Meet Coal..

Meet Coal....We brought a scared puppy home last night. Today, he is jumping and playing in his new yard. We were trying to decide on a name on the way home from getting him, when we crossed "Coal Creek." I said "Coal" to Brad, figuring he wouldn't like it. But he smiled and said that he liked the name. He is an adorable black lab, a big guy for 8 weeks old. It was a smile I haven't seen on Brad's face for quite a while.

We had been talking about getting a new dog since right after we lost Scottie in January. I sat down in the row in Sunday school day before yesterday, and a couple in the class was showing a flyer on their pups to the couple next to me. I quickly asked for the flyer and took it to Brad after Sunday school. He was very interested and called them that night. So last night, we went over to get Coal. This is a good reminder that God is faithful to us in even small areas, like a new pet. The kids are very excited about him, and I they are already working on bonding with the pup, kinda "early" this morning! (Yawn for mommy.)

I think I like my new home!

so tired! He doesn't even care as Grammy holds up his paw for a picture!

Happy Mother's day

I got home from work at about 2 am to find two beautiful homemade Mother's day cards on the table, with a dish of my favorite sugar free candy and peanuts (my girls definitely know my snacking habits!) I feel very blessed today already.
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I have always loved Faith Hill's song "You can't lose me." However, this song became very special to me after my girls were born. When my girls were very tiny and in seperate hospital NICUs, I knew that God was taking care of them, and I didn't even need to be there. Even so, I hated when I couldn't be with them. Even now, I don't like to be away from them for too long. I remember singing this song to Paige the first time they let me hold her. I wanted her to know that even when I couldn't be by her side, I loved her and was there for her. This song always comes back to me on mothers day. For some reason, it also makes me think of my own mother, and what an encouragement she has been to me. I always want my mother to know how much I love her, and how just like my girls, she can't lose me either! Happy mothers day mom!

(trey bruce, thom mchugh)

A little girl, a little small for her age

A little too slow for the field day race

Momma’s waiting at the finish line

And wipes the teardrops from her eyes

She says, you did just fine honey, that’s okay

Sometimes life’s just that way

You’re gonna lose the race from time to time

But you’re always gonna find

You can’t lose me

Bet your life

I am here and I will always be

Just a wish away

Wherever you go

No matter how far

My love is where you are

You won’t be lost if you believe

You can’t lose me

Momma use to say girl it won’t be long’til it’s time to go out on your own

Chase your dreams find your place in life

I know you’ll do just fine

When that day finally came

There were things she needed to but could not say

So I whispered softly as I wiped

The tears from momma’s eyes

You can’t lose me

Bet your life

I am here and I will always be

Just a wish away

Wherever I go

No matter how far

My love is where you are

You won’t be lost if you believe

You can’t lose me

babysitting today

Kids are such fun!!

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Paige, Isaiah,Peyton,Elijah

Paige and Peyton

Paige

Elijah

Isaiah

A work in progress

I am trying to add my picture to my username. I am choosing a picture that one of my girls took. It is outside, I am not dressed up, and there are toys behind me. So it is definitely to real me! I hope that this works.

Also, I am trying to put some baby pics of the girls on the blog. My scanner gets just a bit closer to working every time I try it. Now it scans, but no picture appears. I will need to ask a computer savvy friend to help me out! (any takers???)

Milestone anniversary..

Six years ago today, Brad and I brought our tiny daughters home from the hospital. Not generally a celebrated day, what with most babies coming home within a few days of their births. However, if you think about it, it is one of the most significant days in your life. For us, it was the day we were waiting for, and yet the day we dreaded. Our daughters were exactly 9 weeks old, and still 3 weeks shy of their due date. Paige weighed in at 3 pounds 15 ounces, and Peyton was the "big" baby at 4 pounds 1 ounce. That old story that babies must weight 5 pounds was proved to be untrue. Good thing, or they would have been in there for several more weeks! It was a pretty spring day. My sister Jamie and I went over to Champaign early so that we could go to target and get a few things we needed. Brad would get off early, and come over for infant CPR training, as well as training on the apnea monitors (our friends and our worst enemy, those machines!).

We were nervous and excited. One definite advantage that we had was that we knew our babies by now. After all, we had been able to learn about them for over 2 months, and still go home almost every night. I have since seen my friends bring home 2 day old babies, and often wondered what that would be like, to bring home this new person you knew pretty much nothing about!

Paige had only been taking feedings by mouth for about a week, and she had just come off of the oxygen. The skin around her eyes was still bluish. She was still very "puffy" from steroids. This gave her the illusion of being "fat" next to scrawny Peyton, even though Peyton was heavier. I could tell their cries apart, because Paige was still "hoarse" from having the tube in her throat to help her breath for so many weeks. Peyton came home on medication, literally caffeine drops, to remind her to breath.

Anyway, I thought it was the end of the most difficult period in our lives. I was wrong. The coming weeks were half magical, half crazed. I am thankful for a helpful husband, sister, parents, inlaws and friends. Without them, there would have been no sleep, and much less joy in time with my babies.

The last few years have held many changes for our family. We have been blessed by God to watch our girls flourish and grow. God has protected them, they have been healthy. There are only a few small physical signs of those months left. Now, I am thoroughly enjoying my days with my two kindergartners. They are smart, polite, funny and beautiful. (I am not biased or anything.) Here are a few pictures of us enjoying another spring day, much like the one on which they first came home to us 6 years ago.

Paige and me
Paige and her bicycle

Peyton copying pages from a book

Rainy day...

Today was a cold rainy day in Illinois. This is not terribly unusual, but since it has been nice for the past week, I took it as a sign that it was a great day to clean. I enlisted the aid of the girls, and we cleaned the toy room first. Thankfully, there was little complaint in their working. By the time daddy came home, they were pround and ready to show off all they accomplished. Of course in that room, seeing the floor was an accomplishment! Today I was never asked, "Do you think we are Cinderella's?" This did happen a few weeks ago. Very funny that my daughter would ask me that question. They are just starting to catch on that I only bothered to carry them and then care for them at babyhood so that I had someone to fold dish towels!

All dressed up!

Busy Sundays! I won't even get started on how much fun it has been teaching junior church to 4 and 5 yr olds! We discovered today that there is a fifth Sunday this month, so we will yet again be at the mercy of the kids next week. Our two girls have now graduated into the 6-9 year old section of Children's church. So now, Brad and I are hanging out with 14-18 kids, none of which belong to us. Yesterday, we escaped early to attend the baby dedication for Nathan. Brad's brother Brock and his wife Amie attended our church for the event (right hand side), here is a shot of all of us. Brad, me and our girls; Brad's sister Brittany, and her husband Paul, their kids Lauren, Brookelyn and Nathan. In the middle in the back are my in-laws, Steve and Marie.




Peyton and Paige in their Easter dresses last week (yes, I know the shoes are a bit small yet)!

cousins...

First picture of all the kids together. Paige, Brookelyn, Nathan, Lauren, and Peyton. Go ahead, feel very sorry for that poor little boy with all those girls!

Happy 30th birthday (if that is possible)..

Brad and his favorite activity, wakeboarding (me and my summer pics)
Brad Thornsbrough is now officially 30 years old! As his wife, I can be pleased by this because I passed this milestone a year and a half ago. He is someone that has only gotten better looking with each passing year, so 30 shouldn't bother him a bit. Brad wanted to have just an regular Monday the day of his birthday, so we did that. I did make sure that I made one of his favorite dinners.
When Brad was born ( wasn't around, but I have heard stories and seen pictures) he was huge! I mean, drive the car home from the hospital huge! Brad weighed 11 pounds 9 1/2 ounces (his mother stresses that las 1/2 ounce, it must have been the deal breaker that made him her final offspring ;) .
I have been been blessed to have been in Brad's life since before his 15th birthday. (yes I was present when he began driving legally, and I still stuck around, I am sure my nail marks are still in that car dash somewhere.) Brad's celebrated day being in late March is somewhat of a problem because any party or activity planned is usually overshadowed by March Madness. Over the years I have learned to accept that as his birthday plans of choice.

sleepyheads..

I thought they would LIKE watching Lady and the Tramp! Apparently it bored them to sleep! This rare event was very cute, until I tried to wake them in time to get to Wednesday night church.

My sweet girls!!

Paige and Peyton

this week...

Paige and Peyton in the YMCA locker room before tumbling class, Monday
Peyton hold her new cousin Nathan for the first time, Tuesday
Paige hold her new cousin Nathan for the first time, Tuesday

Notice in the picture, a nice large bandage to Peyton's finger. This is because she thoroughly smashed it in the door at the YMCA on Tuesday night. The bandage is large, because she keeps working her dressing loose. Don't be alarmed if in furthur pics, her hand is taped to her chest! Abby came to babysit because I had a class for work all day Wednesday and half Thursday, here is Abby, Paige and Peyton

Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday

Today is the 4th anniversary for my brother and sister-in-law, Brock and Amie. This picture, taken at P& P's birthday bash is a rare picture of them together, since Brock is gone singing so much!

Happy Birthday Poppa! This is a picture taken at the girls' party, with my dad holding his great-nephew, Isaiah. Tonight is a family dinner out to celebrate. I am sure he is excitedly awaiting his new socks and power tools!

Welcome Nathan!

Nathan Edward was born today! He weighed in at 7 pounds 9 ounces. Nathan was born by c-section with no complications and appears to be a very healthy baby! The family is blessed, and we are thankful for another healthy baby.

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Brittany (mom), Brookelyn, Lauren (big sisters), Aunt Amie, and Nana (Marie)

Paul (Daddy) and me, ready to go into delivery!

Baby Nathan, just a few minutes old in the nursery! Hi Aunt Sandy!

Lauren, Nathan and Brookelyn, for the first time

Not your average day..

Today, I get to do something a bit different and exciting at the hospital. (which for an ER nurse is next to impossible). I hav going to be video taping the birth of my first nephew! I have been the designated videographer for my sister-in-law's last two births also. I believe that this is due to my decreased likelyhood of vomiting or fainting, and has nothing to do with my video skills. (bring on the dramamine for all who watch :) Sorry, I doubt their will be any footage brought back to the blog, but I will try to get a few still shots of the little guy to post. Be back later with an update. I am fairly certain it will be this evening, since this is a planned c-section at noon!

Happy 6th Birthday P & P!!

As of 11:09 and 11:10 tonight, by babies will be 6 years old! While life before them seems forever ago, it is still hard to believe that they are this old. Kindergarten is drawing to a close, and milestones are giving way to daily learning and maturing. You know, the gradual kind that leaves you wondering how they went to spelling "Thornsbrough" to impress their birthday guests, to signing it (or some other last name :) to their checks!

If you care to read on, here is a short version of Peyton and Paige's birth. I had been in the hospital in early January for 6 days, home for a month, and went back again in eary February. After being in the hospital for over two weeks the second time, I felt like it could go on for a while. We had set goals for putting off the birth. 36 weeks seemed impossible, so 34 weeks was a goal I had set. That would have been mid April. But the first important goal to meet was to make it to 28 weeks. 28 weeks is a huge achievement that makes a difference in how well a preemie does. When I was first hospitalized, I was 20 weeks, not even compatible with life. The second time, 25 1/2 weeks, a time when major complications are more likely, God again allowed the labor to be stopped. I was given a great deal of grace and peace from God that my girls were going to do well. Early Friday morning, February 25, I was awoken by my water breaking. Labor did not start, so I was placed on antibiotics and closer monitoring. Several hours later, an ultrasound would reveal adequate fluid levels even in the one ruptured water sac. The wait continued, but not for long. That evening, Brad and I were watching TV, and what must have been the other sac ruptured. This time, labor began and was not stoppable. From there, labor progressed quickly and Peyton was nearly born before the c-section could be done (necessary because Baby B was breech). So Peyton Amanda (2 pound 6 1/2 ounces) and Paige Elizabeth (2 pound 5 1/2 ounces) were born by c-section while I was under general anesthesia. We brought them home exactly 9 weeks later, 3 weeks before their due date. We had a rollercoaster ride in three seperate NICU's before it was over, but we were and still are incredibly blessed by their good health.

Fun at the Circus

The girls enjoyed an evening out at the circus last night. Paige, Peyton and cousins Brookelyn and Lauren are smiling for the camera below.
Peyton at the front of the elephant, with Lauren Brookelyn, Paige and other children behind. Looks like a fun ride to me!

Happy Valentine's Day from P & P

Peyton and Paige are dressed in their pink and purple and headed to the circus tonight! Brad and I had planned to take them tommorrow night, since I have to work tonight. My sisters-in-law Amie and Brittany offered to take them tonight along with my two nieces. I am sorry not to see the kids enjoy their first circus, but I know they will have a great time with their cousins! Maybe there will be some good pics of them there to post. Anyway, this is pose time after getting ready to go. Almost 6 and they look so grown up! The view from Baltic Drive today is a pretty cute one!Sandy

Bithday pictures..at least what I have so far..

A few weeks from the 6th birthday bash, and it is time to get "birthday pictures." I am very cheap about going to get them professionally done, so I often try to do it myself. Last year this worked great, we will see this year. I have to have something that i think is good enough to blow up for my wall. For any shocked mothers, I will hire a professional photographer when senior pictures and weddings come along, don't worry!! I just can't get over how grown up they are looking.

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Peyton Amanda (almost) 6 years old

Paige Elizabeth (not bad with the head coverup) almost 6 yrs old

A future in hair dressing...or not??

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My daughter Paige is quite good with scissors. I bought both girls safety scissors a few years ago, and Paige needed very little instructions. She is very good at staying along the lines and cutting carefully. This is a far cry from her mother at her age. I stick to my "left handed" excuse, which somehow excuses my bad handwriting, too. Peyton's cutting isn't quite as good, I think it is lack of patients, but she is getting there. Especially now that she has to cut things for her sister. This is because Paige is grounded from any kind of scissors right now. There is a very good reason for this mean mom decision. Paige cut her own hair for the second time this week. The first time wasn't too bad, but we made sure she knew how unacceptable it was. This time, she climbed up on my sink and used actual hair scissors to create a lovely bald spot right in front. I discovered the evidence before I saw the finished product. I didn't call for the girls to come and see me, I just said "Paaaaiiige!!" I actually had to leave the house and go for a drive after seeing it. Paige was mortified, and very embarrassed, which might be the best possible punishment. So yesterday, I went "headband shopping." So in all pictures for the next year or so, people will think that I am having flashbacks to Olivia Newton John's "physical" video! Anyway, I think the bald spot, is sort of hid by the band, but maybe I am just trying to make myself feel better. The view from Baltic Drive today is the top of Paige's head, literally. Sandy