Many Thanks...

I wanted to say a special thank you to all of our friends and family who have made efforts to help us out this past month. I have had several visitors to help me pass the time, bring food, friends and family driving me to doctor's visits and running special errands for me. Our moms have provided lots of yummy meals as well as help around the house and with the nursery (dads too!) I was so happy to get to see three of my good friends this month who have moved away- Nicole, Tarrah and Anna Mac. Spending time with them was so great! I wish I had pics of all who came to see us- but here are few that I did manage to take...

Uncle Andy with Graham

Visiting with Andrew and Caitlin Capstickdale


Nicole Stefano (ADPi sister from SU) and her daughter Ava

Michelle (friend from church) who is also pregnant- I am 30 weeks here and she is 34 weeks (one baby).

Thank you to everyone for loving us and serving us in so many ways. It has meant so much to us both. For those far away, thank you for your phone calls, encouragement and prayers- it has been felt! I guess I should also thank the mail man and UPS men for faithfully bringing Christmas cards and packages to my door! (Another great thing about online shopping.)

Merry Christmas!

We've had a low key Christmas season at our house this year. The impending arrival of Will and Logan have slowed us down and kept us out of the hustle and bustle. For the first time ever, I woke up in my own house on Christmas day. For 29 years I have been waking up at my parent's house, Andrew joined in the tradition six years ago. But this year, my family came to us. We missed seeing both of our families and extended families, but it was nice being able to stay still and not travel all over the place. My parents and brother arrived Christmas Eve and stayed until the weekend. I had lots of people waiting on me and telling me to "sit down!" We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and then present opening on Christmas day. We even had some carollers stop by for a special visit.

We gave our nieces and nephew their presents and then it was out to the deck to try out Liam's present. Uncle Andy decided it was time he got a climbing harness to use on the boulders behind our house. (Sorry Jenn). Liam and Emma both loved repelling off the deck and were not afraid at all.

Friday, instead of going out for the day-after deals, we spent some time working on the finishing touches in the nursery. Well- I sat in the big chair while dad hung blinds and curtain rods and mom sewed the window treatments. We ate lots of yummy food and enjoyed our time together. It's hard to believe that the next time I see them will be when the babies come- not too far away! We're looking forward to a visit from Andrew's parents this week and celebrating with Mike, Shelli and Graham- we get to stretch Christmas out even longer.

Kicks, Jabs and Hiccups

I have been very thankful for my long torso during this pregnancy as it has helped to keep the boys from getting up under my ribs. But now, it seems that Logan in particular likes to stretch out and get a foot up under my lower ribcage- fun! Also they both like to jab or something towards my belly button and it sometimes feels like they may just come out that way. In the last week I started feeling them hiccup. It took me a minute to figure it out- but after feeling regular, rhythmic movements I decided it had to be just that. Since then, I feel it almost daily from both babies, but never at the same time. Luckily for me, their bouts of hiccups don't seem to last as long as mine do when I get them! I was curious- so I googled fetal hiccups. The theory is that the babies' amniotic fluid enters and exits their lungs causing the diaphragm to contract resulting in hiccups. It only occurs in mature fetuses as the central nervous system is now developed enough to allow this to happen. From a PT point of view, I see it as good exercise for their little diaphragms, getting them ready to breathe outside the womb. Just thought I'd share...

Almost 31 Weeks

My friends have been fussing at me for not posting more often... especially since I seem to have more free time on my hands these days. So here's the latest with the Morrow family. I had my 30 week doctor appointment and my only trip outside of the house on Wednesday. The heartbeats were good- both around 130. My doctor was pleased that I've only had to take the terbutaline twice since my last visit (med to stop contractions). I won't scare you with the actual numbers, but I think I'm doing a good job of growing these boys! I am measuring at 37 weeks for a singleton. Which is why I feel like I'm ready to pop! Each week I can tell that my body is having a harder time carrying two babies. Nothing major, just more aches and pains. My standing time is now limited to about 6-8 minutes. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good, but definitely more fatigued each week. My time off of work has flown by- I've already been off of work for five weeks, I can hardly believe it. It's a good time of year to be at home- it's been yucky outside, and I've been pretty busy with online shopping, wrapping and christmas cards. I've enjoyed this time to be still and connect with the boys- they definitely make their presence known. It's amazing to feel their hands, feet and bottoms poking out and trying to make their own little space (which there is not much of!)

Andrew is still taking great care of me- cooking when our moms haven't had food here for us, cleaning and wrapping up little projects around the house,in addition to working a very full time job. We both can feel how quickly our lives are changing and are trying to get ready for high gear. We've been able to get almost all of the essentials ready for the boys' arrival. I have been making all kinds of lists and checking them twice! Mainly because preggo brain makes me very forgetful! I feel good about what we have been able to accomplish (even from my couch!)

I go back to the doctor right after the new year for another US to check and see the growth of the babies! Hoping they will be close to 4 lbs by then. I have more pics to post- but my camera seems be held hostage at the moment by Andrew. Hope to get them up soon! Until next time- Merry Christmas everyone- we love you!

28 Weeks

I had my 28 week check up on Monday and got a good report from the doctor. I had my glucose tolerance test and another ultrasound to check the babies' progress. We were thrilled to find out that they are measuring 29 weeks and growing quite nicely. Will weighs 3 lbs and Logan is 2 lbs 14oz. I was very relieved to hear that they are so close in size. It was cute to see them moving around on the screen and Will was even kicking in Logan's direction as if to say "move over bro!" They are definitely sharing a space that is getting tighter day by day. My doctor was very pleased by their size, commenting "that is gargantuan for twins." So all that eating I've been doing is paying off! We're hoping for 5+ pound little turkeys- but not yet- at least 6 more weeks would be great. So far, I'm doing ok being on modified bed rest. The weeks are passing pretty quickly. My mother in law has been here this week helping around the house and taking me to doctor appointments. We even had some fun at Babies R Us getting some final things ready for the babies' arrival. I'm getting used to being pushed around in a wheelchair! I'm feeling much more ready and prepared for their arrival- but then again- are you ever really prepared? I hope to post some pics of the nursery soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Andrew and I shared our first turkey day together- just the two of us- this year. We decided to play it safe and not take the risk of travelling. We want to make sure and keep our little turkeys in the oven a little longer! It was fun to make memories of our first (and last) holiday as a two-some. Andrew made delicious Cornish hens and we had most of the traditional sides that you would find at a Morrow or Langston table. We each had a favorite that our families would make and celebrated our first successful Thanksgiving feast. Of course we did not have the "momma magic" (as Tyler calls it) to add to our dishes. Maybe that will come next year? We reflected on God's abundant blessings on our family and the little lives that are being formed. We are so thankful for our family, friends, health, jobs- more than we deserve. We missed our time with family this year, but know that they are all close at heart! Below are pics of Andrew and his hens, our little feast and Britches waiting for the big meal.

House Arrest - 27 Weeks

Most of you know by now that I am officially at home- on modified bed rest and off of work. This came on very quickly at 26 weeks when I started having contractions. Thankfully after a week and a half of rest, the contractions are no longer regular and go away with rest. It's funny how quickly I could go from working full time and running errands in my free time to only being able to stand up and walk around for 5 or so minutes at a time. I've gotten creative in planning out my day so as to seem somewhat productive. Instead of working, shopping, cleaning and cooking in a day, I now can take a shower, make breakfast and take short trips to the kitchen to keep it tidy. Meal prep consists of laying out ingredients, rest, cut veggies while sitting down, rest, put something in the oven, rest, eat, then let Andrew clean the dishes! He's gotten very good at being the caretaker- laundry, cleaning, groceries, cooking- I may let him keep this gig! I'm very blessed to have a sweet husband who can handle all of this in addition to a busy work schedule. He even took me on a special date night Saturday- I was dying to get out of the house, so he pushed me around WalMart in a wheelchair! Talk about an exciting night- and I usually hate shopping in that store. We were quite the sight- me in the chair with a little shopping basket attached- pointing away to go this way and that way.

Besides scoping out every store that has wheelchairs, I plan to catch up with emails to friends, learn how to navigate facebook, read up on parenting, organize photos and take advantage of free shipping online for Christmas gifts. I've gotten quite addicted to online browsing- trying to be really good and not just order things so I can get packages at home- haha! I've also been able to check out some fun new baby websites which makes me excited and reminds me of why I am doing this! It will all be worth it once Will and Logan arrive- we're praying for at least 7 more weeks. Thanks for all the emails, phone calls and visits! It is much appreciated.

Celebrating the Morrow Boys!

So far November has been a month full of celebration and preparations for the upcoming arrival of baby Will and baby Logan. We have had several fun weekend events mixed in with visits from family and help around the house! We have been so blessed by this outpouring of love from friends and family.

We kicked off the month with a shower given by my college friends and a couples' shower the next night. Erica, Melissa and Anna- my sweet SU friends threw a wonderful shower at Mel's house. My mom, mother in law, Samford and ADPi friends attended- it was a great reunion! Several friends travelled in from out of town to be there. The girls blessed me with sweet baby items for the boys including personalized onesies, bibs and burpcloths as well as books, sheets and all kinds of cute things! We played a "guess how big around Terra is" game- it was quite funny to see how way off everyone was. Thank goodness! Although I'm sure I'll grow into those measurements soon. I felt so thankful for and blessed by each of the girls in that room- for their continued friendships and love.

The next night Andrew's siblings threw us a couples' shower at Mike and Shelli's house. Our family, friends and small group couples from MBCC attended. It was a sweet time to celebrate and reflect on God's goodness to us through this journey to parenthood. Everyone there had prayed with us and walked along side us as we waited for the blessing of children. My favorite time of the evening was prayer time as a group to pray for and thank God for Will and Logan. It was very sweet. We also played a funny "he said, she said" game with questions ranging from who would do the dirty diapers to what we would affectionately call the boys. It was hilarious! We had a great time- thank you Mike, Shelli, Amie, Russ, Jenn and Jamie for all your hard work!

This past weekend we went to Chattanooga for a family shower hosted by by my Aunt Karen, my Granny and my dad's cousin Candy. We were given some cute outfits and nursery essentials- all things we will put to good use. My aunt gave me a silver necklace with the boys' names engraved on little baby booties- very cute. We played cute shower games that made us all remember old nursery rhymes and things our mothers' said that we swore we would never say! It was a fun time to visit with family that we don't get to see very often. It was a short trip and then back to work on Monday.

Andrew and I are so thankful for everyone's love and support during this exciting time. We are truly blessed with good friends and family who have done so much for us! Thank you all!!

Happy Belated Halloween

We only had four trick or treaters come to our house this year. But my sweeties came over to visit us and show us their costumes. Liam was a fighter pilot and Emma and Lilly were flowers this year. We enjoyed having some chilli together and eating spider cookies. My creative mommy friend Erica helped me with them. The kids loved them! It was a fun start to a full weekend with family in town for Liam's 6th birthday and my baby showers. We've finally eaten all the leftover

candy- hopefully we won't have any cavities at our next dental appointments.

Punk'd for Halloween

I walked into a funny surprise on Friday... my coworkers and I had been talking all week about whether or not to dress up. Nobody had any really good ideas and I didn't exactly feel up to going to buy something. I thought about wearing some cat ears and a tail that I used to have- but with preggo brain- couldn't remember where I had stored them away. So, I went into work dressed in my usual friday attire, jeans. I had just gotten my first patient back to the gym when the surprise came!

I looked over to see my two co-workers, Emily and Lorie, walking out in full-out halloween attire. It took me a minute to figure out what they were supposed to be. I'll let you see for yourself...

They did their best to pull of "Pregnant Terra" for this year's costume. They did a good job with the wigs and bulldawg colors and signage! It's hard to tell- but the signs taped to their "tummies" say "Fat and Sassy." The big joke around work is how pregnancy has made me a little sassier than usual. Now most of you know that I can at times say what I'm thinking with a little sass- but the hormones have made it worse! I have said things out loud that before I would've probably just thought to myself.

At least their tummies are bigger than mine! (For one day at least!!) Don't they look so cute!

23 Weeks

A lot has changed since my last "official" belly shot was taken. In the past five weeks I have grown and stretched faster than I thought possible. It has been funny to see people's reactions when I haven't seen them in a week or two! Some of the comments from our patients have been comical... and I have a long way to go. Many friends had warned me about the tactless comments people make and it really does happen. But I look at all this belly growth as a good sign of Will and Logan's development. Hopefully they're feeling fat and happy in there. They move around all day and the little pokes are becoming stronger kicks and jabs. Nothing uncomfortable yet, but it does catch me off guard sometimes. I'll be mid-sentence and say "oh, well hello!" Andrew has enjoyed feeling the boys move, especially at night when their movements are more frequent. Sometimes it feels like their doing flips or somersaults. I have a good feeling they are going to be quite active once they get here, probably like their daddy. But maybe they'll be laid back and sweet like him too :)

Work Baby Shower

Last week my work "family" got together for a baby shower dinner at the home of our occupational therapist, Stacey Manolio. I call them my work family, because that is what they are! We spend 40 hours a week together, laughing, griping and getting each other through life and the daily grind. I am very fortunate to work with such a great group of ladies who are also believers. We represent a variety of ages and stages of life and that is what makes things interesting. It has been neat to have their support, encouragement and advice through this pregnancy.

We had a great dinner and they showered Will and Logan with all kinds of wonderful things! I got my first "PT" gift- an activity/play mat that will stimulate and foster motor and sensory development. Some other fun gifts include a diaper champ, clothes, soft blankets and lovies, crib sheets and carrier toys. I am so blessed by this group of ladies (two were unable to be there) and feel fortunate to have their love and support.

Happy 30th Andrew!

This past weekend we drove up to NC for a Smoky mountain getaway celebration of Andrew's big 3-0!! We took advantage of a couple days off of work to relax and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. It couldn't have been better- the leaves were showing off their gorgeous fall colors and the crisp weather was perfect. We stayed in a cabin near the Nantahala river so Andrew could kayak, mountain bike, and we could enjoy some nearby hiking.

Andrew had a blast kayaking, even though the river stays around 4o degrees. He was well prepared and dressed in his cold water gear. I decided to get a massage at the resort near the river while I waited for Andrew to paddle. It's a sacrifice, but someone's got to do it! We spent a leisurely Friday afternoon hanging out by the river and Andrew enjoyed resting his muscles in the hot tub at the cabin. I enjoyed mid afternoon naps and sitting in the rocker outside! Friday night we were joined by our college friend, Paul and his girlfriend Cat. Andrew and Paul have shared many adventures together through the years and we have enjoyed getting to know Cat better. Saturday we all went hiking in the national park nearby. I use the term "hiking" loosely as we had to slow our pace quite a bit for this oh so pregnant lady! I was tired but enjoyed the great outdoors and beautiful scenery. We were sad to leave this relaxing retreat but had a wonderful weekend celebrating Andrew's 30th and the start to another great year of life!

Congratulations Melissa!

Saturday we gathered at my home to honor our good friend and sorority sister, Melissa. We have much to celebrate these days, and the upcoming marriage of Melissa and Chris has us all excited! We couldn't be happier that our sweet friend has found her perfect match. Adpi's from near and far travelled in to honor Mel at her first shower. Rebecca wins the prize, coming the farthest, from Oregon. "Sisters" travelled in from GA, OR, KY and around AL for a fun day of celebration. We are so blessed to have these friendships that continue to be strong, so many years after they started at good 'ole SU! We laughed and reminisced as if no time had passed since we were last together.

Hostesses, Erica Fokens, Anna Conley and Ashley Roberts were a huge help in getting this party going! Of course I had a blast getting ready for the day, decorating with tulle and flowers, just my cup of tea! But this go-around, I definitely needed all the help I could get. It's amazing how much harder it is to go, and do- with two on the way. Our reunion continued into Saturday night, where we gathered at Mel's house to eat and watch football. Can't say that the game was all that great to watch (UF vs LSU), but the company was great. I had a nice time watching UGA beat UT earlier in the day!! We had a full weekend, and I had a great time chilling on the couch all day Sunday. Andrew decided to take the opportunity to go camping with his dad while all the girls invaded our house. They had a blast just having guy time.

So here's to Melissa and Chris- thanks for letting us celebrate with you and join in your special time! We look forward to walking along side you during this exciting journey towards marriage! We love you!

Showers of Blessings!

Saturday we travelled to Chattanooga for our first baby shower. The Smith side (my mom's side of the family) all got together at my cousin Shannon's house for a celebration and reunion. It is no small feat to get this big group together - and it keeps getting bigger! Several travelled all the way from Jacksonville, Fl to honor us. It was a wonderful October evening and we were able to gather outside and enjoy the weather and the time together.

Andrew and I are very blessed to have a big support group around us, here in Birmingham, and all over the south! We are so appreciative of the time spent and distance travelled. They showered us with all kinds of cute and practical baby items. It was so fun to see all the things that we will soon be putting to use. My cousin Shannon did a wonderful job hosting us all, as usual. She's quite the pro at getting this big clan together. You can see photos of the shower under the Baby Shower album. Thanks again to all for making it a very special day! We love you lots!