Today Aubrey and Claire both took their first tentative crawls! Well, Claire wasn't so tentative. She looks like a little grasshopper - pushed up on her hands and does a full push up (on toes, not knees), then starts revving her legs up and off she goes! She moves her knees back and forth a few times like little pistons before she actually is able to push off of them and it looks like she hops forward towards the toy in her sights (picture a car jerking forward when the clutch is released while in gear).
Aubrey, on the other hand, is more of an inch worm. She sees the toy she wants, and reach-reach-reaches out for it. Stretches her entire body from fingertips to toenails. And when she realizes that she can't reach it that way, she keeps both hands straight out, lifts her little bum up in the air, pulls her knees under her, and slowly pushes off from her toes - inching forward until she can grasp the toy.
I thought babies were supposed to sit up before they crawled... but our girls aren't sitting alone yet. Claire has been really fussy lately; I had been thinking she was about to do something new. She has also been saying "g-g-go" and it wasn't until today that I though - maybe she really meant GO! My life is about to get a little more hectic! Watch out house - the girls are on the loose!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Dedication Dresses
Next Sunday, we're going to be having a baby dedication ceremony for Aubrey and Claire at our church. This is similar to a baby baptism in the Catholic church - a ceremony that commits the baby to the Lord and a way for Surfer and I to commit to rearing the girls in the Christian tradition. I wanted to find a way to make this as special and memorable as possible, and so I decided to make each baby her own heirloom gown for the occasion.
Since it will be July, I decided to make a convertable dress: the romper is the base of the outfit, and the formal skirt buttons on to the romper. They can wear the romper all day, and the skirt for the dedication ceremony.
It has taken me about two months to finish them, but I am really exited about how they've turned out! A friend told me that I should make them "as beautiful as your time and talents will allow - for what day is more important in a baby's life?". I took that to heart. I hope that someday, they can see in these dresses just how much I love each one of them, how thankful I am for them, and how I wanted to honor the Lord by presenting them to Him in a beautiful way.
The dedication day will also be special for my family in that July 19 is the 20th anniversarry of my sister Anne Rose's birth. We will celebrate her short, sweet life by remembering her as we celebrate the gift of these two darling girls.
A close-up of the stitching and embroidery detail:
Aubrey's romper:
Claire's romper:
Claire's flower: the coreopsis, which means "always cheerful"
Aubrey's flower: the mallow, which means "delicate beauty, sweetness"
The full formal dress:
Aubrey tries on her dress:
Aubrey shows off her new standing alone skills:
Since it will be July, I decided to make a convertable dress: the romper is the base of the outfit, and the formal skirt buttons on to the romper. They can wear the romper all day, and the skirt for the dedication ceremony.
It has taken me about two months to finish them, but I am really exited about how they've turned out! A friend told me that I should make them "as beautiful as your time and talents will allow - for what day is more important in a baby's life?". I took that to heart. I hope that someday, they can see in these dresses just how much I love each one of them, how thankful I am for them, and how I wanted to honor the Lord by presenting them to Him in a beautiful way.
The dedication day will also be special for my family in that July 19 is the 20th anniversarry of my sister Anne Rose's birth. We will celebrate her short, sweet life by remembering her as we celebrate the gift of these two darling girls.
A close-up of the stitching and embroidery detail:
Aubrey's romper:
Claire's romper:
Claire's flower: the coreopsis, which means "always cheerful"
Aubrey's flower: the mallow, which means "delicate beauty, sweetness"
The full formal dress:
Aubrey tries on her dress:
Aubrey shows off her new standing alone skills:
Friday, June 26, 2009
Nearing 6 Months!
I can hardly believe that our little babies are almost 6 months old! In some ways, this makes me sad to realize how swiftly their infancy is flying by... and yet, I am thrilled to see them reach new milestones every day - and to get to know them as their personalities continue to blossom. I don't have time for a lengthy update, but I at least wanted to post a few new pictures. Praise the Lord for His goodness to us, and for His provision and love! We see it each day in the gift of these wonderful girls.
I hope to update with a more detailed blog about our darling girls in the next few weeks. We'll see if that happens. Life is deliciously busy, now - not too much time for blogging!
Claire and Aubrey "share" a toy...
Looks like Aubrey won the "sharing" game!
Aubrey Louise
Adorable Claire
Claire Susan
Darling Aubrey
I hope to update with a more detailed blog about our darling girls in the next few weeks. We'll see if that happens. Life is deliciously busy, now - not too much time for blogging!
Claire and Aubrey "share" a toy...
Looks like Aubrey won the "sharing" game!
Aubrey Louise
Adorable Claire
Claire Susan
Darling Aubrey
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Our First Bath
The girls enjoyed their first bath last night... well, mostly enjoyed it! Neither one was too sure about being in the water; Claire was a bit more vocal with her protests! Mom and Dad were a bit nervous as those little girls were slippery, but in the end they both got clean.
They had a good talk about it (and their crazy parents, I'm sure) afterwards.
They had a good talk about it (and their crazy parents, I'm sure) afterwards.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A belated birth story
I wanted to take a few minutes to write down the girls' birth story so I don't forget all the precious details!
After all the hubbub of the Thanksgiving week surgery, possible IUGR and tons of doctors' appointments, Christmas, and feeling very huge and pregnant, the New Year's holiday approached without much excitement. We were glad for that - things seemed to settle down and things felt normal. I wasn't on close watch for labor or growth anymore and was off bedrest, Surfer was back to work after a long stretch of vacation, and we were able to enjoy chumming around together before the babies' arrival.
On Wednesday the 31st, I drove myself to the MFM office for my final growth ultrasound. I felt great, driving (especially after not being able to for a month plus) was a blast, and so I went by myself. I didn't really like the tech that did the scan that day; she was abrupt and didn't trust that I knew my babies - which one was which, etc. She may have just had a bad day, or she may have not wanted me to worry about what she saw.
My usual MFM specialist wasn't there that day, so the on-call doc came in to see me. "What plans do you have for your delivery?" she asked. "Well, we don't really have any yet," I replied. "How about I give you one: today. You need to have those babies today." I was shocked! Was she kidding? Today? I had no bags packed, nothing ready for the hospital, I didn't even do the dishes or make the bed that morning! She wasn't kidding. They found that Aubrey was "shrinkwrapped" in her amniotic sac, and needed to be delivered. So, across to Labor and Delivery I went!
After checking myself in (no, I'm not in labor; yes, I'm having twins; no, I don't know what type of delivery this will be - where is my doctor?), calling Surfer at work to tell him the news (how would you like two tax deductions for 2008 - oh, and can somebody bring you over to the hospital?), and calling my folks to have them come to the hospital (mom, I'm not kidding - we're having these babies today!) I was led to OB triage.
My doctor met me there, and we discussed the deliver options. He was willing to let me decide whether I wanted to attempt a vaginal birth or to go straight to C-section. He was so kind and understanding, and explained both options in great detail. When Jake brought Surfer over from Seattle, Surfer and I talked it over and decided that because 1) we didn't know how well Aubrey would tolerate labor, 2) Claire had turned to breech, and 3) Claire was a full pound larger than Aubrey and may necessitate a C-section anyway - we would go straight for the c-section. We told Doc our decision, and then we waited.
In the meantime, the nurses attempted to put my IV in. Six tries and several nasty bruises-to-be later, I was hooked up; the babies were hooked up to heart monitors, and our folks were led in to sit with us. We were just so full of emotions - surprise, excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and disbelief! Surfer was so cute; he was in his suit and tie from work. A brand new tie, by the way - good luck, I think. We all chatted, took pictures and prayed.
At 1:40, the nurse from the OR came in and told us that our surgery would take place at 1:45 - 5 minutes!!! A mere two hours from being told we were going to deliver today! We hugged our folks, and I walked to the OR with the nurse. They took Surfer to another room to put on a snazzy paper jumpsuit and wait while they got me up on the table.
The OR was super bright, very cold but thanks to the wonderful docs and nurses had an atmosphere of warmth and excitement! More quickly than I could have imagined, I was up on the table, Surfer was led in, the spinal was administered, and I was numb! The sheet was put up between us and the docs (thank goodness!) and by about 2:00 pm the operation began.
It was the most strange, surreal experience. Flat on my back, Surfer beside me holding my hand, doctors and nurses talking, bustling about. Feeling the pushing, pulling, movement of the surgery but sensing no pain. Knowing they were cutting me open but trying not to think about it. All I could do was to look into Surfer's eyes - I knew that the Lord was with us in that room... we felt complete peace. All of the sudden, the window in the sheet was opened.
"Here comes baby A!" doc said with a huge grin. 2:07pm - I heard a beautiful little squeal, then a strong cry - and I looked up to see little Aubrey: arms and legs flailing, so tiny, so perfect! She was wide awake, covered with vernix, and more amazingly beautiful than anything I can describe! They brought her briefly to me around the sheet so I could kiss her and see her up close, and then whisked her to the warmer and began to clean her off. Tears began to flow down my cheeks as the realization of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks!
A moment later, doc started laughing and told me that Claire was pooping on her way out of the womb! What a way to greet the world! I don't think I'll put that little fact in her baby book. 2:08pm - Another cry - different in pitch and tone than Aubrey's, and there before me was Claire. She looked just like me as a baby! Bigger than her sister, and yet just as achingly beautiful! Also flailing, and wet with vernix and blood. I was able to touch her skin, and kiss her head before they took her to the warmer.
Surfer went to the girls' side while the docs stitched me back up. They were so tiny! "4 lbs 2 ounces, 18 inches!" called one nurse. "5 lbs even - and also 18 inches!" called another. Our little sweethearts wailed for a minute or so, but then they both quieted down while they were being cleaned off.
I glanced up, and through my watery eyes I saw Surfer walking to me with both girls bundled tightly in blankets and caps, being cradled in his arms! Such a handsome, proud daddy! We were no longer a couple - we were a family now! A pose or two for our first family photos, and then Surfer carried little Aubrey up to the NICU while the nurse helped me hold Claire.
The rest of the day went by in a beautiful blur - introducing Claire to her grandparents and uncles, and yet sadly missing Aubrey because she had to be in the NICU. Tears, smiles, awe, love. The rest of the day is memorable, but a few moments stand out more than others. The precious moments directly after the birth, when all was quiet - Claire and I were alone in my hospital room and I just marvelled at my tiny little baby - MY tiny little girl! Her smell, her hands and feet, her coos. Time stood still. The moment when my mom and Claire and I were alone in my room, and I told her that Claire's middle name is Susan, and I handed Claire to her. Those tears in my mom's eyes I will never forget. Having Surfer tell his mom that Aubrey's middle name is Louise and seeing the look on her face. Watching my dad hold his little granddaughter with so much love. Introducing Claire to Sam and Joey. And finally, after so many hours apart, getting to go up to the NICU to see Aubrey. After my begging, my nurse allowed me to stand up - and once I proved to her that I could walk they let Surfer and I go upstairs to the NICU. Little tiny Aubrey was in a room all alone, a soft light glowed and perfectly lit her tiny face. We held her and just stared at her. The nurses brought us sparkling cider to toast the New Year, and then the strike of midnight. Bittersweet, not having the girls together with us, but still sacred - celebrating the new year and what is to come with our little girl!
They were here, they were perfect, they were ours! A more incredible day I couldn't imagine; and trying to put it into a few words just doesn't do it justice. We had been kissed by Heaven, and we had our own two angels to keep and to love. Praise the Lord for His amazing goodness to us, and for His unfailing love!
After all the hubbub of the Thanksgiving week surgery, possible IUGR and tons of doctors' appointments, Christmas, and feeling very huge and pregnant, the New Year's holiday approached without much excitement. We were glad for that - things seemed to settle down and things felt normal. I wasn't on close watch for labor or growth anymore and was off bedrest, Surfer was back to work after a long stretch of vacation, and we were able to enjoy chumming around together before the babies' arrival.
On Wednesday the 31st, I drove myself to the MFM office for my final growth ultrasound. I felt great, driving (especially after not being able to for a month plus) was a blast, and so I went by myself. I didn't really like the tech that did the scan that day; she was abrupt and didn't trust that I knew my babies - which one was which, etc. She may have just had a bad day, or she may have not wanted me to worry about what she saw.
My usual MFM specialist wasn't there that day, so the on-call doc came in to see me. "What plans do you have for your delivery?" she asked. "Well, we don't really have any yet," I replied. "How about I give you one: today. You need to have those babies today." I was shocked! Was she kidding? Today? I had no bags packed, nothing ready for the hospital, I didn't even do the dishes or make the bed that morning! She wasn't kidding. They found that Aubrey was "shrinkwrapped" in her amniotic sac, and needed to be delivered. So, across to Labor and Delivery I went!
After checking myself in (no, I'm not in labor; yes, I'm having twins; no, I don't know what type of delivery this will be - where is my doctor?), calling Surfer at work to tell him the news (how would you like two tax deductions for 2008 - oh, and can somebody bring you over to the hospital?), and calling my folks to have them come to the hospital (mom, I'm not kidding - we're having these babies today!) I was led to OB triage.
My doctor met me there, and we discussed the deliver options. He was willing to let me decide whether I wanted to attempt a vaginal birth or to go straight to C-section. He was so kind and understanding, and explained both options in great detail. When Jake brought Surfer over from Seattle, Surfer and I talked it over and decided that because 1) we didn't know how well Aubrey would tolerate labor, 2) Claire had turned to breech, and 3) Claire was a full pound larger than Aubrey and may necessitate a C-section anyway - we would go straight for the c-section. We told Doc our decision, and then we waited.
In the meantime, the nurses attempted to put my IV in. Six tries and several nasty bruises-to-be later, I was hooked up; the babies were hooked up to heart monitors, and our folks were led in to sit with us. We were just so full of emotions - surprise, excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and disbelief! Surfer was so cute; he was in his suit and tie from work. A brand new tie, by the way - good luck, I think. We all chatted, took pictures and prayed.
At 1:40, the nurse from the OR came in and told us that our surgery would take place at 1:45 - 5 minutes!!! A mere two hours from being told we were going to deliver today! We hugged our folks, and I walked to the OR with the nurse. They took Surfer to another room to put on a snazzy paper jumpsuit and wait while they got me up on the table.
The OR was super bright, very cold but thanks to the wonderful docs and nurses had an atmosphere of warmth and excitement! More quickly than I could have imagined, I was up on the table, Surfer was led in, the spinal was administered, and I was numb! The sheet was put up between us and the docs (thank goodness!) and by about 2:00 pm the operation began.
It was the most strange, surreal experience. Flat on my back, Surfer beside me holding my hand, doctors and nurses talking, bustling about. Feeling the pushing, pulling, movement of the surgery but sensing no pain. Knowing they were cutting me open but trying not to think about it. All I could do was to look into Surfer's eyes - I knew that the Lord was with us in that room... we felt complete peace. All of the sudden, the window in the sheet was opened.
"Here comes baby A!" doc said with a huge grin. 2:07pm - I heard a beautiful little squeal, then a strong cry - and I looked up to see little Aubrey: arms and legs flailing, so tiny, so perfect! She was wide awake, covered with vernix, and more amazingly beautiful than anything I can describe! They brought her briefly to me around the sheet so I could kiss her and see her up close, and then whisked her to the warmer and began to clean her off. Tears began to flow down my cheeks as the realization of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks!
A moment later, doc started laughing and told me that Claire was pooping on her way out of the womb! What a way to greet the world! I don't think I'll put that little fact in her baby book. 2:08pm - Another cry - different in pitch and tone than Aubrey's, and there before me was Claire. She looked just like me as a baby! Bigger than her sister, and yet just as achingly beautiful! Also flailing, and wet with vernix and blood. I was able to touch her skin, and kiss her head before they took her to the warmer.
Surfer went to the girls' side while the docs stitched me back up. They were so tiny! "4 lbs 2 ounces, 18 inches!" called one nurse. "5 lbs even - and also 18 inches!" called another. Our little sweethearts wailed for a minute or so, but then they both quieted down while they were being cleaned off.
I glanced up, and through my watery eyes I saw Surfer walking to me with both girls bundled tightly in blankets and caps, being cradled in his arms! Such a handsome, proud daddy! We were no longer a couple - we were a family now! A pose or two for our first family photos, and then Surfer carried little Aubrey up to the NICU while the nurse helped me hold Claire.
The rest of the day went by in a beautiful blur - introducing Claire to her grandparents and uncles, and yet sadly missing Aubrey because she had to be in the NICU. Tears, smiles, awe, love. The rest of the day is memorable, but a few moments stand out more than others. The precious moments directly after the birth, when all was quiet - Claire and I were alone in my hospital room and I just marvelled at my tiny little baby - MY tiny little girl! Her smell, her hands and feet, her coos. Time stood still. The moment when my mom and Claire and I were alone in my room, and I told her that Claire's middle name is Susan, and I handed Claire to her. Those tears in my mom's eyes I will never forget. Having Surfer tell his mom that Aubrey's middle name is Louise and seeing the look on her face. Watching my dad hold his little granddaughter with so much love. Introducing Claire to Sam and Joey. And finally, after so many hours apart, getting to go up to the NICU to see Aubrey. After my begging, my nurse allowed me to stand up - and once I proved to her that I could walk they let Surfer and I go upstairs to the NICU. Little tiny Aubrey was in a room all alone, a soft light glowed and perfectly lit her tiny face. We held her and just stared at her. The nurses brought us sparkling cider to toast the New Year, and then the strike of midnight. Bittersweet, not having the girls together with us, but still sacred - celebrating the new year and what is to come with our little girl!
They were here, they were perfect, they were ours! A more incredible day I couldn't imagine; and trying to put it into a few words just doesn't do it justice. We had been kissed by Heaven, and we had our own two angels to keep and to love. Praise the Lord for His amazing goodness to us, and for His unfailing love!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Our Darling Claire
Claire had a "spa day" yesterday, complete with lavendar lotion and a baby head massage. Clearly, she loved it! We can't wait for Aubrey to come home to join in the fun (and the photo shoots!)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pictures!
Surfer and I wait for the c-section 
Aubrey Louise, 4lbs 2oz, 18 inches long
Claire Susan, 5lbs, 18 inches long
Grandma and Grandpa with Claire
Grama and Boompa with Claire
Sisters together at last!
Daddy and his little girls
A family!
Daddy, Mommy, and little Aubrey
Grama, Boompa, and Aubrey
Sweet Claire
Aubrey Louise, 4lbs 2oz, 18 inches long
Claire Susan, 5lbs, 18 inches long
Grandma and Grandpa with Claire
Grama and Boompa with Claire
Sisters together at last!
Daddy and his little girls
A family!
Daddy, Mommy, and little Aubrey
Grama, Boompa, and Aubrey
Sweet Claire
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Stork Has Landed!!!
Our darling little angels have come to earth!
Aubrey Louise and Claire Susan were born on New Year's Eve, just in time to ring in the new year with their extremely proud and amazed parents!
I will post a more detailed version of their birth story later, but I went in to the doctor's on the 31st for a check-up and they said we needed to deliver that day! Three hours later, I had my babies in my arms. We delivered via c-section; Aubrey came in to the world wide-eyed and crying at 2:07 pm weighing 4lbs, 2oz. Her sister kicked her way out of the womb one minute later at 2:08 pm and weighed 5lbs even.
Due to Aubrey's size, she is still in the NICU growing and learning how to feed. She is doing so well, and we hope and pray she won't be separated from us for much longer. She looks just like her daddy, with big beautiful eyes and a china-doll delicate face.
Claire is now home breaking in mommy and daddy, and completely filling our home with joy and peace. She has the cutest little button nose and pouty lips. We are hoping to be able to reunite her with her sister in the next day or two - as she wasn't able to visit the NICU when in the hospital.
We are overflowing with thankfulness most of all, so blessed to be able to be parents to these two. Lord, simply saying thank you doesn't seem like enough! But thank you, thank you! We see Your amazing hand in every part of these girls!
Aubrey Louise and Claire Susan were born on New Year's Eve, just in time to ring in the new year with their extremely proud and amazed parents!
I will post a more detailed version of their birth story later, but I went in to the doctor's on the 31st for a check-up and they said we needed to deliver that day! Three hours later, I had my babies in my arms. We delivered via c-section; Aubrey came in to the world wide-eyed and crying at 2:07 pm weighing 4lbs, 2oz. Her sister kicked her way out of the womb one minute later at 2:08 pm and weighed 5lbs even.
Due to Aubrey's size, she is still in the NICU growing and learning how to feed. She is doing so well, and we hope and pray she won't be separated from us for much longer. She looks just like her daddy, with big beautiful eyes and a china-doll delicate face.
Claire is now home breaking in mommy and daddy, and completely filling our home with joy and peace. She has the cutest little button nose and pouty lips. We are hoping to be able to reunite her with her sister in the next day or two - as she wasn't able to visit the NICU when in the hospital.
We are overflowing with thankfulness most of all, so blessed to be able to be parents to these two. Lord, simply saying thank you doesn't seem like enough! But thank you, thank you! We see Your amazing hand in every part of these girls!
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