There's no place like home for the holidays

We made it! Me, DH, Bean, Twin A, Twin B, and my shortened cervix are all happily enjoying our Christmas visit with family and friends here in Michigan. The trip out wasn't too bad -- a long flight trying to accommodate a toddler's desire for mommy's lap when said lap no longer exists, but no delays or tantrums or anything else to make things more difficult. One passenger even remarked that Bean was the best-behaved child on the airplane. Darn right he was. Cutest, too. And probably smartest.

Barring any complications with the return flight, I am so glad we decided to come. While the physical health of the boys is always our top concern, this trip is huge for the emotional health of me and DH as well as our families here. If we skipped it, there would be a least a year that we wouldn't see the people we love and miss (traveling with infant twins and a toddler is not something we will rush to do -- without being severely medicated first, that is). And I haven't blogged about it yet, but my sweet mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was really important for us to be here to support her as she starts her chemotherapy.

Everyone has been wonderful about allowing me to sit as much as possible, even though I feel like a lazy cow as people fetch me water and feed me grapes while fanning me with palm leaves. I haven't changed a single diaper since we landed. Bean absolutely adores his grandparents, and I'm not sure who is having more fun playing all day, him or them. Our Christmas gatherings were all super fun. We were blessed with contributions to the big gift DH and I were saving for (purchased yesterday, woo hoo!), and Bean got so many awesome toys that I have no clue how we will get them all back to Seattle. Fortunately that falls entirely on the "Dad" list of duties, so I'll just enjoy my water and grapes and palm fans and let DH worry about that.

PICTURES!

My mom took this belly shot of me at 24 weeks. We have now officially reached the point of viability -- there is a 50% chance the boys would survive if born today. This is a relief, if only a small one. I want three more months out of these muffins!

Bean on Christmas Eve with Grandma M. and Grandpa J.

Bean instructs his Great-Grandma F. on the art of playing Little People.

All for me?! It took three rounds, but Bean eventually opened all his presents.

The remote-controlled car from Grandpa B. and Grandma C. was an instant favorite.

Bath time.

Bean ensures that Grandpa B. eats his fruit on Christmas Day.

We revived and revamped a long-dormant Christmas tradition -- decorating cookies with my Grandma, Aunts, and Cousins. Bean found a prime spot on my Mom's lap and proceeded to dip his sucker into the cookie frosting to get the best of two sugary worlds.

Bean crashes on the couch with Grandpa J. after a long (but fun) day.

Our Christmas was wet rather than white, but Mother Nature made up for it today with some beautiful flakes. We were finally able to break out Bean's winter wear. He wasn't so sure about being bundled up at first, but he did have fun (until he fell face-down into the snow and wanted his mommy).