Malpractice

Medical error in your favor, collect 2 babies:

This:

Not this:

Got it?

I'm Totally Psychic

Two weeks ago, Nathan and I went in for our first ultrasound appointment.  (Yes, I am pregnant!!) After two miscarriages, we were hopeful that everything would look okay this time around. The doctor performed the ultrasound and the baby looked wonderful. There was one strong heartbeat and one little baby. When the doctor said, "Just one," I immediately asked, "Are you sure?"

For the past few weeks, I had felt very strongly like we were going to have twins. I don't know why, but I think it has something to do with TONS of my friends having twins recently. Also, the night before, Nathan had a dream we had two babies. As soon as I woke up, he told me: "It's twins! I know it!" However, the doctor confirmed there was only one baby and printed out the ultrasound picture. We were still very excited, though!

And then this afternoon, we got the (not-so) shocking news (ok..it was STILL shocking). With Eliza, I had something called hyperemsis-gravidarum. Basically, I threw up all day and received fluids intravenously because of the nausea and vomiting. I have been feeling miserable the past few weeks and have lost 11 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy. After a weekend of starvation/dehydration, we went in to see the doctor. Today, there was a different doctor on duty and he seemed worried about my sickness, but wanted to avoid a permanent IV this time around (due to the risk of infection). He gave me another prescription to try out and decided to do another quick ultrasound before we left.

We went into the ultrasound room, and he began looking for the heartbeat. I was watching his face and noticed his expression change to one of confusion/worry. My heart instantly dropped, and I thought: "Oh no. Not again." But before I could get too worried, I saw his mouth turn up into a smile. Actually, it was more of a grin. He then said: "Well, you have definite reason to feel so sick this time around. It looks like you're going to have TWO babies!"

I instantly started crying and laughing hysterically. Nathan jumped up and said: "What!?!? I knew it!!" And we just laughed. It was the most amazing feeling. Right now, it looks as though the babies are sharing the same membrane, which means they are identical and that the pregnancy will be more high-risk, but the doctor said it's still early and perhaps the second membrane just isn't showing on the ultrasound. We're hoping for two membranes!

So yes, a crazy day! I just KNEW I was going to have twins! I am so excited. Can you tell? SO EXCITED! Three kids under the age of three? Bring it on!

It's All Fun and Games....

....until someone gets their eye poked out.

I Could Get Used to This

On Mother's Day morning, I woke up at 10:30 to the smell of bacon. Already, the day had started off wonderfully. I then enjoyed a lovely breakfast and felt wonderful after sleeping in. Because church does not start until 1 these days, Nathan let me enjoy the morning (which he does most Sundays) and read a book. It was the first book I have read in months, so it was a big deal!

As if breakfast wasn't enough, Nathan had another surprise waiting for me when we arrived home from church. He had secretly left during Sunday School (while I was teaching my 8-year-olds) and left a bouquet of flowers and a platter of chocolate covered strawberries on the table.

He remembered daffodils are my favorite flower, so he went outside and picked the flowers that the rain had broken off from the plant (he at least assured me this was the case).

It was free, thoughtful, and perfect.

I was then treated to a wonderful lunch AND dinner later on. To top it off, he ended the day of luxury with a glorious ice cream and chocolate ganache pie in an oreo crust with raspberries on top. It was delicious!

I'm so grateful for Nathan and how much he loves Eliza and me. I spent the rest of the evening snuggled with our little lady. She has become quite the cuddler, and it completely melts my heart. She is just so cute that I miss her when she is asleep. I never thought that would happen! Eliza is a blessing, and I feel so fortunate to be her mother.

I just wish I could convince her to take a good picture with me!

Our Little Helper

On Friday, in honor of the Mother's Day weekend, Nathan made a delicious dinner. Part of this dinner included au gratin potatoes and buttermilk. The carton of milk was too close to the edge of the counter, and Eliza simply couldn't resist "helping."

She wasn't too happy about being covered in buttermilk.

However, she seemed to calm down for a picture.

And she even got a bath out of it, which unfortunately reinforces her "helping" tendencies.

Dancing Cousins

Although Eliza and her cousin Robert live thousands of miles apart, they share something in common (in addition to excellent genes): a love for dancing and Yo Gabba Gabba.

Robert's moves are ridiculous!

20 Months and Adorable

Currently, Eliza loves finding ways to avoid bedtime. She enjoys laying on the couch (propped up on pillows) while drinking a bottle with all three of her blankets surrounding her. Earlier this week, she was awake until after ten, watching "Tangled." She loved it.

And yes, she now has three blankets. She discovered one of her old baby blankets in the linen closet and instantly became reattached. The third blanket was my fault. I was worried about her precious green blanket unraveling and purchased a backup. Unfortunately, Eliza was around when we opened the package and has not let the blanket leave her sights.

Eliza continues to learn new words. She's good at repeating colors and shapes and recognizes animals and the sounds they make. Her favorite animal word is "puppy," and she walks around saying, "arf, arf" throughout the day. She absolutely loves looking at all the puppies in her 101 Dalmatians book.

Nathan and I notice more and more that Eliza is fiercely independent. She likes to do things her way and refuses to accept help when it comes to things like completing puzzles, eating, and even walking down stairs. She also knows what she wants. For instance, last night, Eliza wanted a bath. I washed her and let her play in the water with her toys, but after thirty minutes, I thought she had been in long enough. However, she refused to get out of the bathtub, screaming "NO, NO, NO" anytime I tried to pick her up.

Apparently, "no" is her favorite word.

While I'm at Work....

Yesterday, Nathan sent me an email, entitled "snippet." It contained this picture "for mama."

Can you tell Eliza likes pureed bananas and raspberries?

After making a mess, she calmly drank her "smoothie." This is a concoction Nathan makes daily, which includes spinach, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, whey protein, apple juice concentrate, and water. It may sound gross, but Eliza loves it! 

Seeing these "snippets" while at work always makes the day better.

Favorite Things

When the dog bites. . .yadda yadda yadda. . . my favorite things!

And. . . . .

 And most importantly. . . .

(Posted by Nathan. Duh.)

Everyone Poops

So I know the Bin Laden's death is the news of the day, but I do not want that to overshadow Eliza's great achievement of the evening. A few minutes before the great announcement was made, Eliza pooped. IN HER POTTY.

I can't even express how happy this made Nathan and me. Perhaps we are "those" parents who celebrate every single milestone or maybe we're just tired of changing diapers? Either way, we are proud of our little lady.