Anniversary, Anniversary

Nathan and I celebrated our anniversary in a very traditional way: dinner and a movie. This, however, was a huge deal to us for a number of reasons:

A) We don't spend money these days.
B) We have only been to one movie since we've been married.
C) We have only had three dates (sans baby) in the last two years.

Crazy, right?

We felt a little guilty about going to Outback and then spending $19.00 to see Cowboys and Aliens, but it was totally worth it! Ty and Jenny, Nathan's brother and his wife, were able to join us, which made the outing even more exciting.

We ended the night with a quick trip to Sonic for milkshakes and ice cream. Lucky for us, someone drove off without their order, so we ended up with an extra strawberry milkshake and a delicious berry slush (which I was happy to take). Jenny is also pregnant, so we had a good excuse to eat as much as we wanted :) It couldn't have been more perfect!

Tonight, we're starting our third puzzle for the week and hanging out. Nothing fancy, but I'm happy :)

Thank you, Nathan for all that you do. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you continually make for our family. Eliza and I are blessed to have you. Happy Anniversary!

**p.s. This picture was taken as a joke, mocking the typical engagement stance, but I kind of really like it.


** p.p.s I would like to thank Becky for blogging about cool hair ideas. I loved the knotted braid, and it worked out great!

19 Weeks

At 19 weeks pregnant, I have settled into a simple routine of doing as little as possible. Nathan plays with Eliza most of the day, and I tag along for the at-home activities. We were able to borrow a wheelchair, so I can now join the family on walks if I have the desire. Most of the time, I stay at home because pushing the wheelchair is hard work for Nathan.

I try to pass my time by reading or doing puzzles. Nathan and I completed this 1,000 piece puzzle in less than 24 hours this weekend.

Look at this face. Can't you just tell how exciting our lives are? :)

My energy levels are still ridiculously low. It's hard for me to even walk up the stairs, much less go anywhere willingly or unnecessarily. Nathan, Eliza, and I attempted an outing to watch the hydo races on the river last weekend. Unfortunately, by the time we walked the quarter of a mile to the site, I was exhausted and ready to go home. Nathan pushed the stroller, carried all the bags, and I even stopped to rest, but none of it helped.

We watched a couple of races before leaving, and I was impressed! I had never seen a boat race before, so it was pretty amazing. However, the excursion completely wiped me out for the day, and I won't be looking for adventures anytime soon.

Even though I don't feel much bigger than I was last week, Nathan says he can see a huge difference.

 

Yeah. I don't see it. Please note that I am no longer forced to wear the same dress for every occasion. I received the maternity clothes I ordered from Old Navy...and I LOVE THEM. I highly recommend you pregnant ladies check out their selection.

23 Months

I can't believe Eliza will be two years old in less than a month. She has changed so much over this summer, but definitely remains daddy's little girl. Her first words in the morning and after any nap are always "Daddy!" (or "Daddy?" if someone else comes in the room first). They are so cute together.

Eliza continues to enjoy her hour long morning and afternoon walks in addition to swimming and jumping on the trampoline. She can say so many words now and has become rather demanding. If she wants milk rather than juice, she will let you know. She loves asking for cookies and smoothies and loves practicing various facial expressions.

She has done the most amusing things this week. She loves to pray and will demand random prayers throughout the day. Yesterday, as Nathan and I were walking up the basement stairs with her, she said, "Pray!" and folded her arms. Nathan and I folded our arms as well, and Nathan said a quick prayer. We then turned and walked another step before she said "Pray!" again. This time, she looked at me, and I said a prayer. We then walked another step and she asked for yet another prayer. This time, Grandma, who was still sitting in the basement, was asked to say the prayer. Eliza yelled, "Ma! Pray!" Finally, once we all said a prayer, she seemed satisfied.

Another amusing Eliza-ism concerns hot dogs. She is an incredibly picky eater and has refused hot dogs anytime she has been offered them. Then, last night, Nathan and I were out when my mother-in-law, Cheryl, texted: "Did you know Eliza loves hot dogs?" I let her know Eliza had never been willing to try one before. Her response: "Well, she just ate three! And she wanted more!" Crazy girl!

Eliza is talking up a storm these days. Because Nathan speaks to Eliza in Portuguese, Cheryl and I often feel as though we need an interpreter. She blends Portuguese and English phrases together, which often creates confusion (for me). Thankfully, Nathan understands all.

I love watching Eliza communicate. I am constantly amazed every time she uses a new word. I can't believe how quick she is learning these days. We love how she understands humor (to a certain extent) and plays around with us. After long walks, she'll stop and pant her breath as if she had been sprinting for half a mile. It is so cute, and we have no idea where she learned that trick!

Currently, we are trying to teach Eliza how to be nice to babies. She was given a doll, which she promptly threw on the ground with disinterest. However, after a few days, it seems like she is warming up to her "baby." We're convinced she'll make an excellent big sister :)

Oh, and did I mention Eliza LOVES slides? Because she does...

Robbins Cookies

Something I have learned since marrying into the Robbins family: You can't be a Robbins without loving Robbins Cookies. Thankfully, I thoroughly enjoy the delectable treats, which are basically glorified chocolate chip cookies.

I had a serious craving for chocolate sweets, so Nathan and I decided it would be fun to make cookies with Eliza; it was a win-win situation.

Don't Eliza and I look great? Yes, it is 4 in the afternoon. And yes, I am still in my pajamas and obviously haven't brushed my hair. Awesome.

She had so much fun dumping the ingredients into the mixing bowl and was fascinated every time we turned the machine on.

Nathan also introduced her to the beauty of cookie dough. After giving her a small bite to sample, Nathan didn't understand Eliza would only want more. Thankfully, these cookies bake for only 8 minutes, so we didn't have to distract her for long.

Without further ado, here is the recipe. Be warned, the Robbins Family consists of six sons, so my mother-in-law made six dozen at a time. This recipe can easily be cut in half and has the same results.


Robbins Cookies 
2 Cups margarine (softened)
2 Cups white sugar
2 Cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5-6 Cups flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 Cups quick oats
2 Cups chocolate chips

Directions:
Mix the softened butter and sugars together, then add the eggs and vanilla.   Mix together and then add the flour (we usually use a bit more than 5 cups but a bit less than six, just somewhere in there), salt, baking soda and powder and mix again.   Add the oats and mix. Finally, add the chocolate chips and mix again. 

Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes for regular people (12 minutes for those who like firmer cookies).


Enjoy! Eliza sure did!

Just Breathe

For the past two weeks, I have felt as though I cannot breathe or fully catch my breath (I know, I know...I complain a lot!). With my history of athletically induced asthma, the doctor recommended I use my inhaler twice daily. Apparently, just sitting around and being pregnant is the equivalent of running three miles a day. Who knew? I'm sure many of you did, but Nathan and I didn't know pregnancy was that strenuous of an activity!

Despite the inhaler usage, the sensation of being unable to breathe has only worsened, and I presume it will become more of an issue the bigger these babies become. Unfortunately, I am also prone to anxiety attacks, which often occur when I feel as though I cannot breathe. When I am panicking, it becomes even more difficult to get oxygen (obviously) and that's when we have real trouble. I've been working on trying to relax myself and take it easy, but the shortness of breath persists. With multiples, there is definitely less space and I know my diaphragm is receiving a fair amount of pressure, but I didn't think I would be this uncomfortable so soon! The boys are only 6 and 7 ounces, so they can't be causing too much trouble, right?

Today, my lips are blue and there are dark bags under my eyes. Not a good sign. Nathan believes it could be mostly the anemia to blame, so we're off to get iron pills. 

Has anyone else dealt with this? Suggestions? I've made a list of iron-rich foods, but I'm open to any ideas for healthy foods!
 

Othello, Othello

Most of you have never heard of Othello, Washington. Before meeting Nathan, I certainly hadn't. Located in eastern Washington, the small town of 6,000 people is situated in the midst of acres of various crops. Although technically a desert, the area has been sufficiently irrigated and is now primarily agricultural. Below is a picture Nathan took, which captures the essence of Othello. Tons of corn, yet plenty of desert. This view is somewhat deceptive because this is actually acres and acres of corn.

When we decided to move in with Nathan's parents, I knew it was the right decision. We needed help and the support of our family members. My primary concern was the available medical care. Even though the town's only hospital is conveniently located four houses down from my in-laws, I was not convinced. At all. I consoled myself by thinking: "We're moving to Portland. There will be an excellent hospital there."

As it turns out, we probably aren't moving until January. Nathan spoke with his chiropractic school and his schedule will be a grueling 7 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The twins, if they came at 36 weeks, would be born right before finals. With so many variables, we don't feel comfortable committing to school until January. Honestly, the thought of Nathan leaving me alone for hours with Eliza while I was heavily pregnant was overwhelming. I was telling myself I could handle it, but after speaking with the perinatologist, we realized the health of our babies and myself was our greatest priority. Therefore, we are staying in Othello for a few months longer than planned.

Cue my worry and anxiety regarding delivery.

Growing up in South Carolina, I certainly didn't live in the country. Columbia, being the capital city, had various hospitals and numerous choices when it came to doctors. Additionally, with a nurse for a mother and a father who lived in hospitals for almost two years (due to a spinal chord injury), I had always been told that a good hospital made all the difference. Therefore, after seeing the tiny Othello Hospital, I vowed our children would not be born there. I didn't feel safe, and I placed judgment swiftly, refusing to even tolerate the suggestion. My greatest concern was the hospital lacked a NICU. With twins and an almost certain early delivery, I felt this was a very legitimate complaint.

Therefore, we have been driving an hour to the Tri-Cities for our multiple appointments. At our most recent appointment with the perinatologist, I requested suggestions for an OB/GYN. He could tell I was not impressed with the treatment I had received so far in the Tri-Cities and actually suggested a local doctor in Othello named Dr. Miu. Dr. Halversen stressed the importance of going to a hospital if I had any problems and not driving an hour to the Tri-Cities if I thought I was in labor. He highly recommended Dr. Miu, which was significant because Dr. Halversen is just so...strange. He speaks facts and is a no nonsense kind of man. So, Dr. Miu being a good doctor must be a fact in his mind. Good sign.

Coincidentally, my in-laws knew Dr. Miu through church and highly recommended him as well. Yesterday, we called and made an appointment for today (appointments have to be made 1-2 weeks in advance at our other doctor's office). We drove five minutes to his office and didn't wait more than a minute to be seen. His nurses were friendly, and he came to our room almost immediately.

I love him.

Guys, I LOVE him. He is the nicest man alive. Nathan and I couldn't stop smiling because he was just that nice. He also looked just like Jason Scott Lee (who played Mowgli in the live action Jungle Book movie), so what's not to love. He was friendly, engaging, and he actually made eye contact! He asked me how I was and seemed like he actually cared about us. He also shook our hands literally three or four times, which I thought was adorable.

Regarding the medical aspect, he explained he would not deliver the twins at the Othello Hospital if they were early. He assured me that I could be life flighted to Spokane, which has an even better NICU than the Tri-Cities, in a matter of minutes. Additionally, their office would provide accommodations for Nathan and I to stay at the Ronald McDonald home if the twins needed to be in the hospital for any amount of time.

I felt safe, cared for, and SO RELIEVED. As an added bonus, the total time away from our home was 34 minutes! This, compared to our 4-5 hours Tri-Cities trips, was simply marvelous.

So, Othello, it looks like I am okay with you. For now. Being surrounded by tons of corn still creeps me out, but I am learning to deal with it. And lastly, I just have to throw in a picture of this sign:

We saw this on our way home from the Tri-Cities last week. The sign was actually on fire (a dry field had gone up in flames), which was certainly an ominous site to see while driving home. Oh Othello. Home, sweet home.

But really. The corn. It's EVERYWHERE.

The New Trend and Names

Yesterday, I read an article entitled "Two: The New One." Apparently, the number of twins has risen drastically over the past few years. In fact, the article claims one in every thirty-three children born is a twin. Crazy, huh? I began thinking about it, and I know of enough twins to believe the statistic.

In other news, naming two little boys is proving to be more difficult than I previously imagined. There are so many variables to take into account (in my mind, at least). We already have a firm name for Baby A, but find ourselves constantly changing our minds when it comes to Baby B. Nathan and I wanted the boys to have separate, distinct names, but I find I cannot escape my love for E names. Twins with E names? Three children with E names? Is it too much?

I know there are obviously more important things to worry about, but I feel like naming a child is such a serious responsibility. Of course, we have plenty of time to decide upon names; it's just one of those things you think about often while pregnant!