Sweet Baby Boys

They are here!!!
Nathaniel Allen Turner and Noah Sellers Turner arrived on Wednesday, Oct 14th at 3:29 and 3:30 pm. They
I promise to post pictures SOON... we are busy running back and forth to the NICU . Mike is back to work and I am "trying" to recover from a c-section. That is easier said than done when all I want to do is see my babies. We haven't been able to hold them yet. That is the hardest part, I think. We DO get to go in for touch time. They cluster stimulation together for preemies, b/c it doesn't feel good to them, and it is overstimulating...which makes them work harder..and so on. I think we both feel like we have learned a whole new language..cpap, vent, pda, vsd, umbilical lines...Thankfully the NICU nurses are amazingly helpful and good teachers.

Here is a link to our website with pictures and updates :)

http://theturnertanks2.shutterfly.com/

Love Grows Here

Nursery Update! Well, I guess I haven't put any pictures on here, so technically its NOT an update... but here are some before and after pictures from painting. Granted, I didn't paint. I am on moderate bedrest.. so its bed, chair, bathroom, backyard swing for ME. My generous friend Shanna volunteered months ago to paint, and on Monday, she came through! Thanks, Shanna! I owe you!!

We used a paint color called "Bleached Denim" There is alot of blue in our beddings, its all stripey and plaid. Very BOY! Which works since we are having TWO boys! I think it will also last for awhile and not be too babyish! I love it! I can't wait to see it with white furniture and stuff on the walls!

I thought I would add one more thing. I painted this awhile back with two good friends who were ALWAYS making me paint pottery :) ( As you can see, I am not very good!) I have had it hanging on my guest room door for a year or two. After we painted said guest room, I put it on a table somewhere. Yesterday, I saw it again, and started thinking about it. I think it kind of wraps up the whole bedrest thing. I may not be doing much, but sitting, sleeping, eating, and playing on good ole' facebook, BUT I am growing two little boys... Hopefully giving them every extra calorie I can to make them ready to face the world, while keeping them nice and snug where they belong. For me, I struggle alot with needing to be busy, I can't stand to have clutter sitting around, and not pick it up. This has been a challenge for me, having to ask someone who brings me lunch if they can switch my laundry, or go to the store for me. Just having to rely on other people for food is very humbling. I don't like to depend on anyone! So, as a reminder for me, to show me how important my sitting and not doing is, and how much it really is doing something, I hung this back on the nursery door! Not only am I growing my sweet boys, Nathan ( chunky) and Noah ( little shrimper), but my love for them grows every day. With every kick and roll and wiggle, I feel such a swell of sweet emotion that I can't even put into words! So, there is my update, that is what I am doing!!! Thank you to those of you who have moved furniture, painted, cooked, cleaned, shopped and done our dishes!! We love you!

Showers and lots of pictures!

Again, looooong overdue post. We have been crazy busy. Work and rest for me, and for Mike work, work and oh yeah, school full time! Thankfully he is DONE in 2 weeks, and maybe I will get to see him more often! He never complains though. So far, the boys or "Turner Tanks" are doing great, last appointment they were 1.8 lb (nathan) and 1.2lb ( noah). They are kicking like soccer players, but I love it! They really like sweet stuff I think, it makes me feel like I am making popcorn in there. We have about 10 weeks to go until the 36 week goal

. I can't believe it. Sometimes I am so excited I can hardly wait.. Other times, I want to savor every little minute of carrying them. We are about to "break ground" on the nursery. This really just means new carpet and paint! Next weekend, hopefully, and more pictures to come! In the last week, I have had two showers! One crazy large one, at home in Perry... and a fun Mexican Fiesta double twin shower with my coworkers from wound care. We are majorly blessed and running out of room to put things until the nursery is done! Here are a ton of pictures!

My smirky sister and my other favorite twins, Kelly and Ansley.

3 of my bestest, Kelly, Addriane and Brooke. Lauri is missing, but she is getting her masters, and was in class. These girls are a sweet breath of fresh air and home every time I see them. Not to mention they make me laugh until my sides hurt.

My "almost sister" Crystal, and my Sister-in Law Jerrica.

Laurie and Mary, amazing hostess'. Love you both!

Sally, Laurie, my Mama ( dee dee) Jennifer and Leslie. I think they are consoling Laurie for having to write soooo much down!!

Diamond, my Aunts Cynthia, Aunt Stephanie, my great Auny Floy and my grandmother Catherine. OH, and my step-niece Audrey

We had a fun nautical theme, this "tub" has Nathan on one side and Noah on the other. LOVE IT! We also got a rockin' radio flyer wagon! It is tricked out with cup holders and double seats. I cannot wait to use it!

And here are some pictures from double trouble TWIN work shower!

Ashley, Sarah and Emily ( also having twins)

Sarah and Ashley and Teri... they organized, cooked, bought and wrapped gifts for us, THANKS!

My work BFF, Jen. Aka work sanity and gift from above!

Dog Room!!

So, one of our first major dilemmas with TWO babies coming, is what to do with our current babies, our dogs Winnie and Gigi. My hubby, in a moment of brilliance, came up with the idea of making a dog room, out of a storage room on the garage. When I left this morning, the picture below,( plus some sheetrock) was the current state of the room.

And, when I got home, THIS is the new door, that goes into the back-yard! Why is this important? Well, because SOON this door will have a dog-door in the bottom of it, allowing us to crate our dogs HERE, and giving them more freedom to go in an out, but NOT in and out of my house! AND, no more crates in my kitchen! YEAY!!

I literally cannot wait to be able to put them here, and I hope they like it. This is the first of MANY changes to come, I am sure!

Things come better in TWOS:)

Well, now that the shock is over, we are getting really excited that we are having TWINS... twinkies, two Turner babies... Oh geez! ... Before you ask, YES it runs in the family and NO we did not have in-vitro or take clomid... We are just doubly blessed, and I drop eggs like its hot... ok ok, sorry.

I think most of you know, the second baby was a surprise, 3 weeks ago, at our regularly scheduled appt. Dr Williams decided to do an ultrasound, b/c I was only 11.5 weeks, and the little heartbeat might not be picked up yet via dopplar. Well, I am really quite thankful she did, b/c SURPRISE, there are two little ones in there. This was our 2nd ultrasound, mind you! Much hilarity and chaos ensued, between my Mom, and Kelly J NOT believing me ( really) calling Kristin and Sarah and making them meet up with me at the 'mont to tell them in person ( and calm me down, too, I think- thankfully Sarah was there and Kristin was off) Telling my boss and coworkers- this is our SECOND twin happening, since Emily is also having twins...

Now that I have had time to think and pray... I wouldn't have it any other way. I have always wanted twins... I wanted to be a twin growing up. I think I even lied and told Kelly I WAS a twin once ( hence the reason she wouldn't believe me) .. Even though I have minutes where I think about it, and I can't breathe, I have never had a clearer picture of God's goodness... of His provision, of His timing. We feel so surrounded.. we have already been given gifts and baby stuff our friends aren't using anymore ( thanks Jen) We possibly already have someone to keep them, someone we LOVE and who will LOVE them and help us teach them about Jesus and Grace... We could get so caught up in the worry, the fear, but we have such a clear picture of what it means to Dwell in Christ, vs dwelling in fear... to sow to the Spirit and not the flesh... These babies are being created for a holy purpose. They are precious, God-made beings, before they will even take a breath outside of my body... It puts me in awe really, and is an amazing glimpse of God... :) And, like I said, we wouldn't change it for anything!

Signs things are changing...

 Good grief,  again it has been a long time. Things have been  a little nutty!  The most significant change is that we are having a baby! Coming this December, around the 9th! Woohoo... But I think most of you know that.  I was thinking today, on my way home from buying/ scanning, maternity clothes, the funny little signs that things are changing in our house.  It is weird, the little subtle changes... hints... Like our fridge being  constantly stocked with ginger ale and Sprite. I have never really been a sprite drinker. Now,  I like to alternate b/t the two, and usually have one first thing in the AM. SOMETIMES, this helps ward off morning sickness. I also carry low fat cheez-its in my purse, Yes, in my purse. This came  in handy this morning, at brunch...We were waiting for our friend Paulina to arrive before we ordered, but I knew I could lose it, so I kept sneaking little bites of cheez-it... I have never been so thankful for a cracker!  I have random bibs and baby stuff, scattered  at my house, all from my Mom, with little sayings like "I love my Aunt Alissa" or a diaper cloth that says " I love my Dee Dee".. She can't help it really, we made her wait 4 + years. I cannot imagine what it will be like when we know what it is! There will be an explosion of pink or blue!  Speaking of explosion, there is a plethora of baby "material"  Pamphlets, samples, coupons...Finally there are lists. I am a list person. Right now these consist of things we have to do to the house... you might think this is early, but we have to knock out a wall, and build a doorway, plus replace some carpet, etc etc.

All the little changes aside, we are really excited...It is so humbling and precious to feel loved, supported and prayed for!  Coming soon, this week, we should have better Ultrasound pictures, I will try to put some up for you!

Love,  Lacey

Sweet Dogs

Wow, two posts in one day! 

Ok, so I haven't written anything about our dogs lately!  On the heels of another HUGE puppy mill ring bust, in Woodstock no less, and with lots of small dogs, Bostons included,  I thought an update on our rescued Boston would be appropriate! We have FINALLY almost gotten Gigi trained. She has had a really hard time with being housebroken, BUT we are there! She has finally gotten some confidence and learned how to play like a normal dog.  She still doesn't like loud noises and gets stressed easily. We can tell when her mouth gets all pink and her eyes get red, but she can stand her own with Winnie!  Here are some sweet pictures!

FROSTY PAWS, ice cream for dogs. Need I say more?

Winnie, asleep on "her" pillow. These dogs LOVE some naps!

Gigi's most favorite thing to do is take her stuffed dog, and get in Winnie's crate!  

Right before I took this picture, she was asleep with her lil head on it!

And, just in case you aren't getting what I am saying, check this out!

http://www.atlantapets.org/

This is the organization who we rescued Gigi from, they, along with the Atlanta Humane Society have taken in lots of puppy mill dogs lately. These dogs need extensive rehab, mental and physical, as well as medical attention! They welcome any money, or supply donations!

Pirates and Sunsets

Well, this is WAAAYYY overdue! But here are some pictures from our awesome vacation to Florida at the beginning of March!  We spent some sweet, quality time with our friends Robert and Heather.  We did lots of shopping, relaxing, and just doing everything we wanted to do. They  gave up the chance to travel, took some time off, and let us stay with them!  We traveled to a different local place everyday, and I think it was one of my favorite times in Florida!

Here are some pictures for you!

                               

Mike is looking for manatees, here! We didn't see any of course! Lots of tiny crabs, though.

This is another picture of the Pier at Crystal River, where there are supposed to be LOTS of manatees...hmmmm.

This is the loooong pier off of Anna Maria Island, near Sarasota. There was a little restaurant at the end!  This pier was so rickety, but we walked all the way down.

This is our friends Rev. Rob, ahem, I mean Robert and Heather on the FREE trolley that circles Anna Maria Island.  

We went on a Pirate Sunset Cruise, in Tampa Bay.  Ok, Yes it sounds cheesy, but look at the AMAZING sunset pictures we took from our own little nest at the top of the boat. We also got free drinks the whole time. It was fun, but a little chilly too!

This was our ship, seriously, it was pretty awesome!

This is at Clearwater beach. First time my toes have touched the sand this year! WOOT! Let' s hope there are many more times to come!

4 years ago...

Today is our anniversary. We were married 4 years ago... Someone asked me today, what was my favorite memory from my wedding. Hmmmm. Well, I couldn't nail down just one, so I thought I would share a few, for nostalgia's sake ...Here goes!

Waking up in my parents house the morning of... with most of my favorite girls around me. Getting ready in my teenage bathroom, me , Kristin, Sarah, Lori, Shanna, Leelee, too many for one room, while Amanda did all of our hair! ( I still LOVE how you did my hair, Mandar) TULLE! ( I am glad I can laugh about this one now, not so funny at the time). All my cute little boy cousins running around in tuxes.

Wearing my Mom's veil... , Remembering MawMaw Sellers' face when she saw me for the first time in my dress. ( I have a picture of that moment, thanks to Kristin)  Waiting with my Dad to go into the church. I was so nervous, and he was so sweet and said something like " you know, they can't start without us, right?"  I also loved my Dad's lil speech when he gave me away... Oh, I cried from then on, I think!  The little crinkly tears at the corner of Mike's eyes when we were saying our vows, and sharing sweet communion with him!  Kelly J's speech, nobody knows me better, really.  The fact that Marilyn came all the way to see me, and her grumpy hubby kissed me on the cheek! My cousin Ryan, grabbing my hand and telling me I looked beautiful... ( he is not usually THAT sweet) The weird mix of people from all areas of our lives, together for us!

Finally, getting into the limo with Mike, putting our feet up, and YELLING, woooohooo!!! It was over!!! :)   I guess I loved alot of things about my wedding. Mostly, that I was blessed with marrying the sweetest, most patient man I have ever known! Ok, one last time... Happy Anniversary, T... I love you!!

Signed up

Its official. I signed up to walk the Atlanta 3 Day breast cancer walk!  I promise to post more about it, once I get my fundraising site all up and running. My prayer is that for me, training will be a goal that helps me continue to get healthier, while I help a cause that has had a HUGE impact on my life, my family and my friends!  It is a little overwhelming, to see my fundraising goal, but I believe it can be done!

Recession hits home

You know how you hear something, over and over... You kind of become numb to  it. I think sometimes we feel so invincible too.  Even when we hear of layoffs at work...it just didn't really hit us... Well tonight, it hit me, as I was driving into my neighborhood.  There, on my right, my neighbor's lawn was covered with all of their worldly possessions.  There was a padlock on the door, and a big sign. It was raining... all of their things, their furniture, bookshelves, kids toys were being rained on. The sweet little foot car that their little boy used to ride up and down the sidewalk on, and even their piano....

As I listened to Obama say that he felt increasing consumer spending was the way out, and that he didn't think irresponsible spending by consumers contributed to this crisis.  As he said that electronic EMRs were the key to solving the healthcare crisis. And, tonight, as I watch c-span or ABC Nightly News, and hear these politicians going on and on about the "bi-partisan" vote on the economic recovery bill. Yeah, you know, the one that includes over 1 million dollars to buy golf carts?? Oh, wait, I mean "energy saving vehicles"  I am literally sickened.  And saddened. Wishing these high and mighty rich politicians could have seen what I saw today. Wishing Obama had spent more time learning that healthcare has way bigger problems than a nurse not being able to read an MD's handwriting...

Mostly though, I am just thankful. Not thankful that I have a job, or a house, but thankful that my security doesn't lie in either of those things. That even if Mike and I lost the roof over our heads and all of all earthly possessions were scattered, our life wouldn't be. Our treasures are not stored here!

To quote my new favorite song ( for the moment)

"You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me "

I think that sums it up..

Victims in Pink Kimonos

So, for those of you who might not know, last week was a little stressful around here. I had a general yearly girly checkup with my Doc on Tuesday... when we found another suspicious bit of lumpiness in the outer corner of the left breast. Now, this isn't new territory for me. In fact, two years ago this May, I had a benign tumor removed from the same area. I actually noticed the second said lump over the weekend, but I had told myself not to panic.. I would see what the doc thought. Well, she thought I needed an ultrasound, which was scheduled for Friday. So..four looonng days ensued. I fretted, worried, cried, stressed, and generally forgot that God really is on my side.  Fast forward to Friday, afternoon, 3pm. I am shown to this really small waiting room, after changing into a lovely, pink kimono-type top. It was here I had to wait for MY turn.  3 hours, 6 women, one small room. 47 magazines. I was the youngest by far. We all had some lumpy reason to be there.  We all had fear and stress written across our faces.  Little by little, each of us shared a bit of ourselves..  I was last in line, naturally.  Towards the end, it was one older buxom woman, and me. She was pacing. At first I thought she was nervous, but then I saw her lips move. I realized she was praying. I guess she saw me watching her, because she stopped and said, I don't know what is in my future, but I KNOW Who holds it. He is bigger than us, and bigger than this.... My name was called then, and the nurse explained gently that the doctor wanted to see my fellow waiting room friend. I received a clean bill of "everything is ok, just some scar tissue. See us in 6 months" It dawned on me that my friend, my fellow faithful believer was most likely not getting the same great news.. I offered up a prayer, remembering the One who would hold her hand as well as her future.  And I believe that she will take it in stride and give it up to HIM. 

"Coincidentally" at church on Sunday, our pastor spoke about the so-called victim mentality. How we take these circumstances thrown at us, and act like we don't have a risen Savior.  We have freedom from death, but we live like we are dying. I lived in fear last week, but this week, I have freedom in the knowledge that HE is bigger than anything that might come my way!

Thank you guys for all your love and prayers last week! 

Lacey

Go on up to the mountain of mercy...

So, we just got back from an awesome weekend with some of our "Asylum" group in the North Georgia Mountains.  First, yes, it was freezing cold. It snowed on Saturday, and we were afraid we might not make it down the mountain this morning, but here we are, safe and sound!  Over and over, I am blown away by these "kids." I am honored at how real they are with us. I always go, hoping to show them love, and come away having learned so much from them.  From hugging trees, to playing some weird version of Cranium, to washing each others faces with snow, to sitting in a hot tub, outside in the 10 degree weather, this weekend was truly one of the best I have ever had! I can see amazing and miraculous works from God in each of them.

So, here are some pictures .... More to come!

These hand warmers came in really handy! First they helped us unfreeze the door to the cabin so that we could get in on Friday. They were also very useful at helping thaw out cheeks, noses and ears! This is my girly Becca helping me thaw out my face!
This is Ariel, hugging a tree. We were really happy that she found it!

We blindfolded some of them, and made them find their way back to the cabin, sort of. No worries, they had help. They were attached to someone who could see, but couldn't talk. Ok, maybe it wasn't fun for them, but it was entertaining for US!
Sam and I, Ping Pong, take 2!! I think we are better than we used to be, but we still STINK! Note, we play with a two-paddle method.

Bathroom Makeover

So, one of the projects on our "list" if you will, has been to repaint our bathroom. We painted our bedroom almost a year ago, and the bathroom has really been sticking out like a sore thumb.

Here is our before picture... ( NOTE, Mike took this one, I most definately would have straigtened the towel and removed certain objects...) What you can't see is a LOVELY grape leaf border. Seriously, WHO puts grapes in a bathroom?  Ahem, I digress... 

And, now for some afters...

I also added some new pictures that I got from Linen's and Things... Major markdowns, since they are closing and all.   I swear the wall color isn't pink! It is actually "French Castle" Ok, ok, it MAY have some pinkish red undertones... but it works and I love it!

Going Home

 My Grandmother, Mary has always been a giver. Whether food or money, clothes or a car, she has always stepped in where others couldn't. She would do without, so that we would have more than enough.  Even once I was out of college, and making more money than she got from the government monthly, she would sneak money into my car, or my purse... That has always been her way of taking care of me. I think most of you know that my Gram hasn't been doing very well the last few months. She is increasingly confused and agitated. We moved her from my Dad's to a nursing home in Macon. She promptly escaped ( thankfully not far) and was moved again to the Alzheimer's unit or what I call "lockdown"  The past few visits have been really really hard.  She has lost alot of weight and I think she isn't eating anymore or drinking. Friday, the 2nd was her 84th birthday. Instead of the party we had planned, she was admitted, again to the hospital.  Mike and I drove down to see her yesterday..The visit had its ups and downs. When reminded of her birthday, she says "that's right, I am 60 years old, today!" She is quite sassy with the nurses, and really likes to pull out her IVs. She also seemed quite put out that I didn't bring her anything...You might say her love language is gifts, haha!  I think she wanted something sweet, or a present. My Gram has always been a smart woman, and has never really had a "filter"  I think, somewhere deep in her mind she knows her time is ending. She also knows how hard this is for us....  The hardest part of yesterday, was her looking at me with those eyes, the ones that match mine, and saying "Do you love me? Of course Gram. How much, she asked?  More than you know, Gram. Well then, I am ready. Ready for what, Gram? I am ready to go, I am ready to go...My time is done." After I swallowed the gigantic lump in my throat, I think I squeeked out an "ok" As I think back on it, I think this is just one more way of her taking care of me. Making sure I know that she really is ok... She has lived this amazing life... Has a family that adores her. I think this is her last gift to us.. To wash away any guilt that we might have, to help us know we are doing the right thing by letting her give up the fight... I was looking back over a myspace post, from 2006. I had written it after a visit with her, after we took her independence and her car, and moved her in with my Dad, and I had written down the lyrics to this song by Sara Groves... Once again, they are running through my head... I know she is ready to go, and I think we are finally ready to let her go... I also think, like I wrote a couple of years ago, there is a table waiting for her... a celebration. And if my Gram has anything to do with it, she will cook everyone some chicken.  

"Theres a feeling I can't capture
Its always just a prayer away
I want to know the ending
Things hoped for but not seen
But I guess thats the point of hoping anyway

Of going home, Ill meet you at the table
Going home, Ill meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be home

Im confined by my senses
To really know what you are like
You are more than I can fathom
And more than I can guess
And more than I can see with you in sight

But I have felt you with my spirit
I have felt you fill this room
And this is just an invitation
Just a sample of the whole
And I cannot wait to be going home

Going home, Ill meet you at the table
Going home, Ill meet you in the air
And you are never too young to think about it
Oh, I cannot wait to be going, to be going home"

Amen. :)

Christmas has come and gone!

So Christmas and New Years came and went pretty stinkin' fast! Here are some photos from our last week or so... Of course, I left my camera in Woodstock when we traveled to Perry to see MY family... So no funny pictures of the chubby blow up Santa the neighbors left in my parents yard as a joke, no picture of my cranky papa telling ME I need to be sweeter, no pictures of Kelly Johnson, and the 5 minute drive by reunion, no pictures of the happy santa apron my Mom wore for two days, and then, of course, gave matching ones to each of us girls. NOPE, you won't see any of that! 

Mike, Me, Tim and Kimmie at Fantasy in Lights at Calloway...

( Tim, is that your phone, to the left? hmmm.. Maybe this is where you lost it?)

Me, Jenny and Sam... Celebrating Christmas Adam...

:) The Happy Turners, Christmas Eve, Eve.. After sweet singing and the story

of the birth of Christ.

Tracy, me and Sammy... We sort of lead the singing, but you don't really have to push 

this group to sing. Funny thing is, Tracy warned me ( a soprano) not to start toooo high.

So, she started (she is an alto) , and it was so low for me, I sang harmony :) We had a hard time not laughing during the song.

Me, again, Kristin and Sarah at Christ Church's "Holy Presents"

I am sooo glad we went, the music is amazing, they do a great job reminding

all of what why we really celebrate Christmas. It is certainly not about the present we get, 

but the one we already got!!

Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas!