Twenty Fourteen!

Happy New Year!! Where in the world did 2013 go?  Most of the year I was pregnant, so I am looking forward to a year of enjoying all four of my babies and getting back in shape!  Also I am looking forward to growing as a photographer.  I have such a love for it!!!

2013 was a great year for us...

1. We technically bought our house in December of 2012 BUT didn't fully move in till January 2013 with all the painting we were doing.

2. We shot our first wedding under Magen Davis Photography in February.  I learned instantly that is my passion!!!!

3.  We found out in the middle of March that I was expecting and could not have been MORE excited.

4.  On April 2nd we got the SHOCK of our lives that we were expecting TWINS.

5.  In May we went to the beach with family and had a blast!  We also celebrated the hubs 30TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!

6.  June & July we shot more weddings and found out the twins were GIRLS!!!!

7. August continued with shooting weddings and celebrating both boys birthdays (4 & 2) with a fire truck themed party!

8. September we shot our last wedding of the year in Seaside.  We also made it our last little getaway before the babies came.

9. October we welcomed our girls and went from having two kiddos to four (whoa!).

10. November we spent with family on Thanksgiving and adjusted to being a family of SIX.

11. December we celebrated the birth of Jesus with family in town and extended family in Georgia.

HERE IS TO 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!

(pictures of the girls at 2 months)

Mae

The Birth of Our Girls!

(only 7 weeks and 6 days late!)

First I need to apologize that I have been THE WORST BLOGGER during this whole pregnancy.  Summer is busy season with weddings galore that I just haven't had any spare time to update this personal blog.  sorry.

Anywho I want to document our girlies so hopefully I am back :)

**Warning** if you do not want to read about my birth experience with twins please stop here and tune in next time for a more appropriate post :)

Alright I have had MANY requests to post my birth story of the girlies so here it is.

I want to start off saying WHOA.  Pregnancy is hard on your body in general, but a twin pregnancy...one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I shot my last wedding of 2013 at 30 weeks pregnant and from there on out it was all down hill (I was warned it would be rough those last weeks).  At 34 weeks I developed this issue where I was itching ALL OVER.  After I couldn't stand it any longer, I finally called the doctor and he suggested I try some medication and if it didn't work that I needed to come in and they would run some tests because it could be a liver issue.  I took the meds and it seem to dull the itching (or at least I thought so).  I decided I didn't need to go in to have the tests run.  Then the itching came back and I just dealt with it for a while.

At 36 weeks and 2 days we were at my in laws house watching a football game and I just lost it.  I could not stop scratching, I hadn't slept in days and I was so uncomfortable I wanted to scream.  Not to mention I was going potty every 15 to 20 minutes.  I literally was SO OVER THIS PREGNANCY (and I am one that actually enjoys being pregnant).  I felt like I was loosing it as I sat there watching the game...almost like I was going to have a panic attack---never had one of those before but I just couldn't seem to calm myself down.  I went upstairs to try and breath and told Daniel I was going to call the doctor.  I started crying even before the doctor called me back and all through our conversation with her I was crying.  She knew I was miserable so she suggested I come in to L&D and have some test run while they monitored the babies...mind you I wasn't having ANY contractions that I knew of at the moment.  So through tears I told her we would come.  Thankfully we were at my in laws so we left the boys,  headed back to our house to get our bags just in case (even though we didn't actually think we would be having babies that day or the next) and headed to the hospital.

We arrived at the hospital and they began monitoring the babies, my contractions and started blood work.  What seemed like FOREVER waiting on the results from the blood test, they came back and said that one of my liver enzymes was elevated so they wanted to give me a shot, monitor it for an hour to see if it helped with the itching and then send us home.  After one PAINFUL shot (and I can do pain) I thought the itching sensation would go away.  Instead the medication just knocked me out.  Daniel said I was literally in mid sentence and went straight to sleep.  That part all seems like a blur.

About 30 minutes into the shot I remember waking up and trying my best to tell Daniel that I just had a REAL contraction.  I was so loopy and the words would barely come out.  A few minutes later I had another, and then another.  By about the third or fourth one I told Daniel to get the nurse.  After adjusting my contraction monitor (because it wasn't on there very well) she realized they were real contractions.  She decided to check me, and then proceed to get another nurse to check.  I kind of started to panic because we didn't go to the hospital that night to have babies...it was just to stop the itching :).  The other nurse confirmed I was 5 cm.  Then I heard YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE BABIES TONIGHT OR TOMORROW! (after I delivered we were chatting with my doctor and she said she thinks that shot relaxed me so much that it put me into labor...who knew!)

The next about 5 hours were somewhat a blur.  The medicine in the shot they gave me made me completely out of it.  I made the decision around about 30 weeks that I would indeed get an epidural this go round. I am a total advocate for an unmedicated birth and successfully did it with both of our boys.  In retrospect, I could have totally had the girls unmedicated, but with all the "what ifs" with twins, I was highly advised to get one.  I must say I AM NOT A FAN.  I couldn't stand being numb.

So once the epidural was in, we sat and waited.  I was still completely out of it.  By this time my parents and grandmother showed up.  Unlike my other two labor and deliveries, they were able to stay in the room with us right up until it was time to push.

Long story short after a few hours I wasn't really progressing (side note: I labor really quickly so we were shocked I wasn't progressing).  At 5am we had a new nurse because of the shift change.  My previous nurse was new to labor and delivery and inexperienced.  After a few minutes the nurse who came in at 5am asked me how long I had been in the position I was in.  I told her the whole time...I hadn't moved.  With BIG EYES she said "hmmm well lets move you".  Apparently that is all I needed.  It was only about 45 minutes when I began to frantically tell my mom to go get the nurse.  Daniel had stepped out of the room and so did the nurse.  I felt lots of pressure.  Once she got in the room she immediately checked me and I was indeed 10cm.  When you have twins you have to deliver in the OR just in case there needs to be an emergency C-section (one of the reasons for getting an epidural).  She kept telling me over and over "don't push".  HA!  Telling a woman who is 10cm not to push is pretty much worthless.  My nurse called the doctor on call to tell her I was ready and the doctor told her to NOT let me push because she knows how fast my babies come.  Somehow we managed to get to the OR without me delivering (they were coming fast).  The doctor walked in and quickly got settled.  I told her I needed to push.  She looked at me and said "go ahead"...then I think she realized I was serious because just one push later we welcomed our first daughter into the world.  Selah Elizabeth was born at 6:45am weighing 6lbs 5oz.  As they laid her on my chest I was in awe but thinking about sister and her safe delivery.  They swiftly took Selah away because we needed to focus on EG.  EG didn't want to be alone and made that clear.  I was pretty much immediately ready to push but was told to hang on a minute while they found the tool to break my water.  After one big push, our second daughter was born and a HUGE sigh of relief was had.  Evelyn Grace (Evie Grace) was born just 4 minutes after her sister at 6:49am weighing 5lbs 10oz.  After briefly laying her on my chest, they swept her away to check everything out.  I am pretty sure at this point Daniel and I looked at each other with the same look and feeling...THANKSGIVING.  We had just welcomed into the world two perfectly healthy baby girls.

We are now a family of six :)

Mae

20 weeks

Ahhhh some how I managed to skip the last 5 weeks and I am kicking myself for it!  But here I am BACK at 20 weeks.  My motherly intuition was off this time as we are expecting TWO GIRLS!!!!!  I have to say we both were pretty shocked that there was just one girl in there, but when we found out TWO we were overjoyed!  Our little girls do have names: Selah (pronounced say-lah) and Evelyn Grace (Evie Grace).  We are SOOOO excited!

I have an awesome video of our gender reveal BUT it won't upload.  My MIL took this picture which captures the moment well :)

Now on to 20 weeks update: 

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain?  I initially put 30lbs on here just guessing.  Then I went back and actually counted and it is 26lbs (thats what I gained with my boys total...but I am embracing it!!)
Gender: TWO BABY GIRLS!!!!!!!
Maternity clothes?  Um yea pretty much all maternity now.  I am huge!
Stretch marks? Nope.  Thank you mom for those good genes.
Sleep: Getting up about 3 to 4 times a night to go potty makes sleep not so great.  BUT when I am sleeping it is good.
Best moment this week: Going shopping with my mom to get some new maternity clothes that fit.  I was a little emotional on the fourth of July as I couldn't find anything that fit!  No worries my mom to the rescue.  Feeling much better!
Miss Anything?  I still miss sleeping through the night and wearing my normal clothes.  I really miss running as my doctor has taken that away.  
Movement:  These two little girls have become so active in my belly.  Love feeling their little movements.  Don't worry I'm not naive this will get a lot more uncomfortable!
Food cravings:  Eh it seems my desire for anything specific has really become lessened.  I actually seem to not be as hungry either.
Symptoms:  Just some headaches.  I broke down and finally called the doctor.  They called me in something which I am only trying to take when the headaches are really bad.  The headaches I am having are out of control but no worries they are much better now!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nah
Labor signs: I sure hope not!
Wedding rings on or off?  On
Happy or moody most of the time:  I don't think I'm moody just tired often.
Looking forward to:  Getting ready for these two little girls.  We have begun the nursery redo--which I WILL post pictures of!

Mae

15 Weeks

(No face shot...been at the pool all day with the boys)

How far along? 15 weeks
Total weight gain?  18lbs (YUP CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???)  
Gender prediction:  I'm going with my motherly intuition like I did with my other two...I think they are both boys (even though every other person hopes they are both girls :)). 
Maternity clothes?  Some.  I literally live in my yoga pants because we go to they gym basically every day.  With my other two I was NOT in maternity yet but I am much bigger all over.
Stretch marks? Nope.  Thank you mom for those good genes.
Sleep: Getting up about 3 to 4 times a night to go potty makes sleep not so great.  BUT when I am sleeping it is good.
Best moment this week: Seeing the babies on the ultrasound moving all over and looking as precious as ever!
Miss Anything?  I still miss sleeping through the night and wearing my normal clothes.  
Movement:  yes!!
Food cravings:  French fries and LOTS of ice in my water--STILL HAVE THIS CRAVING AND IT IS OUT OF CONTROL!
Symptoms:  Just some headaches.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not really.
Labor signs: I sure hope not!
Wedding rings on or off?  On
Happy or moody most of the time:  I don't think I'm moody just tired often.
Looking forward to:  June 24th WHEN WE FIND OUT THE GENDER OF BOTH BABIES!! (STILL EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!)

Mae

14 Weeks

We've been on vacation and I haven't been able to blog my 14 week update (I'll be 15 weeks in a few days so this is late!)

How far along? 14 weeks
Total weight gain?  16lbs 
Gender prediction:  I'm going with my motherly intuition like I did with my other two...I think they are both boys (even though every other person hopes they are both girls :)). 
Maternity clothes?  Some.  I literally live in my yoga pants because we go to they gym basically every day.  With my other two I was NOT in maternity yet but I am much bigger all over.
Stretch marks? Nope.  Thank you mom for those good genes.
Sleep: Getting up about 3 to 4 times a night to go potty makes sleep not so great.  BUT when I am sleeping it is good.
Best moment this week: Starting to feel babies move a little more!
Miss Anything?  I still miss sleeping through the night and wearing my normal clothes.  
Movement:  yes!!
Food cravings:  French fries and LOTS of ice in my water.
Symptoms:  Just some headaches.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not really.
Labor signs: I sure hope not!
Wedding rings on or off?  On
Happy or moody most of the time:  I don't think I'm moody just tired often.
Looking forward to:  June 24th WHEN WE FIND OUT THE GENDER OF BOTH BABIES!!

I went to the doctor yesterday and had an unexpected ultrasound where I got to see the two little wiggle worms moving all around in my tummy.  The nurse took a guess at what she thought the babies were but we won't find out for sure until a little over 3 weeks! Here are two pictures from yesterday:

Mae

Instagram Dump

This weekend has been crazy busy, and my house is suffering from it.  Looks like cleaning day tomorrow!  We had a wedding on Saturday which was awesome!  That being said we were away from our kiddos most of the day.  We wanted to spend some quality time with them today so we packed up and drove to their great grandparents house (on Daniel's side) and had fun relaxing/exploring.

Here are some pictures from our day.

We went exploring through the woods with Nana, Grandaddy, Papa Bill and Grandma.  The boys LOVED it!

We walked to this cabin that is on their property.  Love seeing this!

This momma almost had a heart attack BUT the boys road 4 wheelers with daddy and Papa Bill and all survived :)

We swung on the swing for a bit 

The boys even stripped down to their undies and played in the water to cool off.

They were officially worn out as we headed to church this evening!

And one last one of the hubs and myself.  We find out what these babies are in a little over 4 weeks!!

All in all it was a relaxing, much needed day!

Mae

I'm glad I could make you laugh (SAID NO PREGNANT WOMAN EVER!)

The doctor warned me at my 6 week appointment as soon as we found out we were expecting twins that I would show rather quickly for multiple (haha get it?) reasons.  1. Being my third pregnancy, your body just kind of knows what to do and does it quicker. 2. for obvious reasons...there are two of them 3. I just show quicker in general.

So I was somewhat prepared.  My yoga instructor was the first one to go out on a limb when I was 9 weeks pregnant. NINE WEEKS PEOPLE.  My jaw almost hit the floor when she asked me if I was expecting.  But she's so sweet and I kindly answered her and then explained I am having twins.

Anyway getting to the whole point of this post...I have had multiple people literally LAUGH, GIGGLE, SNICKER...call it what you like at me when I tell them how far along I am.  I was at the splash pad the other and this sweet mom and I struck up a conversation.  She then proceed to ask me how far along I was.  I said "12 weeks" and literally she laughed and then immediately apologized for laughing.

(excuse that I have no make up and that I am making that awful face)

I know I'm big...just try not to stare. :)

I really am in good spirits about it...just had to share!

Mae

13 Weeks

I didn't do this with my other two but I really wish I had.  I want to remember all of it.  So here it goes.  Hopefully I will keep up!

Goodbye First Trimester...Hello Second!!

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight gain?  12lbs but I haven't been to the doctor in a couple of weeks so could be more :)
Gender prediction:  I'm going with my motherly intuition like I did with my other two...I think they are both boys (even though every other person hopes they are both girls :)).  I did have a crazy dream last night that there were 2 boys and 1 girl--JUST A DREAM!
Maternity clothes?  Some.  I literally live in my yoga pants because we go to they gym basically every day.  With my other two I was NOT in maternity yet but I am much bigger all over.
Stretch marks? Nope.  Thank you mom for those good genes.
Sleep: Getting up about 3 to 4 times a night to go potty makes sleep not so great.  BUT when I am sleeping it is good.
Best moment this week: Feeling movement last night.
Miss Anything?  Sleeping on my tummy, being able to run more than 2.5 miles and sleeping through the night without going potty.  
Movement:  Off and on.
Food cravings:  ANYTHING.  I think I plan my day out around what I am going to eat :)
Symptoms:  Just some headaches.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not really.
Labor signs: I sure hope not!
Wedding rings on or off?  On
Happy or moody most of the time:  I don't think I'm moody just tired often.
Looking forward to:  The beach in a week and then our doctor appointment after that.

Mae

Etretat, France

Since I promised pictures from all last year...I am holding to that!

While in France this past summer we took many trips site-seeing/exploring.  Our first trip that we took pretty quickly after we arrived was to the north of France.  It was breath-taking.  We really knew nothing about it but set out for an adventure.

We loaded up early one Friday morning.  Driving in France is very similar to in America.  We really didn't have issues with that.  It was more at the gas station we struggled!

Once we arrived...we were taken back.  I think the pictures can speak for themselves:



























So many great memories made!

Mae

I feel the need to catch you up!

I have been very absent from this blog for the past 10 months.  All for good reasons, but I want to jump back in.  Since this is my online scrapbook, I don't want to miss a thing!

Soooo lets start back to last May.

Daniel graduate seminary.

We boarded a plane with our two crazy boys and waaaaay to much luggage to make the 10 hour flight to Paris, France.  We were excited, nervous, scared...all the emotions.  But first we had to concur being on a plane for 10 hours with an almost 3 year old and almost 1 year old.















Lets just say we survived the plane ride (some how) and landed on a different continent...and so the journey began.  Below are two pictures of us in our rental car we had all summer.  The boys were worn out!  Oh and here is our blog about our time in France if you would like to read :) http://www.sowers4france.blogspot.com





Need to interject we have been praying/planning/preparing to serve in France long term church planting.  This trip was for Daniel to complete his intership, and for us to get a better grasp on what is going on there and where we would be serving.

It was a great summer where we learned so much and deepened some relationships we will never forget.  All the while we are thinking we will be returning to France.  It wasn't till close to the end of our journey there that the Lord began to show us that this was not where He wanted us to be. We both fought it, but it continued to tug at both of our hearts.  One night as we were laying in bed, we both just told each other what the Lord had been speaking to us...and it was spot on with each other.  Through lots of prayer and mentoring, we made the decision that this was not where the Lord wanted us to be.  We were sad, hurt, scared, worried, unsure...and a little angry at why God had done this.  But we stepped out in faith and began to start the process of telling everyone.

We returned back to the states (living with my parents till we figured things out). We celebrated Caleb's 1st Birthday (pictures to come) and Eli's 3rd birthday (more pictures).

In September Daniel and I went on our 6 year anniversary trip to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite (pictures to come).  Once we returned Daniel began applying for jobs because honestly we didn't know what we were going to do.  I began my photography business and it took off!  Daniel landed a job within two months.  We felt like our next step would be to buy a house but we had NO idea if we would be able to since we had never purchased before.  Little did we know that we would be closing on our first home by the end of the year (pictures to come).

We have just seen over and over God's hand in leading us here.  A few month back we were approached about joining a church plant here.  We prayed about it for a while and realized it would be good for us to join.

In February we got pregnant.  We also had our first wedding of the year and we fenced in our backyard!

In March I took two test to confirm we were pregnant.

In April we found out we were having TWINS.  My brother and sister-in-law also welcomed their first child (pictures to come) :).  Oh and I also became another year older.

In May (this month) we celebrated the hubs 30th!!!!!!  My sister and brother-in-law welcomed their first child (pictures to come).  We are taking a family vacation, and I go back to the doctor for a check up.  We also have a wedding this month.

Lastly we celebrated Mother's Day.  I feel so blessed to have these crazy kiddos.

So there you go.  I think that is it :)

Mae