Birthday Fun Continues

Christmas Continues Part 1

O Christmas Tree

Little Christmas Tree

Hey, little Christmas tree. Is there something there for me?

Santa promised me a special present.

Alex's First Steps

Alex takes his First Step: December 21, 2008

After riding in the car for 6 hours on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's house, Alex was ready to move.... He was so excited to get out of his pumpkin seat that will hopefully be replaced with a big boy seat after Christmas, that he started to take a couple of steps. For the past couple of weeks, he will stand on his own for a few minutes. But, last night he did it!

Today, he has taken 2 steps at a time...

Who knows, maybe by Christmas he will be all over the house!

Alex says, "I can do Anything, what can you do?"

Addie and Alex's 1st Birthday

Sleepy Addie

OUR SLEEPING BEAUTY

Addie has been going to bed with her bunny and blanket now for a few months. During nap time, we let her have them in her bed the whole time. However, for the night time sleep, we take them out before we go to bed! Just the other night, I went in to take them out and this is what I saw......

Ho Ho Ho

HO HO HO
Addie and Alex would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!
While we were back in St. Louis, we visited Santa. Both of them were not real sure about sitting on his lap, but we tried our best!
Be looking for your Christmas card in the mail.
Stay tuned for pictures from our 1st birthday this Friday!

One Year Ago Today...........

Tribute to St. Johns Mercy Antepartum Unit

One year ago today, I was admitted to the Antepartum Unit.

For severeal weeks, I had been battling pre-eclamsia. At this time, I was going to the Perinatal Center two times and week and the OB, once or twice a week. A home health nurse was also coming to the house to check in on me and the babies. At my appointment one year ago today, doctors hoped that I had my bags packed as I was not going home!!!!!!

My bags had been packed and in the car for a little over a week. So, I was prepared. However, I was not sure what to anticipate.

When I was first admitted, I had a room-mate. However, that did not last long. My blood pressure continue to rise and my high risk perinatologist requested that I be moved to a single room where it would be quiet and less distractive. So, I was moved to a double room as there were not any private rooms avialable. I spent 1 night in the double room before being told to pack up my things as they had a private room available for me..

Once I was moved, I started decorating my room as I knew that I was here for the long haul. I will not forget asking the doctors everyday if I could atleast go home for Christmas. Obviously, I was home for Christmas, but not pregnant anymore.... See below for more details about my Antepartum Journey!

Our stay at St. Johns Mercy was WONDERFUL! It was here that I felt at home and accomodated more than I could have ever wanted. I spent my days in the Ante-Partum unit staying very very busy! Here are some of the things that I did everyday.......Granted, I was supposed to be on bedrest...

Decorated Nurses Station

Created Bulletin Board in Hallway

Decorated my room

Made Christmas Ornaments for Addie and Alex

Made Christmas Stockings for Addie and Alex

Took Wheel Chair Rides

Rented movies from the Antepartum Video Store

Made Blankets for Addie and Alex as well as many nurses

Took atleast 1 trip a day to the Perinatal Center

Visited the NICU windows

Played on the Internet

Drank Sprite in the middle of the night

MADE THE BEST OUT OF MY TIME IN THE ANTEPARTUM UNIT!!!!!

Where do I start to tell you about this amazing woman! Amy was one of my nurses. She spent hours trying to keep me busy as the patient activity director. We miss you Amy! I hope that we get to see you over the holidays!!!!!!!!

Thank goodness for my laptop computer!

We had tons of arts, crafts, and scrapbooking supplies to use. I tried to make something new everyday! Here are Addie and Alex's first Christmas stockings!

Here was the door to my room! It is so much fun to walk up and down the halls looking at everyone's doors. At this time, we we hoping that Addie and Alex would bake for 9 more days. However, that did not happen as this picture was taken, on December 19th, Addie and Alex's birthday.

First Birthday Gift

For those of you that are wondering..........

We did make it home with all of their birthday presents!

Thank you to all of you for the wonderful gifts for Alex and Addie!

They have had a good time this week playing with all of their new toys...

Happy Birthday Video

Happy Birthday Alex and Addie!!!!!!!

First Cupcake Video

When you watch this video, you will see just how much fun Addie and Alex had digging into their first cupcake. They were such a mess and covered with icing that we put them in the kitchen sink to wash off and the water turned yellow!!!!!!!

First Birthday Card

Thanks to mommy's friend Robyn for sharing this scrapbook idea. Abigayle and Olivia always look so cute in their pictures~ For my first attempt, how did I do? I can't wait to explore the scrapbook world. Thanks again Robyn~

1st Birthday Party