Harperstrio

Christmas

2009-12-28T15:09:00.005-09:00

The kids were anxiously awaiting Christmas. They couldnt wait to get their hands on the gifts under the tree! Nana Carolyn made all their Christmas jammies this year- the kids all looked super cute!
We video taped their faces as they walked out of their bedroom. After 4 or 5 gifts they were done opening and just wanted to play. Their favorite gift was a dirt devil vacuumn. Who knew I had such little cleaners :)

We also had family photos taken the day prior by Susan Stevenson. The photos were taken just before naptime and was complete chaos. Suprisingly we still got a few nice shots. Here is a link to our photos- http://susanstevenson.com/Journal/2009/HarperChristmas2009/
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!!!

Finally- my labor story.

2009-12-24T13:10:00.002-09:00

Kennedy Marie was born 12/4 (41w1d) at 5:10am. She was 22" & 8#13oz -- all natural!

I had posted about my 41 week appointment, shortly after I came home and posted I began having contractions 10 minutes apart but thought nothing of it until I started having "show" around 7pm. None the less I still tried to go to bed around 9pm (thinking it was just from the doc checking me earlier that day) and was waking every 10 minutes on the dot. My husband was convinced we were going to have a baby that night-I didn't think so.
Finally around 12:30am I was pacing the house and contractions were every 6 minutes and becoming intense. We called our friend Melanie who came over and slept at the house (so she could take the twins home with her in the morning). We got to the hospital around 2am and I was already 7cm.

I got in the labor tub and stayed for 1.5 hours or so. I stood up to go pee and I started puking (transition!) by 4am it was time to push and I was exhausted. I was breathing through the contractions because I didn't want to push.

The pain was intense, and my doc/husband kept telling me its the only way the baby can come out! Finally I did it, I got her out! I was nervous, after her head come out I was afraid her shoulders were stuck. I kept telling my doctor to "get it out, get it out" and she kept telling me " you have to keep pushing".
When she finally arrived the doctor announced by saying "She's here!". We both still cant believe shes a girl. She looks nothing like us or our other 2. Thank-goodness we both witnessed it or we wouldn't think she was ours. She is beautiful with all her dark hair :)

We went home Friday afternoon (14 hours later!). I felt fine and the baby was well so no need to stay (plus I missed the twins)! Before we left they discovered Kennedy has a soft cleft palate (only)-- way back in the back of her mouth where her uvula should be, she has a small hole.

We saw the plastic surgeon here in town and he doesn't like to do the repair until she is one. We are going for a second opinion at Seattle Children's Hospital next month when we visit Curtis' parents. They usually do soft cleft repairs between 9-12 months of age. Of course I'm hoping for an earlier repair.

This has been very hard for me. As a LLL leader and a breastfeeding mom, I was really looking forward to the experience of nursing a singleton and right now we cant nurse at all! I'm pumping around the clock, bottle feeding, washing all the bottles/pump parts etc and then there's the twins- this isn't what I had envisioned and is super hard but we're trying to make the best of it. I thought we'd co-sleep/nurse, I could sling her and sit down with the toddlers etc. I didn't think Id be up for all hours of the night trying to pump/feed etc. I thought we would just get in the car and go- but unless I can get everyone ready, out of the house and back home again in less than 3 hours (so I can pump) we aren't going anywhere!

I'm having a hard time establishing a routine and transitioning to life with 3 and a pump. Hence the reason its taken me so long to update! I'm sure it will all be OK- I just need to adjust.

Thanks for all your kind thoughts, you all have been great!

Welcom Kennedy Marie Lima Harper!

2009-12-08T20:15:00.003-09:00

Brand new to the world on 12/4/09 at 5:10am! Weighing in at 8#13oz & 22" long!

First picture with Dad!

Meeting Everett & Macey for the 1st time at Melanies House

Hanging out on the couch

She is a jolly little thing!

We're still working on a schedule of sorts and we are both sleep deprived already so more to come (such as the birth story & how things are going) when things settle down!

My 41 week appointment

2009-12-08T20:12:00.001-09:00

Written on 03 December 2009 - 05:07 PM
For those of you keeping up on me, I had my 41 week appointment today.I am almost 5cm dilated and 80% effaced. The doctor said she is on call tonight so if I start having contractions (they don't even need to be 5 minutes apart) and I wanted to come in, I could and she would be happy to break my water and we will have a baby!We did an NST (non-stress test) and everything looks good. I scheduled an appointment for Monday but she doesn't think I will make it till then. If I do, we will do an ultrasound on Monday to check the amniotic fluid etc. She said if I made it to 42 weeks (which again is highly unlikely) at that point we would discuss an induction date. Im moving right along. Slow & Steady!

A Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T21:44:00.007-09:00

Thanksgiving Day- my due date, has officially come & gone!

I had a doctors appointment last Wednesday the 25th to which I was "a good 3cm and 80% effaced". The doctor offered to sweep my membranes but I politely declined and scheduled my 41 week appointment. I had secretly hoped to not go that long, but am willing to go the distance (doc says up to 42 weeks) if that's what baby #3 wants....and given that I'm 40w5d today its quite possible I could make it!

Curt's family was here celebrating the holiday with us. They were busy cooking, cleaning and chasing toddlers. I haven't done much of anything. Ive definitely been spoiled and am sad to see them go. Not just because of the help but the company too :) Its fun to have a full house. Everett & Macey love love love their cousins, auntie & grandma/grandpa. I'm also sad that they wont get to be here to celebrate the birth of the new baby (whenever he or she decides to grace us with its presence).

We did a lot while they were here. Here's a random sampling of our photos!

Grandma & Grandpa Harper with Everett & Macey (notice his hair pretty LOL)

Everett, Kloe, Grandma, Macey & Kai hanging out at the island. The new "hot spot".

Macey laughing from the belly up! We were at the ice skating rink and she thought her auntie, dad & cousins were quite funny!

While they ice skated Mel & I walked a little over a mile with the 4 kiddos. We were hoping for a 5th to show up before it was over but nothing happened!

Curt & I at Bonkers Indoor Playground

Grandma & Macey at Bonkers

Dad & Everett in the ball pit

Story time with cousin Kloe.

(I don't think I read a book all week!)

Out at Murphy's dome

Sledding out in the backyard!

Other things we did, not shown:

Chena hot springs (the water was perfect, everyone loved swimming!)

The pipe line

Glow putt golf

The Santa clause house

McDonalds playland

More to come when the baby arrives or I have my 41 week appointment on Thursday....

39 weeks & 3 days --

2009-11-22T13:29:00.002-09:00

Its been a week- a Loooooong week and Yes Im still pregnant.
I saw the midwife for my last appointment (Dr Ellie was still in Africa) and I was dilated 3cm and 70% effaced. The baby is completely dropped/engaged and I was measuring 41 weeks when I was just 39. You'd think the baby would want to come out, its got to be so cramped in there! But I guess not.

I see Dr. ellie for my 40 week appointment on Wednesday. I wish I had a gut feeling of when this baby is going to come but honestly I have no idea. The twins were pretty cozy till they got evicted maybe this baby will be the same way? I made up my mind in early pregnancy that I wanted this baby to come whenever it wanted too - Im just hoping it wants to come soon. Dr. Ellie said she doubted I would go over, but as long as baby & I are both doing well she will let us go till 42 weeks which is December 10th.

The in-laws fly in this evening, and my SIL and her kids get her late tomorrow night. We're going to have a full house and lots of entertainers for Everett & Macey. Amen! They must know something is up as we've been having lots of NO days. They are into everything and doing everything they absolutely shouldn't be and its exhausting.
They've even boycotted naps for the last 2 days but are fast asleep as I type this now and try to keep my mind busy.

More to come!

38 weeks and waiting

2009-11-14T12:53:00.005-09:00

I'm 38 weeks now, 38weeks and 2 days to be exact and the waiting is killing me!

I've now been pregnant for 9 days longer than I ever have before. I'm constantly wondering :

1. what is this baby going to be, boy or girl?

2. how much will it weigh?

3. who will it look like?

4. when will I go into labor? how long will it last?

I realize things are probably much easier with the baby still safely tucked away in my tummy then it will be when it comes out BUT I'm super excited for Everett & Macey to meet their new baby brother or sister.

Of course people are calling & texting me everyday asking if I'm in labor yet. The answer is NOT YET :) But I will let you all know when the baby is here :) Don't worry, I'm going to need help!

Remember Im due "Thanksgiving day" so the baby still has some baking time if it wants it.

Had a doctors appointment with the midwife this past Wednesday as my OB is officially out of town. Not much has changed. The only indication I have that labor *might* be coming is I didn't gain any weight at the last appointment. I see her again this Thursday. Thursday/Friday are also supposed to be my last 2 days at work before I start my maternity leave.

I also found out the labor tub at the hospital is back in operation -- yay for me! oh and for those of you I may not have told my massage therapist is going to attend the birth :) She's thinking about becoming a doula so she is going to offer her services in exchange for seeing if its something she's truly interested in. Im psyched.

Here's the latest picture:

And a few others to show you how we are passing the time as we wait:

Blue Play-doh.

She played while I made dinner and daddy & Everett ran errands

Macey & Everett posing in their new "picture spot"

whenever I ask them to take a picture they run to the end of the counter

and stand side by side to pose

Kallyn & the kids reading

Halloween 2009- See how they've grown!

2009-10-31T23:09:00.005-08:00

Harper Babies in 2008:

Harper Babies in 2009:

(notice sh'e wearing his outfit from the year prior!)

Fred, Pebbles & Bam-Bam!

(with a few improvisions so call them cave people if you'd like)She found a puppy! Our handy artwork :)

All in all it was a great day. The kids wore fun halloween clothes for the day and then changed into their costumes for night. I cant believe how big they've grown in a year! We spent the evening with lots of good friends enjoying good food! Happy Halloween!!!!

The baby wish list/ to do list

2009-10-28T19:26:00.002-08:00

Time is flying. This baby is going to be here in no time. My energy has picked up again and I have quite the list to accomplish with 4 weeks to go..... I started yesterday by packing my hospital bag (which isn't done yet) and for as sure as I am that I'm having a boy, I still packed an outfit for each gender "just in case".
I've got some thank-you notes to write, my ring sling to finish, Halloween costumes & treats to make and then there's the cleaning. You know, because my house isn't clean already.

We've started getting some decent snowfall and the temperature has been hovering right around freezing. The roads have been terrible but that didn't stop me from driving 35 minutes to blueberry baby yesterday (when its normally a 15 min trek). I just HAD to go get a few things. And of course while I was there I saw a few more things I want to add to my wish list.
People keep asking what I want for Christmas and it seems most things I want are for the new baby. You'd think after having the twins I'd have all the baby things that I want but I guess there are always things to be desired.

So far on my list I'm hoping to get the baby:

a few new outfits of its very own (once I know the gender) that don't have to be hand-me-downs from its brother/sister. Even though it wont care if its clothes are new or not, I will know.
A pair of those super cute Padraig slippers. The twins never had them but I love them. http://padraigcottage.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2
a few Bum Genius 3.0 cloth diapers
His/her own baby book. Everett & Macey have the ones that are "The first 5 years". I need to find one more for this baby.
a swankie blankie security blanket - http://www.swankieblankie.com/index-5.html

I think that's it. If I make it to my due date Ive got 8 more days of work left before I start my 12 weeks of maternity leave. I still haven't decided if I'm going back to work or not. I guess I'll see how things go.
I just put the kids down & Curts at the gym so I guess I should go complete something on that to-do list of mine although it sure is nice to sit down!

We've been busy, sick and everything in between!

2009-10-17T22:09:00.012-08:00

Its been in the 40s and we havent had any snow yet so we've been playing at the park as much as we can. Here are a few shots we took at Chena Lakes:

and heres one of the kids getting their first whole corn on the cob! If I would have known how busy & quiet it kept them at dinner I would have done this a long time ago. They loved it!

Saturday the 17th we went to Anchorage. It was a beautiful 6.5 hour drive and the kids were as good as you can expect them to be for being 1 year old. We spent the remainder of the first day letting the babies run around and explore the house. Saturday night Curt, my brother Joey & one of his friends went to a hockey game. I stayed back and relaxed with Carolyn.

Sunday Carolyn & I took them to church & Al ( a very nice member) spotted Macey and asked if she had any doll furniture. He handcrafts beautiful wooden doll furniture. She is now the proud owner of a baby doll cradle & chair. Everett also scored an old fashioned desk. It was very generous of Al!

After church Curt & I went and shopped at the mall. We didn't buy much but we bought a few things we wanted for ourselves. Then we went to Babies R Us/ Toys R Us and shopped for the kids Christmas. It was fun. I cant wait to see the looks on their faces! Sunday night we went to the moose's tooth for dinner. I really wish they would build one here in Fairbanks.

Monday we took the kids to chuck e cheese. Its still a little advanced for them but they were able to find a solid hours worth of activities to do. later that evening we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary by going to dinner at Simon & Seafords. It was a nice evening.

The Harper Family on our 4th Wedding Anniversary

Tuesday, Curt & I went and toured the Anchorage Tower & Tracon and also the center. It was Curts first tour and I got to visit with a friend. later that evening we all (our family plus nin & Carolyn) went out for dinner at a new restaurant called Firetap Alehouse. I really liked it but no one else was as impressed. Needless to say Macey ended up vomiting mac'n cheese all night long. I don't know if it was the food or if she caught something but we were all very very tired. The worst part was I'm soooo pregnant I couldn't get up/sit up quick enough to take her to the bathroom so Curt had to take her each & every time.

Wednesday we drove back to Fairbanks. The drive was LOOONG!!!! we were all tired & grumpy but we made it. We unpacked and lounged around the house.

The trip was great and Carolyn was super helpful. It was really nice not to have to change all those diapers, cook meals, and just be able to sleep & rest when I needed too. The only thing that would have made the trip better is if Dustin & my dad were there to join us :)

Thursday I had a doctors appointment at 8:15am. I'm 35 weeks pregnant. Only 5 more weeks to go. So far everything still looks good. Doc Ellie said I dont have to have an IV- she said Im young & healthy, very low risk pregnancy and have great veins so if they need one they can tke care of it then:) Ive started dilating and effacing so we are heading in the right direction. Baby's heartbeat was in the low 130s. Unfortunately Ive started getting more stretchmarks. I would have thought after carrying the twins for 37 weeks I would have gotten all the ones I was going to get but I guess not!

Here I am at almost 34 weeks:

I mentioned early that Macey was puking all Tuesday night. Well Everett had his turn Friday night and Curt on Saturday. Im beginning to think they all got the flu. I havent been sick yet, but I also already got my flu shot this year....I think being pregnant should make me exempt from any other discomforts LOL. Here is a picture of Everett & Curtis lounging around recovering as they watch Sunday football:

More to come as the weeks progress!

Out of the ordinary

2009-09-28T08:17:00.009-08:00

I'm 32 weeks pregnant now (8 months for those that prefer it in that form).

When I last saw my doctor we talked about her being out on vacation close to my due date.

Normally there are 5 other doctors that would cover in her absence. Unfortunately I'm not very found of the other choices and I don't want whoever is on call. I want someone familiar. I suggested another female OB in town that friends have had good experiences with so my doctor put a call in to her and guess what, she will be out of town too!

We talked a little more about what I'm looking for in a provider. I want someone who:

1. Wont rush me

2. Wont push medications on me

3. Isn't cut happy

4. Has good bedside manner and will listen to what *I* want (after all, I'm the one having the baby).

My doctor concluded I would probably do great with a midwife and thus she suggested a new one in town : Lisa Freeland.

In case you're wondering what a midwife is exactly (I also highlighted some things to remember):

A Certified Nurse Midwife is licensed and registered by a State Board of Midwifery. In order to obtain these credentials a person must complete a nursing program and then continue with graduate studies specifically in the field of Midwifery. Midwifery education consists of the complete knowledge
of the female reproductive system. They are taught to diagnose and treat (including writing prescriptions). After their schooling, a graduate Nurse Midwife must pass a
national exam (their "boards" if you will). Relative to
their role in the health care system, they receive as
stringent an education as a physician only not in
the medical school tract. In fact, Ivy League schools such as Columbia and Yale University have Midwifery programs.
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is able to care for the essentially healthy women for her obstetrical and gynecological care. She can render complete prenatal, intrapartum and post partum care as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the many common gynecological problems that affect women. In fact, Midwives manage women in all areas of their OB/GYN health including annual exams, pap smears, birth control, hormone replacement, infertility, and, of
course, all aspects of pregnancy and delivery. Midwives do not do surgery and they do not manage high risk problems. They work within a collegial relationship with a physician with whom she can consult or refer a patient. By law, a Midwife must have a physician to back her up. Once a person receives their credentials, their personal style can take many forms.
The most well known are the Midwives who do home births. In this environment, a Midwife has the ability to assist a
couple through the birthing process in a natural and comfortable milieu. It gives the Midwife the freedom to implement a total non-interventionist philosophy.
To the other extreme, and I believe the least known form of
practice, is the Midwife who chooses to mainstream. They are educated with the non-interventionist philosophy and incorporate that core education with a more expanded approach to providing care. These Midwives work in hospital settings (this is where Lisa works). They can be employed in the Midwifery department of a hospital, or like a physician, they work in private practices and are privileged to attend deliveries in the hospital.
Like the home birth Midwife, they utilize such techniques as talking to, walking with, massaging, medicating and showering the laboring patient to help decrease her discomfort. The hospital birth Midwife also has the availability (when she needs to use them) to benefit from modern technology such as fetal monitors, ultrasound, lab analysis and emergency equipment/personnel.
I went and met Lisa last Thursday and she was GREAT! She has hospital privileges and I can still deliver there but I think she will offer everything I'm looking for. She started as a regular nurse, than became a Labor & Delivery nurse and has been a midwife now for 16 years! She's delivered over 1000 babies. If I should happen to need a c-section she will call for one of the "on-call" docs to perform it but she will be there assisting. If I don't get an epidural she can provide labor support (as described above) and she will be there for ALL of the pushing, not just the baby catching. I will have my 37 and 38 week appointments with her while my doctor is on vacation. When she saw me at my 31 week appointment I was measuring 34 almost 35 weeks pregnant. Ive already gained 25 pounds and my back is feeling every bit of it. Thank goodness for pregnancy massage and good insurance that covers it!

The crib transition has been in full swing for almost 2 weeks now. Its been fantastic....until last Saturday. Both babies refused to nap. I finally gave up. Everett stayed up the WHOLE day from 7a-7p it was amazing. Macey on the other hand started to go down hill quickly around 430pm. I put her in her room and she fell asleep in her rocking chair.

I always wondered how parents got those pictures of kids sleeping in the oddest of places. My kids have always been great nappers so I never understood- now I do.

Along with their new independence of toddler beds and the little tikes table for meals & snacks, we got a new step stool! Here are the babies standing up at the kitchen island. They love it. They are able to see what I'm doing and they also like standing at the sink to wash their hands :)

Recently it started snowing here in the interior. Its beautiful. Its not staying on the ground but it is sticking to the rooftops and trees. I feel like Curt & I have been getting things done just in the nic of time (leaf blowing, studded tires on, screens out & windows cleaned etc). The kids LOVE the snow. The first day they saw it Everett walked outside and exclaimed " WOW!" It was so cute. They also love their snow gear and are eager to put it on everyday. I cant wait to take them sledding and to build a snowman. I think Everett will be super excited once he learns about "snow balls" :)

We had our 2nd annual bonfire last night. It was a good time. The babies stayed up and played till nearly 8pm and then I put them to bed and headed back to the party. We asked everyone to bring a lawn chair & a dish. We had a great spread of food and wonderful company :)

The last tidbits of news I have --- our sewer line broke about a week ago (luckily Curt & a friends husband who's a plumber were able to fix it cheaply), and this week our well line broke. I'm thankful that its not 40 below and its not the weekend but I really wish this house (or rather the things attached to it) would settle already. If it continues at this rate we may have to consider moving to another house. We expect some repairs due to the living conditions here and the fact that we are home "owners" but not the same 2 repairs year after year. They should get the well line fixed tomorrow.

My Paypal account was also broken into and transactions were being made that I didn't authorize! I called paypal & my bank and its all been worked out but I was not a happy mama!

Now that Ive filled you in I'm off to pick up toys and get myself ready for bed!

Toddler Bed Transitions - what a success!

2009-09-21T20:26:00.004-08:00

Macey's Toddler Bed

Everett's Toddler Bed

Its been a while now that Curt & I have been tethering with whether or not to move the babies to toddler beds and WHEN to move them to toddler beds etc. We bought their cribs with the ability to convert it's just been a question about when.
With moving to toddler beds, the new baby coming, potty training etc there are just so many changes I didn't want them all to happen at once. When the twins had their 18 month check up I talked to our pediatrician about it and she thought we should wait until a few months AFTER the new baby arrived. My gut told me otherwise so yesterday on the mark of them turning 19 months we made the transition. We both agreed if it went horribly it would be just a few screws to make them cribs once again.

Well so far so good! Its been great! I think we've been making the transition slowly all along we just didn't realize it. We had previously baby proofed their whole room. We secured all the furniture and got rid of the dresser, we kept the toys minimal- books mostly. Then we started putting them in their cribs and sitting in the rocking chair reading them their story book before bed.
Now that we've made the transition everyone goes to their room, hops in their own bed and sits down to listen to the story. It sure is nice not having to lift two 20+ pound toddlers!
We've had 2 successful naps and on their first night of sleeping in the beds they even slept in!
This morning I heard them talking and Everett had wandered over to Macey's bed and was helping her play baby dolls. This afternoon I heard Everett talking and was expecting to see both toddlers when I realized it was only him that was awake and he had stayed in his bed! He didn't bother his still sleeping sister. yay!

We had thought that Macey was for sure ready for the transition (she had been trying to climb IN to her crib) and Everett was the reason we were kinda holding off. Come to find out (after 2 days) he was definitely ready and she well...she's working on it. She wants to get up and play and she takes FOREVER to fall asleep.

Curt & I set up cameras in their room so we could watch them after we put them down for naps/night time. Its neat to watch them sleep :)
I told Curt between using the little tikes picnic table for breakfast & lunch, and transitioning to toddler beds, my day to day life with them and the pregnancy is getting easier. They were really starting to get heavy!
Hopefully this will continue to go well, then we will welcome the new baby and a few shorts months after that we will be on to potty training. It's so fun to watch them grow and gain their independence!

Macey " What are you looking at?"
Everett " Who the heck are you calling?"

I can only imagine the conversations those two have just by looking at one another. Too cute!

September in Fairbanks

2009-09-15T10:44:00.006-08:00

Last Thursday Sept 10th, Curt & I decided we were going to try and float the river one more time before the snow comes. However we showed up to the kayak rental to discover that no one rents kayaks in Fairbanks after Labor day. Boo! We ended up going out to Chena Lakes in North Pole and had a nice walk instead. The dogs loved it!

The Chena River

me 7 months pregnant/29 weeks

Curt & I together, attempting to photograph ourselves
_______________________________________________________________

On Sept 2nd the babies got their MMR shot. The nurse advised us that they could show symptoms as late as 7-14 days after the shot. Sure enough, Everett broke out in a rash that spread all over his body. That was followed by both babies getting a fever. Macey ran a solid 102 for 3 days!!!
Needless to say, me being 7 months pregnant, with 2 feverish, clingy, whiney, needy toddlers was really wearing on me.
Carolyn and Dad decided to come up on Sunday and essentially gave me the day off. It was great. I was able to shower in peace, run errands alone, and lounge on the couch.
They brought la few new toys a broom, a baby and a ride o(n truck) when they came and they played with the babies ....A LOT! Here are a few photos:

Everett & Vavu putting his new ride on truck together

Everett trying to push Vavu around in the laundry basket

Watching Sunday football in their Cleveland Browns Attire
*courtesty of Grammy Jen*

Later in the afternoon we decided to go to Snedden park for a while. The kids had a blast.
Curt met us there afterwork and I made sure the dogs got some good exercise while the babies were being entertained.

Ready, Set, SLIDE!

HA! HA! Whose the winner?!

Nana, Vavu, Everett & Macey

Daddy & Macey by the river

We had a nice dinner at home (well as nice as one can be with toddlers throwing rice all over the floor) and before we knew it the day was over!
I hope to have a few more relaxing days before the new baby arrives!

Labor Day & my 28 Week Ultrasound

2009-09-08T20:53:00.006-08:00

I'm a little behind on picture posting so please forgive me:

Macey & Everett at Mcdonalds the day Nana Carolyn came to visit.

Everett & Macey reading books early in the morning! nice hair!

We're into having breakfast on our little tikes table these days

Everett found his dad's hat and decided this is how he would wear it. Curt thinks he looks like a gangster. Hes not a fan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In honor of Labor day on Monday night we BBQ'd at the Hills house. The babies had a great time. After dinner Mel gave them all a piece of cake covered in chocolate frosting. Here are a few of the pictures:

The Hills & Harpers having cake!

Dekar & Everett

Macey & Jordan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow I will begin my 29th week of pregnancy.
Yesterday I had an ultrasound done and today I saw my doctor. I asked Dr. Worrell (the sonogram doctor) if he could tell me how big the baby was measuring to which he replied " Your doctor didn't ask for the baby's size, she only asked for placenta and amniotic fluid". The ultrasound progressed and then he chimed in " but a good looking young lady whose as nice as you are can usually get me to do just about anything". LOL He went ahead and took some measurements. As of now the baby is measuring 3lbs 3oz and is in the 90th percentile! The baby is actually measuring a few weeks ahead of where I'm "supposed" to be. I told Dr. Worrell I probably wouldn't be seeing him anymore as we don't plan on having any more children. He said "well, if this baby continues growing at this rate you may see me again because your doctor may get worried about the size".
The gender is still a suprise and was positioned exactly as I said it was. Head down, body on my left and feet under my right rib. This baby is a mover!

18 month check up & the past week -

2009-08-31T09:15:00.006-08:00

Last week I took Everett & Macey for their 18 month check up.
I had to answer the question sheet for 15, 18 and 24 months pertaining to what they could/could not do. E & M could do everything! with the exception of 1-2 things at the 2 y/o level.
As we got into the exam room I told Dr. Woodward that they were using about 40 words, they know approx 20 body parts and have already started putting 2 words together such as : baby doll, puppy park and graham cracker. She said their vocabulary was fantastic.
The appointment progressed and we discussed transitioning to toddler beds, potty training and dealing with tantrums in public. We gave her quite the laugh! She said she definitely needs to do her research on sibling rivarly as E & M have been competing for my attention. They are little copy cats and want to do whatever the other one is.
As the visit was concluding (after wrangling the little monkeys back to the stroller) she commented on how obedient they were to my request. As she said " their ability to obey your request for their age is remarkable". Ive said from the beginning we were blessed with very good babies- nothings changed! Then this past Wednesday Curt & I took them to see Joanne (the public health nurse) so they could get their shots--eww. She too was impressed with thier skills. They are both very bright kids exceeding in many areas!

Carolyn came up last Saturday afternoon. She hadn't seen the babies in 3 months! They had a great time playing with her. We went to lunch at McDonalds playland, we strolled walmart and then we played at home. She says they are busy little people that can do lots of different things. It was fun for them to show her all they are doing and learning.

Othat than that we dont have anything major planned or to report- Lots of our friends are having/ preparing to have babies and then we have our own coming which means lots of reasons to shop! E & M just got their winter gear (snow bibs. coats. hats. etc) - Im not sure if I was more excited or they were. I cant wait to see them in the snow this year.

We've started trying some new activities such as Plah-Doh and those invisible markers. Ive been feeling brave and am ready to let them be creative!

I have an ultrasound on Tuesday and a doctors appointment Wednesday so Im hoping I will have good things to blog about later next week!

Good Food, Great Company!

2009-08-18T22:08:00.005-08:00

Its been a long week (and its only Tuesday). Ive been working quite a bit extra this week with my job-sharer attending a training class. I forget how much work it is to get me AND the kids up changed, dressed, fed, packed and out the door. Thank goodness for flexible schedules and helpful husbands!
We've been taking advantage of the weather and doing as much walking as we can. We finally found a good use for the babies first sleeping bags:

They've also been busy playing in the kitchen. We moved the mat & their little kitchen in doors. Here they are :

Tonight we had a date night with Melanie & Craig. We had a great time. We dined at The Chena Pump house and we sat outdoors in the enclosed area. They have heaters out there. We felt no need for them, but the elderly tourist sitting nearby insisted so we finished dessert quickly and moved to the bar area to get out of the heat. Darn tourist :)
Heres a couple pictures from tonight. Im 25 weeks (6.5 months) :

A cool week...

2009-08-13T16:12:00.003-08:00

The temperature dropped drastically after my sister left last Friday; I think she took the hot weather home to Florida when she went :) Its been in the mid-60s and gorgeous. Curt & I have been getting alot of work done around the house because this wave of cold weather only means one thing to me- Winter is coming!

We got all the outdoor stuff cleaned up. Part of the kids toys moved to the shed (which got a new paint job- wahoo!!!) the other half got to come inside.

The babies are enjoying having their kitchen in moms kitchen although they havent figured out they can cook on it yet. For now they just like opening/closing the cupboards.

We still have more work to do next week....I may have 2 children already but Im still feeling that nesting urge and there are things I want to get done to "prepare" for the new baby so we're doing them while we can.

Wednesday was a busy day for me. It was my day to sleep in so I slept till 9:30 and then rushed out the door by 10:30 to make it to my LLL meeting. As I got home at 1pm we were walking out the door again to take the kids to the fair. They werent too sure about the animals but they warmed up. When I get a chance I will upload the pictures. We had to take them with Curts iphone because as of now my camera is officially missing! I cant seem to remember what I did with it, nor can I find it.

Yesterday (thursday) I took the kids to the sitters for the WHOLE day and curt painted our living room. Finally the last room in our house to be painted is done! Now to just get a couple accent items.

Today (friday) I had to work and then went off to run some errands with the kids. I had them in the shopping cart strolling through the grocery store parking lot when I hit a bump and poor little Macey slammed her face into the cart. Shes got quite the shiner. It looks like I punched her in the face. I can only imagine what it will look like tomorrow- lets hope the motrin helps!

Heartburn has finally kicked in full force with this pregnancy. Luckily it happened about 8 weeks later than it did with the twins :) My friend Melanie is on her way over with dessert, the kids are asleep and my husbands at work so Im off to enjoy some good food & great company!

Its already August?

2009-08-05T14:09:00.005-08:00

Well Im not sure where the time went. It seems I was just blogging about the 4th of July and here it is the 5th of August! We had a great visit from my mom and my sister is scheduled to depart on Friday. Its certaintly going to be an adjustment going back to a quiet house. Ha! I said quiet, I have two toddlers...
The weather has been warm but there has been tons of smoke and even ash at times. Today is one of those days where the sky is covered in gray and a nice coating of ash has settled on the cars and everything else outside.

Heres a couple details about what we've been doing over the last month:
Curt & I celebrated our birthdays this past month. Curt is now 28 & I 26.

We both had a cake at home. He got a Stanley Thermos and I got a Vera Bradley handbag (along with a few nice cards & some spending money!). My mom babysat for us and we had a night out together :)

We went kyaking down the Chena river...

We went to the Alaska Salmon Bake...

and this upcoming week I have my 24 week doctors appointment on Monday. Here I am:

Hopefully it will be uneventful. This baby has been veerrrryyy active. Ive been napping alot when the twins nap and thus not getting much done. Im not sure if its the company, the warm weather or their age, but I think we are slowly on the way to 1 nap.

Here they are showing some love to one another!

Today we are going out to lunch and then hopefully off to do some berry picking! We'll see what the day bring

20 week ultrasound~

2009-07-14T10:27:00.013-08:00

Halfway there, here I am:

We had our big 20 week ultrasound yesterday! I told Doctor Worrel right away that we didn't want to know the sex. I told him he could leave the monitor on, just not to tell us what he saw.

When he first put the transducer on my belly we immediately saw a head, 2 feet and 10 toes! It was the cutest!

The baby looks very healthy and is already measuring 13oz (just shy of a pound). It appears I may have a little excess amniotic fluid and also a low lying placenta. I spoke with Doctor Ellie about both those things this morning. She said we'll do another ultrasound around 28 weeks to check the position of the placenta (which should migrate up as my uterus grows) and also to check the fluid levels. She said 2 possible causes of excess amniotic fluid are 1. The baby isn't swallowing properly (although Doc Worrel saw the baby's belly clearly yesterday and it looked great) and 2. gestational diabetes, so I will have the GD test done at my next appointment Aug 10th. I'm hopeful it will turn out to be nothing at all!

From left to right babies head/spine, babies face and hand, top of babies head with 2 feet and 10 toes!, picture of whats supposed to be the nose/lip (but don't worry, I don't see it either!)

We got to see the baby yawn and that was neat too!

Curt swears he saw boy parts, and Im not so certain. None the less we've picked out two names (one for each gender).
If the baby should be a boy he will be named: Charlie Reeves Harper

If the baby should be a girl she will be named: Kennedy Marie Lima Harper

Aside from that we havent had much going on. The weather has continued to be hot, we've had intermittent smoke from the surrounding forest firest and Everett has his first tan. Curt has decided E must have my portuguese skin tone! We're not so sure about Macey...

Macey went to the doctors on Saturday, she has impetigo. She has almost completed her treatment, thankfully because shes been miserable and I cant wait for her to get back to the happy little lady I once knew. Macey's three new words are NO, uh-0h and brother :)

Everetts new skills are saying NO in a very serious tone while he shakes his finger at you, jumping up & down and walking down the stairs forward facing unassisted holding onto the hand rail.

The babies are growing up so quick!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

2009-07-03T21:36:00.012-08:00

Well the summer sun has been in full force! At one point today my car read it was 91 outside...we don't have air conditioning in the house (like most Alaskans) so we've been keeping all the windows open & fans on but it sure is a change from winter. Heat like this makes me long for those cold blustery snowy days. Poor little Macey was so hot and shes just been outside a few mintues. Heres a picture of her waiting to be put in the car: The time has been flying by (hence no new blogs), Jenna has been here almost 3 weeks now and Lea Ann (my MIL) arrived here very early Wednesday morning. We spent most of Wednesday going to twingroup at Pioneer Park, and then headed out to Chena Hot springs.
Along the way we spotted several moose! One mama moose had her 2 calves with her - it was quite the site to see. Lea Ann & Jenna were both very excited about the moose!

We completed the evening with a nice dinner at Silver Gulch Brewery. The waitress even commented on how well behaved the babies were.

Thursday I had to go to work so not much happened during the day, once I got home I learned my dad was making a work related pit-stop here in Fairbanks so I went and picked him up from the hotel he was staying at. He got to meet my sister and spend some time with the babies. We headed to the tower so he could say hello to his favorite Son-in-law and then we went to Lavelles where Lea Ann and dad had drinks and I had a HUGE piece of cheesecake! We stayed up way too late and thank heavens Lea Ann got up with the babies this morning. I don't think I would have made it.

After everyone had their showers and lunch we went to the bontanical gardens at UAF. It was beautiful but HOT! Heres my sister & I, and then everyone together:

Here I am, only 5 months pregnant- (and yes I was much larger at this point when I was having the twins) but I wasn't pregnant in the summer and chasing two toddlers. I don't know about 4 more months of this --- I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday morning and should get an ultrasound sometime in the week to follow so we'll see how this baby is doing! So far I think all is well. The baby has been moving a TON and Jenna even got to feel it a few different nights this week!

After the botanical garden we went and got some famous Hot Licks ice cream and came home to nap yet again - well all but Curtis, unfortunately he had to go to work again ;(

Curt has to work most of the weekend as well so as it stands we will probably enjoy a nice leisurely lunch tomorrow and then back to Pioneer Park for some fourth of July festivities.

Happy 4th of July!

Gloomy Days

2009-06-24T19:51:00.003-08:00

It's been 1 week since my sister, Jenna, arrived here in Fairbanks. She's been a great help, even getting up with the babies alone a few mornings and letting us sleep in :) Sunday the four of us went grocery shopping and by the time we came home she collapsed on the couch exclaiming " that was exhausting I never want to do it again". Who knew 2 toddlers could take so much out of a person. Shes been napping daily and I find it refreshing that for as young and energetic as she is, they wear her out as well!

Since shes been here we've done a few things. We went to Twinsgroup at Pioneer park, Snedden park for a regular playgroup, North Pole Park for a birthday party and the Bently Mall. Shes been Kayaking with Sarah & to hot licks ice cream. She got to see the summer solstice street fair and Monday night we went to the movies and saw The Proposal. We also went to the food factory & the library. She's slowly learning her way around town. There's not a ton of tourist attractions here especially that appeal to a 17 year old girl so Im trying to find a few things to keep her interested but its challenging.

Here she is Kayaking:

All day yesterday & today it was dark & gloomy, cold & pouring rain. Most of our moods have reflected the weather. I sure hope the warmth & sunshine come back soon.

In other news, a good friend of mine loaned me some "soap nuts" laundry detergent to use on the babies cloth diapers- so far Im loving them. She also loaned us a Bum Genius 3.0 Diaper but we havent tried it yet. We looked for the babies some new Seattle Mariners hats (toddler size) and were able to find 2 very cute ones at LIDS in the Bently Mall but they were spendy so we passed for now.

Tomorrow, Friday & Monday I have to go to work :( then Tuesday my MIL arrives! Hope the weather is nice for her so we can do a few things! We're hoping to go to Chena Hot Springs so her & my sister can see the ice museum and we can all enjoy the hot tubs and indoor pool together. The babies LOVE the water!

16 weeks & 3 days

2009-06-14T10:01:00.006-08:00

Well my pregnancy is moving right along and there are times I could completely forget I'm pregnant but then there's the fact that my belly is starting to itch, I'm hungry all the time, and yesterday when the kids napped, I had to as well- Baby #3 told me too. S/he was tired!

Yesterday morning, Curt let me sleep in and it was heaven. I woke up to find the kids fed, breakfast and dishes both done. :) Then I got to go get an hour long massage and an adjustment from the chiropractor. Surprisingly my lower back is doing fantastic, its my neck that's killing me. I'm seeing the physical therapist at the chiropractors office to help me learn some exercises to alleviate the neck pain I'm experiencing due to the pregnancy. She said its all because of my changing posture as my belly grows. We'll see if it helps.

Here are a few pictures Ive started taking, no big changes yet (please forgive the lighting and my past pregnancy stretch marks that are starting to show-ugh):

(Above) Here I am at 12 weeks. Macey is wondering what I'm doing....

(Above) Here again at 16 weeks...

And here's a picture for good measure! Just the kids and I, lounging in the living room spending some quality time together before they go "nigh-nigh" :)

I Love them so much! they are sleeping now as I type. Cat, the lady who helps me clean is on her way over to help me get my house in order. I hate laundry and she doesn't seem to mind. Lucky me!!! My sister arrives late Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. We have lots of company scheduled for the summer and I'm excited. I need a pick me up. Ive had a lot of bad news this week. Pray for your friends, family and co-workers because you never know what will happen.

xoxo

Locks of Love, LLL and photos!

2009-06-09T19:16:00.008-08:00

Today was the big day! Ive been talking about donating my hair to locks of love for a while now....I finally called the salon this morning thinking it would take weeks before they could get me in only to find out they had a cancellation for today! I anxiously went. I thought by the time it was over I might end up with a pixie cut but I knew I was done with long hair for the time being and I needed a fresh look. Besides, its for a good cause right?

I was able to donate 11 inches of my hair. Then I lost a few more getting my current style. Here are the before/after pics:

Not to shabby. Im definitely going to be saving in shampoo! Afterwards I went home and got the kids and we went to Melanies house to play for a while. They had a great time and they just LOVE her backyard. Here are some photos from that as well:

The babies got their varicella & hepatitis A vaccines yesterday. So far they haven't had any reactions. As far as development, they are doing fantastic. Curt & I counted up the words they can say, and so far they have 17!!! They also sign for about 5 others. Everetts doing well for height/weight, Macey on the other hand isn't even on the weight chart. I guess shes taking after her mama! None the less, both babies are healthy, happy & thriving.

Last tidbit of news is that as of June 6th I am officially an accredited La Leche League Leader. Tomorrow will be the first meeting I attend in "leader status". Next month, the main leader, Mary, will be out of town so I will by flying solo for the 1st time. Good thing I have a month to prepare. The local WIC office has also gractiously agreed to let me get some volunteer hours in there as a breastfeeding peer counselor. Im well on my way to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I just have to complete my 1000 hours before I plan to test which is in 2011.

Thats all for now! Im off to enjoy some quiet time before I head to bed. take care!

Suprise! We're having another baby!

2009-06-04T22:12:00.005-08:00

Well its been almost 16 months since I blogged last....I dont know what Ive been doing!
My previous website was http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/vip/JessH where I blogged all about my twin prengancy....time keeps ticking and Ive done random updates through email but have finally decided Im ready for something more. Here I am.

The thing that really got me thinking about blogging is baby #3. Thats right, we're having another! This baby was a complete suprise and so far Ive done nothing for it like I did for the twins. The twins have an incredible book that talks about their start from conception through delivery. This baby has had 1 picture. bad mommy.

We found out I was pregnant March 26th. The twins had just turned 13 months old. I was tired all the time. More tired than the work of toddler twins. I took a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy and well I wasnt even done peeing on the stick when it turned positive. I called my doctor and insisted on an ultrasound since I had no clue how far along I would be. Id never had a period since I had the twins. I was still nursing and we'd used clomid to concieve E & M.

When I went for the first ultrasound all we saw was a sac that was measuring 6w2d but no fetus. Dr. Worrel told us we were either earlier than 6weeks or that I would miscarry. My doctor then decided to check my HCG levels. The first day she checked they were 24,213. Two days later they had risen to 33,000+ . I said " oh thats not much" to which she replied " acutally its remarkable. once you get in the thousands we dont expect it to come even close to doubling." I asked her if it sounded like 1 baby...she said no which is why you need to have another ultrasound. A looooong 2 weeks later we went for another ultrasound on Apr 13. We found out then we were having 1 baby and I was 7w5d. This baby was to be born Nov 26th, 2009 - Thanksgiving day!

I had my first real OB appt in the 9th week. I was still not convinced it was a singleton. This pregnancy had far more exhaustion,nausea and vomiting then I had ever experienced with the twins. I felt awful. My patient doctor, understanding my concerns and fears took me to her ultrasound room to which she showed me again- 1 baby. This baby was moving and measuring right on target.

Around 13 weeks I started feeling light movement. When I went for my most recent OB visit, yesterday June 3rd at 14w6d I told her Id been feeling the baby move and was able to show her exactly where s/he was. She said most women cant feel that early but given that Im thin and this isnt my first pregnancy it would explain why I could. The babies heartbeat was measuring 154 and so far Ive gained 4 pounds past my pre-pregnancy weight. My next appt is in July.

Ive decided I do not want to know the sex. We already have a boy and a girl. We have everything we need. In todays world there are very few suprises and I want this one. My husband doesnt seem to agree. we'll see how it goes!

Well I think that has me caught up on the prengancy part. More to come on our everyday life with our toddler twins and the gorgeous Alaska summer!