Wade

A lot has been going on with Wade. It is so much fun to have a conversation with him now. He makes us laugh and pull our hair at the same time with the "Why?" questions. Yes, he's in that stage. He says the funniest things! At times I want to squeeze him so hard b/c I just love him so much and at other times...

He had his tonsils taken out on 11/19. We felt like he was having a tough time with his recovery compared to what some of our friends had told us. Thanksgiving night, we ended up rushing him to the ER. He coughed really hard and his mouth filled up with blood. I got on the phone with the dr and while we were talking, Wade threw up. Blood and large blood clots were everywhere. To say it was awful doesn't begin to desribe it. John and Dad grabbed Wade and took off to the hospital. I was still on the phone with the dr and trying to load up the twins. Mom and I finally got on the way and got to the hospital. I went back and John was holding Wade down while he got his IV. See when he went in the first time, they gave him medicine that made him pretty loopy. It's like seeing your child after a few rounds at Village Idiot, a bit disturbing! When they took him back, he wasn't really aware he was leaving us. They put him under and then gave him his IV. When it's emergent, nothing is the same. He was fully awake when given the IV and when they took him back into surgery. I hope none of you guys have to ever go through anything like that. Recovery after the second surgery wasn't nearly as bad. After a couple of weeks, he was back to normal and eating pretty much anything. Needless to say, if Logan and Reed get strep a lot like Wade, they're just going to have to deal. I don't think we'll opt for the surgery again.

John and I took Wade to the Conway Christmas parade on the 12th. This is the first Christmas he's aware of who Santa is and he'll be dropping off some toys at his house if he's a good boy. How will Santa know if Wade is good or bad? Because Dodgey will tell him. Dodgey is Wade's Elf on a Shelf. I'm not sure where he came up with the name, but it has stuck. Wade isn't so into the elf this year. I have to remind him to look for him in the mornings, but loves to find him after the reminder. I have friends who say their kids will race to find their elf each morning and give him messages to pass along to Santa. I hope Wade will love Dodgey like that too!

We had our Christmas play at church on the 13th. I was narrating and Wade was a party guest which means he just had to sing the songs and do the hand motions. We got there early to do a run through and Wade wouldn't sing one word or do one hand motion. I tried bribing with candy, but it didn't work. Surprisingly, when we did the play for real, he did awesome! He sang the songs and did the hand motions better than most of the older kids. We were so proud!

We went to the Dixie Stampede on the 16th. Wade shocked us all by going into the arena to chase chickens for his team, The South Pole. He needed a little encouragement from John to get started, but then it was on! I tried videoing, but my memory card flashed full in the middle. I was so upset! Needless to say, he had a great time chasing and kicking dirt on the chickens!

Wade, Logan and Reed were all in their first wedding on the 20th. They all did amazing! Wade walked down the aisle and the twins didn't cry out once. Wade looked so handsome in his tux! He is getting so big so fast. He'll say, "Mama look, I'm growing!" When he says it, he streches his neck up really tall and wiggles his head. I tell him to stop, I want him to stay my little boy, but he thinks it's funny and keeps wiggling and stretching up higher and higher.

Christmas was such a blessing! I'll tell you all about it and post pics soon!
Until then, check out this link for more photos.

7 Months

The twins are 7 months now and getting more and more mobile! Reed started crawling first, but Logan is well on his way to catching up. Reed is pulling up as well. We had to lower his crib this week. Logan can say DaDa, or something that sounds a lot like it. A couple of days ago, I walked out of the room and Reed started crying. I swear it sounded like he was saying Mama between sobs! John even thought so, but I haven't heard it again. We put the boys in separate cribs after my last post. I should have kept swaddling and did one thing at a time, but I separated and stopped swaddling. They did ok the first night, but we had some touble after that. We ended up swaddling again for a week or so, but now they go down fine without anything. They've been fighting a cold since Thanksgiving. I'm praying all will be well by Christmas! The twins will be in their first wedding on Sunday! They will be pulled down the aisle in a wagon. Abbi, one of the girls who keeps the boys, is getting married. She and Caroline dressed them in their outfits today and sent the pics below. Not sure if they'll wear the hats. John said they look like little train conductors!


Reed

Logan

6 Month Stats

Logan James
weight - 14lbs 12oz, 10th percentile
height - 27 1/4in., 80th percentile
head - unsure of measurement, but I know it was in the 25th percentile.

Reed William
weight - 15lbs 7oz, 20th percentile
height - 27 1/2in., 90th percentile
head - same as Logans, 25th percentile.

Reed gained on Logan some this month which didn't come as a surprise. Now that we've started with solids, he has been a much better eater. Logan is touch and go. He ate great last night, but that morning not so much. I was curious and looked to see where Wade was at 6 months. He was a whopping 20lbs 10.5oz! I guess that's about right though. He was around five lbs more than them at birth so it makes sense for him to be the same at 6mo. I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but we've still been swaddling the boys at night! We started using the Miracle Blanket, thanks Leanne, when they were around 7 weeks old. They started sleeping through the night shortly thereafter! I've been afraid they'll start waking up again if we stop using it, but I can't put it off any longer. They have outgrown it and end up working themselves out of it by morning most of the time now. So tonight will be the first time they are not swaddled AND in separate cribs!!! Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh! It makes me sad! I love seeing them sleep together. Reed is always the one to inch over and cuddle up on Logan. I'm guessing if we have any problems tonight, it will be from Reed b/c he won't have his snuggle buddy. I figure we had better do this now before we really have a problem on our hands. I'll let you know how it goes!

Tonsils/6 Months/Veteran's Day

The boys are all growing way too fast! Wade is getting over strep for the fourth time in two months. He is scheduled to have his tonsils removed on the 19th. If he's sick, they'll have to postpone the surgery. He will have to stay overnight in the hospital due to his age. The doctor said the procedure itself doesn't last more than 15 minutes. They'll give him something to help him relax before they take him back to the OR. I pray it calms him enough to where he doesn't get upset when they separate us. If he does, I'm afraid I'll fall apart! Say a prayer for him and throw one in for me too! Any ideas on how to prepare your child for surgery? I don't want to scare him, but I feel like I should start talking about it.

Logan and Reed are 6 months! Can you believe it? Logan has two teeth on the bottom and Reed has one. They both can get up on all fours. I told John last night I thought Reed would be crawling before the week is up. He gets up on all fours and rocks and will pull his knee forward and fall. He's getting there. The boys go for their 6mo check-up tomorrow so I'll update with their stats on Friday. John and I captured some great shots on their 6mo birthday. They are such sweet babies! Click here to see their 6 month pics.

Today is Veteran's Day. Happy Veteran's Day John! I love you and am in awe of your bravery!

Halloween 2009

Halloween was a lot of fun this year! I know this will come as a huge shock to you all, but I didn't run out and get the boys their outfits until the last minute. Wade decided he wanted to be a dog less than a week before Halloween. He had been changing his mind from a dinosaur to a dragon, but suddenly decided he wanted to be a dog and that was it! So the Tuesday before Halloween, I ran to about five different stores in a frantic search for a dog costume and found one! Wade was Scooby Doo for Halloween! It was the funniest costume and I loved it! Because Scooby doesn't come on Nick Jr., he had no idea who Scooby was, but that didn't matter. He would say, "I'm not Scooby, I'm a dog." We taped a few Scooby shows off the Cartoon Network so he could see what we were talking about. I remember loving that show, but I admit I was a little afraid to let him watch b/c of the monsters and ghosts!

I had googled twin costumes weeks prior to Halloween and could never decide what I wanted them to be. While looking for the dog costume, I ran across Tigger and Pooh at Toys R Us. I felt like I was settling when I bought them, but after getting them home and on the boys, I fell in love. I think they made the cutest Tigger and Pooh ever!

As for the night itself, we went to North Conway Baptist's trunk or treat with Brian, Heather, Blake, Mom, Dad and Ms. Carolyn(John's mom). Wade got lots of candy, I think this is his new favorite day of the year, caught a dog while fishing and went on a hayride. John, the boys and I left there and went home to get into costume for a party at a friend's house. We decided to have a little fun this year...see for yourself.

Click here to see all of our pics from Halloween.

Go Cocks!

We had a great time seeing everyone at the USC/Vandy game! It was Wade's first USC game and I think he did really well. We left right before the 4th quarter. In addition to the game, we also walked over to the fair to see all the animals. Click here to see more.

Update

You guys wouldn't believe how little time I feel like I have to do this sort of thing anymore. Life is crazy, but wonderful. Wade's 3rd birthday will be here before we know it. He is such an interesting person. It's fun to have conversations with him because kids really do say the cutest things. His favorite things are trains, the color green, Go Diego Go and his daddy! He is such a Daddy's boy. He is getting excited for Christmas! He'll sit down with the Fisher Price toy catalog and point out all the things he likes/wants. He's stuck on a race car track this year so we'll see. Now that he gets who Santa is, I've got some leverage! Wade, Santa is watching...He has an appt with an ENT specialist on 11/2. Due to him having strep so many times, it's likely he'll have to have his tonsils removed.

Notice how every ride Wade got on had to be green!

Logan and Reed are almost 6 months old! Where has the time gone. I love to sit and watch them interact. Last night, I swear they were having a conversation with one another. I tried to capture it on video, but only got Logan babbling away. I can already see their little personalities coming out. Logan is going to be my sneaky little devil. The girls who keep them say he's going to be the brains and Reed the brawn. He'll take his toy and hide it under him and then take Reed's. I've seen him push Reed's paci out of his mouth and smile. He's definitely more vocal and needy. Reed is more laid back and happy all the time. Twins seemed so scary in the beginning, but it's turning into so much fun and a whole new experience. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely trying at times. Sometimes I feel like I'm teetering on a fine line of sanity, but it's so worth it! The boys can sit up now and scoot/roll across the floor. I am pretty sure Logan is getting his first tooth. I feel a rough place, but can't see anything just yet. Reed will be right behind him b/c he was having a really tough time last night with his gums. They love watching their big brother run all around.

Reed & Logan at their 4mo check-up.

Here are a few pictures of the boys from the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Wild Man!

Wade's teacher just sent this to my phone. She said they're outside playing and Wade is wide open. Love his new do!

Abbi & Caroline

Abbi & Caroline watch the boys on Tuesdays & Wednesdays while I'm at work. They are wonderful! Abbi took these beautiful pics yesterday.

Reed

Logan

This one cracks me up!

Look How Far We've Come

Meanwhile, over a month later...

The boys are nearly four months! They go for their 4-month checkup on Sept 10. They are getting so big and are more fun everyday. Wade is doing great with them. He is in big boy underwear all day now and is doing so good! Logan and Reed are talking and rolling over. Right now, Logan is our more vocal child and Reed smiles all the time. They continue to sleep all night and have healthy appetites. I'll update with their 4-month stats soon.

Then...


And now...

Click here for more pics.

2 Month Check-Up

Dad and I took Logan and Reed to see Dr. Rabon last Thursday for their two month well visit. Both are doing just as they should be...growing, growing, growing! Logan weighs 10lbs 13oz and is 24in long. Reed weighs 11lbs 6.5oz and is 24 1/4in. I looked back to see how much Wade was at his two month visit and he was 14lbs 10oz! Keep in mind he weighed nearly 10lbs when he was born! They had to get three shots each. Logan went first, but thankfully Dad was there for me to hand off Logan to so I could snuggle up close to Reed to whisper reassurances while he got his. Reed is definitely more vocal! I'm proud to say I'm solely breastfeeding them both at this point. I hope I can make it to four months before having to supplement with formula. Last night was the boys 5th night they have slept through the night! The last two nights they took it a step further and went 7 hours! The girls we have lined up to watch the boys are doing better than I could have hoped. They are wonderful!

We went to the beach last Saturday. Mom and Dad kept Logan and Reed while we spent some quality time with Wade. He had a blast! Some friends of ours have campers and let me just say, I've got the fever! I want one bad, but we can't do it just yet. That is something we're going to work towards getting in the next few years. I know the boys would love it and John and I would as well. Our entire heating and cooling system is being replaced tomorrow so I'll be camped out at my parents. I promise to do my best with uploading more pics ASAP!

Photo Shoot

Here are some pictures we had taken on June 16. Logan and Reed were exactly 6 weeks. Oddly enough, the photographer was pregnant with twin boys!

Reed is winking at the camera. He's a flirt already!

My Boys

Look how handsome my big boy is.

I fed them a little before their final outfit. I wish I had done it sooner. They were so alert after they ate!

Logan is smiling a little in this one.

I'm Back

OK so I know I've been MIA for a while now, but I'm back now and promise to update my blog with pics before Monday. Let me start off by saying the boys are doing great, including Wade. Logan and Reed have really grown a lot in the past few weeks. I'm anxious to see how much they weigh when we go to the doctor on 7/9 for their 2 month check up. That's right, 2 months already! Hard to believe. My time at home with them went by fast. John and I were back and forth about what would be best for everyone as far as me returning to work. I proposed returning to work part-time hoping my boss would go for it, but thinking she probably wouldn't. Guess what, she did! I now work full days on Tuesday and Wednesday. The schedule could possibly change in the future, but for now, that works best for both me and the company. It felt like such a huge weight had been lifted once those details were ironed out. We're still trying to figure out who we're going to get to watch the twins those two days so keep us in your prayers that we make the right decision.

My absence is not so much because I've been so busy, I just had no desire to get online. I sit in front of a computer all day at work so I guess I just needed a break. I promise to be better.

Wade has been doing great with the boys. Sometimes he ignores them. Other times he's all over them. I have to watch him to make sure he's not being too rough, but for the most part he's done really well. I now have wall to wall car seats in my Acadia. The other day I looked in my rear view mirror to see Wade riding with his hands over his ears to block out the crying. Poor guy! I guess he had had enough. He and Dad escape outside often! I guess I can say the terrible two's have arrived. Wade has definitely been testing us lately. He tells us no and doesn't listen. He's got this new pouty/mean look he throws out to whomever when he's in a mood. We'll be at church and a nice old lady will walk up and say Hi Wade! Out comes the face accompanied with a "Ugh" sound while he's clinging to either mine or John's leg. Imagine the sound a kid makes when he stomps his foot. Ah, my sweet baby boy. It's all a part of him gaining his independence, or so I'm told. He is doing great at school and is so smart. He can say his ABC's, count to nearly 20, he knows his shapes and colors and can sing all sorts of songs. Everyday he surprises us with something new whether it's a new word or song and we're so proud. He's getting so big! He has done great with his new room and big boy bed. The other night, I was putting him down for the night. He likes for me to scratch his back after reading a book so we were being quiet and winding down and out of no where he said, "Mama, you're my best friend." Talk about a jolt to my heart! I said, "Awe, buddy, your my best friend too." He then said, "Daddy is my best friend too. You're both my best friends." I had to call John in so he could hear him. It was so sweet. See, there's my sweet baby boy. He'll do something to drive me crazy and then he gets you when you're least expecting it! We're working on getting him potty trained. I'm not buying anymore diapers, just pull-ups. I hear boys are harder to train and I believe it. Now that it's summer, maybe John can teach him to go outside. Don't ask me, it's a guy thing.

Logan and Reed are smiling now. It's so precious. Logan smiles more while Reed is more vocal. They can track an object with their eyes and turn their head to follow it. They're feeding every 3 hours. I keep them on the same schedule. Their last feeding is around 10pm. They normally wake up around 2-3am, typically their longest stretch, and then again at 6-7am. Not too bad. They are looking more and more alike. Reed seems to be the more active one. We'll lay them on their play mat and Reed will pump his legs back and forth like he's riding a bicycle. Logan is more laid back. It will be fun to watch them grow older and see if their traits stay the same. They both enjoy bath time. Honestly, having two hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I'm able to feed them both at the same time. Afterwards, I pump. It seems like all I ever do is pump! The biggest thing is me not feeling like I can get out and go with them like I could Wade. I have a few times, but not too many.

I guess that's enough of an update for now. Sorry it turned out to be so lengthy. Again, pics coming soon!

Today is the Day!

Say a prayer for us you guys! We're on our way to the hospital in just a few short minutes. I'll post pics of our two little guys as soon as I can. Love you all!

P.S. Have a margarita for me...make that two!

Easter Sunday 2009

Here are some pictures from Easter Sunday. Wade had a blast playing with the bubble gun the Easter Bunny brought him. He wore Uncle Brian out and helped Dad catch a fish. All of the ingredients for a perfect day!

Click here for more pictures.

34 Weeks

I went for my 34 week appointment yesterday and had another scheduled ultrasound. Baby A has been doing some growing since the last ultrasound. He weighed in at 4lbs 7oz and Baby B was at 4lbs 11oz. That's only a 5% weight difference. At my last ultrasound, 4 weeks ago, there was an 18% difference between the two. Both babies are currently breech and sitting straight up. It looked liked their heads were propped against each other. The doctor said he would like to schedule my surgery sometime during my 37th week so if it's available, we're looking at May 5. Anyone know where I can buy baby sombreros?!

I was able to have lunch with Amy and Henry last week and had a wonderful time! It was great getting to meet Henry for the first time. He's so handsome!

We had a wonderful Easter and I hope to post pictures soon.

Wagon Day

March 24 was Wagon Day at Wade's school. Every year, the 2 year old class puts on a wagon parade for the school/community. There is a different theme each year. This year's theme was Community Helpers. It was amazing to see all the wagons and how far the parents went with their creativeness. After the parade, we went to the sanctuary for a small concert. The kids sang 4-5 songs. It was precious! Once that was complete, we went to the fellowship hall for craft time. John and I were both able to be there and had a great time spending the morning with Wade.

Click here to see more Wagon Day pics.

Friends Shower

I had my first baby shower this past Saturday. Danna, Robyn and Ashley were the hostesses and I don't think it could have turned out any better. I had a great time visiting with friends I unfortunately don't get to see too often. Everyone was too kind with their generosity and well wishes. I appreciate all the work that went into it and everyone who was able to attend. Love you all!

Click HERE to see pics from our luncheon.

30 Week Update

I hit 30 weeks yesterday and had a doctor's appointment and ultrasound. Both babies looked great! My cervix measured 4.5cm which is great for twins. The ultrasound tech was only able to see that one is still a boy, but as she so smartly pointed out, "These things don't normally fall off," we're still banking on two boys. Baby A weighs 3lbs 6oz and Baby B is at 3lbs 15oz. My doctor is a little concerned with the weight difference. Last time there was a 4oz or 13% difference and this time it's 9oz/18% difference. He said we'll monitor them both weekly as long as it stays between 15-25%. If it goes beyond that, we'll readdress the issue. So, after my appointment yesterday, I was sent to the hospital to do a non-stress test. I went to the hospital because they can monitor them both at the same time, where as at my doctor's office I would only be able to do one at a time. From this point on, I'll go to the doctor each week, get checked out and then head over to the hospital for my non-stress test. I tried to pin down a date yesterday, but the dr said it's still too soon. I told him in no way did I want to go past 38 weeks and he doesn't see that as a problem. Therefore on or before May 11, these babies will make their debut!

On a side note, my 30 week pregnancy email said my baby(not babies), "should weigh almost 3lbs." Is anyone surprised mine are once again above and beyond the norm?! Just to give you an idea of my belly size, at your 30 week appt, you typically measure around 30cm. One cm per week your pregnant. My measurement this week...38cm! I look full-term and still have 7-8 weeks to go. Lord help! =)

Lifelong Friends

Blake & Wade

26 Week Appointment

I was off yesterday due to a day of doctor's appointments. First, I had to go to LabCorp for my 3-hour glucose test. That's right, I didn't pass the one hour. I had to get stuck four times which makes me look like a pregnant woman with track marks. I should have the results by tomorrow. After my appointment, I went to Target to pick up a baby shower gift. I didn't get anything to eat first because I didn't plan on being there too long. As I'm strolling through the baby dept. talking to Mom, I started feeling really faint. I headed straight to the food aisle and grabbed some pnuts and parked myself in the patio furniture section. I guess the shoppers were thinking how sad, pregnant lady can't make it through a shopping trip without a snack! I got all shaky though and started feeling hot. I guess my sugar bottomed out.

At 3pm, I had my 26 week check-up and scheduled ultrasound. John wasn't able to get off so Mom came over from work to watch. I had the ultrasound tech check the sex on them both again and.......still two boys. After taking their measurements, she estimated Baby A's weight to be 1lb 13oz and Baby B is 2lb 1 oz. The doctor said all looked good. Apparently I did some significant growing between my last appt and this one. At my 23 weeks appt., I measured 23cm. On track if I were having one, but a little small for twins. Well my 26 week measurement was 32.5cm!! What in the world?! That's a whole 9.5cm increase!!! My friends at work have been telling me I'm growing overnight. Maybe I'll get brave and let you see soon. Be nice! I didn't get very good pictures of the boys. Baby A's profile came out great, but B wouldn't cooperate. We're still working on names. Wade will now walk by and pat my tummy and say baby. I don't want to confuse him and tell him no, babies. =) He's going to be a big helper when they get here.


Baby A has his hand up by his face.

Wade's Birthday Celebration

John, Wade and I went to East of Chicage Friday night for Wade's birthday. It's a pizza place sort of like Chucky Cheese. Wade had a blast and was fast asleep by the time we made it home. We all had a great time and enjoyed having some family time together. As you can tell from the pics, Wade enjoyed ski ball most of all. He didn't quite grasp the concept of rolling the ball though...he would throw it overhand everytime.

His official birthday party was on Sunday at 3pm. We invited Wade's grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and had the party at our house. We really lucked out with the weather. Our theme this year was the Backyardigans. Wade loves them so we had a backyard adventure of our own. After playing, we all came inside to eat cake and ice cream and open presents. It was a great birthday for Wade!


To see more pics, click here.

Happy 2nd Birthday Wade!

Everybody watch your clock. At 11:09am two years ago today, John and I were blessed beyond belief. Wade Allen Martin entered this great big world and has touched so many lives since then. He means more to us than we ever thought possible. I'm tearing up writing this because my love for him is so overwhelming. I hope he knows how much he means to us and how much we love him. Here are a few pictures, well several really..I couldn't narrow it down anymore than this, of Wade over the past two years. Happy Birthday baby boy! We love you so so much!

Click here to view the pictures or enjoy the slideshow below.

Wade's Birthday Countdown

Wade's birthday is on Friday, but the celebrating started early today at his daycare. On the last Tuesday of every month, all the kids gather in the cafeteria to celebrate all the kids who have a birthday in that month. The bday kids get to sit at a special table. I volunteered to be the room mother for his class this month so I could be there to help celebrate his bday. Once all the kids were seated, Mrs. Billie, the director, led them all in singing a prayer, "God Our Father." It was so sweet to hear them all sing together! Afterwards, they all sang Happy Birthday and dove into their blueberry muffin and juice box. It was a simple celebration, but the kids seemed to get a big kick out of it. Here are a few pics from this morning...

Mt. Pleasant Visit

Mom, Dad, John, Wade and I went to Mt. Pleasant on Saturday to see Brian, Heather and Blake. It was so peaceful when we walked in and then came Wade! Hopefully we didn't tramatize them too much. I don't think Blake minded considering he slept the entire time we were there. He is a beautiful baby, perfect in every way. You just truly have to stop and thank God when you see what a miracle he has blessed us with.

Click here to see more pictures from our visit.

James Blake Lewis

Heather and Brian welcomed their beautiful baby boy into this great big world yesterday, 1/13. James Blake Lewis came in weighing 5lbs 14oz and was 19.5in long. Heather did an amazing job and was deemed a professional by the hospital staff. John, Wade and I will be making the trip to Mt. Pleasant on Saturday to meet Mr. Blake and we can't wait! On another positive note, my brother will be the new property manager for a brand new property here at the Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Brian's profession has taken him all over the country, but it has finally led him back home...permanently we hope! The family is thrilled we'll get to spend more time with all of them and we look forward to watching our boys grow up together.

The Lewis Family

My handsome nephew!

James Brian & James Blake

"Just The Good Ol' Boys"

On December 29, John and I went for my 19 week check-up and my mid-way ultrasound to make sure everything was where it should be and looked like it was supposed to. We were also hoping to find out what we're having and we did...TWO MORE BOYS!!! I won't say I wasn't a little disappointed there wasn't a little girl tucked in there, but I just keep thinking how I couldn't love Wade more if I tried. He is the best thing in our lives and how could I not want two more just like him. My good friend Dawn said God must think I'm a really good mom to boys. We are blessed beyond measure and are looking forward to our two new additions. John is excited. He says they should be called The Highway Men...Wade, Waylon and Willie! Don't worry, I vetoed that real quick! =)