This election has got me thinking about what's changed over the last four years.

At the time of the 2004 election:

I had just found out I was having triplets.
DH and I were renting a room from my parents for $200/month.
I was in college (but ended up leaving after that semester).
DH had a really crappy job in concrete constr. and I worked in jewelry sales.
I remember having a new and overwhelming feeling of excitement for our future.

In 2008:

We have almost 4-year-old girls!
We own our own house.
I'm in college again and almost done with my degree!
DH has an awesome job, and I started a VERY small jewelry business, lol.
I still have an overwhelming feeling of excitement for our future.


So how has your life changed, and where has the time gone?!?

Loren
GGG Jan.2005 @ 28wks

Sweetened Taters - http://sweetenedtaters.blogspot.com

Aww what a great post!

In November 2004:

We only had one child, and she had just turned 1.

We started talking about having another child around this time, didn't realize that it would be 2 1/2 years before we'd have another baby- let alone 3. ;o)

We had just moved out of my MIL and FIL's basement and bought our first home.

My DH started at the company he's at now- going from a really crappy job in stereo equipment sales to a welder.

I remember being extremely happy with our little family, and excited that we were finally starting our lives together.


In 2008:

Our little family doubled! Now with a 5-year-old and 3 19-month-olds!

We have since moved again, and bought a house and 50-acres in the country. A wonderful place to raise our children.

My DH is still with the same company, and has gone from being a welder, to an electrical analyst, and is now up for another position. He's come a long way in 4 years!

I'm still extremely happy with my life, and proud of all that we've accomplished in 4 short years. I can't wait to see what the future brings for us.

Rowan, Elijah and Joey April 07'@26wks
Kadence 03' Benjamin Dec 09'

In 2004:

I had just finished my degree and was a new SAHM to our 3mo old dd.
We had just sold our house and were living in a new state(IN) b/c of dh's crappy job and renting again.
We were hopeful about the future.

In 2008:

I'm still a SAHM to a 4yo and 8mos old triplets.
We are back in AR and own a home again.
Dh has a much better job but has a crappy boss and is trying for a promotion.
We know that things will be rough for the next 5 years until the kids get in school and I can get a job and finally use my degree.

Sarah

Mom to:
Rylee 7-28-04

36 weekers

Kenzi Adilyn 2-19-08 (6lbs 6oz)
Devyn Elizabeth 2-19-08 (4lbs 12oz)
Caden Jackson 2-19-08 (5lbs 9oz)

Great topic!

Nov 2004-

I was pg with Triplets and so excited as I was past all of the drama of the first few months of my pregnancy. I had some early issues but right after Halloween things really smoothed out and it was an uneventful pg after that.

I was a High School counselor

DH is an educator

We lived in a 1700 sq. foot home

Loving life as a couple getting ready to finally (it took time to get pg) start our family!! We were feeling so blessed and upbeat about everything DESPITE the outcome of that election!!

Nov 2008

We now have 3 1/2 yr old BGB triplets! What a great rollercoaster ride it's been! They are awesome and WOW, you never understand how much you could love them until they are here! Parenthood is the best thing that has ever happened to dh and I!

I still work as a HS counselor, but when I'm done, I'm done! Don't get me wrong, I still like my job, but of course, I LOVE my family. My priorities have changed. I don't clock even one extra minute past what I have to! It's all about my children now after devoting 15 yrs. of my life to other people's kids.

Dh is still an educator but has also started a small educational private business. Very proud of him!

We have moved on to a bigger house, Much needed and have a great yard for them to play in.

We are still loving life but now as a family and are hopeful for out future ahead with our children and creating lasting. loving moments!

We are hopeful this election will have a very different outcome than our last election!

Go out and vote!

Agapi

Proud Mommy of
Kaden, Rowen, Kai
BGB 03-22-05

I have been thinking a lot about this lately as I can remember sitting in class on the day after the election and talking about Bush's win. So here goes.

2004

DH and I were newlyweds and living in an apartment.

I was starting the first year of my PhD Program and teaching at the University full-time.

DH was working at his school teaching 4th grade.

I drove my brand new Saturn.

We spent weekends going out with friends and always had something to drink in the fridge.

2008

We now own our home.

I am trying to finish my PhD (hopefully by August).

I teach very part-time and otherwise am home.

DH is now teaching 5th grade at the same school.

I drive a used minivan.

We have 4 beautiful girls--our 2-year-old and out trio.

We spend out weekends going to the park, watching Little Einstein's, and I can't tell you the last time I set foot in a bar.

As I write this I can't believe what a difference 4-years can make.

Mom to:
Anna Haley 4-21-06

32 weekers

Sarah Mary 1-27-08
Lucy Gibb 1-27-08
Emily Rose 1-27-08

At this time 4 years ago, I had 10 month old babies. My FIL had just died of lung cancer the month before, so my family was in a state of shock and grief. I was not doing well at all. I was sick and pregnant and didn't want another baby. I absolutely couldn't see that my life would ever get better.

Four years later, my "baby" is the light of my life. I love the age the kids are at right now. I love teaching them to read and write and I love the little people they've become. I'm excited about life and think it's only going to get better.

Michele
Sarah, Gregory, Amanda
born 1/22/04 at 35w1d

Our surprise baby Austin born 06/15/2005

www.fourtimesthefun.blogspot.com

November 2004:
I was 22, single with a great boyfriend. I really wanted to marry him and have a baby.
I was finishing my second semester of nursing school.
I was an assistant manager at Pier 1.
My biggest worry was not making the first round cut for clinicals.
I drove a brand new Honda Civic that I LOVED!
I rented a house with my best friend.
My beagle was the light of my life.
I showered daily.

November 2008:
I am 26, and can't find a decent man ANYWHERE.
I'm a SAHM to almost 2 year old triplets.
My biggest worry is if I am being the best mom I can be, and giving my boys all the opportunities they deserve.
I own a home, just me and the boys.
I drive an 04 Expedition.
My kids are the light of my life, and I gave away my beloved beagle.
I do not shower daily.

Wow. Cool topic.

Jenny
single mom to spontaneous BBB 34w 2d

http://lilypie.com>

4 years ago today:

- I had been married for exactly 1 month and 2 days.
- 2 weeks prior, DH and I had returned from our 2 week honeymoon in Hawaii and thru friends, I was invited to a private Goo Goo Dolls show.
- DH and I had been living in our "1st house together" for 2 months although we had owned the house for almost a year. It was a "charming antique" aka a fixer-upper.
- We decided that we would wait until the next Sept to start a family.
- I said that I would never EVER drive a minivan.

Today:
- We live in a newer house.
- DH and I both have different jobs from those 4 years ago.
- I drive a minivan.
- I gave birth to 4 babies in less than 11 months time. One is not here with us.
- I will most likely never EVER attend another private concert again.
- I have no idea what the next four years will be like b/c I NEVER expected this!!

Spontaneous identical triplets born April 2007 at 35 weeks, 6 days:
Baby A - 5 lbs, 3 oz
Baby B - 4 lbs, 13 oz
Baby C - 4 lbs, 13 oz

Sarah's blog: http://thegreatumbrellaheist.blogspot.com/

Rich's blog: http://runningwithtriplets.blogspot.com/

likewise, good post!

At the time of the 2004 election:
-I was pregnant with triplets and still working full time
-We were 1/2 way through our first addition on our home (which was not bought with kids in mind!)
-DH had just started a second career six months earlier.
-I could not believe how much I loved those 3 little babies in my tummy!

In 2008:
-the kiddos are almost 4 years old and I am a SAHM for as long as I can see (planning homeschooling), career over.
-we finished a second addition a couple years ago, and thank goodness for that playroom! which I thought we didn't need!
-DH just got a promotion
-I can not believe how much I love these 3 little people. " Mama you're teasing me. I'm not little! I grew up on you."

I don't know where the time has gone, but it is safely recorded on many photos and home movies that we have never printed or played.

Mary

born 12/12/04 33w2d

In 2004 around this time:
I had been married a year and a half
Still in College and trying to get out(Took me another year and a half)
Hubby Had a good job, I worked as an asst Mgr at a grocery store 48-50 hours a week.
Trying to have a baby and it not working

In 2008:
Married 5 and a half years
Out of College and work at a good job
Hubby still at the same job
Have three perfect babies!

I thought I was living a good life back in 2004 but had no idea how good it could get. I hope the at the next election it is even better.

Future 2012:
I will have been married 9 and a half years
I will be a stay at home mom
Hubby still at his job(with more $$)
Three 5 yr olds and I hope another baby about 2 yrs old


Fun to think about!!

Tanna

06/22/07 29 weeks 4 days
Lincoln 2 lbs 13 oz
Colton 2 lbs 14.4 oz
Dakota 2 lbs 11oz
http://tannastriplets.blogspot.com/

November 4, 2004

*We had three very, very sick babies in the NICU. Lorne was still on the ventilator and Isaac and Sullivan on the C-Pap. Lorne had just had PDA ligation surgery. We were still unsure whether we would have the chance to raise three boys.
*DH was still recovering from HIS surgery and resulting disability (had his left leg amputated in May 2004 after an accident at work)
*I had recently quit my job to stay home with then boys.... whenever it was they came home.
*I had a really cool, brand new, totally awesome Ford Expedition


November 4, 2008

*Just put my three four-year olds to bed - my smart, healthy, wonderful boys
*DH is doing great - though he is permanently, physically disabled - he is doing what he loves making cabinets and furniture and going to school to further his education.
*I drive a minivan. Loves it.
*I have an awesome job with March of Dimes - my absolute dream job doing something that really makes a difference.

I haven't thought about this really until now.... thank you for this post!!

Kara, mom to
Lorne, Isaac and Sullivan
born at 23 and 26 weeks September/October 2004



http://themctriplets.blogspot.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com/share

Great post!

2004
We had just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We were in the middle of infertility hell but still in the testing phase. It was very uncertain how and when we would ever be parents. It was not a pleasant time for me.

We lived in our first home, a townhouse that became too small the minute the kids were born. Plus the design was unsafe for small kids.

I worked scheduling commercials in a tv station. It was a job I was underqualified for but the best I could find when I moved from Florida to get married. I just wanted to get pregnant and quit.

I drove a Mazda Protege that was almost paid off.

2008
We have been married 5 years. Our 2 year old triplets are happy, healthy and super smart. As hard as this age is they are very interesting kids to be around and I love that.

We live in a bigger house and I stay at home with the kids.

I drive a Toyota Sienna.

I like 2008 so much more than I did 2004.

Lori

http://yesidohavemyhandsfull.blogspot.com/

2004

I was 6 months pregnant, and spending a lot of time watched the show LOST. I was also trying to do my taxes, catch up on my business before the babies were delivered.

I felt lucky (still do - I have 3 kids!!), excited, nervous, not able to see what the future holds, having never been a mother before. My husband was laid off but we still had his insurance, and he was helping to run my business since I couldn't raise my behind off the couch. We were full of hope for our future, totally connected.

2008

Gorgeous maniac kids who take all of our time. Thankfully I've turned my business around to something somewhat successful, but was on the phone with my lawyer tonight while my son cruised the house looking for me to talk about frogs - never time for everything. Relationship with husband estranged, since kids need mommy and ultimately I have final say in business too. Never, ever, go into business with DH (just an aside).

Definitely happier than I could have EVER been without having kids. More melancholy than I would have been too. But life is bigger now, so that is what I hope will carry me into my 40s, 50s, 60s. A relationship with a husband of 15 years? So not sure how it fits anymore. That part sucks.

Sude
Mother to Milly, Sabine & Jack
34 weekers
05-12-05

4 years ago, DH and I only been married 1 year. We were talking about trying to have a baby. I was living in his house and my house ( next door( was up for sale). We were still in the honeymoon stage of our marriage. I worked full time.

Fast forward - Now we are in our new home ( both prior homes sold). We have 4 children ( triplets plus a 5 month old) My oldest daughter is in college. My oldest son is living on his own and working. I am now a SAHM.

Wow - reading this you really get a feel for how much can change in a few years. It makes you wonder what we will be saying four years from NOW!



Luke- 4lb,12oz
Wade - 3lb,4oz
Zoe - 5lb,2oz
Born at 34 weeks

http://3giggles.blogspot.com

2004

My father was quickly losing his battle with Alzheimer's disease and my mother was trying hard to care for him. He was in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and it was really sad time.

I was working on IUI number 2 or 3.

I was driving my Acura TL, which I loved.

My DH and I had been married about 1.5 years.

We had been in our new house for about a year and were busy working to redecorate it to our tastes (i.e ripping out old wallpaper, adding hardwood floors, etc.) We really got it looking nice.

2008

My father passed away in December of 2004 and my mother is living alone, but enjoying life once again.

After undergoing one IVF procedure, we now have 3 year old triplets who are happy, healthy and very active.

I now drive a Toyota Sienna (never thought I would drive a van.)

DH and I have been married for 5 years and while triplets have tested our marriage, we're still going strong.

Our once pristine home now has sprays of chocolate milk on the walls and the beautiful hardwood floors are sticky with orange juice. The once beige carpet is now a dingy shade of grey. The family room was reconfigured to make it larger. (Bye-bye formal living room!) Our home is now loud and crazy, but I wouldn't have it any othe way.

I have very high hopes for both the future of my family and the future of this country.

Joan
mom to Caroline, Erin and Robbie
born 9/26/05 @ 35 weeks
visit us at http://www.babyhomepages.net/greenetriplets

2004:
25 years old with 1 kid (2 years old then)
pregnant with the triplets (very preg. born at 33 weeks on 12/29/04)
SAHM and LOVED IT (loved being pregnant more!!)
DH worked for the same job he had been at for 6+ years treated crappy.
Owned our 1st home
SOOOOO excited about having TRIPLETS and was in LOVE with my 2 year old, didnt think I could love anything as much as her!
Married 6 years and still very much in love.

2008:
29 years old w/ 5 kids
my oldest dx with ADD now in 1st grade and I am still so much in love with her
trio now are only 7 1/2 weeks away from being 4 years old and are in school.
Had an ectopic preg. and almost died.
Now have a BONUS BABY and apple of mommies and daddy's eye's. cant imagine life without her!
dh left old crappy job, got a great new job- was laid off after a year because of the economy.
Neither of us have jobs right now but are holding are heads above water (amazingly!)
Still own same home but currently adding on.
Married 10 years now on 10/10th have had a lot of hard times since trio was born but still love each other.....working on the IN LOVE part again.


WOW thats alot in 4 years.

Lets see...

4 yrs ago at this time...
I had 8 mo old triplet girls, 4 adults, 3 lg dogs living under a 2600 sq ft roof and crammed as it may of been I loved every minute of it. My dh worked 14hr days and came home to make formula every night.

4 yrs later...
My 4.5 yr olds are in prek and loving it. We are down to 2 dogs and now have a cat and fish. We added onto our home which now gives us 4100 sq ft and loving every inch of it. My dh still works 14hr days and comes home and crashes now. I have now picked up more hrs at work. As a married couple we are now finding time for ourselves as a couple. Life is good right now.




Nicole
GGG, 36w
3/22/04

2004
We had been married for 14 years.
No kids, didn't really plan on any.
I was working at a job that I loved.
We had just bought a new home, 4 br 3 baths, all the room we would ever need!

2008
Been married 18 years
We have 3 monkeys that keep us old folks busy!
I am now unemployed (company went out of business)
We are still in the same home, and don't have room to turn around!

We are so blessed!

I still wake up some mornings and think I have dreamed the last 4 years! Then Abbie yells MOMMY!!! Then I know it was real!
Melissa

Melissa
mom to Abbie, Andy & Levi
November 11, 2005
34 weeks 5 days

http://benefieldtriplets.blogspot.com/

""

I love this. So fun!

In 2004:
Married 6 great years.
Working a great job I loved.
Was a little overweight.
Had gone off b/c. Found out I was pg at the end of Nov. Found out HOW pg the week of Christmas!
DH finished his Master's Degree. I was the first sememster into mine.
Lived in a cute 1500 sq foot house that we had built a few years before with our canine baby.
Had a fun sporty 2 door car that I traded for a lovely Volvo sedan to be my "family" car should we have a baby! Ha!

In 2008:
Married 10 amazing years.
Working as a SAHM for 3 crazy demanding 3 year olds - Loving it sometimes, wondering if I'm crazy on others others!
Ran a half marathon last spring (not overweight anymore)
Live just down the street from our old house in a larger house! Much needed space but so happy NOT to have left the neighborhood.
Sold my volvo sedan, inherited dh's old Jeep for a few years and FINALLY this fall got a Volvo XC90. Dh has his old Jeep back and couldn't be happier with it!
DH left his job to consult on his own. I use my business degree to "help" him out. We travel quite a bit with him.

I couldn't have imagined the last few years. I NEVER wanted to be a SAHM. Only wanted 2 kids, etc. It's amazing how there are things you never even knew you COULD want and didn't even know they were an options until they cuddle up in your lap.

Julie
BGB ~ June 16, 2005 @ 31wks 3 days
Samuel Jonas (3lbs 11oz)
Leona Ruth (3lbs 5oz)
Gabriel Douglas (2lbs 11oz)

fun!

in 2004:
-I had one 2 year old and loved being a mommy having playdates, going to mommy & me classes everything I did revolved around my son. I LOVED my life!
-We had just bought a BRAND spanking new HUGE house
-We were toying with the idea of becoming foster parents and ended up having the privilege of having a beautiful 6 week old baby boy live with us for 4 very short months.
-Life was carefree and easy
-We were loving having 1 little boy

in 2008:
-I have three 2 year olds, a 4 yr old (as of tomorrow!) and a 6 year old.
-We live in a rental
-We are wondering why we wanted more kids... (KIDDING
Life is stressful and crazy and our house is never quiet.
-I'm loving having 5 boys

I'm not sure if we're used to our new life yet. It seems like I've been living in survival mode for many many years. I have to admit though that I do see a light at the end of this tunnel! That's something I couldn't say just a few short months ago.

Crazy mom to:
DS 10
DS 7
& BBB 5!
9/29/06 born @ 32w2d