He Loves You

This evening I laid down with Macy so we could talk before she went to sleep; a nightly routine we have so that she will stay in bed and actually fall asleep before midnight.  (She's a little bit like her momma.)

While we were laying there talking she shared the normal, her favorite part of her day, something that was kind of hard or frustrating, how she figured out how to handle the latter, and then she started in on our usual; Charlie.  I have this love/hate relationship with this particular part of our conversation.  I love and cherish that she wants to remember Charlie and talk about him but I also struggle because her questions are more like worries and I want to lead her in the right direction as we talk about him and more importantly our eternal home.

So I have to back up a bit before I share our chat this evening.  I had previously shared with friends that I was worried about Macy worrying too much.  I know, it sounds a little bit counterproductive but I guess she comes by it honest.  So as we were talking a friend of mine mentioned "Worry Monsters."  I looked them up on Amazon and liked the idea of it (and Macy loves to draw and write) so I thought it may be a good thing for us to use as we maneuver through this stage with her.  We purchased the Worry Eater and went on our way.  When worries came up in the evening I wrote them down for her and we stuck them inside the worry monster.  She explained why she was worried, what she was worried about, and then we decided to give them to the monster (and also God).  It was working beautifully.  It really helped her feel like she could let them go.  We have continued using it and now when we talk about a worry we try and turn it into a wonder.  Instead of, "I am worried about Johnny's cough." we can say, "I wonder why Johnny is coughing so much."  It has helped us not worry or borrow grief from the future and it has made our evening chats much more enjoyable.

So tonight as we were talking she said, "Momma, I wonder why Charlie had to go to heaven and we don't get to go yet."  I said, "That is a good question Macy.  I am not sure."  She continued with, "Momma, did you know sometimes I can hear Charlie and Jesus talking?  Charlie is hard to understand because I think he is still a little baby but he says my name now."

I was a little bit blown away.  Her little heart misses him and it may be the idea of a little brother that she longs for but I know she thinks about him and always wants to include him.   Every time I think about having mentioned his name I am glad I did and we still do.  He is a huge part of our family and makes her smile more than he makes her sad.  We sat in silence for a bit longer and as I was rubbing her arm she said, "Charlie just said he loves you Mommy."

That was enough to make my heart burst open.  I wish so badly he were here and he could say, "I love you Mommy." just like his siblings do but that was enough for today.  It was so special and so sweet coming from Macy's big beautiful mind.   I had to write it down so that I always remember how special our nightly conversations are and how amazing it is that I get to talk about Heaven with Macy almost every evening.  It's a joy.      

Impact

This evening in grief group we shared pictures of the people we lost, those people that were stripped out of our grip, sometimes without warning and sometimes more slowly.  And it doesn't matter whether it happened quickly or painfully slow, those people that were taken from this earth are the some of the most treasured people in our lives.

Once we gathered the courage to hold the picture up in front of us, to share a vulnerable piece of our heart, we told everyone a brief story and then one or two words that described our loved one.  Every single person in that room tonight remembered something positive.  Every single person in the room this evening remembered the positive way their lost loved one impacted their life.   

Some of the words that were used to describe the people that left their mark on our hearts were brave, kind, full of life, joy filled, helpful, compassionate, sincere, loving, loyal...I wish I could remember every word.  I wish I had taken notes because I need to keep this evening and this moment in the front of my mind.  I need to keep this lesson close because I want the words used to describe me when I am gone, to also be kind and loyal.  I want someone to say "She was joyful."  I want people to remember the sincerity and compassion in my heart.  I continue to pray that when I am remembered, once I am gone, the words that come out of my loved ones mouths point others to Jesus.

After all it isn't because I am kind or loyal.  Instead, it is because Jesus was kind and loyal first.  He was the first and most influential teacher.

And it isn't me that is able to be joyful alone but rather the Holy Spirit filling me with joy.

It isn't because of anything I have done that my heart is full of love for others; that is all my Savior.  He gave me a heart for the hurting and he filled me with sincerity and compassion.

Those small moments I am able to let Jesus shine I hope are the most impactful.  For all the other moments I just have to say, Jesus be near, because you give grace upon grace even when my human tendencies keep me from having a positive impact on those around me or doing things in love.  You've got me and you are most strong when I am weak.

Thankful for that truth.       

                        

Surprise!

When the days are hard and it all seems too overwhelming it is good to know God purposely puts people in our life to make sure we get through those days (or nights as it may be).

Right around dinner yesterday, I received a message with a picture of three adorable kids in Christmas jammies and a message on a big whiteboard that said their prayer was, "Casey and Johnny for JOY this Christmas."  How did they know my mind was wandering and I was wishing Charlie was here with us for Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season?  I obviously always want Charlie and wish he was here but yesterday it felt heavier than normal and it absolutely NEVER fails that these friends send a message on my worst days.  Why am I surprised a text came through on a hard day from some of our most loving and selfless friends?    

Last night I couldn't sleep.  I get to this "point of no return" where the silence in my home makes me restless and more simply put, sad.  I was awake in bed so I got up, I went downstairs, and the tears came.

I decided to look up a couple of advent devotions.  It was something to distract me, which is what I have learned I have to do sometimes.  I came across one that was sent to my email from our church, Crossroads.  They sent it out to all the families that are apart of our Kids Club.  For the beginning of this advent season this particular devotion was written perfectly.

Jesus "crashed into the world" to show us the incredible love our Father has for his children.  The devotion suggested that as a family we make a list of all the ways God surprises us because God's surprises always reveal his love.  Last night and this morning I experienced exactly what this devotion was referring to but I didn't realize it until now.  God knew that devotion would be sent to my email and he knew that it would lead me to a place of recognizing that I need the support of the people around me.  Every single one of them, I need them.  Why am I surprised God showed up in that email and taught me an invaluable lesson through my kids devotion?

I sent a message to five of my best friends at midnight last night when I needed to sleep but I couldn't after many failed attempts.  I explained that I just needed them to pray that my eyes would close.  It is apparent that these prayer warriors came through for me because I fell asleep on the couch far sooner than I typically would when these nights come in waves.  I was actually so soundly asleep that at one point in the night I got up and went to my bed, but I don't remember moving a muscle once I finally closed my eyes.  Why am I surprised God showed up in those precious friends and their sweet prayers?

I slept a little later than normal but once I mustered up enough courage to face the day I got dressed and made a lunch I could look forward to eating.  I needed something "good" to look forward to in order to make it to the halfway point of the day; as strange as that seems.

So I made my way into school and immediately went to my room.  I walked into my classroom close to when school was starting and was greeted by a sweet friend with a gift in a fun red bag.  She had mentioned the day before that she had bought my birthday gift and was very excited to give it to me.  Apparently she couldn't wait.  (God thing?)  I opened the gift and found a beautiful handmade bracelet that was crafted from a vintage silver spoon.  The spoon read, "Hope Anchors the Soul."  Why am I surprised that God showed up this morning in a friend that knows me like we've been friends our whole lives?  

These four "big surprises" aren't really surprises.  They are God putting his hand on me in a very physical way to provide some sort of comfort in this lonesome, sad, and debilitating season of my life.  He knew what I needed and it doesn't surprise me anymore.  It is normal when you have Him with you.  It is normal to feel His hand and His comfort when you most need Him.  That is just one promise we have when He is in our heart.   

We're Best Friends

Johnny and I recently had a quiet dinner together at a nice restaurant.  There was no one pulling on our legs, no one needing their food cut up, and no one wanting to get up and run around the restaurant.  We sat together, we looked at each other, and we talked.  We talked briefly about the scary dark cloud that seems to be stuck over our lives but we also talked about how truly blessed we are by our kids and each other.  It was a good evening.  It was a much needed evening with my best friend. 

Later when I sat down to think and write I was drawn to the memory of my wedding day.  I remember our ceremony vividly.  We planned each minute of the ceremony from the songs to the verses that were shared and I remember the moment I vowed to spend the rest of my life with Johnny.  We vowed to love each other for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in joys and in sorrows, until death do we part, and if I'm being honest, we had absolutely no idea what that meant.  Of course, at the time we thought we understood.  We had the most sincere intentions and whether we fully understood or not, we both made that promise to love and to cherish each other and we trusted that with God as our center we would be a force to be reckoned with and I think we are. 

But like I said, neither one of us knew what was coming.  Neither one of us knew that Satan was going to try to wreck our world and try so hard to wreck our family.  We never imagined that we would lose our third child.  We didn't know that days were going to feel impossible to muddle through.  We had no idea what sorrow really was or how it could change our entire perspective on life.  Now, as I think about our vows they mean so much more than they ever have before.  I need Johnny.  I have given literally all that I have and all of my love to him and he has done the same.  On that sacred day we made a promise and I am so glad we did.  I am so glad that I have him by my side for better or for worse.      

It's a Boy!

It's a boy!  Yes, you heard right!  It's a boy!

We are beside ourselves with excitement!  Who wouldn't want another sweet, cuddly, little Gesenhues' boy in the family?

Here are a couple of pictures from our reveal.  We made scratch-offs for our family and friends.  Even the babies got to decide which one they wanted to scratch for the big reveal.  We had a lot of fun and the scratch-offs were actually really easy to make once I gathered all the supplies.

Side note: Macy and I are preparing ourselves to see a lot more bats, balls, and bugs in our home.  We know we are going to have to take a few extra trips to the mall (for our own sanity of course).  We realize we will probably visit more ballgames than either of us bargained for...but all in all we could not be happier (even if we are out numbered now)!  

Beware: Little People Walking

How is it that my two little people are beginning to walk!  I was sure when we brought them home from the hospital at just 4 pounds they may never get bigger.  Boy, was I wrong!  They are growing up and developing the sweetest {most distinct} personalities that really WANT to walk!

Macy was first.  It seems like this may become a trend, but everyone is good with it including my sweet little boy, Johnny.  He is not upset about her being first because I think he realizes he can learn from her mistakes.  The first time we saw her take a step or two we tried out hardest to video it and let me tell you, that is near impossible when your subject is a newly walking infant that LOVES cell phones!  She wouldn't have any part of that!  She wanted to walk to us, or she wanted the phone.   So we put the camera down and lived in the moment with our sweet little girl.  She smiled and took her first steps on August 27, 2013.

Tonight was Johnny first few steps.  He wasn't coached or prompted.  He just started walking away from the large ottoman we have in our living room.  It was so much fun to watch him actually follow his sister at his own pace and when he was ready.    

Hungry, Hungry...Macy!

My sweet babies have learned how to stand in their cribs.

At first I got nervous....What happened?!  They are supposed to be laying down in there!  What do I do?  Are they going to get hurt?

And then I felt emotional...How did they get so big?  How are they able to reach the rail already!?  Stop growing babies!!

Lastly, I got down to business...Is she chewing on that rail?  Where did those bite marks come from?  I've got to get that covered and NOW!

So, those two small bite marks started my search.  I went to Babies-R-Us (one of my least favorite places) and Target to find out how to quickly remedy our chewing problem.  I found a couple of options.

1. Gummi Crib Teething Rail Cover ($26.99) 
When I looked and measured I would need two and a half packages for each crib bringing my total to $134. 95 for the twins.

2. Crib Teething Rail Cover ($27.99)/Side Rail Teething Rail Covers ($31.99) 
When I saw this solution I realized it only came with a piece for the front of the crib and I would have to buy something else to cover the sides making the grand total $119.96 for the twins.

Neither of these options were looking very good.  Who has $100 to waste on rail covers for a crib?!  Not this mom; so, I did what any desperate mom would do...I browsed Pinterest and found something similar to the second option I listed above.

It was a DIY version that actually looked cute in all the pictures I saw and the best part was I could choose any fabric I wanted!  With the help of my always crafty (and DIY) mom we ventured to the Hancock's and Target  to purchase what we needed to cover Macy's crib rails.  We bought 1 yard of fabric with a coupon for 40% off making the total cost for the material $8.99.  (I chose the brown to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.)  We then purchased a skinny pool noodle from Target for $1.49.  For both the fabric and the noodle I spent $10.48 to completely cover her crib rail on all three sides.

Below are pictures for our very own tutorial.  I have to say it turned out great!

1. Before we started we cut the noodle just to the middle so that we could open it and cover the back of the rail.  We then used zip ties to secure the noodle to the crib rail.  I only had small 7 inch zip ties so I had to connect three together.  Once I attached them all I flipped them over so the cut part was facing down.  I was careful to make sure the ties were not rubbing the crib.

 2. The next step was to cut our material.  Since their crib rails are not a standard size I laid the fabric over the rail to guess and check how much I needed.  We used 22 inches to wrap around the front and then 18 inches on the sides.  Once the fabric was cut to the correct size I folded it in half (hot dog style as my students would say) and then cut up from the open end.  I had to guess and check again how high to cut up but each strip was about one and a half inches thick.  That seems to work well once I started tying it onto the crib.

3. Once I finished cutting the strips we simply tied it onto the bed just like you would if you were making a fleece blanket.  It doesn't have to be perfect to look great (and that's the best part!) When I was researching how to do this several tutorials said to cut off one of the strips.  I found to make it look more "covered" I just tied three strips in between each rail.  That seemed to work for us.

4. The side rails had to be cut a little more than the front.  We did the same things with this side once it was cut that we did with the front of the crib.

It worked perfectly and the babies enjoyed playing in their cribs while we finished up our little DIY project.  But the funny part...just as we finished Macy's crib, Johnny stood up for the first time in his crib and marked his territory with his two little front teeth.  They must have been talking while we were working because he seemed to smirk at me when I caught him.  Needless to say, we were off to the store for yet another yard of fabric and a pool noodle....I should have known!   Overall, after both cribs were covered I had invested a couple hours and $20.96!  That number is music to my ear because we are out of diapers again!  

Spring Break Photo Book

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Our trip has been saved forever in one of my favorite things; a photo book. 

Less Than Perfect

Some say we are cool parents, some say we are crazy; our two kids don't say anything. They're 7 months old and just along for the ride; looking forward to dipping their toes in the water.  And so begins our first vacation as a family...and let's just say, it was a little less than perfect.

It all started at 6:05 p.m. on Thursday March 29, 2013.  Everyone was cozy in their car seats and our tubs (this is a new phenomenon...more on this later) were packed and neatly stacked in our car.

Florida ready!

It was going to be a trip we would always remember.  And then it happened, not two hours into the trip we heard something that sounded like spit up, but so much more!  Now we know about some spit up people.  Since our two were born we have seen more half digested food than any one human would ever care to see.  When we heard the "spit up" it sounded more like "throw up" and to be honest I thought a cup of water had spilled in the back seat. We turned, looked, and saw more spit up than we had ever seen (actually it looked like more than we had even fed him) drenching Johnny and his car seat.  So we pulled over {quickly} and changed his clothes.  We cleaned up his seat and saw a sad lethargic look in his eyes.  He had a fever and looked extremely unhappy about being in his car seat.  This was our beginning...

We made it to Florida at about 10:30 a.m. Friday morning (much later than we anticipated) and took the babies into the condo to finally stretch out!

Before we reached the condo we captured these videos of the whole family.  Johnny was not very happy but you can still catch a small {almost} glimpse of a smile towards the end of the video as we reached Florida.

Before we got out of the car Macy shared what she was going to do once we got there.

Actually, all things considered, we didn't really hear one single whimper until about 45 minutes away from the condo.  They did amazing, but we were all still exhausted so we cleaned up the babies, fed them, and laid them down for a short nap.  We then assessed the damage in the car.  It was a good thing we had seat protectors under their car seats because everything was covered, I mean covered in spit up.  We cleaned it all up, did a load of laundry, unpacked our things for the week, and grabbed a few things at Target that we forgot at home before the babies woke up.  We pretty much laid low and recuperated from the drive down with the help of Gigi (who was already there, thank goodness!).

Johnny the first night in the condo

Macy (not sick at all) the first night in the condo

My parents arrived Saturday and Kari, Philip, and Kiley also made their way down, late Saturday evening.  The gang was {finally} all there and the fun would soon begin!

Sunday morning (Easter) we took the babies to their first church service since they were born.  They absolutely LOVED the music and spent a lot of the time eating breakfast.  That afternoon we rested by the pool and ate an Easter ham dinner.  We also took a walk around Baywood Colony, Gigi and Poppy's condo.

John and Johnny resting in the condo

Macy, always ready to play

Family picture by the bay

Our first picture (of many) at Gigi and Poppy's condo

The week continued with Little Johnny sicker than we have ever seen him.  He was so tired and fell asleep anywhere we laid him.  He was miserable; I could see it in his eyes and it broke my heart, but he kept on smiling until we finally started seeing his normal happy self midway through the week.  Then wouldn't you know it, Macy and I caught whatever it was he had.  I had an ear infection and Macy's eyes got pretty gunky, among other things.  We visited the Urgent Care Clinic twice (maybe a record on vacation?).  But we were all good sports and made it to the beach three times and spent the rest of the week at the pool.

Family time in the pool at Gigi and Poppy's condo

We were also able to spent a lot of time  with my family too.  Macy and her cousin Kiley loved playing together, Kari and I enjoyed our conversations face to face (instead of on the phone), Johnny, Dad, and Philip enjoyed a round of golf, and Lolli (my mom) and Gigi (Johnny's mom) played with their grandchildren to their heart's content!

Macy and Johnny relaxing by the pool

Kiley and Macy playing in the condo

Family picture on the beach

Family picture on the beach

We now know that vacation is going to look a little different than it used to (aka, a lot less laying out for this momma) but overall it was a great learning experience.  We wouldn't trade their first trip for anything.  Actually with family, sunshine, and ice cream our less than perfect trip turned out pretty perfect!

Family picture at Midnight Cove

Ice cream at Big Olaf's (my favorite spot in Siesta Key)

Hello love(s).

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This is the story of their first two weeks of life.  This was easier to share than rewriting it all here.  Enjoy!

...And We're Back

So much has happened since my last post.  Maternity pictures are a thing of the past and the twins are officially here (and have been for over two months)!  We went from maternity pictures to newborn pictures literally in a matter of days.  We thought we had tons of time...boy were we wrong...

So the story goes like this...

It was August 23, 2012.  I got ready for the second day of school (at my new job at Woodfill Elementary School).  It was a normal morning.  I really wasn't feeling anything out of the ordinary; no contractions, no pain; just the anxiety of my growing "to do" list.  Because I wanted to leave early to get a few extra things checked off my list John and I drove separately.  So I stopped for a pineapple mango smoothie at McDonalds (my favorite) and then made my way to school.  I climbed the stairs to get to my new classroom with my usual load from the car, and turned on my computer.  I had lesson plans but wanted to adjust a few things based on the previous day so I sat down and got to work.  I finally had my act together and stood up to make copies.  As soon as I stood up I felt a gush of liquid.   I knew immediately what was happening but fear took over when I remembered I was only 33 weeks and 1 day pregnant.

I searched frantically for my phone and called John at 7:03 am.  He answered pretty quickly assuming I needed something I forgot at home.  When he answered tears rushed to my eyes and I told him I thought my water broke.  There was shock in his voice when he said, "I'll be right there."  In the hallway I saw Allison, Shelby, and Anne, three teachers that I work closely with (or will work closely with).  They saw my face and came right into my classroom.  I told them I thought my water broke and after seeing the puddles on the floor they all agreed.

When John got to school he quickly (with the help of many others) put me on the elevator and got me into our car.  We drove towards the hospital in disbelief (me with a trash bag in my hand that someone had given us for me to sit on...).  All I could think was this wasn't supposed to be happening.  Not only was it the first week of school but we had plans to tour the Labor and Delivery Unit of the hospital and ready the house on Saturday.  Most importantly the babies were only 33 weeks.  I kept going back to that...we were told from the beginning of the entire pregnancy full term was 36 weeks.  We were calm on the outside {for each other} but extremely nervous and scared on the inside.      

There is so much more to this story but as I write I can't think of anything else more important than just getting to the point...the babies!  We were in the hospital less than 4 hours before they offered me an epidural and told me the babies were on their way.  Everyone including; 5 nurses for the babies (2 for each baby as well as the nurse in charge), my doctor, three student nurses, my original nurse, the anesthesiologist, and several other people I can't remember were in the room ready to take care of the babies as well as me.  Macy came pretty quickly at 1:10 pm and weighed 4 lbs. 1 oz.  The delivery up until that point was pretty uneventful but once Macy was born that is when John's heart rate started dropping.  They were about to perform an emergency c-section when the doctor gave me one more chance to deliver naturally. Together I pushed (and he pulled) and John was born at 1:20 in the afternoon weighing in at 4 lbs. 2 oz.

Our lives since their birth has been full of blessings; from family and friends coming to help while we get adjusted to our new role, meals being brought to our home, and cards pouring out of our mailbox each time I check the mail.  We feel so grateful, but more importantly we feel privileged that God has entrusted these two little people to us.  We are their parents and we can't wait to see what God has in store for their lives.

4 Year Anniversary

It seems like this year has flown by!  We have experienced some of the most exciting and most frustrating times in our marriage and we thank God for all of the experiences He has blessed us with.  We knew as we experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly, He was building our character and preparing us for a future that will continue to glorify Him.  

On our actual anniversary it seemed like we hurried through the day and forgot about how special it really was while making decisions about carpet, updating the kitchen, and picking out baby beds.  Johnny didn't want the day to get away without a special celebration so he added his touch (dinner at Montgomery Inn Boathouse) and I added mine ("$5 Challenge" at Target) that evening away from all of our decisions and mess at the house. 

Dinner was amazing!  I love going there because it isn't somewhere we frequent very often so it's a special place to enjoy each other's company.  We would normally exchange gifts after dinner but this year since we are working so hard to get things ready for the babies we decided to save the money and put it towards something for them.  We both knew it was a good decision but we still wanted to spoil each other just a little...Enter "$5 Challenge."  

We decided it would be fun to take $5 bills into Target and shop for each other.  The plan was to pick out something under $5 (I thought it would be fun to do it in under 5 minutes but Johnny did not agree...) that the other would LOVE as well as a box of candy to enjoy later during our movie night in.  Here are a couple of pictures from our big adventure.     

If you notice our gifts $5 really isn't much at Target but it was a lot of fun and we only spent $10!  That quality time and time spent really digging to find the perfect little something was the perfect way to say "I love you" on our anniversary.  

Miracles

Since we are having twins we feel fortunate that we get pictures and extra long appointments at our doctor's office every four weeks.  With that being said, our second ultrasound came quickly and of course we were excited to see the babies again, hear their heartbeats, and finally feel that reassurance that twelve weeks brings.

We had looked online and at the apps on our phones at what our babies were supposed to look like and we knew we were going to see so much more than we were able to the first time!  Instead of the blobs that we saw at our first ultrasound we were going to be able to see real bodies with heads, hands, feet, and bellies!

Anytime I thought of our appointment I was reminded of Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." It is almost hard to believe what God is doing inside of my body at this very moment.  He knew in all of the time we tried to get pregnant that these two little blessings were in our very immediate future.  He knew that in our reliance on Him we would find peace in our situation and a thankful heart that desires His desires.

So our first appointment came and we saw something I will never forget.  Our two babies in God's perfection were growing in my belly.  Their heartbeats were strong and perfect.  Their arms and legs were moving and perfect.  Their bellies were full, sticking out, and perfect!  It was one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed.  This picture cannot fully explain or describe how I felt that day but I hope it will help me remember God's ability to preform miracles even in small people like me.

Our First Ultrasound

I can say from the beginning I have been extremely lucky as far as pregnancy symptoms go. I was a little bit nauseous but nothing too terrible and I was tired (and what pregnant woman isn't tired?!). So throughout the first trimester I sucked it up and drank lots of water (apparently that is the cure all for EVERYTHING when you are pregnant).

Our first appointment was scheduled for February 14th, which as you can tell from this post, ended up being the exact same day (and almost time) as sweet Kiley entered the world. But we made it and after talking with the doctor that day I knew we were having twins. Actually from the moment I found out I was pregnant I knew I was carrying twins. I don't really know what it was that made me feel that way, I just knew. I had prayed about it and knew this was part of God's plan for us. So when our first appointment came and went and our doctor scheduled an ultrasound just a few days later to "confirm it was just one" I knew my feeling was merited and would soon be confirmed.

A couple of days later we walked into the ultrasound room and sat patiently waiting to see our little babe on the screen. It took a minute for everything to register and for a picture to come up on the screen but quickly the tech announced, "You are pregnant with twins." I started laughing and crying at the same time and John almost passed out. It was a little more than he was prepared to hear that morning, but the smile that graced his face when he finally focused on the picture that had taken over the screen was priceless. It was one I will never forget.

We continued walking through the remainder of our day in complete shock (Johnny more than me) but quickly came to realize what a blessing we had been given. Here is a picture of our first ultrasound. Baby A and Baby B are healthy and strong in their first photo opp at 6 weeks and 5 days!

He Really Is...

...the best husband ever!

Look at this hammock! Picture perfect!

Best Husband

If there was ever something I wanted to add in our backyard it was a hammock. I have begged and planned out (on actual) paper where it could go, what it would look like, and how exactly my sweet husband could make it happen. The thing is, if you know my husband at all, you know that he is obsessed with our yard (He loves yard work as much as some people love going on vacation. If you don't believe me, check this out!) and the idea putting something like a hammock in the middle of his yard was less than appealing.

So imagine my surprise when he came home one day and said, "I really want you to have a hammock in the backyard. I know you have really wanted one..."

My eyes lit up! I actually kind of thought he was kidding!! But as you can see from the picture below he started to make my one wish come true in our very own backyard. It wasn't an easy job either...he used concrete and it was dark outside...still so impressed.

Who doesn't want to lay in a hammock and read a book all summer! (And, those books will have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with graduate school because I will finally be done!!) What a good feeling that will be to just relax. All it needs now are a couple screws and my amazingly comfortable looking hammock!