Another Perk

So I know I just posted about how great our little neighborhood is, but forgot to mention another reason why we live where we do.  We love being 40 minutes from Grandma and Papa's house!  It's so easy to get together for a quick dinner, a little shopping, or a trip to a local pumpkin patch, like we did today.  The kids love seeing them and Justin and I are thankful to have two extra sets of hands to help with everything. And I don't think Grandma and Papa mind either :). 

When I graduated from High School, I don't think I ever thought I would be living this close to my parents.  Like most kids, I was ready to get out on my own and create a little space/distance between me and my parents.  Iowa City was great, and I still enjoy visiting there, but I knew that was not where I wanted to raise a family.  After we got married and I finished graduate school, we both knew we wanted to be close to central Iowa and were lucky enough to find jobs in Des Moines. 

Since having children, my relationship with my parents has changed.  I talk to my mom nearly every day, even if it's just via text messaging.  We spend more with my parents too, not because they want to see me and Justin, but because they want to see the little ones :).  We have counted on them numerous times to stay home with sick children so Justin and I wouldn't have to miss work.  Of course we love the homemade goodies they drop off for us too-chocolate chip cookies, bars, homemade jam, veggies from the garden, soups and meals to freeze...

I'm so glad my children get to make these memories with their grandparents.  We are so appreciative of everything they do for us and I'm not sure what we would do without them! 

Oh How I Have Missed You

Running.  Finally, after a long hiatus, I am back at it.  Although it's going to take a number of weeks/months before I am running as fast or as long as I was previously, it is so nice to just be able to have the time to do it! 

There is just so much about running I have missed: 
1.  I love having the ability to run wherever I am-  I often run after work before getting the kids from daycare.  Running downtown or around Gray's Lake is so much fun, and new scenery always makes the run go by so much faster.
2.  This is my time to think - Many people I know enjoy running with other people.  Not me. I prefer to run alone; it's my ME time.
3.  The runner's high - I haven't experienced it yet since I'm not running very long distances, but it is incredible and I can't wait to have that feeling again.
4.  The races - Anyone who knows me knows I like competition, so organized races are right up my alley.  This year I'm hoping to do the Hot Chocolate run (which raises money for the John Stoddard Cancer Center), the Color Run and the Warrior Dash.  I'm not going to miss out on doing Dam to Dam again this year and will probably either do the Drake Half Marathon of 8K.  No marathon in my near future.  It is such a huge time commitment and I don't want to make that commitment while all the kids are so little still, (and honestly, it's not fair to leave Justin with three little ones while I head out on a 2 hour run).  But, I will do one more...some day. 
5.  New Running Shoes - Nothing makes a person more motivated to run than new shoes!  I haven't bit the bullet yet because I can still put some miles on my current pair, but as soon as I can, I'm getting new shoes.  Maybe something neon???
6.  The Early Morning Runs - Definitely my favorite time to run, especially in the Fall.  Lately I have also been enjoying my Thursday evening runs on the treadmill while I watch the only two shows I watch all week long-Gray's Anatomy and Parenthood. 

So glad to be back at it...

Our Little Neighborhood

When we moved into our little house on 98th Street, we predicted we would be here for 5 years max.  This was going to be our "starter" home.  Our hopes have always been to build somewhere just outside of town or in a smaller school district.  We are coming up on our 7th anniversary of living in our cozy home and we honestly couldn't live in a better neighborhood.

I love living on a cul de sac and having minimal traffic on our road.  Everyone waves to each other when they drive by and our neighbors beside us, across from us, and diagonal from us are always monitoring our house for anything out of the ordinary. They know when we have guests over, or when one of the kids are sick, (because Grandma or Papa's car will be in the driveway). 

The many, many trails that weave in and out through the neighborhood prevent any walk or run from being boring, (and I have gotten lost many times).  There are three parks within walking distance.  I can walk through my back fence and be at Casey's, Kum and Go, Yo to Go, Wendy's, Taco John's, Jimmy John's, or Tsing Tsao within 5 minutes, (I try not to abuse this too often). 

Everyone in our neighborhood supports everyone else when needed.  A couple years ago, the spouse of one of the neighbors passed away from cancer.  Neighbors came together to collect money and provide meals and support for her.  When one neighbor had multiple branches fall last week during the storm, other neighbors helped cut the branches up and bring them to the side of the road.  Of course I'll never forget the support we received when I was on bed rest.  Meals were provided at least twice a week, (with enough leftovers for at least another meal), a cleaning lady was hired to clean my house , and items were left at my doorstop to help pass the time, including books, magazines, crossword puzzles, and activities for Alena.  The support was incredible and reminded me of why I love this neighborhood. 

Once a month, the ladies get together to play Bunco, gossip and enjoy time away from our families. I haven't been able to attend since before going on bed rest, but hope to get in on the action soon.  Our annual block party is coming up also, which is always a fun time, complete with a pot luck, games for the kids, and a white elephant gift exchange. 

It's really hard to think about moving away from such a great place.  It's hard to beat this location and this neighborhood. I even really like my house-of course there are a few things I would change, but even people who build a house want things different a few years down the road.  As Alena gets older, it's hard not to think about what school district we want her to be in.  Urbandale has a great school district, but will she get lost among the hundreds of other kids in her class?  Will she be able to play the sports she wants to play and do the activities she wants to do?  We definitely have a lot to think about over the next few years, but if we do move away, it will be a very sad day when we leave this home and this wonderful neighborhood!

Happy First Birthday Lauren and Caleb!

I must say, I'm a little emotional writing this post.  This past year was the fastest year of my life, and absolutely the busiest!  We've survived the months of being sleep deprived, changing twice the diapers, and lots and lots of bottles.  We've dealt with stares, questions, and rude comments from on lookers.  Multiple times, we've handled two sick infants at the same time.  We've spent many hours rocking, walking around, and strolling to promote sleep.  But, we made it, and along the way we made many, many memories...

Lauren Wray:  What a little personality you have.  You are very independent, often sneaking off to climb the stairs and making it halfway up before we notice!  Your smile will melt any ones heart.  Lately, you've started showing some silly faces and enjoy blowing kisses and waving "bye bye."  You continue to talk much more than your brother.  You remain toothless and can stand on your own, but have yet to take your first real steps.  You are a good eater and love to throw your cup on the floor and look at me and smile, thinking it is the best game in the world.  You remain a spitting image of your older sister at this age, including your spiky blond hair, (we're still not sure where your dimples came from, but we adore them!).  We love your little attitude, but predict you may be the most difficult child in the future :).

Caleb William:  My little snuggler!  You are a great friend and love to play with everyone at your daycare.  You're the fastest little crawler and often bulldoze over your sister when you're on a mission to get a certain toy, (daddy predicts you will be a lineman someday).  Your teeth have been coming in fast, and you have 4 now with 2 more on the way.  You were the first to sit up, the first to crawl, and the first to get teeth, but I think your sister may be the first to walk very soon.  We love your animal sounds and you have the best giggle, especially when daddy is tickling you or you are wrestling with your big sister.  You love to push toys and remain fascinated with wheels.  We love having a little boy!

What a fabulous birthday party you had.  The rainbow theme was so much fun to plan, (thanks to Pinterest), and I'm proud to say that most of the food and decorations were homemade.  All of your cousins were there and many second cousins also.  It was only fitting that we had Hickory Park for the main meal, since that is where mommy and daddy had their first date.

You both enjoyed the cake, and Caleb especially understood the concept of "smash cake."  It was a beautiful day that included playing t-ball in the backyard, a stroller ride to the nearby park, and trips down the middle of the street in the Ezy Roller (adults included).

It's hard to believe you are toddlers now.  I'm so sad this stage is over, but I am looking forward to the next stage as I know I will enjoy that even more.  It's crazy to think of what's ahead...two toddlers learning to walk, two to potty train, two little ones to drop off on their first day of Kindergarten, two high school graduations....whew, got a little ahead of myself there!

What I've Learned From The First Year of Raising Twins:
1.  Twice the morning smiles and hugs.
2.  You will spend A LOT of money on diapers, wipes and formula (I'm proud to say my little ones had some amount of BM their first 365 days of life!).
3.  Watching each baby reach their milestones is so special.
4.  Don't expect to ever sit down and eat a meal, at least during the first year.
5.  Twice the sleeping babies to gaze at.
6.  If one baby gets sick, it is inevitable, that the other is not far behind.
7.  Carrying two infant car seats is an amazing work out.
8.  Getting two babies asleep in the same room and preventing them from waking each other up should be an Olympic sport.
9.   Twins talking to each other and interacting is fascinating to watch.
10.  Twice the laundry, and spit ups, and diaper blow outs...
11.  Twin discounts are few and far to come by, but take advantage of them.
12.  Don't expect to eat out in a restaurant for the first year, or longer.
13.  Shopping for matching boy/girl outfits is harder than you might think, but lots of fun if you enjoy shopping.
14.  They WILL compete for your attention.
15.   Twice the slobbery smooches.
16.  No matter what, people will stare at you, ooh and aah, and tell you "you have your hands full or double trouble." 
17.  They have a built in playmate to take baths with, swing at the park with, and get into trouble with.
18.  Twice the shots at the pediatrician's office-you do not want to go to these appointments by yourself!
19.  Having two little ones crawl towards you as fast as they can with big smiles on their faces when you pick them up at daycare is priceless.
20. It really is twice the fun. 

Happy Birthday little ones.  I am looking forward to giving you each a special hug and kiss at 3:26 PM and 3:37 PM today.  Thank you for all the smiles, tears, giggles, adventures, and memories!

 Lily, Alena and Addie

 

 All the kiddos, minus the two newest (Wyatt and Brady)

 

 

"Let me push you, Princess Lauren"



A Lot Has Change In 2 Years...

Two years ago today, was likely the worst day of our lives.  I will never forget where I was at, what patient I was seeing, and what she was wearing when I got a call from Justin.  My heart sank immediately and I knew that the surgeon had just called him.  We were directed to come to his office as soon as possible for the biopsy results. 

Sitting in his office, every single possible diagnosis went through my head; never could I have imagined what the surgeon was going to tell us, and what two pathologists had confirmed. 

The next few days after that are somewhat of a blur.  Justin and I had this huge secret that we were keeping from everyone else, until we knew more.  He had his PET scan two days later and we met with our oncologist the day after his PET scan.  That morning, we all rode to work together and the song "When I Die Young," came on the radio.  Usually, this is a song I would sing along to, but that day, we couldn't change the station quick enough. 

After dropping Alena off, acting as normal as possible, knowing she would notice if something was wrong, we drove to the John Stoddard Center not knowing what news we were going to hear.  We were so relieved when we heard the test came back clear.  Although, then we needed to figure out our treatment plan...

Two years ago, not a day went by when I wouldn't think about Justin's diagnosis.  I can honestly say now, I spend much less time thinking about it.  Although the same feelings I had two years ago come back every four months when he has his scans repeated.  We wait at the doctor's office for his results, Justin always wearing the same blue polo, because thus far it has brought good luck.  We exhale deeply when we hear the good news. 

I hope to one day be able to put all of this behind us, and forget about CT scans, medications, oncologists...but the reality is will we ever feel certain that recurrence isn't possible?  Probably not.   This has just been another hurdle in our journey together...