Who Are You?

While reading my blogs over breakfast this morning I saw a couple of you had done this "Who are you?" topic. And I loved it!  So I'm jumping on the bandwagon.

I have some wonderful followers (you!) and I'd love to know more about you!

You have followed my journey as a first grade teacher, wife, and mommy and I would love to get to know you more. 

All you have to do is leave me a blog comment below with the following things:

Who are you?  

Do you blog, too? Leave me your link!  I want to follow you!

Do you remember how you found my blog? A link-up? Another blog?

How long have you been reading?

What keeps you coming back to my blog?

What would you like to see me blog about more?

What is something we have in common?

Tell me a fun fact about yourself!

AND GO!

XXOO

37 Weeks Pregnancy Update

How far along are you? 

37 weeks!
Still here and the babies are still cooking!

Total weight gain? 

I gained 1 lb this week.
So 14 pounds total this pregnancy.

I've had a lot of people email/ ask what my secret is/was for not gaining much weight. To be honest. I think I started off on the chubby side before I got pregnant. It was right after New Years when I got pregnant and I weighed the highest I have ever weighed. I was in the 150s. So I think this is why I haven't gained much. I had a lot more fat to grow into. Haha.  Also  you have to remember how sick I was in the first trimester. I was sick multiple times a day and couldn't eat anything. I lost 10 pounds from that. And then it was summer. And it was hot as balls here in Arizona and I was chasing my 3 year old son and bringing him from activity to activity each day. I think that helped tons.  Hope that explains a little bit! 

Baby Information?Any doctor news?

(This may be old news for those of you who follow me on Facebook!) I went to the babies' doctor on Wednesday for my growth check. Harper is weighing 5.15 lbs and is in the 20th-25th percentile. Hudson was the one we were most anxious to see. Because his growth or lack there of would determine if I would be having a C-Section scheduled for this week. The ultrasound tech measured him twice. The first time he weighed 5.3 lb and was in the 5th-10th percentile. This info meant he was in the "worry point" and would need to be taken out soon.  The next time she measured him, he weighed 5.11 lb and was in the 10th-15th percentile. So although he was in the same percentile as last time, he has gained weight. So the next step was for the baby doctor to look at the data and call my doctor to decide.  That was yesterday and I still haven't heard anything- so I'm assuming they aren't worried about his information. I have an appointment with my doctor scheduled for tomorrow.  So, we'll see what happens then.  Unless I start labor on my own, I'm guessing I wont have my C-Section until next week. 

I am really happy that they are such healthy and big but I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that I didn't have a C-Section scheduled!

Today I went to my doctor. She was giddy with how I am still pregnant! I am now dilated to a 3. She called labor and delivery to see when is the earliest they will let me schedule an elective C-Section for twins.  It was pretty funny because no one knew the answer.  They said it NEVER happens that twins make it this far. They literally had to ask many people around the hospital before they found the answer. But we got an answer. 38 weeks is the earliest unless I had complications or labor had already begun.  So Thursday the 27th I will be 38 weeks.  We scheduled the C-Section for that day.  She laughed as she told me part of her says I won't make it that far , but part of her says of course I will- these kids are surprising us each week.  I am excited to have an "end date" and know that it is indeed coming.  I was so anxious to get these babies out, but I feel like this gives me a few days to finish cleaning the house and getting all my ducks in order! 

Best moment ?

The best moment this week was getting lots love from friends and family.  I wrote an update post on Wednesday on Facebook and got so many comments and likes.  I've also gotten a bunch of emails from sweet blogger friends and texts from new friends from my Mothers of Multiples group.  

It is so sweet to know that so many people are thinking about us and praying for us!  I appreciate you all! :)

Another great moment? My new Erin Condren life planner arrived!
You know you are a nerd when.... haha

Worst moment ?

Wednesday night. Phew. Reagan came into our bedroom at 12:00pm and said "I threw it all over. Can you please clean me?" I was lying there awake- surprise, surprise.  Turns out Reagan threw up everywhere in his bedroom and in the hallway to our room.  He continued to throw up every 15 minutes until 3 am when he fell asleep on my lap on the couch.  He slept until 5 am and was up throwing up again until 8.  Nick went to work and my wonderful mom came over to give me a little break.  He has been sick all day. I guess the flu is really going around- so take care guys- this is no fun!  Reagan has been throw-up-free for over 24 hours! He is in happy spirits and I hope is on the mend! :)

 Genders?
1 boy- Hudson Brooks and 1 girl- Harper Grace

Sleep?
My sleep has been hit or miss this week.
But my dreams have been amazing. My favorite? Being best friends with Lady Gaga. 
Such adventures.

What I'm looking forward to?

A healthy Reagan and meeting my babies!

Sunday Social

Today I am linking up with the girls for their weekly Sunday Social.

1. What are 5 items you can't live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don't count)

1. I couldn't live without the social media. Whether it be on my phone or computer, I am obsessed. I visit Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, and Instagram multiple times a time. Yes. It is an addiction. 

2. I couldn't live without hugs and love from my little man.  When he was sick at the end of the summer and spent a few days/nights at my parents' house, it was one of the hardest things for me. I missed him so much.

3. I couldn't live without my water bottle. I know this question specifically states don't count water. But at this stage in pregnancy I literally can not get enough.  I carry my water bottle everywhere and chug it like I'm dying in the desert.

4. I couldn't live without my planner. I carry it everywhere!

5. I couldn't live without my DVR. Seriously, what did we do without it? 

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why?

I seriously can't pick just one. 

I have different favorites from various stages of my life.

Charlotte's Web

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Devil's Arithmetic 

The Bean Trees

Before Women Had Wings

White Oleander

The Help

I could go on forever. I love books!

3. What is something you'd like to accomplish before the end of 2012

Before the end of 2012 I would like to have some sort of a part-time, working at home job lined up. I know with 3 kids under 3 I need to be able to work from home and help support our family.  I am pretty clueless with ideas and would love to hear your input. 

Any ideas?!

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be?

I would love to go back to my Senior Year in College. Nick and I started dating, I was president of my sorority, my girlfriends and I made such awesome memories. I would love, love, love to revisit that! 

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them?

I wish people knew how much I hated the smell of smoke.  So if they reeked of smoke they would either stay away or spray something before they come near me.  We had a waiter the other night who was so stinky. I seriously couldn't deal. 

Have a fabulous Sunday!

36 Weeks Pregnancy Update

How far along are you? 

36 weeks!

Total weight gain? 

I gained 3 pounds this week.
I am up 14 pounds since pre-pregnancy.
I feel like it totally went to my face.

Baby Information?
Harper was flipped vertex at Wednesday's doctor appointment but I felt a sharp pain on her side last night so my money would be that she has flipped yet again. Heartbeats and everything  else are good. 

Any doctor news?

My belly is measuring at 45 weeks! Holy belly!

My cervix is more dilated and almost totally effaced. My doctor is on call this weekend so good news if the babies decide to start labor! I have my next growth check for the twins on Wednesday. If Hudson has dipped below the 10 %ile (which he most likely will have) we will schedule the c-section for Thursday or Friday of next week. If by some odd chance these babies keep growing and cooking along, we will schedule the c-section for week 38.  I can't believe they will be here so soon! This pregnancy has absolutely flown by.  I really have had a great pregnancy and I'm so lucky that these babies will most likely be going home with us after our 3 days in the hospital. Thank the Lord. 

Best moment ?

Harper had her first set of hiccups yesterday. 
Hudson gets them quite regularly, but she has yet to have them. 

I also am super excited because I ordered a new Erin Condren planner last night! 

We also decorated the house for Halloween this week. Reagan is so excited for Halloween. I feel a little badly because it's not like it's next weekend or something! Every day he wakes up and walks around - "Me really love Halloween! Is it time for real pumpkins yet?" Oops.

Nick surprised me with roses last night for making it to week 36. Totally sweet. If you follow me on Instagram- there is a picture there.

Worst moment ?

My mood swings have been off the charts this week. First off- pregnancy hormones-duh! Second off- I take Prozac for my anxiety. (Yes, I am a little high strung!) You aren't supposed to take Prozac while breast feeding, so she is switching me to Zoloft. The switching of the drugs is totally making me teary and cranky. Watch out. I spent most of Sunday in bed crying. 

Stretch Marks?
Well, looks like Harper is already being a little diva to her Mama. My left side of the belly has totally spread with stretch marks.  And my right side (aka Hudson's side)? Totally fine. Harper's constant movement are causing my left side to look like I was run over by a truck. Awesome.

 Genders?
1 boy- Hudson Brooks and 1 girl- Harper Grace

Sleep?
Knock on wood. My sleep has gotten much better this week. 
I have been falling asleep with little problems.
Let's hope I didn't just jinx myself.

Food cravings or aversions?
Well, those dessert cravings from last week never materialized. I thought it would spark something in Nick who might surprise me with cheesecake, blizzards, or cookie dough. But no luck. Boys are clueless.

My current craving? Root beer floats. And this I had tonight. Score.

What I miss?

I miss my friends! 

What I'm looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to meeting my little babies.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday! 

Reagan Edition

As always I am loving my sweet boy Reagan.

He has been an absolute riot lately and I wanted to document some of my favorite things he has said lately, so I don't forget!  Remember that Reagan is 3 and tends to use the word "me" instead of "I". I call him my little Cookie Monster since that's how he talks!

I've also added some Instagram pics I have been taking lately!

(1)

Reagan: "Me really frustrated with this book."

Me: "Why are you so frustrated?"

Reagan: "This is a touch book. Every page has something to feel except for this witch. Ahhh"

(2)

Reagan: "Why those babies not come out yet? I'm really worried about them in there."

(3)

After trying on his Halloween costume Reagan got really sad in the car. After I asked him why, he said "Woody no wear Crocs! He wears boots!"

(4)

After walking through Party City he got scared of those hanging monsters and dead people.  

He found a Batman mask and put it on and said "I protect you from those monsters!" 

Ps- he wore the mask for the rest of the day/night.

(5)

Reagan is the most loving little guy.

He tells members of our family daily "Me really love you". So sweet.

(6) 

Reagan has discovered the word "stupid". We are not exactly sure from where- ahem- probably my mother. But he has been using it a ton lately. We are trying to correct him and tell him we don't use that word, but the first few times we heard it we got a few chuckles.

"Why that stupid bird in the street?"

"This stupid thing won't work."

Aye yi yi.

(7)
Other random words in Reagan's vocabulary that come out often:
"probably"- as in "Those babies probably steal my toys."
"borrow"- as in "Me just want to borrow your pen please."
"awesome"- as in "I'm really awesome at going potty by myself."
"it happens" - as in "I got my pull up wet at nap time. It happens Mama."

This kid keeps a smile on my face daily.

Show and Tell Monday

Today I am linking up with Becky for her weekly Link-Up "Show and Tell".

Today is all about babies! 

1. Tell us your favorite baby names? Aside from your own babies, if you have some :)

Obviously I love my babies' names- Reagan James, Harper Grace, and Hudson Brooks.

Other names I loved, loved, loved and were in the running for our sweet babies were:
Girls- Olivia Jean, Grace Victoria, Emma Leigh, Madison, Madeline
Boys- Wyatt, Weston, Brooks, Logan, Deacon, Bennet, Oliver

2. Show me your "dream" nursery {can be your baby's nursery or one that you love}

Here are a couple pictures from Reagan's nursery-

 We did a nautical theme for his nursery.
 I mixed Pottery Barn with Babies 'R Us.
(Ps- we kept Reagan's name a secret until he was born- hence the washrag covering his name on the life preserver!)

(For some reason I didn't take any pics of the walls.)
Sorry! 

Here are a couple pictures from the twins' nursery-

We didn't really have a theme- just navy blue and pink

My other favorite nursery is my niece's.
My sister did an awesome job!

She has "Tiffany" blue walls, black and white bedding, white furniture, and I love her tree vinyl. Gorgeous.

3. How many children would you like to have? How far apart?

My original life plan was to have 2 kids. 
Obviously that is out of the picture.

So now we re at 3. We are done after the twins!
I am really excited about the gap between them. Reagan is almost 3 1/2 and is really "into" being a big brother.  He is potty trained, can play independently, and doesn't need Mama and Dada 24/7 which will be important once the twins arrive! I honestly think its going to be a great age gap.

My younger sister and I were 2 1/2 years apart and we were best friends.  
I think between 2 years and 4 years apart is good gap.

4. Tell us what you think the importance of parenting is?

I think it is so important to be patient, have structure, and give yourself some slack. I am such a perfectionist and parenting can be incredibly difficult if you are constantly trying to be the perfect mom with the perfect child. One of my favorite quotes that I read every morning is "God does not require you to succeed, he just requires that you try".  

5. Show us your favorite newborn photo {can be your children or random}

How adorable are these twin newborn pics I found on Pinterest?
I love them!

6.  Tell us some things you promise to never do as a parent {and if you are a parent, did you stick to it}

I always swore my child would never wear Crocs. But FAIL- Reagan is obsessed. He has so many pairs. I have to admit- they are easy to get on and off and easy to clean.

I didn't want Reagan to have juice before 2 years old. I was good here... he didn't. 

I'm sure there are more... but I can't remember!

35 Weeks Pregnancy Update

How far along are you? 

35 Weeks Pregnant with the twins
I am thrilled that they are such fighters and continue to cook in my tummy. Although I am anxious to not be pregnant anymore, I know that every week they are in my belly, the healthier they will be.

Total weight gain? 

I gained 1.5 pounds this week.
I am up 10 pounds since pre-pregnancy.

Baby Information?
Hudson is weighing 4.8 pounds.
Harper is weighing 5.6 pounds. 
(Size of two honeydews)

Hudson is in the 10th percentile and Harper is in the 35th percentile.
Hudson's head is still quite a bit bigger than the rest of his body and there continues to be evidence of asymmetric growth for him. The Dr. told us that it is pretty interesting and cool that the body knows to give the nutrients and growth to the brain first.  That is why is head grows bigger than the belly and legs.

Any doctor news?

Hudson dropped in his percentile again.  He is now in the 10% and Harper is in the 35th %. If/when Hudson dips below the 10th, they will need to schedule a c-section right away. My Dr. was okay with scheduling the c-section for next week, but she needed to get the A-Ok from the babies' Dr.  She thinks we have seen enough data that he continues to dip. But the other Dr. was really pleased with how well my pregnancy has gone and wants to see just how far we can go. Oh joy.  (It's funny because my Dr. is clearly all about making me happy as her patient, but the babies' Dr. is more concerned with them and could care less about my comfort.) So... he wants to see me next week for my dopplers and fluids test and then hopes to see me in another week for another growth check. After that check (assuming that Hudson dips) he will feel comfortable having my c-section.

Anyway. So I'm supposed to continue bed rest and take it easy this weekend since my Dr. is not on call.  But after that- it is what it is.  When she did my check-up today, I was still dilated the same amount and my cervix was really high up.  But it was almost completely thinned out.  She is convinced my water will break before I make it to the next growth check. We'll see. I keep thinking- watch- I will be that rare case of twins who actually makes it to 38/39 weeks. The Dr. keeps telling me what a great pregnancy this has been and how I am one of her best multiples (great blood pressure, no swelling, no excessive weight gain, no diabetes, healthy babies). Oh yes. And was I sure I didn't want to do this again? Hell to the no. While she is in there she is also tying my tubes. 3 babies is my limit.

Best moment ?

I've had a lot of fun chatting via text and Facebook with one of my oldest friends Jaime. (We were best friends our whole childhoods.)  She is pregnant with twins and we have been sharing info, tips, and complaints often. She is hilarious and I seriously laugh so hard talking to her.  I'm so excited that we are going through this together.  Her twins are due in December.

I just stole this picture from her Facebook.
Hope she doesn't care!! :)
Isn't she adorable?

Worst moment ?

I'm feeling large and in charge. It is so hard to get comfortable, no matter where I may be. As I sit here typing this, I feel like Hudson is going to break my ribs. Phew.  Oh yes. And my nipples have begun cracking. Awesome.  Getting ready for the pains of nursing.... didn't have to bust out the lanolin gel this early with Reagan! Oh well.

Movement?

I am still feeling them move quite a bit. I hope to capture a video this weekend because it really is amazing to see my stomach move in such bizarre ways. I can literally see a head pop out on one side and a foot on the other. As painful as most of the movements have become, I am going to miss never feeling this again!

Maternity Clothes?
Same as before- when I am heading out I wear maternity clothes. Yet, when I'm around the house I wear work-out-ish clothes but mainly a sports bra and shorts. Side note - tonight I was lounging in my sports bra and shorts and Reagan yelled out "I see Mamma's boobies- put a shirt on." Geesh. I guess I won't be doing this anymore! 

Stretch Marks?
Yes. Still the same one.

 Genders?
1 boy- Hudson Brooks and 1 girl- Harper Grace

Sleep?
My sleep routine has become so crazy. I will lie awake reading or watching tv until 2 in the morning. My mind races at night and I can not relax. Since I don't sleep well at night, I have been sleeping in late. It's really a bad cycle! 

Food cravings or aversions?
Hmm... I'm craving it all lately. It's a good thing I literally am too tired/sore to move or I would be as fat as a house! Gosh- what I wouldn't give for a cheesecake right now. And fresh baked cookies. And a blizzard. See?

What I miss?

Being comfortable and a really good night's sleep.

What I'm looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to meeting my little ones! I am thrilled that I have made it this far, but I am definitely ready for them to be out of my belly and into my arms.

Here is my to-do list most recently updated!
* I think I have given up on the freezer meals. I'm really quite spoiled and Nick cooks dinner for us every night anyway.  So I'm not sure there is even a point to make the freezer meals. I will ask him. But pretty sure he won't care! So other than that the to-do list is done! 
Whoop Whoop! 

* Paint the nursery
*Hang the chair rail 
*Buy a bookshelf and set up

* Order / set up the 2nd crib

* Order the nursery bedding/decor

*Figure out the car situation/ buy a mini-van?

*Pull out Reagan's baby boy clothes for Hudson/wash

*Borrow Charlotte's baby girl clothes for Harper/wash

*Figure out what other clothes are still needed

*Organize baby closet and dresser

*Read the stack of Twin books on my nightstand
*Borrow twin books from my Mothers of Multiples group and read up

*Finish registering

*Find Reagan's bottles and see what else is needed

*Make baby shower guest list

*Finish and turn in short term disability paperwork
* Clean the house
*Pack my hospital bag
*Make Reagan his big brother bag for when it's baby time
*Make a nursing box full of special activities for Reagan
*Do the first couple of pages in the babies books
*Organize pantry and make room for baby bottles and such
*Start making freezer meals for when the babies arrive

*Pack the babies' hospital bag

Protecting your Pictures/Blog

I've had a couple of questions about why I watermark my pictures and why can't people right-click on my blog.  I've done this because I have heard some scary stories of people "stealing" other bloggers pictures and creating their own blogs with someone else's info. Creepy right?

Well, I saw on Facebook today that one of my sorority sisters just discovered a blog using all of her pictures.  This creepy person made up this whole life story and even said that her husband had died. How creepy. 

So here are some tips to hopefully help you.

1) Watermarking Photos

I use PicMonkey each time I blog.  I upload my photos that I will use and use the "text" button to add my blog's name to each picture.  It can be kind of tedious but I feel like it's worth it. I'm sure there are other photo editing sites, but this one is free and it does the job!

2. Disabling the "Right Click"

You know how you can use your computer's mouse to right-click/save other people's pictures? Here is a link of how to disable it from your blog.  I think it's just another good step for protection.

Click Here

3. Facebook

As far as Facebook, I'm not too sure how you can really protect your pictures. I would just suggest you don't accept "friends" you don't really know.  As a blogger, I get lots of friend requests daily for people I don't know.  I hate to be mean, but I always just delete their request, unless its a good blog friend that I talk with regularly. I would suggest doing the same thing!

Also, random- but today Amber told me that I had "word verification" turned on for my blog comments.You know that annoying thing that pops up when you want to leave a comment? (Type the number and this crazy made up word?)  Derrr.. I had no idea.  So she showed me what to do.

1. Under Settings, click on Posts and Comments

2. Next to where it shows, Word Verification - hit "no".

3. Save Settings

Hope this helps!

I will be back tomorrow with my 35 week pregnancy update! 

Doing a little digging....

So, I have been really interesting in the "who's" and "what's" of my blog.

Like who is reading it and what do they like to read the most.

The whole thing is kind of mind boggling to me really.

For example, I have 599 followers.

Crazy awesome.

Thank you.

I get above 90 page views for each post.

Thank you again.

But I only average around 4 comments per post. 

Hmmm..

Most of my pageviews that aren't followers come from Pinterest.

So I'm getting that you like to read it and look at pictures, but aren't really in asking any questions or leaving me any comments. Is this normal? I know there are some of the really popular blogs that get over 100 comments per post. I can't even imagine. 

Here are some stats from blogger:

I had 240 pageviews today.

I had 849 pageviews yesterday.

49,641 pageviews last month.

And 316,122 pageviews in all time.

My highest read posts were as follows:

1. Back to School -103, 864 pageviews

2. Meet the Teacher- 11,616 pageviews

3. Teacher Tuesday - 10,995 pageviews

4. True Life, I'm a General Blogger- 2,692 pageviews

5. Your Back to School Questions Answered - 2,022 pageviews

6. The Twins Gender Review - 1,409 pageviews

7. 2 Year Dr. App. - 1,375 pageviews

8. Flat Stanley 2011 - 1281 pageviews

9. Fairy Tale Unit- 1,203 pageviews

10. Show Us Your Life- Playrooms- 1,065 pageviews

11. Want to Know My Secret? - 1,032 pageviews

12. Mother's Day in First Grade - 991 pageviews

13.Meg's Gender Reveal Party -482 pageview

14 . Week Pregnancy Update - 424 pageviews

15. Gender Reveal in my Classroom- 421 pageviews

16. Cookies and Milk Baby Shower- 419 pageviews

17. Details - 622 pageviews

18. Reagan's 3rd Birthday Party - 372 pageviews

19.  24 Week Pregnancy Update- 333 pageviews

20. We've Officially Named the Twins - 329 pageviews

So it seems you like my teacher posts the best. 

Sorry that I won't be doing many of these any time soon! 

But I promise one day I will be back with more school posts! :) Stay tuned.

You also seem to like the pregnancy updates and posts on the twins.

Glad to know that I can DEFINITELY continue those for you!

I'm sure mommy posts will continue to take over the blog.

Thanks for all of you followers and viewers. I really appreciate you being interested in me, my family, and our blog. If there is anything specific you would like me to blog about feel free to let me know.  Also, if you have any questions or anything you would like answered, please let me know!