Thank Heavens For Mothers

Ok, so I'm not exactly the best mom in the world, big surprise right. The girls have been sick lately and I don't appreciate them getting sick during an inconvenient time for me. Don't they know who's running the show? Oh yeah, they are. My mom is the best in the whole world. She has helped me out more than anyone. She slept on my couch for a week after the girls were born so I could get some sleep. We each took a baby and she was awesome at letting me have Alyssa who slept longer and was not so needy. Abigail was so tiny and was up so much more during the night than Alyssa. It took it's toll on both of us, but she made sure I got a nap during the day. The help hasn't stopped once. She offered to watch the girls so Nate and I could go to the temple once a month, watch them on our date nights when we go to BYU-Idaho events, and watches them when they are sick. She will take them in the afternoon after work, so I can go back to work and try to get some sanity. She is such an awesome example to me. She is so laid back that when I hit my "moments" she is the one who says who cares let the girls destroy my antiques they are not hurting anyone. When the girls bang everything on her nice hardwood floors and I fret about them dinging them, she says the dog has nails and that doesn't bother me, who cares let them play. She is always encouraging me. I love her to death.

Baby #3 due July 19, 2008

We went for our ultrasound and found out that there is only 1 baby and we are due July19th. I explained to the doctor that I know what to do with 2 babies I'm not sure what to do with 1 though. He looked a bit puzzled, but most people who only have twins may know how I'm feeling. I've gotten pretty good at juggling the girls, but am a little weary some days about this new addition. I have been extremely grateful I am not always in the bathroom sick like I was with the girls (although that was a good diet plan). I am nauseous all day every day. I sure hope it stops soon. I have had some weird cravings. Since I am eating all the time (I feel like) I've decided that if I have a craving for 1 week and still want it then I can have it. Unfortunately those items tend to do the most damage on my system. I'm sure Nate is getting back to the hormonal slides that come with me being pregnant. I think I know what I should have learned with the girls, patience. It seem when I'm pregnant I have none! My poor girls, maybe this time I"ll learn.

New Addition to our Family

We are going to be big Sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nate and I found out on Friday that we are expecting a new baby. This is not a fertility baby either. I went to the doctor a few months ago and he verified that I should not be able to get pregnant on my own, so when we are ready we could start the fertility process again. We had decided to wait until the girls were almost 2 to start trying and by the time they were 3 we would hopefully have another set of twins (boys hope, hope). Well, god had other plans. I had been sick for the last week, but we both thought it was just the flu. I had been joking around with Nate whenever we went to the stores and passed the baby/maternity sections, just to get a rise out of him. It didn't work, but I still tried. On Friday I decided to just take a test on a whim. When it turned out positive I had to check the directions, the expiration date, and jump in and out of the tub at least 3 times before it sunk in. I tried to call Nate, but his cell phone was dead. I went to the doctors office that afternoon and they confirmed it was true. Since I am a bit irregular we aren't sure exactly how far along I am. We'll get an ultrasound just before Thanksgiving to help determine how many (ha ha) and how far along. Yes, I know I'm done for, I'll have at least 3 kids under the age of two, no hair, and no sanity. What an awesome life and experience!!!! The girls will be turning 1 in 1week and we are very excited to say that both girls are now walking. Abigail is sure footed, while Alyssa just started on Saturday to finally take 5 steps on her own. They are great joys and royal pains all in 2 packages. Wish us well, we may need it.

Our trip to Omaha, Nebraska, Nauvoo, and Missouri

In front of Omaha, Nebraska Temple

In front of Nauvoo, Illinois Temple


In the rain in Nauvoo, Illinois

Our creative play pen. Daddy was putting car seats in the car. I was trying to arrange luggage.

We decided to go and visit my sister in law Steph. We had so much fun. We also decided to make a quick trip to Nauvoo, Carthage, and Independence while we were over that way. This was the first time we have flown with the girls. They did pretty well. I am such a genius, not planned of course, we had a lay over in Denver, Co. all but 1 of our flights were during the girls nap times. The flight were about 1.5 hrs a piece and the girls generally sleep about 1 hr twice a day. A little benadryl first thing in the morning on our first flight helped too. I never thought we would make it on this trip. I had gotten off work early on Friday and we still didn't get out of town until after 5. Alyssa, (my minnie me, attitude and all) screamed, blood curdling, for 4 hours straight. Even after being hoarse and seeming to almost settle down she would start up again louder than the last time. I tried to get my mom to let me ship her back via ups; she said no. When we finally made it in Omaha we were so excited to try out the gps. We found it quite helpful until we were headed 7 hrs away on a dirt road almost hitting a deer, and would have gotten stuck in a mud hole in the middle of night somewhere past Des Moines, IA. We haven't quite learned our traveling do and don'ts in life so we decided to hit Nauvoo, Carthage, and Independence in 2 days. We left on Tuesday night and got back to Omaha Thursday evening. We did find it absolutely gorgeous ( rain storms and all ). Abigail and Alyssa became quite the duo, they would chase the cat and then take turns as to who was going to be frightened of the dog each day. Alyssa was quite the escape artist as well. We had baby gates up all over the house for the dog and the babies. While the ladies were out shopping Nate and Ethan (our nephew) were watching the girls and Alyssa would ever so slyly move the gate just enough to sneak out. We decided to let the girls sleep on the floor on a blanket instead of lugging around a play pen everywhere. We were very pleasantly woken up each morning with them hitting the air bed to wake us up. Abigail has mastered walking and is now trying to run. Alyssa has finally started to walk, but only if she can hold onto your finger. We were quite spoiled by Steph, she made us Thanksgiving Dinner, showed me how to make bread, and showed us the best cookie recipes. Nauvoo had such a calm and peaceful feeling, we were sad to have to go home, but glad we got to see family.

Abigail is almost walking

For about the last week Abigail has been holding onto everything in site and walking. She would only crawl if she had to. The other day she was standing in the middle of the room and took about 4-5 steps towards her uncle Dave. We were so excited we started clapping while she got the biggest grin on her face. We tried to get her to continue walking, but she only does is about 1 time a night and then she finds it funny to face plant into whatever is in front of her. Hopefully she'll catch on quick. Alyssa has no interest in even standing up, unless she wants food from your plate, so she will take a bit longer it seems.

Our first tooth....times 2

Abigail cut her first tooth about 2 weeks ago. Alyssa had all the symptoms of cutting a tooth, but never did. We were so involved with Alyssa we hadn't noticed Abigail's tooth, until Sunday at church when she bit me. I was so excited that we told everyone around us. Then, yesterday Alyssa chomped down on my finger as well. We've been checking everyday wondering when the fits would be over. Finally, she had her own tooth as well. Abigail cut her bottom right and Alyssa's was the bottom left. They are growing up so fast. As soon as we can get them to hold still long enough to get a decent picture we'll post one.

Shannon goes back to school

Well, I decided it was time to go back to school. So I am taking 1 math class at ISU. I like to do things slowly. While I've been enjoying math, Nate has been cleaning up our yard. We had our 60 ft plus pine tree taken down this year and he has ripped out the ancient lilac bush from the corner of the fence. This week we are going to tackle the perimeter of the fence. We are going to lay new dirt, rocks and try and grow grass with 2 dogs, 2 kids, and one crazy schedule.

A Precious Moment...

The girls are getting so fast at crawling that they follow me around like little puppies. After bathes one night I stopped in to get pj's for them, them stopped in the kitchen to make bottles, and was headed for the front room for our nighttime routine. The girls followed me. As soon as they saw the bottles Alyssa started crying. I told them to come here and finished walking to the living room. Well, Alyssa had a bit of a tantrum and started burying her head in the carpet giving herself a carpet burn on her forehead. Abigail just started crawling towards me. When Alyssa started whaling, Abigail stopped crawling, sat up, looked back at her sister and went to go get her. She waited until Alyssa started crawling, (with her head still to the floor) and when Alyssa caught up to her Abigail would go forward a little bit farther. She would wait each time until her sister caught up before moving on. It was the cutest sisterly moment it made me laugh.
Nate and I enjoy picking the girls up from the daycare each day. They are always so happy to see us. The other morning I waved goodbye and Alyssa had the funniest look on her face. She watched me all the way out the door with the longing for you look. What a beautiful blessing children are. We can't wait for the next set.

We are Standing all by Ourselves

While playing in their new found toys both girls decided to stand up on their own and showed their mom and dad that they are big girls now. Boy how time flies. They lasted quite awhile until falling over. If Abigail has something to hold onto she will walk anywhere. Alyssa on the other hand likes doing spread eagles and then whining until someone saves her.

Cute Faces of our Babies

We learned how to crawl and pull ourselves up onto everything. Look mom, we can both play now. Good thing we are learning to share and play nicely together.

Alyssa with a cute grin.

We are playing in boxes and loving it.

Abigail getting extra fiber.

Tyrel heads back out on mission

My brother Tyrel has gotten the all clear from the doctor's on his leg and is going back to WA to finish out his mission. We are very blessed to have had him here for a little while so he could see the girls and get in on a few big extended family get togethers. We wish him the best as he finishes what the lord would have him do.

Exciting few days ahead

My cousin Derek is coming home from him mission in japan tomorrow. We are so excited to finally get to see him. His little brother, Devin, has gotten his call to go to Forth Worth, TX and leaves about the same time my brother does. We'll have pictures tomorrow. Hope you have a safe and short flight home Derek.

Tyson's going to???

My brother, Tyson, is going to the Philippines on his mission.

While daddy's away

Coustin Cathrine came over while her dad, Dave, and Nate when to excerise. We were playing with the girls. Both can now crawl, but Alyssa only does it when she thinks no one is paying attention. Abigail wanted something to beat that made noise and Alyssa's diaper was it. She crawled on top of Alyssa and started spanking her and then trying to kiss it better. She will put anything in her mouth. Alyssa was quite patient with her naughty sister, but enough was enough and she started wailing. Thank heavens they are only 8.5 months old and should grow out of it.

Good bye, camping is over

Cousin Trevor and Alyssa waving good bye as we get ready to head home.

I want some too

At dinner we were drinking pop and the girls were trying to get some. Abigail thinks if she smiles she will get her way while Alyssa tries reaching for it.

We had given Abigail one first, and Alyssa was trying her hardest to get over to Abigail's pop.

We then gave Alyssa one and all was well. Abigail like playing the drums on the pop. Alyssa was trying to figure out the top of the pop. Kids are so fun as they learn something new.

Cousin Courtney, Uncle Tell, Abigail and Alyssa. We were bored one afternoon so we tried to get the girls to keep hats on. No wonder it took many multiple pictures before we got one that they kept them on. I don't know what I was thinking. They don't like things on their heads. They were pulling bows off at 2 weeks old. Alyssa has enough hair to put up in a pony tail. It lasted 1 week and now when I pick them up at day care she has it pulled halfway out. One day they will girly girls.

We learn fast, do as I'm doing, don't let mommy see!

Look girls Aunt Kris sticking her tongue out at you. This was hilarious becuase the girls love their tongues, and anything they can get in their mouths










Abigail has her tongue out too. She is a quick one, she sees the camera come out and and waits till the last minute and then as you snap she stops and acts so innocent. You can barely see it.










Alyssa stuck hers out immediately back at aunt Kristine. What a quick learner.

Camping 2008

We bought this double jogging stroller at a garage sale and thought it would be great out camping and four diggin at grandma's house. Nate played for an hour with the girls pushing them away and they would roll back to him giggling.











My cousin Travis and his wife Melissa had a little girl, Madison, 3 months after I had the girls. I am so excited that they will be able to have a cousins their age to play with. Since Alyssa can sit up really well we put the other two sitting. They are about the same size. Poor little Abby, she should catch up eventually.









Brenda's son, Kevin thought Alyssa was his baby. If we tried to hand him Abigail he would shake his head no and point at Alyssa. Two year olds are so smart. I think I'll be in troube in no time flat.

Bath time Pictures

Alyssa



Abigail

Lutz family reunion 2008

Every year my mom's side of the family goes camping. It used to be to Birch Creek when we were younger, but for the last 10 or so years we have been going up to Island Park, ID. Normally, I only take a day or two off work and enjoy the floating down Box Canyon as many times as we can fit into a day. However, last year I was almost 5 months pregnant with my twin girls and there was no floating happening for me. (Not to forget, the year before I fell off the tube and almost drowned. I did have a life vest on, but that didn't stop me from banging my body, especially my head on the bottom of the river). This year Nate and I decided that we would take the whole trip off and tent it with the girls. We did get smart for once and decide to leave our 2 dogs at home this year. We had so much fun and tenting it went 10 times better than I ever could have imagined. We slept both girls in one play pen. They got used to no room to twist and turn as they do in their own cribs at home.

Tyrel with Abigail and Alyssa

He has his hands full.

Surprise, Tyrel is home

My brother had his leg amputated when he was in his early teens and he has been on his mission in Everett, Wa for over a year when his stump became infected. They couldn't get it healed in the mission, so they sent him home until he gets healed. He was hoping to only be home for 1 week, it now looks like it may be 1 month or so. I was 1 month pregnant with the girls when he went in to the MTC and he wouldn't have normally been able to meet the girls until they were 18 months old. We are very lucky he has been able to spend some time with his nieces. It been great fun for me to have a babysitter any time of day.

Milestone
Abigail is now crawling!!! Yeah, one mobile and we are patiently waiting for Alyssa to catch up with her sister. Abigail started on Saturday morning and crawled all over our king size bed, chasing her bottle. Towards the end she was quite frustrated with her parents.