Freedom (in the form of a Stroller)

Have I mentioned lately how grateful I am for our hand-me-down Runabout Stroller? (Thanks again, Schleper Fam!)

It spells F-R-E-E-D-O-M for our family. Not only this July 4th Holiday, but all year round! =)

Especially now that we have the hitch for the back of the van to transport it!

Where has our Runabout taken us lately?

~The Zoo
~Chipotle (all in one day)
~Target

~Walk in the Park (by myself, whoohoo!)

I'm working on beating my time for loading the stroller on the hitch, strapping it down, carrying out kids, strapping them in their car seats, and pulling out of the driveway. I think I might be clearing the 10 minute mark.

I have to psych myself up for taking the boys out by myself, but it gives me a rush afterwards, like I can conquer anything that comes my way. Everest, here I come! Plus, I usually reward myself in some way after I've accomplished a successful outing. Yesterday it was a frozen lemonade from The 'Bucks.

It also makes me feel a little bit more like a "normal" mom when I can do things that other SAHMs (Stay @ Home Moms) do.

Brad and I are really striving to have as normal of a family life as possible with our boys. Yes, we have quadruplets, but we aren't letting it stop us from experiencing life to the fullest.

It just takes a little more effort, preparation, and definitely more patience. =) AND DIAPERS! =)

The LAST Divine Secret of the Quad-Quad (Quad, Quad) Sisterhood

DAY 3

On Saturday the boys hit the golf course, while the girls had some "bonding time". (Right, girls?)

Here's a little video of the guys goofing off on the last hole. (I'll give them credit...They are a tad BETTER than this!!!)

Brad and I took the window of opportunity to take a date night for our last night in Tahoe. We took a long drive along the lake, ate some fantastic grub, and enjoyed some outstanding scenery off the beaten path......

The night ended once again with late late night conversation, games, and more stomach hurting, unable to breathe laughter.

DAY 4

Our final day was a quick morning of goodbyes as we all went our separate ways back to home. It was bittersweet as we were all so anxious to see our babies, yet not wanting our time to come to a close with these awesome friends whom we felt so attached to....

Chris, Mari, Conor, Gen, Joe, and Suz:

Thank you for a such a memorable weekend shared in the company of friends. We love and value each of you and look forward to a lifetime of friendship. (Incredibly cheesy? YES! Heartfelt? ABSOLUTELY.)

Related Posts:

Divine Secrets of the Quad-Quad (Quad, Quad) Sisterhood

MORE Divine Secrets of the Quad-Quad (Quad, Quad) Sisterhood

YET MORE Divine Secrets of the Quad-Quad (Quad, Quad) Sisterhood

More of what you really come to our blog for (THE BOYS) coming soon....

Little Swimmers...

In case we don't make the cut for the USA Men's Gymnastics Olympic Team (See Video) we've got swimming as a solid possibility. We've already got the speedoish swim diapers...now we need to just work a bit on technique and decreasing splash, thus increasing speed.

If only cuteness could score points...

Henry

Clark

Brooks

Isaac

By the way, we tried out the picnic table for lunch before our swim and it turned out rather nicely. The boys stayed put to eat their meal and then swam off the calories. Hose down the table and call it a day! However, I did find two pieces of English muffin floating in the pool, but we were pea free (notice spelling)!

(Left to Right/Top to Bottom): Isaac, Brooks, Clark, Henry with their cream cheese mouths

Thanks to Aunt Kristy and Uncle Ryan for giving us the pool for our birthday present! The gift that keeps on splashing! =)

This Baby's Got Moves!

We aren't certain where Henry learned these sweet moves.
Some say he dances like his daddy....
Others like his grandpa...
I think it's his own original style.

Don't miss his graceful wipe out techinique....CLASSIC!

(Pardon my shaking camera. I couldn't contain my laughter to hold the camera still. You can't hold it back either, right?)

Look Who's Walking 2!

I've needed to post this for a while now.... (Check out pro-walker Brooks in the background.)

He's soooooo proud of himself and LOVES the attention. He's up to about 7-10 steps this week. So what do his parents have to say??????

"It's about time, Henry!!!!!!!"

Afterall you've been climbing this for months..

And then there's this...

Even this...

Welcome to the world of WALKING, Henry! Why don't you give your climbing gene a rest for a while, k?

(Clark and Isaac are neck in neck for who's next. Soooo close - I'll keep ya posted!)

Related Post: Brooks' First Steps

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: The Final Chapter

Our Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation Video Series is finally coming to a close! Shewwww! Thank goodness there's no upcoming Disney World, Grand Canyon, etc. vacations in the near future! It's taken me 3 weeks to blog about a 4 day weekend! =) However, I have enjoyed sharing our "Ventures" with you and hope you've taken a little humor and pleasure in our amusements!

Here it is the Final Episode. (My apologies for my lack of coherency and to any Walgreens employees.)

We received our new van on Monday night from DEAR DEAR friends who made us an incredible offer on their 2004 Honda Odyssey. We are have already become Ody enthusiast! Guess we'll have to join the Ody Club! (Yes, it does exist.) Special thanks to the Brunings and to Brad's parents for letting us borrow their vans while we were in transition.

Our favorite features, which are unique to us as quad parents, are that we can fit 3 car seats across the back row (meaning for the first time we could actually carry an additional passenger + much easier access for "locking and loading") and there's enormous rear storage for the wagon and all of the quad gear! Yesterday was the boys first ride in it, complete with frozen custard from Ritter's to celebrate! God truly provided for our needs and we praise Him for orchestrating all the details!

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Memorable Moments in Music City

If you're new to these episodes you gotta start....

Here...

Then Here...

Then Here...

And Finally Here.

In an effort to start wrapping up this great Ad-"Venture" here are some of my favorite pics from the 4 day event, and then a video montage to follow (since I had to keep with the "video" theme). In case you are wondering, many of these were taken at the Gaylord Opryland Resort which is a MUST see when in Music City.

Just The 17 of Us

Yet Another Failed Attempt to Get a "Perfect" Family Photo

Taking a Dip in the Fountain

Gotta Love the Shots from Behind

Make sure to listen to the lyrics of "Broken" by Jack Johnson....(Ironically, this CD was playing in the van during our break down.)

Stay Tuned for the Grand Finale and the Revealing of our NEW VAN to be delivered to the Murray Casa Tomorrow!!!!

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: "Reserved Room for the Griswolds, Please"

Start Here...
Prequel

Sequel I

Sequel II

After our "Griswold Moment" we hit the road for another 3 hour tour. We were more than relieved to pull up to The Residence Inn in Brentwood, TN (just south of Nashville). Regardless of being 4 hours late, we still beat my parents and sister + her family down, and were able to pull off the surprise.

Here's a peak at our BIG surprise. They were so shocked that the door slams on them! Hilarious! I think the boys were just as surprised with all the commotion.

I think they're shaking to another 50 Years!

Next Episode: "Memorable Moments in Music City"

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice

If You Haven't Already, Read The Prequel and the First Sequel Before Reading Further....

Let me set the scene for this next episode of Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation. Things were going quite smoothly on the first leg of the trip. The boys even took a 45 minute nap and the peaceful view looked like this:

HOWEVER, as we neared Lebanon Junction, KY (about 3 hours from home)the van went from an accelerating 70mph to 0 in a matter of seconds. God truly protected us as Brad was able to coast directly onto an exit ramp and into a gas station parking lot with absolutely no power. What does Jen do to keep from going into a panicked cardiac arrest? Turn on the video camera, of course!

7 Blessings and Provisions from this "Venture":

1. God's protection in an engine failing situation.

2. We were able to get the one mini-van rental left in the 50 mile radius, due to the Kentucky Derby. The first rental company we called had only a Ford Focus left on their lot (uh, definitely not "Quadmobile" material), the next was completely out, and the last had just gotten a cancellation for a Toyota Sienna. Coincidence? Nope, I don't believe in them!

3. My brother and his family were less than 10 minutes from the exit where we broke down when we called them to find out if they had even left Indiana yet. He was able to help us unload, reattach the overhead luggage carrier, reload, and hold babies while we transferred the car seats. It was an ENORMOUS blessing to have his help and to see a familiar face during an uncertain situation. (I should have videoed this part, but I must have been too caught up in the major shiftaroo!)

4. The semi-truck service station graciously took a look at our van, correctly pronounced the van "dead upon arrival", and allowed us to unload our Venture and reload our rental van under their garage during the downpour.

5. The Hertz Rental Company in Elizabethtown treated us with true southern hospitality. Due to our extreme circumstances, they made an exception and picked us up from our stranded location. Maurice, our driver, was able to refer us to a trusted place to have our van towed and provided enjoyable conversation along the transport.

6. Brad and I had an amazing measure of calmness that HAD to be from the Lord.

7. The boys were absolutely AMAZING! No major meltdowns, fits, tantrums, etc. Considering everything they endured we had no complaints from our little troopers.

Plus...it ended up being great blogging material!

Videos of "Venturous" Vacation: "The Calm Before The Trying to Stay Calm"

Read the Prequel to This Sequel First

Okay, so here it goes..... All of you who were unaware that Brad and I are elite members of the "Ultimate Dork Club". It's over - we've been uncovered. The Proof is in the Pudding Video.

Here's where our "Venture" begins. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride. (Oh, and let me know if you're getting a laugh out of our pure dorkidity.)

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode: "Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice"

Olympic Hopefuls 2008....

Ready for one of my all time favorite video posts? Turn up the volume, gather around the monitor and laugh out loud with us! (Note: If you are a chiropractor, you might wanna pass!)

Just Breathe....

Thank you for your prayers over the past few days. Things are improving daily with just a few bumps along the way. Brooks has been entertaining us with his speed steroids extremes. One minute he is stoned and out of it, the next he is frustrated by his failed attempts to scale the walls, literally! He has this impulsiveness of needing to climb all of the sudden. It's completely bizarre! He takes his last dose tonight, so hopefully we will see some of the true Brooks shining through those donut eyes soon.

Baby Einstein has come to our rescue once again as a distracting device during our time in the breathing chair. Check out the "wigged out" Brooks getting "nebulized"....

Thankfully the other boys' symptoms are fairly minor for now. Clark has exhibited some wheezing, so he's getting his turn in the breathing chair as well. Don't you think he'd make a great firefighter someday?

Translation in case you don't speak "one year old":
"Whas Da?" w/ pointer finger = What's That? (We think, anyway!)
Regardless it's cute, especially muffled. =)

Breathing easier,

Our 4 Left Feet...(and 4 Right Ones Too!)

The Alexander's (remember our favorite hair stylist?) took the boys shoe shopping Thursday night. Our outings have been rare to none due to RSV season, so this was a treat indeed! I think the boys associate the choo-choo wagon with shots, so I think they were waiting for the poor shoe lady to stick them with a needle (hence the tears)! Soon enough they were all smiles and fascinated by their new kickers. They LOVE them and so do WE!

Such grown up little men! Here's the pictures to tell the story....

Henry sporting his new kickers

Clark not too thrilled by the idea

Brooks waiting his turn

Isaac soakin' up the attention

Favorite quote from Mr. Alexander: "You act like a cat bein' neutered." CLASSIC!

Lesson Learned: Shoe Shopping is Exhausting! (Can I get an Amen from the ladies?)

We've already initialed the bottoms of each shoe to distinguish sizes (Henry: 4 1/2 Brooks: 4 1/2 Clark: 5 1/2 Isaac: 5) I guess identical DNA (B&C)doesn't equal identical shoe size!

Gotta love the velcro action!

Oops! He Did It Again!

I'd like to begin by thanking my son, Henry, for providing such great blogging material. He is the creator behind this post and the film.

You may recall that Henry has a fascination for toy boxes (click highlighted text to see previous encounters). Brooks first introduced him to "life inside the box" and Henry quickly joined the elite Toy Box Diving Club.

Unfortunately for the divers, the "pool" was taken over by a new wall-mounted, sturdy storage bins....(pictured)

...but Where There's a WILL There's a HENRY!

(To those in the Henry Fan Club, he's perfectly fine here...just frustrated that the toy box is limiting his climbing ability, but I'm sure he thanks you for your concern.)

Here's the old file footage of Henry's Toy Box Initiation in December:

Hats off to your creativity and great sportsmanship (even if it is forced), Henry!

More Mac 'n Cheese, Please

Thought you might get a kick out of the boys trying their first mac 'n cheese yesterday. We're making the transition to real food for lunches. They were so into it that they didn't really have an interest in the camera! (Notice the suction cup bowls.) Enjoy!

Small Steps...And Giant Leaps!

This week has been quite the "leap" for our crew. In the spirit of leap year, Isaac started pulling up on everything, Henry is climbing to the top of the slide by himself, Clark is getting more stable at cruising, and Brooks has taken several steps! Everyday is quite the adventure!

(Don't mind Henry's noggin' trying to steal the show in the video.)

Keeping with the astronaut theme check out Brad and I being goofs over the weekend. "Houston I think we need a larger helmet."

Better Together....

I'm absolutely in LOVE with our professional shots. Megan did such an awesome job capturing not only the memory of turning ONE, but our little guys' personalities too. I really encourage you guys to check out her website that showcases her fabulous talent, http://www.megelaine.com/. (For all you brides-2-B, she does AWESOME wedding photography too!) Check out this one or these if you haven't seen 'em, since they are equally as awesome. Thank you, Meg, for capturing such an awesome milestone! Definitely a day I will not forget!

I honestly COULD NOT pick out a handful of favorites, so I just HAD to make a short video so that I could share more with you! Perhaps it will be an Oscar nominee next year (unless I go on strike)! =) Enjoy!

The Anatomy of a Miracle....

[Yet Another Disclaimer: Due to some medical vocabulary used in this post, I'm giving it a PG-13 rating. I want to give you a heads up this because I know many of you read this with your families.]

I was recently involved in a serious phone conversation with a sweet mommy-to-be, who I met briefly through my perinatologist, Dr. Sumners. She was 13 weeks pregnant with triplets and considering a TAC (Transabdominal Cerclauge) Surgery to prevent cervical incompetence and preterm labor. Her decision had to be made by the following day, due to the risks involved and the rapid growth of the uterus entering the 2nd trimester.

Having this discussion brought back many memories of sleepless nights, praying over this decision in our pregnancy. Unlike a transvaginal cerclauge, the TAC involves a incision similar, if not wider to a c-section, and believe it or not the uterus is removed during a portion of the surgery, so that a band can be tied around the base of the cervix! Isn't medical technology fascinating? To think that little Brooks, Clark, Isaac, and Henry were outside of my body at 13 weeks and then placed back inside of me for another almost 20 weeks is nothing less than incredible! It was one of the toughest decisions of our lives, but for us it came down to if we didn't would we look back with regret of "I could have done more" if we lost the boys before viability. God truly gave us a "peace that passes understanding" as we went from that week onward.

Is it because of the TAC that I was able to carry quadruplets to 32 weeks (the average gestation of quadruplets is 29 weeks)? We'll never know. God gets the glory for their lives and I know that He has placed doctors, technology, medicine, etc. in our path as part of His amazing plan, for which I am increasingly grateful. Every prayer was answered according to His sovereignty.

I'd like to close this post with a recording of Dr. Gentry explaining to our church congregation the seriousness of our mono-mono quadruplet pregnancy just days after my surgery. He explains it with such grace and accuracy. I encourage you to listen as it explains in great clarity questions that I often face concerning infertility, mono-monos, the TAC, and the risks of a quadruplet pregnancy. If you only listen to one portion fast forward to his prayer at the end - I think you'll be amazed at how God answered our prayers specifically.

(The following illustrations should visually complement the audio.)

Two Outer Sacs, Two Inner Sacs
(Typical Fraternal Twins; Isaac and Henry)

One Outer Sac, Two Inner Sacs
(Typical Identical Twins)

One Outer Sac, One Inner Sac
(Our Rare Mono-Mono Twins; Brooks and Clark)

(We're the only known set of quadruplets with a surviving set of mono-mono twins!)

Our Journey of 1 Year with 4 Miracles....

Dust off your computer screen, turn up the volume, grab a tissue or two, gather around your co-workers, family, and pets and watch My Favorite Post EVER!

Behind the Scenes of the 1st Bday: A Monkey's Eye View

I thought some of you might like to see some of the details from the Monkeys' 1st Birthday. The print on the left was on the invitations. Barrel of 4 Monkeys - appropriate or what???

Friday Brad and I teamed up to make Monkey Cupcakes. I think they turned out quite cute, don't you think? I did the baking and Brad did the decorating (yep, and he's man enough to admit it!) Actually, if I would have been in charge of that portion, mine would have never turned out so cute!