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.

Chapter 31: Happy Birthday!!!!

{twice as much to love, two blessings from above}

We would love to introduce our precious, sweet, and healthy twin girls!

Hadley and Layton Tennison

Happy Birthday!
October 10, 2012

Hadley McKee:

 Time: 7:55am

Weight: 4lbs 15oz

Height: 19' 1/4

Layton Aaron:

Time: 7:54am

Weight: 4lbs 12oz

Height: 18'

Both girls and Mom are doing great and we can't wait to post pictures! Please continue to visit our blog for updates on these sweet girls. Thank you for your continued prayers as we welcome these girls into our family!

James 1:17
{Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above}

Chapter 30- Dear H & L

Dear Hadley and Layton,

It feels like Christmas Eve! You will know the excitement of this feeling very soon! Tomorrow you will both make your grand appearance and change Michael and I's life forever. We are so excited to meet you and feel blessed to have the opportunity to be your Mommy and Daddy. God knew what he was doing giving us this gift!  It has been such a fun pregnancy.  You both have been so sweet as you haven' t caused any morning sickness, indigestion, growing pains, too much weight gain :), and/or stretch marks... nothing!! Thank you! Now if only raising you two would be this easy. :) Tomorrow you will both be 36 weeks old... therefore, we get to meet you! My blood pressure rose a little and they want you to both arrive a week early. We are okay with this as the doctors say that you both look wonderful. I will always treasure the feeling of your movements and the blessing it is to grow two tiny lives.  We yearn to remember these wonderful emotions with gratitude.  Our hearts are bursting with excitement and love for the two of you! I don't know how we will sleep tonight, we probably wont, but then again, you are both worth it!!

Happy Birthday EVE!

We love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Family and friends: We are planning on having a "family day" on Wednesday when our little one's arrive. We welcome all of our friends to come visit on Thursday and Friday. The Tennison Family of four :) will be at Baylor McKinney Hospital until Saturday morning. We can't wait for you all to meet Hadley and Layton Tennison! You are all welcome to visit at our home as well. We welcome visitors!!

Chapter 29: Twin Talk

 How Far Along: 35 1/2 weeks 

Size of Babies: Baby A is 4lbs 9oz and Baby B is 5lbs 

What You’re Doing this Week: Hanging out in bed, reading magazines, Pinteresting, writing in the girls' baby books, watching TV, enjoying time- just Michael and Me!   

Cravings: Nothing particular

Stretch Marks- Nope, so very thankful!

Labor Signs- None as of yesterday

Sleep: I am sleeping as much as possible :)

New News: Bed rest- oh so fun! We are hopeful that these two will arrive next Wednesday or Thursday. They will be 36 weeks. We will see what happens with my blood pressure.  


Names: Layton Aaron and Hadley McKee 

Fetal Movement: I think they are running out of room in my belly! I personally think they enjoy me walking around more then laying down. 


Mommy and Baby Details: The girls looked great on Thursday at our doctor appointment! They both were breathing, kicking, and moving around.  One of the girls has hair! We don't remember which twin, so we'll just be surprised. I am doing great, minus the high blood pressure here and there.  

Daddy Details: Michael wants the girls to come now! :) He is ready for them to make their grand appearance.

Chapter 28- Just gotta laugh!

There are been so many moments through this pregnancy that have caused me to fall into a full on belly laugh! (literally...hehe!) I know I won't remember all of these momments after our sweet girls arrive, therefore, I thought I would write down a few.

Skinny Jeans: Yes- I have been that pregnant lady who has put on her fair share of 'skinnys' during this pregnancy. In most cases, Michael has to help me. But, there was one night when I had to get ready on my own.  Let me just say- it was a sight to see. I ended up with one leg in one side of the the jeans laying on our bed in laughter so hard that tears were running down my face.  While I layed there on the bed, I thought to myself, "Well, I made it this far, I might as well keep going!" If I could only read Hondo and Sophie's mind as they sat and watched!  But, in the end, I assure you...the jeans made it on! :)

Shoes: You know everyone always makes the miss-matched shoe joke with pregnant women.  I never had this actually happen.. but, putting on shoes, that is a joke in itself! You see, when you are pregnant there comes a point in your pregnancy when you can't lean over your belly to put on your shoes. (Yes, I can still see my feet.. not well!) I have done really good at mastering the "swing your leg up and to the side" trick. But, then again, I wanted to wear boots one night. Michael wasn't home... and zipping a side zipper on boots, oh man! I started on the bed.... knowing I would end up falling on it eventually.  I got the first boot on great. The second one, not so good! I became so frustrated that I started to get mad. The madness then became tears of laughter as I thought to myself. "Ann Marie... you can't put on your boot. SERIOUSLY?" 

Shelf:  I have noticed that while sitting on the couch I set my phone on the top of my belly.  It just happens to always end up there. This God made shelf has come in handy for things like this! I have also used this belly shelf to hold a few oreo's here and there. Yum.. I'll miss my little shelf, yet I am ready to be more comfortable on a daily basis!

Moving through small spaces: Oh my! Let me just say, this one cracks me up. When going out to eat, there really isn't much space in between tables.  I really never noticed this pre-pregnancy.  I find myself searching for the easiest way to make it through a restaurant. I giggle, mostly inside as I do this.   

Spills: So, this happens frequently! Not only do I feel like the most clumsy person EVER, but it's embarrassing to look down at your belly and see crumbs! Note mommies to be- put an extra shirt in your car! I wish this was the case when I was heading to a doctors appointment and spilled my water all over my belly. Luckily, I had a few minutes to turn the air on high and dry my shirt. But, how embarrassing if I didn't have the time! Oh my!

Sleeping: Pillows, pillows, and more pillows. I just laugh looking at our bed. I can't wait to remove those suckers and sleep on my belly! That day will be here soon! 

Needless to say, why become frustrated when you can laugh! Laughter makes everything better, right? This pregnancy has brought on many tears of laughter.

Chapter 27- 35 weeks and Bedrest

35 weeks and bedrest it is! Bring on reading, blogging, Pinteresting, sleeping, and watching lots of recorded T.V. :)

We went to our 35 week check up and my blood pressure was elevated so off we went to have it monitored. Once we arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was back to normal! The good news is that it has stayed normal since then. I personally think my blood pressure rose when the doctor talked about giving me two shots.  *Flu and DTaP.  Umm... doesn't that make anyone have high blood pressure?  While I was in the hospital I was checked for early signs of preeclampsia. These results came back negative, so back home we went! Our Dr. wants me to keep my feet up (NO more shopping, organizing, or decorating!) :)

 Michael and I both have a feeling these babies will be here in the next week.  My goal has always been 36 weeks, because this was when my twin sister Melissa and I were born, and we went straight to the well born baby nursery. H & L--If your Momma did it, you can too! :) Our due date is October 18th. So, we are on a 14 day count down. We will see!! Everything is ready to go here at home.... so, when these babies are ready, we are ready too! Please keep us in your prayers as we know God is in control and will bring these babies in His timing.  We are ready for you sweet Hadley and Layton!!

P.S.- Once these little girls arrive, I will be posting much more on this blog! Feel free to leave your email address below in the location provided or become a follower of our blog!