Accidental Souls...

I can't find my camera!! I've missed a few days of the twins-pictures....but it started seeming like a LOT of pictures.  But now I'm sad that I don't have the days I missed.  OK, I *will* find my camera tomorrow.

Sitting in church today,...
it's hard to keep all 5 kids reverent for that long.  Haqon and I usually sit with the kids between us to keep them boxed in.  Today we sat together, which was heavenly.... :)  But, when we were singing, he accidentally sang "souls" when he should've sang a totally different word.  It completely changed the meaning and I may have elbowed him a bit.  Then I got distracted towards the end (by one of the twins) and *I* sang "souls" in the same line of the chorus because he totally infected me! So not my fault!!

The Final Frontier

Dad: Back off.  Everyone go downstairs.  Go play downstairs.  I need some space.  Go play downstairs.
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Mom: Get down.  Mommy needs space.  NO, not on my lap. Get down, sweetie.  Sorry, but mommy needs space. Get down!
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Rabbit: Mom, can I go take a shower? I need space
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Bear: [pushes out both hands knocking Angel over] I NEED SPACE!!
Mom: why is Angel crying?
Bear: She needed to move.  I need my space.
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Finch: [jumping, spinning, and giggling]: I need space, hehehe....I need space, hehehe...space space spaaaaaaace!
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Angel: [all alone at the top of the stairs first thing in the morning when everyone else is still sleeping]: I NEED SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!! MOM, I NEED SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!!
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Seraph: [looks around the room and then climbs down the stairs to play by herself in the playroom for while.]

We did it!

Saturday night I wrote out a crazy detailed list for each person of everything that had to be done at what time so we could get everyone fed, showered, and dressed for church today.  So this morning when Sexy Haqon woke me up with kisses at 8:25am (yes, that task was on his list), I hid under my covers until Heather's words flashed thru my brain:

When I think too much, I psych myself out. The first time I took the kids grocery shopping by myself, I sat in the parking lot, terrified to go into the store. I thought too much about all of the things that could go wrong or how difficult it would be. I learned that I have to not think about it and just do it.

So, I threw off the blankets and just did it.  It went crazy well.  Everyone followed the plan.  Everyone helped.  Everyone was ready to go....a bit early.

Church was amazing.  We stay home during RSV season...and last year Sexy and I traded off going and staying home with Seraph even after RSV season was over.  So, we hadn't been to church together in.......I have no idea...a super long time.

And it was Seraph's first time to go to church--our first time going as a whole family since the twins were born.  Many of our church friends who've been praying for Seraph finally got to meet her today :)

Seraph's first trip to church

Seraph was super friendly and social.  She explored.  She visited the people around us - instantly charming them with her huge smile.  She danced (rocked back and forth) for each of the songs...

Delightful Finch cheered "yay" and clapped after the opening hymn.  (ummm...not so reverent but super cute!)

When it was time for sunday school, both of the twins went into their own nursery class!  Sexy Haqon and I got to go to sunday school alone.  together.  alone.  No kids on my lap.  for an HOUR!!!  

Five minutes into the second class, the teacher brought Seraph to me.  She'd started crying when they'd put away the toys for singing time.  But, she was happy to play with her toys on the floor next to my chair.  So, I got to listen and participate in real-life adult conversations about God and testimonies.

Somehow I only had to change one (wet) diaper while we were there...

Strong Bear went to class with his favorite neighbor-friend.  He only wants to play with boys.  He's sick of all these sisters and wants to play boy games with boys and make boy jokes and laugh and grunt and be strong and do boy stuff.  He's super excited to meet boys in his kindergarten class and loved being in his friend's class at church.  

Beautiful Rabbit helped me take the younger kids to their classes....so she was a little late for her class.  So, when she walked in, her friends got excited that she was there.  She got to sit with a friend she really likes playing with....

Angel came home singing little churchy tunes.  She's less anxious around strangers than she was last month.

I was so scared that it'd be a torturous experience that left everyone hopelessly grumpy.  I'm soo, sooo glad that we went.  Everyone had a good time.  We're gonna do it again next week...and we've invited gma and gpa to come along ;)

The whole Family at Church

My Momma said there'd be days like this....

Wonderful days filled with smiles and joy.  I knew they'd come, but didn't expect them to come so soon.

Seraph at the park

I dread the dreariness of February.  Today the sun came out and warmed everything just enough for a trip to the park.  Don't get me wrong - it was still cold.  The wind never stopped blowing.  But the kids (and especially Seraph) had oooooooh-sooooo-much fun!!

Seraph wanted to walk everywhere!  I'd carry her up to the top of the slide (don't want her learning to do steps yet.  nope nope!)  We'd slide down, clap and "yay" at the bottom, and then walk back to the steps.  She tired after a while, but overall she seemed really happy.

We left all the tubes at home!  She wasn't scheduled to eat for an hour, and I decided she could go without her oxygen for that long.  (She's accidentally gone with out it for several hours before and was OK.)  Besides, oxygen tanks mean nasal cannula instead of blowby and she refuses to allow any tubes on her face unless she's feeling too sick to move.)

The park is fenced in, and we had the whole place to ourselves.  Elmo came with us....and a huge ball to play with.  Sexy Haqon brought his mp3 player (so we could stay longer w/out him getting bored, I think)  They don't even look cold, do they?

Did I mention the wind?  Crazy windy!  Seraph didn't seem to mind (last year the wind touching her skin would scare her.)  My favorite was a slide built for two.  I just had to take the twins down it together.  I don't think they cared that they could go at the same time.  But it sure made mommy happy :)

Just for Fun, too!

                                    

My SIL over at Living in Maryland celebrated the Chinese New Year by finding the Chinese zodiac animal for each member of her family and reading them out loud.   Even though today (the third day of the new year) is not a good day for socializing or visiting with friends/relatives, I'm going to look them up for my family.  [For those who don't know, I'm forever copying my SIL.  I even had my twins a few months after she had twins.  I can't help myself.  She's just that cool!]




Sexy Haqon: OX

Born leaders, Ox people inspire confidence from all those around them. They are conservative, methodical, and good with their hands. However, they can be at times chauvinistic and demanding. In fact, the strength of an Ox person comes out in great shows of deter-
mination, obstinance, and defense for what they believe in. Although they enjoy their private life and doing things on their own, Oxen are strong, dutiful and reliable. They construct firm bonds with their home and family, and while not the most romantic of the animals, Oxen make affectionate, faithful partners and lovers. 

Honest, Loyal, Popular, Sincere, Steadfast, Reliable ----------------- Stubborn, Impatient, Inflexible, Narrow-Minded, Sulking

Me:  Rabbit

Rabbits are people everyone likes to be around -- Affectionate, obliging, and pleasant. However, can get too sentimental and sometimes seem superficial. They keep out of disputes, even if they have to turn a blind eye. Rabbits are emotional and even selfish when it comes to enjoying themselves, but they would never deliberately hurt anyone. Even though they seem quiet (and even unattentive), their intuition and intelligence gives them the diplomatic skills to distance themselves from bad situations. Well-groomed, mannered and always fashionable, the Rabbit's conservative exterior hides a love for fun, which catches other people off guard. Rabbits excel at assessing a situation and providing a solution when the time is right. They are sensitive lovers, and seek a partner who can offer security in life. 

Astute, Thoughtful, Refined, Docile, Wise

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Cunning, Snobbish, Possessive, Fussy, Obsessive

Beautiful Rabbit: Dragon (no surprise there)

Full of vitality and enthusiasm, Dragons are popular individuals, despite being seen as foolhardy or "big-mouthed" at times. They are intelligent, gifted perfectionists that are demanding of others. Their intolerance usually causes a stir, but Dragons enjoy attracting attention, and prefer demanding situa-
tions to everyday rountines. To Dragons, rules and regulations are made only for others. They live, act, and think big, but their pride and self-confidence can prevent them from accepting help when they need it the most. Self-reliant and sufficient, they can survive without close relationships, but are energized with companions that share their wavelength.

Resourceful, Self-Assured, Adaptable, Original, Valiant, Enthusiastic ----------------- Arrogant, Hot-headed, Unpredictable, Critical, Irritable, Discourteous

Strong Bear:  Rooster (like his cousin, Butterfly!)

Roosters are hard workers; shrewd and definite in their decision making, often speaking their minds. Because of this, Roosters seem to boast. They like to put all their cards on the table and respect those who do the same. Roosters love to mix socially -- They are dreamers, flashy dressers and extravagant. They love to attract attention and admiration, and and get angry when someone steals the spotlight. Despite being melodramatic, they are exceptionally practical, logical, and have excellent powers of discri-
mination. This leaves them with high standards of excellence which at times frustrates others. Although they attract many suitors, they are loyal, level-headed partners make a commitment. 

Passionate, Resilient, Patriotic, Industrious, Courageous, Protective

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Conceited, Blunt, Rude, Bossy, Aggressive, Impatient

Delightful Finch:  Dog

Dogs are naturally honest and faithful to the ones they love. Dogs seem to specialize -- they find an hobby or interest they enjoy and stick to it. Unfortunately, most Dog people are plagued by worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to find fault in things. They have a sense of justice and fair play, and are particularly good at finding logical solutions to problems. As far as Dogs are concerned, it is the people that count. Trustworthy friends and good conversationalists, Dogs have a tendency to hold grudges until appeased. Despite having a temper at times, they need loving, stable relationships. Once they've found their mate, they are faithful for life. 

Devoted, Resilient, Unselfish, Honest, Resourceful, Reliable

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Nosy, Cynical, Cantakerous, Pessimistic, Anxious, Introverted

Angel-Roo and Seraph:  Rat (like their twin cousins!  Oh my!)

Rats are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the ones they love. However, Rats have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. At ease with company and groups of people, their intelligence and observation allows them to quickly grasp a situation from multiple perspectives. Rats know how to spot opportunities and seize them, but their opportunism, ambition and restlessness can lead to too many commitments. Don't be fooled -- although shrewd in business at times, Rats are passionate lovers, with a depth of feeling that is seldom recognized by others. 

Charismatic, Sociable, Intelligent, Affable, Quick-Witted, Popular ----------------- Exploitive, Calculative, Secretive, Greedy, Acquisitive, Devious

Look up your own family's zodiac animals HERE and post it somewhere I can peek.

Signed, Witnessed, and FAxed!

I have sooooo many forms to fill out!  Taxes.  Insurance.  More insurance.  More insurance.  Bills.  Waivers. Releases.  Oh my!  Then I get to the end of HUGE forms and it says "this complies with the paperwork reduction act."  Excuse me?  How long were these forms before they passed that act?

My husband recently started his own law firm.  (He's a patent attorney.)  The amount of paperwork to get Seraph's Insurance switched over is just staggering!  Then, just when I thought it was all worked out, the new company gave notice that it's their annual open enrollment, so we have to fill out new forms!  Oh my!!

I think I'm just about done with forms for a while.  *knock on wood*

Despite all the extra stress, we had a great weekend.  Gma & Gpa & cousin S came over to watch the Super Bowl. (great game - even though I was cheering for the Colts.)  Haqon's brother (who had an unexpected night lost in the snowy mountains) was found alive and unharmed :), friends from church visited.  Usually I'm exhausted and crabby by Sunday night.  This weekend I felt refreshed and optimistic for the first time in months!  I'm not sure how it happened, but I hope we can have a repeat next weekend.

...don't send me any more forms!  I'm on break!! ~~~~~

Brrrrr.....break out the sweaters!

The kids worked hard on our Autumn wall. I love the way the colors turned out. Beautiful Rabbit caught Dad at the door and made him close his eyes. I caught his expression when he opened them and saw the Autumn wall. I'm glad he likes it cuz it's right next to his computer - hehe :)

Angel fell asleep under the table before we finished taping it up. I love this 'play til you drop' age :)

Now

Seraph sat on my lap and played with the music table. Delightful Finch screamed each time someone else pushed a button (changing the song). Her heart was set on dancing to the ABCs song again and again.

Angel figured if Seraph could sit on my lap, then she (Angel) could sit on my lap, too. She keeps climbing into the swing. It shakes and wobbles. Seraph loves to scoot under the swing. So far Angel hasn't fallen off the swing. I'm tired of pulling her off,...so I just buckled her into the swing. She likes to use things she sees Seraph using.

I have to feed Angel rice cereal when the Speech Therapist is feeding Seraph rice cereal. It's good for Seraph to see Angel eating, too.

Beautiful Rabbit is experimenting with my camera. We uploaded the pictures and looked through them. Then, she went out taking pictures again. The second set were better than the first set. She learns fast.

Strong Bear is being a big boy today. (no accidents - yay!!)

I've been feeling icky all day....even after my short nap. I hope Haqon's home soon - I miss him :)

Sushi!

Sexy Haqon made us Sushi for dinner last night. It was our first time trying out my new sushiware. Sexy liked the bambo roller. Sushi always fills me up way too much (does that mean I pig out?)!

Sushi is one of those foods that I NEVER force my kids to eat - all the more for me!! Sadly, they all love it despite my efforts and I always have to share. Haqon even saved up his "bite" of starches which he figured was equal to 2 sushi rolls.

I think I could live off sushi....and miso soup :)

Shorts

Angel's learning to drink from a straw cup. She toddled over to Seraph, took the straw cup out of her mouth, and put the straw on Seraph's lips. 'Uhhhh, uhhhhh', she insisted. Seraph did NOT open her mouth....but she did smile at the gift.

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Seraph took a real bath last night :) ('til now, it's been sponge baths.) I think she liked it. Her muscles are getting stronger. She likes to be held more, to be carried around on my hip like other babies.

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Strong Bear: Daddy, you can go fishing but you can't go to church - you're too big to go to church.

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Mom: Oh, we should do Finch's hair.

Delightful Finch: [immediately runs out of the room!! and when I find her] No. No. Do Bear hair! No, do Angel hair! No No NO do Daddy hair!!

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Beautiful Rabbit: Mom, Dad, watch! [holds Angel up high and spins around and around as Angel smiles] I think she's motion sick.

Haqon: She's not old enough to get motion sick, but she might be dizzy.

Beautiful Rabbit: [spins with Angel again]

Mom: Rabbit, put Angel down and go brush your hair for church.

[Beautiful Rabbit puts Angel down and runs for the stairs to get her brush. Angel immediately chases after her sister, giggling...only instead of getting to the stairs, she swerves left and full on crashes into the wall.]

Beautiful Rabbit: [between giggles] Yep. I think she's dizzy.

Visiting the Temple

We love to see the temple....but it's too bright to keep our eyes open! We had a great time at the open house today. It was super hot!! Beautiful Rabbit wanted to stay forEVAH! (no surprise there)

Love you, sweet family :)

Gone Fishing

Haqon took the kidlings fishing at the lake and came back with a fish! All the kids ate extra potatoes at dinner so they wouldn't have to try the fish. One by one they gave in and tried it (except Finch - no no no no nooooooooooo"). Everyone else, "Hey, I like it!!" Yay for Daddy.

Good News, Seraph :)

Seraph hangs out on a huge floor mat in the PICU. She's surrounded by toys. She LOVES this toy a ton!! (We might have to get her one..heh) She's rolling onto her sides, reaching for things, sitting up in chairs, smiling tons....

Good News:

--Seraph is on 1/2 liter oxygen (that's less than what she'd been on at home.)

--She took a super long nap today (great because she hasn't been sleeping for more than a few hours at a time)

They're keeping her in the PICU for now. They need to make sure she can tolerate being off the high flow oxygen.

She LOVED playing with her papa. He's just so fun!! Strong Bear came with us today. He wanted to see Seraph. He played with her toys and talked to her a lot. (Later, he threw pennies in the fountain and played on the rocks while daddy brought the car around.)

Look at all those teeth!! Seraph has 2 molar teeth coming in on bottom. She loves her teeth soooo much. She's always touching them or biting toys.

We finally wore Seraph out and she fell asleep in my arms. She never lets me cradle her like this. I hold her on my shoulder alot or in my lap (facing away from me). It was wonderful to snuggle and watch her slow blinks as she drifted off.

Thank you for all your prayers. Seraph really seemed like herself today....and it was wonderful! Can't wait to have her home :)

Finally Sunny!!

What a beautiful day! We went walking after Dad came home today. It was nice :)

I missed Seraph like crazy today. Then I found out she was missing me, too. She had a pretty high fever last night...and today. They're doing tons of tests - they think she's caught something at the hospital.

I'm sooooo sad I can't go see her. Sexy Haqon isn't sick!! So he went to visit her (and had to wear a mask the whole time!) We made a special video just for her. While it didn't get any smiles, her eyes were glued to it the whole time it played...and played and played. I hope she knows how much we love her. Haqon will go see her again tomorrow.

Uggggg....I just want her home again. I miss her :)

Thanks, Grandma P

Grandma P took this family (-1) photo of us before she left. The kids loved having her stay with us.

Poor Finch had a fever that night, but overall it's a pretty good picture of us. (from left to right: Strong Bear, Sexy Haqon, Me, Delightful Finch, Beatiful Rabbit, & Angel)

Seraph is doing really well. They're weaning her off her pain meds. (The ones she's been on since she came home in January.) I've been telling the doctors for months that she was ready to wean off them. I guess seeing her smiling face every day was enough to convince them. It's a super slow wean, but she's doing super well and I'm really happy about it.

My sinuses were worse today. The doc said I'd be contagious for a week starting yesterday. I don't expect Seraph to come home before this sickness is out of our house. Her health is too fragile right now to deal with a cold.

Seraph Re-hydrating...

Here's Seraph smiling for her papa!

Some of her medicines help her body get rid of excess fluids.  When she had diarrhea, her doctors thought she was OK on fluids because she's on continuous feeds.  BUT...her body wasn't absorbing the fluids well because she was sick. So she got dehydrated.

They have to rehydrate her slowly...or else she'll get swelling in her brain which can lead to brain damage/coma/death. But none of those things will happen because they're being very careful and she's doing very well.

She should be home in 2-3 days.  They're going to reschedule her intestinal surgeries for next week.

Her nurses say she's always full of smiles!  They love it, and she hasn't given them any trouble.  When we arrived today, she was sleeping so soundly that even when they poked her to draw blood she refused to wake up.  Then her daddy started playing with her - she peeked to make sure it was him....and then was wide awake...giggling for him :)

Storytime Adventures

Haqon took the kids on an adventure!  They came home happy and ready for naps - yay :)

Angel

Angel flies up the stairs without hesitation.  Down is another story.  She'll cry at the top of the stairs until someone rescues her.  Her favorite is when someone leaves a bedroom door open - then she can go exploring.

She's also picked up Finch's knack for getting Beautiful Rabbit to scoop her up and just hold her.

She loves to fall asleep in someone's loving arms.  Gulping down a bottle is her other favorite way of falling asleep. She sleeps as little as possible--always on the go.

Haqon distictly heard her say, "Hi, Dad."  I missed it, but the next morning she saw me and said, "Hi, Mawm...."

She loves eating "real" food.  She's my first baby to like green foods best - peas and green beans.  Yams and squash and carrots are only OK.  Peaches are tolerable.  Beets were flatly rejected. Oatmeal is good. Wheat crackers are really good.

Today she had heavily-watered-down apple juice in a sippy cup.  Finch and Bear delighted in helping her learn how to position the cup so the yummy juice would come out.  

Gamer Girl

Beautiful Rabbit and I like to read books together.  I usually read mystery/suspense, but she's getting me into YA fiction.  We read a book last weekend, trading off every other chapter.  Half way through, Haqon decided he wanted in on the story and read fast to catch up.  I struggled towards the end of the book with only reading one chapter.  The last few, Rabbit sat  next to me so we could read them at the same time.

The book referenced some games Haqon and I played together when Rabbit was a baby.  It was a fun read.  Funner to read it with Rabbit.  She was amazed that she read a whole book in 2 days.  ...hmmm...sounds like something I would do ;)

Future Skateboarders..?

Haqon took the girls on a tour of the skateboard ramp sculptures on our way to the park 2 weeks ago.  I finally dug out the picture :)   I think he wants to start teaching them math next week.  The kids love playing with him.  What a good daddy :)