2006 has turned out to be one of the best of my life. Now that I think about it with the twins and buying the house in Monte Rio, it's probably been THE biggest for sure. And here I sit writing this and I don't feel that much different than I did last year at this time...maybe a bit more tired due to the now 3AM feedings, but overall very much the same.
Then again maybe I'm delerious or demented. The days seem to melt together like a grilled cheese sandwich. One feeding and diaper change runs into the next and I have a hard time remembering details about what happened at the last one...or maybe it was the time before that...no... it was 2 days ago...yeah, now I remember.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
What's in a name?
How did we come up with the names? More than a few have wondered, so here it is in a nutshell.
Turns out we both decided on their first names and then each chose a middle name.
Poppy Sarafina Rose - Gina sent me a list of names she liked and her favorite was Poppy. It took a while, but the name really grew on me. Sarafina is a derivation of her Mother's name Sarah. And Rose is my Mother's middle name.
Matilda Hope Andreana - Matilda was also proposed on that list and it's a name that I've loved ever since the Steve Martin movie "A Simple Twist of Fate". There was an adorable little girl in the movie who was named, you guessed it, Matilda. Coincidentally, there is a distant Grandmother, and I mean distant, in Gina's family that also shares the name. Hope is a tribute to our first born Teagan Hope. And Andreana is a derivation of my middle name Andrew, which was also my Grandfather's name.
That's it in a nutshell...still it took us 4 days after they were born to commit to them.
Gotta go...Time to feed.
Turns out we both decided on their first names and then each chose a middle name.
Poppy Sarafina Rose - Gina sent me a list of names she liked and her favorite was Poppy. It took a while, but the name really grew on me. Sarafina is a derivation of her Mother's name Sarah. And Rose is my Mother's middle name.
Matilda Hope Andreana - Matilda was also proposed on that list and it's a name that I've loved ever since the Steve Martin movie "A Simple Twist of Fate". There was an adorable little girl in the movie who was named, you guessed it, Matilda. Coincidentally, there is a distant Grandmother, and I mean distant, in Gina's family that also shares the name. Hope is a tribute to our first born Teagan Hope. And Andreana is a derivation of my middle name Andrew, which was also my Grandfather's name.
That's it in a nutshell...still it took us 4 days after they were born to commit to them.
Gotta go...Time to feed.
The whirlwind cometh.
It was a day like any other day. I took a group of dogs out, came home, had a bit of something to eat and then we went to the hospital around 3pm. We sat in the pre-op room for about 2 hours while they ran an IV. The anesthesiologist, Paul, was the one that got the stick and turned out to be the favorite player in this game. He gave us the heads up about what to expect. I would be sitting with him, at Gina's head, behind the curtain.
"Can we take pictures and a video?" said I.
"There are signs posted that say you can't, but if anyone says anything tell them I said it was ok." he said.
The Grandparents -1 came in quickly to say hello and then headed up to the waiting room, then I changed into my "scrubs". Actually it was a paper-like fibrous suit that had so much static in it because of the weather.
Shortly thereafter (actually after our 5pm scheduled start time) we headed up ourselves.
Shelby had me wait in the hall while she brought Gina into the O.R. to get her prepped for surgery. Not more than a couple minutes later she came out and said they were letting me in early. I think it was Paul that gave the ok on that, too.
I was told not to touch anything...ANYTHING, so I just stood in the middle about 3' from anything.
Gina got her spinal and I got into position at beside her head. The surgeons suited up, washed up and came in.
Dr. Green was the primary surgeon. She did the proper introduction of the other surgeon that would be working with her and qualified him, them, as the team that has probably delivered more twins than anyone in San Francisco...at least at CPMC. She did introduce the co-surgeon, but never herself. Gina had appointments with her but I wasn't able to attend so I didn't know her from those. And when I say never introduced herself, I mean, not in the O.R., not in the hospital room when she was making rounds, not in the hallway. I still haven't "met" her! I mentioned it to a couple of the nurses and they weren't surprised at all! If I had anything to complain about it would be that...and that nobody really checked the juice machine to see if it was low or out of concentrate so they could defrost some more and have a continuous supply (good thing I worked in a restaurant and knew how to use the microwave!) but that's all.
Back to the story...They put a cover on Gina that had some sort of adhesive "window" that was placed over her belly, where they were going to do the c-section and unfolded it over her legs and towards her head, where it was clamped up to become the curtain. It was perfect because I didn't really want to see what was going on "down there".
So Paul, took a video of us while we were waiting for things to begin. The teams that would take the babies and clean them up came in and were in position.
I smelled something funny, like buring hair and thought it was just the heat lamps above where the girls would be placed to clean them. Then I hear Dr. Green say, "I went in right through the old scar." Turns out that buring hair and skin smell quite similar. I know that sounds awful but the scalpel cauderizes the incision as it cuts to prevent bleeding.
So Dr. Green says, "Time." And Paul says, "I've got 51." I am sitting there, camera running and waiting for them to hold the girls up over the curtain when I hear, "Daddy, do you have your camera ready."
With that, I stood up and was in time to see Baby A being pulled out and flipped down onto Gina's legs. The put the first clamp on the umbilical cord, then the second and then a cut, followed by a pass of a very floppy, flailing baby to the first team for clean up.
From where I was standing I had a great shot at them wiping her off and suctioning out her mouth and bundling her up, amidst a constant cry, one of the most beautiful sounds EVER!
Gina was craning her head, trying to get a glimpse of her.
I turned the camera back just in time to see them cutting the cord on Baby B and then the pass of her, also floppy and flailing, to the team that would clean her up. Now there were beautiful sounds in stereo.
Gina said I was sobbing when I saw them...If I was it isn't on the video, not even the audio, so I don't believe it! I was definitely tearing up, maybe even crying, but not sobbing. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
So they bundled them, in a big poofy Christmas Story down jacket sort of way, and brought them over so we could see them and I had the honor and privelege of holding one for the first time, again Paul got it on video. We were both crying and then they put them into a crib together and said this baby train is leaving. So I got onboard and headed for destinations unknown while they finished the surgery.
We passed 3 of the grandparents enroute to the Wellness Nursery.
Once inside, didn't let up a bit. The girls were quickly taken from their lucite crib, unwrapped and placed under a warming element like a cheeseburger and fries waiting to go out to the table. They were each weighed and measured. Matilda was 4lbs 8oz and 18" long, Poppy was 4lbs 0oz and 17" long. They put ointment into their eyes, gave a vitamin K injection, manipulated their legs to check their hip sockets, pricked their foot to test for blood sugar levels and gave them a bottle. I don't know how long this took, but it seemed like 2 minutes.
There was an Asian family looking at the girls as they were checked out and boy did they look happy. It dawned on me that I should call the grandparents and have them come down to the nursery to get the first glimpse of the new arrivals.
In no time their familiar faces were peering in...their noses might even have been pressed against the glass!
So I'm rolling video with my right hand and snapping pictures with my left and the grandparents are taking pics looking in. And it's a good thing we have the documentation as the whole thing was, and is, such a blur.
So I leave the nursery and stop to visit with the 3 grandparents (the Trio) on the way to Recovery to see Mommy. Of course they want to know names. We had managed to keep them secret until now...mostly because we hadn't really decided on them. So I tell them that one is named Matilda and the other is Poppy.
They weren't thrilled. They weren't even amused. The looks on their faces spoke volumes, and immediately wanted to know if they could call them something else. To which I blurted out, "You'll call them what we say you'll call them!"
It was a rude and defensive reaction on my part and it hurt feelings, for which I'm sorry. But this was the happiest day of our lives and I was just told, in not so many words, "we don't really like the names you've chosen." Gina's dad thought she was kidding when she told him the names.
It must be generational...the grandparents and their generation don't much care for their names but our friends love them. Interesting...very interesting. Kind of like when I had long hair!
So the grandparents went to get some dinner and I went to Recovery to see Gina. While we waited for Gina to get discharged to her (our) room, I called her Dad and told him the good news.
We finally made it up to the room as the Trio was coming back from dinner with their pet name for Matilda...Tilly. Little did they know that Gina and I had came up with the same pet name for her while in Recovery.
As I finish this it's 2 weeks later and I can't remember if I went to the nursery to get the girls or if they brought them in to see us. It's all such a blur.
A 4 day blur with a few lucid moments!
That first night I learned how to hold them for feeding and burping, how to change their diapers, where to get lemonade, how to find the nursery, how to make up the cot, 2 ways to swaddle.
Mostly we just looked at the girls. Little hands, little feet, tiny noses. Beautiful, just beautiful. Much like our time spent with Teagan, we just marvelled at their beauty and perfection and the miracle that they are.
There was a lot of that the entire time. It was all so surreal but in the end we got to take them home with us.
Reality has hit...usually around 4 in the morning these last couple of days! A little sleep deprivation and I'm having a hard time thinking straight!
"It's only temporary"...that's what I'm told. That is more like a mantra...no...
Maybe it's more like a prayer... does anyone know if there's a Saint for peaceful nights and restful sleep?
"Can we take pictures and a video?" said I.
"There are signs posted that say you can't, but if anyone says anything tell them I said it was ok." he said.
The Grandparents -1 came in quickly to say hello and then headed up to the waiting room, then I changed into my "scrubs". Actually it was a paper-like fibrous suit that had so much static in it because of the weather.
Shortly thereafter (actually after our 5pm scheduled start time) we headed up ourselves.
Shelby had me wait in the hall while she brought Gina into the O.R. to get her prepped for surgery. Not more than a couple minutes later she came out and said they were letting me in early. I think it was Paul that gave the ok on that, too.
I was told not to touch anything...ANYTHING, so I just stood in the middle about 3' from anything.
Gina got her spinal and I got into position at beside her head. The surgeons suited up, washed up and came in.
Dr. Green was the primary surgeon. She did the proper introduction of the other surgeon that would be working with her and qualified him, them, as the team that has probably delivered more twins than anyone in San Francisco...at least at CPMC. She did introduce the co-surgeon, but never herself. Gina had appointments with her but I wasn't able to attend so I didn't know her from those. And when I say never introduced herself, I mean, not in the O.R., not in the hospital room when she was making rounds, not in the hallway. I still haven't "met" her! I mentioned it to a couple of the nurses and they weren't surprised at all! If I had anything to complain about it would be that...and that nobody really checked the juice machine to see if it was low or out of concentrate so they could defrost some more and have a continuous supply (good thing I worked in a restaurant and knew how to use the microwave!) but that's all.
Back to the story...They put a cover on Gina that had some sort of adhesive "window" that was placed over her belly, where they were going to do the c-section and unfolded it over her legs and towards her head, where it was clamped up to become the curtain. It was perfect because I didn't really want to see what was going on "down there".
So Paul, took a video of us while we were waiting for things to begin. The teams that would take the babies and clean them up came in and were in position.
I smelled something funny, like buring hair and thought it was just the heat lamps above where the girls would be placed to clean them. Then I hear Dr. Green say, "I went in right through the old scar." Turns out that buring hair and skin smell quite similar. I know that sounds awful but the scalpel cauderizes the incision as it cuts to prevent bleeding.
So Dr. Green says, "Time." And Paul says, "I've got 51." I am sitting there, camera running and waiting for them to hold the girls up over the curtain when I hear, "Daddy, do you have your camera ready."
With that, I stood up and was in time to see Baby A being pulled out and flipped down onto Gina's legs. The put the first clamp on the umbilical cord, then the second and then a cut, followed by a pass of a very floppy, flailing baby to the first team for clean up.
From where I was standing I had a great shot at them wiping her off and suctioning out her mouth and bundling her up, amidst a constant cry, one of the most beautiful sounds EVER!
Gina was craning her head, trying to get a glimpse of her.
I turned the camera back just in time to see them cutting the cord on Baby B and then the pass of her, also floppy and flailing, to the team that would clean her up. Now there were beautiful sounds in stereo.
Gina said I was sobbing when I saw them...If I was it isn't on the video, not even the audio, so I don't believe it! I was definitely tearing up, maybe even crying, but not sobbing. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
So they bundled them, in a big poofy Christmas Story down jacket sort of way, and brought them over so we could see them and I had the honor and privelege of holding one for the first time, again Paul got it on video. We were both crying and then they put them into a crib together and said this baby train is leaving. So I got onboard and headed for destinations unknown while they finished the surgery.
We passed 3 of the grandparents enroute to the Wellness Nursery.
Once inside, didn't let up a bit. The girls were quickly taken from their lucite crib, unwrapped and placed under a warming element like a cheeseburger and fries waiting to go out to the table. They were each weighed and measured. Matilda was 4lbs 8oz and 18" long, Poppy was 4lbs 0oz and 17" long. They put ointment into their eyes, gave a vitamin K injection, manipulated their legs to check their hip sockets, pricked their foot to test for blood sugar levels and gave them a bottle. I don't know how long this took, but it seemed like 2 minutes.
There was an Asian family looking at the girls as they were checked out and boy did they look happy. It dawned on me that I should call the grandparents and have them come down to the nursery to get the first glimpse of the new arrivals.
In no time their familiar faces were peering in...their noses might even have been pressed against the glass!
So I'm rolling video with my right hand and snapping pictures with my left and the grandparents are taking pics looking in. And it's a good thing we have the documentation as the whole thing was, and is, such a blur.
So I leave the nursery and stop to visit with the 3 grandparents (the Trio) on the way to Recovery to see Mommy. Of course they want to know names. We had managed to keep them secret until now...mostly because we hadn't really decided on them. So I tell them that one is named Matilda and the other is Poppy.
They weren't thrilled. They weren't even amused. The looks on their faces spoke volumes, and immediately wanted to know if they could call them something else. To which I blurted out, "You'll call them what we say you'll call them!"
It was a rude and defensive reaction on my part and it hurt feelings, for which I'm sorry. But this was the happiest day of our lives and I was just told, in not so many words, "we don't really like the names you've chosen." Gina's dad thought she was kidding when she told him the names.
It must be generational...the grandparents and their generation don't much care for their names but our friends love them. Interesting...very interesting. Kind of like when I had long hair!
So the grandparents went to get some dinner and I went to Recovery to see Gina. While we waited for Gina to get discharged to her (our) room, I called her Dad and told him the good news.
We finally made it up to the room as the Trio was coming back from dinner with their pet name for Matilda...Tilly. Little did they know that Gina and I had came up with the same pet name for her while in Recovery.
As I finish this it's 2 weeks later and I can't remember if I went to the nursery to get the girls or if they brought them in to see us. It's all such a blur.
A 4 day blur with a few lucid moments!
That first night I learned how to hold them for feeding and burping, how to change their diapers, where to get lemonade, how to find the nursery, how to make up the cot, 2 ways to swaddle.
Mostly we just looked at the girls. Little hands, little feet, tiny noses. Beautiful, just beautiful. Much like our time spent with Teagan, we just marvelled at their beauty and perfection and the miracle that they are.
There was a lot of that the entire time. It was all so surreal but in the end we got to take them home with us.
Reality has hit...usually around 4 in the morning these last couple of days! A little sleep deprivation and I'm having a hard time thinking straight!
"It's only temporary"...that's what I'm told. That is more like a mantra...no...
Maybe it's more like a prayer... does anyone know if there's a Saint for peaceful nights and restful sleep?
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The twins are 1 week old.
Well it's been a week and this is really the first time I've had a chance to write. This has been such a great week even with the lack of sleep. I love my family.
What have I learned this week?
How to feed, how to burp, how to swaddle, how to change a diaper, how to hold the girls. The learning curve is quite steep when thrown into it.
The scariest part of this week was when Poppy spit up and it came gushing out her nostrils. Talk about panic. And I mean everyone freaked out starting with Poppy as she struggled for air, followed a millisecond later by Gina. So we also learned how to use the "bulb" to suck the gunk out of her nose. Gina has become much more calm when it happens.
We learned that we weren't doing as good a job as we needed at burping so we have become more thorough at it and now don't really have the spit up problems.
It's off to bed now as I have a 4am feeding but I'll write more soon.
What have I learned this week?
How to feed, how to burp, how to swaddle, how to change a diaper, how to hold the girls. The learning curve is quite steep when thrown into it.
The scariest part of this week was when Poppy spit up and it came gushing out her nostrils. Talk about panic. And I mean everyone freaked out starting with Poppy as she struggled for air, followed a millisecond later by Gina. So we also learned how to use the "bulb" to suck the gunk out of her nose. Gina has become much more calm when it happens.
We learned that we weren't doing as good a job as we needed at burping so we have become more thorough at it and now don't really have the spit up problems.
It's off to bed now as I have a 4am feeding but I'll write more soon.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Surprise!
As Ty Penington would say: "Welcome home, Baby Girls. Welcome home."
We were all discharged from the hospital yesterday, even Poppy. There was the possibility that Matilda would come home with us and Poppy would have to stay in for a while, but she proved that she could put on weight and so they were happy to let us bring them both home.
Now both are sucking down their bottles like they've been in the desert for 36 weeks! Well maybe not that bad, but still quite quickly. It took a while to figure out which nipples we should be using and which formula to use for which but I think we've got it figured out.
We were all discharged from the hospital yesterday, even Poppy. There was the possibility that Matilda would come home with us and Poppy would have to stay in for a while, but she proved that she could put on weight and so they were happy to let us bring them both home.
Now both are sucking down their bottles like they've been in the desert for 36 weeks! Well maybe not that bad, but still quite quickly. It took a while to figure out which nipples we should be using and which formula to use for which but I think we've got it figured out.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
I promise more...
I'm having a difficult time getting a signal at the hospital, I'll write more and post more pics when I can.Thanks for all the comments, we love them.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
One last look.
We had our last NST today. Our last chance to see the girls before they arrive.
It really is difficult to imagine how big they're actually going to be based on what is on the screen. If it were actual size, they'd be HUGE! The foot we saw was big, like about 2.5-3" long. But we could see toes... they looked like pudgy little toes. And long fingers, or so they seemed. We'll find out in 2 days time.
We have been so fortunate to be able to see the girls develop during this pregnancy. It has allowed me, and I'm sure Gina, too, to bond with them in a completely different way. I can't feel them the way she can, obviously, but I could see them and all their bits. It's also been reassuring because we were able to see they were developing properly. It's really been quite awesome.
Everyone asks if I'm getting excited. I've been excited for about 35 weeks, 6 days but I don't have that belly full of caffeine feeling...yet. I don't know if it's going to start tomorrow, or on Thursday morning, or when we are going into the O.R., or I first see them, or the first time I get to hold one of them. I do have a sneaking suspicion we aren't even prepared for the whirlwind that is about to hit us. Sure, everything is stocked up and in it's place, but as soon as the girls get dropped in the middle of all this organization it'll be a different story. .. I'm guessing we won't even have time to notice.
It really is difficult to imagine how big they're actually going to be based on what is on the screen. If it were actual size, they'd be HUGE! The foot we saw was big, like about 2.5-3" long. But we could see toes... they looked like pudgy little toes. And long fingers, or so they seemed. We'll find out in 2 days time.
We have been so fortunate to be able to see the girls develop during this pregnancy. It has allowed me, and I'm sure Gina, too, to bond with them in a completely different way. I can't feel them the way she can, obviously, but I could see them and all their bits. It's also been reassuring because we were able to see they were developing properly. It's really been quite awesome.
Everyone asks if I'm getting excited. I've been excited for about 35 weeks, 6 days but I don't have that belly full of caffeine feeling...yet. I don't know if it's going to start tomorrow, or on Thursday morning, or when we are going into the O.R., or I first see them, or the first time I get to hold one of them. I do have a sneaking suspicion we aren't even prepared for the whirlwind that is about to hit us. Sure, everything is stocked up and in it's place, but as soon as the girls get dropped in the middle of all this organization it'll be a different story. .. I'm guessing we won't even have time to notice.
Thank you Saint Jude.
Have you ever been looking through the classifieds and seen this? I have, but never knew what it meant. I now know.
Being raised Catholic, Saints are normal to me. If you aren’t familiar with them, they are people that performed miracles or were martyred while living and have performed miracles in death. They all have an area of “expertise”, if you will, and can be petitioned to help. It’s sort of like asking a friend to pray for you, but as a Saint, they will pray directly to God on your behalf... sort of like whispering in His ear!
Saint Jude helps out when all is hopeless. I will tell you that I know first hand, the power of prayer and St. Jude’s intercession.
I said this for Teagan's pregnancy and we were blessed with an Angel. 2 months later we went to New Orleans, to the police memorial, which used to be a Catholic church. There we visited the largest statue of St. Jude and in his shrine, like so many others, we slipped our written requests under his statue, and said a prayer for his assistance. Here in the City we've visited his shrine at St. Dominic's and lit a candle, and prayed for his assistance. At home we have a St. Jude candle that we burn for him and I'm sure more than a few prayers have been said over it. And then there's the Novena, a prayer to St. Jude asking for his help, followed by 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be and 1 Sacred Heart...said 9 times per day for 9 days. With Teagan I prayed the Novena for more than 27 days (just to be sure.) With the twins I prayed the Novena 1 time (9 days).
For 36 weeks we've been blessed with the miracle of Life, watching the girls grow and develop literally from embryo to birth this Thursday. Do I believe St. Jude played a role in this blessing? Absolutely. So I give thanks to God for our daughters, all 3 of them, and a special thanks to St. Jude for his "whisper".
As part of seeking his assistance I am to make his name and works known, in the hopes others would seek his assistance should they find themselves in a truly hopeless situation.
I pray you should never need his help, but if you ever find yourself in such a situation don't be afraid to ask.
The prayer is known as a novena. It is said 9 times a day for 9 days. There are many versions which can easily be found on the web, I found these at www.stjudenovena.org. Being Catholic, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria are also part of my novena. This is what I prayed:
“Holy Saint Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all Who seek your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition, (insert what you are praying for). In return I will make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for me and all those who invoke your aid, amen."“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kindom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as weforgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, amen.”
“May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved, and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. Saint Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Saint Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Amen.”
Now repeat 8 more times.
Don't forget to give thanks for the many blessings in your life, and there are many if you take time to recognize them.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, THURSDAY!!!
I can't believe we're, that is to say, Gina, is going the full 36 weeks...to the day! Are we ready? I'd like to think so...probably not.
The house is decorated for their 1st Christmas. The nursery is ready, wet wipes in the warmer, tiny diapers in the basket, sleepsack in the crib. All the bottles have been washed and are ready for sterilization.
Still, the whirlwind of those that are our greatest blessing is still unknown.
This weekend it's just about relaxation, maybe a mani-pedi for Gina, getting the decorations up and tying up a few loose ends before the big day.
Be sure to "tune in" on Thursday night, as I'll be posting the first pics of the girls here as soon as I can take them and get a signal with my cell phone to upload them. That's right, I get the exclusive scoop and you'll get to see them before anyone who hasn't visited before you!
The house is decorated for their 1st Christmas. The nursery is ready, wet wipes in the warmer, tiny diapers in the basket, sleepsack in the crib. All the bottles have been washed and are ready for sterilization.
Still, the whirlwind of those that are our greatest blessing is still unknown.
This weekend it's just about relaxation, maybe a mani-pedi for Gina, getting the decorations up and tying up a few loose ends before the big day.
Be sure to "tune in" on Thursday night, as I'll be posting the first pics of the girls here as soon as I can take them and get a signal with my cell phone to upload them. That's right, I get the exclusive scoop and you'll get to see them before anyone who hasn't visited before you!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
BD -9
We're getting closer and closer. The girls were squirming more at the NST than I think I'd seen before, but everyone thinks they're going the full 36 weeks. That's good news for the twins but not so good for Gina.
The quest for names is still on. You'd think with a little more than a week to go we'd already have them. We have an idea, but now Gina isn't quite sure if she is happy with their first names. Then we have to work on middle names, of which I expect them to have more than one... I keep saying they're gonna have 7 middle names! We'll see.
So the nursery is finished, with the exception of hanging a couple of pictures and now we need to get the Christmas decorations up. And when I say 'we' I mean 'me'! The house has to be ready for the girls' first Christmas. I'm planning on getting a smaller tree than years past and putting the ornaments that won't fit on garland. Teagan's tree is already upstairs but I have to find the ornaments for it. It should all come together by this weekend...I hope!
The last couple of years, since Teagan was called Home, Christmas hasn't really been Christmas, especially for Gina. This year should be different. This year the magic should be back. Sure we'll be exhausted but as far as I'm concerned, it'll be perfect.
The quest for names is still on. You'd think with a little more than a week to go we'd already have them. We have an idea, but now Gina isn't quite sure if she is happy with their first names. Then we have to work on middle names, of which I expect them to have more than one... I keep saying they're gonna have 7 middle names! We'll see.
So the nursery is finished, with the exception of hanging a couple of pictures and now we need to get the Christmas decorations up. And when I say 'we' I mean 'me'! The house has to be ready for the girls' first Christmas. I'm planning on getting a smaller tree than years past and putting the ornaments that won't fit on garland. Teagan's tree is already upstairs but I have to find the ornaments for it. It should all come together by this weekend...I hope!
The last couple of years, since Teagan was called Home, Christmas hasn't really been Christmas, especially for Gina. This year should be different. This year the magic should be back. Sure we'll be exhausted but as far as I'm concerned, it'll be perfect.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
B-Day minus 12.
I guess this could be considered our 12 days of Christmas. Except this year I'll get the best presents I've ever received. Sure, when I was little I'm sure Santa brought many gifts that were the "best ever" but I'm certain this really will be THE year for the BEST EVER!
Of course, 12 days is the longest we'll have to wait, if they come sooner that'll be good, too. Gina is already having contractions and they're not front or back ones - it's the whole uterus doing its glorious thing, getting ready for the finale of its ultimate purpose.
And so we wait...Gina doesn't sleep well now but I'm like a baby...except for the crying...and the diapers.
And speaking of diapers, we're stocking up on premies. Gina has just ordered a case that, combined with what we already have, will make just about a weeks worth. "How many is that?", you ask. About 200 per week! That's a whole lot of diapers, not to mention the stuff inside them. Our Diaper Champ is definitely going to get a workout.
Baby B cooperated last night and let me feel her move and hiccup. They are so close to the surface now, it's much easier to feel heads and bottoms. I swear they are separated from the outside world by less than 1/2", or so it feels.
Sometimes I think I should be disappointed that I haven't been able to feel them move that much. Truth is, I'm not even phased by it. The way I figure it is that I'll feel them squirm plenty very soon plus all my other senses will be "tickled... soon... very soon.
Of course, 12 days is the longest we'll have to wait, if they come sooner that'll be good, too. Gina is already having contractions and they're not front or back ones - it's the whole uterus doing its glorious thing, getting ready for the finale of its ultimate purpose.
And so we wait...Gina doesn't sleep well now but I'm like a baby...except for the crying...and the diapers.
And speaking of diapers, we're stocking up on premies. Gina has just ordered a case that, combined with what we already have, will make just about a weeks worth. "How many is that?", you ask. About 200 per week! That's a whole lot of diapers, not to mention the stuff inside them. Our Diaper Champ is definitely going to get a workout.
Baby B cooperated last night and let me feel her move and hiccup. They are so close to the surface now, it's much easier to feel heads and bottoms. I swear they are separated from the outside world by less than 1/2", or so it feels.
Sometimes I think I should be disappointed that I haven't been able to feel them move that much. Truth is, I'm not even phased by it. The way I figure it is that I'll feel them squirm plenty very soon plus all my other senses will be "tickled... soon... very soon.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
More Great Pics.
Unfortunately Aunt Shelly couldn't make it up to take pics of Gina so I had one of my clients take them...don't worry Shelly, you will still be our "official photographer" for the girls.
Can you believe there are 2 in there?
The Nursery is Finished!!!
Well, functionally, we're ready. The mattress is in and covered with a sheet and the only things missing are the girls!
Sure I have to frame and hang the pictures, maybe put up a shelf or 2, but that's just accessorizing.
Here are some pics.
The roadblock of a crib. Even this one arrived cracked too but useable so I didn't want to wait for the replacement headboard... I'll fix it later!
Gina wanted a chandelier for the girls room...already they're princesses!
Here's a baby's eye view from the crib!
Sure I have to frame and hang the pictures, maybe put up a shelf or 2, but that's just accessorizing.
Here are some pics.
The roadblock of a crib. Even this one arrived cracked too but useable so I didn't want to wait for the replacement headboard... I'll fix it later!
Gina wanted a chandelier for the girls room...already they're princesses!
Here's a baby's eye view from the crib!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Updated pics of Mommy and the Belly.
It's just so amazing how big the girls are now. And there are 2 in there! It seems like she could pop any time now. Her belly is so tight you could bouce a quarter off it! But we won't do that, right?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
What a busy week it's been so far.
Monday morning we ended up at OB Triage because Gina was up all night with stomach cramps but didn't know if it was contractions or some sort of stomach thing. She was having a few mild contractions but the nurse just referred to them as "irritability". Our awesome peri, Dr. Katz, was doing rounds at the hospital so he came down and saw her, did another FFN, then sent her home.
Tuesday started with the fetal non-stress test followed by a growth u/s. A very excited Grandma "M" came to get a glimpse of her grand daughters. The girls weren't very cooperative, though. They hardly let us get a good look at them as they're so cramped in there. The u/s tech we had was all about business, not really having a look around, even to try to get any pics for the collection. Oh well. The girls are measuring about a week behind, at 3lbs. 14oz. and 3lbs. 15oz., but are well within the acceptable range for developement. That means 4lbs is well within reach and definitely doable if we have a little cooperation!
We also learned that Monday's FFN came back positive. The test, when negative, is a great predictor that labor won't start for at least 10-14 days, however a positive result is NOT an indication that labor will come within the next 2 weeks, only that it is a possibility.
So that's where we are. Tomorrow marks the end of week 33 and Gina keeps saying that they'll be here by week 34.
The end of week 34 happens to be Thanksgiving.
How appropriate...We certainly do have a lot to give thanks for.
Tuesday started with the fetal non-stress test followed by a growth u/s. A very excited Grandma "M" came to get a glimpse of her grand daughters. The girls weren't very cooperative, though. They hardly let us get a good look at them as they're so cramped in there. The u/s tech we had was all about business, not really having a look around, even to try to get any pics for the collection. Oh well. The girls are measuring about a week behind, at 3lbs. 14oz. and 3lbs. 15oz., but are well within the acceptable range for developement. That means 4lbs is well within reach and definitely doable if we have a little cooperation!
We also learned that Monday's FFN came back positive. The test, when negative, is a great predictor that labor won't start for at least 10-14 days, however a positive result is NOT an indication that labor will come within the next 2 weeks, only that it is a possibility.
So that's where we are. Tomorrow marks the end of week 33 and Gina keeps saying that they'll be here by week 34.
The end of week 34 happens to be Thanksgiving.
How appropriate...We certainly do have a lot to give thanks for.
It's close to being finished!!!
The crib came this morning and, though it has a slightly cracked headboard, I put it together tonight. The replacement headboard will take about 2 weeks to get here but I couldn't wait, we just needed to get the furniture situated. I must say the nursery looks better every day. I'll pick up the matress tomorrow evening and we'll get the crib set up and then post some pictures. We now just have to get these awesome Shag Disneyland prints framed and on the wall and...we're done.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
I got a massage last night and it was awesome. Part of the conversation, polite chit-chat, was about the twins of course. My masseuse said she was going back to school so she could become a nurse midwife. Great idea. But she said something during the conversation that kind of caught me offguard. I may be making something out of nothing but she said she thought it was awesome how her friend's body could make a little woman. The obvious thing would be to point out that her friend gave birth to a girl and that someday she'll be a woman.
But that wasn't the thing that got my attention. It was that her friend's body made her baby. Wow. I wonder how many people have this idea, as if the baby is just another part of mother. No, it's not. From the moment of conception the baby has DNA unique to itself. For quite a few days it develops without even being implanted and when it does implant the placenta is formed and this insulates the baby from the mother and prevents her body from rejecting the baby because it has different DNA. Sure, the things Mom puts in her body nourish and affect the baby but the baby develops according to its own schedule. And half the DNA comes from Dad, but I would never even think of saying that it's awesome how a man's body produces a baby.
I think this concept may be born (pardon the expression) from the idea that it's a woman's body and no one should tell her what to do with it. After seeing our 2 girls develop, and even Teagan at nearly 19 weeks, it's patently clear that this just isn't so. They really are their own bodies and they just happen to be living inside and are supported by Mommy. That's just the way God designed it.
She was right about one thing though...the miracle of life is truly awesome.
But that wasn't the thing that got my attention. It was that her friend's body made her baby. Wow. I wonder how many people have this idea, as if the baby is just another part of mother. No, it's not. From the moment of conception the baby has DNA unique to itself. For quite a few days it develops without even being implanted and when it does implant the placenta is formed and this insulates the baby from the mother and prevents her body from rejecting the baby because it has different DNA. Sure, the things Mom puts in her body nourish and affect the baby but the baby develops according to its own schedule. And half the DNA comes from Dad, but I would never even think of saying that it's awesome how a man's body produces a baby.
I think this concept may be born (pardon the expression) from the idea that it's a woman's body and no one should tell her what to do with it. After seeing our 2 girls develop, and even Teagan at nearly 19 weeks, it's patently clear that this just isn't so. They really are their own bodies and they just happen to be living inside and are supported by Mommy. That's just the way God designed it.
She was right about one thing though...the miracle of life is truly awesome.
Another Look
Gina had her first Fetal Non-stress Test (NST) last Friday. I couldn't stay for it but wish I had. She said they really got to see them moving well and saw their chubby cheeks. The only concern they had was that their fluid levels were lower than they had hoped to see. So instead of having an NST every week we now have them twice a week. Of course we don't mind seeing the girls every 3 to 4 days. The one on Tuesday was great. They still want to keep an eye on the fluid levels but said the girls looked great.
So tomorrow will be the 3rd and I won't miss seeing the girls. Especially since they wake them up and get the girls to move. They were pissed off on Tuesday when they were putting the monitor probes on Gina's belly but I missed that. I haven't seen them too active and I don't get to feel them moving that much, as everytime I put my hands on the belly...they stop! So to see them move and kick should be awesome.
So tomorrow will be the 3rd and I won't miss seeing the girls. Especially since they wake them up and get the girls to move. They were pissed off on Tuesday when they were putting the monitor probes on Gina's belly but I missed that. I haven't seen them too active and I don't get to feel them moving that much, as everytime I put my hands on the belly...they stop! So to see them move and kick should be awesome.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
We're getting close.
The ceiling and wall are painted and look great, albeit bright, and now only needs to have the trim painted and some touch up some of the "opps" and then we can put in the furniture and viola! Ready for babies.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Last night was a beautiful Southern California night.
It was a balmy 70 degrees at 7:00pm. The scent in the air and the feel of the night brought me immediately back to Southern California. Back to one of the best times of my life. There were so many nights working on the patio of Hof's Hut, late night meals after 2 Steppin at the Neon Cactus, Grandma Sugarplum's Cafe Royale and a walk through Naples, and so many nights spent at Disneyland. So many friends that I haven't seen in years and some I just talked to the other day. Yeah, it really was a great time. As memorable as those times were, I know the life I have now and what the future holds will outshine those like the sun does the moon.
So would I trade any of this for all of that? Not in this lifetime. I have a wife I adore and 2 baby girls I'm already in love with...not a chance.
Although, I would like to be able to see my SoCal friends more often, and, of course, would love to go to Disneyland on a whim (or daily...whichever comes sooner!)
I am just so excited about the girls and so anxious to take them to Disneyland and ride King Arthur's Carousel and Dumbo and the Disneyland RR and the Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan and see Mickey and Minnie and Goofy and Pluto and Donald and... and... and...and see it through my childrens' eyes.
All in due time. All in due time.
So would I trade any of this for all of that? Not in this lifetime. I have a wife I adore and 2 baby girls I'm already in love with...not a chance.
Although, I would like to be able to see my SoCal friends more often, and, of course, would love to go to Disneyland on a whim (or daily...whichever comes sooner!)
I am just so excited about the girls and so anxious to take them to Disneyland and ride King Arthur's Carousel and Dumbo and the Disneyland RR and the Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan and see Mickey and Minnie and Goofy and Pluto and Donald and... and... and...and see it through my childrens' eyes.
All in due time. All in due time.
Proudly making their debut...
Here are some long awaited pictures. These are actually the first ones we've been able to get that really shows them well.
These 3-d images are all of Baby B.
Her sister's foot is above her right eye!
This is our favorite picture. Look at that cute little face. Gina says she has my nose!
Baby B's profile...mouth open.
Baby A's profile...not so open.
Another great headshot, she's looking right into the camera...what a star!
These 3-d images are all of Baby B.
Her sister's foot is above her right eye!
This is our favorite picture. Look at that cute little face. Gina says she has my nose!
Baby B's profile...mouth open.
Baby A's profile...not so open.
Another great headshot, she's looking right into the camera...what a star!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
What a party!
We had our baby shower today and a huge "Thank you" to Julie & Pam for hosting it and being so flexible and accomodating to the last minute changes.
We moved the shower to our house so Gina could be there, afterall everyone wanted to see her belly. The food was great, as was the company. I'm getting used to the coed showers...they're not bad without the games! Fortunately the only game at the shower was bingo.
We've got diapers coming out our ears...at least for now! It's probably only a weeks worth, though.
I'd say we're pretty stocked up on most of the things we'll need when the girls finally make it home, so a huge "thank you" for all the prezzies and the love.
We moved the shower to our house so Gina could be there, afterall everyone wanted to see her belly. The food was great, as was the company. I'm getting used to the coed showers...they're not bad without the games! Fortunately the only game at the shower was bingo.
We've got diapers coming out our ears...at least for now! It's probably only a weeks worth, though.
I'd say we're pretty stocked up on most of the things we'll need when the girls finally make it home, so a huge "thank you" for all the prezzies and the love.
Soon...
It is conceivable that the girls could be here in less than 20 day. Huh? 20 days!
My biggest worry is not their arrival (I am so excited about that), it is that the nursery isn't even close to being finished. Of course if they do come that soon they'll be spending time in NICU so I'll have more time to work on the room...then again, I'll be spending as much time at the hospital as possible.
One way or another it'll all work out. It just stresses me.
My biggest worry is not their arrival (I am so excited about that), it is that the nursery isn't even close to being finished. Of course if they do come that soon they'll be spending time in NICU so I'll have more time to work on the room...then again, I'll be spending as much time at the hospital as possible.
One way or another it'll all work out. It just stresses me.
Friday, October 20, 2006
That was nice.
Well, Gina is back home and on bedrest basically until the girls arrive. After being monitored for 2 days they didn't see any contractions and they did the FFN test which came back negative...that means she shouldn't go into labor in the next 2 weeks. So they said she could come home on Friday evening but she could only get out of bed for 1 shower a day and necessary potty breaks. They seem to think that her body may be telling her cervix that the babies are done and that it needs to get ready to let them out. Not yet girls...hang in there!
So our goal is to make it to 32 weeks as their lungs will be developed by then and they'll know better how to feed. As Dr. Katz puts it: "In 2 weeks it'll be week 31 and we'll do another FFN if that comes back negative that'll be week 33, and anything after that is fine." So they seem to think that we will make week 32 without any problem and probably go longer, still aiming for a scheduled December 7th delivery.
So our goal is to make it to 32 weeks as their lungs will be developed by then and they'll know better how to feed. As Dr. Katz puts it: "In 2 weeks it'll be week 31 and we'll do another FFN if that comes back negative that'll be week 33, and anything after that is fine." So they seem to think that we will make week 32 without any problem and probably go longer, still aiming for a scheduled December 7th delivery.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
That was refreshing.
Well I guess we had a chance to catch our breath. Now back to business. Today we went in for an ultrasound and it was great. The girls are as beautiful as ever and we even got pictures. Phenomenal pictures! We were able to get a 3d pic of Baby B. Gina says she has my nose... I keep telling her it's only a computer rendering we'll have to see when she gets here.
Gina's mom was here for the u/s and she was excited to see them, but we did have some concerning news. The measurement of the cervix had gone from a substantial 5cm to 1+cm (I thought it was 1.9 and Gina thought it was 1.0) Not that it mattered, they weren't happy with it so they admitted her to the hospital for bedrest and observation. AARRRGG!
Gina's mom was here for the u/s and she was excited to see them, but we did have some concerning news. The measurement of the cervix had gone from a substantial 5cm to 1+cm (I thought it was 1.9 and Gina thought it was 1.0) Not that it mattered, they weren't happy with it so they admitted her to the hospital for bedrest and observation. AARRRGG!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Listen to this.
Sounds From Innerspace #4 - Hicups
Gina called me in to hear this so we recorded it. The audio seems to cut out at times but the rythmic sounds are hicups. Damn are they cute!
Gina called me in to hear this so we recorded it. The audio seems to cut out at times but the rythmic sounds are hicups. Damn are they cute!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Finally we can breathe easy!
We have finally cleared the 28 week milestone and now we should be able to breathe easy and maybe even enjoy the pregnancy...well one of us can breathe easy, one of us is actually having a very difficult time breathing (that would be Gina!) Poor Mama, the girls are pressing on so many different parts of her. Unfortunately one of the spots is her diaphram! So she can't eat much and she can't breathe deeply but she can sit in a meeting and watch her belly move when the girls kick.
They still don't really kick for me but I did feel a little something and last night when I put my hand on Gina's belly, I was able to press in and feel something. It didn't kick but it did feel like a knee or a foot or some other little appendage!
It really is awesome.
They still don't really kick for me but I did feel a little something and last night when I put my hand on Gina's belly, I was able to press in and feel something. It didn't kick but it did feel like a knee or a foot or some other little appendage!
It really is awesome.
I can only pray I'll be a dad like this.
This is an amazing story. I was sent an email about a father and son team that competes in triathalons together. That sounds all well and good but there is a huge twist to the story. The son was born with CP and so dad pushes, pulls and rides his son in each event...and does great. Read this story and then check out the video. Make sure you have some tissues nearby...
Click here> Team Hoyt
~
Click here> Team Hoyt
~
Friday, October 06, 2006
More sounds from innerspace.
Baby A's Heartbeat
This is Baby A's heartbeat. It's a little quiet but about 28 seconds into it you can hear a kick!
Baby B's Heartbeat
She's much closer to the surface I guess as her heart is much louder. I would turn down the volume before playing this one!
This is Baby A's heartbeat. It's a little quiet but about 28 seconds into it you can hear a kick!
Baby B's Heartbeat
She's much closer to the surface I guess as her heart is much louder. I would turn down the volume before playing this one!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
I must admit I was worried.
When Gina told me she had ordered the BabyBeat heartbeat monitor I was worried to say the least. I knew she was already stressing about how the babies were doing and all I could think about was that if she couldn't find the heartbeat there would be nothing but trouble. I told her that the first trip to the ER only to find out everything was fine, and I was taking it away! I didn't want anything to add stress. Fortunately she was able to find the beat if she tried long enough. And I have to admit it is great, and reassuring, to hear them.
She was supposed to return it at the end of September but she held onto it and I'm happy she did. Last night she tells me Baby B has the hiccups so she puts the BabyBeat on her and we can hear her rythmic spasms. It was awesome! It even sounded like a normal hiccup.
It really does add a whole other dimension to falling in love with them before we can actually see and hold them, and it's especially great for daddy because I don't get to really feel them like mommy does!
She was supposed to return it at the end of September but she held onto it and I'm happy she did. Last night she tells me Baby B has the hiccups so she puts the BabyBeat on her and we can hear her rythmic spasms. It was awesome! It even sounded like a normal hiccup.
It really does add a whole other dimension to falling in love with them before we can actually see and hold them, and it's especially great for daddy because I don't get to really feel them like mommy does!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Update Belly Pics
Here they are: Mommy, Baby A and Baby B. Aren't they beautiful? I can't believe how quickly they went from little belly to "When are you due?" I'm sure it's because they are twins so she is growing exponentially faster than were this to be just one baby. I feel sorry for her, too, because they are always pushing at her diaphram and waking her up at odd hours of the night, AND making it impossible to eat any meal larger than snack size and not many restaurants worth eating at have snack sizes on the menu!
It is all happening so fast.
We put new windows into the nursery today. Now I can finish taping the walls and then prime and paint after Gina picks the colors. It seems like none of this will get done in time. I think getting the nursery ready will be the most daunting, well that and cleaning out the garage, but once it's finished we'll be able to get the closet/cabinet/drawers or whatever we decide, installed and the crib put in. It's all so overwhelming and yet the actual arrival of the girls isn't stressing me out in any way...not yet at least!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Finally!
Last night I got to feel the girls, well one of them at least, kick or punch or something. I couldn't quite figure out what I was feeling they felt too small to be a foot. Then again it could have just been her toes. Not to break the tradition, she didn't kick for long after I put my hand on her. Still it is such an awesome thing knowing that our daughters are in there and they really are little people!
Gina does this neat little trick to try to get them active so I can feel them. She puts the BabyBeat monitor speaker side down on her belly and then uses the transducer on the other baby. We were laughing our fannys off the other night because it was making them move and kick and we could hear it and feel it. I can't even imagine how loud it is in there.... probably like a Who concert!
Gina does this neat little trick to try to get them active so I can feel them. She puts the BabyBeat monitor speaker side down on her belly and then uses the transducer on the other baby. We were laughing our fannys off the other night because it was making them move and kick and we could hear it and feel it. I can't even imagine how loud it is in there.... probably like a Who concert!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
What did we learn today?
Well to start our little girls weigh 1lb 6oz and 1lb 7oz. Baby A has a great profile, unfortunately we couldn't get a clear look at Baby B's face but what we saw was beautiful in an ultrasound sort of way! Everything looks fantastic and the doctor didn't even need to do any extra u/s after reviewing the films. They're happy...we're happy.
I love seeing the girls. I look forward to those appointments more than anything else. Of course I'd love it if the girls would kick for me but it seems they stop everything when I'm in the room! So in the u/s I can actually participate...in a way. I know that soon I'll see them and really feel them kick, I don't know how soon, but soon. They kick Gina all day long and she can even see the kicks now. Tonight she was pushing at them and they were pushing back. Just last night I was doing the dishes when Gina saw the kick and she felt a hard kick. She called me in and as soon as I put my hand on her belly they stopped. I walked back into the kitchen and they started up again! Figures. And I thought girls were supposed to be easier!!!
I love seeing the girls. I look forward to those appointments more than anything else. Of course I'd love it if the girls would kick for me but it seems they stop everything when I'm in the room! So in the u/s I can actually participate...in a way. I know that soon I'll see them and really feel them kick, I don't know how soon, but soon. They kick Gina all day long and she can even see the kicks now. Tonight she was pushing at them and they were pushing back. Just last night I was doing the dishes when Gina saw the kick and she felt a hard kick. She called me in and as soon as I put my hand on her belly they stopped. I walked back into the kitchen and they started up again! Figures. And I thought girls were supposed to be easier!!!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Excitement is building
I am getting so excited. We're only 2 days from a major milestone and we get to see you again a week from tomorrow. And that time will pass so very quickly.
We went to a Twins, Triplets & more class last week just to give us a hint at what we're in for. I think I'm supposed to be scared! Feedings every 1 1/2 - 2 hours... for about 20 minutes each... if they tag team Mama (worse case scenario) that means about 50 minutes in a stretch... maybe I should be scared!!! How cranky will we be?!? Something like 162 diapers per week! I guess it won't take too long to get the hang of changing them. I have a feeling that picking up dog poop may take a bit of the edge off baby poop... but only the edge!
Still, I'm looking forward to it. All I think of are cute little dresses, cute little shoes, cute little hats and socks. We already have adorable matching outfits for pictures.
I'd say this is going to be great but it already is!
We went to a Twins, Triplets & more class last week just to give us a hint at what we're in for. I think I'm supposed to be scared! Feedings every 1 1/2 - 2 hours... for about 20 minutes each... if they tag team Mama (worse case scenario) that means about 50 minutes in a stretch... maybe I should be scared!!! How cranky will we be?!? Something like 162 diapers per week! I guess it won't take too long to get the hang of changing them. I have a feeling that picking up dog poop may take a bit of the edge off baby poop... but only the edge!
Still, I'm looking forward to it. All I think of are cute little dresses, cute little shoes, cute little hats and socks. We already have adorable matching outfits for pictures.
I'd say this is going to be great but it already is!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Let the decorating begin...
Well girls, your Grandpa M. came down and helped start on your nursery. We don't yet have the colors picked out but we did sheetrock the wall and checked on new windows. So very soon you'll have a room with a wonderful view.
And when Mommy figures out what your bedding is going to be, we can dicide on colors for the walls and get it decorated for you.
I'm so excited for your arrival but for now just hang in there... literally!!! We're 4 days away from a major sigh of relief, and 4 weeks and 4 days away from relaxation.
And when Mommy figures out what your bedding is going to be, we can dicide on colors for the walls and get it decorated for you.
I'm so excited for your arrival but for now just hang in there... literally!!! We're 4 days away from a major sigh of relief, and 4 weeks and 4 days away from relaxation.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Dreams
I know Gina is supposed to have some wild dreams during the pregnancy (and she has!) but I didn't know that I would, too.
The other night I dreamt that the babies were born but it turned out that one was a boy... and I was upset about it! Not so long ago, about 2 weeks in fact, I wanted a son to go along with our daughter and now I was upset about actually having one! Screwy, to be sure, I know. Funny thing was, I didn't actually see the babies. Apparently I wasn't there for their birth, but someone at the hospital told me when I got there. Yeah, like that's gonna happen!
The other night I dreamt that the babies were born but it turned out that one was a boy... and I was upset about it! Not so long ago, about 2 weeks in fact, I wanted a son to go along with our daughter and now I was upset about actually having one! Screwy, to be sure, I know. Funny thing was, I didn't actually see the babies. Apparently I wasn't there for their birth, but someone at the hospital told me when I got there. Yeah, like that's gonna happen!
I FELT IT! I FELT IT!!!
Gina called me into the bedroom and had me put my hand on her belly andwithin seconds - BAMM - I got my first kick. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but right after I felt it Gina asked, more like confirmed what I felt. It was great and I can't wait to feel more and stronger ones in the weeks ahead. I'm waiting to "see" their arms and legs move across her belly... that'll be awesome... and freaky all at the same time!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
That little flutter.
I was able to feel them moving. At least that's what we think. When I put my hand on Gina's belly, waiting for the kick that, thusfar, never comes, it feels like I'm having a twitch in my hand. I thought that maybe it was Gina's insides gurgling away because I knew my hand wasn't really twitching away, but it turns out that that's the girls "tapping" or whatever it is they do that isn't kicking.
It's pretty awesome.
I can't wait to feel the KICK!
It's pretty awesome.
I can't wait to feel the KICK!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Happy Birthday Teagan
It's been 2 years since we were blessed by an angel. Born just shy of 19 weeks and delivered into the arms of God, we were blessed just to hold her in our arms, however briefly, and marvel at her beauty. No tears, just love. It's like having a Guardian Angel with a name and she's family.
She's made herself known to us these past 2 years.
We were on a walking tour in New Orleans and were in the cemetary where Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau is interred. In the back part of the cemetary there is a patch of grass that in an area where only one person, the first wife of "someone of society", if I remember correctly, is buried. In the middle of the grass there was one flower, I think it was called a Rain Lilly... I'm not sure. But the guide did take notice of it and thought it odd a) to only see one blooming and b) that it wasn't the season for them to be blooming. Later on the tour Gina notice a butterfly that seemed to be following me and paying particular attention to me before flitting off on its way. It wasn't until later that she told me that she had asked Teagan to show her just one of anything where normally there would be more.
I was doing a pickup on my birthday last year and near my truck was a camo Mickey Mouse antenna topper. I'm certain she knows what a Disney freak I am and it was the perfect present!
I'm convinced she is with Gina most of the time. Mostly because one night Gina came home while I was in the garage. I had the phone with me and it started playing back messages. I thought it strange that when the messages are played back on the base unit, they would also be played back on the phone. So I went upstairs and asked who called only to find that Gina hadn't checked the messages yet. So I tried to check them from the phone and found that 2 buttons needed to be pressed in order to start the playback. Clearly I didn't accidentally hit the button as the phone was sitting in a basket about 5 feet from me. I believe Teagan just made a detour through the garage on her way upstairs just to say 'Hi'.
One other time that really got my attention was when I was getting into my truck at the beach and lying on the ground outside my truck was a miniature rose plant with a small white rose and bare roots. It wasn't there when I got out of my truck... hmmm. I still have the plant and it's bloomed once since then.
I'm sure these aren't the only times she's made herself known, these are just a few of the times I was paying attention.
So, Happy 2nd Birthday Teagan. We miss holding you in our arms, but will hold you in our hearts until you take us by the hand and lead us around Heaven. We Love You.
She's made herself known to us these past 2 years.
We were on a walking tour in New Orleans and were in the cemetary where Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau is interred. In the back part of the cemetary there is a patch of grass that in an area where only one person, the first wife of "someone of society", if I remember correctly, is buried. In the middle of the grass there was one flower, I think it was called a Rain Lilly... I'm not sure. But the guide did take notice of it and thought it odd a) to only see one blooming and b) that it wasn't the season for them to be blooming. Later on the tour Gina notice a butterfly that seemed to be following me and paying particular attention to me before flitting off on its way. It wasn't until later that she told me that she had asked Teagan to show her just one of anything where normally there would be more.
I was doing a pickup on my birthday last year and near my truck was a camo Mickey Mouse antenna topper. I'm certain she knows what a Disney freak I am and it was the perfect present!
I'm convinced she is with Gina most of the time. Mostly because one night Gina came home while I was in the garage. I had the phone with me and it started playing back messages. I thought it strange that when the messages are played back on the base unit, they would also be played back on the phone. So I went upstairs and asked who called only to find that Gina hadn't checked the messages yet. So I tried to check them from the phone and found that 2 buttons needed to be pressed in order to start the playback. Clearly I didn't accidentally hit the button as the phone was sitting in a basket about 5 feet from me. I believe Teagan just made a detour through the garage on her way upstairs just to say 'Hi'.
One other time that really got my attention was when I was getting into my truck at the beach and lying on the ground outside my truck was a miniature rose plant with a small white rose and bare roots. It wasn't there when I got out of my truck... hmmm. I still have the plant and it's bloomed once since then.
I'm sure these aren't the only times she's made herself known, these are just a few of the times I was paying attention.
So, Happy 2nd Birthday Teagan. We miss holding you in our arms, but will hold you in our hearts until you take us by the hand and lead us around Heaven. We Love You.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Almost!
I was so close...so close to feeling a kick last night. Gina called me out of the kitchen and had me put my hand on the spot she just felt a kick only to have them stop... completely! They had been active all day, starting at 5:30am, but as soon as it's my turn they stop. I'm not terribly concerned. I know I'll have plenty of time to get a good kick or 2.
Tomorrow is the end of week 21 which means our next milestone is only 3 weeks away. That's when we start breathing easier. Week 24 is when Gina can relax and enjoy the pregnancy. Week 24 is when the survival rate for pre-term delivery shoots up dramatically. It seems so far away, but each individual week just flies by. I know they'll be here before I know it... I don't even want to think about how quickly they'll grow up!
Tomorrow is the end of week 21 which means our next milestone is only 3 weeks away. That's when we start breathing easier. Week 24 is when Gina can relax and enjoy the pregnancy. Week 24 is when the survival rate for pre-term delivery shoots up dramatically. It seems so far away, but each individual week just flies by. I know they'll be here before I know it... I don't even want to think about how quickly they'll grow up!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
More news.
3 weeks ago we got some great news. During an ultrasound we found out that one of the twins was a girl. Both of us wanted a girl and I couldn't imagine anything else. We have all these incredibly cute clothes and accessories that Mommy has collected and so all I can imagine is having a girl. I say "a girl" because I also wanted a son. You know, someone to look out for his sister, someone to teach about cars and building things, someone to enjoy a beer with... when he gets older of course, and someone to... well... balance the estrogen levels in our house. You know - 2 and 2. Sounds ideal huh? That's what I was thinking. Our accupuncturist said she was detecting a boy and so we have been calling "Baby A" a boy and referring to "him" when she felt a kick or how "he" was positioned. We just hoped "he" would cooperate at the next ultrasound by uncrossing his legs so we could confirm what we already knew.
Friday was that day and he surely did cooperate and there is was for all the world to see... nothing. And it was clear, in an instant our little boy was now our little girl. I'm shooting nothing but xxxxxxxxx's. That makes 3 including our little angel Teagan. So now it's 3 days later and I'm over the shock. I'm okay with it... really... no, I mean it. I told Gina that from now on we're having nothing but boy dogs!
So now we can start planning the nursery. We'll need 2 of everything, of course, and since they are already princesses, I think I've found the perfect crib. When they get older we can upgrade to this bed. Unfortunately linens aren't included. Now how do we register?
Friday was that day and he surely did cooperate and there is was for all the world to see... nothing. And it was clear, in an instant our little boy was now our little girl. I'm shooting nothing but xxxxxxxxx's. That makes 3 including our little angel Teagan. So now it's 3 days later and I'm over the shock. I'm okay with it... really... no, I mean it. I told Gina that from now on we're having nothing but boy dogs!
So now we can start planning the nursery. We'll need 2 of everything, of course, and since they are already princesses, I think I've found the perfect crib. When they get older we can upgrade to this bed. Unfortunately linens aren't included. Now how do we register?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
