5 Bonks

Outpost: Dayton

2010-10-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Bonks have officially been at their Dayton post for almost 4 months. We like to say that we've fallen in love with our beautiful new home and the Dayton area - but then we'd be big, fat, fibbers. I love my residency, we love the house, but there is something missing.

It may be residency. While residency doesn't "suck," it ain't easy. It's much easier on the doctor than the doctor's wife because most people I deal with in the hospital or the ER actually listen to me. If a patient doesn't listen, I can persuade them with calling security. They typically come around to my point of view. Sometimes, they the threat of a security guard doesn't work and that's why we have sedating and paralyzing medications. However, one can't simply paralyze and intubate your 3-year-old for being a pain in the ass - that's called overkill. Likewise, it's also bad form to sedate your 16-month old twins for engaging in their favorite pastime: playing in the toilet. Not WITH the toilet, IN IT. For Finn, that means GETTING in. In truth, the most difficult part of residency is being away from my family. In Melanie's case, it is being outnumbered by slobbering, loud boys with messy diapers and rarely getting a moments rest.

While I'm enjoying the process of becoming a bone fide physician (that means knowing what the hell is going on most of the time) the hours DO kind of suck. I can't add much more to my schedule with sacrificing other aspects of life - usually that means working out, reading or any other hobby I may have had at one time or another.

Emerson is rapidly developing into a mini-me. He's recently had arguments with his parents on such momentous subjects as: what is the "front" of the house, what constitutes a porch, and the family plans for the day. He is now fond of replying to anything command we issue with "But I don't WANT TO!" This may seem frustrating to the uninitiated; however, it is also quite wonderful to utter this phrase after hearing it so many times: "It doesn't matter what you want, just do what I say." Ahhh Dictatorship.

The twins are rapidly acquiring their vocabularies. We went from counting the words they knew to quasi-human communication with them in mere weeks. They are both walking fairly well, and getting faster. I've noticed that they are quieter when they walk, especially Oliver. He can now sneak. Sneaking is bad for Dad. They're both very laid back and are happy to be taken anywhere and do anything. Sounds like someone else I know...

Melanie is her typical rock-star self. We'll be getting her press studio set up in the basement at the end of the month. Shameless plug --> If you need invitations, stationery, business cards, etc., look no further!

Emerson also finished his 1st soccer season. He scored many goals. He also investigated many blades of grass, many pine cones, and thoroughly investigated the weaving pattern of soccer goal mesh. In other words, he has Daddy's attention span. He also loves getting lost in the woods like his old Dad.

To finish off this update, enjoy a few videos taken of the kids zooming down a hill in Emerson's Tonka dump truck. No, they're not wearing helmets ;)

Four Months, One Match and the 5 Bonks Get Ready to Move

2010-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Evidently, people read this blog. Imagine that. We should probably keep it updated then! The last 4 months in a nutshell: Christmas came and went, in came 2010, interview season ended, Oliver and Finn are both crawling and almost pulling themeselves up, JA matched in Emergency Medicine at Wright State in Dayton Ohio, frantic fixing/selling the house for sale and we looked (and found) a WONDERFUL home in Dayton last weekend...

Oliver and Finn have definite and different personalities. Oliver can be more mellow and enjoys playing by himself, but also will not hesitate to scream bloody murder when his needs aren't being met. Daddy says DROP SOME OF YOUR NEEDS, (then picks him up - sucker.) Oliver is also an eating machine and while they both eat like they were starving, Oliver may have 4 stomachs.

We've discovered Finn was born without fear and may have super-powers. We are fairly certain he can teleport himself and absolutely sure he can turn his skin metal on a whim to avoid injury from falling. We don't have any solid documentation yet, just some sketchy eye-witness reports and fuzzy photographs. He is very adventurous and very LOUD. (He didn't get his volume control from Daddy.)

They both love to flirt, luring ladies of all ages in with their big, ice-blue eyes and Snuffle-uppagus eyelashes. They're both very active and love exploring the house, sometimes in tandem, looking for trouble to get into. Bottles are becoming boring to the Bonk twins, but still a necessity in the morning, as they expand their culinary palates. They haven't eaten the flesh of animals yet because Mommy is a granola-eating tree-hugger, but we'll work it in after they are a year old.

Emerson just turned 3 years old on Saturday! You know you're getting old when you say to yourself "I can't believe (he/she) is (x years old), it seems like yesterday they were just a baby." Crap. Emerson continues to develop and evolve as a very interesting child. I think uncle Mike Joseph had it right when he warned us of the terrible 3's... He frequently says "I don't want to" at which point we must remind ourselves that arguing "I don't care what YOU want" will not work on a three year old and may just make one insane. Emerson is even more like Deacon now in that he needs frequent vigorous exercise to leech his energy because his energy level is inversely proportional to Daddy's sanity. A serene child is a sane Daddy. All good things.

I started writing this update 4 days ago...

2000 miles later....

2009-12-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Seven Months

This month went by crazy and fast as always. Thanksgiving, interviewing & driving filled up days.

JA has interviewed at 7 residency programs so far. We traveled to DC, York PA and Akron Ohio while Emerson went to his first week of school with Aunt Chrissy! He loved spending time with Uncle Mike & Aunt Chrissy, even the dogs too :) He had a blast and we are so thankful they opened their home to the big man for so long.

The twins are what we like to call 'roly polies' these days. Pretty close to crawling but not there yet so they just roll across the room. We are starting to really see their personalities more, Finn is a little high strung and loves to bounce. Oliver is more my 'mellow man' perfectly content just chillin' and being lazy. But they both love to laugh and give slobbery kisses.

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving....

Emerson was quick to pick the DS -- but mama don't think so :)

Our trip to DC & Smithsonian....

6 months!

2009-11-20T13:06:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am self admittedly a terrible blogger! Nothing for two months, there is no excuse (well except for the changing pooping diapers, mixing bottle after bottle, running after Emerson and now making baby food for two!).

It has been a busy two months and the twins have changed so much. They are definitely turning into little men with their own wants, needs and ATTITUDE!! They are fulfilling the Bonk legacy of complete crabbiness until feed (however I think that is characteristic not specific to a Bonk but more all males in general). They love looking at each other, and their big brother of course, and when given the opportunity they enjoy 'exploring' each other (ok sounds bad but it is true).

We started feeding them store bought rice cereal around 5 1/2 months. At 6 months we began the Super Baby Food Diet of homemade cereals, fruits and veggies (as we did with Emerson). So far their distinct palates have enjoyed brown rice cereal, avocados, bananas, winter squash, sweet potatos and pears. The process of making food is pretty easy: steam, mash, feed (or freeze for future use). And it is truly so economical, I think total we have spent around $20 on produce, if buying jarred food I would have spent well over $60 by now.

Halloween was a blast, Emerson was in awe of the fact that he got candy for simply saying Trick or Treat. Now when he sees his pumpkin in the basement he says, "My pumpkin, lets go trick or treatin!" However, Halloween is in the dust and he has moved onto Santa in a major way. He can already explain to you where Santa lives, how he arrives and what he is gonna to bring (a blackbird and a super guppy).

John-Adam has started the interview process for residency. So far he went to Augusta GA and Gainesville Fl. In two weeks Eastern Carolina and Wake. And in three weeks it is the Ohio - Pennsylvania tour.

I am most pleased to give a shout out to the newest little rock star born, Wilder Davidson Grace. Matt and Sarah made an amazing, beautiful little man and I was so pleased to have almost been there for his arrival (I was literally less then 5 minutes late to his birth). They are all doing great and are a beautiful family. Here are some pictures...

Check out more pics of the Wilder at www.minigrace.com

I promise to try and do better with the blogging (JA has off next month so he can help too). The boys are all changing so much everyday, I just try to keep up with them!!

Finn & Oliver

6 Months

A glimpse into the good times over the past two months...

Carrowinds (last) time...

Emerson using his 'half birthday' money from Aunt Sherri!

His prize...

JA's face = "Do I really have to ride this bleeping Boots ride again?!?"

Meal times...

Trick or treat time...

Finn is the giraffe and Oliver is the zebra (or white tiger)

Emerson is ready for the action!

Emerson and his bestie, Sadie!

His favorite, a sucker...

Bath & bubble time

Snoozin' time

Time to look adorable...

Outside time

(could that be a stroller ad or what)

Goofus time

And in our spare time, we solved NASA's financial problems...

Sponsorship by Pampers!!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Love,
The Bonks

What a difference time makes...

2009-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

It has only been 4 months and the twins have changed so much already. They have already tripled - yes TRIPLED - their birth weight. Weighing in at their 4 month dr visit Oliver is 14 lb 2 oz and Finn is 12 lb 13 oz. They smile, talk and laugh already. Oliver rolled over today, front to back, for the first time and Finneus is the master at hovering in the middle. The sleeping arrangements have been improving also! They go to bed at 9:30 and sleep until 6:00. If we did the same we would be in better shape, but then there would be no time for True Blood :)

4 month pictures...
Can you guess which one is which?
(answer below)

Here is Olly 4 months ago....

Here is my sweet Finn 4 months ago...

Oliver rocking his tummy time...

Finneus fresh out of the bath...

This was a big day at the Bonk household...
John-Adam brought out his He-Man toys for Emerson to play with!!!

I guess this was the last month of summer seeing as our favorite summer activities are over, the water park is closed, Carrowinds is only open on the weekends, but we took advantage of the last few nice weeks. We went to Wisconsin for a 'pool party' at my brothers, had a great visit with Grandma & Grandpa Joseph, made it to the zoo with NaNa & PopPop and co-hosted an amazing baby shower for Baby Boy Grace!!!

Speaking of time passing by,
this is Emerson at the zoo last summer...

and this summer...

He is a stinking KID already!!!

More pictures from the zoo...

Love,
5 Bonks!

Answer: Oliver is on the left, Finn on the right

Happy 3 Month Birthday

2009-08-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well the last three months have flown by! We have been enjoying the summer and keeping busy with fun activities like water parks, picking blue berries, playing outside, riding roller coasters, going swimming, etc. John-Adam is now doing his away rotation in Charlotte, so we miss him terribly (although we spent the majority of last week down there at the Bonk's house -- thank you!!!)

Oliver and Finn have already changed so much! They give great smiles and talk to you about all the important things in life, like: milk, pooping, sleeping, etc. We are close to sleeping through the night. Last night we put them down around midnight and they slept until 7:00, but the night before they woke up at 4:00.

Here is their picture from 2 months...Just for comparision, here is Emerson's 2 month picture...

And three months...
Oliver is weighing in at 11 lbs 4 oz & Finn at 10 lbs 6 oz.

Here are some more pictures and videos from our summer fun, http://picasaweb.google.com/melaniejbonk/July2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNbs5PeGr4SByQE#

We also cashed in John-Adam's clunker!! How exciting! Here is our new car...
Hope ya'll are having a great summer!! More to come...

6 weeks already!!

2009-06-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

The lack of posts on the blog should be the first indication of how crazy life has been!! Sorry about that, we will try and do better. It is hard to believe that the twins are already over 6 weeks old already, however sometimes it feels like 6 months :) They are being typical babies: eating, sleeping, pooping, repeat.

The last two weeks have been very challenging, both boys have been extra fussy and whinny. I did a little snooping on the internet and apparently that is normal from weeks 3-6, so hopefully it will be over soon. I don't remember that with Emerson, but that was when life was simple with just one baby. The 'brothers' are very good at synchronizing though so it is two babies screaming their little heads for 30 mins and then two hours of quiet.

Feeding them has also been a challenge. In a perfect world I would love to have 20 mins of 'alone' time with each baby to nurse, snuggle, etc. As mentioned before they synchronize well so they want to feed at the same time. Tandem nursing has not worked yet for us, maybe when they are bigger. Also Finn has given me some trouble latching on so there is a lot of pumping and feeding with bottles which is extremely fustrating. But they are getting their breast milk and growing well. At their one month apt Oliver was 7 lb and Finn was 6 lb 2 oz.

We are all adjusting and doing pretty great. We leave for the Outer Banks in 4 days for vacation and CAN'T WAIT!!!! Oliver and Finn's first trip to the beach!!

Here are some professional pictures...

O.T.B.F.W.B.

5 Bonks -- first picture together!!

2009-06-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

This is actually the first picture of all 5 of us! I didn't even realize that we hadn't taken a picture of the entire family yet. So here it is...

Emerson's new favorite thing in life -- the "rocket slide."

The 'brothers' chillin' at the water park.

Emerson is starting to get affectionate with the twins, here is first hug and kiss with Finn.

This is Emerson's new shower routine...caution this video contains nudity :)

Three weeks already

2009-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Oh how your world can change in just three short weeks!! It already seems like forever ago since we were all in the hospital. Now we are pretty established in a routine, unfortunately the routine does not include sleep. The boys eat every three hours and are growing great.

Emerson is doing great also, he using his big boy potty everyday. We try to give him mommy & daddy time as much as we can, which included a trip to the water park this past weekend. He loved it and even went on a water slide all by himself.

I have been trying to keep track of how many bottles and diapers we go through a day. Unfortunately I loss track, I blame it on a lack of sleep. So here are some averages...
20 bottles a day + 2-3 nursing sessions
30ish diapers
Now we are run the dish washer daily to clean all the bottles

Here are some pictures from the paste weeks...

Just chilling together

Gpa with two look a likes

Emerson pointing to "the brothers"

Holding hands - sort of

Ready for bed...see you in three hours mom

First bath time, Oliver wasn't too happy so he decided to poop in the sink...

After that he felt much better!

Finn airing out

Thanks for looking and more to come soon :)

Mad Skillz Dog

2009-05-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

The twins graduated Sunday night to Intermediate care. Finn was still in an incubator and Oliver still had his nasal cannula (nose oxygen.) The NICU team had told us that Finn would likely take at least 2 weeks before discharge and Oliver would need at least 3 weeks. Again, these people have no idea what a 'Bonk' is.

Yesterday was their one week eviction from their humble hot-tub, and we got the word today that Finneus is slated to come home on FRIDAY and Oliver should come home SATURDAY.

Absolute Bonks.

They breast feed like champs, they refuse all IV's, tubes, and extraneous devices, they progress at ridiculous rates, but more importantly - they are coming home.

They both have had 'problems' with body temperature according to the intermediate nurses. It may have something to do with the frigid conditions of the nursery. I think that any room where adult biped mammals are wearing 3 layers of clothing is likely cool. I also think, it may be a little much to ask a 34 week old baby to generate the body heat required to maintain 98.6 in a meat locker. Anyway, when I visited tonight, they held their own when I held them.

They're coming home. Soon.

Oh my God. We have two babies coming home? Here? With a 2 year old, 2 dogs, 3 cats, and a daddy in med-school? Yep. We couldn't be happier.

Pictures

2009-05-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Not really clear enough this morning to write anything, so here are some pictures and videos. They're the best part anyway ;)

Click here to see MORE pictures!

Glow Worm Finneus

Finn Snoozing

Look Everyone! No CPAP! Oliver graduated to a 'regular' oxygen tube yesterday.

Almost All of Us, 1st Time Mommy Holding Twins Simultaneously

Finn + Hiccups

Friday, the Day After the Day After Tomorrow.

2009-05-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind week with a blizzard of activity. The twins are still in the NICU, but they now have the same 'room' which is essentially a large cubby carved from a hallway. This is not only great for us, but they both have the same nurse on every shift.

Finneus is still on room air, doing pretty well with managing his temperatures (still getting help), and eating like a PIG. The day after birth, Melanie attempted to breastfeed while the lactation consultant looked on. She said not to expect anything because of his gestational age and size. It was quite clear she never met a Bonk before. Finn latched on and nursed like a champ. He's getting some supplemental formula feeds as Melanie's milk factory shifts into high production mode. He will likely get his IV discontinued today.

Oliver has still had trouble breathing on his own. Chest X-rays continue to show 'haziness', a technical Radiology term for fluid in his lungs. He's had two doses of surfactant, but has not been able to wean off the ventilator. He IS on minimal settings, and very close to 'normal' O2. The neonatologists may want to add a diuretic today (drug that make you pee like a racehorse at a frat-house kegger) and see if that helps pull fluid out of his lungs. He also got an umbilical artery line yesterday to cut down on the number of needle sticks he was getting. If it weren't for the fluid gumming up the lung works he be rockin' in the free world. He's still feisty, always pulling at his ET tube (breathing tube) and he yanked out his IV yesterday. He is tolerating his feeds well, which is mostly breast milk.

Both of the boys are using "Bili-Blankets" to help get rid of their excess bilirubin (the wonderful yellowing pigment that make one jaundiced.) They both look like peaceful little blue glow-worms.

Melanie will be discharged from the hospital today, not having slept at home in over a month. It will be a bittersweet day leaving the boys here, but it will also be wonderful to have Mommy back home with Emerson returning Saturday from the GrandBonks.

We will have a better idea of the NICU plan after rounds this morning, about half-past obscure-o'clock, or this afternoon, whichever comes first.

Happy Birthday Bonk Boys!

2009-05-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Baby "B" was raising hell again this morning which brought a visit from the Cesarean Fairy. Happy birthday boys!

The surgery went very well, Dr. Smith and Dr. Hensel did an unbelievable job. Matt Grace held the bladder blade, our unsung urinary knight protector. Baby A came out first and promptly peed everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Dr. Smith had to really reach in for B because he was breech, but she got him out with no trouble.

Melanie is doing great! She's hoping the spinal block doesn't wear off too fast. She will begin pumping breast milk tonight so it will be ready when they start eating. It may be a day or two before the neonatologists think it's okay for them to begin eating.

Baby B, being the smaller and more "stressed" twin (due to the twin-twin transfusion syndrome) has more mature lungs and has being breathing room air on his own since birth. He's a rock star. His nurse told us he is feisty. Duh. He's a Bonk boy.

Baby A has had some trouble breathing, but has been doing well on CPAP. He has gotten antibiotics, just in case, and his NICU care team is taking good care of him.

I suppose names are in order. Romulus and Remus after the twin founders of Rome. Hehe. Not really.

Introducing

Baby A = Oliver Thomas Bonk

Baby B = Finneus William Bonk
Love - The Bonks

One week!!!

2009-05-08T07:55:00.001-07:00

T minus 7 days!! We are scheduled for a c-section next Friday, May 15th. We had a growth scan last Friday, both babies gained good weight: Baby A 4lb 6oz & Baby B 3lb 11oz. Hopefully by next week they will have packed on at least another pound each.

I am so sick of being here but I know it best for the babies and me. I can't believe I haven't been home in more then 3 weeks!! Emerson is doing good, he is back living the high life at grandpa's for a few days so I know he is a happy camper. John-Adam is busy studying for step 2 of the medical boards which he takes next Thursday. He will be having a big week or what!!!

We will keep you posted!
Love,
J.E.M.

Bonk Twin Shower -- So Much Fun!!

2009-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Daws' & Grace's hosted a fabulous in hospital shower for us yesterday. It was so nice to see all those smiling faces but also extremely nice to get out of my room for a couple hours ;) Thank you so much everyone!! (pictures below)

The baby boys are remaining stable! I am going stir crazy but I know it is best for them. Having more contractions lately but I think that is pretty normal for twins. Maybe we will go natural after all (by natural I still mean epidural of course).

The last week was also great because Sarah Galley was here to help with Emerson. He LOVED spending time with his cousin. Sarah - thank you so much, I can't put it into words how much you helped. And it was great because it also gave JA and I some quality time together.

Emerson eating a war head - yes we torture our child! :D

Two Peas in a Pod Shower!

Yummy!

Craft time -- so many great onesies!

Purple shirt club!

Thanks -- we will keep you posted!
J.E.M.

Day 6

2009-04-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Day 6: Today there was NO absent flow on either baby, good news. So just more monitoring and bed rest. I have some new great doctors (well 4th year med students), Matt and Snow started their high risk maternity rotation. It is nice to have a smiling face pop in my room a couple times a day...I think if I keep plenty of candy and snacks around they will come back to refuel!!

Here are some pictures of the twins taken this morning!!

Baby A - he is a little cramped in there

Baby B - He was talking to us

Another good doppler

2009-04-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

We had another good doppler today, no reverse flow!! Here are some pictures from Emerson's 2nd bday in the hospital :)

Listening to 'the brothers'

Saturday - Good News

2009-04-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Good news from the ultrasound fairy! The cord Dopplers are NOT showing any absence of flow today and Melanie was taken off continuous monitoring. There will still be daily ultrasounds etc but we're hoping to keep the Bonk boys in their current residence for weeks to come.

The shortest distance between two points is under construction.

2009-04-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Our follow-up visit from Monday left no doubt where our future lay - in the hospital for observation. The twins are still doing well, but both of their cords have "absent end-diastolic flow." Basically, this is medical-ese for: the babies are fine, but there will be a point where the cord blood flow will reverse to "retrograde flow." Unfortunately, this reversal is going to happen - we just don't know when. The best place for us to be is under close observation while the twins grow and mature as much as they can. When the time comes, the C-section fairy will swoop in and take to the
So far, Melanie has received a steroid shot (and will get another tomorrow) to help the twins lungs mature faster. She's a little bit hyper from the shot (and is eating like a teenage boy.) Emerson is fairly clueless, climbing on any expensive piece of medical equipment, spinning around and, of course, hitting his head on any protruding object.

Thanks to all of our wonderful friends and loving family who have extended every resource to help us out.

We may be posting more often, since there isn't a whole hell of a lot to do in the hospital...

I'm so dizzy!

2009-04-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I am truly dizzy from this roller coaster!! Baby a's (the smaller baby) doppler (the blood flow in the umbilical cord) showed more stress on Monday's ultrasound so we are going back tomorrow morning for a Bio Physical Profile (BPP) of both babies. What is a BPP you ask, well I did...it is a detailed ultrasound to observe baby's body movements, muscle tone, breathing movements, and the amount of amniotic fluid. If there is more change I will be admitted to the hospitail continued observation.

On the upside, I am feeling great and the babies are kicking all the time. I am just focusing on everything being fine because I don't want to think about life in a hospital bed for a month or two. Not to mention what we will do with Emerson.

This video of Emerson is appropriate for today's 'dizzy' feelings :)

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday with family:

Emerson discovers the Easter Bunny has come...

More egg hunting, being the only little kid has it's perks...all the eggs!

Practicing our "dirty look"

We will keep you up to date on what happens tomorrow!
Love,
J.E.M.

POP!!

2009-03-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

27 weeks!! Starting to feel like we better get ready for babies! It doesn't seem that long ago we had Emerson, but I feel like a rookie again and that this is an entirely new experience.

Getting kicked pretty much around the clock. I actually felt a hand! I was sleeping and woke up pushing a cat off my belly but there was no cat! It was one of the babies pushing their fingers against my belly. It was pretty neat and I never felt that before!

Here is a picture of belly (it looks bigger in real life I swear). Emerson is pointing to 'the brothers'...

We made one of our favorite snacks...popcorn and it got a little crazy -- check out the video!!

26 weeks!!

2009-03-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

No procedure here - it is officially too late to get the TTTS procedure now. Which is good news because the babies are doing great and growing strong. They are now 2 lbs and 1 lbs & 13 oz.
I am starting to feel a little uncomfortable at times and feeling pretty large. But keeping a smile on my face. Took the twins to see New Kids on the Block again with Sarah & Christine - the Bonk twins will be the future of boy bands :)

Sherri - John-Adam will definitely take a picture this weekend so you can see the roundness :)

There ARE babies in there...

2009-03-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

We had a great scan this week!! We got downgraded a bit in risk factor, just an ultrasound every other week now. AND the tech took some 3D pictures and they aren't aliens any more - they are babies!!!

Check out the boys...

Twin A

Twin B

Both their faces, side by side

One Pounders!!

2009-02-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Had another good ultrasound today! Both babies are over 1 pound: 1 lb 7 oz & 1 lb 3 oz! For some reason that just makes me really happy and feels like a little hurdle on our way to full term baby boys.
We went to the zoo last weekend, it was a blast! The weather was nice and the crowds were low. Here are some pictures...

Emerson found a bird in the trees...

John-Adam & Emerson saving some rain forest, 340 sq ft for a buck - not too bad!

Another good ultrasound!

2009-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

We saw the boys yesterday and they are doing great. There is still a size difference but it is stable so we are still taking it week by week. They are very, very active! Every ultrasound they are twisting, kicking and punching each other :)
We also have an update with Emerson, he is completely head over heels for Sadie!! They have a real thing going on, check it out...

First the super bowl Then an entire day of 'playing' - that must be what the kids are calling it these days :)

Thanks for looking - we will keep you up to date!!

Good Ultrasound Today!

2009-01-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

First off we would like to say thank you to everyone for all the support and love.

Good news today, the twins are both doing great. Baby A (the donor baby) has a little more fluid in his sac. Monday we are going in for another ultrasound and ego on both babies. We will also be meeting with Dr. Cook, a pediatric/fetal cardiologist. She will determine if the babies are under any stress. If they are we will be off to Cincinnati, if not we will continue close monitoring and as much 'rest' as I can get with Emerson running around.

More waiting game!! I will try and scan some pictures in this afternoon and post them.

Thanks again for the support!!
Love you,
J.E.M.

oh BOY - they are BOYS!!

2009-01-28T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well it was an overwhelming day yesterday to say the least. The ultrasound started and within the first minute I saw a penis flying around. The tech quickly confirmed that yes, we are having two boys!! After feeling shock and disbelieve she took a side profile picture of baby b's face and it looks just like Emerson's ultrasound profile and I got all warm and fuzzy inside.
After an hour of measuring body parts a doctor came in to talk to me. Unfortunately John-Adam was not able to get off and wasn't there. She asked me if someone had ever explained the risk associated with having mono-di babies and at that point I knew something was wrong and didn't feel like playing 20 questions. I told her I heard about Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and she confirmed that was in fact what is happening. I paged John-Adam and he was there in 10 mins.

TTTS hardly happens in mono-di babies, only about 10% of all mono-di twins get this. The shared placenta contains "abnormal blood vessels which connect the umbilical cord and circulations of the twins." The common placenta is shared unequally by the twins, twin b is getting too much fluid and nutrients while twin a is being deprived. This is a good picture describing what happens...
There is a laser treatment done in only 5 cities for this - on of them happens to be Milwaukee but our doctor works with the Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati. We have another scan on Friday just confirm the diagnosis and then we will most likely head to Cincinnati next week for tests and treatment.

They caught it relatively early and twin a is developing good, he has all his organs and moves around a lot, in fact when the doctor was scanning him he was twisting and turning and had the hiccups. If everything goes well we should still have two healthy babies! We will post on Friday with an update.

Love,
J.E.M.

Orange you glad to see us!

2009-01-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

Well now that the holiday season has slowed down I have no excuse not to update the blog! I am feeling great and starting to definitely 'feel' preggers. I 'popped' over Christmas and definitely have a "lovely lady lump" :) I think I have felt the twins moving three times now, but a certain doctor type tells me it is a little too early to start feeling them. I can't wait to start feeling the oranges on a regular basis!! Here are some fun pictures from a 'western' rehearsal dinner and a very lovely wedding...

While Visions of Sugar-Plums Danced in their Heads

2008-12-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

Visions, oh the visions! Babies everywhere, no sleep, double the dookie diapers, double the feeding...double the first smiles, double the first laughs, double the kisses, double the love :) We can't wait!!

Here we are with the married crew at the Med School Holiday Ball, it was a blast...

And look at fabulous JA and Chris, their love affair continues :) Chris is teaching JA the Shag, unsuccessfully I might add...

Have a great weekend!!!!!!

Put the lime in the coconut

2008-12-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

Great news at the ultra sound today! The babies are in their own sacs and doing great!! They are measuring a little bigger then the due date but not enough to change the date. Baby A's heart rate was 155 and Baby's B was 159. They are touching heads and seemed to be dancing on the screen. Here are some pictures...

Life has been crazy over the last week. Our upstairs toilet flooded all the way into the basement. Our house has been a construction zone the past 4 days and will continue to be one. Luckily we have great friends, Matt & Sarah, who let us crash at their place while we were under water. I will post pictures of the water damage soon.

I am off to Massachusetts this evening, Emerson is going to the Bonks for a few days and John-Adam continues to work in geriatrics this week. Can't wait for the holiday to arrive so we can catch our breathe!!

What a Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend was a blast and of course seemed too short. We had a great time at the Grace's celebrating with friends and eating way too much! Just look at that turkey!!

We continued the over eating at the Bonk's where use females lost by a hair at battle of the sexes - stupid face masking. Unfortunately our celebration got cut short with mom & pop because mom was not feeling well. But she is feeling better now!
We unfortunately don't get to see or hear the 'prunes' until next week which seems like an eternity. We have an ultra sound next Tuesday where we see if the twins are sharing a sac. We might be able to see the sex but it is pretty early.

Only 24 days until Christmas!!! :)

You have questions, we got answers :)

2008-11-21T05:45:00.001-08:00

Thank you all so much for the wonderful wishes and congrats! We couldn't ask for a better support system! There are a lot of common questions that we got...here are some answers :)

When are we due?
June 30th, but twins usually come two weeks early.

Are we freaking out?
We sure did the first few days. The day we found out we could not even comprehend making dinner, so we went out to eat. When we requested a table for 3, John-Adam said, Holy Sh*t!! We will need a table of 5 pretty soon!

Do twins run our family?
Not mine, however John-Adam's aunt had twins. But there isn't really any evidence that monozygotic (1-egg) twins are genetic.

Are they boys or girls?
Too early to tell, but we will find out this time.
We had an ultrasound yesterday and saw our little olives!! The feeling when seeing them is so great and I wish I could see them everyday :)

Emerson's pouty face - maybe the face he will make when we bring two babies home : )

Surprise - TWINS!!!

2008-11-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

We decided to start a blog to allow family and friends a glimpse into our soon to be VERY crazy lives.

We had our scheduled 8 week first ultrasound for our second baby on Nov 12th. Everything was going pretty par for the course, however the tech kept going back and forth between two spots and every time she stopped there was another heart beat. Just as I was about to ask the tech what was going on, she said "Looks like you are having twins!" I immediately assumed it was a joke and even asked her if she was joking. In a calm, cold voice the tech flatly said, "I don't joke about twins."

Some technical info: twins will be identical, they were 8 weeks when we had our ultra sound, way too early to find out the sex (we will find out this time around seeing as it is a different ball game).

Emerson loves babies, but he has no idea! He is such a good little man, he will be the best big brother to these two little ones.

This shall be a crazy ride, if you want to tag along via blogging hope on board the Bonk Train. Our small house will be home to: 2 adults, 2 dogs, 3 cats and 3 babies under the age of 3 - it will be a ride!!