The Dunn Family

2009-06-04T14:33:00.002-05:00

Kitchen after
Kitchen before
Home Sweet Home

Catch Up...

2009-06-04T13:50:00.002-05:00

I know it has been forever since i have blogged, but chasing around 2-18 month old boys is absolutely consuming all of my time!! Let me take a minute to catch up on what's been going on in our lives lately...

we bought a new house on March 31st that we refer to as "the money pit" but we absolutely love it!!

The boys are getting HUGE!! P weighs 24 lbs. and M weighs 26 lbs. They are into EVERYTHING...I mean everything!! I can't take my eyes off them for a second before they are into something they shouldn't be into...for example,

they somehow got a tuperware dish off the counter one morning, opened it and had cake and icing painted all over the kitchen.

Then, one afternoon I gave them a broom to play with, only to find them sitting in the floor surrounded by shattered glass from a picture frame I had just put on the wall.

I put P down for a nap one day and couldn't find M anywhere. After searching the house, I looked out the front door only to find him hanging out on the front porch.

At my parents house, mom found Parker inside the oven.

They both love to splash around in any open potty.

Last week we were playing in the back yard at my sisters when we got the pool out. I didn't have their swim suits so we just took their diapers off and let them play in their clothes, well P somehow pooped on the ground without anyone noticing it until mommy steps in it. And the only reason we knew it was him was because he left evidence on his john john~ha!!

They both love the pool, but P is WAY more into it and less fearful than M.

They love toys with a string on them so that they can pull them.

They also love to throw food and their sippy cups on the floor while in their high chairs.

Today, I was loading Parker in the car at TJ Maxx and Mitchell was sitting in the wagon when a mini-van rolled past us giving me a strange look. I thought it was weird, but when I turned around to get Mitchell I noticed he was gone so I ran around the back of the car only to see him rolling down the parking lot with a HUGE smile on his face.

They are climbing on everything in sight...chairs, tables, beds, furniture appliances etc.

They have finally mastered going up and down stairs.

Their new bad behavior is biting and they, especially Mitchell have a MAJOR problem with it to the point where Mitchell bit my face last night and had me in tears...Daddy was furious!! If anyone has any ideas on how to handle biters we would greatly appreciate it!! We have tried time out, popping their leg/hand, putting Tabasco sauce in their mouth (which M just lapped up and smiled), and calmly correcting the bad behavior with an appropriate behavior...nothing seems to faze them!!

On a lighter note, they recently got a new baby cousin who they are obsessed with, especially M. They love kissing her face/hands/feet and patting her. It is really sweet how much they love her!! But, I am paranoid that one of them is just going to haul off and bite her so we have to be really careful and protect her from them!!

They have both started saying "bah" (with an extremely southern accent) while waving good bye to people.

They are also obsessed with pointing at lights and saying "da".

They can do the sign for "more" when they want something.

As crazy as all of this sounds, they are getting SO much easier to handle and much less whinny than they used to be. They have started having a little bit of separation anxiety, but it kind of makes me feel special that they never want me to leave!! I feel like they have really tackled a lot of developmental milestones lately!! They are so much fun and I love being their mommy!! What a sad day it will be, when they don't think we're super cool anymore...ha!!

Boys will be boys...

2009-03-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

Since the weather has been so nice lately, we have found ourselves loving the great outdoors with a couple of minor exceptions. The other day we were in our driveway talking to the neighbors when I noticed Mitchell putting something in his mouth (which was no big deal, considering the fact that he's always putting rocks, mulch, etc. in his mouth). Anyways...I leaned down only to notice that it was a cigarette butt...ewwww!! When I went to pull it out, the whole thing broke open and all the little nasty particles were floating around in his mouth~I thought I was going to puke!! In this case, the bad news was that we don't know anyone who smokes which means that cigarette butt was probably one that the trash man or somebody threw out the window as they were driving by...oh my goodness, it still gives me the willies that he's gonna get some nasty disease!! But, so far nothing has shone up,thankfully!! ha!!

Next, Daddy decides he wants all of us to go to the park in our neighborhood yesterday so that I can see how the boys love to go down the slide head first...I am totally thinking this is a terrible idea, but I just thought I would go along with it b/c he was so excited. We walk over to the play ground that was full of kids and parents. We get the boys to the top of the slide and get Mitchell in position to slide down and off he goes...only to get his arm caught behind him and face plant the slide and bite his lip. Needless to say, he totally freeked out screaming and blood was just pouring out of his mouth!! So we scooped him up, grabbed Parker (who was looking at us like, "are you kidding me, I didn't even get to try it!!"), scurried to the car, getting some very interesting looks from all the spectators like, "are you seriously that stupid?? Honestly, who sends a 1 year old down the slide head first". So, we got him home and cleaned up with only a fat lip to show for it.

So then there's today...we were playing outside on our deck enjoying the beautiful weather!! Parker was pushing a cooler around when he fell down a step and slammed the side of his forehead into the deck. Luckily, he didn't bleed, but there is a huge knot on his head!! Then, we decided to hit another park and have a picnic dinner. It was great~the weather was perfect, we had a big quilt with all of our stuff on it so the boys could eat their dinner and play. So, kyle and i are just sitting there eating while M & P are walking around under this tree when all of the sudden, Mitchell trips over a tree root and literally plows into the ground with his forehead while managing to scrape the rest of his face across to ground to catch his fall. Then, if that isn't traumatic enough, there is one of those old fashioned jungle gyms on the play gound. Well, kyle crawls inside it and yells for the boys to come over and crawl in too. Parker gets right in, but then Mr. Clumsy comes stumbling over and reaches out to grab one of the metal bars with his hands and totally misses only to kiss it with his tooth at a record breaking speed. We literally heard the "ting" of the tooth to metal bar impact...it was awful!!! The blood came pouring out yet again. Mitchell looked up at me like, "what are you doing to me??" It was soooooo pitiful!! Fortunately, we were the only ones there tonight, so we didn't get any weird looks from spectators!! Parker; however, looked at us like, "what is Mitchell's deal??? He keeps ruining everything!!" So, tonight we left the park with Mitchell screaming bloody murder in pain and Parker screaming bloody murder b/c he was absolutely furious to be leaving!! I can only imagine what this summer will bring if we have already had this much drama being outside!!

Boy have Mitchell and Parker changed our lives!! With them, life is so much more exciting!! I can only imagine what they will be like as teenagers~ha ha!!

A bad day gone right...

2009-02-26T20:10:00.002-06:00

Let me rewind to Tuesday night...Kyle is out with work people, the boys are down, and I am anxiously preparing for our first Wednesday morning play group at Otter Creek by laying out the boys clothes, fixing their lunches and packing their diaper bag. I am so excited for this play date, as we have all had a hard time getting together at anyone's house this winter since our kids are starting to get into everything. Wednesday morning we had breakfast, got ourselves together and off we went (a little early in hopes that the boys would take a cat nap in the car...but much to my dismay, that didn't happen). Anyways, we all get there and we're playing in this big carpeted room and everyone's having a great time for about 5 seconds until my little monsters start up with the whining..."uhhhhhh" I think to myself, "come on, PLEASE be good!!" but the whining continues the entire time, then I think, "ok Julie, you can get through this, hold back the tears every child has their moments..." So, finally it's over, we made it to the car, I fed them their lunch in the parking lot, and they fell right asleep. So that was yesterday...pretty crappy!! Today I wake up with high hopes of having a good day because nothing could be as bad as yesterday....I turn on the today show to find out that the high was going to be 68...oh boy!! Jennifer called to see if we wanted to go with them to Otter Creek to play on the playground and have a picnic, I thought "perfect....we'll be outside, we're sure to have fun!!!" I told her we would meet her there around 10 so that maybe once again the boys would cat nap in the car...Parker did, Mitchell did NOT. So, we get there and we're playing and having a great time, until the whining starts again...by this time it's 10:50, so I'm thinking we'll just eat lunch early today. So we all got our lunches out and I sat on a picnic blanket with the boys to eat and Cole sat at a little table by a tree and Jennifer ran to potty. In that short time, Mitchell decides he doesn't want his lunch and he would much rather have Cole's, so he crawls over to him and gets on top of the table, trying to steal his lunch!! Sweet Cole just sits there, so I ran over and grabbed Mitchell, hit my head on a tree limb and told him no, then I sat him down in front of his lunch. By this time Jennifer is back, Mitchell does the same thing again, then Parker sees him and starts crawling off too, so I again grab Mitchell, hit my head and that dumb tree limb, slipped a bad word, called Mitchell a brat, sat him down firmly, then he screamed so I grabbed him and through him in the car. I go back to get Parker only to find that he has turned over his whole thing of peaches on Jennifer's picnic blanket. So, by this time, I am just boo whooing!! I grabbed him, threw him in the car, and told Jennifer sorry and that we had to leave!! By the time I pull out of the parking lot, they are both asleep!! I called Kyle, picked him up and boo whooed to him all during his lunch break!! Then, I dropped him off and just drove around for another hour. So, needless to say, today was worse than yesterday until tonight...my sweet husband got home with steaks for dinner, mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert and after dinner mints (if you know me, you know those are my favorite!!) just for a pick me up!! So, if that wasn't enough to turn my frown upside down, Parker decided to start walking tonight...he just took off!! Isn't it wonderful to know that the Lord just knows when you've had enough...and He just makes everything wonderful!! So, all of that to say, I feel so blessed....for the good times and bad!!

More to the Story...

2009-02-05T22:10:00.003-06:00

Okay, so we went back to our pediatrician for a follow-up today only to find out that Parker did NOT have pneumonia. That stupid resident doctor must have just been an idiot!! The radiology report came back negative. I mean, she looked us right in the face and said, "it looks like Parker does have pneumonia." UHHHHH...I guess I'm just going to try to be understanding and think that maybe that poor resident had been working a long shift and just got confused...but that is still NO EXCUSE!!!

Parker is SICK....

2009-02-05T09:29:00.003-06:00

Well, we have had a really rough week with Parker being sick. We got home from Ohio on Sunday afternoon and Parker wasn't feeling very good. By Monday morning, he was really sick with a terrible cough. I went ahead and took him in and had him tested for RSV and it came back positive. They went ahead and did a breathing treatment in the office and then set up for home health care to deliver a nebulizer for him to use at home. We got home and he just slept in my lap all afternoon. Thankfully, mom and dad came to the rescue and took Mitchell home with them in hopes that he won't get this. By the time Kyle got home, Parker was having such a hard time breathing. We decided that we should take him to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. We got there at about 6:45 p.m. and waited for over 3 hours. Finally, they called us back and told us that there were no rooms available and that they would have to see us in the hallway. That seemed a little weird, but I just thought, oh well we've got to see a doctor. They decided that Parker needed an IV b/c he was dehydrated. So, several nurses surrounded his bed, in the middle of the hallway and tried to get an iv started. After 4 attempts with no luck, Parker screaming at the top of his lungs, and everyone else in the hallway staring at us, Kyle said, "ok, I am having a hard time keeping my cool, this is ridiculous!!" I agreed! He told them NOT to stick him again until we were in a room. Finally, we got a room and the nurse came in and got the iv started on the first try and then they put oxygen on him and admitted him (but b/c they were so crowded we stayed in the ER). By this point, Parker is absolutely TERRIFIED and is clinching on to me, not wanting to be put down in fear of what would happen next. The room they put us in was much like a closet, no windows or anything. At this point it is 2:30 a.m. and we are all exhausted!! I asked the nurse if I could lay in the crib with Parker so we could rest. She feared that it could turn over, so we were stuck just sitting in chairs. Finally somebody brought us a little twin sized cot for one of us to sleep on. Mom and Kyle went to get some dinner and I just layed down with Parker so he could sleep. Once they got back, mom went home. Kyle sat in the chair and tried to sleep and at 5:30 he went home b/c he had to get some sleep b/c he had a meeting at work that he couldn't miss. So, all that to say no one got ANY sleep that night. By morning, the day nurse came be-bopping in turned on all the lights and was talking really loud to her side-kick (I really wanted to clock her b/c we were so tired!!) Anyways, by this point Parker had had nothing to eat since the day before (which he pretty much ate nothing). The nurse never said anything about breakfast, so at 10:45 I asked her if he could eat and she said, "oh sure, I'll get you a menu." and I was thinking, ok if I didn't say anything would he had ever gotten to eat?? Uhhhh....by this time I am over it....I hate this stupid place!! they had taped the oxygen to his face, then when it was time for them to take it off, that same DUMB nurse just ripped it off instead of trying to use a wet cloth to ease it off like they did at Centinneal. Next, they decided to do a chest x-ray to check for pneomonia. After we finished that they moved us to an even smaller room that didn't even have any chairs and was on a hallway where the lights were out. Then, a new nurse came in and said, "Looks like y'all are being discharged." and we were like, "are you kidding me, we haven't even gotten the results back from the chest x-ray" so she went to find out what the deal was and a resident doctor came in and said, "well, the x-ray showed that he does have pneomonia but we feel like he'll be fine going home". So kyle said, " you feel fine sending a 14 month old child home who has RSV, pneomonia, and a double ear infection?? we feel like if y'all weren't so crowded there would be no question about discharging him and you would definitely keep him." She said, "well, I can't tell you what we would do if we weren't this crowded" so that of course set us off and I just went off!! Then, we ended up talking to a manager, who recognized the situation and was quite embarrassed!! We ended up going home, but we had the WORST experience there and would never set foot back there if we had another option!! The manager told us that they had plans to add on but b/c of the economy they had to put it on hold. Is that not absolutely ridiculous??? When we left, they had 39 patients who were admitted but had to stay in the ER b/c there were no rooms available in the hospital!! Uhhhhhh, just thinking about it infuriates me so for those of you that are for sociallized heathcare...there you are, what do you think?? Anyways...we are home now and about to go back for a follow up at the pediatrician. Hopefully, things are getting better with little Parker...he has been through so much and has been quite the little trooper!!

Late ChristmasPictures

2009-01-22T14:44:00.003-06:00

"I'm diggin this new dump truck, so hands off Mitchell!!"~Parker
Christmas Morning!!
"I think I'm just going to take a quick peek to see what's inside...he hee!!"~Mitchell
"Just wanted to let everyone know that this one is MINE."~Parker

Christmas Pictures...very late, i know!!

2009-01-22T11:00:00.003-06:00

"This is GREAT...look at all these toys!!"~Parker
"I'm just going to go along with this, but I don't know what we are doing??"~Mitchell

Our family photo...it's a miracle we were all looking at the camera!!

Brushing our teeth and eating cookies...

2009-01-22T10:46:00.003-06:00

"Look, Noanie, I am brushing my teeth!!"~Parker
"Me too...we love our tooth brushes!!"~Mitchell
"Does life get better than this?? I LOVE cookies!!"~Parker
"YUM...this is so good!! How can I sneak another one??"~Mitchell

Now that we're 1...

2009-01-12T12:29:00.003-06:00

I have been so bad lately at updating our blog, so I'll try to fill everyone in on what we've been up to now that we're 1. Mitchell started taking some steps at 12 months and now at 13 months he's doing a lot more, but still prefers crawling when he's in a hurry to snatch something from brother. Is it bad that he's already NOT sharing?? We went over to Hollis' house this weekend and he was a BIG BULLY!! Parker played much better with Hollis than Mitchell, probably b/c Parker's used to having Mitchell take things from him all the time! We're working on Mitchell's bulliness. Parker is crawling all over the place!! They have recently discovered each other and they crack each other up...it's very sweet!! They got this tunnel thing for Christmas and have had a ball chasing each other through it. They are currently trying to transition to 1 nap a day b/c they started only sleeping 20-30 mins. in the afternoon. This has become quite the challenge, though, as they are zombies by 10:30. They love chasing after anything that rolls including: balls, water bottles, canned veggies, trucks and riding toys. They also conquered drinking out of a straw. Their favorite time of day is still bath time. They love splashing, standing up and plopping down, putting their hands under the faucet, reading their bath book "Spot Goes Splash", and playing with all their bath toys!! They still are NOT sleeping through the night every night. Last night, for example, Parker was up at 12:30 a.m., 3:40 a.m., and 5:45 a.m. and that is getting REALLY old!! Since they share a room whenever I hear one of them, i run up there asap so they won't wake up the other one. I know i know, I need to just turn off the monitor and let them duke it out, but for some reason, I am paranoid that if I do that, they will somehow jump out of their crib and get hurt and I would never know~isn't that ridiculous?? Anyways...my sweet babies are getting so BIG and it's very hard to believe hot fast they grow up!!

"Mommy Diaries"

2009-01-08T20:31:00.010-06:00

Well, life with two 1 year olds is quite entertaining to say the least...the other night we (mainly mommy) were anxiously awaiting daddy's arrival from work. Once he walked in the door the boys took off after him (quite cute!!). Anyways, daddy said, "ewwww, somebody pooped..." and I thought, "ahhh, perfect timing!!" So, I am in the kitchen making dinner, when all of the sudden I hear a scream, "HELP!!! Mitchell pooped without a diaper!!". I came running to see what happened and I didn't see any poop!! Kyle said, "Julie, look it fell out on the floor." I got so tickled I could hardly help!! Mitchell had on a one piece fleece outfit and his diaper had somehow fallen down his leg. Apparently, that fleece on his hynie felt cozy enough to POOP on!! And, on a side note...our children ALWAYS twist and turn when changing a diaper so you can imagine how much fun that is. So, I grabbed Mitchell's legs and kyle turned to clean up the mess only to notice Parker had something in his mouth...he immediately did the finger swoop and unfortunately he pulled out poop. I was in disbelief when he showed me. I totally thought he found a lima bean on the floor until kyle said, "Julie, smell it...it's poop!! Should we take him to the doctor?? He could get ecoli??" I couldn't help but continue to laugh!! I told him that he's probably not the first kid to eat poop, however he could be the first kid to eat his brother's poop, though. Ha ha!! Had I been alone during this fiasco, I'm sure I would have a much different attitude!! We did eventually get them both cleaned up and we haven't noticed Parker being sick from it, so that's good too!! Boy were our lives BORING before Mitchell & Parker!!

Our 1st Birthday Bash...

2008-12-10T10:55:00.002-06:00

Mitchell, Parker, and Uncle Jim all share the same birthday, December 3rd. We had a really fun party for them with our family at Nona and Dandy's house. The theme was "Praise Baby" which are videos that the boys just LOVE!! "We love all of our presents"~Mitchell & Parker
"Let the party begin"~Mitchell
"I'm ready for that cake"~Parker

2008-12-10T10:50:00.002-06:00

Uncle Jim was tickled to be in his birthday hat and he just loved his cake~ha ha!!
"Oh my goodness, where has this yummy cake been all my life??"~Parker
"I'm over it...it's past our bedtime!!"~Mitchell
"Don't we look happy??"~Parker (left) & Mitchell (right)

More Party Pictures...

2008-12-10T10:39:00.005-06:00

Uncle Jim's "Dixie Crawlers" Cake
Our Smash Cakes
Our "Praise Baby" Birthday Cake

More Natchez Trace...

2008-11-11T09:57:00.002-06:00

Parker
Mommy's attempt at getting a picture with her babies~ha ha!!
Mitchell
Parker (left) & Mitchell (right)

Natchez Trace...

2008-11-11T09:20:00.004-06:00

Dandy & Parker
Cole, Nona, Mitchell & Parker
Nona, Mitchell, Cole, Parker & Dandy
Nona, Cole, Mitchell, Dandy & Parker

We went out to Natchez Trace yesterday with Nona, Dandy, & Cole to try to get a good picture for them to use for their Christmas card. Mom always wanted to send out a picture card for Christmas and every year it was over before she got around to doing it. Now that the grand-babies are around, she really wants to do it, so we'll see what happens. Anyways, this was our attempt at getting some shots with everyone...it was quite the challenge!!

Fall Pictures

2008-11-11T09:12:00.001-06:00

The witching hour...

2008-11-11T08:36:00.002-06:00

From about 5 p.m. until bedtime our household is absolutely CRAZY and out of control!! If anyone has any advice on how to overcome this miserable time of the day, we are definitely open to suggestions!!Bath time is the ONLY "happy" time during the witching hour(s).

We usually try to help mommy and daddy out by only freeking out 1 at a time!!

Trick-or-Treating...

2008-11-11T08:17:00.002-06:00

Here we go in our wagon with Cole pulling us

Mitchell the moo cow & Parker the monkey
It was a tight squeeze with all of us in the wagon!!
Family picture on Mitchell & Parker's first Halloween

Hollis' Haunted Halloween Party...

2008-11-02T16:24:00.002-06:00

Kristen & Mitchell the moo cow

Group Picture of everyone's spooky child.
Parker (monkey), Caroline Head (backwards~bunny), & Hollis Watson (dragon)
Caroline (bunny), Parker (monkey), & Mitchell (the angry moo cow!!)

Worst Day of My Life...

2008-10-15T19:54:00.004-05:00

Well, today officially marks...the WORST day of my life!! We found out in mid-September that we were pregnant with our 3rd child, which was a HUGE shock to us!! We were NOT excited about having 3 children under 18 months. We prayed that God would change our hearts. We decided not to tell anyone for now, mainly because we were embarrased. Finally, I ended up telling my mom because I needed her to babysit while I went to the doctor and as you all know...I am a terrible liar!! So, I went in for my first appointment 2.5 weeks ago. For those of you who know Dr. Blake, she only does 1 ultra-sound unless there are concerns. I met with her nurse practitioner and talked her into letting me have one, just to make sure there was only one baby. We had the ultra-sound and found out that the baby was measuring a little over a week smaller than it should be. I didn't really think much about it, but I did call and leave the nurse a message about it. She called me back and basically prepared me to have a miscarriage that weekend. I was devistated and shocked!! We waited all weekend and nothing happened. I went in the next week on Tuesday to have more blood work done and I found out that my HcG levels had not doubled like they should have. Again, the nurse prepared me for a miscarriage. She told me to come back in for another ultra-sound. We went in just totally down in the dumps only to find out that the baby was growing and had a heart-beat in the safe range. We then went to see Dr. Blake and she was amazed and so were we!! We left feeling great!! We had come to the conclusion that this scare was to make us understand what a blessing this pregnancy was and that we needed to change our attitudes. Then, on Saturday I started bleeding. I called the doctor on call and she re-assured me that it can totally be normal, but I should call my doctor on Monday and she would probably want me to come in for another ultra-sound just to make sure everything was okay. So, I called and she had me come in today. Kyle and I both were so nervous that neither of us slept a wink last night. We went in for the ultra-sound and that's when they discovered that there was NO heart-beat. Our baby had died!! My heart dropped...I just wanted to die!! This was the worst news I have ever received!! She called it a spontaneous abortion...it is just TERRIBLE!! We left from there and went to see Dr. Blake. She told me that I was having a miscarriage. This is just so hard to believe!! I totally trust God and His plan, but I do NOT understand WHY He is putting us through this!! I really feel like our child died and we are just totally in shock!! Maybe I am over-reacting, but that is how I feel!! I would NOT wish this feeling on anyone!! This is by far, the lowest point I have ever been in my entire life!! Please pray for us to feel God's comforting arms around us and get us through this!!

10 Month Pictures...

2008-10-14T09:34:00.003-05:00

We heard that there was a photographer who was looking to get pictures of multiples for her advertising, so told her that we would do it. The pictures turned out great!! If you would like to see them, you can go to www.bethlessardphotography.com. From there, scroll down and click, "enter the same window", then go to the left side of the page and click on "proofing" then go to the bottom right side of page and enter "Dunn" for the password. She did a great job!!

Random Pictures...

2008-10-08T15:01:00.002-05:00

We are so tickled!!

Can anyone find Mitchell??
Sweet Parker!!

9 Month Pictures...

2008-09-17T08:14:00.001-05:00

9 Month Progress...

2008-09-10T20:59:00.002-05:00

Well, our babies are already 9 months old!! It is so hard to believe!! It's funny to think about how fast time goes by as you age, but it's put in fast forward once you have children!! Here are our latest stats...

Mitchell:
weight=20.4 lbs.=46.42%tile
length=28 in.=42.37%tile
head circumference=18.31 in.=82.91%tile (he's got a HUGE head~ha ha!!)

Parker:
weight=18.19 lbs.=14.64%tile
length=27.25 in.=18%tile
head circumference=17.72 in.=41.73%tile

They both stopped eating baby food on their 9 month birthday. They LOVE "real" food!! Their favorite food group is the meat group!! They are definitely their daddy's little boys!! Boar's Head maple honey turkey is, by far, their favorite thing to eat!! They have mastered the "sippy cup"...well, they won't really hold it, but they have figured out how to get the water out of it. They do NOT like peas...at all!! Every time I put it in their mouths, they both gag and puke...it's lovely!!

They are finally both sitting up...Mitchell started sitting at 7 months and Parker finally figured it out at 8 months. We are hoping that with them not being flat on their backs as much, maybe they will grow some hair on the back of their heads~ha!!

Mitchell is VERY close to crawling...he has been rocking on his knees for almost 3 weeks!! I know I am probably going to eat my words on this, but I can't wait for him to crawl...he gets so frustrated when he can't get to something he wants!! Although, my life is going to be turned upside down once they become mobile!!

Parker is not the slightest bit interested in crawling!! In fact, he knows how to roll over and he just NEVER does!! He is totally content sitting up or laying on his back.

Their sleeping positions are too cute!! Parker literally lays on back facing straight up with his arms straight out like he's flying. Mitchell, on the other hand, immediately rolls over to his tummy the second we lay him down and tucks his knees under him with his little booty sticking straight up in the air...precious!!

Parker talks more than Mitchell. He loves the "baa baa" sound. Mitchell is just always smiling and giggling. In fact, lately in the car he has been making different laughing noises as if he's trying them all out to see which one he wants to have...ha!!

No TEETH!! I feel like they have been teething for months, but we have no teeth to show for all the crankiness, runny noses, drooling, and gnawing on everything in sight!! We hope to see some pearly whites soon!! I dreamed the other night that Parker got those top fang teeth in and never got any other ones...I'll be glad when they all come in and we can look back on this and laugh!!

Biter Biscuits...

2008-08-25T16:12:00.003-05:00

I don't know if any of you know what these are, but they are designed to help babies learn to eat and sooth their gums with teething. Anyways...they make the most GIGANTIC mess!! I'm really NOT a fan of them; however, they do look pretty cute when they are gnawing on them!!

Playing together...

2008-08-25T15:28:00.003-05:00

Parker (left) & Mitchell (right) playing and
talking to each other.

Random Pictures...

2008-08-25T15:15:00.002-05:00

Happy ParkerCole & his precious "Tiger"
Sweet Cole entertaining Mitchell & Parker
Mitchell & Parker doing laundry

Mitchell's BIG Injury...

2008-08-14T16:11:00.003-05:00

Well, it's official...Mitchell has had his first injury thanks to his irresponsible mommy!! I feel SOOO bad!! I brought them inside after we had been running errands and they needed a bottle. Parker was asleep, so I just laid him on a chair in our living room. Mitchell was awake, but very tired, so I just laid him on the boppy on the couch and ran in the kitchen to put their bottles together (how STUPID!!!). All of the sudden I heard screaming like I have never heard before...it was MITCHELL!!! He had fallen off the couch and was laying in the floor screaming!! I felt like I had committed child abuse!! He looked up at me with giant billowing tears rolling down the sides of his fire engine red cheeks!! There was no bleeding, bumps, or bruises but, I know he was thinking, "mom, you are a failure!! how could you do this to me??" My heart dropped to my feet as I knelt down and scooped him into my arms!! By this time Parker was most definitely awake and looking at me with total fear as if he thought I was going to pick him up and throw him in the floor!! It was awful!!! Hopefully, this will be one of those things that we can look back on when they're older and laugh, but for now it was terrible!! I really felt like I was going throw up or something!! But, once we sat down I looked at him thinking he would just keep crying and never trust me again, but to my surprise he looked up at me and gave me a huge smile with a look in his eyes that almost said, "hummm, this gets her attention pretty quick!!" So, I am trusting that he really was hurt and pitiful and he and Parker weren't sitting in here scheming on how to get my attention!!

Play Dates...

2008-08-14T11:29:00.002-05:00

Caroline Head & Izzy Hogg
Parker, Hollis Watson, & Mitchell
Parker, Hollis Watson, & Mitchell
Caroline Head, Izzy Hogg, & Parker

Watching Hell's Kitchen and licking Daddy's knee...

2008-08-06T10:48:00.002-05:00

Sweet Moment....

2008-08-05T08:01:00.002-05:00

Well, since I seem to never make time to write anything on our blog anymore, I thought I would share this "sweet moment". Last night Kyle & I went to a party for Kristen & Chris Parker to find out whether their first child will be a boy or girl (which it is a GIRL!! so excited!!!). My parents babysat the boys so we didn't have to bring them with us. When we got home they were both asleep. Kyle & I both got ready for bed, went upstairs and each picked up one of them and we all piled in the rocking chair and just rocked our sleeping babies...it is moments like these where I think about how truly blessed we are!! There is NOTHING on earth more precious than sleeping babies, and for each of us to have one to snuggle up next to is priceless!! It seems like lately I have been overwhelmed with the craziness of having twins, but God always seems to put things in perspective!!! What an awesome God we serve!!

Brotherly Love...

2008-07-30T09:35:00.002-05:00

Mitchell is tickled at Daddy...

2008-07-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

Mitchell is cracking up at his SILLY Daddy!!

Parker LOVES the Johnny Jump Up!!!

2008-07-30T08:34:00.002-05:00

This wonderful thing makes for hours of entertainment!! It is by far, their favorite toy!! The only bad thing is that the only door in our house that it can hang from is in the 1/2 bathroom, so we are just waiting for them to take the plunge into the potty~ha ha!!

Our Cousins...

2008-07-17T11:09:00.002-05:00

Well, last weekend we went to Ohio and got to meet our cousins from South Carolina for the 1st time. We thought they were really fun!! They loved us to death and were constantly entertaining us, which was good for us and mommy and daddy!! We all wanted to take them home with us!!

Katie, Mitchell, Bailey, & Chloe
Katie, Parker, Chloe, & Mitchell
Bailey & Mitchell

2008-07-17T10:54:00.002-05:00

"I love bubble baths!!"~Mitchell
"Here we are in the tub"~Mitchell & Parker
"Aren't I cute in my towel?"~Mitchell
"Uhhhh...mom, I am over it...quit it with all the pictures!!"~Parker
"Here I am again"~Mitchell

We love our Aunt Marjie & Uncle Chipper!!

2008-07-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

"Joma" pictures...

2008-07-17T10:37:00.003-05:00

"Airplane arms in my bumbo"~Parker
"Ahhh, I love you...brother!!"~Mitchell
"This is us in our happy hour...early morning!!"~Mitchell & Parker

We love our over-alls!!

2008-07-17T10:26:00.001-05:00

Parker & Mitchell
Parker & Mitchell
Parker & Mitchell
Parker

4th of July @ the Moore's

2008-07-15T16:50:00.003-05:00

Parker, Hollis Watson, Caroline Head, & Mitchell
"That crazy Caroline stole my paci...one of you guys grab it!!"~Mitchell

"They all love me so much!! I'm gonna to have to keep them in line!!"~Caroline

"I wish I was sitting next to Caroline!!"~Parker

"Are they ever gonna quit taking pictures of us?"~Hollis

Swimming at Karen's

2008-07-15T15:56:00.002-05:00

Parker, Daddy, & Mitchell
Parker
"Tubby" Mitchell
Hollis & Parker

Our 6 Month Pictures...

2008-06-26T20:10:00.002-05:00

Parker & Mitchell
Parker
Mitchell
Mitchell
Parker

More pool time!!

2008-06-19T10:22:00.002-05:00

"This is me with some of my friends, Hollis (and his mommy, Kim), and Izzy (and her mommy Lindsey). Parker is napping under the awesome tent that mommy and Mrs. Lindsey put together for us!!"~Mitchell

Fun in the sun...

2008-06-19T09:55:00.003-05:00

"Ahhhh....this is the life!!"~Parker

(Mitchell was furious when we put Parker in the float too, so we had to turn him around so he couldn't see him!! He wanted that float to himself...hee hee!! We have to learn to share!!)
"Honestly, Parker...we have 2 floats, why do you have to be on mine!!"~Mitchell

(the funny thing is that Parker is sound asleep but we didn't know it b/c of those super cool sun glasses...*that Dadddy HATES!!)
"Hummm...how can I get Parker out of here??"~Mitchell

"Oh, mommy...I love Mitchell and Parker!! They have really fun floats!!"~Caroline

"Hollis, smile for the camera!! Let's show everyone how much we love to swim!!"~Mommy (Kim Watson)

"Mom, can I make it any more obvious that I do NOT want to swim right now!!"~Hollis

Our 6 Month Stats...

2008-06-16T17:04:00.002-05:00

Well, now that we are 6 months old we have become much more challenging!! There have been times that I have wondered how I am going to get through it!! I have been very strict with NOT rocking the boys until they fall asleep so they would always be ok with going to sleep on their own. Unfortunately, I created a habit just as bad...I would lay them down and pat their tummy until they pretty much fell asleep. I don't know what I was thinking!! Well, it has REALLY turned around and bitten me in the butt!! At our 6 month doctor's appointment I went over all of this with our pediatrician and he said..."STOP, lay them in their crib and let them cry it out. they have to learn coping skills!!" I thought, uh oh, I'm screwed!! this is NOT going to be fun!! And, sure enough, it isn't at all!! This afternoon they cried for an hour and 15 minutes before they finally fell asleep!! I thought I was going to blow my brains out listening to it!! I did the whole wait 10 mins. then go in and tell them that it was ok and time to go night night, then wait 15, 20, 25, and finally the 30 min. span got them to sleep!! It really is the hardest thing I have ever done!! I really just want to go right up and grab them and rock them right to sleep!! I am trying to stay diligent with this, though, so that they get on track!! I just have to try to stay positive and hope that this is just a phase and we will all survive!!

On a lighter note, they have started cereal and baby food!!! Mitchell absolutely loves everything you give him and Parker has started to come around but doesn't have quite the appetite that Mitchell does!! Ha ha!!

The following is our growth stats:

Mithcell
weight~17.06 lbs. 38.71%tile
length~25.5 in. 15.17%tile
head~ 17.32 in 54.59%tile (I've got a big bean!!)

Parker
weight~15 lbs. 8.24%tile
length~24.5 in. 1.58%tile
head~ 16.73 in 15.71%tile (my bean's big too!!)

2008-06-16T16:31:00.003-05:00

This is our cousin (Bert and Julia's daughter), Ellie.
We think she is super cool!!
Ellie's not quite sure about us yet.
But, she quickly understood how cute we were and had to give us LOTS of kisses and pats!! Hee hee!!

Our cousin Ellie loves taking care of us!!

2008-06-16T16:22:00.002-05:00

Our Cousin Cole Loves to Dance!!

2008-06-16T16:08:00.001-05:00

Sweet Parker!!

2008-06-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

More eating!!

2008-06-06T08:06:00.002-05:00

We are learning to eat CEREAL!!

2008-06-05T17:18:00.002-05:00

We're 6 Months Old Today!!

2008-06-03T16:00:00.003-05:00

"Parker, can you believe we're 6 months old today??"~Mitchell

"I think I need to poop!!"~Parker
"Well, I am hung over, because I was up from 1:30-3 this morning!!"~Parker
"Happy Birthday to me!!"~Mitchell
"Wait a minute...I look like an idiot!! Who put this head gear on me???"~Mitchell
"Oh well, I guess we'll just go with it!!~Mitchell & Parker

More random pics...

2008-06-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

"Aren't we sweet??"~Mitchell & Parker
"I think I may pick my nose"~Mitchell
Guess Who??
"We're starving, mom!! Come on...feed us!!"~Parker & Mitchell

Random Pictures...

2008-05-28T15:37:00.002-05:00

Mitchell
Parker
Daddy babysat one night last week while I went to a party and when I came home they were all 3 passed out on the couch...very sweet!!
Aunt Jilly taught us to curl our tongues out this weekend and we think it is super cool!!

Our First Beach Trip...Seaside, Florida!!

2008-05-19T08:54:00.003-05:00

"Parker, this vacation thing ROCKS!!"~Mitchell
"Tell me about it...non-stop attention!! The fun never ends!!"~Parker
Parker
Mitchell

2008-05-19T08:27:00.003-05:00

"Okay, I am over this photo shoot!!"~Mitchell

"Come on Mitchell, we're hanging with guys!!"~Parker
A night out on the town at Baytowne Wharf...we loved dancing to the live music at Hammerheads!!
Here we are with Poppy and Gramoanie at Hammerheads!!

2008-05-19T08:14:00.003-05:00

"Okay~honestly mom...I look like a dork!! What's up with these silly sunglasses??"~Parker

"We love our Poppy and Gramoanie (we don't know if this name will stick...but we think little Joanie is too cute and young to be called "grandma", so we came up with "Gramoanie" after we were talking about little Ramona being referred to as "Gramoana")"~Mitchell & Parker
We also think our Aunt Jilly & (maybe someday "uncle") Andrew are super cool!!~Mitchell & Parker

2008-05-19T08:04:00.004-05:00

Family picture in BEAUTIFUL Rosemary Beach!!
"Ahhhhhh.......this is the life!!"~Mitchell & Parker
"Everything seems extra funny today...maybe because I'm exhausted, I don't know!!"~Parker
The whole family...minus poor Alex (who couldn't come...boo!) at Rosemary Beach!!

We're on a Schedule!!

2008-05-01T14:29:00.002-05:00

Well, we are finally on a schedule!! I thought it would never happen!! But, randomly about 2 weeks ago they just sort of fell into it!! I was starting to get a little paranoid that they would never have a routine and it would just be constant chaos...but to my surprise, it just happened!! They are eating 6 oz between 7:30-8 a.m., 12, 4, and 7:30-8 p.m. Then, I put them down for the night between 8-8:30 and they usually sleep until 6:15-7:30 a.m. One of them usually wakes up at some point during the night, but I can just run up, put their paci in and go back to sleep (I'll be glad when that stops happening and sometimes neither one of them wakes up, but it's very sporadic!). And, their daytime routine usually consists of a morning nap 9:30-12 and an afternoon nap from 1:30-4. Then, kyle and i usually take them running in the evenings for about 30 minutes and they usually cat nap during that time. So, for the most part they have been pretty consistent with this schedule, however, it seems like just when you think you have them figured out, everything changes so I guess we'll see!! But, I'm pretty happy with this schedule, so I hope it stays like this for a while!! I am definitely able to get a lot more done around the house!! There for a while it looked like a war zone!! Anyways...things are getting better and better everyday!! their little personalities are really starting to come out!! And, I think I can see some teeth coming in Mitchell's mouth so that's exciting too!! Oh boy, the fun never ends!!

Our First Trip to Grandma and Grandpa Dunn's

2008-04-09T21:52:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was our first trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa Dunn's!! The drive up there was the trip from HELL...seriously it rained for 6 of the 7 hours it took us to get there (which normally it only takes about 5 hours!!) Anyways, we were nervous that the boys would be awful since they were away from home, but to our surprise they did GREAT!! They loved their new surroundings and getting to visit with everyone!! And, what a treat for us as Grandma and Grandpa helped out SOOO much!! (not to mention the fact that they are both superb cooks...so we ate really good the whole time too!!) We had such a good time that we all decided we needed to go to the beach for a vacation!! And, auntie Jilly scored big by getting her bosses house in Seaside for free!! Oh boy, we are counting down the days until May 9th!! Fun times, fun times!! we really thought we wouldn't be able to go this year because the boys would be too little, but after their super good behavior this weekend...I think they're ready!!

Our 4 month check-up and our New Stats...

2008-04-09T21:47:00.003-05:00

Well, last Thursday marked 4 months...that's right Kyle and I have survived 4 months of parenthood!! And, as fate would have it, it's actually getting MUCH easier!! They have started sleeping SO much better!! I took them for their check-up on Monday and they weighed in at 11.12 (Parker) and 13.8 (Mitchell) Hooray!! We are so excited at how big they are getting!!

Hollis is HERE!! Oh BOY!!!

2008-04-09T21:35:00.002-05:00

Well, Mitchell and Parker's best friend, Hollis, has finally arrived!! They have been waiting and waiting and waiting for him to get here!! They haven't officially met him yet because we don't want him to get any germs, but they are totally pumped!! Last Wednesday night we went to Pueblo Real for trivia night and we all made Kim eat a bunch of spicy mexican to get things moving and low and behold...her water broke the next day and she had little Hollis on Friday April 4th!! Kristen and I went today to meet him and he is absolutely precious!! It was so nice to finally pick up a baby that was smaller than Mitchell and Parker!! He weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. when he was born and lost down to 7.13 (i think) and weighed 8.4 as of yesterday. His coloring is great and he is just beautiful!! I am so excited that we will be able to raise our kids together!! Congrats to them on the new arrival to their family!!

Our First Trip to the Zoo

2008-04-09T21:03:00.002-05:00

Well, Jennifer and I decided last week that we would keep each others kids 1 day per week. This would allow her a day to do her student teaching observations and give me a day to run errands and have some freedom from the boys. This would be a win win situation for both of us!! Anyways...Tuesday was my day to have Cole...he was PERFECT as always!! He is such a sweet child and Kyle and I hope we can just do half as good with our kids as they have done with him!! He is just precious!! Anyways...Victoria called yesterday morning and we were trying to figure out something fun to do, when she came up with us taking the kids to the zoo. We ended up with a pretty big group...the adults~Me, Victoria, Kristen, Laura, Lindsey, and Ann. and the kids~Mitchell (mine), Parker (mine), Cole (my nephew), Liam (Victoria's), Johno (kristen's loaner kids~her nephew), Anna (kristen's loaner kids~her niece), Caroline (laura's), Isabella (lindsey's), and Cooper (Ann's). That's right we had 6 adults and 9 children ages 4 months-4 years old. We got some pretty funny looks from people!! It was like stroller central. We had 4 regular strollers, 1 umbrella stroller, and of coarse my double stroller/school bus, plus I had one of the boys in the baby bjorn. They stayed until 4 but we had to bail at 2:45 because I was absolutely pooped!! Let me tell you, I definitely got a work-out...pushing a double stroller with 2 kids and carrying one more in the baby bjorn I felt like wonder woman!! I was definitely huffing and puffing my way around!! It's crazy when you are pushing that much weight
how many inclines there are~ha ha!! Anyways, we had a great time!! It was funny today I went to see Kim and meet little Hollis for the first time (and he is sooooo cute!!...and we're hoping that they will join the blogging world soon!!) Anyways, I was telling her about everything and she said, so did all the kids enjoy it and then I started thinking that really none of them were old enough to really know what we were looking at except maybe Johno. But, regardless, it was good for us mommas and aunts to get together!! I forgot my camera, but you can click on Lindsey's blog from mine and see pictures...they are cute!!

Parker's Surgery...

2008-03-29T09:04:00.002-05:00

Well, this week has been a big week for little Parker as he had surgery on Thursday for a hernia. We had to get to Vanderbilt's new Children's hospital at 6 a.m. on the 27th. It was crazy to see how many children were there having various surgeries!! Anyways, everyone was so nice and informative and seemed liked they all really enjoyed their jobs!! He went in at 7:15 and the surgery was supposed to take an hour if they only ended up doing the left side and an hour and half if they ended up doing both sides. Dr. Brock said that 40% of the time if a preemie has a hernia on one side they will have it on the other as well. Well at 8 a.m. they were finished and he did end up doing both sides...I guess he's just quick!! Anyways, we had a great experience!! He really did great!! We ended up having to stay the night just for to make sure he didn't have any apnea spells which he didn't!! So, we came home yesterday and he's just been doing great...he actually seems much more content which is nice!! Thanks to everyone for your prayers as we were so nervous and God was faithful as He always is!!

Our Sweet Tootsies!!

2008-03-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

Parker's Pictures...

2008-03-13T16:49:00.003-05:00

Mitchell's pictures

2008-03-13T16:45:00.002-05:00

Our 3 month pictures...

2008-03-13T16:36:00.003-05:00

Parker on left and Mitchell on right Parker on Left and Mitchell on Right "I'm going to look sweet in this picture like I'm giving Parker a hug, but I'm about to pinch him once she takes this picture, hee hee!"~Mitchell "Oh crap...they just got a picture of me pinching Parker's ear!!"~Mitchell "Ooch, Mitchell!! That hurt!!"~Parker

Updates...

2008-03-08T09:00:00.002-06:00

Well, I guess I need to update everyone on how we're doing!! The boys nurse came over yesterday and Mitchell weighed in at 10.6 lbs. and Parker was 9 lbs. It really is unbelievable to look back at pictures from December and see how far they've come!! God is good!! Parker went to the urologist for his hernia and is scheduled to have surgery on March 27th. This surgery I guess is pretty common, but I am still nervous for him to be put under!! He will have it done at Vanderbilt Children's hospital (which is an awesome hospital!!) and stay the night to be monitored for apnea spells (which we hope will not be an issue!!) Anyways, please keep him in your prayers that God will protect him during this procedure!! Other than that our lives are pretty uneventful!! I am feeding the boys about 4 ounces every 3 hours and their last feeding (between 8-9p.m.) I try to get 6 ounces down so they will sleep longer. They usually make it to around 3 a.m. before they're ready to eat again!! Funny story...Kyle was in Chicago last week for work so mom spent the night with us (b/c I'm scared to stay by myself!!) Anyways, mom was paranoid that we wouldn't hear the boys on the monitor, and I of course reassured her that they would be fine and we would definitely hear them!! As it turns out we didn't wake up until 5 a.m. the next morning because I forgot to turn the monitor on!! We ran up there and Mitchell was still asleep and Parker was awake, but not crying or anything, he was just looking around!! I felt horrible!! So, I guess they just woke up and cried themselves to sleep!! That will be one of those shining moments of parenting that I will look back on and be so proud of~ha!! what a moron I am!! Anyways, it did run through my mind though that I wonder if I just let them cry for a couple of nights if they would figure it out that they are supposed to sleep through the night!! But, of course, I'm not going to do that (just yet anyways)!! I guess I need to talk to their pediatrician and see when we could start doing that because I know at some point you are supposed to let them scream it out otherwise we will NEVER sleep through the night!! But anyways, the boys have started becoming very alert!! They look at you when you talk to them and are very interested at looking at their toys!! We had one yuckie day last week where they were just freeking out all day. I think it's because we didn't leave the house!! They really like getting out~I guess they take after their mommy in that respect because I go nuts if I don't leave the house every day!! So, as a whole...things are getting MUCH better!! Every day seems to be getting easier and easier!! For a long time the thought of having anymore children was a nightmare!! But, now I am starting to come around...not that I want them anytime soon, but I do think we will eventually (maybe when the boys start school) have 1 or 2 more!! Anyways, that's our life for now!! They got their 3 month pictures on Monday, so we'll get some of those pictures up sometime next week!!

2008-02-15T17:30:00.003-06:00

"I mean, are you serious?? Mom is so obnoxious with these crazy photo shoots!!"~Mitchell
"Don't we have the cutest tootsies??"~Parker
"Hee, hee, hee...I just pinched Parker!!"~Mitchell
"Can you believe this...why wouldn't cousin Cole want to get his picture made with us??"~Parker

"Who are these crazy munchkins? HELP!!"~Cousin Cole

Our new outfits from Mrs. Amy

2008-02-15T17:24:00.003-06:00

"Aren't we precious?? Thanks Mrs. Amy!! We love our outfits!!"~Mitchell & Parker

New Pictures

2008-02-12T15:50:00.000-06:00

Tired and warn out!!

2008-02-11T21:21:00.000-06:00

Well, today our sweet little boys are 10 weeks old!! They had a doctor's appointment today and Mitchell weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and Parker weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. It's really hard to believe how big they're getting!! Our lives are just absolutely CRAZY!! Kyle and I are totally exhausted!! We are basically in a stupor all day then at night we are in a race against the clock to get dinner made and eaten, clean up kitchen, feed babies, wash bottles and prepare them for night time feedings, get babies bathed, do some (never ending) laundry, and get to bed!! My parents graciously offered for them to spend the night with them last Friday and we jumped on that!! Apparently, most new parents hesitate and worry about letting their babies spend the night away from them, but not us!! What a treat~an uninterrupted full nights sleep...I don't know why all new parents don't jump on that~ha!! We were both way too tired to worry!! In fact, we were in bed by 9:30.

We have been getting out some during the day for my sanity, but I'm thinking that will probably have to stop seeing as how the flu and pneumonia seem to be going around Nashville. Getting out with 2 babies has been quite the challenge!! Carrying one baby in one of those crazy carseat carriers is hard enough much less having 2 plus a diaper bag. I have been getting some really funny looks from people. I went to Walmart last week and of coarse when I got there it started raining. I ended up parking in a spot where someone left a cart. I loaded one of them in the front of the cart and the other in the back. Then I had my diaper bag and 2 bags of returns. I successfully made it in and did my shopping. I am proud to say that I fit 2 car seats, a 24-pack of waters, the large size dreft detergent, 3 packs of diapers, a large thing of refill wipes, some random toiletries, and one bag of returns that they wouldn't take back all in my cart. Can you believe that??? I have also mastered going to the grocery store. I ended up putting one of them in the front of the cart and the other one I took out of the carrier and put him in one of those slings so that i would have room to put groceries in the cart. I am definitely being forced to use some problem solving skills, so that's good!! Anyways, we are just trying to live one day at a time and are ever hopeful for that full nights sleep that we hear will eventually happen; however, we are skeptical!!

Well, I am planning on downloading more pictures tomorrow; although, I have good intentions of doing lots of things that just don't ever get done, so I guess we'll see!! Well, I better wrap this up as it is time to feed these boys again!!

Bye-bye Centennial Hospital!!

2008-01-19T13:00:00.001-06:00

Finally we have our sweet little babies...
And off we go!! Bye-bye Centennial Hospital!!
Parker
Parker

Parker's Homecoming...

2008-01-19T12:53:00.001-06:00

"I'm ready to go home!!"~Parker
Making their pictures together has been quite the challenge!!
Parker is pooped and Mitchell is ticked!! He is over this photo shoot!!
"Opps, Mommy already added this picture and she doesn't know how to delete it, so here I am again in my car seat."~Parker

Parker, Parker!!

2008-01-19T12:03:00.000-06:00

Well, Parker was finally discharged on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 after 44 days of being in the hospital and boy have our lives changed!! We are thrilled that we finally have everyone home and don't have to practically live at Centennial Hospital anymore!! The first night home was so tiring b/c they were not on the same schedule, so I was up a lot!! Luckily, my precious mom came to the rescue on Thursday morning and I went back to sleep for 5 1/2 hours!! Ahhhhh, that was nice!! Last night was so much better!! We have finally gotten them on the same schedule, so I am only up once during the night!! I have decided to forget trying to keep up with their spreadsheets of feedings, poops, pees, and temps. as it is impossible and takes up too much time!! I was so tired when I woke up with them last night so I decided that we would cut to the chase and make it quick!!! I got them in their bouncy seats with bottles while I pumped (yes, I am getting very good at multi-tasking!!) I normally try to work with them to finish their bottles, but once they acted like they weren't interested that was it. Then, my next goal was to change their diapers without them pooping, peeing, or spitting up on their clothes (as changing their clothes is such a long process!!). We achieved that goal for once~hooray!! So, we were only up for an hour!! This is such a HUGE accomplishment that probably won't ever happen again~ha!!

Anyways, we went to the pediatrician for the first time yesterday and that went good!! Mitchell weighs 5 lbs. 3 oz. and Parker weighs 4 lbs. 9 oz. They have to come back in 3 weeks for their shots~sad!! Also, they think Parker has a hernia so we are going to follow up with a urologist at Vanderbilt in February and they think that they will probably have to do surgery, so that's a little nerve wracking thinking about putting a tiny baby under!! But, I'm sure it will be okay!!

Also, I thought I would mention how funny it is that they each have their own little personalities!! Mitchell is our sweet, calm child who is pretty much always content and Parker is our feisty, wild child who demands a lot of attention!! It is entertaining to watch them interact with eachother!! So, we are all doing great and they can't wait to meet everyone!!

Life with Mitchell...

2008-01-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

Well, having Mitchell at home has been such a blessing!! He is such a good little baby!! We got off to a rough start, though. Mitchell can only breast feed twice per day so that he doesn't burn too many calories. So, I decided that I would reserve those feedings for the middle of the night to avoid having to pump and feed him a bottle. Unfortunately, that was a disaster!! He ended up not getting enough to eat!! He woke up an hour later, fussy and I had to get up and make him a bottle (3 oz. breast milk with 1/2 tsp. Similac NeoSure formula for preemies to add extra calories). Then, I put him back in bed and he woke up an hour later fussy!! I leaned over his crib to see if I could smell a poopie diaper and I didn't, so I thought he was just upset b/c his pacifier fell out of his mouth. So, for the next hour I laid in my bed leaning over his crib holding his pacifier in his mouth. I was thinking, "oh my gosh!! What have I gotten myself into!!" then, finally, I got up and uncovered him to check his diaper and he had tee teed out the top of his diaper and had been laying in wet clothes and that is why he was so upset!! So, this was definitely not a shinning moment for my mothering skills~ha!! I felt terrible that I let him lay there wet for so long!! So, Sunday ended up being a long day!! In fact, I didn't get out of my PJs or brush my teeth until 4 p.m. Then, after all that, the NICU called to tell us that Parker was doing so well that they thought he would be discharged on Wednesday. We hung up the phone and felt completely overwhelmed!! I really thought there would be no way that we could do this!! But, for the last 2 nights he has been a little angel!! I decided that when he woke up in the night, I would have to take him out of our room because Kyle HAS to get sleep as he has to work and not be a zombie!! So, I put a pack~n~play in the living room and this is my new routine that seems to be working great!! I prepare all his bottles and put them in the fridge before bed. Then, when he wakes up to eat, I take him out to the living room and put him in the pack~n~play while I get his bottle and put it in warm water and get all my pumping stuff together. Then, I go back and change his diaper and take his temperature. By that time, his bottle is ready, so I feed him while I pump. (I have definitely learned to multi-task~ha!!) Anyways, after that I burp him and lay him on his tummy(even though they say not to, it helps him digest better) in the crib while I clean my pump parts and label and freeze the pumped milk. Then I fill out the spread sheets that I have for my pumping and Mitchell's chart (documenting his feedings, poops, pees, and temps). Then, finally we go back to bed!! This process takes about an hour and a half. But, thankgoodness he only gets up once during the night. So, now that I've been broken into parenthood, I guess we're ready to add another one!!

Mitchell's Homecoming!!

2008-01-13T15:34:00.001-06:00

Mommy can't believe what a good photographer she is!! Aren't these pictures absolutely precious??

Well, Mitchell was officially discharged yesterday (Saturday January 12, 2008) after being at Centennial Hospital for 40 days!! Mommy and Daddy are thrilled to have him home and can't wait for little Parker to come too!!

Hospital Frustrations...

2008-01-09T20:02:00.000-06:00

Well, as of today our babies have been in the hospital for 37 days!! And, if I include my stay before they were born, I have been there every day for 51 days!! It's pretty unbelievable!! With that said...the past few days have been long and full of frustration!! It started out the other day when they decided to move the boys into the "isolation room" (a.k.a. closet!!) with one other child to try to accommodate more patients. The room was so small that Kyle and I barely fit in there together, much less if the other babies parents had been there!! Plus, this room is off away from everyone else and in a place that could be easily overlooked!! While we were there, Mitchell's alarms went off and no one ever came to check on him. Kyle finally went out and asked one of the nurses who was supposed to watch out for them. With a rude tone the nurse said that she was looking after them while their nurse was at lunch. So, Kyle looked at her and said, "well one of my sons just had an apnea spell and no one ever came to check on him." Then, of coarse she was super sweet and so sorry!! So, we ended up being moved back out to the nursery. Then, for the past few days we have had nurses from the "well baby nursery" who are VERY sweet, but don't have the slightest idea about how to care for preemies!! They ran out of breast milk the other night and instead of calling me to bring more in, they just gave them formula for 3 of their feedings. Then, all to find out that there was actually still some in there fridge that never got used!! Then, Dr. Hassell wrote orders to take Mitchell off his calorie fortifier and one of the nurses mixed his breast milk up with it and had I not been there to stop her, he would have had it. I mean, that's like giving a patient medication that hasn't been ordered...what an idiot!! You would think that these nurses would read the patients chart after the doctors had made there rounds to check for new orders!! UHHHHHH...it makes me so mad!! Then, last night I was breast feeding Mitchell and his numbers all went south and alarmed the monitors and no one came until I said that I needed help. Then, the ding dong nurse was like, "well, was that a spell?" and I said, "I don't know that's why I called you over here." then she said, "well, let me ask another nurse." So the other nurse said she didn't feel comfortable documenting it as a spell since she didn't see it. So, I was completely frustrated because if it was a spell, I want it documented so that he doesn't get discharged before he needs to. However, if it wasn't a spell, I don't want it documented because we are anxious to get them home and that will delay the process by another 5 days!! And, normally I don't breast feed right after I bathe them because the nurses said they would get too tired. But, the "well baby" nurse encouraged me to go ahead with it, that they would do fine and of coarse it ended up being a nightmare!! They were screaming and completely uncooperative!! Then, a NICU nurse came to help and said, "didn't you bathe them just now?" and I said, "yes, but their nurse told me to go ahead and breastfeed them." Then, she rolled her eyes and said, "I don't know why she told you to do that." Also, when they weighed Parker last night, they told us that he weighed 4 lbs. 4 oz. which would be a 6 oz. gain from the night before. Neither of them have ever had that big of a gain and when I asked one of the NICU nurses about it, she laughed and said that there was no way that was right and to be expecting a big weight loss tonight. So, all that to say, we ended up talking to the charge nurse last night and she said she was going to try not to schedule the boys with the "well baby" nurses so much. I felt bad, because they were all SOOO nice, but I really was starting to feel uncomfortable leaving them under their care!! So, today when I got there, my favorite nurse, Jamie was taking care of them!! She is who took them at the delivery and she is awesome!! I just love her to death!! I told her that I wished she worked every day so she could be their nurse!! Unfortunately, she only works 2 days per week so I guess that's out of the question!! Anyways...hopefully things will be better and these babies will be home soon where they belong!!! Jamie said today that she thought Mitchell would be home by this weekend, so I hope she's right!! Kyle and I completed the CPR thing tonight so now all Mitchell has left to do is his circumcision (ouch!!) and the car seat test!! Hopefully, all will go well and he will be home soon!! Please keep praying as Parker still probably has a couple more weeks!!

Updates...

2008-01-07T10:26:00.000-06:00

Well, our precious little ones are doing so great!! Mitchell now weighs 4 lbs. 9 oz. and Parker weighs 3 lbs. 14.2 oz. It seems like their weight has just taken off!! They are now on "full feeds" which means they can eat as much as they want at feeding time instead of having a set amount. They are both breast feeding wonderfully!! They can only do it twice per day because they still get tired and don't need to burn any unnecessary calories. They have to weigh between 1900-2000 grams before they can move to an open air crib and Mitchell is past that. So, we're thinking he will probably move soon, but Parker still has some time!!

So, the following is what they have to do to go home:

Not have spells for at least 5 days in a row
Be on "full feeds"
Maintain their temp. in an open air crib for 48 hours
Pass their car seat test (they have to sit in it hooked up to all the monitors for the amount of time it takes to drive them home without the alarms going off)
Kyle & I have to take an infant CPR class

Dr. Hassell and our nurse talked to us about going home yesterday, which was so exciting!! They said that once we get them home, that we shouldn't take them anywhere except the doctor until the spring because of RSV season!! So, I guess if you want to see them before the spring, you will have to come to us. But, they said don't come with a cold or bring small children.

So, if all goes well we think Mitchell could possibly come home in the next week!! Parker still needs to be a little bigger before he will be ready to come home, unfortunately!! Although, Dr. Hassell said preemies usually struggle in at least one of these areas and the boys have done great so far with everything, so we hope the open air crib won't be their problem area!!

Anyways...they are just doing so great and we are so thankful!! God has definitely held these babies in His hands and protected them and for that we are truly grateful!! Please keep praying!!

As for Kyle and I, we are trying to get everything in order for these babies to come home, as they will be here before you know it and we will be home-bound for the most part!!

New Pictures...

2008-01-03T16:41:00.001-06:00

"Aren't we cute with our new clothes?~Mitchell
"We just love these outfits that Mrs. Kim got us"~Parker
"We also love the bunny outfits that Will Hamm got us"~Mitchell

New Pictures...

2008-01-03T16:35:00.001-06:00

Mommy loves snuggling with her babies!!
"Aren't we sweet?"~Mitchell (left) and Parker (right)
"Mommy thinks our little piggies are so precious!!"~Parker (left) and Mitchell (right)

New Pictures...

2008-01-03T16:29:00.001-06:00

"Grandma and Grandpa, haven't we grown?"~Mitchell and Parker
Our first time to meet Aunt Jill
Our first time to meet uncle Alex

New Years and our move...

2008-01-03T16:04:00.000-06:00

Well, a lot of progress has been made since I last wrote!! The boys have had their feeding tubes removed and are taking all their feeds by bottle or nursing. I got to try to breast feed them last Saturday (Dec. 29th). The lactation consultant warned me that they probably wouldn't do much, but to my surprise they picked right up on it and did great!! They were allowed to breast feed once per day until today and now they can twice per day as long as they don't lose weight. Speaking of weight...Mitchell now weighs 4 lbs. 4 oz. and Parker weighs 3 lbs. 10 oz. They are just getting HUGE!! We can't believe how quickly their progress has been lately!! Also, they finally got big enough for them to start wearing clothes last Friday (Dec. 28th). I have had sooo much fun with that!! I went shopping to get them a bunch of preemie clothes as we didn't have any, and of coarse-even preemie clothes are HUGE on them!! The nurses are getting a lot more relaxed about letting us hold them, which has been great!! Mitchell hasn't had an apnea spell in 4 days and Parker hasn't had one in 3 days. We are hopeful that they are outgrowing those spells as they are VERY scary!! So, we feel like they are definitely on the road to coming home!!

Also, my friend from the 6th floor, Rebecca, finally had her baby (Addison) on Sunday morning!! She is doing great and has already moved to the step down unit. They are thinking that she will be released in a week~those lucky ducks!! She weighed 5 lbs. 12 oz. And, as it turns out she is Mitchell and Parker's new neighbor!! They are thrilled to have her there and we are too!!

Well, we moved into our new house in the Trent Park part of Fieldstone Farms on Friday. Kyle's parents came in town on Friday to help us get everything organized and boy did they ever help!! I was worried about whether I needed to be here unpacking or be at the hospital with the boys. Kyle convinced me that I should go to the hospital, and when I got home they had totally gotten everything done!! What a pleasant surprise and a relief that it was done and I didn't have to worry with it!! They are truly the best and I am lucky to have such wonderful in-laws!!

So, as a whole everything is going great right now and we are just looking forward to bringing these babies home!! Please continue to pray for them to get FAT!!

Pictures...

2007-12-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

"Don't I look great without my canula and feeding tube?"~Parker
"Parker~get over here and let me give you a kiss."~Mitchell
"I'm ready to eat!!"~Mitchell
"Yum-yum, who knew I could finish this bottle in 14 minutes?"~Mitchell
"Okay, I am sucking on my fingers but I don't feel it. Wait a minute...these aren't my fingers, they're Parker's!! Uhhh, I will be glad when we've got more space!! It's so cramped in here!!"~Mitchell

More News from Christmas...

2007-12-26T21:38:00.000-06:00

Well, yesterday ended up being the BEST Christmas ever!! We went to see the boys and were able to give them their bath, kangaroo, and feed them their first bottle!! It was great!! Christmas day was the first time they took a bath together and it was too cute!! We have a video that we'll get up on here soon. They did soo good taking their bottle!! Up to this point, they have been getting breast milk through a feeding tube. Last night they had their first try at a bottle. The nurse thought they would get about 2 cc's, but they surprised us all!! Mitchell took all of his, which was 30 cc's (1-oz.) and Parker took 16 cc's!! We were so proud of them!! They did such a good job!! The orders were for them to have 1 bottle per day, but since they did so good, the doctor ordered for them to have 2 per day!! Today we fed them at 5 p.m. and we are going back tonight at 11!! Anyways, we are super excited at this mile-stone as it is one step closer to going home!! Oh, and on that note...we rented my cousin's house today in Fieldstone Farms, so we will have a home to bring the boys to!! Everything seems to be going great right now!! God is good and we praise Him for all these blessings!! Please keep praying!!

Merry Christmas and Big News...

2007-12-25T00:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I just had to write a quick post before bed because we have crossed a big mile-stone!! I just hung up the phone with Sara (the boys really sweet night time nurse) to check in on them before I went to bed. She told me that Mitchell weighed in at 3 lbs. 9 oz. and Parker was 3 lbs. even!! We are officially done with the 2 lbs.!! HOORAY!! They are getting HUGE and we are super excited!! Once both boys weigh 3.5 lbs. they can start wearing clothes and once they get to 4.1 lbs. they can get out of their little igloos and into a open air crib!! Parker got his canula off today, which means the only thing they have on their faces are their little feeding tubes. Also, they are both supposed to try feeding out of a bottle at some point this week!! They say around 34-35 weeks gestation is when they learn the "suck, swallow, and breath" thing. Yesterday they were 34 weeks, so hopefully they will catch on to the eating thing pretty quick!! What a wonderful Christmas as we have been given the 2 most precious gifts that God could give us!! I feel like they are doing so much better since I last wrote and I know it's because so many people have been praying!! We really can't thank all of you enough!! The very next day after that last post, God gave me peace and encouragement!! He is SOOO good and always listens to our worries!! Please keep praying as we still have a long road ahead!! We just can't wait to get them out of that hospital so everyone can see their sweet little faces!!

Parker's First Bath!!

2007-12-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

New Pictures...

2007-12-20T21:07:00.000-06:00

Mitchell loves his hat that the sweet old ladies knitted for the NICU patients!!

Parker is holding mommy's hand as he gets ready for his first bath since his belly button stump fell off!!

Parker and Mitchell are definitely diggin laying on their little belly's!!

Today was the first day that the boys got separated for being naughty as they kept pulling each other's wires off!!
"Ahhh, brother....I have missed you!!"

New Home....

2007-12-20T20:25:00.000-06:00

Well, as of yesterday the boys got moved to the NICU step-down unit!! I was thrilled with the news because I knew this meant that they were more stable!! After visiting them yesterday and today; however, I am a little concerned that they aren't being watched as closely!! Yesterday when I was there, Mitchell's heart rate dropped really low because of an apnea spell and no one came over until I alerted the nurse!! Normally, in the other NICU, the nurses would have come right over to check on them. Then, I noticed another baby crying for 20-25 minutes and all the nurses were just sitting at the nurses station talking. Then finally one of them came over and got his pacifier and he went right to sleep!! It broke my heart to think that when I'm not there, they could be doing the same thing when one of my children is upset!! And, their little bed is over in the corner, so I feel like they could be easily overlooked!!

Oh, and while I'm complaining about the nursing staff...this really made me mad...the other day when I got there, I gave the nurse some breast milk that I had just pumped and she said, "oh, I'm glad you brought that. we are out of your breast milk in the freezer, so I was just about to give them some formula." Oh, I thought I was going to lose it!! I mean, why didn't she just call me that morning and let me know so I could bring some in from home?? So, I ended up not being able to spend as much time with the boys because I had to drive all the way home and get more milk out of the freezer!! That stupid nurse tried to blame the nurse from the day before for not telling me that we were running low. Then, she just stumbled around with her words and said she got really busy so she couldn't call me. I seriously almost took that formula she had and threw it in her face!! I mean, I have been working myself to death trying to have plenty of breast milk and then she was just going to give them formula? And, I probably would have never known had I not come in!! You would think that these nurses, who deal with such critically preemie babies every day would understand the importance of them getting breast milk!! UHHHHHHH....it makes me sooooo mad just thinking about it!!

Well, the night before last Mitchell and Parker both gained 2 oz. and weighed in at 3.3 and 2.9 and Mitchell finally got his canula out. Then, last night Mitchell lost 2 oz. and Parker lost 3!! Today has been a bad day!! It is just so hard being on this roller coaster of emotions!! There is absolutely NO consistency with their progress!! One day we are on cloud 9 and the next we are heart broken!! Today~I am heart broken!! I just want them to improve quicker!! I can't stand going to the hospital anymore and just sitting there and starring at them!! I want to hold them and I can't!! This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done!! My mom told me once that I would never understand the love that parents have for their children until I become a parent!! At the time, I thought that was silly, but I truly understand that now!! It is just so hard when the 2 little children you love the most in this world are just laying in a hospital bed hooked up to a bunch of machines fighting to get stronger!! I want to take their place and I can't!! I want to do something to help and I can't!! I am trying to trust God, but today I just don't feel His presence!! Please, pray for tomorrow to be a better day!!

Updates...

2007-12-17T22:07:00.000-06:00

Today I went to see Dr. Blake and she finally released me to drive~hooray!! I told mom today that I felt like I had been grounded!! She also said everything with my incision looked great!! I asked her about exercising and she said I could start walking, so I need to get my jelly belly in gear!!

The boys are doing absolutely great!! I got a little down last week when Parker was losing weight, but he is doing much better!! He weighs 2 lbs. 9 oz. and Mitchell weighs 3 lbs. 1 oz.!! We are so excited that Mitchell tipped the scale at 3 lbs.!! He also has grown from 15 1/4 in. when he was born to 17 in. and Parker has grown from 15 in. to 15 1/4 in.!! Mitchell was able to get his IV out, so today they moved them to the same crib!! Ahhhh, they just look so precious and peaceful!! Mitchell is down to 1 on the flow of his canula, so they think he will get it off tonight maybe!! Parker is on 9, so he has to slowly get down to 0 before he can get off. They are both taking 24 ml (which is about 3/4 oz.) of breast milk with fortifying powder (which adds calories and vitamins to help them put on weight faster) in their feeding tubes every 3 hours (which is 6 oz. per day~so basically I am a milking machine~ha!!). Parker's belly button stump fell off the other day, so we were able to give him a tub bath instead of a sponge bath. It was so much fun~he loved it!! We're still waiting for Mitchell's to fall off!! The nurse today told me that she thinks they will definitely move to the step down unit by Christmas!! We hope she's right!! We are so thrilled with their progress and know that it's because they are constantly being lifted up in prayer!! Gloria (the nurse) said that she just couldn't believe how great they were doing and that they haven't really had any big set backs!! Prayer is so powerful and God definitely hears our cries and for that we are truly thankful!!! Well, I will get some pictures and video up tomorrow!! Please keep praying!!

New Pictures...

2007-12-12T23:33:00.001-06:00

Parker gives his brother kisses!! This is the first time they have seen eachother since they were born~they have missed being together!!

Mommy is feeding Mitchell while he is "kangaroo-ing"

2007-12-12T23:21:00.001-06:00

Mitchell loves his brother so much!!

As it turns out~Santa visits the NICU, so the boys told him everything they wanted for Christmas!!

2007-12-12T23:11:00.001-06:00

Mommy's first time to hold Mitchell and Parker together!!

Parker is snug as a bug!!

Parker is sleeping soundly!!

Mitchell is over all the lights and noise~he just wants some peace and quiet!!

Finally I get some rest!!

Good News...

2007-12-12T22:54:00.000-06:00

Well, Kyle told me that my posts are a little too wordy, so I am going to try to work on that!! I just want to make sure I don't leave out any details!!

Mitchell's progress:
He has gained weight and now weighs~ 2 lbs. 14.4 oz.
He is weening off his canula!!
He finally finished his photo-therapy for jaundice!!

Parker's progress:
He has stepped down to 1 liter of oxygen instead of 2 in his canula!!
His IV has been removed~hooray!!
He has lost some weight and now weighs~2 lbs. 6 oz.~they think it's because of not having the IV fluids~hopefully this will improve soon!!

Keep praying for our precious little boys!!

Our progress and new pictures below...

2007-12-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally got discharged from the hospital last Friday night. If you had asked me a couple of weeks ago how I would react when I finally got to go home, I probably would have said that I would be so happy and relieved to get out of prison. Much to my surprise, my reaction was quite different!! Before the boys arrived, I was counting down the minutes until I could get out of that crazy place!! But, once they got here, I loved being so close to them, so leaving was a devastating experience!! We went to eat at Outback and I just cried!! I felt guilty for being away from them!! When we got home, we went to bed and I just cried myself to sleep!! I was so worried that something might happen and I wouldn't be there!! Slowly, I have adjusted to being away from them!! No one can visit them except us and grandparents and I can't drive for 2 weeks, so this makes it quite difficult for me to visit them!! Mom is taking off from school 1/2 a day all this week, so she can take to see them. It is so frustrating not being able to drive because I could go visit in the morning as well!! It's wierd just sitting around all morning when I could be there, but I know it's just temporary!! Anyways, Parker is now up to 2 lbs. 8 oz. on his one week birthday which is really really good!! Mitchell weighs 2 lbs. 12 oz. so he still has a couple of ounces before he makes it back to his birth weight. Parker is finished with his photo-therapy (for jaundice) but Mitchell is still laying on a little mat that has lights on it (it looks like he's in the tanning bed-ha!). Parker had an x-ray today of his head to check for bleeding in his brain and he passed!! Mitchell will have the x-ray done tomorrow. Parker is eating 13 ml of breast milk through a feeding tube and Mitchell is eating 10 ml through his feeding tube. They are just doing so good and we know it's because they have been surrounded in prayer!! God is so good and we have been abundantly blessed!! For those of you who know about Brian Ray's twin babies, you might have already seen this on his website, but I just thought it was such a neat story that I wanted to share it with everyone because it definitely applies to us as well...

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

Please continue to keep our little boys in your prayers as they work so hard to get big enough and healthy enough to come home!!

New Pictures

2007-12-10T21:12:00.001-06:00

Parker's photo-therapy for jaundice...he loves his first pair of sunglasses!!

2007-12-10T20:59:00.001-06:00

Mommy's first time to cuddle with Mitchell!!

Mommy loves her sweet Mitchell!!

Mommy is so happy when she gets to hold her baby boys!!

Mommy & Daddy's first time to "kangaroo" (hold the babies in our shirts so they hear our heart beating and stay warm!!~I thought this was a little weird at first, but it's really precious!!) with Mitchell (in mommy's hands) and Parker (in daddy's hands)!!

Mitchell has opened his little eyes to see what is going on around him!!

2007-12-10T20:50:00.001-06:00

Mitchell is so comfy sleeping on his Daddy's chest!!

Daddy loves Mitchell so much!!

Parker loves sleeping on his belly just like Mommy!!