24 Weeks and SO Much to be Thankful for....

At 24 weeks, I continue to just be in awe of the changes and growth of these little boys.
It's amazing to look back to the past couple of years and think of how far we've come. We are so THANKFUL for what we have been blessed with, and how God is continuing to work in our lives. As I reluctantly recall the painful emotional times we endured over the Holidays in previous years, I thank God for how much Dan and I have grown as 1 through all of it. I don't know that our marriage would be what it is today if we hadn't had the struggles that we've had (and to many it feels like all we've had is struggles, since the week prior to our wedding). So, with that said, all you ladies out there in the blogger (infertility) world...hang on, pray and trust God that he will carry you through these times. I pray for you often, and believe me...I will always know that "pain" you are struggling with, it simply becomes less consuming.

Blessings-
Gretchen

No Shortage of Love here....

Saturday, my mom and one of my very best friends had a baby shower for me, and a shower it was.
These are just a couple pictures of the absolutely adorable (and delicious I might add) cake. We had a great turn out of about 40 ladies, and it was just an awesome day. I have never felt so spoiled in my life, and I think that is just the beginning of what our little boys are going to experience. As of now, I think they have more clothes than Dan does (it will take years to catch up to their mommy's wardrobe):)
Some of the fabulous gifts we received were...a pack-n-play, very stylish double stroller (these boys will come out w/a real sense of fashion), 2 high chairs, a baby monitor, an exersaucer, a cradle swing, 2 chair travel seats to hook on the table,2 papasan bouncy seats, a video camera, a leather rocker/recliner for late night feedings, oodles of toys, gobs of clothes, and several gorgeous handmade blankets and hats.
These are a couple of pictures to just give you an idea of the gifts we were showered with, and the boys' now very full closet.
We are truly blessed with the most loving, supportive and generous friends and family. We know God made no mistake in choosing this large group of people to be part of our children's lives.

23 Week Update

Today was my 23 week appointment and ultrasound. I must add that one big bonus (of the many) to having multiples is the frequent ultrasounds. It was so incredible to see how much these sweet little babies have grown and developed over the past 4 weeks. They were about 7 oz each last time and today they weighed in at 1 lb 4oz and the other was 1 lb 2 oz. They both have what appears to be very healthy little hearts and brains...Bless God!!!! It has truly been miraculous to feel these little babies moving so much, we are so excited to meet them (when the time comes of course).

Blessings-
Gretchen

22 Weeks

How quickly these weeks seem to be going, especially now that I have no energy (hence the late blog post). So far, I'm still feeling pretty good, but I must say getting a good nights rest seems to be more and more difficult to achieve.
In other news, we would still appreciate prayers for Dan's job situation. He has had a couple of interviews, but due to the specific nature of his field, the process can easily take 2 months. He has a couple new prospects, and at this point we'd just be thrilled to have him working by the first of the year. I thank God everyday that we've been able to hang on this long, and I know now that we can hang on even longer :)

Thanks for all of the continued prayers.
Please keep praying for
-Healthy baby boys
-My rheumatoid to stay under control with the steroids
-Dan's job situation

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen, and the Boys!

Birthing Class

As we were advised, we took the birthing class a few months early (too avoid the Holidays as well as bedrest). Despite the fact that it was a full work day, 8-5, we really can say it was worth our time. Dan said he learned a lot, and claims he didn't get queasy until they showed the diagram of a C-section and when they later showed the instruments for the circumcision. I informed him, it will be his job to accompany the boys for that part of it, so now he has to work himself up to be able to handle that...PATHETIC (try childbirth)!!!
I really thought I'd leave the class feeling more nervous, but honestly I left feeling pretty confident that I'd survive :) We are getting excited to meet these little boys, and its been a lot of fun getting ready for them so far. I'm sure w/the upcoming holidays, these next few months will fly by.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, enjoy the week~

Blessings-
Dan, Gretchen and the Boys!