early Christmas celebrations

This year, we are spending Christmas with the Hughes'. So James and I hosted my family for an early Christmas celebration on Monday, December 21st. We had our time together to open presents and eat lunch before some extended family had to leave to continue their holiday travel. It was a special time and I'm thankful for getting the chance to have Christmas together!


By mid-afternoon, we were joined by James' parents for a fun evening trip to Salado. We did a little Christmas shopping, ate dinner at the Stagecoach Inn, and then drove to see a Christmas lights drive-thru display called Nature In Lights. It had everything lit up, from gingerbread houses to reindeer watersurfing. The absolute best part was the finale when you drove through a long tunnel of chasing colored lights - a dizzy experience, but none-the-less amazing.

painting PINK on Graduation Day

Since the moment we learned that our twins are girls, we switched our thinking from blue to pink! I am not one who is immediately drawn to lots of pink, so it definitely has been a growing process for me. Honestly, it's hard to look past the color and not think Pepto Bismol.

Within a day's time, we found the perfect bedding for our girls. And exactly a week later, a big box from Pottery Barn Kids was in my living room - two Brooke Nursery Bedding Sets. Thank you Grammy and Grandaddy Hughes!

Here's a picture of the girls' room (a huge transformation just to have it cleaned out and no longer used as our study). James had prepped it and was ready to begin priming.

We picked out our colors and have decided to paint a pink/white/green stripe combination. James has worked so hard and diligently on this room. He painted Friday night and again on Saturday. However, Saturday just so happened to be the day of his Masters in Education Administration graduation ceremony at Lamar University - he had already decided not to walk, but somehow his special day turned into a painting project. By the look on his face, I dont know which accomplishment he is more proud of: a Masters degree or painting his daughters' room?

2 girls and 2 doctors

We had two doctor's appointments this past week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Our Wednesday visit was for a routine ultrasound with a multiples birth specialist. Both appointments went well - and both were very encouraging! The specialist said both girls look healthy and there are no current concerns. He was pleased with their activity level, their growth size (1 lb 5 oz and 1 lb 6 oz respectively), the amount of fluid in their sacs, and that the membrane separating the girls is still in tact. He jokingly said that they are still girls - I dont know what I would have done if he said differently! Screamed? or cried? but I'm thankful for no new surprises, and for their good health. God has taken care of all 3 of us throughout this pregnancy, and I have faith that He will continue the good work that He has so graciously and mercifully begun.

21 weeks at Thanksgiving

It was really refreshing to be with family for the holidays. We enjoyed good conversations, great-tasting holiday food, and much needed rest.

The day before Thanksgiving, we got to watch my brother, Robert, play at his HS basketball game. The girls were awake and moving the entire game - with every sound of the buzzer, one or both would kick and push. I think the girls were either having their own basketball game in my belly, or they were learning how to be cheerleaders for Uncle Robert. Either way, these girls are active!

It never fails that as I am lying down to go to sleep, the girls wake up and start moving around. That night as I laid down on my right side, Twin B started kicking - it was as though she was saying "Mom, you're squishing me!" As I flipped to the left side, Twin B stopped her kicking.... and Twin A's kicking began. It was as though she was saying, "Now you're squishing me, Mom!" How do I make these girls both happy? I flipped back to the right side and thankfully, she stopped... sweet dreams girls.

Every day, I realize how active these girls are. It's a crazy feeling to have 2 bodies moving around in my belly - 8 limbs, 2 heads and 2 bottoms. I cant wait to kiss their little hands and feet and one day, tell them all these stories from their time in the womb.

I'm falling behind on my updates! 13-18 weeks

Here are a few pictures to temporarily (hopefully) catch us all up to date...

13 weeks

15 weeks

On November 6th (18 weeks pregnant), we went to the parenatologist for our ultrasound and to find out the gender of the twins. Once again, we were shocked... identical twin girls! After being convinced from dreams and those gut feelings I had, I was completely speechless when the doctor told us the news. That seems to be a trend in this pregnancy - shocked and speechless. We cant assume anything in this pregnancy because God has plans that are higher and bigger than we could imagine. We quickly started to think pink and have since become very excited about having 2 girls. They will be loved well - and will melt Daddy's heart with their cuteness and pigtails!

9 weeks

Emotions ran high and low for a few days after learning of our twin pregnancy. Thankfully, we were surrounded with the love and support of family and friends to encourage us, pray for us, and remind us that this is a good thing! My family also came to visit that weekend and they "spoiled" me with lots of love and gifts. It was a wonderful time together!

And yes, I do have a "baby bump" showing, but it's a bit harder to see in this picture. I'm amazed at how quickly my belly is growing!

a double portion of JOY

Welcome to what may be the easiest way for me to send out updates on our family’s life happenings. This is an email that I sent out about 4 weeks ago after our first visit to the doctor. More updates to come soon!

James and I wanted to share some exciting news with each of you and let you know that… we’re having a baby!
Well, actually it’s not just one baby but two! that’s right – TWINS! shocked?! because we are too!
We went to the doctor yesterday and she confirmed that I am 9 weeks along, due April 5th. However, during the ultrasound, we clearly saw two babies and two heartbeats. It was completely unexpected as James and I are unaware of twins in our families.
I am doing well and enjoying being pregnant. No major morning sickness, just mainly days of being tired. I feel blessed to be doing this well during my 1st trimester, especially knowing now that I’m carrying twins.
Needless to say, we are very excited (and full of emotions!) about adding TWO little Hughes to our family!


“Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.” Isaiah 61:7