Babies Update

Just thought I'd share an update on the babies from this mornings ultrasound appt with the high-risk Dr.
(TMI alert!--so there, you've been warned :) ):
The babies are looking good! Everything looks good on the ultrasound (they're both very active!) and they're heart rates are perfect. They are both definitely GIRLS, so no more mystery there. :) And the Dr. said that they came from a single egg and sperm (not sure how he can tell that; and it's a little confusing because the ultrasound tech at my OBs office said they were from 2 different eggs, though that was several weeks ago), and judging by the thinness of the membrane between the babies and the fact that they share a placenta, they are almost positively IDENTICAL as well (heaven help me--I'm crossing fingers for a birthmark now ;) ).
The downside of the membrane being so thin is that there is a slight possibility that blood might be transferred between the babies through the membrane, causing there to be too much blood in one baby and too little in the other. However, they're currently measuring the same size (13 oz) and my cervix is double the normal size/thickness, so for now, things look good and the babies aren't going anywhere. The high risk Dr. is just going to have me come in regularly (my next appt is in 3 weeks) to check and make sure that the babies and my cervix still look good.
 The Dr. also said that HALF of twins are born before 34 weeks, so if we get to 34 weeks that's great. So, I guess there's a very good chance these little ones will come in December and we'll just shoot to have everything ready for them to come in the next month or so. Anyways, bottom line, the babies look good right now and so do I, and we'll just be keeping a close eye on everything.

1st Day of Preschool!

Ever since we moved here and saw Grace's future elementary school (which is conveniently located just down the road from us), she has been DYING to go to school! Well, the day finally arrived for her to go to preschool and she was SO excited!

Happily discovering her backpack (which we bought for her a couple months ago) this morning...

...and the banner I made for "1st Day" pictures:

When Travis was growing up, his parents would make him and his siblings green pancakes for the first day of school (as in "green means go!"). I thought it was such a cute tradition that we decided to carry it on. And since Grace loves bacon, we added that in too. :)

 

I couldn't believe how grown up she looked today!

 

When we got to her school, she was super excited to explore the classroom, but not so excited for me to leave....so there was a little clinginess, but no tears shed when we said goodbye. I have to admit that (like any good mom), I worried about her much of the time she was gone (in part because there were a few kids who were crying when I left). But, when I picked her up, she was happy, had made a new friend, and was eager to go again!
We let her choose dinner tonight, which included mac'n'cheese and raspberries (her current favorite foods), then going out to Cold Stone for ice cream. I love the idea of going out for dinner or at least a treat on the first day of school each year, and look forward to doing it with all our kiddos in the future. When we were at Cold Stone, Travis teased "Grace, this has been so fun, you should have a first day of school every year!" Love my funny honey. :)

Then tonight, after family home evening, Travis gave her a father's blessing (since we weren't able to last night). In it Heavenly Father blessed Grace that she would remember how special she is and how much her Heavenly and earthly parents love her, that she would be brave when making new friends, that she would be a good example to her classmates, and always be able to choose the right. It was a really special experience, and one I hope she always remembers.
I'm so proud of my big preschooler and am so excited for the growth and learning that's ahead of her this year. We love you Grace girl! 

More Garden Fun

I'd had a craving to take the girls back to Fellows Riverside since we had visited the family gardens there a few weeks ago, and today was the perfect time to go!

 

I have to pause to document this important milestone--Bethany's first ponytail. ;) Isn't it adorable? And it makes her look like such a big girl (which of course I have mixed feelings about)!

I knew the fountain would be a favorite for Grace and came prepared with pennies for the girls to toss in. Here's Grace throwing in her first penny:

Pretty preschooler:

After the fountain, we explored!

We took time to "smell the roses" ;) in the rose garden and it was HEAVENLY! It was fun to note the different degrees of floral and perfume scents in each rose too.

I loved this rose--the shapes of the petals and how open it was.

Posing for a picture by the lookout:

Another thing I knew Grace would love: the bottle tree in the herb garden:

Bethany thought this red flower was a bug, and couldn't help but inspect further. That girl loves her bugs. :)

A pretty lily:

I just happened to notice this cool slug on our walk in the Ohio Woodland garden. Awesome, huh?! Grace found lots of "magical treasures" (sticks, rocks, and leaves) in this little garden too.

My little hiker. The girls love "hiking" with sticks!

Travis said "Say Cheese!" and Bethany actually said it for this picture! Adorable!

I love these little flowers too. It's like they're their own little bouquet!

One more visit to the fountain to throw in their last penny. This picture melts my heart.

Thought these huge leaves were so neat:

Grace wanted to touch the slimy rocks in the flower fountain:

We finished off our visit by a quick walk around the family garden.

My king in his throne. :)

With the princesses.

Love this tender moment:

Bethany loved the little windmills!

Isn't this flower the neatest?! It looks just like coral!

Bethany discovered this little eggplant. Why are little things so cute?!

I LOVE Bethany in these glasses. Makes me laugh every time!

We had such a great morning there and can't wait to explore it again with grammy and poppy!