Always An Adventure.

Somebody decided today was the day to try it. The day to try to get all three kids ready and to an event by 9:00 am. That somebody was ME. Clark had pee-wee sports this morning at 9:30 but it was picture day and they had to be there early. It was supposed to be a beautiful day so I had the bright idea that the twins and I would tag along. I will admit- it was easier said than done.

 Leaving the house took more time than expected and all three kiddos were crying when we got in the car! ohmy!
Clark was upset because his shoes were too small and hurt his feet AND he wanted medicine. Yes- the child has runny eyes and a cough due to what I think is allergies and he LOVES his medicine. So he is in tears and the babies are crying because it was time for them to eat. So I pumped while drying my hair and had bottles ready to go. I had to sit in the back seat on the way there and feed babies- but once we arrived all tears were dry and we were ready.

Well, tears were dry for about 5 minutes that is.  I stayed in the car to finish feeding Sara Kate and load the babies while Stuart and Clark ran to the field because we were late for pictures. So, I get the duo fed, burped and loaded into the stroller and we make our way to the field too. We finally find the picture spot and I fill out the picture form while I assume the boys are having pictures made. I get the form all filled out- ordering a group picture and an individual picture and I am writing the check. I want to get a peek at the picture taking to make sure C is smiling and his hair is combed. So I peek into the room where they are taking pictures only to see Clark crying and running away from the group. He REFUSED to have his picture made and wanted nothing to do with the team shirt everyone else was wearing. I was so embarrassed and wanted to go in and help Stuart, but the huge stroller would not fit in the crowded room with all the other moms and dads coaxing their kids to smile while mine ran wild with tears streaming down his face. So I quietly tore up the check and threw the picture order form away. I guess this is not the season for our first team picture. owell. He was still very whiny as we walked back over to the field. He participated, but not fully and he was so glad when it was over. So today was not his day, but I really do think the program is good for him and he has learned a few things... I think.

After it was all over we loaded the whole gang back in the van and headed for breakfast at Chick-fil-A per Clark's request. We arrived at Chick-fil-A at 10:29 and breakfast stops being served at 10:30 so I had breakfast and the boys had lunch. Why did I expect anything less on this crazy day?? So we ate, the twins slept and Clark played in the playground. I would call it successful. It was a meltdown free stop! whaoo. When we loaded up the van for the third time that morning I looked at Stuart and we decided that we were getting pretty good at this whole 3 kids in a van thing! ha! (He did look awfully handsome for a minivan driver!) After a not so quick stop at CVS to get some medicine for Clark we made our way home to unload the circus AGAIN.

It was not an easy morning. It was not all rainbows and baby kittens, but we did it! We did it all by ourselves and we all survived. We all took major naps this afternoon to recover from our little outing, but we did it. We can mark this day down in the books as the first of many wild mornings as a family of 5 because with us it is always an adventure!

Don't let the pictures fool ya'- There was a WHOLE LOT of this going on! ha.

Oh the memories we are making!! :)

"Punkin Park"

As you can imagine life around the Snyder house has been a little consumed by babies! We have been working on a schedule and our (my) main goal has been to get these sweet babies to gain weight. Well- easy enough right? Well in this house we also have one super sweet 3 year old who also needs mommy's attention too. My fear since before these babies were born was how I would be able to share my attention, time and love between all 3 kiddos. Well, we are working on it. We are trying to make sure Clark is getting his time too and we are not allowing ourselves to be completely consumed by all things baby. We have tried to keep C on his regular schedule and in his routine. Stuart has been taking him to his regular sitter during the day so he can play with his friends and keep his life somewhat normal. We understand this has been a HUGE adjustment for him but he is handling it very well. We have had a few incidents here and there and maybe even some potty accidents so we have been giving him treats when he comes home from the sitter with dry pants and a good report. He has done so well and that makes me very happy. 

Since fall is here and C knows it, he has been asking to go to the "Punkin Park".  The "Punkin Park" is what Clark calls the local pumpkin patch here in town. We have been every year and he loves it. It is also on the way to the sitter's house so he sees it everyday. So of course we wanted to go! We thought about taking all 3 kids on Sunday, but the idea of crowds and chilly temperatures made me think better of it so we came up with plan B. My mom came up on Monday night to stay with us because the twins had a doctor's appointment and I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday so she came to help. So Monday night she stayed with the babies and Stuart, Clark and I headed to the "Punkin Park" because Clark had a great day at the sitter's and because we wanted to spend some time spoiling our big boy.

We went about an hour before they closed and just spent time checking out all the pumpkins, enjoying the weather and letting Clark just be Clark for a little while. There was no diaper fetching, no nursing babies, no asking him to wait a minute until I am done changing a diaper- none of that. Just our little guy being 3 and climbing all over the pumpkins and loving every minute of it. 

Don't get me wrong- he LOVES his brother and sister very much and we are so thankful for that, but we are so glad to have a chance to spend time with just him every now and then too. He is growing so fast and just looking at the babies makes me realize just how fast he is growing. I cannot believe how smart, funny and big he is. It really is hard to believe. Because of this we are trying to just soak them all in and enjoy the everyday because one day we are going to look back wish for moments like these. I just know it.

So here are some pictures of our big brother enjoying his time at the "Punkin Park".

Getting SO big!

REASON#345.988 why I LOVE fall!

Daddo showing Clark how to pose for the picture!

My boys checking out the goats.

Clark picking out his pumpkin.
(which he later dropped and it rolled down the hill)

I just LOVE this boy.

C picked a pumpkin of Shepard and Sara Kate.

Momma and her baby BIG boy.

It was so much fun and we followed it up with a trip to Clark's favorite- CHICK FIL-A! Thanks so much mom for keeping the sweeties so we could enjoy this evening with our big guy.

Speaking of The Sweeties. What are they doing while I write this blog post you ask...

S & SK napping while I blog!

That is exactly what they are doing right this minute. Sleeping and doing a whole lot of grunting and squeaking.
What a great way to spend this Wednesday morning!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!

A Few Firsts.

Today was my first trip out by myself! It was the first time for me to drive and to leave the house ALONE. It was just a simple trip to Kohl's to return a few baby gifts that we had doubles of or that were the wrong size/season. It turned into an hour and a half of me time. It was great to be out. I picked up a few baby items, some fall candles for the house and possibly some baggy sweaters that might help cover my twin tummy (yes- I am hoping it will go away, but I am also aware that I will have to leave the house again and will need something to wear until it is gone). I pumped enough in case I was gone two days and left Stuart alone with all 3 kiddos. When I left, they were all asleep (Barney too!) so I knew he would be fine and of course he was. Clark slept the whole time I was gone and the babies did great. Shepard even ate 3 oz! That boy will beef up- we have faith. Anyway- it was a great little outing and I am so glad it was successful for all of us.

Since I am on the topic of firsts. I thought I would share a few pictures of some of the twins' first experiences that I have captured pictures of. Because if I don't blog about it I will not remember.

FIRST DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT

9/17/11



Waiting to be called back.




So thankful mamaw was there to help!




Having our BR levels checked.




SK on the scale.




One proud mommy.



FIRST BATH AT HOME

9/17/11

FIRST MEAL OUT

(for mommy's 30th birthday)

9/24/11



We went to the restaurant in our neighborhood.
(no- air was not coming out of that vent! :)




Our family of 5 out to eat for my 30th birthday!

FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD WALK

9/26/11



Momma and her babies in front of our house.



Yes he looks silly!
Shepard ready for the walk.

Sara Kate is all buckled up and ready to go.



All loaded up and ready for the trip around the block-
WOW lots of work for such a short trip.

My camera is loaded with hundreds of pictures and moments that I want to remember. So glad to blog about a few firsts going on in the Snyder house. It is all new, some of it is scary, some of it exciting, but all of it a blessing. We feel so blessed.


Revloving Door.

My babies are two weeks old!! They are doing great and we are all adjusting to life as a family of 5. We have not had a lot of time alone as a family as we have had lots of help and lots of visitors. Last night was our first night alone and it was nice. I LOVE having people here, but it was nice to just be us for a little while. I know I need help, I appreciate the help, and I am looking forward to my aunt and Stuart's mom coming soon to help- but our night alone was nice and much needed.  Tuesday I was by myself all day and I was a little worried about it, but so far we are doing good. I have taken lots of naps and not done any housework, but we are all fed and happy. Tonight a dear lady from church is bringing dinner so I have time to sit down and blog a little before my boys get home. Clark has been going to the sitter each day to keep him on his routine and Stuart had been taking him and picking him up and that has been huge. So during the day it is just the babies. I am nursing them and we have not attempted tandem nursing just yet, so they are feeding one at a time. This process takes about an hour and they are to eat every three hours so that leaves about two hours in between to get some things done or rest up for the next feeding. They typically sleep in between each feeding and have to be woken up to eat. I know this will change soon, but they are still so little and not even supposed to be here yet so they need their sleep. In between feedings, sleeping and changing diapers we have had lots of visitors! Everyone wants to get their hands on them.  I have tried to take a pictures of all visitors so that Sara Kate and Shepard will know how much they were loved even on their first days, but I did not manage to get everyone! Here are a few pics of our little duo being loved on during their first few weeks.

Unlce Lance & Laura came from Martha's Vineyard to meet you!

Mommy's student Laurel LOVES you.

Aunt Roxana loves babies.

Mamaw, Clark & Sara Kate making cookies.

Baby Dillon (5months) looking like a BIG BOY with S & SK.

Mrs. Bonnie & Maura lovin' the twins.
Mrs. Bonnie could not wait to get her hands on you.

Ginny with her hands full!



Uncle Stephen loving on you.



Amy came to see you at the hospital.

Dave & Dillon visiting at the hospital.

Mindy & Drew. Drew LOVED visiting you.

Alison got to hold you both at the same time.

Uncle Seth was there when Clark got to meet you.
It was such a special time.


There were LOTS more friends and family that came that are not pictured. Lots of very wonderful ladies from church brought us meals and many people that stopped by just to see the sweet faces of our babies. We have been very blessed with lots of love and lots of help. I hope I am able to figure it all out once everybody is gone. Many more stories and pictures to come...once I find time.

Your BIRTHday Story

Dear Shepard & Sara Kate-

The day you were born is a day I will never forget. It was the day that I went from being a mommy of one to a mommy of three. On that day my heart tripled in size and I learned that I have enough love for all of my sweet babies. On that day you made your big debut.

You were born on Tuesday, September 13th, 2011. I went to work that morning to teach 5th grade. The morning was a little rough as my big belly made it very difficult to sleep. It was very hard for me to get out of bed but I did and I made it to work. I did feel a little strange, but just thought it was due to the fact that I was 35 weeks pregnant with twins, chasing around your big brother and teaching 5th grade. So I went on with the day. I taught my first two classes all the while just feeling a little "weird". During my third hour class I left my kids with an assignment and headed to the office to have my blood pressure checked. I could not shake the feeling that something was up. My blood pressure checked out fine, but I was just not convinced. So I called my doctor and he told me to come in. I was supposed to have my 35 week checkup that day after school, but instead I got a sub and took a half day and went in at 11:30.

Once I arrived at the office they put me into a room and hooked me up to the monitors so we could check your heartbeats. You all looked GREAT. They left me hooked up for about an hour and we just watched you and waited for Dr. Owen to arrive. After they unhooked me from all the monitors, I went to the car to get my lunch. I ate a yogurt cup while I waited in the room for Dr. Owen to get there. He was in Lexington at a meeting and they thought he should arrive anytime so they wanted me to wait and talk to him.  I AM SOOO GLAD I DID. Once he arrived, he looked at all the reports from the monitors and agreed that you all looked beautiful but that I was having contractions. I had not felt any of them. So we talked about the possibility of me not going to work the rest of the week just to see how I felt about the whole idea. But before we made any final decisions, he wanted to check me to make sure I was not dilated. Well...I WAS! I was about 3-4 cm. dilated and completely thinned. What does that mean? That means that  you were ready to come! He told me to call your daddy to come pick me up and head to the hospital. We were not even allowed to go home and get any stuff. We had to drive straight there.  I began to cry. I could not believe that we would meet you THAT DAY. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed. Daddy finally arrived and he was so calm. He tried to calm me down- but we all know that is not easily done. So as we drove to the hospital with tears streaming down my face we called your grandparents and some of our friends to tell them the news.

Once we arrived at the hospital we got all checked in and learned that we had the same nurse that we had on the day we had your big brother. Her name was Alice and I was so excited to see a familiar face. Even though she sees so many patients a day and I knew there was no way she knew who we were I was still excited to see her. She was great and helped calm mommy down. As we were waiting we remembered that daddy was wearing the same shirt he wore when your big brother was born. We thought that was funny too. While we waited we learned that we would have to wait until about 8:00pm to meet you due to the fact that I ate that yogurt cup. They did not want me to have any food in my system so we waited. We checked in about 4:00 and waited about 4 hours. While we waited we took some pictures, watched TV and talked about you. Your mamaw Loschert arrived about 5:30 and she was so excited. Mommy was so excited to see her too. She always makes me feel better and more relaxed so I was so thankful she was there to be with us as we waited.  Before you arrived your Grammy and Grandpa Snyder and papaw Loschert arrived too.  You were surrounded by people who loved you as we waited to meet you.

Mommy getting all ready to go back to the operating room to meet you.

Yes, that is your daddy under there!

Right before they took us back!
7:45 pm 9/13/11

Mommy as I am walking to the operating room.

Right before they took us back to the operating room we prayed for you. Your grandparents surrounded us and we prayed for you and your safe arrival. We then made our way down the hall to meet you after lots of hugs and kisses from grandmas and grandpas. I was so nervous and excited. I could not stop shaking. Once we got to the room, daddy had to wait outside while mommy went in to have all the anesthesia. While I was in there I got to meet all the nurses and aids that would be taking care of you once you arrived. They were all ready and waiting and so was I. A few minutes later Dr. Owen and daddy came in and they got started. Daddy was a lot calmer than mommy (again) and he even remembered to take some pictures. When your big brother was born daddy was so nervous that he did not take any pictures. This time he did! The doctors reminded him and told him when to take them, but he did. I am so happy to have pictures to remember the first moments you came into the world because it all happened SO FAST. We were in the operating room less that 15 minutes and you were here! You were both born in the same minute. ONLY 40 seconds apart. At 8:14 pm we went from being a family of 3 to a family of 5.

Shepard Randall Snyder
5lbs.1oz 17 inches

Sara Kate Snyder
5lbs. 11 oz. 18 inches

Mommy & Sara Kate



Daddy & Shepard



Mommy & Daddy & Sara Kate

As soon as you were born and we heard you cry I became filled with all new emotions. I could not believe you were really here and that I could actually hear you! I had felt you in my belly for so long and now I would get to see your face and see all the little feet that had been kicking me for so long. Shepard, you were a little smaller than your sister so they took you to the NICU for observation. They left Sara Kate with us a little while longer and daddy got to walk to the NICU with you. He took lots of pictures, gave you lots of kisses and then came back and gave me updates on how you were doing. I was overjoyed to know you were doing so well. You were breathing on your own, you had healthy weights and you were doing wonderfully. Less than an hour after I came to the operating room we were all done and I was moved to a recovery room. I had to wait in the recovery room for about an hour longer for observations before I got to come meet you. Daddy kept making trips back and fourth to check on you and then to check on me and give me updates on you! Your grandparents hung out with me until we finally all got to go back and MEET YOU!! I was nervous and excited. I was not sure what to think as they wheeled me down the halls to meet my babies. Because it was late at night the NICU was not crowded and they let all of us go back to meet you including Mamaw, Papaw, Grammy and Grandpa. I got to hold Sara Kate first. You were so snugly and I was so pleased to know you were not hooked up to any machines. It was just you. Words cannot describe the love I felt. I was sick, sore and tired but it all went away once I got to hold you. You were perfect. Tiny, sweet and perfect. Once I soaked you all in they moved me down to meet Shepard. Shepard, you too were perfect. You were smaller but equally as sweet and perfect. I got to love on you, soak you all in and then hold you both at the same time. It was an amazing feeling to know that you both grew inside me and now you were really here and really mine. My heart nearly exploded it was so full of love for you both. It was so special that your daddy and grandparents were all there too. You both are loved tremendously and words cannot describe how much you are loved and how perfectly you fit into our family.

Sweet Sara Kate in the NICU.

Sweet Shepard in the NICU.



Mommy & Sara Kate.



Mommy, Shepard & Sara Kate.



IN LOVE.


You had to stay in the NICU for 4-5 hours for observation because you were so tiny and born at only 35 weeks. Mommy and Daddy were taken to a room and we tried to get some rest. Grammy & Grandpa went home and Mamaw & Papaw went to our house to get some things for mommy and to take care of your big brother. I tried to get some sleep, but I sat up straight in bed at 1:30 and called the nurse's station. I asked about you all. I wanted to see how you were doing and get an update to see if you were still in the NICU or in the nursery. I was beyond thrilled to hear that you had been cleared to leave the NICU and you were making your way to our room!!! I woke up your daddy and we waited for you to come through the door. Once you did we held you, kissed you, fed you and loved on you until they made us give you back. You had to stay in the nursery that night for more observations but we could not have been happier to learn that you were out of the NICU and if all things went according to plan you would be going home at the same time we would. We knew that was an amazing blessing.

So for the rest of the week we stayed at the hospital. You met your big brother, we worked on nursing, mommy worked on healing and we just spent our days and nights feeding you, loving you and learning how to be your mommy and daddy.  You passed lots of tests like car seat challenges, hearing tests, temperature tests, weight checks and all of that. You passed them all! On Friday morning we learned that everybody was looking good and we had been released to go home. We happily packed up all of our stuff and checked out. As we were leaving the hospital with our cart load of gifts, flowers, stuff, &two car seats loaded with babies I still did not believe it. I could not believe you were really coming home with me. We said thank you and goodbye to all of our wonderful nurses and made our way home.

SKS all buckled in and ready to go home!

SRS all buckled up and ready to go home.

Loaded up and ready to go home!!

It was an amazing week. We were a little surprised by your arrival but learned very quickly how perfectly your timing was. You are everything we have ever wanted and we are so glad to call you ours. We love you to the moon and back and it is our hope and prayer that you know each and everyday just how much you are loved. Welcome to this world and to our family. We LOVE you so much!!

Love,
Mommy