Iron Chef America

That's right, you read it right, we had Iron Chef America, Perez Quad Style, live in my kitchen on the day of Thanksgiving. How, you might ask, well let me tell you. Jeremy had to work nights on Thanksgiving, so he went to lay down around 10am, right after we had fed the babies. I on the other hand, had a lot of cooking to do to get ready to go over to Nonnie & Popo's for dinner. If you don't already know Haiden loves to cook, and watches cooking shows. Well when I am cooking he always wants to help, no biggy right? Also I should mention Kennedy is starting to want to help. This is where Iron Chef comes into play. The babies decided they were not going to hang out and play in the floor, there was just too much action going on in the kitchen, so I thought "OK I can do this, get them, put them in bumbo chairs on the counter and just keep cooking. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all, I now have ALL 6 kids in the kitchen wanting to help, and I am attempting to make Pecan Pie, Broccoli & cheese casserole, corn casserole, and chocolate delight (which let me inform you I have done a million times) but, with all my help somehow I couldn't even read the recipe to even begin the pecan pie, much less any of the other dishes. At this point the phone was ringing, babies yelling, big kids wanting to know when the cooking is going to start, and Daddy upstairs asleep, OH yes and dinner time was just a few hours away. It's funny when I watch Iron Chef none of this is ever going on, so I figure it only happens when you in the kitchen of Perez Party of 8. I decided to give the babies big spoons and spatulas to bang around, and the big kids pecans to start chopping, and me, well I just kept rereading the recipe and laughing. I at this point turn to everyone and say "O man I sure hope I am getting all the correct ingredients in each of these dishes, if not oh well, who else gets to have Iron Chef America live in their kitchen"

Needless to say, it all worked out, and everything was cooked and I even had time to change clothes and put a little make up on. All though I was seriously thinking that the ingredients on my face, may just have to pass for make up. Just kidding, I looked presentable for Thanksgiving. We had a great time cooking, and pretending we were:

LIVE, on IRON CHEF AMERICA

Now the real question is, can you tell who was Emeril, Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, Guy Fieri, or Sandra Lee?

1st Thanksgiving

Please tell me where has the time gone. I am sitting here not even believing that the babies are now 8 mos old TODAY. Who would have thought, that time would have flown by so fast? The last 8 mos have been the most exciting and sometimes trying times I think I have ever experienced, as side from Haidens years of headaches and brain surgeries. But as a great friend shared the scripture with me (that I now live by) " I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me" Boy, I am ever so glad she said that to me one day. I rely on it lots.

Now about the babies~~~ They are doing awesome! They have had there flu shots, 2 rounds of RSV (synagins) shots, and still happy healthy babies. We have been blessed in that area. Of course, I hope I didn't just jinx myself;)

Ella-OR Priss Ella or Lizard as we call her around here now. She is now smiling with her tongue pointed out like a lizard. She has now learned to blow raspberries when she eats, roll over both ways, gives kisses ( mouth wide open of course), and rocking back and forth on her knees. She is up to 15 lbs.

Cole- or Colie Olio is doing great as well. His smile will melt your heart for sure. He is jumping like a mad man in the jumparoo, he has finally quite scooting backwards and now gets on his knees and kind of hops forward. It is too funny. He also has this new thing where if you don't put his bottle in his mouth fast enough, he starts thrusting his pelvis up and down. If you remember he was the one in the NICU that would smile with his Elvis lip.

Cooper - or Coopie, Coops, toupie or cooper the trooper-is the official STEAM ROLLER, he rolls both ways as fast as lighting, he amazes us, He has just this week started getting up on his hands and knees and rocking. I think he figures why learn to crawl when you can roll where you need to go. I must say he has gotten better at eating, he doesn't think he has to stand on his head anymore to eat. Not sure what that was ever about. He is still the biggest, weighing in at 17 lbs. And to think, he almost did make it. He never ceases to amaze us.

Casen- or Tasen, mama's baby - Yes he is for sure a Mommy's boy. He figures he is the baby, and he wants everyone else to know that too. He is trying to push himself up from his tummy to a sitting position. He is about half way there. He is also on hands and knees, except he gets on hands and toes and then hops. Bless his heart, he keeps bumping his forehead every time he lands. He is the official RASPBERRY blower, but of course not until his mouth is full of food. I think I ought to go into business for myself, making food splattered clothing. I am sure you moms can appreciate that. Hey, at least we would already be in dress code for feeding babies. Ok, Ok, I am just kidding.

Before I forget to mention, they have offically started fighting over toys. I can only imagine what it will be like when they are totally mobile.

We all celebrated Thanksgiving at Jeremy's parents house with his family. Nana, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Mark, Auntie Ashley & Kelly, and Auntie Chelsea also joined us. It was great! We had good food, good times, and great memories. The babies hung out in there exersaucers and then went down for a nap. We did manage to get a family photo that day.

We had our first professional family photo shoot on Sunday, I will hopefully get to see some proofs and post them soon. Big huge "thank yous" go out to Popo, Nonnie, Auntie Heather, Gavin and Nana for helping us make that day as successful as possible. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so I am thinking it takes an ARMY to raise multiples. Or at least get them to and trough a photo shoot! Here are some pics for you to enjoy of our first Thanksgiving since the quads have been born.

Giving THANKS

I can't believe it will already be Thanksgiving. This is the time of year that we are to give thanks. So that is just what I plan on doing. First of all, I am so thankful for my family and friends, and if you know me I am not going to be that broad. I have to do some individual "thanks". I won't do an individual on everyone, but there are a few people that I need to thank personally.

To my husband & my world- I can't believe sometimes you chose me, to be your wife. I am one lucky girl. I am so thankful for all you do for me & our family. You are such a wonderful man and the best DADDY I know. I couldn't ask for more. This year has really been very interesting, and I am so glad I had you by my side for it all. I love you!

Haiden, Kennedy, Ella, Cole, Cooper & Casen- I am so thankful God chose me to be your mommy. I love you all so much. I hope someday you will get to be parents, and experience the same joy I have in raising such wonderful children. You have taught me patience, faith, happiness, trust, & most of all unconditional love.

To Nonnie & Popo-I could not ever thank you enough for all you have done for us. Not only this year, but all the time. You are such WONDERFUL & GENEROUS people. Jeremy and I will never be able to repay you two for all you have done. There aren't many people that would take on 6 kids at once all by themselves. My family & I are so lucky to have you in our lives as parents & grandparents. Nonnie, I am not going to know what to do when we don;t have to feed babies every morning at 6am, somehow I think we may be lost for a while. Popo, thank you for all the help with all the feedings & watching Haiden & Kennedy or the babies for us.

To Papa T & Nana- I am so thankful for you Nana in more ways than one. I can't think of one person that would sleep EVERY NIGHT for 3 MOS on my couch to help feed babies AROUND the clock, and then have to get up and go to work. Also thank you for the EXTRA times you have fed & watched the babies, so I could get stuff done. I am not sure there is another person that could get Cooper to eat the way you have. You truly are a very special person to me & my family. To you as well, what will we do at 6am, when the babies don;t have to be fed anymore that early. Although sleeping isn't such a bad idea. Dad, thank you for every meal you prepared for us during the pregnancy and after the babies where born. I don;t know what we would have done without you. Also thank you for giving up your time in the mornings to allow me to take Haiden & Kennedy to school everyday. It means so much to them, as well as it does me.

Papaw Martin & Mamaw- Mom, thank you for coming and staying a month with the kids & me in the hospital, when I was put on bed rest in the hospital, and taking care of Haiden & Kennedy, the house, Jeremy and me. I know that was a long time to have to be away from home, we are so grateful for it. It was such a huge relief knowing I didn't have to worry about things at home or Haiden & Kennedy. Thank you for also staying and taking me back and forth to the NICU. Papaw, thank you for sharing your wife with us for such a long period of time. I can only imagine how much you missed her while she was gone.

Papaw Fuller & Grammy- Thank you for the BIG HUGE expedition. I can't tell you how great it is to know that we can all go somewhere as a family in one vehicle. Also thank you for all of the clothes, and many other things you have done for us. I could never repay you. You are the best grandparents & great-grandparents anyone could ever ask for. I love you more than you will ever know.

Ashley- Thank you for always being there. From day one of the pregnancy you were a savior, and staying with me in the hospital, and bringing me La Madeline LOL Thank you for giving up your time with Kelly to spend night after night with me and sleeping in a recliner to help feed babies around the clock, and then having to work all day. Not to mention all of the other feedings you have been her for. Also thank you for being the best sister and Aunt a person could ever ask for. I am not sure there are words to describe it, I can only hope I will be able to repay you someday.

Heather-Thank you for always being there for our family. Your the best auntie & sister a person could ever ask for. I don't many people that would give up their lunch time EVERYDAY for months to feed babies (and go back to work smelling of vomit), and give up nights and weekends to help with the babies. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. ( I am just saying) LOL I had to throw something funny in there, because I know how much you DON:T DO mushy. :)

Tammie, Christie & Kendra-thank you for the wonderful friendship we all share. I am one lucky girl. Also thank you so much for everything you all did during and after the pregnancy. Even giving up that BIG BONUS to be with me as I gave birth to the babies, even if it did call for margaritas at Pappasitos. Giving up your time with your own family to help out with mine. It's priceless. Thank you for all of the summer feedings and meals you prepared. I am not sure I could ever repay you all. I know there are a hundred other thank yous, but I wanted to list a few. I love you.

Nauntie-Thank you for staying with me in the hospital, and helping out with the babies when they came home from the hospital. We couldn't have done it without you. Also thank you for always being there for me, you have taught me a lot of life lessons, that I value greatly.

Aunt Debbie-You ROCK!!. Thank for you all the help with dinner, the house, babies, staying with us, watching the babies for me and our weekly visits. You are wonderful. I am so glad I have the chance to become so much closer to you. I love you Martha Sr. HAHA

Kohfeldt Faculty & Staff- thank you for the support during and after the pregnancy. The meals you delivered to our family were a huge blessing, and appreciated more than you realize. Also thank you so much for the diapers you give us weekly. I can't tell you how much it means to us.
Nana Shelia- Our ANGEL, we love you. I never thought I would have someone to keep the babies & feed them all by themselves. It's a big job, and I am so glad we have you who is willing to volunteer to do it. I love watching how the babies light up when they see you. We could never repay you.

This is certainly not all you have all done for us, but I really wanted to take time to say Thank You especially since the QUADS have been born & the season of "giving thanks".

PS: I know these pics are old, but I love them and wanted to post them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

1st Halloween

Happy Halloween

Quads 1st Halloween

As you can see from the second picture, Ella was not having any part of playing Piglet. Casen was Tigger, Cole was Pooh, and Cooper was Eeyore. Poor Ella was not a happy camper, but the rest of the babies loved the cameras flashing in their faces. OF course with it being RSV season, we really didn't go Trick or Treating. Since the babies go to bed at 6pm, they were sound asleep in the car on the way to Nonnie & Popo's house. We had a good time, and the big kids ended up with TONS of candy.

Pick your favorite pumpkin!!!!!!!!!

We had some fun with the babies the other night. We took these super cute pumpkins pics of them. They were so funny. So go ahead ...... TRY and pick your favorite pumpkin. But if your like me there is just no way to pick one, because of course they are all perfect pumpkins.

Cooper " Ok guys smile quick and then its over"

Cole" How's this mom for a smile?"

Casen "What? She can't be serious, wanting us to

smile while stuffed in a pumpkin"

Ella "Sorry guys, this chick is over it!"

Love,

Brandy

I will post Halloween pics soon......

Better Late......Than Never!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been so bad about updating the blog. But I have an excuse, between construction in my living room and kitchen, and the babies being awake more, I just haven't got around to it. Forgive Please.

I know you want updates on the babies, at their 6mos check up, Dr. Binder said everyone was looking good. Cole is being lazy, so they are going to get him evaluated and see if he needs any physical therapy. From what I am told, it is one of those preemie things. Ella, Casen and Cole are all up on their hands and knees rocking back and forth. Casen on the other hand has moved a little, but No official crawling yet. Cooper is such a chunk, he is having a hard time figuring out how to get his belly off the ground. Everyone is rolling over from belly to back. They are really loving the exersaucers. We have started baby food. They are doing great with it, that is until you put plastic bibs on them, then all they want to do is eat the bib. So it is back to cotton bibs, even if they get all stained up. We are using a lot of shout around here to say the least. We have been through all of the veggies, and this weekend will start fruits. We will see how that goes. I have to say the funniest thing when Casen is eating, he wants to lick the spoon like a puppy likes water from a bowl. We laugh so hard at him, then he starts laughing. Everyone is cooing up a storm. Ella has even learned to blow raspberries. There is nothing better than having baby food blown in your face, while feeding babies. I have decided that maybe i should event a baby food make up line.

Anyway, the biggest problem we are having is that Casen & Cooper are rolling over on their backs at night and waking themselves up. The only way they go back to sleep is to be flipped back over. So I am all open to any suggestions anyone has on how to stop them from rolling over and waking themselves up in the middle of the night. Even worse is they are starting to do it at nap time too.

RSV LOCKDOWN- isn't going as bad as I thought it would be. Since they are still small and take 2 naps a day, it isn't so bad. We are getting ready for Halloween. I have all of their costumes put together and ready. I will post pics of them soon. They are going to be soooo stinking cute. We are trying to get to the pumpkin patch before it is to late, but just haven't made it there yet.

We had pictures made of the babies, that was an adventure in itself. First of all the scheduled appt. ended up running 2 hrs behind, so I had 4 fussy babies on board. Not very fun. The people there had NO IDEA what to do with quads, so the pics were not so great. I got two of the same pose but different outfits. Let's not forget to mention Casen fell off the table, thank goodness we had 1 adult per baby there and he was caught in mid air. That is when I decided I was done and we left. NO going back there, especially since I called 2wks in advance and told them I had 6mo old QUADS!!!! I guess they didn't get the message. So we are going to try again at a different place. Wish us luck.

Here are the weight & height updates:

Ella 13lbs 13oz 23in long

Cole 14lbs 1oz 241/4 in long

Cooper 15lbs 3oz 24in long

Casen 13lbs 7oz 24in long

A Day to NEVER forget - Quads Baptism

We have been trying to get the babies baptized now for about 2 mos. You may be wondering why it could take so long to plan this type of event. Well lets just say that their were so many people that wanted and needed to be there that are shift workers, and did I mention not on the same shift. So that was a major problem, plus we had family coming from out of town. Well after some planning, a hurricane, godparents to pick and stress of their outfits (that's a whole another story, will get to that in a minute) we had a date and time. I am all about tradition, so with that being said, I wanted the babies to wear outfits that had been used at other baptisms. Ella wore her Auntie's dress, that her big sister had also worn. Cole wore his Uncle Brian's outfit. Cooper wore his cousin Gavin's outfit, shoes and socks were his big brothers. Casen wore his Daddy's outfit, that his big brother also used. Our next problem is everyone had a hat to wear except Coop, so we borrowed cousin Ernie's. Ella borrowed Kylee's hair bow instead wearing a hat. Now that we finally had outfits all figured out, we had to plan the luncheon that would follow the baptism. We had thought about going out to eat, but we are right in the heart of RSV season, and that would have made the babies miss another nap. So we decided on a luncheon at our house. It was perfect, we had great food, and a beautiful cake that was a cross, with 3 blue flowers and a pink flower.

Now, for the baptism. We got up at 6am to feed the babies as normal, put them down for the am nap and finished getting everything ready for the luncheon. We got the babies dressed, the funny part was that none of the boys shoes fit, so we had to stuff their shoes with tissues paper. We could not stop laughing. Oh, yeah right as we were walking out the door Ella filled her diaper, so we had to go back and change her. Then it was off to the church.

We get all seated at church and Cooper decided it was his turn to fill his diaper. So Daddy gets up and has to go change him. Now lets not forget to mention that the service was right in the middle of feeding time, so we covered the babies in blankets, and the person feeding them in a blanket, just in case someone decided to hurl everywhere, but thankfully Ella waited until after she was baptized to puke. We also laughed, because everyone that was sitting behind the babies, said all you could hear was this continous patting sound, while the babies were being burped.

The service was beautiful, the babies did such a great job, and where great at church. Cole was the only one that started to cry when they were pouring the water on his head. It could not have gone more perfect. The babies even ended up napping a little, except Cooper.

Jeremy and I really want to express our gratitude to the godparents and our family. The baptism would not have been possible without the love, support, and willingness of everyone.

Ella's godparents are Tammie and Matt. Cole's godparents are Kenny and Christie. Cooper's godparents are Auntie Ashley and Ernie. And last but not least Casen's godparents are Yvonne and Ernie. This day just reminds us of how blessed we are, and we continue to thank God.