What I'm Thankful For This Year

Handy Manny Daddy

In preparation for the upcoming arrival of the Atachoochie Boys (who, by the way, have names now--Will and Henry!) Daddy installed hardwood floors in the entire downstairs of our house. He worked so hard and the outcome was AMAZING! Jack gave Daddy a new nickname when he was sawing and wearing his goggles--Handy Manny Daddy!

A Robot?

Jack donned this special outfit the other day and declared himself a robot. A pullup (outside his clothes), a life jacket, swim goggles (not shown) and a box on his head obviously makes him a robot :)

Go Hoos Go!

We've been to several football games this year but have only managed one good family picture. We'll try again this Saturday!

Uncle Mark and Aunt Sarah

Uncle Mark and Aunt Sarah came to Charlottesville for Halloween weekend and for the UVA/Duke football game. Despite Mommy being on her death bed with a kidney stone (that's right, not only is she carrying around twins, but she suffered through a kidney stone for 4 days!) we had such a fantastic time catching up with our dear friends. Jack really adores Mark and Sarah and we can't wait for their bundle of joy to arrive in March so Jack and the boys will have a playmate!

To Infinity and Beyond!

We spent Halloween this year in Charlottesville and Jack participated in the annual trick-or-treating on the Lawn at UVA. It was kind of surreal for Mommy and Daddy because when we were in college, we used to go to the lawn to see the adorable trick-or-treaters and talk about how some day we would bring our kids. It was definitely a full-circle moment.

Jack decided when were in Disney World in September that he wanted to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween and he never wavered. He was decked out!
Jack has been talking about trick-or-treating for months and would often practice on us at home. By the time it was actually Halloween, he was ready! He checked his bag every time to see what kind of loot he scooped!

The obligatory family pic in front of the Rotunda.

Attempting to Pick Pumpkins

When we were in Asheville, we set out on a quest to pick pumpkins. We thought we found the perfect place online and we set off to Skytop Orchard. It was super busy and bitter cold but we ventured out. Unfortunately, Skytop Orchard's website was very misleading. Their "pumpkin patch" was actually just a dozen pumpkins scattered around the grounds and there were no signs telling patrons where to go or what to do.Needless to say, the kids quickly became bored and the parents became annoyed.
So, we set out to find our pumpkins somewhere else. Thanks to Mommy's handy blackberry we discovered Granddads. Jack and Palmer ran a muck amongst the pumpkins and eventually found the perfect ones!
Jack was very excited :)

Baby Hagen!

Jack became enamored with Baby Hagen and he really demonstrated what a great big brother he will make in a few short months. He shared his blankies with her and always wanted to go to her when she was in her bouncy seat to tickle her and make her laugh.He eventually asked to hold her and he couldn't take his eyes off of her. He was so compassionate and gentle and concerned over her all weekend and it truly made Mommy and Daddy excited to see him interact with his baby brothers.
This picture just cracks me up.

Asheville

Last weekend we went to Asheville, NC for a cousins family reunion. We had such a great time with Mommy's cousins Rick and Gerald and their beautiful families. The weather was chilly and the foliage was amazing.Jack discovered Ms. Packman in the basement and instantly fell in love. He figured out how to turn it on by himself and was simply addicted. In fact, whenever I would go down to check on him, he would say, "Go away Mommy. I'm fine!"
Jack and Daddy went outside to play soccer. Jack can't wait to start soccer lessons in the spring!
We also decorated Halloween cookies. I think the kids ate more icing than they actually put on the cookies, but it was so fun!
Jack's cousin Palmer enjoying her creation :)

Swine Flu

Mommy here. I have been super stressed about swine flu recently. It seems as though news about the increasing swine-related death rate is everywhere and everything I read and see reiterates the fact that pregnant women and young children are most at risk. My ob tells me that I will be at the top of the list to receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available but no one really knows when that will be. Chris and I are growing increasingly frustrated with our pediatrician's office over their lack of knowledge or patience when it comes to informing parents about the vaccine and its availability. Because we are expecting twins and Jack will be around them all the time, he should also be at the top of the list to receive it too. We've all had our seasonal flu vaccine but its the H1N1 vaccine that we really need! Now we just sit and wait and hope it becomes available soon. In the meantime, we diligently wash our hands and use hand sanitizer.

Well....that didn't work. On Tuesday morning Jack woke up with a high fever and cough. We called the doctor and were able to get him in by early afternoon. By then he had developed chills, fatigue and upset stomach. He tested negative for flu and strep but the doctor said that a large number of H1N1 tests come back negative when they are really positive and he showed many signs of the flu. Therefore, she put him on Tamiflu. UGH! She also told me to call my ob to see if I needed to be treated proactively. Oh, and she also told me that the most common side effect of Tamiflu is nausea and vomiting. FANTASTIC!

Jack looked and acted pretty pathetic all day and I hated that he felt so miserable. He hadn't eaten much all day and by dinner time we really need to try to get some food in his stomach before starting the Tamiflu. Jack managed eat half of a peanut butter and jelly before we gave him the medicine. Within 10 minutes of taking it, he started crying and saying that his tummy hurt. As I picked him up to take him into the bathroom, he puked all down my back! The poor little guy was so miserable :(

We got him ready for bed and I rocked him for a while. As I laid him in his bed and sang to him he started crying and as I walked into the bathroom, he puked all over me AGAIN! Twice in 3o minutes!! It was so difficult to see him so sick and not really be able to make him feel better. Needless to say, I was in tears by the time I got him to sleep!

Today he seemed to feel much better and the medicine didn't make him sick. However, he still has a fever so we will be staying home again tomorrow. Fortunately, I am not feeling ill so let's hope it stays that way.

We will still be getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available, by the way!