Life As We Know It

An update on our family at this point in life... (I'm a list person, so a lot of my posts will likely follow this format)

Jake - 30 (Will be 31 in a month)

• Attending nursing school at Ameritech and KILLING it! It may have taken a little while to figure out that nursing is his jam, but now that he's there he is acing his classes and loving it. He just started his 3rd semester so he's just about half way through. 
• Working as a night janitor and donating plasma to pick up a little cash on the side. 
• Being the most stellar SAHD (Stay At Home Dad) with the kids when he's not at clinicals or in class.
• Current obsession: White Collar - he is re-watching all the episodes once again.
• Continues to be a BYU enthusiast and gives me regular updates on the team. 
• Missing his family now that nearly half of them are on the East Coast, and soon to add 2 more. (Boo Med School!!)
• Always loving our family and sacrificing so much time and effort to keep us happy - it's a full time job by itself. 

Karlie - 26

• Working for a home health and hospice agency that relocated to Springville instead of Draper. Woot woot!! I'm the only one in the office most days so it gets a little lonely, but I really love my job.
• Having a huge itch to do all Christmas shopping right now but really resisting. Kids are too fun, I want to buy them all the things! 
• Loving all of the family time together on quick weekend getaways.
• Serving as the nursery leader at church (with Jake) and grateful we have 3 kids instead of 15. 
• Current obsession: Bachelor in Paradise - I know it's trash but sometimes it's all I get besides Disney movies. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney, but sometimes I need a little more.
• In complete awe of our family of 5 - how is there 5 of us!?!? The kids are growing so fast! I am really loving this stage; rough parts included.

June - 2 (Will be 3 in 21 days)

• My mini me in regard to looks - blonde hair, great big blue eyes - looks just like me as a kid.
• The Wild Child - she can go from 0-60 and back in .25 seconds. She gets mad quick and throws a top notch tantrum, but is also quick to forgive/forget. 
• Our social butterfly - always asking kids "What's your name?" 
• So incredibly active and always on the go. Constantly running, jumping, spinning, dancing, climbing, etc. She has a very athletic build and I think it's because she doesn't stop moving. 
• Has a phenomenal memory - if I promised her a sucker 2 weeks ago, you better believe she will remind me until she gets that sucker. 
• Sweet little tenderhearted June. She feels all the emotions so strong. Just the other day Lincoln scratched up his toes (at no fault of June) and Junie was crying for him and kept telling him, "I so sorry, I love you. It's okay baby brother."
• Little dare devil and show off. If it gets a reaction, she's bound to do it 50 more times.
• Current Obsessions: Little mermaid, computers, makeup and her birthday.

Marlie - 2 (Will be 3 in 21 days)

• Curly brown hair, and gorgeous blue eyes. All the kids lucked out with their dad's pretty eyes. 
• Our chatty child - this girl has talked full sentences since she was almost 2. She has such a large vocabulary and loves to use it. Some of my favorite times with her are right after she wakes up, she just wants to chat while she has me all to herself.
• So very logical in everything she does. She loves to reason with me and try to convince me of the ways he sees it. She is such a smart girl! Loves her puzzles too. 
• My little snuggle bug. Always asking me to turn on a show while she drinks her milk, rubs her  blankie with the tag, and pulls me close to "schnuggle" with her.  
• The shy one. It takes her a while to warm up to other people and she's not the first to initiate contact by any means. She doesn't like to leave mine or Jake's side until she's good and ready. 
• The entertainer - but only when she's comfortable in her atmosphere. When she gets a laugh from you she knows she's doing something right. She's got the craziest dance moves and pulls the silliest faces. 
• Cares so deeply for her family and watches out for everyone. When daddy is teasing June she always says, "Be nice to my sister!"
• Current Obsessions: Little mermaid, computers, makeup and popsicles.

Lincoln - Will be 1 in 27 days (We have 4 birthdays in 2 weeks - it's about the get crazy up in here!!

• Blonde hair, blue eyes and chubby cheeks - my favorite kind of cheeks.
• Our little buddy - he wants to hang out with everyone all the time. He always needs be involved and included. This usually means climbing up legs, crawling over bellies, pulling on clothing/hair, etc. anything to get right in on the action.
• I'm new to this whole boy thing, but I think he's a boy through and through. Loves anything involving a ball, wheels, and dirt. 
• This kid is a freaking garbage disposal - he can put away any food (or non-food item) we put in front of him. Surprisingly, he isn't all that pudgy considering how much he eats. 
• Loves to be on the move. He crawls so fast! He pulls himself up and stands for quite a while but still has yet to take any steps. 
• Wants to be a big kid so bad. He tries so hard to play with the girls and gets frustrated when he can't do what they can. 
• Loves to grunt and growl - people are constantly commenting on his deep raspy voice. He says, Mama, Dada and Uh-oh so far. 

That's us - the Mitchell's! 

I Want to Blog

My life needs a journal outlet and at this point in my life this is it for me. I have been reading
SO MANY blogs over the past few months and couldn't help but feel the need to contribute my two cents to the internet once again. I have changed so much since I was blogging before and I'm ready to start again with a new outlook on what I post. I may not write regularly or about anything of interest to others, but...

I want to write.
I want to record my family history in more than just instagram posts - I want words, detail, emotion, and feelings that will take me back when I start to miss the little kid phase that we are neck deep in right now.
I want to voice my opinion and share my thoughts even if there's no one that really wants to read it.
I want to remember the the life I'm living and who my kids are becoming.
I want documented memories of the silly things the kids do and say every day.
I want to hold myself accountable for goals I set by sharing it with others.
I want to have a space to update family and friends that live so far away.
I want to share positive vibes, stories and encouragement for anyone that stops to read along.
I want to show the real life that we live - not just flowers and sunshine but the tears and tantrums too. (not just from the kids)
I want proof of my sentimental moments that show my husband and children how deeply I love them.
I want a way to reflect on my day to day life.

So here we go again...

What's In a Name

I love the idea of having meaning behind a name. The girls names are very special for many reasons.

June Olivia Mitchell

J is because she is the older twin so she is named after her dad Jacob who was also the first twin. June is when her mom's birthday is. Olivia is June's cousin just a few months older who visited earth for a few short days but lets us borrow her name.

Marlie Kay Mitchell

M is because she is the younger twin so she is named after her uncle Matt who was also the second twin. Marlie is spelled like her mom's name. Kay is a family name on her dad's side shared with her great grandma, grandma and two aunts. Marlie's mom also has a friend who claims she's named after her. (Right Kaylyn?)

World's Best Dad

It has been amazing to watch Jake as he has become a father. You can see just how much he loves them when he hums them to sleep or tries to play rough with them. I always knew he would be a good dad but actually watching it happen has made me fall even more in love with him when I never thought that was possible. Jake gets to be a stay-at-home dad for a little bit while he finishes up school. I miss my ladies so much while I'm at work but I know Jake will never get this chance again once med school and careers come around so it's only fair to let him have this time. The girls are so lucky to have this special time with him and create the daddy daughter bond that is so special. Jake has stepped up to this new calling in life like a champ.

He wakes up to feed at night.
He changes many many diapers.
He washes clothes and bottles and dishes.
He knows just what to do to stop the tears - both mine and the girls.
He holds us close when we need it but still loves to tickle and tease to get the biggest smiles.
He studies hard to get a good job to provide for his family.
He creates a positive atmosphere for our family when things start to get negative.
He puts up with us when we are difficult to be around.
He calms us down and winds us up.
He points out the important things in life and helps us slow down to enjoy them.
He reminds us that he loves us and would do anything for us.

Your girls love you Jake! You are our favorite boy!

And Then There Were Four

WARNING - SUPER LONG POST AHEAD!

I want to remember all the great stuff about when the girls were born so below is a story of their birth but it's not super detailed and gross - just the exciting important stuff we want to remember.

On Friday the 20th of September I was 34 weeks 4 days and I went in for my normal NST (non-stress test) that I had been having twice a week, as well as a follow up with my doctor to see how I was doing. I hadn't been having contractions but there were some concerns at our last ultrasound because one of the babies was a pound smaller and the placenta was aging. I had dilated to a 1 and was effacing a little bit but nothing serious. I was in a hurry to get out and back to work and as an after thought I asked the doctor how my blood pressure was because early in the pregnancy they had been concerned that it was a little high. He decided to test it just to make sure - my blood pressure ended up being 141/95 (normal is 120/80). It was a little elevated so he decided to do a urine test and it came back that there was protein in my urine; an indicator of preeclampsia.

At this point my doctor told me to call my husband and go straight to labor and delivery because it was pretty likely that I would be having these babies soon. Instant tears as I worried about all the complications that would come with the babies being early. I was shaking and asking questions like crazy - he said everything would be fine and sent me on my way. I called Jake and my mom and told them to meet me at the hospital. Once I got there I waited in my car for Jake because I was too nervous to go on my own. While waiting I called my friend Hailey to let her know I wouldn't be coming back to work today, or probably for the next couple weeks. Then I called Katie, my sister, and freaked out a little bit more with her. Once Jake got there we realized just how unprepared we were - I hadn't packed a hospital bag, we didn't have preemie clothes, the car-seats were at home so we couldn't even get the babies home if we had them, and a million other trivial thoughts.

We got checked in and they hooked me up and monitored me and the girls for a few hours to see how things were going. They decided to admit me  because my blood pressure was still a little high and gave me shots to help the girls lungs develop (most painful part of the whole process). We stayed in the hospital from Friday until Sunday night just playing the waiting game. I was informed that I would be on bed rest until the girls were born. Jake had to continue going to school while I was there and I always worried that something would happen when he was gone. I started having more contractions. We had lots of visitors and just hung out while we waited to see what would happen.

On Sunday night my blood pressure was normal so they considered letting me leave Monday morning after they got my last urine results back. Early Monday morning they checked my blood pressure and it was 190/110 and the protein in my urine was excessively high. My nurse came in and said it was go time - instant tears again! Jake called our parents and let them know what was happening and I started freaking out. Tons of medical personnel filled the room and started hooking me up to machines - I couldn't stop shaking. Right before they were going to take me into OR I looked at the nurse and told her I wasn't ready and I couldn't do this. It was the scariest moment of my life. She looked back at me and told me it was too late for that but she would give me a minute with my husband to calm down. Everyone left and Jake and I sat for a minute while I freaked out and he continued telling me I had no choice and that everything would be okay. I have horrible anxiety but this was the worst I have ever had. I finally calmed down and held Jake's hand so tight while they finished prepping me. Right before they said Jake had to leave to get ready I felt calm and peace - it was a miracle.

I walked into the OR where there was music blaring and it was freezing. The anesthesiologist gave me a spinal block and then a whole bunch of people started coming in and introducing themselves to me but it's all a blur. They put the sheet up by my face and Jake still wasn't back in the room and anxiety started creeping back in - finally he walked in all suited up just in time for the doctors to start cutting. He grabbed my hand and he tried to keep me calm but was instantly distracted by what was going on below the sheet. I didn't know much of what was happening but heard two sacs pop and a rush of water. June came out first then Marlie. I didn't hear crying at first and was terrified but was quickly told that they were suctioning the babies. The girls both came out feet first and were whisked away to be checked. June had to get just a little oxygen for a few minutes but Jake got to bring Marlie over to my face and let me kiss her. The NICU doctors started to wheel the babies out and Jake went with them, I stayed to get put back together. The girls were here and everything seemed like it was going to be fine. My anxiety was gone but my headache was back with great force. I told the anesthesiologist and he kicked my meds up really high and I went to sleep.

I had to be on magnesium because of my high blood pressure so I felt pretty awful for the first day plus healing from a C-section is not fun. I was informed after everything was calm that I was at high risk for stroke, heart attack and several other serious problems - thank heavens I found that out after. I got back to my room and had to wait to be checked for a bit. I didn't get to go down and see the girls until later that night so I just visited with family during the day. In the meantime Jake and his brother Ben went down and looked at the girls and sent me pictures and videos.

Finally that night Jake wheeled me down and I saw my babies for the first time - they were so tiny and perfect. They didn't have to be on oxygen or antibiotics, just monitored because they were so small and early. There were a lot of wires and it looked so intimidating for such small little girls. I got to hold them for the first time and kiss them and tell them I was their mom. BEST.EVER.

While in the NICU the girls had to have feeding tubes and PICC lines placed to get their weight up. It was so hard and sad to see but we knew it was helping them get better. I always tell Jake that I don't want to remember the NICU so it's hard for me to talk about but I know it's a big part of their life so we need to remember it. The nurses there were amazing and made us feel so comfortable. We could only hold them for a little bit every three hours so we watched them sleep a lot. While there they moved the girls into a bed together and they started doing better once they were together again. They slowly started eating more and showing signs of being ready to go home.

I was discharged from the hospital a few days before the girls came home and this was the hardest part of the whole birth for me. I felt like an awful mom leaving my girls all alone but knew I had no choice. Jake and I basically lived at the hospital during those days. After 10 days in NICU we were told that they could come home! We spent the night in the hospital then surprised everyone and brought the girls home the next day. I remember feeling overwhelmed and scared but it seemed like everything just fell right into place. The girls trusted me and believed that I knew what I was doing so I had to believe that I knew it too. The girls put on weight quickly after going home and are still getting chunky.

The girls have made our family feel more complete. I can't help but think that they gave Jake and I the best present that anyone can give us this year - they made us parents and we love every second of it. (Maybe not waking up every 3 hrs, but they are so worth it!) We love you June Olivia and Marlie Kay!

Photo Shoot

I have one day off each week and with my day this week the girls and I decided to do a photo shoot. Here are just a few of the many cute photos. I love them! The first 3 are June, the next 3 are Marlie for those who are wondering. They look much more alike in pictures than in real life - FYI.

Last Pregnancy Post

This post has been sitting in my drafts for months so I decided to finally post it... I wrote this post on September 19th and I went into the hospital on September 20th after a surprising doctor visit and had the girls on September 23rd. Little did I know what was about to happen... reading through it picturing myself that huge and uncomfortable has been fun - I have already blocked out the crazy pregnancy.

I haven't wanted to sound negative about being pregnant because we tried so so hard to get to this point. I know I would kill myself for ever complaining about something I wanted so badly in the first place. I just want to remember some of these things in the future and maybe compare future pregnancies to this first one with twins, at least that's how I justify complaining a little bit... So here it goes!

One thing I never even considered would happen during pregnancy is how significantly my voice has dropped. I get asked on a regular basis if I am sick or if I am my husband when I answer the phone. I'm hoping that these girls have some beautiful high singing voices because my singing voice in relief society gets noticed a lot more often now that I'm a couple octaves lower.

Oils are oozing out of my skin everywhere it seems like! This may be TMI, but I'm either breaking out on my face, back or chest constantly because of these oils. I also can't go a day without showering or using dry shampoo because my hair gets greasy so fast.

These girls can stretch!!! I cannot believe how tight my belly will get sometimes. It seems like one is pushing off the other and they are pulling in completely opposite directions. It's a miracle my skin hasn't busted open I swear. There have been times when you can distinctly see an elbow or a head poking out of my belly.

My joints... They have been surprisingly loose lately. Sometimes my knee or hip will just give out.

Personal space and privacy seems to have completely gone out the window. Between doctors appointments and everybody talking about your lady business, nothing is personal anymore. I always thought my mom was over-reacting when she would warn me of this, but it's oh so very true. Your belly becomes public property. Nothing is off limits once there are children in your uterus, all subjects are free game. I will spare you the details, but be warned - you will be asked and told many things that never need to be shared. You will be touched, your belly will be kissed, and advice will be given that you never even asked for. I have been shocked by several comments I have received such as, "Oh my mom had twins, they both died. Twins are really high risk." "You have gestational diabetes! I thought only fat people got that?" and "You are huge!"

I'm always hungry. With my inability to eat many carbs, I feel as though I am never satisfied.

My vision is horrible - I can't see a dang thing!

The emotions, oh the emotions!!! I laugh, I cry, I get offended, I get pissed, I get super excited - all in the course of about 15 minutes. It's insanity! My anxiety has been through the roof. I picture all the possible negative outcomes that could happen.

Then there's the heartburn, the swelling, the general discomfort, the lack of ability to move freely the way I used to, the insomnia, the 5 bathroom trips each night, the massive belly that really does get in the way and the stretch marks. When people ask how I'm doing I always tell them I can't complain and how happy I am to have this opportunity, but there are small moments when I really do just want to complain. Jake generally gets the brunt of it so I figured if I vent out a little on the blog things might be a little easier on him.

After all of this complaining I don't want anyone to think that I'm not grateful for being pregnant, I couldn't be happier! I love feeling their little movements and counting down the days (that's right, we're down to days now) until I get to meet these little girlies. We have wanted this for so long and I would take all of this and more if it meant I get to have these little girls again, they truly are such a blessing.

I am currently 34+ weeks pregnant (35 wks on Monday)