Once again, sleep training wasn't the best, b/c Ben said he didn't get Wyatt to eat much of his bottle, which made me worry he was hungry.

Sunday Mom and Dad came over to help with yard work and Ben's parents came over to watch the babies. Hattie ended up getting fever of 100.7. We worked all day and we were all exhausted.....

Monday I decided we should take both babies to the doctor. Hattie still had fever on and off, but she also wasn't herself. Hudson still had his terrible cough. Ben took Hattie at 1:00, I took Hudson at 2:00. Hattie had an ear infection in her right ear, possibly the left as well. There was wax in the way and he couldn't see it. They tested her for rsv and influenza. When I got to Hudson's appt, they told me that Hattie did have influenza, and it would be assumed that Hudson had it too.. Hudson also had a double ear infection........... medicine was given for their ears, but there is nothing we can do for their influenza. He said it would get worse before it got better, and they are considered contagious for 7 days.. I was bummed because I had vacation scheduled for the rest of the week to get some cleaning done and prepare for a rummage sale. Oh well, we definitely need to get the babies healthy and not expose anyone else to them.. Hattie weighed 13 lbs, 2 oz and Hudson weighed 13 lbs, 9 oz.

It was a rough night, Hattie was up from 12:00 to 2:00, and I finally loaded her up for a car ride to get her to sleep. Today she has had some episodes. Hudson had a great day, but cried for quite a while when I laid him down tonight. I am praying for a better night b/c I am EXHAUSTED.

Wyatt is home!!! Ben and I were happy to see him!! So were Hattie and Hudson!!! He said he was glad to be home..

Friday, March 20, 2009

Another sleep update.

Last night I laid Hudson down at 8:15ish. He did not make a peep! I was thrilled!!! I do remember him crying a time or two during the night, and at 3:00 I actually got up and made a bottle. But, before I had it finished he was quiet again. I left the bottle on the counter b/c I knew it would not take long for him to wake back up. At 4:00 he was back awake and drank only a few ounces. I laid him back down and he flipped his head around a little and that was it. Slept until 7:00 when we woke him. I am so excited!!!! I can actually start imagining an all night babysitter!!!!

Hattie did good as well, and as normal. She went to bed at the same time Hudson did. She cried twice b/c her pacifier fell out. I went and put it in and she put herself asleep and slept until 6:00. Always a good girl!

The babies both tried green beans last night. Hudson seemed to like them and really ate quite a bit. Hattie didn't care for them at all. Made lots of funny faces and then started screaming.. She had enough of it..

Wyatt left this morning to go to mimi's house again. He said yesterday that he didn't want to go anymore, said he was "just tricking" when he said he would.... But, a few hours later I told him I had him packed and needed to know what he wanted to do.. He said "I guess I will just go..." so he called mimi and told her he was coming.. and told her what all she needed to bring when she picked him up. apple juice, fruit snacks, several toys... He cracks me up. He loves to go b/c he gets all mimi's attention...

Last night he had his goggles on and was having trouble seeing (duh) He said "these goggles wear me out". I laughed.. I am constantly telling him he is wearing me out with his whining.

I have been meaning to mention that Hudson has begun to laugh out loud.. It is so stinkin cute... I have tried to catch in on camera, but it hasn't worked yet.. It is usually at his brother only, but he did laugh at me the other day..

Hattie will talk your leg off.. she just sits and stares and talks. Everyone makes fun of the back of her head.. she has no hair back there...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Attempts for a sleeping baby..

Just a quick note to update Hudson's sleeping habits. Tuesday night he slept until 1:00 and cried until 1:30. I was just about to go get him when he quit. He then slept until 4:00.. it was like he knew I would get him if he started crying again! I gave him a bottle and laid him immediately back down. He didn't make a peep until 7:00 when I woke him then. I had to go in several times and rearrange him because he would scoot to the corner of the bed and bang his head..

I asked daycare to work with him a little on putting himself to sleep. They said he cried for 20 minutes and they couldn't take it anymore so they picked him up.

Last night I laid him down at 8:30. He cried for 15 minutes. He then slept until 2:30. From 2:30 to 4:30 there were several crying episodes. I kept falling asleep and waking to him crying. I think he would stop for a little while and then start again. At 4:30 I fed him 4 oz. He ate it and I laid him back down. He fell right asleep and slept until we woke him again at a little after 7:00.

I did lay Hattie down last night in the pack and play in our room at 8:30 too. She cried twice because her pacifier fell out, but then she fell asleep and slept until 5:30 this morning.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

This picture was from a few mornings ago. Wyatt always complains that it is too bright in the mornings and he doesn't like the lights/tv on. Hudson was in the bouncy seat watching Handy Manny. Wyatt didn't say anything but went into his room.. He came out wearing these goggles and was then able to watch tv! They are both involved in the tv and didn't notice me and the camera..
Both babies eating cereal. They neither one seem to really like it.. I am going to pick up some veggies and see if they take them any better.




Hudson has to sleep in his car seat some nights b/c of congestion. The morning of this picture, Wyatt went straight from his bed and climbed into Hudson's bed when he heard him wake up before I heard him. I could hear Wyatt in Hudson's room talking to him in the receiver.. It was sweet.

What a beautiful day! The weather was awesome! After work we spent a little time outside. Deann came over to visit and help with the babies. I had prepared myself on the way home that tonight would be the night I let Hudson "cry it out" to get to sleep. He has horrible sleeping habits and something has to give... Well, tonight he was so tired we couldn't keep him awake! He ate only one bottle and was falling asleep at 7:20. I purposely kept talking to him and tried to lay him down awake... he fell asleep as soon as I laid him down and slept for about 1 hour. Then, he cried for 25 straight minutes.. then fell asleep for about 20 minutes.. then woke to cry for about another 10 minutes. He has been back asleep for about 45 minutes now.. I am prepared for a rough night...... I just don't know when I will give in. I am sure he will be hungry since he didn't eat much before he fell asleep. I am hoping to hold him off until 4:00?? let's see how much will power I have. Ben and Wyatt are sleeping in Wyatt's bed already and I am keeping Hattie in the pack and play in our room with me.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Hudson
Hattie

Chase

Alyssa, Rylee and Wyatt

Scott, Chase, Alyssa, Dad, Ben, Hattie and Wyatt

Well, I was going to post a picture of Ben and I with our fish we caught today, but, we didn't catch a single one! You would know the weather/water would have made for a bad crappie catchin' day. But, we have fun together and it was relaxing, at least after I finally figured out how to cast. Ben was losing his patience with me early in the day... Ben is sunburnt. I must have been focusing too much and had my head down..

We came back in town to pick the kids up at daycare and went to my mom and dad's for dinner. Fried chicken.. it was awesome. The kids got to play outside for a while. The pictures above are from the evening.
Bonnie at daycare told me that they now call Hudson pickle. I didn't ask why, but I can only guess why. Last night that little booger had me up for a few hours during the night. I would lay him down sound asleep and then get into my bed, and he would start crying. miserable. I was so tired this morning that we forgot to pack the diaper bag with ALL of the bottles, so I had to run them in quickly. By the time I got there Hudson was screaming.

Sunday, March 15, 2009




These were pictures from our stroll outside a few weeks ago...


March 15th, 2009

Wyatt, Hattie and I went to see Space Chimps last Saturday. Sheri and Nicklaus and Tricia and Brook went too. Hattie did wonderful for her first movie! The kids all sat very well and Wyatt loved the movie. He has been talking about it since then, although both of us have already forgotten the main chimp's name... someone is going to have to remind us.

Hattie went to the movies with us because Daddy took Hudson to urgent care. We were sure he had an ear infection, but he didn't. He weighed 13 lbs, 2 oz.

Sunday the kids and I hung out at home while daddy went fishing. Hudson finally rolled over! Once he did it, he kept doing it!! Hattie still isn't, but she is attempting to at times, so hopefully she won't be far behind him.

I only worked on Monday last week. I have lots of vaction to burn, so I took the rest of the week off. Tuesday Mom came over and painted my bedroom. It is now blue, moody blue.. I like it, but need to buy new curtains to finish it. Wednesday I was working on my resume when daycare called and said Wyatt had 101.5 fever. I went and picked him up and was going to bring him home, but he started crying and said he wanted to go to the doctor.. weird, I know. He ended up having strep. He weighed 35.1 pounds! He is long and lean! We saw Grandma Bonnie at the pharmacy and went with her and Grandpa to Sonic. Wyatt had a little of a milk shake. He stayed home with me again on Thursday.

He is in to different shows now. He used to love Higglytown Heroes and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He now is in to Handy Manny and Phineas and Ferb. BUT, he also likes superman, Tom and Jerry, Scooby Doo and Star Wars (he says Luke Starwalker). These new shows are on different channels, away from Noggin that only has cartoon-type commercials. He stares at the tv and every commerical and wants everything he sees. He even said after one of them, " I want that girl toy". He is obsessed. I told him to make a list. The second time I said that he informed me he already has a list but he wanted that really bad. I told him now that I don't have a secure job that I don't have any money. He said I could go to that Bank place and get some.

Thursday night Ed (Ben's dad) was admitted to the hospital with chest pain. He was not having a heart attack, but ended up having blockage and needed a stint.

Friday I tried to make up for some lost time and cleaned some around the house. Then I went by the hospital to see Ed and met Ben. We had to take the babies to their 4 month appointments.

Hudson weighed 13 lbs and 6 oz. He was in the 25th percentile on his weight and head, and 50% on his length. Hattie weighed 12 lbs 13 oz. She was in 25th percentile on her weight and head, and 10% percentile on her height. she is such a shortie!!! They both had their shots. Hudson didn't cry immediately, but did cry. Hattie cried a little harder.

Wyatt convinced us to go to El Jimador for dinner and then we all went home and were in bed by 8:45. By 9:00, Hudson was already up. Luckily, after that, I got up to pat him on the back at 12:00 b/c of his coughing, but he didn't wake up until 5:00!! Shocking! Then I fed him a bottle and he slept until 7:30. That is the most sleep I have had in probably 7 months, when pregnancy was getting the best of me. It was awesome!

Saturday I watched the kids while Ben refereed in Tuscumbia.. Then we drank a few margaritas and called it a day. Today I haven't done much. I drove Ben around so he could run a few errands. Hudson cried forever in the car... I had his lullaby cd blaring and it wasn't helping. Hattie and Wyatt were sleeping through it, how, I have no idea. Finally I gave him a bottle and he fell asleep. Hattie talked a ton today and Hudson laughed out loud at me.. It was cute and made me forget about the crying spell from earlier.. Everyone is in bed now, and I am looking forward to being there soon! Tomorrow I think I am going fishing with Ben! A date at the lake!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

February at a Glance..

Once again I am behind... I will do lots of notes today to catch up... On February 7th, Wyatt went bowling the first time... he really wasn't very interested in it! I think we got about 7 frames out of him, then he wanted to hang out in the arcade area.. We then went to my high school friend's - Emily's - and visited for a few hours with friends and their kids.. It was a good time and Wyatt warmed up quickly. I have added some pictures from the night. Sunday the 8th we just laid around recovering from a busy Saturday. Daddy was hung over and tired from a squirrel tournament and a day of drinking...

Mimi Patti came in town Tuesday the 10th. It was a beautiful day outside!!! I boundled the babies up and took them outside to enjoy a quick walk.. Wyatt left February 11th with Mimi and didn't come home until the 15th. He loves his trips to Mimi's... She and uncle Rob spoil him rotten!!! Patti played an old cartoon of Daffy Duck for Wyatt. It was in black and white. Wyatt told her that he didn't want to watch it b/c it was like the newspaper! He also went to a Culver Stockton game with Rob. They were going back the second night, but Wyatt said it was too crowded there and he wanted to stay at home and play. HE HAS PRIORITIES! He called us every day and talked to the babies.. just kept saying hi sweetie, hi bubba..


On the 11th, I took both babies to the doctor. Hattie hadn't been eating very well and Hudson was being fussy, well, more fussy than usual. Hudson had drainage in his nose and throat, but his ears looked good. Hattie had another ear infection. Hudson weighed 12 lbs, 2 oz and Hattie weighed 11 lbs, 1 oz. Hattie went on Augmentin for 10 days. It was not the same ear as her last infection. I still didn't feel great but didn't go to the doctor.

Friday the 13th was Christina's surprise 30th birthday party. My mom and dad came over to stay with the babies. We first went to El Jimador for the fake surprise party. I drank two margaritas, my first night with little to no responsibility. We then headed out to Christina and Marcus' for the actual surprise. It was a fun night, catching up with the bunko girls. I sat at the the table all night drinking wine, sharing some laughs.


The 13th and 14th of February were a lot of firsts for me... First time out since the babies were born, first time puking in the sink (pink french fries - from wine mixing with lunch!), and first time having a hang over with three kids. Ben had to referee 6 games on the 14th, Happy Valentine's Day to us. Luckily Aunt Heather and Grandma Janice helped me with the babies. The 14th we went to an anniversary party and ate Ethel's catering, a hangover favorite!


Sunday, February 15th we left to go get Wyatt. I slept the whole way, as I still didn't feel good and was tired after being up several times with Hudson the night before. Ben's stomach hurt, nervous about Monday. Monday Ben had no school and the kids daycare was closed, but I had to work, so it was their first day to spend all day together.


I finally gave in and went to the doctor on the 16th, and wasn't surprised that I had pneumonia. I was told to stay home a few days, take a prescription and a breathing treatment 4 times a day... I did good the first few days, but it didn't last long. I don't have the time for those darn breathing treatments.. anyway, Ben and the kids survived without me. Ben did say that if Hudson was our first born, he probably would have been an only child.


Tuesday, the 17th Hudson went back to the doctor. He had been crying alot and sleeping terrible. He ended up with a double ear infection, and weighed 12 lbs, 5oz. the doctor also thought he had pink eye and gave us some very expensive drops!


Ben's grandpa, his dad's dad, passed away Saturday the 21st. Ben traveled with his dad and Janice to Galesburg Illinois for the visitation and funeral. He left on Monday morning and came back on Wednesday evening.


One of the worst days of my career life was Wednesday, the 25th of February. It was announced that my office was closing in July (the 24th) and I would be out of a job. I have cried a lot, have been very mad and very sad. I have good days and bad days. This was a job that I actually love since my promotion, I have great benefits, and get paid very well. I initially tried to convince myself and Ben that we should move to St. Louis, where I would at least still have the same pay, but would have to be an adjuster again as there are no management positions available. Ben convinced me that this is just not the answer for us and has been supportive that I will find something else and we can make it on lesser pay.. I keep reminding myself that this is just a job and I have a lot more in life to be proud of.


I had my follow-up appt on the 26th, and still had pneunomia. No surprise really, I was still wheezing, and still too busy to rest.. Plus, I haven't had a good night's sleep in months... The doctor was a little irrated with me and gave me a few more prescriptions. I am trying to abide by her requests.

Jen came over on Friday the 27th and helped me with the babies, since Ben had 4 games to referee. Saturday after Ben worked again we hung out at home and Marcus and Christina and the boys came over. Sunday, I took Wyatt to see Are We Done Yet, which was not really an appropriate movie for his age. I asked him at the break in the middle if he wanted to stay or go. He said he was scared of those racoons and was ready to leave. We went home in time for Grandpa and Grandma Meldrum to come visit.

Wyatt has a tendency to come home and give Ben some attitude, or try to ignore him. Ben told him that was unacceptable and told Wyatt to go back to the garage door and come back in the house and try this again. Wyatt went right over and did it, totally acting like he had just gotten home, serious as can be. He told Ben hi, told him he missed him and gave him a kiss and a hug. very sweet.

Wyatt amazes us daily. I feel like he is so smart and so thoughtful! He on Monday night started the conversation by asking me to feel his ankle bone. He then asked how he had his body. I explained how he had bones, joints and muscles. He asked how his body was made. I told him that God made his body for him. He thought for a minute and asked, "did I say hi to God?" I told him yes.. he then asked "did I say hi to Jesus and his mommy?" I said yes. He asked, "why did God make me?" I said b/c he knew Daddy and Mommy loved him very much and would love him forever. He was satisfied with this and then asked me to come to bed with him and watch a movie. I thought this was all a pretty big conversation for a 3 year old..