I could write a book

Ok, so I could probably write a book about our lives since the very day Lauren was born. :) So much has happened that I wonder when our life will return to normal, or the "new normal" with a new baby in the house. So here it goes...I brought baby girl home the day after she was born only to find out that my kids were sick with some sort of cold. That cold (or whatever it was) ended up lasting (at least for Kara) for 4 weeks. I took Kara to the dr and they said she didn't have an ear infection or a sinus infection and just said to keep giving her cough medicine. Her nose was running like crazy. I think we went through about 7 or 8 boxes of kleenex {no joke}. Jared's mom got a sinus infection. Then I noticed something didn't look quite right when I changed Grant's diaper oneday. Of course, with all my hormones trying to return to normal, I about freaked out and started crying. :( Jared reassured me that things "down there" on Grant were probably normal, so I relaxed and didn't think about it for about a week. A week later, he woke up screaming in the middle of the  night and then the next morning when I changed his diaper he was super swollen and then started acting like he couldn't walk. Ok...NOW I was freaking out for sure! I tried to take him to the minute clinic since it was a weekend and didn't want to have to go to the ER. Of course, the clinic said, "we don't deal with that sort of stuff" and referred us to the ER {at least the clinic was able to tell us his ears looked good...no infection}. We immediately took him over to the ER and the dr looked at him and they did an ultrasound and said he was fine. Suddenly grant was able to walk again and was back to his happy self. OH MY GOODNESS! So we walked out of there with no answers, a perfectly fine little boy and a big ER bill! We were so thankful that nothing was wrong with him though.

Oh, and did I mention that we noticed that we now had fleas in the house! Ahhh!!! We don't even have any pets and we have never had them before...so where did they come from? We noticed they had bitten Grant around the ankles and I noticed one in his hair and one jumping on me! Not cool AT ALL! So the very same day we had to take Grant to the ER, we had to get the house and yard treated for fleas. We had to get most of the stuff off the floors and vacuum and get out of the house for at least 3 hours {so we decided to take the trip to the ER}. I was still trying to get everything off the floor and put away when the bug guy got here and I was still in my pj pants. I had some other pants laid out to wear when we went out but the guy started spraying {with my baby girl still in the house} so I booked it out the door to get her away from any fumes and so, needless to say, I went to the ER in my PJ's. LOL. We couldn't even imagine where the fleas had come from until we noticed and remembered that there are quite a few stray cats that hop the fence or come in through a few holes we have in our fences. Now we had a different problem to take care of and are still trying to get taken care of. Grrrr....maybe soon the buddies will be able to go play in the backyard again. ;)

With all that stress and running around {literally like crazy} I wasn't able to have the ideal relaxing time to nurse Lauren so one thing led to another and I ended up with Mastitis and had to go to the Dr for antibiotics. I had it with the buddies too so I knew immediately what the problem was as soon as I had a fever. I came home that night and tried to nurse so the blockage would clear but she wasn't interested. I decided to take a shower and while I was showering I blacked out for a few seconds and the next thing I knew I was on the floor outside of the shower. Scary! I was sick to my stomach and just all together felt yucky. I decided to stop trying to nurse because I could tell the stress of it was wearing me down in a big way and FAST! I just felt like Lauren was being pushed to the side a lot those first few weeks and that I was being pushed away from her no matter how much I tried and desired to be the comforting mommy I wanted to be.

A few weeks later we got the follow up treatment on our house for fleas and we haven't had a problem at all inside but they are still outside...but like I said, we're not giving up! Those fleas {and cats} don't stand a chance!
I went to the dr that next Friday because I started to feel like I was sick and could possibly have an ear infection. I went to an ENT specialist and he said I have a deviated septum {in my nose for those of you who are wondering} and enlarged adenoids. He said he could do surgery on Monday! I have NEVER had surgery before so I was completely nervous. I read about all the risks, etc...I went in to the pre op appt and after talking with the nurse about all the risks etc... I opted not to do anything about it. It wasn't too bad and doesn't really bother me so I chose not to. I may regret that someday, but not today. ;)

Jared's mom was going to leave Feb 4 but on Feb 1 she got a phone call the her mother had passed away so we took an unexpected trip to the airport a few days early. I was very sad to see her go. She was such a blessing the whole time she was here. She did alot to help us with the house and kids, but more than that it was a blessing to be able to spend time with her and for the kids to get to know their nana better. Grant asked me the other day, "Where Nana?" I said, "At home." and then he looked up at the stairs because she slept upstairs while she was here. We miss her!

Now that things are starting to slow down...guess what? Kara's is sick again! She has a runny nose and a cough and I can tell she really doesn't feel well. When will all this yuckiness subside?? :)

All that craziness was no fun to go through (especially while trying to recover after having a baby) but the Lord was with us and is still with us to help us have the strength we need to get through it. The Lord brought many people along our path to encourage, help, and do things for us at just the right time! We are so blessed! I am even able to just hold and cuddle my new baby girl more now and the buddies are doing well in their new toddler beds {which we switched them to during all this madness}.  I'll probably write more about that and post pictures soon.
The Lord is good and I am personally blessed to have the best husband in the world. He works hard all day long and then comes home to help me alot with the kids.

So....I know this blog post was long, but thank you for taking the time to read it. We would really appreciate your prayers for the next few months as we try to establish a routine for Lauren and the twins. We are going to attempt potty training the buddies once they turn 2 {if they're ready} so that will be a whole new adventure...just around the corner :). Please also pray for improved and continued health in our home too. If you have kids, you know that it is difficult to keep everyone healthy once one gets sick, but we pray the Lord gives our children {and us} strong immune systems.

Lauren is here: Her birth story

Now we officially have 3 under the age of 2 :). Lauren Olivia was born Dec. 30, 2011 (right under the wire, huh?) :) I went in to the dr for my 38 weeks appt and my bp was elevated (which it always is when I go into his office {white coat syndrome}). He told me he would need to induce me that night. Ahhhh!! I hadn't planned on that. I was planning for 5 days later so I had to go home and get some last min things together. I was very nervous but excited. We went to the hospital around noon and they got things started with cervadil later in the evening and 12 hours later they let me get a shower! I was contracting on my own pretty well at that point so they thought about waiting for the pitosin and when they did start it they only gave me a little bit to get things moving. I was feeling the contractions but they were bearable. Once I needed the epidural they called the anesthesiologist into the room and sent everyone else out :(. I really wished Jared could have been there at least. When he put the needle-thing in my back he asked if I could tell if it was in the middle of my back (isn't that his job to know?). I could feel that it was a little more on the left side so he adjusted it some and started putting the medicine in. He told me things were going perfectly so I didn't worry. I started feeling my legs go really numb (especially the left leg). I could still feel the contractions though so I asked them what was going on. They came and gave me another dose of epidural and that only made my left leg even more dead weight-feeling...not cool! The dr came and broke my water around 9am, Friday, December 30. The epidural did start to slow the contractions down.  Ugh...so they had to up the pitosin, of course. My body started to take over at a certain point and contracting on its own so they lowered the pitosin so I wouldn't contract too hard. I really feel like the nurse I had was very very observant and knowledgable! She did such a great job with me. Like I said, I could still feel the contractions and everything else with the baby making her way into the world :/. I wasn't expecting that at all. I had talked about having the baby "all natural - with no drugs." I then decided against that :). But I guess I got my wish afterall. I could feel that the baby was really pushing down and was getting close so I kept asking the nurse to check me and I was a "good 6" she said. They said it may be a couple more hours but I progressed from 6-10 in a matter of MAYBE an hour. That was probably one of the most uncomfortable hours of my life! I was finally allowed to push and that helped things some. They checked me again and I was READY! They had to call the dr away from doing a circumcision somewhere else just to help me deliver. I was thankful for God's timing. My dr. hadn't started his other procedure yet so he was able to leave and come help me. It seemed like it took forever for him to get there though. At one point I actually yelled calling his name. LOL...the nurses were probably laughing at me...but I was serious :). Once he got there he kind of took his good ol' time to get his long gloves on and his other gear. I was thinking..."come on!" He told me just breath, don't push. Yeah, easier said than done for sure! The nurse told him, "You probably want to come over here now." It literally took only a couple sets of pushes before she was here. I was so glad it went so quickly since I could really feel the whole thing. Once she was here it was the sweetest thing. Jared and I were both in tears! With the twins they had to go to the NICU right away. I didn't even get to see Grant and only got to see and kiss Kara for a few seconds. This time was so different. I got to hold Lauren and get her to cry for us. She is such a good baby! She doesn't really cry unless I make her mad. She loves being with mommy (which mommy loves too). A couple neat things....my bp actually was really good the entire time I was in the hospital and I was able to go home with Lauren the very next day! I really missed my buddies and my bed!

>>>>On another note...the twins seemed to have blossomed overnight when I was in the hospital. We came home and they were saying new words and connecting words into phrases. Our babies are growing up! We told them they're not allowed to do that! :) They really seem to like the baby. They look at her and say, "Baby."<<<<

We decided it was time to go out as a family of 5 (4 days after Lauren was born). Mommy really wanted to walk so we went to dinner and then to the mall to walk. It was interesting with one more little one to keep track of. I think it will be a special occasion to go out for the next half year or so. :).

Thanksgiving and Surprises!

Lauren's new carseat cover!

  As we approached Thanksgiving we just planned to go to my parents' house and do the normal "eat turkey, etc... until we're stuffed." Well, the Saturday before that Jared's mom surprised us by coming down to visit for Thanksgiving. We totally weren't expecting that and were pleasantly surprised. We have had a great time and she has really helped me get some things ready for when Lauren comes. We finished her blanket and made a carseat cover. They turned out really well! We're working today to make a couple nursing covers. It's so much fun! The day before Thanksgiving we baked and baked and baked. We made so many goodies and Thanksgiving day was a blast!

   BLACK FRIDAY! Jared and I really enjoy going out on black friday just to see what we can find and to watch all the craziness. This year we really didn't have an agenda. We don't have a lot of money to "play with" so
we just used it as a time to go on a date (from 9:30pm Thanksgiving night until 4:00 am the next morning) :). Jared's mom graciously stayed home to watch the buddies so we could go out. We only got a couple things (flip flops being one of them because my prego feet were super hot!). The crowds sure were crazy! We always end up our time on Black Friday by going to IHOP and getting breakfast. We did the same this year but as we sat and waited for our food I noticed one of the waiters was touching people's food before carrying it out. Ugh! I was NOT impressed! I brought it to the attention of the manager but she "assured" me that they wash their hands alot. I don't really care...I just care that I watched him touch the pancake and then the bottle for chocolate syrup and then the bottle for whipped cream and then take it and serve it to the people who had ordered it. I just was grossed out. Needless to say, next black friday we will find a different IHOP to go to. :)

   The buddies are really starting to pick up on more things these days. It is so much fun to watch how their vocabulary is literally exploding. Grant copies a lot of what we say now and it's surprising sometimes. Grant was also acting very clingy to daddy since he has been home from work for the Thanksgiving holiday. Since he seemed so clingy Sunday night we decided to keep him and Kara in the service with us at church. Amazingly, they sat through the whole service and didn't make very much noise at all! Maybe this is a start to something new for them. I sure hope so! I would love it!

  We decorated for Christmas on Friday and Saturday (after Thanksgiving) and when Jared put out his little tiny Christmas tree and plugged it in so the lights were shinning bright, Grant was so excited! They are getting the idea that that tree and our big Christmas tree and the other lights around the house are to be looked at and enjoyed but not to be touched. I am pretty proud of how well they are catching on! :) The house looks lovely and we definitely have the spirit of Christmas here! :) We also set up the manger scene that we used to use when I was growing up. We got that from my parents last year and I love seeing it in my house now! I can't wait til the buddies understand and can put it together and arrange all the figurines by themselves. The best Christmas present will be when they come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!!

  I am 34 weeks pregnant (tomorrow) and getting bigger Bigger BIGGER! A man at church asked me yesterday if I was sure it wasn't twins again this time. THE NERVE! :) Oh well, comes with the territory. I did cry but I'm over it. I am so ready to get back to my pre prego self...all in good time. :) This precious little girl growing inside me is so worth it! I go to the dr. Thursday and then again in two more weeks and then from that point on it will be every week til she is born. It is getting sooo close now! I am ready!
  Well, that is what is going on right now. As we get closer to the BIG EVENT I am sure the excitement around the Hammond house will pick up and I look forward to seeing what the buddies are going to think of their new little sister. :)

Eager Anticipation

   Yesterday daddy was at work and the twins were down for  a nap, leaving peace and quiet for this 31 and a half week prego mommy. So, what do you think I did? All that laundry that needs done? Nope...I took a very much needed nap! This little girl is growing by leaps in bounds inside of me and she is wearing me out (not to mention my energetic twins). By the time their nap time rolls around I am so ready to take a nap myself. I took a 2 and a half hour nap! I woke up before the twins woke up and just laid there enjoying the peace and quiet, knowing that before much longer I won't have as much as I am enjoying right now. {it's all worth it} I guess the Lord knew I would need that nap because at 3 am Grant decided to wake up screaming and I was up with him and he ended up sleeping with me. All things for a reason!
   Yesterday we were outside enjoying the beautiful fall weather and Grant came up to me and laid his head on me and gave me the sweetest smile! I love it when he is sweet like that. Something about a boy...steals mommy's heart so fast! I also love it when he comes up to me and says "dye" (for bye)...not so sure I want to die ;) but it is still so cute! Kara decided that I needed to start a leaf collection. She brings me leaves to keep from the grass. They are growing up too fast and I am trying to enjoy the moments before we add the 3rd to the mix.
   Dr. says I am doing well and that he will induce me {if I want him to} at 39 weeks or I can go to 41. He will induce me for sure at 41 because he doesn't want me to go past then. Not sure I really want to be induced again because the contractions are pretty much constant when you're induced. We'll see how it goes though :). On the bright side, no pre eclampsia this time around (so far)! That's a huge praise! My bp has stayed low and I am not even swelling yet! I still have nice ankles and can wear all my shoes. I am also still wearing my wedding band and engagement ring. By this point in my pregnancy with the twins I was about to go into the hospital with bp issues and hadn't been wearing my rings for a couple weeks already! I am so thankful for a good pregnancy this time around!
   We're thinking about trying to switch the twins to toddler beds soon. Not sure if we'll do it but I think now is the time if we are going to try it. Once Lauren is born, we won't want to start something new that takes a lot of consistency and routine.
   Thanksgiving is around the corner and that means "Black Friday" too! Jared and I love to go out just to be out on that day. We don't buy much but we enjoy it like a date. Hopefully we can do that this year. We have a special tradition of going to IHOP after we're done shopping (around 3am). We always look forward to it. This year we will probably shop for diapers, wipes, baby stuff, etc...oh, how life changes once you've got children ;). But I wouldn't change it for anything. We are looking for a new digital camera. Any recommendations would be appreciated! :) Christmas should be interesting with Lauren's due date right around the corner. The adventure will probably begin very soon! I will keep ya'll posted.
I know this post is really random, but this is about what is going on right now as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our baby girl!