Chapter 48- Ho Ho Ho Holidays!

What a difference a year makes... 

Christmas 2011- Snow in Colorado, Durango Mountain Resort 

Christmas 2012- Snow in Dallas!! 

Christmas 2012 

Thank you Lord for gracing us with many wonderful blessings during this holiday season! We praise you in all we do and are thankful for your blessings.  In the past two weeks, Hadley and Layton have celebrated two holidays/birthdays; 
Jesus' and Daddy's Birthday (he's old... 30!)  

Over the Christmas holiday, the girls had a great time going from Grandparents house to Grandparents house. We enjoyed Church at Hope Fellowship, Christmas Eve at Gram and Grumps (Michael's parents) and then snow and Christmas Day at LaLa's and Popa's. (my parents) The snow was a perfect touch to the girls first Christmas!  

After Christmas, Aunt Melissa and Uncle Sean found out the sex of sweet baby Fox!
 *Due to arrive in May!*  

It's a..... GIRL!! 
Hadley and Layton are so excited. 
(so are their parents!) 

We also got a special, short treat- My Nanny's plane to Alexandria was delayed- I brought the girls over to my parents home for love and hugs before she had to head back! We love you Nanny! 

Our girls are great little travelers! 

We have two easy and happy baby girls.
 We don't take it for granted! 
...Blessed... 

Chapter 47: A Beautiful Blessing: Solomon Family

As a parent, you only want the best for your children.  When they're happy, you're happy. Sad or hurting, you're sad or hurting. The list goes on. All of these feelings are normal and as hard as these feelings can be at times, it is always comforting knowing that we aren't alone, that the Lord is with us.  He calms our fears and heals our pain. I know that in the middle of hard times, one may not feel the immediate calm or healing, but knowing and believing will guide us through these difficult times.  We are blessed to have a amazing God, who looks over us and protects us through this life that we are living.

A year ago, I hosted a baby shower in honor of our friends, Reid and Lacey Fisher, at our home. At the shower, I met many of Lacey's friends.  Many of the girls attend our church, Hope Fellowship in Frisco. 

As the shower came to an end, I remember talking with many of the ladies and came to find out that they too go to Hope Fellowship. The next Sunday at church, I saw one of the women, Elizabeth Solomon and her sweet baby girl in her car seat. This little angel was born with a heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries and has struggled to stay healthy in the year that she has been given.  I follow her Mom on Facebook and have enjoyed her pictures and posts of their family!  Recently, Elise was admitted into the hospital to remove her tonsils and adenoids.  Unfortunately, her sweet body hasn't been able to fight the many struggles her body is going through. (which is more then just her tonsils) After many discussions with their doctors, the family has decided to take Elise home to enjoy being a family.

Elise is a beautiful blessing to her sweet family. She is a blessing too so many friends and family members. Please follow her story and pray for her family by following the website below:
Amazing Mom and Dad: Elizabeth and Andy Solomon
Precious Big Sister: Ava
Sweet Baby Girl: Elise
Caring Bridge Website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elisesolomon

Lord, please pray for this precious little child and her family as they come home from the hospital.  Lord we ask that you heal Elise, that you come into her and take away her illness, pain, and any fear.  We beg you to spare this child of any suffering. Please, guide this family and lead them to feel your amazing grace as they walk through this hard time.
In your precious name,
Amen

As a new Mom, I can only pray that my girls will always live a healthy and happy life. But, only God knows if this will happen. Whether or not their life plays out that way, these two will have the support of Michael and I always.


(Hope Fellowship: Michael and I went on our Church hunt about 3 years ago and we fell in love with this Church. I have participated in many women's bible studies,  2 summers of vacation bible school, women's retreats, we joined a life group with other couples, and have participated in many Hope Fellowship church functions/ activities. I have enjoyed growing in my faith with Michael and friends in this wonderful church. I feel blessed to found such a great place to raise our sweet girls! Thank your Lord for blessing us with this wonderful church, Hope Fellowship! I truly believe that Hope has lead me to be a better person and pushed me to follow Christ in a more in-depth way.)

Chapter 46: 9 Week Report Card

Last Wednesday marked nine weeks for our twins! I truly can't believe it! As a teacher and now a Mom, I have always believed that the early years of a child's life are the most important years. I feel it's so important to talk to your children, hug your children, and read to your children even when they are babies. These things will help form, the person your child will be!
As the nine week mark arrived-

The teacher in me immediately thought:  

REPORT CARD! 

For the past five years, my work life was built around nine week groupings of lots of hugs from children, lesson plans, centers, songs, and assessments that lead to report cards! Each nine weeks, the children went home with report cards. I think it is only fitting that our girls receive one, too! 

--Hadley and Layton's first report card--

Date: 12/12/12

Grade Level: Infant 

Teacher: Mommy Tennison 

Hadley:

Sleep: AMAZING! We wake you when your sister wakes us! :) You would be an 8hr night baby for sure.

Eat: 4-5oz-You eat on average a ounce less then Layton.

Bath Enjoyment: You love the warm water! It soothes you.

Movement: You have very strong neck muscles and look both directions. You have awesome little leg muscles, too! When holding you, you'll push up to stand! You also have noticed your hands and love to hold our fingers when we feed you. 

Talking: You are very vocal.  I often wonder if you are about to cry, but no... it's just you talking!

Crying: You are more a pouter and don't cry long when you do.

Over all grade: A+

Layton:

Sleep: You wake up every 4 hours to eat.  It's amazing how your body keeps track of the time!

Food: 5oz at each feeding. You love to eat and you always finish your bottle.

Bath Enjoyment: You also love the warm water! You love kicking those sweet little legs!

Movement: You too have great head movement! You do great when laying on your belly and you do great following moving things that pass in front of you.  

Talking: You don't talk as much as your sister. You let her do all the talking. You have started to hum and use your vocal chords.

Crying: When you are hungry you cry (sometimes, scream!)  

Over all grade: A+

We sure love our happy, healthy twin girls! Parenting (and teaching) isn't an easy job, but it's one of the most rewarding things I'll ever do!

Chapter 45: Great Grandparents

One day I hope that I am fortunate enough to be blessed not only with grandchildren, but with great grandchildren as well.  This has been clear to me as I have been able to share our pregnancy with our Grandparents. I have many memories with my Grandparents and love that they are able to witness Michael and I grow as a family.  

We love our daughters so much and I now see and understand how hard it must have been for my Grandparents to say goodbye to our family as my Mom and Dad made the move from Alexandria, Louisiana to Dallas, Texas. **Hadley and Layton- I'm saying NO now... you can't leave when you grow older and start a family!   As hard as the move must have been, we weren't too far!

 I have been blessed to have Grandparents who live close! (Well... if you consider 5 hours away close...  Just a state away)

Michael's Grandparents are much closer. His Dad's family is right down the road in Beford and his Mom's near Austin in New Braunfels.  There were times when Denise and Steve moved away from family and I know it was just as hard for them to watch them go!

Each holiday Michael and I have been surrounded with love by our parents and grandparents. Mom and Dad- we promise to stay in the Dallas area as long as possible!! 

We are blessed and happy to share our girls with their 

Great Grandparents!  

Mammaw

Bonnie

Nanny 

Gram and Nanny

 Gram and Grandpa

 Gram

  Grandmother and Grandad

My Dad's Parents: Nanny (Nickie) and my Granddad (Ray)  

He's one of our girl's guardian angels in Heaven

My Mom's Mom and Step Dad: Gram (Noreen Diegelman) and Grandpa (Karl Diegelman) (I was never was able to meet my mom's dad as he passed away when my mom was young) 

Michael's Dad's Parents: Grandmother (Katherine) and Granddad (Jack)

Michael Mom's Parents: Mammaw (MaryBelle) and Papaw (Clarence)

He is also a guardian angel watching over our sweet girls

{To our Parents} 

Hadley and Layton's Grandparents

Lori and Lynn

Lala and Papa

Denise and Steve

Gram and Grumps

                             Grandparents

Author: Unknown

Few can bring the warmth
We can find in their embrace,
And little more is needed to bring love
Than the smile on their face.
They've a supply of precious stories,
Yet they've time to wipe a tear,
Or give us reasons to make us laugh,
They grow more precious through the years.
I believe that God sent us Grandparents
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.

Chapter 44: A Day in the Life of a Twin Mom!

How do I make it through the day?

{routine, routine, routine}

A Day in the life of a TWIN Mom-

-Wake up, wash face/brush teeth, and head to the kitchen

-Pour two bottles of milk and start to warm

-Wake one baby

-Feed, change, put in a swing or lay flat 

 REPEAT with baby # 2

-Make our bed/clean kitchen (pump milk for a later feeding)

- Start a load of laundry

 -Time to feed again!

-Grab a little one- Whomever is awake

-Repeat above feeding process

-Eat lunch

-Tummy time and play-mat time

-By this time it is around 2:00pm

-Go on a walk/run with the girls (Thank you Lord for this beautiful weather!)

-Clean bottles/pump and store milk

-Start to prepare dinner

-Feed Hondo and Sophie

-Fold laundry that was washed and dried that morning

-Wait patiently/eagerly for Michael to arrive home to help with bath time and night feedings!

The list above would be a perfect day with no sad babies who want Momma time! Add a bunch of shushing, humming, kissing, holding, rocking, and singing in the mix and you have one tired Momma. (Note: this was just our DAY routine :) )


We are loving the holidays with these two angels!
Merry Christmas!

Chapter 43- 2 Months Old

{Two Month Check Up }

Layton Aaron

12/10/12

Weight: 8lbs 2.5oz

Height: 20 1/2"

Head Cir: 14 1/2"
Vaccine: DTap, Hep B, IPV, PCV13
Feeding: Mom's milk 4-5oz during each feeding

Hadley McKee

12/10/12

Weight: 8lbs 3oz

Height: 21 1/4"

Head Cir: 14 1/2"
Vaccine: DTap, Hep B, IPV, PCV13

Feeding: Mom's milk 4-5oz during each feeding

Another month has come and gone! You are both putting on weight and sleeping great. (7 hours the last two nights!)

Hadley- You love to lay on your back wide awake and look around. You were talking up a storm tonight and Michael and I loved listening to you! We kept laughing at all of your sounds. It's amazing how alert you are during the day. You love to sit in your "chair" which is a "u" shaped boppy pillow. 

Layton- You still love your swing! You aren't in love with laying on your back as much as your sister. You have your own little personality and we love it. You are our cuddle bug! You also love your chair, but don't enjoy sitting in it very long. You are also more alert during the day.  This must be why you are both sleeping so well at night. 

I love watching you both sleep. I think it is the most precious thing EVER! God truly knew what he was doing when made the two of you. You are both are so different, yet so much alike. It is amazing! We are starting to give you a warm bath each night before bed time. (Your Mommy love baths, so I knew the two of you would love them, too.) We have started a 'dream feed' at 10pm and we think that is the reason for you both sleeping so well. What is a dream feed you may ask? We feed the girls at 8pm and then at 10pm feed them one or two ounces of milk, while they are sleeping.  It basically tops off/fills up their bellies to allow them to sleep longer due to being full. It works fabulous!! 

We love you! 
Happy 2 Months!

Chapter 42: Post Pregnancy Update!

After you were born....

I saw a post similar to this on a blog and I thought it was a great idea. I know there will be many things that I will forget as the weeks, months, and years pass by. Therefore, this post will be a great way to document the facts, funnies, and let's forget!

How Far Along? We made it to 36 weeks! Wahoo- praise the Lord! I was admitted into the hospital for a week of bed rest due to high blood pressure. The 5 nights in the hospital was one of my "let's forgets." There was one good thing that came with my stay... heartbeats! We were able to see our little girls heart rates multiple several times a day! You may think I got bored.. not really! Thankfully, I had many family members, friends, and nurses to help pass the time! TV's shows, magazines, Pinterest tagging, and Facebook browsing were among the things that kept me busy. We were fortunate that my blood pressure didn't cause any worry to our little girls. They were trucking along just great. I think if it wasn't for my blood pressure, we could have gone to our 37 week goal. (Dr. Ann Marie has a theory about the high blood pressure.. but, Michael says that I am not a Dr. so, I won't bore you with that story. Ask me in person! Let's just say, my blood pressure was back to normal once I got to the hospital.)

Size of of babies? On October 11th,  Layton weighed 4 lbs 12 oz and Hadley weighed 4 pounds 15 oz. One of our worries was that they would lose weight once we were home. At their two week appointment both were over their birth weight and our pediatrician was pleased. Both of the girls have continued to gain in weight and length.

Maternity Clothes? By week, 3 post babies... I was done with maternity clothes! Well, almost. My non-maternity shirts and pants fit, but some just didn't fit the best! For now during the day I wear comfy clothes! Workout pants and tank tops are what I live in most of the time.

Weight Loss? I gained 30 pounds while I was pregnant. At my post 2-week appointment I'd lost 20 pounds. By my 6th week check-up, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight! I now understand the whole "your body will never look the same." This is true!! The second I look at Hadley and Layton.... they are absolutely worth it. I was very fortunate to not get any stretch marks during my pregnancy and feel very thankful! I just have to remind myself that this belly carried two babies for 8 months. It will take a few months to get back to normal. Normal....yeah, probably never going to happen but for now, bring on the running!! Our running stroller is set up and ready for the girls! (I can't wait for Spring time!)

Milk does the body good! (GIRLS read only...a little T.M.I for boys) My breast milk slowly came in while we were in the hospital, a few days after we left hospital it arrived! While in the hospital Michael and I had a fabulous feeding system. The girls nursed, I pumped and gave them my milk by a syringe, and then we did a little bit of formula (due to not having enough milk from me for twins) Repeat, repeat, repeat! We continued this while in the hospital and once we arrived home we continued! MAN... talk about exhaustion! We continued with "snack time" (nursing), pump, Michael bottle feed, repeat, for the first week. Then around week two- IT happened.. sweet Layton was a hard sucker... which caused some bleeding on my end. OUCH!! OUCH!! As this was very painful and brought tears to my eyes... I began to pump breast milk and to begin complete bottle feeding. This in a way was a God send, as now Michael can help with each feeding. I knew that I wanted them to have my milk and was bound and determined NOT to give up. I took it week by week. It was hard at first, and still is, but I CAN and WILL do this!

Sleep? Let's just say it was (very) rough at first. We felt like walking zombies. We have since then adjusted. We knew we wanted to start out doing the night feedings on our own. Even though my Mom was with us for the first week, we wanted to try the night feedings just the two of us. It wasn't that bad... since the girls are such great sleepers. Mommy brag moment- The girls have done fabulous since night one home with us! (it was Michael and I that had to get used to the lack of sleep!) The girls have done great with getting their nights and days correct. This was something I worried about at first, but our strict routine of having a dark room with a sound machine/lullabies at night seemed to work wonders! The wonderful part is how fast they fall back asleep once we have changed their diapers and have laid them back in their cribs. They will lay there wide eyed... yet, fall asleep after a few minutes. 

THANK YOU, LORD!

Post Pregnancy: What I Miss? Feeling Hadley and Layton move while in my belly was wonderful! I do miss that, yet seeing them kick and move here at home makes everything better! I have to say that I miss being pregnant as I truly loved each week! God blessed us with a wonderful experience.  

Pregnancy was a blast and post pregnancy can be difficult at times but mostly wonderful. I can't help but remind myself that these two girls are gifts that we were given and intrusted to raise!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

{As a family we can do it}

Michael and Me

Layton and Hadley

Chapter 41- 7 Weeks Old

{7 Weeks Old}

You are both getting so big!

You continue to, oh so cutely, stretch out your legs and arms once we un-swaddle you.  You are also both grasping at objects with your hands much more! Watch out ladies... you may want to pull up your hair before grabbing a baby! 

swing, swing, swing
You both have a strong love for your comfy little swings. 

ZZZzzz.... You are both still on a 4 hour sleep schedule.

Grub Time: You are both taking around 4 ounces of milk at each feeding.

Weight:  You both seem to growing wonderfully! You are starting to have a few lovely rolls/creases on your upper thighs.  I can't wait for your cheeks to plump up.

While you are awake, I enjoy talking and singing to each of you. I try and describe things that I see.  I can't wait for you to talk back. (we have a while!) I know when I am talking to you, alone in the house, I may seem/sound crazy but I know that sounds and sights are all learning opportunities.  

We are looking forward to welcoming December with our 8 week old twins! You both have your Christmas stockings hanging at the end of each of your cribs! Welcome Santa!

We will be going for your 8 week check up next Thursday!

Chapter 40- Oh the Joy...

Having twins has been a blessing! I am so grateful for these two additions to our family. 

We thank God daily for each of them and as much as we love them, the first few weeks with new born twins can be exhausting, enjoyable, and funny!! Funny? Oh yes!

One morning, I decided that blueberry muffins sounded great. I gathered the ingredients needed and poured the mix into a bowl.  Right about the time as I was about to start mixing the ingredients, one of the girls started to wake.  One feeding led to another feeding and one diaper change led to another. The day continued on...

My Mom came over that evening and as we were standing in the kitchen we both laughed as my blueberry muffin mix and ingredients were still sitting on the counter.. not mixed or made.

Oh, the joys of being a Mom of multiples.

Diapers... who would think different brands would truly be THAT different.  Momma's to be... let me just tell ya, THEY ARE!

Pampers VS Huggies  

Newborns have interesting and all types of poopy diapers. Gross, I know!  Michael was helping me with the 6am feeding before he headed to work.  He feed, changed, and put down sweet Hadley.  Off to work he went.  About an hour later, I received a phone call from him. Yeah, you guessed it! Hadley had pooped while eating and it had come out of her diaper and onto Michael's pants. :( Poor Michael spent the work day with baby poop on his dress pants.

Oh, the joys of being a Dad of multiples!

P.S.

 Pampers.. you ROCK!

Huggies.. you did the opposite of hugging sweet Hadley's bottom. YUCK!

Chapter 39- Thankful

We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. When you have a child (or 2!) your holidays seem to mean more, much more!

Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, fun, and turkey! Try and enjoy all of these things as the holidays fly by so very fast.

My 10 "Thankful's"

1 wonderful husband

2 precious baby girls (6 weeks old)

3 day weekends

4 loving parents (now grandparents)

5 wonderful siblings (2 sisters, 2 brother in laws, and 1 sister in law)

6 week old twins

7 hours of combined sleep :)

8 months of a healthy pregnancy

9 months till the summer (I can't wait for the girls to splash in the pool)

10 kisses (or more) on the forehead of each baby makes life more enjoyable.

God has blessed Michael and I with two of the most precious gifts this holiday season. I was talking with Michael about how easy it would be to feed just one baby, diaper one baby, snuggle one baby, put to sleep one baby, the list could go on.  We just laughed at the thought of that! Then it made me realize that if that were the case, we wouldn't have one of our girls.  The thought of not having one of their sweet faces doesn't seem right. Therefore, double the work is worth it!  As I sit here and look at both of them, I couldn't feel more blessed.
Thank you Lord for the blessing of Hadley and Layton.  You knew we could do this before we did... we'll keep truckin' along. Keep your hand upon us as we transition from Michael and Me to Michael plus 3.

Thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus .
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Enjoy your holidays with all of your "Thankfuls".

Chapter 38: 1 Month Old

11/10/2012

Happy 1 month birthday!

{One Month Check Up }

Layton Aaron

11/10/12

Weight: 6lbs 9oz

Height: 19 1/2in

Head Cir: 13 3/4
Vaccine: Hep B

{One Month Check Up }

Hadley McKee

11/10/12

Weight: 7lbs 1oz

Height: 19 3/4in

Head Cir: 14in
Vaccine: Hep B

The weather is beautiful here in McKinney!  I am soaking it in as long as I can! (If you consider taking the dogs out in the backyard for a few minutes counting!) It has been in the 70's this past week. Next week it is supposed to get into the upper 60's, which is still wonderful!

**What have we been up to this week?**
On Thursday, we went on our first outing! Well.. you stayed in  the car in your car seats, but it was still nice. We went through the Chick-Fil-A drive through and I enjoyed my first sweet tea in I don't know how long! It was wonderful. We then headed to Ashley Elementary to see my friend, Becky. She got engaged this week and I couldn't wait to hug her neck and see her beautiful ring. She ran outside to show off her bling and other staff members made their way outside to take a peak at the two of you. We then made one more stop to drop off your car seat covers to get monogrammed. Fortunately, they are being done by my friend, Michelle, and she came out to the car to get them and see you! You both stayed cozy in the car. To top off the week, we went to your 1 month check up appointment. It was a fun week and you both are growing and doing great!

Your Great Great Grandma's and Grandpa are coming in town on Monday to visit you two! I can't hardly wait until they arrive.

You are so loved by so many!

Chapter 37: Our Cinderella's

The thought of watching these two baby girl's grow up with Michael as their Daddy makes my heart burst. This afternoon, while Hadley and Layton were sleeping soundly, this song was playing and it brought me to tears. The thought that they are ALREADY 3 weeks old and knowing that they will continue to grow up fast makes me sad. I just want them to stay little! One day, Michael will be dancing with his little Cinderella's. As much as I can't wait for that day, I'll sit back and enjoy every moment with these two precious girls!

You are our little Cinderella's!

Chapter 36: Personalities at 3 Weeks

Our girls are growing, growing, growing!

 We have started to learn the differences in their sweet little personalities.

Hadley- You sweet girl are an amazing little sleeper. Day and night! You also love to look around with your beautiful eyes.  When we lay you down after a feeding, you just gaze at us!  You are just content and never whine.  You have learned how to get out of your swaddle, yet so has your sister. We love you!

Layton- My little angel you love to be awake. Thankfully, you are a great sleeper at night! You have a harder time going to sleep than your sister. You make all kinds of cute noises, but when you are asleep, you are out! You love to be held and snuggled.  We are being very careful about not spoiling you in this way, but oh how I love snuggling you under my chin! We love you!

Snugging with newborns has to be one of the sweetest, most wonderful things in the world!

Tennison Twin Facts at 3 Weeks!

*You both LOVE to be swaddled.

*You are drinking about 3oz of milk.  Mom feels like a cow! :) 
*You are sleeping for 3 hours in between feedings.
*How are feedings going, you may ask?  Well, Michael takes Hadley and I take Layton! You each take about 20 minutes to eat.
*You love stretching your little arms and legs before each feeding. It's the most precious thing we have even seen!
*When the dogs are playing or barking, it doesn't seem to bother you at all.
*You have moved from preemie diapers to newborns.
*For Halloween you are going to be dressed as little black cats!

We can't wait for your newborn photo shoot this upcoming weekend! 

Chapter 35- L-O-V-E

What would your definition of "love" be? 

 I'm not sure how to explain the definition that comes to mind when I look at our two little girls! There just doesn't seem to be words. As they each grow we find new things to love about their personalities.

Hadley- you make the most precious facial expressions. Today you were making "kissy" lips.  I ran to get my camera, but back to sleep you were when I returned.

Layton- I love waking you up. (and watching you sleep) You kick and squirm and make me want to eat you up!

As you both grow we have a few wishes for each of you!

We wish that you: 

*Love our Father and look to him at all times

*Are always be happy

*Strive to be your best

*Know how much you are loved

*Adore your sister

*Respect your elders

*Show wonderful manner's

*Love on your Daddy and Mommy

*Give lots of kisses

*Bless others with kindness and compassion

*Model a faith that you learn as you grow

*Make wonderful friends

*Honor your mother and father :)

*Volunteer and support others

*Enjoy each day

*Cherish your friends and family

All in all, we can't keep our hands off of you. We are looking forward to the day when you are crawling, walking, and talking. Yet, we don't want you to grow up just yet. Stay little!

We love you!

1 John 4:7

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Chapter 34- Week 1 and Week 2 Check Up

Two weeks down... many more wonderful weeks to go!

{Week 1 Check Up and Fun Facts}

Layton Aaron

10/16/12

You look just like your Momma (with Dad's toes!)

Weight: 4lbs 7.5oz

Height: 18in

Head Cir: 12 1/2

{Week 1 Check Up and Fun Facts}

Hadley McKee

10/16/12

You look just like your Daddy (with Mom's toes!)

Weight:4lbs 13oz

Height: 17 3/4

Head Cir: 12 3/4

{Week 2}

We have 5lb babies!

Layton Aaron

10/24/12

You love to sleep! (so does your sister) Yet, you don't stay awake as much as Hadley. You are a precious little sleeper! I could just watch you all day!

Weight: 5lbs 1oz

Height: 18 3/4

Head Cir: 13 1/4

{Week 2}

Hadley McKee

10/24/12

We love all your facial expressions! You also love looking around.

Weight: 5lbs 9oz

Height: 18 3/4

Head Cir: 13 1/4

You are each growing so well and we get excited to take you to your Dr. appointments each week. We go back in two weeks. You'll both be a month old!

Your Daddy and I were talking tonight about how hard it is to wake up during the night feedings. Yet, when we think about how we have been doing it for 14 nights we can't believe it's gone this fast.  Phew- we are tired!

You are both pretty popular! You have had a guest (or two) come by the house each day that you have been home.  You are both so loved! Although, I don't think anyone could love you as much as your Daddy and I do!

We pray daily that you will stay healthy as cold and flu season  approaches. We can't explain how nervous this season makes us.  Keep growing sweet baby girls! We love you!
--Mommy and Daddy--

Chapter 33- Perfect 10!

10,10,10

Have you ever watched Dancing With The Stars?  If not, the goal of the dancers are to get a perfect 10 from each of the 3 judges. Last night, we felt as if Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli were in our bedroom. What? You may be thinking...  Well, when you have twins, the thought of feeding TWO babies, changing TWO diapers, and then putting back to sleep TWO little ones, just sounds like a daring task. Right?  I mean, one child would be hard enough... but two!? God knew what he was doing blessing us with two sweet girls knowing we would need a grace period as we learn to get down this whole "parent" thing. Well, GRACE he has given!! Each night the girls do wonderful! If I was judging we would have many ratings of 10's and 9's over the last 10 nights. 

Drum Roll.... "Michael and Ann Marie, please release your scores."

10, 10 (Sophie and Hondo: 10)  

Last night we made a perfect score! We woke the girls, fed, changed, swaddled, and back into their crib they went. Not one tear!

Thank you Lord for giving us these two wonderful sleepers. We know it won't always be this easy, but we'll take as many nights with 9's and 10's as we can get.  

Chapter 32: Our Birth Story

Welcome to our family Hadley and Layton!

October 10th, 2012

{Our Story}

We did it!!  I wanted to document the birth of our twins before the stories of their lives start to fill our blog.

What an exciting time for Michael and I! We had many emotions going through us the night before and the morning of our little one's arrival.  We both surprisingly slept a little that night, which surprised us both.  We woke up, took showers, and waited for our doctors directions.  I was hooked up to an IV and feeling as if I was pumped full of gallons of liquids.  As the first doctor walked into the room at 7:00am my nerves started. My parents, along with Michael's, came in for hugs, kisses, and pictures before they wheeled me into the operating room.  Michael stayed back while they put in the spinal tap and once that was in he came into the room and stayed at my side. The nerves had settled in and I continuously prayed for our sweet girls that were about to join our family.  I knew that there were many steps in a cesarean section and this made me nervous.  I made a "to do" list in my head and as each portion was completed I was able to check it off! This helped the time pass. *a long 30 minutes!   Michael held my hand and the sweet nurse and anesthesiologist talked me through the process.

Baby A was born first! She came out crying, which was the sweetest sound I had ever heard.  Michael went over and named her Layton.  They brought her straight over to us and laid her with Michael and I. Tears were streaming down my face! We have many wonderful pictures of Layton and Hadley after they were born.  Right after Layton arrived at 7:54am, Hadley arrived one minute later, and she too was crying.  We both felt a huge relief as we listened to both of the girls cry.  Another amazing feeling was when the doctors came over and informed us that both of our girls were healthy and were not needing to go to the NICU.  What a blessing and answer to our prayers! Dr. Banks then laid both of our sweet babies on my chest and off we went to our recovery room. Michael waved and gave a quick hug to our family waiting outside and we listened to the sweet nursery rhyme lullabies play as we moved into the recovery room. *this is a tradition at the hospital. While we were in the hospital- we heard many nursery lullaby's playing in the hallway as babies were born.  Our time in the recovery room was the most wonderful hour of just Michael and I, our two sweet girls, and nurses! The nurses monitored the girls and I was able to nurse and spend a good amount of time skin to skin.  It was a moment that I will always cherish. The love Michael and I were feeling at that moment was indescribable.  Each minute we were updated on their progress and other updates while they were snuggled up with us.  After about and hour we were moved to our "hotel", family and friend room, for the next three days. The girls spent each night with us in our room and did a wonderful job feeding and sleeping.  All in all, we had a great experience bringing these sweet girls into this big world.  They continue to surprise us as they eat, sleep, and potty- barely any tears!! They are truly a blessing!

We love our girls so much that our hearts feel as if they could burst! They have been such a blessing to both of us.  Michael is such a great Daddy.  He wakes up at each feeding, helping with changing, feeding, and anything that I need.  He has been ALL hands on deck since day one. My love for him has grown even more as I watch him with our sweet girls. They have him wrapped around his finger.. not just one finger :) ALL ten!

Thank you to everyone that has kept us in your thoughts and prayers through our pregnancy. It was such a wonderful experience for both Michael and I. We feel blessed and loved! Thank you to all of our family members and friends who came to the hospital to love on our sweet girls and us.  What a blessing you are to Michael and I! 

We are home now, settling in, and loving this new journey called, parenthood!

About to head back to the operating room!

Heading to the recovery room! I had both babies snuggled in my arms.