Maddie and Drew

Where have I been you ask

2010-10-29T21:00:00.015-04:00

My little ones are now 2 years old. Wow where does time go? They are so fun right now. I am keeping Facebook up more than the blog so if you Facebook look me up. Here are some more recent pictures :) Enjoy

Catching Up

2009-12-23T21:31:00.003-05:00

Walking/Halloween/One Year Pictures

2009-10-31T19:51:00.025-04:00

Drew is now walking and has been for about two weeks. Maddie has finally got her other front tooth on the top. Maddie and Drew did trick-or-treat this year and we gave the candy to Sarah and James. Sarah and James were not able to trick-or-treat this year becuase Sarah was still sick with the H1N1. Here are lots of pictures ....

Bumble Bee Maddie
Duckie Drew

Laughing at PaPaw

Maddie ready to trick-or-treat

Drew ready to trick-or-treat

Watch out here we come

One year pictures

Shy Maddie

Sick and Sleepy little boy

Maddie being silly

Drew being silly

Walking

2009-10-11T20:51:00.009-04:00

I’m a little behind…Maddie is walking and has been for about two weeks now. Drew is walking around holding on to furniture and today he took a few steps on his own. We are in child proof mode now. I have taken down the play yard that was on the back patio and turned it into a gate to keep them away from Mike’s TV, my picture shelf and our laptop stands. Last night we put child safety locks on all our kitchen cabinets and drawers. Now Maddie and Drew have freedom throughout the entire first floor. WOOO HOOO

Maddie and Drew are doing much better with eating real food. Drew is still pretty picky but he is getting better at eating new things. It takes several attempts before Drew likes something. As you can see from the pictures below I am having a hard time breaking them from the bottle. They love their bottle! They will drink water from a sippy but want their milk in the bottle.

The only behavior problem we are having is the hair pulling thing. Drew will turn around look at you while he is reaching for Maddie’s head to pull her hair. Oh and he laughs about it after he does it. Drew is not the only one getting in trouble for this Miss Maddie will do the same thing to Drew minus the premeditated look before.

Mom no longer has help during the day. I think the hours Anna was working were interfering with her being able to keep up with her school work. We are only going to have her on days she is on a break or a day we really need her for a special reason. They are getting a little easier to handle now. The only time they are really a hand full is when they are super tired and grouchy.

Maddie and Drew are really starting to like music. Maddie loves to dance! Drew will sway back and forth a little but Maddie really gets going. I will upload some video if it’s not too long.

Maddie loving her bottle

Drew loving his bottle

This is the child proofing of Mike's TV..it keeps the little finger prints off the big screen

Drew still in his PJ's he has been sleeping in a lot later than Maddie latley

Playing with their fridge farm

Maddie loving Moose and Zee from Nick Jr...she loves this song and I was playing the video on my laptop for her

Drew singing for us

The battle over the puppet...notice Maddie has another one in her other hand but has to have both

1st Birthday Party and 1 year check up

2009-09-13T20:52:00.024-04:00

I still can not believe my babies are 1!

Maddie and Drew had their 1 year checkup on Friday. Mike was not able to make it to the appointment so Anna went with me to help out. I’m glad I had someone with me because they were going to get 5 shots each. (MMR, Chicken pox, Flu, Hepatitis A and Pneumococcal Conjugate) I can not do shots by myself they are both too traumatized after the shots Maddie especially. One of the shots they were to receive was the MMR which is the vaccination all the Autism controversy is about. We know they need the vaccination and we are giving it to them but we wanted to split them up so there were not so many others along with the MMR. We decided to give them the MMR and chicken pox shots at a later date (15 months). I think 3 shots in one day is plenty. Maddie and Drew did get the first part of their regular flu vaccination. They will have to get a second shot about a week from now to complete the vaccination. They will not be getting the H1N1 vaccination nor will Mike and I. Mike and I both get the regular flu shot and so does Mom so hopefully we will be flu-less this winter.

Below are the measurements (note I don’t think Maddie’s height is correct Drew seem like he is a whole head taller than her when they are standing looking out the front door.

Maddie

Height – 30 inches
Weight- 21.6

Drew

Height 31 ½ inches
Weight- 24.8

Saturday we had Maddie and Drew’s 1st birthday party at the Grove City Church of the Nazarene play area. We tried to keep it small just a few friends and immediate family so we would not overwhelm Maddie and Drew. I think it was still a little much for them. We had a really good time and Maddie and Drew were wore out afterward and so were Mommy and Daddy. This would be the third time they got to smash cake and the results were the same….Maddie does not like to get her hands dirty and Drew loves to make a mess. We came home got them dinner and to bed then I opened and put together all their new toys while watching the OSU game. Maddie and Drew got lots of new toys and clothes for this fall/winter.

Thank you to everyone that came to the party and thanks to all those who helped up before and after the party.

I will add some more pictures from Mom’s camera after I get them uploaded.

Mom had to get Maddie something girly because she did not think a farm was girly.....here is her girly little people house and look who is playing with it Maddie playing with the Drew's little people farm

Drew was wiped out!

Maddie opening gifts with Daddy

Drew opening a gift from James with Mommy

This is as messy as Maddie got

Drew with cake all over him

Maddie a litte ok a lot cleaner than Drew

He even had cake in his hair...good one to click on to enlarge

Singing Happy Birthday to Drew

Singing Happy Birthday to Maddie

Pre cake smashing

Before Maddie and Drew made their mess

Cake Table

Maddie in the play area

Drew in the play area

1 year pictures

2009-09-10T21:18:00.001-04:00

I love these pictures! I want them all!!! Here is the link to view the cutest babies in the world….from my point of view anyway

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?cobrand?i=01wa

Last Name- Shafer
Password- maddiedrew

Happy Birthday Maddie and Drew

2009-09-08T20:02:00.010-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday Maddie and Drew! I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Thank You Jen and Shawn for this wonderful gift you have given all of us. I tried to get some pictures after we got back from our photo shoot today but they were both too tired. Here is what I did get after we undressed them and feed them. LOL

Today we took Maddie and Drew to Flash for their one year pictures. They did some cute pictures with a bench, teeter totter and bike then it was on to smash cake pictures. I made their cakes last night. Drew did not want to sit still he was crawling around the whole time until they brought the bike out. They sat him on a bike and he had a ball. Miss Maddie just sat there and smiled and smiled and smiled. I thought Maddie would be the one to not sit still but Drew out did her today. The smash cake pictures were fun! Drew tore into his cake and even started throwing it. LOL Maddie does not like to get her hands dirty and the icing was just too much for her. The photographer gave her a BIG bite of icing and she started gagging so that was pretty much it for her. I can’t wait to see the pictures I hope we got some good ones. The link to the website should be available Thursday so I should be able to post the link Thursday night but it will be late we go at 7 to view them.

We are having small party for them this Saturday. I was doing some reading up on 1st Birthday parties and all the articles said not to overwhelm them because they would not tolerate it well. The party theme is Baby Einstein which they both really like. I was going to bake their cake but am having problems with my cakes not getting done in the middle so I am getting a cake from Sam’s and putting my own caterpillar on it. I was trying to use the Wilton ball pan to make the Baby Einstein caterpillar but my cake is still liquid in the center even after 50 minutes in the oven.

Trying to think back because I have not updated the blog in a while about what’s new. Maddie and Drew have more teeth, are taking better naps and are all over the place.

I will update the blog with the link to the Flash pictures Thursday night if not then Friday some time. I will try to get some birthday pictures up on Saturday night or Sunday.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes we received today via phone, email and Facebook.

First Zoo Day

2009-07-19T21:23:00.003-04:00

Today was our first zoo day and probably the last one this year. LOL Maddie and Drew were cranky pretty much all day. They fell asleep for about 15 minutes but other than that no naps today. The animals were not moving around much today so Maddie did not get too excited like I thought she would. Drew could really care less about the animals but he did like the fish that were swimming right in front of him. Maddie did get a little excited when she saw the elephant and Ape they were about the only things moving. Of course we did not make it through most of the zoo so who knows what the other animals were doing. Jamie, Chery and the kids met us there but by the time they got there Maddie and Drew were just about done. (We had been there about 1 1/2 before they got there)

Yesterday Maddie and Drew went to their first baseball game. We went to the Clippers game last night for Credit Union night. They were pretty good and we stayed until the last inning but only because Bobbi was there to help us. I'm sure if Bobbi had not been there we would not have made it that long. Thanks Bobbi! Sorry Julie about the mess! Maddie puked all over Julie last night while we were feeding them.

Well got to go have to watch the Big Brother I have recorded. Oh Maddie had a fever before we left for the zoo today but I thought it was from her teething. Well she did not eat her lunch or dinner and still has the fever so we are off to walk in office hours tomorrow with Doctor Dickson.

More Water Fun

2009-07-10T22:02:00.018-04:00

First I have to start off by remembering baby Shafer…..June 30th was the three year mark for losing our baby boy. We will never forget our baby boy.

On a much happier note….we took the babies to Ballantrae Park in Dublin today. If you have never taken your kids there it’s worth the visit. There is a water play area with fountains and waterfalls. It was a hot day today and the place was packed.

Maddie is crawling all over the place. She is into everything and does not sit still for a minute. Her new thing now is pulling herself up and walking along the couch. She has no fear! Today I caught her standing on the first step trying to get to the second one. The baby gate goes up tomorrow.

Drew is still not crawling but is starting to try at least now. I think he see’s Maddie moving all over the place and want to go with her.

Mike with the babies at Ballantrea park

Mommy and Drew at the park today

Daddy and Maddie at the park today

More water fun...the water pressure changed and Drew got a face full of water :)

Maddie her first trip to the big pool

Drew's first trip to the big pool

4th of July ....Uncle Jamie and Maddie....Uncle Jamie likes to start Maddie spitting then complain that he is getting wet

PaPaw and Drew on the 4th

Our fist 4th

So sleepy

Maddie's new sleep position....I love it! Butt up and arms are usually tucked under her

Wild Maddie

Father's Day and More

2009-06-27T23:31:00.006-04:00

OK I’ll admit I’m just a little behind. Father’s day was good Mike went golfing with my brother and Dad then back here for a cookout. Maddie and Drew got Daddy a picture book with pictures of them of course for Father’s day. He also got a Black & Decker cordless battery powered trimmer/edger. Maddie has been doing the Army crawl for a while now but on Father’s Day she actually got up on her hands and knees and crawled.

We went to Jen and Shawn’s Saturday for a cookout and Maddie really liked Cole (the black lab). It’s funny because twice that day she was around dogs and both times she went crazy over them. Everyone says you need to get a dog……my reply are you crazy. I want to take them to the Zoo and see if they are interested in seeing the animals yet.

Maddie finally has a second tooth breaking through her bottom gum. I have not checked Drew lately but at last count he had 6 teeth. Maddie is starting to pull herself up on things now. Maddie is way ahead of Drew on the bruise count now that she is falling all the time and she’s a lot higher now. I think Drew wants to crawl now that he see’s what Maddie is able to do.

Mike and I went to Japanese Steakhouse Friday all by ourselves. Mom and Dad came over and got Maddie and Drew their dinner and put them to bed so we could go to dinner. It was so nice to get to eat dinner #1 in peace and quite #2 not at 9:00 at night # 3 I did not have to fix it (oh ok I usually don’t cook anyway). Thanks Mom and Dad!

Maddie and Drew went to the big pool for the first time today. Bobbi met us at the pool and helped with Maddie and Drew. (Thanks Bobbi) I think they both liked to big pool better than the baby pool. Oh and Drew spit up in the baby pool. Yuck! Who knows what else was in that water. :)

Today Maddie and Drew attended Sarah’s 8th birthday party. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH! Sarah and I are going to Cheesecake Factory for lunch and making a stop at Barnes & Noble for some new books some time next week hopefully.

Maddie and Drew with Daddy

Maddie likes to empty the basket

Drew relaxing on the patio

Drew with powder all over his neck just after bath time

Maddie crawling on Father's Day Drew playing some music

9 Month Appointment

2009-06-17T20:29:00.003-04:00

9 Month Appointment

Maddie-

Weight 19lb 14 oz - 60th %
Height 28 ¼ - 75th %
Head 18 ¾

Drew-

Weight 22lbs 4 oz – 80th%
Height 29 ½ - 90th %
Head 18 ¼ 80th %

Today’s appointment went good. There were no shots today but I have to take Maddie and Drew to Children’s Hospital lab to have an anemia test done so they will still have an ouchie. Dr. Dickson said there is nothing that would make him think either of them would be anemic this is just a test they do at 9 months.

After we get the results back Dr. Dickson said we can start to switch them over to whole milk and take them off the formula. YEA! That will eliminate my job at night mixing enough formula for the next day. It takes 32 scoops of formula to make enough for one day so one large container from Sam’s last about 3 days. While we try to switch them over to milk we are also going to try to get them off the bottle and start sippy cups. If we can get them on sippy cups that will eliminate Mikes job of washing bottles every night. We use 10 bottles a day and each bottle has 6 parts (Dr. Brown’s) so washing bottles is no fun. It also takes 3 different brushes to clean them. I can’t wait to be able to just put sippy cups in the dishwasher and have both those nightly jobs gone.

The next big change comes with their meals. We are now going to start giving them table food. OMG! Does that means I have to start cooking? I hate to cook! I thought this might be coming because I remember Dr. Dickson saying he did not like stage 3 foods because they tasted so bad.

2009-06-13T20:50:00.017-04:00

We have been trying to get Maddie and Drew to try and drink water out of a sippy cup. It has not been going very well they seem to gag every time we try. Today we tried water in a bottle and they did the same thing. I also tried to give them a piece of watermelon in one of those fresh food feeders. You can see from the pictures below that it did not go well they gagged again. I have tried to give them the little flavored puffs too and they gag on those also. I think it is the texture and taste that gets them. I guess we will just have to keep trying. We go to the doctor on Wednesday so we will see what he will do with their food the next 3 months.

From this picture it looks like Drew likes the fresh food feeder

Maddie did not like the watermelon at all

Maddie with her water and fresh food feeder

Drew pushing me away he did not want anymore one taste was enough

Maddie was sitting behind Drew and reached out and took him down

I love this pose....Maddie sits like this all the time it's a natural position for her.

Video of Maddie and Drew talking to each other. They have started this thing were Maddie yells and Drew just cracks up.

This is Maddies new little talent. Sorry I don't know how to filp the picture in the video.

Our first swim

2009-06-08T22:20:00.005-04:00

Sunday Maddie and Drew got in their swimming pool for the first time. Maddie did not like it at first so she sat with Daddy for a while. It was not until James got in the pool with them that Maddie got in and liked it. Maddie is usually the one who soaks the floor when she takes a bath so I thought she would love it. They did like it after they got use to it. They both got soaked from all the splashing.

Catch Up

2009-06-03T09:12:00.013-04:00

Drew now has 4 teeth and says Ma Ma now. Maddie finally got her first tooth on May 23rd. Maddie has figured out how to Army crawl and gets up on her hands and knees and rocks but has not figured it out totally. (She gets where she wants to go) Drew now scoots across the floor on his bottom.

Last night when I kissed Drew good night he had the biggest smile on his face it was so cute. Maddie is our little cuddle bug. The other day she got us up at 3 AM and we put her in bed with us so she would not wake Drew. She rolled over right up to Mike and shared his pillow with him. I was able to get her back to sleep and then put her back in her bed thank goodness.

Anna Stickel has started helping Mom and I out during the day with the babies. She does a great job with them and they really love her especially Drew. I’m working on finding a cleaning person and going to try to get a set schedule for babysitting help this summer. It was so nice to have help last Friday I was able to get laundry done, the sweeper run, and the bathroom cleaned.

Got to go it’s breakfast time and I have two hungry babies. :)

Tooth # 2

2009-05-14T21:47:00.002-04:00

Drew has his second tooth coming in. You can just see the tooth breaking through the gums. Mom called me at work today and ask if I knew he had his second tooth. Mom said Tuesday that she thought his gum looked red. I thought he had been sucking his thumb the last couple of days but I think he was chewing on his thumb.

DaDa

2009-05-13T12:18:00.003-04:00

Yep, you guessed it Drew is now saying Da Da. He started saying it Monday night while I was feeding them their dinner. I was feeding them by myself on Monday because Mike was at a golf outing. I forgot to tell him that Drew was saying it unitl Mom called me at work Tuesday and ask if I knew Drew was saying DaDa. Mom said she thinks he says it when he is mad. He was mad when he said it Monday night too. Drew is starting to show a little temper. I think he gets this from his Daddy since he is just like his Daddy.

Still no teeth for Maddie. She is chewing on everything in site but nothing yet. I'm sure she will have something soon. Sarah can not understand how Drew got a tooth first when Maddie is older. LOL

Our First Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:49:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day! Today was my first Mother’s Day and I just wanted to say Thank You again Jen and Shawn because without the two of you this day would not have been possible. YEA

The morning started out with Drew not going back to bed after his 6:30 am bottle. We even tried to put him back in bed with us and finally gave in and got up at 8:30. Mike got me my two favorite things for breakfast…Tim Horton’s coffee and a cream filled Jolly Pirate doughnut. Next it was gift time…I got a very nice sapphire and diamond heart necklace. Sapphire is Maddie and Drew’s birthstone and it just happens to be mine too.

Once again there were no naps going on this afternoon and Drew had been up since 6:30…I tried but they just would not give in. Mike was visiting his Mom so I just packed them up and headed out for a drive to put them to sleep. (It always works) We headed over to Mom’s for dinner after our drive. We had a great dinner (Ann & Tony’s carryout) and I got to spend the evening with my Mom.

I had a great Mother’s Day!

DA DA

2009-04-30T21:51:00.003-04:00

Maddie got up from her 2o minute nap today in a great mood. She was chewing on her teething ring just talking away and then it happened....da da....da da....da da. I don't think she knows the word is associated with her Daddy yet but she is saying it.

Drew's First Tooth

2009-04-28T22:17:00.001-04:00

I noticed Drew’s first tooth today. You can barely feel it breaking through the gum and it’s hard to see. As soon as I can get a picture of it I will post it. We have been waiting to see a tooth. There has been lots of chewing and drooling going on lately with both of them. Maddie does not have anything yet but I’m sure she is not far behind.

Easter Pictures

2009-04-15T21:14:00.004-04:00

Forgot to add Walking Wings Photo

2009-04-10T23:03:00.003-04:00

This is what I got for Drew. I think he is going to go straight to walking and skip all the other steps.

Maddie and Drew 6 month photos

2009-04-10T20:25:00.019-04:00

Wow Maddie and Drew are now 7 months old.

We had my cousin Josie come and take Maddie and Drew’s 6 month pictures and she did a great job. Josie came to the house with all her equipment and props ready to capture some great pictures but….Maddie had a melt down. We got some great pictures of Drew in the first session but Maddie was not in the mood. Josie said she would come back so the next week we tried again. Maddie was still not in a great mood but she tolerated it long enough to get some pictures. I love the expressions on Drew’s face in all the pictures. If you are interested in seeing more of Josie's work go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/picturesbyjosie/

Maddie is now rolling all over the place. Maddie can get where she wants to go by rolling but could only roll one direction until this week she realized she can go the other way also. Maddie still seems to be a little more calm and relaxed than Drew. Maddie will lay on the floor arms and legs going but has not got the part that she has to lift her body off the ground to be able to crawl. It should not be long until she is crawling then we are in trouble.

Drew is doing a great job sitting up on his own. Drew is just to lazy to roll around and hates to be on his belly. I think Drew is going to go straight to walking and skip all the other stuff. I purchased a pair of walking wings to work with Drew on walking. If you don’t know what they are I will put a picture below for you. I love Drew’s hair…it is so blonde and it sticks straight up. It’s so soft I find myself rubbing my face against it every time I hold him. I thought once it got a little longer it would lay down but nope it’s still sticking straight up.

6 Month Check Up

2009-03-15T21:13:00.008-04:00

Friday Maddie and Drew had their 6 month check up and things are going good. Maddie had a really hard time recovering from her shots. Drew got a little upset when Dr. Dickson looked in his ears. They are now starting some vegies...so they will now have fruit with their morning bottle ....vegies with their afternoon bottle.....cereal with their evening bottle.

We had Josie come to the house to take pictures Saturday. We had to end the session sooner than we expected....Maddie was not having anymore pictures taken. We got some pictures of them in their 1st outfit and then changed to the naked pictures in the bathtub and that's all we got done. It's a good thing we had Josie do them because she offered to come back another day and try again. We are going to give it another shot this Friday so I will get you the link to the photos as soon as I get it.

Here are the results:

Maddie

Weight - 16.9 - 60th percentile
Length - 26 3/4 - 90th percentile
Head - 17 7/8 - 100th percentile

Drew

Weight - 17.5 - 50th percentile
Length - 27 1/4 - 75th percentile
Head- 17 1/2 - 75th percentile

Happy 6 Month Birthday Maddie and Drew

2009-03-08T22:19:00.020-04:00

Today Maddie and Drew are six months old. WOW does time go fast!

This weekend we finally got to get together with Jen and Shawn for dinner. We went to Ann & Tonys in West Jeff because Shawn loves the chicken parm. We enjoyed the dinner and the company. Mom and Dad had the job of getting Maddie and Drew their bottle, cereal, and to bed. They did a great job Maddie and Drew were asleep in bed when we got home.

Maddie and Drew have their 6 month check up on Friday so I will update you with the weights and all that good stuff. I think Drew might be teething he is always chewing on his finger and drooling. Maddie is rolling around and trying to get her legs going when on her belly. Drew does not like his belly at all and has no desire to roll around yet. He was first to roll over but Maddie seems to be ahead of him now.

Drew fell asleep tonight after his bottle but before his cereal

Maddie in her new (size 12 months) big girl PJ's

Drew in his new (size 12 month) big boy PJ's

Our Bumbo chairs

I'm a cool dude

WOW what a day

Look Mom I can read

Me too Maddie

Cuties

Mr. Drew

Miss Maddie

Holding hands

Drew's eyes are infection free

2009-02-13T20:46:00.012-05:00

The first round of eye drops for Drew did not clear up his eye infection. The second round of medication was an ointment that we had to get in Drew’s eye twice a day for a week. Let me tell you how hard it is to hold down a 5 month old and pull his eyelid down to rub an ointment on it. We finally found out towards the end of the week that if we put it on while he was taking his bottle it went much smoother. After a week of ointment Drew’s eye infection is now gone and I hope he does not get another one anytime soon. Drew is finally starting to get some hair and it seems to be coming in blonde. Drew is a real challenge now during feeding time. Let’s just say Drew does not like having to burp….he screams the entire time you are trying to burp him.

Maddie is doing well. We are currently working on reducing Maddie’s reflux medication and I hope she will be off of it totally in a few weeks. Maddie’s hair seems to be coming in much lighter and seem to be more blonde than red now. Maddie is always smiling and seems to be a much happier baby now that she has no more colic and reflux.

I don’t know why but both Maddie and Drew are having napping issues. The longest nap we can get out of either one of them is about a half hour. They both get so tired during the day but will not sleep. It does not matter where they are upstairs in their bed or in the living on the floor there are no naps happening. The other day they both were so tired that they feel asleep in their highchair and took about an hour nap in the highchair. Maddie and Drew have now moved up to the 9 month size. Drew was in them first becuase he is so long but now they are both wearing 9 months. Thanks to Courtney, Misti, and Jen I have not had to buy many outfits because they have given me so many.

I am addicted to Craigslist now because I loving finding deals. My latest deal is the new rainforest jumperoo you see Maddie and Drew in below. I have got a changing table, two glider rockers, a jumperoo and an exersaucer. It's so funny the last two people I have purchased things from both had twins too. The last lady I talked to told me it's so much easier at the age mine are at now then the age hers were at which was 2 1/2.

And of course more pictures…..

Is her hair grey yet?

Who's sleeping here?

Drew in his new jumperoo

Maddie in the new jumperoo

Maddie at dinner time

Drew at dinner time

You want to take a picture of me in my big boy seat?

Maddie

Drew's funny picture

Maddie and Drew on their playmat

Forgot to add this picture

2009-01-21T18:25:00.002-05:00

Our First Food

2009-01-20T22:17:00.011-05:00

Maddie and Drew are now eating real food…fruit and oatmeal cereal. We are trying to get them a little fiber because the medication they are on for their reflux can cause constipation. I have to tell you the very first video we took of them was much different than the one below. The first video they screamed the entire time we tried to feed them. I have not figured out how to get these off my video camera yet. (It’s new)

Drew got up this morning with his right eye glued shut with green gunk. (See picture below..poor baby) I had to take him to the doctor this afternoon…..the result pink eye. They have not been out of the house except to the doctor last week. I don’t know anything about pink eye or if it could take that long for them to get it if they could have picked it up while at our visit last week. I now have to put drops in his eye three times a day. Drew continues to have problems with his reflux and just screams and screams at times.

Maddie is doing well. I’m sure she will have pink eye soon. They told me not to even let them lay on the same blanket. We had them playing together a lot yesterday so I’m sure she will end up with it. Oh well what can you do? I’m sure Mike, Mom and I will all have it because we have all had to walk the floor with him and have had him right in our face. When he gets his reflux fits the only thing you can even do to try to calm him is to walk the floor with him.

Our first real food
Yum Yum Drew

I'm full and a mess

I don't like this stuff...do I really have to eat it?

Our little Chick Magnet Drew

It's been a hard day....wish I could do this too!

Maddie having a bad hair day....this is what happens when you don't use a dryer sheet

Poll Results

2009-01-13T20:55:00.011-05:00

Pictures first then my story below.

Drew sitting in his big boy chair
Maddie and her cute smile

Drew getting some exercise

Maddie getting her exercise

I've had enough

Your taking my picture

Drew getting ready to laugh

Maddie and her butterfly

If you voted 14 lbs for both Madison and Andrew you are a winner. (Sorry no prize to award just a congrats)

Andrew weighed in at a whopping 14.4 which is in the 45% and Maddie was not far behind at 14.2 which is in the 70% for her.

Andrew's length was 251/2 which is in the 75% and Maddie was at 24 3/4 which was in the 75% for her too.

Our appointment was at 10:40 and it was after 11:00 by the time we got called back to a room. Maddie and Drew were due to eat at 11:00 so Drew had a bottle while we waited. Our little boy is like an alarm clock during the day he needs his bottle every 4 hours. Maddie was able to wait until we got home at 12:30 to have her lunch.

Today we talked about trying to wean them off the Zantac for their acid reflux. Madison will be a little easier than Drew because she seems to have fewer problems. We also discussed their food and feeding advice. We are going to start them on some oatmeal cereal at night before bed and some stage 2 fruits in the mornings. A normal schedule according to the paperwork we got at our appointment today would be to introduce cereal between 4-6 months and then around 6 months vegetables would be offered. We are not the norm and we know that! We are giving them the oatmeal cereal and fruit because the medication (Zantac) causes constipation and this will give them a little fiber to keep them regular. We had been giving them pear juice for the constipation but it seems to make the acid reflux flair up. Mom called me at work one day and said I am not giving them juice anymore and all I could hear was Drew screaming in the background. We also talked about teething because Drew has become a slobbery mess. The poor boy drools but there is no sign of teeth yet. About 6 months is when you can expect to see teeth but I had my first tooth at 4 months so we will see if Drew gets his early. The doc said not to use the orajel because it can get to the back of their throat. He told us to dip our finger in whiskey and rub it on the gums this will numb the gums without anything getting to their throat.

After the discussions with the doctor the nurse came in for their immunizations ..2 shots and one oral. They do not like this part of the visit at all. I was wondering when Drew as going to take a breath he was so mad! If you find typo's or spelling errors sorry I usually write my post in Word then paste it but I forgot to this time.

Tomorrow we will start the cereal so I will try to get some pictures and maybe a short video. Thanks for taking the time to keep up with Maddie and Drew by reading our blog. I know my post are not quite as frequent but I think you all understand why. :)

Blog Facelift

2009-01-03T15:04:00.010-05:00

See Below pictures for posting....

Notice the blog got a facelift today with the help of http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/

You can now become a follower of the blog and take my polls. As I learn new things you may continue to see changes to the blog. This is kind of fun learning all this new stuff. The website above is great!

Maddie and Drew have a doctors appointment on the 13th so take our poll on the side to guess their weight. FYI look at the new photos before guessing their weight if you have not seen them latley. Drew rolled over today while playing on the floor. It seems that Maddie is just a little behind Drew on things so she should be rolling over soon.

Sorry for any typo's I had Drew on my lap while typing.

Our First Santa Pictures

2008-12-25T10:11:00.006-05:00

Our First Pictures

2008-12-13T16:10:00.006-05:00

Cute Pictures

2008-12-13T14:20:00.006-05:00

Today we woke up to cool house because our furnace was not working. The furnace is working now. I guess there was a part that needed to be cleaned and that fixed it. Here are some cute pictures I took of the babies this morning while we were trying to keep them warm.

Merry Christmas From Maddie and Drew

2008-12-11T19:42:00.014-05:00

A card from Maddie and Drew

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/h8SuUxYNAhvewe9F

Long time no post

2008-12-05T23:51:00.012-05:00

Sorry it’s been so long since my last post. I just got Maddie and Drew to bed about an hour ago so I have a minute to write. Let me think back and tell you what’s transpired in the last few weeks.

Drew went to the doctor Wednesday for reflux so now both of them are on medication. Drew’s weighted in at a whopping 12lbs 10 oz.

I have been struggling with knots and spasms in my neck and shoulder area. I have been to the doctor and chiropractor three times a week for the past three weeks and I’m still having problems. Mom had to keep Maddie a few nights because I was so bad I could not even hold the babies without my arm hurting. The pain is not totally gone but it’s much better now.

I have to start back to work on Monday and I’m not ready. I’m going to miss my little guy and my little princess.

Maddie and Drew are smiling a lot more and they actually respond to us now. They both have the cutest smile. I love talking to them and getting that smile! Drew has a big smile and Maddie has a little grin most of the time.

Well its 12:12 am so I’m going to bed.

Here are some new pictures

The Cutest Babies In The World

2008-11-13T22:10:00.005-05:00

Here is the link and password to view the Flash pictures we had taken yesterday. I must say they are so darn cute.

Click on the title above "The Cutest Babies In The World" to go to the Flash website then enter the information below:

Enter the last name shafer then click GO
The password is maddiedrew

You will notice changes to the blog as I try to learn how to change things. Mike's friend John is going to help me get it the way I want. I am just playing around now trying to figure things out.

Sleep Shots & More

2008-11-10T22:40:00.012-05:00

Saturday- Maddie and Drew went to my parent’s house to stay all night. Mike was originally going out of town so that’s why they were watching them. Mike ended up not going out of town but they still kept them. I went scrapbooking for the first time since Maddie and Drew arrived. It was a lot of fun and I got their newborn pictures, footprints, hospital bracelets and more scrapbooked. The best part of the evening ….a full night of sleep. Mom and Dad were up at 3:00 am feeding, cleaning up puke and changing clothes while I was sleeping like a baby. Sorry about that Mom and Dad and thanks.

Monday – Maddie and Drew had their two month appointment with Dr. Dickson. They received their two month vaccinations which consisted of 3 injections and an oral dose for the rotavirus. It was so sad to see them cry when they got their shots. I had a tear in my eye. Madison did get medication for her reflux which seems to be helping her.

Maddie- Now 10lbs 12 oz and 22 inches long - Birth weight 6.6 length 19 ½
Drew- Now 10lbs 13 oz and 23 inches long –Birth weight 5.14 length 19 ½

We also separated Maddie and Drew so this was the first night they slept in their own rooms. They had been sleeping in our room… Drew in the bassinette and Maddie in her bouncy seat on the floor by our bed. Dr. Dickson told us to go ahead and keep her in the bouncy seat but put it down inside her crib so she gets use to sleeping in her room and behind the bars. LOL Maddie is sleeping in her bouncy seat because being in an upright position seems to help with her reflux. I asked about buying a reflux wedge for her to sleep on and doc said to just let her sleep in her seat if that is working for her.

Tuesday- Mike woke me up at 4:30 AM and said it has been 6 hours since we fed Maddie and Drew and they were still sleeping. WOW 6 hours of sleep! We had to wake them up to feed them because they were having pictures taken Wednesday and I could not let their feeding schedule get too far off or they would be eating at the same time we had scheduled pictures. We usually only get 4 hours in between feedings so 6 hours was great. Our neighbors across the street have a baby about a month older than Maddie and Drew and they told us….just because they sleep longer one night does not mean it will happen every night after that. They told us they were so excited when Avery slept longer but the nights to follow went back to the old schedule.

Wednesday (Today) - We had pictures taken today at flash. I got up at 8:30 this morning and was on the go until Mike got home at 1:15. Not only did I have to get them ready I had to get myself ready…shower, hair and makeup. I usually don’t even get a shower until late afternoon or sometimes even later than that let alone hair and makeup too. I never imagined pictures could wear you out so much. It was non stop action…first the naked pictures where Maddie and Drew were in a basket with tulle around them. The photographer told us to take off their diapers so we did and well Madison had a little accident and pooped and pee’d on the props. LOL After the little accident we had diapers on and covered them with the tulle. Family pictures were next we all had on jeans and white shirts. At this point we were so hot and tired and Maddie and Drew were starting to get fussy so who knows how they will turn out. After the family pictures we tried to get their Christmas picture taken. Madison had a fancy dress and Drew had a little dress shirt and pants with a sweater vest. Drew even had a little black pair of dress shoes I got from GAP. They both were so cute! They both were in a fussy mood at this point so I don’t know if we even got one good Christmas picture.

I will post the user name and password to view the flash pictures tomorrow. We go to view them tomorrow so I think we will get the password then.

Below are a few recent pictures and a few videos. The last video shows you what it’s like when they both have a melt down. WOW!

Our First Halloween

2008-10-31T23:41:00.013-04:00

Here are some Halloween pictures. Just a quick bit of information...Madison had a doctor appointment on Monday and weighed in at 10lb 1 oz. Enjoy I have to go warm up bottles now.

Madison and Andrew with their pumpkins (artwork on pumpkins by Sarah)

Madison's First Halloween

Drew's First Halloween

James as Spiderman

James and Katlyn (look at my muscles)

Sarah as Dorthy and Megan as Kaya (American Girl)

Andrew

Madison

Are we cute or what?

Growing

2008-10-25T22:04:00.010-04:00

Well let’s see it’s been so long since I posted I don’t know what I need to update you on. Maddie and Drew are GROWING! The newborn clothes they have are too small now they are in their 0-3 month clothes and I put them both in a 3 month outfit for the picture below.

Maddie still has her colic and Mommy and Daddy are still sleep deprived. We tried a formula change to see if it would help with her colic. We changed to the Similac hypoallergenic formula which was twice the price of her normal formula and it did nothing. She is now on the Similac Isomil and has been on it for 4 days. I’m not sure if the Isomil is working yet or not. Last night was a pretty good night and so far it’s 10:45 and no colic signs yet. Maybe the formula is working or maybe she is saving it up for the 12-4 time frame. Drew is pretty good just a fussy spell here and there but most of the time he is pretty quite. He does like to talk a lot when he has his bink in trying to fall asleep. I just hope this colic only last 3 months I know it can last up to a year and I pray that will not be the case. I don’t think I can make it a year with this colic.

I am going to have to call the doctor Monday about Maddies umbilical granuloma because it’s coming back. Drew is doing great and will hopefully not have to see Dr. Dickson again until his two month appointment. The two month appointment will be tough because it will be the first time we see them get shots. We did not see them give the first immunization they gave them in the hospital.

I’m so thankful for all the help from everyone. I don’t think I would survive if I didn’t have all the help. I need my naps! It really surprises me how your body can function on such little sleep. I always said I don’t know how my brother did it working all night ant then watching the kids during the day but now I am starting to see…. that you just do it.

Jen is continuing to do good and is actually back to work so you better call now to get your appointments.

Enjoy the pictures next pictures will be Halloween pictures.

Maddie and Drew visit doctor

2008-10-14T22:48:00.002-04:00

Maddie and Drew went to the doctor on Monday. Maddie had an umbilical cord problem and Drew sounded a little congested and I could feel a little rattle in his back.

Madison weighed in at 8lb 14 oz and has a umbilical granuloma and may have a very small umbilical hernia but it will probably repair on it’s own. The pediatrician did use the silver nitrate on it and today it is looking much better.

I found this on the internet…..If your baby develops a moist, fleshy bump on his navel, a condition called "umbilical granuloma," your pediatrician may apply a drying solution called silver nitrate, or he may need to surgically remove the swollen growth (this minor procedure is done in the doctor's office).

If you baby's umbilical cord bulges outward, especially when he cries, he may have an umbilical hernia (a tiny hole in the abdominal wall and when baby cries, the pressure forces the nearby tissue to push outward through the hole). An umbilical hernia is twice as common in boys as in girls, and almost always heals without any treatment by baby's first birthday. If it doesn't, your pediatrician will recommend that the hole be surgically repaired.

Drew weighed in at 8lb 11 oz and was just fine his lungs are clear. I guess it is just mucus that they need help breaking up so we just need to tap him on the back when he sounds congested.

The pediatrician did tell us to start putting them on a schedule and putting them to bed at 7:30 – 8:00 now. We are now moving them up to their crib around 7:30 instead of leaving them downstairs with us until we go to bed.

After the comment on my last post from some about the miracle blanket I got out my swaddle sleep sacks. I have been using the sleep sacks but not putting the swaddle part of it on them but tonight they are both in the swaddle sack. I went to the website for the blanket and read the reviews and one lady said her daughter went from sleeping 2 hours at a time to 7 straight hours. I know 7 hours is asking for a miracle but if I could just get 4 or 5 that would be a miracle for us.

No luck with sound machine

2008-10-12T22:39:00.000-04:00

The sound machine did not work and we were up until 3:15 or so before we got any sleep last night. I did get the hairdryer out just to see if it would calm her. As soon as I turned the hairdryer on she stopped crying but then started again when I turned it off. Today I did order the hairdryer CD for EBay.

If you have any suggestions for me please leave me a comment. I will try anything! LOL

Finally an update- Sorry its been so long

2008-10-11T23:12:00.011-04:00

I think it’s been two weeks now since my last post because it’s been so busy. Sorry it's been so long I want to try to keep you updated each week. Maddie and Drew are doing well and are growing everyday. I think we are going to try to weigh them maybe tomorrow to see how much they have gained. I can definitely tell they are gaining weight and Drew’s little face is starting to fill out more.

Maddie still has her issues keeping Mommy up all night long (12-4) and it’s starting to take a toll on me. She will kick her feet, flail her arms and cry cry cry. I called the doctor and they said they think she has her days and nights mixed up. The other day I was getting ready and she was in the bathroom with me in her bouncy seat and of course she was crying. I turned the hairdryer on to dry my hair and she instantly stopped crying. When I turned the hairdryer off she started crying again so I turned the hairdryer on and laid it on the counter while I brushed my teeth and put my hair up. I am going to try a sound machine tonight. Cheryl and Heidi both had a sound machine they are letting me use and the good thing is they have different sounds so hopefully we can find a sound that works. I have been looking online and found a CD that you can purchase that has 75 minutes of hairdryer sound. There are so may different sounds that supposedly calm an infant like…hairdryer, dryer, running water, and a vacuum.

Maddie and Drew made their big debut at Powerco and BMI two Wednesdays ago and did very well. By the time we made it to Powerco it was time for a bottle and diaper change. Mike never thought his desk would become a changing table and bottle prep area. I was shaking up the bottles and spilled formula all over his desk. Linda has her camera with her at all times so she took pictures of Mike’s desk being converted to a changing table and feeding station.

Today Maddie and Drew went to watch Sarah’s soccer game and slept through both games and never made a peep. Sarah did a really good job today and they won one and lost one game today. Sarah is on a team with her best friend Megan and I think she really likes it.

My scrapbook friends came over with dinner(Chipotle my favorite) and cake to celebrate my birthday. We usually go out for birthdays but they brought the birthday party to me this year. Picture below

Jen had blood work done and her levels are within the normal range now but still on the low end of normal so she will continue to take her iron to get her hemoglobin up a bit more. I think she is getting stronger and stronger with every day that passes and is going back to work around the 22nd I think.

Well its 11:30pm now so I better go I have several pictures below enjoy! I want to try to change the layout of the blog to a baby theme with picutres of Maddie and Drew but need to find some professional help becuase I just can't figure it out. Tiffany if you read this do you know how to get in touch with the girl that did yours? I can't find her blog now.

Maddie

Drew

Brother and Sister

Maddie all dressed up for her credit union outing

Drew all dressed up like Daddy for his credit union outing

A look at the next 24 hours

Sarah and Megan at Soccer

Birthday party at my house

Mike's desk as a changing table

Making a mess on Mike's desk

A night out and more Maddie and Drew photos

2008-09-28T16:53:00.013-04:00

Our family always celebrates birthdays with a birthday dinner and each year I usually choose to go to The Japanese Steakhouse so that’s what we did last night. If you are even asking yourself “Did Maddie and Drew go?” The answer is NO! Aunt Bobbi came over to watch Maddie and Drew while we went to dinner. Thanks Bobbi! We are in no way ready to take these two precious babies out to dinner anywhere. We have only been out to the doctor twice and to Grandmas.

Maddie and Drew are doing well except for the 12AM-4AM shift. For some reason Madison wants give Mommy and Daddy a hard time during this time frame. I’m not sure why she does it because we have tried everything. Finally last night we let her sleep in her bouncy seat because that’s what she sleeps in while downstairs and that seemed to work a little better. Drew seems to lose his binky a lot during the night and requires assistance finding and replacing it. Both have no problem eating they eat every three hours and are up to 3 ½ ounces now. They both are constantly working on their neck strength because when we stop feeding them to burp they are lifting their head and moving it side to side trying to find the bottle to get more. I’m really surprised how much they are lifting their heads up. Bath time is not their favorite time but they will tolerate it. I can’t wait until they really start to respond to us.

Ok until next time enjoy the photos.

My brother and his family

Mike and I

Mom and Dad

Sarah using her chopsticks

James using his "eating sticks"

Maddie and Drew

Maddie at bath time

Drew at bath time

Drew in his boppy

Maddie in her boppy

Drew with the bunny Sarah gave him

Maddie and Drew in their stroller

Quick Update

2008-09-23T21:50:00.007-04:00

I just wanted to give you a real quick update about our doctors' appointment on Monday. Mike went back to work Monday and was meeting me at the doctors' office so Heidi came over to help me get Maddie and Drew off to the appointment.

Maddie weighed in at 6.5
Drew weighed in at 6.4

Dr. Dickson said they looked good and he did not need to see them again until they are two months old. Below are some really cute pictures we took of them while they were laying on the exam table in their diaper. I have bills to pay and I’m tired so that’s all for now.

DELIVERY DAY INFO

2008-09-21T22:12:00.002-04:00

Where do I begin????????? I'm home YEAH!!!
I guess the best way to share my experience is to start with the induction day.

Dawn, Mike, Shawn and I meet at the hospital at 7:oo a.m. on September 8th. The reason for induction was because I developed Preeclampsia. They checked to see if I was dilated to determine what kind of induction they were going to use. I was 3 centimeters and 70% which I thought great, because that's what I was with my pregnancies. I felt comfortable with the induction because I knew what to expect. They started patossin around 9 a.m. and contractions were picking up. I had my epidural before I was in pain. Things were just moving on beautifully until my blood pressure started creeping up. So they gave me magnesium to prevent seizers. It made me feel like I had the flu and was extremely hot.
Over the next 8 hours, we were at 9 centimeters. It was time to head to the OR (Operating Room) for delivery. There were so many people in the room. I remember pushing Maddie out and then there was Drew.That little guy didn't want to come out. The Doctor worked very hard while they were watching with an ultrasound the whole time. I just kept saying I don't want a c-section and pushing when he told me to. Drew's feet were the only thing the Doctor could grab so with a lot of work that's the way he came out. I started feeling different at this point.

So we head back to the room were we started and I guess that's were things got a little crazy. I was hemorrhaging. They couldn't get the bleeding to stop and my blood pressure went down to 70/30. I remember getting sick right before that. Shawn tells me that a rush of Doctors and nurses came in and stared working on me. He was very scared. Meanwhile they had done some blood work to check my hemoglobin levels, Kidney and liver which was part of the HELLP syndrome. My Kidney and liver levels were a little wacky the hemoglobin levels were below 6 and normal is between 11.2 and 15 So here comes the first out of three blood transfusions. I had a total of 6 units of blood given to me. Thank you who ever donated it! It's now Tuesday and I was still bleeding. They did a cat scan to find out where it was coming from and to rule out a hysterectomy. All was good with the results and things started to slow down. I was still pretty out of it. They were concerned about my kidneys and my potassium levels. Your potassium effects your heart. So I was hooked up to a EKG and sent to another floor where they monitored me. I was only there for one night then sent back down to postpartum for more blood. Each morning and night they drew blood to check all the levels. It always went up and down but after 5 days in the hospital I really wanted to come home. My hemoglobin was 7.2 when I was discharged.

I go back to the Doctor next Monday for lab work. For now I am taking iron to help build my red blood cells. Being anemic feels like you are drained all the time and you get really cold. I can say that each day I feel better.

Today we went over to see the babies which was really nice. They are so cute! As far as emotions go, I'm doing great! !!!!!!!! I loved seeing Dawn and Mike with their babies it made me feel good to see how happy they are. I'll probably post next week after my blood work appt.
I want to thank the medical staff at OSU in particular Dr. Colombo for everything they did for me. Without their help I may not have been here to tell this story.

Maddie and Drew settling in

2008-09-19T16:31:00.009-04:00

I think Maddie and Drew are staring to get settled into their new environment. Mike and I are also starting to adjust. We are a little sleep deprived but we have come to realize that’s just the way it’s going to be. I think today will be the first day we have not had My Mom or Mikes Mom over to help us. It has been really nice having them come over and help out. I don’t know what we would have done without them. Things are going to get really interesting next week because Mike is going back to work. Today has been a really good day and Mike is actually on the golf course right now.

I just love being a Mommy and Mike love being a Daddy. We just love them they are so darn cute! Mike has done a great job with them the last two weeks. I just love listening to all the little noises they make that is unless its 3 AM. I am starting to relax a little more and not jump up with every little noise they make. We tried to take a short stroller ride Wednesday and Madison was not going to cooperate. We were able to get them in the stroller and take a short walk yesterday.

I have to tell you the bottles are 24 hr 7 day a week job. WOW! I purchased the large powder formula container on Monday and it might last me through Sunday. At this point they are only taking 2 ounces so I hate to see formula cost as they increase the amount they are taking.

Maddie and Drew have a doctor appointment on Monday so I will try to update you then.

Enjoy the pictures got to go Maddie and Drew are waking up and are going to be very hungry.

Brother and Sister Can you find Maddie and Drew? Andrew's first bath at home Madison's first bath at home My Mom and Dad with Drew (Dad is trying to make a B so you know Mom was holding Drew) Mike and his Mom

Jen comes home and Maddie and Drew have a doctor appointment

2008-09-13T21:32:00.006-04:00

Great news Jen got to come home yesterday! Jen is now at home but still needs her rest to get her strength back. Of all the things we have been through with this pregnancy the most unbelievable thing is that Jen suffered from Preeclampsia and part of the HELLP syndrome that I had. Jen and Shawn have been through so much and I feel so bad about that.

Maddie and Drew had their first doctors appointment yesterday. Everything seems good and we go back on the 22nd for their two week appointment.

It has been very challenging to say the least the last two nights. I have called in the reinforcements to help out. I think the first night we may have got 2 hours of sleep and last night was even less. I think Maddie and Drew might have their days and nights mixed up. Mom, Gayla and Bobbi have come over to watch Maddie and Drew so Mike and I could get a nap for a few hours. One good thing is I have may volunteers to help out.

I’m able to write this post because Mike and Bobbi have the babies now. I will try to update you with more pictures and updates when I get a chance because I know everyone loves reading the blog.

Maddie coming home

Drew coming home

Maddie and Drew first night

Newborn Hospital Pictures

2008-09-10T21:12:00.005-04:00

Maddie and Drew are coming home tomorrow and I can't wait. Jen continues to improve and is doing much better today. You will need this password to view the hospital pictures and the password is case sensitive.

Click on the the newborn hospital pictures tile above- Choose Mother Dawn S
Password - Y4S9D7A3X7 then enter SHAF for the last name

Andrew will come up first and then above the picture there is a place you can change the view to select Madison.

More Pictures

2008-09-09T23:04:00.006-04:00

We continue to wish Jen a speedy recovery and hope she starts feeling better tomorrow.

Madison

Andrew

Mommy with her two bundles of Joy

Our new family

Thank you Jen and Shawn It’s because of you we are announcing Madison and Andrew

2008-09-09T00:50:00.015-04:00

The day has finally arrived……..Announcing Madison and Andrew Shafer

Madison
5:17 pm
6lbs 6 oz
19.5 inches

Andrew
5:28 pm
5lbs 14 oz
19.5 inches

We finally have our bundle of joy(s) and could not have done it without Jen and Shawn. We want to thank Jennifer and Shawn for this wonderful gift they have given us.

Today was a very long day for everyone. I want to respect Jen’s privacy so I am going to hold off on all the details until I am able to clear things with her. She does have some challenges in her recovery tonight but Doc tells us she will do just fine and should feel better tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers. I will tell you she did a wonderful job today and was very good at pushing.

Mike and I got to watch the delivery from an observation room in the OR and childbirth is an amazing thing. All twin deliveries are done in the OR just in case they have to do a c-section. I can report there were no c-sections involved in today’s delivery.

Madison and Andrew are doing really well and have been sent to the regular nursery. (No NICU)

Daddy and Maddie

Madison Eyes Wide Open

Maddie First Bath

Drew First Bath

Drew First Bottle

Maddie First Bottle

Mommy and Daddy with Maddie and Drew

Andrew

Madison

Babies will be here Monday

2008-09-05T22:36:00.002-04:00

Jen is home now but will be right back on Monday for a scheduled c-section or induction. She still has not decided which way she wants to deliver yet. I don’t think her levels were too bad but they were a little out of balance so doc decided to go ahead and deliver the babies.

It’s hard to believe it’s here already and I can’t wait. I’m going to sleep in every day this weekend and Mike is going to golf every day this weekend. I pretty much have everything ready except the bottles which I will get done this weekend.

I can’t tell you how excited I am for Monday. I hope everything goes well at the hospital because we have a very unique situation that they usually don’t see. My favorite nurse Heidi does not work on Monday so she will not get to be our nurse but she did want me to let her know when we were coming in.

Again we just wanted to thank Jennifer and Shawn because without them this would not have been possible. Shawn you have been a great husband and father during this journey and I know it has been equally difficult for you having to pick up all the at home duties and taking care of the kids. We really appreciate everything the two of you have done for us you are two really special people. You have made it possible for us to have the family we have dreamed about for years.

OSU here we come again

2008-09-04T22:58:00.001-04:00

OK so here we are at week 35 with another visit to OSU. I have a feeling this visit will be the final stop for this journey. Today at our regular doctors visit Jen had elevated blood pressure and traces of protein in her urine. We were sent to OSU for blood pressure monitoring, baby monitoring, blood work and another urine test. The blood pressure decreased and all but one test came back normal which was her kidney function test. Because this kidney function test came back high it required Jen to stay at the hospital overnight for a 24 hour urine collection and more blood work. Doc said if the kidney functions rise the pregnancy will be done sooner than later and he would talk to her about delivery options. I think we could have babies this weekend. I think the babies are pretty safe at this point and I think Jen is in good hands. I finally got to see my favorite nurse Heidi today at OSU. I just love Heidi she is so sweet and I hope she will be around when the babies are born. Well I’m going to bed now I will update you as soon as we find out the results of tomorrows test. Please keep Jen and the babies in your prayers.

Still waiting

2008-09-01T17:52:00.001-04:00

Happy Labor Day! (No labor for Jen yet this weekend) I just wanted to let everyone know we are still waiting. Jen has been having some contraction but nothing consistent. The swollen feet and legs are still giving her problems but she is still trying to take her walks. This weekend we put up a ceiling fan in Drew’s room and I am working on painting shelves for their rooms. I will update you as soon as we have news or after the appointment on Thursday. We will be 35 weeks this Friday.

Another Doctor Visit

2008-08-28T16:16:00.007-04:00

Our doctor’s appointment went good today. Jen is very uncomfortable and is having a hard time with the swelling in her feet and legs. (See photos below of what she calls her “porky pig feet” her words not mine) Jen also had an 11 lb weight gain in the last week which makes a 20 lb weight gain over the last 3 weeks. Now you can see really how uncomfortable she is. There is nothing that can be done for the swelling and unfortunately it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Jen was dilated one today. Here are the results from today’s scan:

Maddie- Heart Rate 144
Weight 5lbs 13 oz

Drew- Heart Rate 133
Weight 5lbs 3 oz

Once again we did not get a real good picture of Drew’s belly because their bellies are touching so Drew could be a little bigger. Sally told us today the bigger the babies get there is more room for the weights to be a little off. Doc says the babies are in the 90th percentile for weight. No ultrasound pictures today they are too squished in there to get good pictures.

The blankets you see below are from Jen and Shawn and Jen made them. Thanks!

PORKY PIG

2008-08-26T20:32:00.003-04:00

Sooooooo I now have porky pig feet and ankles. I have to laugh because it looks so funny. I didn't have this with my other pregnancies. I also wasn't pregnant during the hottest month of the year! If I haven't popped by Thursday maybe Dawn can take a picture at our Doctor's Appointment and place it on the blog?
I've been feeling okay just getting BIGGER!!!!!! My belly has been very itchy lately. Any suggestions? I can tell my body is getting ready for the big day. I thought it might be fun to take a poll of what date Drew and Maddie will make their grand entrance into Dawn and Mike's arms. If anyone guesses October, don't leave a comment :)!
Can't wait to hear every one's predictions.

Love, Jen

It's getting close

2008-08-21T21:40:00.006-04:00

Today’s doctor appointment went well. Poor Jen is getting bigger and bigger and gained 9 lbs in the last two weeks. She is starting to get swollen feet and ankles and the contractions are starting to pick up which is a little uncomfortable for her. Dr. C told us that Jen has already had more contractions this far in the pregnancy than a woman who has went through labor. Jen is a real trooper! The cervix went from 14 to 11 over the past two weeks. This will be the last cervix check now we are going to weekly appointments and they will now begin to check for dilation. At next weeks appointment they will also check the weight of the babies. I think they are now at the point where their weight slows down because they are twins. Twins slow down now but after they are born they will gain faster then a singleton baby. Jen was excited to be able to go for a little stroll around the block tonight. Below are two ultrasound pictures from the appointment today. Once again we could not get a good picture of Drew so his foot is below and we have a profile of Maddie. The ultrasound pictures are not that great now because they are so packed in there now.

Mike’s office gave him a survival and diaper shower last week. Mike received a backpack (daddy survival kit) with a bunch of needed item: air freshener, latex gloves, mask, ear plugs, wipes, binky’s, a father book, and hand sanitizer. We got boxes and boxes of diapers and a ton of wipes. Thank you to everyone!! We really needed the diapers because we did not get very may at our other shower. Below are some photos of the shower.

Maddie- 143 heart rate
Drew- 136 heat rate

Mike with his survival kit

Mike with the look of surprise

Drews foot in the top of the picture in the middle of the picture

Profile of Madison

Nurseries and lots of pictures

2008-08-18T20:41:00.016-04:00

We have been working to get the nurseries ready for Maddie and Drew. I think we are finally done with the exception of cleaning the carpets which I hope to get done this weekend. We are running out of time as we will be 33 weeks this Friday. Sarah and James stayed with us Friday night and painted the pictures for Maddie and Drew’s room which you see in the photos below. They each got to paint one picture for each room and I also painted one for each room. I also painted the paper mache letter you see above the cribs. It really saves a lot of money when you are able to do your own decorations. It was fun getting the nurseries ready and I’m glad I decided to do two nurseries because I like having both a boy and girl theme. There would have been no way I could have done another nursery with two babies if I had only done one then decided I needed two.

Sunday was Cheryl’s birthday so we cooked out at Mom and Dad’s. Jen, Shawn and the kids joined us and below you will see pictures of Jen at 32 weeks and 2 days.

We have a doctors appointment this Thursday so I will update then

QUESTIONS?????????

2008-08-16T10:42:00.004-04:00

I felt inspired to write after reading a friends blog regarding questions she gets about her 2 beautiful children. Her website is www.lilyfeifei.blogspot.com

So here are a few of the questions I get.............
"When is your baby due?"
Well they are due in October but it will be sometime in September,and their not mine!"
That usally gets people!
"Oh you have more then one and their not yours?"
That leads to the questions.......
OK.... The number one question I get is" How can you give them up?"
Well I'm not giving them up I'm giving them to their parents.
" Won't it be hard?"
From the very beginning of this journey I had a mind set that their not mine. It's their buns my oven! It will bring me such joy knowing that I was able to help make Dawn and Mike's dream come true.
" Will you see them?"
Yes I will see them since they are related to my sister.
" How could you do this, I couldn't?"
Well, I truly believe the strength comes from above!
Oh a big one" Surrogates get paid pretty well, Are you getting paid?"
Shawn and I are not doing this for money. We do not feel right about putting a price on a life.
However any expenses that come up it would be just like it were Dawn carrying them, And yes they cover that. Also since I have been off work they have compensated me for my lost wages. Which we are very grateful for.
"What do your children think?" "How do you tell them?"
We simply say that Aunt Dawn's belly is sick so the Doctor's put the babies in mommies belly and when they are ready we are giving them back to Aunt Dawn and Uncle Mike. We also have a book called the Kangaroo Pouch that Dawn got for the kids, It's great!
"What does your husband think?"
Come on are you serious, Like I would go through this with out his support!
Shawn has been 100% supportive from the get go. If he was not on board there is no way I could do this. Shawn is in this just as much as I am and he has not complained once. I'm so lucky to have him.
Those are just some of the most frequently asked questions.
To sum things up.... Yes some people are more supportive then others, nicely said!
Shawn and I feel good about our decision.
Thank you again for all the prayers and cards. The babes will be here soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jen

The Weigh In

2008-08-07T20:23:00.004-04:00

We are one week away for our next milestone with twins. We will be 32 weeks next Friday. The babies are growing and growing. Today Madison weighed in at a whopping 4.4 lbs and Andrew was 3.8 lbs. Andrew’s measurements were a little hard to get today so he could weigh a little more than we measured today. Jen’s cervix had no change it stayed the same length. The FFN test was negative so this means it’s not likely that labor will take place in the next two weeks. Jen is still on bed rest but is able to do a litte more than just stay in bed. We are all very glad the appointment went so well today. I have to tell you I have been very nervous about the last few appointments but the good news just keeps coming. Thank you all for your prayers they are working.

A little behind

2008-08-05T21:10:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have not updated the blog for a while I have been busy putting baby stuff away and writing thank you notes. I have good news about the appointment last week. The cervix did not change it stayed the same length. This means Jen is still on bed rest but at home not in the hospital which is very good. We have another appointment this week and they will do the FFN test again which will tell them if labor might take place in the next two weeks. We will also find out the weight of the babies. I can't wait to find out how big they are now. The babies have been having the hiccups a lot. I read they are practicing their breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid which causes hiccups. I just wanted to thank everyone again for all the baby gifts.

Baby Showers

2008-07-29T21:02:00.009-04:00

First I want to say thank you to Joe and Sharon Woods for giving us a very nice cherry changing table to use in our living room. Mike and I really appreciate it and will get plenty of use out of it. You can see the changing table below.

Thank you to everyone for the great baby showers. Yes, I did say showers. Sunday we had our baby shower put on by Heidi and Cheryl with the help of Mike’s Mom and My Mom. Today my wonderful accounting department surprised me with a shower. I know everyone worked really hard and the showers turned out great. I got lots of stuff as you can see from the pictures below and my current credit union friends got me the double jogging stroller we wanted. My entire living room floor was covered with gifts. I got all my major stuff like strollers, car seats, monitor, exersaucers, and high chairs. We also received cash gifts and several gift cards that we will have no problem spending.

As you know from Jen’s prior post she was able to attend the shower for a few hours and I’m glad she did not have to miss out on this. I also wanted to thank everyone who helped set up and clean up afterward. I am still going through stuff and boy is there a lot to go through. We have another doctor visit on Thursday so I will update the blog to fill you all in.

Changing Table from the Wood's

My Accounting Department Shower

Accounting Department Shower Cake

Shower Gifts

The shower helpers

Shower cake - click on this picture to enlarge and look at the babies they are made from icing and even have little toes

Me, Heidi, Jen, Cheryl

Day 7 at home on bed rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-28T10:58:00.004-04:00

Hello, Hello.......
Dawn had her baby shower yesterday and I was able to go for a couple of hours as long as I was off my feet and in a reclining position. Staying in a reclining position isn't that comfortable, but I did my best and didn't have any contractions. It was soooooooooooo nice to get out of the house and talk to people.
I wanted to say Thank you so much for all the cards, food, and gifts that we have been receiving. It's very sweet of you. Also Thank you to Cheryl, Dawn, Kelley, Mom, Bonnie, Lindsey, Holly, Alex, Meagan, Sarah and to our nanny Mrs.Nancy (who is starting tomorrow) for watching the kids. Shawn and I really appreciate it.
To all my clients, I miss you and don't worry I'll be back to get you ready for the Holidays!!!!!!!!!
The next day I'm looking forward to is Thursday, that will be my next outing. We have a Doctors appointment and they will measure the babies and check the cervix. I never thought I would say I'm looking forward to going to the Doctor's!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure Dawn soon will post some pictures from the shower.

Until next time Thank you for your continued prayers, Jen

Coming home

2008-07-22T17:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Jen had the second fetal fibronectin test and the cervix was measured. The fetal fibronectin test was negative and the cervix measured 14. As you can see from the picture above this means Jen is out of the hospital but still on bed rest at home. The instructions for bed rest were not to be on her feet longer than 10 minutes at a time and she has to be lying down or in a reclined position to keep the pressure off the pelvic area. The bed rest will not be fun but I’m sure Jen is thrilled to be able to do it at home with her family instead of in the hospital.

A HUGE HILL ON OUR ROLLER COASTER RIDE

2008-07-19T10:27:00.005-04:00

I wanted to post this last night but was way too tired to do it. This post was written yesterday while we were at the hospital. When I say yesterday I mean Thursday and when I say today it was actually Friday.

Today we are at 28 weeks which is our first milestone with twins BUT we are at OSU now checking for preterm labor. I am writing this post from the chair next to Jen’s bed. Yesterday at our regular doctors appointment the cervix went from 25 to 11 which was some cause for concern for Dr. Colombo. We went straight from our doctor’s appointment to labor and delivery at OSU. First on the agenda was to get Jen hooked up to a monitor to watch the heartbeats and her contractions. The monitor showed some contractions and what they called irritability which I don’t think are actual contractions. The next step was a steroid shot to help develop Maddie’s and Drew’s lungs just in case we are in preterm labor. The shot comes in two parts one last night and one 24 hours later. After the steroid shot Jen received an oral medication to stop contractions which caused some problems for her. Jen had a reaction to the medication and had a racing heart, trouble breathing, spinning room, and sweating. We found out later that the racing heart was a side effect of the medication. This all happened while Mike and I had left for a few minutes to get a bite to eat but Shawn was there with her. They had to bring in an EKG machine to check Jen’s heart and then an ultrasound machine to check the babies and both were fine. We did not get any sleep last night between the visits from the nurse, Dr. Colombo and the machines beeping all night so hopefully Jen will get some sleep tonight. The next step was a test which was done at 2:00 today to test for preterm labor. The results are in and the test was positive which means a hospital stay with bed rest at least until Monday and then based on the results of the next test we will see if we have bed rest at home or a hospital stay. A negative test would have told us with 99% accuracy that she was not going to go into labor within the next two weeks. A positive test tells us that there is a 20-30% chance that she may go into labor within the next two weeks. They will repeat the test on Monday and based on the results from that and her contractions over the next few days will determine if she is on bed rest at home or in the hospital.

This pregnancy has been a roller coaster ride from the beginning and this is just another hill and a very big one. I know this is putting emotional, physical and financial stress on everyone involved but we will get through this with help from above and friends/family. I can’t tell you how much it means to Mike and I that everyone has pulled together for us and these two precious babies of ours. This will be a gift that will last a lifetime.

Please keep us all in your prayers!!

Paint, Paint, and More Paint

2008-07-12T22:28:00.012-04:00

This weekend we are working on getting the nurseries painted. Today we worked all day painting both rooms and still have more to do. Maddie’s room is finished except for the closet and we have the touch up along the blue wall and the closet left in Drew’s room. Next weekend Mike will be installing the closet organizers in both rooms. We have walk in closets in both rooms so we figured we would just get a closet organizer and not spend the money on two dressers. The only furniture I am going to have to buy is a natural color changing table for Madison’s room to match the crib my friend Misti is letting me borrow. Oh I almost forgot I have to get two rockers too. I already had a changing table and crib that I used with Sarah and James which we will use for Drew’s room.

Here are a few pictures of what we have done so far. I will update you and give you more pictures as we get the nurseries done.

Drew's before picture

Drew's almost done picture

Maddie's before picture

Mike working on Maddies room

Maddie's room

Video Clip

2008-07-05T15:23:00.004-04:00

Here is a short 5 second video clip from the 4D ultrasound. Watch her mouth ...it looks like she smiles then opens her mouth.

Hiccup's

2008-07-03T23:45:00.005-04:00

Andrew Michael - Heart rate- 150 Weight - 2lbs Drew is showing about 4 days ahead of schedule

Madison Marie - Heart rate- 143 Weight- 2lb 6 oz Maddie is showing 11 days ahead of schedule

Picture of Madison with her ankles crossed. Her feet are under the crossed part of the ultrasound and the other end you see her knees.

The babies were very active today which may have had something to do with Jen taking the diabetes test where she was required to drink a sugary liquid. I think they were on a little sugar high because Madison was kicking poor Drew over and over again. It’s really amazing when you see how thin the membrane is that separates them in there. It was so cute to see Madison today because she had the hiccups. Sally our favorite ultrasound tech gave us lots of pictures again.

Today’s appointment brought great news on all levels. Jen’s cervix length did not change over the last two weeks it’s still at 25. The results from the diabetes test were also good and the babies looked great.

We are getting so close and the big day will be here before you know it. Babies R Us is having a sale so I think I am going to purchase Madison’s bedding this weekend. As soon as we get the bedding purchased we are going to head to Sears for some paint. I went to Jo-Ann’s today and purchased paper mache letters that I will paint then hang on the wall with ribbon.

Going back in time

2008-07-01T22:13:00.006-04:00

I forgot to add this photo to the last batch.

This picture was taken at 24 weeks. Jen and Shawn stopped by to drop off the ultrasound pictures from the doctors appointment we missed. We are missing Lauren from the picture because she was at aunt CC's. (aka Cheryl)

Remembering Baby Shafer

2008-06-30T22:33:00.005-04:00

Today it has been two years since my illness and the loss of baby Shafer. It has been a very hard two years but thanks to Jen and Shawn our dreams are coming true. We just wanted to remember baby Shafer today he will never be forgotten.

Thinking of You with LoveWe thought of you with love today,but that is nothing new.We thought about you yesterday,and days before that too.We think of you in silence,we often speak your name.All we have are memories,and your picture in a frame.Your memory is our keepsake,with which we will never part.God has you in His keeping,we have you in our hearts.A million times we`ve wanted you. A million times we cried.If love could only have saved you, you never would have died.It broke our hearts to lose you.But you didn`t go alone.For a part of us went with you...the day God called you Home.~Author Unknown

Pictures

2008-06-29T12:13:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks. The 4D ultrasound pictures were done this Friday. We were not able to get any good pictures of Andrew because he was face down and packed in there. I am still working on the video because I want to remove the personal information from it before it gets loaded to the blog. Our friend John is helping me with the video and should have it done by the first part of the week. Enjoy!

Jen at 25 weeks. She was out to dinner and sent this to me on my cell phone.

Madison Marie at 25 weeks with her hand by her face.

Andrew Michael at 25 weeks. You really have to study this picture. If you look in the center of the picture you can see a little nose and lips peeking out between everything.

Vacation pictures from Sunset Beach North Carolina.

Back From Vacation(s)

2008-06-23T22:07:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone

Sorry it’s been so long since I have posted. The first part of June has been a little crazy. We just got back from two vacations so I think we are done with vacations for a while maybe a long while. We were in Sunset Beach North Carolina for a week only to come home for two days then head out to Las Vegas. Mike had a conference in Vegas so I decided to tag along for one last visit before Maddie and Drew arrive. I figure it will be a while before I am able to go to Las Vegas again because it is definitely no place for kids.

Jen is doing good and getting bigger (only in the belly) if you look at her from behind you can’t even tell she is pregnant. The babies are really active we got to feel them move around yesterday. Jen stopped by to drop off the ultrasound pictures from Thursday’s appointment that we missed and we got some pictures but my laptop is not working so I will have to post them after my computer gets fixed. I’m using Mike’s laptop to write this post so I don’t have access to my pictures or email.

We have an appointment this Friday for a 3D ultrasound. I’m so excited to see how the images turn out. I think we will get a DVD and pictures so I will try to get them loaded on Friday evening. It may be late Friday before I get the image uploaded because I have James and I’m not sure what time we will get him settled in for the night.

I have some really great pictures of Jen, the babies and the beach I want to get loaded so as soon as my laptop gets fixed I will upload some pictures for you.

We will be 25 weeks this Friday.

Update from Thursday

2008-06-22T09:36:00.003-04:00

Hello, I wanted to give you an update from Thursday. Madison's heart rate was 140 and Drew's was 146. They are very active! Her head was down on Thursday(YEAH!!!!!!!!!) and he was still transverse.
My cervix is shortening still. 2 weeks ago it was 27 and it is 25 now. They will keep watching it. For now we are still going every 2 weeks.

New Ultrasounds Photos

2008-06-05T22:34:00.003-04:00

Today Sally our ultrasound tech took measurements to check the weight. To get the weight they take several measurements two being the head and stomach. The results are in and Maddie topped the scales at a whopping 1lb 3oz and Drew a whopping 1lb 6 oz. They are really good size because twins are usually behind but we are showing a little ahead of schedule at this point and time. The heart rates were also really good today Madison at 140 and Drew was 154.

At each appointment they also take measurements of the cervix length to try to determine the risk for preterm labor. Today the cervix was a little shorter then the last visit. The only thing we do at this point is watch it. They use to go in and put stitches in to hold the cervix shut but doc says they have found that does more harm than good. We pray all goes well and the preterm labor holds off until Maddie and Drew are safe.

Crib Bedding

2008-05-30T18:34:00.005-04:00

Maddie's Room Drew's Room

I THINK I have decided on the nursery bedding. When it comes to things like this nothing I pick is definite just ask Mom and Mike. I have the hardest time making a decision I will look for hours online trying to pick something. Mike can not understand how I can literally spend hours online looking at the same stuff over and over. I have also decided that I want to do two separate nurseries so in the event they don’t do well together in the same bed I have the other room ready. My neighbor Misti is going to let me borrow her crib because it matches the furniture I already have. Thanks Misti!

Drew’s room is officially being done in Oshkosh Under Construction bedding. This is the bedding set Mike and I had picked for our first baby boy. (I hate not having a name chosen for him before we lost him) I went to TJ Maxx and found some of the accessories so I knew it was meant to be that Drew should have this bedding. I got the rug, diaper stacker and window valance at TJ Maxx. The bedding has been discontinued so I was able to purchase the bedding set, mobile and matching pillows on EBay for a pretty good price. Most places online that still have the set still want full price so EBay was a great option.

Maddie’s room I have not made an official decision on yet but I think we are going with the Cocalo A La Mode bedding. The bedding has flowers on it and may shades of pink, green and ivory. I will probably wait a little while before buying her bedding and only bought Drew’s because I got such a good deal on it.

Jen says the babies are really active and she is feeling pretty good. We have a doctor appointment on Dad’s birthday the 5th. I believe this appointment we will find out how much they weigh and how much they have grown.

Everyone have a great weekend and thanks for all your comments.

20 Weeks

2008-05-23T22:14:00.004-04:00

Here are two of the ultrasound pictures from yesterday. All the pictures pretty much look the same so I am only adding one of each. There still is not much soft tissue so the pictures look a little skeletal. Andrew was looking down at Madison yesterday during the ultrasound. Things look good for both the babies and Jen. It looks like the placenta is about ½ inch away from the cervix now and should only move further away as the babies grow. This was the first time Madison and Andrew had the same heart rate. (146) Madison and Andrew were really active before our appointment I felt them kicking several times while we were sitting in the lobby. (I think it was more Andrew because the kicks were higher and in his area)

We have an appointment in two weeks and they will take the measurements to calculate the babies’ weight.

I also wanted to thank my friend at work Courtney for the baby clothes and items she gave me.

How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid

19 Week Baby Belly Pictures

2008-05-18T13:53:00.005-04:00

You have been asking for them so here they are….19 week pictures taken Friday.

We have now started the legal process to have the paternity and parenting rights of the babies turned over to Mike and I. There are all kinds of documents that need to be completed and our attorney actually has to file a court case. I even had to send an affidavit to our doctor. A special thank you to Bobbi (our friend) for going with us to Jen’s Friday night to notarize all of our documents and for making us a wonderful pound cake dessert.

Our next appointment will be this Thursday so I'm sure I will be adding more ultrasound pictures either Thursday or Friday evening.

Have a great week!

Kicking Babies

2008-05-15T17:41:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I had a hair appointment with Jen and I got to feel the babies moving (I think it was Drew). It was so neat. I read somewhere that if you have had children before you can feel them move sooner and I think the skinner you are that helps too. Jen has been able to feel them for a week or two but now we can feel them from the outside. We never got to feel the kicking with my pregnancy. Jen said they are really active when she goes to bed. I will try to get a picture of Jen so you can see she is starting to pop out in the front.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T16:31:00.007-04:00

Happy Mother's Day To All

Here are the gifts our Mom’s got for Mother’s Day. These are build a bear bears with Madison’s heartbeat in the paw and Andrews heartbeat in the foot. We took the recording devices with us to our appointment this past Thursday. Madison was the first one we did and the sound was up really loud so hers sounds kind of like it skips beats but it really wasn’t.

Below are the video files for the heartbeats...The frist one is Madison's and the second one is Andrew's

Today we went to Oakhurst Country Club for a Mother’s Day brunch. It was really nice to have everyone there and we enjoyed the company of friends (Billman’s and Buck’s) too. For Mother’s Day I got an outfit to bring Maddie and Drew home in, a white gold heart locket, and many cards .

I have had several people say they have left me comments and I have not got them. I love getting comments so try this.

Click on the comment line at the very bottom of the post- #comments (this tells you how many comments there are for this post and that is what you click on)

Type your comment in the box and then enter your name as your last line of the comment (so I know who the comment was from)

Choose an identity - You don't have to sign up for blogger you can just click the anonymous box but make sure you put your name in the box where you typed your comment so I know who the comment is from

Click publish your comment when you are done

If you don't see your comment right away don't worry all comments come to me first for approval before they are actaully put on the blog.

It's Official Madison and Andrew

2008-05-08T22:30:00.010-04:00

The babies and Jen are doing just fine. The ultrasound today shows no problems both babies looked good and measured great. They really check everything in detail from the heart having four chambers to the number of muscles in the cord.

Madison (Baby A)
Gestation – 19 weeks 3 day (I think)
Weight – 9 oz
Heartbeat 147

Andrew (Baby B)
Gestation – 18 weeks 6 day (I think)
Weight – 8 oz
Heartbeat- 162

Everything was good today with Jen also. From what they could see today it looks like the low placenta that was partially covering the cervix might have moved up. All the other measurements they took today to check for preterm labor were also good. Jen is feeling good just a few headaches. The doc said it could be hormones or just the weather.

Because there was no sign of spina bifida today we are not taking the AFP. The AFP test is just a risk measurement and will not tell you if you have a baby with the spina bifida or not. The test results can also be skewed because of having twins. If we did have a high risk factor we would just have to be seen more frequently and have measurements done that we will have anyway.

James did not get to have his soccer game tonight and he was a little upset about it.

Enjoy the pictures below....

Baby B - Arm up by is head

Baby B Foot- The feet are measuring about 1 inch now

Baby A Foot

It's a girl- Madison Marie (Maddie)

It's a boy- Andrew Michael (Drew)

Baby B Profile

Baby A Profile

Baby Names

2008-05-02T22:10:00.003-04:00

Pending the ultrasound results next Thursday we have picked our names.

Baby A girl- Madison Marie ...(Maddie)
Baby B boy- Andrew Michael...(Drew)

I got to pick the girl name because I knew I wanted Madison so Mike got to pick the boy name. Things are going good Jen, Maddie and Drew are all doing good.

Praying things continue to go well. I will try to get my ultrasound pictures posted Thursday night but I may have a lot to scan and may not get them up until Friday. We also have a soccer game to go to Thursday evening because James is starting pee-wee soccer.

Good news and more pictures

2008-04-24T17:25:00.008-04:00

Today went great and Jen is feeling pretty good. Below are some pictures from today. Our next appointment will be May 8th and it will be the level 2 ultrasound so we should have some pretty good pictures. Today the gender is still looking the same....Baby A Girl and Baby B Boy.

Cute story of the day: Shawn came and took the kids to McDonalds while we were at the appointment. Jen and I were showing Collin and Lauren the ultrasound pictures from the appointment. I left and headed to my car and my phone started ringing it was Jen. Lauren wanted to know why I kept the ultrasound pictures and Jen explained because they were my babies. Jen said she was the Surro Mom which made Lauren the Surro Sister. Lauren told Jen that sometimes sisters live in different houses and she wanted a picture of her Surro Sister.

This is the picture showing Baby A is a girl. The three little white dots is what they are looking to show the gender.

This picture is showing Baby B is a boy. The little dot at the end of the arrow.

Good picture of Baby A's arm.

Baby A profile

Baby B profile

Here are some pictures finally

2008-04-21T22:11:00.008-04:00

Here are some pictures.

Still having scanner problems

2008-04-20T21:13:00.003-04:00

I’m still trying to get my scanner working. I tried to used the scanner on both laptops today and it would not work on either one. I know everyone keeps checking the blog for the ultrasound pictures and I hope to get them on here soon. I’m going to have to find the manual and see if Mike can help me.

Things are going good and Jen is feeling pretty good. We have an appointment on Thursday for the cervix ultrasound. May 8th we are scheduled for our level 2 scan which is a two hour appointment they allow an hour for each baby.

Your pregnancy: 15 weeks

How your baby's growing:Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

High Risk Doc

2008-04-10T21:35:00.001-04:00

Today’s appointment went well with the exception of the wait. We had to wait 1 1/2 hours before we got called back. Doc was not happy with that and said it will never happen again. The office manager was called to find out why we waited that long. I guess they had two ultrasound techs out today due to illness.

The placenta is only 1cm over the cervix and he is not that concerned about it. Doc said they usually don’t even say you have placenta previa until you are 20 some weeks because it usually will correct. We have a great chance that the placenta will move upward as things grow. They will keep a close eye on the cervix and measure the placenta to see if it is moving. We will have another ultrasound in two weeks to check the cervix. I think the cervix measurement is to measure the thickness because of the risk of preterm labor. Four weeks from now we will do our level 2 ultrasound so we should know the sex of the babies for sure. We will be 18 weeks when we do the level 2.

The bleeding may continue throughout the pregnancy. Now that we know the bleeding may continue we may not get so stressed out about it. I think it will still make us a little nervous but maybe not quite as bad. I don’t remember the exact percentage (I thought it was kind of high) but there are pregnancies that have bleeding for some reason or another.

I feel really comfortable with the new doctor. We even got his home and pager number today.

I have about 15 ultrasound pictures to scan that I will work on this weekend. I have all my ultrasound pictures in an album and might have to get another one because it sounds like we will have lots of pictures.

High Risk Doc Tomorrow

2008-04-09T20:59:00.003-04:00

Today we had another scare with a small amount of bleeding. Jen was quick to call the doctor and was told to rest again. We got our appointment with the high risk doc bumped up to tomorrow. I just talked with Jen a while ago and things seem to be going ok tonight. I will update after our appointment tomorrow.

Placenta Previa- OSU here we come

2008-04-07T19:24:00.008-04:00

Top of Baby A and Baby B heads- side by side
Baby B Profile

Baby A Profile

Today’s doctor appointment reveals something different than the diagnosis we got last Thursday while in the ER. What we have now been diagnosed with is a marginal placenta previa. From what I understand this can correct itself and we are praying that’s just what it does. We want to keep the bleeding to a minimum for Jen and the babies.

We have now been referred to a high risk doctor at OSU. That means when the babies are born we will get to see Heidi our favorite nurse again. I just can’t wait for that day to come and I’m sure Jen and Shawn are counting down the days and have been for about 13 weeks now. Jen and Shawn have been through so much already and I don’t think any of us expected any of this to happen. It has been one roller coaster ride after another and we just hope and pray that things go well for the remainder of the pregnancy. We will never be able to repay Jen and Shawn for the gift they are giving us.

The babies were perfect today. Their measurements were right where they should be and the heartbeats were good 158 and 161 I think.

For those of you who don’t know the following is an in depth description of Placenta previa:

What is placenta previa? If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. The placenta is the pancake-shaped organ — normally located near the top of the uterus — that supplies your baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord.Placenta previa is not usually a problem early in pregnancy. But if it persists into later pregnancy, it can cause bleeding, which may require you to deliver early and can lead to other complications. If you have placenta previa when it's time to deliver your baby, you'll need to have a c-section.If the placenta covers the cervix completely, it's called a complete or total previa. If it's right on the border of the cervix, it's called a marginal previa. (You may also hear the term "partial previa," which refers to a placenta that covers part of the cervical opening once the cervix starts to dilate.) If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it's called a low-lying placenta. The location of your placenta will be checked during your midpregnancy ultrasound exam.

Picture of a normal placenta

Picture of a marginal placenta previa

Picture of a complete placenta previa

What happens if I'm diagnosed with placenta previa? It depends on how far along you are in pregnancy. Don't panic if your second trimester ultrasound shows that you have placenta previa. As your pregnancy progresses, your placenta is likely to "migrate" farther from your cervix and no longer be a problem. (Since the placenta is implanted in the uterus, it doesn't actually move, but it can end up farther from your cervix as your uterus expands. Also, as the placenta itself grows, it's likely to grow toward the richer blood supply in the upper part of the uterus.)Only about 10 percent of women who have placenta previa noted on ultrasound at midpregnancy still have it when they deliver their baby. A placenta that completely covers the cervix is more likely to stay that way than one that's bordering it (marginal) or nearby (low-lying).Even if previa is discovered later in pregnancy, the placenta may still move away from the cervix (although the later it's found, the less likely this is to happen). You'll have a follow-up ultrasound early in your third trimester to check on the location of your placenta. If you have any vaginal bleeding in the meantime, an ultrasound will be done then to find out what's going on.

What will happen if my previa persists? If the follow-up ultrasound reveals that your placenta is still covering or too close to your cervix, you'll be monitored carefully, have regular ultrasounds, and need to watch for vaginal bleeding. You'll be put on "pelvic rest," which means no intercourse or vaginal exams for the rest of your pregnancy. And you'll be advised to take it easy and avoid activities that might provoke bleeding, such as strenuous housework or heavy lifting.Bleeding from a placenta previa happens when the cervix begins to thin out or dilate (even a little) and disrupts the blood vessels in that area. It's usually painless, can start without warning, and can range from spotting to extremely heavy bleeding. If your bleeding is severe, you may have to deliver your baby right away, even if he's still premature. You may also need a blood transfusion.It's unusual for bleeding to start before late in the second trimester, and about half the time it doesn't begin until you're nearly full-term (37 weeks). The bleeding will often stop on its own, but it's likely to start again at some point. (If you have bleeding and you're Rh negative, you'll need a shot of Rh immune globulin, unless the baby's father is Rh negative, too.)If you start bleeding or have contractions, you'll need to be hospitalized. What happens then will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy, how heavy the bleeding is, and how you and your baby are doing. If you're near full-term, your baby will be delivered by c-section right away. If your baby is still premature, he'll be delivered by c-section immediately if his condition warrants it or if you have heavy bleeding that doesn't stop.Otherwise, you'll be watched in the hospital until the bleeding stops. If you're less than 34 weeks, you may be given corticosteriods to speed up your baby's lung development and to prevent other complications in case he ends up being delivered prematurely.If the bleeding stops, and both you and your baby are in good condition, you'll probably be sent home. But you'll need to return to the hospital immediately if the bleeding starts again. If you and your baby continue to do well and you don't need to deliver early, you'll have a scheduled c-section at 37 weeks.No matter when you deliver, if you still have placenta previa, you'll need a c-section. With a complete previa, the placenta blocks the baby's way out. And even if it's only bordering the cervix, you'll still need a c-section in most cases because the placenta could bleed profusely if the cervix dilated.

What other complications can placenta previa cause? Having placenta previa increases your risk of heavy bleeding not only during pregnancy but also during and after delivery. Here's why:After a baby is delivered by c-section, the obstetrician delivers the placenta and the mother is given Pitocin (and possibly other medications). This causes the uterus to contract, which helps stop the bleeding from the area where the placenta was implanted. But when you have previa, the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus, which doesn't contract as well as the upper part — so the contractions are not as effective at stopping the bleeding.Women who have placenta previa are also more likely to have a placenta that's implanted too deeply and doesn't separate easily at delivery (placenta accreta). Placenta accreta occurs in only one out of 2,500 births overall, but your chances of having this problem are one in ten if you have placenta previa when you deliver your baby. Placenta accreta can cause severe bleeding, and a hysterectomy to control the bleeding and a blood transfusion may be required.Finally, women with placenta previa are more likely to have a low-birthweight baby — mostly because they may need to deliver early, but also because of a slightly increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction.

Who's most at risk for placenta previa? Most women who develop placenta previa have no apparent risk factors. But if any of the following apply to you, you're more likely to have this complication:
• You had placenta previa in a previous pregnancy.
• You're pregnant with twins or higher-order multiples.
• You've had c-sections before. (The more c-sections you've had, the higher the risk.)
• You've had some other uterine surgery (such as a D&C or fibroid removal).
• You're a cigarette smoker.
• You use cocaine.Also, the more babies you've had and the older you are, the higher your risk

Another Terrifying Moment

2008-04-04T23:35:00.005-04:00

Click on images to enlarge

Yesterday was Mike’s bowling night so I was at Mom & Dad’s and we had started to eat our regular Thursday night Chipotle dinner when the call came around 6:00. Jen called with that scared and nervous voice that said bleeding had started again. I called Mike and we all headed to the hospital again. Yes, this will be the third hospital visit in the last 6 or 7 weeks.

First ..Blood work, exam, heartbeat check

We had two heartbeats and the ranges were the same that we had just heard Monday at our regular doctor’s appointment.

Second…wait for the ultrasound tech to come in from home

The ultrasound tech arrived and we headed to the ultrasound room. Even though we had just heard heartbeats earlier in the evening I was so nervous about this ultrasound. The poor ultrasound tech was home trying to pack for her trip to Florida the next morning. The ultrasound showed two babies full of life. They were moving all around and would not stop for a minute. It is so amazing to see a baby be so tiny yet be so full of life and movement. There were tiny little legs, arms, hands and feet. Mike was so excited to see the babies on the ultrasound. He was so close to the machine watching their every move. There were several measurements and pictures taken for the radiologist who would review the results. We got three pictures to bring home which I have scanned in with this post. There is one picture that shows a tiny little foot. There are two more pictures one for baby A and one for baby B these pictures are the ones we are using to determine the sex of the babies. Although it is very early and this could not be totally correct the pictures seem to reveal…..a perfect miracle.

Baby A – Girl
Baby B – Boy

Our ultrasound tech went strictly by the book and was not able to discuss the result of the ultrasound with us but she did print these two pictures and told us what they look for when they look for the sex of the baby. Baby A’s head was in the downward position which Jen was happy with and wants it to stay that way.

The wait was finally over and the PA (I’m pretty sure that’s what she was -physician assistant) came in to talk to us. She told us the blood work was good ….the urine was good….and the ultrasound showed a subchorionic hemorrhage??? We asked what this was and she told us she knew what it was in her head but had to go figure out how to explain it to us. She was gone forever. Mike made jokes that she had gone to Google it. She came back to explain that something had pulled away from the wall which caused some bleeding. The PA made it seem like it was not a big deal and we should follow up with our OB in the morning. I wish I would have done things differently now. I wish I would have insisted that a doctor come in and explain things to us because now I have so many questions that are not going to be answered until Monday. After researching this condition on the internet I’m wondering…How bad is it??? Where is the tear or what ever it is??? What is the risk to the babies??? You know how it is when you always think of things after the fact. I feel these types of things should have been included in the explanation we received. When you are stressed out and tired like we were you just don’t think of everything. All you hear are that things looked good and we were heading home.

I can say I have never been at a hospital where I thought there we so may people that really cared about you and your situation. The girl that checked us in last night was so sweet. I wish I knew her name because I would like to send a comment to the hospital about her. She reminds me so much of my favorite nurse from OSU Heidi. I believe the other nurse we liked so well might have been the nurse in charge. The only thing that really upset me was the way they explained the bleeding condition to us. I have no idea the risk for losing the babies at this point. A doctor should have been in the room with us when the PA came in to explain things. It just does not look good when they have to leave the room to figure out how to explain thing to you.

Please keep Jen and our babies in your prayers. We have another ultrasound scheduled Monday at our OB office. Jen is on bed rest this weekend. We can not thank her enough because she has had to put up with so much already.

Special thanks to Cheryl again for the keeping the kids and getting no sleep because the boys were up at 5 a.m. after being up late worried about us. Thanks to Mom and Dad for staying with us the entire time in the lobby. We also got to meet Shawn’s cousin and wife which were there for support also.

Heartbeats and Quilts

2008-03-31T19:00:00.004-04:00

Today we had a doctors appointment for just the normal routine stuff. We got to hear the hearbeats today. I'm not sure which baby is which but one heartbeat was in the 150 range and the other was in the 160's. Jen is feeling much better even with the decrease in her nausea medication. She tells me she could be off the pump by this weekend if all goes well. Next doctors appointment will be in 4 weeks which will be just the normal stuff again.

I just wanted to show you a picture of the quilts my Aunt Cathy made for the babies. I love them!

Update from Jen

2008-03-28T13:50:00.004-04:00

Hello to all, I thought I should write because it has been a while since I've posted. Dawn has been doing a great job keeping everyone informed. Well today I talked to my nurse who I check in with Mon,Wed, and Fri. and I asked if I can start to decrease the the anti nausea medicine because I really would like to get off of the pump! I thought well we are 12 weeks now so let's try. The nurse says they don't usually try to ween you off until 14 weeks. We'll see how it goes!

Today I'm feeling good pregnancy wise. It's been almost 2 weeks since I last got sick Yeah! I just have this silly cold. We have a doctor's apt. on Mon. with the OB coordinator then with Dr. Jones to hear heart beats, get measured and weighed.
OK I have to tell you something funny......... Yesterday was the day I had to change my site in my leg. ( it's where the pump is connected) Anyway I just wanted to shower without being connected. So I called the nurse to ask if I can take a 10 min shower without being hooked up since I was going to change the site any way. She said 10 min!!!!!!!!! I was a free woman dancing in the shower! It was nice! OK another funny story this one happened about 4 weeks ago. I had to get my blood tested to see if we can start to get off of the estrogen patches and the progesterone injections. That was at 9:00 in the morning. So about 9:30 I thought Spaghetti warehouse sounds good. (I was craving it the night before) I called and someone answered. I asked. "what time do you start to serve lunch?" "11:00" she replied. I told her that I was pregnant and have been really sick and the only thing that sounds good is plain spaghetti and bread with that wonderful garlic butter, is there any one that could make something for me? She couldn't have been any nicer. She said "we'll see you in 15 min." I was very happy and needless to say I called the next week at 9: 30 because I had to get my blood drawn again. I ate it again!!!!!!!!!! GO SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK I'm out of room. Until next time, Thank you for all your prayers, Jen

No Ultrasound Pictures Today

2008-03-27T18:25:00.001-04:00

Sorry there are no ultrasound pictures to post today. We cancelled the appointment yesterday. The purpose of this test was to check for downs and some other problem because I am advanced maternal age. The last time we had this test done things were fine and we really had no genetic problems to worry about. The cost of this test was outrageous and we decided the results of this test would not change anything with the pregnancy so we opted to not have the test done. Melissa told us if we were going to make a decision about the pregnancy based on this test then have the test if not it was not necessary.

We will still have the AFP test done around 16 weeks and a level two ultrasound because it’s a twin pregnancy. The only thing bad about the AFP test is the high rate of false positive. My friend at work had her AFP test results come back positive and worried the entire time but had a healthy baby.

Sorry I did not update yesterday I was down with a migraine.

No More Fertility Meds

2008-03-21T22:13:00.002-04:00

Today we are 11 weeks and tonight will be the last progesterone shot for Jen. I know she has to be excited and Dr. Shawn is probably glad too. Jen is now officially off all medication with the exception of the nausea medication.

Blog Comments

2008-03-19T20:44:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know how much I love reading your comments and emails. I don't have any way to respond but I read everyone of them. I love coming home from work to see comments in my inbox. I have bloger set up so I have to approve comments before they actually get posted to the blog. We have so many great friends and family members that have been so supportive.

Heidi V it's so good to hear from you. Heidi was my nurse at OSU almost 2 years ago when I was ill and we lost our son. Heidi was so special to all of us that we have kept in touch with her. I have to say Heidi from OSU and Judy from Cincinnati are the best nurses I have ever had.

Got to go Big Brother is on. Love you all!

Quiet but good

2008-03-13T20:50:00.002-04:00

Things have been kind of quiet which is good news. I think Jen is finally starting to feel a little better which is great news. Jen had a blood test done last Friday to check hormone levels. The levels were good and she was able to decrease both medications she was on. Tomorrow is another blood test to hopefully reduce the medications again.

We have an ultra-screen scheduled for the 27th and a regular doctors appointment on the 31st.

What Is Ultra-Screen®?Ultra-Screen® is a First-trimester prenatal screening protocol designed to provide patient specific risk for Down Syndrome, trisomy 18 and other chromosomal abnormalities. Ultra-Screen® combines ultrasound measurement of the fluid accumulation behind the neck of the fetus (nuchal translucency) with maternal serum markers and is the earliest and most effective Down Syndrome screen available.

How Is Ultra-Screen® Performed?Ultra-Screen® consists of a combination of ultrasound exam and a blood test performed between 11 weeks 1 day, and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. The ultrasound demonstrates a fetal heartbeat and determines gestational age. Then, the amount of fluid accumulation behind the neck of the baby, called nuchal translucency (NT) is measured. The blood sample is analyzed for two chemicals called free Beta human chorionic gonadotropin, and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A(PAPP-A) which are normally found in the blood of all pregnant women. The results of the ultrasound exam will be combined with the results of the blood test to estimate a specific risk for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18.

Under Construction

2008-03-05T21:01:00.003-05:00

You may notice small changes to the blog as I try to learn how to create a new blog look. It may take me a while to figure this out. I have some digital scrapbooking items I purchased and I have no idea what I'm doing.

Great News

2008-03-03T19:18:00.002-05:00

Today we went for our follow up ultrasound and got great results. We had two healthy heartbeats and two growing babies. I don’t remember which heartbeat went with which baby but one was in the 170’s and the other in the 180’s today. The babies were measuring around 9 weeks which is a few days ahead of schedule so they are growing. What a relief.

Jen had an appointment with Dr. Jones and then we all talked with her today. We have dizygotic twins (fraternal twins) which we found out today are the safest type of twins to carry because they are in their own sac. We found out today that full term for twins is 37 weeks so it looks like we will have September babies.
Dizygotic twins, like any other siblings, have an extremely small chance of having the exact same chromosome profile. Like any other siblings, fraternal twins may look very similar, particularly given that they are the same age. However, fraternal twins may also look very different from each other. They may be different sexes or the same sex. The same holds true for brothers and sisters from the same parents, meaning that fraternal twins are simply brothers and/or sisters who happen to have the same age.

I’m glad to report Jen is starting to feel much better. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support.

You can click on the photo to enlarge it. Baby B was not in a very good position to get a real clear picture. The dark part above baby B is the sac of baby A

Upcoming Doctor Visit

2008-02-26T20:09:00.003-05:00

We have an appointment scheduled Monday for an ultrasound and a visit with Dr. Jones.

On Pins and Needles- Twice in three days

2008-02-24T22:15:00.005-05:00

We have had a very stressful and very scary few days.

Thursday

Jen had a very bad day and was very nauseated and could not hold down any food or liquid. It was around 3:00 when I got a call from Jen asking if I could come and get her to take her to the ER. Since Jen was not able to hold down any fluids Dr. Jones wanted her to visit the ER to receive a few bags of fluid. We arrived at the new Dublin Hospital around 4:30 and left at 8:45 after two bags of fluid and some nausea medication. I can tell you after Jen received the fluid and nausea medication she looked and felt a lot better.

Friday

Jen had a home health care service come to give her a medication pump that would give her a continuous flow of nausea medication. She puts a catheter in her leg and the medication flows through that. Jen did get a surprise when the home health care service told her she would have to receive IV fluids for the next three days while at home. I know this was a real hassle for her because she had to carry around an IV pole everywhere she went in the house.

Saturday

Saturday morning around 9 Jen called to tell me she had started bleeding and we needed to head to the labor and delivery. I think my heart just stopped. Mike was out of town so I was here by myself which made the situation that much worse. Dr. Sacolick was on call Saturday and he was really great. The first thing Dr. Sacolick did was an ultrasound to see if the babies were ok. We still had two babies and two heartbeats. There are so many things that could cause bleeding in a pregnancy and we don’t know why Jen was bleeding. Dr. Thomas in Cincinnati ordered a progesterone test be done to check her hormone levels and told her she needed to go back to her progesterone injections. We have to wait until Monday to find out the results of this test. After the ultrasound and blood work we were able to leave. Jen had to take it easy and rest on her left side. We will repeat the ultrasound in about 10 days to see if the babies are still there and OK. I don't think I will be about to think about anything other than this upcoming ultrasound.

This has been a very emotional and crazy weekend for everyone involved. I feel really bad that Jen had to miss out on so many things this weekend. Laurens birthday is Wednesday and Jen had tickets to take her to Disney on Ice Saturday with Sarah and Cheryl which she did not get to attend. Lauren still got to go to Disney on Ice and I filled in for Jen to help Cheryl with the girls. Jen also had to cancel Laurens birthday party that was scheduled for Sunday. Jen is an angel and I can’t tell her enough how much Mike and I appreciate all the sacrfices she has made to help us achieve our dream of having a child.

Please keep Jen and the babies in your prayers.

Special thanks to family and friends….

Cheryl – Cheryl went to Jen’s to watch the kids Saturday and let Lauren stay all night Saturday then took her to build a bear today since her party had to be canceled

Shawn- Shawn has done so much to help Jen with the kids, the house and anything that might come up along the way.

Mom and Dad- Thanks for being there for me on Saturday and taking me to the hospital.

Shawn’s Mom- Thank you for watching the kids until Cheryl could get there to take over.

Heidi- Thanks for hanging out with me and thanks for all the math help while counting and dividing up cookies.

Two Heartbeats (Baby A and Baby B)

2008-02-18T16:35:00.003-05:00

Yes, we are having twins. The babies have their own sac so both embryos we transferred attached. It would really be neat if we have one boy and one girl. Today was a very emotional day! We got to see and hear two heartbeats today. I don’t remember which baby was which but one heartbeat was 160 and the other was 136. Everything looks great and we have a projected due date of 10-10. We all knew there was a possibility there could be more than one but when you hear it for the first time it’s kind of shocking.

Jen has not been feeling well the last few days and I’m hoping she will be feeling better soon. She has been really nauseous for the last few weeks. I feel really bad that she has been so sick. Jen is a angel and without her none of this would have been possible. I have to thank both her and Shawn. I know Shawn has had a busy weekend taking care of Jen and the kids. Thanks for being a wonderful husband Shawn.

You can click on the image above to enlarge it.

Rising Numbers

2008-02-07T18:42:00.000-05:00

Jen had a blood test today to make sure her levels were rising as they should. The first blood test which was done last Friday showed a level of 838 so today we wanted to see at least 6704. Good news the number today was 6741.

I looked back at the numbers from when I was pregnant... my first blood test showed 176 and the last time they checked the level was 2030. I don't know if the timing could have anything to do with it but Jen's numbers are a lot higher. Jen tested two weeks after the transfer and I tested about 17 days after insemination. (I think)

We have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday February 18th. I'm sure everyone will be checking the blog this day because the popular question seems to be...."Are there multiples?" I hope we will be able to answer this question after the ultrasound. I don't care if there is one or two as long as he/she/they are healthy.

I think for the most part Jen has been feeling OK. I know she has been really tired. I hope things continue to go well and Jen continues to feel OK.

WE ARE PREGNANT

2008-02-01T17:04:00.000-05:00

We are so excited ! This has been the longest week. We have known since Monday that the home pregnancy test Jen took was positive. We wanted to make sure the results from today's blood test were good before we announced it to everyone.

Words can not describe the joy we are feeling right now. This is going to be the longest nine months and I don't think we will stop worrying until the nine months are up. The first trimester you always worry but I will continue to worry because I was in my second when we lost our little guy.

Today's blood test needed to show a beta number of 100 or greater. Jen's level today was 838 0r 868. Judy told me we could not tell if there are multiples until the ultrasound because they have seen numbers be as high as 1,000 and it be a single birth and numbers be as low as 600 and it be a multiple birth.

Jen has been such a trooper with all the shots and I know she is glad to get off them. Jen will continue to use the estrogen patches and progesterone until she is about 10-13 weeks pregnant. The hormones will support the pregnancy until the placenta begins to produce them some time around 10-13 weeks.

There will be another blood test done next week to check the levels again. Judy said we can expect the number to double every two days so next weeks number should be really high. If all goes well with next weeks blood test we will schedule an ultrasound about two weeks later. At the time of the ultrasound Jen will be about 7 weeks and hopefully we will be able to see and hear a heartbeat or heartbeat(s).

I just want to thank Jen and Shawn again for this wonderful gift they have given us. I also want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday Shawn! This cycle was really strange.....we started our drugs on Mike's birthday and we end the cycle with today's good news on Shawn's birthday. We thought the dates might bring us luck and it looks like it did.

Nothing to freeze "again"

2008-01-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today I got the news..... none of the remaining 6 embryos made it to the blast stage. I was not getting my hopes up because I know the odds were not very good. I don't know the exact percent that make it to the next stage but I thought we might have at least one that might make it. Yes, it's disappointing but what can I do.

I'm going to do some research and try to get a little more information about the blast stage. I am curious to find out the percentage that actually make it to the blast stage. I will post the information I find.

This has really been a learning experience for a lot of us.