The Pugh Family

Sittin' pretty!

2010-09-22T21:35:00.010-05:00

I find myself saying this every single month, but really... SLOW DOWN TIME! How is it that my sweet little babies are now half a year old. It is surreal. I think I will need a tranquilizer when their birthday rolls around.

Caroline's favorite pose.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, both of the babies have been sick. Worth had the stomach bug and Caroline had a double ear infection. Poor Worth has really suffered. He has had a bleeding diaper rash to only make his double digit dirty diapers all the more painful. We went to the doctor two times last week and the poor little thing is STILL going! Oh... and so is Caroline. I was trying to let Worth go diaper less as much as possible last week. He loved it! He rolled around like a wild man, laughed, and squealed with delight. I may have a nudist on my hands.

Caroline you should really try this naked thing. It's quite liberating.

In other BIG news... little miss priss can sit up! Now, I am not saying that she is the Rock of Gibraltar, but she can sit alone. I thought I would experiment tonight by sitting her up and letting go, and here is the end result.

Let the fun begin!!

Cousins

2010-09-21T16:05:00.003-05:00

We had a great weekend!! My parents, brother, sister in law, nieces, and 2 of my aunts came to visit. It was wild at our house with four little ones for sure! I loved every minute of it. Worth had the stomach bug last week and Caroline had a double ear infection. So, the visit not only gave me lots of great family time, but it also gave me LOTS OF HELP!

Eugene has started working his LONG hours 7 days a week. Harvest time is serious, and I will pretty much be a single parent until Thanksgiving. I know that this will not last forever, but having my family here gave me an extra boost of confidence and just enough TLC to get me going. I am praying hard for strength, energy, and a positive attitude every single day. I know that the challenges of having 2 little ones can be overwhelming, but I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. Thank you God for blessing me with an amazing family, husband, and 2 beautiful babies!

Go State!! (We all cheered on our Dawgs Saturday night.)

Caroline, Sophie, Worth, Ava

Makin' memories

2010-08-26T19:03:00.001-05:00

The babies were in the best mood yesterday when we got home from daycare/work. So we had a little 5 month photo session.

"Oh Worth just face it... I'm the cutest."

Family fun

A serious conversation

My handsome little man

2010-08-26T18:46:00.001-05:00

Worth is AMAZED by his hands and feet. I find him staring like this a lot!

My beautiful girl

2010-08-26T18:42:00.001-05:00

Please pass the spoon...

2010-08-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

because I could pretty much eat these two kiddos up!

Worth is teething like crazy. He cut his two bottom teeth at 4.5 months. I really think he is working hard on his top ones now. They haven't broken through, but he has ALL the symptoms.

It may sound crazy, but both Caroline and Worth are really just now holding their heads up well. Maybe I didn't do enough tummy time, or maybe being a month early has some of their developmental milestones a bit delayed. I am quite relieved that they can both "do the turtle." This was the best I could get of Caroline. She has her hand in her mouth 23.75 hours a day.

For those of you who have seen my sweet bucket headed baby boy in person, you know this is a BIG milestone! I am so proud he can pick up his big ole melon.

Everyday is a true delight with these two sweet babies. I feel less overwhelmed more often than not these days. That's a good feeling. For anyone that has ever suffered from the baby blues finally reaching a point when you have more happy times than sad times is such a welcomed change.

2010-08-10T20:54:00.002-05:00

We are getting good at eating our cereal!!

Lately

2010-08-03T18:40:00.001-05:00

The twins are really starting to enjoy the other's company. They cannot get enough of each other's faces. I love to lay them in the bed together first thing in the morning and listen to them talk back and forth to one another!

"Let me tell you something Worth, I'm in charge... no matter what anyone says!"

We started the babies on rice cereal this past weekend. I had no idea that eating with a spoon would be such a foreign concept for these little kiddos. It was pretty hilarious. Worth made the most terrible face and then spit every bit of it back out. Caroline on the other hand was completely offended that we would offer her anything off of a spoon! How could we?!

"I hate change!"

"I don't know what she is crying about. Doesn't she know she can just spit it out?"

2010-08-03T18:29:00.002-05:00

The evenings when I get home from work are definite challenges. Usually both babies are a little fussy and tired from the day, and I have a list one thousand miles long of things to do. (laundry, clean the house up, cook dinner, finish any paper work etc from my day... you name it!) I find myself cooking dinner with an audience A LOT!

This usually involves me singing a variety of songs in silly voices to keep them entertained. If I was on candid camera, you would all get a good laugh.

The babies have really fallen in love with their blankets. I gave them to them because it seemed to be the only things they could and would teethe on. Now, they love to snuggle them! Worth has Johhny (John Deere of course) and Caroline has Nellie (short for Penelope the pig.)

Two of a kind

2010-08-01T22:25:00.003-05:00

4.5 months and CUTE AS CAN BE! (Maybe I'm biased though)

Until we meet again...

2010-07-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

I lost a little piece of my soul today.

My grandmother passed away during the wee hours of the night. She went peacefully, surrounded by her 4 daughters. To say that I have just "lost my grandmother" is such an understatement. She was the heart and soul of our family. She was a giving woman who took such a great pleasure in all things family. I can't imagine walking this earth without her here to share in my triumphs and struggles that the road of life will offer me in the years ahead. But, I try to tell myself that she is far better off than I can ever imagine. I thank God that she was able to meet my babies, even if it was brief. She told me that she was going to hang on until she saw them, and she did! She kissed them. She held them. She told them she loved them. I can't lie and say I'm not heartbroken that they won't know Maw Maw. I am. My heart aches at that thought. I can promise you this though Maw Maw, these children WILL know how wonderful you were and that because of you I am a better person!

But this is just as it has been written: “The eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Martha Marie Beauvais

February 20, 1926 - July 22, 2010

Serioulsy... I can't believe it.

2010-07-16T21:24:00.005-05:00

The twins will be 4 months old on the 19th of this month. Where has the time gone. It seems like just yesterday I was begging my mother not to leave me with these two week old babies because surely Eugene and I couldn't do this on our own. Now here I sit with two babies who sleep for 12 hours a night and nap for almost an hour and half after each bottle.

Baby Wise helped us TREMENDOUSLY! The babies know how to put themselves to sleep and have really flourished being on a schedule. Our goal for this weekend is to transition from feeding every 3 hours to every 4. Here goes nothin'!

We went in today for the their 4 month check up and shots. They both got great reports. Both of them have been really under the weather since starting day care, so I was glad to see that things are starting to look up. Worth's ear is still a little red (no infection per the dr.) so hopefully that will fix itself. They have both been on Amoxicillin for what seems like FOREVER. Caroline has had an ear infection and Worth has had bronchitis.

Of course they are growing like weeds! I had to ask the doctor if I had unusually large children. She assured me I didn't and that they were both just at the 50% mark for the age. It just seems crazy that they have TRIPLED their birth weight!

Worth:

15 lbs

25 inches

46.5cm head circumference (quite the cranium)

50% percentile for weight and height

Caroline:

14lbs 4oz

23 1/2 inches

42.5cm head circumference

50% percentile for weight and height

W: I mean seriously I don't know what to say... I handled these shots like a big kid. You see who is still crying.

Practice makes perfect

2010-06-27T18:58:00.001-05:00

We have had a great, lazy weekend. This is the first Saturday Eugene has not had to work in FOREVER! It feels like it has been since the babies were born. Anyway, we had all 4 been under the weather so a weekend at home was just what the Dr. ordered.

Saturday night we actually got a babysitter and went out with friends. We fed the twins at 8 and put them to bed. The babysitter had a pretty cush job of watching TV while they slept. But, it was worth it. Mommy got to have some F.U.N.

Back to the babies...I have been trying to help the twins develop their neck strength. Caroline is pretty strong and really holds her head up well. Worth still needs a little help. He HATES tummy time, so it is a bit of a challenge. I started Caroline in the Bumbo to see how she did. It is so funny to see her sitting!!

How much longer mom?

2010-06-27T18:57:00.001-05:00

Caroline's cheeks are so kissable. I find myself kissing this child ALL day long.

Does he not just melt your heart?

Best friends for sure!

2010-06-27T18:56:00.002-05:00

They still need a little practice... but hopefully they will get stronger everyday.

The 2 turned 3

2010-06-22T16:53:00.003-05:00

... months that is. The twins turned three months old this past weekend. I cannot believe it! I guess I am officially out of the "4th trimester" or baby boot camp as I have heard it called. I started work last Monday and we are trying hard to settle into a routine. The babies have been going to day care, and from what I can tell... loving it. I really like where they are and feel very comfortable with the lady in charge.

The babies have gotten B.I.G. Caroline was a little bit under the weather this past weekend (a welcome to day care cold nonetheless) and we took her to the doctor. Little porky weighed in at 12lbs 4 oz.

(sick baby)

As for Worth, if I had to guess I would say he is 13lbs or so. They both are laughing out loud, love to play on their activity mat and most importantly, ARE SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!

We had the twins baptized on June 12th. It was a great day! We had everyone over to celebrate the occasion.

Eugene's family

My family (my brother wanted to hold both of his godchildren together!)

My amazing little family. God is good!

2 Month Check-up

2010-05-20T16:13:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, the twins turned 2 months old!!! Holy cow... time flies. We had their 2 month check-up with cute Dr. Hannah. She said that they both look great and have met the milestones for this visit. They both smile. They can follow you with their eyes, and they are more alert. She said that they should start cooing any day now. Caroline makes some attempts, but hasn't quite mastered it. (click on their stats if you need to see them bigger)

They needed to eat before their appointment, so I got to the clinic an hour early to give them plenty of time. I got all set up and then fed them before a live audience... really! It was like no one had ever seen twins before let alone one person feed them both at the same time.

Here was our set up

Worth is a much faster eater than Caroline. So, he was quite content to stare out of the window for the remaining half hour.

We finally got called back and the sweet babes had to be stripped down. They look so sweet... little do they know they each have three painful shots ahead of them!

Thank goodness I could give them tylenol after the shots. They were both running fever by the time we got home, and were NOT happy campers. I spent most of last night awake with one of them. They were super fussy and would only sleep if they were held. Needless to say, at 5am I gave in. I built a fort of pillows on the couch and settled in with them both on my chest.

Shots=NO FUN!

And, for the record, I kind of wanted to cry with them.

Everyone Sleeps!

2010-05-17T17:53:00.005-05:00

These comforting words greet you as you open your Nap Nanny, and yes my friends... everyone DOES sleep! Thank you God! After much debate I forked over the gross $129.00 it took to own this gem. Caroline's reflux is still no better and she had reached the point where lying in her bed wasn't an option. She either had to sleep on one of us (which means we get no sleep) or in her bouncy seat. Still, she just wouldn't stay asleep. She would wake up and grunt so loud. When I say grunt, it sounds like her leg is being cut off. You can tell she is in pain.

I just had the hardest time justifying the cost of this Nap Nanny, but now that it's here, IT WAS WORTH IT! I can lay my child in the bed still somewhat awake, and she will lull herself to sleep. Before, she would have to be nearly comatose to lie flat. That usually involved an hour or more of rocking, swaying, shushing, tip toeing to her bed, and moving your hands off of her one finger at a time. 9 times out of 10, you then repeat.

Here is Caroline living it up in the Nanny. P.S. I had no idea it was this big. It almost doesn't fit in her bed with the bumpers.

In addition to getting more sleep, we also had a fun weekend! Friday night Eugene and I went to eat Sushi (babies too) with Bettye Jane and Charlie Roberts. It was a fun night! It was our second family outing. We made much more of a scene this time though. Then Saturday we cooked out our friends Mark and Holly's house.

Worth hanging around the grill with Daddy. Check out that pot belly!!

Because...

2010-05-13T13:56:00.005-05:00

it is NEVER to early to instill the pride!

Go State!

Caroline, don't even joke about going to that school to the north!
(for you non Mississippi residents, that would be Ole Miss)

Worth doing his best, "it was a long night on fraternity row" impression.

And Caroline, looking fired up and ready to be a bulldog one day!

I also had to include this picture. Eugene snapped it the other day. My three children!

Clearly, Caroline is a little more awake these days than her brother. He is still sleepy and snuggly!

The Soph

2010-05-13T13:50:00.002-05:00

My brother sent me this picture today of Sophie. (It's a little blurry because it was taken with his phone.) Has Sophie gotten big or what??!! She is SOOO cute. I can't wait to actually get to spend some time with this little beauty. I feel like I don't have quite the bond with her like I did with Ava. I know that is because I was pregnant and couldn't travel. Little Soph, we have lots to catch up on!!

Since we are talking about nieces... please look at stinking GORGEOUS Ava is! This is her school picture. Oh I love this little angel!!

Nursery Pictures

2010-05-12T17:55:00.002-05:00

I just realized that in all the crazieness that was the end of my pregnancy I never posted any pictures of the nursery. So... for your enjoyment

Smiles and Snuggles

2010-05-10T19:38:00.004-05:00

We are still alive over here in "twinville." Worth and Caroline have been doing well and have actually started sleeping a LITTLE bit more at night. I have been following Baby Wise (a book that helps me develop a schedule for both day and night). So, that and a lot of great advice from friends have helped the babies stretch their night time feedings out! Instead of feeding them at 12am, 3am, and 6am we are feeding at 2am and 6am! Woo Hoo!!!

Eugene and I have a system that helps us each get some sleep. I have been taking the 2am feeding and he takes the 6am feeding. It's amazing what 4 hours of straight sleep can do for your mental state.

I love this picture. They were both napping on a pillow in my lap. I looked down to see them holding hands... too sweet! And... please look at Worth's smile. I could eat him up!

Daddy and Worth snugglin'

Daddy's girl already

All smiles

Look at my big ol' boy! I could kiss those chubby cheeks all day!

Flood Waters

2010-05-05T11:19:00.006-05:00

I mentioned in my post the other day that we got some terrible weather here over the weekend. Well, not only was it severe it was torrential. Dyersburg (about 15 minutes from Halls) sustained some serious flooding. The Forked Deer River is at its highest level since 1937. Please pray for the families that lost their homes and also those that lost their businesses.

The flooding is mostly located in south Dyersburg. Here are some pictures that a friend of mine took while flying over the devastation. (Click on the pictures to make them bigger)

Old Hwy going toward 51

The Budweiser plant off of Hwy 51

Hwy 412 between Halls and Jackson. (Good thing this happened after I had babies. I would hate to try to get to the hospital through this mess!)

Cottonvilla Subdivsion

Submerged tractor

Dodge Store on old hwy 51

Dairy Queen on old Hwy 51 with water almost up to the roof

Ariel view of "south town" coming from Hwy 51 S

Too cute

2010-05-05T11:09:00.004-05:00

I know that many of my facebook friends saw this picture when I posted it, but I had to share it here too. They look like they are just having a party... I'm thinking Worth's doing the sprinkler and Caroline is Raisin' the Roof!

Bad Weather but Good Times

2010-05-02T13:08:00.005-05:00

Although west Tennessee was slammed with terrible weather and floods this weekend, my mom and Aunt Gayle came to visit. They were the silver lining to the storm clouds for sure! Eugene went to a bachelor party in St. Louis, so it was a girls weekend... well plus Worth.

We did spend a little time in the basement Friday and Saturday night with the tornado sirens blaring. Thank goodness nothing came of those storms. It was pretty scary thinking about a tornado and infant twins in the same scenario.

Gayle and Caroline having some snuggle time

Sweet Worth just chillin'

Little Miss Priss

All Dressed Up with somewhere to go!

2010-04-29T18:46:00.002-05:00

Sweet, wonderful Elizabeth Quinn came to visit the twins and me yesterday. She met me in Jackson to help me at my 6 week check up. I wanted to take the babies to show them off of course! She was a big help and I didn't have to stress about them not behaving while I was briefly "unavailable."

Worth has some serious old man hair these days. He it TOTALLY bald on the top but has quite a bit around his head. Too funny!

All in all it was a great afternoon. I got a great report at the Dr. AND found out she reads my blog. How fun!! So, here's your shout out Glynn. Glad you are a fan! We sure are a fan of yours. :)

Elizabeth did a great job maneuvering the double stoller. It is NO easy task. Worth almost lost an ear to a stirrup when we were getting settled in the room.

Liz and Caroline

It's hard to get to little ones to look straight at the camera. I'm sure this will only become more challenging. I am just glad to finally have a picture with both of my babies. I have a couple from the hospital, but NO ONE will ever see those. I was lookin' rough.

Happy Happy Birthday!

2010-04-26T17:05:00.004-05:00

... to my wonderful Dad!! I am a forgetful (sleep deprived) daughter who forgot to mail his birthday cards. So, I wanted to make sure that he got his card from the twins on this wonderful day!

As Eugene would say, Caroline is out like a fat kid in dodge ball in this picture.

(The card says, "Happy birthday to a grandpa who obviously appreciates the finer things in life...)

And in this one, Worth is doing his usual... trying to eat his sister.

(The card says, his grandchildren for instance.)

Happy Birthday Papa! We love you!!

Where does the time go?

2010-04-25T18:25:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that my babies are over one month old!?! Crazy! I know I haven't been the best at posting in their first month of life, but time is just hard to come by these days. In their first month of life, here are a few snippets about each...

Worth:

*He weighs 7lbs 2oz. He has gained 3 whole pounds in 1 month! AKA... the boy likes to eat.

*He is a GREAT baby... sleeps, eats, repeats the previous.

*He has big eyes that when you catch them open will melt your heart.

*He hates to be naked. That and hunger are really the only reason he cries.

Caroline:

*She weighs 6lbs 15oz. Even though brother passed her, she is puttin' on the pounds too.

*Poor baby has struggled in her first month. She is battling acid reflux and it is really causing her MAJOR discomfort. She also has Thrush for the 2nd time in 10 days and lovingly shared it with her brother too.

*She sleeps... well, not too well or too often. She must not require a lot, or any for that matter.

*She grunts SO loud all day everyday and all night every night. It was cute and funny at first, now I know she is uncomfortable. Bless her... (and us)

*She is a sucker for her daddy. She loves to sleep on his chest.

This is my view on a typical day. I feed both babies at the same time every three hours. I found these great pillows at Etsy.com and they are wonderful. The first two weeks I tandem nursed (trust me no pics of that to be shown even though Eugene chased me with a camera to capture the very "cowlike" image.) It's too hard to do that alone during the day so this is what they get.

I do ask for continued prayers of strength and patience for Eugene and me. We are both up every night for feedings so rest is a thing of the past. Of course this can wear on one's nerves and emotions. I sometimes think I cry more in a day's time than the babies.

A month in photos

2010-04-25T18:16:00.000-05:00

Worth is not quite strong enough for tummy time... but he's getting there.
Caroline is doing VERY well with her tummy time.

Just chillin'

Worth has a question... when will his sister learn to sleep more?

Sammy lovin'

My attempt at a cute twin photo shoot. It didn't turn out well. Worth kept trying to eat Caroline.

They change EVERYDAY!

Pictures taken today (4.25.10)

My two golden gates

2010-04-06T14:28:00.004-05:00

As much as a fought to not have this picture taken, here it is. Our first Easter. I was feeling a bit whale like to say the least and really didn't want to be on this side of the camera. But, I am glad to have it. We have so much to be thankful for this Easter season!

I am reading (ok scanning) this book called Juggling Twins. It gives great advice and tips to handle the overwhelming feeling that having two little ones can cause. I read the chapter yesterday about feeding two newborns. Not only is it full of information, it is very funny. I find myself laughing out loud at the comparisons it makes. For example, "Feeding twins is much like painting the golden gate bridge. Once you finish feeding, burping, changing, swaddling, swaying, shushing, rocking, and pumping times two it is time to do it all over again." That is the truest statement! If I'm lucky I have an hour or an hour and half to do laundry, wash bottles, empty the diaper genie, shower, sleep, etc.

My mom left on Sunday (just a little traumatic) and Eugene is back at work full time. So, it's just me and the babies. I'm no longer in the majority... kind of scary.

So sweet, holding on to one another

Double fisting has a new meaning at our house!

The Story of our Twins

2010-04-04T17:34:00.002-05:00

I thought the evoloution of my belly was most interesting. It's still surreal thinking that there were these two beautiful babies in there!!

Click Here to read about our wonderful twins making their arrival into this world. I will warn you... it's a long post.

It's a wonderful, exhausting life!

2010-04-03T17:31:00.001-05:00

I know that most everyone has heard our WONDERFUL news, but on March 19th Eugene and I were blessed with our amazing twins. I do apologize for falling off the face of the earth, but well... it's been a little busy. I will be sure to do a full post of the "story" this week. My mom has been with us for two weeks and I am still soaking up every minute before she leaves. Plus, my spare time (what little there is) consists of napping. Here are a few shots of our little angels. Trust me... Many more to come!

Worth and Caroline snuggling in their swing together.

"Mommy, please quit taking our picture and FEED US!"

My parents "Papa & Cherie" with their four grandchildren, Sophie, Caroline, Ava, and Worth.

Pugh, family of four

2010-03-20T17:11:00.003-05:00

Friday morning, March 19th I woke up with yet another TERRIBLE headache. My doctor was on call that morning and when she made rounds basically told me ok, enough is enough. As she said, I was a smoldering case of toxemia. Nothing was super dangerous at the point I was at, but why wait a few more days and something take a dangerous turn for the worse. Little did I know that one of the things they were watching in my blood work was my platelet count. It had been on the steady decline. If it gets below 100,000 you can’t have an epidural!!!!!!!!!!!! (It has something to do with clotting.) Mine on the blood work were 102,000. On a repeat test they rose to 115,000. As Dr. Wittber said, why risk them dropping? I was totally with her. I am the first to admit that NO PART of me ever signed up for natural childbirth!
So, a little before lunch three nurses came in and said let’s get your IV started. You are being induced. With that, I endured a solid 30 minutes of pure torture where this nurse attempted 4 times to start an IV in my arm with no numbing agents and blew three veins. I was balling (screaming more like it), my mom was crying, and we were both praying Hail Mary’s as loud as we could belt them out. I’m sure those nurses thought we were drama queens. But, I promise that was the WORSE part of the entire birthing experience. It literally felt (to steal a line from Steal Magnolia’s) like someone was driving nails into my arm.

(All set up in Labor & Delivery... ready to get started!)

We called Eugene (who was at work) and told him to head to Jackson. It was baby time!! We got back into labor and delivery about 1pm and they started me back on the most miserable medicine known to man, magnesium sulfate for my blood pressure. It makes you feel very sick (flu like) and H.O.T.! Also, you are not allowed to get of the bed while you are on it. They started the pitocin 1:30 and things got moving. At the point they started the pitocin I was already 4 cm and 70% effaced. I got my epidural around 6:30 and my doctor broke Caroline’s bag of water around 8pm. I was 6 cm at that point. At 9pm Eugene’s sisters were sitting in the room with me visiting and I began to feel this indescribable pressure. The nurse just happened to walk in and I said, I feel this really uncomfortable pressure. She checked me and sure enough, I was 10cm! I couldn’t believe it. It seemed like everything flew by.

10 cm... It's go time!

Around 9:30pm they rolled me back to the operating room. Both babies were head down and we knew that a vaginal delivery was our goal. Of course, the dr did say, now you have this small, SMALL chance of having her just fine and then him not descending and having to have a C-section. But, we almost never see that. However, that is why I would be delivering in the operating room…just in case.
Once we got set up, Caroline’s birth went really easily. It seemed like I only pushed a few times 6-7 if I had to guess and she was out. At 10:00pm on March 19th, my beautiful daughter joined this world! What a great feeling!! She was screaming bloody murder and all I could think was “Yes, her lungs work!” Oh, and “She looks just like a Pugh.”

Caroline Beauvais Pugh 3.19.10 10:00pm 5lbs 1oz 19 inches

Within minutes my dr did a sonogram to ensure that Worth was still head down. He was, but of course was still pretty high. We waited about 5-6 minutes and I began pushing with Worth. Dr. Wittber ruptured his bag of water and the next thing I knew it was an EMERGENCY! He had a condition called Cord Prolapse. His umbilical cord came out first. In a matter of sheer minutes (maybe seconds) they had me moving from one side of the operating room to the other. I was quickly put on the operating table and am pretty sure they had me cut open and Worth out before the C-section drape had been hung in front of my face. It was such a serious situation that Eugene wasn’t even allowed to be in the room during Worth’s arrival. It was very scary. I was FREAKING out to say the least. But, I have amazing doctors and those nurses were so incredible. Everyone worked hard to keep me calm and console me during these scary minutes. At 10:35pm on March 19th I heard another sweet cry. My son had joined our family. Again, what an amazing feeling! Both of my children were here and doing well.

Farnsworth "Worth" Eugene Pugh, IV 3.19.10 10:35pm 4lbs 14oz 18 in long

GOD IS GOOD!

Worth did spend 18 hours in the NICU for low blood sugar and he needed a little help breathing. However, he is just fine now. Eugene and I feel blessed beyond measure to have our family here and safe. Even though their birth was a little more “intense” than we anticipated I would do it 8 million times again.

I love my family of four!

These 4 Walls

2010-03-17T14:25:00.008-05:00

Anyone got a poster of Raquel Welch

and a rock hammer?

Think Shawshank Redemption... I'm wishing I could chisel my way out of this prison and into the free world. Babies are still cooking, which of course is good. But, I am wearing down. I had a major melt down this morning. I woke up with another headache and by the time they got the doctor on call to call me in some meds stronger than Tylenol for my head I was a mess. I didn't feel well and just wanted to be at home. I think I cried all morning off an on. Thank goodness my mom was here to help me handle my meltdown. She is staying with me this week during her spring break. It's wonderful to have her here for many reasons, 1-she's my mommy and who do you else do you want when you feel bad. 2- Eugene is able to work and keep things moving with the renovation at home.

The doctor did come in this morning after he got out of surgery and made the comment like he didn't know if I would make it to my goal date of 37 weeks (next Thurs). So... we shall see. I will have more labs drawn tomorrow morning to assess my toxemia and see if my levels have worsened. I feel certain they will come back the same and I will hear, "everything looks the same, so we are going to continue to watch you." I better find this rock hammer soon.

Here is a view of the belly one day shy of 36 weeks. There is no face with this picture since one of the side effects of toxemia is swelling. Trust me... it's not pretty. We had a sonogram on Monday and Worth is weighing in at 5lbs and 13 oz and Caroline is a dainty 5 lbs and 5 oz.

And... here is a glimpse into my world. This is my room that I live in 24/7. It's nice and big, don't get me wrong, but you know... it can boring.

My New Home

2010-03-14T18:00:00.003-05:00

Here is my new home... again. I must say that it isn't any sweeter the second time around. My parents arrived Saturday morning for what I was sure was going to be a big time "working" weekend. By working, I mean me sitting and giving lots of orders! :) However, I had a terrible night Friday night. I tossed and turned and was just not really feeling well. Then, I woke up Saturday morning with a headache that I couldn't not shake. I really can't tell you how bad it hurt! For 8 hours I tried to get relief taking Tylenol, but nothing worked. My parents convinced me to call my dr. She gave me my options, which included come to the hospital and bring a big bag. You will be here for a while.

My lab work looked ok yesterday, but my BP readings are still pretty high. We will know more tomorrow after (what I hope is my FINAL) 24 hour urine screen is complete. I am really hoping that they will just induce me this week. I will 36 weeks on Thursday and feel deep down that everything will be JUST FINE! Plus, my mom is staying the week due to her spring break. It would be perfect. Or, I may be here for a week to 10 days before induction is even discussed... (long sigh.)

I will post updates to the blog as soon as we know something. If you read this and wonder what can I do to help, please pray that these babies are ready to make their appearance in a perfectly safe and healthy manner! (Feel free to throw in that this week would be great! :))

34 weeks 4 days

2010-03-08T17:17:00.002-06:00

No real “new” news to report from my doctor’s visit today. I was there for a painful 6 hours! Why you ask… I’m not really sure. Everything just took a REALLY long time. I had an ultrasound first thing and they are guessing that Worth weighs 5lbs 11oz and Caroline is an even 5lbs. So… good weights! They were both practicing breathing as well which was a great sight to see. They also performed for the ultrasound. In fact… I think they got in a bit of a tiff. The ultra sound tech pointed out to me, “Do you see her foot right there?” I said Yes. She said and then do you see his “boy parts” right there. I replied yes again. Before we knew it she kicked him straight where the sun don’t shine. He paid her back with a swift kick to the ribs. It was pretty funny to watch. My daughter is a ball buster even before birth!

Here is what the tummy looks like these days with over 10 lbs of baby inside. (Sorry my head is cut off and I am really off center. I had to set my camera up and set the timer. It wouldn't work this time, and I was too tired to fool with it.) I go back to the Dr. again on Thursday. Also, hopefully by Thursday I will have completed nursery pics to post. I can’t wait for my curtains to be hung this week. It will be the icing on the cake.

Large and in Charge

2010-03-05T10:54:00.004-06:00

I think this pretty much sums it up! We made it to 34 weeks yesterday and it was a great feeling. I have this calm now that if I go into labor and these kiddos come everything will be just fine. The steroid shots have had lots of time to work, so that puts me at ease.

I went to the doctor yesterday and she said that everything looked good. They hooked me up to the NST (non stress test) and both babies did wonderfully. I didn't have any contractions either. I told her that I did contract a good bit on Wednesday and that several really hurt. She said that my "new norm" in terms of contractions will be to ask myself "is this it?" Since there will be no prevention anymore, I need to watch for a pattern and real labor.

Since I will go to the doctor 2x's a week now, I return on Monday. I will have another ultrasound, repeat a 24 hour urine screen (I will be SO glad to not have to do this anymore), and they will monitor me on the NST again.

In construction news, the stairs are almost done. I can't wait!! It is going to look amazing. We think we are about 1 week out from EVERYTHING being done. God give me patience and maybe a fairy to clean my house from top to bottom.

Dorothy knew it all along.

2010-03-01T19:18:00.006-06:00

There is NO place like home!!

I was discharged this morning from the hospital... still pregnant and thankful for that. (Especially after hearing the girl in the room next to me go into labor and deliver her preterm baby in about an hour flat yesterday.) My protein levels in my urine screen had declined, and my lab work looked good. It was such a sweet sound to hear the doctors say this morning, "I see no reason why you can't just rest at home." I really thought I would be in there FOREVER! My daily routine now consists of the couch, the potty, the couch, the potty, the couch, the potty... you get it.

We also have one more addition to the nursery. My changing table has arrived! I pretty much owe a twin to Elizabeth Quinn! She was so sweet and drove this piece of furniture from Jackson, MS for me. Thanks Liz... you are an amazing friend! Look how awesome it turned out. If you ever need a piece of furniture made, let me recommend Pam Smith. She owns a store in Jackson, MS called Pear Orchard Antiques. Clearly, she does amazing work.

(Better pictures will follow... I had to snap this one with my phone on one of my legal walks to the potty. Eugene may have gotten upset if he thought I was up taking pictures.)

Now it's just the waiting game. I have to go to the doctor 2x's a week in order to hook up the contraction monitor and get an official BP check. No word on how long they "expect" me to last. I will be 34 weeks on Thursday and feel amazingly blessed to have gotten this far. Keep cookin' kiddos!!

Truly, Wonderful, Amazing

2010-02-26T10:21:00.003-06:00

...FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a new home. That's right. I was moved out of labor and delivery this morning to a new HUGE room at the hospital. I actually have a window and can see sunlight. Praise God! My labor continued to hold off during the night and we have made no new progress in that department. Everyday that we get past the steroid shots gives the twins an even better prognosis at birth for breathing on their own. According to the bump.com the suck, swallow, breathe reflex shouldn't be too far behind. Thank you God for getting us here!!

I failed to mention yesterday that we did have an ultrasound to get a quick view of the babes. They both remain head down which is great. Then, Worth weighs in at 5 lbs 2 oz and Caroline is around 4 lbs 7 oz. Weight wise, they both seem great. It's hard to imagine that I have almost 10 lbs of kiddo inside of me. The sonogram tech said that Caroline has a head full of hair and Worth has "peach fuzz." TOO CUTE! I can't wait to kiss those little heads!

In other news, I have the MOST amazing friends in my life. Last night 4 of our dear friends went to the house and cleaned from top to bottom, finished everything that could be done in the nursery, etc. They sent us these pics of the beds with the names hanging above them. They are cell phone pictures, so quality isn't the best. But, you get the idea. My curtains should be done soon. I have my fingers crossed tight that my changing table will still be ready Monday and my chair will be here Monday.

I will keep you all posted on any new developmnts. Thanks again to everyone for everything!

Update

2010-02-25T13:39:00.001-06:00

(warning... long post ahead)

First I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all of the prayers going up for myself and my two precious babies (who at this time I’m proud to say are still in utero.) Please continue to pray as we aren’t quite out of the woods yet.

Here is the back story, middle story, and current condition.

As I posted last week, I was put on bed rest at 32 weeks 1 day with high blood pressure. I was to take my BP every AM and PM and record a log. I was also instructed by my sweet doc if I had a lingering headache that Tylenol wouldn’t help and it persisted for more than 2 hours to call in.

On Monday night I went to bed with a terrible headache. My BP was high, but nothing higher than it had been. I tool Tylenol pm and went to bed. I woke up Tuesday morning with the same headache and high BP. I didn’t call the dr… because I knew I would end up in the hospital, well and I’m hardheaded. Finally after an entire day of feeling awful and strong words of “encouragement” from family and friends I called the dr. Hospital it was. With routine procedure, they hooked me up to the fetal heart monitors and the contraction monitor. My doctor says, do you feel these contractions?

Contractions, what? He checked me and I was ½ to 1 cm dialted. They immediately started me on brethine ( a med to stop contractions) and begin a 24 urinalysis to determine if I was indeed preeclampsic. (Which I am.) And, I received a shot of betamethasone (a steroid to help develop the babies lungs.) During the night my body started to show signs of change (I will spare you details) and I mentioned them to the on call dr on Tuesday morning. He checked me again and I was 1 ½ cm and 50% effaced. They immediately started me on magnesium sulfate a VERY STRONG medicine to stop contractions. It is was pretty rough. You feel like you have the flu and are SO FREAKING HOT. Yyou aren’t permitted to walk or get out of the bed so other lovely tubes accompany the IV. Also, you can’t eat or drink. TORTURE!

After a really scary reaction to the magnesium sulfate I had to be taken off for a period of time. Slowly but surely they were able to put me back on it and decrease my contraction volume and frequency. I had dilated to 2cm by this point. I was given a second and final dose of betamethasone for their lungs. During the night the magnesium sulfate continued to work, and I got good drug induced sleep... nothing like it! :)

I woke up feeling good this morning and not contracting regularly. I also haven’t progressed anymore in the dilation/effacement neck of the woods So, much to my delight I am off of the magnesium and my sweet mommy is on her way downstairs to get me a subway sandwich. WOO HOO!

We saw the Perinatologist (a high risk OB dr) this morning and he says if things continue to go well today, my BP stays down, and don’t progress anymore they move me from labor and delivery to a regular room where I will remain on hospital bed rest until the time of delivery… could be a day could be 3 weeks. Who knows.

Now, here is where the prayers come in. If my blood pressure goes back up high, my contractions return in a patterned way, of if I get another terrible headache then it’s “go time” as my brother says. They will put me back on the magnesium due to my toxemia. It will help to keep my BP lower and reduce the risk of seizures that in a worst case scenario would be brought on by the high BP. Please pray that if early delivery comes, by body handles it safely and these babies get here ahead of the curve.

With the two steroid shots their lungs could POSSIBLY be compared to a 36 week newborn… best case scenario they would not need the Vent. They will still need lots of help eating if born right now. They do not develop the suck, swallow, breathe technique until 35-36 weeks they said. So, feeding tubes will be a must and they would have to have IV fluids just for being preemies. We also know that the more premature they are born, the longer it will be before we can have then in our arms and ultimately at home with us.

We of course are quite nervous and would love for the these babies to stay in as long as possible. I know that we are in the Lord’s hands and whatever happens everything will be OK.

Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts!

Love, Eugene & Katie

Cankles are the new black

2010-02-19T18:04:00.007-06:00

... and my sofa is my new home. Yes friends, I'm on bed rest. We went to the doctor this morning for a sonogram and 32 week check up. My blood pressure (as I said in my last post) was a little high. Well, today it was highER and I had gained 2 pounds in a week. She said that was probably mostly fluid due to the size of my ankles!! It's not pretty. I do like Gracie's way of finding the silver lining in every situation though. Shaving my legs has become far less tricky. I don't have to be careful around my ankles because they are the same size as my legs. Nice! I go back next Thursday for a BP check and depending on what it is we will either be looking at a stay in the hospital, steroids for the babies, continued bed rest, or maybe modified work if it really goes down. In case you don't know what a cankle is (mom) here is a diagram for your education:

Also, today is amazing day. I have been married to my wonderful husband for five years. It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone by. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was walking down the aisle. Thank you for being such an amazing husband. I love you so much and can't wait to watch you as the father of my children.

Just another day in "pair'adise...

2010-02-17T21:37:00.002-06:00

Well, here I am. 32 weeks and can officially say pretty miserable. Don't get me wrong, I know it could be worse. I could be on bed rest, in the hospital fighting contractions, or a number of other things. I am thankful to still be free from all of that.

In other news, my face is now pregnant. Apparently my cheeks and chin didn't get the memo that the babies grow in the tummy not the face.

I went to the doctor on Friday and she said that everything looks great. My blood pressure was slightly elevated at 130/90 (should be 120/80). She said for now we will just watch it. Apparently high BP is more normal with multiples. That doesn't make it anymore ok though. However, since my appt I have really started swelling. My ankles are a thing of the past. I am trying to drink water and eat smart to avoid any extra fluid retention but nothing seems to work.

We start our WEEKLY visits now! So, we go this Friday for another sonogram. I am really hoping that both babies are over 4 lbs and looking great. She told me that if I haven't had them by APRIL 2, then that will be the day. I will be 38 weeks. I just pray that they both stay head down so maybe I won't have to have a C-Section. It's hard to believe that by looking at the picture of me I still need to grown another 6 weeks. WHOA!

The nursery is almost there... that's a BIG almost. The painters are working this week to finish painting upstairs (which is really almost done) and will paint the nursery as well. So, by this weekend, I hope to have my upstairs fully renovated and my nursery 95% done. The only things that should be lacking will be curtains (currently with the seamstress), the changing table (should be finished by the end of Feb), and our rocking chair (should be here the last week of Feb.)

Please continue to say lots of prayers. I hate to complain or even elude that I am uncomfortable. I know the best place for these two right now is in my tummy. I can do it! I can do it!!

Virtual Baby Shower

2010-02-02T15:23:00.005-06:00

I think I had the most memorable baby shower EVER on Saturday. We got hit hard by a big winter storm and got lots and lots of snow. (pics to come later) Anyway, the roads were pretty scary, and it just wasn't safe for me to drive to Jackson, MS. Because my friends are amazing, they kept the baby shower going. The neatest part... they Skyped me in! It was so much fun!!! Thanks girls for all of your hard work to pull off a shower that I didn't even attend. And, thank you friends and family for coming to a shower without the big pregnant one present.

I have to give a big special thanks (I feel like I am accepting an award) to Cathy Lowe! This sweet girl gets the "sweetest friend" award. She drove from Oxford and learned halfway to Jackson that I wouldn't be there but didn't turn around and go home. Then drove back to Oxford after the shower. THANKS CATHY! You are such a great friend, and I am so sorry I wasn't there to present your award in person.

Beautiful flowers and gift table

Maybe the funniest hostess picture ever. Gracie is missing... her roads were bad too.

Look at all my wonderful friends! Thanks again for coming everyone.

Family pic... my mom, niece Ava, and sis in law Katie with my aunt and cousins.

Monkey Business

2010-01-30T11:32:00.003-06:00

I am so VERY late in posting about my baby shower that I had in Natchez Jan 16th. My only excuse is that I am 29 weeks preggo with twins and tired. Does that count?

Anyway, it was an AMAZING shower given by some AMAZING friends. Kate, Marcie, Lori Beth, and sweet sis in law Katie hosted such an incredible day for me and my two little ones. I think my most favorite touch was the monkeys... let me explain.

I slept with this precious "Mr. Monkey" until February 18, 2005 (the day before I got married). Now (because my husband thinks that A:you should not sleep with a stuffed animal when you are married, and B: he has red eyes and is scary) Mr. Monkey lives in my closet on a shelf. He has been a life long friend. :) Monkey was my first word and my brother, with help of course, dashed out and got me a monkey of my own. Please notice his exhausted expression. He has feeding the twin sock monkeys apparently.

I now present to you, Frankie and Buddy. Caroline and Worth's sock monkeys that I hope they love as much as I do.

Here are some other highlights...

Look at how pretty the table looked! I love the bananas in the flower arrangement! Very monkey sheek .

My great hostesses, Lori Beth, Kate, and Marcie.

2010-01-30T11:24:00.002-06:00

Cute little outfits... maybe for their first tractor ride

Precious Feltman Brother outfits. I can't wait for them to wear these!

100 Days and Counting

2010-01-05T21:30:00.000-06:00

When we found out we were expecting (before we even knew it was TWINS) we received a precious gift from a friend. They gave us a Baby Due Date timer to keep at home. We set it up with my impending due date and had something like 270+ days to go... maybe more. I remember thinking that was so long and we had plenty of time. The day we found out we were having twins Eugene made the comment that he couldn't wait to see me when the ticker said 100 days.

Here I am... a day away from being 6 1/2 months pregnant with our son and daughter. I couldn't be happier.

So, here is what we have left to do in this short time.

*Finish our remodel upstairs. (Oh will it ever be finished!?!)

*Pray that our baby beds come in sooner than later!

*Baby bedding (I ordered what I thought I wanted, but sent it back. The color was just not right. Here is what we have ordered at the moment. I am thinking I am going to love it.) Restoration Hardware Baby has beautiful bedding!

Worth's Bedding

Caroline's Bedding

*Get all of the other "stuff" that goes into the nursery.

*Get new windows put in... they come on Tuesday of next week.

I feel a bit overwhelmed for sure. First, I know that 100 days is really not an accurate number for twins. My doctor said she considers 38 weeks term for twins, and I will be lucky to make it that far. Plus, I could end up on bed rest toward the end. ***Please say a prayer that I can work AS LONG AS I POSSIBLY CAN**

Some other great, fun milestones:

*The babies are MOVING, MOVING, MOVING. Sometimes it looks like they may bust out of my stomach.

*Worth has (I think) turned sideways. Thanks, son. He has found my lower right rib as well. Ouch.

*Caroline is, as far as I can tell, still head down. Her favorite thing to do these days it to curl up into a ball. It is crazy looking because just one side of my stomach will bulge out much bigger than the other. You can feel her little butt when she does this. SO CUTE!

Say my name, Say my name!

2009-12-31T11:12:00.003-06:00

I am so excited!! Eugene and I have finally decided on names for the twins. It really is a big decision naming someone for the rest of their life. We can't wait to welcome

CAROLINE BEAUVAIS PUGH

FARNSWORTH "WORTH" EUGENE PUGH, IV

I know many of you are scratching your head at Worth's name. But, Eugene is the III and it really means a lot to him to have a IV. So, in the words of Vince Vaughn, what my baby wants my baby gets! :)

Caroline's middle name is my mom's maiden name and I LOVE IT! (It is pronounced bovay... for all of you non Cajun folks out there.) Now I have to get in to practice of referring to my bouncing tummy as Caroline and Worth rather than he and she.

It's birthday time!

2009-12-17T06:35:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday today to my sweet mommy! The world would be a colder place without your love and warmth. I feel blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. You are my best friend, and for that I am so grateful!

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln

My Bologna Has A First Name

2009-12-01T18:40:00.002-06:00

So do my kids… but hubby isn’t ready to release it to the public. So, we will practice using them for a little bit, just in case. He has commitment issues now!

I have been having the weirdest craving lately. BOLOGNA! I can’t get enough bologna sandwiches. I didn’t dislike them before, but I never craved them. After taking my belly pic tonight I really wish I would crave things like rice cakes and salad. Oh well.

The babies are moving up a storm. Eugene has gotten to feel them a few times. I am finding that they move the most when I lay down to go to sleep. Of course! :) I love it!

We are off to see the Perinatologist tomorrow. He is a specialist that deals strictly with high risk pregnancies. We will get an ultrasound and a good check to make sure all is well. I can't wait to see my precious ones again!

I will leave you with a word to the wise. Never tell a pregnant woman she looks like she may pop… that baby must be due any day now. You never know… she may be preggo with twins and spend the rest of the day feeling like the good year blimp.

Commitment Issues & My Aliens Within

2009-11-08T15:49:00.006-06:00

I am so happy to say that I feel my babies moving. Sometimes I find myself second guessing and wonder if that really is it. But, I feel certain it is. Baby A (girl) seems to be VERY active. I am feeling lots of this so called "fluttering" on her side. I am kind of hoping that some of Baby B's (boy) movement is ricocheting over there. If not, she is going to keep us moving!

I have to say though that this butterfly scenario is a bit far fetched. It feels much more like Encounters of the Third Kind if you ask me. I don't feel this hard kicking sensation. I just feel this strange, squirmy movement that I LOVE! I can't wait for Eugene to be able to feel them kick!!!

As for my commitment issues... will these kids ever have names? We are tossing some around. We LOVE family names. Thank goodness we both agree on that. So, I know that will make a strong impact in whatever we choose. However, I just can't seem to find anything that I am willing to commit to for oh you know... a lifetime. Naming someone is a big responsibility!

It's a.....

2009-11-02T18:24:00.002-06:00

BOY and a GIRL!!!!!!

We could not be more excited! What a blessing to know that in just months we will welcome a son and a daughter. They both look very healthy, and they both measured great. Both babies have all 4 chambers of the heart. Their brains look great, and their spines look great. Thank you god for healthy babies!

Here is the belly at 16 weeks 4 days. I feel HUGE already and have a LOOOOOONG way to go!

2009-11-02T18:16:00.002-06:00

I went to Mississippi this weekend to visit with my family. It has been since August that we were all together, so it was LONG overdue. Ava and Sophie were the stars of the weekend of course. I think Ava could star in the show "Kids Say the Darndest Things." I laughed all weekend at her. She has such an incredible personality and is such a great blend of Adam and Katie. She made such a cute witch too!!

"I'll put a spell on you!"

Sisterly love

She really is so cute it's scary! Also, thanks Elmo for standing guard in the background.

It is exhausting being this cute!

No wire hangers, ever!

2009-10-27T16:22:00.006-05:00

Saturday, instead of being in Starkville cheering on our bulldogs, I cleaned out my closet. Trust me when I say we would have MUCH rather been cheering. Eugene had been a little under the weather, and I was starting to feel that way myself.

Since we found out we were preggo in August, I feel like I have been sick everyday. I think I have FINALLY turned a corner. Praise God! I would have thrown up everyday if it meant getting these two here safely, but I am sure am glad that it looks to be a done deal with the vomit. Moving on... because I have felt like crap, my house has shown it. My sweet hubby has done so much helping out, but lets face it, if you don't pick up after yourself it is just a mess. I'm embarrassed to admit it... but it's true.

HI MY NAME IS KATIE, AND I HAVE BEEN A SLOB FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS! (please excuse my horrid appearance. i was, after all, cleaning not walking the runway.)

After 6 hours or purging, packing up 5 bags for Goodwill, and just putting stuff away it was clean. Whew!

Eugene spent his Saturday mostly in this position...

and Sam, well his life is just hard!

4D Fun

2009-10-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

I think that finding a good OBGYN is an incredible thing. It may sound simple, why would you want to see a bad one? But... I have the most utmost respect for my doctor and think she is just FANTASTIC! With all of my "issues" before we got pregnant we have gotten to know one another very well and have a great relationship. So, I went in for a follow up from our little scare. I was not able to see her the day I was hemorrhaging. I instead saw one of her partners. She had some free time in the office on Monday and said that with all that had gone on she knew I wouldn't mind taking a peak at the babies again... just for fun. So, she came in the sonogram room with me and the tech (who is great as well) did a "just for fun" 4D ultrasound. How great, right?!?

Look at this incredible detail. You can see baby B very well. He/She was on top of Baby A so it was hard to get a clear image of him/her. They still look a little alien"ish" from the top. I love how you can see their legs curled up against their bodies. SO SWEET! I can't wait to have these little ones in my arms.

Baby B

Baby A

Sophie Jules Spence

2009-10-13T18:15:00.001-05:00

I am a week late in getting some good pics of my new beautiful niece up on the blog!! My sweet brother and his precious wife welcomed their new baby girl last Tuesday evening. I got to meet her over the weekend. She is an angel, and of course a heart breaker from the start.

Ava is a GREAT big sis. The entire time we were there she kept kissing Sophie's head. I can't wait for the twins to be great friends with these two cousins. I see lots of fun memories ahead of the foursome!

2009-10-13T18:14:00.001-05:00

Freak-Out Friday

2009-10-05T12:49:00.006-05:00

We had a little bit of a scare this past Friday. I woke up bleeding, and we immediately called the doctor. After an agonizing drive over to Jackson, we had a sonogram to check on the little ones. I had pretty much prepared myself for the worse. Thank God everything was ok. They both had strong heartbeats and looked VERY healthy. Dr. Pierce said that I looked to have a less than 2 cm subcutaneous hemorrhage and possibly placenta previa. He said possibly because at 12 weeks it is a little too early to officially call anything placenta previa.

I have been on bed rest since Friday and am hoping to return to normal and work tomorrow. Please say an extra prayer for all three of us that I can continue to have a healthy, safe pregnancy and these little ones aren't effected by this recent trauma.

Here are some photos from their recent 12 week 1 day photo shoot.

The belly is growing

2009-09-26T16:29:00.003-05:00

It is so hard to believe that at only 11 weeks I can see real changes in my body and my waistline!! I know that some people think that belly pictures are crazy, but please remember that my family does not live near me. So... mom this one is for you.

According to the bump.com the babies are both the size of limes this week. I guess if that is true there is question why my tummy has made an appearance. I also read in on of my twin books that my uterus is the same size as a woman pregnant with a single baby who is 6 to 8 weeks ahead of me. I go to the Dr. on Monday. I can't wait to hear those little heartbeats again!

2009-09-14T21:23:00.002-05:00

It was a sad day today when I learned that Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer. He was such an icon for my generation (ok maybe Johnny Castle was an icon). But nonetheless, Patrick you will be missed.

I have so many fond memories of growing up watching Dirty Dancing. In case you were wondering... I'll share. (Let me preface this with all of these memories involve Lori Beth. We watched this movie EVERY time we spent the night together, which was almost every Friday and Saturday night in elementary and jr. high.)

*Lori Beth or myself would jump in front of the TV to hide the PG-13 rating (just in case our parents didn't know this movie was a little racy.)
* Pretending like we knew what everything meant... even when we didn't know until we were grown.
* Learning the dance moves and dancing to each song together in the living room.
* Quoting the entire movie from start to finish with the movie. (Maybe we needed a life)
* Trying to do the lift in the swimming pool every summer. Rarely did we get it.
* Rewinding the kissing scene in Johnny's apt 100 times...
* Rewinding the scene 100 times when Johnny gets out of the bed and you see his butt... just a little bit!
* Last but not least, waiting with bated breath to hear "Nobody puts baby in the corner!"

2009-09-07T10:25:00.002-05:00

Um... try morning, noon, and night! I know that this is all part of it, so I am trying hard to hang in there. I tell myself with each "heave" that the end result is going to be worth all of this. "I think I can. I think I can!"

The idea of twins has begun to sink in. To be honest I am really excited now!! (Not that I wasn't before, but you have to appreciate the element of surprise and what shock can do to a person!) I have started day dreaming about what it will be like to have two little ones running around and making our house a home.

You won't see any "belly" shots for quite a while. Right now, I just look like I ate one to many cheeseburgers. I officially can't button my pants anymore. I use the rubber band some, and in my dress pants for work, I just went up a size. EXCITING CHANGES!!!

Double the Blessings!

2009-08-26T20:00:00.006-05:00

Sam is going to be a big brother... TO TWINS!

Eugene and I are still a little bit in shock (to say the least) but are VERY excited. We found out we were pregnant a few weeks ago, and had our first ultrasound today. It went something like this...

Ultrasound lady: Here is the baby. Heartbeat looks good. And... here is the other one .
Me: The other what?
Ultrasound lady: The other baby.
Eugene: Holy S***

It was a wonderful moment of excitement and terror all rolled into one. I am not sure that it has really hit us 100% yet. The twins look healthy. They are in separate sacks, which is a good thing. Baby A's heartbeat was 126 and Baby B's heartbeat was 150. I can't seem to get our scanner to work. I will try to put some pictures up of the babies tomorrow. I'm too tired at the moment! :) Oh yeah, we are due in April!

Sophie's Nursery Rhymes

2009-08-17T15:33:00.002-05:00

With Sophie's birth only 2 short months away, Adam and Katie have been working hard to get Ava transitioned to her "big girl" room. They have also been getting Sophie's room set up. I volunteered to paint canvases for both girls' new rooms. Katie (my sis in law) had the best idea. She wanted nursery rhymes for Sophie. Here is how they turned out. I will start on Ava's this week. I can't wait to see that precious little one this weekend!

Un poco de vacaciones

2009-08-11T15:35:00.003-05:00

Eugene and I took a GREAT last minute little vacation at the end of July. It was great. We booked it on Tuesday, and we flew out on Saturday. We went to Cabo San Lucas, and it was gorgeous! We stayed at the Dreams Los Cabos Resort, which is an all inclusive place. LOVED IT! The grounds were beautiful. Our rooms were perfect. We really couldn't have asked for more.

View from our balcony

View of our resort from the beach.

The biggest waves I have ever seen! You can't swim in the ocean in Cabo because the waves and current are so strong. (Well you can swim in certain spots)

2009-08-11T15:26:00.002-05:00

We decided to recreate one of the corona commercials. This of course was after a long day at the beach and having consumed many coronas.

Before dinner our first night

Walking on the beach

Daredevil Eugene Pugh. This picture doesn't do justice to how big these waves were! Oh, he got wiped out!

2009-08-11T15:14:00.003-05:00

The views on the beach were great. I loved the coastal mountains in the ocean.

We made friends! Ashlee and Benji were from West Virginia. They were on their honeymoon. We had a lot of fun with them!

My dear husband was so proud of his Ray Ban purchase from a Mexican Vendor. He loved the lime green. He still thinks they are authentic. I think they say Ray Bam. :)

This was our last afternoon. We lived in this spot!! The infiniti pool with a swim up bar was a great place to be!

Mississippi Weekend

2009-07-27T20:20:00.000-05:00

We went to Mississippi for the weekend to see my family. Friday night we all stayed at my parents house, ate dinner, and spent some GREAT quality time together. I think we all needed this weekend. The summer has been busy! I love what my brother told my mom. He said that he counted 11 heart beats Friday night under one roof (of course that includes the three dogs and Sophie in Katie's tummy.) But, it just shows how wonderful a growing family really is! I feel so blessed!

She really does melt my heart!

She played dress up in all of my old clothes... including this dance recital outfit. I was a chicken.

So cute!

2009-07-27T20:10:00.004-05:00

Ava LOVED Sam. They played and snuggled all weekend.

Ava and my Dad

Adam (my brother) and me

Family photo! Love y'all!

Stop and Smell the Basil

2009-07-21T17:30:00.004-05:00

I love to cook. It is something that I think about all of time, and I am always trying new dishes. I think the food network is the number one channel that I watch... well, that and E!. My favorite style of cooking is Italian. (I kind of secretly want to be Giada de Laurentiis.) I am sure it has lots to do with my heritage and the fact that my grandmother is one heck of an Italian cook. Eugene had to learn fast when we got married, that yes, garlic does go with EVERYTHING!

So, a few weeks ago I made a pasta recipe that I found in Good Housekeeping. It called for fresh basil. My mother in law grows all kinds of fresh herbs at her house and told me growing basil is a cinch. So... after having to go down and clip it when I need it, I am now growing it. I planted my first sprig over the weekend. It smells heavenly.

Grow little sprig, grow!

Comeback Kid

2009-07-19T14:11:00.010-05:00

I am sure that all of you faithful blog readers have been wondering where I have been... right? Well, I just haven't felt that inspired lately. I hope to get that feeling back soon! It seems that I just have lots on my plate and even more on my mind to aimlessly blog. I am hoping to come out of my funk soon!

In other news, I did have a great 4th of July week. I am sure that seems like forever ago, but since I didn't blog about... here goes!

I went to Tupelo to meet sweet, precious George Menetre! He is such a doll. I kind of wanted to stuff him in my suitcase and take him with me! :) I also enjoyed visiting with Gracie and Bailey so much. They were such fantastic hosts. Thanks again Menetre's for treatin' a girl so nicely.
Here is my one and only pic I took of George. I think I was so busy visiting and snuggling him that I didn't take many pics.

Look at that face!! Such a handsome little fella!

After Tupelo, I went on to Pickwick to meet up with Eugene's family. Eugene parents and both sisters have houses at Pickwick Pines. It is a great retreat to get away. I could live on the front porch of his parent's house! Mary Hellen (my mother in law) made a special request that we bring a spike watermelon. We did it last summer, and she loved it! It was quite the converstaion piece for a good 24 hours to see this sitting on the front porch!

Don't forget to eat your fruit!

Elizabeth (Eugene's sister) had her good friend from Knoxville in town. Her precious two kids helped to keep us entertained! Here is John and Eugene driving the boat.

I mean look at this precious child! This is John's sister Sally, and she is the tiniest cutest kid ever! She also had MJ on her Ipod and danced for us all weekend to Bad!

This is cutie patootie Maddie! She is our niece. (Eugene's oldest sister's little girl)

Another Year Older... or maybe wiser

2009-06-13T15:53:00.007-05:00

I am so excited! I am getting a Canon Digital Rebel!!!!!!!

I have been eyeing this camera for quite some time now (maybe since my photography classes at State.) Anyway, I have really wanted one, but just couldn't make myself part with the $$ to get one. I bit the bullet. Thanks to my parents, grandmother, and in-laws for some bday money to put toward my new item! I ordered it today. I CANNOT wait for it to come in!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

Not only was yesterday my birthday, but it also marked 5 years ago that Eugene proposed. I am not sure I have ever told the story on the blog, so enjoy.

I was working in Jackson, MS as a sales rep and of course was impatiently waiting for Eugene to pop the question! :) Living 4 hours apart was just too hard. I made him promise me that he would not propose on my birthday or any other big holiday. I did this so I would not find myself expecting it and then be ultimately disappointed when it didn't happen. Well, when June 12, 2004 rolled around, I was coming up to Halls to see Eugene. He told me that we may go into Memphis Saturday night and eat dinner for my b-day. On Saturday, we stopped by his sister's office to get a part for one of his tractors. (Little did I know, my ring was in this box.)

When we got to dinner, there was a gorgeous flower arrangement on the table. He had it sent to the restaurant. I kind of starting wondering at that point but then when he didn't do it at dinner, I thought ok, not tonight. We went to the Peabody to wait for some friends before heading to a party. I asked him if we could go up to the roof to see the city at night. He proposed on the top of the Peabody MUCH to my surprise! We then spent the night with great friends celebrating and dancing at Silky's to "Going to the Chapel." It was by far the BEST birthday ever!

Celebrating at Silky O'Sullivan's

New crush

2009-06-08T17:58:00.003-05:00

So... I have to make a confession. I have a new crush. Eugene and I watched He's Just Not That Into You last night. Umm... has anyone noticed Bradley Cooper? One word... smokin! Although he doesn't have the best reputation in the movie, he is awfully NICE to look at.

ahhhhhh

Bath time anyone?

A month in the life

2009-05-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

I know that all of my faithful reader(s) have been waiting with bated breath for my return. Well... wait no longer my friends. I am back. Life has been quite busy in the last month. I will steal a page from the Skaggs funny blog and list rather than paragraph my way through this recap.

1. VOTE 4 PUGH: My father in law won the mayoral race. He has been mayor for A LONG TIME here in Halls. Then four years ago he was beaten out. But fear no more, order has been restored. Big Eugene is back in power. He won by a landslide... 26 votes. No really, a landslide! (Don't forget that the population of Halls is 1500) We celebrated, and he agreed that his first order of business could be my request... cut the grass at the skanky vacant house across the street from me. Job well done!! Grass is no longer waist high.

2. Ava lovin’: Eugene and I got to spend some great quality time with little (or should I say growing) Ava. We picked her up in Jackson one weekend and took her onto Natchez. Whew… traveling with kids is different. We had such a great time. Eugene and I bought her a Dora bathing suit and slip-n-slide and set it up at my grandmothers. She had a blast!

3. IT'S A GIRL!: Adam and Katie (brother and sis in law) found out that Katie is having another little girl! I can't wait to meet this precious baby, Sophie Jules Spence. Her middle name is after my late grandfather. CJ would be smiling from ear to ear if he could meet his little name sake!

4. THIS OLD HOUSE: We have made lots of progress with our upstairs/attic renovation. The framers came and went. Now, I can REALLY tell what it is going to look like. I can't wait for the finished result. See pics below of the progress so far. Also, I repainted my dining room. It was this really busy wallpaper. It turned out beautiful!!! Lots of house “stuff” going on with us!

5. WE ARE FAMILY: My parents came up to visit this weekend! My sweet daddy is an electrician and is going to wire upstairs for us. Thanks Dad for saving us some $$$ and all of your hard work over the weekend!

6. THE GARDEN STATE: I am in New Jersey for work this week. I had to go back for Advanced training. Once you have been the company for 2 years they call you back to the mother ship to induce more brainwashing. :) It's hard to believe two years has already past. Time sure does fly.

One side of the Jack and Jill bathroom

The other side of the Jack and Jill bathroom (still missing some walls... gotta wait for plumbing)

Bedroom (The bed will come out of the big bookcase looking thing)

Bedroom

Hallway

2009-05-31T20:45:00.004-05:00

Same bedroom as below, this is just the angled area.

Bedroom

Office nook

I have recovered the chairs since this picture... but you get the idea.

2009-05-31T20:35:00.001-05:00

Too cool for school on the way down. Please notice the lamb in her lap. It's full name was "Mary had a little lamb."

I used to ride this worm too!

Slipin' & Slidin'

Chillin' wearing her paperclip bracelets

Totally worn out after a weekend of FUN!

A "just us" weekend

2009-04-28T20:33:00.001-05:00

Eugene and I had a wonderful weekend! Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, and Robert Earl Keen played in Nashville on Saturday night. We had tickets to go, but Friday it wasn't looking to promising. You see, when you are married to a farmer your entire life (socially anyway) is based upon the weather. I may or may not go to social functions alone because certain times of the year dictate Eugene's schedule. He has to get the crop in and of course get it out! But... thank you God for wind!! Saturday it ended up being too windy for them to work. So, we got to go!!

This is the only pic of the two of us from the concert. I am not a big fan of it, but oh well. It was fun, and I like to document! :)

These girls were so funny! I never went to a Widespread "show" in college. That just wasn't my scene. Needless to say, had I known that this level of entertainment would have been there I may have considered. Eugene said that this kind of attire was pretty normal. I loved the wings!! I tried to video them dancing because it was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! I think my favorite part was when they turned around and asked this girl behind them if she wanted a hit off of their joint. She gladly accepted! :)

We stayed a great place called the Hutton Hotel. It was a newly renovated hotel downtown on West End. After the concert we went downtown to go out. We met a coworker of mine for a drink and then just the two of us hit the town. It was so much fun! I enjoyed being on my sweet husband's arm all night and having a weekend just for us!

New Obsession

2009-04-25T09:32:00.005-05:00

So I have a new obsession with this website that I saw on the Today show last week. It is called cutethingsfallingasleep.org. I could sit and watch it forever! Then... then... another cute one that I laugh out loud at is cutethingslaughing.com. You can't help but laugh at these babies. Go check out these sites if you need a laugh.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

These two are from cutethingslaughing.com. I could decide which I liked better... so I chose them both as favorites!

Pray it Forward

2009-04-20T20:14:00.003-05:00

I really cannot put into words how thankful I am to all of my family and friends that prayed for me and my "condition" last week going into surgery.

You know, I have never been one of those people that talk a lot about faith, God, and how wonderful it is to be a christian. I am not sure that I really ever will be either. I have always been of the belief that the relationship that one has with God is very personal and doesn't need a lot of fanfare. Matthew 6:2 really sums it up for me: What we do, must be done from an inward principle, that we may be approved of God, not that we may be praised of men.

What is my point you ask? Well, since last week I just want to shout from the rooftops how truly amazing it is to be able to put your trust and faith in God and know that it will all work out. I have always known this, told myself this, and tried hard to live by it... but some things are easier said then done. I really for the the first time in life, put everything in God's hands. It was a great peace and triumphant feeling to know He was there for me.

So now I am ready to Pray It Forward!!!! I want to return the favor for everyone that kept me in their prayers. Please, please, please don't hold back. If you have any special prayer requests that you want me to add to my daily prayer list, I am ready! Feel free to email me if it isn't something you want to disclose to everyone in the blog world katiepugh111@hotmail.com. I know first hand now the power of prayer! Crazy that it took me 28 years to get here!

No Turning Back Now

2009-04-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am sure that I have mentioned at some point in my blogging days that Eugene and I live in a house that has been in his family since 1923. His dad grew up in this house, and there have been three weddings (including Eugene's sister Elizabeth) in front of our fireplace. Fun times!

Needless to say, we love this house and the family history that it represents. But as most everyone knows, with any old house comes some remodeling. My sister in law did a beautiful job of the 1st floor when she lived here for a few years. We bought it from her in 2006, and Eugene and I are now embarking on our remodeling adventure... the upstairs!! We will turn this space into three bedrooms two baths, and an office area. We are also exposing our staircase. Right now you it is hidden behind a doorway and a wall. I cannot wait for the finished project!!

This is at the top of the stairs and to the left will be our built in office/media nook

This will be part of one of the bedrooms. This was attic space that we will not use as living space.

Another shot of the room that will be made up of lots of attic space. I am so excited for this room. It is going to have lots of character!

Eugene did all the demo himself! He's a hard worker for sure! :)

The fruits of his labor. (this big space you see here will be two bedrooms split by a hallway. then at the end of the hall, one the door on the left will lead into the jack and jill bathroom.)

God is Goooooood!

2009-04-14T07:51:00.003-05:00

First thank you all so much for the prayers, calls, and texts! I promise I will start calling everyone back today. I was out of it pretty much out of it all day yesterday.

We got to the hospital about 5:30am on Monday morning, got checked in and ushered to my room. The nurses quickly came in to get my lab work (ouch... had to that twice because they couldn't find a vein) and then to start my IV. Then this once nurse told me that I was going to be in surgery for 4 hours. Bottom line I panicked. I couldn't imagine being under anesthesia that long and something bad not happening. So... lets just say that I lost it. I cried and cried, and then the poor little guy had to come in try to get my labs... still crying. He missed the vein and I was crying so hard that he sent someone else in. I felt REALLY guilty about that. I later apologized to him, and he said I was about to make him cry so he couldn't come back in! They soon sent in the "relaxing/happy" medicine. Good stuff!

Once we got back to the surgery I saw the robot and they started getting me ready. Next thing I knew, I was waking up asking what time it was. I knew I should be out of surgery until 11 and it was 9. I freaked out because I thought I woke up during surgery! They quickly put that to rest as I realized I was in the recovery room.

Now for the awesome news! The doctor came in and told me that he didn't have to use the robot because the CYSTS HAD RESOLVED THEMSELVES! Praise the lord! I have been in a lot of pain over the past week to 10 tens. I mean pain that would bring me to my knees on the floor. He think that it just ruptured or leaked out alone. HOW AWESOME! I went from losing an ovary to "wow what are going to do now they have her here?!" He did clean out some endometriosis from my uterus and ran dye through my fallopian tubes to make sure they were open. He said everything looked wonderful!

I can't begin to tell you all how relieved Eugene and I are with this news. This is an answered prayer and the best one! Again, thank you all for the thoughts and prayers... they made a BIG difference!

Domo arigato, Mr. roboto

2009-04-12T08:35:00.004-05:00

No I don't have a fascination with a terrible old Styx song. Tomorrow I am going under the knife... or should I say robot. I am having surgery with this cutting edge new machine called the da Vinci Surgical System . This amount of technology is amazing to me. It provides a much more precise surgery, hopefully will prevent me from having to be cut open, and (BIG HOPE) will leave certain precious things in their place so that one day I can grace this world with children! (Although, I have heard from many that Eugene was such a hellion as a child that maybe I should be scared of that notion.)

I wish that I could say I was going to come out with some new fun enhancement :) but that is not the case. To spare you all the gory details lets just say, can you please keep me in your prayers. I am very nervous, as to be expected, but I do know that God will be by my side tomorrow, and that is all I can ask. The specialist and my regular OB will be there, and I also pray that God is guiding them tomorrow too!

I sincerely hope that everyone has a very blessed and happy Easter! I have a new saying/prayer that I read last week. It has been getting me through these nerves, and I hope that it can inspire someone else like it did me.

If God brings you to it
God will get you through it.
I love you God and I need you.
Without you I am nothing.

Weekend with Ava

2009-04-09T10:23:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I went to Jackson (Mississippi). I have to specify since I have two Jackson's in my life... Jackson, TN and Jackson, MS. Anyway, sorry to digress.

I went to MS this weekend to lend a helping hand to my wonderful sister in law and brother. Many of you know, but poor Katie is 12 weeks pregnant and has been put on bed rest. They thought that she was losing the baby last week, but God showed he had other plans for sure! She is doing much better, and the little nugget is still kicking around. Her bed rest is a must, and includes a reclined position at all times and potty privileges only! You can do it Katie!!

I got there Friday night and Ava and I went and slept at Holly and Clint Sumrall's house all weekend. Thanks Holly for lending us your house!! This gave Adam and Katie a little "breathing" time. Ava and I had a blast, and I had a lesson in chasing a 2 year old. They have A LOT of energy. I truly understand why there needs to be 2 parents involved.

Saturday we went to Kolton's birthday party. He is a friend of Ava's and Kolton's mom, Kara, works with Katie. Ava had a blast hunting eggs and swinging! Thanks Jenny for getting some great pictures.

Cupcakes sure are yummy!

Drinking apple juice through a straw apparently is serious business!

"I need my people to hold these eggs for me. I am far too cool for all of this manual labor."

The little princess and me.

''Winging sure is fun!

Questioning Things

2009-03-11T19:43:00.004-05:00

I am questioning my return to blogging. I have decided that it takes a lot of time, and I have no idea if anyone even reads it anymore. I'll let my one reader, ok maybe two, know of my decison.

Picaboo Who?

2009-02-11T21:23:00.007-06:00

So, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to snow ski. I had never been before and was really nervous about our trip. I knew I was going with people that had all been skiing before. Holly and I had decided that we were going to ski school the first day, but poor thing got the stomach virus the fist night. Needless to say, she couldn't ski with me the first day. So... when ski school was full I sat at the bottom of the mountain and cried. I told Eugene I would just go home and he could ski. But, my VERY PATIENT and WONDERFUL husband took lots of time to teach me. He even let me yell at him when I got frustrated... which was often. Thanks honey! You're the best!

To view our complete album of pics, click here!

This is the view that we got to see everyday riding down the ski lift. BEAUTIFUL! I am sure some of you are thinking, why would you ride it down... because I wasn't skiing a double black diamond down. That is why!

My brother in law Paul, sister in law Elizabeth, Eugene and I

Elizabeth and I

In case you were wondering, I hated the ski lift and goggles don't make you look cute!

2009-02-11T21:21:00.002-06:00

We skied at two different resorts while we were in Lake Tahoe. The first was Heavenly Ski Resort. It was lots of fun and we were able to cross over to the Nevada side of the mountain on Saturday. On Friday we skied at Northstar. This was a very swanky resort. Infact we skied down the mountain and ate lunch in the Ritz Carlton. Then after the day we were able to sit around fire pits and have some drinks. It was very nice!

The patient one and his student on our first day

Natalie and I striking a pose.

The girls sitting around the fire after a long FUN day of skiing.

i HEART snow

2009-01-28T17:44:00.001-06:00

Our snow covered house

The boys

Me and my baby! :)

Don't hate us because we are beatutiful!

P.S. Don't kill me for this picture Eugene!

2009-01-28T17:40:00.001-06:00

Our street was solid ice this morning!

I guess the snow was really blowing around last night. This is our table underneath the covered deck!

Baby it's cold outside

2009-01-27T20:45:00.006-06:00

We have been getting some icy weather today. We woke up this morning to ice covered trees and cold temps. I stayed home today not wanting to risk the getting "trapped" in Jackson (Tennessee) with icy roads. We are expected to get more tonight.

Is it bad to say that I like this weather? (Disclaimer: as long as no one is getting injured) I say this now as we still have power and heat!!! I will let you all know when and if my thoughts change as night goes on. But today has been great! Eugene and I were WORTHLESS and spent some much needed, post duck hunting time together today.

I even made smores!! This was truly the highlight of the day!

I found this picture of an ice storm in Switzerland in 2007. How crazy is this? At least this isn't the degree of ice we have! :)

We Are Family

2009-01-19T17:09:00.003-06:00

With the big countdown to our skiing trip closing in, I went to Mississippi to visit the fam this past weekend. I couldn't imagine going another month or so without seeing this beautiful girl! Ava is growing up so fast. She is so HILARIOUS and sweet as sugar. It's amazing how much more her personality develops from one visit to the next.

She got this precious chair from Santa. She loves to sit in it and watch Barney.

Sunday we finally had warm temperatures and could go outside. THANK GOODNESS! I think we were all stir crazy. Ava played on her new swing set that she got for her birthday.

I thought this picture was so pretty. I was chasing her in the backyard and she was just laughing and laughing! Man I love this kid!

J-E-N-G-A ,J-E-N-G-A, J-E-N-G-A

2009-01-19T17:04:00.003-06:00

I had a meeting in Nasvhille on Monday and Tuesday of last week. We (my co-workers and myself) always have so much fun when we get together. After a long afternoon of meetings on Monday we all enjoyed a YUMMY dinner at PF Changs. Then a few of us went to have a drink at a bar near the hotel. While we were there we remembered that in the lobby of the Aloft (where we were staying... really cool place) there were games. So... Jenga it was.

Careful Scott... no sudden movements!

Chrissy celebrating after a successful move.

Caitlin crashing Jenga! I think she did it both times! :)

Nick and Caitlin

It's always fun to see everyone, but boy are meetings exhausting!

Welcome!

2009-01-01T18:57:00.004-06:00

Gracie and Bailey Menetre now have a blog! I can't wait for her to have sweet little George, and now I can see pictures! Go check out his cute nursery... http://www.themenetrefamily.blogspot.com/

Doggie Breath is great

2008-12-31T11:32:00.006-06:00

Eugene and I went to eat sushi and see Marley and Me last night. He gave me the book last year for Christmas and I read it in 2 days… so needless to say I have been DYING to see the movie. I knew that it would be a TJ (tear jerker) as we say in my family, but I had to see it.

As I told Eugene after the movie, I haven’t cried that hard in a movie since Titanic. My poor bother can attest that crying fit. He was so embarrassed. What can I say; I was 17 and a hopeless romantic. The thought of Jack and Rose being robbed of their new love was totally overwhelming to me. Ok, enough of that back to Marley.

The movie was great and really tugged at your heartstrings if you are a dog lover. We know that pets aren't people, but I think they really can bring out the best in anyone! Here are just a few reasons that Eugene and I are BIG TIME dog lovers.

The beginning of the love affair: Eugene and Sam when he was a little bitty puppy

1. We often have a 110 lb 5 foot long dog sleeping in the middle of us in a queen sized bed. No, you are right… there isn’t enough room. But, we love it.
2. Sam has total run of our house. I am sure it annoying to some, but he is our baby.
3. Everyone that meets him first says, WOW that is a big dog. Then it is immediately followed by but he is so pretty or he is so sweet… and he is!
4. He loves to snuggle, spoon to be exact.
5. We are pretty sure we now speak dog. Sam will make certain noises and we think we know what he means. Silly I know… but like I said we love this guy!
6. When he drinks water he slings it everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. He drinks with such vigor that water is usually all over the floor and dripping down his fur. He doesn’t use his manners when someone is standing near either… wet feet are often in house.
7. He loves to play tug of war. He can pull me like a skier if I have on socks and he is holding the rope toy. Watch out 2010 Winter Olympics. We may have coined a new sport!
8. If you so much as mention the word “outside” he will jump up ready to go even from a dead sleep.
9. He knows when we don’t feel well… he once laid right outside of our room like he was guarding us for hours when Eugene and I both had the stomach virus.
10. He loves us unconditionally. Wherever we are, he wants to be with us… and we feel the same.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. -John Grogan (author of Marley and Me)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (YESTERDAY) TO OUR WONDERFUL PUPPY!

And Christmas Fun Was Had By All

2008-12-29T11:26:00.004-06:00

Where do I begin?

Eugene and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas. It really spanned the entire month I think! We kicked our festivities off with a wedding in Natchez Dec 13th. Then, we hosted a tacky Christmas party at our house. Next we went back to Natchez for my family's Christmas. Finally we headed home to Halls to have Eugene’s family Christmas part 1 on Sunday night. My parents came up for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We all went over to the Pugh’s for lunch on the 25th and Christmas part 2. It really meant a lot to me that my sweet in-laws didn’t mind my parents being there. That is the first time in four years that Eugene and I both were able to spend Christmas Day with both of our parents.

First things first... Betty Jane (from Natchez) and Charlie (from Halls) were married in Natchez on Dec 13th. The wedding was beautiful. Eugene and I took Mary Kathryne and Chris Minton down with us. We had an absolute blast. Chris has a relative that owns Choctaw. It is a beautiful bed and breakfast in Natchez. So, he and Mary stayed there. Eugene and I stayed my best friend Kate. It was a great kick off to the Christmas season!

Eugene and I standing on the widow's walk of Choctaw. The big steeple in background is my church where we were married.

Eugene and I with Chris and Mary

Mary and I cuttin' a rug on the dance floor!

2008-12-29T11:23:00.002-06:00

Tacky is so in right now!! Well... tacky Christmas parties that is. We had such a fun time hosting ours. I am wearing one of my sister in laws' dress and Eugene is sporting his trusty tacky outfits. Please notice his terrible braided belt and that awesome swoop job he did to it!

The girls... not everyone dressed up.

Brad, trust me this photo does not do him justice. He looked like a Christmas Leprechaun. The, we have Nikki. He dressed like Cousin Eddie from Christmas vacation. HILARIOUS!

2008-12-29T11:14:00.004-06:00

Ava of course was the best source of entertainment at the Beauvais family Christmas. She racked up on gifts and played hard! Eugene and I gave her Elmo Live, which I am pretty sure she loved.

You can see her precious reaction in this video.

My parents... miss y'all already!

My mom with her three sisters Gayle, Kathy, and JoAnne.

Eugene, me, Katie, & Adam

2008-12-29T11:12:00.002-06:00

Eugene’s family did Christmas in two parts. Part 1 was on Sunday night before Christmas. His sister Elizabeth, her husband Paul, and Paul’s daughter Lauren were leaving to go to Florida on Christmas Eve to be with Paul’s family. So, we all got together and had a wonderful dinner and “some” present opening. Mary Hellen (my mother in law) made the best shrimp pasta. I need to get the recipe from her and post it! It beat any pasta I have had in a restaurant!

Eugene with his two sisters, Leigh and Elizabeth

Elizabeth with her cute dog Regan. Maddie decided she needed to dress him up in Leigh's scarf. Cute, don't you think!?!

Maddie and Regan

Paul, Lauren, Maddie, and Mike

2008-12-29T11:09:00.005-06:00

Christmas Day was great! Santa of course had to make a visit to Halls for Sam. He got some toys and treats. Much to my chagrin, Sam found his some of his hidden toys before Christmas. I came home one day and he had busted into the pantry and dug out his Tough Plush Moo Cow. He was going to town with that thing! So... he only had a couple of presents to open. It was fun. He ripped into those bags.

Don't judge me... I know I look bad. It was Christmas morning for goodness sakes! :)

Eugene and I gave our precious niece Maddie the cutest shirt. She calls Eugene's mother Mimi, and I thought this was so fitting!

This picture is priceless. Here is my mother (happy after a cocktail) modeling my Christmas gift from Eugene. Note: These cowboy boots are for fashion. I have NO intention of stomping through manure anytime soon.

Not sure what we are doing here, but somehow this was the only family photo taken during all of Christmas at our house. Shame on us!

She's on the move...

2008-12-02T20:05:00.001-06:00

Whew... is it really on Tuesday. I am so ready for this week to be over. It has been a killer. Anyway, we had a WONDERFUL thanksgiving. Eugene and I went to Natchez to be with my family. He was feeling quite under the weather and was able to sleep, A LOT! We had sensational food and got lots of great visiting time in.

Ava was surely the highlight of the week. She has just become such a little person. She is the happiest child and talks up a storm. She sings songs, says her ABC's, and can bark out an order like "Unc Gene come here and sit down" better than most. I tried really hard to get cute pictures of her on Thursday, but I tell you... that girl moves! If she wasn't swinging then she was running. If she wasn't running she was dressing and undressing Barbie and Ken. I miss her already. I can't believe she will be two in just a couple of weeks. Time flies!

Eugene and I came home on Saturday. I had a big work project to finish up and we wanted to decorate for Christmas. I made these precious topiaries out of ornaments to put on my mantle. They turned out really cute! I saw some last year a store in Dyersburg, and they were really expensive. I decided to harbor my inner creativity and make some myself. I was pretty pleased!

Season Finale

2008-11-23T16:56:00.002-06:00

Eugene and I went to Starkville for the Mississippi State game this past weekend. We had a great time and got to see almost all of our friends. Eugene's parents go to every home game, so we usually sit with them. We all just about froze during the game, but it was fun. Thank goodness State was able to pull off the win. It almost slipped away!

I cannot wait until Thanksgiving this week! We are heading to Natchez Wednesday and staying through the weekend. Bring on the good food!!!!!!

Under the weather

2008-11-18T13:39:00.005-06:00

I have the "this time of year crud" as I like to call it. I was thinking today that I really do get this stuff about this time each year. I should be better prepared. Anyway, I called to go see the doctor this morning but couldn't get in today. What is the next best medicine? Homemade Soup! I made some yummy vegetable soup that is sure to make me feel better.

I thought I would share the recipe. My mother in law is a fantastic cook and shared her recipe with me. It is delicious and easy... the two most important characteristics of anything I cook. It also freezes well.

Mary Hellen's Vegetable Soup

1 Package of Stew Meat

1 Bag of Egg Noodles

1 Can of Tomato Juice

1 Can Whole Tomatoes (not drained)

1 Can of Corn (drained)

1 Can of Carrots (drained)

1 Can of Green Beans (drained)

1 Stalk of celery diced

1 Onion diced

1 Beef Bullion Cube

1 Teaspoon of Tony Chachere Seasoning

1 Teaspoon Sugar

Salt and Pepper to taste

Chop onion and celery and trim excess fat from stew meat. Combine in pot and brown. Then cover in water and boil until meat, onion, and celery are tender.

Add all ingredients (expect noodles) and bring to boil. Boil for 5 minutes then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Cook noodles in separate pot, drain, and add as much as you like to soup.

*Note: the first time I made this soup I thought that Tomato Juice was the same as Tomato sauce. It's not. It is sold on the juice aisle and comes in a soda can. I am sure that most normal people know that... but I didn't. :)

Look out Lake Tahoe!

2008-11-16T20:01:00.002-06:00

HERE WE COME!

I am so excited. We are taking a trip to Lake Tahoe in February. It will be so fun and well... interesting. I wouldn't consider myself to be the most athletic person in the world. I lean more towards spastic (i.e. I once scored a basket for the opposing team in YBA basketball & in a different game and a decade later felt out and faked a knee injury because I was tired). Hopefully I will be better at this skiing thing. My other hope is the my EXTREME fear of heights will kick in. Oh well... you only live once.

This is the beautiful house that we are staying in. Natalie did such a great job and worked so hard to find this jewel for us. Now we just have to get all the couples going and flights set in stone! WOO HOO!