A fun gift from Aunt Julie!

My sister, Julie, came to visit last week to see the new babies and she brought these adorable matching onesies that she made for the twins. At the beginning of the summer she came up with the idea to buy a bunch of plain t-shirts for her girls at Walmart and then made up cute designs to sew on the t-shirts. She spent very little money and they turned out adorable! I have always been envious of my sisters creative abilities but I'm glad that I get to be the recipient of some of their masterpieces! I finally got around to taking pictures of Porter and Kamryn in their matching "K" & "P" onesies! Don't they look adorable?

2 Week Check up

Porter and Kamryn had their 2 week doctor appt. today with Dr. Porter. I am so happy and relieved because they are both gaining weight and seem to be really healthy. Kamryn was 5 lbs. 4 oz. when she was born and dropped to 4 lb. 8 oz. She is up to 5 lbs. 9 oz. now. Porter was 7 lbs. 1 oz. when he was born and dropped to 6 lb. 4 oz. He is up to 7 lbs. 4 oz. now. Porter didn't pass his hearing test at the hospital and was referred to the Hearing and Balance Center. I took him last week and he passed in his left ear but failed in his right ear again. According to the tests, he has about half of his hearing in his right ear. We will be taking him back in 2 1/2 months to get his hearing rechecked and hopefully everything will check out fine. If it doesn't we may need to look at possibly fitting him with a hearing aid but we're hoping and praying that everything will be okay. I feel blessed every day that these babies are as healthy as they are. They are such miracles and I take comfort in knowing that Heavenly Father is in control and whatever happens, we'll be able to handle it.

Proud Grandparents!

Great Grandma Johnson Grandma & Grandpa Rose


Grandma and Grandpa Teichert

I am so thankful for such wonderful parents, in-laws and Great Grandparents. I often think how blessed my kids are for having such neat grandparents who always set such a great example. We have been fortunate to have lived in the same town as Grandma Johnson and as a result, my children know her so well and love her dearly. Regan and Morgan have fond memories of Grandpa Johnson and I'm grateful that they had the opportunity to get to know him before he passed away. Great Grandma and Grandpa Rose live in Park Valley so we don't get to see them as much but we are planning a trip there next month. I plan to post a picture of them with the kids when we get back!

You've gotta love kids!

I had to post this picture because of what was happening at the time I took it. Regan was in one of her goofy moods and she told DJ that she was going to go up to his office and starting "rapping" to his secretary, "I'm lookin' for the DJ, the DJ, the DJ!!" She made up her own funky toon and had us all laughing so hard. The scary thing is, this picture looks a lot like me when I was growing up!!


This is what happens when children have no supervision!

Porter & Kamryn- 2 weeks old!

My next door neighbor (who happens to be a computer/photography whiz,) came over for a while yesterday to watch the kids so I could run a quick errand. While I was gone, she took these adorable pictures of the babies. Thanks, Janna!!

Our first stroller ride!

DJ and I took Kamryn and Porter for their first stroller ride last evening. The other 4 kids left with Adam (cousin) to go to Cokeville to spend a couple of days with Grandma and Grandpa Teichert. The were all so excited which made me feel better about letting them go. They had plans to go to Bear Lake with their cousins today so I'm sure they are having a ball. Anyway, DJ and I decided to try out the new "Baby Jogger" stroller that Grandma and Grandpa Rose gave the twins and went for a 2 hour walk around the neighborhood. We both agreed that this stroller is the best. It is so easy to maneuver and the babies seemed to be really comfortable in it. They slept the whole time while we stopped to visit several people that we haven't talked to in so long. It was so nice to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. I think we'll be taking the babies out for walks every day that we possibly can. Thanks mom and dad for finding the perfect stroller! Here is a picture of DJ with the babies in the stroller. What a cute sight!

I guess we're just not "fish people"

After the death of "Goldie," Jordyn's goldfish, DJ took her last Friday to find a replacement and came back with 4 little goldfish. The kids were so excited and quickly named them (very original names) Gold splasher- Morgan's, Scott- Kaleb's, Rainbow Splasher- Jordyn's, and Sammy- Regan's. Well, I'm ashamed to admit that somehow we have managed to kill 4 more fish in a matter of 4 days. How does that happen??? Maybe it's because their caretakers are 9, 6,4 & 2 and they all think they need to feed the fish ("oops mom, I accidently gave them a little too much food") or could it be that our 2 year old loves to climb up on the cabinet from time to time and give the fish a little "BOO." Or could it be that these poor fish decided to take pity on me knowing full well that changing fish water is the last thing I have time for these days with 3 bums to change. Whatever the case may be, we broke it to the kids that there will be no more replacement fish for the time being and there weren't any tears! Yeah!! Can I admit that I'm a little relieved???

The sad death of "Goldie" (Jordyn's beloved preschool goldfish)

We woke up this morning only to realize that Jordyn’s fish had flipped out of the bowl on to the cabinet sometime in the night. I noticed it on the cabinet and was hoping to dispose of it and replace it before she would know anything happened. She was the first one up this morning and came running upstairs happy as can be when she saw the fish lying on the cabinet. She burst in to tears and cried uncontrollably in my arms. It was one of the saddest moments I can ever remember having with one of my kids. I’m not ashamed to admit that my eyes watered while holding her. I had to quickly jot down a few things that she said in between sobs….. (these are direct quotes) “I loved that fish, mom, it did exactly what I said, it just swam and swam…. I loved that fish and I could really tell it loved me too… it’s not your fault that it died, it’s my fault, I should’ve stayed up in the night to watch it and feed it…. Now I know how my friends felt when their fish died, my heart is broken…I don’t think I’ll ever find a fish that I love as much as goldie…. I don’t want to flush her down the toilet, I want to bury her where I can go and tell her hello everyday. These are just a few of the sad things she said and I have to say it broke my heart to see her so sad. Now, 1 hour later, she is making plans for a new one and we are headed out to bury the fish in the very back of the yard. Oh, the joys of motherhood!

A desperation trip to Walmart with 6 kids!

It all started this morning when I noticed that Kaleb had exactly two diapers left and I quickly realized that DJ wouldn't be able to make an evening run to the store because he was headed to girls camp to stay over night right after work. I had 2 options, I could potty train Kaleb (I quickly scratched that idea), I could've left Regan at home with a couple of kids but I thought, "no big deal, I'll feed the babies and we'll be out of here." (That was at 10:00) Finally at 11:30 I told everyone to get buckled in the van and I'd be right there. Just then, Porter pooped his pants and so I went to change him and apparently he wasn't finished so there I was catching poop with wet wipe after wet wipe with Kaleb giggling right beside me on his little stool he has right next to the changing table. We finally got Porter the pooper taken care of and Kamryn decided to take her turn so we quickly changed her and then Kaleb announced that he was stinky and in the midst of all the bum changing I realized that it was almost lunch time and that there may be a few melt downs at Walmart if I didn't get some food in their stomachs. So, with Morgan, Jordyn, and Kaleb all buckled in the van, Regan quickly made some sandwiches while I loaded the babies in the van (now 12:10, 40 minutes later from the time I said, "I'll be right there." We had just pulled out of the driveway only to have a thought occur to me that my kids had a primary activity at 1:00 so I had exactly 50 minutes to drive to Walmart, load 4 out of the 6 kids in carts, pick up a few things, load the kids back in the van and make it to the church. You should've seen the looks I was getting as I had Regan pushing the babies in one cart and me pushing Kaleb and Jordyn in another with Morgan hanging on as we rushed through the store quickly pulling things off the shelves. I'm sure the sweat running down my face told a story of its own! Anyway, I'm proud to say that I pulled in to the church parking lot 5 minutes late only to discover that not a soul was there. I must've written the time down wrong, so all that hurrying for nothing and not to mention, a few very disapointed children. We ran home and called a neighbor who told us that it was from 2:00 to 3:30 so the kids were happy again! Wow, I think I may lose my mind, or maybe I already have!

We love our babies!

The kids have had a ball the past week holding the babies. It’s always an assembly line passing the babies from one child to the next. Kaleb even gets in on the action and loves to plant big kisses all over their faces. Regan and Morgan have been so much help. I am so grateful that it is summer time so I have these extra hands to help with the babies. Morgan holds the babies while she does her reading and is an expert at putting binkies in and quieting them. Regan does everything from changing diapers to burping . She acts like she’s done this forever. Jordyn wants to be like Regan and therefore thinks that she should be able to carry the babies around so I have to remind her daily not to try anything sneaky.

The cutest "Snuggling picture" yet!!

I just happened to walk by the crib at the right time when Kamryn let out a cry so, of course, I stopped to put her binky in but Porter put his arm across her immediately and she went back to sleep! I think the camera has been flashing non-stop since we've brought them home! I can't help myself!

Snuggling!

We discovered that the Porter & Kamryn sleep much better when they are close together so here are some of our favorite shots of them snuggling together! She loves to wrap her legs around his and snuggle her head right close to his. I think it's one of the cutest things I've ever seen! I love the position of her tiny leg, it looks like she's trying to show off her "model legs!" I can't even begin to express how much fun we are having with these two babies! The kids adore them and seem to be adjusting to our new life!!! When I get a minute more I will be sending a few more pics of all the kids w/ DJ and I.

Our two little miracles!

Our two little miracles are finally here! Porter Samuel was born first weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and then little Kamryn came 20 minutes later weighing in at 5 lbs. 4 oz. Wow, that is a lot of baby! No wonder my back hurt so bad but it was worth every ounce of pain! I went to the doctor at 8:45 a.m. and Dr. Barton told me to go walk around for a few minutes to see if the contractions would start, sure enough, 2 minutes later, I was having contractions 2 minutes apart so we immediately went to labor and delivery and met the doctor on the way in, he broke my water and things went quick from there. About 4 1/2 hours later they wheeled me in to the operating room and moments later here came little Porter and then after a lot of work and the possibility of a c-section, Kamryn decided to cooperate w/ doctor Barton and here she came! What a relief it was to have them both safely here. I was extremely relieved that I was able to deliver them both natural and not have to recover from a c-section and a normal delivery. I can't begin express how happy we are to have these babies here. I keep looking at them and wondering how I got so lucky to be their mother. DJ and I are both overwhelmed when we think of caring for 6 children but in the same breath, we feel so blessed and know this is the way it should be. We can't imagine life w/out any of our kids.

A Productive Day!

I forgot to mention that when we returned home from the zoo and park it was time to go to work! Regan mowed the whole front lawn by herself which is pretty amazing for a girl her size! She was really proud of herself especially when DJ got home and complimented her work over and over! He is so excited to have a child old enough to help him w/ the huge yard! Morgan and Jordyn worked really hard picking all the weeds out of the flower beds and garden while I used the hoe and rake! They did all the bending over for me since that is not an option for me anymore! For family Home Evening we had an elderly widow in our ward come over and join us! The kids love having someone over for FHE and they are always better behaved which is a bonus! DJ gave a great lesson on "Hope" where he shared thoughts from the scriptures (particularly Lehi's Dream) and then a section from Preach My Gospel. It was such a great lesson and I plan to share some specifics when I get a few more minutes. We had a yummy dessert and then DJ and Regan took Sister Carson home! It was really a fun evening and the best part about it was that Kaleb actually paid attention even though he was playing with toys the whole time. He kept repeating everything DJ said while pushing his trucks around and when it came time for the songs, he sang right along with the all of us so I know that he is catching something. It is moments like this that make it all worth while!

A fun day at the Idaho Falls Zoo!

I decided that since the babies are being stubborn about entering this world, I might as well make good use of my time and take the kids to do some fun things while I can! Yesterday we went to the zoo and to a new park that just opened down by the zoo. We left early so we could beat the crowd and, most importantly, take advantage of the beautiful morning weather w/ no wind! (imagine that) The kids loved the zoo and almost every animal was awake and willing to entertain, another miracle if you ask me! The monkeys were the highlight and put on quite a show for us, swinging from branch to branch, squeeling like little kids at one another. I've never heard them squeel so loud! It was really amusing and the look on Kaleb's face tells exactly what he thought of the whole thing. I had to take one picture of the crazy monkey and then one of Kaleb's face to give you the full affect.

One of Jordyn's favorite stops were the flamingos. After looking at them for some time, she said, "mom, they look good enough to eat, like little shrimps!" She informed me that they are the same color as "shrimps" and that it made her excited to taste one when they go on sale, which is what I always tell her when we are in the grocery store! What a funny kid!

Another highlight was the visit to the petting zoo where the kids got to brush and feed the goats! Kaleb was more than happy to stay in the stroller and watch from the outside but the girls loved it! It was such a fun day and I keep thinking that everyday the babies stay in is another day to spend with the other four doing fun things that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do!! (It's a tender mercy if you ask me)

Summer Haircuts for Everyone!

Last Tuesday I took the girls to get their summer haircuts! I couldn't believe the amount of hair on the floor when they were finished. I think they cut roughly 13" off between the 3 girls. That could've been some great wig for someone if it had all come from one head! They all look adorable and it is so much more manageable for me which was what I was trying to accomplish! Jordyn spent that afternoon and a couple of days after being rather obsessed with her hair. She spent hours in front of the mirror combing, styling, trying on different headbands, etc. She kept saying, my hair is so cute and so short, "I want it to grow short all the time, mom!" I also went to get my hair cut that afternoon and came back feeling like a new woman! I don't know what it is about getting a haircut but it does wonders for me! (maybe it's the great shampoo and head message)

DJ just having some fun!!

Many women might be mad at their husbands for doing this (especially being 8 months pregnant with twins) but I thought it was pretty funny and my kids laughed their heads off! Kaleb (our 2 year old) was laughing hysterically which made it even more funny! This has been one crazy pregnancy! I went in to pre-term labor at 30 weeks and ended up taking an airplane ride to the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake. They were able to get my labor stopped and after 3 days, I was sent home to be on bed rest for 6 weeks. Now, 7 weeks later, we are anxiously and maybe a little bit impatiently waiting for the babies to arrive! The doctors say it's safe for them to come now and they've decided that they want to stay in a little longer! We're hoping just a few more days and we'll finally get to meet these little babies!

Kaleb's "air bag invention"

We thought this was pretty ingenious! Just call him "safety boy"! He road around with the tube on his waste for a couple of hours and had a ball! He loves this little tricycle and learned to pedal on his own a few weeks ago so he can ride with the big kids! One of my favorite things about our house is the long driveway that provides tons of room for the kids to ride bikes, play basketball, ride scooters, etc. all at the same time!!