2 Year Well Check

On July 21st, we took the boys for their 2 year well check doctor's appointment. Here are the statistics for the boys:

Jack
weight: 28 pounds, 12.5 ounces (60th percentile)
height: 32.7 inches (10th percentile)
head circumference: 53.3cm (>97th percentile)

Mark
weight: 22 pounds, 6.4 ounces (<3rd percentile)
height: 30.7 inches (<3rd percentile)
head circumference: 49.5cm (70th percentile)

Dr. Helton has referred Mark to a pediatric cardiologist. She noticed a heart murmur on him for the first time. She is wanting us to see a specialist just to be on the safe side. She indicated that it is very common for a heart murmur to show up around the 2nd birthday and they often disappear before the child starts kindergarten. They are many kinds of innocent / benign heart murmurs that are not a concern. So, we are hoping that Mark's will fall in that category, but we'll see what the specialist has to say on August 8th.

Dr. Helton has also referred Mark to an endocrinologist due to his small size. He had been below the 3rd percentile for weight and height for awhile, but was following the curve. This was the first appointment where he fell away from the curve for height. Here again, she is just wanting to be cautious and refer us to a specialist just to make sure that everything is okay. We have this appointment scheduled for September.

Please keep us and Mark in your prayers for these two upcoming appointments. We really appreciate it!

Otherwise, the boys got a good report. Dr. Helton was very pleased with where they are developmentally which was good to hear. She was impressed with their vocabulary and knowledge. They did a pretty good job of showing off for her, even though they were so tired. Mommy scheduled their appointments right during nap time! We wanted our appointment with our very favorite doctor and we wanted it to be after the boys' birthday party, but before Daddy left for Peru. So, we didn't have many options. They boys did really good considering how tired they were. They both fell asleep on the way home and we had to wake them from their naps so it wouldn't interfere with dinner and bedtime!

We are very thankful for our healthy boys!

Day 2

Today was our first full day in Peru.  This morning I went to a children's clinic that housed mentally-handicapped children, as well as some adults who are handicapped.  I hung out and played with Victor this morning.  He was around 3 or 4 and was confined to a wheelchair.  After playing with him and others for a while, we fed the kids lunch.  My child was a girl around 18 months old who was in a wheelchair.  She did not really eat well for me.  However, I tried to feed her as much as possible.  It was a great experience but heartbreaking all at the same time.

After lunch, we had the first day of Vacation Bible School.  We had around 145 kids come by.  It was awesome.  We played games with the kids for a while ( I am now a certified double dutch master).  We sang songs, had a bible story (told by one of the college kids in Spanish) and made a crown (as our craft).

It has been a great day.  I am getting used to the altitude, being over 2 miles high.

Heather - My texts are not able to be sent.

Daddy to Peru!

Well, yesterday, we said "bye-bye" to Daddy for awhile. He left with a group from our church to go on a mission trip to Peru for 9 days. He flew from Raleigh to Atlanta and then from Atlanta to Lima and then a final leg from Lima to Cusco. He called us at 1:30AM this morning to say that they had arrived in Lima safely. He called Mommy at work today to let us know that he arrived in Cusco safely, although his flight was delayed for 2.5 hours.

We are all missing Daddy already! The boys have learned to say "Peru." This is there answer when asked "Where is Daddy?" It is SO cute!

Please pray that we all stay healthy and safe while we are all apart!

Daddy will be updating our blog from Peru as his time permits. We have also added a link on our "My Blog List" (on the right of our blog) to the group's blog about their trip which they will try to update daily. So, stay tuned....

Day 1

We arrived in Lima last night around midnight. By the time we went through immigration and customs, picked up our baggage, and then got to the hostel, it was around 2 AM.  We had a wake up call of 6 AM.  We arrived at the airport around 7:45.  Our first flight left at 10 AM while the big group's flight was delayed for about 3 hours.
We arrived here at 2:30.

Our lunch consisted of:

Chicken Noodle Soup
Bread
Water
Cocoa Tea

Time now to go to the VBS site.

Just love these 2 year pictures!!!

Birthday Party at My Gym

On Saturday, July 16th, we had Jack and Mark's 2nd birthday party at My Gym in Cary. The theme this year was "MONKEYS!"

There were 16 children and 25 adults in attendance. We were so glad that all of the following were able to celebrate with us:

Jack and Mark
Mommy and Daddy
Granna and Grandpa
Mimi and Poppy
Uncle Jarett, Aunt Janet, Kate and Macy
Uncle Roger, Terri and Evi
The Wood family
The Short family
The Willeford family
Alex and his parents
Kira and her mom
Natalie and her brother and parents

The staff at My Gym definitely know how to throw a party for 2 year olds. There was a lot of free-time play for the kids to enjoy all the different activities that they had to offer -- ball pit, basketball, trampoline, slides, climbing structures, balance beam, zip line, puppets and games!! And, then it was snack time. Everyone enjoyed some apple juice, cake, and Baked Cheetos! And, all the children took home a treat bag with monkey sippy cups, monkey stickers, a banana and animal crackers. Everyone had a blast!

Here are a few pictures from the party!

What a good looking cake....and yummy too!

The party setup.  All we need now are some kids to help us celebrate.

Here is the Happy Birthday banner. 

The pictures of 3 monkeys on the gift table.  Jack, Mark, and a monkey in the middle.

The treat bag table.  Everyone got a treat bag and a banana.

A close up of the treat bag that says "Thanks for coming to Jack and Mark's party."

Before the party, we get a family picture taken.

Here is Mark on the balance beam.  He had no fear and enjoyed it.

Here is Jack coming out of the obstacle course.  I don't think I am stretching it to say he enjoyed the course.

Mark is coming down the slide.  He wishes he could wear his socks so he could slide faster (My Gym rule that kids are barefoot).

Jack holding a ball.  He loves doing that.

Look at me.  I am in the middle of this apparatus.  - Mark

Daddy, anything Mark can do, I can do better.  - Jack

The owner/instructor, on the left, is showing the kids how to get all stretched out.

In circle time, the boys wanted to be sitting with Mommy and Daddy.

Near the end, all the kids could take a turn on the zip line in a plane.  Jack is holding on for dear life but is having a lot of fun on the ride.

I hope I can do this all day long.  - Mark

Daddy is pulling the boys on the birthday sled.  Wonder if it leads to some cake?

Jack and Mark look over their birthday cake with awe.

The boys eat some Baked Cheetos next to cousin Kate.

Birthday Party Family Style

When we got home from the birthday party at daycare, the party was just getting strong.  Aunt Janet and Uncle Jarett had just gotten to the house, with Kate and Macy by their side.  Mimi and Poppy were here as well, and were talking with Granna and Grandpa.  So, our house of four quickly became a house full of 12.  Granna and Grandpa picked up dinner at Dickey's BBQ.  It was good food.  Everyone except Kate, Jack, and Mark - who all abstained from eating it - enjoyed the pulled pork.  That's right, Macy really liked it as well.  After dinner, we celebrated with an ice cream cake.  It was really good.

While we let our dinners settle, the boys started opening up their gifts.  They really got into opening the gifts for the first time ever.  It was exciting to watch. 

Here are some pictures from the night:

Ice Cream Cake.  Yummy!

The boys are looking at this thinking, are those candles on fire going to melt the cake?  Hope not.

Mark is giving Daddy the universal sign to help him open the present.

The boys enjoy looking into the bags of another present.

Presents and presents galore.

Look, we got a sandbox.  We can play in it all the time.  Excellent.

We need to go inside?  You are kidding right?  We love playing in our new sandbox.

Mark and Jack are having a contest.  Who can get to China first by digging?   Good luck boys.

Birthday Party at Daycare

Friday afternoon, after the boys (and everyone else in the class) finished their nap, it was around 4 PM and snack time.  Today though there were different snacks as the class celebrated Jack and Mark's birthday.  Mommy and Daddy showed up and surprised the boys and brought lots of food and fun.  Mommy had gotten some cookies made and brought some party hats for the occasion.  The paper goods were monkey themed, a prelude to their party the next day (which will be discussed in another post very soon).  The kids enjoyed the food, except for Jack who for some reason didn't eat a bite of his cookie nor any of the white cheddar cheese puffs we brought.   Here are some pictures from the party:

The happy family at daycare for the boys' birthday party.  The boys are still trying to wake up from their afternoon nap.

Mark is eating some cheese puffs while Jack is telling Mommy what Mark is eating.

Jack is now sitting with Daddy while Mark continues to eat.  Notice a trend here?

The boys wearing their stylish bibs at the party.  Nice party hat Mark.

The rest of the class and teachers enjoy celebrating the birthday with Mark and Jack.

2nd Birthday pictures by the minute

On Friday, Jack and Mark turned two.  It was the start of birthday weekend, although we are in the middle of birthday fortnight.  At the exact minute they were born, albeit plus two years, we took their pictures.

Here is Jack, now 2.  He was born at 8:43 AM.

Here is Mark.  He was born at 8:46 AM.  Note that the clock was accidentally changed unbeknownst to anyone.  You can see that the clock on the mantle behind Daddy is set to the correct time.

The birthday boys look out at the world and enjoy what they see on their birthday.

2nd Birthday Letters from Mommy

In keeping with the tradition that I started last year on Jack and Mark's 1st birthday, here are my birthday letters to my boys for their 2nd birthday!

Jack,
First of all, I have to say that I am SO proud to call you my "son." Being your mom is the biggest responsibility I have ever had. It can be quite stressful at times and very tiring at times, but ALWAYS a blessing beyond measure! There are no words to describe the love that I have for you; it truly is indescribable! You bring me such joy! I love to watch you continue to learn new things each day. You are amazing! Two highlights of this year for me as your Mommy were when you learned to say "Momma" and when you learned to give kisses. You have definitely been a Momma's boy so far and I love that! I love the smile on your face when you are in my lap or when I am rocking you. It is so rewarding to me. You may look just like your Daddy, but you have my personality! I love the way you are so cautious and so particular about where everything is put away when we clean up the toys / books. I love to watch you eat your favorite foods -- your mac & cheese and carrots! You have grown up so much this year and are becoming so independent. I also love that you have such a sweet and caring personality. Your daycare teachers and Sunday School teachers are always commenting about it. I love it when you say "Momma" in the car just so that I will turn around and look at you and then you smile at me! I think it is so fun to see you get so excited when you see big trucks and lawn mowers. And, you love to watch "ball" on TV. You ARE my son! I love that you and Mark get along so well and obviously love each other. It is so rewarding to watch your relationship with Mark develop. You two are so close - I sure hope it stays that way! It has been really cool to see you two looking out for each other this year! I can't believe that you will be 2 years old tomorrow. It seems like just a few months ago that you were born - but they do say that time flies when you are having fun. And, I am having FUN being your Mommy! It has been a great journey so far and I can only imagine what the future holds. I look forward to many more fun times and memories ahead. I pray that God will continue to bless you with health and happiness and many more birthday celebrations to come! I love you with all my heart, my Jack-a-roo! Love, Mommy

Mark,
First of all, I have to say that I am SO proud to call you my "son." Being your mom is the biggest responsibility I have ever had. It can be quite stressful at times and very tiring at times, but ALWAYS a blessing beyond measure! There are no words to describe the love that I have for you; it truly is indescribable! You bring me such joy! I love to watch you continue to learn new things each day. You are amazing! Two highlights of this year for me as your Mommy were when you learned to say "Momma" and when you learned to give kisses. You have definitely been a Daddy's boy so far and that is really cool to see! I love it when you stop playing and run to see me and give me a hug when I get home from work. It is so rewarding to me. You may look just like my side of the family, but you have your Daddy's personality! I love the way you are so laid back / easy going and adventurous. I love how much you love music - it is so cute to watch! I love to watch you eat your favorite foods -- your yogurt, nutrigrain bars and carrots! You have grown up so much this year and are becoming so independent. I also love that you have such a sweet and caring personality. Your daycare teachers and Sunday School teachers are always commenting about it. I love it when you say "Momma" in the car just so that I will turn around and look at you and then you smile at me! I think it is so fun to see you get so excited when you see big trucks and lawn mowers. And, you love to watch "ball" on TV. You ARE my son! I love that you and Jack get along so well and obviously love each other. It is so rewarding to watch your relationship with Jack develop. You two are so close - I sure hope it stays that way! It has been really cool to see you two looking out for each other this year! I can't believe that you will be 2 years old tomorrow. It seems like just a few months ago that you were born - but they do say that time flies when you are having fun. And, I am having FUN being your Mommy! It has been a great journey so far and I can only imagine what the future holds. I look forward to many more fun times and memories ahead. I pray that God will continue to bless you with health and happiness and many more birthday celebrations to come! I love you with all my heart, my Marky! Love, Mommy

Time:  Birth + 10 days

Time:  1 year

Time:  2 years

Memories from 2 Years Ago

Well, it just seems natural that every year on Jack and Mark's birthday, I will probably reflect back on the day they were born and what a special time it was. I still often wonder...what in the world did I do to deserve these two blessings? Why did God choose me to be a mom of twins? The mom of Jack and Mark? I will NEVER know why He chose to bless me in such a indescribable way, but I will FOREVER be thankful to Him! It truly has been like a dream come true!  I started babysitting twins when I was 13 years old and they were 4 months old. I babysat them on a very regular basis until I left to go to college and still continued to keep them in the summers when I was back at home. After just a few short months with them, I started to think about how I would love to have twins one day. Knowing that twins were very rare, I knew that it was probably just something to dream of for the future, but probably wouldn't really happen. We do have a few sets of twins in our family, so I was still hopeful. But, I knew there wasn't a big chance of it happening. Well, then years later after marrying and then deciding it was time to start a family, little did I know the struggles that we would face. It definitely wasn't an easy road, but Craig and I faced it together! And, in the end, we look back on it and know that the end result was worth every tear, every doctor's appointment, every frustration, every injection, the emotional ups and downs and every day that we waited and waited and waited. Then, to hear those words, "you are pregnant!" And, then the ultimate blessing, to hold our precious babies!

So, I thought it was very fitting that during Birthday Week, we should take the time to document some of our memories of Jack and Mark's birth and the days thereafter. I will forever remember.....

• the C-section was delayed due to an emergency C-section that had to be done before mine
• actually walking to the operating room. I couldn't believe it when the nurse said, "okay, let's go." And, it was obvious that she was going to help me get out of the bed. I remember looking at her and saying, "You want me to walk to the operating room?" I had never heard of anyone walking to the OR. I always thought they wheeled you in your bed....nope!
• climbing onto the operating table. Yes, climbing. There was a stool that I had to use to climb up because it was so high...and I was huge!
• sitting on the operating table and leaning over for the epidural in my back. The nurse that was trying to distract me / comfort me started complimenting me on my glasses. She wanted to know the brand, where I got them, how much they were...everything about them. I couldn't answer any of her questions...my mind was NOT on my glasses!!
• then, laying on that operating table waiting for them to let Craig come in.
• hearing the doctor and nurses talk about the Michael Jackson songs that they had on their iPods. (Michael Jackson had just recently died.)
• then Jack was born. I was so concerned, because I thought we would hear him cry and we didn't hear anything from him.
• then, we waited what seemed like an eternity for three minutes until Mark was born. We were already somewhat worried about Mark since he had stopped gaining weight. So, the concern probably made it seem much longer than it was.
• then, Craig left to go be with Jack and Mark while they were being cleaned, weighed, etc.
• all the sounds as they were suctioning some of the fluids out...sounded like a wet vac!
• it seemed like it took forever for them to get everything back together and sewn back up
• then, they placed a bucket on my bed and wheeled it back to the recovery room with us. Craig asked the nurse what was in the bucket and she informed us that it was the placenta. The boys had a fused placenta and the doctor indicated that he had never seen this with fraternal twins. So, he wanted to know if we would be okay with them sending the placenta to a research lab to study. We were okay with it. But, he wanted to keep it with us, until they could package for the research lab, since they couldn't label it or otherwise mark it for identity until it was packaged. It was the weirdest thing! So, this bucket sat in the recovery room with us for a little while until someone came by to get it. Craig and I just kept talking about how weird it was to have it sitting there in a bucket!
• when our parents all came to the recovery room, we told them the names all at once. I will never forget that all four of our parents were standing at the foot of my bed looking at us as we told them. My dad and Craig's mom were standing there with pens and paper and wrote the names down as we told them.
• I was SO thirsty in recovery. I was eating ice chips as fast as my mom could feed them to me!
• later, I ate lots of popsicles that were the best I have ever had!
• I also got sick and threw up later in the afternoon with a roomful of visitors. I was so embarrassed. It came on pretty sudden. I got really hot and the next thing I knew I was throwing up...right there in front of everyone!
• I didn't get to see Mark again until the next morning which was Thursday. I couldn't go to the NICU on Wednesday because I couldn't get out of bed, since the epidural was still wearing off...I was really out of it for a good portion of the day on Wednesday from all the painkillers. As soon as I could get out of bed, they put me in a wheelchair and took me to see Mark. He was crying when we first got to the NICU. They immediately handed him to me and he stopped crying instantly. It was so sweet...I started crying!
• we continued to make many trips back and forth to the NICU to spend time with Mark and check on his status. Every trip down there, once I was able to start walking, we would stop at some scales that were out in the hallway and I would weigh. It was amazing that I could lose about 3 pounds every 12 hours!
• we saw Dr. Michael Anthony, that delivered Jack and Mark, in the hallway during one of our trips to the NICU and I asked him if he was sure he hadn't left a third baby inside of me. I had been warned by friends that I would still look pregnant after delivery and they weren't kidding! It was amazing!
• over the next few days during our hospital stay, the fried mozzarela sticks from the hospital cafeteria were so good. I think I ate them once a day! They tasted better to me than anything else!
• the nurses were amazed at the number of visitors we had. They would come by and tell us that the whole waiting room was crowded with people waiting to come back to see us. There was a limit to the number of visitors we could have at a time. We really enjoyed having everyone share in our excitement and be there to visit us!

These are just some of my more specific, vivid memories from our hospital stay after Jack and Mark's birth!

Birthday Week!

Well, Birthday Week has officially started for Jack and Mark. Yes, we celebrate birthday weeks at our house! And, they are so much fun! We started on Saturday by having the boys 2 year pictures made at a local farm. The boys had so much fun exploring the farm and what precious pictures we got! We have SO many good ones to choose from. I think I will spend a small fortune! I think that anyone with a child would agree, but pictures of your children are absolutely priceless. Pictures capture the moment. We will never get these moments back. They will never be two years old again. So, it is worth every penny to have these moments captured for a lifetime!

You can see the proofs from our picture session at http://www.lundiesphotography.com/ Click on Quail or Garner and then click on "Clients" at the top. Then, in the bottom right enter the password which is "devault11". Then, you can click to stop the slideshow at the bottom and use the arrows to scroll through at your own pace. We hope you enjoy as much as we have!

The official signs that Birthday Week has officially started.....

the flag has been hung on the front porch....



the flag has been hung at the mailbox.....

and the banner has been hung on the mantle...

Check back this week for more birthday posts!!