"Twice Upon A Time"

I got a really big surprise Tuesday. Instead of going to dinner at Reagran's house, I found myself at a baby shower for me and our "buns in the oven." SURPRISE! Ryan's mom Kim drove all the way here just to be there for the baby shower. I think that was the best gift. That's not to take away from the wonderful surprise party any. It was beautiful. There was a Cinderella theme for the baby shower. Just a little twist, as there are two babies on their way.

All the yummy (and pretty!) food.

Look who found the food....

The party favors were pink pumpkins.

Some of the ladies at the baby shower.

Here are the gifts all laid out on the table. The twins received a lot of really adorable clothing and other useful items (like diapers, wipes and baby shampoo). Also, we got two new high chairs. Our last was a $20 number from Walmart we bought in college. It made it through Emma and Elizabeth, and we sold it for $3 at our garage sale. So, thank you Grandma and Grandpa Kannely! And thank you everyone who planned, helped with and attended the baby shower. Thank you, thank you! However, Ryan may need to meet with the bishop to discuss his lying problem. He's had to tell a number of "stories" the past week or so. It's amazing how easily he comes up with them...

Latest Baby News

I had another ultrasound today. I've had so many now, they are correctly pronouncing my name! They are measuring about 4 lbs 7 oz a piece, and have moved UP my due date. So, the babies are growing well and looking great. They are both head down at the moment. Please pray for me that they stay that way. If one moves, I am having a C-section. And I'd rather not. Baby B, aka "Lefty"

Baby A, aka "Righty"

People have been asking us what names we've chosen. I get sceptical looks when I tell people we haven't decided yet. No, we are not being coy. We truly don't know yet. So, in the meantime, here are two names: Brunhilda Louise Kannely and Helga Dagmar Kannely. What do you think of those as possible names?

Making Apple Cider

This morning we went to the Baugh's to make apple cider. It started at 8:30, but we arrived about 10 minutes late. (We weren't the last to arrive though. Whew.) There were an entire truck bed of apples to press into cider. We only brought 3 gallon jugs, so we were sent home with 2 more. Most of the ward members who showed up brought more containers than we did. It's a good thing, as I think there was much more cider than we knew what to do with. We are going to freeze the cider we brought home, rather than can it.
Here are some pictures we took. Everyone had the "I didn't shower this morning, just threw on some clothes and came" look. So pardon us our lack of glamour. Our assembly line started here. The kids filled buckets with apples for the next station. Well, filled buckets and ate apples.

The cleaning station. First washed, then rinsed.

This is the table where we cut the whole apples. We started out just chopping them in half, but later someone had the idea that they might go faster through the chopper if they were cut in quarters. And they did. So, the first round of cutters cut the apples in half, and the next set cut those halves into quarters and put them in buckets.

Ryan and Sis. Scott were putting the cut apples in the chopper. Watch out for your fingers!

Once the apples were chopped, they were moved over to be pressed. Then the juice was put through a strainer to get out the rest of the pulp. The fresh cider was very tasty. We are looking forward to making it into spiced cider when the weather gets cooler. Love that smell!

More About Elizabeth

I took Elizabeth to an eye specialist today. We've had to put drops in her eyes for the past 3 days to dilate them, since the usual kind only works for children age 5+. (Come to find out that it will take a week or so for her eyes to go back to normal. NOOOOOOOOO....) So, here's the scoop.
Elizabeth is getting glasses! She is +3.25 on the far-sighted scale. (Most kids being at a +1) That makes it difficult for her to focus with both eyes at the same time. The doctor said at a 3 is when you start seeing kids have difficulty focusing. So, her vision isn't too horrible and he seemed pretty confident that the glasses should be able to correct that. And, she could outgrow the need for glasses by her early teens.
Tonight we went to Costco and bought her some Dora the Explorer glasses. They should be ready in 7-10 days. At which time a picture will be posted for all to see. :o)

When Silence Is Not Golden

I usually read while I am eating lunch. Today I kept reading, even when my lunch and Elizabeth's lunch was gone. After a little while, I realized it was very quiet. I wasn't sure where Elizabeth was. Uh oh. Guess where I found her? In the bathroom, washing her hands and face. The only problem with that was she used almost a half a bottle of liquid soap. She was washing up past her elbows and there was water on the counter and on the floor. Not to mention bubbles galore in the sink. And her shirt was all wet, causing her to cry that it needed to be changed. Oh well, what's one more change of clothing?
Sometimes I wouldn't mind a little silence, however. Today, for example, I took Elizabeth to my OB checkup. There are just certain things that don't need loud, running 3-year-old commentary. Like when I am in the restroom: "Yea! Good job Mommy!" or in the exam room: "You have a naked bum!" (sorry if that's too much info.)

Seattle

Yesterday after school, we all packed up and took a very quick weekend journey. This was the weekend of the Breast Cancer Walk that my in-laws were participating in. So, we went over to support them and see Ryan's grandma, who flew up from California. We spent the day in Seattle with Ryan's grandma, his cousin Erin, and his brother Michael. Here are a few of the pictures we took. We took the Monorail from Seattle's city center to Westgate mall, and from there walked a couple of blocks to Pike Place Market. It's been a very long time since I've been to the Market, but I have since realized, I've never been there on a Saturday. Whew, was it busy!

Pike Place is evidently not to be confused with Pike Street....

Elizabeth was grabbing leaves on our walk.

It was a really beautiful day in Seattle. Sunshine!

Emma, Michael and I in front of the Space Needle.

After wandering around Seattle for a couple hours, we drove over to see the Walk Participants. They were doing a great job, but I didn't figure they'd enjoy pictures of their tired, sweaty selves. Only one more day of walking, and then they can rest those poor, blistered feet. :o) I can't even imagine walking an average of 20 miles a day. Great job guys!

You're Mocking Me, Aren't You?

I don't get the sympathy and respect I deserve around here. Tonight after dinner, Ryan had Elizabeth climb up into his shirt. With the large, squiggling blob in his shirt, Ryan told me he now knew how I felt. And then in a falsetto voice he said, "The babies are pushing on my ribs. I can't breathe!" I think he was making fun of me! How rude.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to School We Go

Yep, we were a little excited about school this morning. At 6:39 am, Emma and Elizabeth bounded out of their room. 5 minutes later, Emma was dressed, had her shoes on and was carrying her backpack around. Um, honey, there is an hour and a half until your bus arrives....

Emma by the front door.

Emma was a little chatterbox this morning. She was trying to show off her new backpack, sandals, etc. to the other kids at our bus stop. They were mostly polite, looking at her when she spoke.

But then the bus came. I was very brave until the bus drove away. I'll blame the tears on the hormones. This is my baby girl and I am entrusting her to the school system. That's hard. No one else can possibly appreciate and take care of her like I can.

'Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

Oh boy, are we excited for kindergarten tomorrow! I think this is the first time ever Emma has set out her clothes for the 'morrow. Her backpack is packed with her school supplies, and her shoes are by the door. Ryan gave both the girls (Elizabeth hates to be left out) their beginning of the school year Father's Blessings tonight. How thankful I am for the Priesthood in our home! I think the blessing helped alleviate some of Emma's nervousness. She's been complaining of an upset stomach today and has been a little tearful. Emma told me today that she's worried about not being able to see Mommy all day. I reminded her that it isn't for so long and Mommy will be here when she returns to hear all about it. We'll still have lots of time together.

This picture really has nothing to do with Emma starting school in the morning. However, I thought it was worth mentioning. This is Elizabeth wearing- count them- 6 pairs of underwear. And one of them is Emma's. This is the little mischievous girl I will be left alone with while Emma is at school. All day. I count on the girls entertaining each other, and really count on Emma being a good big sister and taking care of Elizabeth. There are little errands I send Emma on, that I am going to have to do myself. Such as finding a certain toy or sippy cup for her sister, or making sure Elizabeth isn't stuffing all the toilet paper into the toilet. What am I going to do without her?

Baby Bump

Well folks, here it is. My "baby bump" at 28 weeks. I've figured out why my lower back hurts by looking at this picture. As Ryan would say, I look like a sway-backed horse. :o)