Big Wheels Keep on Rollin'

So Jared and I have been researching (okay, more so Jared than myself) strollers and trying to decide which one is right for us. I never knew there were SO many to choose from! We knew that we definitely wanted a jogging stroller since that is something I enjoy doing and that we wanted something that was going to last these boys for a few years, as well as something that had to be EASY to break down and set up since we don't really have the option of slinging our child on a hip and walking in a store...although I'm sure it would be a funny sight! We came to a final decision on the Easywalker Duo and were fortunate enough to find someone who was actually selling theirs, brand new and still in the box, for less than retail. Here is a picture of our new (and huge) stroller that I have a feeling is soon to become our best friend.

Coleman and Carter

Before Thanksgiving Jared and I decided on names for our two sweet boys that will be here in a few months. We started this process long ago with a date to Barnes and Noble. We went there to actually buy a book with baby names but with so many to choose from, we wound up grabbing one of each and sitting at the coffee shop browsing through them and making a list of the names that we both liked. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be!! So many names reminded me of a student that I'd had in class or knew through my school, or it would be a name that one of us liked and the other didn't, etc. We did agree to officially eliminate all "J" names from the list though...we are not the Duggers! That night there were two names that we both really liked but we continued to play around with our list of 15 or so. We decided to finally narrow it down in November, and made the decision to stick with the two we both initially liked: Coleman Jared and Carter Thomas. Neither of the first names are family names, however the middle names are. Jared is obviously named after that sweet hubby of mine, and Thomas is after my Dad. We then decided that we wanted to tell the grandparents over Thanksgiving in a unique and cute way, so here are some pictures of the burp cloths and poem that Jared and I created to spread the news!

O' Christmas Tree

This year we went to downtown Raleigh to see the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was a cooooolllld night but a ton of fun. They had an ice skating rink, Santa, Michelle Branch, other performers, and of course funnel cake! I didn't manage to take any pictures of the actual tree being lit (my camera decided to act up) but here are a few with Monte and Kara.

Sips n' Strokes

I know that I have not posted in a while and have lots to document and catch up on, so here goes several posts!

Over Thanksgiving Jared and I went to Atlanta to visit with my family and to Lake Martin to visit with his family. We had a great time visiting both families and catching up! While in Atlanta I was able to also see a childhood friend, Ashley, and her mom along with my sister in law, Mercy. All of us went to Sips n' Strokes which is basically where you try your hand at painting a picture that the studio has pre-selected while you "sip" on wine or your favorite drink (sparkling grape juice for me this time around). It is a ton of fun and although we are definitely not Picasso's, we had a great time pretending.

Nestle and Santapaws

Nestle is probably the most spoiled dog on the planet and doesn't realize that she's even a dog. She is going to have a rude awakening when Carter and Coleman are here and she's no longer the center of attention and getting all the pets and hugs she does now, but I know the boys are going to love her and she's going to love them. For the past couple of years, Nestle has made a visit to see Santa and tell him what she wants for Christmas and this year was no exception. She was a little excited to see him in Petsmart and it took some coaxing and treats but she finally settled down enough to have her picture taken. Can't wait to hear what's on her list this year!

Coleman and Carter

These are some of the ultrasound pictures from my 21 week appointment with our specialist. Coleman and Carter look great! They are both measuring the same size and weight and have strong heartbeats and organs. I think Jared and I are truly spoiled to be able to see these sweet babes grow every month and to watch them for over an hour each time. It is so amazing to watch each of those little bones move and turn and to see them dance around and kick one another. Right now their heads are both next to one another and they are getting so big that the specialist will be measuring one's growth and the other one will have an arm or leg float into the screen. Too cute! We will be going back in January at 26 weeks and I can't wait to see the growth they've made then!

I have started being able to feel them move a LOT more. It's amazing to feel these little kicks and jabs and to feel them in two different places! They are especially busy when I sit down and relax or just after I've finished eating. Jared was able to feel the little kicks for the first time a few days ago. It was such a neat moment to be able to share together and to know that those are our two little boys in there! I know those kicks are only going to get stronger as they get bigger and run out of room....let's just hope they save those soccer skills for when they are older. ;o)

As the belly grows...

This belly picture was taken when I was 5 months, which just made me realize that I need to take a new one since that was three weeks ago! I've learned that in just one week the belly and the boys can grow leaps and bounds! I am definitely feeling much more energized these days but am having the worst time sleeping through the night. I used to default and sleep on my back and there's no doing that anymore, so having to get used to sleeping on my side with 30lbs (yes, 30lbs so far!) of extra weight is proving to be difficult in addition to the bathroom trips every few hours. I have heard that sleeping in a recliner is the best cure all for this but I enjoy snuggling with Jared too much, so I just see this as Mother Nature's way of getting me ready for those sweet boys that will be here before we know it!