Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy Birthday to the man in our family who holds many titles. They are:

* Son

* Husband

* Daddy

* Brother

* Grandson

* Uncle

*Nephew

* Bread Truck Driver - for those of you who don't know it, Kevin drives the expensive bread ("money") truck home everyday.  Expensive because, I guess, he tells me he has to support my shopping habits...what?! ;)

* Cool Accountant

* My best friend

Jokester

* Jingle Writer - Kevin's quite the singer around the house.  The kids and I enjoy our life as a constant musical.  The kids are going to grow up thinking all familys make every situation or household item into a song or jingle.

* Tickle Monster - He can get the kiddos giggling soo loud!

* Professional XBox Player....just kidding. :)

* Diaper Changer and Bottle Maker

* Mr. Spunk - Kevin advises me everyday when he returns from work (around 7:00) that I still need to be bringing the spunk. Ummm...this momma might be a bit tired from bringing the spunk all day.

* Piggy Back Ride Giver - Kevin's known with our nephews for his awesome piggy back rides.  There isn't a function without them.  Now our kids enjoy it!  It's adorable when wiggles gets his piggy back ride because he hangs on by grabbing Kevin's hair.

* Financial Advisor - He reminds me that just because something might be on sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal.  He especially keeps an eye on me with the items found in the dollar section and the register check-out area.

Thanks for all of the titles you manage for us, but most of all, we like 'Daddy' the best!  Kate, Matt and I wish you the best birthday, and we all look forward to the year ahead.  You're very special to us.  The kids and I agree, our favorite part of our day is when you come home from work and greet us at the door.  The big smiles found on Kate and Matt's faces are priceless.  You can tell they adore their daddy!

Happy Birthday from your three biggest fans!  We Love You!

Fun in the Willms' house

Who wouldn't have fun at the Willms' house?  Especially if you don't mind listening to Kate jabbering at the top of her lungs repeatedly (along with some crying because she's hungry and I can't feed her fast enough), chasing Matthew around the house, trying to control the wild mover while changing his diaper (which usually ends up with him crawling away several times...poopy bottom and all), looking for T.V. remotes hidden by little ones, and enjoying a meal with someone trying to share it with you. ;)

Anyways...here are some pictures of the twins.

Fun on the step!  The pictures don't really show how funny Matt looked just sitting chill on our living room step with one leg dangled over the edge playing with his toy.  The step is no longer a big deal to Mr. Crawler.

Loving life at my step.

Wanna chill with me, Mom?

Fun Computer time - the two are so attracted to the computer.  Well, they pretty much love anything with lights and electronics they shouldn't be playing with.

Listening to Mickey Mouse Christmas songs on the computer.  Thought the picture of them from behind was so cute.  Notice who has the T.V. remote in this picture....

and who now was quick to steal it away.  They.love.the.remote.controls!

Nice wide basketball stance in all pictures, Kate! :)

Fun in the bath!!!  We have officially retired the kids' whale bathtub.  The kids love to take a bath and play in the 'open water' now.  Kate loves to sit and splash/play with toys, but Matt prefers to swim around on his tummy trying to play with the drain plug (stinker).  Sorry I don't have any bath pictures of Matthew.

Splish, Splash..I'm excited to be in the tub!

I LOVE MY BATH!

We tried to make a Mohawk with her wet hair.  You need more hair, Katers!

Our little "bath princess"!

Dec 14th - A Year Ago Today

(This got lengthier than I intended, but wanted to document this day for down the road.  Picture of the kids with Santa at the end.)

One year ago today I began my journey on bed rest in the hospital.  It started out as an ordinary day.  We decided to switch doctors to high risk specialists since we were having twins.  The morning of Dec. 14th I went to my first doctor's visit at the new clinic, MPP.  They had wanted to do an ultrasound, a routine check, since this was my first time as their patient.  Kevin and I had decided to have me go to the appointment myself since it was a normal appointment.  This appointment ended up being nothing 'normal' to say the least.  And an appointment that helped save our twin babies!

During the ultrasound I had mentioned I was having some tightness for the past two weeks.  Thinking it was just the babies kicking or moving around.  The ultrasound tec said she could see something but was wanting the doctor to come in and check everything first.  The doctor came in and continued with the ultrasound for a bit more.  After taking a look at my cervix she discovered I was having pre-term labor (contractions not babies kicking) that was shorting my cervix.  I was starting to feel scared to say the least, but I was still a bit confused at what all of this meant since this was my first time being pregnant.  I was soon realizing I could really use my husband here with me at this scary moment. 

The doctor saw I was having some stronger contractions and wanted to hook me up to some monitors to check their strength.  I sat there in a small room hooked up to a machine for over an hour.  My contractions were very close together and not stopping so the doctor gave me a shot of medicine to try and stop it.  At first it seemed to help and the doctor was thinking she would put on moderate bed rest at home.  But as more time passsed after having the shot of medicine; the contractions started back up again and were still close together.  The doctor thought it be best to send me right over to United Hospital.  I began to panic and felt scared for the lives of our unborn babies but was trying to remain calm with just the clinic staff!  Kevin was working on the opposite side of the cities, so we decided to save time I would drive myself to United (located in downtown St. Paul).  I had never driven or been to this hospital before.  The nurse gave me directions the best she could.  Imagine trying to find a hospital for the first time while feeling panicked/scared to death about this new situation and then to add to it all St. Paul was under a snow emergency from the weekend's big snow storm (the one that collapsed the Metro dome's roof the day before).  Thinking back on that day, it amazes me.  I still don't know how I did that drive as calm as I did.  Thank the Lord for watching over me!

With Kevin's help talking me through the directions step by step, I manage to safely make it to United.  Finally Kevin was with me!  We checked in and was seen right away.  They admitted me into the triage unit where there I was immediately hooked up to monitors to check my contractions.  They were not slowing down.  I just remember sitting in the triage room, Kevin and myself, feeling scared and helpless at the unknown of our new situation.  During this time we met another MPP doctor who decided it was best for me to stay here at the hospital on strict bed rest. The doctor planned for me to have an ultrasound of my cervix in a few days to check the length.  He didn't want to do something now to disrupt it and have the chance of making it even shorter. 

I was 23 weeks and 1 day pregnant at this time.  The chance of survival for our precious babies was not good.  Here we were, finally pregnant but now worrying if these little babies were not going to make it.  No new parent wants to worry about this.  It's suppose to be a joyous time.  It was scary not knowing what the outcome would be.  We also had no idea how long this 'bedrest' was going to be.  I was thinking maybe just a couple of weeks and then back at home but with moderate walking restrictions.  The full idea of what was going on really didn't sink in at first since I didn't know too much about bed rest.  Over the coming weeks, Kevin and I prayed that I would continue to stay at the hospital until the end.  We knew it was the best place for me and our children. 

It's amazing to me to think back to this time a year ago.  Life was so different then, but now we have two healthy 9 month old babies.  Time flies these days with Matt and Kate, but in the moment for Dec.-Feb. it seemed to go so s l o w.  I'm asked by many people what I did the whole time.  To be honest, I really don't know.  I watched a lot of T.V. (or at least had it on for noise), visited with my nurses, enjoyed family and friend visits, but other than that I just was "laying there" trying to be strong (and stay 'still' as our family advised).

I definitely still have days, and I think I always will, where I will begin to tear up just looking at Katherine and Matthew.  I think back to how scared Kevin and I were for them for almost 3 months.  I start thinking about the many different outcomes that could have happened.  I see their smiles and hear their giggles and thank God for the letting us meet and be the parents to these two amazing kids.  I owe all of the credit to Him.  He gave Kevin and I the strength we needed, and He kept safe watch over Kate and Matt. 

This year I am so excited to celebrate Christmas with our families outside of the hospital.  But most of all, I'm looking forward to celebrating the twins' first Christmas.  To share in the joy of Christmas with them and start our own family holiday memories.  Who wouldn't want to celebrate with these two cuties....?

At first Matt and Kate didn't know what to think of Santa.  Both sat and stared at him...I'm sure mesmerized by the big, white beard.  We were surprised they didn't pull on it.  The true Santa test will be next year when the twins will be almost 2 years old.  If they are anything like their mom, this situation will not go as smoothly.

Merry Christmas!

Nine Months Old!!!

Being nine is fine!  Katherine and Matthew turned 9 months on November 27th.  Like I say every month, I can't believe Kate and Matt are nine months old!  Time is very much flying by us month by month.  We are absolutely head over heals in love with the two of you! 

Mommy and daddy had fun with this month's photo shoot.  You two were in great moods!

So much excitement to be 9 months or maybe she's lovin' daddy's silly faces.

Love it!

If you know Kate this is a typical pose!  She makes me smile in this picture!  Future cheerleader?

Pout face.  Had enough of these pictures mom.

Katherine Ilene

Weight: 20 pounds 15 oz. (80th %tile)

Height: 28 inches (70th %tile)

Diaper Size: Size 3's

Clothing Size: 6-9 months, 9 months, and some 12 months

Sleeping:  Again, Katers, you are such a wonderful sleeper for your parents!  You usually sleep 12 and sometimes 13 hours a night.  You will typically go to bed between 7:30/8:00 and sleep until 8:00 the next morning.  It is a rare occasion for you to wake up in the middle of the night.  You only do if you are woken up from Matthew or you're on your tummy and you need help rolling back over.  This month you've started sleeping on your stomach.  You roll a lot to your tummy before falling asleep and will cry because you need our help to roll you back over.  This month we have moved you to the pack-in-play in our bedroom to help better sleep train your brother.  We don't want him waking you up in the middle of the night!  You don't seem to mind sleeping in a different crib or room.  You have been taking on average now 2 naps a day for about 2 hours a time. You go down for your morning nap around 10:00 and then again in the afternoon around 2:00.  In order to help you fall asleep you still love your pink, furry monkey blanket and your lullaby CD.  You still prefer sleeping on your back or on your left side.

Eating:  You are still drinking four 7 oz bottles a day.  We can just hand you your bottle and you can hold and feed yourself.  Sometimes even one handed!  Your bottle schedule is every four hours at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.  You are eating baby food twice a day with a snack in the afternoon.  You will eat fruit mixed with cereal (a whole container yourself) an hour after your morning bottle and then a fruit and a vegetable (splitting a container of each with your brother) around 5:00.  For snacks you like yogurt, puffs, or frozen fruit in your mesh feeder.  New things you have tried this month are mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, cheese, different yogurt flavors, fresh bananas and sweet potatoes.  You still love all of the food you've tried!  You are still experimenting with the sippy cup. 

Dislikes: You get upset when mommy leaves the room.  You just want me to hold you all day.  (Same as last month) You don't like it when I wipe your face after you finish eating baby food. You get over anxious when you see us preparing your bottle. You hate it when the car stops, Matthew takes your paci, being on your tummy too long, and when Matthew wakes you up in the middle of the night.

Favorite Activities:  You still love to JUMP in your jumperoo!!!  You go crazy in there.  It's so fun for mommy and daddy to watch how excited you get.  If someone isn't holding you, you like to sit and play with toys.  You still love it when we changed your diaper.  (We thank you for being so cooperative..unlike bro.)  You love to babble and play peek-a-boo and patty cake.  Playing peek-a-boo with mommy, daddy or family can get you to giggle really loud.  Hearing your giggle is one of my top 10 favorite things!

Nicknames: Kate, Katers, Taters, Kater-Tot, Hamball, Punkin' Head, Kater Gator

Talking:  You make sounds all of the time now! You like to talk to yourself as you fall asleep. You make sounds like "da da", loud happy screeches, "hi", "yeah", and "hey". You're 'Da Da' sounds real so we might make it official. :)  You like to coo and have a conversation with us. We find you talk most often when you have your hand or paci in your mouth.

New Adventures:  You had your first Thanksgiving and celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa Dufel's, the Hills', and Grandma and Grandma Willms'.  Your cousins Lizzie and Lauren babysat you while mommy and daddy watch Aunt Jenny play volleyball.  You attended your twin friends', Julia and Fiona, first birthday party.  Grandma and Grandpa Dufel watched you a couple of days while mommy and daddy went to visit Great Grandma Ilene at Mayo.  You had a bad cold virus so we took you into the doctor to make sure you didn't have pneumonia like your brother.  Let's just say you had a lot of messy diapers...crazy times/new experiences at the Willms' house!

New Skills:  You are doing so great at sitting up on your own.  A couple of times you have gone from sitting up to laying on your tummy.  You still don't love tummy time, but you've been rolling over a lot more.  While on your tummy you kick your legs back and forth like you want to move.  You like to stand up along side the exersaucer or ottoman.  More of the sounds you are making sound like you're putting together a sentence.  You still love to see Daddy walk in the door when he gets home from work!

** Matthew's pictures are a lot different from Kater's.  He doesn't sit still!!  You can see from these pics why Matthew got his nickname, Wiggles! **

Sitting so nicely for mom.

Still sitting so nice....and then

gotta start crawling...

"HI camera!"  Love this picture because this is our crazy, fun loving, Wiggles!

Happy little boy!

Matthew Edward

Weight: 17 pounds 14 oz (15th %tile)

Height: 29 inches (75th %tile)

Diaper Size:  Size 3's

Clothing Size: 6 months and 6-9 months

Sleeping:  This month we've been using the "cry it out method" of sleep training to help you become a better sleeper and napper.  I think both of us would say it's been a success so far.  We've had some hard nights and naptimes but we knew it was a must do to help you not be overtired.  We put only you in the bedroom and moved Kate to our room.  We went in to get you right away if you woke up at night or at naps so you didn't wake up your sister.  This didn't teach you to put yourself back to bed.  Now that you're in a room by yourself we can focus on having you learn that skill.  So now you've been going down to sleep between 7:30-8:00 and sleeping until 7:30-8:00 the next morning.  You will wake up at least once at night but have been able to calm yourself down after a bit.  This is 100% better for you and mommy and daddy!  You are taking on average 2 or 3 naps a day.  You will sleep for an hour or maybe alittle longer at 10:00, 2:00, and then again at 5:00 if you need depending on how long your two previous naps are.  I've been working on making sure you atleast are in your crib for an hour to make sure you get enough of a nap.

Eating:  You are still drinking four 7 oz bottles a day. We can just hand you your bottle and you can hold and feed yourself. Sometimes even one handed! Your bottle schedule is every four hours at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. You are eating baby food twice a day with a snack in the afternoon. You will eat fruit mixed with cereal (a whole container yourself) an hour after your morning bottle and then a fruit and a vegetable (splitting a container of each with your sister) around 5:00. For snacks you like yogurt, puffs, or frozen fruit in your mesh feeder. New things you have tried this month are mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, cheese, different yogurt flavors, fresh bananas and sweet potatoes. You still love all of the food you've tried! You are still experimenting with the sippy cup.  You are starting to want to "do things yourself" such as picking up your puffs and trying to feed yourself baby food by grabbing the spoon from mommy.

Dislike:  #1 thing - getting your diaper changed!  #2 - sitting still for us to dress you.  You had bad diaper rash this month from being sick and your antibotic.  This made diaper changing even more difficult and required a two person system.  You're still a very happy go lucky kiddo!

Favorite Activities:  Crawling anywhere you can - especially in tight spaces.  You love to crawl and find us around the house.  All you want to do all day is climb up on everything!  You've become a pro at crawling back down.  You still have some spills every now and again.  Your favorite rooms to be in are the kitchen with mommy, the bathroom, and our bedroom.  Anything that lights up attracks you.  If an activity envolves being around people, there is not doubt that you love it! Oh yeah, and being in Katers' personal space, too. :)

Nicknames:  Matt, Matty, Wiggles, Wiggs

Talking:  You still love to talk before you fall asleep.  You're definitely babbling a lot more and making sounds into sentences.  All you want to do lately is buzz your lips (makes a farting sound). 

Teeth:  You now have your two bottom teeth.  This month your right bottom tooth came in.  The doctor at your 9 month appointment today said your top right tooth is about ready to come through.

New Adventures:  You had your first Thanksgiving and celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa Dufel's, the Hills', and Grandma and Grandma Willms'. Your cousins Lizzie and Lauren babysat you while mommy and daddy watch Aunt Jenny play volleyball. You attended your twin friends', Julia and Fiona, first birthday party. Grandma and Grandpa Dufel watched you a couple of days while mommy and daddy went to visit Great Grandma Ilene at Mayo. You were pretty sick so we took you to the doctor and found out you had pneumonia.  You had to be on an antibotic. Mommy and Daddy didn't like seeing you sick, but you tried your best not to let it slow you down from crawling.  Let's just say you had a lot of messy diapers...crazy times/new experiences at the Willms' house!

New Skills:  You're constantly pulling youself up on anything you can.  You've managed to open kitchen drawers and cabinets.  You're a pro at getting yourself back down, too.  Now you can walk along furniture going from the ottoman to the couch and back.  This past month you don't like it when mommy leaves the room so you'll follow me throughout the house (sometimes crying).  You now like to hold your bottle when you eat.  You can pick up puffs with you thumb and forefinger and feed yourself.
 

Picture Time together!  As you can see our kiddos need to work on keeping their hands to themselves.  It was fun to watch them interact with each other.  It's becoming quite the challenge to get them both to sit still and smile and the camera...all at the same time. :)  I think these are some of my favorite pictures of the twins together.  They really show off their personalities.

Kate has to get back at brother and get in his space for once.

"Yeah 9 months!"

Matty's contagious smile!

"What's this on your head and why don't I have one?"

Love, Love, LOVE this picture!! 

Kates saying enough with grabbing my bow already!

We Love you so much Katers and Wiggles!  We are thankful everyday for such happy, healthy babies!

"Fire Fighter Matthew" and Pretty Bows

Cue Sirens!  Matthew got a cool fire truck as a gift from Kevin's extended relatives.  We just got it out this past weekend and Matty loves sitting on it while we push him around.  I was just pushing him today and while he was riding he was making motor sounds with his mouth (I know coincidence, but still cool.)  It's so fun to see his hole face light up and Kevin and I get a good laugh watching him while the fire truck plays the song...'Hey, Hey, I'm on my way'.  Thanks for the awesome gift Dean and Mary Willms and family!

Matthew wants to be a fire fighter like his grandpa Dufel and Uncle Michael.

Using the steering wheel....both hands on at 10 and 2.

Push me again...

Look at me mom!

I got Kate a couple of new headbands and I wanted to try them out.  She was a good baby model for mommy!  Such a pretty little girl, Katers!

Love her smile.  She melts my heart! <3