::Changes:: {in the blink of an eye}

Bradford Sean Phillips:

31 weeks & 6 days

Born 9/30/2011 @ 7:41 pm

3 lbs 7 oz   16 inches

Gary Scott Phillips:

31 weeks & 6 days

Born 9/30/2011 @ 7:42 pm

3 lbs 11 oz  16.5 inches

What a ride this has been!  We knew our boys would come early but we didn't know it would be this early!!  We had just been to our doctors appointment on Wed. (Sept 28) and everything checked out great!  I had a NST done and had a few contractions but apparently nothing to be worried about because the doctor just said be sure and take it easy.  Well I took it easy, but Thursday night I started having contractions.  I didn't think much of them because I've contracted through this whole pregnancy thanks to my rapid growth!  So I thought they would go away eventually, but these were different than the others.  It was like one huge contraction that didn't ever go away.  The night was awful, I sat in the bathtub hoping that would help, I tried to ignore them and sleep, but nothing was helping.  So Friday morning I called the Dr.'s office and talked with a nurse.  They didn't have any openings so she told me to go up to Labor & Delivery and have them do a NST to watch the babies.

Again I didn't think much of this cause it wouldn't be the first time we got sent to the hospital for that.  So at about 10:00 am I went up and told Chase.  We took our time getting ready!!  I showered and everything!  On our way out we both stopped and wondered if maybe we should pack a bag or something but both decided it would probably be just like last time and we'd get sent home in an hour!!  I did at least grab my own pillow!  And that's where our adventure begins!

Admitted at 12:00 we got in our room and I got hooked up to the monitors and the boys were doing good.  They were moving and kicking and having a party I think.  I, on the other hand, was having contractions that were pretty strong (I had no idea they were THE REAL DEAL!!).  The nurse checked me and I was already dilated to a 4!!  So the rush began.  I was pumped full of all kinds of medications to slow the contractions and steroids for the babies lungs.  I didn't get any pain meds because they had to be able to tell if the contractions were getting stronger.  They were!  The shots I got to slow the contractions had side effects like an energy drink x 100.  My heart rate at one point was 125!!  I had the sweats and shakes! After about an hour things seemed to ease up.  I finally got some morphine which just took the edge off.  I was still able to feel each contraction.  It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before.

When the morphine started to wear off things progressed more.  They tried the shots to slow me down again, but there wasn't enough time to let them kick in.  The contractions were horrific by then and were very close together.  The deciding factor though was when Sean's heart-rate started dropping with each contraction.  He was showing distress, so around 7:30 pm I was off to the OR for a c-section!  I guess the nurse was worried that with as small as the babies were and me being dilated to a 5 at that point meant that they could come out any time.  I was lucky that there was time to do a spinal block instead of having to be put completely under.  That was kind of scary.  Here I was with full swing labor contractions trying to lean forward and not move!!  It all worked out good though and before I knew it I couldn't feel my legs or stomach!  The whole surgery only took about 20 min.  Chase even got brave and watched them break my 2nd water and pull Scott out.  It was the strangest feeling to be able to feel the tugging and pressure but not have any pain associated with it.  Once the 2nd baby was out I felt a huge relief.

They had 2 teams of nurses ready for the boys.  I got to see each of them for just a second before they were rushed out to NICU.  I'm so thankful for all of the nurses and doctors that were there and ready to take care of them.  It was an overwhelming feeling when I was wheeled into my room, knowing I couldn't see my boys until the spinal block wore off.  At about 2:00 am I was finally able to feel my legs and stand, so they let us go into NICU and see our babies.  Talk about emotional!!  There they were!!  So perfect and beautiful!  The tubes and wires made my heart ache for them.  Luckily they didn't stay on them long.  Our boys are fighters!!  Sean had to be on a ventilator for the first 2 days.  It wasn't breathing for him, but would kick in when he would forget to keep breathing!!  Neither of them had to be on straight oxygen which is amazing.  By day 3 they were both completely off the oxygen.  Scott was able to be off his IV's sooner than Sean.  He was eating and digesting like a champ!  As of Wednesday the 5th Sean was off his IV and eating and digesting his food.  They are both getting increased feedings right now.  So far only Sean has had to be under the Bili-lights and was only there for a day.

We feel so lucky to have such strong baby boys.  They are improving by the day and we can only hope that the progress continues.  We don't know when to expect them to come home.  Maybe 4-6 weeks?  But we are so thankful for all of the amazing nurses that are taking care of them right now.  I have no doubt they are getting the best care possible.  I love our time there visiting and holding our babies.  They are such sweet little spirits.  I never want to leave them, but I have the comfort of knowing they are being loved and watched over.

We will keep you all updated as the time goes on.  Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.  I know they are working!!

<::Twenty Seven::>

September 21 I celebrated my 27th birthday.  I had prepared myself for it to suck!  I was put on strict bed-rest the week before, so I was ready to enjoy the couch for my big day!  I had my 31 week appointment that afternoon and I got released from the strict part and was just advised to take it easy!  That was the first great news, and we got a great ultrasound picture of the babe who had been hiding through each appointment...  the day was looking up!

I spent the day resting thanks to some contractions that were coming and going.  Chase worked later than normal that night.  So I wasn't expecting anything!!  But he came through with some great surprises!  He got me a cake complete with candles!  And got me some great gifts!  He bought me the book "The Help" (I highly suggest this to all!  It was a great read.), he also got me the Adele cd (love, love, love it!), and he got me one of those amazing pregnancy pillows (not just a body pillow, it's 100 times better!!).

It was a perfect night!  Probably one of my most memorable birthdays yet.  Thank you Chase for making me feel so special and loved!  I love you.

::Chase's Summer Love::

These last two summers Chase has been learning to kayak with his brothers.  He really enjoys it, but hasn't gotten to into it yet due to the lack of owning his own kayak.  Who knew those things were so expensive!!!  Anyway, this summer he really hasn't gotten to get on the river much (thanks to these two darling boys growing inside me)!

I had no idea kayaking was such a popular sport!!  Did you know there are "parks" for people to go play in and learn new tricks without hitting the major rapids?!  Ogden has a few neat places for this.  Chase was able to get out the other day and play in a little waterfall that is just behind the new Wal-Mart off 21st in Ogden.  He conquered his first ever "river roll" and managed to figure out how to "surf" the wave.  Everyone makes these things look super easy, but apparently it takes a bit of skill to do it.  So I got to be the proud wife for the afternoon!!
Here is some video footage from the day.

 First "River Roll"

I hope our boys get his love for water instead of my slight fear of it!!

{shadow play}

Today was a fun day!!  Chase and I worked on the basement bedroom together!  We primed all the walls and ceiling this morning and painted the ceiling this afternoon.  Can't wait to get the walls painted tomorrow and Tuesday!!  It's a lot more work doing it 7 months pregnant...  but it's going to be worth it!  While we were cleaning up tonight the sun was shining in the window and made a perfect spot for shadows on the back wall.  Here is a favorite we captured!

I'm thinking this could be something fun to do with maternity photos!!  Definitely will keep it in mind!

:: Babies Update ::

Well it has been quite some time since the last post!!  Guess I'll start with the most interesting thing going on in life!!  The babies!!  I am now 7 months!!  Phew.... where did the time go?  I feel like we were just finding out and sharing the news with everyone!  Now we are on the count down until the boys get here!!

Not much to tell, other than I'm growing quickly!  The last couple of weeks have been a real eye-opener as to what the human body can do!  I feel like I have grown inches over night!  I thought it was kind of fun to compare all the pics I've taken along the way just to see the rapid growth.  You're lucky I'm a good sport and will share them with you all!!

I'm trying to do better with taking pics more often.  Let's see.... Oh we had our big Target Ultrasound in July.  That was a pretty neat experience.  One of the boys was a champ and showed us his little face, but the other one has yet to let us get a good look at him.  It could have something to do with the fact that he's crammed up in my ribs!!  But I think they are pretty cute already!

 The "good son!"

The "shy one"

When we announced they are boys everyone told us not to count on it cause it could change on the next appointment.  Well it didn't change, and I'm 100% positive it WILL NOT change!  They were both very willing to show us their stuff!!

Our summer has been a little different this year trying to get prepared for our life changing experience, but we have managed to squeeze in a few trips down to Willard Bay and we finally made it to Bear Lake (didn't get any pics from Bear Lake).  But it seems like every weekend has held some kind of home improvement project for us!  Chase is a trooper, cause I'm pretty demanding!

I'll post pics of the nursery in the next post.  It's coming along nicely and I think is super cute!!  I can't wait for it to all be done and put together!

Oh I will share this as a big picture because I was really excited when I finally reached the stage of being able to use my belly as a table/holder!!  Chase thought it was pretty cool too!

From Drab to Fab

Since it's been a while since I posted, I figure I better get something up here.  This is my amazing find at the D.I.  It called my name instantly.  The potential was so great that I couldn't just leave it behind.  So for $10.00 the chair became mine, and the ideas started swirling!

And so began the project.  I knew I wanted it to be painted a turquoise, but wasn't sure on the fabric to recover the cushions.  So I searched and searched the stores and internet.  And finally landed on a site called http://www.fabric.com/   It's wonderful!!  Their fabrics are pretty cheap compared to stores!  So here is what came of my ugly brown chair.

It makes my entry way that much more fun to look at!!

12 Week UltraSound

Today was a fun day.  We got to go in for my 12 week Dr. appt.!!  Chase and I were pretty excited to see the babes again!!  We had bets on how big they were going to measure.  I was pretty close!!  They both measured right above 6cm!!  So they are doing good and growing fast!!  Their little heartbeats were strong and I was so shocked to see them MOVING!!!  That was an unreal moment.  They both showed off their acrobatic skills and did plenty of flip flopping around!  I'm so excited for our next appointment in June, we should be able to determine the sexes of them!!  And judging on how much moving they did this time, I really don't think we'll have a problem getting them to show us their stuff!

 

These pics are hard to decipher!!  Hopefully next time we'll get some better shots of them!!  I'm so glad we get a video of each ultrasound, it's way better to watch them then to just look at the pictures!  Also, as the doctor put it, I'm expanding nicely!!  Apparently carrying twins puts me about 4 weeks ahead (size wise) of someone carrying just one baby.  And here is the picture to prove that!

We are so excited!!  I can't wait to finally know what they are going to be so we can start choosing names and clothes and all the fun stuff!

Trouble... x2!!!!!

Things are about to be turned upside down in our world!!  We got the good news on April 20, 2011.  I am currently 9 weeks pregnant WITH TWINS!!!!

The doctor says that they are probably fraternal judging by the space between them.  We couldn't be more excited/terrified/overwhelmed/happy!!!!  (the list could go on with the feelings we are having!)  So far the pregnancy has been great!  A little nausea 24/7 and exhaustion is about as bad as it's been!!  I think I'm okay with that!

I never fully understood what everyone talked about when they talk about hearing the heartbeat for the first time and seeing that little person inside of you.  I'll just say this, it is awesome!!  I'm so glad Chase and I got to experience that together for the first time.  First, the shock of there being not just one, but two!  And then the little heartbeats and being able to see the little hearts fluttering like a butterfly!!  It overwhelmed me to say the least!  I immediately had an unconditional love for these little 1.8 cm beings that I was growing!!

I laugh to myself because I never thought I could be any more of an eater than I already am!!  Welcome to pregnancy I guess!!  I eat every hour, even through the night!!  I should be as big as a house by now, but I guess having two little beans inside of you growing and taking all those nutrients makes the fat process a little slower!! ha ha!

We couldn't be happier for this new adventure!  I'm having fun dreaming up different nursery ideas and names!!  Imagining what they will be like and how great its going to be that they will always have a friend!!  I can't wait for my next visit to the doctor to see them again!!!

one YeAR & a FuLL CirCle

I had to laugh the other day as I reflected on all of the happenings of 2010 up to now!!  I would have never in a million years believed life would have thrown me for so many loops in a 13 month period.  Just for my own documentation, let me give you the rundown.

February 2010.  I left a job (a very cushy job) of 5 years to pursue the world of Aesthetics.  Those who know me, understand that I am NOT a risk taker, but I was in a life rut and desperately needed a change and needed some passion back in my days.  If I learned anything, it would be that usually if things start bumpy, they are going to end bumpy.  I worked in a spa over in Eden, UT from March 2010 until June 2010.  It was fun, the days soon became slow and monotonous though.  As the dread seeped into my mornings I knew this wasn't going to last long.  Thanks to a chauvinistic man pig and a very irresponsible wannabe business woman I had a job on a Friday.  And come Monday - - - no more job for Manda!!  This was a first in my life.  I've always been the one to leave, or quit my jobs.  It was always a choice.  And now my choice had been taken away.  I was a little bit devastated, and in a panic!!

July 2010.  After 3 weeks of stressful job hunting, worrying, and lots of cleaning.  And poof, I landed a part time job back in the construction industry.  I started working for a building supply house in Ogden.  It was easy work, and surprisingly fun.  I really enjoyed it.  After enjoying the summer months of only working from 8 am to noon, I decided it was time to find something to fill the other hours of my day.  Something that paid!  I got lucky, or so I thought, and got a job doing some office work in South Ogden.  I almost forgot the best part.  This all took place around my birthday (September) and for my gift this year my sweet husband finagled a deal with Split-Enz Salon in N. Ogden.  I would start working there on November 1, 2010!!!  YAY!!  I should have been jumping for joy!  Instead I was stressing out!!  How is it that a few months before I was jobless, and now a few months later I have 3 jobs! For a month I worked both office jobs, while working on setting up my room at the salon, and somehow found joy in the chaos.  My second job decided they really needed me full time, which I was hesitant about because I was struggling to find enough to do during my part time hours.  But I jumped in feet first!  Go figure...  Things were good for a little while.  But eventually it turned to pot also.  Cat fights in the office, lots of imaginary scenarios playing out with me as the winner, and many days leaving early because of the lack of work.

January 2011.  Another choice taken from me.  Work was good, the weekend was great.  Went to work on a Monday at 9, left jobless by noon!!  WTF!? (do you see the pattern here?) At least I had the salon right?!  Well that was the other problem.  I kind of depended on the paycheck from the office to help fund my booth rent at the salon!  Oh well I guess.  If I have learned anything from all of this, it's that worrying is not going to fix anything!  So I am learning to enjoy my freedoms and go wherever the wind blows.  This is hard for me, but I'm doing okay.  Through February I helped clean houses in Park City to bring in some extra $$, and devoted myself to making the salon busy enough I wouldn't need another job in an office.

March 2011.  The beauty biz is picking up nicely!!  I'm learning to embrace the unknown!!  And then I got my tonsils out.  Holy crap, I will not recommend it to anyone.  No matter how much better it makes me, the pain was insane!!  I'm 3 weeks into recovery and beginning to wonder if things will ever feel the same?!  I hope soon!!  I laugh with Chase that I am a Jack of All Trades.  This month I am doing some freelance bookkeeping for a small contractor.  I am actually enjoying my unknown schedule and have learned that it all works out in the end.  I'm past the point of worry and anxiety of my situation.  I'm finally starting to branch out and embrace the world of "what if's."

Life is too short to worry about the trivial things.  I have my health, my happiness and my hubby!!  The 3 H's - - they matter.  I am very excited for the future and to see where the wind blows me!!  I think I have proven to myself that I can roll with the punches.  So bring it life!

Re-visiting the big #28

Finally got  my hands on some of the pics from Chase's birthday party in January!  Just thought I'd share them!!

I sure love this guy :)

Birthday Boy

Me & Bri rockin the Red Heads

The guys at PF Changs

Where do I begin??

Wow... blogging is becoming a thing of the past I feel!!  It's so hard to bring myself to do it!  There has been many ups and downs since my last posting.  And unfortunately I have really slacked on the picture taking to document it all.  SAD.
Turkey Day was a success at the Phillips household.  Nothing caught on fire this year, and no one got hurt!!  We had fun going down to see the Temple lights.  We rode the Front Runner down and had a great night!

  We had a night on the town and went to see the Cody Jordan Band play live at Teasers in Ogden.  It's a dive, but given the right company it can be fun!  We are now in love with the music that comes from this band.  Check them out, you won't regret it!

Well Christmas came and went.  We had so much fun in Idaho with the fam.  We went sledding up at Pomerelle.  It was a blast!!  We had a great hill and had my dad groom a track for us!  Seriously, I had forgotten how much fun sledding is!  Santa spoiled me and Chase ( I'm seriously the best Santa ever)... I got a super cute new Columbia coat and some other great things.  Chase got the watch he's been eyeballing FOREVER and some other random items.

The New Year was kind of lame this year.  I was oh so ill with a wicked head-cold so we didn't do anything exciting.  Chase turned 28 on Jan 8th.  I threw him a birthday party down in SLC.  It was amazing!  We had dinner at PF Changs (super delish), and then went to Keys on Main (a dueling piano bar).  It was such a great night.  Chase got called up on stage and had to sit on one of the piano's while they sang him a song.  I of course have no pictures to document it.  I could scream!!  We stayed at Little America with some friends and enjoyed their breakfast buffet Sunday morning.  Wow... it was so good!

Work for me was going good.  Seemed like things were finally working out.  And then on a lovely Monday morning at work I lost my job.  Yaayyy..... best thing ever to start a week off!!  It was a weird situation and I was really pissed about it at first.  But I have decided that things happen for a reason, and I'm going to take advantage of this!  Things at the salon are going great, so I'm hoping to keep growing my clientelle and not have to find another office job!!  My house is finally getting the TLC it has needed for a while, and I'm getting to learn how to deal with "going with the flow"  which for those of you who know me, it's extremely hard!!  I am a planner through and through, so for me to not know what each day is going to bring is agonizing!!  But I'm dealing!

Other than that, life is good in Willard!  Hope everyone has a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!