Double the love, double the fun

Happy FIRST Birthday to my beautiful boys!

2009-07-01T11:08:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can hardly believe I'm typing this - on their FIRST birthday! The year has flown by so quickly! Dan and I have had so much fun with our babies over the past year, and we're so excited to watch them turn into little toddlers. Life is just about to get even crazier for us!

The babies had their first birthday party last Saturday. The weather was hotter than we would have liked, but the breeze kept us all comfortable enough to enjoy ourselves. The turn out was great - our closest friends and family members came and we had great food and great fun! Thank you to everyone who came - we were so happy to celebrate with all of you! What a great year this has been.

Here are a few pictures from the party on Saturday. Tucker was definitely digging his birthday cake!

Tucker, the dancing machine

2009-05-16T14:40:00.001-05:00

Tucker loves loves LOVES to dance - here's the proof!

Ten Months Old - already?

2009-05-15T22:40:00.015-05:00

Gosh, where has the time gone? Seems like just yesterday I was bringing home two 5 pound newborns who did nothing but sleep and eat all day. Now my days are filled with two crawling ten month olds who never slow down and eat every. single. thing. in. sight. Yes, I am one busy woman! But, please, I beg you, the next time you see a Mom at the grocery store with a cart full of kids, don't let the first words out of your mouth be, "Wow, you have your hands full!" Come on, people. We KNOW we have our hands full, we don't need you to remind us! Instead, say something sweet that we don't get told very often, such as, "What beautiful children you have," or, "You are so blessed," or even, "here's a hundred bucks," okay, just kidding on that last one. Seriously, though - if one more person tells me I have my hands full I'm going to mail them a poopy diaper everyday for the next year. Oh, it's possible!

On a lighter note, the babies are growing like weeds as just as happy as worms in a rain shower. They're both extremely social and will cuddle and sit with just about anyone. Hunter has four teeth now (two bottom and two top) and Tucker has two on the bottom with one on the top getting very close. Both boys are great dancers and love to bop to a beat of any kind. Hunter is now over 20 pounds and Tucker is sitting right around 17. Dan and I can't believe how much they've grown over the last ten months and we're sad that they're starting to look like big boys and quickly losing their babyness. At the same time, though, we're so excited to watch them grow into the boys they're meant to be!

Here are a few recent pictures of our little peas. Enjoy!

6 Month Update and Pics!

2009-01-17T12:27:00.003-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated! The babies had their six month check-up last week and it went very well! Hunter weighs 16 lbs 14 oz and Tucker weighs 14 lbs 2 oz. The Doctor said they both look great and are very healthy. She noted a heart murmur when she was listening to Tucker but said we'll keep an eye on it, and isn't too concerned about it at this point.

The twins are both still nursing, and on the day they turned 6 months old we started cereal once a day. They're doing very well with it, but both still prefer to nurse. = ) The Doctor was very proud of me for not feeling the need to start solids until six months!

Here are pics of my two beautiful boys!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-17T15:25:00.002-06:00

Four and a half Months Old

2008-11-14T22:22:00.004-06:00

I can't believe the babies are already almost five months old! They're so different, it's unbelievable!

At their four month well-baby check ups a few weeks ago, Hunter weighed in at a whopping 16 pounds 4 ounces and Tucker weighed 12 pounds 2 ounces. Hunter is on the big side for their age, while Tucker is on the smaller side - even smaller than Cooper was!

Their personalities are completely different, as well. Tucker is such a happy little guy - always smiling and happy to see you. If he's crying to eat and we just walk past him, he gets really excited and smiles, coos and kicks his legs. Hunter is a happy baby, too, but he takes much longer to warm up. He has to study your face for a while and once he finally realizes that he's getting attention, THEN you'll get some smiles and coos from him.

Please enjoy a few photos of the babies that I took this morning. They're just growing up so fast!

HUNTER

TUCKER

16 Weeks - Pictures!

2008-10-22T14:11:00.001-05:00

12 weeks ago

2008-09-23T10:40:00.004-05:00

Can't believe the babies are 12 weeks old already. They sure have changed!

TUCKER

HUNTER

smiley Hunter

2008-09-13T13:53:00.002-05:00

finally got a little smile from Hunter on camera!

and here's a nakey photo of Tucker, just so you can see how chunky he's getting! (Don't worry, Tucker, Mommy blurred out the embarassing parts!)

Baby Tucker's Squeaky Cry

2008-09-11T13:57:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share this funny little squeak Tucker does!

8 Week Appointment

2008-09-05T12:25:00.003-05:00

The babies had their 8 week appointment this week and I'm proud to announce that it went very well! They're growing so nicely and the Doctor was very pleased that they're still exclusively nursing - no formula here! Tucker weighs 9 pounds 11 ounces and Hunter weighs 10 pounds 10 ounces. Definitely some big boys. Each is 22+ inches long, and they have the same head circumference. They got three shots each and it broke their hearts - but they recovered quickly. = )

Also, I decided to brave the grocery store by myself with all three kiddos yesterday and guess what? I SURVIVED! Granted, I only got a couple of things that we needed for dinner last night so I was only in the store for about 15 minutes but still, I did it! I'm sure I looked hilarious pushing a cart with a three year old in one hand and steering a double stroller with two infants in the other. Oh, well. Gotta do whatcha gotta do!

Just a few new pics

2008-08-24T12:41:00.006-05:00

Let me say - it is SO HARD to find time to take these babies' pictures! I'm doing the best I can, though, so here is a few new pictures of the twins. They'll be eight weeks old on Tuesday!

Tucker

Hunter

Six Weeks Old!

2008-08-12T09:53:00.004-05:00

I can't believe the babies are six weeks old tonight! How unbelivably fast it is going already!

The boys are doing wonderfully. Tucker started showing some colicky signs a few weeks ago, and would scream unconsolably from about 10pm - 4am. Fortunately for us, our good friend, Preston, is a chiropractor and offered to adjust Tucker for us in hopes it would help with the colic. I am happy to report that after the very FIRST treatment, Tucker slept through the night only waking to eat and then right back to sleep. In fact, he hasn't had ONE MOMENT of colic since that first adjustment! Thank Goodness for good friends like Preston and Jeannie!

Here are a few new pictures of the boys. They're really changing quickly now, and starting to fill out. They're both getting chubby cheeks and chins, and little rolls in their thighs. I think they're both going to be chunky little guys!

6 Things About Me

2008-08-06T08:49:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my wonderful cousin, Tina, with Belle Adorn Jewelry for tagging me! Love You!

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry or post is up.

6 Random Things About Me:

1.) Six weeks ago, I gave birth to twin boys and ended up with a drug-free vaginal birth AND an emergency c-section. Talk about a double-whammy!

2.) I was born and have lived in Kansas my whole life. Some may find the state of Kansas quite plain and boring, but I, for one, love it here, and wouldn't want to raise my family anywhere else!

3.) I have never been on an airplane. Sad, I know, but I hope to someday soon change this fact!

4.) I am a cancer survivor. In May 2003, I had a mole removed from my thigh that turned out to be melanoma. To date, I haven't had any other suspicious-looking spots pop up, and I hope to keep it that way!

5.) My favorite hobby is photography and digital creations. I love making beautiful, custom party invitations, birth announcements, thank you cards, etc. All my friends love my work, so feel free to inquire! I have lots of examples.

6.) I married my best friend. Dan is not only my husband, but my best friend, as well. Most days, I feel like I have the best husband in the world. He works hard as a State Trooper and feels as strongly about my staying home to raise our kids as I do. When he's not on duty, he's at home with me trying his best to help me in any way that he can - and NEVER, EVER complains! I'm so blessed. = )

I am tagging:

* Kathleen, mother of Baby Tyler, a special heart baby

* Kim, my favorite writing friend, and a fellow SuperMom

* My friend, Rebecca, who is more special to me than she knows!

* Mindy, a former co-worker and one of my most cherished role-models and mentors

* Jenn, a fellow twin mom and valued friend!

* Annie, who I miss talking to! We need to catch up, Annie!

A Couple Baby Smiles

2008-08-02T13:07:00.001-05:00

Okay, Tucker's smile is definitely a sleepy-time (gas? haha) smile, but Hunter is very much showing the beginnings of social smiles! Yay for baby smiles!

Sleepy Pictures - FOUR WEEKS OLD!

2008-07-29T21:50:00.002-05:00

The babies are four weeks old in a matter of minutes - I can't believe it's been four weeks alreaady! Wow, talk about time whizzing by.

Please enjoy a few sleepy time pictures from today. I tried to get some 'open-eye' pictures, but, I had to take what I could get and Tucker and Hunter were just TOO TIRED!

The Birth Announcement

2008-07-29T13:34:00.002-05:00

I know everyone has seen this by now, but I just love it so much!

New Hats!

2008-07-24T14:53:00.001-05:00

The babies got new hats made for them by a terrificly talented crocheter, Jessi, at etsy.com (check out her shop at TwoSeasideBabes.etsy.com). Just had to share how adorable they look in their new beanies!

Hunter is in blue and Tucker is in yellow.

Pediatrician Visit Yesterday

2008-07-23T13:16:00.000-05:00

I'm THRILLED! I was so anxious to get the boys weighed. I think I just needed some reassurance that they are getting what they need and that I am, indeed, making plenty of milk for them. A week ago, Hunter was 5 lbs 10 oz and Tucker was 5 lbs 2 oz - NOW, Hunter is 6 lbs 1 oz and Tucker is 5 lbs 9 oz - they both gained 7 oz in a week! YAY!

New Pictures of the Babies!

2008-07-21T17:41:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share a few new pictures of the babies. I'll update about life at home tomorrow, after we have our check-up at the pediatrician's office. We can't wait to see how much the babies weigh after a week of being home!

In the meantime, enjoy the new pictures of our little blessings.

Monday Morning Update

2008-07-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a good day. Both boys got their circs in the early morning and then we were given the news that Tucker was being discharged at noon. There was just no reason for him to stay any longer.

We were also told that if Hunter did well with his temp over the next 24 hours that he would be discharged today. I spoke with his nurse this morning and he did great all night - so we'll be heading up there to TAKE OUR BABIES HOME this afternoon!

I cannot tell you all how happy we are to finally be going home. As of two weeks ago, I went into unexpected labor and haven't been home since. We've been extrememly lucky to be able to stay with Dan's parents and they've been more than generous to us these past two weeks. But it will feel so nice to be home. And more than anything, Cooper needs to go home. He is so home-sick it's heartbreaking. He tells us everyday how he just wants to go home.

I'll keep you all updated. I probably won't be around for a while as we get accustomed to having TWO newborns to nurse and care for around the clock. Developing a good routine will be my next venture!

Love You All.

Saturday Night Update

2008-07-12T22:25:00.002-05:00

Well, we're currently rooming-in with the boys in the antepartem ward at the hospital. This is just sort of a 'trial run' for our first overnight with the babies. That way, if we think of questions or run into things that might occur when we get home, we have the nurses nearby to get questions answered.

The car seat tests were performed today and both babies passed with flying colors. In fact, Tucker was sleeping so well in his, that we just left him in there for two hours. haha. They had no problems proving that they can handle the hour drive home.

The pediatrician will be here first thing in the morning to get our consent for the circs and then will do them immediately.

We are scheduled to be discharged on Monday at noon. The only "issue" that could hold us up is Hunter's temp. He's still having some problems keeping himself warm enough and they may look at that and decide he needs another day or two.

Hunter is also not gaining weight very quickly, which we've been told can be very normal for early babies who have some issues already. Tucker on the other hand is gaining at lightning speed, and weighed in tonight at 4 lbs 15 oz. Hunter weighed in at 5 lbs 8 oz, so now Tucker is 1 oz OVER his birth weight, and Hunter is 3oz UNDER his birth weight.

Please, please cross your fingers that Hunter gets this temp thing under control and starts gaining weight so we can ALL GO HOME TOGETHER. I am so SICK of visiting my babies in the hospital and being under the nurses watchful eyes!

Love you all.

Thursday Evening Update

2008-07-10T23:51:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be brief because, quite simply, I'm EXHAUSTED and need to get to bed!

Here are the updates from today:

* Hunter is no longer in the isolette and is holding his temperature quite well.
* Tucker decided to pull out his NG tube so he is taking ALL his feeds through the mouth and is doing GREAT with it!
* Hunter is finished with his pneumonia meds and no longer has the IV line in for it.
* Both boys are in the same room now.

And the biggest news: we were advised to bring our carseats in so that they can do the carseat test on the boys tomorrow. When we questioned the nurses about it, they said we may be home as early as THIS WEEKEND! WOOT! HUGE PRAYERS THAT WE CAN GO HOME WITH OUR BABIES!

As promised to many of you, here are a few pictures I snapped from today:

TUCKER RAY

HUNTER DANIEL

TUCKER AND HUNTER

Wednesday Morning Update

2008-07-09T07:29:00.004-05:00

It's official - the boys are now a week old. Time flies so fast when you're watching your beautiful children grow - but this week has sped by like lightning. Hard to believe a week ago I was recovering from one of the most painful, but rewarding tasks of my life, well, two, actually. : )

The boys are doing well and are now in rooms right next to each other at Overland Park Regional Hospital NICU. It was hard leaving the hospital where Tucker and I roomed together and I could hold him and snuggle him at my discretion, but having them together really does lessen the stress of trying to divide my time between two hospitals. It was so nice yeterday being able to nurse one baby and then walk a few feet to another rocking chair and nurse the other.

Hunter is showing us everyday that he is a strong little baby who wants nothing more than to keep growing and developing. He is taking a bottle now with many of his feedings and eats like a CHAMP. Some of the nurses can't believe how wonderfully he is doing in the eating department. I just look at all his chub and tell myself I'm not surprised though. = ) He had a little trouble with his temperature and was put inside an isolette to help maintain his body temperature and it proved to be extrememly helpful for him. He ate every drop in his bottle last night, which he's never done before. He's always eaten about half of it, and then had the other half given to him through his NG tube. Basically, the Doctor said that by helping him regulate his temperature, he doesn't have to work so hard doing it himself and can concentrate on using his energy to learn to eat. He will stay in the isolette for a day or two and then we'll challenge him again by seeing if he can regulate his temp in an open crib. He doesn't have his canula anymore and is doing just fine breathing room air - he know longer works really hard trying to breathe to distribute oxygen throughout his body, so we're not seeing anymore retractions in hi chest. He also doesn't need anymore fluids, so his IV has been removed. Everyday Hunter seems to overcome a little bit more and it's so nice to show up for a visit and find one less tube/wire coming off of him.

Tucker is doing well, too. There was actually talk yesterday of putting him in an isolette for a few day as well, but as of last night he seemed to be regulating his temperature just fine. The Doctor said sometimes that's common when a baby is put through the stress and trauma of a transfer from one hospital to another, so they weren't too concerned, really. Tucker's only task at this point is to keep eating well, and show that he can be weaned from his NG tube and eat every meal by mouth. Once he can eat every meal through his mouth for 24 hours, he can go home. Probably looking at about 5-7 more days in the hospital before that takes place.

Everyone has asked whether or not the boys are identical or fraternal. At this point we just don't know yet. They do have the same blood type, AB+, which is one of the more rare types, but that isn't proof of anything.As far as physical appearance, there are certainly similaritie between both boy, but there are a lot of differences, too. For instance, Hunter is a whole point heavier than Tucker, so he looks much more filled out and has a lot more fat on his body. Also, Tucker was shoved through the birth canal while Hunter was a c-section, so that could attest to different head shapes. Dan and I aren't in any hurry to find out. We think it will be really fun to watch them grow and see if we can tell in the next coming months. We really couldn't care less if they're identical or fraternal. Actually, Dan is a bit hopeful that they're identical because he thinks that would be really neat, but I'm more hopeful that they're fraternal because then it's as if I get two completely different and wonderfully beautiful boys for the price of one. In the end, all we want is healthy babies who can come home!

As for me, I'm doing okay. I'm getting around a little better each day and starting to experience less and less pain. I have to remind myself to take it easy and not to do too much, which is so hard for me. I love spending time with Cooper when I can, and find myself wanting to be at the hospital every moment in between. I have a new respect for anyone who has to leave their baby at the hospital - it's the hardest thing I have ever done, and leaving there each day gets more and more painful. Luckily, we're able to stay at Dan's parents house which is literally just 10-15 minutes away from the hospital so we can visit often. My parents are just around the corner from Dan's parents, so it's nice to know they're there for help, too.

I'll take the camera today and try to get some updated picture of the boys. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and I hope you'll continue thinking of us and our precious babies.

If anyone would like to come see us and the babie at the hospital, PLEASE don't hesitate to! Just email me at trishwills@gmail.com and I'll tell you where we are and how to find us. We love having company and anyone who wants to come visit is alway welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to come anytime!

Love,
Trish

Pictures of Hunter

2008-07-06T00:13:00.002-05:00

I got the BEST gift today - a visit with Hunter! I got to nurse him and he latched on and nursed for over 15 minutes - a HUGE success, especially considering he has never had any food through his mouth - just through his NG tube to his belly! He's doing extremely well, and we're planning on him coming home about the time his antibiotics are finished for the pneumonia. He has about a week left of meds, so hopefully he'll truly have the hang of nursing by then and CAN come home!

Enjoy these Hunter pictures, everyone! Before this visit, I had only seen him two times, very briefly, in the nursery at Olathe Medical Center before he was transferred to Overland Park Regional. So, this was a real treat for me - I basically met Hunter for the first time today - and it was WONDERFUL! It was the pick-me-up that I needed. :)

Fourth Day Update

2008-07-05T07:47:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest update.

Hunter, over at the other hospital (it's about 15 minutes away from where Tucker and I are) is doing WONDERFULLY. Dan spends several hours with him everyday and the report is nothing but great. As of yesterday, Hunter is eating through a NG tube and they're increasing the amount every third feeding by 3 ml. From what we could calculate, he'd be getting about 16 ml this morning. The goal is to get him up to 50 ml so that he is getting enough to gain weight. The nurses say he does excellent with his feedings and sucks his little paci really hard while the food gets pumped in. He's the biggest baby in that nicu right now, but I don't have a current weight on him. He's breathing room air with just VERY SLIGHT O2 in a nasal canula. He's regulating his temperature just fine. As soon as his heart rate settles down a bit (it's been in the 70's - 80's and needs to be in the 60's), he'll begin eating from a bottle, and has plenty of my breastmilk there to get started with. I've been a pumping machine!

Tucker is doing well, also. Yesterday, the doctors decided to change the way he was eating. As premature and small as he is, he just didn't have enough energy to finish each feeding,and wasn't gaining any weight. So, basically, all the calories he would eat, would be burned right away, while he was TRYING to eat. So he was getting no where. So now he has a NG tube like his brother, and is getting his feedings through that. Every third feeding is a breast feeding for him, and he's still latching on and suckling like a champ. He is also not getting anymore formula - just pumped breastmilk as well. :)

At this point, it is unknown which baby will be released first, and when. I will be discharged on Monday and will then go on what's called "Boarder Status." Basically, Tucker and I will still be in the room we're in now, but I won't be a "patient." I'll be free to come and go as needed, but will be able to stay here with Tucker until he's released, which could be at anytime. The doctors at both hospitals say the babies will be home by at least their 36-week gestation day, but most likely sooner.

We also got confirmation that the babies have the same blood type. I am AB-, Dan is A+ and both boys are AB+. Identical twins? Possibly. It will be fun to watch them grow and find out. We couldn't care less if they are identical or fraternal, we're just in love with them so much and can't wait to get them both home together.

I'm doing okay, as well. I'm starting to feel pretty good as far as my incision goes, and now only have slight swelling from Tucker's delivery. My hemoglobin has been really, really low - low enough my OB is considering a transfusion if it doesn't start responding to the iron supplements soon. I do occasionally get very dizzy and light-headed from it. Emotionally, I'll admit I have had a hard time. I only saw Hunter a few times for a few minutes before he was transferred and don't even know what he looks like (other than the pictures, but you know what I mean). It's so hard being here and bonding with Tucker all day, just knowing that I have another sweet baby to get to know and love, and at this point, I don't even feel like his Mother. cry I know it's all normal, though, and I just remind myself that it won't be long - and I'm so thankful that they weren't any earlier than they were, because they really won't have to stay in the hospital very long at all.

Sorry for the novel. Just wanted to update everyone. :)

48-Hour Update

2008-07-04T03:57:00.000-05:00

We had a few ups and downs yesterday, but overall, things are going well. I will update according to each baby:

Hunter: Hunter's O2 levels continued to go up and down throughout Wednesday evening and through the night into Thursday. We got word that his numbers plummeted on Thursday night and his need for O2 increased greatly. We had a feeling that Hunter was going to be transported to a local Level III NICU, and we were right. The lead neonatologist came and spoke with us about his concerns for Hunter staying here, and that he really felt Hunter needed to be transported to a hospital more equipped to handle his prematurity level and help him get over this hump and move on. We agreed. They got things set up and the transport team arrived about an hour later. They got Hunter all settled in his isolette and brought him to my room so we could say goodbye. We were eager for him to begin treatment at the NICU. A few hours later, Hunter's NICU nurse called and spoke with Dan with an update. Hunter's bloodwork all looks really well, but X-ray has determined that he has an early onset of Pneumonia. They've started some antibiotics (two different kinds) and also began giving him 7 ml of formula since all he had recieved since birth was some sugared saline until his O2 numbers stabilized. Dan went to Hunter's hospital last night and spent a few hours there. He was very happy to report that Hunter is doing AWESOME. His O2 levels have improved dramatically and he is currently on room air with a canula and low levels of O2 being given. He is the largest baby in his wing and the doctors expect he will be released within a week, if not sooner. He's taking his feedings well and they will begin increasing the amount of milk with each feeding. My milk is in as of a few hours ago, so he'll begin getting breastmilk, as well. We can't wait to get an update this morning! We're hoping that the pneumonia was causing the majority of Hunter's setbacks, and that the agressive treatment will get him on the right track.

Tucker: We are HAPPY to report that Tucker has the nurses and doctors EXTREMEMLY pleased with him as a 34-week preemie. Not only has he been eating and on room-air since birth, but yesterday morning he began regulating his own temperature and was able to STAY IN OUR ROOM WITH US! It was so nice not having to be wheeled to the nursery anymore - I had my baby IN MY ROOM! What a blessing! They started allowing me to nurse him at every third feeding, but sticking with the high-caloric formula for the remainder of the feedings. He really needs to start gaining some weight so I'm pumping a lot and saving it for later. Late morning, the pediatrician came by and gave us even MORE incredible news - he said that if Tucker continued to do so well, he would be going home with us when I'm discharged on Saturday! They're just baffled at how well he is progressing without needing any interventions other than the formula. He is doing well with his weight, too. 24 hours after birth, he had only lost 5 oz of his body weight, going from 4 lbs 14 oz to 4 lbs 9 oz. The nurse weighed him last night, at the 48 hour mark, and he was still at exactly 4 lbs 9 oz. They were very pleased that he hadn't lost anymore weight! He's nursing like a champ and beginning to take more and more formula with each feeding. I'm extremely amazed at his will to grow stronger and stronger, even at such a young small preemie. He's such a little fighter!

Pictures of the new babies!

2008-07-03T01:03:00.006-05:00

HUNTER

TUCKER

Introducing: Tucker Ray and Hunter Daniel !!

2008-07-02T19:10:00.002-05:00

My energy level is quite low at the moment, so this entry will most likely not be as lengthy as it could be. Just bare with me!

Monday was a busy, non-eventful day until later into the afternoon. We had a great OB appointment that morning at 1030 am that was nothing more than a routine visit for 34 weeks. Then we had a 145pm appointment in the sonogram department at the hospital for our monthly growth scan. Then were to head upstairs for our first NST in the Birth Center at Olathe Medical Center. That's when things gotinteresting . . . once they hooked me up to the machine, they started picking up contractions that I was having quite reguarly, although not painfully noticeable to me. They decided to check me and then call the Doctor. I was dlated to 2 centimeters, 50% effaced and -2 station. The doctor showed up an hour later, and said she'd check me and then send me home. She was proven wrong when she noticed I dilated from 2 to 6 in less than an hour! At that point, I wasn't going home.

By Monday evening I had progressed to a 7, 70% effaced and -1 station.

I labored all day on Tuesday, and things really started moving later in the evening. We knew the time was drawing near!

Finally, at 1012pm, Tucker's water broke. A few minutes later, at 1018pm, Tucker was born and laid on my chest. He was delivered vaginally with NO DRUGS AT ALL! Woot!

Next was Hunter. He was still very high up in the uterus after his brother was born, so I knew I had some good, strong pushing to do to get him down. After pushing for over an hour, the doctor became concerned as to why he hadn't progressed downwards, and decided to do a sonogram to check his placement. Sonogram showed that Hunter was now completely breech with his feet near the cervix. At that point, we decided a c-section was the best option to get Hunter out while he was still stable and not showing any signs of stress. That proved to be the absolute BEST OPTION for Hunter's well-being, because the doctor discovered the cord was wrapped around his neck, went down his back and then wrapped TWICE around his leg.

Needless to say, I'm a bit sore in several places and extrememly tired! Here are the babies' stats:

Tucker Ray - July 1st, 2008, 1018pm; 4 lbs, 14 oz; 17 3/4 inches long
Hunter Daniel - July 1st,2008, 1154pm; 5 lbs 11 oz; 18 1/2 inches long

So far, the babies are doing great, considering they're prematurity. Tucker, although the smaller of the two, is breathing room air (was never on oxygen) and eating every three hours. I was even able to nurse him this morning and he did GREAT. Hunter is having a few issues here and there, but the doctors are monitoring him really well, and are hoping he won't have to be transferred to a hospital with a NICU. He's on a bit of oxygen, and they're slowly weaning him off of it.

I am going to rest for a bit, and then I'll post a few pictures of our new babies! Love You All. :)

Hunter Gets the Hiccups

2008-06-19T10:49:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd post this short video of Hunter getting the hiccups. Since he is breech with his head under my right ribs, it's really easy to see my whole belly move with his hiccups, because his back is positioned at the top of my belly.

Enjoy!

32 Weeks - Maternity Photos

2008-06-15T12:58:00.004-05:00

Here are just a few of our favorite shots from the lake yesterday.

31-32 Week Appointment

2008-06-11T21:52:00.002-05:00

I had a great appointment this morning.

Everything went well! Blood pressure is good, they're pleased that I only have very slight swelling and I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks - YAY! I've still only gained 29 pounds so far, which isn't great (especially for carrying twins) but I still think it was because I was SO sick in the beginning for SO long. I'm doing the best I can!

We talked a lot about delivery options and how we'd like to see it all pan out. I got my first betamethasone (steroid) injection today, and get the second tomorrow (just a little boost to their lungs, in case they show up a little early). I'm measuring 43 weeks now. I start going every week in two weeks and will get NST (non-stress tests) at each appointment.

We're nearing the end now - and I'm scared to death!

A Poem

2008-06-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here is a poem I heard recently and just LOVE it!

Here we are, it's plain to see,
I'm just like you, you're just like me.

Two grown together from the start,
Beneath our Mother's loving heart.

Though soon we'll walk a seperate path,
You'll always be my other half.

Lord, Thank you from us both, Amen,
'Cause we were born with our best friend.

27+ Weeks Belly Picture

2008-05-14T22:15:00.001-05:00

Man - I'm HUGE, PEOPLE!

3D Sono Pictures

2008-05-12T16:18:00.003-05:00

Hopefully everyone will be able to "see" what's in each photo!

Baby Tucker

Baby Hunter

Baby Tucker, covering his face with his arm/hand and leg/foot

Baby Hunter, covering his face with his arm/fist

Baby Tucker's foot/toes on the top of Baby Hunter's head!

26 Week Sonogram

2008-05-06T09:35:00.004-05:00

Had a growth scan yesterday to see how well the baby boys are growing, and it went so well! Both boys are measuring over a week ahead and weigh exactly the same, at 2 lbs 5 oz - which is a great weight for 26 weeks! We got to see them sucking their thumbs and being so active.

Here are a few pictures of our angels. :)

24 Week Appointment

2008-04-25T16:22:00.003-05:00

Had a TERRIFIC appointment today! My wonderful Aunt, Carolyn, went with me since Dan is out of town for training in Salina - I was so glad she was there so I wasn't alone (I always fear that I'll get bad news while I'm by myself!).

Everything looks just great. My cervix is still nice and long just under 4.1 (stay away, preterm labor!) and I've gained a total of 22 lbs.

Both babies are in a position we hope they'll stay - head down!

And I'm now measuring, drum roll please . . . 34 weeks. Gulp. No wonder the moms at the park keep asking me when I'm due!

We go back for a growth scan for the babies on May 5th, so get ready for more pictures of our growing boys!

The names have been picked!

2008-04-14T17:10:00.003-05:00

Baby A will be Tucker Ray

and

Baby B will be Hunter Daniel

We have already had a lot of people tell us they're not thrilled about the name Tucker - but honestly, we couldn't care LESS what everyone else thinks! We love the name and even know a few Tuckers that have helped us grow even fonder of the name. We also love the 'er' theme we're sticking with: Cooper, Tucker and Hunter.

We hope everyone likes the names as much as we do. And please, do NOT remind us of what the name 'Tucker' rhymes with - we just think that's silly!

21+ Week Appointment

2008-04-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

Went well!

Babies have turned down and are no longer transverse - Baby A is head down and Baby B is head up, but they still have time to turn all over the place.

Heartbeats were 154 and 150. Both babies were VERY active!

I'm 21.5 weeks, and measuring 28 weeks, so right on target.

I gained some more weight, and am up to a total of 18 lbs gained - EXCELLENT! They wanted me to gain 20 lbs by 20 weeks, and that didn't happen. But I'm at 18 lbs and almost 22 weeks - I've made good progress!

And the best news of all - my cervix is measuring a WHOPPING 4.1!!!!!

21 Week Belly Picture

2008-03-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

Dan took a quick snapshot today so I thought I'd post for you all! I'm already starting to get uncomfortable - but I'm trying not to complain too much, because I still have such a ways to go! I'm going to be as big as a duplex soon. Ha,ha.

20 Weeks

2008-03-24T14:11:00.007-05:00

Wow, time is really flying. I can't believe I'm over half-way through this! Seems to be going so fast.

The BIG Sono!

2008-03-18T18:25:00.003-05:00

Had a terrific appointment today with the Perinatologist! She's a wonderful doctor, and we feel very lucky to be in her care. She was extremely thorough and looked at we covered everything when we spoke during the consult.

The Sono was great and they spent a long time looking at everything in both babies: heart chambers and pulmonary valves; kidneys, bladders, stomachs and intestines; arm and leg bones; facial structures; umbilical cords; neck folds; spines; etc. Everything looked terrific and couldn't have looked better! They were very happy. We also got a good look between the legs of both babies, and confirmed - TWO BOYS! We're thrilled, and think having twin boys is going to be just awesome! We're throwing some names around, but don't want to reveal them quite yet. :)

Here are some pictures of our little angels!

Baby A's Profile

Baby A's Leg and Foot

Baby B's Profile

Baby B's Hand and Fingers

Yesterday's OB Appointment - and a SURPRISE!

2008-03-08T11:33:00.002-06:00

First of all, the appointment was great. My blood pressure was perfect, my urine looked good and showed no protein, and I have a total weight gain of ten pounds - not as much as the Doctor would have liked me to gain, but not bad since I've been feeling sick for so long.

The Doctor had a hard time finding the heartbeats of the babies with the doppler (it can be quite tricky with twins sometimes), so she took us back to the sono room to get a quick peek at the heartbeats. Once we saw that both babies were fine and dandy, I spoke up and said, 'You know, we might as well go take a look between their legs, I mean, we're already here.' She said, 'Okay, we can try.' Well, Baby A is for sure, 100% a BOY. Baby B wasn't so cooperative and was very, very wiggly, making it hard to get a good look. HOWEVER, the few quick glimpses that we got looked VERY MUCH like 'boy parts' so we're about 75-85% sure we're having TWO BOYS!!

We'll get confirmation at our big appointment on March 18th. But, we're at least having one boy - and most likely two! A house full of bouncing boys!

P.S. Yes, we know we're going to have our hands full. We're totally excited about it!

17 Weeks

2008-03-03T14:25:00.003-06:00

Man, it just seems like this pregnancy is flying by. Feels like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant and were in such shock - after 20 months of trying we were really beginning to think it would never happen! Now that the twinshock is starting to wear off, we're really getting excited - how lucky are we? We get to bring home TWO BABIES to love and cherish forever. That's a blessing I could have never dreamed of. Is it going to be hard? Yes, I'm sure there will be days and weeks that drag by while I walk around as a sleepless zombie, but who cares, right? I'm only 27, I can handle it - I hope. :)

I will leave you with this - so far, my least favorite statement from people who discover we're expecting twins is: "Oh, no! Double Trouble!" Nope, double the love I tell them, and double the hugs, and double the kisses, and double the giggles . . .

The Big Brother - a brag!

2008-02-25T16:01:00.008-06:00

Okay, okay, this post isn't about the twins - but it IS about their big brother! I couldn't wait to share this video of Cooper at swimming lessons today. At just barely 3 years old, he's the youngest in his class and one of the top swimmers. He has NO fear! I was very proud.

A Poem

2008-02-24T17:00:00.003-06:00

Came across this poem and liked it so much I thought I'd share. Puts a smile in my heart!

Your Twins

The heavens were excited -
(statistics were just right)
"Gather 'round," the wisest angel said,
"God's designing twins tonight."
It's quite a marvelous process,
As anybody knows -
Two separate souls begin their lives,
As His love just overflows.
Perhaps he'll make them just alike,
Or as different as can be,
But that's the way He wants it -
He's planned it that way you see.
He must then find a loving Mom,
A very special Dad -
For twins take special parents,
And the best just must be had
~ author unknown

Starting to Collect Things for the babies!

2008-02-23T11:48:00.003-06:00

My generous friend, Kathleen, made a deal with me and I scored another swing - it's practically brand new, and is the exact match to the swing I already have! And I'm going to look at a stroller for the babies this week. A lady listed it on craigslist and says it's only been used a few times - and she's asking less than half of what it costs brand new. NICE! And Dan's mom has said she would like to purchase the carseat for us - which is wonderful! That means that most of the 'big stuff' will be ready for the babies. Excellent!

Now all we need is to start our DIAPER STASH!

15 Week Belly Pic

2008-02-17T14:30:00.000-06:00

well, almost, anyway!

Dan and I went to dinner for a nice date-night out last night. Cooper was at Grandma and Grandpa's house so we were really able to have a nice time, just the two of us. Dan took this picture right before we left the house.

went to the OB concerning the headaches

2008-02-12T20:04:00.000-06:00

Everything is fine, and she gave me some meds to help with the headaches. Urine looked good. Blood pressure was good. Gained a pound since last time. Temperature was good. And - we got to hear both heartbeats on the doppler. 154 and 158!

starting to feel better

2008-02-10T20:52:00.000-06:00

I've been reluctant to post this in fear that right after I do, I'll get hit hard with nausea again. But, for the past 3-4 days, I can definitely say it's getting better. I've even been able to cook dinner without puking a few times, and that is AWESOME! On the down side, though, the headache is still going strong, and is somedays simply unbearable. I'm considering calling the OB to discuss it with her. Tylenol won't even touch the throbbing in my head.

It's definitely border-line migraine, and SUCKS. This, too, shall pass. This, too, shall pass.

the "BIG" sono has been scheduled

2008-02-08T13:47:00.000-06:00

I got a call from my OB a few days ago. My first appointment with the Perinatologist is on Tuesday, March 18, at 9am. It will consist of a long consultation and then my first level II sono. We'll also take a look at the babies' genders, if they're willing to cooperate! I'm really looking forward to meeting this doctor. I'm excited about having someone else on-board who is more knowledgable and experienced in both high-risk and multiples pregnancies. Just a little over 5 weeks and hopefully we'll know if we're on the pink or blue team - or BOTH!

I will NEVER do this again.

2008-02-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

Yes, you're hearing me correctly. This is IT for me. I will NEVER be pregnant again! Don't misunderstand - I am VERY thankful for the blessings in my womb, but I am just downright MISERABLE. The nausea is worse now than it has been in several weeks. I had to stop taking the anti-nausea medicine because it made me constipated, and I would MUCH rather be nauseous than constipated. PAIN. Now I'm getting regular headaches that my OB says is normal due to the high levels of hormones in my system. I'm keeping a journal, and writing in it often. Whenever I get the itch for another baby (if ever) I will be SURE to refer to my journal and ask myself, 'Do I want to take the chance of experiencing that with three kids?' HA! No, Thank you!

Okay, whine over. Thank you so much.

12 Week Sono

2008-01-25T22:15:00.000-06:00

The babies look awesome. They're now measuring ahead, too! Baby A measured 12w5d and Baby B measured 12w2d. Heartrates were 157(A) and 154(B). Both babies were moving all over the place. We saw their little profiles, their fingers and toes and everything else. It was a very good sono.

The nausea

2008-01-16T15:43:00.000-06:00

talked to the OB about getting some zofran (anti-nausea medicine) and she said that was fine. She'd call it in. For the generic drug, I'm paying $52 for a two week supply. Ugh. Hard to justify that price for anti-nausea medication!.

Dangit. I just want to feel good!

Saying 'so long' to my waist!

2008-01-07T19:28:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I'm 9 weeks and in materntiy pants. I knew the time was coming. For over a week now, I've only been able to button ONE pair of my regular jeans. Today I slipped them on and could hardly zip them. Dang. Let the fun begin.

Had some brief spotting - went for a Sono

2008-01-02T15:39:00.000-06:00

everything is FINE! I worried for nothing.

Heartrates were in the 150's for both babies, and we got to see them moving around and bobbing up and down. Placentas are visible now, and not even close to each other, so no worries about the babies fighting for nutrients off of one placenta. They termed them 'dichorionic/diamniotic twins' which means they have their own sac, placenta and fluid. Tech says things couldn't look any better. I have another sono and appt in a month. Got a rhogam injection in my butt today, too.

I can't stand it . . .

2007-12-22T23:22:00.000-06:00

I never realized how intensified the symptoms are with a multiples pregnancy. I am so hungry, and simply can't eat. I feel like I have the flu without the fever. I can't eat ANYTHING. The only thing that sounded decent today was yogurt and carnation instant breakfast, and even those were hard to eat. This morning sickness is KICKING MY BUTT. If you guys could see my house right now, you'd be so ashamed for me! It's a DISASTER! All I want to do is lay around in my jammies and try not to barf or dry heave.

The First Sono

2007-12-19T17:25:00.000-06:00

She did the external sono first, and immediately I saw two dark sacs. I asked the sonographer if I was seeing correctly and she just smiled and said, "Yes." Then she told us that so far she couldn't see any fetal poles. So I emptied my bladder and came back in for the transvaginal sono. Almost instantly we saw TWO beating hearts on the monitor and Dan and I were both speechless. She did measurements- each baby is measuring at 6w1d. I'm currently 6w5d, but she said that was okay - she said the more important fact was that they were measuring the same.

Baby A's heartbeat was 116 bpm and Baby B's was 122 bpm. She said those are VERY good, because most 6 weekers are still in the 90's to low 100's. She said our chances of miscarriage are less than 3% now. She also said that both babies have their own sac, which is very good, because that means they won't get tangled in each other's cords or suffer from twin-to-twin transfusions.

Dan didn't say a word during the sono or most of the drive home. Once home, he had to start getting ready for work (we got home at 330pm and he had to go on duty at 4pm, so he was stressed trying to get ready quickly). He was grumpy and quiet for a while, and finally told me that he can't believe we're having twins, and told me that he's worried, and scared. I told him it was okay to feel that way. And then I told him that I will make a promise if he does - and he said okay. So, we promised that we would only feel this way TODAY. Once tomorrow comes, we'll wake up happy and feeling blessed about the TWO miracles in my womb. I am feeling really good about this now, and starting to accept what God has given us. I have told myself, "Gosh, God must think I'm a pretty good mom to put the well-being of TWO babies in my hands!" And, "God wouldn't give us two babies if he didn't think we could handle it."

If He leads you to it, He'll lead you through it!

When we tell the Wills family . . .

2007-12-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

We'll be sharing the news with Dan's family during our Christmas get-together with them. It will be Dan's parents, his Grandma and Grandpa, and my brother-in-law with his wife and two kids. Dan wanted to get Cooper a special shirt, and we'll wrap it and let him open it as one of his gifts in front of everyone. I think it's going to be funny watching everyone catch on and react.

Here's the shirt. I had it handmade/stitched from a woman on etsy.com and it even came in this cute little bag, too!

of course when we saw the pirate, we knew that was the shirt for Cooper, since he's obsessed with pirates! He'll love wearing it!

First OB Appointment

2007-12-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

and, for what it's worth - she's ordered an early sonogram (scheduled for Wednesday afternoon) because I'm measuring 2 weeks ahead. She said it could just be because I've done this before and my body is working ahead of itself and getting prepared. Nonetheless, she said I'm measuring at 8 weeks, and the calendar says I'm 6w2d.

Telling the Bundy's

2007-12-03T12:28:00.000-06:00

We've decided we're going to tell my parents MUCH earlier than we'd like. Reason is: we're going on a vacation with them from Dec. 8 - 11. Wtih as tired and pukey as I am, there's no doubt in my mind that they'll figure it out. Not to mention Mom's going to wonder why I'm not getting in the hot tub and drinking marguerita's.

So, we came up with a card and I ordered it today. We'll present it to them while we're on vacation.

48 Hour Re-Check

2007-11-29T10:42:00.000-06:00

In less than 48 hours, my numbers tripled! HCG is 90! Progesterone is 47.8.

Bloodwork to Confirm Pregnancy

2007-11-27T11:15:00.000-06:00

everything looks GREAT!

progesterone is nice and high at 41

and beta is at 29

she said she'll have me come in tomorrow morning just for one more check on beta, but not to be concerned at ALL. She said 29 is PERFECTLY NORMAL for just over 3 weeks pregnant!

we're PREGNANT!

2007-11-26T18:38:00.000-06:00