Our Phabulous Life with the Twins

We're BAAAACK!!!

2009-09-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

Er, I am anyway....finally able to blog after working ungodly much for an ungodly long time...I'm going to start blogging REGULARLY again - YAY! There is so much to tell with the boys...Bonny is walking, Brewer is in full-on tantrum mode, and the birthday party plans are in full swing.

In short, mommy is very, very tired. More later this week with pictures and video

Stay tuned...

Happy Birthday

2009-08-10T22:19:00.001-05:00

I love you my sweets. I can't believe you are 10 months old today.

Letting Go...

2009-08-06T07:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Brewer stood on his own - he let go. Did it a couple of times at day care and then again for Daddy before they went to bed!

I can't wait to see it myself! What a big, strong boy!

One Phabulous Lesson

2009-08-02T14:06:00.002-05:00

Multiples and More asked us MoMs to share the lesson we have learned in our first year with our kids...well, our year one is not quite up yet, but here is something I do know...

I have learned that nothing can make me as happy, or as tired, as taking care of my children. At the end of a long day, sometimes I can't wait for them to go to bed at night, just to get a moment's peace...but by the morning, I can't wait to see their little faces - so happy to see me.

When they have the moments where they genuinely 'need' me, being able to fulfill that need and see them become happy and whole again with the touch of my hand or at the sound of my voice makes me feel like a truly amazing person.

They are the best thing that Jon and I have ever been a part of.

We are Phamous!!!

2009-08-01T22:17:00.005-05:00

Check out our 'modeling' debut as part of the collage on the phabulous blog network for MoMs - www.multiplesandmore.blogspot.com. B&B are right over the letter h in 'strength' and the i in 'in'.

Awww. so adorable!

Update on baby K

2009-07-30T22:34:00.003-05:00

Baby K is doing great.

He is still in the hospital and has been diagnosed with a treatable heart condition, but he continues to amaze everyone and has shown himself to be a real little fighter.

He will be two weeks old tomorrow and he is no longer on any machine support. His parents are even talking about a not too distant day when he will be able to go home! I've seen pictures of him and he looks healthy and beautiful.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. They mean alot to me and my family.

Baby K was born only 8 gestational days earlier than the boys and the trials he and his parents have faced make me mindful of how lucky I was that my boys were so healthy and hearty. We were and continue to be truly blessed.

MIA Mommy...9 Month Check-up

2009-07-30T22:28:00.002-05:00

Bonham is officially no longer the 'little' brother. He weighed in at 18lb 14oz, and measured 29" long. Brewer weighed a mere 18lb 13oz and measured 28 and 5/8"...

Ok, ok, so they are practically the same, but considering historical weights and measures, Bonny had a serious growth spurt this quarter.

They are in the 75th percentile for height and 25th for weight. The doctor says they are doing great.

I am so proud of my boys and of me and Jon for doing a great job!

For those of you who don't know...this is the time of year where my job takes over my entire life. I've cut back my overtime hours since the boys came, but I'm still terribly busy so my blogging has slowed. I'll post when I can, but just know that things will pick up here again in a few weeks after my projects are done and I am able to come up for air.

XOXO

If you pray, please pray for baby 'K'

2009-07-20T21:52:00.002-05:00

My baby nephew was born this past Friday, about 6-7 weeks premature, we think...we were not sure of the due date...

He's in the hospital (been life-flighted 2x in 3 days) and because of her own complications from the birth, his mom was just able to join him today. He's having trouble breathing and has fluid around his heart that they are draining.

I want to be respectful of putting too many details out on the internet, bc I haven't asked permission from my brother, but baby 'K' is the son of my brother and his wife. He has 2 older sisters who are 12 (twins), and many aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who love him very much.

Please keep him, his family and those caring for them in your prayers. I pray his mother's voice is just what he needs to help him be strong and get better.

Super Sunday! Super Busy...

2009-07-12T22:46:00.002-05:00

Hi all. I have been way too busy lately to write Super Sunday as it was intended...sorry. I hope things will calm down. soon. alot. (sigh)

Today, I did get alot done around the house, including cleaning out the fridge, which was deceptively and amazingly full, considering that once I cleaned it, it was bare and I had to go to the grocery store.

I also cleaned out the notorious stacks of mail and dealt with alot of open paperwork items...renewed registrations on cars, made a folder of pix for my digital frame at work, etc. And tonight I went and restocked the fridge. Much more to do, but this was certainly progress.

I also met the newest addition to my boys' 'gang', my friend Christie's son, who turned one week old today...he is adorable - a total doll - and a long-awaited blessing. He's our fifth little buddy to be born this month. I am so excited that my boys will have so many pals whose parents I already like. I may never have to widen my social circle ever again if things keep working out so famously. (Bad, Lisa!)

We also had a fun time with the boys this weekend - especially today!

We played on the splash pad in the morning, Bonham figured out that the seat on the Quattro Rider opens and closes (and opens and closes and opens and closes and opens and closes and....), and Brew played in the tub after our first ever 'fake-out' by the boys...amazing how much it looks like a blow-out if you can get your brother to puke his sweet potatoes down your back!

In the evening Granny and Grand-dad watched the boys so we could go to church. Then we met the family for dinner and went for sno-cones after. Wow - I get tired all over again just thinking about it.

I think everything else I want to do will have to wait for another day. I am off to join Jon, who has already turned in. G'night all!

Phabulous Phamily Photos from the Phourth (3x fast!)

2009-07-07T23:14:00.002-05:00

Pictures of the kiddos from the 4th. One of the boys in all their adorable glory and another with their twin cousins, Kendall and Kourtney, and their singleton cousin, Lili.

Two more singletons are on the way for our family- both of my sisters-in-law are pregnant. My dad and his wife will have 6 grandkids aged 2 and under soon...eight grandkids total - Yipes.

There are going to be some WILD family get-togethers in our future!

Dear Brewer,

2009-07-07T07:46:00.003-05:00

Crying it out is miserable - whether you are 9 months old or 32. But sometimes it is all you can do. And in the morning, you do feel better. I love you, son.

xoxo

Mumma

Vroom, Vroom!

2009-07-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

It's a NEW CAR!!! (cue the music from 'The Price is Right')

Do you think one of my kids seems a little bit more excited than the other one?

Way-Back Whenesday

2009-07-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

Pictures of Jon and I from a few springs ago (2006, I think) in the bluebonnet field at our Uncle's ranch. I can't wait till next spring when I can get pics of the boys wandering in the bluebonnets. Just the thought melts my heart!

Play along with Cheryl Lage's Way-Back Whenesday at Twinfatuation!

What every hip baby will be wearing this season...

2009-06-29T21:57:00.003-05:00

Brewer - modeling the latest in chicken and vegetables (by Gerber) - and practicing his baby pteradactyl sounds...hear mommy egging him on in the background and chastising him (kindly for his uncharacteristicly 'unkempt' appearance at the dinner table - oh let the comparisons between the twins' behavior begin...

It goes without saying, but this clip makes my monday! Join Cheryl at Twinfatuation for 'Makes My Monday'!

Super Sunday, Super Sno-Cones!

2009-06-28T22:04:00.003-05:00

Get yourself to your nearest Sno-cone stand ASAP!

We went with the entire family and it was a great way to beat the heat. The boys enjoyed sharing cherry sno-cones with Daddy and me. We all had a great time and we met not one, but two other sets of twins while we were there! It was hilarious - Sunday night must be 'twin night' at the sno-cone stand. It was a wonderful experience - everyone we met was lovely and it actually was not too unbearably hot.

Thanks, Grand-dad for buying us sno-cones! We really enjoyed it. And just so you know, the boys did go down right after their baths, so you and granny wore them out really well this afternoon!

The sun will come out...

2009-06-26T22:13:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow!

Unfortunately. It has been hella hot here. Every time I think about taking the boys for a trip to the park, I change my mind. It can't be good for them to be out in 100 degree + heat. Oh, well. I guess tomorrow evening before bedtime we'll play on our water pad - that was a big hit last weekend.

Also on tap tomorrow - a haircut for me - YAY. If it turns into something special, we'll post a picture!

Way Back When-esday...

2009-06-23T21:49:00.004-05:00

My Way-Back When-esday this week is a picture from our pre-mommy/daddy days back when we used to travel. This is from our vacation in May of 2007 when we went to London - that's the Tower of London in the back...

Our big vacations were our between-in-vitro breaks and were a great way to blow off steam and remind ourselves that we were 'us' first, no matter what happened. This trip, in particular is the source of many fond memories for me and Jon.

London is high on my list to take the boys back to someday, but I will wait until they are out of the stroller!

Play along with Way Back When-esday with Cheryl Lage at Twinfatuation!

Super Sunday, Super Daddy (and water fun!)

2009-06-21T21:59:00.004-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Thanks for the difference you make in your children's lives.

A very special Father's Day to my sweet husband. I never would have made it down this path to parenthood without him and he is the best dad - even better than I ever imagined. I can see the love in my kids' eyes when he walks into the room. It's amazing. I know he would do anything for us (and he often does). We love you, honey!

This morning, Jon received gifts from me and the boys, including a handpainted platter done by me and the boys, which I will have to photograph for uploading.

We brunched with the extended family, including Jon's parents. The day had a couple of firsts...Among them - Bonham finally ate puffs today at brunch! He was so analytical. The puffs were star-shaped and at one point he studied one, picked it up, bit off one of the points, put it back down and re-analyzed it before eating it. Ah, my little studious one.

Another big hit today was the boys' first 'pool'. I got them this Splash Pad (my Super Sunday pick) on www.diapers.com for $19.99 last week. Today was our first chance to try it out.

As you can see, it was worth every penny!

Jon says he had a wonderful day! I hope all you other dads out there (including my own) did as well.

(Our Phabulous) Life behind bars...

2009-06-17T21:38:00.004-05:00

IT"S HERE!

2009-06-17T07:35:00.001-05:00

The new camera is here! Pictures tonight!

Super Sunday - Super Toy Needed! And Life on Hold...

2009-06-14T21:10:00.005-05:00

We are sad to report we have declared our camera officially lost after one week of it being missing.

We're sad, we lost about 2 weeks of pictures, but we know it could be alot worse. We gave in and ordered a new camrea so I am sure the old one will show up any day now.

Until the camera comes in, I am wishing I could press a 'pause' button on my babies.

They have been teething like crazy, poor little guys. Brewer is starting to pull up now, too, and he now LOVES the jumperoo. We need a second jumperoo-like toy, but I don't want to get anything too similar - I want two different things so the boys don't get bored. I'm thinking of getting this...any recommendations?

It called the Chicco 4 in 1 - it starts out as a rocking horse type of toy, with a seat that goes around the waste and eventually converts to a push and then a riding toy. The beginning age range on it is 9 months and the boys just turned 8 months, so I think it will be a great fit. Anyone else have something they like even better? We'd love ideas!

What a treat!

2009-06-09T22:03:00.004-05:00

Tonight the boys were still awake when I got home so I threw on my sweatpants and hopped in baby-jail to play.

My sweet Boo-boo came right up to me and crawled in my lap to cuddle - playing with my necklace, his head on my shoulder, arm wrapped around mine.

Bonham - standing (again, more, still...) in the corner of the baby-jail, grunting and yelling to get my attention because the world will end if you don't watch him stand every possible second. LOL.

After snuggling Boobear for a bit, I helped Bon cruise over to me to get his cuddle time. He tried to climb me..succeeding of course...roaring the entire time. This earned him a new nickname - Bonzilla!

A quick bottle and fresh diaper for each and they were both nighty-night.

Sweet dreams, boys. You made your mommy's day.

(Daddy, thanks for making dinner. You're pretty good stuff, too.)

Big News

2009-06-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

I am proud to announce I am going to be an aunt again in August...and then again in January! Yay for both of my sisters-in-law and my brothers. I am so happy for you guys!

On another note - I am sad. My camera is missing. The good news - I downloaded pics on May 17th, so I haven't lost my kids' entire lives...but I'm sad about the pix I have lost - Bonny's first pull-up to a stand among them. I had it last when taking the boys to visit their great-grandmother. I used it there on Saturday and haven't seen it since. It's not at her place. Jon thinks it MUST be in my car. I think it's just gone and I am BUMMED. Hope and pray that we find it...(even though I am sure God has much better things to do than to help this scatterhead find her camera)...

To bridge the gap...some mobile uploads from my sis...

Super Sunday...Super Sons!

2009-05-31T21:17:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I did a Super Sunday as regularly scheduled, but we are back!

(sort-of)

I'm not plugging a product tonight...instead I am bragging, yes, straight-up bragging, about what smart, strong, lovely little boys I have.

Today was a big day for Bonham - he pulled up to a stand from crawling. He did it all by himself, several times. The first time, I was laying in bed with a sleeping Brewer as part of our usual lazy Sunday morning ritual. Bonham had gotten a little overactive so Jon put him in the play area (baby jail) on his way out to mow the yard...so I hear this crying - and crying. I realize Jon is outside, but I am hesitant to leave Brew...so I block him in with pillows, praying he won't wake up while I am in attending to Bon. I walk in, thinking Bon's just needing a paci, and there he is...fingers wrapped around the plastic of the play area wall...STANDING UP! My father-in-law speculates he was crying because he didn't know how to get back down - entirely possible, I guess..

I was lucky enough to get pictures and video, which I will post later. Jon was outside, but he got treated to a repeat performance later in the day.

At breakfast, Brewer was eating for me and started paying alot of attention to Jon instead...I asked him 'Stop looking at him, please. Pay attention to me.' he bowed his back and looked behind him toward Jon, pointed his finger out and said, 'Da Da'...you should have seen Jon's face. No other babbling before or after, just 'Da Da'! I said 'Yes, that's your daddy!'...and he laughed...so cute! Jon has 'called it' as a first word...I am tentatively tempted, but I am waiting for a repeat performance first. :) Way to go Brewer!

Fastforward to lunchtime and Brewer, our big boy, finally picked up his puffs on his own!! He's fine holding his food - his 'wagon wheels' and his bottle - but he has to have them handed to him or put into his mouth first. Not today! At lunch Jon had some puffs on the table that he was feeding B. Well, he got impatient and reached down and grabbed a handful (which for him is 3)and judiciously put them in his mouth one at a time until he had eaten them all! Again - way to go, Brew!!

After dinner, I put Bonny down to play. Just for fun, I set him down in the sitting position to see what he would do - he stayed that way!!! For a long time he sat there - I had time to snap several pix and Jon called his mom who came down to check out all the action.

WHAT A DAY!

Mommy is so proud of you boys...you had such a big weekend. It's so funny how different my two little guys are! Both so smart and sweet, though! Jon and I are such blessed parents.

We love you guys!

Busy Weekend...and a new career for the boys...

2009-05-25T21:27:00.002-05:00

Wow, so forgive my lack of posting, but we've been busy with Memorial Day, our wedding anniversary, Jon's birthday, and now this...the boys' newest past-time...

All Ears...

2009-05-20T22:36:00.003-05:00

Brewer's follow-up visit to the doctor who put in his tubes went great! He passed with flying colors all of the hearing tests that he failed at his initial visit. As long as he doesn't get an ear infection that he can't kick, we don't have to go back for another nine months!

I am so thankful and thrilled that we took care of his ear issue before anything happened that could cause permanent damage.

He was such a good boy at the doctor, too. He got oodles of compliments on his blue eyes, flirted shamelessly with the ladies (of ALL ages) and laughed his little baby-butt off at 'Kung-Fu Panda' in the waiting room...I think we'll have to get that movie.

I had such a fun time spending the morning with him. I love it when I get to steal a couple hours alone with just one of the boys.

I am so happy for my little buddy - I love him sooo much!

Super Sunday, Super Playyard....

2009-05-17T20:55:00.004-05:00

This weekend we put up our Northstates Playyard XT...we love it! It was $69.99 at Amazon and each extension was about $25 at Babies R Us.

It's a fuzzy picture from the iPhone, but you get the idea...

Jon calls it baby-jail, but by the time we put in the 2 extensions we got, it looks like baby-jail is bigger than grown-up jail AND has cooler toys...the boys are having great fun with it - they don't seem to even notice the walls.

Other than that, the big news around here is that Brewer has officially mastered holding his own bottle and eating 'Wagon Wheels' himself. Way to go, Brewer!

We went to the Baby Expo this weekend and got our weight in cereal puff free samples. I also signed up for a bunch of giveaways, so hopefully I'll win something!

On the weight loss front, this was week 2 and I lost 2 lbs this week. That takes us to 5 in total. Only 37 more to go! (ugh).

Until next time, here's a new pic of each of the boys to tide you over! Forgive the picture quality - daddy is a much better photographer...

A Message to my Husband...(who IS phabulous...)

2009-05-13T12:45:00.001-05:00

If you have a shirt that you DO NOT want to be treated as a snot-rag for the boys, please do not leave it in my car.

Thank you for your cooperation...Love you!

Phabulous Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

I had a great day today! I'll update more later in the week with pix, but I got a lazy Sunday in bed with the boys and then Jon made me breakfast - complete with Mimosas to drink.

I got a great card from him and one from the boys. The boys got me a pretty beaded necklace and Jon got me another beaded necklace with earrings. The earrings coordinate with both necklacs, so that is pretty cool. I have some awesome sons and a wonderful hubby!

We had lunch at Jon's parents with the family and then Jon watched the boys while I went out and dawdled around town and got some things done.

It was a quiet, simple day, but I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to giving Jon a great Father's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there and a special 'I love you' to my own mom, who passed away almost 15 years ago. Love you, mom.

I hope you all had a great day!

What a week...

2009-05-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

Brewer's up on his hands and knees now, too! Only a matter of time till he crawls, too!

I've worked a few late nights this week, but I also took the boys with me to my dentist appointment and had them accompany me to lunch on Wednesday, so I guess it all balances out, right? Ok, maybe not exactly, but you do what you have to do...besides we had a blast on Wednesday at the dentist - before he did mommy and daddy's cleanings, he made plaster molds of the boys' feet for us - I can't wait to pick them up! Thanks, Dr. S.! You helped us make a really special memory!

I'm looking forward to a great weekend with the boys and especially to Sunday! Ok, so technically it is my 2nd Mother's Day, but I am so looking forward to seeing my little guys giving me that "I love you, Mommy!" smile on my special day!

I wouldn't trade this life - with all it's ups and downs - for anything!

On the Move!

2009-05-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

In other news...

2009-05-03T23:03:00.003-05:00

Bonny CRAWLS!!!

He did it - not scooting - not creeping - honest-to-God - hands & knees!

We saw it for the first time (so naturally it WAS the first time, right?) on Friday. He was 6 months and 3 weeks old that day! Way to go, buddy!

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and we love you bunches, buddy.

Here's a picture from this weekend - it doesn't show the crawling, but it is a cute one of the boys playing together.

Have a great week - see ya when we can!

Super Sunday...Super Shoes for Mommy...

2009-05-03T22:56:00.002-05:00

And another Mother's Day Pick!

The Sanuk Flip Flop...these come in all sizes for every member of the family. My friend Megan got me a pair for my birthday last year and I LOVE them. They are made out of Yoga Mats and are SUPER comfy.

If you are a fan of flip flops, you will think these are fantastic.

They are available in a variety of places...try your local REI store, or go to Amazon.com.

What's the 'Big' Deal?...

2009-04-29T21:59:00.002-05:00

Ok, Ok, so my online friends will stop aging me by

a) 10 years

and

b) 2 more kids (LOL!)

I think I will just spill!

42 is the number of pounds I am going to lose. I officially started a program on Monday. I'll keep you all updated on my progress. With a little luck and alot of discipline, I am hoping to be at my goal weight in 14 weeks!

Wish me luck!

Way Back Whenesday...

2009-04-29T06:27:00.004-05:00

Me and my gal Kerri - three years ago, back before we were mommies!

I'm so glad you moved back home where you belong - I can't wait to see you and your family!

If you're still confused about the '42' post from Monday, look at this picture, it is a hint - hopefully what was here, will be again... :)

I'll put you out of your misery tonight if no one guesses.

Join Cheryl at Twinfatuation for Way Back Whenesday...

Makes My Monday...

2009-04-27T21:44:00.003-05:00

Hmmm. Now how do I get the caterpillar through this wall?

Bonny playing at Granny and Grand-dad's on Sunday...

Visit Cheryl at Twinfatuation for Makes My Monday

And now, for the really 'big' news...

2009-04-27T21:17:00.003-05:00

Who knows what this means?

Super Sunday (Moms Ed. #3) - That's the ticket...

2009-04-27T21:09:00.002-05:00

How about this for a Mother's Day Gift - tickets to a special event! Do you like plays, sporting events, heck, even the movies?

Drop the hint for your sweetheart on an event (or series of events -- dream big) that you would like to go to...make sure he knows he'll need a sitter if it's not something you would take the kids along for.

I did this for Jon last year for Valentine's Day. I got him tickets to a concert that I knew he really wanted to go to, but the twist was that I got him FOUR tickets instead of just two - I know how social he is, so I got him extra tickets to bring along the friends of his choosing - it was a hit!

So, spill the beans, what would you guys like tickets to?

What...again?

2009-04-27T05:49:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...Super Sunday will yet again be a Monday edition, but last night I had the choice - to blog or to sleep - I chose sleep! (And I'd do it again!)

Besides, I will have kind of an important post to make tonight (can you feel the suspense building?)so that way we can all just catch up at once - including me!

See ya tonight!

B is for...

2009-04-22T22:46:00.002-05:00

Brewer...

That little monkey is making all kinds of sounds now that he has his tubes in and his tongue fixed...I'm thinking these are very positive signs.

His latest is the 'b' sound...he is loving making the 'b' sound and blowing raspberries...I'm betting with all the 'b' words we toss around that one of the boys is bound to have 'buddy' or 'bubba' as his first word..

If you're happy and you know it...

2009-04-21T22:39:00.003-05:00

Clap your hands!

I clapped my hands today, not even thinking about it, as I asked Brewer if he was ready to go to school. He had his eyes closed - and he TOTALLY jumped, startled, when he heard (yes, HEARD) the loud clap.

It was the best thing that happened to me all day. :)

Super Brief Super Sunday...Moms Ed. #2

2009-04-21T22:32:00.004-05:00

A few more great gifts -

Manicure/Pedicure/Massage - Spa Gift Cards!

My hubby got me a hot stone mani/pedi and a massasge for Valentine's Day. I cashed in the mani/pedi this week and I'm still looking forward to the massage. Thanks, sweetie!

A gift that doesn't cost anything but your time - what are the 2 or 3 things around the house that you do that you hate doing the most - get a 'free weekend' where dad takes over these chores for the weekend - we've done this before at our house for each other. It's how I spell H-E-A-V-E-N...

One thing I am seriously considering - a Wii and Wii Fit package. Several of my friends have them and seem to love them...it would give me something active to do while Jon is at the gym in the evenings after we put the boys down...it is time for me to take getting the IVF weight off seriously (baby weight is gone, but I still have over 30 extra pounds hanging around from the IVF days)...and a fitness related gift is ok...as long as YOU want it. (NO hint-dropping, guys. That is NOT cool.)

Hope you enjoy the belated gift ideas. I promise this Sunday will be on-time. :)

Super Sunday - Mom's Edition #2...

2009-04-20T05:52:00.002-05:00

Postponed due to super exhaustion. The boys' Christening was this Sunday and this mama is wiped out! I will post my picks for the week either tonight or tomorrow - keep checking for updates.

In Recovery...

2009-04-18T06:16:00.004-05:00

Brewer is doing nicely. Here's how it went.

We got to the hospital on time and Brewer's ENT - Dr. Jones (Very caring British gentleman who is extremely good with the parents and kids alike if you need an ENT in my area) met with us, along with his nurse and anesthesiologist. Brewer charmed them all, of course, and tried to eat the anesthesiologists stethoscope! Brewer also reached out his big, slobbery hand and touched Dr. Chinh (the anesthesiologist) with it, several times, which made Jon and I laugh - that boy is NOT shy. :) They whisked him away into surgery and just about 30 minutes later, it was all over.

We met him in recovery and he came out of the anesthesia yesterday without a problem in the world - except that he was starving! He downed 3 of the hospital's bottles of pedialyte. Then he slept. Alot. At one point, all three of us fell asleep in the recovery room. Wish I had a pic of that.

When we got home, Brew drank another ANOTHER 6 ounces of pedialyte and took a LONG nap. He is doing really well, but we can tell his mouth hurts when he tries to eat solids, so we are doing bottles w/cereal in them for about 24 hours until his little tongue feels better. On the bright side, he is now able to take medicine orally and keep it down without trying to push it out.

Our doctors and nurses did an outstanding job. Thanks to them and to all the staff at Children's who took care of our Brew-bear yesterday. Also, big thanks to Granny, who kept Bonham overnight for us the night before the surgery, and to Grand-dad and his great big truck, who made sure our Bonny-love got home safely when the streets were flooded last night.

I am off now for a busy day of preparing for the Christening tomorrow - wish me luck!

Down the Tubes...

2009-04-16T21:01:00.002-05:00

Say a little prayer (if you are the praying kind) or think some positive thoughts for our little Brew-bear...His surgery is first thing in the morning.

I'm going to feed him right before the food cut-off tonight so hopefully he won't be too starving.

They are doing his tubes and also clipping his frenulum so he'll be able to eat and form sounds properly with his tongue.

Poor little guy. I will let you all know how it goes.

Way Back When-esday - How Far We've Come...

2009-04-15T21:11:00.006-05:00

Today for Way Back When-esday I'm reflecting waay back. Has anyone ever said to you that to really appreciate where you are, you have to look back at where you've been? Well, now they have.

The other night someone asked a question on one of the bulletin boards I visit about the timeline for an IVF cycle, so I went back to my journals to check some dates and here is what I found. It's a letter I wrote back in October of 2006 after our first failed IVF cycle. We had transfered one embryo - the only one we had - whom we affectionately dubbed 'punkin', it being Halloween season and all. I wrote this letter after I found out that I wasn't pregnant - that punkin was gone.

I had no idea at that time just how long our journey to parenthood would be or all of the places it would take us. I only knew that for a brief time, we had punkin, at last - and then no more.

I read this letter while holding Brewer in my arms and it made me cry, a sad thoughtful cry, and I hugged Brewer tighter than ever. I knew as I read it that what I wrote about punkin being our special angel is true. I told Jon when he got home that I had found this and read it - he remembered it, and he teared up. Punkin will always be with us and when I thank God for my boys, I thank him for Punkin and every other child we tried for that was not to be.

I wrote a letter this morning to my punkin. I'm going to tuck a copy of this letter and our u/s picture into our family bible so we'll always have it to remember by. This was very hard to do, but I hope it will make me feel better.

My dearest lil punkin,

You probably won’t remember me the way that I remember you, but I do hope you know who I am. You never saw me and I knew you only very briefly and you were very small. I am your mom. Making you with your dad was one of the most amazing and hard and wonderful things that I ever did and I am sad that I know now that I will never see you as a little person with big blue eyes and blonde hair (how your dad and I both looked when we were little – it was pretty much a guarantee), but in the few days that I knew you were living inside of me and the days that followed when I hoped you still were, I came to love you more than I ever imagined possible.

Even though I did not know you, I imagined you….sometimes you were a boy, sometimes you were a girl…I thought about how you would laugh and smile, what you would feel like, how you would smell, how I would sing to you and comfort you when you cry…what your room would look like…how much fun you would have with your dad…all the things your granny would do to spoil you and all of the tall tales your grand-dad would try to make you believe. I so hoped I would get to spend the rest of my lifetime watching you grow up into someone wonderful and helping you to learn and become the amazing person I knew you would have been, but it was just not to be…I’m sorry for that. I’ll always be your mother and you’ll always be my first baby and I miss you and love you more than I can ever say.

Your dad says you will be our family’s special angel now. Your dad’s a pretty special guy. He wanted to teach you how to build things and how to play the guitar and drive a tractor and he wanted to play with trains together with you – all of the fun things he used to do with his daddy when he was little. If you had grown into a little boy, I had the feeling that I would never see you because your dad and your grand-dad would have had you with them all of the time. If you had been a girl, your daddy’s entire world would have been wrapped on the end of your tiny little finger. He’s a push-over with the ladies. He is also the kindest person I have ever known. I know he misses you and that he hurts very much because you can’t be with us and he, too, had his heart set on a lifetime with you. He also understands though, that you are with your true Father now, and that it’s just how things were meant to be. (He’s a little bit better at being at peace with things than mommy is – he takes care of me that way.) You would have been crazy about your dad. He was so in love with you, even before you were ever made. We hoped you were our lucky “one” - and maybe you are, just not in the way we had planned. I am sure your dad is right and that you are now watching over us.

I hope you have found your Gramma in Heaven. That’s my mommy. Just like how I feel about you, I miss her and I love her and I think of her every day. Please take care of her, and let her love you, and watch over your dad and me together with her.

There are so many things I want to tell you, that I just can’t find the words to do right now. Perhaps I will write again sometime.

I want you to know that your dad and I aren’t the only ones who loved you. You have aunts and uncles and grandparents (I mentioned them) who all loved you so much and were cheering for you to stay here with us and be a part of this world. We all have heavy hearts that it was not meant to be. Many of mommy and daddy’s friends feel the same. We all understand that it was just not meant to be, but we had hoped and prayed, and now we grieve. Someday we will feel better and we will remember you fondly always.

I need to tell you again that making you was the most wonderful and difficult thing that your dad and I have ever done. Your existence gave us hope that someday a child will come to us and that it will stay and we will have a chance to do with it all the things we dreamed of doing with you.

We love you always, little punkin, and we thank you for being in our lives, even for just a moment and so small we couldn’t even see. We knew you were there, living and growing – a little bit of me and a little bit of your dad. That means everything to us.

Please watch over us and know that we love you. Take care of us and hear our prayers along with our Father in Heaven.

Love,
Mom

For posterity, and in keeping with the 'Way Back Whensday' tradition...here is a picture of me with all my 'loot' as we embarked on our first IVF cycle - almost three years ago now. It was the one that brought punkin our way.

Observe the ridiculously hopeful grin of someone who had not yet experienced an IVF failure. I am pretty sure that after my first failed cycle there were no more cycle 'kickoff' pictures - go figure - makes me glad I took this one - now that the boys are here, I recognize this girl again.

Join Cheryl at Twinfatuation for Way Back When-esday!

One Bonham, One Shot, One Brew...

2009-04-14T22:54:00.006-05:00

Today was the boys' 6 month appointment.

Dr. S. was very impressed with all the things they are up to...reaching for toys and people, pushing up on their hands, laughing out loud. They are doing great. Brewer weighed 16lbs and 4oz and Bonham weighed 15lbs even. They measured 26.25 inches and 25.75 inches respectively.

Brewer was in the 30th percentile for weight,the 40th percentile for height and the 25th percentile for head circumfrence.

Bonham, my little guy, was in the 10th percentile for height and weight and the 5th percentile for head circumfrence.

When the time came for shots, Bonham went first and he didn't make a peep - I was SO proud. Brewer pitched a fit when it was his turn - he was even angry about drinking the drinkable medicine, and then when he got the shots - OH MAMA - Once he calmed down, he shreeked when I tried to put him back on the table because he was afraid I was going to hurt him again...poor little guy - we had to put his clothes back on him while I held him. I guess we know who the tough guy is now.

The nurse (who does their shots everytime) even said we should do Bon first from now on because she thinks he only cried in the past because we had done Brewer first and so Brewer was already crying so it encouraged Bonny to get upset. LOL! My two little boys could not be more different!

All in all, things were great at Dr. S.'s and he eased our minds about Brew's surgery on friday. He even said to call even if I just feel anxious about the surgery - what a doll he is! He wanted to know all the details - where, when and who was doing the surgery. He is so kind and he REALLY loves these boys. Thanks, Dr. S.!

And now, fun videos from yesterday. One shows Boo being soothed by the magic squeak ball. The other two show the boys in all their snotty glory...it's kinda gross actually, but they were so hilarious and I know that other mommies will be ableto relate. Try to look past the mucus to see how adorable the boys are, ok?

Mommy's Day In...

2009-04-13T17:52:00.003-05:00

Today I spent at home with the boys because the daycare was closed for Easter. We had an awesome day. The boys napped, played and ate, and then they did it all again - and again. I stayed in my jammies all day and worked during naps - Wednesday is still a deadline, after all!

I got some cute video, which I will upload tonight if I have time.

Now, it's naptime again and I've got some stuff to check on for work.

Tomorrow - 6 month appointment! YAY!

Super Sunday's Super Mother's Day Picks - Week 1

2009-04-12T21:34:00.004-05:00

First let me set the ground rules.

I will try to make sure that there are both practical things and more extravagant items mentioned here in these Mother's Day suggestions, but mostly, I will just be randomly showing things that I think are sweet, or things that I would love to receive myself for Mother's Day (cough, wink, nudge-nudge, honey, if you are reading this)...that being said, there will ALWAYS be a jewelry pick each week, because, well, I LOVE jewelry, and that's just the way it is.

All right - off we go...

First, a bag that I've been drooling over for sometime now - especially since I've gone back to work and have occasion to carry a purse again rather than a diaper bag.

It's the Butler Bag and it is spectacular. It has compartments on the inside for holding virtually everything and keeping it organized. You wouldn't believe how many things will fit inside of it - just check out the pictures shown here. One place I know that you can get it at is The Organized Parent.

It's a little spendy - $165 - but practical as far as its uses. Plus, if you sign up for The Organized Parent's newsletter, they often send out coupon codes that you can use for merchandise on their site. The most recent one I got was for 34% off - now that is a discount!

And now a jewelry pick - I am usually a little more unconventional in my choice of jewelry (you'll see in future posts), but I found these very reasonably priced stackable birthstone rings at Zales (online only).

They are currently only $33 each and I would love to have one for each of the boys, and perhaps one to put in the middle for the month we were married - sorta like the birthstone of Jon and I as a family. They are a great practical gift for mom because they are sterling silver and crystal. They'll look pretty, but buying them won't break the bank. (That way you don't have to be heartsick over their cost if your favorite little one knocks it down the drain of the bathroom sink or decides to play 'dress-up' without mommy's permission and can't quite remember where they took it off...LOL)

And last, but certainly not least (cheesy)...how about one of those "...of the Month" clubs? Seriously,hear me out!

The one that piqued my interest was the Beer of the Month Club. To some it may sound like a Father's Day gift - we'll do those here, too - but, hey, what can I say? I like beer. The club memberships are available month-to-month and in 3, 6, 9, and 12 month increments, so dear old dad can choose the price that suits your circumstances best. And if beer doesn't suit your fancy, they also have clubs for chocolate, wine and cheese - there is something for everyone!

Well, I hope that is enough to get your creative juices flowing about Mother's Day gifts until next week's recommendations. Be sure to comment and let us know if you plan on asking for anything we show here OR if you have an idea for something that would make a great gift for next week's feature.

Oh, and if you decide to do your own Super Sunday - please grab my button for your blog and post a comment here so I can come check you out!

I am going to head on to bed now (to watch the latest Tudors episode!). Good night!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:22:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

The boys had a restless morning in church - it was their usual naptime and breakfast time - so it was rough. Plus we were sitting in the chapel and they had it at 40 degrees in there, I swear!

We came home and rotated between sleeping, playing and watching 'Deadliest Catch'...it was an outstanding day! The boys got presents from the Easter bunny and they were adorable in some little bunny ears they got. Granddad took some great pictures of them when we walked over there for dinner. Hopefully he will send us copies soon.

While we ate, Granny fed the boys and bathed them! The poor little guys were tuckered out and went right to sleep afterwards. Thanks, Granny!

We did miss out on taking a trip to our uncle's place out in Navasota to see the extended family, but between the bad weather and all that time in the car - I just didn't want to do that to the boys when they've already been not feeling so great lately with their little colds.

All in all, it was a wonderful Easter! I hope everyone else had a great one. I'll add pictures hopefully in a couple of days.

Six Months Old...

2009-04-10T22:41:00.003-05:00

Absolutely Phabulous! The boys spent their half-birthday playing all day with their dad. They went for a walk around the neighborhood, then to Hooters (silly Daddy!), to the mall, and to Granny's for dinner and a visit. Then they came home and played until they fell asleep - surrounded by all their toys. What a perfect day for two rough-and-tumble little boys.

Tomorrow, I will post a birthday message to my sweeties, but for now, mommy is going to learn a lesson from them and get some much needed sleep.

Tennis, Anyone?

2009-04-08T21:51:00.002-05:00

Tonight I got a chance to go to the US Men's Clay Court Championship...it was great fun. I had wonderful folks from work and from a prospective client as company. I really enjoyed the tennis, though I admittedly don't know much about the sport, and the conversation and atmosphere were terrific. I think I might look for more opportunities to go to tennis matches - I liked it alot.

Many thanks to Granny who picked up the boys and bathed them (and cut Brewer's nails - God Bless You!) and fed them so Jon could just pour them into bed when he picked them up from her house. We love you, Granny.

Mother's Day will be a Super Day...

2009-04-07T20:24:00.004-05:00

So, Jon's been asking me what I want for Mother's Day...Honestly, I'm so glad to have the boys, I just hadn't thought much else about it.

Today I came up with an idea! I'll use Super Sundays from now till Mother's Day to suggest great Mother's Day gifts!

So, keep watching for great ideas for yourself, your mom, your sister, etc...and more importantly, tell your husbands, dads, brothers, etc., to check in on here, too!

Leave the page pulled up on your browser as a hint...this'll be fun!

I did it...

2009-04-07T00:19:00.002-05:00

I made a button! I had a request from someone to do Super Sunday on their blog (thanks Betsy!) so I decided I needed a button for it and I actually figured out how to make one! It's not exacty PHabulous, but I made it myself and I am not a techie, so I am pretty proud.

Feel free to grab it and join me for Super Sundays. I use my Sunday post as a day to tell everyone about a product/service that makes my life better in some way - so far it's been everything from baby gear to Zofran to television shows...If you do Super Sunday, please post a comment or email me to let me know you did it so I can check it out! Thanks all!

Everyone's A Winner...

2009-04-06T21:50:00.003-05:00

But today, I am THE winner! I won a beautiful necklace from the Friday giveaway over at Multiples and More!

I am SO excited - thanks so much to Magpie Designz - the maker of the necklace. Here's a picture from the giveaway site...I can't wait to see it IRL!

I hope Jon doesn't think this gets him off the hook for Mother's Day! LOL! I guess it could be deemed 'from the boys' since I wouldn't be an MoM without them...

Thanks again to Magpie Designz and Lani & Amanda over at m'n'm!

Super Sunday, Super Show...

2009-04-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

Tonight's entry is a brief one because I've got to hurry to bed and settle in for one of my favorite shows. The season premiere of 'The Tudors' is tonight on Showtime. I love historical dramas, especially this period in England's history and the story of Henry VIII, it's fascinating. If you haven't already started watching it, get caught up - you'll be hooked.

Phantastic Voyage...

2009-04-04T03:50:00.006-05:00

and the babies sing...

Hey come on mama, my mouth's open wide,
Where's that bottle - in your hand- it' 3:25...
It's cry, cry, all I do is cry...
I'll flow the tears and scream till your eyes open wide...
I'll cry, cry, cry and cry...
You're gonna be awake till I'm satisfied...

Cry all night long, its what I do, cry all night long...
Till the break of dawn, what you think, it's our own thing...

OK - that's all I've got - I'm headed back to bed.

Thank you boys for the midnight concert, boys - sponsored by Similac...it's what's for dinner...(and breakfast, and morning snack and lunch and afternoon snack, oh and the all-important PHANTASTIC 3 am snack)

Because I just don't have enough to do...

2009-04-03T23:14:00.004-05:00

I signed up for this on my friend Jenn's blog...

Made with Love...or glue, whatever!

If you would like something handmade by yours truly, leave me a comment here and send me your address. First 5 people get a Phabulous Life original.

But there is a catch! You have to post this on your blog and agree to make something for the first 5 people that comment to you.

(This was copied from another blog and I just changed it up a bit, but here are the rules..)

I get to choose what it is and make it - just for YOU.

Here is the deal:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (although I'm hoping you do!)
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It will be done this year. (before December 31, 2009)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be, but I am decently crafty :) BESIDES since its free, you CAN'T complain :P

Oh, and don't forget the catch is that you must re-post this on YOUR blog and make the same offer to the first 5 people who respond on your blog entry, thus continuing the fun!

If you will accept this challenge - please agree by commenting now :)

Phabulous Giveaway!

2009-04-03T22:19:00.003-05:00

Great necklace giveaway at www.multiplesandmore.blogspot.com today...check it out!

Twitter, Twitter, Tweet, Tweet...

2009-04-02T22:57:00.002-05:00

I joined Twitter! Come follow me - yet another way to get your phabulous fix on!

Search for BSquaredMama and ask to follow!

Thanksgiving Thursday...

2009-04-02T21:50:00.002-05:00

Lately, I've been reflecting alot...thinking about how my ship has FINALLY come in! (And about other times where I definitely missed the boat) Every time I think about how I wish I had done this or that or the other thing differently, I'm reminded by my sweet husband and my precious boys that I wouldn't want my life any other way than how it is right now!

1. I am thankful for Brewer's laugh. He greeted me with it this morning - it's not a giggle, it's more of a 'HA!'...it's hilarious. We played 'what does the Brewer say?' for about 10 minutes this morning, with him answering 'HA!' every time.

2. I am thankful for Bonham's sweet nature. Not to be outdone, my other little boy has the kindest disposition. He is always joyful and looks at you with the sweetest little face. His eyes just seem to say, 'I love you soo much' every time he looks at me. He wants to play and laugh and be right in the middle of everything. He's so wonderful.

3. I am thankful the boys have so many people who love them. I don't know what we'd do without all of the grandparents and aunts and uncles (both actual and surrogate). You guys are the best!

4. I am thankful for Jon. I couldn't have dreamed of a better husband. He is so kind to the boys and cares so much about their happiness. He's working so hard to be a great dad and to get healthy for me and for the boys. I am so proud of him and I love him very much.

5. I am thankful to have a good job and a safe warm home. We have so many blessings in our life - I can't even count them. Our life is truly PHABULOUS!

Join Nicole over at What a Trip for Thanksgiving Thursdays!

>>

Hungry, hungry hippos...

2009-04-01T21:25:00.003-05:00

The boys are now eating 'solids' three times a day. It's wild how fast they have escalated from once a day to three times. The last couple of days Jon has done a great job of feeding them their evening food on his own. He is such an involved dad and has sooo much fun with the boys.

Now that the boys are eating more, we are really starting to notice Brewer's tongue giving him problems. I am glad the ENT told me about it so I can bring it up at our 6 month appointment. Ideally, they'll be able to cut it(if need be)while he is udner the anesthesia for his tubes.

Jon is taking the next couple of days off work to take care of our ever-mounting to-do pile...it won't be fun, but he is up to the task.

Thanks for stepping up sweetie! I love you so much - and YES you may go out with your friends on Friday as a reward!

Sigh...my hubby is a doll.

A Phabulous Site...

2009-04-01T21:18:00.004-05:00

Check out the 'I (HEART) Multiples' button at the bottom of my blog...it's a link to a great new Multiples Blog Network.

There's alot going on over there - today its product reviews (think 'Super Sunday' on Wednesdays) and they are giving away a great looking DVD to help teach your babies to sign. If I don't win it, I am going to run out and buy it.

If you have multiples or know someone who does - check out this site. There are featured blogger days, giveaways, other contests and just generally a wealth of information and alot of fun.

Thanks, Amanda and Lani for starting a GREAT site!

Redemption....

2009-03-30T23:03:00.002-05:00

awww...Bonny-love must have sensed my sad mama vibes.

He woke up crying and had leaked through his diaper, so I got him some clean jammies and fed him a bottle to help calm him down while Jon changed his bed...I'm sure it was all a show, put on entirely for my benefit - to remind me I AM important (read: still the mommy).

Way to get in some late-night snuggles to make your mommy feel better, buddy!

Mama loves you!

It was bound to happen...

2009-03-30T21:42:00.004-05:00

We were late getting the boys from daycare...Jon usually picks up the boys in the evenings and I guess he got caught up at work - I never asked the full story. He tried to call me, but I was in a meeting, so he called his parents and they got there to pick them up, but they were a couple of minutes late.

Hopefully we won't get charged because it was our first offense. I guess I will be doing the walk of shame tomorrow when I do the morning drop-off.

Continuing to work late tonight after I heard what had happened and coming home to sleeping babies gave me my first undeniable dose of 'working mom' guilt. I've worked late and come home to sleeping babies before, but for some reason it really bothers me today, given the chain of events.

Jon says it's all fine. We got them and they are home and safe and everything is fine. So why am I still so miserable about it?

Sigh...

Super Sunday, Super Frame Sale...

2009-03-29T22:07:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the good people at Michael's for having frames 40-50% OFF this week. I bought 11 frames, including one 16x16 and one 18x20, and spent no more than $13 on any one of them...Michael's is even taking 40-50% off of the CLEARANCE prices for frames that are already marked down - an AWESOME deal.

This helped me frame all our prints from Studio One (they came in!!!) that are going in our house, as well as frame the pix we have to hand out as gifts to our god-parents for the Christening...G-parents, if you are reading this, sorry to blow the surprise.

In addition to getting all the framing done today, Jon and I spent a lazy Sunday morning hanging out in bed playing with the boys after their morning bottles. It is a tradition that we just love - especially now that the boys are really noticing each other. It was a really great time this morning.

I LOVE Sundays...

Our ENT Visit...

2009-03-27T21:40:00.003-05:00

Brewer was such a good little boy on our visit to the ENT. I was so proud of him.

He only cried a little when Dr. Jones checked his ears, which of course had fluid in them.

The diagnosis was something like 'persistent effusion'. Basically, Brewer is prone to ear infections. Given the large amounts of problems he has had in such a short span of time at a young age, it looks like we can either do the tubes or we can basically have a revolving door to the doctor's office.

First we saw the doctor, who examined little Brew. Then we went back out in the waiting room until the audiologist called us for a hearing test. The first test was one where they blew air into his ears to see if it moved his eardrums...No dice. Not to hard to understand, given that he had so much fluid behind them. The second test was to check the movement of his eardrums given different frequencies of sound. His right ear failed miserably. His left ear barely passed. The audiologist said that he probably passed in his left because that was the ear that had ruptured, so it had less fluid in it than the other. She said he can hear, but that its really muffled so to make sure that he is looking at us when we talk to him, because if we have his attention visually, we know he is trying to listen to us. Poor baby fell asleep in the middle of the screening. He was just 'spent'.

Then we saw the doctor again. He reassured us that because Brew passed his newborn screening, his poor scores on the hearing tests are likely to be temporary and that his hearing will go back to normal once his tubes are in. We'll find out at a follow-up testing four weeks after his tubes go in.

After we met with Dr. Jones, his nurse came in and scheduled the surgery and the follow-up appointment. All in all, it was a really good experience and the people couldn't have been nicer.

Brewer's surgery is three weeks from today. In the meantime, they want to keep him comfortable, so they said if he starts to look like he has an infection, to let them know and they'll call him in a course of antibiotics - SO nice.

One thing Dr. Jones mentioned when examining B's throat and mouth is that his frenulum (the underside of his tongue) is extended. This can sometimes cause issues with speech and with feeding. I'm going to ask the pediatrician about it at their 6 month appointment.

So, that's the update. All in all, I'd say it went well. I'm glad to be home for the weekend now so I can stay home and snuggle my little sweeties.

To take my mind off of the ENT

2009-03-24T21:47:00.009-05:00

Some cute video - One of Bon playing with his dad...

One of Brewer getting ready to sleep...

One of Bon being cute before dinner - try not to puke at the over-gushiness of mommy...

Anticipation...

2009-03-24T21:12:00.003-05:00

Brewer's ENT appointment is Thursday. I'm so nervous for my little buddy. I hope it goes well. I don't mind if he has to get tubes, I'm just nervous for his hearing and I hate that I have no idea what to expect...anybody out there got a story to share on what happened their first visit to the ENT?

As a little background, poor little Brew has had 3 ear infections and a ruptured eardrum in the last 2 mos. Since he is not yet 5 mos old, all that activity has earned him an express trip to the ENT....

Well, stories anyone?

Super Sunday, Super Sick...

2009-03-22T20:14:00.004-05:00

Urgh...I won't bore you/gross you out with the details, but I am the third in the house to come down with this awful tummy bug. I think the beginning of the end was when Bon threw up ON me (read ALL OVER me) when I picked him up from day care on Friday (where he hadn't been sick all day until I showed up...) and I had to drive home covered in his puke...

Ironically, that's the last time he threw up. For me, I was darned sick a short 24 hours later.

On to this Sunday's products. I have been living on Zofran and Gatorade, and I try to talk about something every week that makes my life better, so this is what you are going to get - LOL.

If you haven't been prescribed Zofran for the nausea and vomiting associated with your tummy bugs, ask for it by name next time! Zofran and I got up-close and personal while I was pregnant and now I know the Z and I will be friends for many years to come. Bon's doctor prescribed him liquid Z when we took him in last week with this bug - Dr. S. is good people. :)

When it comes to Gatorade, well I can't say enough about it...I think you already know how great it is. It tastes way better than the Pedialyte poor Bonny had to drink.

Lastly, Johnson's Bedtime Bath...I just took a long soak in a warm bath full of it. We are about to find out if it works as good on mommies as it does on babies.

In other news, Brewer finally started flipping backward and forward today like his brother, so we now officially have two little acrobats. Bon is also a certified creeper. He is a riot. We'll have to get video of it posted here soon.

Jon's been a lifesaver, taking care of me and being a auperdad with the boys - I guess he knows how miserable he was just a few short days ago...I really appreciate it.

Granny was awesome today, too. She helped with their solids at lunchtime and made sure they had a bath this evening. Thanks Granny!

Wish me a good night's sleep, everyone!

The Last Man Standing...

2009-03-22T11:52:00.001-05:00

Is Brewer. I fell victim to the evil tummy-bug last night. Jon and Bon are recovered. I am ill - so far Brewer is fine...I hope he stays that way, or at least has the decency to get sick SOON so we can get it over with together.

March Madness

2009-03-20T08:56:00.004-05:00

Last night, Brewer cheered Gonzaga on to victory - he was babbling at the TV so much, it was hilarious, but as soon as I turned the camera on him, he clammed up! I guess he's trying to keep his bracket choices on the down-low...

Mommy will provide an update this weekend on how her and Daddy's picks are panning out...so far, Mommy regrets not picking Michigan over Clemson - I was really tempted to, but I let the rankings sucker me in...

And Now...

2009-03-19T20:33:00.001-05:00

It's Bon who is the latest victim of 'the sickness'...he's been to the pediatrician this afternoon and is on pedialyte and anti-nausea meds. He threw up - again - all over me and is finally lying down now sleeping...I wonder when Brewer and I will fall ill. We are bound to be next...

Poor Jon...

2009-03-17T21:55:00.002-05:00

Tonight we went to a St. Paddy's day party at the boys' Great-Grandmother's place. It was fun, but Jon had to go home early because he was sick. He's in bed now, miserable, debating whether or not to go to the 24 hour clinic. I hope he feels better soon. :(

8:30 and all is quiet...

2009-03-16T20:42:00.003-05:00

ALL of my boys are in bed. I came home and found poor Brew gripy as all get out. He felt a little warm - I think it's teething - so I gave him some Tylenol and a cold bottle and he passed right out. Within an hour, Bonham followed suit. Poor Jon has been on call for the past week for work and was practically falling asleep in his dinner, so he went on to bed after he ate, too. I'm noticing a trend, I am afraid...

Super Sunday, Souper Meal...

2009-03-15T22:28:00.004-05:00

Moms on the go who don't have time to cook elaborate meals, or who have never been interested in cooking...start peeling labels.

No, not on your beer bottles like the old-bygone college days. On your soup cans!

I made the Chicken Pot Pie recipe on the inside of the Campbell's Cream of Onion Soup can's label tonight and it was great. Now mind you, I did change the veggie mix to match what I had on-hand, but otherwise I followed it and it was simple and FAST! (think 30 minute meals)

I was telling one of my online pals about a recipe book made up entirely of recipes from the sides of boxes and cans and decided I would look it up exactly and post a link to it here. Looks like it is in short supply...

Keep in mind that other similar books specific to certain products like Bisquick or Campbells Soup are just a google search away!

Hopefully this will help some of my readers who aspire to do more in the kitchen!

Happy Cooking! If you make something awesome, come back and let us know.

Ready for our close-up...

2009-03-14T19:29:00.017-05:00

Today the boys had their first professional pictures done. They were so great the whole time. They even got Easter pictures with a live bunny. The folks at Studio One were so great - helpful, kind, and they adored the boys...They even told us not to be surprised if we see our boys hanging on our wall soon. They are about to order new prints for their store and we gave them permission to use pictures of the boys in their advertising - that would be soo cool!

After pictures, we went out to lunch and then went home. I fed the boys while Jon went to pick up our new TV...our other one had 'had it' and I agonized over pulling the trigger on buying one for a year - well, we finally got a good enough deal on one, and I have to say...

It's WONDERFUL! I'll be watching some serious TV while I fold laundry tonight after the boys go to sleep. I've never seen such an amazing picture.

In one for the 'awesome daddy' books, when Jon went out to pick up the TV, he grabbed the boys a copy of Pinnochio for their DVD collection. He is SUCH a thoughtful dad.

All in all, it was a really fun, uneventful day. I am hoping that we'll have another similarly wonderful low-key day tomorrow.

And now, what you are really all waiting for....

I know you are all anxious to see pictures, so here are a couple of our favorites from the shoot today. I'll post more when we get the retouched copies back.

Enjoy!

Way Back Whensday...

2009-03-11T21:14:00.004-05:00

The boys were born five months ago yesterday, which means five months ago today, they looked like this....

WILD!

They are so much fun and getting better everyday.

On Monday, we spent the day with Aunt JennJenn and her girls, the boys' twin cousins. We went shopping and out for cupcakes and the boys were perfect angels ALL DAY...Aunt JJ says her friends and Uncle Kevin will never believe it when she tells them how good the boys are. They got alot of OOOhs and AAAAhs, but hey, what else is new!?

The boys are really getting bigger - FAST - they are enjoying eating baby food, though it looks like Brewer is not going to be a green bean fan any time soon.

Brew has an appointment with the ENT week after next. I just hope he stays well until then - he is teething like crazy.

Bon is adorable, as always, and the picture of health. He totally mashed his bottle for me tonight.

Right now, the boys are both asleep, Bon in the bouncer and Brew on the floor. Daddy is at work and mommy is enjoying having her babies in the room with her.

Encouraging poor sleep habits? Maybe. Selfish? Definitely, but I don't care. The are only this little for a little while and I want to enjoy my babies. On that note - catch ya later! I'm off to snuggle on the Brew... :)

Join Cheryl at Twinfatuation to play along with Way Back Whensday!

Super Sunday...(oops)

2009-03-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

did you miss it? or did it just sneak past you...

I was busy with my family visiting from out of town...and guess what? We went to the zoo. again. We had my sister and her husband and my Lili-pie (their daughter) along with my sister-in-law and my two nieces and we all went to the zoo on my membership...we had to pay for one person - the rest of us were all covered on our membership. I won't bore you with how smelly the petting zoo was or how cute the prairie dogs were or how we took our picture in front of the Komodo Dragon. again.

I guess my point, if I want to turn this into a belated Super Sunday post, would be to strongly endorse season passes to family friendly activities like the zoo or your local children's museum. It's great to have a pre-paid activity you can go do that doesn't mean extra money out of yout pocket when you are tired of staring at the four walls of your living room or doing laps around your local shopping mall. These passes are also so economical - our Zoo membership has already paid for itself, and it's only March! I can't wait to go back to see the Red Panda when that exhibit opens!

The most fun part was sharing the zoo with Lili - she had never been there before and she was so cute, running around as fast as her little 15 month old legs would carry her.

I promise I will get back in the groove of our regularly scheduled Super Sunday post this coming weekend. I will give more updates on our weekend and my visit with the family tomorrow. Today I took the day off and we spent the day having fun - me, the boys, my sister-in-law and the girls. Needless to say, I am EXHAUSTED. Jon is already lying here next to me...snoring like a freight train.

Much love to all of you, and as a tease....something to look forward to....BUNNY PICTURES next weekend.

See ya tomorrow!

Mommy of the Year(ish)

2009-03-06T22:27:00.004-06:00

Wow - my first blog award. Thanks to Jen over at http://seanandemma.blogspot.com/ for picking me!

As a condition of the award, I am to blog the following:

the rules:1. admit that ONE thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. get it off your shoulders. once you've written it down, you are NO LONGER allowed to feel bad. it's over with, it's in the past. remember, you're a good mom!

I feel bad that the boys are often asleep or nearly asleep when I get home during the week. I know I get up and spend hours with them in the morning every morning, and that they don't get home too much before I do, that one day they will stop going to bed at 7 pm, blah, blah...but right now it is just hard. Don't know if just writing it here will make me feel better, but I will give it a shot.

2. to remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list SEVEN things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. these are the things to remind yourself of EVERY DAY that you rock!
1) I love Brewer's giggles. They melt my heart.
2) I love watching Bonham 'work out' on the mat. He is SO strong for such a little boy. It cracks me up.
3) I love hearing myself say 'my sons this' and 'my sons that'...at one point in life ( a very very long point in my life) I was afraid I would never be able to say those words...
4) I love that my kids seem happier when I come into the room.
5) I love it when people tell me what gorgeous boys they are.
6) I love that the boys have special attachments to me and their dad.
7) I love listening to Jon talk to them. It's hilarious and so sweet at the same time the way he relates to the boys.

3. send this to FIVE other moms of the year that deserve forgiveness and a reminder that they, too, are the best moms they can be!!! remember to send them a note to let them know you've selected them, and add a link to the person who nominated you!

Jen
Stacey
Brenda
Lorie
Kelly
Jo

Brewer is taking a trip!

2009-03-06T00:10:00.002-06:00

to the Ear-Nose-Throat doctor...

We saw the pediatrician today for our post-antibiotic appointment. Brew has been feeling horrible - congested, coughing, etc, so I knew it would not be good.

Mommy's intuition was right! The old infection never quite went away and as soon as we quit the antibiotic, it flared back up.

So, Brew got a shot of a new antibiotic and a prescription to take it orally for 10 days. The pediatrician's office is making an appointment for him with the specialist sometime in the next two weeks.

I can tell the poor little guy is miserable. He's only eaten 3 bottles in the last 24 hours. I really hope the antibiotics give him some relief soon.

On the Bonham front, the doc looked in his ears and they look great, so thank goodness for that!

We met some really nice ladies and their babies and grandbabies today in the waiting room. Bon was flirting big time...poor Brew slept the whole time. He barely even woke up for the doctor. That shot he got sure woke him up!

The boys were fawned and fussed over alot. I love it when people tell me they are beautiful. I know they are, but I am their mom, so I am biased.

I am so excited for the weekend to be here. We are going to have such fun with our family coming into town on Sunday. We can hardly wait!

Well, I had a late night at work because I missed the morning for the appointmnet. I am exhausted. I am going to head to bed, but I wanted to update everyone on how Brew is doing.

deuces!

Update on Grandpa Bob

2009-03-03T21:22:00.002-06:00

My dad will be going home from the hospital tomorrow! YAY! He had surgery today and they put in four stents to open up his artery, which was 99% blocked.

He says he feels like a huge weight was lifted off of his chest. We are all very happy, relieved and thankful. I am so glad for my boys that they have many more days to share with their Grandpa.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and thought of us during this time. Please continue to keep dad's continued well-being in your thoughts and prayers. We love you, Grandpa & Grandma.

I'm sorry about postponing my entry that I promised on Sunday, but all that is going on with the family has really taken it out of me. Maybe tomorrow night we'll get back on track.

Sweet Dreams, Dad!

love y'all!

Prayers for Grandpa

2009-03-02T21:11:00.002-06:00

My dad, Grandpa Bob to the boys, is in the hospital. He had a heart attack, but is doing ok for now.

Tomorrow morning they will look to see the extent of the damage and they will take steps to fix any blockage issues he has. It could be as simple as putting in some new stints (G-Bob has some that are a few years old) to hold open the aretery, or he could need by-pass surgery, which they will do immediately if they find it is needed.

The boys and I and Jon love you very very much, Grandpa, and we are praying for you and for Grandma Pat. We love you both and we just hope that everything goes as well as it possibly can tomorrow.

Hang in there! We will be here for you, whatever we can do, we will.

If you are the praying kind, please say a prayer for our family. Good vibes and all other well-intended sentiments are much appreciated, too.

xoxo

Super Sunday - What a Wonderful World (Wide Web)...

2009-03-01T21:05:00.008-06:00

Today's Super Sunday is all about some of my favorite online finds! I love blogging, shopping online, cruising the internet for support as a MoM and looking for tips, tricks and tools to help me simplify my life.

In the last few weeks, I have discovered a few great websites. They are:

http://www.mommytrackd.com/

http://www.mabelslabels.com/

http://www.theorganizedparent.com/

'mommytrackd' is a great website for moms who work outside the home. It has great community groups and forums and a wonderful on-line store full of great organizational tools and cute gear (pssst! search for promo codes online because they are STACKABLE! I used 3 different promo codes on my order and got it for almost half price!).

I got a few things here including the doorganizer - to help me remember my keys, phone, etc., in the morning, and the 'eat sheet' to help with meal planning and grocery lists, and a dayplanner. I also got the cute little 'see Mom work' mousepad for my office desk. It makes me smile everytime I look at it.

There are wonderful writers on the 'mommytrackd' site who write regular columns about their experiences and observations. Among them, Christie Mellor who wrote The Three Martini Play Date and Stefanie Wilder-Taylor who wrote Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay and Naptime is the New Happy Hour.

There are also lots of fun forums where other moms write in and share their post-baby career experiences. Issues like work-life balance, keeping up with male colleagues, organizing your life, taking extended leaves, and rejoining the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom are all addressed with sensitivity and laughter. If you are a mom working outside the home or a stay-at-home mom thinking about rejoining the work force, I highly recommend this site.

The other two sites, 'mabel's labels' and 'the organized parent' are fantastic as well...

I ordered some 'mama cards' from mabel's labels. They are like business cards for moms - they'll be great for handing out at Gymboree class, kid's parties and other family oriented functions where I want to exchange info, but don't want to go around handing out my business card. I can't wait for them to come in. Below is a picture of the sample - just to give you an idea.(Note: You can only use one promo code at a time on this website, but I have it on good authority that the ability to 'stack' multiple promotion codes is coming to Mabel's soon.)

I found 'the organized parent' website by searching for the 'Life.doc' organizer that was out of stock on 'mommytrackd'. (I ordered it - I'll let you know how it is when it comes in...)

I ordered a few other things from this website in addition to the 'Life.doc' organizer - a babysitter info pad, and a childcare info book to fill out and leave in your home for caregivers, etc...I am anxiously waiting fot the items to come in. I love getting organized. It makes me feel accomplished to look around and see so much done at the end of the day.

To that end, I hope you guys enjoy checking out these sites. Be sure and let me know what you think...I have had a long day of organizing and planning for the week and I am wiped out, so I am signing off for now. Tomorrow, I will blog about today's humorous adventures in organization and efficiency (with pictures). Stay Tuned!

Mommy got a present!

2009-02-26T20:35:00.003-06:00

I got a gift from Jon and the boys tonight. It's my belated 'push present' I guess, bc it is meant to celebrate the addition of the boys to our lives.

Jon got me a ring that has three stones in it...one on each side of the boys' birthstone and a middle stone that is the birthstone for the month they were conceived in...it's really sweet.

I don't think I will be taking it off for a while. (lovelovelove)

Here is a pic at the request of my Seastar...

Mashin' it!

2009-02-24T21:35:00.002-06:00

This is the new slang at our house - like 'killin' it' - if Bon finishes his bottle in record time, he 'mashed it'...Jon came up with this - he SAID it's the hip new phrase in the boys' class...that all the babies are saying it. This made me laugh alot. I just thought it was funny, so I wanted to share. Hope you guys all have a great day tomorrow - whatever you've gotta do tomorrow - be like my kids and get out there and MASH IT!

laters!

Super Sunday, Super Baby Food

2009-02-22T19:46:00.004-06:00

I bought the book 'Super Baby Food' by Ruth Yaron earlier this week. I have read a good bit of it and I gotta say, so far I am LOVING it.

It is full of fantastic information. It talks not only about what I expected, recipes and when to feed what foods, but also about how to freeze your homemade baby food, what foods are likely to trigger food allergies, baby-safe recipes for homemade cleaning products, and just about anything else you can imagine!

I am so motivated to make my own food - I stocked up on ice cube trays at the Dollar Tree today. I almost can't wait for this week to be over already! We are starting food-food this coming weekend. We transitioned from one meal of cereal a day to two starting today, so after a week at cereal x 2, we'll start introducing a new food every week. I am pumped!

Everyone I know who has read this book recommended it to me and they are SO right. If you know of any other baby food resource books we need, do tell!

Another shout-out today to the good people at the Walgreen's Take-Care clinic.

I never would have thought I could go to a walk-in doctor's office on a Sunday afternoon and have my stitches taken out, but that is exactly what I did - in less than one hour! Three cheers for Walgreen's. It means alot to me that I didn't have to put in an extra long day at work tomorrow after missing the morning to go to the doctor to have them removed. Now I get the evening with my kids instead of with my desk. Thank you, Walgreen's. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We had a lazy Sunday morning in bed with the boys this morning. It was the best morning! Jon can't stop talking about it and how great it was - like a gift, he says. Maybe we'll have to make bringing them in to snuggle after their Sunday morning bottles a tradition. Now THAT, my friends, made my Sunday SUPER.

xoxo

BUSTED

2009-02-20T23:23:00.002-06:00

Brewer's eardrum that is...it ruptured this morning at daycare. Super-dad took him to the doctor where he got all fixed up. The doctor gave him some drops for his ear and some antibiotics. Jon stayed home with him all day and by evening he was feeling much better. He ate a whole bottle and most of his cereal at dinner. Aunt Juli and Granny did a great job helping us take care of him. I really hope he feels better soon.

The doctor said he is concerned that Brewer has had a double ear infection and a ruptured ear drum already. Two weeks from now we have a followup appointment and the doctor told us that one more ear incident earns Brew a trip to the ENT doctor. Poor little guy. Whatever we have to do to protect his hearing, we'll do.

Granny threw a fun and tasty Mardi Gras dinner at her place tonight. Thanks G! Jon and I are wishing we had some more of that yummy King's cake right now.

See y'all later on this weekend!

Thanksgiving Thursday

2009-02-19T22:12:00.002-06:00

An idea started by my buddy Nicole at www.odelltrips.blogspot.com, each Thursday we post about what we are thankful for.

1. I am thankful for my hubby. He decided we needed to have take-out tonight. He was right on the money. It was so great not to have to cook or clean.

2. I am thankful for our family. Granny is a super help with the boys. She picked them up from school and fed and bathed them tonight.

3. I am thankful for my boys' health. All of the recent milestones - smiling, cereal-eating, Bonham rolling over...they all just make my day.

4. I am thankful to still be a two-income family in today's economy. Times are scary. So far we have been very lucky.

5. I am thankful for all the people all over the world who are reading our blog. I love looking on the map and seeing the little dots from far and wide. It's so gratifying to know that people are looking us up and reading our goings-on! Leave us a comment, ask a question, let us know who you are!

It's Here!

2009-02-19T21:39:00.002-06:00

The Jumperoo is here and all set up - I can't wait until the morning when the boys wake up to give it a spin...(ok, maybe I can wait...go ahead and sleep tight, babies!)

Also arriving with the jumperoo were a few new books for mommy - Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron, See Jane Lead by Lois Frankel, Opting Out? by Pamela Stone and Top 1oo Baby Purees by Annabel Karmel.

The two baby food books are pretty obvious as to what they are about. I can't wait to dig in and start making food for my kiddos.

'Jane' is a book of '99 ways for women to take charge at work'. I thought it looked like a good one to help me get my working girl mojo back...I love the 'Nice Girls' series that Lois Frankel wrote, so I am pretty excited about it. The subtitle on 'Opting Out' is 'why women really quit careers and head home'. Call me the cat because curiosity is killing me on this one. Of course, there are so many obvious reasons, but I am interested to see if there are items for consideration on this that I haven't thought of yet.

I went to a women's meeting in the office this morning and I met two other new moms of singletons who have been back to work just a couple of weeks longer than me. When we were comparing notes and they asked me 'boy or girl?' I said with a smile 'two boys - I had twins'. They both seemed genuinely impressed and said a bunch of reallly nice things, like 'I don't know how you do it.' I thought to myself, you just do it...and I actually felt myself smile on the outside. I've been looking for some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing for me and my boys. Maybe that was a sign?

And if mommy is smiling - so are the boys! They have had a great week at school - they are eating cereal and playing and napping all as they should. Their teachers all say what amazing babies they are! It makes me proud.

Tomorrow is Freaky Friday! I pick up and Jon drops off. Too bad I have an early meeting or I could sleep in - boo! Oh well, such is life.

We have a big weekend planned...

Tomorrow night we are going to Granny's for Mardi Gras dinner and Saturday morning is the 'Steps for Students' 5k run/walk. It's a fundraiser to support the Catholic schools in our diocese - including the school the boys go to. I think it will be alot of fun.

Take care and I will update again soon!

Super Sunday - Anticipation!

2009-02-15T22:18:00.005-06:00

I can't review it yet, but I ordered this for the boys....

Baby not included, of course - which is cool, I've already got two....I wonder if that's the same stunt-baby from the UC ad? I really should get my kids into this line of work...

The kids love the Rainforest Activity Mat and the Rainforest Bouncer, so I thought (after seeing Tracy's kids kicking it J-roo style, "why don't WE have the jumperoo?) Amazon had a good deal on it - cheaper than both Target and BRU, so I placed my order.

Next weekend, we'll give a product review. Maybe B&B will guest-blog...LOL!

Well, let me know if you have this and if you love it! Tracy - I know your answers will be yes, and yes, based on little E's video!

Writing about Miracle day really wiped me...Mommy - OUT!

One Year with Our Little Miracles...

2009-02-15T20:41:00.003-06:00

One year ago today, our little ones were made. I don't dwell much on how we got to the point to be able to have this blog that chronicles our lives with the twins, but its important to pause and reflect sometimes in life, so if you are interested, take a deep breath and dive in. If you are looking for Super Sunday, it will be here as soon as my oldest little miracle stops squalling!

If you want to know the story of how our kids came to be, you have to go back to the fall of 2005. Jon and I had been married for a few months (together for a few years) and we were ready to start a family. I decided that I wanted to be childless for our first anniversary, but didn't really want to put things off any longer than that, so as soon as we got to the point where we would have a June due date, we were off to the races! Somewhere in the back of my mind, I had always had a feeling that something was 'wrong' so after 6 months of really trying, using all the tricks of the trade, I went to my OB. She listened to me, and allowed me to trust my gut. She gave me a referral to a specialist, and told me I could go anytime I was ready to. I went the very next month - why waste time?

We went to the specialist and she put me through a battery of tests, a month's worth of tests, many, many tests. My tests didn't show anything that caused her any concern.

She also had Jon take a semen analysis. BAM!

Jon had great results, except for his morphology. 96% of his sperm were shaped abnormally. This was our problem!!! She fast-tracked us to IVF and gave us great chances of success. It was now August of 2006.

I remember the nurses in the office being so optimistic - telling me they were sure I would be having twins - they were sure of it! At that time, it turned out, they couldn't have been more wrong....

We had our egg retrieval in September, I was working long hours because it was my busy season at work and it was just brutal. They retrieved 9 eggs - not stellar, but not terrible either. Jon took great care of me.

The next day, I got the call - only one had fertilized. I was devastated. I clung to the hope that our little embryo would make it to the transfer on day 3 and it did.

We went to the transfer and I knew in my gut it wasn't good when they didn't show us a picture of our little embryo. The transfer was very difficult and very painful and took a long time. My hopes were very low, and of course I turned out to be right.

A few weeks later, we met with the doctor. She told us that my eggs appeared dark and compacted, not fluffy and cloud-like, as expected. She said that we owed it to ourselves to try again - given my age, it could have been a fluke - I would have to do another cycle to know for sure. So we did, and even though I had my doubts about her, we stuck with her to do it.

I had a bad feeling things would not go well the second time around. Jon was seeing a urologist for his issue and had actually been cured with hormone therapy. He was now a 'superman' according to his doctor, who advised their must be something wrong with me - he said that if Jon's problem was our only problem that we would be pregnant. This hit me really hard. There was nothing wrong with me according to our doctor. What was going on?? During this time, in October 2006, Jon had a dream that we had twins, but they were both boys. He was apologetic to me that they were not boy/girl - I laughed and told him at this point, that I would happily take two of whatever was to come around...

So, we started again and my doctor increased my meds dramatically, in the hopes of producing more eggs. We actually had one less this time. Again, only one fertilized. We went in for our transfer on the day after our niece was born. They told us the embryo was not good - only three cells and growing slowly - we transferred it anyway. We were heartbroken. We knew we would not be pregnant from this cycle. We had our blood test confirm that we were not pregnant after cycle two on Christmas Eve 2006. It was horrible.

We met with the doctor again, in early 2007. She told us that she had done all she could do. In her opinion, my eggs were not functional. She couldn't say why. She recommended that we either adopt or use an egg donor, but did tell us that we should get a second opinion if we wanted. I remember her saying that if someone told her she had stage 4 cancer, that she would get a second opinion. Having my infertility compared to a terminal disease cut me very deeply.

We did get that second opinion. Our new doctor took a fresh look at me. He made alot of changes and offered us alot of hope - we couldn't help but try again. We had a renewed sense of energy about our chances. We followed his instructions on how to prepare to cycle again to the letter...we felt a renewal about trying again. Then, just before Mother's Day, my sister told me she was expecting a child. We were happy for her, but of course, devastated for ourselves...wondering when it would ever be our turn.

We did that third cycle, our first with the new doctor in May/June of 2007 and it DID go so much better - we had 30 eggs retrieved and 12 fertilized - we couldn't believe it! We made it to a five day transfer, but again, the embryos were not good quality. The doctor wanted to transfer 3 or 4. I was terrified. I had never had more than one to transfer. We transferred two, in the end, and froze the few that remained. This cycle ended in another negative.

We met with the doctor for a follow-up. He convinced us to give it one more go before exploring our other options. We also began seeing a counselor - she was an angel - it really helped us to have someone to talk to - the treatments had really begun to strain our relationships with our family and friends who were living through our struggle.

We summoned our courage and went one more time. I took leave from work and stayed home for the entire cycle - putting all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. It was September/October 2007. We tweaked the previous protocol and got similar results to the first - except that I experienced OHSS this time. The treatments were getting increasingly hard for my body to handle. I recovered nicely though and we were hopeful - until the day before the transfer.

We got the call that the embryos were not doing well and that the doctor wanted to thaw our other embryos to give us more for the transfer. Heartbreak again. We transferred two embryos again. One from our fresh cycle and one frozen. Again, we got a negative result.

We met again with our doctor. Finally he agreed that my eggs were non-functioning. I was ready to admit this after cycle three. He wanted one more, which I totally understood. Now that this was done, he was ready to talk about other options with us. Jon and I were very clear after all we had been through on what we wanted to do next. We wanted to join the clinics donor egg program. We got a packet that day to give us more information.

We wasted no time. By Christmas we had done the appropriate counseling and we had chosen an anonymous donor from the donor pool. We liked two donors right away, so we thought on it for a while, and we both kept coming back to the one we finally settled on - she just felt like the right one - to both of us.

That Christmas was very hard. I lost a beloved pet that I had owned for 10 years, on top of all the other pain we were feeling, that loss was devastating. The hope we had for our upcoming donor cycle - cycle number 5 for us - was the only thing that got us through.

We cycled with our donor in February 2008. I had gone back to work right after the last failed cycle in October 2007 and was working out of town, so that made things really interesting.

The eggs were retrieved from our donor and fertilized on February 15th. One year ago today.

We made it to transfer five days later, though with less embryos than I expected. It made me scared and nervous. What if there was something else wrong? What if this was just like every other time? I shook it off and hired a nurse to give me my progesterone shots while I worked out of town waiting for my beta. When I finally took my beta, the results were that I was 'very pregnant'! I couldn't believe it.

We had an early scare at 5.5 weeks when I stood up one day at work and I experienced multiple gushes of blood (sorry, I don't know how to say it without being graphic).

A scan revealed that I was carrying twins and that all was well. We found out around the same time that none of the other embryos from our donor cycle made it to be frozen. That meant that this pregnancy was our one and only shot. As overwhelming as it seemed to be having twins, it was a relief to me to know that they would have one another as they grow up.

8 months, a few scares, and a hurricane later...the boys were born. Three years, almost to the day, from when we decided to start a family. Two years since Jon had that fateful dream.

They are our little slice of Heaven here on earth and everyday we thank God for them, and for our egg donor, and for all those who helped us along the way, but especially we thank God for them.

I can't imagine our lives being as full or as rich if our children were anyone other than who they are, so I know that this was the absolute right thing for our family.

Happy Miracle Day to our two little miracles. I am so proud to be your mommy. Your daddy and I are so very happy to have you in our lives.

We Heart Our Kids

2009-02-15T09:40:00.007-06:00

There are signs all over our neighborhood that say this, of course with a drawn heart rather than the actual word, compelling people to slow down as they drive through the neighborhood. Most of the time, Jon and I joke about them, but I was thinking about them this morning as I 'slowed down' to reflect on our Valentine's Day for this entry.

Friday night, Granny and Granddad watched the boys so we could go out for the evening. We went out for sushi - just the two of us - and stopped by our fave local watering-hole for a drink with friends. It was a great night! Thanks Granny and Granddad!

On Saturday, I got up with the boys in the morning by myself because all Jon wanted for his gift was to sleep in. He's been such a trooper taking care of us all while I've been sick/injured this week. It was nice for me to get some solo time with the kids after spending so much time away from this week because I was either ill or working. I fed the boys and then we all settled in for some play-time on the floor. It was so much fun! By the time Jon got up, I had the boys down for their morning nap.

Jon went out and came home with Reese's Hearts for me (YUM) from the boys - they so know their mom, and a giftcard for a massage and hot stone mani/pedi for me from him. I gave him his card from me and his card from the boys (which almost made him cry - aww). The boys told him he was the best dad they have ever had - my kids are smart asses...

When the boys got up, we went out and about for haircuts and a walk around the mall. We came home and the boys napped again and then got up to find their Valentine's gifts from mommy and daddy - big boy dishes and (drumroll please!) CEREAL!

Bon got on a little faster than Brew, but both did GREAT! Bon ate ALL of his cereal.

Pictures of Bonham, the cereal champ!

Brewer loved his cereal, too...

Can I just tell all the people who said, 'Oh, they'll sleep longer when you give them cereal.' that you are SOOO wrong. For the first time in a VERY long time, both of my kids woke up in the middle of the night and demanded a full bottle. It's like the cereal addition made them realize how much more full they could be and now they are chasing that rice cereal (heroin) high...

After cereal and a bottle, the boys went down for the night and Jon and I enjoyed some quiet time at home before we went off to bed - all in all, it was a very nice family day.

I'll be posting again later with my Miracle Day and Super Sunday entries, but before I can do that, we have a full day to get through! Happy Belated Valentine's Day, everyone.

Just Thinking...

2009-02-11T20:23:00.002-06:00

My kids are such a blessing. I plan on sharing their story in a post on Sunday, their 'miracle day', the day they were created.

It's the story of a journey that hasn't been discussed at length yet on this blog. Some of our readers know it already. I think some of you will be surprised.

It's a journey that has made me feel like the luckiest mother in the world. While I watch my kids sleep, I'm really touched by how amazing they are and how they make every day better than the day before. Every hard thing I do in life is worth it because I do it for my children. God bless you, babies.

I'm looking forward to their four month appointment on Friday. I can't wait to get the concrete details on how much they have grown since December. I only hope they are well enough to get their shots. These day-care germs are giving us ALL a run for our money.

Sleep tight babies and get well soon!

Tou our readers - I promise we will get more interesting this weekend! Gotta go, Bonham is calling me!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-10T22:14:00.002-06:00

Happy birthday to my sweeties. They are four months old today!

They are thriving and we are so happy and so blessed to have them. Tonight, their Granny came to help their dad bathe them (mom can't get her finger wet) and afterwards, they laid on their mats and played happily until bottle time. I fed them before they went to bed and snuggled with them and we chatted. They were so beautiful - all fresh, clean and cuddly.

They are the best things that ever happened to Jon and I.

Sweet dreams, boys. We love you so very much.

Super Sunday, Super Stuff

2009-02-08T21:38:00.005-06:00

"I am stuck on Band-Aids, 'cuz Band Aid sticks on me!"

Welcome to an abbreviated version of 'SSSS', as I am typing with 9 fingers...I just got back from the emergency room where I got my left index finger stitched up...what happened? Well, I like what Jon said...

"It's not the size of the knife you bring to the fight, it's the size of the fight in the bag of frozen peas."

I learned my lesson. Next time I will put the bread knife down and look for the scissors. It only cost me 3 stitches, $100 and 2 hours of my life to learn this.

That said, I'm not REALLY just plugging band-aids tonight.

I decided that tonight would be a personal thank you to the inventors of two wonderful devices - the Kiddopatumus 'SwaddleMe' and 'The Ultimate Cribsheet'

The 'SwaddleMe' is lovingly referred to around here as the baby straight-jacket. Above is a picture of my kids, feeling the SwaddleMe love. If you are a fan of swaddling, and especially if you are an MoM fan of swaddling, these things can't be beat. We probably aren't too far away from outgrowing them, but they have been a lifesaver for us in helping the boys to sleep more soundly. If your own kids are too big for these, give them as shower gifts - they are $9.99 and are available on Amazon.com or at Babies R Us.

The Ultimate Cribsheet (UC to those of us with 9 digits from here on out) most recently saved us today from a 2nd full-on cribsheet change in as many hours when Brewer spit up just as he was being put down for a nap. These little wonders go over your fitted sheet and have little snaps that wrap around the crib's slats. They are a sheet/cover with a waterproof bottom liner, so if your little one spits up, drools or has an accident, you can just change out the UC with the work of a few snaps instead of dismantling the entire crib. They are a little pricy - $19.99 - but totally worth having one or two on-hand to enable you to space those 'time to strip the bed' days out a little further. Available at Babies R Us.

I won't disclose the retailer who I swiped this UC picture from...it made me laugh because putting your baby in the crib with a half-undone UC is probably the LAST thing you should do, but hopefully this was a stunt-baby or something. I looked for the caption that said "no babies were actually injured in the shooting of this photograph"...but I couldn't find it. (wink) Anyhow, I thought the picture would give you an idea of what to look for in the store. Please remember to always FULLY install your Ultimate Cribsheet.

So, what I want to know is if anyone tried the Hyland's tablets since last Sunday, and what you thought about them....comments please!

Jon is watching the Grammy's right now and saying some pretty hilarious stuff. Maybe I can get him to be the guest-blogger tomorrow and give a Grammy review while my finger heals...

Happy Sunday! Until next time...

Freaky Friday...

2009-02-06T21:47:00.016-06:00

So, as many of you know, my hubby is most definitely NOT a morning person. Well, it just so happens that I have a 'condition' (read: personality flaw) that makes it nearly impossible for me to leave the office by 5 o'clock most days.

Because of our complimentary shortcomings, we had worked out a system whereby I get up every morning at 5 a.m. during the week to pull morning duty with the boys. I feed them, dress them, get them ready for school, etc., until 6:30. Then I take a shower and get ready for work. After that, I take the boys to school on my way to the office.

Jon picks the boys up in the afternoons and I meet him at home in time to help with the evening bottle, a little playtime and dinnertime chores. After that, Jon puts the boys in their pj's and a clean diaper and tucks them into bed. Then he goes to the kitchen and makes the bottles to go to daycare the next day.

Well, this is where it gets a little wild - are you sitting down? - we instituted what we call "Freaky Friday"! On Fridays, Jon takes the overnight and early morning drop-off shift. Then I take the evening shift so he can go to Happy Hour! Are we the most sickeningly cooperative couple you have ever seen or what?

It worked out great today, but today was Jon's 9/80 Friday. We'll see how it goes on a Friday when he has to work and he can't come home to nap! As for me, I really enjoyed the night off and picking them up was a nice change of pace.

I'm so glad we already have a system that is starting to fall into place! I know it's early days, yet, but I am feeling pretty optimistic. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids and I would love to be at home with my boys all of the time, I have lots of friends who do stay home with their children full-time and I have all the respect in the world for them - it is a massive responsibility to take on to be almost the sole source for your child's enrichment in the early years of their development, it is ALOT of hard work and very rewarding - for me personally, though, I do really find alot of value for myself in my career, too, and I am lucky enough to have found affordable childcare with people I trust and respect.

Because I feel secure about the people who care for my children while I am away from them, I would like to give having both a family and a career the old college try.

What surprises me is that some women I encounter seem to be openly shocked that I have gone back to work, even women who also have jobs outside of the home. It makes me wonder if my good mood about how things are going is just me being delusional. I guess maybe its because twins seem so overwhelming at first blush, I don't know...

A particular example from today finally gave me enough unsolicited opinions on the subject over the course of this week for me to have to post about it, against my better judgement. I'm not picking on this woman by any means, she was perfectly nice and I am sure she meant well, heck I may have even mistaken respectful amazement for disdainful shock but I do want to share with you all a small little taste of the kind of things I have heard at least once a day for the last couple of weeks, just so you'll have an idea of what I am talking about...In a way, I think it's the constant encounters like this that may cause moms who do choose to work outside of the home to question their decision.

There was a woman, clearly coming from some type of office job, who was picking up her child at school and she saw me loading the boys and said,

"Oh, I don't envy you!" (eyeroll - I love being me, who are you again?),

then "Oh, they're TWINS!" (ummm....Yeah?!? Actually people say this, all the time, I think the first comment had just sent me down the wrong road already and the question became annoying when it is usually somewhat amusing...),

then "and you're WORKING?" (again, yeah!?! I guess I should have said, no, I just like flushing $1700/mo down the drain so I can lay around at home by myself all day without the little ankle-biters intruding on my 'me time'...and you?)

The whole time, this woman is looking at me like I am out of my damned mind...(another eyeroll)...

I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion, heck, I even WANT to hear what some people think when it is presented constructively, but I do wish that complete strangers would just compliment me for how cute my kids are and let me get on home to dinner and evening play-time. (grin)

Oh well, I am sure she meant well, and like I said, she seems like a nice lady - hopefully I'll run into her more and she'll get to know me better.

Thankfully, the folks at my office have been pretty supportive and kind to me about my return. They seem to be pretty excited that I am willing to give coming back full-time a try. Well, all I can say is 'week one - DONE!' It was a pretty good week, I think. We'll see how it goes from here on out - I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, I can't wait to spend a weekend with my boys (who were very relaxed about me going back to work - this is a picture of them waiting to go to school on day one).

As promised (though a day late), at the top of the post are pictures of Brewer's Buddha Belly...ignore the dishevelled mommy. Below are pictures of the boys wearing some of their loot from Aunt Jenn Jenn. On the last pic, the boys made it clear that they had had enough! Have a great weekend!

Way-back When-esday...

2009-02-04T22:08:00.007-06:00

Ok, I'll play along...Here is a picture of me and Jon hamming it up on our first married Christmas in 2005 - WOW - check out that long hair.

The other picture is one of my favorite pictures of our sweet boy, Jako when he was a kitten.

Tomorrow I'll upload the great pictures we got tonight of Brewer's Buddha Belly. (say that 3x fast!)

Boys Rule!

2009-02-03T21:30:00.004-06:00

I found out today that the amount of boys in the kids' class at school drastically outnumber the amount of girls! Only 2 girls and all the rest are boys!

It's funny because when our niece was little, it was the other way around...My mother-in-law told me about how the only boy in that class used to insist on having his hair put up in ponytails just like the girls when the daycare workers would put up the little girls' hair....It makes me wonder what kind of tomboys these two little girls will turn out to be after spending so much time with all these little dudes.

Today was day two at work and so far, so good! It's a challenge, but I am enjoying being back. I wake the boys up and feed them and get them ready every morning and I like the quiet time I get with them before Jon gets up and I take them to school. I LOVE seeing their smiling faces when I get home in the evening.

Our nighttime routine is taking shape as well. We fed the boys together and I read 'Sweet Dreams' to them. Jon has turned the lights down low and put them in their pj's. He is swaddling them and putting them into their cribs now and I can hear him talking to them in the other room while he gets them ready for bed. He says such funny things to them and I can hear the pure joy in his voice. I know that he loves these boys with everything that's in him.

'Night-night' time is daddy's time. I love watching Jon with them. I think this is my favorite time of day.

Good night and Sweet Dreams!

Today was a good day...

2009-02-02T20:59:00.004-06:00

Cue the classic 80s tune by Ice Cube...hehe.

I got up at 5 am this morning and spent an hour with the boys. I fed them, changed them, and we played a little while.

Then I got ready for work and Jon snapped them into their carseats for the ride to school. When I dropped them off, we ran into Aunt Juli and Rebecca who were really happy to see the boys.

Granny went by to visit them and she called to give us an update that the boys were doing great. Just what mommy needed to know!

Jon went and picked them up about 5 o'clock and we just finished bathing them and putting them down for the night around 8:45.

So, everyone survived...and I even had an ok day at work! YAY! Hopefully things will continue to go well for both me and the boys. Sorry if this posts seems so mechanical. I really am thrilled that things went so well today - just flat exhausted...oh well, we'll get back up in the morning and do it all again!

The boys got a care package from Aunt Jenn-Jenn tonight and a phone call from Aunt JJ to say that she'll be coming to spend a couple of days with the boys in March and she'll bring her twin girls (they are 12) with her!

Yay! A twin cousin get-together! I am SOOO excited. We'll post pix of the boys sportin' their care package gear later this week. We'll also post some pix that Aunt JJ sent. There is a great one of the boys with their Uncle Kevin.

We love you, Aunt Jenn Jenn and Uncle Kevin, Kendall and Kourtney.

Thanks everyone for your comments on Super Sunday! We'll keep it up - I am already planning next week's post!