Kyley & Molly

Sunday, August 26, 2012

its been a year since I posted...wonder why? TWINSANITY!

My sister posted to her blog...which made me think...I should try that again.

The last year has been fun and crazy--we have moved, had my Dad and then Darryn's mom living with us before/after the TWINS arrived to help out, we had a non-traditional Thanksgiving in Kentucky with my Dad, I was on bedrest for about 6 weeks, the twins made their debut, we had our first Christmas with 4 kiddos, Darryn finished up his most difficult semester of his PhD program, I went back to work, the big girls plalyed soccer on the same team in the Spring, Kyley completed her 1st year of school, the big girls went to Texas for a month to visit the family...etc etc etc!

Kyely started first grade last week at a new school...her 4th new school since we moved to Kentucky. She went to 2 different pre-schools prior to starting Kindergarten last year. She has transitioned SO well and really seems to be excited about being at Audubon Traditional Elementary this year. Her teacher Mrs Conkling, was very nice and personable at the meet-the teacher day. Being the insane person that I am, I toted all 4 kiddos up to the school, so she understood and cut me some slack when I forgot all of Kyley's school supplies! We also found out that she also has 4 kids, the youngest of which are twins!

I was alos very pleased to find out that this teacher uses a system in her classroom where the kids "change their color" -- you know, if you talk in class, you might have to change the color to indicate a warning... multiple changes result in a note home. However, the exciting part, nd something I thing is very important for Kyley, is that she can also move back up (and even beyond) where she started. Everyone starts on green...you have 2 or 3 levels up and 2-3 levels down from where you start. Kyley got the highest color on Friday "star Student" and was SO proud of herself. As a kindergartner, she coul only move down on the color chart...and any kiddo that stayed on green for the week recieved a prize. She quickly figured out that if she had to change her color early in the week, she had not way of getting the prize. Now, Kyley isn't devious, but she is smart. The reward system in that class was not effective. I wrote all of that to make a parenting comment...kids always need to know that they have hoope, that we don't stay disappointed in them just because they mess up once, that we love them despite their mistakes/imperfections.

Now we are gearing up for the fall soccer season...we had pictures and orientation yeasterday. This should prove a little more difficult this season since the girls can't play on the same team. Both teams practice on the same night at the same time. Initially, practices were scheduled at 2 different locations, but the coaches fixed that for me when I called it to their attention. Games for both are on Saturdays.

The twins, Brandon and Brooklyn, are getting big. Both are crawling...well, Brooklyn's looks more like a frog-hop. I'll be working on catching some video soon. Brandon is into everything...computer cords and shoes are some of this favorite things... we have all kinds of barricades set up to keep him from getting hurt! We have also turned our back and found him sitting on top of a box (about a foot off the ground).

Darryn is doing well--he has taken up running again and is setting all kinds of personal records in the speed of his running. The best news is, he isn't hurting (knock on wood)! He has started working 1 weekend day/week --daycare for 3 is quite pricey.

I am good too...enjoying my time with my kiddos on the weekends and trying to accomplish some major projects/changes at work.

Well...the crazies are starting to wake up now... so I will go. Pictures to come!

Its going to be an exciting and crazy fall!

Friday, September 2, 2011

What's it like?

Many people ask me how I am feeling or tell me they are worried about me now that we know about there being 2 little ones growing... and I will tell you, this pregnancy has certainly been alot different than the previous two. I am much more emotional, I am already swelling at 20-weeks, and most of the other symptoms have been more intense. But I am still feeling good over all... I have to rest more, I don't walk as fast, and I can't keep up with the family on the days I join them on our family walks (which isn't often). I feel pretty exhausted after cooking dinner or giving the girls a shower.

Darryn has been a huge support and has taken over most of the household chores. I help as much as I can, but he is really carrying the load around here. He has also been working slowly at packing our house to move us next week. He is the girls playmate too. Not to mention this is the most difficult didactic semester of his PhD program.

All in all, we are all hanging in there, knowing it will get harder before it gets easier, but feeling very blessed the entire time! Keep praying for our health, studies, sanity and endurance.

18-week ultrasound

This is Baby boy Atkinson

This is Baby Boy Atkinson

This is supposedly the picture that confirms we have a boy in there...

Baby Girl Atkinson

And this one confirms she's a girl

Thursday, September 1, 2011

20 weeks...

I have had several people request a Belly shot... I've never taken a belly picture before and I had alot of trouble getting a clear picture, but here you go! The twins at 20-weeks (halfway or less) there! I look and feel like I am about 30 weeks- and the hormones, back pain, swelling, heartburn definitely indicate that there is something different going on this time around.

Darryn and I still have "Holy Cow" moments... when we are still shocked that there are TWO babies on their way! But mostly, we are excited. We are working on finializing baby names, thinking about how we might decorate the nursery for a boy and a girl, and trying to decide what else we need to buy. We defnitely feel out of practice.