How was your weekend? Ours was so good. We went to Cinicinnati for a concert on Saturday, and made time to go to IKEA as well.
The kids had never been to a concert, and Hadley loves Bailey Zimmerman, so Trav bought tickets last summer for this concert this weekend. BZ was really amazing, and his opening acts were amazing too.
Anyway, I’m sure I will share more at some point, but first…
How’s everyone feeling? haha
Anyway, today’s our monthly Share Our Lives link up…
This month’s topic is…5 items you can’t live without.
Ok – topics like this one stress me out a bit…how do I narrow down to 5? What if I forget to mention something?? I know I’m going to read others’ posts and think, “Oh yeah! I need that too!
Anyway, here are some of the (more trivial) things that I can’t live without.
1. My Kindle
My Kindle is one of my favorite things ever. It’s so handy to take with me, throw in my purse, download a few books, and read conveniently wherever I am.
I bought my Kindle almost five years ago! Honestly, it’s getting a little slow, and I’ve noticed it’s not staying charged as long. I’m thinking about getting a new one soon.
2. Weighted Blanket
When I’m not home, I miss my weighted blanket more than I can say. Truly. It’s one of my favorite things. I bought the kids each one (a lighter weight one) a few years ago, but they didn’t use theirs like I thought they would. Honestly, I really think Hayden would benefit from one…he’s not a very relaxed sleeper…but what does mom know?
I can’t remember where I got mine years ago…I’ve been thinking and thinking and am drawing a blank. I know I was “influenced” and bought it using a code from a brand, but anyway…I still love it so much.
3. Post-It Notes
Post-It notes and note pads…I truly can’t live without them. I feel like I have little things I want to remember, so I will use a sticky notes…but then I have longer lists that I write on a small notepad or one of these pretty notepads.
4. Tumbler(s)
I shared recently about my new tumbler that’s only for my Diet Coke. I have a small one from Target for my coffee, and I have another one that’s for water only! I have a purple Stanley but this lilac one is the one I use the most often for water.
Screenshot
5. Coffee pot
Coffee on repeat. It’s my lifeline and the best way to start my day. We had the same coffee pot for years, and then I got a pretty white Drew Barrymore brand one that didn’t even last a year. When it just up and stopped working about a year and a half ago, Travis made a trip to Walmart and came home with this bad boy:
It is nice that it’s Keurig for single cups of coffee, but we can also make a pot of coffee. What I truly miss about my old coffee pot is setting the timer and having a fresh pot of coffee when I wake up.
Now, I usually do a single cup for me in the morning and then make the pot of coffee for my second cup and for Trav to drink.
Bonus: A hair tie!
I’m not a person to wear a hair tie (rubber band) on my wrist, but I do have to have a few in my purse, in my makeup bag, in my nightstand and more. I like to pull my hair back, and just have to know that I have one nearby to do that if/when needed.
Also, I cannot workout unless my hair is pulled back.
So those are some of my “can’t live without” items.
To be honest, I could have included things like my phone or phone charger, but I was trying to keep this list as short as possible. haha
Next month, we’re talking about favorite make up and hair products. I’m not great at either of these things, so I’m going to start thinking about that topic now.
If you have a blog, we’d love for you to link up with us and join us.
I can’t wait to see what “must have” items others share.
Have a great week,
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This month’s topic is…how we met our significant other or best friend.
…This post is just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Here’s how I met T-rav:
When Travis graduated college, he worked for UK’s Athletic department, and after a few years he moved to Columbia, Missouri to work for Mizzou Athletics. It was a step up from what he was doing but also not too far from home.
Anyway, he moved to Columbia in 2001.
I met Travis that fall. I was in my last year of college and University of Missouri. I was working part time in the ticket office, and that was his full time job.
My friend who also worked in the ticket office also thought he was cute. We liked his accent…haha
Anyway, we crossed paths at work quite a few times and would see each other out at bars. (Oh to be 21 again!) He asked me on a date and said he’d call me the next day. Well, I’d dated a bit in college and knew I’d at least see him again at work or that maybe he’d call the next evening. He called me (on the house phone!) early the next morning. This already made him stand out in my book.
Our first date was going for a jog that afternoon on the MK-T trail which is a popular outdoor spot in Columbia. I actually was a jogger back then.
Since this was 2001, and athleisure wasn’t all the rage, I remember stressing and asking my roommates what to wear. I wanted to look cute but also able to jog…haha
He picked me up in his silver Honda Civic, and we headed to the trail. We jogged briefly, and I then told him I couldn’t run and talk at the same time…and he casually dropped the fact that he ran for UK in college on me. Oh geez!
Anyway, after the jog, we went to eat an early dinner at an Italian place called Bambinos and then hung out for a while afterwards.
I remember being nervous about possibly seeing him at work on Monday, but didn’t see him. Then, he called me that evening, and I told him I wasn’t feeling well. I ended up with a high fever, and was pretty sick. He brought me Gatorade and a People magazine because at some point we’d talked about my love for celebrity gossip.
To this day, he takes care of me. I think I’m a pretty independent person, but at this point in my life when I feel like I’m taking care of everyone, I appreciate it even more when he steps in and takes care of things or me.
Anyway, we hit it off and hung out quite a bit moving forward.
I think this is the first pic we have together…it’s at my parents’ house…and I think it’s around my birthday in January 2002.
Our relationship wasn’t perfect then (we even broke up once or twice…that’s a story for another day…but the breakups were always short-lived), and it’s still not perfect now…but I think we are pretty perfect for each other.
The fact that Valentine’s Day is in a couple of days is timely for a running joke we have. Every year he asks me how many years we’ve been valentines…and I say the number of years but then remind him it would be one more if we hadn’t broken up in February of 2002 (only to get back together in March of that year).
We got engaged in May of 2004 and married in June 2005.
I’m really grateful to have found “my person” while I was pretty young, but I also know we aren’t the people we were back then. Although, I always say that he really is the same guy I met. I’m the one who has probably changed a bit more…but I know that’s a part of life too…and I’m grateful that he loves me through the ups and downs of life.
We’ve definitely come a long way and are very blessed:
So, that’s our story!
Next month’s topic is 5 items you can’t live without…
I hope you have a great week. Mine is a really busy one at school and in the evenings. I hope to have a couple more posts this week.
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one that wasn’t too busy.
Did you catch my two posts this weekend?
This month, I’m participating in Bloganuary where I’m trying to write a daily post. I’m continuing with my own schedule, but I’m also using some of the WordPress prompts for topics too.
On Saturday, I wrote about gifts, and on Sunday I shared my recent Amazon purchases to link up with Tanya today.
Anyway, on to today’s post…
Today is our first Share Our Lives (formerly Not Just a Mom) link up of 2024. I’m happy to be back co-hosting this link up with these ladies:
This month’s topic is introductions and job’s you’ve had.
Introduction:
We did introductions last January too….and not much as changed for me.
I’m Jen:
I’m still…
a wife (married to Travis, and we will celebrate 19 years in June)
a mom (my boy/girl twins are now 14 years old)
a high school English teacher (this is my 22nd year in education. I do academic intervention now which I really enjoy)
pretty introverted and a homebody
a book lover (but fail at book clubs) and a dog lover
a beach and mountain view lover
an Enneagram 5w6
left-handed
I grew up in Kansas City, but have lived in Lexington, KY for almost 20 years
a KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers fan
Here are some other blog posts I’ve written sharing a bit more about myself:
I took a True Colors test this year, and I’m gold (planner) which means I’m loyalty driven, respect rules and authority, responsible, organized, and appreciative
Autumn is my favorite season.
I love traditions.
I need quiet time to start my morning.
I love my birthday, but I don’t need a lot of attention…haha
After almost two years, I’m on my third and (hopefully) final phase of Invisalign.
I love a Sunday afternoon nap.
I love “falling back” for daylight savings time, and I love a snow day.
I’ve had this blog for 4.5 years (will be 5 years at the end of the summer)
Here are some more recent posts I’ve written sharing more about myself:
I worked at dental/ortho office for a few years in high school and my freshman year of college.
I worked the front desk of my dorm sophomore and junior years of college.
I occasionally babysat.
I worked for Mizzou Athletics in the ticket office during my senior year of college and while I did my student teaching.
This is my 22nd year as a high school teacher.
Here are our topics this year. If you have a blog, we’d love for you to save the Share Our Lives graphics and link up with us on the second Monday of the month. We love reading other bloggers’ posts!
I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was extra fun…we went to my school’s basketball game on Friday night, Hayden had a race on Saturday, the kids had cotillion dance on Saturday night, and Hadley and I baked cookies yesterday.
It’s time for the last Not Just a Mom link up of 2023!
It’s no secret that I love to read. As a matter of fact, I’ve had less time to read over the past couple of months than I have in years…and I’ve kind of felt in a funk not having reading as part of my routine.
One of my favorite blog posts to write every year is when I share my top five books of the year. I’ve had lots of favorites through the years…
I don’t read a lot of series, but the first thing that popped in my mind given this time of the year is Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series. It’s one of my faves!
2024:
Just a little FYI – for 2024, we’re continuing this link up, but we’re changing the name to Share Our Lives.
We hope you’ll continue to join us, either by linking up or reading, these posts on the second Monday of the month. Our first link up for 2024 will be January 8th, so mark your calendars!
So, what’s one of your favorite series? I do have a shelf on Goodreads for “series,” so I can those suggestions to my list.
Thanks so much for reading the Not Just a Mom posts throughthe years; they are some of my favorite to write.
This is definitely the time of the year for comfort food.
To me, comfort food is warm and hearty like chili, soup or a casserole.
Here are a few of my “go to” recipesthat are definitely comfort foods:
I shared this recipe in my Friday Favoritespost. I just saw it on Instagram, and decided to make it. It will definitely go into my cooking rotation as we move into winter.
It’s almost time for me to make our traditional Turkey Rice Soup. We use Thanksgiving turkey the day after for this soup.
Mac and cheese! Mac and cheese has always been one of my favorite foods. While Hadley can live on the box of white cheddar shells from Trader Joe’s, my favorite is this one that I occasionally make, and when I do, I always wonder why I don’t make it more often. (maybe because of all the calories…haha)
Anyway, this was quite the list…and it’s inspired me to make some of these recipes soon! I can’t wait to see what others share as well.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
I can’t believe next month will be our last Not Just a Mom post of 2023. Our topic is favorite books/series. We’d love to have you join us!
Well, this Monday hits different as we head back to school after a week of fun in the sun. That’s ok though…it’s always good to get back in a routine, and I always love the month of October and all the fun we have in store.
Today, I’m co-hosting our monthly Not Just a Mom link up with some of my favorite boggers:
If I had to guess, I think Travis would say a money saving tip is to not get married 😆…and I’d say don’t have kids haha
I am not necessarily an expert on money saving tips, but I do try to save money whenever I can.
Seriously, I try really hard not to buy something unless it’s on sale or I have a coupon.
Here are a few tips that came to mind:
Coupons: I don’t really use paper coupons anymore because they don’t seem to exist! I always check apps for deals and coupons. For example, before placing my Kroger order, I always click on the digital coupons.
Meal plan: I try to have a plan for our meals and tailor our grocery list to that plan. I do think using Clicklist helps with not overspending even though some weeks I still buy more than others. Also, I try to make a meal or two based on what’s in our freezer. So, if I have ground beef in the freezer, I will plan for tacos or spaghetti for dinner. That means, I have less to buy at the grocery store.
Look for discounts: There are quite a few stores that have teacher discounts like Michael’s, J Crew, and Vineyard Vines. Now, some places only offer discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week, so sometimes I wait and stock up on items then. Listen, I will flash my teacher badge for just about anything free or discounted. haha My school district just started letting teachers get into school/district athletic events for free. Like…what took so long?! Of course, I could get in free to my school events, but I always thought it was odd that they didn’t let teachers in at any school. I’m about to save $5/game during my kids’ sports seasons!
Library: As much as I love to read, I know I save money by getting books from the library versus purchasing them. I probably only buy one or two books a year, and those are usually books I want to read in the summer.
Wait for sales: Of course, there are Prime Days and Black Friday/Cyber Monday where you can take advantage of major sales. By now, I kind of know when some of my favorite stores will have sales. Also, again, sometimes there are sales that are only on the app. For example, Target had 30% off women’s boots recently, and that’s when I would buy boots if I needed them. I don’t think I’ve ever paid full price for a Bath and Body Works candle. They always have a deal on two single wick candles or half price three wick candles. Vineyard Vines will always have an “end of summer” sale, and since those are the swim trunks Hayden loves the most, I buy a pair and save them for his Easter basket. Old Navy was having a huge sale on pjs this weekend and I had $10 Old Navy cash. I always get the kids Christmas pjs for their November birthday (mostly just pj bottoms now), and I get them when Old Navy has a sale. Because I also had the $10 cash, I didn’t pay much at all for two pj pants and a Christmas sleep shirt. Of course, just because there’s a sale doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. That being said, I really try to buy as much as possible when there’s a sale or I have a coupon or points to use on something I would buy anyway.
Space out spending: I try really hard to space out spending. By now, I kind of know when the kids will have sports fees or other things that cost money like a school trip. With the kids having November birthdays and then Christmas in December, we try to not spend as much in September/October. That being said, kids are expensive. lol We just do the best that we can.
Plan: We try to plan for yearly trips and save accordingly.
Save: Of course, having a savings plan is always a good idea.
Girl math: I always return things I don’t want. If I order something and don’t absolutely love it, I will return it. Most stores make returns easy, so that helps! When I took Hadley back to school shopping, she got two pairs of shorts at Pac-Sun. One pair was $40 in store, but then I looked online, and they were $18!! I emailed Pac-Sun, and they gave me a refund for the difference. Girl math: when I return something, I’m saving money 😉
Cancel apps– Apps like Apple TV, Canva, etc. add up. Sometimes in the summer when we have more time, we will get a month of Apple TV or Paramount to watch a few shows, but then I put a note on my calendar to remind me to cancel. I love Canva, and thought I’d try out the “Pro” version for free for a month. I do love it, so I might keep it for another month, but I will just put a note in my calendar to remind me to cancel if/when needed. Little things add up.
The kids: They’ve earned some money this summer, and we’ve made sure they put some in their savings account. Since they mostly get cash, they put some in their piggy bank, sometimes they give for offering at church, they have some on hand in case they need it, and then Travis will also put most in their account. Also, for example, I will pay for Hadley to get a manicure as a “back to school” treat, but I always have her pay the tip with her own money. I want her to learn what it means to tip 20% for a service. If there’s a random time she wants something like a new shirt or manicure, she knows she will typically have to pay for it.
What money saving tips do you have? Again, we’re definitely not perfect, and I lean on Travis most for our budgeting…but I get him fed, so we all have our strengths!
Next month, we’re talking about comfort food. I’m kicking this week off with comfort food thanks to the cooler temps. For dinner this week, we’re having chili and Chicken Tortilla soup!
I hope you’ll check out the other ladies’ posts and link up with us if you can!
It’s already the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting with some of my favorite bloggers for our monthly link up.
Before I get to the post. Today is 9/11.
It’s hard to believe so many years have passed since this unbelievably difficult day in our history. Like most, I will never forget where I was when I heard the news and how scared and uncertain I felt.
Well, at this current stage of my life, I feel like my #1 hobby is shuttling my kids wherever they need to be…haha
But really, I do try to carve out time to do a few things that I enjoy.
I’d say that reading is something that I try to do every single day. Some days, I have a half hour to read and other days I might only have ten minutes, but I still try to read when I can…and I always travel with books and my Kindle.
I really enjoy cooking and baking. Even better is that Hadley likes to bake too. She’s a pretty independent baker, and we also bake together.
Of course, this blog is a hobby. I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for four years.
I really enjoy writing these posts and engaging with my readers. Some days, it’s hard to find the time to get posts written, but I usually get them finished some way, somehow. Writing is a good way for me to be creative and express myself….and have so many memories in one spot!
I’m not sure if it’s really a hobby for me, but walking/working out are another part of my routine most days. Admittedly, I’m not in tip top shape, but a good workout or walk is good for my mental health…and physical health too, I suppose.
I’d say my real #1 hobby is watching my kids’ activities. They keep us on the go quite a bit, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be than cheering them on.
So, those are a few of my hobbies. I can’t wait to see what others share.
What about you? What’s your favorite hobby?
Next month, our topic is…money saving tips. Oh boy…maybe I should have Travis be a guest blogger. haha
How was your weekend? We had a really good one. Well, I was asleep by 9:30 on Friday night, and I predict I will do the same this Friday. Those early alarm clocks and long days caught up with me.
On Saturday evening, we went to Hadley’s friend’s bat mitzvah, and we had so much fun with our friends too.
Sunday was all about getting back into a routine including church, groceries, laundry and more.
Anyway, it’s already the second Monday of the month, so I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers for our Not Just a Mom post.
Well, I’ve shared this crossbody/belt bag a few times this summer, and it’s been my “go to” bag all summer. (I tend to switch out bags per season –I usually carry my “hobo” crossbody bag in the fall and spring and then my bigger Barrington tote in the winter)
Anyway, this crossbody has truly fit my needs this summer.
…and what’s inside? Not much!
The white zip pouch holds my credit cards, some cash, lip glass, chapstick, and Airpods. I also always have a pair of sunglasses, a pen, my phone, and my Invisalign case…and that’s it.
I continue to be impressed with myself (haha) for packing a carry-on suitcase, not once, but twice this summer, so I’m going to share about that today too!
So, I’d packed my medium sized suitcase to go to KC because I didn’t have a smaller one for myself.
When I flew to Florida, I borrowed Trav’s carry-on suitcase, but he needed his, so I borrowed Hadley’s once we got to KC. She’d packed using packing cubes, so she just used those when I had her suitcase in California.
The kids have had these suitcases for a couple of years, and they’ve held up nicely.
Since I’m still a “chronic” over-packer, my mom let me use her “compression” packing cubes. I’d never even heard of those! She said she saw them on the Today Show and has used them for travel.
I really was able to pack a few more things because of them.
Here’s how they looked in the suitcase:
Under the biggest one, I was able to put a pair of heels (that I didn’t end up wearing), my tennis shoes (that I only wore once), and my crossbody purse.
My flip flops and flat sandals were under the other packing cubes on the other side of the suitcase.
The only “downside” to these cubes is that they aren’t mesh/see-through to know what’s in them. That being said, I was able to remember what was in each one because I still grouped clothes together.
From top to bottom:
Biggest –5 dresses and crepe top/shorts set
Medium –2 swim suits, 2 pjs, cap sleeve sweater
Medium/large – 2 swim cover-ups, 2 workout leggings, 2 workout tanks, a pair of black shorts, one t-shirt
Small –underwear, bras, socks
I also packed a long sleeve light-weight sweater and light-weight sweatshirt that I just put on top of the packing cubes.
I wore most everything – I guess I didn’t need the heeled sandals, and I probably could have done without my tennis shoes, but I wanted to commit to working out at least one day (and I did). Also, sometimes we go for hikes, but we didn’t this time. I did get a long walk in two days, but that was mostly on the beach, so I didn’t need the tennis shoes.
There was one dress I didn’t wear, but otherwise, I did a pretty good job wearing what I packed.
I also used my Walmart bag that I got earlier this summer as my other carry-on again. Honestly, this bag was packed full and kind of heavy, but it fit right on top of the suitcase when I pushed it through the airport.
I even got lucky and on the flights back to KC, there was room in the overhead bins for both my suitcase and my bag, so I had a lot more space to stretch my legs.
In my travel bag:
I bought these clear zip travel bags last summer, and they’ve come in handy for all of us when we travel.
White jewelry pouch
Two books, Word search book
White cosmetic bag – makeup, medicine, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.
Brush and curling iron,
Clear zip pouch – chargers (phone, Kindle, watch, and portable charger)
Kindle
Clear zip pouch – skincare products
Sound machine
Then- I usually wore my cardigan, and put my hat on top of the bag
Overall, I know it’s easier to pack in the summer because the clothes are lighter, but I’m so glad I figured this carry-on suitcase out. It was so nice to just get on and off the plane…especially when we landed in KC after midnight!
I can’t wait to read others’ posts about what’s in their handbag…but bear with me as I’m sure this week will be hectic getting back to school with students!
Next month’s topic is about sharing our hobbies. We hope you’ll join us then too whether you are reading our posts or blogging.
Today definitely feels like a Monday; we still have two more work days, and then the students come on Wednesday.
Thanks for reading,
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This month’s topic is top 5 favorite family activities…
Outside fun:
I like when we get the chance to be outside doing things together. We tend to have more outside time in the summer taking Homer for a walk, making s’mores, kayaking, and going on a hike and other fun activities.
Games:
My kids have always loved doing puzzles and playing games. Covid/2020 definitely allowed us more time to do those things. Admittedly, we don’t make the time to play games like we did when the kids were little, but we do still enjoy doing those things when we have time.
Movies:
Like with playing games, we watched more movies when the kids were little, but we still do that now too. I like when we are able to make time for movie night. In 2022, I was intentional about having a movie night at least once a month, and we took turns choosing movies. Also, we saw some movies in the theater, and we even went to the drive in.
Recently, we’ve been watching a few more movies — The Little Mermaid, Flamin’ Hot, and A Man Called Otto.
Out to dinner:
I often cook at home, and Friday and Saturday nights we usually get carry out. Of course, we eat out too. The past couple of years, we’ve made a point to eat at nicer restaurants as a family for birthdays and other times like “end of summer/back to school” meals.
We went to one of our faves, OBC Kitchen, on Friday night for Trav’s birthday .
Last summer, we went to Jeff Ruby’s before going back to school.
Other faves…This past year, we went to Carson’s for the kids’ 13th birthday and Frank and Dino’s for my birthday in January.
Sports:
We like to go to games whenever possible. Most Saturdays in the fall, we go to the UK football games. Travis and Hayden make it to a couple of basketball games a year. Sometimes, Travis and I go to a basketball game or two as well.
This past year, we made a pit stop in Columbia on the way home from KC to watch UK play Mizzou basketball. My tigers won which was a fun memory –for me 😉
The kids have been to Keeneland a few times, and that’s always fun. Travis and I go more often, but it’s nice to include the kids when we can.
Last summer, we made it to a Royals game when we were in KC.
We’ve also enjoyed watching the Chiefs when they play nearby.
It’s always fun going to games, and even better when our teams win 😉
A couple more favorite family activities…pool time and travel.
Whether it’s the lake, the beach, or the mountains, we always have fun together. (Well, most of the time…haha!)
We hope you’ll link up with us today if you wrote about favorite family activities…and join us next month for…what’s in my handbag.
So, what about you? What are some of your favorite family activities? Honestly, sometimes I feel like my family is being pulled in every direction, so I really do like it when we can sit and have dinner together, play a game or watch a movie. It’s the little things…
I’ve been looking forward to this post because I know everyone’s story will be different, and I can’t wait to read them.
While our journey to become parents wasn’t too long of a road, it did have a few twists and turns and bumps along the way.
We’d been married a couple of years when we decided to try to start a family in 2007, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was always really private about it all. After about six months, I had an OBGYN appointment, and started medicine to help regulate my cycle and eventually started a low dose of Clomid. After six months of using Clomid as well as other medications, she sent me to a fertility specialist.
He was really nice, and I had other friends who had used him as well. The next step was a test/procedure called HSG. It’s where the doctor injects dye through the cervix into the uterus. This checks to see if the dye can move through the uterus and into the tubes. While this procedure wasn’t super painful, it also wasn’t pleasant. During that procedure, he did say the dye moved through my tubes but very slowly. He joked that the HSG test was like an oil change.
What I liked about him was that there was no pressure to jump into other fertility measures like IUI and IVF. He suggested a few more months of Clomid, and we’d go from there.
During all of this time, I was never really down. I had friends who had successfully started their families using IUI and IVF, so I felt like if we needed to do that, it would work for us too. Also, I wasn’t even 30 yet, so I knew time was on my side in that regard. That being said, there were a lot of appointments and medicines. I had a pocket calendar that I kept in my bathroom to track my cycle and medications and other things.
After a couple of months, I felt a little off…I was really tired. So, I took a pregnancy test, but it was negative. I remember feeling defeated a bit at that point. Then, it was Easter. On the ride home from Easter with Trav’s side of the family, I cried. A few people had asked when we were going to have kids, and it finally got to me. They weren’t being insensitive by an means, and I’d been asked those questions before, but it just got to me.
Well, a week or so later I was still feeling really off…so I took another test. I couldn’t believe that it was positive. So, while I was apparently “in my feelings” at Easter…I guess maybe it was hormones!
I was so excited, and showed Travis the positive test that morning. He was excited for us too.
I called the fertility doctor, and they had me come in for blood work. When the nurse called to confirm I was pregnant, she said my numbers looked “really, really…really good.” I thanked her and set up the appointment to see the doctor.
We went to the appointment the next week, and apparently I was so excited, that I misunderstood, and we were a week early! They still had me see the doctor, and when he walked in, he said, “Let’s see how many are in there!” We just nervously laughed, but I guess from my hormone levels with the blood work, he knew we were having multiples. Fun fact about Clomid: while taking it, the chance of having multiples is 5-10(ish)%…and we fell in that percentage.
As soon as I looked at the screen, I could see the two sacs. Obviously we were shocked. The first thing I wondered was if we’d have to buy them each a car when they turned sixteen. haha –I’m not sure why I skipped over things like sleepless nights, changing diapers, and more…
Since I was early in my pregnancy, only baby B (Hadley) had a heartbeat. He told us not to worry and come back in two weeks. We did, and baby A (Hayden) also had a heartbeat. We saw the fertility doctor one more time before being released to my OB.
We told family pretty early on, but waited a bit to tell others.
Throughout my pregnancy, we had many doctors appointments. One of my best friends was pregnant at the same time I was with a singleton, and she, I think, only had a couple of ultrasounds. We saw the kids at almost every appointment.
At our 14 week appointment, we found out that baby A was a boy and baby B was a girl.
Back then, there were no gender reveal parties…not sure we would have gone over the top, but feels like a missed opportunity for me to have a party. Haha
Whenever I see these sonogram photos (from later in the pregnancy,) I’m always blown away at home they really do look like the kids!
I also saw a high risk doctor throughout my pregnancy. My OB always sends pregnant women with multiples to a high risk doctor.
There was a point in my pregnancy where the high risk doctor had some concerns about Hayden. That was a stressful time for us…but especially for me. Around that time, we were meeting with pediatricians. The doctor that we felt the most comfortable with is who we still take the kids to. During that time in my pregnancy, when I felt stressed, both the doctors in the practice reassured us that they thought everything would be just fine.
I was due on December 18th, but by 36 weeks, I was so tired and Friday, November 20 was going to be my last day of work. Honestly, I was so excited for a week or two at home before the kids came…and we had big plans to go to a movie and Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving the next week.
On November 19th, I wasn’t feeling great, and I finished up some things at school and called the doctor. They had me go to the hospital, and Travis took me. They checked everything out, and we were there for a couple of hours. They sent me home.
There was a basketball game on that Travis wanted to watch, so we picked up dinner and headed home. He said my car needed gas, but he’d get it in the morning…
Well, surprise…my water broke that next morning! We called the doctor, and I showered while Travis went and got gas in the car. I was exactly 36 weeks, and there was no turning back. We arrived at the hospital, and I had a c-section. Funny story — in the operating room, Travis had on the gown and kept mentioning how hot he was. The anesthesiologist asked him a couple of times if he was ok…and he said yes. I could tell he looked a little pale and told him if he fainted, I’d be mad…this was my moment. 😆
The nurse gave him some water, and he was just fine. The kids arrived at 12:08 and 12:09 pm.
Hayden was delivered first, and as soon as they showed him to me, I got tears in my eyes. He looked like Travis from day one. When Hadley was born, they only showed her to me briefly…and then rushed her off to take care of her. Travis went with them while the doctor finished with my c-section.
I could tell that something was going on with Hadley. When they said their weights — Hayden was 4 lbs 7 oz and Hadley was 4 lbs, I remember thinking that couldn’t be right because at my 34 week appointment, they were estimated to be over five pounds.
While in recovery, Travis and the NICU doctor came to see me, and they said both kids were doing fine, but Hadley would be in the NICU for 12-14 days.
I could probably write a whole post about those two weeks when she was in the hospital and we were home…but I need to wrap this up.
We stayed four nights in the hospital, and the kids were reunited for a couple of photos before we headed home.
I always wish we had a family photo in the hospital, but we finally got one when Hadley came home, thirteen days later, on December 3rd.
It’s so crazy to think they were ever this little.
I received quite a few “bless your hearts” when we were out and about. 😂
If I thought I was tired back then…
Oh…the things I could tell that new mom now!
This post could have been so much longer, but I’m typing it really late on Sunday after a really busy day….Hadley had two dance recitals, so we were gone most of the day.
If you wrote about how you became a mom, we hope you’ll link up with us.
Also, I’m pretty sure my “target audience” is in the throes of motherhood, but please know that I know how it feels to want to start a family and be a mom when it wasn’t necessarily easy. I always have extra prayers for those who are struggling with infertility.
Next month we are sharing Top 5 Favorite Family Activities
Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts! Have a great week.
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