Toddler Tonsillectomy: Part 1

It's official....the anxiety and fear have set in full-force for this mommy. I knew there would be some level of apprehension with regards to my son having to undergo surgery. I knew that worry would set in as the surgery date got closer. I knew I would begin to think of all possible scenarios. I knew I should have just avoided the extensive online research. Deep down, I do know that everything is going to go smoothly....I trust the advice of our pediatrician....I trust our ENT, a skilled surgeon who will take excellent care of my baby...I know Hudson is going to be a champ as always....I trust in God that everything will be OK. Even still, thoughts of his upcoming tonsillectomy have consumed my days and nights. Ultimately, though, I am just thankful that I am the one with the worry and fear and not my little man. He just keeps telling me, as if it were no big deal, "Mommy, Dr. Lano just needs to take my tonsils out and then everything will be all better." He did ask me if it would hurt when they take them out. I sat him down and explained (as best as I could to an almost 3 year old) step by step how this was going to go down. I felt no need to try to sugar-coat things. So after a lengthy discussion along with a little q&a, he was satisfied and said "OK Mommy, I am ready now!"  

Prayers please for our precious little Hudson on Tuesday morning. Prayers for knowledge and guidance for our surgeon and his nurses, prayers for peace and calmness amidst the normal chaos of our household, prayers for speedy and easy recovery for Hudson!!!

Who do they look like?

I often get asked who the girls look like. Some people think they look alot like Hudson, some think they look like Derek, but all of my family knows they look just like me:)

So in case there's any doubt , here you go....

Here I am at their age!

Thoughts in Words

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

 Joshua 1:9

First off, I need to unleash the tiny bit of inner craftiness I have and make the chalkboard I have been wanting for months now. Then I need to hang it in my kitchen and write this on it to read, to reassure myself, to calm me as I race each morning to attempt to get organized and ready for the day before all the little Birds begin stir. Be still my heart...this past year of parenting has been one of great accomplishment for us, one of learning, one of appreciation, one of gaining inner strength, one chalk full of blessings!

I remember the day we found out we were having twins like it was yesterday....a mere 6 weeks along and having my first ultrasound at Dr. Reddy's office, watching the screen as she stared intently on the TWO little blobs (ok, birds)...yes, I could distinctly see TWO and the expression on her face confirmed the overwhelming fear that began to mount inside. She smiled and hovered over the first blob and there it was, the sound of "Baby A's" heartbeat....then the sound of "Baby B's" heartbeat...fear quickly turned to excitement and pure joy! Filled with a multitude of mixed emotions, I left her office and called Derek. He answered and immediately asked if everything was "ok" with the baby...well, yes, everything was more than "ok". I then proceeded to ask him if he was sitting down and he jokingly responded with "Why, is it twins?"...um yes! "WOW" and then he was speechless. I then remember then telling my mom and her reaction was classic and exactly what I expected..."Are you crazy?!":) Well, I wasn't then but occasionally feel crazy now. I remember thinking how are we going to do this, can I carry TWO babies to term,  how are we going to take care of TWO babies and a toddler, how am I going to go anywhere with three kids that young, how am I going to grocery shop, will we ever sleep again?

Everyone told us the first year would be the most challenging with twins, that after a year we would have a glimmer of our lives back. Honestly, some thought we would handle it well...others, well, not so much. I feel like the first 3 months were the most challenging and then we got in our "groove" (you know I am a stickler for schedules!!!) and never looked back! It is amazing how God perfectly equipped us (with the help of loving family and friends) to handle such wonderful little miracles. I can't imagine my life any other way and am so grateful for my THREE perfect children. No matter the craziness that so often ensues, I am mindful of how lucky I am for it. When things get rough, I am reminded to "keep calm and carry on"....I know it's a lesson on the patience that I continually pray for more of...and in the end, the challenging days make the "easy" ones that much sweeter. After all, when we tuck our children into bed at night, all the rough patches of the day are forgotten and we feel an overwhelming sense of joy and indescribable love....our hearts are full and for that we are abundantly grateful.  

"I looked on childrearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully interesting and challenging as any honourable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it. "
-- Rose Kennedy

Hello Blog...How I've missed you!

Where oh where to begin....it seems like it has been forever. Lots has been going on in the Bird House. From a magical Christmas to a 24 hour anniversary getaway to baby milestones, it has been a fun-filled month. In no particular order I will attempt to document some of the highlights. Christmas was spectacular and Hudson was totally into everything about it this year from the presents to the elves (Mommy frantically getting everything up while everyone else sleeps) decorating the house to Santa Claus to watching the classic movies like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman to celebrating the real reason for the season.....after all who doesn't love a birthday and Jesus rocks!

 Santa came!!!

He was so excited about his scooter!

 Celebrating with the Bird side

 Working with his "digger"

 Merry Christmas from Sophia

 ....and Isabelle!

 Christmas at Meme & Papa's house

 And at YaYa & GoGo's house!

Hmm...No GoGo...the new glasses do not make you look like superman:)

The twins have begun to walk, and though it is not quite their primary mode of transportation, they are cruising like pros. I have come to the realization that in the very near future I will be totally screwed....walking will turn into running and then I will be chasing around 3 speedy Birds! On the other hand, Hudson is going to love having sissies chase him seeing as how he is more often than not "Lightning McQueen" or "Batman" depending on which shirt is clean. He even has "Cars" jammies now and insists they make him even more speedy!!!

 

It can't be that hard to ride...

Ok... fine... we'll come get the camera instead:)

 Isabelle...worn out from all the walking!

Sophia...just a little bit of drama! I have no idea where she gets it!

Good Morning, Hudson!

Well, that's all for now but more catching up soon!