Hey y'all!
How's it going? I hope you are all having a beautiful week. We are fine here. Just adjusting to not having J around, taking care of the babies, and having girl time.
I have felt SO much better this past week. I thank the Lord b/c I literally stopped throwing up the day J left. I don't think that's a coincidence. I am still tired, and need a nap when sadie naps (and harper plays quietly, SUCH a good girl)...but i feel so much better!!
As far as the babies go, I still don't know much. I am waiting on a referral to visit a maternal/fetal specialist downtown and get a 4D ultrasound.
I'm not putting much stock in the doctor telling me she thinks they are identical, as she's never actually seen twins before.
I know sometimes it's very hard to see the membrane separating the babies, and I want there to be one. The thought of being pregnant with MoMo twins terrifies me.
A friend told me they are obviously identical b/c you can't see two sacs, but I have read that many times it's very hard to find that membrane.
I don't think you can really tell much from that one time we saw them briefly. So i'm not going to worry. I'm going to wait and see and know that the Lord knows what is in store for me. It is already done. And it is my job to embrace it and accept it.
Being pregnant with twins, having J gone, and then moving to Savannah towards the end of the pregnancy? Piece of cake. HEE!
I really don't understand what it is with people having to tell me horror stories they have heard about twins. My friend knows someone who lost both...or one...or oh, it's going to be HARD going from two to four. Or oooh,twins... i thought you looked BIG! how does that help me in any way? Ugh. Sorry. Moving on. I just don't get why people say such insensitive things to pregnant women!
I don't have that much to share other than what I just said (which turned out to be more than i thought i had to say, HA!)...so i thought i'd share my latest iPhotos.
left to right, top to bottom:
1. cutest dress EVER from target. i want one like it!
2.poor harper and her allergy testing yesterday. look at her little birdie bones! i was crying right along with her.
3.i took sadie bug on a special date to krispy kreme. her first time having a donut and her first chocolate milk. she went BERSERK!
4. poor monkeys are having to entertain themselves in all sorts of creative ways. this idea? putting towels over their heads and hugging each other. i was laughing SO hard.
5+6. girl time. reading cheap tabloids. or people. whatever. close enough.
7. i am now officially a minivan mom. my very own swagger wagon (well, it's an odyssey, but close enough). i don't care if it's dorky, i am a HAPPY camper!
8. Harper graduating from preschool. She will go to 5 day a week Pre-K next year!
9.Daddy time.
10. Goggles at the beach. HAHAHAHHAH!
11. Beach read- LOVED this one.
12. Sickie H.
13. Tough soccer H in her daddy's sunglasses.
14. Sadie talking to the babies.
And since it's tradition, I also have to share my favorite FB status updates of the past few weeks.
1. harper just came in my room and said : i'm very sorry to tell you this, but me and sissy will be gone for a few days. we are going to get daddy and he's very far away. we are taking a phone, snacks, and lip gloss. see you soon!
2.i just got locked out of my house by two little girls wearing tiaras and underwear. and nothing else. they thought it was REALLY funny, based on the giggles coming from inside. P.S. Preggers over here was in her nightgown. Niiiiice.
3. just RAN upstairs b/c jimmy was yelling "WOW THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! this is MAGICAL!!!!!" and what do i see when i get up here? he finally figured out how to see the pictures in the magic eye books. are you KIDDING ME? hahahhahahha!!
is this really my life? Heee!! have a wonderful day, sweet readers!
xxo,s
My husband is reading that book...said it's fantastic!
I've loved your status updates...
And just ignore those people with horror stories. It's not their story...it's YOURS. :)
Posted by: justem | 06/04/2010 at 07:54 AM
Yes, the horror stories were awful for me too, like did people seriously think I wasn't aware of all the horrible things they were saying about having twins??!!! So maddening!! So here is a GOOD story for you - I took it easy during my pregnancy, never went on bedrest at all, carried those babies for 37 1/2 weeks and HAD to be induced to get them to come out. No c-section, natural birth. Both babies were over 6 lbs!! See people, it isn't all bad! Humpf!! LOL!! Steph, I already feel that this is definately a blessing for you guys, it is for me!! Stay strong as always. ((hugs))
Posted by: Kami | 06/04/2010 at 07:59 AM
Just thinking about all the brave spouses that stay behind and care for families. I know you have a zillion virtual friends that wish they could play w/ your gorgeous girls and give you some spa time. Take care of yourself. . .
Posted by: JillT | 06/04/2010 at 08:06 AM
Hi congrats on the twins. I have twin girls that are 14. When they were born my son was 22 months old. People will give a lot of advise or info on twins. Half the time its not true. The more you read up on it you will understand what I mean. Hope your pregnancy goes smoothly and your husband is home in time! Take care
Posted by: Sue | 06/04/2010 at 08:07 AM
Take the peeps with a grain of salt. Every pregnancy is different even for the same person. Treat them the way that you do when you have a newborn...take what you need and ignore the rest. It is kind of rude that they are telling you the horror things. Big hugs to you. Keep your chin up and just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Posted by: Carla | 06/04/2010 at 08:16 AM
Congrats on the twins! Mine are 11 now and I had a 15 month old when they were born. Don't listen to all the scary stories...there are way more wonderful ones to be told! My boys were identical and born at 32 weeks. No c-section, no time! But they were healthy and came home within a month! It was crazy and exhausting, so keep snapping those photos, you will be so glad to have them! Never, ever listen to the stories that start out..."Oh just wait until (insert any horrible thing you might imagine)". Everyone kept trying to tell me how much harder it would get, and honestly, that didn't happen for me. Each step got easier, or I got stronger. There were obviously a few minor setbacks, but overall, this amazing journey just keeps getting better every day...and so will yours!
Bless you and your family!
Posted by: Diane Knott | 06/04/2010 at 08:17 AM
My Aunt had twins as kids #3 and 4 and my cousin had twins as kids #4 and 5! It can be done :)
You are an amazing mama and wife and yall will do just fine and settle into your new normal as it happens. Ignore those nasty people as best you can and know that we are all here for you and can't wait for your next updates!
And yay for no more barfing ;)
Posted by: Kristyn G | 06/04/2010 at 08:18 AM
Loved everything about this post today. You are so honest - I love it! You really have so much on your plate, and the last ting you need is negativity. Take life one day/one moment at a time, and enlist help! I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of you pregnant, in a nightie, and locked outside by two little girls in underpants and tiaras. Does life get any better that that???
Posted by: sarah pendergrast | 06/04/2010 at 08:25 AM
Steph! I didn't know you were moving at the end of the pregnancy! God bless you my dear!LOL
Proud Odyssey owner here!! We've been mini-van owners for 20 years now and the Odyssey is my fav vehicle ever!
We bought it two years ago when our boys were 17 and 19, someone asked "why do you still need a van, you don't have little kids"....my answer "because my 6ft tall kids, all their stuff and our bikes and kayaks take up a lot more room than your baby!LOL"
Now we are practically empty nesters but I'm not giving my my van anytime soon!! You will love it!
Posted by: Beth | 06/04/2010 at 08:29 AM
I want to echo what Kami said. I took my twins to 39 weeks (scheduled c-section as I'd had one with my previous transverse-lie baby) and my OB wanted to wait another week (!) but I insisted because my older child was about to start "big school" and I had to be there for her.
They were big and healthy and we went home after only two days.
I just took it easy for the entire pregnancy, though I wasn't on bed rest.
I was so anxious throughout though. And now, I wish I hadn't been so worried. I really wasted a lot of emotional energy with all that worrying. I am so happy to have these beautiful babies. I AM very tired, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've even managed to EBF both of them up to now (they're 9 months.)
And yes it's tough when you have other children, but, again, I wouldn't change a thing.
Try to enjoy the pregnancy as much as you can, and rest as much as you can.
Posted by: Lonely Scrapbooker | 06/04/2010 at 08:36 AM
I'll be praying for that membrane! It's so hard to see things on those ultrasounds, especially with the old fashioned ultrasound machines they use here.
Posted by: Kristen | 06/04/2010 at 08:38 AM
Stephanie, it's so good to read your funny stories again(I'm glad you're feeling better.)Don't worry about other people, just think of it this way - you'll have two babies to love. Harper is just about the sweetest thing ever. She has her priorities straight. You can't go on a trip without any lip gloss! Her allergy test looked like she'll be taking allergy shots. Both of my girls & I went through several years of shots. At first things were worse, but in the end they really helped. It will be difficult moving before the babies are born, but you will love Savannah & never want to leave. I didn't believe you could fall in love with a city, but I did. We spend the winters there now(eventually we'll retire there.) So if you need a friend or a helping hand, just let me know. I'll be praying for all of the Howells.
Posted by: Ginny C. | 06/04/2010 at 08:42 AM
i was totally jealous when you said you were having twins, and thought you were so lucky (and i am a stranger!)- you went for (over?) a year with your husband ovreseas - twins will be a walk in the park!
grats
Posted by: ~nic | 06/04/2010 at 08:43 AM
Good for Harper for already figuring out one of life's essential truths: a woman is ready for almost anything if she has her phone and lip gloss. :) heehee
Posted by: Nancy Nally | 06/04/2010 at 08:54 AM
so glad there is no more vom. that sucks! and don't listen to all those meanies....you look gorgeous! xoxo
Posted by: Karen Malloy | 06/04/2010 at 08:54 AM
I don't know how anyone could have anything but lovely thoughts for you and your family! So sorry for rude people. You're extremely blessed and will continue to be no matter what. God knows your needs and will provide! Stay close to Him!!!
Posted by: Debbie | 06/04/2010 at 09:01 AM
Oh I so love you sharing your life with us!!!! Twins will be wonderful, as I said before, each of the girls will have one to hold! Thank you for the FB status sharing.....so funny!
Posted by: Holly | 06/04/2010 at 09:17 AM
At first I thought you were playing hangman on somebody's back, then I realized it was an allergy test. Ouch! Hope she's feeling better!
Posted by: Megan (Best of Fates) | 06/04/2010 at 09:19 AM
woah, wait, what? twins. how did i miss this? are you saying here that you are not sure they are twins or that you just don't know what kind? At my 7 week ultrasound they told me I had twins, maybe. A week later they said "oh never mind...there is just one". So I *kind of* know the scare/freak out/calm acceptance that comes with the news.
I'm 30 weeks now and I've had people lately say "wow! you've REaaaally popped out" and "my friend saw you the other day and said you looked tired and frustrated". gee, thanks. You are under a microscope when you are pregnant.
also, girl with the dragon tattoo... is it good? worth the time I squeeze out of the week to read? Its next on my list. hoping to read it before baby arrives.
Posted by: kate nazif | 06/04/2010 at 09:24 AM
Hey, Steph :)
I have sisters who are twins and I have to tell you that it was WONDERFUL growing up with them in the house. I was 8 years old when they were born, so it was like having my own live baby dolls. :) Harper will love it! No horror stories...only wonderful memories!
Two tips from my mom:
1. Never call them "the twins" because it will stick and that's what people will call them. My mom hated "Jennifer, Kendra, and THE TWINS." She wanted them to have their own identities. :)
2. Don't always dress them alike. Part of #1...own identities. I can't see you doing that anyway.
:)
So happy for y'all!
Posted by: Jennifer Stewart | 06/04/2010 at 09:24 AM
the book is SO good. and its definitely twins!!!
http://stephaniehowell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/05/not-sure-how-to-put-this.html
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 06/04/2010 at 09:25 AM
oh and i think God knew that I couldn't handle twins. You- of all people- certainly can.
Posted by: kate nazif | 06/04/2010 at 09:26 AM
Congrats to you .. and good luck with all that going on with J gone. hugs
Posted by: Soldier Girl | 06/04/2010 at 09:28 AM
Enjoy your pregnancy and those daughters with their priorities in the right place (everything is better with lip gloss). Why people feel the need to share their stupid opinions, I'll never know. Smile sweetly as I know you probably do and know they are usually wrong.
Posted by: Ann | 06/04/2010 at 09:31 AM
I'm so jealous--I've always wanted to be a twin or be the Mama to twins. Sadly, neither option was in the cards for me. Maybe next life? :-)
You're already raising two beautiful, funny daughters with ease (or seemingly so); therefore, I'm quite certain that you'll rock at being a mama to 4. Lucky babies.
Posted by: Laura | 06/04/2010 at 09:37 AM
Enjoy this time! You and your family are so blessed. What an adventure. I had my daughter 18 months ago, and i am an older mom, 41 when I was pregnant and 42 just a month after she was born. People were so insensitive with their comments. The worst: why did you wait so long....it used to make me upset but now I look back and just laugh. God was saving the best time for me when I would be older and able to enjoy it more. I had my high power career and endless hours of work...so i am able to truly enjoy each day! And that is the best gift! And now life will be Four times the fun!
Posted by: Stephanie O. | 06/04/2010 at 09:48 AM
I LOST IT at the lip gloss!!! Love those two!!!!
Posted by: Christine Campbell | 06/04/2010 at 09:56 AM
i am so glad to hear you are feeling better. God is so good, isn't He? praying for you girls (and babies!) while J is gone. hang in there, friend :)
and as far as the people with no sensitivity skills. seriously. i find that it doesn't even end after pregnancy. it's as if people find the need to say something--anything. and it usually isn't well thought out. when i go out with my three kiddos, i am consistently told "you certainly have your hands full." really? is that supposed to be encouraging? and usually they are standing still and quiet and helpful. not causing any problem at all. next time i think i might say, "thank you. would you mind opening the door for us and carrying all my groceries out to the car?!?! you know, since my hands are so full!" of course, usually, i just smile and walk away with my three precious children i am blessed to have. :)
so often people forget what we learn in preschool. if you can't say something nice....
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | 06/04/2010 at 09:57 AM
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. I see that poor Harper came up positive to a few things...hopefully nothing new. Hope all is well and enjoy all the tiara's and undies now...I'm sure your girls will remember this special time when it's just the three of you.
Not to mention I can't wait to hear what Harper says about the babies in your belly...Colin has come up with some very funny things from his limited knowledge of where babies come from. :-)
Posted by: Kristin Faust | 06/04/2010 at 09:59 AM
People never fail to amaze me at their sheer lack of sensitivity and tact! And why even if you had experienced a real twin "horror" story would you share that with a preggo mommy? And aren't people smart enough not to antagonize a preggo gal? While pregnant with my twins I got a lot of comments/questions and one day I'd had it and finally told one nosey-rude person that the status of my uterus was my own business and to worry about her own! I have since discovered that by throwing the word uterus out there it really shuts people down. just an idea!
Posted by: Emily | 06/04/2010 at 09:59 AM
love this KL.
my friend kim told me that when people tell her that she says
you should see my heart.
i love that idea and will be using it.
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 06/04/2010 at 10:02 AM
I have no doubt that carrying twins is hard, just as it will be hard to go from two kids to four kids. But seriously, you've done hard before. You've done HARDER before. And sailed through it with faith and grace (and the occasional grown up juice box). So those people can take their horror stories and shove them!
Also, I am itchy on Harper's behalf just looking at that allergy panel. Poor pumpkin!
Posted by: Steph H | 06/04/2010 at 10:09 AM
Happy Friday Stephanie!
Some people's kids I tell ya!! Chin up indeed girl. you, Jimmy, and the girls are going to have a wonderful adventure this winter. I have been following your blog religiously for a couple of years now and you are a wonderful mom. I read a quote once and here's to you "Anyone can be a mother but it take someone special to be a MOM".
I really enjoyed your FB status #1. It made my heart laugh;)
Thanks for sharing again.
Posted by: Sandy | 06/04/2010 at 10:17 AM
ohhhhh, I remember having to go through allergy testing like Harper's... it was not fun. But even though it's so miserable, I know that in the end the allergy shots, etc. worked for me. Poor girl. I hope that her doctor(s) are able to provide relief for those allergies!
Love seeing these snapshots of your life (the goggles photo cracked me up)
Posted by: Natalie | 06/04/2010 at 10:22 AM
God never gives you more than you can handle.
Hope you continue to feel well and have a wonderful Summer with the girls!
Posted by: sharron | 06/04/2010 at 10:24 AM
At least when people say you look big you are actually carrying twins, as opposed to when the lady in the baby store asked me "you having twins?" when I wasn't! I told her "you won't be working here long if you say that to the wrong person" :) hee hee
Posted by: Marlene | 06/04/2010 at 10:26 AM
so glad you are feeling better! WHAT IS WRONG WITH WOMEN??!! I got a story for you! My midwife helped deliver twins (which is rare for twins to be born with a midwife), within days of the due date, who were both 7+ lbs and all were happy and perfect. I DO NOT understand the mentality of telling horror stories to pregnant women.
Sorry, feeling a bit soap-boxy about this one! Hang in there!
Yeah!!! for the day you woke up feeling better!!
Posted by: Rachel S | 06/04/2010 at 10:36 AM
Steph,
Forgot to mention....my mom carried my sisters to term. They were huge and healthy...no birth horror stories there! 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 7 lbs. 10 oz.! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Stewart | 06/04/2010 at 10:47 AM
Congrats! Does this mean that allergy shots are in her future? They really do help!
Posted by: slammie | 06/04/2010 at 11:20 AM
Waaayyy too funny...and the twins will force a lot of bed rest..lots of hormonal emotions taking over...but you are sooo good with kids...it's all perfect.
Posted by: Scrapycandy | 06/04/2010 at 11:25 AM
I am glad that you were not locked out wearing only a tiara and underpants! That would have been a real "scandal". LOL
I have read so many articles lately about the large percentage of allergy tests that are wrong, and hope that Harper's past tests were wrong and that she is really not allergic to so many things.
Posted by: JOANN | 06/04/2010 at 11:27 AM
I said it before welcome to GA it's the worst place for allergies. The doctors told my mother that 30 some years ago when we moved here and he was right. I would love to have an Odyssey. Sorry about the bad comments, I was told I must not be meant to be a mother when I couldn’t have bio children, people can be really mean!
Posted by: Ally's Corner | 06/04/2010 at 11:44 AM
love the FB updates :) men and their thrills, eh? although that is pretty magical ;) you have so much on your plate right now, but you handle it so well, thanks for sharing the ups, downs and reality of it all.
Posted by: summer | 06/04/2010 at 01:12 PM
Is Harper being tested for food allergies or seasonal allergies? What did they determine? Curious to know, my son seems to have allergies but we have not had him tested. What dr. did you go to, an allergist or other?
Congrats again on your full heart!! ;-)
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Russell | 06/04/2010 at 01:15 PM
i promise these twins will be the BEST thing EVER!! even though there are hard times w/ 2 i would go back to their birthday and do the entire first year again in an INSTANT...it has been MAGICAL!! there are plenty more good twin stories than bad...listen to the good ones!! i got a minivan too and LOVE it!! you will especially love it once the babies get here. praying for you!! and yes of course you will get big but i used to tell people who commented i HOPE i was big b/c i was growing 2 babies!! the bigger the better!!
Posted by: meg watwood | 06/04/2010 at 01:20 PM
Love reading your updates! Sorry to hear J is gone but hope he will be back in time for the babies! When is your due date? My daughter's bday is Dec 10.
I had to LOL when I saw that the girls locked you out of the house-oh no!! Your blog never fails to make me laugh! Thanks for that!! & good luck over the next 6 months!!!
Posted by: Stephanie Eaken | 06/04/2010 at 01:59 PM
The will of God will never take you farther than the grace of God will cover. He knows all!- so don't worry and DON'T let the unthoughful comments get to you, some people just don't think before they speak! I love your friends comment, "you should see my heart"! I might just use that too! Love the intire post, especially the photos (poor Harpers back!). Have a great weekend.
Posted by: kim strother | 06/04/2010 at 02:55 PM
Stephanie,
Do not listen to any of those horror pregnancy stories,the wonderful stories far outweigh them. People can be so insensitive. God has a great plan for you and your growing family. Being pregnant with multiples, was absolutely wonderful. I had a very easy pregnancy: I carried them for 38 weeks and even taught my second graders until two days before they were delivered, got them each out with only one push, and had two healthy and happy babies! I would do it all over again in a heart beat! My tummy was enormouse, but whose isn't during pregnancy?!?
I wish you all the best, and I look forward to reading more about your growing family! :)
Posted by: Penelope | 06/04/2010 at 03:08 PM
oops...meant to write enormous! ;)
Posted by: Penelope | 06/04/2010 at 03:10 PM
You crack me up!!!!!!! Love reading your facebook statuses...especially where they locked you out. I'm sure it wasn't so funny at the time though! :)
Posted by: Lou Stiner | 06/04/2010 at 03:22 PM
I have to say, I just love the real life pictures you are getting with the iphone, so everyday, they really tell a story! PErFECT! can't wait to get my iphone in July when I am due for a new phone! My hubby has been trying to get me to want one for about 2 years now, but I have been fighting it tooth & nail cause of the keyboard! but the pictures you share have me sold! LOL!
I cannot wait to see what your twins look like! you are seriously the luckiest/blessed woman on earth to be having twins!!!!! cannot wait to hear more!
tara
Posted by: tara pakosta | 06/04/2010 at 04:01 PM
You are amazing and can deal with anything, I just know it!
Posted by: Kirsty | 06/04/2010 at 04:34 PM
Loved this post Steph, thanks for the update :)
Why are people so mean?
I think those babies of yours are so lucky that they are going to be born in to such a loving family, with wonderful parents and people who can't wait to meet them. Every single child in this world deserves that and with you guys these babies are guaranteed all the love in the world.
Posted by: Jen Thompson | 06/04/2010 at 04:57 PM
Thank you, Stephanie. You and your beautiful family made me laugh and feel all is right with this crazy world.
Posted by: Lora Oliver | 06/04/2010 at 05:01 PM
You are such a brave Mama! I love hearing all of your stories. All of this is so fun and exciting. No negativity here... only happy thoughts. God knows we can all use those. :)
Posted by: Colleen Sheehy | 06/04/2010 at 05:02 PM
Stephanie, I'm sure you and the babies will be just fine! My sil, who was 46 at the time, gave birth to twins (one of each!) at 37.5 weeks via c-section...pretty much full term for twins. Both were just over 5 lbs and came home in just a few days with mom. She is tall and long like you are....perfect body for twins according to her doctor. Unless you already knew she was carrying two, you couldn't tell. She never had any problems, managing to earn her master's degree and continue teaching the entire time.
Posted by: Tinka | 06/04/2010 at 05:39 PM
who cares what people say Stephanie! seriously excited for you. I think it is fabulous that you get two!!! enjoy and hugs : )
Posted by: Mary Rogers | 06/04/2010 at 06:33 PM
i am so sorry there are some out there that feel the need to "regal" you with their horror stories. what is happening to you is beyond wonderful! i am truly excited for all of you! such a blessing, and i look forward to reading all your amazing posts...hugs
jenn
Posted by: jenn | 06/04/2010 at 06:57 PM
Hey, Steph. I knew J was leaving but I've been waiting for you to let us know where he's going and for how long. I guess I must have missed it b/c now he's gone and I'm sure everybody knows but me. I tend to miss things sometimes.
Where is he and when will he be back?
Posted by: Noell Hyman | 06/04/2010 at 06:57 PM
hey noell, i actually cant share now. part of the rules in the ranger regiment. :)
but he will only be gone a few months! xxo
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 06/04/2010 at 07:16 PM
Is it strange that I secretly (well not so much now) would love to be you and be pregnant with twins. This would be the only way that I would ever get the four kids like I always wanted. I have one that is 2 years and 2 months and the other is 7 months two girls.
I also think it would be cool if the twins were both boys.
Posted by: Jennifer H. | 06/04/2010 at 07:26 PM
Is it strange that I secretly (well not so much now) would love to be you and be pregnant with twins. This would be the only way that I would ever get the four kids like I always wanted. I have one that is 2 years and 2 months and the other is 7 months two girls.
I also think it would be cool if the twins were both boys.
Posted by: Jennifer H. | 06/04/2010 at 07:27 PM
People always have more bad news than good to share. I have 3 kids and I remember being at Target with a baby, almost 4 yr old and 1 1/2 (2? who can remember) yr old. And some woman says "Are they ALL yours?" And I looked behind me because I thought "I only have 3, are there more behind me?".
I have several friends with twins and they all did fantastically - tho they might not agree. And Harper will be such a help and somewhat so will Sadie. You'll never have to go get a diaper or wipes again - they will do it for you:-)
Posted by: lisa | 06/04/2010 at 07:42 PM
Ahhh -- got it Steph! Thx for replying! I'm glad you're feeling better while he's gone!!!
xoxo
Posted by: Noell Hyman | 06/04/2010 at 08:03 PM
hah! i just love your pictures and facebook status'...especially glad you explained the allergy test pic because i was like...wtf?! haha! ive never seen that before, poor thing! i thought maybe she got attached by bees and a little sister with a pen!
oh my gosh...love that about the magic eye book...it's MAGICAL! hahahaha!
Posted by: andie librandi... | 06/04/2010 at 08:04 PM
Stephanie,
Most importantly...you love your girls, you love your hubby and you'll continue to take awesome care of them and yourself. That's all that matters. You are such a loving person...not worth getting hung up on silly comments from other people. Just know that you are truly a good soul. When my first two were younger, I spent too much time concerned about what other people said or did. Your girls and your two little ones growing inside you are so blessed to have you as their mom. Glad J will be back in time for their arrival!
I don't have twins...but can tell you being a mom is the best ever...if you have four girls...I'll need to pair them up with my four boys :)!! They can all have older men!!
Keep resting!
Posted by: Lynn | 06/04/2010 at 08:21 PM
boo to all the stupid comments. People are dumb. Love your pics and your status updates. poor Miss H, that allergy test looks miserable.
Posted by: Erin B | 06/04/2010 at 09:09 PM
oh goodness...no need to be concerned, im not hung up or worried, i just find it extremely odd/funny.
thank you! s
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 06/04/2010 at 09:20 PM
I didn't know all your news! 1st, Wishing J safe journeys and a speedy return to your nest of chickies! and I love your new ride...wow, nice! Looks awesome. I think your pictures and writing is still awesome and belong in a book (yeah she says with what time? lol)! Seriously I mean it! Too cute H and S running away. Enjoy your girls, and take care of yourself. My mom always said, "everything will work out, don't worry". One day at a time. Being in the health business... you take each story with a grain of salt, and sometimes you may learn something that applies to you when and if you need it, but their story is not yours, you will have your own experiences!
Posted by: bluemoon | 06/04/2010 at 09:40 PM
I am so excited for you!!!
My sister has 4 kids with a set of twins and they are so darling and VERY close! They even live together in college. Inseparable and best friends.
You are so lucky, and your family is darling!!!!
P.S. One of our movers was telling me that he and his wife have 17 (yes, 17!!!!) kids. 3 sets of triplets, 2 sets of twins and the rest singles. Can you believe that?! How fun - I love big families!
Posted by: Janell | 06/04/2010 at 10:32 PM
there will always be negative people out there or just clueless ones. remember that hurt people hurt people. get it? anyway, i had been eyeing that book for a few months. i think i will get it now. thanks. i love a good book. my dad had to go through that allergy testing... poor sweetie. this was a fun update. I'm so happy you are feeling better. also, as a former Army soldier, current Army wife, Army sister and Army brat i appreciate what your DH is doing and what you go through while he's away.
Posted by: amylucimar | 06/04/2010 at 10:48 PM
Don't worry about all the neg. preggo comments. I swear people don't think sometimes. I could write a book about all the harsh fat comments I got with my last pregnancy. What makes people think it's okay to say "wow, you're huge" to someone! Okay, sorry....vent. hee! hee!
Hang in there Stephanie...you'll do great with the twinkies!
Posted by: meganklauer | 06/04/2010 at 11:19 PM
congratulations on your pregnancy....and i have only heard a load of good stuff about carrying twins...so many fun tales and experiences...esp when they start wiggling about!! :)
two mini mommies over two tiny babies....awesome! ;)
Posted by: Debs | 06/04/2010 at 11:58 PM
I love your posts. I'm so glad to hear you're not getting sick anymore, and you're finding mommy-time to rest! A group of friends & I just had a conversation yesterday about how people say the most insensitive things and don't think about its effect on another person. But, you are strong and faithful, so I'm sure you've already risen above it - stay strong.
Continued prayers for good health and many blessings, and for J...
Posted by: Amy | 06/05/2010 at 04:31 AM
I think I have missed something. You are moving to Savannah? WOW, you were not at Benning very long. Savannah is GORGEOUS! Skip "The Lady and Sons" and go to Paula's Brother's Place----"Bubba's" it is a great little place with lots of character.
Anyway, you and "J" need to take a few of the Ghost Tours too. They are lots of fun. Oh, you make me miss home. You will adore Savannah!
Posted by: Kimberly | 06/05/2010 at 06:24 AM
Stephanie,
I absolutely love your posts! Love the pics, love the comments and all. Please just delete anything that even looks like it might be negative..... you don't deserve the nasty comments. You are such an "up" person and so strong. We out here in cyberspace LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Claudia | 06/05/2010 at 07:21 AM
I am so glad your throwing up has ceased. Take your naps and enjoy them! Love the pics! Sorry about H having to be allergy tested. When they did my boy when he was 4, they took blood and tested. Then when he was 7, they did it on his arms.
Posted by: Angela W | 06/05/2010 at 08:55 AM
Hey Steph, forgot to say that although I didn't
carry twins I did carry one 11lb 23.5 inch long
big boy and it felt like twins, and I got a LOT
of rude comments about how big my belly was, so I can
sympathize!
Posted by: beth | 06/05/2010 at 09:19 AM
Just curious...Have the girls gotten back with J yet?!!! That is so hilarious!! Sl thankful you are feeling better!!! Just soak in every moment!!!I don't even understand why people have to say men things even when you are not pregnant!!! Why do people have to say rude/mean things at all??? Somehow I got out of my kiddos ever locking me out...that is too funny...although at the time I am sure you did not think so...glad you're feeling better!!! My friend you will meet soon has twins...it's been a blast for her! Blessings!
Posted by: Tammy Graves | 06/05/2010 at 10:57 AM
Hee, love the facebook updates! And Harper looks so grown up in the photo of her reading the magazine!!
Posted by: Keshet | 06/05/2010 at 09:05 PM
I have identical twin girls (Mono twins-one placenta, two sacs). They are 17 months old. We didn't have complications. I had them at 35 weeks, no c-section, a breech delivery for baby B, and we all came home three days later together. My husband is also in the military. We live in Japan and I've practically been alone for the majority of those 17 months. Don't let anyone get you down. Stay positive! You can do this. Listen to your body because you know whats best! Take it easy if your body is telling you to slow down. And by the way, twins ROCK!!!
Posted by: Anna | 06/06/2010 at 05:55 AM
I love, love your iphone pics. Such a fun slice of daily life. What did H end up being allergic to? Both of my children have several food allergies. The testing is definitely not fun. I'm glad you are feeling better too. Being a sick momma is hard, especially when dad is gone. You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: Sarah | 06/06/2010 at 03:48 PM
Oh Steph!!! Wishing I could be there to help out!! So much going on towards the end!! Don't listen to people. You know what is right for you. You will do just fine. On the upside... glad to hear you are feeling better!!! Hoping Jimmy is able to be home in time for the delivery!! Rest when you can!!! Hugs!
Posted by: Michelle Unruh | 06/06/2010 at 11:49 PM
Forgot to say... love your Honda!!! They are awesome vans!! Love all the pics of the chickies!!! Hope they figure out what Harper is allergic too. I felt so bad for her when I saw that photo!! :(
Posted by: Michelle Unruh | 06/06/2010 at 11:54 PM
Hello Just popping in to say I have MOMO twins - aged 7 - born at 33 weeks perfect in every way never had any problems apart from the worry through the pregnancy.
Ignore most of what you read and hear and try to relax and enjoy. Best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Tamar x
Posted by: Tamar | 06/08/2010 at 06:03 AM
I'm more hung up on the fact that you have to MOVE again! You just go to where you are living now!
Posted by: Sara Amuso | 06/09/2010 at 10:49 AM
Oh, honey. My twins are 5 months old, and people said all the same awful things to me. Don't let it stress you out; it's gonna be fine! You'll get in with a more sohpisticated ultrasound machine and be amazed what they can see. One of my little guys even had an echocardiogram with an ultrasound machine before he was born. There are going to be a lot of people dedicated to making sure all three of you are healthy. It's gonna be great. And welcome to the club!
Posted by: Jessica C | 06/10/2010 at 06:06 PM
Just wanted to send you some positive thoughts! I'm sorry some people are being a bit insensitive with their coments. I know it's hard! Good luck with it all!
xx
Posted by: annie | 06/14/2010 at 03:54 AM