Hello all! Yes, we have been away from blog world lately. No, we did not go on a hiatus (like J – K + 8). But we have had a week that has been very hard emotionally on our family. I was not going to explain but this blog is a journal for our family to look back on years down the road. So here goes:
Where to begin? Alright, first Josh’s commuter car started having electrical issues (that for some reason disappeared on its own). I got the exact diagnosis that we prayed we would not get. On Tuesday I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) which is a chronic bladder condition. Basically the nerve from my brain to my bladder that tells me I have to urinate is messed up. I am in constant bladder spasm and pain. There have been no medications to relieve the spasm as of yet. The medicines I am on cause me to have drowsiness, blurred vision and upset stomach. So, it has been difficult to care for the girls. We are rearranging the house so that the girls are downstairs for the most part of the day so I don’t have to carry them up and down several times a day. Josh has taken leave for two weeks to help get the house organized and see if we need to hire in some help.
On Friday (our 4 year anniversary) I was to start bladder shock treatments weekly to see if that helped. If it did, they were going to surgically implant a stimulator. On my way to the doctor, the Yukon decided to take control of the steering and I had no control. So the police had to help me and the Yukon is now at the dealership. Josh had to come switch cars as Samantha had a ENT appointment, where we find out that she is completely deaf in her left ear and there is no fluid and no physical findings to cause it. So, we are going to have her work with occupational therapy so she doesn’t get behind on her speech.
After a long day of dealing with tow trucks and bad news we got home to find out that we are on water ration and our refrigerator is going out again. Yes, again again, it was fixed again last week. I was told we have store credit for a new one, but haven’t the time or energy to go in this 104 degree weather.
However, Samantha did give Daddy and me an anniversary present: TWO TEETH!
On Saturday Jose, Michelle and their two kids came over to help Josh rearrange the house. They moved the playroom downstairs into the the dinning room and visa versa. They also assembled the gazebo that Josh bought for our anniversary. After the hard work (in record high temps) they made a delicious dinner and we played cards. It was nice to be able to hang out and have a good time with friends. Sunday morning G Ma flew home! We sure miss her!
So it has been emotionally and physically difficult around here! But if you look at the picture montage below you will see how we pull through! Thank you Makaila, Hannah, Samantha and Sandra for the smiles you bring to us!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I know I say this a lot but this last week has been so busy for us. After having the girls in the kiddie pool and them loving it, we decided to go bigger. We bought a 20 foot above ground pool. Josh and I absolutely love being in the water and want the girls to grow up around the water. Maybe next year we can get back in our boat and wake board again. Our friends Jose and Michelle came over with their two boys and helped us set up the pool. Thank you so much guys! It was a very hot day here and it was a lot of work. So after the first night of Josh, G Ma and I trying out the pool we headed to the ER. Yup, this time Maxine our dog had a very swollen face and was in a lot of pain. The belief is that she got bit by a snake. They tested her blood and she had no venom so luckily it was a dry snake. She is on pain meds, steroids and an anti inflammatory. She seems to be afraid of the backyard now. The poor girl!

Since we had a good time in the pool we decided to let the girls go for a swim the next night. We waited for shade to hit the pool so it meant that they had to stay up a little late. It was well worth it! They all loved it! Yes it is added work and they have to have a bath/rinse down after but to see their smiles while in the pool is worth all the extra work. Thankfully G Ma is still here and helped out our first time.

The girls’ new refrigerator/freezer died again. This is where all their bottles and frozen baby food is stored. I am not happy about it. Last time it took three weeks to get the repairs done. That is three weeks of hand making each bottle for each feed. I hope we get it fixed faster this time. This Friday I am having surgery again. Apparently, a rare percentage of people that have a cerclage (the sewing of my cervix that helped me carry the girls for 30 weeks and 1 day) can have medical issues. So the hope is that if I have it removed, my bladder will be fixed. Thank you Lynn for all your help, even in a last minute notice, during all of my appointments and surgeries.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Quick update on Mommy

Yesterday I had a surgery that included a cystoscopy, bladder extension and biopsy. The extension was to hopefully stop spasms for a while. Unfortunately, the doctor was only able to put in 200 cc (a very small amount). Even under anesthetic my bladder was in spams the whole time. The doctor talked to Josh while I was still asleep and told him he was going to wait for the biopsy report before he decides what to do next. He did put me on three anti spasm medicine and finally a pain reliever. With all four meds I am still in pain and having spasms. And now I feel medicated (drunk) and have to take long naps. I am very frustrated! My high risk ob recommended botox. I asked my Urologist and he said after the results of the biopsy he could refer me to someone who does that. I am frustrated and tired of the pain and no answers. The doctor was shocked that I was still in bladder spams while under and that he couldn't fill up my bladder. I feel that he FINALLY believes me about the spasms and maybe I will get some where now. I don't think he realized the extent before these last two tests. I am so glad that Josh's mom is here! But I feel so bad having to call on her. I know she loves being here but she has family and obligations in MO. So, I want results NOW! I have to wait a week for the biopsy results. Please continue to pray for us! Thank you!

Need Prayers, Overdue Update

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I know it has been awhile since you have heard from us! I first want to say that the girls are all doing amazing. Yes, G Ma is back. We did not expect her until August when Josh will be out of town for work. However, things happen and we had to call on her. I have not been feeling well for awhile now. I have been to the ER and MANY doctors appointments. Long story short something is wrong. The main issue is my bladder which has been in severe spasms for over two months now. Last week other muscles started to spasm and I feel weak. The pain and weakness got to the point where I was afraid to be home during the day with the girls. I hope to get some answers soon as I had some tests done last week. But getting results and answers are sometimes difficult. I want answers yesterday so I can plan for the future. So please pray that we get answers fast and can deal with what is ahead. If there are any HOM moms that had a similar situation after delivery I would love to hear from you!

Alright, to the girls, which I know you all want to know. They are stinking adorable. They are great medicine for me right now. They started imitating us (esp. blowing raspberries), stealing toys and pacifiers from others and make noises for a reaction from us. It is hilarious. They enjoyed the kiddie pool. Heck they all just enjoy life. We are so fortunate; they are all such happy babies.

Last weekend we got brave, real brave. We took them to the Cheesecake Factory for brunch. We got there when they opened and left before it got super busy. They did so well that we took G Ma there today. We left them in their quad stroller and they just played and had a great time. It was so nice to get out of the house and not go to a doctors appointment or the grocery store. Plus, it had been a long time since Josh and I were out at the same time, together.

Support Our Troops

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! It is one of the special holidays in our house that we celebrate! Please continue to support our troops and don't forget our fallen heroes!

Click on picture below to view picture montage!


My Montage 5/25/09

Feeding Time!

Sandra doesn't take many naps, but she found mom's pillow to be quite comfortable! She also wanted to rest up for her first meal at the new feeding table.


We celebrated our Memorial Day weekend by making baby food. It took a good portion of the weekend, but I think we have enough apples, avocados, bananas, carrots, green beans, pears, squash, and zucchini to last about a month.


We felt it was time to give the feeding table a try. The girls were really good sports, and the feeding was so much fun.


Next time, I want Bananas!


MMmmmmmm Green Beans with a side of thumb!


What, no dessert?


Can I have more please?


Maxine liked the feeding table most of all. MMmmmmm green beans with a side of toes!

Sorry we haven't posted in awhile, but we have been busy with doctors, doctors, baby food, doctors, finals, and doctors.

Samantha had cardiology and eye appointments this week. Currently, her blood pressure is high due to the pinching of her Aorta, but as of now the doctor's is not concerned. Everything else with her heart is 100% better. However, she is going to be continuously watched. During her eye appointment we found out that she has a history of R.O.P. The doctor saw her cross her eyes and said that she maybe nearsighted. He said that some crossing of the eyes is normal, and she needs to be evaluated when she is one year old.

Hannah and Samantha have each discovered new sounds! Hannah's is a window-shattering shriek! The crazy thing is that it doubles as both jubilation and a warning to oncoming hunger! Samantha's new noise is more difficult to describe. It sounds similar to a playing card in a bicycle spoke. She only makes it in the morning during her diaper change, but she thoroughly enjoys making it and so doe we! It is almost as cool as watching her pick up her pacifier and put in her mouth (another new development).

All of the girls have been on the fussy side this week, but with good reason. They are beginning to teethe! We can actually feel the bump in Hannah's mouth. Poor Makaila only really gets relief when you rub her gums with a pacifier or a teething ring. For the first time in nearly two months we were awakened by a baby crying. It has only happened once so far, but we do not expect that to last for long.

Josh got an A on each of his finals and is still maintaining a 4.0 GPA in his MBA program. He says he doesn't care what grade he gets, but the girls and I know better!

Mothers Day, Dedication, Visitors and Dr apts

Daddy feeding Sandra


G Ma wondering how she can sneak Hannah into her Suitcase!

Uncle Don playing with the girls!

Aunt Joyce feeding Makaila!

Uncle Don feeding Hannah!

Sandra telling G Pa and Evan stories!

Evan babysitting all five girls! What a great cousin he is!

It was so nice to have three people feeding! For once we were not out numbered!

The girls Dedication!

So much to update. Where do I begin? Josh’s Mother’s Day gift to me was to go get family photos last Friday. The pictures turned out great. So, look for them in future posts. The girls got all their money together and got me a diamond and ruby necklace. It is beautiful just like my girls. Saturday night (rather Sunday morning; 3:30 am) family arrived! G Ma, G Pa, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Don, Kenny (Josh’s brother) and Evan (our nephew) drove down from Missouri. We were so excited to have family visit. On Sunday, we had the girls dedicated at church. It was a wonderful service and the girls did great. It was so nice to have family here to see the girls and help out with the feeds. The girls absolutely loved the extra attention. Maxine (our dog) had a great time too. She had more people to play with and extra crumbs off the floor.

There have been so many doctors’ appointments lately. All four girls went to the plastic surgeon for evaluations on the shape of their heads. The doctor wants to give them a couple more months before he decides on helmets. But right now Makaila and Sandra are the ones he felt might need them. Samantha he felt should change as she grows and starts to sit up more. He does want a second opinion on her arm (the IV burn). So, she will see another surgeon for that.

Samantha and Makaila went to see the eye doctor. Long story short; Samantha is going to go to a different doctor for a second opinion. You see; we are having a problem. Our insurance sends us to a general doctor and then we have to get an out of network referral to a pediatric doctor. Same thing happened for ENT for Makaila and Samantha. Samantha has not passed her hearing test on her left ear after 5 attempts. She is scheduled for surgery (to place tubes in her ear) on Tuesday because he THOUGHT he saw fluid. But he did not have the capability to do further testing if he does not find fluid and she would have to be referred to another doctor to have another sedation. I am putting my foot down and our primary pedi agrees with me. So she is being referred to a pediatric ENT.

This coming week Samantha has a cardiology surgeon appointment, physical therapy (for neck, shoulder and arm) and another eye appointment. So I am glad that we are canceling her surgery on Tuesday. I am still having medical issues and am having a procedure done on Thursday. So many appointments! Luckily, Josh is on a three week break from his MBA program right now.

Thank you all for a wonderful visit and the extra hands with the girls! We miss you all already! Come back soon!

I'm famous!

Click link below!

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Thank you Manana!

Manana (my mom) hand made these totally cool chewing cloths. The girls have started really chewing on burp cloths and Manana thought the girls needed something better. These have teething rings attached. The girls absolutely love them! Thank you Manana!

Samantha wondering how much drool she can get on this one.


Hannah (L) won't let go of hers and Makaila kept grinning from ear to ear with hers!

Makaila settles in with her new chewy and her thumb!

This is what feeding time looks like at our house! Bottle time used to be so stressful, trying to get them to drink enough to gain weight and not fall asleep. Now you just sit back (or I fold laundry) while they eat.

Aren't little girls so much fun? They love to play with their dresses. We see a lot of belly buttons when they have this kind of dress on. Thank God it is warm here in Texas! Wow I just realized everyone here had socks on - a rarity these days!

Samantha pulling Sandra closer so she can play with her.

6 month well check appointment

Who needs a new ottoman when Samantha can use Hannah for a foot rest?


This picture is only because I told Hannah and Makaila that if they didn't stop crying I was going to post the picture. I hold true to my words! (Sandra, Samantha, Hannah, Makaila)


Last Friday the girls had their six month well check appointments. Their current weights are Makaila – 13 lbs 6 ounces, Hannah – 13 pounds 5 ounces, Samantha 14 pounds 1 ounce and Sandra 10 pounds 15 ounces. The doctor is pleased with their growth. Sandra is actually allowed to switch to the big girl formula this week. Lately we have been using two different formulas, three different diaper sizes and two to three different sizes in clothes (depending on brand). So it will be nice to only deal with one formula.

Poor Samantha! I feel so bad for her! She has some concerns that need to be addressed. She is going to the ophthalmologist on Monday because she is showing sings of vision issues. She strains to see up close and immediately crosses her eyes. She sees the ENT on Wednesday for her final attempt to pass her hearing test (the doctor has put in for the referral to sedate and do thorough diagnostic testing). She is going back to the plastic surgeon now for the shape of her head. The doctor usually refers preemies at nine months but her head shape is to the point of changing her facial features. She will need to be sedated and have cat scans of her head to make sure everything is ok. But, she will need to be in a helmet to reshape her head. She tends to want to look to the left and has gotten tight neck and shoulder muscles so we have added stretching to her physical therapy appointments. She has specific swings and seats to encourage her to look to the right. She is such a happy baby I hate to see her go through so much. She has been having night fears (a form of sleep walking). She will (in her sleep) just start to scream not know where she is and act confused. I have to run upstairs gently stroke her face and whisper her through it. She does it four to five times per nap. Luckily, she rarely does it during the night. Oh and her blood pressure was up so I need to call the surgeon since her aorta is being pinched with her new heart jewelry.

To save a few trips I am going to bring Makaila to the ophthalmologist to have her ROP rechecked. And will have Makaila and Sandra’s shape of heads looked at too. So, many appointments ahead of us. We are going to be running this coming week. Monday – optho, Wednesday – OT and ENT, Thursday – PT, Friday – family portraits, Saturday – family arrives, Sunday – dedication. I have a feeling that it is going to be like this for a while. Wish us luck!

We got new floor mats for the downstairs since our entire downstairs is tile. The girls love it and get to play on the floor more. I just hope the dog and cats don’t destroy it. It is actually able to be vacuumed and mopped. I bought brown so it looks nice. We also ditched our end tables and coffee table and replaced them with three leather storage ottomans. Softer for when the girls land on them when they start learning to walk and I get to store blankets and toys in them. Yeah! I love them!

So what does a quad mom do when she feels not the best? Push through it and ignore the symptoms. Until, the ER is just not close enough. Apparently you can get a bladder infection from dehydration. I get so busy I forget to drink water. Until now that is! I ignored the pain for almost two weeks and just couldn't’t take it any more last night. So, after the night bottles I went to the ER. I feel better but not healed yet!

The girls go green!

Yes, I know St. Patrick's Day is over. But we decided to go green! Since we are celebrating the Earth this week we wanted to make a change. No, I am not going to go out and plant 100 trees. Yes, I have done that in the past. We are no longer going to use our recycle bin as a storage bin. I used to say I don't have time to sort and recycle. Well, I started to think about what we use that could get recycled. I guess when you start to have children you think different. And a lot different if they come four at once. We are already frugal about our electricity and water. We have eco friendly appliances and toilets. I don't mind and in fact enjoy hand me down clothes so it is time to sort the trash and recycle.



Our pastor asked for a picture for Church since they are getting dedicated on Mother's Day. I thought this would be a good one. (Makaila, Hannah, Samantha, Sandra)


Empty now, full very soon!



The girls go green! (Makaila, Hannah, Samantha, Sandra)

Sandra in her Jumero!


Samantha in the Jumero!


The four girls watching TV!


Makaila enjoying her tea time!

Happy happy Hannah

Charlene (my ultra sound tech) with Samantha

Dr. Palmer feeding Sandra!

Sandra has a special place in Dr. Palmers heart! She gave her many sleepless nights.

Last Friday, we had our first big outing as a family. Yes, it was to see a doctor, but it was to visit my high risk OB that delivered the girls. It was the first time the six of us were in one vehicle. It was so great to see Dr. Palmer and Charlene holding them. I will always remember what they did for us. Dr. Palmer is an excellent doctor and one I consider a friend!

Today is a day of many emotions! Today the girls turn six months old! I can't believe we as a family have made it this far! The girls are doing so good! Better than I thought they'd be six months ago. This morning Josh took G Ma to the airport! We are all very sad to see her go(including Maxine, Angus and Moo Moo). She is so great to have around. She is not only a huge help she is also positive about everything. We will miss her dearly! This just reminds me how hard it is to live far from any family members. Josh has five more years for his current commitment and also retirement. Don't get me wrong, we love our life in the military but look forward to settling down near family in the future.

G Ma we can never show you how appreciative we are of your hard work, support and especially your love for us and our girls! We look forward to spendingMother's Day with you!