I've wanted kids (like 4-5) as long as I can remember. My mom had my brother when I was 12 and from then on, I knew. I, too, wanted to be a mommy. I LOVE kids. I've always loved kids. Unfortunately since I can't have children without [expensive, not covered by insurance] fertility treatments, it's likely that I won't have the four or five I'd always wanted, but I know I am blessed and my heart is full-up, with the two I have.

When I did get pregnant, I thought FOR SURE I'd have two boys. I'd always pictured myself with boys, even though my mom had only one boy and three girls. Scott comes from a family of three boys. My dad from a family of two. So, I was certain I would have boys.

I'll never forget the day of my ultrasound. We had decided that since we were having twins, we should find out the sex(es). POSITIVE I was carrying boys, the tech asked if we wanted to know the sex of the babies. I scoffed and said "Sure!" Scott didn't have a feeling if they were boys/girls/mixed so he was more curious than me. "Baby A, is a girl!" the Tech said. I was a bit stunned, but looked over at Scott and said, "Hooray! We have a boy and a girl!" Then the tech exclaimed, "Baby B is.... a girl!" I was in shock! Happy, overjoyed, relieved that they were both still growing and healthy, but SHOCKED! Seriously?! TWO girls?!? I was never girly as a child--I'd rather play in the mud, climb trees and drive tractors. I never wore makeup or pink or anything with a unicorn or bunny on it...or anything sparkly or glittery. How would I EVER raise TWO girls?!?!

Now, I find myself painting their fingernails, putting pretty clips and bows in their hair, buying cute clothes (PINK clothes, no less). They even have a pair of silver, glittery high-top tennis shoes and shirts with fuzzy bunnies on them. I now know, I was not only meant to be a mommy, I was meant to have daughters.

"A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give."

~ Laurel Atherton

This year, the girls were able to go trick or treating around the neighborhood. Scott hitched the wagon onto the lawnmower, as we weren't sure how far or long the girls would walk. Jaden and Dalen (our neighbors - Superman and a Storm Trooper) rode in the wagon while Lauren rode with Scott on the mower. Whitney walked, holding my hand, the entire 2 hours.

Lauren caught on quickly about holding out her bag for the neighbors to fill with treats, but Whitney just walked up to everyone letting them find her bag.

There were a few scary scenes -- a house (that gets decorated as a zombie crime scene every year, AWESOME!!), a Werewolf that Whitney was terrified of, and anyone dressed in a black cloak scared Lauren. All-in-all it was a fun night and I was so glad my girls had a blast. They were, of course, the cutest kids in the neighborhood. :)

My great-aunt lives in Xenia Ohio. A short distance north, but we never seem to find the time to get together. She's always been wonderful about sending cards and letters -- the girls have been fortunate to see her a couple of times.

Aunt Beverly is cleverly artistic and creative. She paints, draws, sculpts. She always makes fun cards and wraps gifts like a professional. The girls got a package in the mail from her, and as always, the packaging was done with lots of love.

As a group, my StrollerFit class often has fun-filled events for moms and their kids. This month, we went to Iron's Fruit Farm! We saw "funny" animals (a Llama, goose, donkey and pot-bellied pig), took a hayride, picked out our very own pumpkins and had cider and pumpkin donuts!

Whitney showing me the scarecrows...

For some reason, she LOVED the scarecrows!

Rolling around with the pumpkins...

Our first taste of Apple Cider. Lauren didn't like it, but Whitney sure did!

Walking down to the hayride...

We LOVE hayrides!!

Our friends Lori and Evan...

Walking in the pumpkin patch, in search of the perfect "puntkins!"

 

I kind of like this one...

Or maybe that one...

I don't think I want this one...

I can't decide!!

HOORAY! Success!

The Pot-Belly Pig...

The goat and Llama...

We'll definitely be going back next year!