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Seeing Double Girls Birth Announcement

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Funny and So True...

My sticker would have to say "Tampering with my son or daughters WILL result in an ass whoopin' you'll never forget!"

Growth...

Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don’t even recognize that growth is happening. We may feel hostile or angry or weepy and hysterical, or we may feel depressed. It would never occur to us, unless we stumbled on a book or a person who explained to us, that we in fact are in the process of change, of actually becoming larger, spiritually, than we were before.

Whenever we grow, we tend to feel it, as a young seed must feel the weight and inertia of the earth as it seeks to break out of its shell on its way to becoming a plant. Often the feeling is anything but pleasant. But what is most unpleasant is the not knowing what is happening…

Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed....

30 Things That Change When You Have a Baby...

30 Things That Change When You Have a Baby...

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

16. You discover how much there is to say about one tooth.

17. You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth.

18. You now know where the sun comes from.

19. You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have.

20. You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers.

21. You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night.

22. Silence? What's that?

23. You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having.

24. You discover an inner strength you never thought you had.

25. You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule.

26. You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one.

27. Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog.

28. You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late.

29. You learn that taking a shower is a luxury.

30. You realize that you can love a complete stranger.

Showing up for life's blessings...

Showing up for life's blessings
by: my sister Sandy

Today was such an incredible day for me....and really for my entire family. My older sister Traci gave birth to two beautiful little girls. One of the coolest things about it is that she already has one set of three year old twin girls and a five year old little boy!

My sister had asked me to be there along with her and her husband as her "support" person in the delivery room.... those of you who know me well won't be surprised to hear that I am a pretty squeamish person. I was very tentative about agreeing to be there, not because I don't love Traci and want to be there for her, but the simple fact that I get weak at the knees at the sight of blood (so much so that I have to turn my head several times while watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy!)

As the big day approached I became more and more anxious about being in the room for the delivery. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be there to support her (as she has been an incredible source of support for me over the last several years) but knowing myself the way that I do, I just didn't know if I could pull it off. I was in the delivery room with Traci and her husband for the birth of their son and I wasn't sure if I could go through that again!

As the girl's arrival came closer it became very clear to me (both emotionally and spiritually) that it was really important for me to be there with my sister. I cautiously told everyone that I would be in the room for the entire process leading up to the birth, but I withheld the right to politely excuse myself if things got a little too much for me during the delivery.

So today I woke up and felt incredibly nervous about the whole thing, but I knew with my whole heart that I wanted to be there with her and my brother-in-law for the girl's delivery. I could feel the importance of it not only for my sister, but for myself as well.

I am so happy to report that although the girl's delivery was a little more complicated and nerve wracking than we would have liked, everyone came through absolutely fine! I not only stayed in the room with Traci and John, I got to witness first hand the actual birth (didn't turn my head at all) of my beautiful little niece...for this I will forever be grateful.

As I write this blog post in the middle of the night, I can't help but feel very blessed for what transpired today. I "showed up" not only for my sister, brother-in-law and nieces but for myself as well. I got to experience something incredibly special with my sister, as well as spend some amazing alone time with my beautiful niece (baby A for now) who was just a few minutes old. I can't fully explain how meaningful that was for me on so many different levels.

Today's events will forever be a gift for me and my entire family and for that we will always be grateful.

Counting life's blessings........until next time.

http://blogs.justbelieveinyou.com/

Fun Facts...

Congratulations!

Your Babies Birthday Is Friday, October 14, 2011

Your conception date was most likely Friday, January 21, 2011

Fun Due Date Facts

•Zodiac Sign: Libra

•Birthstone: Opal

•Birth Flower: Calendula or Cosmos

•Chinese Zodiac: The White Metal Rabbit

•Half Birthday: April 13

•This time next year your baby will be 51 Weeks Old!

•Babies born on 10/14/2011 will start kindergarten in 2017, be old enough to drive a car in 2027, finish high school in 2030, and will graduate from college with the class of 2034, give or take a year. Can you imagine?

Famous People Born On This Day

•Dwight David Eisenhower was born in 1890

•e. e. cummings was born in 1894

•Roger Moore was born in 1927

On This Day In History...

•The book Winnie the Pooh could be seen for the first time in 1926

•Chuck Yeager became the first man to break the sound barrier in the Bell X1 rocket jet in 1947

•The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964

•Apollo 7 transmitted the first live telecast from a manned spacecraft in 1968

•In Texas, an 18 month old baby fell into an well. She was rescued 58 hours later in 1987

•This time last year you weren't even pregnant yet!

Little One...

Little One,

It is the morning of your life and all your dreams are just beginning.

May you touch the fireflies and stars, dance with fairies, and talk to the man in the moon. May you grow up with love and gracious hearts and people who care.

Welcome to the world, little one, it's been waiting for you.

Look Who Showed Up For Dinner...

Scarlett Raine

Scarlett Raine Schnepp
Born: October 14, 2011
Time: 4:38 pm
Weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces
Length: 18 1/2 inches long

Veronica Paige

Veronica Paige Schnepp
Born: October 14, 2011
Time: 5:01 pm
Weight: 7 pounds, 7 ounces
Length: 20 1/2 inches long

Delivery Day...

Well, I am getting ready to leave for the hospital for my induction. I was up late last night running around trying to get things ready for the girls, pack my hospital bag, spend time with my lovebugs, and straighten up around the house. It's crazy that by the end of today my baby girls will be here and this pregnancy will be over. It's insane to say but even though this pregnancy was really hard on me I think I actually like being pregnant and will miss it. Well, not really I think I just really like the end result and my babies. I was up all night last night. I just kept thinking about and stressing out about everything and anything. So needless to say, today I'm exhausted.

I'm just having such a rush of emotions right now I just can't even begin to explain it. If you would have asked me eight years ago where I saw myself in another eight years I would have never seen this coming. Sometimes I can't believe that I have five kids. If you told me that... I would have told you that you were nuts! Here we are, almost eight years after meeting John on a blind date... married to my best friend and having five beautiful children 5 years old and under. It's going to be really exhausting, a little stressful and overwhelming at some times I'm sure but we will make it through and it will be awesome! I love my family.

Anyway, I have to go so here are some pictures before I go. I hope that everything goes well and I can deliver my baby girls without having to have a c-section. I have been talking to the girls and setting my intentions for the universe. I delivered Aiden, Raelene and Violet vaginally. So this time will be no problem either :)

Sessy Mommita...

Since I'm not making it anywhere near Halloween for your viewing pleasure. Excuse the exhaustion and fact that I'm a hot mess tonight!

Hospital Tour...

Tonight we went over to the new Virtua Hospital in Voorhees where I'll be delivering the girls on Friday if everything goes well tomorrow with Dr. D. It probably took us about a half hour to get there. The hospital is HUGE and really nice! We went on a tour of Labor and Delivery and also the Mommy and Baby floor. I had asked the tour guide about how many people would be allowed in the room with me since I was being induced and going for vaginal delivery but would be delivering in the OR for in case they had to switch over to a c-section if there was an emergency. She said probably only one but I'm not worried about it. I'll talk to Dr. D tomorrow and see what she says. Sandy really wants to be there for the delivery of the girls and has been getting herself mentally prepared for it for weeks now. Hopefully her and John will both be allowed in the room, but we'll have to wait and see.

At one point during the tour it was so funny because the tour guide looked at me and was like "would you like a wheelchair? you look like you're about to pop." I just laughed and told her "no, thank you anyway." I'm trying to stay as active as I can and moving around alot so that hopefully my labor will go easier.

So the tour is done. The hospital is gorgeous and we are right on schedule for Friday and excited!!

38 Weeks...

Your babies each weigh just over 6 pounds and are approximately 18 inches in length. You have been full term for a week now, so you might want to start addressing those birth announcement envelopes while you still have your hands free! Your long wait will be over any time now. If you are carrying a boy (or two), have you decided whether or not you will have him (or them) circumcised? There is growing debate among parents and health care providers over circumcision but ultimately it is a personal decision for each parent.







*If she is the "average baby," she weights 6.8 pounds (3083gm)and is 19.6 inches (49.8cm) long.
*Have you noticed she hiccups a lot? Because there is no air around her, those breathing exercises cause amniotic fluid to get into her windpipe. The result? Hiccups!
*Your child's intestines are accumulating lots of meconium. Meconium takes on the role of being your baby's first bowel movement -- removing the waste that has accumulated.
*She may have a full head of hair now -- an inch or more long! Don't be surprised if it's an unexpected color. Some blond couples have dark haired babies; some dark haired couples have red-haired babies; some couples have babies with only peach fuzz! It may just persuade you to take a closer look at your family tree!
*Circumference of head and abdomen are about the same size for your baby. No wonder it's so hard to get a t-shirt over a newborn's head!

People...

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

(Mother Teresa, 1979 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)

Mom 2.0: Defining A Movement

My sister Sandy sent me this video and I LOVED it!

From My Sister Sandy...

To my sister Traci who is about to give birth to the two newest members of our family (hopefully not until Friday!) This is beautiful and moving :)

http://youtu.be/E8K9s7_k3TM

Maybe...

True Strength...

You...

You,
yes you,
you are the one I am talking to.
You spend too much time finding fault in who you are or in your mistakes.
They are behind you and you can't change the past.
You,
yes you,
you worry too much about the future.
It isn't here yet and there are so many things outside of your control that can affect that.
You,
yes you
can in this moment realize.
You are beautiful.
You are powerful.
You are loved
and can give love.
By giving love
you multiply the love that comes back to you.
You,
yes you,
can start today
to be grateful for your past
and find the wisdom in it.
Live in the now
and love
that you can bring
to you a future
with more hope,
gratitude
and love.
It all starts with YOU!

YES YOU!!!!

Unconditional Love...

You can love someone unconditionally & they still might not be a vibrational match to your inner circle of people. Unconditional Love means you love the other person no matter what they are doing & love YOU enough to remove yourself when the relationship or situation doesn’t feel good. You can love someone unconditionally & still not want to be in the vicinity of their behaviors. Learn to say I love you and C’ya! ♥

Another Ultrasound & An NST....

Today we had to go for another ultrasound to check the size of the babies and also for an NST. They did the NST first which of course the babies passed with flying colors! The nurse always raves about how cooperative they are and that she loves doing their NST's. She said that there test results were "perfect" once again.

After the NST they took me and John into one of the ultrasound rooms for the growth check. Let me first start by saying that the ultrasound tech was a complete idiot! When we went into the room she asked why we were there. I told her we had to have a growth check and also a doppler. She asked why I needed to have a doppler. John and I just looked at each other like she was nuts and then I said that I didn't know why, they just told me that it needed to be done, I guess to check my fluid levels and the blood flow of the babies. She looked at me and asked why again! What an idiot!

Anyway, both babies are doing really well. My fluid levels are good and the blood flow is good. They both have great heartbeats. So it was a good ultrasound. Baby A is measuring about 6 lbs. 7 oz. and Baby B is measuring about 7 lbs. 6 oz. so they are good size babies.

After the ultrasound the tech took us in to wait for the doctor to go over the results. He came in asked us to go back to the US room because the tech forgot to get a picture of my membrane. After she did that he reviewed everything and he was happy with all of the results. He had asked if the doctors had talked about dates or anything with us and I told him no because Dr D and Dr R were on vacation so I was going to talking to them about possibly inducing me on October 14th because I would be 38 1/2 weeks like I was with the girls. He looked at us and said I would like you to go to at least 39 weeks to try to push it to October 16th. I don't know what those two days would make as far as a difference. Usually with twins they don't want you to keep them in there that long. We were both confused so we're going to talk to Dr D about it next week and see what she says.

So all in all it was a really good NST and ultrasound. The babies are doing awesome and are also both head down again :)

9th Doctors Appointment...

I went to see Dr. D today for my check-up. John came with me because we are getting to the "end". She laughed when she saw him and was like... "hello stranger, I only see you at the end here". We just laughed and she said something about me still being pregnant. I laughed back at her and said "you really didn't think I would have gone into labor while you were on vacation and let you get out of delivering the girls... do you????" She just lauughed at me. I seriously think I make her day! LOL.

So she looked in my chart to see how far along I am now and asked if I was ready to have the babies next week because I'll be 38 weeks. I told her about what the doctor had said over at the ultrasound place about waiting until at least 39 weeks and she looked at me like I had six heads and said... "he does realize that you have twins in there... right?" I told her that's exactly what I said. So we went on talking for a while about it and I told her that John and I were looking at October 14th which would put me at 38 1/2 weeks like I was with the girls but that I wasn't sure if she would be at the hospital that day. She checked her schedule and she's on hospital duty so we're set! I told her that when I went for my ultrasound two weeks ago both babies were head down but when I went for my NST last week Baby B switched position and was now transverse but her head was more head down than laying sideways. Of course she went on to tell me about how even if I deliver Baby A vaginal if Baby B doesn't cooperate that I may still end up with a c-section. I told her that I know but I will talk to the babies this week and we'll be fine. haha.

She wants me to come in next Wednesday to check my cervix to see if I'm dialated and if my cervix is softened at all. If neither of those things are going on then I will have to go into the hospital on Thursday night so they can work on it before Friday. So tonight I am starting to drink my teas, my evening primrose oil and listening to my Hypno Babies CD's. She listened for the babies heartbeats and found them both right away. So we're good. She's putting me on the books to be induced next Friday, October 14th! I'm totally nervous and still have so much to do it's insane!

I'm just a little worried about the whole date thing. When I first found out I was pregnant I looked in my calander to see when I had my period but because I was on that stupid three month birth control my period was all messed up. The due date I came up with would have been November 1, 2011. Since I was on that pill they sent me for an ultrasound to check the date and the babies were measuring to be due on October 25, 2011. So I'm just worried about what if I'm not really going to be 38 weeks next week. I mean it's really only the difference of a week. Right? I just don't know what to do. I guess I'll leave it up to the man upstairs and the universe.

There Comes a Point...

There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

37 Weeks...

Your babies are considered full term, even though the 40-week mark is still three weeks away! They are about 6 pounds and measure about 18 inches in length, and have developed enough coordination to grasp an object with their fingers, called the palmar grasp reflex. This is a good time to consider how extensively you want your babies screened for diseases and conditions once they are born. The number of conditions babies are tested for varies by state; however, every state screens for at least two disorders. Expanded newborn screening is available through private companies and screens for up to 40 disorders.





*This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds (2859gm) now and 19.1 inches (48.6cm) length.
*She is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.
*Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how she can breathe "under water"?
*Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!
*A few weeks ago, your baby would move her eyes toward light. Now she turns towards light outside the uterus.
*As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, she develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting her days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

So True...

I've Lost My Feet...

I seem to have lost my feet. Oh, and I never thought I would say my boobs look small... But they do because my belly is so big! Lol.

Love This...

Happiness...

Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything and have no regrets. Life's too short to be anything but happy.
~ Unknown ~

Thank You...

Thanks to those who hated me, you made me stronger.
Thanks to those who loved me, you made my heart grow fonder.
Thanks to those who cared, you made me feel important.
Thanks to those who entered my life, you made me who I am today.
Thanks to those who left, you showed me that nothing lasts forever.
Thanks to those who stayed, you showed me true friendship.
Thanks to those who listened, you made me feel like I was worth it.
~ Unknown ~