Intercourse, PA

Seriously, what were they thinking when they put the name INTERCOURSE, Pennsylvania???

Just even saying it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable... can you imagine trying to tell someone over the phone (like your cable company) what your address is....in Intercourse??? They might just hang up on you!

We checked out the Amish community there, had some homemade pretzels and root beer (I prefer the ones at the mall though truth be told), I took as many "discreet" pics of Amish folk as possible (they literally just ride their horse/buggy alongside the SUV's), and enjoyed the muggy weather.

We also hit up the Hershey Chocolate factory with Grandma Wilson (who was in town). I am NOT craving chocolate, so that was a bit dissapointing....the boys enjoyed a fun time with all the many tempting treats. A child's wonderland.

Tagged...why not? It's a short one

Go on and read...it's a short tag...

4 Things I like about my husband:
* He makes up super cute and quirky songs when he is playing with our boys
*His fried eggs are yummy
*Big chocolate brown eyes
*Sense of style

4 Movies I have watched more than once: (but not necessarily my favorite)
*How to win a date with Tad Hamilton (has anyone ever heard of it?)
*Dirty Dancing
*The fugitive
*Remember the Titans

4 TV shows I watch:
* Flip that house
*Oprah
*The Office
*Curious George (anyone with toddlers understands that one!)

4 Places I have been:
*Argentina (The Patagonia region)
*Mexico (Cancun, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Guaymas, Puerto Vallarta, EL PASO)
*Canada (Niagra Falls border, Victorian Islands)
*Most recently...Chicago, Washington DC, Orlando, Virginia, Pennsylvania

4 People who email me regularly:
*Julie Boam
*Direct Buy staff (not so exciting)
*Arianne Pearce
*My mama (do forwards count?)

4 Favorite foods: (NOT my favorite subject right now...but, right now I like...)
*Anything with Cheese
*Olive Garden salad/breadsticks
*Mashed potatoes
*Whole wheat toast with butter

4 Places I would like to visit:
*France
*Spain
*England
*New Zealand/Australia

4 Things I am looking forward to in the coming year (2009):
*Giving birth to a healthy baby boy
*Being at home more full time
*Learning how to use my Bosch bread maker, and perfecting it
*Taking a yoga class and learning how to relax

4 Friends I tag:
*Julie Boam
*Arianne Pearce
*April Ashton
*Suzette Trimble

Chicago

A big thanks to all those who have cried along with me and been so sincere with all that we have been experiencing these last few weeks. Your words have soothed my sadness in many ways. You all said nicer thing than most people did in person...there are never words to express the loss of a child, but I also know what NOT to say b/c there were plenty of things said to me that definitely were not comforting...just b/c most people are uncomfortable and awkward with grieving experiences.

I am doing fine, still very sick, but as long as I get a baby out of this pregnancy...I don't mind.

Jared and I are now in Chicago for our last two week training at DirectBuy corporate offices. We are away from our boys while they are being taken care of back "home" in Maryland (I am still deciding if that feels like home to me...I think so). I miss them so much! It's hard to be away from them day to day at work, but two weeks? I am anxious to be back home with them.

I am hoping to celebrate our 6th Anniversary here in Chicago this weekend...maybe a fun show, a sports game, or perhaps a fancy restaurant. I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for your love...I sure do feel it and need it.

Our baby twin boys

From my twin baby boys:

From Baby A

Dear Mama

I was so excited to come down to our little family. So excited that I made sure that you, mama, felt my presence very early on. You knew me and my brother were on our way before you had your first ultrasound and heartbeat check! I tried hard to stay healthy mama, but my little body wasn't strong enough. I fought hard for 4 long months to be a survivor, to come out and meet you, to meet my older brothers Wesley and Austin and to be held in your arms. I seemed to be developing just fine; with all my fingers, toes and heartbeat beating in tune with yours. It came as such a shock to you when on August 7th (your birthday), the Dr. told you that I was no longer alive.
Heavenly Father thought that I was too special, too pure, too perfect to come at this time. I know that you will miss me, and I will be waiting for you on the other side with my tiny arms held open wide. Please don't cry any more tears for me mama b/c I want you to enjoy my brother who is still on the way and will always carry a little part of me within him. Remember the joy that I brought to you for a small piece of time and how much I love you. Be strong.

From Baby B

Dear Mama

I know that you already feel the loss of my brother leaving us. I too feel sad to know that I will never get to share that nursery with him that you have been dreaming up, or to sit side by side with him in your arms. I feel a part of me has left and it will be hard to always wonder what he would've looked like and how close we could've been as brothers.
The Doctors are concerned that I may also have some complications. I am going to fight extra hard right now to stay healthy as I develop and grow in your body Mama. I want to be strong! I want to bring me and my brother's love to you and our family despite our painful separation.
I too look forward to being held and kissed in your arms. We both love you very much and although we are separated for now, we will always be your twin baby boys.

belly pics

Ya'll have been
asking for them...here are a few:


At only 8 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks

Yo tengo mucha pansa....you may think that they belly isn't big, but let me tell you...it's huge and swollen and I already feel like I am 7 months along. By 9pm, I am spent and in bed until morning.

And a few more pics of our last two months of intense transition and many emotional meltdowns:



Traveling with our Wrangler across the US in a plane, playing with boxes in our new house for several days, fourth of July hats, living in a hotel for a week, playing in the rain

Hit and Run

I was minding my own business last night, venturing off in the new territory of Maryland on a well used highway....off I was to find the ONLY Wal-Mart in a neighbor city.

I was going to change lanes, but saw an approaching vehicle SPEEDING up beside me. So, naturally I stayed put and waited for him to pass. Well, he passed me, cut me off in my own lane and clipped the front of my car with his back bumper.

The shock of being hit while you are going 60mph is scary enough, but when he didn't stop...I knew I was in trouble. A HIT AND RUN.

I was angry! No way you are going to hit my baby Tahoe and get away with it! You meanie!

So, I did what any overly-emotional and hormonal woman would do, I FOLLOWED HIM.

We went through one light and he was still SPEEDING....I was keeping up with him barely, honking my horn and waving my arms for him to acknowledge me. I was so confused, if he knew he had hit me, why wasn't he pulling over?

We got to the second stop light...it was turning red and of course he ran it. At the intersection though, he decided to flip a U-Turn! So, I followed him in the U-Turn and at that point called up 9-1-1.

This was my first time calling 9-1-1 in my life. I was a bit nervous if it would connect right away. I told the dispatcher that I had been hit in my car, the guy didnt stop, and so I was following him. I gave her the car description and license plate...not knowing what else was going to happen.

He turned a corner and I kept following. Fortunately, he did pull over at a nearby High School at this point. I started losing my composure at the thought of being alone with this stranger in a parking lot. The dispatcher was super nice to me and told me I could leave if I didn't feel comfortable b/c I had gotten his license plate, etc.

But, I didn't want to leave if the police were on their way. How would I ever get my car fixed? (That was my first reaction b/c I knew that Jared is so cautious with our cars and he would be so upset with this car accident anyway....to his credit, he was more concerned for his prego wife:)

The man got out of his car and I DID NOT get out of my car. It was against my nature to be so rude and distant by keeping my door locked and window up. He started talking to me through the window, and with 9-1-1 on the other line, I felt comfortable to roll it down.

The first thing he said to me, "I am sorry. I am in a big hurry. If I can just give you my insurance info and contact #, can we please get this over with as soon as possible? I am going through a divorce and I am dying of cancer..." With that last comment, I came back with, "Yeah? And I am pregnant!" (Of course I am sobbing with tears of fear, and nervous energy and having just gone through a high speed chase).

The officers arrived with their lights on, two cop cars. How nice it is to be on the GOOD side when it comes to cops. I was well prepared with my license, registration and insurance info.

The cops were super nice. They pulled the man aside and talked with me...wanting to get an ambulance out for this pregnant and emotional woman. I really am doing just fine. It felt like I had hit a curb. Although, I might as well take advantage of a few back massages from a therapist! Why not!

The man was arrested for driving under the influence...2x's the limit. He was cuffed up and sent away. I wrote down my written statement (which he later asked me if I was an English major b/c it was so well written! I told him how I taught English at school...that made me feel good), jumped in the cop car and showed him where all the action took place, and gave my info for if I need to testify in court.

I really do appreciate our legal system. I felt safe, secure and important. I know that more scary and intense situations happen every hour, but for me at 7:30pm last night....this was big! I thanked the cop for his concern and respect for me. He told me that he was glad that we got the guy off of the streets, b/c he may have done something even more severe to someone else.

You all may think I am nuts, but I still went to Wal-Mart! I wasn't going to be on the other side of town for nothing! It is not a Super Wal-Mart to my dissapointment, but it has plenty of long lines, interesting folk, and crying babies to make me feel right at home.

Welcome to Maryland!

The gym

Jared and I finally became members of one of the local gyms. It is really like a resort, just 5 levels high (since everything is stacked here). The swimming pool is actually on the top level. Is that ridiculous or what?

I met with the group fitness supervisor, tried to hide my belly a bit and introduce myself so I can get in and start teaching some classes. She actually didn't even bat an eye, but went and got an employee packet to fill out. Was that an actual interview? I didn't even tell her about my past experiences teaching or what my last name was. Sounds good to me!

So, our first day hitting the gym in over a month. Jared took it easy...and I took it beyond easy. I don't even know if I broke a sweat. I feel extra self conscious of my belly these days and I wonder what people think when they see me at the gym, "Is she just fat? Does she need to do some ab crunches? Is she really pregnant?" I did some light weight for my flabby bootie and spreading hips (well, that's a bit exaggerated, but it sure feels like it!).

I took my boys for a bike ride today and that was another strenuous work out, resulting in more vomiting and dry heaving. The good news is though, is that our neighborhood is like a forest and we saw a deer frolicking. I just can't get over how gorgeous, green, lush and scenic it is here.

Work is a huge situation, and Jared and I are just trying to stay afloat. I actually am dreading those long 11-9pm shifts all week long....sigh....I sorta just want to lay in bed all week long with my big bag of cheerios.

I go to the Dr. again this week....will post some news after we go....you'll all want to hear it.