Linky Party x2!

Today I'm linking up with Bigtime Literacy for Michelle's Blogging Challenge and Doodle Bugs' Five for Friday to share one of my personal accomplishments and four happenings during the week. ;)

Day 25: Go ahead and brag...biggest accomplishments?

The Blogging Challenge prompt today made me think of my pregnancy with twins.  My father-in-law, a retired OB/GYN, was the first to inform me that I was, indeed, pregnant with twins.  You see, he still had access to his former practice, so my husband and I went in to hear the heartbeat of "the baby".  It was exciting to hear our unborn child's heartbeat!  However, since my father-in-law had access to an ultrasound machine (and thought the heartbeat was "very strong" because he knew something we didn't!), we decided to take a peek inside my belly.  

My mother-in-law saw the screen and shouted, "There are two heads!!"  My father-in-law saw the panicked look on my face and shouted, "Don't worry, there are two bodies as well!  You guys are going to have twins!"  My husband started immediately crying with joy and I smiled, then happily cried.  I was relieved and very thankful I didn't have a baby with one strong heart beat and two heads, which was my original thought.  

When I met with my "real doctor", he told us the same information, but added that I was considered a "high-risk, geriatric pregnancy" because of my age and because I was having multiples.  Geriatric pregnancy!?!?  What, was I 80 years old??  No, I was 37, going on 38!!  Jeesh. ;)  

Anyway, I was put on bed rest and visited the hospital for a few days at a time here and there because I was having contractions prematurely.  My doctor set a goal of staying pregnant until at least 32 weeks to be on the safest side.  I missed my goal by one day, but was able to safely harbor the babies for 31 weeks and 6 days before my water broke.  Thankfully, the twins only had to be in the NICU for 3 weeks.  I was so cautious during my pregnancy because I was determined to have thriving, healthy babies.  It worked, hence, my biggest accomplishment! 

My daughter- 4 lbs. 5oz.

My son- 3 lbs. 9oz.

Seeing the twins are now 3 years old, my newest accomplishment is staying sane.  Just kidding! (Not really)  ;)

My kids received new bikes for their 3rd birthday. My husband used the garage this week as the construction zone to assemble the bikes with a little help from the twins. 

Shannon Soger, the Instructional Director and 1:1 Coordinator for our school district, wants to put together a one-of-a-kind conference coming in May of 2015.  She contacted some staff throughout the district to become the iLead Team, in hopes to gather support for obtaining resources and ideas, as well as organize the event overall.  Well, I was asked to participate and have accepted!  Looking forward to a great event hosted by our district!  More information will be posted throughout the year. ;)

I went to the zoo with my family, for what seemed like the first time for the kids (even though it was the 15th time this summer!), and came across some cute signs in the Bear Crossing- Great Bear Wilderness shop.  "Follow Your Heart" & "Keep It Simple" are great principles to live by, in my opinion. 

I added
"Rock and Roll"
because my husband's all about it!
&
"I'm A Happy Camper"
because we've successfully camped twice in 2 weeks!

Last, but not least, I had the opportunity to meet up with a respected and lovable friend for lunch yesterday.  She was my 2nd Grade partner way back when, as well as one of the Reading Specialists with me at my school.  She's moved on to become a remarkable Assistant Principal in another district, which is our loss.  In any case, we enjoyed some Asian cuisine at Stir Crazy and then were entertained by two promising fortunes found in our cookies.  I miss you, Gina! ;)

Colleen & Gina

Happy Friday everyone!