A Surprise from my Dad

Sent from my iPhoneMy dad was so sweet yesterday. He drove down from NC to bring me this beautiful nativity scene he cut and painted for me as a Christmas present. And it was a complete surprise! He put it in the front yard and hid behind a tree to see me come out and find it. I absolutely love it! Love you dad. Thanks for being so thoughtful!

It turned into an even better evening with him staying the night and joining us for dinner and a movie with Chris and Morgan! Great evening full of great surprises!


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

24 weeks

Here we are at 24 weeks!

Happenings:
- Back to cooking like I used to sans seafood.
- Lots of huffing and puffing at practically every movement I TRY to make.
- Started having to take a "moment" at the top of any flight of stairs.
- I'm now being woken up in the middle of the night with heartburn.
- Those babies are Kickin' up a storm, still loving church and the symphony. 😊
- Had our first baby shower.
- Needing a boost from the hubster to get up into our new King bed.
- Not a single jacket I own will Hutton all the way now.
- Still no stretch marks. 😃
- Still have emotional breakdowns over broken gingerbread men and other such completely unimportant things.
- Now experiencing the need to go to the restroom very thirty minutes due to weight of the kiddos.
- Been waking up before dawn at the feeling that I have soooo much to do to get ready for these kiddos.
- Both experiencing fears that life as we know it is shortly over.
- Feelings of complete love and anticipation for their arrival in March!
- Have both cribs in our possession although not ready to out in the nursery quite yet.
- Four projects happening simultaneously in this house: new bench built in bay window, beed board put in the bar, French doors out on Beau's office and a complete gutting of my master bath down to the studs...not to mention the whole nursery thing.


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

DC 2014 with the Murphys

Beau and I flew up to DC the weekend before Thanksgiving to see our dear friends, Josh and Kelly. I think the last time we were there was two years ago. They’ve moved since then since they’re expecting a little girl in early February.

 

We had a great time traipsing all over DC with them and just catching up and laughing for the weekend.

 

Our first day in we went to a Mexican place Beau and I had chosen that was essentially Mexican tapas type thing. Small plates of Mexican food to share. It was super good, but too expensive. And the whole time I was wishing for a margarita. I shouldn’t do that to myself…put temptation right in front of me.

 

Friday we had a leisurely morning with a fantastic breakfast by Kelly. Bacon and sausage and eggs with herbs and cheese in them. And then…popovers! Now, I’ve tried to make these. Flop. But no, not Kelly’s. Hers were light and airy and delicious. I had two. J After breakfast we headed downtown to a new museum called the Newseum. It basically showcases all of the major news cases in the last 100 years or so and some farther back than that. It was really interesting. And they had a section all about 9/11 with the top of the World Trade Center (pictured).

 

Friday night was the best dinner. Le Diplomat – a French bistro downtown that was to die for. I still contend that French food is some of the best in the world. How could you possibly go wrong with that much butter?!?!? Simply…you can’t. Josh and Kelly convinced (not hard of course) to all share the truffled mushroom tart for an appetizer. No problem! And so glad we did. Yummo. And here’s the rest…

 

Josh

1^st course: French Onion Soup

Entrée: Burger (which he claimed was one of the best he’s ever had)

 

Kelly

1^st Course: French Onion Soup

Entrée: Roast Chicken with Mashed Potatoes (which happened to be laden with butter)

Dessert: Two scoops of chocolate ice cream

 

Beau

1^st course: Salad Lyonnaise (Frisee with bacon lardons and a poached egg-his favorite)

Entrée: Steak Frites

Dessert: Profiteroles drizzled with chocolate

 

Kathryn

1^st course: Salad Lyonnaise

Entrée: Steamed mussels and a white wine butter sauce J

Dessert: Split those profiteroles with Beau

 

And yes, there was wine and mocktails and tons of bread and we left so completely happy and full. And when we got home, this pregnant girl went right to bed.

 

Saturday was another leisurely morning that had us eventually at a sports bar to watch the Carolina Gamecocks play some football. You can obviously see that my dear husband is smiling, therefore, we won. And we finished that night off with some super good pizza form Whole Foods. Did anyone else out there not know that they do two large pizzas for $20?!?!? What a deal!

 

Sunday was another great leisurely morning at Josh and Kelly’s house and then headed out to the Baltimore Aquarium, which is one of the best. On the way, Beau had a genius idea. Pit Beef. If you’ve ever watched The Wire, they talk about Pit Beef in Baltimore. So onward we went in search of some of that goodness for lunch. And we found it, right next door to a gentleman’s club, which we did not visit. Man that food was good and greasy and filling. Josh and Beau both ordered the pit beef sandwich that included, shredded pit beef, Italian sausage and corned beef (as pictured), while I ordered a cheeseburger and Kelly got a turkey reuben. Super yummy and then we were super full.

 

The aquarium truly was amazing and it’s something anyone should see if they’re up that way. From there, Josh and Kelly took us to the airport to head back to Charleston. It was a great trip and we’re so glad we made it. Definitely the last time all four of us will be together as just the four of us. Next time there will be seven total!

 

Thanksgiving 2014

Sent from my iPhoneThanksgiving was so nice and relaxing!!! Because we've been traveling and working so much lately we decided to stay put. So although it was just Beau, Donna and myself, I had to cook a full spread. It's just not Thanksgiving without too much food!

Thankfully, Beau handled the turkey. (I'm not a big fan of cooking meat because I get nervous about it being underdone vs overdone.). He fried that turkey! So with the company of our neighbors and the sharing of oil we all hung out in the driveway cooking turkeys and have a cheap version of a charcuterie.

While the turkey was cooking, I was busy inside workin' up the rest: Collards cooked with a ham hock; a new mac and cheese recipe that will be revisited for sure, sweet potato casserole and not good cornbread dressing. (It was a Bon Appetit recipe for Spicy Pecan Cornbread Dressing - don't try it)

But everything was delicious and of course we had seconds. Donna and I realized later that since I pulled out the silver and the china for this day's event, the dinner plates were smaller than what they're making today. I think that benefited us. So even though we all got seconds, we did eat less than we might have eaten otherwise. :) (I like to tell myself that.)

I concluded my lunch with a nap on the couch while Beau and Donna took the dogs on a walk. And then we finished out the afternoon/evening with our own version of karaoke at the house.

It was a very nice, relaxing and restful Thanksgiving. Probably our last one for a while. I tell you, those babies are going to change everything...for good!


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

She Said That

I went to Petco last night to get the A-Man some food. I ran into someone I know and they asked when the big day was (due date). I responded with March 21st (OB isn't going to let me go past that date). The lady in front of me in line and the cashier both looked at my belly and then responded with "Really?!?!?!". Well, um, yes, I'm having twins!!! Geesh. You would almost expect a man to say something like that but women should know better. :)

Pregnant Woman at the Grocery STore

I wish I could have taken a picture of the little girl's face that was checking me out at Harris Teeter on Saturday. Point: Don't send a hungry pregnant woman to the grocery store. It's like sending a man who hasn't been in years.

I was tired of eating Thanksgiving leftovers and couldn't manage to put more turkey in my mouth for dinner Saturday night. So I went to the store.

I came home with four 12-packs of all different flavors of Coke Zero, two frozen pizzas, two pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, 1 package of Klondike bars and 1 package of Magnum bars. Oh, and a bag of brussels sprouts. (Got to throw in some healthy.)

And before you ask, no I didn't eat all of that! My eyes wanted it though and I got it! I did have some restraint and didn't add on the garlic bread I wanted. :)

21 Weeks

Here we are at 21 weeks! With a new NLT date of March 21st we only have 17 weeks to go! Latest happenings:

1. Our anatomy appointment that revealed everything is a-ok with both babies.
2. Both babies are kicking at the sounds of the symphony and USC fans cheering on the Gamecocks.
3. Beau has felt them kick now.
4. Cannot eat fish...unless it's fried.
5. Took our last trip together as a family of two.
6. Heavily applying the thick lotion at the hope of zero stretch marks.
7. Winded at the climb of one flight of steps.
8. Back to loving the flavor of coffee...decaf of course!
9. Still wanted pasta, bread, rice and potatoes more than any other food.
10. Back to loving salads.
11. Cleaning this house like crazy!
12. Throwing all sorts of stuff away or giving away almost everyday.
13. Flu shot. Check.
14. Nursery carpet has been cleaned and is ready to go.
15. Beau's old baby furniture has been painted and is ready.
16. Registries completed. I think.
17. Completely out of any pants/skirts/dresses that were mine before we got pregnant. Maternity jeans from here forward!
18. New bedtime. 9:00.

Can't wait to meet these kiddos.

Day 3 Babymoon

Saturday's excursions started with breakfast at a great cafe that was more of an experience rather than just breakfast. It turned out to be the same cafe that we had breakfast at in D.C. With Josh and Kelly just two years ago. And I ordered the same meal! 

We then decided to be brave and tackle Times Square. For some reason I thought that would be a great place to walk around and "shop". We pretty much wasted some time looking around and walking among the thousands of tourists that were down there. But...our next musical started at 2:00!!!! Les Miserables on stage!!! Beau and I love the storyline and the score. So naturally, we had to see it on stage. It did not disappoint. Not at all. The music was just as good as I had always remembered it. The set was really well done and the actors were wonderful. There were tears shed at the end which is always the case. Such a marvelous story of forgiveness and love. We loved it!

And to tell everyone of the amazing husband that I have, we trekked to Macy's on 34th St. After standing in the women's line for the bathroom for half an hour we milled around Macy's looking at boots for me. Every husband's idea of fun! ;) but seriously that store has everything!

After leaving Macy's we walked back to the Theater District for Italian dinner reservation. If you know me at all, you know that I did extensive research to find a great Italian dinner in NYC. We just couldn't pass up on legitimate Italian food when present. We definitely found it at La Masseria. With two Michelin stars, it was superb with every bite and worth every penny. We're still talking about he meal today. Here's what we had:

Appetizer: Steamed mussels with white wine and herbs (hard to mess that up I know, but the sauce is always where it's at...and not the essence of grit left on/in the mussels

Salad: Beau got a frisée sale with bacon lardons and Pecorino Romano cheese - he loved it. Kathryn got a spinach salad with pears, walnuts and Gorgonzola dressing - and yes, loved it

Pasta: this is what we came for!

Beau: He had the dish pictured below, Bucatini with onions, Pancetaa and pecorino Romano cheese (do you see a theme?) He slurped up every bite and sopped up the sauce with the Italian bread. Kathryn: I had the dish pictured below, thin Spaghetti with Clams in a white wine sauce. And no lie, that was by far he pasta and clams dish I've EVER put in my mouth! It was fantastic! The clams were cooked perfectly, again without any grit, the pasta was a perfect al dente and the sauce was thick enoug that it clung to the noodles. If I had a fridge on the airplane I would have bought another plate to go and had it for dinner tonight!  (Again, do you see a theme with our ordering?)

 And of course we had dessert! Beau ordered his all-time favorite, Tiramisu. And I had a hankering for vanilla cheesecake. This one was made with ricotta so it was extra light and creamy. By this point we weren't able to finish our desserts, but you better believe we took them home and ate them later! 

 We finished off the night with a stroll through Grand Central. 

19 Weeks

So here we are at 19 weeks! Little baby A is kicking like crazy every time I eat! He/she also seems to like loud music. Yesterday morning Beau and I hopped on the subway to Brooklyn to attend the Brooklyn Tabernacle for some praise and worship and that little baby loved the singing and clapping. He/she was just a kickin’ and movin’. So fun! I also received this t-shirt from my sister yesterday in the mail. I thought it appropriate to wear in the photo. And sorry to say Jenn, but that’s probably the first and last time I’ll be getting it on until after the babies are born. J

 

Our day two. Like I said earlier, we walked quite far yesterday. The first two pictures are of the east river. 

We then fit in the Metro headed for Chinatown to buy some purses. On the way, we stripped off at Katz' deli, a famous Kosher deli. And yes, it was famous! You grab a ticket and stand in line for what seemed like forever. Beau and I ordered a Rueben with pastrami and corned beef and split that! These things were huge! We also got fries and some pickles. It was worth the wait and super good! If you go here, bring cash!Weleft lunch and headed to REI, a place that Beau always like to stop. After the five mile walk in the morning and the standing and walking that lunch and the Metro produced, this pregnant girl was exhausted! Chinatown and the purses got scratched and we headed back to the apartment for a nap. I woke up about an hour and a half later to it being dark out. Wehad about two hours until our theater performance started and we headed out for drinksand apps. 

The first place we stopped was Pampano's the bartender made me up a really delicious Mocktail and I felt like before. It was so nice. We then left there and started walking towards the theater district and stopped off at a French place for another app (delicious escargots!) and another Mocktail! 

Beau bought tickets for The Gentleman'sguide to Love and Murder. Super good!! It's a much smaller production than say Phantom of the Opera, but it was funny and unexpected and a great story. Definitely one to see!

After the play were pretty hungry and wandered around the theater district to find dinner. We ended up at a French/Thai fusion place. Beau ended up with his standard sandwich and me withmy Panang Chicken Curry. Super yummy. With full stomachs we walked home. On the way we passed by the big Christmas tree in Rockefeller Square. It was delivered on Thursday! So notlit up yet, but still great to see!

All in all, Beau and I walked 25,000 steps yesterday, which equaled about 11 miles! Whew! 

10,000 steps

Beau and I got up feeling energetic. Probably due to all the noodles we consumed the night before. Plus, there was this nagging feeling in our heads that some walking was I order because of the sheer amount of sodium that had entered our bodies!

We got dressed and went looking for coffee and a New York bagel. We found both a few blocks from our apt. Those were downed rather quickly and off we went for a walk along the East River. Really nice walk. Not a lot of people and it's quite refreshing being next to the water and not having all the cars around us. Once we had walked far enough north to put us parallel with Central Park, we went west. Once we hit Central Park, we headed back south towards our place. 

This pregnant girl had to take a break for a bit on a park bench, but that was quick. We saw so many little dogs all bundled up with down vets on, booties and even hats! Kind of crazy!

By the time we returned to the apt I was pooped! And I had every right to be, we had walked a little over 5 miles! 10,000 steps? Check. All of that by 10:30 in the morning. 

Momofuku's

Beau and I have been watching a show on PBS called The Mind of a Chef thanks to the suggestion of our friend, Martin. We love it. Check it out. But the first season is all about David Chang and his masterful way of making Ramen, among other delicacies. 

Now, before you go rolling your eyes over ramen, this is not the same as the $.13 ramen you get at the grocery store. This stuff is for real. Hours go into making the broth, hours! There are poached eggs in these bowls with meat and fresh vegetables. Not e same as the stuff we bought stock in during college. 

Beau and I wanted to go try it out ourselves. So we wnt. Last night. Waited in line for about 15 minutes and were then seated at a table with another couple. Beau ordered a sake and me a diet coke. We looked at the menu. I wanted to try it all. But that's never a good idea. Instead we ordered one dish from each category and split it all. 

Cold Dish: Cucumbers with scallions, togarashi and peanuts

Appetizer: Shrimp steamed buns with spicy mayo and pickled red onions

Ramen: Momofuku ramen with pulled pork, pork belly and a poached egg

Specialty: Goat green curry with noodles

It was all delicious. All of it. Beau and I finished every last bite down to drinking up the broth right out of the bowls!

My favorite? The goat curry because of the super thick chewy noodles and the cucumbers. Oh the cucumbers. You have no idea. Would eat a bowl right now if I could. 

Beau's favorite? The goat green curry because of the subtle curry flavor in the broth. 

I'm going to try to convince him to go back there on Sunday before we fly out!!!

Go to Momofuku's. Stand in line in the cold. It's worth the wait. Promise. 

Babymoon!!!!!

Since we discovered we were pregnant we have been wanting to take a "baby moon", that last trip as a couple while you can just pick up and go without a care in the world. So here we are...New York City! We love it here and I (Kathryn) have never been in the fall. So we took advantage of a business trip Beau was already on and I met him up here yesterday. 

I was scheduled to leave out of Charleston at 12:55 but the weather in NYC delayed my flight...twice. We were scared we'd be spending another night apart. But thankfully I got out of there at 3:08 on my way to the Big Apple. I arrived and immediately hopped in a cab headed for 49th and 1st. And there was Beau, with the doorman, Louis, waiting out front for me!

We dropped our bags and started towards the metro headed south. After a few stops we got off on 11th and 1st. Our destination? Momofuku's. Chef? David Chang. 

After our very filling dinner we decided it best to walk back to the apartment. Although our stomachs we're thankful for the walk, our feet were not. 

Halloween

Beau ordered German costumes for tonight! And I made Argos dress as a cheeseburger. :)

We attended no party. Just did it for ourselves...to have fun! And it was fun!!!

Babies 'R Us

I went to Babies 'R Us this afternoon after work to complete the baby registry. I figured it would be easier than doing it all online. Anyway...

My first stop in the store was merely due to location, the breast pump area. That was on the first aisle. I immediately started scanning items I think I need. But honestly, what could I know? I've never used a breast pump! The closest I've been to one was in the JFK airport one afternoon in the bathroom. I'm standing there washing my hand and I hear this repetitive sound. I wasn't sure what it was. I looked up and there's a woman standing there, putting on her makeup and using the hands-free pump on both breasts. You try not to stare, but honestly, who wouldn't? 

Anyway, experience #2 with the breast pump was today. Standing in the same aisle is a man. I thought it a little strange, but he quickly explained that he was there to buy nipple shields for his wife who had a cracked nipple due to breastfeeding for the first time (baby was 13 days old). Gee, thank you for sharing that detail and making me fearful of breastfeeding!

He proceeded to go walk me up and down the aisle, showing me everything that his wife loved/found helpful and what they've found to be a waste of money. Of course, I was scanning away! He was also nice enough to take me down a couple of other aisles to show me some bottle accessories that were a MUST according to he and his wife. :) 

Sometimes the balding, middle-aged, non-expectant men are the most helpful when it comes to breast feeding! Never underestimate!!! :)

Kicking and waving

What a day in NYC

I had a great run yesterday. 5.5 miles averaging 7:10 minute miles. That is lightning fast for me. I followed it up with a 5 napkins burger on 45th and 9th with Heather.

Terranea

CSSG had their annual fall meeting in Terranea, a resort just south of LA. It was a great experience and I'm feeling more and more a part of this team. I took a couple of great runs in the morning and Heather, Marcia, and Gene are my coworkers in the pictures.

Eady!

Auburn vs USC

We drove to Auburn, AL on Saturday to watch the Gamecocks play the War Eagles. Although we didn't win, we played a great game! The Auburn fans were very hospitable and super friendly and I got to see my cousin's wife, Eady!

Thank you Theron and Jeanette for hosting us! And thank you Carl and Caroline fir meeting us down there! What a fun weekend!!

16/17 week kiddos

Here's the latest pic fresh off the press! We're 16 weeks but they're measuring 17 weeks which means they're eating enough! Such an answer to prayer! We're so happy and thrilled! Probably the last pic of them together inside the womb!

16 weeks

16 weeks pregnant as of yesterday. I keep the weight gain amount to myself :). But feeling great and staying busy.

Latest developments:
1. Painted the nursery
2. Painted Beau's baby furniture
3. Took Beau into Babies 'R Us for the first time
4. Officially wearing some maternity clothes, some of my regular clothes
5. Started with the cocoa butter
6. Still wanting an exhorbitant amount of fried chicken
7. A third being has joined our bed, the Snoogle
8. Energy is back and in full swing
9. Already started making frozen meals so Beau can make dinner when the babies are here :)
10. Minor lower back pain
11. Parking in the "expectant mothers" parking at the grocery store!

The Boys

Sent from my iPhoneBeau, Carl and Dave all sat together at today's Carolina game against Furman. Definitely enjoying themselves!!


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

Photo Op

Sent from my iPhoneAt the request of our parents. Here I am at 14 weeks! A little bump indeed although to me it looks bigger than that!


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

Mr and Mrs and then some

This was not a joke. We’re having two. Two babies at the same time. That’s right. Beau and Kathryn: Mr and Mrs plan everything, live by the schedule/calendar, super detailed are having twins and having their lives turned upside down. Is anyone else humored by this!?!?

 

Since that first day that we found out, we’ve been nervous about the first trimester, hoping and praying that both little babies would hang on. After the fertility doctor released us to the OB and they said both babies are of equal size and completely healthy, we decided to share the news with you! With everyone!

 

So please, share the news. Share in our excitement. Share in the goodness that God has given. And please join us in continuing to pray for a healthy and (I can’t believe I’m going to say this) long pregnancy. We won’t those little babies to stay in there as long as possible!

 

Thank you for joining the journey. Please keep coming back!

 

Argie

Sent from my iPhoneArgie did a bad, bad thing. Got into the trash. He knows he did wrong and hid behind the chair:)


About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT) is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits software solutions for consumers, employers, insurance carriers and brokers. Benefitfocus has served more than 23 million consumers on its platform that consists of an integrated portfolio of products and services enabling clients to more efficiently shop, enroll, manage and exchange benefits information. With a user-friendly interface and consumer-centric design, the Benefitfocus Platform provides one place for consumers to access all their benefits. Benefitfocus solutions support the administration of all types of benefits including core medical, dental and other voluntary benefits plans as well as wellness programs. For more information, visit www.benefitfocus.com.

This is not a joke

Remember we made the decision to go for IVF on Monday and by Saturday we were back in the doctor’s office for the egg retrieval. Four days later we were back for the implantation. The picture you see on the back of the announcements are our two little babies in embryo stage prior to implantation. We found that so fascinating to be able to see them at that stage.

 

After leaving the implantation we were told to come back in two weeks to see if we were pregnant. “Don’t take a pregnancy test” they said. For those of you who don’t know me all that well, I’m a rule follower to the “T”. So no, I never took a test. I waited, impatiently I might add. Two weeks later on a beautiful Monday, the nurse called to say “You’re pregnant!”

 

Holy cow! I started jumping up and down in Beau’s office. Up and down! Beau, I think sat there in disbelief a bit. He smiled, but did not react as crazily as I did. I couldn’t believe it! It was actually happening for us. Excited was an understatement. We called immediate family right away!

 

It wasn’t until two weeks afterwards that we went in for an ultrasound to find out how many embryos took to the uterus. In the room with us were Dr. Schnorr, a medical resident and one of our favorite nurses, Kristen. The doctor starts the ultrasound and immediately says, “So, you’re having twins” and then went immediately into “blah, blah, blah”. I have no idea what he said after that, I just wanted him to go back and say the first part again. He was so casual with it, I thought he must have been joking or something!

 

But no. Not a joke.

Next Step...

Like I said in the last post, this last IUI round didn’t go as “normal” and no one was really sure why. The doctors continued to up dosage and just wait for things to happen as they should.

 

One Monday afternoon after coming in for bloodwork in the morning, my nurse, Andrea, called to say that instead of having just a few good size eggs ready, I had about 20! That meant that instead of an IUI, I was perfectly set up for IVF.

 

Let me go back a bit. If they had let me continue with an IUI with 20 eggs, there was a possibility I could have been octomom! I did not want to be on television for that! The other option was for them to, for lack of a better word, “pop” the eggs, which they said would be incredibly inhumane for me because it would be so laborious and painful for me. So the best option? IVF or nothing and I would have wasted that month of prep.

 

I had to make the decision that day. Beau was out of town. I made the call. He and I discussed it and we both felt this was God’s doing. It would be too difficult and long of a paragraph for me to explain everything that a woman normally has to go through to prepare for IVF. And I did almost none of that. We truly believe that through the efforts of myself, Beau and the doctors, God blessed those and increased them greatly and had His own plan for that time. We decided to go for it…

 

So here is our ultra sound from week 12. Amazing the difference from the last!

Gamecocks in the Amish Country

So we spent the weekend in Lancaster PA and the surrounding area. It was a rushed but great trip that included dinner with an Amish family, a Broadway like production of Moses, and my favorite, a trip to Gettysburg. We also visiting Kathryn's family including Uncle Jerry and Aunt Joan. On Saturday, Chris and I headed up to a bar to watch the Gamecocks play Vandy. This bar was called The Bullfrog and was in the tiny town of Georgetown PA. It was around 10, which is late in the Amish day, and the bar was pretty empty...maybe because they don't drink. Anyway, I decided it was an opportunity to "buy a shot for the house." So I did and we quickly made friends and the good guys quickly ran up 14 points. I channeled my inner deacon and proclaimed "when you give you receive." I was the entertainment. Anyway, Chris and I had a good time and here are the pictures to prove it. Note the very young looking Amish boys who were part of the action. I will leave off their names but they were Carolina fans that night.